Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has equalled his entire Premier League goal total from last season after scoring twice inside the opening nine minutes of the Reds’ third-round match against Ipswich.

The 26-year-old Sweden international had already found the net once in Liverpool’s previous league fixture against Nottingham Forest. His rapid double against Ipswich means he has now scored three times in the Premier League this season, matching the number of goals he managed throughout the whole of the previous campaign.

Isak reached last season’s total in just the opening stages of his latest match. In the previous campaign, he scored three league goals across 14 appearances. His two finishes against Ipswich immediately moved him level with that tally, underlining the impressive start he has made to the new season.

The forward joined Liverpool from Newcastle at the beginning of the previous campaign in a transfer worth 145m euros. Since then, his goals have been a central feature of his contribution to the club, and his early impact in the new Premier League season has again placed him at the centre of attention.

His first goal against Ipswich came before the match had reached 10 minutes, with a second following shortly afterwards. By the ninth minute, Isak had already completed his double and had accounted for two-thirds of Liverpool’s league goals so far this season.

The result and the remainder of the match are being followed in LiveResult’s text online coverage of Liverpool’s away fixture against Ipswich. The match is the third-round meeting between the sides in this Premier League campaign.

Isak’s opening two games of the season had produced one goal, when he scored against Nottingham Forest. That strike had put him halfway to last season’s total before his latest performance quickly completed the comparison.

His three Premier League goals also represent a clear statistical marker at this early stage of the campaign. Last season, the same number required 14 league matches; this time, Isak reached it during the opening nine minutes of Liverpool’s third-round match.

For Liverpool, the attacking display provides an immediate focal point in the contest with Ipswich, while Isak’s personal return has made the main headline of the game’s early stages. The striker’s double has ensured that he has already matched the number of league goals he scored across the entirety of the previous season.

Alexander Isak scored twice inside the opening nine minutes as Liverpool made a fast start against Ipswich Town in their third Premier League match of the season.

The Sweden striker opened the scoring in the sixth minute before finding the net again three minutes later. His second goal put Liverpool 2-0 ahead and gave him a notable place in the club’s recent Premier League history.

According to Opta, Isak’s burst represents Liverpool’s quickest league double by a player for 15 years. The previous faster start came in May 2011, when Maxi Rodriguez scored twice against Fulham before the seventh minute.

Isak’s two goals came during an emphatic opening spell at Ipswich Town, with Liverpool taking control of the match before the hosts had been able to respond. The forward’s goals also marked a significant change from his Premier League record last season, when he scored three times in 14 appearances.

The match is being covered by LiveResult through a live text commentary of Ipswich Town against Liverpool. Isak’s early contribution has therefore become the central feature of the third-round contest, with Liverpool holding a 2-0 advantage after the first nine minutes.

The result is being played against the backdrop of an opening two rounds in which Andoni Iraola’s side recorded 2-2 draws in both matches. Those results had left the new Premier League campaign finely balanced after two fixtures, while Isak’s rapid double provided Liverpool with an immediate opportunity to impose themselves in the latest round.

Isak’s first goal arrived in the sixth minute, and he completed the double in the ninth. The short gap between the strikes means he matched a Liverpool record that had stood since Rodriguez’s two-goal spell against Fulham in 2011.

For the striker, the goals also represent a substantial contribution compared with his output in the previous Premier League season. Having managed three goals across 14 league matches in the last campaign, he had already reached two in a single match before the contest had entered its tenth minute.

Liverpool’s advantage was established entirely through Isak’s finishing in the early stages. The scoreline stood at 2-0 after his second goal, while Opta’s figures confirmed the historical significance of the performance for the club.

The live coverage continues with Liverpool in front and Isak having written his name into the club’s recent Premier League records. His double is the fastest by a Liverpool player in the competition since May 2011, when Rodriguez scored twice by the seventh minute against Fulham.

Liverpool’s new €125m signing Bradley Barcola made his first appearance for the club in their Premier League meeting with Ipswich, coming on in the 64th minute as Andoni Iraola’s side led 2-0.

The 24-year-old France winger replaced another Liverpool newcomer, Victor Munoz, for his competitive debut.

Liverpool had already established a two-goal advantage by the time Barcola was introduced. Alexander Isak scored both goals early in the match, before being replaced by Ryan Gravenberch.

Barcola completed his move to Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain on the final day of the summer transfer window. The English club paid €125m for the forward, who has signed a contract running until 2031.

His arrival represents one of the major pieces of business completed by Liverpool during the summer, with the club securing the France international on a long-term agreement. His first appearance came in the third round of the Premier League, with Liverpool facing Ipswich.

The timing of Barcola’s introduction meant he entered the match with Liverpool already in control on the scoreboard. Munoz made way after Isak’s early double had put the visitors two goals ahead, while Gravenberch replaced the goalscorer before Barcola was sent on.

Barcola’s debut now marks the beginning of his Liverpool career following his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. The winger joined the squad after the deal was completed on the final day of the summer, with the transfer fee set at €125m and his contract extending through to 2031.

The match between Ipswich and Liverpool can be followed through LiveResult’s text commentary.

Barcelona rejected the chance to sign Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade before completing a deal for Gabriel Jesus, according to a report by Managing Barca, citing journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Catalan club were offered Woltemade as an alternative to Jesus, but decided that the Brazilian was better suited to Hansi Flick’s team. Barcelona therefore opted to pursue Jesus rather than the Germany international, who had been put forward as another possible attacking option.

Jesus has since joined Barcelona in a deal worth €10m, excluding bonuses. The 29-year-old forward has signed a contract with the La Liga club that runs until the middle of 2029.

Woltemade, meanwhile, eventually moved to Juventus on loan. The agreement does not give the Turin club an option to buy him permanently.

The report presents Barcelona’s decision as a choice between two forwards with Premier League links. Jesus was selected after the club assessed his suitability for Flick’s side, while Woltemade was ultimately offered to Barcelona instead.

Although Woltemade had been identified as a possible alternative, Barcelona’s preference was clear once the club concluded that Jesus fitted the team more closely. That decision led to the agreement for the former Brazil forward, with the transfer fee set at €10m before any additional bonuses are taken into account.

Jesus’s long-term commitment to Barcelona is reflected in the length of his contract, which extends through to mid-2029. Woltemade’s move to Juventus has instead been structured as a temporary arrangement, with no clause allowing the Italian club to make the transfer permanent.

The contrasting outcomes complete the chain of events described in the report: Woltemade was presented to Barcelona as another option, the Catalan club chose Jesus because of his perceived suitability to Hansi Flick’s plans, and the Newcastle United forward then joined Juventus on loan.

Barcelona’s decision also meant that the club’s preferred target became the player secured in the final agreement. Jesus is now the forward whose transfer brought a €10m fee, while Woltemade’s move to Juventus does not include a permanent purchase option.

Liverpool registered six shots on target before half-time in their Premier League away match against Ipswich, a first-half total the club did not reach at any point during the previous campaign.

The visitors led 2-0 at the interval after Alexander Isak scored twice inside the opening nine minutes. He opened the scoring in the sixth minute before adding a second three minutes later to give Liverpool a commanding advantage.

According to Opta, Liverpool’s six efforts on target represented their best first-half tally in a league match since April 2025. That was the end of the season before last, a campaign that concluded with the club winning the championship.

The statistic also underlined the contrast with last season, when Liverpool never managed as many as six first-half shots on target in a Premier League fixture. Their performance at Ipswich therefore marked the club’s strongest opening 45 minutes in that category for more than a year.

Liverpool’s two-goal lead was established before the match had reached its 10th minute, with Isak responsible for both finishes. Ipswich were unable to prevent the visitors from repeatedly testing their goal before the break, as Liverpool produced their most productive first-half attacking display in the league since the Opta-recorded match in April 2025.

The result came during a season of change for Liverpool. The Merseyside club finished fifth in the Premier League last term and appointed Andoni Iraola as head coach at the beginning of the summer. He replaced Arne Slot, who was dismissed from the position.

At half-time in the fixture, Liverpool had already matched a statistical benchmark that had not been achieved during the previous season. The six shots on target also provided a clear measure of the visitors’ attacking start, alongside the early goals that put them in control.

LiveResult was carrying a text commentary of Ipswich’s meeting with Liverpool, with the second half already under way.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has admitted it was difficult to leave Bradley Barcola on the substitutes’ bench for today’s Premier League match against Ipswich Town.

The French newcomer, signed from PSG for €125m, was named among the replacements rather than included in Liverpool’s starting line-up. His possible debut was therefore delayed at kick-off, with attention focused on whether Iraola would introduce him during the game.

Iraola’s decision was the main talking point surrounding Barcola before the match. The Liverpool manager addressed the choice while the highly valued forward waited for his opportunity to make his first appearance for the club.

The fixture is being played between Ipswich Town and Liverpool, with the visitors already in control of the score. Liverpool had scored twice without reply by the time of Iraola’s comments, and Alexander Isak was responsible for both goals.

Barcola’s presence on the bench means he remains available to make his first Liverpool appearance if Iraola decides to send him on. However, the manager’s selection indicated that the €125m signing would not begin the match on the pitch.

The French forward’s move from PSG has made his introduction one of the key issues around the game. His place among the substitutes ensured that the possibility of a debut remained open, even though he was not selected from the start.

Liverpool’s two-goal advantage was established through Isak, who found the net on both occasions. Ipswich Town had yet to respond, leaving the visitors with a clear lead as the match continued.

Live coverage of Ipswich Town v Liverpool is available on the LiveResult website, where events from the Premier League fixture can be followed in text format.

For Iraola, the decision over Barcola’s involvement was not straightforward. The manager’s comments reflected the difficulty of keeping a player signed for €125m on the bench, while also confirming that the forward would begin the contest as a substitute.

Barcola could still feature if called upon, but the starting line-up did not include him. With Liverpool already two goals ahead through Isak, the focus remained on whether Iraola would turn to his new signing during the remainder of the match.

The Premier League’s third-round schedule begins with an intriguing meeting between Everton and Manchester United, with a high-scoring draw predicted for the fixture.

The match is described in the article as taking place on 5 September, although the original title gives the date as 6 September. Manchester United are the bookmakers’ favourites despite their difficult start to the new campaign, while Everton have made the steadier opening.

Everton have taken four points from their first two league matches and sit seventh in the table. They began the season with a 2-0 home victory over Crystal Palace before drawing 1-1 away at Bournemouth.

Those results have given the Toffees a goal difference of plus two, with three goals scored and one conceded. They also come into the match on a five-game unbeaten run.

Manchester United’s start, by contrast, has been described as shocking. Michael Carrick’s side opened their campaign away against Premier League newcomers Hull City and conceded twice without scoring themselves during a poor performance.

The Red Devils responded in the second round by beating Ipswich 5-2 at home. That victory came after two successive defeats and provided some relief following their disappointing opening result.

Head-to-head record

Everton and Manchester United have met 222 times in total.

Everton have won 71 of those encounters, while Manchester United have recorded 99 victories. The remaining 52 matches ended in draws.

The historical record therefore favours Manchester United, as does the bookmakers’ assessment of the upcoming contest. However, Everton’s unbeaten sequence and positive start to the season suggest they may be capable of making the visitors work for the result.

Prediction

The forecast takes a risk on an entertaining match with plenty of goals. Despite Manchester United being regarded as the stronger side before kick-off, the prediction is for the two teams to share the points in a high-scoring draw.

The recommendation is therefore based on the expectation that both sides will contribute to an open game rather than the match being decided by a narrow victory.

Watching the match

The article states that the game can be watched free through bookmakers after quick registration.

The listed advertising sources are:

- Source 1: winline.ru

- Source 2: fon.bet

The fixture forms part of the Sunday programme for the third round of the English Premier League. Everton will be looking to extend their unbeaten run, while Manchester United will aim to build on their 5-2 win over Ipswich and put the defeat by Hull City further behind them.

Ipswich and Liverpool are level at 0-0 as the match gets the third round of the English championship under way.

Live coverage of the game, the starting line-ups and the latest score are available to follow online. The fixture is the first match in the third-round programme, making it the opening contest of the latest round.

The current score remains 0-0, with neither side having been recorded as ahead in the available match update. No goalscorer is therefore listed at this stage.

Supporters following the fixture online can use the live coverage to keep track of the score as the match progresses. The information provided includes the teams’ starting line-ups, allowing readers to see which players have been selected by Ipswich and Liverpool from the beginning.

Video coverage of Ipswich v Liverpool is also available through the match page. Access to the video broadcast is provided after registration.

The match is presented as a live online service, combining the latest score with team information and video access. The coverage is focused on the opening fixture of the third round and the game’s current 0-0 scoreline.

Ipswich v Liverpool is the first fixture listed in the round’s programme. At the time of the update, the match remains without a goal, while supporters can continue to follow the live coverage and consult the published line-ups.

The available material also includes video links and source references for the match coverage. Video access is subject to registration, while the live score and starting teams are presented as part of the online match report.

With the score still level, the key update from the opening game of the third round is that Ipswich and Liverpool have yet to separate. Further developments, including any change to the score, would be reflected in the live coverage.

Ipswich v Liverpool

Live score: 0-0

Match: opening fixture of the third round

Coverage: live updates, starting line-ups and video

Video availability: registration required

Source 1

Source 2

Manchester City host Coventry City in the third round of the Premier League, with Pinnacle888 making the reigning hosts strong favourites to continue their perfect start to the season.

Manchester City are one of four teams to have won both of their opening league matches and will be aiming to maintain that record against the newly promoted visitors. Under a new manager, the club are seeking to make some adjustments to their approach, although the underlying principles of their style are expected to remain the same.

On paper, Manchester City should have enough quality to overcome Coventry City at home. Their prospects will depend largely on whether they allow their opponents opportunities to create problems during the game.

Manchester City’s two most recent fixtures have produced contrasting but convincing results. They recorded a 4-1 away victory against Crystal Palace before beating Bournemouth 2-1 at home.

Coventry City facing difficult Premier League assignment

Coventry City are still without a point after their first two Premier League matches, although they have made progress in the EFL Cup. Their early league schedule has been particularly demanding, and the trip to Manchester City represents another formidable challenge for a side adapting to life in the top division.

A draw at the Etihad Stadium would represent a significant achievement for Coventry City. The visitors are attempting to adjust to the demands of a new Premier League season, but they will face one of the most difficult away fixtures available.

Coventry City’s most recent league game ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat by Hull City. Before that, they secured a 4-2 victory over Plymouth in the cup.

The two clubs’ recent records point in different directions. Manchester City have won four of their past five matches in all competitions, while three of Coventry City’s last four away games have ended with both teams failing to score.

The head-to-head record is more evenly balanced in the recent past, with each team recording two wins in the last five meetings during normal time.

Pinnacle888 odds

Pinnacle888 price Manchester City as clear favourites to win the match:

- Manchester City to win – 1.18

- Draw – 7.8

- Coventry City to win – 14

Those odds reflect the difference in experience and resources between the two teams, as well as Manchester City’s strong start to the campaign. Coventry City will need to produce an outstanding defensive display if they are to stay in contention at the Etihad Stadium.

Match prediction

The recommended Pinnacle888 selection combines a strong first-half performance from the hosts with a high-scoring match. The suggested bets are Manchester City to win the first half at odds of 1.5 and more than 3.5 goals in the game at 1.9.

Manchester City’s recent results indicate that they are producing enough attacking quality to trouble opponents, while Coventry City’s difficult start leaves them as significant outsiders. A fast start by the hosts could put the visitors under sustained pressure and make it difficult for them to secure the result they need.

Ipswich and Liverpool have announced their starting line-ups for their Premier League third-round match, with Alexander Isak named in the visitors’ XI. The fixture will be played on 4 September, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00 Moscow time.

Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil has selected Kjel Scherpen in goal, behind a defence of Dara O’Shea, Issa Diop and Jacob Greaves. Leif Davis is also included in the starting team.

Sasa Lukic and Exequiel Palacios will operate in midfield, while Abdul Fatawu, Julio Enciso and Daizen Maeda are also named among the starters. Emersonn completes the Ipswich line-up.

Ipswich XI: Kjel Scherpen, Dara O’Shea, Issa Diop, Jacob Greaves, Leif Davis, Sasa Lukic, Exequiel Palacios, Abdul Fatawu, Julio Enciso, Daizen Maeda, Emersonn.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has also made his selections for the game. Alisson Becker starts in goal, with Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet and captain Virgil van Dijk forming the defensive unit. Milos Kerkez is included alongside them.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister are selected in midfield, while Victor Munoz and Florian Wirtz will also start. Cody Gakpo joins Isak in the attacking line.

Liverpool XI: Alisson Becker, Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Victor Munoz, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak.

The two clubs go into the match separated by one place in the Premier League table. Ipswich are 12th with three points, while Liverpool are 13th after collecting two points.

The meeting represents the third round of the English league season. Both sides will be looking to improve their early positions in the standings, with the confirmed teams indicating the selections made by O’Neil and Iraola for the fixture.

LiveResult will provide a text-based online commentary of the match. Kick-off is set for 22:00 Moscow time on 4 September.

Kevin De Bruyne has rejected comparisons between himself and Enzo Fernandez, saying the Argentina international is “not even close to my level” despite his record-breaking move to Manchester City.

Fernandez joined Manchester City for a transfer fee that made him the most expensive signing in British football. However, De Bruyne believes it is too soon to place the Argentine midfielder alongside him or assess him on the same level.

The Belgian midfielder also pointed to the expectations surrounding Fernandez since his move. In De Bruyne’s view, the size of the transfer fee has created an inflated level of pressure and placed demands on the new arrival that go beyond his performances on the pitch.

That financial backdrop has made comparisons between the two players more prominent. Fernandez’s price tag has naturally encouraged scrutiny, while De Bruyne’s established status at Manchester City means his career provides the benchmark against which the Argentine is being judged.

De Bruyne’s assessment was unequivocal, but it was also based on the view that comparisons should not be made prematurely. Fernandez may have arrived with a record fee and considerable attention, yet the Belgian believes those factors alone do not justify treating the two players as equals.

The comments underline the difference between reputation and achievement. De Bruyne is described as a Manchester City legend, while Fernandez’s arrival represents the beginning of his time at the club under the weight of an unprecedented transfer fee for a British move.

Fernandez has previously addressed another point of debate surrounding his arrival: his choice of shirt number. The Argentine said his decision to wear number 17 was not connected to De Bruyne.

Instead, Fernandez explained that number 17 had personal significance because it was the number he wore when he first played for the Argentina national team. His choice, therefore, was linked to his international career rather than an attempt to follow or imitate De Bruyne.

The issue has nevertheless added another layer to the public discussion around the midfielder and his relationship with the Belgian. De Bruyne’s latest comments make clear that he does not regard the shirt number, the transfer fee or the attention surrounding Fernandez as evidence that the pair should currently be considered at the same level.

For now, De Bruyne’s verdict is that the comparison is premature. Fernandez arrived at Manchester City as British football’s record signing, but De Bruyne believes the Argentine still has considerable ground to make up before he can be judged alongside him.

The third round of the English Premier League will conclude with a London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea on the evening of 6 September 2026, with Arsenal regarded as the stronger side before the meeting.

Mikel Arteta’s team have made a perfect start to the new league campaign, winning both of their opening matches. Arsenal have six points and a goal difference of +4, placing them second in the table behind Manchester City.

The Gunners began the season with a convincing 3-0 home victory over Coventry. They then followed that result with a narrow 1-0 win away to Aston Villa.

Those results have left Arsenal unbeaten in five matches overall, while the club have also won their past three games.

Chelsea have also taken maximum points from their first two Premier League fixtures, although their opening matches have produced significantly more goals.

Xabi Alonso’s side started with an away London derby against Fulham and came away with a 3-2 victory. Their second-round meeting with Brighton was even more productive in front of goal, as Chelsea scored four times at home but conceded three.

That run has also given Chelsea six points from their opening two matches. The club are unbeaten in six games, but the defensive performance against Brighton highlighted the more open nature of their start compared with Arsenal’s.

Head-to-head record

Arsenal and Chelsea have faced one another 219 times in competitive football.

Arsenal have the better record, with 88 victories compared with 68 for Chelsea. The remaining 63 meetings have ended in draws.

The historical figures, together with the two teams’ opening results this season, have led bookmakers to make Arsenal the clear favourites for the upcoming derby.

Prediction

The prediction is for an Arsenal victory. Arteta’s side have begun the new season with greater consistency and confidence, and their two wins have come without conceding a goal.

Chelsea’s results have been equally successful in terms of points, but their matches against Fulham and Brighton have exposed a more vulnerable defence. Arsenal’s recent form and stronger head-to-head record therefore make them the preferred choice ahead of the fixture.

The source material presents a backing for an Arsenal win rather than naming a specific exact-scoreline outcome.

How to watch the match for free

The game can be watched through bookmakers after a quick registration.

The listed sources are Winline and Fon.bet. Both are presented in the source material as advertising links: winline.ru and fon.bet.

The match is scheduled to bring the third round of the English Premier League to a close, with Arsenal seeking to extend their winning run and Chelsea aiming to preserve their unbeaten start.

Rayan Cherki has been voted Manchester City’s player of the month for August after making an impressive start to the new Premier League season.

The 23-year-old central midfielder was chosen by the club’s supporters, finishing ahead of Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol in the poll. Manchester City confirmed the result on their official website.

Cherki’s performances included two assists in the side’s match against Bournemouth before he scored twice in the game against Crystal Palace. Those contributions made him a decisive figure during the opening fixtures of the campaign and helped him secure the supporters’ award.

The France international has quickly established himself among Manchester City’s most influential players at the start of the season. His creative display against Bournemouth was followed by a more direct contribution against Crystal Palace, when he found the net twice.

The award reflects the impact Cherki has had during the club’s opening run of matches. Supporters placed him ahead of Guehi and Gvardiol, with the midfielder’s goals and assists giving him the edge in the vote.

Manchester City have won both of their opening Premier League matches and sit at the top of the table under manager Enzo Maresca. The team’s perfect start has provided an early boost as they prepare for their next league fixture.

Their third-round match will be against Coventry at home. Cherki will be aiming to continue the form that earned him recognition for August as Manchester City look to maintain their position at the summit.

The midfielder’s two assists against Bournemouth and double against Crystal Palace have therefore formed the central elements of his award-winning start. With the supporters’ vote now settled, Cherki has been recognised as Manchester City’s leading performer for the month.

Rayan Cherki has been voted Manchester City’s player of the month for August after making an impressive start to the new Premier League season.

The 23-year-old central midfielder was chosen by the club’s supporters, finishing ahead of Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol in the poll. Manchester City confirmed the result on their official website.

Cherki’s performances included two assists in the side’s match against Bournemouth before he scored twice in the game against Crystal Palace. Those contributions made him a decisive figure during the opening fixtures of the campaign and helped him secure the supporters’ award.

The France international has quickly established himself among Manchester City’s most influential players at the start of the season. His creative display against Bournemouth was followed by a more direct contribution against Crystal Palace, when he found the net twice.

The award reflects the impact Cherki has had during the club’s opening run of matches. Supporters placed him ahead of Guehi and Gvardiol, with the midfielder’s goals and assists giving him the edge in the vote.

Manchester City have won both of their opening Premier League matches and sit at the top of the table under manager Enzo Maresca. The team’s perfect start has provided an early boost as they prepare for their next league fixture.

Their third-round match will be against Coventry at home. Cherki will be aiming to continue the form that earned him recognition for August as Manchester City look to maintain their position at the summit.

The midfielder’s two assists against Bournemouth and double against Crystal Palace have therefore formed the central elements of his award-winning start. With the supporters’ vote now settled, Cherki has been recognised as Manchester City’s leading performer for the month.

Rayan Cherki has been voted Manchester City’s player of the month for August after making an impressive start to the new Premier League season.

The 23-year-old central midfielder was chosen by the club’s supporters, finishing ahead of Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol in the poll. Manchester City confirmed the result on their official website.

Cherki’s performances included two assists in the side’s match against Bournemouth before he scored twice in the game against Crystal Palace. Those contributions made him a decisive figure during the opening fixtures of the campaign and helped him secure the supporters’ award.

The France international has quickly established himself among Manchester City’s most influential players at the start of the season. His creative display against Bournemouth was followed by a more direct contribution against Crystal Palace, when he found the net twice.

The award reflects the impact Cherki has had during the club’s opening run of matches. Supporters placed him ahead of Guehi and Gvardiol, with the midfielder’s goals and assists giving him the edge in the vote.

Manchester City have won both of their opening Premier League matches and sit at the top of the table under manager Enzo Maresca. The team’s perfect start has provided an early boost as they prepare for their next league fixture.

Their third-round match will be against Coventry at home. Cherki will be aiming to continue the form that earned him recognition for August as Manchester City look to maintain their position at the summit.

The midfielder’s two assists against Bournemouth and double against Crystal Palace have therefore formed the central elements of his award-winning start. With the supporters’ vote now settled, Cherki has been recognised as Manchester City’s leading performer for the month.

Rayan Cherki has been voted Manchester City’s player of the month for August after making an impressive start to the new Premier League season.

The 23-year-old central midfielder was chosen by the club’s supporters, finishing ahead of Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol in the poll. Manchester City confirmed the result on their official website.

Cherki’s performances included two assists in the side’s match against Bournemouth before he scored twice in the game against Crystal Palace. Those contributions made him a decisive figure during the opening fixtures of the campaign and helped him secure the supporters’ award.

The France international has quickly established himself among Manchester City’s most influential players at the start of the season. His creative display against Bournemouth was followed by a more direct contribution against Crystal Palace, when he found the net twice.

The award reflects the impact Cherki has had during the club’s opening run of matches. Supporters placed him ahead of Guehi and Gvardiol, with the midfielder’s goals and assists giving him the edge in the vote.

Manchester City have won both of their opening Premier League matches and sit at the top of the table under manager Enzo Maresca. The team’s perfect start has provided an early boost as they prepare for their next league fixture.

Their third-round match will be against Coventry at home. Cherki will be aiming to continue the form that earned him recognition for August as Manchester City look to maintain their position at the summit.

The midfielder’s two assists against Bournemouth and double against Crystal Palace have therefore formed the central elements of his award-winning start. With the supporters’ vote now settled, Cherki has been recognised as Manchester City’s leading performer for the month.

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has provided an update on Mykhailo Mudryk’s readiness to make his debut for the club, following the Ukraine international’s move from Chelsea.

Mudryk, 25, joined Tottenham on loan from Chelsea last summer. The agreement runs until the end of the current season and includes an option for Tottenham to make the move permanent by buying the player’s rights.

The winger’s potential first appearance for Tottenham is now a subject of interest as De Zerbi assesses when he will be ready to feature for his new side. No specific debut date is given in the report, but the manager’s comments concern Mudryk’s preparation for competitive action.

Tottenham’s next scheduled match is away to Nottingham Forest. The fixture will be played on 5 September, with kick-off set for 17:00 Moscow time.

That match provides the immediate fixture around which Mudryk’s availability will be considered. Whether he is involved will depend on the assessment made by De Zerbi and his coaching staff.

Mudryk arrived at Tottenham after previously playing for Chelsea. His loan deal is limited to the current campaign, although Tottenham have the option to retain him beyond the end of the season if they decide to complete a permanent transfer.

The terms of the agreement give the club time to evaluate the player during his loan spell. For now, the focus is on when Mudryk can first take part in a match for Tottenham, with De Zerbi responsible for determining when the forward is ready to be selected.

Tottenham’s meeting with Nottingham Forest will begin at 17:00 Moscow time on 5 September. It is the next opportunity for Mudryk to be considered for a debut, subject to his readiness and the manager’s decision.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso believes Morgan Rogers can become a key player for the London club over the next six or seven years, after the England international made an immediate impression following his move from Aston Villa.

Rogers joined Chelsea in a €138m deal from Aston Villa and has already contributed a goal and an assist in his first two Premier League appearances for the club.

The attacking midfielder has been involved in both of Chelsea’s league matches so far, as Alonso’s side began their Premier League campaign with consecutive victories. Chelsea defeated Fulham 3-2 before beating Brighton & Hove Albion 4-3.

Alonso’s assessment places Rogers among the players expected to have a significant role in Chelsea’s plans for the long term. The manager described the 23-year-old as someone who can remain an important part of the team for the next six or seven years.

Rogers’ first two league outings have produced an encouraging return. He scored once and created another goal, helping Chelsea maintain a perfect start despite the narrow margins in both matches.

Chelsea’s opening fixture against Fulham ended in a 3-2 win, while their second game produced an even higher-scoring result against Brighton & Hove Albion, with the London club prevailing 4-3. The two victories have given Chelsea six points from their first two Premier League games.

The early results have also provided Rogers with a positive beginning at his new club. Having arrived from Aston Villa for €138m, he has quickly moved into the first-team picture and recorded a goal contribution in each of his first two league appearances.

For Alonso, the immediate output is only part of Rogers’ value. His comments indicate that Chelsea view the attacking midfielder not simply as a recent high-profile signing, but as a player who could remain central to the team over a lengthy period.

Rogers’ start has therefore combined individual production with a strong team record. Chelsea have scored seven goals across their opening two Premier League matches, although they have also conceded five, with both games decided by a single goal.

The victories over Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion represent Chelsea’s opening results under the current campaign, while Rogers’ goal and assist have marked his arrival in a way that reflects the scale of the investment made in him.

Alonso now expects the former Aston Villa player to develop into a long-term presence at Stamford Bridge. His view is that Rogers will be a key Chelsea player over the next six or seven years, giving the midfielder an important status within the club’s future plans.

Everton manager David Moyes has explained why the club’s deadline-day attempt to sign Monaco striker Folarin Balogun failed to go through.

Everton had reached an agreement with Monaco over a £40m transfer for the forward, but the proposed move was ultimately not completed.

Moyes discussed the reason the deal collapsed after Everton’s negotiations with Monaco had produced an agreement for Balogun’s transfer. Despite the clubs settling on a fee worth £40m, the striker did not become an Everton player.

The deal fell apart on the final day of the transfer window, leaving Everton without the signing they had been pursuing. Balogun remained at Monaco after the move failed to reach completion.

The transfer had appeared to be in place when Everton and Monaco agreed terms for the 40-year-old? NoBalogun’s transfer was agreed at £40m, but the agreement between the clubs did not result in a completed deal.

Moyes’s explanation centred on the circumstances that prevented the move from being finalised before the window closed. The account does not state that Everton withdrew their offer or that Monaco changed the agreed fee. It confirms only that the transfer, despite being agreed between the two clubs, did not go ahead.

For Everton, the outcome meant their late pursuit of Balogun ended without the forward joining the squad. For Monaco, the agreement over the £40m sale did not lead to the player’s departure.

Balogun was the striker Everton had sought to bring in during the closing stages of the window, but the relevant paperwork or final arrangements were not completed in time. Moyes has now provided the club’s explanation for why the agreement did not become a completed transfer.

The failed deal underlined the difference between reaching an agreement over a fee and completing a transfer. Everton and Monaco had settled on the financial terms for Balogun, yet the move still broke down before the deadline.

No further details about the negotiations are given in the report. The central facts are that Moyes has addressed the failed transfer, Everton had agreed a £40m deal with Monaco, and Balogun did not move to the club.

Mikel Arteta says William Saliba is still recovering from a back injury and has yet to return to action for Arsenal this season.

The French defender sustained the problem during the summer World Cup and has not played a single match in the current campaign. Arsenal have not provided a precise timetable for his return, but Saliba has been included in the club’s squad for the league phase of the Champions League.

Arteta’s update confirms that Saliba remains unavailable while his rehabilitation continues. Although his name appears on Arsenal’s European squad list, that inclusion does not establish when he will be fit to play.

The defender’s absence has therefore continued into the opening part of the season, with Arsenal still waiting for greater clarity over his recovery. The injury was suffered during the summer tournament, and no exact date has yet been set for his comeback.

Saliba’s inclusion in the Champions League squad means he remains eligible to feature in the competition once he has recovered sufficiently. However, Arsenal have not indicated that he is close to returning, and Arteta’s comments offer no immediate confirmation of a first appearance this season.

The central defender has consequently remained on the sidelines since sustaining the back injury. While his registration for the Champions League keeps open the possibility of involvement later in the competition, his current fitness position remains unchanged: he has not yet played for Arsenal this term.

Arteta’s statement also underlines the distinction between being named in a squad and being ready to compete. Saliba can be selected for the league phase, but his participation will depend on the progress of his recovery and the eventual decision over when he is fit to return.

For now, Arsenal have no confirmed comeback date for the France international. The club’s latest position is that Saliba is continuing his recovery, with his first match of the season still to come.