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Wrexham earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw as an inspired Arthur Okonkwo helped his side withstand an Ipswich Town onslaught at Portman Road. Phil Parkinson's men mustered just two shots to the home team's 18 and were greatly indebted to Okonkwo's brilliance in goal. While many will be concerned about their attack, their defence held steadfast once more in the Championship.

Wrexham cling on for draw

Wrexham came into the fixture off the back of a five-match unbeaten run but it was the hosts who looked the most likely to break the deadlock. The Tractor Boys, who have picked up 10 points from a possible 12 in their last four games, would have been comfortably ahead at the break had it not been for Okonkwo having a blinder. The Red Dragons' keeper did very well to keep out efforts from Sindre Egeli, Leif Davis, and Jaden Philogene as the visitors weathered a first-half storm.

After producing an Expected Goals tally of just 0.02 in the opening 45 minutes, Wrexham fans urged their team on when the contest resumed, but instead, Ipswich's onslaught continued, as shot after shot rained down on Okonkwo. 

The Welsh outfit, who were without top scorer Kieffer Moore due to injury, were defending gamely but were toothless in attack throughout the encounter. But in the end, Wrexham held on for a valuable point that sees them drop to 14th in the table, six places behind Ipswich, and just three points off the play-offs.

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Had it not been for Ipswich's wayward finishing and the superb Okonkwo, this could have been a demoralising defeat for Wrexham in Suffolk. The former Arsenal stopper started the season as the club's second choice, behind Danny Ward, but now he is becoming one of their most important players. 

The big loser

This will feel like a big missed opportunity for Ipswich, who are desperate to secure an immediate return to the Premier League following their relegation earlier this year. They had 63 per cent possession and eight shots on target but didn't do enough to get the win their performance, arguably, deserved.

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After the Cubs' first game of a doubleheader on Monday vs. the Brewers, Chicago manager Craig Counsell announced that right fielder Kyle Tucker would be benched for the next couple games, including Monday night's contest.

The decision was made after the Wrigley Field fans showed Tucker their frustration on Monday by booing him after his final three at-bats. Tucker's notably been in a slump the past month or so.

"The fans are frustrated, and Kyle is frustrated," Counsell said. "When you make outs, it doesn't look good. He's trying. It's just not clicking. We're going to have to take a step back here, just give him some days off to reset him, hopefully."

So far in August, Tucker is slashing .160/.250/.160, which is all significantly lower than the averages he posted in every other month this season. In June, for example, he posted .311/.404/.578. He's only had eight hits and one RBI in August.

Tucker hasn't hit a home run since July 19 (his only homer of July) after starting the year off with 17 homers through June. He seemed to be comfortable crushing the ball this season, and started out the season hitting four home runs in four consecutive games, a personal record for Tucker. Those highlights feel like a long time ago.

Something definitely needs to change for Tucker's game if he wants to help lead the Cubs to the postseason. The Cubs themselves are in a bit of a slump, as Chicago's only won seven of their 16 games in August so far. It doesn't help that the Brewers, their opponent this week and NL Central rival, continue to dominate with a league-best 79-45 record. The Cubs hold the first wild-card spot in the NL with a 70-54 record.

He has had a few tough months watching cricket from the sidelines but could play a part in finishing what has been a successful summer for South Africa

Firdose Moonda01-Jan-2025Wiaan Mulder has spent the last four weeks doing something he really does not like: watching games of cricket he wanted to be playing in.”I hate watching cricket,” he said at Newlands, where he has been declared fit and available for selection for the second Test against Pakistan. “Especially when you’re in a position where you feel like you’re playing relatively nicely and you could have filled some gaps. It’s a terrible place to be to watch the game, especially having such a weird injury like this. It’s not like a muscular thing.”Mulder has been out for the last month with a broken finger after he was hit while batting against Sri Lanka quick Lahiru Kumara in the Durban Test in late November 2024.He had to retire hurt at the time but returned to bat in the first innings, when South Africa desperately needed runs, and then again at No. 3 in the second. Then, with the fracture and extended break from the game confirmed, Mulder still wanted to try and impact the match. He asked to be sent up the order, to try and take some of the shine off the new ball, and then returned home for rehab and screen time.Related

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He watched South Africa beat Sri Lanka in Gqeberha, win their first bilateral T20I series under Rob Walter against Pakistan, get white-washed for the first time at home in an ODI series by Pakistan and confirm their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final with a nerve-shedding Boxing Day Test win. At least for the last of those, he was watching from as close as he could get: as the 12th man in the dugout, which only made him more desperate to get back into the XI especially as he had just cemented his spot.Before the injury, Mulder had played five matches in a row and was on the most regular run he has had since making his debut in February 2019. South Africa have played 40 Tests since then but Mulder just 17 as both he and previous team management struggled to define his role in the side.”I wanted to play for my country from when I was a little kid and when I got the chance, in my heart I wasn’t always sure if I was good enough to consistently put in performances at this level,” he said. “I don’t think anyone really knows until you play and you actually do it.”His confidence in his own game grew when he saw an improvement in his batting, in particular. In 2022, Mulder played at Leicestershire and averaged over 40 and in the 2023-24 South African summer, he batted at No. 5 for the Lions and was the tournament’s third leading run-scorer.Wiaan Mulder gets treatment after taking a knock to his finger – he eventually went off retired hurt•AFP/Getty ImagesThat form has carried across to the international stage. In the last five months, Mulder has scored his first Test half-century and hundred and averages 64.50. That number is inflated by three not-outs in seven innings but remains impressive nonetheless, especially when mentioned alongside his bowling returns.Mulder has taken ten wickets in his last five Tests, six in Guyana and four in Mirpur, at an average of 18.20 and an economy rate of under three runs an over. Those things combined have convinced him that he can do a job for the national side.”I’ve had a couple of seasons in England where I’ve put in match-winning performances. I’ve got a hundred now at international level. I’ve got a couple of important spells where I’ve taken wickets and I feel like I’m a key feature in the slips for this team,” Mulder said. “There’s a lot of good things that I can look back on and rely on when it’s difficult out there to say that I’m actually worthy.”I’m here to win a game for my country. I’m not just here to fill a spot. The word that’s kind of been so hard for me over the years is potential and hearing that: ‘you potentially could fill so many gaps, your potential is you can play all formats for the country.’ Those are all nice things, but how I was going to get there has always been so frustrating for me.”

“We never give up. We’re always fighting. Sometimes we get punched to the floor and then you have to fight your way back. That’s something that we’re also trying to change in this team, is actually finding a way to throw the first punch.”Wiaan Mulder

In a country where fast bowlers come off a production line and there is again a growing number of seam-bowling allrounders, it’s easy to understand why Mulder might always have been looking over his shoulder. Historically, he would have been up against the likes of Dwaine Pretorius or Andile Phehlukwayo and in the current squad, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch, who debuted at SuperSport Park, are similar kinds of players to Mulder.Jansen is South Africa’s leading wicket-taker this summer and offers the kind of pace and extra bounce that can’t be replaced. Bosch, meanwhile took a four-for and scored an unbeaten 81 on debut so Mulder might again find it difficult to get his place back but the presence of competition in the squad doesn’t scare Mulder.”When I was younger, it would have affected me a lot more because you’re desperate to be here but you’re in a team like this, or maybe I’m at this place in my career now, where I don’t want someone else to fail for me to get in,” Mulder said. “No one deserves it more than somebody else.”That culture is so important for this team. There’s a lot of extra noise that everybody faces when you play international cricket, and if we start picking on each other and hoping each other fails, when it’s crunch time, I don’t think we will win big moments.”Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada added 51 off eight overs to take South Africa to the WTC final•AFP/Getty ImagesAnd Mulder watched South Africa in one of the biggest moments: when they were 99 for 8, chasing 148 at SuperSport Park. A 51-run ninth-wicket stand between Jansen and Kagiso Rabada sealed a two-wicket win and proved Mulder’s point.”To win moments like that and the characters that stood up there, you cherish that for the rest of your career,” he said. “When you come under those crunch moments, having something to fall back on like that as a team is pretty much what we’re about as South Africans in many ways.”We never give up. We’re always fighting. Sometimes we get punched to the floor and then you have to fight your way back. That’s something that we’re also trying to change in this team, is actually finding a way to throw the first punch.”South Africa have one more opportunity to do that before Lord’s, starting on Thursday, when they take on Pakistan in the second Test. Mulder is unlikely to be watching, and will probably come into the team for Bosch, and could play a big part in finishing what has been a successful summer.

They might have dropped points last time out, but Arsenal are flying this season.

They sit four points clear atop the Premier League table and second in the Champions League, with four wins and four clean sheets in as many games.

One of the stars of the Gunners’ impressive campaign so far has been Declan Rice, who has been as crucial going forward as he has been in keeping those clean sheets.

Therefore, fans should be delighted about reports linking them with another top-quality international who’d be a Rice-type signing.

Arsenal target Rice-Type signing

The transfer window is still over a month away, but Arsenal are starting to be linked with some exciting players again.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, stories are once again touting Real Madrid’s Rodrygo for a move to the Emirates following a disappointing start to the season.

A cheaper, lesser-known, but nonetheless exciting wide option the Gunners have been linked with is Lyon’s Malick Fofana, who has been catching the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

However, while either attacker would be an exciting addition to the team, neither could be described as particularly Rice-esque, unlike Elliot Anderson.

Yes, according to reports from Spain, Arsenal are one of several clubs interested in the Nottingham Forest star.

In fact, the report has revealed that North Londoners are set to enter the bidding war for the England international, who has a price tag of between £100m and £120m.

It could therefore be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Anderson’s immense ability, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as it would be a Rice-type signing.

Why Elliot Anderson would be a Rice repeat for Arsenal

Now, there are obviously some differences between Rice and Anderson, from their playstyles to career paths, but were the latter to join Arsenal, there would be many parallels with the former’s move as well.

For example, it would be another example of the Gunners going out and spending north of £100m on a top-quality central midfielder from a non ‘big six’ Premier League team.

Moreover, like the former West Ham United captain was at the time of his move, the Forest ace is now an established and vitally important player for England.

In fact, ahead of his side’s win over Serbia, Thomas Tuchel described the 23-year-old as a “key player” for the Three Lions and “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.”

The fact that he is such an incredible central midfielder is another obvious trait he shares with the Gunners’ number 41, as is his versatility.

For example, since moving to the City Ground, the former Newcastle United gem has made 25 appearances in central midfield, 20 in defensive midfield, five in left midfield and three in attacking midfield.

In other words, like the former Hammers star, the “world-class” ace, as dubbed by one commentator, could play wherever Arteta wanted him to in the middle of the park, and as a result, form relationships with a host of Arsenal players.

Finally, on top of also taking corners, the Whitley Bay-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has some incredible underlying numbers to his name, proving that the comparisons to Rice are fully justified.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for ball recoveries, the top 3% for tackles in the defensive third, the top 4% for carries into the penalty area, the top 7% for successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ball Recoveries

7.42

Top 1%

Dribbles Challenged

3.32

Top 2%

SCA (Defensive Action)

0.16

Top 3%

Tackles (Def 3rd)

1.61

Top 3%

Carries into Penalty Area

0.70

Top 4%

Fouls Drawn

2.14

Top 6%

Outswinging Corner Kicks

1.18

Top 7%

Successful Take-Ons

1.21

Top 7%

Penalty Kicks Made

0.03

Top 9%

GCA (Defensive Action)

0.03

Top 10%

Tackles

2.89

Top 11%

SCA (Take-On)

0.16

Top 12%

Corner Kicks

1.96

Top 13%

SCA (Fouls Drawn)

0.16

Top 13%

Tackles Won

1.61

Top 13%

Dribblers Tackled

1.39

Top 13%

Crosses

3.35

Top 14%

SCA (Dead-ball Pass)

0.64

Top 14%

Penalty Kicks Won

0.03

Top 15%

Ultimately, while it would cost a king’s ransom, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Anderson, as he’s an excellent player and could have a Rice-type impact on the team.

Arsenal lost 'one of the world's best', now he's outperforming Saka & Eze

The incredible international is now playing better than Arsenal’s Eze and Saka.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 14, 2025

Thomas Frank has enjoyed an impressive start to his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, only losing three of his first 14 competitive games in charge of the club.

However, many fans still aren’t convinced by the Dane, especially after the defeat against Newcastle United in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

The 51-year-old only made four changes to his starting eleven, but one of which proved to be a huge mistake – with Mohammed Kudus dropping down to the substitutes bench.

The Ghanaian has been the Lilywhites’ shining light in 2025/26, as seen by his tally of one goal and four assists within his first nine Premier League outings.

Such creativity was hugely lacking against the Magpies, with the £55m leaving the responsibility down to one of the other big-money names to move to North London this summer.

Xavi Simons’ best game in a Tottenham shirt

After spending £52m on the signature of attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, huge excitement was generated within the Spurs fanbase – but it’s safe to say he’s failed to live up to such expectations.

The Dutch international has registered just one assist and failed to score a single goal in any of his 11 outings, further backing up his lack of impact in North London.

However, his showing against Newcastle was arguably one of his best for the club, with Frank finally starting to utilise the 22-year-old in his natural attacking midfield role.

Simons featured for the entirety of the defeat, subsequently creating three chances for his teammates – but none of which resulted in a goal for Frank’s men.

Richarlison was often the man on the end of his chances, but the Brazilian’s wasteful nature was highlighted in his own tally of two big chances missed.

There’s no doubt he’s been unlucky during his opening few months in England, but the manager can certainly solve such an issue during the next couple of matches.

The Spurs player who can finally get Simons firing

In Spurs’ nine Premier League matches throughout 2025/26, the side have already netted 17 goals – subsequently averaging nearly two goals per game in England’s top-flight.

The goals have been spread around the first-team squad, as seen by centre-back Micky Van de Ven’s tally of three goals, which puts him joint-top of the goalscoring charts.

Richarlison has also netted the same number of goals, but has been called into question over the last few weeks for his inability to find the back of the net.

The Brazilian has failed to score in any of his last eight outings for the Lilywhites, often being wasteful within the final third – as seen by his misses against the Magpies.

Dominic Solanke has been unavailable over recent months due to an ankle issue, with Frank needing to hand fellow centre-forward Randal Kolo Muani the chance to impress.

The Frenchman joined on a season-long loan from PSG on deadline day, but has only started one game to date as he builds up match fitness after a stop-start pre-season.

However, despite his minutes off the substitutes bench, the 26-year-old has still demonstrated glimpses of his quality, which could see him handed a needed run of games as a regular starter.

He was even brought on with 25 minutes remaining at St James’ Park earlier this week, making an immediate impact with his direct run through the midfield, halted by referee Chris Kavanagh.

Kolo Muani, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by one analyst, may have failed to score for the Lilywhites to date, but his temporary spells elsewhere have showcased his clinical nature.

Games played

22

Goals scored

10

Shot on target accuracy

55%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

Key passes made

1.4

Take-ons completed

1.5

Carries into opposition box

1.2

Aerials won

1.2

He scored 10 goals in just 22 appearances with Juventus last campaign, even managing to put 55% of the shots he took on target – highlighting his accuracy in front of goal.

Such numbers would allow Simons to increase his own tallies in North London, with his incredible defence splitting passes falling into the path of a clinical talisman.

Creativity has been the Dutchman’s strong point prior to his move to England, but it’s been massively neglected given Richarlison’s inability to find the back of the net.

However, that could all be about to change if Frank decides to start Kolo Muani, with the pair having the talent to make the 2025/26 campaign one to remember for the Lilywhites.

Forget Kudus: Spurs star is rapidly becoming one of the "best in the world"

Tottenham Hotspur now have a world-class talent on their books under Thomas Frank.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 29, 2025

The T20 World Cup win was the highlight, but right through the year, India set new benchmarks in T20I batting

Sampath Bandarupalli16-Nov-2024India ended their 11-year ICC trophy drought in 2024 with the T20 World Cup win – their second, after winning the inaugural one in 2007. It came in a year in which India found immense success in the format, wherever they played.They won all five bilateral T20I series they played this year, and lost only two matches – one of them played a week after their World Cup win with a fairly depleted line-up in Harare.Overall, India won 22 of the 26 completed T20Is they played in 2024 outright. They also won the two matches they tied via Super Over. And they lost only two, including the second match of the latest series in South Africa.