Heading into Leeds United’s Premier League clash against West Ham United on Friday night, Daniel Farke was under some pressure in the Elland Road dug-out to pick up a positive result.

There had been reports, in the build-up to this must-win contest against the Hammers, that the top-flight newcomers had RC Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior on their radar as a potential replacement for the German.

Thankfully for Farke, his team hit back by collecting a 2-1 win over Nuno Espirito Santo’s strugglers, with the ex-Norwich City boss able to survive another day in the pressurised Leeds’ hot-seat, subsequently.

Brenden Aaronson really did step up when he was needed to during this tight win, with the American also able to respond to his critics emphatically with a man-of-the-match worthy display against the visitors from East London.

How Aaronson has turned around his Leeds career

Much like Farke has had to fight back against accusations that he isn’t cut out for the bright lights of the Premier League all across his managerial career to date, Aaronson has also had to deal with his fair share of critics deeming him not capable of being a top-flight level talent.

There had been some weight behind these comments, too, with Aaronson being deemed a “lightweight” presence that’s not “good enough” to pull on Leeds white by former Elland Road defender Jon Newsome, off the back of him only firing home one Premier League goal during his side’s disastrous 2022/23 season, which ended in relegation.

He hadn’t started this campaign in the best light, either, leading to the 25-year-old dropping in and out of Farke’s first-team plans. However, he was a force to be reckoned with against West Ham, perhaps saving his up-and-down career in West Yorkshire in the process.

Indeed, away from being the crucial individual who fired Leeds in front after just three minutes, Aaronson also constantly burst forward with purpose across the full match, with one of his three successful dribbles forward nearly resulting in one of the most memorable solo strikes of the season to date.

To his dismay, the resulting shot – after all his hard work had seemingly paid off – shaved the crossbar, with the ex-Red Bull Salzburg attacker also being praised at the full-time whistle for being a presence that “works his socks off” by his relieved manager, when winning a high eight ground duels.

He wasn’t the only presence in Farke’s XI who turned around their ongoing narrative in West Yorkshire, though, against West Ham, as one of Aaronson’s teammates on the night also breathed life back into their own stop-start tale.

The "monstrous" star who also saved his career

A lot of Leeds’ summer recruits have instantly hit the ground running, with Sean Longstaff already becoming an integral part of Farke’s starting lineup, with five big chances created in league action.

Noah Okafor has also seamlessly slotted into his new environment with two league goals already next to his name, but while those named have found adjusting to life in West Yorkshire to be straightforward, Jaka Bijol has struggled, on the other hand.

Before being handed a start against West Ham, Bijol had found himself rooted to the substitutes bench with zero league appearances to shout about, which was a surprise, considering the 6-foot-4 Slovenian didn’t leave Udinese behind for cheap this summer, having cost the Premier League newcomers a substantial £15m.

Thankfully, he made up for lost time with his commanding showing against the relegation-threatened visitors, with six duels won in total, seeing him already live up to his “monstrous” billing that was handed his way by analyst Ben Mattinson in Serie A.

Minutes played

90

Touches

75

Accurate passes

53/57 (93%)

Interceptions

2

Clearances

10

Ball recoveries

5

Tackles won

2/2

Total duels won

6/10

Joe Rodon would steal his thunder by standing out more in the heart of the Leeds backline, considering the Welshman popped up with a header to gift the hosts a 2-0 lead, but Bijol is also deserving of plenty of praise himself, having won all 100% of his tackles come the full-time whistle.

The “aggressive” number 15 – as he was also lauded by ex-Leeds defender Aidy White after the win was secured – further demonstrated a calmness on the ball under pressure with 53 accurate passes amassed, with Farke surely now ready to hand him even more league opportunities moving forward, considering that he’s finally off the mark.

Bijol’s playing days in England so far have been a slow burner, with the ex-Serie A titan now hopeful of even more minutes heading his way, as more wins are also picked by Farke and Co.

Forget Longstaff: £10m star is now Leeds' best signing since Bielsa left

This Leeds United star could now be considered the best signing the Whites have made since Marcelo Bielsa left.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 28, 2025

Newcastle United are looking to push on under Eddie Howe and may now have identified another exciting star who could make a mark at St James’ Park.

Newcastle claim last-gasp victory over Fulham

With a mixed start to the Premier League campaign setting the scene for a fascinating contest on Tyneside, the Magpies were able to show resilience to claim all three points against Fulham on Saturday courtesy of a Bruno Guimaraes effort in injury time.

In what could turn out to be a crucial victory for the hosts, Howe’s men deserved to come out on top on the balance of play, given they took on 18 shots to the Cottagers’ 12 and recorded an Expected Goals total of 2.14, per Fotmob.

Speaking post-match, the former Bournemouth manager embraced his side’s ‘relentless’ quality to weather a frantic final 20 minutes to seal a morale-boosting win.

He told Match of the Day: “You didn’t think we could get that second goal, it was end to end, it was really attacking performance from both teams, both teams were going for the win. We are delighted to get it ourselves. It was a really good last 20 minutes from us; we were relentless in our pursuit to try to win, and eventually, one of those chances fell for us.”

Even if Nick Woltemade’s goalscoring run ground to a halt, Newcastle showed another side to their game to drag themselves over the line to keep pace in the hunt for continental qualification, though they now have little time to recover before an EFL Cup last 16 clash against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek.

On-field matters will take priority for now, though, it appears the Magpies are already doing work behind the scenes to identify transfer targets to bolster their bid for another successful season.

Newcastle in Hayden Hackney scouting mission

According to TBR, Newcastle have been scouting Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney over the last few weeks as they size up a move for the promising England Under-21 starlet.

Labelled “outstanding” by Jonathan Woodgate, the Redcar-born star has registered two goals and two assists in 13 appearances so far this season, drawing further interest from clubs such as Tottenham, Manchester United, and Crystal Palace.

Brighton and Hove Albion, Fulham, and Brentford also have keen eyes on his development, and Graeme Bailey has confirmed that ‘there could be some very big offers coming in January’ for the 23-year-old in light of his recent form.

WhoScored show that Hackney has been an offensive threat in the Championship this term, taking on an average of 2.2 shots per match and sliding through around 1.7 key passes per game.

Ultimately, competition for his signature is fierce, and a departure from the Riverside Stadium may only occur if Middlesbrough fail to earn promotion.

Despite this, Newcastle are a tempting proposition for any player rising through the English football pyramid, so it will be over to them to put forward a tempting package.

Related Possession lost 19x: Howe must drop 6/10 Newcastle star after Fulham

Eddie Howe must now axe this Newcastle United star who struggled again versus Fulham.

Posts 2 ByKelan Sarson Oct 25, 2025

David Raya has credited former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze for Arsenal’s remarkable defensive form this season. The Argentine joined Mikel Arteta’s backroom staff in the summer and is said to have brought intensity and resilience to the Gunners’ back line, who have now kept seven consecutive clean sheets and sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal's spectacular defensive record this season

Arsenal extended their winning run to 12 games in all competitions after beating Burnley 2-0 at Turf Moor on Saturday. The result marked yet another clean sheet for Raya, who has now recorded 10 shutouts in 13 matches across competitions. Arteta’s side have conceded just three goals all season.

The Gunners’ defensive discipline has been central to their early-season dominance, combining organisation with aggression to suffocate opposition attacks. Arsenal’s victory over Burnley also strengthened their grip on top spot in the Premier League, keeping them six points clear of Manchester City and seven points ahead of defending champions Liverpool. Heinze’s arrival as assistant coach in the summer has reportedly added an edge to their defensive training sessions, with players embracing his high-intensity methods.

AdvertisementAFPRaya praises Heinze for defensive solidity

Raya heaped praise on Heinze for instilling a fighting spirit throughout the team, crediting the Argentine’s influence on Arsenal’s clean sheet record. "He’s a guy, he’s a coach, where he wants us to fight – a lot of intensity," said Raya after Saturday’s win. "To win games, you have to defend very well, especially in this league. This is the toughest league in the world.

"You have to be very, very, very solid to be able to win games. Normally, the games are won by one goal. So, it’s really, really important to keep that asset from us, from everyone. Not just the back line, just every single player. So, it’s a lot of credit to him as well."

Raya also reminded his team-mates to stay grounded despite their excellent start. "We have to think game by game," he continued. "We have to think it’s very early in the season. We’ve played 10 [league] games in the season, so it’s a lot of football to be played.

"We are only just starting in November, so obviously it’s nice to be there [at the top of the league] and to have those points. But we have to focus on ourselves, focus game by game and in the present.

"It’s incredible, not just the defence, I think it’s a collective achievement, if you want to put it that way. It starts from the striker, finishing with the goalkeeper. So, it’s just incredible to have that work rate from everyone, trying to shut teams down and not concede that many chances, not concede anything. And that’s just credit to everyone. So, it’s incredible to have that achievement."

Getty Images SportHeinze: A former Red Devil becomes a Gunner

Heinze, a former Manchester United defender, joined Arsenal’s coaching team in the summer and has made a noticeable impact. The Argentine played for the Red Devils between 2004 and 2007 after joining from Paris Saint-Germain, making 83 appearances in all competitions and scoring four goals before moving to Real Madrid. Known for his fierce style and leadership, Heinze’s influence appears to have translated seamlessly into coaching under Arteta, who he played with at PSG.

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Arsenal fighting for first PL title in over two decades

Arsenal’s next assignment comes in the Champions League, where they travel to face Slavia Prague looking to maintain their flawless start in that competition. A win would not only secure qualification from the league stage but further reinforce their growing reputation as Europe’s most in-form team. Domestically, the Gunners will then prepare for a testing run of November fixtures that includes meetings with London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea, as they continue their pursuit of a first league title in over two decades.

For Raya, the goal will be to maintain his Golden Glove momentum, while Heinze’s challenge will be to ensure the team’s defensive structure remains consistent through the winter schedule.

It’s not been a great start to the season for Chelsea.

In the Premier League, Enzo Maresca’s side sits in eighth place with two wins, two draws, and two losses from their opening six games.

In the Champions League, they lost to Bayern Munich before beating Benfica, and in the League Cup, they just about got over the line against League One side Lincoln City.

Unsurprisingly, plenty of the Blues’ exciting young stars, like Jamie Gittens, have struggled this year, which makes their decision to sell an upgrade on him in the summer all the more perplexing.

Gittens poor start to life at Chelsea

Chelsea opted to spend around £48m on Gittens in the summer, and while such a fee now seems a little excessive, it didn’t appear too high at the time.

After all, the 21-year-old ended last season having scored 12 goals and provided five assists from 48 games for Borussia Dortmund.

Moreover, Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley even went as far as to claim he was “England’s best left winger in 2024/25”.

Unfortunately, it would seem utterly absurd to make such a claim today, as the Reading-born ace has so far failed to live up to expectations at Chelsea.

As things stand, the dynamic winger has made six appearances for the club, of which three have been starts, and yet he has not scored or provided an assist.

However, it’s worse than that, as, on top of having no end product, the summer signing hasn’t even had moments in which he’s looked promising, let alone good.

In almost all of his appearances, he ends up going missing, and when he does have the ball at his feet, he seemingly always makes the wrong decision.

For example, he failed to have a single shot on target in 70 minutes against Lincoln and gave away the ball with every other touch in his cameo against Benfica.

The performances have been so underwhelming that one content creator has labelled him as “shockingly bad.”

Minutes

29′

Expected Assists

0.01

Shots on Target

0

Dribbles (Successful)

3 (1)

Touches

16

Lost Possession

8

Accurate Passes

3/5

Key Passes

0

Duels (Won)

8 (4)

Crosses (Accurate)

1 (0)

Gittens’ poor start to the season has left some wondering why the club sold someone who looks like a far better player, someone some have even compared to Bukayo Saka.

The Gittens upgrade sold by Chelsea

The nature of Chelsea’s transfer strategy means that they are going to sell some young talents too soon, or without securing adequate backup.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

That seems to be the case with Noni Madueke, as even though he had his own problems at Chelsea, it’s hard not to look at him as a clear upgrade on Gittens at the moment.

Now, there will be plenty of you happily pointing out that, like the former Dortmund star, the new Arsenal is yet to score a goal or provide an assist for his new club.

However, ask a fan of the Gunners, or a pundit for that matter, and they’ll happily explain that while the lack of end product isn’t ideal, it doesn’t take away from the fact that, before his injury, the Englishman was a breath of fresh air.

The “mentality monster,” as dubbed by former personal coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, has brought a level of directness that has been missing from the North Londoners for some time, and was so good in the game against Nottingham Forest that he got a standing ovation.

In fact, he’s been so exciting to watch that some have even suggested he could truly rival Saka for a place in the starting lineup, with former Chelsea and England defender Paul Parker saying: “With the way he plays, I actually think he’s better than Bukayo Saka.”

While that is almost certainly overdoing it, comparing Madueke and Gitten’s underlying numbers from this season makes it clear that the former Blues star is doing far more for his new side than his younger compatriot.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.13

0.28

Progressive Passes

0.53

2.50

Progressive Carries

4.21

5.91

Shots on Target

0.37

0.92

Key Passes

1.58

1.82

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.53

1.82

Shot-Creating Actions

3.09

3.20

Goal-Creating Actions

0.00

0.46

Successful Take-Ons

1.58

1.82

For example, even with the easier game against Lincoln, the former PSV Eindhoven star performs far better in key metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, passes into the penalty area, successful take-ons, and more, all per 90 minutes.

In other words, despite playing tougher opposition, the West Londoners’ former winger is putting up far better numbers than their new one this season.

Ultimately, things may well work out for Gittens, but as things stand, it looks like Chelsea made a mistake signing him and selling Madueke.

"We will be ready" – Pedro Neto reveals Chelsea "resilience" and sends Liverpool warning

The Portugal international has become a mainstay under Maresca.

ByBen Goodwin Oct 1, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Manchester United and Portugal team-mate Nani believes that his fellow countryman will retire if World Cup glory is savoured in 2026, despite still being under contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. The all-time great is also being tipped to explore the option of emulating David Beckham by moving into club ownership with an MLS franchise.

• Ronaldo contract: Deal at Al-Nassr through to 2027

  Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo is committed to a deal in the Middle East through to the summer of 2027. Those terms will take him beyond the age of 42, with the evergreen frontman showing no sign of slowing down.

  He has made it his mission to reach 1,000 career goals, with that target now well within reach, and is expected to lead Portugal into another major tournament next summer – with CR7 having already earned 225 caps for his country and scored 143 goals.

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• Getty
  

  World Cup win: Would Ronaldo retire with global crown?

  If Ronaldo were to land a global crown on American soil, then his medal collection would be complete – much like eternal rival Lionel Messi. Nani believes that record-shattering boots will be hung up if the most prestigious prize in international football is captured.

  The ex-United winger told : “I think this World Cup is very important for Cristiano Ronaldo. If he can play and win, that will be the perfect end to his career. I think that will be the time he says, ‘I'm happy, I'm retired now. I'll just drink my coffee and my tea and have peace. I don't want any more training sessions. I don't want anything to do with football.’

  “But yeah, he will give his best to help the country, as he's always been doing. I think he's motivated, you can see the way he's been playing. So I think it will be a great season for him as well, and then probably we'll have a chance. We've got a chance.

  “I think he needs the team to help. He needs to be connected with the team to help the team as well, because it's very important. He can score goals. His presence on the field and with the team is very important to help the team have the confidence to perform.

  “All the players around him need to be at their best, because if all the players around him are at their best, with no problems in their heads, and then perform for him and help him to achieve his targets as well, and he does the same thing, I think we'll have a great chance.”

• American dream: Ronaldo could follow Beckham to MLS

  Speculation is already raging regarding Ronaldo’s retirement plans, with it being suggested that – rather than move into coaching – he could look to build his own empire. Nani, who represented Orlando City in his playing days, has suggested that CR7 may look to chase the American dream like another iconic former Red Devils No.7.

  Nani added: “He is a superstar. Everyone knows Cristiano. He's played in different countries, always shown his quality and made an impact on every team. In the MLS, it would be even better because people love superstars, the show, and goals, and he's the man for that.

  “Could Cristiano Ronaldo become a club owner like David Beckham? I think Cristiano can do whatever he wants. Whatever he decides will be successful. He has the ability to impact people and make them follow and trust him. So I believe what he decides and chooses will be perfect.”

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  What next for Ronaldo? Future plans on & off the field

  Beckham is currently a co-owner at Inter Miami. That role is allowing him to work with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has penned a new contract in South Florida that will take him through the 2028 MLS season.

  Ronaldo has been urged to join his fellow GOAT in the United States on a regular basis, but he remains committed to helping grow the game in Saudi Arabia. He may play on beyond 2027, with a return to his roots at Sporting being mooted, but there is no suggestion that he is planning an imminent switch to the U.S.

Nathan McSweeney, who was opening the batting, fell before the close of play

AAP21-Jul-2025

The Sri Lanka A batters filled their boots in Darwin•Cricket Australia

Australia A’s batters faced a searching test to save their two-game series against Sri Lanka A in Darwin after the visitors built a formidable first innings total, thanks mostly to a century from Pavan Rathnayake.Resuming on day two of the second four-day match at 263 for 4, Sri Lanka A fully punished rival captain Jason Sangha’s decision to send them in, powering on to make 486 for 6 declared.In reply, the hosts were 76 for 1 at stumps at the Marrara Cricket Ground on Monday, with Jake Weatherald on 45 and Kurtis Patterson 19, and with a mountain still to climb to win the series after the first match was drawn.Australia A’s former Test opener Nathan McSweeney couldn’t replicate his fine 94 from the first match, falling for 12 when bowled between bat and pad by offspinner Nishan Peiris.Rathnayake resumed on 43, and made the most of an ideal batting strip in reaching 122 off 223 balls – his side’s second century following Nuwanidu Fernando’s 102 on day one.Sonal Dinusha, resuming on 5, also joined the run-fest in moving to 88 off 191 deliveries, as he and Rathnayake added 170 for the fifth wicket in 53 overs.Their stand ended when left-arm spinner Zanden Jeh lured Rathnayake into a rash clip to short midwicket where he was well caught low down by Oliver Peake.Dinusha and Sohan de Livera continued to punish the bowlers, adding 40 runs in 14 overs before Dinusha mishit a lofted pull and was caught at mid-on by Patterson.That gave a third wicket to unknown 22-year-old Zeh who was the pick of the eight bowlers used despite never having played top level state cricket. The Queenslander was chosen from left-field for game one as Australian officials continue their search for quality left-arm spinners.De Livera was the fifth batter to make a half-century or more, finishing 50 not out when the declaration came.McSweeney hit two fours in his 20 balls before being bowled between bat and pad. Weatherald and Patterson guided the home side to stumps adding 44 without further loss.

In a matter of 15 minutes, Bangladesh’s batting unfurled in an ugly collapse, one of the worst in ODI history, handing Sri Lanka a 77-run win in the first ODI. Bangladesh slipped from 100 for 1 to 105 for 8 in the space of 20 deliveries. Those were the fewest runs added from the fall of the second wicket to the eighth.Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis engineered the collapse. They are essentially three bowlers in two as Kamindu bowls both left-arm orthodox and right-arm offbreak. There were no real demons in the Khettarama pitch, though there was one in the outfield. Hasaranga and Kamindu took three wickets each, but credit should also go to Sri Lanka’s fielding. Milan Rathnayake’s superb throw and Janith Liyanage’s diving catch sparked Bangladesh’s collapse.Sri Lanka had earlier made 244 in 49.2 overs, courtesy of their captain Charith Asalanka anchoring the innings. The left-hander struck his fifth ODI century, second as the Sri Lanka captain. Bangladesh had their moments too, with Taskin Ahmed, returning after an ankle injury, taking four wickets.Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto got Bangladesh to a fine start, adding 71 runs for the second wicket. Both were batting fluently, until, disaster struck.Shanto’s dive couldn’t beat debutant Rathnayake’s throw from deep square leg, in the 17th over. He made 23, but with Tanzid unbeaten on 61 at the other end, Bangladesh would have still thought they were on top.Asalanka introduced Hasaranga in the 18th over, partly because finally a right-hander had arrived at the crease. Litton Das fell lbw for a duck to the legspinner’s second ball. Litton has now failed to reach double-figures in his last eight ODIs, stretching back to December 2023. It was his fourth duck too, in these eight innings.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Two balls later, the set batter Tanzid played a poor shot against Hasaranga, hanging back to blast him to mid-off. Liyanage took a brilliant catch, diving high to his right. Tanzid made 62 off 61 balls, with nine fours and a six.Kamindu then bowled the best delivery of this collapse, getting his left-arm spin to zip through Towhid Hridoy’s defensive push. New captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was next to go, trapped lbw by Hasaranga’s googly, falling for a duck in the next over.Kamindu then took a brace in the 21st over. First he removed Tanzim Hasan, when Maheesh Theekshana caught him at short midwicket nicely. Kamindu switched to right-arm offbreaks, and had Taskin Ahmed trapped lbw, to make it 105 for 8.Theekshana then got Tanvir caught behind before Jaker Ali’s 51, with four sixes and as many fours, reduced Bangladesh’s margin of defeat to less than 100 runs.Earlier, Asalanka held the Sri Lanka innings together after he decided to bat first. The left-hander struck six fours and four sixes in his 106 off 123 balls, but had little support at the other end. He crossed 1,000 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium where he stands level with Sanath Jayasuriya, Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar after scoring his fourth century at the venue.Asalanka’s knock was critical to Sri Lanka getting out of trouble after they slipped to 29 for 3 in the seventh over. Tanzim removed Pathum Nissanka for a duck, before Taskin got Nishan Madushka to drag his away-going delivery to his stumps.Wanindu Hasaranga wheels away in celebration•Associated Press

Taskin then had Kamindu caught at mid-off, also for a duck, as Bangladesh felt they were on top. They controlled the scoring rate during the 60-run fourth wicket stand between Kusal Mendis and Asalanka. Debutant Tanvir had Mendis lbw for 45, leaving Asalanka with a lot of recovery still left to do.He added 64 runs for the fifth wicket with Liyanage, who eventually struck one down long-off’s throat after making 29 off 40 balls and followed it with a 39-run stand for the sixth wicket with Rathnayake.Asalanka forged on, hitting some nice shots but mostly batting as the innings anchor. He added 34 with Hasaranga, and while there wasn’t much pace to the partnerships, it held Sri Lanka in place.Taskin removed Hasaranga and Theekshana in the same over before Asalanka reached his century in the 48th over. Looking at the final scorecard, Sri Lanka would be grateful that their captain never gave up despite the wickets falling regularly at the other end.

The Detroit Tigers just might be the team of destiny in the 2024 MLB playoffs.

Behind a bases-clearing double by Tigers infielder Andy Ibanez, Detroit defeated the Houston Astros 5–2 on Wednesday at Minute Maid Park to sweep the best-of-three AL wild-card series in two games.

While celebrating the Tigers' latest upset win, Detroit manager A.J. Hinch dropped an iconic one-liner in the clubhouse.

"I'm not sure who, but somebody let the Tigers get hot!" Hinch said as his players sprayed him with celebratory champagne.

On Aug. 11, the Tigers were 56–63 and had a 0.2% chance of making the postseason (per Fangraphs). They went on to win 31 of their final 43 regular-season games to sneak into the playoffs.

Hinch, who managed the Astros for five seasons from 2015 to '19, knocked Houston out of the playoffs with upset wins in Game 1 and Game 2. It marks the first time since 2016 that the Astros' playoff run fell short of the ALCS.

Who did let these Tigers get hot?