Welcome to The Briefing, where every Monday during this season The Athletic will discuss three of the biggest questions to arise from the weekend’s Premier League football. This was the weekend when Aston Villa closed in on the Champions League places, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace shared as many red cards as goals, Arsenal slipped up…
“Always I have to be careful for the respect for the players that have played incredible roles, but there’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest for sure,” said Pep Guardiola of Kevin De Bruyne’s impending exit from Manchester City. De Bruyne’s impact at City since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015 has been huge, with…
As the Tube doors jolt open at Putney Bridge, a gruff cry of “eaaaaagles” echoes down the platform. It is only 10am but the mood is of boisterous anticipation for what could lie ahead. By 2pm, these people could be having an unforgettable experience. A young couple bemoan not having remembered there’s a football match…
Manchester United players react after losing a penalty shootout against Fulham. (AP Photo) Manchester United‘s FA Cup title defense ended in disappointment with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out loss to Fulham in the fifth round on Sunday. The match at Old Trafford saw Calvin Bassey score first for Fulham in the first half, followed by Bruno…
On February 6, 2023, Manchester City were charged by the Premier League with more than 100 breaches of the competition’s rules. As champions in six of the past seven seasons, the eventual verdict of an independent commission will have a seismic impact on the Premier League, regardless of which way their decision goes. Each of…
A sharp, anxious intake of breath, followed by a round of applause that carries a mixture of quiet admiration and, more than anything, relief. On other occasions, it ends with supporters shaking their heads and asking why. We are talking about the crowd reaction to — and I’m borrowing this description from a colleague who…
You may have seen the clips going viral on social media. The fans watching sporting events indoors, on a huge screen that makes them feel as though they are in the stadium of their choice. It’s a venue that has been frequented by the likes of Hollywood actor Danny DeVito and has transformed the way…
Mikel Arteta has provided a fresh injury update ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League clash with AS Monaco, following his side’s 1-1 draw against Fulham on Sunday. The Gunners were without key players Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Riccardo Calafiori for the trip to Craven Cottage, and Arteta hopes the trio will be fit to…
Suspended Premier League referee David Coote is being investigated by the Football Association (FA) following allegations he discussed issuing a yellow card with a friend before a match. The allegations were first reported in UK newspaper The Sun on Tuesday night and relate to a booking received by Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski from Coote during…