Category Uncategorized

While Arsenal have plenty of talented players in their squad, there is one star who most fans would now class as their best: Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End icon has become a lean, mean output machine in recent seasons, as even though he missed over three months of action this year, he ended the campaign with a sensational haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 games.

Unfortunately, Mikel Arteta’s options for off the left have not been nearly as effective, with Gabriel Martinelli chalking up 16 goal involvements in 51 games and Leandro Trossard doing marginally better with 20 in 56 games.

So, with that in mind, it’s hardly been a surprise to see the club linked with a host of brilliant left-wingers in recent weeks, with one of the most notable links being to Rodrygo – although recent reports have now touted a player compared to the Brazilian and Saka for a move to Arsenal this summer.

Arsenal transfer news

As mentioned, the last few weeks and months have seen Arsenal linked with many talented left-wing options, from the versatile Xavi Simons at RB Leipzig to the soon-to-be free agent of Leroy Sané.

Transfer Focus

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

Yet, one of the names that has caused the most excitement among the fans, and understandably so, has been Rodrygo.

The 24-year-old has won all there is to win in the club game with Real Madrid, and according to most reports from the last month or so, could be available for around £85m unless something changes with new boss Xabi Alonso.

However, with the required fee being so high, it’s unsurprising to see the club continue to be linked with other options, and now someone who has been compared to Saka and the Brazilian has reentered the frame in a big way.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have retained their intense interest in Nico Williams.

In fact, the report has now revealed that the Gunners are ‘very close to signing’ the Athletic Bilbao star, despite the La Liga side’s desire to keep him for another season.

The report has revealed that for the North Londoners to get their man, whom Arteta has made ‘a priority,’ they’ll have to pay his release clause, which, according to stories from earlier this week, stands at about £50m.

While it would be a lot of money to spend on a 22-year-old, it would be more than worth it thanks to his ability and the comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo.

How Williams compares to Saka & Rodrygo

So before addressing the other reasons why Arsenal might want to sign Williams this summer, it’s important to examine these comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo and where they come from.

In both cases, they stem from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each.

In this instance, it was concluded that the Brazilian was the most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Spaniard across the last 365 days, while the Englishman was the tenth most similar.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.35

0.32

Non-Penalty G+As

0.45

0.51

Progressive Carries

5.32

5.28

Shots

2.43

2.52

Shots on Target

0.86

0.93

Expected Assists

0.19

0.20

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.31

1.21

Shot-Creating Actions

5.05

4.95

Blocks

0.90

0.84

The best way to understand how these conclusions were reached is by looking at the underlying numbers in which the players rank closely, which, in the case of the Real Madrid star, include metrics like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, passes into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

For the Gunners’ gem, the metrics in which he’s incredibly similar to the Bilbao star include things like tackles won, clearances, carries into the penalty area and non-penalty goals per 90, suggesting he can do some of the defensive work the Englishman so often carries out for the Gunners.

Non-Penalty Goals

0.23

0.26

Tackles Won

0.81

0.78

Clearances

0.41

0.42

Carries

31.4

32.7

Carries into the Penalty Area

2.61

2.66

Aerial Duels Won

0.50

0.52

On top of these flattering and incredibly encouraging comparisons to two of the best wingers around, Arteta and Co should also be going all out to sign the 22-year-old “level-raiser,” as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, because he’s a reliable source of goals and assists.

For example, since the start of last season, the Pamplona-born dynamo has scored 19 goals and provided 25 assists in 82 appearances, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.86 games.

Ultimately, while some fans may prefer the bigger name in Rodrygo, it looks like Arsenal are on track to sign one of the most exciting wingers in the game in Williams, and given his age, there is plenty of scope for him to get even better.

Their answer to Cherki: Arsenal close in on first summer signing for £38m

The incredible prospect could be sensational at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 5, 2025

Already planning ahead for life without loanee Marcus Rashford, Monchi is now battling to sign an alternative option for Aston Villa in a deal that could be worth just £35m this summer.

Aston Villa keep pressure on Champions League places

With just three Premier League games remaining, Aston Villa ensured that they kept hold of a glimmer of hope in the race to secure Champions League qualification by defeating Fulham 1-0. Coming courtesy of Youri Tielemans’ header, those in the Midlands have kept the pressure on Chelsea and Nottingham Forest as they desperately await a crucial slip.

Manager Unai Emery had his say on what was a narrow but all-important victory at Villa Park, telling reporters: “Today we wanted to be closer to qualifying for European football so it is fantastic. If we had not won, forget it (Champions League) completely.

“The best gift we can achieve is the Champions League and we are not the favourites to get it, but we will fight for it. We must now focus on Bournemouth next weekend which is so, so difficult. Villa Park is very important and we feel so strong here. The supporters are fantastic and we can feel that it is our fortress.”

Aston Villa now prioritising move to sign "fantastic" Real Madrid player

The Villans could make their move…

ByTom Cunningham May 3, 2025

There remains plenty of questions to be answered away from the action as well as on the pitch in the Midlands and one of those centres around Rashford. Following an impressive loan spell at the club, Aston Villa could look to land the winger’s signature on a permanent basis. It remains to be seen whether Rashford feels the same way about Villa Park, however, leaving the club to find an alternative option.

Monchi battling to sign Hutchinson for Aston Villa

According to Caught Offside, Monchi and Aston Villa have now joined the battle to sign Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town this summer in a move that would see Villa welcome their Rashford alternative. The deal could yet be a routine one to seal too, given that the winger reportedly has a release clause of just £35m after Ipswich suffered Premier League relegation.

In a difficult campaign, the 21-year-old has only been able to show glimpses of his quality – scoring three goals and creating another two – but will be desperate to stay put in the top flight.

Despite a disappointing output, Hutchinson still found himself at the centre of praise from manager Kieran McKenna, who told reporters earlier this season: “I think its enjoyable seeing a hungry, talented, young player getting to grips with the league and trying to make his impact – discovering the things that are different, the things that are an increasing challenge for him. And also finding the things that work for him and where he can have his impact.”

A player who Aston Villa’s recruitment team ‘rate Hutchinson highly and consider him a smart investment for the future’, so he could be one to watch if the Villans fail to sign Rashford this summer.

Newcastle United have already ensured that they will play European football in some form in the 2025/26 campaign after they won the League Cup before the international break.

The Magpies beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley in the final last month and that victory secured them a place in the Conference League, as well as their first piece of silverware in 70 years.

Eddie Howe’s side can move up in the European pecking order before the end of the current campaign, though, as they compete for a place in the Europa League or the Champions League by finishing higher up in their domestic division.

The Magpies are currently sixth in the Premier League table and sit two points behind Chelsea in fourth place, with ten matches left to be played and one game in hand over the two teams above them.

Newcastle can take another step towards a top four finish in the division this evening when they welcome Brentford to St. James’ Park, with the chance to move above Chelsea – who do not play until Thursday – with a win.

Despite flying down to South America to play for Brazil during the international break and racking up plenty of miles, Bruno Guimaraes should be one of the first names on the teammsheet against the Bees.

Why Bruno Guimaraes is a guaranteed starter for Newcastle

The Brazil international, who played one game for his country – against Colombia – at the end of last month, has started all 28 of his appearances in the Premier League for the Magpies this season.

In fact, Guimaraes has started all 97 of his Premier League games for the club since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, having started 11 of his 17 outings in the second half of the 2021/22 season after joining from Lyon.

This shows that the Brazilian maestro, ignoring the very early stage of his career in England, starts whenever he is available and that is why the midfielder should be in the starting line-up this evening.

Bruno Guimaraes’ passing quality

24/25 Premier League

Per 90

Percentile rank vs midfielders

Assists

0.22

Top 11%

Expected Assisted Goals

0.19

Top 18%

Passes into final third

5.05

Top 19%

Passes into penalty area

1.97

Top 8%

Progressive passes

7.32

Top 8%

Key passes

1.32

Top 32%

Shot-creating actions

3.38

Top 34%

Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, Guimaraes has been among the best passers in the Premier League as a midfielder this term, ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of key passing and creative metrics.

One Magpies player who does not rank as favourably in those metrics, however, is Italy international Sandro Tonali, who has had an up-and-down time at St. James’ Park.

Why Sandro Tonali can be a liability in possession

The former AC Milan star is, essentially, in his first full season on Tyneside after returning from his ban and has started 18 of his 26 appearances in the Premier League this term.

Tonali offers plenty of grit and hard work in the middle of the park, winning 53% of his duels and making 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game, but his use of the ball has left a bit to be desired.

The Italian ace ranks within the bottom 49% or lower of midfielders in the Premier League for pass accuracy (83%), progressive passes per 90 (4.11), Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.03), and shot-creating actions per 90 (2.19).

This suggests that Tonali has struggled with the ball at his feet in the top-flight this season, by failing to find his teammates at an efficient rate without creating much for the team.

Chalkboard

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

Expand Collapse

The 24-year-old battler played the full 90 minutes against Liverpool in the League Cup final and lost six of his seven duels, whilst completing just 67% of his attempted passes.

In front of their home support this evening, Newcastle may want more quality in possession to put themselves on the front foot against Brentford and that is why Tonali should be ruthlessly axed from the starting line-up by Howe, who should replace him by finally unleashing Lewis Miley from the start.

Why Lewis Miley should finally be unleashed

The 18-year-old dynamo has had an injury-disrupted campaign, missing nine matches with a foot injury, and has only started one of his eight appearances in the Premier League this term.

Miley did, however, start 14 of his 17 outings in the division last season, in what was his breakthrough year at senior level, and that showed that he does have the capability to play week-in-week-out as a starter in the top-flight.

The teenage sensation’s only start in the Premier League so far this term came in a 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest back in February, as he started alongside Guimaraes and Joe Willock.

Vs Forest

Lewis Miley

Minutes

90

Goals

1

Pass accuracy

81%

Key passes

1

Duels won

6/11

Tackles + interceptions

4

Dribbled past

0x

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the England U19 international made the most of his chance to impress, by scoring a goal and catching the eye with his defensive work.

Miley, as shown in the highlights above, scored Newcastle’s first goal in the match with a terrific touch and finish inside the box to make it 1-1, as he showcased his quality and composure in the opposition’s third.

The Magpies academy graduate has not played enough minutes to qualify for ranking this season, but he did rank within the top 15% of midfielders in the Premier League last term for assists (0.22) per 90 – with three assists in 14 starts.

Miley, who was described as “very special” by journalist Mark Carruthers, is a midfield player with the potential to offer a threat at the top end of the pitch with his goalscoring touch, as shown in his only start this season in the league, as well as his creative ability, as evidenced by his form last term.

This means that the 18-year-old ace could be the perfect player to come in and partner Guimaraes in midfield, as they both have on-ball qualities that Tonali has failed to show consistently during his time on the pitch this season.

Related Newcastle now in race for "world-class" £38m striker who may replace Isak

The Magpies could make a move for a big-name striker this summer.

Posts ByDominic Lund Apr 2, 2025

It is now down to Howe to ruthlessly ditch the Italy international from the starting line-up in order to finally unleash Miley alongside Guimaraes, as the pair could be fun to watch with their respective qualities in possession.

Karachi Kings are in a spot of bother and Azam Khan is making his presence felt

Danyal Rasool05-Mar-2024Sultans supremacyThe Sultans rank third on the overall wins table at the PSL, and if that doesn’t seem remarkable, it should. They started out two full seasons late, and yet just two other teams boast more wins than their 43, with their win-loss ratio of 1.535 comparing very favourably with teams in the other big franchise leagues (IPL, BBL, CPL, SA20, T20 Blast, the Hundred, BPL and LPL). In fact, it’s pushing up to top-10 levels. And it’s because every year, they seem to put together the sort of season they’re having now.Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy, from his charisma to his tactics, is unmatched across the league. A set-up that blends local with foreign coaches, and more groundbreakingly boasts the only female coaches in the league, would have likely received significantly more scrutiny if results had gone awry. Instead, their on-field performances have been near-flawless, with the league’s two top wicket-takers, a spinner and a fast bowler, hailing from the franchise. Just about every single win has been comfortable, and as the table takes shape, it’s hard to argue they aren’t the best team in the competition.The last four seasons have seen the Sultans finish top or second after the league stages, and they have made three of the last four finals. While history suggests anything can happen in the knockouts, Sultans’ league supremacy remains unrivalled.Karachi (the Kings, the crowd)If the Kings lose a game but no one shows up to watch it, did it actually happen? The team is under new management and captaincy, but all they’ve accomplished so far is demonstrate that they are slightly better than a Qalandars side at its worst. Seems like a lot of effort for little reward.The first leg was played in Lahore and Multan, and the Kings might have hoped moving to Karachi would help reinvigorate them but it hasn’t worked out like that. Then again, is it really home advantage if the home crowd doesn’t show up? The relatively sparsely populated stands in ostensibly Pakistan’s most cricket-mad city stood in stark contrast to what Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan offered.Karachi’s absent crowd is a regular whipping boy for the other franchises, especially the only one below them on the points table. But if you’ve ever been to the National stadium without a media or VIP pass, you’d be surprised that anyone shows up at all.No one quite knows how to get there on matchday, with security protocols maddeningly random, and ticket printing booths far away. And while at Gaddafi stadium, it can almost seem like there’s no bad seat, in Karachi, there’s barely a good one. Chain-link fences obstruct the view for anyone sitting closer to the front, and if you move further back, you can barely make out the players let alone the ball.It’s not the spectators who’ve let that stadium down, but the other way around. And, for now, the Kings haven’t exactly given them a reason to turn up, either.Azam Khan has come back from a quiet start with two blistering knocks•PCBThe Azam Khan culture warThe Azam Khan culture wars take on a fresh dimension every week, and after a feeble start to the PSL, two blistering innings have demonstrated the batter’s value to his side. He isn’t Pakistan’s best keeper, fielder, or runner, and so it can seem as if he has more going against him than for him. But there is perhaps no one in Pakistan cricket who can overpower a bowling attack towards the backend of a T20 innings like the Islamabad United wicketkeeper, making up for lack of agility with fearsome strength and the sweetest timing.Tim David once told ESPNcricinfo he’d consciously worked on becoming a lower-order hitter because everyone wanted to bat in the powerplay in T20 cricket. As Pakistan wrestle with how to fit an expanding pool of top-order players into the top three, Azam continues to press his case at a time of the innings few put their hands up.The PSL’s unusual spinnersWhile the national side has suddenly run dry of T20 spinners, the PSL can’t get enough of them. Leggie Usama Mir is now the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, while mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan place third and fourth.But Abrar isn’t the only unorthodox spinner in the PSL this season. Peshawar Zalmi’s Arif Yaqoob, who has barely played any first-class cricket, took four wickets in an over to deny United at the death, and has an action so uncanny you can barely keep an eye on his wrist, let alone the ball. Quetta Gladiators’ Usman Tariq, meanwhile, breaks off all his momentum by coming to a near standstill at the moment of release, and then holding the pose like a penalty taker waiting for the goalkeeper to commit.Salman Fayyaz of Qalandars appears to fall away as he sends down his legbreaks, though he did remain upright enough to take a sharp return catch and get rid of Alex Hales. Sultans have tried out Faisal Akram, perhaps best described as a left arm wristspinner with a googly for a stock delivery.Abrar remains a cut above the rest, but the emergence of the others suggests an experimentally permissive culture at the PSL. For spinners, history suggests that can only be a good thing.

All the important numbers from the first Test between England and New Zealand

Sampath Bandarupalli05-Jun-2022277 – The target chased by England in the first Test is the third-highest successful chase by any team at Lord’s. West Indies had hunted down 342 against England in 1984, while England successfully chased 282 against New Zealand in 2004.ESPNcricinfo Ltd210 – Runs scored by England after the fall of their fourth wicket. These are the ninth-most runs scored by a team in a successful run chase, after being four down. These are also the second-most runs that England have recorded after losing four wickets in their fourth innings, behind the 232 they scored from 31 for 4 in pursuit of 263 against Australia in 1902.1 – Joe Root became the first player to reach the milestone of 10,000 runs in Test cricket within ten years of making his debut. It took Root nine years and 174 days to reach the 10,000-run mark, since first turning out for England in 2012. He is also the second England player after Alastair Cook (12,472 runs), to reach the milestone.ESPNcricinfo Ltd120* – The stand between Root and Ben Foakes is the second-highest unbroken partnership for the sixth wicket or lower during a successful fourth-innings chase in Test cricket. The highest is a sixth-wicket stand of 189 between Sri Lanka’s Aravinda de Silva and Arjuna Ranatunga, against Zimbabwe in 1998.15 – Test hundreds for Root in England, the joint-most for any batter in the country. Graham Gooch, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook also have 15 Test tons in England.ESPNcricinfo Ltd1 – Root’s unbeaten 115 at Lord’s is his maiden hundred in the fourth innings of a Test match. His previous highest score in the fourth innings was 87 against Australia, during the 2013 Adelaide Test.3 – Players to score a century in the fourth innings of a successful run-chase at Lord’s. Apart from Root’s 115 in the first Test, the list includes Gordon Greenidge’s 214* against England in 1984, and Nasser Hussain’s 103* against New Zealand in 2004.14.56 – The partnership average for the first four wickets in this Test, the fifth-lowest in a Test match, since 1960 (matches where the first four wickets fell in all four innings). It is also the second-lowest average in the last 20 years, behind 10.56 during the Bridgetown Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka in 2018.

Captain leads from the front on Finals Day as champions prove value of experience

Matt Roller05-Oct-2020It was typical of Nottinghamshire that, after losing 37-year-old Chris Nash to injury in their semi-final win against Lancashire, the average age of the side for the T20 Blast final on Sunday evening increased. In came Peter Trego, in his first Blast appearance for the county at the age of 39, to smear five fours and a six and provide middle-order impetus to their successful run-chase.Notts have been the Blast’s oldest team this season, with an average age above 30 and over 1700 T20 appearances between the XI that played the final. Their success confirmed their captain Dan Christian’s pre-tournament proclamation that “old blokes win stuff”, as they followed West Indies, Chennai Super Kings, and many other teams around the world by translating experience into titles.”I’m always going to say that because I’m an old bloke,” Christian, 37, laughed. “It’s an embarrassment of riches really, to lose someone like Chris Nash and replace him with someone like Peter Trego.”

#oldblokeswinstuff

Over 30’s brigade.

The kids helped too to be fair pic.twitter.com/r6WTFsC23u

— Dan Christian (@danchristian54) October 4, 2020

Experience has come to the fore throughout their knockout games. Samit Patel, the 35-year-old allrounder, had faced only seven balls before the quarter-final against Leicestershire, but his cameo of 28 not out off 16 took them through; Henry Heimlich would have nodded approvingly at Patel’s success in preventing a choke.”We played around with our order a little bit today, [but] we’ve generally had Samit Patel coming in at eight and Imad Wasim coming in at nine,” Christian said. “Let’s say there are roughly 500-odd [478] games of experience there in the bottom of the order. Samit’s [one of] the highest run-scorers in the history of this competition and Imad has batted in the top six for Pakistan.”To have that kind of depth in your order is just massive for us and it gives the top order so much freedom to be able to go out and play shots and try to knock games on the head, particularly when we chase. We’ve been a really good chasing team all year and that showed again tonight: to be three for not many and Peter Trego comes in for his first game [having] played for 20-odd years – we’re just really lucky to have that kind of experience and that kind of depth.”Dan Christian was Player of the Match in Nottinghamshire’s semi-final and final•Getty ImagesFor Christian, this was the eighth T20 title of his career – only five men have more worldwide – and his second as captain, both of them with Notts. The Blast’s Finals Day has been dominated by talismanic captains in the last five seasons, but few have performed with Christian’s cold-blooded temerity.In the semi-final, reduced to 11 overs after a weekend of persistent October rain, Notts were threatening a wobble with 29 needed off 23 balls; Christian’s response was to heave four consecutive sixes into the empty Eric Hollies Stand at deep midwicket off Liam Livingstone, ending the game as a contest.”I decided that was going to be the over I would try and target to knock the game on the head and not let it get to the last over,” he explained. “Once I got the first six away I thought I might as well go again. Then I got the second one away and thought I might as well go again, and then just kept going. Having that depth and knowing you’ve got the guys behind you, you can play with that kind of freedom.”And against Surrey in the final, he took 4 for 11 from his two death overs to keep Surrey to 127 for 6 from their 16-over allocation – they had looked on course for 150 when he brought himself back on – before firing 21 off 11 balls from No. 6 to kill the game with time to spare. That meant player-of-the-match awards in both the semi and the final.”You have the odd day out,” he said, “but it’s always nice to do it when it really matters in a final and when the game’s on the line – and a semi-final, when you need to get your team over the line.”I’ve generally been pretty ordinary bowling here in England, particularly at Trent Bridge, so it was nice to get a couple of wickets. It was a good day for me personally, but I think everyone played really well. We were dominant all the way through – I think we dominated the semi-final and then we dominated the final as well.”ALSO READ: Duckett seals Nottinghamshire’s second Blast title in four yearsThat domination extended across the tournament. Not since 2004, and the days of a five-match group stage, has a team won the competition with only one defeat in their season, as Notts managed this year. They did so with Alex Hales averaging 18.36, Luke Fletcher left on the bench, and Harry Gurney missing throughout with a shoulder injury.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”[Gurney] has been a mainstay of our attack for the last six years since I’ve been here at Notts,” Christian said. “[We were] going in with a bit of a different make-up this year, just playing the one quick with myself as the second seamer. The boys handled it really, really well.”It will be an arduous journey home for Christian, with strict Covid-19 restrictions in Melbourne leaving open the prospect of 28 days’ quarantine in all before the start of the Big Bash, but another T20 title will make that easier to stomach.Notts were again the Blast’s best team: they have won two of the last four titles, have won more games than anyone else across the last four seasons, and have reached the knockouts every year since 2015.Under Peter Moores’ stewardship, they have often resembled a T20 franchise more than a county, recruiting the best young talent from local teams, compiling a squad with the depth to leave Blast stalwarts on the bench, and opting to sign two overseas players this season when most counties had none. It has been an inexorable pursuit of short-form success, but the results are indisputable: with Christian at the helm, Notts have blown their competition away.

Real Madrid figureheads have reportedly held talks over Xabi Alonso's future after a damaging 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo. Los Blancos suffered a disappointing home defeat, which included red cards to Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras, putting them further behind La Liga leaders Barcelona. Now, speculation is mounting that their upcoming Champions League clash with Manchester City could be pivotal for the 44-year-old.

Madrid's woes continue

Six weeks ago, Madrid were basking in the glow of a Clasico win over Barcelona, giving them a five-point cushion at the top of the table. Fast forward to the present and Los Blancos have been left reeling by a 2-0 home loss to Celta Vigo on Sunday, which was Os Celestes' first win at Santiago Bernabeu for 19 years. They now sit four points adrift of bitter rivals Barcelona and if Villarreal win their game in hand, Alonso's side will drop down to third in the division. After this shock result, the former Bayer Leverkusen manager, who joined the Spanish giants this summer, admitted this was a "significant setback".

He told reporters: "We had planned for this match after the Bilbao game to play at a high tempo and press against a good opponent. We were lacking in some areas, and the injury disrupted our plans. It's bad news; we're already struggling with injuries. This is another significant setback. We struggled to react; perhaps our best reaction came when we were down to ten men. The team pressed hard, we ran, and we tried. We understand that the fans left angry. We have to show a different side on Wednesday."

Indeed, Madrid are currently without injured defenders Eder Militao, Daniel Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ferland Mendy among others. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAlonso under pressure

According to , after taking just six points from a possible 15 in La Liga, the biggest talking point around the club is Alonso's managerial future. Following Sunday's loss, club president Florentino Perez and general director Jose Angel Sanchez, among other senior leaders, held internal discussions about the team's situation and Alonso's position. The report adds that none of the sources around the club felt confident in saying the ex-Liverpool player would still be in charge if City beat Los Blancos in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Spanish giants are said to be keen on continuing with this Alonso project but results matter most at such a demanding club. The board are reportedly unhappy with the team's image and recent results and there are concerns the players don't have a good connection with Alonso and his ideas. If he is sacked, they may turn to Real Madrid Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa or Los Blancos legend Zinedine Zidane, although it is uncertain whether he would return to the club for a third time as manager.

Alonso calls for unity

Amid this unsatisfactory run of results, Alonso has called for everyone to rally around one another and trust the process. He also stressed there is a long way to go this season and that they can come good.

He added: "If we all stick together, knowing that this is football, we can reverse the situation. There’s still a long season ahead, and having a bad game at home is normal. It’s not ideal, but we have to look ahead. We know what self-criticism and high standards this club demands. We know that defeats hurt a lot. This is everyone’s responsibility, not just the players, coaching staff, or the club. We all have to commit to doing things right and approach each match as the most important one. Today, the three points we dropped are important, but not decisive. There’s still a long way to go. It’s a responsibility and a job for everyone to do together."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportMan City test next

Madrid are currently fifth in the Champions League table, putting them in a strong position to progress to the knockout stages of the competition. But that could be under threat if they lose to a rejuvenated City in midweek. 

Ahead of that clash, Alonso said: "We all take the blame. We're all in this together through thick and thin. We have to handle it with the responsibility we have to assume. We shouldn't look too far ahead. The situation is tight because of the injuries; we have to change things every game. We'll see what happens on Wednesday."

Rehan Ahmed and Davina Perrin also honoured in end-of-season awards

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Oct-2025

Jordan Cox was named PCA Men’s Player of the Year•Luke Walker/Getty Images for PCA

Jordan Cox and Emma Lamb have been named PCA Players of the Year, capping stellar summers in which both players earned England recalls after consistent seasons in domestic cricket.Cox missed out on a Test debut for England last November due to an ill-timed injury and was left out of their white-ball squads at the start of the summer. However, he earned a T20I recall after scoring his maiden T20 hundred for Essex and finishing the Hundred as the leading run-scorer. He saw off competition from Joe Root, Ed Barnard and Dom Sibley to win the award.”My favourite moment of the year was taking my chance and scoring an international half-century [against Ireland],” Cox said. “It’s probably why I got selected to go to New Zealand, which means a lot. On the Lions trip [to Australia] I want to show the selectors I’m capable of playing Test cricket.”Lamb missed the PCA awards ceremony in west London on Thursday night – which are sponsored by Toyota – as she is currently in Colombo, preparing for England’s World Cup fixture against Sri Lanka. She was the leading run-scorer in Lancashire’s Metro Bank Cup triumph, and pipped Nat Sciver-Brunt, Kathryn Bryce and Georgia Elwiss to the award.Lamb said she was “very surprised” to find out she had won after England’s tense win over Bangladesh on Tuesday. “I wasn’t expecting it, but obviously I’m very happy,” she said. “It’s really lovely that my peers have taken the time to recognise my performances this year. It’s such an honour to receive this award… It’s been a very enjoyable 12 months.”Emma Lamb in action for England•ECB/Getty Images

Rehan Ahmed was named men’s Young Player of the Year after scoring five centuries for Leicestershire as they won promotion in the County Championship, while he also impressed for Trent Rockets in the Hundred. Davina Perrin, who scored a stunning 42-ball century in the Hundred’s eliminator, won the women’s award, having also impressed for Birmingham Bears.”I was a bit shocked to be honest,” Perrin said. “There’s been some great performances from young players, especially Ailsa [Lister] and Ella [McCaughan] who have had unbelievable seasons… The biggest thing for me is that I’m maximising my potential and hopefully the England honours will come.”Rehan said that the award “topped off a great season” for him. “My red-ball season was great,” he said. “I want to be a regular in the England [Test] team – it’s more important to me than the white-ball stuff – so being given the opportunity to perform and then repaying the coaches with my form for Leicestershire has been great.”The Outstanding Contribution Award went to Graham Gooch, for his “incredible support of the game” including his donations to the Cricketers’ Trust, while Adil Rashid and Nat Sciver-Brunt won Rado Recognition Awards for their England careers. The ECB’s Special Merit award went to Andrew Flintoff’s BBC series , while the players voted for Ian Blackwell and Gabi Brown as Umpires of the Year.Daryl Mitchell, the PCA’s chief executive, said: “The most prestigious awards ceremony in cricket is always a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our fantastic players who have worked so hard throughout the season. Another enjoyable year… culminated in everybody coming together to congratulate our four main winners at the PCA Awards in partnership with Toyota.”2025 PCA Awards in partnership with Toyota:Men’s Player of the Year: Jordan Cox (Shortlisted: Ed Barnard, Joe Root, Dom Sibley)
Women’s Player of the Year: Emma Lamb (Shortlisted: Kathryn Bryce, Georgia Elwiss, Nat Sciver-Brunt)
Men’s Young Player of the Year: Rehan Ahmed (Shortlisted: James Coles, Asa Tribe)
Women’s Young Player of the Year: Davina Perrin (Shortlisted: Alisa Lister, Ella McCaughan)
Outstanding Contribution Award: Graham Gooch
Rado Recognition Awards: Adil Rashid, Nat Sciver-Brunt
ECB Special Merit: Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams
Men’s Umpire of the Year: Ian Blackwell
Women’s Umpire of the Year: Gabi Brown

Cristiano Ronaldo will be “terribly sorry” about missing a “once in a lifetime” win for his country, claims the President of Portugal, as “geniuses are like that”. All-time great CR7 was forced to sit out a 9-1 victory over Armenia through suspension, with that stunning success seeing Roberto Martinez’s side secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

• Ronaldo suspension: Why Portugal superstar is banned

  Ronaldo played no part in that contest as he served a ban. The evergreen 40-year-old frontman picked up the first red card of his international career in a defeat to the Republic of Ireland in Dublin – with that dismissal coming when earning his record-extending 226th cap.

  Al-Nassr striker Ronaldo was given his marching orders after swinging an elbow into Irish defender Dara O’Shea. It is yet to be determined whether FIFA will force him to sit out two more matches – which will come at next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Mixed emotions: Ronaldo left watching on from afar

  Ronaldo will be desperate not to miss any more action as he continues to chase down 1,000 career goals and more major honours. He was denied the opportunity to fill his boots against Armenia, with Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes bagging a hat-trick in that fixture as Portugal hit nine.

  Portugal President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa told reporters of the mixed emotions that CR7 will have felt while watching on from afar: “Ronaldo always has a place. He's always in our hearts. He's part of our gratitude. He must be terribly sorry he didn't come today. It's a shame. He missed a game where it was crucial for the captain to be there. But, well, geniuses are like that.

  “A word for Roberto Martínez. He deserves it. People said he wouldn't make it. I still remember the team's first dinner, where the players were at one table and Martínez at another, and they said they wouldn't pay attention. He held on, he held on, and he got to where he needed to be. Of course, with a big scare, but 9-1 is a joy for all of us.”

• Portugal qualify for 2026 World Cup in style

  De Sousa added on Portugal booking tickets to the 2026 World Cup in stunning fashion: “This is the game of my life and the life of many Portuguese people. We've had more exciting games, which resulted in victories, but 9-1 is a once-in-a-lifetime result. And it could have been 10-1 or 11-1. It was exceptional. The team played with such spirit, with class, with speed. It was unique. It's good that there were so many children here, who will remember this game.

  “We are in the final phase [of the World Cup ] and, by happy coincidence, I had scheduled the awarding of medals for the Nations League victory for today. It's a happy combination. We won the Nations League, I'm handing out the medals, after a great game, and it's the closing of a cycle, because I started with Euro 2016 and I'm ending with this qualification.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Can Ronaldo win the World Cup before retirement?

  Plans can now start to be pieced together for another shot at global glory. The general consensus is that Portugal – who can call upon the likes of Ronaldo, Fernandes, Joao Felix, Ruben Dias, Joao Neves and Vitinha – have enough talent at their disposal to compete for the grandest of prizes.

  De Sousa intends to witness their pursuit of the World Cup crown, adding on Portugal’s claims to the most prestigious of trophies: “Of course. I can see it. I have a phrase that the Federation president agreed upon with me and the Prime Minister: in America, Portugal will win. Will you watch the games? If I'm invited, I'll go. If not, one or two, I'll pay out of my own pocket to go.”

  Ronaldo was quick to congratulate Portugal after seeing them wrap up qualification for the 2026 World Cup. He has conceded that event will likely be his last as an international performer, but has admitted – while working on a contract at Al-Nassr through to 2027 – that he has at least a couple of years left in him before retirement is considered.

Tottenham co-sporting director Fabio Paratici, who’s now responsible for securing the club’s biggest transfers, has been inadvertently told he can sign a “world-class” striker on loan in January after a Spurs phone call.

Paratici was re-appointed by Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham to work in tandem with Johan Lange as the Lilywhites’ ‘dealmaker’ (Sky Sports), and it is reported that the Italian could have some intriguing plans ahead of the winter window’s opening.

The north Londoners, according to reports, have set their sights on a new defender, winger and potentially a striker.

Thomas Frank is poised to welcome both Radu Dragusin and Dejan Kulusevski back from their long-term knee injuries in the near future, but given the club’s dire bad luck with first-team absentees in the last 12 months, it may be wise to shore up the depth across key positions.

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

29/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Mohammed Kudus

Knock

23/11/2025

Randal Kolo Muani

Jaw

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Lucas Bergvall

Concussion

23/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

23/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

23/11/2025

Cristian Romero

Other

23/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

This is particularly true going forward as Dominic Solanke’s fitness woes continue, with summer signing Randal Kolo Muani also back on the treatment table after fracturing his jaw against Man United last weekend.

Mathys Tel, meanwhile, was omitted from Frank’s 22-man Champions League squad due to homegrown quota issues, meaning that the Frenchman cannot take part in any European game until Spurs get the chance to submit a new squad for the knockout phase.

Richarlison has also been criticised for his underwhelming form this season, having scored just four in his last 18 appearances, and it is claimed that Frank views the Brazilian as an “expendable” member of his squad despite selecting him regularly (Football Insider).

The 28-year-old, whose contract expires in just under two years, could be sold to make room for ex-Brentford star Ivan Toney.

Toney is apparently Frank’s preferred target to come in and lead Tottenham’s attack, but there are other options, like Juventus newcomer Jonathan David.

Tottenham told they can sign Jonathan David on loan with option to buy

The Canada international free-scored for Lille in France but has found life very difficult in Serie A since his free transfer to Turin in the summer, and there are rumours that Spurs could swoop in and take David off their hands at the turn of the year.

According to Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, Spurs have made phone calls to ‘repeatedly enquire’ about David’s availability ahead of January.

What’s more, Paratici and the club have apparently been told that the 25-year-old may be allowed to leave on loan with an option to buy him outright in the summer – a deal which could make sense for Frank’s side.

David, who was branded a “world-class” marksman by former Canada boss Iain Hume, netted 109 goals in 232 appearances for Lille – including in some pretty tasty Champions League encounters during his final season at the Decathlon Arena.

The £189,000-per-week forward scored against European big-hitters Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Liverpool in the Champions League last season, which showcases his ability to perform at the very highest level, even if he’s struggled in Italy.

On a temporary deal with a view to making it permanent, depending on how David performs, Paratici and co stand to lose very little and potentially gain a reliable goalscorer.