Marinakis calls the tune at Nottingham Forest – but what is his endgame? | Jonathan Liew

Virgil van Dijk took the initiative to call a players' meeting after Liverpool's tough loss to Manchester United, aiming to boost team morale and emphasize the importance of resilience. This meeting comes at a crucial time as Liverpool recently ended a four-match losing streak with a victory in Frankfurt. Van Dijk's leadership highlights the team's commitment to turning their season around and reminds fans that fortunes in football can change rapidly.

Arsenal is making headlines as they aim to break Chelsea's long-standing record of conceding just 15 goals in a Premier League season. This achievement would not only highlight Arsenal's defensive prowess but also mark a significant milestone in the club's history. As sports science and player performance continue to evolve, breaking such a formidable record would be a testament to Arsenal's growth and ambition in the league.

Sean Dyche, the new head coach of Nottingham Forest, is bringing a fresh energy to the club as he steps into a role with a rich history. At his unveiling, he emphasized the significance of the club's badge, acknowledging the legacy of legendary manager Brian Clough. Dyche's connection to Forest as a former trainee under Clough adds a personal touch to his leadership. This transition is crucial for the team as they aim to improve their performance and reconnect with their storied past, making it an exciting time for fans and players alike.

David Raya, Arsenal's goalkeeper, has expressed confidence in the team's impressive performance this season, highlighting the strong competition for starting positions as a key factor. With 10 wins out of their first 12 games, Raya believes the depth of Mikel Arteta's squad is 'incredible' and positions them well to compete for multiple trophies. This depth not only boosts the team's morale but also enhances their chances of success across various competitions, making Arsenal a formidable contender this season.

Newcastle United showcased their strength by defeating Benfica, leaving fans optimistic about the team's potential. José Mourinho's praise for Eddie Howe's squad highlighted their impressive pace and organization, which proved to be true as Newcastle dominated the match. This victory not only boosts Newcastle's confidence but also reinforces their position in the Premier League, making it clear that they are a team to watch this season.

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's head coach, has acknowledged the team's need for better discipline, especially as they currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League fair play table. Despite this, he emphasizes that he will not punish players for receiving red cards, preferring instead to guide them towards understanding the importance of discipline on the field. This approach is crucial as Chelsea prepares to face Ajax in the Champions League, particularly with João Pedro suspended, highlighting the need for a more disciplined team to improve their performance.

West Ham's struggles continue as they face their fourth consecutive defeat in the Premier League, this time against Brentford, who secured their first away win of the season. The match was marred by a fan boycott, reflecting the growing discontent among supporters towards the club's management. This situation highlights the challenges West Ham faces both on and off the pitch, raising concerns about the team's future and the fans' loyalty.

Ange Postecoglou's brief tenure at Nottingham Forest has come to an abrupt end after just 40 days, raising questions about the decision-making behind his appointment. His return to the Premier League was marked by a sense of inevitability regarding his dismissal, which many saw as a misfit from the start. This situation highlights the challenges clubs face in finding the right managerial fit, especially in a competitive environment like the Premier League.

Syrian authorities have successfully negotiated a ceasefire with a jihadist group led by Frenchman Oumar Diaby in northwestern Syria. This development is significant as it may help reduce violence in the region and open pathways for humanitarian aid, reflecting ongoing efforts to stabilize the area amidst the complex conflict.

The Women's Cricket World Cup match between India and New Zealand is currently underway in Navi Mumbai, with India aiming for a semi-final spot. As the game progresses, fans are eagerly watching the performance of players like Smriti Mandhana and Jess Kerr. This match is significant not only for the teams involved but also for the growing popularity of women's cricket, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of female athletes on a global stage.

In a recent court ruling, six men were found guilty of rioting in Ely, a response to tragic e-bike deaths that have sparked community outrage. This verdict highlights the tensions surrounding safety and accountability in the wake of these incidents, emphasizing the need for better regulations and awareness regarding e-bike usage.

King Charles made history by becoming the first British monarch to pray publicly with the Pope in 500 years during a visit to the Vatican. This significant moment not only highlights the evolving relationship between the Church of England and the Catholic Church but also symbolizes a commitment to interfaith dialogue. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is advocating for the European Union to quickly approve a plan to utilize frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, emphasizing the legality and fairness of the proposal. This dual narrative showcases the importance of diplomacy and unity in addressing both spiritual and geopolitical challenges.

In the second men's one-day international at Adelaide Oval, Australia is chasing a target of 265 runs to secure a win against India. The match is currently underway, with Josh Hazlewood starting strong by delivering a maiden over, showcasing his skill and putting pressure on the Indian batsmen. This match is significant as it highlights the ongoing rivalry between these two cricketing nations and the importance of ODI series in shaping team rankings and player performances.

In a recent statement, Trump expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of talks with Putin, noting that they 'don't go anywhere.' This comes as the US imposes new sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia's largest oil companies, in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These sanctions are significant as they aim to pressure Russia economically while highlighting the US's commitment to supporting Ukraine during this crisis.