It was a night to forget for West Ham - fan protests, empty seats, and a performance so poor even the commentators couldn’t believe what they were watching. Brentford, meanwhile, looked sharp and confident, sealing a dominant 2-0 win that heaps more pressure on Nuno’s struggling side. Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp reflects on life after Liverpool and admits he could “in theory” manage the club again one day, while in Sweden, Mjällby complete one of football’s great modern fairytales - rising from the third tier to national champions in just seven years. Plus: Rangers roll the dice again, Maccabi Tel Aviv have their say on the Aston Villa ticket row, and we share some important news about the future of First Up Football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool’s miserable run rolls on after Manchester United finally win at Anfield for the first time in nearly a decade - and it was Harry Maguire of all people who seals it. Amorim celebrates back-to-back victories, while Arne Slot’s Liverpool side sink deeper into trouble. Elsewhere, chaos reigns at Nottingham Forest as Ange Postecoglou is sacked just 19 minutes after full time, Arsenal edge Fulham, and Aston Villa score a goal-of-the-season contender. Beyond England, Celtic fans stage a surreal protest in Scotland, Marseille leapfrog PSG in France thanks to four goals from Mason Greenwood, and in League Two, Bromley’s refereeing nightmare hits yet another bizarre twist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Premier League is back - and it’s a monster weekend. Liverpool and Manchester United both head into Sunday’s clash under real pressure: Arne Slot’s Reds are desperate to stop their losing streak, while Ruben Amorim’s United are hunting their first Anfield win in nearly a decade. Elsewhere, Arsenal head to Fulham and Chelsea visit Forest. But it’s not just on the pitch where sparks are flying - Aston Villa are at the centre of a political row involving the UK Prime Minister, and Sheffield Wednesday are in deep trouble over unpaid tax. And finally, it’s billionaire versus billionaire in London this weekend, as Shahid Khan’s Fulham face Stan Kroenke’s Arsenal on Saturday - before their NFL teams, the Jaguars and Rams, meet at Wembley on Sunday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England are the first European team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a 5-0 win over Latvia. Thomas Tuchel’s side look sharper than ever - but is it too soon to believe this team could finally go all the way? Elsewhere, Messi and Ronaldo both made more history: Messi became the all-time international assist leader, while CR7 extended his record as top scorer in qualifier history. In South America and Asia, qualification drama continued, while in CONCACAF, Suriname’s players had the ultimate answer to Panama’s noisy ultras - joining their late-night street party. We also round up the day’s biggest stories: Sweden sack their boss, Lewandowski’s injury blow for Barcelona, and UEFA’s latest big idea for a “Swiss-model” qualifiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cape Verde have made history - becoming the second smallest nation ever to qualify for a men’s World Cup. We break down how a country of just 500,000 people, led by long-time coach Bubista, defied the odds with smart scouting, a united team, and even a player found via LinkedIn. Elsewhere, Arsenal’s injury list grows as Martin Ødegaard faces another setback, and Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma suffers a fresh blow on international duty. Plus, UEFA plans a Champions League shake-up, Salford fans vote to bring back their old colours, and former Man United youngster Demetri Mitchell reveals how ChatGPT helped him negotiate his latest deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ghana become 21st nation to book their place at next summer’s World Cup after a 1-0 win over Comoros, while Spain, France and Portugal maintained perfect qualifying records, though Cristiano Ronaldo saw a penalty saved in a frustrating night for the Portuguese. The Faroe Islands produced the shock of the weekend with a stunning 2-1 win over the Czech Republic, the USMNT battled back for a 1-1 draw with Ecuador, and Cape Verde could make World Cup history tonight.Elsewhere, Jack Wilshere is set to take charge at Luton Town, and questions remain over Ange Postecoglou’s future at Nottingham Forest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Algeria booked their place at the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 win over Somalia - their first appearance at the tournament since 2014. Scotland produced a dramatic comeback to beat Greece in Glasgow, while England eased past Wales 3-0 at Wembley with Morgan Rogers and Bukayo Saka starring. Elsewhere, Cole Palmer suffered a groin injury that will rule him out until November, Tottenham’s owners ENIC invested another £100m into the club, and reports suggest Netflix could soon enter the Champions League broadcast market. Burnley’s owners ALK Capital bought Spanish side Espanyol, and referee Anthony Taylor spoke about the pressures of officiating at the top level. And finally, Italy’s U21 team have been spotted training in eye patches - a strange new method inspired by rugby, golf, and Formula 1 to help players sharpen their vision and awareness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has thrown his support behind Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, insisting he needs three years to rebuild the club and deliver success - but will fans have the same patience? We break down Ratcliffe’s comments, United’s progress, and what this could mean for the future of the club. Elsewhere, heartbreak for Cape Verde as a shocking offside call denies them a historic World Cup place, while Egypt cruise through to next summer's tournament. Sheffield Wednesday’s ownership crisis deepens, Cristiano Ronaldo becomes football’s first billionaire and Steven Gerrard edges closer to a return to Rangers. And finally, the great debate - goal music. Should it stay, or should it go? From Bayern Munich’s can can to Chelsea’s new “Chelsea Dagger” moment, we unpack football’s most divisive celebration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It may only be October, but next summer’s transfer stories are already heating up. Fabrizio Romano reports that Marc Guehi could be at the centre of a huge transfer tug-of-war between Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona - while reports suggest Manchester United might cash in on Bruno Fernandes to rebuild their midfield. Elsewhere, Jordi Alba announces his retirement, Steven Gerrard reflects on England’s ‘Golden Generation’ and could be heading back to Rangers, and Arsenal consider expanding the Emirates Stadium. Watford look set for yet another managerial change, and Cape Verde could qualify for their first-ever Men’s World Cup. And finally, football’s newest social media craze: bio wars. From Crystal Palace’s unbeaten-run flex to Bayern Munich’s “we hate the international break” - clubs are getting petty, and we love it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time ever, major European league matches will be played on foreign soil — with Villarreal v Barcelona heading to Miami and AC Milan v Como set for Perth, Australia. UEFA say their hands were tied by legal precedent, but is this a step forward for global fans, or another blow to football’s traditions? Plus, FIFA’s fresh World Cup controversy — with ticket prices hitting record highs and accusations of bias in Asian qualifiers — as anger grows over fan costs and centralised hosting. Elsewhere, Harry Kane commits his future to Bayern Munich, Fabio Cannavaro takes charge of Uzbekistan ahead of their first World Cup, and Fulham’s Marco Silva is linked to struggling Nottingham Forest. And in Wales, Storm Amy racks up a hilarious assist in one of the most bizarre goals of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal are back on top of the Premier League after a 2-0 win over West Ham, with Bukayo Saka scoring on his 200th appearance. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s title hopes took another hit as they suffered a third straight defeat - this time at Stamford Bridge - and Spurs climbed into third with a scrappy win at Leeds. Manchester City beat Brentford but lost Rodri to injury, and Ange Postecoglou’s struggles at Nottingham Forest continued after another defeat. Elsewhere, Barcelona were thrashed 4-1 by Sevilla, Kylian Mbappé scored again as Real Madrid returned to the top of La Liga, and Rangers sacked Russell Martin after a torrid run. Coventry hit five to stay top of the Championship, while Ipswich finally won the East Anglia derby after 16 years. And in the so-called “Hollywood Derby,” Wrexham and Birmingham City drew 1-1 - with Blues chairman Tom Wagner’s half-time speech going down like a lead balloon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nottingham Forest’s wait for a win under Ange Postecoglou goes on after a 3-2 Europa League defeat to Midtjylland, making him the first permanent Forest boss in a century to fail to win his first six games. Aston Villa enjoyed happier fortunes with victory at Feyenoord, while Celtic were left fuming after a disallowed goal in their loss to Braga. Elsewhere, Roma endured a bizarre triple-penalty drama against Lille and Rangers slipped up in Austria. In the Premier League, Liverpool have been dealt a major blow with Allison ruled out for at least six weeks, while Oliver Glasner is being linked to the Manchester United job. In the US, Nashville SC lifted their first ever trophy by winning the US Open Cup. And finally, NBA star Joel Embiid made headlines with his World Cup predictions - backing France and Spain while cheekily dismissing England’s chances of glory in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PSG sent out another Champions League statement with a late Gonçalo Ramos winner to beat Barcelona 2-1 at Camp Nou. Elsewhere, Manchester City were pegged back by a stoppage-time penalty in Monaco, Arsenal saw off Olympiakos at the Emirates, Newcastle hammered Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, and Rasmus Højlund struck twice in Napoli’s win over Sporting. Also, Fede Valverde responded to rumours about refusing to play at right-back for Real Madrid and Sheffield Wednesday face a possible 15-point deduction after repeated wage delays. Newcastle’s Tino Livramento picked up a knee injury, while Gareth Southgate ruled himself out of any future move to Manchester United. And in the US, Emma Hayes made headlines by likening international management to being a grandparent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool fell to a fiery 1-0 defeat in Istanbul as Victor Osimhen’s penalty gave Galatasaray their first clean sheet in 24 Champions League games. Arne Slot’s side also lost keeper Alisson to injury and had a late penalty overturned by VAR. Elsewhere, Spurs nicked a last-minute draw in Norway, Real Madrid cruised past Kairat with a Kylian Mbappé hat-trick, Atletico thumped Frankfurt, and Jose Mourinho’s Benfica were beaten on his return to Stamford Bridge. In other news, Arsenal’s William Saliba signed a new five-year deal, Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall vented frustration after a fifth booking of the season, and Milan’s city council approved plans to sell the San Siro to Inter and AC Milan, paving the way for redevelopment. And in the Championship, Chris Wilder was sent off in bizarre fashion after striking a Sheffield United fan with a wayward shot while arguing a penalty decision, before his Blades side went on to lose 2-1 to Southampton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We look back at Nuno's first game in charge at West Ham as they take on Everton in Merseyside. Then we preview a huge night of Champions League action: nine fixtures on Tuesday including Jose Mourinho’s dramatic return to Stamford Bridge as Benfica boss, Liverpool’s tricky trip to Galatasaray, Spurs back in Norway against Bodo Glimt, and Atletico Madrid, Inter, Ajax, and Bayern also in action. We break down the latest drama at Chelsea, where Enzo Maresca faces growing scrutiny despite board support, and look at a top-of-the-table Championship clash between Middlesbrough and Stoke. Plus, we wrap up with Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and his increasingly eccentric methods for motivating his players; from dogs named 'Win' and pickpockets to blasting anthems at training - culminating in his latest experiment: learning leadership lessons from RAF fighter pilots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We recap a dramatic Premier League weekend, starting with Crystal Palace stunning Liverpool 2-1 thanks to Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time winner, ending the Reds’ unbeaten run and lifting Palace to second. Arsenal came from behind to beat Newcastle 2-1 with late goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel, while Manchester United’s woes deepened in a 3-1 defeat at Brentford after Bruno Fernandes missed a crucial penalty. Elsewhere, Brighton overturned Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, Manchester City thrashed Burnley 5-1, and late goals stole points for Bournemouth, Tottenham, and Aston Villa. Off the pitch, West Ham sacked Graham Potter after a poor run and appointed Nuno Espírito Santo as their new head coach, just days after Potter became the subject of viral AI face-swap memes—adding a surreal twist to a tough week for the former Hammers boss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Aston Villa’s nervy Europa League win over Bologna and Rangers’ setback against Genk, to standout moments across Europe including Lyon’s Tanner Tessman and Porto’s late winner - it's a packed Friday show! We look ahead to a huge weekend of Premier League action, with Liverpool’s unbeaten showdown at Crystal Palace, Manchester United’s tricky trip to Brentford, and Newcastle hosting Arsenal in a fiery St James’ Park clash. Abroad, it’s the Madrid derby and a Serie A top-of-the-table meeting between Napoli and AC Milan. Off the pitch, Arsenal secure William Saliba on a long-term deal, Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike lands in hot water after his bizarre red card, and Cole Palmer finds himself in an unexpected legal tussle with a French vineyard over his “Cold Palmer” trademark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal, Manchester City, Spurs and Newcastle all progressed in the Carabao Cup, while Forest were denied a famous win on their Europa League return after Antony’s late strike for Real Betis. Elsewhere Roma, Freiburg and Celtic all picked up results on the opening night of the group stage. Away from the pitch, Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni has been ruled out with an ACL tear, Chelsea fans are angry over ticket hikes for Jose Mourinho’s Stamford Bridge return with Benfica and FIFA is pushing for an expanded 2030 World Cup - even bigger than the 48-team format in 2026. And in non-league football, Spalding United’s Lewis White went viral after accidentally driving 180 miles to the wrong 'Bury' before making it back to play the last few minutes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another Premier League side bowed out of the Carabao Cup as Burnley were beaten 2-1 at home by League One Cardiff City. Chelsea avoided embarrassment with a comeback at Lincoln City, Liverpool squeezed past Southampton thanks to Hugo Ekitike’s late strike, and Wolves knocked out Everton to continue their cup run. Elsewhere, Brighton hit Barnsley for six, Fulham edged Cambridge United, and Real Madrid and AC Milan recorded comfortable wins in Spain and Italy. Off the pitch, Aston Villa parted ways with football operations chief Monchi, Arsenal confirmed Noni Madueke faces up to eight weeks out, and the EFL discussed a radical play-off expansion. Plus, Fulham fans were left amused when new signing Kevin’s apparent marriage proposal turned out to just be him asking his girlfriend to make it official. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ousmane Dembélé was crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner in Paris, beating Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to the men’s prize. In the women’s category, Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí made history by claiming her third consecutive Ballon d’Or. PSG’s Luis Enrique and England’s Sarina Wiegman won the coaching awards, while Lamine Yamal and Vicky López picked up the Kopa Trophies. Back on the pitch, PSG’s big night was soured by a 1-0 defeat to rivals Marseille in Le Classique - their first away loss in the derby for 14 years. Napoli maintained their perfect start in Serie A, and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva sparked debate after criticising fixture scheduling. And in a surprise revelation, Wayne Rooney revealed that Manchester United’s success in the late 2000s wasn’t just down to Sir Alex Ferguson or Cristiano Ronaldo - but the team bonding they built while playing SOCOM on the PSP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices