Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 30, 2026, 2:29 PM ET

Premier League: Chelsea's Seven-Goal Thriller & Alonso's Perfect Start

Chelsea maintained their perfect start under manager Xabi Alonso with an entertaining 4-3 victory over Brighton on Sunday. The match, which marked Alonso's home debut, saw Emiliano Martínez make his debut in goal for the Blues, though Enzo Fernández was left out of the squad entirely. Chelsea managed to hold off a Brighton fightback to clinch a thrilling win, with Joao Pedro among the standout performers in a match that produced seven goals at Stamford Bridge.

The player ratings from the clash highlighted Joao Pedro's excellent showing, while debutant Yalcouye also impressed. Chelsea's relationship with Aston Villa continues to be one of the Premier League's busiest transfer partnerships, with Martínez's move marking the eighth deal between the clubs since 2022. The World Cup-winning goalkeeper's signing from Villa was confirmed ahead of the weekend fixtures.

Premier League: Tottenham's Nightmare Start & Newcastle's Rejuvenation

Tottenham Hotspur find themselves bottom of the Premier League after losing their first two matches without scoring a single goal, and the club's £300m summer spend has done little to prevent a disastrous start. Newcastle struck twice in the second half through Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa to condemn Spurs to yet another defeat, with the Magpies showing there's plenty of life after Tonali. The sale of Sandro Tonali appears to have been reinvested wisely as Newcastle secured a 2-0 win in north London.

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi, despite spending big this summer, admitted that the inability to buy mentality is the biggest problem facing his squad. The Italian coach remained calm, insisting he is positive, with the club showing the same mental frailty that nearly got them relegated last season. The player ratings from Saturday showed Tonali struggling, though Gonzalez impressed for the visitors. De Zerbi also revealed that Richarlison, Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr have all asked to leave the club.

Premier League: Liverpool's Stumbles and Draws

Liverpool's new season under Andoni Iraola hasn't started smoothly, with the side showing the same shortcomings that cost Arne Slot his job last term. The Reds were held to a 2-2 draw at Anfield, with the match part of a full European weekend featuring all five major leagues.

At Elland Road, Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a late tap-in to earn Leeds United a 1-1 draw with an impressive Brentford side. Sunderland secured their first points of the season as Wilson Isidor's effort earned them a 1-0 win against Fulham. Liverpool, meanwhile, have set their sights on PSG winger Bradley Barcola, a potential €140m target who could be the long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Premier League: Hull's Perfect Start & Transfer Deadline Rumours

Hull City have opened their Premier League campaign with a perfect start, two wins from two matches. Striker Oli McBurnie was playfully defiant, saying it is "not bad for the worst team in Premier League history" after their strong start. In the Championship, Wrexham's Phil Parkinson is facing scrutiny, with his side winless this season. The boss slammed the "unacceptable" goals his side allowed during a 2-1 defeat at home to Birmingham, admitting he was left "shellshocked."

Tottenham have moved for Iliman Ndiaye from Everton, with Richarlison potentially going the other way in separate negotiations. Everton are considering a move for USMNT forward Folarin Balogun if Ndiaye moves to Spurs, with the Toffees in advanced talks in recent days.

Manchester City have opened talks to sign Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, with sources saying City is his preferred destination. Meanwhile Crystal Palace's Ismaïla Sarr is pushing for a move to Anfield before the deadline, according to Transfer Talk's latest.

Transfer Window: Moves and Rumours

Ollie Watkins has completed his £51m move to Al Hilal, leaving Aston Villa after the club announced the England international's departure. At the Camp Nou, Barcelona are closing in on Gabriel Jesus with very advanced talks underway for the Brazilian striker. A deal in found after an agreement for £8.6m (€10m) was reached, reported in Sky Sports reporting, while a separate club-record £55.7m sale to Al Hilal was agreed for Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners could also see Fabio Vieira depart for Hamburg in a €10m (£8.6m) deal. The Premier League champions are ongoing with reinforcing, and teenager Axel Donczew has joined from Cardiff City as part of the first-year scholarship intake.

The Gunners' ability to bring unrivaled quality continues. The team's core remains but Arsenal's title rivals might still wonder what is needed. A look at transfer needs for contenders could be worthwhile.

Scottish Premiership: Stepping Up

Rangers secured their first league win of the season after a Lawrence Shankland penalty earned a 1-0 win at Aberdeen, where VAR denied the home side an equalizer. Derek McInnes is hopeful a turning point has been reached after an unconvincing win at Pittodrie. The victory was also the lead on a pitchside report. Elsewhere, Celtic's League Cup win gave them a quarter-final against Rangers at Ibrox, with Martin O'Neill saying he'd rather have no fans than the 300 tickets offered to the travelling support. Kilmarnock’s losing start continues, with manager McCann under scrutiny. Sunday's reaction included wins for Celtic, Hearts and a first league victory for Dundee United. There's a wide gap between some of the weekend's talking points, with sportscene highlights available elsewhere. In darker news, Vicko Ševelj is poised for a Dundee United exit to Neftci Baku.

European Notebook: Ruthless Atlético, a Ronaldo Winner, and Milan

Atlético Madrid cruised to a 3-1 win in Seville, with Julián Álvarez remains the subject of Barça rumors, though he returned to training after the surprise return, amidst claims of interest from Barcelona. Mourinho was full of answers when he praised the Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior partnership's "super quality" in Real Madrid’s title charge, a group who certainly look capable of bringing trophies.

Rúben Amorim continued his perfect start at AC Milan with Christian Pulisic watching from the bench as the Portugal boss won again. Rafael Leão has arrived in Istanbul ahead of a $52M move to Galatasaray from AC Milan, as he prepares for his new club spell. Paris Saint-Germain's Luís Enrique praised his side's fighting spirit after they scored two stoppage-time goals for a 2-2 draw against Lille. Cristiano Ronaldo secured Al Nassr a 2-1 win against Al Taawoun, extending their perfect record and keeping them top of the league.

UEFA Schedule and Draw Reaction

Real Madrid will begin their Champions League title defence at home to Inter Milan on Sept. 8 in a league-phase opener. The draw was good for Liverpool and bad for Barcelona, but across the board it promises must-see games including intriguing clashes from the league phase, detailed in our piece breaking down the signing knowns. Off the pitch, UEFA filed criminal charges against FIFA president Gianni Infantino as their row goes to the criminal courts.

Golf: Tour Championship

The Tour Championship final round is set, with Viktor Hovland holding a one-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler as Rory McIlroy made a late push. Follow the live updates from East Lake as McIlroy chases down Flyde. In Boston, Ruoning Yiyin made a final-hole chip-in to take a one-shot lead at the FM Championship, with Ruoning increasing her lead while European title hopes faded in the FM Championship. Casandra Alexander claimed the KPMG Women’s Irish Open after a weather-affected week in County Kildare, as Maguire finished fourth at her home event.

Cricket: Rain at Lord's, Root Runs Dry

England are pushing for a series win against Pakistan at Lord's where rain stopped play. Nasser Hussain-led protesters was furious after day three was abandoned amid sunshine, with breaks in rain delays could prevent the match to rain delays at the ground. Joe's struggles at Lord's for LBW continued, with extensive analysis of issue. One of the most lively pieces emerged from England wanting the ball from scoring Marmalade.

Tennis: US Open Key Questions and Predictions

Is Alcaraz fully fit? Will Sabalenka make history? These are the key questions ahead of the US Open final Grand Slam of the season. The Sky Sports Tennis panel has picked their winners, dark horses and for the main draw, in a package that includes DWU predicts. Day One matches include British stars Norrie, Hott, sharp, samulo face, with the action updates from Flushing Meadows.

Boxing, Darts and Snooker

After her win, Chantelle Cameron has called for a three-minute-round rematch against Mikaela Mayer, after winning a unanimous decision, which Mayer called unanimous but is disputing. Luke Humphries suffered a shock 6-3 defeat to Dirk van Duijvenbode in the Hungarian Darts Trophy, despite Michael van Gerwen progressing.

Real Snippets

Manchester United pay tribute to officer Matthew Blades, killed in the A66 with his wife and kids at Old Trafford for the game with the officials. Michael Carrick branded claims of a lack of passion as lazy among the scrutiny.

American teenager Cavan Sullivan continues to make MLS history with goal contributions in four consecutive matches at just 16 years old.

From loan movements, Stephen Mfuni joins Coventry from Man City, Toby Collyer Moves to West Brom from United, and Hull City signing Jean-Matteo Bahoya from Frankfurt, in a deal agreed. Michail Antonio has been helping young Ghana players as they attempt in toreach Premier League trials in England's dream. The former West Ham forward is featured in a report of Samba Stars catching pros from Ghanaian academy.

Final Notes

Napoli have shown interest in Nick Woltemade on a loan deal, while a potential spinning for Man United and a possible Atleti striker Solskjaer are up for it. As we look for the next stages, all important transfer and extra news is in Sunday's gossip.