South Australia’s openers had 12 overs to bat and Jake Weatherald made an error in judgement to fall LBW to Jackson Bird
Alex Malcolm29-Nov-2018A patient century from opener Jordan Silk has put Tasmania in reach of a second win of the season, after setting South Australia a fourth innings chase of 403. Silk faced 252 balls for his 113, his sixth Sheffield Shield century. Silk and George Bailey put on 93 for the fourth wicket to build Tasmania’s lead.Bailey, who stood down from the captaincy last week to focus on his batting, returned to form, compiling 63 before he was trapped LBW by Joe Mennie. Matthew Wade suffered a rare failure this season when he was caught spectacularly at fine leg by Kane Richardson. Silk’s innings came to an end when Mennie found his outside edge.Tim Paine found some nice touch ahead of the Test series against India, making a 101-ball 47 not out that included a monstrous slog sweep for six off Travis Head. Paine shared a 53-partnership with debutant Alex Pyecroft before adding another 30 with Gabe Bell and Jackson Bird to give Wade a chance to declare late in the day with the lead over 400.South Australia’s openers had 12 overs to bat and Jake Weatherald made an error in judgement to fall LBW not offering a stroke to a full inswinger from Bird.
The ongoing saga in the Premier League for some time now has been Manchester City's 115 financial fair play charges and their battle to avoid the same fate as Everton, or perhaps far more serious. With that said, reports have indicated where those in charge at the Etihad Stadium feel regarding the charges following Everton's punishment.
Man City's Financial Fair Play Investigation
The Manchester club were hit with 115 FFP charges back in February for alleged breaches between 2009 and 2017. Now at the end of November, we are yet to see a resolution or punishment for those charges though, with the case sent to an independent commission. Speaking about the charges, Pep Guardiola said in his recent press conference:
“I’ve not changed my view on the 115 charges against Man City. Everton? Two completely different cases. I know people are saying: why don't Man City go to the Conference? I feel that people want City to be punished. But at the moment we are innocent”.
According to reporter Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, meanwhile, Manchester City chiefs are supremely confident of defending their 115 FFP charges, despite Everton's recent punishment. The report adds that a well-placed source has said that the treble-winners are “very confident” of being found not guilty and have pulled out all the stops with a heavily-manned legal team to help fight the case in a positive update.
Of course, if they do avoid punishment, it may steal the headlines in the Premier League and perhaps leave Everton frustrated. The Toffees said in a club statement following their points deduction:
"The club will also monitor with great interest the decisions made in any other cases concerning the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules."
Man City confident of beating FFP charges
It remains to be seen when we'll see a resolution to the ongoing investigation into Manchester City, but when we get one it will be interesting to see just how severe their punishment is if they're found guilty. We already saw that the Premier League won't hesitate to deduct points and with 115 charges, the treble winners could find themselves dealing with drastic consequences.
Guardiola may well remain loyal to City no matter what, however, saying in his press conference that he is even more likely to stay at the club if they're in League One in a statement that will relieve those at the Etihad. From the Spaniard's perspective, he'll be hoping to see the focus shift back to the action on the pitch, as his side square off against title rivals Liverpool in what is one of the most important games of the season more often than not.
The Citizens have the chance to move four points clear of the Reds with a win on Saturday to put themselves well on course for a fourth Premier League title in a row, even whilst their FFP investigation continues and punishment potentially looms.
On Sunday, Erik ten Hag was forced to rely upon the youth in his Manchester United squad versus Everton, with academy stars, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, stealing the spotlight.
The 3-0 victory was the first time United had netted more than two goals in a game all season and it is clear that putting the ball in the back of the net has been a major issue, with the Red Devils scoring an average per game of 1.23.
The individual who has the potential to boost that output is an attacker with "amazing talent" – as per Tony Mowbray – yet he has just three career appearances in the Premier League, Amad Diallo.
A knee injury in pre-season has halted the winger’s progress, but once he returns, he may just have a Garnacho-esque impact on United.
The 3 most exciting young stars that Man Utd could unleash after Kobbie Mainoo
Erik ten Hag could call upon these three exciting youngsters at Manchester United.
ByMatt Dawson Nov 27, 2023 Man United’s right-wing issues
It is well-known that Manchester United are struggling to nail down an individual at right-wing, with Antony, Jadon Sancho and Facundo Pellistri all failing to impress the boss. The trio scored a combined ten goals last season in the Premier League, three less than what Amad netted in the Championship alone (13).
The 2023/24 campaign was supposed to be a fresh start for Sancho and Antony in particular, but they have both been unavailable for large spells, with the former now not allowed to train with the first team. This ultimately led to Ten Hag opting for an out-of-position Marcus Rashford on the right against the Toffees.
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford.
Diallo spent last season on loan at Sunderland, where he became instrumental to the way Mowbray’s side played. Ten Hag believed that the Ivorian needed an opportunity to “get strong physically and mentally”, luckily the winger who was signed for £37m in 2021 thrived in the second tier and the loan was successful.
Why Amad Diallo will be vital for Man United
Despite not winning the Player of the Match award, Mainoo looked like a seasoned professional against a physical Everton team, displaying confidence and eagerness to increase the tempo. Diallo holds a similar approach and his influence in and out of possession could elevate Ten Hag’s side to a new level.
Kobbie Mainoo
Firstly, Amad will provide a much-needed balance to the United attack and due to the constant rotation in the right-sided role, relationships have been unable to form with Diogo Dalot or Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right back.
The 21-year-old is also left-footed, which helps improve passing angles into the central areas, but he also has the ability to go on the outside, giving him an edge of unpredictability.
Amad Diallo
Diallo isn’t blessed with blistering pace that will see him breeze past opponents due to pure speed, but he thrives when playing quick, one-touch football that can craft open opponents, with Mowbray naming him a “Magician”.
Although he can do a good job holding the width, he comes alive in a slightly inverted position, and as such, he will get the best out of Rasmus Hojlund, who loves to play with his back to goal.
Much like Mainoo, Amad oozes class and a high amount of potential whilst remaining composed. Slotting home three penalties last season for Sunderland also highlights that he is willing to take responsibility and that he doesn’t shy away from game-defining moments, the exact mindset that Manchester United have sorely missed of late.
Despite losing four of their last five Tests, Sri Lanka won away series against Bangladesh and West Indies, as well as a home series against South Africa
Andrew Fidel Fernando30-Dec-2018Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal rued the first-innings mistakes in Christchurch that had allowed New Zealand to build an advantage and set the tone for the game, but in reflecting on Sri Lanka’s Test year, suggested there were some promising signs.Sri Lanka have lost four of their last five Tests, but had won away series against Bangladesh, drawn one in West Indies, and won at home against South Africa, through the course of 2018. There have also been key individual performances. Lead spinner Dilruwan Perera was the year’s second-most prolific bowler, with 50 wickets at 29.32. Opener Dimuth Karunaratne had another strong year, averaging 46.43 to finish sixth on the run-scorers’ list, despite having played only 17 innings in 2018.Chief among Sri Lanka’s individual achievements, however, was Kusal Mendis’ 1023 Test runs. His tally is second only to that of Virat Kohli in 2018. No younger player has had a four-digit Test year since AB de Villiers in 2005.”He thinks a lot about his game off the field from day to day, and he’s a player with a big future,” Chandimal said of Mendis. “I’ve congratulated him on getting to 1000 runs, and that he did it at such a young age. That’s a big achievement. I hope he can play just as well going forward.”I think overall the Test team has done pretty well this year. The major regret is that we weren’t able to take the chances that we had to turn that England series around. But as a captain I’m really happy about the style of cricket we played this year. There are big areas for improvement. We need to change those things and make sure the coming year is a good one.”One of the batting positions Sri Lanka have found unproductive in 2013 is the No. 3 spot, with various batsmen occupying the position through the year. Dhananjaya de Silva had somewhat unsuccessfully batted at No. 3 through the England series, and in the first Test against New Zealand, before he was dropped from the XI and Chandimal assumed the role. The new year may see Chandimal stay in that position, for the coming tours of Australia and South Africa.I had actually been planning to bat at No. 3 in that series, but because of the injury I picked up I wasn’t able to bat higher than six in the first Test against England in Galle,” Chandimal said. “When I came back into the team, I didn’t want to make anyone change the places they were already batting in. That’s why in the first match I batted down at No. 6. But when Dhananjaya wasn’t able to get back amongst the runs, I thought I really needed to challenge myself and bat at No. 3. We’ve got two big Test series coming up, and you’ll probably see me at No. 3.”In New Zealand, Sri Lanka have also struggled to find a penetrative third seamer to support Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kumara. Kasun Rajitha had gone wicketless in the Wellington Test, and Dushmantha Chameera claimed just one wicket in Christchurch.”Kasun and Dushmantha haven’t been able to play Tests much recently, whereas Suranga and Lahiru have had a few more opportunities and have a bit more of that experience,” Chandimal said. “Kasun was playing his first Test in New Zealand, and he’s got things he can improve. He’s a very good bowler. Dushmantha wasn’t able to get wickets on this tour, but in the last New Zealand tour he had got wickets so we had that faith in him. When a pitch is good for batting, we need to learn a little bit more on how we can bowl better on those pitches, and that’s something you get with experience.”
Cole Palmer has been implored to stay at Chelsea and become 'the face' of the ongoing project under Mauricio Pochettino by former Blues star Joe Cole.
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Cole urges Palmer to stay putBelieves toiling Chelsea will rise back to the topBacks Pochettino to be given timeWHAT HAPPENED?
Palmer has been an unexpected bright spot in another taxing season at Stamford Bridge since joining the club, in what now looks a very shrewd £42.5 million ($52.5m) move from Manchester City on deadline day of the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old – who arrived with limited first-team experience – has a remarkable 36 goal contributions in all competitions, including 20 Premier League strikes as he keeps pace with goal machine and former team-mate Erling Haaland at the top of the scoring charts. That form has earned him a senior England call-up, and he now seems to be a shoo-in for Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad.
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However, given the juxtaposition of his personal exploits and Chelsea's continued overall struggles, there will be growing questions over his future as the summer transfer window approaches.
Although they have a chance of making a late push for Europe, the Blues have struggled to escape the clutches of mid-table this season, but pundit and former Stamford Bridge favourite Cole has urged Palmer to stay the course and become the poster boy of the project – one he believes under-pressure manager Mauricio Pochettino is the right man to oversee.
WHAT COLE SAID ABOUT PALMER
Speaking to GOAL courtesy of , Cole said: "I think you’ve got to credit him [Palmer] for taking [the move to Chelsea from Man City]. Ultimately, we have to say it was a step down from where he was the treble-winners, of course. And he's been brilliant. He lit the place up. He's been extraordinary, and I think he could have played himself into the England team. I think he's got the mindset for it. I think he's got the quality. And I think if I was him, I'd want to be the face of the rebirth of Chelsea Football Club as a global team."
Asked by GOAL if he would stay at Chelsea this summer if he was in Palmer's shoes, Cole was crystal clear: "Yeah, 100%. Because it's not like Chelsea are not ever going to get back to the top – they will. Even if they make as many mistakes as they have been in the last three years, you're still going to get some wins and Chelsea will get [back] to the top. Cole Palmer is looking like a leader in the team as well. Just a proper player."
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GettyWHAT COLE SAID ABOUT POCHETTINO
Asked whether Pochettino is the right manager for the job of guiding the club through its current transition, Cole responded: "I don’t know what the parameters are for success, for what the owners see as acceptable – that’s a conversation between the owners, board members and Pochettino – but I agree with Frank [Lampard] in that he needs time. It's a crazy game we live in, it really is.
"A football club is like driving a big cruise liner – it doesn't turn sharp, things don’t get better quickly or worse quickly. There's been massive mistakes made at Chelsea over the last three years that are nothing to do with Pochettino, and nothing to do with Frank, Graham Potter or Thomas Tuchel.
"But ultimately their heads are on the block – that's what we sign up for as managers. I’m just hoping behind the scenes there are some clear strategies in place and we know where we are with what’s accepted as a club."
Arsenal may turn their attention to Bruno Guimaraes and Douglas Luiz amid concerns landing Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi may be 'difficult'.
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Arsenal targeting Sociedad's Zubimendi Face competition from Barca and Bayern Gunners turn to Bruno and Luiz instead WHAT HAPPENED?
According to the Evening Standard, the Gunners want to sign at least one midfielder this summer and have had Zubimendi on their radar for quite some time. The report adds the 25-year-old has been reluctant to leave his boyhood club amid interest from Bayern Munich and Barcelona. As that transfer proves difficult, Mikel Arteta's men could move for Newcastle United's Guimaraes and Villa's Luiz but both clubs are reluctant to sell – unless a huge offer comes in.
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Arsenal are reportedly preparing to overhaul much of their midfield for next season, with Jorginho, 32, out of contract this summer, as is Mohamed Elneny, 31, while Thomas Partey, 30, has one year left on his deal. It is likely the Gunners will have to sell before they can strengthen their midfield – especially after spending £100 million ($130m) on Declan Rice in 2023.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Standard claim the defensive midfielder is keen to play for Xabi Alonso again, after coaching him at Real Sociedad B and then helping him break into the first-team there. Had the 42-year-old swapped Bayer Leverkusen for Bayern Munich next season, Zubimendi was expected to follow suit but that may not happen after Alonso's decision to stay put.
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WHAT NEXT?
While the transfer rumours around these three players will continue to rumble on, including when the transfer window opens in mid-June, Zubimendi's Sociedad side entertain Real Madrid on Friday night in La Liga action.
Tottenham Hotspur got back to winning ways on Sunday as Ange Postecoglou's side beat Newcastle United 4-1 at home in the Premier League.
The Lilywhites had failed to win any of their previous five top-flight matches, which resulted in four defeats and one draw, despite taking the lead in all of them.
They took the lead once again against the Magpies but were able to hold on for all three points with an impressive, energetic, display in front of their own fans.
Heung-min Son and Destiny Udogie both caught the eye with superb showings but Richarlison was just as good with a pleasing redemption up front.
Son and Udogie's performances v Newcastle in numbers
The Spurs captain was electric out wide with one goal, from the penalty spot, and two assists out in his more natural position on the left wing.
He completed 85% of his attempted passes and created four chances for his teammates across his 89 minutes on the pitch, although the South Korea international did miss one 'big chance'.
Udogie, meanwhile, kicked off the scoring with a close-range finish as Son whipped the ball across the six-yard box for the left-back to convert.
Tottenham star Destiny Udogie.
The former Udinese prospect also won three of his four ground duels and provided two key passes in a dynamic, all-action, performance from the Italy international.
Richarlison's performance v Newcastle in numbers
Whilst Udogie and Son were excellent, Richarlison was just as good with his brilliant centre-forward performance after the disappointment of his miss against West Ham on Thursday.
The Brazil international sent his free header wide of the post, which went down as a 'big chance' missed, as Spurs were fighting to get something out of the game.
Postecoglou placed his faith in the former Everton star by handing him a start in the number nine position and the gem rewarded that faith as he redeemed himself against Newcastle.
Richarlison helped to set the tempo for Spurs with his energetic display up front. He constantly hassled and closed down opposition defenders to make sure that Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar were always under pressure – in and out of possession.
His hard work was rewarded in the 38th minute as Son cut the ball back for the Brazilian hero to bundle the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
The 26-year-old ace then made it 3-0 on the hour-mark as he peeled off the back of Lascelles and brought a brilliant ball from Pedro Porro down to finish past Martin Dubravka.
Football.london's Alasdair Gold handed him a 9/10 match rating in his post-match article and hailed the striker's aforementioned relentless work rate.
Richarlison won four of his eight duels in total but also showed composure in possession to go along with his hard work and goal threat, as the talented marksman completed 81% (13/16) of his attempted passes.
It was brilliant to see that he was able to quickly put the disappointment of the West Ham blunder behind him in order to produce an impressive performance against Newcastle.
The ex-Watford star put on a show against the Magpies and was one of the stars for Postecoglou alongside Udogie and Son on Sunday.
She struck an unbeaten 90 off 60 balls and followed it with a wicket to consign the hosts to a 71-run loss in Karachi
ESPNcricinfo staff31-Jan-2019West Indies women began their tour of Pakistan in a dominant fashion, with a 71-run win over the hosts in the first T20I in Karachi on Thursday. Half-centuries from Deandra Dottin and Chedean Nation led the charge with the bat, with the former striking a belligerent unbeaten 90, after which the bowlers all contributed with wickets to dismiss Pakistan for 89 in 18 overs.Having opted to bat, West Indies were given a brisk start by Dottin, who had scored 29 of the team’s total of 41 by the end of the Powerplay. Once Shemaine Campbelle was run out for 4, Dottin and Nation went on to add 109 runs in 11.4 overs at a strike rate of nearly 9.5. While Dottin struck eight fours and four sixes in her 60-ball innings, Nation brought up her half-century in the final over of the innings, off 35 balls with four fours and two sixes.Pakistan’s chase of 161 hinged on a powerful start, but West Indies’ new-ball pair of Shakera Selman and Shamilia Connell curbed the hosts early on. In 18 overs of their innings, Pakistan, in fact, had only one over which yielded more than ten runs, but even there, five runs came in the form of wides. Captain Bismah Maroof played a lone hand, scoring 38 off 37 balls, and was the ninth wicket to fall, having batted without much support from the top and middle order. Connell took 3 for 29 while Dottin pitched in with 1 for 18.
Tottenham have entered "pole position" to sign a "dominant" defender alternative to Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo, according to a new report.
Spurs attempting to sign centre-back in January
Widespread reports from the past month and beyond indicate that Spurs are seriously looking to bring in a new centre-back next month.
Levy preparing bid for "rising star" with Spurs "in a hurry" to seal deal
He’s a real standout talent right now.
ByEmilio Galantini Dec 21, 2023
The January window's opening is right around the corner, with manager Ange Postecoglou saying just last week that Tottenham are pushing hard for new mid-season signings.
A new central defender is thought to be the first priority for chairman Daniel Levy, technical director Johan Lange and the club's transfer chiefs. There have been many names already mentioned as Spurs targets ahead of January, including Nice's Todibo, while another who's repeatedly linked is Genoa star Radu Dragusin.
The Romania international has been a standout under Alberto Gilardino this term, and Fabrizio Romano says he could still make a move to the Premier League, despite a proposed new contract.
Reports from Italy are claiming that a Spurs bid is imminent for Dragusin, while the player's own agent Florin Manea has publicly stated that there has been discussions in north London.
“The people from Genoa know (that he will soon leave),” Manea explained to Fanatik recently.
"I have been in London for some time and have almost weekly meetings with important teams. We are getting closer. I spoke with Newcastle, with Arsenal, with Tottenham. I also have the messages with them, conversations. There are teams that ask.
Genoa 1-0 Verona
7.60
Genoa 4-1 Roma
7.56
Genoa 1-0 Salernitana
7.50
Lazio 0-1 Genoa
7.45
Torino 1-0 Genoa
6.96
"Radu will play for a very strong club. One in the top 10 in the world. He wants to be in the Premier League, but I know that Milan like him a lot. I talked to the people there.”
Tottenham in "pole position" for Dragusin
Now, another report from Italy has shared some information on the 21-year-old and his possible move to N17.
It is believed Tottenham are in "pole position" to sign Dragusin in January, and Genoa could even let him go for as little as £22m.
Atalanta are very keen to bring him through the door, as he is seen as perfect for them, but Spurs' presence in the race looks likely to scupper their chances of signing Dragusin as things stand.
This is all according to newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, which backs claims from Dragusin's agent that he is a very popular player in England.
Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig has perhaps suggested why on X (formerly Twitter) in the past, previously likening the centre-half to Mats Hummels and calling Dragusin a "dominant" defender.
Joe Burns and Marnus Labuschagne were both set for big scores with Labuschagne played an especially poor shot to be dismissed
Alex Malcolm23-Feb-2019Queensland batsman Charlie Hemphrey upstaged a handful of Ashes aspirants with an unbeaten 87 to put the Bulls in control on day one against Victoria at the Junction Oval.Hemphrey was one of the three Queensland batsmen to pass fifty, along with Test incumbents Joe Burns and Marnus Labuschagne, but he was the only one to press on from a promising start to bat for nearly two sessions to give the visitors the upper hand.Victoria’s attack was clearly rusty coming back from BBL duties, however the run-rate never got out of hand on a very flat pitch.ALSO READ: Sheffield Shield returns: the race for Ashes spotsQueensand had no hesitation in batting first on a slow surface after the coin toss fell their way then Burns and Matt Renshaw put on 67 for the first wicket. While Burns was incredibly fluent, rotating the strike with ease, Renshaw battled on his return to four-day cricket after the BBL. He was beaten six times in the first 12 overs, struggling to feel bat on ball.Renshaw did cash in on some bad deliveries striking four boundaries but the frugal bowling of Scott Boland squeezed him to breaking point on 29. He tried to reverse sweep the left-arm spin of Jon Holland, who was bowling around the wicket, and survived a close lbw shout with the ball pitching just outside leg stump. Next ball he played a conventional sweep and got a top edge to be caught at short fine leg.Burns looked set for a huge score, cruising to his fifth Shield half-century of the summer. But out of nowhere just after lunch he fended away from his body at a length ball from Boland and edged to Cameron White at second slip for 60.Labuschagne looked equally comfortable during a 90-run stand with Hemphrey. He reached his half-century just before tea but then suffered a brain fade facing the part-time offspin of Matt Short. In the last over before the interval he slog-swept the first ball for four over midwicket and paddle swept the second fine for another boundary. He then ran down the track to the third and inexplicably holed out to mid-on before putting his hands on his head in disbelief at what he had done.Hemphrey succeeded where Labuschagne failed, keeping his composure to bat through the last session. He did have some fortune playing and missing a number of times to the quicks and survived a big lbw appeal from Chris Tremain, but he collared the spin of Holland and Short with decisive footwork and controlled placement. He added 78 with Sam Heazlett who made a neat 46 but fell to the second new ball. Jimmy Pierson remained unbeaten with Hemphrey at the close.