Summary
Phil's views on: Rice's red, Newcastle's character, international break, Liverpool contracts, Ten Hag's future & Arsenal's dropped points
Premier League reaction: Diaz double helps Liverpool to thumping win at Man Utd
Get Involved: #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Live Reporting
Craig Nelson, Tyrese King & Holly Bacon
Thanks for joining uspublished at 15:30 British Summer Time 2 September
15:30 BST 2 September
It's all a bit strange with no Monday night football in the Premier League isn't it?
It might be the international break but if you're still after your football fix, you can follow live-text coverage of Salford v MK Dons in League Two later this evening. You can find that here.
We'll be back in the morning to bring you all of the latest football news.
Today's top storiespublished at 15:26 British Summer Time 2 September
15:26 BST 2 September
Here's a recap of today's top football stories:
Starting as he means to go on?published at 15:23 British Summer Time 2 September
15:23 BST 2 September
Arne Slot is the first Liverpool manager to win his first meeting with Manchester United since Bob Paisley in November 1975, and just the second to do so away from home after George Kay in November 1936.
He also became just the third manager to win each of his first three Premier League games without conceding, after Sven-Göran Eriksson in 2007 and José Mourinho in 2004.
Image source, Getty ImagesSlot's perfect startpublished at 15:19 British Summer Time 2 September
15:19 BST 2 September
Hands up, who expected such a solid start to life at Liverpool from Arne Slot?
His record is perfect, so far:
- 17/09 - Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
- 25/09 - Liverpool 2-0 Brentford
- 01/09 - Man Utd 0-3 Liverpool
Three games, three wins, seven goals scored, none conceded.
How long can they keep it up? September's a busy one:
- Nottingham Forest (h) - Premier League
- West Ham (h) - League Cup
- AC Milan (a) - Champions League
- Bournemouth (h) - Premier League
- Wolves (a) - Premier League
Postpublished at 15:15 British Summer Time 2 September
15:15 BST 2 September
Thanks for getting involved and sending in your questions for our chief football writer Phil McNulty.
Plenty to ponder after a dramatic weekend in the Premier League.
Now we'll be turning our attention back to the big talking points from Sunday's action.
Image source, Getty Images'This is only the beginning' says Saudi league CEOpublished at 15:10 British Summer Time 2 September
15:10 BST 2 September
After all the fun of last Friday's Transfer Deadline Day, the Saudi league's own deadline is about to come to an end.
But it's been a rather quiet window for high-profile signings compared to what we saw last summer.
In 2023, the likes of Neymar, Karim Benzema, Firmino and Sadio Mane all moved to clubs in Saudi Arabia.
This year, the big names haven't been as forthcoming, but the arrivals of Ivan Toney and Joao Cancelo show there's still an appetite to attract some of Europe's talents.
The league's CEO, Omar Mugharbel, says there have been a lot of signings but "maybe not the ones that the media are most interested in".
He said: “This is only the beginning with more transfers on the pitch and more development off the pitch.
“The reality is that there have been a lot of signings this summer but maybe not the ones that the media are most interested in."
“Last season we had a lot of opportunities to sign star players either because we had the positions available in the clubs themselves or there were a lot of interesting players that we wanted to recruit into the league.
“For the most part, most of the players that we brought in or the clubs brought in are actually still in the league, which is a positive sign that things are moving in the right direction.”
Image source, Getty Images'The big worry is that Postecoglou’s defensive high line'published at 15:05 British Summer Time 2 September
15:05 BST 2 September
Image source, Getty ImagesNick, Kent: HiPhil, Spurs fan here. I love“Ange-ball”, but should we be worried that the same pattern of not takingchances and conceding sloppy goals isn’t being addressed?
Phil: I think the bigworry is that Postecoglou’s defensive high line, which was rumbled in thesecond half of last season, was exposed again yesterday and could have costSpurs even before it helped Newcastle United hit them on the counter forAlexander Isak’s winning goal.
SurelyPostecoglou has to revisit this or the same old problems from last season willbe there again.
Spurs were alsovery wasteful in front of goal, leaving them in even more danger from the swiftcounter-attack that ensured Newcastle won the game.
Rice incident is something PGMOL briefed teams and players aboutpublished at 14:59 British Summer Time 2 September
14:59 BST 2 September
Alex Howell
BBC football news reporterAt the start of last season, the PGMOL made an effort to stamp out 'participant behaviour' and that included things like delaying the restart during games.
Last season, yellow cards for delaying the restart nearly doubled as referees enforced that law.
This summer clubs, players and managers were briefed that situations which were ‘clear, deliberate and impactful’ would be penalised and that's why Declan Rice received a second yellow card on Saturday.
A lot of questions have been asked about why Brighton striker Joao Pedro was not given a yellow card in the match on Saturday and Declan Rice was, with Mikel Arteta questioning the consistency of the referee's decision making.
On the day, the referee must have felt not all those points were ticked to warrant a caution.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said you 'couldn't compare' the two incidents and the referee, unfortunately for Arsenal fans, has seen it the same way.
'Rashford is having a difficult time'published at 14:53 British Summer Time 2 September
14:53 BST 2 September
Nigel Reo-co*ker
Former West Ham midfielder on the Football Daily podcastImage source, Getty ImagesRashford is having a difficult time. I'm very surprised that he started him again. Amad who had been their best player and one of their brightest sparks doesn't start, and comes off the bench.
'Liverpool's midfield absolutely bossed them'published at 14:48 British Summer Time 2 September
14:48 BST 2 September
Nigel Reo-co*ker
Former West Ham midfielder on the Football Daily podcastImage source, Getty ImagesIt's typical Erik ten Hag. You question the decisions that he makes. De Ligt finally starts a game, and then you substitute a centre back for a centre back.
Casemiro and Mainoo do not look athletic enough in that midfield. Liverpool's midfield absolutely bossed them.
Any team they come up against with a midfielder like Gravenbach who has the opportunity to drive with the ball will destroy that midfield.
'Biggest heart at Man Utd' - Casemiro's wife hits back after criticismpublished at 14:41 British Summer Time 2 September
14:41 BST 2 September
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United's 3-0 home loss to Liverpool was particularly painful for Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who was substituted at half-time and then criticised by pundits.
There were even claims he left Old Trafford at the break, but United boss Erik ten Hag refuted this.
Now Casemiro's wife has come to her husband's defence, reminding people of the many trophies he has won throughout his illustrious career.
Anna Mariana posted a picture of his collection of silverware on Instagram, with the Brazilian having won the Champions League five times as well as La Liga three times with Real Madrid and, most recently, the FA Cup with Manchester United.
She then posted a picture of the 32-year-old celebrating with team-mates writing: "Always strong Casemiro, the biggest (flaming heart emoji) at Manchester United."
Still to come...published at 14:35 British Summer Time 2 September
14:35 BST 2 September
Coming up over the next hour we've got a couple of news lines to bring you and we'll continue reaction to yesterday's football.
You've been getting in touch with your questions for BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty who is still busy answering them. We'll bring you some more of those, along with all of the latest football news as and when it happens.
Stay tuned.
Football fan scoops £1m after predicting six scorespublished at 14:28 British Summer Time 2 September
14:28 BST 2 September
Image source, Getty ImagesA football fan has won £1m after correctly guessing the scores in six weekend Premier League games.
Tom Kane, from Southampton, was waiting on Liverpool's 3-0 success over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday to complete his Sky Sports Super 6 predictions.
Following the match, the Super Six page posted on X appealing to Mr Kane to "keep your mobile phone handy - you're about to receive the phone call of a lifetime".
His predictions included Bournemouth, who had trailed Everton by 2-0 with just minutes remaining, beating the Toffees 3-2.
The free to enter Super 6 competition sees players winning up to £1m for correctly predicting the results of six games.
Mr Kane correctly guessed the results of these games played on Saturday and Sunday:
- Leicester City 1-2 Aston Villa
- Everton 2-3 AFC Bournemouth
- Nottingham Forrest 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
- West Ham United 1-3 Manchester City
- Newcastle United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
- Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
Uefa lower ticket price cappublished at 14:22 British Summer Time 2 September
14:22 BST 2 September
Simon Stone
BBC Sport's chief football news reporterImage source, Getty ImagesUefa has announced a reduction on the maximum ticket prices that home clubs can charge away fans across the men's Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
From this season the maximum price away fans will be charged is 60 euros in the Champions League, 40 euros in the Europa League and 20 euros in the Conference League.
Next season, the maximum price for away fans in the Champions League will be further cut to 50 euros and 35 euros in the Europa League.
'It was a remarkable turnaround'published at 14:16 British Summer Time 2 September
14:16 BST 2 September
Phil McNulty Q&A
Tom, Kent: Hi Phil, Bournemouth have almostbeen forgotten in the Everton narrative this weekend but they’re still unbeatenin the league so far. How do you rate their chances this season? And how dothey keep hold of Andoni Iraola when the “big” clubs inevitably start sniffingaround? Elite manager!
Phil: Afternoon, Tom. It was a remarkable turnaroundgiven they had been dominated for 87 minutes but they deserve huge credit forthe way they ruthlessly grabbed their chance and sensed the panic in Everton’sranks.
No guarantees they will keep Andoni Iraola, whois a fine manager, but he seems very happy at Bournemouth and has the supportof a club that kept faith with him after a very rocky start when he firstarrived.
I tipped Bournemouth to finish 14th andcertainly don’t see them being in trouble.
Image source, Getty Images'Dyche will come under pressure if Everton lose their next two games'published at 14:12 British Summer Time 2 September
14:12 BST 2 September
Phil McNulty Q&A
@JoeJonesEverton on X: I would like your views on Sean Dyche being relieved of his duties immediately, and if so who could come in? David Moyes is available. Dyche 100% has to go now, but the question is who should replace him?
Phil: Hello, Joe. You’ve made your views on Sean Dyche very clear, but I do not think he should be relieved of his duties immediately, even though his start as manager has been as poor as his team’s this season.
I do certainly feel he will come under real pressure if Everton lose their next two games but there are lots of questions around who would succeed Dyche if he was to leave? Who takes that decision? Who appoints a new manager? Would someone be prepared to risk taking it on knowing there might be a new owner in a couple of months who might fancy someone else?
Moyes, as you say, is available and we do not have to outline his connections to the club – but even if the situation arose he would want an awful lot of questions answered before he would consider it.
Image source, Getty Images'No-one at Goodison empowered to make important decisions'published at 14:08 British Summer Time 2 September
14:08 BST 2 September
Phil McNulty Q&A
@saywattharry on X: IfEverton lost to Aston Villa and Leicester City in their next two fixtures, doyou think they change the manager? Is there even anybody to make that call?
Phil: Let me answer your second question first. It genuinely doesnot look like there is anyone at Goodison Park empowered to make such animportant decision while the club is in limbo waiting for a new owner. FarhadMoshiri could do it but is he invested enough any more? I suppose hemight if the situation descends even more into crisis and his investment isdamaged even more.
As for Sean Dyche, it has been an horrendous start to theseason and he has played his part in that. He got his changes all wrong onSaturday when Everton somehow grabbed defeat from leading 2-0 after 87 minutes.
He will certainly come under great scrutiny now and ifEverton lose those next two games then that will only increase but as you havepointed out – who is at Goodison Park to even take such a decision?
Image source, Getty Images'I think Forest will survive with a little more comfort'published at 14:03 British Summer Time 2 September
14:03 BST 2 September
Phil McNulty Q&A
Image source, Getty ImagesAndrew: Hi Phil, Forest held on to their bestplayers from last season and appear to have added some quality over the summer.Where do you see them finishing?
Phil: Hello, Andrew. I predicted Forest would finish 16thso have to stick with that, but you’re right, they have kept their top playerslike Morgan Gibbs-White and the signing of James Ward-Prowse adds quality andexperience.
I think they will survive with a little morecomfort than they have in the previous two seasons.
get involved Get Involved - your favourite football star as a film characterpublished at 13:55 British Summer Time 2 September
13:55 BST 2 September
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Eddie Howe has shades of Tintin. With Jason Tindall as Captain Haddock.
Ian in Northumberland.
You know what Ian... I can see it
Image source, Getty Images'I do worry about Saints' passing style'published at 13:49 British Summer Time 2 September
13:49 BST 2 September
Phil McNulty Q&A
Lawrence, Germany: Hi Phil, I know it's only been three games but how do think thethree promoted teams have fared so far? Do you think any will stay up now?
Phil: Not seen anything to change my mind yet,Lawrence, although the way teams like Everton have started will give them allhope.
I fancy Ipswich and Leicester to pick up pointsat home to give themselves a chance, but I do worry about Southampton’s passingstyle in the Premier League – and I know I’m not the first to say that.
Brentford showed exactly how to play against them by pressing them intomistakes as they passed it around at the back on Saturday and you can be sureothers will follow suit.
Southampton manager Russell Martin is unmovedand will stick to his style – but if they keep losing then there will have tobe pragmatic adjustments, otherwise they will be in big trouble.
Image source, Getty Images
