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Sean Dyche was once part of a bust-up involving Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, and his comments on the situation have now emerged after taking over as the Reds’ new manager.

Dyche takes the reins as Forest manager following Ange exit

Having proven his ability to come in and stablise clubs during his time with Everton, Dyche has now taken charge at Forest, following a disastrous spell under the helm of Ange Postecoglou, with the Australian failing to win in eight games and lasting just 39 days.

The former Everton man’s first day on the training ground was Tuesday, with the new boss commencing preparations for Thursday’s tough test in the Europa League, as the Tricky Trees take on FC Porto at the City Ground.

Speaking after his return, the 54-year-old made it clear that he has a lot of love for his former club, saying: “I’ve often spoken about my affection for the Club, having started my career here under the great Brian Clough. I didn’t quite make it to the first team, but I have such fond memories from around the place — and hearing the boss’ voice in the distance.”

However, it remains to be seen how the ex-Nottingham Forest youth player finds working with Marinakis, given that the owner’s public falling out with Nuno led to the Portuguese manager’s departure earlier this season.

The Forest owner is known for his fiery temper, having been seen arguing with Nuno on the pitch near the end of the 2024-25 campaign, and The Sun report he was part of a bust-up involving Dyche after Burnley’s Europa League match with Olympiacos in 2018.

Heading into half-time at 1-1, Marinakis reportedly confronted the referees in the tunnel. Shortly after the break, Olympiacos restored their lead and Burnley’s Ben Gibson was sent off, leaving Dyche fuming.

The former Burnley manager’s comments from the time are eye opening: “I don’t know how many people ran on the pitch and surrounded the referee and linesman. The feel of the game changed in the second half, you’re left scratching your head.

“At half-time, there were plenty of people waiting for the ref in the tunnel.

“It wasn’t just the bench, it was people from the offices, even the tea lady! That’s a joke, of course, but it felt like everyone was piling on.”

Dyche has big task on his hands at Forest

Marinakis will no doubt be very frustrated Forest have been unable to kick on since sealing a return to Europe last season, especially considering how much he backed Nuno in the summer transfer window, spending around £206m.

However, having failed to win since the opening day of the campaign, the Tricky Trees have to be considered relegation candidates, with home defeats against a struggling West Ham United side and newly-promoted Sunderland particularly concerning.

Related Immediate concern for Dyche at Nottingham Forest after Marinakis decision

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Posts ByCharlie Smith Oct 21, 2025

Dyche is known for making a statement in his first match in charge of a new club, however, defeating then league leaders Arsenal 1-0 in his opening game as Everton boss, and the new Forest manager will be hoping for a similar start against Porto on Thursday.

Chelsea hasn’t always been viewed as the perfect environment for youngsters to thrive in.

Indeed, both Jamal Musiala and Declan Rice spring to mind as notable examples here, with both world-class players once part of the Blues academy set-up as wide-eyed starlets, before having to make an unbelievable name for themselves away from the stifling nature of Cobham.

Thankfully, this negative image the Premier League giants once had attached to them seems to be changing in real time, with Estevao arguably a Musiala-style talent in the making for Enzo Maresca right now.

Estevao's blistering form since moving to Chelsea

It had been a long time coming for the Brazilian to announce himself in West London.

Indeed, way back in the summer of 2024, Chelsea unveiled that they had forked out an initial £29m to land the hotly-tipped 18-year-old, with suggestions even coming from scout Jacek Kulig – despite Estevao still being just a teenager at Palmeiras – that he was a “world-class” prospect.

Kulig’s comments don’t look so far-fetched now, with Estevao going to become the youngest Brazilian to ever score a winning goal in the Premier League when he was in the right place, at the right time, to break Liverpool hearts, just before the international break.

He hasn’t downed tools over the break, either, with a quickfire brace against South Korea, handing his nation a comprehensive 5-0 win.

Having averaged just 44 minutes of Premier League action this season from four starts, the 18-year-old ace will surely be hunting for more consistent moments in the Blues senior mix moving forward.

He looks every bit a phenomenal player in the making and more top-drawer performances are likely to make him a guaranteed starter for Maresca, even when Cole Palmer returns.

Estevao isn’t the only rising gem Chelsea has smartly acquired, though.

Indeed, Geovany Quenda is set to be the next hyped up youngster to move to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2026, having amazingly scored in the Champions League this campaign for Sporting at just 18 years of age.

Yet, Quenda and Estevao must watch out. Chelsea’s pool of young attackers extends beyond them.

Chelsea have another "future Ballon d'Or winner"

Quenda will be hopeful that he can instantly make waves in the Chelsea first-team, like his South American counterpart, considering he already has four goals and 12 assists next to his name in the senior mix in Portugal.

But, there is another youngster being spoken about with great regularity and that’s breakout striker Dastan Satpaev.

While Quenda will likely be a name that rings a bell to the average football supporter, the five-time Kazakhstan international’s insane journey with Kairat Almaty might not be so well known.

But, with a ridiculous 45 strikes across all age groups at the Premier Liga side – who are even in the Champions League this season – Chelsea swooped in to capture him in February, with Satpaev set to remain in his native country until he turns 18.

Games played

74

Age

17

Goals scored

45

Assists

18

Champions League appearances

9

Maresca and Co will just be praying that Satpaev can keep up this electric form for the time he remains in Kazakhstan, with Estevao going on to bag a whopping 12 goals for Palmeiras earlier this year, before coming over to England looking calm ahead of the pressures of attempting to cut it in the Premier League.

Much like Estevao, who has been tipped to reach dizzy heights already with his world-class shouts, Satpaev has also been boldly declared as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by one analyst, off the back of his frightening record for Kairat.

Of course, the Premier League is a different beast altogether from what the teenager is currently used to.

But, his soon-to-be teammate at Chelsea is yet to look fazed by the challenge ahead of him after maturing more at his boyhood club, with Satpaev desperate to follow in his esteemed footsteps when he takes that next scary leap.

Chelsea may sell Disasi to make room for "monstrous" £80m star who Maresca loves

The Blues have set their sights on a new centre-back, which means Axel Disasi could be axed.

ByDominic Lund Oct 13, 2025

Nottingham Forest are set to embark on a new era under Ange Postecoglou, though their newly-appointed boss has been dealt a serious injury blow at the City Ground.

Ange Postecoglou set to get to work at Nottingham Forest

Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic fans will attest to the notion that Nottingham Forest fans will experience an exciting rollercoaster under Postecoglou’s stewardship. Still, his trophy-winning exploits at both have created an intriguing dynamic on the River Trent.

Speaking after his arrival to replace Nuno Espirito Santo, the Australian has made it clear he feels the Tricky Trees have a squad capable of competing on all fronts while he is in charge.

Intriguingly, Nottingham Forest star Jota Silva is set for Besiktas in a deal that could be worth over £17 million by next summer, offering an early boost to the coffers ahead of 2026.

After a mixed start to the campaign, the Tricky Trees will have designs on creeping up the Premier League table, and there will be plenty of positivity among supporters that they can begin to strike up a run of results.

However, Postecoglou may now have suffered a blow upon entering the dugout as one of his players could be out until the New Year with an injury concern.

Nottingham Forest see Ola Aina sustain serious injury

According to National World, Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina has been ruled out for around three months due to a hamstring injury, signifying that he may not return to the pitch until 2026.

John Percy described it as a “big early setback” for Postecoglou, and addressing his status, Postecoglou stated before his side faced Arsenal:

Ange must now unleash Nottingham Forest star who "spelt the end for Nuno"

It isn’t just Omari Hutchinson who Nuno didn’t appear to fancy at Nottingham Forest.

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 12, 2025

The Nigeria international has featured in all of Nottingham Forest’s Premier League fixtures until this point. However, it may now be over to Nicolo Savona to take over the mantle while he works his way up to full fitness.

Postecoglou had to deal with widespread injury concerns at Tottenham last term, so if anything, the Australian boss will hope this is an isolated setback.

This season feels like a do-or-die for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

The Spaniard has done a brilliant job of taking the club from mid-table mediocrity to perennial title challengers in five years, but he now needs to get the team over the finishing line.

Fortunately, even with the absurd number of injuries they’re already facing, the Gunners now have a squad full to bursting with brilliant players, like Eberechi Eze, who could help them win the Premier League or Champions League.

Interestingly, though, while Arsenal should be delighted to have the Crystal Palace star on the books, one of their former players is currently performing just like him.

The problems Eze solves for Arsenal

Now, while there are undoubtedly other things he brings to the table, there are two main ways Eze can help Arsenal, and they are somewhat interlinked.

Firstly, the Gunners ended last season with 17 fewer goals scored than champions Liverpool, and therefore needed to go out and sign a serious attacking threat in the summer, like the former Palace star.

For example, in 43 appearances last season, totalling 3,303 minutes, the England international scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists.

Appearances

43

Minutes

3303′

Goals

14

Assists

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

That means he averaged a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, and the fact that he was able to do so in a mid-table side is even more encouraging.

This links to the other main way in which the Greenwich-born star could help the Gunners: his positional versatility.

On top of being proven in the number ten role, the former QPR gem is more than capable of playing off the left.

Not only will this give Arteta more tactical flexibility in games, but it also means the 27-year-old will be able to provide genuine competition for Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard, two players who underperformed last year.

In all, Eze looks like an excellent signing for Arsenal, even though a player sold by the club years ago is starting to resemble the £68m man.

The former Arsenal star playing like Eze

It would be fair to say that Arsenal do not have the best track record when it comes to selling, often due to them selling a player for way less than their worth.

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.

That isn’t actually the case in this instance, as former Hale Ender Alex Iwobi was sold to Everton in 2019 for a hefty fee of around £35m.

The Nigerian wasn’t a bad player for the Gunners, far from it, but he wasn’t ever spectacular, and so when the Toffees made an offer like that for someone who’d amassed a tally of 39 goal involvements in 149 games, it was probably the right decision to let him go.

While he played a big role on Merseyside, the versatile international was eventually sold to Fulham for around £22m in the summer of 2023, and it would be accurate to say he’s been at his best with the Cottagers.

In fact, since moving to Craven Cottage, the former Gunners ace has scored 16 goals and provided ten assists in 83 appearances, totalling 6118 minutes.

Appearances

149

140

83

Goals

15

9

16

Assists

24

16

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.26

0.17

0.31

Yet, despite putting in consistently good performances for the West Londoners and already racking up three goal involvements in five league games this season, some consider him to be overlooked, with journalist Daniel Storey going as far as calling him “one of the most underrated midfielders in the country.”

With that said, what makes him like Eze?

Well, the first similarity the Nigerian shares with the Gunners ace is his positional versatility, as he’s just as comfortable playing on the wing as he is in midfield.

Second, he is also becoming a greater goal threat for his side, racking up 15 goal involvements in the league last season and just seven the year before.

Finally, like the North Londoners’ new star, he is also capable of making things happen, both through his brilliant close control and ability to deliver a pinpoint-accurate cross into the penalty area.

Ultimately, Arsenal did the right thing in selling Iwobi when they did, but it’s also true that the Fulham star is playing incredibly well at the moment, and looking a bit like Eze in the process.

Arsenal had Lewis-Skelly 2.0 in Hale End "monster", then he left for £0

The talented Hale Ender looked like he was going to be a star for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 25, 2025

Manchester City enter the 2025/26 season in transition.

After a challenging 2024/25 campaign that saw Pep Guardiola’s side finish third – 13 points behind champions Liverpool – the Etihad dressing room has experienced significant change.

Key figures including Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and İlkay Gündoğan departed, leaving gaps both on and off the pitch.

To counter this, City acted quickly and decisively in the transfer market.

James Trafford and Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived in goal, while reinforcements Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki all added depth outfield.

However, much of this summer’s wider transfer news has undoubtedly revolved around Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool.

Now, all eyes will be on Erling Haaland to see if he can match his Scandinavian counterpart.

After the international break, City prepare to host Manchester United before a trip to Arsenal. Two matches that will test Guardiola’s revamped squad.

Comparing Isak & Haaland

Isak, now at Liverpool following his British-record £125m transfer, leaves behind a remarkable – yet somewhat controversial – Newcastle legacy.

In 86 Premier League appearances, the 25-year-old scored 54 goals and registered ten assists.

Standing 1.92m, Isak is a modern striker who blends physical presence with pace, skill, and composure.

He scores with both feet, links up effectively with teammates, and moves intelligently in the attacking third to create space for others.

His versatility allows him to operate as a lone striker, part of a two-man setup, or even on the wing, while his work rate and defensive awareness make him a complete attacking contributor.

Haaland, Manchester City’s record-breaking forward since his 2022 arrival from Dortmund, shares some of these traits.

At 25 and 1.95m, the Norwegian has scored 88 Premier League goals with 17 assists in 100 appearances.

His record includes the most goals in a Premier League season (36 in 2022/23) and 42 goals in 43 games for Norway.

Haaland is a complete centre forward, using his strength, pace, and clever movement to score with either foot or his head. While he is effective at holding up the ball, concerns remain about his technical ability to link play.

Nonetheless, both strikers deliver elite statistical output.

Premier League – 2024/25

Isak

Haaland

Matches Played

34

31

Goals

23

22

Assists

6

3

Shots

95

104

Shots on Target

41

55

Source: FBref

In 2024/25, Isak recorded 29 goal involvements, 17.2 non-penalty expected goals, 19 non-penalty goals, 2.71 progressive carries per 90, and 2.88 progressive passes per 90.

Haaland produced 25 goal involvements, 18.8 non-penalty expected goals, 19 non-penalty goals, 0.79 progressive carries per 90, and 0.66 progressive passes per 90.

Their differences reflect style: Isak’s mobility and link-up play contrasts with Haaland’s dominant presence and finishing efficiency.

Both have been pivotal in modern Premier League systems, but the question remains whether other forwards elsewhere can offer more versatility than the pair, particularly in linking play and contributing across the front line.

How Julian Alvarez compares to Isak & Haaland

One forward who has demonstrated that versatility is just as important as raw scoring is Julian Alvarez.

The Argentine left Manchester City in search of regular first-team football, joining Atlético Madrid, and has thrived since.

Last season, he scored 29 goals and registered seven assists in all competitions, drawing praise from Argentine journalist Roy Nemer, who called him “the best forward in the world.”

Alvarez, 25, combines pace, strength, and composure, like Isak and Haaland, but offers additional dimensions. He can drop deep to link play, manoeuvre in tight spaces, and use his vision to create opportunities for teammates.

His dribbling and one-touch passing make him effective across the front line, while his tenacity off the ball enhances pressing and counter-pressing phases.

Statistically, Alvarez compares impressively with Isak and Haaland, as per FBref. Last season, he recorded 21 goal involvements, 13 non-penalty goals, 2.83 progressive carries per 90, and 3.30 progressive passes per 90.

His shot-creating actions per 90 (3.87) exceeded both Isak (3.01) and Haaland (2.34), while his progressive passing distance (95.1) highlighted his ability to link midfield and attack.

He also completed 25.7 passes per 90 at 74.2% accuracy, combining creative contribution with finishing. Unlike Isak and Haaland, Alvarez thrives in multiple attacking roles.

He can operate in a two-striker system, drop into the midfield to orchestrate play, or act as a wide forward capable of cutting inside.

This adaptability has helped him shine at Atlético Madrid and with Argentina, where he has scored 13 goals in 47 appearances.

In many ways, Alvarez illustrates the evolving profile of elite forwards: one who is not only a finisher but also a team player, capable of creating, linking, and defending.

While Isak’s and Haaland’s output in the Premier League has been exceptional, Alvarez offers a reminder that versatility and movement can sometimes be as valuable as raw goalscoring.

Related Isak can do the one thing for Liverpool that Haaland never did at Man City

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Posts ByTom Cunningham Sep 2, 2025

The Premier League is finally back, but things are not looking so great for West Ham United.

Graham Potter’s side were tasked with a visit to the newly promoted Sunderland yesterday afternoon but, instead of picking up some early points, were comfortably beaten 3-0.

The result is a real wake-up call that unless the club do something dramatic in the closing weeks of the transfer window, they’ll be in real danger of going down come the end of the campaign.

Fortunately, it looks like West Ham are keen on bringing in an incredibly exciting talent, someone who could be their new Declan Rice.

West Ham target their new Rice

It would be fair to say that, so far this summer, West Ham’s dealings in the transfer market have been nothing more than fine.

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While the additions of Kyle Walker-Peters, Mads Hermansen and El Hadji Malick Diouf improve the squad, they aren’t really enough for a side that ended last season five points off the drop zone.

Luckily, it looks like the club are keen to make at least one more significant addition to the team as they circle someone who could be their new Rice.

At least that is according to a recent report from Eduardo Burgos, who has claimed that West Ham are interested in Andrey Santos.

In fact, the Spanish journalist has revealed that the Hammers sent Chelsea a €53m offer, which is about £42m, but it was rejected.

As things stand, it appears that the Blues do not want to sell the Brazilian, but if the last few windows have shown us anything, it’s that they will move on most players if the fee is right.

So, while it would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, West Ham should be doing all they can to sign Santos, especially as he could be their new Rice.

How Santos compares to Rice

It should probably go without saying that we are not suggesting Santos is quite on the same level as Rice at the moment, but it might be closer than you’d think, and there are some undeniable similarities between the pair.

The first is, unsurprisingly, where they play on the pitch, as, like the Arsenal star, the Brazilian is someone who thrives as either a central or defensive midfielder and is a monster when it comes to breaking up play and helping out his defence.

For example, while respected analyst Ben Mattinson described him as a “duel monster” who is “brilliant at screening the backline,” talent scout Jacek Kulig arguably went even further and called him a “one-man war machine in midfield.”

However, just like the former Irons captain, the Blues gem is able to match up his tireless running and defensive attributes with an eye for goal and an ability to make things happen at the sharp end of the pitch.

In 34 appearances for Strasbourg last season, the 21-year-old phenom scored 11 goals and provided five assists and was praised by Mattinson for the way he “crashes the box” and his seriously impressive ability to “progress the ball.”

Finally, on top of being so similar to such an incredible international, the Rio de Janeiro-born ace has some sensational underlying numbers to his name.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 3% of midfielders in Ligue 1 for tackles won, the top 5% for non-penalty goals and goals per shot, and the top 8% for dribblers tackled, among other metrics, all per 90.

Santos’ FBref scout report
Statistics	Per 90	Percentile
Tackles Won	2.33	Top 3%
Non-Penalty Goals	0.32	Top 5%
Goals/Shot	0.22	Top 5%
Tackles	3.47	Top 6%
Touches (Def 3rd)	19.99	Top 6%
Goals	0.32	Top 7%
Dribblers Tackled	1.61	Top 8%
Pass Completion % (Long)	80.2%	Top 9%
SCA (Defensive Action)	0.16	Top 9%
GCA (Defensive Action)	0.03	Top 10%
Tackles (Def 3rd)	1.48	Top 11%
Tackles (Mid 3rd)	1.61	Top 12%
Tkl+Int	4.48	Top 12%
Touches (Def Pen)	3.40	Top 12%
% of Aerials Won	60.7%	Top 12%
Penalty Kicks Won	0.03	Top 14%
Clearances	2.11	Top 15%
Aerials Won	1.17	Top 15%
All Stats via FBref for Ligue 1

These numbers help to justify the image of the Brazilian star as someone who can help snuff out opposition attacks in his half before kick-starting a counter and bringing the ball all the way up the other end.

Ultimately, West Ham need to add some real quality to the side this summer, and while it will be difficult, they should be doing all they can to get Santos, especially as he could be their new Rice.

Potter's own Xhaka: West Ham now targeting "technically gifted" £15m star

The brilliant midfielder could become West Ham United and Graham Potter’s own Granit Xhaka.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 16, 2025

Zimbabwe and Afghanistan wrestled for the advantage on a fast-paced day of Test cricket in Bulawayo, with the hosts only slightly ahead.Two-hundred-and-eighty-three runs were scored and 13 wickets fell on the second day where the momentum see-sawed between the two teams, leaving the Test delicately poised.Resuming from 6 for 0 after bowling Afghanistan out for 157 on a rain-hit first day, Zimbabwe were in early trouble thanks to a top-order collapse. But half-centuries from Craig Ervine (75) and Sikandar Raza (61) and a knock of equal value from an injured Sean Williams (49) saw Zimbabwe take an 86-run lead – one that was significant given the difficult nature of the pitch.Zimbabwe then removed three Afghanistan batters – with Blessing Muzarabani accounting for two – to end the day 40 runs ahead, while Afghanistan have just seven wickets in hand to try and set up a challenging target.There was enough in the pitch for bowlers in the morning and Zimbabwe started off showing a lot of discipline. But Joylord Gumbie’s patience didn’t last long as he edged Fareed Ahmad as Abdul Malik took a good low catch at second slip.Yamin Ahmadzai then had Takudzwanashe Kaitano strangled down the leg side to make it two wickets in two overs.Just as Ben Curran started to gather momentum with a couple of boundaries off both Afghanistan quicks, Fareed trapped him with front with an in-ducker, with Curran playing down the wrong line.Afghanistan applied instant pressure on Zimbabwe’s No. 5 Dion Myers, who was promoted because Williams was nursing a back injury from Thursday. With a catching mid-on in place, Myers opted to hit his way out of trouble. He lofted Ahmadzai down the ground for a boundary, but nicked off trying to cut a short and wide one to leave Afghanistan on 41 for 4.It could have been five down next ball when Fareed drew the outside edge from Raza – who was on seven – only to see a regulation catch go down at first slip. The drop from Riaz Hassan proved expensive. Raza got going with consecutive boundaries off Ahmadzai – an elegant on-drive followed by a cut through point.Raza and Ervine soon added 71 for the fourth wicket, mostly relying on singles, while Raza came up with the occasional boundary. Raza, playing his first Test since 2021, brought up his fifty by driving Rashid Khan through the covers for two in the second over after lunch.In the next over, Raza had another slice of luck as he miscued a pull to deep square leg’s left, but Ismat Alam let the ball slip through his hands, much to Fareed’s frustration for the second time in the day.Sikandar Raza steadied Zimbabwe after an early collapse•Zimbabwe Cricket

However, Raza could only add eight more runs to his total as Hashmatullah Shahidi brought Zia-ur-Rahman into the attack. Rashid changed ends, and Raza ended up missing a sweep the first ball he faced against the left-arm spinner.Rashid also looked sharper from the other end, and soon had Brian Bennett caught behind off the inside edge with a wrong’un. It did the trick again for Rashid as he knocked over Newman Nyamhuri.Zimbabwe were still ten runs behind Afghanistan’s first-innings total and Williams, coming out to bat at No. 9, and Ervine pulled Rashid and Ahmadzai respectively for two boundaries in the next two overs to take Zimbabwe into the lead.With Williams struggling with his back, Ahmadzai targeted him with short balls and nearly created a caught-and-bowled opportunity in the 52nd over, but the ball fell short. One ball later, Williams took on another short ball and crashed it through midwicket, but also went down on a knee holding his back in the process.Williams then decided to go on the attack, lofting Rashid over mid-on before driving Ahmadzai past mid-off twice in an over. In Ahmadzai’s next over, Williams slogged him for back-to-back boundaries. Ervine, who was happy to play second fiddle at the other end, reached his half-century in the final over before tea.Zimbabwe started positively in the final session, with Williams hitting Zia over mid-off for his fourth boundary in the second over after tea. But in the next over, Rashid got a wrong’un to spin away as Williams looked to turn it leg side. There was barely any audible noise but Rashid was loud in his appeal for caught behind. The umpire however, was unconvinced, but Williams, batting on 49, walked.”Obviously the medical staff have been working really hard to get him on the park today, they did a magnificent job there, and we’re going to have to continue to do that,” Zimbabwe coach Justin Sammons spoke after the day’s play about Williams’ back issue.”It’s going to be tough, he’s in a lot of pain, but he showed tremendous courage to go out there and he showed what he’s about and what it means to him to play for Zimbabwe. You can see that in the way he goes about his business.”I can’t look too far ahead, obviously we take it step by step with him. We’re just going to try to get him into the best physical state we can as we move forward in this Test.”Ervine tried to the strike once play resumed after a brief rain break, but Ngarava convinced his captain to take a single off the second ball of the 71st over but was knocked over by an Ahmadzai length ball that stayed low.Ervine took Rashid on in the next over, first coming down the pitch to loft him down the ground and then slogging him over square leg for back-to-back sixes.However, another attempt at a slog sweep in Rashid’s next over saw Ervine hole out at deep-backward square leg. Zimbabwe now had an 86-run first-innings lead.Afghanistan’s second innings had a frantic start. Abdul Malik flashed at a full delivery and edged it to gully where Curran dropped him, before a vociferous appeal for caught behind from Ngarava, who got the ball close to Malik’s outside edge, was turned down.In the next over, Muzarabani drew a leading edge from Malik, with the ball popping to mid-on. In the eighth over, Muzarabani struck again, when he had Hassan Riaz edging behind to make it 18 for 2.Shahidi and Rahmat Shah, double-centurions in the last match, then tried to stave off the bowlers, but Raza gave Zimbabwe a late boost with a lovely offbreak that drifted in to pitch on middle before turning away past the outside edge and crashing into off stump, removing the Afghanistan captain in the penultimate over of the day.

India will face Bangladesh in the final in Dubai on Sunday

PTI06-Dec-2024Vaibhav Suryavanshi starred with a second successive half-century as India stormed into the Under-19 Asia Cup final with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Sharjah on Friday.The 13-year-old, who became the youngest cricketer ever to be bought at an IPL auction last month, smashed five sixes and six fours for his 36-ball 67 as India chased down a target of 174 with as many as 170 balls to spare.India will face Bangladesh in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.Related

Bihar's Suryavanshi becomes youngest IPL player at just 13

Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by seven wickets, completing a chase of 117 in 22.1 overs in the first semi-final in Dubai.Opting to bat, Sri Lanka could only manage 173 in 46.2 overs despite a valiant effort from Lakvin Abeysinghe (69 off 110) and Sharujan Shanmuganathan (42 off 78).Their innings struggled to gain momentum but Indian bowlers were in full control with Chetan Sharma (3 for 34), Kiran Chormale (2 for 32), and Ayush Mhatre (2 for 37) wreaking havoc in the middle overs.Ayush Mhatre’s 34 off 28 laid a solid foundation for the chase as he put on a stand of 91 with Suryavanshi for the opening wicket.The young left-hander from Bihar troubled the Sri Lankan bowlers from the beginning as he started with consecutive sixes and a boundary off Sigera, who ended up giving away 31 runs in his opening over.Mhatre too played his strokes at the other end as the duo raced to 87 for no loss in eight overs before Vihas Thewmika gave Sri Lanka their first breakthrough by removing the batter.But Suryavanshi kept the run rate ticking despite losing his opening partner, forging another crucial association with C Andre Siddharth (22).He didn’t stop there, taking the attack to the bowlers with his aggressive strokes, including scoring two sixes off Aayan Khan. Captain Mohamed Amaan (25 not out) and KP Karthikeya (11 not out) then completed the chase.

West Bromwich Albion are now in a transfer race with Middlesbrough to sign an experienced defender on a free transfer, according to a recent report.

West Brom chasing multiple transfer targets

It’s been a steady start to the transfer window for the Baggies and new manager Ryan Mason, as they have brought in three new players so far. Defenders George Campbell and Nat Phillips have arrived from Montreal and Liverpool respectively, as well as Aune Heggebo to reinforce the front line.

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The Championship side are looking to remain active however, and have their eye on adding more attacking talent. It was reported earlier this month that West Brom are among the teams interested in signing Mikey Moore on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. The youngster featured for the Premier League side last season but could be set for a spell away given the change in the dugout.

And Moore is not the only attacker Mason has his eye on, as the Express & Star recently revealed that Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is also wanted by West Brom and could be available for around £10 million, as he looks set for a move away from Crystal Palace. However, the Baggies face a tough battle, as rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers are also keen on the exciting winger.

West Brom in race with Middlesbrough to sign Jamal Lewis

Despite already adding defensive reinforcements this summer, Mason appears keen for more options at the back. According to The Belfast Telegraph, West Brom are interested in signing Jamal Lewis on a free transfer.

The left-back was released by Newcastle United in the summer after a tough spell at St James’ Park, where he made just 31 Premier League appearances in three seasons. His availability on a free transfer has now alerted the Baggies but also Middlesbrough and Norwich City, who are keen on the defender.

The 27-year-old, who has earned 39 caps for Northern Ireland, spent the first half of last season on loan at Brazilian side São Paulo, but it was an experience that didn’t go to plan, as he appeared just six times. Lewis returned to Newcastle and didn’t feature in a single game for the remainder of the season.

Apps

100

Minutes played

8289

Goals

0

Assists

6

Despite his struggles at Newcastle since Eddie Howe arrived, the Englishman has been full of praise for Lewis, dubbing him an “incredible athlete” in the past. Howe said: “Jamal, we hope, can stay fit and show us what he’s capable of.

“I believe in him as a player, but he’s just had really bad luck. He’s got a lot to offer physically; we’ve certainly seen that in pre-season – an incredible athlete. He needs consistency of training at the moment – and hopefully he can get that.”

Interestingly, the Baggies have already dealt with his agency, PLG, this summer, as the group also represent Phillips, as well as current star Jayson Molumby, perhaps smoothing negotiations considering Lewis is a free agent.

Glasgow Rangers return to competitive action again on Wednesday night when they travel to Greece to take on Panathinaikos in the second leg of their second round Champions League qualifier.

The Light Blues head to Greece with a 2-0 lead on aggregate after they beat them at Ibrox last week in Russell Martin’s first official match in charge of the club.

Goals from Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama in the second half wrapped up the win for the Gers, as both wingers cut inside from the left to fire the ball into the back of the net from distance.

It was a first chance for Ibrox supporters to watch Gassama in action after his move from English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, and he showed what he is about with his strike.

The French winger produced eight goals and one assist in all competitions for the Owls last season, which suggests that Rangers fans can expect him to provide more quality as a goalscorer this term.

However, the Light Blues may be in the market for further additions in the wide areas because they still lack creativity in those positions, as they look to find their new Ryan Kent.

Why Rangers need to find their next Ryan Kent

In the 2024/25 campaign, no Rangers attacking midfielder or winger provided more than five assists in the Scottish Premiership, and no player in any position racked up more than James Tavernier’s tally of seven assists.

This suggests that the Light Blues are in need of a winger who can consistently open up the opposition’s defence with passes and crosses to create high-quality chances for their teammates to find the back of the net.

The Gers did have a winger who had the quality to consistently provide assists from the flanks when they had Kent on their books between 2018 and 2023, particularly in his final few seasons at Ibrox.

22/23

44

3

10

21/22

46

3

19

20/21

52

13

14

19/20

33

8

4

18/19

43

6

9

As you can see in the table above, the English forward hit double figures for assists in his last three seasons with the club, and produced at least nine assists in four of his five years in Glasgow.

These statistics show that he was a consistent creative threat down the left wing for the Gers, although they also show that he was inconsistent as a goalscorer.

Rangers are now looking to add more creativity to their squad to improve the team, and a fresh report suggests that they are on the verge of landing their next version of Ryan Kent.

Rangers set to sign new winger

According to the Daily Record, the Premiership giants have agreed a deal with Go Ahead Eagles to sign winger Oliver Antman to bolster their squad.

The report claims that the Finland international is poised to become the latest addition to Martin’s team within the next 24 to 48 hours, with a possible debut to come against Motherwell in the Premiership on Saturday.

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It adds that a fee of around £5m has been mentioned for the 23-year-old right-sided attacker, who is now set to agree personal terms before completing a medical and officially signing for the club.

The Daily Record explains that the two teams have made progress on a deal for the forward in recent days, and a fee has now been agreed to bring the Finnish whiz to Ibrox this summer.

It now appears to be only the finer details, including a medical and media duties, that need to be finalised before the Gers can officially announce Antman as their new hero.

Why Oliver Antman could be the new Ryan Kent for Rangers

Rangers could finally have their new Ryan Kent in the building once they get this deal over the line in the coming hours or days, as he is an incredibly creative forward.

Antman is not a like-for-like in comparison to the English forward, because he predominantly plays on the right rather than the left, but they share the same creative qualities.

The Finland international, who assisted a goal for his country against Scotland last year, enjoyed a stunning season with Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie in the 2024/25 campaign, as he showcased his ability to create goals on a regular basis.

Like Kent, Antman struggled at times as a goalscorer. He only scored six goals from 6.99 xG in the Dutch top-flight, which shows that the winger was too wasteful in front of goal, but the £5m-rated star made up for that with his assists.

Starts

28

Goals

6

Key passes per game

1.6

Big chances created

16

xA

6.54

Assists

15

As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old talent created a whopping 16 ‘big chances’ in 28 starts in the Eredivisie, which landed him 15 assists.

His tally of 15 assists in the league meant that he created more than double as many league goals for his side in comparison to Tavernier, who was the top creator for Rangers in the Premiership last term with seven.

This suggests that Antman, who was aptly described as a “creative” winger by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has the potential to be a Kent-esque figure on the flank for Rangers due to his ability to consistently create ‘big chances’ for his teammates to find the back of the net.

Of course, the young attacker is unproven in the Premiership and needs to show that he can do it in Scottish football, but his form for Go Ahead Eagles shows that the potential is there for him to be an incredibly creative presence out wide for Martin.

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Hopefully, Rangers will wrap this deal up sooner rather than later and supporters will get the opportunity to see him in action for the first time on Saturday against Motherwell.