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Has Viktor Gyökeres lived up to pre-season expectations at Arsenal?

Well, so far, the Swedish international striker has scored six times for the Gunners, most notably bagging a brace during the 4-0 Champions League demolition of Atlético Madrid.

However, as the saying goes, in absence the heart grows fonder.

Gyökeres hobbled off at half time against Burnley, having opened the scoring at Turf Moor, thereby sitting out subsequent trips to Prague and Sunderland, his absence truly felt during the 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light, with Mikel Arteta really lacking someone capable of running in behind, as well as reinforcements off the bench, so perhaps his importance was only crystallised when he wasn’t there.

Before suffering this injury, Gyökeres had started all 13 of Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League fixtures, completing 90 minutes on nine occasions due to a lack of alternatives, with Kai Havertz having not been seen since sustaining a knee injury at Old Trafford on the opening weekend.

Ahead of a North London derby following the international break, Arteta is hoping to have the cavalry back, with all six of Arsenal’s injured attackers nearing a return, so could “the best finisher at the club” challenge Gyökeres for his previously undisputed starting spot?

Kai Havertz's importance to Arsenal

If Arsenal are going to pip Manchester City to the Premier League title, they’re going to need their key players to remain fit and available.

For Arteta, these are William Saliba, Gabriel, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka; one could argue Jurriën Timber has entered this exclusive group too, while Martin Ødegaard was certainly there too prior to his injury issues both this season and last.

If you ask the manager, if not certain onlookers, even if this zeitgeist has changed for most supporters, Kai Havertz is in Arteta’s top-tier of importance too.

So far in 2025, the German international has played just 817 competitive minutes, 754 of which came prior to a serious hamstring tear during the warm-weather training campaign in February before, just when he had got an entire pre-season under his belt, a knee injury picked up against Manchester United in August required surgery.

Initially signed to play a completely different role, Arteta stating upon his arrival that “he will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield”, after the Havertz as a left-eight experiment did not go as planned, he thrived as a centre-forward, scoring 29 goals for the Gunners to date.

So, what Arteta has shown is that, if Havertz is available, he is going to find a place in his team for him, so the idea that Gyökeres’ arrival would end his Arsenal career was never going to be the case.

Clearly, the pre-season plan was for the pair to timeshare the centre-forward role which, who knows, may have prevented Gyökeres’ injury, but certainly would have benefited him, given that the Swede’s best two performances, coming at St James’ Park and Turf Moor, both occurred after EFL Cup ties where he had been afforded a rest.

However, once Arteta has his full complement of forwards available again, the fabled ‘when everyone is fit’ bliss managers rarely ever enjoy, could there be another challenger for the number nine spot?

Why Mikel Arteta's "best finisher" could lead the line

As already outlined, Gyökeres, Havertz and Ødegaard as well as Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus are all hoping to make their eagerly-anticipated returns in the coming weeks.

Down to threadbare options, Arteta has been forced to return to the well that never seems to run dry that is Mikel Merino up front, something Gooners thought they had seen the end of after last season, but all the absentees have given Leandro Trossard the opportunity to seriously stake a claim.

The Belgian leads the way at Arsenal in terms of combined goals and assists so far this season, having bagged four of each, while this is also the case across 2025 to, as the table below documents.

Arsenal’s leading scorers in 2025

Players

Goals

Assists

Leandro Trossard

10

10

Mikel Merino

11

6

Declan Rice

9

10

Martin Ødegaard

5

9

Gabriel Martinelli

9

3

Bukayo Saka

9

Zero

Ethan Nwaneri

5

2

Viktor Gyökeres

6

Zero

Stats via Transfermarkt

Trossard has scored crucial goals on the road against both Fulham and Athletic Club this season, before firing home this absolute rocket on Wearside last Saturday night.

Ever since he joined the club from Brighton for £27m in January 2023, probably a better signing than Mykhailo Mudryk would have been, Trossard has been prolific in front of goal, scoring 32 goals and accumulating 27 assists, the most of any Arsenal player during this timeframe.

Thus, the Belgian has been labelled “the best finisher at the club”, while Tim Stillman of Arseblog agrees, describing him as an ‘excellent shooter and finisher’, something Arsenal’s squad lacks in general, praising his ‘positional versatility’.

Thus, given his output, Arteta is going to want to have Trossard on the pitch somehow.

With Madueke and Martinelli vying for minutes on the left-wing, could we see Trossard challenging for minutes as the centre-forward, certainly offering something different to Gyökeres, at the very least putting pressure on the Swede to perform, something he has not had due to the lack of a genuine alternative up until this point?

Related £150k-p/w star who's "better than Saka" could end Trossard's Arsenal stay

No Arsenal player has more goals & assists in 2025 than Leandro Trossard, but does Mikel Arteta boast a star “better than Saka” that will replace him?

Posts ByBen Gray Nov 12, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras perdeu por 1 a 0 para o internacional nesta quarta-feira (17), na Arena Barueri, pela segunda rodada do Brasileirão 2024. O gol do jogo foi marcado pelo atacante Wesley, e Rafael Borré perdeu pênalti. Assista aos melhores momentos no vídeo acima!

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Com isso, o Verdão perdeu a marca de 10 anos de invencibilidade diante do Colorado. O próximo jogo do Palmeiras é contra o Flamengo, enquanto o Internacional enfrenta o Athletico-PR.

Tudo sobre

Internacionalmelhores momentosPalmeiras

Arne Slot is determined to put things right at Liverpool. Because it’s all gone very wrong this season, the champions 12th in the Premier League standings after losing five of their past six matches.

There is more than enough time for the Dutch coach to turn things around, but improvements are needed quickly if Slot is to repel rising noises regarding the security of his position in the hot seat.

The curious case of Alexander Isak. Liverpool’s record-breaking striker has flattered to deceive since joining from Newcastle United for £125m this summer, and getting him up to speed is paramount if the Reds are to fire on all cylinders going forward.

And with Mohamed Salah struggling and the Anfield side altogether imbalanced up front, FSG appear to be turning toward the transfer market once again.

Liverpool lining up new forward

Salah, 33, is waning. Then again, Liverpool have malfunctioned this season and the Egyptian superstar will surely rekindle his form after a lifetime of genius on Merseyside.

But, regardless, Liverpool need to draw up a succession plan, and they appear to have done exactly that after earmarking a former Premier League sensation to take his berth on the right wing.

As per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool view Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise as a “future dream target” to replace Salah, who extended his stay on Merseyside until the end of the 2026/27 season in April.

Olise would cost a pretty penny, though, having been priced by Die Roten at a staggering €140m (about £122m).

Still, FSG have shown they will do business for such a fee in recent times.

Why Michael Olise would be perfect for Alexander Isak

Olise was immense throughout his debut season in Germany last season, steering Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title and earning acclaim for his dynamic attacking displays.

The 23-year-old has gone up a gear this term, posting nine goals and ten assists from 18 matches in all competitions, and TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves said that he “could be as good as anyone” after one Champions League performance.

Whether Olise winds up at Liverpool remains to be seen, but his remarkable physical traits and natural playmaking qualities make him a tailor-made winger to accommodate Isak and Hugo Ekitike at number nine.

One thing’s for sure: he would provide a huge upgrade on this current version of Salah, whose wastefulness in front of goal is being matched by an inability to influence as he usually does across other areas.

Michael Olise vs Mohamed Salah (League Stats 25/26)

Stats (per 90)

Olise

Salah

Goals scored

0.63

0.34

Assists

0.63

0.17

Shots taken

4.62

2.43

Shot-creating actions

6.82

3.27

Touches (att pen)

7.55

6.21

Pass completion (%)

81.6

68.1

Progressive passes

6.40

4.19

Progressive carries

5.45

3.94

Successful take-ons

2.31

0.92

Ball recoveries

4.72

2.77

Tackles + interceptions

1.36

0.34

Data via FBref

Isak is one of the best strikers in the world, but he needs service. The Sweden international darts upfield and finds space in between the lines. Olise could help activate this area of his skillset at Liverpool, averaging over six progressive passes per Bundesliga game this term.

Olise is also less focused on goalscoring side of the game. That’s not to say he’s not capable of show-stopping strikes, as has been seen numerous times in the Premier League, but serve as evidence that he could be the perfect counterweight in Liverpool’s attacking system to give rise to Isak’s striking ability.

Such an athletic and hungry wide forward with a proven pedigree in the Premier League could prove the key to success at Liverpool, whose forwards are toiling and surely need some fresh inspiration to lift them back into the ascendancy.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Nov 25, 2025

The USA Cricket crisis and image-rights tensions between the ICC and the WCA will also be on the agenda

Nagraj Gollapudi04-Nov-2025

The whereabouts and fate of the Asia Cup trophy could be among the thorniest issues discussed at the ICC Board meeting•AFP/Getty Images

The fallout from the Asia Cup 2025 fracas between India and Pakistan, the governance crisis at USA Cricket (USAC), and tensions between the ICC and the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) over player-image rights are set to dominate discussions across various forums at this week’s ICC quarterly meetings in Dubai. Cricket’s chief executives will meet on November 5, before the Board meeting – of all board heads – takes place on November 7.Asia Cup falloutThough the issue is not officially on the agenda, it is likely to come up at the Board meeting on November 7, and is likely to be the subject of informal discussions on the sidelines. Tensions between the BCCI and PCB have mirrored those between the governments of India and Pakistan this year, and matters came to a head during the Asia Cup, where the teams met three times. The games were marred by a no-handshakes stance instigated by the BCCI and four players – Haris Rauf, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Sahibzada Farhan – were censured by the ICC for gestures or comments deemed to be political in nature.Related

Rauf gets two-match ban; Suryakumar, Bumrah sanctioned after Asia Cup drama

USA cricket crisis worsens as USAC files for bankruptcy

India can come and collect Asia Cup trophy if they want it, says ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi

ICC suspends USA Cricket board

ICC and WCA could clash over player image rights for mobile game

Arguably the thorniest issue will be of the Asia Cup trophy itself. India won it, beating Pakistan in the final, but refused to come out and accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chair and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) head. The trophy has not been seen since, with reports suggesting it is in an ACC office in the UAE. Naqvi has insisted he, and only he, will hand over the trophy as ACC head.Owing to Naqvi’s political commitments (he is Pakistan’s interior minister), it isn’t clear whether he will be present in person at the meeting or if he joins it remotely.Board members are aware of the need for healthier ties between India and Pakistan because of the rivalry’s commercial impact on the global game. Some members expect a resolution to be chalked out this week.ICC-WCA NIL rights tussleAmong the ICC’s more important strategic initiatives is its mobile game offering, for which it is looking for a partner. Plans to launch the game, compatible on mobile, PC, and games consoles, have been in the works as the ICC taps into what it believes will be a fast-growing revenue stream.While it remains optimistic about the project, the ICC has run into a potential dispute around the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rights for the game with the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA). The WCA recently wrote to the 600 players registered with it globally – Indian and Pakistani players are notably not its members – saying the ICC was developing the mobile game “built on your name, image, likeness (NIL), without agreeing to terms with players collectively.”At the ICC’s annual conference in July, some members suggested that the boards should deal directly with their players over image rights, a move the WCA said was a breach of an agreement it had signed with the ICC. The WCA has accused the global governing body and some member boards of wanting to own the players’ name, image and likeness (NIL) rights beyond terms already agreed. The CEC (chief executives’ committee) will hear an update from members on their progress in terms of securing those rights on Wednesday.Cricket will be part of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles•Getty Images

Medium-term strategic resetThe ICC management is aiming for a medium-term strategy refresh, including looking at ways to exploit new funding mechanisms. This includes looking at ways of leveraging the sport’s presence in an increasing number of multi-sport events such as the Commonwealth and Asian Games and the Olympics. The governing body will also be looking at ways to adopt best practices from other sports like tennis, baseball and football in terms of exploiting the properties they own.Olympics qualification pathwayThe CEC is expected to get an update on the detailed qualification model for Los Angeles 2028, where cricket will feature at the Olympics for the first time since 1900. While the ICC Board had given its nod to a continental qualification system, the CEC is likely to get a broader idea on how the qualifying teams – six each in the men’s and women’s categories – will be shortlisted. The CEC will also get operational updates on cricket’s inclusion at the 2026 Asian Games and the African Games, Pan Am Games and European Games of 2027.The CEC will likely review and approve proposed qualification pathways for four forthcoming ICC events: the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup (to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia), the 2028 Men’s T20 World Cup (to be held in Australia and New Zealand), the 2027 Women’s Champions Trophy and the 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup. It will also consider a recommendation to retain the 50-overs format for the Under-19 World Cup, which would allow Associate Members to strengthen their domestic structure in the longer white-ball format.USAC is in a tight spot in its bid to secure National Governing Body status, which will allow USA to participate in the LA Olympics•ICC/Getty Images

USAC and its futureOn September 23, the ICC Board took the unanimous decision to suspend USAC with immediate effect for serious “breaches” including bringing cricket and the ICC into “disrepute” as well as failing to fulfil ICC membership criteria. In the suspension letter, accessed by ESPNcricinfo, the ICC charged USAC with “reneging on the commitments it made” to the ICC Board at the annual conference in July.USAC escaped suspension in July having committed to fulfil the conditions set by the ICC Board by October 20 including holding fresh board elections. But USAC first terminated its contract with long-term commercial partner American Cricket Enterprise (ACE), and then initiated bankruptcy proceedings, which it said was part of the financial restructuring of the organisation. The ICC did not take kindly to this, especially since it had been working closely with the US Olympics and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to secure National Governing Body status for USAC (which is necessary for the USA to participate in the LA Olympics). The USOPC had already warned the ICC that it would not allot NGB status to USAC in its current form unless its governance structure was overhauled and the current board replaced with a new one.In October the ICC sent another email to USAC spelling out the steps needed for the suspension to be lifted. Among the various conditions it set, the ICC told USAC that filing for bankruptcy was a violation of membership criteria, but recommended it “exit” the proceedings in a “satisfactory” manner. It is understood that under bankruptcy law, USAC has to provide the court with a financial plan for the next six months. With the ICC suspension halting its funding, the USAC management has been talking to the ICC about a way out. The ICC has told USAC that it will only fund cricketing operations for now, and nothing else.USAC is expected to write to the ICC Board, which is expected to discuss the issue on Friday, to understand the next steps.

اعترف آشلي كول، أسطورة نادي آرسنال وتشيلسي، أنه كان قاب قوسين أو أدنى من التوقيع لصالح ريال مدريد، موضحًا أن هناك سببًا واحدًا منع إتمام الصفقة.

كول كان قد تألق وبشدة مع آرسنال في مسيرته وحقق معهم لقب الدوري الإنجليزي في مناسبتين، وذلك قبل الرحيل إلى تشيلسي مقابل 7 ملايين يورو.

وتعثرت مفاوضات تجديد عقد كول مع آرسنال، ليوقع الظهير الأيسر مع تشيلسي ويصنع التاريخ مع البلوز.

لكن كول اعترف في تصريحات نقلها ”triballfootball.com”، أن ظروف زواجه حالت دون انتقاله إلى ريال مدريد، موضحًا أن برشلونة رغب في ضمه.

اقرأ أيضًا.. “أصبحنا متحدين”.. رد قاطع من نجم ريال مدريد على شائعات الخلاف مع ألونسو

وقال كول: “شعرت بقليل من عدم الراحة بشأن تجديد عقدي مع آرسنال، لذلك كان هذا هو ما يشغل عقلي وقلبي، كنت أقول لنفسي لقد سلبتموني الأشياء التي أحبها ولم يكن الأمر يستحق ذلك”.

وأضاف: ”مما قيل لي وسمعته كنت سأنتقل إلى ريال مدريد، كنت أجري محادثات مع وكلاء أعمال لأنه في تلك المرحلة كان بإمكاني التوقيع مسبقًا لفريق خارج إنجلترا، لذا كان الخيار هو ريال مدريد وربما برشلونة، لا أعرف مدى عمق هذا الخيار لكن التطورات الشخصية غيرت أولوياتي”.

واختتم كول: “تغيرت الأمور، تزوجت وفي النهاية لم أرد مغادرة البلاد، ثم بعد حوالي عام ونصف، أتذكر أنني جلست في مكتبي مع وكيل أعمالي، ونادى علي قائلاً لن تصدق من هذا، إنه تشيلسي، فقلت حسنًا”.

With just one win picked up across their last five Premier League games, Manchester United now look short on confidence again heading into a bumper December.

Everything looked to be smooth again with three victories secured on the bounce in October, but the boos would ring out at the full-time whistle when the tired Red Devils could only muster up a 1-1 draw versus relegation-threatened West Ham United last time out.

It will be very interesting to see where United sit in the ever-changing league standings when the hustle and bustle of the Christmas period is over, with the up-and-down outfit still only three points off fourth position, despite their recent stumbles.

Whatever does play out, United will surely use the January transfer window to their advantage, as several standout signings are tipped to move to the Theatre of Dreams, despite their hot-and-cold nature.

Man Utd's number one January target

Amorim will just have to hope he is still in the United dug-out by the time January window rolls around, with ESPN reporter Rob Dawson stating that he needs “time and patience” amid shouts he should be given the axe.

Even with this uncertainty in the air, plenty of transfer rumours are circulating, with the likes of Adam Wharton alleged to be on the Premier League outfit’s radar, as they try and win themselves some fresh blood in the middle of the park.

Of course, there is also one incessant piece of gossip that Elliot Anderson could swap Nottingham Forest for the Red Devils, with a statement double deal now even in the works involving Anderson, according to Football Insider.

As per Mick Brown, via Football Insider, United are chasing after the signatures of both the England international and AFC Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo, with the duo named as top targets in a combined £170m deal.

£65m of that alone could be spent on securing Semenyo, as is the Cherries attacker’s previously mentioned release clause, with Amorim loving the idea, surely, of the Ghananian forward moving to Old Trafford, especially with Bryan Mbeumo off to the African Cup of Nations shortly.

Brown said: “Semenyo is the one they’ve been looking at. United need to spend in January to improve the squad, and he’s somebody they wanted to bring in during the summer before he signed that contract. If the opportunity comes up when the window opens, it would make a lot of sense because he would also be able to plug that hole left by Mbeumo.

“You’re looking at people like Semenyo and Elliot Anderson to come in, they’re the top targets for Amorim because both of them would be real improvements in key areas of the squad.”

While United are desperately searching for some fresh blood centrally, Semenyo might well go down as an even better signing than Anderson, particularly as Amorim is no doubt cursing his side’s ineffectiveness in front of goal as of late.

Why Semenyo could be a better signing than Anderson

Immediately after the poor 1-1 draw versus the Hammers, Sky Sports’ Roy Keane would heavily criticise the disappointing United attackers, stating that they’re not “nasty enough” or “clinical” enough to kill off a game.

With Mbeumo set to link up with Cameroon soon at the AFCON, Amorim’s options in attack could soon become even weaker, with the former Brentford striker way out ahead as United’s strongest attacker of the season so far, having powered home five Premier League goals.

In stark contrast, both Joshua Zirkzee and Matheus Cunha only have two league strikes between them this season, while Benjamin Sesko has just two goals, himself, when fit, with Semenyo’s arrival on the scene finally gifting United that deadly, rampaging attacker that Keane, and presumably Amorim, is crying out for.

Indeed, just in the Premier League alone this season, the blistering attacker has managed to conjure up a devastating nine-goal contributions, with Pep Guardiola even going out of his way to herald Semenyo as an “extraordinary” talent who can change games, which is what United are in dire need of, to avoid any more underwhelming draws.

Semenyo’s PL numbers by season

Season

Games

Goals + Assists

25/26

14

6 + 3

24/25

37

11 + 6

23/24

33

8 + 3

22/23

11

1 + 0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Of course, against West Ham, the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro weren’t at their best, but they are still some of the more consistent performers in the United ranks through the middle, with the ex-Real Madrid man managing to win a high 11 duels to keep up his United resurgence.

Moreover, with two goals and five assists next to his name this season, Fernandes will feel he’s done enough to be kept in the United starting XI for the foreseeable future, away from Amorim and Co splurging out £100m on Anderson.

Whereas, if the Red Devils were to splash out a more reasonable £65m on Semenyo, their attack could be taken to that next level, with Chris Waddle even hailing the vibrant number 24 as “the best winger in the country”, as he now sits on a mighty 26 goals and 12 assists from 95 Premier League outings.

Anderson’s arrival could well gift United a fantastic, well-rounded midfield presence for the long run, but in the immediate, with Amorim and Co fluffing their lines consistently up top, Semenyo feels like the more pressing purchase, especially if they’re left short during the AFCON.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Dec 7, 2025

Beau Webster has done everything in his power to keep his Test spot, taking five wickets for Tasmania against South Australia with Alex Carey making 59

AAP11-Nov-2025

Beau Webster took 5 for 50•Getty Images

Beau Webster has taken his first five-wicket haul of the summer for Tasmania – but it came on a day when his chances of keeping his Test spot took a hit.Webster claimed 5 for 50 for the Tigers in Hobart on Tuesday to help dismiss South Australia for 177 in reply to the hosts’ first-innings 209. Tasmania then collapsed by losing nine wickets in an extended last session to reach stumps on day two at 177 for 9, with Henry Thornton taking two wickets in the final over to keep the hosts’ lead to 209 with a tight finish looming.Webster was out for eight as Tasmania crumbled, but was still the star of the day and did everything in his power with the ball to keep his Test spot.Related

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Webster, Weatherald miss out as Doggett bags five

Ashes squad talking points: Kingmaker Green to dictate Australia's plans

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However, his wickets came just as Cameron Green was returning to bowl for Western Australia for the first time in six weeks, after battling side soreness.Green bowled with good pace and bounce at the WACA, taking an early wicket and dispelling any concerns over his fitness. If Green is fit to bowl in the first Test from November 21, selectors will be left to decide between keeping Webster or picking a specialist opener in Tasmania teammate Jake Weatherald.A key consideration will also no doubt be that Weatherald’s inclusion would allow Marnus Labuschagne to bat in his preferred position of No.3. Weatherald looked in touch for his 30 on Tuesday, before edging a ball back onto his own stumps off Liam Scott for a pair of squandered starts in this match, after a first-innings 23. He hit Nathan McAndrew for three boundaries in one over, pulling him twice to the rope before a glorious cover drive to the fence.Earlier, Webster was easily Tasmania’s best bowler on Tuesday after having Travis Head caught behind on the opening evening. The seamer bowled Liam Scott through the gate with a ball that swung back in at the right-hander, then also drew Jake Doran’s edge soon afterwards.Beau Webster celebrates his fourth career five-wicket haul•Getty Images

Nathan McAndrew followed in a similar fashion, before Brendan Doggett was the last to go when Webster took the tailender’s off stump.Webster has taken eight wickets at 23.25 since debuting for Australia at the SCG, while also proving a reliable man with the bat at No.6.”Beau does what Beau does, just gets in a nice area,” Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey said. “In conditions like that he gets a lot out of it, and that’s what I’ve seen in his Test career so far.”With wickets that have a bit in it, he comes to the fore and got his five-wicket haul today.”Jake Weatherald, I think, is a really quality player and looked really good for his 30.”Alex Carey drives through cover•Getty Images

Carey (59) was the only South Australian to pass 50, as he played a counter-attacking role in a low-scoring game. On a day when rain, storms and even hail stopped play, the Australian Test wicketkeeper regularly charged the quicks. He used his feet to hit Jackson Bird over the mid-wicket fence, and played another cracking cover drive against Webster.But when Carey guided Gabe Bell to Webster at second slip on 59, it kick-started a collapse of 6 for 33 to end South Australia’s innings.South Australia then went through the Tasmanians by taking nine wickets in an extended final session, with Ben Manenti taking 3 for 26.

تحدث الإسباني، تشابي ألونسو، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد عن مباراة فريقه أمام أتلتيك بلباو ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

ويخوض ريال مدريد مباراة قوية أمام نظيره أتلتيك بلباو ضمن منافسات الجولة الـ 19 المقدمة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”، غدًا الأربعاء.

وقال ألونسو، في المؤتمر الصحفي والذي نقلته صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “إنها مباراة دوري كلاسيكية، ودائمًا ما تكون الأجواء رائعة، علينا أن نلعب بطاقة كبيرة وتركيز كبير، حان وقت التدريب الآن، ثم سنسافر”.

وعن الأمور التي يجب أن تتحسن: “تحدثنا عن كرة القدم، وعن الوحدة، وعما يجب تحسينه لنكون أكثر ثباتًا، هذا ما يهمنا، نريد كسر سلسلة هزائمنا خارج أرضنا ومباراة الغد فرصة رائعة”.

وحول كلمات كروس الأخيرة: “هو يتمتع بخبرة واسعة، وقد مر بجميع أنواع المواقف هنا، يعرف النادي جيدًا ومتطلباته، ويدرك أن هناك إجراءات ومراحل مختلفة، المهم هو كيفية التعامل معها، لدي ثقة كاملة بالفريق، وأركز على المدى القريب وهو الغد”.

وحول تراجع مستوى بيلينجهام: “أنا أراه يُبلي بلاءً حسنًا يومًا بعد يوم وهو مُتحمس، يُشارك الجميع شعورهم بعدم السعادة لعدم الفوز لكن هذا جزء من الضغط فهو يُريد مساعدتنا جميعًا ونريد مساعدته أيضًا”.

وحول الحديث عن رحيل لاعبين أو التعاقد مع آخرين: “أركز على الغد فقط، أركز على إعداد الفريق، لا يزال الطريق طويلاً فقد بقى أكثر من ثلث الموسم، وكل شيء قريب جدًا، وما زال أمامنا الكثير لنقطعه، هذا قد يتغير كثيرًا، نجد صعوبة في الفوز خارج أرضنا لكننا قادرون على ذلك غدًا”.

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وأردف: “عدم ثقة الجمهور بي؟ نحن في مكاننا الحالي سواءً في الترتيب أو في كل شيء آخر نعيش تحت الضغط، ونركز على ما يمكننا تغييره، لقد تحدثت مع الرئيس (بيريز) أمس وكان في حال جيد”.

حول طبيعة كرة القدم التي يلعبها الفريق: “في كرة القدم، نبذل قصارى جهدنا لكن بعض المباريات لم تكن جيدة وهذا ما نريد تصحيحه”.

وعن سبب سوء أداء لاعبي خط الوسط: “بعد مباراة الكلاسيكو أو فالنسيا، من لديه هذه الشكوك لم يكن ليسأل هذا السؤال، لقد فقد الفريق ككل بعضًا من جودة لعبه ونشاطه لكننا جميعًا نلعب معًا مجددًا”.

وأردف: “تراجع مستوى اللاعبين في الضغط؟ اللاعبون يدركون ما نريد فعله وكيف يمكننا تحسينه، بدون تنظيم، يستحيل تحقيق ذلك وعلينا العمل على ذلك بالطبع، في المباراة الأخيرة، تحسن أداؤنا في الشوط الثاني، ولهذا السبب سنحت لنا فرص أكثر”.

وعن عدم مشاركة جونزالو جارسيا باستمرار: “كان أداؤه في كأس العالم مذهلًا، قد لا يلعب كل الدقائق التي يستحقها لكنه ذكي للغاية، ويعرف دوره جيدًا، ومستعد دائمًا”.

واستطرد: “الطريق أمامنا شاق على الجميع والحفاظ على كامل طاقتنا أمر صعب لكن يجب أن نركز على الثبات والتقدم خطوة للأمام وهذا يأتي من الشعور الإيجابي عندما يسير الفريق بسلاسة، يكون الوضع أفضل”.

حول أنباء اعتزال أراوخو لأسباب نفسية: “علينا احترام اللاعبين فهم ليسوا آلات، إنها مسؤوليتهم، إذا اتخذوا هذا القرار وكان لمصلحة اللاعب، فهو منطقي برأيي”.

وأتم: “سأعطي لكم مثالًا، لقد أمضى مبابي موسمًا كاملًا في مدريد، جميعكم تعلمون كيف غادر العام الماضي، كان أداؤه ممتازًا ولكن كما ذكرت سابقًا، لا يُمكن أن تكون الأهداف حكرًا على كيليان، فهو يُقدم أكثر من ذلك بكثير، القيادة والتأثير جزء كبير من العمل اليومي وهذا في غاية الأهمية”.

MatériaMais Notícias

Já com rumores de uma possível saída do Cruzeiro em 2026, Gabigol fechou sua temporada pela equipe mineira errando um pênalti decisivo contra o Corinthians na Neo Química Arena.

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Especialista em penalidades máximas, o camisa 9 da Raposa teve a chance de fechar a decisão e colocar a equipe na final, mas bateu fraco no canto esquerdo, e Hugo Souza fez a defesa. Contra o Corinthians, o atacante entrou justamente para bater a penalidade máxima, no lugar de Kaio Jorge.

Vestindo a camisa do Cruzeiro, Gabigol disputou 48 partidas, com 13 gols marcados e quatro assistências. Contratado para ser o principal nome do time, ele perdeu seu lugar na equipe titular para Kaio Jorge, artilheiro do Campeonato Brasileiro.

continua após a publicidade

Em toda sua carreira, Gabriel Barbosa perdeu apenas nove pênaltis no tempo normal, convertendo 53 de 62 penalidades. Pelo Cruzeiro, este foi o terceiro perdido de oito que cobrou.

➡️Tudo sobre o Cabuloso agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Cruzeiro

Corinthians x Cruzeiro

Cruzeiro e Corinthians fizeram uma semifinal eletrizante neste domingo (14). Na Neo Química Arena, o time mineiro dominou a partida até o início do segundo tempo, abriu 2 a 0 no placar, dois gols de Arroyo, mas viu o Corinthians diminuir com Matheus Bidu na etapa final. O 2 a 1 levou a decisão para os pênaltis.

continua após a publicidade

Precisando de dois gols para sair de São Paulo classificado, o Cruzeiro tomou a iniciativa. Controlava o jogo, tentava construir jogadas ofensivas, mas esbarrava na marcação alvinegra. No fim do primeiro tempo, os visitantes abriram o placar com Keny Arroyo.

No início da segunda etapa, o camisa 99 voltou a marcar e colocou o Cabuloso na frente. Entretanto, apenas cinco minutos depois, Matheus Bidu marcou e recolocou o Timão no jogo.

Nas penalidades máximas, Cássio defendeu o primeiro pênalti, cobrado por Yuri Alberto. Gabigol teve a chance de fechar as cobranças, mas perdeu sua cobrança. Nas alternadas, Walace também errou e o Corinthians garantiu sua vaga na decisão.

Tudo sobre

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Approaching a critical juncture in the season, an already light Manchester United squad is set to be hampered even further for the foreseeable future, ahead of the start of AFCON next week.

In previous years, the impact on the Red Devils has been minimal, with Andre Onana notably missing just one game back in 2024, as Altay Bayindir took his place for the 4-2 win over Newport County.

This time around, however, the disruption could be far more harmful for Ruben Amorim’s men, with the whole right-hand side from the 4-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers set to be absent, in the form of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad and Bryan Mbeumo.

That departure of that trio – who could potentially still feature in Monday’s clash with Bournemouth – will leave a significant void for Amorim to fill, particularly with regard to Amad and Mbeumo.

Mazraoui, of course, has been one of United’s best signings in recent years, but there is at least depth in the centre-back ranks. The same can’t be said for the roles ahead of him, however.

How Man Utd can replace Amad and Mbeumo

In the defeat to ten-man Everton late last month, it was stark how two attacking absences could leave United looking so depleted, with Matheus Cunha missing after sustaining a head knock in training, while Benjamin Sesko remained sidelined after limping off with a knee injury against Tottenham Hotspur.

Looking to the substitutes bench, with the hosts chasing the game at Old Trafford, Amorim had little in the way of obvious, senior options, ultimately turning to Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot as the only second-half changes.

Even with Sesko still sidelined, the Red Devils have somewhat muddled through since then, with Joshua Zirkzee notably netting against Crystal Palace, while that man Mount has already found his groove with two in his last three.

However, trying to replace the dynamic duo of Amad and Mbeumo on that right flank is a different matter altogether, with Amorim seemingly lacking that real pace and creativity elsewhere in the first-team squad.

A possible solution for Amad’s role at right wing-back is Dalot, while there’s also an argument to be made that Patrick Dorgu could fill either position, having been deployed as a right-winger during his stint at Lecce.

Equally, the aforementioned Mount could slot into a right-sided number ten role, alongside Cunha and Sesko, although again, that lack of genuine speed would be an issue, as would be the absence of a natural left-footer.

As this has made clear, Amorim simply doesn’t have a ready-made replacement for either Amad or Mbeumo in his senior ranks – but might he back at Carrington?

Man Utd may have the next Amad & Mbeumo at Carrington

Amorim’s neglect of the academy, not just because of the 40-year-old’s handling of Kobbie Mainoo, has been a nagging issue for supporters this season, with no youth player having debuted to date.

Of course, an injury crisis did see the likes of Chido Obi and Harry Amass parachuted in last term, notably in the league, as United prioritised their Europa League exploits, although the lack of European football, alongside the debacle at Grimsby Town, has limited the ability to rotate and promote in 2025/26.

The reality of just one game a week is a key factor in those minimal opportunities, although, as was clear in that grim loss to the Toffees, there has certainly been times where Amorim could have been more willing to utilise his homegrown talent.

Amad & Mbeumo – 25/26 PL stats

Stat (*per game)

Amad

Mbeumo

Games

14

15

Starts

13

15

Goals

1

6

Assists

2

1

Big chances missed

3

6

Big chances created

4

3

Key passes*

1.9

1.6

Successful dribbles*

1.4

0.8

Duels won*

52%

33%

Stats via Sofascore

With AFCON now looming, it may simply force his hand, with 18-year-old Shea Lacey – a regular fixture on the bench in recent weeks – surely in line to make his first-team debut.

A name on the lips of fans and reporters alike during his development at Carrington, the ‘next Phil Foden’ has had to bide his time, while notably enduring injury issues in recent seasons.

In nine U21 games this season, however, he has looked back to his best, registering five goals and assists, two of which came against senior opposition in the EFL Trophy.

Typically a figure who operates in a right-sided attacking role, the balletic left-footer could be the natural replacement for Mbeumo, with Como scout and analyst Ben Mattinson previously describing him as “perfect for the right-sided number ten in Amorim’s system”.

As Mattinson also noted, one player who could then partner Lacey down that right flank, in a wing-back role, is 17-year-old Bendito Mantato, with the pair having “shown good understanding” together in the youth ranks.

Mantato, who has earned comparisons to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka in the past, could be a wildcard Amad replacement on that side, having flitted between starting as a full-back and winger in the academy set-up of late.

Another natural left-footer, the Manchester-born starlet would provide that attacking thrust in a wing-back berth, having scored 16 times in 27 recorded U18 games, as per Transfermarkt, while registering six goals and assists in 20 U21 games thus far.

A player of “similar profile” to Sporting’s Geovany Quenda, in the view of Mattinson, Mantato could replicate the Portuguese teenager in flourishing as one of Amorim’s wing-backs, with the United boss having shown no hesitation in throwing the Chelsea-bound talent into the mix back in Lisbon.

Of course, trying to replicate the fine partnership that Amad and Mbeumo have struck up will be no small feat, although in the form of Lacey and Mantato, Amorim might just have the best solution available to him.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb 3 days ago