An ode to Pirlo, racketeering, and a big beautiful German man

End of the road for Northern Ireland, end of the nightmare for Blackpool, and why Silva is gold

Fragrant encounters, 90s icons and fax machines

Pulis P45-ed, narrative busters and Dulwich Hamlet’s Toilets Opposite Stand

Liverpool’s unwanted threesome and Darren Fletcher’s pearly whites

Everton’s non-holistic approach, the Hertfordshire Globetrotters and a derby for the ages

Rejuvenated Rooney, Sterling and Salah strike again, and presumptuous Pep talks

United’s best De Gea day yet, the World Cup draw, and Benevento’s last-minute miracle

Zorro and joy in the Champions League, fear of the Big Sam and barge haulers on the Volga

City out of sight, West Ham win at last, and Arsenal off to Ostersunds