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In the absence of the injured Gill, Rahul will captain India in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Nov-20257:34

Rahul: ‘Senior players make dressing room feel more confident’

KL Rahul has led India in 12 ODIs, three Tests and one T20I and as before he slips into the hot seat again with the regular captain injured. He sees himself as one of India’s finishers, having hit the winning runs in the Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia and being out there when those winning runs were scored in the final against New Zealand as well.”Just a day before the announcement, I was told that the opportunity might come and I might have to lead,” Rahul said on the eve of the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday. “I have captained the side before. It is something that is very exciting. I look forward to enjoying that responsibility. I have always enjoyed responsibility, making the right decisions for the team. That’s about it. I don’t think too much about it.”Related

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Rahul will have the support of a generation of players that have played together for a long time and he was keen to tap into them as India build up towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.”I obviously have Rohit [Sharma], Virat [Kohli], Jaddu [Ravindra Jadeja], all the senior players around me who will help out,” Rahul said. “How we have all played our cricket is to think of it as we are all leaders and we try and do the best for the team. That continues whether I am captain or someone else is captain. It is always a collective effort to doing something in the direction of a bigger goal.”KL Rahul has captained India in 12 ODIs so far•PTI

The most recent memory of Rahul on a cricket field, however, was a mis-hit where he reached out to a Simon Harmer offbreak trying to play a drive but was beaten by the drift and dip to be bowled. India were trying to leave day four in Guwahati unscathed. They weren’t quite able to and sunk to a heavy defeat.”There is no regret of not trying a different shot,” Rahul said when asked if he might have been served better by going down the track, if only to defend. “There is a regret of executing what I did.”It is a Test format. At the stage that I was playing, it was the last few overs of the day. I don’t think that’s the right time for me to try and step down and hit the bowler for a boundary.”Looking back, yes, maybe I would have [come down and blocked it] but it was only the second ball of the over. If I had stepped down and gotten out, maybe that would have been a question mark in my own head as to whether that was right or wrong. At that point in time, I think defending was the right option to do which I didn’t do well enough.”The damage done by visiting spinners at home has turned the spotlight on the India batters ability against the turning ball.”I don’t know why we were better in playing spin before and not so good now,” Rahul said. “There are a lot of reasons. But we can just think about how we can do better as players. How individually we can do better and when in six-seven months we are in a similar situation against Sri Lanka [away] and the home series against Australia, so how we can do better and what are the technical changes we need to make. These are things we’ll individually seek answers. And like you said, we used to play spin very well before so we’ll reach out to those players and try to learn something from our seniors.”

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Luis Zulbedía é o novo técnico do São Paulo. O técnico argentino deve desembarcar no Brasil neste sábado (20) assumir o comando do Tricolor até o final de 2025. Ao todo, o treinador já enfrentou clubes brasileiros de 11 oportunidades e não tem um retrospecto favorável.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasLance! BizQual será o salário de Luis Zubeldía no São Paulo?Lance! Biz19/04/2024São PauloConheça Luis Zubeldía, o novo técnico do São PauloSão Paulo19/04/2024São PauloSão Paulo fecha contratação do técnico argentino Luis ZubeldíaSão Paulo19/04/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! São Paulo no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Tricolor

➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta!

Dentro dos 11 jogos de Zulbedía contra clubes brasileiros, o técnico venceu apenas duas vezes. O argentino também empatou quatro jogos e perdeu cinco.

Além disso, ao longo de toda a carreira como treinador, Luis Zulbedía enfrentou o São Paulo em quatro oportunidades. No total, venceu duas partidas e perdeu as outras duas.

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🗒️ CONFIRA O DESEMPENHO DE LUIS ZUBELDÍA CONTRA TIMES BRASILEIROS:
2023 – Fortaleza 1 (3) x (4) 1 LDU – Final da Sul-Americana;
2023 – São Paulo 1 (4) x (5) 0 LDU – segundo jogo das quartas de final da Sul-Americana;
2023 – LDU 2 x 1 São Paulo – primeiro jogo das quartas de final da Sul-Americana;
2023 – LDU 0 x 0 Botafogo – 5ª rodada da fase de grupos da Sul-Americana;
2023 – Botafogo 0 x 0 LDU – 3ª rodada da fase de grupos da Sul-Americana;
2021 – Lanús 1 x 2 Grêmio – 2ª rodada da fase de grupos da Sul-Americana;
2020 – São Paulo 4 x 3 Lanús – segundo jogo da 2ª fase da Sul-Americana;
2020 – Lanús 3 x 2 São Paulo – primeiro jogo da 2ª fase da Sul-Americana;
2018 – Cerro Porteño 0 x 2 Palmeiras – jogo de ida das oitavas de final da Libertadores
2018 – Grêmio 5 x 0 Cerro Porteño – 4ª rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores
2018 – Cerro Porteño 0 x 0 Grêmio – 3ª rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores

Tudo sobre

Luis ZubeldíaSão Paulo

Manchester United’s run of five games unbeaten in the Premier League is evidence that Ruben Amorim is certainly starting to get the best out of the current crop of players Old Trafford.

The 40-year-old’s stint in England has been nothing but plain sailing, as seen by his inability to lead the club to a respectable finish in 2024/25 – subsequently ending the year in 15th place.

However, the hierarchy have shown faith in the former Sporting CP boss, as seen by his £200m spending spree during the recent summer transfer window.

The likes of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have all joined the Red Devils in the last few months, with the latter of the trio already scoring six combined goals in England’s top-flight.

Despite the mammoth investment within the attacking department, the manager is still craving a new central midfielder to help take his side to the next level in the years ahead.

Man United’s hunt for a new central midfielder in January

Over the last couple of weeks, Elliot Anderson has been the name on the lips of all United supporters, with rumours rapidly starting to circle over a move for his signature.

The Nottingham Forest star has risen to stardom over the last 12 months, with the 23-year-old featuring in every league game in 2025/26, even earning him a spot in the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.

It’s been reported in recent days that the Red Devils have already reached out to the Reds over a potential deal for the youngster, but have been quoted a fee in the region of £100m for his services.

However, Anderson isn’t the only midfielder currently in their sights, with the hierarchy also closely monitoring German star Angelo Stiller ahead of the upcoming window.

According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s men are preparing an offer in the region of €60m (£53m) for the Stuttgart star, with Real Madrid also interested in a move for his signature.

The report claims that his current employers don’t want to lose the 24-year-old in the near future, but they could be forced to if an acceptable offer is presented by the likes of United.

Why Stiller target would be their own Anderson

United fans have seen first-hand the talents that Anderson currently possesses, after the Forest star managed to run the show in the recent meeting between the sides at the City Ground.

He featured for the entirety of the contest and thrived in and out of possession, as Sean Dyche’s men secured a 2-2 draw against the Red Devils in the East Midlands.

The 23-year-old managed to create three chances for his teammates – offering a threatening option with the ball – whilst also making 14 recoveries and preventing Amorim’s men from extending their winning run.

Anderson’s ability to complete 100% of his dribbles and register 15 passes into the final third further showcases his phenomenal talents – with such a performance leaving the United fanbase demanding his signature.

However, English talents are always more expensive in the modern transfer market, as seen by the current £100m price tag that has been placed on his head at present.

Given the money spent in the summer, it’s unclear if the United hierarchy would splash such a sum, with a potential deal breaking their club-record transfer fee set by Paul Pogba in 2016.

As a result, a move for Stiller could prove to be a more realistic proposition, but that’s not to say he’s a lower quality talent than England international, Anderson.

The German has been labelled as a similar player to the 23-year-old by FBref in the Europa League this season, with the Stuttgart star even bettering him in numerous key areas to date.

Stiller, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, has completed more key passes per 90, whilst also making more passes into the opposition box per 90.

Games played

10

11

Goals & assists

4

2

Progressive carries

2.2

1.3

Pass accuracy

86%

83%

Key passes

2.1

1.3

Passes into opposition box

2.3

1.2

Interceptions made

1.1

0.9

Clearances made

1.4

0.8

Take-ons completed

73%

50%

Such numbers are no mean feat, especially considering Anderson’s talents in possession, subsequently showcasing the phenomenal talent that the Stuttgart talent currently possesses.

He’s also registered more progressive carries per 90, whilst achieving a higher take-on success rate, with such figures highlighting his dominance over the Forest star with the ball at his feet.

Stiller has managed to provide key talents out of possession too, even bettering the Englishman in terms of interceptions and clearances made per 90 in 2025/26.

The aforementioned figures could certainly make the German the perfect number six in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, which could finally end the club’s hunt for a new midfielder.

Anderson may remain as many supporters’ number one choice for the role, but ultimately, his current asking price is way above the range United would spend in January.

As a result, Stiller could offer a cheaper yet more effective option to the Red Devils, potentially helping the side make a top four push come the end of May.

Man Utd have a "future £100m" star who's Carrington's very own Anderson

Manchester United already have a star who could allow them to forget about signing Elliot Anderson.

1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 12, 2025

The Chicago White Sox are on the cusp of breaking a rather unfortunate MLB record: securing the most losses in a single season.

Tuesday night could've secured the record as the White Sox sit at 120 losses this year, but they ended up winning the game. Fans attending the game vs. the Los Angeles Angels booed the hometown team and even brought signs saying "Sell the team." Morale was low at Guaranteed Rate Field to say the least.

However, one fan apparently thought the vibe was good enough to propose to their girlfriend during the game.

As messages were being shown on the video board, one came across saying "Veronica, will you marry me?" A picture of the board has since gone viral, but it's unknown what Veronica's answer was.

Still, a lot of people are confused why the fan thought the night Chicago could reach 121 losses was the perfect night to propose. We may never know.

New York Yankees star Jazz Chisholm Jr. stepped into the batter's box in the bottom of the 11th inning on Wednesday night with runners on first and third against the Kansas City Royals.

With the infield playing in to try to prevent the game-winning run from being scored, Chisholm hit a slider to the left side of the infield. Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. couldn't make a play after his diving stop, and the game-winning run came home to score as the Yankees walked off a 4-3 win in the Bronx.

The walk-off hit by Chisholm was consequential given the state of the playoff race in the AL East. The Yankees win and Baltimore Orioles's loss to the Boston Red Sox moved the Yankees into a game-and-a-half lead in the East.

For Chisholm, the first walk-off hit of his professional baseball career at any level was really special.

"Hit it where it's pitched and find a hole. Not trying to do too much, just trying to get a runner in," Chisholm said with a smile on his face after the win. "This is my first career walk-off so it means a lot right now."

Moments later, Chisholm was doused in an ice bath and had an incredible reaction.

"It's too cold in New York for those!" he said with a laugh.

Chisholm has kept it light and has been himself every step of the way since being acquired from the Miami Marlins in a trade earlier this season. Now he's playing a key role in a playoff race for the Yankees.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-match suspension after being sent off in the closing moments of Los Blancos' heated 2-1 win over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Ukrainian was the only player dismissed following a brawl sparked by Vinicius Junior’s celebration late in the Clasico.

Heated Clasico ends in chaos

It was chaos at the Bernabeu on Sunday night as the high-stakes El Clasico ended in a heated brawl involving players from both benches. What started as Vinicius's celebration right in front of the Barca dugout quickly spiralled into a full-blown scuffle that needed security to calm things down. Los Blancos' second-choice goalkeeper Lunin, who wasn’t even on the pitch, got caught up in the middle of it all. The Ukrainian sprinted from the bench to confront the Barca players and had to be held back by his teammates. Players including Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal and Thibaut Courtois were also seen exchanging words with Lamine Yamal, who didn’t hold back either. However, it was only Lunin who was sent off by referee Soto Grado.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLunin handed one-match ban after El Clasico brawl

Lunin’s red card has now resulted in a one-match suspension, confirmed by the Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday. The referee’s official report stated that Lunin was sent off "for leaving his bench towards the opposing bench in an aggressive attitude, having to be held back by his own teammates.”

Real Madrid appealed the decision as they felt the call was harsh, but the committee backed the referee’s version of events, calling it a minor breach of sporting conduct. 

The suspension will keep Lunin out for one game. However, Los Blancos have the option to appeal again if they want to take it to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). 

Meanwhile, none of the other players involved, including Vinicius, Carvajal, Bellingham and Yamal, faced further action. 

Real Madrid had last laugh after Yamal’s pre-match jab

Before the Clasico even kicked off, Barcelona’s teenage star had taken a swipe at Madrid, stating that they complain all the time. His comments reportedly sparked anger in Madrid's dressing room, who wanted to teach the young winger a lesson on the pitch. Needless to say, those words by Yamal came back to haunt him. The Barca wonderkid struggled to make an impact at the Bernabeu, managing just two shots and creating a couple of chances as Madrid’s backline kept him quiet. 

Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for Los Blancos in the 22nd minute before Fermin Lopez levelled for the visitors. But Bellingham’s strike just before half-time proved to be the winner. Mbappe's second-half penalty miss didn’t cost the hosts as they cruised to a win. Madrid players, including captain Carvajal, made sure to respond to Yamal after the game, which led to further escalation between the two teams.

As well as the bust-up, Madrid's victory was overshadowed by Vinicius' furious response to his substitution in the second-half. The Brazilian has since apologised to his team-mate's and the club's fans, though he neglected to mention coach Xabi Alonso in the statement he posted on social media on Wednesday.

Before that, he attempted to explain the fiery nature of the match, saying: "This is how the Clasico is; there are many things happening on and off the pitch. We try to maintain balance, but that's not always possible. We didn't want to offend anyone, neither the young players nor the fans."

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Getty Images SportMadrid pull clear at the top in La Liga

The win put the Los Blancos five points clear at the top of La Liga, with nine wins from their first 10 games. Meanwhile, the defending champions are chasing behind with seven wins. With the dust yet to settle from the Clasico, both Spanish giants now turn their attention back to league action. Madrid will host Villarreal later this week without Lunin, who was expected to be on the bench, as they look to maintain their strong form. Meanwhile, Barcelona take on Elche on Sunday, hoping to close the gap at the top.

Overseas player availability a key concern after league had to be suspended due to cross-border tensions between Pakistan and India

Danyal Rasool12-May-2025The PSL is likely to resume later this week with the PCB aiming to hold the remaining games in Pakistan. The league, which was postponed due to increasing cross-border tensions with India, has eight games left and the PCB, as well as several franchises, is eager to conclude the season as early as possible.The PSL held meetings with the franchises on Monday to discuss specific dates and venues. The most pressing issue is the availability of overseas players, with ESPNcricinfo understanding a significant number are unlikely to return. The asymmetry of player availability may also impact squads, with some franchises more confident about overseas players rejoining than others.To mitigate that, the PCB is also believed to be considering a replacement draft to make up the numbers. While the quality of players available for such a draft is a concern – the most in-demand players were already with the PSL or the IPL – it is likely to be a necessary step to fill the gaps. The logistics around production will also need to be sorted, with the contracts for broadcasting teams ending on 18 May, the date for the final before the league had to be suspended.Several stakeholders at the franchises ESPNcricinfo spoke to said that bringing foreign players back for the remainder of the season had been made difficult by the decisions compelled upon the PCB from the sheer volatility of the period leading to the league’s suspension. As tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, the PSL at one point went through three different options within 24 hours.The PCB initially considered moving the tournament to Karachi after the security situation around the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium became untenable, before announcing early on Friday morning that it would be held in the UAE. Later that day, though, with the IPL also suspended by this point, it was announced the PSL was being suspended indefinitely – a decision ultimately made on the advice of the Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.During this time, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with the overseas players. One franchise member told ESPNcricinfo the players were “in no frame of mind” to play at this point, with emotions running high. It was decided that evening to airlift the players to the UAE that night from an airbase.The conclusion of PSL 2025 will mark the end of the ten-year leases for the six franchises, with the contracts up for renewal and renegotiation. The current owners have right of first refusal, with several indicating a preference to purchase teams in perpetuity rather than operate on rolling long-term contracts.The PSL spilling into the last ten days of May is also expected to impact Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan. Bangladesh were due to arrive on May 21 and play five T20Is starting on May 25, with the first two in Faisalabad and the remaining three in Lahore. The BCB said it was in “active and ongoing discussions” about the tour.

شهدت اللحظات الأخيرة من عمر مباراة الكلاسيكو بين فريقي ريال مدريد وبرشلونة في بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، مساء يوم الأحد، إثارة قوية للغاية.

واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة الكلاسيكو الأول بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة هذا الموسم، 2025/26، حيث فاز الملكي بهدفين لهدف.

وتحصل لاعب برشلونة، بيدري، على بطاقة صفراء ثانية قبل نهاية المباراة، نتيجة تدخله ضد تشواميني، ما أدى إلى طرده بعد ذلك.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فيديو | رد فعل عصبي من فينيسيوس بعد استبداله في مباراة ريال مدريد وبرشلونة

وبمجرد حصول بيدري على البطاقة الحمراء، لوحظت مشادة قوية بين لاعبي ريال مدريد وبرشلونة على خط التماس، دون معرفة السبب وراء بداية ما حدث.

وبعد إطلاق صافرة النهاية، اُستكملت المشادة بين لاعبي ريال مدريد وبرشلونة على أرض الملعب، ولوحظ انخراط أكثر من لاعب في الأمر، مثل رافينها لاعب البرسا الذي لم يشارك للإصابة، وفينيسيوس جونيور الذي خرج غاضبًا في الدقيقة 74 لاستبداله من جانب تشابي ألونسو.

كما شوهد لامين يامال، لاعب برشلونة، وهو يتبادل مشادات كلامية مع لاعبي ريال مدريد، خاصة أنه أثار غضبهم بقوة قبل المباراة لتصريحاته اللاذعة ضد الملكي.

وبعد ذلك، قرر لاعبو ريال مدريد الاحتفال بفوزهم على برشلونة وسط تحية الجماهير الصاخبة.

Arsenal fans were promised an unprecedented summer transfer window and boy did they get it.

New striker? Tick. Viktor Gyokeres is your man. Bukayo Saka back-up? Hello, Noni Madueke. An improvement on the left flank? Eberechi Eze has arrived.

This certainly feels like the best opportunity the Gunners have had to win the Premier League title since Mikel Arteta arrived.

The trouble is, Liverpool have also gone big, breaking the British record transfer fee on two occasions in the same summer, first to bring Florian Wirtz to Anfield and then on deadline day, finally getting the Alexander Isak deal done. It’s a scary proposition for the rest of the division.

What Arsenal will need is consistency. They will need to not only be dogged but they will also require no bad performances. They simply cannot afford another Rob Holding situation.

The Rob Holding story of 2022/23

What a campaign it was for the Gunners in 2022/23. The football played was arguably the best of the Arteta era and they could, perhaps should have walked away with the title in their arms.

They went on to miss out on the title to Manchester City by just five points and it was arguably because of their run of form at the back end of the campaign.

It all started with a clash against Sporting CP in the Europa League. William Saliba picked up a rather innocuous injury and was forced off. The ramifications of that event in March 2023 were not realised until the campaign was said and done.

Saliba didn’t play another minute of the season and Holding was the deputy. While he helped marshal Arteta’s side to back-to-back 4-1 wins over Leeds and Crystal Palace, the Gunners only won five of their last 11 league matches, meaning they missed out on the title.

Holding, although he scored against Man City, was particularly to blame during their 4-1 defeat at the Etihad in late April, with Jamie Carragher explaining after proceedings that Haaland vs the Arsenal defence was a “physical mismatch”.

Unsurprisingly, Holding’s part in Arsenal’s title defeat saw him leave the club that summer. He headed to Crystal Palace and to sum up his decline, he played just 90 minutes in an Eagles shirt.

Seemingly scarred from that run of games, Arteta has since bolstered his backline significantly. Saliba came off in the defeat at Anfield and despite their loss, Cristhian Mosquera – a new signing from Valencia – performed superbly well. The difference between him and Holding was seismic.

Yet, two years on from that incident, Arteta must learn again. No passengers are allowed if they are to finally get over the line.

Arsenal's new Rob Holding situation

After signing Gyokeres, Madueke and Eze this summer, it certainly feels as though the Arsenal side is more polished. It has more firepower and more variation as they attempt to beat Man City and Liverpool.

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Gyokeres, while he was starved of service at Old Trafford and Anfield, has scored twice already in Arsenal colours, while Eze and Madueke look vibrant in their limited minutes too.

Who doesn’t look vibrant and full of energy is Gabriel Martinelli, arguably Arsenal’s new Holding.

That verdict might well be harsh but the fact of the matter is that the Brazilian has regressed significantly. He looks like the weak link and if he starts regular matches this term, he could be the reason the Gunners miss out again.

Reports last week claimed that Arsenal would have been happy to sell Martinelli this summer, provided an asking price of £60m was met. However, to rubber-stamp the winger’s fall from grace, suitors were only willing to pay £40m.

It wasn’t long ago that the forward was described as “a talent of the century” by Jurgen Klopp. It wasn’t long ago either that he was finishing as one of Arsenal’s top scorers.

In that 2022/23 term where everything was firing, he netted 15 times, finishing as joint-top scorer in the squad alongside Saka and Martin Odegaard.

It was hardly a surprise that club legend Robert Pires saw similarities between himself and the wide forward; “Gabriel Martinelli looks like me. He looks a lot like me because he’s a dribbler, he scores goals, and he is quick,” Pires stated back in 2024.

Since then, even if he has scored in the Bernabeu, the 24-year-old really should have kicked on but he has failed to deliver consistent numbers. He scored eight times in 2023/24 and on ten occasions in 2024/25. Those aren’t disastrous numbers but it’s a reduction in output just as it looked like he was ready to explode and realise his immense potential. It’s rather remarkable that just seven months ago, Pires also stated that he thought Martinelli could have got into the Invincibles starting lineup.

While certain sections of the fanbase have been on the attacker’s back for a few years now, the penny seemed to drop with his performance at Anfield in the 1-0 defeat.

Having not played a single minute during the 5-0 win over Leeds, Martinelli was handed a start off the left against Liverpool and really disappointed.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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Starting at right-back was Dominik Szoboszlai, a midfielder by trade, but the Brazil international failed to really do anything to trouble the Hungarian.

We’ve seen Martinelli really enjoy this fixture in the past. He’s had the better of Trent Alexander-Arnold on several occasions but there wasn’t a single moment where he ever looked like he’d get the better of Szoboszlai.

It was sad to see in all honesty. He had completed just six passes by the time he was hauled off on 70th minutes and in that time he didn’t have a single shot or complete a key pass.

Martinelli vs Liverpool

Minutes played

70

Touches

15

Accurate passes

6/7 (86%)

Key passes

0

Shots

0

Dribble attempts

0

Crosses

0

Duels won

2

Stats via Sofascore.

Speaking during the aftermath of the game, Theo Walcott stated: “Szoboszlai was incredible, but the reason why he was incredible, he wasn’t tested at all. You’ve got a centre mid at full back. For me, that’s music to my ears.”

For Martinelli, he only continues to falter. Against United, he also struggled, completing just three passes and only one key pass.

If Arsenal are going to improve this season and win the league, then Arteta must learn from that Holding situation. Eze and Madueke represent upgrades and must play.

If not, then the Gunners could be staring at a repeat situation where one of their players lets them down in their quest to be crowned champions of England.

Related 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.

Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 5, 2025

Newcastle United anticipate a busy deadline day ahead, but fans on Tyneside must be excited to see the back of these frantic, helter-skelter months of market activity.

While Eddie Howe will largely be pleased with the signings made, the Magpies may be about to lose Alexander Isak to Liverpool, with the club-record £69m signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart certainly suggesting as much.

However, since Callum Wilson has also left St. James’ Park this summer, it’s crucial that United land themselves a second striker before the looming deadline.

Newcastle eyeing Deadline Day striker deal

Newcastle have been looking to sign Brentford’s Yoane Wissa over the summer, and while the DR Congo striker has been desperate to join the Tynesiders, the chances of him jumping ship look increasingly slim, with two bids having been rejected already.

Bees boss Keith Andrews has stressed that he expects Wissa to stay put, and that might mean that Newcastle are forced to search elsewhere.

But, should they succeed in their bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Jørgen Strand Larsen, any frustration over failing to sign Wissa would be wiped away, with the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope revealing that the Toon are still “trying” to sign the Norwegian.

Strand Larsen, 25, is valued at £65m, and Newcastle wouldn’t be willing to pay such a figure, but efforts are ongoing.

What Strand Larsen would bring to Newcastle

Strand Larsen spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Wolves, and made his stay permanent this summer, having scored 14 goals in the Premier League last term.

Described as a “nuisance” in the box by Toon legend Alan Shearer, the 6 foot 4 striker is an excellent modern target man, bearing the physicality, awareness and link-up ability to thrive for a team like Newcastle, challenging around the top.

While it would be fair to suggest that Woltemade has the higher ceiling, he’s an unfinished product, and Strand Larsen might actually prove the more polished forward at this stage for Newcastle, having proven himself already in England’s top flight.

League Stats 24/25 – Strand Larsen vs Woltemade

Stats (* per game)

Strand Larsen

Woltemade

Matches (starts)

35 (30)

28 (17)

Goals

14

12

Assists

4

2

Shots (on target)*

1.5 (1.0)

1.8 (0.9)

Accurate passes

8.4 (65%)

12.3 (72%)

Big chances created

6

8

Key passes*

0.6

1.3

Dribbles*

0.2

1.1

Ball recoveries*

1.2

1.9

Tackles*

0.3

0.4

Duels won*

3.0

4.4

Data via Sofascore

Strand Larsen actually outscored Woltemade in regard to respective league tallies last year, and given that he was battling to stave off relegation with the Old Gold, there’s substance to the suggestion that he would star as Newcastle’s main man at number nine.

Couple that with the fact that he also had fewer shots per game and there is a potent threat here just waiting to be tested at a higher level.

Less dynamic and technically gifted when on the ball, Strand Larsen would certainly be a fantastic rival at the front of the ship for Woltemade as the latter pushes to make headway in the Premier League.

He appears to be better in front of goal at this stage and perhaps might find himself making a priceless impact for Howe’s outfit across the campaign, consistently shooting true in the wake of Isak’s potential sale to Liverpool.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Aug 31, 2025