Mikel Arteta believes Eberechi Eze still has plenty more to bring to Arsenal’s attacking play after watching him score his first goal for the club in Wednesday’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Port Vale.

Eze struck just eight minutes into the match at Vale Park but, despite that early strike, Arsenal struggled to create clear opportunities against their League One hosts, not killing the game off until substitute Leandro Trossard struck in the 86th minute.

Arteta expecting more from Arsenal signing Eze

But Eze’s goal – his first since he returned to the club in a £60million move from Crystal Palace – already looked like being enough for Arsenal on a night when the 27-year-old was the brightest of Arsenal’s attacking players.

Eze, on £9.3m a year at the Emirates, started on the left of Arsenal’s attack for this match but has already lined up in a number of different positions for Arteta in his five appearances to date.

Arsenal spent the summer looking to add greater depth to the squad as they aim to compete on multiple fronts this term and that showed on the team sheet here as Arteta made nine changes from Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City but still fielded a strong side.

Kepa Arrizabalaga made his debut in goal, Christian Norgaard got a first start in midfield and Bukayo Saka clocked up an hour as he returns from a hamstring injury, with Arteta saying he now had a number of decisions to make ahead of Sunday’s trip to Newcastle.

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“What we need to do… is generate the performances that we want with the players that haven’t really played together, with a completely different midfield than they’ve played together before, with a front line that is different as well,” he said.

“Max [Dowman] came in as well and connect(ed) immediately with the team. It’s a lot of positives to take from the game. That’s exactly what we want, that they’re giving us and me those headaches because that means that they are so connected with the team, that they really want to help the team. Everybody will play a lot of minutes.”

Newcastle United have been dealt their perennial early-season injury issues, but there’s little question that Eddie Howe’s side are in a good position to meet their targets this year; perhaps they will even exceed them.

The backline has stood strong and firm for most of Howe’s tenure, but he has reinforced the St. James’ Park defences this summer and appears to have added layers to the existing fold too. Nick Pope has five clean sheets from seven Premier League matches, and as the goalkeeper ranks joint-fifth for saves made (19), all can be observed to be pulling their weight.

However, with Alexander Isak sold to Liverpool for a record-breaking fee, the Magpies entered the campaign freighted with fresh worries about the quality in attack. Yoane Wissa still hasn’t made his debut for the club as he recovers from a knee injury, and that has been fuel for the fire.

But the intensity of the blaze has been allayed through the fast start to life in England of Nick Woltemade.

Newcastle's big-money buy

If Newcastle are fools for spending the big bucks on Woltemade in August, what does that make those who opted against landing such a unique and dangerous centre-forward?

Seven games in, the former Stuttgart man has notched four goals in black and white, and he’s earning the respect and focus of more than just Tyneside’s devoted fans.

Different to Isak, Woltemade still boasts far more than a sharp shot, and his early foray into the English game has told of an exciting future for both player and club, the potential to join Isak and maybe even the legendary Alan Shearer in the highest regard of those strikers who were not one cut but several above the rest.

Four goals in seven hardly make a young and aspiring forward the next Shearer, but already the 23-year-old has proved himself a reliable goalscorer in the Premier League, with the sharpness of mind to rival Isak for the crown as Newcastle’s best modern nine.

However, Shearer’s role and reputation in Newcastle surpassed the success he had as a goalscorer. A true talismanic force, he led the club for many years and understood inherently what it means to be a Geordie.

And Newcastle may have their next version. No, it’s not boyhood fan Dan Burn (although he is of course a legend in his own right).

No, the man in question here arrived from overseas, but he’s an adopted son of this city and one of the key pillars of the Howe era.

Howe's own version of Shearer

It all started with Howe. And then Howe got to work during the January 2022 transfer window and signed a wealth of talented players to climb away from relegation danger and up and up the Premier League ladder.

And among the first through the door was Bruno Guimaraes, who joined from Lyon for a £41m fee toward the end of the window. He was 24 at the time, and it was considered a coup.

Into his fifth campaign on Tyneside, the Brazil international has been both a leader and a marvel in the middle of the park, with his combative defending and fierce pressing and elegant passing leading all the big clubs to come sniffing. He has remained loyal.

But the £100m prices that have been mooted here and there underline his skill and the belief from elsewhere that Newcastle have a truly special player in their mix.

Hailed as a “machine” of a midfielder by blogger Thomas Hammond, the 27-year-old has maintained impressive fitness levels and has been deployed more often than any other Newcastle player across Howe’s tenure.

Howe’s Most-used Newcastle Players

Player

Seasons

Apps

Fabian Schar

5

163

Bruno Guimaraes

5

160

Dan Burn

5

158

Jacob Murphy

5

144

Joelinton

5

138

Data via Transfermarkt

He’d bleed for the badge, and has been rewarded for his tenacity and commitment with two Champions League campaigns in three terms, winning the Carabao Cup last year besides.

The £160k-per-week talent is unquestionably one of the best in the business, and he is also the captain of the United fold, with Howe speaking in the past of his awe for Newcastle’s “difference-maker”.

Had he never arrived, Newcastle might never have hit the heights reached over the past few years. Perhaps the drive and verve they played with for much of 2024/25 would never have led them to triumph in the Carabao Cup.

But even in defeat, Guimaraes speaks with a passion that cannot be forged, cannot be imitated. The loss to Liverpool in August would be a case in point, having taken a subtle dig at Isak as he held his head high even after Rio Ngumoha sank hearts across St. James’ Park with a cruel last-minute winner.

There stood a leader, a talisman Shearer was proud of watching. Isak might have had the 55-year-old’s respect for his ability to find the back of the net, but Guimaraes is by far a better embodiment of what it takes to wear the Newcastle badge.

Shearer is the all-time record scorer in the Premier League with 260 goals. Even for a phenomenon like Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (who has 94 goals), that will take some beating.

The retired striker said he lived out his “dream” at Newcastle, even though Manchester United came calling when he was at Blackburn Rovers, even though he unlaced his boots and hung them up without any silverware to display across ten campaigns on Tyneside.

Guimaraes bears a trophy in his own cabinet, but he too has had offers from more established superpowers, and he remains when some of his high-level teammates have ventured off for greener pastures.

He wears the armband, and he deserves it. Guimaraes is the leader of this remarkable Howe project, and he is closer to Shearer than Isak ever was.

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The teams have been involved in some of the fiercest battles over 30 years, and now clash for the big title at Lord’s

Alex Malcolm10-Jun-20252:47

Five key questions ahead of the WTC final

Big picture: Is South Africa’s XI more settled than Australia’s?This will be the first World Test Championship final at Lord’s, the home of cricket. But it won’t be the first time Australia and South Africa meet in a Test match at Lord’s. In 1912, the two sides met in the fifth match of a Triangular Test tournament between the only three Test nations in the world at the time, that ran from late May until late August, with England triumphing.Although the tournament was an unsuccessful one-off event, in some ways it was a precursor to the World Test Championship (WTC). For the record, Australia beat South Africa at Lord’s by 10 wickets 113 years ago. They start this week’s final as defending champions and warm favourites, with former South African greats even acknowledging and embracing the underdog status.Those same former greats and the team itself can feel the weight of this final. South Africa are fighting history, with their only previous title being the ICC Knockout in 1998. They are fighting perceptions, too, of having supposedly not earned their place in the decider because of a perceived easy route, despite winning their last seven Tests after winning just one of their first five in the two-year cycle. They are also fighting a familiar foe. South Africa and Australia have played out some of the feistiest and most entertaining Test battles over the past 30 years.Related

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But their most recent meeting in 2022-23 was arguably the most uncompetitive in three decades. And despite some suggestions from Kagiso Rabada, among others, that things could get spicy, the Australia team that will arrive at Lord’s on Wednesday is not a stereotypical one.While South Africa can feel the weight of history and the significance of this final on their Test future, Australia have taken an entirely different approach. Previous Australian teams might have taken a trip to Gallipoli or the Somme to imbibe the spirit of the Anzacs ahead of a final like this. Those days, though, are long gone for this Australian team. Just as they did two years ago ahead of the WTC 2023 final, they prioritised five days of golf in northern Scotland over a practice match as part of another relaxed and bespoke build-up.2:58

Finch: Australia’s batting gives them the edge over SA

Most of Australia’s squad have been there and done it before. They know what to expect and how to handle the occasion, with the core of the group gunning for a fourth world title across three formats in four years. They boast of one of the best bowling quartets of all time, and have one of the best batters of all time in Steven Smith, who has been back near his best this year. Travis Head is also on a streak of consecutive match-winning centuries in his last two global finals.But they had some key questions to answer over the XI. Cameron Green being fit to bat, and in fine form, but unable to bowl is a spanner in the works given he has not played in Australia’s last seven Tests. He will now bat No. 3 for just the second time in his first-class career, in his first Test in 15 months, while Marnus Labuschagne opens the batting for the first time in Test cricket. It will also mean Usman Khawaja will have a fifth different opening partner in nine Tests.South Africa’s batting order has lined up as expected. But most of them will be unknowns of sorts to Australia’s attack, with only Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma having played Test cricket against them before, although Australia’s quicks have seen plenty of Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton in the IPL, with Stubbs and Mitchell Starc having also played together.Form guideSouth Africa: WWWWW
Australia: WWWWD1:05

Finch: The way Labuschagne has been playing is ‘concerning’

In the spotlight: Kagiso Rabada and Marnus LabuschagneKagiso Rabada has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons over the last few months, and it will be intriguing to see how he performs in the WTC final. He looms as Australia’s biggest threat, given he dismantled England in his last Test appearance at Lord’s, and has tormented Australia down the years – especially when the ball swings and seams. The break from the IPL may have done Rabada a favour in terms of freshening up for the final. Australia collared a tired Rabada in flat conditions in the last two Tests of the 2022-23 series. But coming in fresh with a chip on his shoulder, and brandishing a brand-new Duke’s ball under dank skies at Lord’s, he looms as a potential match-winner for South Africa.Marnus Labuschagne is under the most pressure he has ever faced in his Test career. Nearing his 31st birthday, with 57 Tests and over 4000 runs to his name, he should have been in the prime of his career and at the peak of his powers. Instead, Labuschagne is fighting for his immediate future. He is now being asked to bat out of position for the first time in six years. His performances in three innings for Glamorgan last month would have done little to allay any fears about his overall form. Labuschagne’s last first-class century came opening the batting for Glamorgan, but it was over 12 months ago. The selectors, though, are banking on his experience shining through in the final.Team news: Ngidi the third quick; Konstas made to waitSouth Africa’s same top six that faced Pakistan in January has been retained at Lord’s, with Wiaan Mulder continuing at No. 3. Tony de Zorzi, though, misses out. There also appears to be no temptation to throw an all-out pace attack at Australia. Lungi Ngidi, meanwhile, has got the nod ahead of Dane Paterson.South Africa : 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Ryan Rickleton, 3 Wiaan Mulder, 4 Temba Bavuma (capt), 5 Tristan Stubbs, 6 David Bedingham, 7 Kyle Verreynne, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Lungi Ngidi2:03

Smith: Top-order batting ‘as tricky as I’ve seen’

Australia, extraordinarily, will try a new batting combination in the final, with Labuschagne opening and Green batting at No. 3. Green won’t be able to bowl, so Beau Webster will provide the extra seam overs if required. Josh Hazlewood has returned in place of Scott Boland as the third quick despite Hazlewood breaking down with injury in each of the last two Tests he played, which left Australia with a three-man attack on both occasions.Australia: 1 Usman Khawaja, 2 Marnus Labuschagne, 3 Cameron Green, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Beau Webster, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh HazlewoodPitch and conditions: Look up and look downIt had been a very dry start to the English summer up until the last week. Neither Australia nor South Africa have much experience of playing at Lord’s in early June, and there will be some guessing about the conditions. Given the dry spring, the surface is on the drier side which could mean more of an impact for the spinners. The forecast looks good with warm temperatures coming, although there is a chance of a few thunderstorms.Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood are the first four-man attack in Test history to play together with 250 wickets each•Cricket Australia/Getty ImagesStats and trivia Australia and South Africa have met three times in neutral Tests, with all three played in 1912. Australia won two of those Tests at Manchester and Lord’s. The third at Nottingham was drawn. Pat Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon are the first four-man attack in Test history to play together with 250 wickets each. But Rabada alone has 327 wickets at a better average and strike rate than all four of them. Australia have played 40 Tests at Lord’s for 18 wins, seven losses and 15 draws. South Africa have played 18 there, winning six, losing eight and drawing four. Quotes”You only get a few opportunities if you’re lucky in your career to try and win one. It’s a trophy we’ve spoken a lot about over the last couple of years. We wanted to be in this final. Personally, I think that 2023 World Cup title is going to be tough to beat, but this is a good one. Test cricket is my favourite format.”
“In our preparation, a lot of it has been emotive. It has been about understanding what the occasion is about, being here at Lord’s, and from a motivation point of view, there’s not much that I can do. If players needed to be motivated, then that would be a problem. Now it’s just kind of getting down to the fact that we actually need to play the game. Let’s play what is in front of us. Let’s not get caught up into too much of the story and what could be. And just be ready for what’s to come.”

SAIDS confirmed the presence of Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in its findings

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jun-2025

Kagiso Rabada will feature in the WTC final•Gallo Images

The recreational drug which resulted in South Africa seamer Kagiso Rabada’s one-month suspension from cricket has been confirmed as cocaine by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS). The organisation, which is a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), publishes the findings of adverse drug tests a month after the appeal period for sanctioned athletes lapses.SAIDS published its findings today, June 3, which confirmed the presence of Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in Rabada’s results. Benzoylecgonine is formed in the liver after the ingestion of cocaine, and is excreted in urine.Rabada was tested on January 21, during the SA20. He played in the entirety of that competition, for MI Cape Town, and for South Africa at the Champions Trophy before his results were known. He was informed of his positive test in late March, and served a one-month ban between April 1 and May 1, which kept him out of a significant part of the IPL, though his absence from the tournament was put down to personal reasons.Related

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Rabada cleared to play again after serving doping suspension

The duration of Rabada’s sanction was determined by the nature of the drug (recreational and not performance enhancing), his commitment to an educational program, and that he ingested the substance on a non-match day, which is classified as out of competition. All that reduced his ban to one month. Rabada did not appeal against the one-month ban.On May 3, Rabada issued a statement through the South African Cricketers Association, in which he admitted use of a recreational drug but did not provide any further details. By then, he had already served his sanction and returned to the IPL, where he played two matches for Gujarat Titans before joining up with the South African squad for the World Test Championship final. Rabada has received support from CSA, national coach Shukri Conrad, and captain Temba Bavuma, who all said they had drawn a line under the issue.Last Friday, when South Africa left for the United Kingdom, Rabada made his first public statement since serving his ban and said he would not be seen as “Mr I apologise” but would discuss it in more detail with his team-mates.Rabada also anticipates a backlash from Australia, whose former captain Tim Paine has already criticised the secrecy around Rabada returning to South Africa from the IPL in early April. Rabada indicated he was ready for whatever they throw at him. “They come at you, and I think that gets the best out of me – and they have been notorious for that over the years, right? So yeah, let’s see.”

After Thomas Tuchel’s England side defeated Wales in convincing fashion, courtesy of goals from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka, their focus now turn towards Tuesday’s trip to face Latvia.

It was another statement victory from the Three Lions, who found themselves three goals to the good by the 20th minute. Starting as they meant to go on, Rogers was perfectly placed to slam home Marc Guehi’s cutback in the third minute, before Watkins converted courtesy of Saka’s pass just eight minutes later.

The best goal was saved for last. Saka cut inside in vintage fashion before finding the upright to leave Karl Darlow with no chance. It is fair to say that Tuchel is finally beginning to make his impact as the 2026 World Cup closes in.

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ByTom Cunningham Sep 7, 2025

Now looking ahead to Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia, we’ve taken at five things to expect from England.

5 Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice's midfield partnership

Ever since Kalvin Phillips dropped out of England contention, the Three Lions have had a midfield problem next to Declan Rice. For so long, it was that aforementioned duo at the heart of Gareth Southgate’s midfield. They sat deep and provided the foundation for England’s best attacking players to thrive and that’s when they had some of their best success – reaching the final of the 2020 Euros.

As England fell short at the final hurdle once again at the 2024 Euros – this time against Spain – it was clear that balance was missing from their midfield without a clear partner for Rice. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kobbie Mainoo and Jude Bellingham all tried filling that role, but all failed. And now, a new contender has emerged under Tuchel.

Minutes

630

543

Goals

0

1

Progressive Passes

63

36

Ball Recoveries

55

29

Elliott Anderson thrived in September’s international break and his partnership with Rice dominated Wales and could do the same against Latvia. If it proves as successful as last time, then the Three Lions could have an unexpected answer to their problem.

4 How will Lewis-Skelly respond to Tuchel's warning?

Tuchel certainly hasn’t been afraid to say what he thinks so far and the latest to discover that trait has been Myles Lewis-Skelly. The Arsenal man has struggled to get into Mikel Arteta’s strongest side so far this season and has been warned that it could cost him his World Cup place if things don’t change soon.

It makes the game against Latvia crucial for Lewis-Skelly. Whilst he hasn’t been given the opportunity to impress for Arsenal this season, the defender should look to take full advantage of Tino Livramento’s injury to stake his claim for a starting place under Tuchel in the coming months.

Whether it’s 22-year-old Livramento or 19-year-old Lewis-Skelly, the battle to claim that starting left-back spot only looks destined to heat up as the World Cup approaches.

3 Red-hot Kane to continue ruthless streak

There were some opinions at last year’s Euros that suggested Harry Kane was no longer the man to lead England’s frontline. The forward, carrying an injury throughout the tournament, often struggled to make his mark and watched on as Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and others stole the spotlight.

Now, at 32 years old, some may have expected the former Tottenham Hotspur forward to continue those struggles before gradually being forced out of Tuchel’s side. However, the reality is that Kane is neck and neck with Erling Haaland as the world’s best striker – even at 32.

Any suggestions that he’s no longer good enough to lead England are long gone. Instead, the question often asked about the striker these days is just how many he’ll score. In his last 10 games for Bayern Munich, he has scored an incredible 18 goals and looks destined to continue that ruthless streak for the Three Lions.

2 Nico O'Reilly provides Tuchel with unexpected dilemma

Although it’s easy to complain about the international break, it does provide some memorable moments for the likes of Nico O’Reilly, who has earned his first call-up following Reece James’ injury. The Manchester City left-back has made the role his own under Pep Guardiola, which is no easy task, and now has an unexpected chance to do the same for England.

Tuchel has already shown his willingness to not only hand fresh players their chance, but also hand them a permanent place if they impress enough. Anderson has so far benefitted from that, Loftus-Cheek could do so, and O’Reilly may well be next in line to hand the England boss a selection headache.

1 Has Rashford done enough to start?

After reclaiming his England place, Marcus Rashford will now have all eyes on a starting place. Last month, it was Noni Madueke who surprised many with his performances.

This time around, Rashford could take his Barcelona form into the England camp. No longer the shunned Manchester United star, the winger has been back to his best on the biggest stage in Spain.

England have so often missed his directness from the left-hand side, but his form simply did not warrant a starting place. Having scored three goals and assisted another five in eight games for Barcelona, though, the 27-year-old has arguably done enough to break into Tuchel’s strongest side against Wales and Latvia.

Chelsea are now believed to be very keen on signing a player who Man City boss Pep Guardiola seriously rates behind-the-scenes, with a new report suggesting they’re pressing for a deal.

Chelsea prepare for Premier League return against Nottingham Forest

On the field, Enzo Maresca is gearing up for a crucial Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest — a match which serves a few intriguing narratives.

As Chelsea prepare to take on Ange Postecoglou’s struggling side, the Blues are sweating over the fitness of a few stars.

Injuries continue to plague Chelsea, with several key players already unavailable for selection. Dario Essugo remains sidelined with a long-term injury and won’t return until early next year, while Cole Palmer, who is Maresca’s star man, remains out with a niggling groin problem.

Adding to Chelsea’s woes upfront, number nine Liam Delap continues to nurse his hamstring, with reports suggesting the summer signing won’t be back until around November/December time.

Delap’s physical presence and goal-scoring instinct have been missed, and his absence limits Maresca’s striker depth at a time when goals are desperately needed.

Defensively, Levi Colwill, won’t be back until next year after he suffered an ACL tear in pre-season, leaving Maresca with Trevoh Chalobah, Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo as his only centre-back options right now.

To make matters more complicated, Enzo Fernández, Chelsea’s influential attacking midfielder, could be a doubt to play Forest after withdrawing from international duty. Fernandez pulled out of Argentina’s squad citing knee inflammation, raising some concerns about his fitness ahead of the trip up north.

Reece James, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro didn’t travel to represent their countries due to knocks, and while all three could return to face Forest, alongside Andrey Santos and Tosin, the latter pair haven’t been spotted in Cobham training this week.

Enzo Fernández

Knee

Unknown

Cole Palmer

Groin

November

Andrey Santos

Knock

Nottingham Forest

Tosin Adarabioyo

Calf

Nottingham Forest

Dario Essugo

Thigh

Early 2026

Liam Delap

Hamstring

November/December

Levi Colwill

ACL

Spring 2026

via Standard Sport

Postecoglou, meanwhile, will be looking to exploit Chelsea’s injury woes and secure vital points, with the Australian’s job reportedly on the line after a torrid start to life at the City Ground.

Chelsea’s lack of depth in certain areas has been exposed due to injury, and particularly their lack of experience.

Maresca fielded the youngest ever Premier League side on average last season (24 years, 36 days), and their starting eleven to play Benfica was Chelsea’s most youthful team in Champions League history.

Chelsea arguably need more experience in their side if they’re to become Premier League title challengers, so it makes sense that BlueCo hold an interest in the likes of AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan to solve that problem.

Now, according to reports from Italy, Chelsea could turn to another quality veteran in ex-Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Chelsea "pushing" to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic on free transfer

As per Corriere dello Sport, the Al-Hilal midfielder, who earns a whopping £418,000-per-week in the Gulf, could return to Europe next year once his contract expires, even if the Saudi Pro League side want to extend it.

Milinkovic-Savic is attracting serious interest from England, Turkey, La Liga and Serie A, with “half of Europe” considering the 30-year-old on a free transfer.

Maresca’s side are among the pack, and it is believed that Chelsea are pushing to sign Milinkovic-Savic as the West Londoners “like him a lot”.

Interestingly, Guardiola is said to hold the Serbia international — who racked up over 340 appearances for Lazio as a general of their midfield — in “high regard”.

Milinkovic-Savic chipped in with 69 goals and 58 assists during his time in Rome, and hasn’t wavered in the Middle East with 30 goals and 26 assists under his belt for Al-Hilal.

The Serb’s proven creativity and ingenuity in the engine room could be attractive for Chelsea, and he could provide serious competition for Fernandez, who plays a very similar role.

On a free transfer, the appeal is obvious, but Milinkovic-Savic would almost certainly have to take a pay cut given Chelsea’s wage structure.

New Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has made an instant impact since taking the helm at the City Ground, where one of his first moves was to ban a once very popular item of clothing favoured by players during the winter months. Dyche has become the club’s third manager despite the season just being a couple of months old, and the former Forest youth player is already laying down the law with his players.

• High drama at the City Ground

  It has been a dramatic few months for Forest, who have burned into their third manager of the season already, seemingly in disarray, despite qualifying for European football in May. Nuno Espirito Santo began the campaign after a successful seventh-place finish last season but was sacked in September following a public falling out with the owner Angelos Marinakis and his successor, Ange Postecoglou, was appointed in September but lasted only 39 days. The club's third and current manager, Sean Dyche is tasked with stabilising a squad and one of the first changes he has made is to draw the line on the wearing of a certain accessory, which used to be hugely popular with many Premier League players. 

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• AFP
  

  Why it’s rude to wear a snood

  Dyche has banned the snood, which became a short-lived but memorable trend during the 2010-2011 season. Players, notably Manchester City's Carlos Tevez and Arsenal's Samir Nasri, popularised the neck-warmers to combat the cold. The trend sparked a significant debate, pitting the "old school" mentality against modern player comfort. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson famously banned his players from wearing snoods, while Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger defended their use on medical advice. The controversy ended swiftly. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) banned snoods from competitive matches in March 2011, citing safety concerns that an opponent could grab it around a player's neck. And so the snood went the way of goalkeepers wearing jogging bottoms, baggy shorts and long sleeve shirts, consigned to the football history bin.

• No-nonsense Dyche bans snood

  Dyche said: "It’s early yet but I’d like to think they do their homework, I’d like to think they know enough people in the game and ring around. I’ve even let them wear white socks, for goodness sake, I’ve never let anyone do that. That’s fair isn’t it? But they’re not allowed to wear snoods or hats, I had to do a deal somewhere."

  And speaking about club owner Marinakis, Dyche added: "You can question the owner currently, which a few have. But look at the changes from day one to now – they’ve been huge at this football club. At the end of the day, the bigger picture is a lot of goodwill and a lot of good feeling around the area. There’s a bigger picture to this. Look at where the club was before."

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• AFP
  

  Dyche’s overflowing in-tray

  The new Forest boss’ problems are numerous, include a defensively ragged team, a squad with low confidence after a difficult start to the season, and a chaotic club culture under a trigger-happy owner. He must also unify a fractured fanbase after the departure of the popular Espirito Santo. To overcome these issues, Dyche must restore basics , a strategy the club's ambitious owner is aware of but may not tolerate long-term as he chases a dynamic playing style. And he made a flying start with a confident 2-0 victory over Porto in the Europa League, next up is an away trip to Bournemouth and there’s the eye-catching trip to Manchester United in November. 

Nicklas Bendtner has backed Rasmus Hojlund to thrive under Antonio Conte at Napoli, praising the Italian’s "killer mentality and relentless desire to win". The former Juventus forward believes Conte can unlock his compatriot’s full potential as the young striker rebuilds confidence following a mixed spell at Manchester United.

Hojlund resurging under Conte at Napoli

Hojlund’s time at Napoli has quickly become a story of redemption. After a disappointing season at United, where he managed just 10 goals in 52 appearances, the Danish striker’s move to Italy has reignited his career. Joining on loan in the summer, he has already scored four times in six matches, rediscovering the sharp movement and finishing touch that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting prospects.

The 22-year-old has adapted well to Conte’s high-intensity system, showing better link-up play, sharper pressing, and improved composure in front of goal. His resurgence has impressed the club hierarchy so much that they are now pushing to make his transfer permanent as early as January, despite the original clause that tied the €44 million (£38m/$51m) deal to Champions League qualification.

Hojlund’s current spell on the sidelines caused by a minor thigh injury has slowed his momentum, but he is expected to return in Napoli’s upcoming clash with Lecce, where fans hope to see him pick up where he left off.

AdvertisementAFPBendtner hails Conte’s ‘killer mentality’ and winning culture

Few players know Conte’s methods better than Nicklas Bendtner, who played under him at Juventus during the 2012-13 season. The former Arsenal striker, who won his only league title that year, spoke glowingly about the Italian manager’s influence and believes his compatriot Hojlund will benefit enormously from working under him.

“I immediately thought he was a fantastic coach, very loyal and very honest," ex-Arsenal and Denmark striker Bendtner said in an interview with . "I admired his killer mentality and relentless desire to win. He knew how to get the best out of his players, and I think he can do the same today with my compatriot Rasmus Hojlund.”

Bendtner also reflected on his own short spell in Turin, admitting he regretted not being able to show more under Conte’s leadership.

“I really enjoyed my time at Juventus, but unfortunately, I had an injury at a very unfortunate time that kept me out for much of the season. I would have liked to stay longer and prove myself more, because I felt we were a really good fit, Juventus and I.”

Conte’s system proving a good fit for Hojlund

The ex-United strikers' athleticism, pressing instinct, and direct approach make him an ideal fit for Conte’s vertical, fast-paced brand of football. Under Conte, Hojlund has looked sharper in transition and more confident attacking space between defenders. His early success alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay reflected how seamlessly he has slotted into Gli Azzurri's dynamic frontline. However, De Bruyne’s recent thigh injury sustained while scoring a penalty against Inter has disrupted that partnership, forcing Conte to rethink his attacking combinations.

Still, Hojlund’s impact has been enough to convince both clubs to move quickly. The Partenopeiand the Red Devils are already in talks to finalise a permanent deal in January, a move that would allow the Premier League side to move on and the Serie A outfit to secure their long-term striker.

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GettyWhat’s next for Hojlund and Napoli

Hojlund has already resumed training and is expected to be back in action soon, with Serie A leaders Napoli carefully managing his return. His comeback will be crucial as the team navigates a busy run of fixtures in the Italian top flight and the Champions League, where they hope to cement their place among the continent’s elite.

Conte’s belief in structure, mentality, and tactical discipline could prove invaluable for Hojlund’s development. The Italian has a history of moulding forwards into complete players from Diego Costa and Romelu Lukaku to Lautaro Martínez and his track record suggests Hojlund could be next in line.

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أشادت إحدى الشبكات الإنجليزية بأداء النجم المصري محمد صلاح في مباراة يوم الثلاثاء مع ليفربول ضد ريال مدريد، في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستضاف ملعب “الأنفيلد” مباراة فريقي ليفربول وريال مدريد، في الجولة الرابعة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، حيث فاز الريدز بهدف دون رد.

وشارك محمد صلاح في تلك المباراة بأكملها، ولم يسجل أو يصنع، ولكنه قدم أداءً جيدًا، خاصة أمام مدافع الخصم ألفارو كاريراس.

وتحصل محمد صلاح على تقييم بلغ 8/10 من شبكة “thisisanfield” الإنجليزية، والتي قالت عنه: “في مباراته رقم 200 مع الريدز على ملعب أنفيلد، حسم محمد صلاح الأمور لصالحه، ربما عانى النجم المصري في الأشهر الأخيرة لاستعادة مستواه المعهود من الموسم الماضي، لكنه لم يكن ليرفع الراية البيضاء ضد المتصدر الإسباني في ملعب ليفربول”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. سلوت يوضح سر نجاح ليفربول أمام مبابي وفينيسيوس.. ويؤكد: آمل أن يصدقني لاعبي فريقي

وأضافت: “بدا محمد صلاح، في بعض الأحيان، لاعبًا من الطراز القديم، واستمتع بوضوح بفرصة تعليم ألفارو كاريراس، الذي يفتقر إلى الخبرة”.

واستكملت: ‘إذا كان هناك شيء تعلمناه من الأسابيع القليلة الماضية، فهو أن العلاقات المألوفة، في شكل سوبوسلاي وبرادلي، هي المفتاح للحصول على أفضل ما لدى المصري في الوقت الحالي”.