It’s been a strange season for Tottenham Hotspur so far this year.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have played some exhilarating football and some turgid football, and while they are currently sitting all the way down in tenth place, they are only three points off Chelsea in third.

Likewise, the performances of individual Spurs stars have been unpredictable this year, with the likes of James Maddison and Son Heung-min looking back to their best one game and totally past it in the next.

What might make it all the more frustrating for fans is that a player sold by former manager José Mourinho is currently outscoring both of them.

Maddison and Son's seasons so far

So, starting with Maddison, and as we already mentioned, the former Leicester City ace has somehow looked both excellent in some games and like a total passenger in others this season.

For example, in the league encounter with Brentford, he scored a goal and earned a 10/10 match rating from Spurs writer Alasdair Gold, but then, against Crystal Palace, he was taken off in the 62nd minute, with journalist Rob Guest awarding him just a 5/10 for his display.

Now, while Son hasn’t had as many abysmal showings, the South Korean superstar has struggled to consistently impact games this season as he has in the past.

For example, he’s managed to score three goals and provide three assists in his 11 appearances thus far.

Yet, he played in the first half of the defeat to Galatasaray and the full 90s in the losses to Arsenal, Newcastle United, and, most damning of all, Ipswich Town, for which Gold could only award him a 5/10.

Overall, while nobody can question the incredible natural talent of both players, what is also undeniable is that, so far this season, their performances have been too inconsistent, so much so that they’re being outscored by a former Spurs ace who has only started nine games this year.

The former Spurs star shining this season

So, let’s get straight to the point here: the former Spurs star in question is none other than Christian Eriksen.

The Danish icon joined the Lilywhites from Dutch giants Ajax in the summer of 2013 for just £11.5m, and over the next six-and-a-half years, would make 305 appearances for the team, in which he scored 69 goals and provided 88 assists, equating to a goal involvement on average every 1.94 games.

However, in January 2020, with Mourinho at the helm, the Middlefart-born dynamo swapped North London for Milan, as he joined Inter in a deal worth just under £17m.

The following few years would see him win Serie A with the Nerazzurri, come perilously close to losing his life on the pitch during Euro 2020, return to professional football under Thomas Frank at Brentford and then secure a free move to Manchester United in July 2022.

At Old Trafford, the “incredible” midfielder, as dubbed by Frank, has probably played more than most were expecting him to, as in his first campaign, he made 44 appearances, in which he racked up an impressive haul of two goals and ten assists

Last season saw him take up a bit more of a squad role, as he ended up making just 28 appearances, 14 of which were off the bench, so he only scored one goal and provided just three assists.

However, the start of this campaign saw Erik ten Hag hand the 32-year-old a significant amount of game time before he was sacked, and as things stand, the 138-capped international has found the back of the net on four occasions and even provided three assists for good measure.

Appearances

13

15

11

Minutes

814′

882′

810′

Goals

4

3

3

Assists

3

4

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.53

0.46

0.54

Minutes per Goal Involvement

116.28′

126′

135′

That means the former Spurs star is averaging a goal involvement once every 1.85 games and seems to be in better goalscoring touch than Maddison and Son.

Ultimately, while Eriksen is undoubtedly edging closer to retirement, his form this season has been seriously impressive, and we can’t help but wonder what he would be able to do under a coach like Postecoglou.

Forget Son & Solanke: Spurs' "world-class" talent is now emulating Kane

The sensational star could be a future Spurs legend.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 15, 2024

India captain wants her batters to play according to the match situation, instead of being overly concerned with scoring rates

Annesha Ghosh23-Jan-20221:23

Mithali Raj: Getting to know India team-mates in Dehradun boot camp will help us in World Cup

India captain Mithali Raj wants her batting line-up, especially the top order, to dig their heels in and “play according to the situation” in the upcoming ODI World Cup, instead of channeling their focus “entirely” on strike rate. And, when the need arises – which, in India’s case, is often, going by their up-and-down performances with the bat since the 2017 World Cup – they must take the responsibility to “get your team out of the hole too”.India have been trying to score 250-plus totals on a consistent basis and, according to Raj, this is the blueprint by which they can achieve it. To further reinforce the point, she cited the example of Beth Mooney and her epic 125 not out last year where she started off circumspect, risking a low strike rate for prolonged periods of time, before hitting top gear.”I think too much importance isn’t given to strike rate by you all?” Raj asked in response to a question on India’s takeaways regarding dot-ball percentage and boundary rates from the Australia tour, where they narrowly lost the ODI series 2-1. “Because it is always spoken [of] when it comes to batting or putting up big totals.Related

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Goswami hopes 'near-misses help us react better in big matches'

Raj: We have had 'good preparation' for World Cup

‘I just wanted to know if you all only follow the strike rates of the India players or the players from the other teams, because if you might give me an opportunity to enlighten [you], the Australia [ODI] series itself, the game that Australia won, the decider, if you’ve seen Beth Mooney, who scored her 50 in 80-odd balls, but she went on to play a match-winning innings for the team.”So, as for me, I believe that cricket is a game played on situations on the ground. And yes, it is important that we keep that in mind that we need to have a healthy strike rate. But at the end of the day, it’s how our batting unit revolves and [what] the depth of the batting unit in our team [is].”So yes, when we have to score 250-270, we need to have a healthy strike rate, but having said that, we will not only entirely focus on strike rate, it’s important to play an innings to win and build partnerships, and that happens, not because of strike rate but because you apply and play according to the situation on the ground. Sometimes you have to play fast, but sometimes you have to play to get your team out of the hole too.”India, who were runners-up in the 2005 and 2017 tournaments, are looking to win their first world title in New Zealand in March-April.1:50

Jhulan Goswami: ‘I hope past experiences help us handle pressure better in this World Cup’

In a manner reminiscent of her call to action to India openers Smriti Mandhana, especially, and Shafali Verma after the visitors’ heavy defeat in the opening ODI against Australia in Mackay during the 2021 tour, Raj reiterated the need for the top order, which also includes the rookie Yastika Bhatia at No. 3, to stitch together sizeable partnerships if they are to stand a chance of crossing the 250-run mark in the World Cup.”Firstly, I think if we have to visit the 2017 World Cup where the team has done well, where the team has put on a score of 250-270 is because there’s at least one top-order bat who plays through the innings and the rest of them revolve around it. So it’s important that the top order – one of them – takes the responsibility of playing through the innings and there has to be a partnership or two of 50, so that you know if we get to play more, the top order contributes. I think that way we would be able to score 250-270. It is very rarely that middle order or the lower middle order scores the bulk of the runs, so it’s important that as a batting unit, all of us take the responsibility of playing our roles.”Though India lost the points-based multi-format series against Australia, they made headway on several fronts. They posted back-to-back 250-plus totals, in the second and third ODIs, sealing their highest successful chase, of 265, in the latter. Before their 274 for 7 in September, India only had three 250-plus totals in 19 innings batting first.There were individual successes as well. Mandhana, India’s leading ODI run-getter since the last World Cup, made her highest score (86) in 16 innings and five series. Debutant wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh injected a quick-scoring element in the middle order. And in Yastika, India unearthed a solid one-down option, allowing Raj, to slot herself in at No. 4, a position she is expected to retain.Throughout her 23-year international career, the onus has often fallen on Raj to play the anchor and rebuild an innings, and while she still has the skills to do that, her strike rate does end up as a point of debate. It also doesn’t help that India’s second-most experienced batter and vice-captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, has struck only three fifties in 28 innings since her epochal 171 not out in the semi-final of the 2017 World Cup.”I think it’s important you back your players and that’s what we do on this team,” head coach Ramesh Powar said when asked about Kaur’s ODI form. “Once you are selected in this team, we look for present and future, what you have done behind. You have to take confidence out of it or you learn out of it and move forward. As far as Harman is concerned, she just came out of the WBBL as the Player of the Tournament. So, currently she’s in good form and it’s up to her to capitalise those good days into best days in the World Cup.”

Chelsea's incoming winger Estevao Willian smacked one in off the bar as Palmeiras beat San Bernardo in the Paulista on Sunday.

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• Estevao scores stunning goal for Palmeiras
• Struck twice in 3-0 Paulista victory
• Teenager will join Chelsea in the summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 17-year-old, nicknamed Messinho in comparison to Lionel Messi, brought down the ball and lashed it in off the bar with a stunning effort from outside the box, giving his team the lead after 16 minutes. On the cusp of half-time, he brought the ball in from the wing and again sent it beyond the goalkeeper from the edge of the area.

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  The four-time Brazil international has now scored five goals in 11 Paulista matches. The youngster has already agreed to join Chelsea this summer after he turns 18, with the Blues agreeing to pay £56 million ($71m) to Palmeiras.

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  WHAT NEXT

  Before he heads to the Premier League, Estevao will start preparing for the Paulista semi-finals, having helped his side progress with a double at the weekend.

Wayne Rooney has been told that he may have to “drop down to League Two” in order to “prove himself” and get his coaching career back on track.

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Flopped at Birmingham & PlymouthBack in punditry during coaching breakTold to start at the bottom & work upFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Manchester United legend has seen his reputation take a hit in managerial circles following forgettable stints at Birmingham and Plymouth. He lasted just 83 days alongside Tom Brady at St Andrew’s, before taking in only 25 games as Pilgrims boss.

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Rooney is now taking a break from the dugout, having returned to punditry duty, but is leaving himself open to offers. It may be that the ex-England captain has drop down into the fourth tier of English football in order to start climbing that ladder again.

WHAT CARLTON PALMER SAID

Former EFL player and coach Carlton Palmer is of that opinion, telling : “It’s a difficult one now for Wayne Rooney. Disappointing spells at Birmingham City and Plymouth. I think Birmingham, yes it was disappointing but also he was on to a hiding to nothing because of the situation with John Eustace.

“I think Plymouth, for me, I think they still got rid of him too early. I know they brought him in, it was always going to be difficult for Wayne, I think they needed to give him until the end of the season and that was in my opinion. But it was a bad situation, I’m sure Wayne still harbours thoughts of being a successful manager. It doesn’t always go that you’re a great player and you go on and be a great manager, without a shadow of a doubt Wayne was one hell of a player.”

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Former England international Palmer went on to say: “But, he’s very thoughtful, he’s very hard-working, it’s something that he wants to do, it’s something he wants to be successful and hopefully he will get another opportunity.

“Probably going to have to drop down to League Two, something like that, go and prove himself there before he gets a good job. But fingers crossed that he does get that opportunity, and does get on and has a successful career, just because we’ve had it as footballers.

“Just because we don’t succeed at the first attempt, doesn’t mean we won’t go on and be successful as managers. That’s just the way it is, you can still succeed. And if Wayne, who still has the desire and still has that in his locker that he wants to do that then of course, he can succeed.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Na tarde deste sábado, a delegação do Flamengo chegou ao aeroporto para embarcar rumo a Cuiabá, sede da decisão da Supercopa do Brasil 2022. O técnico Paulo Sousa relacionou 29 jogadores para o confronto, mas seis deverão ser cortados para entrarem na lista final da partida.

RelacionadasFlamengoDavid Luiz, do Flamengo, projeta a decisão da Supercopa e elogia Paulo Sousa: ‘Evolução muito produtiva’Flamengo19/02/2022FlamengoFlamengo divulga lista de relacionados para a Supercopa do Brasil 2022; confira os nomesFlamengo19/02/2022Futebol Nacional‘Jogo de alerta máximo’: Atlético-MG e Flamengo, pela Supercopa, mobiliza forças de segurança de CuiabáFutebol Nacional19/02/2022

>Arena Pantanal é preparada para receber Atlético-MG x Flamengo; veja fotos!

O Mais Querido já está no aeroporto e daqui a pouco embarca para Cuiabá! ✈️ #VamosFlamengo pic.twitter.com/eGRYQwmzbn

— Flamengo (@Flamengo) February 19, 2022

A principal novidade na lista é Rodrigo Caio, mas ele segue em processo de recuperação e não deve passar pelo corte final. O zagueiro, vale lembrar, precisou ser internado no dia 02 de janeiro para tratar de infecção de pele. Já Gustavo Henrique, que treinou separado do grupo nos últimos dias por causa de dores no joelho, é dúvida.

A outra baixa do Flamengo é Thiago Maia, que foi internado no início da semana para tratar de um corte profundo sofrido na perna esquerda – o volante, inclusive, sequer foi relacionado. Ele recebeu alta na última quinta-feira e já iniciou processo de recuperação no CT do Ninho do Urubu.

Em tempo: o Flamengo enfrenta o Atlético-MG neste domingo, às 16h (de Brasília), pela Supercopa do Brasil. A partida acontece na Arena Pantanal e terá transmissão em tempo real do LANCE!.

Last season, Oliver Glasner took the reins at Crystal Palace halfway through the campaign, leading the Eagles to a brilliant tenth place finish in the Premier League.

However, so far this season, the loss of Michael Olise, some injury issues throughout the squad, and just a slow start overall has led Palace into 18th place, currently languishing in the relegation zone.

Palace averaged 41.6% possession last season, took 12 shots per match, and conceded just 12.1 shots per game. However, so far this term, the Eagles have averaged 44.6% of the ball, taken 14.3 shots per match, and allowed 13.7 shots per fixture.

The numbers tell us they haven’t actually been as bad as their league position suggests, and a few injured players returning, adding some extra quality, could start to see a shift in results and allow them to climb out of the relegation zone.

Crystal Palace team news before Newcastle

Glasner will remain without Chadi Riad and Matheus Franca, who are both out with long-term injuries, Franca suffering a rib fracture, and Riad suffering from a knee injury.

Adam Wharton is expected to remain out, as he is recovering from a groin injury which he had surgery to address. The Eagles are hoping to have the English midfielder back in the coming weeks.

Daichi Kamada also remains out through suspension, after his straight red card against Fulham. However, one man who’s capable of replacing Kamada in the team could return from injury for this game, as Eberechi Eze looks set to play a part against Newcastle for the first time in a month.

Chalkboard

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

Fantastic Crystal Palace star must return to the lineup

Speaking in a recent press conference the manager confirmed that Eze is on the verge of returning to the match day squad, with last week’s clash against Aston Villa providing to be soon for the England international.

Despite injury, Eze has been the hub of creativity for Palace this season, a burden that was often shared between himself and Olise in the past. Scout Jacek Kulig described Eze as “fantastic” back in 2020, and the 26-year-old is now a consistent member of the national squad.

Kamada has often played in his advanced role this season, and Palace fans will be glad to see Eze back, adding more variation to their attacking play in those advanced zones.

Goals

0.34

0.21

Assists

0.26

0.21

xG

0.33

0.09

xAG

0.11

0.09

Progressive Carries

3.00

1.88

Progressive Passes

5.00

5.65

Shots Total

4.14

1.58

Key Passes

1.78

1.74

Shot-Creating Actions

4.67

3.33

Successful Take-Ons

1.89

0.29

The metrics above show how much more effective Eze has been in creation for the Eagles, averaging more key passes, more shot-creating actions, more progressive carries per 90, and better output in both goals and assists this season.

The summer signing only ranks ahead of the former QPR man in one metric analysed above, and that is progressive passes per 90. This is most likely due to the deeper midfield role the Japan star has played on several occasions in the absence of Wharton, giving him more build-up responsibility in their own half.

The return of Eze could be exactly what Palace needs to start converting their chances and find that extra creative edge in games. With the Englishman in tow, they stand a far better chance of climbing their way out of the relegation zone and saving Glasner’s job.

Exciting Crystal Palace academy star could be their next Zaha

This Crystal Palace academy star can finally replace Zaha.

ByConnor Holden Nov 28, 2024

Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O’Neil made some positive signings during the summer transfer window, but he has yet to see the fruits of his labour.

After nine Premier League matches this term, the Old Gold have drawn two and lost seven, failing to win a single game as they currently occupy 19th place in the table.

In fairness, the club faced Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City during the opening period of the campaign. A tough start indeed.

The Molineux side did show plenty of fight to rescue a point against Brighton and Hove Albion on the weekend, scoring twice in the dying minutes and this should give O’Neil some confidence that they are on the right path, even if results don’t necessarily show it.

Despite the influx of players during the summer, it was one of the stars from last season who came up with the goods against the south coast side last week – Matheus Cunha.

Matheus Cunha’s season in numbers for Wolves

Last season, the Brazilian was arguably Wolves’ key player as they managed to avoid a relegation battle, finishing in 14th place, although they did secure wins over Man City and Chelsea throughout the campaign.

Cunha scored 14 goals for the Old Gold to end 2023/24 as the club’s highest scorer, and he is carrying that form into the current campaign.

Despite the Midlands side struggling domestically, the former Atlético Madrid star has scored four goals in the opening nine league matches of 2024/25, including the late equaliser against Brighton last weekend.

If the forward can continue to score over the next few weeks, Wolves might secure their first three points of the season, especially with a run of slightly ‘easier’ fixtures to come against Crystal Palace and Southampton before the next international break.

It isn’t just his goals which make Cunha a vital cog in the Wolves’ machine, as the Brazilian loves to create chances for others, as evidenced by the fact he has already created five big chances and averages 1.7 key passes per game in the top flight.

The 25-year-old also succeeds with 1.7 dribbles per game – a success rate of 58% – allowing him to get the better of the opposite defence, thus creating space to generate either a scoring chance or to assist a teammate.

His contribution to the club since August 2023 cannot be underestimated and it Wolves do suffer relegation at the end of the season, he will surely have no shortage of potential suitors looking to snap him up next summer.

Now, if goals can come from other sources, the Old Gold may just move away from the drop zone in the coming weeks. If only they had a striker who was able to chip in with goals on a regular basis. Someone like Raul Jimenez, for example…

Raul Jimenez's record at Wolves

The Mexican striker emerged as somewhat of a cult figure during his spell at Wolves, especially with the form he displayed across his first couple of seasons.

Having joined the club from Benfica in the summer of 2018 on a season-long loan deal, Nuno Espírito Santo agreed a £30m deal with the Portuguese striker ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

Over those two seasons, Jimenez scored a total of 40 goals for the club, including ten in the Europa League, as the Old Gold reached the quarter-finals of the competition.

This was as good as it got for the Mexican star, however, as the following three seasons saw him score just 13 goals in all competitions as he bravely battled back from a skull fracture, among other ailments, which saw the 33-year-old miss 54 games in total.

It was clear his future at Wolves was bleak, and he was sold to Fulham for just £5m in the summer of 2023.

Considering he was entering the final few years of his career; it looked like a decent decision by the club. 18 months later, however, could the Old Gold regret letting him leave for such a small fee considering how impressive he has been in London?

Raul Jimenez’s stats for Fulham

It took a while for the player to get going at Craven Cottage, but he ended up netting seven times in 24 Premier League games last term. A hamstring injury meant he missed a chunk of the campaign.

It now looks as though he has put all his problems behind him, enjoying a wonderful start to the current season for the Cottagers. Indeed, five goals across 11 games in all competitions suggest there is life in the old dog yet.

With Cunha having scored four times for Wolves, Jimenez is even outscoring the Brazilian. Might the club rue letting him leave last year?

Like the current Wolves centre-forward, Jimenez has also contributed in other areas. Not only has he created four big chances, but the Mexican international averages 0.9 key passes per game while grabbing an assist.

Jimenez is also still shining for his country, scoring against the USA in a recent friendly between the two nations, and he was praised by coach Javier Aguirre in the process.

“He came back very well [from his injury], very well. He’s scored goals, he’s made assists. He looks mature and in good form, having completely overcome his injury. I think he is definitely a leader for us.” Said the manager post-game, and it looks as though Jimenez is enjoying an Indian summer.

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.

If he carries on his current form over the next few months, Fulham could secure a top-half finish in the Premier League for only the second time since 2012.

Wolves’ loss has very much been Fulham’s gain, especially with the striker going through a purple patch right now.

Wolves wasted £26m on Nuno flop who earned way more than Cunha does

Wolverhampton Wanderers wasted lots of money on this dud.

By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 30, 2024

New Zealand took the lead after bowling the visitors out for their lowest total batting first since 1932

Firdose Moonda16-Feb-2022

Matt Henry recorded the joint-third-best figures by a New Zealand bowler with a career-best 7 for 23, including three wickets in the same over, to dismiss South Africa for their lowest total against New Zealand and lowest in 23 Tests. On a seamer-friendly Christchurch surface, Henry made use of the movement and bounce and almost single-handedly bowled South Africa out for 95, their lowest total batting first since 1932. In so doing, Henry registered the best bowling figures against South Africa since 1915. And if the historical data is not enough to underline New Zealand’s dominance of the opening day, their top four wiped out the deficit inside 34 overs, and took the lead by the close of play.The Test match got underway at midnight South African time and anyone who stayed up might have wondered if it was the team, and not them, who were sleep deprived. Not only did no-one score more than Zubayr Hamza’s 25 but they also dropped four chances in the field in an underwhelming showing, especially coming off their series win against India. South Africa are notorious slow starters and were made to look even slower by a clinical and energetic New Zealand side.Henry, who did not play in New Zealand’s last five Tests and was a replacement for paternity leave absentee Trent Boult, set the tone when he nipped out three of the top four in the morning session. He returned after lunch to claim four more and leave South Africa shell-shocked.His first incision was a big one, when he got rid of Dean Elgar in the 10th over of the morning. The South African captain reached away from his body to drive an outswinger and got a thick edge to third slip. Tim Southee, who had opened the bowling at the other end, took a diving catch to his left to dismiss Elgar for 1.That left debutant Sarel Erwee, who was in because Keegan Petersen could not make the trip after contracting Covid-19, with Aiden Markram, the out-of-form opener now moved to No. 3. Erwee left well to start but grew more tentative and was eventually sent back when Kyle Jamieson, bowling first change, forced him to play at a short of a length delivery that he edged to Daryl Mitchell at first slip.South Africa were 22 for 2 after 10 overs and New Zealand continued to pile on the pressure. Only five runs were scored in the next six overs and Markram seemed particularly vulnerable. He survived a tight lbw shout but soon enough, in trying to punch Henry off the back foot, he underestimated the movement on offer and was caught behind. Markram has not scored more than 16 runs in his last nine Test innings, dating back to June 2021.Rassie van der Dussen was dismissed in the same over, squared up by a good length delivery that straightened on him and edged to third slip where Southee took another good catch. At 37 for 4, South Africa would have been pleased that they included an extra specialist batter in their XI. Hamza made a comeback after last playing Test cricket two years ago and even looked convincing for a while, pulling and driving Southee, but then Henry had him prodding at a back of a length ball without moving his feet and was caught behind.That was Henry’s second session warm-up wicket. His main act came two overs later when he struck Kyle Verreynne on the knee roll with a full ball and New Zealand reviewed. Hawkeye showed the ball would go on to hit leg stump and Henry had his first Test five-for. Four balls later, Henry had Kagiso Rabada caught behind. Debutant Glenton Stuurman went the same way. South Africa were 88 for 8 and then 88 for 9 with Henry on a hat-trick. He didn’t get there and it was Wagner who ended the innings, with Duanne Olivier caught at second slip.New Zealand began their reply positively but South Africa had an early opportunity to dent them when Stuurman, sharing the new ball in his first Test, induced a leading edge from Tom Latham but Marco Jansen, at gully, could not hold on.Jansen made up for his mistake by dismissing Will Young in his first over and South Africa wrested back some control when Olivier bowled Latham with a scrambled seam delivery that hit the top of off stump. But then they let another chance go begging when Hamza dropped Henry Nicholls at third slip. The day kept drifting away from South Africa, a feeling amplified by Temba Bavuma shelling another chance when Nicholls cut Rabada to him at point.Nicholls and Devon Conway put on a stand of 75 and take New Zealand into the lead but Olivier separated them when he bowled Conway off the inside-edge. That could have given South Africa some cheer at the end of a long day but van der Dussen dropped a late chance when nightwatchman Neil Wagner turned an Oliver delivery to him at short leg. Van der Dussen was not anticipating the chance and had to react quickly, but the ball hit him on the body and fell to the floor. A metaphor for South Africa’s day.

As last season ended and Arsenal sat two points behind Manchester City, they entered the summer transfer window knowing they probably didn’t need a whole lot in order to go one better next time.

Improvement was necessary, though. They sought that in the form of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori – someone who had shone at Euro 2024 – and Spain’s Mikel Merino, a man who lifted the trophy at the end of the competition.

Raheem Sterling also signed late in the day, arriving from Chelsea on loan in the dying embers of deadline day.

While Calafiori and Merino have earned plenty of game time since arriving, Sterling has not, despite the problems Mikel Arteta has faced on the flanks.

Arsenal's issues out wide

In years gone by the wide areas of this Arsenal team have been some of the most exciting. In the 2022/23 campaign, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka were livewires in attack and it was very difficult for many defences to contain them.

Saka ended that year with 15 goals and 11 assists to his name while Martinelli ended it with the same number of goals and six assists.

However, while Saka has kicked on since that moment, scoring 17 the following season, the Brazilian’s fall-off has been concerning.

In 2023/24, the bargain £6m signing only found the back of the net eight times in all competitions and went through large patches without contributing much in the final third.

It’s been a similar story this time around for the 23-year-old whose lack of cutting edge has left Arteta visibly frustrated at times.

He has missed a heap of golden opportunities, notably firing straight at Kepa Arrizabalaga when the score was still 0-0 in the defeat to Bournemouth and spurning a similar opportunity against Chelsea last time out.

Martinelli did eventually score a vital goal at Stamford Bridge but that was just his third in 11 Premier League outings.

So, improvement is needed, specifically on that left flank but as we’ve found out, Saka’s fitness has waned this term and he cannot be expected to play a whole season on the right again without much rest.

Arsenal's solution on the wing

The easy thing to do would be sign more depth and quality in the January transfer window. Over the summer they were linked with a move for Spain’s Nico Williams but he showed very little will to force through a move from his boyhood club Athletic Bilbao.

It’s likely any move for him would have to wait until the summer. But what about Real Madrid’s Rodrygo?

Martinelli’s fellow Brazilian was touted with a move to the Gunners a few months ago as he fell into the shadow of Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe at the Bernabeu.

Since those summer links, the 23-year-old has played 11 times in LaLiga and scored on three occasions, matching Martinelli’s league tally.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Rodrygo initially began the season as a starter on the right of Carlo Ancelotti’s attack but over the last month has found himself as more of a substitute due to a switch in formation which has seen Vinicius and Mbappe act as a two-prong attack.

So, it’s rather likely that Rodrygo may struggle for regular starts over the course of the rest of the season. Step forward, Arsenal, who could see the door open on a mesmerising Martinelli rival or replacement.

One problem is his likely valuation. CIES Football Observatory suggest it may take something in the region of £146m to prise him away from the Spanish capital, although it’s likely a deal could be brokered at a lower price.

Though, as data analyst Ben Mattinson put it, he could be an “Alexis [Sanchez] 2.0 signing”. The Chilean was stuck in the shadow of the likes of Neymar and Lionel Messi at Barcelona before moving to the Gunners where he became the main man, eventually leaving north London having scored 80 times in 166 matches.

So, why would Rodrygo be such a captivating signing?

Goals

0.39

0.41

Assists

0.26

0.14

Key passes

1.58

2.43

Progressive passes

1.97

4.46

Shot-creating actions

2.77

4.87

Goal-creating actions

0.26

0.54

Successful take-ons

1.84

1.89

Take-on success %

40%

44%

Progressive carries

5.13

4.19

Carries into penalty box

2.11

2.30

Well, as you can see, he betters Martinelli in a heap of statistics, but most notably he comes out on top in chance creation.

That’s been quite the problem for Arteta’s side in 2024/25 to date, with Arsenal sitting seventh in the Premier League this season for goal-creating actions (30) which is an average of 2.73 per 90. When it comes to shot-creating actions (268), they are down in tenth.

As such, the fact Rodrygo is producing far better numbers than Martinelli in those two areas should boost the squad significantly.

While both produce an impressive number of progressive carries and take-ons per 90 minutes, Rodrygo does so while proving far more decisive in the final third. On that evidence, he’d be a seriously good signing if Arsenal revived their interest over the winter.

Arsenal target winter move for £90m Trossard & Martinelli upgrade

Arsenal are looking at ways to strengthen their attack over the winter.

1 ByMatt Dawson Nov 3, 2024

Looking to make an instant impact, The Friedkin Group could now make a rising La Liga star their first signing at Goodison Park with Everton reportedly solidifying their interest to secure his signature.

Everton transfer news

Dan Friedkin has quite the task on his hands when he arrives at Everton. The pending new owner will be tasked with stopping the rot on the blue half of Merseyside both on the pitch and away from the action when it comes to finances and recruitment.

"Terrific" £25k-p/w Everton star now pictured in training before Brentford

He was in good form before suffering an untimely blow.

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 15, 2024

The American, as things stand, will at least be taking charge of a Premier League side, however, with Everton currently on course to avoid relegation. Whether that will be enough to save Sean Dyche’s job remains to be seen, though, amid fresh ambitions at the beginning of a new era at Goodison Park.

Whether it’s with or without Dyche, the new owners have seemingly already turned their attention towards reinforcements. According to GiveMeSport, Christantus Uche could become Friedkin’s first signing after Everton recently solidified their interest.

A player with a reported €20m (£17m) release clause at Getafe, which clubs will need to meet in the January transfer window, Everton and Friedkin may be better off waiting until the summer, when his price tag could reportedly drop below the €15m (£13m) mark.

Amid rival interest from the likes of Aston Villa, Chelsea and Bournemouth, it would be quite the statement if Friedkin managed to sign Uche and hand Everton a midfield boost in the process. Still just 21 years old, the Nigerian has enjoyed a rapid rise in La Liga.

"Versatile" Uche has enjoyed remarkable rise

As Everton approach a new era, they’ll have to get ruthless if they want to rediscover their place in the Premier League’s top half. And that should see Abdoulaye Doucoure replace now that he’s 31 years old and only likely to decrease in valuation and importance in Dyche’s side. In his place should be 21-year-old Uche, whose battle into the spotlight is truly remarkable.

Scouted Football explained the midfielder’s talent and incredible journey to reach Spain’s top division, describing Uche as “versatile” along the way.

Now, the Getafe star could take his biggest step yet by swapping La Liga for the Premier League and Getafe and Everton next year. Stepping in for the ageing Doucoure or indeed Idrissa Gueye, Uche has the chance to make history as the first of many Friedkin signings when they finally arrive at Goodison Park.