Table of contents for 2025-09-16 in Star

Bureau says modest rebound in economic growth belies worsening operating conditions The Bureau for Economic Research (BER) has cautioned that South Africa’s modest rebound in economic growth belies the severe pressures still confronting businesses, warning that fragile private sector investment and worsening operating conditions continue to threaten the country’s growth outlook. This follows Statistics South Africa’s release last week showing that gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 0.8% in the second quarter of 2025, lifting the probability of full-year growth exceeding 1%. Lisette IJssel de Schepper, chief economist at the BER, acknowledged the unexpectedly positive GDP outcome but warned that such gains do not reflect the realities on the ground. De Schepper said the BER’s latest business survey, which attracted more than 300 voluntary comments from respondents, indicated widespread dissatisfaction…

We’ve had enough time to reflect about the latest products from Apple. It’s interesting to note that the markets have reacted unapprovingly after the launch. After the iPhone 17 launch, Apple shares fell about 1.5% on launch day, then dropped another 3.23% the following day. The share price on that next day closed around $226.79. Combined, that decline erased roughly $112 - $113 billion from Apple’s market value. Apple unveiled a new iPhone that is thinner and smaller than previous models. The titanium-encased smartphone is a third less thick than previous models but has fewer cameras and less battery life than its predecessors. Consumer reaction was more revealing. Many still feel there’s less innovation currently at Apple. Some even feel that Apple is starting to look like the Nokia…

Johannesburg’s property market is on fire this spring, with home prices finally breaking free from years of stagnation to deliver real growth that’s outpacing inflation for the first time since the pandemic. The city’s strongest buying season in years is unfolding as warmer weather coincides with a perfect storm of falling interest rates, surging buyer confidence, and chronic housing shortages – creating a seller’s market that industry insiders say resembles the mini-boom of 2021. “Buyer interest in Johannesburg has really accelerated in recent months, with our agents reporting more show day traffic, stronger offers and faster conversions into sales than at any time since before the pandemic,” says Stephen Whitcombe, MD of property group FIRZT Realty, which has seen sales have climbed every month since January. FIRZT’s anecdotal findings continue…

A judge, in ordering the police to pay R100 000 in damages to a man in a case of mistaken identity relating to a taxi killing, described the SAPS’s conduct towards the 22-year-old as being “reprehensible” as they were set on intimidating and humiliating him. Banoyolo Magxala turned to the Eastern Cape High Court, sitting in Mthatha, where he claimed R500 000 in damages against the Minister of Police for unlawful arrest and detention. The police did not defend their actions. Magxala, a now former taxi driver, was detained overnight in a police cell on charges of murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. He was set free the next day after the police realised they had the wrong person. Magxala testified that on…

The City of Tshwane is facing a severe water crisis, with excessively high consumption rates threatening to leave residents without water. The city’s reservoirs and towers have been dropping alarmingly over the past two weeks, with 16 high-consuming reservoirs identified as the main contributors to the problem. Municipal spokesperson Selby Bokaba, said the demand in these areas is exceeding the city’s supply capacity, forcing the city to surpass its licensed limit of 662 million liters per day. Currently, Rand Water is pumping 926 million liters per day, 22% more than the permitted limit. Bokaba cautioned residents that a high water consumption is likely to put consumers at risk of having no water at all, even before the hot summer season starts. “It has come to our attention that consumers who…

The month of September has been declared Heritage Month, with the 24th designated as Heritage Day, to remind people of their cultures and encourage them to preserve their heritage. Heritage is basically about remembering the past and shaping the future. This year, Heritage Month is celebrated under the theme “Reimagine our heritage institutions for a new era”, emphasising the importance of leveraging heritage as a foundation for building a dynamic, socially responsive, technologically innovative and economically inclusive future. This year’s celebration focuses on how society, in particular, culture continues to evolve in the light of social, economic, and technological challenges. One of the major institutions of our heritage is water resources. Water resources play a major role in our different cultures and traditions. Our water resources are basically our living…

ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe took aim at his party’s council members at the FNB stadium in Gauteng, saying that while they are good at singing and creating noise, they are not good at managing councils. “I know we have a lot of singing councillors but we have no councils. You all sing well but capacity dololo (nothing),” he told a rowdy crowd. Mantashe said this was the kind of leadership that the roll call was made for. “That is the council we are having. Comrades who are councillors, leaders of the ANC, who make noise when a meeting is underway. What kind of leadership is that?” The comments come amid growing internal criticism of the ANC’s performance at the local government level, particularly regarding poor service delivery, failing municipalities,…

The mandatory formal letter a credit provider must send to a consumer who is in default of a credit agreement, must be sent to the correct address, as chosen by the consumer, before a credit provider can simply forge ahead with legal action. This was once again highlighted by the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, in a case where a woman, only identified as Mrs NM, complained that she never got wind of court action to repossess her car. She said the next thing she knew, her car was repossessed following an application by Mercedes Benz Financial Service in this regard and the vehicle was at an auction house, ready to be sold. NM said as she never knew of the court proceedings, she was unable to defend the matter. She…

Neighbours, old friends, and book enthusiasts flocked to the Baxter Theatre last week for the launch of Anwar McKay’s debut book, The Invisible Boy from Bramble Way. This poignant memoir recounts the journey of a young boy growing up in Bonteheuwel, who often felt invisible. The intimate theatre was filled with McKay’s close friends, and family, all eager to hear from a panel of speakers, including Baxter CEO and playwright Lara Foot, sexologist and trauma specialist Dr Marlene Wasserman, his cousin Shamiela Chadwick, and his husband, Marc Lottering. Hosted by author Sara-Jayne Makwala King, who introduced the book with heartfelt words. “The journey is about a little boy who grew up in Bonteheuwel and felt invisible. He experienced a number of traumas and fought to revive himself, which he has…

Wicked Wanted Widows Kimberly Belle, Vanessa Lillie and Cate Holahan Performed by a full cast AUDIBLE ORIGINALS GRAB your earbuds and settle in for a thrilling nine-hour ride through the chaos of art heists, mob bosses, and the formidable loyalty of friends in Wicked Wanted Widows, from Audible Originals. The third instalment in Kimberly Belle, Vanessa Lillie, and Cate Holahan’s bestselling Young Rich Widows series, this audiobook introduces a new player – Irish art thief Grace Callahan – who firmly believes that capturing Meredith Everett holds the key to reclaiming a stolen legacy. From the start, it’s clear that things are about to get complex. Grace and her well-armed crew are ready to take justice – albeit – a very crooked version of it – into their own hands. Meanwhile,…

SOUTH Africa’s energy sector is the lifeblood of the economy; slight changes in electricity prices impact business and have a domino-like impact on prices, supply and demand of almost all goods. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), a post-apartheid entity, was created by consolidating the Electricity Control Board, the Gas Regulator and the Pipelines Regulatory Authority. It is the independent regulatory authority mandated to govern the South African energy industry in accordance with the country’s laws. Its core function is to balance the interests of energy producers, distributors, and consumers to ensure a sustainable and efficient energy sector for South Africa. The recent revelation was that Nersa made a catastrophic multibillion-rand error in its tariff calculation for Eskom resulting in a spike in electricity prices for households and…

Arsenal kick off their Champions League campaign away to Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday, with Mikel Arteta’s side buoyed by a summer overhaul of their forward line. Arsenal begin their pursuit of Champions League glory against Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday powered by a new-look attack revitalised by the Gunners’ summer spending spree. Arteta’s men reached the semi-finals of Europe’s top competition for the first time since 2009 last season before losing to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners also fell short in the Premier League, where they finished runners-up for a third consecutive season, undone in part by an inconsistent forward line. Determined to address that weakness, Arteta strengthened in attack during the close-season, with Viktor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze all recruited to add firepower and depth. With Bukayo…

Kaizer Chiefs will welcome Sekhukhune United to the FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening (7:30pm kick-off) for a Betway Premiership top-of-the-table showdown, with both sides eager to extend their early momentum from the opening round of fixtures. Amakhosi have surpassed expectations so far, heading into this crunch clash unbeaten after five matches. They sit second only on goal difference, level on 13 points with Babina Noko, making this encounter a potential decider for the league’s early pace-setter. The Glamour Boys are seeking to build on last season’s ninth-place finish, and their strong start suggests the team has turned a corner. Signs of improvement are evident, but this contest could be their sternest test yet, particularly after the lengthy international break that interrupted their rhythm. Sekhukhune, meanwhile, have mirrored Chiefs’ approach, investing…

The innocence of youth is a precious asset and new Pretoria Capitals star Dewald Brevis will not allow his record-breaking R16.5 million price tag to alter this golden commodity. Brevis, 22, was the fulcrum of a bidding war between the Capitals and Joburg Super Kings at last week’s thrilling Betway SA20 Season 4 auction in Johannesburg. After playing for the past three seasons at MI Cape Town, Brevis was placed out in the open market and immediately attracted the attention of Capitals head coach Sourav Ganguly and his Joburg Super Kings counterpart Stephen Fleming. The JSK mentor knows all about Brevis’ abilities after bringing him in as a replacement player at the Chennai Super Kings during last season’s IPL. The 22-year-old thrilled the Yellow Army at the Chepauk Stadium and…

Activity in the building and construction industry in South Africa is expected to continue gaining momentum for the remainder of the year due to the upward trend in the value of building plans passed. This comes as mining and materials group Afrimat on Monday reported a sharp rebound in South Africa’s construction sector during the second quarter of 2025, with its Afrimat Construction Index (ACI) showing broad-based improvements across key indicators. Compiled by economist Dr. Roelof Botha on behalf of Afrimat, the ACI measures activity in the building and construction industry. Botha said the latest reading reflected a 6.8% quarter-on-quarter rise, outpacing national GDP growth. According to Botha, the recovery of the ACI was, however, fairly predictable, as the indicators included in the index came off a low base recorded…

High credit costs are emerging as a formidable barrier to economic growth in South Africa, despite the country’s entrenched banking sector relying heavily on deposits for funding. This stark warning from Moody's Ratings on Monday highlights the critical role domestic and international funding play in bolstering the economy, with a particular emphasis on the pressures created by rising interest rates. Lucie Villa, senior vice president for Moody’s, explained that the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) repo rate directly impacts the cost of savings and term deposits. The Sarb’s repo rate “influences the cost of savings and term deposits, as well as money market rates” for institutional deposits. “South African banks depend heavily on deposits for funding. This includes deposits from companies and households, and deposits raised from institutions, which are…

Kyle Schutter's LinkedIn post about Kentegra Biotechnology's "$50 million success story" in pyrethrum processing caught my attention last week. Schutter, who runs Kenyan investment platform Kuzana, was celebrating what he called a "boring" company that deserved to be made "sexy again" after visiting their Naivasha facility. But beneath the enthusiasm lies a story rich with historical baggage worth unpacking. Dalmatian daisies Kentegra, a US company operating in Kenya, processes Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium - a modest daisy originally from Eastern Europe and Asia. The species arrived in Kenya via Japan in the early 1920s, introduced by European settlers who recognised the highland's potential for pyrethrum cultivation. Kenya's Central Highlands, with their volcanic soils and cool temperatures, proved ideal for producing flowers rich in natural pyrethrins - the active compounds that make effective…

The Department of Transport has officially gazetted the National Land Transport Amendment Act (NLTA), recognising Uber, Bolt, and other e-hailing platforms as part of South Africa’s public transport system. But rather than celebration, the move has sparked backlash, with some in the sector criticising the regulations as short-sighted, reactive, and lacking vision. The Act, gazetted on September 12, comes after a 13-year wait. First passed by Parliament in 2020, it was sent back by the President over constitutional concerns, revised, and only now signed into law. Under the new law, all public transport operators, from minibus taxis to metered taxis and e-hailing services, will require operating licenses. The intention, according to the government, is to authorise services, ease long-standing tensions, and strengthen commuter safety. Transport Department spokesperson Collen Msibi said…

A Johannesburg family is mourning the loss of their two daughters and praying for the recovery of another after a horrific accident over the weekend. Connor, Cassidy, and Storm Moodley were in an accident on Saturday. Storm is currently in the hospital, while Connor and Cassidy have passed away. Tributes continue to pour in for the beautiful girls. In a social media post, their father, Warren Symons, expressed his heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support during this time. He wrote: “Thank you to everyone for their love and support during this incredibly awful time. The ordeal is nowhere close to the end, but with time, my family and I will heal enough to celebrate the lives and the people taken from us. No parent should ever have to bury…

A security guard was killed at a fast-food outlet in Limpopo over the weekend following an alleged argument with a customer. Police said they have since launched a manhunt for the killer. Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said preliminary investigations revealed that the security officer was on duty on Saturday when he allegedly became involved in an argument with a male customer. “The suspect then produced a sharp object and stabbed the victim before fleeing the scene.” He said the victim was transported to the hospital, where he died a few hours later. “The suspect, who remains unknown at this stage, was reportedly driving a white Toyota Avanza without registration numbers. The vehicle had a bold black sticker on the bonnet with the word ‘London’ written on it.” The…

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) commends the Inspectorate Office for its continued efforts in combating illegal practice within the healthcare sector. During an inspection at the medical practice of a registered optometrist, Mr Mohlalefi Selepe, in Flagstaff, Eastern Cape, inspectors discovered an unregistered individual practising unlawfully as an optometrist. Mr Geoffrey Chabuka, a Malawian national, was arrested for contravening Section 17(1) of the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974, by practising while not registered with the Council. He was detained at Flagstaff Police Station and is scheduled to appear in court soon. The HPCSA further confirms that Mr Selepe will be reported to the Professional Board for Optometry and Dispensing Opticians for employing an unregistered individual as a locum to perform clinical procedures on patients at his…

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela says South Africa’s post-school education system will only be able to accommodate around half of the 850 000 matriculants expected to sit for their final examinations this year. Manamela was addressing the media yesterday at the Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre, Tshedimoso House in Pretoria. He gave an update on the state of readiness of universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges ahead of the 2026 academic year, and the opening of applications for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). “The reality is that about 850 000 young people will be sitting for exams. If all of them pass, the system can only absorb half,” said Manamela. “Between now and the next three months, we will…

A 19-year-old learner from Hoërskool Pretoria-Wes has received an outpouring of generosity after appealing for financial help to attend his matric dance. Arthur Mathebula, a Grade 12 pupil from Pretoria West, launched a BackaBuddy campaign seeking R2 500 to cover the costs of his outfit, ticket and related expenses. His request quickly gained traction, with well-wishers donating more than R10 000. “This year marks a very special moment in my life – my matric dance, which is like a prom and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for every matric learner,” Mathebula said. “I am humbly asking for any donations or assistance, no matter how small, to help me attend my matric dance.” Donors left messages of encouragement alongside their contributions. “All the best. Please make sure you use some of the…

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi insists that their recent MTN8 triumph is just the beginning, as the Sea Robbers aim to carry their momentum into a long and challenging season. The Buccaneers secured their fourth consecutive MTN8 title this past weekend, edging Stellenbosch FC 3-0 in extra time after the two sides remained deadlocked during normal time. The victory not only added another trophy to Pirates’ cabinet but also set the tone for the team’s ambitions as they chase their first Betway Premiership title in 13 years. With league action resuming today, the Buccaneers face a demanding schedule. Their return to CAF Champions League football comes this weekend in the preliminary round first leg against Lesotho Premier League side Lioli FC. Interestingly, their Premiership clash against Magesi FC, originally scheduled…

The Proteas Women’s team are hoping to utilise the ODI series against Pakistan as preparation for the upcoming World Cup on the subcontinent. Laura Wolvaardt’s team face off against their familiar foes in three ODI’s, starting today at the Gaddafi Stadium, with both teams looking to fine tune their gameplans. “This series is crucial for us. Obviously heading to the subcontinent before the World Cup is a massive opportunity,” Wolvaardt told the media yesterday. “I think getting used to the conditions, the heat and humidity, obviously coming from winter back home, it's a bit of an adjustment. “I think we last played together was five/six weeks ago, so to build a bit of momentum heading into a big tournament like that is going to be huge. “They are a really…

Mamelodi Sundowns celebrated a convincing 3-0 victory against Magesi FC at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday, but the joy was tempered by concerns over a new injury to veteran midfielder Themba Zwane. After a four-match absence due to a thigh problem sustained during the MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates last month, the return of captain Zwane was met with enthusiasm. However, his afternoon was cut short when he was substituted shortly after being introduced in the second half, leaving the club anxious about the extent of his latest setback. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso expressed cautious optimism about Zwane’s recovery, although he admitted it could be a fresh injury. “We had total clearance for Themba to play, but obviously we knew that Themba, Thapelo Morena and also Siyabonga Mabena were…

Oceana Group, one of South Africa's leading fishing products companies, has issued a stark warning regarding its financial performance for the year ending September 30, 2025 - a drop of at least 40% in headline earnings per share (HEPS). This would likely translate to a fall of over 367 cents per share from the prior comparative period's 917.6 cents. This expected downturn is primarily attributed to the sharp decline in fish oil prices, which have halved from record highs seen last year. The significant decrease in fish oil prices has been linked to a recovery in the Peruvian anchovy biomass, a situation that has led to a market correction following extraordinary price levels in the previous year. In addition, Daybrook's performance has suffered notably, contrasting sharply with its exceptional earnings…

The recent projections regarding the impact that AI will have on several economic engines across the continent should not be seen as just a statistic, but a call for South Africa to address systemic barriers that have historically held back progress and to position itself as an enabler of this next wave of economic transformation. According to a recent McKinsey report titled ‘Africa’s gen AI potential’, generative AI (Gen AI) could unlock between $61 billion and $103 billion in annual economic value across sectors fundamental to South Africa’s growth like mining, heavy industry, energy and construction. While the report’s projections are compelling, we must caution against viewing technology as a panacea to all our problems. How Gen AI might move the needle We understand that using Gen AI in areas…

OUTsurance Group (OGL) made a striking impact on the JSE on Monday as its share price leapt an impressive 8.4% after a stellar dividend growth announcement brought optimism to investors. The multinational insurance firm revealed it will pay a special dividend of 33.1 cents per share, alongside a final ordinary dividend of 149 cents, resulting in a remarkable total full-year dividend of 237.6 cents. This figure marks a robust 36.2% increase compared to the previous year. The dividend payout stems from OGL's solid financial performance for the year ending June 30, 2023. The company highlighted that a mix of contributory factors led to the special dividend. Among these were the proceeds from its sale of Youi's engagement in Blue Zebra Insurance (BZI) and the ongoing monetisation of non-core assets. Focusing…

The Studio made history at this year's Emmy Awards with an astonishing 13 wins. The Apple TV+ show's debut season broke the all-time record for most wins for a comedy series, taking home three more prizes than when The Bear set the record in 2023 with 10 wins. In addition, co-creator and star Seth Rogen tied for the record of most individual Emmy wins in one night, putting him on par with Moira Demos (2016), Amy Sherman-Palladino (2018) and Dan Levy (2020). He scooped the Lead Comedy Actor prize and another for co-directing an episode titled The Oner with Evan Goldberg. The show also saw Rogen, Evan, Frida Perez, Peter Huyck and Alex Gregory win Best Writing for a Comedy Series for The Studio’s pilot episode, and the top award,…

The assassination of political activist and commentator Charlie Kirk has rapidly descended into a cauldron of controversy and opinion, causing ripples across the United States and sparking a global conversation. As the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) delves deeper into its probe, the agency has released critical information that may shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shocking event. Yesterday, the FBI’s director, Kash Patel, announced that the DNA found at the scene of the murder of US conservative influencer Charlie Kirk has been matched to suspect Tyler Robinson. Kirk’s death, which has prompted reactions from politicians to celebrities and social media users, shows yet again the depth of division in Donald Trump’s America. But at the same time, the death has brought political rivals together as they mourn Kirk.…

The three accused implicated in the robbery at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them in the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo yesterday. Immanuela David and siblings, Florian and Ndilinasho Joseph, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them after the theft of $580 000 from the Phala Phala game farm in 2020. The trio faces charges of theft, housebreaking, and conspiracy to commit housebreaking with the intent to steal. David also faces a charge of money laundering. The money was allegedly stolen from a couch on Ramaphosa’s property, where it was hidden. After several delays, the trial began just two years after the trio was arrested. As the State presents its case before the court, a total of 20 witnesses are expected…

The killer of Bond University student Leigh Matthews, Donovan Moodley, could be a step closer to freedom after the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board yesterday approved his release following his 20-year stint in prison. But Tania Koen, the lawyer who represents the parents of Leigh, Rob and Sharon Matthews, said they are still considering their options following the news from the parole board. It is not a given fact that Moodley will be released, as the minister of correctional services will have the final word. The department highlighted yesterday that the parole process for offenders serving life sentences follows several distinct phases. The matter is first assessed by the Case Management Committee, followed by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board. Thereafter, recommendations are referred to the National Council for Correctional…

Today’s politics are not the same as those of yesterday. In the past, activists fought the evil of apartheid. Now we are living in a democracy. Therefore, anyone and everyone is allowed to be a politician. However, the calibre of our current political leaders is not so good. But I digress. Floyd Shivambu is a career politician. Shivambu knows nothing but politics. When he left the MKP, many thought his political career had come to an end. He has two master’s degrees and could have joined the academic world, but decided to stay in politics. Some politicians are known to be loyal to their interests, and not to those of the voters. They change political parties as and when their interests change. And they don’t care about what others think…

The Lotus Gardens, Atteridgeville, and Saulsville Civic Association (Lasca) has slammed the City of Tshwane’s council for approving a 5% salary increase for councillors, while city workers have been waiting for their own salary adjustments. Tshepo Mahlangu, the organisation’s leader, has been outspoken in his criticism, emphasising the perceived double standard in the treatment of councillors versus city employees. He argues that approving councillor salary increments while relying heavily on consultants instead of investing in the workforce undermines both residents and city employees. “Why should councillors be rewarded while employees are still fighting for their long overdue salary increases?” Mahlangu asked. He questioned the justification for councillor salary increments, noting that thousands of unemployed residents have protested the unemployment crisis and that outsourced security guards have long awaited insourcing. “We…

AlgoAtwork’s RoboRumble STEM Innovation Challenge has sparked a wave of innovation, showcasing the ingenuity of South Africa’s brightest young minds. Among the standout projects were an autonomous robot capable of detecting toxic gases and human presence in mines, a smart personal protective equipment (PPE) system that monitors workers’ health vitals and safety compliance, and an automated agricultural system designed to optimise irrigation and conserve water. The student-centred competition ran over four months and aimed to foster technical excellence while bridging South Africa’s digital divide. It equipped underserved youth with hands-on experience in robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, and automation. Livingstone Mphahlele, CEO of AlgoAtwork, said he was impressed by the exceptional quality of the entries. “What makes this challenge even more inspiring is the fact that many of the brightest ideas…

The Springboks’ hold over the All Blacks in the Rassie Erasmus-era is growing stronger with each passing season. After Saturday’s runaway victory in Wellington, where the world champions crushed New Zealand 43-10, they completed their seventh win from the last 10 clashes against their fiercest rivals since 2021. This run includes regular Rugby Championship victories as well as crunch clashes such as the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. For years, it was the Kiwis who dictated the rivalry, with South Africa snatching the odd win here and there. Now, however, the tables have turned in favour of the four-time world champions – and they look intent on extending their dominance. With three Tests scheduled between the sides next season, anticipation is already building for what has been dubbed “Rugby’s Greatest…

Liverpool left it late again to preserve their perfect start to the Premier League season, with Mohamed Salah striking a stoppage-time penalty to down Burnley. Manchester City demolished Manchester United, while Arsenal underlined their squad depth in a dominant win over Nottingham Forest. Haaland shows his class Manchester United handed a first Premier League start to Benjamin Sesko at the Etihad on Sunday, with the Slovenian earmarked to fill the side’s desperate need for a prolific marksman. But his threat was easily nullified by the City defence, with Erling Haaland demonstrating to United manager Ruben Amorim exactly what he is missing. The Norwegian would have had a hat-trick but for an astonishing miss when he struck the post between two classy finishes. After scoring five goals against Moldova in a…

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have come out of the international break firing, lending credence to the notion that this could finally be his year to return the Gunners to the top of the pile for the first time since the 2003/04 season of the Invincibles. There were many, myself included, who felt the Gunners were just one quality goalscorer shy of mounting a legitimate title challenge. Enter Victor Gyökeres (give him time). How about back-up for star attacker Bukayo Saka? Noni Madueke provides quality cover on the right, while Eberechi Eze brings plenty of flair down the other flank or even centrally. And what would a transfer window be without the addition by the former midfield strongman of – you guessed it – another central defensive midfielder or two? The already…