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Usman Khawaja’s maiden Ashes ton was backed up by the Marsh brothers – with Shaun going to the close on 98 not out – as Australia built a commanding 133-run lead

The Report by Brydon Coverdale06-Jan-20180:53

Khawaja and Shaun Marsh keep Australia in control

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsIf the new year is about fresh starts, then Usman Khawaja has nailed the brief. Having failed to score a Test century in 2017, Khawaja used his first innings of 2018 not only to raise his sixth Test hundred, but to bat, and bat, and bat some more, spending 381 balls at the crease in the longest innings of his decade-long first-class career. Khawaja’s 171 was the centrepiece of a day of Australian dominance at the SCG, where Shaun Marsh was also approaching triple-figures by stumps, and Australia, hoping not to have to bat again in the match, had built a 133-run lead.For England, it was a long, hot, demoralising six hours in the field. They managed only two wickets all day, and the best that could be said of their results was that they prevented Steven Smith from making yet another century. And frustrating? Was it ever frustrating for England. Mason Crane missed a maiden Test wicket due to a no-ball, and both Marsh brothers, Shaun and Mitchell, were given out only to be reprieved on review. Both were still there at stumps, Shaun on 98 and Mitchell on 63, with Australia’s total on 4 for 479.Stats highlights

171 Usman Khawaja’s second highest score and sixth century in Tests. During his 171, Khawaja also crossed 2000 Test runs. This was his first century against England in 15 innings. Khawaja now has one century in each of the five major grounds in Australia. The 381 balls faced in the innings was also his longest knock in terms of balls faced, surpassing the 301-ball effort against South Africa at Adelaide.

73.88 Partnership average for Steven Smith and Usman Khawaja – the highest for any pair with a minimum of 15 innings. Since April 2014, the two have added six century stands – the most for Australia. In 18 innings, the two have added 12 fifty-plus stands. Five of the six century stands have come at home.

1993 The only other instance for Australia in which the third, fourth and fifth wicket added 100 runs or more each in an innings, against England at Leeds in the fourth Test of the 1993 Ashes.

5 Instances of batsmen No. 2 to No. 6 each scoring half-centuries for Australia. The previous instance was also at Sydney in 2015 against India. All the five occasions have been at home.

Crane’s bowling was one of the stories of the day. He turned some big legbreaks, and googlies, and induced the odd false stroke, but made even more false starts himself. The sight of Crane walking to his crease, entering his delivery stride, and then holding on to the ball became about as ubiquitous on day three at the SCG as pink clothing. Perhaps he was worried about no-balling, for he often landed close to or over the crease, and had missed out on the wicket of Khawaja in the final over before lunch due to a no-ball.Coming around the wicket, Crane turned a big legbreak in to Khawaja, who thrust his pad out without playing the ball, and England asked for a review of the not-out lbw decision. Replays showed that, by a small margin, Crane had failed to land his foot behind the crease. Ball-tracking went on to show that Khawaja would have otherwise been out. An exasperated Crane appeared to argue the point, pointlessly, with umpire Kumar Dharmasena. Quite how a spinner can so consistently be close to no-balling is a matter for Crane to rectify.At length, he did manage his maiden Test wicket, and it was Khawaja. But by the time Crane beat the advancing Khawaja and had him stumped by Jonny Bairstow, the batsman had 171 runs, and had been at the crease for nearly nine hours. It was a patient innings from Khawaja, who brought up his hundred – his first in Ashes cricket, and his first at the SCG – from his 222nd delivery, and his 150 from his 334th. Until this Test, the best Khawaja had to show for this Ashes was a pair of fifties; this innings alone buys him a lengthy stay in the side.His dismissal, shortly after tea, was the last breakthrough England would make all day. The Marsh brothers made it three consecutive century partnerships for Australia in this innings – Khawaja and Smith had put on 188, Khawaja and Shaun Marsh 101, and by stumps Shaun and Mitchell Marsh had compiled an unbeaten 104.England thought they had Mitchell Marsh late in the day when he was given out lbw off the bowling of Tom Curran, and asked for a review. The third umpire, S Ravi, overturned the decision on the basis of Marsh having nicked the ball, though the Hot Spot and Snicko evidence appeared far from conclusive. At least the ball was shown to be missing the stumps in any case, so Marsh would have been let off even without the supposed edge.Usman Khawaja celebrates his first Ashes century•Getty ImagesOn 22, Shaun Marsh had been given out caught behind off the part-time offspin of Joe Root, and after consulting with Khawaja, he called for a review. It was hard to work out why Marsh had not reviewed immediately, for the replays showed between bat and ball a gap big enough that Cameron Bancroft could almost have been bowled through it. Marsh went on to register his fifty from 121 balls, and by stumps was eyeing off a sixth Test century.He had come to the crease after the dismissal of Smith in the penultimate over before lunch. Smith appeared destined for his fourth hundred of the series when on 83 he chipped a return catch to Moeen Ali, who was bowling around the wicket. It was Moeen’s fourth wicket of the series, and the first time he had dismissed a right-hander in this campaign. And given Smith’s recent dominance, England could have hoped that wicket turned the tide. One wicket and 205 runs later, it was clearly anything but the case.

Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur on September 24th for what's always one of the biggest and best games of the Premier League season. It's a fixture that carries far more than just three points, after all.

This is one that the two teams judge themselves on and, as a result, it's one in which players can really make a name for themselves. And, one player who could do just that is Bukayo Saka.

We at Football FanCast thought we'd take a trip through his brief career to see exactly how he's previously fared in this north London derby.

What is Bukayo Saka's goals record vs Tottenham?

Saka is still only 21, of course, and has only been a first-team player at Arsenal for three-and-half seasons now. Still, he's managed to pick up seven appearances in the North London derby in that time – six of which were starts.

But the player's goal record isn't exactly one to shout about. He's managed a solitary goal across those seven games, coming at home in late 2021. Arsenal would win the game 3-1, mind.

What is Bukayo Saka's assists record vs Tottenham?

Saka's assist record is better than his goal record, though. He's created two across seven games, with the most recent coming in the 2-0 win at Spurs last season.

The other actually came in the same game as his goal. A goal and assist in a 3-1 North London derby win? It's comfortably his most impressive performance against Tottenham to date.

What is Bukayo Saka's head-to-head record vs Tottenham?

It's a mixed bag, really. Saka does have a positive record against Spurs but only just. He's won four of his seven games, losing the other three.

So you can seemingly expect a winner when the two teams meet in September. There hasn't been a draw in this one for a few years now.

But it is worth mentioning that Saka lost his first two North London derbies, the first of which he only played 20 minutes as a left-back. His record since those opening two reads four wins, one defeat – so he's certainly getting the better of Tottenham of late.

What is Bukayo Saka's record at home vs Tottenham?

Saka is yet to fail against Spurs at the Emirates, winning all three games against the arch rivals. 2-1 and 3-1 wins in 2021 came before a 3-1 win last season – you can't do much better.

The first of those 3-1 wins saw Saka score and assist, too, meaning he's very capable of delivering a big game at home in the derby. Arsenal will certainly hope he's able to this time around.

What is Bukayo Saka's record away at Tottenham?

Last season saw Saka break his duck at Tottenham on the fourth attempt. A 2-0 win – in which the player registered an assist – was the first time Saka went there and didn't lose.

Given he's played regularly since breaking into the first-team, it also meant this was the first time in years that Arsenal as a team won at Tottenham. It was a statement win that showed just how far their fortunes differed last season. Spurs went backwards, while the Gunners challenged for the title.

Who has Bukayo Saka scored against the most?

Saka's poor record against Spurs would suggest he's not one for the bigger games, but that's certainly not the case. Manchester United are the opponents against which he's scored the most – three goals in seven games.

They've all come in Saka's last three games against the Red Devils, too. He got one in a 3-1 win in early 2022 before scoring home and away last season.

Though, it's worth mentioning that the most goals Saka has against any opponent since reaching adult level is technically Spurs. He's got five against their Under 18 side – but we're not really sure we should count that.

Who does Bukayo Saka have the most goal contributions against?

Saka's goal contribution high is five and he's managed that against three different Premier League sides. Impressively, two of those are Manchester United and Liverpool.

He's bagged three goals and two assists against the Red Devils. It's the reverse against Liverpool – two goals, three assists. The latter are also the opponent against whom he's played the most.

Southampton are the other side with five against them. Saka's record matches his one against the Reds.

How many goals does Bukayo Saka have in September?

Saka has managed to score four times in the month of September – with some notable strikes, too. His first came in the Europa League back in 2019 as he made it 2-0 away at Eintracht Frankfurt.

After that came a goal for England in 2021. Saka scored to make it 4-0 against Andorra in a World Cup qualifier. He then scored later that same month against Spurs.

His fourth was last season as Saka equalised for Arsenal at Old Trafford.

What is Bukayo Saka's overall Arsenal goal record?

Saka, at only 21, has already played 182 competitive games for Arsenal. There will be many, many more to come as he just continues to get better as a player.

His record, as you'd expect from a young player, is impressive without being spectacular. Saka has 39 goals in those 182 games, coming in four separate competitions.

What is Bukayo Saka's Premier League goal record?

The vast majority of Saka's goals have come in the Premier League, of course. He's scored 32 of his 39 there, across 137 games.

It's a record of a goal every four or five games, then. It doesn't sound great but again, the stats include some very formative years for the Arsenal man.

The only other competition where Saka has more than a solitary goal is the Europa League. He's managed five there, across 25 appearances. Of course, he'll step up and make his Champions League debut this season.

What is Bukayo Saka's assist record?

Saka has actually assisted more goals than he's scored in his career. He's created 40 to the 38 he's scored, again coming in 179 professional appearances.

Though, Saka does have more goals than assists in the Premier League. There have 'only' been 27 assists in the top flight, compared to his 31 goals. The swing comes in other competitions.

For instance, Saka has nine Europa League assists in his 25 appearances, compared to just five goals. His two FA Cup assists outweigh his solitary FA Cup goal, too.

What is Arsenal's record vs Tottenham?

Arsenal vs Tottenham dates back to 1896 – a time when this wasn't even a North London derby as 'Woolwich Arsenal' played in South London.

Arsenal won that first game 2-1 and have since gone on to have the superior record across a total of 207 meetings between the two. In total, the Gunners have won on 86 occasions.

Spurs have replied with 67 wins, leaving 54 draws between the two famous clubs.

Sticking to just the Premier League era, Arsenal are still the dominant club here. They've played 62 top-flight games since the formation of the Premier League, with the Gunners winning 24 of those. Spurs have managed only 15 in reply, with the points splitting on 23 occasions.

What are Arsenal's recent results vs Tottenham?

The last five games have been very good to Arsenal. They won both of the games last season, 3-1 at home and then 2-0 away. That was a response to losing 3-0 at Spurs towards the end of the 2021/22 season.

The two before that were Arsenal wins, too – 2-1 and 3-1, both at home. It means the Gunners have won four of the last five North London derbies.

However, they hadn't won any of the five before that, losing three and drawing two. In fact, their clean sheet in the most recent fixture was Arsenal's first since late 2017.

When is Arsenal vs Tottenham?

Arsenal will host Tottenham on Sunday, September 24th at 14:00 UK time. It'll be each side's second post-international break fixture, so we should get a pretty good idea of where they're at.

Arsenal will hope to build on their enormously promising campaign last season. They shocked everyone with a title challenge and while it petered out in the end, there's little doubt that they made great strides. Signing Declan Rice only boost the confidence further going into this one.

Spurs had a very different season. They just couldn't find consistency and never even threatened the top-four spots, let alone the title. That's led to some big changes, both in the dugout and on the pitch. The hope will be that a new era breathes new life into Tottenham – something they sorely need.

As always, this will be a big one. The game rarely, if ever, disappoints and both teams can make big statements by winning the derby early in the season. Arsenal will turn to their stars of last season to lead them, while Spurs may need to find a new hero who can take them back up the table.

It has been a rip-roaring start to the Premier League season for West Ham United.

The post-Declan Rice hangover has been non-existent, and the club is flying in its new era.

The Irons have picked up seven points from their first three games, including consecutive 3–1 victories against Chelsea and Brighton.

The starting striker and scoring in both those matches was Michail Antonio, who is being his notoriously physical, untameable, and dominant self.

But, with the Hammers playing European football for a third consecutive year, the 33-year-old will require support and competition, and a young gem from South America has been linked to the role…

What’s the latest West Ham United transfer news?

According to the Evening Standard, West Ham had been pushing to sign Corinthians’ Yuri Alberto as their hunt for a striker enters the final phase of the summer transfer window.

However, the east Londoners face fresh doubt over a move with it now looking unlikely that he'll pen terms after the two clubs failed to agree a fee; that's according to Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian.

Although Antonio has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium, his early performances mean he looks to be a cemented part of David Moyes’ plans once more.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Meanwhile, fellow frontman Danny Ings has struggled to make a notable impact since his January arrival and Divin Mubama is yet to forge consistent minutes in the first-team.

As well as Alberto, the Hammers are also looking at Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri and Paris Saint-Germain’s Hugo Ekitike, per the report.

Any new arrivals would join James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Moyes' most recent addition, Mohammed Kudus as new signings at the London Stadium.

Would Yuri Alberto be a good signing for West Ham?

Throughout his career, Alberto has made 129 appearances as a centre-forward, scoring 45 times and crafting 16 assists.

Apart from 15 games for Zenit St Petersburg, the 22-year-old whiz has predominantly plied his trade in Brazil. Most recently this comes with Corinthians, where he has 30 goal contributions in 74 matches.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has provided a glowing review of Alberto’s play style, hailing him as a "clinical finisher” who has a “killer instinct” in front of goal and someone “extremely dangerous on the counter.”

The last point will especially interest Moyes, whose counter-attacking system has worked wonders in the last three years.

Much of it is channelled through the athleticism, power, and endless running of Antonio.

The long-serving Jamaica international has been at West Ham since 2015 and there have been attempts to displace him as the first-choice frontman.

Notably, Sebastian Haller and Gianluca Scamacca were recently hired to take the mantle, but neither acclimatised to English football, with Antonio still undoubtedly one of the club’s most influential performers.

At the end of last season, his teammate Thilo Kehrer hailed his input, saying:

“He is putting the defenders under stress and every game he is doing a very important job right now.

“He is scoring goals as well, so we are really happy that we have him. Mich is a great teammate. A great personality and positive energy. He makes everyone have a good time and he is also a hard worker too.”

If Alberto, who Corinthians reportedly value at €25m (£21m) joined West Ham, he could help alleviate the burden off Antonio as he looks very suited to Moyes’ tactics, and his presence should bolster their chances of a good season both domestically and on the European stage.

Virat Kohli attacked with luck, Cheteshwar Pujara defended and defended solidly, both got fifties in tough batting conditions, but a lower-order collapse gave South Africa the upper hand as India went from 144 for 4 to 187 all out

The Report by Sidharth Monga in Johannesburg24-Jan-2018
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Virat Kohli attacked, Cheteshwar Pujara defended and defended solidly and Bhuvneshwar Kumar applied himself in the end to score 134 runs between them. But the rest – extras included – added only 53 more as India went from 144 for 4 to 187 all out on the first day of the Wanderers Test. India were not out of it yet on the evidence of the tumultuous six overs South Africa faced before stumps, losing Aiden Markram to Bhuvneshwar.When India made the bold move of batting first on a green pitch with a lot of seam movement, despite all the pressure their batting has been under, they would have hoped for a lot of grit and a bit of luck to ride out these tough conditions. On what was not the prettiest day of Test cricket, Pujara and Kohli showed plenty of grit, some luck followed through dropped catches and a missed review, but India handed back the advantage with some ordinary batting from the lower middle order, which was missing R Ashwin as they decided to play an all-seam attack.If India were still in the contest, it was down to fielding lapses from South Africa. Kohli was dropped on 11 and 32, Pujara was on nought when the hosts appealed half-heartedly for an lbw and chose not to review a not-out call that would have been overturned. There was more general sloppiness in the field, and comeback man Ajinkya Rahane was on 3 when he was caught behind off a Vernon Philander no-ball.Philander was in the thick of the action all day. He began the Test with a spell of 8-7-1-1, the most economical first eight overs for a South Africa bowler in all Tests since readmission. His victim was KL Rahul, with a ball that seamed back in and took the inside edge to become one of Quinton de Kock’s five catches, but there was a moment when he could have supported his fellow fast bowler a bit better. Kagiso Rabada drew a Kohli top edge with a surprise bouncer, which would have been a sitter had Philander from mid-off or Markram from cover decided early enough to go for it. Neither of them did, and eventually it was too late for Philander to make up with a dive.While Philander could be accused of being a little too short through the day, his first spell, with the ball seaming both ways, was still a testing one. Pujara took 31 of those 48 balls, which means 31 of the 41 balls Philander bowled while he was at the wicket.Cullinan: ‘I expect the pitch to be more difficult for batsmen on day two’•AFPThere was nothing loose on offer even though South Africa didn’t do enough to make India play and edge balls. With so much seam movement available, you had to either wait for a rank delivery or take the risk of going after decent ones. Pujara took the first route. He just kept playing the line, making sure he didn’t follow the ball when it seamed away, and hoping he got an inside edge or that the ball did too much when it seamed back in. There were ironic cheers when Pujara set off for a run off the 45th ball he faced only for the umpire to call it a leg-bye. There was another big cheer when he faced his 50th ball, still on zero. When the run finally came, 81 minutes into his innings, having refused to play a loose shot, Pujara had made the bowlers bowl on his pads.India’s captain took the other route. He showed more urgency, nailing drives every time a ball presented itself for the shot. There was nothing half-hearted – as with M Vijay’s drive to get out – about Kohli’s innings. This 84-run third-wicket partnership couldn’t have done without him at the other end. You couldn’t just stand there and not score. Kohli backed his eye to pick errors in length early and punish them. There were two cracking cover drives, one moments after he had been dropped by Philander. Rabada tried the one-two trick by threatening his outside edge repeatedly and then going for the lbw ball, but he never really got it right, and Kohli kept clipping him away.The shots didn’t stop; he had to keep playing them on this pitch even though they meant a slightly higher risk than usual. Post lunch, Kohli went to cut Morne Morkel, the ball was too wide, took the toe end, but this time AB de Villiers put him down at third slip as the ball dipped on him rather late. Just as the partnership was getting into the realm of the dangerous, Ngidi finally drew the edge from Kohli, a solid one on the drive. The catch nearly blew de Villiers off his feet, but he hung on, injuring his finger in the process.Rahane couldn’t make the most of his break as Morkel soon trapped him lbw with a full straight ball. Apart from the fielding, South Africa could look back at the wide lines and lengths that kept beating the bat but were not full enough to take the edge. However, the run-rate always hovered around two, which meant they could get India out cheaply if they got their act together.It needed a change in plans for that to happen. There was debate if South Africa would have been better served by a proper batsman and not an allrounder in Andile Phehlukwayo. What can the fifth bowler do on such a pitch that the main four can’t? Take an edge from Pujara, maybe. All day long, Pujara had been playing inside the line of balls that seamed away, but this one was perhaps slower, perhaps it seamed less, and took the edge through.The lower-middle order then capitulated. Parthiv Patel nicked off, Hardik Pandya top-edged a ball that was not there for the pull, Mohammed Shami hit straight to mid-off, and South Africa were right back. The only application and resistance from the tail came from Bhuvneshwar, whose 30 helped give India something to bowl at.

Lahore Qalandars whimpered to 119 against Quetta Gladiators, who in turn waltzed to their target with nine wickets and six overs to spare

Danyal Rasool24-Feb-2018In a nutshellThis was less a match than an incisive analysis of Lahore Qalandars’ weakness. In an amateur, unthinking batting display, Lahore whimpered to 119 against the Quetta Gladiators, who in turn felt no need to take any risks, and waltzed to the target with nine wickets and six overs to spare.The Qalandars were put in to bat, and Brendon McCullum, opening with Sunil Narine, gave their side the best possible start. Narine smashed Shane Watson for 24 runs in an over as Lahore raced to 45 in the first three overs. McCullum was timing the ball beautifully too, but as soon as Narine fell, Quetta’s bowlers found a way to break in. The first five overs fetched 50, the next 15 fetched 59, and the hollowness of Lahore’s middle order was on full display yet again.Watson was in devastating form, and Asad Shafiq at the other end was the perfect foil to him. Even though the pair took no unnecessary risks – just 41 were scored in the first six – Watson was just warming up. He took Narine for 21 runs in the seventh over, and from thereon Sarfraz Ahmed’s men were coasting. With scoreboard pressure non-existent, Quetta played as they wanted. In the end, the straight drive that sealed the win was a merciful end to a rotten day for Lahore.Where the match was wonLahore were playing a high-risk game. The result hinged on how long they could sustain that intensity. It was crucial for Quetta to strike early, and Narine’s wicket in the fourth over proved vital. Fakhar Zaman couldn’t repeat his heroics from Friday, spooning a return catch to Jofra Archer for one, and a clever review to effect a McCullum lbw saw Lahore lose their top three within 11 balls of each other. With the big three out of the way, Quetta’s stranglehold on the game was virtually invincible.The men that won itLast year, Lahore nearly defended 59 in a thrilling game they eventually lost by three wickets. A target of 120 could have been tricky, but Shafiq and Watson stomped on Lahore’s hopes. A wicketless Powerplay was followed by the pair finally letting loose, Watson responsible for much of the carnage as he stormed to 50 in just 28 balls. By the time he was dismissed for 66, his side were merely 28 runs away from victory, and the contest was all but over.Nawaz’s recordMohammad Nawaz would have been perfectly happy with not bowling in the Powerplay overs, but when he did come on, he couldn’t have been much better. Nawaz’s introduction dried up the singles altogether. Bowling a tight, unrelenting line and varying his pace adroitly, Nawaz rendered the the batsmen helpless. In a stunning four-over spell, he accounted for the dangerous McCullum and Cameron Delport, conceding just four runs – the most economical spell ever in the PSL.Moment of the match Watson is a seasoned T20 professional, and his pride would have taken a dent when Narine took him to task in the third over of Lahore’s innings, walloping him for three fours and two sixes in an over that cost 24 – the most expensive at this year’s PSL so far. Quietly, he began plotting his revenge, and finally pounced in the seventh over of the Gladiators innings. With Narine bowling, Watson hit him for two sixes and two boundaries, and took 21 off his over to give the West Indian a taste of his own medicine.Where they standLahore Qalandars are rock bottom of the table with two losses from two. Quetta have won one and lost the other, and are placed fourth.

Newcastle United bolstered their senior squad this summer as they prepare to tackle the Champions League head on but after neglecting their need for defensive reinforcements, the Magpies have seen their defence get picked apart by quality opposition, losing three successive matches against Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton.

Despite shipping seven goals in their first four, the value of chances conceded would suggest their defensive solidity has remained, placing fifth in the league with an expected goal against (xGA) of 4.89, behind only Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

Eddie Howe has built a defensive dynasty since arriving at the club which has been accelerated by the blossoming partnership of Fabian Schar and Sven Botman, but it isn't only defensive solidity that the Englishman has guaranteed, he's also shown a key eye with his recruitment of future stars.

While 18-year-old Lewis Hall and 20-year-old Tino Livramento were both signed to compete for a place in the starting XI, that is the future aim of highly-rated 16-year-old arrival Trevan Sanusi, who was brought in from Birmingham City to bolster their U18 ranks.

Who is Trevan Sanusi?

An England U16 international, Sanusi is a talented left-winger who was on the radar of all the top Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham after thriving five years above his age group in Birmingham's U21s.

If that isn't a testament to his ability and mindset, then first-team manager John Eustace speaking highly of his ability, saying: "A really exciting young attacking player", perhaps is.

During the Blues' fight against relegation last season, Sanusi was named in Birmingham's squad for the trip to Blackpool and had he made his debut would have broken Jude Bellingham's record as the club's youngest-ever player.

While the former has gone on to propel himself into the world-beating realm since leaving his boyhood club, completing an initial £88.5m move to Real Madrid this summer where he's scored five goals in his opening four La Liga games, Sanusi will be aiming to carve a similar pathway to the top.

Can Sanusi follow in Bellingham's footsteps?

Despite being rewarded for his talents with a transfer to one of England's biggest clubs, Sanusi acknowledged his move in three simple words "hard work continues".

Although the teenager clearly possesses the natural talent having excelled against boys much older than him previously, it's this elite-level mindset that can see him leave his mark on Tyneside.

The journey from the underage groups to the first team is a long slog that can provide setbacks such as injuries, a drop-off in form that can see youngsters getting released or can have a positive impact, allowing players to unearth their talents while alerting the attention of the senior hierarchy.

This is the journey that Elliot Anderson has embarked on, seamlessly moving through the age groups, enjoying a productive loan spell at Bristol Rovers before working his way into Eddie Howe's plans, featuring on 22 occasions in the Premier League last season.

Following a successful breakthrough campaign at the club, former Newcastle manager John Carver has praised his development highly, saying: "As a player, what excites me is he’s so brave, he wants the ball, he finds himself in little pockets and wants to play."

That could quite aptly describe not only Bellingham but Sanusi too, who boasts a wide range of trickery from the flanks.

Blessed with pace, dynamism and ball skills to threaten any defender, the new Toon signing has a superb future in the game.

While the exciting teenager will want to become the latest world-class talent to come from Birmingham's youth setup – following Bellingham's rapid trajectory to the top – first he must showcase his qualities in the underage groups at Newcastle, using Anderson's sharp rise as inspiration.

West Ham United's appointment of David Moyes (for the second time) in December 2019 might have initially been viewed as pragmatic, but the Scottish manager has eclipsed the expectations of even the most optimistic of Irons supporters.

Having taken the reins midway through the 2019/20 campaign and navigated away from danger in the Premier League, the London Stadium outfit are now awaiting a third successive season in European competition, having won the Europa Conference League with victory over Italian side Fiorentina in the final.

The bleaker days are firmly behind them, and supporters will be confident that further success can be found this season despite the £105m sale of midfield talisman Declan Rice to Arsenal in July.

£38m

£35m

£30m

£17m

N/A

Having impressed with their summer transfer spending, the Hammers have enjoyed a fruitful start to the 2023/24 season, drawing against Bournemouth on the opening day before clinching a trio of impressive victories – including wins over Chelsea and high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion – before falling to a maiden seasonal defeat to the hand of Manchester City, but then that is hardly shameful.

With the Europa League just around the corner, United will kick off their next continental campaign against Serbian team Bačka Topola, who travel to the London Stadium.

It's a fine opportunity for Moyes to issue some rotation and keep his talented squad on their feet, and one player who will be hoping to make a marked impact is Said Benrahma, who is perhaps in danger of falling down the pecking order after such impressive summer additions and the superb performances of Jarrod Bowen, who dominates the right channel.

How much did West Ham pay for Said Benrahma?

Making steady progress under Moyes' management, West Ham completed the loan signing of Benrahma in October 2020, making the move permanent for £20m in January 2021.

In that first season in east London, Benrahma only scored once in the Premier League but did provide six assists from just 14 league starts, having been previously lauded by Bees boss Thomas Frank for his "magnificent" performances.

It was a signing that left many rival suitors disgruntled, with Benrahma a hot commodity after plundering 17 goals and ten assists across the 2019/22 Championship term, and as he wedged his way into West Ham's thriving system, it became clear that he was a valuable asset for a team challenging for honours and success bost domestically and in Europe.

Indeed, Aston Villa and French team OGC Nice were both actively pursuing the 28-year-old winger during his days at the Gtech Community Stadium, but the prospect of joining a fast-rising team in West Ham proved the decisive factor.

How many goals has Benrahma scored?

Having worked his way up the pecking order during his first term in Irons colours, Benrahma excelled across the 2021/22 campaign – even described as "unplayable" by pundit Joe Cole – as West Ham finished seventh in the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, losing to eventual champions Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 21-cap Algeria star, despite scoring the opening goal against La Viola in June, did not find a starting berth last term with quite the regularity he would have hoped for, playing just 22 times from the opening whistle across the league season despite bagging 12 goals across all competitions.

Make no mistake, Benrahma is not in danger of falling out of Moyes' plans in their entirety, but he will hope to ride a wave of purple patches to convince his manager that his place belongs on the starting teamsheet.

Lucas Paqueta has played two of the opening five matches on the left side of the attack and has done so with aplomb; candidly, the Brazilian technician looks capable of thriving across any role he is deployed in, but his Algerian teammate offers a different dimension and boasts an array of qualities well-suited for supplementation, which the former Lyon man can provide in abundance from the centre.

As per FBref, the artful gem ranks among the top 11% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for total shots taken, the top 13% for progressive carries and the top 16% for progressive passes received per 90, illustrating his skill in weaving his way up the pitch with the ball glued to his feet and finding promising openings to unleash strikes on goal.

The £55k-per-week ace will need to start impressing his manager enough to cement his name as among the first to be picked, and while his teammate Pablo Fornals has also suffered from a fall into a more peripheral role of late, Benrahma arguably offers talents better served for an aspiring outfit such as West Ham.

Indeed, the dynamic Spaniard was signed from Villarreal for £24m in 2019, and while he made 17 starts in the Premier League last term, scoring three times, nine of those came across the opening nine matches of the campaign, seemingly losing his boss's confidence as the club toiled for much of the year.

Fornals can also play down the left channel but is perhaps most at home in a creative role in the centre. Given the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Mohammed Kudus and Paqueta all warrant prominent positions, it's unlikely that he will reclaim his spot, especially after only starting against Bournemouth so far this season.

The same could well now be said of Benrahma who was dropped for the defeat to City.

He happened to provide an assist against Brighton, but may well now struggle to play a big role this season as the Hammers search for success across multiple fronts.

Europe may give him a chance to shine but if he fails to grasp his opportunities there is a decent chance that Moyes will continue to opt for Paqueta's starting role out on the left in the biggest moments. Kudus could even be preferred in that role too.

Benrahma will likely start in the Europa League this week, but he must use that as a launchpad to serve a starring role and propel West Ham to heights even better than that of last season's silver-laden finale. Though, with such illustrious options now ahead of him in the pecking order, continental action could be his rare chance to shine.

The players’ body also asked CA to take the contrition shown by the players on their return to Australia into account, and allow them back into domestic cricket sooner

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Apr-2018The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) has asked Cricket Australia to consider reducing the “disproportionate” sanctions on Steven Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, the three players involved in the plan to tamper with the ball during the Cape Town Test.’I’d pick them for sure’ – Mark Waugh

Australia selector Mark Waugh has backed Steven Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft to make returns to the national side after they complete their bans for ball-tampering in Cape Town.
“I would (pick them), for sure,” Waugh told Sky Sports Radio. “My personal contact with these three guys is they’re all good people. Everyone makes mistakes. This is a major one.
“We all hope they bounce back to their best form when the penalties are finished. We should all look at the facts and you’ve got to let them back into the fold again. You’ve got to forgive them.”
Waugh also defended the Australian team against criticism of its culture.
“I don’t see this team as any different as any other team from previous eras,” he said. “Of course there’s the odd individual player who’ll push the boundaries. But to then say because of that there’s a whole toxic culture of Australian cricket, I’m just not seeing that. Most of this team, they’re so quiet on the field.”

Smith and Warner were banned from international and domestic cricket for 12 months, while Bancroft was banned for nine. Warner was also banned from holding leadership positions in Australian cricket for life, while Smith and Bancroft were banned from leadership positions for another 12 months after the end of their bans.”The proposed penalties are disproportionate relative to precedent,” ACA president Greg Dyer said in Sydney on Tuesday. “We ask that consideration be given to recalibrating the proposed sanctions, to consider options such as suspending or reducing part of the sanction. To consider allowing the players to return to domestic cricket earlier, for example, as part of their rehabilitation.”We believe [the bans] are disproportionate. We’ve pointed out the fact that incidents of this similar type have occurred previously, the sanctions are vastly less than what’s been suggested here. There’s a need to reconcile between the two, there’s a need to understand that disproportionality and to move forward. We’re in ongoing conversations with Cricket Australia through this process.”The players have until Thursday to decide whether to appeal the penalties imposed by CA or not.”The ACA is working strongly with the players,” Dyer said. “Their decisions are imminent but I’m not able to share them with you this morning. [It is] a deeply personal decision for the players. We’re supporting them through that process but ultimately [whether to appeal is] for the three players to decide.”Dyer was of the opinion that the administration needed to support the banned players during this time, and allowing them to stay involved with cricket would be beneficial. “The players need to be brought back into the confines of the game to be supported by the game – to be assisted by the game, in the rehabilitation,” Dyer said. “If the sanctions were to prevent that then I think that would be a bad outcome.”The loss of leadership is significant as a sanction … these are very substantial things that have occurred to these men. That needs to be brought into mind. Those [consequences] are over and above the length of the sentence.”Smith, Bancroft and Warner held press conferences after returning to Australia, where they expressed remorse for ball-tampering on the third day of the Newlands Test. All of them were extremely emotional during their press conferences and Dyer said their “extraordinary contrition” should be taken into account by CA.”The contrition shown by these men is extraordinary. We ask for this extraordinary contrition to be taken into account by Cricket Australia just as it would be in any fair or proper process. Their distressed faces have sent a message across the globe as effective as any sanctions could be. Australia cried with Steve Smith last Thursday. I certainly did. We expect this contrition to be taken into account.”

Adam Rossington’s 90 revived Northamptonshire to 259 after a stuttering start on the first day of the warm-up game

Alex Winter in Northampton04-May-2018
Shadab Khan had a successful day•Getty ImagesOne of Pakistan’s main concerns as they flew to the United Kingdom was how to replace their strike bowler, legspinner Yasir Shah. He was the top wicket-taker in their past two Test series and against England on the previous tour in 2016 but was ruled out of the upcoming Tests with a hip injury. Shadab Khan’s career-best 6 for 77 on the first day of the second tour match at Northampton gave further evidence that the role may be covered.Shadab, just 19 years old, has become a Pakistan prodigy. This is only his ninth first-class match but he already has a Test debut behind him – in Barbados a year ago – having risen to prominence in T20 cricket at the Pakistan Super League and subsequently for the Trinbago Knight Riders and Brisbane Heat.His greatest asset is generating significant turn and on a decent first day Wantage Road pitch, he found plenty of it to plunge Northamptonshire from 104 for 2 to 143 for 6 after lunch before returning to complete just a second first-class five-wicket haul after his 5 for 82 for Pakistan A in 2016.After a series of big-turning legbreaks, two balls that skidded on trapped Richard Levi and Rob Keogh lbw. Rob Newton was caught behind trying to cut a ball not short enough to do so. The most eye-catching of his dismissals, however, was a googly that Josh Cobb simply did not pick, shouldered arms to, and lost his off stump.And after Adam Rossington and Ricardo Vasconcelos compiled a smart stand of 80 for the eighth wicket to revive Northants, a classic legbreak turned sharply inside Vasconcelos’ drive and Rossington was lured down the pitch to be stumped.Pakistan were weighing up whether to include a specialist spinner for the Tests against Ireland and England – where seam-bowling conditions are likely to prevail – but a bowler so alien to UK-based players is a unique weapon and Shadab couldn’t have made a stronger case here.He initially began a little short as Newton and Levi were able to play him off the back foot but in his second over after lunch, he removed Levi to begin a memorable spell and one that could lead to a second Test cap in Malahide next week.Rossington and Vasconcelos – on his Northants debut – were the only batsmen to figure out how to survive against him as Northants – almost certainly – fell short of a par total.Rossington took two calculated risks, skipping down to lift sixes over long-on, but otherwise was content to largely play with the spin to take runs through the covers. He made a spirited fifty in the second innings against Warwickshire in Northants’ previous County Championship match. As he began to pull with authority after passing fifty in 65 balls – there was a notable short-arm jab off Faheem Ashraf – he looked set for a first century of the summer. But he lost his longest partner at a bad time and fell 10 short.Vasconcelos, South African but a Portuguese passport holder, shaped up very smartly on his first appearance for his new club – indeed perhaps an entirely new phase of his career. He was organised in defence, played with confidence to turn runs square of the wicket but undid his graft until that point with a lavish cover drive.Earlier, Pakistan’s seamers were a touch inconsistent. Rahat Ali picked up the opening wicket of the day with a ball that nipped back to trap Ben Duckett lbw. His second wicket was Steven Crook caught at third man top-edging a cut. Fellow left-armer Mohammad Amir, back in the UK after his stint with Essex last season, was used in short bursts without success and Mohammad Abbas, signed by Leicestershire this summer, beat Newton regularly but also went wicketless, leaving Shadab to ensure a good first day for the tourists.

Manchester United have their eyes on a proven European goalscorer who could be available for nothing at the end of the campaign, according to recent reports.

What's the latest news involving Manchester United?

The Red Devils will hope to follow up their important 1-0 triumph over Burnley in the Premier League with a victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, where they will begin their defence of the trophy. Mason Mount and his teammate for club and country Harry Maguire have both returned to training with the main group and could be available for selection against Roy Hodgson's men.

Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will not be available alongside youngsters Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo due to various injury concerns; meanwhile, Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir may be given an opportunity to make his debut for the Premier League giants if Erik Ten Hag decides to rest Andre Onana.

Veteran defender Jonny Evans was a standout for Manchester United in their triumph over Burnley at the weekend and has jumped to the defence of Erik Ten Hag despite recent criticism surrounding the Dutch coach.

Cited by The Mirror, the Northern Ireland international stated: "The manager’s got a good thing going here. I’m a fan of the club, so I was able to watch them a lot last year, been at both finals to support. Like I say, I think the manager’s got a good thing going."

Reports in Spain claim that Manchester United could look to secure a permanent deal for on-loan Tottenham Hotspur defender Sergio Reguilon if he carries on his positive run of performances at Old Trafford.

Who could Manchester United sign?

According to A Bola, via Sport Witness, Manchester United had a scout at Porto's 2-1 victory over Gil Vicente last weekend, in a game which was settled by strikes from Ivan Jaime and Eustaquio.

The report speculates that Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa and left-back Wendell were standouts for the Portuguese giants; however, the most likely player that would've had scouts in attendance is Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi, who is out of contract next summer and would be available on a free transfer.

Taremi, who has been labelled "ridiculous" by popular Manchester United pundit Rio Ferdinand in the past, has been one of Europe's most clinical forwards when in a Porto jersey, registering 82 goals and 50 assists in 155 appearances across all competitions during his time at the club, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Taremi has excelled in comparison to his positional peers across Europe's top five divisions in the art of touches inside the attacking penalty area, averaging around 6.92 per 90 minutes in the last 365 days, putting him in the 98th percentile for this metric, proving to be a constant menace.

With young star Rasmus Hojlund in the infancy of his career at Old Trafford, it may make sense to bring in a more experienced head alongside the Denmark international as an alternative to Anthony Martial, who is regularly dogged by injury struggles.