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Man City vs. Premier League: 115 charges, but what’s at stake?
The hearing into Man City’s 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules begins Monday, and the ramifications could be huge.
The hearing into Man City’s 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules begins Monday, and the ramifications could be huge. The hearing into Man City’s 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules begins Monday, and the ramifications could be huge.
Guardiola ‘happy’ hearing against Man City’s 115 charges is set to begin (0:59)Pep Guardiola says Man City’s players do not talk about the 115 charges for alleged breaches of financial rules. (0:59)
Manchester City‘s judgement day — or at least the first of many days — has finally arrived. As sources first told ESPN back in August, the long-awaited hearing into the club’s 115 charges for allegedly breaching the Premier League‘s financial rules starts on Monday, Sept. 16 and the stakes, for both the league and its reigning champions, are huge.
The reputations of both are on the line. If City, who strongly deny all charges, are found by an independent panel to be guilty of the catalogue of charges, their success since the 2008 takeover by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi will be irrevocably tainted.
City could face unprecedented financial penalties, a massive points deduction and even expulsion from the Premier League if they are found to be multiple offenders in terms of breaching the league’s regulations.
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The club have won 21 major honours since 2008 — having only won nine in 128 years before Sheikh Mansour’s arrival — and have broken a series of records under Pep Guardiola since his appointment as manager in 2016. But all of that success is now under the microscope due to the 115 charges.
Yet if City are successful in their attempts to fight the charges and overturn them all — in 2020 the club overturned on appeal a two-year UEFA ban from the Champions League for financial irregularities between 2012-2016 — it will be a humiliation for the Premier League and leave its senior figures, including chief executive Richard Masters, facing immense pressure to relinquish their positions.
Guardiola said on Friday that he is “happy” that City’s fate is now set to be decided by the three-person panel of legal experts. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach has consistently defended his club’s position, but now the ball is about to start rolling in one of the biggest sporting legal cases in history.
“It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon,” Guardiola said. “An independent panel will decide and I am looking forward to the decision. I’m happy it’s starting.
“I know there will be more rumours, new specialists about the sentences. We’re going to see. I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect, I know, what I read for many, many years. Everybody is innocent until guilt is proven. So we’ll see.
“Justice is there in a modern democracy. It’s not more complicated than that. We believe we have not done anything wrong.”
Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, left, stands alongside club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. Tom Jenkins/Getty Images
So how have we got here and what happens next?
The charges against City are rooted in a cache of emails unearthed by the Football Leaks website, published by the German magazine Der Spiegel in 2018, which allegedly show communications between senior City executives attempting to disguise the true amount of sponsorship revenue generated by the club. City have consistently rejected the veracity of the leaked emails.
The Football Leaks material formed the basis of UEFA’s action against City, but after finding the club guilty and imposing a two-year Champions League ban, UEFA’s decision was then overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) because the alleged offences were “time-barred” by UEFA’s five-year statute of limitations.
The Premier League has no such time-bar on legal matters and, in February 2023, issued City with multiple charges for breaching its financial regulations between 2009 and 2018. A further 35 charges were issued for failing to cooperate with Premier League investigations over a five-year period between 2018-2023.
In addition to those 35 charges, the full breakdown of the charges are: 54 for failure to provide accurate financial information between 2009-10 to 2017-18; 14 for a failure provide accurate details for player and manager payments from 2009-10 to 2017-18; five for a failure to comply with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules between 2013-14 to 2017-18; and seven for breaching Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules from 2015-16 to 2017-18.
The hearing, which begins on Monday, will be a private affair at an undisclosed location, with both the Premier League and City — who launched a separate legal case against the Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction rules in July — bound by rules of non-disclosure which will prohibit the briefing of any detail of the exchanges between the two parties.
City have enlisted the services of barrister Lord David Pannick KC, whose fees have earned comparisons to City striker Erling Haaland due to him reportedly charging clients up to £10,000 an hour, while the Premier League will be represented by Adam Lewis KC, from the same London-based Blackstone Chambers as Pannick, in what is expected to be a hearing that will last for at least 10 weeks.
Premier League CEO Masters spoke publicly about the City case for the first time last month and said that it is crucial for the league that the matter is finally dealt with.
“It’s been going on for a number of years and I think it’s self-evident that the case needs to be heard and answered,” Masters told the BBC. “We have a big thick rulebook and part of any sporting competition is a commitment to uphold those rules. While it does create difficulties, there is no happy alternative to enforcing rules. It’s important we get those processes correct and people have confidence in them.
“When the case has been heard there will be a decision published and all the questions you would like me to answer will be answered as part of that process.”
Do not expect a swift resolution to the hearing, however. The process allows for both sides to appeal the panel’s initial verdict, although neither is able to take the case to CAS, and sources have told ESPN that the Premier League are determined for the entire process to be played out by the end of the 2024-25 season.
Sources have said that both parties will be bound by non-disclosure pact at the end of the process, although it remains to be seen whether that agreement will hold in the event of the unsuccessful party feeling to have been wronged.
But by the end of this season, Manchester City’s fate is almost certain to be known and with it, the future of the likes of Guardiola — whose contract expires next summer — and their array of star players.
Massive fine; unprecedented points deduction; Premier League expulsion or exoneration. There is no middle ground for City. Everything is on the line and the endgame starts on Monday.
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The hearing into Man City’s 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules begins Monday, and the ramifications could be huge.
Ballon d’Or holder Bonmati pens record Barça deal
Barcelona have announced that Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí has signed a new four-year contract, extending her stay at the club until 2028.
Barcelona have announced that Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí has signed a new four-year contract, extending her stay at the club until 2028. Barcelona have announced that Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí has signed a new four-year contract, extending her stay at the club until 2028.
Aitana Bonmatí has been the best player at Barcelona, the most dominant team in recent seasons. Eric Alonso/Getty Images
Barcelona have announced that Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí has signed a new four-year contract, extending her stay at the club until 2028.
Sources have told ESPN that the agreement will see Bonmatí become the highest-paid player in the women’s game.
Some of the biggest clubs in the world had been monitoring the midfielder, whose previous deal was due to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season.
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Cristian Martín, Bonmatí’s agent, revealed last week that Chelsea were even prepared to pay the €3 million ($3.3m) release clause included in her last contract.
Meanwhile, Barça have shown their desire to remain at the top of the women’s game by following up the renewal of two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas with a huge new deal for Bonmatí.
Salaries in women’s football are not public, but sources told ESPN the top earners in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the Women’s Super League (WSL) earn between €400,000 and €600,000, annually.
Outside of the United States and England, Barça and Lyon are among the other clubs to also pay significant wages, with Putellas and Ada Hegerberg both signing bumper new deals with their respective clubs recently.
However, an ESPN source assured that Bonmatí’s new deal with the back-to-back European champions is in excess of anything being paid in the game.
Bonmatí has made over 250 appearances for Barça’s first team, winning five league titles and three Champions Leagues, among other trophies.
She has also helped Spain win the Women’s World Cup and the UEFA Women’s Nations League, earning her the Ballon d’Or and The Best FIFA Women’s Player awards in 2023.
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Barcelona have announced that Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí has signed a new four-year contract, extending her stay at the club until 2028.
Man City hearing into 115 financial charges begins
The independent hearing into Manchester City’s alleged 115 breaches of Premier League financial regulations finally began on Monday.
The independent hearing into Manchester City’s alleged 115 breaches of Premier League financial regulations finally began on Monday. The independent hearing into Manchester City’s alleged 115 breaches of Premier League financial regulations finally began on Monday.
Could Man City get relegated if found guilty? (1:53)Gab Marcotii explains what could happen if Manchester City are found guilty of 115 charges. (1:53)
The independent hearing into Manchester City‘s alleged 115 breaches of Premier League financial regulations finally began on Monday.
ESPN previously reported the trial would begin on Monday, with the hearing dubbed by British media as the “sports trial of the century.” It is expected to last for around two months. The aim is for the final verdict, including any appeal, to be completed by the end of the 2024-25 season
City, who have won the English title a record four times in a row, were referred to an independent commission in February 2023, with the various charges dating from 2009 to 2018. The club have always denied any wrongdoing.
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Should City be found guilty of some or all of the charges they could face penalties or huge fines, points deductions or even relegation from the Premier League.
That would also put a huge asterisk over one of the most successful periods of any club in English history.
City have won eight Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups, six League Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup since being bought by Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008.
On Friday, manager Pep Guardiola welcomed the start of the trial, saying that City are innocent until proven guilty.
“It starts soon and then [hopefully] finishes soon. An independent panel will decide, and I am looking forward to the decision,” Guardiola told a news conference.
“We’re going to see. I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect, I know, what I read for many, many years.
“I am not a lawyer. [Striker] Erling [Haaland] is not a lawyer. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”
The charges City face include failing to provide accurate financial information; failing to provide full disclosure about player and manager remuneration; breaches of Premier League and UEFA financial fair play regulations; and a failure to cooperate with Premier League investigations.
The hearing into Manchester City’s alleged financial regulation breaches is estimated to last for 10 weeks. Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images
It is not the first time City have found themselves in the dock over alleged financial infringements.
In 2020, they were banned from the Champions League for two years by UEFA for overstating sponsorship revenue between 2012 and 2016, but they successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
City said at the time of the referral to the Premier League’s independent commission that they were surprised by the league’s “issuing of these alleged breaches.”
With the hearing, which will be conducted privately, starting and likely to continue for many weeks, it will inevitably put a cloud over the Premier League season as City go for a fifth title in succession.
Whatever the verdict, either side could appeal, threatening to drag the process into early summer in 2025.
Everton and Nottingham Forest had points deducted last season for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, although Leicester City avoided a similar fate after winning an appeal against the Premier League.
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The independent hearing into Manchester City’s alleged 115 breaches of Premier League financial regulations finally began on Monday.
Ancelotti blames fixture list for Madrid injury woes
Carlo Ancelotti has blamed Real Madrid’s busy fixture list for the series of injuries the team has suffered so far this season, with forward Brahim Díaz the latest player to be sidelined.
Carlo Ancelotti has blamed Real Madrid’s busy fixture list for the series of injuries the team has suffered so far this season, with forward Brahim Díaz the latest player to be sidelined. Carlo Ancelotti has blamed Real Madrid’s busy fixture list for the series of injuries the team has suffered so far this season, with forward Brahim Díaz the latest player to be sidelined.
Ancelotti admits Vinicius Jr. ‘not at his best’ for Real Madrid yet (1:38)Carlo Ancelotti discusses Vinicius Jr. & Kylian Mbappe’s delayed start to preseason with the pair yet to fully click into gear for Real Madrid. (1:38)
Carlo Ancelotti has blamed Real Madrid‘s busy fixture list for the series of injuries the team has suffered so far this season, with forward Brahim Díaz the latest player to be sidelined.
Diaz was substituted in the first half of Madrid’s 2-0 LaLiga win at Real Sociedad on Saturday, with the club later confirming that he had suffered an abductor muscle injury in his right leg.
Sources have told ESPN that Diaz will be out for over two months. The club had first feared a three-month absence, but sources close to the player told ESPN that they’re optimistic he could return earlier.
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Speaking in a news conference on Monday ahead of Madrid’s Champions League game with Stuttgart, Ancelotti blamed the calendar for a string of early season injuries.
Midfielders Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos have all been absent in recent weeks, although Ancelotti said Bellingham and Tchouaméni would be available on Tuesday.
“We’ve looked at what we can do, but it’s out of our hands,” Ancelotti said. “The problem is a calendar that’s too demanding. Now we have a new competition [the Champions League]. We don’t know how it will go, if it will be more entertaining, but the one fact is that we have two extra games.
“I call for people to think about cutting the number of games, to have more attractive competitions.”
Brahim Diaz went off injured in Real Madrid’s win over Real Sociedad on Saturday. Getty
Ancelotti said defender Éder Militão, who didn’t train on Monday, had been rested and would be fit to face Stuttgart.
The coach also defended forward Vinícius Júnior, who has received criticism for his celebration after scoring a penalty on Saturday, putting a finger to his lips to hush the crowd at the Reale Arena.
Ancelotti said the abuse the Brazil international receives from fans made the gesture understandable.
“It’s a reaction to something ugly,” Ancelotti said. “It happens a lot, the insults, nobody could put up with that, I couldn’t either. Putting his finger to his lips is quite normal with everything that’s happening.
“I think we should focus less on the individual, and more on what happens in stadiums. Why do they do it to Vinícius? Because they think he’s dangerous in a sporting sense, they try to distract him from the game.”
“We see and hear the insults aimed at [Vinícius],” defender Dani Carvajal added. “If you get pricked, you bleed. It’s normal that he responds with certain gestures.”
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Carlo Ancelotti has blamed Real Madrid’s busy fixture list for the series of injuries the team has suffered so far this season, with forward Brahim Díaz the latest player to be sidelined.
VAR Review: Why was Timber only shown a yellow card?
Given that Curtis Jones got a VAR red card for a similar tackle last season, why was Jurriën Timber only? Plus: Why Crystal Palace’s onside goal could be offside in a few weeks.
Given that Curtis Jones got a VAR red card for a similar tackle last season, why was Jurriën Timber only? Plus: Why Crystal Palace’s onside goal could be offside in a few weeks. Given that Curtis Jones got a VAR red card for a similar tackle last season, why was Jurriën Timber only? Plus: Why Crystal Palace’s onside goal could be offside in a few weeks.
Video Assistant Referee causes controversy every week in the Premier League, but how are decisions made, and are they correct?
After each weekend we take a look at the major incidents, to examine and explain the process both in terms of VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.
In this week’s VAR Review: Why Jurriën Timber‘s challenge differed from Curtis Jones‘ red card at Tottenham Hotspur last season. Plus, why Crystal Palace‘s onside goal could be offside in a few weeks, and Aston Villa‘s slice of luck against Everton.
What happened: The game was in the 37th minute when Timber challenged Pedro Porro. The Arsenal defender made contact with the ball then caught Porro. Referee Jarred Gillett showed the yellow card to Timber, and it was checked by the VAR, Stuart Attwell, for a potential red card.
VAR decision: No red card.
Jurriën Timber catches Pedro Porro after his foot came off the top of the ball. BBC
VAR review: It’s almost exactly a year since Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones was sent off at Tottenham through a VAR intervention for a similar challenge on Yves Bissouma — yet there were crucial differences to explain why one was a yellow card and the other a red.
There are a number of factors that a referee, and the VAR, will take into account. Primarily it’s about force, but also the way a player is making the tackle and how they make contact with the other player.
Jones was stretching into the tackle, and with the angle he went into it, he caught his opponent with studs leading into his shin, which created a buckle effect on Bissouma’s leg. That’s one possible indicator of level of force. The buckle doesn’t need to be present for a red card, nor is it necessarily a smoking gun; it’s one possible aspect that might be used to come to a decision.
Liverpool’s Curtis Jones received a VAR red card at Tottenham last season. BBC
The nature of the follow through off the top of the ball from Timber was very different. There was only minimal contact, and Timber’s studs were pointing to the ground when he made contact with Porro. There was no force or leading studs, so a yellow card won’t be seen as an on-field error.
It might appear to be a subtle difference, but it’s a textbook comparison between yellow and red card situations when a player goes over the top of the ball and catches an opponent with the follow through.
What happened: Kai Havertz got a header on goal from close range in the 18th minute. It was saved by Guglielmo Vicario, and rebounded on to the arm of Cristian Romero. Could it have been a penalty for handball (watch here)?
VAR decision: No penalty.
The ball hits the arm of Cristian Romero after Guglielmo Vicario made a save. BBC
VAR review: There’s two reasons why this wouldn’t be a penalty through a VAR intervention. Firstly, Romero has his arm in a position which is explainable for his body movement, and secondly the ball hits him after being played by a teammate — both are exemptions against a handball penalty.
What happened: Crystal Palace thought they had found a way back into the game in the 47th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta turned home a pass from Tyrick Mitchell, but the assistant’s flag went up for offside. The VAR, Andy Madley, checked the decision.
VAR decision: Goal.
VAR review: The decision to award a goal to Palace angered Leicester City boss Steve Cooper, as his side were 2-0 up at the time and ended up drawing 2-2 after conceding a penalty two minutes into stoppage time.
“I really want to see the absolute offside image of the first goal,” Cooper said afterward. “If it is, no problem, we’ll hold our hands up, but we can’t be calling offsides on suggestions, which is only what we’ve seen at the moment. We need to get that image quickly off the Premier League. If it is, I’ll accept it.”
Cooper’s comments are pertinent, as issues visualising offside decisions from tight camera angles have always been problematic with this technology. It will change when semiautomated offside comes in after one of the international breaks in October or November, as we’ll get an animation that moves to the offside line to clearly show the position of the players. But at the same time, things will change slightly soon (as explained below), though that will be no use to Leicester now.
Until we get semiautomated offside, we are stuck with what we have. And at grounds like Selhurst Park, which don’t have great camera angles, it’s especially difficult.
Cooper said he would be asking the Premier League for the “absolute offside image,” though we do already have these. The Premier League released two images, one from the regular broadcast camera which includes the ball being passed by Mitchell, and the goal-line camera which is intended to show that Mateta was behind the offside line.
Neither are great and you have to know the intricacies of the system to understand what you’re looking at.
If a single green line is displayed, that’s only to the defender and tells us that the decision is so close that the tolerance level has been applied. That’s basically a 5-centimeter benefit of the doubt to the attacker, who might be offside, but the inaccuracies in this technology allow him a little bit of leeway. If the lines to the defender and the attacker are touching, the striker is given onside.
Yet if no line is displayed to the attacker, it can add to the confusion. The goal-line camera angle is supposed to be telling us Mateta is behind it, but without a line to him, it doesn’t really illustrate that.
And then we have the other aspect of semiautomated offside, which effectively creates a two-tier system within the same season. This technology has the tolerance level; semiautomated offside does not due to increased accuracy.
What does that mean? Well, as Mateta was onside within the tolerance level of this technology, he may well be offside with semiautomated. We have a goal for Palace that was ruled onside through VAR in September, yet may well be offside in October.
It raises obvious questions about having two different offside systems in the same season, but the Premier League clubs unanimously voted to bring in the new technology as soon as it’s available, rather than wait until next season. Serie A also introduced semiautomated offside midway through the 2022-23 campaign.
What happened: Aston Villa equalised in the 58th minute when Ollie Watkins pounced on an error by Jack Harrison to make the score 2-2. But was there an offside in the buildup?
VAR decision: Goal stands.
VAR review: The move began when Youri Tielemans played a ball over the top to find the run of Lucas Digne down the left side. Digne was being tracked by Harrison, and the Villa player might have been marginally offside when Tielemans made the pass. The goal then came about because Harrison stretched to make an interception and inadvertently played the ball to Watkins.
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It’s a niche and often controversial area, where the referee and the VAR have to determine whether an offside player is having a direct impact on a defender. The fact that the offside player is the intended recipient of the pass isn’t enough.
It was decided that Digne wasn’t close enough to Harrison to force him into the error. The goal shows how a defender can be deemed to have simply made a mistake in trying to intercept, even if it seems wholly unfair that the attacking team can effectively benefit from the offside player.
It could have been a different outcome had Harrison touched the ball to Digne — as Digne becomes active for offside if Harrison hasn’t made a “deliberate play” of the ball by stretching for it. As the ball runs to a player who was always onside, the only question is around direct impact by Digne on Harrison, and that was cleared by the VAR as not being a “clear and obvious” error.
Jack Harrison sticks out a foot to stop a pass getting through to Lucas Digne, who may have been offside. BBC
What happened: Jack Stephens was sent off in the 79th minute after bringing down Alejandro Garnacho as the Manchester United player looked to break down the wing. It was checked by the VAR.
VAR decision: Red card stands.
VAR review: At first, a red card seemed a surprising decision from referee Stuart Attwell, but the replay proved it was correct.
Stephens may not have made a great deal of contact on Garnacho, but the challenge was high, catching the forward on the knee with studs leading.
Jack Stephens makes a knee-high challenge on Alejandro Garnacho. BBC
What happened: Mateo Kovacic was booked in the 42nd minute for a foul on Yoane Wissa, which forced the Brentford player off with an ankle injury. It was checked by the VAR, Darren England.
VAR decision: No red card.
Mateo Kovacic was booked for his challenge on Yoane Wissa. BBC
VAR review: It’s not a great challenge by Kovacic, who goes through Wissa from behind in an attempt to win the ball, though it’s not strong enough for a VAR red card.
Wissa’s injury came from his foot getting caught under the Manchester City player’s hip as he landed on the ground, rather than the nature of the tackle itself, so he’s very unfortunate.
What happened: AFC Bournemouth were awarded a penalty in the 36th minute when Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez collided with Evanilson, who had latched on to a poor backpass by Wesley Fofana and attempted to lift the ball past the goalie. Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot and produced a yellow card, and it was checked for a possible red card by the VAR, Peter Bankes.
VAR decision: No red card.
VAR review: The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has relaxed the guidelines around a red card when a penalty has been awarded several times in recent seasons, so much so that it has to be a reckless tackle, or a deliberate handball, if a player is going to be sent off.
If there is any explanation that a player has made a genuine attempt to either play the ball or challenge an opponent for the ball, there is only going to be a caution.
Sánchez comes out and raises an arm to anticipate that the ball would be played high, so there would always be a natural collision as a result of the goalkeeper trying to stop the ball.
Added to that, Chelsea’s Axel Disasi was the covering defender and might have gotten to the ball before Evanilson had lifted it over the goalkeeper.
Robert Sánchez had his arms up to block the ball before he brought down Evanilson. Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images
What happened: Adama Traoré broke into the box in the 15th minute and went down under a challenge from Max Kilman. Referee Tim Robinson wasn’t interested in a penalty and it was checked by the VAR, Paul Tierney.
VAR decision: No penalty.
VAR review: Kilman put a hand on the back of Traore, but there was no real challenge on the Fulham winger.
Fulham boss Marco Silva was incensed on the touchline and ended up receiving a yellow card for his protests, but there didn’t appear enough for the VAR to get involved and overturn the referee’s call in a 50-50 situation.
Max Kilman’s challenge on Adama Traoré could have gone either way, so it doesn’t reach the threshold for a VAR intervention. BBC
Some factual parts of this article include information provided by the Premier League and PGMOL.
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No Rice, no Ødegaard, no problem: Arsenal top Tottenham in derby
Arsenal were without their first-choice midfield in the north London derby, but that didn’t stop them from going to Tottenham and taking all three points.
Arsenal were without their first-choice midfield in the north London derby, but that didn’t stop them from going to Tottenham and taking all three points. Arsenal were without their first-choice midfield in the north London derby, but that didn’t stop them from going to Tottenham and taking all three points.
Hislop: Arsenal show title credentials in derby win (1:58)Shaka Hislop says Arsenal’s win over Tottenham proves they’ve got the mentality to challenge for the title again. (1:58)
LONDON — Arsenal overcame the absence of key midfielders Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard to win the North London derby at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and move into second in the Premier League ahead of next week’s clash with leaders Manchester City.
Gabriel’s 64th-minute header was enough to seal a 1-0 win against Ange Postecoglou’s team, who are now languishing in 13th position after winning just once in four games this season.
The Gunners had gone into the game without the suspended Rice and injured Ødegaard at the heart of their midfield, boosting Tottenham’s hopes of a first home win against Arsenal since 2022.
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But Jorginho and Thomas Partey stepped into the void and proved Arsenal have the squad to compete for the title as they produced a gritty and resolute performance to claim victory against their local rivals.
While Arsenal hammered out their title credentials, the picture looks less promising for Spurs, however.
Postecoglou’s team has now lost seven of their past 11 Premier League games, winning just three — a dismal sequence that will place the former Celtic manager under pressure unless he is able to oversee a quick turnaround in results. — Mark Ogden
The first person Mikel Arteta celebrated Gabriel’s’ 64th-minute goal with was set-piece coach Nicolas Jover — and for good reason.
Jover has revolutionised Arsenal’s set-piece record since joining the club from Manchester City in 2021; the Gunners scored 22 goals last season from dead-ball situations, more than any other team. Standing at the corner of the technical area for every set-piece, Jover micromanages Arsenal’s handling of offensive and defensive corners and free-kicks to great effect.
They were without regular corner-taker Rice and also Ødegaard, but Bukayo Saka‘s delivery was pinpoint for Gabriel to capitalise on poor Spurs marking.
Contrast that detailed approach with Postecoglou’s cynicism towards appointing a set-piece specialist, explaining back in April that he “always think[s] it’s better if that’s somebody who’s a part of the coaching staff because then that’s an extension of how we play our football.”
However, perhaps the issue by extension there is if the football isn’t quite firing — as Tottenham’s isn’t right now — then set-pieces aren’t quite the devolved game-changer they could be, as proved the case here.
Perhaps the Spurs coach’s attitude will change when he looks at the bare numbers; since the start of last season, Tottenham have conceded 18 goals from set-pieces (not including penalties). Only Nottingham Forest (23) have conceded more. — James Olley
The absence of Ødegaard, Rice and summer signing Mikel Merino — which could potentially have been Arsenal’s starting midfield on another day — created an obvious opportunity for Tottenham to exploit.
Gabriel’s 64th-minute goal was all Arsenal needed to take all three points from their trip to Tottenham on Sunday. Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Spurs were missing Yves Bissouma but, rather than start Pape Matar Sarr, Postecoglou opted for an open midfield three with Rodrigo Bentancur anchoring while winger Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison operated as two No. 8s.
Tottenham had 64% of the possession and more shots (15-7) but only managed a fractionally higher expected goals figure of 0.77 to 0.73.
Although there were times when Partey and Jorginho were unable to stem the flow of Tottenham attacks — particularly early in the first half — Spurs gradually ran out of ideas and were unable to move the ball quickly enough to dislodge the Gunners from their disciplined shape.
Postecoglou responded to Arsenal’s goal by introducing Sarr and winger Wilson Odobert for Bentancur and the ineffective Brennan Johnson, but by then it felt as though the opportunity had been missed, because the visitors could concentrate on shutting down space and protecting their lead rather than chase a second goal. — Olley
Dominic Solanke was all work and no reward against Arsenal. The £55 million summer signing from Bournemouth missed two of the first three games of the season with an ankle injury and is still playing catch-up in terms of fitness and match sharpness, but Spurs fans will need to accept a different kind of centre-forward with Solanke than what they grew accustomed to with Harry Kane.
Kane was a totally reliable goal scorer, but he was also a player who would often drop deep to start attacks with long balls out wide before racing into the penalty area to help finish the move.
Solanke is a more traditional No. 9, and he was effective against Arsenal in terms of providing his teammates with a target man. He also gave Arsenal defenders Gabriel and William Saliba a physical test throughout the game, but his lack of pace means that Spurs will need to adjust to his attributes and work out how to get the best from the former Chelsea and Liverpool forward.
Against Arsenal, he created a couple of good chances and almost scored with a first-half header, but he needs to boost his fitness and his movement if he is to be the solution to Tottenham’s goal-scoring problems. — Ogden
Jurriën Timber was signed for £34m as the final piece of the defensive jigsaw when he arrived at Arsenal from Ajax in the 2023 summer transfer window, but a cruciate ligament injury suffered on his Premier League debut forced him to miss the remainder of the season.
But the Netherlands international is now back to full fitness, and he showed against Tottenham just what Arteta’s side missed last season as the Gunners narrowly failed to beat Manchester City to the title.
Arteta had signed Timber to play on the left of Arsenal’s defence, and his absence was never satisfactorily resolved, with Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko both proving solid if unspectacular replacements.
Timber made a huge difference against Spurs with his energy and tenacity down the left flank. He also displayed a real tough streak that will only serve Arsenal well in the games against title rivals such as City and Liverpool.
Timber was booked in the first half following a clash with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after a firm, but fair, challenge on Spurs defender Pedro Porro. The yellow card meant he was walking a tightrope for the rest of the game, but it didn’t affect his performance and he continued to give Arsenal rock-solid reliability at left-back. — Ogden
Dominic Solanke is still getting up to speed with Spurs, but his teammates will need to adjust to his way of working. Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Three away games in eight days starting with visiting their fiercest rivals and ending with a game at the Premier League champions offers a searching early test of Arsenal’s credentials. This was an ideal way to start.
Bereft of influential midfielder Rice and captain Ødegaard, Arsenal lined up with Partey and Jorginho in central midfield and Leandro Trossard operating as a No. 10. They were rarely at their most fluid, but Arsenal dug in and secured a result which will fuel their self-belief for the challenges ahead.
The Gunners were fortunate with injuries last season. Saliba was one of only two outfield players to play every minute of their Premier League campaign while Ødegaard and Saka were regulars and Rice was tireless along with Ben White and Gabriel.
Arteta was right to claim “a lot of work” went into that level of availability but, nevertheless, modern-day demands on players always make a repeat unlikely. Therefore, overcoming the absence of several absentees — new signings Riccardo Calafiori and Merino were also among the missing — will be a useful boost ahead of two huge games at Atalanta and Manchester City
Rice will return from suspension. The prognosis on the rest is unclear but any lengthy absences should not prompt the fear that may have before Sunday’s result. — Olley
Referee Jarred Gillett set a record during the first half of this game by issuing seven yellow cards — the most ever handed out in the opening 45 minutes of a Premier League game.
At one stage, it seemed as though every foul or infringement was deemed to be worthy of a caution, but Gillett slowed down in the second half by only issuing one yellow card after the interval.
Leandro Trossard and Arsenal wore all black for their North London derby trip to Tottenham on Sunday. Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
But less than 24 hours after 14 yellow cards were awarded during Chelsea’s 1-0 win at Bournemouth, the sight of so many bookings in the early stages of the North London derby hinted at officials being urged to clamp down on every area of rule-breaking this weekend.
Over the course of the first and second rounds of matches this season, there were 38 yellow cards issued in each weekend, but that number jumped to 57 on the weekend before the international break. Yet before a ball had even been kicked in Sunday’s two games there had already been 58 yellow cards in the weekend’s eight previous matches.
VAR controversies have been noticeably few and far between, but yellow cards are definitely on the rise. — Ogden
For the first time in living memory, Arsenal played Tottenham in a different colour than their traditional red, and it just didn’t look right.
The Premier League announced in the build-up to the game that Arsenal would not be allowed to wear their home colours — red with white sleeves — because there was too much white in the shirt, and therefore would potentially clash with Tottenham’s predominantly white shirts. As a consequence, Spurs will have to wear their light blue away kit when they play at the Emirates in January.
The decision left both clubs and their supporters bemused, but it meant that Arsenal played their traditional rivals in an unfamiliar all-black uniform — or black with a big rip in it if you are Trossard, who had to change his jersey late on after the front of his original one had a square torn in the front.
The North London derby is one of the Premier League’s biggest games, one that has a global appeal, so it should actually look like the North London derby.
Imagine Everton-Liverpool and Manchester United-Manchester City being played with teams in changed colours? It wouldn’t happen, so maybe the Premier League should go with tradition rather than a minor kit clash next time. — Ogden
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Arsenal were without their first-choice midfield in the north London derby, but that didn’t stop them from going to Tottenham and taking all three points.
Akanji on football calendar: I could retire at 30
Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has joked that he could retire at the age of 30 as a result of the increasing number of matches in elite football’s calendar.
Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has joked that he could retire at the age of 30 as a result of the increasing number of matches in elite football’s calendar. Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has joked that he could retire at the age of 30 as a result of the increasing number of matches in elite football’s calendar.
How Haaland ‘took over’ to lead Man City comeback vs. Brentford (1:50)Steve Nicol reacts to Erling Haaland’s brace in Man City’s 2-1 win over Brentford. (1:50)
Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has joked that he could retire at the age of 30 as a result of the increasing number of matches in elite football’s calendar.
Akanji, 29, has already made seven appearances for club and country this term. He played his final game of last season on July 6 when Switzerland were knocked out of Euro 2024 and then started the first official match of the 2024-25 campaign in England, the Community Shield, on Aug. 10.
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Next week City begin their campaign in the expanded Champions League, with eight league phase fixtures before the knockout rounds begin. They will end the season by competing in the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, the final of which is scheduled for July 13.
“It’s so tough,” Akanji said. “You don’t just think about this season — but also next season. Let’s say we win the league or cup, then go to the final of the Club World Cup; the Community Shield is three weeks after. So when do we have holidays?
“There are no breaks in winter, so if we are lucky we get two weeks and then we need to be back and into next season. Then the next summer it’s the World Cup. There’s no end to it.”
Akanji has played 48 club games in each of his two full seasons at City, and is preparing for a similar workload this term.
Manuel Akanji played for Man City against Brentford on Saturday. Stu Forster/Getty Images
“It’s just game after game and I don’t know how it will work out over the next couple of years,” he added. “You can’t just keep adding game after game and assume everything will be like it was. You have to think about the players as well.
“At some point you’ll be too tired to play any more games. And then come injuries, definitely. We train as hard as possible and we are fit — but there has to be a limit. Maybe I’ll retire at 30.”
Akanji’s sentiment is one shared by several players and the sport’s most prominent union, FIFPRO.
In June, FIFPRO filed a legal claim against world football’s governing body FIFA over the legality of FIFA’s unilateral ability to set the football calendar and the decision to create and schedule the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
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Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has joked that he could retire at the age of 30 as a result of the increasing number of matches in elite football’s calendar.
PSG sends Mendes ‘full support’ after racial abuse
Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes was the target of abusive and racist comments on social media after a French league game.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes was the target of abusive and racist comments on social media after a French league game. Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes was the target of abusive and racist comments on social media after a French league game.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes was the target of abusive and racist comments on social media after a French league game.
The club condemned the abuse and expressed its “full support” Sunday for the Portugal left-back, who was targeted following PSG’s 3-1 win against Brest on Saturday.
Mendes, who is Black, shared on his Instagram account a racist message he received.
During the match, Mendes brought down Ludovic Ajorque in the box for a penalty that Romain Del Castillo converted to give Brest the lead.
“Paris Saint-Germain doesn’t tolerate racism, antisemitism or any other form of discrimination,” the club said. “The racial insults directed at Nuno Mendes are totally unacceptable … we are working with the relevant authorities and associations to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”
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Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes was the target of abusive and racist comments on social media after a French league game.
Gallagher, Álvarez score 1st Atleti goals in win
Atletico Madrid cruised to a convincing 3-0 home win over bottom side Valencia on Sunday in LaLiga thanks to goals from Conor Gallagher, Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez.
Atletico Madrid cruised to a convincing 3-0 home win over bottom side Valencia on Sunday in LaLiga thanks to goals from Conor Gallagher, Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez. Atletico Madrid cruised to a convincing 3-0 home win over bottom side Valencia on Sunday in LaLiga thanks to goals from Conor Gallagher, Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez.
Atlético Madrid cruised to a convincing 3-0 home win over bottom side Valencia on Sunday in LaLiga thanks to goals from Conor Gallagher, Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez.
Marcos Llorente and Samuel Lino went close in the first half before Atletico took the lead in the 39th minute when new signing Gallagher finished into the bottom corner after latching on to a delightful pass from Rodrigo De Paul that was slipped through the legs of defender Cristhian Mosquera.
It was Gallagher’s first goal since joining Diego Simeone’s side from Chelsea this summer, making him the first Englishman to score a LaLiga goal for Atleti in the history of Spain‘s top flight.
“He came with a lot of enthusiasm and we needed that kind of player in the midfield because he makes us better,” Simeone told a news conference. “He does not stop giving his best in every game situation in which he participates.”
Alexander Sørloth, another summer signing for Simeone’s revamped side, also created a couple of dangerous chances only to be denied by goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Valencia fought hard for an equaliser, with Javi Guerra’s long-range effort going wide, but they were unable to prevent Griezmann from finding the net after Lino’s header fell into his path nine minutes after the break.
Connor Gallagher celebrates after scoring a goal for Atletico Madrid against Valencia.
Getty Images
Another new recruit, Álvarez, put the icing on the cake with his first goal in the Spanish top flight after joining from Manchester City, when he slotted home Rodrigo Riquelme‘s cross in the 93rd minute.
“I didn’t feel any pressure [to score], I simply say that the goal happens as a result of the game and you have to be prepared for when the opportunity comes,” Álvarez told Spanish TV. “We’re doing well as a group, we’re getting off to a good start. Now we have Champions League games coming up and we have to keep working to keep this momentum going.”
Simeone agreed, but he added that it was important that the Argentina international got on the scoresheet after his big summer move to Atleti.
“We all needed him to score a goal, for him to be more relaxed, to be connected to what he likes. Hopefully the goal will be the first of many,” the manager said. “I imagine that he lives for the goal and the enthusiasm to generate this type of situations, today he appeared as he always does at the least expected moment at the end of the game when hope seems to be fading and luckily he scored.”
Atlético, who are unbeaten this season, moved into second place, level on 11 points with Real Madrid and four behind leaders Barcelona. They face RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Thursday.
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Atletico Madrid cruised to a convincing 3-0 home win over bottom side Valencia on Sunday in LaLiga thanks to goals from Conor Gallagher, Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez.
Marseille have ‘agreement’ in place to sign Rabiot
Marseille has reached an agreement in principle with France midfielder Adrien Rabiot to join the club.
Marseille has reached an agreement in principle with France midfielder Adrien Rabiot to join the club. Marseille has reached an agreement in principle with France midfielder Adrien Rabiot to join the club.
Marseille have reached an agreement in principle with France midfielder Adrien Rabiot to join the club.
“The player will join OM subject to the results of a medical,” the nine-time French champion said Sunday.
The 29-year-old Rabiot has been a free agent after he declined to extend his contract with Juventus, where he spent five seasons.
Rabiot previously played for Marseille’s bitter rival Paris Saint-Germain. Born in the Val-de-Marne region of Paris, he joined PSG’s academy at age 15.
Rabiot has made 48 appearances for France. He played at Euro 2024 where France lost to Spain in the semifinals.
The terms of any deal were not announced by Marseille, but l’Equipe newspaper said Rabiot is expected to sign a two-year deal.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.
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Marseille has reached an agreement in principle with France midfielder Adrien Rabiot to join the club.
Rodman strikes, Hatch scores 50th in Spirit win
Ashley Hatch scored two first-half goals as the Washington Spirit defeated the Houston Dash 3-0 at Audi Field on Sunday in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Ashley Hatch scored two first-half goals as the Washington Spirit defeated the Houston Dash 3-0 at Audi Field on Sunday in the National Women’s Soccer League. Ashley Hatch scored two first-half goals as the Washington Spirit defeated the Houston Dash 3-0 at Audi Field on Sunday in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Ashley Hatch scored two first-half goals as the Washington Spirit defeated the Houston Dash 3-0 at Audi Field on Sunday in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Trinity Rodman added the third goal for the Spirit (14-4-2), who are undefeated in five regular-season matches and already have clinched a playoff spot with six games remaining, and the United States star added an assist in the first half.
Hatch buried a penalty kick in the 7th minute after a handball in the box. She doubled the Spirit’s lead in the 26th, getting on the end of Rodman’s cross.
Hatch, who began playing in the NWSL in 2019, has 50 league goals.
Leicy Santos nearly added to the Spirit’s tally in the 31st minute, but her goal was called back because of a foul on the play.
Rodman scored just as the second half began, fending off several defenders before shooting into the upper right corner from outside the 18-yard box. Afterward, she laid down on the field and pretended to sleep, imitating Stephen Curry’s Olympic “Night night” celebration.
The Dash (3-12-5) sit in last place in the league standings. Houston is winless in its last nine regular-season matches.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.
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Ashley Hatch scored two first-half goals as the Washington Spirit defeated the Houston Dash 3-0 at Audi Field on Sunday in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Girona boss: Yamal can be as good as Messi
Girona coach Míchel says Lamine Yamal can reach Lionel Messi’s level after watching the Barcelona winger take his side apart in Sunday’s Catalan derby at Montilivi.
Girona coach Míchel says Lamine Yamal can reach Lionel Messi’s level after watching the Barcelona winger take his side apart in Sunday’s Catalan derby at Montilivi. Girona coach Míchel says Lamine Yamal can reach Lionel Messi’s level after watching the Barcelona winger take his side apart in Sunday’s Catalan derby at Montilivi.
Girona coach Míchel has said Lamine Yamal can reach Lionel Messi‘s level after watching the Barcelona winger take his side apart in Sunday’s Catalan derby at Montilivi.
Yamal, 17, scored twice as Barça won 4-1 to make it five wins from five in LaLiga this season, with Dani Olmo and Pedri also on target before Cristhian Stuani netted a late consolation for Girona.
“Lamine is a difference-maker,” Míchel said in a news conference. “For me, he is already one of the best players in the world at 17 years of age.
“It is difficult to imagine that after Messi another [like him] would come along, but I hope that Lamine keeps improving because he’s a player than can reach that level.”
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Yamal scored twice in seven first half minutes to effectively kill game before the break, robbing David López to open the scoring on the half hour mark before adding his second with a well-taken finish from the edge of the box.
The Spain international now leads the league in goal contributions this season with seven, ahead of teammates Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, who have six and five respectively.
Prior to Sunday’s brace against Girona, four of Yamal’s five goal contributions had arrived via assists, with Barça coach Hansi Flick welcoming the addition of more goals to his game.
“I was really happy because he scored the goal,” Flick said of his reaction to the opening goal. “Lamine normally gives the last pass and I was happy that he scored today.”
Yamal’s opening goal came via Barça’s high press, which particularly impressed Flick and has been a characteristic of his team’s unbeaten start to the new campaign.
“We started the match very concentrated, very focused and we pressed them really good,” the German coach added.
“The first goal was unbelievable, really good from Lamine [in the press], and we deserved the win and the result.
“We go now with the confidence we have built up over the last matches, you can see it also today, about our lines, about how we stay as a unit, very compact and very high.
“It’s normally not easy to do this, but we always need pressure on the ball and we did it good. I think you can see the confidence we have and, when we have the ball, we have the quality to play and to create chances.”
Olmo added the third with a stunning strike from a tight angle before Pedri made it 4-0 after collecting a Marc Casadó pass and rounding the goalkeeper as Barça banished memories of a 4-2 defeat at Montilivi which ended their slim title hopes at the end of last season.
However, the game ended on a sour note, with Stuani scoring a consolation for the home side, Ferran Torres receiving a straight red card for a foul on Yáser Asprilla that will earn him a suspension and Olmo going off with an injury.
Flick said Olmo will undergo tests on Monday to determine the nature of the hamstring problem, but there is optimism he will not be sidelined for long with Barça due to kick off their Champions League campaign at Monaco on Thursday before a trip to Villarreal in LaLiga.
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Girona coach Míchel says Lamine Yamal can reach Lionel Messi’s level after watching the Barcelona winger take his side apart in Sunday’s Catalan derby at Montilivi.
Arteta: I lost sleep over selection for Spurs win
Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal’s availability problems led him to lose sleep in the build-up to Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham but hailed his team’s resilience as they secured a vital 1-0 victory.
Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal’s availability problems led him to lose sleep in the build-up to Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham but hailed his team’s resilience as they secured a vital 1-0 victory. Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal’s availability problems led him to lose sleep in the build-up to Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham but hailed his team’s resilience as they secured a vital 1-0 victory.
Arteta proud of Arsenal’s response to injury adversity (0:52)Mikel Arteta lauds his Arsenal side for their North London derby win without captain Martin Odegaard or suspended Declan Rice. (0:52)
Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal‘s availability problems led him to lose sleep in the build-up to Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham but hailed his team’s resilience as they secured a vital 1-0 victory.
Gabriel Magalhaes‘ 64th-minute header settled a tight contest in Arsenal’s favour, with Arteta’s team now having won three consecutive away league games at Spurs for the first time since 1988.
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Arsenal were without Declan Rice through suspension in addition to injury absentees Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori.
Ødegaard and Calafiori picked up injuries on international duty while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney were also ruled out.
“I didn’t enjoy [the preparation] because I didn’t sleep much,” Arteta said. “I looked ahead to Spurs for four or five days and I had a super clear plan how to do it.
“I prepared all the meetings, the training sessions and everything. Then I get the news that we’ve lost a player, and then another player and then another player, and I had to completely change it and adapt the plan to the players that we had available. So, it was a great challenge.
Mikel Arteta claimed a third straight away win in the north London derby on Sunday. Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
“The second we started to get that news, the team got hungrier and hungrier to play that game. It’s a big compliment to everybody at the club to behave in a certain way. It’s a tough week coming and instead of finding any excuses we did the opposite. We faced the challenge, played with courage and acknowledged the qualities we had to win the game.”
Ødegaard sustained an ankle problem which Norway team doctor Ola Sand suggested would sideline the Arsenal captain for three weeks, ruling him out of Thursday’s Champions League trip to Atalanta and Sunday’s visit to Premier League champions Manchester City.
However, Arteta insisted after Sunday’s game that Arsenal still had to “wait and see” regarding his future availability.
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Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal’s availability problems led him to lose sleep in the build-up to Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham but hailed his team’s resilience as they secured a vital 1-0 victory.
Weekend Review: Haaland is Man City’s cheat code; Mbappé is Mbappé again
Erling Haaland put City on his back in their comeback win, while Kylian Mbappé looks like his old self in Madrid. That and more in our Weekend Review.
Erling Haaland put City on his back in their comeback win, while Kylian Mbappé looks like his old self in Madrid. That and more in our Weekend Review. Erling Haaland put City on his back in their comeback win, while Kylian Mbappé looks like his old self in Madrid. That and more in our Weekend Review.
How Haaland ‘took over’ to lead Man City comeback vs. Brentford (1:50)Steve Nicol reacts to Erling Haaland’s brace in Man City’s 2-1 win over Brentford. (1:50)
Erling Haaland is practically a cheat code. It hardly seems fair that perhaps the most dominant centre-forward of the modern game just so happens to play for arguably the most peerless Premier League team in history. He almost signle-handedly turned a 1-0 deficit to Brentford into a 2-1 Manchester City win.
One player who might have something to say about the battle to be today’s greatest No. 9 is Kylian Mbappé. While he may have gotten off to a slow start in the Spanish capital, the France captain is beginning to look like the great Galactico signing Real Madrid have waited so long for.
Bayer Leverkusen have no such generational talent up front, but last year’s historic Bundesliga crown demonstrated that they didn’t need one. And after losing in domestic competition for the first time since May 2023, the German champions are again looking like title contenders, regardless of who leads their line.
What else happened around Europe this weekend? ESPN’s Weekend Review puts a bow on all the continental competition.
While it’s true that Haaland has never scored for Manchester City in a semifinal or a final, he’s more than just a flat-track bully.
Erling Haaland’s brace on Saturday took Man City from a goal down to Brentford to winning 2-1. Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Pep Guardiola’s team were in a hole against Brentford on Saturday, losing 1-0 thanks to Yoann Wissa’s opener after just 22 seconds and looking like they were ready to concede more. Then up stepped Haaland. He scored his first from a chance that wasn’t even really a chance as the ball bounced around the penalty area, with his second coming from an impressive arrowed pass forward by Éderson.
Brentford — the last opposing team to win a Premier League game at the Etihad Stadium in November 2022 — could have scored three or four during a frantic opening to the game. By half-time, though, Haaland had two, City were leading 2-1 and any doubt about the result had disappeared. As bright as Brentford were for the first 10 minutes, they barely crossed the halfway line after half-time.
The brace means Haaland now has nine league goals in four games to start the season, and has already reached 99 for City in all competitions in just 103 appearances. The numbers are incredible, but what shouldn’t be discounted is the importance of his goals. It might not have been a tournament final, but City wouldn’t have beaten Brentford without him.
Everton have been involved in two fantastic games in the past two Premier League weekends. The only downside for Sean Dyche is that on both occasions his team were leading 2-0 only to lose 3-2. Two weeks after throwing away a two-goal lead against Bournemouth, Everton did it again at Villa Park. It wasn’t quite as dramatic as the collapse against the Cherries but Jhon Durán‘s winner will still feel like a massive blow for an Everton team looking for their first point of the season.
If you’re going to win at Anfield for the first time in more than 50 years, you may as well do it in style, and Nottingham Forest did exactly that on Saturday. Callum Hudson-Odoi picked the ball up on the right, took a couple of touches inside, and whipped his shot into the far corner to hand Forest their first away win at Liverpool since 1969. What a goal, and what a day for Forest.
Manchester United enjoyed a relatively comfortable day at Southampton, winning 3-0 in the early fixture to ease the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho got the goals, but Ten Hag had Onana to thank for a vital contribution in the first half with a penalty save from Cameron Archer. Southampton were on top at the time, but Onana’s intervention kept the scoreline at 0-0 and United slowly took over from there, scoring less than three minutes later and never looking back. — Rob Dawson
It’s taken five LaLiga games, but, as the Diario AS headline put it, “Mbappé is now Mbappé.” Real Madrid’s latest Galáctico put in his best performance for the club yet in their 2-0 win at Real Sociedad on Saturday. A brace against Real Betis before the international break had been a positive sign; this display was another step up.
It wasn’t about the second-half goal he scored from the penalty spot, although that was well taken. This was an exciting, non-stop 90 minutes, up against an impressive La Real who were the better team, on balance. And there were flashes of magic that were pure Mbappé, like the first-half trick that wrong-footed defender Jon Aramburu, and almost resulted in a goal, the shot flashing just wide.
“[Mbappé] looks fresher, more active on the ball,” Carlo Ancelotti said. “He’s improving. I liked his game a lot.” Mbappé agreed: “Every game I’m feeling better, I’m understanding what the team, the manager and my teammates need.”
Mbappe penalty makes it 2-0 Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe scores his third goal in two games for Real Madrid as they extend their lead over Real Sociedad.
It’s just in time for his Real Madrid debut in their favorite competition, one Mbappé has never won: the UEFA Champions League, as Madrid host VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday.
You weren’t expecting to find Espanyol vs. Alavés here, were you? This was the most surprisingly entertaining LaLiga game of the weekend, though, featuring five goals, including a hat trick for Espanyol’s Javi Puado. The best of the lot was his second, making it 2-1 with a glancing, near-post header. It finished 3-2, with three priceless points for Espanyol.
Jesús Navas is 38 years old. He’s seen and won it all, but he still ended Sevilla’s 1-0 win over Getafe in tears, overwhelmed by emotion. His was the only goal of the game, a first-half, venomous rocket across goal, to give Sevilla their first victory of the campaign.
“I feel this more than anyone,” Navas said post-match. “The fans are suffering, and it’s hard for us. I try to give everything, for as long as I can.”
Jesús Navas slots in the goal for Sevilla
Jesús Navas slots in the goal for Sevilla
Barcelona‘s emphatic 4-1 win at Girona got on track with two inspired strikes from Yamal. The first was all his own work: stealing the ball from defender David López before applying a cool finish. The second was just as impressive, stroked into the bottom corner from just inside the box. Already a world-class talent, Lamine is now adding consistent end product to his game, every week. There’s no ceiling in sight. — Alex Kirkland
One week after Bayer Leverkusen suffered their first league defeat since May 2023, the defending champions needed to immediately bounce back — and they did just that on Saturday. In the end, their dominant 4-1 win at TSG Hoffenheim underlined that last week’s defeat was a slip-up, not a sign of their decline.
Leverkusen bounce back in Hoffenheim thrashing
Two goals from Victor Boniface help Bayer Leverkusen to a 4-1 victory over Hoffenheim.
Leverkusen are basically playing the same way they did during their record-breaking campaign while Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have changed their respective styles significantly under new managers. Bayern boss Vincent Kompany wants his team to be aggressive in possession and play a high back line, while Dortmund’s Nuri Sahin intends to improve BVB’s ability to control the ball against any opponent. Both clubs won this weekend and look ready to make Leverkusen’s life tough.
Friday night games at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund are usually magical, and the home team has a great record on Fridays. In front of a jam-packed crowd, Borussia Dortmund beat the previous table toppers Heidenheim 4-2. After a strong start by the hosts that yielded a 3-1 half-time lead, the game turned into an exciting back-and-forth as Sahin’s side held firm.
Omar Marmoush showed no love for his former club, scoring twice for Eintracht Frankfurt at VfL Wolfsburg. The leadup to his opener can best be described as the perfect counterattack. Frankfurt broke through on the left side, with Hugo Larsson sending Hugo Ekitike bursting down the wing. The French forward then found Marmoush inside the penalty arena, but the 25-year-old did not simply try to fire the ball past Kamil Grabara, instead lobbing the ball elegantly over the onrushing goalkeeper.
Omar Marmoush shows great initiative to make it 1-0 Frankfurt
Omar Marmoush shows great initiative to make it 1-0 Frankfurt
He has at times been accused of being a speed merchant due to his somewhat one-dimensional style, but he can deliver stellar performances when he is in form and confident. Friday saw him score twice and assist for Donyell Malen as Dortmund thumped Heidenheim. They’ll need more goals and more consistency from him moving forward if they’re to keep pace at the top of the table. — Constantin Eckner
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Tuesday night sees Liverpool come to the San Siro as the Champions League “league phase” begins in earnest, and while the Reds’ weekend defeat may have them feeling the pressure, the Rossoneri‘s 4-0 win over Venezia will have lifted it off manager Paulo Fonseca. Heading into the game, Milan were winless in Serie A after defeat to Parma and draws against Lazio and Torino, but Saturday brought no such stress. Theo Hernández opened the scoring inside two minutes following Jesse Joronen‘s underwhelming goalkeeping and Youssouf Fofana flicked in a corner just 10 minutes later to double the hosts’ lead.
United States international Christian Pulisic also dazzled, assisting on Fofana’s goal and then scoring a penalty to make it 3-0, with Tammy Abraham converting another spot-kick for Milan’s fourth, all inside the opening 29 minutes of the game. Game over, job done, roll on Liverpool. — James Tyler
Robin van Persie’s start as a head coach has been somewhat underwhelming. He had won just one of his first three league games as the new Heerenveen boss, but things well and truly spun out of control on Saturday as his team lost at AZ Alkmaar 9-1.
Defensive disorganization and individual mistakes led Heerenveen to crumble in the second half after keeping the game competitive during the first 45 minutes. Despite his standing in his native Netherlands following a glittering playing career, Van Persie may soon find himself under pressure in the coming weeks. He is still an unproven commodity as a manager. — Eckner
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Erling Haaland put City on his back in their comeback win, while Kylian Mbappé looks like his old self in Madrid. That and more in our Weekend Review.
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LIVE Transfer Talk: Real Madrid ready to wait for Alphonso Davies
Real Madrid are confident of landing Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies on a free transfer next summer. Transfer Talk is LIVE with the latest.
Real Madrid are confident of landing Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies on a free transfer next summer. Transfer Talk is LIVE with the latest. Real Madrid are confident of landing Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies on a free transfer next summer. Transfer Talk is LIVE with the latest.
The transfer window might be shut across Europe’s top five leagues, but the rumour mill keeps on turning!Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
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Real Madrid are confident of landing Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies on a free transfer next summer. Transfer Talk is LIVE with the latest.
Prem yellow card record broken in Chelsea win
Chelsea substitute Christopher Nkunku struck in the 86th minute to secure a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth in a game littered with a Premier League record 14 yellow cards on Saturday.
Chelsea substitute Christopher Nkunku struck in the 86th minute to secure a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth in a game littered with a Premier League record 14 yellow cards on Saturday. Chelsea substitute Christopher Nkunku struck in the 86th minute to secure a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth in a game littered with a Premier League record 14 yellow cards on Saturday.
Chelsea substitute Christopher Nkunku struck in the 86th minute to secure a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth in a game littered with a Premier League record 14 yellow cards on Saturday.
Bournemouth twice struck the woodwork and Evanilson had a first-half penalty saved by Robert Sánchez.
But Chelsea finished the game strongly and Nkunku, who came on in the 79th minute, slotted home from close range to make it two away wins out of two for the London side.
Chelsea moved up to seventh with seven points from four games, while Bournemouth are 11th with five points.
Christopher Nkunku came off the bench to win the game for Chelsea.
Michael Steele/Getty Images
While it was not an entirely convincing display by Enzo Maresca’s team who rode their luck in the first half, there were plenty of positives to take away from the south coast.
They ended a run of 17 Premier League away games without a clean sheet, gave a debut to on-loan Jadon Sancho who impressed as a second-half substitute and showed plenty of resilience.
“First half we struggled, second half we were miles better,” Maresca said. “We didn’t win many balls in the first half and you need that in this type of stadium against this team.”
Bournemouth, however, paid dearly for failing to take their chances.
“We had more everything, more shots, more corners, but at the end what really matters is to score and they did it at the end,” said Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
A game full of chances and niggly fouls seemed to be heading for an unlikely stalemate until Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, threaded a ball in to Nkunku who showed great strength to turn sharply and toe-poke a shot past goalkeeper Mark Travers.
A game full of chances and niggly fouls seemed to be heading for an unlikely stalemate until Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, threaded a ball in to Nkunku who showed great strength to turn sharply and toe-poke a shot past keeper Mark Travers.
Sancho’s role in the goal capped an eye-catching debut for the winger who got a runners-up medal from the Champions League final while on loan at Borussia Dortmund last season.
“Jadon is a very good player and can help us,” Maresca said. “Now all the noise around him, I don’t care. With us he’s very polite, training well on and off the ball.”
Bournemouth had the better of the first half with Marcus Tavernier thumping a long-range effort against the crossbar in the fourth minute.
Travers denied Nicolas Jackson at the other end but Bournemouth looked set to go in front when Brazilian Evanilson was bundled over by Chelsea keeper Sanchez in the 36th minute.
Sanchez made amends though as he read Evanilson’s spot kick well to keep his side on level terms.
Chelsea sent on Sancho in the second half in place of Pedro Neto and he showed flashes of his best form.
But Bournemouth still looked the more likely to score with Sanchez saving from Justin Kluivert before Ryan Christie saw his side-footed effort strike the outside of the post.
Chelsea weathered the storm though and Nkunku sent the visiting fans home happy.
While referee Anthony Taylor’s yellow card had a busy night, most of the bookings were for niggly fouls or for players back-chatting the official. Eight Chelsea players were booked in all.
“It is not a problem for me with this amount of yellow cards. It is what it is. Sometimes the game demands the way you have to behave,” Maresca said.
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Chelsea substitute Christopher Nkunku struck in the 86th minute to secure a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth in a game littered with a Premier League record 14 yellow cards on Saturday.
England could face Euro ban over gov’t regulator
England and English football teams could be removed from UEFA competitions if a new regulator is considered to be “government interference” in the sport.
England and English football teams could be removed from UEFA competitions if a new regulator is considered to be “government interference” in the sport. England and English football teams could be removed from UEFA competitions if a new regulator is considered to be “government interference” in the sport.
England and English football teams could be removed from UEFA competitions if a new regulator is considered to be “government interference” in the sport.
In a letter sent by UEFA to the UK’s culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, European football’s governing body raised concerns about a proposed independent football regulator (IFR) in English football. The regulatory body will ensure the financial sustainability of clubs and stop teams from joining breakaway competitions like the European Super League.
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UEFA regulations state there should be no government interference in the running of football.
“We have specific rules that guard against this in order to guarantee the autonomy of sport and fairness of sporting competition; the ultimate sanction for which would be excluding the federation from UEFA and teams from competition,” UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis wrote in his letter, which has been seen by The Associated Press.
England, who have finished as runners-up in the last two European Championships, is co-hosting the 2028 edition of the tournament.
If UEFA imposed its ultimate sanction of excluding the English Football Association, the England team would be barred from competing in the Euros. It could also mean Premier League clubs being barred from the Champions League and other competitions.
The UK government’s Football Governance Bill would give an independent regulator powers to safeguard the future of clubs. It includes strengthened tests over who can run or own clubs.
In the letter, UEFA said: “Normally football regulation should be managed by the national federation.”
It said it was concerned by what it described as “scope creep” by a regulator into areas beyond “the long-term financial sustainability of clubs and heritage assets.”
UEFA said if all countries established regulators with wide-reaching powers it would hinder its ability to maintain effective governance across Europe. It wants England’s regulator to be “strictly limited” to the long-term financial sustainability of clubs and heritage assets.
A UK government spokesperson said: “The Football Governance Bill will establish a new Independent Football Regulator that will put fans back at the heart of the game, and tackle fundamental governance problems to ensure that English football is sustainable for the benefit of the clubs’ communities going forward.”
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Copyright: © 2024 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.
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England and English football teams could be removed from UEFA competitions if a new regulator is considered to be “government interference” in the sport.
Van Persie: 9-1 loss evokes Man Utd 8-2 Arsenal
Heerenveen head coach Robin van Persie said that his team’s 9-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar reminds him of Arsenal’s 8-2 to Manchester United in 2011.
Heerenveen head coach Robin van Persie said that his team’s 9-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar reminds him of Arsenal’s 8-2 to Manchester United in 2011. Heerenveen head coach Robin van Persie said that his team’s 9-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar reminds him of Arsenal’s 8-2 to Manchester United in 2011.
Why Santi Gimenez rejected Nottingham Forest (1:38)Sebi Salazar explains why he thinks Santi Gimenez rejected Nottingham Forest’s offer to move to the Premier League from Feyenoord. (1:38)
Heerenveen head coach Robin van Persie said that his team’s 9-1 defeat at the hands of AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie on Saturday reminds him of when he lost 8-2 to Manchester United as an Arsenal player in 2011.
The 41-year-old, who succeeded Kees van Wonderen as head coach in May, has overseen an inconsistent start to the season as Heerenveen sit 12th in the Eredivisie table with one win, one draw and two defeats from their opening four matches.
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Van Persie was captain of the Arsenal team that famously lost 8-2 to United at Old Trafford during the 2011-12 Premier League season — a result that then-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger described as “humiliating.” The Dutch forward signed for Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominant United side the following summer.
Saturday’s match saw former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott score four goals in AZ Alkmaar‘s record victory.
“I also know how it works. I also lost 8-2 to Manchester United once,” Van Persie said. “That wasn’t fun either, but it’s part of being a footballer. It’s part of everyone’s journey to become the best version of themselves.
“That’s a road of trial and error, but in the end, it’s precisely at moments like these that it’s about owning it like a guy. Towards the boys, the media, your family and friends. The football world can be quite a tough world. Quite a lot of people like it when things go badly. You have to own that. It’s very easy to be happy and put on some music when you win a game. Then everyone is at their best.
“It’s about standing with your chest out in these very situations and being proud of yourself and each other. That’s what we have to continue to do. We remain ourselves, even when things get tough. That’s what I believe in and what the boys believe in.”
Heerenveen head coach Robin van Persie watched his team lose 9-1 to AZ Alkmaar on Saturday. ANP via Getty Images
The defeat was Heerenveen’s biggest ever defeat at AZ Alkmaar.
“This is tough. You’ll encounter a number of bumps in your career. This was a very big bump. We learned a few more lessons from this match than we normally would,” Van Persie said.
“This is part of football. I have not been traumatised by this and neither have my players. You want to get the best out of yourself. That involves falling and getting up again.”
Van Persie, who won more than 100 caps for the Netherlands, felt that Heerenveen played well in the first half despite being 2-1 down at the break.
“Then it is important that you start the second half well and with sharpness. But the third, fourth and fifth goals [conceded] came in quick succession. For AZ that was fuel to the fire, they saw their chance,” Van Persie said.
But Van Persie told reporters afterwards he had no intention of abandoning his attacking philosophy.
“Even when things aren’t going your way, with three goals in quick succession in the second half, it’s important to keep doing the things you agreed on,” he said. “We’ll keep playing our own game. That’s what I believe in and what we believe in.”
Heerenveen travel to face FC Twente in their next Eredivisie fixture on Tuesday.
Information from Reuters contributed to this report
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Heerenveen head coach Robin van Persie said that his team’s 9-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar reminds him of Arsenal’s 8-2 to Manchester United in 2011.
Messi nets 2 goals, goes full 90 in Miami return
Lionel Messi, in his first game since the Copa America final, had two goals and one assist while playing the full 90 minutes in his return to MLS action Saturday night, a 3-1 Inter Miami win over the Union.
Lionel Messi, in his first game since the Copa America final, had two goals and one assist while playing the full 90 minutes in his return to MLS action Saturday night, a 3-1 Inter Miami win over the Union. Lionel Messi, in his first game since the Copa America final, had two goals and one assist while playing the full 90 minutes in his return to MLS action Saturday night, a 3-1 Inter Miami win over the Union.
Lionel Messi marks MLS return with quick-fire brace and assist (1:42)Lionel Messi returns for Inter Miami in style, scoring two goals in four minutes to turn the game around and then registering a late assist vs. the Philadelphia Union. (1:42)
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi marked his return to the pitch Saturday night at Chase Stadium with two goals and one assist while playing a full 90 minutes to inspire Inter Miami‘s 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.
The Argentina forward spent two months on the sideline after suffering a right ankle injury during the Copa America final July 14. He last played for Inter Miami on June 1 in an MLS match against St. Louis City before returning to the starting lineup Saturday.
“A little tired, the humidity and heat of Miami doesn’t help much, but I really wanted to get back, it was a lot of time off the field,” Messi told Apple TV after the match. “Little by little I found myself with the group, I felt good and that’s why we decided that I would start. I am very happy.”
Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino said Messi’s 90-minute participation was, in part, due to his ability to make a difference at any point.
“I’m happy that he finished the game well, that he was able to complete 90 minutes, that he felt good,” Martino said. “Messi and [Luis] Suarez both played the entire game, because they were good to finish the game. The reality is that it is very difficult to remove players who are so differential because they appear and resolve at any time. In the position we were in and everything we have ahead of us, the risk is one to take. That is to say, we no longer have the obligation to think about the playoffs because we have already achieved it. Now we have to think about the achievements that can occur in the short term. And the risks, I’m not saying excessively, but we are going to take the risks.”
Lionel Messi said he felt “a little tired” after playing all 90 minutes in his first match since July 14 but was “very happy” overall. Rich Storry-Imagn Images
Messi became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 15 goals and 15 assists, doing so in 19 games. Sebastian Giovinco previously held the record, completing the feat in 29 games.
Inter Miami leads the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings with 62 points in 28 games and a 19-4-5 record. The team remains on course to break the league’s record for most points in a regular season.
The Herons visit Atlanta United on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They have six games left before the playoffs.
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Lionel Messi, in his first game since the Copa America final, had two goals and one assist while playing the full 90 minutes in his return to MLS action Saturday night, a 3-1 Inter Miami win over the Union.
Follow live: Title-chasing Arsenal visit Tottenham in North Lonmdon derby
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9:00 AM, September 15, 2024Coverage: USA Net/Tele
London, England
Over/Under: 2.5
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You stay classy, Leeds? Ferrell attends home game
Hollwood actor Will Ferrell attended Leeds United’s Championship fixture against Burnley on Saturday.
Hollwood actor Will Ferrell attended Leeds United’s Championship fixture against Burnley on Saturday. Hollwood actor Will Ferrell attended Leeds United’s Championship fixture against Burnley on Saturday.
Actor Will Ferrell attended Leeds United‘s Championship fixture against Burnley at Elland Road on Saturday.
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The “Anchorman” star became a minority shareholder in Leeds this year. The club, who play in the second tier of English football, are run by the owners of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.
The ownership group first invested in Leeds in 2018 and increased its share to 44% in late 2021, then reached an agreement in 2023 to take over Leeds with NBA star Russell Westbrook and golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas also purchasing minority stakes in the club.
Ferrell is also a co-owner of MLS side LAFC.
Will Ferrell was in attendance for Leeds United’s Championship match against Burnley on Saturday. Danny Lawson/PA Images via Getty Images
Unfortunately for Ferrell, his presence did not inspire the home side as they fell to a 1-0 defeat on Luca Koleosho’s 18th-minute goal.
Ferrell, 57, is one of several American celebrities who have invested in English football in the wake of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s success at Wrexham.
Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady is a minority owner of Birmingham City.
On Friday, Wrexham drafted in two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning as a fan ahead of the team’s League One clash against Brady’s Birmingham.
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Hollwood actor Will Ferrell attended Leeds United’s Championship fixture against Burnley on Saturday.
Brady answers Eli’s Wrexham dig with SB brag
Tom Brady responded to his former NFL rival Eli Manning joining Wrexham’s supporter base ahead of the Welsh team’s game against Birmingham City on Monday with a boast about his Super Bowl success.
Tom Brady responded to his former NFL rival Eli Manning joining Wrexham’s supporter base ahead of the Welsh team’s game against Birmingham City on Monday with a boast about his Super Bowl success. Tom Brady responded to his former NFL rival Eli Manning joining Wrexham’s supporter base ahead of the Welsh team’s game against Birmingham City on Monday with a boast about his Super Bowl success.
Rob McElhenney reveals plans with Tom Brady for Wrexham vs. Birmingham (0:44)Rob McElhenney reveals he is hoping to watch Wrexham play Birmingham in League One with Tom Brady. (0:44)
Tom Brady responded to his former NFL rival Eli Manning joining Wrexham’s supporter base ahead of the Welsh team’s game against Birmingham City on Monday with a boast about his Super Bowl success.
Brady, who has a 3.3% stake in Birmingham, was called out by Manning on Friday, with the former New York Giants quarterback being drafted in by Wrexham’s co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, according to an official club announcement.
Manning commented on the post, saying: “Now I can beat @tombrady in football and fútbol! Go @wrexham_afc!”
Brady replied with a video shared to his official X account where he is seen brandishing a Super Bowl trophy and addressed McElhenney directly.
“I’ve been working on a little response video to Eli and I was looking around the house but I can’t find the other six of these [trophies].
“Rob, can you just educate the Wrexham fans just a little bit on the history of the NFL? Thanks bud, I’ll see you Monday.”
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Brady won seven Super Bowls in his illustrious gridiron career, while Manning picked up the sport’s most treasured prize twice — beating Brady and the New England Patriots on both occasions.
Monday’s clash at St Andrew’s in Birmingham, England, sees two unbeaten sides go head-to-head in League One. Wrexham are in first place in the third tier of English football with four wins and a draw, while Birmingham have played four matches and have three wins and a draw.
The game has been unofficially dubbed the “Hollywood Derby.”
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Tom Brady responded to his former NFL rival Eli Manning joining Wrexham’s supporter base ahead of the Welsh team’s game against Birmingham City on Monday with a boast about his Super Bowl success.
Ten Hag: Rashford goals will come like ketchup
Erik ten Hag has backed Marcus Rashford to have a big goal-scoring season after the striker ended his six-month drought on Saturday having endured criticism from his own fans.
Erik ten Hag has backed Marcus Rashford to have a big goal-scoring season after the striker ended his six-month drought on Saturday having endured criticism from his own fans. Erik ten Hag has backed Marcus Rashford to have a big goal-scoring season after the striker ended his six-month drought on Saturday having endured criticism from his own fans.
Nicol: De Ligt proved the doubters wrong vs. Southampton (2:08)Steve Nicol reacts to Matthijs de Ligt’s performance in Man United’s 3-0 win vs. Southampton. (2:08)
Erik ten Hag backed Marcus Rashford to have a big goal-scoring season after the striker ended his six-month drought on Saturday having endured criticism from his own fans.
Rashford went 13 games without a goal before netting in the 41st minute of Manchester United‘s 3-0 Premier League win over newly promoted Southampton, his first since a 2-0 win over Everton on March 9.
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While Ten Hag had been questioned for starting Rashford, he said pregame on Saturday that the 26-year-old needed only one goal or assist to “fly.”
Ten Hag can only hope that the positive afternoon indeed opens the floodgates for his striker, who had just eight goals across all competitions last season after pouring in 30 in 2022-23, Ten Hag’s debut season in Manchester.
“It’s very important,” the manager said after Saturday’s victory that gave United six points after four Premier League games.
“For every striker, they want to be on the scoring list. Once the first is in, more is coming. Once a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle — once it’s going, it’s coming more.”
Marcus Rashford opened his account for the Premier League season against Southampton. Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Individual workouts during the recent international break paid off for forward Rashford.
He was left out of the England squad for Euro 2024 and then was not called up for the wins over Finland and Republic of Ireland.
After coming under fire for a slow start to the season, he remained in Manchester during the break to work with RH Elite Coaching, spending much of the time doing finishing drills.
Rashford was left unmarked on United’s short corner in the 41st minute on Saturday, bending a diagonal shot into the far corner.
New signing Matthijs de Ligt and Alejandro Garnacho scored United’s other goals while goalkeeper André Onana saved Cameron Archer‘s penalty that proved to be the turning point.
Ten Hag’s men have no time to rest on the laurels from their much-needed win. They host Barnsley in the League Cup on Tuesday.
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Erik ten Hag has backed Marcus Rashford to have a big goal-scoring season after the striker ended his six-month drought on Saturday having endured criticism from his own fans.
Pep: Haaland in best form ever after latest brace
Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland is in the best form of his Manchester City career and praised the striker’s character after he scored twice against Brentford despite dealing with the death of a close friend.
Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland is in the best form of his Manchester City career and praised the striker’s character after he scored twice against Brentford despite dealing with the death of a close friend. Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland is in the best form of his Manchester City career and praised the striker’s character after he scored twice against Brentford despite dealing with the death of a close friend.
MANCHESTER, England — Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland is in the best form of his Manchester City career and praised the striker’s character after he scored twice against Brentford despite dealing with the death of a close personal friend in the build-up to the game.
Haaland decided to start against Brentford on Saturday following the death of family friend Ivar Eggja.
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The 24-year-old scored both goals as City came from behind to win 2-1 to reach nine goals in just four games to start the season.
“I’d say the best [form] but just four fixtures, not many games,” Guardiola told a post-match news conference. “I didn’t ask if he’s ready. If he wasn’t ready he would come to me. He’s an incredible weapon. Of course, it’s been tough. We try to take care of everyone here and if someone has problems we stay close.
“You have to be strong. Maybe for 90 minutes forget your personal life if life gives you a punch in the face.”
Haaland’s two goals at the Etihad came after Yoane Wissa had given Brentford the lead after just 22 seconds.
Erling Haaland is the top goal-scorer in the Premier League this season. Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Thomas Frank’s team could have scored again in the opening 10 minutes before City eventually took control thanks to their Norwegian centre-forward.
Haaland almost made it three Premier League hat tricks in a row but was denied a third against Brentford when his shot hit the post in the second half
“I give credit to Brentford,” Guardiola said. “It’s not easy to handle it. They deserved to be winning 2-0 or 3-0.
“Every time they have the ball they create a chance. Long balls, duels, short passes, break the lines, quick passes, transitions; they are an extraordinary team. We suffer since they come to the Premier League. All the games with Thomas have been like that.”
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Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland is in the best form of his Manchester City career and praised the striker’s character after he scored twice against Brentford despite dealing with the death of a close friend.
Pulisic scores as Milan thrash Venezia for 1st win
New AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca got his first Serie A win in style, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the Rossoneri as they kickstarted their season against Venezia.
New AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca got his first Serie A win in style, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the Rossoneri as they kickstarted their season against Venezia. New AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca got his first Serie A win in style, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the Rossoneri as they kickstarted their season against Venezia.
New AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca got his first Serie A win in style, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the Rossoneri as they kickstarted their season against Venezia.
A devastating opening half an hour set Milan on its way to a convincing 4-0 win over the newly promoted side on Saturday for their first victory of the season after two draws and a loss.
The result and the manner of the victory are a timely confidence boost ahead of a crucial week. Fonseca’s team hosts Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday followed by a Serie A derby match against defending champion Inter Milan.
Rafael Leão and Theo Hernández were benched for Milan’s last match but were back in the starting lineup and the pair combined to score the opener after just 90 seconds.
Hernandez won the ball in midfield and played it to Leao who gave it back to him with a delicious backheeled flick on the half turn. That sent the France international down the left and he squeezed his shot past Jesse Joronen at the near post.
Christian Pulisic helped AC Milan claim their first win of the season.
Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Milan doubled their lead in the 16th minute when Youssouf Fofana headed in a Christian Pulisic corner, and the United States international got on the scoresheet himself in the 25th minute by converting a penalty after Tammy Abraham was tripped by Joronen.
Milan were awarded another penalty less than three minutes later after the video assistant referee spotted Venezia defender Joel Schingtienne standing on Leao’s foot.
Abraham stepped up to net his first goal for Milan since joining from Roma last month.
It is the first time Milan have scored four times in the first half hour of a Serie A match since 1958.
Francesco Zampano thought he pulled one back for Venezia but it was ruled out and Venezia midfielder Hans Nicolussi Caviglia was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Ruben Loftus-Cheek and sent off.
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New AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca got his first Serie A win in style, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the Rossoneri as they kickstarted their season against Venezia.
Slot rues sloppiness after shock first Liverpool loss
Arne Slot got his first taste of defeat as Liverpool boss on Saturday as his side lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League
Arne Slot got his first taste of defeat as Liverpool boss on Saturday as his side lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League Arne Slot got his first taste of defeat as Liverpool boss on Saturday as his side lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League
Nicol: Liverpool couldn’t do the basics in loss vs. Forest (2:17)Steve Nicol reacts to Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. (2:17)
Arne Slot got his first taste of defeat as Liverpool boss on Saturday as his side lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, with visiting manager Nuno Espírito Santo out-foxing the Dutchman in a fascinating encounter.
Forest got their tactics spot on, packing the centre of midfield and crowding out Liverpool’s wide players. And although the home side had some decent chances in the first half, they were not clinical enough in front of goal.
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“The result frustrates the most, and we cannot be happy about how the game went. It was a stop-start game and we hardly created any chances,” Slot said.
“We only have to look at ourselves — we have to be better. Far too many times we lost the ball around the area, it was not good enough. We have to be better with the ball.”
Forest’s solid block may have left Liverpool short of space but they were their own worst enemies at times and substitutes Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi combined for the latter to score on the counter and claim three points for the visitors.
“Our decisions and execution weren’t good enough. In general we defended quite well, but the two fast players came on and made it difficult. We took a lot of risk and in the end it was a very good goal,” Slot added.
Arne Slot has won three and lost one game as Liverpool head coach. Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Forest’s Portuguese coach Espirito Santo was delighted with how his side executed the game-plan.
“The only way to achieve anything here is if you are organised and do everything that you can,” he said.
“When you start the way we started with our wingers Nico Dominguez and Elliot Anderson, all the effort of them tracking Liverpool’s full-backs, it is a lot of energy.”
After flirting with relegation in previous seasons, Forest find themselves in fourth position with eight points from four games after their win. Liverpool are second with nine.
“We are working hard, and it is about building and believing in this idea that you can develop,” Espirito Santo said.
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Arne Slot got his first taste of defeat as Liverpool boss on Saturday as his side lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League
Ancelotti hails Mbappé’s best Madrid performance
Carlo Ancelotti praised Kylian Mbappé’s performance after the forward scored in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win away at Real Sociedad on Saturday, saying Mbappé looked “fresher, more active” and is “improving a lot.”
Carlo Ancelotti praised Kylian Mbappé’s performance after the forward scored in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win away at Real Sociedad on Saturday, saying Mbappé looked “fresher, more active” and is “improving a lot.” Carlo Ancelotti praised Kylian Mbappé’s performance after the forward scored in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win away at Real Sociedad on Saturday, saying Mbappé looked “fresher, more active” and is “improving a lot.”
Mbappe penalty makes it 2-0 Real Madrid (0:54)Kylian Mbappe scores his third goal in two games for Real Madrid as they extend their lead over Real Sociedad. (0:54)
Carlo Ancelotti praised Kylian Mbappé‘s performance after the forward scored in Real Madrid‘s 2-0 win away at Real Sociedad on Saturday, saying Mbappé looked “fresher, more active” and is “improving a lot.”
Vinícius Júnior opened the scoring at the Reale Arena in the 58th minute, converting a penalty after Sergio Gómez‘s handball, before Mbappé added another penalty in the 75th minute when Vinícius was fouled.
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Mbappé now has three goals in five LaLiga games this season.
“[Mbappé] looks fresher, more active on the ball,” Ancelotti said in his post-match news conference. “He’s very dangerous, combining well with Vinícius and the other forwards. He’s improving. I liked his game a lot.”
Ancelotti said he’d left Vinícius and Mbappé to decide who should take penalties, with both now having scored twice from the spot this campaign.
“First it was Vini who scored, and then they decided Kylian should take one,” Ancelotti said. “They take the responsibility, and so far it has gone well.”
Mbappé himself told Real Madrid TV that he feels he is adapting to his new surroundings.
“Every game I’m feeling better, I’m understanding what the team, the manager and my teammates need,” Mbappé said. “[Vinícius and I] try to find each other in the game and in training to find that connection, he’s a great player.
“The important thing is that the four penalties [so far this season] were goals, not who takes them. We scored all four, and that’s the most important thing.”
Carlo Ancelotti congratulated Kylian Mbappé on what he described as his best performance for Real Madrid since joining. Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
“[Vinícius and Mbappé] are working together better all the time,” goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois told Real Madrid TV. “With them we have a lot of danger up front. They’ll score a lot of goals.”
The result in San Sebastián means Madrid have 11 points from five LaLiga games, with three wins and two draws,
“We aren’t at 100%, that’s quite normal,” Ancelotti said. “But individually, the players are improving a lot. We can talk about all the problems in this game but we’re happy. When you’re missing four midfielders, it’s hard to find balance.”
The coach was referring to the absence of Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos through injury.
“It was a difficult game, we probably didn’t deserve to win,” Ancelotti admitted. “Real Sociedad played very well. We suffered, and we held on. I value that a lot.”
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Carlo Ancelotti praised Kylian Mbappé’s performance after the forward scored in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win away at Real Sociedad on Saturday, saying Mbappé looked “fresher, more active” and is “improving a lot.”
Follow live: Messi returns as Inter Miami hosts Philadelphia
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7:30 PM, September 14, 2024Coverage: MLS Season Pass
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Over/Under: 3.5
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What ratings do Mbappé, Messi, Ronaldo get in new game?
EA Sports will launch FC 25 this month. Here’s a look at which men’s and women’s players command the highest individual ratings in the new game.
EA Sports will launch FC 25 this month. Here’s a look at which men’s and women’s players command the highest individual ratings in the new game. EA Sports will launch FC 25 this month. Here’s a look at which men’s and women’s players command the highest individual ratings in the new game.
With the much-anticipated worldwide release of EA Sports FC 25 edging closer, our appetites have been whetted further with the reveal of which players will command the highest individual ratings in the game.
We’ve scoured the spreadsheets, perused the lists and crunched the numbers to present an easily digestible breakdown of the most noteworthy aspects — who the best players will be, who they play for and what, precisely, makes them so coveted.
Here are the key takeaways we have gleaned from EA Sports’ first raft of ratings, which sees just a few clubs and a scattering of star names therein utterly dominate the upper echelons.
As you might not be overly surprised to learn, a seismic transfer to Real Madrid hasn’t done much to upset Kylian Mbappé‘s position as the highest-rated player.
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The nimble France forward tops the overall player ratings once again, having successfully retained his individual scores from last year including ridiculously strong numbers for pace (97), shooting (90) and dribbling (92).
However, there is a new challenger to Mbappé’s throne in the shape of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, whose importance to manager Pep Guardiola’s tactical approach is reflected in a massive stat boost that sees the Spain international join Mbappé at an overall rating of 91.
Rodri is one of only four players afforded a 91 overall, along with City teammate Erling Haaland and reigning women’s Ballon d’Or holder Aitana Bonmatí also level-pegging at the top.
When it comes to the combined overall player ratings, three colossal clubs dominate the upper reaches with Real Madrid, Manchester City and Barcelona players occupying the first nine places in the top 10 (Sam Kerr of Chelsea is 10th).
That triumvirate of clubs boasts a combined 13 players in the top 25, with Barça’s men’s and women’s sides offering up five entrants between them while Real and Man City provide four players apiece.
Across both the men’s and women’s leagues, only 11 players have been granted overall ratings of 90 or above — but Lionel Messi isn’t one of them. Despite leading Argentina to a third-consecutive major tournament success at the Copa América last summer and still holding the men’s Ballon d’Or, the 37-year-old’s powers are finally on the wane as far as EA Sports is concerned.
Those who are in the 90 club this year hail from just five different clubs.
For the men, the list comprises Rodri (91), Haaland (91) and Kevin De Bruyne (90) of Manchester City; Mbappé (91), Jude Bellingham (90) and Vinícius Júnior (90) of Real Madrid and Harry Kane (90) of Bayern Munich.
For the women, the Barcelona trio of Bonmatí (91), Alexia Putellas (90) and Caroline Graham Hansen (90) is joined by Chelsea striker Kerr (90) with ratings in the upper 10th percentile.
Congratulations are due to Sophia Smith, whose part in the United States women’s national team winning Olympic gold has seen her stock rise to an unprecedented level, making her the highest-rated player in the National Women’s Soccer League.
The Portland Thorns striker has seen her overall rating rocket to 89 with a stat boost across the board, which means she has cracked not just the top 25 but also the top 15, edging out the likes of the Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
Boosted by the star power currently there, Major League Soccer boasts some impressively strong player ratings in EAFC 25.
Inter Miami contributes the three highest rated players in MLS. Veteran superstar Messi has unsurprisingly emerged as the best the league has to offer, with an 88 rating.
He is joined on the podium by recent LAFC recruit Olivier Giroud (83) and Miami teammate Luis Suárez (82)
With age perhaps finally starting to catch up with him, Al Nassr‘s Cristiano Ronaldo continues to see his EA FC rating slip with each passing year.
Indeed, the one-time game-conquering goliath is not even the highest-rated player in the Saudi Pro League.
Instead, that honour goes to Neymar (87) of Al Hilal, who is ranked narrowly above the Portuguese veteran (86) as well as Al Ittihad‘s Karim Benzema and João Cancelo (both 86) as the league’s top-rated stars.
Aside from the overall ratings, EAFC 25 has also produced a breakdown of which players command the highest individual stats when it comes to the metrics governing the integral fundamentals.
Mbappé is the fastest player in the game with a pace stat of 97, which puts him ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior (95), Portland’s Smith (93), Lyon Féminin‘s Kadidiatou Diani (90), and — most curiously — Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma (90) in the top five.
The three best shooters in the game are fairly easy to predict with Kane (93) coming out on top ahead of fellow goal machines Haaland (92) and Mbappé (90).
The best passer in EAFC 25 is De Bruyne. His sublime range sees him possess a 94 rating for passing — the highest stat mark afforded to any player in the game for a particular skill.
Bonmatí, Messi and Mbappé are all narrowly beaten to the best dribbling stat by Manchester City maestro Bernardo Silva, who sits at the top of the order with a 92 rating.
The best goalkeeper in the game is PSG’s Donnarumma who has earned an overall rating of 89 and narrowly pips Alisson Becker, Thibaut Courtois and Marc-André ter Stegen (all also 89).
This is thanks to the Italy international boasting a slight edge in terms of his individual stats, which puts him 13th in the overall player ratings.
Man City No. 1 Ederson has to make do with being the fifth-highest-rated goalkeeper in EA FC 25, but the Brazilian can take solace in the fact that he has the second-highest passing stat of any player, outfield or otherwise.
Ederson’s passing stat of 91 is bettered by only one player, City teammate De Bruyne, who commands a 94.
The highest-rated goalkeeper in the women’s game is Lyon stalwart Christiane Endler, who sits seventh in the rundown of stoppers, nestled just behind Atlético Madrid‘s Jan Oblak with an 88.
– Kylian Mbappé, forward, Real Madrid, France: 91- Rodri, midfielder, Manchester City, Spain: 91- Aitana Bonmatí, midfielder, Barcelona, Spain: 91- Erling Haaland, forward, Manchester City, Norway: 91- Jude Bellingham, midfielder, Real Madrid, England: 90- Alexia Putellas, midfielder, Barcelona, Spain: 90- Vinícius Júnior, forward, Real Madrid, Brazil: 90- Caroline Graham Hansen, forward, Barcelona, Norway: 90- Kevin de Bruyne, midfielder, Manchester City, 90- Sam Kerr, forward, Chelsea, Australia: 90- Harry Kane, forward, Bayern Munich, England: 90- Martin Ødegaard, midfielder, Arsenal, Norway: 89- Gianluigi Donnarumma, goalkeeper, Paris Saint-Germain, Italy: 89- Sophia Smith, forward, Portland Thorns, United States: 89- Alisson Becker, goalkeeper, Liverpool, Brazil: 89- Thibaut Courtois, goalkeeper, Real Madrid, Belgium: 89- Ada Hegerberg, forward, Lyon, Norway: 89- Lautaro Martínez, forward, Internazionale, Argentina: 89- Mapi León, defender, Barcelona, Spain: 89- Virgil van Dijk, defender, Liverpool, Netherlands: 89- Marc-André ter Stegen, goalkeeper, Barcelona, Germany: 89- Mohamed Salah, forward, Liverpool, Egypt: 89- Phil Foden, forward, Manchester City, England: 88- Marie-Antoinette Katoto, forward, Paris Saint-Germain, France: 88- Lionel Messi, forward, Inter Miami, Argentina: 88
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EA Sports will launch FC 25 this month. Here’s a look at which men’s and women’s players command the highest individual ratings in the new game.
Source: Barça reject offer for England’s Walsh
Barcelona turned down an offer for England international Keira Walsh before the Women’s Super League [WSL] transfer window closed on Friday, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Barcelona turned down an offer for England international Keira Walsh before the Women’s Super League [WSL] transfer window closed on Friday, a source confirmed to ESPN. Barcelona turned down an offer for England international Keira Walsh before the Women’s Super League [WSL] transfer window closed on Friday, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Bompastor: ‘Small details’ separate Chelsea from UWCL glory (1:14)Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor discusses Chelsea’s chances of success in a competition she won as a player and manager, the UEFA Women’s Champions League. (1:14)
Barcelona turned down an offer for England international Keira Walsh before the Women’s Super League (WSL) transfer window closed on Friday, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Sources told ESPN both Arsenal and Chelsea had expressed an interest in signing Walsh this summer, with reports suggesting the bid came from the former and would have broken the transfer record in the women’s game.
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Catalan media claim the offer was as high as €1.1 million ($1.2m), which is significantly more than the record of €800,000, set when Zambia forward Racheal Kundananji joined National Women’s Soccer League [NWSL] side Bay FC from Madrid CFF earlier this year.
A source told ESPN that Barça had “no intention” of letting Walsh leave and that all interested parties were referred to the midfielder’s €3m release clause.
Barça’s strong stance comes despite the fact Walsh, who joined the club for a then world record €400,000 fee from Manchester City in 2022, is out of contract at the end of the season and could potentially walk away as a free agent.
Sources have told EPSN that Walsh would have been open to return to her native England, but Barça remain hopeful of convincing her to extend her stay, with a source adding the back-to-back European champions “don’t want to weaken a team which won everything it could possibly win last season.”
Keira Walsh won the Champions League with Barcelona last season. Eric Alonso/Getty Images
Walsh, meanwhile, started on Friday as Barça beat Real Sociedad 3-1 in their first home game of the season to make it two wins from two to start Liga F.
“There is no Keira Walsh issue,” coach Pere Romeu said in a news conference after that match.
“She has been with us all preseason and is an essential player. She understands our style of play perfectly, she is a very professional player and from day one she has shown a spectacular attitude and commitment to the team. We will continue to count on her this season.”
María Pérez did leave the club for England on Friday, though, with Barça confirming the young midfielder has joined London City Lionesses on a permanent deal.
The Lionesses play in the Women’s Championship but the addition of Pérez, who was part of Spain‘s World Cup winning squad last year, shows the level of their ambition.
Owned by Michele Kang, who also owns Lyon and Washington Spirit, the London-based side have also signed Sweden internationals Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson to boost their bit to gain promotion to the WSL.
Information from ESPN’s Emily Keogh contributed to this report
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Barcelona turned down an offer for England international Keira Walsh before the Women’s Super League [WSL] transfer window closed on Friday, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Rashford on target as Utd win 3-0 at St Mary’s
Marcus Rashford scored for the first time since March in Manchester United’s 3-0 Premier League victory at Southampton on Saturday.
Marcus Rashford scored for the first time since March in Manchester United’s 3-0 Premier League victory at Southampton on Saturday. Marcus Rashford scored for the first time since March in Manchester United’s 3-0 Premier League victory at Southampton on Saturday.
New signing Matthijs de Ligt grabbed his first goal while Marcus Rashford scored for the first time since March in Manchester United‘s 3-0 Premier League victory at Southampton on Saturday.
Alejandro Garnacho added a late goal for Erik ten Hag’s side who started the day 14th in the table after back-to-back losses. They now have six points from four matches while newly promoted Southampton remain without a point.
Manchester United earned a vital win against Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.
Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Southampton dominated early on but squandered a chance to take the lead in the 34th minute after United goalkeeper André Onana saved Cameron Archer‘s poor penalty, sparking an immediate shift in momentum at St Mary’s Stadium.
A minute later, De Ligt headed in a sumptuous ball from Bruno Fernandes. Rashford, who had gone 13 games without a goal, then ended his drought with a diagonal shot from outside the 18-yard-box to the far corner in the 45th minute.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 79th minute when defender Jack Stephens was sent off for a high tackle on Garnacho.
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Marcus Rashford scored for the first time since March in Manchester United’s 3-0 Premier League victory at Southampton on Saturday.
It's not just the three-way battle among Chicago, Washington and Atlanta for the final playoff spot. Which games will affect the first-round matchups? It's not just the three-way battle among Chicago, Washington and Atlanta for the final playoff spot. Which games...
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Transfer Talk: Man City eye Xavi Simons to replace Kevin De Bruyne
Man City join Liverpool and Bayern Munich in the race to sign Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. Transfer Talk has the latest.
Man City join Liverpool and Bayern Munich in the race to sign Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. Transfer Talk has the latest. Man City join Liverpool and Bayern Munich in the race to sign Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. Transfer Talk has the latest.
Dawson: Ten Hag needs results and performances ‘very, very quickly’ (2:18)Rob Dawson explains the mounting pressure on Erik ten Hag after Manchester United’s slow start to the season. (2:18)
The transfer deadline might have passed across Europe’s top five leagues, but there is still business to be done this summer — and, with only four months until the January window opens, the rumour mill keeps on turning!Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
Manchester City are considering Paris Saint-Germain and Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons as a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne in the summer, but they could face pressure from Liverpool and Bayern Munich, according to Christian Falk.
The 21-year-old has been in impressive form since joining RB Leipzig on loan once again from PSG, adding a goal and an assist in his first three matches this season to his impressive haul of ten goals and 15 assists in 2023-24.
Simons, however, is said to see his future away from the French capital, and would prefer a move to the Premier League.
Simons is valued at around €80m, with his existing deal set to run out in 2027. Leipzig would also like to keep Simons on a permanent basis, but they’re unlikely to be able to afford the Dutchman long-term.
Simons has played either as an attacking midfielder or winger, and his form is not going unnoticed across Europe. With Bayern among his list of admirers, the German side are keen to land a young midfielder to lead their midfield for the next few seasons.
Simons contributed a goal contribution every 140 minutes last season, form that, if he can continue, will no doubt interest a number of clubs at the end of the season.
RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons has been linked to Manchester City, Liverpool and Bayern Munich. ANP via Getty Images
– Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are all battling it out to sign Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres but they are all put off by Sporting Lisbon’s £84m release clause, according to Ekrem Konur. The 26-year-old striker was being chased by a host of clubs in the summer, but he ended up staying in Portugal, and that situation is likely to continue beyond January unless Sporting lower their demands. Arsenal are considered the favourites to land the in-form attacker next summer.
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– Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is expected to move to Saudi Arabia in either January or at the end of the season, according to Football Insider. The Brazilian 32-year-old has endured a tough start to the campaign under Erik ten Hag, and he’s now reconsidering his future after initially having opted to stick around in the summer to fight for his place in the team.
– Lille and England midfielder Angel Gomes is a January target for Newcastle United, according to TeamTalk. Gomes’ contract expires in 2025 and so is able to talk to other clubs in January. Last season, he was Ligue 1‘s joint highest provider of assists, with eight.
– The curious case of Adrien Rabiot continues, with the free agent still without a club and, seemingly, a decreasing number of interested parties able to afford his salary expectations, according to Calciomercato. Arsenal and Manchester United represent his best chance of a move to the Premier League, with Newcastle United having ended their interest in the French international. Rabiot, 29, who left the Bianconeri after the expiration of his contract in the summer, has so far been unable to find a new club.
– Juventus are contemplating a move for Genoa‘s young defender Honest Ahanor, despite the 16-year-old signing a contract extension until 2027. Calciomercato report the Bianconeri have been monitoring Ahanor for over a year and have been impressed with the left-footed central defender who can also play on either flank and also in midfield.
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Man City join Liverpool and Bayern Munich in the race to sign Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. Transfer Talk has the latest.
Arteta: Arsenal wanted Sterling within 10 seconds
Mikel Arteta has said he knew within ten seconds of speaking to Raheem Sterling that he was the right signing for Arsenal and warned the winger has a point to prove as he looks to revitalise his career.
Mikel Arteta has said he knew within ten seconds of speaking to Raheem Sterling that he was the right signing for Arsenal and warned the winger has a point to prove as he looks to revitalise his career. Mikel Arteta has said he knew within ten seconds of speaking to Raheem Sterling that he was the right signing for Arsenal and warned the winger has a point to prove as he looks to revitalise his career.
Will trophies follow Arteta’s contract extension at Arsenal? (1:24)Gab & Juls discuss Mikel Arteta’s three-year contract extension at Arsenal. (1:24)
Mikel Arteta has said he knew within 10 seconds of speaking to Raheem Sterling that he was the right signing for Arsenal and warned that the winger has a point to prove as he looks to revitalise his career.
Arsenal travel to Tottenham for Sunday’s north London derby with uncertainty over their starting lineup after captain Martin Ødegaard and Riccardo Calafiori both picked up injuries during the international break.
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Sources have told ESPN that the pair are likely to miss Sunday’s game but Arteta refused to rule both players out as Ødegaard undergoes further examinations on an ankle problem and Calafiori battles a calf injury.
While Declan Rice is also suspended, one player whose availability is unquestioned is Sterling, who joined Arsenal on a season-long loan deadline day from Chelsea in a move which only surfaced in the final few hours of the window.
Sterling was omitted from interim boss Lee Carsley’s England squad and has therefore had almost two weeks acclimatising to his new surroundings at Arsenal’s London Colney training base.
“He looks great. He’s got a lot of energy, a smile on his face and he’s at it. He wants to prove a point and when someone’s got that in his belly you sense it straight away,” Arteta said at a news conference on Friday.
Raheem Sterling is set to make his Arsenal debut against Tottenham on Sunday. Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
“Obviously I don’t need to know anything else about his quality and what he can bring to the team.
“In his personal life a lot of things have changed but with the player I was really surprised. The first call I had with him I knew in the first ten seconds we have to bring him because he really wanted it.
“That was my only question mark: ‘what stage is he at in his career?’ [But] after 10 seconds, I knew already before the next questions that we needed him here.
“What I see is hunger. He’s a player that wants to play every minute of every game. When that’s not the case, he’s not happy. He wants to play every single day and I see that.
“His commitment and the level of energy that he’s bringing to the team is a big boost. You can feel it walking through the door. We are better with him. He’s going to make us better.”
Arteta signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract on Thursday which ties him to the club until 2027.
Asked if there was another job he would have left for, Arteta said: “No, the emotional attachment that I have, that my family and kids have, the experience that I have with the people is too strong.
“We are in the right direction and we have made some huge steps. We have a lot still to make and I sense that hunger from the ownership to the board to all the players and all the staff here. This is the aim and the objective.”
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Meet the barbecue king giving stars like Poch, Messi, Alisson a taste of home
For U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, Lionel Messi and many South Americans footballers living abroad, one man helps them feel a little closer to home.
For U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, Lionel Messi and many South Americans footballers living abroad, one man helps them feel a little closer to home. For U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, Lionel Messi and many South Americans footballers living abroad, one man helps them feel a little closer to home.
Meet the man and the grill fuelling some of football’s biggest stars (2:53)Some of the most famous names in world football use one chef to help them feel a little closer to home. (2:53)
For many of the Premier League‘s South American stars, Nico Frangione is the man they have to thank for helping them get a little taste of home while living in England.
Married to an Argentine woman in London, Frangione has turned his love of barbecue into a business opportunity that is gaining ground among top players from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay at clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Cooking delicacies reminiscent of the best asados gaúchos from Montevideo to Buenos Aires, the barbecue chef has even won over the taste buds of some who have never played in English football, such as Lionel Messi.
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Frangione fell in love with parrillas while preparing them for his wife to bring her closer to her homeland. Since then, what used to be a ritual in the couple’s free time has become a connection to home for many who missed having a barbecue to call their own.
“It’s a way for them to get together socially with their club mates over the asado,” he tells ESPN. “It’s what they’ve always been used to, it’s part of the culture and it makes them feel at home.”
Frangione says the first star to get to know his culinary skills was Tottenham legend Osvaldo Ardiles, who won the 1978 World Cup with host nation Argentina before spending a decade at Spurs and subsequently settling in the UK.
United States men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino (right) invited Nico Frangione (lerft) to cook a barbecue for his players while he was manager at Chelsea. Nico Frangione
Coaches such as Mauricio Pochettino (formerly of Spurs and Chelsea, and now in charge of the United States men’s national team) and Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) and Brazil internationals including Alisson (Liverpool), Douglas Luiz and Philippe Coutinho (ex-Aston Villa) have also helped spread the message for Frangione, who has also produced personalised barbecue grills for each one. The customised parrillas gaúchas, originally imported from Argentina but now made in the UK, can cost up to £6,745 ($8,860).
“They come to us and we consult with them, we understand what kind of grill they want, depending on the region they come from, in Argentina or Brazil,” he says. “We listen to everything and build them the best. Often, they customise it. So it really becomes a unique piece, which we hope they will keep for a lifetime.”
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is one of many South Americans playing in the Premier League who have one of Frangione’s personalised grills. Nico Frangione
The success of the barbecues has been such that they’ve even ended up at team events, helping to galvanise squads featuring players from all over the world.
“In my opinion, this is a very important part, because a happy player is a good player,” Frangione says. “That’s why clubs invite us a lot, to create this bond with the team, to network, to eat together. All successful clubs do this, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence.”
Lionel Messi’s customised grill was a birthday gift from his former Argentina international teammate, Sergio Agüero. Nico Frangione
According to Frangione, the first club to request a barbecue was West Ham United, courtesy of the club’s then-player from Argentina, Pablo Zabaleta. Then it was the turn of Aston Villa, Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United to have their own team asados.
“Today it’s easier to think of the clubs where we haven’t done,” he says. “We consider them friends. At Tottenham, for example, I think we’re the only caterers who have allowed [club chairman] Daniel Levy to cook for them. They all love it and end up having a good day.”
Of the 11 first-team players who won the Copa América for Argentina this summer, Frangione says eight are owners of one of his personalised grills, including Messi, who received his as a gift from former teammate Sergio Agüero. However, he has no doubts about which players are the best when it comes down to the serious business of cooking the meat.
“To be honest, they’re all reasonable,” he says, “but there are some who stand out more. I’d have to give it to [Emiliano] ‘Dibu’ Martínez and Nicolás Otamendi.”
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For U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, Lionel Messi and many South Americans footballers living abroad, one man helps them feel a little closer to home.
Source: Bonmatí to pen world record Barça deal
Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí is set to become the highest paid player in women’s football by signing a new long-term contract with Barcelona, a source has told ESPN.
Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí is set to become the highest paid player in women’s football by signing a new long-term contract with Barcelona, a source has told ESPN. Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí is set to become the highest paid player in women’s football by signing a new long-term contract with Barcelona, a source has told ESPN.
Aitana Bonmatí has prolonged her stay at Barcelona after penning a new long-term contract. Eric Alonso/Getty Images
Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí is set to become the highest paid player in women’s football by signing a new long-term contract with Barcelona, a source has told ESPN.
Bonmatí, 26, is out of contract at the end of the season but both the player and the club were keen to extend her terms as soon as possible.
A source says a loose agreement is now in place which will see the Spain international prolong her stay at Barça with a new multi-year deal.
Some of the finer details still need to be ironed out, but an official announcement is expected before the end of September.
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Salaries in women’s football are not public, but the top earners in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the Women’s Super League (WSL) earn between €400,000 ($443,602) and €600,000 annually.
Outside of the United States and England, Barça and Lyon are among the other clubs to also pay significant wages, with former Ballon d’Or winners Alexia Putellas and Ada Hegerberg both signing bumper new deals with their respective clubs recently.
However, a source assured that Bonmatí’s new deal is in excess of anything being paid in the game.
Barça’s ability to get the midfielder to commit her future to the club is a sign of their desire to remain at the top of the tree in European football.
A source had told ESPN that Chelsea were pushing to sign Bonmatí, with her agent confirming on Thursday the English side were even willing to pay the €3 million release clause in her contract.
“Chelsea were willing to pay the clause,” Cristian Martín told Catalunya Radio. “That Barça can compete with offers like that proves they’re not reducing the budget for the women’s team — the opposite.
“Barça want to keep capitalising on the legacy they are building. They are the club [in women’s football] that have best monetised and strengthened their brand.
“Now they want to consolidate that hegemony and the role of Aitana at the club is to help with that.”
Bonmatí first joined Barça’s academy in 2012 and has gone on to make over 250 appearances for the first team, winning five league titles and three Champions Leagues, among other trophies.
She has also helped Spain win the Women’s World Cup and the UEFA Women’s Nations League, earning her the Ballon d’Or and The Best FIFA Women’s Player awards in 2023.
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Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí is set to become the highest paid player in women’s football by signing a new long-term contract with Barcelona, a source has told ESPN.
Hürzeler, 31, wins Prem manager of month award
Brighton coach Fabian Hürzeler has been named the Premier League’s manager of the month for August in what was the 31-year-old’s debut month in charge.
Brighton coach Fabian Hürzeler has been named the Premier League’s manager of the month for August in what was the 31-year-old’s debut month in charge. Brighton coach Fabian Hürzeler has been named the Premier League’s manager of the month for August in what was the 31-year-old’s debut month in charge.
Fabian Hürzeler has been named the Premier League‘s manager of the month for August after leading Brighton to an unbeaten start this season in the 31-year-old’s debut month in charge.
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Brighton picked up seven points from their first three league games, with victories over Everton away and Manchester United at home, followed by a draw at Arsenal.
The winner was selected after combining public votes with those from a panel of football experts. The German, the youngest ever to win the award, beat fellow nominees, Manchester City‘s Pep Guardiola and Liverpool‘s Arne Slot, whose teams have made a perfect start to the season with nine points.
“I think it’s always nice to win a trophy and it confirms your work. It’s not only my work though — it’s the work from the whole club, it’s the work from my staff members, the work from my players,” Hürzeler said in a statement on Friday.
Fabian Hürzeler has claimed the Premier League’s manager of the month award at the first attempt. Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
“In the end all who are working in the club and our togetherness that has won this trophy. I’m really happy and now it’s about winning the next trophy.”
Last season, Ange Postecoglou won the award in his first month at Tottenham.
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Brighton coach Fabian Hürzeler has been named the Premier League’s manager of the month for August in what was the 31-year-old’s debut month in charge.
Beckham among mourners at Eriksson’s funeral
The funeral of former England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson was held on Friday in the town of Torsby where he grew up before embarking on an illustrious career.
The funeral of former England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson was held on Friday in the town of Torsby where he grew up before embarking on an illustrious career. The funeral of former England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson was held on Friday in the town of Torsby where he grew up before embarking on an illustrious career.
David Beckham attends Sven-Göran Eriksson’s funeral (0:25)David Beckham attends Sven-Göran Eriksson’s funeral in the Swedish town of Torsby. (0:25)
The funeral of Sven-Göran Eriksson, the first foreign manager to coach the England national team, was held on Friday in the small Swedish town of Torsby where he grew up before embarking on an illustrious career at the pinnacle of European football.
A soft-spoken but determined coach, Eriksson guided teams in Sweden, Portugal and Italy, winning major trophies in the 1980s and 1990s before taking on the England job in 2001, managing stars such as David Beckham, who was among the attendees at the service.
Eriksson announced in January that he was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer and spent much of the following months reconnecting with many of the places and people central to his career before he died last month.
He fulfilled his dream of managing Liverpool, after leading the club in a charity legends game against Ajax at Anfield in March.
David Beckham was among the attendees who paid their respects to Sven-Goran Eriksson at the former manager’s funeral in Torsby, Sweden. ADAM IHSE/TT/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images
The funeral took place in Torsby, a rural town of less than 5,000 people near the border with Norway, and was attended by several hundred people inside the church.
Some 200 seats in the neo-Gothic church from 1898 were reserved for his family, friends and players from his career in the football world, according to his agent. The remaining seats were open for the public, according to Eriksson’s wish
Others followed the service on a big screen set up outside and the funeral was given blanket coverage by Swedish media.
The wooden coffin was wheeled in by pallbearers at the church Friday morning. Next to the casket was a photo of Eriksson on a small table. The floral wreaths included ones sent by FIFA and Lazio, the Italian team that Eriksson led to the Serie A title in 2000.
Others attending the funeral included the Swedish coach’s longtime partner Nancy Dell’Olio.
Tributes flowed in from prime ministers, clubs and former players following the news of his death while national teams including England and Sweden played with black arm bands during the the September international break.
Eriksson, known in Sweden simply as “Svennis,” led England to the 2002 and 2006 World Cup quarterfinals, and to the 2004 European Championship, managing a golden generation of players that besides Beckham included stars such as Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard.
He began building his international reputation when he guided Swedish club IFK Gothenburg to the UEFA Cup in 1982 and went on to win silverware as coach of Portugal’s Benfica and Italian clubs Roma, Fiorentina, Lazio and Sampdoria.
Unable to end England’s trophy drought, he left the helm of the national side in 2006, going on to coach Manchester City and Leicester City as well as Mexico and Ivory Coast and clubs in China and Philippines.
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report
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The funeral of former England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson was held on Friday in the town of Torsby where he grew up before embarking on an illustrious career.
Slot: Elliott’s broken foot a ‘big disappointment’
Liverpool will be without midfielder Harvey Elliott for several weeks due to a fractured foot, manager Arne Slot said on Friday.
Liverpool will be without midfielder Harvey Elliott for several weeks due to a fractured foot, manager Arne Slot said on Friday. Liverpool will be without midfielder Harvey Elliott for several weeks due to a fractured foot, manager Arne Slot said on Friday.
Moreno: It’s time for Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool next year (1:39)Ale Moreno says a parting of the ways might be the best solution for Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of the season. (1:39)
Liverpool will be without midfielder Harvey Elliott for several weeks due to a fractured foot, manager Arne Slot said on Friday, disappointing news for the club ahead of a gruelling stretch of seven games across three competitions over the next three weeks.
Slot is expecting to have Alexis Mac Allister back on Saturday, however, as his men look to continue their perfect start to the Premier League when they host Nottingham Forest.
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“Harvey’s injury is, of course, not a just big disappointment for him but also for us,” Slot told reporters on Friday. “He didn’t play a lot in the first three games but he showed himself really well in preseason.
“He would have had a lot of playing time in the upcoming fixtures but that goes to someone else.”
Mac Allister returned to training on Thursday, Slot said, adding: “I’m expecting Macca to be with us [Saturday].”
Liverpool and title holders Manchester City are the league’s only two teams to have won their first three matches, a terrific start at Anfield for Slot, who replaced long-time manager Jürgen Klopp.
The league resumes after an international break, and the Dutchman was optimistic his players will not have lost momentum.
Harvey Elliott fractured his foot whilst on England under-21 duty. Photo by Dave Howarth – CameraSport via Getty Images
“If you saw them play with their national team then the moment is still there.”
Slot said there was no news on the contracts of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold: “It’s again the boring answer that you’ll get from me. We don’t talk about contract news here,” Slot said. “It is not disruptive because we work with the team and try to get the best out of them.”
Slot was asked about Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher‘s future at the club, following his comments about wanting to be a “number one.”
“I would be really worried if a player came out and said I don’t care about playing first-team football,” the manager said. “It’s normal they want to play and it’s also normal for a club like this to have more than 11 players who want to play.
“It’s a good place to be and he’s shown many times that he’s ready whenever we need him. Who knows if he’ll play for us in the future, but it’s quite clear that Alisson is the number one for this moment.”
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Liverpool will be without midfielder Harvey Elliott for several weeks due to a fractured foot, manager Arne Slot said on Friday.
Ancelotti: Bellingham not yet ready to return
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jude Bellingham isn’t fit to play for Real Madrid in their LaLiga game at Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jude Bellingham isn’t fit to play for Real Madrid in their LaLiga game at Real Sociedad on Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jude Bellingham isn’t fit to play for Real Madrid in their LaLiga game at Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Rodrygo ‘upset’ by Ballon d’Or snub (0:44)Real Madrid’s Rodrygo speaks about being left of the men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist. (0:44)
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jude Bellingham is not fit to play for Real Madrid in their LaLiga game at Real Sociedad on Saturday, while midfield teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni will also miss out.
Bellingham suffered a muscular injury in his right leg last month, with sources telling ESPN he would be absent until after this week’s international break.
The England star didn’t train with his teammates at Real Madrid City on Friday morning, and neither did Tchouameni, although two more injury doubts, defenders Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy, were both present.
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“Tomorrow they won’t play,” Ancelotti said, when asked about Bellingham and Tchouaméni in his pre-match news conference. “It’s too early. We’ll see if they’ll be available on Tuesday in the Champions League [against VfB Stuttgart].”
Champions Madrid have drawn two of their opening four LaLiga games so far this season, to leave them four points behind rivals Barcelona already.
The team’s reshaped forward line — which now includes summer arrival Kylian Mbappé — has not been at its best, with Ballon d’Or contender Vinícius Júnior scoring just once, from the penalty spot, in those four matches.
“He’s not at his best, but he’s decisive for us,” Ancelotti said, when asked about Vinícius. “We’re not in a hurry. The team has scored goals and he’s been important… I’m very happy with what he’s doing.”
Jude Bellingham in Real Madrid training on Thursday. Sara Gordon/Real Madrid via Getty Images
Ancelotti denied that Vinícius has been distracted by interest from Saudi Arabia, with ESPN reporting last month that the Brazil international had put off a decision on his future until next summer.
“I don’t know if [Vinícius] had an offer or not,” Ancelotti said. “I speak with everyone on a daily basis, and we’ve never talked about that subject. Vinicius loves playing football so much that anything on the outside doesn’t bother him.”
Teammate Rodrygo admitted this week that he was “upset” at being left off the men’s 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, and said his versatility had affected his development, but Ancelotti said he had no concerns about locker room jealousy.
“If it happens, I’ll detect it,” Ancelotti said. “In the locker room there’s a very good, healthy atmosphere… [Rodrygo] deserved to be [on the shortlist] and I understand that he’s upset.
“Someone has forgotten what he’s done in the Champions League, scoring against [Manchester] City and being important. It’s a virtue that he’s a wildcard, that he can play in many positions and always does well.”
On Friday, Real Madrid reached an official agreement with goalkeeper Andriy Lunin over a new contract which will run until 2028.
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Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jude Bellingham isn’t fit to play for Real Madrid in their LaLiga game at Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Pep ‘looking forward’ to result of 115 charges case
Pep Guardiola said that he is “looking forward” to the result of the hearing into Manchester City’s 115 charges for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules which begins on Monday.
Pep Guardiola said that he is “looking forward” to the result of the hearing into Manchester City’s 115 charges for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules which begins on Monday. Pep Guardiola said that he is “looking forward” to the result of the hearing into Manchester City’s 115 charges for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules which begins on Monday.
Guardiola ‘happy’ hearing against Man City’s 115 charges is set to begin (0:59)Pep Guardiola says Man City’s players do not talk about the 115 charges for alleged breaches of financial rules. (0:59)
Pep Guardiola said that he is “looking forward” to the result of the hearing into Manchester City‘s charges for 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League‘s financial rules which begins on Monday.
The hearing is related to charges for alleged breaches of the rules between 2009 and 2018.
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A decision from the independent commission is expected early next year and Guardiola said that he’s happy that a process which began when the charges were announced in February 2023 is finally coming to an end.
“It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon,” Guardiola told a news conference on Friday.
“An independent panel will decide. I’m looking forward to the decision. I’m happy it starts on Monday and I know there will be more rumours about the sentences that come up and we’re going to see.”
If City are found guilty, the punishment handed down by the independent commission could range from a fine and points deduction to expulsion from the Premier League.
But despite the severity of some of the sanctions on the table, Guardiola insists the case is not a topic of conversation between the players in the dressing room.
“We are not lawyers,” he said.
“Erling [Haaland] is not a lawyer so we didn’t talk about it. What is going to happen is with the independent panel and we will accept the sentence.”
Manchester City have been charged for 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
The charges against City have come at a time when they are the dominant force in English football having won a record four Premier League titles in a row.
And Guardiola hinted that he thinks the rest of the Premier League are keen for the club to be found guilty.
“I know what people are looking for, I know what they are expecting,” he added.
“I know it because I have read it for many years, but I’ve said everyone is innocent until guilt is proven. So we will see.”
The charges relate to a 14-season period from 2009-10 onwards and comprise 54 counts of failing to provide accurate information, 14 counts of failing to provide accurate details for player and manager payments, seven counts of breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR), five counts of failing to comply with UEFA regulations including financial fair play (FFP) and 35 counts of failing to cooperate with Premier League investigations from 2018 onwards.
City strongly deny all the charges, and claimed in a statement released in response to the initial charges that they have “irrefutable evidence” to support their position and “look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”
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Pep Guardiola said that he is “looking forward” to the result of the hearing into Manchester City’s 115 charges for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules which begins on Monday.
Ronaldo reaches 1 billion social media followers
Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday thanked his supporters after reaching the milestone of 1 billion social media followers across all platforms.
Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday thanked his supporters after reaching the milestone of 1 billion social media followers across all platforms. Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday thanked his supporters after reaching the milestone of 1 billion social media followers across all platforms.
Erik ten Hag responds to Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism (0:53)Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo is “far away from Manchester” after his comments about winning titles. (0:53)
Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday thanked his supporters after reaching the milestone of 1 billion social media followers across all platforms.
The Al Nassr captain has 638 million followers on Instagram, 170 million on Facebook and 113 million on X.
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He recently launched his YouTube channel, “UR · Ronaldo,” that became the fastest channel to hit 1 million subscribers on the platform and has now reached over 60 million.
“We’ve made history — 1 BILLION followers! This is more than just a number — it’s a testament to our shared passion, drive, and love for the game and beyond,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
“From the streets of Madeira to the biggest stages in the world, I’ve always played for my family and for you, and now 1 billion of us stand together.
“You’ve been with me every step of the way, through all the highs and the lows. This journey is our journey, and together, we’ve shown that there are no limits to what we can achieve. Thank you for believing in me, for your support, and for being part of my life.”
Ronaldo, 39, this month became the first men’s player in history to score 900 goals in official matches.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “The best is yet to come, and we’ll keep pushing, winning, and making history together.”
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Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday thanked his supporters after reaching the milestone of 1 billion social media followers across all platforms.
Pep backs Poch in ‘fascinating’ USMNT coach role
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has backed the decision by the USMNT to hire Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach while also branding the job as “fascinating.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has backed the decision by the USMNT to hire Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach while also branding the job as “fascinating.” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has backed the decision by the USMNT to hire Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach while also branding the job as “fascinating.”
Carlisle: Pochettino has a release clause in USMNT contract (1:36)Jeff Carlisle details the release clause of Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT contract. (1:36)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has backed the decision by the United States men’s national team to hire Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach while also branding the job as “fascinating.”
Pochettino will lead the U.S. into a home World Cup in 2026 after taking over from Gregg Berhalter, who was dismissed in July.
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Guardiola and Pochettino have faced each other several times in the Premier League and the City boss says he supports the appointment.
“I wish him and the USA — I have friends there — the best of luck,” Guardiola told a news conference on Friday.
“I know he’s a top class manager, an experienced manager.”
Appointing Pochettino, who left Chelsea in May, has been viewed as an ambitious move by the U.S. as they build towards the World Cup, which will also feature games in Mexico and Canada, in two years’ time.
The Argentine, who has also had spells in charge of Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, was linked with the manager’s job at Manchester United over the summer.
Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino have regularly coached against each other. Justin Setterfield – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Guardiola has also expressed an interest in being an international coach when he leaves City, and he said he can understand why Pochettino has taken on the role with the U.S. — currently ranked 16th in the world — because of the potential in the country.
“The USA is fascinating to try to build a project for many years and being able to get the national team to the next step,” added Guardiola.
“The potential with the USA is there for the amount of people and sports and so on. If he has decided it’s because it’s the best for him.”
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has backed the decision by the USMNT to hire Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach while also branding the job as “fascinating.”
Meet the barbecue king giving stars like Poch, Messi, Alisson a taste of home
For U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, Lionel Messi and many South Americans footballers living abroad, one man helps them feel a little closer to home.
For U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, Lionel Messi and many South Americans footballers living abroad, one man helps them feel a little closer to home. For U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, Lionel Messi and many South Americans footballers living abroad, one man helps them feel a little closer to home.
Meet the man and the grill fuelling some of football’s biggest stars (2:53)Some of the most famous names in world football use one chef to help them feel a little closer to home. (2:53)
For many of the Premier League‘s South American stars, Nico Frangione is the man they have to thank for helping them get a little taste of home while living in England.
Married to an Argentine woman in London, Frangione has turned his love of barbecue into a business opportunity that is gaining ground among top players from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay at clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Cooking delicacies reminiscent of the best asados gaúchos from Montevideo to Buenos Aires, the barbecue chef has even won over the taste buds of some who have never played in English football, such as Lionel Messi.
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Frangione fell in love with parrillas while preparing them for his wife to bring her closer to her homeland. Since then, what used to be a ritual in the couple’s free time has become a connection to home for many who missed having a barbecue to call their own.
“It’s a way for them to get together socially with their club mates over the asado,” he tells ESPN. “It’s what they’ve always been used to, it’s part of the culture and it makes them feel at home.”
Frangione says the first star to get to know his culinary skills was Tottenham legend Osvaldo Ardiles, who won the 1978 World Cup with host nation Argentina before spending a decade at Spurs and subsequently settling in the UK.
United States men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino (right) invited Nico Frangione (lerft) to cook a barbecue for his players while he was manager at Chelsea. Nico Frangione
Coaches such as Mauricio Pochettino (formerly of Spurs and Chelsea, and now in charge of the United States men’s national team) and Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) and Brazil internationals including Alisson (Liverpool), Douglas Luiz and Philippe Coutinho (ex-Aston Villa) have also helped spread the message for Frangione, who has also produced personalised barbecue grills for each one. The customised parrillas gaúchas, originally imported from Argentina but now made in the UK, can cost up to £6,745 ($8,860).
“They come to us and we consult with them, we understand what kind of grill they want, depending on the region they come from, in Argentina or Brazil,” he says. “We listen to everything and build them the best. Often, they customise it. So it really becomes a unique piece, which we hope they will keep for a lifetime.”
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is one of many South Americans playing in the Premier League who have one of Frangione’s personalised grills. Nico Frangione
The success of the barbecues has been such that they’ve even ended up at team events, helping to galvanise squads featuring players from all over the world.
“In my opinion, this is a very important part, because a happy player is a good player,” Frangione says. “That’s why clubs invite us a lot, to create this bond with the team, to network, to eat together. All successful clubs do this, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence.”
Lionel Messi’s customised grill was a birthday gift from his former Argentina international teammate, Sergio Agüero. Nico Frangione
According to Frangione, the first club to request a barbecue was West Ham United, courtesy of the club’s then-player from Argentina, Pablo Zabaleta. Then it was the turn of Aston Villa, Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United to have their own team asados.
“Today it’s easier to think of the clubs where we haven’t done,” he says. “We consider them friends. At Tottenham, for example, I think we’re the only caterers who have allowed [club chairman] Daniel Levy to cook for them. They all love it and end up having a good day.”
Of the 11 first-team players who won the Copa América for Argentina this summer, Frangione says eight are owners of one of his personalised grills, including Messi, who received his as a gift from former teammate Sergio Agüero. However, he has no doubts about which players are the best when it comes down to the serious business of cooking the meat.
“To be honest, they’re all reasonable,” he says, “but there are some who stand out more. I’d have to give it to [Emiliano] ‘Dibu’ Martínez and Nicolás Otamendi.”
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For U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, Lionel Messi and many South Americans footballers living abroad, one man helps them feel a little closer to home.
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