Son Heung-Min shared his experience participating in LAFC's player-run fantasy football league despite his complete unfamiliarity with American football. The South Korean superstar admitted virtually no understanding of the sport or its fantasy counterpart.
U.S. international Patrick Agyemang made his long-awaited Derby County debut and immediately made his mark, assisting the game-winner after coming on in the 69th minute against West Bromwich Albion. Manager John Eustace praised the forward’s impact and reflected on the challenges Agyemang has faced since joining the club.
Andy Carroll endured a nightmarish outing as the former Liverpool striker was sent off on his full debut for Dagenham & Redbridge. The 36-year-old, who lit up St James’ Park and Anfield in his prime, found himself captaining Dagenham in an FA Cup second qualifying round tie against Bedford. It was billed as his grand return to competitive action after a frustrating spell on the sidelines. Instead, it ended in frustration.
Eddie Howe was delighted with Nick Woltemade's goalscoring debut after landing the striker to replace Alexander Isak. Handed the impossible task of stepping into the void left by £125 million ($170m) Isak, the 23-year-old German silenced any doubters with a thunderous debut goal in front of a raucous St James’ Park crowd.
Lucas Bergvall announced himself in dazzling fashion as Tottenham Hotspur crushed West Ham 3-0 in a fiery London derby. The Swedish prodigy, just 19 years and 223 days old, became the second-youngest Spurs player ever to both score and assist in a single Premier League match. Only Nick Barmby (18 years, 321 days), who achieved the feat back in 1992, stands ahead of him in the record books.
U.S. international Ricardo Pepi got back to what he does best as he got his first two league goals of the season in PSV's 5-3 win over NEC Nijmegen. The 22-year-old scored the game's opening goal in the 12th minute before scoring again in the 49th minute.
Manchester United fans couldn't believe that Rasmus Hojlund scored on his Napoli debut against Fiorentina after his Old Trafford exit. Antonio Conte pushed hard to bring Hojlund back to Serie A, securing a deal that could become permanent for £38 million ($51m) if the Italian champions secure Champions League football next season. Early signs suggest that wager could prove to be a masterstroke.
Unai Emery hailed Aston Villa star Emi Martinez for his sensational performance against Everton following a failed move to Manchester United. However, in a shock turn, United ditched Martinez at the last minute and instead signed Belgian youngster Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. That switch paved the way for Andre Onana’s loan departure to Trabzonspor, but left Martinez high and dry in Birmingham.
David Datro Fofana’s rollercoaster Chelsea career has taken another wild turn after the forgotten striker was shipped out on loan yet again, this time to Turkish outfit Fatih Karagumruk S.K. The Ivorian, who cost the Blues £11 million when he arrived from Molde in January 2023, has failed to nail down a place at Stamford Bridge and has been passed around Europe like unwanted baggage.
