Cast your mind back to August 13th, 2023. Aston Villa had just been trounced 5-1 at St. James' Park to start their Premier League season off with a whimper, casting a dark blanket over a summer of excitement.

It has proved to be a match in isolation, but Sir Alex Ferguson's prophetic prediction about Unai Emery's side impressing him the most following the events of matchweek one has now come to fruition with thrilling resonance.

Villa rejoiced after Tottenham Hotspur were defeated against Manchester City in the English top flight this week as it confirmed their status as top-four finishers, securing a first-ever place in the Champions League in its modern format.

Emery has been the architect, turning the languishing outfit into an expertly wrought squadron of winners, and Ollie Watkins will be in with a confident shout for the club's Player of the Season award following an incredible campaign as the attacking focal point.

Last month, The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell hailed the England international as the "Premier League's second-best striker – maybe No 1, on current form," with Watkins scoring 27 goals and supplying 13 assists in all competitions.

His ascendency to the upper echelon of Europe's forwards is reflected through his market value, but he's not actually the most lucrative player in the Villa Park first team. That tag lies with Douglas Luiz, the true conductor of the Lions' success.

Douglas Luiz's season in numbers

Aston Villa signed Luiz from Manchester City for a fee of £15m in 2019. The Brazilian was not likely to break into Pep Guardiola's first team but had showcased his quality on loan at Girona in La Liga.

Having amassed 203 appearances for the Midlands-based side, the 5 foot 10 ace has now established himself as "one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders," also claimed by Tanswell.

He's a commanding, controlling general of a player and his energy and enterprise in the centre of the park has been a priceless part of Emery's machine, with Luiz playing 52 times in all competitions this season and posting ten goals and ten assists apiece.

His natural attacking prowess is among the highlights of his skill set, ranking among the top 10% of central midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 17% for assists and the top 15% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

When considering that all these qualities belong to the same player, it's no wonder that Luiz has been said to do "everything that [Declan] Rice can do and better" by pundit Jermaine Pennant. It's a comment that would no doubt rankle a few but this remains a testament to the star's rise.

Matches played

34

37

Matches started

34

36

Goals

9

7

Assists

5

8

Pass completion

89%

91%

Big chances created

9

8

Key passes

1.5

1.2

Ball recoveries

5.3

4.7

Tackles

1.7

2.2

Duels won

4.3 (52%)

4.1 (53%)

Dribble attempts

0.7 (60%)

0.6 (53%)

It's important to remember that Arsenal fought to bring Luiz and offered three official bids in 2022 before accepting that NSWE had no interest in discussing their sensation's possible sale.

The Gunners' third-and-final offer totalled to £25m. This puny proposition was rightly batted away with the ferocity of a batsman chasing a match-winning innings.

One of the most formidable units in Europe, Arsenal are hardly going to regret the signing of Rice, but Pennant's claims might just hold some weight when comparing Luiz and Rice's statistics in the English top-flight this season, with the Villan coming out on top.

Villa can hardly say that they made the wrong call, especially when Luiz indeed perches atop the pile as Aston Villa's most valuable asset.

Douglas Luiz's transfer value in 2024

Inevitably, Emery and Monchi and all the powers that be at Villa Park will face a barrage of advances from rivals both domestic and abroad this summer.

Watkins, for example, is one of the Premier League's hottest forwards around and, as such, Manchester United have come a-calling, with talkSPORT's Alex Crook revealing that the Red Devils are plotting an audacious swoop for the Three Lions star this summer.

No transfer figure is mentioned but the 28-year-old would not come cheap, with CIES Football Observatory appraising him at £51m – though, in truth, a greater figure would be needed.

Luiz, however, is deemed to be worth closer to €80m (£69m) – according to the same source – thus outlining his increased importance to Emery's side, perhaps even ahead of Watkins.

The Brazil international is only contracted to Villa Park until 2026 but transfer insider Dean Jones stated in March that the chances of an agreement for new terms is growing – even despite reports that the one-time Girona man remains a target for the Gunners ahead of this summer.

And why not remain at the heart of a project that is just starting to stretch its roots into an illustrious sphere? Villa are demonstrating incremental growth and while there is plenty of work still to do, with Luiz continuing his journey as Emery's string-puller, there is no telling how high the ceiling is.

One thing is for certain: Aston Villa played a blinder rejecting Arsenal's advances two years ago. Standing firm has resulted in Aston Villa's place in the 2024/25 Champions League proper, with Luiz now one of the Premier League's most priceless jewels.

Emery must ditch Aston Villa flop who earns more than Duran

Aston Villa must cut their losses on this defender.

ByJoe Nuttall May 16, 2024

West Ham United have yet to announce Julen Lopetegui as David Moyes' successor but the Spanish manager's arrival is a formality at this stage, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the deal.

It is likely that West Ham have refrained from releasing an official announcement in the build-up to Sunday's culminating Premier League fixture away to Manchester City, which will see Moyes wave goodbye to the Irons following his trophy-winning tenure.

For his part, Lopetegui has already discussed summer transfer plans and the like with Hammers directors Tim Steidten and Mark Noble, and while several outgoings are to be expected, the pursuit of new players is well and truly underway.

West Ham eyeing new striker

Signing a striker was always going to be a priority at the London Stadium this summer. Danny Ings has failed to impress and has been transfer-listed for just £6.5m, while veteran Michail Antonio is out of contract in one month.

As such, a host of potentials have been linked, with Brentford's Ivan Toney the highest-profile name. However, there's a remote chance of that one happening with no European football next year and Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur also known suitors.

As such, there might be weight to rumours that West Ham are interested in signing S.C. Brage centre-forward Simon Banza, who – according to Calciomercato – is on the club's radar heading into the off-season.

Banza's Portuguese outfit have placed a €40m (£34m) price tag on his signature, which is steep, but he's proving himself to be a menacing striker with a deadly eye for goal.

Why Simon Banza is perfect for West Ham

Antonio is a singular threat in that he's not the most clinical of goalscorers but his brutish bearing on the pitch provides West Ham with an imposing and effective focal point. He has been described as a "monster" by journalist Paul Brown.

A ferocious vessel, he ranks among the top 14% of centre-forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 13% for successful take-ons per 90 – as per FBref – despite approaching his professional twilight at 34 years old.

Why is this being discussed? Well, Banza's skill set would make him a suitable replacement for a forward such as Antonio while bringing a sharpened finishing ability too.

He's playing at an inferior level than that of England's top flight but Banza has been hailed for his "magnificent" performances by Braga official Alexandre Carvalho, having been surpassed only by Sporting Lisbon's red-hot sensation Viktor Gyokeres in the scoring charts.

1.

Viktor Gyökeres

32

27

105

2.

Simon Banza

27

21

95

3.

Rafa Mújica

30

20

127

4.

Jhonder Cádiz

29

15

149

4.

Samuel Essende

31

15

178

Boasting the best minute-per-goal rate of any player in Portugal's top flight this season, Banza, 27 years old, has showcased his predatory ability wonderfully, taking 3.3 shots per game and only missing 13 big chances, as per Sofascore.

Antonio, in comparison, has scored six Premier League goals from 25 league fixtures in 2023/24, missing as many big chances. This is not a bad return but highlights the improvement that could be made by welcoming Banza to the fold.

The eight-cap Democratic Republic of Congo international failed to score during his outfit's Champions League campaign this season but he did provide an assist against Real Madrid during a 2-1 group phase defeat at the Braga Municipal Stadium, then scoring in both legs of his side's Europa League final 32 loss against Qarabag.

Banza's return of 23 goals from only 30 starting appearances in all competitions this season suggests that he has what it takes to succeed at an ambitious club such as West Ham, especially given that he would be supplied with creative support by the likes of Jarrod Bowen, James Ward-Prowse and the replacement for Lucas Paqueta, who is expected to leave the club this summer.

Further supporting his case, the towering 6 foot 2 striker has actually outfired West Ham's top scorer – Bowen – this season. The Three Lions ace has bagged 20 goals from 44 fixtures and has been dubbed "unplayable" by Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

Banza too offers skills that would be hard to repel for defenders on Premier League soil, with one scout report stating: 'Banza is one of the most difficult strikers to defend in Portugal due to his tall frame, movement, and strength – he always looks to target opposition defenders and wreak havoc – and despite his 6 ft 2 frame, he is surprisingly mobile in his style of play, acting often as a brilliant facilitator.'

But, of course, it is his stunning rate of scoring that may yet win Lopetegui and co over, ranking among the top 1% of forwards across divisions similar to the Portuguese Primeira Liga for goals scored and the top 5% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.

The tough, tenacious forward might just prove himself to be the perfect successor to Antonio's place in the West Ham squad, and while it would be something of a risk for Lopetegui's early-stage project, Banza has demonstrated himself to be a natural finisher and he would raise his game, surrounded by high-level peers such as Bowen.

£50k-p/w West Ham man to follow Moyes out exit door after losing his place

He could be on his way out alongside the manager who signed him.

ByBen Browning May 13, 2024

He cites 2005-06 incident in Australia, where South African players were racially abused

Firdose Moonda10-Jul-2020Former batsman Ashwell Prince has claimed that several South African players were racially abused on their tour to Australia in 2005 and the team leadership urged them to continue playing regardless. In a Twitter thread, “100% inspired by Michael Holding,” Prince called the South African system “broken,” and said “there has never been any unity” for the decade he was part of the national team.The incident Prince referred to has been well documented and occurred in Perth during the first Test of South Africa’s tour in 2005-06. Prince, Makhaya Ntini and Garnett Kruger were taunted with racial slurs from the crowd, while white players including Shaun Pollock and Justin Kemp were also subjected to heckling.At the time, the CSA management made an official complaint to the ICC match referee Chris Broad, but Prince said players’ concerns had been dismissed. “When we brought this to the attention of the team leadership at lunch, we were told, “ah it’s only some people in the crowd, not the majority, let’s get back out there,” Prince posted.Mickey Arthur, South Africa’s coach at the time, remembered, however, that the team management took the incident seriously. “We made a stand against it,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “The team management went to Cricket Australia, who put extra security on the boundary. From my recollection, the team was upset about it as a whole. I don’t remember any player saying, ‘let’s just go back out there,’ flippantly. It affected us massively as a team.”Arthur added that he stands by the Black Lives Matter movement. “There is absolutely no room for racism whatsoever. Having been at Pakistan and Sri Lanka, whatever race, colour, religion everybody is, everybody is together.”In his thread, Prince also took broader aim at attitudes to the transformation policy in place, saying that “any form of transformation has been met with resistance,” and that, “real, authentic change, inclusivity and non-racialism has never been able to establish itself.”Prince has spoken out in the past on the issue, and he indicated his thread is ” only the tip of the iceberg,” and called for “tough, honest, uncomfortable conversation.” As coach of the Cobras, he has been critical towards Cricket South Africa over the ongoing player exodus.Prince’s Twitter thread adds to the ongoing discussions around BLM, specifically in a South African context. On Monday, Lungi Ngidi called for the South African team to “make a stand like the rest of the world,” over BLM. That prompted criticism from former international players including Boeta Dippenaar and Pat Symcox.On Thursday, the South African Cricketers Association threw their weight behind Ngidi and the concept of athlete activism and later that evening CSA issued a statement expressing their support for BLM.”Black Lives Matter. It is as simple as that,” CSA’s acting CEO Jacques Faul said. “As a national sporting body representing more than 56 million South Africans and with the privileged position of owning a platform as large as we do, it is of vital importance that we use our voice to educate and listen to others on topics involving all forms of discrimination.”

England interim manager Lee Carsley was impressed by Anthony Gordon's performance as England beat Ireland 2-0 in the Nations League on Saturday.

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England win in Carsley's first game in chargeRice and Grealish scored against IrelandBut coach singled out another attacker for praiseWHAT HAPPENED?

Although Declan Rice and Jack Grealish were the scorers as the Three Lions opened their Nations League campaign with three points, Gordon impressed in just his fifth senior appearance for his national team.

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The Newcastle star had three shots on target and set up two chances before he was replaced after 77 minutes, and impressed enough earn a special mention by new boss Carsley for the danger he posed at the Aviva Stadium.

WHAT CARSLEY SAID

"I thought they [Rice and Grealish] took their goals really well," he said. "Really well-worked moves and brilliant finishes. I think, moving forward, they can both add a lot more goals to their game. Jack definitely doesn't have anything to prove to us, we can see his quality, but today will have done him the world of good, getting another goal for England and hopefully he can continue that form. On a really dry sticky pitch, it's not ideal for dribblers but I thought Anthony [Gordon] was a real threat. He's carried on his form from last season and he looks a really dangerous player."

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR GORDON?

Gordon will fancy his chances of getting his fourth start for England when they continue their Nations League campaign with a match against Finland on Tuesday.

The editor-in-chief of France Football has explained why Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala has not been nominated for the Ballon d'Or.

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• Musiala not recognised for starring role at Bayern Munich
• Left off of 30-man shortlist for Ballon d'Or
• Three main reasons for omission revealed

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  France Football revealed the nominees for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, which for the first time in over 20 years does not feature either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Bayern Munich's Harry Kane has been nominated, but team-mate Jamal Musiala was strangely left off the list. Chief editor Vincent Garcia has given his reasons for why he is not being recognised among the best players in Europe.

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  WHAT GARCIA SAID

  Speaking to the press, Garcia said: "In my opinion, there are three main reasons why he was not selected by the committee. First, his lack of statistics in the Champions League, where he scored as many goals as Mathys Tel, for example. That is too few for a player of his calibre.

  "He also failed to convince in important matches such as the Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid or the Euro quarter-final against Spain, where his performances were not catastrophic but rather neutral. Bayern's season, which saw them finish in the Bundesliga at its worst since 2011, did not help him either. I am sure he will return to this list in the future."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The outrage surrounding Musiala's absence from the Ballon d'Or shortlist is warranted among Germany and Bayern Munich fans who revere the 21-year-old as their brightest talent. But the 34-cap international only recorded 20 goal contributions last season compared to 32 the year before, perhaps suggesting that expectations around his performances have risen.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MUSIALA?

  Musiala will have his chance to prove to everyone on the continent that he is deserving of a place in the top 30 for the prestigious award when Germany face Hungary on Saturday evening. Julian Nagelsmann's side will then travel to the Netherlands on Tuesday for their second UEFA Nations League game in September.

تعرض لاعب نادي وست هام الإنجليزي لحادث بسيارته، وأصدر ناديه بيانًا رسميًا للكشف عن تطورات حالته.

ووقع الحادث ظهر يوم السبت بحسب ما ذكرت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” البريطانية في تقرير لها.

وبحسب التقرير الوارد، حُوصِر نجم وست هام ميشيل أنطونيو داخل سيارته الفيراري لمدة 45 دقيقة بعد اصطدامها بشجرة.

وسارع رجال الإطفاء بمحاولة إنقاذ مهاجم وست هام باستخدام معدات القطع عقب الحادث المروع.

وتم استدعاء فرق الإطفاء، حيث وجدوا اللاعب البالغ من العمر 34 عامًا محاصرًا داخل سيارته.

وبعد نحو 45 دقيقة، تمكن رجال الإنقاذ من قطع جزء من السيارة، وتم نقل ميشيل أنطونيو إلى المستشفى.

وأفادت المصادر أنه ربما تعرض لإصابات في كلتا ساقيه وتضرر عظم الفخذ، وهو يخضع لفحوصات طبية في مستشفى في وسط لندن.

اقرأ أيضًا | ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي بعد تعادل مانشستر سيتي وكريستال بالاس

وتُظهر الصور الملتقطة في مكان الحادث أضرارًا بالغة في الجانب الأيمن من سيارة الفيراري الرمادية.

وبعد تداول الصور عبر وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي، أكد نادي وست هام أن الدولي الجامايكي تعرض لحادث.

وفي بيان حديث، أكد وست هام أن اللاعب “كان واعيًا” بعد نقله إلى المستشفى، وأفاد النادي: “يؤكد وست هام يونايتد أن مايكل أنطونيو في حالة مستقرة بعد حادث مروري وقع بعد ظهر اليوم في منطقة إسيكس.

وأضاف: “ميشيل واعي ويتواصل وهو حاليًا تحت إشراف دقيق في مستشفى بوسط لندن، وفي هذا الوقت العصيب، نطلب من الجميع احترام خصوصية مايكل وعائلته، ولن يدلي النادي بمزيد من التعليقات هذا المساء، لكنه سيصدر تحديثًا آخر في الوقت المناسب”.

وقالت الشرطة إن التحقيق في الحادث سيتم الآن بواسطة وحدة شرطة الطرق.

وسبق وتورط أنطونيو في حادث سيارة في ديسمبر 2019، بعدما اصطدم بسيارته لامبورجيني هوراكان في مخزن قمامة بمنزل عائلي في بالهام، جنوب لندن وهو يرتدي زي رجل ثلج بعد فقدان السيطرة على سيارته.

ويستعد وست هام لمواجهة ولفرهامبتون يوم الأحد ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo já está com os motores aquecidos para decidir vaga na Libertadores. Nesta terça-feira, no CT do Brasiliense, o elenco de Renato Gaúcho encerrou a preparação para enfrentar oDefensa y Justicia, pela volta das oitavas de final,às 21h30 desta quarta-feira, no Mané Garrincha – com a presença de até 25% do público no estádio de Brasília.

RelacionadasFlamengoInvicto em Brasília desde 2016, Flamengo tem retrospecto favorável contra argentinos na LibertadoresFlamengo19/07/2021FlamengoVÍDEO: veja imagens do treino em campo reduzido do Flamengo no CT do BrasilienseFlamengo19/07/2021FlamengoLibertadores: Flamengo divulga atualização da venda de ingressos e desconto para testes de Covid-19Flamengo19/07/2021

+Flamengo concretiza a 11ª saída em 2021; veja a lista e os próximos da barca

E o Rubro-Negro tem novidades importantes para o jogo decisivo. Bruno Henrique e Rodrigo Caio, que se juntaram ao plantel na capital federal na última segunda-feira, estão à disposição de Renato Gaúcho.

Por outro lado, o treinador terá três desfalques para o confronto: César, Thiago Maia e Piris da Motta. O trio se recupera de problemas físicos e ficou em tratamento no Rio de Janeiro.

O time de Renato Gaúcho deve ser escalado com: Diego Alves; Isla, Rodrigo Caio (Léo Pereira), Gustavo Henrique e Filipe Luís; Willian Arão, Diego, Everton Ribeiro e Arrascaeta; Gabigol e Bruno Henrique (Michael).

+ Confira o chaveamento completo da Libertadores

Com 1-0 de margem no placar, o Fla reencontra o Defensa y Justicia nesta quarta-feira, às 21h30. A equipe se garante na próxima fase com qualquer vitória ou empate. Caso o Defensa devolva o 1 a 0, o confronto será definido nos pênaltis. Qualquer outro triunfo dos argentinos elimina o time brasileiro.

Veja a lista de atletas à disposição:

GOLEIROS:
Diego Alves
Gabriel Batista
Hugo Souza

ZAGUEIROS:
Rodrigo Caio
Gustavo Henrique
Léo Pereira
Bruno Viana

LATERAIS:
Isla
Filipe Luís
Matheuzinho
Renê
Rodinei

VOLANTES:
Willian Arão
Diego
João Gomes
Hugo Moura

MEIAS:
De Arrascaeta
Everton Ribeiro
Max
Vitinho

ATACANTES:
Gabigol
Bruno Henrique
Michael
Pedro
Muniz
Lázaro

England square the series thanks to final-day team effort, led by star allrounder

The Report by Valkerie Baynes20-Jul-2020Ben Stokes, match winner, series saviour. That was the bottom line as England kept alive their quest for the Wisden Trophy with victory in the second Test to level their series against West Indies 1-1.The hosts’ 113-run triumph was built on a towering performance with bat and ball from Stokes and means both teams start the third and final Test, also at Emirates Old Trafford, on Friday with it all to play for.Stokes’ contrasting innings helped England into a commanding position and his ability to break up key partnerships not only helped his side take 19 wickets over the last two days, having lost the entire third day to rain, but destroyed West Indies’ chances of holding out for a draw, which would have seen them retain the trophy.Stokes left many wondering, is there anything he can’t do? But there was more than just his contribution to like about this England performance.To leave out three frontline bowlers in Jofra Archer, James Anderson and Mark Wood and replace them to great effect with Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran speaks to a strength in depth that will prove especially important this summer as six Test are shoe-horned into seven weeks.Broad’s fourth-day spell, when he took 3 for 1 in 14 balls during West Indies’ first innings, sent a clear message after he was overlooked for the first Test but, more importantly, it removed three recognised batsmen in quick succession when England needed time and wickets.Woakes also took three wickets in West Indies’ first innings and he and Broad combined brilliantly with the new ball to put the tourists in trouble early in their second.Meanwhile, Dom Sibley, a young player scoring the second century of a Test career that is only eight matches old, did little to advertise the excitement the game can offer but did everything in his power to give England control in their first innings. His 372-ball 120 showed a maturity to stick to his way and not be pressured into forcing something to happen.Then there was Stokes. His first innings of 176, which came from 356 balls, surprised even himself in terms of its longevity. It also pushed the England innings on where Sibley couldn’t.Then, when England needed quick runs to shore up their position before giving themselves enough time to bowl West Indies out, it was a case of “will the real Ben Stokes please stand up?” and there he was.Having been sent in to open for the first time in a Test on the penultimate evening and resuming on 16 the following morning, Stokes helped himself to an unbeaten 78 from 57 balls. He shared a 73-run partnership with Joe Root and was instrumental as England added 92 runs from 11 overs in the first hour before their declaration set West Indies a target of 312.Ben Stokes launches one down the ground•Getty Images

The first over of the day, from Kemar Roach, went for 14 runs, 13 of them to Stokes, including a four followed immediately by a towering six over long-off. Stokes was dropped on 29 by John Campbell at deep extra cover off the bowling of Shannon Gabriel in one of the more damaging West Indies fielding blunders, of which there were a handful.The declaration also gave England 85 overs in which to bowl West Indies out and time to access the second new ball, available after 80 overs. In the end, it wasn’t needed as West Indies were bowled out inside 71 overs.By lunch on the final day, Broad and Woakes had West Indies 25 for 3. The first wicket, Campbell caught behind off Broad in the first over of the innings, almost wasn’t recorded. Beaten outside off stump, Campbell attempted a loose drive which was collected by Jos Buttler, who showed no reaction whatsoever. As Broad appealed, Root looked as un-moved as the umpire, but he signalled for a review with barely half a second to spare and Ultra-Edge showed a clear spike to overturn the not-out decision.Broad had suggested the night before that Kraigg Brathwaite’s would be a vital wicket and Woakes delivered it, lbw. Broad then cut down Shai Hope with a beauty that jagged in off the seam between bat and pad to clatter into the top of off stump.Broad struck again in the fourth over after lunch when he had Roston Chase out lbw and it looked as though Woakes could have had the threatening Shamarh Brooks caught behind for 17 when the batsman fended to Buttler but was given not out and England opted not to review with replays later suggesting the batsman may have gloved the ball.Brooks and Jermaine Blackwood set to work, building a 100-run partnership that had the potential for subborn-ness, albeit with a lot of overs to see out, until that man Stokes reappeared.ALSO READ: As it happened – Live Report from the final day at Old TraffordStokes even tried to chase down a Blackwood four struck off his own bowling when the batsman found a gaping hole at mid-off. And while Stokes’ effort was in vain that time, he had more to offer with when his short ball, aimed at Blackwood’s ribs, struck the glove and ballooned to Buttler, who took a good diving catch.Blackwood was gone for 55 and Stokes had ended another solid union, just as he had done in West Indies’ first innings when he removed Brathwaite with a caught-and-bowled that broke a 76-run partnership with Brooks.Brooks backed up his first-innings 68 with 62 in the second as Woakes dismissed Shane Dowrich, who made a pair. But when Curran had Brooks out lbw, it fell to Jason Holder, the West Indies captain and star allrounder, to save his side from defeat.But when the offspin of Dom Bess came to the fore, a gem smashing into middle stump from outside off with Holder on 35 and West Indies still needing 129 runs versus England’s requirement of two wickets, it was only a matter of time – and the hosts had plenty of that – before they claimed victory.Of course, Stokes was in the action almost until the end, dismissing tailender Alzarri Joseph, before Ollie Pope’s spectacular juggled catch at short leg off the bowling of Bess accounted for Roach, the last man out.The only worry for England was the fact that Stokes stopped bowling in the middle of an over in apparent discomfort. Given his star turn in this match, England will be keen to have him fit for the series decider.

Newcastle United face multiple tough decisions in the transfer market this summer, with the club needing to operate in a sensible way if they are to stay in line with the Premier League's FFP rules.

It was confirmed earlier this year the Magpies announced losses of £73.4m for the previous financial year, with the club having to rely on outgoings before strengthening the squad.

Bruno Guimaraes has a £100m release clause, as stated by journalist Fabrizio Romano, attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal ahead of the summer as they try to strengthen once more under Mikel Arteta.

The Brazilian has been a superb addition by the Saudi PIF since his £40m move to St James' Park from Lyon during the January transfer window back in 2022.

The 26-year-old would raise the club a huge sum, showcasing sensational business should they receive the rumoured fee for his services.

However, they would be losing arguably one of their best players, with Howe needing to prioritise offloading one player to help the Magpies avoid any FFP punishments.

Joe Willock's stats in 2023/24

After scoring eight goals in 14 games on loan during the 2020/21, Newcastle – then under the management of Steve Bruce – decided to pay £25m for the signing of midfielder Joe Willock from Arsenal.

However, since his permanent move to Tyneside, the 24-year-old has failed to replicate his sensational form from his loan spell, only managing to score six Premier League goals in his last 73 top-flight outings.

This season has easily been his worst for the club, only managing to feature nine times in the league, starting on just five occasions – in a campaign that has been riddled with injuries.

He's suffered three separate issues during the course of the 2023/24 campaign, with the setbacks seeing the former England youth international miss the majority of the Premier League season.

Willock has missed a combined 38 matches across all competitions, with hamstring and achilles issues restricting the former Arsenal man to limited minutes.

The midfielder also earns a huge weekly wage, a figure that is way too high given his recent lack of impact and injuries at St James' Park.

Joe Willock's wage at Newcastle

Despite the club's recent financial worries, Willock earns a reported £80k-per-week on Tyneside, as per Salary Sport – a figure that is £40k-per-week more than youngster Lewis Hall, for instance.

Since his permanent move to the club, the 24-year-old has pocketed £12.4m in wages alone, with his huge weekly incoming not reflected by his on-field performances in recent years.

When coupling his wage with his £25m transfer fee, the former Arsenal man has cost the club £37.4m in less than three seasons at the club – a ridiculous amount and one the club need to shift.

It's an unfortunate period for the midfielder, especially given his recent injury woes, but ultimately, he's not produced anything of note when featuring under Howe in the last couple of seasons.

There's no denying that his brilliant loan form under Bruce warranted a permanent switch to St James', but he's failed to replicate those heroics in the years since.

Given the club's need to raise funds this summer, Willock may find himself on the move once more, but if the Magpies are to sell the talent they may have to be prepared to make a loss on the fee they paid for him less than three years ago.

Freedman could strike gold by immediately axing £110k-p/w Newcastle trio

He’s been linked with replacing Dan Ashworth at St James’ Park this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 26, 2024

Chelsea could be set for more high earner departures this summer following Thiago Silva, with one pundit making a massive claim as the season came to a close on Sunday.

Blues secure European football

A Premier League final day win over Bournemouth ensured that Chelsea will definitely be playing European football next season. Which competition that will be in remains to be seen. As it stands, sixth place (where they finished) is set to take part in the UEFA Conference League, but that will be boosted up to Europa League football should Manchester City beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final next week, something that they are strong favourites to do.

Related Chelsea are now one detail away from sealing "huge" £50m+ signing for Poch

The Blues are close to getting their summer business underway…

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 19, 2024

It is reward for a major turnaround at Chelsea, who won their final five Premier League games in a row to bolt up the table and leapfrog both Newcastle United and Manchester United, a scenario that seemed unlikely, bordering on impossible, just two months ago.

There is certain to be more upheaval this summer, and Thiago Silva has already confirmed he will be leaving the club, sharing a teary address after the final whistle at the Stamford Bridge, later saying:

"I’m not a superhero, but in those moments the fans chant my name, I felt like one. No matter if I was tired or if I was feeling a little bit down in the game, as soon as I heard the chants I felt re-energised.

"That sensation, that emotion, I don’t really know how to explain it. It’s amazing and made me feel like I could save the team, like nothing bad was going to happen in the game.

"In this sense, Chelsea is special. That’s why even though I was here for four years, it has felt like a lifetime. Not bad for someone who was only coming for a season!"

Pundit predicts major departure to follow

TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand has since claimed that Mauricio Pochettino will not remain as Chelsea coach beyond this summer. After a tough start, the Argentine has turned things round in west London and finished the season strongly. However, he went down the tunnel before the lap of honour took place on Sunday, prompting more speculation about his future.

Mauricio Pochettino's first season at Chelsea

Games

51

Win %

53%

Points per game

1.78

Finals reached

1

Now, Ferdinand has claimed it is unlikely he stays: “From what I’m hearing about Mauricio Pochettino, I’m not sure he’s going to be there at Chelsea. The mutterings I’m hearing coming out, I don’t know if it’s going to end well there."

It would be an expensive decision to sack the Argentine, with Pochettino believed to earn around £10.4m a year, or £200,000 per week at Stamford Bridge and still having a year left to run, with the club holding an option for a further year.

Just as he seems to be getting a tune out of the players signed by the owners, potentially getting rid now seems a strange choice as well as an expensive one.