John Cross
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Chief Football Writer. Author. Chair of Football Writers’ Association.
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Articles by John Cross
Andoni Iraola learns valuable Liverpool lesson as Rio Ngumoha inspires comeback
This was some introduction to thrilling European nights at Anfield for Andoni Iraola Liverpool had to stage one of their great comebacks to recover from 2-0 down to run out comfortable winners to maintain their 100 per cent record in the Champions League And in doing so, 18-year-old Rio Ngumoha gave another tantalising glimpse of his brilliant potential with two assists and a sensational man-of-the-match display.
Rio Ngumoha breaks Liverpool record in Villarreal win and hails 'dream' night
Rio Ngumoha said it was a “dream” come true after inspiring Liverpool 's Champions League fightback at Anfield. Ngumoha, 18, provided two assists as Liverpool came back from 2-0 down to win with Alexis Mac Allister twice on the score sheet in a seven-goal thriller. Liverpool starlet Ngumoha became the club's youngest player to provide an assist in the competition as they made it three straight wins in the league phase.
Rio Ngumoha breaks Liverpool record in Villarreal win and hails 'dream' night
Tue, October 20, 2026 at 10:00 PM UTC Rio Ngumoha said it was a “dream” come true after inspiring Liverpool’s Champions League fightback at Anfield. Ngumoha, 18, provided two assists as Liverpool came back from 2-0 down to win with Alexis Mac Allister twice on the score sheet in a seven-goal thriller. Liverpool starlet Ngumoha became the club’s youngest player to provide an assist in the competition as they made it three straight wins in the league phase.
Tottenham's comeback man delivers as Roberto De Zerbi secures much needed first win
James Maddison made a dream return on his first Premier League start in 18 months. The Tottenham midfielder's wonder strike helped Spurs secure their first league win of the season to lift them off the bottom of the table. Maddison began his career at Coventry but showed his first club no mercy as finally Roberto De Zerbi's men got lift-off in front of 60,913 fans.
Ezri Konsa relishing Harry Kane duel as he bids to help Arsenal end Champions League hoodoo
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Ezri Konsa relishing Harry Kane duel as he bids to help Arsenal end Champions League hoodoo
Mon, October 19, 2026 at 1:05 PM UTC Ezri Konsa already looks like one of the signings of the season and is determined to help Arsenal keep up their clean sheet record Ezri Konsa is living out his boyhood dreams with Arsenal - and is “hungry” to help them win more trophies. Gunners defender Konsa grew up as an Arsenal fan, wore the shirts as a kid and jumped at the chance to join close friends at the Emirates in the summer.
Arsenal show mark of champions but Nottingham Forest borefest gives Arteta plenty to ponder
The army of away fans did not really care by the end. Noni Madueke's deflected winner got the job done at the City Ground and earned Arsenal a precious victory and three points as they closed the gap on Manchester City at the top. Incredibly, Arsenal's previous two trips to Nottingham Forest had ended as goalless draws and actually it was probably the worst of the three games in the boredom trilogy.
Arsenal show mark of champions but Nottingham Forest borefest gives Arteta plenty to ponder
The army of away fans did not really care by the end. Noni Madueke’s deflected winner got the job done at the City Ground and earned Arsenal a precious victory and three points as they closed the gap on Manchester City at the top. Incredibly, Arsenal’s previous two trips to Nottingham Forest had ended as goalless draws and actually it was probably the worst of the three games in the boredom trilogy.
Mikel Arteta makes telling Kai Havertz prediction after clear Viktor Gyokeres decision
Mikel Arteta has backed Kai Havertz to become a 25 goal-a-season striker for Arsenal Arteta was glowing about Havertz's all-round qualities as Arsenal's centre forward and his character after several injury setbacks. But Havertz has only managed one season in his career - at first club Bayer Leverkusen - when he has managed 20 goals and has only hit double figures once in the Premier League which was 13 in 2023-24.
Mikel Arteta makes telling Kai Havertz prediction after clear Viktor Gyokeres decision
Mikel Arteta has backed Kai Havertz to become a 25 goal-a-season striker for Arsenal. Arteta was glowing about Havertz’s all-round qualities as Arsenal’s centre forward and his character after several injury setbacks. But Havertz has only managed one season in his career - at first club Bayer Leverkusen - when he has managed 20 goals and has only hit double figures once in the Premier League which was 13 in 2023-24.
Mikel Arteta sets Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres challenges amid Arsenal exit talk
Mikel Arteta has backed Noni Madueke to show his real quality and deliver for Arsenal when they need him most. Madueke, 24, has been hit-and-miss since joining Arsenal in a huge £52m move from Chelsea in the summer of 2025. England winger Madueke has struggled to hold down a regular place at the Emirates amid competition from Bukayo Saka , Eberechi Eze and now Christos Tzolis.
Mikel Arteta sets Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres challenges amid Arsenal exit talk
Mikel Arteta has backed Noni Madueke to show his real quality and deliver for Arsenal when they need him most. Madueke, 24, has been hit-and-miss since joining Arsenal in a huge £52m move from Chelsea in the summer of 2025. England winger Madueke has struggled to hold down a regular place at the Emirates amid competition from Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and now Christos Tzolis.
Mikel Arteta breaks silence on Arsenal job cuts weeks after signing stunning new deal
Fri, October 16, 2026 at 2:53 PM UTC Arsenal confirmed their plan that would see 60 employees be made redundant and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has offered his take on the call from club chiefs ahead of his side's clash with Nottingham Forest Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal’s swathe of job cuts just months after they won their first title in 22 years.
Gossip: Reds favourites to sign Cherries' Scott
Chelsea are set to lead the chase for £100m-rated England star Alex Scott. Bournemouth may be tempted to sell in January and cash in on the sought-after midfielder who is into the final two years of his contract. That will spark a new scramble for Scott with Chelsea believing they are in pole position should he become available with Bournemouth still unlikely to sell if they are in any sort of relegation danger.
Chelsea leading race for £100m-rated Alex Scott as Bournemouth face January decision
Chelsea are set to lead the chase for £100m-rated England star Alex Scott. Bournemouth may be tempted to sell in January and cash in on the sought-after midfielder who is into the final two years of his contract. That will spark a new scramble for Scott with Chelsea believing they are in pole position should he become available with Bournemouth still unlikely to sell if they are in any sort of relegation danger.
The star of the post-match interview and why it's wrong to slam players for speaking out
There is a real art to a post-match interview. And Gabriel Clarke is a master of his craft. Of course Lisandro Martinez was ready and willing with his words and message to the Manchester United hierarchy. It was an incredibly powerful interview with Martinez saying he “expects more from the top” to deliver “more players to compete.” It could not have been more clear. He lambasted United's lack of ambition. And it has got us all talking.
The star of the post-match interview and why it's wrong to slam players for speaking out
There is a real art to a post-match interview. And Gabriel Clarke is a master of his craft. Of course Lisandro Martinez was ready and willing with his words and message to the Manchester United hierarchy. It was an incredibly powerful interview with Martinez saying he “expects more from the top” to deliver “more players to compete.” It could not have been more clear. He lambasted United’s lack of ambition. And it has got us all talking.
Chelsea leading race for £100m-rated Alex Scott as Bournemouth face January decision
Chelsea are set to lead the chase for £100m-rated England star Alex Scott. Bournemouth may be tempted to sell in January and cash in on the sought-after midfielder who is into the final two years of his contract. That will spark a new scramble for Scott with Chelsea believing they are in pole position should he become available with Bournemouth still unlikely to sell if they are in any sort of relegation danger.
Mikel Arteta's massive gamble pays off but struggling Arsenal star fluffs his chance
This was some turnaround and proof there is no substitute for proven quality. Arsenal blitzed Lille with a three-goal second half salvo from Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka as the Gunners maintained their winning start in the Champions League. But it needed Mikel Arteta to bring on the big guns to really seal the win after a frustrating hour in which a much-changed line-up struggled before it eventually became very comfortable.
Mikel Merino on Arsenal's new style, 'finishers' and why they can't have a small squad
Mikel Merino says Arsenal’s entire squad have bought into their new “new style.” Gunners boss Mikel Arteta oversaw a shake-up of his fitness and medical staff in the summer and has also been at pains to stress the importance of “finishers” playing a key role from the bench. Merino has yet to start in the Premier League this season, but has come on in all six of their games and insists he is very happy to play his part.
Mikel Arteta's massive gamble pays off but struggling Arsenal star fluffs his chance
This was some turnaround and proof there is no substitute for proven quality. Arsenal blitzed Lille with a three-goal second half salvo from Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka as the Gunners maintained their winning start in the Champions League. But it needed Mikel Arteta to bring on the big guns to really seal the win after a frustrating hour in which a much-changed line-up struggled before it eventually became very comfortable.
Football regulator David Kogan says he will quit if Andy Burnham interferes in Man City case
Football regulator David Kogan says he will quit if there is any Government interference in the Manchester City case. Prime Minister Andy Burnham caused shockwaves after admitting he would be “really concerned” if the City owners decided to sell up after the club was found guilty of breaching Premier League spending rules.
Football "on the edge of disaster" as extent of growing financial crisis laid bare
English football is “standing on the edge of financial disaster,” according to the new Independent Football Regulator. IFR chair David Kogan says there is a “massive contradiction” between the wealth of the Premier League and debt-ridden clubs in the rest of the pyramid. The regulator’s State of the Game report - which is published today - reveals that nearly two thirds of EFL and National League clubs are technically insolvent where their liabilities are greater than their assets.
Football regulator David Kogan says he will QUIT if Andy Burnham interferes in Man City case
Football regulator David Kogan says he will quit if there is any Government interference in the Manchester City case. Prime Minister Andy Burnham caused shockwaves after admitting he would be “really concerned” if the City owners decided to sell up after the club was found guilty of breaching Premier League spending rules.
Manchester City threat issued to Andy Burnham by Independent Football Regulator
Football regulator David Kogan has warned he will resign should there be any Government interference in the Manchester City case. Prime Minister Andy Burnham sent shockwaves through the football world after admitting he would be "really concerned" if the City owners opted to sell the club following their guilty verdict for breaching Premier League spending rules.
Florian Wirtz has had long enough - now Liverpool must consider biting the bullet
When you put a £100m price tag on a player, expectation levels immediately go through the roof. That is why the judgement on Florian Wirtz has to be harsh. The reality is the Liverpool playmaker has not remotely delivered - and it feels like he is going backwards rather than actually making progress. Wirtz joined Liverpool in June 2025 for £107m and not only was he viewed as an outstanding player but one so good that Arne Slot bought him with the idea of building a whole team around him.
Man City have to be punished now before the Premier League is damaged beyond repair
So much has been written and said about Manchester City. But I don’t think anyone could predict what we would actually feel until after City’s first game had been played. From my personal perspective, I left Anfield on Sunday night feeling completely cheated by what I had just witnessed. City were superb. But what does it actually mean? In a few weeks it might mean absolutely nothing at all. This is why the Premier League has to dish out the punishment now. Yes, even while the appeal goes on.
Man City's new mentality threatens to destroy the Premier League's reputation
At the final whistle, even the Liverpool fans struggled to muster another chant. Eventually, the Kop began to sing: “Going down, going down” as the Manchester City fans celebrated up the other end with their giant inflatable bananas. City just refused to follow the script. The anger was there. The atmosphere was furious, loud and red-hot. For so much of the day, the game was completely secondary. Millions tuned in on Sky to see how City would react.
Man City's new mentality threatens to destroy the Premier League's reputation
At the final whistle, even the Liverpool fans struggled to muster another chant. Eventually, the Kop began to sing: “Going down, going down” as the Manchester City fans celebrated up the other end with their giant inflatable bananas. City just refused to follow the script. The anger was there. The atmosphere was furious, loud and red-hot. For so much of the day, the game was completely secondary. Millions tuned in on Sky to see how City would react.
Charlie Nicholas still hoping for Soccer Saturday reunion six years after Sky Sports shake-up
Sat, October 10, 2026 at 6:00 AM UTC Charlie Nicholas says there is still hope that the former Soccer Saturday crew could reunite for adoring fans again. Nicholas was loved by a whole new generation after doing the Saturday afternoon slot on Sky with Jeff Stelling and Co for years. He was unhappy how it ended but says he misses the rest of the crew - including Phil Thompson, Chris Kamara, Paul Merson and Matt Le Tissier - more than the show.
Mikel Arteta gives telling one-word answer over his conscience amid Man City verdict
Mikel Arteta insists his conscience is clear over the Manchester City case. Arteta was Pep Guardiola 's assistant at the Etihad for three-and-a-half years before taking over as Arsenal manager in December 2019. City have been found guilty of breaching Premier League spending rules from 2009 to 2018 which covers two of the three-and-a-half years Arteta was at the Etihad. City won two Premier League titles and a domestic Treble during Arteta's time at the club.
Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal vow after signing new contract - 'We need to stay on top'
Fri, October 9, 2026 at 9:30 PM UTC Mikel Arteta has underlined his commitment to Arsenal by signing a new three-year deal with the Gunners and he is keen to add to the silverware that he has already won at the Emirates Mikel Arteta insists he will get even better as a manager - and can lead Arsenal to a sustained period of success. Gunners boss Arteta, 44, has signed a new three-year deal which will take him to 2030 and mean he will be in charge for more than a decade.
Mikel Arteta leaves more questions than answers with deafening Man City silence
Fri, October 9, 2026 at 4:24 PM UTC Sadly, we were left with more questions than answers. Mikel Arteta is Arsenal manager but, having worked at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, was always bound to be under the microscope. City have been found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s spending rules from 2009 to 2018 which covers two of the three-and-a-half years that Arteta was at the Etihad.
Harry Kane urged to follow in David Beckham's footsteps in MLS before taking on the NFL
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Harry Kane urged to follow in David Beckham's footsteps in MLS before taking on the NFL
Harry Kane has been given an open invitation to move to Major League Soccer. MLS commissioner Don Garber says they would “love” to welcome England captain Kane as the next high profile signing. Kane, 33, revealed last month that he already had a career plan mapped out as he is set to sign a new deal with Bayern Munich, then move to the United States and finish as an NFL kicker.
Arsenal fans should savour every minute of Mikel Arteta - this could be his last contract
Mikel Arteta is already the longest-serving manager in the Premier League. And now his new deal will take him beyond ten years in charge, beyond Jurgen Klopp's tenure at Liverpool and hurtling past Pep Guardiola's decade at Manchester City But it is impossible to believe he will ever get close to the 20 years plus that both Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson had at Arsenal and Manchester United Furthermore, I think this could be Arteta's last deal at Arsenal.
Sir Alex Ferguson 'very close to managing Arsenal' as insider speaks out
Sir Alex Ferguson came within a single day of being appointed Arsenal manager, it has been revealed. Charlie Nicholas has disclosed that during the 1986 World Cup, Arsenal had approached Fergie about taking charge at Highbury. The Scot, now 84, spent 27 years as the manager of Manchester Unite d between 1986 and 2013, winning 38 trophies in that time, including 13 Premier League titles.
Thomas Tuchel fires clear warning to Cole Palmer after Chelsea star misses England camp
Thomas Tuchel has sent a warning to the likes of Cole Palmer and Co: the England train is leaving without you. Chelsea star Palmer pulled out of the England squad for the Nations League campaign, while Marcus Rashford Kobbie Mainoo Declan Rice and Tino Livramento also withdrew. They now face a fight to get back into Tuchel's plans because the England boss says the “train is rolling” and is moving on without them.
Thomas Tuchel fires clear warning to Cole Palmer after Chelsea star misses England camp
Thomas Tuchel has sent a warning to the likes of Cole Palmer and Co: the England train is leaving without you. Chelsea star Palmer pulled out of the England squad for the Nations League campaign, while Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice and Tino Livramento also withdrew. They now face a fight to get back into Tuchel’s plans because the England boss says the “train is rolling” and is moving on without them.
Thomas Tuchel fires clear warning to Cole Palmer after Chelsea star misses England camp
The England Ladder returns: Gordon, Hall, Scott big winners, Palmer and the old guard sliding away A new international tournament cycle can mean only one thing: a new England Ladder! We know you’re all just as excited as we are. Of course, the fact …
Sir Alex Ferguson was one day from becoming Arsenal boss as contract offer revealed
Sir Alex Ferguson was within a day of becoming Arsenal boss. Charlie Nicholas has revealed that during the 1986 World Cup, Arsenal had sounded out Fergie to become their new manager. Nicholas said: “It seemed like everybody was going in a transfer merry go round. There was Fergie, Walter Smith and Graeme Souness. “Fergie got offered the Arsenal job and on the same day Graeme got offered Rangers and took Walter to be his assistant.
Ex-Tottenham defender Ramon Vega steps forward to challenge Gianni Infantino and save FIFA
Ramon Vega is stepping forward to serve as the next president of FIFA. Former Switzerland international Vega says he has strong support to challenge Gianni Infantino at the election next March. And he has now launched an 11-page manifesto explaining why he is the right man to become the new chief of world football.
Mikel Arteta signs new Arsenal contract as he becomes highest-paid Premier League boss
Wed, October 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM UTC Mikel Arteta has committed his future to Arsenal -Credit:Marc Atkins/Getty Images Mikel Arteta has signed a new mega contract which will make him the highest-paid boss in the Premier League. Gunners boss Arteta has put pen to paper on new terms which will take him up to 2030 and is reward for him leading the club to their first title in 22 years.
Arsenal great Charlie Nicholas reveals why he rejected Liverpool and admits major regret
For a certain generation of Arsenal fans, Charlie Nicholas will be remembered as one of the greats. “Champagne Charlie” was a fashion icon, cult hero, trend setter and a huge character both on and off the pitch. It is explored brilliantly in a new book Truly, Madly Charlie. Nicholas also became a huge favourite on the terraces because the Scotland striker turned down at Liverpool at their absolute peak to join Arsenal who had become perennial underachievers.
Sir Alex Ferguson was one day from becoming Arsenal boss as contract offer revealed
Sir Alex Ferguson was within a day of becoming Arsenal boss. Charlie Nicholas has revealed that during the 1986 World Cup, Arsenal had sounded out Fergie to become their new manager. Nicholas said: “It seemed like everybody was going in a transfer merry go round. There was Fergie, Walter Smith and Graeme Souness. “Fergie got offered the Arsenal job and on the same day Graeme got offered Rangers and took Walter to be his assistant.
England player ratings vs Czechia as Harry Kane steals show and star fails to take chance
England cruised a 3-0 victory over Czechia and made it three wins in a row to end the international window. The Three Lions toiled in the opening stages but were given a helping hand - or foot to be exact - by Vladimir Coufal, who put the ball into his own net on 27 minutes. Former West Ham defender Coufal diverted Harry Kane's cross past the helpless Lukas Hornicek of Newcastle .
Harry Kane moment at Wembley speaks volumes as England captain marks historic night
These days Harry Kane often has to put up with second billing behind Jude Bellingham in the popularity stakes with England fans. The Wembley crowd gave Bellingham's name a huge cheer when it was read out before kick-off - but this time Kane got an even louder reception. They had come to pay homage to an England great who loves pulling on the shirt, representing his country and takes such pride in being captain.
Harry Kane moment at Wembley speaks volumes as England captain marks historic night
13 hours ago Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary and follow live text updates and track the latest score and match stats as England take on the Czech Republic in the UEFA Nations League at Wembley. Harry Kane celebrated his record-equalling 125th England cap with two goals in a comfortable Uefa Nations League …
Harry Kane moment at Wembley speaks volumes as England captain marks historic night
Tue, October 6, 2026 at 8:52 PM UTC Harry Kane scored twice as he made history -Credit:Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images These days Harry Kane often has to put up with second billing behind Jude Bellingham in the popularity stakes with England fans. The Wembley crowd gave Bellingham’s name a huge cheer when it was read out before kick-off - but this time Kane got an even louder reception.
England player ratings vs Czechia as Harry Kane steals show and star fails to take chance
England player ratings from the 3-0 win over Czechia: Kane equals caps record, extends goals record England are all but certain to take their place in the Nations League quarter-finals after a routine 3-0 win over Czechia made it three wins from …
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