Archive September 25, 2025

World number one Judd Trump’s strong defense against Shaun Murphy secured a spot-seeking victory in the British Open’s quarter-finals in Cheltenham.

Murphy, an Englishman who won the Masters in January, held a 3-1 lead before coming back to beat his countryman 4-3.

Trump also lost in the last 16 of last week’s English Open, and he hasn’t made it to the semi-finals this year.

After beating Barry Hawkins 4-2, Murphy now faces fellow Englishman Mitchell Mann in the final eight.

World No. 91 Mann only has ever competed in the quarter-finals of a ranking competition before, reaching the top 20 in 2021.

With a comprehensive victory over Chang Bingyu from China, defending champion Mark Selby put a marker on his rivals.

Meanwhile, Mark Williams defeated third-round champion Mark Allen 4-3 before coming back for the evening session to defeat Lei Peifan from China.

Selby and Williams will face off in the quarter-finals of a repeat of the 2023 final, where the Welshman won the title twice as well as he did in 2021.

Stan Moody, 19, defeated Liam Davies of Wales 4-2, in a back-and-forth battle with Ali Carter to win 4-3.

When Morgan Rogers handed Ollie Watkins the ball, the Holte End chanted the striker’s name.

Seconds after his weak penalty was saved by Bologna’s Lukasz Skorupski, Watkins’ name was again chanted in support.

The England striker is enduring a 10-game goal drought for club and country at a time when Villa need him at his sharpest, despite Thursday’s Europa League win.

His nine games without scoring in the club shirt is the joint longest he has gone without a goal in his Villa career, having previously had nine-game dry spells in 2020-21 and 2022-23.

His second-half spot kick was the ideal chance to end that but the scuffed strike lacked confidence and allowed Skorupski to save with his legs.

Watkins has now failed to score three of his last five penalties for Villa, including missing in the Champions League against Celtic last season.

Ultimately – thanks to Marco Bizot’s late save from Martin Vitik – it mattered little as Villa earned their first win of the season thanks to John McGinn’s early strike.

It allowed boss Unai Emery to relax after victory and assert with confidence that Watkins will end his drought.

“He didn’t score, okay, it doesn’t matter, the goal is coming through the work he did today,” Emery said.

“I am happy because he played doing his task. He worked, this is the most important.

“He pressed, he was getting in duels, he got chances, he got a penalty, he missed but the most important [thing] is how he played in 30 minutes doing his task and he did a fantastic job.

“He has to feel after each match like I am feeling now, be happy because he did his work. He has to feel the same and if he is scoring he is going to feel better.

“The most important thing is how he is working in his tasks for the team. Today he played a good match, not enough because he didn’t score but he played good. This is the first step.”

Watkins’ struggles can be charted back to the second half of last season when he scored just four times in Villa’s final 19 games.

The 29-year-old started 13 of those but was left out of the starting line ups for their Champions League quarter-final defeat by Paris St-Germain, playing just 25 minutes across both legs.

With an expected goals return of 2.2 it is clear he is falling short.

Yet this is Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer. His strike against Bournemouth in May put him on 75 goals, one ahead of Gabby Agbonlahor from 133 fewer games.

He has 87 goals in 229 appearances for Villa and five in 19 caps for England, including a debut international strike against San Marino in 2021.

That came during a first season at Villa where he scored 16 goals, adapting instantly to the Premier League following a £28m move from Brentford.

His first top-flight goals came with a hat-trick in Villa’s stunning 7-2 demolition of Liverpool in October 2020.

Watkins has not dropped below double figures in his five years in the Premier League, including the 19 goals he scored in 2023-24 to help fire Villa into the Champions League, and there is belief he will return to his best.

McGinn told TNT Sport: “He’s a top-class striker. He’s not in the England squad for nothing. He’s shown over the years how good he is.

Russell Martin’s epic failure, his project at Rangers, has received an endless supply of criticism.

You felt for the man after watching his reaction at Ibrox when Mohamed Diomande was given a deserved red card just before half-time.

Rangers finished with second place. Insufficient headless chickens in too many places, squishy in possession, and pitiful at the back. once more.

Before the red, it appeared as though Martin’s quiet period following Saturday’s harrowing and noisy defeat to Hibernian was about to end.

In the event that Rangers lost this Europa League opener against Genk, Belgium’s 14th best team, Diomande almost assured that Rangers would lose.

Diomande left his team-mates in a terrible lurch, struggling with 11 and now sitting ducks with 10. When he lunged in on Zakaria El Ouahdi, Diomande stubbed his team-mates.

The lack of self-control was completely unforgivable, and the resultant expression of confused innocence was absurd.

And so Martin was once more left to experience the discontentment of those Rangers supporters who remained until the end.

Around 12, 000 tickets were left unsold, a sign of a growing apathy. The boos, which are now Broxi Bear’s trademark, were once more audible.

The manager’s head was chanting loudly throughout the hundredth time. It was gloomy. The directors’ box, home to chairman Andrew Cavenagh and chief executive Patrick Stewart, were filmed as the cameras rolled in their faces.

Cavenagh’s thoughts are worth something. The fans of the Rangers would spend far more than just watching the man and getting to share their opinions via a spleen venting.

Cavenagh has made it known that he is supporting his manager, but it’s untrue to assume that he has any doubts about what he is seeing. And it’s unbelievable that he is unaware of how his and other people’s money has been spent.

Rangers were and continue to be a difficult, difficult watch. They were predictable and pedestrian, and they are. shady . irksome . Except for the occasionally energetic Djeidi Gassama on the left, everything appeared so slowly, difficult, and unthreatening.

Genk missed a goal at 0-0, then hit a post, then missed a penalty, or rather had Jack Butland save it. Before the break, when the score was even, all of those occurred.

Diomande’s foolish behavior only strengthened the case. Martin took an excuse in his subsequent press conference.

However, Rangers’ performance before that was lacking in optimism, and there was no reason to believe it would have been any better had Diomande not gotten himself out of the game.

Genk are currently on a poor run, with only one win out of five coming in. This was their first clean sheet in 11 games, which is unusual for a goalkeeper who is unable to make a save.

They were under pressure, just like Rangers. They played tight and hoping for the best, much like Rangers, and they had good reason to be anxious and negative.

But they did not. On the ball, they were ambitious. Rangers wildly flailed while Rangers attacked the game. Their intensity was impressive when they were away from home.

For a team that was assembled for a relative king’s ransom, Martin’s team lacks remarkable lack of sharpness.

Rangers’ net summer spending, including transfer costs and loan payments, is reported to have been $ 21 million. You could ask the 2 and the 1 for their worth even if they had a dot between them.

Youssef Chermiti, a 21-year-old who was signed from Everton for £8 million, was in charge.

Although the young striker didn’t lack hunger or work-rate, it’s simple to criticize him. A small amount of chance and a sniff at goal were what he lacked. One only .

Right now, a Rangers center-forward’s life is lonely. joyless and isolated. They are alone there, they are. Their choices would appear to be either sink or sink.

The last thing Martin needed was Diomande’s moment of madness, but it was also Martin who chose others who struggled to make passes.

Martin once more led this team’s management, which created little threat and gave up significant chances even at 11 versus 11 against.

On Thursday, his midfielder let him down, and other days and nights it was others who let him down, didn’t show enough leadership, and made a difference.

On that front, the cast is lengthy and utterly unimpressive.

The Rangers players can’t escape being criticized for Martin’s filleting, though. The manager is at fault for some of this mess, but not all.

He claimed that the red “changed the game,” and he was correct, but there’s always more, like red cards, missed penalties, or incorrect decisions. All of this has a ridiculous effect.

When Crystal Palace host Liverpool on Saturday, will there be a difference between the Eagles’ unbeaten start to the season or the Reds’ 100% winning start?

“Palace are an unbelievable team under Oliver Glasner”, said BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton. “They lost Eberechi Eze to Arsenal over the summer, but they just seem to have got on with it and are so well organized.

” So far, Liverpool have had this great habit of just finding a way to win despite not being at their best – which is a worry for the rest of the Premier League – but this is a really tough test for them. “

Sutton is anticipating AI, BBC Sport readers, and a host of other guests for all 380 Premier League games this season.

For week six, he takes on rappers Kidwild and Blanco, who support Tottenham and Manchester City.

The duo has collaborated on Remontada, Kidwild’s newest single. It features textured beats, reworked vocals and cinematic football-inspired imagery.

Do you concur with their evaluations? You can make your own predictions below.

The tables and scoreboards at the bottom of this page feature the most widely used scoreline for each game.

” It was through one of my friends in primary school – his dad had a season ticket for three people but his mum would never go so they just brought me along, “he told BBC Sport.

Harry Kane and Son Heung-min were always my favorites, but I also adored Dele Alli. He was brilliant for us, and I still hope he can find some of his old form again.

“Now” Unfortunately he is injured at the moment but I always enjoy watching James Maddison play. He is incredibly smart in football.

Blanco grew up in south London but supports City because of Robinho, his hero as a boy. However, two of his current Blues favorites are more defensive-minded.

“I am really impressed with Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico O’Reilly”, he said. They’ve been sick for us this season, they said.

” Gianluigi Donnarumma has been excellent too, but Erling Haaland has also really stepped it up, especially with what he does off the ball and in terms of creating chances as well as scoring goals. “

Chris Bevan spoke with BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton, Kidwild, and Blanco.

Last year, Brentford defeated Manchester United 4-3 in this game, but Thomas Frank and Bryan Mbeumo both played for them and not United.

The Bees are a difficult team to predict now because Keith Andrews has had some mixed results since taking charge – they ended up being out-played by Fulham last week, but they are still unbeaten at home.

From Ruben Amorim’s side, I’m not sure what we will see either.

Robbie Savage was telling me on 606 that United have got the best xG (expected goals) in the Premier League, which suggests they have under-achieved so far.

I can see this being a tight game, and I’m going to start with one this time, despite the fact that last week I didn’t go for any draws at all.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

Kidwild’s prediction: Bryan Mbeumo should receive a warm reception from Brentford fans, but he won’t be happy if he scores! I fancy United here, but it is going to be close. 0 – 1

Blanco’s prediction: Brentford have not been great so far but I am not a fan of United’s full-backs, especially Patrick Dorgu. Through their wide players, everything moves. 2-2

After losing to Manchester United and Bayern Munich, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is in for a treat.

I was at their Carabao Cup tie with Lincoln City in midweek and they were expected to win that tie, which they did, but the Imps caused them all sorts of problems and Chelsea are just not very convincing at the moment.

Cole Palmer must be a big doubt to play after suffering an injury against United, and the team will miss him dearly if he is ruled out.

When I think of Brighton, I always think they will score goals but they can be quite inconsistent.

This is similar to Brighton versus Brighton Old Boys, and many of their former players at Chelsea, in my opinion.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

Kidwild’s prediction: A lot depends on if Palmer is fit for Chelsea. I’m not sure if Chelsea will win, but Brighton did well against Spurs as well. 1-2-1

Blanco’s prediction: I also believe Chelsea will outscore them. They have got enough depth to cope if Palmer isn’t fit. 1-2-1

Part of me is thinking that Liverpool are going to click soon and just absolutely annihilate someone.

I just don’t believe that will happen to Palace at the same time.

Palace got the better of them on penalties in the Community Shield and while I am not sure you can read too much into that, I am going for another draw this time.

Sutton’s 0-0 prediction

Kidwild’s prediction: Liverpool are just doing what they always do – not playing that well but still winning. Although I don’t believe Palace will defeat them, I can see them receiving something from Liverpool. 1 – 1 –

Blanco’s prediction: I also drew. 1 – 1 –

I’ve been told I can’t go for 10 draws this week, which is shame because this game has the word “dawn all over it.”

Being serious, I was very impressed by Leeds ‘ win over Wolves last time out – it really surprised me, but it was a brilliant result that showed what they have got to offer under Daniel Farke, and that they are going to give it a real go this season.

Even so, I support Bournemouth in this regard. The Cherries were a bit flat against Newcastle last week but they usually create loads of chances and that’s what I am expecting them to do at Elland Road.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-2

Blanco’s prediction: I don’t know if it will be comfortable, but Bournemouth have got this. Their team is simply superior to Leeds’. 0 – 2

Kidwild’s prediction was confirmed. I know Leeds got a good win against Wolves last week but you have to remember how terrible Wolves have been. 0 – 2

Pep Guardiola parks the bus – or at least he did against Arsenal last week – but it is going to be Burnley who try to do that this time.

I don’t see them keeping City quiet, despite the fact that they almost held out against Liverpool and also closely fought Manchester United.

Sutton’s prediction: 3-0

Kidwild’s prediction: I’m unsure of Burnley’s potential. They never really seem to want to score and it will be the same here, with 90 minutes of defending. However, I don’t believe they can compete with City; the end result will be there. 1-0

Blanco on City’s season: The most likely result is that we finish in the top three, which is currently our third-best Premier League team.

I like the new system we saw in the Arsenal and Manchester United games where we kind of sat back, let them have the ball, then we counter-attack. Because Jeremy Doku and Haaland aren’t particularly good at it, I believe that’s more in line with our needs than pressing from the front.

If we keep playing like that, I am confident we will do well in Europe too. We won’t win the Champions League, but we will succeed, in my opinion.

Blanco’s prediction: I am so confident, I can even tell you the goalscorers – Foden is getting two, plus Doku and Haaland. 4-0

Ange Postecoglou, the new manager of Nottingham Forest, has had a lot of praise for his persistent awaited first win, and he has a tough match ahead of him.

I was so impressed by Sunderland’s display with 10 men in last weekend’s draw with Aston Villa. They had a fantastic organization.

The Black Cats are without injured midfielder Habib Diarra but they will still be difficult to break down and will fancy their chances of extending their four-game unbeaten run.

According to form, they should probably benefit from this, but I’m going against the grain and saying that Big Ange will prevail and achieve his goals.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-1

Kidwild’s prediction: I was going to favor a win for Forest, but I have a feeling that Sunderland will. 1- 2

Blanco’s prediction: Sunderland defeated Aston Villa 10 men, but Villa have been awful this season. 3-1

After five straight league defeats, it’s difficult to argue that Wolves are getting anything here.

Tottenham showed great resilience to come back late on to rescue a point at Brighton last week. You now believe they can get something from games, even when things go wrong for them.

I was at their Champions League win over Villarreal when they huffed and puffed but still got the job done. I’m hoping for the same outcome even though it might not be for them entirely.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-0

Kidwild on Tottenham’s season: The goal is to finish in the top four of the Premier League, and it seems like it might happen this year. Every game it feels like Thomas Frank can set us up differently, based on who we are playing, and we have got strength in depth too.

I don’t believe we need a “best” team because everyone is good, regardless of whether they start the game or not. Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie at left-back are a great example of that – they are just as good as each other, but they are a bit different, depending on what is needed and they all fit into the team.

We also have the Champions League, but given how we got there and how long since we last played there, I have no idea what to expect, especially under a new manager. I do think we will make the last-16 but then anything could happen.

Blanco’s prediction: Wolves are terrible, as I already said! 2-0

Kidwild’s prediction: We will have more goals than that, and we will also be at home. 3-0

I know Aston Villa beat Bologna in the Europa League on Thursday but they were poor against Sunderland on Sunday.

Even though they were facing ten men, the main issue I had was that they simply didn’t seem to connect. It looked like their forwards had never played together before.

Fulham will undoubtedly see this as winnable because they have won two league games in a row against Leeds and Brentford.

Most people have probably been looking at Villa and thinking they have made a poor start and will turn things round, but I’ve not seen anything to suggest that will happen.

If they want to get their first win of the season, they will need to produce far more than they have been. I have given them a goal and a point here, but I am not entirely sure why.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

I’m choosing Fulham because Villa’s incredible league goal total is amazing. Kidwild’s prediction is accurate. 0 – 2

Blanco’s prediction: I literally wrote the same score as Blanco when we were discussing this in the barbershop! 0 – 2

This has become a bit of a grudge match since Newcastle’s controversial win at St James ‘ Park in 2023.

Arsenal have lost in their previous three matches, but even a draw might not help much this time because they can’t afford to fall further behind Liverpool at the top of the table.

So, Mikel Arteta really needs a win, but how will he approach this? Does he think Newcastle is a top team, and if so, will he start playing his strong midfield quartet once more in the middle of the park?

He seems to be quite negative and defensive in games like this, and I think it is a legitimate question to ask if Arsenal can win the Premier League by being that cautious.

Arteta must pursue it more, really. I am finding Newcastle difficult to predict because they do not score many goals, but they are still hard to beat.

I’m backing Arsenal for a number of reasons, including the fact that Bukayo Saka is back in shape and that Eze will pose a real threat if they start. They have got Gabriel Martinelli too – but what happens here is really down to Arteta.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-2

Blanco’s prediction: Arsenal’s midfield is improving every year, and they are also having a great year. Eze is flying and Bukayo Saka is coming back, and they will have too much for Newcastle. 1- 2

Kidwild’s prediction: I agree, but I don’t think Newcastle will score. Arsenal will win, but I won’t be watching. 0 – 2

Ironically, Graham Potter’s tenure as Hammers manager could be ended if former West Ham boss David Moyes wins, which his supporters wanted to get rid of.

It’s hard to see any other outcome, to be honest. Although Everton are still lacking in strikers, they should have more than enough chances.

My 606 co-host Roman Kemp described the Hill Dickinson Stadium as a fortress last week. Although he may have left early, the Hammers should still be too strong for West Ham; I don’t think they can handle a fight.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-0

Everton in every way, according to Blanco. Jack Grealish will definitely get an assist – he has been sick all season! 2-0

Kidwild’s prediction: Grealish has been good, but I’ve gone with West Ham to get something. 1 – 1 –

Although Chris Sutton and AI were supposed to fight in Week 5, BBC Sport readers were ultimately the ones who won.

Chris got three correct results with no exact scores from the 10 games, giving him 30 points – his lowest tally so far in 2025-26.

For the first time in his career, AI outperformed him, scoring three correct results and two exact scores, but not enough to secure the victory overall.

There were three guests, all supporters of Liverpool or Everton – The Coral’s James Skelly, Picture Parlour’s Katherine Parlour and Starsailor’s Walsh, James.

Skelly scored the guests’ best effort, scoring 190 points on average, while Walsh (four correct results, three exact scores) and Parlour (one correct result, no exact scores) and Parlour (two correct results, each score) came away with 130 and 10 points, respectively, giving the guests an average of 110 points.