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Around the clubs - insight, analysis and fan views

  1. What caused 'unique' tactical approach?

    Umir Irfan
    Football tactics correspondent

    Pep Guardiola and Tijjani ReijndersGetty Images

    After Manchester City went 1-0 up against Arsenal, they took a defensive approach unlike one Pep Guardiola has opted for previously.

    They sat deep and blocked the centre of the pitch, making it difficult for Arsenal to find striker Viktor Gyokeres or attacking midfielders between the lines. Guardiola has typically asked his team to defend in a 4-4-2 and did to begin with, but City moved into a 5-4-1 or 5-5-0 as the game progressed.

    So why did he opt for this approach?

    This was the third game in seven days for an unchanged City side who were fatigued, according to Guardiola. Most teams would struggle to stifle Arsenal's excellent build-up play, but with City tiring, defending deep prevented them from being exposed trying to press Arsenal.

    It was not just about stopping the build-up, but preventing Arsenal from creating chances.

    Arteta's men eventually got their equaliser but it was telling the goal came from a direct ball over a City defence that had stepped up, rather than when the visitors sat deep.

    Arsenal dominated the ball, but the 68% possession they had amounted to 0.61 expected goals in the second half.

    City aimed to nullify Arsenal's dangerous central quality by putting numerous bodies in the middle of the pitch. They also aimed to shut down runners by reducing the space they had in behind by being close to their own goal.

    It is unlikely City will play that deep consistently going forward, but it was interesting to see such an attacking manager like Guardiola deploy a shape without a recognised striker, given his previous quotes about the formation.

    "In prehistoric times, now and in 100,000 years, it is always very difficult to attack a 5-5 formation," were his words when facing a similar tactical gameplan deployed by Atletico Madrid in 2022.

    Ultimately it was a combination of acknowledging City's fatigue and strong counter-attackers, while wanting to minimise Arsenal's quality - particularly the home side's directness, build-up and central attackers - that help explain the unique approach.

    Read the full piece here

  2. 'Do you sulk about it or get on with it? Martinelli gets on with it'

    Alex Howell
    Arsenal reporter

    Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage-time equaliser showed why it is too early to write his Arsenal career off.

    The winger has had an excellent week, scoring and assisting in Arsenal's win over Athletic Club in the Champions League, before earning the Gunners a valuable draw against Manchester City.

    Martinelli has lost his starting place - starting two of Arsenal's six game this season - after a difficult time in his career, but has shown just how important he can be when he is at his best.

    Ex-Arsenal forward Theo Walcott told BBC Sport: "You can either sit there and sulk about things or you can actually have a look at yourself and think: 'How am I going to affect the situation I am in?'

    "I don't think he has ever been in this situation before, actually being constantly challenged in that position. He has had moments before when he has been on the bench, but last year he was a starter.

    "This year, he is having to accept he is going to be in and out, but he is definitely going about it in the right way because he is a hard worker and a grafter."

    The 24-year-old is one of the quickest players in the Premier League and both his goals this week played to his strengths, with the ball played behind the opposition defence for him to run on to.

    "I work for those moments. I leave [selection] for the gaffer. I just do my best to help this football club," said Martinelli.

    "Of course I don't want to be on the bench. I want to play 90 minutes every single game, but [Mikel] Arteta knows what he does. He's the gaffer and everyone trusts him."

    Martinelli has been low on confidence and aware of the debate about his place in the team.

    And Walcott added: "As a player, you also have to deal with the mixed messages that can be created in this kind of narrative, when you are not starting every game.

    "Martinelli scored after coming on [against Athletic Club] in midweek and he must have been thinking: 'Right, I am going to start on Sunday.' And then he sees [Leandro] Trossard start ahead of him.

    "Again, how do you react to that? Do you sulk about it, or do you get on with it? He obviously gets on with things."

  3. We had a lot of fatigue - Guardiola

    Shamoon Hafez
    Manchester City reporter

    For 92 minutes of the contest at the Emirates, it was all going to plan for Manchester City - Arsenal were failing to fire and the visitors were on their way to a vital victory.

    Despite the arduous scheduling of recent games, Pep Guardiola decided to name the same starting XI for a third consecutive game - only the third time he has done this during his nine years at the club.

    Having taken a ninth-minute lead through the imperious Erling Haaland and seeing out the opening 45 minutes pretty comfortably, Guardiola decided to shut up shop in the second half, possibly with tiredness in mind.

    City had comfortably dispatched rivals Manchester United last Sunday, but were made to work hard for victory against 10-man Napoli in their Champions League opener on Thursday. Despite their efforts at Arsenal, they fell agonisingly short of three straight wins in a week.

    Guardiola switched to a 5-5-0 formation in the 76th minute following the eyebrow-raising decision to haul off Haaland and send on defensive midfielder Nico Gonzalez - a tactical manoeuvre which could have come right out of the Jose Mourinho playbook.

    The attempt to do whatever was needed to try to get the win was highlighted by the fact City ended with only 32.8% possession, the lowest figure recorded by any Guardiola side in his 601st league game as manager.

    "We don't try to be like this but when the opponent is better we defend deeper and counter-attack - but that's not our intention," he said.

    "I would prefer not to do it, but you have to at this level. I take a point and in some games we have to adjust."

    But Guardiola admitted two tough games, with just two days rest in between, had taken a toll on his players.

    "We were incredibly tired," he added. "The game against Napoli was so emotional and after that recovery day we have four or five hours to travel to London. Arsenal fought in the last two Premier League title races and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League so it's so difficult.

    "We had a lot of fatigue with many players. We also have a lot of injuries."

    The head coach told BBC Radio 5 Live he was "disappointed" by the result, but was "proud" of his players for improving on last season's performance when they were thumped 5-1 by Mikel Arteta's men in the corresponding fixture.

  4. 'Training intensity is so high - it is train how you play'

    Oliver GlasnerGetty Images

    Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison says the reason the club are doing so well is because of the standards manager Oliver Glasner sets.

    "He is top drawer," said Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "The issue will be keeping hold of him.

    "He has only got this season left because there will be a lot of top clubs looking at him.

    "I even heard Manchester United might be because they play the same formation as Palace. I would say Palace actually have the players to play that formation better than United can at the moment.

    "I was at the Palace training ground a few weeks ago and the training intensity that Glasner sets is so high. It is train how you play. That is why Palace are doing so great.

    "They have a great chance this year in the Conference League. The back three are fantastic and they managed to keep hold of Marc Guehi.

    "He might go in January but it is about enjoying it while you can. It is the same with Adam Wharton because he is a fantastic player. He had been out for two weeks but strolled thorough the game against West Ham on Saturday.

    "It is good times for my old club."

    Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

  5. Forest in for exciting ride under Postecoglou

    Nick Mashiter
    Football reporter

    Ange Postecoglou applauds his team's supporters Getty Images

    It was an upbeat Ange Postecoglou after Nottingham Forest's draw at Burnley.

    Yes, they may not have won and the new manager is still waiting for his first victory - albeit he is only three games into his reign - but there are clear signs of what he wants.

    Victory over Real Betis in the Europa League on Wednesday - on Forest's return to Europe for the first time since 1995-96 - would underline the progress he is talking about.

    Chances created, especially for Dilane Bakwa in the first half, highlighted the kind of quick, incisive football Postecoglou wants to play.

    Those who have worked closely with the former Tottenham boss told BBC Sport he would not wait to impress his style and philosophies, and Postecoglou said Forest looked like one of his teams at times in the second half.

    It would be wrong to disagree as it was clear how different expansive Forest already are to the side Nuno Espirito Santo took to seventh in the Premier League last season.

    This comes less than two weeks after Postecoglou was appointed Nuno's successor so, despite the winless start, Forest should be in for an exciting ride.

  6. How Maresca handled his squad through Champions League return

    Nizaar Kinsella
    Chelsea reporter

    Enzo Maresca Chelsea managerGetty Images

    All but two players were used by Maresca but only 16 started across three away matches

    Chelsea's first week back in the Champions League told us a lot about how manager Enzo Maresca will handle his squad this season.

    While in the Conference League last year, the Italian effectively opted for an A and B team, with two different elevens playing in domestic and European football.

    However, Chelsea are back in the top tier of Europe for the first time in over two years and faced a challenging week with trips to Brentford, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

    Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah were the only two players to be involved in every minute (270 plus added time) of the last two matches.

    Tosin Adarabioyo ranks the next highest by missing only the first four minutes of defeat at United, while Joao Pedro, Enzo Fernandez and Rob Sanchez started all three matches. Cole Palmer likely played as many minutes as he was physically capable before succumbing to a recurrence of a groin injury at United.

    Meanwhile, a middle class of players emerged. Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana and Estevao Willian all earned starts. Tyrique George, Alejandro Garnacho and Andrey Santos each got two substitute appearances.

    Facundo Buonanotte, Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato started against Brentford but all came off around the half time mark in response to a poor first half performance while a goal down. They were unused substitutes in the following two matches.

    Striker Marc Guiu and defender Josh Acheampong were the only two players not to play a single minute across three games. Remarkably, Guiu is cup-tied for the upcoming trip to Lincoln City having been recalled from Sunderland on deadline day.

    This was a window into who Maresca trusts with long-term injuries Levi Colwill, Liam Delap and Dario Essugo before he is expected to ring the changes for the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

  7. 'Vultures are circling' for Potter at West Ham

    Sami Mokbel
    Senior football correspondent

    West Ham head coach Graham Potter's position is under significant internal scrutiny with the club now considering managerial alternatives.

    Potter, 50, is under growing pressure to keep his job at the London Stadium following a disappointing start to the season that plunged to new depths following Saturday's home defeat by Crystal Palace.

    Multiple sources have told BBC Sport that even prior to Saturday's loss - their fourth from five Premier League games - the Hammers had started the process of identifying potential replacements for Potter.

    Nuno Espirito Santo, recently sacked by Nottingham Forest, is understood to be among the options West Ham have pinpointed.

    The prospect of Slaven Bilic - who has previously played and managed the London club - returning on a short-term basis has, according to sources, been discussed internally.

    West Ham are also aware of the availability of former Bournemouth and Wolves boss Gary O'Neil.

    There is a realisation behind the scenes that removing Potter so early in the new Premier League season is not ideal, with just five games played.

    But the fact they have started the process of identifying potential replacements illustrates the emerging uncertainty over Potter's future.

    Potter, who was appointed in January, has taken charge of 25 matches since his appointment - winning just six times.

    His predecessor Julen Lopetegui took charge of 22 games before his dismissal, winning seven matches.

  8. How unusual is Liverpool's run of late winners?

    Tom McCoy
    BBC Sport journalist

    Liverpool maintained their 100% winning record thanks to Virgil van Dijk's injury-time winner against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with all five of their victories earned thanks to goals from the 83rd minute onwards.

    Head coach Arne Slot said after the game that fitness was part of the reason for his team's remarkable record, adding "our mentality is we will always push".

    But just how rare is the Reds' knack for finding late winners and how does it compare to England's other Champions League entrants – Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle and Tottenham?

    We have looked at those clubs' last five victories in which the winner was scored in or after the 80th minute. Those strikes have to be 'go-ahead goals' to be included. A 90th minute goal to make the score 2-0 won't count, even if the opposition later pull one back to make the final result 2-1.

    Unsurprisingly, none of Liverpool's rivals score late goals at anywhere near the same rate as the Merseysiders, with Arsenal a very distant second. The last five Gunners victories which fit our criteria span 16 months and 64 games, the most recent of which came at Southampton on the final day of last season.

    Tottenham rank third, with their last five late wins coming across a run of 79 games, slightly fewer than Chelsea (82) and Manchester City (83), with Newcastle (109) bringing up the rear.

    This bar chart displays the number of games played by various football clubs to achieve their last five wins earned via late goals (scored in the 80th minute or later). Liverpool achieved their last five late-goal wins in the fewest games (5). Newcastle required the most games (109) to secure their last five late-goal victories. The other clubs listed, in increasing order of games played, are Arsenal (64), Tottenham (79), Chelsea (82), and Man City (83).

  9. Newcastle can't afford to dwell on 'big emotional' night

    Ciaran Kelly
    Newcastle United reporter

    Nick WoltemadeGetty Images

    These are the levels in the Champions League.

    Newcastle United had more shots on target (six) and a higher xG (1.46) than Barcelona in a 2-1 defeat at St James' Park.

    But it was the Catalan giants, and Marcus Rashford, that were clinical in front of goal on Thursday.

    Though Anthony Gordon got on the scoresheet late on, this was a night where Newcastle were made to rue not taking their chances when the score was goalless.

    All the while, record signing Nick Woltemade watched on from the bench for the opening hour as Eddie Howe tried to "make sure he stays fit".

    Given their lack of alternatives up front, Newcastle are conscious of being careful with Woltemade, who came off with cramp on his goalscoring debut against Wolves at the weekend.

    Not least with a packed run of fixtures against Bournemouth, Bradford City, Arsenal, Union Saint-Gilloise and Nottingham Forest to come in the next couple of weeks.

    In some ways, this was a night where another new arrival, Yoane Wissa, was missed as a striker who could share the burden with Woltemade.

    But Wissa picked up a knee injury on international duty with DR Congo and faces a race against time to be fit for the trip to Brighton next month.

    So it would be a huge surprise if Woltemade did not come back into the side at the weekend, particularly with Gordon still serving a domestic ban.

    And Newcastle do not have time to dwell on the Barcelona defeat and what might have been following a "big emotional game" in the words of Howe.

    Not when facing Bournemouth, who have made their best start to a Premier League season.

  10. 'Good he hasn't lost his sense of humour'

    Simon Stone
    Manchester United reporter

    Manchester United manager Ruben AmorimGetty Images

    You cannot accuse Ruben Amorim of not being able to laugh at himself.

    The Manchester United head coach is under huge pressure after his side managed just one win from their opening four league games and got knocked out of the EFL Cup by League Two Grimsby.

    There has even been suggestions he could be sacked during the October international break unless results turn swiftly.

    Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe flew into United's Carrington training ground on Thursday. The visit was pre-planned but there was a 'crisis' meeting with Amorim.

    I asked the former Sporting coach what the pair spoke about.

    "A new contract," Amorim smiled.

    He was joking. It is good the 40-year-old has not lost his sense of humour.

  11. 'What's his immediate aim? Win.'

    Ange PostecoglouGetty Images

    BBC Radio Nottingham's Forest commentator Colin Fray speaking on the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast:

    "Postecoglou will know as a new head coach coming in, the same as for any head coach, that the sooner he gets a win the better. The sooner he gets a win he gets fans onboard and very importantly, players on board with his ideas.

    "For Postecoglou, specifically here at Forest, the difficulty for him is he's coming into a side that was really on the up. I know the last game under Nuno against West Ham was shocking. Take that one away, Forest have been a club growing and growing, going up, looking to take the next step. Suddenly, around the time he arrives - and I am not saying he is responsible in any way - they hit a buffer and conceded nine in three games, two games under Postecoglou and one under his predecessor.

    "He has come in to a dressing room under a Nuno style. He has to get his ideas across, which are different to Nuno's. He has to get them across quickly. With it being so many away games, he doesn't get much time to work on stuff on the training pitch. He's starting now to need to convince more fans. If you are preaching something to employees in any position and it's not getting results, there will be scepticism.

    "So what's his immediate aim? Win. Win a game.

    "He made 10 changes against Swansea, with another couple at half time. So there were lots of things tried. What it means is he's now had a look at the vast majority of his squad. I think he's now more in a position for the Burnley game and Betis game going forward to make more sound judgments on what his starting XI for each game is going to be. He has not got far more idea about players.

    "But, he needs to get his selections right, so that he wins a game, quickly."

    Listen to Shut Up And Show More Football

  12. Problems continue to pile up for Potter

    Tom McCoy
    BBC Sport journalist

    West Ham United head coach Graham Potter looks on at the play from the touchlineGetty Images

    If West Ham thought they were back on track after beating Nottingham Forest prior to the international break, Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Tottenham proved a sobering reality check and a reminder of the mounting problems facing head coach Graham Potter.

    The most pressing is their leaky defence. They have already conceded a league-high 11 goals, including a remarkable six from corners.

    That is more than twice as many as any other side, with over a third of all Premier League goals scored from corners this season ending in the Hammers' net.

    Equally as crucial, but perhaps harder to solve, is rediscovering a connection with the fanbase.

    This will be West Ham's third consecutive home game against London opposition and each of the previous two - against Tottenham and Chelsea - saw supporters streaming out long before the final whistle, with defeat by then inevitable.

    A bar chart that displays the number of goals conceded from corners by various Premier League teams in the 2025-26 season, using data from Opta. It shows West Ham have conceded six

    Fans are entitled to expect better, given the club have spent more than £250m in the past three transfer windows. Half of that outlay has come under Potter, who has won just six of his 22 league matches. That includes only two home wins, and none since February.

    Another issue likely to alarm the West Ham board is the increased competitiveness of the newly-promoted sides. In each of the previous two seasons, the newcomers went straight back down without much of a fight, with 27 points theoretically enough to guarantee safety in both campaigns.

    However, the early indications are that Sunderland, Burnley and Leeds United will fare better this term.

    That may take away a bit of a comfort blanket for any established Premier League teams struggling at the wrong end of the table - and could leave Potter's position in jeopardy unless results improve soon.

  13. What are the plans for the City Ground?

    Nick Mashiter
    Football reporter

    An image of the City Ground, surrounded with a green border and the words Ask Me Anything

    All season, we are inviting you to send in your questions about Nottingham Forest as part of the BBC's Ask Me Anything service, using this form.

    One of the questions this week was about the plans for Forest's stadium so we put it to our reporter Nick Mashiter.

    Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis wants to increase the City Ground capacity to 50,000.

    That will have to wait for now but Forest are pushing ahead with plans to expand their home.

    The proposals will see the existing Peter Taylor Stand demolished and replaced with a 10,000-seater stand, increasing the City Ground's overall capacity to around 42,000.

    Full planning permission was granted by Rushcliffe Borough Council's planning committee in June, with some conditions.

    These include paying just over £1m to improve local bus services, £150,000 to upgrade the A60/Cattle Market Road junction and £200,000 for cycle improvements along Lady Bay Bridge.

    They must also replace Nottingham Rowing Club's Britannia boathouse, which will be demolished as part of the plans.

    It ended a long wait for Forest as they had initially announced expansion plans in 2019, meaning the club had even considered leaving the City Ground

    It was originally expected to cost about £94m but an estimate from earlier this year suggested this has risen to £130m while a build date is yet to be announced.

  14. 'A big reality check'

    Nina Hristova
    Fan contributor

    Chelsea fan's voice banner

    Chelsea fan contributor Nina Hristova feels that the Blues have a lot to learn in the Champions League given the quality on display in the competition.

    Find more from Nina Hristova on her YouTube channel

  15. Is the wing-back balance wrong?

    Beth Tucker
    Fan contributor

    Manchester United fan's voice banner

    Find more from Beth Tucker at The United Stand

  16. 'Not at our best' but 'still winning' - fan views

    Your Liverpool opinions banner
    Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebratesGetty Images

    We asked for your views on Liverpool's performance against Atletico Madrid, as Arne Slot's side squandered a two-goal lead yet still managed to find a late winner at Anfield.

    Here are some of your replies:

    Jordan: Let's be honest, so far this season our performances have been pretty subpar, but I've never been happier. The pure chaos and adrenaline from the way we are winning just can't be matched. I'd prefer all of these games as they have been, rather than straightforward 3-0 wins. To me, the scoreline is nowhere near as important as the entertainment!

    Paula: Atletico kept their heads even after going 2-0 down and their first goal had been building for the final 10 minutes of the first half. Liverpool gave them too much space, but they didn't stop pressing. Why though, do we have to bite our nails down to the quick before we get a last-minute winner again? Was it really necessary after being two goals up?

    Phil: We are struggling to break teams down, even though we have a lot of flair and offensive talent.

    Ian: Once again, Liverpool put pressure on themselves with poor defending. This needs addressing. Milos Kerkez is erratic, Andy Robertson is slow and Ibou Konate had some hairy moments again. A very entertaining game, but Liverpool had plenty of chances to put it to bed.

    CJ: It wasn't a polished performance but there were moments that showed how good we're going to be. We are not at our best and we are still winning. I'm loving the Champions League nights.

    Evan: Mohamed Salah looked hungrier than ever. Whether it was the big European night, playing up to the occasion or feeling the competition with Alexander Isak in the team, it was the first time this season that he's looked dangerous.

    *UK only

  17. 'Chelsea looked a good distance behind Bayern'

    Chelsea players look dejected after defeat against Bayern MunichGetty Images

    Pat Nevin says there remain question marks over whether his former side Chelsea can dominate games at Champions League level.

    The Blues began well in their European opener in Munich on Wednesday but errors and naive defending contributed to the 3-1 defeat.

    "It was the kind of performance I expected," Nevin told the Football Daily podcast.

    "A lot of people were saying to us before that they are just about to break into that elite and they're World Club Champions and I'm thinking 'steady on'.

    "The jump you need to make when you come to places like this is quite big. A number of players just don't have that experience yet and they have to learn a little bit.

    "We don't know - they've bought very young players - are they going to be able to dominate games at this level? We don't really know.

    "You need to learn how to do it and find out if you're good enough and have the personality and then do it for a while.

    "Chelsea were not able to dominate as a group. They looked a good distance behind Bayern Munich but then many teams who come here do because it's a tough, tough place to come."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

  18. Will Brighton's 2030 refresh deliver?

    View from inside American Express stadiumGetty Images

    On this week's Albion Unlimited podcast, former Brighton striker Warren Aspinall and BBC Radio Sussex's commentator Jonny Cantor react to Jason Ayto's appointment as Brighton's sporting director after David Weir's departure, and Mike Cave's promotion to the technical director role.

    "I was surprised because he [David Weir] was linked with Everton, one of his former clubs, and he batted that away. Then Everton got somebody else," Aspinall said.

    "This came out of the blue. You don't let a good man go if he's doing his job.

    "I don't know what's gone on or if David's just decided to move back up north.

    "Jason's been at Arsenal for a long time under Edu, who left in the summer as well. He's done numerous jobs there and lots of players have come and gone. They signed lots of players I would consider to be very good.

    "Micky Cave has been under the wing for four years at the football club so he knows the ins and outs of the job.

    "I wish them both all the best and I wish David all the best in his new job."

    Jonny Cantor added: "They're quite long-term appointments, aren't they? You can't necessarily see the fruits of their work until a little bit later on.

    "A lot of people have been very complimentary about the work that he's [Jason Ayto] done with Arsenal.

    "It's interesting see they highlighted the fact that he speaks Portuguese, he speaks Spanish and his native English - and the fact that he's been in a variety of roles.

    "I think sometimes it is good to get people from outside. You get fresh ideas. A different way of doing things can be really good. You get different pair of eyes on everything.

    "It is part of this overall 2030 refresh that the club are doing. I know they've got a new head of technology coming in, so it'll be interesting to see how that develops as well. An exciting period coming up."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  19. 'This will be an intense week for Pereira'

    Mike Taylor
    BBC Radio WM reporter

    Vitor PereiraGetty Images

    "I don't believe in words," said Vitor Pereira, looking for the right ones to explain how he would pull Wolves up from their bad start.

    "In football, you increase the level if you work on the pitch with the players."

    Perhaps the most important week of the season for Wolves will be one in which we don't see the players until the end of it.

    After four games without a point, there is a great deal of work to be done. Whatever other problems his team has, the evidence of those games is that Pereira's players have the appetite to do it. They are, by common consent, doing their best.

    On Saturday night, Pereira was eager to get on with that work.

    "Next week will be the first week that we work together as a squad to prepare for a match. It's the first week that I will have chance to go on the pitch, to show them, to work, repetition after repetition, on the pitch and not in videos or with words. I believe football is not about words, it's about work."

    Quite - although such problems are not unique to Wolves.

    Just as clubs have been building up their analysis teams to examine every step they and their opponents take, the time available to act on the findings - at least in the traditional, boots-on-the-training-ground way - seems more limited than ever.

    Some 15 members of Pereira's squad were away with national teams during the break, a club record number, and many travelled long distances.

    He explained: "In the end, we prepared this game against Newcastle with eight players and academy players."

    He did nevertheless try some new things. Ladislav Krejci started his first game in midfield, marking a change of shape, and later moved into the back three, looking adept in both roles.

    Most eye-catching was the switch of the wing-backs – Hugo Bueno and Rodrigo Gomes having been two of the eight at home – and both were among the brighter Wolves performers. "Tactically and strategically, we worked the last two weeks with Hugo and Rodrigo, to play with opposite foot… and I think that was a good decision," said Pereira.

    Pereira, a former teacher, will have confidence that his instruction will help his team to improve. By his own account, this will be an intense week.

    If his efforts have not resulted in Wolves moving off zero after they play Leeds, the belief among the supporters that the team is good enough to at least stay in the Premier League will be under even greater strain.

    Listen to full commentary of Wolves v Leeds at 15:00 BST on Saturday on BBC Radio WM [95.6FM, DAB and BBC Sounds]

    And tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights

    Explore Wolves content on BBC Sounds

  20. When will work start on renovating Vitality Stadium?

    Jordan Clark
    BBC Sport Journalist

    View from inside Vitality stadium with an Ask Me Anything graphic on top.Getty Images

    Bournemouth have released computer-generated images to illustrate how they plan to expand Vitality Stadium, but when will work start on renovating?

    This is one of the questions sent in via our 'Ask about Bournemouth' form and we put it to Jordan Clark at BBC Radio Solent.

    Bournemouth have not given an exact start date for the renovations to begin but if everything goes to plan then they're hoping the work will start at some point between January and March 2026.

    The club is currently working with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council on the planning and consultation phase, something Cherries chairman Bill Foley gave a positive update on in his programme notes before Saturday's win over Brighton.

    If planning permission is granted, then the club wants to start the redevelopment by installing a new perimeter fence and turnstiles, a new ticket office and a 'small-scale extension' to the West Stand, as well as an internal refurbishment of the East and West Stands. They hope to have that work completed by March 2026.

    Attention will then turn to building a new South Stand and infilling the four corners of the stadium by August 2026.

    The final phase of the redevelopment should see the expansion of the North and East Stands, which the Cherries hope to start work on in the summer of 2027.

    Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

    We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

    Find out more here

  21. 'Versatile and impressive' Mosquera exciting Arsenal fans

    Alex Howell
    Arsenal reporter

    Cristhian Mosquera shouts instructions against Athletic BilbaoGetty Images

    Summer signing Cristhian Mosquera continues to impress for Arsenal and again showed against Athletic Club why there is so much excitement around his early performances.

    The 21-year-old defender has played a key role during the Gunners' start to the season and has had a big impact since deputising for William Saliba.

    Mosquera made his debut in Arsenal's first home game of the season coming on at right-back for Jurrien Timber.

    He was signed for his quality and his ability to play in multiple positions in the backline, but it is his performances at centre-back which have made supporters and those around the club take notice of his potential.

    Mosquera was thrust into Arsenal's match at Liverpool after just five minutes following Saliba's ankle injury. Even though the Gunners lost that game, Mosquera's performance was one of the positives.

    He then started the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest and again partnered Gabriel in the heart of the defence in Tuesday's Champions League victory in Bilbao.

    Mikel Arteta said Mosquera is going to "push" both Gabriel and Saliba for their position throughout the season and that the Spain Under-21 international "wants it a lot".

    Mosquera again displayed his ability on the ball and and stayed calm in the opening 20 minutes, when a vociferous atmosphere had Arsenal under pressure.

    He is an extremely physical defender who relishes duels with strikers - something Arteta values highly.

    He is also quick, which allows him to recover when facing counter-attacks. Moreover, his versatility means he will be in line for a lot of game time this season.

    The squad depth Arsenal have built is going to a big asset as they try to win a trophy for the first time since 2020.

    Mosquera being good enough to be able to play in these games so early in the campaign means Saliba's absence has not been felt as much as it might have been previously.

    Arsenal host Manchester City on Sunday it is likely Saliba - who was fit enough for a place on the bench on Tuesday - will come in for Mosquera to deal with the challenge presented by Erling Halaand.

    That is no slight on Mosquera, who has shown early on in his Arsenal career he has the potential to be a first-choice starting centre-back in years to come.

  22. 'I wish Dad was alive to be there'

    Ciaran Kelly
    Newcastle United reporter

    Sir Bobby Robson smiles at a press conference as Barcelona manager at the Nou Camp in 1996Getty Images

    Eddie Howe needed no reminding.

    "There are connections with Sir Bobby Robson that we fully embrace," the Newcastle United head coach said before Thursday's game against Barcelona. "That's what makes it such a special thing."

    How fitting, then, that Sir Bobby's son, Mark, will be at St James' Park to see two of his father's former clubs meet in the Champions League.

    "I wish Dad was alive to be there," he said. "He would love it."

    These were the sorts of occasions Sir Bobby relished as a manager. Not only at Newcastle but Barcelona, too.

    Sir Bobby walked into a divided city, following predecessor Johan Cruyff's departure, in 1996, but led Barcelona to the Cup Winners' Cup, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

    He later went on to manage Newcastle, his boyhood club, and took the black-and-whites from the relegation zone to Europe's top table.

    "Dad had incredible toughness to fight cancer and take on jobs," Mark said. "I don't know how he did it."

    His legacy lives on.

    When Sir Bobby faced cancer for the fifth and final time, his oncologist, Professor Plummer, asked him if he knew anyone who could help raise £500,000 to equip a new cancer drug trials centre at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care in Newcastle.

    Although Sir Bobby was gravely ill, he put himself forward to launch a charity in his name, referring to it as his last and greatest team.

    The former England manager went on to officially open the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre in 2009.

    Plans have now been submitted for an even more ambitious project, the Sir Bobby Robson Institute, a proposed £30m research and treatment facility.

    Funded by the foundation, it would pioneer more ground-breaking innovation in cancer treatment and significantly increase the number of clinical trials available for patients across the North East, North Cumbria and North Yorkshire.

    Supporters have already raised £20m and the charity is seeking the remaining £10m needed.

    "The two worlds of medicine and sport are coming together and hopefully creating something quite special." Mark added.

  23. 'I would not be questioning Wirtz's ability'

    Q&A with Phil McNulty banner
    Florian Wirtz playing for LiverpoolGetty Images

    Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.

    Jamie asked: Florian Wirtz's form is going under the radar a bit. For £116m, you want an instant impact. A handful of games in and he hasn't produced one standout performance yet. At what stage do we start to question his Premier League ability?

    Phil answered: He has been quiet, but I actually thought there were real signs of Florian Wirtz settling in for Liverpool at Burnley on Sunday. He linked the play a lot and seemed to be developing an understanding with those around him.

    It's early days and even the best players need time to settle and fit into a new team. I certainly would not be questioning his Premier League ability. I am sure he will come good and thought the signs were there at Turf Moor.

  24. 'If it was me, I'd be raging' - Given on Trafford

    Watch former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given and former Premier League striker Chris Sutton discuss the club's current goalkeeper situation following the arrivals of James Trafford and Gianluigi Donnarumma over the summer.

    "James Trafford's a brilliant goalkeeper," Given told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

    "In the year of a World Cup, I think Pep's given him the full sales pitch.

    "Fast forward two weeks and the big man Donnarumma comes in from Italy and he's parked up for the season.

    "If it was me, I'd be raging."

    Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

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