All posts by h716a5.icu

They might not have the trophies to show for it at the moment, but this Arsenal team are stacked with sensational players.

One of the most impressive is undoubtedly Bukayo Saka, who has taken on the role of club talisman and has become an output machine in recent seasons.

Likewise, Gabriel Magalhaes has developed from a player often labelled as error-prone to one of the most reliable in the squad and someone who knows exactly how to throw his weight around.

So, fans should be delighted that Arsenal are close to signing a player who embodies some of the best qualities of both.

Arsenal close in on game-changing signing

It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to say that, in terms of signings, this has been one of the most exciting summers Arsenal fans have had for quite some time.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, the highly-sought-after Martin Zubimendi has finally been announced, alongside the squad-bolstering acquisitions of Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Additionally, the promising Cristhian Mosquera and potentially great Noni Madueke have already undergone their medicals, and the links to Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze persist.

However, there is still one more player, perhaps the most important of them all, yet to be officially secured, although that might be about to change.

At least that’s according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has confirmed that Arsenal are nearing the final stages of their negotiations to sign Viktor Gyokeres.

The Italian journalist stated the following: “The conversation is still ongoing in London. The agents of the player are still in London to try resolve the agreement between all parties involved.

“Gyokeres is fighting to go to Arsenal. But obviously it’s really important to agree on the add-ons. They are really on it on every single hour, every single minute – Arsenal and Sporting are working on this deal.”

While we will have to wait and see what the overall package comes to, reports elsewhere have made it clear that the base fee will be around £55m, which seems like a fair price for a player of his calibre, especially as he could be described as a hybrid of Saka and Gabriel.

Why Gyokeres is a Saka & Gabriel Hybrid

Okay, we know this might sound a little out there to start with, but hear us out, as even though Gyokeres plays in a different position to both players and has some key differences, he also shares some unmistakable similarities.

Starting with Gabriel, for example, the former Coventry City star is a behemoth of a player, and while he might not have the heading ability of the Brazilian, he can certainly use his physique as a size advantage in the same way.

Don’t just take our word for it though, as The Athletic’s Thom Harris referred to the Swedish international as ‘a battering ram of a striker’ earlier this month, and you only need to look at the way he holds off defenders or simply barges past them in any of his numerous goal compilations.

In fact, while he couldn’t finish at the end, the 27-year-old demonstrated his brute strength against the Gunners in the Champions League last season, when he rode the challenges of both Gabriel and William Saliba to get into the penalty area.

Finally, he also has the mentality to match, with reports earlier in the window claiming that he was willing to give up millions to force this move and get the chance to win things at Arsenal.

This is also arguably something he shares with Saka, but the most significant aspect of his game that makes him similar to the Englishman is his output and willingness to put a team on his back.

For example, in 52 appearances last season, totalling 4248 minutes, the free-scoring “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, put the ball in the back of the net 54 times and provided 13 assists.

In other words, the Stockholm-born machine averaged 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes and was unsurprisingly his team’s most productive player.

While the Hale Ender wasn’t quite as prolific, he was still unreal in the games he played last season, racking up 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2619 minutes.

Appearances

37

52

Minutes

2619′

4248′

Goals

12

54

Assists

14

13

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73′

63.40′

That means the mercurial number seven averaged a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 100.73 minutes, and was the club’s most productive player, despite missing over three months of the campaign.

Just imagine how dangerous the Gunners could be next season with the two game-changers playing alongside one another.

Ultimately, it won’t be cheap, but Arsenal appear to be onto a winner with Gyokeres, and the fact that he embodies the best aspects of Saka and Gabriel is proof of that.

Arteta's new Xhaka: Arsenal hold talks to sign "monster" £30m CM

The impressive midfielder could add some extra bit to Arsenal this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 17, 2025

Two years after announcing her retirement, Dottin is back in the West Indies fold

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Aug-20241:54

Dottin: Young, determined WI players are improving through WCPL

Two years after unexpectedly announcing her retirement, Deandra Dottin is back in West Indies’ squad for the upcoming women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. Dottin, the scorer of the fastest century in women’s T20Is, made a sudden decision to quit in 2022, citing a “non-conducive” environment within the West Indies set-up. She reversed that decision last month, with one eye on the upcoming World Cup.She was named in the 15-member squad announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Thursday, which also features an uncapped player in Nerissa Crafton.”We have a nice mix of experience and youth,” Kishore Shallow, the CWI president, said after the announcement. “We have some players bordering [on] 19; I think Zaida [James] is still probably a teenager and one or two of the young players there. So, really happy with the mix.Related

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“Also, I think, we all as West Indians are excited to see Deandra Dottin back. It has been a year of communication – back and forth – with Deandra, and I particularly want to recognise the involvement of Ann Browne-John who has led those conversations over the last year, even when she wasn’t officially the selector. She was integral in Deandra coming out of retirement.”Dottin’s recent form is particularly encouraging: she was the third-highest run-getter in WCPL 2024 league phase, with 113 runs in four innings at an average of 28.25 and strike rate of 111.88. She was also the only batter to have hit more than two sixes this WCPL season, leading into the final. Her 53 off 38 balls against Guyana Amazon Warriors set up a Super-Over finish at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Dottin returned to bat in the Super Over, her unbeaten 13 off four balls paving the way for Trinbago Knight Riders’ win.ESPNcricinfo LtdHead coach Shane Deitz welcomed Dottin back into the West Indies set-up. “Her record is phenomenal and she is doing it again at the WCPL as we speak,” Deitz said of Dottin. “We’ve been really working hard off the field with our team culture, and the leadership group within the team. Denadra and the other players who are coming into the side – they are all going to be welcomed in the same manner.”On the field, as I said, her record is unbelievable and gives us flexibility with power-hitting and smart batting as well. [She is] an unbelievable fielder, does death bowling and some other bowling in between and she really steps up to bowl the big overs and she is an absolute winner. She has been here at the camp past week and really fit in well. Great to get her back in the squad and we’re looking forward to her contributions in the World Cup.”When Dottin had announced her retirement in August 2022 at age 31, she had played 127 T20Is (alongside 143 ODIs) for 2697 runs and 62 wickets. That record fastest hundred of hers came at a T20 World Cup, back in 2010; she got to the landmark off 38 balls – at the time a record across both men’s and women’s cricket – and went on to smash 112 off 45 balls against South Africa in St Kitts.She took to the T20 circuit after her retirement, but had not played competitive cricket since September 2023 before taking charge of TKR at the ongoing WCPL.West Indies’ leadership team at the World Cup will remain the same, with Hayley Matthews to lead and Shemaine Campbelle her deputy. The team has been impressive in T20I cricket leading into this World Cup; they travelled to Pakistan in April-May and won 4-1, before going to Sri Lanka and taking the series 2-1.That was their previous assignment, and the World Cup XV included four changes from that squad. There was no room for Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Rashada Williams and Late Wilmott. They made way for Ashmini Munisar, Dottin, Mandy Mangru and Crafton. Mangru is uncapped in T20I cricket and has played just the one ODI.West Indies begin their World Cup campaign on October 4 in Dubai against South Africa, and then have the rest of their Group B games lined up against Scotland, Bangladesh and England. The top two teams from the group will proceed to the semi-finals. The final is scheduled for October 20.West Indies squad for 2024 Women’s T20 World CupHayley Matthews (capt), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-capt), Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton, Qiana Joseph, Shamila Connell, Stafanie Taylor, Zaida James
In: Ashmini Munisar, Deandra Dottin, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton
Out: Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Rashada Williams, Late Wilmott

The left-arm quick first played for them in 2023 and then helped them to the Division Two title in 2024

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2024Jaydev Unadkat will continue his association with Sussex after extending his contract with them for the 2025 and 2026 County Championship seasons. He will be available for the final run-in in both seasons.”When I came to Hove last year, I wasn’t sure what was on offer in the County Championship and how would I adapt to it. But after a few games now, I can definitely say Hove is my home away from home and Good Old Sussex by The Sea has my heart,” Unadkat was quoted as saying in a release by the team.”Everyone at Hove is very pleased and excited that Jaydev [Unadkat] has signed a two-year extension and will be returning to the Club for the next two seasons,” Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace said.”Jaydev’s quality on the pitch has been so evident for everyone else to see, but just as importantly his qualities as a person make him one of the most popular and nicest guys any team could wish for.”Unadkat first signed for Sussex in 2023, and took 11 wickets in three matches. He returned to the team in 2024 and took 22 wickets at an average of 14.40 in five games, helping Sussex win the Division Two title.Unadkat is currently leading Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy, which got underway on Friday.

Tottenham Hotspur ended 17 years without silverware in May, defeating Manchester United to lift the Europa League. The cabinet has not only received a new ornament, but the road to next season’s Champions League has also been unlocked for the Lilywhites.

This wasn’t enough to save Ange Postecoglou, though. The Australian manager was dismissed weeks after his incredible triumph due to the wretched domestic campaign, finishing 17th in the Premier League.

Now, with Thomas Frank at the helm, Tottenham can begin anew, working from the foundations set by the craggy-faced Aussie and building a sustained period of success.

However, there’s no question that the pace has dropped in the market down N17. With pre-season underway, this is the perfect time for Daniel Levy to reel in a few impactful additions across the park.

And it seems to be the engine room that Tottenham desire an extra bit of quality.

Spurs in contact for new midfielder

Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was Tottenham’s dream signing to strengthen the midfield this summer, although after accusations regarding an illegal approach by the Lilywhites, the Englishman has since quashed any speculation by penning a new deal at the City Ground.

With both Rodrigo Bentancur and the routinely under-fire Yves Bissouma potentially on the move this summer, however, a more defensive midfield addition could be the more necessary addition anyway.

Well, as Fabrizio Romano has confirmed, Tottenham have made an approach to Joao Palhinha’s camp, though Bayern Munich have not received official contacts at this stage. Bayern would be looking to bank at least £30m for the 30-year-old.

Though Spurs would rather an initial loan for the Portugal international, these recent advancements suggest there could be some leeway on Levy’s part.

Why Spurs want Joao Palhinha

It hasn’t worked out for Palhinha at Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich, who he joined from Fulham in a move worth an initial £42m.

Bayern, in any case, were getting their mitts on one of the Premier League’s most underrated stars, he who had played under the wing of Marco Silva for a number of years at Craven Cottage, making 79 appearances and scoring eight goals.

Widely regarded as one of the division’s most unrelenting ball winners, Palhinha had been described as a “defensive monster” by data analyst Marcus Bring and a “tackling machine” by Sky Sports’ Adam Bate.

This is evidenced through his data from the 2023/24 season, winning a shedload of tackles, far more than anyone else in the division.

1.

Joao Palhinha

Fulham

152

2.

Joao Gomes

Wolves

128

3.

Vinicius Souza

Sheffield Utd

125

4.

Emerson Palmieri

West Ham

106

5.

Tyrick Mitchell

Crystal Palace

105

This level of tackling intensity is something that Tottenham will need to add to their ranks if Frank is to achieve a level of unity and coherence that wasn’t quite there last year.

Someone like Bissouma has been supposed to perform that role at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but his rash temperament and inconsistencies on the field limited him to a minor role in Postecoglou’s plans.

The Telegraph claimed earlier this month that the 28-year-old is expected to leave London this summer, one year away from the expiration of his contract. Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce have engaged in talks as they weigh up an official bid.

Tottenham signed Bissouma from divisional rivals Brighton & Hove Albion for £35m in June 2022, and he’s since completed 100 games, scoring two goals, failing to register a single assist and picking up two red cards.

In Palhinha, Tottenham would sign themselves a far more composed and reliable man, whose impact in the Premier League at a lower level with Fulham speaks for itself.

And the Iberian star, even having lost his way somewhat in a Bavarian shirt, still ranked among the top 3% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues last year for pass completion and the top 3% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

Bissouma is strong in the challenge, to be sure, but there’s little question that the Malian is error-riddled and unconvincing as a whole, having made six errors in the Premier League last season, as per Sofascore, in spite of only starting 16 times.

By contrast, Palhinha didn’t make a single error over the 2023/24 English league season, and just one last term in the Bundesliga.

There’s something to be said about Palhinha’s ball-playing skills. Though he’s crisp and calm, his progressive passing leaves something to be desired.

However, this is a foible that Frank could surely abide. After all, the Danish manager has used no player more across his managerial career than Christian Norgaard at Brentford, playing him 262 times. The Danish defensive midfielder has recently signed for Arsenal in a £15m package.

Norgaard is not a forward-thinking distributor, but his rooted defensive principles in the middle of the park worked a treat for Frank over so many years.

Palhinha could emulate this, maybe even taking a more complete and wider-ranging approach at Tottenham. With the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski already residing within the Lilywhites ranks, it makes sense that such a profile should be signed.

Bissouma has played his part at Tottenham, and indeed leaves having won a trophy, but to keep him on the books after such unconvincing and irrational performances in recent years would be negligible.

Luckily, Spurs are forging ahead with plans for a new midfielder, and Palhinha could be the man for the job.

Perfect alongside Palhinha: "Phenomenal" star has agreed terms with Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their pursuit of one talent this summer.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 26, 2025

Still looking to add much-needed depth behind Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign an impressive Serie A teenager.

Liverpool yet to solve centre-back problem

For all of Liverpool’s gargantuan spending this summer, it should concern Arne Slot that his side had just one senior centre-back feature across two friendly games against Athletic Bilbao earlier this week. With Van Dijk absence through illness and Joe Gomez injured, the Reds had just Konate to turn to when it came to recognised central defenders.

It’s an undeniable problem for Liverpool, but one that Slot has insisted that he has versatile options at his disposal to solve his centre-back issue this season.

There’s under a month left until the transfer window slams shut and as positive as Slot has been when speaking about his defensive options, it wouldn’t be absurd to suggest that Liverpool’s focus should be on their weakness rather than pursuing another attacking star.

As much as Alexander Isak would steal endless headlines and send the ultimate statement, a move for Marc Guehi would arguably complete the Premier League champions far more.

To that end, however, reports have indicated that Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are reluctant to meet Crystal Palace’s £50m price tag now that Guehi is into the final year of his deal.

Leaving those at Anfield to consider their options, Liverpool are now reportedly eyeing a Serie A alternative at a cheaper price.

Liverpool eyeing Leoni move

According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, Liverpool are eyeing a move to sign Giovanni Leoni from Parma this summer. Unlike Crystal Palace’s hefty price tag, the Italian side reportedly value their impressive defender at €40m (£35m) in a deal that the Reds may be more tempted by in the coming weeks.

Dubbed “one of the most complete” teenage centre-backs in Europe by scout Jacek Kulig, Leoni would be a perfect replacement for Jarell Quansah, who has similar potential.

With Konate and Van Dijk nailing down the starting roles, having a younger option like Leoni waiting in the wings would hand Liverpool the depth they need without immediately disrupting their backline.

Ekitike repeat: Liverpool prepare £50m offer for "monster"; it's not Isak

Liverpool are still hoping to complete several signings before the end of the transfer window.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Aug 5, 2025

Whether those at Anfield push on and prioritise the addition of a defender this month remains to be seen, however.

Thomas Tuchel has handed an England debut to Elliot Anderson against Andorra, while Marcus Rashford has been recalled to the starting XI.

Forest midfielder Anderson startsRashford also in starting XIWorld Cup qualifier kicks off at 17:00 BSTFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson earnt his first senior England call-up for September's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia and will take his place in Tuchel's starting XI at Villa Park.

Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford is also in the XI and will start out wide alongside Noni Madueke, while Anderson will partner Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze in midfield.

Dan Burn and Marc Guehi are the two centre-backs, while Reece James and Myles Lewis-Skelly are handed the nod at full-back. Captain and all-time top goalscorer Harry Kane starts as striker.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Anderson earnt his first call-up following a stand-out first season at the City Ground after a £35 million ($47m) move from Newcastle United in 2024. The 22-year-old shone for Lee Carsley's England Under-21s as they won the European Championship for the second consecutive time this summer and has now earnt his promotion to the senior side, with a full debut set to arrive sooner than anticipated.

Rashford, meanwhile, has made a slow start to life in Barcelona but saw a recall to the international fold by Tuchel. The 27-year-old has an important year ahead of him as he aims to reach the final World Cup squad, having not been selected for Euro 2024.

DID YOU KNOW?

Anderson had the opportunity to play for Scotland due to heritage on his father's side, in fact representing the Tartan Army at all youth levels from U16 through to U21. He was called up to Steve Clarke's senior squad in 2023 but pulled out before making his debut, soon switching his allegiance to England and making his U21 debut a year later. Now, he is set to pull on the Three Lions shirt for the senior side for the first time.

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AFPWHAT NEXT?

Tuchel evidently is looking to use his whole squad across the international break and has named a side which gives an opportunity for further experience to rising stars within the set-up including Anderson and Lewis-Skelly. With several big names not within the squad due to injury, this international break could prove a great opportunity for many to stake their claim to being on the plane to the USA, Canada & Mexico next summer.

Smith insisted he had not requested a move back down the order but rather just told Andrew McDonald his preference

Alex Malcolm21-Oct-20241:36

What’s the logic of moving Smith back down the order?

Steven Smith has said Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne “hated” him opening the batting in the Test team, and believes it was a key driver behind his return to No. 4, but has insisted he did not request the move and would have continued to open if asked to.Australia’s chair selectors George Bailey confirmed last week that Smith would not be opening against India saying Smith “had expressed a desire to move back down from that opening position” and that captain Pat Cummins and Andrew McDonald had made the decision.McDonald stated on ABC Radio at the weekend that he and Cummins were the key decision-makers in the move, playing down Smith’s influence.Related

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Smith wanted it on the record that he had not explicitly requested to move back to No. 4 but had rather been asked by McDonald what his preferred batting spot was. He also added that Khawaja and Labuschagne had both expressed their discontent at him opening.”I got asked where I’d prefer to bat, and I said four. I didn’t ask [to move] though,” Smith said. “I also said I’m happy batting wherever. I’m not really too fussed. I got asked where my preference would be, and I said four. I saw a few things last week saying that I’ve requested to bat at four. That wasn’t the case. I said I’m happy to bat wherever you’d like me to bat but, yeah, four would be my ideal position.”Asked what had changed since earlier this year, he said: “Obviously there’s a spot there now with Greeny [Cameron Green] out. And I think just conversations we had after New Zealand with particularly Marnus and Uzzie, they hated me up top, to be honest. They wanted me behind them.”They just like the…they call it security behind them, in a way. They were pretty strong on me not batting there. So that was a big part of it. And then obviously, I’ve got a decent record at four.”It was good fun having a crack at something new, batting up top. I still feel like I could do a job there for sure. It was a pretty small sample size. But I’ve done pretty well at four for a number of years now. I feel like it’s probably where I can have my best input for this team at the moment.”Smith was set to move regardless of Green’s injury as the conversations had taken place prior to the limited-overs tour of England.He was asked whether he felt like he could have continued in the role longer term given his average of 28.50 in the four Tests in the job was not that bad as no opener averaged more than 32 across those four Tests.In his own style: Steven Smith leaves the ball alone•Getty Images”Honestly, I’m not that fussed,” Smith said. “I said it when I took that job, I’m not really fussed where I bat. The conversations I had with the other guys, they didn’t like it at all. They wanted some security, I suppose, behind them, where I’ve done really well for a number of years, and I can understand that as well. So it is what it is and I’m not going to be opening this summer. That’s it.”Smith made 3 off 29 balls for New South Wales against Victoria in his first red-ball innings since the New Zealand Test series in March and his first Sheffield Shield match since 2021.On a day when 15 wickets fell at the MCG in difficult batting conditions, Smith was upbeat about the innings despite being caught down the leg side off Fergus O’Neill.”I actually felt pretty good out there, to be honest, for the three that I scored strangely enough,” Smith said. “I felt like I was moving well. I was leaving well, and got a little bit unlucky with the one that sort of took off a little bit down the leg side. And that can happen. But I actually felt like I was getting in nice positions. My bat path was good and felt pretty good. So happy with that.”Meanwhile, Smith has been impressed with his limited time watching 19-year-old Sam Konstas who was lbw after 10 balls on the second day at the MCG”He got a bit unlucky there I reckon,” Smith said. “It looked like it might have been just darting down leg a little bit. I haven’t seen a lot of him. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of him out here in the middle for sure. But from what I have seen in the nets, he’s got a lot of time.Steven Smith threw in Nic Maddinson’s name as a potential opening option•Getty Images”He’s very organised. He plays fast bowling and spin well from what I’ve seen in the brief couple of times I’ve seen him bat, it’s looked really good. He’s a bright prospect. We’ve got to remember he’s only 19 as well so you he’s got plenty of time. But what I’ve seen so far, it looks promising”He’s got all the makings to definitely be a really good Test player. That’s for sure. Whether it’s now or in the future, time will tell.”Smith also threw Nic Maddinson’s name in the mix as a possible candidate to open the batting for Australia against India given he is a similar type of player to David Warner.”There’s a few really good candidates, guys that have, done really well the last few years,” Smith said. “[Cameron] Bancroft and the usual suspects that have been talked about. Maddo I think is also another really good candidate. He’s had a good couple of years. If you’re looking for someone similar to a Davey replacement, he gets after the ball and can score really quickly.”So he’s someone who probably hasn’t been spoken about a great deal from all you guys in the last little bit, but I think he’s someone that could definitely play test cricket and have a similar impact to what Davey sort of had at the top, the way he plays. So plenty of options. We’ll wait and see.”

Xabi Alonso used his post-match press conference to mount a defence of Dean Huijsen, after the young centre back was sent off on the 30-minute mark in Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Real Sociedad. The ex-Bournemouth starlet was shown a straight red after pulling down Mikel Oyarzabal, with the referee judging the Sociedad striker had a clear route to goal.

Alonso says Huijsen 'relieved' Real Madrid's 2-1 win

Huijsen was given his marching orders with Los Blancos nursing a 1-0 lead. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring after ten minutes. Following Huijsen's dismissal, Arda Guler added a second just before the stroke of halftime, and ground out a big win despite Oyarzabal converting a penalty. Alonso said the 22-year-old was "relieved" his mistake did not cost his side the game. 

AdvertisementAFPAlonso questions Huijsen's red card

Alonso questioned the referee's decision, suggesting Oyarzabal did not have the ball under control and Eder Militao was providing cover for the attack. The decision saw an intervention from VAR, which Alonso also questioned. Despite his protestations with the officiating, was quick to put the focus back on his side's performance, praising their ability to find the second goal despite the adversity. 

What Xabi Alonso said

On Huijsen's red card Alonso said: "For me, it was a yellow card. Mili was close by and the ball wasn’t under control. After watching the replay, I haven’t changed my mind. I asked, he gave me his explanation, and I wasn’t convinced. And I’ll leave it at that. It changed the context of the match, and we played with 10 men for 60 minutes. We had chances and scored the second goal to give ourselves some breathing room. The team knew how to sacrifice themselves and put in a generous effort. Winning at Anoeta is always very difficult, and today, if anything, it was even more difficult.”

On the VAR intervention, he added: "When there are obvious mistakes, I like VAR to intervene, but when there aren’t, I understand that it shouldn’t get involved. I don’t want to make the referee a recurring theme. It’s time to move on.”

On Huijsen's emotions after the game, Alonso said: "He was relieved. Obviously angry, but relieved with the victory. These are avoidable actions, there was a lot of space and Oyarzabal didn’t have the ball under control. The gesture could be improved.”

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Getty Images SportWhat next for Huijsen and Real Madrid?

Huijsen will look to improve on his mistake — GOAL gave the young defender a 2/10 for his performance against Sociedad — in his Champions League debut against Marseille on Tuesday night. 

Bangladesh surprisingly declared their first innings 181 runs behind, after which WI were bowled out for 152

Mohammad Isam25-Nov-2024West Indies are three wickets away from clinching the Antigua Test against Bangladesh. The visitors ended the fourth day on 109 for 7 after they were set a target of 334. Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales led the way for the hosts with three wickets each, as Bangladesh’s specialist batters failed to put together a performance for the umpteenth time this year.West Indies themselves couldn’t put up a bigger target after they were bowled out for 152 in the second innings. Taskin Ahmed got his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests, finishing up with 6 for 64. This came on the back of Bangladesh’s surprise declaration on the fourth morning, despite being 181 runs behind West Indies’ first-innings total of 450 for 9.Bangladesh’s batters, however, couldn’t repay their bowlers. Both their openers got out similarly to how they were dismissed in the first innings. Zakir Hasan inside-edged Roach on to his stumps, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy edged Seales to third slip. Roach then set Shahadat Hossain up in the 11th over, getting the ball to seam away several times before bowling a booming inswinger. The ball kissed Shahadat’s gloves as he tried to get out of the way, before Joshua Da Silva took the inside edge.Shamar Joseph then saw two dropped catches in his first over, both of Mominul Haque. Da Silva dropped a chance down the leg side, before Mikyle Louis couldn’t hold on to a straightforward one at gully. Mominul, however, couldn’t last long, as Roach took a superb caught and bowled from his drive in the next over.Taskin Ahmed took a career-best 6 for 64•CWIBut Shamar’s bad luck continued at the other end. Alick Athanaze dropped Mehidy Hasan Miraz at second slip, with the Bangladesh captain on 14. Litton Das cut one uppishly, only for Seales to get a hand on it at backward point. Shamar’s exasperation at having four catches dropped off his bowling, however, didn’t last too long. He had Litton caught at fine leg for 22 to reduce Bangladesh to 59 for 5 in the 18th over.Mehidy was the only one fighting for Bangladesh, riding out the short-ball barrage, and keeping the scoreboard moving. He made 45 off 46 balls with five fours and a six, before Seales got him caught behind, as Da Silva took a fine catch. Seales then clean bowled Taijul Islam as well.West Indies’ morning had started with good fortune despite the declaration surprise. Shahadat, at first slip, dropped captain Kraigg Brathwaite on 9. Next ball, Taskin slammed an inswinger into Louis’ front pad, but umpire Kumar Dharmasena said not out. Replays showed that the batter was plumb in front, but Bangladesh hadn’t taken the review.Taskin, however, removed Louis in his next over when the opener was caught behind for 8. Taskin then had Keacy Carty caught at third slip, a further reward of his excellent line and length in his first spell. Brathwaite then guided Shoriful Islam to second slip in the following over, as the visitors’ decision to declare got an early vindication.Kavem Hodge and Alick Athanaze nearly got West Indies out of trouble. The pair struck eight fours either side of the lunch break, but just when they added 50 for the fourth wicket, Bangladesh struck three times in as many overs. Taskin’s beautiful delivery that nipped slightly away had Hodge caught behind for 15. It was also Litton Das’ 100th catch in Tests.File photo: Jayden Seales also finished the day with three wickets•AFP/Getty ImagesMehidy then removed Athanaze in the following over. He made 42 off 63 balls, with seven fours, but the young left-hander played a superfluous shot, struck on the back foot while trying to cut a ball that was spinning into him. Then Taskin clipped Justin Greaves’ off stump with another fantastic delivery, as the first-innings centurion made just 2 in the second.Alzarri Joseph immediately counterattacked against Taskin, and this time there were no verbal exchanges between the two. Da Silva followed suit by getting two fours off Taskin’s next over. He struck Taijul for a straight six, but then the left-arm spinner got one to get big on Da Silva, who gave a catch to point.Alzarri then holed out to short fine leg after top edging Mehidy. He had earlier survived a similar top edge, but Mominul had dropped a relatively difficult chance. Mominul had earlier also dropped Carty at short cover.It was, however, all forgotten when Taskin yorked Shamar to complete his first five-for. He finished up the West Indies innings when Mehidy took a brilliant diving catch at mid-off, after Roach was deceived by a Taskin’s slower ball.But Bangladesh’s batters couldn’t be inspired by their bowlers, as they crumbled on the fourth day.

Manchester United are rallying themselves to try and enjoy an improved Premier League season but have now pulled out of a huge deal for a priority transfer target.

Ruben Amorim speaks ahead of Manchester United vs Arsenal

The English top-flight has returned in all its glory and there won’t be a single eye in the footballing world that isn’t paying attention to Manchester United’s league opener against Arsenal on Sunday.

Ahead of the mouthwatering clash at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim has confirmed that new Red Devil Benjamin Sesko is ready to start despite only having limited time on the training field in the lead-up to the clash.

“I can see Ben being a striker at this club for many years. That is why we paid a lot of money. He didn’t have a lot of time (on the training field), but physically, he is ready. That is a big component in our league. He’s ready to play, and we’ll see if he starts.”

Coming as a major boost, his arrival will form one major part of trying to reshape Manchester United’s fortunes, but who else could be set to join the Amorim revolution?

Reports suggest Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller is on the Red Devils’ shortlist and carries an impressive profile that has also attracted Liverpool to his situation.

INEOS make £320m: AI predicts players Manchester United will sell this summer

It could be a busy summer ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 21, 2025

In the long-term, Harry Kane could also be set for a surprise transfer to Old Trafford amid a £56 million release clause in his Bayern Munich contract that is set to activate next summer.

INEOS clearly plan to push the boat out across their reign and were prepared to shatter Manchester United’s transfer record amid recent developments.

Manchester United pull out of Carlos Baleba move

According to Graeme Bailey speaking to United in Focus this week, Manchester United were set to submit a record bid for Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba. However, despite designs on smashing the £89 million fee paid for Paul Pogba, David Ornstein has now revealed INEOS are “not planning to proceed with Carlos Baleba move this summer”.

There was “direct contact between clubs but Brighton clear – not for sale”, leading the Red Devils to look elsewhere despite the midfielder’s own keeness to move.

Last term, Baleba registered four goals and two assists in 40 appearances across all competitions. His personal ambitions match recent interest from high places amid claims he wants to win the Ballon D’or after Rodri’s success, given the pair feature in similar positions.

Brighton were apparently set to hold out for £115 million, and with time ticking before the window closes, Manchester United appear to have moved on to other targets with the belief a stalling deal would deprive Amorim of midfield reinforcements before the deadline.

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