The USMNT fullback is drawing interest from English side Plymouth ahead of the transfer window, sources tell GOAL
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Manchester City are in European action this evening as they prepare to take on Italian giants Inter at The Etihad in their first Champions League match of the season.
The Cityzens are playing in the new-look Champions League group phase for the first time and their first clash is a rematch of the 2023 final, which they won.
Rodri scored the only goal of the game as Pep Guardiola’s side secured the treble and their first trophy in the competition in the club’s history.
City come into this match off the back four wins from four games in the Premier League, with the latest being a 2-1 win over Brentford at The Etihad on Saturday.
Yoane Wissa gave the away side an early lead in the opening minute before a brace from superstar centre-forward Erling Haaland sealed all three points for the Cityzens.
Guardiola must now select an XI to take to the field against Inter this evening and the Spanish head coach could make a few changes from the team that faced the Bees, to give his side the best chance of picking up all three points.
Rodri should be unleashed
The first change that should be made to the team is that defensive midfielder Rodri should be brought back in to replace Mateo Kovacic in the middle of the park.
Guardiola selected Kovacic from the start against Brentford but decided to bring the Spain international on for him at half-time and that decision was rewarded with an improved display from the City giant in the second half.
Minutes played
45
45
Passes completed
45
33
Key passes
1
0
Successful long passes
3
1
Duels won
2/3
0/1
Tackles
1
0
As you can see in the table above, Rodri outperformed the Croatia international in the second half with more passes, more chances created, more long passes, more tackles, and more duels won, despite playing the same number of minutes.
The Spanish titan, who scored the winner against tonight’s opponents in the 2023 final, had been missing with a hamstring injury before making his first appearance of the season against Brentford.
Rodri provides defensive stability and sublime quality in possession, providing nine assists and completing 92% of his attempted passes in the Premier League last term, and must now be unleashed from the start against Inter this evening.
Along with the move to start the European Championship winner, Guardiola should also make a change at the heart of his defence to take John Stones out and unleash Ruben Dias from the start.
Why John Stones should be dropped
The England international made his first start of the season for City in the 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday and endured a difficult afternoon at The Etihad.
It was a nightmare start for the Cityzens veteran as he failed to clear the ball when it came his way in the six-yard box, albeit with Ederson not covering himself in glory either, and that allowed Wissa to score from close range.
That went down as an error that led to a goal on Sofascore and you have to go all the way back to the 2020/21 Premier League season to find his last error that led to a goal in the division, which speaks to his quality and consistently over the last four years or so.
The 30-year-old defender played 84 minutes against Brentford and did not win a single duel, losing his only battle, and did not make a single block, tackle, or interception, to prevent Ederson from being worked.
Thomas Frank’s side ended the match with six shots on target, one of which was Wissa’s goal, and one ‘big chance’ created, which shows that City allowed the away side to test their goalkeeper far too often.
Therefore, Guardiola must ruthlessly ditch Stones from the starting XI after his dismal showing against the Bees, with a sterner test against Inter, who won the Serie A by 19 points last season, to come this evening.
This would then open up a spot alongside Manuel Akanji for Dias to be restored into the starting line-up to provide more defensive stability at the back.
Why Ruben Dias should be unleashed
The £180k-per-week star should be unleashed because he is a solid centre-back who puts his body on the line for the team, whilst also being progressive in possession.
Over the last 365 days, Dias ranks within the top 6% of his positional peers in the Men’s Big 5 Leagues and European competitions for progressive passes per 90 (5.94) and the top 8% for progressive carries per 90 (1.32).
This shows that the Portuguese titan constantly looks to bring the ball forward to find teammates in advanced positions, whether that is through passes or carries, to build attacks for City.
The 27-year-old titan, who was once hailed as a “man-mountain” by ex-City ace Michael Ball, is also a dominant defender who has consistently impressed in the Champions League over the years, reaching two finals in four seasons at the club.
23/24
9
7.18
60%
22/23
12
7.41
64%
21/22
8
6.87
56%
20/21
11
7.17
59%
As you can see in the table above, Dias has consistently dominated opposition players in the Champions League throughout his career at City, particularly in the last two campaigns.
The clips above, from his performance against PSG in the semi-finals of the 2020/21 season, highlight his defensive attributes, as he excels at blocking shots and being in the right place at the right time to make key clearances.
Dias steps up in the big games, winning ten of his 16 duels against Inter in the final in 2023, and that is why he is the perfect choice to step in and start in the opening match of the Champions League campaign against the Italian giants tonight.
Man City struck gold with amazing star who's worth £35m more than Stones
The Cityzens hit the jackpot when they swooped to sign the central defender.
1 ByDan Emery Sep 15, 2024
Guardiola must now brutally ditch Stones, after his error at the weekend, and unleash the former Benfica giant from the start alongside Rodri.
Glasgow Rangers manager Philippe Clement will be hoping the signings he made during the summer transfer window at Ibrox can allow the club to generate substantial profits in the future.
Indeed, Rangers are looking to establish an effective player trading system which will see young talent signed, developed and then sold on for lavish fees.
This could fund future signings which may take the Glasgow club back to the summit of Scottish football.
While the Ibrox outfit have sold plenty of players over the last few years, only a few have generated significant profit for the club. One of the most notable examples is Glen Kamara.
How much Glen Kamara cost Rangers
During Steven Gerrard’s debut season in charge of Rangers, he knew that a strong midfield would give his side the perfect chance to end Celtic’s dominance.
This led to him agreeing a pre-contract move for Kamara, who was shining for Dundee at the time. Instead of waiting until the summer, however, Gerrard paid just £50k in order for the Finnish midfielder to link up early with the Gers.
It turned into one of the finest pieces of transfer business conducted by the club in recent years. Kamara went on to make nearly 200 appearances for the Light Blues, winning the Premiership and Scottish Cup, while also helping the Glaswegian outfit reach the Europa League final in 2022.
Glen Kamara's Rangers statistics
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2022/23
35
1
1
2021/22
52
4
5
2020/21
51
2
2
2019/20
39
1
0
2018/19
16
1
3
Via Transfermarkt
Gerrard even hailed him as a “monster” in 2019 upon his arrival, and it was clear the club would make a stunning profit on him in the future.
Last summer, Michael Beale sold the 28-year-old, hitting the jackpot on the player in the process…
Glen Kamara's transfer value in 2024
It soon became clear that the midfielder wasn’t going to be in Beale’s future plans as the summer transfer window rolled around last year.
It took a few months, but eventually, he was sold to Leeds United, who paid a fee in the region of £5m to bring the player down to the English Championship, as the club sought to bolster their squad ahead of a promotion charge.
This meant the Ibrox side had sold Kamara for 9900% more than what they paid for just four and a half years earlier, a truly incredible return on their initial investment.
The 6-foot star played a solitary season for the Yorkshire side, making 42 appearances in all competitions, yet he couldn’t lead them back into the Premier League.
This summer, he was on the move again, joining French side Stade Rennais for a fee believed to be £8.4m, meaning Leeds have even made a profit on the player.
Clement will be hoping that his time in charge of the Light Blues will allow him to sign young talent cheaply, before moving them on for transfer fees in this region.
Celtic have done this expertly in recent years. Hopefully, the Belgian has taken plenty of notice.
Rangers wanted to sign amazing star in 2023, now he's a Ballon d'Or nominee
Michael Beale came close to securing a loan deal for a £67m-rated talent
ByRoss Kilvington Sep 10, 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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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
*Most recent entry will appear at the top, please refresh your page for the latest updates. All times are local
Rory Burns survives as the ball doesn’t carry to Tom Latham at second slip•AFP/Getty Images
There are often many different ways to end up at the same destination. The first Lord’s Test in two years had seemed destined for a draw after losing the entire third day to rain, and drawn it surely was as the teams shook hands at just gone 7pm on the final evening.But there was peril and intrigue along the route, as New Zealand sprung a declaration on England after a brief shower brought about an early lunch. The carrot of chasing 273 in 75 overs had been dangled, though England were clearly wary of the offer. The home side looked outmatched for much of this first Test and the nerves were palpable when they fell to 56 for 2 shortly before tea, a wicket away from their youthful middle order being exposed.In the end, there was not enough life in the pitch nor sand in the hourglass for New Zealand to make a concerted victory push. Dom Sibley batted more than four hours for a barnacle-encrusted half-century, as he and England’s captain, Joe Root, ensured against jitters with an 80-run stand that stretched into the evening session.
Neil Wagner is pumped after taking a wicket•Getty Images
No let up for England’s under-pressure batters, as play enters the final hour at Lord’s. Sibley and Pope are having to contend with Wagner at his most feisty, with Southee back for a burst, too. Psychological points scored here might count double later in the series (even if it is only two matches).
That ends a stand worth 80 between Sibley, who’s been on 49 for about 20 minutes, and Root. The end is surely near, but Ollie Pope will have to show his face, with Wagner charging in…
Joe Root pulls one away•AFP/Getty Images
The handbrake has come off a little, with Root finding the boundary a couple of times and Sibley bearing down inexorably on a first half-century in nine innings. England would need to score at almost seven an over from this point, so I think we can assume they’re not about go on the charge. Kane Williamson has brought himself on for a bowl, as thoughts turn to challenges ahead…
Dom Sibley defends one on the off side•AFP/Getty Images
This has been a terrifically hard-fought match, and we can only rue the fact that the weather has probably ruled out a positive result. With England’s chary approach steering them ever closer to safety, there’s a bit of a festival feel around Lord’s. The fans have been on their feet for Wagner’s sweaty indefatigability, and they’re chanting de Grandhomme’s name now. Sibley’s every chiselled-from-granite scoring shot brings a lusty cheer. We could have had a classic, but let’s still be thankful we’ve got people back in the ground and some quality cricketers going toe-to-toe in the evening sunshine. Shall we do it all again next week?
Colin de Grandhomme in full flow•Getty Images
Changes at both ends here, with England’s second-wicket pair batting steadily enough after tea. Colin de Grandhomme has replaced Southee from the Pavilion End, with Mitchell Santner switching to the Nursery End after a short, three-over spell before the break. As Simon Doull has suggested on Sky’s commentary, even if New Zealand are going to struggle to take eight wickets in a session here, this is a chance for the spinner to have a nice long bowl on a wearing pitch and try to get himself into a groove for Test matches to come at Edgbaston and the Ageas Bowl.
3:37
Neil Wagner – ‘It was about finding a different method to make the bowling unit effective’
With Neil Wagner into the ninth over of his spell, it’s worth plugging Deiva Muthu’s interview with the great man from a few days ago. We love to talk about the stamina, the intensity, the marathon bouncer spells – but Wagner’s a proper Test seamer with more than 200 wickets, part of New Zealand’s best-ever attack, and he has plenty of other skills, too:
I obviously started as a swing bowler, as someone who pitched it up a lot more than I do now or what it looks like in Test cricket. It still comes down to the conditions and what’s in front of me and what the day requires. In New Zealand, the wickets tend to flatten out quite quickly, and if the ball doesn’t swing, I obviously try to bang it in and get different modes of dismissal or try and create some pressure with dot balls by doing that. Through the years, playing more cricket and getting more experience and sort of knowing that we have two of the best swing bowlers in the world in Tim [Southee] and Trent [Boult]… Rather than trying to bowl the same as they do or trying to compete with them, for me it was about trying and finding a different method or a way that’s going to make them and us effective as a bowling unit. It sort of came off and worked out at that time, and I just ended up going with it.
I do still try to pitch the ball up when it’s required and if it can swing. Like I’ve shown in the last season in New Zealand against West Indies and Pakistan, if it’s required to pitch it up, we go that route. If my role is to run in and pitch it short, we obviously change accordingly. It’s quite nice to have been able to develop different skills.
New Zealand fans settling down to be told they have 43 overs in which to take eight wickets. And no need to worry about Super Overs (or Ben Stokes) this time. Let’s get stuck in.
Tim Southee pouched a sharp, low chance in the slips to see the end of Rory Burns•Getty Images
New Zealand picked up two wickets and kept England on the back foot throughout the afternoon session after springing a surprise declaration at lunch on the final day at Lord’s. England were set 273 to win in 75 overs, but lost Rory Burns and Zak Crawley as the scoring rate crept along.England’s openers set out their stall to lay a platform, and the stand between Burns and Dom Sibley had reached 49 before Neil Wagner made the breakthrough for New Zealand. Burns, who had been hit on the hand as Tim Southee found some variable bounce and then nearly gloved the same bowler to slip, was caught in the cordon for 25 off an outside edge.Sibley was in particularly dogged mood, reaching double-figures for the first time in seven innings, but was fortunate to escape when edging a drive at Wagner wide of slip. Southee then returned on the brink of tea to have Crawley caught in the gully and leave New Zealand eight wickets away from forcing what would be a memorable win.
Seventh wicket in the match for Tim Southee, two balls into a new spell from the Pavilion End. Pitched up in the channel and Crawley skews a drive to gully via a thick outside edge; not dissimilar to the shot that saw him caught behind off Southee in the first innings. Never mind being 80 for 0 at tea, England could still be 60 for 3.
Neil Wagner strains in his delivery•AFP/Getty Images
It’s getting a little bit edgy out there, and the crowd are involved – how good is it to say that? Sibley nudged one off his pads to bring up England’s 50, which was greeted with slightly ironic cheers. Meanwhile, Wagner is doing his best to crowbar out another, focusing on swing rather than his famed bumper-to-bumper . Sibley was sucked into driving at one angled across, possibly with a scrambled seam, and edged wide of the slip cordon for four – a first boundary in more than 10 overs. The next ball produced another uncharacteristic dart, which failed to connect, before Wagner scudded one into Sibley’s pads and then beat his outside edge again. Definitely some Kiwis in stands, and they’re enjoying this spell.
Neil Wagner celebrates with team-mates after claiming the wicket of Rory Burns•Getty Images
Neil Wagner has pounded in and broken England’s stubborn opening stand, getting one to hold its line on Burns and find the outside edge – Southee then did extremely well to snaffle the ball low at second slip. Maybe Burns’ concentration was affected by that blow to the hand a few overs ago, but he seemed to struggle with Wagner’s angle, facing nine dot balls in a row, the last of which was a loose drive which failed to connect. Next ball, Wagner had his man.There are still more than 50 overs left to be bowled in the day, but the likelihood that England might have a go at the target is receding by the minute.
Rory Burns flicks one away•Getty Images
At the current rate, England could be around 80 for 0 at tea, which is going to leave an awful lot of work for the final session. But then, with signs of the pitch beginning to go up and down, the first priority was always going to be ensuring the middle order doesn’t get exposed. Southee has bowled fabulously in this Test, swinging the ball more than any other bowler bar Jamieson, and having whacked Burns he almost gets him caught off the glove at slip, but Latham can’t quite get his hands under it.Mitchell Santner is also into the game, looking for some turn from the Pavilion End… and presumably wondering what might have been if he had had Burns stumped on 77 yesterday.
Rory Burns was hit on the hand and needed the attention of the physio•Getty Images
We’ve seen the odd ball stay low over the last couple of days, but Southee now gets one to spit from a length and Burns on the top hand. There’s going to be a delay here for some treatment, maybe some painkillers, but he’s okay for now. Not only did that delivery suddenly get big and cause Burns grief, the ricochet could have gone anywhere – but it popped up well short a catcher on the off side.Sibley, meanwhile, has mooched into double-figures for the first time in seven innings, tucking a single from his 51st ball.
BJ Watling attempts to run Dom Sibley out•Getty Images
A quiet hour and a bit, which has dulled some of the excitement around New Zealand’s surprise lunchtime declaration. Colin de Grandhomme has come into the attack, while Southee switched ends to give Jamieson a break. Sibley attempted a cover drive – or, well, a cover – off de Grandhomme, who then smuggled one through to hit the batter on his back thigh; but NZ chose not to review and ball-tracking had it going over. Drinks have just been taken, England still with ten wickets intact and needing 240 more from 58 overs.
It couldn’t last though, with Burns finally clipping him for one from the last ball of his sixth and thereby ruining Jamieson’s economy.
Dom Sibley taps one to the off side•AFP/Getty Images
It’s been the sort of exacting start for England’s openers that you would expect, with Southee looking to shape the ball away – or wobble one back down the slope – from the Pavilion End and Jamieson bounding in menacingly from the Nursery. Rory Burns and Dom Sibley have no intention of being hurried for now, the latter taking 20 deliveries to get off the mark – Southee finally obliging by feeding him a clip off the pads. Jamieson, meanwhile, has bowled four maidens in a row.This is the way Sibley plays, of course, but worth noting he has had a run of eight innings with a highest score of 16, going back to his 87 in Chennai over the winter. He’s a batsman with enormous reservoirs of patience, though undoubtedly in need of a score, too, with his Test average threatening to dip the wrong side of 30.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
England would need to score at more than 3.5 runs an over to chase this target, but that requirement is already creeping up nearer to 4 rpo. But if they are going to have a dip, it would need to be from a solid base, an area where England have been found wanting recently.
Given England are chasing a target in the region of 280 on the final day against New Zealand at Lord’s, I’m sure you’ll permit me posting this video of Nasser Hussain marking my birthday his final day in Test cricket with an unbeaten hundred to seal victory back in 2004.
Southee, with six wickets under his belt in this Test already, is standing in front of the pavilion with the new Dukes ball in hand. So good to see New Zealand take an attacking approach here – there’s no WTC points to worry about, and every chance of giving a young England batting line-up conniptions. NZ haven’t won on this ground since 1999, too, but they’ve controlled this game and have given themselves a chance to beat both the home side and the weather. Get strapped in, folks.
Look out, England•Getty Images
Well, well. New Zealand’s seamers Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson are out warming up on the square, and Kane Williamson has decided to dangle a carrot in front of England. A target of 273 in 75 overs is enticing, and it also gives NZ plenty of time to try and bowl England out. Game on!
Colin de Grandhomme tees off•Getty Images
Spoke too soon, as the rain gets a bit heavier and the umpires signal for the groundstaff to bring on the covers. They are going to take lunch early, which is a sensible move and may mean we don’t lose any overs.New Zealand extended their overnight lead by more than 100 runs in the time they were on the field, with Ross Taylor’s 33 from 35 setting the tone. Neil Wagner cracked a couple of early boundary before falling to Ollie Robinson, while Stuart Broad ended his run of five innings without taking a wicket by having Tom Latham lbw for 36.Taylor launched sixes off Robinson and Mark Wood, but felling edging the latter through to James Bracey. With rain falling, Henry Nicholls was then caught by slip attempting to reverse sweep Joe Root’s offspin. New Zealand have been positive but it remains to be seen if and when a declaration might come.
Rory Burns dives to catch out Henry Nicholls•Getty Images
England’s spinner comes to the party, as Henry Nicholls departs trying to kick the scoring on. Attempted reverse-sweep and it loops up off the gloves, I think, for Burns to hare up from slip and take a good diving catch. First wicket for Joe Root, and fourth of the morning session for England, with New Zealand’s lead now up to 262. We’ve had a light shower at the ground, but think it’s already passed through.
Ah, Taylor’s fun is over – a frisky 33 from 35, but he pays for having another flash at Wood, with Bracey tumbling to take a good catch. As has been said, New Zealand’s best chance of winning this game might lie in being bowled out. Quite a different game (and a much harder track to bat on) but remember NZ were scuttled in just 22.3 overs in the fourth innings here in 2013.
That said, Taylor has just launched another six – top-edging Mark Wood all the way over the rope fine of third man – and there’s a bit more urgency about this pair. Definitely within the realms of possibility that England’s flighty top order could make things interesting this afternoon.
Ross Taylor came out swinging on day five•PA Photos/Getty Images
No real sense so far this morning that New Zealand are pushing to set up a declaration here. They’ve added 56 in the first hour, with occasional flashes of belligerence – notably Taylor rolling out his favourite slog to cow for a six off Robinson, and Henry Nicholls dancing out to slash four to third man off Broad. The lead is 220-odd; can they get it up to 300 by lunch and have a couple of sessions to work England over?
Speaking of batters having to find a way back to form, Rory Burns showed his value for England yesterday. It may not look too pretty at times, but as George Dobell writes, “it’s about substance over style”:
Burns earns everything he achieves. Unlike some modern batters, he is prepared to work for his runs. So, while his first 50 took a relatively fluent 90 deliveries, his second took 177. But that’s fine. England have plenty of strokemakers. What they require is someone to provide a platform on which they can build. Burns, who scored 13 runs from the first two-hour session, appears to have the patience for that role.
England watch and wait for the third umpire’s verdict•AFP/Getty Images
Fired in on the angle, beats Latham on the inside edge, and after 487 wicketless deliveries going back to the first innings of the Galle Test in January, Stuart Broad is finally back in business. Latham reviewed, and it was only just clipping leg stump, mind… can you imagine the Broad teapot if that had been overturned?
Eventful over from Robinson to Taylor, with a hoick through midwicket followed by an appeal for lbw and a burned review, then a skittish play-and-miss. Like I said, Taylor could probably do with some time in the middle…
Decent little battle this morning, with Latham surviving a chance off Broad in the fourth over of play. Could be an important passage for Ross Taylor, who hasn’t had much cricket recently after hamstring and calf strains. He timed a lovely extra-cover drive to the rope off Robinson, but was then sucked into pushing at his next ball as the bowler drew his length back. It was Robinson, of course, who pinned Taylor lbw in the first innings.
England get together after Ollie Robinson snags nightwatchman Neil Wagner•Getty Images
Drat. After a few enthusiastic swings, Wagner has hit one straight up in the air. Robinson had used the short ball to good effect, pinning Wagner back and beating him in a couple of different ways, before inducing a top edge that was safely pouched by James Bracey moving across to his right. Third wicket for Robinson. He’s on for all ten at the mo…
11:23
RUNORDER: Who is the world’s best Test bowler right now?
Few candidates on show in this match… though Stuart Broad, now into his sixth consecutive innings without a Test wicket, has just been elegantly whipped for four by New Zealand’s nightwatchman Neil Wagner in the second over of the day. If Wagner’s still batting by lunch, then this could be quite a lot of fun.Ollie Robinson has fired up from the other end, with Tom Latham happy to see out a maiden.
Tim Southee drops Rory Burns off Neil Wagner at second slip. Ross Taylor fails to latch on to the rebound•PA Photos/Getty Images
Day five, all three results on the line. That’s how Tim Southee put it last night (and we shouldn’t rule out a tie, either). But already this has the whiff of one that got away for New Zealand – mainly thanks to the weather, but missing Rory Burns twice before he had reached his hundred on day four didn’t help, either. England would undoubtedly have taken a draw from 140 for 6 in their first innings, with a chance to regroup and go again at Edgbaston next week, while New Zealand are building towards the WTC final and will probably be content to take things as they come. That said, when you’ve only won once in 90 years of coming to Lord’s, why wouldn’t you give it a crack? Let’s see what the old ground serves up…
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.
كشفت تقارير صحفية، سعي مسؤولو نادي حسنية أغادير لتمديد عقد أحد لاعبيه خلال المرحلة المقبلة، خوفًا من رحيله مجانًا خاصة في وجود عروض للاعب أبرزها من الزمالك.
ويتواجد فريق حسنية أغادير في المركز الـ14 بجدول ترتيب الدوري المغربي، ويمتلك في رصيده 21 نقطة بعد الفوز في 6 لقاءات والتعادل 11 مرة وتلقى 3 هزائم.
طالع | والد زيزو: مجلس الزمالك باع نجلي مرتين.. وسأكشف عن مفاجآت نارية
وأفادت صحيفة 360 سبورت المغربية، أن مسؤولي فريق حسنية أغادير دخلوا في مفاوضات شاقة من أجل تجديد عقد لاعبهم جمال الشماخ، الذي ينتهي عقده مع الفريق مع نهاية الموسم الكروي الحالي.
وأضافت أن هناك محاولات قوية من أجل اقناع جمال الشماخ للاستمرار مع الفريق وتمديد عقده خلال الفترة المقبلة.
وأوضح التقرير أن جمال الشماخ كان من اهتمامات عدد من أندية الدوري المغربي، على رأسها الوداد وكذلك نادي الزمالك لضم اللاعب خلال الانتقالات الصيفية المقبلة.
وأكد مصدر داخل نادي حسنية أغادير أنه لم يتم التوصل لاتفاق بين إدارة النادي وأحد الأندية خلال الانتقالات الشتوية الماضية، من أجل انتقال اللاعب مشدداً على أنه لا توجد نية في التفريط باللاعب.
MatériaMais Notícias
Em alta vestindo a camisa do Avaí, o volante Jean Cléber, ex-CSA, Ceará e Cruzeiro, comemorou o acesso do Leão da Ilha após vitória sobre o Sampaio Corrêa, por 2 a 1, na Ressacada, de virada. Segundo o jogador, colocar o Leão na Série A foi algo fantástico.
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-Fizemos um grande campeonato durante o ano e isso foi fundamental para que a equipe pudesse conquistar esse acesso. Foi um campeonato muito seguro que fizemos, de alto nível, sempre mantendo uma regularidade. Estamos muito felizes por ter colocado o Avaí em seu lugar – disse.
VEJA COMO FICOU A CLASSIFICAÇÃO FINAL DA SÉRIE B DO BRASILEIRÃO
Ainda de acordo com o atleta, sua fase tem sido especial.
– Esse ano, para mim, foi um dos melhores da minha carreira. Cheguei ao Avaí e pude jogar sempre em alto nível. Estou muito feliz por isso e por ter ajudado o clube a conquistar esse importante acesso – concluiu.
Yesterday was a momentous day for Aston Villa as the club found out their opponents for the upcoming Champions League campaign.
Boss Unai Emery has transformed the club since his appointment back in November 2022, leading the club to the Europa Conference League last season, before finishing in the top four of the Premier League last season.
The Villans will face the likes of Bayern Munich and Juventus in the competition this season – an unthinkable feat before the appointment of the Spaniard a couple of years ago.
The club have been in the market to strengthen the squad to cope with the added fixtures, with Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen the two highest-profile additions during the transfer window.
However, Emery’s side may be about to add another top talent to the first team, with rumours about a potential big-money addition arriving at Villa Park before the deadline at 11pm tonight.
Aston Villa transfer news
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke for Football Insider, Aston Villa are interested in signing Barcelona’s Brazilian winger Raphinha in an attempt to further improve the forward line.
The 27-year-old arrived in Spain back in 2022 from Leeds United, but there have been rumours about his future all summer despite his impressive form last season that saw him register 21 goal contributions in all competitions.
The report states that the Villans could take advantage of the LaLiga side’s financial issues, with Raphinha considered as a replacement for Moussa Diaby, who departed for Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.
He’s previously been touted with a £50m transfer during the ongoing window, but is yet to receive an official proposal for his services, with any bid for the Brazilian star set to be a signal of intent from Emery’s side.
A move for the former Leeds star could allow the Villa boss to sign a new version of a player who has set the Premier League alight in recent years.
Why Raphinha could be Emery’s new Saka
During his time as Arsenal boss Emery handed winger Bukayo Saka his first-team debut at the Emirates, with the Englishman going on to achieve big things in North London.
The 22-year-old enjoyed his best campaign in England’s top flight last season, registering 25 goal contributions in his 35 appearances – undoubtedly making him one of the most threatening attackers in the division.
However, a move for Raphinha – who Xavi dubbed "one of the best players in the world" – could allow the 52-year-old to have a new version of the England international, with the Brazilian a similar player to the Arsenal star, as per FBref.
When delving into their respective stats from 2023/24, the comparison is understandable, with the Barca star equalling or even bettering Saka in numerous key areas.
Games played
28
35
Goals + assists
15
25
Shots taken
3.8
3.2
Shots on target
1.3
1
Shot-creating actions
5.9
5.8
Take-on success
52%
40%
Pass accuracy
75%
75%
The “world-class” talent, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, may have registered fewer combined goal contributions last season, but he did manage more shots and shots on target per 90 – showcasing that he still has the ability to cause chaos in the final third.
He also completed more take-ons, whilst also matching the Arsenal star with his pass accuracy – demonstrating the talent he possesses with the ball at his feet in attacking areas.
Although £50m would be another huge fee spent by Villa, it would demonstrate the ambition of the club, with Emery able to attract an elite-level star to the West Midlands.
He could undoubtedly be an upgrade on the current crop of players in wide areas, allowing the club to have the greatest chance possible of replicating their successes from last season.
He was perfect for Rogers: Villa's top target set to sign for another club
He has previously played for the club
ByJoe Nuttall Aug 30, 2024