All posts by h716a5.icu

Tottenham added much-needed quality to their squad in certain areas, but there are a few key targets that Spurs’ recruitment team missed out on.

Lilywhites boss Thomas Frank was backed by the arrivals of Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Kota Takai, Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani before Monday’s 7pm deadline, but partly due to complications with their locally trained quota, some were forced to miss out on their 22-man Champions League squad for the league phase.

Villarreal (home)

September 16

Bodo/Glimt (away)

September 30

Monaco (away)

October 22

FC Copenhagen (home)

November 4

PSG (away)

November 26

Slavia Prague (home)

December 9

Borussia Dortmund (home)

January 20

Eintracht Frankfurt (away)

January 28

Both Tel and Takai won’t be playing Champions League football for Spurs this season, at least until they’re allowed to amend their selections past the league phase, if Frank’s side do indeed make it that far.

Nevertheless, whilst Tel and Takai will feel hard done by as absentees from Europe, both men are likely to play a key role in the Premier League.

A high-ranking recruitment team of chairman Daniel Levy — who’s now resigned after a shock announcement — CEO Vinai Vinkatesham, technical director Johan Lange and unofficial advisor Fabio Paratici eventually managed to navigate what was a notoriously tricky window, with plenty of bumps along the way.

Tottenham were involved in two of the most dramatic transfer soap operas of the summer, and ultimately felt a devastating effect from both of them.

Morgan Gibbs-White was on the verge of joining Spurs for around £60 million before Nottingham Forest blocked the deal, threatened legal action and convinced the 25-year-old to sign a club-record contract – humiliating Levy in the process – while Arsenal sensationally hijacked their rivals for Eberechi Eze at the eleventh hour in very public fashion.

Eventually, Frank got his hands on a much-needed playmaker to replace the injured James Maddison by signing Simons from RB Leipzig for £52 million – mounting a hijack of their own on Chelsea and restoring some pride.

In the final hours of the window, Tottenham also sealed an “un-Spurs-like” straight loan deal for PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani, perhaps in reaction to Dominic Solanke’s latest injury, but it is worth nothing that the Frenchman can also play out wide.

In terms of their other transfer pursuits, Spurs were targeting a left-winger and centre-back in the final weeks of the window (Sky Sports), but to no avail.

Manuel Akanji, before his move from Man City to Inter Milan, and Brentford captain Nathan Collins were among the names linked with moves to N17 before the deadline, but neither came through the door.

The same can be said for Akanji’s former teammate, Nathan Ake.

Tottenham plan Nathan Ake talks in January after Thomas Frank request

Tottenham reportedly held discussions over a late summer swoop for Ake, but the £160,000-per-week centre-back ultimately stayed at Eastlands despite his struggle for game time ahead of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Josko Gvardiol.

Now, as per CaughtOffside, it is believed that Spurs are planning to reopen talks for Ake in January, as Frank wants to add more experience to his squad.

Their interest in the Netherlands international stems from wanting an alternative to Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie on the left, with Ake versatile enough and capable of playing both roles.

City value Ake at a minimum £15 million with just two years left on his contract, which could be seen as great value for a prestigious player who Virgil van Dijk called “underrated”.

Ake also played an under the radar role in helping the Sky Blues win their historic 2023 treble, with Pep Guardiola calling him a “proper defender”.

India’s captain says he hasn’t made a plan for his future in the format yet

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Mar-20252:23

Kumble: You expect Rohit to make it count in the final

Rohit Sharma is not retiring from ODI cricket, he said after leading India to their third Champions Trophy title.”I’m not going to retire from this format, just to make sure that no rumours are spread going forward,” he said at the press conference after India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the final.Rohit said there was “no future plan” and that “what is happening will keep happening” in ODI cricket, when asked about where he stood in his career after winning back-to-back ICC titles. He had led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup in June last year and retired from that format after the final.Related

Rohit time is right on time for India – and it's not over yet

Stats – Four drops, a spin strangle, and 15 tosses lost in a row

KL Rahul: 'I was s****ing myself at the end'

Kohli: India ready to take on the world for the next eight years

“Let’s see. It is a great team achievement for the team to win two ICC trophies and to go undefeated is the icing on the cake. I have seen very few teams that have won two tournaments undefeated. For us, the most important thing was that we come here and prepared and played the opposition. We used the conditions well and won. Future plan… there’s no future plan, whatever is happening will keep happening.”At the post-match presentation, Rohit had high praise for KL Rahul’s calmness in a tense chase. Rahul was unbeaten on 34 off 33 balls in difficult batting conditions and said he was “s****ing himself” towards the end of India’s chase of 252.”Again, a very solid mind,” Rohit said of Rahul. “He never gets overawed by pressure around him. That’s one of the reasons why we wanted to have him in the middle phase, to try and finish off games for us. With his experience and class, there’s a bit of calmness when he bats.

“Jadeja coming at No. 8 gives you the confidence to go slightly hard up front with the new ball. If it comes off, it comes off. If it doesn’t, then so be it. As long as I’m clear in my mind, it’s the most important thing”Rohit Sharma

“He picks the right shots to play under pressure situations, which obviously allows the other guys batting around him to come and play freely. For example, Hardik [Pandya] came out and played some really good shots in both games that gave us some freedom. Overall, the batsmanship shown by all our batters throughout the tournament was superb.”Rohit himself got India’s chase off to a powerful start, scoring 49 off 40 balls in the powerplay and going on to add 105 with Shubman Gill for the first wicket. Rohit finished with 76 off 83 balls.”It makes it a lot easier; it gives you freedom as well,” Rohit said of India’s batting depth giving him the freedom to attack at the start. “Which is why I said earlier as well, that we wanted to have batting depth as deep as possible. [Ravindra] Jadeja coming at No. 8 gives you the confidence to go slightly hard up front with the new ball. If it comes off, it comes off. If it doesn’t, then so be it. As long as I’m clear in my mind, it’s the most important thing.”5:26

Santner: ‘Rohit puts fear in bowlers’

Rohit also praised his spinners for living up to expectations. India stuck to their four-pronged spin strategy for the last three games, starting with the last group fixture against New Zealand when they first unleashed Varun Chakravarthy, who incidentally wasn’t in the preliminary squad of 15.”Not just this game but right from the beginning, our spinners in particular, there’s too many expectations when you are playing on a pitch like that, but they never disappointed,” Rohit said. “We do understand their strengths; playing on pitches like these helped and we used it to our advantage. Throughout the tournament, in terms of bowling, we were very consistent.”Varun finished the tournament as the second-highest wicket-taker. He took nine wickets in three innings at 15.11 apiece and with an economy rate of 4.53. He didn’t play India’s first group games against Bangladesh and Pakistan, but took 5 for 42 in his first opportunity, the third group match against New Zealand.”He has got something different about him,” Rohit said. “When we are playing on such pitches, we want the batters to do something different and that’s when he becomes a lot more dangerous. He didn’t start off in the tournament for us, but when he played against New Zealand and picked up a five-for, we saw the kind of ability he possesses. We wanted to maximise that, and he didn’t disappoint. He’s got great quality in his bowling, luckily it came to use a various times.”

England's Lucy Bronze has lifted the lid on Sarina Wiegman's impeccable tactics from the Euro 2025 final win over Spain in July. The Lionesses came from a goal down to beat the World Cup holders on penalties in a dramatic match in Switzerland. Now, Chelsea ace Bronze has opened up on how Alessia Russo's all-important equaliser was planned to a tee by the boss.

Bronze enhances England legend status

The 33-year-old's glowing reputation improved further still after her starring role in the Lionesses' run to Euros glory this summer. She kick-started their fightback against Sweden with a goal in the quarter-finals of the competition, when they looked down and out, and scored the crucial spot-kick in the penalty shootout to send her side through.

The former Barcelona player also used all of her experience, quality, and craft in the semi-final and final as England retained their Euros crown. Manager Wiegman once again collected the coach of the year award at this year's Ballon d'Or after winning another international trophy, and going by her tactical nous, something Bronze went into detail on, it is easy to see why.

AdvertisementBronze explains England's Euro 2025 final equaliser

She said on the podcast with Jill Scott and Karen Carney: "I loved the goal that we scored, and I didn't even touch the ball. If I'm a second six[with Keira Walsh], [Aitana] Bonmati and Alexia [Putellas] have to pick us up, and then Patri [Guijarro] has to pick up [Ella] Tooney and G[eorgia Stanway] because they don't pick up four very well. We watched it in other games that they leave Patri to run between them.

"So I'm coming in, and Alexia thinks she's picked me up, so she doesn't have to pick up a midfielder behind her, then Bonmati is slow to Keira, Keira gets it, turns, and then Georgia's completely free because Patri's running between two players.

"Georgia gets it, turns, Chloe [Kelly] crosses…and I was like, 'That was us!' I didn't touch the ball, but I just scored for England! That was literally what we were told to do, the tactics. That was my role. I did it so Keira and Georgia could play, and we scored – I couldn't believe it."

Bronze shows her unreal grit for Lionesses

After England won the Euros, defender Bronze revealed she had played the entire tournament with a fractured leg. 

She said in late July: "I actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, but no one knew. I just hurt my knee today on the other leg. That is why I got a lot of praise from the girls after the Sweden game because I have been in a lot of pain. But if that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do – they know that. We inspire each other by playing through things like that, and it got us to the end, in the end."

Wiegman was in awe of Bronze's "crazy mentality" after playing almost 600 minutes in the competition, with only Hannah Hampton, Keira Walsh, and Alex Greenwood on the pitch for longer. 

She added: "She had some issues with her tibia so of course we tried to manage that. When you play 120 minutes you're not managing it are you? The whole team has a great mentality but she has a crazy mentality, it's unbelievable."

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AFPEngland return for Bronze may be out of reach

The former Manchester City and Lyon full-back is yet to play for Chelsea this season due to injury, with the defending Women's Super League champions currently top of the table with three wins from three. 

Incidentally, Blues manager Sonia Bompastor said on Bronze's condition earlier this month: "It's difficult for now to put a timeframe on Lucy's return, but she's doing well. She's in a good place mentally and physically, so hopefully she will come back soon. I think she's still some weeks away from a return on the pitch."

The Lionesses are next in action for celebratory friendlies against Brazil and Australia on October 25 and 28, respectively. It may be a long shot for Bronze to be fit for then.

A first-half strike from Erling Haaland was all that settled the two sides as Manchester City ran out 1-0 winners at Brentford on Sunday evening. The Norwegian continued his freakish scoring form with an extremely well-taken goal to move his side up to fifth in the Premier League table heading into the October international break, sitting three points behind early leaders Arsenal.

It took only ten minutes for City to nip in front. Josko Gvardiol's ball through midfield found Haaland on the last line, and he managed to spin Sepp van den Berg with his supreme physicality before slotting under Caoimhin Kelleher.

City could have gone two up when Tijjani Reijnders met a floated Nico O'Reilly cross and struck a fierce volley towards goal, only for the strong arm of Kelleher to deny him a beauty.

At the start of the second half, City had Gianluigi Donnarumma to thank for keeping them ahead when Josko Gvardiol comically lost an aerial duel to Igor Thiago, leaving the Brazilian to race through on goal, but the Italian goalkeeper thwarted the striker with a fine save.

For the most part, City were unthreatened in the second half, though their hearts were in mouths in the final minute of regulation time when Donnarumma's pass from the pack was blocked by Kevin Schade and the loose ball deflected wide. That was as close as Brentford got to an equaliser as City held on to claim the victory.

GOAL rates City's players from the Gtech Community Stadium…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Gianluigi Donnarumma (7/10):

A passenger for the most part but showed exactly why he was chosen as the man to replace Ederson with a sprawling save to deny Thiago early in the second half, which ultimately proved a pivotal point in the contest.

Matheus Nunes (6/10):

Another outing at right-back with little to shout about either way. Didn't get overly involved in possession but wasn't rinsed going the other way.

Ruben Dias (7/10):

Oozed confidence even when trying to keep up with the electric pace of Schade, which you couldn't say about the Manchester United defenders who visited Brentford last week.

Josko Gvardiol (7/10):

Played the pass which Haaland took in stride to score early doors. Held his own in the high line all throughout the first half but opened it up singlehandedly at the start of the second when he failed to deal with the presence and physicality of Thiago. Notably dropped a shade in confidence thereafter.

Nico O'Reilly (7/10):

Growing into the left-back role with each passing week. Unlucky not to have registered an assist for Reijnders in the first half when he picked the Dutchman out with a pinpoint cross.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Rodri (N/A):

The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner's injury struggles continued, having to be withdrawn midway through the first half.

Tijjani Reijnders (6/10):

Epitomised City's superior technical levels in midfield with a series of dribbles out of tight areas, though these seldom hurt Brentford too much. Replaced by Silva for the final 15 minutes.

Phil Foden (6/10):

Involved in almost every positive move City had in the first half, but was much quieter after the break as the visitors struggled to find a second goal.

Getty Images SportAttack

Oscar Bobb (6/10):

Played an almost identical game to Foden, dancing his way past defenders and creating havoc in the opening 45 minutes before being muzzled after the break. Subbed for Doku.

Erling Haaland (8/10):

What would City do without him, eh? Now scored at 22 of the 23 Premier League stadiums he's played in (Anfield is his only blemish) and just six goals away from joining the division's 100 Club. 

Savinho (5/10):

Fresh from signing a new long-term contract, the Brazilian showed glimpses of his talent in transition, but didn't tangibly give Brentford too much to be scared of.

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Nico Gonzalez (6/10):

Came on in the first half for the injured Rodri. City controlled much of the game either way despite the prolonged absence of their more famous Spanish midfielder.

Jeremy Doku (5/10):

On for Bobb for the last quarter of an hour. Didn't contribute much with City seemingly happy to settle for the one-goal lead.

Bernardo Silva (5/10):

Replaced Reijnders, though like Doku was rarely involved.

Pep Guardiola (6/10):

It was a tale of two halves for City, who looked a cut above in attack early on and then shut up shop to keep Brentford from truly threatening with the clock winding down. Now up to 250 Premier League wins in his career.

He was due to join up with the Lions team for the domestic first-class final, but did not arrive in Johannesburg

Firdose Moonda10-Apr-2025South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma has suffered an elbow injury again and will miss the domestic first-class final which starts in Johannesburg today. Bavuma was due to join up with the Lions team on Tuesday from Cape Town, but did not arrive in Johannesburg.The Lions found out late on Wednesday that Bavuma would not play the match because of the niggle, which has taken place just over two months before the World Test Championship final in June.ESPNcricinfo has ascertained Bavuma’s injury is on the left elbow – the same one he has injured before. The Lions are unaware at this stage how serious the injury is and were caught off guard by Bavuma’s late withdrawal. On Wednesday morning, Lions captain Dominic Hendricks told the media he was looking forward to playing with Bavuma in the marquee game.Bavuma fractured his left elbow in 2022, which forced him out of South Africa’s tour to England that year and sidelined him for three months. He then reinjured the same elbow when he fell awkwardly while completing a single against Ireland in an ODI in Abu Dhabi last year and missed South Africa’s Tests against Bangladesh. He had no red-ball match practice before the home summer and spoke openly about battling mental demons after a wretched run with his fitness, which also included injuries to both hamstrings. Despite that, Bavuma made a stirring comeback with two centuries in four Tests and a run of four fifty-plus scores against Sri Lanka. He also captained South Africa to the Champions Trophy semi-final but has batted with heavy strapping on his elbow throughout the season.Since the Champions Trophy, Bavuma has played no competitive cricket but was present with the Lions for their final first-class league match in Bloemfontein last week, which was completely rained out. He then traveled to Cape Town and was due to rejoin the team ahead of the final against the Titans but news of his injury has since emerged.South Africa have just over eight weeks before the WTC final against Australia which starts on June 11. They are planning practice matches from mid-May, including a game against an international opposition in England, ahead of the final. They will not play any cricket before then with several players involved at the IPL 2025 and others on the county circuit. Bavuma does not have any overseas engagements and the final was due to be his last match of the season, but the latest niggle has scuppered those plans. He was named on CSA’s central contract list this week.

Ruben Amorim has become a man under pressure at Manchester United in recent weeks after yet another dismal few weeks in charge at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils boss was given the benefit of the doubt during last campaign, after largely working with the players already at his disposal upon taking the reins in November.

However, he was handed the tools to do just that this summer, subsequently spending over £200m on the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.

Big money, spent on big-name players, but yet still the same result, leading to questions being asked about the boss’s long-term future in the role.

The defeat in the Manchester Derby on Sunday made just one win from the opening four Premier League outings of the 2025/26 campaign – once again sitting just a couple of places above the drop zone.

Their tally of seven goals conceded is the fourth worst in the division, highlighting the need for added work in the defensive third – an area that was massively neglected during the off-season.

However, Amorim did decide to finally part ways with one player, but it’s evident that he wasn’t the only issue currently within that area of the pitch for the Red Devils.

Why Man Utd decided to offload Andre Onana

Goalkeeper Andre Onana is a player who has come under huge fire at United over the last couple of months for his lacklustre performances between the sticks.

Huge excitement was generated around his signature back in the summer of 2023, after the Cameroonian international joined in a £47m transfer from Inter Milan.

He was seen as the ideal replacement for the outgoing David de Gea, but it’s safe to say, two years on from his move to Manchester – the deal has been a disaster.

The 29-year-old has cost the side in key moments, with countless mistakes leading to goals – six of which came in the Premier League last season, subsequently contributing to the lowly top-division finish.

Even in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, he was unable to keep out a routine effort from Brennan Johnson, with such a failure handing the European trophy to the Lilywhites.

Onana’s failures continued into 2025/26, arguably being at fault for both goals in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town – undoubtedly leading to his loan move to Trabzonspor over the last few weeks.

However, despite his temporary departure, there’s another player in the current side that Amorim desperately needs to axe if he is to have any chance of saving his job.

The United player who Amorim needs to axe

In his 47 games in charge of United, Amorim has suffered defeat on 20 occasions, resulting in the former Sporting CP boss achieving a measly 38% win percentage to date.

The recent defeat against Pep Guardiola’s men has raised further questions about his future in the role, especially given his reluctance to move away from his current 3-4-2-1 system.

The 40-year-old stated after the match at the Etihad that the club will have to change the man before he changes his ideas – a statement that has piled further pressure on his shoulders.

Within his back three at the Etihad, the manager utilised Luke Shaw, with the Englishman switching from a wing-back role that he operated in during the early stages of his career.

Injuries have played a massive part in the 30-year-old’s progress, only managing over 30 appearances across all competitions in one of the last five years.

He’s suffered 13 separate injury setbacks during the aforementioned timeframe – subsequently missing nearly 150 games of first-team action in the process.

However, Amorim has put faith in the Englishman to play a huge part in his backline – but his recent displays have highlighted the need for added investment in such an area.

Shaw, who’s been labelled “woeful” by one analyst, has only made 0.2 interceptions per 90 and has been dribbled past 1.2 times per 90 – highlighting his inability to regain possession for the Red Devils.

Games played

4

Minutes played

347

Pass accuracy

85%

Tackles won

50%

Interceptions made

0.2

Recoveries made

3.3

Dribbled past

1.2

Tackles made

0.9

Fouls committed

1.5

He’s also won less than one tackle per 90, at a success rate of just 50% – often being an unreliable option – as seen by the club’s measly defensive record.

Injuries in the backline have undoubtedly contributed to his run of games in the side, with Shaw likely to lose his place to the likes of Lisandro Martínez upon his return to first-team action.

With the 30-year-old having two years left on his current deal at Old Trafford, the hierarchy desperately need to offload the defender in the distant future.

His decline over recent years is there for all to see, with the manager desperately needing to replicate a deal for Onana and allow him to move on if he’s to have any chance of keeping his job.

Amorim wanted his own Donnarumma & Haaland but Man Utd got Altay & Sesko instead

It’s been yet another poor start to a Premier League season for Manchester United.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 16, 2025

Gio Lo Celso grabbed the only goal as Argentina eased to a 1-0 win over Venezuela in a rather drab international friendly held at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. The reigning World Cup champions were a little languid as the game wore on in the absence of Lionel Messi, who was rested, but did enough in the first half to secure a narrow win.

enjoyed a positive start in the first half. Nico Paz, handed a place in the starting XI by manager Lionel Scaloni after a fine few months for Como, pulled the strings, and was unfortunate not to score – pinging a shot off the post. They continued to push, and were eventually good value for the opener. A loose ball fell to the feet of Lautaro Martinez, who fed Lo Celso. His shot was poor, but it deflected off the goalkeeper and into goal in the 31st minute. 

Argentina had further chances in the second half. Julian Alvarez had a couple of looks denied. Martinez got more involved in the attack. But they were otherwise slightly off pace in key areas, and missing a final ball as Venezuela sat in. La Vinotinto had their moments, though. They offered some attacking threat late on and cracked a shot off the bar. Scaloni's side struggled as they rotated, their attacking threat diminished as they missed Messi's impetus. Martinez thought he had sealed it late on, but was denied by a remarkable double save to keep the scoreline close. 

GOAL rates Argentina's players from Hard Rock Stadium…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Emiliano Martinez (7/10):

Made a couple of tidy interventions when needed, and offered some calm when his side lost control. 

Nahuel Molina (5/10):

Got done a couple of times on the right. Looked tired by the time he was subbed, too. 

Cristian Romero (6/10):

Up for the fight, but rather lost his head here and there. His side could have done with a little more defensive solidity. 

Marcos Senesi (6/10):

Looked a little vulnerable at times, and could have offered a bit more support when Venezuela broke. 

Nico Tagliafico (6/10):

Very little to report from a solid 45 minutes. Occupied spaces, moved the ball well enough. 

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Enzo Fernandez (6/10):

Completed by far the most passes in the match, but most of them were sideways. 

Gio Lo Celso (8/10):

Grabbed the opening goal and was really positive in midfield. Comfortable Argentina's best performer. 

Leandro Paredes (7/10):

A good hour. Looked to be a bit more expansive in his passing, and found some valuable pockets of space. Continues to make a case for World Cup inclusion. 

Nico Paz (6/10):

Really lively early on, and made things happen in the pocket. His influence waned as the game wore on. 

GettyAttack

Lautaro Martinez (8/10):

Showed a great bit of unselfishness to feed Lo Celso. Deserved a goal, but saw a couple of shots well denied. 

Julian Alvarez (6/10):

Pressed like an absolute animal, but struggled to get anything going in an attacking sense. 

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GettySubs & Manager

Nico Gonzalez (6/10):

A solid half. In with a shout to start at left-back.

Giuliano Simeone (6/10):

Provided loads of energy, but not much in the way of quality.

Alexis Mac Allister (N/A):

No time to make an impact. 

Rodrigo De Paul (N/A):

No time to make an impact. 

Leonardo Balerdi (N/A):

No time to make an impact. 

Lionel Scaloni (7/10):

Experimented a bit with Messi out of the squad. His side was bright early, but ran out of ideas a little late on. Will take the win, even if the performance didn't entirely convince. 

The Royals captain will remain in Jaipur and will continue his rehab with the franchise’s medical staff

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Apr-202527:55

Gut feel or analytics? How tactical decisions are made during T20s

Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be without captain Sanju Samson for their away match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Thursday. This is the second successive IPL 2025 match that Samson will miss after suffering an abdominal injury during RR’s Super Over defeat to Delhi Capitals (DC).”Samson is currently undergoing recovery and will remain at the team’s home base (Jaipur) with select RR medical staff,” the franchise said in a statement. “As part of his ongoing rehab process, he will not be travelling to Bangalore for the upcoming match against RCB. The team management is monitoring his progress closely and will take a game-by-game approach regarding his return to action.”Related

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In Samson’s absence, Riyan Parag will continue to captain RR. Earlier during the tournament, Parag had also stood in as captain when Samson was recovering from the finger injury he had sustained during the T20I series against England. As captain, Parag has 105 runs in four games at a strike rate of 147.88Samson had started the tournament as a pure batter with 66 off 37 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad and continued to get starts. In his last game against DC, he scored 31 off 19 balls before retiring hurt. He did not return to bat in the Super Over.In Samson’s absence, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who enjoyed a sparkling debut, will likely open with Yashasvi Jaiswal once again in Bengaluru.

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

West Ham suffer another setback against Crystal Palace

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

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

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

West Ham now weigh up concrete approach to sign £17m England international

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

ByDominic Lund Sep 21, 2025

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

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

Potter must fix defensive issues to keep his job

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

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

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

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

Brooklyn Football Club announced the appointment of U.S. soccer icon Brian McBride as General Manager, marking a significant milestone as the club builds toward its USL Championship debut in 2026. McBride will oversee all sporting operations for both the men's and women's teams, from roster construction, staffing, and performance analytics to long-term player development.

Former USMNT star brings experience

McBride joins Brooklyn FC after a distinguished playing career that included 95 caps and 30 goals for the U.S. Men's National Team across three FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006). His club career featured successful stints with Columbus Crew as their first-ever draft pick, Fulham FC in the English Premier League, and the Chicago Fire.

Following his playing days, McBride served as General Manager of the U.S. Men's National Team from 2020 to 2023, providing him valuable front office experience directly applicable to his new role with Brooklyn FC.

“It was unique,” McBride told The Athletic. “Their [Brooklyn FC] vision, what they’re thinking – the amount of impact I can have, not just on the sporting side, but on the organization really drew me to it.

“The vision is to build something the community will be proud of. Not just the soccer side. Having something where Brooklyn can go and call their own.”

AdvertisementFocus on community integration and player development

The appointment represents a crucial step in Brooklyn FC's preparations for their 2026 debut, with the club now turning attention to hiring a head coach and building its inaugural roster. McBride has indicated the coaching search will move quickly, allowing the technical team to begin player recruitment and development strategies.

“This is a major moment for the club and the borough,” said David Barry, President of Brooklyn Football Club as per USLChampionship.com. “Brian brings a rare blend of experience, leadership, and vision; from his elite playing career to his experience with the next generation of American soccer stars.

“He understands what it means to build something that reflects this community, hard work, and determination. Our women’s team has already set the tone, and now we’re bringing that same energy to the men’s side. Brooklyn FC is all in.”

GOALUSL's continued growth

McBride's arrival coincides with an exciting period of growth for the USL Championship, which recently announced plans to implement promotion and relegation by 2028 when it launches a new first division. This innovative approach will make USL the first professional soccer league in America to adopt the system widely used internationally.

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Club builds toward 2026 inaugural season

Brooklyn FC are planning a community event at Industry City on October 29, where supporters will have their first opportunity to meet McBride and learn more about the men's team. The event is being developed in partnership with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Brooklyn Made, and Fort Hamilton Distillery, with participation from local youth soccer clubs.