Former defender Jamie Carragher has heavily criticised Liverpool’s midfield structure after they were repeatedly exposed on the counter-attack during a 2-2 Premier League draw with Newcastle United.
The Reds required a last-minute penalty to salvage a point after trailing for the majority of the contest at St James’ Park.
However, it was the team’s glaring vulnerability in transition that drew the ire of their former centre-back.
Midfield balance questioned
Operating without a traditional defensive anchor, the Merseyside club struggled to contain rapid breakaways throughout the match.
The tactical setup left Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai exposed as opposing runners frequently bypassed the centre of the pitch.
Taking to social media, the Sky Sports pundit voiced his immense frustration at the recurring tactical flaw.
“LFC midfield all bombing forward happened all pre-season, madness!”
Vulnerability on the transition
Following another sweeping move that allowed Joe Willock to capitalise and score, the 46-year-old reiterated his strong stance.
“Again! This midfield cannot work, I said it before a competitive ball was kicked.”
During their most successful period under former manager Jurgen Klopp, the Anfield side relied on a pragmatic trio of Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Jordan Henderson.
That balanced combination has never been fully replaced, leading to an increasingly open and frantic style of play.
End-to-end chaos
Speaking before the campaign began, the Champions League winner warned that elite squads do not survive by playing basketball-style matches.
“Liverpool have too many attacking players on the pitch, they just want to bomb forward. No top team plays football like that.”
The latest defensive lapses will undoubtedly intensify scrutiny on the tactical choices being made in the Anfield dugout.
Newcastle United are in the final stages of agreeing a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez as they seek a replacement for Bruno Guimaraes.
The Magpies have endured a challenging summer transfer window which recently culminated in the departure of former manager Eddie Howe.
New head coach Matthias Jaissle oversaw an opening-weekend draw against Liverpool, but midfield reinforcements remain an urgent priority at St James’ Park.
City willing to sanction exit
The Spanish prospect has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium and was omitted from Enzo Maresca’s starting lineup for their opening fixture.
Despite key departures leaving the Manchester club depleted in the middle of the pitch, the 22-year-old remains surplus to requirements.
“Unless Rodri, the rest all have in common one thing, they didn’t play a lot. When they don’t play they prefer to leave.”Enzo Maresca
The Citizens have already lost Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders this summer, and are currently waiting on the impending arrival of Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Versatility appeals to Magpies
Bringing in a capable successor to the departed Guimaraes is viewed as crucial for the Tyneside club to stabilise their campaign.
The former Porto loanee offers valuable tactical flexibility, having previously been praised for his adaptability by former manager Pep Guardiola.
“He can play as a holding midfielder, he can play as a number eight, he can play on the left. He is versatile.”Pep Guardiola
While a transfer is nearing completion, club officials remain cautious until the paperwork is finalised following a turbulent period of recruitment.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has fiercely criticised Gianni Infantino’s abandoned proposal to sell a stake in the Fifa World Cup, labelling the commercial plan as worse than the European Super League.
Earlier this month, the world governing body scrapped controversial plans to create a new commercial entity that would have seen a private investment firm acquire 21% of its ticketing and commercial rights.
European football’s governing body orchestrated heavy opposition to the proposal, with member nations threatening a complete boycott of future global tournaments.
“I think this plan is even worse than the Super League plan.”
The 58-year-old Slovenian administrator stressed that while the failed 2021 breakaway league was damaging to the sport, the new commercial proposal would have literally sold football to private interests.
European associations withdraw support
The fallout from the aborted Fifa Forward Enterprise project has severely damaged the standing of the 56-year-old Swiss executive across the continent.
All four home nations have officially withdrawn their support for the current president, reflecting a widespread loss of confidence in his leadership.
The former lawyer revealed he was given no prior warning about the commercial restructuring, first learning of the proposed global sale through media reports while on a family holiday.
“He didn’t contact me since this happened.”
He suggested his counterpart deliberately portrays European football as arrogant in order to garner favour and political backing from smaller, less wealthy associations.
“But I think someone should remind him that he is a European, and that he was supported by Uefa, which he forgot.”
Global lobbying and future elections
Following the severe backlash, the former Uefa general secretary has embarked on a worldwide tour in a desperate bid to rebuild his political capital.
Recent appearances include a strategic meeting with Caribbean officials in the Dominican Republic and attendance at a major E-Sports event in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.
Despite the escalating institutional feud between the sport’s most powerful figures, the Uefa chief confirmed he will not challenge for the global presidency in March 2027.
“I’m not interested because of two reasons. One reason is that I love Uefa and I love working here, and I think that at a certain point it’s time also to enjoy life a bit.”
He added that maintaining his current position without actively seeking higher office ultimately preserves his credibility while navigating these complex political conflicts.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has played down fears of a lengthy absence for Bruno Guimaraes, though defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba face extended spells on the sidelines.
The Premier League champions opened their title defence with a comfortable victory over Coventry at Emirates Stadium.
Goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard ensured a perfect start to the new domestic campaign.
Attention now turns to a trip to Aston Villa next Monday, where recent £55m arrival Ezri Konsa could make his debut.
Guimaraes avoids serious muscle damage
Guimaraes was withdrawn during the Community Shield victory against Manchester City with ice strapped to his right thigh.
The £75m summer signing from Newcastle United subsequently missed the opening league fixture, sparking fears of a long-term problem.
Speculation suggested the Brazilian midfielder could miss several weeks of action, but Arteta moved quickly to dismiss those concerns.
“No, no, no, we expect that not to be weeks at all. Let’s see how he evolves this week,”
Mikel Arteta
“He didn’t even want to stop. He wanted to carry on. Now we start to understand the character of the player, but I don’t expect that to be a big issue.”
The 28-year-old could return to the matchday squad in time for the upcoming clash at Villa Park.
Long-term absences for Timber and Saliba
The outlook is considerably bleaker for two key figures in the Arsenal backline.
Timber has seen minimal competitive action since sustaining a severe groin issue in March which ruled him out of the World Cup.
The Dutch international underwent minor surgery during the summer break and is not expected to rejoin first-team training until the autumn.
“I said in the next few weeks. He’s not trained with the group yet.”
Mikel Arteta
Meanwhile, Saliba has been ruled out until the winter months of 2026 after suffering a severe back problem.
A club statement confirmed the French centre-back will undergo a managed recovery programme without surgical intervention.
“Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme,”
Arsenal Football Club
These major defensive setbacks directly prompted the club to secure Konsa’s signature in the transfer market.
Jon Rahm has secured his third consecutive LIV Golf season points title in Indiana, but the Spanish star and his fellow players face an uncertain future following the withdrawal of Saudi Arabian funding.
Rahm closed with a seven-under-par 63 at the revised season finale in suburban Indianapolis, suffering a late bogey to finish one stroke behind 22-year-old Michael La Sasso.
The American prodigy and 2025 NCAA individual champion carded a 65 to reach 18 under par and claim the tournament victory.
Despite missing out on the individual event win, the two-time major champion successfully defended his team crown alongside capturing the season-long individual honours.
Questions surround LIV 2.0
While the on-course action concluded on Sunday, significant doubts remain over the long-term viability of the breakaway circuit.
In April, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund announced it would end its financial backing of the league following a five-year investment exceeding $5bn (£3.9bn).
The withdrawal has forced organisers to scramble for alternative funding, leading to the late cancellation of two scheduled events this season.
LIV chief executive Scott O’Neil remains optimistic about a restructured league launching in 2027.
O’Neil has outlined a proposed 10-tournament schedule comprising five overseas team championships and five individual events in the United States.
Under these new proposals, participating golfers would become equity owners and regain their commercial rights.
New investment on the horizon
A preliminary agreement has reportedly been reached with Ted Goldthorpe of private equity firm BC Partners to secure the tour’s future.
Goldthorpe addressed the roster of players in Indianapolis earlier this week to present his vision for the revamped league.
However, O’Neil acknowledged that a binding term sheet has yet to be signed and declined to specify the size of the proposed financial injection.
A compressed timeline now faces the organisers, with a strict deadline set for players to commit to the new structure.
‘It’s just golf’
The former Masters champion insists the ongoing boardroom turmoil has not impacted his ability to perform inside the ropes.
“There’s been a lot that’s surrounded all of us pretty much since we joined, and at the end of the day when you step on the golf course, it’s just golf.”
“So all the problems and theories go away, and you compete. It hasn’t been any harder or any easier in any way. It’s just, kind of I think, the life of a pro athlete.”
The 29-year-old Spaniard remains under contract through next season, ensuring his short-term presence on the tour.
Conversely, high-profile figures such as Bryson DeChambeau face immediate decisions regarding their futures, as the American’s current deal expires this year.
DeChambeau finished tied for third alongside Sergio Garcia on Sunday and notably declined to speak with the media.
Ryan Blaney overcame a major pit-stop error to secure his third NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday.
The Team Penske driver fended off Bubba Wallace by just 0.586 seconds to claim his second consecutive win at the Loudon circuit.
He led for a race-high 115 of the 301 laps but was forced to fight his way back to the front from 17th place.
Pit lane drama and recovery
The 2023 Cup Series champion had cruised to a substantial lead before a lug nut fell off the left-front tyre of his Ford during a caution period with 111 laps remaining.
This crucial error dropped the American down the field, but he meticulously picked his way through the traffic.
When a three-car crash brought out the yellow flag on lap 226, crew chief Jonathan Hassler made an aggressive call for a two-tyre change.
This strategic masterstroke allowed Blaney to gain six spots in the pits and retake a lead he would not relinquish.
Berry secures season-best finish
Behind the front two, Josh Berry finished a season-best third for Wood Brothers Racing as he continues his search for a 2027 seat.
Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson rounded out the top five following a race that began on wet-weather tyres due to a mid-afternoon rain shower.
Further down the order, Ryan Preece finished ninth to keep his Chase qualification hopes alive by gaining 19 points on Shane van Gisbergen.
The New Zealander crossed the line in 20th and currently holds the 16th and final spot for the 10-race title run.
Chastain suffers mechanical failure
A last-place finish extinguished any lingering Chase hopes for Ross Chastain.
His Chevrolet suffered a terminal mechanical problem after just 40 laps on the track.
“The speed has gotten better, so we’ll hopefully keep moving forward on that,” said Chastain.
“That’s the important part. With the things in our control, we were able to make them better through the summer.”
“I’ve learned that’s really tough to do in the NASCAR Cup Series. We did get better, but we’ve got a ways to go.”
The NASCAR Cup Series regular season concludes next Saturday at Daytona International Speedway, where the final 16-driver field will be set.
Frenchman Arthur Fils has issued a major statement of intent ahead of the US Open by defeating Frances Tiafoe 6-3 1-6 6-0 to win the Cincinnati Open.
The 22-year-old secured the biggest title of his burgeoning career with a dominant final-set display in Ohio.
His victory over the home favourite ends a 12-year wait for a French champion at ATP Masters 1000 level.
The triumph also ensures he becomes only the third Black male player to capture a Masters 1000 crown, following in the footsteps of:
- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who claimed titles in Paris and Canada
- Ben Shelton, a two-time Canadian Open champion
Rollercoaster final sets up decisive bagel
The 21st seed made a blistering start to the contest, establishing a quick 3-0 lead as he relentlessly attacked his opponent’s second serve.
He closed out the opening set in style with three consecutive aces to leave the American crowd stunned.
However, the 28-year-old Maryland native responded emphatically in the second set to force a dramatic decider.
Utilising his powerful forehand to pull his rival wide, the American secured two breaks of serve to rapidly level the match.
‘A ballet dancer’ on court
Momentum swung completely back to the European in the third set as mounting backhand errors plagued the home favourite.
Showcasing exceptional pace and court coverage, the Barcelona Open champion broke twice to race into an unassailable 4-0 advantage.
He ultimately sealed a final-set bagel after a gruelling baseline rally, improving his season record to 32-10 and rising to fifth in the ATP Live Race To Turin.
“That feels good. There’s a lot of training, a lot of sacrifice. To be able to win a title like this, it means a lot to me.”
Arthur Fils
“I don’t have any words to describe this. It feels so good. A little bit of relief as well.”
Former British number one Annabel Croft praised the youngster’s agility and resilience during the high-stakes encounter.
“He played flawless tennis in the first set but he regrouped so well in that final set and breath-taking movement to watch him courtside.”
Annabel Croft
“He’s so agile, he’s like a ballet dancer, and we saw every kind of shot that he could possibly come up with to win this title and to take on a home crowd as well.”
Philadelphia Phillies batter Kyle Schwarber hit a dramatic walk-off home run on his final strike to complete an unthinkable comeback victory against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The powerful left-handed hitter delivered the decisive blow when his team was down to their very last out of the tense contest.
Staring defeat in the face, the veteran slugger obliterated the decisive pitch deep into the stands to spark wild celebrations inside Citizens Bank Park.
Dramatic finale stuns Cardinals
The visiting St. Louis side had seemingly done enough to secure a hard-fought road victory before the late drama unfolded.
However, the unpredictable nature of baseball was on full display as the momentum completely flipped with a single, devastating swing of the bat.
The stunning turnaround leaves the National League outfit riding high after securing an improbable victory from the jaws of defeat.
Schwarber adds to his reputation
Known for his immense power, the former World Series champion once again proved his incredible value in the highest-pressure situations.
This latest spectacular strike will undoubtedly go down as one of the most memorable moments of the current baseball campaign.
Home fans in Pennsylvania will relish re-watching the towering drive that sent the visiting roster packing in such demoralising fashion.