تأهل إنتر ميلان الإيطالي إلى نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا على حساب بايرن ميونخ، بعد التعادل بهدفين لمثليهما في إياب ربع النهائي.
إنتر ميلان كان قد فاز في لقاء الذهاب بهدفين مقابل هدف أيضًا على العملاق البافاري في ألمانيا.
انتهى الشوط الأول بالتعادل السلبي، قبل أن يسجل هاري كين في الدقيقة 52 هدف التقدم لـ بايرن ميونخ، بتسديدة قوية من داخل منطقة الجزاء على يمين الحارس يان سومير.
⚽️ هدف !!
هاري كاين يسكن الكرة في شباك إنتر
الدقيقة 52 | إنتر 0-1 بايرن ميونيخ#دوري_أبطال_أوروبا #إنتر #بايرن_ميونيخ#UCL pic.twitter.com/tB2K94FS9f — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) April 16, 2025
حاول إنتر ميلان بعد ذلك وأهدر فرصة التعادل عن طريق ماركوس تورام، قبل عرضية دي ماركو من ركنية، سددها لاوتارو ترتطم بالدفاع ومن ثم يكملها الأرجنتيني في مرمى الضيوف عند الدقيقة 58.
⚽️ هدف !!
لاوتارو مارتينيز يبصم على التعادل لإنتر
الدقيقة 58 | إنتر 1-1 بايرن ميونيخ#دوري_أبطال_أوروبا #إنتر #بايرن_ميونيخ#UCL pic.twitter.com/P54OHe9UG9 — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) April 16, 2025
بعد دقيقتين، يحصل النيرازوري إنتر على ركنية جديدة، ومثلما لدغ لاوتارو في الأولى، كرر بافارد الأمر في الثانية وسجل هدفه الأول بقميص الأفاعي في مرمى فريقه السابق برأسية بعد عرضية تشالهان أوجلو.
⚽️ هدف !!
بافار من رأسية متقنة يضاعف النتيجة لإنتر
الدقيقة 58 | إنتر 2-1 بايرن ميونيخ#دوري_أبطال_أوروبا #إنتر #بايرن_ميونيخ#UCL pic.twitter.com/7NdsLOcl3F — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) April 16, 2025
طالع أيضًا | المصائب لا تأتي فرادى.. مبابي يغادر مباراة ريال مدريد وآرسنال مصابًا
ريمونتادا إنتر ميلان جعلت الأمور تشتغل في المدرجات، وسط أهازيج جماهير النيرازوري، مع تقدم فريقهم في النتيجة بفارق هدفين بمجموع المباراتين.
ولكن الأمور لم تنته بعد. عرضية ممتازة من سيرجي جنابري البديل، يوجهها الإنجليزي إيريك داير بطريقة رائعة في شباك يان سومير في الدقيقة 76 ليُشعل اللقاء أكثر.
⚽️ هدف !!
داير من الزاوية المستحيلة يعادل الكفة
الدقيقة 76 | إنتر 2-2 بايرن ميونيخ#دوري_أبطال_أوروبا #إنتر #بايرن_ميونيخ#UCL pic.twitter.com/fMz0KbeiG6 — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) April 16, 2025
بعد هدف بايرن الثاني، قرر سيموني إنزاجي اجراء بعض التغييرات لتأمين النتيجة، بدخول بيسيك وفراتيسي مكان باريلا وباستوني، وكذلك تنشيط هجومي باقحام مهدي تارمي مكان لاوتارو مارتينيز.
على الجانب الآخر، دخل بافلوفيتش وكينجسلي كومان مكان لايمر وجورتسكا، في ظل محاولات لفك شفرة دفاع إنتر ميلان.
في الدقيقة 90 مر جنابري من لاعبي إنتر ميلان وأرسل عرضية رائعة ولكنها أبعدت من جانب أتشيربي، وظلت الكرة خطيرة على مرمى سومر الذي أخطأ في ابعاد الكرة وفشل هاري كين في استغلالها وسددها خارج المرمى.
حكم المباراة أطاف 6 دقائق وقت بدلًا من الضائع، وفي الدقيقة 95، عرضية ممتازة من كينجسلي كومان ويحولها القائد توماس مولر في المرمى، ولكن كان هناك عملاق يُدعى يان سومير، يمنع فريقه السابق من التسجيل، ويحافظ على تأهل أبطال إيطاليا.
بهذه النتيجة يفشل بايرن ميونخ في التأهل لمواصلة المشوار نحو النهائي الذي من المفترض أن يقام على ملعبه مايو المقبل.
بينما إنتر ميلان، يضرب موعدًا مع برشلونة في نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، بعد أن تخطى النادي الكتالوني نظيره بوروسيا دورتموند في ربع النهائي.
Chelsea are now looking at signing an £80 million Real Madrid target, who Arsenal believe could be a long-term replacement for William Saliba.
Chelsea targeting new defender amid Disasi and Badiashile uncertainty
Head coach Enzo Maresca currently has a wealth of centre-backs at his disposal, with Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi making up the bulk of his options.
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However, uncertainty surrounds the likes of Badiashile and Disasi, as both men are far from regulars under Maresca.
Chelsea rate Badiashile highly and predict the Frenchman to have a bright future at Stamford Bridge, according to some reports. However, there is also a belief that Maresca is “unconvinced” by Badiashile, so the club and manager could be in disagreement over the defender.
Leicester City (home)
November 23
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December 1
Southampton (away)
December 4
Tottenham (home)
December 8
Brentford (home)
December 15
Disasi, meanwhile, has missed out on Chelsea’s last three Premier League matchday squads, with the vast majority of his 685 minutes coming in the Conference League and Carabao Cup as a makeshift right-back.
It is unclear just what the future holds for both men, but their long-term prospects aren’t helped by rumours that Chelsea are looking to sign a new centre-back in the next two transfer windows.
Indeed, Nottingham Forest star Murillo is a rumoured target for Chelsea, while it is also believed that Ilia Zabarnyi is being looked at by Maresca – who is an apparent “huge fan” of the Ukranian.
More interesting targets will likely emerge in the build-up to January, with RB Leipzig sensation Castello Lukeba now on Chelsea’s radar.
The 21-year-old, who has been likened to Man City star Josko Gvardiol for his playing style by the Bundesliga official website, has also been praised by former Leipzig managing director Max Eberl for his pace and his ball-playing ability.
“He is left footed and can play as a left-sided centre-back in both a back-three and a back-four,” said Eberl.
“Castello’s main strengths are his tough-tackling nature, his pace, his positioning and how good he is on the ball.”
Chelsea looking at signing Castello Lukeba
As per The Boot Room, Chelsea are looking at signing Lukeba, but they’re not the only ones as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle United also take a serious interest.
They’ve all been keeping tabs on the 21-year-old, who has an £80 million release clause in his contract, but another club to potentially watch out for is Arsenal.
The Gunners apparently view him as a potential long-term replacement for star defender Saliba, who has formed one of England’s best central defensive partnerships with Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of Arteta’s backline.
“Castello Lukeba – what a player, what a boy,” said RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose.
“Willi gets injured, he’s on the pitch in the first game after that, wobbles once or twice and then rattles off his games against every opponent at the age of 20 at a top level.”
Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, as a report shares some news on the striker this week.
Spurs targeting new forward for Postecoglou
Reports in the last few weeks have indicated that Ange Postecoglou is looking to strengthen his forward options in 2025, despite bringing in striker Dominic Solanke and players like Dejan Kulusevski enjoying a fine start to the new Premier League season.
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Spurs have been monitoring Espanyol forward Javi Puado, who played a major role in their climb back up to La Liga last season, as an option in the new year – with the Spaniard’s contract expiring next summer, meaning he could be available for a cheap January fee.
Meanwhile, closer to home, it is believed Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo is a transfer target for Tottenham, as well as other elite English sides, following his exceptional start to 2024/2025. The Ghanaian has scored three goals and bagged an assist over his opening eight top-flight matches so far, attracting attention from north London.
Tottenham’s next five Premier League games
Date
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
October 27
Tottenham vs Aston Villa
November 3
Tottenham vs Ipswich Town
November 10
Man City vs Tottenham
November 23
Tottenham vs Fulham
December 1
In an attacking sense, Postecoglou’s side have actually been one of England’s best sides so far – with only league champions Man City scoring more goals than them in the league so far this season.
However, one or two injuries to key forwards could threaten to severely derail Tottenham. Strength in depth is imperative if Postecoglou wants to challenge for the league at some point during his tenure, potentially leading to their pursuit of fresh attacking options.
Tottenham handed Liam Delap transfer boost after update
It is believed they’re after another out-and-out striker to rotate with £65 million summer signing Solanke, and Ipswich’s Delap is a prime target amid his impressive form for the newly promoted side.
The former Man City gem has scored four goals in nine appearances so far, with CaughtOffside now sharing a boost for Spurs in their chase for him. They write that Tottenham are leading the race to sign Delap, putting them ahead of other interested clubs, and it is believed the Lilywhites are “particularly keen” on striking a deal for the Englishman.
Delap is believed to command a fairly reasonable price tag of around £33 million too, with Postecoglou and co weighing up a move for him as soon as January.
“He’s had a brilliant start,” said pundit Glenn Murray on Sunday’s Match of the Day 2.
“I think one of the things that’s thrown at newly-promoted clubs is a lack of goals and that worry. He’s been exceptional. He’s always lively, always on the move. What I like about him is that he’s never really marked, he’s always moving and finding that yard of space. If he keeps putting in performances like that, he might just be the difference between Ipswich being a Premier League team at the end of the season and not.
“I think if you can hit double figures in a newly-promoted side, that’s a success. If you’re hitting 12, 14, I think that’s exceptional. For me, I think he’s stepped up. He obviously came for a lot of money from Manchester City’s reserves, effectively. He’s out there to prove himself.
“He’s served his dues, he’s been out on loan a few times, he’s learned his trade and he’s learned about the game. Now we’re seeing him start to compete at this level and looking like he could be the difference.”
Retired Dutch international Ryan ten Doeschate has been appointed as a mentor for the national men’s team for their upcoming three-match ODI series in South Africa. ten Doeschate retired from professional cricket at the 2021 T20 World Cup, where the Netherlands failed to progress to the Super 12s. Their focus will now shift to the 50-over format, where they have a squad laden with South Africans for their tour.Colin Ackermann, Roelof van der Merwe and Stephan Myburgh all played domestic cricket in South Africa and van der Merwe and Myburgh, in particular, will be familiar with conditions. Three ODIs, scheduled for November 26, 28 and December 1, will be played at SuperSport Park in Centurion, where van der Merwe and Myburgh were previously based. A limited number of fans are expected to be allowed into the venue, in line with the current Covid-19 regulations in South Africa, which are at their lowest level since the pandemic began.Those spectators will witness history, as it will be the first time South Africa and Netherlands play in South Africa, after meeting in four ODIs and one T20Is before. South Africa have won all those fixtures.Related
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Netherlands travel without the experience of Ben Cooper, Tobias Visee and Paul van Meekeren, who all asked not to be considered for personal reasons. They have included three uncapped players, 20-year-old Boris Gorlee, Pakistan-born Musa Ahmed and Clayton Floyd, who recently scored a century at the European Cricket Championships.”After the disappointment of the World Cup, we will look to bounce back against a very good South African outfit. I’m extremely excited to take HCC youngsters Boris Gorlee, Musa Ahmad and Clayton Floyd with us. The experience of living and breathing international cricket in South Africa will be invaluable for them,” Ryan Campbell, Netherlands coach, said.The three matches are part of the World Cup Super League, where both teams need points. Netherlands are in last place on the table, with 20 points from two wins over Ireland. South Africa sit in ninth place, having dropped points in Ireland but could climb as high as second place with a 3-nil clean sweep.Netherlands squad: Pieter Seelaar (capt), Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Vivian Kingma, Max O’Dowd, Scott Edwards, Boris Gorlee, Clayton Floyd, Musa Ahmed, Brandon Glover, Fred Klaassen, Roelof van der Merwe, Saqib Zulfiqar, Stephan Myburgh, Shane Snater, Timm van der Gugten
Goals in the first and last minute of the game handed Wrexham a fortunate 2-1 victory and three points over Crawley Town.
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Lee scored last-second winner
Wrexham keep pressure on Birmingham
Ibrahim screamer not enough for dominant Crawley
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It was the perfect start for the Red Dragons after some intricate play between Ryan Barnett and Oliver Rathbone allowed the latter to play across the box and set up Matty James to strike after 62 seconds. Rathbone was again causing problems for the hosts as he picked out new signing Jay Rodriguez who almost doubled the advantage on his debut with a volley saved by Matthew Cox.
Despite taking the lead and dominating the opening exchanges, Wrexham allowed Crawley back into the game and the majority of possession. The hosts, let down by poor finishing by Tyreece John-Jules and Will Swan, continued to probe but, at half-time, were yet to register a shot on target from their seven efforts.
Wrexham, perhaps given a boost at half-time, started the second period the brightest with Max Cleworth offering the biggest threat down the right-hand-side. Yet, the Red Dragons were unable to find a second and, like the first-half, allowed Crawley back into the game.
Despite Rushian Hepburn-Murphy offering a glimmer of inspiration, it looked like there would be no way through the Wrexham defence. When it appeared the game was fizzling out, a clearance found Bradley Ibrahim 30-yards from goal and he fired in a screamer from distance in the 90th minute. After a day of poor finishing all-round, Ibrahim’s strike grabbed the hosts a deserved equaliser.
The game was not done yet though as Wrexham threw bodies forward in search of a winner. Steven Fletcher went close with a late header before the pressure eventually told as Elliot Lee headed in a lofted cross from Ryan Longman in the 95th minute.
The Red Dragons were far from spectacular but will be relieved to steal three points and keep pace with leaders Birmingham City.
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Rathbone was the standout player in the heart of the Wrexham midfield as he covered every blade of grass for the Red Dragons. His assist for James led to the opener and the midfielder was impressive throughout. Rathbone, alongside James and George Dobson, have formed a particularly strong midfield as they push for promotion to the Championship.
THE BIG LOSER
It was an afternoon to forget for John-Jules. The Crawley striker was not at his best and was unable to offer much threat to the Wrexham defence. The Arsenal academy product missed a chance to level in the first half before being hauled off after 55 minutes.
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Wrexham’s shiny new strike-force were deployed from the start and showed glimpses of what they could offer in the second half of the season. Seeing Rodriguez, the £15k-a-week former Premier League striker, and Smith, a £2 million signing from Reading, would have excited the Wrexham fans who will be hopeful their additions can provide the firepower needed in their promotion push. Both strikers had chances to open their accounts but were unable to do so against an organised Crawley and were substitued before the end.
A segunda fase da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior já começou movimentada. Nesta quarta-feira (12), o Bahia venceu o Vila Nova, por 2 a 0. Os times se encontraram no Estádio Albertão, em Tanabi. Raí anotou os dois gols da partida e garantiu a vaga para a terceira fase da competição.
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Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS
COMEÇO MOVIMENTADO!
O Bahia começou com maior pressão, buscando abrir o placar já no início da primeira etapa. O Tricolor Baiano aproveitou erros do Vila Nova e aparecia pelas laterais. No entanto, a equipe acabou esbarrando na finalização e não trouxe grandes perigos.
NA FRENTE!
Não demorou muito para que o Bahia saísse, então, na frente do placar. Aos 9, o Tricolor apareceu com Felipe Redaelli, que recebeu a bola e foi até o fundo, próximo da linha. O camisa 19 tocou para Raí, na área, que mandou para o fundo das redes.
QUE CHANCE!
O Bahia não diminuiu a pressão e tentou novamente. Aos 15, o Esquadrão apareceu com Patrick, pela direita. O jogador foi até próximo da linha e cruzou. O time, porém, não tinha ninguém para finalizar e desperdiçou a chance de ampliar.
RESPOSTA…
O Vila Nova conseguiu se encontrar na partida e equilibrou o confronto. Com isso, apareceu aos 22. Na jogada, Gabriel Pires partiu em velocidade e, próximo à linha de fundo, bateu. O goleiro do Tricolor Baiano, porém, fez a defesa.
LÁ E CÁ!
O jogo seguiu bastante equilibrado, com as duas equipes tendo boas oportunidades para balançar as redes. No entanto, as defesas, bem colocadas, afastaram os perigos. Em uma das melhores chances, o Vila Nova apareceu, mas a finalização parou no goleiro Gabriel.
AUMENTA A VANTAGEM!
O Esquadrão de Aço ampliou a vantagem aos 44. Raí venceu a marcação de Graziani, puxou para a direita, toca e manda para o fundo das redes, ampliando o marcador da partida.
COLORADO DIFERENTE!
Buscando se recuperar do placar, o Vila Nova mudou a postura para a segunda etapa. Sendo assim, aumentou a pressão e chegou com perigo em diferentes oportunidades. Em uma das melhores, aos 13, o time apareceu com Guilherme Pires. No entanto, a jogada foi bloqueada.
QUASE!
O Vila Nova continuou em busca do gol. Aos 18, o time apareceu com perigo. Davila tentou um gol por cobertura, mas o goleiro Gabriel saiu da meta e evitou a tentativa do Colorado.
MAIS UMA CHANCE!
Aos 35, nova chance para o Vila Nova. Garcia, que entrou na segunda etapa, partiu e mandou uma bomba em direção ao gol de Gabriel. O goleiro do Bahia se jogou para fazer a defesa.
UH!
Aos 49, o Bahia quase ampliou a vantagem. Em cobrança de falta, Iago cruzou perto da área, e o zagueiro Pedro Borges cabeceou no canto do gol do Vila Nova.
FICHA TÉCNICA
Vila Nova 0 x 2 Bahia Local:Estádio Municipal Prefeito Alberto Victolo, em Tanabi (SP) Data: 12/01/2022 – às 15h (de Brasília) Árbitro:João Augusto Mariano de Oliveira Assistentes:Maurício Helder Luiz Alexandrino e Eduardo Augusto Borges Cartões amarelos: Guilherme e Ryan (Vila Nova); André (Bahia) Cartões vermelhos: – Gols: Raí, aos 9’/1ºT (0-1) e aos 44’/2ºT (0-2)
VILA NOVA (Técnico: Kássio Fernando)
Heitor; Marcos (Wesley, aos 43’/2ºT), Guilherme, Graziani e Emerson (Ryan, aos 0’/2ºT); Davila (Matheus, aos 33’/2ºT), Gustavo e Guilherme Pires; Gustavo Cabral (Garcia, aos 0’/2ºT), Breno Correia e Saymon (Lucas Loto, aos 33’/2ºT).
BAHIA (Técnico: Fernando Oliveira) Gabriel; André, Pedro Borges, Vinícius Amaral e Rafael; Hiago, Cuadrado (Barcellos, aos 22’/2ºT) e Patrick (Aruba, aos 48’/2ºT); Raí, William e Felipe Redaelli (Gabriel Domingos, aos 9’/2ºT).
O LANCE! dá sequência nesta terça-feira à retrospectiva do Vasco com foco no desempenho da defesa durante o ano. O sistema defensivo do Cruz-Maltino foi problemático ao longo de toda a temporada 2021. No Campeonato Brasileiro foi a segunda pior, o que foi determinante para o não acesso. Mas os sinais já haviam sido dados desde o início da temporada.
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No início do ano, o clube enfrentou o quarto rebaixamento de sua história com a quarta defesa mais vazada da competição: sofreu 56 gols. Diante disso, o clube trouxe o experiente zagueiro Ernando, o medalhista olímpico Zeca para a lateral-esquerda. No entanto, o sistema defensivo foi o grande calcanhar de Aquiles da campanha na Série B.
+ Confira a classificação final da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro
Tanto que já nos primeiros jogos com o time sub-22 e nos primeiros com o time principal gols foram sofridos. E na sequência do Campeonato Carioca mais sinais foram vistos. Mas foram pouco valorizados, aparentemente. O clube não se reforçou mais para o início da principal competição da temporada e patinou desde o início.
A estreia do time na Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro foi trágica, e novamente o sistema defensivo foi muito mal. Mas cada jogador iria protagonizar uma falha diferente, na média, por semana. Foram diversas falhas coletivas e individuais, com erros nas jogadas aéreas, nas saídas de bola e nos espaços deixados para os contra-ataques dos adversários.
+Experiente, forte na defesa e voluntarioso: as características de Edimar, novo reforço do Vasco
Zeca errou passes e deixou espaços; Léo Matos foi expulso ainda no primeiro tempo de um clássico decisivo; Ricardo Graça cometeu pênalti após errar na saída de bola em São Januário; Miranda, suspenso, não acrescentou na reta final; e Walber, o último a chegar, também falhou feio na área.
O capitão Leandro Castan teve o ano de maior desgraça junto à torcida do Vasco, com vaias e xingamentos; Walber jogou poucas vezes, mas também deixou péssima última impressão; Ernando não deixou saudades; quem melhor atuou foi Riquelme.
+’Virada do século’ completa 21 anos: Mauro Galvão relembra título do Vasco: ‘Foi um jogo sensacional’
Com apenas 19 anos, o jovem lateral-esquerdo foi uma das poucas boas notícias do elenco vascaíno em 2021. Ele demonstrou ter qualidade e personalidade e é uma joia a ser lapidada nas próximas temporadas. Tende a oscila, mas também evoluir e ganhar cada vez mais rodagem, experiência e ser importante para a equipe tentar voltar à elite do futebol brasileiro em 2022.
Umpires halted play after 4.5 overs of chase with home side ahead on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern
ESPNcricinfo staff and ECB Reporters' Network27-Jun-2021
Jamie Smith made his maiden T20 fifty but rain spoiled the outcome•Getty Images
The Sussex Sharks and Surrey were just one ball away from completing a Vitality Blast match at Hove when umpires Tim Robinson and Paul Baldwin led the players from the field. They did not return, so each team took one point from a no-result.Surrey had scored a challenging 175 for 7 at the 1st Central County Ground and with rain in the air, the Sharks openers Luke Wright and Phil Salt began their innings at a hectic tempo in order to get ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern rate. They took 36 runs off the first three overs and at 43 for 1 off 4.5 overs, they were well ahead on the DLS.But with the fourth ball of a Kyle Jamieson over, the New Zealand bowler struck Sussex skipper Wright on the helmet. One ball later, with light rain falling and the light deteriorating, the umpires conferred and then left the field with the players as a number of the controlled maximum crowd of 2500 vented their frustration. To make a match a minimum of five overs had to be bowled, and while Sussex were ahead of what a revised five-over target would have been – meaning they would have won if the umpires had decided the rain cleared sufficiently for the final ball to be bowled, without taking the field – they had to settle for a point.”It’s not how you want to finish a game of cricket,” Sussex coach James Kirtley said. “The lads are very gutted but they’ve shown incredible character in what might have been a provocative situation. As a coach I’m there to keep calm and keep the team calm. We would obviously have liked to see it managed differently. But the decision was made and sadly we were a ball away from securing two points.”The umpires said conditions had got worse. And it was their judgement that that was the time to call it. It’s frustrating. It’s hard from the sidelines. But we’ve got to remain calm. The lads have shown real maturity because it could be blue touch paper time, things like this. Because we play at the height of our emotions. They’ve handled themselves incredibly well.”
With 24.5 overs bowled, this game became the longest-ever T20 to finish as a no-result and the outcome was particularly disappointing for Sussex, who were well positioned. They lost their first game in the competition to Gloucestershire on Friday and before that they had three games washed out.Surrey had made a positive start to their innings after Sussex chose to field, scoring 29 from their first three overs. But when Tymal Mills replaced Ollie Robinson at the Cromwell Road end he struck with his first delivery, as Will Jacks skied to Wright at long-off.Former Sussex batsman Laurie Evans looked in good touch against his old team-mates and hit Robinson for two sixes in an over, flicking him to long leg before hoisting him over midwicket for another maximum.Rain drove the players off the field for an hour after 6.1 overs, when Surrey were 53 for 1. When they returned the innings was anchored by Jamie Smith, who reached his fifty off 40 deliveries, with two fours and a six. He then hit Robinson for another six, over extra cover, before he walked across his stumps in an attempt to work the ball to leg and lost his leg stump.England quick Chris Jordan bowled only one over and came off early with a groin injury. There was a brutal cameo at the end from Jamie Overton, who hit three sixes and two fours in a 14-ball 28. But it all counted for nothing at the end of the damp day.
Amid a hectic summer of arrivals, West Ham United could now sign further reinforcements, including a two-time Champions League winner who now wants to join the Hammers over any other club this month.
West Ham transfer news
It looks as though the Irons could be in for a busy final eight days in the summer window, having been linked to the likes of Carlos Soler in recent days. They're reportedly in talks to sign the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder in a deal that could be worth just £20m. The PSG man would instantly ease any concerns regarding Lucas Paqueta and the potential ban that he could receive for allegedly breaching betting rules.
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Meanwhile, even after welcoming both Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo, those at the London Stadium could still welcome further defensive additions, having been linked to Galatasaray centre-back Viktor Nelsson this week. The 25-year-old could replace Kurt Zouma, whose future remains in doubt following the collapse of his move to Shabab Al-Ahli earlier this summer.
Looking to possibly sign both a midfielder and another defender, however, West Ham would be wise to kill two birds with one stone, which one arrival would certainly do.
According to Sport in Spain via Hammers News, free agent Sergi Roberto now wants to join West Ham above all in the remaining days of the transfer window, though the London club are yet to make an official offer.
Roberto left Barcelona at the end of his contract earlier this summer and will forever have his place in history as a Champions League hero, having scored the goal to complete the infamous comeback against PSG in 2017.
A two-time Champions League-winning, versatile defender, Roberto could be one of the bargains of the summer as a free agent.
"Marvellous" Roberto could complete West Ham's summer
With the ability to play in midfield and as a right-back whilst bringing a wealth of experience, Roberto would be a fine way to complete an excellent summer transfer window for West Ham. Of course, his arrival wouldn't break the bank either, given that he'd arrive without a transfer fee. At 32 years old, the Spaniard may not be a starter, but there's no doubt he'd add key depth.
League stats P90 23/24 (via FBref)
Sergi Roberto
Lucas Paqueta
Progressive Carries
1.35
1.17
Progressive Passes
5.21
6.43
Ball Recoveries
4.58
6.67
Tackles Won
1.04
1.65
Minutes
860
2,622
Described as "marvellous" by former manager Luis Enrique, West Ham could even be Roberto's final big move, stepping foot in the Premier League for the first time and out of Barcelona for the first time in his career.
The experienced Spaniard will be one to keep an eye on in the final week of the transfer window, especially if the Hammers grant him his wish by making their move for his signature late on.
Liverpool have the sweet smell of victory in their nose, having closed the first chapter of the 2024/25 campaign with a perfect Premier League record under new boss Arne Slot, the latest of which was a 3-0 win over arch-rivals Manchester United.
Yes, yes, Slot inherited a first-class squad from Jurgen Klopp, but the seamless switch to a more controlled and cultured style of football has been something to behold. Liverpool 2.0 is truly here, and the world is taking note.
There was plenty of noise around the Anfield side's lack of transfer activity this summer, only signing Federico Chiesa from Juventus for an initial £10m fee to complete a fearsome frontline, but Liverpool look a real unit, boasting first-class quality of different shapes and sizes across the park.
Federico Chiesa for Juventus
There are six established options for the three attacking spots in the starting line-up, but so far, Slot has yet to make any changes. Diogo Jota has enjoyed a goal and an assist across the three victories, but he wasn't at his best at Old Trafford and might be the first to relinquish his spot.
Diogo Jota's performance vs Man Utd
Jota is one of Liverpool's best goalscorers, one of their most reliable ball-strikers, but he isn't undroppable, and his display at the Theatre of Dreams underscored that strength in depth and ability to rotate such a talent out.
As you can see above, it was not the Portuguese's most efficient evening, failing with all five of his attempted dribbles and losing each of his ten ground duels. What's more, the "deadly" forward, as he has been described by analyst Raj Chohan, took fewer touches than his goalkeeper, with Alisson taking 42.
The 27-year-old was actually handed a 7/10 match rating by The Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle, who acknowledged that he 'did a lot of running and chasing down to little personal reward, although vital for the team.'
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota
Statistics often paint a colourless picture in a footballing landscape, and Jota was indeed an engine of sorts, causing all sorts of problems and keeping the hosts guessing, allowing Ryan Gravenberch to thrust forward into space and allowing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz to wreak mayhem down the wings.
But the Portugal international shouldn't start at no. 9 across each of the 38 Premier League matchweeks, even if he does maintain a high level of fitness. Cody Gakpo, for one, is desperate to earn his first shot from the outset under Slot's leadership.
Why Cody Gakpo deserves to start
Of course, if Jota could have his way, he would start every week, for any footballer worth their salt targets a starring role above all of their peers.
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota
But it's not up to him, and a poor injury record across almost every campaign as a Redman will see his workload tempered. Slot, moreover, demonstrated on his debut against Ipswich Town a ruthless streak, hooking Jarell Quansah at half-time – with Champions League and Carabao Cup commitments on the horizon, it's time for some rotation.
Gakpo, Slot's Dutch countryman, returned to Merseyside off the back of some excellent form at Euro 2024, scoring three goals and claiming an assist over five matches and was hailed as "maybe the most important player" for Oranje by his manager, Ronald Koeman. Lest we forget, this is a team containing the steel and security of Virgil van Dijk.
Hailed for his "special skill set" by Klopp's former assistant manager Pep Lijnders, Gakpo will be desperate to earn a role of significance this season, though he has been consigned to three cameos totalling 53 minutes across the opening fixtures of the campaign.
A sharpshooter and a dynamic presence, Gakpo was ostensibly purchased in January 2023 to replace Roberto Firmino, who concluded his iconic Liverpool career that coming summer.
Former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino
As per FBref, the Netherlands star ranks among the top 6% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for passes attempted, the top 7% for progressive passes and the top 11% for successful take-ons per 90, so it's clear to see his skillset aligns – to a degree – with that of the silky-smooth Brazilian.
From a more simplistic outlook, you can see that Gakpo has actually produced a promising level of prolificness across his opening seasons at the club, scoring 23 goals and claiming nine assists across just 43 starting roles.
Liverpool player Cody Gakpo
However, Gakpo's not the only one hoping to earn their first start. Indeed, the mercurial Darwin Nunez has only made two fleeting appearances so far, totalling little over half an hour of action.
Why Darwin Nunez deserves to start
Liverpool signed Nunez from SL Benfica in 2022 for a £64m initial figure that could rise to a club-record £85m fee. Football supporters in general are divided on the Uruguayan's quality, but Liverpool fans hold a deep adoration for their maniacal talisman.
Last season, he scored 18 goals and added 13 assists across all competitions, despite only starting 33 matches. Nunez clearly has a superabundance of quality, and he could be perfect for Slot.
Take Jota's role at Old Trafford, for example. The marksman was clearly tasked with working hard to frustrate the hosts and keep them on their toes, allowing his peers to overlap and exploit wide areas, ergo creating an overload and wrench spaces in danger areas, evidenced perfectly by Diaz's opening goal.
Nunez can perform that role. He's fleet-footed and tireless, carrying an electric kind of energy that could be perfect. Moreover, he's been lauded by journalist Theo Squires as an “agent of chaos”, such is his knack to stir up mayhem.
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%)
As you can see above, Nunez failed to make any significant gains in the Premier League last season, despite his impressive tally across all competitions. Now though, aged 25, he is surely ready to take the division by storm, perhaps finding the scope of his skillset unlocked by a managerial change.
Therefore, Liverpool should drop Jota for the upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest at Anfield. The Portuguese is a spectacular player but he's not the only sharp tool in Slot's kit, and Nunez and Gakpo are both ravenous to make their mark at this exciting start to the new era.
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