Captain’s knock enables home side to take 169-run lead

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Apr-2025Gloucestershire 222 and 128 for 3 (Charlesworth 77*) trail Derbyshire 391 (Madsen 118, Came 83, Jewell 61) by 41 runsDerbyshire captain Wayne Madsen again left his mark on Gloucestershire with the 40th first-class century of his career on the second day of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two match at Derby.The 41-year-old’s hundred was his sixth against Gloucestershire and put his side in a commanding position with support from Harry Came who scored 83 and shared a third wicket stand of 177.Madsen also completed 16,000 first-class runs during his 118 and with Zak Chappell adding a breezy 61 from 67 balls, Derbyshire reached 391, a lead of 169.Marchant de Lange with 3 for 31 was the pick of the bowlers for Gloucestershire who closed on 128 for 3, still 41 runs behind, with Ben Charlesworth unbeaten on 77.Gloucestershire went into day two well aware of the damage Madsen could do and under another cloudless sky, he made the most of some very accommodating bowling.The visitors’ attack, with the notable exception of de Lange, lacked the discipline and consistency to put Madsen and Came under pressure, serving up far too many short and wide balls that could be dispatched to the ropes.Madsen welcomed Zaman Akhter by upper-cutting the seamer for six before Came reached his 50, which contained nine fours, from 80 balls.Derbyshire cruised along serenely with 68 runs coming in the first hour with Madsen reaching an inevitable half-century and the 89th of his first-class career off 81 balls.Gloucestershire’s miserable morning got worse when Came on 64 edged Matt Taylor to second slip where Ollie Price fumbled the chance. Price made amends with the penultimate ball of the session, trapping Came lbw as he went back to work the ball to leg but at lunch, Derbyshire were 49 ahead with Madsen eight away from another hundred.Whatever was said in the visitors dressing room clearly made an impression because they had their best spell of the match after the interval. De Lange quickly had Brooke Guest caught behind and in his next over tempted Luis Reeve into a drive which Ollie Price pouched at second slip.When Anuj Dal was trapped on the crease by Tom Price, Derbyshire had lost four wickets in 26 balls for 10 runs and the Price brothers combined two overs later to remove Martin Andersson.As the wickets tumbled around him, Madsen went to his hundred, the 39th first-class for Derbyshire, from 144 balls, and although Ollie Price dropped him four runs later, the offspinner finally removed him when he missed a reverse sweep.But Chappell crushed any hopes Gloucestershire entertained of wrapping up the innings quickly by dispatching Ollie Price for two big sixes on his way to a 60-ball 50.Taylor returned to bowl Chappell and have Jack Morley caught behind but Derbyshire had reasserted their authority leaving Gloucestershire with a lot of batting to do.They started badly, losing Chris Dent cheaply when he got an inside edge into his stumps going half forward to Chappell in the seventh over. But Charlesworth and Ollie Price played with increasing authority to add 70 from 98 balls before Derbyshire set a trap which snared Price.Pat Brown posted a leg gully for Price who turned a ball off his hip into the waiting hands of Andersson and Reece struck another blow when Miles Hammond moved across his stumps and was lbw.Charlesworth and James Bracey negotiated the last five overs but they will need to bat for a long time tomorrow to keep Gloucestershire in the contest.

The fringe and the future of Australian fast bowling was on display on day one of the Sheffield Shield final with Brendan Doggett taking six wickets to roll Queensland for 95 before 19-year-old Callum Vidler took four to ensure South Australia did not run away with the game on a dramatic day at Karen Rolton Oval where 16 wickets fell.Doggett tore through Queensland’s line-up to bowl them out for the lowest first innings total in Shield final history. He took his best ever figures in Shield cricket of 6 for 31 and his second five-wicket haul in a final, having done it previously for Queensland in the 2017-18 decider. He also became the 10th bowler to take multiple five-wicket hauls in a final. Queensland’s total was also the third-lowest in Shield history in any innings.Related

• Sangha and Carey tons hand South Australia first Shield title in 29 years

• 'That is 100% wrong' – Emotional Khawaja insists Queensland knew about his injury

• Ironman Doggett has Shield glory in sights after career resurgence

• From rock-bottom to title favourites: How South Australia learned to believe again

Vidler then responded with a stunning display that was reminiscent of Pat Cummins’ breakout performance in a Shield final as a 17-year-old in 2011. Vidler showcased high pace, swing and accuracy in just his third first-class game to claim 4 for 33, including Test batters Alex Carey and Nathan McSweeney.But when Vidler ran out of gas late in the day, Jake Lehmann continued his phenomenal form to finish 42 not out at stumps, sharing an unbeaten 45-run stand with Ben Manenti, who finished 36 not out to push the hosts to 158 for 6 and a priceless lead of 63 that had been earned by some hard work from opener Conor McInerney who made a vital 38 against the new ball.Doggett made the most of some excellent morning bowling conditions after McSweeney made the unusual decision to bowl first at Karen Rolton Oval given the surface looked far more seam-friendly than usual. The ball swung consistently with Queensland’s batters unable to handle it.Nathan McAndrew celebrates the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne•Getty Images

Doggett made the first breakthrough after coming on first change, removing Usman Khawaja for a tortured 2 off 28 deliveries when he pulled a short ball down fine leg’s throat. But Khawaja should not have survived that long.Nathan McAndrew had him dropped twice in the slips. He edged the third ball of the match to Manenti at second and he failed to hold onto the low chance. In the seventh over, McAndrew’s fourth, Khawaja edged a near identical delivery that angled in and swung away. It floated waist high to McSweeney at first slip and he grassed the simple chance.The weight of the 29-year Shield drought looked heavy on the entire team at that point. But the tide quickly shifted after Khawaja holed out.McAndrew endured more bad luck when Marnus Labuschagne defended a ball onto his heel and it rolled into leg stump at speed but did not knock off the leg bail. However, McAndrew’s frustration turned to elation next ball when Labuschagne glanced a catch to Lehmann at a well-placed leg gully to fall for a seven-ball duck.The next delivery Jack Clayton made a bizarre call. He defended a ball into the offside and took off for a single that was never. Opener Angus Lovell, who was a late inclusion for Queensland after Matthew Renshaw had to fly home for the birth of his second child, rightly sent Clayton back. Liam Scott swooped having been stationed very close at mid-off to prevent the single and produced a direct hit before Clayton could scramble back.

How a drawn final is decided

In the event the Sheffield Shield final ends in a draw, the title will be decided on first-innings bonus points which are accrued across the first 100 overs.

Batting teams earn 0.01 of a bonus point for every run scored over 200 in the initial 100 overs; bowling sides get 0.1 of a bonus point for every wicket in the first 100 overs. For example, the batting side scores 350 all out in 90 overs they earn 1.5 points and the bowling side 1 point.

Should bonus points be tied and the match drawn, SA will win the Shield given they finished top of the ladder and earned hosting rights for the final.

Queensland quickly slumped from 16 for 3 to 22 for 5. Lovell had survived two very close lbw shouts and having hit the pad with a sharp offcutter, Doggett found Lovell’s outside edge with a perfect outswinger to have him caught behind.Three overs later Ben McDermott chipped a poorly executed drive back to Jordan Buckingham who held on with two bites. Replays were needed to examine if Buckingham had overstepped the front line but the inconclusive evidence meant McDermott was given out.Michael Neser and Jimmy Peirson dug in just as they had done a week ago when they rescued Queensland from 86 for 5 to ensure a draw that got them into the final. Neser struck six boundaries in an excellent counterattack given the ball was still swinging consistently. But after a 46-run stand that got Queensland past lunch, Doggett struck twice in two overs.Peirson shuffled across too far to a ball that thundered into his front pad and was adjudged lbw. Neser had played and missed a few times in between playing some glorious drives but finally nicked a lovely outswinger from Doggett to McSweeney at first slip who let out a sigh of relief after holding on.McAndrew claimed a richly-deserved second when he lured Jack Wildermuth into a leaden-footed drive to have him caught behind.Doggett completed his five-wicket haul by cleaning up Mitchell Swepson and closed out the innings when Mark Steketee clubbed to deep mid-onNineteen-year-old Callum Vidler was outstanding with the new ball•Getty Images

Vidler, 19, then copied the Doggett blueprint to keep Queensland in the game, showing that high-pace outswing is a method for success on this surface. Playing just his third first-class game, he was trusted to open the bowling ahead of Steketee and did not let his captain down.He bowled 11 straight deliveries at opener Henry Hunt without letting him score, although one ran off the pad for four leg byes. Off the 12th, in Vidler’s third over, Hunt’s eyes lit up at a fuller length but some late shape at pace caught the edge and Lovell held the sharp chance at third slip.He bowled 12 deliveries to McSweeney without letting him get off the mark before scratching his outside edge with an even better delivery. Vidler went slightly wider of the crease, angled in and shaped away as McSweeney tried to defend on the crease. It wasn’t going to carry to first slip and Peirson took a blinder diving full length to his right with one glove. At that point, Vidler had bowled five overs, four maidens and had 2 for 2.But the scoreboard was moving at the other end thanks to McInerney. There was some luck involved. He edged Steketee on 14 but McDermott failed to lay a hand on the sharp chance and Steketee’s poor luck continued when Jason Sangha offered a similar edge high to Lovell’s left.Ben Manenti added valuable lower-order runs•Getty Images

Sangha edged a wide half volley from Neser to leave SA vulnerable at 41 for 3, but Carey and McInerney learnt from the mistakes of their team-mates and went on the offensive.Carey struck two fours and a six to put pressure back on Queensland’s attack. McInerney gloved an attempted pull down the leg side off Wildermuth to leave SA 65 for 4.But Lehmann and Carey kept the pedal down. Lehmann created width at every opportunity carving several balls from a fourth stump line behind point. He also benefited from some strange captaincy from Labuschagne who bowled part-time medium pace and gave up 18 runs in four overs, including three boundaries and a six.Vidler returned from the other end to wreak more havoc. Carey chopped on for 24, hurried by the extra pace trying to pull. Liam Scott was also done for pace, gloving a short ball down the leg side.But Vidler understandably tired at the back end of a second six-over spell. Manenti clubbed a pull shot for six to get himself going before he and Lehmann cashed in on some slower and more wayward offerings from and under par Neser and Wildermuth to put South Australia in a strong position at stumps.

While they have faced plenty of flak for it in recent years, is it time to admit Chelsea might be onto something with their transfer strategy?

Since their takeover, the Blues have clearly focused on signing young, exciting talents with high ceilings and either integrating them into the side or selling them for profit.

The likes of Cole Palmer and Estevao fit into the latter category, while Noni Madueke and Lesley Ugochukwu fit into the former.

However, while the club have made an enormous amount of money this summer, there is one player they probably should have kept hold of, someone compared to Alexander Isak.

Chelsea's best sales this summer

As we’ve mentioned, most of Chelsea’s sales this summer have been quite impressive, with Madueke being a prime example of their strategy working.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

They signed the Englishman from PSV Eindhoven for around £29m in January 2023.

Then, over the next two and a bit years, he made 92 appearances for the club, scored 20 goals, provided nine assists and was then sold to Arsenal for £52m, netting the club a tidy £33m profit.

Another great sale, from a financial perspective anyway, was that of Renato Veiga.

The Portuguese international cost the Blues around £12m last summer, and then joined Villarreal for £26m last month, after spending the 24/25 season out on loan.

Finally, Djordje Petrovic moved to Stamford Bridge for around £14m in August 2023 and was sold to Bournemouth for £25m this summer, which made him the tenth most expensive goalkeeper in history at the time.

Overall, you’d have to say that Chelsea did a great job with their departures this summer, apart from one, that is, a player who has been compared to Isak.

Chelsea's own Isak

From looking at the list of players who left Stamford Bridge over the last few months, it shouldn’t be too surprising to learnt that the player in question is Nicolas Jackson.

The Senegalese striker joined Bayern Munich on a season-long loan for £14.25m that includes an obligation to buy at £56.25m should certain conditions be met.

Now, there are some who would be happy to sell the dynamic forward, and that is fair enough; he wasn’t always the most clinical of strikers.

However, he is clearly a talented international, and one who has won comparisons to perhaps the best number nine in the world: Isak.

Yes, according to FBref, the Swedish monster was the number one most similar forward to the Blues star in the entire Premier League last season.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.67

0.70

Shots

3.08

3.10

Shots on Target

1.38

1.34

Passing Accuracy

75.9%

75.3%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.41

0.46

Aerial Duels Won

0.85

0.85

That might sound unbelievable to some, but to gain a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached, we can examine some of the underlying numbers in which they ranked so closely.

In this instance, those metrics included non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, goal-creating actions, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

In other words, the “unbelievable” star, as dubbed by Peter Crouch, might not be as clinical as the new Liverpool man, but he’s just as creative and in the right situation could cause as much chaos for opposition defenders.

Ultimately, while moving on Jackson might end up being a good idea, we can help but think Todd Boehly and Co may have made a mistake, especially given the comparisons to Isak.

Chelsea's last five loan signings prove Buonanotte is doomed to fail

It feels like Chelsea have made a mistake signing Buonanotte.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 4, 2025

يعود فريق ريال مدريد بقيادة مدربه تشابي ألونسو، لاستكمال مشواره في بطولة الدوري الإسباني، عقب انتهاء فترة التوقف الدولي، بمواجهة أمام خيتافي.

ويحل ريال مدريد ضيفًا على خيتافي في مباراة بالجولة التاسعة لبطولة الدوري الإسباني “الليجا” موسم 2025-2026.

كان ريال مدريد قد حقق الفوز في الجولة الماضية بالدوري الإسباني أمام فياريال بثلاثية لهدف، وخيتافي تعرض لهزيمة أمام أوساسونا بهدفين لهدف.

ويتواجد ريال مدريد في المركز الثاني بترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 21 نقطة، ويأتي خيتافي في المركز 11 برصيد 11 نقطة.

وتصدر برشلونة ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 22 نقطة بعد فوزه القاتل أمام جيرونا بهدفين لهدف في الجولة التاسعة مساء السبت. موعد مباراة ريال مدريد وخيتافي

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة ريال مدريد وخيتافي

تذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN sports HD 1. معلق مباراة ريال مدريد وخيتافي

يعلق على المباراة، علي محمد علي.

ويمكنكم متابعة مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة على مركز المباريات من هنا.

All summer long, Tottenham Hotspur fans have been crying out for a new number ten to help
Thomas Frank in his quest for success during his spell in the role.

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are the two players who shared the role in 2024/25, but the Dane will be without the duo until at least the start of 2026 through various injuries.

The hierarchy have attempted to fill such a void in the last few weeks, turning to Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze – but they ultimately missed out on both of the aforementioned talents.

However, their hunt has come to an end in recent days, landing the signature of Xavi Simons, with the Dutchman joining the Lilywhites in a £52m transfer from German side RB Leipzig.

With just a couple of days left in the window, the new boss still looks as though he wants added reinforcements this summer, subsequently targeting multiple other talents before Monday’s deadline.

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Spurs’ hunt for new signings after Simons

Savinho is a player who’s been on Spurs’ radar all throughout the current window, but their attempts to land the Manchester City star have so far been to no avail.

Despite their inability to land the Brazilian international, talks have once again been held for his services in recent days – leading to reports suggesting the player wants to move to North London.

However, he’s not the only Manchester-based player in their sights, with Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo also on their radar, according to TEAMtalk.

Their report claims that Frank’s side have made an approach to the Red Devils to discuss a potential deal for the 20-year-old midfielder, who rose through the academy at Old Trafford.

It also states the player himself would be keen on a temporary move to join the Lilywhites before the deadline, after he stated his desire to gain more game time away from Ruben Amorim’s side.

Why Mainoo is a bigger talent than Simons

The deal to land Simons this week has generated huge excitement amongst the Spurs fanbase – understandably so given his tally of 18 combined goals and assists in the Bundesliga last season.

£52m is an excellent price for the 22-year-old, having huge potential to develop into a world-class talent under Frank’s guidance – especially if he continues on his current trajectory.

Given the injury situation in such a position, it was vital that the manager and the board secure the signature of a new number ten – with Simons having the chance to demonstrate his quality in the Premier League this season.

However, the hierarchy can’t rest on their laurels, subsequently needing further additions to help Frank in his quest for success during his spell in North London.

A deal for Mainoo would provide added quality and talent in the midfield department – arguably being a bigger talent than the Dutchman when delving into his stats from 2024/25.

The 20-year-old, who’s been described by United writer Alex Turk as a future “£100m-plus footballer”, ranked in the 84th percentile of all players in the Premier League for tackle success rate (60%) whilst winning 1.6 tackles per 90.

Such numbers could provide a needed presence at the heart of the side for Frank – but his numbers in possession would also offer the boss a new dimension in tight areas.

The Englishman ranked in the 84th percentile for take-ons completed per 90 (1.3) also notching 0.6 carries into the opposition box per 90 – which places him in the top 19% of stars in England’s top-flight.

The youngster would be able to operate in a perfect box-to-box position for the Lilywhites – which could see him dictate the play and often provide Simons with chances in forward areas.

Despite his tender age, Mainoo has already racked up 50 appearances in the Premier League, having the potential to develop into a generational talent if given the game time under Frank.

Such a move would be an excellent coup for Spurs, adding further depth and quality to their midfield department – following in the footsteps of Simons and Joao Palhinha this summer.

If the pair can operate together in North London, there’s no reason why Frank can’t help the side battle for a spot in the Champions League once again come the end of the 2025/26 season.

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A Kudus repeat: "Incredible" £70m ace now wants to join Spurs after Simons

Tottenham Hotspur could now complete another deal after landing Xavi Simons earlier today.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 29, 2025

Manchester United’s midfield continues to dominate transfer headlines, with Ruben Amorim intent on reshaping the heart of his side before the transfer window closes.

The club have already committed over £200m this summer on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško, but despite this heavy spending there remains a glaring gap in midfield.

Amorim’s tactical blueprint demands an athletic, technically secure player to complement captain Bruno Fernandes.

So far, the Portuguese coach has opted for 33-year-old Casemiro, with mixed results.

United narrowly fell to defeat against Arsenal on the opening weekend before following up with a frustrating 1-1 draw at Fulham, leaving Amorim with just four Premier League wins since taking charge last November.

Midfielder pushing for Man Utd move

The club’s lack of European football this season adds further pressure to get domestic results right.

With last year’s disastrous 15th-place finish and Europa League final defeat to Spurs still fresh in the memory, United cannot afford another season of underachievement.

Transfer Focus

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

Amorim knows the answer lies in midfield, and the search has become increasingly urgent.

According to reporter Ross Harwood, Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is now waiting for a deal to be finalised, hopeful that his long-anticipated move to Old Trafford can be sealed before the September deadline.

The journalist noted: “Baleba is eager to get this move before the window closes – he feels now is the only chance.”

The 21-year-old, described as “colossal” by journalist Aden-Jay Wood, has emerged as United’s primary midfield target.

However, there is also interest in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Sevilla’s Lucien Agoumé.

Baleba was visibly distracted during Brighton’s 2-1 defeat to Everton at the weekend, withdrawn at half-time following conversations with manager Fabian Hürzeler.

Reports suggest the player is not in the right frame of mind, desperate for the switch to materialise as he feels this window could represent his best chance.

United’s pursuit, however, is complicated by Brighton’s valuation. The Seagulls are holding out for £100m, a figure comparable to Palace’s price tag for Wharton.

Why Baleba fits better than Mainoo

The deal, if completed, would cap off another transformative summer for United’s squad.

But it is also a gamble, one that comes amid a backdrop of criticism regarding the club’s recruitment, with some questioning whether such heavy investment is sustainable without the cushion of Champions League revenues.

To understand why Amorim is pushing so hard for Baleba, it is necessary to look at United’s current midfield balance – and in particular, the situation surrounding academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo.

The 20-year-old remains a fan favourite, scoring a famous goal in the FA Cup victory over Manchester City and earning a starting role for England in the Euro 2024 final.

Yet under Amorim, opportunities have been limited.

Mainoo has started just 15 of the manager’s 44 games in charge, and this season has been an unused substitute in both league fixtures so far.

The reason lies in Amorim’s system, something he outlined over the weekend.

Preferring to deploy an attacking-minded player alongside his defensive midfielder, Amorim has little room for another deep-lying option unless Fernandes shifts into one of the number ten roles currently occupied by Cunha and Mbeumo.

With Fernandes unlikely to be dropped, Mainoo finds himself caught in a tactical squeeze.

Baleba, by contrast, offers qualities that fit directly into the Portuguese coach’s demands.

Aged 21 and under contract at Brighton until 2028, the Cameroonian midfielder made 34 league appearances last season, contributing three goals and one assist.

His athleticism, work rate and progressive tendencies stand out when compared with Mainoo’s more measured style.

The numbers underline this difference.

According to FBref, Baleba made more tackles (2.67 to 2.51) and blocks (1.59 to 0.87), highlighting his greater presence without the ball.

In terms of possession, the pair are evenly matched. Mainoo averaged slightly more touches (58.0 per 90 compared to Baleba’s 57.3 but trailed in pass completion rate (86.5% against 87.4%).

The statistics suggest both are technically secure, but Baleba’s edge in carrying, passing progression and defensive activity point to a midfielder more suited to Amorim’s high-energy, dual-pivot approach.

Matches Played

25

34

Starts

19

31

Shot-Creating Actions

34

66

Progressive Carries

22

43

Progressive Passes

65

118

Mainoo’s situation is not necessarily terminal. His talent is undeniable, and he could still evolve into a central figure at Old Trafford.

But in the here and now, Amorim requires an engine capable of covering ground, breaking lines, and complementing Fernandes’ creativity. That profile aligns more closely with Baleba than with the academy product.

Of course, there are risks. A £100m outlay would demand consistent excellence from the Cameroonian, and Brighton are renowned for extracting maximum value from departing players.

There is also the question of squad balance – investing heavily in yet another attacking-minded player while defensive reinforcements remain limited could backfire.

Yet the logic behind the move is clear. If Manchester United are to restore control and consistency in midfield, they need a player capable of combining technical quality with physical dominance.

Baleba, by all accounts, is eager to be that player.

Whether United can meet Brighton’s demands before the window closes will determine whether Amorim gets the midfielder he craves.

Perfect for Cunha & Mbeumo: Man Utd lead race to sign £69m English star

Manchester United could be about to make a move for another big-money signing this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 24, 2025

Left-armer’s spell breaks Northants open to keep Foxes on top of Division Two

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay04-May-2025Josh Hull reminded England’s selectors of his potency as Leicestershire cemented their place at the top of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two with a 132-run victory over Northamptonshire.Chasing 289 at the Uptonsteel County Ground, Northamptonshire were bowled out for 156 after Hull bowled three of their top four in his first four overs. The 20-year-old ended with 3 for 13, the spearhead of a seam quintet all of whom took wickets in an excellent collective effort.Leicestershire’s lower order had doggedly extended their second innings to 175 all out in the morning. That elevated the target to 289 in five sessions and there was no way back for the visitors after Hull’s blitz.Leading by 113 on first innings, Leicestershire, resumed on the third morning on 96 for 6 in their second and their lower order knuckled down diligently to bat until the brink of lunch. Ian Holland’s 113 minutes’ resistance for 11 ended when he nicked an outswinger from Conway but Logan van Beek and Ben Green also batted for more than 100 minutes.Even after van Beek fell lbw to Justin Broad, the last two wickets added 37 as Tom Scriven and Hull offered Green support. Scriven edged Conway to second slip before Green ladled Sanderson to deep midwicket to supply the big-hearted bowler’s sixth wicket.Northamptonshire’s quest for 289 was then reduced to 31 for 3 after Hull hit the stumps three times in his first 23 balls. The left-armer outlined his credentials to add to his single Test appearance so far with a superb spell of swinging, pitched-up, fast bowling which emphatically vindicated the old adage, “if they miss, you hit”. He clipped a leg stump left exposed by Ricardo Vasconcelos, beat a half-forward Luke Procter for pace to find off stump and rattled middle and leg through James Sales’ attempted on-side flick.Rob Keogh perished carelessly when he chipped a leg-stump offering from Holland to midwicket. George Bartlett applied himself well until tea but fell to the third ball after the interval. A heavy shower during tea invigorated the pitch and three wickets fell in the first ten balls after the break as Bartlett was lbw to van Beek and Saif Zaib and Broad edged away-swingers from Green to wicketkeeper Ben Cox.Lewis McManus and Calvin Harrison defied the oppressive bowling and the appalling din from an adjacent pub to add 37 in 76 balls before both fell in three balls to Scriven. Harrison edged behind and McManus fell lbw to leave last pair Sanderson and Conway with a day and 19.2 overs to survive.Sanderson, who passed 1,000 first class runs earlier in the match, made inroads into his second thousand with a merry 32 before Rehan Ahmed bowled him to round off another resounding Leicestershire win

أكد إيهاب الكومي عضو اتحاد الكرة السابق، أن تقرير مراقب مباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز في السوبر المصري الماضي أدان ثلاثي الفريق الأبيض، عبد الواحد السيد مدير الكرة السابق، ودونجا ومصطفى شلبي.

وأعلن اتحاد الكرة منذ لحظات عن إيقاف نبيل عماد دونجا لاعب فريق الزمالك، من المشاركة في بطولة السوبر المصري التي ستقام في الإمارات. 

طالع.. عاجل | اتحاد الكرة يعلن إيقاف دونجا وحرمانه من المشاركة في السوبر المصري

وقال الكومي في تصريحات على راديو “ميجا إف إم”: “تقرير مراقب مباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز في السوبر الماضي أدان ثلاثي الزمالك دونجا وعبد الواحد السيد وشلبي وأكد على العقوبة”

وأضاف: “عقوبة ايقاف نبيل عماد دونجا رسمية وتم الإعلان عنها وقت تواجدنا، واللاعب من حقه السفر الى الإمارات، وجمال علام أكد لي أن عقوبة دونجا تم إرسالها إلى نادي الزمالك”.

وتابع: “خطاب عقوبة دونجا لم يعلن بالفعل في الخطابات الرسمية لاتحاد الكرة، اتحاد الكرة الحالي تأكد أن الخطاب تم إرساله إلى نادي الزمالك” 

وواصل: “لا يوجد بند في عقد حسام حسن بأهمية التتويج ببطولة أمم إفريقيا، والتعاقد لم يتضمن أي بند بشان ذلك”.

It feels like it’s now or never for Arsenal in the Premier League this season.

Mikel Arteta has done a sensational job taking the Gunners from mid-table mediocrity to genuine challengers, but following three back-to-back second-placed finishes, he needs to get them over the line this year.

Granted, Liverpool look as strong as ever, and Manchester City can’t be as bad as they were last season, but after the summer window, the Spaniard has the tools to get the job done.

Moreover, he already had several superstars in the squad to begin with, including one worth more than new signings Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi.

Reviewing Arsenal's summer transfer window

In early April, Mikel Arteta told the press that this summer was “going to be a big one,” and he was certainly right about that.

For starters, the North Londoners added some quality depth options to the side in Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke.

However, arguably more important than that, Arteta was handed a few top-quality additions that should dramatically improve the starting lineup.

For example, Zubimendi, who cost around £51m, was one of the most highly sought-after sixes in Europe and once again showed what he can do for Spain last night with a brilliant assist.

Viktor Gyokeres was the most prolific number nine in Europe last year, with a sensational tally of 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 games, and while he wasn’t great on Sunday, he’s still got two goals already this season.

Finally, Eze was one of the most creative and exciting players to watch in the Premier League last season, racking up 25 goal involvements in 43 games, and while £68m is a lot of money, he could be just the player Arsenal need.

Yet, even then, he and Zubimendi are worth less than one of Arteta’s best-ever signings.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Zubimendi and Eze

Just like every other manager in the game, Arteta has made his fair share of poor signings.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

However, he has also overseen plenty of fantastic ones during his time at Arsenal, and one of his very best has undoubtedly been Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain joined the North Londoners for a record fee, and instead of wilting under pressure, he has only improved over the last two years.

Impressively, he is still worth a king’s ransom as well, with Football Transfers valuing him at a whopping €114m, which translates to approximately £99m, or £48m more than Zubimendi cost the club and £31m more than Eze.

It might sound like an absurd valuation, but the Englishman’s performances over the last couple of years more than back it up.

For example, the “world-class” international, as dubbed by journalist Tom Marshall-Bailey, has made 106 appearances for the Gunners, totalling 8665 minutes.

In that time, he’s scored 16 goals and provided 22 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.78 games, or every 228.02 minutes.

That rate of return is only made more impressive by the fact that he started his career at the club playing as a six, only to move into the eight role.

In other words, his level of output is incredible for someone whose main job isn’t to score or assist goals.

Ultimately, while he cost a lot of money, and the pressure on him to succeed was immense, Rice has been a runaway success at Arsenal; therefore, his valuation more than makes sense.

Eze upgrade: Arsenal gem who left for £0 is now "one of the world's best"

The outrageous talent would be unreal alongside Eze at Arsenal.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Sep 5, 2025

Wayne Rooney has bemoaned one “crazy” West Ham United “problem” and Graham Potter’s “lack of belief”, following the recent 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace.

West Ham suffer another setback against Crystal Palace

Potter appears to be on very thin ice after the 2-1 defeat at home against Crystal Palace last time out, with the West Ham hierarchy now running the rule over potential replacements.

Following the most recent loss, the Hammers are 19th in the Premier League table, having tasted defeat in four of their opening five games, with Gary O’Neil and Sean Dyche also entering the frame as potential Potter replacements.

In the wake of yet another loss, Rooney has bemoaned the Hammers’ inability to defend set-pieces, while also calling into question the atmosphere at the club.

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West Ham now weighing up concrete approach for £17m England international.

ByDominic Lund Sep 21, 2025

The former Manchester United man said: “I analysed the set-pieces yesterday, last night, on Match of the Day and it’s all second balls. Graham Potter came out and said they’ve been working on set plays, so as a coach there’s only so much you can do, but they’re not winning the first header and the problem is they’re not reacting quick enough, and then the second ball, they’re conceding goals.

“So, it’s crazy to concede seven from five, but when you have a lack of confidence and a lack of belief – I think that’s clear with the West Ham players and the fans as well I can imagine. There’s a lack of a belief in the team, and it looks like the owners and the manager.”

Potter must fix defensive issues to keep his job

Defending from set-pieces has undoubtedly been a major issue for the Irons, with Potter saying: “We’ve addressed [our weakness from dead-balls] and we’re working to improve it. We conceded too many, had to defend a lot. That is something we also have to look at. It’s just constant work on the training ground.”

However, having been in the dugout since January, the 50-year-old has had more than enough time to fix the glaring problems, and there have been very few promising signs, winning just six of the 25 games he has taken charge of.

The Hammers have also conceded 13 goals already this season, the highest number of any Premier League side, so it is clear their top-flight status could be in jeopardy if there is not either a radical improvement or a change in manager.

While he arguably wouldn’t be the flashiest of appointments, Dyche could be a solid option for West Ham, at least on a short-term basis, having led Everton to safety when the Toffees were in a similar position.