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The third weekend in August was one like no other. It had the World Cup final, more Premier League games and, of course, the return of Serie A football - featuring a handful of sumptuous goals. But what's a weekend of football without questionable refereeing calls? That they're coming early in the season, should fans be worried?

Three African countries qualifying for the knockout stages is a rarity on the world stage when it comes to soccer. But it has happened, being one of the many firsts, that the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup has served since it began on the 20th of July.

It's football heritage like football fans would rarely see. On on hand, a Sevilla side that needed extra-time to get past Juventus in the semi-finals. On the other, an AS Roma side that needed extra-time to get past Feyenoord in the quarter-finals. The goal: To win the Europa League. Legacy, history, experience are all at stake as another continental title is decided.

And then they were EIGHT! As things get heated up in the UCL, the Italians have stolen the headlines. From the teams to the gaffers, it seems like Operation Resucitate Calcio in the Champions League this season. Also, as we countdown to the draws, Real Madrid seem to be the only side flying the Spain colors. Are they the team to beat (again) this season)

In the German Bundesliga, Bayern Munich (in 1st place) and SC Freiburg (in 5th place) are separated by just five points. These two sides, including the three sandwiched in-between are still technically alive in Europe. Add to that the 12 rounds of league games still to be played, and a lot can still happen in this race. However, this does not take anything away from what has been interestingly tig...

Arsenal's loss to Manchester City was their first at the Emirates this season. Now joint-top of the Premier League table (second no thanks to goals difference), Arteta's got company in a position that was once lonely. Can the Gunners go the distance this season?

With the second-best offense and second-best defense in the league, Arsenal are cruising at the top of the Premier League table. As the second half of the season kicks off, the conversation has shifted to whether or not they can win a first Premier League title since 2004. They've shown how strong they are as title contenders. But can they overcome these four hurdles on their way to being champion...

Arsenal fans are on top of the world, no thanks to their fantastic form and their 8-point lead at the top of the table. They're now looking forward to their heavyweight clash against the only side that has defeated them in the league this season, Manchester United. For the Gunners, it's all about getting their own pound of flesh. For the Red Devils, it's all about maintaining their unbeaten run -...

Here's one of world football's worst kept secrets: Juventus boasts the best defense in Europe's top five leagues. That's better than Newcastle - the best defense in the Premier League with 11 goals conceded - and Bayern Munich - with 13 shipped in. It's even better than Lens' 11 goals conceded, which is the best (coincidentally) defense in the French Ligue 1. They're back in the race to finish in...

Chelsea's first half performance had us thinking about why the Blues fans were skeptical about facing Man. City. Their second half display, however, proved that the fears were true. On the other hand, champions Manchester City, showed the world why they're back-to-back Premier League champions, especially with Pep Guardiola's 2nd half subs and the general performance. Thursday night was a tale abo...

Who wants to be second choice in their football club? Maybe former Liverpool super-sub, Divock Origi. But you won't find a lot of other players happy to be unsure of a starting berth in their clubs. With a World Cup tournament in the offing, players are looking for more playing time. And that's affecting a lot of other things. In other news, Edouard Mendy has made a 'strange' comparison between Ch...

The Super Falcons' #GoingFor10th mission had a false start in Morocco on the 4th of July. Unlike in a 100m dash and similar to a Mario Kart game, they have a handful of lives left. If they must get La Decima, they must defeat Botswana - at least to start with; one of the only two sides that scored 4 goals in their opening game. In other news, was that a preview of the Africa Women Cup of Nations f...

The gap between the Serie A and the Premier League is widening. And one man is not only complaining about it, but shedding more light on the differences that most are not paying attention to. On the other hand, the AC Milan chairman has highlighted some of the advantages of the Premier League. Has the Premier League become 'uncatchable'? Is it about era, availability or star-power? Find more podca...

There was drama again in the Nigerian Professional Football League as 'extra time' was given another kind of meaning in the game between Katsina United and Remo Stars. Then there's the exodus at Chelsea as another big name exits the Chelsea hierarchy. Is this the part where Chelsea fans start getting worried? Are these the side effects of the change of ownership at a football club?

The World Cup in November means teams are trying to get their business done as quickly as possible. As such, we have a 'strange' summer transfer window on our hands, with the elephant in the room getting even bigger!

With the FIFA World Cup set for November, the football calendar has been a bit strange. It has featured strange anomalies like an international break in June, an off-season version of the Ronaldo-Messi debate and strange quotes from Robert.

The Red Devils are on course to finish with their lowest-ever points tally in a Premier League season. And their shambolic display against Brighton will be one of those losses that won't be forgotten in a hurry. Some'd say, they travelled 4 nothing!

While men rested, the ladies of Europe put on a show. And it was one to remember! We also take a look at the rice-ing situation in Africa as the CAF WCQ Play-offs get underway

In this episode, Tunde Young joins us to discuss what's wrong at Chelsea and also talks about his best performing side in the AFCON tournament. He had more surprises in his kitty as he demystified the 'Original Ronaldo' headache.

Profligacy: reckless extravagance or wastefulness in the use of resources. By the way, are African referees using VAR the right way?

Welcome to Season II of the First X Minutes podcast. In the 50th episode of the year, I relive my experience at the Lekan Salami Stadium, while also countering the Pep-Guardiola-spent-money arguments making the waves. Reach out to us on Twitter @OneForTheGoals

Lionel Messi was given his 7th Balon d'Or award at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris on the 29th of November, 2021. While that number is weapon enough in the Arsenal for those who engage in the GOAT debate, what about these awards? Have they become aesthetics, rather than a true reflection of what's happening on the pitch? Celebrate our 200th episode with us by subscribing wherever you get your podcas...

From cancelled goals at the Camp Nou, to the goal-line clearances at the Etihad and Stamford Bridge, Round 5 of the UEFA Champions League group stage games was one to remember. And ehile the boys are being separated from the men, a huge winner-takes-all scramble looms ahead in the final round of games. Follow us on Twitter @OneForTheGoals

Ole's no more at the wheels. What next now for Man. Utd, especially with almost evwry jobless manager being linked to the job? And what's going on in the Serie A? Why are so many goals being scored? Follow us on Twitter @OneForTheGoals

In this episode of the podcast, Deborah joins us to talk about her journey as a football player thus far. She also weighs in on some of the challenges she faces as she continues to chase her dreams of becoming a professional footballer. There was time enough to talk about a record-breaker and also make a few comparisons. Follow us on Twitter @OmeForTheGoals