Erling Haaland wins Premier League player of the month

Ivan Toney will make his Al-Ahli debut tonight.

That’s according to the BBC and, from a personal point of view, is upsetting news.

I don’t begrudge any player earning silly money, nor am I a cultural snob. But the thought of a 28-year-old striker in the prime of his career moving to a weak league in a country with an abhorrent human rights record just feels like a sad situation overall.

Toney, who signed from Brentford in the summer for £40m, will face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.

It’s North London Derby weekend! Anythything could happen. But Lars Bøgegaard reckons he knows EXACTLY what will happen:

“A thought from Copenhagen regarding the NLD: I have absolutely no doubt about what will happen on Sunday: Spurs will come hard against an injury- and suspension-hit opponent – and will get punished on the break. Probably by Saka.”

No doubt Ange Postecoglou will pin this on the Spurs dressing room wall.

Ipswich must be “brave” as they go in search of first Premier League win in 22 years.

That’s according to the club’s manager, Kieran McKenna, who has called on his players to show a bit of dash and daring away at Brighton this weekend.

“They’ve had a good start and they’re a really good side, no doubt about it,” Ipswich boss McKenna told Town TV.

“They’ve got some really good habits and traits over the last couple of managers. They are comfortable in possession and build really well through the pitch.

“They’ve got some fantastic talent and individual quality, both starters and on the bench.

“The new manager’s come in and he’s putting his own style on it and improving them in certain areas and probably making them an even more well-rounded threat.

“So we know they’re a really good side and it’s a good challenge for us. But it’s another one to really look forward to, to go and impose ourselves, be brave and go with the belief that we can get a result.”

Town can welcome back Wes Burns after a hamstring injury and George Hirst, who has yet to feature this season due to a knee problem.

Omari Hutchinson is also fit after shaking off the hamstring niggle he picked up against Fulham.

What might have been for Leicester.

Manager Steve Cooper has revealed that the club’s summer transfer spree could have turned out differently, if only the result of their successful appeal against the Premier League over an alleged spending rule breach case had come out earlier.

The promoted club avoided a possible points deduction when their appeal, on the basis that an independent commission ruling on the case did not have jurisdiction, was upheld earlier this month.

“It’s obviously a positive thing,” Cooper told reporters on Thursday.

“It adds a little bit of frustration as things could have been different in the (summer transfer window) if we had found out earlier. I’ll have to get over that but I’m really happy with the squad.”

Among the reported targets include Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, who went on load to Fulham, and Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, who instead signed for Brighton.

Leicester brought in several players during the summer window, including midfielder Oliver Skipp from Tottenham Hotspur and centre back Caleb Okoli from Serie A side Atalanta.

Cooper, however, welcomed the decision for bringing clarity to the club.

“It is good that the supporters have clarity and so does the game. We were ready as a group of players and staff to stand up and fight for the club if it was a negative decision,” the 44-year-old said.

“We’ve still got to make sure we are still together as a club and we show how strong we are. That all adds to the challenge but it is one we’re ready for.”

Fraser Mann is my knight in shining armour, riding to my defence:

“Hello Daniel

“Sorry to put in place a counter-pedant, but there are plenty of ties on in the second qualifying round of the FA cup this weekend.

“A cursory glance at the fixtures reveals a seaside epic between Bognor Regis and Margate.”

My personal favourite is Lordswood v Sittingbourne tomorrow at 12:30. As someone not from this country, this tie just delights me as it involves two of the most English sounding names I could imagine.

Howe says he “admired” Wolves boss Gary O’Neil as a player.

O’Neil had a handy career, playing 489 senior games and bagging 35 goals from midfield. He spent most of his time at Portsmouth and Middlesbrough, but had stints at seven other clubs. He also played for England youth teams.

However, he’s having a tough old time now. Wolves are winless from their first three games and languish (is it too early to languish?) in the relegation zone with just one point and a goal difference of -6 thanks a 2-6 spanking by Chelsea at home.

Howe, ever the diplomatic (when avoiding one particular subject that is), had this to say about his opposite number:

“A very tough start for Wolves. They played very well in their last game against Nottingham Forest. Always tough opponents Wolves, I have a lot of respect for Gary O’Neil and the job he has done, having knowing him personally.

“He’s done a good job. I admired him as a player, he was a technical player. He’s a real thinker of the game. He is very tactically astute, so we will be prepared for a difficult challenge.”

“I ran on to the field like an Australian wallaby.”

I just love this line from David Pleat who was in fine form in an interview with Ed Aarons (also in great nick throughout the piece).

It’s a lovely chat with a man who quite clearly adores footy.

I highly recommend this. It’ll whack a smile on your face, guaranteed.

More from Eddie Howe who has been at loggerheads with his sporting director Paul Mitchell.

The beef started after the club failed to sign England Marc Guéhi. Though who knows, perhaps it started before:

“I think it’s really important there is transparency from the club and the financial situation that we have is not only discussed by me because I’m not a numbers and figures guy. I think it’s good that we have different people communicating about those areas.”

Diplomatic, but this hardly quells tensions. This’ll be a story that runs and runs.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin is being carried out of Fryksande church in his home town of Torsby in Sweden.

A guard of honour formed by members of the local sports club formed a guard of honour outside the church.

The hearse will make its way to Kollsbergs rural community museum for eulogies and tributes.

Flicking over to Spain now (see what I did there?) Sid Lowe heaps praise on Barca’s new boss who “has not put a foot wrong” so far.

As Sid says, “Barcelona, it turns out, are … well, good.” Is that all down to Hansi Flick?

I’m sure this will offend some passionate supporters out there, but I liked this little thing from regular correspondent Krishna Moorthy:

Hello Daniel

With EPL resuming this weekend here is my quick guide to

“EPL for dummies”

I have two players – I won’t play them- Man Utd

I have two players, I will play them out of their position – Tottenham

I have two players, I will play them till they drop dead – Man City

I have two players, I will play them all the time, make them cry for their contract renewal- Liverpool

I have two players, I will buy 10 more, give away 14 for free, pay their wages and change my manager – Chelsea.

I have two players, I will sell one, still qualify for Big Cup – Aston Villa

I have two players, I am happy to finish 2nd – Arsenal

In case you missed it, Mikel Arteta signed a new contract, keeping him at the club until 2027.

The Arsenal boss had entered the last 12 months of his previous/current contract.

Callum Wilson still “behind” for Newcastle as Eddie Howe calls for unity

Aston Villa secure record signing

Pedant alert! Sound the klaxon we’ve got a pedant alert!

You know what, fair enough. Richard Hirst has called me out and I’m man enough to admit that he’s right. That’s all changed now thanks to this:

“Hi Daniel. It’s never too early in the day for a bit of pedantry. Surely ‘ties’ is reserved for cup encounters; league encounters are either games or matches. So no cracking ties this weekend, thank you.”

Cristiano Ronaldo said a thing!

Yawn.

Forgive my cynicism but why is everything that walking bag of ego and hair gel given so much airtime? I mean, I know he’s arguably the greatest player of all time, but still.

Anyway, Erik ten Hag was asked about some recent comments from CR7 concerning Manchester United’s ambitions and prospects and the Red Decils boss “hit back”. Ouch!

It’s transfer deadline line at the WSL and there could be a major move before the clock runs out.

As told in an exclusive report by Tom Garry, Brighton are in advanced talks with Manchester United to sign England forward Nikita Parris.

Parris was previously linked with Newcastle but Brighton have taken the lead on what would be a major coup for a club with great ambitions.

Despite Newcastle’s flying start – they’ve won two and drawn one for a points-tally of seven, placing them fifth on the table – there is no getting away from the noise surrounding their manager.

Louise Taylor delves into the “war” between Eddie Howe and the club’s sporting director, Paul Mitchell:

Eddie Howe is up next.

The Newcastle manager has been heavily linked with the England job and there have been rumours of discontent emanating from the north east.

Will he stay or will he go?

Well, he’s staying for now at least and this is what he had to say ahead of a tricky game away to Wolves on Sunday:

On the international break:

It [the international break] has been productive for us, some good training, I have been pleased. We gave the lads a rest and then started our preparation towards Wolves.

On Newcastle’s start to the season, which has been pretty handy all things considered. They’ve got seven points and are undefeated from three games:

Very good results, really pleased with the start we have made in what is a difficult league. Performance wise, we haven’t hit top gear. We have done well in different passages of play but not consistently throughout the game. We are going into a spell where we have difficult games away from home now so we will look to improve.

On Lewis Hall’s involvement with the England u21s as well as Sandro Tonali’s return to the Italy squad (the headline is that he was pleased with both):

I am really pleased with [Hall’s] development since he has been with us, he is growing in confidence all the time. Very happy that he has gone away and had his first start for England Under-21s. Lewis is building in confidence all the time, you can see that from his early displays this season. He is playing with that confidence.

I was pleased to see [Tonali] play, he has performed well, those games would have done him the world of good. It is still the first few steps for him, but we are delighted he is available for us. Sandro has that flair and ability to make the difference, he is a player we absolutely love.

It is Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral today, taking place in his native Sweden.

The former England manager, who was the first non-British person to lead the team, died at the age of 76 on 26 August.

He led the Three Lions to the quarter-finals of the 2002 and 2006 World Cup and 2004 Euros.

Former captain David Beckham, as well as former manager Roy Hodgson, are among the mourners at the side the Fryksande church in the Swedish town of Torsby.

We’ll have more updates on proceedings throughout the day.

Liverpool’s Elliott out with broken foot

Football Weekly podcast

I know I said we’d be focussing on the Premier League – and we will – but let’s get this out of the way first.

I don’t like the new Champions League format. There, I said it. Hardly a hot take or a moment of unwavering bravery on my part. I know a few people don’t fancy it themselves. But are we being too hasty?

Yes, says Max Rushden, who is appealing to us all to open our minds and not judge the hodgepodge 36-team tournament too harshly.

I’m personally not sold, but I always enjoy Max’s writing and I think you will too. Maybe you’ll even change your mind.

Premier League talking points

Preamble

Daniel Gallan