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It might not have been pretty, but Liverpool have that winning feeling again, having ended their recent rut with a deserved 1-0 win away at Inter Milan on Tuesday evening.

There few highs, but also – more importantly – few lows at San Siro for Arne Slot’s side, with the reigning Premier League champions looking far more comfortable than they did just days earlier amid the chaos at Elland Road.

Perhaps that speaks to the gulf in quality that has opened up between the Champions League and England’s top flight, although, regardless, seeing off last season’s losing finalists is no mean feat. Slot needed that.

Having been vindicated in his decision to leave out Mohamed Salah for the trip to Italy, the title-winning Dutchman’s ruthless streak might well be beginning to pay off.

The issue is, the Egyptian isn’t the only problem still to be solved, with more members of last season’s glorious side still looking way off the pace.

Liverpool's worst performers against Inter in numbers

Now, this isn’t to try and pop the balloon following what was a much-needed victory for Slot and co, although the former Feyenoord boss himself would admit that his side were far from perfect on the night.

Indeed, a string of absences – and not just that of Salah – saw the Reds lineup with something of a new-look forward line, albeit with it taking a controversial Dominik Szoboszlai spot-kick to eventually settle the affair.

All eyes were on the pairing of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike – with the night marking just their second start together all season – yet, perhaps as to be expected, there was little in the way of fluency or dynamism, even with the visitors posing the greater threat during the first half, in particular.

Isak, in particular, endured yet another frustrating outing to continue his Merseyside woes, with the £125m Swede regularly failing to make things stick through the middle, losing the ball on eight occasions from just 25 touches, as per Sofascore, prior to being withdrawn on the 68-minute mark.

While the price tag may suggest otherwise, the 25-year-old shouldn’t necessarily be the only avenue for concern, with it also proving a difficult outing for Joe Gomez at right-back.

Accurate passes

Jones (67)

Duels won

Mkhitaryan (8)

Aerial duels won

Van Dijk (3)

Successful dribbles

Ekitike (5)

Touches

Bastoni (94)

Key passes

Akanji (3)

Possession lost

Dimarco (17)

The Englishman was safe and steady, although he provided little attacking flair, having lost the ball 11 times himself, while failing to provide a single successful cross or key pass, having won just a solitary duel all night.

The Anfield side looked far more progressive and threatening with substitute Conor Bradley unleashed down that side, with the hope being that the Northern Ireland star can remain injury-free heading into a hectic festive period.

Slot will surely wish to bring the academy graduate into the starting lineup on a regular basis, although one man who could fall out of the reckoning is last season’s star, Alexis Mac Allister.

Liverpool's new Joe Allen & Lucas Leiva

Central to what made Slot’s side so impressive last term was the midfield unit, with the Dutchman reinvigorating Ryan Gravenberch in that deep-lying role, while also finally getting a tune out of Szoboszlai in an advanced, attacking berth.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

It was also, however, another fine campaign for that man Mac Allister, with the 2023 summer arrival from Brighton having cemented his status as “one of the best signings” that the club had made in the FSG era, in the view of DaveOCKOP.

The World Cup winner was the key, the glue keeping it together in the centre of the park, having also showcased his attacking flair with 13 goals and assists in all competitions.

From that knack for delivering clutch moments, the Argentine has frustratingly tailed off this time around, with his effort against Real Madrid earlier this season having been his only goal to date in 2025/26.

With just two assists also added into the mix, the 26-year-old is morphing into Lucas Leiva and Joe Allen territory at present, representing a solid but unspectacular option at the heart of the midfield.

Indeed, neither man was particularly adept at making the difference in a creative sense, with Allen scoring just seven goals in 132 games during his time at Anfield, while cult figure Leiva also netted just seven times himself, albeit from 346 total games.

To compare Mac Allister to such a limited pairing might appear hyperbolic, although again on Tuesday night, he was distinctly lacking any spark or flair, having failed to provide a single key pass, nor attempt a single shot or dribble.

He did win six of his seven ground duels, while losing the ball just five times, but again, there was that risk-averse feel to his performance, echoing those sorry days of Allen and Leiva lining up in the Brendan Rodgers and early Jurgen Klopp era.

As already stated, Mac Allister’s prior work ensures he remains one of FSG’s “best signings”, not least considering his bargain £35m fee, although like many of his teammates, the former Seagulls star simply doesn’t look like the player of 2024/25.

As bad as Isak vs Inter: Liverpool mainstay must now be axed by Slot

Liverpool secured a significant victory at Inter Milan in the Champions League.

ByAngus Sinclair 2 days ago

Leeds United are keen to strengthen their Premier League survival bid with signings and could now go all out for one of France’s most exciting young defenders.

The Whites have endured a frustrating start to the campaign and will know the size of the challenge that lies ahead for Daniel Farke, who has received his fair share of criticism lately following a recent shaky run of form at Elland Road.

Undoubtedly, the German boss has shown he is capable of leading his side into the top-flight from the Sky Bet Championship, a market he may be willing to raid in mid-season to bolster his flailing attacking line.

Coventry City forward Haji Wright is on Leeds’ radar and could be someone who arrives at Elland Road for a fee in the region of £20 million, helped by the fact that his contract at Frank Lampard’s men is set to expire in the summer of 2027.

Troy Parrott is also wanted by the Whites after his Republic of Ireland heroics. However, the AZ Alkmaar man has made a name for himself in the Netherlands, and it is difficult to envisage the ex-Tottenham Hotspur product moving to England amid Farke’s interest in Gonzalo Garcia of Real Madrid.

Not strengthening isn’t an option, given Leeds’ rivals are likely to bring in new additions in an attempt to beat the drop once the window opens for business.

With that in mind, the Whites are now looking to strengthen their backline with one of Europe’s rising stars being the subject of major attention.

Leeds eyeing move for Tylel Tati

According to On The Minute, Leeds have joined the hunt to sign FC Nantes defender Tylel Tati, who has become one of French football’s top young talents in recent times following his emergence in Ligue 1.

Laying plans to land future reinforcements, the Whites are set to face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen after his ‘poise in possession’ and tactical awareness won high praise from scouts across Europe.

Tylel Tati in Ligue 1 2025/26 (Fotmob)

Duels won

23

Pass completion rate

87.8%

Recoveries

31

Blocked shots

9

Dribble success

71.4%

Overall, the 17-year-old has made 11 senior appearances for Nantes and is growing in stature with every passing minute. However, he is under contract in France until the summer of 2028, and it remains to be seen how much first-team football he would earn elsewhere.

Primarily a central defender, he has also been capped three times at Under-18 level for his home country as his progress continues to be rewarded.

Leeds are also eyeing a move for a Premier League veteran

Being plunged into the potential event of a relegation battle may be a tough ask for a player at an early stage in his career, though Farke and company would hope he would relish the challenge.

The next Raphinha: Leeds to move for £17m star with a "magical left foot"

This attacker could add much needed final third creativity for Leeds

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 22, 2025

Allrounder is carving his own niche away from attention that comes with Ashes-winning father

Valkerie Baynes26-Mar-2025Archie Vaughan is enjoying the freedom to be his “own man” at Somerset.Vaughan, who turned 19 in December, produced a match-winning performance against Surrey last year in just his second first-class game.Though he doesn’t consider that to be the moment that established him as a player in his own right, independent of his famous father, Michael, he does see an upside to carving out the beginnings of a promising career in a place where his surname carries less weight of expectation.”It’s something that I’ve probably not really thought about before,” Vaughan tells ESPNcricinfo during Somerset’s pre-season media day. “Coming to Somerset where my dad’s not known, I think that’s really helped me just be my own man.”It’s nice obviously putting in a performance like that in a big game, but I think Somerset’s a club where everyone’s treated the same, so it doesn’t matter if you’ve played 200 games or you’ve played four.”We’ve got great friendships and it’s not really about proving yourself. Everyone knows the pressures of cricket and, when you go into the changeroom, it’s trying to be as inclusive and welcoming as possible. That’s what we do.”Vaughan’s connection with Somerset came about, not from any desire to put distance between himself and his father’s Yorkshire roots, but through attending Millfield School, near Glastonbury. From there, he entered the Somerset Academy system and worked his way up.”Before then I wasn’t involved in any major county, it was just Cheshire,” he said. “If I was to stay at home and progress, it probably would’ve gone down the Lancashire route, which is obviously not where my dad went.”It’s definitely not been a conscious thought, but I think I’ve probably recognised some benefits, just him not knowing anyone, I think that’s helped just me get on with my own game.”Vaughan captained England Under-19 in South Africa this winter•Gallo Images/Getty ImagesHe made his Championship debut against Durham last August, having signed his first professional contract in May and already played for Somerset in the One-Day Cup. He ended up playing four first-class matches and seven List A games, averaging 33.71 with the bat in the Championship and taking 15 wickets at 20.13.But it was his 11 wickets against Surrey that drew the most attention. Partnering left-arm spinner Jack Leach to keep Somerset’s title hopes alive, the duo took 20 wickets between them for the match, Vaughan ending with 6 for 102 and 5 for 38 after scoring a first-innings 44 in his primary role as a top-order batter.The England Under-19 captaincy followed at the start of this year in South Africa, where England lost a 50-over series 2-1 before winning the two-match four-day series 1-0.But he remains humble and eager to learn.”I’m very proud of what I’ve done, but trying to manage my expectations for the start of the season to try and get in the team for starters,” Vaughan says. “Then if I do get in the team, trying to stay in and just put performances in to win games of cricket.Related

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Jack Leach, England's unlikely Asia enforcer, comes to the fore once more

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Vaughan six-for as England U19s complete 10-wicket thrashing

“It’s easy to put pressure on myself after having a few good games, but I’m still 19, I’m still young, so trying to manage my expectations is probably going to be the challenge and realising I’m not going to bowl that well every game or even bat – I batted a few nice innings.”So it’s just going to be a challenge, but trying to get in the first team for the first game of the season will be my first goal.”Vaughan only started bowling off-spin during lockdown, in 2020, so Leach is a key source of knowledge that he is keen to keep drawing on.Leach, who took two wickets in three balls to seal victory in the Surrey match, understandably has fond memories of that game too.”It was really special,” Leach recalls. “That game will always live with me and just that last moment, to take that last wicket and then the boys and Archie all running towards me, and to win it right at the end like that, there’s no real better feeling in cricket.”What he did and the temperament he showed as a young player, and someone who was renowned as a batter and then bowled some off-spin, he has shown that he’s much more than that.”His temperament on those wickets, to not put too much pressure on himself, but deliver, was awesome and made my job a lot easier as well. I really enjoyed that partnership.”Vaughan has made an impression in white-ball cricket too•Getty ImagesIt may not be until later in the season that they combine again with the ball. Shoaib Bashir – another mentor for Vaughan – has gone to Glamorgan on loan to increase his opportunities given that Leach remains Somerset’s No.1 spinner, if not England’s, at the moment.And while Vaughan is happy in his batting with just over a week until the start of the Championship season, he says “a few teething problems” in his bowling indicate more volume might be required.But that doesn’t deter him from wanting to do it all. Quite the opposite.”When it comes to training, I do definitely treat myself as an allrounder,” Vaughan says. “I spend probably the same amount on both in terms of skillset. At the minute I think I’m probably a slightly better batter than a bowler but I think that’s just due to my inexperience with the ball.”In terms of length of time, I’m a few years back on my bowling than I am on my batting, so again, it’s managing my expectations. I had a good game here. It’s about realising that it’s not going to be like that every game, it’s not going to come out as I want every game.”Chatting to Leechy and Bash, having these people at the club, it’s definitely a great asset to my bowling.”England Lions host India A in two four-day matches this summer, which could prove another step in Vaughan’s development, although he’s not looking that far ahead.”My main aims and goals are definitely the start of the season here, getting in the team, putting in performances, and if I do well and that comes along then great, but definitely no thoughts, trying to just keep focus here.”

Calling home runs on Independence Day is a little bit played out, but the Chicago Cubs truly earned such a comparison this year.

By the end of the seventh inning, Chicago was leading the St. Louis Cardinals at home 11-1 on the Fourth of July off a slew of home runs from the bats in the lineup.

Two players hit multiple home runs, Michael Busch with three and Pete Crow-Armstrong with two. But the real highlight was the franchise record being set: The eighth home run from the Cubs off the bat of Busch broke the previous team record of seven home runs in a game.

Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson and Carson Kelly all added dingers as well.

Just stunning stuff from the Northsiders.

Chicago leads the NL Central by several games and is in a flirtatious spot with the top seed in the National League. Coming into the day third in home runs with 131, the Cubs will launch all the way to first in MLB, pending the results of the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers games this afternoon and tonight, the two teams ahead of Chicago.

The Cubs also join the Yankees as the only other team to hit eight or more home runs this year. New York hit nine home runs in March, breaking its own franchise record in that game.

The Cardinals attempted to rally back, scoring two runs in the top of the ninth inning, but the deficit was too much. Chicago won 11-3.

The record for most home runs in an MLB game is 10, set by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1987. The only other team to hit eight or more home runs on the Fourth of July is the Boston Red Sox in 1977.

Mary Earps has posted a message to her personal Instagram account following her return to Old Trafford, thanking the Manchester United fans for their "warm welcome", despite receiving a mixed response from the home fans during her PSG side's 2-1 defeat. The former Sports Personality of the Year was booed throughout, however, some fans continued to cheer for the shot stopper.

• Miserable Manchester United return for Earps

  Earps' return to Old Trafford came amidst the ongoing reaction to the contents of her recently released autobiography. Along with the revelations around her relationship with her Lionesses replacement Hannah Hampton, the 32-year-old also expressed her displeasure with how her tenure at United came to an end. 

  It's likely the furore contributed to her reception at the Theatre of Dreams. While Earps was applauded by the fans that came to watch the two teams warm up, she was jeered by a section of the Old Trafford faithful throughout. The majority of the crowd counteracted with cheers, with the keeper receiving applause as she left the pitch after her side's third defeat in the Champions League this season. 

  Earps twice had to pick the ball out of her own net, with Melvine Malard opening the scoring and Fridolina Rolfo bagging the winner on the hour mark. 

  Despite the mixed return to her former employers, the former Lionesses hero still put out an upbeat message on her personal Instagram account. She posted: "Not the result we wanted but it was truly special to be back at Old Trafford last night. Thank you for the warm welcome back, it meant more than you know. Good luck for the rest of the season." 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Earps' comments on her United departure

  Earps wrote that she hoped to finish her career at Manchester United. She joined the club from Wolfsburg in 2019, before leaving on a free transfer in 2024. 

  It seems her issues with the Red Devils leadership stems from their failure to invest properly in the women's side. After Euro 2022, the club promised to relocate the women's side to their Carrington base, alongside the men's squad. However, Earps and her colleagues were only moved into their new women's and academy building on the campus in the summer of 2023. She said the unfulfilled commitment made the players feel like the announcement had been little more than a "publicity exercise." 

  After the 2023 World Cup, in which Earps won the Golden Glove award and England lost in the final, Arsenal reportedly made a bid of £100,000 for her services. United turned down the offer without contacting her. She described the situation as "dizzying". 

  Despite receiving an initial contract extension in 2023, the club did not pick up talks with Earps until the end of the 2023/2024 season. Despite tabling a significant offer, she said United were no closer to their goal of winning the Champions League, while the club had also failed to tell her the women would be required to move out of their base to accommodate the men's side during renovations at Carrington. She would eventually sign a two-year deal with Les Parisiens. 

• Skinner tells Earps to take care of herself

  Despite her comments over her time with the club, United boss Mark Skinner complimented Earps. He also shared the words of advice he imparted on her when they spoke after the final whistle. 

  "I said to her at the end I said, 'Look after yourself', because we have already spoken about mental health and how people can be affected," he explained.

  "Mary is a really intelligent woman and she has been the world's best. She understands the world she is playing in, but I thought it was a lovely atmosphere and she got a cheer as she walked down the side at the end of the game. Hopefully that will help her in her situation and how she feels. After the game, it was always going to be friendly with Mary, because she has been a big part of what we do and we shall never forget that."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Will United return mark an end to Earps scrutiny?

  The last month has been a firestorm of media reaction for Earps. Perhaps the return to her former employer can form a natural bookend, as news cycles move on and the eye of the media look elsewhere. She has spoken of how overwhelming the response to her book has been. 

  The 32-year-old needs to be on top form and with full concentration on her game if Les Parisiens are to save their Champions League campaign. They face a daunting trip to Bayern Munich on November 20. A defeat would likely spell the end of their time in the competition for this season. 

South Africa have (again) proved to themselves that they can “mix it with the best” after winning their first Test in India in 15 years, in conditions they described as providing “a different experience” to what they are used to.Careful to stress that he doesn’t “have a problem with wickets like this”, South Africa’s coach Shukri Conrad preferred to focus on what it meant to have triumphed over both the surface and the opposition. “There was prodigious turn, and the Indian quartet of spinners just don’t give you anything. You throw Jasprit [Bumrah] in there with a new ball and when it starts reverse-swinging, both him and [Mohammed] Siraj are obviously world-class,” Conrad said at the post-match press conference. “It makes our victory even sweeter that we were able to contend with all of that and come out on top. It gives you a belief that you can mix it with the best and do special things.”That South Africa, who are the current World Test Champions, feel the need to justify their abilities or defend their success may seem strange, but it is because they are not regarded in the same terms as other successful teams on the circuit. Not by themselves and not by others.Related

• Gill discharged from hospital but remains doubtful for Guwahati Test

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• With 'small hands' and strong instincts, Bavuma shows self-assurance of a player at his peak

Conversations about the best Test batters centre around Joe Root, Steven Smith and Shubman Gill, even though Temba Bavuma averages over 50 as captain. Though Kagiso Rabada does crop up in the same discussions on bowlers, Bumrah and Pat Cummins are usually top of mind. As for South Africa’s spinners? Nobody dreams of mentioning them in the same breath as Nathan Lyon, and that’s because they don’t have the same consistency in success.There is also the reality that the Ashes and the Border-Gavaskar and the Anderson-Tendulkar trophies make more headlines than a contest involving South Africa. Perhaps for as long as the Big Three exist, South Africa will be the outside, noses pressed against the window, but now, they are leaving a print that cannot be ignored. “Whilst we might not have the ability that a lot of teams have, or we haven’t tapped that ability yet, what we lack in that, we certainly make up for in our ability to play as a unit and the resilience we show,” Conrad said. “We never give up.”South Africa’s determination to stay in games has seen them do some remarkable things over the last year, like post a match-winning ninth-wicket stand in the Boxing Day Test last year, complete the joint-second-highest successful chase at Lord’s and come back from defeat in Lahore to beat Pakistan in Rawalpindi. It also saw them go from conceding a 30-run first innings deficit to winning this Kolkata Test by the same margin and ensuring they cannot lose the series. The win means Bavuma is unbeaten in 11 Tests as captain – and South Africa have won ten of those – and Conrad, with a first-choice squad available to him, has not (and will not, irrespective of what happens in the second Test) lost a series.Temba Bavuma and Shukri Conrad hug after the game•AFP/Getty Images

Conrad has also chalked up a series of firsts. After overseeing South Africa’s first series win in the subcontinent in a decade (in Bangladesh last year), Conrad has now presided over their first win in Pakistan in 18 years and India in 15 years, which he rates as highly as their World Test Championship final win over Australia at Lord’s.”This was right up there for us. Coming to India, playing at Eden Gardens, doing something we haven’t done for 15 years, this is right up there,” Conrad said. “We won a Test match in Pakistan, we’ve now won a Test match here but the job’s far from done. You don’t come to a country to win a Test match, you obviously want to win the series.”South Africa have not won a series in India since 2000, and that is the only one they have won out of seven, but they have every reason to believe they can add to that after “finding a way”, as Conrad puts it, in difficult conditions in Kolkata. “I’m so proud of the group in terms of the belief that they’ve got and how they pull together as a unit. It will do wonders for our psyche and it will do wonders for us going forward.”In what became a fight for batting survival, South Africa – and Bavuma, in particular – had more staying power than their opponents. There was also a battle of skill and without Rabada, who has a rib issue, South Africa’s attack, especially Simon Harmer, showed guile and grit to keep them in the contest. Harmer’s performance, both in this match and in Pakistan last month, also marks a turning point for how South Africa’s spin stocks could stack up in future. “Youngsters can now see there’s a line of sight that we’re keen on spinners as well,” Conrad said. “We’re not only a fast-bowling country.”Simon Harmer picked up eight wickets in the Test•BCCI

There is no word on whether Rabada will be available for the second Test and it seems the decision will be, at least in part, left to him as was the case in this match. Rabada was injured in training on Tuesday but only ruled out on Friday morning when he felt discomfort during a fitness test. “We wanted to give him the best chance of being ready, so we gave it up until the morning and when KG tells you ‘I’m not ready’, then you better believe him,” Conrad said. “It makes it so much sweeter that someone that we know can make a huge impact on the game is ruled out and we could still win.”Then he reeled it back in. “It’s important we stay nice and humble and not get too carried away with this. We want to create an environment and a belief in the side that they shouldn’t be surprised when they do certain things. They shouldn’t be surprised when you come to India and beat them. It’s tough. And it’s a massive achievement, but this is what we’re able to do.”The secret to how they did it is that there is no secret: they’re just being themselves.”We’ve really tried to create an environment where, with South Africa being a diverse country with diverse cultures, this change room embraces all of it,” Conrad said. “We’ve allowed players to be exactly who they are and do things how they want to do things. Obviously, we operate with a set of norms and ethics and values as to what’s expected of an elite side and a high-performance side but it’s like a bunch of mates that are playing together. They don’t give up. They practise hard. They’ll party hard. And more importantly, we’ve just allowed a culture to develop organically. I don’t think there’s a recipe or a magic wand. All you can ever ask of a team is to fight for every run and stay in the battle. And I think this side does that.”

There are six newbies, including a former USA international, in West Indies’ squad for the tour of the UAE to take on Nepal

Deivarayan Muthu26-Sep-2025

Ackeem Auguste

Ackeem Auguste, who turned 22 earlier this month, is set to become the fourth St Lucian to play for West Indies men in international cricket after Daren Sammy, his current coach at St Lucia Kings in the CPL, Johnson Charles and Garey Mathurin. A sleek left-hand batter, Auguste can slot in at No. 3 or even in the middle order. In 2024, he won the CPL with Kings as an emerging player and more recently, in CPL 2025, he became a regular for the franchise, scoring 229 runs in ten innings at a strike rate of over 160.Auguste has not played an official game in the subcontinent yet, but has had exposure to a variety of spinners, including mystery spinners, during his two-week stint at the Chennai Super Kings Academy last year.Amir Jangoo is likely to compete with Jewel Andrew for the second wicketkeeper’s spot•CPL

Amir Jangoo

Another left-hand batter with some eye-catching strokes in his locker, Amir Jangoo can also double up as a wicketkeeper. On his ODI debut against Bangladesh last year, Jangoo looked the part during his unbeaten 104 off 83 balls, which sealed a chase of 322 in Basseterre. When he did that, Jangoo, who hails from Trinidad & Tobago, became only the second West Indian after Desmond Haynes to hit a century on ODI debut.More recently, in CPL 2025, he made three half-centuries in four innings for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. He is likely to compete with Jewel Andrew for the second wicketkeeper’s spot in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup.Karima Gore was more known for his left-arm fingerspin but has refashioned himself as a batter who can bowl•CPL T20

Karima Gore

Karima Gore was born in the Bronx in New York and has played 24 international games for USA, but his Antiguan heritage – he was raised in Antigua and plays for Leeward Islands – allows him to represent the West Indies. An allrounder, Gore was more known for his left-arm fingerspin when he was part of USA and San Francisco Unicorns in MLC, but in CPL 2025 for Falcons, he refashioned himself as a batter who could bowl.In his first CPL season, Gore emerged as Falcons’ highest run-getter, with 219 in ten innings at a strike rate of 129.58. Gore had started the season with back-to-back fifties from No. 3, but his form cooled off in the latter stages of the competition. He is electric in the field, which makes him an attractive package.Zishan Motara has played just two T20s so far•CPL T20 via Getty Images

Zishan Motara

Barbados’ Zishan Motara, who has played just two T20s so far for just one wicket, has been fast-tracked into the West Indies set-up. The 19-year-old, the youngest in this list, seems to have the raw material to succeed in top-flight cricket: he’s tall, generates extra bounce and has a fairly sharp wrong’un in his repertoire.He was a net bowler with Barbados Royals in CPL 2024 before he broke into their main squad and debuted for them this season. Zishan’s father Zahir, who was a former basketball captain for Barbados, is now a basketball coach. Zahir had also played club cricket in Barbados.Ramon Simmonds was Royals’ second-highest wicket-taker in CPL 2025•CPL T20 via Getty Images

Ramon Simmonds

A left-arm quick with the yorker and a few slower balls among his variations, Ramon Simmonds was a bright spark in an otherwise gloomy CPL campaign for Royals. He was Royals’ second-highest wicket-taker with 13 strikes in nine innings at an economy rate of 8.05.When Jason Holder was with Royals in 2022, he was impressed with Simmonds’ variations and his composure under pressure. The 23-year-old left-armer has been a “project player” for Royals, having also turned out for their team – Paarl Royals – in the SA20.A legspin-bowling allrounder, Navin Bidaisee gave a good account of himself in CPL 2025•CPL T20/Getty Images

Navin Bidaisee

A legspin-bowling allrounder, Navin Bidaisee could potentially give West Indies the balance that they have been searching for. Hailing from Trinidad & Tobago, Bidaisee was drafted by St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for CPL 2025. He made an immediate impression on CPL debut, against former champions Kings, scoring a 35-ball half-century from No. 5 in a chase of 201. He seemed set to take Patriots home until he holed out off the final ball.With the ball, he dismissed Quinton de Kock and Sherfane Rutherford, helping Patriots snatch a one-run win against Royals. Prior to CPL 2025, Bidaisee was the joint-second-highest wicket-taker in the Breakout League, with ten strikes in six innings at an economy rate of 6.25.

After spending a reported £446m on new additions during the summer transfer window, the majority of pundits across the country expected Liverpool to retain their Premier League title.

Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak’s arrivals saw the hierarchy break the Reds’ transfer record on two separate occasions, subsequently sending out a huge message to the rest of the division.

However, Arne Slot has so far been unable to find the winning formula with his big-money additions, as seen by the club’s recent form within England’s top-flight.

His side have lost six of their last seven league outings, with their slump seeing the club slide down the table and all but ending their chances of regaining the trophy come the end of May.

It hasn’t derailed their recent ambitions in the transfer market though, which has led to numerous high-profile names being linked with a winter switch to Anfield.

Liverpool’s hunt for new additions in January

Over recent weeks, Liverpool have been just one side mentioned over a possible move to land AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit in the upcoming window.

The Dutch attacking midfielder has massively impressed in 2025/26 to date, subsequently registering six combined goals and assists in his 19 appearances across all competitions.

A £25m price tag has been reported for the 19-year-old, but other sides such as Real Madrid and Manchester United also remain keen on landing his signature in the coming months.

However, Smit isn’t the only player in the Reds’ sights, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo another player who has been strongly touted with a potential move.

According to Fabrizio Romano, numerous members of the club’s hierarchy have already discussed terms with the Cherries over a deal in the January market, having made a move to understand the conditions of the player’s release clause.

He also stated that a deal is expected to cost around £65m- a fee that would activate Semenyo’s clause – but that other Premier League clubs, such as Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, are also closely monitoring the situation.

Why Semenyo could get Isak firing at Liverpool

As previously mentioned, spirits were at an all-time high on Deadline Day for Liverpool supporters after a deal was finally announced for striker Isak from Newcastle United.

The saga dragged on for months before it reached its conclusion, with Slot’s men having to fork out an English record £125m for the services of the Swedish international.

His tally of 23 league goals last campaign made many think the Reds had finally found the number nine they have craved to complete the club’s impressive attacking department.

However, the 26-year-old’s move to Merseyside has been nothing short of a disaster, with the striker only netting one goal in his first nine appearances across all competitions.

Isak’s recent showing against Nottingham Forest further highlighted his struggles, with the talisman only notching a total of 14 touches before being replaced in the 68th minute.

He’s massively struggled to make the desired impact at Anfield to date, but that could change should the hierarchy complete a deal for Semenyo this winter.

The Ghanaian international, who’s primarily a left-winger, has massively impressed at the Vitality this campaign, as seen by his tally of six goals and three assists in his 11 outings.

However, his underlying stats further highlight the quality he possesses, with such numbers certainly aiding Isak in his own quest for success on Merseyside.

Semenyo, who’s been dubbed “the best winger in the country” by former footballer Chris Waddle, has completed 1.9 take-ons per 90 – often able to get into dangerous areas with the ball at his feet.

He’s also been able to add the end product to his mazy runs in the Premier League, as seen by his tally of 1.4 chances created per 90 – not to mention his goal contribution tally.

The 25-year-old has registered 3.6 progressive passes and 1.6 passes into the opposition box per 90, with such numbers potentially falling perfectly into the hands of Isak to turn around his dismal start to life at the club.

£65m in the modern market is an excellent price for a player of Semenyo’s quality, but it remains to be seen how much the board are willing to spend in January after their recent spending spree.

However, if the club are to get Isak fully up to speed in the near future, he will desperately need added support, which could make the Bournemouth star the perfect man to ignite his stint in the North West.

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2

By
Matt Dawson

Nov 23, 2025

Dropping points away to Sunderland was far from ideal, but even so, Arsenal are flying this season.

Unlike last season, Mikel Arteta’s side aren’t finding it hard to score goals, and thanks to their unreal defence, they rarely concede any.

This combination sees them sit atop the Premier League table, four points ahead of Manchester City and eight points clear of reigning champions Liverpool.

While there are several candidates, it would be fair to say that, so far, Gabriel Magalhães has been Arsenal’s player of the season, and Andrea Berta has already signed another version of the Brazilian.

Gabriel's development at Arsenal

Gabriel joined Arsenal from LOSC Lille for around £27m in the summer of 2020, and since then has developed significantly in practically every way imaginable.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Now, the Brazilian wasn’t a bad player in his first season for the Gunners, but he wasn’t one of the first names on the teamsheet.

For example, he made just 32 appearances across all competitions for Arteta, of which 23 were in the league, averaging 1.57 points per game.

He would become more of an ever-present member of the backline over the following seasons, but even during the early stages of the 22/23 season, he was seen as someone who could be a liability.

In fact, following a game away to Leeds United, in which he had a penalty incident overturned, Rio Ferdinand pointed out that “every week he’s in the headlines or he’s in underneath with a little bullet point next to his name and a bad incident.”

Fortunately, towards the end of that year and in the campaigns since, the former Lille star has become increasingly dependable, to the point that he occasionally wears the captain’s armband and has been the club’s standout performer this year.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.06

0.21

Shots

0.64

0.93

Passing Accuracy

85.3%

88.6%

Key Passes

0.11

0.34

Shot-Creating Actions

0.53

1.23

Goal-Creating Actions

0.04

0.27

Tackles Won

0.51

0.53

Shots Blocked

0.82

1.30

Passes Blocked

0.32

0.48

Dispossessed

0.32

0.00

Aerial Duels Won

2.59

3.22

Another way to see his growth is to compare his underlying numbers from his first season to those of today.

Doing this shows that the 27-year-old now wins more tackles, blocks more shots and passes, makes more clearances, wins more aerial duels, completes more of his passes, is a greater goal threat, and is far better at creating chances for his teammates.

In all, Gabriel has been able to channel his natural passion over the years and is now arguably the club’s most important defender, so it’s excellent news that Berta signed someone who could develop just like him.

Arsenal's new Gabriel

Arsenal are blessed with an abundance of extremely talented defenders, but when it comes to the one most likely to develop down a Gabriel-esque path, it’s impossible to ignore Cristhian Mosquera.

Andrea Berta signed the Spanish centre-back from Valencia in the summer, for a fee of just £13m, which one content creator fairly described as “a steal.”

Now, the 21-year-old certainly has some of the elegance of a William Saliba, and could certainly be that ball-playing passing machine at the back, but it still feels like he is going to evolve to be more like the Brazilian.

One of the main reasons is that, despite being so young and having only just joined the team, he already appears mature beyond his years, as exemplified by his unfazed performance against Liverpool at Anfield earlier in the season.

More crucially, though, the 6 foot 3 “monster,” as club insider Hand of Arsenal dubbed him, seems to relish the more physical side of the game.

Sure, he can play it safe, but as respected analyst Ben Mattinson points out, he very clearly “loves to battle with physical attackers” and “thrives in ground duels due.”

Further described as an “absolute cheat code of a player” by Arsenal content creator Harold Hickman, he has already proven himself to be something of a leader.

For example, in his recent games for Spain’s U21 side, he has had the responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband.

Ultimately, it’s still early in his career, but thanks to his composure, ability to compete in physical duels, and passion for doing so, it looks like Arsenal have themselves another Gabriel in Mosquera.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 13, 2025

A sight no Tigers fan wanted to see occurred on Wednesday during the club's 6–2 victory over the Mets. Lights-out relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan, one of the Tigers' savvy trade deadline pickups and one of the best relievers in all of baseball since the July 31 deadline, appeared to suffer an apparent injury while warming up in the bullpen. The Tigers broadcast showed Finnegan firing a warmup pitch in the bullpen, then squatting down in discomfort. Finnegan then walked through the Tigers dugout and headed down the steps towards the clubhouse.

Will Vest began wamring up in the bullpen in Finnegan's stead, with the former eventually entering the game in the top of the seventh inning, tossing 1 1/3 scoreless in relief. The Tigers announced that Finnegan experienced right groin tightness while warming up, according to Cody Stavenhagen of .

In 14 1/3 innings pitched since his acquisition by Detroit, Finnegan has yet to allow an earned run and has struck out 19 batters.