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“If he had batted through the powerplay, we would probably have scored 190”

Danyal Rasool22-Sep-20251:45

Was Fakhar Zaman out or not out?

Pakistan have made their dissatisfaction over Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal against India in the sides’ Super Four game in the Asia Cup known to the match officials. Following the game, in the captain’s customary report to match referee Andy Pycroft and the Umpires and Referees manager, Pakistan shone a spotlight on the TV umpire’s decision to declare Fakhar caught by the wicketkeeper off a slower delivery from Hardik Pandya. Sanju Samson dived forward to complete a catch, one that was only confirmed after the on-field umpires sent the decision to the TV umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge.In the post match press conference, on Sunday night Pakistan captain Salman Agha also took slight issue with Fakhar’s dismissal, saying it “did look like it bounced ahead of the keeper”. Fakhar, promoted up the order to open the batting, got Pakistan off to a brisk start, scoring three boundaries in his first eight balls and speeding to 15.Hardik had rolled his fingers over the ninth delivery, and the deviation drew an outside edge from Fakhar. But with little pace on the ball, Sanju Samson had to reach forward to get his gloves underneath the ball. Feeling satisfied he had done so, India went up in appeal. The TV umpire had a couple of looks at the replay before deciding the catch was cleanly taken, and that the ball had bounced in the gloves rather than just in front.Related

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Post-match, Agha guardedly disagreed. “Umpires can make mistakes,” he said. “But it did look like it bounced ahead of the keeper to me. I might be wrong. The way [Fakhar] was batting, if he had batted through the powerplay, we would probably have scored 190. But those are calls for umpires to make. To me, it looked like it bounced before the keeper. I might be mistaken, but so might be the umpire.”At the time, the dismissal did little to halt Pakistan’s momentum. While Saim Ayub couldn’t score at the same rate, Sahibzada Farhan at the other end sped along to a 34-ball half-century as Pakistan darted to 55 in the powerplay and 91 in the first ten, both Pakistani records against India.”The batting was a lot better today, and that’s a positive,” Agha said. “The way our start was, we could have scored 15 more. But when the ball goes soft after ten overs, it’s not as easy to bat. But we didn’t bowl as well in the powerplay and got punished. But our start should have ensured we scored 180.”Ultimately, Pakistan finished with 171 after India’s bowlers came back strongly following the drinks break. The subsequent seven overs produced just one boundary and 38 runs, the lowest for any side in that phase all tournament. India made short work in pursuit, reaching 100 without loss in the ninth over, and ultimately coasting to a six-wicket win. During that time, Mohammad Nawaz put down a sharp chance Shubman Gill provided, while Farhan palmed one off Abishek over the rope for six.”Bowling or batting, we look to play the perfect game,” Agha said. “To win, you have to excel in all three facets of the game. We didn’t field well or start well with the ball. We have to forget this game because we have one the day after tomorrow. We’re looking forward to delivering a better performance there.”

Leeds United have built up a six-point gap between themselves and the bottom three in the Premier League after their 2-1 win over West Ham United last week.

Three wins, two draws, and four defeats in nine matches is a respectable return for Daniel Farke’s side after their promotion from the Championship in the 2024/25 campaign.

Prior to this season, the last six teams to have been promoted from the Championship had all been relegated at the first attempt, which illustrates the size of the task ahead of the Whites.

Not only did that mean that Leeds needed to recruit well, which they have with the likes of Noah Okafor and Sean Longstaff, but they also needed some of their stars from last season to make the step up.

The Whites did not recruit an entire new starting line-up and bench to bolster their squad for the Premier League, instead hoping that some of their players could bridge the gap.

One player who is still looking to convince supporters that he is good enough for the top-flight is Brenden Aaronson, who has revived his Leeds career.

How Brenden Aaronson has revived his Leeds career

In the summer of 2022, Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta swooped to sign the American attacking midfielder from RB Salzburg for a fee of £28.5m to bolster the club’s options for the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

Aaronson scored one goal from 3.86 xG in 36 appearances in the division that season, earning himself the lowest Sofascore rating (6.51) in the entire division, as he made the website’s ‘Worst Team of the Season’.

The USA international opted to go out on loan to Union Berlin for the 2023/24 campaign, rather than remain at Elland Road to fight for promotion from the Championship, at which point the writing appeared to be on the wall for his career at the club.

However, Aaronson returned to the club after his loan spell and Farke revealed that he was “desperate” to help the team, and that he would need to win his place by working hard.

The American was met with some “boos” from supporters, per reporter Graham Smyth, in pre-season, but he then went on to feature in all 46 Championship games as Leeds racked up 100 points, scoring nine goals.

This shows that he proved to Farke, with his performances in training and in matches, that he could be a reliable player for the head coach, and that has carried over to the Premier League.

25/26 Premier League	Brenden Aaronson
Appearances	9
xG	1.62
Goals	1
Key passes	9
Big chances created	3
xA	1.27
Assists	0
Duel success rate	52%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Aaronson has not set the Premier League alight with his performances, with one goal in nine games, but he has been a solid performer and has been unfortunate not to register any assists.

Overall, it is fair to say that the 25-year-old has revived his Leeds career, after it looked all-but-finished when he joined Union Berlin on loan, thanks to his hard work and performances on the pitch.

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Aaronson, though, was not the first member of the current first-team squad who revived his career after being sent out on loan by the club. Dan James was the original Brenden Aaronson.

Why Dan James was the original Brenden Aaronson

A year before the American was signed by the Whites, Marcelo Bielsa and Orta swooped to sign James from Manchester United for a fee of £25m to bolster the team’s options out wide.

The Wales international scored four goals and provided four assists in 34 matches in the Premier League in his first season at Elland Road, per Sofascore, but ended the campaign with a new manager in Jesse Marsch.

Despite starting three of the first five league games at the start of the 2022/23 campaign, James was then sent out on loan to Fulham in the summer of 2022, and claimed that he made the move because he “wanted to play games”.

After that move was confirmed, journalist Phil Hay almost wrote off the winger’s chances of continuing his career at Leeds in the future. He wrote: “I don’t think I see Dan James coming back, or it feels like a long shot. James is 24. He’s not especially young and Leeds have essentially said to him that they can do without him this season.”

You can see where Phil Hay was coming from. Leeds were willing to let a player they signed for £25m a year earlier join another Premier League team on loan.

However, the Whites were relegated from the Premier League that season and Fulham did not opt to sign James permanently, which led to him emerging as a star under Farke in the Championship.

The Wales international scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in 40 appearances in the second tier in the 2023/24 campaign, per Sofascore, which shows that his performances paid back the faith that the German head coach showed in him.

Dan James (Championship)	23/24	24/25
Appearances	40	36
xG	10.0	10.46
Goals	13	12
Conversion rate	16%	12%
Big chances created	13	16
Key passes per game	1.4	1.3
Assists	7	9
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, James delivered consistent quality at the top end of the pitch in his two seasons in the Championship under Farke, with 25 goals and 29 ‘big chances’ created.

The winger claimed last season that he wants to be “ruthless” and has a “ruthless” mentality, which is evidenced by his impressive goal return, as he outperformed his xG in both of those seasons.

James has yet to score a goal in the Premier League so far this season, but he has started three of his six appearances and is a key member of the squad.

His revival of his Leeds career, which looked on the ropes after his move to Fulham in 2022, pathed the way for Aaronson to follow in his footsteps after being in a similar position a year after James’ remergence at Elland Road.

Longstaff 2.0: Leeds plot January move to re-sign “exquisite” £60k-p/w star

Leeds United are considering a January move for this exciting star, who could be Daniel Farke’s next Sean Longstaff.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 28, 2025

James was the original Aaronson and now both players are brilliant examples for the club to show future players that there is always a chance to revive their careers, if they are willing to put the hard yards in to be reliable on the pitch.

Scott Currie and Chris Wood impress with ball as hosts struggle to 141 for 7 from 20 overs

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Jun-2025Hampshire secured a rare win against Surrey in the Vitality Blast when rain brought an early close to their game at the Kia Oval with the visitors 15 runs ahead under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.Miserly bowling from Scott Currie and Chris Wood restricted a subdued home side to an underwhelming 141 for 7, Jason Roy top-scoring for the third time this season with 37, while Sam Curran and Laurie Evans made 34 and 33 not out respectively.Hampshire were cruising at 63 for 0 in reply when the rain came with skipper James Vince 33 not out and Toby Albert unbeaten on 28. It was only Hampshire’s second win in their last 11 meetings with Surrey in the Blast.As with their first two batting efforts in the Blast this season, Surrey struggled for fluency after being put in by Vince. Dom Sibley smote an early six, but the former England Test opener fell in the next over, a wicket for debutant South African slow left-arm bowler Bjorn Fortuin.Ollie Pope, unsure if he’ll retain the England No. 3 shirt for next week’s first Test against India, was starved of strike and made only 11 before an attempted ramp off Currie found the gloves of wicketkeeper Albert.Even Roy with scores of 92 and 69 behind him in the Blast struggled to break the shackles, two successive fours off John Turner from the last over of the powerplay the best of his contribution.Eyes were now on captain Curran, who laboured until unleashing successive sixes off Turner, the first of which disappeared down the exit steps beyond the midwicket boundary onto the concourse. He too though fell attempting a third big hit on the spin and only some late blows from Evans carried Surrey to a third successive score in the 140s.The first over of the chase brought drama, Dan Worrall finding the edge of Albert’s bat, only for Roy to grass the chance at second slip.Vince’s dismissive cover drive to end the over though suggested he was in the groove and he soon caressed another from Nathan Smith to the fence at point.Rain was now falling but three boundaries, one from a misfield on the fence helped raise the 50 partnership and put Hampshire well ahead of the DLS par score. Albert, growing in confidence, cut one from Surrey debutant, Kiwi international Mitchell Santner, to the fence just before the increasing rain brought a halt to proceedings.

Whilst many opt for either the Saudi Pro League or the MLS these days, there remains a select few players who have decided to drop down divisions to complete some of the most unexpected moves away from the Premier League.

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We’ve seen players go from Liverpool to the Isthmian League and even watched on as Paul Konchesky joined Billericay Town as a player before becoming the assistant manager there alongside Jamie O’Hara. So, it’s not always the sunny beaches of Miami that come calling. Ocassionally, it’s a cloudy away day at Southend.

Andy Carroll has also made some interesting moves over the years. The 36-year-old has reiterated time and time again that he simply wants to play football rather than chase a higher paycheck. He revealed that “it’s never been a question of money” when asked about his move to fourth-tier French side Girondins Bordeaux.

Now playing at Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League South, the former Newcastle United striker has stayed true to that verdict and has since watched on as others have followed in his path.

Perhaps in the most unexpected move yet, however, one former Liverpool player has now been spotted playing for a United Arab Emirates third division side, having only been a Premier League midfielder two years ago.

Shelvey opens up about shock third-division move

Jonjo Shelvey didn’t quite get the memo of moving to the likes of Saudi Arabia and the UAE for the chance to earn a life-defining amount, did he? In fact, he’s done the complete opposite. The former Liverpool midfielder has made the move – playing for Arabian Falcons in the third division – but revealed that his “brother earns more” working in a London hotel.

To put into context the difference in his earnings from 2023 to now, Shelvey reportedly brought in around £75,000-a-week at Nottingham Forest. Based on his verdict about the current pay in the UAE third division, it would take him around four years to earn that amount these days.

That said, like Carroll, it’s not about the money from Shelvey. He’s enjoyed the highs of his career, from Anfield to St James’ Park, and is now enjoying the quiet life whilst still playing the game he loves.

Win at Turf Moor and Liverpool remain in pole position four matches into the Premier League campaign. While it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, Arne Slot’s side have collected nine points from nine thus far.

Burnley might be newly promoted, but they gave Manchester United a tough game before the international break and won previously against Sunderland on home ground. But Slot’s Redmen are different beasts, and will expect to secure victory once again.

With an opening foray into the Champions League looming on Wednesday evening, when Liverpool will host Atletico Madrid, subtle rotation is to be expected, and Curtis Jones will play no part after picking up an injury in his last outing.

However, Jeremie Frimpong has returned to team training and will hope to challenge Dominik Szoboszlai, the hero two weeks back, for a starting berth at right-back.

There is also, of course, the anticipation of Alexander Isak’s arrival. Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in a record-breaking deal on transfer deadline day, and many across the country will keep an eye on the striker’s potential debut.

However, the 25-year-old is likely to be benched, having played little football for several months. Hugo Ekitike will deputise in his stead, and Florian Wirtz will target the match as one which seems fit to get him up and running after his £116m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.

Why Liverpool should relocate Wirtz

Wirtz has so far played in a central role for Liverpool, standing proud of the deeper-lying midfielders and looking to weave together the different lines for Slot’s side. It’s been a steady start, but not the barnstorming introduction many anticipated after his British record move from Germany.

However, the 22-year-old is clearly one of the most talented footballers in the world. You can see it in the way he deftly touches the ball, you can see it in his snappy, seamless movements, his vision and artistry in creation.

But the opening games of Wirtz’s Premier League career left plenty to be desired, and Liverpool might find that their expensive recruit has more success in a wider berth, taking on defenders and creating and cutting inside and shooting.

Stats via Sofascore

Against Arsenal, improvements were made. Especially in the second half, Wirtz started to loosen up, moving with an ease of gait that gave rise to his fleet-footedness and ability to take on and beat his man.

Such skills are transferable, of course, not just limited to a central attacking midfield role. And for that reason, perhaps Liverpool might want to unleash Wirtz from a left-sided position this term, with £45m man, Cody Gakpo, shifting into the number nine spot that will soon become Isak’s.

Slot should unleash Gakpo in the Isak role

With Isak unlikely to start from the beginning at Burnley, Slot might fancy solving his Wirtz problem by fielding Gakpo in a more advanced attacking position, alongside Ekitike.

Then the German playmaker could shift out to the left, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch working in the middle (should Szoboszlai reprise his right-back role, he could advance to the middle in possession, thus compacting the midfield).

Gakpo scored 18 goals across all competitions last season and is one of the most accurate shooters in the Premier League, with pundit Peter Crouch even remarking last year that he had “gone up a level” in Slot’s system.

Isak rocks the boat somewhat, and Liverpool’s forwards will be dished out varying degrees of match action across the season. Gakpo won’t start every match, but he should start here, against Burnley.

For much of August, Isak wandered across the cold tundra of footballing No Man’s Land, having rebelled at Newcastle and removed himself from Eddie Howe’s pre-season preparations. Many times did it seem that the Sweden international would be kept from his dream move to Merseyside.

But he’s here now, and Liverpool are much better for it. However, the fact that Slot has such strength in depth bears testament to FSG’s determination, and indeed the longer-spanning reach of their quiet tenacity, with Gakpo also a showcase in that regard.

Liverpool signed Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven in late December 2022 after his exceptional performances with the Netherlands at the Qatar World Cup. Man United thought they were signing him, but Liverpool swooped and landed their man.

And he’s improved by the season, with a goal and two assists from three Premier League appearances this term, further evidence that Slot has created a version of the player who is capable of getting better and better.

Early though the term is, Gakpo has been a menace, with data from Sofascore revealing him to have averaged an absurdly high 9.3 duels across his top-flight fixtures so far, also making six key passes and all the while through a heat map that highlights a deeper starting point than was typical last season.

And what does that mean? Well, Wirtz’s involvement is likely a defining factor. Last year, Szoboszlai played a more industrious role from number ten than the German, working overtime to pack energy and initiative into Slot’s hard-working team.

Wirtz is a more advanced player, flashier and full of flair. Liverpool are recalibrating. Lopsidedness and unfluent motions have been pinpoints of criticism for the Reds across their opening matches, and yet they have nine points from nine. They stand atop the pile and have beaten Arsenal and Newcastle and Bournemouth.

Perhaps moving Wirtz out wide, where he has played and starred before, would help this imperious outfit hit an even stronger stride. Gakpo, after all, is a natural goalscorer and would still be able to work from outside to in in a duel-striking role with Ekitike.

Attacking midfield

163

48 (55)

Centre-forward

15

7 (7)

Right winger

11

4 (3)

Left winger

9

2 (3)

Central midfield

5

0 (3)

Has Slot envisaged such a scenario? It certainly seems likely, else why would Liverpool have broken the bank for forwards such as Isak and Ekitike?

When fitness permits, Isak will play many matches from the number nine berth, leading the line for Liverpool. There he will score goals in their droves, adding not just goalscoring potency but a unique take on the centre-forward’s craft.

However, with Ekitike firing on all cylinders and Isak in need of soft integration for the time being, Liverpool might want to avoid throwing caution to the wind, especially when someone like Gakpo would be ready to stand in and help shape a new system.

The Dutchman is his own player; he is not Isak. Gakpo would not play Isak’s positional role in mimicry, but offer his own take, thus allowing Slot to create a new style from which multiple players can settle into the same seat and keep it all afloat.

To put it all in a nutshell: Liverpool are rather good, and have so many different ways to achieve their title-winning ambitions.

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Few transfer windows have tested Newcastle United’s resolve quite like this one.

The Magpies’ pursuit of a reliable centre-forward has stretched across the summer, with numerous targets identified but deals proving elusive.

Liam Delap and João Pedro went to Chelsea, Hugo Ekitike chose a different project, and Benjamin Šeško slipped away despite strong interest.

Each missed opportunity has increased the pressure on Newcastle’s recruitment team and added urgency to their search.

The situation has been further complicated by Alexander Isak’s public desire to leave St James’ Park.

After being linked with Liverpool all summer, the Swedish striker released a statement on Instagram citing broken promises and his wish for a fresh start.

He has refused to reintegrate into Eddie Howe’s squad, missed the opening Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa and Liverpool, and reportedly will not return to training.

That has left Newcastle without a senior striker, particularly damaging with Anthony Gordon suspended following his red card against Liverpool.

On Thursday night, a breakthrough came with a club-record £69m agreement for Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, a towering 23-year-old who scored 12 Bundesliga goals last term.

Bayern Munich had been circling, but persuasive talks with Howe convinced him of the Tyneside project.

Woltemade’s arrival is significant, but Newcastle may not stop there.

Latest on Newcastle's next striker target

The other name at the heart of Newcastle’s transfer plans is Jørgen Strand Larsen.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Magpies are preparing to return with a third bid for Wolves’ 25-year-old striker after two earlier offers were turned down, the latest worth £55m.

Wolves remain determined to hold onto their “proper No.9”, as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson, who only joined permanently from Celta Vigo this summer after a loan deal was made permanent for £23m.

Strand Larsen has quickly become central to Vítor Pereira’s attack at Molineux. The forward is understood to be open to a move, particularly with the lure of Champions League football at St James’ Park.

Reports suggest he has politely asked Wolves’ hierarchy to consider Newcastle’s approach, but the Midlands club – who have already sold Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri – insist he is not for sale.

Their stance mirrors Brentford’s firm rejection of Newcastle’s advances for Yoane Wissa earlier in the window. Nevertheless, Newcastle remain undeterred.

With Isak unavailable and Wilson gone, Howe sees the Norwegian as the ideal fit for his high-pressing, direct system.

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With Woltemade’s arrival all but secured, the coaching staff view Strand Larsen not as a replacement, but as an upgrade on the German – potentially giving Newcastle two very different attacking options heading into a demanding season.

How Strand Larsen compares to Woltemade

The potential of signing both Strand Larsen and Woltemade has sparked debate among supporters and analysts alike.

Both are young, tall centre-forwards with room to develop, yet their statistical profiles highlight different strengths.

Stats – 2024/25
Stat	Jørgen Strand-Larsen	Nick Woltemade
Matches Played	35	28
Goals	14	12
Assists	4	2
Progressive Passes	29	52
Progressive Carries	17	32
Source: FBref

Strand Larsen was consistent for Wolves in the Premier League last season, scoring 14 times and registering 18 goal involvements across 35 appearances.

His efficiency in front of goal is reflected in a 61.1% shot-on-target rate – impressively high for a striker taking regular attempts.

Per 90 minutes, he averaged 1.15 shots on target, underlining his ability to work goalkeepers with relatively few wasted efforts.

While not prolific in ball progression, his 0.59 progressive carries and 1.01 progressive passes per 90 demonstrate a willingness to link up play.

By contrast, Woltemade’s numbers at Stuttgart last term illustrate a more versatile and mobile profile.

Despite featuring in only 28 Bundesliga matches, he recorded 14 goal involvements and averaged a higher volume of progressive actions – 1.72 carries and 2.89 progressive passes per 90.

His overall involvement in attacking moves was greater, reflected by 4.38 shot-creating actions per 90 compared to Strand Larsen’s 1.46.

Physically taller at 1.98m, the German also excels at dropping deeper to knit midfield and attack, though his shot accuracy (50% on target) lags behind his Norwegian counterpart.

Defensively, Woltemade again offers more.

He averages 0.56 tackles and 1.28 blocks per 90, showing greater defensive contribution in Newcastle’s high-pressing style.

Strand Larsen, meanwhile, contributes less off the ball (0.35 tackles, 0.66 blocks per 90), though his aerial strength (1.93m frame) provides a different outlet.

Taken together, these statistics explain Newcastle’s thinking. In Woltemade, they gain a forward comfortable carrying and distributing the ball, useful against teams who defend deep.

In Strand Larsen, they would secure a more clinical, penalty-box striker, adept at punishing defensive lapses and capitalising on crosses.

Having both options would give Howe tactical flexibility, allowing for different styles depending on the opposition.

The reality is that Newcastle’s hopes of re-establishing themselves as Champions League regulars rest on finding a reliable source of goals.

Isak’s impending exit has created a void, and while Woltemade’s signing has eased immediate concerns, the addition of Strand Larsen would truly transform their attacking department.

Whether Wolves can be persuaded before the deadline remains to be seen, but Newcastle’s persistence suggests they are ready to push hard.

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Former Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Bas Dost has hung up his boots at 36 after a terrifying on-pitch collapse in 2023. The Dutchman described his difficult recovery from heart inflammation as "maddening" and revealed a "dramatic" setback that he called a "slap in the face" following his unsuccessful attempts to continue his career.

• Getty Images
  

  Dost calls it a day with the sport

  Former Netherlands international Dost has announced his retirement from professional football. The decision comes after a lengthy battle with health issues following a cardiac arrest he suffered on the pitch in October 2023, with the player describing a major setback in his recovery as a "slap in the face" in an interview with Dutch newspaper .

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• Dost reveals 'maddening' recovery and 'dramatic' setback

  The terrifying incident occurred during an Eredivisie match between his club NEC and AZ, when Dost collapsed on the field and required resuscitation. He was later diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. After an initial prognosis of six months for recovery, Dost suffered a devastating blow. "It was maddening. The prognosis was that the inflammation would disappear after six months. I thought I'd be able to play again next season," he said. "But in March, a scan was done – with dramatic results. The inflammation was almost back in full force. That was a slap in the face for me."

• AFP
  

  A prolific career in the Bundesliga and beyond

  Dost enjoyed a successful career as a powerful centre-forward across Europe, becoming particularly well-known for his time in Germany with VfL Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt. Across his spells with both clubs, he scored an impressive 48 goals in 121 Bundesliga appearances. Before moving to Germany, he was the Eredivisie's top scorer with Heerenveen, and he also had a prolific stint at Sporting CP in Portugal. For Netherlands, Dost won 18 caps and scored one goal.

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• What next for Dost?

  While the 36-year-old confirmed that "the inflammation is now gone," the nearly two-year ordeal has prompted him to end his playing days. Dost took the opportunity to express his immense gratitude to the first responders who saved his life on the pitch, stating: "I cannot put into words how grateful I am to you." He retires with a legacy as a clinical and physically dominant goalscorer who made a significant impact in multiple top leagues.

Salman Agha has promised to deliver a brand of “fearless cricket” as he becomes the fourth T20I captain for Pakistan since January 2024. Agha replaced Mohammad Rizwan as T20I captain for the upcoming white-ball tour to New Zealand, the latest in a revolving door of captains that has seen Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam come and go before him.Pakistan’s results have remained poor, highlighted by a group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup last year, in which they lost to the USA. That has prompted a wholesale change in the squad, with a number of new faces and, significantly, the absence of a few familiar ones.Chief among them are Rizwan and Babar, whose batting at the top of the order has widely been as a key cause for Pakistan’s outdated, risk-averse approach. While the door has not been permanently shut on them in the format, it is clear they have been dropped, not rested.Related

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• Shahid Afridi: the T20 cricketer before T20s were a thing

“It’s an honour for me and also a challenge,” Agha said at a press conference in Lahore. “We’ve brought a few youngsters into the team who have been playing the brand of cricket in domestic cricket that we want to play in the national side going forward.”We have to focus on our intent and approach. We have to improve that. In modern day cricket, these things are important. This is a young team and we want to play fearless cricket. That is high-risk cricket, which is a requirement in modern cricket. There will be failures with that approach, but we have to support our players.”The PCB said it has made Agha captain with an eye on the Asia Cup (in the T20 format) later this year and the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year. They have recalled Shadab Khan, a player in tune with this brand of cricket, as vice-captain ostensibly for this project.”The reason for Shadab coming back is that he has good captaincy experience, plus also his mindset is to play aggressive cricket,” explained the interim head coach Aaqib Javed. “His mindset is important because as vice-captain, with Agha also thinking that way, Shadab will be good. The combination is good.”Aaqib, who is also the selection head, remains in those positions for the series of five T20Is and three ODIs against New Zealand, though there has been speculation about a new coach. Asked specifically about the fates of Babar and Rizwan, he linked their non-selection clearly to the style of play Pakistan were hoping to adopt.”You can’t rule anyone out forever, but for the moment, we feel that we need to bring in newer, younger players and change the style of cricket we are playing,” he said. “Many teams have separated their T20 sides from the others, up to 80-90% [of the personnel] different.”Afridi and Haris Rauf missing from the ODI squad add to the sense of big-name axings, and Aaqib was clear that they would have to go back to domestic cricket to improve their games.”Top players like Babar, Shaheen, Riz, they travel so much they don’t have time to play their domestic cricket,” he said. “Now they have time to play domestic cricket. Until you play four-day cricket you will not improve in Tests or ODIs. It cannot be that you play 70% T20 cricket all year and then suddenly you play Tests or ODIs.[File photo] Shaheen Shah Afridi has been dropped from the ODI side, while Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are out of the T20I side•AFP/Getty Images

“The players have to think about this themselves because ultimately they are responsible for their own game. You can’t force players… don’t players have a responsibility themselves to think about their game and where it is going? That I should sacrifice and take a break from T20 and play four-day or List A so that I can get my form back?”Both Agha and Aaqib spoke of developing a pool of 20-25 players for Pakistan to work with over the next 18 months or so. Both also stressed that backing them through failures would be just as important.Aaqib acknowledged the instability that has beset Pakistan cricket over the last couple of years, of which he is, for now, a beneficiary.”We have changed nearly 16 coaches and 26 selectors in the last two years or so,” he said. “You put that formula on any team in the world, I think they will also be in the same situation. Until you get consistency right from the top down to the bottom, from the chairman down, then your team will not progress.”

Arsenal are a club that have been blessed with an abundance of genuinely world-class players over the years.

In the current side, you have the likes of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, and then go back to the last Premier League-winning side, and it’s impossible to look past the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pirès.

However, there is another superstar from the club’s past that many view as the most technically gifted player to wear the red and white: Dennis Bergkamp.

So, fans should be excited about reports linking the club with a player who could become Mikel Arteta’s own version of the Non-Flying Dutchman.

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It’s been a good summer for Arsenal so far this year, as while they suffered two defeats in pre-season, they won their other three games and have been unusually busy in the market.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

New Sporting Director Andrea Berta has made six additions to the first team, with goalscoring phenomenon Viktor Gyokeres and midfield maestro Martin Zubimendi the marquee signings.

However, while that would have been more than enough business for the Gunners in summers past, it now looks like they’re trying to make at least one more addition to the team, someone who could be the new Bergkamp.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Ben Jacobs, who has claimed that Arsenal are still very much interested in Eberechi Eze.

Moreover, Jacobs has revealed that while the Crystal Palace ace is open to a move to Tottenham Hotspur, he’s been in talks with Arteta and would “welcome an Arsenal bid.”

It’s not entirely clear how much the £100k-per-week star would cost, as reports from earlier this month claimed that his £68m release clause is set to expire on Friday.

It could therefore be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Eze’s incredible ability, he’d be more than worth it, especially as he could be the club’s new Bergkamp.

Why Eze could be Arsenal's new Bergkamp

So it’s worth pointing out that we aren’t necessarily saying Eze is as good a player as Bergkamp was during his pomp, but he could be, and on top of that, there are some similarities between their transfers, or potential in the Palace ace’s case.

The first point is that, should this move happen, the 27-year-old Englishman would be joining the Gunners at a similar stage in his career to the Dutchman, who was 26 when he moved to Highbury from Inter Milan in 1995.

Moreover, as his move helped to usher in a period of incredible success for the North Londoners, it also feels like the Eagles star has the ability and could be that missing piece that finally brings success to Arteta’s project.

However, away from the similar circumstances around the moves, the other key similarity between the two players is their immense technical abilities.

For example, when he was at his best, the Amsterdam-born maestro was a joy to watch, someone who wouldn’t just score a goal or provide an assist, but do something so utterly brilliant with the ball at his feet that would often leave fans speechless.

The most famous example of this would undoubtedly be his goal against Newcastle United, but there are so many other instances during his time in England when he’d make the improbable seem blasé.

Now, while we are yet to see the former QPR gem score a goal quite as spectacular as that one at St James’ Park, he remains one of the most entertaining players to watch in England today and has a catalogue of strikes most could only dream of.

Appearances

36

43

Minutes

2285′

3303′

Goals

11

14

Assists

6

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

134.41′

132.12′

Moreover, on top of scoring wonder goals, the “superstar” attacker, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is just as proficient at setting them up or completing the crucial action that leads to one of his teammates setting up a goal.

Finally, after goals and assists, the most exciting thing a player can do is beat an opposition defender with the ball at their feet, and that’s something the Greenwich-born “magician,” as dubbed by Micah Richards, can do with ease.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers for successful take-ons in the Premier League last season.

Ultimately, even if it’s a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Eze this month, as he could turn into Arteta’s Bergkamp.

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Better signing than Zubimendi: Arsenal plot late move for £78m "monster"

The international superstar would be a game-changer for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta…

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 11, 2025

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