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Harris stuns with 16-ball fifty as Bears triumph, despite Suzie Bates’ best allround efforts

ECB Reporters Network31-May-2025Bears 193 for 6 (Perrin 87, Harris 55, Bates 2-23) beat Durham 151 (Bates 65, Davis 3-27) by 42 runsLaura Harris introduced herself to Edgbaston with an explosive 16-ball half-century as Warwickshire beat Durham by 42 runs in the women’s Vitality Blast at Edgbaston.Australian new signing Harris smashed 55 from 21 balls to support Davina Perrin’s classy 87 from 61 as the home side piled up 193 for 6.Durham replied with 151 all out in 19 overs, their Blast campaign destined to start with defeat after their reply rapidly declined to 15 for 3. Suzie Bates (65) and Bess Heath (45) assured respectability for their side but Georgia Davis took 3 for 27 to seal Warwickshire’s first win of the tournament following their opening-game tie with The Blaze at Trent Bridge.After choosing to bat, Warwickshire were given an excellent platform by Perrin and Abi Freeborn. Restricted to just a single from the first over from Lauren Filer, they worked the ball around intelligently to add 70 from 57 balls.Freeborn departed after Filer turned in her follow-through and threw down the stumps as the batter sought a single. It was excellent work from the bowler but she soon wished she hadn’t bothered. Nineteen minutes later the new batter had 50.Harris got off the mark with a straight six off Katie Levick, followed that with successive fours and then swung a Filer full toss over the long leg rope to thunder to 25 from eight balls. Her third six, smote straight off Levick, raised her half-century from 16.Even after Harris was slickly stumped by Heath off Bates, there was little respite for Durham as Perrin took three fours and a six off a Mady Villiers over. A deserved century beckoned for Perrin but she spent much of the closing overs at the non-striker’s end before, having hit 12 fours and two sixes, she fell to a stinging return catch by Bates in the final over.Durham’s reply started badly when Katherine Fraser edged the third ball, from Issy Wong, to wicketkeeper Freeborn. Wong struck again with her seventh ball when Hollie Armitage missed an attempted scoop off middle stump and was lbw. It was 15 for 3 after Mady Villiers drove Charis Pavely straight to extra cover.There was no way back from there. Bates and Heath added 80 from 64 balls but the required rate hit 11 runs per over and Warwickshire captain Davis exploited the pressure with two wickets in four balls. Heath and Mia Rogers were bowled and stumped respectively after missing slogs.Bates accelerated boldly but when she missed a scoop and was lbw to Hannah Baker, the tail was left to find 51 from the last three overs. It couldn’t.

Bayern Munich are preparing for the future beyond Harry Kane and have identified Hoffenheim’s in-form striker Fisnik Asllani as a potential long-term back-up. The 23-year-old Kosovo international, who has also attracted serious interest from Barcelona, has impressed with six goals in nine appearances this season, prompting Bayern to enquire about his release clause ahead of the summer.

Bayern to rival Barcelona for Asllani’s signature

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich have officially added Asllani to their shortlist as a possible back-up to Harry Kane from the 2026/27 season onwards. Sporting directors Max Eberl and Christoph Freund are said to be admirers of the young forward’s development and have already gathered information on his supposedly “manageable” release clause. With Asllani expected to leave Hoffenheim after the current campaign, Bayern are positioning themselves among several European clubs monitoring his situation closely.

The Kosovo international has been one of the Bundesliga’s early success stories this season. He has scored six goals and registered two assists in nine appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as Hoffenheim’s most reliable finisher. His goalscoring form and sharp link-up play have made him one of Germany’s most-watched emerging strikers and Bayern’s interest reflects the club’s intent to plan beyond Kane’s peak years.

While Kane remains untouchable as Bayern’s main striker, the Bavarians’ recruitment team is keen to ensure depth in the attacking department. Despite the Bundesliga champions being certain to permanently sign Nicolas Jackson next summer, Asllani is viewed as an ideal profile to provide competition and continuity in the years to come.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBayern planning for life after Kane

Bayern’s interest in Asllani fits a clear strategy of targeting young, Bundesliga-proven talent capable of stepping up to elite levels. Under the joint leadership of Eberl and Freund, the German champions have shifted toward sustainable succession planning, focusing on players who can grow under the system rather than relying solely on big-name signings. Identifying a young and technically gifted forward like Asllani signals a long-term approach, one that mirrors their investment in talents such as Jamal Musiala and Aleksandar Pavlovic.

At just 23, Asllani combines pace, movement, and a sharp eye for goal with strong tactical discipline attributes that align with Bayern’s style under Vincent Kompany’s vision. His impressive performances for Hoffenheim have demonstrated not only his finishing quality but also his ability to press and create chances in transition, a skill set that makes him an appealing complement to Kane. Furthermore, his affordable release clause provides Bayern with a low-risk opportunity to secure a forward with considerable upside.

However, Bayern are not alone in their pursuit. Barcelona have been closely following Asllani’s progress, and the player himself has previously described the Catalan giants as his “dream club.” With the Blaugrana and several other top European sides interested, Bayern will likely face strong competition for his signature, setting up one of next summer’s most intriguing transfer battles.

Asllani helped by loan moves before Hoffenheim senior call-up

Asllani’s rapid rise has been built on years of consistent progression through Germany’s football system. Born in Berlin in 2002, he spent his youth career at BFC Dynamo and Union Berlin, where he displayed elite scoring instincts, netting 23 goals in 23 appearances for Union’s U17s and 15 in 16 for their U19s. His prolific youth record earned him a move to Hoffenheim in 2020, where he initially played for the club’s reserve side, scoring 17 goals in 53 appearances in the Regionalliga Sudwest.

After limited senior opportunities early on, Asllani’s breakthrough came through loan spells designed to accelerate his development. A short stint at Austria Wien in 2023 was followed by a standout season at SV Elversberg in the 2. Bundesliga, where he has now translated his potential into top-flight productivity.

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Getty Images SportBarcelona the ‘dream’ destination for Asllani

Bayern Munich’s decision to track Asllani underscores their commitment to securing long-term stability in the No.9 position. While Kane remains central to the team’s ambitions, the club recognises the importance of preparing a capable successor or partner capable of easing the transition in future seasons.

Barcelona’s involvement could complicate matters, given Asllani’s admiration for the Spanish club and their ongoing search for a young striker to potentially take over from Robert Lewandowski, who has been linked with an exit when his contract expires in the summer. The Catalans’ financial constraints, however, might give Bayern an advantage if they act decisively and match Hoffenheim’s release clause conditions. Asllani’s preference for a Champions League-level project aligns with both clubs’ profiles, leaving the decision likely to hinge on sporting guarantees and playing time.

Sunderland, after returning to the Premier League in 2025 for the first time in eight years, splashed the cash in the transfer market.

The Black Cats spent more than £150m on new players, however, they also cashed in on a couple of Stadium of Light stars.

Sunderland's most expensive signings of all time

Who is the Black Cats’ record addition?

ByCharlie Smith Sep 5, 2025

Here’s a look at Sunderland’s 20 biggest sales of all time, with a detailed view of the top 10.

1

Jobe Bellingham

£27.8m

Borussia Dortmund

2025

2

Jordan Pickford

£25m

Everton

2017

3

Jordan Henderson

£20m

Liverpool

2011

4

Darren Bent

£18m

Aston Villa

2011

5

Jack Clarke

£15m

Ipswich

2024

6

Patrick van Aanholt

£12m

Crystal Palace

2017

7

Simon Mignolet

£11m

Liverpool

2013

8

Tom Watson

£10m

Brighton

2025

9

Connor Wickham

£9m

Crystal Palace

2015

=10

Kenwyne Jones

£8m

Stoke

2010

=10

Ross Stewart

£8m

Southampton

2023

=12

Wahbi Khazri

£6m

Saint-Etienne

2018

=12

Asamoah Gyan

£6m

Al-Ain

2012

14

Stephane Sessegnon

£5.5m

West Brom

2013

15

Fabio Borini

£5.3m

AC Milan

2017

=16

Pierre Ekwah

£5m

Saint-Etienne

2024

=16

Paddy McNair

£5m

Middlesbrough

2018

=16

Don Hutchison

£5m

West Ham

2001

=16

Michael Bridges

£5m

Leeds

1999

20

Sebastian Coates

£4.25m

Sporting CP

2017

10 Kenwyne Jones £8m to Stoke, 2010

Starting the top 10 list is Kenwyne Jones, who moved to the Stadium of Light in 2007 from Southampton.

The powerful forward made just over 100 appearances for the Black Cats, scoring 28 times, and he appeared to love playing in red and white stripes, as the Trinidad and Tobago striker would go on to join Stoke City.

9 Connor Wickham £9m to Crystal Palace, 2015

Connor Wickham made more appearances for Sunderland than any of the other 10 clubs he represented during his career, with the forward spending four years in the north east.

Signed for around £8m, Wickham was sold to Crystal Palace in 2015 but would struggle with numerous injuries on the books at Selhurst Park.

8 Tom Watson £10m to Brighton, 2025

Sunderland’s playoff hero at Wembley against Sheffield United was Tom Watson, who’s last kick as a Black Cats player was a stoppage time winner to send the club up.

A deal with Brighton was already done which saw Watson head south for £10m.

7 Simon Mignolet £11m to Liverpool, 2013

Simon Mignolet’s first taste of English football came with Sunderland, with the goalkeeper costing just £2m back in 2010 from Club Brugge.

Steve Bruce was in charge at the time, and Mignolet would go on to make over 100 appearances before being sold for a tidy profit to Liverpool.

6 Patrick van Aanholt £12m to Crystal Palace, 2017

Two years after sealing a deal for Wickham, Crystal Palace called Sunderland again, this time to sign left-back Patrick van Aanholt.

After coming through at Chelsea, Sunderland was Van Aanholt’s next permanent home, costing under £2m. Three years later, the Black Cats made £10m on the speedy Dutch full-back.

5 Jack Clarke £15m to Ipswich, 2024

Jack Clarke got his career back on track at Sunderland following a failed move to Tottenham from Leeds.

The winger initially helped the Black Cats win promotion from League One and would spend two full seasons at the Stadium of Light before Ipswich Town offered him Premier League football in a deal worth £15m.

4 Darren Bent £18m to Aston Villa, 2011

Scorer of that beachball goal against Liverpool in 2009 at the Stadium of Light, Darren Bent netted 24 Premier League goals in his first season as a Sunderland player.

Costing an initial £10m from Spurs, Sunderland would only have Bent for 18 months, and after handing in a transfer request, was sold to Aston Villa for £18m.

3 Jordan Henderson £20m to Liverpool, 2011

Boyhood Sunderland fan Jordan Henderson came through the club’s academy and would go on to captain the Black Cats, making 79 appearances prior to his move to Liverpool.

The Reds paid £20m for the midfielder, who would go on to captain at Anfield, lifting the Premier League and Champions League.

2 Jordan Pickford £25m to Everton, 2017

Another Black Cats supporter who came through Sunderland’s academy to earn the club big money was goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

England’s number one only made 35 first team appearances at the Stadium of Light and was loaned out to six different sides as a youngster before Everton came in and offered £25m.

1 Jobe Bellingham £27.8m to Borussia Dortmund, 2025

Top of the list as Sunderland’s record sale is Jobe Bellingham, who followed in the footsteps of his brother Jude by joining Borussia Dortmund.

Bellingham made 90 appearances for the Black Cats, the last of which was the playoff final, and he scored 11 goals, leaving for just under £28m at the age of 19.

Opening stand with Smith puts contest beyond doubt despite Armitage anchoring visitors’ innings

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay08-Jun-2025Surrey 143 for 1 (Wyatt-Hodge 74*, Smith 44) beat Durham 141 for 5 (Armitage 50) by nine wickets Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s blistering 26-ball half-century set Surrey on their way to a thumping nine-wicket win over Durham at the Oval.The England opener struck two sixes and 11 fours in her unbeaten 74 (36), sharing a stand of 94 for the first wicket with skipper Bryony Smith (44 from 28) as the hosts chased down a target of 142 with 43 balls to spare to return to the top of the table.The onslaught came after Durham fought back from 29 for 3 to total 141 for 5, Hollie Armitage anchoring the effort with 50 (49) while Bess Heath (27 from 18) and Mia Rogers (25 from 20) played eye-catching cameos.There were two wickets apiece for Ryana MacDonald-Gay (2 for 16) and Tash Farrant (2 for 25).Durham were soon in trouble, MacDonald-Gay uprooting Suzie Bates’ middle stump after the New Zealand international gave her the charge.MacDonald-Gay was at it again in her next over, spreadeagling Mady Villiers’s stumps and when Emma Marlow chipped one from Tash Farrant into the hands of Paige Scholfield, the visitors were 29 for 3.Durham fought back with Armitage playing the anchor role and Heath and Rogers providing the impetus. Heath twice drove powerfully over cover and then mid-off for four in racing to 27 before Smith clung on to a good catch at mid-off to cut her charge short.Rogers should have been stumped on 12 off the bowling of Dani Gregory, but celebrated the reprieve with some good straight hitting until she too didn’t get enough onto another drive, Scholfield again showing safe hands on the boundary.Armitage ran hard throughout and finally found the fence twice late on while Katherine Fraser hit the last ball of the innings for six to set the target.Smith was quick to take up the challenge clubbing Grace Thompson to the fence four times in her opening over and when spinner Katie Levick came on for the third over she was driven and pulled with equal disdain by the Surrey skipper.Wyatt-Hodge caught the mood, cutting and driving Trudy Johnson to the fence to raise the 50-partnership in 22 balls.Things got worse for Durham when Phoebe Turner dropped Smith a mid-off on 34, but brilliant fielding on the fence at backward square saved a six from the next ball, the England all-rounder parrying the ball back into play and keeping the hosts down to one.Wyatt Hodge produced the first six, hammering Levick over the mid-wicket rope, but with the hundred partnership in sight Smith pulled one from Turner into the hands of Villiers to end the stand at 94.Wyatt-Hodge though continued to brutalize the Durham bowling adding a second straight six to her boundary count as Surrey galloped home.

Sunday's Major League Baseball action gets kicked off at 10:10 a.m. EST between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, and it concludes with two of the best teams in baseball — the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers — facing off on Sunday night.

With every team in the league in action, bettors can wager on 15 different games on Sunday.

Here's a moneyline pick for each of the, along with a short breakdown of each game:

New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Prediction and Pick

We've got a pair of pitchers with over 5.00 ERAs squaring off in this game, although Jose Quintana has led the Mets to a win over the Phillies once this season.

Philly is top five in MLB in OPS this season, and it comes into this game on a four-game winning streak. I'll ride with the hot team at home as a slight favorite.

San Francisco Giants vs. Texas Rangers Prediction and Pick

The defending World Series champs should have an advantage on Sunday with Nathan Eovaldi (2.70 ERA) on the mound against Keaton Winn (3-6, 6.17 ERA).

The Giants are just 3-6 straight up in Winn's starts, and Eovaldi has been decent since returning from the IL, allowing just three runs across 8.2 innings of work. I lean with him to get the win on Sunday.

Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Prediction and Pick

The Atlanta Braves are starting 2023 first-round pick Hurston Waldrep on Sunday — his MLB debut — against Washington's DJ Herz, who allowed four runs in four innings in his debut against the New York Mets.

Atlanta's offense, even without Ronald Acuna Jr., is better than this Washington group, and the Braves outrank the Nats in bullpen ERA. With both 'pens likely getting heavy usage in this one, I'll lay the juice with the Braves.

Minnesota Twins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction and Pick

Pirates starter Jared Jones has just one start all season where he's allowed over three earned runs, and he should have the edge against Minnesota's Bailey Ober (4.94 ERA).

Both of these teams are 5-7 in these starters respective outings, but Jones has beenb lights out at home, posting a 1.95 ERA in six starts. Trust him in this afternoon matchup.

Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays Prediction and Pick

Zack Littell led the Rays to a win over the Orioles in his last start, but it wasn't pretty. He gave up 11 hits across six innings (only three runs), pushing his WHIP up to 1.28 on the season.

He takes on Grayson Rodriguez (6-2, 3.28 ERA), who has led the O's to a 7-3 record in his 10 starts. Given the Rays struggles at home (17-20 straight up), I don't mind the Orioles (20-10 on the road) as slight favorites in this game.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Miami Marlins Prediction and Pick

There isn't much to love betwene Miami's Trevor Rogers (5.68 ERA) and Cleveland's Carlos Carrasco (5.66 ERA), but there is one stat that stands out to me.

Miami is just in Rogers' outings this season. I can't back this struggling Marlins team to get the win today.

Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction and Pick

Cubs rookie Shota Imanaga appears to be coming back to earth, allowing 12 runs (eight earned) over his last two starts to shoot his ERA up to 1.88 on the season.

Meanwhile, Reds starter Frankie Montas is coming off his best outing of the season — seven innings of one-hit ball against the Colorado Rockies.

The Reds actually outrank the Cubs in OPS this season, so don't be shocked if they still one at home today.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Detroit Tigers Prediction and Pick

AL Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal has been money for the Tigers all season, posting a 1.97 ERA and leading the team to a 9-3 record across 12 starts.

He takes on Milwaukee's Bryse Wilson, who has pitched decently in 2024 but could be due for some regression due to his 4.77 expected ERA. I'll take Detroit here.

Seattle Mariners vs. Kansas City Royals Prediction and Pick

Kansas City Royals starter Cole Ragans has just two starts this season where he's allowed more than three earned runs, and I give him the slight edge over Mariners youngster George Kirby.

Seattle ranks just 24th in MLB in OPS, so I'm worried about it scoring enough against a Royals team that has thrived at home, going 24-10 straight up.

Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox Prediction and Pick

I can't bet on the awful Chicago White Sox, especially with Chris Flexen (5.19 ERA) on the moound. Chicago is just 2-11 straight up in his 13 starts this season.

Colorado Rockies vs. St. Louis Cardinals Prediction and Pick

I don't love either starter in this matchup, as Andre Pallante was rocked for St. Louis in his last outing, pushing his ERA over 6.00 on the season, and Ty Blach has been subpar (4.54 ERA) for Colorado.

These teams are both in last place with ugly run differentials, so why not take a shot on a road dog in this matchup?

Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Prediction and Pick

Justin Verlander hasn't been his best in 2024, but Houston is starting to play better, going 6-4 in its last 10 games to move just half a game back of second in the AL West.

The Angels (last in the AL West) are sending Patrick Sandoval (5.00 ERA) to the mound, and he may struggle against a Houston offense that ranks 10th in MLB in OPS against lefties.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Oakland A's Prediction and Pick

Oakland has been decent at home (15-19 straight up) this season, and it may have the pitching advantage with Mitch Spence (3.86 ERA) taking on Bowden Francis (9.00 ERA) in a battle of young arms.

The Jays also rank 29th in MLB in bullpen ERA, so I don't have much faith in the arms after Francis being trustworthy enough to back the Jays as favorites.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres Prediction and Pick

The D-Backs are going with an opener in this game, which makes them an automatic fade in my eyes. Arizona will have to use a lot of its bullpen, which ranks 25th in MLB in ERA this season.

That puts the Padres and Adam Mazur (1.50 ERA), who is making his second career start, in a good spot to grab a win at home.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Yankees Prediction and Pick

Los Angeles' Tyler Glasnow and New York's Luis Gil have been two of the best pitchers in baseball this season, but I think the Dodgers pull off the series sweep of the Yanks on Sunday.

New York's offense has sputtered without Juan Soto, and the Dodgers hung 11 runs on New York on Saturday. If we're trusting an offense to get to a bullpen, I think the Dodgers have the slight edge right now.

Liverpool star Mo Salah risks causing huge anger in his native Egypt as he prepares for showdown talks with national boss Hossam Hassan to discuss missing a key warm-up match ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. The Pharaohs have a friendly with Nigeria planned in early December, but lands in the same week as key matches for the Reds setting up a potential club-v-country row, which Salah hopes to avoid.

Liverpool braced for Salah exit

Hassan would be expected to call-up Salah for the training camp and friendly match which has been scheduled for December 12th. But Liverpool face vital Champions League and Premier League fixtures against Inter Milan and Brighton that same week. The Liverpool talisman has endured a tricky season for the champions and is understood to prefer staying with his club for these competitive matches, according to a report in the . This follows a previous disagreement two years ago when Liverpool successfully requested Salah's delayed release, angering some fans in Egypt. The upcoming talks aim to find a resolution that satisfies both parties and prevents a repeat of past tensions. 

AdvertisementAFPFixture congestion for Liverpool during AFCON

Salah's upcoming meeting carries significant weight, as the two parties look to finalise the player's release date for the tournament in Morocco which runs from December 21st to January 18th. The talks follow the Egyptian King’s controversial early departure from the last tournament due to injury, which caused frustration among Egyptian fans. The forward, who is just six goals shy of Hassan's own national team scoring record, could miss crucial games for Liverpool. If Egypt, one of the tournament favourites, reach the final on January 18, Salah could be unavailable for up to ten matches, including Tottenham (a), Wolves (h), Leeds (h), Fulham (a), Arsenal (a) and Burnley (h) plus a Champions League game at Marseille and an FA Cup third round tie. These negotiations aim to prevent a repeat of past tensions and find a resolution that works for both the club and country.

High praise from Reds boss

Salah has struggled at times this season, seemingly struggling in a new playing system and a number of key new players in attacking positions at Anfield. But boss Slot was clear in explaining why Salah remains so important to his team after reaching the incredible milestone of 250 goals for the Merseysiders.

Slot said: "It is huge. It's almost unbelievable he has scored 250 goals at one club. Scoring 250 goals is already unbelievable, let alone at one club. You don’t see it that much in football anymore. Apart from the goal he scored tonight he had a very good performance. When we had to play long we played mainly long towards him and he could hold the ball and because of that the rest of the team could come to him and we could keep playing. 

Slot added: "What I also liked is that he didn’t only do his offensive work really well, but he helped the team out defensively as well. After the 1-0 he was helping Virgil (van Dijk) around the halfway line and this combination of things led to me liking his performance tonight. It’s special for him to score 250 but for him to score is not special as we always know he will score."

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Getty Images SportMan City boss relaxed about AFCON

City boss Pep Guardiola isn't worried about losing Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri for an extended period of time. Marmoush only returned to the starting XI following injury in the recent 3-1 win over Swansea, a game the 26-year-old scored in. Asked about the scheduling of the tournament, Guardiola said: "This competition (is) for their countries so they have to go. Always I try to solve the problem when the problem is in front of me. Right now I don’t think (about it). I have to use them for Sunday and next Wednesday and next Sunday before the international break. When it is going to happen they cannot be here and we will see the situation and take the decisions."

Just when Manchester City were starting to build some momentum, it all came crashing down.

On Sunday afternoon, debuting their raindrop kit, well there was an air of pathetic fallacy, with Aston Villa finding a leak in Pep Guardiola’s defence early on, enough to secure a 1-0 win, this the Citizens’ third successive defeat at Villa Park, something that last happened in 1966.

Before this, the Sky Blues had been unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions, collecting 13 points out of a possible 15 in the Premier League, leading to many suggesting they were bona fide title challengers again.

Now though, they’ve slipped down to fifth, six points adrift leaders Arsenal, facing second-placed Bournemouth next Sunday, before Liverpool visit the Etihad a week later.

With these huge games on the horizon, which player, who contributed very little at Villa Park, should be cast aside by Guardiola?

Erling Haaland's scoring streak comes to an end

Already this season, Erling Braut Håland has scored 11 goals in the Premier League and four in the Champions League, thereby responsible for more than 65% of all goals Manchester City have managed across the two competitions.

Prior to Sunday’s visit to Villa Park, the goalbot had scored in 12 consecutive appearances for club and country, netting 22 times across these outings, including finding the target in six successive Premier League games.

Of course, that record is 11, set a decade ago by Jamie Vardy, with some suggesting that could soon be under threat, but Håland’s streak is over.

Nevertheless, at his current scoring rate, he is still currently on course to score 46 goals in the Premier League this season, which would smash his own record of 36 set in 2022/23, while he is four away from becoming the 35th member of the competition’s 100 club.

So, while Håland remains simply undroppable and usually unstoppable for Guardiola, one of his teammates underlined why he certainly no longer is in the Midlands on Sunday.

The Manchester City stalwart who struggled at Villa Park

A fair few Manchester City players came in for some scathing criticism following this weekend’s defeat.

Tijjani Reijnders struggled to imitate Rodri as the lone number six, while Savinho, following his sparkling display in mid-week, was labelled ‘largely poor’.

However, it was Bernardo Silva who underwhelmed the most.

The Portuguese international has made more appearances for Guardiola than any other player during his illustrious coaching career (419), but Sunday was certainly not one of his best, as the table below documents.

Shots

0

17th

Attempted dribbles

0

18th

Accurate passes

15

20th

Big chances created

1

1st

Key passes

1

2nd

Interceptions

1

11th

Tackles

0

17th

Duels contested

3

25th

Duels won

1

24th

Touches

24

23rd

The table does not make good reading for Silva, attempting zero dribbles and tackles, winning only one of the three duels he contested, while registering only 24 touches, a mere five more than Gianluigi Donnarumma and three fewer than Jadon Sancho, who came off the bench for the Villans.

In fairness to the captain, he did create one of Manchester City’s two clear opportunities on the day, playing Håland in-behind shortly after Aston Villa’s opener, but he uncharacteristically tamely rolled it straight at Emi Martínez.

Silva was awarded a 4/10 rating by Goal, who stated that ‘his influence waned’ following ‘a bright start’, with the 31-year-old ‘unable to impose himself on proceedings’, thereby swiftly substituted on the hour mark with the team in need of a spark.

The midfielder himself admitted that the Citizens “were really bad defensively,” adding “our pressing was really bad…. it felt like we arrived late… to every duel”.

On the flip side, as recently as Tuesday night, Silva had reiterated his worth to this team by heading home the second against Villarreal in a 2-0 Champions League victory at Estadio de la Cerámica.

Now though, with serious competition for those attacking midfield positions, every performance is under the microscope.

Jérémy Doku as well as fit again duo Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki came off the bench on Sunday, with Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb and Savinho having all started; that’s quite the array of options.

Chalkboard

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

It will be interesting to see who Guardiola deploys for Wednesday night’s EFL Cup trip to Swansea but, with games against Bournemouth, Borussia Dortmund and then Liverpool to come thereafter, Silva’s display in Birmingham could mean he is watching those key clashes from the substitutes bench.

Worse than Reijnders: Pep must drop Man City star who lost possession 18x

Manchester City fell to their first Premier League defeat since August away at Aston Villa.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 27, 2025

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s run-out in the 17th over and the two-wicket 18th over, Taskin said, turned the match in Sri Lanka’s favour

Andrew Fidel Fernando03-Jul-2025″I was expecting we would win with five to seven overs in hand,”Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed said after the first ODI. He was right to think that that was the strongest possibility, as Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto took them to 96 for 1 at the end of 16 overs in a chase of 245.But frequently, expectations are not reality. And collapses happen. Bangladesh lost seven wickets in the time it took them to score five runs.What sparked the collapse was a good piece of fielding by debutant Milan Rathnayake, which helped run Shanto out for 23. Not long after, Wanindu Hasaranga had Litton Das and Tanzid in the same over.Related

Tanzid Hasan wants Bangladesh batters to 'bat long and deep'

Bangladesh aim to put collapse behind them and challenge Sri Lanka

Bangladesh sink after 7 for 5 collapse

Khettarama bites back as Bangladesh unravel in magnificent fashion

“Those two wickets in one over was the turning point for them,” Taskin said. “Definitely, we batted badly in the middle phase, but we had a great start with 100 runs in 16 overs. Then 100 for 2 and 107 [105] for 8 – that was very costly.Perhaps Bangladesh’s best batter of the evening was Jaker Ali, who hit 51 off 64 balls.”When Jaker got set, he was batting very well,” Taskin said. “He scored a fifty. With him, if we had two or three batters left, then we could have won the match. Yes, it’s accepted that we didn’t bat well, but seeing two or three guys bat on this wicket, it doesn’t feel like the wicket was that bad. That was our failure.”Taskin said that perhaps “panic” had been the reason for the loss.”Yeah, after that great start, we were a bit relaxed that everything was going our way, and suddenly, that run-out and one of our set batters, Tamim [Tanzid], got out,” he said. “Then we panicked a bit. We didn’t play our natural game, and under pressure, we collapsed. That’s how we lost this match.”

He is set to return to action in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament and the upcoming Ranji Trophy after rehab at the NCA

Deivarayan Muthu19-Aug-2025After missing the entire 2024-25 domestic season and IPL 2025 with multiple bouts with injury and illness, tearaway Umran Malik is set to return to action in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament and the upcoming Ranji Trophy.Malik, 25, isn’t participating in the opening round of the Buchi Babu tournament, which got underway on August 18 in Chennai. However, he will be in action in the second round for Jammu & Kashmir against Baroda from August 22. Malik last played top-flight cricket in IPL 2024, but after recovering from hamstring and hip injuries, he feels his body is now ready to withstand the rigours of domestic cricket.”I’m feeling good. I haven’t played cricket for a long time,” Malik said on the sidelines of the Buchi Babu tournament. “I was injured for seven-eight months. It was a struggling phase. It feels really good to be back. I have played a lot of red-ball and T20 matches in Kashmir. It was our registration camp. We have come to Chennai for the Buchi Babu [tournament]. It is good to play as many matches as I can. It is good for my body’s workload.  I’ve come back and will do well in the season. That’s my aim.”During his rehab, Malik spent around six months at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, working with their team, whom he credits for his return to fitness.Malik says he’s working on ‘three-four new variations’•AFP/Getty Images”Nishanta [Bordoloi, strength and conditioning coach] was helping me. Thulasi [Ram Yuvaraj, physio] sir and Suresh [Rathore, physio] sir and [VVS] Laxman [CoE chief] sir – he gave me everything [I needed]. Thanks to the BCCI.”Injury is a part of life for a sportsman. It is bound to happen. At that time, I kept myself strong. I kept my mindset right. Everything is fine now.”Malik first turned heads in IPL 2022, when he hit 156.9kph and went on to take 22 wickets in 14 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He was fast-tracked into India’s white-ball sides in the same year, but injuries have ravaged his career since those initial appearances. Malik sees the upcoming domestic season as a way back to the India side.”Yeah, I’ll be bowling in full rhythm now,” Malik said. “I’m a sportsman and I don’t pay attention to social media. Actually, I want to play cricket. I just want to protect my body from injuries, and I want to play cricket well. I want to play for India and that’s my aim. I will play the matches after this Buchi Babu, and I think the Ranji Trophy. Hopefully, I can take wickets and make a comeback.”Malik has been working closely with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar•Associated PressMalik has tuned up for the domestic season by bowling in J&K’s training camps and also trained with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who returned to KKR’s backroom during IPL 2025, in Chennai.After he was ruled out of IPL 2025, Malik remained with the KKR set-up while continuing his rehab.”J&K Cricket Association has been supporting me. They are setting up some good camps,” Malik said. “I keep talking to Mithun Manhas [JKCA’s cricket and operations head]. I do simple things, and just like I used to bowl earlier, I do the same.”I’m developing three-four new variations. I’m also working with Abhishek [Nayar], P Krishna Kumar [J&K bowling coach] and Ajay Sharma, he is our head coach. I had a camp with Abhishek two weeks back here in Chennai and it felt good to work with him.”

James Rodríguez’s time in Mexico has come to an end. After months of speculation, the Colombian star will not continue with Club León, becoming a free agent once his contract expires in December. Despite rumored interest from top Liga MX clubs, multiple reports suggest that the 34-year-old midfielder is preparing to take his talents to MLS.

Getty Images SportJames Rodríguez will reportedly leave León

James Rodríguez’s short but eventful spell in Liga MX appears to be over. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Colombian international will part ways with Club León after the Apertura 2025 season, officially becoming a free agent at the end of the year.

The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder joined in January 2025, hoping to help the team make a deep run domestically and feature in the Club World Cup. However, León endured a disappointing campaign, finishing 17th in the Apertura standings – a result that effectively sealed James’ exit.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportJames by the numbersIn 34 appearances across all competitions, the 34-year-old recorded nine goals and five assists, showing flashes of brilliance but struggling to lift a team that never found consistency.Getty Images SportMLS move appears most likely

While clubs like Tigres and Monterrey have reportedly shown interest, along with América, Toluca, and Cruz Azul, sources indicate that James is leaning toward a move to MLS. According to , he could join an Eastern Conference team once his contract with León officially expires on Dec. 31.

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Getty Images SportOn the move againThis marks the third time in James’ career that he leaves a club as a free agent, after previous exits from Olympiacos and São Paulo. For the Colombian, the United States may now represent not just a new challenge – but possibly the final chapter of a glittering, globe-trotting career.