Sports

Manchester United fight back to beat Crystal Palace 2-1, reclaim Premier League top-six spot

Published

2 months ago

November 30, 2025

Manchester United fight back to beat Crystal Palace 2-1, reclaim Premier League top-six spot

Manchester United overcame a halftime setback and ended their Selhurst Park struggles with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, climbing back into the Premier League top six.

United had not scored at Selhurst Park since Bruno Fernandes found the net in January 2023, and their last win at the stadium dated back to July 2020 when Anthony Martial featured on the scoresheet. Palace dominated the first half and went ahead through Jean-Philippe Mateta, who converted two penalties.

The match also carried echoes of the past, with some home supporters mocking United legend Eric Cantona, whose infamous 1995 incident at Selhurst Park remains one of football’s most talked-about moments.

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Under-fire striker Joshua Zirkzee, criticized heavily after a poor performance in the defeat to 10-man Everton, repaid manager Rúben Amorim’s trust by smashing in a powerful equalizer from a tight angle early in the second half. Moments later, Mason Mount drilled Fernandes’ clever short free-kick low past goalkeeper Dean Henderson to complete the comeback.

The result snapped United’s three-match losing streak and denied Crystal Palace a chance to break into the Premier League’s top four.

A major talking point came nine minutes before halftime when VAR intervened after Mateta’s first penalty. Under a new Premier League rule introduced this season, a player is permitted to retake a penalty if he accidentally strikes the ball twice before it crosses the line. VAR official Matt Donohue informed referee Rob Jones of the infringement, leading to the first-ever implementation of the rule. Mateta calmly converted again, sending Senne Lammens the wrong way.

Following a shocking loss to Everton—where a teammate struck another player and was sent off—Amorim’s team avoided what would have been another bizarre defeat, instead securing a vital win through resilience and renewed attacking sharpness.

Manchester United fight back to beat Crystal Palace 2-1, reclaim Premier League top-six spot

Related Topics:Crystal Palace Manchester United premier league

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Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Former African football icon Yaya Touré has described Nigeria’s Super Eagles as the most impressive team at AFCON 2025, praising their attacking quality, discipline and consistency throughout the tournament in Morocco.

The former Ivory Coast captain said Nigeria stood out among the continent’s best despite failing to reach the final, noting that the Super Eagles combined exciting attacking football with strong organisation at the back. According to Touré, Nigeria’s style of play and overall impact made them his top performers at the tournament.

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Under head coach Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles enjoyed a strong AFCON campaign, winning the majority of their matches and emerging as one of the highest-scoring teams at the competition. Nigeria reached the semi-finals, where they narrowly lost to hosts Morocco on penalties, before defeating Egypt to secure the bronze medal.

Touré’s praise adds to the growing recognition Nigeria has received following AFCON 2025. The team’s impressive run also contributed to an improvement in their FIFA ranking, reinforcing optimism around the squad ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

As celebrations continue back home, Touré’s endorsement has further strengthened the belief that the Super Eagles are firmly back among Africa’s elite football nations, with a promising future on both the continental and global stage.

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Sports

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

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1 day ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid delivered a ruthless performance to thrash AS Monaco 6–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, sending a strong statement in the UEFA Champions League and easing pressure after recent domestic setbacks.

The French superstar wasted no time against his former club, opening the scoring early before adding a second inside the first half to take his Champions League goals tally into double figures this season. His sharp finishing set the tone for a dominant night in Madrid.

Vinícius Júnior was equally influential, tormenting the Monaco defence with pace and creativity. The Brazilian capped his display with a fine goal and an assist, while Jude Bellingham added his name to the scoresheet late on as Madrid ran riot.

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Further goals came through teenage prospect Franco Mastantuono and a Thilo Kehrer own goal, highlighting Monaco’s defensive collapse. The visitors managed only a consolation strike, offering little resistance as Madrid controlled possession and tempo throughout.

The emphatic victory lifts Real Madrid into a strong position in the Champions League standings, keeping them firmly on course for automatic qualification to the knockout stage. For Monaco, the heavy defeat leaves their European hopes hanging by a thread.

The result also marks a positive start under new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, with Madrid fans buoyed by one of the club’s most complete performances of the season as the race for European glory intensifies.

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Sports

Ballon d’Or 2026: Declan Rice Leads Early Rankings Ahead of Kane, Haaland, Mbappé

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Ballon d’Or 2026: Declan Rice Leads Early Rankings Ahead of Kane, Haaland, Mbappé

The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is already taking shape, with Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé emerging as early front-runners for football’s most prestigious individual award. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo now past their peak, the field is wide open for new stars to claim the coveted Golden Ball.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice tops early rankings thanks to his influential performances in club and international competitions, particularly his leadership in Arsenal’s title push. Close behind are Harry Kane, who continues to score prolifically for Bayern Munich, Erling Haaland with his lethal finishing for Manchester City, and Kylian Mbappé, maintaining his form for Real Madrid and France.

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Rising star Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, also features prominently among early favourites, while other notable contenders include midfield dynamo Vitinha and reigning 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. Analysts note that the race is still early and that Champions League and World Cup performances will heavily influence the final outcome.

The early rankings provide a snapshot of the competition, highlighting a mix of established stars and emerging talents who could define the next era of global football.