Napoli took all three points in a 1-0 win over Empoli on Sunday, and Antonio Conte was happy to get the victory after a disappointing first 45 minutes.
A second-half penalty from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia earned them a 1-0 win, but they could easily have been trailing at the break due to a sluggish start.
They were outplayed in the first half by Empoli, who had 10 shots, four of which were on target, and accumulated 0.66 expected goals (xG), compared to the visitors, who only managed three efforts without testing Devis Vasquez.
Napoli finished the match with just one shot on target, the goal, and Conte recalled their dismal title defence last season along with their 3-0 opening-day defeat to Verona to highlight how their approach has changed when they struggle to break down stubborn opponents.
"In the first half we were spectators, I didn't see what we had prepared, and I saw a lot of nervousness," Conte told reporters.
"Certainly, what satisfies me is to have seen a reaction in the second half. The first was very negative.
"This is a difficult place to come. I don't know if it was due to the fact of defending the top spot, but it makes me smile if I think about last year or how we started this season."
The penalty is the first goal that Empoli have conceded at home this season, as the hosts suffered their second consecutive defeat.
Conte sent on Giovanni Simeone for Romelu Lukaku and replaced Leonardo Spinazzola with Mathias Olivera just before the hour mark to try and inject something different into the game.
Seconds later, they were awarded the decisive penalty, and Conte was pleased that the changes paid off.
"When you work during the week you prepare the game in all phases, we had prepared it defensively with 4-5-1," Conte added.
"I changed something from a tactical point of view, from a possession point of view. I think it bore fruit because we saw another game."
Pep Guardiola saluted Manchester City's patience following their dramatic last-gasp victory over Wolves.
The reigning Premier League champions leapfrogged Liverpool to the summit of the table, after John Stones' stoppage-time header snatched all three points at Molineux.
After Josko Gvardiol cancelled out Jorgen Strand Larsen's earlier effort, it looked like City would endure a frustrating day with a combination of superb Jose Sa saves and stubborn defending keeping them at bay.
However, they eventually broke Wolves' resolve as Stones rose to head home Phil Foden's corner to snatch all three points right at the death.
"We are not a team that wins games right at the end, but the performance there was outstanding," Guardiola said.
"We played really well to have the chances we had. The players who came in were unbelievable and to win that way feels good.
"We have been in that position, when you lose at the end. But this is the game. Both sides try to do their best. They had a game plan, and I am so proud. We played the way we want to play, and it is a joy to be here, to score in the last 50 seconds and go top of the league.
"They had some transitions, they have pace up front and physicality in the middle, they are so strong. But we were patient. Still, we are who we are and that is so nice.
Stones' winner was eventually awarded following a VAR review, with the referee's assistant having initially flagged for offside with Bernardo Silva in close proximity to Sa.
However, referee Chris Kavanagh correctly ruled Silva - though in an offside position - was not impeding the Wolves goalkeeper's view.
"Of course, I didn't understand it," Guardiola added. "I don't know the reason why [the referee's assistant raised his flag], but Bernardo [Silva] isn't disturbing the position.
"Today in modern football, they starve the keeper. At that moment, [Jose] Sa had the perfect vision."
"I thought it had been chalked off," Stones told BBC Sport. "I tried to speak to the ref, but he had a lot of people around him. For me, it is the right call. Obviously, I am going to be biased, but I think it should stand.
"We have been trying super hard to improve our set-pieces and make the most of them. Today, there was a new focus and attitude towards them.
"Hopefully, this is the start of many more. It is a vital part of the game at both ends of the pitch, and really pleasing for me personally to get the winner after such a difficult game."
John Stones' last-gasp header sent Manchester City top of the Premier League after snatching a dramatic 2-1 victory over Wolves at Molineux.
It looked like they were going to miss the chance to leapfrog Liverpool, who host Chelsea later on Sunday, but Stones proved City's hero once again in dramatic fashion.
Struggling Wolves made a purposeful start and took a seventh-minute lead when Nelson Semedo's delicious deep cross was tucked away by Jorgen Strand Larsen.
However, the visitors brought themselves level in the 33rd minute following Josko Gvardiol's stunning strike.
City were largely frustrated by an in-form Jose Sa, who made smart reflex saves to deny Bernardo Silva, Savinho and Ruben Dias.
But, deep into stoppage time, Wolves' resolve was finally broken as Stones rose to meet Phil Foden's corner and power a header into the back of the net.
Data Debrief: Comeback kings City strike again
City have now won 10 of their last 12 Premier League matches while trailing, following Stones' most dramatic of winning goals at Molineux.
They fell behind for the fifth time in seven league games, but responded via Gvardiol's sixth goal of this calendar - the most of any defender in the division.
Stones then completed the turnaround with, at 94 minutes and 33 seconds, City's latest winning goal in a Premier League match since November 2022, when Erling Haaland netted the decider after 94 minutes and 34 seconds against Fulham.
As for Wolves, who slip to the foot of the table, they have failed to win any of their opening eight league games in a season for the first time since 1983-84 (first 14 matches).
Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique was full of praise for Senny Mayulu after the teenage midfielder impressed in Saturday's 4-2 Ligue 1 win over Strasbourg.
The 18-year-old scored PSG's opener as they recorded their sixth win in eight league games this season, remaining ahead of Monaco on goal difference at the summit.
With Warren Zaire-Emery having already netted this term, PSG are the only team in the top five European leagues to have two goalscorers born in 2006 or later this campaign.
Meanwhile, only two starters – Willian Pacho (92.5%) and Milan Skriniar (96.5%) – bettered Mayulu's passing accuracy of 92.3% and only Joao Neves (18) contested more than his 16 duels.
"He's showing he has great potential, personality, and skills," Luis Enrique told DAZN of Mayulu.
"He's very effective in the box. He scored tonight but could have had two more. I'm very happy for him.
"He's a player for the future, I'm very satisfied that he stayed in Paris. We'll have a lot of joy with him."
Luis Enrique's side, fielding a young lineup that includes fellow teenagers Desire Doue and Zaire-Emery, have now scored 25 goals in eight league matches.
"There must be matches with tension, and for young players to develop, I believe they need to feel our trust in them and have the chance to play in these types of games," he added. "I think that's what we have demonstrated since last season."
Marco Asensio, Bradley Barcola and Lee Kang-in also scored during the match, showcasing the team's well-rounded attacking prowess.
"My goal is to develop the team. In the past, the team relied on individual talent but that’s no longer the case. We have many players who can score, but I don't care who scores or makes the assists," Luis Enrique said.
"What matters to me is that everyone contributes to both attack and defence. The objective is to win titles and to play in the best possible way."
PSG will next face PSV on Tuesday in the Champions League, having been beaten by Arsenal last time out in the competition.
The suspension of Jamaican judoka Ebony Drysdale-Daley by the Jamaica Judo Federation (JJA) has been overturned following a hearing by the Appeals Committee last week. The committee ruled that the federation failed to follow proper procedures in enforcing its Vexatious Complaints and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy, resulting in an invalid disciplinary process.
The Appeals Committee, chaired by Rashid Hall and Lyle-Anthony Golding, convened on October 14, 2024, to hear the appeal submitted by Drysdale-Daley, who had been handed a one-year suspension by the JJA for allegedly violating its Code of Ethics. The suspension, which was originally set for the period June 13, 2024 to June 12, 2025, had been imposed by the JJA’s Executive Committee, which included President Dwayne Barnett, Vice-President Marvin Anthony Rickards, and Treasurer Fernando Gonzalves.
During the hearing, Drysdale-Daley was represented by Dr. Emir Crowne, Matthew Gayle, Jason Jones, and Sayeed Bernard, while Dwayne Barnett represented the JJA.
The case centered around the JJA’s use of its Vexatious Complaints and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy to justify Drysdale-Daley’s suspension and the decision to conduct a disciplinary hearing without her being present. However, the Appeals Committee found significant procedural flaws in the federation’s handling of the case.
Drysdale-Daley, who became Jamaica’s first judoka to compete at an Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020, claimed the JJA initially registered her for an event in Lima, Peru, but later removed her, depriving her of the opportunity to challenge Ashley McKenzie for the sole available judo spot for Jamaica. McKenzie had secured a silver medal at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games last year.
“They have removed me from the competition registry. I feel the Jamaican Judo Association has favoured the other athlete in contention over me. They have effectively secured the other athlete’s qualification ahead of mine by blocking me from this final tournament, of which I have paid flights for,” Drysdale-Daley said.
The Dwayne Barnett-led JJA, in a statement, firmly denied these accusations, asserting that the federation’s decisions were based on adherence to deadlines and procedures, including missed Anti-Doping tests, which Drysdale-Daley reportedly failed to attend.
“The JJA categorically refutes any claims of impropriety or personal interests influencing the selection process. The General Secretary and other mentioned individuals have no personal or vested interests that would compromise the integrity of these processes,” the statement read.
She was subsequently suspended.
One of the key issues identified was the failure to exhaust all reasonable measures before invoking the policy, as outlined in Point 1.4 of the policy, which mandates that it should be used "only as a last resort." The Appeals Committee determined that there were no attempts by the JJA to resolve the matter through informal channels or standard procedures before resorting to disciplinary action.
Additionally, the Appeals Committee found that Drysdale-Daley was not properly notified or given an opportunity to address the situation before sanctions were applied, violating Point 4.2 of the policy. This failure to follow due process rendered the JJA’s decision invalid.
Further scrutiny of the JJA’s Statutes also revealed that Drysdale-Daley had not been formally invited to appear before the Executive Committee to address the accusations against her, as required by Article 17. This failure to follow the association’s own statutes constituted another breach, further invalidating the suspension.
In its ruling, the Appeals Committee concluded that the Jamaica Judo Federation had not adhered to the correct procedures in both invoking the Vexatious Complaints and Unacceptable Behaviour Policy and enforcing its Statutes. Consequently, the committee overturned the suspension and ordered Drysdale-Daley's immediate reinstatement as a member of the federation.
Carlo Ancelotti has heaped praise on Luka Modric after he worked his magic with a terrific assist to help Vinicius Junior score Real Madrid's winner against Celta Vigo.
The Croatian became the club's oldest player in history when he came on in the 63rd minute, aged 39 years and 40 days.
He moved past Madrid great Ferenc Puskas for the club record, and has been a part of 363 wins for Los Blancos, with 250 of those coming in LaLiga, which is 22 more than nearest rival, and former team-mate, Karim Benzema.
It took him just under three minutes to make an impact on his 547th appearance for the LaLiga champions, setting up the winner in their 2-1 victory after Kylian Mbappe's opener was cancelled out by a counter-attack effort netted by Williot Swedberg.
And Ancelotti was delighted that Modric's influence was so keenly felt on his landmark day.
"It is an honour to coach and work with Modric, everything he has been able to achieve is because he is a fantastic professional and a man of the highest calibre," Ancelotti told reporters.
"When they equalised I think the changes gave a new energy to the team. It's a very important victory.
"These are two spectacular goals from players that showed they have an amazing talent, from the build-up to the finish. They train really hard and have put on a great effort during this international break to improve their conditions. We have to keep going.
"We competed well, the team was committed the whole game, Celta played well and with intensity, we won three points thanks to a fantastic pass from Modric. He has this quality and always contributes.
"It doesn't matter if it is when he starts or when he comes off the bench... he always helps us. He came on at a difficult moment in the match and changed the script."
Madrid are second in LaLiga, level on 24 points with leaders Barcelona, who play their game in hand against Sevilla on Sunday. After a Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund, who Ancelotti's side beat in the final last year, they host their Clasico rivals in LaLiga next Saturday.
Nearly seven months after being acquired by the New York Jets, Haason Reddick is ready to join his new team.
Reddick is ending his hold-out and will report to the Jets on Monday after the two sides agreed to an adjusted contract for the remainder of this season.
As part of the agreement, which came Sunday, New York will waive the $12million in NFL-mandated fines that Reddick amassed while holding out.
Reddick, who recently switched to Drew Rosenhaus as an agent, and the Jets will continue to work on a long-term deal beyond this season.
The Jets acquired Reddick from Philadelphia in late March after he had initially asked the Eagles for a new contract.
Since passing his physical with the Jets, he had not joined his new team for any activities. Due to make $14.25million in 2024 in the final year of his deal, he skipped both their voluntary and mandatory mini-camp and has been holding out since the start of training camp.
In August, Reddick informed New York he wanted to be traded.
Shortly after the news of Reddick's trade demand broke, the Jets announced they wouldn't honour his request.
Just last week, however, New York gave him permission to seek a trade with his new agent.
He is now finally joining the Jets and could be on the field for their Week 8 game against the New England Patriots.
Drafted 13th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2017 draft, Reddick has emerged as one of the league's premier pass rushers over the last four seasons.
Since 2020, his 14 forced fumbles are the most in the NFL, while his 50 1/2 sacks rank fourth.
The 29-year-old was named to his second Pro Bowl team last season when he registered 11 sacks and 13 tackles for loss.
In 2022, his 16 sacks trailed only Nick Bosa's 18 1/2 for the most in the NFL.
Marley Watkins struck a late winner as Rangers lost further ground at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, falling to a deserved 1-0 defeat at Kilmarnock.
Rangers went into Sunday's game six points adrift of Celtic and Aberdeen, after the two pacesetters played out an entertaining 2-2 draw on Saturday.
But they never looked likely to close that gap as they produced a flat performance at Rugby Park.
They were indebted to goalkeeper Jack Butland as he made a fine save to deny Watkins early on, while Matty Kennedy was just unable to turn an inviting Corrie Ndaba cross home.
Former Rangers shot-stopper Robby McCrorie had a busier second half, pushing a Cyriel Dessers effort away before the Nigerian hit the crossbar from the resulting corner.
Those misses were punished with just three minutes remaining, Watkins outmuscling defender John Souttar from a long ball forward before prodding past Butland.
Data Debrief: Gers fall flat once more
In contrast to the lightning starts Celtic and Aberdeen have made to 2024-25, Rangers have looked laboured in the early weeks of the season and that was the case again on Sunday.
They only mustered three shots on target throughout the 90 minutes, the same amount as their hosts, and they have now been shut out in three of their eight Premiership games this term – only St Johnstone and Ross County (four apiece) have failed to net more often.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's penalty was the difference as Napoli laboured to a 1-0 win at Empoli on Sunday to extend their lead at the top of the Serie A table.
Kvaratskhelia tucked away his spot-kick in the 63rd minute, Napoli's only shot on target over the 90 minutes and the first goal Empoli have conceded at home in the league this season.
Tino Anjorin was the player to concede the penalty, standing on Matteo Politano's foot inside the area on the Napoli winger's 300th Serie A appearance.
Empoli were left to rue missed chances in the first half when they were by far the better side, with Sebastiano Esposito going closest when his ferocious volley was kept out by Elia Caprile.
Caprile was also called upon to stop Giuseppe Pezzella's effort with his foot as Antonio Conte's men earned a scrappy win, their fourth in a row in all competitions.
Napoli moved on to 19 points, three ahead of Juventus in second with Inter third on 14 before they face Roma later on Sunday. Empoli are 11th with 10 points.
Data Debrief: Kvara on the spot
Kvaratskhelia has scored four league goals this season, a tally only bettered by four players in Serie A – Marcus Thuram, Mateo Retegui (both seven), Christian Pulisic and Dusan Vlahovic (both five).
The Georgian has now scored three penalties in the competition overall, with each of those coming in away games.
New Zealand captain Tom Latham savoured a "special" moment for the Black Caps after they ended a 36-year wait for a Test victory in India on Sunday.
The tourists began day five of a rain-affected first Test requiring just 107 runs for victory, with their only previous wins in India coming in 1969 and 1988.
Latham was removed early on by Jasprit Bumrah as India desperately attempted to force a draw, but Will Young (49 not out) and Rachin Ravindra (39 not out) got New Zealand over the line with eight wickets to spare.
Speaking after the win, which was New Zealand's seventh in a row in red-ball matches, Latham said: "There have been a lot of teams that have come here over that long period of time, so obviously it's a special feeling.
"The work we did in that first and second innings with the ball and with the bat set up the game for us."
India, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat since going down to England in Hyderabad in January, though they recovered to win that five-match series 4-1.
With two more Tests to come in the current series, captain Rohit Sharma called on his team-mates to show similar levels of resilience.
"There are guys who have been in this place before, where we've lost a game," Rohit said.
"We lost a game against England in the first Test, and we won four games after that. These things happen.
"There's still two Test matches to go, and we know exactly what is required from each one of us. So, we'll try and put our best game forward."
New Zealand eased to a first Test victory in India since 1988 on Sunday despite Jasprit Bumrah doing his bit to frustrate the Black Caps in their chase.
After India recorded their worst-ever home score in their first innings and collapsed in their second, New Zealand needed just 107 runs to win on day five.
Bumrah attempted to put the pressure on, trapping Tom Latham lbw for a duck with just his second ball of the day then doing the same to Devon Conway (17) to drop the tourists to 35-2.
However, Bumrah – who conceded just 29 runs through his eight overs with the ball – could only delay the inevitable as Will Young (49 not out) and Rachin Ravindra (39 not out) got New Zealand over the line.
Fresh from a century in the tourists' first innings, Ravindra hit two boundaries from the first three balls he faced to silence a raucous crowd at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Attacking the spinners for fear of rain interrupting their chase, the pair continued to hunt runs and Young sealed the deal with a four off Ravindra Jadeja in the 28th over.
Data Debrief: Rare triumph for Black Caps
New Zealand's victory was just their third in red-ball cricket in India, following wins in 1969 and 1988.
The Black Caps have now won each of their last seven red-ball matches, following 2-0 series sweeps of South Africa, Australia and Sri Lanka.
Lando Norris believes he produced the best lap of his career in qualifying for the United States Grand Prix, which he will start on pole ahead of Max Verstappen.
Norris, who is 54 points behind Verstappen in the race for the drivers' championship title, qualified 0.031 seconds quicker than the Dutchman in Texas on Saturday.
The McLaren driver was helped by Mercedes' George Russell crashing to prevent any driver improving on their second laps, after Verstappen had started his second attempt much quicker than Norris, only to be forced to abort.
Reflecting on his first lap, Norris said: "It was a beautiful lap. I was not going to go much quicker than I did.
"When you just do a lap and you think it’s going to be tough to beat... I put everything on the line, I needed to do it.
"We’ve not had the pace of the Ferraris or Red Bulls so I had to do something, and I did that.
"It was a very good lap. I can probably say quite confidently the best of my career."
Norris' pole is his fourth in the last five races, with him and team-mate Oscar Piastri posting two race victories apiece in the last four.
Piastri will start Sunday's race fifth, ahead of Russell but behind Ferrari duo Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who qualified in third and fourth respectively.
Oliver Glasner acknowledged Crystal Palace are "not going in the right direction" in the Premier League as his struggling side prepare to visit Nottingham Forest on Monday.
The Eagles sit in the relegation zone after going winless through their first seven league games before the October international break.
Glasner spent the pause for international football with his family in Austria, though struggled to "switch off" with his mind intent on atoning for Palace's drab start.
Palace were defeated 1-0 by high-flying Liverpool last time out in the competition, their fourth loss of the campaign, and an honest Glasner conceded change is needed.
"Regarding the results, no, we are not going in the right direction," Glasner said. "We wanted and expected a little bit more. Everything isn't so settled at the moment."
His message to Palace before their trip to the City Ground remains clear, however.
"Stick together, work hard and let's improve because then we can get the results," the Austrian added in a defiant pre-match rallying cry.
Forest, by contrast, have impressed through a difficult start to the season against high-quality opposition, managing a 1-1 draw away to Chelsea last time out despite James Ward Prowse's second-half dismissal.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo will not be on the touchline against Palace, however, after being handed a three-game ban for "unacceptable behaviour" in the 2-2 draw with Brighton before the international break.
"It's tough. We're going to be in permanent contact and what is important is that we prepare well and the players are ready to compete," Nuno said of his absence.
"I'm surprised. It's a big sanction but there's nothing we can do. It's not for me to judge.
"My job is to move forward and make sure the coaching staff are ready to help the team. We had a hearing, everything was normal. The sanction has been decided. Let's go."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nottingham Forest – Chris Wood
Chris Wood has scored six of Forest’s last nine Premier League goals, and has 19 goals for them overall in the division.
The New Zealand international is looking to become just the third player to hit the 20-goal mark for Forest in the competition, after Bryan Roy (24) and Stan Collymore (22).
Crystal Palace – Eberechi Eze
Only Erling Haaland (35) and Antoine Semenyo (31) had more shots in the Premier League this season – before the October international break – than Eberechi Eze (27), who has struggled without Michael Olise.
Eze has just one goal in the competition for those efforts, though, with his 3.7% shot conversion rate leaving Glasner needing more from his star attacker.
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
Though Palace have struggled this campaign, a draw appears the most likely result with little to separate these two sides for Monday's clash.
Forest are winless in their last seven home matches across all competitions (D4 L3), their longest such run since October 2020 (also seven), with Nuno needing to find a solution.
A point apiece also seems probable considering five of the last six league meetings between this pair have ended in draws, including the last three matches in a row.
That run still leaves Forest unbeaten in their last seven league meetings with Palace (W2 D5), while the Eagles are winless in their 10 previous top-flight clashes with Monday's hosts.
Only considering Premier League clashes, Forest have never lost in eight outings against Palace (W3 D5) – both the most they’ve faced a side without losing and the most the Eagles have faced a team without winning in the competition.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Nottingham Forest win – 38.6%
Draw – 27.8%
Crystal Palace win – 33.6%
Juan Soto hit a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning and the New York Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 to advance to the first World Series in 15 years on Saturday night.
Soto, who was acquired in a seven-player trade with San Diego in December and is an impending free agent, moved the Bronx Bombers into position with one big swing.
The Yankees will try to win their 28th title against either the New York Mets or Los Angeles Dodgers. Game 6 of the NL Championship Series is on Sunday at Dodger Stadium.
In the 10th, Austin Wells walked with one out and Alex Verdugo followed with a grounder to second baseman Andrés Giménez, whose soft toss to the bag was dropped by rookie shortstop Brayan Rocchio for an error.
Gaddis struck out Gleyber Torres and had Soto in a 1-2 count before New York’s stylish outfielder sent a shot over the wall in center. Soto danced down the first-base line and paused to celebrate with his teammates before circling the bases.
Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run homer – his fourth of the series - for the Yankees, who took care of the Guardians in five games, but it wasn’t easy.
New York won the first two at Yankee Stadium without much fanfare or any major drama. However, it was a different story in Cleveland as all three games at Progressive Field were nail-biters.
The Guardians rallied to win Game 3 on two, two-run homers in their last two at-bats, and the Yankees held on to win Game 4 after blowing a four-run lead.
Cleveland just didn’t have enough and a surprising season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt ended just short of a World Series. The franchise remains without a title since 1948, baseball’s current longest drought.
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