Wenger’s legacy at 30, Nations League shocks and NRL’s fairytale: Monday’s sports digest

Wenger’s Arsenal revolution, three decades on

Thirty years ago this week, Arsenal’s vice-chairman David Dein introduced the club’s players to their new manager: a relatively unknown Frenchman named Arsène Wenger. The reaction—“Who the fuck is he?”—has since become football folklore. Yet Wenger’s appointment on 28 September 1996 would prove transformative, not just for Arsenal but for the entire English game. His arrival coincided with the Premier League’s infancy, and his methods—scientific nutrition, tactical innovation, and a global scouting network—helped redefine what it meant to be a modern football club.

Wenger’s influence extended beyond trophies (three league titles, seven FA Cups). He dismantled the insularity of English football, replacing it with a multicultural ethos that mirrored the league’s growing international appeal. His Arsenal teams of the late 1990s and early 2000s, built around foreign stars like Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, became symbols of a new era—one where English football embraced global talent rather than resisting it. As the Premier League now grapples with questions of identity and financial sustainability, Wenger’s legacy serves as a reminder of how a single managerial appointment can reshape an entire sport.

Nations League: Greece stuns Germany as Klopp’s return falters

Jürgen Klopp’s homecoming as Germany manager ended in disappointment on Sunday, as his side fell 1-0 to Greece in Augsburg—a result that leaves them third in their Nations League group after two matches. Dimitrios Kourbelis’s 74th-minute strike secured Greece’s first-ever victory against Germany in 11 attempts, capping a night of defensive frailties for Klopp’s team. The defeat follows Thursday’s 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, a match in which Germany dominated possession but struggled to convert chances.

The pressure on Klopp, who took over in July after a brief hiatus from management, is mounting. His side’s inability to break down Greece’s disciplined defence—despite 36 touches in the opposition penalty area—echoes the struggles of Thomas Tuchel’s England, who faced similar issues in their Nations League defeat to Spain last week. For Scotland, meanwhile, Sébastien Pocognoli’s side showed promise in a 0-0 draw with Slovenia, though questions remain over Scott McTominay’s role upon his return from injury. The midfielder’s versatility could be key as Scotland prepare for their next fixture against Switzerland in November.

Elsewhere, the Republic of Ireland put aside off-field controversies to secure a 1-0 win over Israel, while Wales suffered a 2-0 defeat to Denmark, leaving Craig Bellamy’s side bottom of their group with no points from two games.

Newcastle’s NRL fairytale: from wooden spoon to grand final

Newcastle Knights’ 16-12 victory over Penrith Panthers in Saturday’s NRL preliminary final was more than a sporting triumph—it was a redemption story for the ages. Just 12 months after finishing last in the league, the Knights will contest their first grand final since 2001, a turnaround that has captivated Australian rugby league. The win, sealed by a late try from Bradman Best, showcased the resilience of a team written off by many at the start of the season.

Justin Holbrook, the Knights’ coach, has been the architect of this revival. His ability to rebuild the squad’s confidence and instil a winning mentality has drawn comparisons to the club’s golden era under Andrew Johns and Paul Harragon. For Newcastle, a city synonymous with rugby league but long starved of success, the Knights’ resurgence is a reminder of the sport’s power to inspire communities. Their opponents in the grand final will be determined on Friday, but regardless of the result, Newcastle’s journey from wooden spoon to title contenders has already entered NRL folklore.

Premier League and WSL: Chelsea edge Arsenal in derby

Arsenal’s Women’s Super League title defence suffered a setback on Sunday, as a first-half goal from Alyssa Thompson secured a 1-0 win for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The result leaves Arsenal four points adrift of the league leaders, with manager Renée Slegers acknowledging the need for improvement. “Confidence fluctuates,” she said. “They know who they are and what they can bring.”

In the men’s game, Arsenal’s focus will soon shift to the Premier League, where they face a resurgent Chelsea side. The Blues’ recent form—underscored by a 4-1 win over Brighton last week—has reignited their top-four ambitions, while Arsenal’s inconsistent start has raised questions over their title credentials. With both clubs eyeing Champions League qualification, the stakes are high as the season enters a critical phase.

What to watch this week

• NFL: The Baltimore Ravens’ last-gasp win over the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro set the tone for a dramatic week in the NFL. Cincinnati’s unbeaten start ended in Pittsburgh, while the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers continue to impress.
• MLB: The Philadelphia Phillies clinched the final National League wildcard spot with a 7-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, ending a week of “living hell in slow motion” as they nearly squandered their playoff lead.
• Nations League: Germany and Scotland return to action on Tuesday, with Klopp’s side needing a result against Hungary to keep their promotion hopes alive. Wales, meanwhile, face a must-win game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.