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Grealish and Haaland destroy Wolves as Man City go top

WOLVERHAMPTON, United Kingdom: Jack Grealish scored his first goal this season and Erling Haaland extended his record-breaking hot-streak as Manchester City powered to a 3-0 win over 10-man Wolves on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side needed just 56 seconds to take the lead at Molineux as Grealish finally enjoyed a day to remember after a difficult time since joining City from Aston Villa last year. Haaland doubled City’s advantage with his 14th goal in 10 games in all competitions following a £51 million ($58 million) move from Borussia Dortmund that already appears a bargain.

Barcelona open women’s season with a win after referee strike

BARCELONA: Reigning Spanish women’s champions Barcelona opened the new professional top flight Liga F with a 2-0 win over UDG Tenerife on Saturday.The first round of fixtures was postponed last weekend because of a refereeing strike, with a new pay deal reached between Liga F and the officials on Wednesday night.English summer signings Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh, both arriving from Manchester City, made their debuts for Barcelona, along with 16-year-old midfielder Vicky Lopez and Brazilian striker Geyse Ferreira.The latter, signed from Madrid CFF, broke the deadlock in the 61st minute with a freak goal, deflecting a clearance from the edge of the area into the net.Caroline Graham Hansen rifled in the second with a long-distance strike as Barcelona settled into a more comfortable rhythm after a disjointed first half.Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, out for the season after suffering an ACL injury in the summer, watched from the stands at the Johan Cruyff stadium as last season’s Champions League runners-up saw out the game comfortably in her absence.

Gerrard reveals Prince of Wales sent support of message to Villa

LONDON: Steven Gerrard has revealed the Prince of Wales found time to send a message of support to Aston Villa while he mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II. William is preparing for his grandmother’s funeral on Monday after the monarch died aged 96 on September 8. But the life-long Villa fan still offered his backing to Gerrard and his struggling team ahead of their vital 1-0 win over Southampton in the Premier League on Friday.