Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
His outstanding 2014-15 season saw him score 20 goals in Premier League and cup competitions, attracting interest from other clubs before Stoke City signed him for £12 million in January 2017.
The 2026-27 English football season begins with major timing changes aimed at reducing stoppages. Here’s what’s new: five-second countdowns, 10-second substitutions, a one-minute injury treatment requirement, and a penalty involving outfield players when play is stopped for a goalkeeper incident.
Phil Foden has signed a new four-year contract with Manchester City, extending his stay at the club until 2030. The midfielder previously had a deal due to end next summer.
Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement following the 2026 World Cup, ending a career spanning more than two decades and hundreds of top-level matches.
The former Harambee Stars captain emphasised the significance of his roots, highlighting his rise from Nairobi’s Muthurwa area to becoming one of Kenya’s most successful football exports.
Arsenal threw away a 2-0 lead at bottom-club Wolves, drawing 2-2 as a 94th-minute own goal deepened ‘bottle job’ fears and shifted the Premier League title race toward Manchester City.
Arsenal scored four times in 17 first-half minutes to beat Wigan 4–0 at the Emirates and reach the FA Cup fifth round, underlining their attacking depth across all competitions.
Mohamed Salah scored, assisted and won a penalty in Liverpool’s FA Cup win over Brighton at Anfield, underlining his evolving role under Arne Slot and his ongoing importance to the club.
Arsenal lead the Premier League by four points, but a draw at Brentford, injuries and rotation risks have revived questions over their late-season form and title resilience.
Nottingham Forest have sacked Sean Dyche after a goalless draw with Wolves left them three points above the drop zone, marking their fourth managerial change of a turbulent season.
New manager Liam Rosenior, who had overseen four straight league wins, admitted his side lacked the focus to see out the game.
The 30‑year‑old, who spent the campaign on a season‑long loan at Everton from Manchester City, suffered the injury on 18 January during a 1–0 victory over his former club Aston Villa
Manchester City overturned a late deficit at Anfield as Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland struck in the final minutes, securing a rare league win and keeping their title hopes alive.
Medical staff treated him for severe head injuries, but he died while receiving care a few minutes before midnight on February 4, 2026
Eddie Howe downplays Sandro Tonali’s reported Arsenal interest, stressing the midfielder’s happiness at Newcastle while admitting frustration over a quiet window and a daunting League Cup tie at Manchester City.
The January 2026 transfer window reshaped title races and survival battles, with Manchester City, Aston Villa and others thriving while Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Spurs face costly midseason gaps.
City were 2-0 up and could easily have been further ahead; that dominance bred a false sense of security. For a team with so much experience, that switch-off is worrying and it’s not the first time it’s happened recently.
Tammy Abraham has rejoined Aston Villa in a €21m deal via Besiktas, giving Unai Emery a proven striking option as the club pursues Premier League title ambitions.
Manchester United winger Patrick Dorgu faces several weeks out with a hamstring injury suffered late in the 3-2 win at Arsenal, forcing Michael Carrick into an attacking reshuffle.
Aston Villa have made a fresh loan enquiry for Douglas Luiz, who is open to returning from Nottingham Forest, as Unai Emery seeks midfield cover amid injuries and a Premier League title push.
Stumbles by Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa have reopened the Premier League title race, with Manchester United edging back into contention and inconsistency at the top turning every round into a key test.
World Cup winner Emiliano Martínez remains Aston Villa’s No 1, but recent errors, a failed Manchester United move and summer review plans leave his long-term future at Villa Park uncertain.
Michael Carrick, in only his second game as interim boss, has now masterminded wins over both City and Arsenal in eight days, lifting United into fourth and sparking talk of a revived campaign.
Key January transfer moves and advanced talks across Europe, from Marc Guéhi’s switch to Manchester City to Juventus’ bid for Jean-Philippe Mateta and Nottingham Forest’s push for Lorenzo Lucca.
Ruben Amorim’s public dispute with Manchester United over his role and recruitment control highlights a wider governance fault line between managers, head coaches and sporting directors in modern football.
Fabrizio Romano says Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi will be key candidates as Manchester United seek a permanent manager, while interim boss Michael Carrick’s future hinges on results and Champions League qualification.
Michael Carrick’s interim role at Manchester United headlines a busy winter window, with major moves, loan deals and firm ‘not for sale’ stances reshaping clubs across Europe.
Manchester City beat Newcastle 2-0 in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at St James’ Park, but a five-minute VAR review cancelling Antoine Semenyo’s second goal sparked fresh controversy over the technology.
Gabriel Martinelli’s shove on injured Liverpool defender Conor Bradley in Arsenal’s draw has sparked condemnation and defence across football, despite his apology, reigniting debate over gamesmanship and player safety.
Darren Fletcher will lead Manchester United against Brighton in the FA Cup, but recent results, defensive frailty and missed chances highlight deeper problems beyond the interim coach.