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O Cruzeiro derrotou o Patrocinense por 3 a 0 nesta sexta-feira (9), no Mineirão, pela quarta rodada do Campeonato Mineiro. Os gols da partida foram marcados por Marlon Xavier, Juan Ignacio Dinenno e Arthur Gomes.

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Com o resultado, a Raposa assume a liderança do grupo A, com 10 pontos conquistados. Os visitantes, por sua vez, estacionam nos quatros pontos e ocupam a terceira colocação do grupo C.

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

⚽ COMO FOI A PARTIDA?

Atuando pela primeira vez no Mineirão em 2024, o Cruzeiro não encontrou dificuldades para derrotar o Patrocinense. Apesar de não levar perigo nos minutos iniciais, a raposa encurralou o rival, que não conseguiu sair do campo defensivo. Matheus Pereira, destaque do duelo com duas assistências, encontrou Marlon no final do primeiro tempo para abrir o placar.

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Contratado nesta janela de transferência, Dinenno foi o nome da segunda etapa. O centroavante aproveitou cruzamento de William para marcar de cabeça o segundo da partida. Arthur Gomes, aos 19 minutos, deu números finais ao jogo.

➡️ O QUE VEM POR AÍ?

O Cruzeiro encara o América-MG, em casa, pela quinta rodada do Campeonato Mineiro. A bola rola a partir das 20h (de Brasília), no Mineirão

✅ CRUZEIRO 3 X 0 PATROCINENSE
Campeonato Mineiro – Primeira fase – Quarta rodada

Data e horário: sexta-feira, 9 de fevereiro de 2024, às 16h30 (de Brasília)
Local: Mineirão, em Belo Horizonte-MG
Árbitro:  Daniel da Cunha Oliveira Filho
Assistentes: Magno Arantes Lira e Ricardo Junio de Souza
Cartões amarelos: José Ivaldo e Machado (Cruzeiro); Hudson, Mário Tristão, Ailton Pereira, Marcílio Lima e Erverson (Patrocinense)
Cartões vermelhos: –

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Gols: Marlon Xavier, Juan Ignacio Dinenno e Arthur Gomes (Cruzeiro)

⚽ ESCALAÇÕES

CRUZEIRO
Rafael Cabral; William (Wesley Gasolina, 23′ do 2ºT), Zé Ivaldo (João Marcelo, no intervalo), Neris (Filipe Machado, 23′ do 2ºT) e Marlon; Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Robert (João Pedro, 15′ do 2ºT), Matheus Pereira e Arthur Gomes (Fernando, 29′ do 2ºT); Juan Ignacio Dinenno.

PATROCINENSE
Cairo; Nando (Luan, 20′ do 2ºT), Guilherme (Iago, 29′ do 2ºT), Léo Alves e Ailton (32′ do 2ºT); Matheus, Miguel Baggio (Everton Canela, 20′ do 2ºT) e Marinho; Hudson, Caique (Everson, 29′ do 2ºT) e Caiuby (Marcílio, no intervalo).

Tudo sobre

Campeonato MineiroCruzeiroFutebol Nacional

Arsenal have been to Old Trafford, to Anfield and to St James’ Park this season. Mikel Arteta’s men have faced Manchester City and Atletico Madrid at home but it was a newly promoted side who gave them their toughest test yet.

The Gunners headed to Sunderland and the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Spurred on by former Arsenal captain, Granit Xhaka, the Londoners conceded for the first time in over eight matches.

The end result? A 2-2 draw and just the third time all campaign that Arteta’s side had dropped points.

Arsenal were not at the races, far from it, although their second-half dominance should have been enough to see them across the line. During those 45 minutes, two players really stood up for the visitors.

Arsenal's best performers vs Sunderland

This was not the finest of evenings for a host of Arsenal’s usually ever-reliable performers. It’s rare they don’t defend well but under pressure from a buoyant Sunderland crowd, they wilted a bit in the north east on Saturday.

Gabriel and David Raya, two stalwarts of the current squad, were at fault for Brian Brobbey’s late goal.

Dan Ballard had scored a rasping opener in the first half but far more could have been done about the late equaliser. Gabriel wasn’t strong enough in his attempts to beat Brobbey to the ball and Raya didn’t seem to know the Black Cats striker was even in the frame. Both came for the ball but were beaten by the Sunderland centre-forward. Cue bedlam inside the Stadium of Light.

Before that, however, Arsenal had responded remarkably well to Arteta’s half-time team talk. Their domination in the second period proved that they are no mugs from open play. There were no set-play goals on this occasion, just two brilliantly worked strikes.

Bukayo Saka has struggled with injury and form this term but he’s still their main man and proved as such this weekend.

Saka’s second-half display was inspiring and a true captain’s performance. It was the winger who got Arsenal back into things, darting onto Mikel Merino’s ball before firing past Robin Roefs with his weaker foot. It was a phenomenal finish.

Speaking of world-class finishes. Step forward Leandro Trossard.

The Belgian ended last season with his Emirates Stadium future in doubt. The club knew they needed to reinforce the attack and it was likely the winger would be moved on as a result.

However, there is a reason that he’s featured more than other player under Arteta since he arrived from Brighton in January 2023.

Handed a pay rise over the summer to stay, he has undeniably been Arsenal’s best attacker this season and has taken advantage of a plethora of injuries across the front line, notably to the likes of fellow wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke.

Across the 30-year-old’s last seven games in all competitions, he has scored three goals and registered two assists. Not bad indeed.

His goal at Sunderland was perhaps his best in Arsenal colours yet. The winger received the ball from Martin Zubimendi about 25 yards from goal. He advanced a little bit towards the edge of the penalty area before shifting the ball away from Mackems midfielder Noah Sadiki and unleashing a fizzing effort that crashed home. It was vintage Trossard. It was the Belgian at his very very best.

While Arsenal’s attack came alive, question marks do have to be raised about the defensive efforts. Perhaps it’s time for a little change in the starting lineup.

Where Arsenal can improve after Sunderland

While Arteta won’t want to rip up the blueprints overnight, there are a few changes the Spaniard must make for the north London derby in a couple of weeks.

By then, Viktor Gyokeres could be back to full health, while Gabriel Jesus was spotted in first-team training for the first time after his horrific ACL injury back in January. While the Brazilian won’t be starting games just yet, Gyokeres is expected to swiftly replace Merino despite his brace in the Champions League in midweek.

David Raya

5/10

Jurrien Timber

6/10

William Saliba

6/10

Gabriel Magalhaes

5/10

Riccardo Calafiori

5/10

Martin Zubimendi

6/10

Declan Rice

7/10

Eberechi Eze

5/10

Bukayo Saka

7/10

Leandro Trossard

8/10

Mikel Merino

6/10

Merino did register the assist for Saka’s goal on Saturday but he’s not quite as good at leading the press, something that plays an imperative role in how Arsenal defend.

There could be a change just behind the striker too. After all, Eberechi Eze certainly struggled this weekend, with GOAL noted that he was withdrawn late on after “a subdued display”.

But, it’s at left-back once again where a position could be up for grabs. Earlier in the campaign, Riccardo Calafiori was described by some as Arsenal’s “player of the season” so far. It was hard to disagree with that too.

The Italian had started the campaign in brilliant form, scoring a vital goal against Manchester United on the opening weekend and registering two assists in the 5-0 win over Leeds.

Most importantly, Calafiori has spent the early months of the season injury-free. It’s his best run of game time since he moved to the club in the summer of 2024.

Yet, every player has their dips and the Italy international is arguably having his now. While he didn’t make any colossal errors on Saturday, it was a frustrating performance from the 23-year-old.

Football.London reporter Tom Canton wrote at full-time that he was ‘somewhat erratic in the first half, but not in the usual way.’

Indeed, since joining the club, he has resembled something of a “wild horse” in the words of journalist Sam Dean. He’s everywhere, whether it was rampaging forward, inverting into midfield or appearing as an extra striker inside the box during attacking phases of play.

Chalkboard

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

Sadly, his impact against Sunderland was not as great. He failed to have a shot or make a key pass, while that aforementioned erratic nature was summed up by the fact that he made a whopping five fouls.

Calafiori alarmingly also only won two of his six duels to compound what was a frustrating night at the office.

Minutes played

90

Touches

50

Possession lost

7x

Accurate passes

23/27 (85%)

Key passes

0

Accurate crosses

1/2

Successful dribbles

2/2

Ground duels won

2/6

Aerial duels won

4/7

Tackles

0

Fouls made

5

Interceptions

1

Clearances

4

So, ahead of the north London derby in a couple of weeks, Arteta has a decision to make. While new signing Piero Hincapie got the nod on the left of the defence in Prague in midweek, perhaps this is the time for Myles Lewis-Skelly to start for the first time in the Premier League this season.

The talented teenager has only played 86 minutes in the top flight this season and was subsequently excluded from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the latest round of international fixtures.

That wasn’t because Lewis-Skelly is a bad player, far from it. The full-back issued a reminder of his qualities against Atletico in the Champions League a few weeks ago.

Remember the rampaging run through the middle of the pitch to supply Martinelli’s goal?

While it was Calafiori’s defensive display that let him down on Saturday, Lewis-Skelly could give Arteta’s side a lot more in possession. His temperament and ball-carrying skills could be key against Spurs.

أدلى هوجو إيكتيكي لاعب ليفربول الإنجليزي، بتصريحات حول علاقته القوية مع مواطنه ومهاجم ريال مدريد، كيليان مبابي، والذي زامله في صفوف باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي.

كما تحدث مهاجم ليفربول عن النجوم ليونيل ميسي، نيمار دا سيلفا، بالإضافة إلى إيرلينج هالاند، وما يحاول تعلمه منهم.

وقال إيكيتيكي عن مبابي في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “تليجراف” البريطانية: “لقد كان بمثابة الأخ الأكبر بالنسبة لي، في نهاية فترتي هناك، لم أكن أشارك كثيرًا، وكان الأمر صعبًا، لكنه ظل دائمًا جيدًا معي، وكان يمنحني النصيحة باستمرار”.

وأضاف: “لقد رآني في وضع صعب داخل باريس سان جيرمان، لذلك هو سعيد من أجلي الآن بعدما بدأت الأمور تسير بشكل جيد، يمكننا أن نلتقي في المنتخب ونلعب معًا”.

وواصل: “هو أسرع مني، أنا سريع، لكنه من بين الأسرع في العالم، آمل أن أصل إلى هذا المستوى يومًا ما، لكننا نوعان مختلفان من اللاعبين، هو يعتمد على السرعة الكبيرة، بينما أنا أُفضّل أن أكون اللاعب الذي يصنع الفارق للفريق”.

أوضح إيكتيكي أيضًا إنه يتعلم من ليونيل ميسي وإيرلينج هالاند، مشيرًا إلى أنه استفاد كثيرًا من الفترة التي قضاها في باريس سان جيرمان بجوار نجوم مثل مبابي، ونيمار.

 وتابع: “لا أستطيع أن أقول إنني سأفعل ما يفعله هؤلاء النجوم داخل الملعب، لكن إن استطعت أن أتعلم منهم شيئًا صغيرًا، حتى في التحركات من دون كرة، فسأفعل، كنت أراقبهم كثيرًا عن قرب خلال فترتي في باريس سان جيرمان، وحاولت أن أستفيد من كل تفصيلة في طريقة لعبهم”.

وأكمل: “ما زلت أشاهدهم، أحاول أن أتعلم من اللاعبين الذين أحبهم، أحب مشاهدة أدائهم ومحاولة إضافة بعض الأشياء إلى أسلوبي في اللعب، حتى أصبح لاعبًا أكثر اكتمالًا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | إيكتيكي: سلوت يراقبني دائمًا.. ولن أشكو من صرامته

وتابع موضحًا ما يتعلمه من كل نجم: “من ميسي أتعلم الرؤية المسبقة؛ أحيانًا أحاول أن أرى ما سيحدث قبل أن تصلني الكرة، رؤيته هي ما يميزه، ومن نيمار ربما كان الأمر يتعلق ببعض الحيل، أتعلم بعض المهارات والتحكم في الكرة”.

واسترسل: “أما من مبابي فأتعلم التحركات بدون كرة، لأنه قادر على صناعة الفارق حتى دون لمسها، هناك أشياء كثيرة أستفيد منها، ومن الصعب حصرها، لكنني بالتأكيد أتعلم شيئًا من كل هؤلاء اللاعبين العظماء”.

كما تحدّث إيكتيكي عن منافسه في مباراة ليفربول ومانشستر سيتي، النرويجي هالاند مؤكدًا: “لقد كان ضمن قائمة أفضل المهاجمين في العالم لعدة سنوات، وبالتأكيد هو لاعب أتابعه كثيرًا، أحاول أن أتعلم منه بعض الجوانب في أسلوبه، فهو قادر على التأثير في المباريات دون الحاجة للمس الكرة كثيرًا، وهذا شيء مذهل للغاية”.

واستطرد إيكتيكي بشأن إشادة تييري هنري نجم فرنسا السابق به: “هذا جيد، إنه قدوة لنا نحن اللاعبين الفرنسيين، أعلم أنه كان يُقدم أداءً رائعًا في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، لذا أتقبل هذه الإشادة لا أريد أن أكون صفقة مثيرة، أريد أن أكون لاعبًا جيدًا قدم موسمًا رائعًا”.

وأتم إيكتيكي الحديث عن نجم فرنسا وآرسنال السابق، تييري هنري، والذي حُرم من فرصة التعلم منه مدربًا لمنتخب فرنسا تحت 21 عامًا، وأفاد ضاحكًا: “لم يخترني!”.

For the past three seasons, Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker has been regarded as one of the better all-around players in the game. For instance, Tucker, Ronald Acuña Jr., Mookie Betts and José Ramírez are the only active players to hit 30 homers and steal 25 bases in a season while striking out fewer than 100 times. He also plays excellent defense.

But the idea of Tucker as a potential home run champion? That’s a new one.

With 13 home runs—including a tear of eight in his past 15 games—Tucker leads the American League. What we’re seeing is someone who at age 27 is not just on a hot streak but elevating his game to a new power level as he gets stronger and learns how to drive the baseball in the air with topspin. His .596 slugging percentage and league-leading .997 OPS would be career bests.

Just as Adrián González, Shawn Green and Tino Martinez were, Tucker is an excellent left-handed hitter who is growing into power with experience and added muscle. His ground balls and line drives are turning into doubles and homers. Tucker is hitting fly balls at a career-high 43.3% rate. Only Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy have a higher flyball rate. Last year Tucker ranked 23rd (32.7%). Only Bellinger and Edouard Julien have boosted their flyball rate more than Tucker has in 2024.

How has he done it? Rotation, posture, wrist position and extension.

Here are two swings to compare from Tucker, both on fastballs down the middle. The first swing is from last year. It resulted in a ground ball out.

The second swing is from this year. It was a 422-foot home run.

At contact the swings are fairly similar. But in the middle images you begin to see major differences. This year, he is fully rotating with his head behind the contact point, as you can see by the position of his shoulders (turned more toward the pitcher) and head (farther behind contact point). The front side is firmer this year.

In the middle photos, also note that his top hand last year is beginning to turn over, which abbreviates the extension. This year, without the early rollover of the wrist, the bat is extending through the baseball.

The final images show the follow-through. Last year, because the top hand was turning over, the finish was lower. This year, the finish is much higher. The top hand has not turned over. That’s the result of driving through the baseball to create lift.

Tucker is on a 50-homer pace. That may be a bit ambitious, but it looks like his first 40-homer season is possible.

Eddie Howe has some problems to fix at Newcastle United. Ah, but he has solved issues before, smoothing out the creases in his system each year he has been on Tyneside.

Last season, Howe led Newcastle to the Carabao Cup title, their first major domestic honour since 1955. The Magpies have also flown back into the Champions League after finishing fifth in the Premier League.

Important days are ahead. Newcastle currently sit 15th in the Premier League with one win from six attempts. The season, it’s worth underlining, has only just begun, and the Magpies took a time to click into gear during the 2024/25 campaign, mounting a phenomenal run of winter form that carried them through to the finish.

Howe is trusted to bring it all together, with the difficulties of the summer transfer window, defined by Alexander Isak’s deadline-day move to Liverpool for a record-breaking £125m fee, seeping into the season.

However, among the brightest sparks on Tyneside right now is Nick Woltemade, who replaced Isak in August and has kicked off his career in black and white strongly.

Nick Woltemade's start to life in Newcastle

When Woltemade first touched down in Newcastle, he was stepping into big boots. Isak, after all, is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in Europe, with his 27-goal haul last season a testament to that.

But the German, signed from Stuttgart for a club-record £69m fee, has shown promise across these early weeks. Scoring the winner on his debut against Wolves and again against Arsenal on Sunday.

An intelligent and technically gifted number nine, Woltemade has not the same snappy, electric athleticism as Isak, but he is deft on the ball and adept in link-up phases. He’s a towering presence besides, and a clean finisher of the ball.

With Yoane Wissa sidelined with a knee injury, the 23-year-old has pounced on the opportunity to lay down his claim for the starting spot at the front of the ship, even picking up Newcastle’s Player of the Month for September.

Newcastle’s four-goal tally across six Premier League appearances so far this season puts them right at the bottom of the pile, alongside Aston Villa and Wolves.

At the corresponding stage last year, they had scored eight goals, and the fact that that was a middling return in any case perhaps highlights the task Howe has in the final third.

Leeds

12th

5.9

Wolves

20th

5.5

Newcastle

15th

5.2

Aston Villa

16th

4.8

Burnley

18th

4.5

Woltemade, regardless, has been a great signing. His ceiling is high. Moreover, Wissa has yet to touch grass in black and white.

Newcastle's shrewdest summer signing

Central defence was an area in need of shoring up as Newcastle stepped into the summer transfer window, but it wasn’t until August that Howe claimed his quarry, welcoming Malick Thiaw over from Italy.

Thiaw, 24, joined from AC Milan in a deal worth £35m, and while his technical quality and strong defensive skillset have long suggested there is a place for him in the Premier League, an injury record that leaves plenty to be desired came attached as a caveat.

But he’s looking well worth the money, so far. Thiaw, let’s not forget, has long been regarded as a top talent, and over the past year, he ranks among the top 7% of centre-backs across Europe for pass completion and the top 18% for progressive passes played per 90, as per FBref.

The last-minute defeat against Arsenal at the weekend stung, all right, but Thiaw’s performance was a positive, with the Chronicle Live awarding the German with an 8/10 match rating post-game.

Thiaw, after all, stood his ground against arguably the best team in the Premier League, with Sofascore recording that he made eight clearances and won five duels across the afternoon.

Alongside Sven Botman, Howe may well feel he has a new central defensive partnership to guide Newcastle through the next chapter, fit to last and with the capacity to challenge for the biggest prizes, against the biggest hitters that the Premier League and Europe can offer.

At a fee of just £35m, this may well prove to be a steal for Newcastle. Thiaw has always been among the most talented centre-halves of his age bracket, merely impeded across the past several years by regular trips to the infirmary.

Still, the early signs are promising in the Premier League. Thiaw has been hailed as a “monster in the air” by journalist Martino Puccio, and with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn and Jamal Lascelles all vying for starting berths of their own, Howe has the means to enforce healthy rotation across the season as Newcastle look to stay competitive across four fronts.

While Woltemade has started on the right track as he looks to smoothly replace Isak, it’s not outrageous to say that he is not, and that plenty of work over a number of years must be completed before the lanky goalscorer reaches the same level of fluency and snap as his predecessor at St. James’ Park.

However, it’s also fair to say that Thiaw boasts more completeness than Newcastle’s defensive crop, Botman notwithstanding, and that, for about half the price of the unpolished striker, he might prove to be the pick of the bunch when assessing Newcastle’s summer transfer window at a later date.

Newcastle's "true legend" looks like he's on borrowed time under Howe

Newcastle’s modern “legend” may well be phased out before too long.

ByWill Miller Sep 29, 2025

To qualify, Scotland and West Indies need to win their next matches by big margins and hope Bangladesh lose badly to Pakistan

Firdose Moonda17-Apr-2025Pakistan confirmed their participation at the Women’s ODI World Cup after beating Thailand by 87 runs to secure their fourth win of the qualifier. Pakistan, with eight points, are at the top of the table and can only be matched by Bangladesh, who they play on Saturday and are in pole position to take the second World Cup spot.Two other teams – Scotland and West Indies – are also in contention. In order to qualify, Scotland and West Indies need to win their matches against Ireland and Thailand respectively by big margins and hope Bangladesh lose badly enough to Pakistan to dip below them in net run rate terms. Bangladesh can qualify for the World Cup even if they lose to Pakistan and both Scotland and West Indies win their final matches because of their net run rate advantage.Pakistan will be thrilled to have avoided the intricacies of calculations like these after they booked their World Cup places with a game to spare. They are also unbeaten on home turf and have rediscovered their form. Before the qualifiers, Pakistan had last won an ODI in December 2023 and were on a five-game losing streak. In the last week, they put that right and reeled off four straight wins, albeit not always easily, and will now play in their fifth successive World Cup.Related

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Their participation will require additional logistics for the tournament, scheduled for India from late September. In keeping with the hybrid model agreed by the BCCI and PCB ahead of this year’s Champions Trophy, Pakistan are unlikely to travel to India for the tournament and will play their matches at a yet-to-be-decided neutral venue.Pakistan will not worry about that for now as they celebrate their qualification run led by their captain Fatima Sana. She injected energy into a pedestrian innings that was meandering at 119 for 4 after 40 overs – a scoring rate of under three runs an over – with a quickfire unbeaten 62 off 59 balls. Sana and Sidra Amin, who posted her third fifty-plus score of the qualifiers with 80 off 105 balls, shared a run-ball 97-run stand and Pakistan scored 86 runs in the last ten overs to give themselves a defendable total.Take nothing away from Thailand’s bowlers, who were disciplined for the bulk of the innings and created several chances. Two of them were off Sana’s bat and she was caught twice off the bowling of offspinner Onnicha Kamchomphu but the deliveries were judged no-balls and Sana continued batting. Without her contribution, Pakistan may have been concerned especially as Thailand’s batting has improved as the campaign has gone on.They scored 259 chasing 306 against Ireland two days ago which was their highest ODI score and would have believed that even though they had never successfully chased a target above 200, they could give it a good go. Thailand were hard done by when opener Chanida Sutthiruang was given out stumped off Sadia Iqbal when replays seemed to suggest her foot was grounded behind the line when Sidra Nawaz broke the stumps. But they could not complain when Sana, who came on to bowl in the tenth over, sent down a delivery on a perfect offstump line and Nattaya Boochatham edged behind. Two balls later, Nannapat Koncharoenkai was bowled by offspinner Rameem Shamim and at 44 for 3, Thailand’s chances looked grim.They worked their way to 100 before Sana struck again. She bowled Thipatcha Putthawong and Suwanan Khiaoto to pick up 3 for 39 and is now the joint second highest wicket-taker of the qualifiers, three wickets behind Hayley Matthews. Thailand were bowled out for 118 in the 35th over. They remain winless from their four matches so far and sign off against West Indies on Saturday in a match West Indies will be looking to win by as large a margin as possible.West Indies still in contentionWest Indies kept their World Cup hopes alive with a three-wicket win over Bangladesh, who suffered their first loss of the campaign. The result came against the run of play against a West Indies’ side that seemed to be unraveling especially in this match.Aaliyah Alleyne starred with four wickets•Getty ImagesEarly on in the Bangladesh innings, an on-field collision between Matthews and Chinelle Henry as they both tried to get under a skied ball, took them both off the field for a period of time and shortly afterwards, West Indies coach Shane Deitz had been gesturing in frustration to his bowlers. Matthews and Henry returned with no damage done and Deitz had calmed down but Bangladesh were comfortably positioned on 134 for 1 in the 28th over and West Indies looked out of ideas. Sharmin Akhter had registered her third half-century of the tournament and overtaken Nigar Sultana Joty at the tip of the run-scorers’ list. In the circumstances, Bangladesh were in complete control.Then, Fargana Hoque popped a chance back to Aaliyah Alleyne, who took a good, low catch in her follow through and a procession began. Alleyne bowled Sharmin Akhter two balls later and Bangladesh’s two set batters were both dismissed but they still had Nigar Sultana in hand. It was when Alleyne also bowled her, for 5, that Bangladesh would have started to wonder where the big runs would come from. Afy Fletcher took two wickets in two overs, Matthews took two in three overs and Alleyne finished off with career-best figures of 4 for 39. She is now the second leading wicket-taker at the event, behind Matthews. Bangladesh lost eight wickets for 80 runs and their total of 227 did not seem enough.West Indies brought Qiana Joseph back into the team after she missed the Pakistan match and she appeared in much better touch than before. Her 39-ball 31 ensured West Indies had a good start. They were 60 for 2 when Joseph was dismissed and 140 for 3 in the 30th over and progressing steadily. Marufa Akter’s stunning double strike took out both Matthews and Stafanie Taylor – fantastically caught when Marufa stuck her left-arm above her head in her follow-through – and at 147 for 5, Bangladesh would have been eyeing victory.Henry and Shabika Gajnabi shared a 50-run sixth-wicket stand to keep West Indies in the hunt. As the senior partner, Henry took control, scored quickly and was aggressive in her strokeplay. She was on 33 off 40 balls when Gajnabi was caught on the deep mid-wicket boundary and would have known it was up to her to close the game out. Henry went on to bring up her fourth ODI half-century, hit two sixes and got West Indies to the total with four overs to spare.With this result, West Indies moved up to four points, level with Scotland but with a worse net run-rate.

Kyle Jamieson has also been removed from the squad, while Zak Foulkes and Will O’Rourke have been retained

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Mar-2025

Matt Henry has a shoulder injury as well as an ongoing left-knee issue•ICC via Getty Images

Matt Henry, who had been included in New Zealand’s squads for the fourth and fifth T20Is against Pakistan despite an injured shoulder, has been officially ruled out, and will continue “his injury rehabilitation programme,” New Zealand Cricket said on Saturday.Zakary Foulkes, who had been selected only for the first three games of the series, has been retained for the last two games as Henry’s replacement. Foulkes was persisted with after returns of 1 for 11 (three overs) in the first game and none for 32 (three overs) in the second game, both of which New Zealand won.In another tweak to the squad, Kyle Jamieson, who was Player of the Match in the first T20I for his returns of 3 for 8 but was expensive (none for 54) in the third game, which Pakistan won, has been left out for the last two games. Will O’Rourke, who had originally been picked only for the first three games, has been added to the squad in Jamieson’s place.Henry had injured his right shoulder while diving in the outfield during the Champions Trophy semi-final win over South Africa earlier this month, which put him out of the final against India, and has also been managing an ongoing left-knee issue.Of the New Zealand quicks, Jacob Duffy has played all three matches of the series, and leads the wicket-takers’ list with seven strikes, while James Neesham and Ben Sears have played two games each. Ish Sodhi and captain Michael Bracewell, the two spinners, have also played all three games.New Zealand lead the series 2-1, with the fourth and fifth games to be played on Sunday (in Mount Maunganui) and on Wednesday (in Wellington).New Zealand squad for last two T20Is vs PakistanMichael Bracewell (capt), Finn Allen, Mitchell Hay (wk), Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk), Mark Chapman, Zakary Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi

West Ham United have now identified an “outstanding” manager as a leading candidate to replace Graham Potter, according to a journalist.

Potter under West Ham pressure after poor start

West Ham have made a poor start to the new Premier League campaign, with a 5-1 thrashing at home against Chelsea probably the lowest point, although exiting the EFL Cup after surrendering a lead against Wolverhampton Wanderers has done Potter no favours.

As such, the Englishman is now under significant pressure, although Simon Jordan has suggested a lack of backing from the board could be the root cause of the Hammers’ struggles.

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Jordan said: “They went up to Sunderland on a bright sunny day, and gave Sunderland an opportunity to smash them 3-0 […] and West Ham were pretty dreadful in that game, and they’ve just been slaughtered by Chelsea.

“So the narrative has been that they haven’t won football matches, you can dress it however you want […] and you look at this and say it’s difficult to see what Potter is doing, I don’t think he’s been helped, how has he been helped?

“He’s not been given a lot of support economically in the acquisition of good players, he’s had to sell other players, so he’s not in great shape.”

There may be cause for optimism after the most recent showing, however, with Potter’s side securing a 3-0 victory at Nottingham Forest, courtesy of goals from Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Callum Wilson.

Prior to the surprise win at The City Ground, journalist Lorenzo Lepore took to X to reveal that Jose Mourinho was being lined up as one of the “leading” candidates to replace the 50-year-old.

Mourinho, who has won 26 trophies throughout an illustrious managerial career, would be available without any compensation, after recently departing Fenerbahçe.

"Outstanding" Mourinho could be risky appointment

The Portuguese manager’s reputation speaks for itself, having managed some of the world’s biggest clubs, with former Chelsea man Joe Cole lauding him as an “outstanding” manager during his time with AS Roma.

However, the 62-year-old hasn’t had much success since leaving the Italian club, failing to win a trophy during his time with Fenerbahçe, before being sacked after being unable to guide the Turkish side to Champions League qualification.

Not only that, but Mourinho didn’t have much luck during his previous stint in the Premier League either, being dismissed by Tottenham Hotspur after falling below the standards he set at Chelsea and Manchester United.

Club

Matches

Points per match

Chelsea (second stint)

136

1.96

Manchester United

144

1.97

Tottenham Hotspur

86

1.77

As such, the former Chelsea boss could be a manager in decline, so it would be a risk to bring the legendary manager in as a replacement for Potter, who will be hoping the victory at Forest will be the start of a turnaround.

There’s something fitting about Heung-min Son’s decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, ending this lengthy chapter with a trophy, but it still hurts.

The 33-year-old forward revealed during a pre-season press conference in Seoul, South Korea, that he has “decided to leave the club this summer.”

He joined as a 23-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for a £22m fee, and fought tirelessly and expertly in his forward berth across so many years, crowning his career with victory in the Europa League final, which was Tottenham’s first major honour since lifting the League Cup in 2008.

Son leaves with Tottenham’s blessing, and he leaves as one of the greatest left wingers in Premier League history, having scored 173 goals and supplied 101 assists across 454 games in a Lilywhites shirt.

To enter the Thomas Frank era without him will be a poignant thing, but there’s no denying Son is no longer at his rip-roaring best, and he has earned the chance for a new challenge as he stares at the autumn years of his professional career.

Change is afoot down N17, and this just underlines that point. Frank needs more forwards, and no mistake, but the frontline isn’t the only area in need of a reshuffle.

Spurs planning August shake-up

Tottenham have already signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United in a £55m deal this summer, which softens the blow from Son’s departure somewhat.

However, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma are both considered expendable, with the latter attracting interest from a range of clubs.

Those first-teamers surely know they should pursue moves away, for Tottenham have agreed a deal with Bayern Munich for Joao Palhinha, who formerly rose to prominence in England with Fulham.

A defend-first holding midfielder, Palhinha reinforces Frank’s project, but the Danish tactician feels that a more dynamic central partner is needed to complete the set.

Spurs plotting bid for new midfielder

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are plotting a bid for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who joined the Spaniards from Chelsea for £33m last summer.

It won’t be easy. Diego Simeone would undoubtedly look to turn a profit on the England international, with a fee in excess of £40m previously mooted.

Tottenham’s “long-term interest” in the 25-year-old is genuine, and it’s uncertain as to whether he would be open to a return to the Premier League, with Aston Villa and Newcastle United also interested.

What Conor Gallagher would bring to Spurs

Gallagher didn’t start every fixture for Atletico Madrid last season, but he made a positive impression in the Spanish capital all the same.

Lauding the England international’s adaptability, last season Simeone said that his new recruit brings “youth, energy and intensity” to the team.

Across 50 appearances, Gallagher scored four goals and provided six assists, finishing the term ranked among the top 13% of midfielders across Europe for goal involvements, the top 12% for goal-creating actions and the top 17% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

From this, you might conclude that the £150k-per-week talent is something of an offensive maestro. He’s not. Gallagher does offer something going forward, but he’s a robust and rounded midfielder, something his past two Premier League campaigns would attest to.

Matches (starts)

35 (18)

37 (37)

Goals

3

5

Assists

1

7

Pass completion

85%

92%

Big chances created

5

11

Key passes*

0.6

1.4

Dribbles*

0.7 (50%)

1.0 (68%)

Ball recoveries*

5.1

6.3

Tackles*

1.3

2.3

Duels (won)*

3.5 (45%)

5.7 (50%)

As you can see, he’s a balanced midfield force. Gallagher’s former Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo once said that he’s “like a machine”, bringing out the best in his game as a number six.

In this way, Gallagher’s all-encompassing nature would be perfect alongside Palhinha in the Tottenham centre, bringing the perfect blend of physicality, technical quality and security in front of the backline.

Spurs’ defenders got a lot of flak last year, and rightly so, but the engine room was equally culpable of failing to maintain tactical levels, and these midfielders would change that.

Palhinha, after all, recorded the most tackles of any player across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 Premier League terms (148 & 152 respectively), and his focused efforts to protect and recycle possession suggest that Gallagher would be immense alongside him. Caicedo said the same, did he not?

The Bayern midfielder struggled for minutes under Vincent Kompany’s wing last season, but we all know of his tough-tackling quality, having been described as a “defensive monster” by data analyst Marcus Bring for his efforts as a Cottager in London.

The 30-year-old Palhinha, moreover, is experienced and composed. He didn’t make a single error for Fulham across the 2023/24 season, with his confidence in the central areas undoubtedly playing into Bayern’s decision to sign him for a £47m fee.

While Tottenham fans will hope to see Levy push ahead and sign a new forward to temper the blow that Son’s departure, such an iconic figure, will leave, strengthening the midfield pragmatically is the kind of thing that will contribute toward the wider and more stable long-term success of the club.

Transfer Focus

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

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Arsenal are primed to go again next season, sights set on the biggest prizes. Mikel Arteta’s transfer efforts this summer certainly speak of ambition.

And there’s more still to come, even after deals for free-scoring striker Viktor Gyokeres and up-and-coming defender Cristian Mosquera are wrapped up, as is expected.

There’s space for a few more forwards, and the depth of such plans will become clearer upon the resolutions to the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, both wide forwards rumoured to be expendable.

A playmaker would also go down well in north London. Arsenal had registered their interest in RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, but the Dutchman has instead been at the centre of Chelsea’s advancements, with that one now in the pipeline.

However, with Martin Odegaard settled in his senior role, Arteta will want to consider the ramifications a big-money signing might have on some of the exciting up-and-coming prospects.

Arsenal's teenage talents

Arsenal commenced their pre-season tour in Asia with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan. A familiar scoreline, but also new parts which demonstrate Arteta’s vision advancing to the next stage.

Bukayo Saka being the goalscorer is nothing new, but the likes of Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri’s starring roles highlight the next batch of elite Hale End prospects arriving at Arteta’s door.

We, of course, know all about Nwaneri, he who emerged onto the scene as a youngster and settled into a role of seniority last year, scoring nine goals and supplying two assists across 37 matches in all competitions.

Against Milan this week, the 18-year-old operated from a central playmaking berth, and it made an interesting comment on his positional value away from the right wing.

However, Dowman made his senior debut against the Italians, emerging from the bench and replacing Saka beyond the hour mark. A symbolic switch if ever there was one.

Where Dowman, 15, is best suited positionally remains to be seen, but after Arteta hailed the attacking midfielder’s “incredible” first taste of action, the outfit will want to be wary of hampering his development.

Arsenal lining up another attacking midfielder

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal chiefs are locked in talks with the entourage of Eberechi Eze, who has immortalised himself at Crystal Palace after scoring the winning goal in last season’s FA Cup final.

The 27-year-old has a £60m release clause in his contract and the Gunners are the firm favourites to complete a deal, should he be on the move this summer.

Eze, an England international of growing importance, could find himself at the centre of a concrete bid from Arsenal in short time, now that a move for Gyokeres has been wrapped up.

Why Arsenal want Eberechi Eze

In 2020, Eze joined Crystal Palace from Queens Park Rangers in the Championship for a £20m fee. He has since become “one of the best players in the Premier League”, in the words of teammate Tyrick Mitchell, posting 40 goals and 28 assists across 148 matches for the Eagles.

Eberechi Eze’s Crystal Palace by Season (all comps)
Season	Apps (starts)	Goals	Assists
24/25	43 (40)	14	11
23/24	31 (26)	11	6
22/23	40 (30)	10	4
21/22	19 (7)	1	1
20/21	36 (31)	3	6
Data via Transfermarkt

The Three Lions star is something special, all right, with his strong athletic build and winged feet making him a dangerous opponent for even the sternest defenders.

As per FBref, Eze ranked among the top 20% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90.

His average of 1.7 key passes, two dribbles and 4.8 successful duels per Premier League game last season, as per Sofascore, furthers the argument that he’s exactly what Arteta needs to add a dimension and ensure that the biggest prizes across multiple fronts can be chased next term.

The problem is that Eze’s arrival would spark congestion in the creative midfield position for Arsenal, and this could lead to the stunting of Dowman’s growth. Nwaneri’s midfield role against Milan suggests his future lies in the middle, while the acquisition of Noni Madueke will surely see him play on the right, Dowman’s other preferred role.

And given the prodigious potential that Arteta has in the teenage superstar, is this really the course of action that the club wants to head down?

Of course, some would argue that Dowman must be eased onto the major stage over the next few years, allowed to grow into his skin without the weight of responsibility that could foil so many youngsters.

But Odegaard is set to continue as the Emirates creator-in-chief over the coming years, and Nwaneri could be his deputy for an age.

Given that Dowman is so ilky and fleet-footed on the ball, bearing an age-belying confidence, you could make the comparison between him and Eze, so there is the fact that he would emerge onto the scene and be impeded by a more accomplished and complete positional rival who has a similar style of play.

And if Arsenal do push ahead with the signing of an out-and-out winger, which is a separate focus to that of Eze, then it would make sense for the Palace man to operate chiefly within a central berth. Thus, Dowman would indeed find himself further down the pecking order than he might hope for.

There’s no question that Eze is a “superstar”, as has been said by analyst Ben Mattinson, but is his signature really needed? It might feel like this is so, but Dowman is one of the most talented teenagers in world football, and he could break through to the Arsenal first team sooner rather than later.

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