England found a new route to losing against Spain, Manchester City’s financial case finally produced reported decisions, Jürgen Klopp’s first Germany experiment met Greece, and Mikel Arteta agreed to stay at Arsenal.

England Find the Bar Against Spain

England led the world champions 2-1 at Wembley and had a penalty to make it three. For a few minutes, everything looked suspiciously positive.

Lamine Yamal had given Spain the lead after only two minutes before Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane turned the game around. Kane then slipped while taking a second-half penalty and hit the bar.

Spain responded through Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal to win 3-2. England created plenty, scored twice and still left Wembley with nothing. Spain tend to encourage that sort of evening.

Thomas Tuchel’s side now travel to Czechia on 29 September and Croatia on 3 October before hosting Czechia on 6 October.

Manchester City’s Long-Running Case Moves Forward

Reports on Friday said that decisions had been reached in Manchester City’s long-running Premier League financial case, with most of the charges found to have been proven.

The Premier League has not commented because the process remains confidential. City said significant parts of the case are still to be completed, with the matter reportedly moving into its appeal stage.

English football waited several years for an answer and may now spend a while waiting for the answer to the answer.

The final outcome could have major consequences for City and the wider Premier League. For now, arguments about points deductions, titles and possible relegation remain arguments rather than confirmed sanctions.

Explore our Manchester City clothing and gifts.

Klopp’s Two-Squad Germany Plan Meets Greece

Jürgen Klopp began his Germany reign by selecting two separate squads containing 44 players for four Nations League matches. The idea was praised for reducing player workload and giving more of the squad a chance.

Then Greece beat Germany 1-0 in Augsburg.

One defeat does not ruin the experiment, although it does provide the traditional international-management reminder that a clever plan still needs somebody to score.

Klopp has time to work through the list. With 44 players involved, he should eventually locate one.

Arteta Agrees to Extend His Arsenal Stay

Mikel Arteta agreed an improved long-term contract with Arsenal after leading the club to its first Premier League title in 22 years.

The agreement is expected to keep him at Arsenal until at least 2030. Arteta is already the Premier League’s longest-serving current manager following Pep Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City.

The deal arrived shortly after Brighton beat Arsenal 3-0, which was a useful reminder that title celebrations finish quickly when the next season begins.

Browse our latest Arsenal clothing, Christmas jumpers and gifts.

Big Football Fixtures Coming in October

Club football returns with several matches worth planning ahead for.

Liverpool v Manchester City – 11 October 2026

Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday 11 October. It is the first major Premier League fixture after the international break and should provide a quick answer to whether either set of supporters enjoyed the time away.

Browse Liverpool clothing and gifts or our Manchester City collection.

Arsenal v Lille – 13 October 2026

Arsenal return to Champions League action against Lille at the Emirates on Tuesday 13 October.

The match begins an important European spell for the defending Premier League champions before a much larger away night later in the month.

Liverpool v Villarreal – 20 October 2026

Villarreal visit Anfield in the Champions League on Tuesday 20 October. European nights under the lights rarely need much extra help, although supporters will still find a way to begin discussing the atmosphere several days early.

Bayern Munich v Arsenal – 21 October 2026

Arsenal travel to Munich on Wednesday 21 October for one of the biggest fixtures of the Champions League league phase. Bayern away carries enough history for Arsenal supporters without anybody needing to manufacture additional drama. Ordering early is sensible for anyone planning new Arsenal gear before the trip.

Another Quiet Week in Football, Then

England scored twice against the world champions and lost. Manchester City’s legal case moved forward without reaching the finish. Germany named enough players for four five-a-side leagues and failed to score against Greece.

Club football returns soon. Everyone should be fully rested and completely reasonable by then.