He, however, is happy with his progress and says he will be available to bat and bowl in the IPL
Alex Malcolm05-Jan-2023Australia allrounder Cameron Green has revealed he is “touch and go” for the first Test in India following finger surgery but he has allayed any doubts over his bowling availability in the IPL.Green broke his right index finger during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Melbourne. He was able to bat in Australia’s first innings with the fracture and made an unbeaten half-century but was ruled out of the Sydney Test after requiring surgery to repair the fracture.Related
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Speaking on SEN WA in Perth on Wednesday night, Green revealed his recovery timeline will be tight ahead of Australia’s first Test of a four-match series against India in Nagpur starting on February 9.”I think me and Starcy [Mitchell Starc] are maybe touch and go for that first one but obviously we’ll give ourselves the best chance,” Green said.”[It’s] going well. Had successful surgery in Sydney and the surgeon is really happy with how it went. I think he did Tim Paine’s successful surgery so it fills me with a lot of confidence.”The rehab is having two weeks of time, then two weeks to start running and get the shoulder and back moving just to double-check they haven’t frozen over. Then probably at the four-week mark I’ll try and hold a ball and see how that works. Try and hold a cricket bat and see how it feels. At the moment [the finger] feels really good, pain-free, so that gives me a bit of confidence in four weeks time that it will be all good. We meet [as a team] over in Sydney for the Allan Border Medal [ceremony], then we leave the next day to go to India.”Starc is also recovering from a left hand middle-finger tendon injury that also occurred in the Melbourne Test and ruled him out of Sydney.The Allan Border Medal ceremony will be held on January 30. The plan for Australia’s Test squad was to have an optional three-day training camp ahead of the India tour in Sydney to coincide with the event. The squad will then travel to India and have seven days of centre-wicket practice before the first Test with no warm-up game.That leaves Green with roughly ten days between holding a ball and bat for the first time and playing in the first Test in India, with two days lost to travel.Green is set for a monster stint in India as he is likely to remain after the completion of the Test series to play in the IPL following Mumbai Indians’ major purchase at the IPL auction.There had been written correspondence sent to the IPL franchises on December 23 prior to the IPL auction stating that Green would be unavailable to bowl for four weeks following the conclusion of the fourth Test on March 13.But Green was unaware of where that correspondence originated, stating that it was incorrect and that he would be available to bowl for Mumbai Indians from the start of the IPL.”No, that’s not correct,” Green said.”I’ve heard about this for quite a while now. I don’t know where it’s come from. We’ve spoken to the selectors.”I’ve heard that I’m 100% available for both skill sets in the IPL at the start, so yeah, I’m not too sure where that’s come from.”Obviously my first priority is the Test series that’s beforehand, getting myself right for the first Test.”Green was excited to be joining Mumbai Indians alongside three fellow West Australians in Tim David, Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff.”It’s awesome,” Green said.”The Mumbai Indians feels a bit more like home than Australia. There’s more people from WA playing in the Mumbai Indians than there are in the Australian team. I think it’s the ideal situation that I hoped for to be in a really good team with great players around you and a great captain and a great coach and a great franchise, but obviously, having those four guys from WA is awesome.”
Matthew Mott backs star to “do what’s right for English cricket” ahead of 2023 tournament
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Nov-2022After his starring roles in two gripping World Cup final victories, could Ben Stokes be persuaded to go for the hat-trick by coming out of ODI retirement in time for England’s defence of their 50-over crown in India next year? Matthew Mott, England’s white-ball head coach, is hopeful that he can be tempted.Stokes made a crucial 52 not out in England’s T20 final run-chase against Pakistan in Melbourne, to follow on from his 92 unbeaten runs (84 plus eight more in the Super Over) against New Zealand at Lord’s in 2019, to cement his status as one of the greatest “clutch” players in international history.However, he stepped down from the 50-over format earlier this year, stating that it was “unsustainable” for him to maintain his peak levels of performance across all three formats of international cricket, given that he is also captain of a Test team that has transformed its own reputation in recent months, with six wins in seven memorable performances in the 2022 home season.Mott, who took over as England white-ball coach at the start of the summer after a record-breaking stint in charge of Australia women, told reporters in Melbourne that he had not yet discussed the notion of Stokes reversing his ODI retirement. However, Mott added, he backed Stokes to “do what’s right for English cricket”.”When he spoke to me about his ODI retirement one of the first things I said was that I’d back any decision he made,” Mott said. “But I said to him he didn’t necessarily have to retire – he could just not play 50-overs for a while.”I did say you could always unretire. That’s his decision. It’s going to be a World Cup year and we don’t play much T20 cricket for a while but it will be a decision that’s up to him.”The more we can get him is great. He’s doing an amazing job with the Test captaincy but he is a very big cog in the wheel when he comes back to white-ball.”Speaking at the time, Stokes spelt out in some detail the reasons for his ODI retirement. He admitted that his body was unable to take the strain of staying match-fit across three formats, and added that – with Jos Buttler new in the role of white-ball captain following the retirement of Eoin Morgan – he did not want to feel that “I am taking the place of another player who can give Jos and the rest of the team their all”.”The England shirt deserves nothing less from anyone who wears it,” he concluded.Stokes’ decision is vindicated by the relentless nature of England’s winter schedule, with three ODIs coming up against Australia this week, even as the Test squad gathers in the UAE ahead of their three-match tour of Pakistan.Moeen Ali – who will be involved in those matches only days after the World Cup win – described the prospect as “horrible”, with Mott adding that “it’s not ideal, I can’t lie”. And yet, the sudden switch of emphasis, from 20 overs to 50, reinforces the sense of a change of priority in the white-ball schedule, with the 2023 World Cup looming in India in less than 12 months’ time.Rob Key, the managing director of men’s cricket, was guarded when asked about the prospect of Stokes reversing his retirement in an interview with Sky Sports on Monday. “Nothing is forever, but who knows what will happen,” he said. “At the moment, we’ll just keep thinking about trying to enjoy what we’ve done now and then we’ll be thinking about Test cricket.”Ben Stokes will be thinking about Test cricket and I don’t want him to have to worry about anything else apart from what’s in front of him right now, which is the Test series in Pakistan; and then you’ve got New Zealand and then Australia after that. You don’t have to worry about anything else.”What will be, will be. I don’t think you ever rule anything out but at the moment, we’ll just try and enjoy what we’ve done so far and Ben can enjoy it. I’m sure he’s enjoying it as much as he possibly can.”While Stokes made it clear that he did not wish to treated as an exception in England’s white-ball planning, his record as a World Cup match-winner would seem to make the case for him.Related
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“He’s a three-dimensional player and he has so much to offer,” Mott added. “In this team he was the glue – I think we have a lot of guys who can do extraordinary things but he was the player you knew that if he was in you’d win the game.”I’ll let him dust off today. He’s his own man and he’ll make his own decisions. He’ll do what’s right for English cricket and he always has.”That was part of his decision to retire from ODI cricket. He didn’t think he could give it his all and credit to him for making that decision because he’s such a special commodity for English cricket. We want what’s best for the whole system as well.”In the midst of England’s celebrations – which included a shaved head for Mott after a wager with Sam Curran (whose hair is set to be dyed a colour of the coach’s choice in return) – Mott admitted that his thoughts had turned to those integral members of the squad who had not been present at the moment of victory, most particularly Reece Topley, who suffered an ankle injury after arriving in Australia, and Jonny Bairstow, who is recovering from a freak golfing accident in which he broke his leg.”Reece Topley was a big part of our preparation for here,” Mott said. “I was absolutely gutted for him, such an innocuous injury. Seeing him leave our group was hard.”I must admit he was one of the first blokes I thought of – and Jonny as well.”
Chelsea suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat away from home at the hands of Manchester City on Saturday evening.
Although the Blues took the lead at the Etihad Stadium, they could not capitalise on their early advantage, allowing City to get back into the game before the Premier League champions killed them off in the second half.
It was a bizarre way for Chelsea to take the lead, which they did so in the third minute of the game. New Citizens signing Abdukodir Khusanov misplaced a poor header aimed towards City goalkeeper Ederson. Nicolas Jackson pounced on the loose ball and promptly squared it to Noni Madueke who made it 1-0.
City equalised just three minutes before half-time, with Josko Gvardiol pouncing on a loose ball after a one-vs-one in the penalty box. They took the lead in a calamitous way from a Chelsea point of view, with Erling Haaland getting in behind and lobbing goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who was horribly caught off his line.
Just as they did before half-time, City scored three minutes before full-time, this time through Phil Foden. The Englishman got on the end of a layoff from Haaland, before running through and slotting home relatively unchallenged.
It was a disappointing day’s work for the West Londoners, who failed to capitalise on the early advantage. Sanchez had a particularly poor afternoon.
Sanchez’s stats vs. Man City
It has been a really poor season so far for Spanish goalkeeper Sanchez, but his outing at the Etihad Stadium was perhaps his most disappointing of the lot. He looked all at sea against a City attack who could have scored four or five on another day.
Sanchez had a close call against new City man Omar Marmoush, but his strike was ruled out for offside. Undoubtedly his worst mistake was for Haaland’s goal, where he was caught in no man’s land off his line, meaning all the Norwegian striker had to do was lob him from 15 yards.
He received a 3/10 for his performance from Malik Ouzia, a journalist for The Standard. He described Sanchez’s position for the Haaland strike as ‘baffling’, before explaining that it is a ‘miracle that he keeps his shirt’ in the Chelsea goal.
Indeed, his Sofascore stats from full-time show just how poor the Blues number one performed. He prevented -0.68 goals and made one error that led to a goal. On the ball, he completed just eight from 26 attempted long balls.
With Filip Jorgensen also an option for Enzo Maresca between the posts, it remains to be seen if Sanchez will be dropped for Chelsa’s next outing. Someone in a similar boat is defender Levi Colwill.
Colwill’s stats vs. Man City
Colwill was perhaps just as bad, if not arguably worse, than Sanchez against the Citizens. Football content creator Rory suggested Haaland “bullied” the Englishman, a fine example being the fact the City star held Colwill up before playing Foden in for City’s third.
His rating from Ouzia was only slightly better than Sanchez’s, with the Chelsea defender earring himself a 4/10. The Standard journalist also agreed with the fact he was ‘bullied’, and criticised him for a mistake that almost gifted Haaland another goal.
Colwill’s stats from the game were a disappointing summary of his evening’s work in East Manchester. The England international won just one out of three aerial duels, made one error leading to a shot and lost the ball eight times.
Stat
Number
Touches
74
Pass accuracy
90%
Passes completed
63/70
Long balls completed
3/7
Aerial duels won
1/3
Number of times possession lost
8
Errors leading to shot
1
Just as he does in goal, Maresca has options in defence if he wishes to drop Colwill. The Italian could bring in young Josh Acheampong, Frenchman Axel Disasi or former City academy man Tosin Adarabioyo.
He certainly has a big decision to make ahead of the next game, with options available to him, and it would be hard to argue against a decision to drop Colwill. Whatever Maresca chooses to do, he will hope his side can bounce back with a win next time out.
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Career-best figures for both quicks but Notts secure key victory in qualification push
ECB Reporters Network20-Aug-2022
Brett Hutton was in the wickets once more for Nottinghamshire•Getty Images
Nottinghamshire 255 for 9 (Wright 6-35) beat Leicestershire 154 (Hutton 7-26) by 104 runs (DLS method).Seamer Brett Hutton returned the best List A figures in Nottinghamshire’s history, taking 7 for 26 as the Outlaws recorded a victory which keeps them in with an outside chance of qualification for the knock-out stages of the Royal London Cup.Notts need to win their final group game, against Surrey at Welbeck on Tuesday, and hope results elsewhere go in their favour after Hutton bettered the efforts of another experienced seamer, Leicestershire’s Chris Wright, who had picked up his own List A career-best return of 6 for 35. The Foxes must now beat Durham at the UptonSteel County Ground in their final game to ensure they qualify.The previous day’s results, which saw wins for both Sussex and Middlesex, meant Leicestershire went into the game in third place in Group A with ten points, the same number as both their southern rivals but with a markedly inferior run rate, albeit they had a game in hand on table topping Sussex.Nottinghamshire, on six points, knew they had to win both their remaining games well to have any chance of qualification.The Foxes had suffered a blow coming into the match, when left-arm seamer Beuran Hendricks, their leading wicket-taker in the competition, was revealed to have received a short-term but – presumably – lucrative deal with the Hundred, joining the Southern Braves squad as short-term injury cover.In response head coach Paul Nixon sprang a surprise of his own, drafting former Cheshire left-arm seamer MIchael Finan into his side. Finan was signed by Leicestershire on Friday, after a series of impressive performances, both for his county and for Yorkshire 2s.Handed one of the new balls after Leicestershire won the toss and chose to bowl, the 26-year-old suffered a harsh introduction to professional cricket, Sol Budinger thumping him to the off-side boundary several times as he conceded 30 from his opening three overs, but Wright, initially operating from the Bennett End, was a very different proposition.Budinger had already been dropped off Wright, horribly by Hill at mid-off, when Ben Slater tried to cut a delivery that was too close to him, could not keep the ball down, and saw Rishi Patel take a neat catch two-handed to his left at backward point.Budinger did not make the most of his escape, having his bails trimmed by a Wright out-swinger soon afterwards, and when Lyndon James top-edged an attempted pull at Wiaan Mulder into the hands of Finan at long leg, Notts were 63 for 3 and struggling.Needing to consolidate and build a platform, Hameed and Matthew Montgomery did just that, eschewing risk and accumulating nicely, and taking the score on to 156 at the end of the 29th over, at which point a seepage of water from a drainage culvert at the far side of the square was noticed. Somehow it took the best part of 40 minutes for the problem to be dealt with, following which the umpires decided to reduce the match to 47 overs, with an appropriate DLS alteration once Leicestershire began their reply.Montgomery and Hameed looked to accelerate, but the demise of Montgomery, caught by Hill at mid-off off a skier having reached his 50 at a run a ball, left Hameed having to marshal the tail. Liam Patterson-White hung around, but he, Fateh Singh, Dane Schadendorff, Hutton and Dane Paterson all fell in the space of 11 runs being added. Last man Toby Pettman did all he could to see the captain through to three figures, but Hameed, though he had his opportunities, could not harness the strike sufficiently, and was left on 99 not out.The total looked no more than par on a decent hybrid pitch, but Hutton’s opening burst left it looking more than enough. Patel and Hill looked less than impressed at the decisions with saw them given out caught at point and behind the wicket respectively, but the in-form Louis KImber was bowled second ball off the inside edge and Nick Welch palpably leg before, in both cases to the ball nipping back off the seam.Leicestershire looked to Mulder, and as he has so often in this competition, the South African responded, playing beautifully, first in partnership with Swindells and then with Arron Lilley, in dragging the Foxes back into contention.Mulder’s run-a-ball half century was his fourth, to go alongside a century, in his seven Royal London Cup innings, but Swindells gave Patterson-White a simple return catch and when Lilley holed out off Hutton to deep square, Slater taking a fine diving catch running in from the boundary, even Mulder’s head dropped. Barnes, Davis and Wright came and went quickly, and Hutton had the final word when a delivery kept low to castle Mulder.
The Champions League underwent its biggest change in format since the second group stage was scrapped ahead of the 2003/04 season, with the 2024/25 campaign seeing the introduction of the new league phase.
After 20 seasons of 32 entrants being split into eight groups of four, with the top two qualifying for the knockout phase, UEFA revamped the format, which brought about more games, rounds and drama.
Now 36 teams play in one group stage, playing eight matches rather than six in previous editions. The top eight reach the knockout stage, while those between 9th and 24th compete in a play-off to reach the last 16. The bottom eight sides are eliminated and no longer drop into the Europa League.
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1
By
Alex Caple
Oct 2, 2024
More games hands teams more chances to put wins on the board. But which teams have won the most matches in the competition?
In this list, we have taken a look at the top 11 clubs with the most victories in Champions League matches since its previous revamp in 1992.
Most wins in Champions League matches (since 1992/93)
Rank
Club
CL matches
CL wins
1
Real Madrid
331
199
2
Bayern Munich
308
181
3
Barcelona
309
179
4
Man Utd
248
127
5
Juventus
230
114
6
Chelsea
197
101
7
Porto
228
101
8
Arsenal
201
97
9
Milan
207
94
10
PSG
165
89
11
Liverpool
163
88
11
Liverpool
88 wins
Liverpool had to wait until the 2001/02 season to make their debut in the Champions League and reached the quarter-finals that season. They won the competition in 2005 after a miraculous comeback against Milan in the final, while reaching another final two years later, with the Rossoneri gaining revenge with a 2-1 win.
The Anfield side had to wait until 2018 to reach another final. Jürgen Klopp’s side lost to Real Madrid before defeating Tottenham Hotspur in 2019 to claim their sixth continental crown.
Another final loss to Madrid in 2022 is the last time they have reached this stage of the competition, earning 88 victories since 2001.
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10
Paris Saint-Germain
89 wins
The big prize has eluded Paris Saint-Germain to date, but the Parisians’ 2024/25 campaign has left them on the verge of history after being transformed under the guidance of Luis Enrique.
Despite the departure of Kylian Mbappe, PSG are in their second final, having previously finished as runners-up in 2020, where they lost 1-0 to Bayern in a behind-closed-doors finale.
PSG’s run to the 2025 final saw them rack up some wins to hurl themselves into the top 10, overtaking last-16 opponents Liverpool in the process.
9
Milan
94 wins
It may sound surprising that Milan are ranked this low, having racked up 94 wins in the competition, especially considering they have won the title on three occasions in the post-European Cup era and reached another three finals.
They failed to qualify for the competition on several occasions in recent years, which is a key reason they haven’t won as many games as the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Indeed, since winning the Champions League in 2007, Milan have reached the semi-finals only once, with Inter defeating them over two legs in 2023.
8
Arsenal
97 wins
Despite Arsenal being one of the most decorated sides in England, their record in Europe is relatively disappointing.
Indeed, since making their Champions League bow during the 1998/99 season, they have reached the final just once, in 2006.
The Gunners lost 2-1 against Barcelona in Paris as Arsène Wenger came so close to triumphing in the competition.
However, the club did have a remarkable consistency in the tournament, reaching the group stages for 17 consecutive seasons, earning 97 wins since their debut.
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7
Porto
101 wins
Porto were no strangers to Europe prior to the inception of the Champions League, winning the European Cup in 1987 against Bayern.
José Mourinho led them to their second continental crown in 2004, surprising the whole of Europe in the process.
Since that spectacular triumph, they have qualified for the group stage 20 times, but have yet to make it past the quarter-finals, being stopped at that particular stage on four separate occasions.
Despite this, the club have still managed to win a total of 101 games in the competition since the 1992/93 season.
6
Chelsea
101 wins
Like Liverpool, Chelsea were relative latecomers to the Champions League, having to wait until 1999 to make their debut.
The Blues suffered agonising semi-final defeats to Monaco and Liverpool in 2004 and 2005 respectively, not making their first final until 2008.
They lost to Manchester United then, but glory finally arrived four years later, defeating Bayern in their own backyard to win the tournament for the first time.
A surprising win over Manchester City in 2021 saw the Stamford Bridge side claim their second title, and they rank sixth on this list with 101 wins, coming in fewer matches (197) than Porto (228).
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2
By
Stephan Georgiou
Aug 23, 2024
5
Juventus
114 wins
No European club has lost as many European Cup/Champions League finals as Juventus, with seven losses occurring at the last hurdle between 1973 and 2017.
Two of those losses arrived before the inception of the Champions League, but since 1993, the Old Lady have tasted defeat on no fewer than five occasions.
They won the tournament most recently in 1996, defeating holders Ajax in the final, yet lost the following two finals against Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
It looked as though they would end that barren run in 2003, but Milan prevailed on penalties at Old Trafford. Since then, both Madrid and Barcelona have defeated the Serie A side in the showpiece event.
Despite this, they have won an impressive 114 games in the Champions League, although they would surely love to claim another title in the next few years.
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4
Manchester United
127 wins
Man United
It took Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson a while to get to grips with the Champions League.
Domestic dominance between 1993 and 2001 was achieved fairly easily, but Europe was a different proposition. Of course, no one will forget the stunning comeback to win the trophy in 1999 with two injury-time goals, but this was their only final between 1993 and 2007.
United won another Champions League trophy in 2008, before reaching the finals in 2009 and 2011, losing to Barcelona and Pep Guardiola each time.
Since Fergie retired, the Red Devils have qualified for Europe’s premier club competition on just seven occasions, failing to make it past the quarter-final stage.
They rank fourth on the list of most victories in the Champions League with 127.
3
Barcelona
179 wins
Barcelona won the last edition of the old European Cup in 1992, claiming the prize for the first time in their history.
Johan Cruyff’s ‘dream team’ reached the final in 1994, but were thrashed 4-0 by Milan – and this was the last time they would reach the final until 2006.
That year, they won 2-1 against Arsenal, before winning in 2009 and 2011 under the mercurial guidance of Guardiola, with Barcelona becoming one of the finest club sides of all time.
Under Luis Enrique, the La Liga side reached another final in 2015, sending Juventus packing with a 3-1 win in Berlin, giving them their fourth Champions League crown in just nine years.
They rank third in terms of victories in the tournament, racking up a staggering 179 since their first match in 1993.
2
Bayern Munich
181 wins
Bayern Munich’s tally of six continental titles ranks them as the third-best team in European Cup/Champions League history. Since the Champions League’s inception in 1992, Bayern have won three titles, although the Bavarian club have lost a further three finals.
The German side claimed the title in 2001, 2013 and 2020, but given their stature among Europe’s elite, the club should perhaps have won more, especially when Pep Guardiola took charge between 2013 and 2016.
Since their last title, Bayern have reached just one semi-final, losing to Real Madrid in 2023/24. Under Vincent Kompany, they have a vibrant, young coach who has plenty of ambition, but they bowed out in his first season at the quarter-final stage.
They rank second on the all-time victory list in the competition, recording 181 since their first match in 1994.
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Derbyshire’s surprising decision not to enforce the follow-on against Sussex reduced their chances of winning a match they had dominated – and even gave their opponents an outside chance of pulling off an astonishing victory.When Sussex were bowled out for 337 in this LV= Insurance County Championship match, losing their last five wickets for 38 runs and their last three in the space of four Hayden Kerr deliveries to concede a first innings advantage of 214, they looked down and out and not relishing the prospect of being put back in.But Derbyshire decided to bat again and when they slumped to 54 for five, with Jack Brooks putting in a four-wicket burst, Sussex sensed the chance to pinch an outrageous win. Billy Godleman was well caught by Tom Alsop at first slip off Sean Hunt in the second over. That means the Derbyshire captain has 213 championship runs in 13 innings this season for an average of 16.38.Then Brooks stepped up. He had Brooke Guest lbw for eight before dismissing the first-innings hero Wayne Madsen first ball, caught behind. In his next over Brooks dismissed Leus du Plooy, who mis-cued to midwicket, and in his next over Shan Masood dragged a wide ball onto his stumps.Anuj Dal and Kerr fell near the close and Derbyshire closed on 127 for seven, a lead of 341. They are still favourites to win the game but Sussex can now see an escape route.Sussex had started the third day on 142 for three, chasing a target of 402 to avoid the follow-on, with Mohammad Rizwan unbeaten on 54 and the in-form Oli Carter 14. Carter was dropped at first slip by Madsen off Sam Connors when he had made 26. Madsen should be forgiven, even by the most impatient of Derbyshire supporters. In all forms of cricket he has taken 313 catches for the county, placing 13th in Derbyshire’s history – and seven of the 12 ahead of him were wicketkeepers.Carter, who had scored a career-best 185 and 83 in the county’s previous championship fixture against Glamorgan in Cardiff, went on to reach his half-century from 88 deliveries, with six fours. But then he was bowled going back when he might have been forward to one from the impressive Mark Watt, who was signed as a t20 player but who now appears to be the side’s number one red ball spinner.The spotlight on Rizwan was getting brighter with the fall of each wicket at the other end. And, making the most of the short boundary at the east side of the ground, he went on to reach his first championship century for Sussex from 172 balls, with 18 fours.Sussex lost their fifth wicket at 242 when Danial Ibrahim, half forward to one that turned from Watt, was bowled for six. Delray Rawlins is a lavishly talented player who has not always shown shown enough discipline for the red-ball game. But he scored a half-century in Cardiff and here, against the spinners, he sensibly mixed aggression with patience. However, when Derbyshire took the new ball at 295 for five he was undone almost immediately, bowled through the gate by Dal as he played a loose drive. His 37 from 57 balls, with six fours and a six, was not what Sussex required.Rizwan was lbw to Dal for a fine 130, with 22 fours, but the Sussex tail didn’t wag, as Steve Finn fell second ball and Hunt to his first delivery.
The last month or so has been far from ideal for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side have dropped points in the Premier League and are now set to be without the talismanic Bukayo Saka for at least a couple of months.
However, the one positive development has been the return to form of Gabriel Jesus, who’s bagged five goals in his last three games and looks far more dangerous than he did just a month ago.
Unfortunately for the Brazilian, though, it might be too little too late, as recent reports have once again linked the club to one of Europe’s most exciting up-and-coming strikers, who could be his long-term replacement.
Arsenal transfer news
According to reports from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their interest in RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Šeško and he now wants to seal a move to England in 2025.
The report claims that following his impressive form for the German side this season, the Slovenian international has caught the eye of several potential suitors heading into next year.
While this competition is far from ideal for the Gunners, the good thing is that they now know how much they’ll need to offer to secure the 21-year-old’s services, as the report claims Leipzig will only listen to offers in excess of €70m, which is about £58m.
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko
It would still require a significant investment from Arsenal to get this transfer over the line, but given Šeško’s ability and potential, it is worth pursuing, even if it could be bad news for Jesus.
How Šeško compares to Jesus
So, as things stand, it would appear that Jesus has reclaimed the starting number nine role at Arsenal, and given his five goals in the last three games, it’s a role he could be set to keep for a little while longer.
However, if the club were to go out and spend shy of £60m on Šeško either next month or in the summer, they’d surely only do so with the intention of giving him as many minutes as possible, putting him in direct competition with the Brazilian.
With that said, which one of them comes out on top in a direct comparison?
Well, when it comes to their pure output since the start of last season, it’s quite a comfortable victory for the Radeče-born “monster”, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson.
For example, he has found the back of the net 29 times and provided five assists in 65 appearances, which equates to a goal involvement every 1.91 games.
In contrast, the former Manchester City star has scored 14 goals and provided ten assists in 59 games across the same period, equating to a rather disappointing average of a goal involvement every 2.45 games.
Interestingly, things are a little closer when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers since the start of last season, although the Leipzig gem still comes out just ahead in the most relevant metrics.
Šeško vs Jesus
Statistics per 90
Šeško
Jesus
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.45
0.59
Actual Non-Penalty G+As
0.85
0.52
Shots
2.58
3.30
Shots on Target
1.38
1.13
Goals per Shot
0.27
0.09
Goals per Shot on Target
0.51
0.25
Goal-Creating Actions
0.42
0.52
Aerial Duels Won
2.47
0.94
All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 – 24/25 Season
For example, while he’s second best for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots and goal-creating actions, he is comfortably ahead in metrics like actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots on target, goals per shot and shot on target and aerial duels won, all per 90.
Moreover, the fact that the Sao Paulo-born ace scored a flurry of goals in the last month has improved his overall per 90 numbers, which could be misleading without that added context.
Ultimately, while Jesus is still a brilliant footballer and a player who could be a valuable asset for Arsenal, it seems unlikely that he’s going to develop into a goalscoring phenomenon in the coming years, which could be the case for Šeško.
Therefore, while it will cost the club a significant amount of money, the Gunners should do what they can to sign the Slovenian goal machine as soon as possible.
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As though aware of the import of the day, Hove looked at its loveliest this morning. And as though similarly attuned to occasion, the cricketers put aside the chilly conditions and offered us fine sport; well-contested stuff it was, too, and comforting for Sussex supporters who might have feared for their young side when facing the Division Two favourites. But instead of Steven Mullaney’s bowlers bullying the team their skipper had inserted, they were compelled to work for their wickets. Three Sussex batsmen made half-centuries and Delray Rawlins was one run shy of becoming the fourth when he bottom-edged a cut off Mullaney into his stumps an over before the close.By then, though, Tom Clark’s patient, career-best 82 not out had seen his side past 300 and only Liam Patterson-White – three wickets, a catch and a run-out, if you please – had made it probable that the visitors will not face another long session or two in the field. It was all far better than the locals had expected when they greeted each other with warm handshakes and good fellowship at the start of the day. It little mattered in those moments that music blared out during warm-ups or that today’s cricketers own gadgets their predecessors would not recognise. The first day of the season binds them with the invisible braid of hope and optimism. It bound us all this blissful morning.Related
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There were hugs, too, and one barely noticed them until one remembered that a year ago such intimacies were thought dangerous. Indeed, this was the first summer since 2019 when spectators could turn up at Hove and watch the season begin. Twelve months ago Sussex supporters watched from the balconies of the houses in Palmeira Road and greeted journalists below in the daftest parody you will ever see.This morning there was merely gentle applause when Ali Orr scored Sussex’s first run and much greater enthusiasm when Tom Haines eased Brett Hutton to the square-leg boundary before flourishing a drive past point in the same over. After eight overs Sussex were 32 without loss and runs continued to come at a brisk clip. Haines continued to be particularly hard on Hutton, who bowled too full on the leg side and too wide on the off. The home side’s fifty came up in the 15th over and by then Haines was in the 40s. His fellow opener had scored more slowly but Orr’s innings was accustomed and patient, its tempo pleasing. In the second hour of the morning the balance changed as Haines was tied down by Patterson-White’s slow left-arm and Fletcher’s second spell. When the players came in for lunch – Sussex supporters probably thought it a feast – Haines was unbeaten on 55 and Orr had 41.The small familiar things about Hove gave pleasure, too. Like Catholics on a day of obligation, the blue-and-white-striped deckchairs were in their appointed place, though they had had few occupants on a morning when a ruthless wind gusted between villas and flats before bending flagpoles and disrupting run-ups. And at least conditions had improved since the previous afternoon when rain strafed the promenade, the sea frothed in grey ferment and two ladies’ hats disappeared into Regency Square, their owners pursuing them with athleticism they hadn’t managed since the summers when Alan Oakman’s tentacles clutched catches at short-leg.One or two of the multi-layered loyalists in the members’ enclosures may have seen Oakman burgle quarter-chances and they settled down again for an afternoon in which the plain priority for the home side in was to capitalise on their morning’s work. However, Patterson-White saw to it they could not do so. First he drifted a full-length ball on the flannel-fluttering breeze before turning it inside Haines’s attempted drive and bowling the Sussex skipper for 59. Next over he had the Hampshire loanee Tom Alsop leg before wicket for a three-ball 1, although a defence brief would have contested height. Nothing troubled Orr, though, and nothing disturbed the neutrals, either. Wickets fell elsewhere but we lost track of them. For long moments our world contained only Hove and its gentle pageant. Even the mere awareness of other matches faded.Nottinghamshire’s cricketers also had a narrow focus and they were to gain more rewards before tea. First Oli Carter smacked a long-hop from Hutton straight to Patterson-White at midwicket and then the spinner tempted Orr into a loose drive that only edged a catch to Mullaney at slip. It says much about the opener’s composure that the error was unexpected. Orr’s batting seems uncomplicated by faff and one hopes his 68 was a happy portent for the season. He has now passed fifty six times in 15 first-class innings and his name is already inked on future team-sheets, especially given the early-season injuries afflicting his colleagues.Indeed, head coach Ian Salisbury’s problems when selecting a team for this game were exacerbated by the unavailability of six members of his squad: for example, Fynn Hudson-Prentice has a stress fracture; Cheteshwar Pujara doesn’t have a visa; George Garton is recovering from long Covid; and Jack Carson from a knee operation. Nottinghamshire, by contrast, were able to select ten of the side that began last year’s opener against Durham and this game was seen in a few quarters as something of a mismatch. Only English cricket could split the counties into two divisions and then begin the season with the side that nearly won the title taking on the side that finished bottom of the pile. If you had offered Salisbury a tea score of 189 for 4 after being inserted, he would surely have snapped it up.If anything, the final session of the day only emphasised Sussex’s resilience. Fletcher, who rarely finds it easy to bowl down the hill here, was repeatedly driven through the covers by Clark, who reached a fine fifty when he stroked Evison through mid-off. A chaotic run-out saw Dan Ibrahim go for 15 but Rawlins made certain that one breakthrough brought nothing but more hard work for the bowlers. While his departure was a fillip for Mullaney, the Nottinghamshire skipper had plenty to ponder as the players departed the field and Hove was left in the singing-light of this first evening in a fresh world.
Manchester City’s incoming director of football, Hugo Viana, is ready to move Kyle Walker on, as they are lining up a “great” £33.6 million replacement, according to a new report.
The Blues’ dreadful run of form continued this weekend as they were beaten 2-0 by leaders Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, extending their winless run to seven games in all competitions. It is now four defeats on the bounce in the Premier League, and Pep Guardiola will be hoping that ends on Wednesday evening, as they host Nottingham Forest.
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Even after all that Guardiola has done at Man City, pressure will soon be building on the Spaniard, as there is an expectation that he turns this form around as soon as possible. Not only their defeats but the manner of their performances have surprised many, and that was on show once again on Sunday.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola stated that his side will “reset and start from zero”: “The first 15 to 20 minutes, they were unstoppable. They started so strong. We tried to play with a lot of control and passes, but it was difficult to take it. They deserved the first goal, but we started the first half so well and played well in the second half without too much threat. I know how strong Liverpool are in both boxes.
“I congratulate them, and we will reset and start from zero. It is difficult to believe it. I rely a lot on these players; I know they are doing this in this position. We will see what happens by the end of the season. We can always do the short passes, but we don’t have many alternatives.
“All I can say is thank you to them because I know the commitment that they showed with and without the ball. Maybe I had a feeling inside me that we will build from them. We will restart and try to make a good run. There is a moment where maybe it will click.
“Today Kevin [De Bruyne] played good minutes, Jack [Grealish] played well in that position, and Jeremy [Doku] played good minutes after a month out. Bernardo [Silva] and Rico [Lewis] have a lot of minutes in their legs. Nathan [Ake] was exceptional against maybe one of the great wingers. I congratulate Liverpool; they deserve the victory. We accept the situation right now, and we will build from that.”
Away from the recent results and performances for Man City, they appear to be keeping an eye on several players ahead of January and next summer. Kyle Walker was one of a few who looked past his best at Anfield, and the club’s new director of football is ready to let him leave in the summer.
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According to TBR Football, Manchester City are ready to let Walker leave, as they are lining up a move for Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. Walker has been at the Etihad since July 2017 and has been a key part of their success under Guardiola, but given he is now 34, incoming director of football Viana is ready to move on from the England defender.
Jeremie Frimpong for Bayer Leverkusen
Walker, who has 93 England caps, is under contract at the Etihad until 2026, but City are ready to let him leave, with clubs in the Saudi Pro League previously showing an interest in him.
Man City have been keeping a close eye on Frimpong, who has been described as “great” by writer Ben Mattinson, for a while now, as he came through their academy before joining Celtic in 2019. This report states that City are huge admirers of the Netherlands international, who is expected to leave Leverkusen in 2025.
Jeremie Frimpong’s 2024/25 league stats compared to Kyle Walker
Frimpong
Walker
Apps
12
8
Goals
2
0
Assists
2
0
Progressive passes
17
41
Progressive runs
98
7
Tackles (Won)
10 (9)
10 (5)
Blocks
10
8
Interceptions
5
3
However, the Blues are not the only interested side, as Liverpool and Real Madrid are also keen on signing Frimpong, who is valued at £33.6 million.
Newcastle United built up some positivity during their thrilling midweek draw against Liverpool but were swept aside in tempestuous conditions against Brentford this weekend.
The 4-2 scoreline was just, all things considered, the Bees proving to be far more clinical with their shooting throughout the frenetic encounter.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe
The two sides began the weekend level on 20 points, but the Bees have flown ahead and left the Magpies grounded. Newcastle have it all to do, with plenty of lacklustre performances sure to leave the manager incensed.
Newcastle's worst performers vs Brentford
While Eddie Howe’s side appear to be finding their shooting boots after uninspiring attacking displays throughout the opening months of the campaign, there is still much work to be done before the requisite fluency is struck.
At the rear, Fabian Schar, hero in midweek, suffered a calamitous defensive display, failing to stand firm as he tried and failed to placate the rampant Bees attacking threat.
Newcastle also lost the midfield battle and thus failed to establish a foothold from which they could control the flow of the fixture. The hosts won 63% of their tackles, whereas United won just 42%, as per Sofascore.
Newcastle players against Brentford
Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff should both hang their heads after flattering to deceive, but it was Joelinton who was the worst of a rotten bunch and must now be dropped. Surely.
Joelinton's game in numbers vs Brentford
There’s no question that Joelinton brings energy and power to the Newcastle midfield, but it needs to be tempered and balanced with greater control and direction.
Newcastle midfielder Joelinton.
The Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder didn’t hold back in condemning the collective performance from the Magpies, though he did brand Joelinton as one of the measliest out there, handing him a 4/10 match score.
The correspondent wrote: ‘Not at it. Switched off too many times not least for goal number three as Nathan Collins, the man he was marking, calmly walked through to score. No surprise he was hooked.’
Minutes played
60′
Goals
0
Assists
0
Touches
36
Shots (on target)
0 (0)
Pass completion
22/24 (92%)
Key passes
1
Dribbles (completed)
2 (1)
Tackles + interceptions
2
Total duels (won)
12 (4)
Sandro Tonali sat on the bench throughout the first half and will be desperate to reclaim a starting berth during next weekend’s St. James’ Park contest against Leicester City.
Joe Willock was not involved but will fancy his chances too, for he is a ball-carrying specialist but brings greater control through his passing.
Ultimately, Joelinton – who lost eight duels in total – flattered to deceive, ran around and made himself look big but failed to sharpen his combativeness to an accurate point nor influence the fixture positively. The fact that goalkeeper Nick Pope (42) recorded more touches than his 36 says it all.
Tonali, who replaced him on the hour mark, completed 87% of his passes and won both of his duels. It’s clear that Newcastle need to improve, and must bench Joelinton for the next match.
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