'Killjoy' - did VAR get late drama in Liverpool v Man City right?
Manchester City's win at Liverpool ended in complete chaos - but did the referee and the VAR get Dominik Szoboszlai's red card right?.
Premier League
9th February 2026
113th-minute send-off madness as City shock Liverpool with triple Haaland hammer blow
Erling Haaland’s stoppage-time penalty earned Manchester City a dramatic 2-1 win at Liverpool on Sunday (Monday AEDT) to reduce Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League back to six points.
Liverpool 1 Man City 2: Where does this leave the title race? Was the late red card right?
Our writers break down the action from a dramatic finish in the Premier League at Anfield.
Madonna, soccer mom: Why the Queen of Pop was watching Tottenham's Under-14 girls' team
Madonna's social-media post from the touchline of a Spurs academy match was eye-catching, so what was going on?.
8th February 2026
How Ekitike has already become a Liverpool cult hero
Inside the rise of Hugo Ekitike, adapting to life in England, connecting with Florian Wirtz and why he's already a fan favourite.
In search of the next Semenyo: How clubs are turning to non-League in the hunt for elite talent
Clubs are increasingly looking outside of English football's professional leagues to unearth hidden gems.
John Carew, Premier League striker turned Netflix star: 'I want to be a Bond villain'
The former Premier League striker is now an actor and has appeared alongside Angelina Jolie, Michelle Pfeiffer and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Borja Iglesias suffered homophobic abuse for painting his nails. The reaction was overwhelming
Celta Vigo players and thousands of their fans painted their own nails to show solidarity with striker Borja Iglesias after homophobic abuse.
Is Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes the best player in the Premier League right now?
The United captain is revelling in the freedom he has been granted. Suddenly, he is elevating a good individual campaign into a great one.
Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres and the importance of confidence
The Sweden striker has eight goal contributions in as many games in all competitions — and he is finding his place in Arteta's squad.
'I'm not doing my job well enough' - but is Howe now under pressure?
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted he is "not doing my job well enough" after Saturday's defeat by Brentford - but is he under pressure?.
Squirrel gets on the pitch and halts Championship game. Twice. Before comedy attempts to catch it
A squirrel caused chaos in Hull City's home match with fellow promotion chasers Bristol City.
‘Absolute nightmare’ for Spurs boss as captain apologises for ‘baffling’ error - PL Wrap
Arsenal moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory against Sunderland, while Tottenham boss Thomas Frank faced renewed calls for his sacking after a 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on Saturday.
'Unstoppable at his best' - is Palmer in World Cup picture after hat-trick?
By scoring a first-half hat-trick against Wolves on Saturday, Cole Palmer provided a timely reminder of his talent, putting himself firmly in the England conversation.
Arsenal 3 Sunderland 0 – What extra does Zubimendi offer? Is Gyokeres finding his role?
We break down the action as Arsenal went nine points clear of Manchester City with victory at the Emirates.
How 'irresponsible' captain Romero's week ended in 'perfect storm'
Thomas Frank admits Tottenham captain Cristian Romero's week ended in a "perfect storm" with a red card at Manchester United.
7th February 2026
Barcelona 'formally withdraw' from European Super League project
The 20-team, closed-shop ESL was initially launched in April 2021, but fell apart following a substantial backlash from supporters.
The Leeds United goal worthy of winning any Premier League game
Jayden Bogle's opening goal for Leeds against Nottingham Forest was perfect — and straight from the training ground.
Some 'dark days and nights' at Arsenal, happiness at Sunderland
Granit Xhaka sits down with Kelly Somers to talk about his motivation for joining Sunderland, and falling out with the Arsenal fans.
Cristiano Ronaldo is post-football within football. It matters more when he doesn’t play
Ronaldo has crossed the Beckham threshold, evolving from being famous for football to being famous for being famous.
What's going on with Erling Haaland?
The Manchester City striker is enduring a mid-season slump – and not for the first time in his career.
Liverpool vs Manchester City: State of the rivalry, who needs the points more, and predictions
There is considerable pressure on both sides as they head into this match — pressure which will hopefully lead to another memorable meeting.
Pep Guardiola, Liam Rosenior and the risks and rewards for football figures talking politics
Lending their voice to non-football issues is not always a straightforward decision for managers and players - it can lead to a backlash.
A result that puts Leeds safe, Forest in trouble - and Dyche in doubt?
After Leeds' win over Nottingham Forest on Friday, BBC Sport looks at what it all means for the Premier League relegation battle.
'I feel at home here' - Carrick hints he wants Man Utd stay
Michael Carrick drops the first hint he wants to remain as Manchester United head coach beyond the end of this season.
Knee injury could scupper Mateta's World Cup 'dream'
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner indicates the injury that scuppered Jean-Philippe Mateta's move to AC Milan could also thwart the striker's "dream" of playing for France at the World Cup, if surgery is needed.
Explaining Argentina's new youth rule that would have barred Lionel Messi from the national team
The move by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is designed to protect domestic clubs from losing young players to teams abroad.
Why should I not express how I feel? - Guardiola
Pep Guardiola defended his stance of speaking up about global conflicts by asking, "why should I not express what I feel, just because I am a manager?".
Cristiano Ronaldo is now 41, so here are 41 stats you (probably) don't know about him
Forty-one facts and pieces of trivia about the Portuguese forward's remarkable achievements.
6th February 2026
Why Casemiro will be missed greatly at Manchester United - and why his farewell tour will be fun
This week in TOTD: Hold on tight for the Casemiro Farewell Tour. Plus: Bruno Fernandes on cusp of stunning stat and transfer window fallout.
The Athletic’s Friday football quiz question #92
Can you answer the weekly poser plucked from deep inside The Athletic's trivia vaults?.
Pundits have 'duty of responsibility' - Van Dijk
Former players turned pundits have a "duty of responsibility" to the new generation of footballers when commenting on their performances, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says.
FPL talking point: Double up on Arsenal defenders
With a desirable set of fixtures, it is time to put three Arsenal players into your Fantasy Premier League team.
How Casemiro revived his Man Utd career
Casemiro's Manchester United career looked to be petering out, but the veteran midfielder has found a return to form this season.
Inside Carrick's Man Utd revolution: Holland's 'homework', new matchday routines and a sense of calm
United's interim head coach changed coaching sessions, arrival times and the training ground vibe — and it's paying off.
From £70 a week to brink of Premier League record 24 years later
James Milner will equal the Premier League appearance record if he features for Brighton on Sunday, 24 years after making his debut as a 16-year-old.
The enigma of Alejandro Garnacho: When does potential have to become something more?
Football is an impatient business. Manchester United ran out of it with the winger, now he's made a slow start to his Chelsea career too.
Liverpool squad audit: What's the transfer strategy and where must they strengthen?
Analysing the depth of Arne Slot's squad after a quiet transfer window, and what will inform their summer transfer strategy.
Premier League predictions: Man Utd vs Tottenham, Liverpool vs Man City and rest of matchday 25
A change at the top? And what do our writer, the algorithm, a child and this week's subscriber expect to see on Matchday 25?.
Welcome to Arsenal's old south-London stadium, with its terraces hidden away in back gardens
Arsenal played at the Invicta Ground between 1890 and 1893, and parts of it have survived behind houses on a street in Plumstead.
Tom Lockyer, a Wrexham fan, and why every EFL match this weekend kicks off a minute late
Former Luton Town captain Lockyer, who suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch in 2023, is backing the Every Minute Matters campaign.
Eddie Howe and the question of longevity at Newcastle United
The club's CEO says there is 'aligment' over the club's long-term plan and Newcastle are a rare example of stability, but for how long?.
The dark side of women's football. Plus: James Rodriguez's surprise Minnesota move hots up
Today in TAFC: Online abuse and real-world fear in women’s football. Plus: Rodriguez on cusp of surprise Minnesota move, and the FPL cat.
Spurs boss responds to captain’s wild Insta rant as ‘disgraceful’ injury crisis deepens
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank said Thursday that Cristian Romero’s outspoken social media comments about the club’s transfer policy had been “dealt with internally” as he refused to confirm if the Spurs skipper had been disciplined.
Why Man Utd are taking their time over manager decision
Some are calling for Michael Carrick to be made permanent Man Utd manager, but the club will not rush a decision.
Liverpool to pay Chelsea at least £2.8m for Ngumoha
A tribunal rules Liverpool must pay Chelsea an intial £2.8m for signing teenage winger Rio Ngumoha from the Blues' academy in 2024.
Sutton's predictions v Gladiators star Apollo
BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton takes on Gladiators star Apollo and AI with his predictions for this week's Premier League fixtures.
Leicester City won the Premier League a decade ago. Now they are scrambling to avoid the third tier
The six-point deduction imposed on the Championship club for PSR breach leaves them outside the relegation zone on goal difference alone.
James Rodríguez, Minnesota United finalizing deal to bring Colombian star to MLS: Sources
The Colombian superstar appears headed to an unexpected landing spot as he aims to return to form before the World Cup.
Leicester get six-point deduction for breaching PSR - but financial woe set to continue
The sanction was handed down by an independent commission and relates to the three-year period ending with the 2023-24 season.
5th February 2026
Are Chelsea-Strasbourg transfer deals bad for football?
Chelsea and Strasbourg have completed 12 transfer deals this summer. Is it out of the ordinary, and might Fifa get involved?.
Premier League launches new LGBTQ+ initiative after ending Stonewall partnership
The new campaign will not suggest individuals wear pride or rainbow-themed warm-up tops, laces or captain's armbands.
What's eating Ronaldo? Plus: City set up Arsenal showdown and why it's called football
Today in TAFC: We explain why Ronaldo is frustrated in Saudi. Plus: Man City set up some grudge games with Arsenal.
Same again please Bruno - FPL team of the week
Bruno Fernandes retains the captain's armband in the FPL team of the week after his 20-point haul in gameweek 24.
Premier League announces replacement for Rainbow Laces
The Premier League launches its 'Premier League with Pride' campaign, effectively replacing its partnership with Stonewall and Rainbow Laces.
Manchester City vs Arsenal promises to be a Carabao Cup final filled with intriguing subplots
A trophy is at stake, but there may also be significant implications for the title race when the two teams meet at Wembley in March.
Why Manchester United have commercial concerns - and what they're doing about them
The Premier League giants are being caught up or even eclipsed by their rivals after years of financial supremacy.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr absence, transfer frustrations and €50m release clause
The 41-year-old forward missed Al Nassr's game on Monday and is disappointed with the club's lack of movement in the transfer market.
Florian Wirtz finally looks like Florian Wirtz
The German is flourishing after a slow start at Anfield — with Hugo Ekitike one of the main beneficiaries.
Spectacular and sustainable? Why the Premier League is feasting on long-range goals
Why we need to look beyond expected goals to explain a better conversion rate from outside the box this season.
Why are Real Madrid players wearing masks in training?
The Spanish club's physical trainer Antonio Pintus favours using the K5 masks to measure players' physical condition.
The Alternative Premier League Table: No 25 – Goals from summer signings
In the week the winter transfer window shut, this week's table looks at the impact made by new faces brought in last summer.
How Raul Jimenez became the Premier League's penalty king
The Mexican has taken 12 spot kicks in England's top flight, scoring all of them. What is it that makes him so effective?.
England World Cup 2026 watch: Could Luke Shaw's return to form and fitness earn him a recall?
The 30-year-old defender, who has previously struggled with injury, has started every Manchester United Premier League game this season.
Man City 3 Newcastle 1 (5-1 agg): Guardiola's team set up final with Arsenal. Will Howe ever win at Etihad?
Marmoush scored twice as City sealed their spot in the final, where they will face Mikel Arteta's Arsenal on March 22.
League Cup final: What does Arsenal vs Manchester City mean for European places?
Manchester City have set up an EFL Cup final with Arsenal in March. But what does this mean for Premier League matches and European places?.
Manchester Jewish community leaders criticise Guardiola
Manchester City have been "let down" by manager Pep Guardiola "repeatedly straying into commentary on international affairs", Jewish community leaders in the city say.
Richard Keys and Andy Gray set to leave beIN Sports after current season
While there has been no fall-out between the parties, the pair's deal is not expected to be extended beyond the end of the season.
4th February 2026
How can Liverpool afford £55m on Jeremy Jacquet after £400m summer spend?
Wages are up but Arne Slot's side generated record revenues last season — they might even make a profit from an accounting point of view.
Whisper it, Arsenal fans… Plus: Guardiola gets political, Rodriguez to Minnesota?
Today in TAFC: Arsenal still in the quadruple hunt, Guardiola speaks his mind on politics, and will Rodriguez end up at Minnesota?.
The Transfer DealSheet: Latest summer window plans for Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid and more
Welcome to The Athletic's final Transfer DealSheet for the winter window — and a look at what lies ahead for the summer.
Liam Rosenior's pragmatism at Arsenal was a recognition of Chelsea's reality – for now
Head coach's tactics were criticised by pundits but were designed to give his team the best chance of cup progress against a stronger side.
Arsenal are here to win, not entertain. And that's just what they're doing
The nervousness of prior weeks was banished on a Carabao Cup semi-final night that ended in euphoria - and the sense this is just the start.
In praise of Pep Guardiola for speaking out, regardless of the inevitable 'Whataboutery' accusations
For someone in his position to speak on difficult subjects is welcome. The fact he is ultimately employed by Abu Dhabi doesn’t negate that.
Inside RC Lens: The David challenging Paris Saint-Germain's Goliath in France
We visit northern France to speak to the key figures at a small club taking on the might of a team funded by a nation state.
Row Z: Pochettino picks sides, no place for generosity and Burnley’s admin disappoints
Tim Spiers shines a light on the bonkers side of football, this week featuring the USMNT manager and one of his star players.
Eight Premier League clubs spent nothing in January. Why?
The £405m of fees agreed in the January window was less than 13 per cent of this season's total spend.
Pep Guardiola's political commitment has a long history
The Manchester City manager has long-held political views, dating back to his time as a supporter of Catalan independence.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola speaks out on Minnesota killings, Palestine in news conference
“Humanity is better than ever in terms of possibilities, but still right now we kill each other, for what?” Guardiola said.
Star’s cold revenge act as 97th-min dagger sparks wild scenes — League Cup wrap
Arsenal reached the League Cup final for the first time in eight years as Kai Havertz sealed a 1-0 win against Chelsea in the semi-final second leg on Tuesday.
Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0 (4-2 on agg): Mikel Arteta's side reach first final for six years
Our writers break down the talking points from the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at the Emirates.
'Grumpy' Guardiola jokes about Man City spending
Pep Guardiola mischievously said he is "a little bit sad and upset" that Manchester City have only the seventh highest net spend on transfers in the Premier League over the last five years.
Mateta faces uncertain future for club and country
BBC Sport looks at what next for Jean-Philippe Mateta after his dream move to AC Milan broke down over issues with his medical.
The talented playmaker no-one seems to want
Harvey Elliott is one of England's most gifted young players - but neither Aston Villa or Liverpool appear to rate the midfielder.
3rd February 2026
Harvey Elliott: What now?
A move that was meant to propel the attacking midfielder into England's World Cup plans has backfired horribly.
Michael Carrick knows the importance of being boring – and that's a good thing
The former Manchester United midfielder knew the value of risk-free football as a player and is the same as a head coach.
The Premier League window in numbers: £405m in winter, more than £3.5bn spent overall
After the excess of the summer, with over £3bn spent for the first time, this was a reacquaintance with moderation for most top-flight clubs.
West Ham can dismiss Nuno Espirito Santo without compensation if they get relegated
Nuno's side are 18th in the Premier League, six points off safety with 14 games remaining.
Crystal Palace's turbulent transfer window. Plus: Liverpool's £55m defender and Ukraine's Infantino criticism
Unsettled players, botched signings and a manager on the way out — how did it go so wrong for last season's FA Cup winners?.
Palace criticised over collapse of move for McNeil
Dwight McNeil's partner criticises Crystal Palace for "messing" with his mental health after the collapse of his transfer from Everton.
Tonali 'very happy' at Newcastle amid Arsenal links
Manager Eddie Howe says Sandro Tonali is "very happy" at Newcastle United after the midfielder was linked with a move to Arsenal.
Ranking all 33 Premier League transfers in the 2026 winter window from worst to best
The January transfer window is over, and The Athletic has put together a comprehensive ranking of all the signings.
How Liverpool signed Jeremy Jacquet - and what he will offer
Liverpool have been tracking the French defender for at least 18 months and see him as a future star at Anfield.
Inside Aston Villa's transfer window: Garner, Mbaye interest, Gallagher saga and old boys return
We spoke to those involved in the deals to break down what happened in Villa's winter transfer window.
A day with the team who shocked Real Madrid. Now, Barcelona are in their sights: 'Why not again?'
The Athletic went behind the scenes with the second-division Spanish side out to cause another huge upset in the Copa del Rey.
Arsenal and Tottenham's race for Scotland teenager James Wilson - the most unlikely deadline-day saga
The 18-year-old striker has played only 77 minutes in the Scottish Premiership this season but was targeted by both north London clubs.
How much can crowd tensions inside a stadium affect player performance?
Crowds airing their frustration is nothing new - but what parts of a players' game can be affected by adverse reactions in a stadium?.
Bundesliga Briefing: Bayern held in thriller, goals for Guirassy and change at Bremen
Dortmund cut the gap at the top to six points following their win and Bayern’s draw, while Hoffenheim sail into third and Frankfurt falter.
Just seven signings - the Premier League's quiet deadline day
A low-key transfer deadline day ended with the fewest Premier League deals completed in a winter window. BBC Sport looks at the spending that was done, and examines why there was so little activity.
West Ham sign Chelsea defender Disasi on loan
West Ham sign Chelsea defender Axel Disasi on loan until the end of the season.