Premier League rivalries, international rugby, world-class tennis and American football make September a spectacular month for sport in the capital, says Jimmy Johnson.
The new Premier League season is underway, and London’s clubs provide some of the month’s most enticing fixtures. The standout game arrives at Emirates Stadium on 6 September, when the defending champions Arsenal welcome Chelsea for a heavyweight capital clash. Keep an eye on new Blues forward Morgan Rogers: the England international has joined from Aston Villa after establishing himself as one of the league’s leading young attacking talents.
Elsewhere that weekend, Fulham and Crystal Palace contest a west-versus-south London derby at Craven Cottage on 5 September. Tottenham Hotspur travel to Nottingham Forest the same day before returning home to face Everton (12 Sep).
There are intriguing new faces across the city. Italy international Sandro Tonali has swapped Newcastle United for Tottenham, bringing some top-level experience to Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield. At Fulham, Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb begins his first full season at Craven Cottage following his January move from Manchester City. An elegant, versatile forward, he can operate on either the wing or behind a striker.
Later in the month, Brentford host Chelsea in a Friday-night derby (18 Sep), Spurs face Aston Villa (19 Sep) and Fulham welcome Manchester United on 20 September (but check for changes).
Wembley Stadium embraces the pageantry of American college football when the Kansas Jayhawks face the Arizona State Sun Devils in the inaugural Union Jack Classic (19 Sep). It will be the first top-division NCAA college football game staged in the UK and the first college football fixture at Wembley Stadium. The Big 12 Conference rivals promise fierce competition, but the spectacle extends beyond the field: expect American-style tailgating, marching bands, cheerleaders and half-time entertainment.
The Laver Cup returns to The O2 between 25-27 September. Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev are among the stars representing Team Europe, captained by Yannick Noah, as they face Andre Agassi’s Team World. Expect thrilling singles and first-time doubles partnerships on the competition’s signature black court.
Women’s rugby takes centre stage at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham when England’s Red Roses face New Zealand in the WXV Global Series (26 Sep). Meetings between these world heavyweights rarely lack intensity, making this a stirring afternoon for committed supporters and rugby newcomers alike.
