Italian goalkeeper and Italy captain
Manchester City has secured a 1-0 win over Coventry, with Haaland scoring and Enzo Fernandez making a timely debut assist; Donnarumma's crucial saves preserved the lead as City maintain a perfect start under Enzo Maresca.
Inter Miami wins the Campeones Cup 2-0 over Cruz Azul, with Lionel Messi scoring a headed opener and Casemiro adding a late second. The victory, in Cristian González’s first game in charge, secures Messi’s 2026 trophy haul and fuels calls for Ballon d’Or recognition.
The Argentina international has joined Manchester City from Marseille for £1.7m and will back up Gianluigi Donnarumma after James Trafford's departure to Leeds for up to £45m. Rulli has won the World Cup and Copa America with Argentina and previously spent time with Villarreal, Real Sociedad and Ajax.
Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father and long‑time agent, has died in Rosario at 68 after a long illness. Clubs from Inter Miami to Barcelona and Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys have held moments of silence and issued tributes. Lionel Messi has travelled home and missed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match while teammates and fans paid tribute.
Nine Premier League clubs start the 2026-27 season with new coaches, including Manchester United’s Carrick and Tottenham’s De Zerbi. Arsenal look to defend their title under Arteta as City begin under Enzo Maresca. World Cup fatigue, transfer chatter, and European commitments shape early form and squad strategies.
Arsenal have begun the season with a string of wins, including a hard-fought Champions League victory over Napoli decided late by Martin Odegaard, and sit among early title favourites. Manchester United have opened their Champions League campaign with a 4-0 win at Old Trafford, while Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have also taken strong early European results.
The Scotsman and Independent describe early optimism for Fantasy Premier League strategies as Arsenal prepare to host newly promoted Sky Blues, with multiple signings shaping selection debates and 100m budgets guiding decision-making.
A collection of footballers who have impressed fantasy managers this week, including Cole Palmer, Yoane Wissa, James Trafford, Savio and Christos Tzolis, with attention turning to upcoming fixtures for Brighton, Tottenham, Newcastle and Arsenal.
Manchester City has maintained early-season momentum with a 4-1 win at Crystal Palace, led by Rayan Cherki’s two goals and Erling Haaland’s brace. Enzo Maresca’s side shows attacking fluency under the new manager, with Cherki delivering a Player of the Match performance and Haaland hitting form in back-to-back fixtures.
Manchester City’s new midfield trio—Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi—have arrived as part of a high-spending window, with City aiming to rebuild after core departures. Dias has been named captain as the club seeks to sustain its winning culture under Maresca.
Arsenal and Chelsea share a 2-2 draw as Ødegaard’s late goal helps Arsenal avoid defeat; Havertz and Tzolis feature with flurries of midfield and attack, while Chelsea’s defending is questioned.
Scotland’s Bowie has not represented his country since last October but is hoping to impress new Belgium coach Pocognoli ahead of an imminent squad announcement. He starred for Sassuolo in a dramatic win over Juventus, scoring late to swing a 2-1 result in a performance that could boost his international chances.
Arsenal travel issues from a technical air-traffic disruption have delayed their Napoli trip as they prepare for a Champions League clash. Jurrien Timber is nearing a return, while Napoli announce Scott McTominay’s ablation procedure and rest. Arsenal sign teenager Mylo Bernard for their academy intake.
Erling Haaland has struck at the hour mark to seal Manchester City’s victory over Manchester United in a dramatic derby. The match featured a first-half red card for Phil Foden and a VAR decision over Enzo Fernandez’s involvement, subsequently deemed offside by some interpretations. City extend their lead at the top as United spurn opportunities and Donnarumma saves late.