Summary

  • 'Everyone is united' - Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag

  • Premier League news conferences including Chelsea & Man City

  • Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard signs new five-year deal

  • Julian Nagelsmann named Germany head coach for the Euros in 202

  • Sheffield United 'devastated' after death of midfielder Maddy Cusack aged 27

  • Women's Nations League: England v Scotland (19:45 BST)

  • Get Involved: #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

  1. 'Loved by all' - Arteta on Odegaardpublished at 12:30 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    Arsenal v Tottenham (Sun, 14:00 BST)

    Arsenal

    Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has signed a new five-year contract with the club, something manager Mikel Arteta was delighted about during his news conference earlier.

    Media caption,

    Great news - Arteta on Odegaard extending contract

  2. 'It's not because mama can't play' - US great Ertz retires at 31published at 12:27 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    Julie ErtzImage source, Getty Images

    Julie Ertz, a two-time World Cup winner, played the final match of her career on Thursday as she represented the United States for the last time.

    Described as "one of the most important players" on the US national team over the past decade by team-mate Alex Morgan, the 31-year-old retires with 123 caps for her country.

    But it is not a decision Ertz, twice named US player of the year, says she has taken because she no longer believes she can compete at the highest level.

    Instead, the midfielder has chosen to finish on her own terms, revealing her priorities have changed since becoming a mother in August 2022.

    "It's not because mama can't play, mama can play," said Ertz, a key figure in the USA's successive World Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2019.

    "She has just adapted her priorities and I think that just comes with age."

  3. Copenhagen player sent death threats after Galatasaray postpublished at 12:24 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    FC Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil GrabaraImage source, Getty Images

    FC Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara received death threats after posting a derogatory comment about Galatasaray on social media, his wife says.

    Ex-Liverpool player Grabara, 24, used an expletive to refer to Galatasaray, before editing the post to use a similar expletive to describe the game.

    It came after Copenhagen threw away a two-goal lead in the final four minutes of normal time in their Champions League game in Turkey on Wednesday.

    On Thursday his wife shared screenshots of threatening messages sent to her.

    "This is not normal. 300 messages and I can't count how many comments. There are no words," she said on Instagram, alongside the death threats directed at Grabara and his family.

    "What world do we live in?"

  4. What's to come?published at 12:23 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    Now before today's next news conferences from 12:30 BST, let's have a quick recap of some of the latest football stories...

  5. Spirited Aberdeen suffer defeat in Germanypublished at 12:15 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 Aberdeen

    Omar Marmoush celebrates with Niels NkounkouImage source, Getty Images

    Aberdeen showed "mentality, desire, fight, and tactical know-how in abundance" as they began their Europa Conference League campaign with a battling defeat away to Eintracht Frankfurt.

    Barry Robson's side, still without a league win this term, held their own against the expensively assembled German side, but Robin Koch's glancing header midway through the second half earned the hosts the points.

    Omar Marmoush had put Eintracht in front from the spot after Jack MacKenzie fouled Eric Junior Dina Emimbe, but Dante Polvara equalised from a superb team move to the delight of the travelling Aberdeen contingent.

    One of their number, however, was arrested after a pyrotechnic was thrown towards the home fans during the first half.

    Aberdeen said they were "deeply disappointed by the actions of a small minority of supporters" and would fully co-operate with the authorities.

    Full match report here.

  6. 'We could have nicked a draw'published at 12:09 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 Aberdeen

    Aberdeen

    Barry RobsonImage source, Getty Images

    Aberdeen were handed a tough start to their Europa Conference League campaign and, despite putting in a spirited display, they lost 2-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt.

    The Scottish Premiership side also face PAOK Salonika and HJK Helsinki in Group G.

    "When you wear that Aberdeen jersey, and you're in Europe, you need to try to show that mentality, desire, fight, tactical knowhow, and I thought they did all that in abundance tonight," manager Barry Robson said.

    "That is a terrific team we faced out there, full of top players. They worked extremely hard, stuck to the tactical plan, and in the last 10 minutes, we could have nicked a draw there."

  7. Legia expose Villa's defensive deficienciespublished at 12:05 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    Legia Warsaw 3-2 Aston Villa

    Ernest Muci celebrates with his Legia Warsaw team-matesImage source, Getty Images

    Aston Villa made a poor start to a first European campaign in 13 years as some appalling defending allowed Legia Warsaw to get the better of them in their Europa Conference League group opener.

    Returning to continental competition thanks to a stunning run of form in the second half of last season, the former European champions looked good going forward but continually gave Legia a leg up at the other end.

    The tone was set after just three minutes as Pawel Wszolek was allowed to get ahead of his marker to slot a low cross home before Jhon Duran made amends by heading home after Nicolo Zaniolo's shot had been pushed on to the bar by home keeper Kacper Tobiasz.

    Again, though, Legia were invited on, with Ernest Muci left alone to charge in, latch on to Wzsolek's cross and fire home.

    Lucas Digne's deflected strike cancelled that out but the defensive horror show from the Premier League side continued after the break as Legia were gifted possession and Muti given all the room he needed to fire a superb low shot inside the far bottom corner. This time Villa had no response.

    Read the full report here.

  8. 'Villa have to learn'published at 12:02 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    Legia Warsaw 3-2 Aston Villa

    Aston Villa

    Elsewhere last night, Aston Villa's first appearance in Europe for 13 years didn't end how they hoped as they lost 3-2 in Poland against Legia Warsaw.

    Villa twice came from behind in the Europa Conference League tie, but Ernest Muci's second goal of the game resigned the Premier League club to defeat.

    "Every match away in Europe is difficult and this is a new step where we have to learn," manager Unai Emery said.

    "We still have the possibility to react again, we are going to play another five matches. It's not a good result but we have to learn and have to understand how we're going to face the next matches and this competition."

    Aston Villa boss Unai EmeryImage source, Getty Images
  9. get involved

    Get Involved - Fifa Puskas Awardpublished at 11:56 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    It's that time of year when Fifa announces the contenders for the Puskas Award.

    Whether is a great team build-up, a piece of individual brilliance, an acrobatic attempt or simply just a stunning strike, we all love to see a great goal.

    11 players have made it on to this year's list and there are some crackers, as you'd expect.

    You can see each of the 11 nominations here, external.

    Brighton's Julio Enciso is the only candidate from the Premier League, but four of the last six winners have come from the English top-flight.

    We're pretty torn on who is a worthy winner this year so we want to know your thoughts!

    Is there a goal that has potentially been overlooked?

    Get in touch via X using #bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply).

  10. De Zerbi wants Brighton to be 'smarter'published at 11:53 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    Brighton 2-3 AEK Athens

    Brighton & Hove Albion

    Roberto de ZerbiImage source, Getty Images

    Brighton's first taste of European football didn't go entirely to plan as they lost 3-2 at home to AEK Athens in the Europa League on Thursday.

    Fresh from a 3-1 victory at Manchester United on Saturday, Roberto de Zerbi was reluctant to be to critical of his players, although he admitted they need to sharpen up in certain areas to avoid a disappointing campaign in the competition.

    "I congratulated the players afterwards," said De Zerbi. "I can't be happy when we win at Old Trafford and sad today because we lost if the performances were both good.

    "But if we want to make another upgrade, we have to know the situation where we concede goals.

    "We knew before the game, AEK have two situations where they can score, set pieces and counter attack.

    "We have to be more focussed, with the right attitude and more smart to defend the set pieces."

    BBC Sport has a dedicated Brighton page packed with news, analysis and fan views - get it here

  11. Seagulls come up shortpublished at 11:51 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    Brighton 2-3 AEK Athens

    Joao Pedro kicks a ballImage source, Getty Images

    Brighton's eagerly awaited European bow fell flat as Greek heavyweights AEK Athens stunned Roberto de Zerbi's men with a 3-2 Europa League group stage victory.

    The Seagulls twice pegged AEK back after Djibril Sidibe and Mijat Gacinovic had taken advantage of Lewis Dunk's absence through injury to score from first-half set pieces.

    But, even with 13 minutes' injury-time, Brighton had no answer after substitute Ezequiel Ponce converted a third after 84 minutes.

    Niclas Eliasson was given too much time to cross after Tariq Lamptey had slipped as AEK launched a speedy counter-attack, Ponce applying the finish.

    It meant Joao Pedro's unique double ended up counting for nothing.

    Evidently, it is not unusual for the video assistant referee to intervene to award penalties. Remarkably, this time it happened twice, on both occasions after the former Watford forward had gone down - he was booked for diving the first time.

    Brighton's £30m record signing took both penalties, twice sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

    Read the match report here.

  12. 'Goal typified the passion'published at 11:44 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    Rangers 1-0 Real Betis

    Rangers

    Michael BealeImage source, Getty Images

    Rangers reached the final of the Europa League in 2021-22 and boss Michael Beale will have his sights set on another deep run in the competition this season.

    They got their campaign off to the perfect start on Thursday, beating Spanish side Real Betis 1-0 at Ibrox thanks to Abdallah Sima's second half strike.

    Beale said: "First half, we had big moments. We didn't show enough belief with the ball. We spoke about that at half time. That's something that is reoccurring.

    "Second half, we were much better everywhere. The goal typified the passion. For everyone us, its a goal off a set-play. For us, it's four contacts. In tight games, those are things we need to do more often.

    "For this group, we've had a few bangs on the head. We've heard it loud and clear from the outside. Nothing's done. It's just one performance. There was lots I'm happy with, but lots to improve on."

  13. Gers get off to winning startpublished at 11:42 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    Rangers 1-0 Real Betis

    Abdallah Sima celebrates scoring a goalImage source, Getty Images

    Rangers marked their return to the safe haven of the Europa League with a narrow but impressive victory over Real Betis.

    The 2021-22 finalists endured a torrid time in the Champions League last season, but were much more assured at Ibrox this time around as summer signing Abdallah Sima clinched an opening-night win by poking home amid a frantic scramble.

    Goalkeeper Jack Butland was on hand to deny Rangers' La Liga opponents as Abde Ezzalzouli's class threatened to dampen the mood in Glasgow in the first half.

    At the other end, Tom Lawrence and Borna Barisic both struck the frame of the goal.

    In Group C's other fixture, Sparta Prague overcame Aris Limassol 3-2, with Rangers travelling to Cyprus next.

    Read the full match report here.

  14. 'Well deserved'published at 11:38 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    LASK 1-3 Liverpool

    Liverpool

    Media caption,

    Lask 1-3 Liverpool: I knew it would be difficult - Klopp

    Liverpool have made a strong start to 2023-24 - avoiding defeat in their opening six games across all competitions.

    After an unbeaten run of five in the Premier League, Liverpool opened their Europa League campaign with a 3-1 win at LASK on Thursday.

    Jurgen Klopp made 11 changes to the side that came from behind to beat Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday and the German was pleased with the overall performance.

    Klopp said: "I’m pretty sure the boys would have thought there was nothing good from the first half, but that’s not true; we had good moments and that’s what we showed and besides that we could start getting back into the game again and we had a good chance to turn it around.

    "That’s what we did. And I’m really happy because I knew it would be difficult, it was difficult. We won it, well deserved, that’s it."

    BBC Sport has a dedicated Liverpool page packed with news, analysis and fan views - get it here

  15. 'Players saw it from other side'published at 11:32 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    West Ham 3-1 Backa Topola

    West Ham United

    David moyesImage source, Getty Images

    West Ham, on paper, were always fully in control of Thursday's Europa League game at home to Backa Topola.

    The Hammers had 72% possession and 23 shots - 8 of which were on target - as a Nemanja Petrovic own goal and strikes from Mohammed Kudus and Tomas Soucek sealed a 3-1 win on home soil.

    Boss David Moyes admitted it was frustrating at times as they tried to break down a team sitting deep, however, he acknowledged that it's a tactic he has deployed in the Premier League.

    Moyes to TNT Sports: "In truth in the opening 20 minutes we should have got a couple of goals, we had enough chances to do so. Lots of the ball, maybe we didn't penetrate them enough and hurt them enough and creative enough chances.

    "That was probably the message I was trying to get to the players at half-time to get the goal. I was a bit annoyed we hadn't done so. But look, in the end a win in Europe, getting off to a good start in the first game is always good.

    "They played really deep, we found it hard to break them down, they filled the box quite well. And when we did get chances it was kicked away or blocked. Truth is, we've been doing that to some teams recently so I'm quite glad the players got to see it from another side tonight."

  16. Coming up....published at 11:21 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    All times BST

    Plenty of news conferences to come, including the small matter of Manchester United and Manchester City.

    Here's a rundown of times (subject to change):

    12:00 Man Utd

    12:30 Brighton, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Man City

    13:00 Wolves, Spurs

    13:30 Brentford, Crystal Palace, Luton, Sheffield United

    Before all that, let's have a look at some reaction to Thursday night's matches...

  17. 'Liverpool can challenge for title' - Moyespublished at 11:15 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    Liverpool v West Ham (Sun, 14:00 BST)

    West Ham United

    West Ham boss David Moyes on Liverpool's form before the Hammers travel to Anfield on Sunday: "They can challenge for the title. People say we've made a good start to the season but Liverpool definitely have as well.

    "They've won all their games and they're introducing new players into their squad.

    "From a distance, they look like they're getting back into their best form.

    "I finished above Liverpool a couple of time as Everton manager and got a few good draws too."

  18. 'He's a Mark Noble-type player for us'published at 11:08 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    Liverpool v West Ham (Sun, 14:00 BST)

    West Ham United

    West Ham boss David Moyes has been singing the praises of new signings Mo Kudus and James Ward-Prowse.

    Kudus grabbed his first Hammers goal while Ward-Prowse provided two assists in Thursday night's 3-1 win over Backa Topola.

    "I'm pleased Mo has made a big impact for us already. He's still getting used to us and we're getting used to him, but he made a big contribution last night for us," said Moyes.

    "James has settled in brilliantly well. We felt he had a good chance of settling in quickly due to his Premier League experience, but bringing him in was always a chance to see if he could bring goals and assist to us.

    "He's a Mark Noble-type player for us in many ways, in terms of what he brings to the team."

  19. I have a great desire to take on this challenge - Nagelsmannpublished at 11:03 British Summer Time 22 September 2023

    Julian Naglesmann on taking over as Germany coach: "We have a European Championship in our own country -- that's something special. I have a great desire to take on this challenge."

    Bernd Neuendorf, president of the German football association (DFB), called Nagelsmann "an outstanding coach" and added: "We are convinced [he] will ensure that the national team inspires its fans and that the Euros are also a sporting success."