Something about Arsenal feels different this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side have now tried and failed to win the Premier League for three years on the bounce, and so it does feel like this time, it’s do or die.

Fortunately, the North Londoners seem to have taken this added pressure in their stride, as they currently sit atop the league with three wins from three in the Champions League.

Moreover, while they are more fluid in attack than many have given them credit for, they’re utterly incredible at the back, and one player in particular is performing so well that he could help Bukayo Saka do even better.

Arsenal's world-class defence

While there is plenty of debate over which teams have the best attack and midfield in the Premier League and Europe, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to deny that Arsenal have the best defence around.

For example, on the domestic front this season, the Gunners have played eight games in the league and one in the League Cup.

In the former, they have scored 15 goals and conceded just three, and then in the latter, they haven’t conceded any.

Arsenal

4.7

Newcastle

5.7

Man City

8.2

Leeds

8.3

Spurs

9.0

Liverpool

9.2

Sunderland

9.5

Wolves

10.0

Brentford

10.0

Brighton

10.5

Moreover, according to FBref, the North Londoners have only given up a grand total of 4.70 expected goals against in the league, and faced 18 shots on target, both comfortably the lowest in the competition.

What about the Champions League, then?

Well, it’s a similar story, with them keeping three clean sheets in three games and conceding an average of 0.50 expected goals against per 90, which, again, is the lowest in the competition.

What makes the Gunners’ outrageous defensive record even more impressive is the fact that they have conceded just a single shot on target across the last three games, courtesy of Atletico Madrid’s Thiago Almada in the 77th minute on Tuesday night, when his team were already 4-0 down.

In short, it’s impossible to deny that, as things stand, Arsenal have the best defence, not just in England, but Europe, and now one of the back four looks like he could even help get more out of Saka going the other way.

The Arsenal defender who could help make Saka even more dangerous

While there are certainly arguments to be made for Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel, the defender doing the most to help Saka offensively this season is Jurrien Timber.

Chalkboard

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

Often seen as an elite lockdown full-back with mediocre attacking abilities in the past, the former Ajax star is seemingly doing everything in his power this season to prove he’s unreal in all phases.

Whether Arteta has given him the license to roam up the pitch more this season, or he’s simply more comfortable doing so, the Dutchman has become a genuine outlet for the Gunners on the right.

While his passing range has improved slightly so far, his close control and movement have taken the most significant step forward this year, with performances against Newcastle United and Atleti being the best examples.

For example, against the Toon, he attempted six dribbles, completed three, took three shots and ended the game with a combined expected goal and assist figure of 0.74.

Then, against the Madrid outfit on Tuesday night, the 24-year-old monster, who analyst Ben Mattinson has described as “one of the best Emirates-era signings,” completed another dribble, played two key passes, and took a shot.

The Utrecht-born titan’s reward for his newfound attacking prowess this season currently stands at two goals and two assists in 11 games, but with all that said, why is this good news for Saka?

Well, simply put, a more dangerous Timber just behind him, or to his right on occasion, should lead to a bit more space for him to operate in.

After all, as teams become more familiar with the attacking talents of the Dutchman, they won’t be able to leave him unmarked in their own third.

Moreover, his improved technique and better understanding of attacking situations could lead to him creating more goal-scoring opportunities for the Englishman or finishing those created by the Hale Ender.

Ultimately, Arsenal have a truly world-class defence, and now Timber’s improved attacking ability could help make Saka into even more of a monster than he already is.

"Phenomenal" – Merson blown away as Arsenal do what "no one" ever does to Atletico

Merson believes Arsenal sent a serious message to the rest of Europe on Tuesday.

ByBen Goodwin Oct 22, 2025

The FIFPRO Men's World 11 was revealed Monday, with Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele highlighting the side, but there no place for Inter Miami's Lionel Messi for just the second time in nearly 20 years. Five players from PSG's Champions League winning team, including goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, were named to the squad, which is voted for by players.

FIFPROA squad full of talent

The 2025 squad is composed of some of the brightest talents in Europe, and features representatives from four of Europe's big five leagues:

GoalkeeperGianluigi DonnarrumaPSGDefenderAchraf HakimiPSGDefenderVirgil Van DijkLiverpoolDefenderNuno MendesPSGMidfielder VitinhaPSGMidfielderPedriBarcelonaMidfielderJude BellinghamReal MadridMidfielderCole PalmerChelseaForwardLamine YamalBarcelonaForwardOusmane DembelePSGForward Kylian MbappeReal MadridAdvertisement(C)Getty imagesPSG lead the way

The Parisians, unsurprisingly, lead the way, with five of the club's starting XI of the Champions League winning side honored. They might have had more, too. Centerback Marquinhos and midfielder Joao Neves were both nominated – but neither cracked the side.

Winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was a surprise omission from the list of nominees, which was released in October. Barcelona and Real Madrid were next on the list, with two players apiece, voted in by their peers.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal became the youngest-ever player named in the Men’s World 11, and Chelsea's Cole Palmer is one of six debutants.

"Being part of the FIFPRO World 11 is obviously a great honor and to be voted by the other players is a nice feeling," said Palmer. "They know what it takes, obviously, to play the game at a high level, so to be voted by them is the best feeling."

Getty Images SportNo room for Lionel Messi

The headline omission was Messi. The Argentine missed the 2024 squad, as well, after making it for 17 straight years. He figured to have an outside shot after being nominated and shortlisted this year, but was unable to crack the team.

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AFPCristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah among high profile omissions

Other absentees were perhaps more surprising. Mohamed Salah wasn't included in the World 11, despite leading the Premier League in both goals and assists – and also leading Liverpool to the title.

Cristiano Ronaldo received a nomination, but was not in the team. Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander Arnold and Raphinha – despite being considered a Ballon d'Or candidate for much of the season – also missed out. 

Veteran manager Sam Allardyce has voiced his willingness to fill the current vacancy at Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Hired in late 2024, Vitor Pereira guided Wolves away from the relegation zone in the second half of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Across the summer, though, the club sold star players Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha, replacing them with options that, seemingly, are not of the same quality. After 10 league matches without a win, Pereira was sacked by Wolves in early November, despite having signed a new contract earlier in the year.

Since the Portuguese was dismissed, Wolves have been linked with a number of potential replacements. Gary O’Neil, who himself was replaced by Pereira at Molineux, was seemingly in the frame for what would have been a shock return. O’Neil has since taken himself out of the running to be the manager that will try and ensure Wolves’ Premier League safety.

O’Neil, who had a generally solid tenure at Molineux, would have been a bold appointment from the Midlands club, whose search for a new manager is ongoing. As per David Ornstein of The Athletic, Erik ten Hag is “among the other candidates”. The former Man United manager was hired by Bayer Leverkusen to replace Xabi Alonso in the summer but was sacked after just three matches with the German side.

Now, it would appear that an English football icon is open to trying to save Wolves from dropping to the Championship.

Allardyce would be open to Wolves job

As per talkSPORT, Sam Allardyce would be open to taking the current vacancy at Molineux. Having been out of work since his brief stint in charge of Leeds United came to an end in 2023, the veteran said:

Since taking up management in the early 1990s, Allardyce has worked extensively in the past three decades. The Englishman found a lot of success with Bolton between 1999 and 2007, going onto manage sides including Blackburn Rovers, West Ham and the England national team amongst many others.

Sam Allardyce’s Record Against Wolves

Games

10

Wins

7

Draws

3

Losses

0

Points per Match

2.40

Across a period of over 20 years, Allardyce is unbeaten in 10 games against Wolves, with games coming during his time at Bolton, Blackburn and West Bromwich Albion.

Though he no longer has a perfect record of avoiding relegation, Allardyce’s reputation could be a leading contributor to what would be a truly sensational return to Premier League management. As he noted, though, it may be that Wolves look for a younger candidate.

Wolves manager target could be their 'new Nuno'

The need for results over the coming weeks has been heightened. Arne Slot made a telling comment on his hopes of Liverpool progressing deep into the Carabao Cup when fielding a much-rotated team with a bench full of youngsters (average age of 19) against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening.

The Eagles won 3-0, their third win over the Reds this term, and that’s now six losses from seven matches in all competitions for Slot’s side, who are very much in crisis mode.

The Dutch boss had turned his attention toward the daunting run of upcoming fixtures before the opening whistle screeched in midweek, and now there is not an emphasis but an expectation that wins will be struck to stop the rot and turn back toward the compelling title defence that was anticipated after a summer of record-breaking spending.

01/11/25

Premier League

Aston Villa (H)

04/11/25

Champions League

Real Madrid (H)

09/11/25

Premier League

Man City (A)

22/11/25

Premier League

Nott’m Forest (H)

26/11/25

Champions League

PSV (H)

If we can take a sliver of optimism from this abject run of form, it’s that, having played an overload of matches away from home, four of the next five take place down Anfield Road, having lost on home soil to Palace on Wednesday too.

There simply has to be a swift upswing. Looking at it from a wider lens, though, it may well be that some Redmen have entered the final phase of their careers on Merseyside.

The Liverpool players Hughes needs to sell

Sporting director Richard Hughes was lauded after his emphatic summer transfer window, overseeing a staggering rebuild at Liverpool after Slot defied expectations to win the Premier League in his first year at the helm.

But the summer upheaval has sent it all in a bit of a spin. Still. Though we must reserve judgement on under-firing newbies such as Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz, there are certain veterans at the club who aren’t pulling their weight.

Take, for example, Joe Gomez, who is Liverpool’s longest-serving player but now shows the rust of a man who has been afforded few chances to impress in recent years, with injuries and superiorities elsewhere in defence keeping him on the fringe.

Against Palace, the England international struggled to impress, lacking any semblance of command in a backline that was without the calming presence of Virgil van Dijk.

Minutes played

90′

Goals conceded

3

Errors made

1

Touches

92

Accurate passes

69/76 (91%)

Possession lost

9x

Recoveries

5

Tackles

1/1

Interceptions

3

Clearances

8

Ground duels

1/3

Aerial duels

3/4

Wataru Endo has been something of a stalwart since arriving at the club for a smart fee in 2023, but the 32-year-old’s role has diminished as his time in England has dragged on.

Stodgy athleticism and limitations on the ball have kept the Japan captain from being anything more than a tackle-first substitute under Slot’s wing, and now it appears he is approaching the end of an illustrious couple of years in Liverpool, unable to offer a viable solution at number six.

Liverpool should have better options in the middle of the park, in any case, but that doesn’t appear to be so as the 2025/26 campaign rolls into its fourth month.

The Liverpool midfielder who's failing Slot

We’ve been here before. Jurgen Klopp’s injury-hit Premier League champions were overwhelmed across the 2020/21 campaign, and scrambled to salvage Champions League football toward the end of the term.

But the deterioration of 2022/23 was more concerning, with the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho flattering to deceive in the middle of the park. The Reds needed to rebuild, and so fashioned together the title-winning engine room of the past few years.

The standout of that rebuild has been Alexis Mac Allister, instrumental to lifting Liverpool back off the ground in 2023/24, after joining from Brighton for around £35m, and then revelling in winning the Premier League last season.

Now, he’s fallen off a proverbial cliff, with his sedentary performances in midfield not those of an elite, robust midfielder. One Liverpool content creator actually said it “looks like Fabinho’s season”, when the Brazilian slumped from his formerly imperious level as the midfield anchor, his legs gone.

Goals

0.17

0.00

Assists

0.17

0.19

Touches

64.41

63.09

Pass completion (%)

83.5

83.5

Shot-creating actions

4.16

2.84

Progressive passes

6.13

3.60

Progressive carries

1.25

2.27

Successful take-ons

0.55

0.00

Ball recoveries

5.13

4.74

Tackles & interceptions

4.05

2.65

The data does suggest that Mac Allister lacks his former vim and vigour, but given that he is only 26 years old and regarded as a “superstar” of a midfielder, as has been said by pundit Joe Cole, this is deeply worrying for those of a red persuasion.

For Fabinho, though only 29 at the time of his £40m transfer to Al-Ittihad, had played 219 high-octane, turbo-charged matches as the heartbeat of Klopp’s Liverpool team, and going from 1.25 carries per game in his first season in England to an average of only 0.51 in 2022/23 emphasises his loss of athleticism.

For a player of Mac Allister’s all-encompassing midfield quality, it’s imperative that Slot gets a tune out of him once again. If the Argentine does not click into gear this season, Liverpool will struggle to hit their stride.

There will be an expectation around Anfield that Mac Allister’s dip in form is not permanent, and that he’s back on his A-game before long.

However, this startling drop-off dredges up unwanted memories of Fabinho’s own fall from grace at Anfield, and Slot will be gravely hoping that lightning hasn’t struck twice on the Liverpool squad.

Another Chiesa: Slot's treatment of Liverpool star is a "sackable offence"

Liverpool have a shrewd solution to one of their biggest problems this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 30, 2025

Durham batter hits final ball over long-on with five required to end Southern Brave’s perfect start

ECB Media13-Aug-2025

Graham Clark celebrates the winning moment•John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images

A last-ball six from Graham Clark saw Northern Superchargers defeat Southern Brave on their home turf in a nail-biting finish.Put into bat, the Brave were soon in all kinds of trouble. Kiwi Jacob Duffy, fresh off the plane from a Test series with Zimbabwe, decimating their power-packed top-order, reducing them to 26 for 3 off 24 balls by dismissing Leus du Plooy, James Vince and Jason Roy.James Coles and the evergreen Laurie Evans rebuilt steadily then violently, putting on 87 in 57 balls to put a defendable total in sight despite spin twins Mitchell Santner and Adil Rashid keeping things in check, the Brave finishing with a middling 139 for 5.Jacob Duffy celebrates an early breakthrough•Alex Davidson/Getty Images

Craig Overton replicated the work of Duffy, taking three relatively inexpensive wickets for the Brave, but Zak Crawley sparkled alongside England team-mate Harry Brook, both of whom scored quickfire 20s.When Chris Jordan pulled up with a groin injury, it felt like a game-changing moment but the Brave rallied, Jofra Archer bowling a brilliant penultimate set, going for just one run and taking two wickets to finish with 2 for 15.The Superchargers needed 10 off the last set, bowled by Tymal Mills. Dots off balls three and four left five needed off the last, at which point Graham Clark hit a back-of-the-hand slower ball over the ropes at deep midwicket to send the away fans into a frenzy.Clark, only playing due to a David Miller niggle, said he felt “euphoric” after sealing the points. “I thought I’d messed it up when I left that wide one and then missed a slot ball, but it’s such a good feeling to get over the line,” he said.”Batting in the middle order role is something I’ve never done before. I’ve spent the last few days with [batting coach] Neil McKenzie trying to improve my power-hitting. We thought it was a really good wicket, where you could play proper shots. Santner really took the pressure off: he’s a quality operator, when he fields, bowls or bats; such a calm character, and hits the ball so cleanly.”

Manchester United will travel to Anfield on Sunday afternoon, chasing their first win away to the Reds since 2015/16.

If Ruben Amorim’s side are victorious, it will also be the first time they’ve won back-to-back Premier League games under the Portuguese manager.

Last season’s result at Anfield was one of their best there in years. United came away with a 2-2 draw, thanks to goals from Lisandro Martinez and Amad, who scored an 80th-minute equaliser. That was the first time the Red Devils had scored at Anfield since 2018/19.

Amorim spoke about Martinez’s availability in his pre-match press conference, along with other team news.

Man Utd’s team news for Liverpool trip

The number of injuries in the United squad is decreasing as the season progresses, which is important for Amorim. Martinez has been sidelined since February, although the trip to Anfield has seemingly come too soon for the 2022 World Cup winner.

The United boss confirmed that the 27-year-old is not too far off a return to full training, having been back on grass for a few weeks.

Martinez is “almost returning to the training with the team,” said Amorim.

Noussair Mazraoui is another player who United have been without for a few weeks. Amorim clarified that he is unsure of his availability for the trip to Anfield, with the Red Devils gaffer saying, “I don’t know” when quizzed on whether he will feature against United.

Although he wasn’t mentioned in the press conference, Ayden Heaven did pick up a knock on England under-20s duty. However, an article from The Manchester Evening News said United have ‘played down’ any potential issue with the talented centre-back.

As for the other players involved with their national teams this week, Amorim confirmed “they are ready” to play on Sunday. He certainly has a few different options when it comes to the makeup of his starting lineup, with a few selection headaches at wing-back.

Amorim’s secret weapon at wing-back

It has not been easy for Amoirm to land on the right formula at wing-back throughout his stint as United boss.

Chalkboard

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

Patrick Dorgu has tended to be the option on the left flank.

On the right, Mazraoui has played that role well, but it is not a guarantee that he will be involved against the Reds.

That leaves two options for Amorim to go with. Amad is one of those, although he may well choose to go with the more defensive option of Diogo Dalot.

The Portuguese right-back has shown great versatility under his countryman, but right wing-back is surely where he slots in best.

The 26-year-old, who was born in Braga, has played on both flanks for United this season. However, across his six appearances, he’s played four times on the right-hand side, starting there against Arsenal on the first day of the season.

It is for his more defensive approach that he could be a better option than Amad from the start. Dalot would be coming directly up against Cody Gakpo, who is in stellar form this season.

The Dutchman has two goals and two assists in seven Premier League games so far.

United’s number two is a right-back by trade, and certainly offers a lot from a defensive point of view. Compared to Amad this season, he’s won more tackles in the defensive third per game, with 1.08 as opposed to the Ivorian’s 0.2.

Interceptions

0.81

0.4

% of dribblers tackled

100%

42.9%

Defensive third tackles won

1.08

0.2

Key passes

1.62

1.6

Crosses completed

1.08

0.2

Yet, as the numbers in the table show, Dalot does offer a threat going forward, meaning it is not just a defensive-minded selection from the Red Devils boss.

However, he certainly has the defensive nous to lock down Gakpo, one of Liverpool’s biggest attacking threats.

As Statman Dave has said, the United defender is an “underrated” member of the squad.

His ability from a defensive point of view could be key against a threat like Gakpo, as United go on the hunt for a rare win at Anfield.

Man Utd's "£100m + footballer" is becoming the new Hojlund & it's not Sesko

Manchester United simply must manage one player to prevent a Rasmus Hojlund repeat.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 17, 2025

أنهى منتخب مصر الأول استعداداته لمواجهة منتخب أوزبكستان غدًا الجمعة، ضمن منافسات البطولة الودية المقامة في الإمارات.

واختتم منتخب مصر تدريباته على ملعب نادي العين، استعدادًا لمواجهة منتخب أوزبكستان غدًا الجمعة في السادسة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، ضمن منافسات البطولة الودية المقامة في الإمارات.

بدأ المران بفقرة الإحماء، تبعها تنفيذ بعض الجمل الفنية والخططية، قبل أن يختتم الجهاز الفني المران بتدريبات على تسديد ركلات الترجيح تحسبًا لأي سيناريو محتمل في اللقاء.

طالع.. خاص | سر غياب عمر مرموش عن معسكر منتخب مصر.. وموقفه من مواجهة أوزبكستان

وشهد التدريب حضور المهندس هاني أبو ريدة، رئيس الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم والمشرف العام على المنتخب، إلى جانب أعضاء المجلس مصطفى أبو زهرة، ومحمد أبو حسين، وطارق أبو العينين، لدعم اللاعبين قبل المباراة.

ووفقًا لنظام البطولة، سيواجه الفائز من لقاء مصر وأوزبكستان منتخب إيران يوم 18 نوفمبر، بينما يلعب الخاسر أمام الرأس الأخضر في 17 من الشهر ذاته على ملعب هزاع بن زايد، بعدما حسم المنتخب الإيراني تأهله بركلات الترجيح أمام الرأس الأخضر في المباراة الافتتاحية.

West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo has already received a promise from the board ahead of January, with David Sullivan and co now making an ambitious plan.

West Ham in crisis with January window crucial

Nuno perhaps didn’t realise what a mighty job he’s got on his hands until West Ham’s tepid 2-0 loss at home to Brentford on Monday night.

From the offset, West Ham looked disjointed and uninspired. Their much-changed line-up, much to the bemusement of on-lookers, struggled to impose any control on the game, and their lack of creativity was glaring.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far
Sunderland 3-0 West Ham
West Ham 1-5 Chelsea
Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham
West Ham 0-3 Tottenham
West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace
Everton 1-1 West Ham
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
West Ham 0-2 Brentford

The east Londoners chased shadows for much of the match, and Brentford’s dominance was reflected in their relentless attacking play, as they repeatedly threatened the West Ham goal with 17 shots in total.

Losing just 2-0 flattered Nuno’s side, with Alphonse Areola forced into excellent saves as Keith Andrews’ side also struck the crossbar twice and had a goal chalked off for marginal offside by VAR.

Tomas Soucek and Andy Irving failed to provide the necessary balance in Nuno’s engine room. Soucek really struggled to influence the game going forward, while Irving appeared out of his depth in such a pivotal role.

Defensively, the decision to use Kyle Walker-Peters and Olly Scarles as opposing full-backs was equally puzzling. Neither player looked convincing on their weaker sides and left West Ham vulnerable on the flanks, while both Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman had a nightmare as Nuno’s chosen centre-back pairing.

Lucas Paqueta also struggled in the striker role against Brentford, giving away possession a whopping 23 times, so Nuno will likely tinker the starting line-up again ahead of their tough trip to face newly-promoted Leeds United on Friday.

West Ham have now lost all of their first four home league games for the first time in their history, breaking an unwanted record, with the Hammers also standing out as the Premier League’s most vulnerable side.

No team has conceded more goals in the top flight than Nuno’s men so far, and this desperately needs to change if West Ham stand any chance of avoiding a drop to the Championship.

Their lack of options going forward, thanks in part to yet another injury for Niclas Füllkrug, is also a major problem.

Only bottom side Wolves and Nottingham Forest have scored fewer goals than West Ham in the league this term, with Sullivan and the board already making some plans ahead of the January window in a bid to save their campaign.

West Ham make January promise to Nuno as Sullivan eyes ambitious move

That is according to Sky Sports and journalist Kaveh Solhekol, who’ve now shared what West Ham are planning for the winter transfer market.

It is believed Nuno has “received confirmation” from the board that funds will be available to strengthen the squad in January, with West Ham ambitiously eyeing three major signings in total.

They want a new defender, midfielder and forward, which will be very hard to do considering just how tricky the January window can be with the lack of available, quality options.

It is very likely that the London club will look to instigate loan deals, and they’ve already been tipped to go for Real Madrid sensation Endrick or Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney to bolster their striking department.

According to journalist Alan Nixon this week, West Ham have already worked on a loan deal for Toney, who could be open to the prospect of a London Stadium switch with the 2026 World Cup looming as he looks to battle his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans.

Endrick, meanwhile, was on West Ham’s radar last January and his situation hasn’t exactly improved at the Bernabeu since then.

The Brazilian played a key role in Real’s run to the Copa del Rey final, scoring in nearly every game before their loss to Barcelona, but he’s scarcely been used in La Liga or the Champions League — mainly due to both injury and the fierce competition for places.

Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that Endrick is expected to leave on loan in January as a result, so this is an opportunity that West Ham could grab with both hands.

Rookie batter Tommy Boorman compiled a superb match-winning innings of 38 not out under intense pressure to carry Gloucestershire to an impressive three-wicket victory over Leicestershire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol.Making only his third List-A appearance, Boorman struck two fours and two sixes and staged an unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 35 in 18 balls with Craig Miles, who helped himself to a brace of sixes in making 18 not out as Gloucestershire reached their victory target of 286 with nine balls to spare.Gloucestershire appeared to be cruising when James Bracey compiled an eye-catching 96 from 106 balls and staged an opening stand of 105 with Cameron Bancroft, who contributed 40. But seamer Alex Green turned the tide back in Leicestershire’s favour, taking 5-52, dismissing both openers and dangermen Ben Charlesworth and Jack Taylor to set up a tense finale.Peter Handscomb could count himself unlucky to finish on the losing side, Leicestershire’s skipper raising a brilliant 107 from 125 balls with nine fours and a six and sharing in a substantial partnership of 115 for the fifth wicket with Ben Cox, who contributed a run-a-ball 61, as the Foxes recovered from 76 for 4 to post 285 for 7.Liam Trevaskis produced a hard-hitting 30 not out as the visitors added 61 runs in the final five overs, but Gloucestershire seamer Josh Shaw excelled with the new ball, returning figures of 3 for 40 to keep last season’s beaten semi-finalists in check.Gloucestershire’s decision to bowl first was justified when Shaw claimed 3 for 20 with the new ball to reduce the Foxes to 22 for 3. The Yorkshireman bowled Rishi Patel between bat and pad without scoring, had Sol Budinger held at deep third via a top-edged cut and then had Lewis Hill caught at the wicket in the act of cutting, at which point he had dismantled Leicestershire’s top order in the space of 15 deliveries from the Ashley Down Road end.Having mustered just three boundaries in the powerplay, the visitors were under duress in the face of variable bounce on a slow pitch. But Shan Masood and Handscomb effected a partial recovery, staging an important alliance of 54 in 13.3 overs. The fourth-wicket partnership was beginning to flourish when Ben Charlesworth made a breakthrough with his first ball, persuading Pakistan Test captain Masood to top-edge a pull shot to deep fine leg and depart for 35 with the score 76 for 4 in the 19th.That was as good as it got for Gloucestershire. New batter Cox looked to disrupt the home side’s smooth progress from the outset, clearing the rope behind square for the first six of the innings when Matt Taylor dropped short as the Foxes reached halfway on 113 for 4.The batters managed to get on top for the first time against spinners Ollie Price and Jack Taylor, Handscomb and Cox combining excellent running between the wickets and clever placement in raising a 50 partnership from 57 balls. Averaging a half-century every four innings in List-A cricket, Handscomb went to his 42nd fifty from 76 balls, while Cox attained the same landmark via 45 deliveries with five fours and a six.Gloucestershire needed a wicket and Akhter obliged, bowling Cox to terminate a partnership that had revitalised Leicestershire. Cox had scored a run-a-ball 61 and helped establish a platform from which the visitors could launch a late assault.Matt Taylor removed Ian Holland cheaply, but there was no shifting Handscomb, the Australian going to his ninth List-A hundred by launching Akhter over long-off for six. He received staunch support from Liam Trevaskis with a quickfire unbeaten 30 from 22 deliveries in a valuable seventh-wicket alliance of 51 in 35 balls as the Foxes smashed 61 runs in the final five overs.Gloucestershire openers Bracey and Bancroft were initially circumspect in the face of the new-ball threat. But Bracey soon warmed to his task, greeting Tom Scriven with a pick-up for six over midwicket and a pull for four next ball as the home side advanced to 47 without loss at the end of 10 overs. So dominant was Bracey, that Bancroft contributed just seven runs to the 50 partnership.Bracey went to an authoritative half-century from 58 deliveries, reaching that landmark with his ninth four, causing Handscomb to turn to spin. The opening partnership had realised three figures before the Foxes made the breakthrough they so desperately needed, Bancroft edging a catch behind off Chris Wright in the 20th over.Ollie Price proved adept at rotating the strike thereafter and Gloucestershire were well-placed on 134 for 1 at the halfway stage, requiring a further 152 at 6.1 an over. These two posted a 50 partnership from 65 balls, but Price fell for 29, hitting Green straight to Handscomb at midwicket.Green then struck a telling blow, having Bracey held at deep square leg, at which point Gloucestershire still needed 108 to win with two new batters at the crease. Charlesworth hit a quickfire 19, only to succumb to a leg-side strangle as Green made another important intervention.Sensing an opportunity, Leicestershire kept up the pressure and Trevaskis dismissed Joe Phillips for 14 to further reduce the home side, still 61 short of their target with nine overs remaining.Boorman helped himself to a six and a four off Holland, but Gloucestershire’s task was made harder when Green accounted for Jack Taylor and Akhter with successive deliveries in the 46th over.Miles hit a straight six off Green and Boorman repeated the feat off Trevaskis as the eighth wicket pair held their nerve. Miles hit the winning six in the penultimate over.

Nick Woltemade spoke with confidence after bagging both goals in Germany's 2-0 win over Luxembourg. The towering striker saved Die Mannschaft's blushes after a goalless first half against the international minnows. His manager Julian Nagelsmann praised his first choice goal scorer's work ethic, saying the 23-year-old deserved "special praise" after his tireless performance.

Woltemade saves Germany's blushes in Luxembourg

Woltemade's emergence has been a lone bright spark in a labouring World Cup qualification campaign for Die Mannschaft. A 2-0 loss to Slovakia in September has locked both sides in a fierce race for top spot in Group A. A goalless first half in Luxembourg would have given the initiative back to Slovakia after their win against Northern Ireland. 

However, the towering forward's brace nudged Germany top of the group on goal difference ahead of Slovakia's visit to Leipzig on Monday. The Newcastle striker opened the scoring when he stabbed home a Leroy Sane cross in the 49th minute, before sweeping home Ridle Baku's assist twenty minutes later. 

Despite his side's nerviness, Woltemade insisted that he remains confident in his abilities to conjure up a goal, even when he is peripheral in the game or his teammates are providing him with limited service. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWoltemade confident in his abilities

Speaking after the game, Woltemade said: "I've developed great confidence in my abilities and a really good feeling that I know: no matter how the game goes, I can still score a goal." 

He did admit that he was "served very well," for both of his goals, however. 

The 23-year-old said he was "very happy" to score vital goals for his national team. "It feels good to score goals, and these two were very important," he added. 

So sure of his talents was the ex-Werder Bremen star, that he coolly rebuffed questions about his competition as Germany's main man up front. When asked if he was worried about the return of injured forward options such as Kai Havertz, Niclas Fullkrug or Tim Kleindienst, he replied, "no honestly, not really." This success thus far has Woltemade looking forward to next summer's World Cup. He added: "This is the biggest tournament in the world, a dream for everyone to play in. "That would be number one."

Woltemade also told the assorted press, that he intended to give his match worn shirt to his sister. "My sister already wrote to me that she's really keen on the long-sleeved jersey," said the match winner. "That's probably why I'm going to Bremen."

Nagelsmann wants "special praise" for Woltemade

Nagelsmann was effusive in his praise of his young striker after the game, praising Woltemade's tireless efforts and admitting he is going to be a key player for the national team as Germany continue to prepare for the World Cup.

"Nick deserves special praise for his work ethic," said the 38-year-old. "He covered a tremendous amount of ground, he's really good and important for us." 

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Getty Images SportCan Woltemade solve Germany's goalscoring woes?

While Nagelsmann clearly does not rate his striker purely by his goal scoring efforts, it certainly helps that the 23-year-old has started scoring vital goals for Die Mannschaft. 

The German national team has failed to replace Miroslav Klose since he retired after the 2014 World Cup. A slew of striking options have tried and failed to nail down that no.9 spot, with previous managers opting to deploy an extra midfielder or a makeshift option like Havertz to lead the line. 

Having bagged three crucial goals in his last two appearances, including the winner in a laborious 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in October, Woltemade is establishing himself as the saviour of a national side that disappointed at recent tournaments. His confidence in his won abilities will only help the Newcastle star as he progresses in his international career. 

He has another chance to prove himself in Leipzig on Monday, when Germany face off against Slovakia. A draw will be enough for Die Mannschaft to secure automatic qualification to next summer's World Cup, as they lead Group A on goal difference.