Last updated: September 11, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Premier League & EFL
West Ham United delivered a statement performance at the London Stadium, routing Wrexham 6-0 to make it four Championship wins in a row and climb to the top of the table. The result marked Wrexham's heaviest defeat since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took ownership of the club. The Welsh side's troubles extended beyond the pitch, as a local community council told the club to get their act in order after they built their new training base without planning permission.
Tottenham's difficult start to the campaign continued, with the club still winless and goalless in the Premier League despite a £332M summer outlay. Manager Roberto De Zerbi described new arrival Mykhailo Mudryk's injury as stupid but backed the winger to return to action soon. There was better news on the contract front, as Lucas Bergvall signed a new deal after telling the club he wanted to leave in the summer. Meanwhile, forward Richarlison's proposed move to Vasco da Gama fell through amid ongoing uncertainty over his future, and he could still leave Spurs, with Philippe Coutinho agreeing a Santos deal and Manchester United monitoring Adrien Truffert. The Brazilian is also reportedly eyeing a route out of Tottenham, while Arda Güler could extend his Real Madrid contract.
At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta said he was very surprised by criticism over the club's handling of the departures of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli this summer. The Gunners boss also revealed he deliberately disrupted pre-season travel plans to prepare his players for difficulties on the road, admitting he sabotaged their travel to build resilience. Arsenal also agreed a pre-contract deal to sign 17-year-old Georgian forward Andria Bartishvili.
Chelsea's early-season form under new coach Xabi Alonso has been wild and unusual, with plenty of goals and some good results but little control. Alonso said striker Joao Pedro is stylistically like Karim Benzema and at a comparable level to Erling Haaland. Rising duo Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are helping each other thrive at Stamford Bridge.
Leeds United managing director Robbie Evans said the club and boss Daniel Farke are on the same page as they look to agree a new long-term contract. Watford announced the signing of former West Ham striker Michail Antonio on a free transfer. Hull City were fined £30,000 over discriminatory chanting following their FA Cup defeat by Chelsea in February, with three supporter bans issued. Hull winger Sorba Thomas was unhurt in a car crash after his Land Rover overturned in Cottingham.
Leicester City boss Russell Martin said criticism of him has become really personal and that he does not know why he upsets so many people. Shrewsbury Town's proposed takeover by Scott Davidson is supported by Brad Friedel. BBC Sport also previewed the weekend's EFL talking points across the Championship, League One and League Two.
Manchester Derby Build-Up
Manchester United and Manchester City meet on Sunday, and ESPN's combined XI features just two United players. Michael Carrick said Luke Shaw will face a late fitness test before a decision is made on whether the defender can face City. Benjamin Šeško's form has given Carrick a selection decision to make up front. City boss Enzo Maresca said teams need to adapt to fixture scheduling, with his side heading into the derby with two days' extra rest over United.
United's slow rebuild has left them light in defense, where they arguably need the most help after prioritizing one position per summer. The club banned 685 fan accounts after a ticket touting investigation, insisting innocent fans were not punished. United's youth staff are working to provide the right pathway for 15-year-old talent JJ Gabriel. Paul Merson said Tottenham, City and United all have defining games this weekend, and Sky Sports debated who will be Kings of Manchester when the rivals clash.
Champions League
Manchester United marked their Champions League return with a win over Sabah FK, and Michael Carrick hailed a perfect night for the club. Como celebrated their Champions League debut with a 4-2 win over RB Leipzig, a one-sided result masterminded by Cesc Fabregas. Manchester City "complicated" their 2-0 win over Porto, though their midfield options proved Rodri is replaceable after all. Bayern Munich's dominant win was among the Matchday 1 standouts, according to ESPN's panel.
Fenerbahce's Ismail Kartal stunned the club by resigning minutes after the 1-1 draw with Roma, but club president Aziz Yildirim rejected the resignation, saying the coach remains in his position. Kartal remains head coach despite the shock move. The weekend also brings a clash between Elversberg and Bayern, with the small-town club's coach cleared to be in the dugout after a referee admitted a sending-off error.
La Liga & Real Madrid
Real Madrid coach José Mourinho said Vinícius Júnior's best is yet to come after seeing improved performances from the Brazilian. Mourinho also compared Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius to fruit trees, saying fans "want a piece" of the star duo after they were booed at the Bernabéu. Mbappé responded to criticism of his defensive commitment, saying he does not take it personally, and separately criticised a viral meme depicting him as a dictator, saying it shows a lack of awareness.
Barcelona's squad spending limit has risen by almost €150M ($174M) to €582M ($676M), LaLiga announced, though it remains well below Real Madrid's. Christian Pulisic is upset about his bench role at Milan, according to coach Ruben Amorim, who hinted the US star is likely to get playing time this weekend.
Championship, Transfers & Spending
The Premier League's financial might over Europe was laid bare in staggering numbers, with Bradley Barcola's move from PSG to Liverpool highlighting a window in which England effectively subsidizes leagues such as Ligue. Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim took a swipe at ex-players turned pundits in Saturday's papers. Rangers defender Souttar is set for a move to Greece, with a Hibs pair set for loans.
Scotland
Celtic players received a visit from Police Scotland on Friday, described by manager Martin O'Neill as a timely reminder about their general behaviour ahead of Sunday's Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Rangers. O'Neill revealed Celtic were given a general behaviour warning before the Ibrox clash. The first Old Firm talking points of the season center on a League Cup semi-final place.
Hibernian boss David Gray said he is unfazed by criticism as his side target the first semi-final of his reign. A cup weekend could define three managerial tenures, with Aberdeen's Stephen Robinson, Hibs' Gray and Kilmarnock's Neil McCann all feeling the heat. A Scottish football podcast asked whether Stenhousemuir can stun Hearts and whether Rangers will finally deliver against Celtic.
International & USMNT
Mexico captain Edson Álvarez denied a kidnapping accusation, with the West Ham midfielder posting a statement rejecting the allegation made by film producer Juan Jose Lopez Ordonez. Athletic Club forward Iñaki Williams retired from Ghana duty, ending his Black Stars journey four years after his debut. Republic of Ireland captain Nathan Collins is a doubt for the Nations League after picking up a calf injury.
ESPN examined the USMNT's fringe players hoping for 2030 roles, including Luna and Musah, who missed this year's World Cup but may get another chance. Inter Miami forward Mateo Silvetti is out for the season after shoulder surgery. San Diego Wave signed Italy forward Barbara Bonansea on loan from Juventus through June 2027. Racing Louisville's future is uncertain, with sale or relocation looming as its best players seek exits. Former Chelsea and Juventus star Juan Cuadrado is returning home to Colombia with Millonarios, while James Rodríguez joins Atlético Nacional.
Cricket
England were denied a series sweep of Pakistan inside three days of the final Test at Edgbaston after a remarkable display of six-hitting from 21-year-old Razaullah, whose 81 off 63 balls forced a fourth day. Former Pakistan captain Urooj Mumtaz said Razaullah wrote the perfect chapter to revive his reeling side. England had been looking to wrap up the sweep on day three.
Durham clinched promotion to Division One of the Rothesay County Championship with a 93-run victory over Middlesex at Chester-le-Street, with Ben Stokes back in the top flight.
Rugby League
Wigan Warriors clinched Super League's top spot and the League Leaders' Shield with a 50-12 victory over Catalans Dragons in the final round, keeping Matt Peet's side on course for a domestic treble. Wigan were controlling the Shield race throughout a frantic Friday of action.
Tennis
Elena Rybakina denied Coco Gauff to set up a blockbuster US Open final against Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated Jessica Pegula. Two-time defending champion Sabalenka is chasing a three-peat not seen since Serena Williams in 2014, against incoming world No. 1 Rybakina. Top seed Alexander Zverev won the opening set in the first men's semifinal. Sky Sports also agreed a three-year extension to its US Open deal, remaining the exclusive UK and Ireland home until 2030.
Golf
Shane Lowry broke the course record to lead the Irish Open on home soil, while Rory McIlroy was left frustrated by his putting. At the Solheim Cup, Carlota Ciganda delivered final-hole magic to leave Europe tied 4-4 with the USA after day one, where Charley Hull and Lottie Woad let a big lead slip. Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz made Solheim Cup history with a statement foursomes win over Hull and Woad. Captain Anna Nordqvist said the first tee would be the place to be in the golfing world, and the spectacle delivered. Korda and Corpuz were moving ahead as Hull struggled with Woad in live play.
Racing
Caballo De Mar bounced back from disappointing efforts at Royal Ascot and York to win the Betfred Doncaster Cup. Caballo De Mar locks horns with Queenstown in the Doncaster Cup, live on Sky Sports Racing. Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle marked cards for the 250th St Leger and a stellar undercard at Doncaster. The Weekend Winners team tipped Amelia Earhart for a St Leger upset.
Formula 1
George Russell topped first practice at the new Madring circuit in Madrid, fastest from Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli. Championship leader Antonelli set the pace as Arvid Lindblad crashed on F1's first day at the challenging Spanish Grand Prix venue. Russell revealed fears over tyre wear, predicting a six-stop race on Sunday. Drivers took on the new Madring for the first time in live practice.
Boxing & NFL
Tyson Fury's manager confirmed the Anthony Joshua fight is "100 per cent happening", with Cardiff emerging as a potential venue. Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia resumed their war of words in Las Vegas, where Teofimo Lopez posed as a reporter with a fake beard.
Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes as the San Francisco 49ers dominated the Rams 27-7 in the first NFL regular-season game in Australia, with 100,000 fans attending in Melbourne.
Contracts, Features & Quizzes
Newcastle defender Lewis Hall signed a new contract running until 2031, ending Man Utd interest, with the club confirming the deal until 2031. Liverpool unveiled permanent memorials at their training ground and outside Anfield in tribute to former manager Matt Beard. Arsenal's Kyra Cooney-Cross is preparing to play at the Emirates for the first time since losing her mum, saying she wants to play for mum. Former Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin spoke out against racism after his children were abused in Mexico.
Jamal Musiala scored his first goal of the season weeks after dealing with seizures, celebrating by pointing to his head. The weekend preview asked whether Madrid can bounce back and who wins the Manchester derby. BBC Sport's Football Daily podcast featured commentators discussing life behind the mic. The Premier League's KMI Panel was explained four years after its introduction. FPL expert Holly Shand weighed whether a triple Chelsea attack is worth it in gameweek four. Fans were invited to guess a Bundesliga star and to flex their football brain with daily quizzes.