Betking_NG_The Good, Bad and Ugly.jpg

In this week’s edition of “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” we discuss Arsenal finally getting a league win over Manchester City, Union Berlin and Ajax losing games for fun, Giroud’s cameo as a goalie, and the heartbreaking injury suffered by Chris Basham. However, let’s kick things off at Old Trafford, where Scott McTominay’s heroics may have played a crucial role in saving his manager’s job. 

 

**THE GOOD…** 

**Scott McTominay Inspires Late Man Utd Comeback** 

Facing the possibility of a seventh loss in 11 games and the looming threat of a potential sack, Erik ten Hag may have found a savior in a player who was on the brink of leaving the club in the summer transfer window. Scott McTominay, introduced into the game in the 87th minute, proved to be the hero as he led United to a 2-1 win over Brentford. In a remarkable turn of events, McTominay netted two well-taken goals in the 93rd and 97th minutes, securing a crucial victory for the Red Devils.  

This comeback win, with Manchester United trailing at 92:46, represents the latest point in a Premier League game where they’ve come from behind to secure victory. It was a fitting tribute to the legendary Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, whose wife, Lady Cathy Ferguson, had sadly passed away during the week. The sight of a Scotsman delivering the win in “Fergie time” felt like a perfect homage to the iconic figure in the club’s history. This win could be the turnaround that Erik ten Hag has been praying for, and, for our esteemed online sports betting customers, we have the best odds on the Red Devils qualifying for Europe despite their slow start. 

● Bet on Man Utd to qualify for the Europa League (Top 6) 

● Bet on Man Utd to qualify for the Champions League (Top 4) 

**Arsenal’s End 12-Game Losing Streak Against Man City** 

After suffering 12 consecutive defeats to Manchester City in the league, during which they were outscored 33-5, the Gunners finally overcame Pep Guardiola’s side. It turned out to be one of the most evenly matched tactical battles we’ve witnessed in a long time, and ultimately, Mikel Arteta came out on top. In a pivotal moment that saw all 4 of Arteta’s substitutes combine, Thomas Partey executed a long pass that found Takehiro Tomiyasu, who skillfully headed the ball down to Kai Havertz and the German, in turn, provided a perfect setup for Gabriel Martinelli for the winning shot. Although Nathan Ake’s deflection altered the trajectory of the shot, Arsenal fans were unfazed by the aesthetics of the goal; their sole concern was securing the victory at any cost.  

As a result, Arsenal now shares the top spot in the Premier League with Tottenham, as both North London teams remain unbeaten in the league. One of our betting tips this season is for Arsenal to finish in the top 2 just like they did last year.  

● Bet on Arsenal to finish in the Top 2 this season 

**Chelsea’s Attack Finally Comes To Life** 

For the first time since March, Chelsea have won consecutive league games and this time, they did so in style. Following their 2-0 triumph over Fulham in the London Derby, they travelled to Turf Moore and emerged victorious with a commanding 4-1 win. Prior to Saturday’s match, Chelsea had only scored seven league goals in their first seven games, but they netted four against Burnley. A late first-half own-goal by Ameen Al-Dakhil opened Chelsea’s scoring, and three second-half goals from Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, and Nicolas Jackson allowed the Blues to secure a three-goal margin win for the first time since October. On the other hand, Burnley became the fifth team in English top-flight history to suffer five consecutive home league losses, raising concerns for Vincent Kompany and his team. 

[Bet On EPL Matches Today Including Chelsea, Liverpool And More](https://m.betking.com/sports/events/prematch/football/england/premier-league) 

● Bet On Burnley To Get Relegated 

**Another Jude Bellingham Masterclass** 

Scoring 10 goals and providing 3 assists in just 10 games is a set of statistics that strikers at the peak of their careers would die for. However, when a 20-year-old midfielder accomplishes such feats, it becomes even more extraordinary. After Real Madrid’s 4-0 victory over Osasuna, during which Jude Bellingham notched yet another brace, Los Blancos’ manager, Carlo Ancelotti, was quick to emphasize that the young star, Jude Bellingham, was a midfielder, suggesting that this remarkable scoring streak was not sustainable. It was a commendable effort to relieve some of the immense pressure on arguably the most in-form footballer on the planet at the moment. However, as he has consistently showed since his professional debut, Jude Bellingham excels when the spotlight shines its brightest. Real Madrid now sit top of La Liga as well as their Champions’ League group and you can bet on them to end up finishing top of both.  

● Bet on Real Madrid to win Group C in the UCL

● Bet on Real Madrid to win La Liga 

**Serhou Guirassy Up To 13 Bundesliga Goals**  

If, at the beginning of the season, we had told you that a player would break the Bundesliga record for goals scored through Matchday 7, you would understandably have predicted that it would be accomplished by Bayern’s Harry Kane… and you would be wrong.  

27-year-old Guinean international, Serhou Guirassy, had spent last season on loan at Stuttgart, where he scored 11 goals in 22 games. In May, the German side exercised their buy-option for him, impressed by his performances, and it’s safe to say he has more than justified their faith in him. With 13 goals in the first 7 games, which includes 3 braces and 2 hat-tricks, the Stuttgart striker has surpassed Robert Lewandowski’s record. Currently sitting in 2nd place in the standings as they head into the international break, Stuttgart is harboring dreams of achieving their first Top 4 finish since the 2008/09 season. 

[Click here to view all types of bets on Bundesliga matches](https://m.betking.com/sports/events/prematch/football/germany/bundesliga)  



**Olivier Giroud Finds A New Calling**  

If you were to visit the AC Milan website at this moment, you’d find Olivier Giroud listed as a goalkeeper for the club. The French national team has also joined in on the fun, humorously designating their all-time top scorer as a goalie ahead of the international break. This amusing situation arose because of Giroud’s remarkable performance over the weekend against Genoa. In one of the craziest endings to a match in recent memory, AC Milan was leading 1-0 in stoppage time when their goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, received a red card. With all substitutions already used, Giroud stepped up to the challenge and took over as the goalkeeper for the final few minutes. Adding to the drama, Genoa’s goalkeeper, Josep Martínez, also received a red card in stoppage time. However, since Genoa was trailing, all the pressure fell on Milan and Giroud. In a nail-biting finish, Olivier Giroud made a crucial save to deny Genoa an equalizer. In the end, Milan held on to secure all three points, sending them to the top of the league table. Sadly for Giroud, the voting for the Lev Yashin Award (for Goalkeeper of the Year) has closed, but if he keeps this up, he can make the cut for next year.  

● Bet on AC Milan to maintain their top spot and win the Scudetto 

**THE BAD…** 

**Napoli Lose At Home** 

Napoli’s season has been marked by a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and this weekend was no exception as they suffered another disappointing home defeat, this time at the hands of Fiorentina. Leading up to this match, there was a sense that this outcome was a possibility, [and our recommendation was to focus on scoring props.](https://m.betking.com/blog/betting-tips/weekend-betting-tips-arsenal-vs-man-city-brighton-vs-liverpool-more/) Our prediction was accurate, with all three bet predictions hitting. Nicolas Gonzalez, one player we identified as a potential threat, found the back of the net, increasing his season tally to 5 Serie A goals while young Italian-Nigerian right-back, Michael Kayode also put in a solid performance before being substituted. Victor Osimhen got on the score-sheet, but it proved to be just a consolation, and concerns are growing in Naples about whether the team can secure a spot in the Top 4 of the league. 

● Boosted Odds: Bet on Victor Osimhen to retain his Golden Boot 

**Union Berlin Lose 7th Game In A Row**  

Union Berlin finds themselves in the midst of a challenging period. What we initially expected to be a joyous season, following their qualification for the Champions League for the first time in club history, has taken a negative turn. Urs Fischer’s team started the season with three consecutive victories, but their recent defeat away at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday has marked a significant downturn. They have now suffered losses in each of their last seven games, leaving them just two points above the relegation zone. 

 

**The Woes of Ajax Continue** 

Following a disappointing home loss to AZ Alkmaar, Ajax heads into the international break with a record of four losses and three draws in their last seven games. The Dutch giants currently find themselves in the relegation zone, occupying the 16th position on the league table. This marks their worst start to a league season in the club’s history, causing growing concerns among fans and observers alike. The significant off-field changes, particularly the departure of Edwin van der Sar from his CEO role due to health reasons, have proven to be too challenging to overcome. According to various reports from the Netherlands, manager Maurice Steijn is on the verge of losing his job. Steijn was already an unpopular choice among supporters even before the season kicked off, and the team’s recent struggles have only intensified the scrutiny on his tenure. 


[Check Out Our Outright Markets In The Eredivisie](https://m.betking.com/sports/events/outright/football/netherlands/eredivisie)  



**An Idiotic Montpellier Fan** 

With Montpellier up 4-2 at home to Clermont Foot, and with just minutes left on the clock, all their players needed to do was to see out the game and secure all 3-points. They were on track to achieve precisely that until a fan irresponsibly threw a firework toward Clermont Foot’s goalkeeper, Mory Diaw. The firework detonated near Diaw, causing him injury. After receiving medical attention on the field, the 30-year-old had to be carried off on a stretcher. Subsequently, the game was called off following a crisis meeting among officials. The outcome of this incident is still pending a decision from Ligue 1 authorities but, there is a real possibility that what initially appeared to be a certain victory could result in zero points, all because of the thoughtless actions of an individual fan.  



[Check Here For The Best Odds For Ligue 1 Matches Across All Betting Sites](https://m.betking.com/sports/events/prematch/football/france/ligue-1) 




**THE UGLY: Chris Basham’s Leg Break** 

Sheffield United’s quest for their first Premier League victory this season faced another setback with a loss to Fulham on Saturday. However, concerns for the match result briefly took a backseat as the club’s captain, Chris Basham, sustained a devastating leg break during the game. The match had to be halted for over 13 minutes in the first half to provide treatment to the 35-year-old veteran. 

Basham’s injury occurred in what seemed like an innocuous collision with a Fulham player, but his leg appeared to become entangled in the grass, causing it to give way. Unfortunately, it is expected that Basham will be sidelined for the rest of the Premier League season, and these types of injuries are often challenging to address through surgery, as success in recovery typically hinges on whether the break was clean. 

Despite the incident, Sheffield United’s manager, Paul Heckingbottom, believes it did not directly affect his team’s performance as they suffered their seventh defeat in eight Premier League matches. Nevertheless, Heckingbottom expressed deep sympathy for his captain, drawing from his own experiences of witnessing a teammate endure a similar ordeal during his playing career.  

Sheffield United are button of the Premier League and are almost certain for relegation. At **BetKing**, you can still get value for money on this, and you can also check out other relegation betting offers on EPL teams.  

● Bet on Sheffield United to get relegated 

● Bet on Sheffield United to finish bottom of the Premier League 

[Register on BetKing](https://m.betking.com/account/registration) and start getting value for your money by betting on football matches today. 

Curious to know how the weekend's events will affect long-term betting patterns? Then read this to find out who played well last weekend!

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The Good, The Bad, And Chris Basham’s Leg Break