Football/Soccer 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 12, 2026, 3:40 PM ET
Manchester City and Liverpool
Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield, silencing a vitriolic atmosphere with a ten-man Liverpool side unable to respond. The result came after City were found guilty of breaching financial rules, and Liverpool fans had prepared a hostile welcome. Former Manchester City striker Imre Varadi said the inflatable bananas had "brought fun back" to the fixture, a gesture explained by City supporters at Anfield on Sunday.
City's defiance was on display throughout, and the club's supporters have been framed as the Premier League's new villains. Virgil van Dijk insisted he does not view the rivalry any differently despite the verdict, while Andoni Iraola criticised the decision to send off Ryan Gravenberch as undeserved. Liverpool are also eyeing Hull City goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis as a possible Alisson successor.
Arsenal Injury Concerns
Mikel Arteta defended Arsenal's training programme after confirming injuries to Piero Hincapié and Martín Zubimendi. Arteta described the situation as far from ideal, as both players were hurt in a post-match training session.
Manchester United and Atlético Madrid
Diego Simeone insisted that Manchester United remain dangerous ahead of their clash with Atlético. Paul Merson argued that Michael Carrick is in trouble and that it is a nightmare week for United, with fixtures against Atlético and Leeds on the horizon.
Real Madrid
Vinícius Júnior apologised to his teammates and supporters after being sent off for pulling an opponent's hair during the Villarreal match. Real Madrid also won a contentious game amid the wider Manchester City controversy.
International Football
England take a two-goal lead into the second leg of their Women's World Cup qualifier, prompting questions about their ruthlessness in front of goal. Spain outclassed the USWNT 2-0 in a result that showed what it takes to be world champions. Wales warned against underestimating Albania in their World Cup qualifier, while Scotland's play-off match will allow alcohol to be consumed at seats. Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward confirmed that Katie McCabe and Denise O'Sullivan will feature. England have also renewed the central contracts of Ollie Pope and Shoaib Bashir.
Club and Lower-League News
Clarence Seedorf was hired by Corinthians on Sunday as the Brazilian club battle relegation. Former Port Vale and Gillingham captain Doug Loft died at the age of. Leicester City suffered another difficult day, with boos ringing out after a Peterborough defeat. Four Super League clubs backed an NRL investment deal after criticism from Leigh.
Messi and Miami
Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami won 4-0 over DC United, his first game since an emotional farewell to the Argentina national team.
Other Sport
Lewis Hamilton apologised to Ferrari after a strategy error in Singapore, while Martin Brundle delivered his verdict on the collision between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. In tennis, Carlos Alcaraz was knocked out in the third round of the Shanghai Masters, confirming Alexander Zverev as year-end No. Claressa Shields targets a fight with Lauren Price in early 2027.