As exciting as Gyokeres: £80m "superstar" now open to signing for Arsenal

While last season wasn’t exactly the most enjoyable of campaigns for Arsenal fans, 25/26 is looking like it could be one to remember.

Just keeping their star players fit and available would be massive in the Gunners’ hunt for a Premier League title, but the board appear to be going all out in the transfer window to ensure Mikel Arteta has the best chance of success.

Martin Zubimendi is already through the door for a cool £60m, Noni Madueke has passed his medical, Christian Mosquera is set for his, and some real depth has been added to the squad with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard.

Arsenal manager MikelArteta

That’s not all, though, as Andrea Berta looks to have finally secured the club a leading number nine in Viktor Gyokeres, and if reports are to be believed, he could soon sign another attacker who’s just as exciting.

Arsenal target attacker as exciting as Gyokeres

While there was quite a lot of work that had to be done to improve and reinforce the squad this summer, there is no denying that a new striker was priority number one for Arsenal.

Transfer Focus

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

After all, Arteta’s outfit produced the best defence in the league last season, but just the third-best attack, and a distant third at that.

So, it’s undoubtedly excellent news that, after weeks of speculation, the club appear to be on the brink of agreeing a deal for Gyokeres, one that will cost them an upfront fee of around £55m.

The Swedish marksman, who scored 54 goals in 52 games last season, will be a hugely exciting addition to the North Londoners’ squad, but he might not be the only one.

At least that is according to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, who on the latest episode of the Latte Firm podcast confirmed that “Arsenal are very interested in Rodrygo.”

The journalist revealed that the Gunners have “spoken to the relevant parties connected to the player” and, in good news, have received “positive feedback” that he would be open to the move.

However, to get their man, the North Londoners would have to pay up to £80m, but even then, Rodrygo would be worth it, and as exciting a signing as Gyokeres.

Why Rodrygo would be as exciting a signing as Gyokeres

The first thing to note is that, no, Rodrygo has not been anywhere near as prolific as Gyokeres has been over the last two years, but that’s an unfair comparison to make, given his position and the competitions he’s been playing in.

Moreover, the 24-year-old has still been a dangerous outlet for Real Madrid, as, since the start of the 2023/2024 campaign, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has found the back of the net on 31 occasions and provided 20 assists in 105 appearances, totalling 7159 minutes.

In other words, the former Santos gem is still able to average a goal involvement every 2.05 games, or every 140.37 minutes across the last two years, which is undoubtedly impressive.

Rodrygo’s recent record

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

51

54

Minutes

3707′

3452′

Goals

17

14

Assists

9

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

0.46

Minutes per Goal Involvement

142.57′

138.08′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Additionally, he has done so while primarily playing out of his preferred left-wing position, and while he’d likely move back there at the Emirates, the fact that he’s so accomplished playing off the right or up top is another reason he’d be a tremendously exciting signing.

Finally, while there are some questions over how the Sporting CP star will cope in the biggest of games due to his relative lack of experience playing in truly elite competition, there are no such concerns when it comes to the Brazilian.

Since moving to Madrid, he has won everything there is to win, including two La Liga titles and two Champions League titles.

Moreover, he’s not just been a passenger for those victories, as he has a stellar record when it comes to Europe’s top competition, scoring 25 goals and providing 14 assists in 64 games.

Ultimately, Gyokeres’ absurd goal tally makes him a seriously exciting signing for Arsenal, but Rodrygo’s record and experience would make him equally so.

He'd be a dream for Gyokeres: Arsenal close in on signing £68m "superstar"

Arsenal are looking to conclude more business after agreeing a deal for Viktor Gyokeres.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 15, 2025

Big Propper upgrade: Rangers open talks to sign 2nd defender after Coady

It is just 40 days since Glasgow Rangers were last in action, drawing 2-2 on the final day of the Premiership season, but they’ll be back very soon at Ibrox, now managed by a new gaffer in the form of Russell Martin.

Rangers’ pre-season schedule commences a week on Saturday, while it is now less than four weeks until competitive action returns to Govan as they enter the second qualifying round of Europe’s premier competition.

By late-July and into August, matches will come thick and fast, Martin’s Premiership debut as Rangers manager coming at Fir Park on Saturday 2 August, hence the need for new signings, and plenty of them, as soon as possible.

Rangers looking to bolster their back line

It is clear that defensive reinforcements at Ibrox are very near the top of Martin’s list of priorities.

Conor Coady is reportedly in talks to join Rangers, while Max Aarons has signed on loan. Rangers are also reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Owen Beck from Liverpool.

max-aarons-transfer-gossip-leeds-united-djed-spence-tottenham-hotspur-farke

Now, according to a report by Football Insider, Rangers have ‘opened talks’ with Peterborough United in an attempt to sign Emmanuel Fernandez, who is valued at around £300k, according to Transfermarkt’s estimations. It’s reported that Martin has already given the green light to complete a deal.

As documented by Samuel Seaman of Pink Un, Norwich City came close to signing Fernandez in January, having a bid accepted before the deal ‘collapsed’ on deadline day.

He references Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony, who forecasted that the Canaries “will try again in the summer”, adding that the defender “has all the attributes needed to have a great career, he wins everything in the air… and can play out with the ball”.

Now though, rather than moving to Norfolk, could the centre-back be on his way north of the border?

Why Emmanuel Fernandez would be an upgrade on Robin Pröpper

As noted by Mark Walker of the Herald, FC Twente manager Joseph Oosting has revealed that he has held talks with Robin Pröpper over a potential move back to Enschede, with Rangers having already agreed to sell him for £1.5m.

Few Rangers supporters are likely to be too devastated to see the Dutchman depart, given that he struggled during his first, and potentially only, season at the club, with Ewan Paton of the Rangers Review asserting that Scottish football is ‘too quick and physical for his capabilities’.

So, would Fernandez be an upgrade? Let’s find out.

Fernandez vs Pröpper 2024/25 comparison

Statistics (per 90)

Fernandez

Pröpper

Appearances

42

43

Minutes

3,407

3,210

Interceptions

0.9

0.9

Tackles

1.1

1.2

Dribbled past per game

0.2

0.4

Clearances

5.8

3.9

% of ground duels won

62.83%

53.25%

% of aerial duels won

76.97%

54%

Average Sofascore Rating

7.20

6.69

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt and SofaScore

First and foremost, worth noting that, even though Fernandez was plying his trade in EFL League One, according to Global Football Rankings, England’s third-tier is only ten spots below the Scottish Premiership, ranked 53rd and 43rd respectively.

In terms of the numbers, the Englishman comes out on top for the majority of defensive metrics included, most notably in terms of duels, winning a staggering 77% of his aerial duels across all competitions.

This is partially due to the fact he is 6 foot 4 in, or 194 cms if you prefer, very much an imposing central defender.

​​​​Thus, Peterborough chairman, Darragh MacAnthony labelled him a “colossus”, adding “he’s been our best defender this season… he’s a gentle giant off the pitch, but aggressive on it”.

Some extra height and presence is exactly what Rangers require, suggesting the 23-year-old would be an excellent addition.

He'd send Propper packing: Rangers are in talks to sign "infectious" star

Rangers are in talks to sign star who could send Robin Propper packing this summer.

ByDan Emery Jun 24, 2025

A dream for Isak: Newcastle plotting move for £50m "wonderkid"

Newcastle United will be looking to do just one thing this summer and that is making sure Alexander Isak is still part of their squad when the summer transfer window closes.

The Swede has enjoyed yet another fruitful campaign in the North East and securing Champions League football will do Eddie Howe’s prospects of keeping him – at least for another season – no harm at all.

Newcastle United managerEddieHoweapplauds fans after the match

The Magpies have a rich history of towering, magnificent centre-forwards throughout their history. From Hughie Gallacher to Jackie Milburn. Malcolm Macdonald to Alan Shearer. Every generation of Newcastle supporters has had the privilege of seeing a proper number nine lead the line for the club.

Since Shearer’s retirement, things looked bleak on that front for a few years. That was until Isak joined the Toon in the summer of 2022 for a fee in the region of £63m.

This was a club-record fee, but over the previous three seasons, the former Borussia Dortmund starlet has more than repaid the faith shown in him by Howe, that’s for sure.

Alexander Isak has been one of Newcastle’s finest signings

Bringing Isak to the club was a major statement of intent by Howe, especially as the club were looking at playing in the Champions League.

Injuries restricted him to just 27 appearances during his maiden campaign at St James’ Park, but he still managed to score ten Premier League goals while chipping in with three assists.

Last season, the Magpies made the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition. Isak may have scored a solitary goal in that campaign, but his overall tally of 25 was the most he had recorded in a single season at club level.

Not someone to be content with that output, the Swedish hitman has only gone and bettered that this season.

At the time of writing, the 25-year-old has found the back of the net 27 times in all competitions, but the striker is offering more than just goals to this Newcastle side.

Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal

Indeed, when compared to his peers in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, Isak ranks in the top 3% for successful take-on percentage (47.7%), in the top 10% for touches in the attacking penalty area (6.28) and in the top 15% for goal-creating actions (0.47) per 90.

Add in the fact that he has recorded six assists for the Toon in the league this term, and it proves just how much he has developed his game.

If Newcastle do qualify for the Champions League, Howe will be determined to reach the knockout stages. In order to do so, however, he must spend this summer in a bid to improve his squad.

Alexander Isak’s PL stats since joining Newcastle

Metric

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

Goals

10

21

23

Assists

1

2

6

Shots per game

2.3

2.6

2.9

Goal conversion percentage

20%

27%

24%

Scoring frequency (minutes)

152

108

116

Via Sofascore

A lack of depth, especially in key attacking positions, is worrying. Could a move for a Bundesliga starlet change that?

Newcastle plotting move for Borussia Dortmund star

Anthony Gordon may be Howe’s main source of goals and assists from the wing, but it is evident that another top-class talent is required to take the club to the next level.

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies have sent scouts to monitor Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens, who has a reported release clause of £50m, as they plot a move to sign the England U21 international.

If the club fails to qualify for the Champions League next season, this fee will fall, opening the door for several clubs to make an offer.

There is no doubt that he wants to play at the top level of European competition, which means Howe will be desperate for his side to finish in the top five.

If so, signing a talent like Gittens would be a huge statement of intent. Furthermore, the young winger would also be a dream signing for Isak.

Why Newcastle must sign Jamie Gittens

Since Niko Kovac began his tenure at Dortmund, it is obvious that Gittens doesn’t quite fit in with his tactical plans.

This means he could be on the move in the summer and, if Howe has the necessary funds, it is a deal that must be a top priority for the club.

Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Lille's Bafode Diakite

The Englishman has already played over 100 competitive matches for the German giants, scoring 17 goals and grabbing 14 assists in the process.

Like compatriots Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham before him, Gittens could certainly be the next massive English talent to depart Dortmund for a move abroad.

After he scored the first Champions League goal of his career in November 2022, Statman Dave hailed the winger as a “wonderkid” and it was hard to argue.

Since then, he has gone from strength to strength, using Dortmund as a potential stepping stone for a move to the Premier League.

Although his displays haven’t been as good as hoped since Kovac took charge, Gittens still ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons (3.58) and in the top 9% for progressive carries (5.49) per 90 when compared to his peers in Europe’s top five leagues.

These statistics show that the youngster is highly effective at beating his man and taking the ball into the final third, which is why he could be a dream for Isak.

He has also created six big chances in the German top flight while averaging 0.7 key passes per game. Again, yet more evidence of why he would be an excellent signing for Isak next season, because he can create high-quality chances for the striker to put away.

The most important aspect for Howe is that Gittens still has plenty of development to do. He is by no means the finished article. Playing alongside stars such as Bruno Guimaraes and Isak will only help him take the next step in his career.

Transfer Focus

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

Gittens is a man in high demand this summer and with Dortmund looking like they are open to selling, the Magpies could face stiff competition for the Englishman when the window opens.

Finishing in the top five of the league table is therefore imperative to their hopes of landing the talented winger. If not, then the club will likely miss the boat on Gittens.

Newcastle now eyeing "unplayable" once-£100m player as cheap loan signing

He could be such an exciting addition to Eddie Howe’s squad.

By
Henry Jackson

May 16, 2025

Ange upgrade: Spurs make contact to land Poch 2.0 who's "one of the best"

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is on borrowed time, with tonight’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt vital for his future.

The Aussie has the opportunity to end a dismal season on a high by claiming European glory, which would undoubtedly allow supporters to forget about their lowly league standing.

The Lilywhites currently occupy 15th place in the Premier League, with their only hope of securing another season in Europe coming down to any triumph in this season’s Europa League.

Tottenham Hotspur manager AngePostecoglou

His side come into the clash level with the Bundesliga outfit after a 1-1 draw in North London seven days ago, with Pedro Porro scoring the goal to ensure they enter the second leg level.

Make or break is a phrase you could describe tonight’s meeting as, with rumours rapidly building over a deal to land a new manager should the 59-year-old fail to deliver later on this evening.

An update on Spurs’ hunt to replace Postecoglou

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been high up on the hierarchy’s list to replace Postecoglou should he get sacked between now and the end of the season.

The Spaniard has led the Cherries to 8th place in England’s top-flight, potentially securing the side European football – an incredible feat for a side who are punching way above their weight.

However, it’s been reported this week that the 42-year-old has held positive talks with the Bournemouth hierarchy over extending his stint at the Vitality.

Such a decision would be a huge blow to the Lilywhites’ pursuit of landing the manager, potentially needing to target alternatives to replace Ange should he depart.

It appears they’ve wasted no time, with TEAMtalk claiming that the hierarchy will make contact with Brentford over a deal to land manager Thomas Frank during the summer.

The Dane has a £10m buyout clause in his deal at the Bees, with the club willing to trigger such a price tag during the off-season ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank

Why Frank would be an upgrade on Ange and become Poch 2.0

Mauricio Pochettino is arguably Spurs’ best manager in recent memory, with the decision to sack him back in 2019 undoubtedly a huge mistake by the hierarchy.

The Argentine was appointed as the club’s manager in the summer of 2014, arriving from Southampton and exceeding the expectations of all supporters during his five-year stint at the helm.

The 53-year-old achieved a 55% win rate during his tenure, notching a record of 1.8 points per game, helping the club reach the Champions League final back in the 2018/19 season.

In his five full seasons in charge, he did a superb job, with his lowest league finish being 5th place during his maiden year, with a Champions League finish a distant dream for supporters in the present day.

Touted Chelsea managerMauricio Pochettino

However, 10 years on from Poch’s appointment, the club could land the next version of the Argentine in the form of Frank, who could follow suit by taking his biggest step in his career by moving to Spurs from a less established top-flight outfit.

When comparing the Dane to current boss Postecoglou, Frank has massively outperformed him, showcasing why he would be an upgrade on the Aussie in North London.

Games played

32

32

Wins

12

11

Draws

7

4

Losses

13

17

Points per game

1.34

1.15

Points total

43

37

Net spend

£24m

£120m

The Bees boss, who’s been labelled “one of the best in the world” by one analyst, has picked up more Premier League wins than Ange this season, subsequently achieving a higher points per game average.

He’s also led the side to a higher league standing, doing so whilst having nearly a £100m lower net spend throughout the 2024/25 season – highlighting the impressive job he’s done on a budget.

From the stats mentioned, it’s evident that Frank would be a huge upgrade on Postecoglou, potentially being the man to catapult the wide back towards the hunt for a Champions League spot.

If he were to be appointed over the summer and get anywhere near the levels achieved by Poch, he would go down in the club’s history forever, with his £10m buyout potential a bargain if he can take the club back to where they belong.

Bigger star than Bergvall & Moore: Spurs have struck gold on "monster" gem

Tottenham Hotspur already have a star who could surpass the levels achieved by Lucas Bergvall & Mikey Moore.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 17, 2025

Man Utd now open to selling star to fund move for "world-class" £62m striker

Manchester United are now open to selling a first-team star, in order to fund a move for a “world-class” striker this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd set for summer rebuild

Man United are on course for their lowest-ever finish in the Premier League, currently sitting in 13th place after the 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest last time out, which indicates Ruben Amorim may have to oversee a major rebuild in the summer.

The Red Devils have looked particularly toothless in attack this season, with summer signing Joshua Zirkzee bagging just three goals in the Premier League, while Rasmus Hojlund has also failed to deliver.

As such, a new striker is being pursued, with talks being held over a deal for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who was on the scoresheet in his side’s 2-1 victory at AFC Bournemouth this week, while United are also in the race for Hugo Ekitike and Lorenzo Lucca.

Man Utd battling to sign "magnificent" 19y/o after scouts sent rave reviews

He’s a future star.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 2, 2025

However, given the scale of the financial issues at Old Trafford, as outlined by Sir Jim Ratcliffe last month, INEOS may have to sell before they can buy, and that could mean cashing in on an academy graduate.

That is according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states Man United are now open to selling Alejandro Garnacho this summer, in order to fund a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

The Red Devils are expected to step up their interest in Osimhen, and the Nigerian could arrive in a swap deal involving Garnacho, with Napoli interested in signing the winger.

Alejandro Garnacho

If Amorim’s side fail to qualify for the Champions League, they may be in a difficult financial position, so a big sale could be needed if they are to bring in a top striker.

Amorim defends Garnacho after Forest horror show

It was a difficult night for United at the City Ground, with Garnacho’s performance being described as a horror show, although Amorim was quick to defend the Argentine, saying: “The most important thing for me is when he needs to run back, he’s running back.

“Of course we want a player who gets into one vs one situations. Sometimes he’s trying too much to make a movement but I think he wants to help the team and he’s doing his best.”

In an ideal world, the Red Devils qualify for the Champions League via a Europa League triumph, but that seems unlikely, given the level of their performances this season, so it could make sense to cash-in on Garnacho this summer.

Osimhen is set to be available for £62m, and there is every indication the “world-class” striker could be the antidote to United’s attacking problems, given his goal record on loan at Galatasaray this season.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Turkish Süper Lig

23

20

Europa League

7

6

Turkish Cup

2

2

It would be a shame to see Garnacho exit Old Trafford, given his progression through the youth system, but if the 20-year-old’s departure is the only way to seal a deal for Osimhen, it may be a necessary evil.

What happens to the members of this South African team now?

Scarred by hope, this thrown-together South African side leaves New Zealand with pride intact – but it’s still unlikely several of these players will play another Test

Firdose Moonda16-Feb-20240:51

Conrad: South Africa’s fight shows volumes about the character of the side

Thank goodness that’s over.No one in the South African camp actually said those words but they would have all been feeling that as their two-Test tour of New Zealand ended largely as expected. They lost.A makeshift South African team, with eight uncapped players in their touring group including the captain, were always considered no match for a New Zealand side unbeaten in home series since 2017 when they were defeated by… South Africa. That South African team would go on to beat Australia at home for the first time since readmission. This one may never play together again. But these players carry with them one of the game’s biggest what-ifs, after threatening to pull off an upset for the ages when they took a lead against New Zealand and floated the possibility they could keep their record of never losing a Test series to New Zealand intact.Related

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“I am very disappointed right now,” Neil Brand, South Africa’s stand-in captain, said afterwards. “Yesterday after tea we were in an amazing position to push the game forward and we had a big batting collapse which cost us greatly. If we batted up until lunch today, the result might have been different.”It’s the shards of hope that cut the deepest, as Brand’s words suggest. South Africa were completely outplayed in the first Test and lost by 281 runs. They were adequate without being exceptional in the first innings of the second Test and scored 242. But then they dragged themselves back into contention by bowling New Zealand out for 211 and sitting in a strong position on 202 for 4. Even, the collapse – 6 for 33 – left them with a lead of 266 and they had New Zealand 53 for 2. Up to that point, the flames of possibility were being fanned. Then Kane Williamson put them out and it was back to reality.”When the No.1 ranked batter in the world plays the way he does, I don’t think we can be too disappointed on the outcome of the match,” Shukri Conrad, South Africa’s Test coach said. “We were always going to be up against it. The only time you are allowed to lose is when the opposition are better than you and they certainly were better than us.”So fair play to New Zealand but what happens to the members of this South African side now?To start with, they will allow themselves a moment of reflection and maybe a little celebration because, after the first Test defeat, they fought back and did not disgrace themselves. “It speaks volumes for the character of the side,” Conrad said. “We only need to look at some of the more experienced guys: the way Dane Paterson still ran in with that second new ball. And Dane Piedt – the competitive edge he has got and how he performed. On the playing field we knew it was going to be tough and it was everything and more. The manner in which the guys have stuck together and wanted to put up a good showing and almost pull off the impossible today. We were in with a shout and can’t fault them for trying and giving their absolute best.”Keegan Petersen will not be too pleased with himself for missing out after making starts•Getty ImagesPaterson will go back to playing domestic cricket at Western Province and on the county circuit for Nottinghamshire. Piedt will return to North Carolina and his life on the American League circuit. Neither are likely to play a Test again. The same can be said for 37-year-old legspinner Shaun von Berg, wicketkeeper-batter Clyde Fortuin and probably also Tshepo Moreki and Duanne Olivier. And what of the others?Before the series, Brand put his hand up as a candidate to replace the retired Dean Elgar. Though he showed glimpses of his potential, he did not put in any performances that suggested he could step up immediately and his leadership was, at times, puzzling. His decision not to bowl himself in Hamilton after taking eight wickets in the first Test was a mystery even to Conrad, who called it “somewhat surprising”. It would seem he hasn’t made a strong enough case though the man himself hopes he will be looked at in future. “It has been an amazing experience. Definitely something I want to be part of in the future,” he said. “And now we know it is possible to play at this level.”He may end up competing with Edward Moore, who scored 23 in the first Test, for a squad place in future but its likely South Africa will look to Tony de Zorzi to open the batting. Another candidate is Raynard van Tonder, who was once seen as a real possibility for the national side after especially after topping the first-class run charts in the 2019-20 season, but was disappointing in this series. On debut, amongst many others, he can’t be blamed for his nerves and, at 25, there’s time for him to find a way back.Zubayr Hamza and Keegan Petersen will be the most despondent because this was their chance to stake a place in the first-choice Test side and they didn’t. Hamza did well in occupying the crease but scored too slowly and Petersen did not capitalise on his starts. Ruan de Swardt gave a better account of himself than both of them with a fighting first-innings 64 in the second Test but it’s difficult to see how South Africa will find a place for him in their first XI.It is only David Bedingham, whose century created the opportunity to unsettle New Zealand, who can be sure he will go on to play Tests in the near future. “He showed glimpses against India but on this tour he showed he is a cut above, certainly of the group we’ve got here,” Conrad said. “Hopefully he has a long, distinguished, successful Test career for the Proteas.”That might be the only measurable gain South Africa makes from this tour but they also walk away with something that can’t be quantified: their pride. They leave with it intact. “That we could come out and push one of the top ranked sides in the world and give them some nervy moments was a good advertisement for us and for Test cricket,” Conrad said.There will be those that argue that failing to reschedule these Tests and being forced to send this squad was the complete opposite of a good advert for Test cricket, and they have a point. But the necessity of the SA20 to South African cricket has been well-documented, as have the efforts CSA made to ask NZC to move this series. It was NZC’s right not to and the board acted on it. In the end, in the grand tradition of South African-ness, South Africa had to “make a plan” and they did. And the plan almost worked. That it didn’t is what will likely have them feeling glad that it’s all over and hopeful they will not be put in a situation like this again.

Stats – Pujara ends 52-innings century drought with record 201*

Derby stood host to three double-centurions in the second round

Sampath Bandarupalli18-Apr-20221 Tom Haines (243) and Cheteshwar Pujara (201*) became the first pair to score double-centuries in the same first-class innings while following-on. They are also the first pair with double-hundreds in the same first-class innings for Sussex since Ted Bowley (228) and Maurice Tate (203) in 1921 against Northamptonshire.2 Pujara became only the second Indian to score a double-century in the County Championship. Mohammad Azharuddin was the first, having scored 212 against Leicestershire in 1991 and 205 against Durham in 1994, both for Derbyshire. Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi also had four double-hundreds in County Cricket, but were scored while he was a Test cricketer for England.ESPNcricinfo Ltd52 First-class innings without a hundred for Pujara before the unbeaten double-ton for Sussex. His last first-class century was scored in January 2020 when he made 248 against Karnataka. Between his recent two hundreds, Pujara scored 1518 runs in the format at an average of 30.36 with 14 fifties.14 Number of first-class double-centuries for Pujara, the most by an Asian player. He has now surpassed Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 13 double-tons. Only eight batters had more first-class double-hundreds than Pujara. No active player other than Pujara has even scored ten double-tons.1 Pujara’s 14 double-centuries in first-class cricket are also the most by any player in the format since the start of the 21st century. Sangakkara held the record previously as all his 13 double-tons came between 2002 and 2017.201* Pujara also recorded the highest individual score on the first-class debut for Sussex. The previous highest score on debut for Sussex was 152 by Joe Gatting against Cambridge UCCE in 2009.239 Shan Masood’s score during the Derbyshire’s first innings. It is the highest individual score by a Pakistan player in the County Championship. The previous highest was 230* by Zaheer Abbas for Gloucestershire against Kent in 1976.

3 Number of players to score a double-century in the game between Derbyshire and Sussex – Masood, Haines and Pujara. It is only the third County Championship match to feature three double-centurions. The County Ground in Northampton stood host for the previous such instances when the home team Northamptonshire faced Essex in 1952 and Glamorgan in 1998.

Jammu & Kashmir's pace future in good hands with Mujtaba Yousuf and Aquib Nabi

The two young pacemen picked up six wickets between them against Karnataka, bowling with pace and guile

Shashank Kishore in Jammu23-Feb-2020It tells you something about the Jammu & Kashmir team that they took the big call to leave out Ram Dayal and Mohammed Mudhasir, two of their most experienced fast bowlers, who have 92 caps between them, for the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against eight-time champions Karnataka.Mujtaba Yousuf and Aquib Nabi, the pair playing in their place, have played seven games combined. Yousuf is the baby of the team at 19, and is only in his second first-class match, coming off a six-for on debut against Haryana. Nabi, slightly older at 23, has had a little more time coming through the set-up’s challenging, and at times disheartening, junior cricket structure, where one good or bad trial can often be the difference between playing or sitting out a season.The two picked up six wickets between them on Saturday to skittle Karnataka for 206. If Jammu & Kashmir make their first-ever semi-final, Yousuf and Nabi’s contribution would be worth its weight in gold. Even if they don’t qualify, the promise these two have shown augurs well for the team’s future.***On Saturday, Yousuf couldn’t stop smiling. He took three wickets, but the wicket of Manish Pandey in particular pleased him no end. It was nicely done, too. Pandey likes to pull, so Yousuf fed him short deliveries with a fielder stationed halfway to the boundary, three of which he pulled for four and one, which was top-edged, fell short of the fielder at fine-leg. So Yousuf went around the wicket and pitched one full, and Pandey nicked behind. As planned.ALSO READ: Mission Jammu-Kashmir – when the ‘champions’ play, anything can happen”Manish , such a big player. To plan and get him out is special. I didn’t know how to celebrate also initially,” he says. “He hit me for three fours, but I was still (unworried) because we had a plan. Irfan Pathan [the team mentor] was backing me, even Ram and Mudhi were guiding me from the fine-leg boundary when I was fielding between overs. Two senior players with 100 games between them are sitting out and helping a (youngster). It feels amazing.”Yousuf, a left-arm quick, remembers his first meeting with Irfan in Srinagar last year. “For three days, he didn’t talk to me, he was just observing me, and I was shivering. Then, after that, he came and put his arm around me and spoke like a friend. I was like ‘wow, an India bowler, with a Test hat-trick against Pakistan, is speaking to me this way’. From then on, he’s been a helping hand. He asks me to message him without hesitation whenever I want.”Irfan was in New Zealand doing commentary last month, but was following my progress through the coaches. He kept telling me, ‘you should be match ready, you will be a match-winner for us’. I was given a debut against Haryana, and I got six wickets. That gave me confidence coming into the quarter-final.”Yousuf comes from Bijbehara, the same town as captain Parvez Rasool. He learnt the ropes at the very ground Rasool had developed with his own money. Until then, Yousuf used to cycle 50 kilometres to Srinagar for trials. His father is a daily-wage labourer and mother a home-maker. While there was little money coming in, Yousuf was insulated from the daily struggle.”It was my brother who shielded me,” he says. “Initially he used to do odd jobs, there was no money at home, but he always said, ‘if we are destined to be poor, we will be, but what if you are destined for great things?’ He now has a bank job after a lot of struggle, so that is also inspiring in a way for me. In fact, my first match fees I gave to him and my parents. They were touched but asked me to keep it for my own future.”Irfan Pathan and Milap Mewada have been the brains behind the team’s success•ESPNcricinfo LtdYousuf was one of the early beneficiaries of Rasool’s small facility, which has two turf pitches as part of a small club. “It was tough, until Parvez set up his own ground with two turf wickets out of his pocket, we used to practice on torn matting wickets before that”When I used to come to the Under-16 or Under-19 trials, it was always a big challenge bowling on turf wickets. On mats, a length ball leaps and flies over the keeper sometimes. On turf, the same length sometimes scoots low or the batsmen hit you through the line. We feel there isn’t much happening. Young kids started getting a lot of help after turf wickets were made there. Thanks to him [Rasool], no one will do things out of his own pocket for the love of the game like this.”Yousuf credits his success this season to his friend, who informed him of the news ticker on a local TV channel – a ploy by the J&K Cricket Association to reach out to players during the shutdown – that wanted him to report to Jammu for a camp.”It was the last night before the deadline to report,” he says. “I’d just returned from NCA [National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru] after a month. When the political situation changed in August, I was in Bangalore. My family wasn’t even aware when I’d return, so when I did, I was just enjoying my time at home, so relieved to see them.”The night before deadline, my friend saw in the news that I’ve been asked to report to Jammu for trials. I ran, literally ran, to Rasool ‘s house. He said we would leave together. But he fell sick the next day, and I found a driver, who took me. There was curfew along the way. We had to use some inside routes. We left at 11pm. If not for my friend, I may have missed reporting in Jammu.”ALSO READ: You can’t take passion for cricket away in J&K – Parvez RasoolAsk him of his favourite memory so far, and the joy in Yousuf’s eyes is difficult to miss. “I got Shubman Gill out in an Under-16 game four years ago. Yorker, middle stump. I found out he was Gill after he was selected for India Under-19s. That was my first match that year. I had no shoes. Parvez got me them and since then he’s been a pillar of support.”Nabi is 23, a right-arm quick with a natural outswinger, and seven matches old. He hails from Baramullah, another town with little or no cricket facilities. He grew up wanting to play football, but the love for ” (fast) bowling” got him hooked. On Saturday, he delivered a ripping spell first up. His dismissal of Karun Nair off the second ball of the day set it up for Jammu & Kashmir.There is a distinct Karnataka connect to Nabi too. Last year, he moved to Bengaluru and spent three months in the city playing for Chintamani Club in the second division of the KSCA League, even helping them earn a promotion to the first division for the upcoming season. Nabi was bored of sitting at home, and a text from his friend in Kuwait made him pack his bags and leave for Bengaluru. It’s a stint he looks back at fondly.”A friend from Kuwait was studying in Bangalore (Jain University), so he asked me if I am interested,” Nabi says. “Chintamani Club had a vacancy, he put my name through. On debut, I scored a century from No. 9 and picked up five wickets. Until then, I had some self-doubts. I used to see big players, a few past Ranji players too, but I would be intimidated. But that gave me the belief.Parvez Rasool shares some smiles with team-mates after yet another Jammu & Kashmir victory•PTI “The infrastructure, access to qualified trainers and coaches, player mindsets – everything is so different. The exposure made me a better bowler. In three months, I played 11 two-day matches, one each week. During the week, I was training under Irfan Ullah, who is now the Karnataka Under-23 coach. I learnt a lot about life also, moving out, struggling. I was staying at my friend’s flat, and used to share the rent with him. It was a different experience, but I learnt a lot about life, about adjusting elsewhere.”Nabi is a quick now, but had started off bowling legspin. Until he realised that you can’t turn the ball much with a tennis ball. A freak injury, which left him with a bloodied nose, forced him to change to fast bowling. “Then I realised how fast I could bowl,” he says. “With the tennis ball, it loses pace once you pitch, so I used to go full, fast. That helped me develop strength also.”Like Yousuf, Nabi’s family – his father taught at a government school – too wasn’t into cricket. “My father wanted me to set an example for my younger siblings,” he says. “He used to initially ask me to study, but once he saw my interest in cricket and how I would go any length to play it, he supported me. Now, even before I tell them, they know how many wickets I have taken or runs I have scored, what is the result of our match. They also feel happy now to see me making it to the Ranji Trophy level, because from where I come, there’s not a single turf wicket.”It’s an exciting time to be a Jammu & Kashmir cricketer. “A lot of changes since Irfan and Milap [Mewada, the coach] sir took over,” he says. “Since Milap sir took over, our mindset changed. There is skills-based focus, a direction to training and nets. Everyone knows their role, everyone’s mentally strong and prepared.”In big games you have to be mentally strong, your mind can’t waver. It could be the difference between wins or losses. They’ve changed the environment completely, we’re together. Not players from Jammu and players from Kashmir. Before, we used to hardly meet ten days before and play. We didn’t know anyone. We hung out with our own set of people. Now I feel with these team activities, I know my mates better than I ever knew them. We eat together, sit together, talk, do stuff together. (everything is shaping up nicely).”Nabi’s fondest memory so far, of course, is his Ranji Trophy debut earlier this season, when he picked up a match-winning five-for against Jharkhand. But he doesn’t want to rest on his laurels. “Now, we’re dreaming of the Ranji Trophy, the Irani Trophy. Earlier, we couldn’t even do that. Whether we do it or not, that belief us there.”

Chelsea women's player ratings vs Everton: Sonia Bompastor's first defeat! Blues' record-breaking WSL unbeaten streak comes to shock end at home to one-win Toffees

Chelsea's record-breaking unbeaten run in the Women's Super League came to a shock end on Sunday as Everton, who came into the game with just one victory in the competition this season, stunned the defending champions, winning 1-0 to deal Sonia Bompastor her first defeat as Blues boss. There were just 12 minutes on the clock when Honoka Hayashi broke the deadlock for the visiting side, giving Chelsea plenty of time to respond, but the hosts couldn't do so as their 34-game unbeaten streak in the WSL was snapped.

It's not that Bompastor's Blues didn't create chances, either. There was some nice build-up play on show from the English champions, carving out opportunities for the likes of Catarina Macario, Alyssa Thompson and, once she entered the game early in the second half, Sam Kerr, but the Chelsea players either produced wayward finishes or found Courtney Brosnan in fine form in the away goal. In the first half especially, the Ireland international produced two outstanding saves, tipping a Macario strike onto the post before doing just another to prevent Thompson's powerful effort squeezing in.

When a goalmouth scramble in the latter stages left everyone in the ground wondering just how the ball had stayed out of Everton's net, it felt like a sign that it just wasn't to be Chelsea's day. Two goal line clearances and two efforts off the bar, all in second half stoppage time, only continued the theme as the Toffees clung on and claimed their first WSL win over Chelsea in 12 years, dealing a massive blow to the Blues' title defence in the process. Bompastor's side are now six points behind leaders Manchester City, with the season just one game away from its halfway stage.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Kingsmeadow…

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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Livia Peng (6/10):

    Had nothing to do except pick the ball out of the back of her net.

    Ellie Carpenter (5/10):

    Was beaten to the ball by Hayashi for the decisive moment in the game.

    Lucy Bronze (6/10):

    Marshalled Gago quite well in an intriguing individual battle, especially given she was playing an unfamiliar position.

    Naomi Girma (6/10):

    Moved the ball well and dealt with Everton's threat on the counter well to stop the Toffees' adding to their lead when chances to counter occurred.

    Sandy Baltimore (7/10):

    Consistently presented Everton with problems. Took a positive and confident approach, running at defenders and getting shots off while delivering good set pieces. Just couldn't quite find the breakthrough Chelsea needed, even hitting the bar with the last kick.

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    Midfield

    Keira Walsh (5/10):

    Tidy on the ball but couldn't provide a moment of quality to really carve Everton open.

    Maika Hamano (5/10):

    Had some decent moments in possession but could've moved better off the ball to be more of a threat.

    Catarina Macario (5/10):

    Moved well, linked play nicely and forced a fantastic save out of Brosnan early on, but was often operating in much deeper positions than she would've liked and so couldn't be a consistent threat.

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    Attack

    Alyssa Thompson (6/10):

    One of Chelsea's livelier performers. Unlucky not to score, seeing a good effort well-saved in the first half before another went just wide after the break.

    Aggie Beever-Jones (5/10):

    Worked hard and had some nice moments creating for others but lacked service.

    Lauren James (5/10):

    Got a good 55 minutes under her belt on her first start of the season after injury. Looked lively, especially considering her time out, and forced a good save out of Brosnan in the first half, but lacked incision.

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    Subs & Manager

    Sam Kerr (4/10):

    Was on the end of plenty of chances but just couldn't provide that clinical finish she's so known for, with one pretty bad miss in particular.

    Sjoeke Nusken (6/10):

    Showed quality in possession after coming on, creating plenty of chances, but couldn't make a defining difference.

    Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (5/10):

    Didn't bring her direct running consistently enough to trouble Everton.

    Wieke Kaptein (N/A):

    Suffered her first ever WSL defeat in her 26th game in the competition, with her unlucky not to prevent that from happening herself when a header hit the bar late on.,

    Sonia Bompastor (5/10):

    Went very attacking with her line-up but by selecting a lot of players who like to roam and pick up pockets of space, players got in each other's way at times and there wasn't a lot of structure, either. Reacted well with her changes, in terms of addressing that problem and also by giving the subs a lot of time to make their mark, but the ball just wouldn't go in the net.

Real Madrid legend explains why La Liga won't review controversial Vinicius Jr collision that left Inaki Pena bleeding as Jude Bellingham netted late equaliser against Elche

Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw at Elche sparked fresh controversy after Vinicius Jr collided with goalkeeper Inaki Pena in the build up to Jude Bellingham’s late equaliser. Elche protested fiercely as Peña was left bleeding, but La Liga’s "Review Time" panel will not re-examine the incident and former Madrid star Fernando Morientes, an member of the panel, has explained why.

Madrid rescue point amid protests as Elche rage over Vinicius collision

Los Blancos were forced to settle for a frustrating 2-2 draw against Elche, extending their winless run to three matches in all competitions. After falling behind twice to goals from Aleix Febas and Alvaro Rodriguez, Madrid salvaged a point when Bellingham struck in the 87th minute. But the equaliser triggered furious protests from the home side. In the build up, Vinicius collided with goalkeeper Pena, leaving the Elche goalkeeper bleeding from the nose. Despite strong protests and VAR checks, the goal stood.

Elche manager Eder Sarabia was livid afterward, insisting the challenge should have been given as a foul, saying: “It’s a clear foul. Not a normal part of the game. That’s what VAR is for. It’s a very clear foul; it hits the goalkeeper and even draws blood. It’s crystal clear.”

He doubled down in his post-match remarks: “I’m not at all happy with the result, especially considering the decisive moments of the match. Vinicius’s foul for the 2-2 equalizer was crystal clear. Inaki didn’t see the play, but it wasn’t just a normal part of the game, it was a clear foul. It makes me angry to waste time on these things.” His anger set the stage for a fresh refereeing debate and all eyes turned to the Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) new “Review Time” system.

AdvertisementAFPReal Madrid legend explains why the play won’t be reviewed

On , former Madrid striker Morientes, a member of the advisory group that selects which incidents are reviewed, revealed why the collision will not be included.

Before delivering the verdict, he clarified that the panel had already agreed unanimously on which plays to review this week: “There were already some plays that we had unanimously chosen and this one comes in the last game and almost in the last minutes of the game and unanimously we all think it was a totally fortuitous play, not just me,” Morientes said. “I have already shown that I don't care that he is from Madrid.”

He insisted the contact looked accidental: “Live, it seemed totally accidental to me, a play between a striker and a goalkeeper.”

Morientes then gave a striker’s perspective from experience: "I put myself a little in the striker's shoes, which I've experienced 50,000 times, I mean, 50,000 times I've had to bleed from contact with the opponent's head, elbow, shoulder… and the goalkeeper, unfortunately, many more times because he usually goes low and in those kinds of situations." 

Pena changes his stance after seeing the replay

While the incident was dismissed as “fortuitous” by the Review Time committee, Pena offered a different view after seeing the footage inside the dressing room.

He revised his initial pitch-side comments and expressed frustration with what he saw on video: “He shoots, tries to go for the rebound, but on the second play he doesn't let me participate because he knocks me out. For me, it is a foul, but if the referee goes to VAR and says it's not a foul, there's nothing we can do.”

His shift in tone reflected a deeper anger in the Elche camp, who felt they had earned more than a single point after leading the match twice. For them, it was another example of a decisive moment where decisions went Madrid’s way – a narrative that has shaped much of the wider debate around officiating in Spain this season.

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Getty ImagesMadrid look to reset ahead of key fixtures

Madrid now turn their attention to the Champions League, where they face Olympiacos in Athens on Wednesday. A win would help restore momentum and strengthen their group position after a difficult domestic run. After returning from Europe, Madrid play Girona, currently 18th at the Estadi Montilivi as they push to steady their La Liga form. Despite recent setbacks, they remain top of the league with 32 points, just one point ahead of Barcelona.

Xabi Alonso has urged his squad to raise their intensity and return to the standards that defined their strong start to the campaign. All eyes will now be on whether Los Blancos can convert that message into results and move past another heated refereeing flashpoint.

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