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West Brom launched a smash-and-grab raid to open their Championship campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Norwich.The Baggies were under the cosh for long periods at Carrow Road but stood firm before scoring twice late on through Aune Heggebo and Jimmy-Jay Morgan to secure an unlikely victory, although Heggebo's opener appeared to come off his hand.Norwich substitute Mathias Kvistgaarden reduced the arrears in the 90th minute but it was too little, too late for a home side who will wonder how they failed to take all three points, let alone one.The hosts took the game to their visitors from the word go and went close to taking the lead after just four minutes.Kenny McLean had a clear sight of goal after playing a sharp one two with Anis Ben Slimane on the right but Albion keeper Max O'Leary made an excellent stop to thwart the City skipper.That proved to be the clearest opening of a tight first half which the Canaries had the better of without seriously troubling O'Leary again.Defender Kellen Fisher's snap-shot from the edge of the box was comfortably dealt with and, when a cross from left looked set to produce the opener, a brilliant last-ditch clearance from Callum Styles snuffed out the danger.The Baggies defended well but struggled to produce anything in the final third, with Heggebo dragging their only real opening of the half well wide on 25 minutes.Norwich were again on the front foot at the start of the second period and it required an excellent block from Nat Phillips to deflect Ben Slimane's goal-bound effort into the side-netting.Phillips was at it again on the hour mark to prevent what looked like a certain goal. This time Paris Maghoma produced some magic on the edge of the box before setting up a glorious chance for Andre Brooks but the big defender got his imposing frame in the way.The home pressure was now incessant, with Mohamed Toure hitting an upright after wriggling his way through from the left and O'Leary then keeping out Fisher's flick after the defender had popped up unmarked at the back post.It seemed as though a home goal was inevitable but when the opener eventually arrived on 75 minutes it was at the other end as Albion made their first clear chance of the match count.Styles did well to put in Morgan through the inside left channel and his low cross was bundled over the line by Heggebo, with the hosts appealing in vain for offside. Although the ball did seem to strike his arm to cross the line.Vladan Kovacevic made a superb save to prevent Isaac Price from doubling Albion's advantage from long range eight minutes later.But after Styles had made another fine block, Albion broke upfield to make it 2-0 on 87 minutes. Morgan showed great composure after being given a clear run down the left and worked his way skilfully into the box before drilling the ball home.Norwich were not finished, however, and pulled one back as the game entered added time. O'Leary made an incredible reflex stop to deny Jacob Wright but fellow substitute Kvistgaarden was on hand to nod home the loose ball.

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Mikey Moore scored twice in Tottenham’s 3-0 home pre-season home win over Hoffenheim.The 19-year-old's second-half goals were both set up by Mathys Tel after Richarlison hit a first-half opener from Andy Robertson's cross.Four new summer signings - Robertson, Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Sensi - all made their home debuts in the win, which keeps Spurs unbeaten in pre-season.But there were some notable absentees from the victory, including Micky van de Ven, James Maddison and Mateus Fernandes.Spurs fans will be hoping some of the missing players will play a part in Sunday's final pre-season game against the same opponents in a behind-closed-doors game at the club's training ground.Roberto De Zerbi's side then open their Premier League campaign at Brentford next Saturday, live on Sky Sports.Not got Sky? Get instant access with no contractHere, Sky Sports assesses Spurs' pre-season win over Hoffenheim in their first home game since avoiding relegation in May…Two players who were linked with moves away from Spurs delivered good performances in the win.Moore was on the cusp of a loan move to Bundesliga side Cologne last week, but with that now on hold the teenager has given De Zerbi plenty to ponder with his two-goal display.The 19-year-old produced a muted celebration for his first, as he tapped in Tel's cross, but he showed his delight for his second as he deftly finished off Tel's pass.The Spurs academy graduate's destination for the new season is still undecided.Meanwhile, Lucas Bergvall looked like he might be leaving Tottenham two months ago.Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were interested in the midfielder, and it remains to be seen whether he will be at the club after deadline day.De Zerbi insists he wants to keep the midfielder after addressing the player's concerns over lack of game timeThe Sweden international has been playing regularly in pre-season, and his display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday would have encouraged his head coach.Michael BridgeAndy Robertson left Liverpool because he wanted more game time - and on this evidence he will be getting it.The Scotland international was superb on Spurs' left side in the win as he delivered cross after cross, with a pinpoint delivery for Richarlison's opener.The 32-year-old's arrival was seen as a great move for the Spurs dressing room, as he brought a wealth of winning experience, but against Hoffenheim he showed his on-field quality.With fellow left-back Destiny Udogie still yet to play in pre-season and concerns around the Italy international's fitness, Robertson has taken advantage of his absence.The ex-Liverpool defender looks nailed on to start at Brentford next Saturday for Spurs' Premier League opener - and on this form, Udogie could well find it tough to oust the man eight years his senior.Declan OlleySpurs' clean sheet in the win was largely thanks to Antonin Kinsky.The Tottenham goalkeeper made several saves to keep Hoffenheim at bay, thus proving his new number one status.Kinsky also dealt adeptly with crosses and was good with the ball at his feet, showing why he will be a great fit for De Zerbi's system.It is some turnaround for the 23-year-old since his horror show in Madrid seven months ago, and he has deservedly taken the spot of Guglielmo Vicario, who was not involved on Saturday with Juventus eyeing a move for the Italy international.Declan Olley

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Tyreece Campbell's impressive start to the new season continued as his 80th-minute goal earned Charlton a 2-1 victory over Derby at The Valley.It capped off a week to forget for the Rams after Saudi government official Turki Alalshikh's takeover collapsed on Monday.Sammie Szmodics, who had also netted in the EFL Cup loss to Lincoln, had put Derby into a lead at the halfway point.But Lloyd Jones, who signed a new two-year contract on Friday, headed the Addicks level before Campbell produced an excellent finish to seal maximum points for Nathan Jones' side.Charlton had started in positive fashion with Billy Koumetio heading wide from an early Sonny Carey corner.Karlan Grant, making his 100th appearance for the Addicks having rejoined in the summer, shot straight at Jacob Widell Zetterstrom before teeing up a chance for Carey but the attacking midfielder produced a horrible miskick in the 16th minute.Derby enjoyed a spell of possession before they went ahead.There had been a warning when Szmodics got on the end of Joe Ward's low cross but his first-time finish was saved by Charlton keeper Will Mannion. But moments later he made no mistake from inside the penalty area after being picked out by Morris.Charlton finished the first half asking a few more defensive questions and Taylor made a sliding block from a goal-bound shot by Danny McNamara. Zetterstrom also saved with his legs when Campbell attempted to squeeze the ball home at the near post.Referee Ben Speedie ignored home appeals for a penalty when Carey went down from a challenge by Lewis Travis.Szmodics, who looked to be troubled by a niggle in the warm-up, was forced off in the 54th minute. He was replaced by new signing Alex Mowatt.Charlton levelled in the 61st minute through Jones. The centre-back, captaining the side in the absence of Greg Docherty, headed home Grant's dinked cross from the left of the penalty area.Mannion, who looked nervy dealing with crosses, went full stretch to turn Oscar Fraulo's 20-yard effort around his left upright.Campbell was the most dangerous outlet for the Addicks and produced a fine strike, on his weaker left foot, to put the south Londoners in front for the first time on the afternoon.It was the 22-year-old's second goal of the season, only one fewer than he managed in the whole of the previous campaign.There were eight minutes of stoppage time added but Charlton fended off the late Derby pressure, with Morris only able to send Max Johnston's cross straight at Mannion.

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Ilias Chair scored twice as QPR came from behind to beat Portsmouth 3-1 and claim their first win at Fratton Park in 26 years.Pompey dominated the opening half an hour and took the lead through Terry Devlin's long-range screamer.But Rangers scored three times in 15 minutes before half-time to earn a first win away to Pompey since May 2000.Portsmouth named £2.5million new-boy Abu Kamara in their starting 11 while QPR handed league debuts to goalkeeper Pierce Charles and Boy Kemper.Adrian Segecic's early corner was headed wide by Conor Shaughnessy before summer signing Luke Brooke-Smith unleashed a stinging shot from 25 yards straight into the arms of Pierce Charles.Rangers' first sight of goal came in the 12th minute when Pompey failed to properly clear a corner and Chair saw his goalbound effort blocked in front of the line by Ebou Adams.Portsmouth took a deserved lead in the 15th minute when Northern Ireland international Devlin picked out the corner of Charles' net with a stunning 30-yard curler.Rangers suffered another setback when Kemper was forced off injured with only 20 minutes played.Portsmouth were inches away from doubling their lead as Kamara was close to getting on the end of Zak Swanson's teasing far post cross.The home side were clearly enjoying themselves in front of a near 21,000 sellout crowd in the south coast sunshine.The dangerous Segecic latched on to Colby Bishop's clever flick-on before whipping in a cross that Brooke-Smith could not properly connect with.Segecic then dragged a shot wide under pressure from Jake Clarke-Salter after being played through on goal by Kamara.The visitors equalised against the run of play 12 minutes before half-time when Chair was left unmarked to toe-poke home from point-blank range from Harvey Vale's cross.The home fans were left dumbfounded seven minutes later as Koki Saito's effort from just inside the penalty area took a double deflection off Devlin and Rocco Shein, totally wrong-footing goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid to make it 2-1.Julien Stephan's men extended their lead in first-half stoppage time when Chair claimed his second with another simple finish from Amadou Mbengue's cross following more awful defending.Pompey should have reduced the deficit 10 minutes into the second half when Charles passed the ball straight to Kamara but he shot tamely at the keeper with a half-open goal at his mercy.Man of the match Chair was denied an opening day hat-trick by a smart save with the legs from Schmid at his near post.Substitute Josh Murphy put a shot into the side netting and two efforts across the face of goal but the hosts never really looked like mounting a comeback.

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Josh Coburn netted a double as Millwall kicked off their Championship campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over 10-man Bristol City at Ashton Gate.The home side went a man down after 36 minutes when midfielder Adam Randell was shown a second yellow card for a foul to prevent a counter-attack.Five minutes later Coburn converted a low Ryan Leonard cross from the right with a near post volley.Coburn then doubled the advantage after 50 minutes, taking advantage of wretched defending to net unchallenged with a downward header from 10 yards.The result meant that Michael Skubala's reign as City boss has begun with two home defeats, following the shock Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two Walsall, and without his side scoring a goal.Skubala brought in Rob Atkinson at the back in place of the injured Cam Pring, along with attackers Dom Ballard and Yu Hirakawa, while Alex Neil gave Millwall league debuts to Tairyk Arconte and Jenson Metcalfe.The visitors were the better side before Randell's dismissal. Camiel Neghli shot narrowly wide and Casper De Norre headed over inside the first six minutes.Ballard sent a shot flashing wide for City from Lorent Tolaj's 12th-minute knock down, but it was a rare moment of anxiety for Millwall goalkeeper Lukas Jensen.Coburn claimed a penalty when going down as he rounded City goalkeeper Sam Tickle, but referee Lewis Smith saw no contact and booked the striker for simulation.Randell's departure, having been cautioned for a foul 13 minutes earlier, saw Millwall crank up the pressure and Coburn's goal came as no surprise as the visitors went in front.The Lions began the second half like the first and Metcalfe had a shot blocked in a crowded box before Coburn's close-range effort was saved by Tickle.City had introduced midfielder Joe Williams for Hirakawa in an effort to tighten up, but looked wide open at the back as Coburn grabbed his second.Moments later it should have been 3-0 as Arconte contrived to hit a post when unmarked following a cross from the right.Tolaj shot over in a rare City raid, but their defence looked all over the place as Metcalfe headed over.Skubala responded with a triple substitution, sending on Sam Bell, Emil Riis and Jed Wallace for Tolaj, Ballard and Sam Greenwood.Wallace was soon in the action, firing inches over from a free-kick, but the damage had already been done and Millwall could have added a third but substitute Mark Syles sent an effort wide from 25 yards.

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Super-sub Adam Idah snatched the winner with his first touch of the game as Swansea bravely battled back from a goal down to stun Stoke 2-1.The Republic of Ireland international had been on the pitch for barely a minute when he scored in the 66th minute as the Swans claimed their first win at the bet365 Stadium for over five years.Defeat was a bitter bill to swallow for the Potters, especially after Eric Bocat had fired them into a 10th-minute lead.The defender grabbed his first goal for the club on his 60th league appearance with a deflected left-foot strike.But Nigeria international midfielder Joseph Opoku snatched a 23rd-minute equaliser for the Swans, powering in with a sweet right-foot shot after some poor defending.And the hosts' frustrating afternoon went from bad to worse when Idah won it with a smart close-range finish after more questionable defending.The home side made the best possible start when left-back Bocat fired them ahead.Svante Ingelsson whipped the ball in from the left wing, Tomas Rigo collected and teed up Bocat who, having turned his marker, unleashed a left-foot shot which was deflected over goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux and into the far corner.But it was not long before the visitors were back on level terms when Opoku took advantage of sloppy defending by the Potters.Moussa Yeo crossed from the left, Zan Vipotnik got an important flick-on and there was Opoku, unmarked at the back post, to fire home with ease.Goalscorer Boucat was nowhere to be seen as the 21-year-old summer signing gladly notched his first goal for his new club.Seven minutes before the break Bosun Lawal attacked a ball at the back post but his header flew high and wide.Stoke boss Mark Robins made a change at the break with Maksym Talovierov brought on to replace Lawal.And the hosts started brightly and came within a whisker of scoring a second, but an alert Vigouroux thwarted them with a brilliant save.Sorba Thomas weaved his way into the box and looked certain to score, but Vigouroux tipped his thunderbolt shot over the crossbar.That save proved hugely important as the Swans broke on the counter-attack and Idah slotted home with his first touch.Josh Tymon's cross evaded everyone as the hosts were again caught sleeping and Idah gleefully netted his first goal of the season.Bocat had a chance to level with six minutes remaining, but his low left-foot drive was saved well by Vigouroux at his near post.

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Marquee signing Will Lankshear notched a second-half double as Middlesbrough fought back to kick off their Championship bid with a hard-fought 2-1 victory and end newly promoted Lincoln's stunning nine-month unbeaten run.The Imps - playing their first second-tier match in 65 years - made a strong start and opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Adam Reach.But former Tottenham forward Lankshear marked his first league appearance since his much-hyped move to the Riverside by equalising just after the hour and then stabbing in a stoppage-time winner.It was a devastating end for spirited Lincoln as a run of 29 games undefeated in all competitions since early December was brought to a halt in their first league match since their new joint head coach partnership of Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw stepped up to take the reins following the departure of boss Michael Skubala to Bristol City in May.Boro boss Kim Hellberg included summer signings Radek Vitek, Sebastian Berhalter, Lankshear and Kyle Joseph in his starting XI while Alpha Kante and Neto Borges were also pitched in after returning from loan stints last season at St Etienne and Bristol City respectively.The Lincoln side selected for their first Championship match since 1961 bore a far more familiar look, with all 11 starters having been part of the squad that cruised to the League One title last term.The Imps' high-intensity start paid off when they took the lead with a goal involving both of their wing-backs. Captain Tendayi Darikwa was released down the right and his firm delivery across the box was met by Reach, who arrived from the left to rasp a ferocious left-footed shot beyond Vitek from 15 yards out.Boro tried to summon a response and Leo Castledine and Kante both threatened from distance, while Adilson Malanda then saw a header held by George Wickens.The visitors remained a threat, however, and Dom Jefferies had two opportunities midway through the half.Boro cranked up the pressure towards the interval, with Lankshear threatening on a couple of occasions before Joseph's close-range shot was brilliantly pushed behind by Wickens.The hosts continued to knock on the door after the break and Lankshear had a shot blocked by Wickens before Morgan Whittaker curled a free-kick just over.Boro levelled in the 62nd minute when Callum Brittain's cross from the right was headed out by Deji Elerewe but only as far as Castledine whose angled drive across goal was diverted home instinctively from six yards out by Lankshear.It looked like the hosts were going to be left frustrated when Lankshear hit the bar in the closing stages. But Boro's new striker provided the game's decisive moment as it entered added time when he turned the ball home at the near post after brilliant work on the right by sub Riley McGree to set him up.

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Joao Pedro also continued his fine pre-season form with a double as manager Xabi Alonso offered a glimpse of what could be his blueprint for the season.But the action was overshadowed by the reaction to Fernandez's second-half appearance, less than 24 hours after Chelsea's self-imposed transfer deadline had passed.Fernandez had been keen to join Real Madrid earlier this summer before the Spanish club ended their interest.His representatives later held talks with Manchester City, but no offer was made to meet Chelsea's £120m valuation before Friday's 17:00 BST deadline.Fernandez was booed by some early arrivals at Stamford Bridge when his name was read out 45 minutes before kick-off.Chelsea's stadium announcer then opted against reading out the names of the substitutes shortly before the match, but there were audible boos when Fernandez came on in the 62nd minute.Chelsea supporters appeared divided, with others responding by chanting his name.Yet, it was a signal of Alonso and Chelsea's backing when Reece James left the field he passed his long-time vice-captain the armband as usual.Each touch of the ball was greeted by a mixture of boos and cheers, while some fans also celebrated when Fernandez was fouled.It followed attempts by some supporters to move on from a saga that appears to have ended with Chelsea now expecting to keep one of their best players.Others, however, remain unhappy with his perceived disloyalty, having come out publicly about his desire to move to Madrid, with his agent Javier Pastore also claiming he is underpaid.It will be interesting to see how supporters of the Premier League's other 19 clubs react to Fernandez, given his celebrations and social media jibes after Argentina beat England in a World Cup semi-final in July.That will remain an issue whether he remains at Chelsea or Manchester City elect to revive their interest and attempt to reunite him with his former manager Enzo Maresca before deadline day on 1 September.Chelsea say no Fernandez move as deadline passes - but is it really over?Rogers and Chelsea's blueprintIt took Rogers only seven minutes to score his first goal in a Chelsea shirt as he reacted quickest after Alex Remiro saved Joao Pedro's initial header.The £117m club-record signing from Aston Villa initially looked sharp and linked well with Cole Palmer and Pedro in Chelsea's front three.Within 10 minutes of his debut supporters were already chanting his name.However, it was understandable that he faded as the match wore on, given he had trained for less than a week since returning from holiday before his 62-minute outing.Beyond Rogers, Pedro has been the star of Chelsea's pre-season.He scored twice, heading Chelsea back in front in the 47th minute before adding a side-footed finish 30 minutes later to seal victory after Sociedad had equalised just before half-time through Jon Mikel Aramburu's volley.Chelsea lost control towards the end of the first half and looked vulnerable, but they were much improved after the break.Pedro has scored eight goals in seven pre-season matches and led the line with Rogers and Palmer operating behind him.Alonso offered a glimpse of the 3-4-2-1 formation he could use at Fulham in nine days as he took charge of a match at Stamford Bridge for the first time.It featured Robert Sanchez as the first-choice goalkeeper, with Wesley Fofana, new signing Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill forming a back three (from right to left).Pedro Neto operated at right wing-back and Marco Palestra on the left, while captain Reece James and Moises Caicedo lined up in midfield behind the front three.There was also a debut from substitute wing-back Pep Chavarria, although a number of notable players were absent.Of course, Alonso insists he won't be wedded to either of a back three or four but it was this system used as Chelsea beat AC Milan 3-0 a week ago.Chelsea still have 40 senior professionals on their books, so Alonso was forced to leave out a host of players.Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, Mykhailo Mudryk, Tosin Adarabioyo and Mamadou Sarr were all omitted despite featuring in previous pre-season matches.All are either available for transfer or attracting loan or permanent interest. Mudryk and Sarr are targeting Premier League loan moves, Jackson is available for £65m, Delap for £50m, while Tosin has interest from Benfica and Marseille.Alonso did not hold a media conference to explain his team selection, but multiple sources said it was his decision to leave them out.New signings Emmanuel Emegha, Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson, along with recalled loanee Aaron Anselmino, were also absent, seemingly through injury.Unlike the likes of Delap and Mudryk, these four were sat near the squad just behind the bench alongside third-choice goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe.There was further intrigue as Fernandez played, while new midfield signing Valentin Barco, who joined from Strasbourg, did not get on the pitch for his first appearance.It remains a significant challenge for Chelsea to trim their squad, with the club still needing to offload at least 15 players and only 17 days remaining in the transfer window to get down to 25 players.Latest Chelsea news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Chelsea - what do you want to know?

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Newcastle United changed shirts in the first half of their pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen.The hosts walked out in their black and white home kit, which has a blue trim, but decided to ditch it during the first hydration break at St James' Park on Saturday.There was an apparent colour clash with Bayer Leverkusen's away kit, which is mint with a blue pattern, so Newcastle players put on their lilac third strip instead.Newcastle progressing with move for Benfica defender DedicJaissle 'bit scared' how refs will take 'emotional' touchline style

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Chelsea ended pre-season with a mixed 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad as manager Xabi Alonso offered more clues about the formation his side could play ahead of their Premier League opener against Fulham.For a third straight match, Chelsea started with a back three, replicating Alonso's successful 3-4-3 system from his time at Bayer Leverkusen when they won the Bundesliga in 2024, as British-record signing Morgan Rogers and defender Maxence Lacroix both made their debuts.However, despite Rogers netting a tap-in within just 10 minutes, Chelsea laboured in the first-half, sitting too deep and unable to press their LaLiga opponents, who deservedly equalised before half-time through Jon Mikel Aramburu's brilliant volley after forcing goalkeeper Robert Sanchez into several saves.But Alonso sent his side out unchanged after the break and they were much improved, Joao Pedro heading in from Reece James' cross just two minutes into the half before the striker netted his seventh of pre-season late on with a tidy finish.Enzo Fernandez, though, added to Chelsea's mixed afternoon when his introduction as a 62nd-minute substitute was met by boos from some supporters following his transfer links with Manchester City, but also cheers from others who sang his name.Alonso fielded a 4-2-3-1 in Chelsea's first three pre-season games but after switching to 3-4-3 against AC Milan - their best performance of the summer in a 3-0 win - it appears he could stick with it heading into their opening match.His 3-4-3 formation is so fluid that at times against Real Sociedad it looked like Chelsea were playing with a four-man defence, with Moises Caicedo dropping into the back line to collect the ball and Wesley Fofana pushed wide on the right.Got Sky? Watch PL games on the Sky Sports appNot got Sky? Get instant access with no contractBut the clue was in Chelsea's defending: wing-backs Pedro Neto and Marco Palaestra were penned into a back five, while Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer operated as inside forwards. Three at the back also suits Maxence Lacroix, who mastered the middle centre-back position at Crystal Palace.Alonso's system did have clear issues in the first half. Chelsea sat too deep, unable to get out of their half while struggling to press Sociedad. When they tried to, the distances to their opponents were too great to cover. The difference after the break was how high Chelsea played, making their press easier and putting pressure on Sociedad. The back three dominated the ball on the halfway line and Palestra and Neto forced the wingers back.The formation remains a work in progress for now and Alonso has the flexibility within his squad to change to a four-man defence should he want to, but even when he made a flurry of substitutions in the second half, the back three remained.Enzo Fernandez received a mixed reception in his appearance in pre-season less than 24 hours after Manchester City missed Chelsea's self-imposed 5pm deadline to bid for the midfielder.It is now expected Fernandez will stay at Chelsea for the 2026/27 season with Real Madrid having also been linked after the midfielder's own admission in April that he would like to move to Madrid one day - comments that saw him dropped from the first team for two games.Then, there were Argentina's antics at the World Cup, in which Fernandez was involved, especially against England and Spain - the home countries of the two teams playing on Saturday.That said, it's hard to tell exactly who was booing and why. Was it the international connection? Or were some Chelsea fans disgruntled that he has been linked with direct rivals?There were cheers for him as well and the booing decreased as the game went on. By the end, fans were chanting 'Oh Enzo Fernandez' more than anything.What is true, though, is Fernandez remains key for Chelsea and is likely central to Alonso's thinking. The best way he can truly get the Blues back onside is by performing on the pitch.Chelsea's Premier League campaign begins at Fulham in the first Monday Night Football of the season at 8pm on August 24, live on Sky Sports.July 28: Chelsea 6-4 Western Sydney Wanderers - SydneyAugust 1: Chelsea 1-2 Tottenham - SydneyAugust 5: Chelsea 0-1 Juventus - Hong KongAugust 8: Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan - JakartaAugust 9: Johor Darul Ta'zim 3-3 Chelsea - JohorAugust 15: Chelsea vs Real Sociedad - Stamford Bridge

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Dalby and Gale fire promoted Bolton to 2-1 winKodua pounces at death as Luton beat Reading 4-3Sam Dalby and Thierry Gale scored first-half goals as Bolton beat Preston 2-1 to record their first Championship win since March 2019.Last season’s League One playoff final winners have been predicted to struggle on their return to the second tier after seven years away. But in front of a sellout 26,262 crowd at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, Steven Schumacher’s side dominated the longstanding members of this division.The only nerves came four minutes from time when Jusef Erabi headed in fellow substitute Andrija Vukcevic’s cross to halve the deficit. Liam Lindsay should have headed a last-gasp equaliser for Preston but missed from close range.That would have been harsh on Bolton. Dalby scored 14 times last season in all competitions and was soon off the mark as Wanderers started brightly. John McAtee did not have the best of times in League One last season but he quickly embraced this step up in class.Daniel Iversen should have dealt better with McAtee’s left-footed shot and the goalkeeper’s weak save only pushed the ball to Dalby, who side-footed home from 18 yards.Eleven minutes later, Wanderers deservedly doubled their advantage. McAtee’s latest pass picked out Gale who cut in from the left before unleashing a curling right-footed shot beyond Iversen’s despairing dive.North End looked to have gone three behind as Dalby headed in after 37 minutes. Instead, McAtee was adjudged to have fouled as he challenged for another assist.Bolton were dominating opponents playing in the Championship for a 12th successive season but just after the hour, Preston’s 4,400 fans were in unison as manager Paul Heckingbottom introduced his most recent signings Léo Leroy, Odel Offiah and Erabi for Pol Valentín, Jordan Thompson and Callum Lang.Still, Dalby should have settled the contest after 73 minutes with only Iversen to beat. Instead, his left-footed effort was soft and the keeper saved.Erabi made him regret that miss with his strike but Lindsay’s miss ensured Wanderers started life in the Championship with a win.There are six 3pm BST kick-offs, including Lincoln’s return to the second tier after 65 years away, with their first game a trip to Middlesbrough, the losing playoff finalists. At 5.30pm, Sheffield United host Birmingham.In League One substitute Gideon Kodua scrambled home a stoppage-time winner for Luton as they came from behind to snatch a 4-3 victory at Reading.Jack Marriott scored a superb first-half hat-trick for the Royals but it was not enough as they let slip a two-goal lead.The Hatters had taken an early lead through Jake Richards but Marriott pounced in the eighth, 31st and 38th minutes to complete his treble.Luton quickly made it 3-3 after the interval with Kasey Palmer scoring twice, and grabbed a dramatic winner in the sixth minute of time added on through Kodua.Conor Grant’s late strike salvaged a deserved point for Notts County as they held former Premier League champions Leicester 1-1 at Meadow Lane.Jayden Joseph fired Russell Martin’s men in front just past the hour, with a rare flash of inspiration from the visitors. However, Grant slid home from close range to restore parity after fellow substitute Emile Acquah’s header had rebounded off a post.In League Two there was no fairytale back in the Football League for Rochdale as they were beaten 3-0 at Newport County. Calum Kavanagh’s double gave Oldham a 2-0 win over Port Vale.

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25 CommentsBournemouth have vowed to "do better" after changes to matchday staffing were handled in a manner which "did not reflect the standards" the club expects.Concerns were raised over the way the Premier League club told some long-serving members of their matchday team that their services would no longer be required for the 2026-27 season.An email was sent from "the safety team" two weeks before the start of the season.In a statement,, external the club acknowledged those concerns and said: "We have reviewed the way these changes were communicated and recognise that it did not reflect the standards we expect of ourselves as a club."People who have given many years of service to AFC Bournemouth deserve to be treated with appreciation and respect."We are contacting those affected directly to listen to their concerns and review their individual circumstances."The Cherries made a rapid rise from League Two to the Premier League, taking just five years to reach England's top flight when they were promoted in 2015.Despite being relegated in 2020, they returned to the Premier League two years later and this season will be playing in Europe for the first time.The club reviewed its matchday staffing arrangements for 2026-27 and have made changes to a number of roles and working requirements "as we continue to strengthen the safety and security of the stadium, its perimeter and surrounding areas".Their club statement added: "These changes are important, but so too is the way we communicate with and treat the people who have served our club. We should have handled this better, and we will do better."We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to AFC Bournemouth over the years, and particularly those who have served the club for decades."One post on X, external said that a man who has been a member of Bournemouth's matchday staff for nearly 60 years received an email that was four paragraphs long, adding that it was a "disgusting approach".After saying their contracts would not be renewed, the email ended with: "We appreciate this will be disappointing news. On behalf of everyone at AFC Bournemouth, I would like to thank you for your commitment, professionalism and contribution to the club during your time with us."We are grateful for the support you have provided over the years and wish you every success for the future."BBC Sport has been told that the club reached out to the individual involved before the statement was released.He had been working in the car park but has now been offered employment for next season in a different area.Pre-match, post-match and topical Cherries contentSubscribe and listen for everything you love about the CherriesLatest Bournemouth news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Bournemouth - what do you want to know?