It is a tactical term that has been popularised by Guardiola, but fewer people might be aware of the man who inspired it

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has said he is counting on Rodrygo amid links to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. After playing a bit-part role at the Club World Cup earlier in the summer, the Brazilian continues to be linked with a Santiago Bernabeu exit before the transfer window closes.

The opening weekend of Premier League action delivered plenty of good news for the title contenders, while European action takes center stage midweek as a handful of teams inch closer to booking their spots in the UEFA Champions League.

Kelly and Hinds played alongside first-team players Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy when coming through the ranks. With England’s two-time European champions given extra time off before reporting back for pre-season, Hinds had to wait to be truly reunited with her old team-mates, but that didn’t stop memories from flooding back.

Arsenal have been dealt a significant injury concern ahead of their Premier League showdown with Liverpool at Anfield on 30 August. The Gunners, tipped to be the Reds’ closest challengers for the title alongside Manchester City,

The 2025-26 Premier League season is on the horizon, and it's one that dawns with altogether greater intrigue than many recent iterations of the biggest league in football. Champions Liverpool have strengthened aggressively,

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso protested that ‘nothing is going on’ with Rodrygo Goes after he remained on the bench for their La Liga opener against Osasuna, continuing his lack of protagonism

For Arsenal, the signing of Zubimendi is not simply about this weekend but about setting foundations to compete consistently with Liverpool and City. His arrival reflects both their ambition and their belief that the fine margins of mentality, preparation and tactical detail can define the title race.