Weekend Review: Draws galore as Haaland leaves Manchester United feeling blue

Trading rooms were once again joyous after several draws in the Premier League, although Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Manchester United and Brighton’s thrashing of Coventry gave punters something to smile about.

Erling Haaland’s controversial goal gave manager Enzo Maresca his first Manchester derby win in what was otherwise a difficult weekend for bettors.

Of the seven fixtures on Saturday, four finished as draws, with Tottenham still unable to find the back of the net as they were held to a 0-0 against Everton and Liverpool drawing a blank against Fulham.

Elsewhere, Chelsea vs Hull and Bournemouth vs Brentford both finished 2-2, with the Tigers continuing to confound the odds.

Reigning champions Arsenal overcame Sunderland 2-0 in the Saturday night game, despite conceding their first penalty in 48 games, while Nottingham Forest downed Aston Villa 2-1 and Coventry were humbled by Brighton in Sunday’s early kick-off.

Kindred Group’s Alistair Gill said: “Another layer-friendly weekend all told in the Premier League as we managed to come out ahead in eight of the nine games played.

“Brighton’s 5-0 dismantling of newly promoted Coventry was one that brought cheers from the punters, but not a lot to shout about outside of that.

“A misfiring Liverpool being held 0-0 at home by Fulham was the best result of the match round, with draws for Spurs’ and Chelsea not too far behind.

“A solitary goal in the Manchester derby was another strong result for the book.”

Bet365’s Steve Freeth added: “Arsenal were a rare winning favourite on the coupon, but the manner of the victory meant failure on both the ‘Both Teams to Score’ and ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ markets.

“We had seven pre-game bets on Phil Foden to be sent off as Manchester City won 1-0 at Old Trafford in a game full of controversy.

“The Hull City bubble shows no sign of bursting, with another impressive showing, this time against Chelsea, as the Tigers left Stamford Bridge with a deserved point.

“Liverpool’s recent Premier League struggles at Anfield continued as they failed to land a blow on struggling Fulham in a 0-0 draw.

“The same outcome played out at Tottenham; at least this was more predictable, as goal-shy Spurs continued to disappoint goals backers before they head to Villa Park next weekend.”

BOYLE Sports spokesperson Brian O’Keeffe noted: “Manchester City took derby bragging rights despite going down to 10 men, with Erling Haaland’s controversial second-half finish proving decisive at Old Trafford.

“Arsenal, meanwhile, kept their perfect start intact with a composed win at Sunderland, underlining why they remain the favourites for the Premier League title.”

Dancing to his merry tune

Outside of the Premier League, punters who backed Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, PSG and Barcelona were delighted when all four favourites won.

Both Spanish clubs hit the back of the net four times, while Bayern won 2-1 and PSG’s three points came via a 1-0 win against Brest.

Freeth remarked: “José Mourinho had the Real Madrid superstars dancing to his merry tune as Los Blancos justified their long odds-on status with a 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, featuring a brace and an assist from Mbappe, a goal from Bellingham and an assist from Vini Junior as punters filled their bet builder boots.

“Barcelona also scored four as they won 4-2 at Levante, with Lamine Yamal bagging a brace, and the short-priced treble featuring the European giants was completed by Harry Kane firing home the winner for Bayern Munich at Elversberg.

“PSG completed the four-fold with the in-form Ferran Torres scoring early in a much-needed win for the Parisians.”

History made in Doncaster

In horseracing, Saffie Osborne became the first female jockey to win a British Classic, riding to victory on Highwayman in the St Leger.

After taking the lead with a quarter of a mile to go in the Doncaster showpiece, Highwayman eased to victory, with Enceladus taking second and Amelia Earhart taking the final podium position.

Betfred’s Alan Firkins said: “The Betfred St Leger produced a fitting piece of history on its 250th anniversary, as Saffie Osborne became the first female jockey to secure a British Classic when winning cosily on Joseph O’Brien’s French-bred colt Highwayman.

“Saffie played a leading role in last month’s Shergar Cup victory too, and is enjoying a terrific campaign on around the 70-winner mark.

“Like notably Hayley Turner and in present-day terms Hollie Doyle, Saffie is a trailblazer on the flat for the girls, and her outstanding talent has just had the best possible endorsement.”