Monaco

Full-back was acquitted of rape and attempted rape in JulyMendy, 29, last played for Manchester City in August 2021Monaco missed the chance to go four points clear at the top of Ligue 1 after Lorient’s Romain Faivre scored a late equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw in a game that saw defender Benjamin Mendy make his return to professional football. With Monaco set to seal all three points, Isaak Touré rose above their defence in the box to head the ball down for Faivre, who volleyed home in the seventh minute of added time.Lorient made an explosive start when Aiyegun Tosin was put through on goal and the Nigerian striker displayed his power and pace to score inside two minutes. Monaco equalised in scintillating fashion 15 minutes later with a well-worked team goal, a sweeping move ending with Youssouf Fofana chipping the ball to Aleksandr Golovin, who controlled the lob and scored. The visitors then took the lead in the second half through substitute Folarin Balogun as the 22-year-old squeezed his shot in at the near post for his first Monaco goal before Faivre levelled. Continue reading...

After a busy deadline day, our football writers pick over the transfer window that was for each of the 20 clubsArsenal did most of their business quickly and decisively, landing Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber early in the window. Long-term target David Raya arrived from Brentford later on and the squad seemed well set until an unfortunate injury to Timber, who will miss much of the season. It is the summer’s one black mark although Mikel Arteta has additionally run a risk by not acquiring top-quality backup for Bukayo Saka. Granit Xhaka was the biggest-name departure and they chose to cash in on Folarin Balogun, who has signed for Monaco. A number of other fringe players were moved on. Verdict: 4/5 Nick Ames Continue reading...

Draw ceremony begins from around 5pm BST in MonacoGet in touch! Email Dominic or tweet him your thoughtsPedro Pinto and Reshmin Chowdhury are now presenting live coverage of the draw. The Uefa approved build-up fluff has officially begun.All the pots are all based on Uefa coefficient rankings, with league winners and/or major European trophy holders in Pot 1. Continue reading...