Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 13, 2026, 5:30 AM ET
Premier League
Manchester City thrashed 10-man Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield, silencing a vitriolic home crowd, and Erling Haaland was among the scorers in a match that also featured a controversial red card. Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola criticised the dismissal of Ryan Gravenberch as undeserved, while ex-referee Dermot Gallagher called the first yellow card "very harsh." Ten people were arrested and a police officer was hurt as the heightened atmosphere spilled over. Fans of City brought inflatable bananas to Anfield, while Liverpool supporters greeted the visitors with a frosty welcome following the club's guilty verdict. Virgil van Dijk insisted the rivalry should not be viewed differently, and commentators have described City's new villain status as a taste of what is to come.
Coventry produced a 4-1 demolition of Newcastle, their first home Premier League win in 25 years, and the result lifted them out of the drop zone. Manager Lampard's side stunned the visitors with four goals, and Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle apologised to travelling supporters, while Carragher said his side had been "beaten up" again. Sky Sports tracked the match live as the Sky Blues celebrated.
Arsenal's season is under scrutiny after a woeful WSL start, and Mikel Arteta confirmed injuries to Piero Hincapié and Martin Zubimendi while defending his training programme. Troy Deeney named his latest team of the week after the round of fixtures. Leicester suffered another bruising afternoon, with boos ringing out during a defeat at Peterborough, and Peterborough's chairman denied making an illegal approach for Savage.
Champions League & Europe
Luis Enrique is central to PSG's plans as the club bids for a third successive Champions League title. Manchester United face a testing week, with Michael Carrick backing his side to rebound from a "challenging, stickier" spell, and Paul Merson warned that Carrick is under pressure. Diego Simeone described United as dangerous, and the club are linked with Atlético's Giuliano Simeone. Bruno Fernandes's form has been questioned as the skipper yet to recapture last season's highs. Bayern Munich will be without Manuel Neuer, with Urbig to start in goal. Liverpool are reportedly eyeing Hull goalkeeper Tzolakis as a potential Alisson successor.
Spain & Women's Football
The USWNT fell 2-0 to world champions Spain, with Spain's clinical finishing highlighting the gap, and head coach Hayes wants a faster start in the second friendly. England take a two-goal lead into their Women's World Cup qualifier, but questions remain over finishing ruthlessness. Gotham FC lose key players for the NWSL playoffs, and St. Louis City equalled the MLS record for an unbeaten run after beating LA Galaxy 6-2. Fifpro warned that the women's game's billion-dollar boom is leaving players behind.
MLS & Americas
Lionel Messi scored twice as Miami won 4-0 over DC United in his first match since leaving the Argentina national team. Inter Miami ended a winless run, while Nashville still top the power rankings. Corinthians hired Clarence Seedorf amid a relegation battle in Brazil.
Scandal & Governance
FIFA president Gianni Infantino appears to have received an undisclosed $1.7M World Cup payment, raising questions over FIFA regulations. Andy Burnham held a formal meeting with the Manchester City chairman, and the details are to be released. Mensur Suljovic faces a probe after inciting jeers and alleged sexist comments. Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by Portugal's federation after a walkout, while Vinícius Júnior apologised after a red card for a hair pull. Ronaldo still scored for Al Nassr in Riyadh despite a security delay. Football Australia is monitoring the fallout from attacks on Riyadh, which has raised doubts over the Asian Cup hosting. Andy Carroll thanked the public for their support following a sexual assault case. Saracens sacked Totoa Auvaa after a further incident.
Other Sport
Josh Allen had a monster day as the Bills beat the Rams in overtime, and Lando Norris accepted blame for his collision with Oscar Piastri at the Singapore Grand Prix. Dan Brundle gave his verdict on the weekend's strategy. Zverev was confirmed as year-end No. 1 after Alcaraz's exit in Shanghai. Australia closed in on a first Test win in Durban, with Matt Renshaw starring. Fury and Joshua will fight for the WBA heavyweight title in Cardiff. The London Lions made history against the Portland Trail Blazers but were outclassed. Four Super League clubs backed the NRL deal after criticism from Leigh. Harry Smith insisted England have a winner's mentality ahead of the Rugby League World Cup. Claressa Shields targets a fight with Lauren Price in 2027. Pietersen could influence England's Ashes batters, and England have renewed contracts for Ollie Pope and Shoaib Bashir.
Club & Other News
Doug Loft, former Port Vale and Gillingham captain, died aged 39. Scotland's World Cup play-off will allow alcohol at seats. Gateshead expect overdue wages to be paid on Tuesday as a takeover nears. The elite calendar was called not sustainable amid 55-game seasons. Sky's Huddle segment examined whether Shanahan found his Julio Jones with the 49ers. Ben Bayer's Championship roundup highlighted Swansea's rise and Burnley's win. Sky Sports Racing previewed the day's cards at Southwell, Hereford and Wolverhampton. Man City's defiant display after the guilty verdict drew attention across the league. Haaland and his father bought property on Manchester City's Abu Dhabi development.