Five talking points from the weekend’s sport
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A round-up of the best sporting moments
The return of the Football League took top billing over the weekend but there as a host of magic moments elsewhere, too.
The Coral News Team takes a look at five of the standout sporting events from the last few days.
City look in good nick
If the FA Community Shield was anything to go by, then Manchester City’s rivals have their work cut out to wrestle their Premier League title away.
Pep Guardiola’s outfit ran out comfortable 2-0 winners over Chelsea at Wembley with Sergio Aguero bagging a brace.
The Citizens looked in imperious nick, carrying on from last season’s incredible performances. And, on the flipside, Maurizio Sarri looks like he has his work cut out to get the Blues playing his way quickly.
City are Evens to beat Arsenal on the opening day.
Stokes is England’s hero
England won a dramatic first test against India at Edgbaston as the returning Ben Stokes claimed glory for the home side.
India – the world’s best test side, with the world’s best batsman in Virat Kohli – were undone in nerve-jangling fashion. Needing just 53 more runs to win in the second innings, Durham all-rounder Stokes got the vital wicket as Kohli got out LBW.
Stokes struck twice again shortly afterward to skittle India out and win by 31 runs. Joe Root’s side are now 2/7 to win the series and 11/2 to win 5-0.
Bielsa fits in nicely
The Marcelo Bielsa reign at Elland Road got off to the perfect start on Sunday evening as Leeds United sauntered to a 3-1 win over Stoke City.
It’s likely to be either a glorious or disastrous stint for the Argentine in Yorkshire. But their opening performance indicated that El Loco looks to be the perfect coach for the Whites.
Leeds settled quickly and played some stupendous football. One phase, in particular, led to the opening goal as Bielsa’s side sliced through the title favourites like butter.
They’re now 8/1 in the outright betting for the Championship.
Thomas seals Bridgestone win
Justin Thomas warmed up nicely for the defence of his USPGA title with a four-stroke win at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio.
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy was bang in contention heading into the final round, just three shots behind the American. But a +3 round saw McIlroy slip away as Thomas remained steady with a -1 final round.
The 25-year-old is 12/1 to defend his major title at Bellerive.
Cross Counter upsets Dee Ex Bee
Glorious Goodwood drew to a close on Saturday. And, the upsets were capped off by Charlie Appleby’s Cross Counter winning the Gordon Stakes.
The three-year-old comfortably beat Investec Derby second Dee Ex Bee by four-and-a-half lengths, setting a course record in the process.
Mark Johnston’s favourite just didn’t have enough in the tank. But the Yorkshire-based trainer still plans to run his charge in the St Leger Stakes next month. He’s 16/1 to win.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
