A’ja Wilson clinches 3rd WNBA MVP award; becomes 2nd unanimous winner.
Las Vegas Aces star, A’ja Wilson was unanimously named the WNBA MVP, becoming only the second player to achieve this, following Cynthia Cooper in 1997. Wilson, who averaged 26.9 points and 11.8 rebounds this season, previously won MVP in 2020 and 2022, joining legends Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson as the fourth player in WNBA history to win the award three times. Notably, Wilson is the first to claim three MVP titles within her first seven seasons. Her 2024 season was historic, as she became the first WNBA player to score over 1,000 points in a single season (finishing with 1,021) and set a new record with 451 rebounds. Napheesa Collier earned the second-most MVP votes, followed by Breanna Stewart, Caitlin Clark, and Alyssa Thomas.
UNANIMOUS MVP 👏
— ESPN (@espn) September 22, 2024
A’ja Wilson joins Cynthia Cooper-Dyke as just the second player to earn the award unanimously. pic.twitter.com/GxF288BQ5W
AS Roma’s CEO, Lina Souloukou resigns with immediate effect.
Tensions between former Roma coach, Daniele De Rossi and the club’s CEO, Lina Souloukou had been escalating throughout the summer, with disagreements over De Rossi’s contract extension, Paulo Dybala’s potential exit, and the pace of transfer negotiations. Roma has now confirmed Souloukou’s immediate resignation, which followed a period of intense pressure and death threats directed at her and her children. These threats arose from the backlash over De Rossi’s dismissal, angering a large portion of Roma’s fanbase. Protests were planned for Sunday’s Serie A match against Udinese, with the Curva Sud opting to stay outside the Stadio Olimpico for the first 30 minutes. Other supporters chose to attend but limited their support until the second half. Despite Souloukou’s resignation, fan protests are expected to continue, capping off a chaotic few days for the club.
🚨🟡🔴 AS Roma CEO Lina Souloukou has resigned with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/mKADZBbrqs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 22, 2024
John Stones’ last minute winner salvages a draw for City against 10-man Arsenal.
In a thrilling clash at Etihad Stadium between last season’s top two, Erling Haaland scored his 100th goal for Manchester City in just 105 appearances, giving the hosts an early ninth-minute lead. Arsenal responded with style as Riccardo Calafiori, on his league debut, scored a stunning left-footed goal, followed by Gabriel Magalhães’ header from Bukayo Saka’s 45th-minute corner. Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard was sent off for a second yellow after kicking the ball away, angering manager Mikel Arteta. City dominated the second half but looked set to suffer a rare home defeat until John Stones’ 98th-minute equaliser rescued a 2-2 draw. Arsenal were seconds from becoming the first team to win at the Etihad since 2022, but City’s late goal returned them to the top of the Premier League, one point ahead of Liverpool.
City’s dominance against ten-man Arsenal eventually paid off 🔵#MCIARS pic.twitter.com/2u9lsn08YD
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 22, 2024
Matteo Gabbia’s late goal seals win for AC Milan in Derby della Madonnina.
AC Milan secured a 2-1 victory over Inter in the Derby della Madonnina, thanks to a late winner from Matteo Gabbia. Christian Pulisic gave Milan an early lead in the 11th minute, dribbling past several Inter defenders before slotting past Yann Sommer. Inter responded well, and Federico Dimarco equalised before the half-hour mark, firing a low shot into the corner after being set up by Lautaro Martinez. Milan had multiple chances to regain the lead in the second half, with Rafael Leao and Tammy Abraham coming close, but both missed key opportunities. However, in the dying moments, Tijjani Reijnders’ free-kick found Gabbia, who headed home to secure the win. Milan are now level on points with Inter, three behind Serie A leaders Torino, with Lecce up next for the Rossoneri.
FT: Inter 1-2 AC Milan.
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) September 22, 2024
AC MILAN HAVE WON THE DERBY DELLA MADONNINA! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/AOFn9E1TG4
Trent Alexander-Arnold comments on his future amid uncertainty.
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold faces an uncertain future, with his contract set to expire in 2025. As he enters the final year of his deal, fans are concerned he could leave Anfield for free next summer, a major blow for the club. Having risen through Liverpool’s academy, the 25-year-old has spent his entire career at the club, making his potential departure even more significant. His transfer value would be substantial, and losing such an iconic player without a fee would be devastating. Real Madrid is reportedly interested in signing him, and many top clubs would likely follow suit. However, Alexander-Arnold has not ruled out staying, stating, “I want to be a Liverpool player this season [as a minimum].” He emphasized his motivation to win trophies, saying, “I am highly motivated by trophies and winning things and being elite.”
🔴✨ Trent Alexander-Arnold: "I have always said I want to captain Liverpool".
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 23, 2024
"That is an aim of mine and a goal of mine, whether that happens is out of my hands, to be honest". pic.twitter.com/cV1yOX4m56