Skiddle's Open Goal: A Weekly Roundup of Football News and Events

Skiddle's Open Goal is our new feature designed to talk about all things football, the latest happenings in each week's round of fixtures and all the best footy-based events that can be found on the site. So without further ado, let's talk about what happened in the football world this weekend...

We can't start this without talking about Mo Salah, Liverpool's Egyptian King who scored an absolute worldie for the second game running. Poor Watford were put to the sword in what was Claudio Ranieri's first game in charge of the manager merry-go-round club where sacking always seems inevitable. The Watford players didn't even look like they were trying for most of the game. But back to Salah who kicked off this 5-0 rout with a staggering outside of the foot assist for Mane which was the peak of precision and skill. 

Yet for Liverpool's fourth, he had the defenders in knots as they were mesmerised, a quick chop back sent Craig Cathcart sliding halfway to Siberia and then the net was rippling. It was perhaps even better than his finish against Manchester City the match prior. Let's also not forget to give a special mention to Roberto Firmino who bagged himself a hat-trick. 

Another Premier League highlight this week was Manchester United's dismal display away to Leicester where a lineup of huge names failed to click in any way at all and Leicester seized upon some poor defending to run out as 4-2 winners. A Youri Tielemans lob from just outside the box was a particular highlight. In another thrilling game, Wolves came from behind to beat their rivals Aston Villa 3-2 with a 95th-minute winner.

Things have been slow for Wolves since Bruno Lage was appointed but there have been better performances in recent weeks. Villa were looking like probable winners but a blitz from the 80th minute onwards saw Wolves complete an unlikely comeback. The kind of match that makes you love football.

In Championship news, it was the South Wales derby between Cardiff and Swansea, it was the white shirts of Swansea that came out on top as they beat their neighbours convincingly 3-0 which put plenty of pressure on Cardiff boss Mick McCarthy.

We have plenty of footy related events available here on Skiddle, here are a few that you should take a look at this week.

Soccer Saturday with Paul Merson and Darren Farley

When: Friday 12th November

Where: Technique Stadium, Chesterfield

Since retiring from his playing days, Paul Merson has made a name for himself as a pundit on Sky Sports. A long-standing favourite amongst football fans, this is your chance to catch him in conversation as he discusses life stories and his career. He'll be joined by football's best impressionist Darren Farley who you may know for his brilliant Jamie Carragher impression.

This will be a night of intriguing stories and a lot of banter as you get a behind the scenes picture of what it's like to be a professional footballer.

Find tickets for Soccer Saturday with Paul Merson and Darren Farley here.

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Manchester United vs Liverpool hospitality and Q+A with Gary Neville

When: Sunday 24th October

Where: Hotel Football Old Trafford, Manchester

Gary Neville is one of the most beloved pundits on TV right now and his analysis on Sky's Monday Night Football has been a staple of the channel for years. With this hospitality package, not only will you be able to watch the biggest match on the football calendar but you'll also be treated to a full 3-course dining experience.

With champagne and a complimentary selection of beers, ciders and more, you will be absolutely treated. Then you'll also get the chance to pick the brain of a footballer who has a ridiculous list of accolades.

Find tickets for Manchester United vs Liverpool hospitality and Q+A with Gary Neville here.

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Witton Albion vs FC United of Manchester

When: Saturday 23rd October

Where: Witton Albion FC, Northwich

You don't need to be going to the biggest names in order for entertainment. Football at any level can be a thrill, so why not come down to see some action from the Northern Premier League as Witton Albion take on FC United of Manchester in a game of two teams right next to each other in the table.

It'll be a close encounter as they both scramble for higher positions in a crucial tie. 

Find tickets for Witton Albion vs FC United of Manchester here.

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An Evening With John Barnes

When: Saturday 13th November

Where: The Florrie, Liverpool

For one evening John Barnes will be heading down to The Florrie in Liverpool where the legendary England and Liverpool player will be discussing his career. There's an endless highlight reel to choose from and we hope that John can find the time to fit it all in. All tickets for this event include a free homemade pie with mash and gravy.

The night will conclude with an LFC memorabilia auction and raffle and with some live music from Matty Keenan. 

Find tickets for An Evening With John Barnes here.

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Liverpool FC Legends Night

When: Tuesday 2nd November

Where: Lanigans, Liverpool

This is your chance to catch two Liverpool legends live in conversation. With both Bruce Grobbelaar, one of the clubs most eccentric goalkeepers ever and Alan Kennedy, winner of five league titles with the club. There are so many interesting stories that are going to be told at this event.

Chaired by Ragnhlild Lund Asnes, an expert on the football club, this will be an informative and enlightening discussion that will put these two legends' careers into perspective.

Find tickets for Liverpool FC Legends Night here.

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If you're looking for more interesting events on Skiddle, check out our Things To Do page. If you want to take a look at events in your local area go on our What's On guide.