The English Football League (EFL) has fined Grimsby Town £20,000 after the club fielded an ineligible player during their shock Carabao Cup second-round victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend.

According to the EFL, the player was registered at 12:01 pm on matchday, just one minute past the 12 pm registration deadline, rendering him ineligible for selection under competition rules.

Despite the administrative error, the historic result against Manchester United will stand, though the League emphasized that the sanction underscores the need for strict compliance with player registration rules.

Grimsby’s fine serves as a warning to clubs across the divisions, highlighting the importance of adhering to regulatory deadlines in domestic competitions.

Manchester United have been informed that they have 5 days to decide whether they want to appeal the decision of Grimsby fielding an ineligible player during the Carabao Cup match.

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Liverpool FC have officially completed the record-breaking signing of Swedish striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a staggering £125 million, setting a new British transfer record.

The 25-year-old forward, who pushed for the move after expressing frustration at Newcastle, signed a six-year contract with the reigning Premier League champions on transfer deadline day. The deal adds further firepower to Jurgen Klopp’s squad, following a summer spending spree worth £449 million.

Isak: “It’s been a long journey to get here”

After completing his medical and putting pen to paper at the AXA Training Centre, Isak was unveiled as Liverpool’s new No. 9. Speaking to the club’s media, he expressed his excitement:

“I feel amazing. It’s been a long journey to get here. But I’m super-happy to be a part of this team, this club and everything it stands for. I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates, the fans, and getting back to work.”

Isak arrives at Anfield with an impressive record. Since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022, he netted 62 goals in 109 appearances, including 54 in 86 Premier League matches. Last season, he finished second only to Mohamed Salah in the Golden Boot race, scoring 23 goals.

Now set to play alongside Salah, Isak has his sights firmly set on silverware:

“I want to win everything. I think I have a lot to improve, and I always want to give as much as possible to the team – mainly goals, but much more than that as well.”

A Rising Career Path

Isak’s journey began at AIK Stockholm, before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2017. A loan spell at Dutch side Willem II reignited his career, leading to a successful stint at Real Sociedad, where he won the 2019–20 Copa del Rey and finished as the competition’s top scorer.

For his country, he has earned 52 caps for Sweden, scoring 16 international goals.

Liverpool’s Ambition

This blockbuster signing underlines Liverpool’s determination to remain dominant domestically and in Europe. The move has also sparked debates among fans and pundits, with some questioning tactical fit and long-term squad balance.

Nevertheless, Liverpool’s new-look attack – spearheaded by Salah and Isak – positions the Reds as strong favorites to retain the Premier League title and mount another Champions League challenge.

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Liverpool secured a crucial 1-0 win over Arsenal at Anfield, thanks to a sensational 32-yard free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai in the 83rd minute.

The strike left David Raya rooted as Jürgen Klopp’s side moved two points clear at the top of the Premier League, three ahead of the Gunners.

Arsenal were dealt an early setback when William Saliba limped off with an ankle injury just five minutes in, unsettling Mikel Arteta’s backline. While both sides traded chances, it was Szoboszlai’s moment of brilliance that proved decisive.

From a title-race perspective, this result is far from conclusive. Liverpool may have gained the edge, but with plenty of football still to play, neither side has landed a knockout blow. For Arsenal, though, the inability to beat a direct rival once again raises questions about their cutting edge in the biggest games.

The encouraging sign for neutrals is that Liverpool, despite their victory, continue to show signs of vulnerability. This suggests the Premier League crown could be decided not just in these head-to-head clashes, but in how both teams navigate the rest of the campaign.

If last season’s race fizzled out too quickly, this one looks set to deliver more twists, tension, and competition at the top.

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Liverpool and Arsenal are set to clash in a highly anticipated Premier League match at Anfield, with both teams looking to make a statement early in the season.

Arsenal is seeking its first win at Anfield since 2012, while Liverpool aims to maintain its perfect start under Arne Slot.

Match Details:

– Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
– Time: 16:30 BST / 11:30 AM EST
– Venue: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool

Team News

:

– Arsenal: The Gunners are dealing with injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Jesus. New signing Eberechi Eze may debut, and Mikel Arteta praised his “special aura” at training.

– Liverpool: Alexis Mac Allister is back in training, and there’s no new concern reported by manager Arne Slot. Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Head-to-Head Stats:

– Total Meetings: 244
– Liverpool Wins: 95
– Arsenal Wins: 83
– Draws:66

Prediction:

– Likely Outcome: A high-scoring game with Liverpool’s attack and home edge giving them a slight advantage.
– Predicted Scoreline: Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal, although a draw (2-2) is also possible given both teams’ scoring patterns .

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Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui scored a spectacular strike in the 80th minute to give the Atlas Lions a 3-2 victory over Madagascar in the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

The final was a thrilling encounter, with Madagascar providing spirited resistance against heavy favorites Morocco.

Felicite “Fely” Manohantsoa gave Madagascar an early lead with a splendid strike from distance in the 9th minute. However, Morocco regained composure and equalized through Youssef Mehri’s towering header in the 27th minute.

Morocco snatched the lead just before halftime courtesy of Lamlioui, who poked the ball past Toldo after collecting a deflected cross.

Madagascar equalized in the 68th minute through Toky Rakotondraibe, who made no mistake with a sharp first touch and finish.

Lamlioui stole the spotlight with his incredible finish from 50 yards out in the 80th minute, catching Madagascar goalkeeper Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa off his line.

The goal sealed Morocco’s record third CHAN title, while Madagascar came up just short in their first-ever final appearance at an African tournament.

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