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خسر الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول لأول مرة هذا الموسم في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج”، أمام كريستال بالاس، في اللقاء الذي جمع بينهما اليوم السبت.

واستضاف ملعب “سيلهرست بارك” معقل فريق كريستال بالاس، المباراة المثيرة والقوية، في تمام الساعة الخامسة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.

وخسر رجال سلوت بثنائية مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج”.

وسجل أول أهداف اللقاء اللاعب السنغالي إسماعيل سار من ركلة ركنية شهدت أخطاء من لاعبي ليفربول في الدقيقة التاسعة من المباراة.

اقرأ أيضًا | رجل مباراة ليفربول وكريستال بالاس في الدوري الإنجليزي

وتعادل البديل الإيطالي فيدريكو كييزا، لصالح ليفربول وسجل هدفًا أكثر من رائع بنفس الطريقة التي أحرز بها سار هدفه في الدقيقة 87.

وفي الوقت القاتل من المباراة تمكن نكيتاه لاعب كريستال بالاس من تسجيل الهدف الثاني لصالح فريقه، ليكتب فوزًا مهمًا ومؤثرًا على حساب ليفربول في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز. أهداف مباراة ليفربول وكريستال بالاس في الدوري الإنجليزي

ولم يفز ليفربول في آخر 3 مواجهات أمام كريستال بالاس، إذ تعادل مرة وخسر مباراة كأس الدرع الخيرية ومباراة اليوم.

بتلك النتيجة، توقف رصيد نادي ليفربول عند النقطة 15 في صدارة جدول ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج”، فيما زاد رصيد كريستال بالاس إلى النقطة 12 في الوصافة. تشكيل ليفربول أمام كريستال بالاس في الدوري الإنجليزي

حراسة المرمى: أليسون بيكر.

خط الدفاع: برادلي – فيرجيل فان دايك – إبراهيما كوناتي – ميلوس كيركيز.

خط الوسط: ريان جرافنبيرخ – ماك أليستر – دومينيك سوبوسلاي.

خط الهجوم: فلوريان فيرتز – ألكسندر إيزاك – محمد صلاح. تشكيل كريستال بالاس أمام ليفربول في الدوري الإنجليزي

في حراسة المرمى: هندرسون.

خط الدفاع: مونوز – ريتشاردس – لكرويكس – جويهي – ميتشيل.

في خط الوسط: كمادا – وهارتون.

في خط الهجوم: سار – ماتيتا – بينو.  الشوط الأول

1، ضربة مرمى لصالح كريستال بالاس.

 4، هدوء نسبي في المباراة بين الفريقين.

5، ليفربول حتى الآن غير قادر على الخروج بالكرة إلى منطقة وسط ملعب كريستال بالاس.

7، عرضية من برادلي الظهير الأيمن لكنها تخرج إلى رمية تماس لصالح كريستال بالاس.

8، هجمة مرتدة لصالح كريستال بالاس لكن برادلي يخرج الكرة إلى ركلة ركنية لصالح كريستال بالاس. هدف سار الأول لصالح كريستال بالاس في مرمى ليفربول بالدوري الإنجليزي

9، هددددددددددددددددددف أول لصالح كريستال بالاس عن طريق اللاعب سار من ركلة ركنية.

 

GOAL!

Back in the side, back amongst the goals!

The ball drops to Ismaïla Sarr who finishes from close range to give Palace the lead 🦅#beINPL #CRYLIV #CPFC pic.twitter.com/o0UVelCB0t — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) September 27, 2025

11، فرصة خطييييرة للغاية ضائعة من كريستال بالاس من هجمة مرتدة مميزة لكن أليسون يتألق ويتصدى لكرة بينو.

12، توقف المباراة وبطاقة صفراء لصالح آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول بسبب اعتراضه على الركلة الركنية التي جاء منها هدف كريستال بالاس.

13، توقف المباراة

18، استئناف المباراة بعدما توقفت بسبب علاج أحد المشجعين

18، تنفيذ محمد صلاح لركلة حرة مباشرة لكن ترتطم بلاعبي كريستال بالاس ثم سدد جرافنبيرخ الكرة وتصدى هندرسون ببراعة.

20، ضغط متواصل من كريستال بالاس

21، فرصة خطييييرة للغاية من مونوز لكن أليسون يواصل التألق وتصدى ببراعة.

23، انفراااااد تام بمرمى ليفربول عن طريق ماتيتا لكن أليسون يواصل التألق ويتصدى بمهارة كبيرة

25 دقيقة مرت وسيطرة كبيرة من كريستال بالاس وغياب تام من لاعبي ليفربول حتى الآن.

26، بطاقة صفراء لصالح إبراهيما كوناتي مدافع ليفربول.

28، فرصة ضائعة من ألكسندر إيزاك سدد الكرة خارج الملعب بعدما مرر له صلاح كرة رائعة.

30، نصف ساعة ولم يهدد ليفربول مرمى هندرسون سوى مرة وحيدة

33، إيقاف المباراة بعد سقوط سار على أرض الملعب

35، ركنية لصالح ليفربول

37، فرصة  خطييييرة من كوناتي سدد كرة رأسية من الركلة الركنية لكنها خارج المرمى.

40، فرصة ضائعة من سار خرجت بجوار القائم الأيمن للحارس أليسون.

 42، محاولات من ليفربول

45، الحكم يحتسب 10 دقائق وقت محتسبًا بدلًا من الضائع

 48، ركنية لصالح ليفربول

49، فرصة ضائعة من فان دايك، سدد الكرة التي لُعبت من ركلة ركنية.

50، خطييييييرة ماتيتا يهدر فرصة ذهبية، سدد الكرة لكنها ارتطمت بالعارضة

53، فرصة لصلاح لكن هندرسون يخرجها إلى ركلة ركنية

نهاية الشوط الأول الشوط الثاني

الدقيقة 45، خروج برادلي ونزول جاكبو

الدقيقة 47، فرصة ضائعة من كريستال بالاس

49، تسلل على محمد صلاح

51، بعد مجاولات عديدة من لاعبي ليفربول، تسديدة رائعة من جاكبو لكنها خارج المرمى

52، تسل على ماتيتا مهاجم كريستال بالاس

55، ركلة حرة لصالح ليفربول عن طريق اللاعب كوناتي.

57، ركلة حرة من سوبوسلاي لكنها تصل سهلة إلى هندرسون

58، عرضية رائعة من سوبوسلاي وصلت إلى فيرتز الذي سددها في منتصف المرمى

60، فرصة ضائعة من جرافنبيرخ

62، اعتراض من صلاح بعدما تم احتساب خطأ عليه.

65، نزول كيرتس جونز بدلًا من ماك أليستر

68، ركنية لصالح ليفربول

72، تبديلان لصالح ليفربول بخروج إبراهيما كوناتي وفلوريان فيرتز ونزول فيدريكو كييزا وجيريمي فريمبونج

73، تبديلان لصالح كريستال بالاس بنزول جيفيرسون ليرما وإيدي نكيتاه بدلًا من سار وبينو.

76، فرصة ضائعة من محمد صلاح

78، فرصة ضائعة من كريستال بالاس عن طريق نكيتاه

80، استمرار محاولات ليفربول من أجل إحراز هدف التعادل

83، نزول نجوموها بدلًا من إيزاك

85، فرصة  ضائعة من كييزا، سدد كرة بجوار القائم هدف كييزا لصالح ليفربول في مرمى كريستال بالاس بالدوري الإنجليزي

87، هدددددددددددددددددددددف التعادل لصالح ليفربول عن طريق كييزا

 

GOAL!

Federico Chiesa levels it up for the champions at Selhurst Park!#beINPL #CRYLIV #LFC pic.twitter.com/lNB3AF3AVM — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) September 27, 2025

88، ضربة مرمى لصالح ليفربول

6 دقائق وقت محتسب بدلًا من الضائع

94، محاولات مستمرة من ليفربول

96، رمية تماس لصالح كريستال بالاس والمباراة ترقترب من نهايتها

97، نيكيتاه يسجل هددددددددددف كريستال بالاس الثاني من ركلة ركنية وسددها ببراعة في المرمى.

GOAL!

SCENES AT SELHURST PARK 🥳

Super sub Eddie Nketiah wins it for Crystal Palace with the final kick of the game 🤯#beINPL #CRYLIV #CPFC pic.twitter.com/1B82gzcrf1 — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) September 27, 2025

نهاية المباراة

Chelsea’s busy summer, both on and off the field, continues.

It’s now a fortnight since the Blues were crowned champions of the world, surprisingly demolishing Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the Club World Cup Final, thanks to Cole Palmer’s double at MetLife Stadium.

Meantime, in the transfer market, the Blues have already made eight signings, costing in excess of £225m, notably adding João Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Estêvão Willian and others to Enzo Maresca’s squad, which is already jam-packed full of talent.

Nevertheless, they are far from done just yet, closing in on one ultra-talented attacker, but have they also had a bid rejected for someone who is, potentially, even better?

Chelsea seeking to sign all the forwards

As has been widely reported, including by James Olley of ESPN, Chelsea are close to signing Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig for around £44m, with the Dutchman pushing to leave the Bundesliga side, after they failed to qualify for any European competition.

Simons is certainly a highly-rated player, with Sultan Babajide of Breaking the Lines documenting his ‘stellar performances’ for both club and country, but are Chelsea now eyeing up a move for an even bigger talent?

Well, according to reports in Spain, Chelsea have seen a €70m (around £61m) bid rejected by Juventus for winger Kenan Yıldız.

They add that la Vecchia Signora have reiterated that the Türkiye international is ‘not for sale’ as he is an ‘essential part’ of their plans for the forthcoming campaign, but the player could push for a move.

So, could he soon become the first ever Turkish player to make a senior appearance for Chelsea? Leicester legend Muzzy İzzet was in the Blues’ academy, but never featured at senior level.

What Kenan Yıldız would bring to Chelsea

Despite the fact Juventus only reached the round of 16, comprehensively beaten by both Manchester City and Real Madrid, Yıldız was one of the stars of the Club World Cup.

He was on target against Al Ain at Audi Field, before bagging a brace when I Bianconeri smashed Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia, cruelly denied a hat-trick by FIFA’s equivalent of the dubious goals panel.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelled him both “special” as well as a “magnificent” talent, while former teammate Wojciech Szczęsny asserted back in 2024 that he “will be nominated for the Ballon d’Or within 5 years.”

Meantime, featuring in the Guardian’s Next Generation of 2022, Michael Yokhin praised his ‘magnificent technique and close control’ adding that he also possesses a ‘keen eye for goal’, forecasting that the then teenager ‘has a bright future ahead’.

Well, he was certainly proved right because, last season, Yıldız scored 12 goals and registered nine assists across all competitions, racking up impressive statistics in Serie A.

Minutes

2,402

96th

Goals

7

29th

Assists

4

26th

Goals – xG

+2.7

16th

Shots

60th

20th

Progressive carries

115

7th

Progressive passes received

223

8th

Shot-creating actions

130

3rd

Touches in attacking 3rd

752

4th

Average SofaScore rating

7.25

9th

As the table documents, Yıldız ranked highly for pretty much every attacking metric in Serie A last season, which is made all the more impressive by the fact he was a teenager and was plying his trade for a generally dismal Juventus team who were the division’s eighth-highest scorers.

But the key question still remains: is he a bigger talent than Simons? Let’s compare the duo.

Appearances

52

33

Minutes

3,521

2,763

Goals

12

11

Assists

9

8

All statistics below are on a per-90 basis:

Shots

1.5

1.4

Chances created

2.2

2.1

Take-ons completed

2.3

1.4

Dribble success %

54.6%

37.1%

% of touches in the box

7%

5%

Average Sofascore rating

7.30

7.35

As the table documents, Yıldız comes out on top for all the attacking metrics included, most notably pure goals and assists, but also shots, chances created and dribbling.

This very much underlines the Turkish international’s talent and potential, so could he be the next youngster to call Stamford Bridge home?

Maresca and Co will certainly hope so.

Chelsea in talks with "real deal" Man United player alongside Xavi Simons

The west Londoners are keen to

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 26, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze high on their list of attacking targets this summer, but Thomas Frank’s side have been told to consider one Chelsea star as a viable alternative to the England international.

Spurs’ serious interest in Eze isn’t exactly unfounded, with the former Arsenal academy man fresh off the back of another impressive campaign at Selhurst Park.

Tottenham preparing bid for £30m colossus wanted by Napoli, Milan and Inter

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1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

He spearheaded Oliver Glasner’s men to their first ever major trophy at the back end of 2024/2025, scoring the FA Cup final-winning goal which clinched an historic 1-0 victory over Premier League heavyweights Man City at Wembley, and Palace are poised to enter Europe next season as a result of his heroics.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

In total, Eze racked up an outstanding 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, and the attacker’s form surely cannot be ignored by the footballing elite for much longer.

His £100,000-per-week pay packet at Palace is affordable, and could well be attractive to chairman Daniel Levy, who won’t be too keen on breaking Tottenham’s carefully organised wage structure, which allows them to be among the top-flight’s lowest-spending ‘big six’ clubs in terms of salary.

The ex-QPR star’s contract also includes a £68 million release clause, with reports suggesting that Tottenham are prepared to meet this asking price for Eze as the 26-year-old himself also eyes a move to north London.

However, Tottenham face fresh competition from arch rivals Arsenal for Eze’s signature (talkSPORT), so they might not have it all their own way.

In the event a deal cannot be done for him, Levy will need alternatives, and Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku could be one of them.

The £195,000-per-week Frenchman does command a hefty wage, but his stellar form at RB Leipzig and versatility makes him an attractive possibility. Nkunku can also play almost anywhere across the attacking line, including Eze’s positions as a CAM and on the left.

Commanding a price tag of around £59 million, the 27-year-old still managed 14 goals in all competitions last term despite hardly starting, which shows just how impactful the player can be.

Tottenham told to sign Eberechi Eze alternative in Christopher Nkunku

Former Spurs midfielder Steffen Freund, speaking to Hochgepokart, has certainly endorsed a potential move.

Freund believes that Tottenham’s potential signing of Nkunku could help to unlock Mathys Tel too, with the pundit urging Levy and co to consider a deal.

“Tottenham need another attacking option. I’d look at Christopher Nkunku if I were them – he can make the difference,” said Freund.

“He can play in behind the striker and up front, he’s already at Chelsea. He did an outstanding job at RP Leipzig; he’s currently underperforming but there’s a great player in there. Mathys Tel is a good signing, he can play up front, and, on the wing, he’d link up well with Nkunku.”

According to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Tottenham made an enquiry for Nkunku recently, so there has been concrete interest from N17 as well.

This could be one to keep an eye on, as competition is likely to heat up for Eze’s signature after his stellar season at Palace.

Plenty of Premier League clubs have been looking to sign a striker this summer, and Manchester United are no different.

However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are feeling the ramifications of a woeful campaign, slumping to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League and missing out on European football altogether after losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

Ready to dip into the transfer market, Ruben Amorim’s side have already been foiled in their bid to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, the rising striker instead joining Chelsea after his £30m release clause was activated.

More recently, the Red Devils have been bruised following news that Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres does not want a reunion with Amorim but instead has his heart set on a move to Arsenal.

United have already hit the jackpot in signing Matheus Cunha, also engaged in talks with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo, who has reportedly expressed his preference to move to Old Trafford. But a number nine is desperately needed, with Rasmus Hojlund falling by the wayside last term.

The latest on Rasmus Hojlund

When Manchester United signed Hojlund from Serie A side Atalanta in July 2023, they acquired the services of one of Europe’s most talented young strikers. The £72m fee certainly reflected that, with talent scout Jacek Kulig even naming him a “monster in the making”.

But this monster has sadly been tamed by the rigours of English football, with his second season in the Premier League leading to a lowly return of only four goals across 32 matches.

Content creator Rory Jennings called him “one of the worst footballers” he has ever seen, although this is rather harsh; the Denmark international is simply at a low ebb, having fronted a malfunctioning United system.

Even so, the 22-year-old would probably be best served with a change of scenery, and Inter Milan are reported to be doing everything they can to bring him back over to Italy.

While the likes of Gyokeres may not sign for Man United this summer, there is another striker set to move who could prove a big upgrade on Hojlund.

Man Utd chasing new striker

According to GIVEMESPORT’s Ben Jacobs, Man United are awaiting talks with Dusan Vlahovic’s representatives as the centre-forward seeks a route out of Juventus this summer, though they will need to offer him wages of around £200k per week.

It’s understood that the Old Lady have failed to convince the Serbian to agree to a new long-term deal, and as a result, he’s been offered to United, Spurs and Aston Villa. Previous reports suggest that he could arrive for a shrewd £25m fee.

Saying that, there is plenty of further interest in his signature, with Newcastle United previously revealed to be leading the race.

Why Man United should sign Dusan Vlahovic

Vlahovic has had something of an up-and-down career with Juventus, never quite reaching the heights that saw him arrive in Turin from Fiorentina, but he’s still a fantastic striker who could reboot his career with a summer switch.

Once regarded as the “new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Juve star, who is still only 25, needs to rediscover his finest form quickly as his prime years approach.

But the proof is in the pudding, and he’s showcased a high level before. Given the bloated nature of the modern market, United could probably do a lot worse than snapping him up on the cheap and marrying him with wide forwards Cunha and Mbeumo.

Dusan Vlahovic in Serie A (past 5 seasons)

Season

Club

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

24/25

Juventus

29 (21)

10

4

23/24

Juventus

33 (27)

16

3

22/23

Juventus

27 (22)

10

2

21/22

Juventus

15 (12)

7

1

21/22

Fiorentina

21 (21)

17

4

20/21

Fiorentina

37 (34)

21

2

Stats via Transfermarkt

Despite his issues, Vlahovic still ranked among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last year for touches in the attacking box and the top 11% for total shots taken per 90, as per FBref, emphasising his natural instinct.

He might not have the 97-goal return of Gyökeres across the past two years, but the Serbia star has arguably been playing at a higher level, and his robustness and cheaper value could see him prove an astute piece of business from Jason Wilcox and co.

Gyökeres might have the better track record over the past few years, but at least Vlahovic has gained a wealth of experience in one of the biggest clubs in one of Europe’s top five leagues, notching 87 goals and 17 assists across 202 Serie A outings.

Moreover, Juventus paid £67m to sign Vlahovic from Serie A rivals Fiorentina in 2022, after he had emerged on the scene with prolific performances to behold. This erstwhile valuation stands as a yardstick of his ability, and maybe Amorim feels he could succeed in recapturing that at the beginning of a new journey in Manchester.

Even last season, with Juventus struggling initially to find attacking fluidity under Thiago Motta’s wing and Vlahovic restricted to only 21 league starts across the season, he still returned ten goals.

His season-and-a-half in Italy’s top flight with Fiorentina is not an outlier but rather an illustration into the potential that the 25-year-old could yet realise. He’s physical. He’s dynamic. He’s explosive.

Such facets are also attributable to Gyökeres, who has been labelled a “powerhouse” of a striker by analyst Ben Mattinson. Thus, Vlahovic is a man who has what it takes to hit the ground running under Amorim’s wing.

Sure, the risk of it going wrong is there, but isn’t this the case for any centre-forward hailing from abroad? At £25m, he’d be a steal.

Would United prefer a more goal-proven striker in Gyökeres, who understands Amorim’s tactical vision? Likely so. However, Vlahovic has been hailed as a “real superstar” by reporter Andrew Cesare, and a change of setting might just see him rise back to the fore along with the Theatre of Dreams.

Related A better move than Mbeumo: Wilcox opens talks to sign £40m star for Man Utd

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Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 19, 2025

Arsenal are now in “advanced” talks to sign a marquee player ahead of interest from Premier League champions Liverpool, with new sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly making an eventful start to life as Edu’s successor.

Mikel Arteta's future questioned after trophyless Arsenal season

Discounting the Community Shield, it has been five years since Arsenal last won a major trophy.

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ByEmilio Galantini May 16, 2025

Mikel Arteta guided them to FA Cup glory during the COVID pandemic in 2020, clinching a piece of silverware amid his first campaign in charge of the club, but there has been precious little in the way of honours since then.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

You can make a serious argument that this is largely down to Man City’s invincibility over the last few years, barring this campaign, with Arsenal racking up a brilliant 89 points last term only for Pep Guardiola’s side to eventually take all the plaudits.

As per the above table, Arsenal have invested significantly in the squad, and some debate is even beginning to arise over whether Arteta is the right manager to end the club’s two-decade-long-plus wait for a league title.

They’ve undoubtedly evolved into an elite-level side under Arteta’s tenure, as their run to the Champions League semi-finals highlights, so reports of a potential exit for the 43-year-old have been few and far between, with the consensus being that Arsenal are continuing to show faith in him.

“It’s a great achievement, in 2025, to not win a trophy for five years and still be the manager at a top club that isn’t under pressure – from us, from anybody in the football community or even anyone in the Arsenal fanbase,” said Sky pundit Gary Neville.

“That’s an incredible achievement because we thought those days were gone whereby you can have this type of patience being afforded to you. I think it’s a good thing: normally with five years without a trophy you’d ordinarily see a manager be under pressure.

“That’s significant in that you think there is progression.”

Arsenal in advanced talks to sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres

However, this may not last for long if Arsenal don’t end their trophy drought soon, and Berta has every intention of backing Arteta with key signings that will reinforce the squad and hand Arteta the best possible chance of achieving glory. Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is a top target, according to widespread reports.

The “massively underrated” Sweden international appears destined to leave Sporting after a haul of 50 goals in all competitions, and some media sources suggest Arsenal have already offered him personal terms worth £135,000-per-week to join them (A Bola).

Now, CaughtOffside shares some more intriguing news about the saga. The outlet reports that Arsenal’s talks to sign Gyokeres are at an “advanced” stage, and they are currently leading the chase for his signature ahead of both Liverpool and Man United.

Arteta’s side are apparently closing in on a five-year deal for the striker, but CO claim it is actually worth around £9 million-per-year, rather than the previously mooted £7 million.

While Liverpool and United are still contending, it is reiterated that Arsenal are in pole position, with the ex-Coventry City star, who has an £84 million release clause in his contract, seemingly nearing a return to England.

With Champions League football still up for grabs through the Europa League, Daniel Levy is now reportedly positioning Tottenham Hotspur among the strongest contenders to sign an impressive defender.

Tottenham ease past Bodo/Glimt in semi-final first leg

Up against underdog Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt, there was plenty of room for Spurs to suffer a shock upset in North London before Brennan Johnson instantly put any doubts to bed within the first minutes. Ruthlessly dispatching their opponents, the Lilywhites raced into a 3-0 lead courtesy of the aforementioned Johnson, who was joined on the scoresheet by James Maddison and Dominic Solanke.

Ulrik Saltnes’ effort has handed Bodo/Glimt a glimmer of hope ahead of the return leg in Norway, but it would now take a monumental collapse for Spurs not to book their place in Bilbao.

Having famously claimed earlier this season that he always wins something in his second season at a club, Ange Postecoglou praised his side after watching them put one leg in the Europa League final.

The Australian told reporters: “I thought our supporters were outstanding tonight, from the moment we walked out, and I think they added the energy to the team.

“Even us scoring an early goal came from the fact that as soon as the boys walked out, there was a buzz in the stadium – and that’s a credit to our fans.

“We’ve obviously had a tough season, but the European nights this year have still been pretty special and they played their part tonight, a massive role in us performing in the way we needed to.”

Tottenham may sign £300k-p/w Premier League star if they win Europa League

A lot is on the line.

ByEmilio Galantini May 1, 2025

By winning the Europa League, Spurs would qualify for the Champions League and that would undoubtedly go a long way towards convincing summer targets into a move, including one particular defender.

Levy positioning Tottenham to sign Bisseck

According to Caught Offside, Levy is now positioning Tottenham among the strongest contenders to sign Yann Bisseck from Inter Milan, who will allow their defender to leave for a reported €55m (£47m) this summer.

Amid competition from West Ham United and Manchester United, those in North London should act fast to secure Bisseck’s signature in the coming months. The central defender would certainly be an instant upgrade in Postecoglou’s backline, given that he found himself starting from the off in a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Part of a frantic affair, Inter were forced to settle for a 3-3 draw against the Spanish giants after initially racing into a 2-0 lead and then leading 3-2. It’s now the job of Bisseck and his teammates to finish what they started at the San Siro.

Praised for his “athletic frame” and “spectacular speed” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Bisseck is someone that Spurs should do everything to sign in the coming months.

As interest continues to arrive over Eberechi Eze’s signature, Crystal Palace have reportedly turned their attention towards a talented attacking midfielder who could replace their star man.

Man Utd interested in Eze

Among the clubs interested in Eze are Manchester United. The Red Devils are desperate for reinforcements this summer, and as Ruben Amorim searches for the perfect attacking midfielder to slot straight into his 3-4-2-1 system, Eze could be an ideal choice.

The Crystal Palace star has once again been vital for Oliver Glasner’s side, who find themselves in an FA Cup semi-final and pushing for a top-half finish.

Glasner is certainly well aware of Eze’s importance too, albeit in a “strange season”, having told reporters after Crystal Palace thrashed Fulham 3-0 in their FA Cup quarter-final tie: “I think Ebere has had a strange season, he hasn’t had many goals in the Premier League and he has been unlucky, but he keeps going, he’s also struggled with strange injuries.

“The goal against Latvia and his first for England means a lot for him. He always has the confidence, we know he’s an amazing finisher to cut inside on his right foot with an amazing finish. We need this quality, he helped us today massively.”

Mateta swap deal: Crystal Palace could now get chance to sign £70m+ striker

He desperately needs a move.

2 ByTom Cunningham Apr 4, 2025

It’s the type of quality that has attracted those at Old Trafford, who will reportedly have to splash out as much as £60m if they are to lure the England international away from Selhurst Park this summer.

Palace, of course, have eventually managed to cope without Michael Olise following his departure to Bayern Munich last summer. Now, they’ve reportedly set their sights on a player who could replace Eze in the event of his exit this time around.

Crystal Palace racing to sign Sem Steijn

Already preparing for the worst, the Eagles have reportedly set their sights on replacing their star man. According to The Boot Room, Crystal Palace are now battling to sign Sem Steijn from FC Twente this summer, having already sent their scouts to watch the talented attacking midfielder in action in recent months.

The 23-year-old has got better and better in recent seasons, culminating in an incredibly impressive campaign and his best yet in the Netherlands. Scoring 26 goals and assisting a further six goals in all competitions prior to this weekend, it should come as no surprise to see the likes of Jacek Kulig sending praise the Dutchman’s way.

The football talent scout rightfully described Steijn’s season as “amazing” following a campaign which has attracted the interest of Palace, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, among others.

If Eze does depart this summer, the impressive Dutchman should sit top of Crystal Palace’s list of potential replacements.

The fans came in hordes to watch MS Dhoni do his thing, and despite all his limitations he left them hoping he returns next year

Alagappan Muthu19-May-20242:47

Have we seen last of Dhoni?

Everybody has a vice and in India, for bits of March, all of April and some of May, a lot of us get hooked on a 42-year-old classic.Chennai was the first to fall for his charms. We made him ours. We gave him a pet name. Something clever and understated. Nah, just kidding. We like shiny and OTT.It’s strange and beautiful and cartoonish and profound. This bond with this outsider who, right from the very first day, seemed so happy to be with us. All he asked in return was carte blanche so he could win us trophies, and access to a bike so he could zip around the city. Just him and the spirit inside him. The one that makes him untameable. This was back in 2008. His risk of being recognised was less. That’s changed.Related

• Dhoni on his IPL future: 'Needs to be in the best interest of the team'

• CSK CEO 'very, very hopeful' of Dhoni playing IPL 2025

• Ball-by-ball – Ferguson and Dayal deny Dhoni and Jadeja in dramatic finish

• Hussey hopes Dhoni keeps going for 'another couple of years'

• Fleming: We know what Dhoni can give them, and we will 'max that out'

Now Mahi can’t step out anywhere because MS Dhoni is everywhere. So he settles his cravings in other ways. Like having his security guards ride pillion as he takes them from his front door to his front gate. Inside, he is still the same gearhead, the one who reportedly drank litres of milk, and adores his dogs so much he cuts his birthday cakes with them. Outside, he is the captain who won India their first World Cup in 24 years and the greatest finisher cricket has ever known.Man and myth.This IPL has seen the two sides of Dhoni in wonderful harmony. In Mumbai, for example, he was in danger of keeling over as he reached out to Ruturaj Gaikwad because he wanted a pat on the back from his captain for hitting back-to-back-to-back sixes. Later, in front of his home crowd, the people who once filled up a third of the stands for a pre-season practice game, he had Ravindra Jadeja act as if he was going out to bat, sending everybody – including those in the dressing room – into a panic. But it was all a prank. Dude likes to pull our legs and our heartstrings.Will MS Dhoni be back the next season?•Associated PressDhoni promised one more season and in the course of it, he has pushed both body and mind to create these moments. He has been seen wearing a strap around his waist, possible mitigation against a side strain. He is taking great pains to present us with these memories. He can rest knowing they will last forever.It wasn’t always like this. There was a time when Dhoni looked eminently mortal. A time when his performances dipped so sharply that the same words that were used to praise him were being used to bring him down. #Thalaforareason. Clips would emerge of him dancing awkwardly as an explanation of his waning power. Dude’s spending too much time doing this nonsense. He’s taken them both back now: the song that was playing as he displayed two left feet and the hashtag. He sings it himself in a lovely ad for an electric bike.Dhoni has faced worse than trolls before. He once spoke of how the Indian team came back home at the end of the 2007 ODI World Cup and instead of being able to go home, they had to spend part of the night in a police station because the airport was filled with so much media personnel that it had become a security risk; that en route, they were even chased by the TV cameras. Good thing his job didn’t demand he face them day after day after day.As India captain Dhoni had an obligation to face the press. At CSK, since it wasn’t international cricket, he could get away with a few things. So for once, someone else was taking a burden off him instead of the other way around. All of this plays a part, because he’s spent 15 years in the same place, with no desire to move. He has to have had opportunities. He’s too big a name, too big a brand, for there never to have been an approach. Dhoni chose Chennai. Several times in all likelihood.The fans appreciated that.

THALA LAND! #YellorukkumThanks pic.twitter.com/nkh5WsMSaM

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 13, 2024