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The opener picked up a quad injury in the field and is unlikely to recover in time for Australia’s next match

Andrew McGlashan01-Mar-20251:23

Agar: Johnson lived up to Starc comparisons

Australia are likely to have to alter their top order for the Champions Trophy semi-final after Matthew Short picked up a quad injury against Afghanistan which is expected to rule him out.Short suffered the injury late in Afghanistan’s innings and though he did open the batting alongside Travis Head, laboured between the wickets and was largely restricted to trying to hit boundaries.He managed to club his way to 20 off 15 balls in what became a useful opening stand of 44 in 4.3 overs before being caught at mid-on but captain Steven Smith admitted time wasn’t on Short’s side.”I think he’ll be struggling,” Smith said at the post-match presentation. “I think we saw tonight he wasn’t moving very well. I think it’s probably going to be too quick between games for him to recover.”Related

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Jake Fraser-McGurk, himself a replacement for the injured Mitchell Marsh, is the spare batter in the squad and would be a like-for-like swap for Short at the top of the order. However, there are other options Australia could consider with allrounder Aaron Hardie a possibility if someone else is moved up to open.”We’ve got a few guys there to come in and we’ll be able to fill a job,” Smith said.Cooper Connolly, the left-handed batter and left-arm spinner, is a travelling reserve and could come into the squad if Short was officially ruled out for the rest of the tournament.Matt Short injured himself in the field•AFP/Getty ImagesShort’s absence would also remove a spin-bowling option from the attack. He did an excellent job against Afghanistan with his seven overs costing just 21. However, Australia do have a number of batters who can bowl spin with Head and Marnus Labuschagne, who took two wickets against England, not used on Friday.Australia suffered a number of injuries leading into the tournament with Marsh (back), Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood (hip) and Mitchell Starc (ankle) all missing while Marcus Stoinis announced his retirement.A complicating factor for both the teams who qualify from Group B – South Africa are favourites to join Australia – is that they won’t know whether they are playing the semi-final in Dubai or Lahore until the conclusion of the India-New Zealand game on Sunday night.Group B finishing positions will be known after South Africa play England on Saturday but while India (Dubai) and New Zealand (Lahore) are locked into their venues for the semi-finals their final group position will determine who they face.If South Africa beat England and top the group, Australia will play the winner of New Zealand-India; if England win, Australia will face the loser of that game.Both qualified teams will fly to Dubai early, to give whoever plays the first semi-final an extra day to prepare, but one side will then have to return to Pakistan*. Conditions in Dubai, where India play all their matches, have provided some assistance for the spinners. Australia do have legspinner Tanveer Sangha as another frontline option in their squad.Playing in Lahore would provide more familiar conditions for Australia with two of their group matches having taken place there including the one victory when they chased 352 against England. But there would still be a chance of them needing to travel to Dubai with the final hosted in the UAE should India qualify, otherwise it will be played in Lahore.10.30am GMT: This story was updated after confirmation of travel schedules

Leeds United are now leading the race for an “incredible” attacker, and they are ready to trigger his release clause, according to a report.

Leeds looking to sign another attacker after Calvert-Lewin

Leeds are closing in on the signing of former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with David Ornstein revealing the Englishman is now set to undergo a medical before completing a move to Elland Road.

However, Gary Lineker is not entirely convinced the 28-year-old has what it takes to be a success in Daniel Farke’s side, saying: “I suppose if you look back at his career there’s been a decent season or two. He’s got all the attributes [but], he’s not a clean finisher and that for a striker is an issue.

“He’s never going to be a 20/25 goals a season player even in a side that’s really attacking and has got creative players. I think in the end in football, you find your level.”

While Lineker doesn’t believe Calvert-Lewin is cut out to be a top striker even with a playmaker behind him, Leeds are now planning to add a new attacking midfielder to their ranks, and they have moved into pole position in the race for his signature…

Offer made: Leeds tabled near club-record £34.5m bid to sign "revelation"

The Whites have now tabled a big offer for a forward.

1 ByDominic Lund Aug 13, 2025

According to a report from Caught Offside, the Whites are now leading the race for Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, having taken the most concrete steps to secure a deal, amid rival interest from the likes of Newcastle United, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund.

Having already held talks with El Khannouss’ representatives and offered the attacking midfielder a £50k-a-week salary, the Premier League newcomers are now ready to trigger the £24.5m release clause in his Leicester contract.

"Incredible" El Khannouss could flourish at Elland Road

While the 21-year-old struggled to find his rhythm in a very poor Leicester side last season, picking up just five Premier League goal contributions, there are indications the youngster could be a success at Elland Road.

At times in the 2024-25 campaign, the Morocco-born playmaker did manage to impress, being lauded as “incredible” by talkSPORT writer Jack Johnson after impressing in his side’s 2-0 defeat against Manchester City.

The starlet also managed to make a good impression on Pep Guardiola, having confirmed the Man City boss complimented his performance after the match, saying: “He (Guardiola) said he was impressed by my play today. I am not. I know myself and this is the player I can be. I have to show that every week now.”

El Khannouss deserves another chance in the Premier League, and Leeds should look to finalise a deal before Newcastle or Dortmund step up their interest.

Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes turned down a direct approach to join Al-Nassr from Cristiano Ronaldo in order to stay at the Red Devils.

• Fernandes turns down Ronaldo approach
• United star wants to stay in Premier League for another year
• World Cup preparation at forefront of Fernandes' mind

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Fernandes was approached numerous times by clubs in Saudi Arabia, but was determined to remain at United for at least one more season. report that three approaches, including one from Al-Nassr and their talisman Ronaldo, were rebuffed by the Portuguese midfielder. Fernandes is understood to favour remaining in Europe ahead of the World Cup next summer and will reject any further offers from the Saudi Pro League should they be made.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Fernandes has been United's key player for a number of seasons now and the Red Devils would be reluctant to let him depart for anything other than a major fee – one that Saudi Arabian clubs could potentially stump up. Despite the Red Devils' stuttering performances on the pitch, Fernandes has been one of the few consistent bright sparks and few sides across the world would not improve with his addition. The 30-year-old is not ready to follow his national team's captain to the Middle East just yet.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ronaldo's influence at Al-Nassr is undeniable and following his contract extension at the club, he has been granted more power and influence to bring in players of his choosing. After failing to strike up an immediate relationship with Ronaldo and despite his major money switch from Aston Villa, Jhon Duran was allowed to leave the club after just six months. Chelsea and Portugal forward Joao Felix was brought in as Duran's replacement and Ronaldo wanted Fernandes to create a Portuguese trifecta in the Al-Nassr attack – but with little success.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR FERNANDES?

  Having earned United's first win of the season against Burnley from the penalty spot last weekend, Fernandes will hope to keep inspiring the Red Devils. Ruben Amorim's side face a short but tricky trip to take on their rivals Manchester City next weekend.

It’s been a long exodus from the Premier League for Sunderland, but come the 15th of August, the Black Cats will finally be plying their trade in the luxuries of the top division once more.

West Ham United will visit the Stadium of Light on the opening day as Regis Le Bris’ men pray that a victory comes their way to instantly calm the Wearside masses.

Funnier things have occurred on the dramatic opening day of England’s premium division, and with the number of high-profile signings that have arrived through the door, Sunderland will surely be confident they can down the Hammers to start the season off on the best possible note.

Heroes could well be made across the campaign as the Black Cats attempt to stay afloat in the Premier League, with many of the new Sunderland faces no doubt hoping they can insert themselves into the club’s hall-of-fame if survival is secured, much like Jermain Defoe managed when he led the line with class across a century of appearances on Wearside.

Defoe's goalscoring heroics at Sunderland

Unfortunately for the former Tottenham Hotspur striker, he would suffer relegation to the EFL with the Black Cats. But, he is still held in high esteem for his goal-scoring heroics away from the unfortunate blemish on his CV.

Across those 100 games for the club, Defoe would go on to bag a high 37 strikes in total, with a large portion of those – 15 to be exact – coming during the 2015/16 campaign as Sunderland just about held on to their Premier League status by the skin of their teeth. Without Defoe’s crucial contributions, a relegation would have occurred far swifter.

Sunderland will hope they aren’t light on their feet in the striker department when heading up to the Premier League, with 13-goal hero Wilson Isidor from last season never being exposed to the pressures of the English top-flight before.

With exciting talents from Spain in the form of Gonzalo Garcia and Luis Suarez also reportedly on their radar, Le Bris and Co. could well be better off snapping up an experienced head up top who knows the Premier League inside out to ensure safety is reached at a minimum, with this target one they should pursue if they want to win their next potential version of Defoe.

Sunderland could sign the next Defoe

After all, whilst Sunderland fans are getting carried away about their quick-fire summer business, there is no guarantee that the likes of Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki will hit the ground running immediately in the tense environment of the Premier League.

Whereas, if he can wriggle free of his recurring injury issues, Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be able to slot into the Sunderland XI and lead the line with confidence in this regard, having amassed a mammoth 239 appearances in the competitive division to date.

His know-how of the division has alerted the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle United to his free agent services, too, having waved goodbye to his long-term Merseyside employers this summer.

That will ensure that Sunderland – who have been linked to the injury-prone striker via a prior report from SportsBoom – will have their work cut out to land the ex-Toffees number nine over their higher-up competitors.

Yet, Sunderland has already shown a degree of bravery in the whirlwind transfer market when pipping the likes of Leeds to the signatures of both Diarra and Sadiki, and whilst the Red Devils and the Magpies will be tantalising prospects for Calvert-Lewin to move to, he will surely know more regular game-time would come his way at the Stadium of Light.

Calvert-Lewin’s record at Everton in the PL
Stat	Calvert-Lewin
Games played	239
Substitute appearances	60
Goals scored	57
Assists	15
Penalty record	5/6 scored (83%)
Duels won	1423
Stats from the Premier League

When he isn’t being plagued by recurring trips to the treatment room, Calvert-Lewin has shown across his extensive Premier League career that he can be a reliable source of goals, with 57 strikes next to his name from 239 top-flight outings. At one stage back in 2020, amid interest from Man United, he was even valued at £80m by the Toffees.

This wealth of experience puts him on the same pedestal as the now-retired ex-Sunderland striker, with his wide-spanning knowledge of the tough division, and his goalscoring expertise when fit, making him that Defoe-like figure, away from just their shared international allegiance to England.

Like his compatriot too – who originally joined the Black Cats in 2015 from MLS side Toronto – there is a feeling of Calvert-Lewin needing to revive his career somewhat, having scored just three league goals last term.

Further hailed as being “sensational” by football journalist Connor O’Neill last year when starring for Everton, this does feel like a shrewd pick-up that might just ensure Sunderland’s relegation nightmares are lessened.

It will, of course, be up to the ex-Sheffield United man to try and get back to his injury-free best. But, if he can turn back into being a “monster” in front of goal – as he was also once labelled by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – he could be the spark that steers the Black Cats away from relegation, much like Defoe was once capable of.

Dream squad Sunderland could build: £112m spent on 7 signings after Talbi

Sunderland looks ready to take the Premier League by storm, with this being potentially what their dream squad could look like very soon.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 6, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur made a big splash in the market on Thursday night when they officially confirmed the signing of Mohammed Kudus from Premier League rivals West Ham United.

The Ghana international has put pen to paper on a long-term contract with the Lilywhites and will be hoping to shine on the Champions League stage next season.

Thomas Frank and Daniel Levy are not done there, though, as they are also looking to bring Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White to North London.

The Guardian reports that his expected £60m transfer to the club has been delayed by Forest’s complaint that Spurs did not have permission to speak with the player, and their complaint around the confidentiality of the £60m release clause in his contract.

It states that the Tricky Trees consider the deal to be off, but the feeling is that their protestations are likely to delay a transfer, rather than derail it.

However, it now remains to be seen exactly how this transfer saga is going to play out, as Spurs hope that they will be able to add him to their squad before long.

What Morgan Gibbs-White could bring to Spurs

The 25-year-old ace could add to Frank’s depth in the attacking midfield department as a player who has already proven his quality in the Premier League with Forest.

However, although it should not be completely ruled out, Spurs supporters should not be expecting a generational talent to arrive at the club in the form of Gibbs-White.

In fact, there is no guarantee that he will come in as a significant upgrade on Tottenham’s current number ten James Maddison, if they are even competing for the same place in Frank’s system.

Their respective performances in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign, despite Forest finishing higher in the Premier League, suggest that he may not be an upgrade on Maddison at all.

24/25 Premier League

Gibbs-White

Maddison

Appearances

34

31

xG

6.34

5.83

Goals

7

9

Big chances created

10

6

xA

4.69

5.91

Assists

8

7

Possession lost per game

12.7

10.3

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the former Norwich man’s output – goals and xA – was more impressive than Gibbs-White’s, despite playing fewer games and giving the ball away fewer times per game.

These statistics suggest that they are, in fact, fairly similar in what they offer at the top end of the pitch and could provide healthy competition for each other, rather than Gibbs-White, who has only been capped four times by England, coming in as an immediate upgrade.

Meanwhile, Spurs are reportedly interested in signing another English midfielder who is an even bigger talent than the Nottingham Forest attacker.

Spurs eyeing move for English midfielder

According to GIVEMESPORT, Frank has pinpointed Crystal Palace central midfielder Adam Wharton as a ‘leading target’ for the summer transfer window.

The report claims that it will be a difficult deal for the Europa League champions to pull off, but Daniel Levy has been given the ‘green light’ to make more big-money signings to bolster the squad.

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

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It adds that Wharton is now ‘firmly’ in Frank’s sights as the Danish head coach wants to beef up his options in the middle of the park ahead of next season.

The outlet states that the English maestro is an ‘ambitious’ target for the Lilywhites, who are now weighing up whether or not to make a formal approach for the former Blackburn star.

GIVEMESPORT reveals that Palace are set to demand a fee of at least £80m for the left-footed defensive midfielder, and it remains to be seen whether or not Tottenham are willing to spend that much on him this summer.

Why Spurs should sign Adam Wharton

Tottenham should, if they have the funds, splash the cash to bring the Eagles sensation to North London in the weeks to come because he is an even bigger talent than Gibbs-White who is worth paying the extra £20m for.

The 21-year-old is four years younger than the Forest star, yet has already been capped by England and is currently valued at £20m more than him, at £80m.

Wharton, despite his young age, has emerged as one of the hottest midfield properties in the division because of the immense quality that he provides on the pitch at both ends of the pitch.

The left-footed star is a rare talent who combines physicality, athleticism, intelligence, technical ability, and determination. In short, he has everything that you could wish to ask for from a deep-lying midfielder.

Wharton, who was highly praised by Declan Rice last year, averaged 2.7 tackles and interceptions and 5.1 ball recoveries per game in the Premier League last term, without making a single mistake that led to a shot or a goal for the opposition.

To go along with the defensive qualities that the English youngster offers in the middle of the park, the Palace star would be an upgrade on what Frank currently has in midfield from an in-possession perspective.

Adam Wharton vs Tottenham’s CMs

24/25 Premier League

Progressive passes per 90

Shot-creating actions

Adam Wharton

7.31

4.03

Rodrigo Bentancur

5.47

2.46

Yves Bissouma

4.79

1.02

Archie Gray

2.06

0.31

Pape Matar Sarr

4.14

2.12

Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, Wharton is significantly better at progressing play with his passes and knitting together moves that result in shots for his side than the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma are, based on his form last term.

This proves that the £80m-rated metronome, who has been called “world-class” by journalist Luke Weaser-Seychell, is a midfielder who combines defensive work with exceptional play on the ball.

Therefore, Wharton could arrive at Spurs this summer as an upgrade on what they currently have at their disposal, which is why they should be pushing to bring him in.

It is also further evidence that he would be an even bigger talent for the club than Gibbs-White, as a more expensive signing who could walk straight into the XI, whilst the attacking midfielder may not find it easy to take Maddison’s place.

Related Kudus' dream striker: £50m star now wants to join Spurs after Gibbs-White

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 11, 2025

Manchester City could now sign a £100m attacker in a swap deal, with Matheus Nunes potentially set to be sent in the opposite direction, according to a report.

City eyeing new attackers amid Grealish uncertainty

It was another season to forget for Jack Grealish on a personal level, with the winger picking up just two goal contributions across the entire Premier League season, before being left out of the squad for the trip to Craven Cottage on the final day.

There have been widespread suggestions that Grealish could move on this summer, with Manchester United even emerging as shock contenders for the Englishman, but Pep Guardiola has made it clear the decision not to select him against Fulham wasn’t personal.

That said, having fallen short of expectations last season, Guardiola is planning to rebuild his squad this summer, and City have been linked with moves for a range of different attackers, whose arrivals could spell the end for Grealish.

Player	Current club	Potential cost
Ethan Nwaneri	Arsenal	£84m
Hugo Ekitike	Eintracht Frankfurt	£85m
Francisco Trincao	Sporting CP	£34m
Rodrygo	Real Madrid	£85m
Morgan Gibbs-White	Nottingham Forest	£100m

There has now been a new update on Man City’s pursuit of Gibbs-White, with a report from The Sun revealing they could sign the attacking midfielder in a stunning swap deal, with Nunes potentially heading in the opposite direction to bring down the £100m price tag.

Forest boss Nuno is a big fan of the Portuguese midfielder, with the Blues now prepared to sell the 26-year-old for £35m, should he not be used as a bargaining chip in a deal for the Forest midfielder.

Guardiola admires "exceptional" Gibbs-White

It is no surprise that City are now interested in signing the England international, given that he has received high praise from Guardiola this season, with the 54-year-old describing the Forest star as an “exceptional” player.

Although Forest were ultimately pipped to the Champions League spots, they can still be proud of qualifying for the Europa Conference League, and the 25-year-old was one of the players integral to their success, picking up seven goals and ten assists.

Romano: Man City now prioritising summer move to sign "excellent" defender

He would be an instant upgrade.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 24, 2025

The idea of getting Nunes off the books may also appeal to Guardiola, considering the City boss has been critical of the Portugal international at times as of late, saying: “He can become a good right-back for the physicality. I think he’s not a player to play in the middle because he’s not clever enough, in composure.”

Having secured Champions League football, a move to Man City is likely to be of great appeal to Gibbs-White this summer, and using Nunes as part of a swap deal could work for all parties.

It’s safe to say no Leeds United fan could have envisaged the impact midfielder Ao Tanaka would have had during his debut campaign at Elland Road.

The Japanese international joined the club in a £3.5m deal from German side Fortuna Düsseldorf, a transfer that now appears to be a bargain given his importance to Daniel Farke’s side.

He managed to register 43 appearances in the Championship during 2024/25, scoring five goals in the league, including one against Sheffield United, which was crucial in their promotion battle.

Such displays led to the 26-year-old being included in the Championship Team of the Season, being joined by teammates Jayden Bogle and Daniel James.

If the side are to secure survival in the Premier League next season, they will need to conduct shrewd business, with bargain deals needing to be replicated – just as it was for Tanaka 12 months ago.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer

With just a couple of weeks until the transfer window opens, Leeds have already started work on numerous deals and are targeting various players across the globe.

James McAtee and Sean Longstaff are just two midfielders who have been touted with a switch to Yorkshire this summer, with their Premier League experience likely to be vital.

However, other targets have been on their radar, including Borussia Mönchengladbach star Julian Weigl, that’s according to a report in Germany, via Sport Witness.

The 29-year-old, who’s been a target in recent months, has once again appeared on their radar, with the report claiming that Farke is keen on a reunion after their stint in the Bundesliga together.

It also states that he may be lured to Elland Road by his compatriot with the opportunity to be a regular starter in their hunt for survival, said to be in any negotiations.

Why Leeds’ latest target could be even better than Tanaka

The chances of securing Premier League safety in 2025/26 will be a tough task for Farke’s men, that’s especially if recent seasons in the top-flight are anything to go by.

Each of the last six teams to reach the promised land have all suffered immediate returns to the Championship, such is the gap between the two divisions.

Such a feat highlights the need for crucial investment, prioritising quality over quantity to build on the impressive work conducted by the German in recent seasons.

Transfer target Weigl would certainly do just that, with the 29-year-old having key experience at the top level, as seen by his stint at Borussia Dortmund over a four-year period.

When comparing his stats to those of Tanaka from the current campaign, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, highlighting the quality he possesses.

Games played

33

43

Minutes played

2881

3584

Pass accuracy

90%

88%

% of tackles won

61%

50%

Blocks made

1.7

1.2

Interceptions made

1.5

1.4

Take-ons completed

88%

41%

Aerials won

67%

62%

The German, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Toni Kroos, has registered more passes completed this campaign, whilst completing more take-ons, showcasing the threat he poses in possession.

He’s also managed to win more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst completing more interceptions – handing the Whites an added defensive presence in what’s likely to be a difficult campaign.

Weigl has also won more aerial duels, potentially posing a threat from set pieces, offering a different dimension as the club looks to buck the recent trend in the Premier League.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Mönchengladbach star would set the hierarchy back this summer, but from the stats he’s produced, he could prove to be a superb addition.

If he’s able to get anywhere near the levels produced by Tanaka in recent months, he will be an excellent option in the top flight and potentially provide the difference between safety and relegation.

Better signing than Vardy: Leeds make move for "extraordinary" £13m CF

Leeds are looking for a new striker this summer

3 ByJoe Nuttall May 23, 2025

Arsenal have a huge summer ahead of them if they are to finally make the step-up and end their generational wait for a Premier League title triumph.

Mikel Arteta has led the Gunners to a second-placed finish in each of the last two seasons, looking increasingly likely to finish in the same position once again this time around.

Additions are needed in the summer if they are to push for a title battle, with squad depth needed in key areas of the pitch to prevent a repeat of the situation that has occurred this campaign.

Injuries have plagued the squad, leading to various players having to operate in unfamiliar roles, restricting the progress the Gunners have made under the Spaniard’s guidance.

However, with the summer rapidly approaching, new sporting director Andrea Berta has wasted no time in identifying targets to improve the squad and help mount their title ambitions.

The latest on Arsenal’s pursuit of new attackers this summer

In recent days, Arsenal have taken the lead in the race for Athletic Club’s Spanish forward Nico Williams, with Barcelona pulling out of the running to land the 22-year-old.

The youngster has been on the club’s radar over the last couple of years, but it appears Berta looks set to reignite interest in his signature over the coming months.

A previous report has claimed that the Gunners are willing to trigger his £50m release clause within his current contract in an attempt to bolster Arteta’s forward line ahead of 2025/26.

However, other names have already been thrown into the mix, with Real Betis winger Jesus Rodriguez the latest name touted with a summer deal to the Emirates.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, Arteta’s men are leading the race for the 19-year-old’s signature but also face stiff competition from Liverpool and Chelsea for the star, who has a £42m release clause.

Why Rodriguez would be better than Williams for Arsenal

Williams will undoubtedly be top of many fans shopping list ahead of the summer transfer window, with his figures at the top level of LaLiga nothing short of sensational.

He would undoubtedly provide the options which the manager has been hunting for in recent months, offering a solution to their ongoing injury issues.

However, the same could be said for fellow target Rodriguez, with the compatriot potentially a better and cheaper alternative than the Athletic Club sensation.

It’s been the 19-year-old’s breakthrough year as a professional, playing a key role in the club’s hunt to claim Europa Conference League glory come the end of the season.

When comparing their respective stats from the current season, Rodriguez has managed to outperform fellow target Williams in numerous key areas – highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be in North London.

How Rodriguez compares to Williams in LaLiga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Rodriguez	Williams
Games played	15	27
Goals & assists	1	10
Shot-on-target accuracy	37%	36%
Pass accuracy	72%	70%
Tackles won	1.6	1.2
Take-on success	97%	36%
Carries into final third	3.4	2.6
Fouls won	3.6	1.6
Stats via FBref

The winger, who’s been labelled “outstanding” by analyst Ben Mattinson, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has managed to notch a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical nature in attacking areas.

He’s also managed to complete more take-ons this season, whilst also registering more carries into the final third per 90, highlighting the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.

Rodriguez is a threat at both ends of the pitch, winning more tackles per 90, having the defensive quality and work ethic to regain possession should the Gunners find themselves under the cosh.

Either winger would massively bolster the attacking department in North London, certainly providing the reinforcements Arteta has craved over the last couple of months.

But given the age difference and contrast in quality, the hierarchy must certainly push for Rodriguez’s signature, desperately needing to pursue a move to avoid missing out on him to an English rival.

Imagine him & Gyokeres: Arsenal leading the race to sign £50m sensation

Arsenal could be about to massively improve their forward line ahead of 2025/26.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 17, 2025

A late Australia fightback or Lee and Kasprowicz’s finishing act? Which Test was better? Vote now!

ESPNcricinfo staff16-May-2025Update: This poll has ended. The ENG-AUS 2005 Nottingham Test moves into the round of 16.The Trent Bridge thriller, 2005It was a Test of two halves.The first 11 sessions were about England’s march to a 2-1 lead in the fourth game of the Ashes. The 12th and final session, in which England were chasing a small(ish) target, was dragged into a great fight from the time Shane Warne took the wicket off his first ball. Had Australia won, they would have retained the Ashes with a game to spare.England were so dominant that they forced Australia to follow on after being bowled out for 218 inside 50 overs. Andrew Flintoff’s 102 off 132 balls and Geraint Jones’ 85, had propelled England to 477. In the third innings, Australia rode on half-centuries from Justin Langer, Michael Clarke and Simon Katich to post 387 and set England a target of 129.It wasn’t a cakewalk for England, though.The fourth innings lasted only 31.5 overs, where Brett Lee and Warne led a courageous Australian fightback. There was a period of calm when England moved from 32 for 1 to 103 for 4. But when Lee dramatically dismissed Kevin Pietersen and Flintoff to leave England at 111 for 6, Australia sensed a comeback. In the next over after Flintoff’s dismissal, Warne – who had by then picked up three wickets – removed Jones. It was left to Ashley Giles and Matthew Hoggard to fight it out. Slowly, they picked off the runs even as Lee peppered Hoggard with a mixture of bouncers and yorkers. Giles hit the winning runs, a flick through the onside for two, to the delight of a joyous England balcony.Lee and Kasprowicz steal a thriller, Johannesburg, 2006
The white-ball leg of this series was remembered for the 438 game, but in Tests, Australia earned a 3-0 clean sweep against South Africa.After two dominating performances in Cape Town and Durban, Australia were challenged in Johannesburg. In a scene of Edgbaston revisited, Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz buried their Ashes nightmares with a 19-run eighth-wicket partnership to secure victory in a fascinating Test.In the first innings, Lee scored a fighting 68-ball 64 at No. 9 after Michael Hussey’s 72, to stretch the visitors’ total but they were eventually all out for 270, thanks to Makhaya Ntini’s six-wicket haul. This was after South Africa posted 303 in the first innings.Set 292 for a win, Hussey’s 89 and Damien Martyn’s 101 had laid a platform for Australia. However, Australia stumbled at the fall of Hussey’s wicket, going from 198 for 2 to 275 for 8. Kasprowicz walked out to meet Lee with 17 to go.The duo overcame the 2005 flashbacks as Lee finished with an unbeaten 24 and Kasprowicz remained 7 not out.

Also, India’s poor partnership numbers and their issues with bowled and LBW dismissals

Sampath Bandarupalli02-Mar-2023272 Runs scored by India across their two innings in Indore. It is the joint-third lowest aggregate for India in a home Test when all out twice. India’s lowest aggregate is 212 against Australia in 2017 in Pune, followed by 247 in Chennai against England in 1977.8 for 64 Nathan Lyon’s bowling figures in India’s second innings, the second best for Australia in Tests against India, behind his 8 for 50 in Bengaluru during the 2017 tour. His Indore figures also puts him second best overall in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, behind his Bengaluru performance.113 Test wickets for Lyon against India. He is now the leading wicket-taker in Border-Gavaskar Trophy history, surpassing Anil Kumble’s tally of 111 wickets.Related

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53 Test wickets for Lyon in India, the second highest among visiting bowlers behind Derek Underwood’s 54. Lyon’s five five-wicket hauls in India are the joint most for a visiting bowler along with Richie Benaud.35 India’s highest partnership in this Test, between Cheteshwar Pujara and Shreyas Iyer for the fifth wicket in the second innings. Only twice have India had a smaller top partnership in a Test where they lost all 20 wickets: 20 runs against South Africa in Durban in 1997 and 31 against Australia in Brisbane in 1947.18 Wickets for Australia’s spinners in Indore, the joint most by them in a Test match in Asia. The Australian spinners also took 18 wickets against Sri Lanka during the last year’s Galle Test. It is the joint most for Australian spinners in a Test since they took 19 against England in Nottingham in 1934.12 Number of bowled or LBW dismissals for India in Indore, their their most in a Test since 13 such dismissals against England at Lord’s in 1959.76 The target set by India in Indore. The lowest target any team has failed to chase is 85 . The dubious distinction belongs to England against Australia in 1882, the game that gave rise to the Ashes.