3 days ago
Two Premier League matches at Anfield. Two draws.
For just the third time in 63 years, Liverpool have failed to win both of their opening home games of a league season - not exactly the flying start new boss Andoni Iraola would have been dreaming of.
After such an encouraging midweek performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, full of urgency, Saturday's goalless draw against Fulham was a flat follow-up, especially with the Cottagers lacking in confidence and having conceded seven goals in their first three league games.
The Reds looked physically and mentally tired and, to put it bluntly, like an entirely different team to the one that won against a Diego Simeone side that made it to the Champions League semi-finals last season.
On the first real look at how Iraola's style will cope with two games a week, this was certainly not what the Liverpool head coach, nor the Anfield crowd, would have wanted to see.
#league #games #champions #premier
For just the third time in 63 years, Liverpool have failed to win both of their opening home games of a league season - not exactly the flying start new boss Andoni Iraola would have been dreaming of.
After such an encouraging midweek performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, full of urgency, Saturday's goalless draw against Fulham was a flat follow-up, especially with the Cottagers lacking in confidence and having conceded seven goals in their first three league games.
The Reds looked physically and mentally tired and, to put it bluntly, like an entirely different team to the one that won against a Diego Simeone side that made it to the Champions League semi-finals last season.
On the first real look at how Iraola's style will cope with two games a week, this was certainly not what the Liverpool head coach, nor the Anfield crowd, would have wanted to see.
#league #games #champions #premier
3 days ago
There was a subdued atmosphere at the final whistle among Chelsea's players, staff and supporters.
They had watched the team's free-flowing attacking football come unstuck against a Hull City side who had not conceded a Premier League goal before kick-off.
Chelsea had previously beaten Fulham 3-2, won 4-3 at home to Brighton and lost 2-1 at ***** nal. They also overcame Leeds 6-3 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Having conceded twice here, Chelsea have now gone 20 Premier League matches without a clean sheet, a run stretching back to January. They have also conceded two or more goals in every match against Premier League opposition under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Although Chelsea are the division's top scorers with 10 goals this season, they have also conceded nine, more than all but two other Premier League sides.
#premier #brighton
They had watched the team's free-flowing attacking football come unstuck against a Hull City side who had not conceded a Premier League goal before kick-off.
Chelsea had previously beaten Fulham 3-2, won 4-3 at home to Brighton and lost 2-1 at ***** nal. They also overcame Leeds 6-3 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Having conceded twice here, Chelsea have now gone 20 Premier League matches without a clean sheet, a run stretching back to January. They have also conceded two or more goals in every match against Premier League opposition under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Although Chelsea are the division's top scorers with 10 goals this season, they have also conceded nine, more than all but two other Premier League sides.
#premier #brighton
3 days ago
If part of the challenge for Andoni Iraola when he took the Liverpool job was mastering the art of winning Premier League games after midweek Champions League dates, he failed his first test. An Anfield afternoon against a side with the wrong sort of 100 percent record ought to have been the ideal introduction to such ******* ignments.
Instead, Fulham got their first point of the season. A Spanish manager with a playing career at right-back had much to savour; but it was Alvaro Arbeloa, not Iraola. A terrific defender under Rafa Benitez, Arbeloa contributed to many a clean sheet in his time at Liverpool. Now Fulham have a first in the Premier League in his reign. Having conceded three goals to left wing-backs against Crystal Palace last week, they conceded none to Liverpool's three £100m men.
Alvaro Arbeloa could celebrate a first point in the Premier League with Fulham (Getty)
"Happy with the point and more happy with the performance," said Arbeloa. "We were more balanced today. We defended so well." He had made the bold decision to give the Austrian centre-back David Affengruber a debut at Anfield. "He proved how good he is," Arbeloa said.
But Iraola's side delivered a disjointed display, failing to touch the heights they reached in their comeback against Atletico Madrid and failing to score for the first time under him. "What was lacking was quite clear. It is the first game we had problems to create chances and score goals," he admitted.
#first #league #point #alvaro
Instead, Fulham got their first point of the season. A Spanish manager with a playing career at right-back had much to savour; but it was Alvaro Arbeloa, not Iraola. A terrific defender under Rafa Benitez, Arbeloa contributed to many a clean sheet in his time at Liverpool. Now Fulham have a first in the Premier League in his reign. Having conceded three goals to left wing-backs against Crystal Palace last week, they conceded none to Liverpool's three £100m men.
Alvaro Arbeloa could celebrate a first point in the Premier League with Fulham (Getty)
"Happy with the point and more happy with the performance," said Arbeloa. "We were more balanced today. We defended so well." He had made the bold decision to give the Austrian centre-back David Affengruber a debut at Anfield. "He proved how good he is," Arbeloa said.
But Iraola's side delivered a disjointed display, failing to touch the heights they reached in their comeback against Atletico Madrid and failing to score for the first time under him. "What was lacking was quite clear. It is the first game we had problems to create chances and score goals," he admitted.
#first #league #point #alvaro
4 days ago
| Saturday, September 12th |
Premier League | Anfield
3PM BST/10AM EST
A couple of words maybe a single short para serving as a micro preview for the match, why it's important, what the main concerns are, or whatever. Mostly it's to make sure the word count gets up to 170 so that the story gets picked up by search.
PREVIEW & HOW TO WATCH
Full Match Preview: Liverpool vs. Fulham
Television & Streaming: No Legal Coverage Still in 2026 (UK); NBCSN & Peacock (USA); Stan Sport (Australia); FuboTV (Canada); Star Sports 3 Asia (India); Astro Premier League (Malaysia); SuperSport Maximo 2 (Nigeria); StarHub TV+ (Singapore); SuperSport Maximo 2 (South Africa); other listings at LiveSoccerTV
#league #match #september
Premier League | Anfield
3PM BST/10AM EST
A couple of words maybe a single short para serving as a micro preview for the match, why it's important, what the main concerns are, or whatever. Mostly it's to make sure the word count gets up to 170 so that the story gets picked up by search.
PREVIEW & HOW TO WATCH
Full Match Preview: Liverpool vs. Fulham
Television & Streaming: No Legal Coverage Still in 2026 (UK); NBCSN & Peacock (USA); Stan Sport (Australia); FuboTV (Canada); Star Sports 3 Asia (India); Astro Premier League (Malaysia); SuperSport Maximo 2 (Nigeria); StarHub TV+ (Singapore); SuperSport Maximo 2 (South Africa); other listings at LiveSoccerTV
#league #match #september
4 days ago
Liverpool head into another Premier League test with momentum building, and Virgil van Dijk has made the message clear. Good performances matter, results matter more, but consistency is what separates serious sides from the rest.
After a comeback win over Atletico Madrid in midweek and a 2-0 league victory against Ipswich Town before that, Liverpool now have the chance to make it three wins on the bounce at Anfield against Fulham. The captain is not interested in noise or sentiment. He is focused on standards.
In his programme notes, Van Dijk said: "After an important and, in my opinion, well-deserved win over Atletico Madrid, it is great to be back at Anfield again this afternoon as we return to Premier League action against Fulham.
"I thought the atmosphere on Wednesday night was exceptional, particularly in the second half as we chased the victory.
"I have said many times that we are at our best when everyone is pushing together, and I hope you can see how hard we are all working to give you a team to be proud of."
#premier #dijk #fulham
After a comeback win over Atletico Madrid in midweek and a 2-0 league victory against Ipswich Town before that, Liverpool now have the chance to make it three wins on the bounce at Anfield against Fulham. The captain is not interested in noise or sentiment. He is focused on standards.
In his programme notes, Van Dijk said: "After an important and, in my opinion, well-deserved win over Atletico Madrid, it is great to be back at Anfield again this afternoon as we return to Premier League action against Fulham.
"I thought the atmosphere on Wednesday night was exceptional, particularly in the second half as we chased the victory.
"I have said many times that we are at our best when everyone is pushing together, and I hope you can see how hard we are all working to give you a team to be proud of."
#premier #dijk #fulham
5 days ago
Enzo Maresca faces his first major test since stepping into Pep Guardiola's shoes as City visit United in the Manchester derby on Sunday, while ******* nal aim to extend their flawless start at Sunderland.
Alongside last season's top two, only newly-promoted Hull remain unbeaten but their brilliant start faces an acid test against Xabi Alonso's free-scoring Chelsea.
At the other end of the table, Fulham have yet to register a point under Alvaro Arbeloa ahead of their tough trip to Liverpool.
AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the weekend's action:
Haaland hungry for more
#enzo
Alongside last season's top two, only newly-promoted Hull remain unbeaten but their brilliant start faces an acid test against Xabi Alonso's free-scoring Chelsea.
At the other end of the table, Fulham have yet to register a point under Alvaro Arbeloa ahead of their tough trip to Liverpool.
AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the weekend's action:
Haaland hungry for more
#enzo
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8 days ago
"If you are a Fulham fan, you are worried right now," former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has said after seeing the Cottagers pick up zero points from their first three league games of the season.
He also criticised new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa's "really quite strong words" towards his squad, adding that the Spaniard might have "underestimated" the quality of the English top flight.
"I thought Fulham were quite an attractive team under Marco Silva," Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
"You do wonder whether Arbeloa has come in and underestimated the strength of the Premier League.
"He clearly wants to play in a particularly way, which involves high pressing and front-footed football.
#sutton #underestimated #alvaro
He also criticised new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa's "really quite strong words" towards his squad, adding that the Spaniard might have "underestimated" the quality of the English top flight.
"I thought Fulham were quite an attractive team under Marco Silva," Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
"You do wonder whether Arbeloa has come in and underestimated the strength of the Premier League.
"He clearly wants to play in a particularly way, which involves high pressing and front-footed football.
#sutton #underestimated #alvaro
8 days ago
Whether Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor can partner each other without unbalancing the Sunderland team has been the subject of several questions sent in via our Black Cats Ask me Anything form.
We were granted our first opportunity to see whether the pairing of Brobbey and Isidor will or could work in the home match against Fulham.
It is hard to say definitively, but on the evidence of that short cameo, I'd suggest there is no reason to think it couldn't work.
Isidor, of course, firmly believes it could but a lot depends on the balance of the team and how the likes of Enzo le Fee and Nilson Angulo are deployed.
It may well be something Regis le Bris is happier to try at the Stadium of Light, where there is a greater emphasis on the home team attacking than in away matches.
#whether
We were granted our first opportunity to see whether the pairing of Brobbey and Isidor will or could work in the home match against Fulham.
It is hard to say definitively, but on the evidence of that short cameo, I'd suggest there is no reason to think it couldn't work.
Isidor, of course, firmly believes it could but a lot depends on the balance of the team and how the likes of Enzo le Fee and Nilson Angulo are deployed.
It may well be something Regis le Bris is happier to try at the Stadium of Light, where there is a greater emphasis on the home team attacking than in away matches.
#whether
8 days ago
Liverpool are reportedly set to lose a talented prospect from their academy to one of their biggest rivals.
The Reds have made a happy habit of acquiring prodigious gems from the underage setups of other clubs across the UK, with Harvey Elliott (Fulham), Rio Ngumoha (Chelsea) and Trey Nyoni (Leicester) among the standout examples in recent years.
However, the shoe is now on the other foot as a certain club from along the M62 put the final touches on the signing of an up-and-coming talent from Merseyside.
On Monday evening, Fabrizio Romano took to X to report that Manchester United have completed a deal to sign Liverpool academy midfielder Isaac Konde, with the Italian including his trademark 'here we go'.
The 16-year-old is 'all set' to join the Red Devils after 'formal steps' were completed over the past couple of days.
#ngumoha
The Reds have made a happy habit of acquiring prodigious gems from the underage setups of other clubs across the UK, with Harvey Elliott (Fulham), Rio Ngumoha (Chelsea) and Trey Nyoni (Leicester) among the standout examples in recent years.
However, the shoe is now on the other foot as a certain club from along the M62 put the final touches on the signing of an up-and-coming talent from Merseyside.
On Monday evening, Fabrizio Romano took to X to report that Manchester United have completed a deal to sign Liverpool academy midfielder Isaac Konde, with the Italian including his trademark 'here we go'.
The 16-year-old is 'all set' to join the Red Devils after 'formal steps' were completed over the past couple of days.
#ngumoha
9 days ago
One of the biggest priorities for Bayern Munich this summer was finding a solution for João Palhinha, and Michael Reschke believes the club finally managed to put a difficult chapter behind them.
"Most importantly, of course, they've resolved the Palhinha situation. That whole affair cost a fortune and certainly annoyed everyone, but these things happen. It's impossible for every transfer to be a success," Reschke told Abendzeitung.
Bayern Munich paid Fulham €51 million up front for Palhinha in 2024, with the deal potentially rising to €56 million with add-ons. After struggling to establish himself as a regular starter, he spent last season on loan at Tottenham before Bayern Munich ultimately moved him on.
The financial investment made Palhinha one of the more disappointing transfers of recent years, particularly given the limited return Bayern Munich received on the pitch.
But Reschke's point is that even clubs as successful as Bayern Munich will occasionally get a transfer wrong.
#transfer #million
"Most importantly, of course, they've resolved the Palhinha situation. That whole affair cost a fortune and certainly annoyed everyone, but these things happen. It's impossible for every transfer to be a success," Reschke told Abendzeitung.
Bayern Munich paid Fulham €51 million up front for Palhinha in 2024, with the deal potentially rising to €56 million with add-ons. After struggling to establish himself as a regular starter, he spent last season on loan at Tottenham before Bayern Munich ultimately moved him on.
The financial investment made Palhinha one of the more disappointing transfers of recent years, particularly given the limited return Bayern Munich received on the pitch.
But Reschke's point is that even clubs as successful as Bayern Munich will occasionally get a transfer wrong.
#transfer #million
9 days ago
Sky Sports pundits Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Carragher have ruled Chelsea out of the Premier League **** le race after emphasising the "massive gulf" between the teams following the Blues' 2-1 defeat to **** nal.
Xabi Alonso's side were tipped to challenge the champions this season after a promising start to the new campaign that saw them win 3-2 and 4-3 against Fulham and Brighton in their opening two games, and they got off to the perfect start at the Emirates as Morgan Rogers opened the scoring within 90 seconds.
However, the Gunners dominated proceedings from there, with an equaliser ruled out before Kai Havertz fired past Emi Martinez to level it before half-time.
Martin Odegaard scored the winner as the Gunners maintained their 100% record (Reuters)
It was more of the same in the second half at the Emirates too, with the champions controlling the game and limiting Chelsea to very little in attack before Martin Odegaard finished a brilliant move to rifle in the winner.
#emirates #champions #half
Xabi Alonso's side were tipped to challenge the champions this season after a promising start to the new campaign that saw them win 3-2 and 4-3 against Fulham and Brighton in their opening two games, and they got off to the perfect start at the Emirates as Morgan Rogers opened the scoring within 90 seconds.
However, the Gunners dominated proceedings from there, with an equaliser ruled out before Kai Havertz fired past Emi Martinez to level it before half-time.
Martin Odegaard scored the winner as the Gunners maintained their 100% record (Reuters)
It was more of the same in the second half at the Emirates too, with the champions controlling the game and limiting Chelsea to very little in attack before Martin Odegaard finished a brilliant move to rifle in the winner.
#emirates #champions #half
10 days ago
Eintracht Frankfurt are set to receive €22 million from Fulham for Hugo Larsson, according to Kicker.
The Swedish midfielder joined the Premier League club on loan with an obligation to buy that would be triggered under certain conditions.
According to Kicker, the clause was already activated when Larsson came on for his Fulham debut in Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace.
The Swede has therefore left Eintracht permanently after three years.
He made a total of 119 competitive appearances for the Bundesliga club, scoring 10 goals and providing seven ******* ists.
#fulham #frankfurt #premier
The Swedish midfielder joined the Premier League club on loan with an obligation to buy that would be triggered under certain conditions.
According to Kicker, the clause was already activated when Larsson came on for his Fulham debut in Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace.
The Swede has therefore left Eintracht permanently after three years.
He made a total of 119 competitive appearances for the Bundesliga club, scoring 10 goals and providing seven ******* ists.
#fulham #frankfurt #premier
10 days ago
Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage admitted he was unhappy with his side's defensive display despite their 3-2 victory over Fulham.
Palace secured all three points in a closely fought contest thanks to a double from Tyrick Mitchell and winner from substitute Ben Chilwell.
But Sage acknowledged Fulham had enough chances to win the game and believes his side have plenty to improve on.
"The result is positive but I am aware of the game, but sometimes it is like this, you have to take the points," Sage said.
"We didn't play as we expected, I'm happy but disappointed for the other team and the coach because they had opportunities [to win] too.
#fulham #crystal #pierre #tyrick
Palace secured all three points in a closely fought contest thanks to a double from Tyrick Mitchell and winner from substitute Ben Chilwell.
But Sage acknowledged Fulham had enough chances to win the game and believes his side have plenty to improve on.
"The result is positive but I am aware of the game, but sometimes it is like this, you have to take the points," Sage said.
"We didn't play as we expected, I'm happy but disappointed for the other team and the coach because they had opportunities [to win] too.
#fulham #crystal #pierre #tyrick
11 days ago
Hugo Larsson's first appearance for Fulham has already converted the Swedish midfielder's loan move from Eintracht Frankfurt into a permanent transfer. Kicker reports that the purchase obligation contained within the agreement was triggered when Larsson made his Premier League debut during Saturday's 3-2 home defeat to Crystal Palace.
The 22-year-old entered in the 79th minute in place of Oscar Bobb, four days after completing his move to west London. As GGFN reported when the transfer was completed, Larsson initially joined Fulham on a season-long loan containing an obligation to buy.
Kicker now reports that the conditions attached to the clause required only a first competitive appearance. Frankfurt are therefore set to receive €22m for the midfielder. Larsson's debut could not prevent Fulham from suffering their third Premier League defeat of the new campaign. Álvaro Arbeloa's side remain without a point after three league fixtures.
Larsson leaves Germany after three years with Eintracht. The Sweden international joined Frankfurt from boyhood club Malmö FF in the summer of 2023 and quickly established himself as an important member of the Bundesliga side's midfield.
He departs having made 119 competitive appearances across the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and European competition, scoring ten goals. Larsson remained under contract with Frankfurt through 2029, but both parties ultimately opted for a separation this summer.
#frankfurt #eintracht
The 22-year-old entered in the 79th minute in place of Oscar Bobb, four days after completing his move to west London. As GGFN reported when the transfer was completed, Larsson initially joined Fulham on a season-long loan containing an obligation to buy.
Kicker now reports that the conditions attached to the clause required only a first competitive appearance. Frankfurt are therefore set to receive €22m for the midfielder. Larsson's debut could not prevent Fulham from suffering their third Premier League defeat of the new campaign. Álvaro Arbeloa's side remain without a point after three league fixtures.
Larsson leaves Germany after three years with Eintracht. The Sweden international joined Frankfurt from boyhood club Malmö FF in the summer of 2023 and quickly established himself as an important member of the Bundesliga side's midfield.
He departs having made 119 competitive appearances across the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and European competition, scoring ten goals. Larsson remained under contract with Frankfurt through 2029, but both parties ultimately opted for a separation this summer.
#frankfurt #eintracht
12 days ago
Chelsea's season is barely underway, yet questions are already emerging around Estêvão's role under new head coach Xabi Alonso.
According to ESPN Brazil, the young Brazilian is concerned that his opportunities could be reduced under Alonso, despite wanting to remain at Stamford Bridge. The report, written by Renato Senise, suggests the player has privately discussed his situation with close ****** ociates.
The timing is significant. Estêvão missed the final stretch of last season because of a right thigh muscle injury suffered in April, which also ruled him out of the World Cup. Having returned to Chelsea, he now faces a difficult battle for regular first team football.
Alonso has taken charge of only three Chelsea matches so far, two in the Premier League and one in the English League Cup, but the early signs have prompted concern.
Estêvão made a seven minute appearance against Fulham before starting against Luton Town in the cup. He was then an unused substitute during Chelsea's 4-3 victory over Brighton.
#brazilian #stamford
According to ESPN Brazil, the young Brazilian is concerned that his opportunities could be reduced under Alonso, despite wanting to remain at Stamford Bridge. The report, written by Renato Senise, suggests the player has privately discussed his situation with close ****** ociates.
The timing is significant. Estêvão missed the final stretch of last season because of a right thigh muscle injury suffered in April, which also ruled him out of the World Cup. Having returned to Chelsea, he now faces a difficult battle for regular first team football.
Alonso has taken charge of only three Chelsea matches so far, two in the Premier League and one in the English League Cup, but the early signs have prompted concern.
Estêvão made a seven minute appearance against Fulham before starting against Luton Town in the cup. He was then an unused substitute during Chelsea's 4-3 victory over Brighton.
#brazilian #stamford
13 days ago
Fikayo Tomori is set to be reinstated into the first-team squad at Milan, having failed to agree terms with Fulham.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the English defender was in London recently with his agents to discuss terms over a move to Fulham, but the West London outfit did not manage to come to an agreement with Milan. There were no conditions to do so, as even the player could never agree personal terms with the London side.
Tomori is now back at Milanello, where he's expected to rejoin Ruben Amorim's squad. The Portuguese coach had made it clear to Tomori throughout pre-season that he could leave, but he's happy to welcome him back into the fray, with the 28-year-old also keen to fight for his place at the club. This was communicated to the defender in a phonecall with the Portuguese just after the Fulham move broke down.
The Chelsea academy graduate was subject to interest from several Premier League sides, with with Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest having considered making a move for him before Fulham entered the fray.
That Milan did not manage to sign another centre-back is another key reason for Tomori's quick reintegration into the squad. He's even going to take back his #23 shirt. Matteo Gabbia's recent issues with an ankle discomfort could even see him make the bench against Juventus on Sunday.
#squad #even
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the English defender was in London recently with his agents to discuss terms over a move to Fulham, but the West London outfit did not manage to come to an agreement with Milan. There were no conditions to do so, as even the player could never agree personal terms with the London side.
Tomori is now back at Milanello, where he's expected to rejoin Ruben Amorim's squad. The Portuguese coach had made it clear to Tomori throughout pre-season that he could leave, but he's happy to welcome him back into the fray, with the 28-year-old also keen to fight for his place at the club. This was communicated to the defender in a phonecall with the Portuguese just after the Fulham move broke down.
The Chelsea academy graduate was subject to interest from several Premier League sides, with with Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest having considered making a move for him before Fulham entered the fray.
That Milan did not manage to sign another centre-back is another key reason for Tomori's quick reintegration into the squad. He's even going to take back his #23 shirt. Matteo Gabbia's recent issues with an ankle discomfort could even see him make the bench against Juventus on Sunday.
#squad #even
14 days ago
Crystal Palace have signed Netherlands international midfielder Quinten Timber (25) from Marseille, both clubs have announced. Jurriën Timber's twin brother has signed a five-year deal with the Eagles. Palace have struck a reported €20m agreement with OM, who were in dire need to free up funds through player sales. Les Phocéens have gone the entire summer transfer window without making a single signing. Having joined OM from Feyenoord for €4.5m last winter, Timber has made 17 appearances in the white and blue since his arrival.
The 13-capped Netherlands international was part of Ronald Koeman's 2026 World Cup squad, and featured twice for his national side in America this summer. "With vast experience of representing his club and country at the highest level, Quinten is a player whose leadership, tenacity and ability we are confident will flourish in the Premier League", said Palace chairman Steve Parish. Timber could make his Premier League debut this weekend against Fulham FC.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
#timber #quinten #premier #summer
The 13-capped Netherlands international was part of Ronald Koeman's 2026 World Cup squad, and featured twice for his national side in America this summer. "With vast experience of representing his club and country at the highest level, Quinten is a player whose leadership, tenacity and ability we are confident will flourish in the Premier League", said Palace chairman Steve Parish. Timber could make his Premier League debut this weekend against Fulham FC.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
#timber #quinten #premier #summer
14 days ago
Real Madrid's deadline day was not as eventful as many expected, and no major arrival was even on the radar for the night.
What did unfold, however, was a chain of youth player sales and windfalls from second-order transfers, all of which helped add coins to the club's coffers.
One such move, which was expected for a long time but finally closed last night, was the departure of Manuel Angel – the former captain of the Castilla side. Fulham have been close to signing him for a few days now, and Alvaro Arbeloa eventually got his player on deadline day.
Taking to his Instagram after finalising his departure from Real Madrid, Manuel Angel penned a heartfelt note to the fans and the club as he moves on to greener pastures.
"After 8 years, the time has come to close a chapter that has left an eternal mark on my life," his letter began.
#angel #night #close
What did unfold, however, was a chain of youth player sales and windfalls from second-order transfers, all of which helped add coins to the club's coffers.
One such move, which was expected for a long time but finally closed last night, was the departure of Manuel Angel – the former captain of the Castilla side. Fulham have been close to signing him for a few days now, and Alvaro Arbeloa eventually got his player on deadline day.
Taking to his Instagram after finalising his departure from Real Madrid, Manuel Angel penned a heartfelt note to the fans and the club as he moves on to greener pastures.
"After 8 years, the time has come to close a chapter that has left an eternal mark on my life," his letter began.
#angel #night #close
14 days ago
Albeit they've conceded five goals from their opening two Premier League matches, Xabi Alonso seems to have Chelsea back on track after a dodgy 2025/26 campaign as the Blues have opened their season with three wins on the bounce. They beat Fulham 3-2 for their Premier League opener, topped Luton Town 2-0 in the Carabao Cup, and most recently beat Brighton and Hove Albion 4-3 in the league. While the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager will certainly be hoping for more solidity in his defense, three straight wins is not a bad start to life in the English top flight at all.
Per statistics provided by OptaJoe, Alonso has become only the fourth manager to have his side open up the season with seven or more goals in his first two Premier League matches, and that's not even counting the scored against Luton Town in the EFL Cup. The other three managers to have done this are Bobby Robson in 1999 with Newcastle United, Michael Laudrup with Swansea City in 2012, and Marcelo Bielsa with Leeds United in 2020. Alonso joins an elite list of managers in a start that's breathed an air of reassurance after there was heavy speculation as to whether or not he made the right decision to join Chelsea in hi post-Real Madrid job search.
After his unprecedented Bundesliga ****** le campaign with Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 season, Alonso was a man in HIGH demand throughout Europe and he was someone who was even on Bayern's radar at the time when it became clear they'd need to replace Thomas Tuchel. The who's who of European giants were all keen to try to line him up as their next manager, but Alonso had made the decision to stay with Leverkusen for the 2024/25 season and then ultimately wound up at Real Madrid to replace Álvaro Arbeloa.
Ironically enough, the pair of Spaniards will not be competing against one another in the Premier League as Arbeloa is currently serving as Fulham manager, though his start to life in England has not gone as swimmingly as it has for Alonso as Fulham lost their opening two league matches of the season, the first of which to Alonso's Chelsea and the second of which to Sunderland.
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#Chelsea #fulham #leverkusen #manager
Per statistics provided by OptaJoe, Alonso has become only the fourth manager to have his side open up the season with seven or more goals in his first two Premier League matches, and that's not even counting the scored against Luton Town in the EFL Cup. The other three managers to have done this are Bobby Robson in 1999 with Newcastle United, Michael Laudrup with Swansea City in 2012, and Marcelo Bielsa with Leeds United in 2020. Alonso joins an elite list of managers in a start that's breathed an air of reassurance after there was heavy speculation as to whether or not he made the right decision to join Chelsea in hi post-Real Madrid job search.
After his unprecedented Bundesliga ****** le campaign with Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 season, Alonso was a man in HIGH demand throughout Europe and he was someone who was even on Bayern's radar at the time when it became clear they'd need to replace Thomas Tuchel. The who's who of European giants were all keen to try to line him up as their next manager, but Alonso had made the decision to stay with Leverkusen for the 2024/25 season and then ultimately wound up at Real Madrid to replace Álvaro Arbeloa.
Ironically enough, the pair of Spaniards will not be competing against one another in the Premier League as Arbeloa is currently serving as Fulham manager, though his start to life in England has not gone as swimmingly as it has for Alonso as Fulham lost their opening two league matches of the season, the first of which to Alonso's Chelsea and the second of which to Sunderland.
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#Chelsea #fulham #leverkusen #manager
14 days ago
Fulham have added another defensive option with David Affengruber arriving from Elche CF on a four-year contract.
The 25-year-old Austrian centre-back has signed a deal running until 2030, with Fulham holding an option to extend it for another year. The transfer is reportedly worth close to €10 million.
Affengruber leaves Elche after two seasons with the Spanish club, having joined from Sturm Graz as a free agent in 2024. He quickly established himself as a key figure and played an important role in their rise to La Liga.
His performances also earned international recognition, with the defender making his Austria debut and being included in their squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa had been keen to strengthen his defence and sees Affengruber's pace and reliability as valuable additions to the backline.
#year #spanish
The 25-year-old Austrian centre-back has signed a deal running until 2030, with Fulham holding an option to extend it for another year. The transfer is reportedly worth close to €10 million.
Affengruber leaves Elche after two seasons with the Spanish club, having joined from Sturm Graz as a free agent in 2024. He quickly established himself as a key figure and played an important role in their rise to La Liga.
His performances also earned international recognition, with the defender making his Austria debut and being included in their squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa had been keen to strengthen his defence and sees Affengruber's pace and reliability as valuable additions to the backline.
#year #spanish
14 days ago
Eintracht Frankfurt have officially sent Hugo Larsson out on loan to Premier League side Fulham.
The English club have an obligation to buy the midfielder if certain conditions are met.
"Hugo Larsson has been one of our key first-team players over the past three years and has played a big part in our success," said Eintracht Frankfurt board member for sport Markus Krösche.
"We'd like to thank Hugo for his commitment in an Eintracht shirt and wish him all the best for his future career."
Larsson has made 119 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt in the past, scoring 10 goals and providing seven ***** ists.
#eintracht #larsson #past #fulham
The English club have an obligation to buy the midfielder if certain conditions are met.
"Hugo Larsson has been one of our key first-team players over the past three years and has played a big part in our success," said Eintracht Frankfurt board member for sport Markus Krösche.
"We'd like to thank Hugo for his commitment in an Eintracht shirt and wish him all the best for his future career."
Larsson has made 119 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt in the past, scoring 10 goals and providing seven ***** ists.
#eintracht #larsson #past #fulham
15 days ago
Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Manchester City agreed to a $169 million deal for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez.
Sources told ESPN, The Athletic and the BBC about the agreement Tuesday. Fernandez, who joined the Blues from Benfica in 2023, totaled 10 goals and four ****** ists over 36 appearances during the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
He played for 26 minutes during the Blues' season-opening 3-2 win over Fulham on Aug. 24 in London. He did not play Thursday in a Carabao Cup win over Luton Town or in the Blues' second Premier League game, a 4-3 win over Brighton on Sunday in London.
The 25-year-old totaled two goals over seven appearances for Argentina during the 2026 World Cup. His $169 million transfer fee ties the Premier League record, which was set last summer when Liverpool acquired Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Manchester City sits atop the Premier League, at 2-0. The Sky Blues will host Coventry in the third match of their 2026-27 Premier League campaign at 10 a.m. EDT Saturday in Manchester.
#premier #league #fernandez #totaled
Sources told ESPN, The Athletic and the BBC about the agreement Tuesday. Fernandez, who joined the Blues from Benfica in 2023, totaled 10 goals and four ****** ists over 36 appearances during the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
He played for 26 minutes during the Blues' season-opening 3-2 win over Fulham on Aug. 24 in London. He did not play Thursday in a Carabao Cup win over Luton Town or in the Blues' second Premier League game, a 4-3 win over Brighton on Sunday in London.
The 25-year-old totaled two goals over seven appearances for Argentina during the 2026 World Cup. His $169 million transfer fee ties the Premier League record, which was set last summer when Liverpool acquired Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Manchester City sits atop the Premier League, at 2-0. The Sky Blues will host Coventry in the third match of their 2026-27 Premier League campaign at 10 a.m. EDT Saturday in Manchester.
#premier #league #fernandez #totaled
15 days ago
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to sign Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo on a permanent transfer, according to David Ornstein.
He is now set to undergo a medical with Spurs, and personal terms have already been agreed.
The 28-year-old is set to become their ninth signing of the summer as Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi continues to reshape his squad.
Adarabioyo gives Spurs another experienced option at centre-back, after Kevin Danso indicated that he wants to leave the club.
Adarabioyo has now made 116 Premier League appearances across Manchester City, Fulham and Chelsea.
#adarabioyo #back #david
He is now set to undergo a medical with Spurs, and personal terms have already been agreed.
The 28-year-old is set to become their ninth signing of the summer as Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi continues to reshape his squad.
Adarabioyo gives Spurs another experienced option at centre-back, after Kevin Danso indicated that he wants to leave the club.
Adarabioyo has now made 116 Premier League appearances across Manchester City, Fulham and Chelsea.
#adarabioyo #back #david
16 days ago
Everton are actively exploring a deal to bring Jack Grealish back to Merseyside, with discussions under way with Manchester City over another loan move, according to The Athletic. It is a development that fits into a wider and increasingly busy summer for David Moyes, as the club continue shaping their squad for the new campaign at Hill ****** inson Stadium.
Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton and, despite a campaign disrupted by the foot injury he suffered in January, there has remained an appetite inside the club to revisit the arrangement. The 30-year-old managed 22 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and six ****** ists before the stress fracture halted his momentum. That output only tells part of the story, with Everton valuing his ability to carry the ball, draw pressure and bring control in advanced areas.
The timing is notable. Everton's wide options are in flux, and several moving parts around the market appear to be influencing this conversation. Earlier in the window, City held interest in Iliman Ndiaye, while Everton were keen on a structure that could have aided Grealish's return. Since then, the picture has shifted, with Tottenham now moving towards Ndiaye and City focusing attention elsewhere in the attacking market.
That leaves Everton pressing on with a route that may still be achievable if the financial terms are workable. Grealish has featured only briefly since returning to City, appearing from the bench in the Community Shield defeat to ****** nal and the Premier League win over Bournemouth, before then being left out of the squad entirely for the victory at Crystal Palace. Read in context, that tends to suggest his place in Pep Guardiola's plans remains uncertain.
There is broader context here too. City have already sanctioned major changes in their squad, and movement in attacking positions has been substantial. Everton, meanwhile, are not standing still. A deal in principle has been reached for Richarlison to return, while the club have also looked into Fulham right-back Kenny Tete as they continue to ****** s solutions in defence.
#deal
Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton and, despite a campaign disrupted by the foot injury he suffered in January, there has remained an appetite inside the club to revisit the arrangement. The 30-year-old managed 22 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and six ****** ists before the stress fracture halted his momentum. That output only tells part of the story, with Everton valuing his ability to carry the ball, draw pressure and bring control in advanced areas.
The timing is notable. Everton's wide options are in flux, and several moving parts around the market appear to be influencing this conversation. Earlier in the window, City held interest in Iliman Ndiaye, while Everton were keen on a structure that could have aided Grealish's return. Since then, the picture has shifted, with Tottenham now moving towards Ndiaye and City focusing attention elsewhere in the attacking market.
That leaves Everton pressing on with a route that may still be achievable if the financial terms are workable. Grealish has featured only briefly since returning to City, appearing from the bench in the Community Shield defeat to ****** nal and the Premier League win over Bournemouth, before then being left out of the squad entirely for the victory at Crystal Palace. Read in context, that tends to suggest his place in Pep Guardiola's plans remains uncertain.
There is broader context here too. City have already sanctioned major changes in their squad, and movement in attacking positions has been substantial. Everton, meanwhile, are not standing still. A deal in principle has been reached for Richarlison to return, while the club have also looked into Fulham right-back Kenny Tete as they continue to ****** s solutions in defence.
#deal
16 days ago
Our weekly Premier League Team of the Week is back for another edition. From impressive debutants to players already in red-hot scoring form, we've selected the best-performing XI from the second round of Premier League fixtures. Who made the cut?
Consecutive clean sheets in what has been a dream start to the season forHull City and their new goalkeeper. The Greek international got down low to brilliantly stop Taiwo Awoniyi's effort in a match-winning moment for The Tigers.
A terrific start to his Newcastle career. After two ***** ists in the League Cup in midweek, Dedic was impressive again as the Magpies won at Tottenham Hotspur.
The Bosnian was a brilliant outlet and set up Anthony Elanga's opener after another adventurous run, while staying solid defensively with five clearances, five recoveries and 4/5 ground duels won.
Mukiele made his mark on his return to theSunderland side with a string of defensive contributions as Regis Le Bris' side got up and running for the season with a win. The Frenchman made a massive 14 clearances on route to a clean sheet against Fulham, and did not lose a single ground duel.
#league #five
Consecutive clean sheets in what has been a dream start to the season forHull City and their new goalkeeper. The Greek international got down low to brilliantly stop Taiwo Awoniyi's effort in a match-winning moment for The Tigers.
A terrific start to his Newcastle career. After two ***** ists in the League Cup in midweek, Dedic was impressive again as the Magpies won at Tottenham Hotspur.
The Bosnian was a brilliant outlet and set up Anthony Elanga's opener after another adventurous run, while staying solid defensively with five clearances, five recoveries and 4/5 ground duels won.
Mukiele made his mark on his return to theSunderland side with a string of defensive contributions as Regis Le Bris' side got up and running for the season with a win. The Frenchman made a massive 14 clearances on route to a clean sheet against Fulham, and did not lose a single ground duel.
#league #five
16 days ago
Nordi Mukiele was simply incredible.
I'm not sure if I just haven't seen him at centre half for a while and forgot that that's what he always does, but he didn't give Fulham a sniff.
Strong, fast, incisive and an incredible leader…it's great to see him back in arguably his best position (he's just great everywhere).
A rare criticism that I think could've been levelled at the lads last week was their overall application.
It's hard to say whether it was tiredness or attitude, but I'm happy to say that this wasn't the case yesterday.
#mukiele #strong #simply #sure
I'm not sure if I just haven't seen him at centre half for a while and forgot that that's what he always does, but he didn't give Fulham a sniff.
Strong, fast, incisive and an incredible leader…it's great to see him back in arguably his best position (he's just great everywhere).
A rare criticism that I think could've been levelled at the lads last week was their overall application.
It's hard to say whether it was tiredness or attitude, but I'm happy to say that this wasn't the case yesterday.
#mukiele #strong #simply #sure
16 days ago
Chelsea set a record low in yesterday's high-scoring 4-3 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, possessing the ball just 25 per cent of the time. Apparently, it's our lowest recorded possession stat in a Premier League game, since such things started to be counted in 2003-04.
Opta's one-word tag at the end of their tweet was "methodology", which might imply that this will be a common thing for the Blues under Xabi Alonso. We lost the possession battle last Monday, too, against Fulham, though that was a bit more even, at a roughly 40-60 split. But Alonso disagrees with the notion that this is part of any sort of overriding tactical approach. Instead, it's just one of the tools in our shed (end), ready to be deployed when the game, or situations in a game, call for it.
The overriding philosophy instead is one that harkens back to the previous era of Chelsea Football Club.
"I want to win, whatever it takes to win and each game can be different so we need to prepare for the best, we need to train for the best and be prepared for whatever scenario we have."
In an age when practically every top team wants to play possession-based high-pressing football that struggles against compact low blocks with endlessly boring u-shape passing around the box, it's been quite refreshing to see Chelsea go more direct. Turns out, you can pass forward whenever you want! And you probably should! And you also don't need to play it short from a goal kick either just to invite all the pressure; you can simply bypass all that and boot it up to your complete striker to knock it down or create for himself. Football doesn't have to be complicated: if you can be faster and stronger than the other guy, you already have an advantage.
#Chelsea #instead
Opta's one-word tag at the end of their tweet was "methodology", which might imply that this will be a common thing for the Blues under Xabi Alonso. We lost the possession battle last Monday, too, against Fulham, though that was a bit more even, at a roughly 40-60 split. But Alonso disagrees with the notion that this is part of any sort of overriding tactical approach. Instead, it's just one of the tools in our shed (end), ready to be deployed when the game, or situations in a game, call for it.
The overriding philosophy instead is one that harkens back to the previous era of Chelsea Football Club.
"I want to win, whatever it takes to win and each game can be different so we need to prepare for the best, we need to train for the best and be prepared for whatever scenario we have."
In an age when practically every top team wants to play possession-based high-pressing football that struggles against compact low blocks with endlessly boring u-shape passing around the box, it's been quite refreshing to see Chelsea go more direct. Turns out, you can pass forward whenever you want! And you probably should! And you also don't need to play it short from a goal kick either just to invite all the pressure; you can simply bypass all that and boot it up to your complete striker to knock it down or create for himself. Football doesn't have to be complicated: if you can be faster and stronger than the other guy, you already have an advantage.
#Chelsea #instead
17 days ago
Man Utd v Ipswich up next - team news as Rashford starts
Chelsea beat Brighton in seven-goal thriller - read how the players rated
Reports: Isidor gives Sunderland win over Fulham | Leeds and Brentford draw
Transfer latest as window shuts on Tuesday
Highlights and ******* ysis from Saturday's games | Play our Match of the Day predictor game
#Chelsea #brighton #fulham #leeds
Chelsea beat Brighton in seven-goal thriller - read how the players rated
Reports: Isidor gives Sunderland win over Fulham | Leeds and Brentford draw
Transfer latest as window shuts on Tuesday
Highlights and ******* ysis from Saturday's games | Play our Match of the Day predictor game
#Chelsea #brighton #fulham #leeds
17 days ago
Sunderland edged Fulham 1-0 at the Stadium of Light in Premier League action, with the only goal of the game arriving in the 75th minute. Wilson Isidor broke the deadlock with a right-footed finish from the centre of the box, after Habib Diarra had supplied the **** ist.
The home side were not dominant in possession, ending the match with 43% to Fulham's 57%, but they were more threatening in the final third. Sunderland registered 11 shots and three on target, compared with Fulham's six attempts and no shots on target, according to the match statistics.
Chance quality also leaned slightly towards Sunderland, who finished with 1.11 expected goals against Fulham's 0.36. The hosts also matched their opponents on corners, with three each, as they made their pressure count when it mattered most.
For Sunderland, the goal marked a first in the competition for Isidor, while Diarra registered his first **** ist. It was enough to secure all three points in a narrow but efficient victory.
Sunderland Official Line-ups:
#isidor #assist #match #target
The home side were not dominant in possession, ending the match with 43% to Fulham's 57%, but they were more threatening in the final third. Sunderland registered 11 shots and three on target, compared with Fulham's six attempts and no shots on target, according to the match statistics.
Chance quality also leaned slightly towards Sunderland, who finished with 1.11 expected goals against Fulham's 0.36. The hosts also matched their opponents on corners, with three each, as they made their pressure count when it mattered most.
For Sunderland, the goal marked a first in the competition for Isidor, while Diarra registered his first **** ist. It was enough to secure all three points in a narrow but efficient victory.
Sunderland Official Line-ups:
#isidor #assist #match #target
17 days ago
Another day, another suitor for Iliman Ndiaye. In today's version, it's Tottenham Hotspur who have reached an agreement in principle with Everton for the Senegal international for a fee of about £60 million.
In his comments yesterday after Spurs sunk to their second consecutive league defeat to start the season, Roberto De Zerbi indicated that Richarlison had asked to leave the club 'many times', and now that will be allowed with a move to the Toffees accepted for about £35 million.
There had been a hue and cry when Everton had been forced to sell Richarlison quickly to Spurs a few years ago for £60m to balance the books at the end of the financial year, when his performances saving Everton from relegation demanded more. Now it looks like the Toffees are selling another forward in his prime for lower than his market value, and to add insult to injury, are overpaying for the Brazilian to return too given how his career has tailed off with injuries and the like.
As of this afternoon the Toffees appear to still be working on a loan for Jack Grealish, close to making a move for right back Kenny Tete from Fulham, and also have an interest in USMNT striker Folarin Balogun. Beto appears to be headed to Fiorentina and Adam Aznou on loan to Malaga.
This latest round of transfer rumours basically indicates that Everton are shifting into "win now" mode with adding older, Premier League-proven players. The concern will be that at the end of the year with David Moyes' contract up, the next manager could get saddled with the debt.
#like
In his comments yesterday after Spurs sunk to their second consecutive league defeat to start the season, Roberto De Zerbi indicated that Richarlison had asked to leave the club 'many times', and now that will be allowed with a move to the Toffees accepted for about £35 million.
There had been a hue and cry when Everton had been forced to sell Richarlison quickly to Spurs a few years ago for £60m to balance the books at the end of the financial year, when his performances saving Everton from relegation demanded more. Now it looks like the Toffees are selling another forward in his prime for lower than his market value, and to add insult to injury, are overpaying for the Brazilian to return too given how his career has tailed off with injuries and the like.
As of this afternoon the Toffees appear to still be working on a loan for Jack Grealish, close to making a move for right back Kenny Tete from Fulham, and also have an interest in USMNT striker Folarin Balogun. Beto appears to be headed to Fiorentina and Adam Aznou on loan to Malaga.
This latest round of transfer rumours basically indicates that Everton are shifting into "win now" mode with adding older, Premier League-proven players. The concern will be that at the end of the year with David Moyes' contract up, the next manager could get saddled with the debt.
#like