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Dhoni and Dube came together during a tricky situation to put up a match-winning 57-run stand

Sreshth Shah14-Apr-20253:43

Bishop: LSG quicks lacked execution in the end

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were staring at the prospect of a sixth loss in a row when MS Dhoni joined Shivam Dube with five overs left in the chase and 56 to get. But Dhoni won the battle against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) seamers with an unbeaten 11-ball 26 while Dube made 43 not out in 27 to give CSK their second win in seven outings at IPL 2025.LSG captain Rishabh Pant said right after the game that LSG were “10-15 runs short” after being asked to bat. Despite Pant’s own 49-ball 63, his first half-century in LSG colours, they scored only 166 for 7 in 20 overs, their lowest total of the season. They were pegged back by Ravindra Jadeja’s two wickets and kept in check by Noor Ahmad’s miserly four overs that went for only 13 runs.Related

• Dhoni effect on show as CSK find a way

• The Bishnoi over that Pant left out 'a major point' in LSG's loss to CSK

• Dhoni: Tweaked attack gives 'more manoeuvrability for the captain'

After CSK’s opening partnership put them on course, LSG dragged the game back with their spinners. Digvesh Rathi, Ravi Bishnoi, and part-time offspinner Aiden Markram produced combined figures of 11-0-66-4, but a 19-run over from Shardul Thakur in the 19th ended LSG’s hopes.

Dhoni, Dube take down pacersWhen Dhoni walked out after 15 overs, Dube had made only 17 in his first 20 balls. Dube had failed to boss the spinners like he usually does and the dismissals of Vijay Shankar and Jadeja had only added to the pressure.But Dhoni enjoys pace – he came into the game with a strike rate of 222 against quicks since IPL 2024, and LSG supplied him with just that. Despite one over of Bishnoi left, LSG went for Avesh Khan and Thakur, and their wide-yorker plan ended up being too predictable.Dhoni edged a couple of fours down to deep third but showed his power by punching a boundary through the covers, flicking a full toss over midwicket, and dragging a one-handed six over deep square-leg.4:32

Why did Pant not give Bishnoi another over?

He also ran his ones and twos, sometimes gingerly, with Dube and took the pressure off his partner. When Thakur bowled two full tosses at the start of the 19th over, Dube smacked him for four and six, the second of a no-ball.Dhoni picked up his first IPL Player-of-the-Match award since 2019 and Dube, soon after hitting the winning runs, said he was pleased about taking the game deep. Their partnership of 57 came in only 28 balls.

Rasheed steps up on IPL debut

Shaik Rasheed’s ability was never in doubt. He is a former Under-19 World Cup-winning vice-captain, has a Syed Mushtaq Ali century, and a double-century in first-class cricket. It’s for those reasons CSK have kept a close eye on him since IPL 2023.With Devon Conway not among the runs, CSK gave Rasheed an IPL debut and he took strike to start the chase. By the second over, he had pumped three fours off Akash Deep, with one flick over midwicket described on the broadcast as “Virat Kohli like”.His 19-ball 27 with six fours helped CSK reach fifty in only 4.2 overs, and alongside Rachin Ravindra’s 22-ball 37, gave them a rare successful opening stand. Those runs proved crucial as a collapse against spin followed.2:04

‘What Dhoni is doing is extraordinary’

Pant fights his way to 63

With a strike rate of 80 and a high score of 21 this season, Pant needed to do something big. He walked out in the fourth over with Markram and Nicholas Pooran out to Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj respectively for low scores.He started on a positive note, improvising a reverse lap over short third early for six along with a handful of pulls and cuts. But his strike rate of 165 plummeted to 103 when CSK’s spinners applied the squeeze. Pant saw wickets at from the other end, and ended up playing ten dots in 15 balls against Noor, scoring only six runs. His strike rate of 40 against the Purple Cap holder ended up being the second worst for any batter against a bowler in IPL (minimum 15 balls).However, after 40 in 39 balls, Pant found his touch against the pace of Matheesha Pathirana and Khaleel to turn his innings around. He couldn’t stay till the end, though, and the CSK spinners’ effort ensured LSG could make only 166 on a day where their second-highest individual score was Mitchell Marsh’s 30.

Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag and Rishabh Pant are the other captains to have been fined for slow over-rates in IPL 2025

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Apr-20253:43

Rayudu: Patidar’s use of Bhuvi at the death was a masterstroke

Rajat Patidar, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain, has been fined INR 12 lakh for his side’s slow over-rate in the win over Mumbai Indians (MI) at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Monday night. This was RCB’s first slow-over-rate offence of IPL 2025.Patidar, RCB’s second-highest run-getting this season so far with 161 runs in four innings – behind Virat Kohli’s 164 from four innings – has been credited with bringing a lot of aggression to RCB’s batting in his first season as their captain.His captaincy has also come in for praise. After the win over MI, Ambati Rayudu pointed to the reintroduction of the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar at a crucial point in MI’s chase, calling it “a brilliant move” on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show.Speaking about Patidar’s shuffling of his bowlers, Sanjay Bangar said, “He was pretty smart with that. To hold back Krunal for the 20th over made absolute sense, because you don’t want him to be bowling the 19th over with Josh Hazlewood only having ten or 12 to defend.” Rayudu also noticed the fact that Patidar “was at ease in the pressure situations” and that Kohli didn’t go up to him as often as he has done in the past to offer suggestions.RCB, who have won three of their six games so far, next play Delhi Capitals (DC) at home in Bengaluru on Thursday evening.Prior to this game, Hardik Pandya of MI, Riyan Parag of Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Rishabh Pant of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were the other captains to be fined for over-rate fines.

The allrounder has spent six seasons with Victoria while remaining a Sydney Sixers player in WBBL

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Apr-2025Ellyse Perry has returned to New South Wales after six years playing her state cricket for Victoria.Although limited to 20 WNCL appearances for Victoria due to international commitments, Perry made 1052 runs at 75.14 alongside claiming 13 wickets.Her availability for NSW, who will be the defending WNCL champions, will also be restricted due to Australia duty. Next season she will be at the ODI World Cup during the early part of the season although there may be a window in January ahead of India’s visit for a multi-format series.While at Victoria, Perry has remained a Sydney Sixers player throughout in the WBBL.”The last six years I’ve spent in Melbourne and at Cricket Victoria have been extremely fond ones and I’m incredibly grateful for all the opportunities and memories that I’ll cherish,” Perry said.”I’m really looking forward to being back in Sydney and closer to my family and longtime friends. It’s been lovely to stay in touch with CNSW through the Sixers and I feel very fortunate to be walking back into a world class program.”Leah Poulton, NSW’s head of female elite cricket, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Ellyse back home to the Breakers. She’s not only one of the world’s premier cricketers, but also a role model and leader whose impact extends far beyond the field.”Pez’ professionalism, experience, and approach to the game make her an incredible asset to any team, and we’re excited to have her back in our program.”Perry has signed to play for Hampshire in July before linking up with Birmingham Phoenix for the Hundred in August.Australia have a quiet winter season and won’t be in action until an away ODI series against India in September which will provide preparation for the World Cup.

MI handed franchise debuts to Bairstow and Gleeson in a knockout game

ESPNcricinfo staff30-May-20252:58

Moody: GT have a few more concerns than MI

Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai Indians (MI) captain, has chosen to bat first in the IPL 2025 Eliminator against Gujarat Titans (GT).That decision came a day after Punjab Kings (PBKS) were bowled out for 101 after being sent in to bat in Qualifier 1 at the same venue, but a fresh pitch, with significantly less grass cover, is in use for Friday night’s game.Three players won new caps, with overseas players departing both teams on international duty. Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson, who both have previous IPL experience, make their MI debuts, while Kusal Mendis, who comes into the GT side, makes his tournament debut.They replaced Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks in the MI side, and Jos Buttler in the GT line-up.There were other changes too. With the frontline quick Gleeson replacing the batting allrounder Jacks, MI balanced their line-up by bringing in the seam-bowling allrounder Raj Bawa for the swing bowler Deepak Chahar, who may also still be recovering from the hamstring injury while bowling in MI’s last game against Punjab Kings. GT, meanwhile, brought in the spin-bowling allrounder Washington Sundar for the seam-bowling allrounder Arshad Khan, possibly with dry-looking conditions in mind.Mumbai Indians: 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 3 Tilak Varma, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Naman Dhir, 6 Hardik Pandya (capt), 7 Raj Bawa, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Trent Boult, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Richard Gleeson.Impact subs: Krishnan Shrijith, Raghu Sharma, Robin Minz, Ashwani Kumar, Reece Topley.Gujarat Titans: 1 Shubman Gill (capt), 2 B Sai Sudharsan, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 M Shahrukh Khan, 5 Washington Sundar, 6 Rahul Tewatia, 7 Rashid Khan, 8 R Sai Kishore, 9 Gerald Coetzee, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Prasidh Krishna.Impact subs: Sherfane Rutherford, Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror, Jayant Yadav, Arshad Khan.

There's no crystal ball, but Goal makes a few bold statements – or at least educated guesses – about what El Tri will experience in the new year

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  Chicharito gets back on track at West Ham

  Mexico's all-time leading scorer is once again trying to convince manager David Moyes that he deserves Premier League minutes – a sentence he surely hoped to leave in 2014. Instead, after a move from Bayer Leverkusen to West Ham and a coaching change after the Hammers struggled early, Hernandez once again finds himself trying to win a spot. The difference is that this time the competition isn't as strong. Yes, Marko Arnautovic has emerged as an option and Andy Carroll is good for a few goals, but look for Chicharito to win back a starting spot as West Ham struggles to find the back of the net. That should see him roll into the World Cup in good form.

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  Jonathan Gonzalez will make a late push for the World Cup squad

  The soon-to-be-Mexico-eligible midfielder is in no way a shoo-in for the 2018 World Cup roster. That said, it's unlikely he would've made a decision to file a one-time switch now without thinking there's at least some chance to break into El Tri's squad for Russia. Our prediction is not fearless – it's not that Gonzalez will make the roster, but by playing for El Tri against Bosnia in late January and playing a position where Mexico is not deep, he will be given an opportunity to convince Juan Carlos Osorio and the coaching staff that he should be on the plane.

• Troy Wayrynen
  

  One ‘Angeleno’ misses the cut in the surprise of the roster

  Carlos Vela has completed a trio in some ways, becoming the third Mexican international to play in the Los Angeles region as he joins up with LAFC from Real Sociedad. The Dos Santos brothers already are calling Southern California home where they play with the Galaxy. Could one or more of them end up staying and soaking up the sun instead of taking off for Moscow? With Marco Fabian set to return to match fitness, Gio's position on the final roster seems the most precarious, Jona's the least, but any of the three may falter in the short window they have to convince Osorio.

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• Pedro Pardo
  

  No more than one domestic-based player will start World Cup matches

  …and that's a good thing. Take a look at Mexico's likely starting XIs in Russia and you'll see nearly all Europe-based players with a potential inclusion of a Dos Santos brother or Carlos Vela in MLS. From Liga MX? Nestor Araujo looks like a good bet to stay with Santos Laguna and compete for starting minutes. Tigres winger Javier Aquino could get on the field from the opening whistle. But expect to see only one in each game. It won't be a policy or anything, it just shows the success Mexico has had in exporting talent lately.

With 21 new esports kits coming to FIFA 20, these are Goal's picks for the 10 best…

To kick off the start of the EA Sports FIFA 20 Global Series, fans will be able to get their hands on the kits worn by some of the biggest players competing during this year's season. 

With 21 kits available, these are our choices for the 10 that you need to add to your virtual shirt collection.

• EA Sports
  

  DUX Gaming

  Spanish esports team DUX Gaming have one of the most striking shirts not only in the recent crop of esports kits, but FIFA 20 as a whole. It won't be lost on Juventus fans that this kit would have been been a better choice for this year's home shirt. 

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• EA Sports
  

  Fokus Clan

  The Fokus Clan kit might be simple, but all black kits look great on the pitch and the same is true here. With one of the strongest squads in professional FIFA, this kit will be worn by current FIFA eWorld Cup champion Mohammed ‘Mo Auba’ Harkous.

• EA Sports
  

  Vitality

  The French esports orgs have one of the most recognisable kits in esports, which this season be worn by the likes of Chorentin 'Maestro' Thuillier and Corentin 'Rocky' Chevrey.

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• EA Sports
  

  North

  The Copenhagen-based eports organisation are the current eSuperLiga champions and have Marcus "Marcuzo45' Jørgensen among their ranks.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder is bound for the Etihad Stadium after a breakthrough year for club and country

In the modern age of social media, budding young footballers have the opportunity to make a name for themselves well before breaking into the professional game, with spectacular goals or moments of individual brilliance often caught on camera. Claudio Echeverri, for example, became a viral sensation at just 11 years of age while competing for a River Plate youth team in the 2017 Venice Champions Trophy – a seven-a-side tournament that also included Atletico Madrid, Ajax, Juventus and Chelsea.

Echeverri scored nine goals in six appearances as the Millonarios finished third, with four of those coming in a superb display against Juve, but he was far from satisfied. “The truth is that we aren’t happy because we wanted to win the tournament,” the youngster told reporters after his team's exit.

That will to win has since helped set Echeverri apart from other promising players in his orbit, and he is now set to complete a dream move to the Premier League, despite only turning 18 on January 2. Manchester City announced on Thursday that they have reached an agreement to sign the River and Argentina starlet for an initial £12.5 million ($16m) fee after fighting off competition from Barcelona.

City have a strong record when it comes to bringing the best out of Argentina's best exports, with the likes of Pablo Zabaleta, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero helping them to emerge as the dominant force in the Premier League. Julian Alvarez is now flying the Argentine flag for the English champions, having also been snapped up from River, and there is no reason why Echeverri can't follow in his footsteps after a stunning start to his fledgling career.

• Where it all began

  Echeverri was born in Resistencia, the capital of the Chaco province located in north-east Argentina, and learned the basics of football from his father at an early age. He was also supported by his mother and two brothers, all of whom encouraged him to pursue his dreams after it became apparent that he had a natural aptitude for the beautiful game.

  Local club Deportivo Lujan gave him the opportunity to hone his skills, and he did enough to catch the attention of River scouts, who offered him a trial at the age of 10. It didn't take long for Echeverri to make his mark, as former River recruitment director Daniel Brizuela recently told : "Beyond skill and technique, we look at decision-making, intelligence and character. Claudio was like a 10-year-old man."

  River declared their intention to sign Echeverri, but family ties almost prevented their union. Brizuela added: “We were standing in front of the Monumental, and Echeverri said to me: ‘I am a River fan, and I love it here, but if my mother isn’t joining me, then I will head back to Chaco.’”

  Former River manager Marcelo Gallardo and president Rodolfo D’Onofrio, however, were adamant that Echeverri couldn't slip through the net, and helped arrange accommodation for his mother at an apartment in Buenos Aires – which was an unprecedented move given his age.

  Echeverri then rose through the River ranks at a rapid rate, with his star turn at the Venice Champions Trophy proving to be just the beginning. He made his debut for the club's reserve team in a clash with Patronato on October 2022 as a 16-year-old, and marked the occasion with a goal.

  Two months later, River handed the teenage sensation his first professional contract. The nickname was also bestowed on Echeverri ('Little Devil' in English), which tells you everything you need to know about his unique talent given it was also a moniker for Marco Etcheverry – the flamboyant former MLS and Bolivia star widely considered to be one of the greatest players in South American history.

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• @Argentina
  

  The big break

  In March last year, Echeverri made another important breakthrough. The River starlet was invited to train with Argentina's senior squad while he prepared for the Under-17 World Cup, which gave him the chance to work with a certain Lionel Messi.

  Echeverri didn't look out of place either, as Angel Di Maria told reporters when quizzed on the teenager's abilities: "He looked sharp, we definitely watched him. He has a lot to give."

  That experience led to River boss Martin Demichelis handing Echeverri his senior debut for the club, in a home fixture against Instituto AC Cordoba on June 23. He pitched in with an assist as River ran out 3-1 winners, and went on to feature in another three matches before the end of the 2023 season.

  The stage was set for Echeverri to make a big impact at the U17 World Cup in Peru, and he didn't disappoint. He scored five goals across seven appearances as Argentina enjoyed a thrilling run through to the semi-finals, including a stunning hat-trick against Brazil in the last eight.

  His third goal closely resembled a famous finish from Messi against the Selecao in 2021, as he had the composure and speed of thought to round the goalkeeper after being played through, before poking the ball into the back of the net.

  Argentina ultimately exited the competition after a penalty shootout defeat to Germany, with Echeverri seeing his spot-kick saved to go from hero to zero after a dramatic equaliser in normal time, but Scott Christensen, area manager for Argentina and South America, was left in no doubt about his potential to become a top player.

  “He is without a doubt the biggest talent in Argentina,” Christensen said. “He is a small player who plays as an attacking midfielder. He is skilful, a good dribbler, creative, difficult to anticipate, and has a very strong finish. He is a player who always wants the ball and the initiative.”

• Getty
  

  How it's going

  Echeverri's performances in Peru put him on the map, with Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Man City, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Inter, AC Milan and Benfica all subsequently credited with an interest in his services.

  It was Barcelona who initially emerged as the frontrunners for his signature, though, and Xavi added fuel to the fire when pressed on a potential transfer. "The boy is a talent," the Barca boss told the media. "Beyond the hat-trick he scored against Brazil, he's a difference-maker, but it's something for the scouting department [to deal with]."

  Before the World Cup, Echeverri had even admitted that he dreams of following in Messi's footsteps, saying: "As well as River, I would like to play for Barca. I’m a big fan of Messi and I used to watch him play for Barcelona, so I’ve had this team inside me since I was very young."

  Realistically, though, Barca are not in a position to fork out on permanent transfers right now, as they continue to try and reduce their overall wage bill to fall in line with La Liga regulations. The reigning Spanish champions certainly cannot compete with the financial power of City.

  The blockbuster transfer comes off the back of the Argentine teenager's brilliant performance in his first game as a starter for the River senior team. Echeverri dazzled as Demichelis' side stormed to a dominant 2-0 victory over Rosario Central in the Champions Trophy final on December 23.

  Echeverri was visibly emotional after landing his first piece of silverware with the Millonarios, but dropped a bombshell on his future after the game, telling : "My representative spoke with the president, I am not going to renew but I am going to stay a year or six months."

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  Biggest strengths

  So many players have been dubbed 'the next Messi' down the years, from his former Barcelona team-mate Bojan Krikic to Martin Odegaard in his early days at Real Madrid. No one has come close to living up to that billing, and the comparisons don't do Echeverri any favours, but he certainly does possess some of the attributes that set Argentina's talismanic captain apart from his peers.

  Echeverri dribbles with a low centre of gravity and boasts excellent close control, along with an assured first touch and varied passing range. He's a tenacious, hard-working player with a keen eye for goal, and is versatile enough to operate as a traditional No.10, a winger or even as an out-and-out striker.

  Messi and the very best players in the world have unerring confidence in their own abilities, and Echeverri is no different. He is just as humble as the Inter Miami superstar off the pitch, too, recognising that he is still only at the start of his journey with much work still to be done. “I always said that my idol was Messi, but I’m nowhere near Messi!" Echeverri said to FIFA's official website in November.

  He added on what he sees as his biggest strength: "I think it could be my speed, because I'm very fast; I try to get on the ball quickly and I immediately get forward."

The Blues had a comfortable afternoon against a lacklustre Wolves side – the perfect preparation for a crucial clash with Milan on Tuesday night.

Talk about domination. Chelsea swatted Wolves aside at Stamford Bridge as Graham Potter made it three wins on the bounce and ensured the Blues go into Tuesday's potentially decisive Champions League clash with AC Milan on a high note.

Wolves, to be fair, made it easy for their opponents as they backed off and allowed Chelsea to do what they liked in the game, with Potter even having the luxury of resting a few of his in-form players.

Dropped against Milan last week, Kai Havertz responded with the opening goal although it was a largely quiet afternoon for the Germany international.

That would've felt particularly good for Christian Pulisic, though.

The USMNT star has had a frustrating time of it over the last 12 months but, making just his second start of the 2022-23 campaign, scored his first goal since May as he demonstrated that he still has much to offer at Stamford Bridge.

To cap it all off, Armando Broja smashed home his first ever Chelsea goal. And what a goal it was.

Three points, top four. Bring on Milan.

• Getty Images
  

  The Winners

  Christian Pulisic:

  What a moment for Pulisic.

  Frustrated for so long under Thomas Tuchel, he got his first start under Graham Potter and he made it count.

  Yes, he wasted a couple of presentable opportunities in the first half in particular but you can forgive the rustiness, given his lack of game time.

  His jinking run and composed finish added Chelsea's second goal at what was a crucial time and it was undoubtedly the highlight of the game.

  That was his first goal for club or country since May and he'll be hoping he's now done enough to start in Milan for Tuesday night's pivotal Champions League showdown.

  Cesar Azpilicueta:

  Given Reece James's performance against AC Milan last time out, Chelsea fans could've been forgiven for raising an eyebrow or two at Azpilicueta's inclusion here.

  Still, Potter's decision to rest the England international ahead of the trip to San Siro paid off as the Spaniard impressed over the 90 minutes, creating three chances in the first half that should have led to at least a goal.

  He'll probably drop out of the XI on Tuesday night but Potter will know he can rely on his captain whenever he needs him – and he will need him again in what will be a gruelling 2022-23 campaign.

  Mason Mount:

  It's been a relatively subdued start to the 2022-23 season for Mount, having failed to find the net for the Blues thus far and seeing his place in Gareth Southgate's England team come into question.

  He went some way to answering his critics against Wolves, however, as he claimed two assists and was generally one of Chelsea's best players.

  His finishing was a little wayward but he created more chances (five) than any other player during his time on the pitch and his gorgeous assist for Kai Havertz's opener was a particular highlight.

  Write him off at your peril.

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• The Losers

  Ruben Loftus-Cheek:

  To be fair to Loftus-Cheek, he didn't do too much wrong, it's more that he didn't really impose himself on the game either.

  Chelsea have a packed squad and are bulging with options in midfield, so any chance that Loftus-Cheek gets he's going to need to take it. He wasn't able to do so here.

  Hakim Ziyech:

  The outlook doesn't look good for Hakim Ziyech.

  Brought on for the final four minutes of the win over Wolves, he's going to struggle to get in ahead of the likes of Mount and Gallagher.

  It's just not worked out for the former Ajax midfielder in west London full stop, and it may well be that Potter looks to move him on before too long.

  Denis Zakaria:

  Things aren't looking great for Zakaria either. Thomas Tuchel signed the former Juventus midfielder in the summer before he was sacked by the club and Graham Potter doesn't seem too fussed about using him.

  Indeed, Zakaria is yet to make an appearance for the Blues, and wasn't in the matchday squad for the Wolves game.

  The 25-year-old has indicated he's going to fight for his place in the team but, and despite the fact we're only in October, he might need to have a word with his agent before too long.

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  Chelsea Ratings: Defence

  Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10):

  A relatively quiet afternoon for Kepa. Pushed away Joao Moutinho's drilled free-kick in the first half but had a couple of nervy moments, with one in the second 45 seeing him flap at a cross. Still, a clean sheet and it's likely he'll keep his place ahead of Mendy.

  Cesar Azpilicueta (8/10):

  The Chelsea captain came in for Reece James and showed that he still has a part for play for the Blues with a solid afternoon's work. Created numerous chances in the first half as he continuously supported attacks. Unfortunate not to get an assist.

  Trevoh Chalobah (6/10):

  In from the start for only the second time in the 2022-23 campaign and had little to do as Chelsea dominated from start to finish.

  Kalidou Koulibaly (6/10):

  Occasionally wasteful in possession but marshalled the defence well and kept Diego Costa quiet on his return to Stamford Bridge.

  Marc Cucurella (5/10):

  Didn't get close enough to Adama at times as he allowed the Wolves winger to swing over a couple of dangerous crosses but improved defensively as the game went on. Crucial block to deny Podence just after the hour mark.

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• Midfield

  Jorginho (6/10):

  Kept Chelsea ticking over and almost scored in the first half as his low shot was kept out by Sa. Booked for a lunge on Matheus Nunez as Wolves countered.

  Ruben Loftus-Cheek (5/10):

  Didn't really take his chance to shine in what was his second start in a row. Smashed an effort over the bar in the first half when he should've done better and occasionally wasteful in possession. Hooked in the 66th minute and may now lose his place.

  Conor Gallagher (7/10):

  Was brought into the starting XI after his late heroics against Crystal Palace and certainly didn't let his manager down. Was full of running and did his fair share of tracking back to support Azpilicueta behind him. Almost put one straight onto Havertz's head early on in the second half, only for Sa to deny the German a tap-in. An impressive performance and he proved he can be relied upon.

Croatia have produced some absolute superstars in recent decades and their all-time best XI sure looks special!

Croatia have been a force to be reckoned with ever since its recognition as a separate football federation by both FIFA and UEFA.

Modern-day Croatia has been playing competitive international games since 1994, starting with the qualifying campaign for Euro 1996.

They then competed at the World Cup in 1998, finishing third following some superb performances from the legendary Davor Suker, who was the tournament's top goal scorer.

Croatia then enjoyed arguably their finest moment when they reached the World Cup final in 2018.

Many iconic players have featured for the Croatian national team over the years, but which legends make up their all-time best XI?

Let's take a look!

• Getty Images
  

  GK: Stipe Pletikosa

  The greatest goalkeeper in Croatian history, Stipe Pletikosa made his international debut in 1999.

  He represented the country in five major tournaments and is the third-most capped player in the history of the national team after Darijo Srna and Luka Modric.

  Pletikosa made 114 appearances for Croatia between 1999 and 2014 and played at the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004, 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008 and 2014 World Cup.

  He retired after his last World Cup game in 2014.

  Danijel Subasic will feel disappointed to miss out on the No.1 jersey, but Pletikosa eventually just edged it, with his longevity making the difference.

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• Getty Images
  

  RB: Darijo Srna

  Srna made his debut for Croatia in November 2002 and is the second-most capped international player in the history of Croatian football with 134 appearances.

  The right-back featured at Euro 2004, World Cup 2006, Euro 2008, Euro 2012, World Cup 2014 and Euro 2016 for Croatia, scoring 22 goals for the national team between 2002 to 2016.

  He was was instated as the captain of the national team in 2009, an honour he held until his retirement from international football in 2016, before Modric became captain.

  His consistency, quality on the ball and playing style sometimes earned him comparisons with the legendary Brazilian Cafu.

• Željko Hladika / Pixsell
  

  CB: Dario Simic

  One of Croatia's most-beloved defenders of the 1990s, Simic featured in a variety of positions including centre-back, sweeper and full-back.

  He was especially known for his immense physical strength and aerial ability.

  Simic featured for Croatia between 1996 and 2008, becoming the first player to earn 100 caps for his country.

  He was an important member of Croatia's squad for each of the six major tournaments they qualified for during the 1990s and 2000s, including three World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2006) and three Euros (1996, 2004 and 2008).

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  CB: Robert Kovac

  Brother of renowned manager Niko Kovac, who led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, Robert Kovac is one of the greatest centre-backs in the country's history.

  He represented them at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and also participated in Euro 2004 and 2008.

  After 84 appearances for Croatia between 1999 and 2009 and captaining the team for a year after Niko's retirement in 2008, Robert retired in 2009.

The 17-year-old winger has already featured in Mikel Arteta's matchday squad on numerous occasions after impressing for the Gunners' academy teams

The long line of Arsenal success stories to emerge from the club’s Hale End academy has been well documented. From Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, who are currently starring for Mikel Arteta’s first-team in north London, to Joe Willock and Alex Iwobi, who are forging excellent careers for themselves elsewhere, the list just goes on and on.

And the most exciting thing for the Gunners is that conveyor belt of talent from the academy is showing no sign of slowing up just yet.

In fact, scratch beneath the surface at Arsenal right now and there are several talented youngsters just waiting to come through to be the next big star.

And perhaps the brightest of them all is Amario Cozier-Duberry, the 17-year-old winger who has been in sensational form for Arsenal’s youth teams this season.

Here, NXGN takes a closer look at yet another Hale End sensation…

• Where it all began

  Cozier-Duberry was born in London and grew up as an Arsenal fan. Football was always a big part of his life, whether it be playing for his school side or with his Sunday League team, Chettle Court Rangers FC.

  He spent five years with Chettle Court, from Under-11s through to the Under-15s, before being offered a trial by Arsenal.

  “I was excited because I supported Arsenal and I could have never thought I’d have the opportunity to play for my boyhood club,” Cozier-Duberry said, while discussing his journey so far with the Arsenal matchday programme.

  ”However, I was also nervous as I had been on trials at other teams around London and they never took me in.”

  But there was no reason for Cozier-Duberry to be nervous. He starred during his 10-week trial, and after scoring a fine goal during a win against Colchester United in the Floodlit Cup, Arsenal told the young forward that they wanted to sign him.

  He went on to spend the next two years at Hale End before receiving his scholarship with the U18s and progressing to London Colney.

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• The big break

  Cozier-Duberry is still waiting for his competitive senior debut for Arsenal, but he has appeared in the first-team squad three times in recent months.

  He travelled with the senior squad for the recent warm weather training camp in Dubai and made a couple of eye-catching cameos as Arteta’s side beat Lyon and AC Milan to win the Dubai Super Cup.

  The winger then came off the bench to make his first ever appearance at Emirates Stadium in Arsenal’s final warm-up game ahead of the return of the Premier League in December.

  Arteta’s side were beaten 2-0 by Juventus, but Cozier-Duberry immediately caught the eye.

  “Making my home debut was a dream come true,” he said. “It’s something only a few ever get to do and to do it against Juventus, a team with a massive history, is a moment I’ll never forget.

  “I was so nervous beforehand, my feet were numb, but as I stepped on the pitch, I made a few decent passes which helped.

  “Hearing my name through the speaker, the fans cheering, and having my family and friends there who have been so supportive of me, was so wonderful. “

• How it's going

  Aside from dipping his toes into the first-team picture, Cozier-Duberry has been one of the stand out performers this season as Arsenal’s U18s have progressed through to the latter rounds of the FA Youth Cup.

  He scored twice during a thrilling 4-2 win against Watford, when Jack Wilshere’s young side fought back from two goals down at half-time to book their spot in the quarter-finals.

  And that followed on from the goal Cozier-Duberry scored in the 3-2 success at Newcastle United in the previous round.

  This has certainly been a breakthrough season for the 17-year-old, who has featured heavily for the U21s, scoring three goals so far and contributing a further three assists in 13 Premier League 2 appearances.

  Add those performances to his heroics in the Youth Cup so far and you can see why Arteta is keen to have the young winger around the first-team set-up.

  He was on the bench for Arsenal's Premier League games against Everton and Brentford in February, and while he has yet to actually get on the pitch, his competitive senior debut only feels like a matter of time.

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• Biggest strengths

  There’s no doubt that Cozier-Duberry’s biggest strength is his ability to run with the ball at pace. His low centre of gravity makes it very difficult for defenders to get the ball off him, and his touch and technique ensures he is a real threat whenever he is in possession.

  His preferred position is on the right-hand side of attack, where he likes to cut inside on his left foot and get shots away, but he can also operate on the opposite flank if needed.

  Like many young wingers, he has played at full-back at times, but his strength is clearly in attack, as he has showcased so impressively this season, whether that be with the U18s, U21s or with the first team.