“Five o’clock Saturday, the Riverside Stadium and Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg is fist-pumping a half-bewildered but fully enthused home crowd. A helter-skelter 4-3 win against Norwich City has been secured in added time. In the directors’ box, owner-chairman Steve Gibson blows out his cheeks while a euphoric stadium falls over itself with happiness and relief. This really mattered. Hellberg’s personal animation continues into his post-match media commitments, where he swears joyously in one and calls himself ‘radge’ in another. Radge is a north-east term encapsulating wildness of emotion and behaviour. Hellberg is an outsider, a Swede who has lived on Teesside less than a year. But he talks about having been a fan himself and, therefore, understanding all the more what a football club can come to mean. This has not been an easy fortnight for Middlesbrough and the wider Teesside area. …”
NYT/ATH
Middlesbrough and the meaning of football in troubled times
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“THERE are surprise early leaders in the Bundesliga in the form of Freiburg, who won 5-0 against Borussia Mönchengladbach, taking their tally for the season to 10 goals in three games. Freiburg’s Yannik Engelhardt and Igor Matanovic scored two apiece. After the game, Gladbach’s third defeat of the campaign, coach Eugen Polanski became the first Bundesliga coach to be sacked this season. Polanski was appointed a year ago and had a win rate of 29.73% in his 37 games with Gladbach. Borussia Dortmund also maintained their 100% record with a 3-0 win against Paderborn with goals from Serhou Guirassy, Maximilian Beier and Marcel Sabitzer. Bayern Munich made hard work of beating newly-promoted Elversberg, who fell to their first defeat since arriving in the top flight. Harry Kane and Lennart Karl scored Bayern’s goals. Augsburg kept pace with the leaders but were denied a 2-1 win by a last-minute goal from Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick. Frankfurt picked up their first win at Mainz with Can Uzun netting twice in a 3-1 win. …”
“Dominik Szoboszlai’s sensational strike sealed Liverpool’s progress into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup via a 3-1 home win against Tottenham, with all three goals being particularly impressive. With Spurs searching for a late equaliser, the Hungary international connected sweetly on the half-volley with Cody Gakpo’s pass looped from 25 yards out, giving goalkeeper Martin Dubravka no chance. 
“After the opening weekend of this season, the Premier League trumpeted a record of 100 per cent accuracy in key decisions made by match officials. Across those first 10 games, it listed 21 key match incidents (KMIs), ranging from penalty appeals and potential red-card challenges to goals being double-checked for possible offside. The league’s KMI panel agreed that the on-field officials had made correct decisions in 18 of the 21 cases — and that ‘following VAR intervention, 100 per cent of calls were deemed correct’. But that wasn’t quite the case. …”
“While London has a host of top-flight clubs and Liverpool have been regular contenders, the story of the 
“Kiat Lim wanted to see 
“The Manchester derby was dominated by two controversial refereeing calls, with the goal from Erling Haaland — finally given after a long VAR check — proving decisive in City’s 1-0 away win. That came after an hour, with the striker looking offside as he slotted home a Josko Gvardiol cross, only for VAR to find him onside due to the position of United defender Patrick Dorgu’s foot as the ball came in. It was also decided that a diving Enzo Fernandez did not interfere with play as he tried to head the cross in before Haaland’s back-post finish. On Sunday evening, 
“A below-par Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw by Fulham at Anfield, a result which maintains their unbeaten start to the season but will surely be viewed as a missed opportunity. The visitors had lost their opening three Premier League games and have looked vulnerable defensively under former Liverpool right-back Alvaro Arbeloa, but Andoni Iraola’s side could not take advantage. There was a full league debut for Bradley Barcola but he had a quiet afternoon as the home side failed to follow up their Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid with another win. …”
“Premier League representation is low when it comes to the 16 attacking players on 
“
“If things had worked out differently, 
Richard Hughes has left Liverpool. Who will replace him?
“Welcome to week three of The Athletic’s Premier League performance table — a ranking system that really does not appreciate tightly-contested matches. In case you missed 
“THE first ‘big six’ clash of the season saw two clubs with a 100% record come face-to-face. Arsenal played host to Chelsea at the Emirates but the hosts received a shock in the first minute when Morgan Rogers netted his second goal since arriving from Aston Villa. Former Chelsea man Kai Havertz scored the equaliser in the 25th minute with a shot that goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez should probably have stopped and the game was clinched by Martin Ødegaard in the 50th. Arsenal showed they are out to retain their title and Chelsea suggested they are a better equipped side than last season, but they are still some way from being contenders. Manchester City also have a 100% record after beating Coventry City with a goal from Erling Haaland. Liverpool secured their first win under new manager Andoni Iraola as they beat Ipswich Town at Portman Road (pictured). …”
Torino’s Nikola Vlasic equalises from the spot against Inter Milan in Serie A
“As Stefan R left the stadium of his favourite German football team in the summer of 2019, a powerfully built man dressed in black approached him, grabbing his arm. Then, at least two other men appeared from behind. He was surrounded. The men had been waiting for him on the street and the chilling message that followed was delivered at speed. … Stefan, whose name has been changed in this article for safety reasons, had promoted a banner that championed diversity, hanging it from one of the terraces at Stadion an der Gellertstrasse, the home ground of Chemnitzer FC, around 150 miles south of Berlin, during a German cup game against Hamburg. The lettering was presented in rainbow colours and included the words ‘cosmopolitan’ and ‘tolerant’. Stefan had previously been involved in a supposedly apolitical fans’ group where some of the fringe members harboured Islamophobic and anti-refugee views. …”
The banner at Chemnitzer FC that put Stefan R in danger.
“Three league games played, 
“It was 6pm on 5 July in 
“Lamine Yamal struck twice for Barcelona as they demolished Valencia 5-0 on Sunday to maintain their 100% start in La Liga. The reigning champions moved three points clear at the top of La Liga after Jose Mourinho’s 
“When Bruno Fernandes stepped up to the penalty spot on Sunday afternoon, all eyes were at first on him. Understandably so: Manchester United’s captain had missed two penalties in pre-season. But after Fernandes duly converted for the second goal of his hat-trick against Ipswich Town, it was Youri Tielemans’ antics in the background that drew attention. As Fernandes undertook his trademark run-up, Tielemans mirrored him exactly, sidestepping and stuttering in synchronisation. …”
“… That is how one senior Atletico Madrid source described the situation surrounding Julian Alvarez this summer. Although deadline day ended with Alvarez staying at Atletico, the fallout from the window’s most bitter transfer saga is only just settling — and the story is far from over. 
“Anfield is a 
“Welcome to week two of The Athletic’s Premier League performance table — the sort of ranking system Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage refuses to take any comfort from. In case you missed 
“If Raphinha has any misgivings about playing as a makeshift No 9 for 
“It’s late summer in the hazy Bavarian countryside. In a sports club half an hour outside Munich, beside pale stone houses buttered by the sunshine and deer chewing quietly at the grass, Harry Kane is talking The Athletic through an individual season for the ages. Kane scored 73 goals for club and country. But he is a prohibitive favourite to win the Ballon d’Or later this year because of his many other dimensions. Kane is football’s heavyweight goalscorer, but also the creative, physical and emotional heart of a Bayern Munich side that won a domestic double last season and will again contend to become European champions. …”
“Two 
“Newcastle’s 2-0 win away to Tottenham Hotspur confirmed more than just Matthias Jaissle’s first victory as head coach. Three weeks after replacing Eddie Howe, this performance and result showed that Jaissle’s side have a clearer and better tactical identity than Spurs under Roberto De Zerbi — who is nearly five months into his tenure. Newcastle were not box office, but they were organised and effective. Inside a minute they showed their game plan, when No 6 Nico Gonzalez hit a diagonal ball from deep to advancing right-back Amar Dedic. The narrow positioning of winger Anthony Elanga, who occupied Spurs left-back Andy Robertson, created an overload. …”
“As Barcelona have 
“Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool twice came back from a goal down to draw 2-2 against Nottingham Forest. With Anfield anticipating the arrival of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, it was another of their summer signings, Victor Munoz, who had the stadium bouncing when he scored a brilliant equaliser with eight minutes to play. Liverpool had been facing the prospect of a third successive home defeat to Forest when the 23-year-old Spain international winger spun superbly in the box and smashed in a powerful finish. …”
“Outside the Tollington Arms, Steve Chandler is in full flow. On the back of his replica shirt is the number 26 and a single word, “Champions” and, on the front of his head, lips are flapping overtime. Pint in hand, Steve is telling anyone who will listen that the first word he spoke as a kid was ‘Gooner’ (a slang term for an Arsenal fan). … After a brutal summer, London is parched, but the Tollington specialises in quenching and the mood is just as it should be: loose and liquid. Over the opening weekend of the Premier League season, versions of this conversation are ubiquitous across the country — in pubs, queues at burger vans, stadiums, online, at home. We are hopeful and fearful and excited precisely because, in this moment of not knowing, you can invest in possibility. …”
“First things first, this isn’t the official Premier League table. It’s a performance one that will be updated weekly, which means you can go from top to bottom, and vice versa, in the space of seven days. There’s a clean slate at the start of each gameweek, which will be good news for some clubs — Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at this rate. Results matter, but when deciding where to rank teams from one to 20, we’ll be looking primarily at how well they played last time out, which means dissecting (or, in the case of this weekend, watching) every Premier League game. If nothing else, it will provide you with a snapshot of how each team performed in the 2026-27 Premier League, week by week. And, naturally, you’ll be in full agreement with every summary, given that it’s a totally subjective process. …”
“Over the last couple of seasons, Ryan Gravenberch has been Liverpool’s bellwether player. When the Dutchman has been on form, Liverpool have been on a title-winning level. When Gravenberch has looked tired and struggled to make a positive impact, Liverpool have often been wretched. There’s a chicken-and-egg debate to be had there, but Gravenberch was magnificent in the first half of 2024-25 in 
“After a weekend on which 
“Julian Alvarez was whistled and insulted by Atletico Madrid fans as he made his first appearance for the club since expressing his desire to move away, amid interest from Barcelona and Arsenal. Alvarez’s name was jeered by the Atletico supporters at the Metropolitano when it was read out before their La Liga game against Villarreal, while many gestured and made their feelings clear towards the Argentina striker when he began to warm up around the hour mark. …”
“For an opening-game upset of the season, Hull City’s win at home against 20-time champions Manchester United was rather convincing. They were 2-0 up after 38 minutes and managed the game with control and comfort in the second half to see out a statement victory. Not a bad start for the Championship play-off winners up against last season’s third-place side, especially as they have the least ‘valuable’ squad in the Premier League, 
“THE Premier League may feel as though it has been constantly dominated by Manchester City over the past decade, but there are plenty of leagues that have been far less democratic. Most competitions have one or two clubs that consistently finish in the top places; there is an air of predictability in France, Germany and Spain and there are no surprise teams at the summit in Italy. The Netherlands and Portugal are effectively both run by three teams, while Scotland has almost always been bossed by two clubs from Glasgow. ….”
“There was a period in the early 1990s during Kevin Keegan’s first, electrifying spell as Newcastle United manager when he and assistant Terry McDermott would turn up at St James’ Park at 10.30 on Saturday mornings for 3pm kick-offs. The pair would inspect the pitch, assess the level of watering and chat to the groundsman. St James’ was open then at both ends, vulnerable to the wind and rain blowing down the Tyne Valley. Keegan and McDermott were European Cup winners. Looking around, Keegan said it was ‘more like a bus shelter than a football stadium.’ But, as Keegan’s impact upon Newcastle — the club and the city — rose, the dilapidated ground changed, too. As it shed its old skin, St James’ became a visible focal point on the modern skyline. It still is. …”
“Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement 13 years ago, 
“The camel stops urinating just long enough for the kids to pose for a picture with it. It’s not normal to see a camel outside a football match, but then again, this isn’t a normal football match. It’s Mohamed Salah’s first start and first home game for Trabzonspor, and ahead of a Europa League play-off round qualifying match against Ferencvaros, some have decided to welcome him with a little slice of home. Where has he come from? ‘Egypt!’ the camel’s handler declares with a grin, unconvincingly. …”
“Last season was the greatest Aston Villa have enjoyed since they 
“Friday evening brings the return of the Premier League and, with it, nine more months of twists and turns, quality and controversy, and, for fans of the 20 clubs involved, more ups and downs than a FIFA president’s private jet during a World Cup. Eyes will be focused on the pitch but plenty of attention will be spared for matters off it too, and not only because there’s a summer transfer window with a week and a half left to run. Football’s richest, most-watched league will resume proceedings with its clubs subject to new financial rules, ones set to shape events in the 2026-27 season — and well beyond. Profit and sustainability rules (PSR), first introduced in 2013, are out; squad cost ratio (SCR) rules are in. So too, to less fanfare, are sustainability and systemic resilience (SSR) rules. At a vote by Premier League clubs in November 2025, the shift to an SCR regime was passed — barely. Fourteen clubs, the minimum needed to approve rule changes, voted in favour: Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Leeds United were the dissenting six. …”
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish thinks the rules impede aspirational clubs
Julian Alvarez in Atletico Madrid training Julian Alvarez in Atletico Madrid training last week 
Robin Roefs makes a save for Sunderland in a Premier League game Robin Roefs’ form for Sunderland in 2025-26 played a big part in their Premier League survival 
“IN Europe’s established football hierarchy, it is widely acknowledged there are the “big five” leagues and then two or three others aspiring to become part of an elite group. Portugal and the Netherlands are two examples and occasionally, another league comes into view as the place to go. At the moment, Turkish football is making considerable noise and attracting big names who are mostly seeking refuge in the autumn of their careers. It has all been seen before; league officials often believe that sending a signal to the rest of the world is best achieved by luring headline players to their clubs, regardless of their vintage. …”
Referee Jarred Gillett signals for time wasting Referee Jarred Gillett signals for time wasting last season
“As dramatic television scenes go, it is one of the most open, raw and unfiltered you will see this year. … This loud, passionate, somewhat frantic character wildly gesticulates with his flailing arms as he continues to unleash his feelings on the group, with eyes wide and bright. … Where is this scene being filmed? Is the office admin guy having a bit of a breakdown? Nope, it’s just Pep Guardiola at Juventus away. Prime Video’s new four-part docuseries on Guardiola and Manchester City, A Beautiful Obsession, offers an at-times extraordinary glimpse into the final two seasons of the 55-year-old’s Etihad reign. …”
Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland
Through on goal, beating the goalkeeper — a familiar sight for Ismaila Sarr
“The walk to Plaza Errotatxo takes you past the golden sands and turquoise waters where the three boys at the centre of this story began their football education. If you are not familiar with this part of San Sebastian in northern Spain, it is easy to miss the entrance to Antiguoko KE’s headquarters, tucked behind a row of moped bays in the shadow of an eight-storey apartment block. The sign above the wooden door confirms this is the right place. And behind that door, who can blame them for showing off a little? ‘We now have three Antiguoko coaches in the Premier League,’ says Roberto Montiel, one of their long-standing coaches, with a smile to acknowledge how this small area has delivered the managers or head coaches of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea — surely one of the more implausible statistics of modern football or, indeed, any sport. …”
“At a train station pub six miles north east of Birmingham, England, Andy Lyden looks over a patent application he had almost forgotten existed for a concept that later changed football. The West Bromwich Albion supporter and his Aston Villa-supporting friend Dave Evans filed it from Evans’ kitchen table in their hometown of Sutton Coldfield in May 1998. Their system would track players, detect possible offsides and alert referees almost instantly, which they hoped would make football decisions more accurate. While football would not approve goal-line technology until 2012, conduct its first official semi-live video assistant referee (VAR) trial until 2016 or introduce semi-automated offside at a World Cup until 2022, Lyden and Evans had imagined elements of all three. Not only that, but they also warned that frame-by-frame video reviews would slow the sport down, damaging its tempo and atmosphere. …”
“‘From the data we have and the metrics we look at, it suggests that we are the biggest Premier League club in the United States. I believe we’re in a unique position in terms of our pulling power.’ Liverpool’s chief commercial officer Ben Latty is talking to The Athleticabout the impressive foothold they have established in the American market and their grand plans for further expansion. According to audience research company GWI (formerly Global Web Index), Liverpool have 26 million supporters in the U.S. and boast the fastest-growing fanbase of any Premier League club in that country. They have 62 official supporters’ clubs spread across 32 states and 12 international football academies based there. The U.S. is Liverpool’s biggest retail market outside the United Kingdom, accounting for 26 per cent of all international sales. …”
“Former European heavyweights, investment projects and teams from tiny towns will liven up the top tiers. Deportivo La Coruña Absent from La Liga since 2018, Dépor were once part of a Spanish “big four” with Barcelona, Valencia and Real Madrid. The Galicians were title-race disruptors over a sustained period, finishing in the top three on nine occasions between 1993 and 2004 and winning the title in 1999. Had they not come up against José Mourinho’s Porto in the 2004 Champions League semi-finals, they might have been European champions too. Eventually, the established order prevailed and Deportivo slid into mid-table, then fell away completely – dropping into the regional third tier in 2020. … Elversberg Like many recent Bundesliga promotion races, last season pitted sleeping giants against small-town overachievers. Schalke won the second-tier title, escaping a division where they have spent four of their last five campaigns. The runners-up, Elversberg, hail from a Saarland town whose population would fit inside the Veltins Arena four times over. …”
Scissors Kick 