Shohei Ohtani recorded his 1,000th hit in MLB on Wednesday, and he did it in very Ohtani-like fashion.
The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar came to the plate in the third inning and sent mammoth two-run shot over the wall in center field. It was his 39th home run of the year, and more importantly, hit No. 1,000 for the Japan native since his arrival from NPB in 2018.
Wednesday's tilt against the Cardinals was Ohtani's 973rd game in MLB, and he was doing a bit of everything at Busch Stadium. In addition to becoming the 59th active player with 1,000 hits in MLB, Ohtani was also dominating on the mound for the Dodgers, making his eighth pitching appearance of the season.
He racked up eight strikeouts in just four innings and lowered his season ERA to 2.37 in the process. He then gave himself some run support by launching the 440-foot home run. His 39 homers rank third in MLB and second in the National League, trailing only Cal Raleigh and Kyle Schwarber.
Cincinnati Reds star shortstop Elly De La Cruz is used to stealing bases with ease, which made what happened to him in Sunday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers so shocking.
In case you missed it, De La Cruz was looking to swipe second base during the first inning when he was thrown out by Eric Haase, who fired an absolute missile to Joey Ortiz who applied the tag for the easy out.
De La Cruz, who angered some people Friday night when he tried to break up a no-hitter by laying down a bunt in the sixth inning, led the league with 67 stolen bases last season. But he has only two thus far in 2025.
After finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, it was vital that Tottenham Hotspur bounced back and rose up the table in the ongoing campaign.
Thomas Frank was handed the responsibility of leading the charge, after Ange Postecoglou was handed his marching orders despite winning the Europa League.
The Dane was appointed on a three-year deal in North London, but it was crucial that the supporters gave him time to make the changes he desired to the first-team squad.
He’s now 11 games into the 2025/26 campaign, with the Lilywhites currently occupying fifth place going into the third international break of the current season.
However, there are still improvements to be made across the squad, that’s despite Frank massively changing the fortunes of the squad in one area during his opening months at the helm.
Spurs’ biggest improvement since the 2024/25 campaign
During the 2024/25 Premier League campaign under Postecoglou, Spurs certainly had a year to forget, as they finished just one place above the relegation zone.
The Lilywhites conceded a staggering 65 goals in their 38 league outings, an average of 1.7 per 90, subsequently resulting in a total of 22 league defeats.
TottenhamHotspur managerAngePostecoglu applauds fans after the match
Such a tally was the highest of any side who have survived in England’s top-flight, with the club lucky not to have dropped into the Championship under Postecoglou.
However, Frank’s arrival has stemmed the flow of goals at the back, with his men only conceding 10 goals in the first 11 outings – the fourth best record of any side in the division.
They have also kept a total of four clean sheets in the process, with the likes of Micky van de Ven certainly deserving credit for his part in the defensive solidity.
The Dutch international has started every league game to date, registering a total of 1.2 tackles won per 90, along with 1.1 interceptions per 90 – with the latter ranking him in the top 20% of all players in the league.
He’s also thrived in playing out from the back, as seen by his tally of 92% passes completed, arguably being one of the best centre-backs in the division at present.
Van de Ven has been joined at the heart of the backline by Cristian Romero, with the Argentine international striking up an excellent partnership with the Dutchman.
The pair have operated together in eight of the 11 outings – but have only suffered defeat once in that time, with the loss coming against Bournemouth back in August.
The 27-year-old has ranked in the top 4% of all players in England’s top-flight for tackles won, whilst also placing in the top 15% for duels won per 90.
TottenhamHotspur's CristianRomeroreacts
Given their partnership together, they are undoubtedly one of the best duos in Europe’s top-five leagues, with the defensive improvement under Frank certainly down to their performances.
The Spurs player who’s now becoming one of the best in the world
Alongside Van de Ven and Romero, Spurs have had numerous players who have managed to catch the eye and contribute to their impressive start to 2025/26.
Central midfielder Lucas Bergvall has shown qualities way beyond his tender teenage years, even cementing his place at the heart of Frank’s side in recent months.
The Swedish international has featured in nine league outings this season, even registering his first Premier League goal in the 3-0 victory over West Ham United.
He’s ranked in the 97th percentile for successful dribbles to date, whilst also winning 2.8 tackles per 90 – showcasing his ability to operate in a box-to-box role in North London.
However, he’s not the only player to have cemented his place within the starting eleven, with full-back Djed Spence resurrecting his career with the Lilywhites.
He joined the club in a £20m deal from Middlesbrough back in the summer of 2022, but had to massively bide his time in making an impact in the first team.
The 25-year-old endured three unsuccessful loan spells at Leeds United, Rennes and Genoa, with many supporters undoubtedly expecting a cut-price transfer away from North London last summer.
However, the injury crisis within the squad last campaign handed the Englishman a rare opportunity to stake his claim for a regular spot in the first-team ranks.
He racked up a total of 35 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, even scoring his first Premier League goal against Ipswich Town – ending the year on a total of five goal contributions.
A little over a year on, it’s evident that Spence has taken full advantage of the chance pushed in his direction, with the full-back now one of Frank’s most important players.
He’s featured in all but one league outing in 2025/26, with his underlying stats highlighting how pivotal he’s been to the Lilywhites’ impressive defensive numbers.
Games played
10
Minutes played
761
Pass accuracy
82%
Tackles made
1.5
Duels won
3.8
Aerials won
47%
Recoveries made
3.4
Dribbles completed
1.8
Spence has made an average of 1.5 tackles per 90 this season, whilst also coming out on top of 3.8 duels per 90 – often posing as a real solid defensive full-back.
The 25-year-old has also come out on top in 47% of the aerial battles he’s entered, whilst also making 3.4 recoveries per 90 – with his pace allowing him to get back and prevent the opposition from creating clear-cut opportunities.
In possession, the defender has been just as impressive, subsequently ranking in the top 20% of all defenders for dribbles completed – with one analyst labelling him as one of the “best in the world”.
As a result, he’s now a full England international, with Thomas Tuchel trusting him to be a key member of the squad ahead of the World Cup in the USA next summer.
His rise in North London over the last 12 months has been nothing short of remarkable, with the player deserving huge credit for his ability to get himself off the canvas.
Alongside Van de Ven and Romero, he certainly is part of one of the division’s best back fours, with the fans needing to enjoy every moment the trio spend together in North London.
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Result dents both teams with Surrey pulling away at top of table
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay01-Aug-2025 Nottinghamshire 544 (Haseeb 208, James 72, Haynes 70) drew with Somerset 438 (Rew 166, Abell 156, Abbas 3-60) and 200 for 5 (Abell 51, Banton 43*) A half-century from the experienced bat of Tom Abell was key as Somerset secured the draw that had seemed inevitable for much of their Rothesay County Championship visit to Trent Bridge.In the context of the race for the title, the result leaves Surrey, who won at Durham earlier in the week, with a nine-point advantage over Nottinghamshire at the top of Division One as they seek a fourth consecutive title, although they still have to meet Haseeb Hameed’s side at The Kia Oval next month.Nottinghamshire were all out for 544 in their first innings – 208 of those runs scored by Hameed – after their last four wickets fell in the first 40 minutes of the final morning as former Nottinghamshire seamer Jake Ball finished with three for 76 on his return to Trent Bridge.It left Somerset, who began this match in third place, with a deficit of 106 and a potential 85 overs minimum remaining in the match, but after former skipper Abell and Tom Banton (43 not out) had shared a vital partnership of 87 for the fifth wicket under some pressure, they were 94 in front at 200 for five when the players on the field shook hands on a draw shortly after 4.50pm.Though a draw had looked the likeliest result after the slow progress of the opening three days, there were some moments of jeopardy for Somerset to survive, mostly induced by the leg spin of Calvin Harrison, who finished with three for 57.When Harrison, bowling his leg breaks into the rough outside off-stump, dismissed the left-handers Tom Lammonby and James Rew in quick succession early in the afternoon, Somerset were four down and still in arrears.But Abell and Banton guided them out of trouble to the extent that they were 84 ahead by the time Harrison had Abell caught behind for 51 with time running out for Nottinghamshire to take the remaining wickets and chase even a modest target.Given the amount of time that lay ahead of them at the end of the Nottinghamshire first innings, a flurry of early wickets might have set Somerset nerves jangling.They lost two in the space of three balls after Josh Davey and Lewis Gregory had shared 32 for the first wicket, but in the event they had reduced their arrears to 34 in the 15 overs they faced in what remained of the opening session, going to lunch looking comfortable.Davey well caught at second slip off Dillon Pennington, with Gregory smartly taken off an inside edge by wicketkeeper Joe Clarke as he drove at Mohammad Abbas.As Lammonby and Rew went about their business, adding 68 at a run a ball, the visitors were looking increasingly secure.But it became a different story as the fourth-day pitch began to offer help to the slow bowlers, Harrison bowling Lammonby before finding bounce and turn to have Rew caught at short leg.Earlier, Nottinghamshire’s plan to add substantially and quickly to their overnight lead of 73 unravelled rather swiftly, in contrast with the slow pace of developments over the first three days as the Kookaburra ball combined with an unresponsive pitch to produce somewhat stiltifying cricket. For all that Hameed (208), Rew (166) and Abell (156) had excelled with the bat in the first innings, it had been largely uninspiring fare.Liam Patterson-White was the batter most likely to impose himself on a Somerset attack weary and frustrated from 151 overs in the field – all of them using only one ball after Gregory stuck with the original through the whole innings. But he had added only a single to his overnight 47 before chipping Ball to midwicket.Harrison, keen to make the most of his first innings of the season in a red-ball match for Nottinghamshire, made 31 from 34 deliveries but Brett Hutton fell first ball, caught and bowled by Davey, Ball cleaned up Dillon Pennington and Harrison departed in similar fashion to Patterson-White before him.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has hit back after his blunder cost the Villans dearly in their defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. Argentina's number one was at fault as his sloppy pass was intercepted by Mohamed Salah, who made no mistake in firing into an open goal to put the Reds in front. Having made the mistake, the goalkeeper has issued a response.
Martinez howler costs Villa
With minutes left of what had been a very even first-half in Merseyside, Villa were moments away from going into the break level at 0-0. Pau Torres set the ball back to Martinez, who had plenty of space and time to either lay it back to the Spanish defender or send it high up the pitch. Martinez decided to send it back Torres’ way, but the pass was too far in front of the defender who had dropped back and wide to make a passing option for the goalkeeper. It was a fatal error and the Villa back-line could only watch on as Salah pounced on the loose ball and curled a low effort into the gaping net with his weaker right foot.
The Egyptian was never going to pass up the opportunity to score for a second game running and the goalkeeper could have no one to blame but himself. The home side kicked on the in second-half and when Ryan Gravenberch’s deflected effort left a stricken Martinez diving the wrong way, the Reds sealed their first Premier League win after four losses in a row.
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Martinez posts response on social media
Speaking after the game, Martinez’s boss, Unai Emery, was unhappy with the complacency shown by his shot-stopper. The Spanish coach, via , said: “Pau was getting his position to play with this pass and then through those passes to feel good and, in that case, lost the ball. Of course, to build in our structure strong and not to concede the chances we conceded.
“It was easy for Salah. It was a huge mistake but one thing in our process under my responsibility. I accept it, and we build a team here through the style we want to keep in our process in the club and in the next matches.”
Emery continued to insist that “we must avoid huge mistakes like we made today in the first goal we conceded.” He added that he will have to reflect on the game and that Villa will work on their build-up play to avoid making such faux pas going forward.
Martinez was less humble in defeat and turned to Instagram to offer his own thoughts. Captioning a post of two black-and-white photos of himself, the goalkeeper said: “I never lose. I either win or I learn.”
Martinez adds another mistake to the list
Some more cynical Villa fans might find Martinez’s response a tad frustrating. The goalkeeper has been prone to a series of avoidable mistakes in recent seasons and has been responsible for a handful of damaging errors that have led to the opposition scoring.
The goalkeeper has often spoken out about his desire to play at a higher level than Villa and was expecting to move to Manchester United in the summer. The Red Devils decided to move for Senne Lammens instead and the Argentine remains reluctantly in Birmingham.
Making another mistake in between the sticks suggests that the goalkeeper has not quite learnt his lesson from previous errors. Should he continue to produce gaffes that lead to dropped points, Emery may look to move on from the once imperious figure in net.
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The politicised Europa Conference League game
Martinez will have a chance to demonstrate he has learnt from his latest slip against Maccabi Tel Aviv in what should be a fiery fixture on Thursday. Political figures have waded into the game’s preamble after the Israeli side were not handed any tickets for the game at Villa Park after police fears over fan safety. The recent Tel Aviv derby had to be called off to the “endangerment of human lives” and no travelling fans will be in the ground for the Europa Conference League clash.
It has been a frustrating start to the 2025/26 campaign for Celtic central midfielder Arne Engels, who has failed to kick on after his debut season at the club.
The Hoops signed him for a club-record fee of £11m from Augsburg last summer, creating excitement over the Belgian ace, and his first year at Parkhead was fairly impressive.
Engels delivered ten goals, including eight from the penalty spot, and 13 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, for the Scottish giants.
Unfortunately, his output at the top end of the pitch has fallen off in the current campaign, with no goals and one assist in 12 appearances for the Hoops.
Brendan Rodgers has only started the Belgium international in three of the club’s nine games in the Scottish Premiership and the Europa League this term, which shows that the manager has not put much trust in him because of his recent performances.
The 22-year-old star’s struggles this season are particularly frustrating when you consider that Reo Hatate has not been at his best in the middle of the park.
Why Celtic may need to replace Reo Hatate
Benjamin Nygren has locked down a position in midfield, with four goals in the Premiership, alongside the captain Callum McGregor, and Hatate has been the third starter in the midfield three.
The Japan international has started all five of his appearances in the Scottish top-flight, per Sofascore, but his performances have not quite reached the levels that he hit in the 2024/25 campaign.
Hatate has scored one goal, which came against Aberdeen in the Premiership in August, and has failed to register any assists for his teammates in ten outings in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.
The Japanese star, whose goal against Aberdeen in the clip above was stunning, has been unable to kick on after his impressive output at the top end of the pitch in the 2024/25 campaign.
Appearances
37
5
Goals
10
1
Minutes per goal
241
373
Key passes per game
1.2
0.6
Big chances created
14
0
Assists
4
0
As you can see in the table above, Hatate has not been as effective, as a scorer or a creator goals, in the middle of the park in the Premiership this season.
These statistics suggest that the 27-year-old star has not been at his best for the Hoops in midfield in the league, as he has struggled to influence matches in the way that he did last year.
This is why Rodgers may have to start thinking about how his midfield could look without Hatate in the team, unless the Japan international can turn his form around and get back to what he produced on a consistent basis in the 2024/25 campaign.
However, the aforementioned dip in form from Engels suggests that Celtic may have to look elsewhere for a replacement for Hatate, because the Belgian flop has not stepped up this season.
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Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.
Rodgers, as he did with Colby Donovan’s emergence, could turn to the B team to bring an academy talent into the first-team to compete for a spot in central midfield.
19-year-old academy star Francis Turley made his first-team debut for the Scottish giants as a substitute against St Mirren in the Premiership in August of last year, and he could emerge as Hatate’s replacement.
Why Francis Turley could be Reo Hatate's replacement at Celtic
If the Japan international is unable to recapture his best form in Glasgow and Engels cannot get back to his best in a Celtic shirt, there could be an opening for the teenage talent to break into the team.
The Northern Ireland U21 international clearly impressed enough to earn a senior bow last year against St Mirren, which shows that Rodgers is well aware of his talent and believes that he has the potential to be a future star for the Hoops.
Speaking after that game, the Celtic manager said: “He (Turley) was very, very good over the course of pre-season, he’s got a lot of work to do physically in his development, and that will come with both him working and natural maturation.
“But at 18 he’s got a great football brain, and that’s a nice reward for him and his family, and he can now keep pushing to get more appearances.”
Those comments show that Rodgers was impressed with the youngster’s performances at that point, which is why he should also be impressed by his form in the current campaign.
Appearances
10
10
Minutes played
728
900
Goals
1
2
Minutes per goal
728
450
Assists
0
2
Minutes per assist
N/A
450
Minutes per goal contribution
728
225
As you can see in the table above, Turley has scored two goals and provided two assists in ten appearances in the Lowland League for the B team this term, whilst Hatate only has one goal contribution in all competitions.
The 19-year-old starlet, who has scored seven goals in his last 57 matches at academy level (Transfermarkt), has shown that he can provide quality as an attacking threat from a central midfield position, which is what Engels and Hatate have struggled with of late.
Turley, poetically in this context, replaced Hatate to make his debut against St Mirren last year, and it could be the Japan international who loses his place in the side to make way for the teenager to establish himself in the senior team.
It is now down to Rodgers to provide the Northern Irish talent with an opportunity to shine in the first-team if Hatate and Engels both continue to struggle in the Premiership and in European competitions this season.
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Hopefully, Turley will be able to grasp his chance and make a name for himself at senior level for the Scottish giants if that opportunity does come his way.
Diego Simeone admitted Atletico Madrid were “beaten by a better team” after a brutal 13-minute spell saw Arsenal score four times in a dominant 4-0 Champions League win. The Argentine boss praised his side’s early effort but fumed at costly errors, set-piece lapses and a lack of composure as every Arsenal chance “ended in a goal”.
Arsenal ruthless as Atletico collapse under pressure
Arsenal delivered one of their most clinical European displays of the season, brushing aside Atletico 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and a Viktor Gyokeres brace inside 13 chaotic minutes left the visitors stunned and unable to respond. Simeone’s side held firm until the 57th minute, but once the first goal went in, Atletico’s structure crumbled.
The Gunners’ dominance came particularly from dead-ball situations. Three of their four goals came from set-pieces, with Declan Rice delivering pinpoint crosses that repeatedly breached Los Rojiblancos' defence. Martinelli’s composed finish and Gyokeres’ poacher’s brace capped off a statement performance that has firmly established Arsenal as serious contenders in Europe this season.
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Simeone reacts to brutal defeat to Arsenal
The Argentine praised his team’s initial effort but didn’t shy away from criticising their mistakes and lack of focus in key moments.
"First, the positive: we competed very well until the first goal," Simeone said. "After that, we could have defended better. They do it very well, they score a lot of goals. Set pieces are so important in football, especially in these competitions, where every detail helps you take control of the match.
He added: "We could have made a mistake in the 2-0, but we didn't. It's not bad luck, it's just mistakes. From then on, they were decisive, better, and in 20 minutes, every chance they had was a goal."
Mistakes, missed chances and learning the hard way
Before Arsenal's opener, Atletico did have their moments. Julian Alvarez came close to scoring in the first half after David Raya wandered out of position and lost the ball, but the Argentine’s shot curled just wide. Eberechi Eze also struck the crossbar early on, highlighting that Atleti could have taken the lead before their collapse.
Simeone acknowledged that fine margins defined the match, admitting Atletico failed to capitalise on their chances while the Gunners punished every error: "Julian's shot in the first half, the one that hit the crossbar, are long gone… The team competed well, but this lesson is what the match left us with. The decisiveness and the details in the passages of play are decisive. This time against us.
“They were superior and very decisive in that stretch of the game. After the set-piece goal, they began to take advantage of it. They pushed us, they pushed us to give our all until the first goal, and I have nothing to say to the team. They tried, they ran, and were beaten by a better team.”
This defeat leaves Los Colchoneros 18th in the Champions League standings. With just five matches left, they currently sit outside the automatic knockout qualification zone and would only qualify for the play-off round if they finish in this position.
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What next for Atletico?
Atleti have little time to dwell on the defeat. They next welcome Union Saint-Gilloise to Madrid on November 4, in what is already shaping into a must-win match. Before that, they face Real Betis and Sevilla in La Liga, a crucial fixtures as they look to rebuild confidence.
Atletico have reached two Champions League finals under Simeone, in 2014 and 2016, but their current campaign is at risk of unravelling early if they fail to respond quickly. Defensive lapses, and lack of efficiency in the final third remain concerns the coaching staff must address.
For Arsenal, it’s the complete opposite story. They’ve won all three of their Champions League games, sit joint-top of the league phase alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Inter, and are also three points clear at the top of the Premier League. Arteta’s side are sending a clear message to Europe’s elite they’re back, and ready to challenge on every front.
ازداد التوتر داخل منتخب إسبانيا خلال الساعات الأخيرة الماضية، وذلك على هامش الأشياء التي حدثت خلال لقاء الكلاسيكو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة يوم أمس الأحد بالدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.
ريال مدريد حسم قمة الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى ونجح في تحقيق الانتصار على برشلونة بهدفين مقابل هدف واحد يوم أمس الأحد على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.
وقدم ريال مدريد عرضًا قويًا وكان الطرف الأفضل في المباراة لينجح رجال المدرب تشابي ألونسو في الخروج بالنقاط الثلاث وتعزيز صدارة الدوري.
اقرأ أيضًا .. إيباي عن مقابلته مع لامين يامال: أنا السبب في أحداث الكلاسيكو.. ولن أكرر خطأي
لكن الكلاسيكو شهد أحداثًا مؤسفة تمثلت في حدوث شجار بين لاعبي الفريقين وبالتحديد بين ثلاثي ريال مدريد، داني كارفاخال، وفينيسيوس جونيور، وتيبو كورتوا من جهة، وبين جناح برشلونة، لامين يامال من جهة أخرى.
وفي ضوء الخلاف الذي حدث بين الطرفين ألغى يامال اليوم الإثنين متابعة كارفاخال عبر حسابه الرسمي في إنستجرام، حيث طالب الأخير الجناح الشاب بعدم التحدث كثيرًا ، مما أشعل وتيرة الحديث بين لاعبي الفريقين.
ولم يكن يامال هو اللاعب الوحيد الذي يقوم بإلغاء متابعة كارفاخال عبر إنستجرام، وإنما فعل بيدري نفس الشيء.
وتعتبر هذه التصرفات ناقوس خطر على الوضع العام في منتخب إسبانيا، حيث يتواجد الثلاثي كارفاخال، ويامال، وبيدري، معًا في منتخب إسبانيا خلال الفترة الأخيرة.
يامال كان قد أشعل الأمور قبل الكلاسيكو بعدة أيام، بعدما سخر من ريال مدريد واتهم الفريق الملكي بالسرقة وكثرة الشكوى، ليضع لاعبي الفريق الملكي في حالة تأهب للعب المباراة أمام برشلونة والفوز بها.
Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has lauded an “incredible” Manchester City star for his performance in the 3-0 victory against Manchester United on Sunday.
Man City dominate Man Utd at the Etihad
Man City silenced the doubters with a 3-0 thrashing of rivals Man United on Sunday, with Erling Haaland undoubtedly the star of the show, scoring a brace, although he could’ve easily had a hat-trick, hitting the post after missing a golden opportunity from close range.
Not only was Haaland at his best, but a number of other City players caught the eye, including January signing Abdukodir Khusanov, who completed six clearances, four interceptions and two tackles to keep Ruben Amorim’s side at bay.
Khusanov looks like he is now settling in at the Etihad Stadium, having arguably struggled to make an instant impact, with the Uzbekistan international making just six Premier League appearances in the 2024-25 season after arriving from Ligue 1 side Lens last winter.
However, a different City player has made a flying start to life at the club, according to Richards, who waxed lyrical about summer signing Gianluigi Donnarumma on The Rest Is Football podcast after the Manchester derby.
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The former Man City man said: “He’s a man mountain! I feel so sorry for Trafford, I feel sorry for Trafford but that save. £26m, £26m! He’s just won the Champions League, he’s what, 25, 26 years of his age?
“Yes people will talk about playing out from the back, he’s not an Ederson playing out, but in terms of shot-stopping, his record is incredible. What a signing that was, and he had a fantastic game today in the derby.”
Donnarumma may keep Trafford out of the starting XI
It is natural to feel sorry for James Trafford, who has seemingly now fallen behind Donnarumma in the pecking order, despite starting the opening three games of the Premier League campaign.
However, it is clear to see why Pep Guardiola brought the Italian straight into the starting XI, given that he is vastly experienced at the top level, having made 40 Champions League appearances, while also receiving high praise from Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique.
The 26-year-old also got off to a solid start on his City debut, keeping a clean sheet in the derby victory, and making one save from inside the box, alongside three clearances throughout the match.
As such, Trafford will have his work cut out trying to force his way back into Guardiola’s side, and there have now been reports suggesting the Englishman is open to a loan move in the January transfer window.
Series all square heading into the deciding fixture in Stellenbosch
ECB Reporters Network19-Jan-2025South Africa Under-19 164 for 5 (Rowles 33, Ahmed 2-24) beat England Under-19 161 (Dawkins 59, Moores 59, Daniels 4-25)South Africa Men U19s levelled their series against England Men U19s with a five-wicket win in the second Youth ODI in Cape Town.Raeeq Daniels did the damage on his home ground, with 4 for 24, as the tourists were bowled out for 168. South Africa opener Jason Rowles top scored with 33, as the target was knocked off in 30.1 overs.Ben Dawkins and Joe Moores both posted half-centuries, but were the only Young Lions batters to reach double figures.Kent opener Dawkins reached his fifty from 74 balls but lacked support until Moores joined him in a 41-run stand for the sixth wicket. The Lancashire left-hander expertly counter-attacked and his fourth six, an effortless pull off Daniels, helped him to a half-century from 58 balls.It was not enough, however, as opener Rowles shared a 46-run second-wicket partnership with captain Bennie Hansen before Paul James and Bandile Mbatha added 30 each. Farhan Ahmed claimed 2 for 24.The series is set to be decided in Stellenbosch on Wednesday before the two-match Youth Test series begins on January 26.