Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 12, 2026, 7:10 AM ET
Man City's Anfield Statement
Manchester City thrashed 10-man Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield to silence a vitriolic atmosphere, with the Liverpool crowd greeting the visitors as a club recently found guilty of breaching Premier League rules. City showed no signs of contrition, and Enzo Maresca praised the club's togetherness in the aftermath. The result has been read as a statement win, though BBC Sport suggested it feels strangely irrelevant with the season in limbo. Sky Sports' verdict from the Kop was equally pointed, and Andy Burnham has promised to release details of the club's meetings.
Liverpool Fallout
Andoni Iraola defended Ryan Gravenberch after the midfielder's dismissal, while Jamie Carragher called the decision "shocking" and said it was barely a foul. Liverpool's home struggles deepened, with the club still winless at home and Iraola yet to claim a first Premier League win at the ground. BBC Sport's player ratings flagged Florian Wirtz as one who struggled badly against City, and Sky Sports' Hits and Misses column contrasted his form with Anderson's value.
Premier League Title Race and Results
Arsenal came from behind to beat Leeds as the league resumed, keeping pressure on leaders Manchester City. Manchester United were held 1-1 by Spurs despite being a goal and a man up after 90 minutes, and the result left them with their worst start in 40 years. Senne Lammens urged his side to move on before their trip to Atlético Madrid. Crystal Palace stunned Nottingham Forest on Oliver Glasner's return to Selhurst Park. Ten-man Southampton claimed their first league derby win over Portsmouth since 2004, and Hull and Everton drew 2-2 thanks to a Mohamed Belloumi equaliser.
Transfers and Club News
Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing Endrick, while Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all linked with Roma's Emanuele Lulli. Corinthians hired Clarence Seedorf amid their relegation battle. Forest Green Rovers have unveiled an unusual plan to replace their departing manager. Billy Sharp announced his retirement after a 22-year career, and Elton John voiced frustration at Watford's poor Championship form.
Europe and International
Barcelona enjoyed a record start with Anthony Gordon and Gabriel Jesus filling the void left by Raphinha. Lionel Messi scored twice for Inter Miami in his first game since Argentina's farewell. Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by Portugal's federation, and Vinícius Júnior apologised after his red card for hair-pulling. In the Bundesliga, Augsburg's Robin Fellhauer scored the fastest goal in league history after a Manuel Neuer error. The USWNT fell 2-0 to Spain, with the player ratings highlighting Wilson's bright display. Wales forward Elise Hughes is focused on Albania in a play-off that could secure a World Cup place. Alessia Russo was named England women's player of the year.
Scottish Football
Jota's return from injury helped Celtic beat Motherwell 2-0 and climb back to the top of the Premiership. Reaction to Celtic's bounce-back contrasted sharply with Aberdeen's difficulties.
Other Sport
Liverpool and Manchester City aside, the weekend's highlights included Kimi Antonelli, who could claim the F1 title as early as the next race, while Lewis Hamilton apologised to Ferrari for overriding a strategy call. Qinwen Zheng became the first Chinese winner of the China Open. In darts, Jonny Clayton beat Luke Humphries to win the Swiss Darts Trophy, while Ross Smith vowed karma would catch Mensur Suljovic. Grant Forrest birdied the final hole to win the Open de España, and Cummins helped Australia build a lead over South Africa in Durban. Exeter held off Newcastle despite a Christian Wade hat-trick, and the NFL saw the 49ers edge the Seahawks in a thriller, with the Jaguars and Eagles trading leads in London.