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With time ticking by on deadline day, Manchester United have reportedly reached a “total agreement” to sign one of their top targets just hours before the transfer window slams shut.

Man Utd's deadline day business

The Red Devils have already had a busy day on the outgoings front in hope of making room for some much-needed fresh faces. At the death, it looks as though both Jadon Sancho and Antony are set to get their moves to both Aston Villa and Real Betis, freeing up space on United’s hefty wage bill as a result.

Antony’s move will come as a particular relief after Betis responded to earlier reports that they had completed a move for the winger, saying: “There is no agreement for Antony and we have withdrawn the offer. We can’t afford the fee and the amounts that Manchester United must instead pay the player before the transfer.”

With two unwanted stars heading for the exit door, those at Old Trafford have also got to work on players that could arrive in the other direction. And the focus has been on finding a new goalkeeper.

The main question has been regarding just who will be arriving to replace Andre Onana. There has been little doubts that the Red Devils would be welcoming a new No.1 after one mistake too many from the former Inter Milan man.

It looked as though it would be Emiliano Martinez who arrives at one stage, as Manchester United shifted their focus towards the Argentine. Alas, after a late twist, United have now reportedly reached a total agreement to welcome an alternative option.

Man Utd reach "total agreement" to sign Lammens

As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester United have now reached a “total agreement” to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp to end a summer-long saga. Agreeing a deal worth €21m (£18m), Ruben Amorim is set to get his upgrade on Onana after United chased Lammens over Aston Villa’s Martinez.

Only time will tell whether they’ve made the right decision, but the stats certainly make for positive reading. Lammens outperformed Martinez in save percentage, saves and only kept one less clean sheet than the Argentine.

Described as a player with “excellent” variance in his passing by analyst Ben Mattinson, Amorim should finally have a goalkeeper at his disposal capable of building from his backline. And that could make all the difference.

Mbeumo 2.0: "Cantona of his generation" now "wants" D-Day move to Man Utd

The sensational international would be an unreal signing for Ruben Amorim and Manchester United.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Sep 1, 2025

The 23-year-old’s pending arrival is a major step in the right direction for Manchester United’s goalkeeper department and Amorim’s squad, following investment this summer, must simply now kick on after the international break.

RB Leipzig boss Ole Werner has given an insight into his working relationship with Jurgen Klopp after the former coach played a key role in his appointment. Werner says that Klopp acts as an advisor, with the Leipzig coach consulting Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer several times a week to receive guidance on navigating challenging situations.

• Leipzig's good showing this season

  Werner was appointed as RB Leipzig’s coach in the summer with Klopp reportedly pushing for him to get the job. He has guided the team to third place in the Bundesliga and just five points behind leaders Bayern Munich despite starting the season with a 6-0 defeat at the hands of the reigning champions. In the five matches since that loss, Leipzig have scored eight goals and conceded only two, including a 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund. Werner credited much of this early-season success to the guidance of former Liverpool coach Klopp.

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  Werner's praise for Klopp

  In an interview with , Werner revealed how Klopp advises him in difficult situations, saying: “We usually talk on the phone or text via WhatsApp. It's good to be able to talk to someone who knows the job but is a bit further away than, for example, my assistant coaches. I usually mirror situations to him, tell him what I'm planning, and he tells me his opinion or how he handled similar situations.”

• Schafer's praises Werner's brand of football

  Werner’s work has drawn praise from sporting director Marcel Schafer, who complimented him on his brand of pressing football, which is associated with Leipzig’s style of play. The 41-year-old also praised Werner for his management, noting how he has brought a sense of togetherness to the dressing room:
  “Ole and his coaching team have done a really great job. It's nice to watch a game and recognise patterns – both in defence and attack. That's absolutely his achievement. We're happy he's here.”

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  Werner's challenge with Leipzig

  Werner will hope that, with Klopp’s guidance, he can keep Leipzig in the top four and secure Champions League qualification for next season.

Sunderland’s first summer back in the Premier League was always going to be a test of ambition and planning.

After a decade away, the club made headlines with a remarkable £141.5m transfer outlay.

Their recruitment drive was both bold and targeted, bringing in Habib Diarra from Strasbourg, Simon Adingra from Brighton, Chemsdine Talbi from Club Brugge, Brian Brobbey from Ajax, and Nordi Mukiele from PSG.

The early signs suggest that Sunderland’s gamble is already paying off.

A 3-0 win against West Ham on opening day at a sold-out Stadium of Light was the dream start, even if reality soon bit with a 2-0 defeat away at Burnley.

A last-gasp Wilson Isidor winner against Brentford restored momentum, before a gritty goalless draw with Crystal Palace added another point.

With Aston Villa the next visitors, Sunderland are still finding their rhythm, but their blend of youth and experience has drawn comparisons with sides that built stability quickly after promotion.

At the centre of this are two midfielders at very different stages of their careers. One, a veteran leader who has seen it all across Europe.

The other, a 20-year-old whose performances are already hinting at a future transfer value more than double what Sunderland paid.

Granit Xhaka's importance to Sunderland

When Sunderland secured the signing of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen for £17m, many questioned whether the 32-year-old would be the right fit for a newly promoted side.

But Xhaka’s pedigree speaks for itself.

Over seven seasons with Arsenal, he made 297 appearances, won two FA Cups, and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most combative midfielders.

His return to England comes after a remarkable spell in Germany.

Joining Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side in 2023, Xhaka played a pivotal role in guiding the club to their first ever Bundesliga title, going unbeaten in the process.

He was also part of the squad that came agonisingly close to an unbeaten treble, only to be stopped in the Europa League final by an Ademola Lookman hat-trick for Atalanta.

Statistically, Xhaka remains one of the most progressive passers in European football.

Last season, he averaged 9.91 progressive passes per 90, ranking him among the best in his position.

His 50.2 carries per 90 also show how comfortably he advances play, while his aerial duel win rate of 61.2% underlines his utility in both boxes.

Now captain of Sunderland and still wearing the armband for Switzerland, he has spoken about embracing “solidarity and suffering” as part of his new challenge.

For Sunderland, his presence provides stability when it is crucial.

Noah Sadiki is Sunderland’s jackpot signing

If Xhaka represents Sunderland’s steadying hand, Noah Sadiki embodies the excitement of the club’s new era.

Signed from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise for £15m, the 20-year-old Congolese midfielder is already proving to be one of the bargains of the summer.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, his value has soared to as high as €36m (£31m) after just a handful of games in the Premier League, exceeding the fee splashed out on Xhaka.

Sadiki had already built an impressive reputation in Belgium before his move, with The Athletic’s Seb Stafford-Bloor describing him as a “properly complete midfielder”.

Since arriving at Union SG from Anderlecht in 2023, he made over 100 appearances and helped the club win the Belgian Pro League title.

Similar to Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, according to analyst Ben Mattinson, and capable of playing both in midfield and defence, his playing profile is one of his strongest assets.

At Sunderland, however, he has been used predominantly in midfield, where his blend of energy and intelligence has stood out.

Last season, he averaged 1.75 progressive carries per 90, slightly higher than Xhaka, while also posting stronger defensive metrics such as 1.78 tackles and 1.34 blocks per 90.

Despite his youth, he has shown composure on the ball, registering a 30% shot accuracy rate and 0.75 shots on target per 90 – higher than Xhaka’s 0.64.

These contributions have helped him quickly adapt to the physicality and pace of English football.

While Xhaka brings control, leadership, and passing range, Sadiki offers drive, athleticism, and the potential for game-changing contributions.

One thrives on experience and authority, the other on potential and versatility.

Together, they represent a midfield balance that could define Sunderland’s survival and growth in the Premier League.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Sunderland’s summer was a gamble, but the early evidence suggests they may have struck the right balance between established leaders and rising stars.

In Xhaka and Sadiki, they have captured the two poles of football development – a captain who has experienced everything and a 20-year-old who could yet become one of Europe’s most sought-after talents.

Sunderland have signed a "genius" who's becoming their new Cattermole

Regis Le Bris could now have his very own Lee Cattermole in this Sunderland warrior.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 15, 2025

Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman scored twice in Europe for the Under-19s as the junior Gunners succumbed to a 4-3 loss at the hands of Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the UEFA Youth League. At just 15 years of age, Dowman is considered one of the brightest prospects in Europe and has already started to play under Mikel Arteta with the senior squad this season.

• Dowman shines bright in Arsenal loss

  Dowman featured in Arsenal U19's starting in the European clash against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday at Meadow Park. The Gunners took the lead through Harrison Dudziak's third-minute strike but Sergio Vinatea brought the visitors back into the game in the 17th minute. Dowman then scored his first goal of the day before the half-hour mark as Arsenal headed into the break with a 2-1 lead. The Gunners, however, failed to hold on to the lead for long as Sergio Esteban and Ruben Gomez scored in quick succession to put Atletico in front soon after the interval. 

  Dowman then completed his double with a strike from the penalty spot in the 85th minute, but Jesus Barrios scored the winning goal two minutes to clinch a seven-goal thriller for the Spanish club. This was the Gunners' third successive loss in the UEFA Youth League.

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  15-year-old sensation already in Arsenal's first team

  Even before turning 16, Dowman has made a name for himself and has caught Arteta's eye already. He has been training with the senior squad for nearly a year and trained with the first team at the start of the week. Arteta earlier kept Dowman in his matchday squads as an unused substitute in the Gunners' previous Champions League encounters against Athletic Club and Olympiacos. The teenager has also featured off the Arsenal bench in their Premier League clashes against Leeds and Liverpool in the Premier League as well as versus Port Vale in the Carabao Cup. 

  However, despite his promising performances, Arteta is being very protective about the wonderkid and is using him sparingly before giving him full-fledged exposure to the senior professional game. Just a week ago, Dowman became the youngster player to score for England U19s as they saw off Wales 7-0.

• Dowman created Premier League 2 record

  Last month, the Gunners sensation created history in the Premier League 2. At the age of 15 years and 263 days, Dowman became the youngest player to score a goal in competition's history, a record which was previously held by another Hale End youth graduate in Reiss Nelson.

  After the game, Dowman and his team-mates garnered praise from Arsenal U21 head coach Max Porter, who told the club's official website: "I think it was a bit of a roller coaster. We were 2-0 down and had given away two poor goals from our standards, which was obviously disappointing, but I've got to praise the group, really. The reason I say the group is because it wasn't just the ones on the pitch, it was the players that came on. Our first-team manager, Mikel, mentioned the other week about the importance of finishers. All around, from the players on the pitch and the ones that came on to finish the game, they showed huge courage, they pushed themselves physically, and in the end, we got what we deserved from the game. Even in the first half, even though we weren't as good as the second, I think there were still moments we could have scored. So, we're really delighted because I think the group, particularly the ones that played midweek, showed a huge response, which we want to keep going."

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  Arsenal seniors ran riot against Atletico

  While the junior side failed to beat Atletico, later on Tuesday, the senior side avenged that defeat in style as they thrashed Diego Simeone's side 4-0 in the Champions League at Emirates Stadium. Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli handed Arteta's team a two-goal lead at the start of the second half before Viktor Gyokeres completed the rout with a double. 

After defeating Sassuolo in the Serie A, Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has heaped praise on Argentine forward Paulo Dybala for his performance. The Gialorossi edged past their Italian counterparts 1-0 in an away game as the 31-year-old secured the solitary goal, keeping the capital club level on points with Napoli at the top of Serie A.

• Dybala fires Roma to another win

  Thanks to the win on Sunday, Roma now have the same points as table toppers Napoli but sit second on the Serie A table due to a lower goal difference. The victory was crucial to Gasperini's men as they entered the game on the back of successive defeats to Inter in the domestic competition and Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League. Dybala, who recently scored his 200th goal for club and country, added one more under his belt, helping his team cruise past the Sassuolo challenge. Notably, this was the Argentine's first Serie A goal of the season.

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  Dybala goal earns praise from Gasperini

  After the defeat against Viktoria Plzen, Gasperini was furious with the team's attacking third, tagging them as 'sluggish', but the slender win in Serie A was much more to the coach's liking, singling Dybala out for praise. The 67-year-old said: "I never had any doubts about  Paulo. He's an extraordinary player and a striker, but not a winger: he can play as a first or second striker, he can play anywhere." Happy about the scoreline, he mentioned, "I'm very satisfied with our position in the table and with today's match, which was difficult because Sassuolo are doing well. We played it in the best possible way; after two defeats, we reacted very well. We won an important match."

  Gasperini's next challenge is to improve their home record. As of now, they have lost four games at the Stadio Olimpico, which includes a fixture from the Europa League.  

  "The absolute priority is to get back to winning at the Olimpico," he added. "It's a shame we lost so many times in front of our fans. We'd like to give them good, well-played games. Not all of them were bad, I'm thinking for example of the one against Inter, while Thursday's win shouldn't have been lost. And today's win allows us to recover a little. At home, we have characteristics that sometimes lead us to hit the wall and then concede goals: we need to be more effective."

• Roma warned not to get carried away

  Although this win makes Dybala happy, he is not ready to get carried away. The Serie A is a long competition with 38 matches and they have just completed their eighth so far. He said: "We knew it before the match, even looking at yesterday’s results: there was the possibility of staying at the top of the table, but the season is still very long. There are many games left. These are three important points, also to redeem ourselves after the defeats of the past few days. We’re happy, but now we must immediately focus on Wednesday’s match. Scoring difficulties? Strikers thrive on goals, and it’s obvious that we want to score in every match. Unfortunately, there are difficult moments during the season, but the important thing is that the team wins: whoever scores doesn’t matter."

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  Upcoming hurdles for Roma

  Roma's prerogative would be to return to winning ways in front of their fans on Wednesday, when they face Parma, who sit 15th in the league. Although it won't be a cakewalk for Dybala and Co., a win will enhance the team's confidence ahead of two crucial fixtures in the next 10 days. After facing Parma, they will travel to San Siro to greet Massimiliano Allegri's AC Milan on Sunday. Milan currently sit a place lower than Roma in Serie A, but the competition between the two heavyweights is expected to be boiling. Post the Milan game, Gasperini's team will head to Scotland to take on Rangers on November 6. Roma have acquired only one victory in their three continental fixtures. Rangers, who are yet to get their first win, will be eager to bounce back and are expected to hand the Gialorossi a tough 90 minutes.

Manchester United’s poor start to the 2025/26 season has once again cranked up the pressure on manager Ruben Amorim, with uncertainty now emerging around his future.

The 40-year-old took the reins last November, but was unable to catapult the Red Devils up the Premier League table – subsequently ending the year in a record-low 15th place.

However, after £200m worth of new additions during the off-season, he’s been unable to transform the side, already losing 50% of their top-flight outings to date.

His side even got knocked out at the first hurdle in the Carabao Cup, losing to League Two side Grimsby Town on penalties, something which has no doubt pushed him closer to the exit door.

Despite constant reports that no change of manager is expected in the immediate future, numerous managers are being lined up to potentially take the reins at Old Trafford.

Man Utd’s manager hunt to replace Amorim

Over the last couple of days, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has been hugely linked with the role at United – understandably so given his recent form at Selhurst Park.

The Austrian has led the Eagles to an 18-game unbeaten run, beating Liverpool at the weekend and subsequently adding to their recent FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs.

However, he’s not the only boss currently in their sights at present, with the Red Devils hierarchy considering a move for Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola, according to The Sun.

Their report claims that the United board are hugely impressed with his work at the Vitality and could be tempted to make a move should Amorim be given his marching orders.

It also states that he’s part of the club’s current shortlist to replace the 40-year-old, currently sitting alongside Glasner, but it remains to be seen if they are set to pursue either of the aforementioned candidates.

Why United’s latest target would be their answer to Arteta

Whilst Arsenal are a club very few United fans are content with, many of the supporters must be feeling an ounce of jealously in the direction of the Gunners under Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard is nearing six years in charge at the Emirates, only winning one major trophy, but he’s transformed the side into consistent Premier League title contenders.

His side have finished as runners up in each of the last three years, but could go one further this time around, subsequently showing glimpses of a successful side – as seen by their late comeback against Newcastle United.

The 43-year-old has given the fanbase a reason to be proud of their club, something which Iraola has also done with the Cherries – but certainly on a different level to his compatriot.

He took charge of the South Coast outfit back in the summer of 2023, but has taken the club to new heights – achieving their best ever top-flight finish by ending the year in 9th last time around.

However, he’s certainly faced adversity in recent times, losing key players like Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi to many of Europe’s giants during the recent summer.

Despite the departures, he’s led the Cherries to 6th place after the first six outings, with their only defeat coming against Liverpool on the opening day at Anfield.

In the words of journalist James Horncastle – via John Brewin of the Libero podcast – he is the “best coach in the Premier League”.

Iraola, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one journalist, has achieved a 40% win rate at the Vitality, winning 38 of his 94 matches in charge – subsequently doing so on a shoestring budget.

There’s no doubt he would have a huge amount of money to play with at United, which in turn could allow him to make the desired changes to try and battle with his compatriot, who’s in charge of the Gunners.

The similarities to Arteta are there for all to see, with both being the same age and making a huge impact in England’s top-flight after their respective appointments.

Both also came from the Basque Country, with United having the chance to appoint an incredible manager should they decide to pursue a move for Iraola in the months ahead.

His stint at Bournemouth has made him one of the most talented young managers in Europe, but it’s unclear how much the Cherries would demand for his signature in the months ahead.

It remains to be seen if Iraola would be open to the job at Old Trafford, but if he can replicate such talents with the Red Devils – there’s no reason as to why they can’t rise up the table under his guidance in the future.

This season's Rashford: Man Utd star is now a big "problem" for Amorim

There is much for Ruben Amorim to fix at Manchester United.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 29, 2025

Crystal Palace are keen on signing an “insane” centre-back who once pocketed Erling Haaland, with it now being revealed he wants to leave his club in 2026.

Parish reveals why Guehi's Liverpool move fell through

Palace were expected to sell Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window, given that it was their last chance to cash-in for a sizeable fee, but the move fell through on deadline day, with Steve Parish recently revealing why he didn’t sanction the move.

The chairman said: “I decided in the end that, based on the advice that I got and with what I think, that we would have a better season if we kept Marc.

“If we were fighting between the difference of 10th and 14th, if that was going to be the difference between keeping Marc and letting Marc go, then probably we would have said right, ‘We should take the money.”

Crystal Palace now rivalling Tottenham for £43m former Real Madrid defender

Palace have joined the race for a new centre-back, with Marc Guehi poised to leave on a free transfer next summer.

By
Dominic Lund

Oct 15, 2025

With their captain still on the books, however, the Eagles are showing signs they could be capable of pushing for a European spot this season, sitting sixth in the Premier League table, having lost just one of their opening seven matches.

However, Crystal Palace will be powerless to prevent the 25-year-old from leaving on a free transfer next summer, meaning bringing in a new centre-back will be one of the most important tasks, and they are keen on signing Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck.

That is according to a report from SportsBild (via Sport Witness), which reveals the German wants to move when the January transfer window opens, amid concerns about losing his spot in the World Cup squad next summer.

The 24-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Inter this season, having failed to impress, which means the Italian club are open to sanctioning a departure for €20m to €25m (£17m – £22m).

"Commanding" Bisseck once pocketed Haaland

Despite struggling at Inter so far this season, the one-time Germany international could be a solid replacement for Guehi, having been lauded by Ben Mattinson last term, with the scout particularly impressed by his ball manipulation.

The Inter defender has also put in some top performances in the Champions League in the past, keeping Haaland quiet in a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium last season, during which the Norwegian was limited to just one shot on target and an xG of 0.33.

Bisseck is vastly experienced at the top level, having made 13 appearances for Inter en-route to their loss in the final last season, which suggests he could be a fantastic signing for Crystal Palace.

Kylian Mbappe has been told he has made a “massive mistake” which will “tarnish his image” after the Real Madrid superstar hit back at a new song criticising his controversial ownership of French side Caen. The 26-year-old forward took aim at French rapper Orelsan over social media on Friday after being made the subject of his fiery ‘diss track’.

• Mbappe slams French rapper Orelsan over social media

  In a song titled ‘La petite voix’, which translates to ‘The Little Voice’ in English, Orelsan has slammed France captain Mbappe’s position as Caen’s majority owner – a role he has held since completing his takeover of the club in 2024.

  In one verse, Caen-based Orelsan sings: “You’re going to sink your city like the Mbappes.” The song is part of the musician’s new album, ‘La fuite en avant’, which translates to ‘The Headlong Rush’ in English.

  In a heated response on X, Mbappe accused Orelsan of "begging" for a free stake at Caen, writing: “You’re welcome to come and save the city you love so much.

  “PS: The guy kept begging us to get in with 1% without paying because he doesn’t have a penny but wanted to look like the little guy from Normandy.”

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  France captain is heavily criticised by Caen supporter

  However, Mbappe’s retort has been met with criticism from Caen fans, who continue to protest against his ownership of the club.

  Following the former Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain striker’s social media post, one Caen supporter, Sebastien, told French television channel "We're stunned, like everyone else. It’s sad.

  “Orelsan is a huge celebrity in Caen. Kylian Mbappe has made a massive blunder that will tarnish his image. If he thinks he can turn the Caen fans against Orelsan, he's going to have a very hard time; Orelsan is an idol. The song is a parody. Responding at face value is risky.”

  Meanwhile, former Caen defender Brahim Thiam has also questioned Mbappe’s response, arguing the song is not directly aimed at him, despite mentioning his name.

  Writing on X, Thiam said: “The punchline comes from an Orelsan song title that talks about his evil twin, a little voice that criticises everything and everyone, even his family, his buddies, and his wife – it's not a personal matter, lol…

  “It's a shame to expose the club through this kind of post.”

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  Caen suffered relegation to France's third tier under Mbappe

  In July 2024, Mbappe became one of Europe’s youngest football club owners after purchasing an 80 per cent stake in Caen through his firm, Coalition Capital, investing around £17.5 million (€20m/$23m). However, what once began as a symbolic homecoming – with Mbappe returning to the club that nearly signed him as a youngster – has now quickly turned sour.

  In April 2025, Caen hit rock bottom as a 3-0 defeat against Martigues confirmed their relegation from Ligue 2, sending the club into France’s third division for the first time in 41 years. Supporters subsequently stormed the pitch in protest, unfurling a banner reading: “Mbappe, SMC is not your toy.”

  In the wake of Caen’s relegation, sixteen staff members were laid off in a controversial restructuring of the club, with Mbappe receiving further scorn from fans.

  Christophe Vaucelle, head of the Malherbe Normandy Kop, summed up the local sentiment, saying: “The Mbappe clan bears some responsibility. They arrived, stayed invisible, and disconnected from the fans. The situation is catastrophic.”

  Caen are currently 10th in France’s third tier, having won just three of their 13 league games this season. The club have also drawn seven and lost three under manager Maxime d’Ornano's stewardship.

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• Up next for Mbappe and Real: A trip to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga

  While Mbappe continues to receive criticism back home, he has been in fine form for Real in 2025-26. Los Blancos’ no. 10 has scored 18 goals in 15 games in all competitions for Xabi Alonso’s men, who are currently top of La Liga and seventh in the Champions League standings.

  Real are looking to bounce back from their 1-0 reverse against Liverpool in Europe’s premier club competition on Tuesday when they travel to Rayo Vallecano in the league on Sunday afternoon. The hosts are currently 10th in the Spanish top flight, having taken 14 points from their 11 games this season.

GOAL US unpacks the main weekend storylines from the Premier League, La Liga and other top competitions in The Euro XI

Thanks for finally waking up, Premier League. In the takes economy of sports, it all seemed that this thing was rather boring. Arsenal, we were told, were strolling to the title. Man United are just plain bad. Liverpool are finished. All three of those things may yet be true, of course, but this weekend served up a little variety.

Arsenal are still very good, and have the upper hand early on. But United have some real fight and verve in them. Liverpool, meanwhile, remembered how to win a football match, which you'd imagine is fairly refreshing for those of a Liverpudlian persuasion.

Elsewhere on the continent, things are sort of cruising along. El Clasico last week suggested that there is a real gap between Real Madrid and Barcelona this year (Madrid issued a 2-1 battering). But the Blaugrana won this week, and got their season back on track before it could careen out of control.

And then, in Germany, there was simply some truly rude behavior from Bayern Munich, who are making a mockery of their league.

GOAL US presents The Euro XI, with 11 key observations from the weekend.

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  1Mo Salah is back

  So much for being "washed." OK, Mo Salah hasn't been great for a while now. There have been some loose touches, some uncharacteristic misses, a bit of selfish play that was unlike the winger who was in with a shot of the Ballon d'Or last year.

  Claiming he is "back!!!" in full might be a bit much, but he got himself on the scoresheet against Aston Villa, and looked a real menace for the first time in months, leading the way Liverpool's surprisingly comfortable 2-0 win. 

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  2Man United, comeback kings?

  Do we exist in a universe in which Manchester United are good at football now? Ruben Amorim supposedly has three years to get it right, which is a long time in the Man United universe.

  True or not, he's certainly showing that he can conjure a few performances out of this markedly imperfect team. The latest one? A 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest, complete with a cracking Amad Diallo equalizer. There might just be a team here.

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  3Chelsea win (very) ugly

  Chelsea-Tottenham is meant to be chippy. It's one of those fixtures in the Premier League that doesn't necessarily have a geographical rivalry, nor a singular point of tension. Rather, it's just always angry. But it's usually also quite good, a truly high standard of football to match the vitriol. 

  Well, this one was just plain bad. Spurs and Chelsea played out a miserable contest over the weekend. Chelsea won it, and just about deserved to do so – with Moises Caicedo making a decent case for the arbitrary "best midfielder in the Premier League" title. 

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  4Arsenal and set-piece goals strike again

  How do you win if you don't have time to train? The answer, for Arsenal at least, is to squeeze every last drop of quality you can out of the controllable. Welcome to the world of set pieces, where the ugly becomes your biggest advantage. And the Gunners are the kings of it all, a nightmare to deal with from dead ball situations.

  They delivered again against Burnley, scoring from one set piece and then strolling their way to a 2-0 win. Declan Rice was among the goals in a prancy midfield role – something that suits him wonderfully. But most impressive? They allowed just one shot on goal. If defense wins championships, then Arsenal have placed themself in a good spot.

Erling Haaland believes he is in the form of his life after extending his latest remarkable goalscoring streak for Manchester City.

The Norwegian has found the net in each of his last nine matches for club and country after hitting City’s winner in the 1-0 victory at Brentford.

Haaland reveals why Brentford star annoyed him into scoring

“You can say so, I’ve never felt better than I do now. So yeah, you can say so,” Haaland told City’s website.

His goal was a trademark strike, chasing a long ball over the top and bulldozing through Bees defenders Sepp van den Berg and Nathan Collins before firing home.

Haaland revealed Dutch centre-half Van den Berg had provoked him into scoring a “proper goal”.

“First five minutes he just kept on pushing me so I said ‘all right, let’s have it’. So then I started pushing him back,” he added.

“For me this is a proper goal. This goal for me is top. This is for me one of my better goals.

“I think it helps me because I was a bit tired before the game, going into the game I was thinking it’s going to be tough. Then after 10 seconds he started pushing me and it motivates me.

“All praise to him, honestly, he made me want to do that.”

For Brentford it was a first home defeat of the season and leaves them 16th, three points above the relegation zone.

“You never want to lose, especially at home as we want to make this place as tough as possible, so that’s really annoying,” said skipper Collins.

“The first half was probably too passive, we let them have too much space and didn’t get in their face enough. The goal is annoying, I thought we could have done better with that.

“In the second half, we tweaked a few things, pressed a bit higher and, overall, I thought we were better.

“We defended the box really well and made it hard for them, we created one or two chances and probably wish we created a bit more.”