Lee Johnson claims his Hibernian side were up against an Aston Villa side with “almost superhuman” qualities in their 5-0 Europa Conference League thrashing at Easter Road.
It was the Midlands club’s first European tie in 13 years and the first leg of their qualifying play-off tie was won by the interval thanks to three headers, two by England international Ollie Watkins and one from Jamaica’s Leon Bailey.
Watkins grabbed his hat-trick three minutes after the restart with and Douglas Luiz adding a fifth from the spot in the 74th minute to make next week’s second leg at Villa Park all but academic.
It was Johnson’s 500th competitive game in management and he tried to put the defeat into context as he turned his attention to the visit of Livingston in the Premiership on Saturday.
He said: “I think we have a really good, honest bunch of players. I trust them and they give their all every day.
“There is a difference. Premier League players now are almost superhuman in their athleticism. It’s the super-elite from all over the world and that’s what you get.
“It was a good experience, and I don’t think it will affect confidence going into the Livingston game.
“But the physical recovery is really key for us because we are a team that needs to use our running power and our physicality at our level to maximise our performances.
“I’m still proud of the club for being at this level on this stage. The reality is we have an English League One budget against a fantastic multi-international standard Aston Villa.
“It was clear there was a gulf in class, I can’t deny that.
“At half-time we wanted to salvage some pride and look like we were going to go and win the half. We started it pretty well and got behind them, but that’s the difference – one break, one poor positional error, one quality pass and a great finish.
“Having played against Premier League teams in the past, you cannot make positional errors because they’re punished.
“So I hope this experience is a good one, because your lessons can become your teacher. We can grow from having felt the quality of the athleticism, the touch and the tactical work that Villa did tonight.”
Villa boss Unai Emery was pleased with the way his side approached their biggest away win in Europe.
He said: “If we weren’t competitive and serious we could have had problems.
“We spoke before the match about how we had to respect the opponents and be focused and consistent in our game plan.
“We knew if we weren’t we could have lost. We were focused and disciplined and consistent for 90 minutes. That is the mentality I want to create here.”
Emery revealed he replaced goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with Robin Olsen for the start of the second half because the World Cup winner “had a small pain and we didn’t want to take a risk with him”.
Former Hibs favourite John McGinn captained Villa and was a powerhouse in midfield to the delight of his boss.
“He is amazing,” said Emery.
“I know you love him here more than me, but I think he is amazing.
“He always wants, from the first minute to the 90th minute, to run and to be competitive.
“I am very happy with him. And not only as a player, as a person as well. His commitment is very high.
“He is always positive, always smiling. In bad moments, in good moments, he always keeps the same mentality. It is fantastic.”
World players’ union FIFPRO has called for FIFA to investigate Spanish football president Luis Rubiales after he kissed Jenni Hermoso in the aftermath of Sunday’s World Cup final.
Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), kissed the forward on the lips during the medal ceremony following the team’s 1-0 win against England in Sydney.
FIFPRO’s call for action followed a statement from the Spanish players’ union on Tuesday that condemned such behaviour as “never appropriate or acceptable”, while United States winger Megan Rapinoe described the event as a “physical assault”.
Rubiales, who has faced calls to resign, issued an apology on Monday, which Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez described as “insufficient”.
And on Wednesday, a FIFPRO statement said: “FIFPRO fully endorses the statement of Spanish player union AFE in calling for immediate action to address the conduct of Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales at the FIFA Women’s World Cup final and is requesting an investigation of his actions under FIFA’s code of ethics.
“We reiterate that it was deeply lamentable that such a special moment for the players of the Spain national team taking place before a global television audience should be stained by the inappropriate conduct of an individual in a role carrying so much responsibility.
“Uninitiated and uninvited physical approaches towards players are not appropriate or acceptable in any context, and especially when they are put in a position of vulnerability by a person who holds a position of power over them in their workplace.”
Hermoso initially said on social media she “didn’t like” the kiss but a statement on her behalf was later released by the RFEF in which she described it as “spontaneous”.
The 33-year-old released a brief statement on Wednesday, which read: “My union FUTPRO, in coordination with my agency TMJ, are taking care of defending my interests and being the interlocutors on this matter.”
Rapinoe, who featured in the World Cup for the United States, also criticised Rubiales for celebrating by grabbing his crotch.
She told American magazine the Atlantic: “There was another picture that signals such a deep level of misogyny and sexism in that federation and in that man at the final whistle, just grabbing his crotch.
“What kind of upside-down world are we in? On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating, Jenni has to be physically assaulted by this guy.”
The women’s football union FUTPRO has also condemned Rubiales’ actions and called on the RFEF to act for the protection of female footballers’ rights.
“From FUTPRO we express our firm and resounding condemnation of conduct that violates the dignity of women,” read a statement.
“From our association we ask the Royal Spanish Football Federation to implement the necessary protocols, ensure the rights of our players and adopt exemplary measures.
“It is essential that our national team, current world champion, is always represented by figures that project values of equality and respect in all areas.”
The RFEF will hold an extraordinary meeting of its general assembly on Friday and said “internal proceedings” were open in relation to integrity issues arising from the trophy ceremony.
Ollie Watkins grabbed a hat-trick as Aston Villa effectively booked their place in the Europa Conference League with a 5-0 away win over Hibernian.
It was the Midlands club’s first European tie in 13 years and the first leg of their qualifying play-off tie was done and dusted by the interval after three headers, two by England international Watkins and one from Jamaica’s Leon Bailey.
The second half promised more pain for the stunned Premiership outfit and Watkins delivered another blow three minutes after the restart before Douglas Luiz added a fifth from the spot in the 74th minute of a one-sided contest.
It was Lee Johnson’s 500th competitive game in management and the Hibs boss will know the emphatic scoreline could have been worse.
The chasm in quality between the top-flight in Scotland and England was laid bare and it did not make for good viewing for those north of the border.
Heavy favourites or not, Unai Emery was taking the game seriously, making one change to his side which beat Everton 4-0 in the Premier League at the weekend with Matty Cash making way for Diego Carlos.
Former Hibs favourite John McGinn’s returned to Leith as Villa captain and he heard some early boos from the home fans, but they soon had more to worry about.
Johnson had the pace of Martin Boyle, Elie Youan and Dylan Vente in attack but they got little encouragement early on.
David Marshall saved a Lucas Digne header and a deflected strike from Moussa Diaby, but Hibs succumbed in the 17th minute when Digne’s cross from the left was glanced in by Watkins to the cheers of around 1,000 away fans.
Watkins should have doubled that lead three minutes later but – unmarked – he headed a McGinn cross over the bar.
Hibs came back and there was a penalty claim in the 26th minute when Boyle went to ground in the box as he tangled with Villa’s Douglas Luiz but Spanish referee Ricardo de Burgos was unimpressed.
Villa always looked dangerous when driving forward and in the 32nd minute, when Douglas Luiz swung in a corner from the left, Diego Carlos flicked on and Watkins stole in at the back post to head into the roof of the net.
Reality had set in for the home side.
McGinn played his part in Villa’s third, sending the tireless Digne down the left and when his delightful cross floated over Marshall, Bailey nodded in from almost on the line in the 42nd minute.
There was time before the break for Watkins to narrowly miss the target with an angled-drive.
Emery replaced World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with Robin Olsen for the start of the second half and the Sweden international soon tipped a shot from Youan over the bar, but Villa survived the corner before extending their lead.
Watkins confidently slid the ball into the net from another Digne delivery after getting away from the Hibs defence. His effort was initially ruled offside only for the VAR to confirm the goal was legal.
Hibs needed to prevent further embarrassment but after defender Lewis Stevenson tripped tricky substitute Bertrand Traore in the box, Douglas Luiz knocked in the penalty.
Villa cruised the rest of the game and the demoralised home side welcomed the final whistle which to all intents and purpose signalled the end of their European hopes this season.
Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has announced his departure from the club in a video on social media.
Laporte has reportedly agreed to join Al-Nassr after five-and-a-half-years in England.
The Spain international will become the latest high-profile player to sign for a Saudi Pro League club, with ex-City team-mate Riyad Mahrez among them after making the move to Al-Ahli last month.
“Dear Cityzens, today I wanted to share a story with you,” Laporte said in a video on Twitter that went on to show a highlights reel of his time at Man City.
“This is now our history. Thank you and see you really soon.”
Centre-back Laporte added in his social-media post: “It has lasted for five-and-a-half unforgettable years.
“Plenty of memories that I will keep forever close to my heart.”
Laporte will leave the Etihad after making 180 appearances for City, with his last outing for the club off the bench during their opening-day Premier League win at Burnley.
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After being restricted to a place among the substitutes for the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and the UEFA Super Cup triumph over Sevilla, he was absent from the matchday squad for last weekend’s win over Newcastle.
The arrival of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig has further pushed Laporte down the pecking order at City.
A powerful recruitment drive by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has seen Saudi Pro League teams – all PIF-owned – sign a plethora of the world’s best players this summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson have all swapped the Premier League for the division in the Middle East during the past 12 months.
Laporte will now do the same after winning 13 trophies during his time at City, including five Premier League titles and last season’s Champions League.
Bernardo Silva has committed his future to Manchester City after he signed a new contract with the club until 2026.
Silva has again been linked with a summer switch away from the Etihad Stadium, with Barcelona reportedly chasing his signature for a number of years.
The Portugal international has ended speculation over his future for now by signing a new deal after his previous terms were due to expire in 2025.
“I’ve had six incredible years at Manchester City and I’m delighted to extend my time here,” Silva said.
“I am going into my seventh season at City. Since I arrived, I can only remember one season where we weren’t successful, so to be here until now meant trophies, meant winning a lot and I like to win. It is good to win.
“It is not easy to be a winning team. It is a very good feeling and I wanted to keep it that way.
“It has been a dream in terms of what we have achieved, the prospects of what we can still do. In six years, we have won five Premier Leagues, one Champions League and all of the cups. I couldn’t have it much better to be honest.
“What we achieved last season is something unique and we are going to try and grab that opportunity again this season.
“We heard that four in a row was never done in the Premier League before, so we want to try that because it is so tough.”
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has announced that it has extended Angus Eve's tenure as the Head Coach of the Senior Men's National Team until March 2024.
Following Eve’s instrumental role in leading the team to a well-deserved promotion to League A in the Concacaf Nations League, he is now poised to guide the team through their upcoming challenges. On September 7, 2023, the team will face off against Curacao at the iconic Hasely Crawford Stadium. Subsequently, they will embark on a journey to clash with El Salvador on September 10, 2023.
Reflecting on this extension, Robert Hadad, Chairman of the Normalization Committee, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "Angus has injected the role with unwavering stability, exceptional quality, and a profound sense of belief, all of which have resonated within the team."
He further added, "Throughout the journey, we've confronted various challenges as a united force, and it is our firm conviction that Angus is the ideal individual, embodying the right character, to lead us confidently into League A."
Eve himself shared his thoughts on this honor, stating, "Continuing to serve my country and contribute positively in this capacity is an immense privilege."
In conjunction with Eve's contract extension, the TTFA has initiated the formation of a Technical Advisory Panel, which will play a pivotal role in supporting Eve. The identities of the members comprising this panel will be conclusively determined and subsequently unveiled within the upcoming days.
Manchester City midfielder Maximo Perrone has joined Spanish side Las Palmas on a season-long loan, the Premier League champions have announced.
The 20-year-old Argentinian joined City from Velez Sarsfield in January and has since made two substitute appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Perrone has also been an unused substitute twice this term but will now continue his development with the Gran Canaria-based LaLiga club.
A statement from City read: “Maximo Perrone has joined Spanish La Liga side UD Las Palmas on loan for the 2023/24 season.”
City, meanwhile, are hoping to complete the signing of Belgium winger Jeremy Doku from Rennes.
The 21-year-old was due to complete formalities with the treble winners after they agreed a fee of £55.5million with the French club earlier this week.
Doku will become City’s third signing of the summer transfer window after the arrivals of Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol.
City have also been linked with Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes and Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace, with a move for West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta now seeming unlikely.
Manchester United have received interest in Mason Greenwood after the decision was taken for the homegrown forward to leave Old Trafford, the PA news agency understands.
The 21-year-old has been suspended by the club since January 30, 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.
Greenwood was facing charges including attempted rape and assault until the Crown Prosecution Service announced six and a half months ago that the case had been discontinued.
The forward remained suspended by United throughout that period and the club announced on Monday it had been mutually agreed he would leave following an internal investigation.
United are working with Greenwood’s family to help find the right move and PA understands the club have received multiple expressions of interest in the young forward.
Clubs in the free-spending Saudi Pro League have been strongly linked with the one-cap England international but Steven Gerrard has rubbished speculation that he could join his side Al-Ettifaq.
The former Rangers and Aston Villa manager labelled a story saying his team were considering offering the 21-year-old a deal as “fake news”, while it has been reported a move for the player is seen as too risky by Saudi clubs.
Teams in Turkey and Italy have been linked with Greenwood, who is under contract until 2025, with the option of a further year, and is understood to remain on full pay.
United boss Erik ten Hag will be asked about the investigation at Friday’s press conference previewing the Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.
Saturday’s match is set to see more protests against the ownership, with the 1958 supporter group planning an hour-long sit-in after the match as fans look to keep pressure on the Glazers.
It is now nine months since the owners announced they were conducting a strategic review, with the sale of United one option being considered.
PA understands the Glazers have been warned about an intense backlash if they do not sell following bids from Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Sources close to prospective owner Sheikh Jassim were awaiting updates on their offer as of Wednesday, so too those close to fellow bidder Ratcliffe as the interminable process drags on.
On the field, United have some squad shaping to do before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is understood to have undergone a medical and could possibly sign if back-up Dean Henderson departs.
A return to Forest had been expected earlier in the summer, but a move to Crystal Palace is potentially on the cards.
United are looking to ship out centre-back Eric Bailly and Ipswich, managed by former United coach Kieran McKenna, have made a move for left-back Brandon Williams.
Scott McTominay looks set to stay having been of interest to West Ham, who defender Harry Maguire rejected a move to last week. Donny van de Beek’s future remains unclear.
Facundo Pellistri and Alvaro Fernandez have attracted loan interest, while youngster Noam Emeran is closing in on a permanent move to Dutch side Groningen.
Georgia Stanway believes England “absolutely need” to keep Sarina Wiegman after she guided the Lionesses to the World Cup final – insisting women’s football is not a stepping stone into the men’s game for top coaches.
Wiegman has been linked with a the vacant post as head coach of the United States – or a move into the men’s game – but the Dutch manager has said she intends to honour her contract with the Football Association.
The 53-year-old led England to the Euro title at Wembley last summer but could not mastermind victory over Spain – who won the World Cup final 1-0 on Sunday.
Wiegman had achieved the same record as Netherlands boss, winning the 2017 Euros before falling short in the 2019 World Cup final ahead of taking the reins of the Lionesses.
Such success is bound to lead to interest from elsewhere but Stanway, who returns to training at Bayern Munich next week, believes it is vital that the FA holds on to Wiegman.
“Oh, we need her, we absolutely need her,” Stanway told Sky Sports News when asked about Wiegman’s future.
“She’s done amazing in what she’s done so far, even at the Netherlands and here as well – to be a female coach and obviously paving the way for female coaches.
“I think it’s amazing and to reach four finals in the last four major tournaments. Yeah, it’s class.”
The Netherlands men’s team has been a post Wiegman has been linked with in recent days, while Chelsea manager Emma Hayes is continually touted as being in the running for vacancies in the men’s game having guided the Blues to 13 major honours.
Asked if it was a compliment or a frustration that the best managers in the women’s game could be cherry-picked by men’s clubs, Stanway added: “I think it’s a bit of both.
“I think, as female footballers, we don’t want the female game to be the stepping stone for the men’s game
“We want it to be football and we want people to enjoy the fact that we play football, we enjoy it. And likewise for coaches, they enjoy coaching us and they’re the ones that are getting us to the top.
“We’re not a stepping stone and we’re trying our best to get the women’s game on the map as much as possible and we’ll continue to break barriers and see what we can do.”
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Stanway swapped Manchester City for Bayern after the Euros win last summer and collected a Frauen-Bundesliga medal in her first season in Germany.
England captain Harry Kane has made the move this year, leaving Tottenham for Munich in recent weeks – and Stanway offered him some advice.
“I think we’ll have the same German teacher but I wish him the best of luck with the language,” she said.
“Because, well, I’ve been there for a year now and I’m waiting for that click. The German teacher keeps saying it’ll click, it’ll click and a year down the line, and I’m nowhere near this click.
“I wish him the best of luck and hopefully, I’ll be able to get down to the Allianz Arena and watch some games.
“The city is lovely. The people are lovely. The German culture is so open and so welcoming and I’m sure he will feel at home straight away.”
Mary Earps has questioned Nike’s statement that defended the company’s decision not to sell replica England goalkeeper jerseys.
The Manchester United keeper won the golden glove at the World Cup, where she saved a penalty in the Lionesses’ 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sunday’s final.
Earps has become a firm fan favourite as interest in the women’s game has boomed – including the Euros success last summer.
Nike came in for criticism before the tournament when it became apparent replica Earps shirts would not be available.
In a statement released after the final, the kit manufacturer said: “Nike is committed to women’s football and we’re excited by the passion around this year’s tournament and the incredible win by the Lionesses to make it into the final.
“We are proudly offering the best of Nike innovation and services to our federation partners and hundreds of athletes.
“We hear and understand the desire for a retail version of a goalkeeper jersey and we are working towards solutions for future tournaments, in partnership with FIFA and the federations.
“The fact that there’s a conversation on this topic is testament to the continued passion and energy around the women’s game and we believe that’s encouraging.”
On Tuesday afternoon, Earps posted a screenshot of the statement on her Instagram stories, adding the comment: “@Nike is this your version of an apology/taking accountability/a powerful statement of intent?”
In a following post, Earps provided a link to a change.org petition that started in July, calling on Nike to release the goalkeeper shirt and it currently has more than 97,000 signatories.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has had his red card against Bournemouth overturned.
Mac Allister was shown a straight red by referee Thomas Bramall after catching Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie on the foot in the 58th minute of Liverpool’s 3-1 home win on Saturday.
“An independent regulatory commission has removed Alexis Mac Allister’s three-match suspension following a claim of wrongful dismissal,” read a statement posted on the FA Spokesperson account on Twitter.
“The Liverpool midfielder was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League game against Bournemouth on Saturday, 19 August.”
World Cup-winner Mac Allister’s home debut was cut short with Liverpool leading 2-1.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: “After the game I saw it back. I think if you have a list of points, what we need to give a red card, besides contact there’s nothing else, no other boxes ticked.
“It’s a decision we all agree if he gives a yellow card VAR would not overturn it and if he gives a red card VAR will not overturn it because contact means it’s not a clear and obvious mistake.”
Liverpool responded to the FA decision by saying: “A club appeal against the suspension has now been upheld by an independent regulatory commission, meaning Mac Allister is eligible for selection when the Reds travel to Newcastle United on Sunday.”
S L Horfords St. Paul’s United has, for the third straight year, defended their SKNFA FA Cup title, when they came from behind to defeat Rams Village Superstars 3-2 in the dying moments of the game recently at the Warner Park.
The match was a thrilling encounter before a sold-out crowd. St Paul’s took the lead in the 26th min through Jovaughne Leader but Village Superstars were not to be outdone and, just minutes before halftime, scored two quickfire goals through G’vaune Amory and Kimaree Rogers.
St. Paul’s never say die attitude kicked in along with a burst of rain. Keithroy Freeman equalized from a corner kick in the second half, and Vinceroy Nelson, in the dying moments of the match sealed the win.
After the match, manager of St. Paul’s Derionne Edmeade, spoke about the character of his team to win a third straight FA Cup title.
“To be honest, when we started this season, one of the things that we (spoke about) were all the championships that would be available this year. The first one was the President's Cup. For us getting that was important," he said. “So, we went in the locker room, after we gave up the goal (down 2-1); we came out the second half and we gave it all that we had," he added. St. Paul’s now set their sights on defending their SKNFA Premier League title for a third straight year, as they participate in the 2023 Super Six playoffs, which got underway on Friday.
The 2023 SKNFA Super Six Playoffs got underway this weekend with three interesting results.
SL Horfords St. Paul’s United, the defending champions, registering the only win of the postseason so far with a 2-1 victory over Newtown on Saturday night; nil all draw between Flow 4G Cayon Rockets and SOL IAS Conaree FC and a 1-1 draw between Rams Village Superstars and playoff debutants MFCR Old Road United Jets on Friday evening. All three matches were played at the SKNFA Technical Center.
After Friday’s 1-1 draw, coach of Old Road Alexis Morris, was satisfied with the result of their first-ever playoff match.
“I must also tip my hats to our fellas. We will have been working quite hard over a year now because we would have started our preseason training since August last and this is another August," Coach Moris said. “It's been quite a while that these guys have been laboring and tonight, we (exhibited) that."
Coach of Village Superstars Stephen Clarke, said the team played well, but they must minimize individual mistakes. “We expected three points today.... once we cut out the individual mistakes, we will be alright," Clarke said, adding that one point is not a bad start to the tournament.
Coach of Conaree FC Al Richards, after their nil-all draw with Cayon, commended his team’s performance.
“You know, it wasn't the result we wanted, but as I told the guys, if we can't get the win, we take the draw at all cost," he said. Assistant Coach of Cayon George Yellowman Isaac, commented on how his team played against Conaree. “For a long time, we have not played in such a competitive match and I think the fellas gave their best for both teams. Going forward I hope we have a better showing,” Isaac said.
Coach of St. Paul’s Iroy “Congo” Jeffers, spoke about the ebb and flow of the game and how St. Paul’s was able to come from behind to win 2-1.
“For the first 20, 30 minutes we were going; holding possession... the latter part of the half, we went flat, and the goal brought us back (in the game). It was a good time for us to score before halftime," he said. The SKNFA Super Six playoffs continue this week with a match today between Cayon and Old Road starting at 7 pm at the SKNFA Technical Center on St. Peters.
Pep Guardiola will be absent from the touchline for Manchester City’s next two matches after undergoing an operation to correct his “severe back pain”.
According to City, their treble-winning manager has been struggling with the injury for a while and flew out to Barcelona for an “emergency” but “routine” surgery on Tuesday.
Guardiola will remain in Barcelona during his convalescence and is expected to miss City’s matches against Sheffield United this Sunday and Fulham on September 2, with assistant manager Juanma Lillo stepping into the breach.
City anticipate Guardiola returning to the dugout after the international break for the visit to West Ham on September 16.
A Manchester City statement said: “Pep Guardiola has today undergone a routine operation on a back problem.
“The Manchester City boss has been suffering with severe back pain for some time lately, and flew out to Barcelona for emergency surgery performed by Dr Mireia Illueca. The surgery was a success, and Pep will now recover and rehabilitate in Barcelona.
“In his absence, assistant manager Juanma Lillo will oversee coaching of the first team on the training field and will assume duties on the touchline until Pep’s return.
“He is expected to return after the forthcoming international break. Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery, and look forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.”
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard admits there needs to be a period of adaption to new Premier League rules.
The Gunners won 1-0 at Crystal Palace on Monday night courtesy of a second-half Odegaard penalty but the visitors had to survive the last quarter of the game after Takehiro Tomiyasu was dismissed.
Japan defender Tomiyasu was sent off at Selhurst Park, picking up a soft yellow card for a foul on Jordan Ayew just seven minutes after being cautioned for perceived time-wasting at a throw-in.
The new remit for officiating this season has called, among other changes, for a clampdown on time-wasting – although Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta suggested a stopwatch may be needed to prevent inconsistencies in the ruling.
Odegaard, who tucked away his spot-kick after Eddie Nketiah had been tripped by Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, believes the changes will take some getting used to.
“I don’t know if it’s difficult but it’s new rules so we have to adapt,” he said.
“The first yellow card was harsh, I don’t think he (Tomiyasu) was trying to take a lot of time, he just didn’t have anyone to play to. It’s a bit tricky but we have to adapt. That’s the reality, we can’t do anything else.
“It’s easier to get yellow cards now so you have to be careful and that goes for me as well.
“It’s something to have in mind but I don’t think we should think too much about the rules. We should stay focused on the game.”
Arsenal hung on to seal victory with 10 men, meaning they are one of only three teams to have won their opening two Premier League games of the fledgling new season.
Asked if winning was more important than performances at this stage of the campaign, Odegaard replied: “It’s crucial. The start of the season is always tricky, it takes a bit of time before everyone finds their rhythm and their top form.
“So, it’s crucial to still get the three points and build on it from there. I’m very happy to win and I’m sure we’ll get better and better with every game.
“It was difficult, we had to dig deep and fight for it. When you come here you have to be able to suffer and we knew that before the game. We did that brilliantly and we deserved the three points.”
Palace struggled to truly test Aaron Ramsdale in the Arsenal goal, even when they had a numerical advantage.
Despite falling to their first loss of the season, defender Joachim Andersen felt the Eagles had held their own against one of the favourites for the title.
“I think the penalty changed the game and we did everything in our power to come back,” he said. “We did really well to do that, but we didn’t create that clear-cut chance to make the equaliser. That’s just unfortunate.
“Everyone gave everything and you could see in the dressing room people were disappointed and tired. In the end, we did what we could do.
“You could see in our game after the red card we were the only team on the pitch. We were playing around their box for almost 20 minutes, but we couldn’t create that clear-cut chance. That one goal was the difference.”
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