Disjointed and overrun, Man Utd slumps to loss on EPL return
(Richard Heathcote/Pool via AP)Manchester United began its Premier League campaign with a performance as disjointed as its offseason. Maybe the 3-1 home loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday shouldn’t really have come as a surprise. After all, United only ended a pandemic-prolonged 2019-20 season 33 days ago with a demoralizing loss to Sevilla in the Europa League semifinals. “We knew Manchester United didn’t play last week and that we had the mental advantage,” Palace winger Andros Townsend said. On a day when 21 goals were scored in four games, there were also wins for Everton, Leeds and Arsenal.
Premier League reaches climax with plenty still at stake
Manchester United's Paul Pogba runs during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and West Ham at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, July 22, 2020. Intriguingly, two of them face off on the final day, with Leicester hosting United at King Power Stadium. Chelsea is guaranteed a return to the Champions League with a win or a draw. One of Chelsea, Leicester and United is sure to take one of the spots while the other will go to Wolves or Tottenham. FAREWELLSDavid Silva will play his final Premier League game for Man City before he leaves the club after 10 years.
Arsenal and Chelsea reach FA Cup semifinals with away wins
Chelsea's Ross Barkley, left, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the FA Cup sixth round soccer match between Leicester City and Chelsea at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England, Sunday, June 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira, Pool)Substitutes made the difference as Chelsea and Arsenal both won away from home to reach the FA Cup semifinals on Sunday. Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley turned in a cross from Willian midway through the second half in a 1-0 win at lackluster Leicester. United defender John Egan's header early in the second half was also chalked off. Arsenal has won the FA Cup a record 13 times, one more than Manchester United which squeezed into the semis with an extra-time win against 10-man Norwich on Saturday.