Category Uncategorized

He’s playing his role to perfection in the World Cup and both team and country are loving it

Sidharth Monga05-Nov-20231:29

‘Ridiculous!’ – Anil Kumble marvels at Virat Kohli’s ODI numbers

The path Virat Kohli chose in Pune was a dangerous one. He possibly didn’t even choose that path but was led down it by KL Rahul. Not the path where he tried to hit sixes to get his 48th hundred even as India were running out of runs to chase. But the one where they started manipulating strike to get him there.India had plenty of overs and wickets in hand, so there was no risk of losing. Let’s also put aside the possible disrespect to the opposition – telling them you are beating them with plenty of time to spare – because there are arguments against that too. It was the attention he was drawing to himself. Telling the whole country, which hangs on to his every word and gesture – that he is so keen to get to No. 50 that he is willing to do something he has never done.Remember the 2014 T20 World Cup semi-final when MS Dhoni blocked the last ball of the 19th over so that Kohli, who had fashioned the chase, could hit the winning runs? Then you also probably remember Kohli’s reaction. He was baffled Dhoni would do something like that. If that man is now manipulating strike for a hundred – and he went on to do that in a much closer game than the one in Pune – he is telling the nation he wants to get this thing done with.Related

Unapologetically yours, Virat Kohli

Gill, Siraj lead big Indian splash at the top of ICC ODI rankings

Kohli vs Tendulkar: A comparison of their 49 ODI hundreds

'Gives the world a gift on his own birthday' – The world of cricket celebrates with Virat Kohli

Jadeja razes South Africa for 83 after Kohli scores 49th ODI ton

Remember what Sachin Tendulkar went through when he was stuck on 99? These are his words: “Wherever I went, the restaurant, room service, everyone was talking about the 100th hundred. Nobody talked about my 99 hundreds. It became mentally tough for me because nobody talked about my 99 hundreds.”Did Kohli really need that kind of attention in the middle of a World Cup? He perhaps had a split second to decide when he hit a ball into the deep against Bangladesh, and Rahul asked him to stay at his end and go on to get the hundred.Kohli made the decision, his team-mates backed him – in fact they revelled in it – and not for the first time, he didn’t worry about the optics and committed fully to his decision. There he is different to Tendulkar. Kohli’s conviction that what he does is right for the team is so absolute it can border on the self-righteous. And looking at his body of work, with good reason.Birthday boy Virat Kohli was the centre of attention at Eden Gardens and he did not disappoint•ICC via GettyKohli never second-guesses himself. If he does, he gets over it before he comes to work. Even though events some might view as inauspicious have happened twice: those narrow misses in Dharamsala and Mumbai. They tend to create a self-perpetuating cycle. The more you miss out on hundreds, the more the focus on them, the more it could affect you.Hang on. Who hurt this writer? 464 words of gloom when India is enjoying a big party along with one of its biggest icons. Kohli is the last person to be affected negatively by all this. Or narrow misses. And you need such people in a team because not everybody likes the spotlight. You need those who will revel in it. You need those who can handle the scrutiny that comes with the territory.We don’t know if Kohli has done anything specific in his personal time to shut out the noise, but he’s been full of joy at the nets and at the grounds. He’s been full of joy at the foot-volley games India play to warm up before training. After his team won before the net session at Eden Gardens, Kohli ended by kicking the ball onto Shubman Gill’s bum at close range. On a difficult practice pitch that was seaming and bouncing funny, Kohli looked in great touch. Nobody else batted in that net after Kohli. Fitness training, skills training, being mentally happy, he has not missed a step.On the field, Kohli has conducted crowds like an orchestra. Whenever the song “My Name is Lakhan” plays in the stands, he makes sure he does a little dance, sending fans into a frenzy. That’s his little thing. Direct communication. They have now started chanting, ” [Give Kohli a bowl].” Rahul Dravid is using Kohli’s “wrong-footed inswinging menace” to ward off questions about the lack of a sixth bowler.The beauty of it is, just like the regular festive season in India, the celebrations are not affecting business. In the form that Kohli is in, every innings is looking like a possible century. He has got his processes and preparations spot on. The team’s strategy needs him to play according to the conditions and situation while Rohit Sharma at the top and others in the middle order force the pace. Is there anyone better at doing that?It doesn’t matter how loud it gets, Virat Kohli doesn’t let the noise get to him•Associated PressKohli batting without the pressure of run-rate is dangerous for the opposition. Which is not to say he has been slow. His 543 runs at a strike rate of 88 have been scored according to the team’s plan for the conditions. The pitches on which India have played their eight league games have tended to slow down. The pitch in Kolkata became more difficult than some of the previous ones. Keshav Maharaj pitched outside leg, ripped the ball past Gill’s bat, and hit the top of off stump in the 11th over.Ravindra Jadeja, who later took five wickets, said the pitch had been more difficult to bat on in the afternoon. Not only was it turning, it was slow too. He gave Kohli and Shreyas Iyer all the credit for denying Maharaj any more wickets and still managing to score at a decent rate during their stand of 134 off 158 balls. Rohit of course set up the innings with 40 off 24 balls, but Kohli took it to its fruition, which has been his role in the side.Twelve years ago, Kohli carried his hero Tendulkar on his shoulders after India won the World Cup, and said it was only fitting they carried him after he had carried India for so long. With 58,000 people singing happy birthday for him, Kohli equalled Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries, a record that looked unbeatable 12 years ago.The party is not over. The crowds will follow him everywhere. They want both: the World Cup and Kohli’s 50th. It won’t bother Kohli. It won’t bother India. There is too much positivity and festivity around them, and with good reason.

Autobiography provides insight into defining traits of England’s new MD

Matt Roller18-Apr-2022Rob Key was appointed as the ECB’s new managing director of men’s cricket on Sunday. A leading broadcaster for Sky Sports since his retirement from the professional game, Key has often been forthright in his opinions about English cricket and his new role casts a different light on his previous takes.As well as Sky podcasts and columns for the , Key brought out an autobiography two years ago, titled . He told ESPNcricinfo at the time that it contained “a few tales, and a few views on the good things and the bad things” about the game, but with several big decisions due over the next two months, some excerpts now read like Key’s own manifesto.CoachingKey has often been cynical about the value of coaches, to the extent that one chapter of his book is called ‘A Coach is What You Get to the Ground In’. He hinted earlier this year that he believes England should split the role in two: a Test coach and a white-ball coach.”Essentially, there are three types of coaches,” he wrote. “Those who have a positive influence, those who have a negative influence, and those who are neutral. While many coaches would like to see themselves as a positive influence, the truth is, such people are actually few and far between.”Key sees a major difference between coaches at county and international level, suggesting that Peter Moores struggled with the step-up because he failed to take into account that “he was dealing with elite players”. “An international coach is more of a manager,” he writes. “They don’t actually have to do much. In fact, they are better off doing nothing.”Australian coachesKey’s own career was influenced by Neil ‘Noddy’ Holder, the batting coach who encouraged him to keep his backlift high, and John Inverarity, who coached him at Kent. Do not be surprised if he hires an Australian as England’s coach.”Aussie coaches, with their ‘can do’ attitude, certainly offer a refreshing and powerful input,” he wrote. “They have the ability to set off little explosions in your head. When the fog clears, you see everything with absolute clarity.”Steve Harmison, Rob Key and Andrew Flintoff played significant roles in England’s 2004 series win against West Indies•Getty ImagesCaptain-coach relationshipKey will need to ensure that his new Test captain and coach do not clash. “[There is] one absolute truth about the captaincy/coach dynamic,” he wrote. “It’s imperative they’re on the same page.”He details the failings of England’s Ashes tour in 2006-07, and the shortcomings of Duncan Fletcher’s relationship with Andrew Flintoff. “[Flintoff] would still end up trying his very best to make sure that that partnership worked,” he writes. “The question is whether he had any give or take coming back to him.”I know how important co-operative thinking is,” he continued. “As Kent captain, I found Graham Ford a great coach to work with… we had a joint focus on taking the team forward. Because of our shared attitude to betterment, we never really had a clash.”Test captaincyKey was highly critical of Joe Root’s captaincy during England’s Ashes defeat and Ben Stokes is the early favourite to replace him. While some have raised parallels with Flintoff’s ill-fated stint as captain, Key’s own view of his close friend’s time in charge suggests that will not put him off.Related

England have found three good men; they need another two

Shastri: 'In India there is always jealousy and people willing you to fail'

Graham Ford emerges as key contender as England's new Test coach

English cricket desperately needs leaders with a vision for the game

Darren Gough 'surprised' by criticism Joe Root faced towards end of captaincy

“Fred was a better England captain than he – and many others – ever thought,” Key wrote. “The circumstances were tough… he simply couldn’t have picked a worse time to be captain of England. The team had gone from the perfect balance of 2005 to Saj Mahmood batting at number eight. It was always going to be 5-0. They were throwing stones at bazookas.”He is full of praise for Stokes, too, who would fit Key’s idea that a captain should be an inspirational figure. “Since the nightclub incident in Bristol, Ben Stokes has put so much into his game,” he said. “He trains so hard – harder than anyone around him, by a distance. Great talent delivers a focus. It did so for Fred in 2005 and is doing the same now for Stokes. Without the hardship, neither would have reached those incredible high points.”White-ball captaincyKey’s relationship with Eoin Morgan dates back to 2009, when he was captaining England Lions on a tour to New Zealand. “What I found was a cricketer who never missed a trick,” he wrote. “When the coaches asked who should be vice-captain, straight away I said Morgs. I saw somebody who wasn’t willing just to say what people wanted him to say.” They are unlikely to clash too much.Style of playKey favours an attacking style of play in Test cricket, which could spell bad news for Alex Lees, Rory Burns and Dom Sibley. “We accuse people of playing too many shots but as a batsman your only currency in the game is runs,” he wrote. “For some reason, we seem to be happier if people are out blocking.”I admire Trevor Bayliss because is a believer in positive cricket. His view is that it’s possible to defend positively as well as attack. That means committing to the shots, having purpose. Is scoring 10 in a hundred balls all right? I don’t know if it is.”Often players get blamed for losing their wicket by using an attacking mindset, as if they never get out while playing defensively. When Jason Roy was opening in the Test team… pundits were saying there are no good old-fashioned openers anymore. The fact is, we had already tried ten openers, most of whom were exactly that.”Rob Key captained Kent in their promotion-winning season in 2009•Getty ImagesCounty cricketPerhaps Key’s biggest challenge will be leading the ECB’s high-performance review into the domestic game. He has previously outlined a draft schedule for the English season featuring a one-day competition in April, a ‘best of the rest’ first-class tournament running parallel to the Hundred, and three divisions of six teams in the Championship.In , it seems he views the county game through the prism of England’s Test team, rather than something valuable in its own right. “Four-day cricket as a business is completely bankrupt,” Key wrote. “It makes no money and costs a hell of a lot to put on. Compared to other formats, it simply makes zero financial sense.”Championship cricket really has only one card up its sleeve. The TV rights for the game are linked to Test cricket, and Test cricket can only survive so long as there is a production line of players from the Championship.”County cricket exists only because of the money from Test cricket, the England Test team only because of the Championship conveyor belt. They are the ultimate odd couple: worlds apart, but unable to get divorced because they are so utterly reliant on each other.”

Liverpool are reportedly ready to seek inspiration from a familiar face if Premier League title-winning manager Arne Slot is relieved of his coaching duties at Anfield. With the Reds struggling for consistency in the 2025-26 campaign, and Mohamed Salah cutting a frustrated figure, Steven Gerrard is seeing a stunning return to Merseyside speculated on.

Klopp also being linked with Anfield return

Jurgen Klopp has already seen an emotional retracing of steps to Liverpool mooted, with the German having stepped down as Reds boss in the summer of 2024. He saw his successor, Dutch tactician Slot, deliver title glory during a memorable debut campaign.

The wheels have fallen off since then, though, with the Liverpool bandwagon not rolling as freely as it once was. A bright start to the current season saw a number of late goals recorded, with those efforts papering over some alarming cracks.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALPoints dropped & Salah strop: Why Slot is under pressure

The Reds have suffered six defeats through 15 top-flight fixtures this season, while also enduring humbling reversals in Champions League competition against Galatasaray and PSV. Two more points were dropped from a commanding position last time out during a dramatic 3-3 draw at Leeds.

After that contest, Egyptian superstar Salah – who has been named on the bench for Liverpool’s last three games and saw no minutes at Elland Road – came out and aimed a stunning blast at a club that he has represented with distinction across eight glittering years.

Salah has accused the Reds of throwing him under the bus during a difficult season, while admitting that his working relationship with Slot has broken down. Transfer talk is now raging again around the 250-goal icon who only signed a new two-year contract back in April.

Return of a legend: Gerrard considered as interim boss

All was happy in the Liverpool camp back then, but Slot and hisunderperforming players are now facing some uncomfortable questions. The man calling the shots has maintained that he boasts the full support of his board.

Slot has said when asked if he boasts backing there: “Yeah but not in the sense that they tell me every single minute ‘we support you’, ‘we support you’, ‘we support you’.” We talk a lot. If we are winning, last season, and if we are losing. And then they are helpful to me, to the team.

“So yeah, we do have those conversations, but they don’t call me in every single minute of the day to tell me that they still trust me. We do have the normal conversations and in those conversations I feel the trust.”

It remains to be seen whether the Liverpool hierarchy continue to support Slot or start to consider a change in the dugout. According to , some thought has been given to another fresh start.

It is claimed that “Steven Gerrard is under consideration to step in on an interim basis if Arne Slot is sacked”. If such a move were to happen, then a stunning homecoming would be taken in by the legendary former Reds captain.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyGerrard career: Anfield icon & mixed managerial record

Merseyside native Gerrard took in 710 appearances for Liverpool in his playing days, scoring 186 goals while lifting Champions League and FA Cup honours. He is considered to be a GOAT by many at Anfield.

The 45-year-old would be available to step in if required by the Reds to take their reins on an interim basis through to the end of the 2025-26 season. That is because his own managerial career is currently on hold.

He started out in style when leading Rangers to Scottish Premiership title glory in 2020-21, but has since found the going tough at Premier League side Aston Villa and in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ettifaq.

Gerrard’s spell in the Middle East came to a close in January. He has returned to punditry duty since then, while turning down the chance to head back to Ibrox. Any opportunity to return to his roots would be much tougher to snub, with Liverpool still mulling over whether an SOS call needs to be sounded.

Big Picture: Who will strike gold on the coast?

It’s not often an India series is overshadowed but, in many Australian cricket circles at least, this T20I series is not the major talking point, although it is far from insignificant for those involved. The day before the fourth match, with the series locked at 1-1, the Ashes squad dropped and it will likely continue to be picked over in the days ahead.There are even fewer links in Australia’s squad for this series to the upcoming Ashes with Travis Head and Sean Abbott having been released. Josh Inglis, who will have a quick turnaround into Sheffield Shield cricket after the series is done, is the only one who remains who is among those to be involved in Perth.Related

• Short outlines clear pathway to next T20 World Cup

• Arshdeep, Sundar help India level the series against Australia

• Arshdeep's career highlights the balancing act T20 cricket imposes on India

• Head leaves T20I squad for red-ball Ashes preparation

India were excellent in leveling the series in Hobart. The chase was an example of their immense batting depth in T20 cricket. Only Tilak Varma had a strike-rate below 125, Washington Sundar, playing his first game of the series, hurried the game to a conclusion with some powerful strokeplay and Jitesh Sharma played with confidence having also come into the team.Tim David batted brilliantly for Australia, a continuation of his evolving role higher up the order which has the makings of a critical change to the team’s T20 plans heading into the World Cup. His 74 off 38 included one of the biggest sixes seen. However, the home side couldn’t quite recover from losing Mitch Marsh (who had only faced 14 balls by the eighth over) and Mitch Owen in consecutive deliveries against Varun Chakravarthy, although Marcus Stoinis’ well-constructed 64 was another positive for them.For Australia the last two matches of this T20 series played across Thursday and Saturday bring an end to an intensive run in the format. They are the last before the selectors will need to name a T20 World Cup squad although BBL form may yet play a part.

Form guide

Australia LWWWW
India WLWWWBen Dwarshuis brings left-arm variety to Australia’s attack•Getty Images

In the spotlight: Ben Dwarshuis and Abhishek Sharma

Left-arm seamer Ben Dwarshuis put together an impressive run of games against West Indies and South Africa earlier this year, but has had some niggly injuries the past month which has limited him to one T20I out of the last six. But he is back in the squad for the final two games against India, replacing Abbott, and will bring valuable variation to the attack. With Mitchell Starc having retired from T20Is and Spencer Johnson working through a long-term injury, Dwarshuis is the leading candidate to fill the left-arm pace role at the World Cup.If Abhishek Sharma hasn’t tried to hit every ball for four and six, then he’s come close. On a more serious note, he did show the layers to his game with the superb 68 at the MCG in tough conditions. He is the only India batter with over 100 runs in the series and they have come at a strike-rate of 167.16. However, in Hobart he was out-thought by Nathan Ellis’ bouncer. He needs 39 runs for 1000 in T20Is. If Abhishek reaches the mark in this match he would equal Virat Kohli’s record of 27 innings as the fastest for India and he would become the fastest globally balls faced. Suryakumar Yadav is currently the quickest from 573 balls; Abhishek has currently faced 500.

Team news: Eyes on Maxwell, Reddy may be ready

Head’s departure from the series creates a vacancy for Matt Short to return to his favoured opening position. Glenn Maxwell wasn’t quite ready to return from his wrist injury in Hobart but it’s understood he is expected to be available. Dwarshuis would appear a logical addition to the pace attack unless Mahli Beardman is handed a debut.Australia (possible): 1 Matt Short, 2 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 3 Josh Inglis (wk), 4 Tim David, 5 Mitch Owen, 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Xavier Bartlett, 9 Ben Dwarshuis, 10 Nathan Ellis, 11 Matt KuhnemannIndia may consider the role Shivam Dube is currently playing after an expensive three overs in Hobart although they have all bases covered with their plethora of allrounders. Nitish Kumar Reddy may be available again after injury. “He did all his work that was needed or expected of him in fielding, batting, and bowling,” bowling coach Morne Morkel said. “He ticked all of that, so we will find out now after assessment where he is at.”India (possible): 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Shubman Gill, 4 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Axar Patel, 6 Washington Sundar, 7 Jitesh Sharma, 8 Shivam Dube, 9 Arshdeep Singh, 10 Varun Chakravarthy, 11 Jasprit Bumrah

Pitch and conditions

There have only been two previous men’s internationals at Carrara – and one became a 10-over game – so previous evidence is limited. In the BBL the ground has the sixth-highest batting strike of venues to have hosted at least 10 matches.

Stats and trivia

• Glenn Maxwell needs one wicket for 50 in T20Is, Marcus Stoinis needs two. They could each be the first Australia men’s player to complete the 1000 runs/50 wickets double in T20Is.
• Nathan Ellis needs three wickets for 50 in T20Is.
• Tilak Varma needs nine runs for 1000 in T20Is.

Quotes

“You need to have options available. Every team across the world are playing around with options. In this game, you need to be adaptable and where certain players can give you options in different roles.”

Chelsea players are performing a new on-field ritual in the 2025-26 campaign led by captain Reece James. The new norm has been introduced to the squad in a bid to instil a unified mentality at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have started the new season on a bright note as they are currently third in the Premier League, one point behind Manchester City and six behind league leaders Arsenal.

Chelsea's fine start to the new season

Maresca oversaw an impressive debut campaign at Stamford Bridge last season as he guided the team to a top five finish and returned to the Champions League. The Italian coach made a few changes in the offseason as he brought key players like Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to bolster his attack, alongside some defensive reinforcements. 

The team rebuilding has paid off so far for the Blues as they have started the 2025-26 campaign on a bright note. Chelsea are on a seven-game unbeaten streak and have not lost a match across all competitions since going down against Sunderland 2-1 in October. They are trailing league leaders Arsenal by six points following their draw against the Gunners last weekend and are placed seventh in the Champions League table with three wins in their first five outings/ 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportJames introduced new ritual at Chelsea

Chelsea captain James has regularly featured under Maresca this season and has been impressive in a new role as he is being deployed in the defensive midfield role in the current campaign. He was criticised by the manager in the last term as the Italian coach claimed that he expected more from the England international. 

This season, James has come up with a new on-field ritual for the team where all the players need to gather near the centre circle at the half-time break before walking off the pitch together. reports that the reason behind such a ritual is to instil unity in the squad. Such a gesture brings a feeling of togetherness among the players. 

They started the ritual during the match against Tottenham Hotspur last month, which they won 1-0, with Joao Pedro on target. 

Blues skipper hailed for performance as midfielder

After Chelsea's 2-0 win over Burnley last month, Maresca had lavished praise on the club captain and also explained why he is fielding the full-back in a new midfield role. He told : "I think yesterday we needed a little bit more physicality in the middle. We expected them to play with [Pape Mater] Sarr, with [Rodrigo] Bentancur, with [Joao] Palhinha. We didn't expect them with four midfielders, because then [Lucas] Bergvall also played. I think Reece is doing fantastic when he's playing as a midfielder, he's doing fantastic when he's playing full-back, and he's doing fantastic in terms of leadership with the players inside the changing room."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyJames eyeing place in Tuchel's lineup at 2026 World cup

James featured in England's penultimate World Cup qualifier against Serbia last month after missing out on Tuchel's squad during the October break with an injury. The full-back, who has suffered several injury setbacks since the start of his career, has remained more or less injury free in the 2025-26 season. He is regularly playing for the Blues in the Premier League and Europe and is now fighting hard for a place in the England starting lineup at the World Cup in North America next year. 

The 25-year-old will be back in action on Wednesday as the Blues face Leeds United in the Premier League.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank hauled Randal Kolo Muani off midway through their 2-2 draw with Man United in the Premier League last weekend, and it has since been revealed that the summer signing injured his jaw against the Red Devils.

It then emerged that the problem was actually worse than first feared (Fabrice Hawkins), even forcing Kolo Muani to drop out of France’s World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan this month with Lens forward Florian Thauvin replacing him.

This, of course, sparked worry among the Lilywhites fanbase — but reports have since indicated that, while he could be set for a spell out, the striker doesn’t require surgery in what is a real boost for Frank.

Kolo Muani, who was signed from PSG on a straight loan as one of ex-chairman Daniel Levy’s final recruits for Spurs, missed five games with a dead leg soon after his arrival at N17 and had only just returned to full fitness.

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

29/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Mohammed Kudus

Knock

23/11/2025

Randal Kolo Muani

Jaw

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Lucas Bergvall

Concussion

23/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

23/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

23/11/2025

Cristian Romero

Other

23/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

The 26-year-old was starting to impress as well, with Frank calling Kolo Muani “such a handful” up front for Tottenham against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League — a match where he really should’ve scored a brace — but the forward did manage to set up Wilson Odobert after a brilliant piece of skill to bring the ball down from a lofty height.

Still waiting on his first goal for the north Londoners, Kolo Muani’s return to the treatment table is a sore one to take for the player especially, and it remains to be seen how long he’ll be out for.

The former Juventus and Eintracht Frankfurt star could be forced to wear a mask to protect his jaw upon his return to the field, but if that comes too soon for the North London derby on November 23, The Athletic reports that Frank could call upon a young star to fill Kolo Muani’s void.

Tottenham poised to hand Dane Scarlett chance after Randal Kolo Muani injury

As per the reliable news outlet, Tottenham could hand Scarlett minutes in light of Kolo Muani’s injury, with the 21-year-old having just returned from a groin problem himself.

Scarlett, despite proving himself useful during the club’s injury crisis under Ange Postecoglou last season, has played just 10 minutes in the first-team this campaign and yet to make a single Premier League appearance for Frank.

The Englishman was linked with a late summer exit from Spurs as the youngster, who was once likened to Marcus Rashford by José Mourinho, attempts to kickstart his senior career.

Now, The Athletic claim that Scarlett could be handed a chance to impress for Tottenham after Kolo Muani’s latest issue, and given the complaints surrounding Richarlison, it is an opportunity the forward will be eager to grasp with both hands.

It feels like Scarlett has been patiently waiting for a major breakthrough in the team for years, but time is running out to live up to the hype as his contract also expires in under two years.

Tottenham striker Richarlison faces an uncertain future in N17, with his contract expiring in under two years as he struggles to deliver a consistent return.

The Brazil international, who will have one eye on a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, got off to a flyer at the start of this campaign.

His early goal of the season contender, a bicycle kick against Premier League newcomers Burnley on the opening day, was seen as a hopeful sign of things to come, with Richarlison bagging two against Scott Parker’s side that day.

However, since then, his contributions have been few and far between despite the 28-year-old’s best efforts.

Thomas Frank started Richarlison for the first time in four domestic games against Newcastle on Wednesday evening, with the striker failing to get on the end of a whizzed ball across the box in the first half.

He also had a decent attempt at the near post saved by Aaron Ramsdale in the second period, but it was another tough evening for Richarlison, who couldn’t quite get on the scoresheet.

Once Dominic Solanke returns to full fitness and removes himself from Spurs’ rather long injury list, the jury is out on whether Frank will continue to select Richarlison on a regular basis.

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

22/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

08/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

08/11/2025

Wilson Odobert

Abdominal

01/11/2025

Cristian Romero

Groin

01/11/2025

Destiny Udogie

Knee

08/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

08/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

06/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

Tottenham are also believed to be weighing up a new striker ahead of January, with the likes of Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli) and Dušan Vlahović (Juventus) reportedly attracting their interest.

This could spell more trouble for Richarlison, so a winter exit could be on the cards amid serious interest from Everton.

Tottenham stance on selling Richarlison as exit hinges on key factor

According to TEAMtalk, the striker is very keen to return to Everton and “would jump at the chance” to re-join his former club.

However, Tottenham’s willingness to let Richarlison leave in the January transfer window depends heavily on securing a replacement striker. The key sticking point for Spurs is finding the right forward to fill the void left by his departure.

After a mixed spell at Tottenham, Richarlison sees Everton as the ideal destination to reignite his career.

The Toffees remain an attractive option for the South American, where he previously enjoyed success and a strong rapport with the club and fans. A return would give him the platform to regain form and confidence in familiar surroundings.

However, despite Richarlison’s own desire to move, Frank’s side are not prepared to let him go without first addressing their own striking options.

The club is keenly aware that selling him without bringing in a suitable replacement could weaken their frontline and disrupt their season’s momentum, with Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange determined to not leave Tottenham’s manager short.

Described by TT as a player who “always gives 100 per cent”, his return simply just hasn’t been up to the standard since arriving from Everton over three years ago for £60 million.

Despite a brief purple patch under Ange Postecoglou midway through the Australian’s debut season at Tottenham, that is as good as it’s got for Richarlison scoring-wise, so perhaps a move back to Goodison Park will suit all parties.

By the time January comes around, Richarlison will have just under a year and a half left on his contract, so it will be interesting to see just how much Paratici and Lange could demand for the forward’s signature.

Alongside the likes of Toney and Vlahovic, Spurs are believed to be weighing up other blockbuster number nines.

Tottenham hold discussions to sign "elite" £87m striker who Paratici loves

Tottenham Hotspur have made a promising start to the campaign under Thomas Frank and could now be about to pursue a very familiar face to fans of the Premier League.

Tottenham look to build on solid start to Premier League campaign

The international break is always a frustrating time for supporters itching for their club to return. However, the Lilywhites will be positively reflecting on a fine start that has seen them climb to third in the top-flight standings.

Tactical tweaks and a renewed threat from set pieces have made Tottenham a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League, albeit they will need to be switched on to handle the challenge of facing Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Everton and Chelsea in the coming weeks.

While Tottenham have been at the centre of takeover interest from tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick, among other parties, it doesn’t appear they are for sale, and a £100 million cash injection from the Lewis family will offer greater financial flexibility moving forward.

Whether this investment could be put towards the January window remains to be seen. Reports suggest Spurs are preparing a £26 million bid for Vasco da Gama star Rayan, indicating they are scouring the world for talent to enhance their bid for Champions League qualification.

Chelsea, Barcelona and Aston Villa are among his lengthy list of admirers, though Tottenham’s project is as enticing as ever for potential new recruits.

"Cost your team" – Thomas Frank sent warning over Tottenham star who "can't be bothered"

Spurs’ boss could have a problem to solve.

By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 10, 2025

Truthfully, the sky is the limit for Frank if his side continue this excellent run of form, with Spurs averaging close to 2 points per game since the Dane took over from Ange Postecoglou.

Thomas Frank’s managerial record at Tottenham so far	Stats
Matches	11
Wins	5
Draws	3
Losses	2
Points	18
Points per game	1.91

Nevertheless, there is a long way to go, and help may be required to ensure the North Londoners are in pole position to capitalise, hence their interest in a favourite of the Danish coach.

Tottenham want to sign Kevin Schade

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Tottenham are monitoring Brentford attacker Kevin Schade and could look to make a play for his arrival, albeit the transfer may be more likely to occur in the summer of 2026.

Plettenberg says he is “one to watch” this season, with the winger’s contract expiring in under three years.

The Germany international has scored once in eight appearances this term, contributing to his overall total of 15 goals and five assists in 82 outings for the Bees

.

Labelled “top class” by Frank, he brought Schade to the Gtech Community Stadium from Freiburg in 2023 and his faith has been repaid, with the 23-year-old establishing himself as a force predominantly on the left flank.

This term, the Potsdam-born man has created five chances and completed three successful crosses in the Premier League, per Fotmob, shining in a Brentford side that have struggled for momentum under Keith Andrews.

Either way, he could now be set for a move across the capital, though Tottenham will need to fend off competition from the likes of Borussia Dortmund for his signature.

Brenden Aaronson netted his first Premier League goal of the season on Friday as he scored just three minutes into Leeds United's clash with West Ham. It marked Aaronson's second career Premier League goal, with his first coming all the way back in 2022 against Chelsea. The goal was a scrappy one as Aaronson put himself into the right place at the right time.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What happened

  In the early moments of the match, Leeds pushed West Ham back, leading to a cross from Jayden Bogle. It found the head of Noah Okafor, who forced a save out of Alphonse Areola, who could only parry it back into play. Aaronson was lying in wait, and the U.S. men's national team midfielder made no mistake as he placed the ball into the back of the net.

Advertisement

• Watch the video

• Getty
  

  The USMNT angle

  Aaronson has been something of a regular with Leeds for years, helping the club win promotion via a Championship triumph last season. This season, he's remained in the XI, featuring nine times in the Premier League as Leeds adjust to life back in the top flight.

  "I've been playing a little bit differently this year compared to last year," Aaronson said at USMNT camp earlier this month. "Maybe, I would say, a little bit more defensive. There's not really a 10 anymore, and that was my position last year, but now it's more of an inverted winger and playing between the lines like I always have been. It's just creating and trying to score and continuing to do my job.

  "We've always been a pressing team. We've always been a team that wants to be on the front foot, especially at home. This year, we have to take our medicine at times and sit a little back and be in a shape, but I think it suits me. The positions suit me and I'm enjoying it a lot."

  Aaronson continues to fight for Leeds goals, but he also has a World Cup on the horizon. Despite playing in the 2022 edition, his place isn't guaranteed in 2026. The midfielder did take part in the USMNT's most recent camp, featuring off the bench in a 2-1 win over Australia after missing September camp and playing limited minutes in the Gold Cup.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What comes next?

  Leeds will turn their focus to the final two games before November's international break. Both will come on the road, as they visit Brighton on Nov. 1 and then Nottingham Forest eight days later.

Dermot Gallagher has now revealed why one Arsenal star wasn’t sent off in a controversial moment during the 2-1 victory against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Gunners come from behind to win at St. James' Park

Prior to Sunday’s encounter, Newcastle had won four of their previous five matches against the Gunners at St. James’ Park, but Mikel Arteta’s side sent out a statement by ending their hoodoo, picking up all three points in dramatic fashion.

Arteta has received widespread criticism for his decision to persist with Mikel Merino in recent weeks, but the Spaniard rewarded his manager for his faith by bagging a late equaliser, before Gabriel headed home in stoppage time to secure an important victory on the road.

Related Arsenal battling Tottenham to sign "exceptional" £87k-a-week Real Madrid star

The Gunners are in the race for an attacker, following a scouting mission.

Posts ByDominic Lund Sep 29, 2025

Speaking after the match, Arteta insisted his side thoroughly deserved the victory, saying: “When you get what you deserve at the end there’s no better feeling. I’m so proud of the team and the way we controlled our emotions and navigated through the different stages of the game. We showed the conviction, the courage the desire and the quality we need to get where we want to be.”

However, things could’ve been very different. Gabriel may not have even been on the pitch to bag the late winner if Nick Woltemade had made more of a bust-up with the Brazilian earlier in the match, where the defender appeared to punch the Newcastle striker away from the ball.

Speaking Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher said: “I think he’s lucky he didn’t actually strike him properly, because where he’s got lucky is is the referee hasn’t seen it, it’s gone to VAR and the VAR say red card or nothing, and it’s decided it’s not a red card. I don’t think it’s a red card, but I think if the referee sees it he’s certainly going to get a yellow card.”

Gabriel fortunate Woltemade didn't go down

Had the Newcastle striker made more of the incident and gone to ground, the Arsenal centre-back could have been in trouble, given that he clearly makes contact with the German’s face, albeit without a great deal of strength.

That said, the Magpies can also consider themselves fortunate that the decision to award Arsenal a penalty in the first half was overturned, with VAR getting involved after Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot for what he perceived to be a foul on Viktor Gyokeres.

Decisions went against both teams during the match, but Arteta’s side ultimately showed great character to come out on top, moving just two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool in the process.