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It would be fair to say that this season is going about as well as any Arsenal fan could’ve hoped for back in the summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side are three for three in the Champions League without conceding a goal and currently sit atop the Premier League, seven points ahead of defending champions Liverpool.

However, the North Londoners have to shift their focus from the major competitions ahead of their League Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday night.

The Gunners must do better in the domestic cups this season, but even so, Arteta should look to replace Declan Rice in the lineup with another international star.

Changes Arteta should make to the team

While this isn’t a game Arteta should take lightly, it is nowhere near as important as the league, and therefore, with the squad he has at his disposal, he should be looking to make some changes.

Chalkboard

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

Starting in goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga should be given another start, and to ensure William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães are given a rest, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie should start together for the first time.

Likewise, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are in need of a rest, and in their place, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ben White should come back into the side.

At the base of midfield, Martin Zubimendi should be replaced by fellow summer signing Christian Nørgaard, and while there is an argument to also rest Eberechi Eze, it might be good for him to stay in the team following his goal on the weekend.

Moreover, by keeping the former Crystal Palace star in the lineup, Arteta can start Ethan Nwaneri on the right in place of Bukayo Saka, who was reportedly unwell against the Eagles, and therefore shouldn’t be anywhere near the team on Wednesday.

Finally, injuries once again leave the manager with few options when it comes to changing the striker and left-wing setup.

For example, while it would be great to hand Viktor Gyokeres a rest, the fact that Gabriel Martinelli is now out means he’s unlikely to get one.

This is because Leandro Trossard will now have to stay out wide instead of starting down the middle.

With all that said, there is one more regular starter who should be replaced: Rice.

The Arsenal star who should replace Rice

Like many of the other stars in the team, Arteta simply must drop Rice to the bench for the game against Brighton on Wednesday for a couple of reasons.

First of all, he just needs a rest as he’s already played 937 minutes of football for Arsenal this season, and he came off with a slight knock on the weekend.

Second, his importance to the side is massive, as on top of everything he does in open play, his deliveries are also one of the main reasons the team have been so utterly incredible at set-pieces.

With that said, who should come in to replace him?

Well, with Norgaad replacing Zubimendi and Eze potentially keeping his place in the team, the most obvious and best option would be Mikel Merino.

The Spanish international might be just a step below the former West Ham United captain, but he remains a top-level midfielder and someone who is capable of impacting the game in all phases of play.

For example, FBref ranks him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for aerial duels won, the top 2% for non-penalty goals and touches in the opposition’s penalty area, the top 11% for through ball and more, all per 90.

Average Shot Distance

11.10

Top 1%

SCA (Shot)

0.39

Top 1%

Aerials Won

3.08

Top 1%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.32

Top 2%

Touches (Att Pen)

3.92

Top 2%

Goals

0.32

Top 3%

Goals + Assists

0.49

Top 3%

npxG: Non-Penalty xG

0.24

Top 3%

Shots on Target

0.74

Top 3%

GCA (Shot)

0.07

Top 3%

xG: Expected Goals

0.24

Top 5%

npxG + xAG

0.35

Top 6%

Goals – xG

+0.08

Top 6%

Goals/Shot

0.17

Top 7%

Non-Penalty Goals – npxG

+0.08

Top 7%

Progressive Passes Rec

4.52

Top 8%

Shots Total

1.82

Top 8%

npxG/Shot

0.13

Top 8%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.56

Top 8%

Penalty Kicks Won

0.04

Top 8%

Shots on Target %

40.4%

Top 11%

Through Balls

0.42

Top 11%

Moreover, he has also transformed into a lean, mean goalscoring machine for club and country this year.

Since the start of 2025, he has scored nine goals and provided three assists for the Gunners.

On top of that, the 6 foot 2 titan has scored eight goals and provided one assist for Spain this year, which is a run of form that has seen his manager, Luis de la Fuente, claim he is “on the same level as Pedri and Rodri.”

Ultimately, Merino has proven himself to be an excellent player in most areas of the pitch, and therefore, he should be the one to come in for Rice against Brighton.

Arteta's £120k-p/w "wild horse" looks like this season's Timber at Arsenal

Just like Timber, the international monster is having an incredible season at Arsenal this year.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 28, 2025

اعترف نجم نادي ليفربول، أنه بجانب بقية زملائه لم يتحدثوا بعد نهاية مواجهة برينتفورد مباشرًة في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، والتي خسرها الريدز بهدفين مقابل هدف واحد، يوم السبت الماضي.

ليفربول تعرض لهزيمة قاسية أمام برينتفورد بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدفين يوم السبت الماضي، ضمن الجولة التاسعة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وسوف يواجه ليفربول نظيره كريستال بالاس مساء اليوم الأربعاء، ضمن الدور الرابع من بطولة كأس الرابطة الإنجليزية.

وأكد فيديريكو كييزا، نجم ليفربول، أن فريقه يريد تغيير هذا الوضع والعودة إلى نغمة الانتصارات بالفعل، وذلك في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة ذا إندبندنت.

وقال كييزا: “لم يتحدث أحد بعد الخسارة أمام برينتفورد لأن الجميع يعلم أنه أحيانًا بعد الهزيمة لا داعي للحديث عن الوضع، أنت تعلم ما يحدث لذلك لم يتحدث أحد لأنني أعتقد أن علينا التفكير فيما يمكننا فعله بشكل أفضل وعادةً عندما نكون في مثل هذا الموقف، أول ما يتبادر إلى الذهن هو بذل المزيد من الجهد والتدريب بجدية أكبر”.

وأضاف كييزا في حديثه: ”أعتقد أنه كان من الجيد أننا لم نتحدث بعد المباراة فهذه علامة على أن الجميع يريد التغيير. الجميع يريد تغيير الوضع”.

وأوضح الجناح الأيمن: ”بالطبع، بعد أن ذهبنا إلى الحافلة وبدأنا الحديث عن الوضع أراد الجميع تغيير الأمور، هذا هو الهدف الرئيسي وأول شيء هو ألا نلوم أي شيء أو أي شخص”.

وأردف كييزا: ”نحن لا نفوز وقد تكون هناك أسباب عديدة لذلك، لكن علينا أن نتعافى ونحن لا نفعل ذلك وأنا شخصيًا لا أهتم إن كان هذا أو ذاك هو سبب عدم فوزنا، بالنسبة لي أهم شيء هو العمل بجدية أكبر ثم السعي لتحقيق الفوز”.

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وعن مواجهة كريستال بالاس في كأس الرابطة واصل كييزا في حديثه: “لا أعرف إن كنتم تقولون هذا بالإنجليزية، لكننا نقول في إيطاليا انتصار يجلب انتصار، لذا نريد الفوز غدًا”.

واستكمل: ”لدينا الكفاءة واللاعبون اللازمون لذلك ولدينا مدرب رائع، لذا لا أرى أي مشكلة. آمل ألا تكون هناك أي مشكلة في المستقبل وآمل أن نستعيد توازننا، وهذه هي وجهة نظري. أريد البقاء هنا والفوز مع ليفربول مرة أخرى”.

وأضاف: “أريد أن ألعب بشكل جيد وهذا هو هدفي الرئيسي ثم سيقرر المدرب ما إذا كنت سأشارك أساسيًا أم لا. لكن إذا واصلت اللعب بشكل جيد فبالتأكيد سأحصل على دقائق لعب أكثر، وهذا لأن المدرب يرى ذلك. لقد أظهر لي ذلك لأنني ألعب بشكل أفضل. في العام الماضي لم أكن في كامل لياقتي البدنية، لم أكن مستعدًا ذهنيًا ولم ألعب”.

واستطرد كييزا في حديثه: “كنت راضيًا تمامًا عن ما حدث معي الموسم الماضي لأنني لم أكن على نفس مستوى اللاعبين الآخرين، هذا العام شعرت بتحسن بدنيًا وذهنيًا بمجرد أن بدأنا الموسم، لعبت أكثر وما زلت بحاجة للعب أكثر للوصول إلى المستوى المطلوب”.

واختتم: ”كنت ألعب كثيرًا عندما فزت ببطولة أوروبا مع إيطاليا في عام 2021، أنا لاعب مختلف الآن لكنني أحب ما ألعبه، وأحب حقيقة أنني تحسنت في جوانب عديدة من لعبي باستثناء أنني فقدت بعضًا من سرعتي”.

كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية أن أحد لاعبي فريق ريال مدريد قد تحصل على بطاقة حمراء في المشادة العنيفة التي وقعت في نهاية مباراة الكلاسيكو ضد برشلونة، مساء يوم الأحد.

واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، في الجولة العاشرة من الدوري الإسباني، موسم 2025/26، حيث حقق الملكي فوزًا بهدفين لهدف.

وشهدت الثواني الأخيرة من عمر الكلاسيكو مشادة قوية بين لاعبين الفريقين على خط التماس، بعدما طُرد لاعب برشلونة، بيدري، نتيجة حصوله على بطاقة صفراء ثانية في اللقاء.

وبشكل مفاجئ، نشبت مشادة قوية بين لاعبي فريقي برشلونة وريال مدريد على خط التماس، والتي انتقلت إلى أرض الملعب عقب إطلاق صافرة النهاية، وكان لامين يامال مركزها.

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وحسبما ذكرت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، فإن أحد لاعبي فريق ريال مدريد تحصل على بطاقة حمراء بسبب المشادة المذكورة في نهاية مباراة الكلاسيكو أمام برشلونة.

وأوضحت أن ذلك اللاعب هو حارس مرمى ريال مدريد، أندري لونين، حيث سُجل الأمر في تقرير الحكم سيزار سوتو جرادو.

وأفادت أن لونين طُرد نتيجة مغادرته دكة بدلاء ريال مدريد وتوجهه إلى تلك التي تنتمي لـ برشلونة، بطريقة عدوانية، حيث اضطر زملائه إلى إحجامه عن المضي قدمًا في تصرفه، ويتبقى معرفة ما إذا كان سيتم إيقافه لمباراة واحدة أم أكثر.

ليس هذا فقط، بل كشف تقرير جرادو أن 6 بطاقات صفراء قد تم إشهارها من جانبه تجاه لاعبي الفريقين خلال المشادة، وكانت من نصيب كل من: إيدير ميليتاو، رودريجو، فينيسيوس جونيور، ثلاثي ريال مدريد، إلى جانب ثلاثي برشلونة فيرمين لوبيز، بالدي وفيران توريس.

 

Newcastle United’s pursuit of a striker seems like it will continue into the final days of the transfer window. Eddie Howe’s side are still without Alexander Isak, who is still not back in training after remaining adamant that he will join Liverpool this summer.

That is a deal that seems likely to go on until Monday’s transfer deadline. In that time, the Magpies will need to focus on centre-forward targets of their own. One of those players is Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Norwegian star got his first couple of goals of the new campaign on Tuesday night, hitting two against West Ham United.

The North East giants do seem to have some alternatives lined up if a deal for Strand Larsen does not materialise.

Latest on Newcastle's striker search

The Magpies’ pursuit of Strand Larsen this summer has certainly been frustrating. Howe’s side recently saw a £50m bid rejected by his club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and could return with a new offer before the deadline, with the player himself ‘keen’ to join.

Transfer Focus

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

However, the former Celta Vigo star is not the only Norwegian striker in their sight. According to a recent report from The Athletic, a move for Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth has ‘been discussed’ by the higher-ups at St James’ Park in the past few days.

Of course, he is one of a number of targets for Newcastle, but with options now becoming few and far between so close to Deadline Day, a move for the 29-year-old could materialise.

As for his price, Atleti would accept anything that exceeds the £30m they spent on the striker last summer, as per reports.

Why Sorloth would be a good signing

If Newcastle can sign Sorloth this summer, there is no doubt they would be landing a striker at the very top of his game. Described as a “phenomenal” player by manager Diego Simeone, he was excellent for Atleti last term.

In 54 games across all competitions for the Spanish giants, Sorloth bagged 24 goals. Impressively, he found the back of the net 20 times in La Liga, playing 35 games and 1561 minutes, the equivalent of 17 full 90-minute games.

Already, the former Crystal Palace star has started the season on fire. Despite only playing 76 minutes this term, he has already bagged his first goal of the season, scoring the opener against Elche in what ended a 1-1 draw last weekend.

Despite being at a different stage of his career, it is easy to see why Sorloth could be considered a better signing than Strand Larsen. The Wolves star has shone for the Old Gold so far, and impressed in La Liga before that.

Last season at Molineux, the 25-year-old scored 14 goals in 35 Premier League games, six fewer than what Sorloth managed for Atleti. In Strand Larsen’s second full season in La Liga for Celta Vigo, he could only bag 13 goals, again less than what his countryman managed.

That experience of scoring regular goals consistently might certainly make Newcastle more interested in signing Sorloth this summer. The former RB Leipzig star, who could be considered something of a journeyman, has played right across Europe and has built up key experience and a knack for finding the back of the net.

In fact, the underlying stats from next season suggest Sortloth would be a better signing than Strand Larsen. For example, he averaged 1.15 goals per 90 minutes compared to just 0.49 goals each game for the Old Gold striker.

Sorloth vs Strand Larsen
Stat (per 90)	Sorloth	Strand Larsen
Goals	1.15	0.49
Expected goals	0.97xG	0.36xG
Shots on target	2.3	1.15
Goals per shot on target	0.48	0.42
Aerial duels won	5.63	2.33
Stats from FBref

The fee to sign Sorloth this summer will not break the bank for Newcastle, especially if they sell Isak. The Norwegian star is a true number nine with a great record behind him in recent seasons. It is easy to see why he would be a better addition than Strand Larsen.

With the Magpies looking to bring in a striker who can find the back of the net regularly, Sorloth could be the man to answer their problems.

New Guimaraes: PIF exploring late bid to sign £42m "monster" for Newcastle

Newcastle are prioritising a new striker, but are still considering a move for a centre-midfielder.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 27, 2025

FIFA is reportedly unlikely to advance a proposal to expand the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams for 2030, despite recommendations from CONMEBOL, South American FA leaders, and several presidents from the continent. The Guardian reports that while FIFA heard the pitch and will share it with stakeholders, there is internal skepticism about the plan.

• 'There’d be too many uncompetitive matches'

  The report quoted a source who stressed that the potential of 128 matches in 2030 and the lack of competitiveness in that expanded format would be costly to FIFA's bottom line, and tough for president Gianni Infantino to push through.

  “Gianni would not get that vote through Council even if he wanted to,” a FIFA source told the Guardian. “The overwhelming feeling around the table – and not just in Europe – is that 64 teams would damage the World Cup. There’d be too many uncompetitive matches, and it would risk damaging the business model.”

  FIFA and CONMEBOL met on Tuesday to discuss the potential expansion, with the South American delegation praising the talks following the meeting following their pitch earlier this year.

  "We believe in a historic 2030 World Cup!" CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez said in a social media post after the meeting. "Thank you, President Gianni Infantino, for welcoming us and sharing this journey toward the centennial of football's greatest celebration. We want to call for unity, creativity, and believing big. Because when football is shared by everyone, the celebration is truly global."

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• Getty
  

  The numbers behind a shift

  CONMEBOL would stand to gain the most from another World Cup expansion. The Guardian reported that a source familiar with Tuesday’s discussions said Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina argued they could host the entire group stage.

  A 64-team tournament would allow more than 30 percent of FIFA’s 211 member associations to participate and give all 10 CONMEBOL nations a shot at qualification, compared with just six direct spots next year – plus the potential for an additional inter-confederation playoff place.

  The proposal was first floated at the FIFA Council in April but was met with quick resistance. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin called it a 'bad idea' that would lower tournament quality and weaken qualification, while CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani echoed those sentiment, saying, "They can study all they want, but it just doesn’t feel right.”

• Getty
  

  Other issues at hand

  The Guardian also reported that more European clubs want to be included in the next edition of the expanded Club World Cup, with the new format kicking off last summer. FIFA is considering hosting the tournament every two years and teams are vying for the large prize and appearance money the Club World Cup offers. 

  Proposals for both expanding the Club World Cup and the 2030 World Cup would need to be ratified in a FIFA Council meeting. The next one is next month, but the report notes World Cup expansion is not currently on the agenda. 

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• Looking ahead

  While there's of debate on the future of the World Cup, the upcoming 2026 tournament is getting closer. The draw for the tournament's group stage is set for Dec. 5. 

England were guilty of wasting starts with the bat and then dropped crucial chances in the field

Valkerie Baynes11-Jan-2025Ash Gardner shone with bat, ball and in the field as Australia chased down a modest target to seize the first points of their Ashes battle with England.Alyssa Healy, Australia’s captain, sealed her full comeback from injury with an important 70 runs off 78 balls after Australia had bundled their opponents out for 204 inside 44 overs at North Sydney Oval.Gardner, whose three wickets were pivotal in the downfall of an England batting line-up which was also culpable amid a rash of soft dismissals, saw Australia home by four wickets with her unbeaten 42, having also taken two catches.Related

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Healy had been battling a knee injury since mid-November which ruled her out of her home series against India and forced her to play as a batter only in New Zealand last month while her return to wicketkeeping duties could only be confirmed on the eve of this match.On Sunday, she picked the gaps to perfection as she racked up 11 fours while taking her team within 41 runs of victory.Lauren Bell should have had Garder out for 31 in what would have been an interesting twist with Australia still needing 22 runs but Sophie Ecclestone failed to control her catch as she tumbled at mid-off.Gardner and fellow spinner Alana King then combined to good effect, as they had done with the ball, to see their side over the line before 6236 fans, a record attendance for a women’s international at North Sydney Oval.Lauren Filer overcame her slippery introduction to this ground Thursday’s washed-out warm-up against the Governor General’s XI where she repeatedly lost her footing in delivery to claim two wickets.She set off England’s defence with promise when she removed Phoebe Litchfield with her fifth delivery – the 11th of the innings – an excellent wobble-seam ball that nipped across the left-hander, brushing the outside edge as Amy Jones gathered behind the stumps.Lauren Filer struck early to remove Phoebe Litchfield•Getty ImagesHealy overturned an lbw decision off Bell on height and England torched a review for caught behind off Ellyse Perry with replays showing the Filer’s delivery struck the thigh pad with no bat or glove anywhere near. Filer would have had her second had Alice Capsey not dropped a sitter at fine leg off Perry.The Australian duo amped things up in a 19-run over from Filer, Perry’s flick evading Capsey to find the rope at fine leg followed by three fours to Healy, an inside edge just missing leg stump before two more convincing shots through point and cover. But England successfully reviewed to remove Perry, plumb lbw to Bell, and Australia were 43 for 2.Ecclestone entered the attack in the 15th over and she broke a 61-run stand between Healy and Beth Mooney in her next. Having launched Ecclestone for six over deep midwicket, Mooney tried the same next ball but didn’t connect so well as the spinner dragged her length back and found the safe hands of Danni Wyatt-Hodge at stationed just inside the boundary.Wyatt-Hodge executed another calm catch in the deep from Annabel Sutherland’s top-edged pull off Filer but that brought Garder to the crease and she asserted herself with a big six down the ground off Ecclestone.Gardner and Healy put on 40 runs for the fifth wicket before Healy advanced on a fuller ball from offspinner Charlie Dean and was bowled.Maia Bouchier took an excellent diving catch at point to remove Tahlia McGrath before Gardner made the most of her reprieve and King hit the wining runs with a four down the ground.Earlier, Gardner and King shared five wickets between them in the face of a below-par batting performance by England, backed up by two wickets apiece for Sutherland and Kim Garth.Alyssa Healy brought up her half-century in 53 balls•Getty ImagesHeather Knight top-scored for England with 39, followed by Wyatt-Hodge with a laboured 38 from 52 balls after their side had made a nervy start.Bouchier chopped the third ball of the match onto her stumps only to be saved when it was discovered that Megan Schutt had overstepped by the barest of margins while Tammy Beaumont wafted dangerously at one outside off stump in the third over.Bouchier broke a run of 16 dot balls between the opening pair when she lofted Garth over midwicket for four but Garth responded by pushing one through from back of a length to draw an outside edge which Healy collected behind the stumps.Knight scored her fourth boundary in 20 balls faced driving Sutherland’s yorker outside off deftly through point and Beaumont broke the shackles of a slow start when she had eight off 22 balls, her lofted drive off Garth finding the boundary. The England pair brought up a 50-run partnership for the second wicket but, two balls later Beaumont chipped Sutherland straight to Garth at mid-on to fall for 13 from 31 balls.That brought Nat Sciver-Brunt to the crease and she slog-swept King for six off the seventh ball she faced. But Gardner claimed the crucial wickets of Knight and Sciver-Brunt in consecutive overs – both holing out to Perry at deep midwicket.Perry couldn’t hold on when she had to come rocketing in from the deep square leg boundary and dive forward just to get hands to Amy Jones’s pull with just one run to her name.Jones launched Sutherland for six over deep midwicket and looked in good touch with back-to-back fours off Garth, who conceded 18 runs all up in the 28th over. But no sooner had Jones raised the fifty stand with Wyatt-Hodge by driving King through mid on and she spooned the very next delivery back to the bowler to fall for a 30-ball 31.Capsey never got going and while Australia had no recourse when King struck Dean, on nought, convincingly on the pad with the DRS down, the system was back up and running and couldn’t save Dean when King hit her directly in front for 1.When Wyatt-Hodge picked out Brown at long leg off Sutherland, it fell to the tailenders to salvage a defendable total. Ecclestone made the most of being put down by Healy when she was yet to score, with two boundaries in her 17-ball 16 and Filer opened her tally with consecutive boundaries off Sutherland.But Ecclestone followed England’s blueprint for easy wickets when she sent a leading edge off Darcie Brown straight to Gardner, who then claimed her 100th ODI wicket when she bowled Bell to end England’s innings.

Ordinarily, when Sam Kerr gets the ball inside the six yard box, she shoots. We're talking about one of the deadliest strikers on the planet, someone who has set records on three continents and scored more international goals than any player in Australia's history. But when she found herself in that position on Sunday, as Chelsea visited Aston Villa, it was the first time she had done so in 634 days. So while her uncharacteristic decision to pass was somewhat jarring, given how unfamiliar it looked, it was understandable.

Ask any player who has suffered an ACL injury and they will tell you that it can months to feel like yourself again, even after that long-awaited return to the pitch has happened. Research suggests it can take up to a year and a half, even, so what about someone like Kerr, whose time on the sidelines was even longer than that? When she made her first appearance since December 2023 at the weekend, her first real involvement suggested the sort of rust that many would’ve expected.

It is likely to have prompted some pondering from onlookers, about just what these first few weeks and months back would look like for Kerr. Would it take a while for her to get back up to speed? Would expectations need to be adjusted while she found her feet again? But while the answer to those questions should still be yes, her stoppage time strike to seal what was at times a nervy victory over Villa – that her 100th goal in Chelsea colours in, just 129 games – was evidence that she can, and likely will, still be a serious asset for the Blues even as she works her way back to world-class best.

GettyPerfect return

After all, strikers don't tend to lose those goal-poaching instincts in the box and when Kerr didn't have much time to think later in the game, she delivered. Perhaps that was it for the earlier chance. Perhaps she had time to weigh everything up and consider her options, rather than just doing what she does best by finding the back of the net. That wasn't the case for her landmark goal, when she pounced on a loose ball in the Aston Villa box, capitalising on the chaos caused by a corner to prod a shot beyond Ellie Roebuck which sparked jubilant celebrations from those on the pitch, on the bench and in the stands.

"It feels good," she said after the match, before offering some insight into the weight off her shoulders it also provided. "I'm obviously really happy but there's just a lot of relief. It's been a long journey so I'm just glad it's over."

Sonia Bompastor was particularly happy about that aspect, too. "I was really pleased Sam was able to come on for 20 minutes and was even more pleased with the fact she was able to score," she added. "I think it takes the pressure off her going into the future and her next games for the club."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWeight off the shoulders

It's hard to overstate how crucial that could be. The weeks ahead for Kerr will mainly consist of substitute appearances, as her minutes are built up again after so long on the sidelines. It would be foolish to ask her to do too much too soon, given not only how long she has been out but also how important she is for this Chelsea team. They've just got her back; they don't want to lose her again.

As such, chances could be few and far between for the striker, even in a team like this, and the longer it took for her to put one in the back of the net, the more it would be talked about, the more it would weigh on the player. That's all been dissipated almost immediately.

Getty ImagesGood example to follow

Now, there's real excitement about what she can add to Chelsea, even while she is still working her way back to her best. One only has to look at what Catarina Macario was able to do last season to see how valuable Kerr could be to the team. The American knows exactly what her team-mate has been through, having spent almost two years on the sidelines herself after an ACL injury. She made her comeback at the end of the 2023-24 season and then spent last term "rebuilding" her "foundations", with Bompastor very careful not to overload her given the time she spent out.

Despite all that management of minutes, Macario still managed to produce 11 goals and five assists as Chelsea won the treble, averaging a direct goal involvement every 88 minutes. She's a great case to look at for how Bompastor can manage a returning player's well-being nicely while still getting plenty out of them when they are on the pitch.

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Getty ImagesGreat timing

It's great timing for Kerr to be back, too, because Chelsea are a little light in attack right now. Lauren James is currently sidelined, with Bompastor unable to put a timeframe on her return, while Mayra Ramirez is expected to miss the rest of 2025 after having surgery on a hamstring injury. The Blues did invest in the forward positions in the transfer window, but Alyssa Thompson has only just arrived and will need to settle in, with Mara Alber still very inexperienced and likely to need even more time after a huge move from Hoffenheim.

"It's almost as if we've got an extra signing with her back," Hannah Hampton told on Sunday. "She's an absolute demon in the box and always finding the back of the net, so it'll definitely be a big help for us going forward. It's about time she starts annoying opposition goalkeepers. She does it to me enough times in training."

Having already welcomed Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen, Sunderland are now reportedly one of the frontrunners to sign another Bundesliga winner this summer.

Xhaka "proud" to be at Sunderland

It sums up Sunderland’s summer that they welcomed a player of Xhaka’s calibre this week. It is the ultimate statement from a newly-promoted side and the type that signals their intent to do more than just survive at the first time of asking.

The former Arsenal man, who won the Bundesliga unbeaten with Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 season, joins the likes of Simon Adingra and Habib Diarra on the list of incomings at the Stadium of Light in an impressive summer of business.

After sealing his return to the Premier League for the first time since leaving Arsenal in 2023, Xhaka told Sunderland’s official website: “I’m very proud to be here.

“When I spoke to the Club, I was excited and I felt the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have. It’s exactly what I wanted, and I have a very good feeling.

“We are back to where this Club needs to be, and we want to stay here to write our own history. I feel that I’m ready to help the team with my experience but with quality as well.

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“We need to find ourselves on the pitch, but I don’t think this will be a big problem. It’s been a long time to wait, but I’m here now and I’m looking forward to it.”

That said, one Bundesliga may not be enough to satisfy the Black Cats this summer. According to recent reports, they’re now also among the frontrunners to sign a player that Xhaka already knows well.

Sunderland frontrunners to sign Amine Adli

According to TeamTalk, Sunderland are now frontrunners to sign Amine Adli from Bayer Leverkusen alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ahead of West Ham United, both clubs are reportedly the most active in the race to sign the 25-year-old Bundesliga-winning winger ahead of next season.

Despite already welcoming Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi to boost their flanks, Sunderland have now set their sights on a more experienced option and one who could provide ample cover if both Adingra and Talbi are selected for AFCON duties midway through next season.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Adli

Adingra

Minutes

766

1,097

Goals

2

2

Assists

0

2

Successful Take-ons per 90

1.76

1.72

Whilst Adli’s output undoubtedly needs improving, he stands out as the type of winger who could step in for Adingra when AFCON arrives. His take-on success particularly represents a player who is capable of creating something out of nothing, albeit without the end product as things stand.

Dubbed “extremely agile” by Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes, the 25-year-old – at the right price – would be another impressive signing by the Black Cats. Whether they beat Wolves in the race for his signature remains to be seen, however.

Liverpool have played the long game recruitment-wise, and boy, does it look to be paying off now.

12 months ago, rival supporters were no doubt sneering at the Reds’ lack of transfer activity, with the Anfield side – who had seen the great Jurgen Klopp replaced by Arne Slot – expected to implode with only Federico Chiesa brought in to bolster the ranks.

A new manager normally calls for a mass overhaul, but instead, the Dutchman merely tweaked and tinkered, ultimately steering an already talented squad to Premier League glory at the very first attempt.

A quiet 2024 window now looks to have paid even greater dividends for the imperious champions, with £187m already dished out on five signings this summer, while further high-profile deals could lie in store for the financially secure outfit.

Recent reports have indicated that Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is expected to be on his way to Anfield, while Newcastle United man Alexander Isak remains the dream target for those on Merseyside.

Whether that ‘dream’ becomes a reality is anyone’s guess, however, with alternatives to the Swede still under consideration.

Latest on Liverpool's transfer dealings

They say to strengthen while on top, and that appears to be exactly what Richard Hughes and co are plotting, with reports outlining that a £120m move could be in the offing for that man Isak.

The Magpies are adamant that the former Real Sociedad striker won’t be sold, however, hence why Liverpool are keeping their options open, with speculation even hinting at controversial interest in Manchester United outcast, Marcus Rashford.

That admiration for the Englishman is unlikely to go any further, however, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike the man being lined up in case Isak can’t be prised from St James’ Park.

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As revealed by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Reds made contact with the Bundesliga side regarding a potential move for the 23-year-old, amid that parallel interest in Isak.

That has been followed by further reports in France, which suggest that Ekitike has even agreed personal terms with the club, after signing off on a six-year contract with the Merseyside outfit.

The suggestion is that he only wants to join Slot’s side, despite the rival pursuit from Newcastle.

Games (starts)

32 (26)

33 (31)

Goals

6

15

Mins per goal

359min

172min

Big chances missed

11

16

Assists

2

8

Big chances created

7

12

Key passes*

0.6

1.3

Successful dribbles*

1.4

1.6

Total duels won*

42%

41%

A price tag of around €80m (£70m) has been mooted. Watch this space.

Why Ekitike could have shades of Coutinho

It is no secret that Isak is the man that Liverpool want, with there likely to be a sense of Ekitike being left to feel like second choice, should a deal for the former France U21 international be pursued instead.

A move for the Frankfurt man may well be more with one eye on the future, however, with there no immediate rush to propel him into the starting lineup at Anfield, not least with Slot already boasting a title-winning forward line.

Fresh off the back of scoring 22 goals in all competitions last season, Ekitike could be slowly integrated into the team in 2025/26, before truly exploding in years to come. Already looking like “one of the best strikers out there”, as per analyst Ben Mattinson, there is no telling the heights that he could reach.

In many ways then, such a deal could evoke memories of the purchase of a young Philippe Coutinho back in January 2013, with Liverpool forking out £8.5m to sign the then 20-year-old from Inter Milan, ahead of rival interest from Southampton.

Like Ekitike – who only scored four goals in 33 games during a difficult stint at Paris Saint-Germain – Coutinho hadn’t exactly flourished during his time in Italy, making just 47 appearances and scoring only five times in total at the San Siro.

It was a loan switch to Espanyol in January 2012 that appeared to reinvigorate the Vasco de Gama youth product, as he scored five times in just 16 games in Spain. Ekitike, meanwhile, joined Frankfurt on an initial loan 18 months ago, scoring four times in just 14 league games at the tail-end of 2023/24.

Like Coutinho, Ekitike appears to have flourished away from the bright lights of an elite club like PSG, although that’s not to suggest he can’t thrive second time around by joining another European giant in Liverpool.

What particularly stands out regarding the “world-class” talent – as per scout Jacek Kulig – is the creative ability that goes along with his ball-striking prowess, having registered eight assists and created 12 ‘big chances’ in the Bundesliga last time out, as per Sofascore. For comparison, only Mohamed Salah provided more league assists (18) back at Anfield.

That blend of creativity and quality in front of goal was also evident during Coutinho’s fruitful stint for the Reds, having scored 54 goals and registered 44 assists in 201 games, prior to his £142m exit to Barcelona.

Where the pair – who can both operate centrally or in that left channel – are also alike is in their ball-carrying prowess, with Ekitike ranking in the top 4% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

For Coutinho, his final season in the Premier League for Liverpool saw him rank in the top 1% and the top 4% of midfielders for those same two metrics, respectively, having possessed that gift for breezing past an opponent with ease.

Having been an exciting young prospect initially under Brendan Rodgers, the Brazilian playmaker ultimately emerged as a central figure for the club over the next few years, with the chance there for Ekitike – alongside Florian Wirtz – to enjoy a similar progression when Salah’s impact ultimately begins to wane.

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Sri Lanka now rely on other results, including a washout, for any hope of qualification. Nepal’s road gets tougher with South Africa up next

Sreshth Shah12-Jun-2024

Sri Lanka and Nepal had to share points from the washout•ICC/Getty Images

Match abandoned without a ball bowled Sri Lanka vs NepalSri Lanka and Nepal came to Lauderhill searching for their first wins, hoping to put their T20 World Cup 2024 on track. However, incessant rain, heavy enough to trigger flash-flood alerts for local residents, left both teams splitting one point apiece. That means Sri Lanka are almost certainly out of Super Eight contention while Nepal’s chances of qualification also take a hit. South Africa, currently Group D toppers, were confirmed a place in the Super Eight.For Sri Lanka to now qualify, they first need the Bangladesh vs Netherlands fixture on June 13 in Kingstown to be a washout, then they need to defeat Netherlands in their last group game on June 16. They also need South Africa to beat Nepal by a big margin on June 14, and then for Nepal to beat Bangladesh by a small margin on June 16.