English football club, based in Watford, Hertfordshire
Bukayo Saka has scored the only goal in Arsenal's 1-0 win at Aston Villa, giving Mikel Arteta's side two wins from two and two clean sheets to start the Premier League title defence. Ezri Konsa has made his Arsenal debut after a summer move from Villa, while Arsenal are still tracking Julian Álvarez ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline.
Newport County have added six loanees and a Fulham academy graduate as they strengthen under coach Hayden Mullins. The acquisitions include Tanatswa Nyakuhwa from Cardiff, Jacob from Hull, Adu-Poku, Etete and Nyakuhwa, with Dibley-Dias joining to bolster midfield. The club aims to build a competitive squad after finishing last season safe from relegation.
Ipswich Town has announced Gary O’Neil as its new manager on a three-year deal, replacing Kieran McKenna as the club prepares for Premier League football. O’Neil arrives from Strasbourg after guiding them to a Conference League semi-final; he is supported by Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley and Ed Ames. The club’s chairman emphasises a clear vision and ambition.
Australia’s World Cup campaign has opened with a 2-0 win over Turkey, highlighted by Nestory Irankunda’s goal and a young, refugee-rich squad. The team has released a video promoting multiculturalism, featuring players born in refugee camps, as a statement amid rising anti-immigrant rhetoric.
A Guardian feature details Kevin Kotoko and Austin Franklin, two Fox World Cup watchers who are stationed in a Times Square viewing cube for the tournament, offering a window into the surreal setup and the challenges of the assignment.
Slaven Bilic has returned to lead Croatia, taking over a team that exited the World Cup in the Round of 32 after a 2-1 loss to Portugal. Dalic has stepped down after nearly a decade in charge, and Bilic is set to guide Croatia toward Euro 2028.
United have already signed two midfielders this window and face injuries and departures that heighten the need for further reinforcements. Several targets are in play, with attention turning to a potential homegrown option as pre-season shows rising balance in midfield.
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been charged by the FA over the Spygate spying scandal that led to the club being expelled from the Championship play-offs. The FA alleges he directed observers to monitor training sessions of Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough, in a move that has irrevocably shaken the club’s status and could lead to further punishment.
A set of Olympic champions and rising stars are pursuing renewed elite competition ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Meyers Taylor plans a comeback after a concussion scare; Ohashi sharpens a return to elite gymnastics; Carey trains for a second Olympic bid; Gut-Behrami eyes continued competition after a knee injury.
The Carabao Cup second round has been drawn, with Chelsea and Tottenham entering the competition alongside other Premier League clubs not in Europe. The draw is sectional (north and south) and ties will be played the week of 24 August. The nine top-flight teams in Europe this season join in the third round.
Leicester City is under pressure as owner King Power seeks to sell amid a poor start to the season, a heavy losses year, and managerial scrutiny. The club has drawn 1-1 and lost 2-1 in its opening League One fixtures, while questions mount over funding, strategy and future ownership.