Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol explains why Andrew Robertson was guilty of a foul for his challenge on Napoli’s Jose Callejon. Virgil van Dijk insists there will be no hangover from Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to Napoli as there is no reason for panic following their first loss of the season. The champions of Europe
English Premier League
The FC crew debate what exactly Ross Barkley’s Chelsea teammates were telling him before his missed penalty against Valencia in the Champions League. ESPN’s Alexis Nunes and Julien Laurens discuss the positive impacts Chelsea’s transfer ban has had on the club. Tammy Abraham scored three times, as Chelsea put up five to down Wolverhampton 5-2
Roberto Pereyra’s converted penalty brought Watford back from their two-goal deficit, to force a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Vicarage Road. Arsenal skipper Granit Xhaka accused his teammates of being scared after the Gunners threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Watford in the Premier League on Sunday. Victory would have put Arsenal
ESPN FC’s Steve Nicol details how Marcus Rashford has transformed into the most important piece of the puzzle at Manchester United. Manchester United have signed defender Victor Lindelof to a long-term contract that will keep him at the club at least until June 2024, the club announced on Wednesday. The deal includes an option to
Steve Nicol explains why Manchester City’s defence is likely to cost them more points this season without Aymeric Laporte. ESPN FC’s Don Hutchison breaks down Manchester City’s defensive struggles without Aymeric Laporte in their 3-2 loss at Norwich City. In the upset of the season so far, Norwich City delivered a shocking blow to Manchester
Two big questions were posed about the Premier League title race over the weekend: Can Liverpool maintain their incredible form, and just how far off the pace can Manchester City allow themselves to fall? If the answer to the first question is “yes,” then “not much further” would seem to be the obvious response to
Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola insists he will continue to back his players after they believed in him during his first season in charge. ESPN’s Alexis Nunes and Julien Laurens discuss the factors that will make or break Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes. Steve Nicol explains why Manchester City’s defence is likely to cost them more
The FC crew discuss Harry Kane’s recent attempts to initiate contact in the penalty area, including his collision with Sokratis in the North London derby. After Watford parted ways with Javi Garcia, the FC crew assess the chances that Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino could leave his post this season. Alexis Nunes is joined by Julien Laurens
ESPN FC’s Sid Lowe analyzes how Eden Hazard changes the feel for Real Madrid and gives them creativity and speed. Shaka Hislop explains what he thinks would be the only scenario that Virgi van Dijk leaves Liverpool for a club like Barcelona or Real Madrid. Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Gareth Bale all miss out on
Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati is the name on everyone’s lips after the 16-year-old continued to write history in La Liga this weekend, following a start to the season that no one saw coming. The Bissau-born youngster has already broken records this season after stepping into an unexpectedly prominent role at Barca. He became the club’s
Roberto Pereyra’s converted penalty brought Watford back from their two-goal deficit, to force a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Vicarage Road. Shaka Hislop slams Unai Emery for his lack of leadership and Arsenal for their calamitous play out of the back in their draw against Watford. The Toe Poke Daily is here every day to
ESPN FC’s Alejandro Moreno joins Ross Dyer to react to Chelsea’s thumping 5-2 win at Wolves which included a hat trick from Tammy Abraham. Brian McBride feels Mason Mount’s time with Frank Lampard at Derby has given him an early advantage over Christian Pulisic. Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount speaks to the media ahead of England’s
Marcus Rashford converted an early penalty to help a depleted Manchester United side fend off Leicester City at Old Trafford. Alejandro Moreno feels the current version of Manchester United can only grind out wins and doesn’t intimidate other Premier League sides. Steve Nicol explains how much blame should be placed on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after
2:21 PM ET Manchester City fell five points behind Liverpool at the top of the table after a shock 3-2 defeat at Norwich. Kenny McLean gave Daniel Farke’s men a surprise lead before the hosts reached dreamland territory as Todd Cantwell added another. Sergio Aguero nodded in to reduce the deficit in first half stoppage
Kenny McLean, Todd Cantwell and Teemu Pukki were enough to secure a 3-2 victory for the Canaries, who produced an incredible display to deliver an early blow to City’s title ambitions. Positives As expected, the reigning champions dictated possession for large periods of the game. After a poor first 45, City played with greater intensity
There are plenty of ifs and buts in every season, but just imagine if Paul Pogba had not missed that penalty for Manchester United at Wolves last month and left it to Marcus Rashford to maintain his — at that point — flawless record from the spot. If Rashford had stepped up and scored at
Craig Burley and Steve Nicol have different opinions on the significance of Aymeric Laporte’s injury to the Premier League title race. ESPN FC’s Shaka Hislop explains how Lionel Messi could add to his already historic career by reuniting with Pep Guardiola at Man City. After Michael Keane and Harry Maguire surrendered three goals against Kosovo,
MALPAS, England — Michael Owen laughs a lot. It’s one of the first things you notice when you are in the company of the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United forward. The common perception of Owen is that he is, and always has been, an extreme version of the modern-day sportsman who has been
With international break over, The Exploding Heads predict Liverpool vs. Newcastle and ruin some cake in the process. Craig Burley and Steve Nicol have different opinions on the significance of Aymeric Laporte’s injury to the Premier League title race. Shaka Hislop examines whether or not Raheem Sterling has what it takes to become an elite
ESPN FC’s Paul Mariner gives a quick recap of a back and forth North London Derby that ended in a 2-2 draw. Henrikh Mkhitaryan expresses how he hopes to turn a new leaf with AS Roma after “hard times” at Arsenal. Frank Leboeuf joins ESPN FC to discuss Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi ahead of a