Sancho scores his first Chelsea goal in a dominant win over Southampton.
Chelsea cruised to a fourth consecutive victory across all competitions, thrashing 10-man Southampton 5-1 in the Premier League on Wednesday night. Enzo Maresca’s side dominated the game, firing 26 attempts on goal as Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho all found the net. The Blues struck early, with Axel Disasi heading in Enzo Fernandez’s pinpoint corner in the 7th minute. However, Southampton quickly leveled as Kyle Walker-Peters skipped past Fernandez to set up Joe Aribo for the equalizer. Despite moments of pressure from the hosts, Southampton’s defensive errors proved costly. A misplaced pass from goalkeeper Joe Lumley allowed Madueke to intercept and set up Nkunku to restore Chelsea’s lead. From there, the visitors took full control, punishing Russell Martin’s struggling side and extending their winning streak in emphatic fashion.
ANOTHER WIN AWAY. 🙌#CFC | #SOUCHE pic.twitter.com/7LNzqGAjQ4
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 4, 2024
Mbappé misses another penalty as Athletic Bilbao stuns Real Madrid.
Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, marking their fourth loss in seven games across all competitions. The hosts dominated the first half, keeping Madrid toothless in attack and without a single shot on target. Athletic broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Álex Berenguer scored from close range. Madrid had a golden opportunity to equalize 15 minutes later after Antonio Rudiger was fouled in the box, but Kylian Mbappé missed his second penalty in a week, with Julen Agirrezabala easily saving the weak effort. Missing key players like Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Eduardo Camavinga, Madrid managed to level in the 78th minute through Jude Bellingham’s rebound. However, a costly mistake by Federico Valverde gifted Gorka Guruzeta the winner a minute later. Real remain four points behind leaders Barcelona, with a game in hand.
Who’s been your Man of the Match? Big win for Athletic against Real Madrid 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/A9yvUYpWE9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 4, 2024
Timber and Saliba score as Arsenal hands Amorim his first Man United loss.
Arsenal delivered a dominant second-half display to hand Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim his first defeat with a 2-0 win at the Emirates. The hosts threatened early, with Thomas Partey missing a point-blank chance from a corner, signaling Arsenal’s set-piece danger despite Gabriel’s absence due to injury. After a goalless first half, Arsenal took control after the break. Jurrien Timber’s glancing header broke the deadlock, and Partey redeemed himself by heading a corner into William Saliba’s back for the second goal, effectively sealing the win. Manchester United struggled to respond and rarely threatened Arsenal’s defense. The victory lifted Arsenal to third in the Premier League, level on 28 points with Chelsea but behind on goal difference, and seven points adrift of the leaders. The loss marked Amorim’s first league defeat since December 2023, ending his strong start at United.
FT: Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United.
RUBEN AMORIM LOSES HIS FIRST GAME IN CHARGE OF MANCHESTER UNITED AND MOVES DOWN TO 11TH PLACE IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE! ❌ pic.twitter.com/4lcm7JlqUN
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 4, 2024
De Bruyne shines as Manchester City returns to winning ways.
Manchester City ended a seven-game winless streak with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, fueled by a stellar Kevin De Bruyne performance. Thirty-nine days after their last win against Southampton, Pep Guardiola’s side rediscovered their form as De Bruyne, starting for the first time in nearly three months, proved pivotal. The Belgian maestro set up Bernardo Silva’s opener and scored City’s second before Jeremy Doku sealed the much-needed win. City’s recent barren run, which included six defeats, had left them 11 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. However, the victory moved them back into the top four and narrowed the gap to nine points after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Newcastle. Guardiola dismissed rumors of a rift with De Bruyne before the game, and the 33-year-old reminded everyone of his class, nearly adding more to his tally.
Manchester City are back to three points after 7 games! 🔵📈 pic.twitter.com/muaLWEssCR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 4, 2024
Tyler Hero stars as the Miami Heat blow out the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers hit a new low in their season with a humiliating 134-93 loss to the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Following an offensive debacle in Minnesota, the Lakers struggled defensively in Miami, showing poor body language, lack of energy, and minimal fight. The Heat (10-10) capitalized by sinking 24 three-pointers, the third-most ever conceded by the Lakers. Tyler Herro led Miami with 31 points, hitting 9-of-16 from beyond the arc, while Jimmy Butler added 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Anthony Davis had a night to forget, scoring just eight points on 3-of-14 shooting. The loss marked the Lakers’ sixth in their last eight games, dropping them to 12-10. “We’re embarrassed,” admitted head coach J.J. Redick. “This wasn’t the fight or professionalism we needed. I own this, but we need accountability on the court.”
LAKERS LOSE BY 41 IN MIAMI 😳
Tyler Herro and the Heat hand the Lakers their worst loss of the season. pic.twitter.com/jbx3Jx91Qz
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 5, 2024