Welcome to our daily results and updates from the EPL! We may be in the middle of an international break, but the Premier League continues to dominate the back pages with some intriguing news and stories over the last few days.
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Let's catch up with some of the big stories in the Premier League over this international break.
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Manchester City has been making headlines with their ongoing legal challenges in the English Premier League. The club has adopted a strategy of pursuing legal actions, particularly against the Associated-Party Transaction (APT) rules.
Recently, they challenged the Premier League's assessment of their 2023 commercial agreement with Etihad Airways. This deal was deemed above fair market value by independent valuers, Nielsen.
Despite losing this challenge, Manchester City is expected to continue their legal pursuits until they achieve favorable outcomes. The Etihad deal was significant due to its large scope and was considered one of the most lucrative in City's portfolio.
The club opposes APT rules as they underpin financial controls like profit and sustainability rules within the Premier League competition. Although City failed in their main challenge, they achieved some procedural wins, such as including shareholder loans under APT rules.
The Premier League agreed to amend certain aspects following these procedural victories by City’s lawyers. Since Monday, clubs have been submitting details on shareholder loans to the Premier League for review. Manchester City communicated with other clubs through their general counsel, Simon Cliff, arguing that APT rules were void and advising against hasty changes.
If 14 clubs vote for amendments in upcoming weeks, APT rules will be updated regardless of City's stance. There is uncertainty about whether City has enough allies among other clubs to prevent rule changes; however, it is clear that City's legal battles will persist whenever they encounter unfavorable rulings or regulations.
\The tribunal report highlighted late-night communications and substantial new valuations submitted by City's lawyers during the dispute process, causing difficulties for the Premier League's regulatory team. Despite setbacks in this case, Manchester City's legal team remains undeterred and continues to resist rule amendments that could negate their minor victories.
Erik ten Hag is expected to remain as Manchester United manager through the October international break and forthe upcoming match against Brentford. Manchester United's executive committee, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, discussed Ten Hag's future in a recent meeting, but no clear decision was communicated.
Despite being under pressure due to a poor start to the season with only two wins in seven matches, Ten Hag is anticipated to continue his role for now. Manchester United are currently 14th in the Premier League table and have scored just five goals this season.
Thomas Tuchel is reportedly in advanced talks with the Football Association about becoming England's next manager, although he is also considered a potential successor to Ten Hag at United. Zinedine Zidane has been linked with the Manchester United managerial position multiple times but remains unlikely due to questions over Didier Deschamps' continued role as France national team coach.
Former Chelsea defender William Gallas expressed doubts about Tuchel handling the pressure of managing Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag faces challenges with player injuries and squad depth issues, particularly in defence ahead of their match against Brentford. Bruno Fernandes recently assisted a goal for Portugal but has not contributed goals or assists for Manchester United in their last five games.
There is ongoing speculation about potential managerial replacements for Ten Hag, including Ruben Amorim, Thomas Frank, Simone Inzaghi, Kieran McKenna, Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate, Edin Terzic, and Tuchel himself.
Former United defender Paul Parker believes Tuchel would be a short-term solution and not suitable for Manchester United's long-term needs. Michael Carrick has been suggested as a possible interim manager if Ten Hag departs; the current Middlesbrough manager has previously managed three games for United as caretaker in 2021.
Arsenal fans and staff are believed to be worried about the potential departure of another key player due to Real Madrid's interest in William Saliba.
Frenchman Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019 as a teenager under Unai Emery but only made his debut in the 2022/23 Premier League season after several loan spells. These loan experiences have significantly contributed to Saliba's development, making him one of the best defenders globally.
Although Arsenal has not yet won the Premier League title under Mikel Arteta, they are perceived to be closer to doing so this season, with Saliba playing a crucial role alongside Gabriel at the heart of the Arsenal defence.
Pundit Darren Bent noted that Real Madrid usually succeeds in acquiring players they pursue seriously and that it is rare for them not to land their target.
Bent also highlighted another player for Arsenal fans to worry about: Bukayo Saka. There is concern over Saka potentially leaving Arsenal alongside Saliba, despite his strong connection with the club he has supported since he was a boy.
Bent reassured fans that as long as Arsenal continues progressing and winning trophies, players like Saka and Saliba are unlikely to leave. Unless the Gunners receive an offer which is impossible to turn down.
Despite a number of potential suitors, Saka seems committed to staying at Arsenal for now because of his deep-rooted connection with the club. It would be disappointing for Saka if he did not win the Premier League title with Arsenal, especially given his talent and contribution to the team over the last few years.
Chelsea is concerned about Cole Palmer sustaining a potential injury after playing almost 160 minutes for England in their last two games. Palmer recently played a full match for England, which ended in a disappointing 2-1 loss to Greece at Wembley.
He then played just under 70 minutes on Sunday in England's 3-1 win away to Finland before he was substituted for team-mate Noni Madueke.
Despite being named England's Men's Player of the Year for 2024, Palmer's week did not go as planned. He was deployed in a deeper midfield role under interim manager Lee Carsley but had an underwhelming performance against Greece. He also missed a significant goal-scoring opportunity during the match against Greece with the game at 0-0.
Deaspite starting the last two games for England, Palmer has been used mainly as an impact player and contributed significantly during Euro 2024. Most notably scoring the England equaliser in the final against Spain.
The international break poses challenges for club managers like Enzo Maresca due to concerns over player fitness, workload and injury prevention. Chelsea is managing Palmer's workload carefully after their heavy reliance on the youngster last season, which led to an extended summer break post-Euros.
There are hopes that Palmer will be rested for upcoming England fixtures to keep him fit, especially with fellow right-sided attacker Bukayo Saka returning to Arsenal due to injury sustained with England against Finland.
Since moving from Manchester City and despite the increased demands on his body, Palmer has managed well so far, and Chelsea and England will hope this continues for the rest of the coming season.
Who are the oldest clubs in English football? Let's check out the teams that can call themselves the founder members of the Football League, as well as some that have been established for even longer!
Manchester United (1878): Originally founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club by Frederick Attock. In 1902, after facing financial difficulties, it was bought by local businessmen who renamed it Manchester United. The club has since become a major global brand and has won numerous domestic and continental titles.
Grimsby Town (1878): Initially called Grimsby Pelham, founded at the Wellington Arms pub in Lincolnshire. Known for playing on Christmas Day due to its association with the local fishing trade. Has played for most of its existence at Blundell Park in Cleethorpes rather than Grimsby itself.
Everton (1878): The older of Liverpool’s two major clubs; originally formed as St. Domingo’s FC after a Methodist chapel congregation. Everton were founding members of the Football League; the Toffees moved from Anfield to Goodison Park in 1892 after a dispute with the stadium owner, which led to the creation of Liverpool FC in 1892 to play at Anfield.
West Bromwich Albion (1878): Started as West Bromwich Strollers; the Baggies were founding members of the Football League. Champions of England in 1920; the name “Albion” derived from an area within West Bromwich where early players lived and/or worked.
Crewe Alexandra (1877): The Railwaymen were originally formed from a cricket club named after Princess Alexandra; They played first game in December 1877. Crewe were one of the founder members of the Second Division. As an English team, they won back-to-back Welsh Cups in 1936 and 1937.
Middlesbrough (1876): Boro are the oldest professional club in North East England; Starting as amateurs, the team turned professional permanently in 1899. While Middlesbrough have spent a lot of time in England's top flight, the club only won their first and only major trophy, the League Cup, in 2004.
Port Vale (1876): Based in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent; Vale are unique in English Football as there is no actual place on a map called Port Vale. Their name possibly derived from the Potteries valley canal ports; the official establishment date of the Valiants is disputed but is officially recorded as 1876. Their most famous fan is ex-Take That star Robbie Williams.
Blackburn Rovers (1875): Rovers played their first match before Christmas Day 1875. The club went on to become founding members of the Football League. They were FA Cup winners five times between 1884 and 1891. They have been First Division champions three times including a famous Premier League win in the 1994/95 season.
Birmingham City (1875): Originally Small Heath Alliance, the Blues were the first football club to operate as a limited company with directors. They were inaugural Second Division champions and won their first League Cup in 1963. They now boast NFL quarterback legend Tom Brady as one of the clubs shareholders.
Aston Villa (1874): Formed by members of the Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapel, Villa were one of the founding members of Football League. Unusually, their first-ever game was a half-rugby/half-football game, due to a lack of local football teams at the time.
Bolton Wanderers (1874): North West England’s oldest professional club were initially known as Christ Church FC before adopting their current name after moving grounds multiple times. Wandereres were founding members of the Football League and have been multiple-time Second Division champions. Bolton has won four FA Cups, starting with famous ‘White Horse Final' at Wembley against West Ham United in 1923.
Reading (1871): Established on Christmas Day making them the oldest southern-based English professional club. Reading are nicknamed Royals due to being based in the Royal County of Berkshire. The Royals were one of the earliest British clubs to tour overseas, including one trip where they won four out five matches played in Italy including thrashing Milan!
Sheffield Wednesday (1867): The Owls emerged out of Wednesday Cricket Club – so named because the club founders had a half-day off work on Wednesdays each week. The football team has been FA Cup winners and First Division champions in its long history. Wednesday played early home matches at Bramall Lane before relocating to Hillsborough. That allowed Sheffield United to move into Bramall Lane in their place.
Nottingham Forest (1865): Strangely, Forest are the third-oldest professional club in England, yet not the oldest club in their own city. Forest was the brainchild of a of group shinty players, a traditional Scottish sport also played northern England. Located in the West Bridgford area Nottingham Forest have been FA Cup winners and League Cup winners but are best remembered when Brian Clough managed them to a sole top-flight title in 1978 and then back-to-back European Cup success in 1979 and 1980.
Stoke City (1863): Stoke's foundation date is disputed and until recently the EFL claimed Nottingham Forest formed earlier when Stoke laid claim to the title of the oldest Football League club following Notts County relegation. Stoke however claim that the club was founded in 1863, two years before Forest! The Potters have been Second Division champions and lifted their maiden major trophy when defeating Chelsea 2-1 in the 1972 League Cup final.
Notts County (1862): Not just oldest professional club England, County are the oldest football club in the world, pre-dating even the Football Association. They play at Meadow Lane across the River Trent and opposite Forest’s City Ground.
However, the oldest football club in the world predates County by five years. Sheffield FC were formed in 1857 and are recognised by FIFA as the first and oldest football team in world football.
The upcoming Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham is highly anticipated, with significant media attention on both teams.
Karren Brady, West Ham's vice-chair, previously expressed interest in having Ange Postecoglou manage West Ham instead of Tottenham, praising his work at Celtic. Julen Lopetegui, West Ham's manager, has been under pressure but gained some relief after a recent 4-1 victory over Ipswich.
Tottenham recently lost a 2-0 lead to Brighton to lose 3-2, increasing the pressure on their manager, Postecoglou. Eddie Howe, Newcastle's manager, is reportedly being considered by both Tottenham and England for managerial roles.
Amanda Staveley is linked with potential investments in Premier League clubs and supports Howe from his Newcastle days. The speculation around Howe adds pressure on Postecoglou as he tries to end Tottenham’s trophy drought.
Historically, Tottenham has a slight edge over West Ham in competitive matches with 67 wins compared to West Ham’s 52 out of 155 encounters. A win is crucial for Postecoglou amid swirling speculation about his future at Spurs.
Arsenal is set to offer Ethan Nwaneri a significant pay rise, making him the third highest-paid teenager in the Premier League. Nwaneri has impressed in limited appearances for Arsenal's first team, including scoring twice against Bolton in the EFL Cup.
The Hale End academy graduate is highly regarded within Arsenal and is expected to commit to a long-term contract when he turns 18 next March. Currently earning £20,000 per week, Arsenal plans to triple his wages to £60,000 per week.
If the contract materializes, Nwaneri will become one of the most affluent teenagers in England and the third-highest paid player in his age bracket in the Premier League.
Born in Enfield, North London, Nwaneri joined Arsenal at age eight and made waves in the under-18s at just 14. He became the youngest player ever to appear in the Premier League with a cameo against Brentford at age 15. Football analyst Ben Mattinson describes him as “super talented.”
Mikel Arteta sees Nwaneri as a prominent part of his team, having included him in every matchday squad this season.
However, it hasn't been a great week for Gunners players. William Saliba was criticised for his performance for France against Israel but remains a key player for Arsenal and a target for Real Madrid.
Midfielder Martin Odegaard has suffered a setback in recovering from an ankle injury and may be out until December. Additionally, winger Gabriel Martinelli underwent an MRI scan after complaining of pain while on international duty with Brazil and Bukayo Saka came back from international duty with England with a fresh injury, the severity of which is not yet clear.
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