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DC fast bowler also said changing the ball after ten overs in the chase was helping control the ball better

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Apr-20254:56

Mohit Sharma: ‘Preparation is my greatest strength’

Delhi Capitals (DC) fast bowler Mohit Sharma is enjoying the use of saliva on the ball again and says the ball is reverse swinging more in IPL 2025 after the rule was changed for this season.Another rule to come into effect this IPL was giving the team bowling second the option of changing the ball after ten overs – whether there was dew or not – which is also “making a difference” for the bowlers.When asked on the eve of DC’s next game, against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Delhi, if the use of saliva was making a difference, Mohit said: “100%. In 70% of the games, the ball is tailing in and it’s only because the saliva is heavy, and our sweat is not so heavy. If the ball is heavier on one side it will tail in. Right now, there’s not as much dew in most grounds to say that the wet ball is also reverse swing.”The ICC had banned the usage of saliva on the ball five years ago, a rule which was followed by the member boards across all levels of cricket, because of Covid-19. Just before the start of this season, the IPL authorities changed the rule back to allow its use again after the majority of IPL captains called for the change.Related

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Mohit: 'It is important to have pressure. It always teaches you something'

Along with that, they also introduced the rule of letting the bowling captain change the ball in the second half of the chase, mainly to offset the effect of dew on the ball, as a wet ball is harder to grip and control. The bowling team can choose to change the ball any time after the tenth over in the second innings, whether there is dew or not.It was seen recently in DC’s last game when they hosted Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday. With considerable dew around in Delhi, MI opted to change the ball after 13 overs when DC needed 61 to win from 42 balls with six wickets in hand, and brought back legspinner Karn Sharma. He got turn straightaway with the dry ball and had Tristan Stubbs miscue the third ball of the over to Naman Dhir.”There’s help (after the ball is changed) and we saw it in the last game too,” Mohit said. “The first ball had been used for 12 overs and was a little wet because dew had started to settle in when our innings had ended. There was more dew in the second innings. And later the 13th or 14th over Karn bowled, the ball turned to Stubbs.”So definitely the second ball, which is harder, makes a difference although by the 15th-16th over, the ball’s condition is like the first one. But being a bowler, 100% there’s a difference. Like if I’m bowling the 14th or 15th over after the ball change, I’ll be more confident of bowling a yorker because the ball is dry, it won’t slip.”

Newcastle United’s summer has been a whirlwind of activity.

The Magpies made headlines with the British-record sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool, a move that reshaped their attacking plans.

While the summer window largely focused on the Swedish international’s acrimonious exit, manager Eddie Howe has successfully strengthened in all areas of the pitch.

Strikers Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa arrived from Stuttgart and Brentford to fill the hole left in attack, and Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, and Anthony Elanga all arrived to provide competition in other areas.

Newcastle were able to prise Ramsey away from Aston Villa in a very similar way to which Elliott Anderson left the club last summer.

In a bid to balance the books, Anderson was allowed to join Nottingham Forest – a move that paid off, as he earned his first England Men’s senior call-up this week, before shining on debut in the World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

These moves underscore a summer of both tactical foresight and financial management, ensuring Newcastle can remain competitive both in Europe and the Premier League.

Why Elliot Anderson was sold

Anderson, a 22-year-old talent from the North-East, had risen through Newcastle’s youth system, establishing himself as a promising attacking midfielder.

Despite his evident potential, he was sold to Forest in 2024 in a £35m deal that saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos move the other way for £20m.

Crucially, the transfer was sanctioned to ensure Newcastle remained Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) compliant.

Both player and club reportedly had no desire to part ways, but financial regulations and squad depth necessitated the move.

Similar to Ramsey’s arrival this summer, Anderson’s departure reflected Newcastle’s need to carefully manage resources after heavy spending following the club’s takeover.

While Anderson may have remained lower in the pecking order under Howe behind Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton, his career has flourished at Forest.

Last season, he made 37 league appearances, scoring twice and assisting six, catching the eye of the national selectors with a first England call-up after representing Scotland at youth levels.

His on-field output underscores his growing influence. According to FBref, he ranks in the 88th percentile for assists per 90 (0.19), 77th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 (3.07), 89th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 (1.18), 88th percentile for tackles per 90 (3.07), and 87th percentile for clearances per 90 (2.40).

The move has also proven financially shrewd for the Midlands club. That being said, Newcastle have their own rising England star…

How Tino Livramento's market value compares to Anderson

While Anderson’s departure dominated headlines, Newcastle have enjoyed the quieter rise of a defensive asset who has arguably outshone him in value and influence.

Tino Livramento, who joined from Southampton in 2023 on an initial £32m deal, has cemented himself as a key figure in the Magpies’ backline.

The 21-year-old Chelsea academy graduate famously contained Mohamed Salah in the Carabao Cup final.

With 66 Premier League appearances for Newcastle under his belt, Livramento has proven both durable and adaptable, earning him a spot, alongside Anderson, in Thomas Tuchel’s squad. The pair both featured in Saturday’s 2-0 victory, with Livramento replacing Reece James late on.

Football analyst Jacob Whitehead has described the Newcastle man as “outstanding,” highlighting the right-back’s intelligence on the ball, defensive awareness, and ability to contribute in the attacking phase.

Livramento’s statistical output reinforces this praise.

Matches Played

37

Progressive Carries

83

Progressive Passes

158

Tackles

54

Blocks

37

Aerials Won

27

He ranks in the 88th percentile for pass completion rate at 86.1%, 87th percentile for progressive passes per 90 (5.26), and 83rd percentile for progressive carries per 90 (0.85).

His consistent performances not only provide a reliable defensive option but also support Newcastle’s attacking structure, showing he is more than just a defender.

Market Movers

The comparison between Anderson and Livramento highlights the strategic depth of Newcastle’s squad planning.

While Anderson has thrived at Forest, Livramento has quietly become one of the club’s most valuable assets, offering both immediate returns and long-term potential.

Indeed, Livramento is now deemed to be worth as much as €56m (£49m), according to Football Transfers, ensuring that is even more valuable than his compatriot, who has a market value of €52m (£45m).

Newcastle’s decision to allow him to grow within the squad ensures they are building a balanced team, blending youth development, strategic sales, and shrewd acquisitions.

In a summer where striker sagas and headline-grabbing moves often dominate coverage, Livramento’s understated rise is a reminder of the value in consistent, intelligent squad building.

Newcastle have managed to both comply with financial regulations and strengthen the squad, leaving the club well-positioned for the Premier League campaign ahead.

It's not Isak: Newcastle have already sold the "nearest" CF to Shearer

Alexander Isak is gone, but have Newcastle previously sold the next Alan Shearer?

ByWill Miller Sep 5, 2025

Robert Lewandowski has been urged to leave Barcelona to once again become the main man in a top team. Legendary Polish goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski believes his compatriot is being unfairly sidelined in favour of other big names at Barcelona and that he should leave the club to seek a new opportunity. He added that the striker's 17th place finish in the Ballon d'Or was too low.

• Lewandowski tipped to move to Saudi Arabia

  Tomaszewski insisted that the forward should put an end to his stay at the Catalan giants in favour of a move at a club where he is more popular. The former goalkeeper suggested he should follow the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema by moving to the Saudi Pro League.

  He told : "Robert should now close the Barcelona chapter and go to a club in Saudi Arabia, just like the best players in the world – except Messi – have done. Robert is not very popular in the team and the best players do not give him the ball."

  It seems a bizarre claim for Tomaszewski to make, given Lewandowski played 34 times in La Liga last season and scored 27 goals. The Pole has started this season strongly too, adding three goals in five games. It is also unclear whether Lewandowski would want to move to a perceived weaker division, when he is currently still performing to a high level at one of the world’s best clubs.

  Lewandowski was named as the 17th best player in the world at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, a ranking which Tomaszewski believes was too low. “Robert has made it onto the list of 30 nominees for the tenth time, and that's what counts,” he said. “The journalists decide where he'll end up. I think he should be in the top ten.

  “The winner [Ousmane Dembele] was undoubtedly a controversial player, but he won the Champions League with the team, and it would be foolish for someone outside of that league to win this award.”

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  Tomaszewski is not a Flick fan

  In his interview with , Tomaszewski also took aim at Barcelona boss Hansi Flick and claimed the German coach was not doing a good job. He said: “Barcelona has a squad to win the Champions League. I hope they don't extend Flick's contract, because he's not doing a good job. He can't continue. With so much football quality, he should have won everything in Europe. But they lost to Inter, who were then humiliated by PSG in the final.”

  It might be difficult to find many who agree with the former Polish shot stopper about Flick, with Barcelona playing some of the most exciting football in Europe and scooping up multiple titles last season. The Blaugrana cantered to the La Liga crown last season, led by a crop of young talent and spearheaded by the veteran Lewandowski.

  This season, the Polish forward has formed part of a rotating front three with the likes of Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford also given chances down the middle of the attack. The strength in depth of Barcelona’s attack has allowed for this rich rotation, but this has not hampered Lewandowski’s output. There is little to suggest that the Pole is an unpopular player within the squad and that he would be keen to move to Saudi Arabia.

• Barcelona to take top spot on Sunday?

  Lewandowski could find himself on top of La Liga by the end of the weekend. The Blaugrana could take advantage of Real Madrid’s thrashing by Atletico Madrid and leapfrog their great rivals into top spot. After winning each of their opening games to the league season, Los Blancos were humiliated 5-2 to hand Xabi Alonso his first domestic defeat in charge of the Spanish giants. With victory on Sunday over Real Sociedad, Barcelona can move up to 19 points and one point clear of Madrid in second.

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  Lewandowski's future remains open

  Lewandowski’s contract at Barcelona comes to an end next summer, but there is an option for the club to extend it by another year. Should the striker choose to depart, he will no doubt have a long list of suitors lining up contract offers in an attempt to persuade him to join their club. Saudi clubs will be amongst those options, but even at 37-years-old Lewandowski looks as if he could keep playing at the top of European football for years to come.

علق الإعلامي أحمد شوبير على تعادل نادي الزمالك أمام غزل المحلة بهدف لمثله، في اللقاء الذي جمع بينهما مساء أمس السبت، ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، مشيرًا إلى أن الفريق الأبيض نجا من أزمة لائحية كادت تكلفه خسارة نقاط المباراة إداريًا، كما وجّه انتقادات فنية لبعض قرارات المدرب يانيك فيريرا وأداء عدد من اللاعبين.

وقال الإعلامي أحمد شوبير في تصريحات إذاعية صباح اليوم الأحد: “الزمالك نجا بالأمس من أزمة كبيرة، فحتى النقطة التي حصل عليها كانت مهددة بالضياع”.

وأوضح: “اللائحة الخاصة بالدوري المصري تنص على قيد ستة لاعبين أجانب فقط في القائمة، على أن يشارك منهم خمسة داخل الملعب، وقد بدأ الزمالك المباراة وفي قائمته سبعة لاعبين أجانب، وهم: محمود بنتايج، خوان بيزيرا، صلاح مصدق، شيكو بانزا، عبد الحميد معالي، سيف الجزيري، وبارون أوتشينج الكيني”.

وأضاف: “يبدو أن أحد مسؤولي الزمالك تفطن للأمر قبل انطلاق اللقاء، فتم استبعاد بارون أوشينج وإدخال سيف جعفر بدلًا منه، وبالمناسبة، القائمة المعدلة التي تم اعتمادها رسميًا هي التي سُجلت في الاتحاد، لأن بعض الجماهير كانت تعتقد أن الزمالك سيُعتبر خاسرًا إداريًا بثلاثية نظيفة، كما حدث في واقعة سابقة بين مودرن والإسماعيلي الموسم الماضي حين فاز الأخير إداريًا، لذلك يجب على إداريي الزمالك أن يكونوا أكثر انتباهًا لمثل هذه التفاصيل”.

وتابع شوبير: “أريد أن أتوقف قليلًا عند المدرب يانيك فيريرا، أنا لست من أنصار التغيير السريع في الأجهزة الفنية، لكن ما حدث بالأمس كان غريبًا، فقد استبعد المدرب اللاعب آدم كايد لأسباب فنية رغم أنه كان أساسيًا في جميع المباريات السابقة، ولم يكن يفكر في إشراك سيف جعفر أصلًا، ثم قرر ضمه فجأة بعد استبعاد أوتشينج، وأشركه خلال المباراة بشكل غير متوقع، هذا القرار يثير التساؤلات”.

وأوضح: “عندما أُصيب عدي الدباغ أمام الأهلي، دفع المدرب بناصر منسي لكنه لم يقدم الأداء المنتظر، وأمس عندما أُصيب أحمد شريف – الذي كان من أنشط لاعبي الفريق في الجهة اليسرى – شارك عبد الحميد معالي ولم يقدم أي إضافة، ثم بدأ المدرب في تغيير المراكز بين بيزيرا وناصر ماهر ومعالي، فتأثرت المنظومة الهجومية بشكل واضح، وهذه نقطة فنية مهمة للغاية”.

طالع أيضًا | يانيك فيريرا بعد تعادل الزمالك مع غزل المحلة: اللاعبون ليسوا “روبوتات”

واستطرد: “تحدثت قبل لقاء الأهلي والزمالك وقلت إن مفتاحي لعب الزمالك هما ناصر ماهر وعبد الله السعيد، لكنهما لم يظهرا بالمستوى المطلوب في القمة، ناصر ماهر يمتلك مهارة عالية، ولكن عليه أن يدرك أنه يلعب في نادٍ كبير ينافس على البطولات دائمًا، اللعب الفردي لا يخدم الفريق، فنحن لا نتحدث عن ألعاب فردية كالكراتيه أو التنس، بل عن كرة القدم التي تتطلب جماعية في الأداء”.

وأردف: “ناصر ماهر أضاع العديد من الفرص في الفترة الأخيرة بسبب الفردية الزائدة، وهو ما يثير غضب جماهير الزمالك، أحمد ربيع قدم مباراة ممتازة وسجل هدفًا رائعًا من ضربة ركنية حولها برأسه إلى الشباك، كما ظهر أحمد حمدي بشكل مميز في خط الوسط وشكّل مع عبد الله السعيد ثنائيًا متجانسًا، من الناحية الفنية لا توجد مشكلة كبيرة في وسط الزمالك، لكن هناك خللًا دفاعيًا واضحًا يحتاج إلى معالجة”.

وأوضح: “هدف غزل المحلة في مرمى الزمالك كان غريبًا للغاية، الكرة جاءت عشوائية من دفاع المحلة، لكن مدافعي الزمالك تعاملوا معها باستهتار، فقدموا الكرة هدية لمهاجم المحلة الذي مرر لزميله، وأصبح الموقف اثنين ضد اثنين أمام دفاع الزمالك، وهو وضع دفاعي لا يُعد سيئًا إلا إذا كان المنافس من طراز عالمي كـ ليونيل ميسي أو كريستيانو رونالدو، ومع ذلك، استغل مهاجم المحلة الفرصة وسجل محمود صلاح الهدف ببراعة في شباك محمد صبحي”.

واستمر: “نحن نتحدث عن لاعبين دوليين في صفوف المنتخب الوطني، لذلك من غير المقبول أن تحدث مثل هذه الأخطاء، الجميع يُشيدون بحسام عبد المجيد ومحمد إسماعيل، لكن ما حدث بالأمس يطرح علامات استفهام حول تركيز اللاعبين داخل الملعب”.

واختتم شوبير تصريحاته قائلًا: “المدرب فيريرا عليه أن يتحكم في ردود أفعاله، فليس من اللائق أن يواصل نشر تعليقات عبر صفحته بعد كل مباراة تحمل طابعًا انفعاليًا، تصريحاته مثل: (نفقد نقاطًا لا نستحقها والمباريات لها سيناريوهات مختلفة) غير مناسبة، لأن عليه أن يتعامل مع هذه السيناريوهات باحترافية، وأن يركز على معالجة الأخطاء بدلًا من تبريرها، الأمور في الزمالك تحتاج إلى هدوء وعمل منظم أكثر من أي وقت مضى”.

Real Madrid have been handed hope in their pursuit of challenging the state of refereeing in Spanish football. According to MARCA, it is understood that the Video Assistant Referee from Saturday's game between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, as well as on-field referee Gil Manzano, will have to bear the consequences after the controversial sending off of Dean Huijsen.

• Madrid find respite as CTA set to intervene

  According to a report from , CTA (Technical Committee of Referees in Spain) will review Huijsen's sending off in the 32nd minute at the Anoeta on Saturday, during Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Real Sociedad. The decision raised immediate concerns within the CTA. The episode is expected to be addressed publicly this week, with the error likely to be acknowledged. Particular scrutiny is being placed on referee Figueroa Vazquez, not for the decision itself, but for his failure to intervene via VAR and allow on-field referee Manzano to review the play. As a result, Vazquez is expected to be sidelined temporarily, as the CTA conducts a formal analysis of the incident.

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  Madrid preparing a report on refereeing errors for FIFA

  In the aftermath of the game, Real Madrid TV, the club's official media channel, confirmed that the 15-time European champions would take the matter to FIFA, the highest authority of football in the world, by submitting a report in the form of all errors compiled from the current season and the last season. Madrid, per the announcement, will urge FIFA to "take good note of what is happening in Spanish football with regards to refereeing."

• Reforms to refereeing in Spain already underway

  Back in June, it was revealed that RFEF (Spanish football federation) had fired the entire refereeing committee amid mounting pressure from clubs demanding a major overhaul in the way officiating is conducted in Spain. Changes have, practically, already started taking place. Indeed, referees in Spanish football are assessed after each match by up to three evaluators, including the stadium delegate and CTA’s technical directors. While the merit-based ranking system is still developing, it’s already shaping referee assignments. The revamped CTA has introduced transparency-focused reforms, requiring referees to take responsibility for mistakes, some of which have led to enforced rest periods. Though not all changes are popular, officials recognize their duty to maintain accountability and openness with clubs.

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• Who are Madrid's next opponents?

  After maintaining a spotless record in La Liga's opening four fixtures, Madrid will be aiming to carry the momentum in the continental arena. They are set to host Marseille in the Champions League opener on Wednesday in what could be head coach Xabi Alonso's sternest test so far in the 2025-26 season.

How to stop the rot? In fairness, it’s perhaps unfair to assess Ruben Amorim at this early stage of a potentially long Manchester United tenure. The Portuguese tactician needs this pre-season to implement his teachings.

In fairness, the 46-year-old left a Sporting Lisbon side which he grew into a comparative superpower, surpassing Porto and Benfica and now two-in-a-row Liga Portugal champions. He didn’t lift the title for a second time, but it was his team, his framework.

In fairness, Amorim took over an Old Trafford side in disrepair, and judgment should be reserved until a few months into the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Matheus Cunha has been added to the first-team ranks; a brilliant signing. Heading out the door, Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof have all gone, and Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho are all wide forwards touted for exits.

But who else might the Red Devils be looking to reel in?

Man United's summer transfer plans

It’s taking a while, but Bryan Mbeumo should sign from Brentford to Man United this summer. Sights remain fixed on the goalscoring winger, with a series of bids already rejected.

Whether Rasmus Hojlund stays or goes remains to be seen, but it’s clear attacking investment is the club’s priority. However, it’s not the only port of call, with Jason Wilcox pushing to strengthen Amorim’s midfield too.

Well, former Nigeria international, Julius Aghahowa, believes that Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi would like to join Man United this summer, despite growing interest from Everton.

Aghahowa said: “While Everton and Al Ahly are clearly interested, Ndidi hopes to join Manchester United. He wants to take a step up by signing for a big club like Manchester United. This would be an excellent move for someone I consider one of the best African midfielders of recent years.”

Ndidi is still only 28 and has a vast wealth of experience at the highest level. The Foxes might have fallen by the wayside last term, but he maintained a high standard and would be a shrewd signing indeed, valued at just £5m amid summer interest from United.

Why Man United want Wilfred Ndidi

United are forking out a fair bit of cash this summer, but then they need to. Last year’s woes must not, cannot, be repeated, lest this behemoth of the English game sink into an unescapable pit.

But the transfer progress is slow but steady, and Ndidi would be an effective and pragmatic addition, for sure. Once described as an “incredible” talent by Brendan Rodgers and an an “absolute monster” by ESPN’s Colin Udoh, the Nigeria international has been at the King Power Stadium for a minute, joining from Belgian club Genk for £15m in January 2017.

He’s hit some highs, winning the FA Cup, and indeed suffered some lows, being relegated from the Premier League twice in the past three seasons. However, Ndidi is a tough-tackling and intelligent midfielder, with robust athleticism and an eye for goal.

Given that Bruno Fernandes often plays a bit deeper these days, this could be the perfect move to ensure the Portuguese skipper maintains his high level, having notched 19 goals and 19 assists apiece in 2024/25.

Fernandes’ creativity could also help the number six toward promotions his own attacking game, Ndidi having ranked among the top 13% of central midfielders across Europe last season for touches in the attacking box and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

But, of course, the £75k-per-week talent’s bread and butter is his combative quality, his protective presence in front of the backline.

Transfer Focus

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

As per Sofascore, he averaged three tackles, 4.5 ball recoveries and 6.1 duels per Premier League match last year – you can only imagine how far Leicester would have sunk without his presence in the centre.

This is perfect for a player like Fernandes to skip from the centre toward the danger area, advancing with winged feet to thread passes through to the forwards. Despite United’s struggles for creativity last season, Fernandes stood strong as one of the most effective playmakers in the country.

Most Chances Created in the Premier League (24/25)
#	Player	Chances Created
1.	Bruno Fernandes	91
2.	Mohamed Salah	88
3.	Cole Palmer	86
4.	Enzo Fernandez	75
5.	Bryan Mbeumo	70
Data via StatMuse

But then we know Fernandes. We know he’s great.

He needs support, though, and Ndidi could prove the perfect player to arrive and add some stability to the centre of the park, reinforcing Amorim’s midfield with steel but also adding to the ball-playing focus, adding to the forward flow.

Cunha 2.0 for Amorim: Man Utd in talks to sign "unstoppable" £35m star

Manchester United are still planning to make some attacking signings this summer.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 8, 2025

يستضيف فريق ريال مدريد، عصر يوم السبت، خصمه فريق إسبانيول في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، موسم 2025/26.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد مع نظيره إسبانيول، في الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإسباني لذلك الموسم على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

ويسعى ريال مدريد إلى مواصلة سلسلة انتصاراته الناجحة في موسم الليجا تحت قيادة المدرب تشابي ألونسو، حيث يمتلك 12 نقطة في الصدارة.

ويفتقد ريال مدريد خدمات المدافع دين هويسن بسبب الإيقاف بعد طرده في الجولة الماضية أمام ريال سوسيداد، بخلاف ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد للإصابة، وكذلك أنطونيو روديجر. تشكيل ريال مدريد المتوقع أمام إسبانيول في الدوري الإسباني

حراسة المرمى: تيبو كورتوا.

خط الدفاع: داني كارفاخال، إيدير ميليتاو، راؤول أسينسيو، ألفاراو كاريراس.

خط الوسط: فيدي فالفيردي، تشواميني.

خط الوسط الهجومي: ماستانتونو، أردا جولر، فينيسيوس جونيور.

خط الهجوم: كيليان مبابي. 

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.

Sophia Dunkley guided Welsh Fire to victory over Manchester Originals at Emirates Old Trafford in the Hundred, navigating a mid-innings wobble to see her side over the line with four balls to spare.Dunkley’s 69 from just 47 balls formed the backbone of her side’s response to the home side’s total of 113 for 7, and it required some late acceleration from her to get the job done after Manchester Originals’ spin duo of Sophie Ecclestone and Fi Morris had stemmed the scoring rate and pegged Welsh Fire back.With 12 runs needed from the final 10 balls, it was Dunkley’s calculated risk-taking against Ecclestone that proved most crucial, slapping her England team-mate for four through the covers and then repeating the dose behind square on the off side with a reverse-sweep.Captain Ecclestone’s 15-ball 27 – including two customary lusty blows for six – had earlier given her Originals side something to bowl at after an underwhelming effort with the bat.Her innings was the lone Originals knock of note, excluding the opening pair of Laura Woolvardt and Beth Mooney who started the day in imperious form, racing to a partnership of 58 with Woolvardt in particular playing some shots for the purists.Dunkley’s half-century continued a trend of England Women’s players standing up to the big occasion in the Hundred, following her teammates Alice Capsey and Heather Knight – off the back of head coach Jon Lewis challenging his charges to dominate throughout the competition.Meerkat Match Hero Sophia Dunkley said: “It definitely got a bit closer than we thought. I didn’t really feel in the innings for the first half of it. It was quite hard to time the ball, so I found it really difficult. But once you got the pace of the wicket it was easier. At the end I had to take some calculated risks and it got a bit close but luckily we got over the line.”We were really happy with how we bowled and how we controlled the innings. Spin was definitely quite hard through the middle, and pace off the ball, so we knew it was going to be difficult but we were definitely pleased at the half-way point.”I couldn’t time it too well throughout the middle. I tried to over-hit a little bit. I had to tell myself to keep calm, strike the ball and keep my head still – and managed to get a few away. I moved a little bit better towards the end and we got over the line, which was great.”We were definitely heartbroken at the end of last year [exiting at the Hundred Eliminator] so we’ve got that grit about us that we want to try and go all the way, and redeem ourselves a little bit. We’re just really looking forward to getting going in the competition.”

Arsenal have enjoyed a meteoric rise under Mikel Arteta’s wing, making year-by-year progress and now not just consistent Champions League competitors but one of the most respected squads in European football.

However, it’s been five years since the Gunners added to their trophy cabinet, Arteta winning the FA Cup just months into his reign way back in 2019/20, defeating Chelsea in the final.

It’s clear that there’s a missing ingredient, that one last piece of the puzzle which will pave the way to new levels of success in the Premier League and beyond.

Arsenal need to sign a striker, and while Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres has been high on the list, it looks like sporting director Andrea Berta is instead going to move for Benjamin Sesko.

The latest on Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal

On Thursday, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that concrete talks between Arsenal and RB Leipzig are underway for the transfer of Slovenian striker Sesko, who has an €80m (£67m) release clause in his contract.

Since then, Arsenal sources have claimed that personal terms are all wrapped up, and that we’re now entering the later stages of a saga which promises the 22-year-old’s transfer to the Emirates Stadium in the coming weeks.

Sesko is considered one of the most exciting centre-forwards in Europe, having scored 39 goals across two seasons in Germany.

However, while Arsenal are desperate for more firepower, the striker’s arrival would rock the boat somewhat, with someone like Gabriel Jesus perhaps at risk of being ousted from contention next season, should Berta drive the deal over the line.

Why Gabriel Jesus needs to go

In 2022, Arsenal signed Jesus from Manchester City in a deal worth £45m, securing one of the Premier League’s finest pure finishers, chiselled into a natural winner under Pep Guardiola’s wing too.

But he’s struggled with injuries ever since first donning the Arsenal jersey, missing 61 matches due to injury absence since joining.

After tearing his cruciate ligament in January, thus ending his season after undergoing surgery, the Brazil forward’s day may well be done, with the potential signing of Sesko bound to knock him down the pecking order.

Jesus did enjoy a burst of clinical form before that blow, but consistency has been a struggle even when he’s maintained fitness levels, with pundit Micah Richards calling the 28-year-old “frustrating” after one performance against Liverpool last October.

24/25

27

7

2

23/24

36

8

10

22/23

33

11

8

Kai Havertz is not a natural goalscorer, but his unique set of skills make for an interesting and dynamic option at number nine, something that could serve well as the counterpoint to Leipzig’s inbound man.

Moreover, Jesus pockets a staggering £265k per week at Arsenal, supposedly placing him behind only Havertz on the club’s wage bill. Is it justifiable for both players, neither of whom may start every week, to be on the books for the club next term?

Journalist Graeme Bailey believes that, while the Gunners are pressing ahead with contract talks for Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, they may be warming to the prospect of selling Jesus.

His current injury may inhibit the chances of doing that this summer, but it’s looking rather likely that the arrival of Sesko will spell the end of the Brazilian’s time at the Emirates, his setback proving little more than a stay of execution.

He'd be amazing with Sesko: Arsenal make approach for "world-class" star

Arsenal could be about to land a star who could star alongside Benjamin Sesko at the Emirates.

ByEthan Lamb May 31, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have seemingly been offered the chance to sign a noteworthy Chelsea player this summer, and he could prove a very useful addition for Ange Postecoglou or his potential replacement next season.

Tottenham transfer plans amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

Spurs are on course for their worst ever Premier League season, resulting in uncertainty surrounding Postecoglou’s long-term future, and reports suggest the former Celtic boss could be shown his P45 regardless of their campaign in Europe (The Telegraph).

Tottenham: Levy now plotting surprise bid for "underrated" West Ham player

It would be a real head-turner.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 30, 2025

A succession of managerial candidates have been tipped to potentially succeed Postecoglou, but as technical director Johan Lange and Daniel Levy assess Spurs’ options in that regard, they must also begin preparations for the summer transfer window.

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Tottenham are reportedly in the market for a forward, and have even been linked with a surprise move for West Ham star Jarrod Bowen this week.

Levy is apparently willing to bid around £51 million to sign Bowen for Spurs, even if this may not be anywhere near enough, but the England international isn’t their only rival player to be mentioned as a possible incoming in the last few days.

Christopher Nkunku holds talks to join Tottenham via agents

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to The Boot Room, £195,000-per-week Chelsea winger Christopher Nkunku is actively looking to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Frenchman, who’s actually scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, verbally agreed terms over a move to Bayern Munich in January (Florian Plettenberg), and looks set to be one of the many men sold or loaned out by Enzo Maresca’s side when the window reopens.

Bailey writes that, while a move to Europe is more likely, Nkunku’s camp have reached out for talks with Tottenham recently, as the ex-RB Leipzig sensation’s representatives attempt to offer him to a host of clubs.

“I am told that a move to Europe is the most likely option – but his people are touching base with clubs in England,” said Bailey.

“Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham have all been spoken to in the past few months. Chelsea want to recoup as much of their plus £50m outlay, but that looks difficult at this juncture.

“I am told the player is very happy in London, and so would a move to a Arsenal or Tottenham appeal? I believe it would but as it stands those options are not advanced – but Arsenal and Spurs both have an historic interest in the player. Both want a wide forward, so you could see the fit.

“There is interest back in Germany – Bayern Munich like him, a new deal for Leroy Sane doesn’t rule out them making a move but it is not pressing. Former club RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen also admire him.”

The versatile 27-year-old has displayed real quality on occasion since his switch to London, and was a revelation in the Bundesliga. However, this could prove to be a costly operation, especially for a price around £50 million, not to mention his lofty salary.

With Spurs in for a ‘sell to buy’ summer, as per The Telegraph, these factors may well deter Levy.