Overview
- Pep Guardiola says Manchester City have recovered traits lost last season after a squad rebuild, though a 1-1 draw with Arsenal leaves them ninth and eight points off leaders Liverpool after five rounds.
- Liverpool manager Arne Slot labeled Hugo Ekitike’s red card in the EFL Cup a “stupid” decision, with the forward now suspended for Saturday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace.
- Al-Ahli’s 3-1 defeat to Pyramids in the Intercontinental Club Cup featured a widely discussed moment as coach Matias Jaissle handed Riyad Mahrez a written instruction on the pitch; Ivan Toney scored Al-Ahli’s goal.
- The Abu Dhabi derby between Al-Jazira and Al-Wahda offers a chance to go top temporarily in the UAE Pro League, with historical head-to-head data showing Al-Wahda’s edge in past meetings.
- Uruguayan outlet Football 100 reports Al-Wahda are pursuing Peñarol striker Maxi Silvera before the window closes, while Brazilian outlet Lance says Atlético Mineiro and Junior Santos turned down an earlier Al-Wahda approach.