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If any side has it in them to gift bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers a much-needed Premier League win, it might well have been Ruben Amorim’s all too often charitable Manchester United outfit.

Indeed, heading into this Monday night clash at Molineux, the Red Devils had previously handed relegation-threatened West Ham United a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

However, the visitors from Manchester were far more ruthless on this occasion, as Wolves’ abject season shows no signs of stopping off the back of United running out convincing 4-1 winners.

Sitting on just two points, you likely could pick flaws all night long in the woeful home performance, with the die-hard Old Gold faithful clearly at their wits’ end with the ownership at their lowly club, having staged a fan protest before yet another defeat was tallied up.

What went wrong for Wolves on Monday

Championship football already looks destined to be returning to the West Midlands very soon, with the fresh appointment of Rob Edwards to replace Vitor Pereira doing very little to save the sinking ship.

Edwards just can’t account for some silly errors that plagued Wolves’ game all evening, though, with Andre in the first half – who has been on United’s transfer radar – dilly dallying on the ball for far too long, before Bruno Fernandes then scrappily gave the fortuitous away side a 1-0 lead. As journalist Liam Keen put it, the defending for this opening strike was ” totally shambolic.”

The likes of Yersen Mosquera in the heart of the ropey Wolves defence didn’t fare any better, either, with the shaky number 15 handing Fernandes his second of the one-sided affair late on, after a handball decision went against him for the penalty.

Mason Mount also had all the time in the world to put away United’s third when both Mosquera and Emmanuel Agbadou left him in acres of space to fire home, with the abysmal defending on show typical of a side that has surrendered a seriously worrying 33 goals already this season.

All over the pitch, there were very few positives to latch onto, with a lacklustre attacker now needing to be dropped by Edwards, after he put in another no-show against the rampant Red Devils.

Wolves flop must now be dropped after Man Utd

Apart from Jean Ricner Bellegarde scoring Wolves’ first league goal since October, there would be little to smile about from an attacking point of view at Molineux for the hosts, especially when it came to Jorgen Strand Larsen’s idle showing.

Long gone now are the days when Larsen was being tipped for a £50m switch to Newcastle United after bagging 14 league strikes during his debut season, with the out-of-sorts Norwegian instead now on the receiving end of some sarcastic cheers when he was substituted off after an uneventful 69-minute spell against Amorim’s men.

As per the aforementioned Keen, Larsen even had to be calmed down by his manager after looking “furious” with the jeers directed at him.

But, when looking at the table below, it’s hardly a shock that the hardened Molineux masses decided to voice their frustrations in such a gallows humour way, with the goal-shy number 29 coming off after registering zero shots and just five accurate passes.

Larsen’s performance in numbers

Stat

Larsen

Minutes played

69

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

19

Shots

0

Accurate passes

5/9 (56%)

Total duels won

2/12

Stats by Sofascore

Moreover, Larsen only mustering up a sorry 19 touches of the ball in total means even Johnstone in between the sticks for the relegation-doomed side had more touches of the ball, coming in at a far heftier 42.

The Newcastle-linked striker’s notable drop off has impacted the Old Gold so much this season that former Premier League scout Mick Brown, when speaking to Football Insider earlier in the campaign, stated that his presence up top now makes the basement outfit a “worse side.”

This is a far cry from analyst Ben Mattinson’s previous comments that he was a “proper number 9” when scoring goals for fun, meaning Edwards must seriously consider axing him soon, even as his other striker option in Tolu Arokodare, prepares to head to the African Cup of Nations.

Desperate times could call for desperate measures, with Hwang Hee-Chan perhaps the answer in from the cold up top, considering he does have 23 top-flight goals for the Old Gold, one of which came this season, lining up as the sole centre-forward.

Whatever changes do occur, Wolves need to start doing the basics correctly if they stand any chance of turning around their likely insurmountable points gap, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher stating that they have “no fight” at the moment.

Larsen could fall victim to Edwards shuffling his pack, with Wolves surely left with plenty of regret now that they handed the out-of-form number nine a new, bumper five-year deal in September, instead of cashing in.

Related Wolves now want to sign 'top talent' from Man City with player set to leave in January

Rob Edwards’ side need inspiration from somewhere.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini 6 days ago

The left hander underwent treatment for cancer earlier this year but has recently returned to playing

AAP09-Dec-2025

Nic Maddinson has overcome cancer and resumed playing•Getty Images

Nic Maddinson’s return to elite cricket could come in the Big Bash after the former Test batter re-signed with the Sydney Thunder.Thunder announced a new one-season deal for Maddinson on Tuesday, with general manager Trent Copeland backing the 33-year-old to return to the field this summer.Related

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Maddinson last played top-flight cricket in March with New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield, before he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He finished nine weeks of chemotherapy treatment in July, after it was discovered the cancer had spread to his abdominal lymph nodes and lung.Subsequent scans showed the treatment was successful, with Maddinson back training and playing four games for Eastern Suburbs in Sydney this summer.”I’m really happy to be staying with Thunder,” Maddinson said. “There’s been a few setbacks for myself lately, but I’ve had amazing support from my friends, family and the club.”Now I’m just keen to lock in, get the season started and hopefully help the boys go one better than last year.”Maddinson played three Tests for Australia in 2016, while the last of his six T20s for his country came in 2018. He began his BBL career with Sydney Sixers, before moving to Victoria and joining Melbourne Stars in 2018-19 and Renegades in 2021-22.Left-handed Maddinson returned back to NSW last summer, while also signing a deal to play for Thunder. But he was unable to run out for the club, after a hand injury ruled him out of the competition.”We are pleased to have Maddo re-sign with us at Sydney Thunder,” Copeland said. “I know how eager he was to play in front of the Thunder Nation before his injury, and I know that eagerness has doubled since then. We’re backing Maddo to make a real impact this season, both at the crease and through his leadership around the team.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Com a chegada de Philippe Coutinho ao Rio de Janeiro na última sexta-feira (25), os torcedores do Vasco vivem momento de expectativa para o decorrer da temporada. Mas o meia pode não ser o único Cria da Colina a fazer a volta para a casa.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco

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O mata-mata da Copa do Brasil está pegando fogo! Abra a sua conta e faça já a sua aposta no Lance! Betting

Isso porque o volante Souza recebeu convite de Coutinho para voltarem juntos ao Cruz-Maltino, segundo apuração da Band. O retorno para o Vasco já era um desejo do atleta, que chegou a negociar quando esteve no clube tratando uma lesão em 2024.

Souza tem contrato com o Istanbul Basaksehir até maio do ano que vem, mas uma rescisão amigável não seria dificultada. O volante retornaria para se aposentar no Vasco, pois pretende jogar até 2025. A dupla jogou junta na base e no profissional do Gigante na primeira década dos anos 2000.

Tanto Philippe Coutinho quanto Souza estão no Brasil para passar suas férias, e o volante confirmou, em live em suas redes sociais, que os dois estarão presentes no Maracanã para assistir o clássico contra o Flamengo, no próximo domingo (2), pelo Brasileirão 2024.

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Coutinho já manifestou seu interesse em voltar a defender a camisa Cruz-Maltina e está negociando uma rescisão amigável com o clube inglês para chegar ao Vasco sem custos. Se tudo andar como o planejado, o meia chega ao Gigante da Colina como principal contratação da temporada já na próxima janela, que abre em 10 de julho.

Tudo sobre

BrasileirãoFutebol NacionalPhilippe CoutinhoVasco

Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat against PSG in the Champions League last night was the second time in a matter of months in which Thomas Frank’s men have been bettered by the French side.

The UEFA Super Cup final back in August was the Dane’s first competitive match in charge of the Lilywhites, but he was unable to get one over Luis Enrique’s side.

Such a result once again appeared at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night, with the host’s 5-3 win inflicting the club’s first loss of the current European campaign.

Both fixtures could have fallen in Spurs’ favour, especially after taking the lead in both contests, but ultimately the defensive frailties have cost Frank’s men in each of the meetings.

The inability to keep one player out in Paris last night ultimately contributed to their downfall, with one opposition star constantly tormenting Frank’s men in the defeat.

Vitinha’s stats against Spurs in the Champions League

PSG’s success in the Champions League last season was no doubt down to the quality side Enrique has built over recent years, with Vitinha central to the Parisians’ European triumph.

The Portuguese international has continued his phenomenal form in the current campaign, as seen by his performance against Spurs on Wednesday night.

He featured for the entirety of the contest at the Parc des Princes, scoring a hat-trick during the triumph – achieving such a feat for the first time in his professional career.

The 25-year-old’s first strike was undoubtedly the pick of the bunch, with the midfielder firing Quentin Ndjantou’s perfectly weighted pass into the top corner via the crossbar.

His underlying stats from the contest also reflect his impressive display, with Vitinha completing 87 passes – the most of any player – whilst also completing 100% of his attempted dribbles.

Such a performance led to Spurs boss Frank heaping huge praise on the midfielder, labelling him as the “best midfielder in the world” and that he’ll be the “next Ballon d’Or winner”.

The Spurs star who could be Frank’s answer to Vitinha

After the North London Derby defeat against Arsenal, it was imperative that manager Frank switched up his midfield department for the Champions League clash.

The Dane started with a two-man pivot of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur at the Emirates, with such a partnership far too negative – which no doubt contributed to the 4-1 hammering.

For the defeat against PSG, the 52-year-old opted for a younger base of the side, with Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall just two of the youngsters who featured in the middle of the park.

The duo were unable to produce a winning display, but they did offer a reason to be positive despite falling to a third consecutive defeat under Frank’s guidance.

However, the shining light in the middle of the park was certainly Archie Gray, with the 19-year-old taking full advantage of the rare start handed his direction.

The Englishman joined in a £40m deal from Leeds United last summer but has often had to bide his time for a regular run of first-team appearances since Frank’s arrival.

Yesterday was just his fourth start of the 2025/26 campaign, but he did manage to thrive, even against the defending European champions last night.

Gray featured for 76 minutes before being withdrawn, even linking up excellently with Bergavll in the first half as the Lilywhites took a one-goal lead.

He also won 100% of the tackles he attempted, whilst making two clearances and two recoveries – in what was an exceptional defensive performance at the Parc des Princes.

Archie Gray – stats against PSG

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

76

Touches

20

Passes completed

7

Passes into final third

2

Tackles won

100%

Clearances made

2

Recoveries made

2

Aerials won

100%

Stats via FotMob

Other stats, such as 100% aerials won and two passes into the final third, also showcase his all-round quality – backing up Ben Mattinson’s claim that he’s a “future £100m” star.

However, if he is to reach such levels and become the club’s very own Vitinha, it’s crucial that Frank hands him the needed game time to help him continue his development.

The player will no doubt be immensely proud of such a showing in Paris, with his efforts no doubt giving the manager a selection headache against Fulham this weekend.

Related As bad as Romero: Frank must instantly drop 5/10 Spurs flop after PSG

Thomas Frank will have some huge calls to make on some players after Tottenham Hotspur’s latest defeat.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Nov 27, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Serginho foi apresentado pelo Santos nesta terça-feira (30). O meia chega por empréstimo junto ao Maringá, com opção de compra. O jogador, foi formado nas categorias de base do Peixe, atuou ao lado de André, Alan Patrick e Neymar, que é seu amigo.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSantosSaiba por que Santos quer marcar amistoso com o Boca JuniorsSantos27/04/2024SantosCarille coloca Santos como ‘candidato fortíssimo’ ao título da Série BSantos26/04/2024Fora de CampoTorcedores do Santos exaltam joia da base na web: ‘Craque’Fora de Campo26/04/2024

➡️ Tudo sobre o Peixe agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Santos

– Sempre tem um carinho especial em poder voltar ao clube que me revelou. Eu cheguei como criança. Não só virei profissional, mas aprendi muito como pessoa, como ser humano. Muito feliz de voltar. De ter passado pelas mãos de pessoas com quem tenho carinho, como o professor Lima. A expectativa de estar com o grupo, de voltar depois de muito tempo é grande. Motivação lá em cima em fazer parte da reconstrução do Santos. Espero ajudar o Santos a voltar para o lugar que não deveria ter saído.

– Nos falamos. Ele deu muito apoio. Ele disse: está voltando para casa, vai ser feliz. A gente veio para cá junto, cresceu junto. Espero fazer o melhor dar alegrias a ele e ao Santos.

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Fábio Carille foi um dos principais responsáveis pelo retorno de Serginho. O técnico pediu a contratação do meia, que ainda não teve contato com o treinador.

– Ele não me ligou, não tivemos contato, mas ele estava acompanhando. Não conversamos ainda. Vamos aos poucos nos treinos. Mas vai chegar o momento certo. Ele me recebeu muito bem, está me ajudando muito. Agradeço toda recepção. Da comissão técnica e jogadores. Espero agradar ao que ele está buscando e ter um bom aproveitamento no campeonato.

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🎙️ MAIS RESPOSTAS DE SERGINHO:

CONCORRÊNCIA COM OUTROS MEIAS
– A concorrência é sadia. Terão bastantes jogos até o fim do ano. Espero que possamos desempenhar ao máximo. Quando um não estiver bem, o outro pode ajudar. Sou um cara de aproximação, que gosta de finalizar. Tenho a bola parada também. Espero ajudar da melhor forma. Não temos nenhuma vaidade de brigar por posição.

POSIÇÃO EM CAMPO
– As pessoas sabem onde venho jogando. O professor Carille comentou sobre essa situação e dependerá dele. Jogo bastante por dentro e extremo pelos dois lados. Tem um tempo que jogo nessas posições. Lá fora joguei mais pelo lado, mas quando precisava vinha por dentro. Onde o professor me colocar espero fazer meu melhor para ajudar o Santos.

EXPERIÊNCIA NO EXTERIOR
– Aprendi muito lá fora sobre a intensidade. Futebol está muito intenso, a Série B pede isso. Intensidade e jogo rápido. Nosso time vem fazendo isso. Foi fácil de me encaixar nos treinos, no estilo de jogo. Espero que possa dar certo, entrosar o mais rápido possível para poder aproveitar e continuar com as vitórias.

MARINGÁ
– É um time inferior, mas com bastante projeção, que compete bastante. Se estivesse numa série C ou B estaria competindo lá em cima. Falamos inferior porque é um time novo, começando. Tem muito para conquistar as divisões e brigar de igual para igual. Já vesti essa camisa, sei como é. Eu fui criado em grandes jogos na base, consegui estrear como profissional. Sei do tamanho da importância, dos jogos que terão. Tenho só a agradecer. Vestir esse manto é maravilhoso. Espero desfrutar ao máximo e, se Deus quiser, conquistar os objetivos.

BOLA PARADA
– É uma coisa positiva. A bola parada é uma coisa que treino bastante, procuro caprichar. Os jogos têm sido definidos assim. Um jogo trucado acaba sendo definido assim. Espero que posso continuar, ajudar nossa equipe. O foco é ir em busca da Série A, espero fazer o meu melhor.

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Futebol NacionalSantos

The international break is something of a blessing and a curse for Arsenal.

On the one hand, it gives the club respite from their current injury crisis, but on the other, they have to wait two weeks to make amends for the draw away to Sunderland.

However, even though they saw their lead cut on Sunday evening, Mikel Arteta’s side are in a great spot in the Premier League.

Moreover, despite injuries, the side is full to bursting with talent, including one player who’s starting to look like another Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The latest on Lewis-Skelly's future at Arsenal

It would be fair to say that, aside from their run in the Champions League, last season was something of a disappointment for Arsenal.

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

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However, there were at least a couple of positives to come from it, such as the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly.

The latter was more of a surprise to most, and yet over the course of the campaign, he became a far more significant part of the side, effectively becoming Arteta’s first-choice left-back.

In fact, by the end of the season, the 19-year-old had made 39 first-team appearances, totalling 2306 minutes, and even made his full debut for England, during which he scored.

However, so far this season has been a totally different story for the youngster, as while he has still made 12 appearances, only four of those have been starts, and overall, he has played just 463 minutes of action.

During the last international break, Thomas Tuchel said that this lack of game time could result in him not picking the Islington-born ace.

Unfortunately, that’s what’s happened this international break.

Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal record

Season

24/25

25/26

Appearances

39

12

Starts

26

4

Minutes

2306′

463′

Goals

1

0

Assists

2

3

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Unsurprisingly, this has led to reports that other Premier League clubs are now interested in signing the youngster in the winter transfer window.

However, the same reports make it clear that Arteta and Co are keen to keep the Hale Ender at the club, and that they expect him to play more minutes as the season progresses.

With that said, if Arsenal do decide to cash in, they do have another youngster in the side who is showing shades of Lewis-Skelly in his game.

Arsenal's new Lewis-Skelly

Even though Riccardo Calafiori and Pieiro Hincapie are his competition at left-back, the Arsenal player who is showing shades of Lewis-Skelly in his game this season is Cristhian Mosquera.

Now, that might sound like a leap to begin with, but “similarly to Lewis-Skelly,” per analyst Ben Mattinson, the Spaniard has shown an immense level of “physical maturity for his age.”

More than that, though, the 21-year-old has also shown a remarkable mental maturity, which was on full display when he came on and played almost the whole game away to Liverpool, and then started the club’s opening Champions League game against Athletic Bilbao.

While he may have been described as a “monster” by Gunners insider Hand of Arsenal, where most young defenders would need their hand held by a senior teammate or go crashing into ridiculous challenges, the former Valencia gem is thoughtful about when he goes in for a tackle or block.

However, that’s not to say he is adverse to the more physical side of the game, as, just like Lewis-Skelly, he is someone who “loves to battle with physical attackers,” according to Mattinson.

Moreover, while most fans and pundits alike expected the exciting youngster to play a minor role this season, the Valencia-born titan is following in the Hale Ender’s footsteps from last season and playing a far more significant role than most predicted.

For example, he has already made 12 appearances, five of which have been starts, totalling 597 minutes.

Finally, like the Englishman, he is not solely limited to playing a single position, as in addition to playing at centre-back, he can do a job at right-back.

Ultimately, there are some differences between them, but in terms of mentality, raw ability, and attitude, there are plenty of similarities between Mosquera and Lewis-Skelly.

Related After Dowman: Hale End has given Arsenal a future star who's "like Vieira"

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 12, 2025

India have beaten Pakistan twice already in this Asia Cup, but Sunday’s final is the only match that matters now

Shashank Kishore and Danyal Rasool27-Sep-20252:06

Aaron: Pakistan have a ‘huge point’ to prove against India

Big picture: Finally, an India-Pakistan Asia Cup finalForty one years have passed since the first Asia Cup in 1984, and India and Pakistan have finally made it to the summit clash together. They have played each other twice along the way, with India winning both contests comfortably, but the cricket has been overshadowed by a lack of handshakes, angry verbals, and provocative gestures that are rooted in the military conflict between the two nations earlier this year.It’s clear Sunday’s final isn’t just another India vs Pakistan match. There are massive political undercurrents both sets of players have had to wade through which has created plenty of controversy. India sticking by their government’s advice and refusing to shake hands with Pakistan was the start, and it has snowballed into multiple ICC hearings and financial penalties on both sides.But even two commanding wins in the run to the final will amount to nothing if Suryakumar Yadav’s men lose on Sunday. Especially after he said that he felt this wasn’t even a rivalry anymore, given the recent lopsidedness of results in India’s favour. That’s likely to bring a different kind of pressure.For Pakistan, an Asia Cup title would cover the scars of an ordinary recent history. Their record against India – 12 defeats in 15 T20Is – places them firmly as underdogs in this contest. They have had a curiously difficult time in this tournament, winning just two titles, while India and Sri Lanka have won eight and six respectively.1:37

Decoding Agha and Suryakumar’s struggles

Salman Agha’s men are, however, having one of those tournaments where they are building up steam from disappointing beginnings. Pakistan were on the ropes against Bangladesh but found the necessary burst of energy to come from behind, win, and qualify for this final. Beating India now in the match that matters would lift the pall of pessimism and gloom that has shrouded their cricket lately. But if they are beaten again, Pakistan will be aware that no series where they lose three times to India can truly count as an encouraging one.In terms of spectator interest, after two lukewarm Sundays at the Dubai International Stadium, this one promises to be different. The dream past organisers may have chased in vain for a vast majority of the Asia Cup’s existence has been realised in Dubai. Will the fans turn up in large numbers? Indications are they will, with the Asian Cricket Council expecting a sellout.For once, the rivalry needs no selling. Now for the cricket to live up to expectation.Recent formIndia WWWWW
(last five matches, most recent first)
Pakistan WWLWLIn the spotlight: Shubman Gill and Abrar AhmedShubman Gill has a highest of 47 in five completed innings at this Asia Cup. While there’s nothing to suggest an apparent lack of form, Gill’s manner of dismissals on a couple of occasions were like echoes of old habits. Against Oman, he was beaten and bowled by late inswing from left-arm seamer Shah Faisal. Against Pakistan in their second outing, Faheem Ashraf got one to duck back in to beat the inside edge. Gill’s looked sparkling in every innings, and has fed off Abhishek’s fast starts. Yet, that one defining knock in this tournament has remained elusive.2:25

Mumtaz: Fakhar, Shaheen, Abrar key for chance of victory

Abrar Ahmed has an economy rate of 5.02 this Asia Cup. No other bowler (minimum eight overs) has gone at less than six. His two games against India was a story of contrasts – he conceded just 16 on the first Sunday, but 42 – nearly 37% of his conceded runs all tournament – the second time around. With India getting off to good starts all tournament, Pakistan will turn to Abrar to reel them in, either immediately following the Powerplay, and perhaps even during it.Team News: Bumrah and Dube to returnHardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma pulled up with cramps and spent large parts of India’s defence of 202 against Sri Lanka on the sidelines. But there’s no major concern about their availability for the final. Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube, who rested on Friday, will be back. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana will make way.India (likely): 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Sanju Samson (wk), 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Shivam Dube, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Varun Chakravarthy, 11 Jasprit Bumrah2:02

‘India shouldn’t let complacency creep in for the final’

With Pakistan keen on power hitting through the middle overs, there has been some speculation Hasan Nawaz could make a return after missing the last three games. However with quality spin, like India’s, his Achilles heel, they are likely to stick with their combination over the Super Four stage, and go in unchanged.Pakistan (likely): 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Saim Ayub, 4 Hussain Talat, 5 Mohammad Nawaz, 6 Salman Agha (capt), 7 Faheem Ashraf, 8 Mohammad Haris (wk), 9 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar AhmedPitch and conditions: An eye on the dewIt’s like autumn in Dubai, they say. That means it’s only marginally less hot than summer. Night-time temperatures are a searing 36 degrees Celsius. End September-early October can also mark the onset of dew, which hasn’t been a major factor yet in this Asia Cup. Teams have also mostly been training away from the main ground in Dubai – on an outfield that is a mix of astroturf and grass – so it becomes that little bit harder to assess when the dew comes in and what impact it can have on the match. As for the pitch, the one at the very centre of the Dubai International Stadium, where the average first-innings score in all T20s over the last five years is 156 – and India chased down Pakistan’s 171 for 5 in 18.5 overs a week ago – will be used. Spin should play a vital role.Stats and trivia: Can Abhishek go past Kohli? On Friday, Abhishek became the fourth Indian, after Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar, to score a hat-trick of half-centuries in T20Is. Can he become the first to score four consecutive fifties? In two of the last four Asia Cups (2016 in T20Is and 2018 in ODIs), India have finished the tournament unbeaten. They have now entered the final on the back of six straight wins. Arshdeep Singh became the first Indian to 100 T20I wickets earlier in the competition. On Sunday, Hardik could join him in the club – he needs two more. Against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, Abrar delivered the most economical four-over spell by a spinner in Asia Cup history, with figures of 4-0-8-1. UAE’s Ahmed Raza produced 3-0-6-1 in 2016 Haris Rauf, who wasn’t a certainty in the first XI early on in the competition, has surged to become the joint-top wicket-taker (with Wanindu Hasaraga) in Asia Cup T20s. He has 17 wickets in 10 games at an economy of 7.73.Quotes”It would be wrong to say a Pakistan-India match doesn’t carry more pressure. It’s the final. There’ll be a similar amount of pressure on both sides. The pressure of a final is different, of course.”

Middlesex battle back from the brink to haul themselves into knock-outs in epic tussle

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay26-Aug-2025

Nathan Fernandes made a crucial 92 to rescue Middlesex’s fortunes•Getty Images

Middlesex 292 for 9 (Fernandes 92, Morgan 61, de Caires 50, Singh 4-27) beat Lancashire 291 for 8 (Harris 64, Blatherwick 48*, Hollman 2-30, Brookes 2-57) by one wicket Nathan Fernandes’ brilliant 92 off 79 balls helped Middlesex conjure an extraordinary one-wicket over Lancashire in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, a result that also ensures the visitors qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition.But the bland facts tell only half the story. Coming to the wicket with his side in the toils on 105 for five and needing another 186 runs, Fernandes put on 126 for the seventh wicket with Seb Morgan and despite being caught on the boundary in the final over, went on watch Noah Cornwell clinch the victory on an evening that recalled the great limited-overs matches on this ground.Part-time off-spinner Harry Singh had earlier taken a career-best four for 27 and it seemed the visitors’ chances were gone when they were 127 for six, despite Josh de Caires 50. But their hopes were raised in dramatic fashion late in the game by Fernandes and Morgan, whose fearless batting inspired a quite wonderful victory for their team.Having reached his maiden List A fifty, Morgan was eventually caught on the boundary off George Balderson for 61, but Fernandes went on to make his best List A score and the tailenders did the rest.Lancashire skipper Marcus Harris made 64 for the home side but the main acceleration towards a defendable total had come late in the innings from youngsters Arav Shetty and Joe Moores before Jack Blatherwick clubbed an alarmingly violent 48 in 20 balls.Lancashire’s innings had begun poorly when George Bell was caught behind by Joe Cracknell off Cornwell for a first-ball duck in the day’s opening over. Michael Jones and Harris then oversaw a recovery with a partnership of 61 in eleven overs before Jones, who had hit earlier hit two big leg-side sixes was caught by Jack Davies at deep square leg off Morgan for 42 when trying to repeat the trick.For the next 20 overs Lancashire’s batsmen struggled to score fluently on a stodgy pitch against an accurate Middlesex attack. Josh Bohannon made 24 off 33 balls but perished when he skied Luke Hollman to Morgan at mid-off. Hollman was clearly the pick of the visitors’ attack, bowling his ten overs for 30 runs, and in his penultimate over he took the prize wicket of Harris when the Lancashire skipper was lbw for 64 when trying to reverse sweep.It was left to the home side’s youngsters to supply some much-needed acceleration. Shetty made 30 off 23 balls and put on 50 with Singh, thereby hoisting the total to 192. And after Shetty and Balderson had fallen to successive balls from Henry Brookes, Moores clubbed two sixes in his 21-ball 35 before he top-edged de Caires to Noah Cornwell at deep square leg.Put under pressure, the Middlesex attack crumbled a little. Blatherwick maintained the tempo, whacking two sixes off a Cornwell over that cost 21 runs and a remarkable 99 runs were scored off the final nine overs, Blatherwick thrashing four sixes and four fours in an unbeaten innings that changed the shape of the game. Singh was dismissed in the penultimate over caught at mid-off by Ben Geddes off Gilchrist for a 116-ball 38. Apart from Hollman, Brookes was the most successful Middlesex bowler with two for 57.Middlesex’s pursuit began badly when Joe Cracknell was pinned on the back foot by Tom Bailey for ten and their intent to score quickly was constantly hampered by the regular fall of wickets.Sam Robson was bowled via bat, pad and foot by Singh for 31; Geddes lost his stumps in more conventional fashion to the same bowler for eight; Davies shovelled Balderson to Singh at midwicket when her had made only nine; and when Bailey ran across from deep mid-off to catch Hollman without scoring Middlesex were in deep trouble on 108 for five with almost half their overs gone.Seven overs later, de Caires holed out on the deep square leg boundary, Moores taking the catch to give Singh his fourth wicket but the rest of the day belonged to Fernandes and Morgan, whose partnership seems certain to become part of Middlesex folklore.

The six teams each in men’s and women’s categories are set to be decided based on the top-ranked team from each continent

Nagraj Gollapudi31-Jul-2025

Cricket has been included in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028•AFP via Getty Images

The ICC is set to approve a continental qualification system to decide the six participating teams in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. That means that Full Members such as Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka among others, could miss out on cricket’s much-anticipated return to the Olympics after over a century.ESPNcricinfo understands that the board discussed a proposal at the recent AGM which allows for one team from each continent. Though some details still need to be finalised, in essence, the majority approval for a regional qualification system is in place, with a minority of members expressing dissent.Six teams each in the men’s and women’s categories will contest for Olympic medals between July 14 and 29 in 2028 after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed cricket to be added to the roster for the first time since the Paris 1900 Olympics. While the ICC’s initial thinking was that it would shortlist the top six-ranked teams at a pre-determined cut-off date, several Full Member countries believed such an approach wouldn’t allow for a wider representation of countries from across the globe.Related

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That has now changed to a one-country-per-continent qualification system, which is thought to be more in line with the Olympic participation ethos.Which countries are shortlisted will be based on the rankings on a set date. But if the ICC plan goes through, it could mean the Olympics may not have one of the most widely watched contests in global sport: India vs Pakistan. Based on the current ICC T20 rankings, in both men’s and women’s competitions, India will qualify from Asia, Australia from Oceania, England from Europe, with one between USA or one of the islands from the Caribbean from the Americas, while South Africa qualify from Africa. ESPNcricinfo understands that the ICC is still discussing the participation of USA, who potentially get direct entry as hosts.But questions remain around the make-up of the USA men’s team, the majority of whom are US residents but not naturalised US citizens. The ICC is also concerned that the USA women’s team are not in the top 20-ranked teams at the moment. A final decision is likely to be taken at the ICC’s next quarterly meeting in October.The ECB, along with Cricket Scotland and Cricket Ireland, have formed Great Britain Cricket as an entity, which will help facilitate players from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to represent Great Britain at the Games.An artist impression of Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park for Brisbane 2032 Olympics•Queensland Government

As for West Indies, CWI wrote to ICC in May, pitching two ideas that could allow one of the regional countries to represent the Caribbean in the Olympics. One suggestion was an internal qualifying tournament conducted among the Caribbean countries with the winner heading to the Olympics. The other involved conducting a global qualifying pathway that would pit countries in the five ICC development regions alongside regions in the West Indies.For the sixth team, the ICC is considering the option of a global qualifier, the structure for which is still being fine-tuned.Speaking on Thursday to BBC’s , ECB chairman Richard Thompson said that the IOC was keen on having a team from each continent which satisfies the Olympics charter. “The preference from the IOC is to work to the ‘five ring’ principle, which is teams from each of the continents represent their continent,” Thompson said.The ICC is also optimistic about increasing the number of participating teams in the next two Olympics – in 2032 in Brisbane and in 2036, the venue for which is yet to be finalised by IOC. Thompson said that with India expected to bid hard to host the 2036 Summer Games, cricket could receive a massive boost.”The hope is, when we get to Brisbane, we might be up to eight or ten teams, and in 2036, there’s a three-way shoot-out between Qatar, Saudi and India, and clearly the real hope is that India get in it 2036, in which case, cricket will be front and centre. Who knows? It could be ten or 12 teams by that stage.”At this stage, we are there by the invitation of the IOC and on that basis, you abide by their rules, and that is to play the geography of your game as opposed to necessarily the top six playing nations.”

The Premier League has had some of the greatest managers football has ever seen since it’s creation in 1992. From Sir Alex Ferguson to Arsene Wenger and now Pep Guardiola, the best coaches regularly end up in England’s top flight.

Nowadays, managers don’t have as much time to make an impact, making it more important than ever that they get results quickly, regardless of the style.

All 20 Premier League managers' salaries

But who is the best and worst manager in the Premier League this season? Here is a ranked list of all 20 managers in the division right now.

Premier League managers ranked

Rank

Manager

Club

1

Pep Guardiola

Man City

2

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal

3

Enzo Maresca

Chelsea

4

Unai Emery

Aston Villa

5

Oliver Glasner

Crystal Palace

6

Andoni Iraola

Bournemouth

7

Eddie Howe

Newcastle

8

Regis Le Bris

Sunderland

9

Ruben Amorim

Man United

10

Arne Slot

Liverpool

11

David Moyes

Everton

12

Fabian Hurzeler

Brighton

13

Thomas Frank

Tottenham

14

Marco Silva

Fulham

15

Sean Dyche

Nottingham Forest

16

Nuno Espirito Santo

West Ham

17

Keith Andrews

Brentford

18

Daniel Farke

Leeds

19

Scott Parker

Burnley

20

Rob Edwards

Wolves

21 Rob Edwards Wolves

New Wolves manager Rob Edwards faces a tough task to keep the Old Gold in the Premier League, and his only prior experience of managing in the top flight came with Luton Town.

Edwards failed to keep the Hatters in the division in 2024, losing 24 of his 38 games in charge that season.

20 Scott Parker Burnley

Scott Parker will be looking to buck the trend and keep his newly-promoted Burnley side in the Premier League.

The Clarets boss previously suffered two relegations when in charge of Fulham and averages less than a point per game in the top flight.

19 Daniel Farke Leeds

Another manager who has been relegated from the Premier League on two occasions is Leeds boss Daniel Farke.

He couldn’t keep Norwich City in the top flight, and like Parker, averages less than one point per game in the division.

18 Keith Andrews Brentford

Keith Andrews is in the early stages of his senior managerial career after taking over from Thomas Frank at Brentford.

The Irishman has made a relatively positive start, beating both Liverpool and Man Utd at the Gtech Community Stadium.

17 Nuno Espirito Santo West Ham

Nuno Espirito Santo has had some brilliant moments in the Premier League, taking both Wolves and Nottingham Forest into the Europa League.

However, the Portuguese boss has also had a failed stint at Tottenham and is now struggling to get the best out of his West Ham squad.

16 Sean Dyche Nottingham Forest

Back in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest, Sean Dyche has plenty of experience in the top flight following previous stints with Burnley and Everton.

He did a solid job at both, even taking the Clarets into the Europa League back in 2018. His football may not be the most attractive, but Dyche gets the job done more often than not and will be looking to do just that with Nottingham Forest.

15 Marco Silva Fulham

An experienced Premier League manager after stints with Hull City, Watford and Everton, Marco Silva has enjoyed the majority of his success in England with Fulham.

He’s managed more games at Craven Cottage than what he did with the three aforementioned clubs combined, helping make Fulham an established top flight side.

14 Thomas Frank Tottenham

After doing a brilliant job at Brentford where he took the Bees to the Premier League and comfortably kept them in the top flight, Thomas Frank took the leap to join Tottenham in 2025.

Results early on were positive for the Dane, who has continued his flexible and adaptable approach in north London, but the Lilywhites’ home form is major cause for concern.

13 Fabian Hurzeler Brighton

The youngest ever permanent manager in Premier League history, Brighton’s move for Fabian Hurzeler has paid off so far.

The German’s possession-based style and attacking philosophy has seen the Seagulls record some impressive wins at the Amex Stadium, and he could be the one to take the club back into European competition.

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