Skiddle's Open Goal: A Weekly Roundup of Football news and events

Manchester United fans look away in horror! Of course, we'll be talking about the Man United vs Liverpool game this week as the biggest rivalry in the Premier League was at its chaotic best this weekend. Whilst in recent years there have been times where this much-hyped game has ended in a dull draw, this time it wasn't the case.

Cue a Manchester United display that saw defending which Sunday league teams would be embarrassed to concede. Within 5 minutes, Liverpool poked holes effortlessly as Naby Keita prodded home the opener. It was then Diogo Jota's turn to slide in from close range to put Liverpool 2-0 up within 13 minutes. 

Then it just kept getting worse as Mo Salah decided to continue his current run of form to score in ten consecutive games. Not only did he score but he just wouldn't stop, taking advantage of more atrocious defending to tap in just before halftime. He put United to the sword in the second half by completing his hat-trick after a world-class Jordan Henderson pass. Ole is at the wheel and whilst he is, every single Premier League fan will be looking forward to playing Manchester United

In other news, one of the title favourites Chelsea continued their impressive start by thumping Norwich 7-0. The Canaries look absolutely hopeless at the moment and are surely certain for relegation, the quality just doesn't seem to be there. In a surprise twist, Everton were stunned by Watford who scored 4 goals in the final 12 minutes to completely blow them out of the water with a 5-2 victory. Maybe Claudio Ranieri has finally unlocked the talent of that squad.

In the Championship, West Brom continued their impressive start by completing an easy 3-0 victory over Bristol City. Bournemouth and Fulham also wrapped up easy wins as the early contenders start to emerge from the pack. It looks like we're definitely going to be seeing some familiar faces in the Premier League next season again.

It's all looking tight at the top of the Scottish Premiership as only 4 points separate the top four, Rangers, Dundee and Celtic all won this weekend whilst Hearts could only manage a draw. It may be one of the most exciting seasons up in Scotland for a while as other teams look to go up against Celtic and Rangers.

In one of the best highlights of the weekend, League Two side Bradford City subbed on striker Theo Robinson late in the second half and he proceeded to get immediately involved in the game by picking up the ball and sweetly striking it into the top corner from the edge of the box, which was pretty much the very best you can ask for a super-sub as they ran out 3-1 winners against Swindon.

Player of the month

As we're at the end of the month, we're going to pick a player who has excelled above all else throughout October. Let's be honest we've waxed lyrical about him for two weeks on the bounce so it was always going to be Mo Salah who simply can't stop scoring at the moment and has put himself in contention for the Ballon d'Or. Liverpool will be hoping that this long continues as they look to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League this season.

We have lots of footy related events on Skiddle for you this week, take a look at them below.

Manchester United vs Manchester City hospitality at Hotel Football with Gary Neville Q+A

When: Saturday 6th November

Where: Hotel Football Old Trafford, Manchester

The Manchester derby is one of the biggest games in the football calendar and this season is just as important as ever. Manchester United are in desperate need of a win and getting one over on their rivals would clear up the dark skies around Old Trafford nicely. Yet, Manchester City are on the title charge yet again and every point is vital as Chelsea and Liverpool will be pushing them all the way.

You can enjoy this game in hospitality where you'll be treated to a three-course dining experience, champagne and even a chat with Gary Neville after the game who will either be delighted or despairing at United's performances this season yet again.

Find tickets for Manchester United vs Manchester City Hospitality at Hotel Football here.

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Hanley Town vs Stourport Swifts

When: Saturday 13th November

Where: Hanley Town Football Club, Stoke On Trent

In this home fixture for Hanley Town, they will be taking on Stourport Swifts who are 15th in the Midland football league. With Hanley occupying the top spot at the time of writing, you may think that this is going to be a walkover, if only football was so easy! Hanley will still have to be switched on and at their best.

So head down for some local amateur football, you don't need to see the big names in order to have a great time.

Find tickets for Hanley Town vs Stourport Swifts here.

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Hastings United vs Ashford United

When: Tuesday 26th October

Where: The TGS Pilot Field, Hastings

Hastings United vs Ashford United is going to be a tasty affair as the rivals look to get the better of each other. Just four points separate the sides, with Ashford up in third and Hastings 6th in the table. This is a key fixture that could come to define the season ahead and there'll be plenty of action.

Will Hastings crawl ever closer to overtaking their rivals? Come down to the game to find out.

Find tickets for Hastings United vs Ashford United here.

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Caernarfon Town vs Barry Town

When: Saturday 30th October

Where: Yr Oval Caernarfon

As it stands, Caernarfon Town and Barry Town are right next to each other in the Welsh Premier League table. With both teams looking to lift themselves from the middle closer to the top, the scramble for points is more important than ever. This means that they'll both be up for a scrap in this game.

Come down for a match that will see both teams pushing themselves all the way.

Find tickets for Caernarfon Town vs Barry Town here.

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An Evening with Paul Merson and Matt Le Tissier

When: Thursday 3rd March 2022

Where: The Allendale Centre, Wimborne

For one night only, come down to see two Premier League legends and Sky Soccer Saturday pundits Paul Merson and Matt Le Tissier in conversation. They will spend a night telling stories of their careers and the experiences they had as footballers for iconic football clubs and their time spent in the England team.

It's going to be a fascinating day and there will surely be laughs with these two big personalities in the same room together.

Find tickets for An Evening with Paul Merson and Matt Le Tissier here. 

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 For more football events head over to our Thing's To Do page. If you want events in your local area, our What's On guide will let you know the best events that are happening.