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Bethany Minelle, news reporter
Sep 12
Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne: Who are Reform UK's two mega-donors?

The hefty donations from Mr Delo and Mr Harborne have renewed calls for increased scrutiny of UK political campaign finance. There is currently no cap on the amount of money that UK-based donors can give to political parties. So, who are these two super-wealthy men? Ben Delo The 42-year-old British cryptocurrency billionaire was born in Sheffield and diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome - a form of autism - as a child. He studied mathematics and computer science at the University of Oxford, graduating with double first-class honours. Initially working as a software engineer at IBM in London, he then moved into financial services, relocating to Hong Kong for his role at JPMorgan. With regard to his current location, Reform deputy leader Richard Tice confirmed to Sky News that Mr Delo has "moved back or is literally moving back" to the UK from Hong Kong. In 2014, Mr Delo co-founded cryptocurrency platform BitMEX. In 2022, he was convicted in the US of a Bank Secrecy Act violation, before being pardoned by President Donald Trump last year. A self-described philanthropist, Mr Delo became one of the youngest ever signatories of The Giving Pledge in 2019, committing to giving away the majority of his wealth during his lifetime, donating to causes including maths education, free enquiry and academic freedom, the Commonwealth, and neurodiversity. In a 2025 article, Mr Delo wrote for The Spectator, announcing his support for the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences. He wrote: "I'm not interested in art auctions or superyachts. I'm interested in backing ideas that scale - and truth should scale better than anything else." Mr Delo says he has given Reform the record £36m donation to ensure a "fair fight" at the polls. He made the payment up front to avoid attempts to block it. The £36m figure represents £1m a month between now and the latest possible date of the next general election in 2029, according to the Daily Telegraph. Writing for the newspaper, Mr Delo said: "Unlike the people who express mock concern for the health of 'our democracy' while doing everything they can to keep it as a cartel, I want a fair fight and a level playing field. "My conclusion from Reform's recent troubles is that they should spend less time trying to raise funds to compete on equal terms and more time preparing for government." Christopher Harborne Billionaire Christopher Harborne, 63, has donated millions to Reform UK over the years, with his previous largest donation a £9 million gift in August last year. That has now been trumped by his £36m donation, matching that of Mr Delo. Born near Sheffield and educated at the fee-paying Westminster School, he studied engineering at Cambridge University, where he was a keen rower. Describing himself on his LinkedIn profile as an "engineer, pilot and investor", he made his money in the aviation field, defence and investment, and in cryptocurrency. Based in Thailand since 1996, he has a second Thai name - Chakrit Sakunkrit, as well as a Thai passport, and a wellness resort on Koh Samui. Writing in the Telegraph about his record donation to Reform, Mr Harborne said the party required funds for its infrastructure, saying it "needs more money than can be provided by membership fees alone". He added: "What do I expect in return for my donations? Nothing, personally. No peerage, no policy change, just a party that is ready for government. "I have already accumulated enough wealth for the rest of my life. I am now committed to putting that to work for Britain and humanity as a whole." He previously made large donations to the Conservatives under Boris Johnson and accompanied the former prime minister on a two-day trip to Ukraine in 2023. Mr Harborne has also previously given to Nigel Farage's private office. An investigation is currently underway into a £5m gift given by Mr Harborne to Nigel Farage in 2024, before he became an MP. On another occasion, he donated more than £60,000 to the Reform leader, flying him out to Donald Trump's second inauguration.

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No Writer
Sep 9
EastEnders star Shane Richie pleads not guilty to drink-driving

The 62-year-old, best known for playing Alfie Moon in the long-running soap, faces a trial next year. He appeared by video-link before Colchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday under his real name, Shane Roche. The actor spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address and to enter his plea. The video-link to the court briefly dropped out, but when the connection returned he said: "Sorry, I'm in a hotel up north." Richie, of Tadworth, Surrey, is accused of driving a white Hyundai car in Church Langley Way, Harlow, Essex, while above the legal limit for alcohol on 29 July. He is alleged to have provided a breath sample of 65 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol. Vladimir Silea, prosecuting, said police attended a Tesco petrol station in Church Langley Way at 11.15pm where Richie was arrested and taken to Harlow police station. Read more from Sky News:Oil rises above $100 a barrel as Middle East conflict escalates'Very hot' drinks can increase risk of cancer, study finds He said that officers "commenced the drink and drug-driving procedure" at the police station, and the lower reading provided was of 65 micrograms of alcohol. Deputy District Judge Christopher Maynard bailed Richie until 17 November 2027, when he is due to stand trial at the same court. Richie, who came fourth on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2020, has also hosted a number of TV game shows and appeared in pantomimes.

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No Writer
Sep 12
Trump calls for Irish reunification - and claims 'it will happen eventually'

Speaking to the press during a two-day visit to Ireland, the US president said a unified Ireland would be "a great feather in everyone's cap", before later asking: "How can it be bad?" Mr Trump had been asked by a reporter for his views on Irish reunification. "I'd love to see it unified," the president said. "It's going to happen eventually. It may as well happen now." Referencing the Irish premier, Micheal Martin, who sat beside him ahead of talks at the Farmleigh Estate in Dublin on Saturday morning, Mr Trump added: "We're talking about it and you got the right man over here to get it moving. "But, yeah, I think it would be a fantastic thing." He doubled down on his comments while speaking at the US embassy in the city afterwards. "I actually said it would be, I think, a very cool thing," Trump said. "To be honest with you, I think it would be cool." Read more from Sky News:Boy found clinging to capsized boat off AlaskaWhy getting pregnant can be a death sentence in Afghanistan Reacting to the remarks, Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris said they showed "how much the conversation about a unified island is advancing at home and abroad". In Westminster, Northern Ireland secretary Sir Chris Bryant shared screenshots of legislation from the Good Friday Agreement as "a quick refresher" of the political settlement existing in the country. Irish President Catherine Connolly, a long-standing critic of the US president, received Mr Trump at her official residence Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park earlier in the day. Mr Trump's visit has prompted what has been described as one of the biggest security operations ever put in place by the Irish police service. During his appearance with Mr Martin, Mr Trump said the relationship between Ireland and the US has "never been as good as it is right now".He described himself and Mr Martin as "friends", and said they "had a great relationship from the beginning". Mr Trump later flew aboard Air Force One across the country to his golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, which is hosting the Irish Open. He was pictured with his two sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., watching play on Saturday afternoon. Earlier this year, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham sparked a political row on the island of Ireland when he said a unity referendum is "off the table". Under the terms of the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, the UK Northern Irish secretary is obliged to hold a border poll if he believes unification will be supported by a majority of voters. To effect constitutional change, the people of the Republic of Ireland must also vote in favour. Republican party Sinn Fein has boycotted the annual St Patrick's day visit to Washington for the last two years over the Trump administration's stance on the Middle East, but Northern Ireland's leading unionist parties, the DUP and UUP, have continued to attend and engage with the US president.

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David Currie at Edgbaston
Sep 12
England clinch Test series sweep of Pakistan: Joe Root and Jordan Cox steer hosts to eight-wicket win at Edgbaston

The thought of England losing the Test match would have been unthinkable when Ollie Robinson reduced the visitors to 0-2 on the second evening - Pakistan still trailing by 320 at the time - but it looked a genuine possibility when the hosts themselves lost two in their first over to start the fourth morning. Ben Duckett (0) signed off a miserable series by nicking off first ball to Mohammad Abbas (2-27), who added Emilio Gay (0) lbw to finish a stunning opener. Scorecard: England vs Pakistan, third Test at EdgbastonEngland vs Pakistan - as it happened on day four in BirmingamListen to episodes of the Sky Sports Cricket PodcastNot got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream cricket with no contract But any fears of England succumbing to a calamitous defeat were soon dispelled by their skipper as Joe Root (62no) struck a fine fifty, sharing an unbroken 128-run partnership with Jordan Cox (59no), who notched his third half-century late on, to secure victory in 24.2 overs. Pakistan, meanwhile, will be left wondering would could have been, had Mohammad Ali not overstepped when bowling Root for 23 - dragging onto his stumps off a no-ball - with England just 35-2 at the time. Will England stick with Cox for South Africa? Cox's knock will have aided his hopes of retaining a spot in England's starting XI when the Test team are next in action for the three-match tour of South Africa, starting on December 17. Jacob Bethell - injured for the Pakistan series - is expected to return to the side, but could he or Cox open the batting instead of Gay? And were Gay to retain his place at the top of the order, Cox could yet fill in at wicketkeeper instead of Jamie Smith, who didn't keep during Pakistan's second innings due to an injured finger - though he has three months for that to sufficiently heal. Pakistan were briefly hopeful of successfully defending a total of 130 or less in a Test match for the first time since 1993, when New Zealand were bowled out for 93, chasing 127, at Hamilton. The last such instance of 130 or less being defended in England was when England set Australia 124 in the 1997 Ashes at The Oval and bowled them out for 104. Pakistan unearth gem in Razaullah after series of struggles In what has otherwise been a dismal series for Pakistan, they at least leave having shown some fight in this final Test by taking things into a fourth day and setting a target that briefly troubled England. Also, in 21-year-old Razaullah, they have certainly unearthed a raw gem. The debutant knocked over England's all-time leading run-scorer Root in the first innings with just his fourth ball in Test cricket, on his way to a four-wicket haul, while his exploits with the bat on the third evening will live long in the memory. When Pakistan's eighth second-innings wicket fell, they still trailed by two runs - England looking set to clinch their series sweep inside three days - before Razaullah proceeded to smash 81 off only 63 balls, clearing the ropes a staggering nine times to equal Tim Southee's record for a debutant. Ultimately though, England are well deserving of the 3-0 series scoreline to herald Root's return as Test captain following Ben Stokes' international retirement earlier in the summer. Root pleased with how England have dealt with 'chaos' England Test captain Joe Root: "The amount of uncertainty, noise and I guess chaos there was coming into the series, the way the guys have dealt with that - being so clinical with what we've had in front of us - and be stood here with a 3-0 win is really pleasing. "We were clinical towards the back end there, a big partnership to see us home. It's exactly the sort of thing we're after and puts us in a nice place going into the winter. "From 2-2, to be able to see that home with two guys set at the end, is a step forward in the right direction. "The fact that everyone is contrubuting shows that they're good enough to perform at this level, which is a really good thing. "We'll have different challenges in the winter and different surfaces, but can we keep taking strides forward as a group? Guys going on and making big contributions [hundred] will be one of them. That being said, we still made 400 twice in these testing conditions." Butch: A lot of good things about England Sky Sports Cricket's Mark Butcher: "They were made to sweat for it at times, which is a good thing. "It gave England pause for thought at times when it comes to differing conditions in Test matches - particularly with regards to South Africa and the ball not moving laterally as much. "Perhaps a slight concern about the lack of centuries by the batters, but there was a lot of good things about England this Test match series. "They weren't given much of a challenge for most of it, which is why yesterday was such a pleasing day as far as the summer is concerned." Urooj: Major problems for Pakistan cricket Sky Sports Cricket's Urooj Mumtaz: "There are problems with Pakistan cricket, major problems. They lost this series, drew in the West Indies, lost to Bangladesh at home, where their record isn't particularly good. "They have now lost 11 out of 12 away from home and 15 out of the last 20 Test matches. Those are telling figures, as were the size of England's wins. "Pakistan maybe had just one good day of cricket in the Test series. There are ingredients to work with but a lot needs to be done right for longer periods of time if there is to be a brighter Pakistan future." England vs Pakistan - series resultsFirst Test (Headingley) - England won by innings and 103 runsSecond Test (Lord's) - England won by 194 runsThird Test (Edgbaston) - England won by eight wickets Watch every England match during the international summer live on Sky Sports, including the white-ball series' against Sri Lanka, starting with the first T20I on Tuesday. Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream contract-free with NOW.

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No Writer
Sep 12
Trump calls for Irish reunification - and claims 'it will happen eventually'

Speaking to the press during a two-day visit to Ireland, the US president said a unified Ireland would be "a great feather in everyone's cap", before later asking: "How can it be bad?" Mr Trump had been asked by a reporter for his views on Irish reunification. "I'd love to see it unified," the president said. "It's going to happen eventually. It may as well happen now." Referencing the Irish premier, Micheal Martin, who sat beside him ahead of talks at the Farmleigh Estate in Dublin on Saturday morning, Mr Trump added: "We're talking about it and you got the right man over here to get it moving. "But, yeah, I think it would be a fantastic thing." He doubled down on his comments while speaking at the US embassy in the city afterwards. "I actually said it would be, I think, a very cool thing," Trump said. "To be honest with you, I think it would be cool." Read more from Sky News:Boy found clinging to capsized boat off AlaskaWhy getting pregnant can be a death sentence in Afghanistan Reacting to the remarks, Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris said they showed "how much the conversation about a unified island is advancing at home and abroad". In Westminster, Northern Ireland secretary Sir Chris Bryant shared screenshots of legislation from the Good Friday Agreement as "a quick refresher" of the political settlement existing in the country. Irish President Catherine Connolly, a long-standing critic of the US president, received Mr Trump at her official residence Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park earlier in the day. Mr Trump's visit has prompted what has been described as one of the biggest security operations ever put in place by the Irish police service. During his appearance with Mr Martin, Mr Trump said the relationship between Ireland and the US has "never been as good as it is right now".He described himself and Mr Martin as "friends", and said they "had a great relationship from the beginning". Mr Trump later flew aboard Air Force One across the country to his golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, which is hosting the Irish Open. He was pictured with his two sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., watching play on Saturday afternoon. Earlier this year, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham sparked a political row on the island of Ireland when he said a unity referendum is "off the table". Under the terms of the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, the UK Northern Irish secretary is obliged to hold a border poll if he believes unification will be supported by a majority of voters. To effect constitutional change, the people of the Republic of Ireland must also vote in favour. Republican party Sinn Fein has boycotted the annual St Patrick's day visit to Washington for the last two years over the Trump administration's stance on the Middle East, but Northern Ireland's leading unionist parties, the DUP and UUP, have continued to attend and engage with the US president.

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No Writer
Sep 9
Channel 4 confirms cut to a quarter of its workforce under 'transformation' plan

The broadcaster said it had done a "comprehensive review" earlier in the year and found a need for a "change in how the organisation operates". It said its new structure would "greatly reduce non-programming spend" and reduce management layers, simplify decision-making and remove duplication. The changes come nearly two years after it axed 200 roles under Alex Mahon's leadership. Current Channel 4 chief executive Priya Dogra - who joined from Sky in March - said the broadcaster was a "precious asset which plays a unique role in the UK". "We need to secure and own our future so we can continue to make shows others won't, reach audiences others can't, and thrive as a distinctive and disruptive British voice for future generations," she said. Ms Dogra said Channel 4 needed a "fundamental transformation in how we work" to deliver programmes audiences want to watch and "deliver its future strategy". She added: "I know the proposals we are announcing today will be very difficult for many colleagues and will have a significant impact across the organisation. Many talented people who have made an enormous contribution to Channel 4 will be leaving as a result." The cuts equate to 28% of the company's workforce. Read more:Hundreds more UK flights cancelledBody found in search for missing teen Ms Dogra said the job losses had not been taken lightly but were needed "to create a simpler, more focused and more sustainable Channel 4". Channel 4's chair, Geoff Cooper, said it would mean a "more sustainable and resilient organisation" that could maximise investment in content. A formal consultation with staff over the cuts will take place and the broadcaster said more details on its future strategy would be shared in the coming months.

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No Writer
Sep 11
Why did Burnham choose Israel for his biggest moment yet?

Ed Milliband made a bold statement in the Commons this week - UK government sanctions on Israeli settlements. But is there more to the timing of this? Harriet makes the case for why it's principled rather than political, and Beth, Ruth and Harriet dig into another question underneath the policy - is this a rebuke of Keir Starmer, and did his government simply not move fast enough? And the response from Britain's Jewish community, and whether Ed Miliband needs to do more on this now. We also go further into Reform's woes, following on from our members' episode this week. As the Metropolitan Police widens its investigation into party donations after Channel 4's undercover documentary, former Conservative-turned-Reform member Tim Montgomerie joins the ladies fresh from quitting the party to explain why he thinks the court around leader Nigel Farage is starting to crack, and whether Reform has already peaked. To listen without ads, get new episodes a week early, exclusive bonus episodes, and much more, become a Sky News Insider. Find out more and subscribe at https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunction Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.

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No Writer
Sep 12
Liverpool fail Fulham test as Chelsea's defensive problems continue to hamper their title challenge credentials - Premier League hits and misses

Attack vs defence - Alonso needs to focus on the latter Much of the talk surrounding the Chelsea team that Xabi Alonso is in the midst of creating is what they are capable of in attack. How can you stop JP Morgan? Match report and free highlights: Chelsea 2-2 Hull As it happened | Teams | Stats No one has been able to stop them from contributing at least one goal per game this season, but you can't bank on them to get you out of footballing bankruptcy if you can't keep clean sheets. It is a problem that has impacted the Blues for some time, not just under Alonso. This is the 20th Premier League game in a row their defence has been breached. The signing of a World Cup winner and multi-time Yashin trophy winner in the form of Emi Martinez is all well and good. However, if he has defenders not doing the basics in front of him, he may as well be Robert Sanchez. The 1.32 xG that Hull managed was a fair reflection of how dangerous they were at times at Stamford Bridge. And it wasn't like they carved open the hosts. Most of the time, they had chances put on a plate. The potential in attack is obvious, and certainly exciting. However, Alonso needs to tap into his learnings under Jose Mourinho and make this Chelsea side much tougher to score against if he wants to challenge.Callum Bishop Liverpool fail their Fulham test There were celebrations at Anfield on Wednesday when Andoni Iraola picked up the first Champions League win of his coaching career against Atletico Madrid. But that win was always going to come at some point this season. There was a bigger question. One of the themes of this Liverpool season was always likely to be how the new coach would be able to cope with an increased schedule, having impressed at Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth without the added challenge of European commitments. Match report and highlights: Liverpool 0-0 FulhamAs it happened | Teams | Stats | Watch FREE PL highlightsLatest news and rumours: Liverpool | Fulham This was the first test of that and Liverpool did not pass it. They were unable to play at the tempo that Iraola usually demands, starting slowly and struggling to raise the level. Fulham were well worth their first point of the campaign and looked as likely to win it. Iraola's unbeaten run as Liverpool boss continues, one that extends back to the first week of January for him personally given his exploits with the Cherries. But home games against Nottingham Forest and Fulham have yielded only two points. More is needed. Asked in the press conference whether the fatigue explained Liverpool's performance, Iraola replied: "In the end, this is the easier one, for me, for you, for everyone - our players were tired. I think there is a lack of freshness, definitely. We cannot hide it. "I think it's the worst turnaround in terms of 60-something hours between the games, after a very big game the other day. But this is going to happen more times, maybe with one more day, maybe." The onus is going to be on Iraola to find the answers.Adam Bate Is Raya the world's best goalkeeper? Bruno Guimaraes didn't hesitate when asked after Arsenal's 2-0 win over Sunderland whether he sees David Raya as the best goalkeeper in the world. "Definitely," he said. The midfielder's sensational goal completed a remarkable two-minute turnaround at the Stadium of Light but it was Raya's brilliant penalty save from Enzo Le Fee that made it possible. Arteta was adamant the spot kick should never have been awarded. But Raya's sole focus was to stop it from going in. Le Fee, who scored a penalty last weekend, struck it well. Raya, though, showed his athleticism, diving low to his left to make the save. It was a brilliant piece of goalkeeping and there were plenty of other examples over the course of the 90 minutes. Sunderland are about as physical as opponents come but Raya dominated his penalty box, claiming crosses and exuding calm. His late save to deny Nordi Mukiele, following a fabulous centre by Granit Xhaka, when Arsenal were still only a goal up, was another crucial intervention. And he was straight back up on his feet to scramble away the follow-up. Raya is always alert to danger. He had to settle for a place on the bench with Spain at the World Cup. But there can be little doubting his status as the Premier League's best, if not the world's, and his value to his team-mates and manager is abundantly clear. He was Arsenal's difference-maker - and not for the first time.Nick Wright Millions spent, but where is Spurs' goalscorer? It doesn't take a genius to figure out where Tottenham's biggest concern lies right now. You can't win games if you don't score goals. That's why Spurs haven't won a league game this season, after going 400 minutes without finding the net. They have so many creative players, all of whom were on the pitch against the Toffees. Yet the man who they need to score the bulk of their goals was anonymous. Or at the very least, wasn't found. Match report and highlights: Tottenham 0-0 EvertonAs it happened | Teams | Stats | Watch FREE PL highlightsLatest news and rumours: Tottenham | Everton Dominic Solanke's fitness for Tottenham feels imperative. As the only out and out number nine available to De Zerbi, the Englishman has to be picked when fit. Purely because it seems Spurs don't have a choice. However, whether it be rustiness following his latest setbacks or another reason, Solanke didn't offer anywhere near enough as the number nine. He managed just 19 touches. That's less than Kinsky in goal. More worryingly, he had zero shots. If the man whose job is to find the net isn't even letting fly at it, no wonder Spurs are struggling in the final third. Only De Zerbi can answer if the reason for this is because his team-mates aren't utlising him enough, or if Solanke can't be relied upon to be the replacement to Harry Kane. Of course, replacing Kane is practically impossible. But, in the three years since he left for Germany, Solanke is the only one Spurs have splashed the cash on to fill his shoes. While reinforcements were clearly needed across the pitch after last season, the fact a fitter, more reliable striker wasn't on the agenda is a concern. And it's biting Spurs now. They can't get an improvement until January now, so De Zerbi has to find a way to get Solanke more involved.Callum Bishop Are Rose's Bournemouth unlucky or do they have a deep issue? Bournemouth are now the first team to lead in each of their opening four Premier League games of a season and fail to win any of them. Marco Rose said it was clear after their Newcastle draw that game management was something they needed to remedy. You can't help but feel a touch sympathetic for a side freely creating as they are. Match report and highlights: Bournemouth 2-2 BrentfordAs it happened | Teams | Stats | Watch FREE PL highlightsLatest news and rumours: Bournemouth | Brentford They took 20 shots with 10 being on target, while Brentford only tested Dorde Petrovic's goal twice. You'd expect two goals in the game off those statistics alone. The concern will be the speed at which they allowed Brentford back in though. Against Brentford, they went 2-1 up and conceded again within three minutes. Brentford didn't have to wait long to find a way back into the game, and that's becoming the recurring theme for Bournemouth. There's clearly enough in this team to win football matches. But until they can control those periods after scoring, and prevent opponents from immediately regaining momentum, they're going to keep leaving points on the table. Four games, four leads, no wins. Welcome to the Premier League, Marco Rose.William Bitibiri Hull not the only newly-promoted team going well When they first returned to the Premier League in 2024/25, it was 16 games before Ipswich had recorded two wins. This time around, it has taken just four. They beat Sunderland on the opening day, took the lead against Man Utd at Old Trafford the following week - before an eventual 5-2 defeat - and recorded a higher xG than Liverpool in the 2-0 loss last time out. Match report and highlights: Crystal Palace 2-3 IpswichAs it happened | Teams | Stats And against Crystal Palace, both Emersonn and Leif Davis' headers were all too easy. Axel Disasi's sending off gave them an extra boost, but they took advantage when opportunities presented themselves. When Palace's equaliser made it 2-2, they did not go all out, desperate for the winner; they just waited, exercising patience, with the belief the winner would come, which it eventually did. While taking three points at Selhurst Park was impressive, equally - if not more so - was the fact it was the third time in the four games they have played that they have conceded less than 0.70 xG. Fellow newly-promoted side Hull are taking all the plaudits for their start on their return to the Premier League, and rightly so - but, out of the spotlight, Ipswich are going well, too.Dan Long Aston Villa's attacking process is a concern Aston Villa managed just seven shots against Nottingham Forest. That is the third-lowest shot count they have posted in 59 home league games under Unai Emery. It wasn't just that Villa failed to score more than once. It was the manner of their attacking play. Everything looked difficult. There was a lack of fluency, a lack of penetration and a lack of ideas. You can understand some of it. Villa have undergone significant change this summer and it takes time for new players to understand each other's movements, particularly in the final third. There is also a new goalkeeper behind them and fresh faces still adapting to Emery's demands. Seven shots at home is a red flag though, regardless of the personnel. Villa need to find ways of getting their attacking players into dangerous positions more frequently. The worrying thing is that Forest didn't need to produce a defensive masterclass to restrict them. Of course, Unai Emery is one of the best coaches around at solving problems. He will know this is one that needs addressing quickly.Lewis Jones Delap the battering ram is back This was the Liam Delap we remember. The one who bullied defenders at Ipswich. The one who made centre-backs uncomfortable simply by running towards them. The one who plays football like a battering ram. Match report & highlights: Aston Villa 1-2 Nottingham Forest There was something wonderfully uncomplicated about his performance in Nottingham Forest's 2-1 victory at Aston Villa. Delap ran the channels relentlessly, chased lost causes and gave Villa's defenders absolutely no time to settle. He was aggressive without being reckless and looked like he was enjoying himself. And he got the goal. He took aim and unleashed a strike that flew into the net with the sort of power that summed up his afternoon perfectly. Direct. Powerful. Relentless. That is what Forest signed him for.Lewis Jones

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