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Already, Nuno Espirito Santo feels as if he is deep in must-win territory occupying the West Ham United hot seat.

The Hammers’ fortunes have not turned around since ditching Graham Potter, with the East Londoners yet to pick up a win since the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss took over the reins.

As ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara put it after the dismal 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford, they’re “sleepwalking” towards relegation, with a concerning seven defeats picked up from nine Premier League clashes this season, three of which have come under the new management.

Nuno will be scratching his head as to what could spur his dire side into improving, as they face off against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, with the 51-year-old now potentially weighing up the prospect of getting rid of Lucas Paqueta up top as one major alteration.

Paqueta's decline at West Ham under Nuno Santo

When Potter was still holding onto the West Ham post precariously, at least Paqueta was shining bright in spurts.

Indeed, a penalty kick put away coolly by the enigmatic Brazilian at the City Ground in late August handed Potter a much-needed 3-0 win, while Paqueta also raised a rare smile among the London Stadium masses the match before, as he hammered home a delightful effort amid a 5-1 drubbing to Chelsea.

Unfortunately for Nuno, though, West Ham’s usual star man has become awfully quiet under the new tenure to date, with a worrying zero goals or assists collected from four games under the ex-Nottingham Forest manager’s guidance.

He did win a lively 12 duels against Leeds United last time out, but Nuno will want far more from Paqueta in an attacking sense. He registered just one shot at Lucas Perri’s goal during the 2-1 loss in West Yorkshire.

With reports also now stating that Paqueta wants to leave West Ham behind in January for pastures new, it could be time for Nuno to look at what other limited options he has to lead the line, having even praised reserve striker Callum Marshall for his “energy”, while lamenting Niclas Fullkrug being sidelined.

The out-of-sorts number 10 isn’t the only senior Hammers figure who will be worrying about his short-term future in the starting XI, though.

West Ham's other big change

Despite spending £124m in the summer on new recruits, West Ham are now starting Andy Irving week in, week out, who was never getting a look in under previous regimes.

The Scotsman is very clearly out of his depth in the bright lights of the Premier League, with just one paltry duel won against Leeds not exactly making him a feared opponent to come up against on the night.

But, alongside him for the clash at Elland Road, Tomas Soucek also looked noticeably weak.

Obviously, Soucek is still regarded as a modern-day hero at the London Stadium for his past exploits from the centre of the park, with the Czech enforcer now up to a mighty 42 goals for the Hammers, having made a colossal 252 appearances.

However, putting sentiment to one side, it’s also clear that the 30-year-old is declining in front of everyone’s eyes at the moment, with his lacklustre performances across October not too dissimilar to that of Irving’s no-shows, which have garnered the 25-year-old a lot of stick.

The once energetic “machine” – as he was previously labelled by ex-West Ham teammate Darren Randolph – has now left the building, with just nine of his 19 duels being successfully won against Brentford and Leeds.

On top of that, Soucek also only managed to fire a limp two shots at either goal, despite previously being seen as a saviour in the attacking areas when West Ham were in spots of bother.

For his sake, the West Ham midfield department needs a refresh and soon, with youthful faces such as Mateus Fernandes and Freddie Potts potentially being given the nod over the 30-year-old shortly, as Irving also ponders whether he will be axed, too.

It will be very intriguing to see what side takes to the field against the Magpies, with a selection surprise here and there perhaps catching Newcastle out, as Nuno still hunts down his first victory at West Ham.

Nuno must unleash "exceptional" West Ham star who can finally revive Paqueta

The incredible West Ham ace could form as close a relationship with Paqueta as Guimaraes.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 1, 2025

Bennett and Raza added 61 off 44, while Evans’ three-for meant Sri Lanka were bowled out for 95

Madushka Balasuriya20-Nov-2025Sri Lanka’s batting imploded in the face of a disciplined Zimbabwe attack, as they fell to a 67-run defeat in the second match of the men’s T20I tri-series in Rawalpindi. They were bowled out for 95, chasing a target of 163. For Zimbabwe, it was the perfect response to their opening game defeat to Pakistan.The wickets were spread among each of the six bowlers used by Zimbabwe. Richard Ngarava was excellent picking up figures of 2 for 15, but he was outdone by the ever-reliable Brad Evans, who ended with match best figures of 3 for 9.For Sri Lanka, only Dasun Shanaka, the stand-in skipper, produced an innings of any promise, during a backs-to-the-wall 34 off 25. The only other player to reach double digits was Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who struck a pained 11 off 18 playing his first T20I since January.Zimbabwe, who had been put in at the toss, had a much better time with the bat, led by Brian Bennett (49) and Sikandar Raza (47). It wasn’t a perfect innings as they limped to the finish, but it proved to be more than enough in the end. Wanindu Hasaranga picked up innings-best figures off 3 for 32, while debutant Eshan Malinga also impressed with 2 for 27.Bennett and Raza set the toneBennett, as he has been doing increasingly of late, gave Zimbabwe a fast start inside the powerplay as he and Tadiwanashe Marumani put on a 26-run opening stand in a little over three overs. Sri Lanka though struck back, through Maheesh Theekshana and Malinga, to share the opening period with Zimbabwe on 46 for 2 after six oversSikandar Raza added 61 off 44 balls with Brian Bennett•Pakistan Cricket BoardHowever, Raza pushed himself up the order, likely in response to how their innings had fallen apart against Pakistan two nights ago, and together with Bennett set about putting up a 61-run partnership off just 44 deliveries.While Bennett fell for 49 for a second game running, the pair had ensured a solid platform as Zimbabwe’s 100 came up inside the 14th over. Raza continued on unbothered, on his way to 32-ball 47, inclusive for three fours and two sixes. With Raza at the crease, 180 was on the cards, and it would take a fantastic running catch in the deep from Shanaka to end his innings.With Bennett and Raza both back in the dugout, Zimbabwe’s innings closed out with a relative whimper; they struck 22 runs in the final three overs to sneak past the 160-mark. Malinga added to his impressive debut with a double-wicket penultimate over, while Dushmantha Chameera also gave away just 12 runs bowling two of the final three overs.Sri Lanka’s house of (batting) horrorsChasing 163, after the powerplay Sri Lanka had found themselves on 25 for 2, their lowest powerplay total in 14 T20Is in 2025. Zimbabwe’s combination of tight lines and lengths, and solid plans, had short-wired the thinking of the Sri Lankan batters.Pathum Nissanka had chipped one to midwicket in the opening over and Kusal Perera skied one to short fine leg in the next, but what followed was truly calamitous.Dasun Shanaka walks back after being dismissed•Associated PressThe returning Rajapaksa and Kusal Mendis ate up 26 deliveries in their 19-run stand, and such was the pressure being built by the likes of Ngarava, Tinotenda Maposa and Evans during this period, that the Lankan batters were starved of boundary deliveries and forced to take ever more risky singles.It was one such ill-fated run that brought an end to the partnership, as Rajapaksa struck one straight to cover before setting off on a non-existent single. By the time he looked up to realise his partner still at the other end, Rajapaksa was already halfway down. Not even a wayward throw to the wicketkeeper could save Kusal Mendis, who had made a belated dash for safety.An over later, Rajapaksa was at the non-striker’s end turning down a fairly straightforward single and nearly had Shanaka run out – a wicket spared only by a truly horrendous throw to the keeper.It wasn’t long before Rajapaksa himself was dismissed, clean bowled looking to hit out. It meant Sri Lanka had lost their top four inside the opening 10 overs – it was five midway through the 11th when Raza snuck one past Kamindu Mendis. Only Shanaka showed some defiance, but when he edged one behind from Ryan Burl, Sri Lanka’s faint hopes went with him. The rest of the batting dragged the game to the death, before Evans cleaned up the innings off the final delivery.

Veteran pitcher Steven Matz has agreed to a two-year contract with the Rays, according to multiple reports.

Matz, 34, will be pitching in his 12th MLB season in 2026. Last year, he started the season with the Cardinals but was traded to the Red Sox in a mid-season deal. In all, he made 53 appearances and owned a 3.05 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 76 2/3 innings.

The veteran righthander started his career in 2015 with the Mets. He was a starting pitcher for the first decade of his career, but converted to a reliever last season. In all, he’s made 172 starts and pitched in 246 games. His stint in Tampa Bay will be his third time playing for a team in the AL East. In addition to the Red Sox and the Rays, Matz previously pitched for the Blue Jays in 2021.

Matz was excellent down the stretch of last season in Boston. In 21 games for the Red Sox, he had a 2.08 ERA and walked just two batters. The Rays will certainly be hoping he can replicate that level of play as a late-innings option for the team.

Southampton have been urged to appoint a 52-year-old manager instead of giving interim boss Tonda Eckert the job on a full-time basis.

Southampton on course to appoint Eckert on a permanent basis

The Saints are preparing for a return to Championship action this weekend and look set to be under the leadership of caretaker manager Eckert once again.

The 32-year-old has won both of his matches as interim boss so far, defeating QPR and Sheffield Wednesday to take Southampton away from any relegation trouble.

A trip to Charlton Athletic is next on the agenda for Eckert, and recent reports have suggested that he is set to be given the Southampton job on a permanent basis.

Following the sacking of Will Still at the beginning of the month, a plethora of available and in work managers have been linked with the job. However, Sport Republic are yet to appoint a permanent successor.

Eckert appears to be in pole position after his start to life at St Mary’s with the first team, and he has impressed Finn Azaz, who said:

“Since his first meeting, I was really impressed. It hasn’t been drastic changes. He’s been able to watch from outside and tweak a few things. He has been able to instil his message and new energy and his drive and a new voice. As I say, it hasn’t been drastic changes.

“We are playing in the same shape almost. We went out there with similar personnel, [there were] just a few tweaks. I would like to thank him. He’s been top level.”

However, Southampton and Sport Republic have been urged to consider another rumoured target.

Southampton urged to move for Brendan Rodgers

Talking to Football League World, Southampton pundit Martin Sanders urged the Saints to appoint Brendan Rodgers.

Now out of work after leaving Celtic, Rodgers was linked with the St Mary’s vacancy at the beginning of November, although it doesn’t seem as if Sport Republic have made a move for the Northern Irishman who they admire.

Sanders said that Rodgers “ticks every box” and a move would “show real ambition”.

Rodgers has previous Championship experience with Swansea City, winning the playoffs with the south Wales side in 2011, and almost 15 years later, a return to the second tier could be what a number of Southampton fans would welcome.

Southampton can end Eckert experiment by hiring "insanely talented" manager

In an apparent attempt to remake their bullpen midseason, the New York Mets have reportedly added a pitcher with an All-Star pedigree.

The Mets are acquiring relief pitcher Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals, according to a Wednesday evening report from Jeff Passan of ESPN. They will reportedly send pitcher Frank Elissalt, pitcher Nate Dohm and infielder Jesus Baez to Missouri in return.

Helsley, 31, has spent his entire seven-year career with the Cardinals. He has 105 saves with the club, ranking sixth in the history of the franchise.

In 2024, he led MLB with 49 saves in a National League-best 62 games finished. In 2025, he has a 3.00 ERA, a 3-1 record, 21 saves and 41 strikeouts in 36 innings. His acquisition comes hours after New York traded for San Francisco Giants pitcher Tyler Rogers.

The Mets, after a protracted slump, have been playing much better of late. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games, though they remain an eyelash (.001 in winning percentage) back of the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East race.

Well, that was about as perfect a night of Champions League action as Arsenal could have hoped for.

Mikel Arteta’s side travelled to Czechia to take on Slavia Prague on Tuesday night, and while they were without the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, they came away with all three points.

More than that, though, the Gunners scored three goals, fielded the youngest player in the competition in Max Dowman, and most crucially of all, kept another clean sheet.

There were standout performances across the pitch, including one player who’s starting to look like Arsenal’s new Gabriel Magalhães.

Arsenal's standout stars vs Slavia Prague

Starting up top, and while he had a quiet first half, Mikel Merino once again found himself on the scoresheet in the second half. In fact, he ended up there twice.

The Spaniard’s first came just 35 seconds into the second 45 when he got on the end of a wonderful Leandro Trossard cross.

Then, 22 minutes later, he put the game well and truly to bed by heading home another cross from Declan Rice.

However, it wasn’t just the Merino show, as other starters like Jurrien Timber and Gabriel looked exceptional once again.

The former was as sturdy at the back as ever, but also, as he has all season, was a massive threat going forward.

One moment, he was overlapping on the right, and then the next, he was surging through the middle of the park.

Likewise, while he failed to get his customary goal from a corner, Gabriel was as imperious as ever.

In his 95 minutes of action, he made four clearances, blocked two shots, recovered the ball three times and won four of six aerial duels, which is impressive considering the absurd size of Slavia’s centre-forward.

There can be no doubt that the former LOSC Lille monster is now one of Arsenal’s most important players, and so it’s a good thing that another starter on Tuesday is starting to look just like him.

Arsenal's new Gabriel

If he could, Arteta would undoubtedly have a team of 11 Gabriels.

Chalkboard

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

Alas, unfortunately for him, or fortunately for opposition set-piece coaches, cloning is yet to be invented.

However, there is one summer signing who is starting to look more and more like the Brazilian: Piero Hincapie.

Yes, the tough-tackling Ecuadorian “warrior,” as dubbed by one analyst, might still be finding his way in English football, but he’s already looking like another masterful addition to the Gunners’ defensive unit.

The same analyst points out that the 23-year-old shares several similarities with the Gunners’ number six, including his mobility, aggressiveness, aerial threat, and the fact that he’s a left-footer.

With all that in mind, it was hardly a surprise to see him put in such an impressive performance on Tuesday night.

For example, in his 73 minutes of blood-pumping action, he won 100% of his tackles, made one interception, won 100% of his aerial and ground duels, made one clearance, recovered the ball once, took 42 touches and completed 100% of his dribbles.

Minutes

73′

Tackles (Won)

2 (2)

Interceptions

1

Clearances

1

Recoveries

1

Ground Duels (Won)

6 (6)

Aerial Duels (Won)

2 (2)

Long Balls

1

Touches

42

Dribbles Completed

1/1

Ultimately, it truly was as complete a defensive performance from Hincapie as could’ve been asked for, and one that should see him get more minutes.

Moreover, his fiery Gabriel-esque attitude and desire are going to make him a fan favourite very quickly indeed.

Arsenal star is starting to play like Cazorla & he's not even a midfielder

The incredible international is starting to show shades of Cazorla for Arteta and Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 4, 2025

تقدم منتخب الأردن على نظيره المصري في المباراة الجارية بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العرب 2025، في اختبار حاسم للفراعنة بقيادة حلمي طولان، الذي يسعى لتحقيق الفوز لحسم بطاقة التأهل من دور المجموعات.

وجاء هدف الأردن الأول عن طريق اللاعب محمد أبو حشيش في الدقيقة 12، بعد تسديدة قوية ارتطمت بدفاع المنتخب المصري، لتصل إلى أبو حشيش الذي تابعها ووضعها بثقة في شباك محمد بسام.

ويواجه منتخب مصر تحديًا كبيرًا في هذه المباراة، بعد تعادله في الجولة السابقة أمام الإمارات بهدف لكل فريق، ما أبقى آماله قائمة لكنه زاد الضغط على لاعبيه.

طالع أيضًا | ترتيب مجموعة مصر في كأس العرب 2025 (مباشر)

ويحتل الأردن قبل المباراة صدارة المجموعة الثالثة برصيد ست نقاط، بينما يملك المنتخب المصري نقطتين فقط من تعادلين أمام الكويت والإمارات.

ويطمح المنتخب المصري لتحقيق الفوز الذي يمنحه بطاقة التأهل مباشرة، بينما شدد الجهاز الفني على أهمية التركيز الكامل طوال المباراة، خصوصًا في ظل قوة المنتخب الأردني وأدائه المستقر خلال الجولتين الماضيتين. هدف الأردن الأول أمام مصر في كأس العرب

Shohei Ohtani continues to make history.

In Game 3 of the World Series Monday, the Dodgers' two-way superstar hit two home runs and two doubles, becoming the first player with four extra-base hits in a World Series game since 1906. He now has eight homers over the postseason, which ties Corey Seager for a franchise record as Ohtani continues his tear at Dodger Stadium.

Monday brought the first game of this year's Fall Classic in L.A. after the Blue Jays and Dodgers split the first two games in Toronto. During the Blue Jays' Game 1 win, the fans at Rogers Centre perfectly chanted "we don't need you" toward Ohtani after their franchise's infamous failed attempts to successfully court the superstar in free agency.

Well, Game 3 gave the Dodgers the chance to fire back, which their social team did ever so perfectly.

"Don't need Shohei? Don't worry, he's ours," the Dodgers wrote on X after Ohtani's second homer of the game.

Breaking out the chant in Game 1 after Ohtani put together one of the greatest performances ever in his previous game was certainly a choice. You have to take opportunities when they present themself, though.

Dodgers fans, and their social media team, certainly won't forget the chant any time soon. Especially as Ohtani continues his incredible postseason. Sure, you don't need him, Toronto. If only he was on any other team besides your opponent in the World Series.

Birmingham City have been outlining their exciting vision for the future of the club, and that could include bringing home-grown superstar Jude Bellingham back to his roots. England international Bellingham left his boyhood team in 2020 when joining Borussia Dortmund, and is now on the books of Real Madrid. He could retrace steps to the West Midlands at some stage.

Retired shirt number: When Bellingham left Birmingham

Bellingham made his debut for the Blues aged just 16 years and 38 days. It did not take long for his potential to be noted, with heavyweight outfits from across Europe lining up to make a play for his signature. Manchester United were among those to be left disappointed.

The talented youngster made just 44 appearances for Birmingham before heading to Germany, but still saw his No.22 shirt retired – proving how highly he was regarded. He could not have imagined back then that an opportunity to grace that jersey again could present itself.

Birmingham are, however, daring to dream big. They have unveiled plans for a stunning new 62,000-seater stadium. That project, which comes at the cost of £1.2 billion, is intended to help propel the Blues to the top of domestic and continental games.

AdvertisementStunning design: Birmingham reveal the Powerhouse Stadium

Securing promotion out of the Championship and into the Premier League represents one of the first steps down that path, and success of that kind could eventually lead to the Blues being in a position to re-sign local hero Bellingham.

Chairman Tom Wagner admits as much, saying of bringing Bellingham back to what will be known as the Powerhouse Stadium: "I think Jude is the greatest player on the planet today and we haven’t seen anywhere near his full potential yet. Not just as a player, but also what he can do for a community, what he can do as a leader. If we can provide him with a platform to achieve his full potential, well that’s a great story. It’s a great Birmingham story, it’s a great England story and a great homecoming story."

The promotional video for Birmingham’s grand stadium project features a number of familiar faces, including Bellingham. In that, the 22-year-old says "oh wow" when seeing the impressive structure. He goes on to ask: "When’s it going to be ready?"

After it is pointed out to him that construction will take around "five years", Bellingham stares into the distance deep in thought – in a hint at him considering an emotional return to where it all began.

Brady on board: Birmingham want NFL games

Birmingham have the backing to make anything possible, with their Knighthead ownership group pumping considerable funding into the club. They also boast NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority investor. The seven-time Super Bowl winner could help to bring competitive American football to the West Midlands in the future.

Wagner has said of the Blues’ stadium venture: "The ground will definitely have a naming-rights deal, ideally before we even put a shovel in the ground. We have an ambition to host any and all events, like NFL, international global football for men and women.

"[We expect it to be] the most environmentally-sound stadium that will ever be built. Maybe we look like modest lunatics to be [unveiling these plans] while we are in the Championship but we feel very good about where we are."

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Amazon Prime VideoPremier League promotion: Birmingham in 2025-26

Wagner added that the development would “change this city forever” and could be used 365 days a year. A striking stadium will form part of a wider £2.5-3 billion ‘Sports Quarter’ that boasts housing, shops, offices, hotels and other entertainment facilities. Wagner added: "We are putting the city and the club on a trajectory towards greatness. It will be a place where the world’s best want to perform."

Birmingham are currently sat 11th in the Championship table, ahead of a return to action against Norwich on Saturday, but are only four points adrift of the play-off places and may yet form part of the promotion picture in 2025-26.

Toronto Blue Jays lefthander Eric Lauer continued his breakout campaign, pitching eight innings of one-run ball to help power his club to an 11-4 win over the Detroit Tigers on Thursday.

And he did it while pitching with a fat lip.

Naturally, reporters wanted to know Lauer had a fat lip. The Blue Jays southpaw, tongue-in-cheek, had the perfect explanation after the game.

"So, there's kind of this known thing to not mess with [Max] Scherzer on his start days," Lauer said. "Especially when he has his headphones in. And I broke that rule. I tried to talk to him a little too early. So, he wasn't very happy about that. And six stitches is what you get for that."

Well played by Lauer. Not only did he absolutely nail the joke delivery with a straight face, but he couldn't have picked better subject matter as explanation for the souvenir on his face. Scherzer, a future Hall of Famer, is known as much for his intensity on and off the mound as he is for his pitching prowess, so much so that one former Texas Rangers teammate didn't dare invade his landing space before a postseason start in the fall of 2023.

Scherzer has enough of a reputation as a pregame grump that one would almost be led to believe that this is the reason for Lauer's fat lip. Alas, Lauer declined to elaborate anymore on the condition of his face.

When a club is rolling and the vibes are good, these are the kinds of things one can expect to emerge from the clubhouse. And the vibes are definitely good in Toronto.

The Blue Jays have the best record and run differential in MLB over the course of the last month.