Rachel Roberts

‘We can preach that it isn’t ideal, but ultimately it’s down to the decision-makers’: Why sports science experts are calling for football chiefs to act on fixture congestion before it’s too late

June 9, 2023

Now that the league business is out of the way and there’s just the small matter of the Champions League final remaining for Man City this weekend, Premier League [...]

Five things we learned from Man City v West Ham

May 4, 2023

The champions’ 3-0 win over the Hammers put them firmly back in the driving seat of the title race on a night that was full of statistical milestones and [...]

Behind Boehly’s bonanza: Chelsea’s winter splurge and FFP explained

February 18, 2023

With the Blues’ expenditure being at the centre of another dramatic January transfer window, Rachel Roberts dives into Financial Fair Play legislation to explore their [...]

Arsenal v Manchester City preview: ruthless champions to regain control in title race

February 15, 2023

The Gunners have been leading for months but cracks are beginning to appear in their pursuit of a first Premier League trophy in almost two decades. Seasoned opponents City [...]

‘Fifa have washed their hands of it’: LGBTQ+ supporters’ groups on the legacy of the 2022 World Cup and their enduring fears for Qatar’s gay fans

January 17, 2023

What should have been the biggest celebration of football for all was, for LGBTQ+ fans, irrevocably tarnished by the actions of the competition’s organisers and governing [...]

Argentina v France preview: Messi to finally realise World Cup dreams by breaking holders’ hearts

December 18, 2022

Reigning world champions France take on Copa America kings Argentina in a glittering final, an occasion between two confident sides which will prove to be a close run affair. [...]

England v USA preview: experienced Three Lions to continue winning start against youthful American side

November 25, 2022

Southgate’s men will continue their strong start to the tournament, but a USA team with high-profile firepower will present a sterner challenge than their opener when the [...]

Brighton boss Merricks: “We have to be harder to beat, that’s it”

November 20, 2022

The interim manager needs to see a lot more from her players after the Seagulls squandered a two-goal lead to WSL rivals Liverpool, writes Rachel Roberts. Brighton interim [...]

30 years of Chelsea v Manchester United: title-deciders, balloons, and icon Fergie v ‘Special One’ Mourinho

October 22, 2022

For three decades, it’s been one of the showpiece ties of the modern Premier League era. The histories of these clubs have threads weaved between them, of shared [...]

Five things we spotted at England’s training session ahead of USA clash

October 4, 2022

A sold-out Wembley plays host to the Lionesses’ upcoming clash with the world champions on Friday, kick-off 8pm. Here’s what our reporter Rachel Roberts noticed while [...]