The 2024 summer transfer window has already been a very busy time for Aston Villa. Unai Emery has been looking to strengthen his side as they prepare for their first foray into the Champions League, since its rebrand from the European Cup in 1992. The Villans have already made several notable signings.

The most notable of their eight incomings so far was to bring Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana into the club from Everton. He cost the club £50m but reinforces a midfield that lost Douglas Luiz to Juventus, in a deal that saw Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea swap the Allianz Stadium for Villa Park.

Lots of their other incomings have been funded by the sale of Moussa Diaby to Al Ittihad, after just one season at the club. Former academy players Cameron Archer and Jaden Philogene returned to the club on permanent deals, after departing just one season ago, to Sheffield United and Hull City, respectively.

The other incomings include Ross Barkley, who previously had a loan spell at the club and joined from Luton Town, Ian Maatsen who signed from Chelsea, having spent the second half of last season on loan at German giants Borussia Dortmund and Lewis Dobbin, who was brought in from Everton.

However, Villa are not thought to be done there. Recently, they have been linked with several new players, and rumours have intensified in the past few days about signing one Premier League striker who finished the season in fine form last campaign.

Aston Villa target Premier League striker

The player in question here is Crystal Palace and French striker John-Philippe Mateta. The Frenchman finished the 2023/24 season in sublime form under Austrian manager Oliver Glasner and has now been linked with a move away from the club in recent days.

According to a report from The Express, the VIllans 'have registered an interest' in signing Mateta from the Eagles this summer, as they look to bolster their striking options. The report from Gordon explains that Villa have made initial contact after having 'reached out to Mateta's camp' in order to sound out interest in a potential summer deal.

However, Villa will not be the only club vying for the Frenchman’s signature this summer. Gordon reports that two European giants, Spanish side Atleti, and Italian side Juve are 'also keeping tabs' on the centre-forward’s situation during the transfer window.

In terms of a price, it's previously been reported that a fee of around €30m (£25m) may be enough to tempt Palace into a sale. Mateta’s contract expires in 2026, meaning that the Eagles are not necessarily in a rush to sell, although they would make more money selling him this summer rather than in 2025 when he has 12 months left on his deal.

Why Mateta would be a good signing

Mateta’s form under Glasner at the back end of last term was phenomenal. The striker played 35 Premier League games last season and got himself on the scoresheet 16 times, grabbing an impressive five assists along the way.

However, from the minute the Austrian took charge at Selhurst Park, Mateta thrived. In 13 games under Glasner, he scored 13 goals, as well as registering one assist. He managed to score multiple goals in a game three times, which included a final day hattrick that ironically came against Villa.

It was exceptional form, and Mateta really proved why he joined the Premier League with such a high reputation.

Opponent

Goals

Assists

Burnley

1

0

Spurs

0

0

Luton

1

0

Nottingham Forest

1

0

Bournemouth

0

0

Man City

1

0

Liverpool

0

0

West Ham

2

0

Newcastle

2

0

Fulham

0

0

Man United

1

0

Wolves

1

0

Aston Villa

3

1

Total

13

1

The 27-year-old striker could serve as a replacement for Jhon Duran, who seems to be destined to depart the club this summer. The Columbian has been linked with a move away from Villa Park, and came close to joining Chelsea, although it seems the London Stadium and West Ham United is now his most likely destination – albeit with that deal having stalled.

Last season, Duran impressed in his fleeting minutes in the Premier League. He played 23 games and scored five goals, although he played just 462 minutes. That equates to just over five full 90-minute games, meaning he averaged one goal a game last season.

In terms of their statistical comparison on FBref, Mateta is able to create shots from seemingly nowhere, using his frame and the impressive way he reads the game to his advantage. He has excellent close control and this also helps him fashion chances from all kinds of scenarios. This is reflected in his 2.56 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, although Duran is not far behind, with 2.27 each game.

One thing to note is that both players far exceeded their expected goals last season. Mateta’s expected goals last season was 10.9xG, out of the 16 Premier League goals he scored, and Duran’s was down at just 2xG, from his five goals. This suggests that both are excellent finishers from tight angles, with Mateta’s goal against Manchester United a great example of that.

New York Times journalist Rory Smith believes that, under the tutelage of Glasner, Mateta “looks extraordinary, like original Ronaldo”, which is high praise to be compared to one of the all-time great strikers of football. Indeed, the form that Mateta showed last term was certainly something that the legendary Brazilian would have put up himself.

For just £25m, Mateta could be a superb acquisition for Villa. Assuming that Duran moves on this summer, there are few alternatives available for Emery’s side who possess as much quality as the Frenchman, and Villa could add a quality player to their squad to help them on their Champions League quest next season.

Offer made: Aston Villa target "dangerous" star who'd make Felix unplayable

The Villans have made an offer for this rising star.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 31, 2024

da betsson： Unai Emery is ramping things up at Aston Villa this summer as plenty of activity is expected over the next few weeks.

da betway： Moussa Diaby looks like he could be departing Villa, with Saudi outfit Al Ittiahd the club of choice, which could give the Spaniard some funds to work with.

A move for Jaden Philogene looks close to being agreed, with Villa resigning the player just a year after he left to join Hull City in the Championship.

Could there be a swoop for another attacking talent in the next few days, as Emery aims to bolster his team ahead of the 2024/25 campaign?

Aston Villa eye move for Serie A midfielder

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Villa are chasing a move for Napoli attacking midfielder Jesper Lindstrom this summer, along with Everton.

Antonio Conte will assess the player in training before making his final decision, but it looks as though the Italian side will accept an offer of around €30m (£25m) in order to sell Lindstrom.

This fee shouldn’t break the bank, especially if Diaby leaves in the coming days and a move for the Dane could see Emery form an impressive attacking duo next season…

How Lindstrom could fit alongside Philogene

Signing Philogene this summer could turn out to be a stroke of genius by Emery, especially considering how impressive he was in the second tier last term.

Philogene: Hull City 2023/24 Championship season

Goals

12

Assists

6

Big chances created

7

Shots on target per game

1.3

Successful dribbles per game

2.7

Key passes per game

1.6

Total duels won per game

7.6

Big chances missed

6

Via Sofascore

Across 33 games in all competitions, the youngster scored 12 goals while registering six assists, proving to Villa that they were silly to let him leave in the first place.

He can operate on either wing, but was more effective on the left flank, which could allow him to link up well with Lindstrom should the Dane make the move from Serie A to the Premier League.

The 24-year-old may not have scored at all during the 2023/24 campaign, but there is no doubting his quality in the number ten role. For Eintracht Frankfurt, Lindstrom registered 11 goal contributions in just 27 Bundesliga matches in the 2022/23 campaign, underlining how effective he was in the final third.

That season for the German side saw Lindstrom also created four big chances, average 0.7 key passes per game, succeed with one dribble per match and average 1.7 shots, demonstrating his effectiveness in an attacking midfield role.

U23 scout Antonio Mango dubbed the midfielder as “exceptional” back in 2022 and, despite his struggles with Napoli last term, he has already proven his worth in the Bundesliga.

Perhaps a fresh start would benefit the player and linking up with Emery could give him the confidence he needs to replicate his excellent 2022/23 campaign.

If so, the Spaniard could deploy him just behind Ollie Watkins, with Philogene operating on the left flank. This attacking setup certainly sounds like it could cause plenty of damage to opposition defences.

With Everton interested, Villa will need to act swiftly to secure his services, that’s for sure.

Related Dream for Onana: Aston Villa could sign £34m “duel monster”

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jul 17, 2024

The offspinner took key wickets and kept a lid on Afghanistan’s scoring in the game’s decisive performance

Mohammad Isam17-Sep-20252:27

Abhinav lauds Bangladesh’s spin-choke tactic

Nasum Ahmed finds himself in controversies, and then bounces back with match-winning performances.He was at the wrong end of a senior cricketer’s ire a few years ago. Nasum was also the recipient of the alleged slap from then head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe. He lost a year of cricket because of the second incident. In his first match back after that, also against Afghanistan, Nasum hit 25 in 24 balls before taking 3 for 28 in the second ODI.This time, at the Asia Cup, Nasum was again making a comeback dealing with an off-field controversy. As soon the Bangladesh team landed in Abu Dhabi, Nasum had to issue a clarification about a private matter that was more complicated than what was reported. The incident had weighed Nasum down, as was evident in his voice when issuing the clarification.Related

• Controversy in the past, Nasum makes a comeback and a big statement

• Bangladesh finally see the power of hitting sixes

• Tanzid, Mustafizur keep Bangladesh's Asia Cup campaign alive

Give him a cricket ball, though, and Nasum is in his element. Against Afghanistan on Tuesday, his miserly 2 for 11 handed Bangladesh a lifeline in the Asia Cup. They remain in the tournament till Thursday, at least, when a favourable result (and a net run-rate swing) in the Afghanistan-Sri Lanka match could get them in the tournament’s second phase.Despite Afghanistan’s woeful record in chasing 150-plus totals in major tournaments, they held the momentum at the break in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan had fought back with the ball, conceding just 35 runs in the last five overs. Early wickets was the only way Bangladesh could have mitigated their batting drop-off.Enter Nasum. He claimed a wicket off the first ball of the Afghanistan innings. The delivery spun back into left-hand batter Sediqullah Atal’s back foot. It was so plumb that Atal didn’t bother to review. It was also a wicket-maiden, and was followed by another wicket in his third over, when he got another delivery to crash into the back pad of right-hand batter Ibrahim Zadran.However, Litton Das kept Nasum out of the attack after that until Mustafizur Rahman conceded 14 runs in the 17th over. Nasum’s first ball again produced a wicket, albeit a run out – it was Nurul Hasan’s wicket, really, as put on a bit of the spectacular to send back Karim Janat. Nasum gave away just four runs in the over, leaving Afghanistan with a mountain to climb in the last two, which they couldn’t.Nasum Ahmed wheels ahead during his celebration during his match-winning spell•Associated Press”It is a wonderful and positive aspect that he makes an impact every time he returns to the playing XI,” Tanzid Hasan said afterwards. “He changed the complexion of this game from his first over. I think we won because of his bowling.”We have a lot of healthy competition within the team. Everyone is giving their 100% at every opportunity. He gives the same effort in training and match situation. Everyone does the same in the team.”Nasum’s start was crucial, but it was also followed by Rishad Hossain taking 2 for 18, while Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur picked up five wickets between them.Despite the fifth-bowlers’ quota going for 55 runs in four overs, Tanzid praised the Bangladesh bowling for using their wealth of experience to pull off the win. “We have a world-class bowling line-up, who are well experienced in T20s,” he said. “We believed that we could defend the total. The credit goes to the bowlers.”Nasum also bowled 16 dot balls in his four overs. It is very rare for a Bangladesh bowler to be so miserly in a crucial match in a major tournament.Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan gave Bangladesh a rapid start•AFP/Getty ImagesBefore Nasum, Taskin bowled a similarly tight spell against Pakistan in the 2016 Asia Cup. For the other such example, were have to go all the way back to 2007, when Syed Rasel bowled 15 dots against a rampant West Indies line-up in the T20 World Cup.This was also Bangladesh’s first win against Afghanistan in an overseas T20I. Nasum was a key contributor but Bangladesh also started well with the bat. Tanzid and Saif Hassan added 63 runs for the first wicket, with Tanzid scoring a half-century. It was a crucial turnaround for Bangladesh, who had started their innings with two wicket-maidens against Sri Lanka in the previous game. Saif replaced Parvez Hossain in the line-up, among four changes, which paid off for Bangladesh.”We communicated well about the first couple of overs,” Tanzid said. “We struck boundaries in back-to-back overs, which helped us do well in the powerplay. I am not too worried about the past. It won’t come back. I tried to start afresh. I tried to give my best with the bat in a do-or-die match. I always try to be positive. You have to take risk in powerplays. I try looking for boundaries as much as possible.”Asked whether they were given any messages during the game about their net-run-rate equation, Tanzid said that they knew what they had to do, but were satisfied with just the win. “We had the opportunity [to increase our net run-rate]. We could have done it… but we couldn’t quite do it. We are happy to winning the game.”

As Aston Villa look to get their summer business underway, the Villans have reportedly made enquiries over welcoming a fresh face to Unai Emery's backline ahead of next season.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans' transfer window has been dominated by outgoings thus far, with Douglas Luiz's reportedly pending departure to Juventus the most frustrating exit for Emery and his squad. As the Brazilian midfielder departs, however, the Midlands club will at least get Juventus youngsters Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea in return in quite the swap deal, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Serie A seems to be where Aston Villa have set their sights when it comes to further incomings too, with links to the likes of Michael Kayode emerging in recent days alongside Juventus left-back Luca Pellegrini.

According to La Repubblica via La Lazio Siamono, Aston Villa have submitted enquiries over a potential deal to sign Pellegrini this summer alongside West Ham, AC Milan and Real Betis. As things stand, however, the full-back is reportedly destined to stay at last season's loan club Lazio, as Juventus potentially bid farewell to the Italian on a permanent basis.

Aston Villa hit the jackpot on young star whose value has soared 3,000%

Unai Emery looks set to sell a teenager for a staggering profit…

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Jun 25, 2024

That loan spell was not enough to win over Italy manager Luciano Spalletti, however, who snubbed Pellegrini for a place in his Euro 2024 squad. A move to the Premier League may well change that, but only time will tell whether Villa push on with a move to beat the likes of Milan and Lazio to the 25-year-old's signature in the coming months.

Pellegrini can succeed Digne

Now 30 years old, it won't be long before Aston Villa may need to start thinking about replacing Lucas Digne in Emery's side, which is where Pellegrini could come in. The Italian has plenty of experience to his name, including importantly in the Champions League, in which Villa will be looking to cause plenty of shocks in the coming campaign.

League stats 23/24 (via FBref)	Luca Pellegrini	Luca Digne
Minutes	786	2,410
Progressive Carries per 90	2.07	1.57
Progressive Passes per 90	5.29	2.87
Tackles Won per 90	1.49	0.71

Whilst Pellegrini saw his minutes limited last season, he thrived and outperformed Digne when handed an opportunity to do so at Lazio. A summer switch could crucially increase that game time too and, in turn, finally test the left-back's ability to perform consistently across a season.

Another season on the bench at Lazio or elsewhere would certainly do Pellegrini no good, as a player once compared to Real Madrid legend Marcelo by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig.

Earning a reported £19k-a-week, the arrival of Pellegrini wouldn't disrupt Villa's wage bill either, with all signs pointing towards a player who could still reach his potential.

MatériaMais Notícias

da wazamba： A Band alcançou uma audiência que pode se confirmar histórica neste sábado, com a final do Mundial de Clubes entre Palmeiras e Chelsea. Segundo dados prévios do ‘Kantar’ divulgados pelo site ‘Teleguiado’, a emissoraalcançou pico de 34.1 pontos em São Paulo durante o segundo tempo da derrota do Verdão. Esse resultado faz com que a Band tenha alcançado patamar de Globo em alguns dos mundiais mostrados anteriormente pela emissora carioca.

RelacionadasFora de CampoMilton Neves diz que faltou Endrick na prorrogação do Mundial: ‘Abel cometeu o mesmo erro que Dunga com Neymar’Fora de Campo13/02/2022Fora de CampoCorrespondente do L! em Abu Dhabi acredita que Abel Ferreira não segue no Palmeiras até o fim do contratoFora de Campo12/02/2022Fora de CampoPalmeirense, cantor Simoninha fala ao L!: ‘O Chelsea estava assustado em determinados momentos’Fora de Campo12/02/2022

da dobrowin： O LANCE! obteve dados históricos da Globo e, com isso, pôde fazer uma comparação com a prévia da Band. Em termos gerais, o pico da pontuação da Band se equipara aos números de média da Globo, em São Paulo, em dois mundiais:Santos x Barcelona (18/12/2011): 31 pontos; eCorinthians x Chelsea (16/12/2012): 31 pontos.

Pelo Painel Nacional de Televisão (PNT), que representa a soma da audiência das 15 praças pesquisadas eletronicamente pela Kantar Ibope Media, a final entre São Paulo e Liverpool (2005) também teve um patamar de 31 pontos.

Já na Grande São Paulo, a conquista do Tricolor diante do Liverpool (2005) na Globo marcou 41 pontos, mesmo resultado de Flamengo x Liverpool (2019) para o Rio de Janeiro.

Essas estatísticas ajudam as emissoras a comercializar ações de marketing e vender pacotes de ‘merchan’. O investimento em esportes se mostrou um ponto acertado da direção da Band. Recentemente, o canal adquiriu a Copa das Nações Africanas, torneio preterido no Brasil e que rendeu uma boa audiência para o canal. Além disso, a Band ‘bomba’ com a Fórmula 1, conseguindo sempre resultados expressivos na audiência e com o público.

Além disso, a Band se mostra assertiva ao apostar em esporte tendo em vista que o jogo entre Chelsea e Palmeiras se tornou a maior audiência do século do canal, ultrapassando outra final de Mundial: Corinthians e Vasco (2001) e também os Jogos Olímpicos de Atenas (2004). Ou seja, a Band manda bem e consegue ter retorno quando se trata de eventos esportivos.

Importante destacar:
A média mede o desempenho alcançado durante todo o jogo, já o pico se refere ao maior resultado possível dentro de uma partida. Com isso, a média da Band, que será confirmada nos próximos dias, tende a ser menor. O que está em questão aqui é a seguinte conclusão: a emissora, que costuma ter uma audiência bem menor do que a da Globo, conseguiu, graças a esse jogo pontual, se equiparar a concorrente na tarde de sábado em questão. Ponto para a Band.

From Ashok Sridharan, India Blasphemous as it may sound, I’ll stick my neck out and say that the current Australian side is not a great side, it is merely a good side with a few great individuals

Cricinfo25-Feb-2013Ashok Sridharan, India
Blasphemous as it may sound, I’ll stick my neck out and say that the current Australian side is not a great side, it is merely a good side with a few great individuals. For all the talk of their complete dominance and being head and shoulders above their opponents, the simple fact is that their dominance has been on the wane, especially post Warne-McGrath.There’s no doubt that Australia’s complete dominance in the late 90s and the early noughties would have never been possible but for them. The only time in recent years that the two were missing (Against India in 2003-04), the Australians had to fight tooth and nail to avoid being beaten by an Indian attack that was little stronger than a club attack (missing two key bowlers in Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh by the way).Coming to more recent times, Australia beat India 2-1 at home last season in a series that could well have gone the other way but for some appalling umpiring at Sydney. That they were beaten at Perth – the Australian equivalent to Barbados for the West Indies in the 80s – by a team from the Subcontinent with an attack peopled largely by rookie fast bowlers (Pathan, Sharma and RP Singh, whose combined age was 64 years) shows just how far their powers are on the wane. Their recent outing in the Caribbean too would have been a lot closer but for Brett Lee, whose 18 wickets at 23.7 was the difference between the sides. That they should have been stretched by a West Indies side rated only better than Bangladesh by itself speaks volumes about their decline.While Australia have commendably managed to remain perched on top of the Test table despite the exodus of several key players in recent times, its hard not to get the feeling that they are ripe for the plucking. Their decline may not be as marked as that of the West Indies in the 90s and beyond, but there’s no doubt that the age when Australia just walked over any opponent is now over. India came close to pulling that off last season and it remains to be seen whether India, South Africa and England (in chronological order) can expose the cracks that outstanding individual performances have papered over.Brett Lee, who turns 32 this November is unlikely to be able to go on at the same rate beyond another season or two at the very most. Of the younger lot, Tait has so far been injury prone and Mitchell Johnson, touted as a once-in-a-generation bowler, is yet to establish himself in the team. There appears no seriously talented spin bowler anywhere in the horizon. Michael Clarke apart, none of the other young batsmen have so far made a serious case for themselves at the highest level. Hayden will be 37 and Ponting will be 34 later this year. Players like Hussey, Stuart Clark and Brad Hodge, all in their mid 30s might be more than useful, but are not going to help the future and are unlikely to be around too much longer.For sure, all or at any rate nearly all the above-mentioned players are not going to be around another 3-4 years down the line. Only time will tell whether Australia’s rise to the summit was due to the much vaunted Australian system or whether it was simply due to the coincidental appearance of several supremely gifted players in the same generation.

Cricketer by day, quality surveyor by night – Williams enjoying life after overturning 2018 retirement

Deivarayan Muthu30-Oct-2021Craig Williams bats in the top order for Namibia in the afternoon or evening. At night, the 37-year-old returns to his hotel room to write reports for insurance companies back home in Namibia.He wasn’t even supposed to be part of this Namibia team that is featuring in its first ever T20 World Cup. Williams had retired from the game in 2018 to shift his focus on his business and family, but head coach Pierre de Bryun valued his experience so much that he talked Williams out of retirement. Williams, ultimately, made a U-turn on his decision and is now relishing being part of Namibia’s incredible run in the UAE.Related

• Albie Morkel: 'Cricket was a dying sport in Namibia, but people have started watching again'

“See, I retired for personal reasons. Basically, just business, work, family, kids and there was a lot more responsibility,” Wiliams recalled. “So, it was personal reasons to retire. I’ve said it in previous interviews that when you retire it’s like a dark place and you always have a feeling in your heart that there’s more to offer and when Pierre de Bryun became head coach, we had a meeting in January 2019 and he asked me: ‘Craig, is there a possibility of coming back, returning to assist a very young squad?’ So, I was more than happy to come back.”I just felt that there was more I could offer. At that stage, I wasn’t sure how much I could play. I really wanted to try and help the youngsters. But I obviously haven’t had injuries and my form has been okay, so it has allowed me to contribute on the field as well. So, reflecting… [it’s] probably the best decision I’ve ever made. It was a tough decision at the time; I had to leave my work, unfortunately the guys…there was no space to play cricket at that level and give that much commitment to cricket and work, so it was very difficult decision to come back. It wasn’t easy. But, in hindsight I’m really glad that myself and my family made that decision to commit again and play.”Williams was particularly thrilled at the global exposure that Namibia’s players have got at this World Cup. He cited the example of how allrounder David Wiese is now nurturing Namibia youngsters by sharing his experiences of featuring in various T20 tournaments around the world.”Playing a tournament like this, especially playing in the last 12…the exposure for our guys has been fantastic,” Williams said. “At the end of the day, we want to see our youngsters and our best players playing around the world because then they will bring that exposure and experience that they’ve gained back into our squad and teach our youngsters. So, for example, just having David Wiese – he’s played around the world. The amount of experience he’s brought back into our change room and the lessons that he’s teaching us about how to handle pressure and how to handle playing against the best – it has been fantastic.”So, we’re hoping that with the last few games some of our guys can show themselves in the world stage and hopefully pick up some deals around the world and then it will be fantastic if we can get the likes of Gerhard Erasmus and JJ and Ruben Trumpelmanns, Bernard Scholtzs – all these guys playing around the world. Still looking for the first Namibian to play in the IPL (laughs). So, hopefully after this tournament, we can get one of those deals on the table.”Afghanistan vs Nambia will make for a clash of contrasts, especially on the bowling front. Namibia have packed their attack with left-arm seam (because they don’t have as many right-armers ) while Afghanistan’s strength is right-arm spin. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman, in particular, have been lethal at different points during Afghanistan’s three matches in the Super 12s. Williams reckoned that Namibia’s familiarity with Afghanistan, however, would help his side in countering the opposition spinners.”Our conditions back home in Windhoek aren’t flat, quick wickets; they are quite low and slow,” Williams said. “So, we’ve done really well in the five series back home before coming to the World Cup against good spin attacks on low, slow wickets. So, we’ve put in really good preparation and we’ve put in extreme amount of analysis into the opposition and we’ve worked on individual game-plans for each batsman, so I think sitting where we are tonight, we’re in a very good place. Anything can happen in T20 cricket and we’ve played Afghanistan many, many times in the past. We know what they can do – so it’s just about on the day being able to handle the nerves and execute plans put in place.”So, in terms of playing spin, we’re extremely confident against spin. It’s just a matter of being able to execute your plan on that day against the best in the world because you know that’s who we are playing against.”Cricketer by day. Quality surveyor by night. Williams says that juggling between the two jobs can be challenging, but he’s prepared for greater responsibility as Namibia plan to go deep in the tournament.

Andre Onana believes his Manchester United team-mates followed Erik ten Hag's orders to "play smart" in their Europa League draw at Fenerbahce.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Man Utd draw 1-1 with Fenerbahce
• Ten Hag told his side to "play smart"
• Onana praises team's character

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United secured a third-straight draw in this year's competition with a point at the Turkish giants on Thursday. Keeper Onana, who played a huge role in the Red Devils getting something from the game, was asked whether his side had shown character in the contest. The 28-year-old initially questioned what manager Ten Hag had said about playing smart before the encounter, before agreeing and praising his team-mates.

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• AFP
  

  WHAT ANDRE ONANA SAID

  He told TNT Sports: “The manager asked us to play smart?. I think yes [we did this], we had more control than them and more chances than them, football sometimes there is randomness, we conceded early in the second half, and we had to show character and this is what we did."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While they are unbeaten in the Europa League this season, question marks are still being raised over Ten Hag's team and his coaching ability. They sit 21st in the 36-team table and desperately need a win to kickstart their competition. Despite Onana's heroics against Jose Mourinho's side, Ten Hag's position at the club is, seemingly, not that secure.

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  United, who sit 12th in the Premier League, travel to West Ham on Sunday before rounding off the month with a home clash against Leicester City in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

India may continue to test their bench strength having already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series

Hemant Brar22-Jul-20217:24

Will more spin be used in the first ten overs? Should Chamika bat higher?

Big pictureIndia shut the door on Sri Lanka in the first ODI. In the second match, Sri Lanka failed to close out the game. And just like that, in a matter of three days, the fate of the series was sealed.However, in the era of the World Cup Super League, there are no dead rubbers. Teams no longer play just for the pride. So in the third ODI on Friday, Sri Lanka will be aiming for ten crucial points to get back into the race for the direct qualification for the global event in 2023.After nine losses in their last ten completed ODIs, the whole Sri Lankan team has come under scrutiny. While the defeat in the second ODI left the players and coaches “emotional”, a penalty of one point for slow over-rate has pushed them further back. With just 10.91% points (12 points from 11 games), they are placed lowest among all teams.There is more bad news. Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s best bowler on Tuesday, is also set to miss this match with a muscle tear in his leg (doctors are hoping he’ll be okay for the T20Is).Sri Lanka lose one World Cup Super League point for slow over-rate

Sri Lanka were penalised one World Cup Super League point and their players were fined 20% of the match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate in the second ODI. The hosts were found to be one over short after time allowances were taken into consideration.

The sanctions were imposed as per Article 16.12.2 of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League Playing Conditions and Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel respectively.

India, on the other hand, once again exhibited their depth. In the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Prithvi Shaw and Ishan Kishan stood up. Krunal Pandya is doing an excellent job in Ravindra Jadeja’s role. And the way Deepak Chahar steered the chase in the second game was exemplary.Unlike Sri Lanka, India don’t have to worry about World Cup qualification. As the hosts of the event, they qualify automatically. That gives them the luxury of trying out what could probably be called a third-choice XI.Form guideSri Lanka LLLLW (Last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
India WWWLW
Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the Sri Lanka bowlers in the second ODI•ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty ImagesIn the spotlightHardik Pandya didn’t bowl a single ball during the truncated IPL 2020. He sent down five overs in the first ODI here but on Tuesday, he was seen holding his back in his third over. Later in the innings, he bowled one more over. The final ODI may shed more light on his bowling fitness.Team newsSri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said on the eve of the match that fast bowler Kasun Rajitha is out with an injury. Sri Lanka can replace him with Lahiru Kumara. They can also bring in Akila Dananjaya for Lakshan Sandakan. In two games so far, Sandakan has combined figures of 2 for 124 from 18.4 overs at an economy of 6.64. With Hasaranga out, they may bring in offspinning allrounder Ramesh Mendis into the lower middle order.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Avishka Fernando, 2 Minod Bhanuka (wk), 3 Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 4 Dhananjaya de Silva, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 7 Ramesh Mendis, 8 Chamika Karunaratne, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Akila Dananjaya, 11 Lahiru KumaraBhuvneshwar Kumar didn’t look 100% in the last match and India could consider resting him on Friday. Navdeep Saini can come in his place. Having recovered from his knee ligament injury, Sanju Samson can replace Kishan if India want to give chances to more players.India (probable): 1 Prithvi Shaw, 2 Shikhar Dhawan (capt), 3 Ishan Kishan/Sanju Samson (wk), 4 Manish Pandey, 5 Suryakumar Yadav, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Deepak Chahar, 9 Navdeep Saini, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Yuzvendra ChahalPitch and conditionsBatters in this series have enjoyed playing their shots on the R Premadasa pitches but at the same time, there has been help for spinners too. A similar pitch is expected for the third ODI as well but the weather could play a spoilsport. It’s forecast to be cloudy with intermittent showers on the match day.Stats and trivia The last time Sri Lanka won a bilateral ODI series against India was in 1997. Since January 2020, India’s fast bowlers have picked up just five powerplay wickets in 14 ODIs, at an average of 159 and an economy of 5.88. Yuzvendra Chahal has 97 wickets in 56 ODIs. Three more wickets on Friday and he will join Jasprit Bumrah as the joint-second fastest Indian to the 100-wicket landmark. Mohammed Shami (56 ODIs) holds the record for India.Quotes”As a team, and I as captain, we need to build confidence. And alongside that, the players need to believe in their ability to execute their skills in the game. I saw a lot of this in the last game, and so I’m confident we can build on that, and turn that into positive results. It’s true we haven’t won consistently for a while, but we haven’t forgotten how to win.”
“[MS Dhoni] has had a very big impact on me. Not just during my time at the CSK but even when I was growing up. We have all seen how he takes the match close. Every time I speak to him, he tells me it’s in your hands to take the game till the end and if you can do that, then it’s just a matter of a few overs.

Arsenal have made a player plus cash offer for one of their top transfer targets this summer, according to the latest reports.

Mikel Arteta keen to go one better

Just like England, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side have suffered back to back heartbreaks after finishing as runners up to Manchester City across both of the previous Premier League seasons.

Pipped by just two points in the most recent campaign, the Gunners are expected to strengthen this summer as they look to make it third time lucky against Pep Guardiola's side.

So far though, business has been slow. The north London side have signed David Raya on a permanent deal from Brentford after impressing on loan last season, a campaign in which he won the golden glove with Arsenal.

Arsenal chiefs ready to sell £58k-p/w ace who Arteta thinks is "very good"

He could be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium this summer.

ByBen Browning Jul 15, 2024

They are also closing in on a deal to sign teenage goalkeeper Tommy Setford, with a move from Ajax believed to be in the closing stages.

The focus has largely been on exits though, with English quartet Aaron Ramsdale, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah all believed to be up for sale this summer in a bid to raise funds for incomings.

So far, only two players have departed, with both Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares having left north London for Seville and Rome respectively. Another exit seems likely soon, and Arsenal are trying to use it as a chance to land one of their summer targets.

Gunners offer defender in deal

That comes in the shape of Jakub Kiwior, who has endured a mixed spell at the Emirates Stadium since his arrival in January 2023. Deployed either at left centre-back or more regularly at left back, the Poland international started just 11 Premier League games last season and that number is likely to reduce further with Jurrien Timber's return from injury.

Options for Arsenal at left back

Player

Age

Oleksandr Zinchenko

27

Kieran Tierney

27

Jurrien Timber

23

Takehiro Tomiyasu

25

Now, the Gunners have reportedly tried to use him in a deal to sign another left-footed centre back. That, of course, is Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori, who has risen to the top of Arsenal's wishlist with a strong EURO 2024 showing on top of an excellent season in Serie A.

Dubbed a "monster" by analyst Ben Mattinson on X, the 6 foot 2 defender was wanted by Chelsea but they have since pulled out of a move, and the 22-year-old seems likely to end up with Arsenal this summer.

According to Bologna outlet Il Resto del Carlino, the Italian is keen to join Arsenal and has accepted personal terms on a five-year deal in north London worth 5m euros per season (roughly £80,000 per week), which is a massive increase on his current £12,000 per week deal with the Serie A side.

However, an agreement with Arsenal is not so easy, thanks in part to Swiss side Basel having a 50% claim to any fee taken in for Calafiori.

To try and get around this, it is claimed by the same outlet that Arsenal offered Bologna the services of Kiwior on loan with an obligation to buy the defender next summer, but that the Italian side rejected the proposal.

However, The Telegraph claim that despite this failure, there remains "a growing expectation that a deal will be done" in the weeks to come, and that Calafiori will be plying his trade at the Emirates Stadium next season.