Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was among the goals as Ghana trounced the Central African...

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was among the goals as Ghana trounced the Central African Republic 5-0 in Meknes, and need one point from their final Group I match at home to Comoros to qualify.Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku, captain Jordan Ayew and Kamaldeen Sulemana were the other scorers for the Black Stars, who led 1-0 at half-time.Ghana have 22 points and a vastly superior goal difference than Madagascar, who are three points behind. Mali, seeded to win the group, are out of contention with 15 points.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cape Verde came from two goals behind in Tripoli to draw 3-3 with Libya and edge closer to a first World Cup appearance.The island nation of about 550,000 inhabitants off the coast of Senegal will clinch first place in Group D if they defeat Eswatini in Praia on Monday.Known as the Blue Sharks, the Cape Verdeans are two points ahead of Cameroon, who beat Mauritius 2-0 in Saint-Pierre with Manchester United striker Bryan Mbeumo scoring.Cape Verde have 20 points after nine rounds, two more than Cameroon, whose eight World Cup appearances in an African record.Roberto Lopes, a defender with Republic of Ireland club Shamrock Rovers, conceded a first-minute own goal as Cape Verde made a disastrous start.Telmo Arcanjo levelled for the islanders before goals either side of half-time from Ezoo el Mariamy and Mahmoud al Shalwi gave the Mediterranean Knights a 3-1 lead.Sidny Cabral reduced the deficit and Willy Semedo equalised on 82 minutes to set up a tense finish as Cape Verde sought a fourth goal and qualification.A match-winner did not materialise, but they will be expected to beat Eswatini, who remained winless in the group after surrendering a two-goal advantage in a 2-2 draw with Angola in Lobamba.Cameroon had to secure maximum points in Mauritius to keep alive their hopes of overtaking Cape Verde, but needed 92 minutes to ensure success.Dynamo Moscow midfielder Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu put the Indomitable Lions ahead on 57 minutes and Mbeumo struck in added time with his fourth goal of the qualifying campaign.Cameroon complete their schedule at home to Angola in Yaounde and must win to have any hope of automatic qualification.Should Cape Verde come first, Cameroon would hope to finish among the four best-ranked runners-up and qualify for play-offs in November.The winners of the African mini-tournament, comprising single-match semi-finals and a final, advance to six-nation inter-continental play-offs next March with two World Cup places up for grabs.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Jordan Ayew of Ghana during the Unity Cup Semi Final match between Nigeria and Ghana at Gtech Community Stadium on May 28, 2025 in Brentford, England.

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Ghana, Cape Verde close in on World Cup qualification

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scored twice to help Egypt beat Djibouti 3-0 in Casablanca on Wednes...

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scored twice to help Egypt beat Djibouti 3-0 in Casablanca on Wednesday and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.The 33-year-old has now netted nine times in a marathon qualifying campaign that began two years ago, and victory for Egypt gave them an unassailable five-point lead over Burkina Faso in Group A.Twice African Footballer of the Year, Salah helped Liverpool win the Premier League a record-equalling 20th time last season, and captured the Golden Boot award with 29 goals.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But the Egypt captain has lost his spark with Liverpool this season, scoring just three goals in nine matches in all competitions.After Ibrahim Adel put Egypt ahead on eight minutes against opponents 158 places lower in the world rankings, Salah netted six minutes later and again on 84 minutes.While Egypt have won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times, they have been less successful in the World Cup, qualifying just four times in 15 attempts -- in 1934, 1990, 2018 and now 2026.

Egypt's forward #20 Ibrahim Adel celebrates with forward #10 Mohamed Salah after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Africa qualifier football match between Djibouti and Egypt at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on October 8, 2025.

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Salah scores twice as Egypt qualifies for 2026 World Cup

Spanish footballer Rafa Mir was indicted for sexual assault allegations "involving carnal knowled...

Spanish footballer Rafa Mir was indicted for sexual assault allegations "involving carnal knowledge and the use of violence" on Wednesday, Spanish judicial sources confirmed to AFP.The 28-year-old, currently on loan at Elche from Sevilla, allegedly committed the offence on September 1, 2024, at his house in the town of Betera, in the province of Valencia.Another player currently outside professional football, Pablo Jara, is also accused of sexual assault against a second victim "without carnal knowledge" at Mir's house on the same night.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The judge summoned both men to make statements on October 13, with Mir to appear via telecommunication."The investigating magistrate understands that the evidence gathered during the instruction of the case points to indications, not mere suspicions, that (Mir) sexually assaulted one of the two girls on two occasions," a judicial source told AFP.Mir came through Valencia's youth academy and signed for Premier League team Wolves in 2018, before Sevilla bought him in 2021.The striker was loaned back to Valencia in July 2024, after which the alleged sexual assault happened.Mir was arrested in September 2024 and suspended by Valencia for two matches.

ELCHE, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 21: Rafa Mir of Elche CF looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Elche CF and Real Oviedo at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on September 21, 2025 in Elche, Spain.

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Rafa Mir indicted over sexual assault investigation

The CEO of Serie A on Wednesday slammed Adrien Rabiot's criticism of UEFA's decision to allow AC ...

The CEO of Serie A on Wednesday slammed Adrien Rabiot's criticism of UEFA's decision to allow AC Milan to play a league fixture in Australia.In an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, Rabiot, who plays his club football for Milan, called the decision by European football's governing body to allow a 'home' match against Como to be played in Perth "totally crazy".Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a league meeting in Rome, Serie A boss Luigi De Siervo told Rabiot to count his money and be quiet about the decision, which gives Milan and Serie A the green light to play the February 8 fixture abroad.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Milan's San Siro stadium is out of commission around that time because it is hosting the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics on February 6."Rabiot forgets, like all players earning millions of euros, that they are paid to do something, and that is play football," said De Siervo."He should have more respect for the money he earns and offer more support to his employer, Milan, who accepted and pushed for this match being played abroad."UEFA said on Monday that it had "reluctantly" approved the staging of Milan's home match with Como in Perth and a Spanish La Liga fixture between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami, Florida.European supporters' groups branded the moves "absurd, unaffordable, and environmentally irresponsible", and Rabiot made clear his feelings."It's totally crazy. There are financial agreements in order for the championship to have a certain visibility. All of this is beyond us (the players)," he said."It's crazy to travel so far to play a match between two Italian teams in Australia."

France's midfielder #14 Adrien Rabiot arrives for a training session at the team's training grounds in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, southwest of Paris on October 6, 2025, as part of preparations for their upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D European qualification football matches against Azerbaijan and Iceland.

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Serie A CEO blasts Rabiot's criticism of Milan match in Australia

England captain Harry Kane could miss Thursday's friendly against Wales after the Bayern Munich s...

England captain Harry Kane could miss Thursday's friendly against Wales after the Bayern Munich striker was unable to train on Wednesday.Kane joined up with England despite suffering an ankle issue in Bayern's win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.Speaking after the Frankfurt game, Kane said: "I am recovering at the moment -- I took a knock. A few days and then I should be fine, so no problem for the national team. I will be there on Monday."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But the 32-year-old, who is England's record scorer with 74 goals, sat out Wednesday's session, along with uncapped Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah.The Football Association said the pair were "following their own respective routines indoors" as the remaining 22 players trained at St George's Park.Kane had scored against Frankfurt to reach 18 goals in just 10 matches for Bayern this season.Ollie Watkins, Marcus Rashford, Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon will be among the contenders to replace Kane if he is unable to face Wales.Thomas Tuchel's side welcome Wales at a sold-out Wembley before attention turns to Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Latvia.England sit top of Group K, seven points clear of second-placed Albania, as they look to clinch their place at next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.The Three Lions have won all five of their qualifiers, with three games remaining.

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Harry Kane of England looks on during an England Training Session at St Georges Park on October 06, 2025 in Burton-upon-Trent, England.

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Kane trains separately from England squad ahead of Wales friendly

Kylian Mbappe's brother Ethan haunted his former club Paris Saint-Germain as he came off the benc...

Kylian Mbappe's brother Ethan haunted his former club Paris Saint-Germain as he came off the bench to grab a late leveller for Lille in Ligue 1 on Sunday.The 1-1 draw at Lille's Stade Pierre-Mauroy was, however, enough for injury-plagued PSG to go one point clear at the top of the French league.A much-changed PSG side made the trip north and substitute Nuno Mendes's sublime second-half free-kick looked to have secured all three points for the reigning champions until 18-year-old Mbappe had the last laugh.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The first big chance of a stodgy first half fell to the feet of Thomas Meunier just after the half-hour but the former PSG defender was unable to punish his old side as Lucas Hernandez blocked his goalbound effort.A first half short on goalscoring opportunities culminated in Bradley Barcola passing up a gilt-edged chance to break the deadlock for PSG as he raced through on goal from distance but got his finish all wrong.The hosts started the second period the brighter with 39-year-old Olivier Giroud launching himself at an ambitious overhead kick before Nabil Bentaleb fired into Lucas Chevalier's gloves.Lee Kang-in and Barcola riposted for PSG as the encounter started to become less cagey.Luis Enrique made a slew of changes on the hour and was rewarded six minutes later as usual first-choice left-back Mendes whipped a fantastic free-kick into the top corner from 30 yards.Mbappe then entered the field of play under the watchful eye of his older brother Kylian, who was up in the stands, with eight minutes remaining.Achraf Hakimi, also off the bench, could have put the match beyond Lille in the 83rd minute but fired wide when well-positioned.But the headlines went to Mbappe, who two minutes later cut inside on his left foot and fired a shot through the legs of Lucas Beraldo which flashed beyond the unsighted Chevalier.Lille trail PSG by five points in seventh spot.

Lille's French midfielder #08 Ethan Mbappe celebrates after scoring Lille's first goal during the French L1 football match between Lille LOSC and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on October 5, 2025.

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Ethan Mbappe returns to haunt PSG as Lille force draw with leaders

Rasmus Hojlund struck again for Napoli with the winning goal in Sunday's 2-1 victory over struggl...

Rasmus Hojlund struck again for Napoli with the winning goal in Sunday's 2-1 victory over struggling Genoa, a strike which alongside AC Milan drawing 0-0 at Juventus lifted the Serie A champions into top spot.Fresh from his midweek double against Sporting Lisbon, Hojlund was on hand to score on the rebound with 15 minutes remaining as Napoli came from behind to claim three points in Naples.The 22-year-old pounced after Andre-Frank Anguissa's powerful shot was pushed out by Genoa goalkeeper Nicola Leali, taking his club tally to four goals since moving to Napoli from Manchester United.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Napoli have 15 points from their six league matches and lead Roma, 2-1 winners at Fiorentina, on goal difference."It's my job and the team's job to win as many games as possible so it's just important to keep working hard, recovering and focussing on the next match," Hojlund told DAZN.Coach Antonio Conte had been considering taking off Hojlund before the Denmark striker netted the winner, due to his midweek exertions in the Champions League."I think he asked me if I was tired and if I could keep playing and I just said that I had good energy and I was still fresh, and I said 'yeah, just let me play'," added Hojlund.But Antonio Conte's team had to do it the hard way, with Anguissa bundling in the leveller in the 57th minute after teenager Jeff Ekhator had given Genoa a half-time lead with just his second Serie A goal.<h3>Pulisic howler</h3>Napoli will stay top through the international break thanks to Christian Pulisic blasting a penalty over the bar as Milan were held by fifth-placed Juve in Sunday's drab headline clash.Pulisic wasted a golden opportunity to put Milan ahead in Turin after Santiago Gimenez was clumsily brought down by Lloyd Kelly seven minutes after half-time.The USA forward had his head in his hands following his awful effort which ended Milan's winning run at five games and allowed Napoli to reclaim first place.Substitute Rafael Leao fluffed an opportunity to snatch the points in stoppage time after being put through by Luka Modric, and Milan drop down to third, two points from the leading pair. Earlier, Matias Soule and Bryan Cristante struck in the first half in Florence as Roma claimed a third straight win in Italy's top flight, which came after going behind to a Moise Kean rocket in the 14th minute.Kean almost added to his first goal of the season when he smashed another powerful effort off the post in the 38th minute, not long after Cristante had headed Roma into the lead.Roberto Piccoli was also unlucky not to level with a volley, which rattled the crossbar in the 74th minute, but Fiorentina remain winless on three points and one place above the relegation zone.For Roma, it was a fine end to the week following a frustrating Europa League defeat to Lille in which Gian Piero Gasperini's team wasted three chances to equalise late on from the penalty spot.

Rasmus Hojlund of S.S.C. Napoli celebrates after scoring the goal to make it 2-1 during the 6th day of the Serie A Championship between S.S.C. Napoli and Genoa C.F.C. at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples, Italy, on October 5, 2025.

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Napoli at Serie A summit after Hojlund sinks Genoa

An excellent solo effort from Bilal El Khannouss lifted Stuttgart to a 1-0 home victory over Heid...

An excellent solo effort from Bilal El Khannouss lifted Stuttgart to a 1-0 home victory over Heidenheim and into fourth place in the Bundesliga on Sunday.After their third straight league win, Stuttgart are now six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich and two points back from second-placed Borussia Dortmund.Smarting after a disappointing Europa League loss to Basel on Thursday, Stuttgart struggled to create chances against a Heidenheim side, whose defeat saw them slump to the bottom of the table.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In teeming rain, Leicester City loanee El Khannouss collected the ball just outside the area in the 65th minute, cut inside two Heidenheim defenders and curled a perfectly-placed low shot in off the far post.Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirovic looked to have added a second in stoppage time with a clever chip, but his effort was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.Later in the day, Borussia Monchengladbach climbed off the bottom of the table thanks to a scoreless draw with Freiburg.But the draw saw Gladbach set a new unwanted club record winless run in the league of 13 matches.Elsewhere, promoted Hamburg thumped struggling Mainz 4-0, with French forward Rayan Philippe nabbing a goal in each half. Albert Sambi Lokonga and Jean-Luc Dompe also scored as 1983 European champions Hamburg recorded their biggest top-flight victory since 2013.In their first season back in the top flight since relegation in 2018, the six-time German champions climbed to ninth with the victory.

Stuttgart, Germany - October 5: Bilal El Khannouss of VfB Stuttgart celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 at MHPArena Stuttgart on October 5, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany.

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El Khannouss fires Stuttgart into Bundesliga top 4

Erling Haaland extended his blistering start to the season as the Manchester City striker sealed ...

Erling Haaland extended his blistering start to the season as the Manchester City striker sealed a 1-0 win at Brentford on Sunday.Haaland netted early in the first half in west London to give City a third win in their last four Premier League games.The peerless 25-year-old already has 12 goals in nine appearances in all competitions this season, plus six in two matches for Norway, with Tottenham the only team to stop him scoring in the current campaign.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>City survived a second-half dip to move into fifth place in the Premier League."He has been so important this season for us I would say. We need more goals from the other ones but the chances were there," City boss Pep Guardiola said.Guardiola's side are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions since losing at Brighton in August.City still trail leaders Arsenal by three points but they go into the international break with renewed impetus after a slow start to the season.The only concern for Guardiola was the sight of Rodri being forced off with a first-half injury after appearing to damage his hamstring.The Spain midfielder has struggled to finish games since coming back at the Club World Cup in the summer following anterior cruciate ligament surgery.Rodri, who won the prestigious Ballon d'Or after his brilliant form in 2024, only managed to play for an hour against Monaco after sitting out City's two previous fixtures."Hopefully, it will not be huge," Guardiola said of Rodri's latest injury.Haaland had been in typically clinical form in the 2-2 draw at Monaco on Wednesday, Guardiola's men twice squandered the lead as they conceded a last-gasp equaliser.They wouldn't repeat their Champions League mistakes as they secured Guardiola's 250th Premier League victory.It has taken Guardiola just 349 matches to reach the milestone, while the next fastest pair, Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, both took more than 400."It's an honour to be alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, I will invite them to a good dinner," Guardiola said."It's a pleasure to be part of that in Premier League history. Really pleased. Now let's go for 250 more!"Guardiola surprisingly left Belgian winger Jeremy Doku on the bench despite his impressive start to the season.<h3>Haaland breaks duck</h3>Despite Doku's absence, City were in complete command in the first half.Josko Gvardiol wasted an early chance when he headed straight at Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher from Phil Foden's corner.Haaland was chasing his first Premier League goal at the Gtech Community Stadium -- one of only two arenas, along with Anfield, he had failed to score at in the top flight.And the Norway striker took just nine minutes to end his wait for a goal on Brentford soil.Gvardiol's long pass caught Brentford defenders Sepp van den Berg and Nathan Collins flat-footed as Haaland raced clear to blast a fierce finish past Kelleher.Even by his standards Haaland is exceptionally prolific in London, having scored a remarkable 21 league goals in 22 games in the English capital.Rodri's unconvincing return from the serious knee injury that sidelined him for most of last season suffered a major setback when he limped off in the 22nd minute.City tried to shrug off the departure of their influential star as Oscar Bobb set up Foden, but the forward couldn't keep his effort on target.Brentford finally carved out an incisive attack immediately after the interval.Igor Thiago left City's defenders trailing in his wake, but the Brazilian fluffed his lines as Gianluigi Donnarumma raced out to save.City had lost their grip and Brentford threatened again when Kevin Schade's cross was headed over by Michael Kayode.Kayode's long throws were troubling the City defence, but the visitors held firm to wrap up a valuable victory.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford. Picture date: Sunday October 5, 2025.

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Haaland extends hot streak as Man City hold on to win at Brentford

Monaco and Nice played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the principality Sunday.  Sofiane Diop gav...

Monaco and Nice played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the principality Sunday.Sofiane Diop gave the 12th-placed visitors the lead on 29 minutes, before Nice went down to 10 men five minutes later as Ali Abdi saw red for two bookable offences.Diop nonetheless doubled Nice's lead in the 42nd minute from the penalty spot after VAR adjudged Krepin Diatta to have handled in the area.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But the hosts fought back through two Ansu Fati spot-kicks, the first coming deep into first-half injury time and the second four minutes shy of the hour mark.The draw leaves Monaco in fifth, two points off top, while Nice are in the bottom half on eight.

Monaco's forward #31 Ansu Fati celebrates after scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and OGC Nice at the Stade Louis II in the Principality of Monaco on October 5, 2025.

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Monaco fight back to draw with Nice after Fati penalty double

Spanish champions Barcelona collapsed in a shock 4-1 demolition at Sevilla on Sunday in La Liga, ...

Spanish champions Barcelona collapsed in a shock 4-1 demolition at Sevilla on Sunday in La Liga, with Alexis Sanchez scoring against his former side and Robert Lewandowski missing a penalty for the visitors.The Catalans sit second in the table after their first defeat of the campaign, two points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid after their victory over Villarreal on Saturday, while Sevilla rise provisionally to fourth.Veteran Chilean winger Sanchez sent Sevilla ahead from the penalty spot early on and Isaac Romero doubled the hosts' lead after having already missed two good chances.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Marcus Rashford pulled a goal back for Barcelona before half-time, but Lewandowski fired wide from the spot to spurn his team's best chance of an equaliser.Jose Carmona and Akor Adams wrapped up Sevilla's emphatic win in the final stages, as Hansi Flick's side fell to an unusually heavy defeat."We have to be self-critical... in the first half we didn't know how to defend well or attack well," Barcelona midfielder Pedri Gonzalez told Movistar."We have to watch it back, there are many things to improve... they beat us in intensity, winning basically all the duels."Flick defended his team despite their loss, saying he was pleased with their reaction in the second half."I know that we have to analyse (everything), especially in the first half... but in the second, for me to see the reaction of the team and them fighting was good to see," Flick told reporters."It's one match and we lost it, and we have to keep going on."Barcelona were still licking their wounds after Paris Saint-Germain beat them late on in the Champions League on Wednesday, and were without injured teenage star Lamine Yamal.The Catalans were sluggish and although Sevilla have a weaker squad compared to their peak years in the early part of this century, the hosts' energy was enough to pull Flick's disorganised team apart.It started when Ronald Araujo clumsily grappled with Romero in the box and a penalty was awarded as the striker gratefully hit the deck.Sanchez dispatched it, with the 36-year-old sending Wojciech Szczesny the wrong way to fire Matias Almeyda's side ahead.Romero missed two big chances, first denied by Szczesny and then skewing wide after Lucien Agoume's neat cross set him up.The striker made no mistake next time though, sweeping into the bottom corner from Ruben Vargas's cutback as Barca were opened up again.Rashford was the first Barcelona player to awake from their slumber, forcing a save at his near post from Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.The England international pulled the champions back into the game deep in first-half stoppage time, volleying home Pedri's cross for his first La Liga goal.Flick took off Araujo and Gerard Martin for Eric Garcia and Alejandro Balde at the interval, trying to shake up his team after their poor first-half display.<h3>Lewandowski penalty woe</h3>Szczesny made a fine save with his legs to thwart Djibril Sow early in the second half as Sevilla continued to take the initiative.However, having won just one league game at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in 2025 before Barcelona's visit, the hosts' nerves began to shake.Sevilla substitute Adnan Januzaj conceded a penalty for felling Balde as he flew into the box, granting Barca a golden chance to level.Veteran Polish striker Lewandowski stuttered twice in his run-up before firing wide of the post.Youngster Roony Bardghji could have equalised but fired straight at the goalkeeper after Lewandowski's flick-on sent him in on goal, while Rashford was also ready to pounce if the winger had passed.Sevilla wrapped up their win late on through full-back Carmona, who drilled a low effort past Szczesny and into the far corner, and Adams."We have to learn from this match, from Paris, and we will do it," said Flick."We're looking (at it) positive, we lost this, we have to accept it and then we're looking forward."

Sevilla's Chilean forward #10 Alexis Sanchez celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Spanish league football match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville on October 5, 2025.

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Sevilla rout reigning La Liga champions Barcelona

Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Sunday to extend Ange Postecoglou's wait for a win.  Post...

Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Sunday to extend Ange Postecoglou's wait for a win.Postecoglou faced calls from the Forest fans for him to be sacked after just six games in the closing stages of Thursday's 3-2 Europa League defeat to Midtjylland.The Australian is the first Forest boss in over 100 years to fail to win in his first seven games and now faces an anxious wait to see if club owner Evangelos Marinakis decides to make another managerial change over the international break.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Newcastle had only won one of their opening six Premier League games.But Bruno Guimaraes led the Magpies to victory with a brilliant strike from outside the box to break the deadlock on 58 minutes.Guimaraes then won a penalty after robbing former team-mate Elliot Anderson inside the Forest box.Nick Woltemade smashed the resulting spot-kick into the top corner for his fourth Newcastle goal since joining from Stuttgart last month.Forest slip to 17th, the same league position that saw Postecoglou sacked by Tottenham at the end of last season despite winning the Europa League.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 5: Ange Postecoglou the head coach / manager of Nottingham Forest reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest at St James' Park on October 5, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

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7 matches, no wins: Postecoglou's Forest tenure hits new low at Newcastle

Crystal Palace's 19-game unbeaten run was ended by Jack Grealish's late winner for Everton on Sun...

Crystal Palace's 19-game unbeaten run was ended by Jack Grealish's late winner for Everton on Sunday.Palace missed the chance to go second as they suffered a European hangover in a 2-1 loss at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.The Eagles were dominant in the first 45 minutes but were left to rue not adding to Daniel Munoz's finish from Ismaila Sarr's pass.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, their Conference League exertions in winning away to Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday took their toll in the second half.Iliman Ndiaye equalised from the penalty spot after Maxence Lacroix clumsily upended Beto as Everton fought back to avoid a first defeat at their new home.Grealish then got fortunate for his first Everton goal as Munoz's attempted clearance rebounded off the Manchester City loanee into the roof of the net.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 5: Jack Grealish of Everton celebrates scoring the second and winning goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Liverpool, England.

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Everton end Palace's historic unbeaten run with last-gasp Grealish winner

Arne Slot admitted Liverpool are still a work in progress after the spluttering Premier League ch...

Arne Slot admitted Liverpool are still a work in progress after the spluttering Premier League champions suffered their third successive loss in a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea on Saturday.For the second time in the space of a week, Liverpool's title defence was rocked by an agonising last-gasp loss.Beaten in the final seconds at Crystal Palace last weekend, Slot's side stumbled again as Estevao Willian grabbed a dramatic stoppage-time winner at Stamford Bridge.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Moises Caicedo had blasted Chelsea into an early lead with a superb long-range strike before Cody Gakpo equalised in the second half.After starting the season with seven successive wins in all competitions, the Reds lost to Palace, then Galatasaray in the Champions League in midweek before their latest flop in west London.It is the first time that Liverpool have suffered three consecutive losses since 2023 when Jurgen Klopp was in charge for defeats against Bournemouth, Real Madrid and Manchester City.For Slot, it was a first experience in his managerial career of three defeats in a row.Even when Liverpool were winning at the start of the season, they needed several late goals to paper over the cracks in some creaky performances.And Slot believes his team are not yet functioning at full power because of their summer spending spree and the tragic death of Portugal forward Diogo Jota in a car crash in Spain.Liverpool splashed out over £400 million ($539 million) on Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and a host of other players, but their two marquee signings have yet to shine."You are never close to your ideal. You have to work very hard to reach a certain level and then it's hard to maintain that level because you play against other quality teams," Slot said."We had our changes in the summer. Players came in at different moments. In the last weeks there has hardly been any training time. We need to bring these players into our style. "If we had a draw today we would have had a great start to the season if you take into account everything that happened in the summer with Liverpool."<h3>'It wasn't about a disconnection'</h3>Liverpool took 51 minutes to muster a shot on target against a Chelsea side missing out a host of injured and suspended defenders.The Blues, beaten in their previous two league games, have also been struggling to find their form, but Liverpool were unable to take advantage."Another disappointing loss, that is clear. We created three big chances in the first half, they only had one and they scored it," said Slot, whose team host Manchester United in their next match after the international break."The second half performance I liked. We created more than enough to score more than one goal. There were periods where I thought we were going to win it. "We didn't play the last pass well enough in those chances. It was end to end in the last few minutes. Either team could have won it and Chelsea did."Sweden striker Isak and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah once again failed to find a positive connection, but Slot is confident they will hit it off eventually."The more they play together the more they will connect. I had to take (Ibrahima) Konate off because he felt his quad. When Ryan (Gravenberch) started to play in that position we started to get our attacking players in much better positions," he said."It wasn't about a disconnection between players. We had to do much better with our build-up and that's what we did in the second half."Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca did not attend the post-match press conference after being sent off for his jubilant sprint down the touchline to celebrate Estevao's winner."He is ok. Unfortunately he can't be here because of the red card but he was so happy after the game," Maresca's assistant Willy Caballero said."We have been holding our emotions for the last couple of weeks because we have been playing well and not winning. Today was really important."

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, applauds the fans after the team's defeat in the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on October 04, 2025 in London, England.

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Slot says Liverpool still work in progress amid slump

Luis Diaz scored a double, his first coming after just 15 seconds, and Harry Kane added another a...

Luis Diaz scored a double, his first coming after just 15 seconds, and Harry Kane added another as Bayern Munich won 3-0 at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.England captain Kane's 18th goal in 10 games in all competitions this season helped Bayern move four points clear atop the Bundesliga table heading into the international break.Bayern got off to a lightning start, Serge Gnabry grabbing an errant Frankfurt pass to set up Diaz for the third-fastest goal in Bundesliga history. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Frankfurt's Jean-Matteo Bahoya looked to have drawn the hosts level with 15 minutes played after an excellent long-range effort, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for a handball against Ritsu Doan in the lead-up. With 27 minutes gone, Kane thumped a low shot from outside the box past Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos and into the bottom left corner, his 11th league goal in six matches this season. Kane collided with Santos late in the second half and needed assistance leaving the pitch with a limp, but was able to jog down the touchline before being subbed off.Despite the injury he said he would be fit for England duty next week."I'm okay. It was a contact to the bone. I had it a few weeks ago, and it was in the same spot today. A few days and it'll be fine" he reported. Diaz scored with six minutes remaining, raising his total to six goals in 10 games since moving from Liverpool in the summer.

Bayern Munich's Colombian forward #14 Luis Diaz scores his team's third goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Bayern Munich in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on October 4, 2025.

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Diaz at the double, Kane strikes again as Bayern beat Frankfurt

Marseille climbed top of Ligue 1 on Saturday with a 3-0 win at Metz leaving coach Roberto De Zerb...

Marseille climbed top of Ligue 1 on Saturday with a 3-0 win at Metz leaving coach Roberto De Zerbi purring over the form of his side after four straight wins.Marseille have 15 points and lead champions Paris Saint-Germain and surprise packages Lyon on goal difference with the latter two still to play in the seventh round.Metz parked the bus in the first half but Marseille poured forward in the second half with Brazilian dynamo Igor Paixao breaking the deadlock on 51 minutes while Matt O'Riley on 69 and Amine Gouiri on 71 secured the three points.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"These are the kind of matches we were losing last year, we've matured and the team is much stronger now," said de Zerbi. "I'm very happy.""This is my best period since I took over Marseille," said the Italian coach who joined from Brighton in June 2024 and led OM to runner-up spot last season.Marseille had a rocky start to the season with a dressing room fight after an opening day slump paved the way for star player Adrien Rabiot to be transfer listed and join AC Milan.De Zerbi described the altercation between Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe as being like a bar room brawl.Before Saturday's romp over bottom side metz they beat Ajax 4-0 in the Champions Leagiue after wins over PSG and Strasbourg in Ligue 1.Marseille also climbed top briefly last Friday after their 2-1 come from behind win at Strasbourg.Marseille are waiting for their 10th Ligue 1 title, and a first since 2010, while PSG have won the last four.

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 30: coach Roberto De Zerbi of Olympique Marseille during the UEFA Champions League match between Olympique Marseille v Ajax at the Stade Vélodrome on September 30, 2025 in Marseille France

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De Zerbi delighted after Marseille take top spot in Ligue 1

Liverpool crashed to a third successive defeat as Estevao Willian's last-gasp strike condemned th...

Liverpool crashed to a third successive defeat as Estevao Willian's last-gasp strike condemned the spluttering Premier League champions to a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea on Saturday.Arne Slot's side were rocked by Estevao's close-range finish in the final seconds at Stamford Bridge after Cody Gakpo's second half equaliser had cancelled out Moises Caicedo's brilliant opener for the Blues.After making a perfect start to the season with seven wins in all competitions, including five in the Premier League, Liverpool have suffered an unexpected blip with shock defeats at Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Having lost to Palace in the closing moments last weekend, this was another agonising blow for Liverpool, who had made a habit of scoring late winners themselves in the early weeks of the season.Those late goals had papered over the cracks as Liverpool struggle to gel following Slot's close-season spending spree.Once again the second-placed Reds were below the standards that carried them to the title last season despite splashing out more than £400 million ($539 million) on new signings.They have surrendered first place to Arsenal, who climbed one point above them after beating West Ham on Saturday."Last season we lost against Chelsea as well. Stamford Bridge is always difficult. We were very close to a result. Small margins," Slot said. "As I said, at Galatasaray, we had a (one-on-one) then they get a penalty. We conceded in extra, extra time against Palace. And then today they score a goal that could go at either end. These are the margins that don't fall for us at the moment. We have to work harder to not rely on these margins."Chelsea's late show lifted them to sixth place as under-fire boss Enzo Maresca avoided a third successive league defeat.Maresca's men snatched the lead with a bolt from the blue in the 14th minute.When Liverpool carelessly conceded possession, Caicedo pounced on the loose ball and advanced unchecked as Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate backed off, allowing the 23-year-old midfielder to lash a sublime strike into the top corner from the edge of the area.Caicedo's third goal this season was the kind of breathtaking moment that underlined why Liverpool were so keen to sign him from Brighton before Chelsea outbid them for the Ecuadorian in 2023.<h3>Liverpool rocked</h3>The Reds lacked their usual fluency and Alejandro Garnacho almost added to Slot's angst with a curler that clipped the outside of the post as Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili stood rooted to the spot.Garnacho was denied a penalty just before half-time after Dominik Szoboszlai shoved the Argentine to the turf, with the incensed Maresca earning a booking after becoming embroiled in a row with Liverpool goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero.Alexander Isak was anonymous for long periods and when he did get a sight of goal, Liverpool's British record signing headed wastefully over.Slot replaced Conor Bradley with Florian Wirtz at half-time in a bid to spark Liverpool and the move nearly paid instant dividends.Wirtz's clever turn and pass inside the Chelsea area teed up Mohamed Salah, but the Egypt star blazed wide.It took Liverpool until the 51st minute to muster a shot on target as Ryan Gravenberch's long-range drive was held by Robert Sanchez.Salah squandered another sight of goal with a wayward finish that summed up his recent dip in form.When Chelsea lost Benoit Badiashile to an injury, Reece James was forced to move to centre-back in a switch that Liverpool quickly exposed.Given too much time by Marc Cucurella, Szoboszlai whipped a cross into the six-yard box.James was slow to react and Isak flicked the ball towards Gakpo, who stabbed home from close-range for his first goal in eight games.Adding to Maresca's problems, Josh Acheampong limped off to join Chelsea's long list of defensive injuries.But Chelsea finished strongly and Mamardashvili made good saves to deny Jamie Gittens and Estevao before Enzo Fernandez's glancing header smacked off the post.The Blues' late barrage was rewarded deep into stoppage-time as Cucurella whipped a cross into the six-yard box and Estevao stretched to slot home from an acute angle.Maresca embarked on a jubilant sprint down the touchline to celebrate with his players, earning a red card in the process.With Stamford Bridge rocking in triumph, Slot stood ashen-faced on the touchline as Liverpool's latest loss hit home.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: Estevao of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Malo Gusto during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on October 04, 2025 in London, England.

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Liverpool dealt 3rd straight loss after Chelsea's 96th-minute strike

Inter Milan joined a clutch of teams level at the top of Serie A on Saturday by giving sorry Crem...

Inter Milan joined a clutch of teams level at the top of Serie A on Saturday by giving sorry Cremonese a 4-1 thumping at the San Siro thanks in large part to a superb display from Ange-Yoan Bonny.Lautaro Martinez, Bonny, Federico Dimarco and Nicolo Barella were all on target for Inter, who movd onto 12 points alongside local rivals AC Milan, Napoli and Roma, who all play on Sunday.Inter were missing France forward Marcus Thuram to a hamstring injury but that did not stop the hosts from bulldozing promoted Cremonese, as his countryman Bonny impressed with three assists to go along with a goal in his first start for his new club.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It was great to win, we're very consistent at the moment and if I can help the team, then that's great too," said Bonny, who followed coach Cristian Chivu to Inter from Parma in the summer."He (Chivu) gives me confidence every day. I know that if I work hard in training that I'll get my chance. Whether we're at Parma or Inter that's how it is."Bonny was key to Inter taking the lead in the sixth minute as he slipped down the left side of the penalty area before pulling back a perfect pass for Martinez, who tapped home his sixth goal of the season.And the 21-year-old was on hand to double his team's lead seven minutes before the break when he nipped in at the near post to nod home Dimarco's cross.Bonny laid up Dimarco to lash home Inter's third 10 minutes after half-time and shortly afterwards he slipped in a neat ball from which Barella netted his first goal since December.His significant contribution helped Inter to a fifth straight win in all competitions, a run which has also included a perfect start to their Champions League campaign.Cremonese's second visit to the San Siro in a matter of weeks could not have been more different to their first one -- a shock win over Milan in the opening weekend of the season.Davide Nicola's team were second best from the first whistle and fell to their first defeat of the season in emphatic fashion, although Federico Bonazzoli netted a late consolation goal to go with his spectacular winner against Milan in August.

MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 04: Ange Yaon Bonny of Inter celebrates his goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy.

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In-form Inter sweep past Cremonese to join Serie A leaders

Manchester United handed Ruben Amorim some relief with a 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.  Am...

Manchester United handed Ruben Amorim some relief with a 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.Amorim conceded on the eve of Sunderland's visit to Old Trafford he needs results quickly to avoid becoming the latest United manager to suffer the sack.The Portuguese had taken just 34 points from his previous 33 Premier League games in charge, but enjoyed a rare convincing win to give him some breathing space over the international break.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Before kick-off Old Trafford fell silent to honour the victims of a terror attack on a Manchester synagogue this week.Amorim's bold calls with his team selection paid off as goalkeeper Senne Lammens kept a clean sheet on debut, while Mason Mount justified his place over Matheus Cunha with the opening goal.Mount eased the home fans' tension with a fine finish from Bryan Mbeumo's cross on eight minutes.Bruno Fernandes saw a shot tipped onto the woodwork by Robin Roefs as United dominated the first half.Benjamin Sesko doubled the Red Devils' advantage with a predatory finish from a long throw-in for his first Old Trafford goal since a £74 million move from RB Leipzig.There was nearly a twist at the end of the half as Sunderland were initially awarded a penalty, only for VAR to intervene due to insufficient contact by Sesko on Trai Hume.Sunderland began the weekend in fifth after a dream start to their return to the top flight, but the Black Cats were dealt a reality check to end their four-game unbeaten run.

Manchester United's Mason Mount celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday October 4, 2025.

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Man United see off Sunderland to ease pressure on Amorim

Declan Rice came back to haunt former club West Ham as Arsenal moved top of the Premier League on...

Declan Rice came back to haunt former club West Ham as Arsenal moved top of the Premier League on Saturday.In Mikel Arteta's 300th match in charge, the Gunners proved far too strong for the struggling Hammers in a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium to further their ambitions of a first Premier League title for 22 years.Victory came at a cost for Arsenal as captain Martin Odegaard was forced off injured before half-time for the third time this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, the strength in depth now on offer to Arteta has made light of Arsenal's injury troubles."We dominated and fully deserved to win this," said Arteta. "To go top of the table after some big fixtures over the last week and some injuries... we were able to respond."Rice, who left West Ham for a club record £105 million ($141 million) in 2023, ended the visitors' resistence by blasting high into the net on the rebound after Alphonse Areola parried Eberechi Eze's drive.Bukayo Saka made the points safe midway through the second half from the penalty spot after Jurrien Timber was brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf.Arsenal edged one point ahead of Liverpool, and stayed in top spot after the reigning Premier League champions lost to a 96th-minute goal at Chelsea in the late kickoff.Defeat leaves West Ham still languishing in the relegation zone.

Arsenal's Declan Rice (centre) celebrates with Eberechi Eze (left) after scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday October 4, 2025.

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Arsenal go top of Premier League as Rice haunts West Ham

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