Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: September 20, 2026, 2:01 PM ET

Arsenal's Title Defense Hits a Wall

Arsenal's aura of invincibility evaporated on Saturday as Brighton thrashed them 3-0, a result that exposed midfield weaknesses the Gunners had previously masked. Mikel Arteta called the humbling a big lesson for his squad, conceding that an uncharacteristic performance saw them ship three goals in a manner few expected from the defending champions. The defeat raises uncomfortable questions about whether Arsenal's title-winning strengths have deserted them at the worst possible moment.

WSL Struggles Continue

If Arsenal are to end their WSL title drought, the goals simply must start flowing. Saturday's 1-1 draw between Arsenal and Manchester United was a lesson in why neither side has managed to pull clear at the top, with both teams guilty of spurning gilt-edged chances. United, though, can take encouragement from a week that began bleakly. Eva Olid's side took a big step forward after what the manager described as an intense week, with Saturday's victory offering tangible signs of progress at a club that had looked short on direction.

Premier League: Coventry End 25-Year Wait

Coventry City sealed their first Premier League win in 25 years, edging Nottingham Forest in a match marred by VAR controversy. Jay Dasilva's goal proved decisive, and the result carries 25 years of history for a club that has waited a generation for top-flight success. The win was all the more remarkable given the backdrop of Hear'Say, a snake, and Tony Blair — a reminder of just how much has changed since Coventry last tasted victory at this level.

Everton's Unbeaten Start

Everton sit fifth in the Premier League table and remain unbeaten this season, yet David Moyes is demanding more from his players while steadfastly refusing to discuss Europe. The manager's caution is understandable given the club's recent history, but the Toffees' start is quietly one of the season's most impressive stories.

Manchester United and VAR

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick still backs VAR despite a derby error that could have cost his side dearly. Carrick's public faith in the technology comes amid renewed scrutiny of officiating standards, though the United boss was keen to move on quickly from the incident.

Manchester City: Gvardiol Returns to Form

Josko Gvardiol's season last time out was disrupted by a serious injury, but the defender is signaling a return to his best at left-back for Manchester City. His resurgence gives Pep Guardiola welcome options as the champions navigate a congested fixture list.

Tottenham's Self-Destruction

Spurs have hit self-destruct again, with Roberto De Zerbi fuming after another collapse. Arsenal, meanwhile, proved imperfect in their own weekend outing, leaving both North London clubs with familiar questions to answer.

Premier League Grades After Month One

Which Premier League teams are acing the season so far, and which are flunking? ESPN's first-month grades put Arsenal at the top of the class despite their Brighton setback, with several surprise packages and underachievers emerging from the opening weeks.

Old Firm: Celtic's Chance

Former Celtic captain Scott Brown believes a win for the Scottish champions against Rangers would change the game ahead of the Old Firm derby. The question now is whether Celtic can reverse Rangers' recent derby dominance and shift the momentum in Glasgow.

EFL Takeaways

BBC Final Score pundit Aaron McLean runs through the weekend's EFL talking points, examining Wrexham's boost and why one manager finds himself in an ideal place. The lower leagues continue to deliver drama and intrigue in equal measure.

Managerial Moves and Speculation

Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans insists he is not going anywhere amid speculation linking him with Hibernian. In League One, Peterborough United have sacked manager Luke Williams after Saturday's home defeat, with the club languishing near the bottom of the table.

Transfer Gossip: Endrick and Haaland

Arsenal may move for Endrick in January, while Barcelona could launch a huge offer for Erling Haaland, according to Sunday's gossip. The rumour mill also swirls around a Manchester United legend set to sign up for I'm A Celebrity, adding a touch of showbiz to the transfer chatter.

Rugby League: Hull KR's Era Ends

The curtain has fallen on the historic Willie Peters era at Hull KR after their eliminator loss. In 2025, Hull KR became just the fifth team to win the Super League Grand Final, making the manner of their exit all the more poignant. Warrington Wolves, meanwhile, beat Hull KR to set up a semi-final against Leeds Rhinos, with Hiku seeing red in a contentious encounter.

Darts: Littler Edges Aspinall

Luke Littler scraped past Nathan Aspinall in a last-leg decider at the World Series of Darts Finals, moving a step closer to his first clean sweep of majors in a single year. The teenage sensation continues to deliver under pressure.