Premier League keen to resolve EFL funding stalemate
The Premier League hopes to reach an agreement with the EFL over its funding model 'as soon as possible'.
Premier League
25th September 2026
24th September 2026
Nike ‘regrets’ Karim Benzema talks after cancelling shoot at last minute over striker's past
Benzema, 38, was convicted of complicity in blackmail in a sex-tape scandal involving former France teammate Mathieu Valbuena in 2021.
How Man City overhauled their squad from a 650,000-strong database
BBC Sport goes inside Manchester City's data team, who have been a key part of their rebuild over the past 18 months.
The making of Cavan Sullivan: Soccer in diapers, an ‘F you’ mentality and a family obsession
Those closest to the precocious teenager tell tales about how he readied himself for a national — and possibly soon to be global — spotlight.
Former England striker Andy Carroll says he was sexually assaulted in 2021
Former England striker says in autobiography that assault resulted in a 'celebrity' being sentenced to three years in prison.
Why this break has come at the worst time for De Zerbi & Spurs
BBC Sport columnist Tony Pulis explains the different factors that mean Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi needs time with his players to build a proper team.
The case for Liam Rosenior
Whatever the tendency in some quarters to laugh at him, English football could do with producing a few more like Rosenior.
Explained: Why two Republic of Ireland vs Israel matches have become so controversial
What is the political backdrop? Who has opposed the games? Why are they being played in Hungary and Serbia?.
Why are footballers allowed to wear such small shin pads?
Footballers' miniature leg guards are perfectly legal, but why have referees handed responsibility for them over to the players?.
Could Manchester United have spent more in the summer transfer window?
The club paid less than Ipswich and about the same as Hull for players in the summer. Do the latest financial results explain why?.
Myles Lewis-Skelly went back to 'basics' and his game rose to another level
The Arsenal youngster is about to turn 20 with regular midfield minutes under his belt and a chance of featuring heavily for England.
UK PM Andy Burnham open to trialling end to alcohol ban at football stadiums
The 56-year-old Everton fan called the men's football restriction a "discrimination" and suggested it was outdated.
Man Utd still £1bn in debt with £63.5m spent on new stadium
Manchester United's overall debt remains over £1bn despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe's extensive cost-cutting measures, with the club also confirming it has spent £63.5m buying land for their new stadium.
23rd September 2026
Sunderland penalty vs. Arsenal incorrect but 'not clear and obvious error', league panel finds
The five-person panel unanimously said the penalty should not have awarded but judged that VAR was correct not to not overturn the decision.
How Premier League teams have really started - according to xG
Which Premier League teams have overperformed their xG and who has underperformed?.
Ranking the 50 best players in the Premier League after 50 games
Once a month throughout the 2026-27 season, we will update this list, showing the risers, the fallers, the new entries and the dropouts...
Football clubs keep getting managerial appointments wrong. Would the players do a better job of it?
‘Player power’ is often bemoaned, but there are good reasons to believe the dressing room could make better choices for their next boss.
Jeremy Jacquet already looks like the complete defender at Liverpool
The 21-year-old Frenchman has made an immediate impact since arriving at Anfield in the summer.
Is Enzo Fernandez already answering the doubts that surrounded his Man City move?
There were concerns about the midfielder's character and fit for this City team but the early signs suggest he will prove to be a shrewd buy.
Have Man Utd been unlucky or bad this season? The three problems Michael Carrick needs to solve
After an excellent end to 2025-26, it's been a tough start to the new campaign for United. The Athletic analyses the situation.
Why can't Chelsea defend? Space out wide, untracked runners, structure pulled apart
Their issues at the back start at the front - is a system change from Xabi Alonso the answer?.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's overlord, has upscaled the club from moored in mediocrity to title winners
The Arsenal manager, fresh from the title win last season, has agreed a new contract with the club he has overseen since 2019.
Mikel Arteta agrees new Arsenal contract
Arteta's existing deal was set to expire in the summer of 2027.
What is 'load management'? Why does it apply to Rice and Palmer's England withdrawals?
The duo have both pulled out of Thomas Tuchel's squad despite a huge difference in number of matches played last season.
David Ornstein's The Athletic FC Q&A: Brentford blueprint? Spurs' January plans? Pressure on Man Utd hierarchy?
David Ornstein has been answering reader questions on his weekly The Athletic FC podcast.
22nd September 2026
Arteta agrees new deal with champions Arsenal
Mikel Arteta agrees an improved new contract with Premier League champions Arsenal.
At Man United, belief is battered and magic is missing. It goes beyond a poor run of form
The early optimism under Michael Carrick is fading. He must restore confidence from doubtful fans but there are deep-rooted problems.
Kylian Mbappe interview: Making history, the Ballon d’Or, mid-air Liverpool talks and why he will not be silenced
The French striker opens up on his journey from the child who idolised Zidane and Ronaldo to becoming one of the sport's greatest.
Kylian Mbappe reveals how close he came to Liverpool move: 'My mum went to Anfield and fell in love'
In an interview with The Athletic, Mbappe confirms that he had a meeting with Jurgen Klopp on a private jet.
Chelsea struggles to Villa bench - Garnacho faces defining season
Alejandro Garnacho joined Aston Villa on loan from Chelsea with a view to kick-starting his career, but his early weeks in the Midlands have been a struggle.
The Premier League season so far: The biggest surprises, letdowns and who should be most worried?
Five games in, our writers give their verdicts on the best and worst bits of 2026-27 so far.
Arsenal made to look normal and Coventry turn up to the party. Who won the Premier League weekend?
Our columnist watched every Premier League game in full across Friday, Saturday and Sunday before ranking the teams' performances from 1-20.
Florian Wirtz has regressed at Liverpool. Could two weeks with Jurgen Klopp be transformative?
The attacking midfielder is joining up with the national team for the first time since the former Liverpool manager was appointed head coach.
Did You Notice: Brighton and Fabian Hurzeler broke the pressing rules against Arsenal
The Brighton boss encouraged his team to be brave without the ball. The pay-off was worth it as the champions were thoroughly destabilised.
Morgan Gibbs-White is back in the England squad. Why did it take Thomas Tuchel so long?
The Nottingham Forest player has more goals and assists than any of his peers this year but only now is he back in the England squad.
Why was Elliot Anderson handball not a pen? 'The evidence is irrefutable' - Your officiating questions answered
Graham Scott, The Athletic’s resident refereeing expert, answers your questions about the weekend’s big decisions and VAR interventions.
Was Neville right to call out Man Utd for a 'lack of effort'?
The former Manchester United full-back said a 15-minute period in the 1-1 draw at Fulham was the "worst I've ever seen" - do the stats back him up and does his media portfolio amplify the noise?.
21st September 2026
The Athletic FC: Ask David Ornstein your questions
The Athletic’s soccer correspondent David Ornstein will be joining The Athletic FC podcast every Tuesday during the Premier League season.
Five hot takes about the Premier League so far (that we’re not committing to long-term) – The Soccer Weekender
We know teams are still finding their feet and 'gelling' ... but welcome to the overreactions and hot takes edition of the Soccer Weekender.
Erling Haaland, the player no Premier League team can stop
In a remarkable feat, the Manchester City striker has scored against all 25 clubs he has faced in the Premier League – we analyse how.
Sunderland's Granit Xhaka admits to forging Covid vaccine certificate, withdraws from Switzerland squad
Xhaka has apologised for what he described as a "mistake" made in a "state of emotional turmoil".
Tottenham's home form: The remarkable numbers behind a catastrophic run
Dissecting the data behind Spurs' record on their own pitch, which has helped put them bottom of the Premier League table.
How many times has a player scored a hat-trick in a Premier League loss?
Sunderland's Brian Brobbey scored the first hat-trick by a player on a losing side in the Premier League for 19 years - but how many others have done so?.
Graham Scott Q&A: Ask ex-referee about Anderson handball, Rice 'kick' and weekend decisions
Ask The Athletic's resident refereeing expert about the Laws of the Game and the latest in-game decisions.
The Briefing: Can Klopp fix Wirtz? Are Spurs and Man United one defeat from a crisis?
Our columnist analyses key talking points from the weekend's Premier League action — and looks ahead to the international break.
Is Manchester United's lack of running an issue?
At a time when everyone else is playing ultra-energetic football, Carrick's approach can make his team look passive.
Our League: Tottenham Hotspur – that stadium, those signings… and the silence
Could Spurs be the team for you? Only if you're very, very patient. And a masochist.
How Brighton's ruthless pressing and 'backwards defending' dismantled Arsenal
Brighton's high press in their 3-0 win over the Premier League champions was brave and expertly co-ordinated.
Messi's 'last dance', Ronaldo returns and a political powderkeg: Why this international break is worth watching
A U.S wonderkid, Thomas Tuchel's bridge-building and Brazil in India are all fascinating storylines in the coming weeks.
‘Genuine disgrace’: Utd great’s brutal whack; City survive eight-goal epic – PL Wrap
Manchester United rescued a 1-1 draw against Fulham thanks to Matheus Cunha’s late equaliser on Sunday, but the pressure is mounting on boss Michael Carrick after their latest lacklustre display.
Carrick rejects Neville's 'pathetic' claim - but Man Utd must improve
Gary Neville calls Manchester United "pathetic", but boss Michael Carrick maintains belief after salvaging draw at Fulham.
Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week?
After every round of Premier League matches this season, Troy Deeney gives us his team of the week. Do you agree with his choices?.
What have we learned from the Premier League so far?
BBC Sport takes a look at the opening weeks of the Premier League season as a long international break arrives.
Last-minute Cunha goal saves Man Utd from another defeat - who rated highest at Fulham?
Last minute Cunha goal saves Man Utd from another defeat - who rated highest at Fulham?.
Fulham 1 Man United 1: Cunha rescues United, were they as bad as Neville made out?
Matheus Cunha's late goal secured Michael Carrick's side a draw, making it five points from United's opening five Premier League matches.
Impressive defence behind Iraola's solid Liverpool start
Liverpool are looking good defensively but Andoni Iraola needs more from his attackers after a hard-fought win at Bournemouth.
Perfect 24 hours as Man City put pressure on Arsenal
Manchester City head into the international break in a jubilant mood after enjoying the perfect 24 hours this weekend.
Brobbey hits hat-trick on losing side - player ratings for Man City v Sunderland
How Manchester City and Sunderland players rated in their eventful Premier League match on Sunday.
Jacquet and Alisson impress - Bournemouth v Liverpool ratings
How Bournemouth and Liverpool's players rated during their Premier League match.
Bournemouth 0 Liverpool 1: Isak seals vital win but is Jacquet player of the season so far?
Analysing the big talking points as Andoni Iraola made a winning return to his former club in the Premier League.
20th September 2026
Why Declan Rice avoided a red card at Brighton - and Phil Foden did not against Man Utd
Our experts explain why the England midfielder was only shown a yellow card for clashing with Malick Yalcouye.
Former England international Andros Townsend avoids injury after being run over by pitch roller
The incident happened before a Thai Pro League fixture on Saturday.
Will three-week break put more pressure on managers?
So far this season three coaches have lost their jobs, but plenty of others will be looking over their shoulders heading into the new, extended international break.
Premier League Forum: Are Arsenal vulnerable after all? Are Tottenham in another relegation fight?
The Athletic's writers debate Saturday's big Premier League talking points - plus tell us what you think.
This was Hurzeler-ball. And it was fabulous
Free-scoring Brighton harried and hustled Arsenal into submission. Now Hurzeler might start getting the credit he deserves.
Arsenal were taught a lesson at Brighton. It may yet do them some good
Mikel Arteta was unhappy with a limp display on Saturday but his stern words may yield a long-term reward.
Three passes and a goal: A 10-second demonstration of Unai Emery's Aston Villa 2.0
Suzuki, Manzambi and Jackson combined brilliantly to carve Spurs open on Saturday afternoon.
Do Tottenham know how to win?
De Zerbi's side are winless in 2026-27 and are yet to deliver a strong 60-minute performance, let alone a full 90.
A football game in a river? Chaotic, wet and refereed by Superman
No one knows the origins but villagers in Bourton-on-the-Water have been playing a football game in the river since the late 19th century.
A British reporter experiences college football for the first time as ASU beats Kansas
I have seen seven NFL games in London, but this was my first time experiencing an American college football game. Here's what I learned.
Gvardiol signals return to best at left-back for Man City
Josko Gvardiol's season last time out was disrupted by a serious injury but the defender now appears to be returning towards his best by helping Manchester City to an impressive start to the new campaign.
Carrick has faith in VAR despite derby error
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick still has faith in VAR despite the derby blunder that cost his side in their home defeat by Manchester City.
A Coventry win 25 years in the making
Coventry City's win over Nottingham Forest - thanks to Jay Dasilva's goal - was a victory which was over 25 years in the making following some dark days for the Sky Blues.
Aussie teen’s PL first; champs stunned in red-card drama as ‘fragile’ Spurs lashed — Wrap
Socceroos teen sensation Lucas Herrington made his first Premier League start as his side Hull went down 2-1 to Newcastle United.
Moyes demands more from Everton - but don't mention Europe
Fifth in the Premier League table and yet to lose this season, Everton are on the up, but boss David Moyes wants further improvements - and don't mention Europe.
Brighton humbling 'a big lesson' for Arsenal - Arteta
An uncharacteristic performance from Arsenal saw the Gunners ship three goals in the defeat to Brighton - but could the loss be the "big lesson" they needed?.
Suzuki proves worthy replacement for Martinez at Villa
Aston Villa new boy Zion Suzuki deserves as much credit as anyone for their first Premier League win of the season at struggling Tottenham.
Newcastle 2 Hull 1: A big three points as Jaissle gets the reaction he wanted after Leeds debacle
Analysis of a precious win for Newcastle in a nervy Premier League encounter against Hull City at St James' Park.
Brighton 3 Arsenal 0: How were the Premier League champions made to look so ordinary?
The major talking points dissected as Mikel Arteta's side suffer a humbling defeat at the Amex Stadium.
No revival in sight for 'fragile' Spurs after Villa defeat
Tottenham look no closer to solving their problems as they slip to a home defeat by Aston Villa to add to their Premier League misery.
Ratcliffe 'must go' says Man Utd Muslim fan group
The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club says United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe "must go" after he spoke out against immigration and said the country was "on the slide".
19th September 2026
Tottenham 2 Aston Villa 3: Why can't Spurs fight back? Where does De Zerbi go from here?
Tottenham were outplayed by Villa at home and are without a win in their opening five games of the Premier League season.
Manzambi catches eye as Villa beat Spurs - player ratings
Tottenham are still looking for their first Premier League goal of the season.
How On convinced Kylian Mbappe to leave Nike - equity, Thierry Henry and an innovative new boot
Mbappe's relationship with Nike was one of the longest-standing in the football industry. This is the inside story of how On secured a deal.
From near oblivion to Europe - Brighton celebrate 125th anniversary in style
From obscurity and near oblivion to Premier League and Europe - Brighton celebrate their 125th anniversary.
Winless Villa and Spurs face telling early showdown
Aston Villa and Tottenham are winless in the Premier League - and both in need of inspiration as they prepare to face each other on Saturday.
Nottingham Forest stadium expansion approved - so what now?
Will the dream of a bigger City Ground finally become a reality?.
Trent Alexander-Arnold might be back with England but the real challenge lies ahead
The Real Madrid full-back is in the England squad for the first time since June 2025 and has plenty to prove to Thomas Tuchel.
The mood among Man United fans is on the floor. The INEOS honeymoon period is well and truly over
Supporters are unhappy with what they are seeing on and off the pitch. So just how low a point is this?.
Chelsea were 'bullied' by Brentford in worst defensive half under Alonso. He has a lot to fix
The defending, from front to back, from open play and from dead-ball situations, remains astonishingly brittle and error-prone.
The Brentford Hat-Trick: How headers, fast breaks and long throws dismantled Chelsea
Chelsea simply had no answer to Brentford's tactics and Keith Andrews' side are unbeaten after five games in the Premier League.
Chelsea miss Joao Pedro... and can't stop conceding goals
Chelsea's problem was defending, but with Joao Pedro ruled out through injury, scoring goals has also become an issue.
PL giant’s glaring issue exposed again in horror show as underdogs’ dream start continues
Brentford exposed Chelsea’s defensive problems to inflict a damaging 3-0 defeat on Friday that gives Xabi Alonso plenty to ponder over a three-week international break.
Arsenal open to Dowman loan in right circumstances
Arsenal are open to allowing teenage prodigy Max Dowman to leave the club on loan this term if it aids his development.
Brentford 3 Chelsea 0: Where does this leave the Xabi Alonso rebuild?
Brentford trounced their local rivals to record a first home league win over Chelsea since 1938 and leave Xabi Alonso with plenty to ponder.
How Harry Kane shattered the record for reaching 100 goals in the Bundesliga
Analysis of how Kane got to a century of Bundesliga goals in record time.
A weight off Igor Thiago's shoulders - Brentford v Chelsea ratings
Brentford climb to third in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea - here are BBC Sport's player ratings.
Inspired Wales seal stunning win over South Africa
Wales return to winning ways in emphatic fashion with an eight-try victory over South Africa at Cardiff Arms Park.
Thomas Tuchel projected certainty at the World Cup. Has his confidence been shaken?
For the first time since taking the England job, Tuchel seems unsure about the best path forward for his team.
Gabriel, 15, in Barcelona amid speculation over future
Man Utd youngster JJ Gabriel travels to Barcelona as some of Europe's biggest clubs continue to vie for his signature.