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In the wake of a second World Series title in the last five years, the Los Angeles Dodgers appear to have locked down their manager for the foreseeable future.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is nearing an extension, according to a Thursday evening report from Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.

Roberts, 52, is in his ninth season as Los Angeles's manager. Under his guidance, the Dodgers have won two World Series titles—in 2020 and '24—and four pennants.

The skipper has received National League Manager of the Year votes in every year of his tenure, winning the award in 2016.

Roberts has arguably eclipsed his profile as an outfielder, constructed during a career that lasted from 1999 to 2008. He is best known in that role for his stolen base in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS against the New York Yankees, which kick-started the Boston Red Sox's improbable run to their first World Series title in 86 years.

Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague on Tuesday made it four wins from four in the Champions League for the high-flying Gunners so far in 2025-26. Bukayo Saka, captain for the night, got the ball rolling from the penalty spot, before Mikel Merino took over as the Spain international, playing in place of Viktor Gyokeres, scored twice in a clinical performance in the Czech capital.

Gabriel Magalhaes has made his name in recent seasons as a force with his head at attacking set-pieces, but the centre-back almost gave Arsenal a very early lead in spectacular fashion – his left-footed drive after the ball was only partially cleared by Slavia just narrowly missed the target.

Slavia pressure in response didn't test David Raya as shots were either blocked or flew off target, before the Gunners regained a creative foothold and Saka had a pair of efforts saved by goalkeeper Jakub Markovic midway through the first half. Leandro Trossard was also denied in a spell of pressure that would have pleased Arteta on the touchline.

Arsenal were also peppering the Slavia box with corners, which directly led to making the breakthrough. A delivery from Saka was met at the near post by Gabriel and deflected behind, which prompted a VAR intervention after striking Lukas Provod’s arm before it went out of play. The referee pointed to the spot after consulting the pitchside monitor and Saka showed no mercy as he smashed the subsequent spot-kick into the net.

Slavia, disappointing since the very early stages, unsuccessfully appealed for a penalty of their own a couple of times, but Arsenal were firmly in control by the time the half-time whistle came. The second goal came, meanwhile, straight after the restart and was as simple as you like as Trossard supplied the cross from the left and Merino, somehow completely unmarked in the middle, turned the ball in six yards out.

Merino's second of the night, and Arsenal's third, was another simple one. Declan Rice's floated ball into the box looked like it should have been Markovic's to claim, only for the goalkeeper not to make it before Merino got his head there instead, flicking into the empty net.

The Gunners survived a late penalty decision when substitute Ben White seemed to upend Provod, but appeared harsh on second look and VAR intervened to determine it was not a foul.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Fortuna Arena…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (6/10):

Slavia didn't manage a shot on target until deep into stoppage time, so his goal was pretty much unchallenged. Commanded his area well.

Jurrien Timber (6/10):

Saw surprisingly little of the ball in possession, with only 35 touches until being withdrawn after 73 minutes.

William Saliba (6/10):

One his easier nights after Slavia's early impetus seemed to fade after the opening 15 minutes.

Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

Typically made himself an attacking threat as much as he was a defensive force and was directly involved in winning the penalty that broke the deadlock.

Piero Hincapie (6/10):

Made his full Champions League debut for the Gunners. Departed the pitch shortly after being left in a heap, but it appeared to be a planned substitution anyway.

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Ethan Nwaneri (6/10):

Made tidy use of the ball in midfield but struggled to impose himself physically.

Christian Norgaard (5/10):

Gave the ball away more easily than Arteta would have liked. Only won three of nine duels on the ground and in the air.

Declan Rice (8/10):

Completed more passes than anyone else and the pitch, and by extension created the most chances. Comes away with an assist for the ball into the box that gave Merino the second of his brace.

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Bukayo Saka (8/10):

Continues rising to the occasion and is now the first-ever Arsenal player to score in four successive Champions League away games.

Mikel Merino (9/10):

Back in the No.9 role after Gyokeres was ruled out due to the injury and repaid that faith from his manager. Probably couldn't believe how much space he was given when doubling Arsenal's lead, but crucially made sure to make the opportunity count. His second showed just as much striker's instinct. The ball didn't really stick when it was fired into him, but with two goals what does it matter?

Leandro Trossard (7/10):

Assist for Merino's goal aside, the Belgian was consistently involved in promising Arsenal attacks, including a previous attempted cross towards the stand-in striker that was only just cut out before it reached its mark.

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Eberechi Eze (5/10):

Hardly involved off the bench.

Max Dowman (6/10):

This monumental season keeps getting better for the 15-year-old, who is now the youngest player in Champions League history.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):

On at left-back as Arteta looked to freshen things up for the final stages.

Ben White (5/10):

Both full-backs were replaced simultaneously, with White going to the right. VAR saved him from conceding a penalty.

Andre Harriman-Annous (6/10):

Another Champions League debut, but at 17 a relative veteran compared to Dowman.

Mikel Arteta (9/10):

Gyokeres made it seven injured players, plus Zubimendi's suspension, so the boss really had to rely on his squad's depth for this one. Made other changes too, opting to rest Calafiori and Eze from the start. Everything worked as hoped and he could then rotate again at 3-0 up.

MatériaMais Notícias

A Seleção Brasileira teve uma atuação lamentável e injustificável diante do Uruguai, na derrota por 2 a 0, em Montevídeu. Com apenas duas finalizações durante o jogo, sendo ambas no segundo tempo, não é exagero dizer que foi um dos piores desempenho da equipe nos últimos anos e olha que a gente se acostumou a ver partidas desprezíveis da Amarelinha. A verdade é que as convicções sem flexibilidade estão acabando aos poucos com um dos maiores patrimônios do futebol mundial.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Fernando Diniz foi o escolhido para “tocar” a Seleção enquanto a CBF acredita que Carlo Ancelotti assumirá o cargo no meio de 2024. Nem precisamos chover no molhado sobre um estilo não ter nada a ver com o outro e entrar novamente no assunto. A questão aqui é quando se escolhe Diniz para essa função, é sabido que se trata de um técnico de convicções, que não se alteram seja com um time Série B seja com o Brasil.

+ Você quer trabalhar no seu clube do coração? Matricule-se no curso Gestor de Futebol e entenda como!

Mas também não precisamos dizer que este momento seria mais de resultados do que de convicções, não é mesmo? Depois das lamentáveis partidas sob o comando de Ramon Menezes, seria necessário arrumar a equipe e entregar a melhor situação possível para Ancelotti ou qualquer outro que aceitar a incumbência. Não é isso que está acontecendo. Diniz não abre mão de seu estilo, independentemente do resultado.

Contra a Venezuela e contra o Uruguai, desde o primeiro minuto estava claro que o jogo não estava desenrolando. Mas tudo bem, não custa esperar o intervalo para mudar. Passou o intervalo, passou mais tempo e nada… Foram 33 minutos até fazer algo diferente contra a Vinotinto, e 27 minutos até fazer algo diferente contra a Celeste. E não deu certo, talvez até por decisões erradas e a insistência em suas convicções, como um meio-campo que não combate e não arma.

+ Diniz sente falta de agressividade na Seleção, mas assume culpa: ‘Responsabilidade é minha’

Apesar de todos nós sabermos como Diniz é em seus trabalhos, precisamos ser justos, porque quatro jogos são insuficientes para fazer um relatório completo de sua trajetória na Seleção. Até porque, teve treinador que passou mais de seis anos e preferiu “morrer” com seus próprios erros e convicções do que mudar. Sim, Tite insistiu em nomes e posturas que ajudaram a levar o Brasil a duas eliminações evitáveis em Copas.

Isso sem contar as convicções das segundas passagens de Dunga (e de quem o escolheu), ou as de Felipão (e de quem o escolheu). Há uma sucessão de teimosias e insistências que não conseguem entender o momento da Seleção, que há anos é de jogar com o que tem e procurar ao máximo reunir os melhores jogadores, sendo que há apenas um protagonista para dezenas de coadjuvantes.

+ Casemiro lamenta lesão de Neymar e analisa derrota da Seleção: ‘Momento não é bom’

Aliás, nós também precisamos nos desfazer da nossa convicção de que o futebol brasileiro é um celeiro de craques e que podemos ganhar quando quisermos, que nem precisamos de um treinador. Além daquela ignorância peculiar de quem parou no tempo sobre “Seleção Brasileira tem que ter técnico brasileiro”. É verdade, tem dado muito certo nesses últimos 20 e poucos anos sem ganhar Copa. Eles, lá fora, estão errados. Nós e nossas convicções estamos certos.

Quanto mais convictos somos, mais “matamos” a Seleção Brasileira.

The Champions League is officially underway for another season, with Paris Saint-Germain looking to defend their crown and contenders emerging to steal ahead of Luis Enrique’s side. Matchday one already gave us plenty to break down, including another late show at Anfield and Bayern Munich’s comfortable victory against Chelsea.

But let’s start with the holders. Just like they were in last season’s 5-0 dismantling of Inter Milan in the final, PSG were in a ruthless mood as they played host to Serie A side Atalanta. Within three minutes, it was unlikely goalscorer Marquinhos who broke the deadlock, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes and Goncalo Ramos sparked a 4-0 rout.

It’s difficult not to see a world in which the French giants go all the way for a second year running, but Liverpool may have something to say about that.

It took the Reds just six minutes to race into a 2-0 lead against Atletico Madrid, courtesy of Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. Everything, in that moment, seemed to click just as Alexander Isak made his debut for the club.

Yet, in a familiar story, Arne Slot’s side soon found themselves level and forced to seal victory in the dying embers. This time, it was Virgil van Dijk who stepped up late on, but there’s no doubt that a similar collapse against a side of PSG’s calibre may not end so kindly for those at Anfield.

There were also notable wins for Barcelona at Newcastle United, Bayern Munich against Chelsea and Manchester City against Napoli – three clubs that will also be vying to dethrone PSG. As strong as all of those are, however, none of those entered David Beckham’s thoughts when he was asked to predict this season’s winners.

David Beckham snubs PSG in Champions League prediction

Speaking on CBS’ Champions League show, Beckham revealed that he believes that Real Madrid will win the Champions League ahead of PSG. The former Galactico has backed his old club to secure the historic trophy for a 16th time and for the first time under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Whilst PSG were getting their campaign underway in dominant fashion, Real Madrid were forced to defeat Marseille with 10-men courtesy of a late Kylian Mbappe penalty. Coming from behind after Timothy Weah’s opener, the Spanish giants were rescued by their French star from the spot twice in the same game.

That said, Beckham’s prediction is far from absurd. There’s a reason why Madrid have won the Champions League 15 times. This is their stomping ground. There isn’t many tougher games in football than a European night at the Santiago Bernabeu and Alonso will be looking to prove that this season.

With PSG, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Barcelona and others all looking strong, we’re in for quite the spectacle no matter who lifts the trophy in Budapest come May.

When it comes to the best academies in world football, Arsenal’s Hale End has to rank right up there.

The North Londoners have a proud history of producing some genuine world-beaters like Tony Adams, Ashley Cole and David Rocastle.

This incredible conveyor belt of talent has continued into the present with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly all first-team regulars.

Unfortunately, with so many incredible players coming through the system, Arsenal are bound to let some slip through the gaps, which is what happened with Harry Kane.

Worse yet, another star who left the club under Mikel Arteta has recently been compared to the England captain.

Youngsters Arsenal let slip through the gaps

Before getting to Kane, it’s worth looking at a couple of the other youngsters Arsenal let slip through their fingers, like Michael Olise.

Yes, while it’s not as widely known, before he spent time in the academies of Chelsea, Manchester City and Reading, the French superstar spent time with the Gunners.

The only saving grace here is that his potential return to Stamford Bridge a couple of years ago fell apart, as his incredible output of 24 goals and 25 assists for Bayern Munich could have seen the Blues become a genuine title rival.

Sticking with Bayern players, and another youngster the Gunners should have kept hold of was Serge Gnabry.

Now, the German did make it out of Hale End, and even played some games under Arsène Wenger, but following a poor loan move to West Bromwich Albion, the North Londoners sold him to Werder Bremen for around £5m.

This was a huge mistake, as just a year later the Bavarian behemoths came in for him and, following another year out on loan, he would go on to become a serious star for them, racking up 159 goal involvements in 291 games.

Finally, the most infamous example of Arsenal releasing a player too young is the now legendary Kane, who was let go at just 12 years old due to concerns that he simply wasn’t good enough.

Since then, the England captain has made the Gunners regret that decision time after time, with an outrageous tally of 402 goals and 108 assists in 616 games.

Moreover, his record against the North Londoners is outrageous, with him scoring 15 goals and providing two assists in just 21 appearances.

In short, Arsenal got it wrong when it came to Kane, and now, a player who left under Arteta has since been compared to him.

The former Arsenal star compared to Kane

When thinking of former Arsenal players who could have been compared to Kane, your mind might immediately go to someone who was prolific for the club, like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

However, instead of the Gabonese phenom, the player in question is his former striker partner, Alexandre Lacazette.

Yes, while it might be somewhat surprising, the 34-year-old is the forward who has been compared to the Bayern ace, and it stems from FBref.

They compare players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then create a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and in this instance, have concluded that the Englishman was the fifth most similar forward to the Frenchman over the last 365 days – before his move to NEOM SC in the Saudi Pro League.

We can gain a better understanding of just how this conclusion was reached by examining some of the underlying numbers in which the pair ranked closely.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.51

0.50

Progressive Carries

1.05

1.09

Goals per Shot

0.19

0.16

Expected Assists

0.21

0.21

Live Passes

22.4

23.4

Blocks

0.57

0.60

Carries

18.3

19.4

These include metrics such as, but not limited to, progressive carries, goals per shot, expected non-penalty goals, blocks, expected assists and more, all per 90.

Now, nobody would try to claim that the former Gunners ace, who left the club for nothing in 2022, is as good a player as the former Spurs star.

However, on top of the statistical similarities, he enjoyed something of a career revival upon his return to France, and before he left for Saudi Arabia.

For example, in his first season back with Lyon, the dangerous “goal machine,” as dubbed by former teammate Sokratis, scored 31 goals and provided six assists in 39 games, which he then followed up with 22 goals and five assists in 35 games the season after, before racking up 19 goals and three assists in 42 games last year.

Ultimately, it was probably right to let Lacazette leave when he did, but we can’t help but wonder if Arteta and Co wish they had kept hold of him for just a season or two longer, given his form over the last few years.

Arsenal fans gave £60m ace the Madueke treatment all summer, now he's set to star

The Arsenal star could be in for a career revival this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 19, 2025

The sight of former Manchester United players instantly hitting the ground running away from Old Trafford has become a common theme of recent years, escaping the extreme pressure that comes with the Red Devils and becoming revived in new surroundings.

Such a trend has been particularly obvious in recent weeks, with Marcus Rashford marking his return to English football with a stunning brace against Newcastle United, clinching a 2-1 win for loan side, Barcelona.

Rasmus Hojlund, meanwhile, scored on his first start for Napoli against Fiorentina, while even Andre Onana has found his groove on loan at Trabzonspor, producing a Man of the Match display on debut, before even providing an assist last time out.

Those 2025 summer departures look to be paying off at present, with that trio no doubt hoping to emulate the success of a certain Scott McTominay, following the Scotland star’s breakout 2024/25 campaign in Naples.

A man who had strayed into super-sub territory during an impactful final season in Manchester, the 28-year-old is now front and centre for the Serie A side, having ended last term as the league’s MVP.

With a return of 14 goals and seven assists in 41 games for the Italian giants, the United academy graduate has won the hearts and minds of the Napoli faithful, while his efforts have been duly recognised…

Where Scott McTominay ranked in the Ballon d'or list

Scott McTominay and the Ballon d’Or didn’t appear to go together when considering his time back at United, with the 6 foot 4 midfielder something of a marmite figure for both fans and pundits alike.

Beloved by a string of managers, but also described as “not good enough” by the likes of Roy Keane, the Lancaster-born warrior was never the main man at United, restricted to a role in the supporting cast.

Now under Antonio Conte’s tutelage, ‘McTomadonna’ has deservedly stolen the limelight over the past 12 months or so, with that impact seeing him nestled among the 30 nominees for the famed Ballon d’Or award.

As revealed on Monday evening, while Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele may have claimed the crown, McTominay finished in a more than respectable 18th position among that stellar list of names.

For context, the United academy graduate finished ahead of the likes of Jude Bellingham (23rd), Declan Rice (27th) and Virgil van Dijk (28th), while also ranking higher than the man who ripped Ruben Amorim’s side to shreds in the Manchester derby – Erling Haaland (26th).

At a time when Amorim and co are crying out for midfield depth, the decision to part ways with McTominay looks to be coming back to bite them.

That being said, the midfielder was at least given more than enough time to prove himself at Old Trafford – 255 games to be precise – with the same certainly not true of another academy product, Alvaro Carreras.

Why Man Utd made a bigger mistake than McTominay

Much of the focus during Amorim’s time at the helm has been on the dynamic of the midfield pairing, amid the summer pursuit of Carlos Baleba, yet the problems at wing-back have almost been overlooked.

As explored following the 2-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday, the over-reliance on Patrick Dorgu to be the main man at left wing-back is of particular concern, with the young Dane seemingly the only viable, senior option in the first-team squad right now.

Oh how Amorim likely wishes that his predecessor Erik ten Hag hadn’t turned his nose up at the aforementioned Carreras – formerly referred to as Alvaro Fernandez at United – with the 22-year-old Spaniard now blossoming away at Real Madrid.

Non-penalty goals

0.05

0.00

Assists

0.05

0.13

Pass completion

78%

84.4%

Passes attempted

42.31

65.20

Progressive passes

3.08

6.73

Progressive carries

3.59

2.47

Successful take-ons

0.56

1.40

Tackles

2.65

1.47

Interceptions

0.75

1.67

Aerial duels won

1.66

0.80

The attack-minded left-back had initially been plucked from Los Blancos back in the summer of 2020, part of a trio of Spanish-based imports including Alejandro Garnacho from Atletico Madrid and right-back Marc Jurado from Barcelona.

Unlike hero turned villain Garnacho, Carreras was never actually afforded an opportunity at senior level in a competitive game, despite having notably shone on loan at Preston North End during the 2022/23 campaign, winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award.

As journalist Samuel Luckhurst has noted with regard to Radek Vitek’s temporary move to Bristol City this summer, young players whom United loan to the Championship are typically those who are viewed as having a role to play back in the first-team later down the line.

Unfortunately for Carreras, even an extended injury crisis at left-back didn’t alter his fortunes, with 2023/24 proving particularly frustrating on his part.

With both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw missing almost the entirety of the season, United brought in Sergio Reguilon on loan initially, while also deploying the likes of Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof and even Sofyan Amrabat as makeshift options instead.

Despite being recalled from a loan spell at Granada in January 2024, with Ten Hag and co cutting short Reguilon’s own loan, Carreras was then shipped off again to Benfica, on a deal that included an option to make the move permanent.

As it proved, the Primeira Liga side saw enough in those six months to fork out the initial £5m fee, rising to £7.5m in add-ons, with the young full-back enjoying a remarkable 2024/25 season subsequently, after racking up nine goals and assists in 52 games in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Such form didn’t go unnoticed, and despite United possessing the chance to utilise their buyback clause of around £17m, the defender was ultimately snapped up by his former side, joining Madrid on a €50m (£42m) deal this summer.

United raked in £8m as a result of that switch due to a 20% sell-on clause, although with Carreras now already a firm fixture of Xabi Alonso’s side, starting all six games this season, the failure to integrate him into the first-team continues to sting.

Indeed, such is his talent, ex-Preston boss Ryan Lowe has even made the comparison between the ex-Spain U21 international and his new Madrid teammate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, having told the Athletic earlier this year:

Alexander-Arnold may not be the most popular name in Manchester – nor now in Liverpool, for that matter – but his exploits at Anfield are hard to ignore. 92 assists in 354 games for the Merseysiders, among a plethora of major honours, speaks to his unique, rare quality.

At a time then when Amorim’s system places so much reliance on the left wing-back, in particular, to provide a creative threat, having a Trent-esque figure like Carreras on board would no doubt have been perfect.

Dorgu, at just 20 himself, still has plenty of time to develop. Yet dishing out £30m on his signature in January, while selling Carreras for just an initial £5m, doesn’t reflect well on anyone back at Old Trafford.

Homegrown Mbeumo: 18-year-old Man Utd star is an "ideal Amorim wing-back"

Manchester United still have some elite youth potential waiting to break onto the scene.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 23, 2025

Delhi Capitals (DC) were down and out at 7 for 3 and then 65 for 5 in their chase of 210 against Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam. But the lower order, led by Ashutosh Sharma, performed a rescue act that reduced the equation to 22 off two overs and then six off six balls. Last man Mohit Sharma survived a close lbw appeal off the first ball of the 20th over before taking a single. Ashutosh then smacked the winning six to seal DC’s one-wicket win, only the fifth in IPL history.DC vice-captain Faf du Plessis said the finish reminded him of the famous 438-run chaseSouth Africa pulled off against Australia at the Wanderers in 2006, calling that run “the most important single” of Mohit’s life.”Unbelievable, it actually reminded me a little bit of the 438 game against Australia when Makhaya [Ntini] got that important single towards the end,” du Plessis said. “That’s probably the best and most important single that Mohit Sharma has ever taken in his life – beautiful forward defence, just pushing it into the gap. What a story to get the big man back on strike to hit it for six.”Related

• 'There was no sign of panic' – Ashutosh's composure under pressure stands out

• One-wicket wonders – the five IPL games that almost went the other way

• Ashutosh stuns LSG as DC complete one-wicket heist

• Stats – DC script fifth one-wicket win in IPL

• Awe-inspiring Ashutosh brings DC back from the brink

Ashutosh walked in as DC’s Impact Player with the score 65 for 5 in the seventh over. After the 13th over of the chase, DC were 116 for 6, needing 94 runs off 42 balls with four wickets in hand. ESPNcricinfo’s win predictor gave them a 1.56% of winning.”A lot of the cricketers, if you ask them, they would complain about the [Impact Player] rule in the IPL,” du Plessis said, “but this is obviously why that rule is there – for games when you think that you’re completely dead and buried, someone comes in and plays like that. I’m definitely going to drink some more masala tea to make sure I can hit the ball like the boys do at the end.”To be honest, when I looked at the wicket and saw how much the ball was gripping and losing five wickets, I thought it was going to be an almost impossible task. But it’s even great for the old brain of mine just to make sure that you can never be out of a game completely. The extra batter really makes a big difference.”Ashutosh got together with Vipraj Nigam when DC needed 97 off 45 balls. Their 55-run stand off just 22 balls brought DC’s equation down to 42 off 24 before Nigam fell for 39 off 15. Ashutosh was unbeaten on 66 off 31.”As an overseas player, one thing that’s remarkable for me to watch is the amount of Indian players that are so powerful and they got the ability to just strike the ball so easily,” du Plessis said. “It wasn’t an easy pitch. There was a lot going on, but the two boys at the back end there, just the way they came in and just effortless hitting boundaries.”

MatériaMais Notícias

A bola parada vem sendo uma arma do Botafogo neste início de Brasileirão. Pelo menos nestas dez primeiras rodadas do campeonato, os jogadores alvinegros são os que mais marcaram gols utilizando este fundamento. A informação foi apurada pelo “ge”.

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Dos 18 gols marcados pelo Glorioso neste início de Brasileirão, oito foram feitos por bola parada. Os escanteios, faltas e pênaltis vêm sendo muito bem explorados pelo time de Luís Castro e devem continuar sendo um trunfo forte nesta fase restante da competição.

+ Bruno Lage no Atlético-MG? Veja os técnicos estrangeiros no futebol brasileiro hoje

+ Com interesse do Al Nassr e situação contratual em cheque no Botafogo, Luís Castro vive dias agitados na Data Fifa

Tiquinho Soares é o artilheiro do campeonato e já marcou quatro gols de pênaltis na competição. Marçal, que atualmente está lesionado, é responsável pelas cobranças de bola parada e também costuma ser certeiro em seus cruzamentos.

Depois do Botafogo, o Flamengo é o segundo time do campeonato com mais gols marcados por bola parada. Coincidentemente, ambas as equipes estão nas primeiras colocações do Brasileirão e são fortes candidatos ao título desta edição.

The Premier League season is upon us, and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is determined to reclaim his crown.

It’s curious to think that Guardiola is entering the campaign as something of an underdog as far as the title chase is concerned, but perhaps the critics are forgetting that the peerless tactician will have a chip on his shoulder, and that he’s responded from a bump in the road with a domestic double in 2020/21, winning the top-flight title and the Carabao Cup.

But there’s no denying City were reduced to a state of mortality last season, at times so vulnerable in defence and lacking throughout the seamless fluency and grace that the manager’s illustrious project has come to be defined by.

With Guardiola ostensibly stepping into the penultimate year of his contract, he will demand nothing less than glory from both himself and his squad.

Let’s have a look at the state of play.

The state of play at Man City

Manchester City haven’t quite completed as noisy a rebuild as some of their prominent Premier League rivals, but that hardly denotes a worrying transfer window for Pep and his suits.

The dethroned champions have won six of the past seven league titles, and despite losing Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish, have added to their ranks talents such as Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri to recalibrate the creative flow.

James Trafford has also been added between the sticks in a £31m deal, but with Ederson’s future up in the air, it’s felt that a bid is forthcoming for ostracised Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

These are all good signings, perhaps ingredients from which the Spanish boss can work his magic. But given that down the M62, Arne Slot’s Liverpool, the reigning champions, have made sweeping, startling changes, more could be required.

Liverpool are gearing up to sign Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, but the Etihad Stadium side may well plan to land their own version of the Swedish forward.

Man City eyeing marquee signing

According to sources in Spain, Man City are preparing a seismic offer for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, with Guardiola having registered his interest in the Brazil forward this month.

The trophy-winning outfit haven’t splurged nearly as much as some of their rivals this summer, and have the means to fork out a significant fee on the 24-year-old, who Los Blancos have valued at €100m (£86m).

With Tottenham Hotspur chasing a deal for Savinho, completion there would accelerate the Sky Blues’ bid. This one will likely drag into the closing stages of the window.

What Rodrygo would bring to Man City

It’s impossible to accurately predict how each side will fare in the build-up to any given campaign. Invariably, certain players and clubs exceed expectations, while others shock the world with their withering away.

However, it would be fair to suggest that Man City expect to improve on their woes from last season, finishing third with and losing the FA Cup, going trophyless but for success in the Community Shield.

And should they complete a marquee move for Rodrygo, the chances of returning to their finest form increase exponentially. He is that good.

Hailed as “the jewel in the crown” by one analyst discussing Real Madrid, Rodrygo struggled to reach his peak levels last year and maybe even fell by the wayside, unable to break his duck across his last 17 La Liga matches and only scored six times in the division.

However, the right-footer was also limited to performances on the right flank, and he prepares to peel off the left so as to maximise his goalscoring potential. Across all competitions, he featured 12 times as a left winger in 2024/25, scoring six goals and supplying six assists.

Should Guardiola succeed in energising Rodrygo’s potency, he might land his answer to Isak, who could secure his place as Liverpool’s talisman in the coming weeks.

The South American star would rival Erling Haaland as the club’s standout forward – marking an upgrade on Savinho – by turns supplying the Norwegian and then cutting into space and striking on goal himself. Given that he only missed one big chance in the Spanish top-flight last term, via Sofascore, prolific levels could be achieved by a manager in Guardiola, who certainly knows what he’s doing on the tactical front.

Goals

0.35

0.08

Assists

0.22

0.35

Shots taken

2.54

2.77

Shot-creating actions

4.56

5.15

Pass completion

85.7%

80.6%

Touches (att pen)

5.84

7.57

Progressive passes

4.69

3.19

Progressive carries

5.07

6.61

Successful take-ons

2.15

2.69

Even after his lowest ebb, the £209k-per-week talent managed to far outstrip the talented but untapped Savinho from an output perspective, and he has the physical and technical skills to rise further still, with his teammate Jude Bellingham even saying that he’s “probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad.”

Securing a world-class winger of his distinction, who is versatile and can play across the frontline, thus aligning with Pep’s demands of his forwards, could certainly prove the answer to Isak, who is sure to bring more goals to the Anfield table than his predecessor Darwin Nunez, should he sign for Liverpool this month.

Rodrygo, moreover, has a remarkable track record in the Champions League; City know all too well the Brazilian’s prowess in the knockout rounds. This is something that could bear dividends as the club quest for their second title in Europe’s elite competition.

Isak might have scored 27 goals across all competitions last season, but Rodrygo has the capacity to rain both goals and assists on Man City’s opponents next season, and across multiple competitions at that.

There seems to be a strange kind of deflation around the expectations of England’s dominant team of the age, but rivals and critics can doubt the Etihad side at their own peril.

Guardiola’s done it all before, and so, interestingly, has Rodrygo.

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Fair to say, this transfer window has not exactly gone to plan for Newcastle United.

Anthony Elanga has arrived from Nottingham Forest for a reported fee of £55m, which is certainly an exciting addition.

However, now that James Trafford is poised to re-join Manchester City, the Magpies have now missed out on seven key targets, with Hugo Ekitiké, Liam Delap, João Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Dean Huijsen all choosing to go elsewhere.

There’s also the small matter of their best player, seemingly, going on strike to force through a move, more on that in just a second, hence why Eddie Howe is in the market searching for a striker.

Newcastle's search for a new striker

As you may have pieced together by now, according to a report by Chris Waugh of the Athletic, Alexander Isak has not travelled with the rest of the squad to Asia for pre-season friendlies in Singapore and Korea Republic.

The club statement claims he is nursing a groin injury, but George Caulkin of the Athletic outlines the Sweden international’s desire to leave and join an ‘elite team’, with a move to Liverpool his preference.

Thus, as they commence their striker search, Craig Hope of the Daily Mail reports that Newcastle have added Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson to their list of targets.

The Blues have already signed both Liam Delap and João Pedro for £30m and £55m respectively this summer, so Matt Law of the Telegraph claims Jackson is available for sale, with Chris Burns of Football.London adding that the Senegalese international is valued at around £80m.

So, could Jackson soon swap West London for the North East?

How Nicolas Jackson would improve Newcastle

Despite often being much maligned, Jackson’s scoring record since joining Chelsea two summers ago is pretty impressive, bagging 30 goals in 81 appearances for the club, including netting both times Newcastle have visited Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

Former Liverpool and England striker Peter Crouch praised his “unbelievable” performances, while Liam Twomey and Mark Carey of the Athletic document his ‘excellent’ pressing, making him ‘a big part’ of how the team play.

Similarly, Ed Dove of ESPN outlines how the Blues’ form waned while Jackson was injured, praising the striker’s ‘broader contribution… without the ball’ as well as his ‘self-sacrifice and relentless running’, becoming the first Chelsea player to reach double figures for Premier League goals in successive seasons since Didier Drogba.

Should he move to Newcastle, Jackson would be following in the footsteps of a pair of fellow Senegalese strikers who are certainly remembered fondly on Tyneside.

During the 2011/12 season, spearheaded by Papiss Cissé and Demba Ba, the Magpies finished fifth under Alan Pardew, just two years after being promoted from the Championship, and both strikers were on fire.

Alexander Isak

2024/25

23

Alexander Isak

2023/24

21

Callum Wilson

2022/23

18

Loïc Rémy

2013/14

14

Demba Ba

2012/13

13

Demba Ba

2011/12

16

Papiss Cissé

2011/12

13

Alan Shearer

2003/04

22

Alan Shearer

2002/03

17

Alan Shearer

2001/02

23

Alan Shearer

1999/00

23

Alan Shearer

1998/99

14

Alan Shearer

1996/97

25

Les Ferdinand

1996/97

16

As the table outlines, 2011/12 remains the only season in which two Newcastle players have scored 13 or more Premier League goals since the heady days of 1996/97, a year the Magpies finished second.

Demba Ba, the more prolific of the duo, was ultimately sold to Chelsea for £7.5m in January 2013, so could Jackson become the reverse Ba?

Well, let’s compare the pair to find out.

Games

54

33

65

Minutes

4,399

1,533

5,050

Goals

29

7

24

Mins per goal

152

219

210

Assists

6

1

10

As the table outlines, Ba at Newcastle was marginally more prolific than Jackson has been during his time at Chelsea, scoring five more goals in around 600 fewer minutes, albeit the latter has registered more assists; the former certainly did not continue this scoring spree at Stamford Bridge all those years ago!

Nevertheless, in contrast, Jackson, at 24 years old, would surely be primed to have make immediate impact should he arrive at Newcastle, just as Ba did, hence why he should be amongst their top targets, if Isak does indeed get his wish and depart.

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