Fire fight back late with the ball but pay price for timid powerplay and costly early no-ball

ECB Media24-Aug-2025

Joe Root celebrates the moment of victory with Trent Rockets•Getty Images

Joe Root delivered a batting masterclass at Sophia Gardens, hitting his second successive half-century as Trent Rockets snuck past Welsh Fire with a ball to spare to confirm their qualification for the knockout phase.In a frenetic match, David Payne thought he had dismissed Root for a duck, only for the umpire to signal a no-ball after replays showed the bowler had over-stepped. The England run-machine promptly hit the subsequent free-hit for six over long-on and eventually finished unbeaten on 64 from 41 to secure a three-wicket win, keeping his composure in a chaotic finale.Set 151 for victory, the Rockets appeared to be cruising after a 66-run opening stand between Root and Tom Banton (32 from 20) but when Rehan Ahmed fell to Saif Zaib and Max Holden holed out to deep cover off Chris Green, the nerves began to show.Tom Moores went for a big shot and was caught at mid-on to give Green his second and then three wickets fell in the space of seven deliveries as the Fire set alarm bells ringing.The Rockets were left needing 14 from the final set, bowled by Green, but Root, entirely unruffled, belted the spinner’s first delivery for six and then found a boundary through mid-wicket from the second. A single brought Sam Hain on strike, and he crunched the ball through the covers to seize a thrilling victory.The Fire have had a tough season, winning just two of their seven matches, but they had given themselves a fighting chance after Steve Eskinazi’s first half-century of the campaign headlined a competitive total of 150-6.Runs were hard to come by early on as the Rockets seamers bowled tightly, conceding just 47 from the first 45 deliveries. Steve Smith gloved behind for 8 off Sam Cook (2 for 17), who then dismissed Jonny Bairstow, caught at backward-square by Lockie Ferguson for an uncharacteristically scratchy 13-ball 8.Eskinazi (53 from 42) and skipper Tom Abell (48 from 29) picked up the pace in the second half of the innings before falling to consecutive deliveries in the penultimate set – the former run out after a mix up and the latter caught behind off David Willey – and a breezy four-ball 11 from Green took the hosts to 150, but it wasn’t enough to lift them from the bottom of the table.The Rockets, meanwhile, have secured a top-three finish with a game to spare as they aim to repeat their title triumph of 2022. Victory in their home fixture against Birmingham Phoenix on Wednesday could yet see them top the table and progress straight to the Lord’s final if other results go their way.”Way too tense for my liking,” said Joe Root, the Meerkat Match Hero. “They pulled it back, this format is difficult to gauge. The majority of the game, the wicket played fine.”Green’s over, I thought I’ve got to hit a six here. We needed a boundary in the first two balls, I had a good idea of what he was trying to do to protect that long side, and I put a couple away. “

Have we been given a glimpse into the real Liverpool? The win over Real Madrid in the Champions League this week certainly felt like a throwback to last season.

Arne Slot reverted to type. The midfield was comprised of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, that triumvirate whose connection and coherence proved so crucial to last year’s triumphant Premier League campaign.

Things have changed on the red half of Merseyside this season. Sweeping summer changes have reshaped the framework, and a by-product of this has been tactical imbalances and a lack of the fluency and sharpness that propelled the Reds into the ascendancy last year.

One of the issues predates this early-season slump by a long stretch. Six defeats from seven matches in all competitions before the recent upswing is inexcusable, and each corner of the system has been culpable, but there’s undoubtedly been something missing on the left flank, with Luis Diaz now playing elsewhere.

Liverpool miss the Colombian, but not as much as Sadio Mane before him.

Why Liverpool are still missing Sadio Mane

Liverpool are not so much missing Mane directly as his profile. Last season, Diaz scored 17 goals and supplied eight goals as he flitted between the left flank and a central striking berth. The Colombian was sold to Bayern Munich in August, like Mane before him, and now his presence is missed.

Diaz did a strong job in replacing Mane, but the Senegalese sensation will go down in history as one of the most dangerous wingers to have graced the Premier League, with his former international coach Aliou Cisse even describing him as “one of the best” in the world back in 2018.

Devastatingly dynamic and with an unending appetite for goals, Mane thrived across his years under Klopp’s wing, joining from Southampton for £34m in 2016 and forging one of Europe’s most iconic strike forces, alongside Bobby Firmino and Mohamed Salah.

Now, Liverpool have neither player in their mix. Cody Gakpo has most regularly played on the left wing for Liverpool this year, and while the Dutchman is a talented and multi-faceted player, he is not on the same level as Mane in his prime, and neither does he operate with the same electric movement as Diaz.

However, Slot may actually have found his own version of Mane in another Liverpool star, a player who is showing signs of real quality in a red shirt.

Liverpool's new version of Sadio Mane

Liverpool underwent a series of changes in the summer transfer market, and though the Alexander Isak saga dominated the final weeks of the window, much was made of Liverpool’s record-breaking £116m move for Florian Wirtz.

Hailed as a “statistical unicorn” and a “final third freak” by analyst Sam McGuire before first donning the famous Liverpool jersey, Wirtz has not yet proved this is true on English soil, but he’s a work in progress, adapting to a new land, and we have started to see the first shoots of success in recent games.

Real Madrid marked the finest display of his Anfield career so far, and what a game to announce yourself in. Handed an 8/10 match rating by the Liverpool Echo, Wirtz was praised for his tireless work ethic and creativity. In the first half, the German created five chances for the hosts, as many as the entire Los Blancos team.

But, whereas Mane impressed across his start to life at Liverpool, posting 13 goals and seven assists across 29 matches in 2016/17, Wirtz is still yet to break his duck after 15 fixtures.

But this man’s underlying quality is indisputable. He is a world-class talent. And, as per FBref, he ranks among the top 5% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for progressive passes and shot-creating actions, as well as the top 11% for chances created per 90.

Understandably, many think the 22-year-old should have offered more so far. In some ways, they are right. But Liverpool have been a curious case this season, and the frosty tactical conditions have made it difficult for such a player to dovetail in and fire on all cylinders from the get-go.

Attacking midfield

174

51 (58)

Right winger

12

4 (5)

Centre-forward

11

4 (4)

Left winger

11

2 (3)

Central midfield

5

0 (3)

He might not be the same sort of clinical and direct player as Mane, but Wirtz proved on the left flank against Real Madrid that he can play a leading role in a Liverpool team questing for all the biggest prizes.

With Szoboszlai in such jaw-dropping form and Liverpool looking altogether more polished and effective with last season’s blueprint implemented in the engine room, there’s a case to be made that Wirtz could play in Mane’s old role with regularity.

He surely has the robustness and wide-ranging arsenal to fulfil his duties in that area with confidence and clarity. This is one of the most talented footballers in the world, after all.

Now, we must wait for the £195k-per-week talent to find the consistency in his performances that will lead to a country-wide recognition of his quality in a similar fashion to Mane before him. This will take time, of course, but with the Reds starting to look like a well-oiled unit once again now that issues have been ironed out, Wirtz could go from strength to strength.

Sometimes, patience is needed from football fans. Wirtz will come good. So good, in fact, that he might leave a legacy at Anfield that is on a level with Mane, that superstar winger who achieved so much in red.

Slot has just found the new Gini Wijnaldum in "special" Liverpool star

Liverpool produced a show-stopping performance to send Real Madrid packing in the Champions League.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 7, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Responsável direto pela campanha que resultou no vice-campeonato do Grêmio no Brasileirão, Renato Gaúcho permanece com futuro incerto à frente do Imortal. A atual diretoria trata como prioridade a renovação do vínculo do treinador, mas a questão financeira aparece como principal impasse para o acerto final entre as partes.

Com contrato até o final de dezembro, Portaluppi reivindica um substancioso aumento após o bom desempenho da equipe em 2023. De férias no Rio de Janeiro, ele delegou as negociações para o seu empresário, que mantém contato com a cúpula gremista.

Atualmente, o treinador recebe um salário superior a R$ 1 milhão, e para ampliar sua passagem no sul do país, pede um ajuste de 50% em seus rendimentos mensais.

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

O presidente do Grêmio, Alberto Guerra, ofereceu um aumento de R$ 100 mil a Renato, abaixo da pedida do comandante.

Outro fator que pesa na decisão do ídolo é o poder de investimento do Tricolor nesta janela, que precisará encontrar um substituto para o comando de ataque à altura de Suárez, além de reforçar o elenco para a disputa da Copa Libertadores.

Apesar dos entraves financeiros, a direção do clube permanece otimista com a renovação do vínculo do treinador, que está em sua quarta passagem pelo Imortal.

England seamer’s heroic rearguard could yet be his final act in international cricket

Matt Roller04-Aug-2025

Ben Stokes meets Chris Woakes after his valiant effort•Getty Images

It was an extraordinary sight at the end of an extraordinary series. On Friday morning, Chris Woakes was ruled out of “any further participation” in the fifth Test at The Oval. Three days later, he walked out to the middle with his left arm in a sling, tucked underneath his jumper, preparing to face up one-handed – and wrong-sided – with England 17 runs away from victory.Woakes marched out through the dressing-room, down the stairs of the Bedser Stand, and punched gloves with Gus Atkinson. It was a rousing moment to rival Rishabh Pant’s hobble to the crease with a fractured foot in Manchester, with the sense of theatre only accentuated by the drama and tension of the final day of the match – and the series.England have not yet given official confirmation but Woakes is understood to have dislocated his shoulder while diving in the field on the opening day of this Test. He will see a specialist this week to determine the extent of the damage, but will not play again this summer and is already considered a major doubt for the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21.Related

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Six-run thriller – India script their narrowest win in Tests

It was an act of mercy that Woakes did not have to face a ball: Prasidh Krishna yorked Josh Tongue, England’s No. 10, with the final ball of the 83rd over, and Atkinson managed the strike thereafter. But even that caused Woakes serious pain: he grimaced repeatedly after every run, and had to ask umpire Ahsan Raza for assistance after dislodging his sling while sneaking through for a bye.In any other sport, Woakes would have been substituted immediately after his injury on Thursday evening but – for better or for worse – cricket remains an outlier. Instead, he watched on from the dressing room as England’s three-man attack toiled on Saturday; as they took the chase deep into Sunday afternoon, he went down to the indoor school for an exploratory hit.Woakes initially tried to hold the bat as usual, facing some gentle throwdowns, but as soon as the pace ramped up, the pain became excruciating. He then tried again with his left arm back in a sling, facing up with a left-hand batter’s stance: it allowed him the control of a “top” hand, but more importantly, ensured his shoulder would be as far away from the ball as possible.He needed help from Ben Davies, England’s physio, to get padded up on Monday, and had to get creative with his equipment: he wore two small arm guards on his right arm, and as much protection as he could on his left, which was tucked underneath a jumper to try and keep everything in place.2:02

Harmison: Woakes put his career on the line by coming out to bat

When Woakes scrambled through for a bye at the end of his first over at the crease, Mohammed Siraj was furious. ” [didn’t you tell him?]” he asked Shubman Gill, after landing his wide yorker only to see Dhruv Jurel’s underarm throw miss the stumps. But Woakes had other things to worry about, wincing in pain and clutching his left arm.He managed to take his helmet and right glove off in order to put his left arm back in place, and then asked Raza for help on realising that he would not be able to put his glove back on alone. As he took a deep breath and prepared to stand at the non-striker’s end once again, the sold-out fifth-day crowd began to understand the extent of what he was putting himself through.Woakes was again in agony off the next ball, scampering back for two as Atkinson swung Prasidh into the leg side, and scrambled through for another single off the final ball of the over as India – bizarrely – kept nine men on the boundary. One ball later, however, Siraj pegged back Atkinson’s off stump and, after 16 minutes of anguish, Woakes’ job was done – albeit in a heartbreaking, six-run defeat.India’s fielders made a beeline for Woakes after their initial celebrations, and Brendon McCullum, England’s coach, praised his bravery. “Good on Woakesy,” he told the BBC. “He’s in an immense amount of pain after that unfortunate injury, but it was never in doubt for him that, if needed, he was going to walk down the stairs and try to get us across the line.”1:19

Sanjay Bangar picks his moment of the series

It provided a fitting finale to a dramatic series in which 32 players have had their physical and mental resilience tested to the limit across 25 days of cricket. Both teams have lost players to injuries along the way after punishing workloads, but Siraj and Woakes, the only fast bowlers to play all five Tests, battled through right until the very last ball.”He was in a lot of discomfort,” Ben Stokes said, having himself been forced to miss this Test with a shoulder injury. “We’ve had Rishabh going out to bat with a broken foot, Bash [Shoaib Bashir] going out there bowling – and batting and fielding – with a broken finger. Then we go to Chris out there today, trying to get his team over the line with a quite recently dislocated shoulder… Everyone’s left a lot out on the ground for their countries.”Woakes’ innings can be used by both sides in the ongoing debate around injury replacements: it was difficult to watch a player in such clear physical discomfort risking aggravating a serious injury, but also an incredible display of bravery and perseverance. Stokes simply doubled down on his view that substitutes are impracticable: “If someone gets injured, tough s***. Deal with it.”It could yet prove to be Woakes’ final act in an England shirt: he is no longer involved in the white-ball set-up and, at 36, his Test future will also be in doubt if the injury is severe enough to keep him out of the Ashes. If so, this would be a sad but fitting end for a player who has always given everything he has across more than 200 international appearances.

Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters will already be fearing the worst regarding their side’s bottom-of-the-table position in the Premier League.

Only a sorry two points have been accumulated so far this season, with the Old Gold hierarchy ultimately left with no choice but to sack Vitor Pereira, after Wolves slipped to their disastrous eighth loss of the campaign already away at Fulham on Saturday.

Now, the hunt is on to appoint a miracle worker in the West Midlands, who can turn around this awful start, with a whole host of names being tipped to take on the vacancy.

The latest on Wolves' hunt for a new manager

The only certainty at the moment is that Gary O’Neil will not be re-entering the Molineux dug-out.

Indeed, rumours had begun to circulate that O’Neil was the favourite to take over from Pereira and return in dramatic circumstances. But, the ex-AFC Bournemouth head coach has since withdrawn himself from the race, after holding advanced talks.

Moreover, Michael Carrick is also on Wolves’ radar, with the former Middlesbrough manager still looking for work after being let go by Boro.

With three caretaker matches in charge of Manchester United also under his belt, he could potentially relish the chance of being a saviour for Wolves in the top division.

Carrick’s replacement at the Riverside Stadium in Rob Edwards is also high up the alleged priority list, having previously lined up for Wolves as a player, before earning his managerial stripes at Luton Town and beyond.

Yet, the most out-there name being linked to the Wolves vacancy right now could be viewed as Erik ten Hag, with reports from ESPN indicating that the Dutchman is ‘interested’ in holding talks with the Molineux outfit over the vacant job.

It’s stated that Ten Hag would like to return to the Premier League after his torrid spell at Manchester United, having had his already tattered managerial reputation put through the wringer again when axed three games into his Bayer Leverkusen stint this season.

Still, even with his back-to-back failures hanging over him, ten Hag has been a success in his career elsewhere, as Wolves potentially prepare to welcome a new Nuno Espirito Santo-style figure to Molineux.

How Ten Hag can be Wolves' new Nuno Santo

Despite his sketchy recent track record, the ex-Ajax manager would also be seen as an upgrade on O’Neil walking through the door.

Indeed, despite being the butt of many a Red Devils joke by the time of his dismissal, the 55-year-old guided United to 44 top-flight wins from his 85 games in charge. O’Neil has only 25 league wins next to his name on the contrary.

With other high-profile managers also struggling to get a tune out of the Premier League giants, since he left the Theatre of Dreams, it’s clear the problems run far deeper in Manchester than just who occupies the stressful dug-out.

Nuno has also been up against it in the top division since exiting Wolves, with spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest not exactly going to plan. But, having overseen 73 wins in charge of the Old Gold in the top-flight, he is still heralded as one of the finest bosses they have possessed in the elite division in recent memory.

Ten Hag’s managerial numbers
Games managed	568
Clubs managed	6
Wins	355
Draws	93
Losses	120
Trophies won	9
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Despite his wobbles, Ten Hag will hope he will be seen as a similarly ambitious appointment, like when Nuno entered the Wolves dug-out in the Championship after successful stints in La Liga and Liga Portugal, when taking in his glittering managerial numbers above.

The unemployed boss collected three Eredivisie titles as manager of Ajax, with a Champions League semi-final run also being spearheaded by the Dutchman, who has been noted as being a “world-class” operator by his former United midfielder in Fred.

An FA Cup success also came his way during his hot-and-cold reign in Manchester, as the 55-year-old attempts to become a much-loved name at Molineux by steering Wolves away from certain relegation.

If he pulls that unbelievable feat off, he will definitely be seen as the second coming of Nuno – with Ten Hag also regularly setting his teams up in the Portuguese’s preferred 4-2-3-1 make-up – as another bold coup of an appointment potentially goes down a treat.

After all, landing Ten Hag would surely be seen as a more exciting development than retreading old ground with O’Neil.

Wolves want Rob Edwards after Gary O'Neil snub, timeline of appointment revealed

Is the former Luton Town boss the right man for the job?

By
Henry Jackson

Nov 4, 2025

Martin O’Neill marked his Celtic homecoming with a comprehensive win at Parkhead, and there has been a claim on the chances of him landing the Hoops job on a permanent basis.

O’Neill Celtic return begins with 4-0 win over Falkirk

The 73-year-old former Hoops manager was installed along with ex-Celtic player Shaun Maloney as the interim management team following the stunning resignation of Brendan Rodgers on Monday night.

Irish striker Johnny Kenny scored twice in the first half before goals after the break from midfielder Benjamin Nygren and wide-man Sebastian Tounekti took the Hoops to within six points of William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts, who drew 2-2 at St Mirren. O’Neill, who was Hoops boss between 2000 and 2005, said:

O’Neill joked about being nervous before the game. He added: “Well, first of all, I jokingly said – maybe true – I have not been as nervous since I sat my 11-plus but, again, I think I passed that when I was 48.

“But honestly, really concerned about the game, naturally. Concerned about the usual thing about letting myself down, which is I’ve done so many times it’s untrue, and letting other people down here at the football club.

“Just coming in a bit of a whirlwind and to play in the manner which we did when I thought was great and obviously most important thing was winning the game. Naturally, I couldn’t be more pleased. I thought the players did really brilliantly.”

Martin O’Neill’s record as permanent Celtic manager

Games

266

Wins

200

Draws

26

Losses

40

Trophies

7

Players used

56

Next up for O’Neill and Maloney is Sunday’s League Cup semi-final against rivals Rangers, who are also showing early promising signs under new manager Danny Rohl.

Chances of Celtic making Martin O’Neill permanent manager

Talking to Sky Sports, Tino Callaghan from the Celtic Exchange said that conversations could be had over O’Neill staying on as permanent Celtic manager if the Hoops defeat Rangers on Sunday.

However, Callaghan also added his personal opinion, believing those at Parkhead need to ‘go in a different direction’.

A number of managers have been linked with the permanent job, such as Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Wales’ Craig Bellamy.

How Nicky Haven feels about taking Celtic manager job

O’Neill looks set to be in the dugout at Hampden Park, and if Callaghan’s claim is correct, another positive result may see Celtic chiefs take note and explore the idea of keeping the Irishman on.

Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski was delighted to see his team reduce the deficit with table toppers Real Madrid after powering the Catalans to an emphatic 4-2 victory against Celta Vigo, while their rivals dropped points against Rayo Vallecano. The Poland international believes the international break will help Barca regain their lost form as they look to regain control of the league title race.

• Barca back on track!

  After sharing the spoils with Club Brugge in the Champions League mid-week, Barcelona are back on track with a sensational win over Celta Vigo. Lewandowski, who warmed the bench in the last two games after his recovery, got a place in the starting lineup against Celta and helped the Catalans thwart the home team with a brilliant hat-trick. In the 10th minute, he netted his first goal from the spot, though it was cancelled out a minute later by Sergio Carreira's equaliser for Celta. In the 37th minute, Barca earned their second of the evening through the Polish ace's prowess, only to concede an equaliser six minutes later. The first half ended 3-2 with Lamine Yamal's late goal and Barca went on to limit Celta's attacking force before the 37-year-old netted his third of the game in the 73rd minute. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Lewandowski happy with reducing deficit

  Courtesy of the win, and Madrid's 0-0 draw with Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabeu, Barca are now just three points behind their Clasico rivals. Winner of the matchball in the Celta game, Lewandowski cited the same to the media. He said: "Yes, we're very happy to win a game here 2-4. It's always difficult for us to play in Vigo, but the most important thing is that we won and we're now two points [sic] behind Real Madrid. In the second half we had the game more under control. In the first half I think Celta scored some very easy goals. At half-time, we talked about what we can improve, how we could play better. The fourth goal was very important in allowing us to play with more patience and composure.

  Barca will now have 12 days to prepare for their next game, as the international break brings a cooling period for Flick's squad. The Polish lynchpin believes this break will allow the team to resume action with renewed energy. He claimed: "After this game we can analyse what we can improve, both defensively and offensively. Now we have two weeks to disconnect from the team, but I hope that when we return we can play much better."

• Flick happy to have Lewandowski back

  The former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund star's treble takes him to seven goals from just nine La Liga games so far this season. It was the veteran's fourth start of the campaign, having been seen his role under coach Hansi Flick reduced. Lewandowski's contract at the Catalan club will expire at the end of the season and it is not clear if he will be offered a contract extension. Recent reports stated that his agent has held talks with AC Milan over a possible free transfer, with the Rossoneri interested in uniting him with former Clasico rival Luka Modric.

  Flick recently heaped praise on him following his return from injury, telling reporters: "I don't know what's in his DNA, but he recovers in three weeks from injuries that should last five…  When Lewandowski and [Dani] Olmo returned, training was different. The level rose considerably, as did that of the younger players. We need these players to reach our full potential. And that takes time. It's not just about winning, but about understanding the situation and managing it."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Tough challenges for Barca after international break

  After the international break, Barca will take on Athletic Club in La Liga, followed by a visit to London to face Enzo Maresca's Chelsea in the Champions League. It is going to be a vital continental clash with the teams level on seven points after four games. They will round off the month with a La Liga clash against Alaves before kicking off December with a home game against Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal have been to Old Trafford, to Anfield and to St James’ Park this season. Mikel Arteta’s men have faced Manchester City and Atletico Madrid at home but it was a newly promoted side who gave them their toughest test yet.

The Gunners headed to Sunderland and the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Spurred on by former Arsenal captain, Granit Xhaka, the Londoners conceded for the first time in over eight matches.

The end result? A 2-2 draw and just the third time all campaign that Arteta’s side had dropped points.

Arsenal were not at the races, far from it, although their second-half dominance should have been enough to see them across the line. During those 45 minutes, two players really stood up for the visitors.

Arsenal's best performers vs Sunderland

This was not the finest of evenings for a host of Arsenal’s usually ever-reliable performers. It’s rare they don’t defend well but under pressure from a buoyant Sunderland crowd, they wilted a bit in the north east on Saturday.

Gabriel and David Raya, two stalwarts of the current squad, were at fault for Brian Brobbey’s late goal.

Dan Ballard had scored a rasping opener in the first half but far more could have been done about the late equaliser. Gabriel wasn’t strong enough in his attempts to beat Brobbey to the ball and Raya didn’t seem to know the Black Cats striker was even in the frame. Both came for the ball but were beaten by the Sunderland centre-forward. Cue bedlam inside the Stadium of Light.

Before that, however, Arsenal had responded remarkably well to Arteta’s half-time team talk. Their domination in the second period proved that they are no mugs from open play. There were no set-play goals on this occasion, just two brilliantly worked strikes.

Bukayo Saka has struggled with injury and form this term but he’s still their main man and proved as such this weekend.

Saka’s second-half display was inspiring and a true captain’s performance. It was the winger who got Arsenal back into things, darting onto Mikel Merino’s ball before firing past Robin Roefs with his weaker foot. It was a phenomenal finish.

Speaking of world-class finishes. Step forward Leandro Trossard.

The Belgian ended last season with his Emirates Stadium future in doubt. The club knew they needed to reinforce the attack and it was likely the winger would be moved on as a result.

However, there is a reason that he’s featured more than other player under Arteta since he arrived from Brighton in January 2023.

Handed a pay rise over the summer to stay, he has undeniably been Arsenal’s best attacker this season and has taken advantage of a plethora of injuries across the front line, notably to the likes of fellow wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke.

Across the 30-year-old’s last seven games in all competitions, he has scored three goals and registered two assists. Not bad indeed.

His goal at Sunderland was perhaps his best in Arsenal colours yet. The winger received the ball from Martin Zubimendi about 25 yards from goal. He advanced a little bit towards the edge of the penalty area before shifting the ball away from Mackems midfielder Noah Sadiki and unleashing a fizzing effort that crashed home. It was vintage Trossard. It was the Belgian at his very very best.

While Arsenal’s attack came alive, question marks do have to be raised about the defensive efforts. Perhaps it’s time for a little change in the starting lineup.

Where Arsenal can improve after Sunderland

While Arteta won’t want to rip up the blueprints overnight, there are a few changes the Spaniard must make for the north London derby in a couple of weeks.

By then, Viktor Gyokeres could be back to full health, while Gabriel Jesus was spotted in first-team training for the first time after his horrific ACL injury back in January. While the Brazilian won’t be starting games just yet, Gyokeres is expected to swiftly replace Merino despite his brace in the Champions League in midweek.

David Raya

5/10

Jurrien Timber

6/10

William Saliba

6/10

Gabriel Magalhaes

5/10

Riccardo Calafiori

5/10

Martin Zubimendi

6/10

Declan Rice

7/10

Eberechi Eze

5/10

Bukayo Saka

7/10

Leandro Trossard

8/10

Mikel Merino

6/10

Merino did register the assist for Saka’s goal on Saturday but he’s not quite as good at leading the press, something that plays an imperative role in how Arsenal defend.

There could be a change just behind the striker too. After all, Eberechi Eze certainly struggled this weekend, with GOAL noted that he was withdrawn late on after “a subdued display”.

But, it’s at left-back once again where a position could be up for grabs. Earlier in the campaign, Riccardo Calafiori was described by some as Arsenal’s “player of the season” so far. It was hard to disagree with that too.

The Italian had started the campaign in brilliant form, scoring a vital goal against Manchester United on the opening weekend and registering two assists in the 5-0 win over Leeds.

Most importantly, Calafiori has spent the early months of the season injury-free. It’s his best run of game time since he moved to the club in the summer of 2024.

Yet, every player has their dips and the Italy international is arguably having his now. While he didn’t make any colossal errors on Saturday, it was a frustrating performance from the 23-year-old.

Football.London reporter Tom Canton wrote at full-time that he was ‘somewhat erratic in the first half, but not in the usual way.’

Indeed, since joining the club, he has resembled something of a “wild horse” in the words of journalist Sam Dean. He’s everywhere, whether it was rampaging forward, inverting into midfield or appearing as an extra striker inside the box during attacking phases of play.

Chalkboard

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Sadly, his impact against Sunderland was not as great. He failed to have a shot or make a key pass, while that aforementioned erratic nature was summed up by the fact that he made a whopping five fouls.

Calafiori alarmingly also only won two of his six duels to compound what was a frustrating night at the office.

Minutes played

90

Touches

50

Possession lost

7x

Accurate passes

23/27 (85%)

Key passes

0

Accurate crosses

1/2

Successful dribbles

2/2

Ground duels won

2/6

Aerial duels won

4/7

Tackles

0

Fouls made

5

Interceptions

1

Clearances

4

So, ahead of the north London derby in a couple of weeks, Arteta has a decision to make. While new signing Piero Hincapie got the nod on the left of the defence in Prague in midweek, perhaps this is the time for Myles Lewis-Skelly to start for the first time in the Premier League this season.

The talented teenager has only played 86 minutes in the top flight this season and was subsequently excluded from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the latest round of international fixtures.

That wasn’t because Lewis-Skelly is a bad player, far from it. The full-back issued a reminder of his qualities against Atletico in the Champions League a few weeks ago.

Remember the rampaging run through the middle of the pitch to supply Martinelli’s goal?

While it was Calafiori’s defensive display that let him down on Saturday, Lewis-Skelly could give Arteta’s side a lot more in possession. His temperament and ball-carrying skills could be key against Spurs.

Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence on Real Madrid’s recent slump, admitting the team “played very badly” in the defeats to Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. His comments arrive at a sensitive moment for Xabi Alonso, whose strict methods have unsettled parts of the dressing room and exposed a tactical transition that is proving far more turbulent than expected.

Stuttering Madrid and growing unease under Alonso

Madrid entered the season hopeful that Alonso’s discipline and tactical clarity would build on the freedom of the Carlo Ancelotti years. However, Alonso’s high-demand, rigid framework with more video work, stricter schedules and heavier physical load has reportedly unsettled players accustomed to Ancelotti’s open-door, player-first environment.

While Alonso's team sit top of La Liga, there have been signs of inconsistency, having lost to 5-2 to Atletico Madrid and later going down 1-0 at Anfield in the Champions League. Last week's 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano was the latest reminder of their attacking stagnation. Twenty-plus shots yielded nothing, and the team moved the ball with a slowness and predictability that made Rayo comfortable throughout. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMbappe addresses tensions at Madrid amid high expectations

After France’s 4-0 win over Ukraine, Mbappe was inevitably asked about the mood in the Madrid dressing room in his post-match interview. His response was brief but telling: the criticism is loud, the team knows it has underperformed, and the focus must now be on regaining control after the international break.

"What do you want me to say? I have nothing to say," he said. "When you don't win games at Real Madrid, people talk a lot, and we haven't won the last two. We've played very badly, but we'll come back after the break ready to beat Elche.

"In the end, we're first in La Liga and among the top eight in the Champions League. It's not perfect, but we all know that when things aren't working on the pitch, people talk and talk. But we're united to win every title this year."

Madrid's shortcomings against Atletico, Liverpool and Rayo

Across the three games, Los Blancos' problems have repeated themselves with worrying consistency. The draw against Rayo was the clearest example of a team that dominated possession but created very little. Madrid spent long spells circulating the ball without purpose, struggling to find width or accelerate play. Their forwards were squeezed into crowded central zones, Rayo’s compact shape cut off passing lanes, and even with more than 20 shots, Madrid rarely looked like scoring. The lack of movement off the ball and the absence of a decisive final pass made the whole performance predictable and easy to defend.

The match against Atletico followed a similar pattern but exposed Madrid in both boxes. Simeone’s side were more intense, quicker to transitions, and far more decisive in key moments. Madrid repeatedly lost second balls in midfield and never established control. Going forward, they created very few meaningful chances, often rushing their final actions or running into Atletico’s organised defensive lines. It was a reminder that when Madrid’s tempo drops, their structure becomes rigid, and teams with discipline can shut them down without much difficulty.

The Liverpool defeat was the most alarming from a tactical standpoint. Anfield’s press smothered Madrid from the first minute, forcing them into rushed passes and isolating Mbappe and Jude Bellingham high up the pitch. Even in periods of controlled possession, Madrid carried almost no threat, ending the match with just one shot on target. Liverpool exposed how limited Madrid’s attacking variety has become with slow buildups, little coordinated movement, and very few patterns designed to beat an aggressive press.

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Getty Images SportVinicius issue lingers in the background

Despite the turbulence, Madrid’s leadership remains committed to Alonso’s long-term vision. There are no plans for drastic decisions. Alonso has the board’s trust and a contract through 2028. But stability does not mean inaction. The club is already evaluating tweaks, especially in training load and tactical approach, to ease player fatigue and rebuild trust.

Vinicius' future will define the coming months. His relationship with Alonso is strained, his reactions to substitutions have raised eyebrows, and his contract negotiations have stalled. Los Blancos are unwilling to meet his financial demands, and with a €150M price tag set for next summer if talks break down, the situation is now delicate. Whether Alonso finds a way to reconnect with Vinicius could shape the next era of the club.

After the break, Madrid face Elche, Olympiacos, and Girona, three matches that will test their response to criticism and determine whether Alonso’s ideas are beginning to take hold. They remain top of La Liga and firmly in the Champions League race, but the next few weeks will reveal whether this is a temporary wobble or a deeper structural problem.

South Africa’s former captain Dane van Niekerk is “definitely not part,” of their plans for the upcoming World Cup despite coming out of retirement and being included in an ongoing pre-tournament training camp. National coach Mandla Mashimbyi confirmed that van Niekerk will only be considered for future series “when she ticks all the boxes.”That means van Niekerk, who is 32, may not play at another 50-over World Cup after missing out in 2022 as she recovered from a broken ankle. She has appeared in three previous editions and led South Africa in 2017, where they suffered a semi-final defeat to England. She has also played in seven T20 World Cups but did not feature in the home event in 2023 after failing to meet Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) fitness requirements. It was then that she announced her retirement from international cricket.Van Niekerk has since come back to domestic competition, u-turned on her international retirement and was called up to a 20-player squad for a week-long camp in Durban ahead of South Africa’s World Cup squad selection. But her name will not be among the final fifteen that will be announced next week. “She’s just part of the bigger or broader base of players that we’re trying to bring into our environment,” Mashimbyi said. “She’s definitely not part of this World Cup. She’s not going.”Related

• Van Niekerk in line for SA comeback after u-turn on retirement

• 'Want to play again and have fun' – Dane van Niekerk signs for Western Province

So why was van Niekerk brought into a squad specifically put together, “in preparation for the upcoming Pakistan tour and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 held in India and Sri Lanka,” according to a CSA press release? To see what she needs to do in order to get back in.”We wanted to bring her in and actually expose her to the environment so that she can understand what the expectations are,” Mashimbyi said. “Hopefully she can carry on from here onwards and really understand how she wants to go about things. And then one day when she gets a call up, you know, she can come in and have an impact immediately.”Strictly monitored running times are no longer part of the expectations, which will come as a relief to van Niekerk who was left out of the 2023 T20 World Cup squad because she could not run two kilometres in under 9:30. Now, CSA leaves selection to the coach and convener’s discretion but there is still an implicit understanding that fitness standards need to be at a high level and van Niekerk knows it. “I’ve seen the standards in the last two years. I’ve been in and around the team, commentating and even though I was really not involved I knew how the team was evolving when it comes to the physical sides of things,” she said. “There’s a massive difference from two years ago. The players have evolved, got stronger, smarter you can really see the work ethic around the group as well.”Van Niekerk, who plays for Western Province but does not have any franchise deals at the moment, conceded that she still has some work to do to catch up. “I know I’m probably not where everyone’s at at the moment. I understand where I need to be for the team. It’s going to be a lot of hard work, but I definitely wouldn’t have gone through all of this if I’m not willing to put that in,” she said. “This is almost a baseline for me to really gauge where I’m at when it comes to the physical side, when it comes to the skill side, and all those things. Hopefully, I can have a clearer view after this camp. I’d know with the conversations we’ve had where I need to be in the next few months.”While she will not be part of the action over September and October, van Niekerk may be eyeing a home comeback later this year. After the Women’s World Cup, the South Africa’s women’s team’s series against Ireland and Pakistan will headline the international summer as the men only host West Indies for five T20Is next year. The women’s team will play at all the country’s big grounds including Newlands, the Wanderers and van Niekerk’s home venue – St George’s Park – where she has never played an international. That will be followed by preparations for next year’s T20 World Cup, which both her and Mashimbyi may also have in their sights for her future.Mashimbyi acknowledged that it would be “false of us to not think that Dane is an important cog in the bigger scheme of things,” because of her experience. “She’s captained the team. She’s played for a long time, and she was successful in doing that. Bringing a player like that back into the environment for me was a no-brainer,” he said.But he also made it clear that she won’t receive any special treatment based on that history. “She’s like any other player now. You know, she needs to work her way up again. She needs to earn a place as well.”