Author: Andrew Rogers

Emiliano Buendía scored with virtually the final kick of the match to secure a dramatic 2-1 win for Aston Villa over Premier League leaders Arsenal, sparking wild celebrations at Villa Park and blowing the title race wide open. Deep into stoppage time, chaos unfolded in Arsenal’s box after David Raya saved Youri Tielemans’ effort and a scramble followed. Buendía’s first attempt was blocked before the ball broke loose again, and with remarkable composure, he curled a first-time finish into the corner. Arsenal players fell to the turf in disbelief as Villa players and substitutes flooded the pitch in jubilation. The…

England will open their 2026 World Cup campaign with a rematch of the 2018 semi-final against Croatia after being placed in Group L. They will also face Panama, who they beat 6-1 in Russia, and Ghana, a team they have never previously met at a World Cup. Group fixtures will be spread across five host cities: Dallas, Boston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia and Toronto, with schedules to be confirmed. Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the challenge ahead: “Difficult group, difficult opener. Croatia and Ghana are strong World Cup regulars. We’ll learn more about Panama before the tournament starts.” Scotland also drew a…

Former Newcastle, West Ham and Portsmouth goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has revealed he is being treated for prostate cancer that has spread to his pelvic bone. The 56-year-old learned of the illness 18 months ago after insisting on a PSA test during a routine check-up. Further scans confirmed an aggressive form of the disease, leading to surgery last December. Six months later, rising PSA levels showed the cancer had returned and spread, prompting medication and seven and a half weeks of radiation therapy. Hislop shared his story publicly to encourage men to be proactive about testing. He stressed that regular PSA…

Ruben Amorim says Leny Yoro’s reaction to being substituted in Manchester United’s 2–1 win over Crystal Palace was “unacceptable,” but stressed the young defender simply “thinks too much” and will learn from the experience. Yoro, 20, conceded the penalty that put Palace ahead and was taken off early in the second half. Visibly upset on the bench and still frustrated after full-time, he was consoled by Mason Mount. Amorim said the support reflects the team’s strong culture. “He makes a mistake and then he struggles because he’s too young and wants to do everything so well,” Amorim said. “He cannot…

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s strengthened squad is helping them cope with a growing injury list, as he confirmed Kai Havertz will be out for several more weeks. The German forward, sidelined since August after knee surgery, suffered a setback during rehab and “could not go to the next level,” delaying his return. Arteta must now decide whether to continue with Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker against Brentford or bring back Viktor Gyökeres, who recently returned from injury. Gabriel Jesus is also pushing for involvement after nearly a year on the sidelines. Arsenal may again be without William Saliba and…

West Ham plan to provide Lucas Paquetá with psychological support following his red card for dissent in Sunday’s defeat to Liverpool. While the club is unhappy with his behaviour—two yellows for dissent in seconds—they also recognise the emotional toll of the FA’s two-year spot-fixing investigation, which cleared him only in July. Figures at the club believe Paquetá has been left “bitter and let down” by the ordeal and that the pressure contributed to his outburst. He later apologised but criticised football authorities on social media for offering no mental-health support during the investigation. Paquetá will miss Thursday’s trip to Manchester…

Liverpool ended a miserable run of six defeats in seven league games with a hard-fought win at West Ham, in a match that offered relief rather than entertainment. Alexander Isak finally scored his first league goal for the club since his high-profile move from Newcastle, before Cody Gakpo added a late second. The first half was lifeless, with neither side offering much threat. An important subplot emerged before kick-off, as Mohamed Salah was dropped following Liverpool’s defensive collapse in recent games. Arne Slot reverted to a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Dominik Szoboszlai deployed on the right to offer more defensive protection…

Tottenham midfielder Archie Gray admitted Spurs’ heavy defeats have been unacceptable but insisted there were encouraging signs from their 5–3 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Speaking after the game, Gray said the performance was an improvement on the previous 4–1 derby defeat to Arsenal, highlighting Spurs’ attacking output as a positive. Goals from Richarlison and a brace from loanee Randal Kolo Muani showed more threat going forward, even though defensive errors proved costly. “It’s not good enough these losses at a club like Tottenham,” Gray said, while adding that scoring three goals against one of Europe’s best teams showed…

Arsenal moved to the top of their Champions League group after a deserved 3–1 win over Bayern Munich at the Emirates, maintaining their perfect record. Jurriën Timber opened the scoring with a header from a Bukayo Saka corner before Bayern’s teenage star Lennart Karl equalised. In the second half, Noni Madueke restored Arsenal’s lead after Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano gifted possession to Declan Rice, and Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up the victory late on after a Neuer mistake. Harry Kane was kept quiet throughout as Arsenal grew in control, with Rice and Martín Zubimendi dominant in midfield. The win leaves Mikel…

Idrissa Gueye received applause from Everton’s squad after apologising for being sent off for striking teammate Michael Keane during their 1-0 win over Manchester United. The midfielder was dismissed in the 13th minute after slapping Keane following a misplaced pass that led to an argument. Despite playing with 10 men for most of the match, Everton secured a rare victory at Old Trafford. After the game, Gueye addressed the team and personally apologised to Keane and the squad for leaving them in a difficult situation. His apology was warmly received and met with applause in the dressing room. Gueye later…