Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 17, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Premier League
Manchester City cruised past the side in a dominant display, with Erling Haaland netting a brace, though Enzo Maresca played down fears over the striker after he limped off. Aston Villa won at Newcastle, with Johan Manzambi scoring the winner, and Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 as Pedro Neto scored both second-half goals. Liverpool returned to winning ways at Brentford, with Florian Wirtz instrumental, while Andoni Iraola questioned the VAR decision that overturned a Liverpool penalty. West Ham were unstoppable in the weekend's action.
Manchester United
Michael Carrick dismissed questions about his own future as head coach, and insisted the squad is ready to move on from Lisandro Martínez's fiery outburst. Carrick also opened the door to January transfer activity.
La Liga & Europe
Barcelona equalled the best start to a LaLiga season in history, with Lamine Yamal claiming a brace in a 5-2 win over Betis, and Hansi Flick hailed him as the best player in the world. Raphinha is fit to return for the trip to Betis. Bayern Munich moved top of the Bundesliga after a 6-1 win over RB Leipzig, with a Díaz hat trick, ahead of their Champions League meeting with Arsenal. Paris Saint-Germain came back to beat Strasbourg 3-1, with Gio Reyna scoring for the hosts in defeat. Inter Milan face a blow as captain Lautaro Martínez is likely to miss seven matches.
Championship & Lower Leagues
Wrexham eased pressure on Phil Parkinson with a 4-1 win over Preston, and Parkinson credited the players for blocking out outside noise. West Brom came back from two early goals to beat Blackburn 3-2. Stoke won 1-0 at Derby, while Birmingham beat QPR 3-0 with a Liam Millar double. Portsmouth beat Norwich 1-0 from the penalty spot, and Sheffield United edged out Bristol City 1-0. Swansea fell to West Ham, and Vitor Matos urged his squad to use the defeat as fuel.
Scotland
Hearts face Celtic at Parkhead in a test of their credentials. Kilmarnock beat Motherwell 3-2 with a Greg Kiltie double, Aberdeen beat St Mirren 3-1, and Falkirk claimed an Edinburgh double by beating Hibs.
Women's Football
Arsenal were booed off after a 1-1 draw with Birmingham, adding pressure on Renee Slegers, and Olivia Smith's strike salvaged a point. Spirit claimed a playoff spot as Gotham missed out on the NWSL Shield. Zambia players will miss several NWSL games due to Ebola travel restrictions.
Other Headlines
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was taken to hospital for precautionary tests. Real Madrid demanded that LaLiga chief Javier Tebas resign. Gianni Infantino apologized at a FIFA Council meeting, though his reelection remains uncertain.
Coming Up
Lionel Messi travels to Spain two days before Inter Miami's MLS game against Atlanta United, and Enzo Maresca hopes to see inflatable bananas at the Etihad. Bayern face Arsenal in the Champions League.