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Mikel Arteta's side struck five times in Lisbon while keeping Europe's hottest striker under wraps at the back

Arsenal bounced back from defeat last time out in the Champions League as they handed Sporting CP their first defeat of the campaign with a dominant 5-1 win on Tuesday.

Having lost to Inter on matchday four, the Gunners couldn't afford to drop anymore points as they look to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase, and they made a perfect start as Gabriel Martinelli latched onto Jurrien Timber's low cross to tap in after just seven minutes.

Mikel Arteta's side made all the running throughout the first half, and doubled their lead midway through the opening 45 minutes as Kai Havertz finished into an empty net after Bukayo Saka beat goalkeeper Franco Israel to Thomas Partey's pass over the top. Gabriel Magalhaes then made it three with the final touch before the break as he powered a close-range header home from a corner.

Sporting eventually sprang into life after half-time, and found the net within two minutes of the restart as Goncalo Inacio forced the ball home at the near post from a corner. However, their hopes of a comeback were extinguished just past the hour mark as Martin Odegaard was fouled by Ousmane Diomande inside the box and Saka converted the penalty.

Leandro Trossard added a late fifth after Mikel Merino's shot was parried into his path, as Arsenal put the rest of Europe on notice with a victory over one of the continent's most impressive teams so far this season.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Estadio Jose Alvalade…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (7/10):

Made strong saves to deny Quenda and Morita either side of half-time, and again to keep out Hjulmand later in the game. Commanded his box well, and had no chance with Inacio's deflected goal.

Jurrien Timber (8/10):

Excellent in the first half as he combined well with Saka and Odegaard. Superb low cross created Martinelli's opener. Also strong in defence.

William Saliba (8/10):

Dealt well with Gyokeres on the rare occasion the striker came over to his side. Never looked fazed even when Sporting threatened a second-half comeback.

Gabriel Magalhaes (9/10):

Far too physical for Gyokeres as he constantly forced him away from goal and stole the ball off the striker. Scored his now trademark header from a corner, too.

Riccardo Calafiori (5/10):

Troubled on occasion by Quenda's directness and lost Inacio for Sporting's goal. Looked a little rusty.

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Declan Rice (7/10):

Was in constant motion during the first half, which allowed him to constantly pick up the ball in space and get Arsenal moving forward. Fine set-piece delivery created Gabriel's goal.

Thomas Partey (8/10):

Ran the game in the first half as he bullied the Sporting midfield and used the ball intelligently. Superb chipped ball over the top got Saka in behind for the second goal.

Martin Odegaard (9/10):

Absolutely outstanding, particularly in the first half. Played some outrageous passes in the final third, and then made the run that led to the penalty that eased the Gunners' second-half nerves.

AFPAttack

Bukayo Saka (8/10):

Caused Araujo plenty of problems as he constantly darted inside to threaten the Sporting goal. Pace got him in behind to create the second goal, and scored the fourth himself from the penalty spot.

Kai Havertz (7/10):

Couldn't miss for his goal, and showed some nice touches around the penalty area, especially when playing in Odegaard in the build-up to the penalty.

Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):

Tap-in got the ball rolling early on, and had a couple of nice moments thereafter, even if he was quieter than his fellow forwards.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Leandro Trossard (6/10):

Couldn't miss after Merino's saved shot came to him inside the six-yard box.

Mikel Merino (6/10):

Had a couple of loose touches, but was involved for the fifth goal.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

Replaced Calafiori for the final 15 minutes.

Ethan Nwaneri (6/10):

Had a couple of nice touches in his short cameo.

Jakub Kiwior (N/A):

On for Gabriel in the closing stages.

Mikel Arteta (9/10):

Played Sporting at their own game and his side never looked uncomfortable. His players were disciplined out of possession and devastating in attack. A real sign of progress after some underwhelming away days in Europe.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side made it two wins from two in pre-season during the early hours of Sunday morning, beating fellow Premier League side Manchester United 2-1 in California.

The win comes after the Gunners also beat English opposition Bournemouth earlier in the week, with a penalty shootout securing the win.

Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli secured a second win of pre-season for the North London outfit, despite going a goal down just 10 minutes into the meeting after Rasmus Hojlund’s strike.

It was a great opportunity for various first-team and academy talents to stake their claim for a regular place in the squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, where Arteta will be aiming to end the club’s 20-year wait for an English top-division title.

One star hugely impressed despite a brief cameo on the pitch, with Arteta now facing a dilemma over his transfer plans as a result of his performance in the US.

Gabriel Martinelli’s stats against Manchester United

Brazilian winger Martinelli endured a tricky end to last season, often being utilised as an impact player, scoring just six goals in the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign.

Leandro Trossard was Arteta’s preferred option on the left-hand side, but after his cameo off the bench last night, he will undoubtedly have given the Gunners’ boss something to think about in the coming weeks.

The Brazilian was brought on in the 71st minute as a replacement for Reiss Nelson, and managed to score the winner with an excellent drive inside before firing the ball past Andre Onana at his near post.

However, despite his goal, he produced some excellent stats, managed of which would’ve caught the eye of boss Arteta.

Minutes played

19

Goals

1

Dribbles completed

3/3 (100%)

Passes completed

3/3 (100%)

Duels won

4/6 (66%)

Tackles won

1

Crosses completed

1/2 (50%)

He managed to complete all three of his attempted dribbles, achieving a 100% success rate, whilst also managing to register the same tally of passes during his cameo off the bench.

The 23-year-old looked sharp, playing with a point to prove, winning four of the six duels that he contested whilst also managing to complete a tackle – as he was awarded a 7/10 match rating by journalist Kaya Kaynak.

His performance would’ve been exactly what Arteta was wanting from the forward after his below-par couple of months for the Gunners, with Martinelli potentially catapulting himself back to being a starter and changing the manager’s mind about one addition.

Why Arteta can forget Williams after Martinelli’s display

In recent months, Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for Athletic Bilbao’s talented winger Nico Williams.

Their interest undoubtedly increased as a result of his impressive Euro 2024 campaign, which saw the Spaniard register two goals and one assist, as he helped his nation win the competition for a fourth time.

It’s previously been reported that the 22-year-old has a £49m release clause in his current contract, with the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea both also wanting to sign the star this summer.

However, with Martinelli being a similar age to the Bilbao forward, he needs consistent minutes in the Premier League to continue on his upward trajectory at the Emirates.

Williams’ potential arrival in North London would only hamper the Brazilian’s progress at the club, with Martinelli showcasing against United that he still has what it takes to be a crucial player under Arteta this season.

Whilst last season was a disappointing one for the attacker, the new campaign presents a new opportunity for Martinelli to impress and reach the levels all Arsenal fans know he’s capable of.

It’s fair to say that among the disappointments of the 2023/24 campaign, there were a handful of shining lights that pointed towards a positive future at Manchester United.

One of those was most definitely Kobbie Mainoo, who excelled at the heart of the midfield under Erik ten Hag from the very second he stepped foot on the field against Everton in November.

At just 19 years of age, he has the maturity and quality to perform at the highest level against the very best, as shown by his FA Cup-winning goal against Manchester City.

With the brilliant Mainoo in mind, let’s take a look at a Red Devils target who could prove to be United’s very own Declan Rice.

Man Utd’s recent transfer activity

Jarrad Branthwaite has been the most heavily linked player to Old Trafford so far this summer, but his move could prove difficult given Everton’s extreme demands.

At the other end of the field, Joshua Zirkzee is a name that’s been mentioned in reports, as United could look to activate his £33.7m release clause.

However, it’s in the middle of the park where United are looking to reinforce, with Edson Alvarez and now Conor Gallagher listed as targets.

According to reports from Spain, Man United have entered the race to sign the Chelsea midfielder this summer alongside Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.

It’s said that the Blues would be willing to sell the England international for £42m, as they look to raise funds for the player viewed as replaceable.

Gallagher could be Man Utd’s own Rice

Under the influence of Mauricio Pochettino, Gallagher became such a vital cog in the Chelsea system, regardless of what position he was deployed in.

Just like all the best leaders in the Premier League, the academy graduate led by example in every single match, displaying determination and the desperation to succeed.

Throughout the campaign, the versatile midfielder started 37 Premier League games, which would have been 38 had he not received a red card against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The former Crystal Palace loanee also proved that he can become a match-winner, becoming influential in the final third with five goals and seven assists.

Touches

70.29

73.95

51.17

Passes completed

51.82

56.96

34.99

Progressive passes

4.95

7.76

2.99

Progressive carries

1.78

2.09

1.17

Tackles

2.45

2.32

2.20

Interceptions

1.24

1.23

1.03

Balls recovered

6.36

4.97

4.49

It’s fair to say that Gallagher has absolutely everything you’d look for in a modern-day midfielder, and the same can be said for Rice.

As you can see from the table, it’s no surprise that Rice and Gallagher have been classified as ‘similar players’ by FBref.

Firstly, the duo are both technically gifted and have the ability to work in tight spaces, control a game, and help the side during the build-up phase, as shown by their touches, passes completed, and progressive passes.

This would make Gallagher an ideal partner for Mainoo, as between them, they’d be able to dictate the tempo of the game as well as adopt the playing out from the back approach.

On the other hand, Gallagher is known for being an absolute “machine” when it comes to off-the-ball actions and intensity, as dubbed by teammate Moises Caicedo.

Just like Rice, the 24-year-old is full of energy, and he can cover ground with ease due to his athleticism, which would be a welcomed addition from Mainoo’s perspective, especially as he was partnered by Casemiro last season, who “cannot run,” as per football creator Liam Canning.

Together, Mainoo and Gallagher would be an absolute nightmare to play against due to the intensity, technical quality, and defensive security they’d bring to the team, which United simply didn’t have enough of last season.

Overall, signing Gallagher could prove to be a masterclass by Man United, especially given that he’s a Rice clone and he’d thrive next to Mainoo, which is why ten Hag must swoop for him before the window slams shut in August.

What Man Utd's dream XI could look like after £230m spending spree

Marcus Rashford doesn’t make the best eleven.

1 ByTom Lever Jun 7, 2024

Chelsea are reportedly ready to give Thomas Tuchel a warm welcome when he visits Stamford Bridge as the England manager.

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• Tuchel to take England job from January 2025
• Will visit Chelsea to watch them in the Premier League
• Blues will welcome former manager with open arms

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea dismissed Tuchel during the early months of BlueCo's ownership after they were embroiled in several disagreements and following a shaky start to the campaign in 2022-23. Despite the unceremonious exit, the Blues are ready to bury the past and show their appreciation for his past contributions, notably their 2021 Champions League triumph, when he returns to west London in a different capacity, according to .

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea's American ownership are said to take great pride in players representing their national teams. They are reportedly supportive of Tuchel’s quest to lead England to glory in the 2026 World Cup and are willing to assist him in any way possible way. The Blues hope that their cooperation is expected to benefit Chelsea players such as Cole Palmer, who will be aiming for regular call-ups to the national team under Tuchel. Moreover, most Premier League clubs often have a specific reserved seat at their stadium for whoever the England manager is.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Tuchel has brought aboard former Chelsea assistant Anthony Barry to his backroom staff and has reportedly expressed interest in bringing more familiar Stamford Bridge faces to his England setup. It is said he also wants to recruit Henrique Hilario, Chelsea's current goalkeeping coach, to his England team. However, Chelsea will not allow him to split his duties between the club and the national team. The Blues are only open to Hilario taking a full-time role with England if he leaves his position at Chelsea entirely. Meanwhile, James Melbourne, who was the head of performance analysis at Chelsea, has left his post and is also tipped to reunite with Tuchel.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR TUCHEL?

  Interim manager Lee Carsley will remain in charge of England for the upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland next month before Tuchel takes up his role in the new year.

An "absolutely outstanding" Everton player has reportedly seen a bid accepted for him by a European club, with a medical already being lined up.

Everton transfer news

This summer is a case of the Blues making new signings but also trying to keep hold of important current players, even though that may be difficult for them to comply with the league's PSR guidelines.

Jarrad Branthwaite is one such figure who could be sacrificed, being linked with a move to Manchester United, and Peterborough United defender Ronnie Edwards has apparently been lined up to replace him, being backed to play for England one day.

Similarly, star midfielder Amadou Onana could also need to be replaced, with a switch to another Premier League club mooted throughout the summer to date, and Leicester City ace Wilfred Ndidi has emerged as a strong option to come in for the Belgian, filling the void left by him in the middle of the park.

Seamus Coleman isn't the force he used to be for Everton at right-back, which is only natural given his age, and Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka is reportedly being lined up to come in during the current transfer window. He found himself behind Diogo Dalot in the pecking order at Old Trafford last season, and his expert one-on-one defending could make him a shrewd addition for Sean Dyche.

"Outstanding" Everton man closes in on exit

According to a new report from Football Insider, Ben Godfrey is on the verge of leaving Everton for Atalanta, with their improved bid for him accepted. It is claimed that the Englishman "will arrive in Milan at 10am on Friday to undergo an Atalanta medical and finalise personal terms", with a fee of "£9m including add-ons" agreed.

This does feel like the right time for Godfrey to move on and enjoy a fresh challenge, not only allowing him more regular football but also ensuring that Everton receive a healthy amount of money for his services.

The 26-year-old hasn't been considered a key man under Dyche, only starting 13 out of a possible 38 Premier League games last season, although there could be a risk in selling the defender, considering Rio Ferdinand once heaped praise on him.

"You’ve got two centre-backs playing at full-backs. Ben Godfrey has been absolutely outstanding. The pace he has shown in the last couple of games…were against Timo Werner, Chelsea, the last game against Arsenal.

"You look at the pace of the kid. Pepe, £72m worth, I am sure Mr Godfrey would be looking at his pocket and thinking ‘where is he? Someone causing me a bit of friction in my pocket."

Everton could axe £25m flop who earns more than Branthwaite

He has struggled to find his feet this season

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 28, 2024

That being said, it is still the right decision by Everton, and it will be interesting to see how the £75,000-a-week Godfrey fares in Italy. He should be remembered as a solid servant for the Blues, making 93 appearances since arriving from Norwich City back in 2020, and the hope is that the funds can be used to bring in a superior replacement.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo fez o dever de casa no Estádio Nilton Santos. Na noite deste domingo, o Alvinegro Carioca venceu o Brasil de Pelotas por 1 a 0, em partida válida pela 18ª rodada da Série B do Brasileirão e encostou no G4 da Série B. No primeiro jogo como titular desde que retornou ao Glorioso, Carli marcou o gol da vitória.

Confira a classificação da Série B

O confronto também foi marcado por polêmicas de arbitragem. Logo no começo do segundo tempo, a arbitragem ignorou dois pênaltis a favor do time de General Severiano e deixou de expulsar o zagueiro Arthur, do Xavante, depois de falta em Diego Gonçalves

O Botafogo volta a campo na próxima quarta-feira contra o Guarani, no Brinco de Ouro da Princesa, às 19h. Já o Brasil de Pelotas joga na próxima quinta-feira, no Bento Freitas, às 21h30. Ambas as partidas são válidas pela 19ª rodada da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro.

>Rescisão é publicada no BID, e Rafael Carioca não é mais jogador do Botafogo

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SURPRESA

A postura do Brasil de Pelotas no primeiro tempo não foi como o Botafogo esperava. Ao invés de se defender e sair no contra-ataque, o Xavante adiantou as linhas e marcou o Alvinegro Carioca sob pressão. O time gaúcho, inclusive, conseguiu criar boas chances de gol, mas teve dificuldade em conclui-las em gol.

Assim, o Botafogo teve certa dificuldade para impor seu jogo, mas conseguiu criar uma boa chance com Navarro. Depois de bom passe de Chay, o camisa 99, que estava dentro da área, cortou a marcação, ajeitou o corpo e chutou de perna esquerda. Contudo, Denílson apareceu e desviou a bola. Após esse lance, que ocorreu aos 14 minutos, o Alvinegro oscilou um pouco na partida até crescer de produção na reta final do primeiro tempo.

“O CAPTAIN! MY CAPTAIN”

O Botafogo cresceu de produção na reta final do primeiro tempo e conseguiu furar o bloqueio do Xavante. Depois de uma jogada de escanteio, a bola sobrou para o Oyama no meio campo, que encontrou Pedro Castro na entrada da área. Com a defesa desorganizada, Pedro Castro deu ótimo passe para Navarro, que invadia a área, o centroavante, por sua vez, não foi fominha e tocou rasteiro para Joel Carli balançar as redes do Nilton Santos.

Este foi o primeiro gol de Carli desde que retornou ao Botafogo em março deste ano. Ainda vale ressaltar que foi o primeiro jogo do zagueiro argentino desde sua volta.

POLÊMICAS

O Botafogo voltou melhor do que o Brasil de Pelotas e criou boas chances de gol, mas “parou na arbitragem”. Logo aos dois minutos, Chay cobrou escanteio, e Pedro Castro foi puxado por Oliveira dentro da área, mas o árbitro deixou o lance seguir.

Quatro minutos depois, Diego Gonçalves foi lançado em profundidade e ficaria cara a cara com o goleiro Matheus Nogueira, mas foi derrubado por Arthur, que era o último homem. Mesmo sendo um lance para expulsão, o zagueiro ficou só com o amarelo.

Aos 12 minutos, depois de cruzamento na área, a bola bateu na mão de Leandro Camilo. Os jogadores reclamaram de pênalti, mas o lance seguiu. Foi o terceiro erro contra o Botafogo num intervalo de dez minutos.

SUPERIORIDADE

A superioridade do Botafogo no segundo tempo foi notória. O Brasil de Pelotas sentiu o gol e não conseguiu manter o mesmo ritmo forte da primeira etapa. o primeiro ataque do Xavante na etapa final, inclusive, surgiu numa cobrança de escanteio fechada aos 16 minutos.Na reta final do jogo, o time gaúcho pressionou, criou oportunidades promissoras, mas não conseguiu arrancar o empate.

FICHA TÉCNICA
Botafogo 1 x 0 Brasil de Pelotas

Data-Hora: 15/08/2021, às 18h15
Local: Estádio Nilton Santos
​Árbitro: Thiago Luis Scarascati (SP)
Assistentes: Fabio Rogerio Baesteiro (SP) e Vitor Carmona Metestaine (SP)
Quarto árbitro: Alexandre Vargas Tavares de Jesus (SP)

Cartões amarelos: Wesley, Arthur e Wesley (BPL)
Cartões vermelhos: –
Gol: (1-0) (Joel Carli 37’/1ºT)

BOTAFOGO: Diego Loureiro; Daniel Borges, Kanu, Carli (Gilvan 47’/2ºT) e Hugo; Luís Oyama, Pedro Castro e Marco Antônio (Warley 18’/2ºT); Chay (Matheus Frizzo 47’/2ºT), Diego Gonçalves (Ênio 38’/2ºT) e Rafael Navarro (Rafael Moura 38’/2ºT). Técnico: Enderson Moreira.

BRASIL DE PELOTAS: Matheus Nogueira; Oliveira, Leandro Camilo, Arthur e Paulinho; Denilson (Diego Gomes 29’/2ºT), Kevin e Wesley (Rômulo 29’/2ºT); Renatinho (Gabriel Terra, Intervalo), Júnior Viçosa e Netto.Técnico: Cléber Gaúcho.

Former captain brings the curtain down on one of the most storied careers in Indian cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-20203:18

Chopra: Very few understood the pulse of ODIs the way Dhoni did

MS Dhoni has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to the top-flight career of one of India’s greatest limited-overs cricketers, and its most successful captain. He is the only captain to lift all three ICC trophies – the 50-over World Cup, the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy – and he also took India to the top of the ICC Test rankings.Dhoni, 39, took to Instagram to make his announcement, putting up a slideshow of images from his career, with the caption: “Thanks – Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired.” (sic)While the post didn’t specify it, the retirement is only from international cricket, and Dhoni will play for Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming IPL 2020. He arrived in Chennai on Friday for Super Kings’ short camp at Chepauk ahead of IPL 2020, which will be played in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. Kasi Viswanathan, the Super Kings CEO, had recently said that the team expected Dhoni to play for the franchise even after retirement, till at least 2022. Earlier in January this year, N Srinivasan, the vice-chairman and managing director of India Cements, owners of the Super Kings franchise, had said that Dhoni would be retained by the team going into the mega auction for the 2021 IPL.ALSO READ: The Dhoni legend in seven inningsThe announcement meant Dhoni’s final international match would remain his 350th ODI: the World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand in July 2019. Dhoni made 50 off 72 balls in that game before being beaten by a rocket throw from Martin Guptill by inches as India exited the tournament. Dhoni hasn’t played any competitive cricket since then and had only resumed proper training with Super Kings in March before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.1:13

Dasgupta: Thank you MS for the lovely memories

Dhoni also played 90 Test matches and 98 T20Is in an international career that began in December 2004. His statistics are outstanding: more than 15,000 international runs across formats, 16 centuries, and more than 800 dismissals as wicketkeeper.”It is the end of an era,” Sourav Ganguly, Dhoni’s first international captain and now the president of BCCI, said in a statement. “What a player he has been for the country and world cricket. His leadership qualities have been something which will be hard to match, especially in the shorter format of the game. His batting in one-day cricket in his early stages made the world stand up and notice his flair and sheer natural brilliance. Every good thing comes to an end and this has been an absolutely brilliant one.”He has set the standards for the wicketkeepers to come and make a mark for the country. He will finish with no regrets on the field. An outstanding career; I wish him the best in life.”AFP

But Dhoni’s legacy stretches far beyond the numbers: he will be remembered, as both batsman and captain, for his unconventional style and his ability to remain calm in the face of the severest pressure. That shone through in his biggest moment on the world stage, closing out the World Cup final in Mumbai in 2011 with a six to put the icing on a match-winning 91*. In one of the other massive matches of his career, the final of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, he threw the ball to Joginder Sharma for the last over instead of the more experienced Harbhajan Singh. And it worked.ALSO READ – Monga: The star we don’t knowDhoni’s life story was unusual enough to warrant a biopic. His roots, in the cricketing backwaters of Ranchi; his early working life as a ticket inspector for Indian Railways; and the way he burst on to the scene, long-haired, fearless, and big, beefy hitting. Within a couple of years he was captaining India’s fledgling T20I side in the inaugural T20 World Cup; it was, famously, an event the BCCI did not take seriously. India’s win, however, changed world cricket by giving a huge fillip to the IPL – a tournament that was already in the works – and further establishing the BCCI as the pre-eminent global power.In the years that followed, Dhoni’s India had results on the field to match that financial clout. His captaincy was based on his cool, almost computer-like brain, and his ability to not allow the pressure of long-term results to determine his tactics. Along with coach Gary Kirsten, he put his senior performers in a comfortable place, and they returned the favour with some of their best years in international cricket.The 2011 World Cup win was the peak of his career; after that, he had to contend with an ageing team and the toll that non-stop cricket was taking on his own body, especially his back. His batting changed and he cut down on the pyrotechnics for a more calculated approach to batting, especially when among the tail. Towards the end of his career, though, he came in for criticism as his batting slowed down, something that came to the fore during the 2019 World Cup defeat against England. In a chase of 338, Dhoni managed 42 off 31 balls, with India eventually losing by 31 runs despite having five wickets in hand.No appraisal of Dhoni would be complete without mentioning his formidable record in the IPL, where he will still be active. He’s been the face of the Super Kings franchise for its entire existence, either side of its two-year ban, leading them to three titles and five runners-up finishes. Dhoni also captained Super Kings to the Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014.

Chelsea's dealings in the transfer market in recent seasons have been questionable, to say the least, splashing over £1bn on new players with the majority failing to make an impact.

The club have spent upwards of £120m on Roméo Lavia and Wesley Fofana alone, with the two players only making a combined 21 appearances since their respective moves to Stamford Bridge.

However, the club have conducted brilliant business offloading players who were on big wages at Stamford Bridge and have failed to make any impact at their new club.

Mason Mount is a prime example, with the boyhood Chelsea fan leaving the club for a deal worth £60m to join Manchester United, but failing to settle into life in the North West.

He's only managed 14 appearances in the Premier League this season, starting just 14% of matches – with the Blues hitting the jackpot with his departure.

The club also made the right decision in releasing one player, who bled the club dry during his time at Stamford Bridge, despite his excellent goalscoring record before his move to England.

Michy Batshuayi's stats at Chelsea

After forking out £33m for his signature, striker Michy Batshuayi arrived in England with huge potential to be the club's long-term Didier Drogba replacement.

The Belgian made a promising start to life in London, scoring nine times in his 28 appearances during the 2016/17 season.

Batshuayi would build on his impressive start at the club, reaching double figures in all competitions during the following campaign, before joining Borussia Dortmund on loan for the second half of the 2017/18 season.

He would subsequently leave on two separate spells the following season, joining Valencia and Crystal Palace before returning to Stamford Bridge for one last season.

Season

Apps

Goals

2016/17

28

9

2017/18

25

10

2019/20

24

6

The forward managed to score six times in 24 appearances, a solid return, but it wouldn't be enough to keep him at the club with Batshuayi again having temporary stints away from Stamford Bridge, before sealing a permanent move to Fenerbahce in Turkey during the summer of 2022 – ending his six-year stay with the Blues.

Michy Batshuayi's wage during his time at Chelsea

Despite enjoying a run of 23 league goals over the last two seasons for the Turkish side, Chelsea made the right call in offloading the 30-year-old a couple of years ago.

He earned £69k-per-week at Stamford Bridge, as per Salary Sport, a figure that is more than current leading man, Nicolas Jackson, who only takes home £65k-per-week – as per Capology – despite netting 16 goals this season.

Excluding his loan spells away from the club, he pocketed £9m in wages alone, when coupled with his £33m transfer fee, saw the club waste £42m on the Belgian forward.

Whilst it was a risk worth taking at the time, the "awful" Batshuayi, as dubbed by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, failed to impose himself during his time at Stamford Bridge.

It's great to see the striker finding his feet elsewhere once again, but given his huge earnings and transfer fee, he bled the club dry of a huge sum of money that certainly could've been invested better elsewhere.

Chelsea in contact to sign "world-class" star who'd thrive with Jackson

The Blues are reportedly keen to land the impressive centre-forward this summer.

ByDan Emery May 6, 2024

Noel Buck has completed a loan move from the New England Revolution to Southampton, the clubs announced on Saturday.

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• Buck completes move to Southampton
• Initial loan through January
• Midfielder currently playing for England's youth teams

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Noel Buck is heading to Southampton on loan from the New England Revolution, the two clubs confirmed on Saturday. have signed the midfielder on a loan deal through January 31, 2025 with an option to purchase. Buck will initially join Southampton's U-21s.

  The teenager has made 57 appearances in all competitions for the Revs since signing a Homegrown Player deal in 2022. Across 45 MLS appearances, he has five goals and three assists.

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• Getty/New England Revolution
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Buck has been at the center of an international battle and, so far, England has been winning handily. The midfielder is eligible for both England and the U.S. men's national team, but Buck has opted to play for England thus far. He's featured for England up to the U-20 level and was a part of that squad as recently as June.

  “I feel like [the USMNT hasn't] really given me the time of day to be completely honest,” Buck said in September after arriving at a Revs game wearing an England jersey. “And when I get called to an England camp, you know, it’s an honor for me.

  “Wearing this shirt isn’t a symbol of like, screw the U.S. because it’s not. They just haven’t given me the time of day and I want to have a good time and really learn something there.”

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT WAS SAID

  "Noel is an extremely talented young player who is very deserving of this opportunity to join Southampton and test himself in a new environment," Revolution Sporting Director Curt Onalfo said. "It has been gratifying to watch Noel's growth as a player from his start in our Academy through his ascendancy to the first team. We look forward to seeing Noel continue his development during this loan spell in England."

  "Noel joins us with over 50 professional games under his belt with New England Revolution, and representing England at various age groups," Southampton Academy Director Andy Goldie added.

  "That experience, and how he performed on those stages, makes him a really interesting signing for us and the deal provides a great opportunity for us to work closely and learn more about his long term potential over the coming months."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR BUCK?

  Buck could make his debut as soon as Sept. 13, when Southampton's U-21s face West Brom's U-21s in the Premier League Cup.

Forecast for Thursday in Sydney is bleak, and there are no reserve days for the semi-finals

Alex Malcolm03-Mar-2020

Who are in the semi-finals?With both matches in Sydney called off today, India will be facing England at 3pm local time in the first semi-final, while Australia will be taking on South Africa at 7pm in the second match.What is the minimum number of overs for the match to count?
Normally, five overs per side are needed to constitute a T20 match, but the rules are different for ICC tournaments, with ten overs per side required. That means there will need to be at least 40 overs of play – 20 in each game – to get two results. The nature of the double-header will mean there will only be a spare 30 minutes for both games before overs are lost due to rain. The first game is scheduled to finish at 6pm local time, while the second game is scheduled to finish at 10pm.Who play the final if both games are washed out?
If both games are washed out, then the highest-ranked team from the two groups will progress to the final. India finished on top of Group A and South Africa finished on top of Group B. They would progress to play in the final.Is there a reserve day for the semi-finals?
No. The two teams that progress to the final are required to travel from Sydney to Melbourne on Friday, the day after the semi-finals, ahead of Sunday’s final at the MCG.Is there a reserve day for the final?
There is a reserve day available if the final is washed out at the MCG on Sunday with an option available to return on Monday. However, the forecast looks good for Sunday in Melbourne with no rain forecast and pleasant temperatures likely.