Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: September 6, 2026, 6:13 AM ET

Premier League

Manchester City maintained their perfect start under Enzo Maresca as Erling Haaland scored the 300th goal of his club career in a nervy 1-0 victory over Coventry. The Norwegian's winner came against newly promoted opposition, a fixture type he clearly relishes, as City extended their 100% record to stay top of the table. Maresca handed £185m of deadline-day signings their debuts, with Fernandez and Ndiaye showing promising signs in the win. The manager defended the club's spending, insisting the outlay was necessary to match the challenge from Arsenal this season. City's summer business was shaped by Rodri's surprise departure, and Maresca had to navigate that exit while rebuilding his midfield.

Tottenham's winless start continued with a third consecutive Premier League game without a goal, as Roberto De Zerbi watched his side make the "wrong" decisions in a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest. The Spurs boss insisted his expensive squad needs time and said it's "not Football Manager", as building a cohesive team takes patience. De Zerbi also stood by his past claim that Mudryk could win the Ballon d'Or if he realises his potential. Forest boss Oliver Glasner and defender Neco Williams were furious that VAR ruled out a goal, insisting the referee made a mistake on the handball decision.

Newcastle fought back from two goals down as Ramsey's late strike rescued a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth at St James' Park. The comeback was led by a standout display from Scott, while Dedic struggled at the other end, according to the player ratings. Crystal Palace came from behind twice to win 3-2 at Fulham, with Mitchell's double securing Pierre Sage's first victory in charge of the Eagles. Fulham supporters booed their team off after a third straight defeat at Craven Cottage.

Aston Villa picked up their first point of the season but were left to rue missed chances in a 0-0 draw at Hull City. Newly promoted Hull have given themselves the perfect platform with seven points from three matches, already looking well set to avoid relegation. Michael Carrick insists Manchester United can compete despite being out-spent by rivals, with the manager and chief executive Omar Berrada united in their view that the club can challenge for trophies this season.

European Football

Lautaro Martínez scored a stoppage-time winner as Inter Milan came from behind to beat Napoli 3-2 and maintain their perfect start to the new Serie A season. The Argentine's dramatic strike capped a thrilling comeback in a match that swung back and forth. In Spain, Atlético Madrid suffered a shock 3-0 defeat at Athletic Club, with Marcos Llorente telling ESPN the team needs Álvarez to score after the loss. José Mourinho couldn't explain Real Madrid's 1-0 defeat at Real Betis, the coach's first loss since his return to LaLiga.

Bayern Munich failed to score in the Bundesliga for the first time in more than 18 months as they were held to a goalless draw by newly promoted Schalke, ending a 47-game scoring streak. Karius was the hero at the other end, earning the visitors a point in what was Bayern's first setback of the season. PSG deepened their slow start with a home defeat to Monaco, but Luis Enrique remained unconcerned, insisting he's pleased with performances. Folarin Balogun was left out of Monaco's Conference League squad amid uncertainty after the collapse of a proposed move to Everton.

Alexander Isak said his difficult start to his Liverpool career is behind him after he scored a brace inside nine minutes to inspire a 2-0 win at Ipswich. The Swedish striker, who disappointed after his record transfer fee last summer, was Liverpool's best player with a 9/10 display on Friday. Liverpool confirmed the departure of sporting director Richard Hughes, who is expected to take up a similar role at Saudi club Al Hilal.

Scottish Football

Scott Bain impressed for Falkirk and might be the answer to Scotland's goalkeeping problems as Sebastien Pocognoli looks to change the way the national team plays, with the keeper potentially in line for a recall to the squad. Celtic came from behind to beat St Mirren 3-1 and maintain their winning start to their Scottish title defence. Aberdeen are reportedly targeting free agents, with former Rangers midfielder Greg Doherty a possibility.

Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a "significant" hamstring injury in Saturday's victory over Motherwell, leaving the club searching for a goal threat replacement. Aberdeen and 10-man Kilmarnock battled out a tetchy 0-0 draw at Pittodrie as both sides ended their losing streaks. Dundee United and Falkirk settled for a 1-1 draw at Tannadice after a late Forbes equaliser. Steve Clarke revealed he had to cajole the Scottish FA into handing him a new contract, saying he gave the governing body "a little shove".

EFL Championship

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson fumed that Ben Cabango should have been sent off for what could have been a "leg breaking" challenge on Callum O'Hare in a 0-0 draw with Swansea. The Championship leaders missed the chance to go three points clear in the all-Welsh affair. Lankshear's seventh goal in as many matches gave Middlesbrough a 1-0 victory against previously-unbeaten QPR. Norwich secured their first away win of the season with a strong 3-1 victory at Sheffield United.

Morgan's fifth goal of the season extended West Brom's bright start with a 1-0 home win over Watford. Goals from Connor Shaughnessy and Marezi earned Portsmouth their first home win as they beat Cardiff 2-0 on an emotional afternoon at Fratton Park. Pompey boss John Mousinho apologized to Cardiff players after an incident involving home fans. Lyndon Dykes scored his first two goals for injury-hit Millwall as they returned to winning ways in style with a 4-0 win over Bolton.

Burnley's dire start under Nicky Hayen continued as Bristol City fought back late to snatch a 2-1 victory at Turf Moor. Enzo Le Fee rescued a point for Sunderland with a late penalty to secure a 1-1 draw at Brentford. Callum Lang bagged an early brace as Preston edged past local rivals Blackburn 2-1 at Deepdale to earn their first points. Ladefeld scored his first goal in English football to secure Lincoln a late point against Southampton. Stoke cruised to an emphatic 4-0 win over 10-man Charlton Athletic. Two late goals underscored West Ham's second home victory in five days, a 3-0 win over Derby that was less decisive than the scoreline suggests.

Leicester's woes deepened with a 4-0 defeat, leading to questions over Russell Martin's future as one pundit called it a "sackable performance". Aaron McLean's takeaways highlighted the Foxes' pain and Burnley's hangover among the weekend's talking points.

Women's Football

Chelsea stumbled in their WSL revenge campaign, settling for a 1-1 opening-day draw against Aston Villa as they look to bounce back from a rare trophyless season. Alexia Putellas' WSL debut wasn't a virtuoso performance, but her new side showed in their opening win over Manchester United that they're for real. The Spanish star promised there's more to come after the 2-1 victory. The UEFA Women's Champions League draw brought some big teams together, with an Arsenal-Barcelona final a tantalising possibility. Wigan Warriors Women scored nine tries in a dominant 50-6 victory over Leeds at Headingley.

MLS and Americas

Switzerland striker Breel Embolo marked his MLS debut by scoring a late penalty to earn Atlanta United a 2-2 draw at Inter Miami on Saturday. Philadelphia Union teenage star Cavan Sullivan scored in a third successive MLS game, breaking a record held by one-time U.S. prodigy Freddy Adu. Lionel Messi and Miami hosted Atlanta United, with the Argentine leading his side to victory over his former coach Gerardo Martino.

Rugby League

Wigan Warriors moved within one win of a domestic double after defeating Leeds Rhinos 40-8 in a battle of Super League's top two. The statement win showed Leeds the difference between champions and challengers. Wigan closed in on the League Leaders' Shield with one hand on the trophy.

Boxing

Katie Taylor was acclaimed after becoming a three-time undisputed world champion in her farewell fight at Croke Park, calling it the highlight of her career. The Irish icon's send-off was described as potentially the greatest boxing atmosphere ever at the famous Dublin venue. Dave Allen's heavyweight clash with Thomas Carty ended in a bizarre no contest after the Irish favourite fell out of the ring during the first round.

Tennis

Naomi Osaka stepped on court in another new look and eventually took care of business against Elise Mertens in a tense three-set victory to reach the fourth round of the US Open. Coco Gauff ensured the watching American public had something to cheer as she progressed to the fourth round on a day when Fritz, Anisass and Keys suffered shock exits.

Racing and Golf

Daryz, Gstaad, Opera Ballo and Benvenuto Cellini all line up on an outstanding Arc Trials Day from Longchamp on Sunday. Almeraq left an off-day at Newmarket clearly in the rearview mirror with a dominating victory in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock. Constitution Hill had to settle for a well-beaten fourth to Pride Of Arras on his eagerly-awaited third Flat outing in the September Stakes at Kempton. A tearful Paul Casey vowed to donate his prize money to victims of a bar fire after storming into the lead of the Omega European Masters. Great Britain and Ireland lead the USA after day one of the Walker Cup witnessed early controversy. Team Europe's Junior captain Anne Van Dam believes her side have a good chance of winning back the trophy, saying they will "fight to the last putt".

Formula 1

Pierre Gasly produced a stunning performance to claim his first career pole position in F1, shaking up the grid at the Italian Grand Prix. The Alpine driver felt he was "robbed" on Friday after a ruling but turned it around with pole at Monza. Toto Wolff claimed George Russell missed out on pole because he got "done over" by Max Verstappen in qualifying. Lewis Hamilton felt Ferrari's execution in final qualifying had been "pretty bad" after their hopes faded. Russell had earlier established himself as pole favourite after topping final practice.

International Rugby

South Africa came from behind to edge New Zealand 29-24 in a ferocious third Test that moved them 2-1 ahead in the series with one game remaining in 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry'.

Other Sports

Defending champion Luke Humphries ended Beau Greaves' historic run at the Czech Darts Open with a 6-2 victory on Saturday night. Barcelona's Lamine Yamal scored his 50th club goal at, a milestone that invites comparison with how Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé and Haaland reached their half-centuries. Luka Modric, is not retiring from international duty and hopes to face England with Croatia in the Nations League. Raphinha has been named Barcelona captain for next season, the first Brazilian to hold the role at the Spanish champions.

Transfers and Rumours

Liverpool may make another move for Crystal Palace winger Ismaila in January, while Spurs' Richarlison may seek a Saudi switch, according to the latest transfer gossip. Arsenal are set to sign Georgian midfielder Andria Bartishvili despite the window being closed. Our alternative awards look the best bargain and data pick. Arsenal had more than 20 players on their shortlist, explored including Guimarães and Konsa deals to strengthen their title-winning squad.