Last updated: September 13, 2026, 2:17 PM ET
Manchester Derby: Fan Fury, Red Cards, and Tactical Contrast
Manchester United supporters staged protests inside and outside Old Trafford ahead of Sunday's derby, with the 1958 fan group organising demonstrations over what they called a season ticket ban fiasco. Footage showed fans protesting against the Glazer ownership before kickoff. The match itself delivered controversy when Phil Foden was sent off in the derby, prompting pundits to debate whether the dismissal was justified. The build-up had been covered extensively, with derby day coverage running throughout the afternoon and viewers guided on how to watch the fixture. Tactically, the game pitted Enzo Maresca's fixed approach against Michael Carrick's more fluid system, a contrast that shaped the contest. Off the pitch, Diogo Dalot reflected on eight years at Old Trafford and insisted he still believes in the club's future. Questions also mounted over whether United's slow rebuild approach — prioritising one position per summer — has left them dangerously light at the back. On the City side, Elliot Anderson explained his first instinct at City: get the ball to Erling Haaland.
Arsenal Edge Sunderland as Arteta Fumes
Arsenal continued their winning start with a gritty 2-0 victory at Sunderland, a result that moved them above Manchester City to the top of the Premier League. Bruno Guimaraes struck a stunning goal two minutes after David Raya had saved a penalty, a sequence that proved decisive. Raya earned a 9/10 rating for his heroics, while Guimaraes impressed with an 8/10 display. The player ratings reflected how crucial both men were to the result. Mikel Arteta was nonetheless furious about the penalty awarded to Sunderland, describing the decision as unacceptable. He fumed that the game was unprotected but acknowledged his side survived the scare to extend their run. Defender Gabriel Magalhães, meanwhile, said he is eager for redemption and another chance to take a penalty in a Champions League final.
Chelsea's Defensive Woes and Hull's Impressive Display
Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by newly promoted Hull City at Stamford Bridge, exposing familiar defensive frailties. Xabi Alonso admitted his side must show more desire in defence and warned it will take time to fix their problems at the back. He called for more boring wins and acknowledged the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge was subdued after the result. Hull's performance underlined why Chelsea fans face a rough ride this season, with the visitors exposing a star-studded attack's inability to compensate for a leaky defence. The result left Alonso unhappy with his soft side despite implementing a new system that produced the same old problems. In transfer news, Chelsea are ready to reignite their interest in AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné.
Liverpool Held at Anfield as Iraola Cites Fatigue
Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw by Fulham at Anfield, dropping points at home for the second time this season. Manager Andoni Iraola cited a lack of freshness among his players but refused to use fatigue as an excuse. The ratings painted a grim picture, with Barcola, Wirtz and Gravenberch all struggling in the draw. Questions are now being asked about whether it is too early to worry after Liverpool failed to win either of their first two home league games. In the transfer market, Liverpool remain keen on Inter's Aleksandar Stankovic after enquiring about him while negotiating Curtis Jones' €35 million move to San Siro.
Tottenham's Toothless Start Continues
Tottenham's winless and goalless start to the Premier League season continued with a 0-0 draw at home to Everton. The result left Spurs goalless once again, extending a drought that has alarm bells ringing. BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty warned that a brave new era risks becoming a false dawn if results do not improve. Roberto de Zerbi admitted his side lack physical condition and confidence but insisted they can overcome their slow start. The player ratings made for uncomfortable reading, with Dominic Solanke struggling up front while Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite produced a solid display.
Brighton Run Riot as Coventry's Misery Deepens
Brighton dismantled Coventry City 5-0 at the CBS Arena, leaving the Sky Blues pointless and goalless on their Premier League return. The Seagulls were brilliant in the rout, with Coventry remaining without a point or a goal from their opening fixtures. The match formed part of a Sunday full of action across Europe, with Coventry desperate for a first win that never materialised. In other Premier League action, Raul Jimenez came off the bench to score a 90th-minute winner for Wolves at Sheffield United, earning a 1-0 victory. Aston Villa's struggles deepened as they lost 2-1 to Nottingham Forest, leaving Unai Emery searching for answers after three defeats in their opening four games. Jordan Pickford joined the Premier League's 100 clean sheet club, cementing his place among the league's elite goalkeepers.
WSL: Chelsea Send Warning as United's Crisis Deepens
Chelsea recorded their first win of the season in emphatic fashion, thrashing Manchester United 5-0 at Leigh Sports Village. The result served as a warning to the WSL after the champions had dropped points on the opening weekend. United manager Eva Olid insisted she will stick to her style despite the heavy defeat, arguing it is necessary to build the team. However, two games into the season, United look a shadow of last season's side under their new manager. The Sky Sports round-up confirmed Chelsea's dominant victory as the standout result of the weekend. West Ham secured their first WSL win of the season with a 2-1 victory over London City Lionesses at home.
Old Firm: Rangers Dominate Celtic in McInnes's First Derby
Rangers delivered an utterly dominant 3-0 victory over Celtic at Ibrox in the first Old Firm clash of the season, handing Derek McInnes his first win in the fixture. The result sent Rangers into the League Cup semi-finals in emphatic style. BBC Scotland's Tom English praised McInnes for delivering togetherness and intensity in what he called an Old Firm gobsmacker. The match had been previewed as a crucial clash, with no away fans and derby debuts adding to the occasion's significance. Sky Sports analysed what could be learned from the clash, concluding that Rangers' dominance was beyond doubt. In the League Cup semi-final draw, Rangers were paired with Aberdeen while Hearts face Hibernian in the Edinburgh derby at Hampden Park. Aberdeen, reduced to ten men, heaped misery on Kilmarnock, with reaction from Sportsound covering both semi-final qualifiers. Off the pitch, Rangers defender Souttar's move to Greece is off, with his exit in doubt amid links to a post at Ibrox for a former player.
European Football: Mbappé Shines, Valencia Sack Corberan
Kylian Mbappé continued his hot start to the season with two goals and an assist as Real Madrid returned to winning ways with a 4-1 LaLiga victory over Rayo Vallecano. His star performance underscored his importance to Madrid's title challenge. José Mourinho praised record signing Yan Diomande's incredible potential after the winger's first start for Real Madrid but warned he still has a lot to learn. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick hailed unbelievable Raphinha as one of the best in the world after converting the Brazilian into a striker. Valencia sacked head coach Carlos Corberan and chief executive Ron Gourlay after a winless start to the season. Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal returned to his duties on Saturday, contradicting media reports suggesting his resignation was final. Preston North End sacked Paul Heckingbottom after six defeats in seven league games left the Lilywhites second bottom of the Championship. In Serie A, Christian Pulisic marked his first appearance since the 2026 World Cup with an assist as AC Milan rallied to a 2-2 draw at Lazio, with Diego Moreira scoring twice in three minutes. Pulisic also provided the assist in his first game back for the Rossoneri. Leicester City's sad descent to English football's third tier continues barely a decade after their Premier League title and Champions League debut.
MLS and Saudi Pro League: Messi Denied, Ronaldo Demands Action
Lionel Messi scored a second-half goal but Nashville SC struck back in stoppage time to earn a 2-2 draw at Inter Miami, maintaining their nine-point lead at the top of the Eastern Conference. Cristiano Ronaldo called on the Saudi Pro League to issue lifetime stadium bans to any supporter found involved in taunting Ruben Neves. Footage on social media appeared to show Al-Hilal's Neves reacting to Al-Taawoun fans chanting Diogo Jota's name at him during their match, prompting Ronaldo's demand for lifetime bans. Birmingham's Luis Vázquez put the ball over the bar from close range on Saturday, but ESPN determined it was not even close to the worst miss ever, despite Tom Brady's Birmingham being on the receiving end.
NFL: Garrett Sidelined as Bengals and Ravens Open Season
Los Angeles Rams star Myles Garrett will be sidelined for at least four weeks after being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury requiring surgery, a significant blow to the Rams' defensive line. In Week One action, Joe Burrow's Bengals and Lamar Jackson's Ravens were among the teams in action, with live scores updating throughout the opening weekend of the 2026 season.
Tennis: Rybakina, Shelton, and British Success at US Open
Elena Rybakina cemented her position as world No 1 by dethroning two-time US Open winner Aryna Sabalenka to claim her maiden title in New York, completing her rise to the top of women's tennis. Ben Shelton reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open and said he is ready to do it for the USA when he faces top seed Alexander Zverev. There was double success for Britain, with Alfie Hewett regaining his wheelchair singles title and Neal Skupski finally claiming the men's doubles crown.
Golf: Europe Regain Solheim Cup in Singles Thriller
Team Europe regained the Solheim Cup after an impressive singles display saw them beat Team USA 15-13 on an eventful final day in the Netherlands. The singles thriller delivered drama throughout, with Europe holding their nerve down the stretch. The teams entered the final day tied before rain disrupted proceedings in the Netherlands. Anna Nordqvist backed Charley Hull to lead Europe out first in the Sunday singles, insisting the Englishwoman's game is right where it needs to be.
Formula 1: Antonelli Wins Spanish GP as Norris Suffers Pit Misfortune
Kimi Antonelli took another step towards the 2026 world championship by winning the first Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring, benefitting from pit-stop misfortune for Lando Norris. The race featured a big Madring twist as Norris lost the lead, with live coverage tracking the drama throughout.
Rugby: Springboks Edge All Blacks in Baltimore Record Crowd
South Africa prevailed over New Zealand in Baltimore in front of almost 70,000 fans at the Baltimore Ravens' stadium, with the captains hoping the record crowd would whet American appetites for the 2031 World Cup. The Springboks' series victory capped the final Greatest Rivalry Test on American soil.
Boxing and Darts: Garcia Destroys Benn, Van Gerwen Exits
Ryan Garcia hammered Conor Benn to defeat inside two rounds at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, defending his WBC title in devastating fashion. Garcia took out Benn in just two rounds and immediately set his sights on unifying world championships with Teofimo Lopez next, while insisting Benn will be back. In darts, Michael van Gerwen was knocked out in Antwerp by Damon Heta in a tight second-round clash at the Flanders Darts Trophy, with neither player losing a leg against the throw.
Athletics, Cricket, and Other Sport
Keely Hodgkinson settled for silver in the women's 800m final at the World Athletics Championships, beaten by Swiss rival Audrey Werro in a hotly anticipated race. England clinched a first home series whitewash of Pakistan with an eight-wicket win in the third Test at Edgbaston, with the player ratings highlighting selection headaches after strong performances from Lawrence, Cox and Gay. The Super League Dream Team for 2026 was revealed, with six Leeds Rhinos players included among the 13 selected. The final day of the St Leger Festival sees Touleen clash with Forty Years On at Doncaster.
EFL and Transfer News
BBC Final Score pundit Sam Parkin examined the weekend's EFL talking points, including West Ham's dominance and relief for Leicester. In transfer gossip, Arsenal are monitoring Como's Nico Paz, Liverpool and Aston Villa are tracking Cher Ndour, and Sunderland are refusing to give up on Geny Catamo, according to Sunday's gossip. The Premier League's spending power over Europe was laid bare in staggering numbers, with Barcola's move from PSG to Liverpool highlighting how English clubs effectively subsidise leagues such as Ligue. U.S. fringe players including Luna and Musah are eyeing 2030 World Cup roles after missing this year's tournament. A WSL quiz challenged fans to guess the star in the latest edition of the BBC's player identification game.
More Premier League Action and Managerial News
The Premier League weekend continued with Arsenal taking on Sunderland as the final game of the day, while Tottenham's winless streak extended with their draw against Everton. Burnley manager Jackie Bachteler will be in the dugout at Turf Moor on Sunday for the first time since a near-death sepsis scare nine months ago. Rangers' convincing Old Firm victory was analysed in depth, with the Ibrox side's dominant performance marking a statement win under McInnes. The derby between United and City remained the day's headline fixture, with Minsu returning for Rangers in a separate team selection story, while Celtic made four changes for their own clash.