Northamptonshire are poised to go second in Group Three in the LV= Insurance County Championship after they closed in on victory against Sussex at Hove.Left-arm spinner Simon Kerrigan continued his good start to the season with 5 for 70 and despite Tom Haines’ second hundred of the season Sussex were bowled out for 298 in their second innings. That left Northants more than four sessions to score 218 and they were 131 for 2 at stumps on day three, needing another 87.Haines made an excellent 103 – the first Championship hundred by a Sussex player at Hove for two years – and Ben Brown was last out for 95 trying to hit a six to get to his century.Sussex had resumed on 142 for 4 and Haines and Brown took their fifth-wicket stand to 103 but shortly after reaching the fourth hundred of his career, Haines turned a ball from Kerrigan to midwicket. It was a somewhat tame end to a fine innings by the 22-year-old left-hander, who faced 221 balls and hit 11 fours.Tom Taylor picked up two wickets in successive balls with Delray Rawlins bowled aiming a big drive and George Garton edging low to first slip. But Jack Carson, fresh from his maiden first-class fifty in the first innings, gave Brown admirable support either side of lunch in an eighth-wicket stand of 65 which took the score to 297.The luckless Ben Sanderson could not break through with the second new ball but Kerrigan came to the rescue. Carson was pinned in front playing back for 35 before Taylor yorked Henry Crocombe in the next over for a duck.That left Brown on 95 with only last man Jamie Atkins for company and he went for glory, only to be caught on the long-off boundary. The Sussex captain faced 170 balls and hit ten fours.Although the odd ball did turn, the pitch had got easier to bat on. Sussex needed early wickets and Atkins got them a breakthrough in his first over when Ben Curran, whose nine innings this season have brought only 141 runs, was caught behind aiming an expansive drive.Vasconcelos and Luke Procter took the score to 57 with few alarms before Haines enjoyed his second memorable moment of the day, running round from midwicket to run out Vasconcelos with a brilliant direct hit. But Procter and Rob Keogh settled the nerves with an unbroken third-wicket stand of 73 to put their side in sight of victory.
Aston Villa will be featuring in the Champions League for the first time in a generation this season – an unthinkable feat before the appointment of Unai Emery.
The former Arsenal boss has transformed the club in just a couple of years, giving the fan base an experience they will never forget with their European adventures in the Europa Conference League last season, and also in the Champions League this year.
However, the added fixtures will cause congestion during some parts of the campaign, increasing the risk of injury and fatigue to the club’s first team.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery during a Premier League game.
On the flip side, it may allow numerous fringe players to gain a needed run in the side, with one player hugely benefitting from the European run this season.
Jhon Duran’s stats in 2024/25
Despite not starting a single game in the Premier League this season, striker Jhon Duran has enjoyed an impressive start to the new campaign for Emery’s side.
The 20-year-old has already scored twice in just 82 minutes, outscoring number one forward Ollie Watkins, showcasing his excellent abilities in front of goal.
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran
The Colombian was strongly linked with a move to join West Ham United this summer, before landing the hammer blow as the Villans claimed a 2-1 victory over Julen Lopetegui’s side.
Villa’s decision to keep hold of Duran this summer looks to be a great call, with the talent having the ability to provide excellent cover to Watkins, whilst also pushing the England international for a starting role.
However, the same can’t be said for one player who has struggled in recent times, with the club potentially needing to offload the big-money signing at the next available opportunity.
How much Diego Carlos earns in 2024
After joining Villa in a £26m deal from Sevilla back in 2022, centre-back Diego Carlos has struggled with injuries and fitness during his time at Villa Park, with the Brazilian often spending time on the sideline.
During his two-year stint in the West Midlands, the 31-year-old has only made 43 appearances in all competitions, missing the start of the new campaign with yet another injury setback and thus failing to feature at all.
Diego Carlos for Aston Villa
However, he was subject to interest from Fulham during the transfer window, with the club needing to offload him given his injury record coupled with his high weekly wage.
The former Sevilla ace earns a whopping £100k-per-week as per Capology, a figure that is nearly three times more than teammate Duran, who only earns £30k-per-week despite his stellar start to this season.
Emi Martinez
£150k-p/w
Boubacar Kamara
£150k-p/w
Youri Tielemans
£150k-p/w
Ollie Watkins
£130k-p/w
Lucas Digne
£120k-p/w
Leon Bailey
£120k-p/w
John McGinn
£120k-p/w
Diego Carlos
£100k-p/w
Given his ludicrous weekly incoming, the club desperately need to cut ties with Carlos and invest in a less injury-prone talent who can lead them further up the Premier League table.
With concerns over their PSR standing, a departure could allow Emery’s side to free up funds, potentially avoiding a repeat of this summer which saw them sell star man Douglas Luiz to Juventus.
There is no denying the defender's quality, but unfortunately, if the club are to reach the next level under Emery's guidance, they have to be brutal in their decision-making, with Carlos one player who could find himself on his way out of Villa Park.
Aston Villa struck gold on free signing who's now worth more than Martinez
يستعد فريق ريال مدريد، بقيادة المدرب كارلو أنشيلوتي، لخوض مباراة في بطولة كأس ملك إسبانيا مساء الأربعاء، وذلك ضد نظيره فريق ليجانيس.
ويستضيف ملعب “بوتاركي” مبارة الفريقين والتي تأتي في خضم لقاءات دور ربع نهائي كأس ملك إسبانيا، موسم 2024/25.
كان ريال مدريد قد تأهل إلى مرحلة ربع النهائي عقب فوزه المثير ضد سيلتا فيجو بخمسة أهداف لهدفين، بعد اللجوء إلى الأشواط الإضافية،
في حين أن ليجانيس فاز في الدور السابق على ألميريا بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدفين.
ويسعى ريال مدريد إلى مصالحة جماهيره، من خلال الفوز اليوم والتأهل إلى مرحلة نصف النهائي، وذلك بعد خسارة السبت المفاجئة أمام إسبانيول بهدف دون رد في الدوري الإسباني.
طالع.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة ريال مدريد وليجانيس في كأس ملك إسبانيا.. إعلان تشكيل الفريقين
وتُعد مباراة اليوم البروفة الأخيرة قبل لقاء الديربي الناري ضد أتلتيكو مدريد، مساء السبت المقبل، في الجولة الثالثة والعشرين من الليجا.
ويتصدر ريال مدريد جدول الدوري الإسباني برصيد 49 نقطة، بفارق نقطة واحدة فقط عن أتلتيكو مدريد.
كما يخوض ريال مدريد مباراة صعبة ضد مانشستر سيتي، يوم الثلاثاء المقبل على ملعب “الاتحاد” في ذهاب ملحق دور الـ16 من دوري أبطال أوروبا. موعد مباراة ريال مدريد وليجانيس اليوم في كأس ملك إسبانيا
تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 11 بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة ريال مدريد وليجانيس اليوم في كأس ملك إسبانيا
تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة SSC HD1 وتطبيق شاهد. معلق مباراة ريال مدريد وليجانيس اليوم في كأس ملك إسبانيا
سيعلق فهد العتيبي على أحداث مباراة اليوم.
ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.
Nine-wicket win puts team back on course after Gloucestershire loss
ECB Reporters Network24-Apr-2021
Craig Overton’s five wickets set Somerset up for a comfortable win•Getty Images
Somerset 318 (Abell 88, Davies 59) and 115 for 1 (Lammonby 70*) beat Leicestershire 233 and 199 (Overton 5-25) by nine wicketsEngland all-rounder Craig Overton took five for 25 as Somerset bounced back from last week’s defeat to Gloucestershire to bank 22 points from a three-day, nine-wicket victory over Leicestershire in LV=Insurance County Championship Group Two.Overton, 10 of whose 18 overs were maidens, produced his best Championship bowling figures since 2015 as Leicestershire – without captain and mainstay Colin Ackermann because of his concussion injury – were bowled out for 199, England left-arm spinner Jack Leach backing him up with three for 43.It left Somerset needing just 115 to win, which they reached in 26.5 overs for the loss of one wicket only as their prodigiously talented opener Tom Lammonby, the 20-year-old who hit three Bob Willis Trophy centuries in a stunning debut season last year, ended a run of poor scores so far this year with a fine unbeaten 70 that included 13 fours.A fifth-wicket stand of 76 between Lewis Hill and Harry Swindells raised the home side’s hopes of making a game of it after trailing by 85 on first innings. But as Leach denied Hill a half-century and Overton did likewise to Swindells, Leicestershire lost their last five wickets for 37 runs.Three down for 48 overnight, Leicestershire lost their fourth wicket to the first ball of the day as Rishi Patel, Ackermann’s concussion substitute, was caught at first slip driving loosely at Overton for 27.By lunch the home side had turned an overnight deficit of 37 into a lead of 74 but they had lost Hill three runs short of a fifth consecutive half-century as a flighted delivery from Leach turned just enough to take the edge and give Lewis Gregory a catch at slip.Swindells, who cut Marchant de Lange for six over the slip cordon as well as picking up five boundaries, was undone five overs after lunch by a short delivery by Overton, which he could only fend into the gloves of wicketkeeper Steven Davies to be out for 49.Overton claimed his fifth wicket with a full, straight ball into Callum Parkinson’s pads as Leicestershire teetered at 168 for seven.Ben Mike played nicely for his 37 and his fifth boundary at least took Leicestershire’s lead into three figures.But then Leach took two wickets in two balls, Chris Wright groping at one that took the edge before Dieter Klein wastefully lobbed his first delivery straight to mid-on. Mike ultimately perished throwing the bat, caught at deep backward point off De Lange for 37.A peach of a ball from Wright bowled Tom Banton and Tom Abell was dropped at second slip off Mike on six but otherwise it was plain sailing for Somerset, who reached tea at 51 for one from 15 overs, as they completed victory just before ten to five, an increasingly fluent Lammonby on-driving Harry Dearden for his 13th boundary to finish the job.
شهد مقر الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم (CAF) بالقاهرة حدثًا تاريخيًا، يوم الخميس، حيث جرت قرعة دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس الأمم الإفريقية لكرة الصالات للسيدات في نسختها الأولى.
وتعد هذه البطولة محطة مهمة في مسيرة تطوير كرة الصالات للسيدات في القارة السمراء، إذ تمثل انطلاقة جديدة تمنح المنتخبات المشاركة فرصة المنافسة على اللقب القاري الأول في تاريخ المسابقة.
ومن المقرر أن تقام البطولة في المغرب خلال الفترة من 22 إلى 30 أبريل المقبل، بمشاركة تسعة منتخبات تتطلع إلى حفر أسمائها في سجل البطولة الوليدة.
بطولات يكشف سبب إقامة قرعة دوري أبطال إفريقيا والكونفدرالية في قناة بي إن سبورت
وأسفرت القرعة عن مواجهات قوية بين فرق تسعى لإثبات نفسها في أول نسخة رسمية من البطولة، حيث تتميز المنتخبات المتأهلة بأساليب لعب متنوعة تعكس التنوع الكروي في إفريقيا، مما يعد بمنافسات مثيرة وحماسية.
وجاءت قرعة البطولة لتكشف عن طريق المنتخبات نحو اللقب، حيث تم تقسيم الفرق إلى ثلاث مجموعات، مما يزيد من حدة المنافسة في مرحلة المجموعات قبل الدخول في الأدوار الإقصائية.
وأسفرت القرعة عن وقوع المغرب، مستضيف البطولة، في المجموعة الأولى إلى جانب الكاميرون وناميبيا، كما تواجد منتخب مصر. مجموعات كأس أمم إفريقيا للصالات سيدات
Recent history repeated itself as Steven Mullaney and Lyndon James proved thorns in Essex’s side for the second time this season at Chelmsford, the pair’s 117-run fourth-wicket partnership continuing on from the 123 they added in Nottinghamshire’s innings victory at Trent Bridge in the reverse fixture.Today’s effort came at a pace more akin to red-ball cricket – 52 overs as opposed 30.3 – but just as before, both made half-centuries. Shortly thereafter, they both fell guiding balls to Alastair Cook at slip in quick succession, as if a long-time married couple dying of broken hearts.Joe Clarke too passed fifty, having earlier retired not out. He returned with a flurry of six boundaries in 21 balls off Peter Siddle, playing “downright beautifully” as one independent observer noted and finishing unbeaten on 57. It meant Notts, closing on 248 for 6, have laid solid foundations in a game that looks set to be a top-of-the table slow burner.There was also some excitement of an unusual kind for the locals, a decent proportion of whom reached the obligatory shade of scarlet by close. And it wasn’t just the rare sight of Paul Walter and Ryan ten Doeschate operating in tandem shortly before tea.Walter – a giant left-arm allrounder who bats more than he bowls these days – first struck James’ helmet with a ball that rose sharply. After receiving treatment, the batter continued. An over later, umpire Ian Blackwell proposed a conscious uncoupling of bowler and ball after Walter released his second beamer. Both were accidental, one each at James and Mullaney, and he had the grace to offend with the first ball of his over, ensuring an unblemished scorecard. An ‘I was there’ moment for the 600 who passed through the gates? Maybe not, but at least that many were allowed as part of a pilot event: tomorrow, it’s back to 200.Related
Emilio Gay makes hay as maiden ton puts Northamptonshire in box seat
Harmer: 'Teams are getting smarter against us'
Electing to bat, Nottinghamshire’s top-order Bens, Slater and Compton, traded early boundaries. But having taken 25 from the game’s first 3.3 overs, Compton nicked Siddle to slip. Two runs later, he trapped a third Ben – Duckett – in front, though he didn’t much like the decision. Slater then took a shine to Shane Snater, three boundaries coming in quick succession. But bounding in from an odd angle to come around the wicket – Snater got revenge removing Slater lbw. Again, the decision appeared to come as a surprise.Out came a long-sleeved James at 48 for 3, who, having limbered up as if about to pole vault, was nearly heading straight back from whence he came. A vociferous lbw appeal was turned down but when Clarke took a blow on the bottom hand from Sam Cook and was forced off, Essex sensed a collapse.James and Mullaney had other ideas, not that they found it easy. James struggled early, chipping a rare Harmer full toss just shy of Cook at mid-off. He later nicked between Harmer and Nick Browne, socially distancing at second slip and gully as Siddle let out an anguished cry.But there were some nice strokes too, a glorious checked on-drive off Siddle the pick of them. An outside edge moved him to 49, and his fourth half-century of the summer came from 145 balls. Shortly after tea, he finally fell victim to Siddle who had worked him over all day.Mullaney is one of those players who always seems to make runs, although he should have been mulling over a disappointing effort. He had made four when Alastair Cook shelled a sharp catch at first slip, and six when the ball popped out of a diving Nick Browne’s hands. Browne appeared to have clung on at cover, but landing on the matting protecting next week’s T20 pitch proved fatal.Jamie Porter was rested with Shane Snater preferred•Getty Images
It was an unusually reserved knock, a pulled boundary off Sam Cook eventually taking him into double figures after 62 balls, but it was needfully responsible, and he still managed the only six of the day when Harmer dropped short.In the evening sunshine, Cook returned to bowl a fine new-ball spell, the wicket of Tom Moores just reward for 23 overs of toil. Harmer, though, went wicketless, his drought now extending beyond 73 overs.With the stakes high for the defending champions, it seemed odd that Jamie Porter was rotated out of their side. The logic was sound, Snater having claimed a career-best 7 for 89 at Trent Bridge last month, but after a mixed season (10 wickets at a cost of 51.30 in his first six games), Porter returned to form with seven wickets at Chester-le-Street last week – and Essex’s next four-day game is not until July.True, they started five points ahead of Nottinghamshire in second, but they have played one more game. And should these teams qualify as top two, they would each carry through half the points earned off the other into September’s top division. The onus, then, is on Essex to force a result – much for Tom Westley to ponder tonight.
Newcastle United have enjoyed a solid start to the 2024/25 campaign, going undefeated over their opening four matches.
Two wins and a draw in the Premier League has the club currently sitting in fifth place on seven points, while Eddie Howe also saw his side prevail over Nottingham Forest in a penalty shootout to reach the next round of the EFL Cup.
This start comes amid arguably one of the most disappointing transfer windows in recent times for the Magpies, as they failed to sign any marquee names to bolster their squad.
Perhaps the main thing was keeping hold of those key players who could spur the club back into the top four of the Premier League, securing qualification back to the Champions League in the process.
The likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordan and Joelinton will all have vital parts to play under Howe, while Alexander Isak is the main man in front of goal.
The Swede has been a wonderful signing for the Magpies. Can he take things up a notch this season?
Alexander Isak’s Newcastle record
After scoring 44 goals for Real Sociedad during a productive spell in Spain, Newcastle splashed out a club-record fee of £63m to bring him to the club in the summer of 2022.
It was clear Howe was attempting to build a team which could threaten the Premier League elite, and they went on to finish that season in fourth place.
Alexander Isak scores for Newcastle
Isak was impressive when he featured for the Magpies, scoring ten goals in 27 appearances that term, but it was last season in which he really delivered on his potential.
If his debut campaign was about him finding his feet at Newcastle, then last year saw the 24-year-old really come into his own.
Not only did the centre-forward find the back of the net 24 times in all competitions for the club, but he also helped himself to two assists.
Alexander Isak’s PL stats at Newcastle
Metric
2022/23
2023/24
Goals
10
21
Shots per game
2.3
2.6
Big chances missed
5
21
Successful dribbles per game
1.5
1.4
Total duels won per game
4
2.4
Via Sofascore
Additionally, Isak also created five big chances, averaged 0.9 key passes per game while succeeding with 1.4 dribbles each match – a success rate of 60% – in the Premier League last term.
The Swede did manage to miss 21 big chances, however, which means if he was more clinical in the opposition penalty area, then the former Borussia Dortmund man could have scored over 30 league goals for the club.
Regardless, it was still an excellent season on a personal level for him and Isak will be hoping for more of the same throughout 2024/25.
His performances have seen his market value grow, as at the time of writing, Isak is currently worth €75m (£63.3m), as per Transfermarkt, and this will only continue to rise should he maintain his recent form.
Indeed, Isak is the second-highest valued player in the entire Newcastle first-team squad, yet more evidence of his importance to Howe.
The club did sell someone a few years ago now, however, who would have been worth twice the valuation of the Swede in 2024 money – Andy Carroll.
Andy Carroll’s Newcastle statistics
The Englishman began his career with the Magpies, making his debut during the 2006/07 campaign, but it wasn’t until two years later that he scored his first goal for the senior side.
Despite Newcastle suffering relegation during 2008/09, Carroll notched three Premier League goals in 14 games, indicating that he had the potential to lead their charge to secure promotion from the Championship in 2009/10.
Andy Carroll
Indeed, the youngster helped the Magpies make a swift return to the top flight with 17 goals in 39 games, adding another 12 assists, emerging as one of the finest young strikers the club had produced in years.
Returning to the Premier League with experience certainly aided Carroll, who helped himself to 11 goals during the first half of the season, as Alan Pardew not only aimed to keep the side up, but to crack the top half of the table.
It was clear that one day, Carroll would be making the move elsewhere, especially displaying this kind of form, yet I doubt even Pardew expected him to leave that season.
Towards the end of the January transfer window in 2011, Liverpool came calling and made an offer the club couldn’t refuse…
How much Newcastle sold Andy Carroll for
The Anfield side had already secured the signature of Ajax striker Luis Suárez for a fee in the region of £22.7m having lost Fernando Torres to Chelsea.
The Reds weren’t finished there, however, as a bid of £35m was submitted to Newcastle in order to bring Carroll to Merseyside, which was a then British-record transfer fee that sent shockwaves around the country.
There was no way Pardew could have rejected the offer, especially considering the profit Newcastle were going to make on the striker.
Adjusting for inflation, this fee in 2024 would see Carroll valued higher than some of the best players in the world right now.
How much Andy Carroll would be worth in 2024
In 2024, money, however – with Totally Money having adjusted for inflation over the years – this £35m transfer fee would be worth a staggering £101m if he made the same move today.
This is just over £40m more than what Isak is currently valued at and shows just how much Liverpool paid to bring him to the club 13 years ago.
There is no doubt that they overpaid, as the Englishman scored just 11 goals for the Reds during his brief spell there.
Newcastle hit the jackpot by moving him on for such a high fee, however, paving the way for Pardew to use the money wisely that summer in order to strengthen his first team squad.
Andy Carroll
The 2011/12 season saw the Magpies secure a top five finish, which allowed them to qualify for Europe the following campaign.
Carroll failed to live up to this £35m fee back in 2011, yet he did shine for Newcastle during his time on Tyneside.
Sold for £500k: Newcastle must rue losing ace who's worth more than Tonali
The club certainly made a mistake in allowing him to leave.
Newcastle United have enjoyed a stellar start to the 2024/25 campaign thus far, despite Eddie Howe failing to really strengthen the first-team squad during the summer transfer window.
Seven points from nine in the Premier League while reaching the next round of the EFL Cup is certainly considered a more than decent start, but will the lack of investment in the team during the summer come back to haunt the manager as the season progresses?
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe
Several players have stepped up and performed superbly during the opening few weeks of the season, most notably Anthony Gordon.
Anthony Gordon’s statistics this season
The Englishman enjoyed a wonderful 2023/24 campaign, registering 23 goal contributions – 12 goals and 11 assists – in all competitions for the Magpies as they narrowly missed out on European football.
These performances meant he was called up by Gareth Southgate for a space in the England squad ahead of the 2024 European Championship, although he featured just once during the competition, coming off the bench in the group stage game against Slovenia.
This experience will stand him in good stead, however, as he looks to become a permanent fixture in future England squads.
Gordon has played in all three league matches for the Toon this term, scoring once in the draw against Bournemouth a couple of weeks ago.
The winger has been in electric form in the top flight. Aside from his goal against the Cherries, the 23-year-old has also created one big chance, averaged 2.7 key passes per game and succeeded with 0.7 dribbles per match, showcasing his attacking qualities.
Shots on target
3
Big chances missed
1
Accurate passes
27/30
Key passes
2
Successful dribbles
0
Big chances created
1
Among his teammates, Gordon also ranks fourth for shots on target per game (0.3), along with ranking second for scoring frequency (a goal every 248 minutes) and first for expected assists (0.79) in the Premier League.
If the Magpies wish to return to the top six, or even the top four, Howe will be hoping one of his prized assets can maintain this current form once the international break is over.
Despite the left-winger shining for the club, could the manager have signed a player who has already outshone Gordon during the early weeks of the season? Chelsea winger Noni Madueke was a prime transfer target during the summer.
Newcastle missed out on Noni Madueke
The club were linked with numerous targets during the transfer window but failed to sign any of them.
With Howe aiming to bring another winger into his squad, particularly on the right flank, Madueke was an option that was being considered. They would have been forced to fork out a fee in the region of £40m in order to lure him north, however, and the move didn’t materialise.
In hindsight, this looks like a major missed opportunity for Howe, as there is no doubt the Magpies could have afforded the fee.
The English gem has started the season off in sublime fashion and has even outperformed Gordon in several metrics, proving why the club should have made a more concrete effort to sign him.
Noni Madueke’s season in numbers for Chelsea
Despite starting just three matches so far for the Stamford Bridge side, Madueke has scored four goals, which included a stunning hat-trick against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
These displays should ensure he is thought of as a main option by Enzo Maresca heading into the next few weeks of the season, yet it proves exactly what Newcastle missed out on during the summer.
Across his two league matches, Madueke has averaged 4.5 shots per game, missed two big chances, created a big chance, averaged one key pass per game and succeeded with one dribble per match.
Said to be “one of the best young players in Europe” and a "mentality monster" by technical coach, Saul Isaksson-Hurst, he's certainly living up to that hype in 2023/24.
Madueke-Chelsea-Wolves-Stats
Despite the interest from other clubs in the transfer window, it now looks as though Chelsea did the right thing by keeping the former PSV winger, as his goals could be vital this term, both domestically and in Europe.
How Noni Madueke compares to Anthony Gordon
If Madueke joined Newcastle, he wouldn’t be fighting it out with Gordon for a place in the starting XI as they operate on opposite flanks, but the England youth international is enjoying a better campaign in the top flight than the Toon star.
Not only does Madueke have more goals than Gordon, but he has also averaged more successful dribbles, key passes and shots per game.
Furthermore, according to FBref, the Chelsea sensation also has a better shots on target percentage per 90 than Gordon (66.7% vs 50%) in the top flight, along with averaging more goal-creating actions (1.03 vs 0), achieving a higher percentage of successful take-ons (50% vs 25%) and performing more progressive carries (5.26 vs 3.33) per 90.
These statistics clearly prove the Chelsea gem has enjoyed a better start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, demonstrating how effective Madueke is in the final third.
If Howe had managed to bring the Englishman to St James' Park in the summer, he could have formed a devastating wing duo which could have terrorised opposition defenders all over the country.
Gordon is still one of Howe’s key players, but he doesn’t have anyone as effective at performing on the right wing.
Failing to sign Madueke could turn into a mistake by the club, especially if he continues to impress for the Blues as the weeks progress.
Newcastle should take plenty of confidence from this excellent start they have enjoyed, but imagine how better it might have been if they had someone like Madueke performing at his very best for the Magpies.
Newcastle could regret selling £1.8m ace who outscored Gordon in 23/24
He’s gone on to have a successful career away from St James’ Park.
Opener continues good form with 59 before legspinner claims 3 for 13
ECB Reporters' Network01-Jul-2021Nathan Sowter produced his best Vitality Blast figures of the season as Middlesex’s bowlers staged an impressive fightback to see off Sussex Sharks by 63 runs. The legspinner finished with 3 for 13, while teenage seamer Blake Cullen returned a career-best three for 21 to successfully defend a score of 166 for 7 at Lord’s.That total was concentrated around Stephen Eskinazi’s 59 from 35 balls, making him the tournament’s leading scorer, but Middlesex still looked light on runs. However, the Sharks – whose quarter-final hopes had already been dented by five washouts in their previous six games – could only manage 103 for 9 in reply.Sussex inserted their hosts after winning the toss, but they looked understandably rusty in the field as Eskinazi and Max Holden, promoted to opener, built a solid platform during the Powerplay.The pair shared a partnership of 85 from 54 balls, with Eskinazi placing his shots shrewdly as he passed 50 for the fourth time in as many Blast innings. Holden swatted Tymal Mills’ first two deliveries for four and six, advancing to 38 before he holed out off Archie Lenham and when Eskinazi perished in similar fashion, scooping Will Beer to deep extra cover, Middlesex lost their way.A tight over by Ravi Bopara – in which he dismissed the dangerous Daryl Mitchell with a slower ball – turned the tide, while Mills came back strongly from his earlier mauling to finish with 2 for 31.The Sharks conceded just 32 from their last six overs, along with collecting five wickets as Middlesex laboured to what looked a below-par total. However, they swiftly removed both Sussex openers, with Luke Wright spooning Tom Helm to the diving Steven Finn, while Phil Salt drilled Mujeeb Ur Rahman straight to midwicket.Mujeeb’s initial spell of three overs for 13 created pressure and Sowter compounded it by bowling Aaron Thomason with his first delivery – while Cullen’s second accounted for David Wiese, hooking into the hands of Holden at deep square leg.Sussex’s best chance appeared to rest with Travis Head, who announced himself with a trio of boundaries off Helm, but the Australian was next to depart for 23, dragging a bottom edge from Cullen on to his stumps.With Holden taking another running catch to dismiss Bopara off Sowter, the Sharks’ cause looked hopeless at 59 for 6 and so it proved, despite a promising knock of 22 by debutant Harrison Ward.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a key decision on out-of-favour star Marcus Rashford's future at Old Trafford.
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Ratcliffe makes decision on Rashford's futureAmorim to take final call on striker's transferMan Utd take on Wolves on Boxing DayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Rashford, who was left out of United's matchday squad for the third time in a week in the club's 3-0 loss to Bournemouth last weekend, has been strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the January transfer window. Speculations further grew after the player admitted he was ready for a new challenge last week.
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reports that Rashford's future at the club will be entirely decided by manager Ruben Amorim as minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS have given the Portuguese coach a free hand in taking a final call on the matter. Since axing the 27-year-old for the first time in the team's Manchester derby win, Amorim has maintained that picking the squad is entirely his decision.
WHAT RUBEN AMORIM SAID
The 39-year-old head coach reiterated his stance on team selection after the Bournemouth defeat as he told reporters: "It’s my decision and it always will be. It is selection. I want to see the best of my players and I try different things with different players. That’s my focus."
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A major problem that the Red Devils might face while offloading the forward is their demand of £40million (€48m/$50m) as a transfer fee and also the player's current wage of £325,000-a-week. Amorim's men will be back in action on Boxing Day as they take on Wolves away from home.