خاض فريق برشلونة، بقيادة المدرب هانز فليك، مباراته في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم مساء يوم الثلاثاء ضد خصمه فريق أتلتيكو مدريد.
واستضاف ملعب “كامب نو” مباراة فريقي برشلونة وأتلتيكو مدريد، المُقدمة من الجولة التاسعة عشر من الدوري الإسباني موسم 2025/26، حيث حقق حامل اللقب فوزًا بثلاثة أهداف لهدف.
وسنحت فرصة لصالح برشلونة في الدقيقة التاسعة من عمر الشوط الأول، بعدما سدد رافينها الكرة ولكنها مرت أعلى مرمى أتلتيكو مدريد.
ونجح أتلتيكو مدريد في تسجيل هدف أول في شباك خصمه برشلونة، في الدقيقة 19 من عمر الشوط الأول، عن طريق أليكس باينا، بعدما استغل سوء تنظيم دفاع برشلونة، وانطلق بالكرة وسددها في شباك تشيزني، قبل أن يقرر الحكم إلغائه بداعِ وجود حالة تسلل.
ولكن تقنية الفيديو تدخلت لمراجعة الهدف قبل أن يتم احتسابه في النهاية، ليتقدم أتلتيكو مدريد على حساب برشلونة في مباراتهما بالليجا.
وفي الدقيقة 26، تمكن رافينها من تسجيل هدف التعادل لصالح برشلونة، بعد تمريرة متقنة من بيدري حيث وصلت الكرة إلى البرازيلي الذي انطلق بالكرة بشكل رائع وتخطى الحارس قبل أن يسدد كرته بطريقة مميزة في شباك أتلتيكو مدريد.
وتحصل برشلونة على ضربة جزاء في الدقيقة 35 بعد سقوط داني أولمو داخل المنطقة، ونفذها روبرت ليفاندوفسكي ولكنها جاءت قوية ومرت أعلى المرمى.
ونجح برشلونة في تسجيل الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 65 من عمر المباراة، عن طريق داني أولمو، بعد تمريرة من بيدري، حيث وصلت الكرة أمام روبرت ليفاندوفسكي ولكنه لم يتعامل معها جيدًا ليمررها، ويتدخل الإسباني الذي سددها قبل أن يسقط على الأرض مصابًا.
وقرر المدرب هانز فليك استبدال داني أولمو بعد إصابته، حيث دفع بزميله فيران توريس، إلى جانب خروج روبرت ليفاندوفسكي ونزول ماركوس راشفورد.
وسقط بيدري مصابًأ على أرض الملعب في الدقيقة 76، ليضطر المدرب هانز فليك إلى استبداله بزميله مارك كاسادو.
وكاد أتلتيكو مدريد أن يسجل هدف التعادل في الدقيقة 78، بعدما انطلق ألمادا بالكرة وراوغ ببراعة ولكنه سدد الكرة بطريقة سيئة خارج الملعب، لتضيع فرصة ثمينة على الضيوف.
وخرج لامين يامال في تبديل جديد لصالح برشلونة، في الدقيقة 88، حيث دخل أندرياس كريستنسن، حيث رغب فليك في دعم الدفاع للحفاظ على النقاط الثلاثة كاملة.
وقضى فيران توريس على أي آمال لدى أتلتيكو مدريد، حيث سجل الهدف الثالث في الدقيقة 96، بعد تمريرة من ماركوس راشفورد، لتصل إلى الإسباني الذي هز شباك الضيوف.
بتلك النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد برشلونة إلى 37 نقطة في المركز الأول في جدول الدوري الإسباني، بينما تجمد رصيد أتلتيكو مدريد عند 31 نقطة في المركز الرابع.
Tottenham hero Cristian Romero revealed international team-mate Lionel Messi as the influence behind his "beautiful" last-gasp overhead kick goal against Newcastle. Spurs' trip to St James’ Park ended in a breathless finale, with the Argentine defender scoring an acrobatic equaliser deep into stoppage time to rescue a 2-2 draw.
Newcastle dominate early but made to settle for a point
For much of the evening, Newcastle appeared set for a victory that would have accurately reflected the flow of the contest. Eddie Howe’s side were sharp from the opening whistle, pinning Spurs back and dictating the first half with confidence. Yet, despite their control, the breakthrough refused to come until midway through the second period. It was the introduction of captain Bruno Guimaraes that changed the tempo. Howe, searching for inspiration, turned to his midfield leader, and within minutes the Brazilian had stamped his authority. Anthony Gordon whipped a teasing cross into the box, a flick redirected the ball into Guimaraes’ path, and he dispatched a precise finish into the corner.
Up to that point, Tottenham had offered little more than occasional flashes of counter-attacking intent. But Thomas Frank, confronted by another worrying result, responded boldly with a triple substitution. Mathys Tel, Richarlison and Xavi Simons were thrown into the fray. The impact was immediate. Mohammed Kudus swung a dangerous ball into the penalty area just seven minutes after Newcastle’s opener, and Romero, who was already leading by example at the back, launched himself into a diving header that skimmed off his forehead and drew Spurs level.
The drama only escalated as the final minutes ticked down. A Newcastle corner sparked a VAR review when Rodrigo Bentancur tangled awkwardly with Dan Burn at the back post. After a lengthy check, a penalty was awarded, and Gordon made no mistake, sending goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario the wrong way in the 86th minute. However, Spurs were unwilling to throw in the towel. When a Tottenham corner was punched weakly by Aaron Ramsdale, the ball travelled only as far as Romero. He showed great athleticism to produce a bicycle kick, and although his connection wasn't as clean as he would have liked, the ball skipped through the crowded box and rolled into the net to break Newcastle hearts.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportRomero name drops Messi
After the match, Romero admitted the audacity of the attempt came from studying Messi up close during Argentina training sessions.
"I train every day with Leo Messi in the national team and I watch him,” he said to Sky Sports. ”It's a beautiful goal."
He also acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment, saying the Tottenham team had been deeply aware of their recent shortcomings.
Romero said: "It's very important. In the last three or four games, the team knows it's not been good enough. Today, the mentality to play like this altogether it's a difficult time, but especially in this game, I love the mentality.”
Thomas Frank praises captain’s leadership at both ends
Spurs manager Thomas Frank was effusive in his praise, describing Romero’s performance as “exceptional” and highlighting not just his goals but also his discipline and composure in defence.
"The perfect bicycle kick, hit the shin, aiming for the bottom corner," he said. "I think let's start praising Cuti, I think he deserved that for all of the top performance, defending, on the ball, coolness, calmness, duels. And then getting up there and scoring two goals. I think the bicycle kick will most likely get a little bit more praise, but I think the header is more exceptional, the way he does that is better than many strikers."
Frank emphasised that the team’s resilience was what pleased him most.
"The performance showed fantastic mentality and character," he added to Sky Sports. "Every team needs that. It is fair to say it has been a tough week, fourth game in 10 days, third away game. St James' Park is always a difficult place to come. Last 60 minutes I am very happy with that performance overall. The ability to react to setbacks was great. We suffered the first 25 minutes. Sometimes you need to suffer, after that we were very brave, calm on the ball going forward. There's a lot to love about the performance."
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The draw leaves Tottenham 11th in the Premier League table with 19 points from their opening 14 matches. The wider concern is their long winless run, which now extends to five matches in all competitions. Yet the manner of the comeback, and the grit shown in the final 30 minutes, injected a sliver of optimism into an atmosphere that has grown increasingly restless. Frank’s side will aim to turn resilience into wins when they return home to host Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
Luis Suárez teve uma temporada de sucesso vestindo a camisa do Grêmio, com números que realmente chamaram a atenção do país inteiro. Antes de sua chegada, havia dúvida de qual “Luisito” estaria em campo pelo Tricolor, mas o centroavante mostrou dentro de campo uma de suas melhores versões.
➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte
Ao todo, em 2023, o “Pistolero” fez 29 gols e distribuiu 17 assistências para os companheiros de Imortal, em 54 jogos disputados, a maior marca da carreira. Além disso, foi o jogador com mais participações diretas para tentos, levando em consideração todos os clubes e divisões do Brasil, sendo eleito o Craque do Brasileirão.
➡️ Grêmio acerta contratação de volante do Santos
Suárez anotou o primeiro gol gremista no ano, na decisão da Recopa Gaúcha diante do São Luiz de Ijuí. Vale lembrar que, naquela partida, marcou outras duas vezes, deixando o seu primeiro hat-trick pelo time.
O segundo momento foi especial pelo Imortal foi centésimo gol da equipe no ano, onde mais uma vez fez três gols na partida. Em um dos jogos mais emblemáticos da história do Campeonato Brasileiro, o craque uruguaio virou a partida para o Tricolor Gaúcho diante do Botafogo no returno, causando euforia em toda a torcida.
A terceira situação especial foi no último jogo dos comandados de Renato na temporada, que foi sua despedida, inclusive, também registrando sua marca. Driblando o goleiro Fábio em lance cara a cara e em cavadinha cobrando pênalti, Suárez fez dois gols na vitória sobre o Fluminense por 3 a 2 na última rodada dos pontos corridos.
If Rangers are going to reestablish themselves as both Scottish football’s dominant side but also a force in Europe once again, their recruitment simply must improve.
Sporting director Kevin Thelwell gave an interview to the club’s official TV channel this week, his position very much under the microscope from supporters following a very underwhelming transfer window.
Summer signings such as Emmanuel Fernandez, Joe Rothwell, Jayden Meghoma, Thelo Aasgaard and others have either made little impact or not impressed so far.
Rangers supporters won’t like this, but they’re going to have to replicate Celtic’s largely successful player trading model, with the side from across the city regularly selling players on for a sizable profit, something the Gers rarely do.
In fairness to them, the Light Blues did manage this with Hamza Igamane who departed this summer, so could an “exciting” new recruit be the next one to follow?
Hamza Igamane's impact at Rangers
When Igamane arrived at Rangers, he was a complete unknown quantity, signing from Botola club AS FAR in his native Morocco for £1.7m.
Well, the young striker certainly impressed during his one season in Govan, scoring 16 goals across all competitions, of which four came in the Europa League, while also bagging a hat-trick against Hibernian at Easter Road back in January.
He will though be most fondly remembered for this thunderous strike at Parkhead in March, snatching a 3-2 Old Firm victory over Celtic during Barry Ferguson’s interim tenure, awarded the club’s goal of the season.
Igamane though did not plan on sticking around in Glasgow, sold to Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille for a reported fee of £10.4m in August, which may prove to be an absolute bargain as far as les Dogues are concerned.
He scored twice on his Ligue 1 debut against Lorient at Stade du Moustoir, netting seven times for Lille to date overall, including three in the Europa League, featuring a brace against PAOK last month.
Meantime, Igamane scored his first two senior goals for Morocco in September, on target during World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Zambia, set to be a key figure in Walid Regragui’s squad for both the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil next month and then the World Cup in the summer.
Consequently, Rangers supporters may actually feel as though they let the striker go on the cheap, albeit there was nothing the club could do once his release clause was met.
So, who could be the Light Blues’ next bargain signing to depart for a huge profit, after exponentially improving his value and reputation at Ibrox?
Rangers' next Hamza Igamane
As already noted, many of Rangers’ summer signings have not impressed, hence why Russell Martin was sacked after just 17 games in charge, while, despite improvements under Danny Röhl, they remain fourth in the Scottish Premiership and rock-bottom of the Europa League standings, still yet to pick up a point.
However, almost inarguably, the best-performing of all their summer recruits has been Djeidi Gassama.
The Mauritania-born French youth international arrived from Sheffield Wednesday for just £2.2m, available at a cut-price given that now-ousted owner Dejphon Chansiri was running the EFL Championship club into the ground at the time, which looks like being a complete bargain, with the table below documenting the winger’s importance.
Minutes
1,733
4th
Goals
6
1st
Assists
2
4th
Shots per 90
2.3
1st
Key passes per 90
0.9
4th
Successful dribbles per 90
1.8
1st
Indeed, only Jack Butland, John Souttar and captain James Tavernier have played more minutes than Gassama so far this season and rightly so.
The Frenchman ranks first when it comes to goals, shots per 90 and successful dribbles per 90, with five of his six goals to date coming in European competition, on target home and away against Panathinaikos, at the double when Viktoria Plzeň visited Glasgow, while also on target in defeat at Sturm Graz.
Upon his arrival, then-manager Martin labelled Gassama an “exciting player who will get supporters on the edge of their seats”, while the winger expressed his delight in being reunited with manager Röhl, who’d also been his boss at Hillsborough, describing the German as “like a father to me”.
Earlier in the campaign, when Rangers’ form was diabolical, former right-back Alan Hutton asserted that Gassama had been their “shining light”, now only likely to get better under Röhl, the coach who kick-started his rise at Sheffield Wednesday.
Well, according to Football Transfers, Gassama’s estimated market value has already increased to around £4.5m, more than double what Rangers paid to sign him.
Scoring goals in Europe will certainly attract interest, proving that the attacker can perform at a higher level than just the Scottish Premiership.
Thus, still only 22 years old, Gassama appears destined to become Rangers’ next Igamane-like sale, while, for now, Röhl has to build a cohesive team to get the best out of his star forward.
Not Chermiti or Miovski: £4.5m flop is one of Rangers' worst ever signings
Rangers recruitment has been poor for many years, so which “insane talent” not Youssef Chermiti nor Bojan Miovski is one of the club’s worst signings.
Santiago Giménez’s future at AC Milan is becoming increasingly uncertain. The club is evaluating changes to its attack for January, and multiple reports across Europe indicate the Mexican striker could be included in a potential swap deal with West Ham for German forward Niclas Füllkrug. With form and tactical fit both under review, a move to the Premier League is emerging as a possibility.
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Milan losing confidence in Giménez
AC Milan are preparing to reshape their attack after an uneven first half of the season, and Santiago Giménez has emerged as a key uncertainty, according to reports. The 24-year-old arrived with high expectations and has continued to earn starts, but he has yet to score in Serie A and recently missed time through injury. His profile has not fully convinced Massimiliano Allegri, whose system has been a difficult fit for the Mexican striker. It is not the first time Milan have evaluated his future, either – a similar swap proposal was explored last summer.
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West Ham’s Füllkrug emerges as preferred option
European reports claim Milan could offer Giménez to West Ham in exchange for Niclas Füllkrug. The German striker, valued at around $11.6 million (€10 million), is significantly cheaper than Giménez, whose market value stands at $29.1 million (€25 million). That financial gap – along with an eight-year age difference – makes the deal particularly attractive for the Premier League side.
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Füllkrug seeking a fresh start
Füllkrug has endured a difficult time in England, scoring just three times in 27 matches after his move from Dortmund. His agent has already opened the door to a January exit as the 31-year-old looks to recover form. Milan view him as the physical, traditional No. 9 Allegri wants to pair with Christopher Nkunku for the rest of the season.
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What the move would mean for Giménez
A move to West Ham would place Giménez firmly in the Premier League spotlight, though it would also come with challenges – competing for European places is generally more difficult in England than in Serie A. Still, with Milan actively assessing striker options and growing questions over whether Giménez has met expectations, a winter departure is becoming increasingly plausible. This time, he may not be part of the long-term plans.
Left-arm spinner joins as injury replacement for Australian Hayden Kerr
ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jun-2025
Wasim has featured in the last two editions of The Hundred•Getty Images
Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has signed for Glamorgan as an overseas player for the remainder of the Vitality Blast campaign.The 37-year old, who was born in Swansea, joins to replace Hayden Kerr, who picked up in the home game against Surrey which will rule him out of his planned stint with the club.Returning to the country to his birth, Wasim brings a wealth of experience with 130 international caps for Pakistan. He will be representing his second Blast club having made 19 appearances for Nottinghamshire in the competition. He has also played for Trent Rockets in the Hundred, and has 390 appearances in the T20 format.Subject to approval from the Pakistan Cricket Board Imad will be available for selection for Saturday’s home fixture with Sussex. Glamorgan currently sit fourth in the South Group, with three wins from five.Commenting on the signing Director of Cricket Mark Wallace said: “It’s a real shame that Hayden’s injury has turned out to be a bit worse than we initially hoped. He has settled in really well and though he won’t quite be fit to fulfil his initial contract at the club we hope to see Hayden back in a Glamorgan shirt in the future.””To be able to bring in someone of Imad’s experience and quality at such short notice is fantastic. He’ll give us plenty of options to bowl at a variety of times with the ball and as another left-handed batting option in the middle order. We’re looking forward to welcoming him back to Wales.”
Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke was fairly ruthless in the summer transfer window when he told Patrick Bamford that he would not be a part of the squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
It may not have come as a huge shock, given that the striker did not start a single game in the Championship last season, but it was still a ruthless move by the manager.
In July, Daniel Farke revealed that he had an “honest” conversation with Bamford and how he felt that the forward needed to go somewhere else to be the main man at a new club.
Later in the summer, Leeds and the former England international agreed a mutual termination of his contract to part ways, allowing him to be a free agent to find a new team.
Despite the fairly impressive record in the graphic above, Bamford often found himself as the scapegoat among the fanbase in tough times at Elland Road, which is understandable as a striker who is always going to miss chances and attract criticism.
Another player who could have been described as a scapegoat at points in the last 13 months or so is Brenden Aaronson, but he seems to slowly be winning the supporters over.
Why Brenden Aaronson is winning Leeds fans over
The USA international is unlikely to develop into a regular Premier League starter who can contribute with ten goals or assists from an attacking midfield or wide position. His statistics up to this point in his top-flight career illustrate that.
Aaronson has scored one goal and provided three assists in 42 outings in the division, in the 2022/23 and 2025/26 campaigns combined, which shows that he has failed to deliver consistent quality.
The former RB Salzburg star’s form against the better sides in the Championship last season, despite the Whites picking up 100 points in the league, also did not do much to change the perception of him among the fanbase.
Aaronson failed to deliver a single goal or assist for his team in his ten appearances against the other five teams that finished in the top six in the second tier in the 2024/25 campaign.
However, some of the American attacker’s performances in the Premier League this season have earned him some credit among the fanbase, as he has worked his socks off for the side out of possession.
Goals
0
Bottom 3%
xA
0.83
Top 17%
Assists
0
Bottom 3%
Fouls won
10
Top 8%
Tackles won
12
Top 7%
Duels won
28
Top 15%
Duel success rate
50.9%
Top 23%
Ball recoveries
16
Top 26%
As you can see in the table above, Aaronson ranks highly among his positional peers in a host of defensive metrics, whilst he also has not had the assist that his xA deserves.
His performance against Bournemouth on Saturday led to Leeds supporter and TEAMtalk editor James Marshment questioning whether it was his best display for the club in the top-flight, which shows that he is starting to earn some respect from the fans.
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Whilst Aaronson is slowly moving away from being a scapegoat, another Leeds player who played on Saturday is quickly on his way to becoming the new Patrick Bamford.
Central defender Pascal Struijk is in danger of becoming this season’s scapegoat and the new Bamford after the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the weekend.
Why Struijk may become the new Bamford
As is the case with strikers and missing chances, it can be easy for centre-backs to become scapegoats because they are typically the players fans and pundits look straight to when a goal goes in.
Some fingers were pointed in Struijk’s direction for Eli Kroupi’s last-gasp equaliser because Marcos Senesi beat him too easily in the air to knock the ball in the direction of the striker who scored to make it 2-2.
That was not the only time that the Dutch defender, who was given a 5/10 player rating by MOT Leeds News, was questioned by fans or media during the match, though.
The Athletic’s Beren Cross noted that there were “murmurs of anxiety” in the ground when Struijk or Karl Darlow had the ball at their feet, whilst Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth stated that the centre-back “had a couple of nervy moments” in the first half.
Senesi beating him to the header for the equaliser in stoppage time did not do much to silence any doubters, with some on social media questioning why Jaka Bijol, who won 67% of his aerial duels in the Serie A last season, has not played a minute in the Premier League this term.
Appearances
6
Pass accuracy
93%
Error led to shot
0
Error led to goal
0
Dribbled past
1x
Ground duel success rate
40%
Aerial duel success rate
46%
As you can see in the table above, it is fair to question Struijk’s proficiency in duels because he has lost the majority of his battles on the ground and in the air this season in the Premier League.
However, a pass accuracy of 93% without a single error that has led to a shot or a goal for the opposition in six matches suggests that supporters do not need to feel nervous when the left-footed star is passing the ball out from the back under pressure.
Struijk, like any player, has strengths and weaknesses to his game. Given the nature of Bournemouth’s second goal and his statistics in aerial duels, it is fair for supporters to be unhappy with his performances in that particular aspect of the game.
However, the Dutchman also brings quality and composure to the team on the ball and has only been dribbled past once, which shows that opposition attackers have struggled to beat him for pace.
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ByJoe Nuttall Sep 28, 2025
Therefore, Struijk should not be this season’s scapegoat because he brings a lot to the team in spite of some weak points in his performances, but some of the concerns emerging from Saturday’s match suggest that he may be on his way to becoming this year’s Bamford.
Linsey Smith takes 4 for 33 to give Hampshire their fourth victory in six matches
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-May-2025
Georgia Adams celebrates her century•Dave Vokes/Hampshire Cricket
Hampshire 273 for 5 (Adams 110*, Southby 61) beat Essex 256 for 8 (Scrivens 101, Smith 4-33) by 17 runsGeorgia Adams won the battle of the century-making captains as Hampshire beat Essex by 17 runs in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup women’s competition.Adams’ 110, with assistance from Rhianna Southby’s 61 and Ella McCaughan’s 44, helped Hampshire to a healthy 273 for 5.Essex skipper Grace Scrivens replied with a classy 101, her second ton in successive innings, to put herself firmly in the frame for England selection.But left-arm spinner Linsey Smith took 4 for 33 to give Hampshire their fourth victory in six matches to remain amongst the pacesetters, while Essex remain rooted to the bottom of the table.Maia Bouchier zoomed off with four boundaries in a 12-ball 19 but two quick Kate Coppack wickets punctured Hampshire’s fast start, having been put in. Bouchier had her off stump flattened before Charli Knott tickled behind to Amara Carr to leave Hampshire 32 for 2.But McCaughan continued her magnificent form, which started with Manly in Australian Grade Cricket over the winter and carried on in the One-Day Cup with scores including 64, 133 not out and 57.She rebuilt with an initially scratching Adams – who was dropped on 28 at midwicket – before missing a sweep to get pinned lbw by Abtaha Maqsood, six runs shy of a fourth 50-plus score.That stand of 72 was merely the amuse bouche for the innings-defining 144 that Adams added with Southby.Everything the pair did was done with the lowest of risk as they barely let the run-rate dip below five an over with crafty batting.Adams became the final member of Hampshire’s top five to record a fifty this season, doing so in 77 balls, before Southby followed to the milestone – for the second time this year – in 68 balls.Southby was bowled with seven overs to go, with the latter stage of the innings coming with the sub-plot of ‘can Adams get to three figures?’ She was on 82 when Southby departed.Abi Norgrove gamefully rotated the strike until she was run out, with Adams still eight runs away, but a pair of offside boundaries drew the bat raise out of Adams.The innings, which had showcased all her trademark effortless swinging and placement, came in 125 deliveries and was her fourth in List A cricket. She ended up unbeaten on 110, and Hampshire just above par on 273, with Nancy Harman replicating Norgrove’s earlier endeavour.Scrivens was supreme from the off, showing complete control over where her shots were going. The innings wasn’t built around big shots, but constant accumulation.Her top-order all rolled with her. Lissy MacLeod was brisk in her 25 – adding 47 for the opening stand – before Jo Gardner came in.Gardner wasn’t in the starting XI, but fielded the majority of the innings after Flo Miller injured herself trying to stop a boundary in the second over, before formally entering the match after Cordelia Griffith suffered a concussion while fielding.She took her chance by keeping the scoreboard ticking in a 71-run alliance with Scrivens, but departed for 23 when she slapped to mid off.Jodi Grewcock followed on, scoring at over a run-a-ball but only scoring three boundaries, in her 33, with 70 runs added with the accelerating Scrivens.She chipped to cover with 86 still required, with Essex stumbling as the required rate climbed, and Smith gained complete control of the game and put herself at the top of the wicket-takers in the One-Day Cup.Eva Gray, Scrivens, Coppack and Esmae MacGregor were caught, and Amara Carr stumped, all trying to keep the visitors in touch, but they fell 17 runs short.
Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions of strengthening the first-team squad this summer have been brought into question over recent weeks – and rightly so given the lack of activity.
Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel have been the only two senior first-team additions during the off-season, with Joao Palhinha also joining the Lilywhites during the off-season.
However, given the side’s lowly Premier League finish of 17th in 2024/25, new boss Thomas Frank would surely have wanted further reinforcements to help bolster his squad.
Morgan Gibbs-White was once seen as the club’s biggest target, but in typical Daniel Levy fashion, he was unable to get a deal over the line – with the Englishman subsequently penning a new deal at Nottingham Forest.
Such a deal isn’t the only one the owner has scuppered in recent weeks, but the latest one has certainly been inexplicable given the situation around the potential transfer.
Spurs’ failed pursuit of Eberechi Eze this summer
Eberechi Eze was seen as Spurs’ alternative to Gibbs-White this summer, making key moves with Crystal Palace to complete a move for the 27-year-old.
It was reported last week that the player himself was keen on a move to join Frank’s side, with the prospect of Champions League football undoubtedly appealing to the attacking midfielder.
Talks were at an advanced stage, on the player’s side and between the two sides, leading to a £60m deal being in place for Eze to move to the Lilywhites for the 2025/26 season and beyond.
However, despite all the work conducted for the Eagles star’s signature, their failure to complete a deal has seen rivals Arsenal swoop in and take the player from their clutches.
A total agreement has been reached between Eze and the Gunners, with the England international missing the Europa Conference League qualifier against Fredrikstad to finalise his transfer.
As a result, the Lilywhites hierarchy desperately need to delve back into the market to land other targets, with the September 1st deadline rapidly approaching on the horizon.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for an Eze alternative
After missing out on the Englishman’s signature, Spurs have turned their attention to his compatriot, Morgan Rogers, in an attempt to bolster the number ten position.
However, after making enquiries to land the 23-year-old this summer, it appears a deal could be unlikely, with Aston Villa currently demanding around £80m for his signature.
He’s not the only player currently in their sights at present, with Frank’s side ramping up their efforts to land Manchester City star Savinho, according to The Times.
Their article states that the Lilywhites could be set to return to talks with Pep Guardiola’s side over a move for the Brazilian, after previously entering negotiations to land the 21-year-old this summer.
It also claims that the Citizens don’t want to lose the Brazilian before the end of the window, but could listen to offers in the region of £60m for the attacker who notched 14 goal contributions in 2024/25.
Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Eze
Missing out on Eze, to a direct rival too, will undoubtedly be a bitter blow to the Spurs faithful, which has no doubt fuelled their disappointment towards owner, Levy.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzeposes with the player of the match trophy
He desperately needs to land a new talent or two within the final days of the transfer market to bolster the side, subsequently handing Frank the tools he needs to push for success in England’s top-flight.
It’s evident that money is available to spend, as seen by the moves for Eze and Gibbs-White, but this time around, the owner needs to be meaningful in his dealings to complete any signings.
The club are still being linked with various top-level players, as seen by their attempts to land Rogers, but it seems more likely at present that a deal for Savinho is more achievable this summer.
A deal for the Brazilian, whilst being an expensive one, would allow for a versatile option, with the youngster able to operate in central and wide areas when called upon.
Should talks progress, it would see the hierarchy spend a similar fee on Savinho as they would’ve with Eze, but they would be getting a talent six years younger in the process.
Despite his tender age, the City star managed to outperform the soon-to-be Arsenal man in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’d be a better addition for the immediate and long-term future.
Games played
29
34
Goals & assists
9
16
Shot on target accuracy
38%
27%
Pass accuracy
81%
74%
Key passes made
2.4
2
Passes into the 18-yard box
2.4
1.3
Take-ons completed
2.7
2.3
Progressive carries
7.1
2.4
Carries into the 18-yard box
3.8
0.7
Savinho, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by current boss Guardiola, posted a higher shot on target rate in the Premier League last season, subsequently providing the side with an added threat in front of goal.
However, whilst goalscoring is partly important for a supporting player in Frank’s system, chance creation is something that is crucial – a talent which the Brazilian possesses in abundance.
He bettered Eze for key passes and passes into the opposition box per 90, tallies which highlight his ability to either find the net alone, or provide golden chances for those around him.
Whilst the aforementioned assets are two of the 21-year-old’s strong points, he’s also showcased his superb dribbling ability at the Etihad – registering more take-ons and progressive carries per 90 – allowing him to beat the opponents before putting the finishing touches on any attack.
There’s no denying the Eze saga will leave a sour taste in the mouth of the Spurs faithful, but it could prove to be a blessing if they can land a deal for Savinho.
In his first year in English football, he’s already demonstrated his top-level quality, able to develop further during Frank’s tenure and potentially catapult the side to added glory in the years ahead.
He's better than Eze: Spurs make approach to sign "sensational" £80m star
Tottenham Hotspur have already identified a new target after missing out on Eberechi Eze.
Shifting their focus towards further incomings, Aston Villa are reportedly ready to launch their second offer to sign a versatile target for Unai Emery.
What Aston Villa could do after Ramsey sale
It’s been an open secret all summer long that Aston Villa need to sell before they can buy. The big question that remained unanswered for some time was just who would be sacrificed in order for them to push on with their own business. Now, however, those at Villa Park have received their answer and Jacob Ramsey has joined Newcastle United for an initial £39m fee.
Whilst there has been plenty of disgruntlement over the sale of an academy graduate – mainly aimed towards PSR rules more than anything else – the Villans may now at least be in a position to spend.
As such, the rumours have already started circulating. Names such as Nicolas Jackson have particularly threatened to steal the headlines amid reports that Emery is a huge admirer of the Chelsea forward.
After being dropped at Stamford Bridge, Jackson desperately needs a move before the transfer window slams shut at the start of September. Whether that move comes courtesy of those at Villa Park remains to be seen, however.
Of course, the Midlands club have already welcomed one attacking addition in the form of Evann Guessand this summer. The former OGC Nice forward snuck through the door to hand Emery an instant boost.
So it would come as no surprise if Villa decided to boost their backline rather than their attacking options this month, which could see a versatile addition arrive.
Aston Villa ready to launch improved Canvot offer
As reported by RMC Sport, Aston Villa are now ready to make an improved offer for Jaydee Canvot after seeing an opening bid rejected by Toulouse last month. The versatile defender is reportedly valued at around €20m (£17m), but it remains to be seen whether the Villans decide to match that fee and leave no room for further rejection with their next bid.
A player who would be an “exciting signing for Aston Villa” according to U23 scout Antonio Mango, Canvot can play both in midfield and a centre-back in what would kill two birds with one stone for Emery.
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Also described as “strong” by Mango, it should come as no surprise that Canvot is on Villa’s radar. At just 19 years old, he’s someone who is likely to get even better with time and potential Premier League opportunities.