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Real Madrid were humbled by bottom-of-the-table Celta Vigo, finished the match with nine men and failed to close the four point gap on league leaders Barcelona following a shock 2-0 defeat at the Bernabeu. Xabi Alonso’s side went behind midway through the second half courtesy of a stunning finish from Williot Swedberg, Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras were both shown red cards before Swedberg scored another in time added on to a chorus of boos as the match ended in chaotic scenes.

Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior all delivered diabolical performances on a night when they were needed at their best in a defeat which could have huge ramifications in the title race. The Bernabeu was stunned into silence after Real went behind to a stunning finish from 21-year-old Sweden international Swedberg. Real’s defence was caught napping as Swedberg dropped off inside the box and found a yard of space to fire home with an audacious flick of his right boot which found the bottom corner of the net. 

And there was worse to come for Los Blancos as Fran Garcia was sent off following two yellow cards in the space of a couple of second-half minutes for two impetuous fouls. Real were rocked and the crowd responded, reminding their players what was at stake and the need for three points to close the gap on league leaders Barcelona. 

But the embarrassment was completed in the closing stages when Alvaro Carreras was handed his marching orders after receiving two yellow cards and in a final act, Swedberg walked the ball around the shocked Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to seal the victory and end an awful night for Alonso's side. 

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Bernabeu…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (6/10):

Started off as a relatively quiet evening for him, and could do nothing about the two goals. Will be sorely disappointed about his defence. 

Raul Asencio (4/10):

Was left red-faced after a slip early in the first-half opened the door for Celta to attack, would have been relieved the visitors failed to capitalise. 

Eder Militao (6/10):

Lasted just 20 minutes after pulling up with what looked like a nasty hamstring injury, replaced by Rudiger. Really bad news for Alonso as Militao has been in excellent form for Los Blancos. 

Alvaro Carreras (2/10):

Shambles of an evening. Two quick-fire yellow cards for playground-level incidents and was shown a straight red card. 

Fran Garcia (3/10):

Ridiculous behaviour in two mad minutes in the second-half, picking up two yellow cards for wholly unnecessary challenges to leave his team down to ten men. Referee had no option on either and was right to show the red card. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Aurelien Tchouameni (4/10):

Endured a poor evening, which was summed up by his effort from 20 yards out which sailed miles over the bar to a chorus of boos from the home crowd. 

Arda Guler (5/10):

Squandered a wonderful opportunity to open the scoring in the 40th minute, but fired wide from just a few yards out.

Federico Valverde (5/10):

Was a busy running all evening, but like his team-mates, failed to create a moment of quality worth mentioning. 

Getty Images SportAttack

Jude Bellingham (3/10):

Took a hefty whack to his right eye in the second-half, which left blood pouring from a small cut. In truth it was a terrible night for Bellingham who failed to create anything in front of goal after an early headed chance was saved. 

Kylian Mbappe (3/10):

Thought his moment had come in the 74th minute but his delightful control and chip over the on-rushing goalkeeper landed just over the cross bar on the roof of the net. Below par in every department on a woeful night for the France superstar. 

Vinicius Junior (3/10):

Made all the recent talk of big money moves seem a little premature after putting in a performance that was high in effort, but low in quality. Now hasn't scored in 11 games for Real. 

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Antonio Rudiger (5/10):

Brought on in the 24th minute, replacing the injured Militao. Had plenty of covering to do as Real Madrid pushed up searching for an equaliser and did well to out-muscle Swedberg in the final moments. 

Gonzalo Garcia (4/10):

Replaced Guler in the 75th minute, plenty of running but not enough time on the pitch to influence the match

Xabi Alonso (3/10):

Thoroughly frustrating evening for the boss who deployed his star players and watched them all flop against the league's bottom side. His evening summed up by being shown a yellow card after complaining too vociferously to the referee. Has plenty to ponder after a terrible night for his team's title hopes. 

Everton are building something under David Moyes’ wing – again.

Having shaped the Merseysiders into a force of consistency and resilience over a decade of tireless service, the 63-year-old has been back at the helm throughout 2025, with the summer transfer window packaging exciting new talent into the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

However, with Idrissa Gueye set to leave at the end of his contract next year and Tim Iroegbunam yet to prove he has the minerals for a sustained starting role in Moyes’ system, Moyes may look to strengthen his central fold in 2026.

He does boast one of the most dynamic centre-midfielders in the Premier League, though, with this profile something that proved successful for the Scottish manager all those years ago at Goodison Park.

Moyes' best-ever Everton midfielders

Moyes enforces a principled and organised playing style, and energy and industriousness is at its heart. This was true 20 years ago, and it remains a core element of the make-up now.

But pragmatic though Moyes has been tagged at times, he has always pushed for creativity, an attacking dimension coming from the centre and with the capacity to defend strongly.

Tim Cahill embodied this. Not quite a forward, he scored lots of goals. Not quite a central midfielder, the Australian was combative and aggressive.

No player has ever featured more often in a Moyes side than Leon Osman. Not the flashiest, the versatile Englishman played his entire career on the blue half of Merseyside, save for two early-career loan spells as he was making his way.

1.

Leon Osman

345

2.

Tim Cahill

278

3.

Mikel Arteta

209

4.

Lee Carsley

194

5.

Marouane Fellaini

173

Another of Moyes’ mainstays was Mikel Arteta. Look closely and you may trace elements of Moyes’ influence in the Arsenal manager’s drilled and oiled style, merged with the technical genius of Pep Guardiola to shape the Gunners into bona fide contenders at the highest level.

As a player, the 43-year-old was dynamic and intelligent, adding a dimension otherwise unavailable to the Blues team. He is creative on the ball and tenacious against the run of play, once saying he would “go through a brick wall” for Moyes.

Arteta was arguably Moyes’ most trusted lieutenant, the man who helped make it all tick.

Now, the tactician has refashioned his former favourite in the shape of a new Everton star.

Moyes' new version of Arteta

Like Arteta during his Everton prime, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a versatile midfielder.

The opening months of the 2025/26 campaign have shown the 27-year-old to be a talented and effective midfielder, situated in the centre of the park and tasked with connecting play.

Yet he arrived from Chelsea, for a £28m fee, having played second-fiddle in Enzo Maresca’s team. He was part of last term’s Club World Cup and Conference League-winning squads, but featured only 13 times in the Premier League, starting twice.

But moving to Everton was the perfect thing for a man in the prime of his career. His performances since arriving at the Hill Dickinson prove this, and he is showing too that he can be a “revelation” for multiple clubs, having been hailed as such for his efforts at Leicester by former boss Brendan Rodgers.

Averaging 1.9 key passes and winning 5.3 duels per game this term, as per Sofascore, it’s hard to argue against the success of the signing; Dewsbury-Hall may even be one of the Premier League’s most underrated signings.

Arteta’s clever and imaginative passing was a staple of his game. In this, Dewsbury-Hall could emulate him. Data from FBref shows us that the Englishman ranks among the top 8% of midfielders in the Premier League for passes into the penalty area and the top 8% for progressive passes per 90.

Starting all but one of Everton’s Premier League matches thus far, missing out against Crystal Palace due to suspension, the £90k-per-week talent has shown he has the personality and presence to become Moyes’ next Arteta, instrumental in progressing play and steering Everton away from their pragmatic reputation.

The likes of Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye will more often than not take the headlines, but in Dewsbury-Hall, Moyes has recycled a tried and tested playing style, and it’s already beginning to bear dividends.

Everton's "revelation" could become the biggest loser from Grealish's rise

Jack Grealish’s form at Everton could nudge another star out of Moyes’ best team

ByWill Miller Oct 16, 2025

تحدث وليد صلاح الدين، مدير الكرة بالنادي الأهلي، عن تفاصيل عرض برشلونة لضم مهاجم القلعة الحمراء الشاب حمزة عبد الكريم، وعرض هانوفر بشأن بلال عطية.

وقال صلاح الدين، عبر قناة “النهار”: “هذا الأمر سيكون مع الإدارة، عرض هانوفر الألماني معايشة لبلال عطية، حمزة لا يوجد عرض رسمي أتى للنادي الأهلي”.

طالع.. وليد صلاح الدين يكشف خطة الأهلي لتجديد عقود اللاعبين.. وأسباب اختيار توروب

وواصل: “نعرف قدر اللاعبين ونريد خروجهم للاحتراف ولكن مهم جدًا مصلحة الأهلي إذا كان إعادة بيع أو إعارة أو نية شراء برقم كبير، كل ذلك سيُبحث عندما توجد عروض رسمية بأرقام مؤكدة”.

وذكرت صحيفة سبورت، أن المفاوضات بين برشلونة والأهلي جارية منذ ثلاثة أسابيع بشأن حمزة عبد الكريم، وأن هناك تفاؤلاً في الفريق الكتالوني بإتمام الصفقة، على الرغم من اهتمام العديد من الأندية الأوروبية بضم اللاعب.

وأوضحت الصحيفة، أن رغبة برشلونة هي ضم حمزة عبد الكريم خلال فترة الميركاتو الشتوي المقبل في يناير على سبيل الإعارة لمدة ستة أشهر، مع وجود خيار الشراء النهائي في نهاية الموسم.

وأردفت الصحيفة، أن حمزة عبد الكريم سيبلغ الـ18 من عمره في بداية العام الجديد، ما سيسهل كثيرًا على برشلونة التعاقد معه، حيث يتم الآن وضع اللمسات النهائية على الصفقة.

Eyeing promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, Burnley are now reportedly in advanced talks to sign a defensive reinforcement for Scott Parker in January.

Burnley transfer news

Sat third in the Championship and one point adrift of automatic promotion as well as four away from leaders Sheffield United, Burnley will be hoping that the January transfer window can help them close the gap on their promotion rivals. To jump straight back up to England’s top tier in just one season despite losing Vincent Kompany at the end of the last campaign would represent great success for all involved at Turf Moor.

Currently on a run of eight games without defeat, it’s safe to say that the Clarets are certainly in fine form to attract players when the January transfer window swings open. And that could make all the difference.

Whilst keeping hold of players like Josh Brownhill will also be vitally important, Burnley could yet welcome the reinforcements that take them over the line in the race for promotion.

Burnley eye £1.6m deal for "one of the best" in his division this January

He could be a vital addition to secure automatic promotion for Parker’s side.

ByBen Browning Dec 3, 2024

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Burnley are in advanced talks to sign Oliver Sonne in the January transfer window in what could be a deal worth £2.5m.

Having seen their bids for the right-back turned down by Silkeborg last summer, those at Turf Moor have seemingly gone again to greater success to all but secure a long-term target.

Still just 24 years old, Sonne is entering his peak years and looks likely to complete the biggest move of his career yet to coincide with that. Handing Parker an important mid-season boost, Sonne could eventually take Connor Roberts’ place as a younger, fresher option down Burnley’s right-hand side and will, at the very least, add crucial depth.

"Strong" Sonne can replace Roberts

With Roberts heading for the exit door as a free agent unless he signs a new contract before the end of the campaign, Sonne’s potential arrival couldn’t have been timed any better. The Peru right-back will at first add key depth to Parker’s backline before likely stepping in to replace Roberts in what Burnley will hope to be a Premier League side when the summer arrives.

Sonne certainly has his fans around Europe too, with Pano Scout – Dinamo Tbilisi’s former video scout – describing the 24-year-old as a “very aggressive” player with a “strong physical build” at the start of December.

Whether the right-back proves to be the only January addition at Burnley remains to be seen, but the Clarets could certainly be an interesting side to watch next month as they look to bridge the gap on Leeds United and Sheffield United at the top of the Championship.

da bwin： Manchester United and INEOS have made contact with a £40 million+ star who has scored a European final hat-trick, as they look to bring him to Old Trafford, according to a recent report.

Two possible Man Utd exits in January

da dobrowin： The January transfer window opens in just over two weeks, so it is expected that behind the scenes at Old Trafford it could be rather busy, as the club’s board puts plans in place as to what they want to do over the next month or so for Ruben Amorim.

Related Man Utd now make approach to sign £62m ace as possible Rashford replacement

INEOS could accelerate Rashford’s potential Man United exit, as they eye his replacement.

Posts ByBrett Worthington Dec 16, 2024

It is unclear how busy the Red Devils could be in regards to arrivals, as financial fair play rules mean money is rather tight. Therefore, it could well be a case of moving players on in the hope of then being able to bring in reinforcements. INEOS appears ready to do that, as it’s emerged that two players could be allowed to leave in January.

The first player is defender Victor Lindelof, as Man United are prepared to sell the Swedish international in the New Year. The defender is out of contract at the end of the season, and instead of him leaving for free, United are looking to get around £5-6 million for him. Lindelof is said to be open to leaving Old Trafford, as he’s got several Premier League and Italian teams interested in his services.

Lindelof is not the only player who could leave, as Man Utd are also willing to let Marcus Rashford leave in January. The Englishman has struggled for form this season, and now Sir Jim Ratcliffe is possibly willing to let Rashford leave in order to raise cash funds. Rashford hasn’t been a regular under Amorim and was left out of the squad for the Manchester Derby on Sunday.

Man Utd make contact to sign £40m+ Ademola Lookman

Now, according to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Manchester United have made contact with Ademola Lookman’s entourage over a possible transfer. The 27-year-old plays for Italian side Atalanta and has done so since August 2022, when he joined from RB Leipzig.

Lookman has been an instant hit in Bergamo since joining, as he scored 13 goals in 31 Serie A games in his first season, followed by 11 in 31, and so far, this season, he already has eight in 13. Lookman was very impressive for Atalanta last season and was key in them winning the Europa League, as he scored a hat-trick in the final that secured their famous win against Bayer Leverkusen.

His excellent form has continued, and he has now emerged on the radar of the Red Devils. Tavolieri reports that Lookman wants to return to England after his successful stint in Italy, and Atalanta have told the forward that they will negotiate a transfer as long as they receive a satisfactory offer.

Ademola Lookman’s 24/25 Serie A stats

Apps

13

Goals

8

xG

5.09

Goals per game

0.6

Assists

4

xAG

3.31

Touches

45.8

Big chances created

6

Key passes

2.3

Man United are among the teams to have contacted Lookman’s entourage, along with Liverpool and Chelsea. Bayern Munich are also interested in Lookman, but they are behind the English teams in the race, while PSG did have an agreement with Atalanta to sign Lookman, but the deal was rejected by manager Luis Enrique. Atalanta are not willing to discuss a transfer below €50 million, which is roughly £41 million.

Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli did not raise any hopes regarding Paul Pogba's return to competitive football ahead of this weekend's Ligue 1 clash against Rennes. Pogba had suffered an ankle sprain ahead of this month's international break, but returned to team training last weekend. That said, Pocognoli is "trying not to get ahead of himself" as far as Pogba's return is concerned.

Pogba's wait continues

Pogba last featured in a competitive match in September 2023, during his spell with Serie A giants Juventus. An 18-month doping ban, cut from four years, then forced him out of the game. Earlier this year, having completed his suspension, he was offered a shot at redemption by Monaco. In an emotional return, Pogba signed a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 club, marking a new phase in his career as he aims to return to his best. 

It has, however, not been all smooth sailing for the 2018 World Cup-winning midfielder. It was always going to be a Herculean task for Pogba to return to full fitness immediately after spending two years away from the pitch. "We have to be realistic and honest," said Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro back in July, toning down all the hype and expectation surrounding Pogba's return. 

AdvertisementAFPMonaco boss shies away from giving Pogba return timeline

Speaking in an interview with on Monday, Monaco head coach Pocognoli admitted that Pogba was closer than ever to making his debut for the club. However, he exercised caution and avoided giving any definitive timelines.

"My communication will remain down-to-earth, like our internal analysis," Pocognoli said when asked if Pogba was closer to achieving his goal of making a return. "I said we’ll judge him based on what he offers now. That’s also out of kindness. I hope [he is close to playing]. But the last time I said that… So I'm trying not to get ahead of myself. It will happen when it's meant to happen. All I can say is that, when he's on the pitch, I see someone who is happy and focused on getting back to the top level. There's no doubt about it."

He also added that him and his coaching staff are working hard to ensure he attains peak physical condition.

“My role now is to help him with the staff," he added. "And if we can even just bring a smile to his face during professional matches, that will be fantastic. Will it be easy? I can’t say. But we’re working on it, and Paul has a strong character. And I think the mind controls a lot of things."

Pocognoli is also counting on Pogba's experience and leadership, urging the former Manchester United and Juventus star to pass his knowledge to the next generation. "During one of my first internal meetings, I spoke about the club’s legacy. I believe that leaders, like Paul, must pass on their knowledge to the next generation, to the fans, to everyone involved with the club," he stated. "These experienced players must mentor the younger ones. I have to make sure they succeed. The more leaders we have, the more the pressure is distributed. If Paul is used effectively, the group can benefit from his influence.”

Injuries have delayed Pogba's return

The club developed a meticulous three-month rehabilitation program designed to ensure Pogba receives the best possible help to recondition his body to the intensity of a top five European league. "We expect a three-month process to be able to rehabilitate him. When you see it on TV, high-level sport can seem easy, but you have to realise the intensity required," Scuro further explained in July. "And Monaco is one of the most intense teams in Ligue 1 and in Europe in terms of play. So our players have to be very fit to be on the pitch. But it's our job to give him the tools to do that."

There was hope in October. It was believed that the mercurial Frenchman would be named in the squad to face Angers on October 18, just after the international break. But a minor knock ahead of the game prolonged his wait. 

Ahead of the most recent international break, Pocognoli had hinted that Pogba could finally be named in the squad for the game against Paris FC. Much to the disappointment of the fans and the coach, as well as the pain of Pogba, he suffered a minor grade two ankle sprain during a training session just two days before the game. 

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Getty ImagesCould Pogba make his debut this weekend?

There is a lot of cautious optimism surrounding Pogba's availability for Saturday's Ligue 1 encounter against Rennes. The 32-year-old participated in team training on Friday, and has not suffered any relapse as things stand. If he does, indeed, make his debut this weekend, it would be 26 months after he last played a game.

Aston Villa had to deal with some difficulties within the summer window, though they could be about to pounce to sign a star who is set to be on the market in January.

Aston Villa move on after frustrating window disrupted by PSR

Without going over old ground too much, the Villans were heavily hamstrung by PSR during the summer, and it is fair to say that Unai Emery didn’t have a tonne of freedom to acquire players in the West Midlands.

Late deals that saw Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott sign for Aston Villa provide squad depth, while Victor Lindelof has joined on a free transfer after his release from Manchester United.

Nevertheless, many supporters feel the Villans have been held to a higher standard than others by the authorities, something that Marc Albrighton has hammered home in a recent phone-in session on BBC Radio West Midlands.

He stated: “It is really frustrating because the Leicester victory was 10 years ago and somebody brings it up every single day – that is how special it was. To take that opportunity away from potentially happening to other clubs is scandalous really.

“I just think the PSR issue really needs sorting out. It’s so frustrating for clubs like Villa that have got the money but can’t they spend it. Then they are having to sell other players too – it’s making a mess. I think there’s a few things at the minute which needs looking at in football and that is one of them.”

If finances permit, Aston Villa are eyeing a £40 million move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in January. However, they are also plotting to add a new face to their backline that may arrive into conversation at a similar ballpark.

Aston Villa plot move to sign Athletic Club star Dani Vivian

According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa are plotting a move to sign Athletic Club defender Dani Vivian in January, though will need to compete with Premier League pair Manchester United and Newcastle United for his signature.

Putting him within reach financially, the 26-year-old has a release clause worth about £34.7 million, making him someone that could arrive for a relatively modest fee while strengthening Emery’s squad for the second half of the campaign.

Worth more than Isak: Aston Villa have hit the jackpot on "unstoppable" gem

Aston Villa have the tools to make it another fantastic season under Unai Emery’s management.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 5, 2025

Labelled “colossal” by Thom Harris, Vivian scored four times in 46 appearances last term and has started 2025/26 by playing a part in three consecutive La Liga victories, including a clean sheet against Rayo Vallecano.

Illustrating his quality of distribution from deep, the 26-year-old has maintained a pass accuracy rate of 79% in the Spanish top-flight, per Fotmob, completing 109 successful passes in total.

Aston Villa were hampered in their attempts to recruit properly this summer, though may now be set to atone for their frustrating window once the January market period gets underway.

Gus Atkinson joins Jofra Archer, Sam Cook and Jamie Overton as alternative seam-bowling options in England’s 16-man squad

Matt Roller06-Jul-20254:11

Stokes: We weren’t able to deliver our skills when needed

England will consider making changes to their bowling attack after a gruelling workload in their 336-run defeat to India, and have added Gus Atkinson to the squad for Thursday’s third Test at Lord’s after time out following a hamstring injury.England’s three frontline seamers – Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Chris Woakes – have all bowled between 77 and 82 overs in the first two Tests of the series. Atkinson joins Jofra Archer, Sam Cook and Jamie Overton as the alternative seam-bowling options in the 16-man squad for Lord’s, and the tight turnaround between Tests could prompt changes.”It’s no secret that we have spent some time in the field and bowled some overs in the first two games, and we’ll have to see how everyone pulls up over the next two days,” Ben Stokes said. “With it being a quick turnaround, there probably will be a decision we have to make given how everyone does pull up after this game.”Related

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Archer has not played a Test match since February 2021, but bowled regularly during intervals at Edgbaston this week, and Brendon McCullum hinted he will make his comeback next week. “We’ll let this one settle, and when we get to [Lord’s] we’ll have a good think about it,” McCullum told the BBC’s .Asked about Archer’s availability, McCullum said, “He’s fit and ready to go. Obviously the other boys have had two Test matches on the spin now, so you’d anticipate you would make a change at some stage with the line-up, and Jofra is one we’ll look at.”Stokes added, “Everyone’s in consideration for the game at Lord’s.”England’s margin of defeat – 336 runs – was their third-heaviest since Stokes took over as captain on a full-time basis, but he insisted that it will not affect them moving forwards. “We’ve obviously had some unbelievable wins and some bad defeats,” he said. “I feel I’m quite good – and the team is – at staying level throughout those ups and downs.”That is so important in a series where we knew coming in that it wasn’t going to be easy… We have to wipe this one under the carpet as quickly as we can, because Lord’s day one will be coming around pretty quickly. We will have one or two days to get the bodies right and recover, and all of a sudden, we will be out there flipping the coin.”He also played down the significance of England’s inability to take 20 wickets at Edgbaston. “You do have to appreciate how well India played with the bat,” Stokes said. “[They were] obviously pretty favourable conditions if someone got in; two of our lads showed that this week… You are allowed to let your opposition play well, and they definitely did that.”England squad for Lord’s Test against IndiaBen Stokes (capt), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

KL Rahul finished his IPL 2025 season at seventh place on the Orange Cap table with 539 runs from 13 innings

ESPNcricinfo staff25-May-20251:14

Kumble: ‘Mukesh has become one-dimensional now’

Orange Cap tableOf course, things might – and will, likely – change, but KL Rahul has now finished his IPL with 539 runs from 13 innings, giving him the seventh spot on the table. Of the PBKS batters in action on Saturday, Shreyas Iyer’s 53 took him to 488 runs and the tenth position, with Prabhsimran Singh just after him with 486 runs following his 28.On Sunday, the first match pits Gujarat Titans (GT) against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and B Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, now Test team-mates, have a chance of adding to their tallies and even, perhaps, becoming the first to cross the 700-run mark this season. Sai Sudharsan is the Orange Cap holder with 638 runs, and Gill is just behind him with 636.Suryakumar Yadav of Mumbai Indians (MI), Mitchell Marsh of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Yashasvi Jaiswal of Rajasthan Royals (RR) round off the top five. Marsh and Jaiswal, of course, are done for the season, giving Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), currently No. 6 with 548 runs, a chance to move up the table.Purple Cap tableNot much changed here either, though with GT vs CSK the afternoon game on Sunday, the two men who are tied at the top of the table with 21 wickets apiece – Prasidh Krishna and Noor Ahmad – will get a chance to get away from the other. For Prasidh, though, there are more games left in the competition, while for Noor, this is going to be his last appearance this season.MI’s Trent Boult is at No. 3 with 19 wickets, followed by RCB’s Josh Hazlewood with 18, and Varun Chakravarthy of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is at No. 5 with 17. Varun, too, will be in action on Sunday, in the night game, when KKR go up against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).Here’s what ESPNcricinfo’s MVP table looks like.And here are some other IPL 2025 tables that show the season’s best performers in different aspects of the T20 game. Highest batting strike rates Best bowling economy rates Most sixes Best bowling figures in a match

Arsenal have their eyes on an “extraordinary” attacker amid their transfer talks for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

Andrea Berta has enjoyed an extremely busy and productive first summer window at the Emirates Stadium already, and Hincapie could be their latest in a long line of excellent additions for Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners have quietly transformed their squad this summer through purposeful reinforcements, with Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks, Martín Zubimendi anchoring the midfield, Christian Nørgaard offering depth, Noni Madueke adding pace on the wing, Cristhian Mosquera bolstering the defence, Viktor Gyökeres adding a proven goal return and Eberechi Eze injecting serious creativity behind the striker as their new number 10 in place of the injured Kai Havertz.

While Berta’s spending has been lavish, with reports placing the total close to or over £270 million, it has been strategically spread across key positions rather than wasted on a single marquee name.

This approach has reinforced multiple areas across the pitch and allows for serious tactical flexibility, as well as responding to the inevitable injuries of a demanding season – which has already happened following Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka’s injuries last weekend.

While Saka is expected to miss four weeks, Odegaard could play against Liverpool on Sunday (football.london). Still, the north Londoners now have quality players to jump in their place, unlike last season.

Arsenal have covered every base: creativity, goals, stability and versatility. With the structure now there, Arteta’s side look ready and raring to take the final step and bring home a Premier League trophy after over two decades of waiting.

They’ve already made an excellent start to the campaign, scoring six goals in two games whilst conceding zero – beating both Man United and Leeds respectively as Arteta’s side gear up for a tough trip to Anfield.

Despite their flurry of transfer activity this summer, they may not be done there, with Arsenal in talks to sign Piero Hincapie after agreeing terms with the Ecuador international as a replacement for FC Porto-bound Jakub Kiwior.

As well as this, with Arsenal often conducting their transfer plans months in advance, the club are scouting future targets.

Arsenal targeting Ajax forward Oscar Gloukh

As per The Mail and journalist Simon Jones, Arsenal have their eyes on four young stars ahead of potential moves, and one of them is highly-rated Ajax forward Oscar Gloukh.

The Israel international has only just signed for Ajax this summer from RB Salzburg for around £12.5 million, but Arsenal are believed to be eyeing Gloukh as a potential future signing alongside the likes of Jon Martin (Real Sociedad), Arnau Martinez (Girona) and Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjælland).

The 21-year-old Gloukh is a particularly interesting name, as he’s been linked with a move to the Premier League before and already boasts a fantastic reputation.