Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League last night after they beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at Wembley. Riyad Mahrez's sixth minute goal, following two mistakes by Kieran Trippier, proved enough for Pep Guardiola's side on a pitch which looked decidedly worse for wear following Sunday's NFL clash between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile Real Madrid have fired manager Julen Lopetegui in the wake of last Saturday's 5-1 humiliation away to Barcelona, with the European champions currently languishing in ninth place in La Liga.

Yesterday Joe Schmidt named his 26-strong Ireland squad for Saturday's opening November international against Italy in Chicago. With back-to-back fixtures against Argentina and the All Blacks to follow a number of senior players, including Johnny Sexton, have stayed at home - with Joey Carbery set to take the number 10 jersey at Soldier Field. Meanwhile in his column this morning Gerry Thornley writes that an increase in red cards is a small price to pay in order to eradicate dangerous high tackles - such as Sam Cane's hit on Robbie Henshaw on New Zealand's last visit to Dublin in 2016. "Above all else World Rugby, and its officials, have a duty of care to those who play the sport and, furthermore, in the current climate it has to be seen to take drastic steps."

Kilmacud Crokes are Dublin senior football champions for the first time since 2010 after they beat St Jude's 2-12 to 0-13 yesterday evening. It was Dublin's Paul Mannion who inspired his side to their eighth title, scoring four points from play inside the first 20 minutes alone. Malachy Clerkin writes: "This was Kilmacud's title but it was Mannion's game. He finished the night with 1-6 from play to his name after a performance of luminous brilliance. Crokes had fine displays from Cian O'Sullivan and Cian O'Connor to thank as well but Mannion was an island here, operating in a time zone removed from the rest of the players on the pitch."

And Gordon Elliott has confirmed the prodigious Samcro will stay hurdling for the coming season, as both the trainer and Gigginstown look to secure their maiden Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. Samcro has now been installed as antepost favourite for that race ahead of 2017 and 2018 winner Buveur d'Air, and he will make his return to action in Friday's Grade Two WKD Hurdle at Down Royal.