da betsson： Celtic continued their fantastic start to the Scottish Premiership season with a seventh straight win in the division against Ross County away from Glasgow on Sunday.

da bwin： The Hoops had to battle from 1-0 down, thanks to a penalty from Ronan Vale, to secure all three points in Dingwall, winning 2-1 after their second-half comeback.

Goals from Alistair Johnston, who deflected Callum McGregor’s shot into the back of the net, and Nicolas Kuhn, who cut inside and passed a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, completed the comeback for the Scottish giants.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have now won all seven of their games in the Premiership and that penalty from Vale on Sunday was the first goal that Kasper Schmeichel had conceded in a league game for the club, having kept six clean sheets in his first six outings.

The summer signing has enjoyed a terrific start to life in Glasgow, and Auston Trusty, Arne Engels, Alex Valle, Paulo Bernardo, Adam Idah, and Luke McCowan also featured against Ross County after joining in the summer transfer window.

Rodgers could look to make further additions to his playing squad when the January transfer window opens for business midway through the campaign, and Daizen Maeda is one player who could be upgraded.

Daizen Maeda's mixed success in the Premiership

The Japan international had scored in three successive matches in all competitions ahead of the clash away at Ross County in the Premiership on Sunday.

In the 2-1 win at the weekend, Maeda endured a frustrating afternoon on the left flank for the Hoops. He had three shots and missed one ‘big chance’ and lost five of his six duels, as the winger ended the match with zero goals and zero assists.

The 26-year-old’s wasteful finishing has been a theme throughout his time under Rodgers since the start of last season, and has been evident in the Premiership this term.

24/25 Premiership

Daizen Maeda

Appearances

6

Goals

2

Big chances missed

6

Big chances created

1

Assists

2

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, he has missed six ‘big chances’ and only scored two goals in six appearances, which shows that the winger has not made the most of the high-quality opportunities that his teammates have created for him so far.

In the 2023/24 campaign, Maeda only scored six goals in 28 league outings for the Scottish giants and spurned 12 ‘big chances’ in that time.

The Japanese forward also made just 0.5 key passes per game and ended that league campaign with three assists, which meant that the attacker failed to reach double figures for goals and assists combined.

Since the start of last season, the Celtic winger has contributed with eight goals and five assists in 34 appearances, whilst missing 18 ‘big chances’.

With this in mind, Rodgers could land an upgrade on Maeda by swooping for a left winger with the quality to offer more in the final third – Bazoumana Toure.

Celtic's interest in Bazoumana Toure

Last month, Swedish outlet FotbollDirekt reported that Celtic are one of a number of teams interested in signing Hammarby youngster Toure in the January transfer window.

The outlet claimed that Hoops chief scout Joe Lefevre has been left impressed by the 18-year-old star’s superb performances in Sweden, and that the Scottish giants have a serious interest in the forward.

It added, however, that they will face significant competition to land his signature if they decide to pursue a deal for his services. Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, and Eintracht Frankfurt are all also keen on the talented winger.

Amid heavy interest from teams across Europe, Hammarby are said to be hoping to rake in a fee of around €10m (£8.3m) for the teenage starlet.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not any of the reportedly interested sides – including Celtic – are prepared to spend that kind of money on the Ivorian maestro.

Rodgers should now look to move quickly and secure a deal for Toure before any of the other teams are able to swoop in ahead of the Hoops, as the Hammarby phenomenon has the potential to come in as an upgrade on Maeda on the left flank from January onwards.

Why Celtic should sign Bazoumana Toure

Despite only turning 18 in March, shortly before his move to Hammarby from ASEC Mimosas, the winger has already showcased his ability to make a big impact in the final third.

The teenage sensation has produced seven goals and three assists in all competitions for the Swedish outfit this year, which shows that the youngster has the maturity and ability to provide regular quality at first-team level already.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed him earlier this year, as shown in the post above, by describing the talented youngster as a “superb” player.

He backed his opinion up with the forward’s statistics in the Allsvenskan up to that point, which was in July, and the 18-year-old wizard has continued his fine form in recent months.

Statistics

Bazoumana Toure (2024 Allsvenskan)

Daizen Maeda (23/24 Premiership)

Appearances

19

28

Sofascore rating

7.31

6.99

Goals

6

6

Big chances missed

1

12

Big chances created

5

5

Dribbles completed per game

1.8

1.1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Toure has matched Maeda’s goal and assist return from the 2023/24 campaign in nine fewer appearances, whilst only missing one ‘big chance’.

The electric forward, who has also created 1.2 chances per game in the 2024 campaign, has been far more clinical in front of goal than the Japan international this year, which suggests that he could offer a greater goal threat for the Hoops.

His 1.2 key passes per game are also more than double Maeda’s 0.5 key passes per match in the 2023/24 Premiership campaign, and this suggests that the youngster could also provide more creativity for the Scottish giants on the left flank.

If Toure can translate those performances over to the Premiership, and develop further – given he is just 18, then the teenage winger could come in as an upgrade on Maeda for Rodgers in the second half of the season and beyond, thanks to his quality as a scorer and a creator.

Related Rodgers must drop Hatate for Celtic star who made a "massive difference"

The Hoops boss should finally unleash the summer signing from the start.

Posts ByDan Emery Oct 7, 2024

Amid yet another attempt to rebuild themselves into a side capable of finishing inside the Premier League’s top four, Chelsea could lose yet another star man to Real Madrid in a repeat of Antonio Rudiger’s 2022 exit.

Chelsea transfer news

It’s a rare day when the Blues are not dominating the headlines on the transfer front, with Todd Boehly far from afraid to splash the cash even to no avail thus far. So far this season, it has once again been a case of two steps forward and one step back with an impressive victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers sandwiched in between defeat against Manchester City and a frustrating draw against Crystal Palace.

Lukaku arrived instead: Tuchel wanted Chelsea to sign star now worth £152m

It’s safe to say the club made a huge error in not securing a move for the talent.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 18, 2024

Those at Stamford Bridge did at least get back to winning ways last time out, however, defeating Bournemouth late on courtesy of Christopher Nkunku’s strike from the bench.

Away from the action on the pitch, meanwhile, the London giants could be about to do business with European champions Real Madrid once again, but not for a deal that they’ll want to sanction. According to reports, Real Madrid now have Reece James among their top targets and are plotting a move to sign the right-back in 2025 if he finds a solution for his injury problems.

It’s in Madrid that James would be reunited with Rudiger, having won the Champions League with the dominant centre-back in 2021 before the German left Chelsea just one year later.

As Chelsea’s captain, it remains to be seen whether James would complete such a move, but the lure of the Santiago Bernabeu is rarely one that players deny, making next year a very interesting watch. It would certainly sum up the machine that is Real Madrid if they replaced veteran Dani Carvajal with a player of James’ calibre.

"Perfect" James is in crucial moment

There’s no one who is doubting James’ ability on the pitch, but after another recent injury setback, the question will come as to whether Chelsea should simply move on. The answer to that question, however, should centre around patience in a player who only few can match in his position when he is fit and firing.

Former manager Mauricio Pochettino was certainly aware of that quality even amid the injuries, saying via Chelsea Chronicle: “He’s a player that can be a leader, his character, his qualities. He’s present and the future of the club. He’s a perfect player, person, to be captain.”

If, and whilst it remains a big if, James can stay fit then the Real Madrid door looks set to swing open alongside the chance to write his name in history alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

It’s a move that Rudiger made in the past and now one Chelsea’s academy graduate could yet make next summer. It would be an undoubted dagger for those at Stamford Bridge, that’s for sure, who’d be watching on as the star they’ve waited for time and time again swapped London for Madrid.

He landed heavily on his head after making a spectacular dive to try and save a six against Sri Lanka at the SCG

Alex Malcolm13-Feb-2022Steven Smith has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against Sri Lanka after suffering a concussion while fielding in Sunday’s Super Over thriller at the SCG.Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed after the match that Smith had suffered a concussion after landing on his head following a spectacular diving attempt to save six in the final over of the second innings. He will be subject to low-level concussion protocols over the next few days and is expected to make a full recovery within a week. But he will not be available to play in the final three games in Canberra and Melbourne. CA confirmed that there were no plans to add a replacement player to the squad at this stage.Smith was fielding at deep midwicket in the final over of Sri Lanka’s chase when Maheesh Theekshana launched Marcus Stoinis’ third-last ball in his direction. Smith dived full length back and to his right to catch the ball and flick it back infield in the single motion but such was his extension that he couldn’t brace himself as he hit the ground and his head thumped into the turf.He was immediately in some discomfort and the medical staff attended to him quickly. He was able to get up and walk around the boundary without assistance but he did not field for the final two balls of the innings or during the Super Over.To add insult to injury, the third umpire awarded Sri Lanka six runs despite Smith’s efforts. Even though he was not touching the ground when he made contact with the ball as he flicked it back in, his right foot had touched the rope as he initially launched off the ground.Team-mate Josh Hazlewood, who was Player of the Match for his performance with the ball, confirmed Smith was fine despite the initial concerns.”When anyone dives and doesn’t get up straight away, it’s always a bit of concern,” Hazlewood said. “It’s good to see him walking around now. He made his way off the field and he’s walking around changing now. So early signs are good.”

Warwickshire 293 for 7 (Lamb 106) trail Surrey 428 for 8 dec by 135 runsImmediately after the Grand National delivered yet another heartwarming story, Warwickshire and Surrey trooped back onto the field at Edgbaston after a rain delay. The Championship is far too earnest these days to suggest that the two facts were remotely connected, but in a more easy-going age county cricket has been known to briefly come to a halt to glean the result of the 2.30 from Uttoxeter, never mind the 5.15 from Aintree, so it might be a good thing if they were.When it comes to heartwarming stories, the Championship in early April struggles to deliver, although the enterprise of Matthew Lamb’s second first-class century was something to celebrate. It takes place at this time purely because administrators can’t agree upon a sane fixture list in an era when three formats are still jostling for attention so just take the easy way out. Its default position is cold and drudgery and four-day cricket on ECB-approved flat pitches, without warmth or sunshine, can be like nuts without bolts. It is valued only by coaches, aficionados and those who purport to be. At Aintree it was good to soft, but at Edgbaston it was heavy going.The players are professional, and fulfil their obligations. The best can turn their suffering into England recognition, such as Ben Foakes who made a resolute hundred on the second day here. Old stagers like Stuart Broad nod wisely and say, seven games in seven weeks, in such cold, with an England place to recover, no sorry, that’s not for me? Few really enjoy watching it in April unless the ball hoops around. The members insist upon their quota of four-day cricket, but not many turn up. It is a game staged for statisticians, a game staged to keep up appearances, a game best loved from afar.That made Lamb’s hundred all the more welcome. On a third day that for the most part was a gruelling watch, as Warwickshire responded to Surrey’s 428 for 8 declared by defiantly mapping out what appears to be a successful two-day route to draw points, he blissfully struck 106 from 138 balls. By the time the follow-on was averted, the rest of Warwickshire’s batters had mustered 169 from 463. Or to put it another way, his hundred came at more than twice their scoring rate. It felt less like a century than a blood transfusion.”I was a little bit frenetic for the first ten balls but then settled down,” he said. “I just went out there to be as positive as I can and I know that, in the past, when I have had that mindset I have got into much better positions and that has allowed me to score more freely.”He resisted, as did Sam Hain, a threatening first-hour assault from Kemer Roach and Reece Topley, but Lamb then drove with elan on a surface where others just dug in, adopting an assertive approach with three fours in an over against the young seamer James Taylor, who looks to have filled out a bit and otherwise bowled with great promise.Most fun was had, though, when Roach and Topley returned for second spells with an understandable desire to test him out against the short stuff, move the game on a bit, trade runs for wickets. Lamb had a couple of swishes against slower bouncers, but hooked and pulled Roach to enter the eighties, and did likewise against Topley to bring up the 90s. A fulsome leg-side pick-up against Roach to move from 92 to 98 was wonderfully out of keeping with much of the day and seemed to have been transplanted from a night at the Blast. By now, the adrenalin was flowing, and when he pulled Topley to long leg, he would have run two for his hundred anyway even if the hapless fielder had not chested it over the boundary.The gambit having failed, the old ball seemed to age 20 overs within moments. It required an exceptional piece of fielding to remove him. Lamb mistimed a pull at Topley and Jacks plunged low to his right at deep square leg, 10 metres in from the boundary as Surrey retained an attacking intent, to pull off a spectacular one-handed catch.From 41 for 4, facing a follow-on figure of 279, Warwickshire had been committed to a day of toil. At 198 for 5, they were still 81 short and quick wickets would have put them under pressure but Dan Mousley, whose place is under threat once the South Australian Nathan McAndrew arrives in time for Essex’s visit to Edgbaston in two weeks’ time, joined Hain in a stand of 65 in 36 overs despite a break for rain and ever retreating temperatures.Hain (78 from 228) and Mousley (43 from 128) both responded virtuously. Neither looked in good touch but, in a way, every mistimed stroke made their virtue all the more apparent. Hain got out to a leave-alone – a suitable end – as Jordan Clark nipped one back when the follow-on figure was in sight; Mousley fell at slip, whipping Clark, three balls after it had been averted, his concentration perhaps momentarily released. Their concentration had been more reliable than some of us who watched them – and they could take pride in that.It is a rum thing to consider that avoiding the follow-on remains such a thing even when many captains no longer bother to enforce it. For all that, the dirge was eminently justifiable. In football, lack of entertainment can often indicate a lack of desire – just look at Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United. But in cricket, the situation is often what matters. And, for those who don’t know, it was a helluva finish in the National.

MatériaMais Notícias

da wazamba： A poucos meses do início da Copa do Mundo do Qatar, a Seleção Brasileiraentra na contagem regressiva para o fim da era Tite. O técnico já afirmou que deixará o comando da Amarelinha após o torneio, e ainda não há definição sobre quem será seu substituto. Mas no que depender deCarlos Alberto Parreira, comandante na conquista do Mundial de 1994, o próximo treinador será um brasileiro, e não um estrangeiro.

Em entrevista exclusiva ao LANCE!, Parreira elogiou o trabalho que alguns treinadores estrangeiros têm feito no Brasil, mas disse que a pentacampeã mundial precisa ser treinada por um técnico nascido no país. Ele, porém, não apontou quem seria o seu favorito hoje.

-Acho que a Seleção Brasileira tem que ser dirigida por um técnico brasileiro. Ponto final. Hoje não teria esse nome, eu não sei quem seria. Se eu fosse o presidente da CBF, que tivesse que escolher um treinador pós-Tite, eu iria me debruçar em alguns nomes e ficaria na dúvida de qual seria. Mas com certeza tem gente habilitada e capacitada. Não é que a gente não precise (treinadores estrangeiros), esse intercâmbio é muito bom. Já tivemos no basquete, no vôlei e em várias áreas, mas a Seleção Brasileira é muito especial. Acho que tem que ser dirigida por um técnico brasileiro – disse antes de completar:

– Não teriam muitos nomes neste momento. Quando eu assumi para a Copa de 1994, tinham quatro ou cinco nomes, no final estreitou para três. Era Luxemburgo, Telê Santana e Parreira. Gente de peso no futebol. Para você escolher dois nomes com esse peso hoje está complicado, está difícil, mas tem. Eu acho que a Seleção Brasileira tem que ser dirigida por um técnico brasileiro. Não consigo ver um técnico estrangeiro aqui. Um dia pode acontecer, não vejo como algo grave. Guardiola? Sou um grande fã dele, pelo trabalho que ele fez no Barcelona, o tiki-taka, por tudo o que ele vem fazendo… sou fã do trabalho dele. Mas quero ver a Seleção dirigida por um brasileiro. Seria uma experiência interessante, mas eu quero ver um técnico brasileiro. Ninguém iria negar, faria um trabalho muito bom (Guardiola). Cuca? Não vou citar nomes. Mas temos bons nomes.

+Quais jogadores ficaram mais longe da Copa do Mundo depois da convocação da Seleção?

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da 888： Ainda sobre o trabalho de treinadores estrangeiros no Brasil, mas falando a nível de clubes, Parreira citou o que os portugueses estão conseguindo mostrar no futebol brasileiro e falou sobre a preparação no país lusitano. Segundo o ex-treinador, este é o modelo a “ser seguido e copiado”.

– Eles estão se saindo muito bem. Muitos clubes brasileiros estão com técnicos estrangeiros. É uma boa pergunta, não sei se eu teria a resposta (por que brasileiros estão perdendo espaço). Com certeza a gente perdeu um pouco de terreno nessa batalha, que eu acho que é muito boa. Esse intercâmbio de ideias, de experiência. Vem um europeu para cá, um sul-americano argentino ou uruguaio, um inglês, um alemão… acho muito boa essa troca de experiência. Interessante é que são muitos portugueses, e Portugal é um país pequeno, mas que tem uma formação de treinadores muito boa. A escola portuguesa de formação é muito boa. É um modelo para ser seguido e copiado. Não é por acaso que eles estão tendo sucesso no futebol brasileiro e no mundo todo – declarou Parreira.

– De um modo geral, a imprensa e os torcedores são mais pacientes com os treinadores estrangeiros. Não existe paciência com treinador brasileiro. O Fábio Carille saiu do Athletico-PR com 21 dias, com sete jogos. Isso é uma covardia. Não tem paciência. Se um treinador estrangeiro vem aqui e perde um, dois, três, quatro jogos, existe uma margem de paciência bem maior. Eu acho que os brasileiros são tão bons quanto os estrangeiros que estão aqui. É uma questão de paciência e de dar tempo ao tempo. O Brasil ganhou cinco Copas do Mundo com técnicos brasileiros. Não precisamos importar técnicos estrangeiros para vencer – continuou.

– Acho que esse intercâmbio com os estrangeiros é muito bom para o futebol brasileiro. A troca de ideias, de informações de treinamento, filosofia de jogo. Lembro quando o Jesus chegou no Flamengo que tinha o negócio de poupar na quarta para jogar no domingo e ele falou que jogaria todo mundo. Está preparado, ganhando bem e bem treinado para atuar domingo, quarta e domingo. Acabou com essa história de poupar. Essas ideias são boas. Quando temos portugueses, argentinos, uruguaios, acho interessante. Mas a Seleção Brasileira tem que ser dirigida por um técnico brasileiro. O Guardiola eu acho um dos melhores da história do futebol por tudo que fez e vem fazendo. Evidente que um técnico da expressão dele na Seleção não iria contestar nada, faria um trabalho excepcional. Só que eu acho que precisa ser brasileiro – finalizou o técnico do tetra.

“TEM QUE SER CAMPEÃO”

Ainda faltam alguns meses, mas Tite já começa a contar os dias para o fim da passagem que começou em junho de 2016. Agora vivendo o primeiro ciclo completo de uma Copa do Mundo, a Seleção Brasileira está mais pronta, na visão de Parreira. O campeão em 94 elogiou o ex-comandante do Corinthians e disse que ganhar o Mundial do Qatar vai coroar esta trajetória. Outro ponto abordado pelo ídolo da Seleção foi em relação ao grupo. O ex-treinador acredita que o elenco está praticamente fechado.

– Na Copa anterior ele pegou bem em cima, com o time muito mal. Agora ele teve tempo para pensar, raciocinar, formatar o time, escolher os jogadores que eles acham que deveriam ter sido escolhidos… Eu acho que o trabalho é bom e é positivo. Falta ganhar a Copa. Importante coroar este trabalho com a conquista porque para nós, brasileiros, tem que ser campeão, não tem jeito. O trabalho só é bem feito se for campeão, infelizmente esta cultura permanece até hoje e não vai mudar – afirmou.

-Eu acho que o Tite já tem 80%, 90% do grupo definido. São quatro anos de trabalho. Você tem que deixar um espaço de 10%, 15% para um fenômeno que acaba acontecendo no último momento. Por exemplo, o Rodrygo, não sei se estava no radar ou não, mas ele entrou. Não só pelos dois gols (contra o Manchester City), mas por tudo o que ele vem fazendo desde os 16 anos, no Santos. Isso agora só veio mostrar que ele é um jogador interessante. E aí de repente o treinador começa a pensar e isso é bom. Tem alternativas, tem que pensar e não definir muito cedo. Tem que deixar uma portinha aberta para o último momento. Em 1994 nós tivemos o Ronaldo. Até 1993 ele não era jogador de Seleção. Foi convocado duas vezes, jogou muito bem com 17 anos e ganhou uma vaga no último momento.

+ Veja os grupos e a tabela de jogos da Copa do Mundo de 2022

Depois de uma nova convocação para a próxima Data-Fifa, Tite mais uma vez foi questionado pela ausência de Raphael Veiga, do Palmeiras. Parreira, porém, acredita que a missão de acomodar muitos jogadores de qualidade foi o principal fator pela não convocação do meia-atacante alviverde.

– Não acho que tenha faltado ninguém. O Tite aproveitou os melhores. Você nunca vai ser unanimidade, nunca vai ter 100% de acerto. Nosso futebol tem muita gente boa, na hora de convocar é complicado mesmo e vai ficar gente boa de fora. Eu acho que o Rodrygo (do Real Madrid) tem que ser chamado. Mas o problema é do Tite. Como vai acomodar Rodrygo, Vini Jr., Richarlison, Neymar? Tem que arrumar vaga para todo mundo nos 26 e depois nos 11. O nosso problema é esse: excesso de bons jogadores.

– Sempre tem alguém. O Raphael Veiga cresceu nesses últimos dois anos. Eu acho ele muito bom, acho ele ótimo. Mas o Tite não teve tempo de testá-lo. Não sei se seria oportuno pegar e levar para a Copa do Mundo. Não vou nem dar minha opinião, ele é que tem que resolver. Que é um bom jogador, é. Que está num momento excelente, também está. Tem resolvido para o Palmeiras, tem jogado muito bem, tenho acompanhado e acho ele ótimo.

A Seleção Brasileira entra em campo no próximo dia 2 de junho, contra a Coreia do Sul, em Seul. Quatro dias depois, o adversário será o Japão, em Tóquio. Depois, ainda tem mais uma Data Fifa antes da convocação final para a Copa do Mundo do Qatar no fim de novembro.

* Estagiário, sob a supervisão de Tadeu Rocha.

Alex Carey and Cameron Green added 135 before Australia lost five wickets in a session

Tristan Lavalette22-Mar-2022
Abdullah Shafique and Azhar Ali chipped away at Australia’s first innings of 391 after quick Naseem Shah had earlier staged a spectacular fightback for Pakistan to leave the deciding third Test in the balance.Pakistan reached stumps on day two at 90 for 1 with in-form Shafique 45 not out and Azhar unbeaten on 30 as the hosts trail by 301 runs. Naseem’s brilliant 4 for 58 from 31 overs marked by reverse swing mastery helped restrict Australia and move this match forward with the series deadlocked after two draws in batting friendly conditions in Rawalpindi and Karachi.Naseem’s expertise with the old ball dashed Australia’s hopes of a massive first innings total on a slow surface in the first Test played in Lahore since 2009. Australia, however, still managed a decent score on a pitch offering some welcome assistance for weary bowlers, with cracks evident, but Pakistan started their first innings reasonably comfortably during a prolonged final session lasting 39 overs.Related

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After Naseem’s exploits provided a spark, Pakistan’s response started slowly and a stalemate ensued as Australia waited for signs of reverse swing. Their wish was granted in the 11th over bowled by Cameron Green prompting skipper Pat Cummins to bring himself back on and he struck immediately after removing Imam-ul-Haq lbw for 11. After twin centuries in Rawalpindi, left-hand opener Imam has thudded back to earth with three straight failures.Cummins could have had a second wicket after in-form Shafique edged between wicketkeeper Alex Carey and Steven Smith at first slip, who were both stationary. It was a frustrating missed opportunity for Australia and continued the struggles behind the stumps for Carey and Smith this series.Finally batting on his home ground in his 94th Test, Azhar started with a gorgeous drive to the boundary and then counterattacked spinner Nathan Lyon with a six over long-on. With stumps approaching, he shut up shop and defied a tantalising late burst from Cummins.After his tough debut, where he finished with the figures of 2 for 188 from 62.4 overs, legspinner Mitchell Swepson came on in the 22nd over and almost had Azhar stumped then produced deliveries that skidded low but turn was minimal.After Naseem’s reverse swing prowess, there was expectation that Mitchell Starc could replicate something similar but he struggled to find the type of rhythm that crashed through Pakistan’s first innings in the second Test.Cameron Green was cleaned up by some excellent bowling from Naseem Shah•AFP/Getty ImagesAfter winning a crucial toss, Australia’s first innings comprising 133.1 overs was a rollercoaster and dominated by two century partnerships. Usman Khawaja and Smith rescued them from 8 for 2 with a 138-partnership before Green and Carey produced a record 135-run partnership in the highest sixth-wicket stand for Australia in Pakistan.Having started the second day in a delicate position at 232 for 5, Carey and Green batted fluently through the first session to frustrate Pakistan and restore Australia’s control. But they both missed out on maiden Test centuries after falling early in the second session leaving Khawaja as Australia’s only centurion of the three-match series.Australia had appeared set for a commanding first innings total until they lost five wickets in the middle session, as they crumbled under a superb spell of reverse swing from Naseem who was rewarded for unwavering bowling through the innings.In a riveting contest between two of cricket’s brightest young talents, Naseem had the last laugh when he clean bowled Green with a gem of an inswinger to end the allrounder’s 163-ball knock. Green fell just short of his highest Test score of 84 but it was another impressive innings from the 22-year-old who showcased a mixture of strong defence, marked by an intent on getting his huge frame forward, and exquisite strokes on the off side.Carey, in his eighth Test, also produced an encouraging performance to help strengthen Australia’s middle-order after notching his second straight half-century. Having entered the series under some pressure after an inconsistent Ashes with bat and gloves, Carey’s 105-ball knock was marked by superb driving to thwart the quicks and perfectly executing reverse sweeps to fluster the spinners.Pakistan’s five-pronged attack toiled manfully amid oppressive conditions after appearing to be staring down the barrel of again conceding a massive first innings score. But they hung in and took full advantage of reverse swing after lunch through young guns Naseem and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who also claimed four wickets.Naseem’s scintillating burst late in the middle session was a rare sight of ball dominating bat in this series. In a more familiar sight, an arm wrestle ensued in the final session as little separated these teams after two days.

Arsenal have been tipped to make a mega-money move next summer as they look to add world-class talent to Mikel Arteta’s squad to usher in a period of Premier League dominance.

Arsenal keep powder dry this summer

Arsenal had been expected to spend big this summer, but after strong links with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, they opted not to sign a forward permanently, only moving in the final hours of the transfer window to sign Raheem Sterling on loan, a deal which even Edu admitted surprised the club.

Arsenal nearly signed 'the new Henry' for £0, now he's a £152m phenomenon

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Both Sesko and Williams are likely to return to the transfer market next summer alongside a host of other names, and it appears that Arsenal have opted to keep any mega-money signings for then, with the club ending the transfer window with a net spend of just £4m according to Sky Sports.

It is a decision that may well reap rewards going forwards, with Arsenal having banked plenty of financial fair play goodwill over the summer, and now they could spend heavily next summer. Indeed, they may have already identified their main target.

Arsenal line up mega money move for Premier League marksman

That comes as one transfer insider has linked Arsenal with an audacious move to sign Newcastle’s Alexander Isak next summer. Arsenal have long been linked with a move for the Swedish striker, even reportedly tabling a bid during his time at Real Sociedad, only to be told he would cost £75m to prise out of the Basque region in January 2022.

Instead, Newcastle pounced and reaped the rewards of his mercurial talent. The 24-year-old took to the Premier League like a duck to water, scoring on his debut against Liverpool and going on to rack up 10 goals in his debut campaign, following it up with a 21 goal season last time around, which marked him out as one of the Premier League’s top strikers.

Alexander Isak in the Premier League
Appearances	55
Goals	32
Assists	5
Minutes per goal/assist	110

That has led to repeated speculation that he may have been Arsenal bound over the summer, though they made no move to sign him. That is set to change next time though, according to transfer insider teamnewsandtix, who expects Arsenal to seriously push for Isak in 2025.

“I’ve been told Alexander Isak will be very, very high on Arsenal’s list — He’s definitely someone I expect them to revisit next summer”, he explained. “If Newcastle don’t get Europe, you’d imagine he’d be angling for a move.”

They will be met with stiff resistance from Newcastle though, with Eddie Howe’s side having reportedly slapped a massive £150m price tag on the Swede’s head as they look to ward off interest from interested parties and keep their talisman at St James’ Park.

Still just 24 and under contract until 2028 as things stand, they will be in no rush to sell and should Isak not push for a move, it would likely take a ludicrous sum to persuade them to part ways with him.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed his admiration for the players who have stepped up for him and the club during a difficult period.

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• Cityzens enduring difficult season
• Injuries have also been an issue
• Guardiola admires players' efforts

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After years of success, Manchester City and Guardiola have struggled so far in the 2024-25 season. The team are a distant 12 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and in danger of being eliminated from the Champions League ahead of the final round of group fixtures.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Injuries have also taken their toll on Guardiola's side, meaning the Catalan coach has been forced to use players in unfamiliar positions and adapt his squad throughout the campaign. The City boss says the effort made by his players who have been prepared to sacrifice themselves and battle for the club over a difficult last few months has meant a lot to him and is something he will not forget.

• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  He told : "I will never forget those players that were there [in this period]. Never. And they know who they are. In the circumstances, horrible, playing out of position. I know the names. All of them will remain in my heart. How the injured players made an effort to play. I love it. I love who they are and I admire them. I will appreciate them for the rest of my period here."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY

  Guardiola's side have been able to strengthen in the January transfer window and have signed Vitor Reis, Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov. The signings come at a good time as City face Chelsea next in the Premier League and then take on Club Brugge in a must-win Champions League fixture.

A £29 million striker and his reps are reportedly considering a possible move to West Ham, and it is believed that the London Stadium is one of his most likely destinations.

West Ham win first game since August in boost for Lopetegui

Over the weekend, manager Julen Lopetegui watched on from the sidelines as West Ham clinched their first Premier League win since August, and their first victory in all competitions since that month as well.

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The Hammers put Ipswich to the sword with a 4-1 victory over Kieran McKenna’s side at the London Stadium, with goals from Michail Antonio, Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta sealing much-needed points for Lopetegui, who was under some pressure heading into the contest.

It was a convincing win for the east Londoners, who ended their barren run in style and showcased an excellent mentality, according to Lopetegui.

“I’m happy for the fans and the players too because they deserve this,” said Lopetegui after West Ham’s 4-1 win over Ipswich.

“It was a hard match, as all the matches in the Premier League are, but we did very well. We started very well, but suffered a very early equalising goal. I think after that we had a very good mentality, we kept strong and we deserved to score before we did get the second.

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#9

05/10/2024

Ipswich (H)

Premier League

4-1 win

#8

28/09/2024

Brentford (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#7

25/09/2024

Liverpool (A)

Carabao Cup

5-1 loss

#6

21/09/2024

Chelsea (H)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#5

14/09/2024

Fulham (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#4

31/08/2024

Man City (H)

Premier League

3-1 loss

#3

28/08/2024

Bournemouth (H)

Carabao Cup

1-0 win

#2

24/08/2024

Crystal Palace (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#1

17/08/2024

Aston Villa (H)

Premier League

2-1 loss

“In the last chance of the half we did score, and we kept going in the second half. We kept looking for goals and in the end we achieved a good victory. Against this kind of team, the key thing is that we defend very well and we don’t allow them to play us in their style. I think that was important.

“We have the break, but we are going to start thinking about the next matches very quickly for sure.”

In the background, technical director Tim Steidten and co are working to back their new manager. Reports claim West Ham are aiming to add a new striker to Lopetegui’s ranks, despite the addition of Niclas Fullkrug in the summer.

Sorloth and his reps considering move to West Ham

According to reports out of Spain, Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth is a contender to join the club.

The “giant” Norwegian scored 26 goals in all competitions for Villarreal last season, prompting Atletico to strike a £29 million deal for the La Liga star in the summer. He’s started life under Diego Simeone with one goal and two assists, but he’s already being linked with an exit.

Indeed, it is believed Sorloth and his reps are considering a possible move to West Ham as early as January, despite only just arriving at the Wanda Metropolitano. The Hammers are seen as one of the likeliest destinations for him this winter, with his spell at Atletico apparently not working out so far.

Premier League giants Arsenal are keeping tabs on a Celtic player backed to have a “bright future” in the game, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Celtic losing lots of young talent

The Hoops have had so much success in recent years, winning countless Scottish Premiership titles and proving to be comfortably the most dominant side in the Scottish game under Brendan Rodgers.

Despite this, one of the few negatives on show at Celtic currently is their inability to keep hold of some of the most talented young players at the club.

For example, Liam Morrison departed for Bayern Munich back in 2019 – he is now playing for Queens Park Rangers – explaining his reasons for leaving Parkhead back in 2021, saying: “Leaving Celtic was a difficult decision but when a team like Bayern Munich are offering to sign you it’s very hard to turn down. They had the right pathway for me, so that was the decision I made.”

Ben Doak has been one of the most high-profile Celtic youngsters to move on in recent years, with the flying winger moving to Liverpool in 2022 and now shining on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough. Now, it looks as though the Hoops are under threat of losing another exciting starlet, following a new claim.

Arsenal eyeing move for Celtic starlet

According to an update from 67 Hail Hail, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Celtic teenager Rocco di Giacomo, with the creative 15-year-old wide player one of the brightest young talents at Parkhead currently.

While the attacking maestro is “not yet old enough to put pen to paper on a professional deal in either Scotland or England and would have to wait to do so”, that hasn’t done anything to stop the north London club from “taking a closer look” at him. In fact, they have even sent scouts to watch him in action.

While Di Giacomo may not be known to all Celtic supporters, considering his age and the fact that he has understandably never threatened to play for the senior team to date, losing him would be another big blow.

The attacking gem has been tipped for a “bright future” in football by St. Ninian’s Football on X, having played for Scotland in the UEFA Development Tournament last year:

Having a strong nucleus of young talent is always so important at Celtic, but it increasingly feels as though youth players are finding it hard to justify staying there when even bigger clubs come calling, with Morrison and Doak perfect examples of that.

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The lure of Arsenal is clear right now, with Mikel Arteta building an exciting young team that looks capable of winning the Premier League title, so it is easy to see why Di Giocomo could see the Gunners as the ideal club for his future development.