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Everything you need to know about the 2026/27 Premier League season

Arsenal regained their Premier League crown last season, but after a World Cup and a hectic summer which has saw nine new managers in the dugout this season, it’s bound to be another crazy season in England. Coventry, Hull and Ipswich have all returned to the division, two of which winning on opening day. With the first round of the Premier League in, here’s what to expect from every team this season. Arsenal: Mikel Arteta’s side became the first Arsenal team to win the league since the 03/04 Invincibles last season, and it only felt a matter of time after multiple 2nd place finishes. The Champions League finalists look in a good position to do it again, not only due to the squad Arteta has spent years building, or how hard they are to beat, but also thanks to the masses of change around them. Like mentioned, Arteta has spent years building a squad with depth only bested by Guardiola’s Manchester City team, which means Arsenal have been able to have a quieter window. That being said, the business they have done looks to be extremely smart, you can see where every player fits in. Players in: Bruno Guimaraes, Illian Meslier, Christos Tzolis, Ezri Konsa, Piero Hincapie (loan made permanent). Players out: Leandro Trossard, Christian Norgaard, Karl Hein, Jakub Kiwior (loan made permanent). What to expect: Champions Aston Villa: When Unai Emery took over at Aston Villa, they looked like they were bound for the Championship, but the Spaniard has transformed them into European regulars in a matter of years. Villa are now preparing for their second Champions League under Emery after he won his fifth Europa League last season. They’ll be without their star man Morgan Rogers after his big money move to Chelsea, Youri Tielemans could be a massive loss too. It looks like Emi Martinez will stay after all after another summer linked away. If the UEFA Super Cup against PSG is anything to go by, it looks like Villa could promote their youth this season, especially given the amount of big names that have left Villa Park this window. Players in: Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, Modu Keba Cisse, Zion Suzuki, Matteo Ruggeri, Alejandro Garnacho (loan), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (loan). Players out: Morgan Rogers, Donyell Malen, Youri Tielemans, Lewis Dobbin, Lucas Dinge, Enzo Barrenechea, Ezri Konsa, Samuel Illing-Junior (loan), Andres Garcia (loan), Joe Gauci (loan), Oliwer Zych (loan), Kosta Nedeljkovic (loan). What to expect: European places Bournemouth: Marco Rose has replaced Andoni Iraola in the Bournemouth dugout this season as the club prepare for their first-ever season of European football. Bournemouth are always hard ones to predict, but this year even more so with a new manager, a quantity of unproven signings and balancing playing twice, especially in a squad that doesn’t look to have too much depth. Players in: Alvaro Rodriguez, Antonio Silva, Juanalu Sanchez. Players out: Hamed Traore, Luis Sinisterra, Marcos Senesi, Enes Unal, Alex Jiminez (loan), Alex Paulsen (loan). What to expect: Bottom-half Brentford: Brentford so narrowly missed out on European football last season following a breakout year for manager Keith Andrews. From Ollie Watkins to Ivan Toney to Bryan Mbueno and Yoanne Wissa to Igor Thiago, they always have someone who knows where the net is. They’re always a hard team to predict and always seem to exceed expectations, so watch out for Brentford again. Players in: Mamadou Sangare, Jannik Schuster, Jaiden Anthony, Callum Wilson. Players out: Frank Onyeka, Jordan Henderson, Ryan Trevitt (loan), Yunus Konnak (loan), Romelle Donovan (loan), Matthew Cox (loan). What to expect: Top-half Brighton: Hearts stole the headlines last year, but Brighton have shown what Jamestown Analytics have been able to do for years. They’re in the Conference League Play-Offs this season, so could be balancing twice a week football too. It’s been a busy window for both ins and outs for the Premier League’s youngest ever permanent manager. Players in: Luka Vuskovic, Zadok Yohanna, Pascal Struijk, Costinha, Michael Svoboda, Rodrigo Rego, Promise David (loan). Players out: Jan Paul Van Hecke, Carl Rushworth, Diego Coppola, Danny Welbeck, Jeremy Sarmiento, Joel Veltman, James Milner (retired), Adam Webster, Solly March, Facundo Bounnanotte (loan), Tommy Watson (loan), James Beadle (loan), Rodrigo Rego (loan), Do Young-Yoon (loan). What to expect: European contenders Chelsea The post-Roman Abramovic era in West London can be summed up by one word, instability. Chelsea are preparing for yet another season under a new manager, but Xabi Alonso seems like one Chelsea fans can be really excited about. Of course, it didn’t work out for Alonso in Madrid, but his 2023/24 season with Leverkusen shows what the footballing legend is capable of. They’ve tried it all at Stamford Bridge, from the stability of Mauricio Pochettino to the exciting new managers such as Graham Potter, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, but something about Alonso feels different. If he hits the ground running and is given time, the good times could be coming back to Chelsea soon. Of course, it’s been a busy transfer window at Chelsea, but Morgan Rogers has been one of the Premier League’s best players in recent years and should be suited to Alonso’s system. Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson don’t jump off the page at anyone, but the experience they’ll bring to such a young squad can only be a good thing. Players in: Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palesta, Goevanny Quenda, Valentin Barco, Emmanuel Emeghma, Pep Chavarria, Denner, Danny Welbeck, Dastan Satpaev, Jordan Henderson. Players out: Andrey Santos, Marc Cucurella, Trevor Chalobah, Tyrique George, Omari Kellyman, Dastan Satpaev (loan), Alejandro Garnacho (loan), Filip Jorgensen (loan), Benoit Badiashile (loan). What to expect: Champions League places Coventry City: Coventry return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years this season, and after winning the Championship last season, certainly look the pick of the bunch from the promoted sides. One of the main questions surrounding Coventry going into this season will be whether Frank Lampard can keep up tactically in the Premier League as weak points have been pointed out in his previous sides.

August 25, 2026

Craig Gordon Hangs Up the Gloves After Legendary Career

Craig Gordon has announced his retirement, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in Scottish football. Across 25 years, the goalkeeper established himself as one of the finest players ever to wear the Scotland jersey, while earning admiration for his resilience as much as his ability. Gordon hangs up his gloves after making 682 senior club appearances for Hearts, Cowdenbeath, Sunderland and Celtic. He also represented Scotland 84 times, cementing his place among the country’s most-capped players. His professional journey began at Hearts, where he progressed through the club’s academy before gaining valuable experience during a loan spell with Cowdenbeath. His performances helped Hearts win the Scottish Cup in 2006, ending a 50 year wait for the trophy. Gordon’s displays attracted widespread attention, and Sunderland secured his signature in 2007 for around £9 million. The transfer made him Britain’s most expensive goalkeeper at the time. However, Gordon’s time in the Premier League was interrupted by persistent knee injuries. The setbacks became so severe that he was released by Sunderland in 2012 and spent the next two years without a club. Many believed his playing days were over. Instead, Gordon completed one of Scottish football’s greatest comeback stories. Celtic signed him in the summer of 2014, and he immediately proved he had lost none of his quality. His return surprised many, but Gordon quickly established himself as the club’s first choice goalkeeper and became an integral part of a hugely successful period. During six seasons at Celtic Park, he won five Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and five Scottish League Cups. He was also part of several domestic treble winning campaigns as Celtic dominated Scottish football. His return to top-level football also reignited his Scotland career. Gordon reclaimed the number one jersey and remained a reliable presence for the national team well into his forties. More than 20 years after making his international debut, Gordon was still competing at the highest level and helping Scotland on the international stage. In 2020, he returned to Hearts, bringing his career full circle. While many players begin winding down at that stage, Gordon continued to produce performances that demonstrated why he remained one of the country’s best goalkeepers. His leadership helped Hearts win the Scottish Championship and secure an immediate return to the Premiership. Another cruel twist came in December 2022 when Gordon suffered a devastating double leg break. The injury left many fearing that his career had finally reached its conclusion. Once again, Gordon refused to let adversity have the final say. After months of rehabilitation, he completed yet another comeback and returned to competitive football. It was another example of the determination and mental strength that defined his career just as much as his ability between the posts. Away from team honours, Gordon also earned significant individual recognition. He won the SFWA Footballer of the Year award three times and was named SPFL Premiership Player of the Year in 2021-22. Gordon inspired supporters through his refusal to give up, repeatedly proving that hard work and determination could overcome the toughest setbacks. Craig Gordon’s career will be remembered for spectacular saves and unforgettable performances. Above all though, it will be remembered as the story of a player who never stopped believing he could come back stronger. His resilience turned an already exceptional career into one of the most inspiring Scottish football has ever seen.

July 16, 2026

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham: De Zerbi begins on wrong foot with a defeat to Sunderland

Tottenham make it 14 games without a win as relegation fears strengthen as a second half strike by Mukiele ensures three-points for Sunderland. Tottenham come in as they fear of relegation with 13 games without a win after dropping into relegation on Friday night as West Ham defeated Wolves to leap-frog Spurs’. Sunderland who are pushing for Europe defeated their rivals Newcastle 2-1 last time out look to get yet again. Tottenham are in dire need of victory should they get out of the bottom three. As the game begun, Richarlison had an early small chance, a first time strike from just inside the box which was collected calmly by Roefs in the Sunderland goal. Sunderland moments later took a brilliant corner by Ex-Arsenal man, Xhaka with his corner being tipped over the bar by Kinsky who has been heavily criticized of late. Brobbey had a chance from close range with his header going just over the bar following some very good passing prior to the chance. On the 20 minute mark, Tottenham were awarded a spot kick following a potential foul on Kolo Muani but after a VAR check, the penalty was chopped off which was simply, the correct decision. A free-kick from far out, Xhaka with the ball towards the box but Mukiele missing connection as it goes out for a goal-kick. Xhaka with the best chance so far as a throw by O’Nien which was brilliantly headed away but only as far as the Sunderland captain who smashes the ball goal bound but fires just wide of target. The hosts had a perfect chance to go ahead with a free-kick on the edge of the box as Xhaka blasted a ball well over into the stands. Just before the break, Xhaka whipped a ball into the box where Brobbey met but a brilliant stop by Kinsky denying Sunderland the lead right on the stroke of half-time. Roefs then quickly denied Spurs the opener as Roefs denied Solanke giving Spurs’ the lead which went out for a corner. Going into the second half, Richarlison was running through to try and strike home but some crucial defending by O’Nien prevented a Tottenham opener. Richarlison had another chance just before the hour mark but a weak and tame effort making it a simple safe by Roefs for Sunderland. Sunderland took the lead after the hour mark, Mukiele with a darting run and unleashed a strike from distance which deflected off Van de Veen and found its way into the back of the net to build more pressure onto the London side. Going into the final stages, Sunderland looked more likely to get the next goal but a massive 10 minutes to come in terms of Tottenham’s season as they fight to escape relegation. Rigg had a chance from outside the box after 82 minutes but his effort being well blocked to deny a second. Major claims late into the game as Brobbey felt he was nudged but referee Rob Jones was having none of it with VAR agreeing, no penalty. Moments later, Sunderland had a huge chance for a second but Udogie doing brilliant to clear the ball off the line to deny Sunderland the second and to deny a tap in. Porro wasn’t far off to equalise late on as a powerful strike was tipped over by Roefs to deny Tottenham a way back into the game. Sunderland scraped past struggling Tottenham at the Stadium of Light as Tottenham remain the bottom three as their relegation chances continue as that is now 14 games without a win and a defeat for Ze Zerbi on his debut where things must change if they are to avoid the drop. Next up for Sunderland is a trip to Villa Park next Sunday with Tottenham facing Brighton next Saturday evening with De Zerbi facing his former club as Spurs look to steer away from relegation. Sunderland: Roefs (7), Mukiele (8), Mandava (7), Alderete (7), O’Nien (7), Sadiki (7), Diarra (7), Le Fee (7), Rigg (6), Xhaka (8), Brobbey (7). Substitutes: Talbi (5), Hume (5), Isidor (5). Tottenham: Kinsky (6), Porro (7), Romero (6), Van de Veen (6), Udogie (6), Gray (5), Gallagher (6), Kolo Muani (5), Bergvall (5), Richarlison (6), Solanke (5). Substitutes: Palphina (5), Sarr (5), Tel (5), Danso (5), Simons (5).

April 12, 2026

Sunderland 1-1 Everton: Points Shared after Stunning Solo Goal

Sunderland 1-1 Everton Xhaka (46′) Ndiaye (15′) Granit Xhaka’s early second-half strike earned Sunderland a draw against Everton, as Regis Le Bris’ side moved back into the Premier League top four. The visitors entered the game just four points above the relegation side, but enjoyed the better chances in the first period. Thierno Barry headed down Jordan Pickford’s long ball in the opening seconds, Joe Garner connected sweetly on the edge of the box, but the left-footed strike whistled wide. Everton took the lead in the 14th minute thanks to a tremendous solo from Iliman Ndiaye. The Senegalese attacker drifted in from the right, jinking past several Sunderland bodies, before curling past Robin Roefs. Jack Grealish almost doubled the lead six minutes later. After shifting the ball onto his right foot, his 20-yard strike cannoned off the post to the relief of the home faithful. Barry should have doubled Everton’s lead on the half-hour mark. Barry ghosted in to the back post to meet Grealish’s clever cross, but from 5 yards, the striker could only flash over. David Moyes would have been pleased with his side’s performance, but perhaps frustrated that they were unable to add to Ndiaye’s solo effort. Xhaka responded for Sunderland just seconds into the second half. The captain drilled a left-footed shot towards Pickford’s goal, which took a deflection off James Tarkowski and sailed high into the net. Everton suddenly looked on the ropes, and Pickford had to react quickly to tip Enzo Le Fee’s deflected strike away from the goal to keep the score level. The draw leaves Sunderland in the top four on 18 points, as they grow on their outstanding start after promotion to the Premier League. Everton sit 14th, and are without a win in their last three matches. Sunderland: Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Geertruida, Mandava, Traore (Talbi 82′) Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fee, Isidor (Brobbey 83′) Everton: Pickford, O’Brien (Iroegbunam 83′) Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Gueye, Garner, Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall (Alcaraz 83′) Grealish, Barry (Beto 57′)

November 3, 2025