Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergey Palkin believes Giorgi Sudakov will go onto big things if he can produce more stand-out performances in the Champions League.

The 22-year-old is thought to be one of the rising stars in European football, having helped Shakhtar to the Ukrainian Premier League in the last two seasons.

He was also one of the standout players of Ukraine's Euro 2024 campaign, creating the third-most chances (four) and having the most shots (nine), though he failed to hit the back of the net as they exited in the group stage.

With the start of their next Champions League campaign just around the corner – they kick off against Bologna on Wednesday – Palkin is expecting big things from the young midfielder.

Speaking at the Thinking Football Summit organised by Liga Portugal, Palkin said: "Everybody knows about Sudakov.

"I believe he is the new European star. Half a year ago, we had negotiations with Napoli. They proposed €40million. But we believe that he costs much more.

"Therefore, we believe that in this Champions League, he will show his best. Because he has the dream to play in a top-ranked European club.

"If he shows good football, I believe he will jump to this club".

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez believes match-winner Jhon Duran can be “one of the best strikers in the world” after he scored a 30-yard screamer against Everton.

Duran completed Aston Villa’s comeback in a 3-2 win against Everton at Villa Park, having been two goals down to the visitors after 27 minutes.

The Colombian was subbed on after 69 minutes and scored just seven minutes later. All three of his goals this season have been winners from the bench, meaning he has now scored the most winners as a substitute in a Premier League season ever.

Having witnessed his decisive impact today, Martinez believes he can be one of the best in the game.

"I have seen it from behind and I saw the ball moving - it was unstoppable,” the Argentine told Sky Sports, referencing his goal.

"It was a great strike. We have been trying to help Duran in the Premier League and if he can keep the consistency, he can be a really big threat.

"He can be one of the best strikers in the world, but he needs to keep his feet on the ground and to work hard. He has one of the top strikers [Ollie Watkins] in England playing in front of him."

His fellow striker Ollie Watkins scored a brace to bring Villa level against Everton prior to Duran’s strike.

It was the first time he had scored for the club since April 2024, though he had clearly been getting in the right positions. Before his first goal of the game, he had the highest xG total (1.58) in the league among those yet to score.

Watkins had a shortened pre-season after starring for England at Euro 2024.

“There’s such a quick turnaround from the Euros. A lot of the boys are getting back up to fitness,” Watkins told Sky Sports.

“I’m not at 100%. I took some time off during the international break. I don’t want to miss too many matches, though.

“I’m disappointed I didn’t get the hat-trick. I should be coming off with the match ball, but I’ll settle for the two.

“We were obviously unlucky against Arsenal. We’re delighted we got [the win] today. Now we focus on the Champions League, which everyone is looking forward to.”

Xabi Alonso believes Bayer Leverkusen passed their challenge to bounce back from defeat with flying colours after their 4-1 victory at Hoffenheim on Saturday.

Victor Boniface scored twice and set up Martin Terrier, with Florian Wirtz adding the other after Mergim Berisha had pulled one back for the hosts.

It was an important win for last season's domestic double-winners as they recovered from their loss to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga before the international break.

"It was an important test for us to not concede a second goal after going 2-0 up," said Alonso, whose team had taken a two-goal lead at home against Leipzig before eventually losing 3-2.

"We reacted well and this time we controlled the game better and were more stable until the end. We know we will get our chances if we are patient and that is what we have to patiently work towards."

Leverkusen's defeat by Leipzig was their first in the Bundesliga in over a year (462 days) after winning last year's title undefeated.

However, they proved a threat on Saturday, having 20 shots, getting eight of those on target, while accumulating 3.62 expected goals.

"We were ready today to show our highest level," said Alonso. "We were serious and very professional.

"Hoffenheim made it difficult for us in the 10 minutes before the break but we came back after half-time to show sufficient energy."

Leverkusen, who have six points from three games, kick off their Champions League campaign on Thursday at Feyenoord.

Jhon Duran’s screamer and Ollie Watkins’ brace completed a stunning comeback for Aston Villa as they fought back to beat Everton 3-2 at Villa Park.

Everton remain without a point in the Premier League this season, despite having gone two goals up in back-to-back matches. Dwight McNeil gave Everton the lead against the run of play on 16 minutes, before turning provider for Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s header 11 minutes later.

The deficit awakened a previously struggling Watkins, who pulled one back before half-time by nodding home a Lucas Digne cross from close range. Watkins added to his tally after the break, tapping in after a mistake from Jack Harrison.

Duran played super-sub yet again, entering the pitch on 69 minutes before firing Villa into the lead seven minutes later with a blistering strike from 30 yards out.

Calvert-Lewin nearly levelled soon after to spoil the party but his shot bounced back off the crossbar.

The victory lifts Villa into third place, only behind Liverpool on goal difference. Everton, meanwhile, remain stuck to the bottom having lost four out of four in the Premier League.

Data Debrief

Everton are now only the second side in Premier League history to lose back-to-back games after leading by two or more goals in both. The other side was their opponents in the last match - Bournemouth (October/November 2022).

It marked the sixth time that Aston Villa have come back from two or more goals in the Premier League. 

Now, after just four games of the season, Duran has scored three winners from the bench. No player has scored more winners as a substitute in a single Premier League campaign.

Harry Kane's hat-trick ensured Bayern Munich's perfect start to their Bundesliga title charge continued as they thrashed newly promoted Holstein Kiel 6-1 on Saturday.

Jamal Musiala, Kane and Nicolai Remberg's own-goal gave the visitors a commanding lead at the break, with the England captain grabbing his treble in the first minute of second-half injury time. 

Vincent Kompany's side went ahead after just 14 seconds when Musiala finished beyond Timon Weiner, with Kane doubling their advantage six minutes later following a mistake from Lewis Holtby. 

Musiala was again involved for Bayern's third, seeing his cutback turned home by Remberg before Kane put the result beyond doubt with a fine finish from the edge of the box. 

Substitute Michael Olise notched his first Bayern goal after Alphonso Davies' shot was parried into his path, with Armin Gigovic's 82nd-minute strike taking some of the gloss off an otherwise impressive display. 

But Kane was not to be denied his hat-trick after taking a tumble in the box - dusting himself down he emphatically fired home a trademark spot-kick. 

Data Debrief: HurryKane demolishes Kiel

With his goals against Kiel, Kane has now scored against all 18 clubs he has faced in the Bundesliga.

In the division's history, only Miroslav Klose has faced more different opponents and scored against all of them (28).

Kane has also now been directly involved in 50 goals in 35 Bundesliga games for Bayern since his move from Tottenham last year. 

Only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has reached that total quicker, managing that tally in 44 games during his stint with Borussia Dortmund. 

Leicester City manager Steve Cooper wants the Premier League to provide clear evidence as to why Jean Philippe Mateta's first goal was given in their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

Mateta netted a brace to deny Leicester their first win of the season, but his first goal was originally flagged as offside before it was overturned after a VAR review.

Cooper's side had performed brilliantly to take a two-goal advantage up to that point, with goals from Jamie Vardy and Stephy Mavididi putting them in a comfortable position.

However, the Leicester boss was left with a sour taste in his mouth, confirming he wants greater clarity on why Palace's first goal was awarded.

"I really want to see the image that says that was definitely onside because at the moment we have a few questions to ask of the Premier League," Cooper said. 

He wanted to take the positives from the encounter, but could not deny that the late Mateta equaliser from the penalty spot was a painful one to take.

"There's definitely loads of good in the game, but if I'm being honest, it feels like a loss," Cooper added.

"Sometimes a point away from home ends up being really important, it might not feel like it at the moment, but it might be. 

"We just needed to manage those moments after going 2-0 up, which we didn't quite do."

Palace boss Oliver Glasner was also disappointed to only pick up a point but praised their character after coming back from two goals down to avoid a third loss in their opening four league matches.

Glasner said: "We are not happy with the point, but I'm really pleased and delighted with the spirit and the character of the players again.

"With the great support from the stand, we had a very good belief today, and with a great impact also from our subs, and let's say all this together, keeping the belief, having a great support from the stand, and having a good impact from our subs. Then we came back. I think it's a compliment for the team for this comeback."

The Austrian was also pleased with his two debutants, Maxence Lacroix and Eddie Nketiah, with both featuring for the entirety of the match.

“Maxence was solid, and also we could see that it was his first competitive game for a very long time in some parts, but he was solid," said Glasner.

"Eddie showed what he showed during training, what we expected from him: he always can threaten the goals.

"He was a little bit unlucky with the two or three finishes he had, but he had good movements, and also before the very important penalty, he made this run and blocked the defender."

Brendan Rodgers was encouraged by Arne Engels' debut after he scored from the penalty spot to continue Celtic's perfect start to the Scottish Premiership season with a 2-0 victory over Hearts. 

After dominating the opening exchanges, the hosts were offered the chance to take the lead from 12 yards early in the second half. 

Nicolas Kuhn's cross was blocked by the hand of James Penrice, with Engels making no mistake from the spot to net his first Celtic goal since his switch from Augsburg. 

Luke McCowan confirmed the triumph in the 89th minute, also scoring his first goal for the club, with Rodgers pleased with the pair, but showering particular praise on Engels.

"He's here playing in the eight position," Rodgers said. "He's here with legs and energy and power, he should be able to score goals for us. A good performance from him."

But the encounter could have taken on a much different complexion after the visitors were awarded a penalty of their own in the first half. 

Lawrence Shankland's header came off Liam Scales' arm, only for VAR to overturn the decision, and Rodgers believed the right call was eventually made.

"When the referee gives it, it’s always going to be looked at," Rodgers said.

"The ball hits Liam Scales up towards the shoulder on that sleeve part and that’s not a penalty. By the rule, the officials were correct."

Rodgers' side are top of the table with 15 points, ahead of Aberdeen on goal difference, and return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they welcome Slovan Bratislava to Celtic Park in their opening match of the competition. 

Erik ten Hag saluted "ketchup bottle" Marcus Rashford after the Manchester United forward ended his goal drought in their victory at Southampton.

Rashford doubled United's lead at St Mary's when he curled a 20-yard effort past Aaron Ramsdale, while Matthijs de Ligt and Alejandro Garnacho were also on target for the visitors.

It was the 26-year-old's 132nd goal for the club, but first since he found the net in the Red Devils' FA Cup victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Rashford was the subject of criticism for his performance in United's 3-0 defeat against the Reds prior to the international break.

However, Ten Hag felt that "negativity" was unjustified and is backing his forward to build momentum, referencing an analogy once utilised by Cristiano Ronaldo. 

"It's very important we don't pay attention to what the outside world is saying, but there was too much negativity about him," the Dutchman said of Rashford.

"He created two great chances in that game [the defeat to Liverpool]. In other games this season, he has played very well.

"He deserved that goal [against Southampton], but he had to work for it. That is what he is doing, and then you get a reward.

"Once, a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle; once it's going, it’s coming more."

"He has already scored so many goals for Manchester United. At his age, the number of goals is amazing, and I'm sure he will score many more goals."

Tivoli Gardens Football Club has been plunged into mourning as one of their young talents, Delano Daley, died in a car accident on Saturday morning.

The tragic loss of Daley, who was signed from Waterhouse Football Club, comes on the eve of the 2024/25 Wray and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season, which is scheduled to kick off on Sunday.

Daley’s sister and another relative also perished the incident, which reportedly occurred at the intersection of Eastwood Park Road and Burlington Avenue in the vicinity of the Half-Way Tree Primary School.

Though the identities of the individuals were not initially ascertained, the West Kingston club revealed that Daley and the others were the occupants of the vehicle, which caught fire.

“Our new addition, Delano Daley, was taken from us too soon in a car accident this morning. Our Tivoli Gardens family is heartbroken and mourns the loss of this bright and promising star. His sister and cousin also passed in the tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. May Delano’s memory live on in our hearts,” the club said in a social media post.

Pep Guardiola said he preferred Manchester City's win over Brentford as opposed to a more comfortable scoreline, confirming he is a big fan of Bees head coach Thomas Frank. 

Erling Haaland's first-half brace ensured Guardiola's side maintained their perfect start to the season, but they had to come from behind to win 2-1 at the Etihad.

Yoane Wissa's goal after 22 seconds handed Brentford a shock lead, with his strike the fastest ever scored in the Premier League against the reigning champions. 

It was also the first time that City had ever conceded in the opening minute at home in the competition. 

Frank's side were also the last to beat Guardiola's men on home soil in any competition, winning 2-1 in November 2022, with the Citizens now unbeaten in 46 at the Etihad in all competitions since (W39 D7). 

"I am a big fan of Thomas Frank. I don't remember in eight or nine years having a team playing the way they played," Guardiola said.

"We were lucky with the deflection because they deserved 1-0.

"We struggled a lot to read when to shoot and press. We were lucky to find the goals, but in the second half we were better and probably deserved to score more goals.

"We needed that to feel how difficult everything is, how difficult the Premier League is every game.

"People say City are so strong, but the Premier League is so difficult. Today was the real proof.

"I am a big fan of Brentford. They play long balls, but they have the ability to play as well.

"I give a lot of credit to my players, from where we come from in the past, but to still be able to suffer. I prefer to win that way rather than four or five nil. We need that."

City have now won back-to-back home games in the Premier League after conceding the opening goal for the first time since November 2019, while they are now unbeaten in their last eight matches (home and away) when conceding first in the competition (W7 D1).

Brentford, meanwhile, have lost five of their seven meetings with City in the top flight - the joint-most defeats they have suffered against an opponent in the competition (alongside Liverpool & Newcastle).

The Bees have now lost more Premier League away games (14) than any other side currently in the competition since the start of last season but provided the Citizens with a stern test of their title credentials. 

While only managing an expected goals (xG) tally of 0.92 from their eight shots, Frank leaves the Etihad disappointed in the result, but proud of his side's performance.

"Standing here I am a combination of extremely disappointed we didn't get something out of this game but on the other hand very proud," Frank said. 

"The first 25 minutes was world class, we were better than Manchester City. Second half they were more on top and made it difficult.

"A point would have been fair and not often teams can come here and say that.

"You could say if we need to win here we needed to take more of the chances we had in the first half.

"I respect Pep Guardiola very much and a lot of the reasons I do is because he made tactical changes at half-time, and then he is not too proud to put the ball down in the corner because they need to win. We must have done something right today.

"This is a fantastic group to work with and we need to keep doing this."

Marco Silva conceded Fulham "cannot switch off for one second" in the Premier League, after Danny Ings' last-gasp equaliser denied the Cottagers all three points against West Ham.

The hosts appeared on course to take the spoils in the London derby at Craven Cottage, where Raul Jimenez put them in front after 24 minutes.

However, the visitors snatched a dramatic equaliser in the fifth minute of stoppage time, when substitute Ings fired past Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

And Silva acknowledged his side's brief lapse in concentration proved costly.

"It just shows that in this Premier League, you cannot switch off for one second," he told BBC Sport. "We are aware of the quick throws, and we have to keep focus and concentration.

"A big frustration for us because, before that, it was a good performance. It was clear we were the best team on the pitch. They did not have one shot [on target] in the first half.

"We should have won this game. It was not a game where West Ham pushed us back. The goal came after we switched off. It just shows you have to keep focus until the last second."

Silva also felt Fulham should have been awarded a first-half penalty when Adama Traore was challenged by Max Kilman.

"It was a clear, clear, penalty in my opinion," he added. "It's difficult to understand why it was not a penalty in that situation. I don't even want to say anything more about it."

Meanwhile, West Ham boss paid tribute to Ings, who was making only his second Premier League appearance of the season - with both coming as a late substitute.

"It was a very 'Danny Ings' goal!", Lopetegui told West Ham's official website. "He is always agile in those kinds of actions, and he took his chance very well.

"I'm really happy for him, because he hasn't played much up until now, but he is always ready to go. He is a really good example to all of his team-mates, and it's great to see his work pay off.

"As a player, it can be hard when you don't know when the coach is going to call you. The important thing is to try and always be ready, because you are going to be needed at some point.

"Scoring in the last minute today is important, because he's shown everyone that you have to believe until the end. Even though there were things we could do better today, we kept going, and we got something out of the game."

Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones believes the Blues are in "great hands" under new coach Sonia Bompastor as she looks to build on Emma Hayes' legacy.

Hayes ended her glittering 12-year reign in West London in May, having overseen her seventh Women's Super League title success, five of which have come in the last five seasons.

Hayes departed to take up an offer to manage the United States' national team, and she immediately led them to a record-extending fifth gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games.

Chelsea moved swiftly to replace Hayes with former Lyon boss Bompastor, who won three league titles and the 2021-22 Champions League crown in three years with the French giants.

The 2024-25 WSL season begins on Friday, September 20, with Bompastor's team playing host to Aston Villa in the first match of the campaign, and Beever-Jones is excited to get going.

Speaking at the Barclays WSL's 2024-25 season launch media day, Beever-Jones told Stats Perform: "I think with Emma, the legacy she created at Chelsea speaks for itself. 

"She transformed it into one of the best clubs in the world and I think she's obviously left it in great hands with Sonia now. 

"It's up to Sonia and Cami to put their own flair on the Chelsea way. I think it's going to be an exciting year for sure, change is good, and we'll be losing Emma, but we've got Sonia now, and we're just so excited for the season to start." 

Hayes also won five FA Cups and two League Cups during her time with Chelsea, but the Champions League trophy eluded her, coming closest when they were runners-up to Barcelona in 2020-21.

Bompastor is something of a European specialist, winning the Champions League twice as a player and once as a coach, and Beever-Jones hopes her know-how can get the Blues over the line.

"That is the aim," she said. "Chelsea haven't done it before and to have Sonia, who has won it many times, bringing that freshness and, obviously, players like Lucy Bronze giving her experience...

"To be fighting for four competitions again, that's what we want to be doing this year. 

"I feel Chelsea are the club that can do it and yeah hopefully this time next year I'll be sitting here with a Champions League medal.

"I think with Sonia, her history of what she's won as a player and a coach speaks for itself. 

"She was the first player to win it as a Champions League and then do it as a coach. It's a big hole to fill, but I think Sonia and everyone she's brought in are the right people to fill that hole. 

"It's absolute credit to what Emma did for Chelsea and I think it was the right time for her to leave. We're delighted for her to go and win a gold medal for America, and we're obviously still in contact.

"I'm super excited for this new era of Chelsea and to avoid that drop-off, I think we're in the right hands to do that, and I'm sure that drop-off won't happen."

Joe Edwards netted a dramatic 93rd-minute winner as Wayne Rooney's Plymouth Argyle stunned Championship leaders Sunderland 3-2 on Saturday.

Argyle were still waiting for their first league win under Rooney heading into this match against the early pace-setters, who had recorded four wins from four.

It looked like being more of the same when Patrick Roberts netted a first-half penalty for Sunderland, but Plymouth turned the game on its head after the restart at Home Park.

Dan Ballard's own goal got the home side level, then Ryan Hardie converted an Argyle spot-kick.

Sunderland fans had made the longest trip in the EFL this season to see their side and looked to be rewarded with a hard-earned point when Romaine Mundle equalised four minutes from time.

But Plymouth were not done and rallied again to sensationally snatch victory in stoppage time as Edwards reacted fastest to a rebound and blasted past Anthony Patterson.

Watford had been Sunderland's nearest challengers but could not capitalise as they drew 1-1 at home to Coventry City.

That result allowed Blackburn Rovers to move up to second on 11 points, one behind Sunderland, as they eased to a 3-0 victory over Bristol City.

Yuki Ohashi scored twice at Ewood Park to see Blackburn nudge back ahead of rivals Burnley, winners earlier in the day at Leeds United.

West Brom subsequently ended Saturday in fifth but could now take top spot on Sunday when they take on Portsmouth.

Pompey are in the bottom three until then, a place and a point below Preston North End, who earned a 1-1 draw on the road against Middlesbrough.

Cardiff City are bottom and still with just one point after losing 1-0 at Derby County. 

Arne Slot slammed Liverpool's performance after their perfect start to his reign came crashing to a halt with Saturday's surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest.

Callum Hudson-Odoi's deflected second-half strike proved decisive as Forest earned their first league victory at Anfield in 55 years, having last triumphed on the ground against Bill Shankly's Reds in 1969.

Liverpool's 14 shots throughout the game gave them a total expected goals (xG) figure of just 0.87, with only five of those attempts forcing Matz Sels into action.

The Reds boasted a 69.6% possession share but only marginally beat Forest's 56 final-third entries with 70 of their own, leaving Slot to bemoan their lethargic play in possession.

"The result frustrates me the most and we cannot be happy about how the game went. It was a stop-start game and we hardly created any chances," Slot told BBC Sport.

"We only have to look at ourselves, we have to be better. Far too many times we lost the ball around the area, it was not good enough. We have to be better with the ball.

"Our decisions and execution weren't good enough. 

"In general, we defended quite well but the two fast players came on and made it difficult for us. We took a lot of risks and in the end it was a very good goal."

Liverpool have now lost two of their last five Premier League matches at Anfield (three wins), having only lost one of their previous 58 before this run.

Forest, meanwhile, have won four straight away Premier League matches for the first time since 1995, and they sit just one point behind Liverpool in the early-season standings.

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo was delighted with their defensive work, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: "Liverpool are such a good team, it required a lot of effort from the players... the organisation, tackling and the covering.

"The only way to achieve anything here is if you are organised and do everything that you can.

"When you start the way we started with our wingers, Nico Dominguez and Elliot Anderson – all the effort of them tracking Liverpool's full-backs, it is a lot of energy.

"We are working hard and it is about building and believing in this idea that you can develop."

Callum Hudson-Odoi's goal gave Nottingham Forest their first league victory at Anfield in 55 years and ended Liverpool's perfect start to life under Arne Slot on Saturday.

Substitute Hudson-Odoi scored the only goal of the game after 72 minutes, capping a lightning Forest counterattack with a curling strike that deflected in off Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool had earlier gone close through Luis Diaz as he struck the base of the post in the first half, but they struggled to pose Nuno Espirito Santo's men too many problems in a flat display.

The defeat, which comes after impressive shutout victories over Ipswich Town, Brentford and Manchester United, means Liverpool have lost early ground on Manchester City, who now boast a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Forest, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in 2024/25 and move up into fourth place with eight points, just one behind Saturday's opponents, who stay second.

Luis Diaz had the first real chance of the match when he rattled the post after 16 minutes, dispossessing Ryan Yates at the byline before cutting inside from the left and seeing his shot bounce clear off the woodwork.

Matz Sels almost caused Forest's undoing just before half-time as he spilled Diaz's looping header, but it was his team-mate Hudson-Odoi who got the eventual winner. 

Cutting inside from the left, he bent an effort towards the far corner, with a deflection off Konate carrying it out of Alisson's reach to condemn Liverpool to defeat.

Data Debrief: Forest end Anfield hoodoo

It is the first time Nottingham Forest have won away at Liverpool in the league since winning 2-0 against Bill Shankly's side in 1969.

It is also the first time Forest manager Nuno has achieved Premier League victory against Liverpool, having lost his previous seven meetings with them.

Since the start of last season, meanwhile, winning goalscorer Hudson-Odoi (four) is third only to Phil Foden (six) and Eberechi Eze (five) for goals scored from outside the box in the top flight.