Middlesex post highest total in their history, Sussex without loss in reply but still 573 adrift
ECB Reporters network07-Sep-2021Sam Robson scored a career-best 253 and Robbie White his second successive century as Middlesex piled up the highest total in their history.White was unbeaten on 110 when Middlesex declared on 676 for 5 on day two of their LV = Insurance County Championship match at Hove.It was the sixth-biggest total Sussex have conceded in their history and highest for 21 years, but openers Tom Haines and Ali Orr enjoyed benign conditions too, taking their side to 103 without loss at stumps.Haines passed fifty for the seventh time this season and at stumps he was unbeaten on 73, which included 11 fours, with Orr 17 not out.Related
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Much of the day had been spent ticking off records as Middlesex, who had resumed on 400 for 2, batted Sussex out of the game.Sussex’s bowlers stuck manfully to their task, but the pitch has offered little assistance and the three wickets they did take came from misjudgements by the batters.Robson moved to his double-hundred in the sixth over of the day with a boundary off Henry Crocombe and then accelerated, with his next 50 runs coming off 55 balls and taking him past his previous best of 231 against Warwickshire in 2013. It was a mild surprise when he tried to hit off-spinner Jack Carson through mid-wicket and gave Tom Haines, running across from mid-off, a catch. Robson had faced 356 balls and hit one six and 30 fours.Carson picked up a second wicket before lunch when Max Holden was taken at bat-pad for one but White and Martin Andersson sentenced Sussex to more suffering in the baking heat during the afternoon, as they added 174 for the fifth wicket.They went past Middlesex’s previous highest score of 642 for 3 against Hampshire at Southampton in 1923 and just before tea White, who made his maiden century against Derbyshire at Lord’s last week, took a boundary off Haines to reach his 100.Andersson had played more fluently and looked on course for a century of his own but on 88 he tried to hit Delray Rawlins over the top and couldn’t clear long on. That was four balls before tea, but Middlesex opted to finish the over after the interval before Orr and Haines could run off to put their pads on after 161 overs in the field. White’s runs came from 193 deliveries with six fours.
It’s only been a month and a half since the season kicked off, but it already feels like a million and one things have happened.
Arsenal have played the likes of Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur away from home in the Premier League, demolished Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup and kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw away to Atalanta, courtesy of a sensational double penalty save from David Raya.
Yet, even with all of that, suspensions to key players and injuries to others, Mikel Arteta’s side stand in good stead in the league and in Europe, although with a game against Paris Saint-Germain to come tonight, that might be less true come ten o’clock.
The manager will likely make several changes to the team, with talk of summer signing Mikel Merino getting his first run out for the club, but he should avoid doing that and start one of his most reliable stars instead.
Why fans should be excited about Merino
Okay, so yes, we’d say that considering he fractured his shoulder in late August, it is probably too early to play Merino tonight and certainly far too early to start him, but that doesn’t mean the fans shouldn’t be eagerly anticipating his eventual inclusion in the team.
For example, while Arteta’s team are already incredibly physical and hard to dominate, the European Champion will only help make the North Londoners even more formidable, as standing at 6 foot 2, the 28-year-old is not the stereotypical Spanish midfielder who is a wizard on the ball but easily pushed off of it.
Moreover, he puts his stature to good use, as according to Squawka, the former Real Sociedad midfielder was the leading duel winner in Europe’s top seven leagues last season, winning an unreal 326 of them across the campaign.
Lastly, while his off-the-ball work and sheer presence in midfield will help make Arsenal an even more unpleasant team to play against, the former Newcastle United ace is still a technically proficient player and someone who will be able to help in building up play and pitch in with goals and assists when needed.
For example, in his 45 appearances for La Real last season, the Pamplona-born dynamo scored eight goals and provided five assists, equating to a goal involvement once every 3.46, and with the left-footed Riccardo Calafiori behind him and Gabriell Martinelli ahead, the Gunners may finally have a left-hand side that can match the attacking prowess of their right.
Appearances
45
Goals
8
Assists
5
Goal Involvements per Match
0.28
However, with all of that said, even though Merino is rumoured to be in the squad for tonight’s game, Arteta should not risk playing him, especially when he can turn to one of his most trusted players instead.
Why Jorginho should start
Yes, the man Arteta should be turning to this evening is Italian veteran Jorginho.
Now, there may be calls to keep the midfield the same from the weekend and to start Thomas Partey alongside Declan Rice, but for as talented as the Ghanaian international is, he has started seven out of eight games so far this season, and with his worrying injury record, he should be rested for the games to come.
Moreover, in the former Chelsea ace, the manager already has a trustworthy and experienced midfield general who is undoubtedly a “big-game player”, as dubbed by Daily Mirror journalist Darren Lewis, and proven in last season’s games against Liverpool at home in which he was named Player of the Match, and the draw away at the Etihad.
Furthermore, in the 19 games he started for the Gunners last year, they won 11 of them, drew four, and lost just four, which is pretty good going for a player who is not a regular starter.
Lastly, Arteta once again turned to him for the game against Spurs last month, and while he wasn’t spectacular, he didn’t need to be. Alongside Partey, he helped keep Ange Postecoglou’s uber-attacking side quiet for 90 minutes.
Ultimately, fans should be excited about Merino’s coming back into the team and recovering from his shoulder injury so quickly.
However, with how many must-win games there are going to be this season, the manager should not be looking to play him tonight, especially when Jorginho is the ideal person to bring in for a game such as this.
Arsenal teen who was causing more excitement than Nwaneri has already left
The sensational youngster looks set for an incredible career.
U.S. women's national team star Jaedyn Shaw has been traded to the North Carolina Courage in a blockbuster NWSL deal
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Shaw traded to North CarolinaMassive trade package for San DiegoSet to join USWNT for January campFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Jaedyn Shaw, 20, one of the most talented young stars in American soccer, is officially on the move in one of the NWSL's most significant trades.
The North Carolina Courage have acquired U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Jaedyn Shaw via trade with San Diego Wave FC, the clubs announced Tuesday. Shaw is under contract through the 2026 NWSL season.
In exchange for the rising international star, the Wave will receive $300,000 in allocation money, an international spot for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, and $150,000 in intraleague transfer fees. The deal includes performance-based incentives, with the Courage potentially sending up to $75,000 in additional allocation money in exchange for up to $150,000 in intraleague transfer fees.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Shaw is one of the USWNT's brightest prospects, having already proven herself as a dynamic attacker on the international level despite her age. The 20-year-old forward has eight goals in 21 USWNT caps, having only made her debut in October 2023. She was a member of the USWNT's gold medal squad at the Olympics, but did not play due to injury.
On the club level, Shaw turned professional as a 17-year-old in 2022, making her the NWSL's second-youngest player at the time. Able to play as a No. 10, winger or as a false-nine, Shaw scored 14 goals in 61 games with the Wave, while earning a Best XI selection in 2023.
The trade will surely send shockwaves through the NWSL. The Courage have now acquired a legitimate star after finishing fifth last season before falling to the Kansas City Current in the opening round of the postseason.
WHAT SHAW SAID
“I am so grateful to be here and to call North Carolina home. I’m excited to experience a new style of play and to learn and grow alongside amazing players and coaches. I can’t wait to get to work and help bring another championship to Courage Country,” Shaw said in a statement.
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Getty Images SportWHAT THE COURAGE SAID
“Bringing Jaedyn here is a great day for our club. She is someone who has every tool at such a young age and will be a key part of our club. Her quality on the ball, both in possession and on the dribble, along with her levels in and around the box can unlock opposition. She suits our style of play and our supporters will be able to see one of the top young talents every week. We can’t wait to welcome this truly gifted player and even better person to our team. It’s a great day for us and we look forward to having Jaedyn in Courage Country,” said Courage Head Coach Sean Nahas in a statement.
de Villiers had six runs to get off the last two balls but this time the ace finisher couldn’t pull it off
Himanshu Agrawal06-Oct-20213:18
Why is it tough for batters to score off Harshal Patel?
AB de Villiers was left to get six off the last two balls. They were both full tosses but he failed to hit them as he usually does and so the Sunrisers Hyderabad were able to savour victory by four runs.Watch the IPL on ESPN+
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With 13 needed off the last over, bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, de Villiers drilled the fourth ball for six, but fell short in the end. The defeat means Royal Challengers’ chances of finishing inside the top two are all but over, as the eliminated Sunrisers pinched their third win of the season following contributions from pretty much all their bowlers, and Jason Roy and Kane Williamson.Harshal’s hot run continues Harshal Patel was introduced just after the powerplay ended, with the Sunrisers sitting pretty at 50 for the loss of one wicket. His first over went for eight – including a boundary from Roy, who pulled him to deep midwicket – and he was taken off after that.By the time he returned for the 12th over, Sunrisers had managed to maintain the momentum, with Roy and Williamson having added 67 runs together. But two balls and three runs later, Harshal foxed Williamson with an offcutter that landed bang on a good length, and took off to strike the top of middle stump.Sunrisers lost track once that 70-run stand was broken. They made just 50 runs off the last eight overs. There were five wickets as well. Two of those went to Harshal, taking his tournament tally to 29. Brought back to bowl two of the last three overs, he beat Wriddhiman Saha with a lack of pace too, as another offcutter landed in the hands of long-off. And off the final ball of the innings, he went for a slow, dipping full-toss to Jason Holder, who found long-on with his slog.Malik pushes the speed gun Umran Malik, brought on as a short-term replacement for the Covid-positive T Natarajan, attracted eyeballs with his ferocious pace and accuracy. Like Harshal, he too started immediately after the field restrictions were lifted; but contrastingly, he beat the batters with his extra pace. Malik began by hitting 141kph, and conceded just a single off his first four deliveries. The fifth one produced a wicket, KS Bharat caught behind off a searing short ball.Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck in the first over•BCCIMalik continued to work the speedgun, cranking it up to 153 kph. His first over cost just a single. His second just five. Williamson took him off at that point and brought him back with the Royal Challengers needing 29 off the last three. The pressure was on but Malik was able to handle it well, finishing with 1 for 21 off his four overs.Maxwell’s Big Show Glenn Maxwell arrived at the crease with Royal Challengers at 38 or 3 in the seventh over. While Devdutt Padikkal at the other end was taking his time, Maxwell got stuck into Rashid Khan, launching the second ball he faced – and the first from the legspinner – over deep midwicket for six. That was followed by another maximum over long-on off a tossed-up ball as well as a four two balls later, when he hoicked Rashid to deep midwicket again.Maxwell dominated pace as well, pulling Siddarth Kaul for four, and also stealing another four off the inside edge off Holder. He tried attacking Bhuvneshwar in the 14th over, but tight lines from the bowler meant Royal Challengers could manage just six runs.Then the game changed as Maxwell was run out for 40 off 25. It happened when Padikkal tapped the ball to cover and the batters set off for a non-existent single. Williamson was standing pretty close in, and swooped on the opportunity, his acrobatic direct hit catching the batter well short.
The injury-prone Italian lasted the entire game and also made a couple of key contributions during an encouraging display
Liverpool lost their 100 percent record in this season's Champions League on Wednesday, but it mattered not a jot. Despite being beaten 3-2 by PSV in Eindhoven, the 10-man Reds still finished top of the table, and there was one big positive for Arne Slot: the performance of Federico Chiesa.
The injury-prone Italian not only played all 95 minutes of the game, he was also his side's best player – and by some distance. Chiesa won the penalty from which returning hero Cody Gakpo opened the scoring and, after Johan Bakayoko had drawn PSV level with a fantastic goal which showed why Liverpool have been linked with the Belgium winger, the former Juventus man unleashed a shot that Walter Benitez found too hot to handle, leaving Harvey Elliott with a simple finish.
PSV turned the game around by the break, however, with Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi benefiting from some sloppy defending from Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah, before poor Amara Nallo was sent off for a professional foul just minutes after coming on to make his debut in the closing stages. However, all of the drama ultimately had no bearing on Liverpool's Champions League prospects, and they now know that they'll face either Brest, Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain or Benfica in the last 16.
Below, GOAL rates all of the Reds on show at the Philips Stadion after Slot rested his key players ahead of Saturday's massive Premier League clash with Bournemouth…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Caoimhin Kelleher (6/10):
Hard not to feel sorry for the Irishman, who was badly let down by his defence on all three goals as PSV scored from their only shots on target in the first half.
Conor Bradley (4/10):
As usual, confident in possession and a real threat going forward, but PSV's second and third goals came down his side. The presumption that he's already ready to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold is folly.
Jarell Quansah (4/10):
Along with Robertson, sent for a hotdog by Bakayoko before the winger's strike, and also at fault for PSV's third with a dreadful attempted clearance. The more he plays this season, the less he looks like a reliable option in the centre of defence.
Andy Robertson (5.5/10):
Played a couple of fantastic balls out of defence but was beaten all ends up by Bakayoko. Something will have had to have gone seriously wrong for us to see Robertson at centre-back in a meaningful match.
Kostas Tsimikas (6/10):
The best of a bad bunch at the back without being particularly impressive. Made a couple of timely interceptions in defence and also created some chances at the other end of the field.
AdvertisementAFPMidfield
Wataru Endo (5.5/10):
The Japanese midfielder's passing was typically precise, but he was far too easily muscled off the ball in the build-up to Saibari's strike. Moved back into the centre of defence after Robertson's withdrawal.
James McConnell (6/10):
Showed a nice turn of pace, good feet and really put himself about, throwing himself into tackles, intercepting the ball and winning plenty of duels. But his passing was poor at times.
Harvey Elliott (6/10):
Lively enough in the first half, creating one good chance for Chiesa before later following up the winger's shot to put Liverpool back in front, but was booked for diving during a frustrating second-half showing.
AFPAttack
Federico Chiesa (7.5/10):
Liverpool's most dangerous attacker by some distance, Chiesa effectively created Liverpool's two goals with some good pressing and a fine drive. So encouraging to see the winger still running at full pelt in the dying minutes.
Jayden Danns (5.5/10):
Showed what he's capable of with one jinking run down the left wing that led to two PSV players going into the book – but he struggled to get a foothold in the game and never got a clear sight of goal on his first start.
Cody Gakpo (6/10):
Marked his return to Eindhoven with a well-taken penalty but he was actually pretty quiet – by his standards at least – before being taken off just after the interval in what was clearly a pre-planned substitution.
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AFPSubs & Manager
Tyler Morton (5.5/10):
Came on for Gakpo early in the second half but didn't make that much of an impact.
Trey Nyoni (5/5/10):
Introduced in place of Robertson midway through the second half but struggled to get into the game.
Amara Nallo (1/10):
A nightmare for the youngster. Sent off just minutes after coming on to make his debut.
Arne Slot (6/10):
With Liverpool already assured of a top-two finish, the Dutchman decided to give the majority of his senior stars the night off – and with mixed results. There were some positives but not many fringe players made a case for more regular game time.
The negativity that engulfed Stamford Bridge last season has dissipated. Chelsea are not flawless, but under Enzo Maresca, there is a new-found sense of promise, a feeling that the woes of recent years have been hurdled over.
The 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest at home before the October international break – snapping a three-match winning run in the Premier League – was evidence that there is plenty of work to be done, but Chelsea still have a foot in the top four and one of the most talented frontlines on the continent besides.
Cole Palmer continues to sparkle, with pundit Jamie Carragher hailing the 22-year-old as “the best player in the Premier League”, though he is now joined by a wonderful array of quality, with fresh faces joined by the much-improved Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke.
That said, not everyone is on the up, with Mykhailo Mudryk still flattering to deceive. It would seem that the Blues are already considering moving for an upgrade.
Chelsea transfer news
As per recent reports, Chelsea are interested in bringing Muhammed Kudus to Stamford Bridge, though are also joined by Arsenal in keeping tabs on the West Ham United winger.
The Ghana international was on multiple clubs’ radar this summer but Chelsea might find that they are able to make their move in 2025, especially if Maresca and co decide to cut their losses with Mudryk.
What Mohammed Kudus would bring to Chelsea
Most Chelsea fans will be well acquainted with Kudus’ skillset, for the West Ham winger tore it up in the Premier League and is comfortably one of Europe’s finest ball carriers.
1.
Mohammed Kudus
West Ham
124
2.
Jeremy Doku
Man City
87
3.
Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle
72
4.
Ebere Eze
Crystal Palace
69
5.
Luis Diaz
Liverpool
67
Indeed, he ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons (3.85) and the top 6% for tackles (2.13) per 90, as per FBref, emphasising not just a breakneck quality but a combative approach that makes him more than just a speedster.
Kudus hasn’t enjoyed the brightest of starts to the campaign by any stretch of the imagination, but there’s little doubt that he’s capable of big things, having even been described as a “generational talent” by journalist Gary Al-Smith in the past.
Mohammed Kudus celebrates for West Ham
Last term, for West Ham, the 24-year-old scored 14 goals and supplied six assists for the club, dazzling after his ÂŁ38m transfer from Dutch team Ajax.
Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion had both hoped to sign the fleet-footed wideman but he opted to join the Irons in order to maximise his chances of rising to the fore on the English scene.
Kudus could be the final piece of the puzzle over in west London. But a player like Mudryk would need to be sold first.
Why Chelsea should ditch Mykhailo Mudryk
Chelsea have a bulging assortment of players, but much of the noise surrounding the size of Maresca’s squad was overinflated this summer, especially with Raheem Sterling, Romelu Lukaku and many more shipped on.
Mykhaylo Mudryk for Chelsea
Mudryk still plies his trade as a Blue, but he’s hardly proving himself to be worthy of a starting spot in the biggest moments, having started just once in the Premier League, against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Football.london branded the Ukrainian with a 5/10 match rating and criticised the ‘quiet’ display.
Chelsea signed Mudryk in a deal worth up to ÂŁ89m in January 2023, sending the fanbase into rapture after Arsenal were beaten to his signature. The whole ordeal has been anything but successful, for Mudryk has posted seven goals and seven assists from 66 matches, which stands at a goal contribution rate of 0.21 per game.
He is improving and always carries a threat through his dribbling, ranking among the top 16% of positional peers for progressive carries (5.22) pr 90, as per FBref, but he’s hardly proving himself to be a central part of the club, finding the lion’s share of his success in cup competitions. Building blocks.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, is the 23-year-old really a superior player to Kudus? Would the West Ham man fail to spark a better effect with a cross-London switch?
Neither Mudryk nor Kudus have enjoyed particularly prolific careers in English football, but Kudus is more rounded, athletic and enterprising, also playing in a side that doesn’t exactly chalk up hordes of opportunities.
West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus
Indeed, West Ham are struggling to create under Julen Lopetegui, with just 11 big chances created from seven Premier League matches; Chelsea, by comparison, are joint-top of that metric, with 24. Last year, West Ham ranked 15th with 58 big chances created, further emphasising the lack of creative freedom that the Irons winger would find anew at Chelsea.
Mudryk was commented to be battling for his Chelsea future before the summer transfer window slammed shut, and although he’s survived and made noticeable improvements, it might not be enough to save his Stamford Bridge career – not when targets like Kudus could be signed, to elevate Chelsea to an even higher standing as the resurgence continues.
Chelsea could sign perfect Madueke upgrade with move for ÂŁ42m "road runner"
Newcastle United supporters will forever be grateful to the Saudi PIF for transforming their club in recent years, allowing for a generation of supporters to be a part of memories to last a lifetime.
They took over from former owner Mike Ashley, providing huge investment into the playing squad, splashing over ÂŁ400m since the takeover at the end of 2021.
In the years that followed, the Magpies have since featured in the Champions League, hosting some of Europe’s elite at St James’ Park, including the likes of PSG and AC Milan.
However, they’ve been unable to reach the heights they achieved during that European campaign, struggling in the Premier League of late – the first real challenge of Eddie Howe’s tenure on Tyneside.
His side currently sit ninth in the Premier League, losing the most recent outing against Brighton, despite managing a total of 21 shots at goal on Saturday afternoon.
Their recent lacklustre performances could be down to the poor recruitment during the recent summer window, which failed to go as many would’ve hoped for given the rumours around potential incomings.
Newcastle’s summer transfer window in 2024
After narrowly missing out on all forms of European football last season, the fanbase expected numerous new additions to help bolster Howe’s squad and give them the best possible chance for the current campaign.
However, the window was largely different to many hoped, signing just four players, many of who were way below the quality expected before the transfer window.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe
John Ruddy arrived on a free transfer from Birmingham City to provide cover in the goalkeeping department, unlikely to ever feature for the first-team.
William Osula joined from recently relegated Sheffield United for a fee in the region of ÂŁ15m, mainly brought in as a player for the future, unlikely to make an immediate impact ahead of the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson on Tyneside.
Lloyd Kelly was the defensive option brought in by Howe, moving on a free transfer from fellow Premier League side Bournemouth – reuniting the pair after their stint together at the Cherries multiple years ago.
However, for large periods of the window, it looked as though Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi would be the Magpies’ marquee signing for the transfer window, submitting four separate bids for the England international.
After failing to agree a deal with the Eagles, despite have been willing to pay up to ÂŁ65m, a move never materialised – leading to Howe’s side pulling out of negotiations without securing an alternative during the closing stages of the window.
Undoubtedly, the failure to secure a deal for Guehi was a disappointment to Howe and the fanbase, but the window was made even worse with the departure of one young star.
Yankuba Minteh’s move away from Newcastle
After his sensational loan spell at Feyenoord last season which saw him register 11 goals and five assists, winger Yankuba Minteh was a player that generated huge excitement amongst the fanbase about his potential impact on the club’s first-team.
Yankuba Minteh for Feyenoord
However, the Gambian would unfortunately never get his opportunity with the Magpies due to issues way beyond his or the manager’s control.
The huge spending since the Saudi PIF takeover meant that the Magpies were dangerously close to breaching the Premier League’s PSR rules, which could’ve led to a ten-point deduction.
The hierarchy could’ve kept hold of Minteh and risked the breach which may have allowed them to finally end their hunt for a new right-sided attacker, but instead, the safe option was the preferred one for the owners.
A frantic period before the June 30th deadline ensued, which led to Minteh eventually completing a £33m move to Brighton, a fantastic deal considering he never kicked a ball for the Magpies’ first team.
However, his talent is evident, as demonstrated already this campaign for the Seagulls, registering two goal contributions in his first five starts on the South Coast – rubbing salt into the wounds of Newcastle supporters as to what they could’ve had.
The young winger wasn’t the only talent who was sacrificed during the recent summer window, with the other deal arguably having a greater impact on the supporters.
The former Newcastle star who’s starred since leaving
Academy star Elliot Anderson was a huge beneficiary of the club’s injury issues last season, featuring 26 times in all competitions – becoming a regular under Howe after his emergence the season prior.
Elliot Anderson for Newcastle
The 21-year-old failed to score but did register two assists, capturing the hearts of many on Tyneside for his quality and versatility, starring in a variety of different roles to fill the gaps left by his injured teammates.
No one could’ve anticipated a potential departure for the youngster over the summer, but given their PSR limitations, a deal for his departure emerged out of nowhere, to the displeasure of many.
Anderson joined Nottingham Forest in a ÂŁ35m deal, with goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos moving in the other direction for a reported ÂŁ20m – banking the Magpies a huge sum in their battle to stay within the PSR limits.
However, whilst it allowed them to comply with the strict terms, it saw them part ways with an academy star who had a huge future at St James’ – but his recent form will make his sale even more difficult to come to terms with.
1) Elliot Anderson
ÂŁ35m
= Andy Carroll
ÂŁ35m
2) Yankuba Minteh
ÂŁ33m
3) Moussa Sissoko
ÂŁ30m
= Ayoze Perez
ÂŁ30m
The midfielder has been crucial for Nuno EspĂrito Santo in recent weeks, earning the club’s Player of the Month award for August and subsequently earning him an England U21 call-up.
Anderson’s call-up has seen him star on the international stage, starting the recent victory against Azerbaijan, scoring his first goal for his country, while claiming the Player of the Match award.
He produced his best display for Forest in the recent 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, with his mazy dribbling catching the eye, especially that of commentator Alan Smith.
During the commentary, the former Arsenal star claimed that he was producing runs “like Lionel Messi”, running rings around one-time Magpies target Guehi at the City Ground.
Given his recent performances for club and country, almost all Newcastle fans will wish the hierarchy took the risk of a point deduction to allow them to keep hold of the aforementioned stars.
Anderson, in particular, has taken his game to the next level, with Howe and the supporters having to sit back and reminisce over what could’ve been for the youngster on Tyneside.
Newcastle ace who left in 2016 now earns a crazy ÂŁ180k-p/w more than Gordon
One former Newcastle player is earning a fortune in the Middle East…
India’s captain conceded that Pakistan’s powerplay bowling had left them too much catching up to do
Deivarayan Muthu25-Oct-20213:48
Virat Kohli – ‘We’re not a team that presses the panic button’
After India suffered their first defeat to Pakistan in World Cups, losing by ten wickets, Virat Kohli admitted that his side was outplayed. In response to India’s 151 for 7, Pakistan rattled off the target in 17.5 overs with both their openers, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, hitting unbeaten half-centuries. It was India’s first ten-wicket defeat in T20Is.”They [Pakistan] definitely outplayed us. There’s no doubt about that,” Kohli said. “You don’t win by ten wickets if you don’t outplay the opposition. We didn’t even get any chances – they were very professional and you definitely have to give them credit. We tried our best and we tried to create enough pressure on them, but they had the answers. There is no shame in accepting that a team played better than you.”When you step onto the field as 11 players from either side, you have an equal opportunity to win the game and there’s no guarantee that you will go out there and win every match. But, having said that you also don’t go out there being casual, right? So, we tried our best, we made a decent total out of our situation and we thought we could put them under pressure, but they didn’t let us come into the game at any stage. They definitely deserve the credit for finishing off the game very strongly and not allowing us to put any pressure on them through the innings.”Related
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Stats – Pakistan end their India hoodoo with record 10-wicket mauling
Starman Shaheen Shah Afridi's night out in Dubai
Kohli reckoned that the onset of dew later in the night made life difficult for India’s attack. Earlier in the evening, Babar had opted to bowl first, citing concerns around dew.”I wouldn’t say that it [conditions] became very, very difficult but if the pitch becomes a little better to bat on, you get off to a start, you start feeling more confident about the chase and that’s what happened,” Kohli said. “The more dew came in towards the second half of the Pakistan innings, ten overs onwards and they were able to rotate strike. We weren’t even able to get dot balls in because the pitch was obviously providing a bit more pace for the batsmen to work with. The slower balls were not holding up as much.Virat Kohli believes the break in India’s schedule will help them•ICC via Getty”So, these small little factors, they make a massive difference and as a team you need to understand what was the reality of the situation out there in the middle and that’s where those 20-25 extra runs would’ve been good. But brilliant bowling in the first six didn’t allow us to get those extra runs. We know how exactly the game went and where it went wrong and we have absolute clarity of that. That’s a good thing to know where you went wrong so that you can work on it and try and correct it and move forward. We still have a lot of matches in this tournament and if we stick to the processes we follow we definitely feel like we can overcome these mistakes.”Watch cricket live on ESPN+
Sign up for ESPN+ and catch all the action from the Men’s T20 World Cup live in the US. Match highlights of India vs Pakistan is available here in English, and here in Hindi (US only).
India will next face New Zealand at the same venue on Sunday. Kohli welcomed the week-long break, saying it will help the side reflect on their opening loss and fine-tune their plans for the rest of the tournament. Kohli had also raised concerns around player burnout in trying to cover-up for cricket lost to Covid-19 on the eve of the match. India have had a particularly busy schedule, home and away, in bio-bubbles of varying elasticities, in the past year.”I think it [the break] works really well for us from all points of view, knowing that we’ve played a full-fledged season already,” Kohli said. “We’ve played the IPL, which is very high-octane by itself in testing conditions here in the UAE and then we come into the World Cup. So, for us, these big breaks are definitely something that will help us as a team to be in the prime physical condition that we need to play this high-intensity tournament.”A T20 World Cup is always a high-intensity tournament. It will help us to regroup as a team to get to the practice sessions, eager to execute the things we want to and prepare in a very confident manner and then arrive on the day again to make sure again this time we execute our plans. We have enough confidence in our ability that with this preparation time we will come out once again being in a positive frame of mind. So, for us as a team, personally I can say it’s a good thing that is happening. We will have time to reflect and prepare again.”
The Uruguayan set up a goal, while Messi was his usual buzzing self, in a comfortable 3-1 win for Javier Mascherano's side
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Luis Suarez assisted in 3-1 Inter Miami winLionel Messi held scoreless, denied by good savesMiami remain undefeated in preseasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE
Inter Miami enjoyed the majority of the possession in the early goings, but had little to show for it in an eventual 3-1 win over Panama's Sporting San Miguelito. Lionel Messi came close after a weaving run and exchange with Luis Suarez, only to be well denied by the goalkeeper.
The home side, meanwhile, had one real chance – and they took it. A well worked counter made it happen, with Adan Hendricks providing a neat side footed finish after 24 minutes.
The Herons offered the equalizer shortly before half time. Messi started it, evading his man before feeding Marcelo Weigandt, who crossed to a wide open Benjamin Cremaschi at the far post. He couldn't miss from two yards out. Miami offered more attacking trust in the second half. Tadeo Allende grabbed the go-ahead goal after 52 minutes, finding the bottom corner off a Luis Suarez assist. Fafa Picault added a third to put the game to bed.
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The Herons are now undefeated in preseason. They beat Club America to open their campaign, before edging Universitario on penalties last weekend.
GettyTHE MVP: LUIS SUAREZ
This was a pretty middling game for Messi. He enjoyed flashes, but it was Suarez whose performances should offer real encouragement. The striker was a surprisingly nimble, dogged presence up front – despite his aging legs.
His assist for the second goal was a lovely thing, and he was unfortunate not to grab one of his own. Miami has its critics for keeping him around, but if he can offer this level of performance, they might just have made the correct call.
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THE BIG LOSER: ROBERT TAYLOR
It's all looking a bit grim for Robert Taylor. The winger was a crucial part of this Miami team when Messi first arrived in the summer of 2023, turning into Andres Iniesta-lite with the help of the Argentine
Instead, he finds himself languishing on the bench, and down in the pecking order. He had to settle for 10 minutes of action. It's doubtful he will see much more.
Chelsea are now prepared to make a “significant” bid for one Barcelona star, with head coach Enzo Maresca looking to shore up one key area of his squad.
Chelsea and Barcelona's potential transfer dealings
In the last week, reports have claimed that Barca and Chelsea could be involved in a few transfer dealings – as we slowly approach the winter window.
Chelsea now think "fantastic" player is trying to leave behind their back
He’s got an array of suitors.
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Indeed, it is believed the La Liga heavyweights are very keen to strengthen their options in the middle of the park – leading to their interest in a trio of Chelsea players including Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia and even Enzo Fernandez.
Journalist Simon Phillips wrote on his Substack that Barca have made contact with Chukwuemeka’s representatives ahead of January, with the 20-year-old up for sale. Barca are also keen on Lavia, but Chelsea and Maresca have adopted a very firm ‘not for sale’ stance – meaning they’re not interested in conducting any business with the Catalans over their promising young midfield ace.
Newcastle (home)
October 27
Man United (away)
November 3
Arsenal (home)
November 10
Leicester City (home)
November 23
Aston Villa (home)
December 1
Fernandez is on Barca’s radar as well, but there is little to report on that right now, other than them being admirers of the Argentine. In any case, a deal for Chukwuemeka to head to the Camp Nou looks like a real possibility.
While Hansi Flick’s side eye up a winter move for the ex-Aston Villa midfielder, Chelsea are in the market for centre-backs and could look to South American options to bolster Maresca’s defence.
“Chelsea will be looking to bring in a new centre back or two in the next couple of transfer windows,” wrote Phillips again earlier this month (via Substack).
“And there is a real possibility of seeing a new one arrive in the January window should an opportunity present itself.
“SPTC sources understand that Chelsea are doing a lot of shopping and scouting in the South American region this season, taking a look at a number of centre backs. Not only in that region though, but players who have come from that region.
“Chelsea scouts have been stationed in a number of South American countries already from last season, but there is a real focus in the Brazilian Serie A this season as they also keep a watchful eye on the progress of pending new Chelsea player Estevao Willian.”
Taking this into account, links to Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo could hold real weight.
Chelsea prepared to make a "significant" offer for Araujo
According to a Spanish media report, Chelsea are prepared to make a “significant” offer for Araujo, with the Uruguay international’s deal expiring in 2026 and no new contract signed as things stand.
Araujo is valued at around ÂŁ83 million, but if he doesn’t pen fresh terms, Barca may have to come down considerably from this price tag in the next few windows. Man United are also believed to be monitoring his situation in Spain, and they’re willing to make a sizable bid as well.
Barcelona'sRonaldAraujo
Barcelona legend Carles Puyol certainly rates Araujo highly, saying of him last year: “He’s in extraordinary condition. I’ll stick with what they’ve told me, because I don’t know him personally, but he’s very professional, humble, he always gives his best in training and matches and that’s where his performance is.
“Right now, if he’s not the best central defender in the world, he’s among the top three. He’s young, he still has room for improvement and I think we have a very good central defender at Barcelona for many years to come.”