Matt Critchley's all-round efforts helps fire Derbyshire past Leicestershire

Allrounder scores unbeaten 80 followed by 2 for 31 with his legbreaks

ECB Reporters' Network11-Jun-2021

Matt Critchley swings to the leg side•Getty Images

Matt Critchley struck an unbeaten 80 off 45 balls and Luis Reece 51 from 29 as the Falcons registered their first win of the Vitality Blast season, despite Afghan seamer Naveen-ul-Haq taking 3 for 26 on his home debut for the Foxes.The two Derbyshire allrounders struck four sixes each as Derbyshire posted the fifth-highest total in T20 matches. Gavin Griffths, who took four wickets against Lancashire the night before, added one more but conceded 26 in an over for figures of 1 for 49 from three.Critchley then took 2 for 31 with his legbreaks and Netherlands pace bowler Logan van Beek 3 for 37 as the Foxes were bowled out for 186 in 19 overs to lose by 23 runs, Rishi Patel top-scoring with 35 off 20 balls.After Derbyshire were asked to bat, Foxes fans were soon enjoying the sight of Naveen bamboozling batsmen with his heavily disguised slower balls, the 21-year-old dismissing debutant Harry Came and Derbyshire skipper Billy Godleman in his first two overs.Came – in for the injured Wayne Madsen – miscued to mid-on before Godleman, despite all his know-how, was left groping for another floaty delivery that bowled him.Two of Reece’s sixes came in the Powerplay as the Falcons advanced to 52 for 2, after which Leus du Plooy was soon caught behind off a wide ball from offspinner Arron Lilley.Reece, dropped on 50, had added only a single when a Griffiths yorker beat his attempted reverse sweep but if Leicestershire imagined they had made the decisive breakthrough they were mistaken as Critchley and Alex Hughes added 85 from 47 balls before Hughes holed out to long-on for 38.Naveen avenged a huge six from Fynn Hudson-Prentice by having him caught off a miscue next ball but could not stop Derbyshire recording their highest score against Leicestershire in this format.After the Foxes lost Scott Steel first ball, Lilley boldly tried to keep the required rate in reach by smashing 29 from 20 balls but then found the fielder at long-on and being eight ahead on the Powerplay score was tempered for the Foxes as Josh Inglis was well caught at deep midwicket to the last ball of the sixth over.Colin Ackermann and Lewis Hill were dismissed in consecutive overs and though Patel and Ben Mike attempted to keep their side in theoretical contention, they too fell in consecutive overs, after which Critchley dismissed Naveen and Will Davis for ducks in the same over before van Beek wrapped things up by having Griffiths caught at long-off.

Alongside Soler: West Ham working to sign “10/10" Ward-Prowse upgrade

West Ham United are at the start of an exciting new era, and Julen Lopetegui has certainly been backed by the board as he seeks to get the Irons flying.

Over £120m has been spent, and with James Ward-Prowse heading for the exit door, joining Nottingham Forest in a loan move, West Ham are looking to strengthen the middle of the park.

West Ham transfer news

According to The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg, West Ham are hoping to complete the signing of Chelsea talent Carney Chukwuemeka before the deadline.

This eleventh-hour deal is separate from the ongoing talks to sign Carlos Soler from Paris Saint-Germain and would not negatively impact that move. Chukwuemeka would join on loan, with the door open for a permanent solution down the line.

The Telegraph's Mike McGrath has followed up that report by suggesting that the Hammers are actively working to get the deal done for Chukwuemeka, albeit with rivals clubs also interested in the youngster.

What Carney Chukwuemeka would bring to West Ham

Chukwuemeka signed for Chelsea from Aston Villa for a fee in the region of £20m in 2022, but injuries and a consequent fall down the pecking order have limited him to just 27 appearances – starting only two top-flight fixtures last year.

Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.

Regardless, the £100k-per-week midfielder has so much potential and could find the London Stadium provides him with the platform to go from strength to strength and really announce him to the Premier League.

He's even been hailed as an "absolute 10/10 talent" by scout Jacek Kulig, invariably performing with silky dribbling and an eagerness to get on the ball and make things happen.

Central midfield

48

5

11

Attacking midfield

24

7

3

Left midfield

2

0

0

Defensive midfield

2

0

1

Centre-forward

1

0

0

He's a dynamic player but Chukwuemeka would likely find himself operating in the centre of the park, thrusting forward and opening circles of space in the opponent's half, in turn allowing Mohammed Kudus to zap forward down the flank, or perhaps creating an opening for Jarrod Bowen to latch onto and strike true, ball to net.

He's demonstrated something of an aptitude for an assist, and this could see the 20-year-old grow into his skin as a superb Ward-Prowse upgrade, with the Forest-bound free-kick specialist falling to the fringe since Lopetegui's arrival, lacking mobility and success when not in a dead-ball situation.

Wolves midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

Ward-Prowse ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists and the top 15% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref. Nice going, right?

Sure, but such high-ranking metrics derive from his set-piece deliveries. In regard to his production in open play, he ranks among the bottom 43% for progressive passes, the bottom 15% for progressive carries and the bottom 9% for tackles per 90.

Chukwuemeka is a vibrant talent, bursting onto the scene, and he would be a significant upgrade on West Ham's one-trick pony. He must be signed.

Sky Sports: West Ham still hoping to sign Payet 2.0 in £17m talent

This would mark a terrific finish to a promising transfer window…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 30, 2024

Howe must drop 5/10 Newcastle man who lost 100% of his duels

Newcastle United made it three wins from four in the Premier League with a narrow victory away at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.

It wasn’t a walk in the park by any stretch of the imagination for Eddie Howe’s side, with the game looking to be slipping away from the Magpies after Mario Lemina opened the scoring.

But, a big effort from the Tyneside outfit in the second 45 minutes saw Fabian Schar and Harvey Barnes score in quick succession to turn the game on its head in Newcastle’s favour to win 2-1.

The Magpies boss arguably got his team selection wrong for this trip to Molineux, as both the aforementioned Barnes and Joe Willock – who assisted the former Leicester City man’s winner – came to the rescue off the substitutes’ bench.

Yet, Jacob Murphy somehow survived the entire 90 minutes despite an underwhelming performance against Gary O’Neil’s Old Gold.

Murphy's performance vs Wolves

Murphy could well be worried about how solid his starting spot is moving forward now after his forgettable display in the West Midlands, as the likes of Barnes shone over the right-winger.

The Newcastle number 23 would only register one meagre effort on Sam Johnstone’s goal in the even clash, whilst substitute Barnes would fire three efforts – operating as a constant nuisance.

Moreover, Murphy lacked a bite in his game to try and get his side on the front foot when they were a goal down, with no duels won from nine attempted in the contest, whilst his passing at times was also haphazard with possession lost a poor 16 times against the hosts.

He was ultimately fortunate that Howe didn’t haul him off the pitch, as other players had arguably worse horror shows, with a light 6/10 rating handed out to the former Norwich City man at full-time by Shields Gazette journalist Dominic Scurr.

Howe’s substitutions at half-time made all the difference away from Murphy putting in a forgettable display, with Sean Longstaff not as lucky as his teammate to ride out the full 90 minutes, having been rightly hooked off at the interval.

Longstaff's performance vs Wolves

Longstaff will be seriously worried about his starting place in Howe’s XI after his dire first-half showing, with one wayward pass allowing the hosts to open the scoring.

Wolves still had a lot to do on the following counterattack, with Lemina eventually powering home, but the move started off as a result of the below-par Magpies number 36 giving up the ball.

Away from this dismal individual error, Longstaff was also weak in the centre of the park up against the likes of Joao Gomes, with zero duels successfully won from four attempts, alongside only managing to muster up 22 touches as a quiet and passive presence.

Both Sandro Tonali and Willock when introduced into the game offered far more centrally, with Willock assisting Barnes’ dramatic winner, whilst Tonali also looked tidy directly replacing the out-of-sorts 26-year-old.

Tonali’s performance + Willock’s performance vs Longstaff’s

Stat

Tonali

Willock

Longstaff

Minutes played

45

45

45

Goals scored

0

0

0

Assists

0

1

0

Shots on goal

2

1

0

Touches

24

23

22

Accurate passes

14/15 (93%)

12/13 (92%)

19/21 (90%)

Key passes

0

5

0

Total duels won

3/4

6/7

0/4

Stats by Sofascore

Looking at the table above, both the Italian midfielder and the ex-Arsenal man were key in the comeback win being secured, with Willock impressively amassing five key passes from just one half of football.

The 26-year-old’s poor display was reflected in his post-match rating by Scurr, who gave the homegrown Magpies product a 5/10 rating and acknowledged that his ‘loose’ pass in the first 45 minutes played a part in Lemina making it 1-0.

kalvin-phillips-sean-longstaff-newcastle-opinion

The clash at Molineux will have given Howe much to ponder regarding his future team selections, and the manager must now ruthlessly ditch Longstaff from the XI for their next clash in the Premier League versus Fulham.

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Marcão elogia atuação do Fluminense e exalta apoio da torcida: 'Nos ajudou a fazer a diferença'

MatériaMais Notícias

Em um “jogo de seis pontos”, o Fluminense fez o dever de casa e derrotou o América-MG por 2 a 0. Luiz Henrique e Fred marcaram os gols do importante triunfo, que deixa a equipe na disputa por uma vaga na próxima Libertadores. Na entrevista coletiva, o técnico Marcão elogiou a atuação da equipe diante do Coelho e exaltou o apoio da torcida, que fez um belo espetáculo no Maracanã.

RelacionadasFluminenseFluminense vence o América-MG, sobe para sétimo, e mantém vivo o sonho da vaga na LibertadoresFluminense21/11/2021FluminenseATUAÇÕES: Luiz Henrique tem grande desempenho e Fred volta a marcar em vitória do FluminenseFluminense21/11/2021Futebol NacionalNicole fecha o gol nos pênaltis, Fluminense vence o Botafogo e avança à final do Carioca femininoFutebol Nacional20/11/2021

– Um grande jogo. Nossa equipe jogou no campo adversário e mereceu já o gol no primeiro tempo. No segundo tempo, a gente sabia que a equipe do América ia se lançar, mas mesmo assim a nossa equipe marcou muito forte, e foi taticamente perfeita. – disse o comandante tricolor, e emendou:

– Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

– Mais uma vez temos que enaltecer o nosso 12º jogador, que jogou junto com a equipe o tempo todo e nos ajudou a fazer a diferença mais uma vez. Já projetando o jogo de meio de semana, a gente pede que mais uma vez estejam presentes nos incentivando para realmente fazermos mais um grande jogo e tentar conquistar mais uma grande vitória. Hoje eles entregaram tudo o que propusemos e merecidamente saímos com uma grande vitória contra um grande adversário- completou.

Com a vitória, o Fluminense soma 48 pontos restando quatro rodadas para o fim da competição. Na quarta, o time terá outro confronto direto, também no Maracanã, diante do Internacional, às 21h30. Para esse duelo importante, Marcão não poderá contar com o volante André, que tomou o terceiro cartão amarelo.

Além dele, Luiz Henrique e Nino deixaram o campo sentindo dores. O técnico afirmou que o jovem veio de um longo tempo de inatividade e demonstrou empenho na vitória deste domingo. O zagueiro, por sua vez, será reavaliado pelo departamento médico.

-ATUAÇÕES: Luiz Henrique tem grande desempenho e Fred volta a marcar em vitória do Fluminense

– Luiz veio de um tempo inativo, entrou, deu tudo de si, e a gente espera que não seja nada demais. Sobre o Nino, os médicos terão de reavaliá-lo para saber se aconteceu algo mais grave. Perdemos o Andrezão para essa partida. É saber que quem entrar vai corresponder para que a gente possa fazer uma grande partida e para manter os pontos importante aqui em casa – comentou.

He’d unlock Bruno: Man Utd working on deal for £51m "monster"

The Premier League is finally back, and Manchester United were tasked with getting proceedings underway with a home game against recent bogey team, Fulham, on Friday night.

Fortunately for Erik ten Hag, while the game wasn't a walk in the park, his side came away 1-0 winners and kick-started their campaign in the best way possible.

However, had club captain Bruno Fernandes had his shooting boots on, the scoreline could have been a lot more comfortable, although he'll likely be far more effective going forward as it's unlikely that he'll be starting up top in the next game.

Moreover, if the Red Devils can get their hands on the latest start touted for a move to Old Trafford, the Portuguese international could become even more impactful in attack.

Manchester United transfer news

According to a recent report from the latest edition of Sunday's World, United are still interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

The report claims that following their recent defensive signings, the club have now shifted their focus back to defensive midfield and are working on a deal to sign the former Sporting star.

However, PSG still value the Uruguayan at £51m, which is a fee the Red Devils are unwilling to meet, but with the Parisians keen on Jadon Sancho, a compromise could be found that suits all parties.

Manuel Ugarte for PSG

It could prove to be a complicated deal to get over the line, but if Sir Jim Ratcliffe can offload a player they no longer want for one they do, then this could be a masterstroke, especially as Ugarte would help unlock Fernandes.

Why Ugarte would unlock Fernandes

So, while there could be any number of reasons why Ugarte would help unlock and get more out of Fernandes, one overrides all others: his defensive work.

For as talented as the United captain is, and for as much of an impact he can have on a game, he'll always be slightly hamstrung in midfield if he is playing alongside a teammate who isn't particularly impressive when it comes to defending, which is where the PSG ace comes in.

For example, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, the "defensive monster", as Statman Dave dubbed him, sits in the top 1% of midfielders for tackles, tackles plus interceptions, ball recoveries and dribblers tackled, the top 2% for tackles won, and the top 3% for interceptions alone, all per 90.

Ugarte FBref Scout Report

Stats

Per 90

Percentile

Tackles

4.19

Top 1%

Tackles + Interceptions

6.09

Top 1%

Ball Recoveries

8.10

Top 1%

Dribblers Tackled

1.85

Top 1%

Tackles Won

2.34

Top 2%

Interceptions

1.89

Top 3%

All Stats via FBref

Just imagine having a six in the team as proficient at breaking up play and stopping counter-attacks as the 23-year-old "ball winner", as data analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed him, in front of a new and improved back four. Fernandes wouldn't have to worry about what's happening behind him; instead, he'd be able to focus 100% of his energy on happenings at the sharp end of the pitch, where he's at his best.

For example, last season, United had the sixth-worst defence in the entire league by expected goals against and yet, despite the team struggling so much around him, the former Sporting star still racked up 15 goals and 13 assists in 48 appearances, equating to a goal involvement on average every 1.71 games.

Now, suppose he was playing in a team that was more capable of keeping the ball and limiting opposition counter-attacks. In that case, he might have the opportunity to produce even more impressive numbers this season.

Ultimately, while the transfer might be complicated to get over the line, bringing in Ugarte this summer would be a brilliant way of shoring up United's defence and, in turn, unlocking Fernandes to contribute even more in attack.

Man Utd chiefs open talks to sell £60,000-a-week ace Ten Hag wants to keep

A bid is expected soon.

By
Henry Jackson

Aug 19, 2024

Arsenal star was worth £15m when Arteta arrived, now he’s worth 293% more

Arsenal have undergone a dramatic transformation in the last five years or so and are practically unrecognisable from the club Mikel Arteta took over in late 2019.

Alongside Sporting Director Edu Gaspar, the Spaniard has completely overhauled the squad, bringing in a swathe of talented players like Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice while getting rid of those who wouldn't help him take the team forward.

However, while there has been so much change at the Emirates since the former Captain returned, a few players have remained and become integral members of this title-challenging team; players like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal's GabrielMartinellicelebrates after Newcastle United's Fabian Schar scores an own goal and Arsenal's second

That said, while there are no question marks over the future of the Englishman and Frenchman, there are some for the Brazilian, although since the manager took over, his valuation has exploded, per Transfermarkt.

1 Martinelli's market value when Arteta took over

saka-martinelli-arsenal

So, on December 20th 2019, Arteta was announced as Arsenal's new head coach, and just ten days earlier, Martinelli saw his valuation rise to €18m, which is about £15m.

It's not an enormous number, but considering he was only signed for £6m from Ituano that summer, it was already a major indication that the club had a special player on their hands.

It was an increase that was more than justified during the season as well.

Despite still being a teenager and suffering a major injury during Project Restart, Martinelli racked up a seriously impressive haul of ten goals and provided four assists in 26 first-team appearances.

2 Martinelli's market value in 2020/21

Unfortunately for the young attacker, his second season in North London was much less spectacular than his first, as he was only able to rack up a total of two goals and two assists in 22 appearances for the club.

However, this disappointing output was mostly due to the severe knee injury he sustained in June, as he didn't even make his first senior appearance until the 19th of December.

That said, as he had still enjoyed a statement season in the campaign prior, his valuation in October 2020 had increased to €25m, which is about £21m, or £6m more than his price tag when Arteta took over.

3 Gabriel Martinelli's market value in 2021/22

Gabriel Martinelli warming up for Arsenal

The June before the 21/22 campaign saw the dynamic winger's valuation decrease to €22m, about £19m, due to his lack of game time the previous season.

However, this wasn't really an issue as, after a pretty miserable year, the Guarulhos-born gem was able to play some regular football again.

He wasn't just making up the numbers either, as, across 36 matches, the 5 foot 10 ace scored six goals and provided seven assists, meaning that he maintained an average of a goal involvement once every 2.76 games.

Moreover, while he didn't play in every game, he remained fit for the entire campaign, giving the manager another option in attack and boosting his reputation in the process.

4 Gabriel Martinelli's market value in 2022/23

Thanks to his impressive displays in 21/22, Martinelli's valuation was once again soaring ahead of the following season. In June 2022, it reached a new peak of €40m or £34m, and over the next ten months, he would more than justify the new price tag.

Arsenal went into the campaign with the goal of finishing in the top four, but fairly early on, it became apparent that they were suddenly in a title race with Manchester City, and a large part of the reason why was the attacking talent in the team, including the then-21-year-old Brazilian.

For example, in his 46 appearances across all competitions, the "unplayable" dynamo, as described by pundit Owen Hargreaves, scored 15 goals and provided six assists, meaning that just a couple of years after suffering a serious knee injury, he was averaging a goal involvement every 1.85 games.

Unfortunately, the Gunners would collapse near the season's end, but Martinelli had now laid down a marker and showed the league just how good he could be.

5 Gabriel Martinelli's market value in 2023/24

So, after such an incredible campaign, the former Ituano gem's reputation was at an all-time high and in June 2023, his valuation would match that fact, with Transfermarkt valuing him at a whopping €80m, which is about £67m.

However, as so many have before him, the 13-capped international struggled to follow up on his barnstorming year, and over the next ten months, he's become a player who increasingly frustrates a fanbase now expecting their team to push for the title.

In his 44 appearances across all competitions, he could only muster up a fairly uninspiring tally of eight goals and five assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement once every 3.38 games.

2019/20

26

10

4

0.53

2020/21

22

2

2

0.18

2021/22

36

6

7

0.36

2022/23

46

15

6

0.45

2023/24

44

8

5

0.29

2024/25

3

0

0

0.00

Now, this wasn't a dreadful return, and some of the discussion around the 23-year-old since has been hyperbolic, but compared to how well he played just the season prior, it was undeniably disappointing.

6 Martinelli's market value in 2024/25

So, we come to this season, and considering the slight step back he took last year, the Gunners' number 11 has unsurprisingly seen his valuation decrease.

Transfermarkt priced him at €70m in May of this year, which is about £59m or 293% higher than it was when Arteta joined the club.

It's set to be a massive campaign for Martinelli this year, as with all the talk of Nico Williams and other talented wingers over the summer, his place in the starting lineup isn't guaranteed anymore.

Worryingly, in his three appearances thus far, he hasn't looked particularly impressive, and when he was substituted off at Villa Park, his replacement, Leandro Trossard, came on and scored with his first touch.

However, Martinelli is still an immensely talented winger, and even though he's been in and around the first team for five years now, he's still relatively young at 23.

Therefore, while his stock might be quite low at the moment, he has all the raw qualities to turn things around and get back to his very best.

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Kuldeep Yadav puts tough days behind him with positive return

The return of his pairing with Yuzvendra Chahal paid dividends for India

Saurabh Somani18-Jul-20214:50

Muralidaran: Presence of too many options led to the exit of Chahal, Kuldeep

Among the eleven Indians who took the field against Sri Lanka in the first ODI, perhaps none had a greater point to prove than Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm wristspinner has not been part of India’s first-choice XI in limited-overs formats recently, and faced several questions about his form. He responded by bowling with guile and bit to return 2 for 48, putting to rest the demons of his last ODI outing for India, where he had given up 84 runs in 10 overs as Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes ran amok.After the game against Sri Lanka on Sunday, Yadav pointed to his past record when asked if he feared his white-ball career was over, and said it would be nicer if that was talked about as much as the times he’s not done well.”Sometimes you get hit for runs, but other times you get wickets too. I have taken three-four wickets often, taken five-six wickets too,” Yadav said. “If people talk about that more, it’ll be nicer (smiles). Nobody’s cricket [career] is finished after one game or two games. I think the last series was good for England because the pitches were very good in Pune. Spinners didn’t have much help. It happens sometimes, the pitch is not in your favour. But sometimes you should credit the batsmen too for batting well, rather than say someone’s cricket is finished.”Yadav did admit to nerves at the start of the game, nerves compounded by spending a lot of time on the bench, and within bio-bubbles, which can foster self-doubt even with well-intentioned advice.Related

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“Pressure… nervousness is always there when you play, and I was playing after a long time,” he said. “Rahul [Dravid] sir backed me a lot and motivated me. We spoke a lot, and he told me that I should just enjoy bowling, focus on the processes that we have worked on in the last 15 days, and don’t be tense about the result. I’m very happy that my performance was good. You’re definitely nervous if you play cricket after so long, and you want to perform well.”It is difficult in bubbles. If you don’t play, you get a lot of doubts in your mind,” Yadav added. “There are many people who want to help you, talk to you. But if you talk to too many people, then you create doubts within yourself also. But this is a team sport, and sometimes people get opportunities, sometimes you don’t. You have to just wait for your chance.”We’re lucky that the kind of atmosphere that is there in the team is so good. We’ve been in a bubble for a month, and the first 14 days were in quarantine in Mumbai. Then when we came here, the series also got rescheduled, so we got five more days. The kind of atmosphere that is there is so good, that we didn’t feel it [the extended time in the bubble].”Kuldeep Yadav is pumped after taking a wicket•AFP via Getty ImagesThe first ODI against Sri Lanka was also a return to the comfort zone for Yadav, being paired with legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal for the first time since India’s league match against England in the 2019 World Cup.”I’m very happy that we both got to play together after quite some time,” Yadav said. “I think we’re comfortable with each other, and back each other. Whenever it is needed on the field, I tell him something or he tells me things. Our bonding is good. Maybe because we’re so comfortable with each other, it shows on the ground. Our performance was quite good, and the way we did well, playing together after so long, was good for the team.”Yadav gave a straight-batted reply to the familiar question of what he made of Arjuna Ranatunga’s comment on this being a second-string Indian side, and whether winning by seven wickets with 80 balls remaining was an “answer” to the former Sri Lanka captain.”We don’t need to answer anybody, we just need to focus on our jobs,” Yadav said. “We have come here to play cricket. We’re really lucky that we’re getting to play cricket in this situation. Our focus is on our team and on how we can perform well in six matches, because we have a lot of youngsters. Definitely, we’ll see every match in the same way, that how can we win it for the team. That’s our motto. Other than that, who says what are their thoughts. We should focus on ourselves and enjoy our cricket.”The pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium offered a fair bit of turn, with Yadav extracting full use out of it. He anticipated more help for the spinners over the course of the tour.”I feel that if you bowl in the first innings, because it’s very hot and it’s humid too, the pitch becomes dry and takes turn,” Yadav said. “Definitely if there is a second game on the same pitch, it’ll spin more than in the first match. There are several pitches. Hopefully in the T20Is, some pitches get repeated, although there will be a time gap. But the kind of heat and humidity that’s there, spinners will get turn.”

Saved by Hall: Howe must immediately drop 6/10 Newcastle star

Newcastle United impressed as they battled to a draw with champions Manchester City in the Premier League, salvaging a point through Anthony Gordon’s second-half penalty.

The visitors will rue the lengthy absence of Rodri, but treating the game as a singular thing, Newcastle were equally disadvantaged as Alexander Isak missed out due to a toe injury.

Anthony Gordon scores for Newcastle

The hosts were well contained in attack but still grabbed that one moment, Bruno Guimaraes threading it through for Gordon, to leave St. James’ Park with a result. Those at the rear deserve plenty of credit, and Lewis Hall was the pick of the bunch.

Lewis Hall's performance in numbers

Hall was a loanee on Tyneside last season but his move has been made permanent for a £28m fee this summer, and he has repaid the financial faith with a role of greater significance.

Having started two of the past three Premier League matches, the versatile left-back is creeping into regular contention, and with further displays like the one against Pep Guardiola’s imperious outfit, he will cement himself as one of Newcastle’s standouts.

Still only 20 years old, the Cobham Academy product impressed against a City right flank consisting of Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva. As per Sofascore, he blocked two shots, timed one perfect interception, won two of his three contested duels and succeeded with his one attempted dribble, but such metrics do not do his fearless performance justice.

Lewis Hall against Erling Haaland

He held Newcastle’s left side almost single-handedly, with Harvey Barnes flattering to deceive.

Harvey Barnes must return to the bench

Barnes has been enjoying his football of late, scoring in three successive Premier League matches before blanking against the champions.

Newcastle World awarded the Englishman a 6/10 match score but wrote that he ‘didn’t pose a serious threat’ against Josko Gvardiol and co, marshalled well.

Indeed, Barnes had plenty of shooting chances but came across somewhat selfish. Failing to make a key pass for his teammates and only taking 23 touches, which was fewer than that of his goalkeeper Nick Pope (33).

Minutes played

76′

Touches

23

Shots (on target)

4 (1)

Accurate passes

13/16 (81%)

Key passes

0

Dribbles (completed)

0 (0)

Tackles

0

Interceptions

1

Total duels (won)

1 (1)

He did chalk up a 100% duel success rate, but then Barnes only contested one duel throughout the affair and will now be sweating for his place in the team against Everton at Goodison Park next weekend.

Gordon is one of the first names on the teamsheet, and though Isak has been ruled out of the Magpies’ Carabao Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday, he will be assessed ahead of the weekend.

That means Barnes may well find himself back on the bench. Jacob Murphy isn’t the flashiest footballer in the league but he doesn’t half put in a shift. Against the Citizens, the right winger completed both of his dribbles, made two key passes and won three duels.

Newcastle need that kind of energy, and with that in mind, Barnes should be ditched for the upcoming Premier League clash.

Newcastle wanted ace for £12.5m in 2019, now he's outshining Isak & Gordon

This was a big missed opportunity for the Magpies…

1 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 27, 2024

"4 غيابات محتملة تهدد مشوار اللقب".. ضربات قوية في ليفربول قبل مباراة ولفرهامبتون

يستعد نادي ليفربول لمواجهة ولفرهامبتون اليوم، الأحد، وسط حالة من القلق بشأن جاهزية بعض لاعبيه، حيث ينتظر المدرب آرني سلوت تحديثات حول قائمة المصابين قبل المباراة.

ويلتقي ليفربول وولفرهامبتون في تمام الساعة الرابعة عصرًا بتوقيت “القاهرة” على ملعب “أنفيلد” وبقيادة الحكم، سيمون هوبر.

وتعرض كودي جاكبو لإصابة في القدم خلال مواجهة إيفرتون المؤجلة يوم، الأربعاء الماضي، مما يثير الشكوك حول مشاركته ضد ولفرهامبتون، حيث أكد سلوت تعرضه للإصابة يوم الجمعة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي بعد هدف محمد صلاح أمام ولفرهامبتون

غياب جاكبو سيمثل ضربة قوية في ليفربول، خاصة أنه بدأ آخر 13 مباراة في الدوري وسجل 10 أهداف في آخر 10 مباريات على ملعب أنفيلد.

ومن المؤكد غياب، كورتيس جونز، بسبب الإيقاف لمباراة واحدة بعد طرده أمام إيفرتون إثر مشاجرة مع عبد الله دوكوريه عقب التعادل 2-2 في ديربي “ميرسيساسيد”.

جو جوميز سيغيب لفترة طويلة بسبب إصابة في ساقه تعرض لها أمام بليموث (في كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي)، بحسب ما ذكرت شبكة “ليفربول إيكو”.

أخيرًا، لاعب الوسط تايلر مورتون سيبتعد عن الملاعب لأشهر بعد خضوعه لعملية جراحية ناجحة في الكتف وبالتالي هو خارج خطط المدرب، آرني سلوت.

National media praising once-£74m ace who Arsenal let go this summer

The media are waxing lyrical over a once-£74 million player who Arsenal let go this summer, following an excellent attacking display in his side's latest league game.

Players sold or loaned out by Arsenal in summer transfer window

While Edu Gaspar and the Gunners recruitment team brought in a host of key new additions – including David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Neto and Raheem Sterling – they were equally productive in shipping players out.

Havertz praises "crazy" £30 million player who stuns everyone at Arsenal

He’s apparently “ridiculous” in training.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 1, 2024

Mikel Arteta gave the green-light for Edu to offload Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny first, with Arsenal deciding not to renew their contracts and let the duo leave on a free in late June.

Following Soares and Elneny, Karl Hein, Mika Biereth, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira, Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith-Rowe also sealed exits from the Emirates Stadium – either on loan or permanently.

The transfers have saved Arsenal quite a bit of cash in terms of their wage bill, with Nketiah's sale to Crystal Palace and Nelson's loan move to Fulham alone chalking off around £100,000-per-week.

This will have allowed the north Londoners to reinvest that money in the wages of key new arrivals like Sterling, who is actually thought to pocket far under £163,000-per-week at his new club, as Arsenal are believed to be paying way less than 50 per cent of his £325,000-per-week take-home at Chelsea as part of their loan deal (Miguel Delaney).

Raheem Sterling's all-time stats for Chelsea

Goals

19

Assists

12

Yellow cards

13

Red cards

0

Minutes played

5,335

Of course, there is the potential for any of the aforementioned departees to thrive away from Arsenal, and one of them is left-back Nuno Tavares.

The left-back sealed a loan-with-obligation-to-buy switch to Serie A side Lazio, which will become permanent for around £7.5 million next summer, as Arsenal wave goodbye to the Portuguese who has seemingly played his last game for Arteta.

While Tavares has been called "extraordinary" on some of his loan spells away from Arsenal, but Edu and co still elected to part company with the 24-year-old who was far down Arteta's pecking order.

Nuno Tavares praised by Italian media after leaving Arsenal

Tavares, since departing London Colney, has actually impressed so far – which has attracted praise from Italian media. The former Benfica starlet, who once even commanded a seismic £74 million release clause at the Primeira Liga side, bagged two assists on his Lazio debut at the weekend in their 2-2 draw against AC Milan.

La Gazzetta dello Sport heaped praise on Tavarez following his dazzling attacking display, even comparing him to ex-left-back stalwarts Aleksandar Kolarov and Senad Lulic, who starred in the position for years.

Tavares' debut against Milan has seemingly excited the national press in Italy, with La Gazzetta claiming the "music has changed" around him, and they insist he could be Lazio's left-back answer for years to come.

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