All posts by h716a5.icu

While Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side have not exactly got off to the best of starts in their 2021/22 Premier League campaign, with the Whites’ having picked up just 12 points over their opening 13 fixtures of the season – five fewer than at the same stage last term – there have nevertheless been a couple of positives at Elland Road.

Perhaps the biggest of these has been the emergence of 19-year-old centre-forward Joe Gelhardt, a player who there is a considerable amount of excitement about at Thorp Arch following a 2020/21 campaign in which the youngster scored 11 goals and registered three assists over just 16 Premier League 2 fixtures for the Whites U23 side.

Indeed, even Bielsa appears to be an extremely big fan of the England U21 international, with the 66-year-old manager waxing lyrical about the striker’s potential in a recent interview with Sky Sports, stating: “I’m not surprised by his integration. In some way, when I call on someone who is not usually in the starting XI, it’s because I’m convinced he can offer us a positive result.

“It didn’t surprise me that he was able to compete at this level as he has worked hard to deserve these opportunities. He has shown me that he is someone who has the right tools to have an impact without any problems.

“He’s a player that always creates danger in a game. He’s a player who’s more linked with the finishing of chances rather than the creation of them, but he has [the] resources to beat an opponent and he has a final shot, a finish that is very good.

“He’s like a human wrecking ball. I like him, he’s really exciting. He’s fast, he’s aggressive, he gets on the ball, he takes people on. Once he gets into the box, he loves it. That’s where he can do most of his damage.”

It is easy to see why Bielsa – a coach who has managed forwards such as Fernando Llorente, Andre-Pierre Gignac, Aritz Aduriz, Carlos Tevez, Alexis Sanchez and even Gabriel Batistuta in his career – is so excited about Gelhardt, as the 19-year-old has highly impressed over his three Premier League appearances for the Whites.

Indeed, the £1.17m-rated man won his side a last-minute penalty with a driving run into Wolverhampton Wanderers box back in October, effectively securing a point for the Whites, while he also completed a whopping five dribbles, won eight duels and received a SofaScore match rating of 7.0 for his battling display against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.

As such, after somewhat surprisingly being left on the bench in the 0-0 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, Bielsa must unleash the centre-forward against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night, as the £16.5k-per-week teenager has already proven to be something of a game-changer for the Argentine coach.

In other news: Cross drops major Leeds injury update ahead of Palace clash, fans will be buzzing

A number of Manchester United fans hit out at captain Harry Maguire on social media for his display in the 2-2 draw with Atalanta on Tuesday evening.

The Red Devils were once again bailed out by star man Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to ensure they would leave Italy with a point and top of their group.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once again selected a back three following the 3-0 win over Tottenham on Saturday, with Maguire making his 12th appearance in all competitions.

The 28-year-old was comfortably the worst-rated centre-back and far behind Raphael Varane and Eric Bailly, though, as per Sofa Score, even though the Frenchman was withdrawn through injury.

Maguire recorded a match rating of 6.3/10, United’s worst outfield starter, losing the ball on 10 occasions. He also failed to make a clearance or an interception all evening and lost six of his 10 duels, while he was seemingly responsible for the hosts’ second goal in trying to play Duvan Zapata offside.

United fans react

This is what these United supporters had to say about Maguire in reply to a tweet from @utdreport, with one labelling him a ‘mess’ and another saying he ‘has to go with Ole’.

“Maguire has to go with Ole”

Credit: @akzblackz

“THE WORST UNITED CAPTAIN ASHLEY YOUNG BETTER THAN HIM”

Credit: @PSRIKIII

“Worst signing in football history. Not even cap”

Credit: @kristiyanevt

“He’s been a mess all season”

Credit: @1aMusti

“Sell him”

Credit: @KyleCampbell456

“Maguire has to go man”

Credit: @Dembele_8

A poor start from the batsmen and the failure to get early wickets by the bowlers cost India the second ODI, MS Dhoni, their captain, has said

Cricinfo staff19-Dec-2009A poor start from the batsmen and the failure to get early wickets by the bowlers cost India the second ODI, MS Dhoni, their captain, has said. Dhoni scored a century after the early loss of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, taking India to 301, but Sri Lanka, boosted by a second successive ton from Tillakaratne Dilshan, sealed a three-wicket win in the final over.”We did not get a good start. We got some partnerships going but also lost wickets regularly,” Dhoni said after the game. We capitalised on the Powerplay to get to a total, which I thought was par for the course. But in these conditions you need to get early wickets. We did not get those.”If we had got wickets with the new ball things would have been different. Though we got three-four wickets in a clutch it was too late to make a difference.”Dhoni admitted poor fielding was also a factor in India’s failure to defend a competitive score. “This team is the best in batting and we have the best bowlers, but we are not the best fielding side in the world,” he said. “We need to score 20 more runs to make up for the fielding lapses.”There were several misfields and fumbles when India were fielding, and one that virtually sealed a Sri Lankan victory came in the penultimate over. Zaheer Khan, fielding at mid-on, allowed a drive from Angelo Mathews go through his legs to the boundary to bring the equation down to four runs off eight balls.India have been relying on the services of former Australia fielding coach Mike Young, who is a part of the support-staff in his capacity as a consultant. But Dhoni said results could not be expected overnight. “You have to see the individuals also and then you have to decide on how much you can upgrade yourself. It’s not that if I am fielding or you are fielding and all of a sudden there comes the coach and you become Jonty Rhodes,” he said. “It’s like a bowler. A spinner can’t bowl fast bowling. The same way fielding is something that comes naturally. Somebody is a good fielder or he’s not.”However, Dhoni praised India’s middle-order batsmen, Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli, who hit half-centuries and played key roles in India’s recovery. “Virat batted very well. When he came in there was a lot of pressure. The spinners were bowling well and the fast bowlers were using the bouncers. He is also an excellent fielder either inside or outside the circle. It’s exciting to see characters like him,” he said. “Raina is a batsman who, after he is well set, goes for the big shots, sixes and fours. That’s the hallmark of his batting.”Dhoni has had a successful 2009 with the bat, scoring two centuries and nine fifties and currently heads the run-scoring charts along with Ricky Ponting. “If we have to score more runs I promote myself. I try to be there till the end so that in the slog overs we can score more freely when one set batsman is there. By batting at different slots I have learnt what kind of pressure every individual has,” he said.Sri Lanka’s response was led by Dilshan’s typically attacking 123 and Dhoni lauded his consistency. “He’s a very aggressive batsman and has been very consistent. On his day he can be dangerous. He has got all the shots, the cut, the pull or the shot over the bowler’s head.”Dilshan has scored four out of his five centuries while opening the batting, and he acknowledged that promotion up the order had brought about a transformation in his batting. “Opening has certainly helped me,” he said. “I have changed my mindset and started converting my 30s and 40s into big scores.”An unbeaten 37 from Mathews took Sri Lanka past the finish line after India had struck back with quick wickets. “We had to take our chances and Angelo Mathews (37 not out) made sure we did not go down,” he said. Mathews appeared to pull his thigh muscle during his innings and had to rely on a runner. Sri Lanka’s team manager Brendon Kuruppu said the extent of damage was not known as yet. “We don’t know exactly what has happened to him. We have to wait for 24 hours before deciding the course of action.”

Queensland could have two Sheffield Shield debutants for their first match of the season and they are hoping James Hopes will also be available for the four-day game against Western Australia

Cricinfo staff09-Oct-2009Queensland could have two Sheffield Shield debutants for their first match of the season and they are hoping James Hopes will also be available for the four-day game against Western Australia. The batsmen Glen Batticciotto and Wade Townsend have been named in Queensland’s 13-man squad for the Sheffield Shield match starting in Perth next Tuesday.Hopes has been included but his participation depends on his recovery after arriving home from South Africa, where he was part of Australia’s Champions Trophy-winning team. Hopes was originally expected to take part in Queensland’s FR Cup match on Sunday but has been withdrawn from that squad.”James is seeing the Centre of Excellence physio Kevin Sims today to see whether he is right to be considered for the four-day game,” Queensland’s coach Trevor Barsby said. “After a long campaign and a long flight, he wasn’t feeling 100% about playing Sunday which would have come after another flight, so it’s best for everyone to be cautious, considering Hopesy has developed into such an important part of the Australian one-day set-up.”Batticciotto, 28, will make his first-class debut after becoming a regular in Queensland’s one-day side over the past two seasons. Townsend is no certainty to make the Sheffield Shield starting line-up but will make his FR Cup debut on Sunday against the Warriors.Western Australia have chosen their squad for the one-day match with no place for Steve Magoffin, while the fast-bowling recruit from New South Wales, Michael Hogan, was named. Luke Ronchi has been restored to the wicketkeeping role after losing his spot to Michael Johnson towards the end of last summer’s FR Cup.Queensland Sheffield Shield squad Ryan Broad, Nick Kruger, Lee Carseldine, Glen Batticciotto, James Hopes, Chris Simpson (capt), Nathan Reardon, Wade Townsend, Chris Hartley (wk), Grant Sullivan, Ben Laughlin, Daniel Doran, Ben Cutting.Queensland FR Cup squad Ryan Broad, Lee Carseldine, Nathan Reardon, Craig Philipson, Glen Batticciotto, Chris Simpson (capt), Wade Townsend, Chris Hartley (wk), Nathan Rimmington, Ben Laughlin, Ben Cutting, Daniel Doran, Alister McDermott.Western Australia FR Cup squad Shaun Marsh, Luke Ronchi (wk), Wes Robinson, Marcus North (capt), Adam Voges, Theo Doropoulos, Marcus Stoinis, David Bandy, Ashley Noffke, Brett Dorey, Brad Knowles, Drew Porter, Michael Hogan.

The final League B match at the Feroz Shah Kotla is a dead rubber but a Cape Cobras victory against Delhi Daredevils on Monday will give the South African team six points and take them to the top of the group

Sriram Veera18-Oct-2009Match factsMonday October 19
Start time 20.00 (14.30 GMT)
Big PictureThe final League B match at the Feroz Shah Kotla is almost a dead rubber but a Cape Cobras victory against Delhi Daredevils on Monday will give the South African team six points and take them to the top of the group, setting up a semi-final clash against New South Wales at the same venue. A defeat will result in them slipping to second place, in which case they will have to travel to Hyderabad to face Trinidad & Tobago.The Cobras started the Champions League with a win but that result against Bangalore was due largely to JP Duminy’s lone hand. However, they steadily improved and have started to fire as a unit. The fixture against Delhi will serve as match practice ahead of the semi-final, and it is also an opportunity for Herschelle Gibbs to bat himself into form.Delhi are already out of the competition and will be playing for a consolation win in their final game of a disappointing tournament for IPL teams. They have severely missed the services of their injured foreign stars, Daniel Vettori and AB de Viilliers, on the slow and low tracks of the Kotla and are desperate for one last hurrah.Watch out forAmit Mishra: He was hammered by Ross Taylor and the other Royal Challengers in the previous game but he will be expected to bounce back on the spin-friendly Kotla track. To be fair, the Bangalore game was an aberration, as Mishra has done well most of the time.Andrew Puttick: A soft-spoken man from Cape Town who made the memorable quote – “I am just a cricketer, not a diplomat” – the other night when asked about the security scare that delayed the Bangalore game. He has been a revelation in this tournament, leading the team skillfully, and has shone with the bat. His hard hitting, which resulted in the first century of the tournament, was a surprise even for fellow countryman Allan Donald.Tillakaratne Dilshan: He hasn’t managed anything spectacular so far but one can expect Dilshan to stitch together at least one flamboyant knock before the tournament ends. Perhaps it will be his day tomorrow.Herschelle Gibbs: He opted out of the last game due to security reasons but is likely to play this one. He has not been among the runs and should take this opportunity to get his act going before the semi-finals.

Michael Hussey has called for reduced expectations on David Warner after his explosive start to his international career

Peter English13-Jan-2009
Michael Hussey is happy to advise David Warner on dealing with fame © Getty Images
Michael Hussey has called for reduced expectations on David Warner, Australia’s new wonder boy, after his explosive start to his international career. Warner starred in the opening Twenty20 game in Melbourne, blasting 89 from 43 balls, and was catapulted briefly in to movie-star celebrity, but was bowled by Dale Steyn for 7 off 12 in the second match in Brisbane on Tuesday.Hussey said Warner was dealing well with the extra attention caused by his breakthrough innings on debut and was impressed with his attitude. “He’s fine,” Hussey said. “He’s just been on a real high the whole week.”He’s a pretty level headed guy, nothing affects him too much. I just hope people don’t put too much pressure on the guy. He’s just a young guy who enjoys playing in an exciting way.”Warner, a left-handed opener, is 22 and still to make his first-class debut, but his sharp rise continued with him being added to the one-day squad as a standby player for Michael Clarke. Clarke, the vice-captain, was due to have his injured right thumb assessed in Melbourne on Wednesday after missing both the Twenty20 victories against South Africa.The first of the five CB Series matches begins on Friday and if Clarke is ruled out Warner’s eventful week will continue. However, he could also be heading back to grade cricket and New South Wales Twenty20 appointments.”He knows how he wants to play and that’s a pretty good start,” Hussey said. “Hopefully it’s a long journey for him. I’m sure there are going to be lots of ups and downs, like any player, but he plays an exciting brand and I hope he can continue to play in that sort of mould.”After the Melbourne game Warner was counselled by senior players about the instant stardom and Hussey said he would offer his advice on dealing with the fame. “I think he’s learning pretty quickly about what it’s like.”

Flocking to Twitter, a number of Manchester United fans have erupted over news involving Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.

It is now official as the Red Devils parted company with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this morning following a run of dismal results, with a 4-1 humiliation at hands of minnows Watford seemingly cementing the Norwegian’s fate.

United severed ties with Solskjaer more than two-and-a-half years after they appointed him on a permanent basis to succeed Jose Mourinho.

The club legend vacates the Old Trafford managerial seat having guided United through 168 games in all competitions, winning 92 of them, drawing 35 and losing 41 – averaging around 1.85 points per match (Transfermarkt).

As such, their search seems set to begin as club chiefs decide best how to take the Red Devils forward whilst making the most of their star-studded squad.

Links to Zinedine Zidane, Mauricio Pochettino and Brendan Rodgers have surfaced in recent weeks but it is the latest update on Ten Hag which has fans excited.

According to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, writing on his personal Twitter feed, Ajax’s boss is ‘in the mix’ to succeed Solskjaer as Red Devils manager. Jacobs added that United ‘made contact’ with ‘multiple candidates’ even before their loss to the Hornets on Saturday – including Ten Hag.

Man United fans go wild for Ten Hag…

Taking into account his plaudits, style of play and managerial record, it’s little wonder that so many United fans have raved over this news.

A title winner in the Netherlands and a Champions League semi-finalist in 2019, Ten Hag’s impressive points average of 2.08 per match eclipses that of Solskjaer and the 51-year-old even has admirers in some high profile Premier League coaches.

For example, Jurgen Klopp branded him ‘one of the most exciting coaching talents in world football’ (Planet Football) – perhaps evidence that the Dutchman could be just what United need.

Plenty of Red Devils fans certainly believe so judging by these excited Twitter reactions, with one supporter even calling him a ‘perfect fit’.

Check out more of their verdicts below:

“Ten Hag timeeeeee”

Credit: @Ixrisldn

“Ten Hag, I’m on my knees”

Credit: @casperorace

“Tears in my eyes”

Credit: @_M0J

“Bring him home”

Credit: @Showman_ke

“Get this man inside!”

Credit: @KgosiAkeem

“YEEEEEESSSSSSS”

Credit: @RASHYFORDSZN

“Perfect fit”

Credit: @juxkwabena

In other news: ‘Needs transfer listing’, ‘Shocking’ – These Man Utd fans slam ‘awful’ player who lost the ball 15 times v Watford

Maurice Ouma cracked fifty on his first international outing as the new Kenya captain, as his side produced a reasonable second day’s play in response to Ireland’s dominant first innings of 404

Cricinfo staff04-Jul-2009
ScorecardMaurice Ouma cracked fifty on his first international outing as the new Kenya captain, as his side produced a reasonable second day’s play in response to Ireland’s dominant first innings of 404.By stumps, Kenya had reduced the deficit to 165 with Ouma, David Obuya and Jimmy Kamande, Ouma’s deputy, all reaching fifty. Kamande was unbeaten on 65 and Kenya urgently need him to reach three figures if they’re to threaten Ireland’s first innings total.Ireland resumed on 323 for 7 and were indebted to Regan West that they passed the 400 mark. West, whose square build and jaw resemble that of a rugby No. 8 rather than a left-arm tweaker and occasional seamer, flogged 44 from 50 balls with nine fours. With Kyle McCallan contributing 25, Ireland lifted their total to a challenging 404, and their bowlers were quickly up to pace in Kenya’s reply as Trent Johnston removed Kennedy Otieno for 8.Seren Waters dug deep with 26, putting on 53 for the second wicket with Obuya, but he fell to McCallan and Steve Tikolo, the former captain, departed for just a single when Andrew White trapped him leg-before.Obuya resisted, however, stroking five fours and lifting two sixes, and appeared to be settling into a big partnership with Ouma until on 64 he became the first of two wickets for West. West removed Obuya’s brother, Collins, ten overs later but Ouma and Kamande put on the day’s biggest stand for the sixth wicket, in 24.3 overs, as Kenya passed 200.Nothing is ever straightforward in Kenyan cricket, however. While the going was good, it took a hapless piece of cricket to end it when Kamande called his captain through for an unlikely single, and McCallan threw down the stumps from midwicket. Ouma glared at Kamande as he trudged back to the pavilion, and all the pressure is now on his deputy to produce an innings of substance on day three.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to add further reinforcements to his first-team squad.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Red Devils are keen to secure the services of the highly-rated 24-year-old over the coming months after identifying him as a top transfer target.

The report states that: “The Leicester City midfielder is the clear target to reinforce the pivot position of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team. One that has given him headaches for several seasons now.

“Solskjaer’s men have always been interested in the pivot, but few contacts have been made so far. The situation so far in the team in that area is critical, and if it continues like this they will not think for a second whether to make this signing.”

Solskjaer needs him

Ndidi has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top defensive midfielders since arriving on English shores from Genk in January 2017, making 185 appearances for the Foxes in all competitions.

The Nigeria international played a pivotal part as Brendan Rodgers’ charges claimed their maiden FA Cup crown last term and has been a crucial cog in the Northern Irishman’s set up for several campaigns.

“He is an incredible player. The offensive players get the credit, but he does the dirty work,” said Rodgers back in 2019. “He has this brain for the game, where he can smell danger and always finds himself there.

“The timing of his challenge is very good, and he’s up there with the top players at winning the ball back. When you play a pressing game, you need someone like Wilf. His passing is good too, he’s always smiling.”

And the 2020/21 campaign was arguably Ndidi’s best yet. As per WhoScored, the £54m-rated monster averaged a whopping 3.7 tackles per league game and also managed 2.3 interceptions, placing him above his Leicester teammates for both metrics.

Over the summer, it was reported that Solskjaer was keen to swap his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation for a more attack-minded 4-3-3, dropping his double pivot of Fred and Scott McTominay in favour of a single holding midfielder.

However, the Norwegian tactician has so far only felt comfortable to do so for one half of football against Villarreal in the Champions League before reverting to type at half-time.

Therefore, United’s football director John Murtough must sanction a swoop for Ndidi over the coming months, supplying Solskjaer with the tools he needs to play his desired formation and allowing the team to progress as a result.

And, in other news…Report reveals worrying Man United update that should leave Ole feeling concerned

West Bromwich Albion have spent the last five years yo-yo-ing between the Premier League and the Championship, with two relegations and one promotion since 2017/18.

There have been several factors behind their inability to remain a consistent force in the top-flight of English football, but arguably the most pivotal aspect is their poor record in the transfer market.

Many players have been brought into the Hawthorns for relatively large fees before failing to live up to expectations in recent years, heavily contributing to the club’s struggles at the elite level.

And one of those who has arguably flopped for the Midlands outfit is Karlan Grant. The 24-year-old striker was brought to West Brom in a £15m deal back in October 2020, making him one of their most expensive purchases.

During his unveiling, technical director Luke Dowling lauded the youngster’s ability to put the ball in the back of the net, claiming he was ready for the step-up that the Premier League would undoubtedly provide.

“We are confident we have signed a young player who has proved he is ready for the challenges of the Premier League,” said Dowling. “He has scored goals throughout his career, including the few months he had with Huddersfield at this level two years ago.”

However, things have not gone to plan for Grant. The former England U18 international scored just a single goal as West Brom finished 19th last term, immediately returning to the Championship as a result.

His underwhelming performances upfront saw him fall out of favour when Sam Allardyce took over from Slaven Bilic halfway through the season, with his last league start coming at the beginning of February.

Although Grant has started the current campaign well, bagging four goals and providing two assists in 11 Championship outings, his inability to produce at the highest level has seen his market value plummet to just £7.2m, less than half the total that West Brom paid for his services just last year.

While the £30,000-per-week dud may yet come good for the Baggies, it appears the club’s hierarchy made a big mistake in placing their trust in a striker unproven in the Premier League, contributing heavily to their eventual relegation.

And, in other news…Signed for £8m, now worth £1.8m: Ismael must wield axe on 27 y/o West Brom liability