Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 10, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Premier League: Man Utd, Spurs and Arsenal
Manchester United could only draw 1-1 with ten-man Tottenham at Old Trafford, leaving them with the worst start in 40 years. Ahead of the game, Gary Neville warned of a worrying few weeks if the squad did not get a grip, and BBC Sport's assessment described Michael Carrick facing boos and fading belief. ESPN argued that failing to beat Spurs after being up a goal and a man shows how much trouble the club is in, while Sky Sports noted that Tottenham rescued a point despite a red card. Roberto De Zerbi later admitted he kissed Bentancur after the dismissal, and Tottenham will fly to Marbella for a training camp. Michael Carrick also said there is no timeline for Benjamin Sesko's return from injury.
Arsenal came from behind to beat Leeds 2-1 as the Premier League resumed, scoring twice in eight minutes at the Emirates, and Mikel Arteta said the win returned the team's identity. The result was played out under the cloud of Man City's guilty verdict, and ESPN questioned whether City's sanctions could push the club's fanbase to suffer. A whistleblower behind the case, Rui Pinto, will remain in witness protection after a U-turn, and Man Utd fans unveiled a ticker banner aimed at City at Old Trafford. Elsewhere, Brighton won at Sunderland with ten players to stay third, and Ipswich's late show kept Fulham winless under Alvaro Arbeloa. Arbeloa said he does not feel fear despite mounting pressure.
Chelsea
Chelsea thrashed Bournemouth 5-1, with Jordan Henderson netting a brace at, and BBC Sport credited Henderson and Moises Caicedo for the midfield work that underpinned the win. Cole Palmer signed a new deal keeping him at the club until 2034.
La Liga and Europe
Anthony Gordon opened his account for Barcelona in a 3-0 win over Getafe, and Hansi Flick praised Gordon and Gabriel Jesus for filling the Raphinha void, though Raphinha's injury concerns will sideline him for two fixtures. Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior was benched by Mourinho after a red card for pulling an opponent's hair, and Vini later apologised to teammates and fans. Mourinho said Kylian Mbappé will start and called criticism of him "ridiculous." Cristiano Ronaldo was provisionally suspended by the Portuguese FA after a walkout. In Germany, Augsburg's Robin Fellhauer scored the fastest Bundesliga goal ever, beating Manuel Neuer. Rayo Vallecano's match against Athletic Club was suspended after a paper-plane protest.
USWNT
The USWNT lost 2-0 to world champions Spain, with Patri Guijarro and Eva Navarro scoring in the opening 14 minutes. ESPN's player ratings gave Wilson 8/10 as a bright spot, and the match was described as a lesson from Spain. Emma Hayes said the team needs a collective effort to top the world No. 1, and ESPN outlined what the USWNT can learn from the defeat. Crystal Dunn was honored before the friendly.
Scotland, Rangers and Hearts
Rangers moved top of the Premiership after Ryan Naderi scored twice in a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock. Hearts thrashed St Mirren 5-0 for their biggest home win since 2023, and Ashley Hay's stoppage-time winner gave Dundee a 2-1 comeback over Falkirk. Hibernian's new boss Marink Reedijk bemoaned his side's imprecision.
Championship and Lower Leagues
Swansea beat Norwich 2-1 as Adam Idah headed in to extend their lead at the top. Birmingham won the derby at West Brom via a Priske penalty. Stoke won at Bolton with ten men, and Preston lost to Millwall on Graham Alexander's debut. Derby's home win drought continued after a late Wrexham leveller, and Blackburn beat Cardiff 2-1. Boro's savage debut and Middlesbrough's 1-0 win over Wolves were highlights, and Bristol City held Charlton to extend their winless run to six games.
Transfers and Gossip
AC Milan are reportedly keen on Bournemouth's Alex Scott, and Man Utd's JJ Gabriel has renewed talks with Bayern Munich. Celtic have passed on a deal for Bakayoko. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bought a stake in Atlético Madrid.
Other Sport
Lewis Hamilton said Ferrari will do "whatever it takes" to beat Max Verstappen at Singapore, and Verstappen won the wet sprint after George Russell crashed out. Northampton beat Bath 71-48 in a record-scoring classic, while New Zealand beat Australia 50-19 to retain the Bledisloe Cup. Matt Renshaw made 190 for Australia against South Africa in Durban.