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Ishant, Bumrah and Shami managed only one wicket between as they strove for the right lengths in seaming conditions

Nagraj Gollapudi20-Jun-20211:58

Manjrekar: Rahane’s dismissals associated with his state of mind

One wicket. That is what Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami managed across nearly two sessions on Sunday afternoon on a hard, fast pitch in seaming conditions. It is easy to judge that as a failure when measured against New Zealand’s inspired bowling performance in the morning, when India’s middle order lost the plot, as well as seven wickets for just 71 runs.But that would be overly critical of the Indian fast men. The combination of grey, cloudy, overcast weather along with the Dukes balls is a delight to fast bowlers who can impart swing and seam. If done wisely, as Kyle Jamieson displayed in the morning, it can be destructive. Yet, as enticing as the English conditions can be, the bowler still has to pitch the ball on the right length and make the batter play.Related

• Patience and restraint, the new arrows in Kohli's quiver

• Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway nudge New Zealand ahead

• As it happened – India vs NZ, WTC final, 3rd day

And finding that length is anything but easy. Even the New Zealand fast pack found it hard on Saturday, despite having the best bowling conditions so far in the match on a fresh pitch with a lot of moisture. While credit has to go to the India top order, which showed application and determination, the New Zealand fast bowlers, especially Tim Southee and Trent Boult, were inconsistent. But on the second morning, Jamieson found the appropriate length, blended with movement and accuracy, to snatch control of the match from India.Having watched the New Zealand bowlers correct their mistakes and their lengths, India would have been confident that their experienced seamers would get settled in quickly on their first day at the job. Yet New Zealand’s batters had a few things in their favour. Firstly, the Ageas Bowl was glowing in sunshine, a spell that had started in the hour before lunch when the India lower order was at the crease. Secondly, both Tom Latham and especially Devon Conway had struck form during the two-Test England series, which took place in the build-up to the World Test Championship final. So both the openers were acclimatised to the conditions.Mohammed Shami catches Tom Latham’s splice, but it flies over Ajinkya Rahane•AFP/Getty ImagesIn contrast, Ishant, Bumrah and Shami were bowling in England for the first time in Test cricket since the 2018 tour. All three were successful on that tour, but now they had to re-start. Ishant and Bumrah, sharing the new ball, were pitching on lengths that the New Zealand openers found easy to leave and negotiate.As per the ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, Latham and Conway’s in-control percentages were 90.32% and 80% respectively in the first spells by Ishant and Bumrah. Although they had made just 17 runs after nine overs, when Bumrah was replaced by Shami, New Zealand’s openers looked composed and set for a long stay. Both Conway and Latham were happy to leave as many balls when they could.The India fans were growing restless. Their spirits were lifted somewhat by an energetic first spell by Shami, who delivered with that upright seam at high speeds and caused some distress to the batters. Still both Conway and Latham’s combined in-control percentage in Shami’s first spell, lasting six overs, was nearly 70%. But the absence of wickets in a match influenced heavily by fraught weather, left some tough questions for the Indian camp if they wanted to get a positive result.Ishant Sharma reacts on the field•Getty ImagesOne reason they did not show any desperation was was because they had kept a tight leash on the run rate, which has remained around two and over throughout this match. Such a low scoring rate would have grated with the pundits and fans usually. But the WTC final has been an engrossing duel where the balance has shifted between both teams.After Latham fell to R Ashwin, Ishant and Bumrah returned with renewed vigour and more blunt plans that put pressure on Conway and Kane Williamson, who were made to play the ball instead of leaving. Bumrah went over the wicket to attack Conway with an angle that the batter found difficult to deal with and couple of times found himself in an awkward position playing balls coming on to his legs. Against Williamson, Bumrah was in the middle of setting up a plan as he asked difficult questions by shaping the ball away with the intention of bringing it back in.

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Ishant, too, had found a length where he could both shape the ball away or in to the batter, who could no more refuse to play the ball. With pressure being built from both ends, Conway failed the test, playing a fateful stroke off Ishant minutes before day ended.The India bowlers, as well as their think tank, would agree Sunday was all hard grind. And it will not be a one-off. There will be similar days during the rest of this long English summer, featuring a five-Test series against the home nation, and when the India fast-bowling pack will doubtless be challenged in tougher conditions.

نافش ريو فرديناند، أسطورة نادي مانشستر يونايتد، مستقبل محمد صلاح مع ليفربول، موضحًا أن الدولي المصري سيرفض الانتقال إلى أحد الأندية الكبرى إذا تم تقديم عرض له.

محمد صلاح يعيش أوقاتًا صعبة خلال الأيام الماضية ، وذلك في ظل بقائه بشكل مستمر على دكة بدلاء ليفربول في المباريات الثلاث الأخيرة التي لعبها الريدز في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويعتقد فرديناند، أن نادي مانشستر يونايتد ربما سوف يقدم عرضًا للتعاقد مع محمد صلاح خلال فترة الميركاتو الشتوي المقبل في يناير، موضحًا أن ابن الـ33 عامًا سوف يرفض اللعب مع الشياطين الحمر.

وورد أن ليفربول مستعد لسماع العروض من أجل بيع محمد صلاح، حيث تبرز أندية الدوري السعودي والدوري الأمريكي على رأس المرشحين لضم اللاعب.

اقرأ أيضًا .. محمد صلاح يشعل حربًا بين كاراجر وريتشاردز.. اتهامات بالتفاهة وتييري هنري يتدخل

وقال فرديناند في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة مترو: “مستحيل أن ينتقل محمد صلاح إلى مانشستر يونايتد، لا أعتقد أنه يمتلك تلك الصفة التي كان يتمتع بها واين روني أو كارلوس تيفيز، وهي بذل جهد إضافي”.

وأضاف فرديناند في حديثه عن محمد صلاح: ”لكن نعم، سأقدم عرضًا، عرضًا علنيًا أيضًا، سيكون أمرًا لا يصدق أليس كذلك؟. سيكون مزحة حقًا”.

واختتم المدافع السابق: ”ليس لدي أدنى شك في أن لاعبي ليفربول لا يريدون رحيل محمد صلاح لأنه يساعدهم على الفوز بالألقاب، لكنني أعتقد أنه سوف يرحل ، لقد انتهى الأمر”.

ولم يدفع مدرب ليفربول، آرني سلوت، بمحمد صلاح بشكل أساسي في مواجهات وست هام يونايتد ، وسندرلاند، وأخيرًا ليدز يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وأظهر محمد صلاح ردة فعل غاضبة في المقابل على قرارات سلوت، حيث أكد أن العلاقة بينه وبين المدرب الهولندي قد تدمرت، موضحًا أن إدارة ليفربول لم تقف بجانبه ولم تنفذ الوعود الي قدمتها له.

ونتيجة لتصريحات محمد صلاح تم استبعاده من مباراة ليفربول وإنتر ميلان يوم أمس الثلاثاء في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، وذلك كإجراء تأديبي للملك المصري.

واستعاد ليفربول الثقة وحقق الانتصار على إنتر ميلان 1-0، حيث أحرز هدف الريدز الوحيد دومينيك سوبوسلاي.

حذر كارلو أنشيلوتي، مدرب منتخب البرازيل، نجم نادي ريال مدريد، فينيسيوس جوينور، بشأن وضع الأخير مع السيليساو.

ويستعد منتخب البرازيل للمشاركة في بطولة كأس العالم العام المقبل، والتي سوف تقام في كندا والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والمكسيك.

ويعاني فينيسيوس من انتقادات عديدة خلال هذا الموسم، وذلك في ظل هبوط مستواه مع نادي ريال مدريد، بينما دخل الدولي البرازيلي في خلافات مع مدرب الفريق الملكي، تشابي ألونسو.

وأشار أنشيلوتي في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة موندو ديبورتيفو، إلى أنه لا يوجد أي لاعب ضامن لمركزه في منتخب البرازيل خلال الفترة المقبلة.

وأكد أنشيلوتي أنه لن يقوم باستدعاء أي لاعب إلا إذا كان جاهزًا بنسبة 100، وذلك عند سؤاله كذلك عن إمكانية استدعاء نجم سانتوس الحالي وبرشلونة السابق، نيمار للمنتخب البرازيلي.

اقرأ أيضًا .. رد حاسم من بايرن ميونخ على اهتمام ريال مدريد بضم أوباميكانو

وقال أنشيلوتي عن نيمار وفينيسيوس: ”يجب أن يكون اللاعب في كامل لياقته البدنية، هناك العديد من اللاعبين المميزين ويجب علي اختيار لاعبين في كامل لياقتهم البدنية، ليس نيمار فقط بل فينيسيوس أيضًا”.

وأضاف أنشيلوتي في حديثه: ”إذا كان فينيسيوس في كامل لياقته البدنية فسأستدعي لاعبًا آخر في كامل لياقته البدنية، لأن الفريق يتمتع بمستوى عالٍ من المنافسة، وخاصةً في الهجوم”.

واختتم أنشيلوتي: “كان حظ نيمار سيئًا بالإصابة خلال الفترة التي قضيناها معًا في منتخب البرازيل، لم يستطع الاستعداد ليكون في حالة بدنية جيدة بسبب الإصابات، نيمار في نفس مستوى الجميع نظرًا لموهبته الاستثنائية”.

Liverpool’s disastrous campaign is showing little sign of relenting at the moment, and there are so many different parts of Arne Slot’s system to criticise.

After the 4-1 defeat at Anfield against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate took heavy pelters for their woeful defensive displays.

However, they were hardly the only Redmen who flattered to deceive, with Cody Gakpo yet again failing to convince on the left side of Slot’s frontline.

It might seem somewhat blunt to say, but Gakpo plays with a lack of dynamism, often repeating the same old patterns. As per Sofascore, he is averaging less than one dribble per game in the Premier League this season, while only completing 39% of his attempted ball carries on the continent.

Though he scored 18 goals and provided seven assists across all competitions for Liverpool last season, it always felt like Luis Diaz had more to his game.

Well, now Diaz plies his trade with Bayern Munich, and Liverpool are searching for a left-sided forward after opting against a like-for-like replacement this summer.

Liverpool searching for a left winger

We’re just over one month away from the opening of the January transfer window, and Liverpool’s interest in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has been confirmed.

Semenyo, 25, has been one of the most in-form forwards in the Premier League this year, but FSG and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes appear to have earmarked an alternative who may actually prove a better pick than the Ghanaian.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool chiefs have learned that a deal for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior would likely cost the club about £80m next summer, with the Brazil international informing Los Blancos he will not be renewing his contract, of which has entered the penultimate year.

Manchester United are set to rival the Reds for the 25-year-old, while old suitors in the Saudi Pro League are bound to return for his signature. Hughes needs to pull the right strings quickly if he is to get this one over the line.

What Vinicius Junior would offer Liverpool

Vinicius Jr has been a thorn in Liverpool’s side on numerous occasions over the years, scoring five goals and providing two assists across six meetings. It was his goal that sealed the Champions League title against Jurgen Klopp’s side in 2022.

Brought from his Brazilian homeland to the Spanish capital in 2019, Vini has won the whole gamut at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring 111 goals and supplying 89 assists across 340 matches in all competitions.

There’s no question that Vinicius Jr would mark an upgrade on a player like Gakpo, offering a wide range of qualities that could even see him replace, metaphorically, Mohamed Salah, as the club legend begins to wind down.

Matches (starts)

12 (10)

13 (10)

Goals

3

5

Assists

2

4

Shots (on target)*

2.5 (0.4)

2.6 (1.2)

Big chances missed

2

5

Accurate passes

19.3 (81%)

26.8 (82%)

Chances created*

1.8

2.2

Succ. dribbles*

1.3

2.3

Tackles*

0.8

1.2

Duels won*

5.1

5.5

Hailed as “the best player in the world” by teammate Jude Bellingham, it stands as a testament to Vinicius Jr’s level that he is still comfortably outstripping Gakpo as far as respective league stats are concerned, having endured something of a testing campaign under Xabi Alonso’s wing.

The fact that Gakpo is hitting the target less than once every two Premier League matches is deeply concerning. This is not the rip-roaring prolific form that Slot and Liverpool’s coaches would expect, and his limited output across other areas amplifies the noise. That said, Gakpo is creating a consistent number of chances this season, and that does count for something.

Hailed by former Los Blancos teammate Luka Modric as being one of the Spanish outfit’s “world-class superstars” and as “the best player on the planet” by Statman Dave, signing Vinicius Jr would signal an ominous statement of intent at Liverpool, and now it’s up to the Reds to put the plan into action.

Would that mean the end of Gakpo at Liverpool? The Dutchman did cohabit with Diaz, but there is a difference in quality that Vini would be sure to take advantage of, and it would throw Gakpo to the backbench.

As bad as Konate & Van Dijk: £85m Liverpool duo cannot start together again

Liverpool plummeted to new depths after losing 4-1 to PSV at Anfield in the Champions League.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 27, 2025

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has now dropped a fresh injury update on Cole Palmer ahead of the tough Champions League clash against Barcelona on Tuesday night.

The Blues are gearing up for a difficult fixture in mid-week, taking on reigning La Liga champions Barca in their fifth Champions League fixture this season, and Maresca’s side will be aiming to put things right after only being able to muster up a 1-1 draw against Qarabag last time out.

However, the west Londoners have been struggling on the injury front for quite some time, which will be a concern for the manager, with the likes of Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia and Palmer still sidelined, missing the 2-0 victory against Burnley at the weekend.

The Italian will no doubt be frustrated the England international has missed large parts of the campaign, having said back in January: “His team-mates see him as a top player so at the moment when we have some difficulties and we are looking for the closest one to help us, we need Cole to step forward in that moment.

“In that moment, in the second-half against Wolves, he showed his team-mate he is a leader inside the pitch.”

However, there has now been a promising update on the 23-year-old’s injury ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Barcelona…

Enzo Maresca drops injury update on Cole Palmer

As relayed by Football London, Maresca has now confirmed Palmer has already returned to training, saying: “Yeah, we don’t know when, but for sure, it will be soon. He is already on the pitch, touching the ball and the feeling is good.”

The 45-year-old stopped short of confirming whether the £130k-a-week star will be available for the tough test against Barca, but a swift return appears to be on the cards, which will be welcome news, heading into a tricky run of fixtures.

Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures	Date
Barcelona (h)	November 25th
Arsenal (h)	November 30th
Leeds United (a)	December 3rd
AFC Bournemouth (a)	December 6th
Atalanta (a)	December 9th

The Blues may have an outside chance of winning the Premier League title, having moved into second place courtesy of the victory at Turf Moor, and they could make a major statement by defeating league leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge this Sunday.

However, Maresca will need his best players available if Chelsea are to stand any chance of beating the Gunners, and the former Manchester City man is certainly in that category, having contributed 45 goals and 29 assists in 101 appearances since moving to west London.

Palmer will also be eager to receive consistent game time to ensure he is on the plane to the World Cup with England, having proven his ability to deliver in big games by scoring against Spain in the final of Euro 2024.

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The promising talent could be the perfect solution to Chelsea’s Cole Palmer problem.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 22, 2025

Major League Baseball's free agent frenzy is in full swing, and we all know who the top targets are. With Juan Soto, Max Fried, Blake Snell and other big names already off the board, most teams have turned to digging into the next tier of available players.

There are plenty of hidden gems in this free-agent class. What follows is a look at five of the most underrated players still available.

Joc Pederson, OF/DH (No. 30, SI Big Board)

Pederson finished his 2024 campaign by slashing .275/.393/.515, with 23 home runs, 64 RBIs and a wRC+ of 151 in 132 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He produced 2.9 WAR, which was his best since 2019, and his .908 OPS was a career high. So why isn't he getting more attention on the free agent market? Pederson is almost exclusively a designated hitter at this point in his career, and most teams prefer to rotate at the position.

Still, Pederson continued to reinvent himself in 2024, which bodes well for his future. He slugged a career-best .636 against fastballs and continued to crush right-handed pitching. He finished the season slashing .281/.392/.531 with an OPS of .923 in 335 at-bats against righties, and racked up 22 home runs in the process. The problem is, he still struggles against lefties, and hit .219 against them with one home run.

The 32-year-old Pederson will find a job but it'll take a while for the market to clear enough for him to get his shot.

Walker Buehler, SP (No. 25)

Buehler struggled for much of the 2024 season as he returned from Tommy John surgery. He went 1–6 with a 5.38 ERA, a 1.55 WHIP and 64 strikeouts against 28 walks in 75 1/3 innings pitched. But he seemed to find something in the postseason and helped the Los Angeles Dodgers secure a World Series title.

In the playoffs, Buehler had three starts and went 1–1 with a 3.60 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP and 13 strikeouts against five walks in 15 innings. Over his final three appearances, he allowed no runs and five hits over 10 innings while striking out 13 and walking four. He took the win in Game 3 of the World Series after baffling the New York Yankees' lineup, going five shutout innings and allowing two hits and two walks while striking out five. He also came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning in Game 5 to close out the series, pitching a shutout inning and striking out Austin Wells and Alex Verdugo to secure the win and the championship.

Buehler has a ways to go to return to his status as an All-Star. But he's only 30 years old and there is tremendous upside here.

Carlos Santana, 1B (No. 44)

Santana continues to find jobs and hit well enough deep into his thirties to latch on somewhere year after year. The 2025 campaign should be no different despite the fact he’ll turn 39 in April. Last season with the Minnesota Twins, Santana slashed .238/.328/.420 with 23 home runs, 71 RBIs and an wRC+ of 114. He also picked up the first Gold Glove of his career.

An All-Star in 2019, Santana is in the journeyman stage of his career, playing for five teams in the last three seasons. But he provides value as a switch-hitter and positively hammered left-handers, as he posted a .923 OPS and 161 wRC+ against them in 2024. He did struggle against righties, as he only put up a .676 OPS in 374 at-bats against them.

Santana will be a useful bat who can still get provide excellent defense at first base. He should be a low-cost option for teams in need of a placeholder there.

Kirby Yates, RP (No. 33)

Yates is one of the most underrated players in baseball. He was an All-Star in 2024 for the second time in his career and was named second-team All-MLB. He joined the Texas Rangers and went 7–2 with a 1.17 ERA, a 0.83 WHIP, and 85 strikeouts against 28 walks in 61 2/3 innings. He also converted 33 saves in 34 chances.

Yates will be 38 when the 2025 season begins, so he'll get a short contract, but he has proven again and again that he's an elite reliever. He only pitched 11 1/3 innings from 2020 through ’22 due to injuries, but around that he has had four consecutive seasons with an ERA below 3.30, and has 93 saves in 101 chances since ’18.

Someone will sign Yates and he'll likely continue to be an excellent piece at the back of a bullpen.

Max Kepler, OF (No. 48)

Kepler looked to be returning to his former self in 2023, as the 31-year-old posted a .816 OPS, a 123 wRC+, and produced 2.9 WAR. Unfortunately, last season made that seem like a momentary upward blip.

He broke out with 36 home runs and 90 RBIs in 2019, producing a 4.0 WAR season he has yet to duplicate. In 105 games last season he slashed .253/.302/.380 with eight home runs, 42 RBIs, an OPS of .682, a wRC+ of 94, and produced 1.0 WAR. It wasn't a great look for a guy headed into free agency.

Kepler is still a good defender who has the potential to hit 30 home runs if someone could fix his approach. This is a pure upside play for a guy who will be 32 and will be looking for a short-term, prove-it deal.

Rangers players and staff were informed that a new manager had been chosen over the weekend, with Heart & Hand sharing insight into the message given by the club.

Rohl chosen as new Rangers manager

It has taken the Gers some time to bring in their next manager, with both Steven Gerrard and Kevin Muscat deciding against taking the job, in two blows for the Scottish Premiership side.

It is Danny Rohl who will be Russell Martin’s successor at Ibrox, with the 36-year-old most recently in charge of Sheffield Wednesday, producing a miracle escape act with them in the Championship in 2023/24, before steadying the ship further last season.

The German is an exciting young manager with fresh ideas and a ball-playing approach, and while the Rangers job has become something of a poisoned chalice, supporters will be desperately hoping Rohl is the right man to take the club into the future.

Rangers players were told about new manager on Sunday

According to Heart & Hand Podcast, Rangers’ players were told that a new manager had been picked on Sunday evening, prior to Rohl being revealed as the man to take charge, so it seems the club’s leadership had already been closing in on the deal over the weekend, with just the finer points left to iron out on Monday.

Any Gers fans is likely going to feel trepidation about who the club appoint, considering the reigns of both Philippe Clement and Martin have been unsuccessful.

To some, a more experienced head than Rohl was needed – Sean Dyche had been mentioned, but he is becoming Nottingham Forest’s next boss instead – but to others, the German is a young coach with a huge amount to offer, having learned from Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich.

Rangers supporters should be buoyed by what Barry Bannan said about him recently, having thrived alongside one another at Wednesday.

“If he’s appointed, I definitely think he’ll go in there and get results right away. For me, he’s up gather with the very best I’ve worked with during my career. I know Glasgow can be a difficult environment because of the expectation at the Old Firm. But I would expect him to really hit the ground running because he’s the type of man people respond to.”

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Hopefully, this is the moment that Rangers change for the better, following a dreadful start to the season, but Rohl has a massive job on his hands, not least clawing back 13 and eight points on Hearts and Celtic, respectively, at the top of the table, and impressing in Europe.

Enzo Maresca has told his Chelsea players that they need to improve when they play five-man defences. The Blues came undone against Sunderland last weekend as the Black Cats secured a late 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge as Regis Le Bris opted to change his setup for the game in west London. And the Italian delivered a humorous anecdote about Ange Postecoglou's decision to use a five-man defence.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Postecoglou's final throw of the dice revealed

  Postecoglou lasted just 39 days as Nottingham Forest head coach having been relieved of his duties at the City Ground earlier this month. The Australian was brought in as Nuno's replacement during the September international break but failed to win any of the eight matches he managed.

  Postecoglou's final game as Forest boss was a 3-0 loss at to Chelsea, with the former Tottenham man relieved of his duties just minutes after the defeat to the Blues. Second half goals from Josh Acheampong, Pedro Neto and Reece James compounded a miserable afternoon for the Tricky Trees and ended the 60-year-old's brief stint back in the Premier League.

  The former Forest head coach opted for a change in system in what proved to be his last match at the City Ground as a final throw of the dice, and Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was caught off guard by Postecoglou's decision having previously joked with the Greece-born manager about teams using a back five against the Club World Cup winners.

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• 'This is tough for players'

  Maresca stated that a chance meeting with Postecoglou prior to his Forest appointment highlighted the issue that Chelsea face this season. "Before Ange took over at Nottingham Forest, we spoke at the LMA awards in London," the Italian began.

  "I said: 'Ange, I've never seen your team use a back five – except for the last 10 minutes of the Europa League final against Manchester United.

  "He laughed and said: 'I hate using a back five, but, as it was the last 10 minutes and we needed to win the trophy, we did.' Then we played Forest – it was a back five, and I had prepared for a back four!

  "I again told the team that everything goes straight in the bin because it was a back five. This is tough for players."

• AFP
  

  'Throw all of the Sunderland preparation in the bin'

  "When we have difficulties, we like to analyse," Maresca said when asked why teams are playing five-man defences against Chelsea this season. "I'm telling the players every day that, now, teams – probably because of what we achieved last season – have changed their approach against us.

  "Sunderland played nine league games and they never used a back five from the start. Never. I watched them all, so we prepared for Sunderland with a back four.

  "In the dressing room before the match, I told the players: 'Guys, throw all of the Sunderland preparation in the bin.' It's so difficult to change plan in just 10 minutes."

  Sunderland's plan worked perfectly as they secured a 2-1 win in the capital to maintain their flying start to the Premier League season. Alejandro Garnacho fired Chelsea ahead early on before Wilson Isidor responded midway through the second half. Summer signing Chemsdine Talbi then struck in second half injury time as the Black Cats claimed a huge win.

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• Chelsea responded to Sunderland setback

  Chelsea bounced back from last week's loss to Sunderland with victory over Wolves to book their place in the fifth round of the EFL Cup in midweek. However, the Blues made hard work of their game at Molineux, despite going in at the break three goals to the good as Andrey Santos, Tyrique George and Estevao put Chelsea into a commanding position.

  Tolu Arokodare pulled one back for Wolves shortly after the break before David Moller Wolfe halved the deficit in the 73rd minute. Jamie Gittens settled Chelsea nerves with a thundering effort in the 89th minute after Maresca's side had been reduced to 10 men following Liam Delap's careless dismissal. Wolfe struck again in the 91st minute to set up a tense finish but Chelsea held out to progress to the next round of the competition.

  Chelsea have a London derby on Saturday evening as they take on rivals Tottenham and face a third successive away match next week when they face Qarabag in the Champions League. The Blues then return to Stamford Bridge for the welcome of Wolves before the final international break of the year.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has been dealt an injury blow as news emerges about one of his key players.

Unai Emery sparks mini Aston Villa revival after disastrous start to 25/26

Villa have started to show signs of life after a rocky start to the new Premier League season, sparking a mini-revival that has renewed some hope among fans.

The Villans really struggled early on, especially going forward, and it took them five league matches to even score their first league goal of the campaign.

Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle

Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa

Aston Villa 0-3 Crystal Palace

Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

Sunderland 1-1 Aston Villa

Aston Villa 3-1 Fulham

Aston Villa 2-1 Burnley

A huge sigh of relief swept through the away end at Sunderland when Matty Cash’s long-range drive ended Villa’s unbelievable goal drought, and they were unfortunate not to come away from the North East with their first three points of 2025/2026.

Once languishing near the bottom of the table, Villa have gone on a resurgence since Cash’s strike — winning their last four matches in all competitions — including back-to-back Europa League wins and two consecutive league victories.

NSWE struggled to build upon last season in the transfer window, with failure to qualify for the Champions League at the end of 24/25 certainly coming back to haunt them in this regard.

PSR has undoubtedly held Emery’s side back from fully investing in the squad, with Villa only able to spend around £26.5 million in total last summer as they agreed last-gasp loan deals for Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho in an effort to bolster the team.

Taking this into account, Villa’s renewed form under Emery could be seen as even more impressive as some of their rivals enjoyed mammoth spending sprees.

Emery has also had to cope without some key men through injury, especially Belgium international Youri Tielemans.

The former Leicester City star was a mainstay under Emery last term, registering 15 goal contributions in 53 total appearances, but he’s been forced to sit out of Villa’s excellent recent run with a calf problem.

Tielemans has watched on from the sidelines ever since their 1-1 draw at Sunderland, and according to reports from Belgium, the 28-year-old will now be out for a much while longer.

Unai Emery dealt Aston Villa injury blow as news emerges on Youri Tielemans

Het Nieuwsblad and La Dernière Heure, via Sport Witness, both state that Tielemans is now expected to be absent for longer than expected.

The £150,000-per-week playmaker could even miss Belgium’s November World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan, meaning Tielemans could also be unavailable for all of Villa’s next games after this October break.

The games Youri Tielemans is now expected to miss for Aston Villa

Emery’s side take on Tottenham, Go Ahead Eagles, Man City, Liverpool, Maccabi Tel Aviv and high-flying Bournemouth before the next round of internationals in November, with Tielemans now poised to potentially miss all of these crucial matches against top opposition.

The 28-year-old’s setback is undoubtedly a blow for Emery.

As a key influence, Tielemans brings creativity, control and experience to the heart of the team’s midfield. His ability to dictate tempo, link defense to attack and contribute with crucial goals and assists makes him central to the way Villa operate.

Even if Emery has coped fine without Tielemans in Villa’s last few games, with his last appearance coming in their 0-0 draw at Everton, he’ll be sorely missed when Villa face off against Spurs, City and Premier League champions Liverpool.

Newcastle United and Eddie Howe have inched closer to a successful Carabao Cup title defence, beating Bradford City in the third round and then drawing Tottenham Hotspur.

There’s a tough test, but Newcastle have a fine recent record against the Lilywhites, and the fluency of Howe’s side is building by the day.

It’s quite understandable in hindsight that the sale of Alexander Isak would disrupt the harmony and snap of United’s frontline, with goals scored in only two of their five Premier League games so far.

Isak left for Liverpool on deadline day, and Newcastle banked a record-breaking £125m fee. They lost one of the world’s finest strikers, who scored 27 times in black and white last season and who bagged against Arne Slot’s Reds at Wembley.

Newcastle did replace the Sweden striker with Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade, but William Osula is also staking his claim for a big role this term.

William Osula's early-season form

Howe issued rotation as the top-flight and European action took a breath. Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and brace-scoring Joelinton all featured, but so too did the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley get some more minutes under their belt.

However, Osula might feel he was the biggest winner, scoring twice against the high-flying League One side to take his haul to three goals this season, also scoring in that frantic game against Liverpool in August.

Having signed from Sheffield United for £15m last summer, Osula scarcely played across his debut campaign at St. James’ Park, scoring once in the league.

But he’s making headway now.

Osula got himself on the scoresheet before 20 minutes had been played, and then again in the closing stages, sealing his side’s 4-1 victory.

He might have had a hat-trick save for some poor finishing after neat work from Gordon, but, as Howe noted during his post-match press conference, the Danish forward offered more than just goals, holding up well and linking up with his teammates. He looked dangerous and dynamic when playing down the wing.

“He’s done his chances no harm,” Howe said, discussing the potential of the 22-year-old starting in the Premier League once again.

However, Newcastle turned down a £30m approach from Eintracht Frankfurt for the fringe forward this summer, and Howe may come to regret rejecting such a hefty sum, especially when the Magpies have an academy talent who might be even better than his peer.

Newcastle have a bigger talent than Osula

The word on the street is that Newcastle still expect to sell Osula, perhaps next summer. There’s a player in there, but Osula is very much unrefined, and after what Howe described as a “turbulent” summer for the number nine, he finds himself third-fiddle on Tyneside.

Wissa is currently sidelined with a knee injury and has yet to make his debut after joining from Brentford, but Woltemade has shown plenty of promise after completing a club-record £69m move from Stuttgart, scoring on his debut and showcasing his talent thereafter.

Osula has been left somewhat in the lurch, even after scoring against Liverpool.

And with an up-and-coming talent like Sean Neave knocking on his door, Osula may well find himself completing that transfer away next summer.

A natural-born finisher, Neave, 18, has been riding the crest of a wave in Newcastle’s academy. He has always been a reliable goalscorer, but the youth’s ability to carry his form up the levels with relative ease suggests he may soon be knocking on Howe’s door. In fact, he might already be.

Six games into the season for Newcastle’s development side, Neave has scored three goals and provided one assist. No longer playing for the U18s, he is a regular starter in the Premier League 2, despite having reached adulthood only at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Newcastle U18

37

21 (7)

Newcastle U21

15

7 (3)

Newcastle YL

6

1 (1)

Newcastle

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Neave is a “good finisher”, all right, as has been said by Newcastle blogger TomTalksToon, and he already stands at 6 foot 1. A gangly frame that does not inhibit his pace and athleticism, the teenager is akin to Isak, but let’s just wait and see if he can match the former Toon man’s almighty scoring record in the English top flight.

Perhaps Neave was somewhat frustrated to have been left out of the matchday squad against Bradford. However, his professional debut is sure to be right around the corner, with his electric pace and threat in the final third sure-fire ingredients for success in the Premier League.

Osula is more refined physically, but Neave is on a programme that is giving rise to his strength and athletic focus on the field. It’s only a matter of time.

And when that time comes, might Howe and co not regret cashing in on Osula when they had the chance? If Neave continues his meteoric rise with such speed, he may well overtake his goalscoring rival, which would do United’s chances of shipping him out for a big fee no favours.

Newcastle’s 4.6 xG (expected goals) total in the Premier League this season puts them 16th. Not great, but neither is it an accurate representation of the talent and the creativity coursing through Howe’s team.

Instead, Newcastle will continue to go from strength to strength, and Wissa and Woltemade will too.

It’s difficult to see how Osula surpasses either, so unpolished is the Denmark U21 international. And when considering Neave is waiting in the wings and bound to make his senior debut sooner rather than later, Howe may come to wish he had taken the £30m and ran.

Howe could unleash Newcastle's own Yamal in 18-year-old "elite talent"

Newcastle’s academy setting has changed for the better in recent years.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 24, 2025