England leaned on youth, South Africa on experience – of sorts – as Marizanne Kapp’s brilliant century rescued her side from near oblivion on an enthralling first day of their Test in Taunton.Kapp, who with Lizelle Lee represents the sum total of their team’s Test experience having both played in South Africa’s last one which ended in an innings defeat to India in 2014, played the flawless innings the tourists desperately needed to reach 284 by the time they were bowled out, ending the day’s play.Kapp came in with her side 45 for 4 after England’s two international debutants, Issy Wong and Lauren Bell, combined with the new, old hands of the side, Kate Cross and Nat Sciver, to reduce them to rubble in England’s first Test in 11 since 2008 without either of their retired seamers Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole.Kapp shared a 72-run stand with Anneke Bosch before Bosch gifted her wicket to left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclesteone, a veteran at just 23 years of age, cutting straight to backward point for 30. But it was a resolute stand with Sinalo Jafta, only worth 25 but during which Jafta faced 39 deliveries for her 4 runs which saw Kapp to her ton. Another stand worth 49 for the ninth wicket with Tumi Sekhukhune took Kapp to 150, making her the first woman since Mithali Raj in 2002 to reach the milestone.In the meantime, England took the second new ball as soon as it became available after 80 overs and Wong drew the first false shot of Kapp’s innings when she was beaten attempting to defend one on a length that jagged away from her.It’s facetious to suggest Kapp’s experience amounts to one previous Test. She has also played 210 white-ball games for her country and she exuded calm and authority to manoeuvre her side to a first-innings total that seemed incredibly unlikely earlier.She cruised to her fifty from 80 balls, including eight fours, and raised her century with the first of three fours in one Cross over, slashed over the slips cordon before carving the next through backward point and then edging over keeper Amy Jones to take her past the previous highest Test score for a South African woman.Kapp was prolific on the off side, scoring 100 of her first 135 runs in that area, though by the time she reached 150 she had scored 45 runs on the leg side as she continued to manipulate the field. It took a spectacular catch from Tammy Beaumont, launching herself to her right at mid-off to pull the ball down after Kapp had tried to flay Bell over the infield, to end her stay.”It looked like she’s been playing Test cricket for years,” Cross said of Kapp after she had bowled Nonkululeko Mlaba to claim her fourth wicket of the innings.Cross had made the initial breakthrough for England in the fifth over when she dismissed Andrie Steyn, who shouldered arms and left her off stump exposed to a line Cross had been probing throughout her opening spell.Wong, the 20-year-old quick promoted from her position as travelling reserve on Saturday to replace Emily Arlott, who is still recovering from the after-effects of Covid, was selected ahead of Freya Davies, who has played 24 limited-overs internationals but is yet to play a Test.Having been presented with her cap by Brunt, who travelled with the squad to continue her preparation for the white-ball portion of this multi-format series, Wong, struck with just her 12th delivery in international cricket. She lured the dangerous opener Laura Wolvaardt into an attempted cover drive with one that nipped back off the seam and shot through the gate to clatter into middle and off.It didn’t take long for Lauren Bell to pick up her first Test wicket for England•PA Images/Getty

Lara Goodall fell lbw to Sciver after England reviewed umpire Sue Redfern’s original not-out decision, with the DRS showing the ball right on target to hit middle stump.Bell returned after a solid four-over opening spell and secured her maiden wicket with her fourth ball back, rapping Lee on the pad with a fuller ball which struck seemingly just in line with off stump. Lee reviewed but her dismissal was upheld on umpire’s call on impact, meaning she departed for an eight-ball duck.Wong could have had a second in the final over before lunch when Sune Luus, the South Africa captain, split Sophie Ecclestone and Cross at second and third slip, the latter appearing to get a finger to the ball before it raced away for four. But when Cross removed Luus in the second over after lunch, with Sciver taking a sharp catch at third slip, South Africa were still struggling at 89 for 5.From there, Kapp set about her wonderful rebuilding effort with Bosch, then Nadine de Klerk, who was caught behind of another England Test debutant, Alice Davidson-Richards, a 28-year-old batting allrounder who provides another seam bowling option but who hasn’t played for her country since six white-ball games in 2018.It took a catch rivaling Beaumont’s effort which ended Kapp’s knock to remove Jafta and it was Wong who provided it, back-pedalling in the covers and flinging her right hand high and almost behind her to pluck a leading edge off Cross from thin air, holding on tightly as she tumbled to the ground.Cross ended with 4 for 63 from 17.4 overs to be the pick of the England bowlers who all ended the day satisfied with what they had achieved and having set up an intriguing second day’s play.

يستعد فريق ليفربول لملاقاة خصمه برايتون، اليوم الإثنين، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”.

ويحل ليفربول ضيفًا على برايتون بملعب “فالمر” في مباراة بالجولة السابعة والثلاثين وقبل الأخيرة للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويحتل ليفربول صدارة الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 83 نقطة، حيث حسم لقب الدوري الإنجليزي في الجولة الرابعة والثلاثين.

ويعد ذلك لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الأول للهولندي آرني سلوت، الذي تولى تدريب الفريق خلفًا للألماني يورجن كلوب.

ويحتل برايتون المركز التاسع في ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ويملك في رصيده 55 نقطة.

ويسعى نجم ليفربول محمد صلاح إلى تحطيم رقم قياسي جديد وتحقيق إنجاز تاريخي في المواجهة أمام برايتون.

وحال مشاركته، سيخوض صلاح مباراته رقم 300 بقميص ليفربول في الدوري الإنجليزي، والمباراة رقم 400 مع الفريق في مختلف المسابقات (طالع المزيد من التفاصيل). موعد مباراة ليفربول وبرايتون اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة ليفربول وبرايتون اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي

تذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN sports HD1. معلق مباراة ليفربول وبرايتون اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي

يعلق على المباراة، عصام الشوالي.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.

West Indies captain expects resistance from Bangladesh batters, says “first hour on Saturday is crucial”

Mohammad Isam18-Jun-2022In a rare show of emotion, Kraigg Brathwaite slammed the bat on the pitch after getting out for 94. The Khaled Ahmed delivery had surprised him by keeping low as it hit him on the pads Jermaine Blackwood tried to convince him to take the review but Brathwaite knew what had happened. Replays confirmed that it would hit the leg-stump.Captaincy has brought the best out of Brathwaite, who has led West Indies to two impressive series wins in the last 18 months, and has now put his team ahead in the ongoing Antigua Test against Bangladesh as well. “I always enjoy captaining,” he said. “I like the challenge. I like to lead from the front. I am really enjoying it. I want to continue to lead to the best of my ability.”His captaincy is reflected within his batting. He is an accumulator, and takes his time to score runs. On Friday too, Brathwaite batted responsibly, not allowing the impressive Bangladesh pace attack to make any in-roads. He left most of what was bowled to him, scoring off deliveries pitched on the stumps. He made 61 of his 94 runs on the on-side, proving a batter’s discipline does indeed force bowlers into making mistakes.Related

Simmons heaps praise on 'unique' Brathwaite

Report: Brathwaite, Blackwood fifties add to WI dominance

Isam: Bangladesh's fielding is in decline and nobody knows why

Brathwaite was candid about his displeasure at getting out six runs short of a well-deserved Test hundred, though it was a crucial innings on a two-paced track that pushed West Indies to a lead of 162.”When I started the innings, the pitch was a bit slow,” he said. “It got a little harder this morning but still it was on the slow side. But I think it was a decent pitch to bat on. I am obviously disappointed but I am happy that the team has an important lead. I was pleased (with the 94) but the most important thing was to build on a foundation for my team. I was happy with the time I spent. Obviously well done to the team for getting a lead.”Brathwaite added 62 and 63 for the third and fourth wicket with Nkrumah Bonner and Blackwood respectively, partnerships although not too big, were crucial in the context of the game.”The partnerships were really important. I think the Bangladesh bowlers did really well. Even the spinners held their line really well. The pitch was a little slow but it still had something for the pacers off the surface. I think those were crucial partnerships. I thought we did a good job to get a lead.”Bangladesh are 50 for 2 in the second innings, trailing by 112 runs and Brathwaite knows that his team faces a decisive period of play on the third day. “We lost some wickets in a cluster which wasn’t good but that can happen,” he said. The pitch doesn’t have as much moisture as it did on the first day. It is important that we start well (on Saturday).”The first hour is crucial. We have to keep it tight even if we don’t get wickets. Once we build pressure, that’s how we will take wickets. I don’t think we can run them over. We have to bowl well.”

Plays of the day for the match between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad

Abhishek Purohit08-May-2014The comical run-out
As far as comedies go, this one would make the hall of fame. Amit Mishra was given two lives and eventually dismissed. Off the same delivery. He tried to sneak a bye after missing off James Faulkner, and the first reprieve came from the wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, whose throw missed with Mishra halfway down the crease. Mishra turned back slowly even as Faulker grabbed the ball. He was so still far out he had given up trying to get back, and was walking expecting the worst. But it was Faulkner’s turn to miss. Mishra still continued to amble towards the crease, and even looked accusingly back at the non-striker Irfan Pathan. Mishra was inches short now, but Samson wasn’t letting him have a third life.The direct hit
Samson and Faulkner may have needed multiple attempts, but David Warner hit his target right away. After Stuart Binny and Steven Smith had stemmed the fall of wickets, Smith tucked one wide of deep midwicket. Warner raced forward, picked up the ball and fired it flat. It crashed into the non-striker’s stumps on the bounce, and Binny was way short.The elongated hat-trick
Shane Watson brought himself on for the fourth over of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s innings, and bowled Shikhar Dhawan with the last ball. He took himself off after that and did not return till the 17th over. Moises Henriques slammed the first ball straight to long-off. Karn Sharma got one leaving him and feathered it to the keeper. There were 72 legitimate deliveries from others in between, but it was a hat-trick alright for the Rajasthan Royals captain.The set-ups
Pravin Tambe usually does not give the ball too much air. To Warner, though, he tossed one up high. Warner slogged assuming it would turn in, but it didn’t, and he was fortunate the toe-ended skier fell in a vacant area. Tambe was encouraged. In his next over, he tossed it up higher. Warner charged out and had a heave. It was another googly, and turned past to give Samson a straightforward stumping.The shot
Young Samson went up against the best fast bowler in the world, and won the contest. Third ball he faced from Dale Steyn, he was beaten by a late outswinger. The fourth moved away as well, but Samson leaned forward to chip it over mid-off for four. He was not completely in control, but he was in Steyn’s next over. Steyn pitched it up at 146 kph, Samson leaned forward again and lofted it so cleanly, it sailed way over the boundary.

West Ham United have endured a tricky start to the new Premier League campaign under boss Julen Lopetegui, often failing to hit the heights many anticipated them to in pre-season.

The Hammers saw a massive overhaul of the playing squad, with nine first-team additions during the off-season, spending upwards of £120m on new talent to take the side to the next level.

However, in the first nine league outings of 2024/25, the Spaniard’s men have only won three times, currently sitting in 13th place and just a couple of places above the relegation zone.

Players such as Guido Rodriguez, Max Kilman and Niclas Füllkrug all arrived at the London Stadium, with hopes of returning the club towards European contention.

The latter has only featured for 63 minutes in the league, suffering an injury and failing to make an impact after his £27m move from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

One player has shown glimpses of his talent, with his most recent outing for the Irons his best during his short stint in East London.

Crysencio Summerville’s stats for West Ham

Despite huge interest from various sides all over Europe, West Ham won the race for the signature of winger Crysencio Summerville from Championship side Leeds United.

The 22-year-old cost the Hammers £25m before add-ons, with real expectations of providing that added quality in attacking areas, but he’s often struggled in recent months.

He’s often found himself behind Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus in the pecking order, featuring for just 215 minutes in the Premier League.

However, after Kudus’ dismissal against rivals Tottenham Hotspur a couple of weeks ago, he could’ve been handed a rare start against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

Lopetegui opted with Carlos Soler in a wide role instead, but Summerville was given the opportunity to impress off the substitutes’ bench – taking his chance with both hands.

The Dutchman scored the opener, helping the Irons secure a victory over the Red Devils, subsequently resulting in Erik ten Hag losing his job over the last couple of days.

However, he still earns less than one player who cost the club an arm and a leg during his unsuccessful stint at the London Stadium.

The man who earned more than Summerville at West Ham

Striker Sebastian Haller arrived at West Ham with high expectations after his £45m transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2019 under Manuel Pellegrini – a deal that still remains as a club record.

However, the Ivorian’s time in East London never lived up to the hype, scoring just 14 times in his two full seasons as a Hammer, before departing the club.

The 30-year-old would join Ajax in a £20m deal, a move which saw them lose £25m in a two-year period, further showing how much of a poor deal it was in hindsight.

Games played

54

Cost per game

£977k

Minutes played

3681

Cost per minute played

£14.3k

Goals scored

14

Cost per goal

£3.7m

Assists

1

Cost per assist

£52.8m

Haller’s transfer fee was bad enough, but the forward pocketed himself £75k-per-week during his time at the London Stadium, one of the highest figures during the 2019/20 campaign.

His subsequent weekly income saw him earn over two times more than current first-team ace Summerville, who only earns £30k-per-week despite his big-money transfer this summer.

When combining Haller’s wages during his time in the Premier League along with his transfer fee, he cost the club a staggering £52.8m – which worked out to around £3.7m per goal he scored.

Given the staggering money spent, the deal was a complete disaster, undoubtedly burning a hole in the club’s finances.

The hierarchy undoubtedly made the right call in offloading the striker when they did, preventing them from losing any more money on their club-record investment.

West Ham must rue offloading star who's the perfect Paqueta replacement

Lopetegui has already got rid of a West Ham talent who’d replace the underperforming Paqueta.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 28, 2024

GOAL sat down with Schmetzer to talk Club World Cup, a potential MLS schedule shift, and Seattle's expectations

MIAMI – Brian Schmetzer sees the potential in the Club World Cup. The tournament has been met with a mixed reaction worldwide. Some see it as a platform for the growth of the game in America. Others see it as an unnecessary strain on already stretched sinews. The reality might end up being somewhere in the middle. But for Seattle, one of two MLS clubs competing, it's a massive opportunity according to the Sounders' manager.

"If we can pull out a result against any one of those three teams. That makes a statement that MLS is not so far behind some of the other teams in the world," Schmetzer told GOAL at MLS's Media Day.

And he might just be right. Seattle is in a group with PSG, Botafago, and Atletico Madrid. Getting anything from fixtures against the Ligue 1 champions, Copa Libertadores holders, and surprise La Liga contenders would be immense.

But that's not the only relevant tournament in the scope of American soccer. The conversation around the sport has broadened in recent weeks. There is talk of a switch to a fall-spring calendar that mimics the European setup. And Leagues Cup, once a point of controversy, has been revamped.

"I think the league will try and figure [a new schedule] out. I think they'll make it work – if it happens. Because I don't know if that's 100 percent yet, but you know, we'll deal with it," Schmetzer said.

But outside of that, there's soccer to worry about. Seattle has been active in the market, bringing in Jesus Ferreira from FC Dallas. The forward, who has 15 goals in 23 USMNT appearances, might just give a club that was less than 10 minutes away from hosting MLS Cup a real cutting edge. Paul Arriola will also undoubtedly offer a boost out wide.

Ahead of the MLS season, Schmetzer joined GOAL Convo, a weekly Q&A with central figures in the American soccer scene, to discuss his expectations for the 2025 MLS season, the Club World Cup and what star additions will mean for Seattle.

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• IMAGN
  

  ON THE STATE OF MLS

  GOAL: I wanted to start with this talk of a schedule change, about maybe a fall-spring calendar. What's your opinion on that? Would you like to see it?

  SCHMETZER: Well, look, those decisions are made way above my pay grade, but I can see it happening. MLS has done a great job. And, you know, the country is so big, weather in different cities, and there's going to be challenges. But there were challenges playing in the windows that we do now, so I think the league will try and figure it out. I think they'll make it work – if it happens. Because I don't know if that's 100 percent yet, but you know, we'll deal with it.

  GOAL: And what do you think the biggest strength of MLS is right now?

  SCHMETZER: Growth. I mean, our league has had unbelievable growth, even since 2009 when the Sounders came in, it's grown exponentially. So, you know, we are definitely with all of that growth, with the Club World Cup in Seattle, and then the World Cup in Seattle. It's big.

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• IMGAN
  

  ON THE CLUB WORLD CUP

  GOAL: On the Club World Cup, that's significant for you guys, right? What are you looking forward to about it? And maybe, what are your expectations as well?

  SCHMETZER: Look, expectations have to be in line. I mean, those are great teams. We want to be competitive. If we could get a result, that would be unbelievable. You know, starting with Botafogo, Joao Paulo, one of our players, used to play there, so there's a good connection there. Young Obed Vargas, let's just say he has a good game against Atletico Madrid. Let's just see, and does that make his market value go higher?

  We have a young man named Georgi Minoungou, a French African player, playing him against PSG, one of his teams that he looked up to growing up, and having that young man have a good performance in that match. Let's see where that takes the player and our club. Let's just see, but it's going to be exciting.

  GOAL: For American teams, do you think it's more about the experience of playing teams that would maybe be a little bit further above you in the global football pyramid in that sense?

  SCHMETZER: I think the league wants us to do well. They want us to be competitive. Obviously, Miami is in there with Messi, you get all of that. But look, again, if we can pull out a result against any one of those three teams, that makes a statement that MLS is not so far behind some of the other teams in the world.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  ON LEAGUES CUP

  GOAL: I wanted to ask about the Leagues Cup. There was a bit of controversy around the tournament. How does that need to change?

  SCHMETZER: How does it need to change? I liked it. I mean, look, there were some nuances. There were teams that bowed out early in that competition, then they had a month off in the middle of your year. That's certainly an issue. We were fortunate enough to get into the quarterfinals. So our rhythm was OK. Trying to play more of your games against Mexican teams rather than MLS matchups, I think that's one area that I'd probably focus on.

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  On 2025 expectations

  GOAL: And then final question, what are the expectations for this season from your point of view?

  SCHMETZER: Well, expectations are always high in Seattle. We made it to the conference final, and were eight minutes away from maybe hosting a final while getting into overtime. Credit to Greg [Vanney] and the Galaxy. But how did they it was, it was, you know, it was a good match. Our expectations are always to compete for trophies.

da dobrowin： Crystal Palace have been handed a raft of injury blows ahead of their clash with Wolves as they look for just their second win of the Premier League season, it has emerged.

Crystal Palace win in midweek but at huge cost

da betsson： Oliver Glasner’s side claimed a surprise 2-1 win over Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup, setting up a quarter-final tie with Arsenal in the process. Goals from Eberechi Eze and Daichi Kamada proved too much for Unai Emery’s side as the Eagles marched into the last eight of the competition on the hunt for the first mjor trophy in their history.

However, the win came at a cost. Eze was forced off with an injury just minutes after opening the scoring, before England teammate Adam Wharton was also forced out of action before the half hour mark, handing Glasner further injury woes.

Related Crystal Palace's recruitment team eyeing exciting £25m midfield signing

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Posts ByBrett Worthington Oct 28, 2024

Their exits added to a casualty list that already sees Jefferson Lerma, Chris Richards, Chadi Riad and Matheus Franca sidelined, but after the game Glasner tried to be positive.

“Adam is a more positive one because it is nothing new. We spoke about it many times; he has had groin problems for many months. We thought he needed a break today, but he gave the thumbs up and said he was fine. But the pain got worse during the game, so we had to make a second sub. Especially with the circumstances, I am very proud of the performance.”

However, the latest update is less than ideal for the Eagles.

Palace midfielder set for surgery

That comes as Glasner faced the media ahead of his side’s trip to Molineux to face winless Wolves, and had some bad news on the injury front. Firstly, he ruled Eze, Lerma, Riad, Richards and Franca all out of games until after the upcoming international break, but the worst news came regarding Wharton.

The midfielder, who has been managing an injury all season, is now set for surgery and at least a month on the sidelines, Glasner confirmed, meaning that he will miss at least five games of Premier League action.

‘We took the final decision: he will have surgery, so he won’t be available for Wolves. He tried [to train] today, but there’s too much pain, and it makes no sense. He’s really struggled the last weeks and months, and so now we took the decision he will have surgery, and we hope to have him back after, let’s say, four weeks.’

Games Adam Wharton could miss for Crystal Palace

Wolves (Away)

Fulham (Home)

Aston Villa (Away)

Newcastle (Home)

Ipswich Town (Away)

The news will come as a blow to Palace, who had just begun to show shoots of improvement following a tragic start to the campaign as new signings tried to acclimatise to life at Selhurst Park, but with the 20-year-old and Glasner having both known about and managing the injury since the summer, they will be hoping that the surgery will mark the end of his issues.

Meanwhile, the damage of Wharton’s absence will be mitigated by the return of Cheick Doucoure, who will be part of a matchday squad for the first time this season when Palace take on Wolves this weekend, the Palace boss confirmed.

Somerset inch clear of Warwickshire in bid to avoid relegation

ECB Reporters Network08-Sep-2022Gloucestershire 343 and 278 for 7 dec (Charlesworth 64, O. Price 53, Hammond 53) drew Somerset 248 (Imam-ul-Haq 90, Rew 44*, T. Price 5-75) and 11 for 0Gloucestershire’s bid for a first LV= Insurance County Championship win of the season was thwarted by the weather on the final day of the match with Somerset at Taunton.The visitors began the day by extending their second innings total from an overnight 246 for five to 278 for seven before declaring with a lead of 373.But soon the rain that had been forecast for much of the first three days set in and the match was condemned to draw at 3.10pm, with Somerset 11 without loss in their second innings.While Gloucestershire dominated the match from the opening morning, they took only 12 points, having two deducted for a slow over-rate, while their neighbours also picked up 12.That lifted Somerset seven points clear of second-from-bottom Warwickshire, while their arch-rivals are doomed to relegation, 30 points adrift at the bottom of the table with only two games to play.With the weather forecast suggesting showers, Gloucestershire’s decision to bat on at the start of the day was surprising.Skipper Graeme van Buuren skied a catch to fine leg off the first ball of the day, sent down by Josh Davey, and Jack Taylor followed suit in the second over, lofting Jack Brooks to mid-off.David Payne hit a couple of big sixes before the declaration came after 15 minutes, with rain starting to fall.The initial shower delayed the start of Somerset’s innings by 15 minutes. When it got underway the hearts of home supporters in a small crowd were soon in their mouths.Iman-ul-Haq, so solid in the first innings, aimed an expansive back-foot shot off only the third ball, bowled by Payne, and survived a massive appeal for a catch by wicketkeeper James Bracey.More frustration for Gloucestershire followed when, with only 3.5 overs bowled, the rain returned, with Somerset openers Tom Lammonby and Imam on six and five respectively..Umpires Tom Lungley and Nigel Llong decided that an early lunch would be taken at 12.20pm with a view to restarting the game at 1pm.But the rain became heavier and the next announcement was of a 2.15pm pitch inspection, which also proved optimistic.Tea was taken at 2.40pm, by which time the main item of interest appeared to be whether Gloucestershire would have time to correct a minus two over-rate.Half an hour later it was clear that wouldn’t happen and Somerset had by far the greater cause for satisfaction at the outcome.

There’s been a suggestion that one “hugely respected” chief is a favourite to replace Edu Gaspar at Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta’s key club ally departing N5 in what is a real blow for the Spaniard and Gunners.

Edu quits Arsenal as Arteta suffers week to forget

It’s been a really regrettable week at the Emirates Stadium, starting with Arteta’s side falling seven points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool in the title race after their damning 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.

Why Edu Gaspar decided to leave Arsenal

It comes amid a tough start to the season for the Gunners.

ByBen Browning Nov 4, 2024

Alexander Isak’s only goal of the game secured Eddie Howe his first win since mid-September and Arsenal’s second top-flight loss in two weeks. The north Londoners have now gone three straight league matches without victory, and if that isn’t rectified immediately, their chase for a first domestic crown in 21 years is seriously threatened – even this early in the campaign.

To add insult to injury, the man responsible for Arteta’s hire and an array of key signings like Martin Odegaard has now left his post. Edu arrived back at the club in 2019 after originally donning Arsenal colours during his playing career, first taking up the role of technical director.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (Knee)

23/11/2024

Kieran Tierney (Thigh)

23/11/2024

Riccardo Calafiori (Knee)

23/11/2024

Martin Odegaard (Ankle)

10/11/2024

The South American was then promoted to sporting director three years later in 2022, with both Edu and Arteta playing a major role in building this Arsenal project together – liaising with each other on transfers and helping to transform the club from mid-table fodder back to an elite English side.

Evangelos Marinakis has made Edu a double-your-money offer to oversee the development of his club group, with the tycoon targeting him as a possible chief executive. Marinakis, who owns Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave, has apparently lined Edu up for a key role leading operations at this trio of sides (The Telegraph).

“One of the key points that attracted Edu to Evangelos Marinakis’ project is control,” said journalist Ben Jacobs on X.

“Like Michael Edwards at FSG, Edu will take on a ‘CEO of football’ type role (title to be determined) and have the ability to lead on adding clubs.”

At Arsenal, the question is who will now step into the 46-year-old’s shoes. Arteta is set for a big say on how Arsenal replace Edu, and we personally think Bayer Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes would be a fine choice for Arsenal’s new transfer chief.

He’s just helped Xabi Alonso achieve a historic unbeaten season domestically, all while operating with fairly limited funds compared to that of Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich.

However, journalist John Cross of The Mirror believes someone else closer to home could actually be a favourite.

Suggestion Jason Ayto is a favourite to replace Edu at Arsenal

Writing a piece for the outlet on Monday, Cross has suggested that assistant director Jason Ayto is an “obvious choice” to replace Edu at Arsenal.

Ayto, who has worked closely under Edu and knows the inner workings of his former boss, is apparently “hugely respected” within the club and could be a major contender to take up the former Valencia midfielder’s mantle.

It will be interesting to see if Arsenal look internally, at candidates like Ayto, or focus more externally at outsiders. However, one thing is for certain, Arsenal’s hierarchy must make an informed decision and take their time – as Edu will be a very hard figure to replace.

One of the issues that has faced Manchester United over the last few years has been losing players on a free transfer. Whether that has been a player they didn’t want to leave and could not convince to stay at the club, such as Angel Gomes, or a player they failed to sell before their contract expired, like David de Gea, it has been a long-term issue.

It is something that incoming manager Ruben Amorim will hope is cut out when he is in charge at Old Trafford. There are a few players in this position in 2025, including the likes of Harry Maguire and Christian Eriksen.

However, the one player they will not want to lose is winger Amad.

Amad’s record at United

Despite his obvious talent, Ivorian attacker Amad has had a slow start to his career for the Red Devils. He has played 36 times, scoring six goals and grabbing three assists in that time. However, his opportunities have been limited, especially under former manager Erik ten Hag.

Although the 22-year-old has played well over the past 12 months, the Dutchman simply did not give him many opportunities, despite the fact he put in some impressive performances when he did get a chance to play.

This term, he has played just 700 minutes spread out over 15 appearances in all competitions. He already has three goals and one assist in that time. His most recent game came in the Europa League against Greek side PAOK, and before that, he had not started in six successive games.

Indeed, his performance against the Greek side was exceptional. The winger scored both of United’s goals to seal a huge three points in Europe. He received a 9/10 rating from Samuel Luckhurst, the Manchester Evening News’ chief Man United reporter. He explained the youngster was the ‘only good outfield performer’ in the first half.

United fans will be hoping they can finally see the talented young winger flourish under Amroim, and sign a new contract.

His current deal will expire in 2025, and whilst the club have the option to extend it by a further year, they will surely look to offer him a bumper new contract worth more than his current £28k-per-week deal.

Incredibly, there is someone who earns far more than Amad who United seem to be out of patience with after an awful United career. That man is Antony.

Antony’s United record

Brazil international Antony cost the Red Devils £81.3m from Ajax back in 2022. He was a player Ten Hag pushed for, after the pair had plenty of success together in Amsterdam. Sadly, he has not lived up to his extortionate price tag.

The 24-year-old winger has played 87 games for the Red Devils so far. In that time, he has managed just 12 goals and has five assists to his name. Granted, he scored in some important games, including one against Liverpool in the FA Cup and one against Barcelona in the Europa League.

This term, Antony has struggled to get any minutes for the Red Devils. In all competitions, he has played just five times, starting once in the Carabao Cup against Barnsley, in which he scored. He is yet to start in the Premier League and has played just 27 minutes in the top flight.

What makes Antony’s time at United even more outrageous is the amount of money he earns each week. The Red Devils number 21 is currently on £200k-per-week, one of five players to earn that amount or more at Old Trafford.

Player

Weekly wage

Yearly wage

Casemiro

£350k

£18.2m

Bruno Fernandes

£300k

£15.6m

Marcus Rashford

£300k

£15.6m

Mason Mount

£250k

£13m

Antony

£200k

£10.4m

Incredibly, that is 614% more than United’s young winger Amad. Given the difference in their performances this season, it is certainly surprising that United’s Ivorian starlet earns so little compared to Antony.

He certainly seems like a player Amorim will look to move on when he is through the door. Given the lack of contribution in two and a half years at Old Trafford, and the fact he earns such a fortune each week, it does not feel like the incoming boss will have any patience to keep him beyond January, if any offers come in.

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ByCharlie Smith Nov 8, 2024