David Squires sketches boos, barcodes and buzzcuts as the Premier League returns

David Squires, the long‑standing cartoonist for The Guardian Football, has turned his attention to the start of the new Premier League campaign. In a freshly compiled picture gallery, he revisits the biggest storylines that have defined the English top flight’s return to action after the summer break. The collection is anchored by three recurring visual jokes – the infamous boos that echo through stadiums, the quirky barcode motifs that have appeared on match‑day programmes and merchandise, and the ever‑present buzzcuts that have become a humorous shorthand for the league’s rapid‑fire pace.

Each illustration is accompanied by Squires’ wry commentary, reminding readers that the Premier League’s drama is as much about atmosphere as it is about goals. The “boos” panels capture the raw emotion of fans reacting to contentious decisions, while the “barcodes” drawings play on the commercial side of modern football, turning ticket scans and sponsor logos into a recurring comic device. The “buzzcuts” sketches, meanwhile, poke fun at the way clubs and players alike seem to shed old identities overnight, adopting new kits, managers or tactical approaches with a speed that feels almost mechanical.

Beyond the on‑pitch analysis, Squires uses the platform to showcase some of his favourite works from recent years, offering fans a chance to purchase the cartoons that have resonated most. The gallery also serves as a promotional space for his latest publication, Chaos in the Box, a collection that expands on his signature blend of satire and insight. Readers are invited to “Buy this cartoon” directly from the page, linking the visual storytelling of the Premier League with a tangible product.

Published on 25 August 2026, the piece underscores Squires’ role as a chronicler of football culture, translating the sport’s noise, commerce and style into a series of instantly recognisable images. By framing the league’s return through the lenses of boos, barcodes and buzzcuts, he provides both a humorous recap and a visual archive of a season that promises to be as unpredictable as ever.

For those interested in exploring the full set of illustrations, the gallery is hosted on The Guardian’s website, where fans can continue reading, purchase prints, and discover more about Chaos in the Box.