Mauricio Pochettino was finally named the new head coach of the United States men's national team...

<p>Mauricio Pochettino was finally named the new head coach of the United States men's national team on Tuesday.</p><p>The Argentine tactician - who's overseen Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea - signed a contract that will see him "lead the team into the FIFA World Cup 2026 on home soil," the U.S. Soccer Federation <a href="https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/09/mauricio-pochettino-named-head-coach-us-mens-national-team">said</a> in a statement.</p><p>The United States will co-host the 2026 event with Canada and Mexico.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>His contract runs for two years, <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40999064/mauricio-pochettino-usa-men-head-coach-fifa-world-cup-2026">Jeff Carlisle of ESPN</a> reports. He'll be officially unveiled Friday, and his first match in charge of the team is expected to be the friendly against Panama on Oct. 12.</p><p>The 52-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3054166" href="https://thescore.com/news/3054166">reportedly</a> accepted the USMNT role almost a month ago. One of the factors that may have delayed his appointment was Pochettino needing to reach a severance agreement with Chelsea, the club he left in May after one season at the helm.</p><p>Pochettino succeeds Gregg Berhalter, who was fired after the United States' disappointing group-stage exit at this year's Copa America.</p><p>"Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams," said U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker, who spearheaded the search for Berhalter's replacement. "His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad. We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage."</p><p>Pochettino, who has worked with the likes of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsm/players/14263" href="https://thescore.com/olymsm/players/14263">Neymar</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/17427" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/17427">Harry Kane</a> during his managerial career, said the national team's "hunger to achieve something truly historic" attracted him to the position.</p><p>"I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we're going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of," he added.</p><p>Pochettino will earn $6 million per year, according to Carlisle. That makes him the highest-paid coach in USMNT history. He's also the first foreign bench boss to lead the team since Jurgen Klinsmann.</p><p>The U.S. Soccer Federation said that Pochettino's appointment was supported "in significant part by a philanthropic leadership gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst."</p>

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Chelsea, arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on May 19, 2024 in London, England.

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Pochettino named USMNT coach through 2026 World Cup

Jannik Sinner owned the hard courts in 2024.  The World No. 1 defeated Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///atp/players/9576" href="https://thescore.com/atp/players/9576">Jannik Sinner</a> owned the hard courts in 2024.</p><p>The World No. 1 defeated <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///atp/players/9298" href="https://thescore.com/atp/players/9298">Taylor Fritz</a> 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 on Sunday to win the US Open and bookend a brilliant year with his second Grand Slam title. The Italian opened the season by claiming the Australian Open crown - another hard-court event - and closed it out by using his relentless ball-striking to keep Fritz from ending a 21-year major title drought for American men.</p><p>In doing so, Sinner accomplished something that hasn't been done in nearly 50 years, becoming the third man in the Open Era to win the first two Grand Slam titles of his career in the same year. The last player to match that achievement was Guillermo Vilas in 1977.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Fritz, meanwhile, was looking to become the first American man to lift a Grand Slam trophy since Andy Roddick accomplished the feat at Flushing Meadows in 2003. An American man hadn't even reached the final of a major since 2009, when Roddick lost to Roger Federer at Wimbledon.</p><p>The crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium was acutely aware, too. </p><p>But Fritz, the No. 12 seed who beat compatriot <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///atp/players/9262" href="https://thescore.com/atp/players/9262">Frances Tiafoe</a> to reach the title match, was unable to channel the energy of the eager fans who were desperate to cheer him on and break out into "U-S-A" chants. On the couple of occasions where the hard-serving Californian did seem to be generating some momentum - like when he broke Sinner to take a lead in the third set - the Italian quickly shut it down with his clinical execution from the baseline.</p><p>Sinner, exonerated in a doping case that emerged in March but was revealed just days before the US Open began, recovered quickly after going behind in the third set, staying consistent and pouncing whenever Fritz left even the smallest opening in a rally.</p><p>The American had an opportunity to close out the set serving at 5-4, but Sinner, who moved Fritz all around the court throughout the match, broke to stay alive in the set. Not long after, he broke again to win the title.</p><p>"This title, for me, means so much," Sinner said after the match, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-open-2024-live-updates-sinner-fritz-13448c797be1d9a94b82f43f6c068aa9">Howard Fendrich of The Associated Press</a>. "The last period of my career was really not easy."</p><p>He added: "We just went day by day ... believing in ourself, which is the most important. I understand, especially in this tournament, how important the mental part is."</p><p>Sinner extended his winning streak to 11 matches and boosted his record to 55-5 on the year with Sunday's triumph.</p><p>That includes a 35-2 mark on hard courts, highlighting his dominance on the surface that has delivered the two major titles of his ascendant career thus far.</p><p>"It's really impressive," Fritz said of his 23-year-old opponent. "He was too good."</p>

Italy's Jannik Sinner kisses the trophy after winning his men's final match against USA's Taylor Fritz on day fourteen of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, on September 8, 2024.

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Sinner beats Fritz to win US Open and claim 2nd Grand Slam of 2024

The drought is over.  San Marino tasted victory for the first time in 20 years, defeating Liechte...

<p>The drought is over.</p><p>San Marino tasted victory for the first time in 20 years, defeating Liechtenstein 1-0 in the opening match of its 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign.</p><p>Sitting 210th - last place - in the men's FIFA rankings, San Marino went into Thursday's game with a single previous win in its history, a friendly triumph over the same opponent in April 2004. That was 7,436 days ago.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The landlocked nation, enclaved by northeastern Italy, had never before won a competitive fixture.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇸🇲 SAN MARINO WIN A GAME FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 20+ YEARS &amp; A COMPETITIVE MATCH FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!!!<br><br>History is made as the worst team in the FIFA rankings (210th) finally end the longest winless run in international football history (140 games dating back to April 2004)!!! <a href="https://t.co/xbB3M2WQUE">pic.twitter.com/xbB3M2WQUE</a></p>— The Sweeper (@SweeperPod) <a href="https://twitter.com/SweeperPod/status/1831795156288466981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleagued/players/206634" href="https://thescore.com/natleagued/players/206634">Nicko Sensoli</a>, a 19-year-old midfielder who plays in the semiprofessional fourth tier of Italian soccer, scored the only goal of Thursday's contest, pouncing on a defensive error and finding the net in the 53rd minute to deliver the historic result.</p><p>Liechtenstein, ranked 199th in the world, pushed for a late equalizer deep into stoppage time but couldn't find the goal it needed to extend San Marino's winless streak.</p><p>The final whistle was greeted by jubilation on the pitch and in the stadium as San Marino celebrated its first win in 140 games.</p>

San Marino, San Marino - September 5: Dante Rossi of San Marino and Ferhat Saglam of Liechtenstein compete for the ball during the UEFA Nations League 2024/2025 League D - Group 1 match between San Marino and Liechtenstein at San Marino Stadium on September 5, 2024 in San Marino, San Marino.

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San Marino, world's lowest-ranked team, wins 1st match in 20 years

If there were any lingering doubts, a changing of the guard is truly taking place in men's soccer...

<p>If there were any lingering doubts, a changing of the guard is truly taking place in men's soccer.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a>, the Ballon d'Or holder and record eight-time recipient of the sport's most prestigious individual award, was not among the 30 nominees announced Wednesday for the 2024 honor. With <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguea/players/1310" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguea/players/1310">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> also omitted - as he was last year - this marks the first time since 2003 that neither global megastar has been in contention for the coveted trophy.</p><p>Instead, the men's list of finalists is unsurprisingly dominated by Real Madrid players, including the likes of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcqcon/players/101248" href="https://thescore.com/wcqcon/players/101248">Vinicius Junior</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/161381" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/161381">Jude Bellingham</a>, and new signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguea/players/66967" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguea/players/66967">Kylian Mbappe</a>. Spain and England are also well-represented after reaching the Euro 2024 final - which Spain won - with midfield maestro <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguea/players/67114" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguea/players/67114">Rodri</a> a strong contender for the award.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The winner will be announced during a ceremony on Oct. 28 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.</p><h3>2024 Men's Ballon d'Or nominees</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Country</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jude Bellingham</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Phil Foden</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Federico Valverde</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>Uruguay</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Emiliano Martinez</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>Argentina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ruben Dias</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>Portugal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Erling Haaland</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>Norway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nico Williams</td>
<td>Athletic Bilbao</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Granit Xhaka</td>
<td>Bayer Leverkusen</td>
<td>Switzerland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Artem Dovbyk</td>
<td>Roma/Girona</td>
<td>Ukraine</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Toni Kroos</td>
<td>Real Madrid (retired)</td>
<td>Germany (retired)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vinicius Junior</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dani Olmo</td>
<td>Barcelona/RB Leipzig</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Florian Wirtz</td>
<td>Bayer Leverkusen</td>
<td>Germany</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Martin Odegaard</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>Norway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mats Hummels</td>
<td>Roma/Borussia Dortmund</td>
<td>Germany</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rodri</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Harry Kane</td>
<td>Bayern Munich</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Declan Rice</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vitinha</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>Portugal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cole Palmer</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dani Carvajal</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamine Yamal</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bukayo Saka</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hakan Calhanoglu</td>
<td>Inter Milan</td>
<td>Turkey</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>William Saliba</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kylian Mbappe</td>
<td>Real Madrid/PSG</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lautaro Martinez</td>
<td>Inter Milan</td>
<td>Argentina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ademola Lookman</td>
<td>Atalanta</td>
<td>Nigeria</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Antonio Rudiger</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>Germany</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alejandro Grimaldo</td>
<td>Bayer Leverkusen</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>2024 Women's Ballon d'Or nominees</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122471" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122471">Aitana Bonmati</a>, last year's winner, headlines the list of nominees for the Ballon d'Or Feminin, which was first handed out in 2018. The Spanish superstar will face tough competition from a handful of Americans after the United States captured the biggest prize in women's soccer this year by winning gold at the Paris Olympics. Standout forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/199754" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/199754">Trinity Rodman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122549" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122549">Mallory Swanson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/199760" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/199760">Sophia Smith</a> are all in the running.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Country</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Aitana Bonmati</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Barbra Banda</td>
<td>Orlando Pride/Shanghai RCB</td>
<td>Zambia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tarciane</td>
<td>Houston Dash/Corinthians</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lauren Hemp</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trinity Rodman</td>
<td>Washington Spirit</td>
<td>United States</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ada Hegerberg</td>
<td>Lyon</td>
<td>Norway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Manuela Giugliano</td>
<td>Roma</td>
<td>Italy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mallory Swanson</td>
<td>Chicago Red Stars</td>
<td>United States</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Glodis Viggosdottir</td>
<td>Bayern Munich</td>
<td>Iceland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mariona Caldentey</td>
<td>Arsenal/Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lauren James</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lea Schuller</td>
<td>Bayern Munich</td>
<td>Germany</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patricia Guijarro</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gabi Portilho</td>
<td>Corinthians</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tabitha Chawinga</td>
<td>Lyon/PSG</td>
<td>Malawi</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Caroline Graham Hansen</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Norway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lindsey Horan</td>
<td>Lyon</td>
<td>United States</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sjoeke Nusken</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>Germany</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yui Hasegawa</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>Japan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lucy Bronze</td>
<td>Chelsea/Barcelona</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Salma Paralluelo</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giulia Gwinn</td>
<td>Bayern Munich</td>
<td>Germany</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Khadija Shaw</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>Jamaica</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Grace Geyoro</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alexia Putellas</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sophia Smith</td>
<td>Portland Thorns</td>
<td>United States</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ewa Pajor</td>
<td>Barcelona/Wolfsburg</td>
<td>Poland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alyssa Naeher</td>
<td>Chicago Red Stars</td>
<td>United States</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mayra Ramirez</td>
<td>Chelsea/Levante</td>
<td>Colombia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marie-Antoinette Katoto</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Kopa Trophy nominees</h3><p>Awarded to the game's best player under 21 years of age, the Kopa Trophy could once again go to a Spanish-based youngster after Bellingham, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/183656" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/183656">Gavi</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguea/players/164223" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguea/players/164223">Pedri</a> took home the last three editions. Barcelona sensation <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguea/players/193783" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguea/players/193783">Lamine Yamal</a> is the front-runner after backing up his breakout season at club level by playing a critical role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph. Victory for the 17-year-old would signal the third time a Barcelona player has taken home the honor since this piece of hardware was introduced in 2018.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Country</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Pau Cubarsi</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alejandro Garnacho</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>Argentina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arda Guler</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>Turkey</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karim Konate</td>
<td>Red Bull Salzburg</td>
<td>Ivory Coast</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kobbie Mainoo</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joao Neves</td>
<td>PSG/Benfica</td>
<td>Portugal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Savinho</td>
<td>Manchester City/Girona</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mathys Tel</td>
<td>Bayern Munich</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamine Yamal</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Warren Zaire-Emery</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Yachine Trophy nominees</h3><p>Named after the iconic Lev Yashin - the only goalkeeper to ever win the Ballon d'Or when he accomplished the feat in 1963 - the Yachine Trophy goes to the game's top shot-stopper. Current holder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcqcon/players/49561" href="https://thescore.com/wcqcon/players/49561">Emiliano Martinez</a> will be a strong contender once again after backstopping Argentina to victory at the Copa America this summer.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Country</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Diogo Costa</td>
<td>FC Porto</td>
<td>Portugal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gianluigi Donnarumma</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>Italy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gregor Kobel</td>
<td>Borussia Dortmund</td>
<td>Switzerland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andriy Lunin</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>Ukraine</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Maignan</td>
<td>AC Milan</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giorgi Mamardashvili</td>
<td>Valencia</td>
<td>Georgia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Emiliano Martinez</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>Argentina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Unai Simon</td>
<td>Athletic Bilbao</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yann Sommer</td>
<td>Inter Milan</td>
<td>Switzerland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ronwen Williams</td>
<td>Mamelodi Sundowns</td>
<td>South Africa</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Best coach</h3><p>Nominees were also announced Wednesday for the top coaches in the game. A collection of decorated tacticians highlight the list on both the men's and women's sides. It will be interesting to see how the voters weigh club accomplishments compared to success at the international level after a year in which the latter was so prominent.</p><p><strong>Men's team coach of the year</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Coach</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Carlo Ancelotti</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xabi Alonso</td>
<td>Bayer Leverkusen</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luis de la Fuente</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gian Piero Gasperini</td>
<td>Atalanta</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pep Guardiola</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lionel Scaloni</td>
<td>Argentina</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Women's team coach of the year</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Coach</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Sonia Bompastor</td>
<td>Chelsea/Lyon</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arthur Elias</td>
<td>Brazil/Corinthians</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jonatan Giraldez</td>
<td>Washington Spirit/Barcelona</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Filipa Patao</td>
<td>Benfica</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sarina Wiegman</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Emma Hayes</td>
<td>United States/Chelsea</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

MIAMI, FL - JULY 14: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina during the Copa America 2024 Final game between Colombia and Argentina at Hard Rock Stadium on July 14, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

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Messi omitted as Real Madrid, Spain stars headline Ballon d'Or nominees

Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developmen...

<p><em>Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developments and biggest talking points to emerge from the slate of matches. Below, we dissect Matchweek 3 of the 2024-25 season.</em></p><h3>Casemiro's very bad day 😬</h3><p>Manuel Ugarte can't step into Manchester United's midfield soon enough.</p><p>Casemiro, the man Ugarte will likely replace in Erik ten Hag's starting lineup after the upcoming international break, delivered an all-time stinker in Sunday's 3-0 loss to Liverpool at Old Trafford. The Brazilian gave the ball away with a weak pass that created Liverpool's first goal, and he lost possession in his own half to gift the Reds their second tally seven minutes later. The home crowd audibly groaned whenever he had the ball, especially as he turned it over or put it out of play aimlessly just about every time he touched it. Mercifully, he was substituted at halftime. Casemiro was so bad, in fact, that Ten Hag felt Toby Collyer, a 20-year-old without a Premier League minute to his name, gave his team a better chance coming out of the break.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Casemiro may as well have been playing <em>for</em> Liverpool on Sunday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Liverpool have found the number six they needed - Casemiro</p>— Graham Ruthven (@grahamruthven) <a href="https://twitter.com/grahamruthven/status/1830270309918003253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Questions about whether it was wise to spend upward of £60 million on an aging midfielder were justified when Manchester United signed Casemiro two years ago. That fee and contract were always going to age poorly. But even the biggest skeptic couldn't have envisioned the five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid falling off a cliff like this. At only 32, he looks incapable of even moving around the pitch.</p><p>A drop in his performances was inevitable. Age, yes, but he was also leaving a fine-tuned Madrid midfield where he, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos had an intrinsic understanding of their respective roles, built over several years. There's none of that cohesion at Old Trafford, where Manchester United are an objectively worse team. Still, his rapid decline has been tough to watch.</p><p>Ugarte won't fix everything by himself - United's issues are structural and deep-rooted, and Ten Hag, despite ample time, has proven incapable of actually fixing them - but at the very least, he can't be this bad.</p><h3>Quick free-kicks 📝</h3><p><strong>Rice caught red-handed</strong>: The most controversial moment of the weekend saw Declan Rice sent off for his role in a bizarre sequence when he deliberately poked the ball away from Brighton's Joel Veltman, who was trying to take a quick free-kick in Saturday's 1-1 draw. The ball gone, Veltman instead kicked Rice, who ended up on the ground writhing in pain. It got worse seconds later when he was shown a second yellow for delaying play, something officials have been instructed to enforce more severely this season. Mikel Arteta's anger was understandable, as were his calls for consistency with decisions, but, ultimately, the call to send Rice off was correct, even if the manner in which it happened was unusual. The influential midfielder will now be suspended for the north London derby after the international break. With new signing Mikel Merino injured, Arteta already has a headache to deal with.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743253/cropped_GettyImages-2168686869.jpg?ts=1725111439" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743253/w220xh124_GettyImages-2168686869.jpg?ts=1725111439 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743253/w320xh180_GettyImages-2168686869.jpg?ts=1725111439 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743253/w640xh360_GettyImages-2168686869.jpg?ts=1725111439 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743253/w768xh432_GettyImages-2168686869.jpg?ts=1725111439 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743253/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2168686869.jpg?ts=1725111439 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Sportsphoto/Allstar / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Imperious Man City</strong>: Seeing the four-time reigning champions atop the Premier League table with a perfect record after three matches is no surprise. Far from it. But, it's more than a little disheartening if you're an Arsenal or Liverpool supporter and had genuine hopes of this finally being the season Pep Guardiola's juggernaut took its foot off the pedal. City, known to start somewhat slowly before flipping a switch in the second half of the season and burying the competition, already look unbeatable. Erling Haaland has back-to-back hat-tricks, PFA Player of the Year Phil Foden has only played 45 minutes, and Rodri, arguably the best midfielder alive, hasn't been on the pitch for a single second yet. How, exactly, do you stop this team?</p><p><strong>Everton's collapse</strong>: We wrote in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3057143" href="https://thescore.com/news/3057143">this space</a> last week that Everton's first two matches of the season couldn't have gone much worse. Yeah, about that. Things can always get worse. Cruising at 2-0 up in the 87th minute, Sean Dyche's team capitulated in humiliating fashion against Bournemouth, conceding three goals, including a 96th-minute winner, to stay pointless. Dyche ripped into his team, <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13207302/evertons-dramatic-collapse-against-bournemouth-the-most-frustrating-defeat-of-sean-dyches-career">lambasting</a> his players for "not doing the hard yards and the basics" needed to see out the win. Things are bleak for the Toffees right now. How does Dyche turn this sinking ship around? There aren't any obvious answers.</p><h3>Star performer 🌟</h3><p><strong>Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)</strong></p><p>This could very easily have gone to Haaland once again - that will likely be a common theme this season as he continues to find the net with frightening regularity - but Salah's brilliant start to the campaign warrants praise.</p><p>The Egyptian helped Liverpool pick Manchester United apart Sunday, starring at one of his favorite venues and continuing to feast on the Red Devils. Salah, who scored once and assisted on both of Luis Diaz's goals, now has 10 tallies in nine appearances for Liverpool at Old Trafford in all competitions. He's been directly involved in 18 goals against Manchester United in the Premier League, more than any other player.</p><p>Watching him tee up Diaz twice - first by standing up an inviting cross at the back post, and then by picking him out quickly and precisely inside the penalty area - was an important reminder of his aptitude as a creative force, something that can, at times, be overlooked because of his scoring ability. For someone who has faced (inaccurate) criticism in the past for being too selfish on the ball, Salah morphing into more of a creator in the latter stages of his career would be an intriguing development. Like so many of the best players in the game, he continues to evolve.</p><h3>Best XI 😎</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=719330:Henderson,760320:Wan-Bissaka,209405:van%20Dijk,169162:Dawson,210111:Digne,1185748:Onana,292462:Salah,923312:Mbeumo,818975:Eze,860914:Diaz,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-1-4-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%203" srcset="https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=719330:Henderson,760320:Wan-Bissaka,209405:van%20Dijk,169162:Dawson,210111:Digne,1185748:Onana,292462:Salah,923312:Mbeumo,818975:Eze,860914:Diaz,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-1-4-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%203 220w, https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=719330:Henderson,760320:Wan-Bissaka,209405:van%20Dijk,169162:Dawson,210111:Digne,1185748:Onana,292462:Salah,923312:Mbeumo,818975:Eze,860914:Diaz,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-1-4-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%203 320w, https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=719330:Henderson,760320:Wan-Bissaka,209405:van%20Dijk,169162:Dawson,210111:Digne,1185748:Onana,292462:Salah,923312:Mbeumo,818975:Eze,860914:Diaz,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-1-4-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%203 640w, https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=719330:Henderson,760320:Wan-Bissaka,209405:van%20Dijk,169162:Dawson,210111:Digne,1185748:Onana,292462:Salah,923312:Mbeumo,818975:Eze,860914:Diaz,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-1-4-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%203 768w, https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=719330:Henderson,760320:Wan-Bissaka,209405:van%20Dijk,169162:Dawson,210111:Digne,1185748:Onana,292462:Salah,923312:Mbeumo,818975:Eze,860914:Diaz,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-1-4-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%203 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>(Courtesy: <a href="https://www.fotmob.com/">FotMob</a>)</p><h3>Highlight of the weekend 🎥</h3><p>Jean-Ricner Bellegarde uncorked a wicked strike for Wolves this weekend, and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze curled an effort into the corner with aplomb against Chelsea, but we're going with Liam Delap's ferocious goal in Ipswich Town's eventual 1-1 draw with Fulham. Come for the solo run and finish, stay for the eruption of the Portman Road crowd. Lovely.</p><p><em>(Available to view in U.S. only)</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Liam Delap scores a STUNNER for Ipswich Town and Portman Road erupts. 💥🚜<br><br>📺 Peacock | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPSFUL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPSFUL</a> <a href="https://t.co/lMS9uCmBBR">pic.twitter.com/lMS9uCmBBR</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1829892284730785925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><em>(Available to view in Canada only)</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Liam Delap SCORES!!<br><br>⚽ 1-0 Ipswich Town vs Fulham FC<br><br>WATCH EVERY GOAL 👉 <a href="https://t.co/2w98QqADfX">https://t.co/2w98QqADfX</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PremierLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PremierLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/T6Of68v2cg">pic.twitter.com/T6Of68v2cg</a></p>— FuboCanada 🇨🇦 (@fuboTVCanada) <a href="https://twitter.com/fuboTVCanada/status/1829888199532872182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Stat of the weekend 🔢</h3><p>Sorry, Everton.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Haaland is now only six goals behind Everton since he came to the Premier League. It's absolutely on.</p>— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) <a href="https://twitter.com/oilysailor/status/1829946025529721326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Social media moment 📱</h3><p>We're dipping into the Championship this week, where Leeds United knew <em>exactly</em> what they were doing with this announcement of Wilfried Gnonto's contract extension.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">😍 WILLY EXTENDS!</p>— Leeds United (@LUFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LUFC/status/1829805582859063749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Where we stand 👀</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Played</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>1.</strong></td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>+7</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>2.</strong></td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>+7</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>3.</strong></td>
<td>Brighton</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>+4</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>4.</strong></td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>+4</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5.</td>
<td>Newcastle</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>+2</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6.</td>
<td>Brentford</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7.</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8.</td>
<td>Bournemouth</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9.</td>
<td>Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10.</td>
<td>Tottenham</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>+3</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11.</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>+2</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12.</td>
<td>Fulham</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13.</td>
<td>West Ham</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>-1</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14.</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15.</td>
<td>Leicester</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>-2</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16.</td>
<td>Crystal Palace</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17.</td>
<td>Ipswich Town</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>18.</strong></td>
<td>Wolves</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>-6</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>19.</strong></td>
<td>Southampton</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>-4</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>20.</strong></td>
<td>Everton</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>View more stats <a href="thescore:///epl/leaders">here</a>.</em></p>

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EPL Review: Casemiro is cooked, Salah continues to evolve

Chelsea finally wrapped a bow on the final major transfer of the 2024 summer window Saturday, con...

<p>Chelsea finally wrapped a bow on the final major transfer of the 2024 summer window Saturday, confirming the signing of Jadon Sancho on loan with an obligation to buy.</p><p>The Blues will end up paying £20 million to make the loan deal permanent at the end of the season, according to transfer insider <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1829950540748636442">Fabrizio Romano</a>. The club could pay an additional £5 million in add-ons.</p><p>Chelsea agreed to a deal with Manchester United just ahead of Friday's 6 p.m. ET deadline but only finalized it after requesting an extension from Premier League.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I'm really excited to be here. London is where I grew up and I'm happy to be back," Sancho <a href="https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/jadon-sancho-completes-chelsea-move">told</a> the club's website. "The manager spoke to me about the project and, for a young player, it's exciting. Hopefully I can bring goals and assists to the Bridge."</p><p>Chelsea <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1829558169237958732">reportedly</a> presented two unique offers for the 24-year-old winger on deadline day. The first was a season-long loan with an option to buy, while the other included an obligation to make the deal permanent.</p><p>Keen to move Sancho outright, United accepted the latter.</p><p>Sancho reportedly made it clear Thursday that he preferred to join Chelsea over Juventus, prompting the Italian side to abandon their pursuit. The Blues and Sancho already had an agreement in place over personal terms prior to United signing off on the move.</p><p>A central figure in the summer window, Sancho was looking for a fresh start following a difficult spell at Old Trafford. </p><p>A bitter public feud with manager Erik ten Hag forced Sancho to spend the second half of last season on loan at former club Borussia Dortmund, where he seemed to regain some of the verve for the game that has been missing since his 2021 transfer to United.</p><p>He helped the German side reach the Champions League final, showing the dynamic dribbling ability and creativity that earned him his expensive Premier League move in the first place.</p><p>Dortmund couldn't make the move permanent, though. And while Ten Hag claimed the pair had put their quarrel behind them, Sancho was left out of the squad for United's opening two league matches of the new season, renewing speculation that he was again on the way out.</p><p>He'll compete for playing time at Chelsea with several other wingers and versatile forwards, including the likes of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/166109" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/166109">Cole Palmer</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/67028" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/67028">Christopher Nkunku</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguea/players/92789" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguea/players/92789">Pedro Neto</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/105184" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/105184">Mykhailo Mudryk</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/162571" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/162571">Noni Madueke</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguea/players/102327" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguea/players/102327">Joao Felix</a>.</p>

COBHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Jadon Sancho poses for pictures as he signs for Chelsea Football Club at Chelsea Training Ground on August 30, 2024 in Cobham, England.

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Chelsea finally sign Sancho on loan with reported £20M obligation to buy

A new Champions League era began in earnest Thursday, as the 36 teams taking part in the revamped...

MONACO, MONACO - AUGUST 28: The UEFA Champions League trophy is seen on the stage ahead of the UEFA Champions League Phase Draw at Grimaldi Forum on August 28, 2024 in Monaco, Monaco.

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Champions League draw: Huge matchups on tap starting Sept. 17

Another opulent transfer window is officially in the books for Europe's top leagues and clubs. Be...

<p><em>Another opulent transfer window is officially in the books for Europe's top leagues and clubs. Below, theScore picks out the biggest winners and losers from a hectic summer signing period.</em></p><h3>Winner: Kylian Mbappe</h3><p>Alright, fine, he hasn't exactly hit the ground running at Real Madrid - questions about his tactical fit and suitability playing through the middle remain rife as he continues to wait for his first league goal - but let's not overthink this one too much. </p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637041/cropped_GettyImages-2162233879.jpg?ts=1721131973" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637041/w220xh124_GettyImages-2162233879.jpg?ts=1721131973 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637041/w320xh180_GettyImages-2162233879.jpg?ts=1721131973 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637041/w640xh360_GettyImages-2162233879.jpg?ts=1721131973 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637041/w768xh432_GettyImages-2162233879.jpg?ts=1721131973 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637041/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2162233879.jpg?ts=1721131973 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Diego Souto / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Mbappe got the move to Real Madrid he's always dreamed of, collected a €150-million signing bonus in the process, and will now be the face of arguably the biggest club in the world for the next several years. Paris Saint-Germain have actually done an admirable job rebuilding without him, and, of course, Florentino Perez can add this to his list of great coups, but the French superstar himself is the biggest winner of the summer's top deal.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Losers: Chelsea</h3><p>Chelsea and Todd Boehly stayed true to themselves right up until - and beyond - the closure of the window. Did any of it make sense? No. But do you have to respect the commitment to the bit? Also no. The Blues continued to hoard assets for seemingly no other reason than the thrill of the chase. </p><p>They didn't need Pedro Neto or Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but they spent £84 million on them anyway. Joao Felix's previous loan spell was an unmitigated failure, so they went one better and signed him outright. They splashed over £200 million on new faces, including, for some reason, a last-second move for Jadon Sancho, which should be announced any minute. Yet they aren't demonstrably better because they still don't have a certified No. 9 or a legitimate No. 1 goalkeeper even though, you guessed it, they signed more of those, too. Chelsea couldn't land Victor Osimhen and, in a fitting end to the window, gave Raheem Sterling away for free to league and city rivals Arsenal. They're even paying a huge portion of his salary without negotiating any purchase option because they kicked him out of the squad and lost all their leverage. Incredible stuff.</p><h3>Winners: Juventus</h3><p>Juventus had to sell some promising young players to make all the pieces fit financially - in an ideal world, Matias Soule and Dean Huijsen would still be at the club - but those were necessary, if unfortunate, sacrifices to ensure Cristiano Giuntoli could embark on a massive overhaul and give new manager Thiago Motta the squad he needs. The end result, unquestionably, is a team that's deeper and far better technically than it was last season.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742900/cropped_GettyImages-2168115944.jpg?ts=1724874765" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742900/w220xh124_GettyImages-2168115944.jpg?ts=1724874765 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742900/w320xh180_GettyImages-2168115944.jpg?ts=1724874765 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742900/w640xh360_GettyImages-2168115944.jpg?ts=1724874765 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742900/w768xh432_GettyImages-2168115944.jpg?ts=1724874765 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742900/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2168115944.jpg?ts=1724874765 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC / Juventus FC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The midfield is reloaded, with Douglas Luiz, Khephren Thuram, and, eventually, primary target Teun Koopmeiners arriving. Nico Gonzalez and Francisco Conceicao bring creativity and excitement out wide, while Michele Di Gregorio is the type of ball-playing goalkeeper who provides a solid foundation for all of Motta's buildup play. Juventus shed several burdensome contracts, reduced the overall age of the first team, and, ultimately, got better and deeper across the board on paper. Now they have to challenge Inter for the Scudetto and show that "winning" the summer window wasn't in vain.</p><h3>Losers: Barcelona</h3><p>Barcelona spent most of the summer publicly chasing Nico Williams, only to come up empty-handed. They then had to shift gears to his compatriot Dani Olmo, ultimately paying €60 million for a player they developed at La Masia and then let go. Then, of course, the financially unstable club spent the rest of the window scrambling to cut bodies and costs in order to actually register the Euro 2024 standout. They did, barely, but not before shedding some young assets for below market value in a panic. Barca are lucky Chelsea are around to take the bulk of the ridicule, otherwise Joan Laporta's questionable decisions would be more front and center. He inherited a disaster upon his return, sure, but he's compounded the issues instead of fixing them.</p><p>The only saving grace for Barca, as always seems to be the case, is that the latest crop of La Masia graduates looks capable of bailing the club out. Good thing, too, because the transfer market is only providing pain.</p><h3>Winner: Jorge Mendes</h3><p>The rich get richer. Gestifute<em>, </em>Mendes' agency, brokered several huge deals this summer. The Portuguese superagent continues to <s>dunk on</s> work with Chelsea at great personal benefit, with Pedro Neto and Felix getting permanent moves to Stamford Bridge and bringing in hefty commissions. Another of his favorite partners, PSG, spent big on Portuguese sensation Joao Neves, while Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte joined Manchester United.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/606562/cropped_GettyImages-505484208.jpg?ts=1702594884" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/606562/w220xh124_GettyImages-505484208.jpg?ts=1702594884 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/606562/w320xh180_GettyImages-505484208.jpg?ts=1702594884 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/606562/w640xh360_GettyImages-505484208.jpg?ts=1702594884 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/606562/w768xh432_GettyImages-505484208.jpg?ts=1702594884 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/606562/w1080xh607_GettyImages-505484208.jpg?ts=1702594884 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">VCG / Visual China Group / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Joao Cancelo went to Saudi Arabia, and Mendes' was key in brokering Francisco Conceicao's initial loan to Juventus, working with the Italian side and Porto to ensure there's the framework of a gentleman's agreement to possibly make the deal permanent next summer. If one of the top players in Europe changed clubs, Mendes was likely involved.</p><h3>Loser: Everyone involved in the Osimhen saga</h3><p>What a mess. A totally avoidable one, at that. Napoli wanted to sell Osimhen. He's been available since January. The Nigerian striker, having felt he brought all he could to the Italian club after leading them to a drought-ending Scudetto two years ago, wanted a new challenge elsewhere. Several clubs with deep pockets, including Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Saudi Arabian sides, were interested. A couple of them, Chelsea and Al-Ahli, were deeply engaged in negotiations right until the final minutes of the transfer window. Somehow, nothing materialized. Chelsea whiffed, and Al-Ahli signed Ivan Toney.</p><p>Instead of landing a huge transfer fee for someone who was so instrumental to one of the club's greatest triumphs and giving him the send-off he deserved, Napoli are now stuck with a disgruntled striker who isn't part of Antonio Conte's plans; Osimhen has been left out of the squad, with Romelu Lukaku, a vastly inferior player, getting his No. 9 shirt. The player is worse off. The club is worse off. And, selfishly, we have to do this dance all over again in the January transfer window. There are no winners here.</p><h3>Winner: Diego Simeone</h3><p>Not content playing third fiddle to Real Madrid and Barcelona, Atletico Madrid made a huge splash this summer. Julian Alvarez was the window's most expensive signing, based purely on transfer fee, arriving from Manchester City in a deal that could eventually be worth €95 million. Conor Gallagher, the type of tireless, hard-working midfielder built in a lab specifically to play for Simeone, joined from Chelsea, with Atletico essentially sending high-priced flop Felix the other way and finally getting out from underneath that albatross of a contract. Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth help to reinforce the spine of the side, while Atletico also bid farewell to several veterans on large wages who were contributing little on the pitch.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743246/cropped_GettyImages-2152705840.jpg?ts=1725109118" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743246/w220xh124_GettyImages-2152705840.jpg?ts=1725109118 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743246/w320xh180_GettyImages-2152705840.jpg?ts=1725109118 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743246/w640xh360_GettyImages-2152705840.jpg?ts=1725109118 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743246/w768xh432_GettyImages-2152705840.jpg?ts=1725109118 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743246/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2152705840.jpg?ts=1725109118 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Angel Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>After a couple lean years on the market, this was a surprising, but very welcome, spending spree from Atletico, who are looking to unseat their illustrious rivals at the top of La Liga for the first time since 2021.</p><h3>Losers: Last year's fairy-tale teams</h3><p>It's both sad and predictable, but the likes of Girona, Bologna, Atalanta, and Stuttgart, four clubs responsible for some of the most inspiring and unexpected successes of the 2023-24 campaign, got picked apart this summer. The modern game, cold and cruel, has no time for romance. Girona lost La Liga's top scorer, Artem Dovbyk, to Roma, with the Ukrainian forward calling his former club "small" on the way out. Ouch. Savinho, caught up in the murky world of multi-club ownership, also departed, joining Manchester City. Bologna were powerless against the riches of the Premier League, losing breakout defender Riccardo Calafiori and young forward Joshua Zirkzee to Arsenal and Manchester United, respectively. Atalanta played a game of chicken with star midfielder Teun Koopmeiners and lost, eventually sending him to Juventus. And Stuttgart, whose second-place Bundesliga finish was largely overshadowed by Bayer Leverkusen's historic campaign, bid farewell to Serhou Guirassy, Waldemar Anton, and Hiroki Ito.</p><p>Squad turnover is inevitable. This is simply the way things work in modern football, and, from a player perspective, we should celebrate each of them getting big transfers and paydays on the back of breakout seasons. But it's also fair to lament the fact that each of these clubs will head into the Champions League this season without the players who helped get them there in the first place.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28202656/related

Biggest winners and losers of the summer transfer window

Arsenal beat the buzzer.  The Gunners signed Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan from Chelsea o...

<p>Arsenal beat the buzzer.</p><p>The Gunners signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/13749" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/13749">Raheem Sterling</a> on a season-long loan from Chelsea on Friday, getting an extension beyond the 6 p.m. ET deadline to complete the deal for the winger. </p><p>The 29-year-old had been told in no uncertain terms that he was not part of new manager Enzo Maresca's plans at Chelsea this season. Sterling was dropped for the Blues' first two matches of the Premier League season, prompting him to look at alternative options.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The most concrete, which developed just hours before the deadline, was a switch to north London.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The best is yet to come.<br><br>Welcome to north London, Raheem Sterling ✨ <a href="https://t.co/K2YhkSepAp">pic.twitter.com/K2YhkSepAp</a></p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1829681760520622219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"Well to be fair, we never planned really to sign him when we started the transfer window, just to be very transparent. For different reasons. But we always say to everyone that you have to be prepared for every single scenario," Arsenal sporting director Edu <a href="https://www.arsenal.com/news/edu-reflects-summer-transfer-window">explained</a>. "So when that opportunity came to me, and I checked the squad, I checked how he plays, and spoke to Mikel (Arteta) of course."</p><p>Edu continued: "He has experience, he understands more than anyone the league, he's played in the Champions League many times. He won the Premier League a few times as well, so I think he can add a lot to our squad and I feel really happy to see someone like him in our squad."</p><p>The former Liverpool and Manchester City forward is reportedly excited about the prospect of playing for Mikel Arteta's title-chasing team. Sterling and Arteta worked together at Manchester City and still have a strong relationship.</p><p>Sterling was a regular contributor for Chelsea last season, making 31 Premier League appearances and scoring eight goals.</p><p>Chelsea leaving Sterling out of the matchday squad for the opening game of the new season blindsided him before Maresca confirmed it was in his best interest to look elsewhere for playing time.</p><p>"I am not saying Raheem is not a good player, but I prefer different kinds of wingers," Maresca <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3057582" href="https://thescore.com/news/3057582">said</a> earlier in August.</p><p>"We have a big squad, and it's impossible to give all of them minutes. If they are looking for minutes, it's better for them to leave. I try to be honest."</p>

LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Arsenal unveil new signing Raheem Sterling at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 30, 2024 in London Colney, England.

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Arsenal sign Chelsea outcast Sterling on loan in last-minute deal

Chelsea were unable to land either Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney on deadline day.  Osimhen is stay...

<p>Chelsea were unable to land either <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/90910" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/90910">Victor Osimhen</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/24227" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/24227">Ivan Toney</a> on deadline day.</p><p>Osimhen is staying at Napoli after failing to agree to personal terms with Chelsea, transfer insider <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1829635361171014022">Fabrizio Romano</a> reports. The west London outfit apparently entered exclusive talks with the Nigerian forward after Toney went forward with his €40-million move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.</p><p>Al-Ahli also had a deal in place with Osimhen over a four-year contract worth €40 million per season, according to Sky Sport Italia's <a href="https://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/calciomercato-osimhen-napoli-news-30-agosto-2024">Gianluca Di Marzio</a>, but were unable to agree to a fee with Napoli.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Conversely, the Italian club had reportedly reached an agreement with Chelsea.</p><p>Al-Ahli <a href="https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/first-team-ivan-toney-brentford-al-ahli-transfer">finalized</a> Toney's transfer from Brentford late Friday night. The 28-year-old English international completed medical tests in London prior to the move being announced.</p><p>The Saudi transfer window, unlike in Europe, remains open until October, meaning Toney was able to complete his move even after England's deadline passed at 6 p.m. ET on Friday.</p><p>Unless Al-Ahli or another Saudi side rescues Osimhen, he could be out of action until the transfer window reopens in January. Napoli manager Antonio Conte is unlikely to reintegrate Osimhen into his squad, Di Marzio reports, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/2204" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/2204">Romelu Lukaku</a> handed the keys to the attack after joining from Chelsea.</p><p>Osimhen scored in double figures in each of his four Serie A seasons, including a 26-goal campaign in 2022-23 when he led Napoli to the Scudetto. Toney, meanwhile, found the net 32 times over his first two Premier League seasons with Brentford.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28191610/related

Osimhen stays at Napoli, Toney joins Al-Ahli despite Chelsea interest

Transfer deadline day is fast approaching. With the window set to close Friday, Aug. 30, there ar...

<p><em>Transfer deadline day is fast approaching. With the window set to close Friday, Aug. 30, there are still several storylines to follow and sagas that require resolution. Below, we look at the most notable clubs and players to watch in the final days of the summer signing period.</em></p><h3>What will Chelsea do next?</h3><p>The Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital era at Chelsea continues to astound. An inexplicable approach to squad building has left manager Enzo Maresca with 39 senior players, according to <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/chelsea-fc/kader/verein/631">Transfermarkt</a>. Cutting that down to a reasonable amount in just five days is, frankly, impossible, so a number of relatively new signings are going to find themselves watching games from the stands this season. Chelsea have compiled a group that includes several excellent players, to be fair, but their hoarding has no guiding principle or consideration for how the pieces best fit together. It's a mess, despite what Maresca will have you believe.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742601/cropped_GettyImages-2166594602.jpg?ts=1724691427" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742601/w220xh124_GettyImages-2166594602.jpg?ts=1724691427 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742601/w320xh180_GettyImages-2166594602.jpg?ts=1724691427 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742601/w640xh360_GettyImages-2166594602.jpg?ts=1724691427 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742601/w768xh432_GettyImages-2166594602.jpg?ts=1724691427 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742601/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2166594602.jpg?ts=1724691427 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Catherine Ivill - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>And they may not be done. Outgoings will obviously be the primary focus - Romelu Lukaku, Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah, and Kepa Arrizabalaga are just some of the marquee names who could find new clubs - but Chelsea, incredibly, could yet sign <em>more</em> players. At this point, what's the difference? Their longstanding flirtation with Victor Osimhen isn't going away, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is being tipped as a possible alternative. Meanwhile, the latest rumor involves Jadon Sancho because, clearly, Chelsea don't have enough wingers and wide forwards. How Chelsea will operate in the next few days is a mystery, but whatever happens, it'll be entertaining.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Will Liverpool sign ... anyone?</h3><p>Liverpool are the only Premier League club yet to make a signing this summer. Across Europe's top five leagues, they're joined in that category only by French side Montpellier. What gives? The notion that there's no money available doesn't seem accurate. Remember, this is the same club that struck a £110-million deal with Brighton &amp; Hove Albion last summer for Moises Caicedo, only for the midfielder to spurn their advances in favor of Chelsea. The Reds also pushed hard for Martin Zubimendi earlier this month, who reportedly has a release clause in his contract worth over £50 million, but the Spanish midfielder opted to remain with Real Sociedad. The money's there. </p><p>Liverpool are close to adding Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, but the deal will reportedly see him remain on loan at Valencia until 2025. Arne Slot has maintained that he inherited a strong squad from Jurgen Klopp, which is true, and that improving on the existing crop of talent is difficult. He's going to be relying primarily on internal growth. It's also true, though, that he'd love another deep-lying midfielder, as evidenced by the pursuit of Zubimendi, who could slot into the No. 6 role and dictate play. There currently isn't a perfect option within his squad, even if Ryan Gravenberch has shown early promise occupying that role. It's worth monitoring Liverpool in the final week of the window to see if they have one big swing left.</p><h3>Can Barca shed more salary?</h3><p>Barcelona, amid continued financial mismanagement, were unable to register marquee summer signing Dani Olmo for the first two league games of the season. The club wasn't compliant with La Liga's strict spending limit, which places a cap on all Spanish clubs. That limit, unique to each club, is determined by "the difference between a team's revenue minus non-sporting outgoings and debt repayments," according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/41000193/dani-olmo-likely-miss-another-barcelona-match-sources">Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens of ESPN</a>. Increasing revenue in such a short period of time is unlikely, so the quickest path to salary compliance is by lowering the wage bill.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742602/cropped_GettyImages-2167435032.jpg?ts=1724691505" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742602/w220xh124_GettyImages-2167435032.jpg?ts=1724691505 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742602/w320xh180_GettyImages-2167435032.jpg?ts=1724691505 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742602/w640xh360_GettyImages-2167435032.jpg?ts=1724691505 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742602/w768xh432_GettyImages-2167435032.jpg?ts=1724691505 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742602/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2167435032.jpg?ts=1724691505 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Soccrates Images / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ilkay Gundogan was <a href="https://x.com/IlkayGuendogan/status/1826919291909812416">transparent</a> that his decision to leave Catalonia and return to Manchester City earlier this month helped Barca financially, while they've also shipped off Vitor Roque, Clement Lenglet - both on loan - and Mikayil Faye in recent days. Alex Valle could join Celtic on loan, too. Those moves, combined with Andreas Christensen's long-term injury, allowed Olmo to be registered. If they want to make another signing, though, we'll be doing the same song and dance in the final days of the window. Can they find someone to take Ferran Torres off their hands? Would Hansi Flick allow Eric Garcia to join Girona? Might Frenkie de Jong actually be sold? It's all intriguing, especially considering Barca are also being linked with Juventus' Federico Chiesa. Stay tuned.</p><h3>Disgruntled stars, ongoing sagas</h3><p>It feels like more clubs than usual are taking hardline stances with their players this summer, and that's creating tension and resentment. <strong>Jadon Sancho</strong>'s time at Manchester United is likely coming to an end, even if Erik ten Hag claims they've mended their relationship; Atalanta continue to play hardball with <strong>Teun Koopmeiners</strong> over his desired move to Juventus; the agent representing <strong>Victor Osimhen</strong> took aim at Napoli, demanding respect and <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/victor-osimhen-agent-hands-chelsea-131543391.html">saying</a> the striker is "not a package to be shipped far away to make room for new prophets" amid his continued transfer saga; <strong>Raheem Sterling</strong> felt blindsided when he was left out of the Chelsea squad for their season opener and wants a quick resolution to his situation. All four clubs are dealing from a position of weakness.</p><p>In addition to those marquee players, here are several others to keep an eye on in the final week of the summer window:</p><p>Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)<br>Ivan Toney (Brentford)<br>Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)<br>Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)<br>Scott McTominay (Manchester United)<br>Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)<br>Manuel Ugarte (Paris Saint-Germain)<br>Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad)</p><p>They could all move. They could all stay. We'll know for certain, one way or the other, when silly season comes to an end in five days.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28158378/related

4 things to watch in final week of summer transfer window

<p><em>Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developments and biggest talking points to emerge from the slate of matches. Below, we dissect Matchweek 2 of the 2024-25 season.</em></p><h3>Arsenal vanquish some demons</h3><p>Arsenal arguably played better in each of their two matches against Aston Villa last season - both crippling defeats - than they did in Saturday's 2-0 win over Unai Emery's side at Villa Park.</p><p>Some of that is simply the randomness of the sport. If not for two inexplicable misses from Ollie Watkins - one a close-range shank and the other a truly sensational save from David Raya - and a brilliant recovery tackle from William Saliba, we could be sitting here talking about Villa as the Gunners' bogey team. Instead, thanks to the timely finishing of Leandro Trossard and a rare blunder by Emi Martinez, the conversation is geared toward Arsenal showcasing a more ruthless, clinical edge in their renewed effort to unseat Manchester City.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The two previous performances (against Aston Villa) on paper, you have to win comfortably and we didn't, so there was something missing - today we did it," Mikel Arteta said after the match, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40978495/arsenal-win-aston-villa-shows-better-premier-league">ESPN</a>.</p><p>Arsenal don't have the luxury of playing well and dropping points. Pep Guardiola's title-winning machine leaves no room for even the tiniest slip. Saturday's triumph should provide an early-season boost for Arteta's men and is especially valuable considering their next three fixtures are, incredibly, at home against high-flying Brighton, away to bitter rivals Tottenham, and then away against the reigning champions.</p><p>We'll find out within the next month if Arsenal have taken the step forward that Arteta believes they have.</p><h3>Quick free-kicks</h3><p><strong>Familiar frailties</strong>: Manchester United, to the surprise of many, kept the faith with Erik ten Hag, entrusting him to deliver the progress he promised when hired. But Saturday's last-gasp loss looked a lot like so many other capitulations under the Dutchman, with multiple defenders standing around while Joao Pedro was left all by his lonesome to score Brighton's winner. Some of that is coaching, some of that is on the players, but the continued defensive lapses are becoming a fixture of his tenure.</p><p><strong>Newcastle's regret: </strong>Newcastle had little choice but to sell Yankuba Minteh this summer to not run afoul of the league's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). After the Gambian winger's first two games for Brighton, it looks like the kind of sacrifice that will haunt the Magpies in the years to come. Minteh is a constant threat. His final touch or pass wasn't always crisp against Manchester United, but that will come with time. What can't be taught is the dynamism the youngster so clearly possesses. His potential is massive.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742491/cropped_GettyImages-2168227639.jpg?ts=1724610644" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742491/w220xh124_GettyImages-2168227639.jpg?ts=1724610644 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742491/w320xh180_GettyImages-2168227639.jpg?ts=1724610644 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742491/w640xh360_GettyImages-2168227639.jpg?ts=1724610644 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742491/w768xh432_GettyImages-2168227639.jpg?ts=1724610644 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742491/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2168227639.jpg?ts=1724610644 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Catherine Ivill - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Woeful Everton: </strong>Everton's first two matches of the new season couldn't have gone much worse. They're bottom of the table after losing both games by a combined 7-0 scoreline, and they look short on overall quality after another summer clouded by uncertainty over the club's future ownership. There's no magical fix coming in the final days of the transfer window, because, according to Sean Dyche, there's no money. After flirting with relegation for three straight seasons, another nervy campaign seems inevitable.</p><p><strong>Muric mistakes: </strong>As the gap in quality between Championship and Premier League clubs continues to widen, the margin of error for promoted teams to maintain their top-flight status is dwindling. Ipswich Town need nearly everything to go right this season, but in Aro Muric, they paid around £15 million for a goalkeeper who could undercut all their positive efforts. Getting outclassed by Manchester City is obviously nothing to be ashamed of, but Muric, at fault for two of four goals, looks like a worrying weak link.</p><p><strong>Palmer powers Chelsea: </strong>No matter how much bigger Chelsea's gigantic squad becomes - there's still five days left in the window to create more bloat - this team will still be led by Cole Palmer. His scoring numbers, aided by penalties, got the attention last season, but his best quality is his ability to create openings for teammates, as evidenced by his three assists for Noni Madueke in the 6-2 win over Wolves on Sunday. Amid all the chaos at the club, Enzo Maresca will always be able to count on Palmer to deliver.</p><h3>Star performer</h3><p><strong>Erling Haaland (Manchester City)</strong></p><p>Remember when there were genuine conversations last season asking if Haaland was contributing enough to Manchester City's buildup play?</p><p>It was preposterous then and looks more nonsensical each time he finds the net. Which is just about <em>every time</em> he steps on the pitch. Haaland's hat-trick in Saturday's 4-1 win over Ipswich Town gave him 94 tallies in 101 appearances for Manchester City. He completed just seven passes in his 89 minutes of play. That came after he completed only three in the season-opening win over Chelsea. He scored there, too. Of course he did.</p><p>Haaland, who now has seven Premier League hat-tricks in just 68 games, has already created space for himself in the Golden Boot race, where he's looking to become just the third player in EPL history to claim the award three consecutive times. The other two? Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry. Decent company for someone who isn't involved enough in his team's overall play.</p><h3>Best XI</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=562727:Raya,1288450:Lewis,865931:Kilman,1097466:Van%20de%20Ven,662428:Robinson,524437:Soucek,942549:Gilmour,1084981:Madueke,1096353:Palmer,212867:Son,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%202" srcset="https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=562727:Raya,1288450:Lewis,865931:Kilman,1097466:Van%20de%20Ven,662428:Robinson,524437:Soucek,942549:Gilmour,1084981:Madueke,1096353:Palmer,212867:Son,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%202 220w, https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=562727:Raya,1288450:Lewis,865931:Kilman,1097466:Van%20de%20Ven,662428:Robinson,524437:Soucek,942549:Gilmour,1084981:Madueke,1096353:Palmer,212867:Son,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%202 320w, https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=562727:Raya,1288450:Lewis,865931:Kilman,1097466:Van%20de%20Ven,662428:Robinson,524437:Soucek,942549:Gilmour,1084981:Madueke,1096353:Palmer,212867:Son,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%202 640w, https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=562727:Raya,1288450:Lewis,865931:Kilman,1097466:Van%20de%20Ven,662428:Robinson,524437:Soucek,942549:Gilmour,1084981:Madueke,1096353:Palmer,212867:Son,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%202 768w, https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=562727:Raya,1288450:Lewis,865931:Kilman,1097466:Van%20de%20Ven,662428:Robinson,524437:Soucek,942549:Gilmour,1084981:Madueke,1096353:Palmer,212867:Son,737066:Haaland&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%202 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>(Courtesy: <a href="https://www.fotmob.com/">FotMob</a>)</p><h3>Highlight of the weekend</h3><p>There were some splendid goals this weekend. Yves Bissouma unleashed a rocket for Spurs, Micky van de Ven ran the length of the pitch to set up Son Heung-min, and Emile Smith Rowe opened his Fulham account in style. But the best play didn't involve the ball finding the net at all. Quite the opposite.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="in" dir="ltr">David Raya 🧤⛔️ <a href="https://t.co/DelM8T5sm6">pic.twitter.com/DelM8T5sm6</a></p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1827665267721163177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Stat of the weekend</h3><p>Is this karma for years of "Fergie Time" coming to the rescue?</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">6 - Since 2022-23, Manchester United have lost more Premier League games thanks to goals scored in the 90th minute (+ stoppage time) than any other side (6); they'd only lost two such games in the first 30 campaigns in the competition combined. Asleep. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BHAMUN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BHAMUN</a> <a href="https://t.co/F6JXEWUHti">pic.twitter.com/F6JXEWUHti</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1827337720701563271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Social media moment</h3><p>Noni Madueke wrote on Instagram that everything about the city of Wolverhampton is "shit" - and accidentally made the post public - ahead of Chelsea's match at Molineux. Booed by the conscious Wolves fans every time he touched the ball, he proceeded to score a hat-trick within 14 second-half minutes. He later <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3059870" href="https://thescore.com/news/3059870">apologized</a> for the comment. What a novela.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Noni Madueke accidentally posted his feelings about Wolverhampton last night to his main Instagram instead of 'close friends'...<br><br>He now has a second half HAT TRICK against Wolves. Insult AND injury 😅 <a href="https://t.co/NRg8JBfeo4">pic.twitter.com/NRg8JBfeo4</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1827714559811240067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Where we stand</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Played</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1.</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>+5</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Brighton</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>+4</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>+4</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>+4</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5.</td>
<td>Tottenham</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>+4</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6.</td>
<td>Newcastle</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7.</td>
<td>Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8.</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>+2</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9.</td>
<td>West Ham</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10.</td>
<td>Fulham</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11.</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12.</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>-1</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13.</td>
<td>Brentford</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>-1</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14.</td>
<td>Bournemouth</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15.</td>
<td>Leicester</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>-1</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16.</td>
<td>Southampton</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>-2</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17.</td>
<td>Crystal Palace</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18.</td>
<td>Ipswich Town</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19.</td>
<td>Wolves</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>-6</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20.</td>
<td>Everton</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>View more stats <a href="thescore:///epl/leaders">here</a>.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28152787/related

EPL Review: Arsenal show early growth, Haaland already on fire

After a more subdued January transfer window in European football, the continent's top clubs and ...

<p><em>After a more subdued January transfer window in European football, the continent's top clubs and leagues are, for the most part, opening up their wallets once again. With so many marquee moves this summer, there's plenty to analyze. In order of transfer fee, we're grading the most notable signings thus far in the men's game.</em></p><h3>Kylian Mbappe ➡️ Real Madrid</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741121/cropped_GettyImages-2166171042.jpg?ts=1723668040" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741121/w220xh124_GettyImages-2166171042.jpg?ts=1723668040 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741121/w320xh180_GettyImages-2166171042.jpg?ts=1723668040 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741121/w640xh360_GettyImages-2166171042.jpg?ts=1723668040 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741121/w768xh432_GettyImages-2166171042.jpg?ts=1723668040 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741121/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2166171042.jpg?ts=1723668040 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Brunskill/Fantasista / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain</em></p><p>"Free" is obviously a huge misnomer here - Mbappe reportedly received a gargantuan €150-million signing bonus to join Real Madrid upon the expiry of his Paris Saint-Germain contract - and questions about how he'll mesh with incumbent superstar Vinicius Junior are certainly valid. But, frankly, none of that has any bearing on the final grade. The reigning European champions acquired the game's most explosive attacking superstar without forking over anything to another club. Don't galaxy brain this one. It's a slam dunk.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: A+</p><h3>Julian Alvarez ➡️ Atletico Madrid</h3><p><em>Signed from Manchester City for reported €75M initial fee</em></p><p>Alvarez is a versatile, hard-working forward still approaching his prime, and he should feel at home surrounded by Atletico Madrid's crop of Argentines. You don't have to squint to see why Diego Simeone signed off on the huge outlay. It is <em>huge</em>, though. Atletico's track record when it comes to signings of this ilk isn't good - deals for Joao Felix, Thomas Lemar, and the return of Diego Costa all aged poorly - so it's fair to be skeptical. But Alvarez immediately looks like a better fit, even if the fee hits €95 million with add-ons.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: B</p><h3>Joao Neves ➡️ Paris Saint-Germain</h3><p><em>Signed from Benfica for reported €70M fee</em></p><p>In the non-Mbappe category, this could end up being the singular best signing of the 2024 summer window when the dust settles. Neves, the latest gem to emerge from Benfica's vaunted stable, is supremely well-rounded at just 19 years old, and he's coming into a situation where young players will be championed and get opportunities, unlike some other top European clubs where he could have possibly landed. Crucially, the Portuguese contingent in the French capital should help make the transition smoother.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: A</p><h3>Dominic Solanke ➡️ Tottenham</h3><p><em>Signed from Bournemouth for reported £65M fee</em></p><p>Tottenham are making a big bet that Solanke's 2023-24 campaign, in which he had the best top-flight scoring season of his career, is the new norm rather than a fluke. It's a risky gamble at that price for someone who, prior to last year, had never registered more than six goals in a single Premier League season. Spurs needed a more natural No. 9, though, after failing to find the right profile of striker to try to replace some of Harry Kane's massive production. Cautious optimism for now, but there's certainly a world where this backfires badly.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: B-</p><h3>Leny Yoro ➡️ Manchester United</h3><p><em>Signed from Lille for reported €62M initial fee</em></p><p>It's a shame that Yoro's Manchester United career was interrupted before it even got started. His unfortunate preseason foot injury shouldn't distract from the Red Devils' coup, though. They signed arguably the game's most promising central defender, beating out Real Madrid and PSG in the process; Yoro arrived at Old Trafford having already played over 3,000 Ligue 1 minutes before his 18th birthday. The adjustment period could result in some unsightly errors when he does take the pitch, but the teenager looks like a future star.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: A-</p><h3>Dani Olmo ➡️ Barcelona</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741424/cropped_GettyImages-2165979180.jpg?ts=1723847510" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741424/w220xh124_GettyImages-2165979180.jpg?ts=1723847510 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741424/w320xh180_GettyImages-2165979180.jpg?ts=1723847510 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741424/w640xh360_GettyImages-2165979180.jpg?ts=1723847510 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741424/w768xh432_GettyImages-2165979180.jpg?ts=1723847510 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741424/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2165979180.jpg?ts=1723847510 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Anadolu / Anadolu / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Signed from RB Leipzig for reported €60M fee</em></p><p>As evidenced by his performances at Euro 2024, Olmo is undeniably talented. His versatility as an attacking midfielder or wide forward is a big plus, too. Having to spend €60 million to sign a player developed in your own academy is objectively bad business, though, and his recent injury history is somewhat concerning. There's also the Nico Williams-sized elephant in the room: Barca clearly wanted the Bilbao winger and had to pivot once it was clear that deal wasn't going to materialize.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: C+</p><h3>Pedro Neto ➡️ Chelsea</h3><p><em>Signed from Wolves for reported £54M fee</em></p><p>Chelsea's transfer strategy under Todd Boehly continues to astound. Neto, when fit, is an intoxicating footballer capable of lighting up his marker in one-on-one situations. He's also started just 36 games over the past three seasons because of injuries. And now he arrives at a club already overflowing with wide forwards, including undisputed star Cole Palmer, with more potentially coming before the window closes. Jorge Mendes is the only clear winner here, which is becoming a common theme whenever he deals with Chelsea.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: C</p><h3>Amadou Onana ➡️ Aston Villa</h3><p><em>Signed from Everton for reported £50M fee</em></p><p>Onana has big shoes to fill at Aston Villa, replacing Douglas Luiz as the central pillar of Unai Emery's midfield. It's a demanding role, but the towering Belgian international has all the raw skills necessary to be a success in Birmingham. Mature beyond his years, the 23-year-old also brings a different dynamic to Emery's side, providing a huge physical presence and aerial dominance, as evidenced by his imperious headed goal in Villa's season-opening win. He should form a symbiotic midfield partnership with compatriot Youri Tielemans.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: B+</p><h3>Joao Felix ➡️ Chelsea</h3><p><em>Signed from Atletico Madrid for reported €50M fee</em></p><p>Bringing in Felix on a low-risk loan in 2023 was one thing. Even though it was obviously a failure, Chelsea emerged largely unscathed. But doubling down and dropping roughly €50 million, thinking things will somehow be different this time, is bordering on madness. The inexplicable six-year contract they handed him won't take long to become an anvil. For their own good, Boehly and Co. need to stop dealing with (and getting fleeced by) Mendes.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chelsea appear to be signing Joao Felix solely because they failed to sign Samu Omorodion<br>and they need to give Atlético Madrid a lot of money so they can afford to sign Conor Gallagher. It really is an inexplicable way of running a football club.</p>— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Millar_Colin/status/1825609598105268604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: F</p><h3>Desire Doue ➡️ Paris Saint-Germain</h3><p><em>Signed from Rennes for reported €50M fee</em></p><p>The shift in transfer strategy that coincided with Luis Campos' arrival as an adviser continues. PSG are almost exclusively targeting promising youngsters, with a particular emphasis on Frenchmen, after years of trying to emulate Real Madrid's famed Galacticos era. Doue is the latest example. The 19-year-old was, statistically, one of the best dribblers in Europe last season at Rennes. It's impossible to replace Mbappe with one player, but PSG clearly believe a collective approach, fueled by local talent, is the correct path to success.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: B+</p><h3>Douglas Luiz ➡️ Juventus</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742023/cropped_GettyImages-2166816630.jpg?ts=1724269875" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742023/w220xh124_GettyImages-2166816630.jpg?ts=1724269875 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742023/w320xh180_GettyImages-2166816630.jpg?ts=1724269875 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742023/w640xh360_GettyImages-2166816630.jpg?ts=1724269875 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742023/w768xh432_GettyImages-2166816630.jpg?ts=1724269875 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742023/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2166816630.jpg?ts=1724269875 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">DeFodi Images / DeFodi Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Signed from Aston Villa for €50M fee</em></p><p>Some of Juventus' sales this summer have been dubious, but there's no debating the club's effort to address its primary problem area in midfield and give new manager Thiago Motta the resources he needs to succeed. The Bianconeri took advantage of Aston Villa's need to sell, scooping up Luiz and softening the financial blow by sending a pair of youngsters to Villa in a linked operation. The Brazilian instantly adds the type of playmaking quality that Juve have been desperately seeking for several years.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: A-</p><h3>Joao Palhinha ➡️ Bayern Munich</h3><p><em>Signed from Fulham for reported €49M fee</em></p><p>One year later, Bayern Munich got their man. And for less than the rumored fee Fulham wanted in 2023. A ball-winning machine in central midfield, the Portuguese international made more tackles than any Premier League player in 2023-24 before sealing his desired transfer to Germany. Signings with little resale potential are always tricky, but Bayern clearly want to capitalize while they have Harry Kane still at his peak, and this allows them to do exactly that. Palhinha, 28, will have a liberating effect on his fellow midfielders.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: A-</p><h3>Michael Olise ➡️ Bayern Munich</h3><p><em>Signed from Crystal Palace for reported £45M initial fee</em></p><p>Balance is important in all things, and transfers are no different. Bayern got instantly better by adding Palhinha, while Olise ensures the club's longstanding quality out wide will be maintained for years to come. A fresh new face was needed in that area, and the 22-year-old, coming off the best season of his career at Crystal Palace, provides precisely that. French legend Thierry Henry, who coached Olise at this summer's Olympics in Paris, is <a href="https://x.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1821481272452997535">excited</a> about his potential. Seals of approval don't get much better.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: B+</p><h3>Matthijs de Ligt ➡️ Manchester United</h3><p><em>Signed from Bayern Munich for reported €45M initial fee</em></p><p>It feels like De Ligt has been around forever. He debuted for Ajax at 16 and then captained the side while still a teenager. Since then, he's made two expensive transfers to a pair of Europe's most storied clubs, Juventus and Bayern Munich. Given all that, it's easy to forget that he's still only 25. His best years, in theory, are ahead of him. The Dutchman should eventually slot in alongside Lisandro Martinez and, down the line, provide leadership and guidance for Yoro, whose career is following a similar trajectory.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: B+</p><h3>Riccardo Calafiori ➡️ Arsenal</h3><p><em>Signed from Bologna for reported £42M fee</em></p><p>The only thing holding this grade back ever so slightly is the immediate fit. Arsenal had the best defense in the Premier League last season, a collective unit anchored by the untouchable duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Calafiori is certainly multifaceted enough to play left-back - that's where he began his career - and will likely mirror the role Ben White plays for Mikel Arteta on the opposite side of the pitch. He truly flourished in central defense, though, both for Bologna and, most publicly, Italy at Euro 2024.</p><p><strong>Verdict</strong>: A-</p><h3>Other notable deals</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741461/cropped_GettyImages-2167134522.jpg?ts=1723896310" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741461/w220xh124_GettyImages-2167134522.jpg?ts=1723896310 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741461/w320xh180_GettyImages-2167134522.jpg?ts=1723896310 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741461/w640xh360_GettyImages-2167134522.jpg?ts=1723896310 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741461/w768xh432_GettyImages-2167134522.jpg?ts=1723896310 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741461/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2167134522.jpg?ts=1723896310 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Regan / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Joshua Zirkzee ➡️ Manchester United</strong>: Zirkzee, who cost just over €42 million, isn't a pure scorer, despite his instinctive debut goal. He could thrive as a connective presence once Rasmus Hojlund returns, though. <em>Verdict: B</em></p><p><strong>Conor Gallagher ➡️ Atletico Madrid</strong>: Chelsea's self-inflicted loss is Atletico's gain. For roughly €42 million, the Spanish side gets an indefatigable midfielder with boundless energy and work ethic. Simeone will love him. <em>Verdict: B+</em></p><p><strong>Savinho ➡️ Manchester City</strong>: Scruples or not, City have exploited the multi-club ownership model to their benefit, acquiring the Brazilian winger for €40 million and giving Pep Guardiola's machine another weapon. <em>Verdict: A</em></p><p><strong>Archie Gray ➡️ Tottenham</strong>: One for the future. Spurs obviously have plenty of faith in Gray's (admittedly huge) potential. If the 18-year-old develops as they expect, their roughly £40-million investment will be a masterstroke. <em>Verdict: B-</em></p><p><strong>Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ➡️ Chelsea</strong>: Sure, there's already familiarity with Enzo Maresca and his tactics, but £30 million on a backup who's older than your first-choice midfielders is another puzzling Chelsea move. <em>Verdict: D</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28127675/related

Grading the biggest signings of the summer transfer window so far

<p><em>Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developments and biggest talking points to emerge from the slate of matches. Below, we dissect the opening round of the 2024-25 season.</em></p><h3>The inexorable march begins</h3><p>Manchester City's quest for an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League title got off to an auspicious start Sunday. </p><p>What was, on paper, the most intriguing match of the opening weekend ultimately played out in unsurprising fashion. Erling Haaland scored his 91st goal in his 100th appearance for the club, and Pep Guardiola's side, even without Rodri patrolling the midfield, looked largely comfortable against a Chelsea team that's far from a finished product after another lavish summer that's been high on dollars but low on sense. There were some promising signs - Romeo Lavia looked good after missing virtually all of last season - but Enzo Maresca has a big task on his hands to turn this youthful, bloated squad into a cohesive group. Chelsea probably aren't done spending, either.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Guardiola is trying to solve an entirely different problem this season: how to maintain hunger and continue innovating after so much sustained success. Having the insatiable Haaland helps, of course. So, too, does the signing of Savinho, the Brazilian international who arrived from sister club Troyes after an impressive loan spell at Girona - <em>another</em> sister club - last season. The mechanics of this transfer are questionable, but the end result isn't.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741635/cropped_GettyImages-2166581773.jpg?ts=1724008064" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741635/w220xh124_GettyImages-2166581773.jpg?ts=1724008064 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741635/w320xh180_GettyImages-2166581773.jpg?ts=1724008064 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741635/w640xh360_GettyImages-2166581773.jpg?ts=1724008064 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741635/w768xh432_GettyImages-2166581773.jpg?ts=1724008064 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741635/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2166581773.jpg?ts=1724008064 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Catherine Ivill - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The 20-year-old, starting opposite Jeremy Doku on Sunday and often swapping sides with his fellow winger, gives Guardiola a dual threat of traditional wide players that he's rarely had, if ever, at the Etihad. Various combinations have been similar in some ways, with Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling coming closest of all. But having two rapid dribblers on the pitch together who can stretch the opposition apart and then easily beat their markers before looking up to find Haaland is, frankly, frightening. Oh, and they brought Phil Foden off the bench.</p><p>Arsenal are deeper and, after coming so close last season, more mature and tested. Liverpool have the core that was in contention for so long last season. But Manchester City remain the team to beat.</p><h3>Quick free-kicks</h3><p><strong>Arsenal don't need another striker</strong></p><p>Kai Havertz didn't look like a natural fit when he arrived at Arsenal for nearly £70 million last summer. It appeared, initially, to be an unnecessarily opulent outlay for a team that had more pressing needs. After a period of adaptation, though, the German established himself as Mikel Arteta's best option in the No. 9 position, finishing the season in inspired form. He's carried that into the new campaign, scoring the type of headed goal so commonly associated with prototypical strikers in his side's season-opening 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. In doing so, he continues to prove that Arsenal should forgo adding another center forward in the final weeks of the transfer window. Havertz is capable of leading the line for a team with title aspirations.</p><p><strong>Slot needs time, and a No. 6</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741643/cropped_GettyImages-2166368790.jpg?ts=1724011460" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741643/w220xh124_GettyImages-2166368790.jpg?ts=1724011460 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741643/w320xh180_GettyImages-2166368790.jpg?ts=1724011460 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741643/w640xh360_GettyImages-2166368790.jpg?ts=1724011460 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741643/w768xh432_GettyImages-2166368790.jpg?ts=1724011460 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741643/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2166368790.jpg?ts=1724011460 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bradley Collyer - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Arne Slot preached patience in the buildup to the new season, both in terms of his style of play - he wants Liverpool to be a little more measured than his high-octane predecessor, Jurgen Klopp - and how long it'll take for his tactical ideas to become embedded within a group that was accustomed to one voice for so long. He was right to do so. Liverpool looked disjointed in the first half of their opener against Ipswich Town before, ironically, upping the tempo and pulling comfortably clear in the second stanza. The performance also highlighted why Slot remains so keen to sign a No. 6 who can dictate the tempo and control games from midfield. Martin Zubimendi would've been a perfect fit, but after he spurned the Reds' advances, Slot and Co. need to act before the transfer window shuts.</p><p><strong>Zirkzee can bridge the gap</strong></p><p>There's much work for Erik ten Hag to do before Manchester United can return to the upper echelon of the Premier League. Fulham's inability to properly assess and complete a final pass was the only thing that kept them off the scoresheet at Old Trafford. Better teams will punish the Red Devils. But, for now, we'll use the optimistic lens and look at the biggest positive of United's 1-0 win: Joshua Zirkzee is off to a dream start at the club. The Dutchman, 23, is far more of a modern, versatile forward than a traditional striker, but the debutant's instinctive finish late in Friday's contest showed that he has the intuition inside the box to capitalize on chances crafted for him. With Rasmus Hojlund sidelined for a couple more months, Zirkzee can carry some of the load up front while United try to build momentum.</p><h3>Star performer</h3><p><strong>Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)</strong></p><p>On the back of a draining 2023-24 season - physically and emotionally - Saka had only 37 days between the final of Euro 2024 and the opening game of the new Premier League campaign. And yet, there were absolutely no signs of fatigue in Arsenal's win over Wolves on Saturday. Quite the opposite. Saka crafted Havertz's header with a delicious cross and then whipped in a goal of his own with a vintage cut inside onto his lethal left foot.</p><p>He created five chances, won four duels, had three shots on target, and made two tackles, in addition to his aforementioned goal involvements. He's picking up right where he left off after recording 20 tallies and 14 assists across all competitions last season.</p><p>"There is no roof for this guy ... The sky is the limit for him. I am just happy to have him on my team, and we have got to help him to improve all the time and push him," captain Martin Odegaard said of his 22-year-old teammate, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40903944/arsenal-captain-odegaard-no-roof-bukayo-saka-talent">ESPN</a>. Indeed.</p><h3>Best XI</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,1078788:Williams,255610:Maguire,1079103:Greaves,1070712:Gvardiol,535936:Joelinton,1185748:Onana,239219:Kovacic,961995:Saka,749736:Havertz,862608:Mitoma&amp;formation=4-3-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%201" srcset="https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,1078788:Williams,255610:Maguire,1079103:Greaves,1070712:Gvardiol,535936:Joelinton,1185748:Onana,239219:Kovacic,961995:Saka,749736:Havertz,862608:Mitoma&amp;formation=4-3-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%201 220w, https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,1078788:Williams,255610:Maguire,1079103:Greaves,1070712:Gvardiol,535936:Joelinton,1185748:Onana,239219:Kovacic,961995:Saka,749736:Havertz,862608:Mitoma&amp;formation=4-3-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%201 320w, https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,1078788:Williams,255610:Maguire,1079103:Greaves,1070712:Gvardiol,535936:Joelinton,1185748:Onana,239219:Kovacic,961995:Saka,749736:Havertz,862608:Mitoma&amp;formation=4-3-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%201 640w, https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,1078788:Williams,255610:Maguire,1079103:Greaves,1070712:Gvardiol,535936:Joelinton,1185748:Onana,239219:Kovacic,961995:Saka,749736:Havertz,862608:Mitoma&amp;formation=4-3-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%201 768w, https://www.fotmob.com/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,1078788:Williams,255610:Maguire,1079103:Greaves,1070712:Gvardiol,535936:Joelinton,1185748:Onana,239219:Kovacic,961995:Saka,749736:Havertz,862608:Mitoma&amp;formation=4-3-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%201 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>(Courtesy: <a href="https://www.fotmob.com/">FotMob</a>)</p><h3>Goal of the weekend</h3><p>There were some lovely individual efforts this weekend - Saka and Kovacic chief among them - but the fluency of Liverpool's first official goal under Arne Slot was too satisfying to overlook. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sublime team move 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/mAtlwpU2Ce">pic.twitter.com/mAtlwpU2Ce</a></p>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1824914096426553389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Stat of the weekend</h3><p>Is this good? This seems good ...</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mohamed Salah now has 300 goal involvements (212 goals, 88 assists) in all competitions for Liverpool after 350 games. 🇪🇬👑 <a href="https://t.co/UT9wQuLjLY">pic.twitter.com/UT9wQuLjLY</a></p>— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaAnalyst/status/1824800140827537617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Social media moment</h3><p>The opening match of the campaign provided the season's first entertaining tussle, as Lisandro Martinez and Adama Traore took turns getting the best of one another.</p><p>"I sent him to the gym," the Argentine defender <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/martinez-traore-man-utd-fulham-premier-league-2024-b1177006.html">said</a> after the match, reflecting on the pair's back-and-forth duel. "I learnt from the first situation. In the first situation, he killed me - so I killed him back."</p><p>Traore, who has seemingly put on even <em>more</em> muscle somehow this season, didn't wait long to respond. Round 2 goes Jan. 25 at Craven Cottage.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">📲 Adama Traore on IG: <br><br>"Don't worry 😉 we will meet again." <a href="https://t.co/lEzqGyWhJ6">pic.twitter.com/lEzqGyWhJ6</a></p>— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) <a href="https://twitter.com/centregoals/status/1824821348490789003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Where we stand</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Played</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1.</td>
<td>Brighton</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>+3</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>+2</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>+2</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>+2</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5.</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6.</td>
<td>Brentford</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7.</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8.</td>
<td>Newcastle</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9.</td>
<td>Bournemouth</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10.</td>
<td>Leicester City</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11.</td>
<td>Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12.</td>
<td>Tottenham</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13.</td>
<td>Crystal Palace</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>-1</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14.</td>
<td>West Ham</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>-1</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15.</td>
<td>Fulham</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>-1</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16.</td>
<td>Southampton</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>-1</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17.</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>-2</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18.</td>
<td>Ipswich Town</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>-2</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19.</td>
<td>Wolves</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>-2</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20.</td>
<td>Everton</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>View more stats <a href="thescore:///epl/leaders">here</a>.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28104712/related

Key takeaways and analysis from opening weekend of EPL season

Canada's defense of its Olympic gold medal in women's soccer is over.  The Canadians, champions i...

<p>Canada's defense of its Olympic gold medal in women's soccer is over.</p><p>The Canadians, champions in Tokyo three years ago, lost 4-2 in a penalty shootout against Germany in the quarterfinals Saturday, ending their run in Paris that was plagued by the now infamous drone-spying scandal.</p><p>German goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/199460" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/199460">Ann-Katrin Berger</a> slotted home the decisive spot-kick for her side after making saves on both <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122101" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122101">Ashley Lawrence</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wwcup/players/47686" href="https://thescore.com/wwcup/players/47686">Adriana Leon</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The two nations needed penalties after the match finished goalless after 120 minutes. They traded quality chances - Germany had the better looks in the first 45 minutes of normal time, the Canadians spurned a few great opportunities after the interval - but neither could break the deadlock in Marseille.</p><p>There were openings at both ends in extra time, too, but the final touch was lacking for the two medal hopefuls before the contest was decided from 12 yards out.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122227" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122227">Sydney Lohmann</a> hit the crossbar for Germany late in extra time, while Canada's best opening came in the 71st minute when Leon broke clean through on goal but was denied by Berger's outstretched leg.</p><p>Canada lost captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122108" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122108">Jessie Fleming</a> to an apparent injury midway through the match, eliminating a potential key penalty taker.</p><p>"It's just tough. Sometimes football doesn't go your way, and, that was us today," Fleming said, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-olympics-canada-germany-d0ec3ed2fd170c1166c3c203e26fa6f9">The Associated Press</a>. "But I'm just so proud of part of this team. And I think there's a lot of positives to take away from this tournament. I mean, I really feel like we had them on the ropes in the second half."</p><p>Germany will now play the United States in the semifinals on Tuesday. The two already met in the group stage of the tournament when the Americans rolled to a convincing 4-1 victory, making a statement to the rest of the field. The winner will play for gold and be guaranteed a medal.</p><p>The U.S. last stood atop the women's soccer podium in 2012, while Germany captured gold in Rio in 2016.</p><p>Canada's tournament ends in the knockout stage after the team made a rather miraculous recovery in the opening round, emerging from Group A despite being hit with a six-point deduction by FIFA after a staff member was caught spying on group opponent New Zealand's closed training session before the tournament. A Canadian appeal against the penalty was dismissed.</p><p>"I can't quite find the tears because I shed them all this past week," <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/159751" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/159751">Vanessa Gilles</a>, whose dramatic goals in the group stage kept Canada alive, said after the match. "So to have gotten this far, I think is a testament to our group."</p><p>Head coach Bev Priestman, who issued a public apology for her role in the scandal, was sent home by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and then suspended by FIFA for one year from any "football-related" activities.</p><p>The two staff members deemed to be directly responsible for spying on New Zealand were given the same punishment.</p><p>Various reports in the aftermath have suggested that espionage has been a longstanding, systemic practice within the Canadian program for both the men's and women's national teams.</p>

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - AUGUST 03: Players of Team Canada reacts in the penalty shootout during the Women's Quarterfinal match between Canada and Germany during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Marseille on August 03, 2024 in Marseille, France.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28002906/related

CanWNT's scandal-plagued Olympic title defense ends with shootout loss

Not even a six-point deduction could keep the reigning Olympic gold medalists down.  Canada's wom...

<p>Not even a six-point deduction could keep the reigning Olympic gold medalists down.</p><p>Canada's women's soccer team, docked by FIFA for the drone-spying scandal that's engulfed the program, delivered in a must-win situation in its Group A finale against Colombia on Wednesday, winning 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals and keep its title defense going in Paris.</p><p>Defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/159751" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/159751">Vanessa Gilles</a>, whose 102nd-minute winner against France kept Canada alive in last week's emotional victory over the host nation, was the hero once again, rising highest to head home the lone goal from a pinpoint <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122108" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122108">Jessie Fleming</a> free-kick in the 61st minute.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Canada largely nullified Colombian superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/199356" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/199356">Linda Caicedo</a> and withstood some late pressure inside its own penalty area to secure the vital three points.</p><p>Anything other than a victory would've eliminated the Canadians, who won all three games in the opening round but ultimately finish second in Group A on three points as a result of the penalty.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Goal difference</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1. France</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2. Canada*</td>
<td>+3</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3. Colombia</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4. New Zealand</td>
<td>-4</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The victory came just hours after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3046528" href="https://thescore.com/news/3046528">dismissed</a> Canada's appeal, upholding the sanction that soccer's governing body imposed as punishment for spying. Head coach Bev Priestman, who has since apologized to the players and country for her role in the scandal, was sent home by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and then suspended for one year by FIFA.</p><p>"We did it, we always believed in it," Gilles said after Wednesday's match, according to <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/summer/soccer/canada-olympic-womens-soccer-colombia-paris-2024-july-31-1.7280622">Gregory Strong of The Canadian Press</a>. "We always knew that we could do it. The chances were stacked against us but we pulled through. We stayed together through it all."</p><p>She added: "The world might be against us, but Canada is sticking with us, and hopefully, we go all the way ... The one thing that we can control, the one thing that's in our grasp is the pitch. That's something that they can't take away from us as much as they tried."</p><p>Canada, looking for a fourth consecutive Olympic medal in women's soccer, will play Germany in the quarterfinals Aug. 3 in Marseille. The match kicks off at 1 p.m. ET.</p><p>Despite the loss, Colombia advanced to the next round as one of the two best third-placed finishers in the tournament.</p><p><strong>Quarterfinal matchups</strong>:</p><ul>
<li>United States vs. Japan</li>
<li>Spain vs. Colombia</li>
<li>Canada vs. Germany</li>
<li>France vs. Brazil</li>
</ul><p>A win over Germany could potentially set up a tantalizing semifinal meeting between Canada and the United States. The neighbors are on the same side of the knockout bracket.</p><p>The Olympic semifinals are slated for Aug. 6. </p><p>The bronze-medal match will take place Aug. 9, while the gold-medal winner will be decided the following day.</p>

NICE, FRANCE - JULY 31: Vanessa Gilles #14 of Team Canada celebrates scoring her team's first goal during the Women's group A match between Colombia and Canada during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 31, 2024 in Nice, France.

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Resilient CanWNT reaches Olympic quarters despite points deduction

Canada's appeal against the six-point deduction imposed on the women's soccer team as a result of...

<p>Canada's appeal against the six-point deduction imposed on the women's soccer team as a result of the drone spying scandal at the Paris Olympics was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday.</p><p>The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Canada Soccer sought to have the penalty either reduced or overturned entirely, claiming it "unfairly punishes the athletes for actions they had no part in."</p><p>With the deduction upheld, Canada, the reigning gold medalist in women's soccer, must now beat Colombia in its final group match at 3 p.m. ET today to advance to the knockout stage of the competition. The Canadians will be eliminated from quarterfinal contention with anything other than a victory.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Canada, which has won its opening two matches in France, could still finish atop Group A despite the penalty.</p><p><strong>Group A standings</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Goal difference</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1. Colombia</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2. France</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3. Canada*</td>
<td>+2</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4. New Zealand</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>"While disappointed in the outcome of our appeal, we commend the players for their incredible resilience and grit over the course of this tournament, and look forward to cheering them on in today's match against Colombia," the COC <a href="https://olympic.ca/press/coc-statement-on-cas-decision/">said in a statement</a> Wednesday.</p><p>The CAS said grounds for its decision to reject the appeal would be published at a later date.</p><p>The spying scandal exploded last week when a team analyst, Joseph Lombardi, was caught using a drone to film one of New Zealand's closed training sessions ahead of Canada's opening match of the Olympic tournament. Lombardi and assistant Jasmine Mander were subsequently sent home from the Paris Games, while head coach Bev Priestman voluntarily removed herself from the match, which Canada won 2-1.</p><p>Various reports then emerged citing sources who explained that spying on opponents was a consistent tactic by the Canadian national team. Both the men's and women's programs were reportedly using drones to gain intel for several years across multiple competitions, including at the Tokyo Games.</p><p>Canadian officials described the practice as a "systemic ethical shortcoming."</p><p>"We're not cheaters," defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/159751" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/159751">Vanessa Gilles</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3045028" href="https://thescore.com/news/3045028">said</a> after her dramatic last-second goal against France on Sunday kept Canada's title defense alive.</p><p>Priestman, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3044940" href="https://thescore.com/news/3044940">said</a> she was "heartbroken" for the players and has since apologized for the humiliating debacle, was sent home by the COC and suspended for one year by FIFA. Soccer's governing body levied the same punishment on Lombardi and Mander in addition to a hefty fine and, most notably, the points deduction.</p><p>Canada's appeal only applied to the points penalty.</p><p>Canada Soccer provided FIFA's disciplinary committee with Priestman's emails pertaining to spying when the governing body was considering sanctions against the women's team, reports <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/westhead-tribunal-denies-canada-s-appeal-as-priestman-email-details-a-whole-operation-of-spying-1.2156249">Rick Westhead of TSN</a>.</p><p>In one such email on March 20 of this year, Priestman reportedly reached out to an external human resources consultant in response to an analyst telling her they were unwilling to continue spying on other teams.</p><p>"It's something the analyst has always done and I know there is a whole operation on the men's side with regards to it," Priestman wrote.</p><p>Canada Soccer reportedly told FIFA that the spying program began with John Herdman, who coached the women's team from 2011 to 2018. Priestman was a member of his staff, first as a technical assistant and then an assistant coach, for part of that spell.</p><p>"We suspect that the practice of using a drone stems back to John Herdman when he was the head coach of the women's national team," Canada Soccer reportedly wrote to FIFA on July 27. "In other words, this was a practice started by one person - John Herdman - and continued by Bev Priestman. It was not facilitated by the federation."</p><p>Herdman, now the head coach of Major League Soccer club Toronto FC, <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/video/herdman-highly-confident-in-my-time-weve-never-been-involved-in-~2966592">said</a> during a press conference on July 26 that he was "highly confident" his teams never engaged in spying at World Cups or the Olympics.</p>

SAINT-ETIENNE, FRANCE - JULY 28: Team Canada sing their national anthem on pitch ahead of the Women's group A match between France and Canada during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on July 28, 2024 in Saint-Etienne, France.

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Canada loses appeal of 6-point deduction for spying at Olympics

Canada's defense of its Olympic gold medal in women's soccer was seconds away from ending until d...

<p>Canada's defense of its Olympic gold medal in women's soccer was seconds away from ending until defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/159751" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/159751">Vanessa Gilles</a> scored a dramatic winner in the 12th minute of stoppage time to defeat host nation France 2-1 and keep the team's chances of reaching the knockout stage alive.</p><p>The scandal-hit Olympic champion, docked six points by FIFA for the drone-spying debacle that has rocked the squad at the Paris Olympics and resulted in the suspension of coach Bev Priestman, would have been mathematically eliminated from contention for the quarterfinals with anything other than a victory Sunday.</p><p>That seemed to be the most likely outcome when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122201" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122201">Marie-Antoinette Katoto</a> opened the scoring for France, the world's second-ranked side, in the 42nd minute in Saint-Etienne.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>But the Canadian players, weathering a storm not of their own making over the past week, showed resilience in the second half, and captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122108" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122108">Jessie Fleming</a> netted the equalizer in the 58th minute from close range, poking the ball into an open goal after it was spilled by French goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/159350" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/159350">Pauline Peyraud-Magnin</a>.</p><p>Canada, knowing it needed another goal, pushed forward as the seconds ticked away and the match entered 13 minutes of second-half stoppage time. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122096" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122096">Kailen Sheridan</a> made a point-blank save deep into added time to keep the contest level, and Gilles, playing as a makeshift center-forward in the closing minutes, delivered the winner off a rebound in the final seconds, showing off the finishing skills of a striker with a low shot that smacked the post and crossed the line, setting off Canadian celebrations on the pitch and bench.</p><p>"We've been crying," Gilles said in an <a href="https://x.com/CBCOlympics/status/1817699236122628354">interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation</a> (CBC) after the match. "What's given us energy is each other, our determination, our pride to prove people wrong, our pride to represent this country when all this shit is coming out about our values and our representation as Canadians."</p><p>She added: "We're not cheaters. We're damn good players, we're a damn good team, we're a damn good group, and we proved that today."</p><p>Canada, now on zero points after the deduction, must win its final Group A match against Colombia on Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals and continue defending the gold medal captured in Tokyo in 2021.</p><p>The Canadians could yet bring an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and try to have the points penalty reduced or overturned entirely. It's unclear if Canada will take that step. An appeal was being considered after FIFA announced its sanctions.</p><p>"I think it has brought us closer," team captain Fleming said of the challenges faced by the squad in recent days, <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/summer/soccer/olympics-soccer-canada-france-women-paris-2024-july-28-1.7277643">according to the CBC</a>. "It feels like us against the world right now. All of our focus has just been on each other because that's all we have to lean on right now."</p><p>Canada was once again led Sunday by acting head coach Andy Spence after Priestman, along with two staff members, were sent home from the Olympics and subsequently suspended for one year by FIFA as punishment in the spying case.</p><p>Priestman, in a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3044940" href="https://thescore.com/news/3044940">statement</a> released through her lawyers ahead of Sunday's match, said she was "absolutely heartbroken" for the players, and apologized to the team and country for the scandal.</p>

SAINT-ETIENNE, FRANCE - JULY 28: Vanessa Gilles #14 of Team Canada celebrates scoring her team's second goal during the Women's group A match between France and Canada during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on July 28, 2024 in Saint-Etienne, France.

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'We're not cheaters': Defiant Canada stays alive with dramatic Olympic win

Canada's women's head coach Bev Priestman apologized for her role in the drone spying scandal tha...

<p>Canada's women's head coach Bev Priestman apologized for her role in the drone spying scandal that's rocked the national squad and caused headaches and humiliation for the country's soccer federation and Olympic team at the Paris Games.</p><p>Priestman, suspended by Canada Soccer and sent home by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) following the team's opening match in France, was subsequently banned for one year by FIFA. The women's team was also docked six points by soccer's governing body in an enormous blow to its hopes of defending its gold medal from Tokyo.</p><p>"I am absolutely heartbroken for the players, and I would like to apologize from the bottom of my heart for the impact this situation has had on all of them," Priestman, making her first public comment since her suspension was levied, said Sunday in a statement issued through her legal representatives, via <a href="https://x.com/cristinaCTVnews/status/1817603722945475020">CTV News' Cristina Tenaglia</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>She added: "I know how hard they have worked following a very difficult year in 2023 and that they are a group of people who care very much about sportsmanship and integrity. As the leader of the team on the field, I want to take accountability, and I plan to fully cooperate with the investigation.</p><p>"To Canada, I am sorry. You have been my home and a country I have fallen in love with. I hope you will continue to support these extremely talented and hardworking players, to help them defy all odds and show their true character."</p><p>The 38-year-old also said that the team's historic triumph in Tokyo "was earned through sheer grit and determination, despite reports to the contrary."</p><p>Asked after Canada's comeback win over France on Sunday if she accepts Priestman's apology, goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122096" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122096">Kailen Sheridan</a> said it's a "really tough thing to do" right now.</p><p>"Ultimately, she's a human being, and people make mistakes. I think later down the road we'll be in a place where we can accept that. But right now, we're staying in our bubble. We're not allowing anything in," Sheridan said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/40667334/canada-women-defiant-beating-france-not-cheaters">Emily Kaplan of ESPN</a>. "I think it's really important. It's proving to work so far. We're going to ride it as long as we can, and we're going to prove some people wrong."</p><p>The spying scandal erupted when an analyst was caught using a drone to film New Zealand's closed training sessions before the teams met in their Olympic opener. The analyst, Joseph Lombardi, was sent home from the Paris Games along with assistant coach Jasmine Mander.</p><p>Since the initial incident, several scathing reports have suggested that using drones to spy on opponents has been a longstanding tactic utilized by both the Canadian men's and women's national teams dating back several years and spanning various competitions.</p><p>Canadian officials, who said they were exploring a possible appeal of FIFA's six-point penalty that applies to the ongoing Olympic tournament, have described the spying as a "systemic ethical shortcoming" within the program.</p><p>Sports minister Carla Qualtrough said Sunday that the Canadian government is withholding some of Canada Soccer's funding as it directly relates to the salaries of Priestman, Mander, and Lombardi.</p>

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: Bev Priestman, Head Coach of Canada, gives the team instructions during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Canada and Australia at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on July 31, 2023 in Melbourne / Naarm, Australia.

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Priestman 'heartbroken' for players, apologizes to Canada amid drone scandal

Canada women's team head coach Bev Priestman was sent home from the Paris Games by the Canadian O...

<p>Canada women's team head coach Bev Priestman was sent home from the Paris Games by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) on Thursday after Canada Soccer suspended her amid a scandal involving drones to spy on opponents' training sessions.</p><p>COC CEO David Shoemaker <a href="https://x.com/CBCOlympics/status/1816811778329792770">confirmed</a> Friday the committee had "gathered additional information" that allowed him to conclude Priestman was "highly likely to have been aware" of drone use in France.</p><p>Canada, the reigning gold medalist in Olympic women's soccer, became embroiled in controversy this week when the COC removed two staff members from the Games after they allegedly tried to film multiple closed-door New Zealand practices in the buildup to Thursday's meeting between the teams.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The two staff members, Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander, were sent home from France, and FIFA's Disciplinary Committee <a href="https://inside.fifa.com/legal/judicial-bodies/news/fifa-disciplinary-committee-statement">opened proceedings</a>.</p><p>Priestman voluntarily removed herself from Canada's Olympic opener, an eventual 2-1 victory in Saint-Etienne, "in the spirit of accountability." The 38-year-old coach denied directing the use of a drone, saying the tactic "does not represent the values that our team stands for."</p><p>However, <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/soccer/canada-s-men-s-and-women-s-soccer-teams-have-relied-on-drones-and-spying-for-years-sources-say-1.2153674">Rick Westhead of TSN</a>, citing sources with "first-hand knowledge" of similar activity, reported Thursday that the use of drones to spy on opponents has been employed by the Canadian men's and women's teams for "years," including during the latter's gold-medal-winning performance at the Tokyo Games in 2021.</p><p>"Over the past 24 hours, additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games," Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue <a href="https://olympic.ca/press/coc-statement-regarding-bev-priestman/">said in a statement</a>.</p><p>Blue said Priestman will be suspended until an independent external review of the matter is completed. Canada Soccer said the investigation's findings will be made public.</p><p>Assistant coach Andy Spence, who oversaw Canada's comeback win over New Zealand in Priestman's absence, will lead the squad for the remainder of the Paris Games.</p><p>Canada's nefarious tactics date back to at least 2019 and include multiple matches, Westhead adds. Opponents potentially impacted in 2022 on the women's side reportedly include Panama, Costa Rica, South Korea, and Trinidad and Tobago. A Canadian coach also filmed two of Japan's closed-door training sessions ahead of the team's 1-1 draw with the host nation at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, per Westhead.</p><p>"You get to know their formations, their starting lineup," a source told Westhead. "You also look at who is taking a penalty kick and their set pieces."</p><p>One of the sources explained that the pandemic-related restrictions during the Tokyo Olympics made things "a little bit tricky," but after sneaking out of the team hotel, those tasked with spying could use bushes, fences, or trees to remain hidden.</p><p>Members of the coaching staff and various contractors working for the Canadian national teams were told that filming training sessions was part of their job and that they could be removed from their positions if they didn't agree to do it, according to Westhead.</p><p>Some reportedly expressed to colleagues that the practice made them uncomfortable.</p><p>The men's team has also previously been questioned about surveillance, most notably in 2021 when Honduras claimed to have spotted a drone and halted a training session in Toronto ahead of a World Cup qualifier. John Herdman, then Canada's men's coach, downplayed the incident at the time.</p><p>Priestman was an assistant with her compatriot Herdman when he led the women's program.</p><p>"Most people see this as cheating, which it is," one of the sources told Westhead of the spying. "Some of our coaches just see it as a competitive advantage and justify it by saying everyone does it, which is also not true. Not everyone cheats, and neither should we."</p>

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 21: Bev Priestman, Head Coach of Canada, inspects the pitch prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Nigeria and Canada at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on July 21, 2023 in Melbourne / Naarm, Australia.

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Canada coach Priestman suspended, spying reportedly ongoing for 'years'

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Daniel Rouse

Senior News Editor

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Gianluca Nesci

Supervising Editor

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