I loved Sol Bamba’s accent. He was a Parisian of African descent who played in France, Turkey and Italy, but the first thing you heard whenever he spoke was a touch of Edinburgh. Three years at Hibernian saw to that, as did two previous seasons across the Firth of Forth with Dunfermline. Football left its mark on him, and he did the same.
Bamba was always up for the next adventure, wherever it was. The last time we spoke, he was getting involved with the Ivory Coast’s coaching team en route to them winning the Africa Cup of Nations back in February. The time before that, he was organising his diary to create time to pursue his UEFA Pro coaching licence. Any time you asked about his health, you heard: “I’m good, mate. I’m good.” He’d stick to that line even if he wasn’t, because he didn’t find solace in bringing people down.
His death at 39, announced on Saturday night, will bring so many people down.
Bamba was easy to love — a veritable diamond, with the most infectious smile this side of anywhere — and social media today is a barometer of his reputation. I started writing about him when he joined Leeds United in 2015 and the best way I can define him is as father figure, cult hero and solid backbone rolled into one. He wasn’t Leeds’ greatest player. He wasn’t even close. But his personality in that particular period of time (when it was safer to hide than stick your neck out) earned him his stripes.
That’s not to say Bamba wasn’t an accomplished centre-back. He had height, he had strength, he had heart and he was devoted, an Ivory Coast international with almost 50 caps to his name. Now and again, he’d give everybody at Leeds the heebie-jeebies with bomb-scare runs out of defence (there was his adventurous side) but you know what? Football needs a bit of cavalier spirit. Football needs Sol Bambas.
When time ran out for him at Elland Road early in the 2016-17 season, he severed his contract quickly and left. He was a club captain who couldn’t get a game any longer, and he worried his presence in the dressing room would be a hindrance. “They didn’t need that,” he said later. “It was better for them that I got out of the way.”
Bamba played for Leeds between 2015 and 2016 (Richard Sellers/Getty Images)
Bamba won friends at Leeds because he fought for the club, metaphorically as well as physically.
It’s hard to fully explain the state of the club around 2015 but take it from me: the environment was volatile, negative and often poisonous.
Leeds were a Premier League entity trapped in the Championship, acting like they would be stuck in the second tier of English football forever. Massimo Cellino, the owner then, ran the show — and ran it like the Wild West. You encountered ludicrous unpredictability in the boardroom. There were cliques and divisions in the dressing room. Managers/head coaches had a shelf life similar to bottles of milk because Cellino could not get enough of sacking them. And in the thick of it all, you had Bamba.
Twice, Bamba spoke out publicly, criticising the club’s senior management and demanding better. His first dig was especially risky because he was only on loan from Italian club Palermo, with no guarantee of a permanent contract with Leeds. He had also risen to the position of captain, though, and you find out about players in fractious circumstances. It’s easier to stand back and to say nothing, to bottle out. Bamba preferred to say what needed to be said, and damn the consequences.
It was telling that, despite his comments, Leeds signed him permanently from Palermo, almost as if Cellino admired the size of his cojones.
I often wondered if the best route to making Cellino listen was to front him up, and Bamba’s willingness to carry the flag has not been forgotten. At Elland Road, you see, countless people have failed the crowd over the past 20 years. Those who didn’t are perennially appreciated. To put it another way: Bamba could have gone drinking in Leeds for a week without having to buy a pint.
Bamba during his time at Hibernian (Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
In 2020, he was diagnosed with a form of cancer on Christmas Eve.
We’d become friends over the years after he left Elland Road and a few days on from his last hit of chemotherapy, I interviewed him for The Athletic. One of the first things he asked the doctor who diagnosed him was, “When’s my next game?” He was a Cardiff City player by then and he spoke about his illness as if it was a minor interlude in his life and career, something he would power through. “I can’t finish like this,” he said. “This isn’t it.” And it wasn’t.
Not long after, he tweeted to say he was cancer-free, but a post on Instagram from his wife Chloe last night revealed that the illness had returned. “It was never a fair fight,” she wrote. “Just when things were looking up, he took a downturn.” Bamba had accepted it as “God’s will”, she said, which sounds like him.
He’ll have gone without resentment or bitterness, the embodiment of his glorious smile.
Yves Bissouma and Cristian Romero were also among the goals as Tottenham eased to their first win of the campaign in a game they dominated against a visiting side who have conceded seven times in two games this season and are yet to score themselves.
Pickford carelessly miss-controlled a simple back pass in the first half, allowing Son to snatch the ball from him and score Tottenham’s second goal into an empty, as the home side produced an accomplished display.
Everton, without several first-choice defenders due to injury, were unable to put pressure on their hosts and manager Sean Dyche will be seeking a quick improvement when they host Bournemouth next week in what is already looking like an important game for his struggling side.
Relive all the updates from the Tottenham Hotspur stadium below:
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton LIVE: Premier League updates
77’ GOAL! Son adds another after fine work from Van de Ven [TOT 4-0 EVE]
71’ GOAL! Romero adds a third to make the points safe for Spurs [TOT 3-0 EVE]
25’ GOAL! Son doubles the lead for Postecoglou’s side [TOT 2-0 EVE]
14’ GOAL! Bissouma breaks the deadlock for the hosts [TOT 1-0 EVE]
Tottenham Hotspur FC 4 – 0 Everton FC
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
17:06
Tottenham had themselves to blame for letting the three points slip against Leicester City in their Premier League opener last week, but they produced a clinical display today to beat a hapless Everton 4-0. The visitors were forced onto the defensive in north London from the off and Bissouma’s stunning strike opened the scoring in the 14th minute before captain Son stole the ball from goalkeeper Pickford and fired in their second before the break. Romero headed in a Maddison corner to make it 3-0 in the 71st minute and it wasn’t long before Son found his second, with Van de Ven finding his skipper after a blistering counterattack. Spurs register the first win of their 2024-25 campaign after accounting for 80.9% of the ball and an xG of 2.38. Everton, meanwhile, have conceded seven goals in two matches and only had one shot on target despite 10 attempts and an xG of 0.91, showing Dyche has plenty of work to do to get them firing this season. Spurs will next travel to Newcastle United next Sunday while the Toffees host League Two side Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup on Tuesday. Thanks for tuning in to this live coverage. We’ll see you again soon!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:57
FULL-TIME: TOTTENHAM 4-0 EVERTON
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:54
Armstrong drives forward with the ball and tries to pick out his teammate, but the assistant referee has his flag up for offside.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:51
We have a minimum of five minutes added on at the end of the second half.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:51
Into the final seconds we go and Johnson has won a corner kick for Spurs. The corner is played in and Richarlison appeals for a hand, but it’s nothing doing from the referee!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:50
Substitution Idrissa Gana Gueye Harrison Armstrong
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:49
Spurs skipper Son, on a hat-trick, has the ball under his feet inside the box, but he can’t beat his marker as Everton clear the ball long!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:48
Spurs are now happy to play the ball across the backline as they run down the clock at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:47
Tottenham have won their first Premier League home match in five of the last six seasons, with the only exception being a 1-0 defeat to Everton in 2020-21. It’s safe to say there is no risk of anything like that happening today!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:46
A small break in play, but Pickford gets us back underway as we enter the final period of this fixture. It’s a perfect opportunity for the likes of 18-year-old Gray to make an impression on Tottenham manager Postecoglou.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:40
IT’S 4-0 NOW! And it’s Son who gets his second of the afternoon as Spurs break with pace. Van de Ven drives forward with the ball on the break and feeds Song on the left and the Korea Republic international matches it with a neat finish past Pickford! Spurs are running away with this one as Dyche’s troubles are compounded!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:39
Substitution James Daniel Maddison Lucas Erik Holger Bergvall
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:39
Assist Micky van de Ven
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:39
Richarlison has scored three Premier League goals in the last two meetings against his former side Everton. Will the Brazilian haunt the Toffees again this afternoon with a goalscoring cameo?
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:35
Dyche takes off Calvert-Lewin, who has not had the best of outings, with Beto replacing him for the final stretch of this game.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:35
Maddison makes amends for not capitalising on that free-kick by floating in a perfect corner onto the head of Romero. That’s his fifth assist in his last four appearances against the Toffees.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:34
GAME, SET AND MATCH? Romero makes it 3-0 to Spurs and that surely dashes any hopes of an unlikely Everton comeback! The Spurs centre-back climbs the highest to meet Maddison’s corner and his header rattles the underside of the crossbar on its way in!
Substitution Yves Bissouma Archie James Francis Gray
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:34
Son is now playing down the left wing and takes on young full-back Dixon, but Tarkowski comes across to help him and concedes a corner!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:34
Maddison takes the free-kick from the edge of the box, but the Spurs midfielder fails to hit the target. That is a wasted opportunity for Spurs who could have settled the outcome of this tie there!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:33
Kulusevski’s first start of the season also comes to an end with Sarr coming on for Spurs.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:33
19-year-old Odobert is coming off after a solid Spurs debut with Richarlison making another appearance against his former club.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:31
Spurs captain Son wins a free-kick at the edge of the box. It’s a promising position for the hosts, but they will make a couple of substitutions before taking it.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:31
Spurs switch the play to the right where Johnson takes on Mykolenko. The Everton defence holds strong and Spurs have to recycle possession.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:27
Everton are on the front foot and enjoying a sustained spell on the ball for the first time in this fixture as Postecoglou readies a double substitution to freshen things up for Spurs.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:23
Into the final 30 minutes we go and Everton desperately need a goal here in their bid to find a way back into the game! Dyche’s side have played much better football so far in this second half.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:20
Lindstrom almost makes an instant impact after coming off the bench as the Denmark international’s powerful strike from inside the box is tipped away by Spurs custodian Vicario!
Substitution Jack David Harrison Jesper Grænge Lindstrøm
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:17
There’s a break in play as Porro is down on the grass holding his calf! The Spurs full-back is okay to continue as Spurs resume play with a free-kick.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:14
McNeil created an impressive five chances for Everton during that first half, though his side failed to register a single shot on target. Dyche will hope his attackers will be decisive with the chances that come their way in this second period!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:14
Spurs break quickly and win a corner kick. Kulusevski takes it, but Mykolenko deals with the danger! You can see the home side are not settling for a 2-0 lead here.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:12
Maddison almost gets on the end of a free-kick into the box, but the Tottenham midfielder fails to get a proper connection and Pickford collects safely!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:10
Spurs are straight onto the attack with Odobert winning a corner. It is dealt with by the Everton defender with Doucoure trying to launch a counter, but failing to find Mykolenko!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:06
We are back underway for the second half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
16:04
It was pretty much all Tottenham in that first half against Everton as the home side registered nine shots, of which five were on target. Their opponents, on the other hand, are yet to register an attempt on target in the match. Spurs controlled the game with 75.4% possession and generated an xG of 1.46, compared to Everton’s xG of 0.98. According to Opta’s live predictions at the interval, Spurs have a 95.2% likelihood of winning this game while Everton’s chances of a win stay at 0.8%. Dyche’s men have a mountain to climb if they want to salvage something out of this outing in the next 45 minutes!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:58
Tottenham go into the interval with a well-deserved 2-0 lead against Everton in their second outing of the 2024-25 Premier League season. Postecoglou’s side began the game strongly with Romero testing Pickford early. And there was nothing the Everton goalkeeper could do when Bissouma produced a stunning strike in the 14th minute to hand the hosts the advantage. Dyche’s side fell further behind in the 25th minute as Son capitalised on a weak first touch from Pickford, dispossessing the keeper and firing into an open goal to make it 2-0. The Toffees managed to put some pressure on Tottenham towards the end of the first period by winning a string of corners, but the visitors have their work cut out to find a way back into this fixture and avoid a second defeat on the trot!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:52
Tottenham end the first half just like they started it, with Porro’s left-foot strike from outside the box flying wide of Pickford’s goal!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:50
HALF-TIME: TOTTENHAM 2-0 EVERTON
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:50
Spurs now have a corner at the other end and Kulusevski will take it. He takes it short to find Son outside the box, but the Spurs captain’s delivery into the box is defended well.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:48
Dyche’s side win another corner kick as three minutes are added on at the end of the first half!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:48
Everton are set to end the first half strongly winning back-to-back corners and putting Spurs under some pressure! But it’s safe to say Vicario has had precious little to do in the first 45 minutes!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:46
The game has resumed with Spurs temporarily down to 10 men as Van de Van waits on the sidelines. The Dutch defender looks like he will soldier on as he then makes his way back to the field to defend an Everton free-kick.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:45
The play is stopped as Netherlands defender Van de Van is visibly in pain after landing awkwardly on his feet. He is receiving medical attention on the pitch, but it looks like the Spurs player’s involvement in this game is about to end as he makes his way to the sidelines in some discomfort.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:41
Spurs continue to attack and this time, Porro drives down the right and floats a cross into the box where Odobert meets it with a header, but his effort goes well over the goal!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:40
Maddison is pulled down to the floor by Iroegbunam yet again in the middle of the park, meaning Everton can take a slight breather.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:38
It’s almost another goalkeeping mistake, but this time at the other end, as Vicario holds onto the ball a little too long for comfort. But the Spurs goalkeeper gets it away to safety with Calvert-Lewin lurking.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:36
Are Everton set to endure another miserable August? They haven’t won a single Premier League game during the month in any of the last three seasons, drawing thrice and losing six times.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:33
The skies have cleared as we are approaching the half-hour mark at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but it’s been all gloom for Everton so far in this game.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:32
That was Son’s sixth goal for Spurs in 14 appearances against Everton in the Premier League — the Korea Republic attacker leading by example!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:28
Goal Heung-Min Son
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:26
Odobert takes on Dixon down the right wing and wins another corner for Spurs. The French attacker, signed from relegated Burnley, is enjoying a fine debut so far for Tottenham.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:25
Tottenham have enjoyed more than 77% possession in the first 20 minutes of this match, and they are not calming down as they continue to push the Toffees into their own half!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:23
A reminder that Tottenham usually love scoring against the Toffees! They have scored more Premier League goals against Everton than any other opponent — making it 103 goals today!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:20
Everton are looking for an instant reply and have a corner now, but the Spurs backline manages to get the ball clear!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:16
Goal Yves Bissouma
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:16
All the play is happening in the Everton half so far and Udogie does well to get past his defender, but the Spurs man can’t get his cross into the centre of the box.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:14
SAVE AGAIN!! Spurs are piling the pressure on Everton here and goalkeeper Pickford has to make another intervention to deny Maddison one-on-one before Johnson’s glancing header from a Maddison cross goes wide seconds later!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:13
It’s a first foray forward from Everton, but Dixon is dealt with comfortably by Odobert and the chance is gone! It could be an intriguing battle between the two 19-year-olds today.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:10
ANOTHER SAVE! Son pulls the trigger from outside the box and his shot takes a big deflection off McNeil on its way to the goal! Pickford has to dive to his right and tip it away to keep the score level!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:08
It’s another corner for Spurs and this time, it is debutant Odobert who wins it!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:06
SAVE!! Pickford is forced into his first stop of the afternoon as Romero takes a sighter at goal from inside the box, but it’s a strong fist from the Everton goalkeeper to deny him! This is a bright start for the home side!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:04
Spurs are onto the attack straight away and Maddison fires a ball across the goal, which ultimately leads to Spurs’ first corner of the game inside two minutes!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
15:03
KICK OFF! Referee Anthony Taylor blows his whistle and Spurs captain Son gets us underway in this Premier League contest.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
14:59
It’s coming down quite heavily in North London, but both sets of players are now making their way onto the pitch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, meaning we are just moments away from the kick-off.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
14:55
With Young suspended after getting sent off against the Seagulls, 19-year-old Dixon comes in to replace the right-back and makes his Everton debut in the only change in the Dyche’s side from the 3-0 defeat to Brighton last time around. Tarkowski, who has been nursing a hamstring strain, recovers in time to feature in central defence alongside Keane, while Calvert-Lewin leads the line for the Toffees who are looking to open their account for the new season this afternoon.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
14:49
Postecoglou is without summer signing Dominic Solanke, who sustained an ankle injury during his debut against Leicester, and Rodrigo Bentancur, who suffered a head injury in the same game. Odobert makes his Spurs debut finding a place among the front three while Bissouma takes the place of Bentancur. Kulusevski, lining up alongside Maddison in the midfield, is the other change in the Spurs XI as he comes in to replace Senegal international Pape Matar Sarr.
EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Vitalii Mykolenko, Michael Keane, James Tarkowski, Roman Dixon; Idrissa Gueye, Tim Iroegbunam; Dwight McNeil, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Jack Harrison; Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
14:45
TOTTENHAM SUBS: Radu Dragusin, Richarlison, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Timo Werner, Fraser Forster, Djed Spence, Pape Sarr, Ben Davies.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
14:45
TOTTENHAM (4-3-3): Guglielmo Vicario; Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro; James Maddison, Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski; Wilson Odobert, Son Heung-Min, Brennan Johnson.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
14:44
Everton, meanwhile, finished 15th last season and Sean Dyche’s side began their new campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison Park last Saturday. Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra all scored past the Toffees who finished with 10 men after 39-year-old defender Ashley Young saw a red card midway through the second half. Everton’s last league win against Spurs came on the opening day of the 2020-21 season when a Dominic Calvert-Lewin goal proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
14:40
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham are looking for their first win of the 2024-25 season after settling for a 1-1 draw with Leicester City in their opening fixture last week. Pedro Porro had given Spurs the lead in the first half, but they were made to pay for their inability to kill off the game when 37-year-old Jamie Vardy equalised for newly promoted Leicester in the 57th minute at King Power Stadium. Spurs, who finished two points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa last season, will aim to get their season up and running against the Toffees in front of their own supporters today.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
14:34
Hello and welcome this live text commentary, and we are in North London today where Tottenham Hotspur host Everton in their second Premier League outing of the season.
13:00
Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
Arsenal secured a fine win against Aston Villa away from home after an instant impact from substitute Leandro Trossard who broke the deadlock before getting involved in the build-up to Thomas Partey’s goal.
The teams played out a frustrating first half at Villa Park that was beset with stoppages and breaks of play that favoured the home side and stopped Mikel Arteta’s men finding any rhythm. The Gunners dominated the early stages and Bukayo Saka was denied by Emi Martinez touching his shot wide of the far post.
Villa created two huge opportunities and both came to Ollie Watkins. The first saw him turn the ball wide after Morgan Rogers picks him out in the box and the second saw the striker’s headed effort palmed away by a scrambling David Raya in what could have been the moment of the game.
Trossard was then brought on and arrived at the right time to turn a loose ball home from inside the box. He then drove Arsenal up the pitch and found Saka at the far post. Saka rolled a pass back to Partey whose shot from range beat Martinez to give the Gunners a cushion.
Arsenal take the points and continue their winning runs.
Relive the action from today’s Premier League encounter below:
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
Arsenal pass Aston Villa test and prove why they’re Manchester City’s main title rivals
Aston Villa beaten 2-0 by Arsenal in the Premier League
77’ GOAL! – Partey’s shot from range doubles Arsenal’s lead (AVL 0-2 ARS)
67’ GOAL! – Trossard comes off the bench and scores (AVL 0-1 ARS)
54’ SAVE! – Raya denies Watkins after Onana hits crossbar (AVL 0-0 ARS)
39’ CLOSE! – Havertz turns Martinelli’s pass wide of the target (AVL 0-0 ARS)
24’ MISS! – Huge moment for Watkins but he hooks a shot wide (AVL 0-0 ARS)
Arsenal pass Aston Villa test and prove why they’re Manchester City’s main title rivals
20:03 , Mike Jones
Two games are no barometer of a team’s title chances but the early psychological signs are on point for Arsenal as they ended their Aston Villa hoodoo with a result the Gunners of a few years ago could not have hoped to claim.
Under a manager desperate to get one over the only club he hasn’t excelled at, Villa had the chances to make it three consecutive victories over the Gunners, to once again do damage to a title challenge when one defeat can be the difference between a first league title in 20 years and further frustration.
Arsenal pass Villa test and prove why they’re Man City’s main title rivals
FT Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
20:00 , Mike Jones
And Thomas Partey’s goal which sealed the victory for Arsenal:
FT Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
19:56 , Mike Jones
Here is Leandro Trossard’s first touch, and Arsenal’s opening goal:
FT Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
19:53 , Mike Jones
Two games into the season and Arsenal have scored four goals, conceding none.
It’s the defence that will win them the Premier League this season with Mikel Arteta determined to keep as many clean sheets as possible.
So far so good for the Gunners.
FT Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
19:49 , Mike Jones
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya speaking to Sky Sports: “Everyone is a hero because we work together. It’s not just me saving the ball. It was a crucial moment in the game where it was 0-0 and they had chances and I was there to save Ollie’s [Watkins] header.
“I think of what I remember, it’s a shot from outside the box. I’m on the floor so I try to get up and I can’t reach it. I just see Ollie going in there so I react as quickly as possible I put my hand there and there’s no one there to get the ball.
“It’s just a repetition of things. You do drills and have to save one ball and get up to save another. This time it paid off. This is a reaction one, I don’t think it’s my best save.
“I try to help the team as much as possible to win games.”
FT Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
19:42 , Mike Jones
Arsenal are up to third in the Premier League, level on points with Brighton and Manchester City. The champions are currently top due to goal difference after hammering Ipswich 4-1 earlier today.
FT Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
19:39 , Mike Jones
Arsenal lost both of their Premier League meetings with Aston Villa last season.
They are already three points better off this time around as Mikel Arteta and his team head over to applaud the jubilant away fans.
Full-time! Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
19:32 , Mike Jones
90+4 mins: No goals for Aston Villa and a tough loss. Arsenal’s two goals were moments of quality from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey.
Aston Villa had their moments but Ollie Watkins twice missed brilliant chances in front of goal and the result swung the way of Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta will be pleased. His team didn’t reach their peak today but have come away from Villa Park with a fine victory and three points.
Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
19:28 , Mike Jones
90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play at Villa Park.
Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
19:23 , Mike Jones
83 mins: Time is running out for Aston Villa to get themselves back into this game. Arsenal look more alive, more alert and more dangerous.
The fisr goal unlocked Bukayo Saka and he’s now becoming a nuisance for the hosts.
Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
19:19 , Mike Jones
80 mins: 10 minutes to go at Villa Park and you feel as though the game has gone for the hosts. If they can get a goal back there is a chance but Arsenal have been clinical in this second half and Villa haven’t.
GOAL! Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal (Partey, 77’)
19:16 , Mike Jones
77 mins: Another one!
After a fine run from Trossard who squares a pass across the box Saka has the ball again on the right wing and decides to play it inside for Thomas Partey.
Partet takes a touch then shoots. He drills it well as Martinez leaps across. The goalkeeper gets a hand to the ball but can’t keep it out and Arsenal’s lead is doubled.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
19:15 , Mike Jones
76 mins: Odegaard wins a free kick off Tielemans and takes a couple more seconds out of the game. Unai Emery decides to make a couple of substitutions with Ian Maatsen and Ross Barkley come on to replace Amadou Onana and Lucas Digne.
Will the subs have a similar impact to Leandro Trossard?
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
19:12 , Mike Jones
73 mins: Arsenal were fantastic at controlling games last season when they went in front. They had the best performing defence of the Premier League and will need to show why this evening.
Villa have upped the tempo but as is their way Arsenal are slowing things down when they have possession.
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
19:10 , Mike Jones
70 mins: What can Aston Villa muster now? They were playing well but that goal has changed the complexion of the match. The home side need to step through the gears now and force Arsenal to defend more.
The Gunners, despite that goal, aren’t playing to the best of their ability and they are there to be taken if Villa can improve themselves.
GOAL! Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal (Trossard, 67’)
19:06 , Mike Jones
67 mins: Bang!
Leandro Trossard has only just come onto the pitch and his impact is immediate. Arsenal come down the right side of the pitch with Saka pulling the ball back from the byline.
It comes to Kai Havertz who gets tackled by Morgan Rogers.
The loose ball rolls to Trossard who drills it into the back of the net.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
19:05 , Mike Jones
66 mins: Close!
Lucas Digne swings a free kick into the penalty area from the left wing and picks out Ezri Konsa at the back post. Konsa rises above everyone and nods the ball across goal.
None of his teammates can get there though and the ball bounces safely out of play.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
19:03 , Mike Jones
63 mins: Chance!
Odegaard receives the ball on the edge of the box. He spins away from the nearest defender then slips Bukayo Saka in between the lines.
Saka collects the ball, then looks to shift it around Emi Martinez who makes himself wide and pushes the ball away from the winger.
The replays show Saka was probably offside but that was a moment for Arsenal to at least build some confidence by hitting the back of the net.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:58 , Mike Jones
60 mins: An hour played at Villa Park and things are starting to heat up. Martin Odegaard curls a shot into Martinez’s hands and the Villa goalkeeper thinks about a possible counter-attack before deciding against it.
Still, the deadlock is there to be broken.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:56 , Mike Jones
57 mins: Villa’s ascendancy continues as they win a corner. The ball is flung into the box towards Amadou Onana who meets it with a header that flies over the crossbar.
The home fans are singing and bouncing around now.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:53 , Mike Jones
54 mins: World class!
David Raya has just kept Arsenal in this game. Amadou Onana takes a shot from the edge of the box and a deflection bounces the ball onto the crossbar.
Raya leaps to touch it upwards and is on the deck as the ball rebounds back into play.
Ollie Watkins is there first and flings himself at the ball, nodding it towards goal only for Raya to leap up and palm it clear with one hand!
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:48 , Mike Jones
48 mins: Arsenal look to play out from the back again but the build-up is slow and without purpose. They end up flicking an aerial pass over the top and sending it straight through to Emi Martinez.
Second half! Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:44 , Mike Jones
Arsenal get the ball rolling for the second half. No more changes from either manager as the match resumes at Villa Park.
HT Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:40 , Mike Jones
Nothing to split the teams at the half-time interval. Which side will come out for the second half with more purpose and resolve? A win for both could be crucial even in these early stages of the season.
HT Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:37 , Mike Jones
Mikel Arteta provides update on talks over new Arsenal contract
Mikel Arteta has revealed talks over a new contract at Arsenal will take place after the transfer window shuts.
Arteta’s current deal at the Emirates expires next summer, but the 42-year-old promised back in July there would be no issues over him signing fresh terms.
45+6 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half with neither team gaining the advantage. It’s been an evenly balanced affair with the clearest chance falling to Watkins.
All to play for in the second half.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:24 , Mike Jones
45+3 mins: Arsenal’s two centre-backs are really getting stuck in against Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers. They both look as though they’re in trouble but then come away with the ball and usually leave the strikers on the floor.
It’s a great battle developing between them all and brilliant to watch.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:21 , Mike Jones
45 mins: Six minutes off added time to play at the end of this first half. Can one of the teams get the opener and lead at the break?
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:19 , Mike Jones
42 mins: Bailey curls a shot at goal after Ollie Watkins is denied by one of Arsenal’s defenders. For a moment it looks as though Bailey’s effort has lobbed David Raya but the Arsenal goalkeeper jumps backwards and grabs the ball.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:15 , Mike Jones
39 mins: Close!
Arsenal work the ball well from one side to the other. They find Martinelli on the left wing and he dances into the box before drilling a low effort towards the near post.
Kai Havertz is there and gets to the ball first but he can only turn a first time shot wide of the woodwork.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:12 , Mike Jones
36 mins: This game has been awkward for both teams since the start. There’s been repeated fouls, free kicks, injuries, breaks in play. Nothing to get the match flowing.
That probably plays into Aston Villa’s hands as they’re the underdogs in this match and so far they’ve held their own admirably against Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:09 , Mike Jones
33 mins: Villa win a free kick over on their left wing. Youri Tielemans whips the set piece into the penalty area but Declan Rice rises highest to win the ball.
Arsenal burst forward with Rice sending the ball to Havertz on the right. He’s onside as he delivers the cross into the box. Saka is the intended target but Leon Bailey gets ahead of him and manages to intercept the ball.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:06 , Mike Jones
30 mins: Arsenal are trying to slow down the game. Regain possession and build an attack after weathering Villa’s best period of the match so far.
There’s a tense battle developing in the middle of the pitch. Arsenal are trying to play through Villa, Villa trying to keep them quiet.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:04 , Mike Jones
27 mins: Watkins’ miss was unforgivable in truth. His manager, teammates and the fans will all be gutted about it but Villa have finally sparked into life.
If they can get the opener then all will be forgiven.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
18:01 , Mike Jones
24 mins: Chance!
Massive moment for Aston Villa. Gabriel is hurried by Leon Bailey who manages to poke the ball into the path of Morgan Rogers. Rogers carries the ball into the box then squares it to Ollie Watkins who is wide open.
All he needs to do is hit the target but the striker hooks his shot wide of the near post!
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
17:57 , Mike Jones
21 mins: Bailey is still being treated over on the right side of the pitch. Unai Emery looks concerned but his winger is jogging up and down the sidelines which is a good sign at least.
The match restarts with Arsenal picking up where they left off.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
17:56 , Mike Jones
18 mins: Matty Cash has gone off the pitch and has been replaced with Kosta Nedeljkovic. Leon Bailey looks in trouble too. He tries to weave his way into the box from the right wing after receiving the pass from Amadou Onana.
As he turns his back to goal, he goes to ground and seems in a bad way.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
17:51 , Mike Jones
15 mins: Save!
Ben White makes a run into the box on the overlap and Martin Odegaard looks for him. Bukayo Saka intercepts the ball and check sto the left before drilling a shot at goal.
Emi Martinez drops to the right and pushes the ball wide of the target.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
17:48 , Mike Jones
12 mins: Arsenal have been the team on the front foot with a high aggressive press. Villa have been forced to go long numerous times already which is hindering their desire to keep possession.
Martinelli puts a cross into the box from the left and lifts it over to Saka. He’s up against Matty Cash who goes to ground after that attack comes to an end.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
17:43 , Mike Jones
9 mins: Havertz releases Gabriel Martinelli up the pitch from deep inside his own box. The winger carries the ball to the edge of the box before squaring it over to Saka.
Saka’s cross is flapped away by Martinez and the ball drops to Rice. Rice shoots but fizzes his strike straight at the goalkeeper who clings onto the ball.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
17:42 , Mike Jones
6 mins: Saka brings the ball down the wing and flicks a pass inside to Martin Odegaard. Odegaard’s fancy footwork sees him skip to the edge of the box before looking for Kai Havertz and Declan Rice making runs into the left side.
Matty Cash intercepts and sends the ball forward to Morgan Rogers. Rogers tries to spin around the nearest defender but loses the ball and the attempted counter-attack breaks down.
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
17:39 , Mike Jones
3 mins: Villa’s formation seems fluid between a 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 with Leon Bailey doing the work of running between the lines depending on when and how forceful Villa want to press.
Arsenal attempt to pass the ball through midfield with an inward stepping Timber slotting one over to the right wing. Bukayo Saka is the target but Lucas Digne intercepts and takes over.
Kick off! Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
17:36 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa, finally, get the ball rolling at Villa Park. They work it back to Emi Martinez who sweeps a long ball over to the right side of the pitch.
Jurrien Timber gets his first involvement by clearing the ball away but Villa recover possession and look forward again.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
17:30 , Mike Jones
There’s a slight delay as the communications between the referee and the fourth officials were down. The players now leave the tunnel and head out onto the pitch.
This is another fascinating match-up which could go either way. Aston Villa have the home advantage and could spring a surprise on the Gunners.
Kick off is up next…
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
17:25 , Mike Jones
With both of these two teams finishing inside the top four last season this is an early clash of teams wanting to be top of the table. Both earned opening day victories last week and will want to keep that momentum going.
It’s Villa’s first home game of the year, can they earn a win against the Gunners?
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
17:20 , Mike Jones
Unai Emery has lost only one of his seven matches as a manager versus Arsenal in all competitions, Villa’s 4-2 Premier League home defeat in February 2023 when the Gunners scored twice in stoppage time.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
17:15 , Mike Jones
Morgan Rogers has scored in each of his last three Premier League appearances at Villa Park.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
17:10 , Mike Jones
Kai Havertz has an unrivalled 17 Premier League goal involvements since mid-February, with 10 goals and seven assists in 15 appearances.
The German is yet to score or set up a goal in seven games against Aston Villa, the most he has faced an opponent without doing so.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
17:05 , Mike Jones
Ollie Watkins has gone six Premier League appearances without a goal since he scored in a 2-0 win at Arsenal on 14 April. He has five career league goals against the Gunners.
(David Davies/PA Wire)
It doesn’t matter that it’s early – Arsenal face major test in a title fight of tiny margins
17:00 , Mike Jones
Both of these managers have done very good jobs, both of these clubs have made sizeable strides. One of them is nonetheless likely about to get criticised and told they need to do more in the next week or risk missing out on their objectives. And it almost doesn’t matter which coach it’s aimed at.
Such is the relentless, never-stand-still nature of the Premier League and the focus point of most outsider commentators, who see transfer necessities in draws and trophy pushes in victories, even two weeks into the season.
It doesn’t matter that it’s early – Arsenal have a title fight of tiny margins
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
16:55 , Mike Jones
The Gunners have won 17 of their 19 top-flight matches in 2024, with their only defeat coming at home to Aston Villa in April. They can equal the record of 18 league wins from the first 20 matches of a calendar year, set by Liverpool in 1982 and matched by Manchester City in both 2019 and 2021.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
16:50 , Mike Jones
Arsenal have won eight of their nine Premier League away games so far in 2024, drawing the other, scoring 28 goals and keeping seven clean sheets. It is their longest unbeaten away streak since a run of 12 in 2016 under Arsene Wenger.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
16:45 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa are looking to win their opening two Premier League matches of a season for a fourth time, having done so in 1995-96, 1999-00 and 2020-21.
They have won their opening home league fixture in each of the past four seasons – and began 2023-24 with eight straight top-flight victories at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
16:40 , Mike Jones
Arsenal have won 14 Premier League games at Villa Park, their joint most at an away venue along with Selhurst Park.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
16:35 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa did the double over Arsenal last season, accounting for 40% of the Gunners’ Premier League defeats in 2023-24.
Villa have won five of the past nine Premier League meetings, keeping a clean sheet each time. It’s as many victories as they’d managed in their previous 46 attempts against Arsenal.
Gabriel Jesus not on the bench
16:30 , Mike Jones
Neither Fabio Vieira nor Gabriel Jesus are on the bench for Arsenal. Vieira is being rumoured with a move to Porto so as the transfer window comes to a close Arsenal are taking no chances with the midfielder.
Gabriel Jesus meanwhile seems to have picked up an injury (rumoured to be with his groin) and will play no part in today’s proceedings.
Arsenal set to send Fabio Vieira back to Porto?
16:25 , Mike Jones
Arsenal could lose Fabio Vieira as they move closer to securing Mikel Merino in a midfield shuffle.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the Gunners will send Vieira to Porto on loan.
There will be no buy option, yet the Portuguese club will cover Vieira’s salary for the season.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal team changes
16:20 , Mike Jones
Unai Emery makes no changes to his Aston Villa side backing the team who defeated West Ham last time out to perform well against Arsenal too.
Mikel Arteta meanwhile replaces Oleksandr Zinchenko with Jurrien Timber at left-back.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal line-ups
16:16 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Bailey; Watkins
Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana was the only one of Villa’s eight summer signings to start against West Ham last weekend, when full-backs Ian Maatsen and Kosta Nedeljkovic made their club debuts as late substitutes.
Arsenal don’t have any fresh fitness concerns though Mikel Arteta is unsure whether Jurrien Timber is ready to start as the club carefully manage his comeback from long-term injury.
Emery on Martinez contract extension
16:05 , Mike Jones
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has signed an extension to his existing contract and will now be at the midlands club until 2029.
Here’s what Unai Emery had to say about working with the Argentinian in the future: “We are very happy because Emiliano Martínez is very important. He’s involved completely in this project.
“When I arrived here, I knew him before because we were working in Arsenal together. I knew his mentality and even now it’s stronger than before because he’s achieving individual objectives with his national team and here with Aston Villa.
“His extension is fantastic for us and very good for every supporter of Aston Villa, we can be proud of him.”
Unai Emery on facing Arsenal
15:40 , Jack Rathborn
“We are excited, we are motivated, but we have to show again our capacity,” says Unai Emery.
“If we are able to repeat with the different players, with the different ways, one year more here how we can compete, how we can face teams like Arsenal.
“The challenge is motivating for us and our supporters to face them.”
Aston Villa vs Arsenal team news
15:30 , Jack Rathborn
Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara remain as long-term absentees for Villa, with Robin Olsen also a major doubt.
Jhon Duran will likely have to settle for a place on the bench despite his winner against West Ham, though Jacob Ramsey and Ian Maatsen will hope that their cameos have shown Unai Emery that they are deserving of a place in the starting line-up.
For Arsenal, Declan Rice limped off in the last minutes of the win over Wolves, though reports suggesting that the midfielder is fine – Arteta suggested it was cramp – and will be in line to start. Tomiyasu, Vieira and Tierney remain injured while Eddie Nketiah will likely sit out amid reports of a move to Nottingham Forest.
Bukayo Saka was also seen limping at times during the match, and was eventually replaced by Leandro Trossard after scoring, but he should be fine to start against Villa.
Jurrien Timber replaced Zinchenko at the weekend, and was lively in his cameo, and may have done enough to warrant a place in the starting eleven. Thomas Partey will be fighting Jorginho for a starting berth, with Rice and Odegaard guaranteed to start in midfield.
The front three will likely stay the same as it was against Wolves, with neither Jesus or Trossard doing enough during their cameos to suggest they should start.
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal’s Aston Villa test
15:20 , Jack Rathborn
“It’s one of the toughest places to go for sure,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference. “We know that, we’ve prepared really well to understand what we have to do to go there and win the game.
“They dominate every aspect of the game, when you give them space to run they are phenomenal, when there is no space and they have to find it they can do that. In any restarts or set-pieces, they are at it, and that’s why they did what they did.
“They scored and we didn’t, it’s very simple. In two games we had an enormous amount of chances to do that, and that was the big difference. There were other details for sure which we have analysed, and we will have to do better tomorrow because they are a really good side with a good coach.
“What Unai [Emery] and Julen [Lopategui] did for us [Basque managers] was set the standard so high, they won a lot. The way they coach their teams, the way they represented their clubs was at the highest level, and that gave a platform for the younger ones like myself, like Xabi [Alonso], like Andoni [Iraola] to earn that curiosity that there are coaches from here, so we need to be grateful to those two.”
Mikel Arteta compares Bukayo Saka to Lionel Messi after Arsenal beat Wolves: ‘You can’t stop him’
15:10 , Jack Rathborn
Mikel Arteta praised an “unbelievable” contribution from Bukayo Saka after the winger fired in Arsenal’s second goal in their 2-0 win over Wolves at the Emirates to kick off their Premier League campaign.
The Gunners are looking to end a 21-year wait for the title, having finished second to Manchester City in each of the last two seasons, missing out by two points in May despite winning 16 of their final 18 games.
And they got off to an ideal start in north London against Gary O’Neil’s side when Kai Havertz dashed towards the six-yard box to meet Saka’s cross in the 25th minute, squeezing between goalkeeper Jose Sa and defender Yerson Mosquera and heading his side into a deserved lead following early pressure.
Kai Havertz talks up Bukayo Saka after Arsenal start season with victory
15:00 , Jack Rathborn
Kai Havertz praised Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka’s “perfect” contribution after the winger scored and assisted to help his side to a 2-0 opening-day Premier League win against Wolves.
Saka’s cross from the right in the 25th minute set up Havertz to head in the Gunners’ first goal of the new season and hand them an ideal start at the Emirates Stadium as they seek to end a 21-year wait for the title.
Gary O’Neil’s side gave their hosts some nervous moments thereafter and Arsenal twice had goalkeeper David Raya to thank for preserving their lead, most spectacularly after he pulled off a brilliant one-handed save to deny debutant striker Jorgen Strand Larsen midway through the first half.
The win was sealed 16 minutes from time when Saka’s left-footed drive inside the near post capped a fine individual display.
The PA news agency understands the bid, submitted on Monday, also includes an option to buy at the end of the campaign.
Ramsdale fell out of favour last season as manager Mikel Arteta promoted David Raya to number one and he made just 11 appearances, only two of which came after the turn of the year.
Despite his lack of activity the 26-year-old, whose contract has two years to run, was still included in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Before that tournament Ramsdale told talkSPORT: “No footballer wants to not play. I’ve had a tough year personally not playing and I never want to do that again.”
Wolves have made a bid to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)
Arsenal might have to wait as they target Nico Williams
14:40 , Jack Rathborn
Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is Arsenal’s preferred target for a wide player in the last week of the window, although there is an acceptance they may have to wait for a major move.
It isn’t quite a case of the club just being willing to pay a certain amount for a necessary position. Arsenal are willing to pay what it takes for those specific named targets they feel would be certain starters, as could be seen with Declan Rice last summer.
Arsenal might have to wait as they target Nico Williams
Arsenal train ahead of trip to Aston Villa
14:30 , Jack Rathborn
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta provides update on Arsenal contract situation: ‘We are on it’
14:20 , Jack Rathborn
Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal fans not to panic about his contract with talks set to get under way once the summer transfer window shuts.
Arteta has entered the final 12 months of his deal at the Emirates and while he insisted last month fresh terms would not be an issue, no announcement has been forthcoming.
Ahead of facing predecessor Unai Emery on Saturday night, the Gunners boss attempted to allay any fears amongst supporters.
It doesn’t matter that it’s early – Arsenal face major test in a title fight of tiny margins
14:10 , Jack Rathborn
Both of these managers have done very good jobs, both of these clubs have made sizeable strides. One of them is nonetheless likely about to get criticised and told they need to do more in the next week or risk missing out on their objectives. And it almost doesn’t matter which coach it’s aimed at.
Such is the relentless, never-stand-still nature of the Premier League and the focus point of most outsider commentators, who see transfer necessities in draws and trophy pushes in victories, even two weeks into the season.
Defeat? That can mean anything, from a side going stale to a manager falling short. But both of these clubs will sidestep those hot takes, of course. Regardless of a single result in isolation, both will feel they are prepared and on course for their respective seasonal objectives – it’s just that Arsenal have far less margin for error. And that makes this trip to Villa Park a particularly noteworthy one, with the Gunners up against their former boss Unai Emery, and their former goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
It doesn’t matter that it’s early – Arsenal have a title fight of tiny margins
Welcome!
Friday 23 August 2024 15:21 , Alex Pattle
Hello, and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Aston Villa vs Arsenal in the Premier League!
The Gunners are aiming to build on a strong start to their title challenge, having beaten Wolves 2-0 at home on the season’s opening weekend. That victory came courtesy of goals from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, who provided the assist for Saka’s second-half strike after nodding home inside the first half-hour.
Aston Villa also enter this fixture on the back of a win in gameweek one, however. Emery’s side came out on top against West Ham at London Stadium, as Amadou Onana struck early and Jhon Duran ensured a 2-1 victory.
For Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, almost every game is a must-win this season, after their last two campaigns saw them challenge Manchester City valiantly but come up short both times. They could, therefore, be in for a nervy afternoon at Villa Park, as play a team that beat them twice last season – en route to securing Champions League football, no less. Emery and co prevailed 2-0 away and 1-0 at home, and they will believe they can repeat the trick here.
Follow live as we build up to kick-off at 5.30pm BST.
Welcome to Row Z, a new weekly column on The Athletic.
We can probably all agree that football takes itself very seriously, right? Well, here at Row Z, we plan to shine a light on the bonkers side of the game. From clubs to managers, players to organisations, every Friday we’ll bring you the absurdities, the greed, the contradictions, the preposterousness and the oddities of the game we all love…
Talking of absurd, greedy, contradictory, preposterous oddities, where else can Row Z start but with Chelsea Football Club?
It’s been quite the week for the Blues, who ditched a homegrown hero (that’s Conor Gallagher), signed a former failed loanee (Joao Felix), ostracised last season’s third-top scorer (Raheem Sterling) and have hundreds of millions of pounds worth of signings (Kepa Arrizabalaga, Romelu Lukaku, Ben Chilwell etc) training away from the first team.
“It’s not a mess like it looks from the outside,” head coach Enzo Maresca said with a straight face as work began on installing a third dressing room to house all their players (probably).
You can put together a pretty decent XI from Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ of frozen-out players.
It’s an attacking line-up, sure, but would they have more goals in them than the side Chelsea put out against Manchester City at the weekend? Tough call.
“They can even have a 20-year contract,” Maresca added of his outcasts. “It’s not my point. I don’t care.”
He may not care, but Row Z certainly does. The above unwanted 11 players, who seem either destined to depart or are at the very least not welcome, cost Chelsea a combined £336million ($440m) to purchase. Together, they have 38 years left on their Stamford Bridge contracts.
Chelsea are your rambunctious mate at a stag/hen do (or a bachelor/bachelorette party if you like) who just won’t stop buying shots for the ‘banter’. They’re out until 6am, back on the sauce at 9am and no one wants to see them ever again after the weekend is over. Incessant overkill. Make it stop.
You’ve got to admire Chelsea’s social media chutzpah amid the madness.
“Home again,” they tweeted when announcing the return of Joao Felix, who scored four goals in 20 appearances in his underwhelming 2023 loan and was deemed not good enough by Mauricio Pochettino.
They were at it again when posting an emotional, heartstring-tugging video of Gallagher’s 18-year Chelsea career from boy to senior captain.
“You will forever be a blue,” Chelsea captioned at the end of the video, forgetting to add “until we make you train away from the first team and force you out the club to meet profitability and sustainability regulations.”
Conor Gallagher has completed a permanent transfer to Atletico Madrid. We wish Conor the very best as he begins a new chapter in his career. 💙
All the funny stuff meant that Maresca’s decision to make Enzo Fernandez captain for the City game was largely glossed over.
The French Football Federation said in July it would file a complaint after Fernandez posted a video on Instagram that showed him and his Argentina team-mates singing offensive chants about French players of African descent after their Copa America victory.
His Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana called it “uninhibited racism” on X, albeit he has since accepted an apology from Fernandez.
Maresca said the racism matter was “finished” and that Fernandez had recognised his “mistake”.
A discrimination and abuse mission statement on the club’s website reads: “Chelsea takes all forms of discriminatory behaviour very seriously and believes all forms of discriminatory chanting, including antisemitism, homophobic, biphobic and transphobic chanting to be abhorrent behaviour that has no place in football.”
But if you’re a good midfielder, it doesn’t matter as much.
GO DEEPER
Chelsea and the Enzo Fernandez fallout: Anger, apologies and investigations
Tottenham Hotspur are officially the best-run club in English men’s football. Hooray!
That’s according to Fair Game, an organisation that campaigns for an end to financial inequality in the sport, wants football to be governed with transparency and fairness and aims to put clubs at the heart of their communities. Noble cause — might take a while.
Tottenham Hotspur have won an award (Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Anyway, in a press release penned by a Mr D Levy (this is not true), Fair Game’s annual index measuring financial sustainability, governance, equality and fan engagement has Spurs top of the pile.
Best club in England for financial sustainability, governance, equality and fan engagement, you’ll never sing that.
Just to really hammer home that the award has nothing to do with coherent transfer plans or roofs that don’t have holes in, second on the list were Manchester United.
GO DEEPER
Man Utd’s ‘leaky’ roof: Why is it so bad? When will it be fixed?
Talking of ending financial inequality and bringing clubs closer to their communities, Manchester City unveiled their new dairy partner this week.
Yili Group, apparently Asia’s largest producer of dairy, are, as City posted on their website, the club’s Official Dairy Partner, with capital letters to make you shudder.
Clearly having learned nothing from Hellmann’s mayonnaise mistake, Yili has already emblazoned Jack Grealish all over its website.
It says it will “uphold the spiritual core of passion and love” as part of its new partnership.
It’s literally a yoghurt, calm down.
There was just 22 days between Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran performing an Irons-shaped cross on social media to indicate he wanted to move to West Ham United, and then scoring the winning goal for Villa against the Hammers last weekend.
Duran, who had publicly welcomed the West Ham rumours, celebrated the winning goal in front of Villa’s fans by pointing at himself and then to the ground, indicating he was staying.
Given he was at the London Stadium, someone should probably ask which club he meant.
Duran is here to stay. Either at Villa or in the London Stadium (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
To the Championship now, and Watford are already onto their third manager of the season.
Nope, sorry, force of habit, Preston North End are already onto their third manager of the season.
After six weeks of pre-season training, three new signings and a friendly victory over Fiorentina at Deepdale, Ryan Lowe left following the opening-day defeat to Sheffield United, one of the favourites to win the league. Timing is everything.
“If we can get off to a good start I’ll be pleased,” Lowe had said before the game. “It’s a course of 46.”
Sadly for Lowe, it was a course of one, with director Peter Ridsdale (no comment) deciding that, after almost three years and exactly 125 matches in charge, the first game of the new campaign was the first final straw.
Mike Marsh was appointed as caretaker but, after a 3-0 defeat at Swansea City, he decided he didn’t fancy it either, so after five days in charge he left. Ridsdale said Marsh didn’t want to apply for the job “or take the club forward”.
“We identified that we wanted Paul to be the man to take us forward,” Ridsdale, clearly a man looking forward, told the club’s website after appointing Paul Heckingbottom three days later.
Lowe and Ridsdale in happier times (Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Preston host Luton Town on Saturday when they will, according to Opta, become the first club since 1975 to have three different managers for their first three league games of the season (also Preston, with Bobby Charlton, Nobby Stiles and Harry Catterick).
Rumours that Heckingbottom hasn’t yet cancelled his September holiday to Tenerife are unconfirmed.
“All Preston North End fans can be really excited about the season ahead,” Ridsdale added.
Maybe make that the game ahead.
(Top photo: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Erling Haaland scored his 91st goal in his 100th appearance for Manchester City on Sunday as the champions kicked off their Premier League title defence with a lively 2-0 away win over Chelsea.
The big Norwegian, fed by Bernardo Silva, forced his way between Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana and finished neatly past Robert Sanchez in the 18th minute.
Former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic made sure of victory for the visitors six minutes from time, racing through a disorganised Chelsea midfield and thumping the ball into Sanchez’s net.
Chelsea, in their first Premier League outing under new manager Enzo Maresca, fashioned some hopeful attacking moves through Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and recent signing Pedro Neto but were largely outclassed by their more composed visitors.
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE
Chelsea host champions Manchester City with kick-off at 4.30pm BST | Live on Sky
Raheem Sterling’s agent issues statement after winger left out of Chelsea squad
Man City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo; Doku, De Bruyne, Savinho; Haaland
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Man City (Erling Haaland, 19 min)
Chelsea FC 0 – 2 Manchester City FC
The more things change at Chelsea, the more they stay the same
19:15 , Chris Wilson
For all the ructions of Chelsea’s summer and the potential for huge upheaval this season, the campaign has started in as predictable a manner as it could have. Erling Haaland scored. Manchester City won 2-0. There was even the little lesson of Mateo Kovacic scoring the clinching goal after beating the two £200m-plus midfielders signed to replace him, with Enzo Fernandez not exactly showing the kind of resolve that would be expected of a captain.
His temporary elevation to that status will bring questions after a summer where he was forced to apologise to teammates after being caught on video chanting racist and homophobic slurs against members of the French team amid Argentina’s Copa America celebrations.
It was almost fitting that the game had two off-field stories before it – or the season – had even started. That came with the Chelsea line-up, which should be less surprising given that the sheer number of players is going to create issues every week.
The more things change at Chelsea, the more they stay the same
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man City
19:10 , Chris Wilson
City’s other goalscorer, Erling Haaland, told Sky Sports that today was “three points, [and] a perfect start”.
“First games are always hard, for everyone, it doesn’t matter if you had a pre-season or not. I had a long pre-season but I don’t feel perfect, I’m not in the perfect state. It’s good to get that win.
On his goal, he says that he “knew exactly what to do, I think it was a really good goal”.
“I remember last year he made a really good save against me, it had been irritating me for a long time, so yeah, it was a perfect goal.
“The best players are the best on the easiest things. Touching it with your right and passing with your left. That’s the important thing. Pep [Guardiola] says this to me all the time.
“I want to get more involved, that’s what Pep wants. But in games like this, do I need to be that more involved? That’s the million-dollar question. I want to get more assists and become a better player.”
WATCH: Kovacic seals it for City
19:00 , Chris Wilson
Here’s the second goal, courtesy of Mateo Kovacic.
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:53 , Chris Wilson
Manchester City goalscorer Mateo Kovacic spoke to Sky Sports first, and says that “it’s always tough when you miss big players”.
“I had a longer break so I could recover better, I wanted to be ready for the beginning of the season,” he adds, before stating that he played a hybrid version of Rodri’s usual role.
“I play today some kind of his role, but we are always missing Rodri because he is, if not the best player, one of the best in the world.
“I don’t score many goals and when you score you want to celebrate. But I have a huge respect for Chelsea, I spent five years here.
“I scored but that is not always the most important thing for me, the most important is winning.
“This team is so hungry and it’s a pleasure to be a part of it and win titles.”
Chelsea v Manchester City player ratings: Mateo Kovacic sparkles as Christopher Nkunku flounders
18:48 , Chris Wilson
Manchester City comfortably saw off Chelsea in their opening Premier League game of the season at Stamford Bridge.
Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic scored the goals as City earned a 2-0 win against Enzo Maresca’s side.
And below is how the players rated:
Chelsea v Man City player ratings: Kovacic sparkles as Nkunku flounders
Match stats
18:43 , Chris Wilson
The possession was just 52 per cent in City’s favour, with Chelsea having 10 shots to City’s 11, and three on target to City’s five.
For those who prefer the xG measure, Chelsea actually ‘won’ on xG – 1.23 to City’s 0.82. That is the lowest expected goals measure that City have had this calendar year.
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:38 , Chris Wilson
So, a promising start for Enzo Maresca as his new look Chelsea side showed signs of attacking flair, invention and stability in parts of the match. Nevertheless, they eventually fell to City’s superior firepower, but they’ll take a few positives from today, and on another day they could’ve come away with a point.
For City, business continues as usual. The loss of Rodri gave them less stability than they usually have, especially in defence, and the attack lacked the final bit of quality on a couple of occasions, but they know they’ll likely iron those mistakes out within a few weeks.
Not a lot to take definitively, but an interesting opening match for both sides.
18:33 , Chris Wilson
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:28 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME!
The referee brings the match to an end and City take three points in their season opener! Chelsea got close at times, but you need a finishing touch if you want to beat the champions.
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:27 , Chris Wilson
95 mins
One of the last actions of the match as Fernandez unleashes a driven shot from outside the box, but it’s straight at Ederson.
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:26 , Chris Wilson
94 mins
City are happy to just keep the ball in the corner and run down the clock, though there’s no chance of them giving this lead away.
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:25 , Chris Wilson
91 mins
There are five minutes of added time but this match is over as a contest, as Doku is fouled once more.
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:22 , Chris Wilson
89 mins
Caicedo is just the second player to be booked today as he brings down Doku. Moments later, the Belgian does brilliantly to wriggle through three Chelsea defenders into the box, but his cutback is intercepted.
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:20 , Chris Wilson
88 mins
Chelsea are charging forward trying to get back into it, but they’re leaving themselves open at the back. City are knocking it around to a chorus of ‘ole’ from their fans.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-2 Man City
18:18 , Chris Wilson
85 mins
GOAL! And it’s a former Chelsea man!
Really poor on the whole from Chelsea. The ball is cleared straight to Kovacic, who is unmarked in acres of space. He drives forward towards the box and Fernandez doesn’t challenge him, so he goes for goal with an effort from outside the area. It’s not a brilliant effort and Sanchez should save it, but he palms it onto the base of the post and into the back of the net!
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
18:16 , Chris Wilson
84 mins
City really do look very comfortable now, controlling the pace of the game and refusing to concede possession. Doku does eventually run into trouble, but City win it back quickly.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
18:14 , Chris Wilson
81 mins
Cucurella stays down after clearing the ball, and Chelsea will bring on Renato Veiga in his place.
City charge forward again, led by Doku, but they’re forced to recycle possession. It comes back to Foden, and before long it’s back with Ederson.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
18:10 , Chris Wilson
77 mins
Chelsea fans think they have a penalty shout, but Kovacic’s hand was in a natural position. It was brilliant play from Palmer and Gusto to get into that position though.
The corner is cleared, and though Chelsea keep possession, they end up knocking it out of play for a goal kick.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
18:08 , Chris Wilson
75 mins
Strangely, Chelsea aren’t really playing like a team desperately hunting an equaliser at home in their first game of the season. It’s very pedestrian.
City continue to search for a second, but Doku’s attempted through ball to Haaland is cut out.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
18:06 , Chris Wilson
72 mins
The first chance of note quite a few minutes as De Bruyne fires a shot wide when he could have played in Foden.
Moments later, City swept forward again, with Lewis playing the one-two with Silva before trying to square it to Haaland, but it’s put behind for a corner.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
18:04 , Chris Wilson
69 mins
Chelsea fans will be hoping that they’ve landed a real bargain with the signing of Marc Guiu, who cost just £5m from Barcelona as a result of a release clause. He’s one of the Blaugrana’s youngest ever goalscorers.
There is a lull in activity here as both sides struggle to gain a foothold at the moment.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:59 , Chris Wilson
67 mins
Chelsea make two changes – Marc Guiu comes on for Jackson, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall replaces Lavia.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:58 , Chris Wilson
65 mins
City are knocking it around but there isn’t a lot of penetration to their play – but they do score a disallowed goal!
They try the simple clip in to Haaland and he takes it down on his chest before failing to get the shot away properly. He rakes his boot across the leg of Colwill as he tries to shoot, and Lewis fires the ball into the back of the net on the rebound, but it’s overturned and Haaland is instead given a yellow card.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:54 , Chris Wilson
62 mins
All of a sudden it’s Chelsea with all the chances! They come forward again and the cross comes in. Fernandez heads it past the goal but Gusto is there to clip it back in – it’s headed clear, though Lavia comes in to head back towards goal, and Jackson is there to wrestle with the defender and get a shot away from point blank range, but it’s straight at Ederson! Bit chaotic there.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:52 , Chris Wilson
58 mins
Pedro Neto comes on for Christopher Nkunku, who’s probably been Chelsea’s best player so far today.
City are starting to try and impose themselves a bit more on this half, but it’s Chelsea with the best chance so far. They work the ball to the right wing and it’s Fernandez to fizz in an early cross. It’s a great ball, right into the gap between ‘keeper and defenders, but Rico Lewis tracks back well to put it behind for a corner.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:49 , Chris Wilson
56 mins
Scrappy over the last couple of minutes, with both sides giving away cheap fouls and sloppily losing possession.
Foden hasnt been able to have the same attacking impact as Savinho yet, with City often forced to go backwards rather than forwards (or inside) at the moment.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:44 , Chris Wilson
52 mins
CLOSE! City collect possession as well and it’s moved to De Bruyne near the edge of the box. His pass in is deflected perfectly into the path of Silva, who then squares it to Haaland in the box.
The Norwegian opens up to curl it into the far corner, but he hasn’t wrapped his foot around it enough and it’s a fairly simple save for Sanchez.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:43 , Chris Wilson
51 mins
Gusto gives it away cheaply before doing brilliantly to track back and win it back, but Caicedo’s clipped ball into Jackson is collected by Ederson.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:41 , Chris Wilson
48 mins
A slow start to this half, with City taking plenty of possession but not creating anything with it.
Palmer slips it through to Fernandez in the box, but he collides with Jackson and the opportunity goes begging.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:39 , Chris Wilson
47 mins
Sanchez with a poor pass straight to De Bruyne, but the Belgian can’t capitalise as he clips a cross beyond the sky blue shirts in the box.
KICK-OFF! Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:37 , Chris Wilson
The home side get the second half started.
City have brought on Phil Foden in place of Savinho – looks like that niggling injury got to the Brazilian in the end.
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:36 , Chris Wilson
The teams are emerging from the Stamford Bridge tunnel now, so we’ll be back underway soon.
Chelsea certainly look like they can salvage at least a point here, though they have to be careful not to let this match run away from them.
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:32 , Chris Wilson
A mixed half for both sides, defined by that moment of brilliance from Haaland.
Both teams had chances – City probably just about edged it on balance – but failed to apply the finishing touches on all but one occasion.
City look good going forward but a little more edgy at the back, while Chelsea have caused problems going forward and have overall done fairly well in defence bar that one moment.
We’re in for an interesting second half.
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:28 , Chris Wilson
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:22 , Chris Wilson
50 mins
More penalty shouts as Nkunku goes down under plenty of sliding challenges and blocks, but nothing given again. The Frenchman perhaps could’ve done better there, having been sent almost clean through by Jackson.
The referee blows the whistle and the two teams head down the tunnel at 1-0 to City.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:20 , Chris Wilson
48 mins
Gusto does well to stand his ground and dispossess Doku, and Chelsea go on the attack. It ends up falling to Enzo on the edge of the box, but he’s under plenty of pressure and never really has it under control. He collides with Dias on the edge of the box and there are shouts for a penalty, but nothing given.
The World Cup winner stays down for now, but he should be okay.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:17 , Chris Wilson
46 mins
There’ll be at least five minutes added on to what has been an entertaining, if unspectacular, half of football. Chelsea look buoyed by that disallowed goal and their forward players are combining nicely at times.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:16 , Chris Wilson
43 mins
Both City men are fine to play on, and their teammates are keeping plenty of the ball at the moment. When Chelsea do win it though, it’s in dangerous areas.
And there’s an example! Nkunku nips in to win possession and Chelsea sweep it wide to Palmer. He cuts inside and unleashes a fairly powerful shot but it’s straight at Ederson. The Brazilian should hold onto it, but he spills it and it falls to Jackson, who taps in!
However, the Senegal man had wandered offside as Palmer shot, so it’s disallowed!
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:12 , Chris Wilson
40 mins
A brilliant counter-attack chance for City but it’s ruined by Doku. Savinho does brilliantly to carry out of his half and release the Belgian on the overlap. City suddenly have a three-v-two with Haaland and De Bruyne in support – Doku tries to slide the Norwegian clean through, but it’s right at the defender and City have to settle for a long-range effort from Silva.
Both Savinho and De Bruyne are down and receiving treatment.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:10 , Chris Wilson
38 mins
Fernandez tracks back brilliantly to dispossess Silva and get Chelsea out of trouble in their own box. Moments later he’s shooting in the opposition box after good combination work from Palmer, Nkunku and Jackson, but it’s deflected behind for a corner.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:08 , Chris Wilson
36 mins
Savinho has beaten Cucurella twice in as many minutes, but he couldn’t put the cross in on either occasion.
Moments after, Doku collects in a central area outside the box and fires in a deflected shot that Sanchez does well to tip over.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:06 , Chris Wilson
34 mins
Despite that touch Fernandez is one of the Chelsea players who’s having a good game so far, along with Nkunku and Lavia. Palmer is yet to really get into the game, but he’ll pick his moment.
A reprieve for Nico Jackson too, as he raced clear, beat a couple of the sliding challenges from City and slid a weak shot straight at a defender, but it was offside anyway.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:03 , Chris Wilson
32 mins
Chelsea fans think they have a shout for a penalty but in truth it’s a terrible touch from Fernandez, who was receiving the ball on the edge of the box under the challenge from Savinho.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
17:02 , Chris Wilson
30 mins
Rico Lewis slides in to intercept – he’s played well so far today, as he did in the Community Shield. You’d have thought City will call upon his flexibility many times this season, especially since he looks so comfortable in more attacking positions too. Have they already found the Kyle Walker replacement, or does his future lie in another position?
The match has calmed down now, with Chelsea happy to knock it around their half for the moment and City declining to press them.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
16:59 , Chris Wilson
28 mins
Chelsea are building better attacks now but the pace of it all is still pretty hectic, as Nkunku clips a ball over all the blue shirts and then Palmer delivers one straight to Ederson.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
16:57 , Chris Wilson
24 mins
Chelsea have some sustained possession now but it’s very frantic and not very cohesive. Caicedo tries to fizz a through ball into Jackson, but it’s straight to Akanji.
Moments after, Nkunku thinks he’s won the ball and is clean through, but he’s penalised for pulling Akanji back.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
16:53 , Chris Wilson
22 mins
Problems for Chelsea now, as the midfield can’t get a hold of the match. Silva ships a pass across to De Bruyne, who has plenty of space as he opens his body up to shoot, but it’s wide of the far corner.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Man City
16:51 , Chris Wilson
19 mins
GOAL! Out of nothing, but is it offside?
Doku has it on the left wing and he fizzes a pass into the box. Silva can’t control it but he can stretch out a leg to poke it to Haaland. The Norwegian still has a lot to do, but he takes a touch into his path, shrugs off the challenge from Cucurella and reverses a little chip past Sanchez for 1-0!
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:48 , Chris Wilson
18 mins
No clear-cut chances for either side yet, but both teams are looking sharp in periods. City are beginning to keep the lion’s share of the ball though.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:46 , Chris Wilson
15 mins
Cucurella does well to win a foul off Doku as the Belgian looked to get onto the end of the one-two into the box. At the other end, Dias does well to, shepherding Jackson off the ball on the edge of the City box before winning a foul.
Lavia brings down De Bruyne near halfway and City have possession as De Bruyne’s early cross finds the gloves of Sanchez.
Doku and Savinho have already switched wings.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:43 , Chris Wilson
12 mins
Poor again from Doku, twice in as many minutes. He works some space on the right to get past Cucurella but ends up losing out to the Spaniard, and then moments later Savinho does well to get the ball across but the Belgian skews a shot well wide.
Chelsea go up the other end but it’s a little pedestrian before Palmer is dispossessed by Kovacic.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:41 , Chris Wilson
10 mins
A quick counter from Chelsea ends with Gusto playing in an early cross that Gvardiol does well to dive in and put out for a corner. Palmer swings in an inviting cross, but Fofana can only volley it wide.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:39 , Chris Wilson
8 mins
Some nice touches from Savinho take him past Cole Palmer before he slots a pass into the path of Bernardo. The Portuguese’s cross is put behind for a corner, and City concede a foul when the ball is delivered in.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:38 , Chris Wilson
6 mins
Chelsea have their first real attack but Rico Lewis extinguishes it after tackling Nkunku on the edge of the box. Chelsea win back possession after a sloppy pass in midfield from City, but neither side is in a rush to commit numbers forward at the moment.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:35 , Chris Wilson
4 mins
Savinho’s first involvement sees a deflected cross land in the gloves of Sanchez. Moments later, Doku clips a cross towards the back post that just flies out behind the goal. Poor from the Belgian after good work from Haaland to win possession.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City
16:32 , Chris Wilson
2 mins
Rico Lewis’ first foray forward ends with the young full-back finding the side netting with a cross. Chelsea not out of their half yet.
KICK-OFF! Chelsea vs Man City
16:31 , Chris Wilson
1 min
City get us started at Stamford Bridge! City take their first steps in the hunt for five in a row.
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE
16:27 , Chris Wilson
The two teams are coming out of the tunnel now, with both sides looking focused today.
Plenty of underlying story lines before kick-off today, from the omission of Sterling to the choice of Enzo Fernandez as captain.
Another story is Erling Haaland – this is his 100th appearance in a City shirt, and he’s scored NINETY goals.
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE
16:25 , Chris Wilson
We’re five minutes away from kick-off at Stamford Bridge. Will Pep Guardiola’s side do their usual business, or will Enzo Maresca’s young side provide an opening week surprise in the Premier League?
We’ll find out soon.
Head-to-head
16:20 , Chris Wilson
A reminder of the head-to-head between these two teams – Chelsea have won 77, with City winning 66 and 41 ending as draws.
The two teams drew in both their league meetings last season, playing out one of the matches of the season as Stamford Bridge as they drew 4-4. They also met in the FA Cup semi-final, with City running out 1-0 winners.
The most famous match between the two came in the Champions League final in May 2021, where Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea won their second trophy courtesy of a Kai Havertz goal.
That final was the last time Chelsea beat City in any competition – Chelsea are winless in their last six Premier League meetings with Manchester City (D2 L4), since a 2-1 away win in May 2021.
16:15 , Chris Wilson
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca confident Chelsea can ‘close the gap’ but new manager admits he needs time
16:10 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca promised it is only a matter of time before the club is ready to challenge at the top of the Premier Leaguetable, as he prepares to kick off his Stamford Bridge tenure at home to Manchester City on Sunday.
The Italian is the sixth coach to have led the team since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium bought the club two years ago.
That period initially saw the Blues, who last won the league in 2017, slump from being Champions League regulars to the obscurity of mid-table before recovering to put in a strong finish to last season under former boss Mauricio Pochettino and qualify for Europe.
Raheem Sterling’s agent issues statement after winger left out of Chelsea squad
16:02 , Lawrence Ostlere
Raheem Sterling’s agent has issued a statement seeking “clarity” on the forward’s future after his omission from the Chelsea squad to face Manchester City.
Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku were named as the starting front three, while 18-year-old summer signing Marc Guiu was one of a number of forward options preferred to Sterling on the bench.
A member of the 82-cap England international’s off-field team admitted that they were surprised at Maresca’s decision to leave the 29-year-old out entirely against his former club.
Raheem Sterling’s agent issues statement after winger left out of Chelsea squad
Is Chelsea vs Manchester City on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture today
16:00 , Chris Wilson
With 30 minutes to go until kick-off, here’s a reminder of how you can watch this afternoon’s match.
When is Chelsea v Manchester City?
Chelsea v Manchester City kicks off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday, 18 August and takes place at Stamford Bridge, London.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm BST. Subscribers will also be able to watch on a live stream via the Sky Go app.
Is Chelsea vs Man City on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch
What the managers have been saying
15:50 , Chris Wilson
Guardiola named Chelsea – as well as Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd, Spurs and Newcastle – as a potential title rival earlier in the week, pointing to “the amount of players and their quality and the manager”.
“Six or seven teams will be there and if you drop a little bit, you will be away. This is the reality that I have felt since the first season I arrived here and after we proved to ourselves that we can do it and to try to do it again. It’s simple.
“There are 114 points to play (for) and we start from zero like everyone. Now we have to conquer again because they are not going to just give us the Premier League for the 24-25 season.
“I understand when people say we are favourites – and we have to accept it. When you win four in a row and six in seven, it is normal that you are favourites. We have to live with that – but I know what we have to do. It is point by point that we must win and, of course, every season it becomes more difficult.”
His Chelsea counterpart has said that Chelsea have been “doing well since day one” and “are improving things”.
“It is too early for the team to be where I want it to be. But I am quite happy because in terms of the process; I think the team is ahead of where I expected.
“For me, a good season would be so I can see day after day, month after month, a team that is improving. For sure with timing, we are going to close a little bit of a gap between us and the teams that are higher than us in this moment.”
On Pep Guardiola, he says that “after eight or nine years together, you can do so many different things”.
“Pep is not a manager that is always doing the same, he is always changing. For us, it will be exactly the same. It will be a tough game but exciting to start against the champions.
“We are going to try and instill our game, to win games and to make us happy, and also the fans.”
I cannot take credit for former assistant Enzo Maresca’s success – Pep Guardiola
15:40 , Chris Wilson
Despite the links between himself and Enzo Maresca, Pep Guardiola insists he cannot take any credit for his former assistant Enzo Maresca’s success as a manager.
The pair will go head-to-head on Sunday in Maresca’s first game as Chelsea boss when City launch their bid for a record-extending fifth-successive Premier League crown at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca helped City win the treble under Guardiola in 2022-23 and – after winning the Sky Bet Championship title in his first season as Leicester manager – the Italian replaced Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea in June.
City have made just three changes to the side that won the Community Shield. The injured Oscar Bobb is replaced by Savinho, while in midfield, McAtee and O’Reilly drop to the bench in place of De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.
Savinho – a mini-profile on City’s new signing
15:29 , Chris Wilson
So Savinho gets his first start for City, just over a week after making his debut for the club in the Community Shield win. The Brazilian played well on his debut, replacing Jeremy Doku and producing a similar display to the Belgian.
Savinho, who is just 20 years old, was signed for around £30m from City’s sister club Troyes. He was known more commonly as Savio last season when he played for Girona, where he got nine goals and 10 assists last season as the Catalan club qualified for the Champions League for the first time.
He has a similarly direct style of play to Doku, frequently looking to take his man on, and often utilising his speed and agility when dribbling. As a left-footer, he can play on the right wing but is often deployed on the left, as he was last week.
Despite his enjoyment when taking on defenders, the Brazilian also frequently drifts inside, helping out the attack from more central areas.
Line-ups
15:20 , Chris Wilson
Man City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Doku, Haaland, Savinho.
The teams should be announced within the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of that early team news.
Reece James’ injury woes continue and the Chelsea captain will miss the opener with a hamstring injury, though he is also suspended.
Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, Omari Kellyman and Djordje Petrovic are all doubts after missing long periods of pre-season, although Jackson is expected to feature.
Manchester City will be without Oscar Bobb, who is out with a fractured leg, while Jack Grealish is a doubt having missed the Community Shield last weekend. Pep Guardiola also recently confirmed that Rodri has not travelled to London with the squad.
Kyle Walker and John Stones are back in training after returning late following the Euro 2024 final.
A new Premier League season awaits – but Man City’s legal case casts a long and inevitable shadow
15:00 , Chris Wilson
There are only a handful of people who know exactly what is happening in the Manchester City case and one of them had to promote the new Premier League season this week.
“It’s clear we have some regulatory challenges,” competition chief executive Richard Masters said. “But I’m confident we can navigate all of that and, by the time we sit down again in 12 months, a lot of that stuff will be clearer and we can have the way we always want it, which is the football front and centre.”
It’s quite a hopeful spin that is perhaps natural from the world’s most bombastic league, especially since this season could involve a storm like no other. This could well be the most controversial and consequential campaign in the English game’s history, that reaches both Bosman and Italy’s Calciopoli in terms of its effects. It could change the face of the table, the future, the past, as well as the Premier League’s very image. An outcome of the City case is expected by April, but any time that late is almost even worse for the Premier League.
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE
14:50 , Chris Wilson
These two sides met three times last season, contesting an FA Cup semi-final as well as their two league games.
The first meeting threw up one of the games of the season at Stamford Bridge, with Cole Palmer scoring a late penalty to equalise against his old side.
The second match was slightly less exciting, though no less interesting, ending in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.
So the FA Cup tie was the only match where one side could find something to separate themselves from the other – City won that match 1-0, though Chelsea were kicking themselves come full-time as they had plenty of chances to win it themselves.
All the most recent evidence suggests that we’re in for a cracker this afternoon!
Chelsea transfers and rumours
14:35 , Chris Wilson
The transfer merry-g-round continues at Chelsea, with the Blues reportedly close to signing Joao Felix on a permanent transfer. Conor Gallagher would likely be going the other way, with the purported transfer of Samu Omorodion falling through.
Chelsea have also been linked with a host of other players, from heavily reported links to Victor Osimhen to less believable links such as Jadon Sancho.
In terms of players leaving, Ben Chilwell has been touted for a move, with Trevoh Chalobah almost certain to leave too after reportedly being banned from the first-team facilities.
Incomings:
Pedro Neto – £54m
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – £30m
Filip Jorgensen – £20.7m
Omari Kellyman – £19m
Marc Guiu – £5m
Aaron Anselmino – £17m (loaned out)
Renato Veiga – £12m
Caleb Wiley – £8.5m (loaned out)
Tosin Adarabioyo – free
Outgoings:
Ian Maatsen – £37.5m
Lewis Hall – £28m
Omari Hutchinson – £20m
Diego Moreira – £1.5m
Hakim Ziyech – free
Thiago Silva – free
Malang Sarr – free
Lesley Ugochukwu – loan
Alfie Gilchrist – loan
City transfers and rumours
14:25 , Chris Wilson
With City having sold Julian Alvarez while losing Oscar Bobb to a long-term injury, there’s plenty of speculation around the club’s potential transfer targets. The only major signing they have made so far is Savio (who is now known as Savinho) from Troyes – to much irritation in some parts.
The Cityzens have been linked to both Ebere Eze and Bruno Guimaraes, but with the window closing soon and both of those players commanding huge fees, don’t be surprised to see City go with more under-the-radar signings.
In terms of outgoings, Kalvin Phillips has now gone out on loan to Ipswich, while it remains to be seen whether Joao Cancelo will be of use to Guardiola this season.
Incomings:
Savio – £21m
Outgoings:
Julian Alvarez – £82m
Taylor Harwood-Bellis – £20m
Sergio Gomez – £8.4m
Tommy Doyle – £4.3m
Kalvin Phillips – loan
Enzo Maresca v Pep Guardiola
14:15 , Chris Wilson
A little bit of background on Enzo Maresca then, as alluded to in that article.
The Italian, who had a playing career with teams including Juventus, Sevilla and West Brom, took his first managerial role with Parma in 2021, subsequently being dismissed after failing to reach the promotion spots in Serie B.
But his first job in management had actually come the season before – he was hired by Man City as the head of their Elite Development Squad in August 2020, and won the PL2 title while there.
After his failed stint at Parma, he returned to City as Guardiola’a assistant in June 2022.
One year later, he was appointed Leicester manager, and his successful stint there led to Chelsea appointing him earlier this summer.
Enzo Maresca is only the latest Pep Guardiola clone – the problem is, they can’t all win
14:00 , Chris Wilson
Pep Guardiola’s closest challenger last season was his former assistant, Mikel Arteta. The Bundesliga was won by a team managed by one of his former players, Xabi Alonso, just as the previous season’s LaLiga had been, in Xavi. The Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024 were claimed by Erik ten Hag, who was nicknamed “mini Pep” when he was in charge of Bayern Munich’s second team while the Catalan looked after the senior squad.
The Guardiolaisation of football is most apparent in England. The Manchester City manager’s greatest rival, and stylistic opposite, Jurgen Klopp is gone and his replacement is a self-professed Guardiola fan, in Arne Slot. Tottenham are under a graduate of the City Football Group, in Ange Postecoglou; so are England, temporarily, with Lee Carsley having arrived in Manchester in the same summer as Guardiola.
Enzo Maresca is only the latest Pep Guardiola clone – but they can’t all win
I’d take more satisfaction in Man City improving than title win – Pep Guardiola
13:48 , Chris Wilson
Pep Guardiola admitted he would take greater satisfaction this season from seeing Manchester City improve than in winning another Premier League title.
Six titles in seven years and a record-breaking four in succession have changed the 53-year-old Spaniard’s perspective.
His contract at the Etihad expires next year and speculation on his future will continue to mount until he decides whether or not to extend it.
The first meeting between these two sides came in 1907, with 177 matches played since.
Chelsea have won 77, with City winning 66 and 41 ending as draws.
The two teams drew in both their league meetings last season, playing out one of the matches of the season as Stamford Bridge as they drew 4-4. They also met in the FA Cup semi-final, with City running out 1-0 winners.
The most famous match between the two came in the Champions League final in May 2021, where Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea won their second trophy courtesy of a Kai Havertz goal.
That final was the last time Chelsea beat City in any competition.
Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea fans to be patient as he insists team is ‘improving’
13:18 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has urged fans to be patient with the team, promising it is only a matter of time before they are ready to challenge at the top of the Premier League table.
The Italian is the sixth coach to have led the team since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium bought the club two years ago, and he is preparing to kick off his tenure at home to Manchester City on Sunday 18 August.
“With time, we are going to close the gap. Hopefully it can happen very soon,” Maresca said in his pre-match press conference, adding that he wants Chelsea fans to be the “12th man” this season.
Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea fans to be patient as he insists team is ‘improving’
Kyle Walker insists Premier League is ‘our trophy to lose’ before a ball is kicked
12:58 , Lawrence Ostlere
Manchester City start their quest for an unprecedented fifth Premier League title in a row when they travel to Chelsea on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side became the first club in the history of the English top-flight to win four titles in a row, but Kyle Walker believes it is already theirs “to lose”, despite finishing just two points above Arsenal last season.
“I wouldn’t say it’s an ego, but we’ve done this four times in a row – this is our trophy to lose,” Walker told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club.
Kyle Walker insists Premier League is ‘our trophy to lose’ before a ball is kicked
Match stats
12:40 , Lawrence Ostlere
Chelsea are winless in their last six Premier League meetings with Manchester City (D2 L4), since a 2-1 away win in May 2021.
Overall, City are unbeaten in their last nine meetings with Chelsea (won seven, drew two).
No team has earned more points from their opening matches of the Premier League season than Chelsea , with 67. Only Man United have picked up more wins (21) than the Blues (20).
This is the first time Chelsea have begun a top-flight season with a match against the reigning champions since 1971-72, when they lost 3-0 against Arsenal.
Nothing lasts forever and the era of Manchester City is ending
12:27 , Lawrence Ostlere
Jurgen Klopp’s departure means Pep Guardiola stands alone. Only one manager who has won the Premier League still plies his trade in it and it is Manchester City’s serial champion.
Last season rendered Guardiola a history-maker in a new respect, the first manager to win four consecutive English titles. With Klopp gone, in a sense, he has eliminated the opposition. In another, he remains a marked man. “Everyone wants the crown that we have worn for four years,” he warned last week.
Guardiola’s capacity to create teams that can win both week in, week out and year in, year out adds to City’s powers of intimidation. They have a proven ability to reel off 12 or 15 straight victories. They could become the first English club to register five straight league titles, feats that have occurred in the recent past in France, Italy and Germany, but never here.
Nothing lasts forever and the era of Manchester City is ending
Cole Palmer hopes to bring ‘success and trophies to Chelsea’ after new deal
12:12 , Lawrence Ostlere
England international Cole Palmer has signed a two-year contract extension with Chelsea.
The Premier League club confirmed that 22-year-old Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £42.5million deal last September, has committed himself to the Blues until June 2033.
“I’m delighted to sign this new deal,” Cole told Chelsea’s official website.
“I achieved a lot in my first season here, and hopefully I can continue to experience great things at this club, both on a personal level and in terms of bringing success and trophies to Chelsea.”
Premier League 2024/25 predictions: Champions, top four, relegation, best signing, top scorer and more
11:40 , Lawrence Ostlere
Manchester City, after their fourth title in a row, are aiming for a magnificent five-in-a-row – but will this be the season Arsenal finally get over the line and win a first top-flight crown in 21 years?
Liverpool will be an intriguing watch under new manager Arne Slot and a total of five clubs will take to the new season with a fresh look in the dugout, with Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, Julen Lopetegui at West Ham, Steve Cooper at Leicester City and Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton.
Maresca at Chelsea will be a fascinating watch and how will Erik ten Hag fare at Manchester United after being given a new contract? The journeys of the newly-promoted trio of Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton will be interesting, too.
Below, our writers make their predictions for the next season:
Premier League 2024/25 predictions: Champions, relegation, best signing, and more
Manchester City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Matheus Nunes, Kovacic, De Bruyne; Doku, Bernardo Silva, Haaland.
Prediction
This should be a captivating game between two teams with aspirations of success come the end of the season. City, of course, are the better side and may well prove too strong for a Chelsea team adjusting to a new style of play under Maresca. The Italian has been heavily influenced by Guardiola having worked at City as a coach before his move to Parma in 2021. At this point, though, the mentor should get the better of his disciple.
Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City.
Team news
11:12 , Lawrence Ostlere
Reece James’ injury woes continue and the Chelsea captain will miss the opener with a hamstring injury, though he is also suspended.
Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, Omari Kellyman and Djordje Petrovic are all doubts after missing long periods of pre-season, although Jackson is expected to feature.
Manchester City will be without Oscar Bobb, who is out with a fractured leg, while Jack Grealish is a doubt having missed the Community Shield last weekend. Pep Guardiola also recently confirmed that Rodri has not travelled to London with the squad.
Is Chelsea vs Manchester City on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture
10:58 , Lawrence Ostlere
When is Chelsea v Manchester City?
Chelsea v Manchester City kicks off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday, 18 August and takes place at Stamford Bridge, London.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm BST. Subscribers will also be able to watch on a live stream via the Sky Go app.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE
10:45 , Lawrence Ostlere
Chelsea host Manchester City in the standout fixture on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.
The away side, after winning their fourth successive title in 2023-24, enter the season as favourites to win a fifth crown in a row, despite an uneventful summer transfer window. But Pep Guardiola’s side have very little room for improvement after years of constant success.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will begin a new era under Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge, and it is very much a baptism of fire for the Italian, whose side struggled in pre-season.
The Blues have made some big-name additions again in the transfer window, notably Pedro Neto from Wolves and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester.
While nothing will be decided for either side in this match, a positive start in such a big game could set the tone for the season ahead.
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE
10:25 , Lawrence Ostlere
Good afternoon and welcome to TheIndependent’s coverage of Chelsea vs Manchester City in the penultimate match of gameweek one of the 2024/25 Premier League!
The Blues head into the match with plenty of hope under new manager Enzo Maresca, while City enter looking to lay down an early marker for Arsenal and Liverpool and remind any doubters of their credentials as favourites.
And we’ll have all the build-up and live updates as they come in.
Manchester United and Fulham kicked off the 2024-25 Premier League season on Friday, and United won 1-0 at Old Trafford on a late goal by Joshua Zirkzee.
In a bit of scheduling coincidence, the owners of the two clubs will square off again Saturday on the other kind of football field, as the Glazer family’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the Jacksonville Jaguars, owned by Shahid Khan, in an NFL preseason game.
The Glazers and Khan are among nine American ownership groups of Premier League teams, which will have a full slate of games this weekend. The list includes newly promoted Ipswich Town, which is owned by American financial firms ORG, Bright Path Sports Partners and Avenue Sports. They are all chasing Manchester City, which has finished atop the EPL standings for four straight years.
The second division Championship also has nine teams controlled by Americans after Mark Attanasio recently increased his stake in Norwich City through his Norfolk Holdings, which first took a stake in the team in 2022 and will now own 85%.
Americans have invested heavily in English football teams over the past two decades, starting with Malcolm Glazer’s leveraged buyout in 2005 that valued Man United at £790 million ($1.4 billion at the time). Stan Kroenke started buying shares of Arsenal in 2007 and took full control in 2011 at a $1.2 billion valuation.
Man United ranked on top of Sportico’s global soccer team valuations at $6.2 billion, while Arsenal was eighth at $3.91 billion.
In 2010, John Henry’s Fenway Sports Group bought Liverpool for £300 million ($476 million at the time). FSG built a strong performer on and off the field, including three Champions League finals appearances in five years. The value is up more than tenfold to $5.11 billion and fourth overall.
Attanasio also owns MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers and follows a string of U.S. sports team owners to invest in the UK. They are attracted by the global reach of the clubs, but most of them want to see more restrictions on player spending, akin to the major leagues in North America. The lack of salary caps can trigger massive losses as teams spend in a fight to avoid relegation or gain promotion to the Premier League. At the top of the financial table, teams compete for a Champions League spot and to field the best squads to advance in European tournaments.
Only five English Premier League teams out of 20 made money after player trading during the 2022-23 season. The aggregate loss before taxes and finance costs was £530 million ($684 million based on current exchange rates), according to company filings. The NFL’s pre-tax profit: $4.6 billion.
Khan’s team investments offer a window into the economic structure of different sports leagues. In 2011, he spent $770 million to buy the Jaguars. The club turns a hefty profit each season that can top $100 million in a good year, and the Jags are now worth nearly $5 billion.
Two years after buying Jacksonville, Khan bought EPL club Fulham for more than $200 million. Fulham was relegated to the Championship the following season, where it has spent six of 11 seasons under Khan. He has piled up $500 million in operating losses in the London club, and the team is likely worth one-tenth of the Jaguars.
The lousy economic model that exists across European soccer explains why Manchester United and Real Madrid are the only soccer teams to crack the top 30 among the world’s most valuable sports franchises, which skews heavily toward the NFL with its strict salary cap and $400 million-a-year TV checks, along with a few NBA and MLB teams mixed in.
Americans can’t kick their UK soccer habit, though. Brit Steve Parish runs Crystal Palace, but American John Textor owns the largest stake at 45%, and private equity titans Josh Harris and David Blitzer each own 18%.
Textor wants his own UK club to control and has entered exclusive talks to buy Everton from Farhad Moshiri after a pair of failed attempts to buy the club by American firms 777 and Friedkin Group. Everton lost $107 million during the 2022-23 season, its sixth straight year of losses that totaled $623 million, based on current exchange rates. The club escaped relegation on the last day of the 2022-23 season and finished 15th last year. Yet still, there’s a Yank who wants to purchase it.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United gestures during the 2024 FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2024 in London, England.
Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
The 2024-5 Premier League season kicks off today with the Manchester United vs. Fulham game. Old Trafford football stadium in Stretford, England will host today’s soccer showdown.
Keep reading to find out how and when to watch the Manchester United vs. Fulham Premier League game today, even if you don’t have cable.
How and when to watch the Manchester United vs. Fulham game
Manchester United faces Fulham for the Premier League season open on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET (noon P.T.) The match will air on USA Network, and stream on Peacock and the platforms featured below.
How to watch the Manchester United vs. Fulham game without cable
While most cable packages include USA Network, it’s easy to watch Premier League matches if USA Network isn’t included in your cable TV subscription, or if you don’t have cable. Your best options for watching are below. (Streaming options will require an internet provider.)
Watch the Premier League on Peacock
If you want to watch every Premier League game of the 2024-5 season, you’ll need a subscription to Peacock. The NBC/Universal-owned streamer will live stream every Premier League game airing on NBC and USA Network, as well as broadcast select Peacock-exclusive Premier League games this season.
The streaming service has plenty more live sports to offer, including Big Ten football and basketball, golf and WWE wrestling (including formerly PPV-only events such as WrestleMania). There are 80,000 hours worth of recorded content to watch as well, including hit movies and TV series such as “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation.”
A Peacock subscription costs $8 per month. An annual plan is available for $80 per year. You can cancel anytime.
Top features of Peacock:
Peacock offers live broadcasts of Premier League games airing on NBC and USA Network, on-demand replays when available, plus highlights and post-match coverage.
There are 175 Peacock-exclusive Premier League games this season.
Peacock features plenty of current and classic NBC and Bravo TV shows, as well as NFL football airing on NBC, college basketball and more.
Stream the Premier League live on Sling TV for half price
One of the most cost-effective ways to stream live network-aired Premier League matches this year is through a subscription to Sling TV. The streamer also offers access to USA Network, NFL Network, local NBC, Fox and ABC affiliates (where available) and ESPN with its Orange + Blue Tier plan. Also worth noting: Sling TV comes with 50 hours of cloud-based DVR recording space included, perfect for recording all this season’s top NFL matchups.
That plan normally costs $60 per month, but the streamer is currently offering a 50% off promotion for your first month, so you’ll pay just $30. The streamer has a new prepaid offering for football season called Sling TV Season Pass. You can get four months of the Orange + Blue tier, plus the Sports Extra add-on, for $219. That’s a savings of $81 over the usual price.
Note: Because Sling TV doesn’t carry CBS, you won’t be able to watch CBS-aired programming like next year’s NFL games on CBS. To watch these games, plus PGA golf, UEFA Champions League and more live sports, we recommend you add the Paramount+ add-on to your bundle. (Note that CBS Essentials and Paramount+ are both subsidiaries of Paramount Global.)
Top features of Sling TV Orange + Blue tier:
There are 46 channels to watch in total, including local NBC affiliates (where available).
Sling TV also offers the live feed of Premier League matches airing live on NBC and the USA Network.
You also get access to most local NFL games and nationally broadcast games at the lowest price.
All subscription tiers include 50 hours of cloud-based DVR storage.
Watch the Premier League free with Fubo
You can watch live Premier League matches airing on network TV on Fubo. Fubo is a sports-centric streaming service that offers access to matches airing on NBC, the USA Network, as well as almost every NFL game next season. Packages include CBS, Fox Sunday NFC games via “NFL on Fox”, NBC (“Sunday Night Football”), ESPN (“Monday Night Football”), NFL Network and more, so you’ll be able to watch more than just today’s games, all without a cable subscription.
To watch the Premier League without cable, start a seven-day free trial of Fubo. You can begin watching immediately on your TV, phone, tablet or computer. In addition to the Premier League, you’ll have access to NFL football, FuboTV offers MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS matches. FuboTV Pro Tier is priced at $80 per month after your free seven-day trial.
Top features of Fubo Pro Tier:
There are no contracts with Fubo — you can cancel at any time.
You can watch sporting events up to 72 hours after they air live with Fubo’s lookback feature.
The Pro tier includes over 180 channels.
Fubo includes all the channels you’ll need to watch college and pro football, including CBS (not available through Sling TV).
All tiers come with 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR recording.
Stream on your TV, phone, tablet and other devices.
You can watch the Premier League as well as the NFL, including the NFL Network, MLB and the NBA, with Hulu + Live TV. The bundle features access to 90 channels, including both NBC and the USA Network. Unlimited DVR storage is also included. Watch every match on every network with Hulu + Live TV, plus catch live 2024 NFL preseason games, exclusive live regular season games, popular studio shows (including NFL Total Access and the Emmy-nominated show Good Morning Football) and lots more.
Hulu + Live TV comes bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+ for $77 monthly.
Waiting for the match to start? Get your Premier League jersey and merch from Fanatics
Fanatics
If you can’t make it to the game in person, gearing up and watching from home is the next best thing. Fanatics offers a terrific selection of comfortable, stylish Premier League jerseys, T-shirts, hoodies and more.
The site offers Premier League caps, sweats and even team-branded AirPods Pro cases so you can take your soccer fandom on the go. Tap the button below to find your favorite Premier League team’s newest merch drop.
What is the schedule for the opening weekend of the 2024-5 Premier League season?
Martial Godo of Fulham during the pre-season friendly match between Benfica and Fulham at Estadio Algarve on August 2, 2024 in Faro, Portugal.
Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
In addition to the Manchester United vs. Fulham game today, the remaining Week 1 matches are below. All kick offs 10 a.m. ET unless noted.
All times Eastern
Saturday, August 17, 2024
7:30 a.m.: Ipswich Town vs. Liverpool – USA Network Arsenal vs. Wolves – USA Network Everton vs. Brighton – Watch live on Peacock Newcastle United vs. Southampton – Watch live on Peacock Nottingham Forest vs. AFC Bournemouth – Watch live on Peacock 12:30 p.m.: West Ham vs. Aston Villa – NBC
Sunday, August 18, 2024 9 a.m.: Brentford vs. Crystal Palace – USA Network 11:30 a.m.: Chelsea vs. Man City – NBC
Monday, August 19, 2024 3 p.m. : Leicester City vs. Spurs – USA Network
Key dates for the 2024-5 Premier League season
The 2024-5 Premier League season begins on Friday, August 16, 2024 and concludes on Sunday, May 25, 2025. The season includes 33 weekends of matches, four midweek rounds and one Bank Holiday match week. There will be no Christmas Eve feature this season, nor will there be an extended mid-season break. Instead, the season will feature a longer summer break for players.
August 10, 2024: The Community Shield takes place
August 16, 2024: The season begins, with Manchester United hosting Fulham at Old Trafford
June 14, 2024: The summer transfer window opens and Euro 2024 begins
August 30, 2024: The summer transfer window closes
December 26, 2024: Boxing Day
March 16, 2025: The Carabao Cup final takes place
April 26, 2025: The semi-finals take place
May 17, 2025: The FA Cup final and Championship Sunday take place, with all 10 games starting simultaneously
May 21, 2025: The Europa League final takes place in Bilbao
May 25, 2025: The final match round of the season takes place
