First Up: Football - A Daily Football Briefing

Tottenham fans may have arrived at the Etihad frustrated after losing Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, but they left bouncing as Joao Palhinha inspired a shock win over Manchester City.

Arsenal, meanwhile, welcomed their new star in style as Eze was unveiled to a raucous Emirates crowd before the Gunners smashed five past Leeds.

We also look ahead to Monday night’s Aleksandar Isak derby between Newcastle United and Liverpool, with the striker’s transfer saga continuing to dominate the narrative.

And away from the top flight, there was a truly uplifting story as Morecambe FC, who only weeks ago looked set to collapse, produced a 98th-minute winner on their return to competitive action.

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West Ham host Chelsea in a Friday night London derby, Spurs travel to Manchester City and Everton open their new stadium against Brighton. Plus, Crystal Palace celebrate their first ever European victory, and we dive into why everyone online is suddenly talking about being “pecked by the chickens.”

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Arsenal have pulled off a stunning move, hijacking Tottenham’s pursuit of Eberechi Eze as the Crystal Palace star looks set for a £68m switch to the Emirates.

Elsewhere, Celtic are left frustrated in the Champions League play-offs, Middlesbrough’s leaked fine list sparks debate, and the Bundesliga strike a landmark deal with YouTuber Mark Goldbridge.

Plus, the latest transfer moves across Europe, including Newcastle’s woes and another record-breaking transfer in the women’s game.

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Aleksandar Isak breaks his silence in dramatic fashion as he pushes to leave Newcastle, Spurs close in on a deal for Eberechi Eze and Rangers endure a nightmare night in the Champions League.

We also round up Tuesday’s transfer moves, the PFA awards and the remarkable rescue of Morecambe FC.

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Leeds United return to the Premier League in dramatic fashion, beating Everton after a hotly-debated handball decision at Elland Road.

We also cover Nottingham Forest’s £93m weekend spending spree, the latest transfer twists including Eberechi Eze to Spurs and why Fulham’s Calvin Bassey has everyone talking about his shorts.

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The Premier League returned with drama everywhere you looked. Arsenal got their season up and running thanks to a mistake from Manchester United’s Altay Bayindir, while Liverpool’s emotional 4-2 win over Bournemouth was lit up by Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah.

Sunderland celebrated a dream return to the top flight with a 3-0 win over West Ham, Tottenham and Manchester City both cruised to victory, and Fulham struck late to deny Brighton. Elsewhere, Palace were left fuming at VAR, Forest’s coach injured himself celebrating a goal, and Newcastle completed the signing of Jacob Ramsey.

Beyond the Premier League, Bayern lifted the German Super Cup, Barcelona cruised in La Liga, and the Marshall Islands made history with their first ever international goal.

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The wait is over – the 25/26 Premier League season is here. We preview every match from opening weekend, including Liverpool v Bournemouth at Anfield and Sunderland’s long-awaited return to the top flight.

We also dive into Christian Pulisic’s documentary controversy, Nottingham Forest’s huge transfer spree, and Chelsea’s touching gesture to Diogo Jota's family.

Plus, the wildest comeback so far this season, as 10-man Brøndby overturn a 3-0 deficit in Europe.

PL FIXTURES:

Friday 15th August

Saturday 16th August

Brighton vs Fulham

Sunderland vs West Ham

Tottenham vs Burnley

Wolves vs Manchester City

Sunday 17th August

Nottingham Forest vs Brentford

Manchester United vs Arsenal

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PSG beat Spurs in a dramatic Super Cup final in Udine, coming back from 2-0 down to win on penalties. We cover all the big moments, from Chavalier’s howler to Nuno Mendes’ winning spot-kick. 

Plus, Dominic Calvert-Lewin looks set for Leeds United, Liverpool’s Guehi chase hits a snag, and Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz is at the centre of Instagram drama. 

Also, we cover Bournemouth’s new centre-back, League Cup shocks, Football Manager 26 news, and the Scottish boss who’ll give you a silly answer if you ask a silly question.

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It’s Super Cup night in Udine as PSG and Spurs battle in European football’s annual curtain raiser - we’ll bring you the key storylines, team news and talking points ahead of kick-off. 

Plus, Rangers survive a scare in Champions League qualifying, Bromley stun Ipswich in the League Cup, and Everton confirm the loan signing of Jack Grealish. 

We’ll also touch on some late transfer drama that could set up a north London tug-of-war and a way that the Premier League has been inspired by their transatlantic cousins.

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Crystal Palace’s hopes of returning to the Europa League are all but over after losing their appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport – with Nottingham Forest taking their place. We break down the full story, the reaction from fans and pundits, and why John Textor’s failure to amend his multi-club ownership proved so costly.

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