الأسباب الحقيقية لسقوط ليفربول.. جماهير تضغط على الجرح وحيرة الصفقات

كشفت صحيفة ديلي ميرور، عن السبب الحقيقي وراء السقوط الحر الذي حدث لنادي ليفربول خلال هذا الموسم، حيث يعاني الريدز الأمرين بالفعل.

ليفربول تراجعت نتائجه بشدة خلال هذا الموسم، حيث خسر الفريق تسعة من أصل آخر 12 مباراة لعبها الريدز في كافة المسابقات في رقم كارثي حقًا.

وتراجع ليفربول إلى المركز الـ13 في ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز هذا الموسم، وهو الدوري الذي حققه الريدز خلال الموسم الماضي.

وأفادت ميرور، أن نادي ليفربول بالكامل لم يستطع حقًا تجاوز محنة وفاة ديوجو جوتا، لاعب النادي الإنجليزي السابق والذي توفي هذا العام.

جوتا توفي خلال شهر يوليو الماضي، وذلك عن عمر ناهز الـ28 عامًا في حادث سير، عقب عدة أيام فقط من حفل زفافه.

وأشار المصدر، إلى أن الخبراء يعتقدون أن لاعبي ليفربول يعانون من صدمة جماعية جراء وفاة جوتا، وهذه الصدمة تم تجاهلها حول أسباب تراجع نتائج الريدز هذا الموسم.

ونقلت ميرور تصريحات الخبيرة النفسية ومؤسسة شركة ”Grief Specialists” والتي قالت عن أزمة ليفربول: “كانت أكبر خسارة يتعرضون لها هذا الموسم بمثابة مشكلة كبيرة”.

وأضافت: “الخسارة تلو الأخرى تزعزع ثقة أي لاعب كرة قدم محترف، لكن الحزن لا ينتهي بعد الجنازة، ليس فقط أفراد الأسرة المباشرة هم من يحزنون، الحزن لا يزول لمجرد وجودك في العمل”.

وأوضحت أن التأثر بات واضحًا على نجوم ليفربول بالأخص محمد صلاح، والذي حدث هبوط حاد في مستواه لم يحدث معه منذ سنوات، بجانب فيرجيل فان دايك، قائد الفريق والذي يعاني من أزمة ثقة في مستواه خلال الفترة الأخيرة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مواعيد مباريات اليوم الأحد 30-11-2025 والقنوات الناقلة.. ليفربول يواجه وست هام وريال مدريد ضد جيرونا

ولم يقتصر الأمر على فان دايك ومحمد صلاح فقط، حيث انفجر الظهير الأيسر لليفربول، آندي روبرتسون، واعترف عقب تأهل منتخب اسكتلندا إلى كأس العالم العام المقبل أنه يفتقد كثيرًا إلى جوتا ولا يستطيع نسيانه.

وأكدت ميرور أن الحزن لم يقتصر عند لاعبي ليفربول الحاليين فقط، حيث دخل نجم خط وسط الريدز السابق، دون هاتشيسون، في حالة من البكاء عند التحدث عن أزمة النادي الإنجليزي هذا الموسم، حيث بكى بسبب حديثه عن تأثير وفاة جوتا على لاعبي الفريق.

وأضافت أن فان دايك قد حاول عقد لقاء مع بقية لاعبي ليفربول للحديث عن مشاكل الفريق هذا الموسم دون تدخل الجهاز الفني، لكن هذه المحادثة فشلت في تغيير الأمور.

وأوضحت أنه وفقًا للدكتورة جين هالسال، أخصائية علم النفس الاستشاري المعتمدة، فإن سبب فشل اجتماع فان دايك مع لاعبي ليفربول، في ذلك هو أن المشكلة ليست في كرة القدم مع الريدز بل هي نفسية.

وقالت هالسال نقلًا عن ميرور: “يؤثر الحزن على الرياضيين بطرق قوية، فهو يعيق التركيز واتخاذ القرارات، ومستويات الطاقة، والتنظيم العاطفي، قد يشعر بعض اللاعبين بالصدمة أو الحزن أو الشعور بالذنب، هذه ردود فعل طبيعية، لكنها تؤثر حتمًا على الأداء”.

وأردفت ميرور، أن الأمور معقدة أكثر للاعبي ليفربول الجدد، والذين لا يعرفون جوتا ويحاولون في المقابل الانسجام مع الفريق.

ونقلت الصحيفة تصريحات الخبير النفسي بيلي، والذي أشار: “لا أستطيع إلا أن أتخيل شعورهم أيضًا، إنهم غرباء عن هذه الخسارة مما قد يزيد من مشاكل أدائهم، في حين يحاولون التأقلم مع الفريق الحالي الذي يعاني من فجوة كبيرة”.

وأضافت الدكتورة هالسال: “قد يشعر اللاعبون الجدد بالحيرة بشأن كيفية دعم زملائهم ومدى تقديرهم للخسارة، أو كيفية ترسيخ مكانهم دون تجاوز الحدود، وهذا يخلق ديناميكية دقيقة يعيش فيها الفريق حالة من الحزن وإعادة البناء في آن واحد”.

كما أبرزت في حديثها عن مدرب ليفربول، آرني سلوت، والذي بات يعاني بشكل واضح هذا الموسم حيث يحاول إخراج لاعبي الريدز من حالة الحزن الجماعية التي يعيشوها.

وتحدثت خبيرة لغة الجسد، جودي جيمس، عن سلوك سلوت خلال المؤتمر الصحفي الأخير لليفربول، واصفة المدرب الهولندي بأنه أقرب إلى مشجع محبط أكثر منه كمدرب.

وقالت جيمس: “يبدو أن كلمة حلول بحد ذاتها تثير حالة من التأمل والانفعال هنا، يؤمه برأسه بأنه موافق، ثم يظهر تنهيدة ويهز كتفه، التنهيدة توحي باليأس، بينما قد تبدو هزة الكتف كنوع من التجاهل”.

وأضافت: ”صوت سلوت في المؤتمر ربما يؤدي إلى سقوط كبير لليفربول، بينما كان من المفترض أن يحاول المضي قدمًا في هذا المؤتمر”.

وأفادت ميرور، أن إدارة ليفربول تفكر بشكل جدي في إعادة يورجن كلوب لتدريب الفريق، لكن المدرب الألماني لن يقوم بالموافقة على هذا العارض إلا بعد نهاية الموسم.

وأوضحت أن غناء جماهير ليفربول لجوتا عند الدقيقة 20 من كل مباراة يلعبها الفريق على ملعب آنفيلد تؤثر ذهنيًا على لاعبي الريدز، ومع تدهور النتائج تزايدت الدعوات لوقف هذه التحية، حيث يرى البعض أنها تبقي الجرح مفتوحًا لدى اللاعبين.

وعلقت بيلي على غناء جمهور ليفربول لجوتا وأفادت: “قد يبدو تجاهل هذه البادرة للوهلة الأولى هو التصرف الصحيح، لكن هؤلاء اللاعبين يفكرون في جوتا على أي حال، قد توفر أغنيته بعض الراحة بدلًا من أن تسبب الانزعاج”.

وتابعت أن ليفربول لن يستطيع الخروج من أزمة النتائج بالتدريب فقط، بل على الفريق اتخاذ بعض الإجراءات لمواجهة صدمة وفاة جوتا.

وقالت بيلي: “أشجع النادي على تقديم جلسات جماعية، حيث يمكن للفريق مشاركة مشاعره الحقيقية في جو من الأمان، يجب أن يسمع صوت الحزن لا أن يتم علاجه”.

ثم اختتمت هالسال: “على المشجعين أن يدركوا أن هذه لحظة يحتاج فيها الفريق إلى دعم مخلص، لا إلى ردود فعل منصبة على تحقيق النجاح، لا ينبغي لأي لاعب أن يشعر بالخجل من الحزن”.

Shan Masood to continue as Pakistan Test captain for 2025-27 WTC cycle

PCB sticks with Masood despite Pakistan finishing last in the previous World Test Championship cycle

Danyal Rasool23-Sep-2025

Under Shan Masood’s captaincy, Pakistan finished bottom of the previous WTC points table•AFP/Getty Images

Shan Masood is set to lead Pakistan in the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The PCB reaffirmed its confidence in the current Test captain after Masood met with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with Pakistan’s red-ball coach Azhar Mahmood.A PCB statement said Masood and Mahmood have been given “free hand” of the Test side, without elaborating what specifically that entails. The captain and coach are not in the selection committee for the Test side, which comprises a five-member panel including Aleem Dar, Aqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, and Azhar Ali.There was speculation on Masood’s future after the 2023-25 WTC cycle, where Pakistan finished bottom of the table. He was captain for the entirety of that cycle. Last month, when the PCB announced player contracts for the 2025-26 season, Masood was demoted from the ‘B’ category to ‘D’, the lowest rung of central contracts.Related

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Gillespie: I was 'completely and utterly blindsided' by the PCB

In that time, the position of Pakistan’s Test coach underwent several changes, including the brief reign of Jason Gillespie, which ended on acrimonious terms. In that context, the PCB’s declaration of confidence in Masood represents a major upswing his fortunes and the possibility of a fresh start. He is Pakistan’s longest-serving current captain, with the ODI and T20I captaincy changing hands multiple times since he took over the red-ball side.While consistency with the bat has remained elusive, Masood made useful contributions at the top of the order, having established himself as an opener over the last four Tests following an extended stint at No. 3. Two big hundreds, one at home against England and one in South Africa, took his average into the mid 30s; it is higher as captain than it has ever been under any other skipper. However, Test wins have been in short supply under Masood, with Pakistan losing nine of 12 matches.Masood’s first test of the new WTC cycle is against defending WTC champions South Africa, who play two Tests in Pakistan in October.

Man Utd star is becoming Amorim's "most clutch player" & it's not Maguire

Manchester United supporters have become accustomed to incredible late drama over the years – with numerous moments producing incredible memories for the fanbase.

In recent history, Amad Diallo has produced his own late magic, doing so in one of the biggest games for the club – the Manchester Derby against Manchester City.

The Ivorian scored a 90th-minute winner against Pep Guardiola’s men at the Etihad last campaign, securing a 2-1 victory after trailing with just a handful of minutes remaining.

However, one of the most iconic late goals was scored by Ole Gunnar Solskjær against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final back in 1999.

Such a goal helped the Red Devils claim another major trophy, but most importantly secured the club a treble after previously winning the Premier League and FA Cup.

In the present day, Ruben Amorim has his very own clutch player who has continued to produce the goods within the latter stages of numerous crucial outings.

Ranking Harry Maguire’s most clutch moments for Man Utd

After forking out £80m for Harry Maguire’s signature in the summer of 2019, very few United fans would have predicted the impact that the centre-back would have in attacking areas.

In his six years at Old Trafford, the 32-year-old has racked up 17 goals for the Red Devils, finding the back of the net in every 14 matches he’s appeared in.

Numerous of his strikes have been late goals to secure the first-team vital results, with his third-most important effort coming against Norwich City in the FA Cup quarter-final back in 2020.

His 118th-minute winner secured the club a place in the semi-final, with such an effort the first time Maguire popped up and demonstrated his clutch ability in front of goal.

The centre-back also demonstrated his last-gasp antics in the Europa League last season – subsequently producing one of the most memorable games for the fans in recent history.

Maguire leapt highest at the back post in the 121st minute to secure a phenomenal late comeback against Lyon, resulting in a 7-6 aggregate win in the quarter-final.

However, despite his antics at Old Trafford back in April, the defender’s latest strike for the Red Devils is one that could help kickstart Amorim’s tenure in charge at the Theatre of Dreams.

The former Leicester City man scored an 84th-minute winner against bitter rivals Liverpool, subsequently securing the club’s first win at Anfield in 12 years.

Such a victory will certainly live long in the memories of all the supporters, with Maguire once again writing himself into the club’s history books forever.

The United star who’s becoming one of Amorim’s most clutch players

Maguire has managed to constantly produce the goods within attacking areas for United – but Amorim has desperately needed to address the options within the final third.

It’s all well and good having a defensive player popping up with key contributions, but the side have lacked the out-and-out presence to impress in front of goal.

His side could only muster a tally of 44 goals in their 38 league outings last season – with their measly average of 1.1 per 90 the fifth-lowest in the division.

As a result, the hierarchy handed the 40-year-old boss funds in excess of £200m to make the changes he desired to his first-team squad in Manchester.

One of the additions made by the board was that of forward Bryan Mbeumo, as he joined the Red Devils in a deal totalling £71m, including any future add-ons.

The Cameroonian arrived with huge expectations at Old Trafford and understandably so after he netted 20 league goals for Brentford last season – ending the year as one of only five players to hit such a milestone.

Since such a transfer, the 26-year-old has immediately captured the hearts of the fanbase with his impressive showings in recent weeks under Amorim’s guidance.

He’s already found the net on three occasions, with his latest strike coming in the first couple of minutes in the iconic triumph over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

The strike has added to his league tally, with Mbeumo also scoring against Burnley at Old Trafford back in August – subsequently helping secure their first victory of the campaign.

Bryan Mbeumo – Man Utd stats (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

9

Goals scored

3

Pass accuracy

78%

Successful crosses

2.1

Chances created

1.8

Dribble success

52%

Fouls drawn

1.5

Shots on target

1.2

Stats via FotMob

As a result of his recent antics in the Red Devils first-team, one analyst has since labelled him as “one of the most clutch players” – often popping up in key moments when the side needs him most.

He currently sits joint-top of the club’s top goalscorer charts in the league, with his recent form showcasing that the board made the right call in forking out a pretty penny for his signature.

Mbeumo also ranks second for chances created in the top-flight in 2025/26, already providing an assist in the triumph over Sunderland – highlighting his complete nature in the final third.

Maguire’s antics as of late have certainly seen the Englishman receive a whole heap of praise, but some of which desperately needs to be directed to the Cameroonian.

The board took a huge risk with his addition this summer, but they have so far been proved right – with his ability potentially allowing the manager to create new history at Old Trafford.

Amorim has unlocked the new Bruno Fernandes in "world-class" Man Utd star

Manchester United already have a player on the books who can emulate Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 22, 2025

Bangladesh look to end on a high in climactic tour finale

Big Picture: Sri Lanka out to stop Bangladesh’s comeback

Bangladesh have twice levelled with Sri Lanka on the white-ball leg of this tour. They failed to keep the momentum in the ODI series after winning the second game, and crashed in the third encounter by nearly 100 runs. Bangladesh have now set up the T20I series similarly, by winning the second game to make it 1-1. Now’s the chance to make amends.Bangladesh’s 83-run win against Sri Lanka in the last game was only their second T20I victory in eight games in 2025. But they did get a good idea of their best approach in the format: a team-wide performance rather than bank on individual brilliance. In a team lacking superstars in any format, they have to build a unit with several performers.Litton Das returning to form will certainly encourage the team. The Bangladesh T20I captain struck 76 off 50, his first half-century after 13 innings. The numbers might suggest he played an anchor role but he was attacking in both partnerships with Towhid Hridoy and Shamim Hossain. Bangladesh will look for a similar approach, with at least two or three sizeable partnerships, and a big finish to their batting innings.Related

  • Salahuddin: 'I have no ego; if someone better comes along, it's for the team'

  • Litton, Shamim lead Bangladesh's rout of Sri Lanka

  • 'I have to do it every day' – Shamim on mixing the mercurial with the mundane

The action now returns to the R Premadasa Stadium where in the night games the pitch currently has a batting-first score similar to that of the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Bangladesh wouldn’t mind the familiarity.Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have to bounce back from getting bowled out for 94, their lowest T20I total at home. They could take a leaf out of their ODI series playbook when they lost the second game, but then roared back with a victory. For that to happen, they would need their top order to step up again, the way Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka set up their first T20I win.Captain Charith Asalanka has to also ensure his XI is balanced and not too lopsided with bowling options. He would also expect runs from Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando, while the likes of Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne have to contribute with the bat. Asalanka has been missing Wanindu Hasaranga, as legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay hasn’t quite delivered in the series so far.Bangladesh’s spinners, though, will keep posing a challenge. Rishad Hossain had a three-wicket haul after a seven-month gap in T20Is. It is shaping up to be a climactic tour finale for both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Form guide

Sri Lanka LWWLL (Last five completed T20Is, the most recent first)
Bangladesh WLLLLKusal Mendis has been in fine form across formats against Bangladesh•AFP/Getty Images

In the spotlight: Kusal Mendis and Towhid Hridoy

Kusal Mendis has been Sri Lanka’s standout performer in the last four weeks across formats. The most admirable part of his batting has been his pacing in each format. He tore into Bangladesh’s attack in the first T20I in Pallekele, making light work of the 155 target. His 8 in the second game therefore came as a surprise, particularly when he was run-out running languidly. Kusal has the opportunity to sign off on this tour emphatically.Towhid Hridoy made just 31 in Bangladesh’s win in Dambulla but he provided crucial support to Litton in their third-wicket stand. Hridoy has a middle-order role that requires him to bat in different gears, similar to Mushfiqur Rahim’s for much of his white-ball career. Hridoy is therefore filling into big shoes, while also growing as a cricketer. Increasingly, opposition bowling attacks are taking him seriously enough to look for holes in his batting. Hridoy has all the shots in the game, though sometimes his choice and timing of those shots get him into trouble.

Team news: Sri Lanka may need batting depth

Sri Lanka could bring in Dunith Wellalage in place of Chamika Karunaratne, while Avishka Fernando’s place is under the scanner.Sri Lanka (probable XI): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kusal Perera 4 Avishka Fernando, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt), 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Chamika Karunaratne/Dunith Wellalage, 8 Maheesh Theekshana, 9 Jeffrey Vandersay, 10 Binura Fernando, 11 Nuwan ThusharaLitton Das finding form will encourage Bangladesh•AFP/Getty Images

Bangladesh are likely to go with the same team that helped them level the series.Bangladesh (probable XI): 1 Parvez Hossain Emon, 2 Tanzid Hasan, 3 Litton Das (capt, wk), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 6 Shamim Hossain, 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Mohammad Saifuddin, 9 Rishad Hossain, 10 Shoriful Islam, 11 Mustafizur Rahman

Pitch and conditions: Bowling first a no-brainer

The side batting first in night matches has lost nine out of the last ten T20Is at the R Premadasa Stadium. The average batting first score in these ten matches has been 125 runs, much lower than Pallekele and Dambulla where the first two T20Is were played. There are forecasts of some rain in the evening too.

Stats and trivia: Good omens for Bangladesh

  • Sri Lanka’s 94 all out against Bangladesh is their lowest T20I total at home. The previous lowest was 99 against Pakistan in Hambantota in 2012.
  • Bangladesh snapped a six-match losing streak with their 83-run win in Dambulla. This was their sixth losing streak of six T20Is or more.
  • The R Premadasa Stadium is among Bangladesh’s favourite overseas venues in T20Is, having won three out of seven matches there.

Etta Eyong makes decision between Real Madrid and Barcelona as in-form LaLiga striker is considered for January switch

Levante's young forward Etta Eyong is in sublime form in La Liga and has garnered attention over the past few months from major Spanish clubs. On one hand, there is Real Madrid, whose decision-makers view Eyong as a promising prospect, and on the other hand, there is Barcelona, who had wanted to sign the Cameroonian in the previous window. The 22-year-old has now made a decision over which club he would prefer to join, if bids are tabled.

In-demand Eyong is one of La Liga's MVPs

In just 11 La Liga appearances this season, Eyong has forced top European clubs to enquire about his transfer. Thanks to his six goals and three assists in 896 minutes in the Spanish top flight, the Cameroonian is currently the talk of the top-flight. His exploits had started last season, when he took the limelight in the Spanish third tier, nailing 19 goals and six assists in 30 appearances. He also featured four times in La Liga, scoring a crucial winner against Girona. He joined Levante earlier this season, after Villarreal did not keep faith in him, and was even close to joining Barcelona. Currently, the third-highest scorer in the competition behind Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Atletico's Julian Alvarez, Eyong's demand has escalated, with a potential transfer over the horizon.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhich club does Eyong want to join?

According to a report by SPORT, Los Blancos have initiated contact with Eyong's entourage over a possible move for the 22-year-old. Although anything concrete is yet to develop, Levante are aware of the situation, and there is no rush as the player is not looking for a move until the January window. However, he had indicated in the past that his preference is Barca. The Catalans' director, Deco, was in contact with Villarreal back in August, but with the club demanding a full €10 million for his transfer, the club had no other option but to back out. 

What are the finances involved in his transfer?

The Cameroonian joined Levante from Villarreal for a transfer fee of €3 million, and the latter included certain clauses which would yield profit for both the outfits. Firstly, he has a release clause worth €30m, and Villarreal, his former club, have the right of first refusal. Secondly, an offer worth €15m might be enough to ensure a transfer. 

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Getty Images SportDo Barca need a No.9?

Hansi Flick has a brilliant attacking third, comprising Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Marcus Rashford among the notable players. While the Polish forward is injured, Rashford has stepped up to shoulder the goal-scoring responsibilities, having secured 12 goals in 14 appearances for the club since his loan move from Manchester United. However, Lewandowski's age and the lack of a prominent No.9 might be Deco's concern in the upcoming windows. Eying's market value has escalated and might not be a feasible option considering the financial regulations imposed by the league authorities. However, the Barca administration might offload certain players in the future to accommodate a player of Eyong's caliber. But as of now, there is no movement from the Catalans regarding a new forward.

UAE Women retire out all ten batters in 163-run win over Qatar

In an unprecedented turn of events in a Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier game between UAE and Qatar in Bangkok, UAE retired out all ten batters at the score of 192 for 0 in 16 overs. It was the first instance of a team retiring out more than two batters in a men’s or women’s international match. UAE then went on to roll Qatar over for just 29 in an innings that featured seven ducks to seal a massive 163-run win in a match that lasted 27.1 overs.Since the UAE innings also had eight ducks, the game saw a record 15 ducks, easily the most in a women’s T20I.Opting to bat, UAE openers Esha Oza, also the captain, and Theertha Satish were cruising along in their century partnership, with Oza on 113 and Satish on 74. But then UAE decided to end the innings. Since a declaration is not allowed in limited-overs cricket, Oza, Satish, and eight other batters (without facing a ball) were retired out. As a result, UAE were all out for 192 in 16 overs.

Oza had brought up a 51-ball century – her fourth in T20Is – and Satish had also raced to her fifty off 31 balls as they took the team past 150 in 14 overs. Oza struck 14 fours and five sixes while Satish collected 11 fours, and it was when Oza had smashed three fours in four balls to end the 16th over – with the team’s run rate reading 12 – that they decided to walk off. UAE’s 192, as a result, became the highest all-out score in a women’s T20I. reported that the move came about because of impending storms at the venue, prompting UAE to seek a way to wrap up victory quickly. With five overs of both innings needing to be completed for a curtailed game to end with a result, UAE checked with the match officials if they could end their innings by means of mass retirement. Upon getting their nod, UAE coach Ahmed Raza asked the entire team to pad up; they then went out in a succession of pairs that returned without facing a ball.UAE then began bowling with a sense of urgency.”We got through our first five overs quickly, because that is what you need to constitute a T20 game,” Raza told . “It was drizzling throughout the innings but our bowlers managed to get all 10 wickets, which was great, and we got the two crucial points.”Our actions were by no means to disrespect our opposition or cricket. Cricket runs in my blood, it is my passion, and is everything to me.”Everything which happened was within the laws and was well communicated to the match ref and the reserve umpire.”Qatar lasted just 11.1 overs as only three batters were able to open their accounts, and only one of them went past 5. Opener Rizpha Bano Emmanuel top-scored with 20 and saw four wickets fall in front of her in five overs as left-arm spinner Michelle Botha finished with 3 for 11. Once Emmanuel was run-out in the eighth over on 26 for 5, Qatar lasted only 20 more balls and added just three more runs to the total.May 11, GMT 1215 The report was updated with details of UAE’s move.

Not just Joelinton: Howe may have to finally replace Newcastle's "machine"

Newcastle United approached this season with a transfer window that spoke volumes about the direction Eddie Howe wants to take his side.

The long pursuit of a striker was one of the defining sagas of the summer.

Newcastle explored deals for Hugo Ekitike, João Pedro, and Benjamin Šeško without success, while their admiration for Jørgen Strand Larsen and Yoane Wissa was well documented.

Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade arrived for £69m, while Wissa eventually did get his Tyneside move for £55m.

Aaron Ramsdale, Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga also joined the squad, each reflecting Howe’s growing emphasis on technical security and ball progression across the pitch.

That shift in philosophy has already been evident, though results suggest it remains a work in progress. Newcastle opened the campaign with a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa in which they were the better side but could not convert dominance into goals.

A week later they fell 3-2 at home to Liverpool, conceding in the 100th minute to a dramatic Rio Ngumoha strike.

A second goalless draw, this time away at Leeds, extended the wait for a first win. It finally came with a 1-0 success over Wolves before their Champions League return against Barcelona ended in a 2-1 defeat.

That match highlighted both the potential and the vulnerabilities of this Newcastle team.

While they held their own for spells, Barcelona’s midfield bypassed their press too easily, exposing limitations in central areas.

Joelinton’s place is under threat

Few players better embody Newcastle’s revival than Joelinton.

Written off during his time as an underwhelming striker, the Brazilian was reinvented as a midfielder and quickly became a symbol of Howe’s ability to adapt and inspire.

Now 29, he has made 225 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 29 goals and assisting 21.

A Brazilian international, Joelinton brings power, energy, and physicality to the centre of the park. But Newcastle’s evolving style of play is not built solely on intensity.

Howe’s side are seeking to control possession, and it is here that Joelinton begins to look less secure.

While he remains a destructive presence, his passing numbers highlight the challenge he faces.

Attempted Passes per 90

39.2

Completed Passes per 90

32.4

Total Passing Distance per 90

458.6

Progressive Passing Distance per 90

127.2

Source: FBRef

He ranks only in the 46th percentile among midfielders for pass completion at 83.1%, and also in the 46th percentile for progressive passes with 4.42 per 90.

Against Barcelona, these shortcomings were exposed as Newcastle’s midfield was often bypassed.

Where Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali are comfortable recycling possession under pressure, Joelinton is not as consistent in tight areas.

His role has always been about breaking up play and driving forward, but as Newcastle move toward a more sustained possession approach, Howe may look for something different.

Jacob Ramsey’s arrival is the clearest signal of this.

The England Under-21 midfielder has been praised for his dynamism and ability to carry the ball through midfield, but also for his composure when playing out from the back.

Ramsey is not simply competition for Joelinton; he represents a potential long-term replacement.

That does not mean Joelinton will suddenly vanish from the picture.

His presence remains vital in certain fixtures, particularly those that demand physical duels and defensive resilience.

Yet Newcastle’s attempt to evolve into a possession-based force may gradually squeeze him out of the starting XI.

Why Malick Thiaw is ready to replace Schär

In defence, a similar story may be about to unfold.

Fabian Schär has been one of Newcastle’s most reliable performers since joining from Deportivo La Coruña for £3m in 2018, described as a “machine” by journalist Jordan Cronin.

A composed ball-playing centre-back, he has racked up 235 appearances and contributed 21 goals, his technique and distribution making him an ideal fit for Howe’s early tenure.

Yet at 33, the Swiss defender is entering the twilight of his career. Against Barcelona, he looked stretched and his withdrawal through injury only added to the sense that change is coming.

That change may arrive in the form of Malick Thiaw.

Signed from AC Milan for £30m, the 24-year-old Germany international is built for the style Howe is now pursuing.

When introduced against Barcelona, he immediately demonstrated his qualities: calm under pressure, comfortable receiving in tight spaces, and confident enough to turn away from markers.

Chalkboard

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

His numbers emphasise that profile.

Thiaw sits in the 95th percentile for pass completion among centre-backs with an accuracy of 93.2%. He also ranks in the 85th percentile for progressive passes at 4.86 per 90.

His athleticism also gives him an edge in recovery situations, an attribute that could prove vital against faster, more direct opponents.

It is no coincidence that comparisons have been made to Ibrahima Konaté and Micky van de Ven. Like those defenders, Thiaw is equally comfortable defending space in behind as he is stepping forward to engage high up the pitch.

This versatility makes him the prototype of the modern possession-based centre-back.

With Schär sidelined, Bournemouth away looks set to provide Thiaw with his first Newcastle start.

If he translates his statistical promise into consistent performances, Howe may decide that the future is now.

Much like Joelinton in midfield, Schär’s experience and leadership will not be dismissed lightly, but Newcastle’s tactical evolution is ushering in a new era.

Outclassed by Rashford: Newcastle must drop 5-pass star & it's not Trippier

Newcastle were beaten by Barcelona on home soil at the start of their Champions League campaign.

3 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 19, 2025

IPL 2025 Orange and Purple Cap leaderboards: Shreyas at No. 2 after another big score

Find out who the leading run-scorers and wicket-takers in IPL 2025 after 13 games are

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Apr-20254:56

Knight: PBKS winning without overseas contributions a great sign

The Orange Cap tableLucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) Nicholas Pooran continues to be the highest run-scorer with 189 runs at an average of 63 and chart-topping strike rate of 219.76. He scored 44 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) following returns of 75 from 30 balls against Delhi Capitals and 70 from 26 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) .PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer has entered the list and is at No. 2 after his 52 not out in the match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). In the first match of the season against Gujarat Titans, Shreyas scored a 97 not out off 42 balls and followed it up with a half-century against LSG, helping his side win both games.B Sai Sudharsan hasn’t been among the fastest scorers in the tournament – though 167.07 is hardly shabby – but his 137 runs from two innings for Gujarat Titans (GT) has him up at No. 3 on the Orange Cap table.2:35

Bishop explains what makes Noor special

The Purple Cap tableNoor Ahmad has been a revelation this season. Turning out for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who also have R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in their starting line-up, Noor has been by far the most successful, his left-arm wristspin bringing him 4 for 18, 3 for 36 and 2 for 28 so far. That’s nine wickets, five more wickets than Ashwin and Jadeja combined.Mitchell Starc is just one wicket behind, and has got to eight wickets in just two games for DC. He was expensive in his first game, against LSG, conceding 42 runs for his three wickets, but against SRH, he had his career-best T20 returns – 5 for 35. In his opening spell, Starc removed Travis Head, Ishan Kishan and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the powerplay, and he came back in the 18th over to remove Harshal Patel and Wiaan Mulder.There’s a tie in third place between LSG’s Shardul Thakur and CSK’s Khaleel Ahmed, who have picked up six wickets after three games each at this stage. Thakur’s best was the 4 for 34 he picked up in LSG’s win over SRH, while Khaleel got 3 for 29 in his first game of the season, against MI.Highest batting strike ratesBest bowling economy ratesMost sixesBest bowling figures in a match

DC seamers stifle Giants before Jonassen aces the chase

Alongside Shafali, she helped Capitals make easy work of the 128-run chase after the seamers shared seven wickets

Hemant Brar25-Feb-2025The Delhi Capitals (DC) seamers shared seven wickets between them before Jess Jonassen’s unbeaten 61 off 32 balls made short work of the chase to give her side a six-wicket win over Gujarat Giants (GG). The result lifted DC to the top of the WPL points table, at least for the time being. They now have three wins from five outings. GG remain rooted to the bottom with one victory from four matches.When Meg Lanning put GG in after winning the toss, she was hoping for early wickets. Marizanne Kapp and Shikha Pandey did not disappoint their captain. They picked up two each in the powerplay and reduced GG to 20 for 4. Soon it became 60 for 6, and it looked like GG might not even cross 100. But Bharti Fulmali’s 40 not out off 29 balls from No. 8 steered them to 127 for 9.DC lost Lanning early in the chase but Jonassen, promoted to No. 3, and Shafali Verma added 74 in just 6.1 overs to kill the contest. When Kapp hit the winning boundary, there were still 29 balls left in the match.Kapp, Pandey leave Giants gaspingAs she often does, Kapp got the ball to shape away from right-hand batters consistently. Harleen Deol, opening the innings, nicked one such delivery but the edge fell just short of Lanning at first slip.ESPNcricinfo LtdDeol could not enjoy her luck for long, as Kapp induced another outside edge in her next over. This time the ball carried comfortably into the gloves of Sarah Bryce. Phoebe Litchfield, who had replaced Laura Wolvaardt in the XI, lasted just three balls; Kapp trapped her lbw for a duck.Kapp’s double-wicket maiden left GG on 16 for 2 after four overs. In the next over, Pandey made it worse for them with wickets off back-to-back deliveries. Beth Mooney had started the over by crunching Pandey through the covers for four. Pandey switched to around the wicket and found immediate success as Mooney’s pick-up shot landed in Niki Prasad’s hands at long leg.Pandey and Prasad combined once again on the next delivery to see the back of Kashvee Gautam, whose attempted pull from well outside off skied towards deep midwicket. Prasad ran in and dived forward to complete a low catch.For the hat-trick ball, Pandey went short again. She beat Deandra Dottin on the pull and hit her on the helmet. After a concussion check, Dottin flat-batted the next ball down the ground for four. In the next over, she repeated the shot against Kapp for the same result. Those boundaries lent the score some respectability as GG finished the powerplay on 31 for 4.Bharti Fulmali scored an unbeaten 40 off just 29 balls•BCCIFulmali leads the fightbackIn the ninth over, Titas Sadhu castled Ashleigh Gardner, GG’s captain and their in-form batter, for 3 off 9 balls. Two overs later, Annabel Sutherland put an end to Dottin’s counter-attack. But Fulmali, playing her first game of the season, led the fightback. In the 15th over, she pulled Minnu Mani over deep square-leg for the first six of the innings. Along with Tanuja Kanwar, she added 51 in 40 balls for the seventh wicket and steered the side past 120.Lanning’s diminishing returnsLanning is the second-highest run-getter in the WPL. But apart from her 69 against UP Warriorz, she has struggled this season. Tuesday was no different. After being beaten by Dottin in the opening over, she tried to pull Gautam. But the ball came back in sharply to flatten her off stump. She made 3 off 13 balls.It has been a case of diminishing returns for Lanning. In the 2023 season, she scored 345 runs at an average of 49.28 and a strike rate of 139.11. The following season, while her runs tally remained almost the same, her strike rate dropped to 123.04. This time, her numbers read: 109 runs from five innings at an average of 21.80 and a strike rate of 103.80.Shafali Verma struck a few boundaries in the powerplay•BCCIJonassen, Shafali kill the contestDC’s move to send Jonassen at No. 3 paid off handsomely, especially with one square boundary being significantly shorter than the other – 51 metres vs 63 metres. When the shorter boundary was on Jonassen’s leg side, she scored 23 runs off eight balls in that region, including both her sixes. She was aggressive against every bowler. Her lowest strike rate was against Gautam, off whom she scored 15 off nine at 166.66.Shafali preferred the leg side irrespective of which side the shorter boundary was on. Of her 44 runs off 27 balls, 32 came on the leg side. When Gardner trapped her lbw in the ninth over, DC had already reached 88.Jonassen brought up her maiden WPL fifty off 26 balls. Even though DC lost Jemimah Rodrigues and Sutherland cheaply, their win was never in doubt.

Sydney washout puts Hurricanes, Sixers in Qualifier

The remaining five teams are all mathematical chances to finish fourth and face Thunder

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jan-2025Wild weather blew off a section of SCG’s roofing, prevented decision review technology from being set up, and ultimately sealed Hobart Hurricanes’ spot atop the BBL points table.Sydney Sixers finished second after the washout and will take on Hurricanes in the Qualifier. Sydney Thunder will now host the Knockout final at ENGIE Stadium on Wednesday, with the fourth team yet to be decided.Security guards evacuated fans from two bays in the Bill O’Reilly Stand as a piece of vinyl soffit sheeting began to flap violently in the wind prior to Sixers’ clash with Thunder on Friday night. No one was injured when the roofing fell around 6.30pm but the area remained cordoned off, with spectators relocated to another bay.Wind had been so violent before the game that ball-tracker and ultra-edge were unable to be calibrated.David Warner made a positive start after Thunder lost the toss and then Test opener Sam Konstas fell to a stunning Jack Edwards yorker.The second of two rain delays stopped proceedings for around 90 minutes from 7.55pm and play never resumed, with Thunder finishing at 36 for 1 when the hotly-anticipated grudge match was abandoned. Only 5.1 overs were bowled.Sixers had to beat Thunder to have any chance of locking up top spot on the ladder to finish the regular season. They will instead finish second after both teams earned one point for the washout.”It’s a position we’ve been in before where we’ve had to travel away for a qualifier. I think the group’s excited by the opportunity that’s going to present to us down in Hobart,” Sixers batter Jordan Silk said.The remaining five teams are all mathematical chances to finish fourth and face Thunder, but the fourth-placed Melbourne Stars are the only side that will not rely on others’ results. If Stars beat Hurricanes on Sunday, they will return to the finals for the first time since 2019-20 on the back of a five-game winning streak.In 13 previous editions of the BBL, Hurricanes have finished the regular season in first place only once before and are one of only two sides yet to win a title, along with Stars. But if they defeat Sixers on Tuesday, they’ll host the first BBL grand final to be held in Hobart, where they have not lost this season.Friday’s game was due to be red-hot Steven Smith’s last innings before he and Konstas fly out for Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka this weekend.Smith saved Warner’s shot to long-off from becoming a six with some gutsy fielding on the boundary, but rain denied him a chance to bat.

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