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Opening Thoughts

Hello and welcome to another Sunday day. This is your comprehensive football coverage center, focusing on the day's major soccer action. The Premier League presents intriguing matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash sees Celtic and Hearts, alongside Women's Super League action plus FA Cup second round excitement completes the schedule. Feel free to get in touch telling us how you'll be following the action. Let's get into it.

Major Stories from Saturday

Mohamed Salah stole the spotlight even though he did not play in Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Salah delivered an stunning attack on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “to the wolves” after being left out the starting lineup for the third consecutive match. He expressed feeling made a scapegoat for the team's disappointing beginning to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”

Another significant Premier League story was Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's winning goal. That result, coupled with City's straightforward win over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close battle at the summit of the table.

Away from the English football, Lionel Messi as ever wrote the script for Inter Miami as they lifted the league championship, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton host the Hammers for an 2pm GMT start. The visitors have displayed signs of life since the appointment of manager Nuno. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in their last five.

Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last season's FA Cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth successive away win in the league, having beaten three opponents to nil in their recent travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

The FA Cup second round provided plenty of drama on Saturday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls created a historic moment by advancing to the third round for the first time ever.

Additional standout results included:

• Swindon thrashed Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United defeated Stockport County on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton FC led against Cheltenham before finally suffering a 6-2 loss.

Today's cup action includes:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT start)
• Boreham Wood v Newport County
• Gateshead v Walsall
• Blackpool v Carlisle United

The Premier League's Three Tiers

There seems to be three distinct mini-leagues developing in this campaign's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are seemingly vying for the championship.
2. The Packed Middle: A very tight section includes several big names, all with designs on the European places. Can any string together a winning run to threaten the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The scrap to stay up likely involves several clubs, with Wolves appearing especially in trouble. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Outside the English top flight and FA Cup, Sunday's fixtures include:

Women's Top Flight: (All 12pm GMT unless stated)

• Leicester City v Manchester City
• London City Lionesses v Brighton & Hove Albion
• Manchester United v West Ham United
• Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
• Chelsea v Everton (2.30pm GMT)

European Football:

• Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
• Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)

The Salah Debate Continues

The reaction from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the debate. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to speak out as a true club icon? Or is boss Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?

Fan opinion appears divided:

“As a Manchester United supporter. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. This is no way to treat a club legend.”

“Perhaps we should pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's best-paid player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

What next for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Will he move on loan to a club abroad? Might he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?

Sad News from the Championship

Two Championship fixtures were called off yesterday.

• The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a fan was taken ill. It was later announced the fan passed away in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the pitch unsuitable.

There is no word yet on when either game will be rescheduled.