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Liverpool are purring under Arne Slot, who has inherited a top-class team and all that but is instilling his vision with expertly worked dispatch.

Against Ipswich Town, the newly-blooded style demonstrated its adaptability; against Brentford, at Anfield, Slot’s controlled approach was discernible; against Manchester United, Old Trafford was squashed and the Reds started to look like a genuine force.

Nottingham Forest are up next, headed to Merseyside as they look to preserve their unbeaten record to start the campaign – a win and two draws – they will face one of their toughest tests against Slot’s Liverpool, who are hungry to extend their perfect start.

Liverpool team news

Harvey Elliott will play no part in the coming run of fixtures after fracturing his foot with England U21s this week. The 21-year-old has scarcely featured yet this term but was expected to step up with the fixtures coming thick and fast.

That aside, positivity. Alexis Mac Allister completed a full session of training on Thursday and is in contention after a fitness concern with Argentina last week. Moreover, Curtis Jones has made his recovery and will be hoping to start.

Federico Chiesa could be involved for the first time after signing from Juventus in a deal worth £12.5m last month, but he may not be thrown right into the starting mix. Despite his probable start on the bench, Slot might want to consider dropping Diogo Jota for the first time this season.

Why Liverpool should drop Diogo Jota

Jota has started all three of Liverpool’s opening matches under Slot and has scored one goal and claimed one assist. He played a crucial role against Man United before the break, working tirelessly and prodding the backline to allow the likes of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah to capitalise, but it wasn’t his finest showing by any stretch.

Jota failed to complete each of his five attempted dribbles against the Red Devils while also losing all ten of his contested duels. It was a display that underscored the depth of Liverpool’s attacking talent, and that the Portuguese is not immovable at number nine.

And anyway, his injury record leaves plenty to be desired. Jota must be handled deftly, especially when considering the forthcoming sprint of fixtures, as they do not want to overwork him and end up without the forward for a period of time due to injury.

Cody Gakpo will hope for his first starting berth of the season, but it is Darwin Nunez who should get the nod this time. The dynamic striker has a good record against today’s opponents and has the skills to succeed at the front of Slot’s system.

Slot must unleash Darwin Nunez

Nunez scored 18 goals and claimed 13 assists across all competitions last year, though he continued to ebb and flow from the expected fluency, with his inconsistent performances in the final third.

He’s got a myriad of weapons to hurt opponents but comes up short too often. He’s wasteful and erratic. He’s also brilliant, heralded as Liverpool’s “agent of chaos” by many – as relayed by journalist Theo Squires.

Matches played

29 (19)

36 (22)

Goals

9

11

Assists

3

8

Big chances missed

20

27

Pass completion

67%

72%

Big chances created

11

11

Key passes*

1.0

0.9

Dribbles*

0.6 (49%)

0.4 (43%)

Duels won*

2.8 (38%)

2.4 (38%)

Nunez’s lack of growth across his two campaigns in the Premier League marks the crux of the problem, for he has yet to lift his underlying numbers and is still just as profligate, if not more so. He missed 27 big chances last year despite only scoring 11 times, which simply isn’t good enough.

However, the electric Nunez scored home and away against the Tricky Trees last year and will be confident that a starting berth could extend that hot streak, especially after the manner of his contribution in the City Ground fixture earlier in 2024.

He’s only featured off the bench this year but Nunez could hit the ground running in this new tactical system by simply latching onto the imperious form of his side’s talisman Salah. The 32-year-old has already scored three goals and added three assists across three games for the Reds, and you wouldn’t bet against him making his mark today.

If Nunez does fail to score, should he start, he might also find his playmaking skills tuned to the Egyptian’s frequency, with ten of his 17 assists for the Merseysiders placed at Salah’s feet. This level of interchangeability could be crucial, keeping Liverpool’s adversaries guessing.

Some of this is down to Salah’s brilliance, of course, but Nunez is a tireless forward with sharp movements and intelligent awareness. His inability to hit the mark with consistency does not nullify the expansive scope of his skillet.

Indeed, as per FBref, Nunez ranks among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 11% for shot-creating actions, the top 17% for progressive carries, and the top 21% for tackles per 90.

That final metric is particularly interesting, highlighting a tenacious and willing approach to his defensive game, always eager to help out. Slot has a vibrant and broad range of attacking talent at his disposal, but the Uruguayan is arguably the most distinctive of players and will be hungry to showcase his unique talent.

Liverpool will be expected to defeat Forest on home soil today, but Espirito Santo’s side have shown strength of character and tactical understanding across the opening weeks, and they will not roll over for the hosts.

Forest have taken the most amount of shots in the Premier League this season with 53 – Liverpool are joint-second, with 48 – with their 21 shots on target also the most in the division. This is an early alarm bell for the Anfield side but suggests that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are apt to surge forward, and thus are susceptible on the counter. Nunez territory, that.

Slot would be wise to make a tweak or two, and with Jota’s injury record and recent showing in the Premier League, it’s surely the time to unleash Nunez, who was once labelled an “unstoppable” force when at his best by Jurgen Klopp, and get a taste of his style under new management.

The Uruguay international should be unleashed ahead of Jota through the middle of the pitch, with Salah and Diaz flanking him on either side.

Liverpool ace was meant to be the new Sterling, now he’s a free agent at 28

The talent has endured a rapid decline in recent years.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 12, 2024

Ruben Amorim's side so nearly came from three goals down at Spurs but came up short at the last after moments of madness from their stand-in stopper

Manchester United exited the Carabao Cup at the quarter-final stage after an enthralling 4-3 defeat at Tottenham on Thursday night. Ruben Amorim made five changes to the starting XI which beat Manchester City on Sunday, with Marcus Rashford left out of the squad altogether again after revealing his desire to leave earlier in the week.

The much-rotated United were made to pay when they were caught cold early on. A Tottenham free-kick routine teed up Pedro Porro on the edge of the box, and his shot was parried away by backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir into the path of Dominic Solanke, who swept home on the volley having found himself unmarked at close range.

Though the visitors had a lot of possession and territory, they nearly found themselves two down when Dejan Kulusevski's low cross though the box was cut out by Manuel Ugarte, who was rather thankful the loose ball bounced the other side of the post and behind.

Almost immediately from kick-off at the start of the second half, United conceded a second. James Maddison's cut-back was only half cleared by Lisandro Martinez, and Kulusevski reacted quickest to convert and double Spurs' lead.

From there, United were in danger of caving in and Tottenham soon had their third. Djed Spence's through ball set Solanke racing away against Martinez, and the England striker was able to come inside onto his stronger right foot before firing past Bayindir.

Amorim made a triple substitution to try and stem the tide, and that paid dividends straight away as Joshua Zirkzee pulled one back. Fraser Forster's loose pass to Radu Dragusin was pounced upon by Bruno Fernandes, who squared for the Dutchman to tap in. Spurs continued to crumble as Forster gifted them a second goal, kicking straight into the onrushing Amad Diallo as United pulled to within one goal again.

A 25-yarder from Diallo then caught Forster so off guard he had to kick the bouncing ball away as nerves shrouded much of the stadium. But Spurs managed to weather the storm and scored a fourth entering the game's closing stages. Son Heung-min's wicked corner floated all the way over Bayindir, who claimed he was fouled by Lucas Bergvall, and into the net.

There was a smidgen of late hope for United when Jonny Evans headed in a stoppage-time corner, but that proved to be too little and too late as Spurs advanced to the semi-finals.

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Altay Bayindir (2/10):

United suffered a huge mental blow after his poor save led to Solanke's opening goal, while the Turkiye international's kicking was also nowhere near the level of Andre Onana's. To cap off a terrible night, he allowed Son's corner to sail over him and effectively ice the game for Tottenham.

Leny Yoro (7/10):

It's probably a bad thing for United and Amorim that their best defender on the night was a teenager who's hardly played all season since his summer arrival. Took responsibility with some important tackles and headers.

Victor Lindelof (6/10):

Barely lasted 45 minutes on a rare start before succumbing to a muscle injury. Didn't look too rusty for what that first half was worth.

Lisandro Martinez (4/10):

Not a performance the Argentine will want to watch back in a hurry. Caught flat-footed way too often and showed a lack of authority for Spurs' second and third goals.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

An adult in the room in the defensive third. Didn't provide enough width to take advantage of Tottenham's half-hearted marking the way that Dalot did on the other flank, even if he showed off his fine technique coming infield and adding extra presence there.

Christian Eriksen (7/10):

United's best player in his 55 minutes on the pitch, opening up his former side with several switches of play over the top. Afforded a standing ovation upon being subbed, though that's of little consolation to the travelling Red Devils.

Manuel Ugarte (6/10):

One of the Uruguayan's better displays since his move from Paris Saint-Germain, keeping play ticking and evading danger with his quick feet. Taken off for Garnacho after United grabbed their second.

Diogo Dalot (6/10):

Like Mazraoui was solid defensively, though troubled Tottenham with his overlaps outside of the inverting Fernandes.

Getty Images SportAttack

Antony (4/10):

Bounced off the ball several times early doors like a youngster just finding his feet in England. Completely muzzled out of the contest when not afforded acres of space to spread play. Hooked for Diallo.

Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):

Won plenty of headers against Dragusin, though that seldom helped United up the pitch to be truthful. Had a strange bout of brain-freeze on a couple of occasions when he should have got a shot away. Replaced by Zirkzee.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

Dropped into midfield a fair bit to help out Ugarte and Eriksen. The orchestrator of United's best openings (besides when Tottenham goalkeeper Forster was offering to them instead).

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AFPSubs & Manager

Jonny Evans (6/10):

Came on for the injured Lindelof just before the break and into rather frantic conditions, though he did well to stay afloat despite the madness. Scored late in the day and the last of seven goals on the night.

Joshua Zirkzee (7/10):

On for the ineffective Hojlund and changed the game immediately with his pressing from the front, even if there was a bit of fortune about how United got on the scoresheet.

Amad Diallo (7/10):

Strangely afforded a rest despite his hot run of form. Replaced Antony and gave the hosts jitters whenever he was on the ball.

Kobbie Mainoo (7/10):

Brought on for Eriksen. Provided continuity from the Dane but also some needed composure.

Alejandro Garnacho (N/A):

Brought back into the fold after his omission from the derby and replaced Ugarte. Didn't see a lot of the ball in his spare minutes.

Ruben Amorim (6/10):

For the most part, United weren't actually too bad and on another day may have had more luck to win. However, the rotating of the squad came back to bite the new head coach, with Bayindir particularly letting him down.

After an unbeaten start to the new Premier League season, Arsenal didn't particularly need an international break to get in the way of things. Nor did many top-flight teams saying that.

The Gunners began their conquest for glory with wins over Wolves and Aston Villa but Brighton halted them in their tracks courtesy of Declan Rice's controversial red card.

Rice will, of course, now miss the big clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon. With Mikel Merino also missing after suffering a shoulder injury during his first training session, it's safe to say Mikel Arteta is going to have to rustle up a cunning plan to defeat Arsenal's fierce rivals.

They will, however, be buoyed by a new option for their attack. Following his deadline day loan move from Chelsea, Raheem Sterling has had nearly two weeks' worth of training to get used to the style of things in the north side of London.

It's unlikely he's given a start straight from the off but we'd all love a derby day debut goal, wouldn't we?

That said, they will have to try and achieve that without skipper Martin Odegaard.

The latest on Martin Odegaard's injury

On Monday evening Arsenal fans across the globe sat there rocking back and forth. The unthinkable had happened; a big injury blow during what has to be described as a rather pointless international break.

We're being a bit petty here, but for Odegaard to pick an injury ahead of a vital week of action for Arteta's side is incredibly frustrating.

They face Spurs on Sunday, then get their Champions League quest underway in midweek before facing Manchester City the weekend after.

So, what's the prognosis on the Norwegian? Well, during his nation's win over Austria early this week he was on the end of a rough challenge that resulted in the midfielder's ankle twisting nastily.

Initially thought to have a 50/50 chance of making the game it's now unlikely he'll play any part with suggestions that he could be absent for the next three to four weeks of action.

That's according to Norway team doctor Ola Sand, who said: "Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus and then it can take longer. What we have so far obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle.

"Arsenal are almost certain there is no breach, but this may still take some time. In the event of a fracture, we are talking about being out of action for six weeks plus."

So, it's not great news over the international break, really. Rice may have scored against the Republic of Ireland but with Riccardo Calafiori also nursing a knock, Arteta is unlikely to be too pleased.

There was also a slightly concerning display from Brazil's Gabriel Magalhaes.

Gabriel's 4/10 performance for Brazil

Now a mainstay at the heart of the Brazilian defence, as well as for his club side, the centre-back is slowly but surely making himself a major part of his nation's team.

However, an unconvincing display during the South American country's 1-0 defeat to Paraguay is unlikely to do him too many favours in the battle to impress supporters.

Indeed, he was arguably at fault for the only goal of the game. A ball came into the box from the left channel and truth be told, his headed clearance was weak and not really away from danger.

The Paraguayan's pounced on Gabriel's misfortune with Diego Gomez picking up possession on the edge of the box before bending a luscious finish beyond Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

What did the stats say? Well, on that front it wasn't an awful night.

Minutes played

90

Touches

94

Accurate passes

75/83 (90%)

Ground duels won

2/3

Aerial duels won

2/3

Possession lost

8x

Clearances

4

Interceptions

1

Tackles

1

Long balls

4/9

The media didn't really agree with that impressive assessment though with one Brazilian outlet, Zerho Hora, handing him a 4.5/10 match rating. Some people are tough to please, eh?

Arsenal fans will no doubt hope that this was a minor blip and Gabriel will be at the top of his game when he resumes his partnership with William Saliba this weekend.

Arsenal's "elite" star could be unleashed in new role after Odegaard blow

Martin Odegaard was injured on international duty with Norway.

ByMatt Dawson Sep 10, 2024

He replaces Shaheen Shah Afridi who is unavailable due to international duty

George Dobell02-Jul-2021Adam Milne has signed to appear in the Hundred as an overseas player at Birmingham Phoenix.Milne, the New Zealand fast bowler, is currently playing for Kent in the T20 Blast. He replaces Shaheen Shah Afridi at Birmingham. Afridi is unavailable due to international duty.Related

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With experience in international and franchise cricket – he’s played in the IPL and BBL – Milne is a high-quality player. But like other replacements drafted into the tournament in recent days – the likes of Finn Allen, Lungi Ngidi, Josh Inglis and Lockie Ferguson – he is not quite as big a draw card as those who have withdrawn. They include Kagiso Rabada, Kane Williamson, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell.The Hundred’s wildcard draft takes place later on Friday, with each of the men’s teams picking one unsigned domestic player on the back of their performances in the Blast so far this season.

On a slow, grippy pitch, a weakened India line-up only managed 132

Andrew Fidel Fernando28-Jul-20213:02

Muralidaran: Karunaratne’s six off Bhuvneshwar changed the match

India, who anyway brought a replacement team to Sri Lanka, were further severely hamstrung by nine of their players having to go into isolation. They had Bhuvneshwar Kumar – a bowler who bats a bit – as high as No. 6, because they had only five recognised batters available to them. And yet, they almost defended 132, their spinners – Rahul Chahar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy – stymying Sri Lanka’s chase through the middle overs.Sri Lanka eventually stumbled over the line to record their first T20 victory in six matches, with Dhananjaya de Silva holding the innings together with 40 not out off 34 balls. He hit the winning run with just two balls to spare, and with Sri Lanka down to their last serious batting pair.Related

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A thigh-high full toss turns the match Sri Lanka’s way
When a squall blew through the ground at the end of the 18th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, the hosts still needed 20 to win and were three runs behind the DLS par score. They desperately needed boundaries, but had managed only one in the previous three overs. The third ball of the 19th over – bowled by Kumar – was a hit-me ball, however. India had been contending with dew already, but the few minutes of rain had made the outfield even greasier, and the ball likely difficult to grip. Chamika Karunaratne thumped the full-toss into the stands beyond wide long-on, bringing the equation down to 12 off 9 balls, and Sri Lanka did not need to hit another boundary, running twos and singles until the target was reached.India spin themselves back into the game
Although Sri Lanka did not quite get ahead of the required rate early on, the middle-overs period in which various batters floundered against the spinners put India in serious contention to defend their total. Not a single boundary was hit in a 27-ball stretch between the ninth and 14th overs. Sri Lanka struggled with Chakravarthy’s variety in particular – the bowler returned figures of 1 for 18 from his four overs. Through the course of this boundary-less stretch, Yadav dismissed Dasun Shanaka and Minod Bhanuka. He finished with 2 for 30 from his four.Dhananjaya de Silva and Chamika Karunaratne celebrate Sri Lanka’s win•Ishara S.Kodikara/AFP/Getty Imagesde Silva produces a slow burn innings
Not known to be a natural hitter, de Silva would reveal after the match that the role handed to him by the coaching staff was to ensure he held one end down and batted as long as possible. He struck only one six (off Kuldeep) and a four in his knock, but ran six twos, and played out only eight dot balls.Sri Lanka cycle through their bowlers in the early overs
Although it is India who were forced to field an XI with more bowlers than they would have liked, Sri Lanka were the side intent on showcasing their bowling depth, right out of the gate. Captain Shanaka had eight different bowlers delivering the first nine overs – Dushmantha Chameera, Karunaratne, Akila Dhananjaya, Isuru Udana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shanaka, Ramesh Mendis and de Silva all coming to the bowling crease.The idea, clearly, was to prevent India’s batters from settling. Although the ploy did not yield many wickets, with only Ruturaj Gaikwad falling during this period, Sri Lanka were successful in keeping a lid on the scoring. India scored only 54 runs in those nine overs. Shikhar Dhawan was particularly modest, as he ambled to 28 off his first 32 balls. When he was eventually out in the 13th over, his strike rate had only marginally improved – he’d soaked up 42 balls for his 40.A shortened India batting lineup fails to explode at the death
With Suryakumar Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Manish Pandey and Ishan Kishan all unavailable due to being put in isolation, India had only five recognised batters to choose from. So although they had lost only two wickets at the end of the 15th over, the lack of firepower through the middle was a major concern (this may also likely be why Dhawan and co. batted so conservatively early on). With the likes of Hasaranga and Chameera bowling reasonably well on a slow surface, India mustered only 38 off the last 30 balls. Their last boundary came from Devdutt Padikkal, in the 16th over. Padikkal was out next ball. Batting at No. 6, Kumar, who is by no means an allrounder, had to face 11 deliveries, from which he hit 13.

Napoli are gearing up to make a bid to sign Cesare Casadei from Chelsea in January, a report says.

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Casadei barely playing for ChelseaSaw a move to Torino fall throughNapoli to table an official offerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Casadei, who joined Chelsea from Inter in 2022, has been linked with a return to Italy in recent weeks as Torino tried and failed to reach an agreement with the Blues. Napoli have become the new favourites to sign him, reports they are all set to table an opening bid.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Casadei has hardly featured for Chelsea this season as coach Enzo Maresca has only given him playing time in the Conference League and Carabao Cup. Last season, the midfielder managed 11 Premier League appearances before he was loaned to Maresca's Leicester side, featuring 22 times as they won the Championship.

DID YOU KNOW?

Napoli coach Antonio Conte was in charge at Inter while Casadei was part of the youth academy and the 21-year-old fits the profile the ex-Chelsea manager is looking for, according to . Napoli have a slender lead at the top of Serie A and hope to strengthen their midfield options to boost their hopes of winning the title.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR CASADEI?

With no return to Maresca's squad in sight for Casadei, the Italy Under-21 international will hope Napoli can strike a deal with the Stamford Bridge side soon.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has lauded a “win-win” situation that has emerged from Old Trafford, following a significant development.

Big off-field development at Man Utd

It feels like a long time since the Red Devils were the club that every other team in England aspired to be, at a time when they were dominating both on and off the pitch under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Since the legendary Scot departed in 2013, however, United have been on a downward spiral, failing to win a Premier League title and seeing rivals such as Manchester City and Liverpool leap ahead of them, both in terms of quality and redeveloping stadiums and training facilities.

Now, it looks as though the Red Devils are set for a major step in the right direction, however, with plans in place for a new Old Trafford that will cost around £2bn and have 100,000 fans inside it. Images have been revealed, whetting the appetite for supporters.

The hope is that it will not only be hugely beneficial to United’s success moving forward, helping take them back to the top of the English game, but also play a part in developing the surrounding areas and creating more jobs.

Neville delighted with "win-win" situation at Man Utd

Speaking to Sky Sports about the plans, Neville described it as a “win-win” situation for Manchester United and beyond, as the Red Devils look to kick on into the future:

“We’re talking about an opportunity that could regenerate the area in Trafford, in Greater Manchester but also correct what would be a struggling transport network in the north of England. So it’s a win-win all around. They can expect one of, if not the best, stadiums in the world.

“But around that, residents can expect better community facilities and many thousands of jobs. We will bring new investors to Greater Manchester to invest in this area because of how attractive it will be to be close to that name, Manchester United. So there’ll be benefits for everybody from this, not just supporters of Manchester United. Everybody will benefit from the scheme.”

This is an extremely exciting development for United supporters, at a time when it is vital that they close the gap on the likes of City, Liverpool and now Arsenal as well.

Old Trafford used to feel like one of Europe’s most impressive modern arenas, but it is now a tired ground that isn’t fit for purpose compared to the Etihad, Anfield and the Emirates. Having a sensational new arena could help United become a massive force again, and give fans what they deserve.

Not just Gomes: Man Utd must activate buyback clause to re-sign amazing ace

The Red Devils could be tempted to bring back a former asset…

ByRobbie Walls Sep 24, 2024

As Neville alludes to, it could help the north west in general, much as some rival fans may feel he only has his boyhood club’s interests at heart, so it would be a positive for that area of the country, too.

Career-best showings with bat and ball help see off Sir Alastair and co

David Hopps16-Aug-2021Glamorgan 293 for 5 (Rutherford 67, Cooke 66*) beat Essex 289 (Cook 68, Walter 50, Cooke 5-61) by five wicketsJoe Cooke started the season as a careworn Championship opener trying to make the grade, but life became a far grander affair for him at Sophia Gardens in the semi-final of the Royal London Cup as he summoned the best performance of his life with bat and ball to lead Glamorgan into Thursday’s 50-over final.Cooke’s 5 for 61 helped to keep Essex in range at 289 after they had threatened to run away with the match. And after Hamish Rutherford’s explosive retort put Glamorgan in the ascendancy, Cooke, now acquainting himself with No. 7, was a model of sound judgment with an unbeaten 66 from 56 balls as he shared an unbroken stand of 111 in 17 overs for the sixth-wicket with Tom Cullen.Considering the hold that Simon Harmer’s offspin has had upon county cricket in the past few seasons, there could be no sweeter finish for Cooke than to launch him straight for four and six in successive balls to win the match, the winning blow sailing through the trees at the Taff End to threaten the riverside walkers: probably the nearest thing to marketing that the competition has had all year.Glamorgan’s opponents in their first one-day final since 2013 will be determined by Tuesday’s semi-final between Durham and Surrey – and Durham must try to negotiate a safe passage without their leading wicket-taker in the competition, Paul van Meekeren, who has a long-standing deal in the Caribbean Premier League with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and must leave early to quarantine ahead of their opening game on August 26.The Sophia Gardens pitch appeared to possess two distinct moods, offering excellent batting conditions in the first half of both innings, but then markedly losing pace and bounce as the ball softened to make strokeplay difficult. Essex certainly suggested as much as they lost their last seven wickets for 64 in the last 62 balls.Cooke scotched that theory. In an unfamiliar role, he met Essex’s spinners with composure and when the captain, Tom Westley, finally had to return to seam with 26 needed from four overs, he grasped the moment. Essex were not about to entrust the job to Ben Allison, whose four new-ball overs had bled 46 in the face of Rutherford’s 44-ball 67. Instead, they turned to Jack Plom, but he conceded 16 – 15 of them to Cooke, who began the over by driving a half-volley back over his head and ended it by chopping him over short third for another boundary.Cooke made a habit of releasing the pressure on himself by taking a boundary at the start of the over, never more evident than when he welcomed the return of Ryan ten Doeschate, 41 now, with a flat bat over his head when 42 were needed off six. Essex did not bowl Paul Walter – only six overs for 59 this season, quite a comedown for an allrounder who once had the Essex sage, Keith Fetcher, purring at his potential.Perhaps the umpire, Ian Gould, who these days bestrides the county circuit like a latter-day Dickie Bird, but without the engaging histrionics, would have been privately relieved at Glamorgan’s victory. It was Gould who inadvertently stopped Cullen’s pull shot with his shin at square leg at a critical juncture. At least Gould had the decency to refuse treatment; Dickie would have required a fleet of ambulances and a chapter in his next book.”It’s a pretty cool and special feeling,” Cooke said. “Because Hamish scored so quickly, we knew we could keep it ticking over. It was a good pitch and hard to bowl. Some of the good balls were going for four. My first spell with the ball wasn’t great and Alastair Cook got a hold of me so to come back with wickets in my second spell was pleasing. I’m enjoying a different role in this team and I’m always in the game both batting and bowling.”Rutherford, a seasoned campaigner who knew that Glamorgan needed a flyer, and he had to provide it, broke Allison with five successive leg-side boundaries – the last of them clearing the ropes at square leg. There were 23 in all in the over. When Rutherford fell against Harmer at long-on, Kiran Carlson’s sparky run-a ball 36 maintained the momentum while Nick Selman batted in the shadows. When Selman was fifth out with 108 still needed, Essex might have imagined themselves slight favourites.Essex’s batters did not do much wrong. In a debilitated competition, it was good to see Alastair Cook’s trademark cut shot to the fore as he made 68 from 66 balls before he fell in exasperating fashion, overbalancing to a nondescript leg-side wanderer to be stumped. Essex’s two young batters, Josh Rymell and Feroze Khoshi, played their part in setting up the innings, as did Walter’s half-century, but the finale was feverish and Cooke’s medium pace was the beneficiary as back-of-a-length deliveries brought excessive reward.The real hero was the old fox, Michael Hogan, whose 10 overs cost 21. There is an imbalance in English cricket between young one-day batters (a veritable plague) and young one-day bowlers. Hogan, true to the verities of the game at 40, is a constant reminder of what can be achieved.