Spurs and Arsenal target’s agent spotted in North London – report

The agent of a transfer target for both Arsenal and Tottenham has been spotted in North London, according to a recent report.

Spurs and Arsenal battling on and off the pitch

The rivalry between Arsenal and Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham side remains as strong as ever, and with added incentive for both sides heading into the latest instalment.

After drawing 2-2 at the Emirates Stadium back in September, it was Tottenham's turn to play host to Arsenal on Sunday, knowing that a win over their fiercest rivals would be a major boost in their own Champions League aspirations for next season, as well as effectively ending Mikel Arteta's side's hopes of first Premier League title since 2004, where they clinched the Premier League title at White Hart Lane in front of the Spurs faithful.

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The match started just about perfectly for the Gunners, whose near unstoppable set piece dominance was helped this time by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg heading in at his own near post, with Kai Havertz then nodding home a similar finish to make it three after Bukayo Saka brilliantly slotted in a second on the break.

Cristian Romero tucked home what looked like a consolation after a mistake from David Raya, and while Son Heung-min's well-taken late penalty set up a nervous finish, Arsenal continue their march towards title glory.

Agent of transfer target spotted in north London

With the battle on the pitch now over for another season, attentions turn to matters off it, and the agent of a player wanted by both halves of North London has been touting his client's services.

The player in question? Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, who Tottenham are believed to hold a strong interest in this summer. However, recent reports have placed Arsenal at the front of the queue for his signature, with the 21-year-old thought to be available for around £60m this summer, far below his £128m release clause.

Heorhiy Sudakov for Ukraine.

It has already been confirmed that Sudakov will leave this summer, by no other than Shakhtar's own president Sergei Palkin: “This summer window, he has a big chance to move to some big clubs. We have had some contacts with big clubs and some are not negotiating with us directly but are getting a feel for the summer environment.

Sudakov's stats this season

Appearances

19

Goals

3

Assists

1

Yellow Cards

5

“He will definitely move to a top European club this summer. When I was at Chelsea versus Everton on Monday, many people asked me about Sudakov.”

Now, Sudakov's agent has been spotted at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, taking to Instagram to show off his time in N17, where he likely met with Spurs representatives to discuss a potential move.

However, The Mirror claim that Spurs are not interested in getting into a bidding war, which Shakhtar managed to spark to good effect over Mykhaylo Mudryk before eventually selling him to London rivals Chelsea, where he has since flattered to deceive.

The image will only serve to further fuel the fire around Sudakov, and will leave Spurs fans hopeful that they can get one over their rivals by agreeing a deal to sign the midfielder ahead of the new season.

Ange can combat injury woes by unleashing Spurs "freak" in a new role

After an impressive start to the 2023/24 season for Tottenham Hotspur, their form has been patchy at best of late.

During the first ten games of the season, the Lilywhites had 26 points, which included eight wins and two draws. Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou set the record for the most points accumulated by a new manager in their first ten Premier League games, as per Opta Joe.

However, since then, Spurs have played 24 games, winning ten, losing ten and drawing four. They have earned 34 points in that time, and have a goal difference of zero. It is fair to say that they have been hit-and-miss.

With that being said, Postecoglou’s side currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, on 60 points. However, they are seven points behind Aston Villa in fourth, although they do have a game in hand.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou

This season, Spurs have had a couple of injuries to crucial players at important times. James Maddison picked up an ankle injury in November to halt his fast start to the campaign, and Mickey van de Ven has had two separate hamstring injuries, causing him to miss a total of 12 games.

Recently, first-choice left-back Destiny Udogie has fallen foul of injury and will miss the rest of the season, and Euro 2024. The Italian has played 29 games in the Premier League this term, scoring two goals and registering three assists.

According to Fbref, also Udogie averages 5.83 progressive passes per 90, placing him in the top 10% of Premier League full-backs, and 4.33 final third passes, ranking him in the top 18%.

The 21-year-old is also a wonderful ball-carrier, averaging 3.12 progressive carries per 90 minutes, which places him in the top 12%, and 2.45 carries into the final third, which places him in the top 5%. He is a key component of Spurs’ ball progression.

Tottenham star Destiny Udogie.

Off the ball, Udogie is also an astute defender and averages 6.36 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 9% of Premier League full-backs. 3.95 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, which places him in the top 16%.

With Udogie’s injury a real blow to Spurs, there are a few options Postecoglou could turn to as a replacement. Ben Davies struggled in the North London Derby two weeks ago and did not play against Chelsea on Thursday. However, the Spurs boss has alternatives who could fill in at left-back whilst Udogie is sidelined, starting with this Sunday’s trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.

1 Obvious option Emerson Royal

emerson-royal-tottenham-hotspur-crystal-palace-premier-league-outstanding-revive-mason

The obvious choice to start at left-back for Spurs is Emerson Royal. The versatile defender has played all across the backline this season, including six times at left-back, where he lined up against Chelsea just two days ago.

However, the Brazil international struggled at Stamford Bridge against the Blues. According to SofaScore, Emerson won just three of his ten duels, was dribbled past six times and lost possession on ten occasions.

Despite a tough showing, Emerson is still a good option for Postecoglou, as his Fbref stats reflect. The 25-year-old Brazil international averages 4.39 tackles and interceptions this season in the Premier League, which places him in the top 10%, and 6.46 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 8%.

Chalkboard

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

With that being said, he lacks some of the progressive skills that Udogie possesses, and could well struggle to help Spurs progress play, especially when playing out from the back. Emerson averages just 4.23 progressive passes per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the 75th percentile.

He is certainly a good option for Postecoglou, especially if he wants a more defensive-minded player coming up against Liverpool and Mohamed Salah.

2 Tactical tweak Micky van de Ven

Micky van de Ven celebrates for Tottenham

An alternative option that Postecoglou has at left-back is to play Dutch defender Micky van de Ven out there, thus bringing Radu Dragusin into the side at centre-back. Whilst this may seem like an odd option, Van de Ven has actually played there before.

The 23-year-old has featured 15 times at left-back during his career, although never for Spurs, which could be a stumbling block. In fact, it has been almost one year since he has slotted in at left-back, playing 90 minutes there for Wolfsburg against Hertha Berlin last season.

Regardless, Van de Ven is still a good progressor of play, and, as per Fbref, averages 4.14 progressive passes per 90 minutes, and 4.78 final third passes per 90 minutes. This places him in the top 24% and the top 20% respectively.

Not only that, Van de Ven’s pace will surely stand him in good stead for a spell at left-back. Should he decide to venture forward, he is lightning-quick, which led football podcast host Michael Caley to describe him as an “utter freak”.

Van de Ven certainly possesses the recovery pace to get back in time. The defender averages 5.82 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 14% of Premier League centre-backs this season.

Starting Van de Ven at left-back is certainly a good option for Postecoglou. Whilst he may not have a wealth of experience in that role, the 23-year-old is quality on the ball, and a great defender, meaning he should be able to handle Salah well.

3 Wildcard option Jahziah Linton

The outside shout Postecoglou has at his disposal is Spurs academy defender Jahziah Linton. The 19-year-old has made seven appearances in Premier League 2 this season, although he is yet to register a goal involvement.

The youngster signed his first professional deal last season, where he spent the majority of the time in the under-18s, but has since spent his first full year as a professional footballer in the under-21 side.

It would, of course, be a risk to throw Linton into the side against Liverpool and Salah for his professional debut. However, some youngsters thrive in those scenarios, and there is nothing to say Linton would not take to the situation like a duck to water.

Regardless, Postecoglou certainly has some big decisions ahead of Sunday afternoon’s game at Anfield. It is a massive game for Spurs in their chase for the top four, and defeat could all but confirm their place in the Europa League next season.

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£45,000-a-week Leeds player says he’d happily quit for "amazing" club

Leeds United are likely to have to cash in one of their big earners this summer after he admitted that he could see himself at another 'amazing' club next season.

Farke's side falter at Coventry

The Championship has been full of twists and turns this season, and it seemed set for another one when leaders Ipswich Town fell to a 1-0 defeat in the East Anglian derby on Saturday lunchtime.

It opened the door for both Leeds United and Leicester City to move into the automatic promotion spots, but while the Foxes took the opportunity with glee, Daniel Farke's side couldn't, falling to a 2-1 defeat against Coventry City to dent their promotion hopes.

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The loss leaves Leicester City clear by a point atop the table, and with a game in hand on both of their rivals. Leeds, meanwhile, sit a point behind Ipswich and should they both win their remaining games, Farke's side will become the first side in Championship history to face play off action with over 90 points to their name.

In fact, they would reach 100, a landmark that in other seasons has seen them crowned champions, but this time may not even be enough for promotion.

Championship table 23/24 as it stands

Played

Won

Drawn

Lost

Goal difference

Points

Leicester City

40

28

4

8

43

88

Ipswich Town

41

26

9

6

32

87

Leeds United

41

26

8

7

43

86

Another season in the Championship is likely to spark wholesale squad changes, but some look set to leave irrespective of the division the Elland Road outfit find themselves in come September.

Aaronson keen on permanent exit

Now, Brenden Aaronson has revealed that he would be keen on making his loan move to Union Berlin permanent come the summer.

The USMNT star was signed by Jesse Marsch in the summer of 2022, and signed a 5 year deal worth £45,000 per week, making him one of the club's highest earners when he returns this summer.

It had previously been reported that the club were willing to cut ties with him permanently, but that has been disputed and his future still appears to be up in the air.

brenden-aaronson

For Aaronson though, he seems happy to leave Elland Road should the opportunity arise to remain at Union Berlin, where he has scored twice this season and is currently trying to help them avoid relegation.

“I can see myself remaining here", he told the media. “The club is amazing. it’s not upto me at the end of the day but I have so much respect for Union, the way it has been built, the staff, it’s an amazing family club and they’ve done an amazing job.

“For me, it’s (about) making the right decision in the summer, evaluating the year and going from there. Staying is an option but I can’t say much more.”

It remains to be seen whether or not Leeds grant him his wish, which would likely see them take a major loss on the 30m euros they shelled out for him just two years ago.

Leicestershire snap up Janneman Malan as overseas player after maiden ODI ton

Batsman available for both white-ball competitions and first three Championship games

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Mar-2020

Janneman Malan soaks in the applause for his maiden ODI century•Associated Press

Leicestershire have announced the signing of Janneman Malan as their main overseas player for the 2020 season.Malan, who was the leading domestic run-scorer in this season’s Mzansi Super League, became the first player to score a duck on ODI debut and follow it up with a century in his second match this week, leading South Africa to a series win over Australia.He is available for the duration of the white-ball competitions as well as the club’s first three County Championship games, subject to international commitments.ALSO READ: County ins and outs 2019-20Leicestershire’s financial position rendered them unable to sign an overseas player for their T20 campaign last season, while most other counties fielded two, and their Championship overseas player Mohammad Abbas has been snapped up by Nottinghamshire.But after securing a £1.75m loan from Leicester City Council in December, the club found themselves in a position to recruit, and have secured the signing of Malan with time to spare before the start of the season.Paul Nixon, the club’s head coach, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have Janneman on board with us, primarily for white-ball cricket but also with the opportunity to slot into our red ball side too.”Securing a high-class opening batsman in T20 and the Royal London Cup has been a major priority and Janneman fits the bill for us. His record across all formats his outstanding and we have watched his progress and development with interest.”Janneman strikes the ball very cleanly and will be an asset to us. He fits the profile of our squad; young, hungry and adaptable, and we know he is highly thought of in South Africa with his recent international call-ups.”Malan said: “I am looking forward to working with Paul Nixon who is busy getting the boys prepared for pre-season and I will be following their progress closely from afar.”

West Brom must rue selling gem who is now worth 2x more than Diangana

West Bromwich Albion's reputation for having a staunch defence this season in the Championship has taken a beating in recent matches, with the lacklustre Baggies shipping three to Sheffield Wednesday last time out.

The Owls ended up overwhelming the shell-shocked West Brom back four by being clinical in-front of goal, scoring three of the seven shots on target that fell their way compared to the visitors being wasteful with zero goals managed from their eight on target.

Alex Palmer will hope he can get back to his best in-between the sticks if Carlos Corberan's men are to make the playoffs, knowing that he will have to be far more reliable in those possible crunch clashes to come to ensure the Baggies aren't breached in crucial moments.

There must now be some lingering regret that the West Midlands outfit couldn't keep a firmer grip on this ex-goalkeeper therefore, who has since become a dependable option in goal for his new Premier League employers.

Sam Johnstone's time at West Brom

Sam Johnstone was the fixed first-team goalkeeper for many seasons at West Brom before moving on to Crystal Palace two years ago, notching up 167 total appearances for the West Midlands side before uprooting to Selhurst Park.

That deal to Palace would have stung from a Baggies perspective, with the ex-Manchester United youth product joining the Eagles on a free transfer after West Brom had previously turned down a £10m bid from West Ham United for the services of their number-one shot-stopper.

Making the majority of his appearances in the Championship when still on the books at the Hawthorns, Johnstone would also shine in the top flight for his former team, showcased in this standout display away at Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in 2020 which helped his side pick up a shock 1-1 draw.

Collecting 45 clean sheets across the span of his Baggies career, with seven of those coming in the tough demands of the Premier League, West Brom must have worried in the immediate aftermath of his move to Palace that Johnstone would be extremely hard to replace.

Palmer has been a safe pair of gloves for the vast majority of the current second-tier campaign, keeping an impressive 17 clean sheets from 45 games to date, but there will be question marks over whether he could handle the step-up if West Brom were to seal promotion soon.

Crystal Palace goalkeeperSam Johnstone

Johnstone has shown this season at Palace that he's a Premier League standard 'keeper for sure, which has seen his transfer value rise, according to Football Transfers.

Johnstone's transfer value in 2024

Oliver Glasner's Eagles will be aware that they hit the jackpot on Johnstone getting him in on a free, with the England international's valuation now standing at £4.7m.

That's lower than what West Brom paid for the 31-year-old back in 2018, splashing £6.5m on his services only to lose him for nothing four years later.

Keeping six clean sheets this campaign when thrown into action, Johnstone – who has been dubbed "sensational" by Gary Lineker – remains a steady head to thrust into the spotlight when needed away from his recent injury woes.

The Palace 'keeper's valuation in 2024 sees him come in as being worth double what West Brom attacker Grady Diangana currently is too, despite the ex-Hammers winger joining the Baggies for £12m in 2020.

Fading in and out of far too many contests this season for Corberan's promotion hopefuls, with none of his 15 goal contributions for the campaign coming in his faltering side's last four second-tier clashes, the 26-year-old will hope he can still produce a moment of magic or two in the upcoming playoffs despite seeing his value drop to a measly £1.7m.

West Brom winger Grady Diangana.

West Brom will have to ensure they get there first, however, with a tense atmosphere expected at the Hawthorns this coming weekend in a showdown against Preston North End that will decide their fate.

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Abdallah Sima’s Rangers future now in doubt as reporter shares new twist

As the season begins to reach its conclusion and Rangers begin to dream about their Scottish Premiership title aspirations becoming an undeniable reality, those at Ibrox have already turned their attention towards the summer transfer window. But it's not all good news.

Rangers transfer news

As things stand, it's set to be a summer of departures at Ibrox, with Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, Jon McLaughlin, John Lundstram, Kemar Roofe and Leon Balogun all out of contract come the end of the season. Forced to make several changes, Philippe Clement must get things right when it comes to reinforcements, with or without the league title.

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ByTom Cunningham Apr 11, 2024

In that regard, it looks as though Rangers' first strategy will be to turn loan deals permanent. The likes of Fabio Silva and Oscar Cortes have already been linked with those exact moves in what could provide the Gers an instant boost this summer. Both still young players, Clement will hope to see them get even better with permanent stays, rather than watching on as they achieve great things elsewhere or back at their parent clubs.

It is also a deal that Rangers want to seal for Abdallah Sima. Unlike Silva and Cortes, however, those at Ibrox could miss out this summer. According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Rangers may see their deal for Sima hijacked by Premier League and elite European sides better placed to match Brighton & Hove Albion's reported price tag of £10-15m this summer.

Missing out on a player of Sima's quality after his successful loan spell would be a major blow for Rangers, especially if it simply comes down to financial power. Qualification for the Champions League would help their cause, but even then it remains to be seen whether the Gers could compete alongside England's top-flight and European clubs in the transfer market.

"Terrific" Sima could be key to a title defence

If Rangers do end the current season with the Scottish crown back in their hands, then the focus must shift to defending that very title, which Sima should get the chance to play an important part in. After seeing his current season disrupted by injury, the forward arguably has unfinished business at Ibrox too – business that he could bring to an end next season.

Brighton will be keen to get the right price for the 22-year-old who former coach Billy Reid praised at the start of the season: "He’s a player who needs to be at his top physical level to show what he’s capable of.

"He trained well and worked really hard in every session because he wants to do well. As a lad, he’s terrific. He was one of those boys who always came in with a smile on his face. He’s an infectious character and even when his English wasn’t great, he was always a big part of the dressing room. Now he’s comfortable speaking the language, I’m sure he is popular around Ibrox.”

If this summer is to be the end of Sima's time at Rangers, then he will leave having helped them well on their way to a dramatic title win with 11 goals and two assists to his name in the Scottish Premiership this season.

Heinrich Klaasen steps up with bat to repay Mark Boucher's faith

Centurion says he can’t describe the “pure emotion” of scoring his first hundred for South Africa

Firdose Moonda in Paarl29-Feb-2020It was here at Boland Park that Heinrich Klaasen endured one of the worst days of his career. Two months ago, on the morning of December 16, he found out that he had been dropped from the South Africa Test squad ahead of the series against England after a torrid debut in Ranchi on their trip to India in September. That evening, the Mzansi Super League franchise he captains, the Tshwane Spartans, lost the tournament final to the Paarl Rocks.Klaasen, who is not the most expressive character, cut a grim figure when he was asked about the compounding disappointments. “It’s not been a great week for me, but that’s part of the job,” he said then. “I need to go back and perform. I want to play Test cricket but there’s a lot of work that I have to do and put numbers on the board.”Now, a little more than two months later, it’s was at Boland Park that Klaasen enjoyed one of the best days of his career with his maiden ODI hundred in his 15th match. Asked whether he could describe the feeling when the milestone came up, Klaasen shook his head and grinned. “No I can’t,” he said. “It’s difficult to put in words. It’s just pure emotion that came out.”Measured, pure emotion. Klaasen’s celebrations, whether muted by the heat and smoke that hung in the air or by the knowledge that South Africa still needed a few more runs to get themselves into a properly dominant position, were quiet by most maiden hundred standards. There was no leap or air punch but a bat raise and a brief conversation with the heavens and then he was back in the zone, and continued to add to the total.Klaasen finished on 123 not out, and his partnership with David Miller was worth half the final score. Crucially, it took the pressure off Quinton de Kock, who has been South Africa’s top-scorer in five out of the last six series and has come to be relied upon to do the bulk of the line-up’s work. “It’s not the Quinton de Kock show,” Klaasen said.”He is an incredible player but we can’t put all the pressure on them. The coach has been asking for someone else step up. Quinton can’t bat for 50 overs on his own.”South Africa’s coach, Mark Boucher, was also Klaasen’s coach at the Titans for the past three seasons and it was under Boucher that Klaasen was earmarked as an international. He traveled with the Test squad on a tour to New Zealand in 2017, but only made his Test debut two years later, in India. The inevitable consequence of being on tour but not on the field was that Klaasen didn’t play a lot and when he was left out of the Test squad to face England at home, he was given the opportunity to put that right. “The selectors told me to go back to franchise and play more consistency; to spend a lot of time in the middle,” he said.Though he has not hit the lights out, his numbers are steady. In the first-class competition, Klaasen collected 413 runs from five matches at an average of 51.62, which included four fifties. He has 162 runs from four one-day cup matches at 40.50, with one fifty. And then he got the call-up for the white-ball leg of the England series and made a big impression with 66 at his home ground, Centurion, to set South Africa up for a score of 222 for 6. That they couldn’t defend it was not Klaasen’s concern. He did his bit.A hip injury prevented him from continuing to do it for South Africa’s next two T20 matches, but he was back in the XI as soon as he was fit, displacing allrounder Jon-Jon Smuts. That too tells a story. Instead of opt for a two-in-one player, South Africa have chosen Klaasen, demonstrating the faith Boucher has put in him. “It’s always good to know that your coach backs you,” he said. “We have got a good relationship, which changed in the last couple of months before he came up.”Boucher’s promotion meant Klaasen lost a mentor of sorts but he has been working with other former internationals like Albie Morkel and Jacques Rudolph and has tried to model himself on one of his franchise team-mates, Dean Elgar – specifically an innings for the Titans against the Cobras earlier this month, when Elgar took the team from 50 for 2 to 302 for 4. Klaasen also had assurance from Boucher that he was doing the right thing on a surface where run-scoring was tough.”The message came out from from the coach to say, ‘You are doing a good job,'” Klaasen said. “He said if we go three or four an over for the next 15 overs, he was happy. We didn’t have to worry about trying too many things, just take the low risk option.”In doing that, Klaasen made it difficult for Australia to tie him down, according to their captain, Aaron Finch. “He picked his moments in when to attack the bowlers. They rotated, they ran hard, that was a quality knock.” And that’s high praise as any Klaasen could expect to get in Paarl.

Queensland opposed to Cricket Australia cuts despite job losses

The state is seeking more clarity on the situation before agreeing to a funding reduction

Daniel Brettig26-May-2020Queensland’s chairman Chris Simpson has confirmed the state association remains allied with New South Wales and the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) in questioning Cricket Australia’s chosen remedy for the financial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, as all three organisations continue to push the governing body for more information.While Queensland Cricket announced on Monday that it would be cutting 32 staff from its books in anticipation of a 25% funding cut from CA, Simpson said this move was necessary largely because his state was in a far weaker position than NSW, the other dissenter. Queensland’s most recent annual report listed reserves of A$7.6 million among total assets worth A$18.3 million, far less than NSW or Victoria, to name two states, can call upon.At the same time, Simpson outlined that, as reported by ESPNcricinfo, Queensland’s board was trying to ensure that its agreement would see any reduction in distribution for 2020-21 revised back upwards if the summer produced a more favourable financial result than CA is currently forecasting.ALSO READ: Players’ association casts doubt on Cricket Australia’s financial warnings”We have not signed the agreement,” Simpson told . “We are trying to learn how long their proposed cuts run for. It is a bit ambiguous how they have presented it. We want clarity on the term and we also want to make sure 25% is the ceiling.”We also want to make sure that should things be better than what they are modelling – and every day we are getting more positive about the prospect of serious cricket content this season – we don’t want to lock into something that is to the detriment of the states.”Simpson’s words are similar to those conveyed by the NSW chairman John Knox and his chief executive Lee Germon to staff and stakeholders earlier this month. “As a result of the Cricket Australia proposal, some states have already reduced their commitment to community cricket, potentially impacting the long-term future of the game,” they said in an email. “We believe that any decision to reduce the agreed state distributions should be delayed until there is a better understanding of whether international cricket will be played next season.”The ACA has contacted states and indicated a willingness to preserve community staffing and programs via financial assistance from the “grassroots fund” carved out of MoU cash and overseen by both the ACA and CA. The fund has dished out almost A$4.5 million in funding for equipment and facilities since 2017, and is expected to have about A$3 million available this year. CA is due to give its latest indicative forecast of Australian Cricket Revenue – from which the players’ fixed percentage of revenue is derived – by Friday.Queensland’s cuts have included a major downsizing of the Brisbane Heat’s operation and the exit of the long-serving selector, coach and manager Justin Sternes. They have also seen community cricket programs significantly affected, but Simpson said the state had been left with little option.”We have been told for a long time how big a deal the Indian tour is, so to hear that optimism brings the depth of the cuts into focus,” Simpson said. “Eighty percent of our funding comes from one source [CA] and they have said they potentially have solvency issues, so it is our duty to act on that information. We disagree with a lot of the information provided but we still had to act. NSW have a very big book and they can ride it out. We can’t.”The Australia and NSW fast bowler Mitchell Starc, meanwhile, has given his strong support to the state’s own decision to push back against CA. “In terms of NSW they’ve been pretty strong in holding their position and I think from the little updates I’ve read from NSW, it’s a big part of their plan – to be part of growing the game in the state,” he said”That’s obviously where we have all come from, as international and elite cricketers, we’ve come from the junior clubs to grade clubs all the way to international cricket. Full credit to the NSW board in trying to, at this stage, hang onto all of their staff and their grass roots at the moment.”Cricket hasn’t lost any games yet in this country, obviously the Bangladesh [tour] has been postponed but there hasn’t been any cricket lost yet. So it’s going to be an interesting few weeks with state contracting then us all returning to training – I guess we’re going to see what staff we’ve got.”

مازيمبي يرد عبر "بطولات" على اتهامات حكم مصري لهم بالرشوة

أثارت تصريحات الحكم المصري المساعد الأسبق، أيمن دجيش، الكثير من الجدل خلال الأيام القليلة الماضية بشأن اتهامه لنادي مازيمبي بتقديم رشوة سابقة.

وتحدث دجيش عن مباراة سابقة كان يتواجد فيها رفقة، ياسر عبد الرؤوف، ترجع إلى عام 2011 وتحديدًا في 20 مارس بين مازيمبي وسيمبا ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وأكد دجيش خلال تصريحات عبر “بودكاست على دكة الاحتياطي”: “تم عرض رشوة على الكابتن ياسر عبد الرؤوف من نادي مازيمبي وتم رفضها”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. حكم مباراة الأهلي وشباب بلوزداد في دوري أبطال إفريقيا شاهد ملخص مباراة مازيمبي وسيمبا بقيادة ياسر عبد الرؤوف

وتواصل “btolat.com” مع المتحدث الرسمي لنادي مازيمبي، جيانتيس موتومبو، للتعليق على تلك الاتهامات، وقال: “ادعاءات كاذبة تمامًا”.

وتابع: “أتذكر تلك المباراة جيدًا كذلك أداء هؤلاء الحكام لقد كانوا متواضعين للغاية وكانت هناك العديد من الأخطاء التحكيمية، أداؤهم لم يكن على المستوى”.

الجدير بالذكر أن ياسر عبد الرؤوف في الوقت الحالي أصبح يترأس لجنة الحكام في الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم.

Arteta could deploy £150,000-per-week Arsenal star in key new tactical role

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could deploy a £150,000-per-week player in a "key" new tactical role after criticism, suggests journalist Charles Watts.

Arsenal dealt Premier League title blow as Man City take charge

It's been a pretty devastating last few days for Arsenal supporters, who watched their side crash out of the Champions League to Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening and relinquish control of the Premier League title race with a 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa on Sunday.

Club will allow £51m star to leave as Arsenal make approach to sign him

The Gunners’ transfer plans are in full swing.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 18, 2024

This season could end badly for Arteta and co, despite starting 2024 with real promise and boasting an imperious attacking threat on a very consistent basis. There is still hope for Arsenal to clinch a first league title in 20 years, but they will need a slip up from Man City to do so.

Arsenal's next Premier League games in race for title

Date

Wolves (away)

April 20th

Chelsea (home)

April 23rd

Tottenham (away)

April 28th

Bournemouth (home)

May 4th

Man United (away)

May 12th

Nothing less than perfect from the Gunners is acceptable in this final season run-in, as Pep Guardiola's City usually hit their stride domestically at this point of the season. They'll need their star players to perform every game, like captain Martin Odegaard, with left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko's form also a topic of discussion.

Zinchenko tipped for key new Arsenal role

Reporter Watts, speaking to CaughtOffside, has hinted that Arteta could use Zinchenko in a "key" new role at Arsenal higher up the pitch following the Ukranian's shortcomings defensively.

“Some of the criticism (of Zinchenko) is justified, but some is a bit harsh in my opinion," said Watts.

"When you look at what went wrong for Arsenal on Sunday for example, I’m not really sure Zinchenko was at the heart of it. But, judging by the amount of criticism that has come his way over the past few days, you would think he was. Yes, there were a few errors of judgement in the second half, one of which could easily have been very costly. But there were also good points in the first half which could easily have led to Arsenal opening the scoring.

lino-sousa-oleksandr-zinchenko-arsenal-opinion

“And that’s always been the thing with Zinchenko – there are undeniable positives, but there are also obvious negatives. The thing is that right now, probably for the first time since he joined, the negatives are starting to outweigh the positives. Arsenal’s side has evolved at pace under Arteta. Last season Zinchenko was an essential part of it, but now his place in the starting XI is up for debate.

“I wouldn’t say we are definitely approaching the end of Zinchenko’s time at Arsenal. I still think he could have a key role to play in this squad, potentially even higher up the pitch where his defensive deficiencies could leave the team less exposed. He’s a quality footballer who is having a difficult period, but Arteta believes in him and it’s far too early to write him off as an Arsenal player.”

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