IRELAND’S SHAY GIVEN was dropped to the bench by Mark Hughes as he attempted to arrest Stoke City’s worrying slide in form today.
Given’s replacement, 33-year-old Lee Grant, came within minutes of keeping a clean sheet to seal a first win of the season for the Potters, at home to former manager Tony Pulis.
However, the stand-in was beaten by a 91st minute Salomón Rondón header, the striker cancelling out Joe Allen’s drilled 73rd minute opener.
Christian Benteke scored a dramatic injury-time winner as Crystal Palace fought back from two goals down to beat sorry Sunderland 3-2 in the Premier League on Saturday.
Jermain Defoe’s double either side of half-time had seemingly done enough to earn the Black Cats and their under pressure manager David Moyes a first league win of the campaign.
However, Sunderland were left reeling by Palace’s fightback at the Stadium of Light, which started with Joe Ledley – whose earlier mistake led to Defoe’s opener – scoring with a deflected effort.
James McArthur’s header then drew Palace level in the 76th minute to leave the home fans stunned. But there was worse to come for the Sunderland faithful when Benteke headed home Lee Chong-yong’s free-kick deep into stoppage time for his seventh Premier League goal against the Black Cats.
Junior Stanislas once again proved the scourge of Everton as his superb first-half strike secured a 1-0 victory for Bournemouth and ended the Toffees’ unbeaten Premier League start under Ronald Koeman.
Stanislas – who netted a brace in the thrilling 3-3 draw in the corresponding fixture last term, including a dramatic 98th-minute leveller – put Eddie Howe’s side ahead midway through a first-half that they dominated at the Vitality Stadium.
Both Jack Wilshere, on his full home debut, and Harry Arter had rattled the woodwork in the early stages, before Stanislas’s sublime long-range effort did the damage for the hosts.
Son Heung-Min netted twice to help Tottenham to a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough in Saturday’s Premier League encounter at the Riverside Stadium.
The South Korea international endured a difficult first season at Spurs following his move from Bayer Leverkusen as he scored just four times in 28 league games and was even linked with a move away from the club ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.
He eventually opted to stay put, though, and has been in impressive form since his return from the Rio Olympics.
The attacker put in a man-of-the-match performance in the 4-0 win over Stoke City and once more led his side the way on Saturday as he netted a double to take his tally to four strikes in just three league outings.
Son opened the scoring early on after being set up by Vincent Janssen, before doubling Spurs’ lead halfway through the first half with a fine solo effort.
Middlesbrough pulled one back after the break via Ben Gibson, but failed to level matters as the away side cruised to victory to make it 14 points from six games, while Boro have collected just five points following their third consecutive defeat.
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“O’Dowd also scored the only goal in Ireland’s 3-1 Uefa championship qualifying round loss to Andorra.” Sweet Jesus we didn’t loose to Andorra!
No, but we did lose to them.
I grew up listening to the songs his Granda Brendan sang. Brendan sang all the Percy French songs like the west Clare Railway and Gortnamona.
His grandfather was considered the best interpreter of the Percy French songbook. Cue the gang in France singing “Are you right there, Michael?” if he scores.
What about jack Byrne. Why doesn’t he get his chance in the warm up game. I’m sure he’ll be a future star for Ireland and the experience alone would benefit him going to the euros anyone agree??
Who would Byrne replace tho? This kid who got called up is a winger which we lack.. In central midfield we have a few who have there places nailed down.. I don’t know how good Byrne is to be honest is he better than the guys we have?
Probably replace Hoolahan?
I’m not saying he should be in instead of dis young fella fair play ta him getting called up great for him and his family. Jack byrne is a smashing footballer good to have as cover if hoolahan gets injured cause theres no more creativity in the squad
Martinez just sacked!
This is a story about a young lads exciting opportunity. Martinez getting sacked can wait for 5 minutes until that story appears. Well done to O Dowda. Hope he proves himself.