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All the stats highlights from a dominant performance by India on the second day in Chennai

ESPNcricinfo stats team14-Feb-2021268 – Test wickets for R Ashwin in India; only Anil Kumble, with 350, has more wickets in India. During the course of his 5 for 43 today, Ashwin went past Harbhajan Singh’s home tally of 265. Ashwin averages 22.54 in home Tests, compared to Kumble’s 24.88 and Harbhajan’s 28.76. This was Ashwin’s 23rd five-for at home, which is only two short of Kumble’s record.ESPNcricinfo Ltd200 – Left-hand batsmen that Ashwin has dismissed in Tests. He is the first bowler to reach that mark. Of the 391 Test wickets for Ashwin, 200 are of left-hand batsmen, which is an impressive percentage of 51.2. Next on the list of most left-handers dismissed is Muttiah Muralitharan, but only 23.9% of his victims (191 out of 800) were left-hand batsmen. Ashwin averages 19.55 against left-handers, and 31.24 against right-handers.ESPNcricinfo Ltd134 – England’s total, which is their second-lowest all-out score in India; the lowest is 102, in Mumbai in 1981. In terms of overs faced, the 59.5 they faced here is their fifth-lowest in India. One of the previous four was in their second innings in the first Test of the series, when they were looking out for quick runs and were bowled out for 178 in 46.3 overs.74.6 – The control percentage for England’s batsmen in their first innings; India’s control percentage in their first innings was 82.4%. England’s batsmen played a false shot every 3.9 deliveries, compared to one every 5.7 balls for India’s batsmen. In the 18 overs of India’s second innings, their control percentage dropped to 78.5, which is a false shot every 4.7 balls. A batsman is in control of a delivery when the ball goes where the batsman intended it to. On the other hand, a false shot is marked when a batsman edges, mistimes, or is beaten by a delivery.79.75 – Ben Foakes’ batting average in Asia. In seven innings in the continent, he has scored a century and a half-century, and has only twice been dismissed below 20.0 – Extras conceded by England in India’s first innings. That is the highest total in a Test innings in which no extras have been conceded. The previous highest was 328, though on that instance India’s bowlers bowled 187.5 overs, against Pakistan in 1955, compared to the 95.5 overs bowled by England in the Indian innings.4 – Ducks in India’s first innings, which is only the ninth instance of four or more ducks in an Indian innings at home. The previous such instance was in 2008, against South Africa in Ahmedabad.

And so Tottenham Hotspur put the brakes on their campaign for the third time this season, having played out a frenzied draw with Manchester United in the Premier League.

And so Tottenham sit fifth in the standings, 18 points from 11 matches and eight points behind table-topping rivals Arsenal. Thomas Frank will be frustrated with the manner of this side’s dropped points last weekend, Matthijs de Ligt nodding home right before the final whistle after Richarlison had struck moments before and wheeled away in topless celebration.

How to dissect the details of Spurs’ season? Improvements have been made since Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou after that Europa League triumph last season, a strange repulsion between the continental elation and the sour taste of a 17th-place finish in the Premier League.

But Tottenham lack confidence and coherence and quality in the final third. To dare is to do. Are Tottenham doing enough? That is one of the biggest contentions of the campaign so far, and Frank simply has to find a formula to his side’s offensive struggles as the season heads into the wintry midpoint.

How Frank can fix Spurs' attacking problems

Tottenham have found a way to secure a greater number of points under Frank than they typically managed under his predecessor. However, more goals and created chances are needed if the Londoners are to hit the heights anticipated.

But this is a long-term project, and overnight success was never going to be on the cards. What Frank can do, though, is consider ditching Richarlison, even though the Brazilian scored with a deft header against United at the weekend.

We would be remiss not to acknowledge the cameo of Mathys Tel at the weekend, too. The young striker spun and scored after replacing Xavi Simons off the bench. It started the comeback that ultimately didn’t cement itself, but demonstrated the potential of a versatile forward whose talents could yet be fashioned into something special and suitable for life at the peak of the Premier League.

Dominic Solanke continues to languish in the infirmary, a frustration that has undoubtedly had an adverse effect on Frank’s start at the helm. Had the former Bournemouth striker been fit and in the form of his previous chapter across these past few months, Tottenham would have had a focal outlet from which to channel creativity.

It’s been an issue for the strikers, though, and there’s one man in particular whose campaign has been sent into a spin, even though some have acknowledged he has a bit of Jermaine Defoe about him.

Spurs' "Defoe-esque" star is becoming a big problem

Defoe was a proper Premier League striker. Something of a journeyman, he was always prolific and scored 143 goals across 363 matches in a Lilywhite shirt.

Quick feet, attacking smarts and a natural-born instinct in front of goal made him a force to be reckoned with.

And now, some feel Spurs have found a similar profile in Randal Kolo Muani. Indeed, presenter Ben Bowman hailed Kolo Muani for his “Defoe-esque” attacking play after the weekend match.

In August, Kolo Muani joined Tottenham on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, but he has struggled for fitness across his opening months in England, left waiting until midway through October for his Premier League debut, and has yet to score or assist in four matches since.

Disaster has struck once again, with the 26-year-old having fractured his jaw during the draw against the Red Devils. Now he is set to see a specialist to ascertain the severity of the setback.

Given the nature of Spurs’ attacking problems, with the injuries, yet again, piling up, it’s fair to say that Kolo Muani is presenting quite the conundrum to Frank’s desk, with this being a “strong, fast and powerful” centre-forward, as said by one analyst, endowed with all he needs to succeed in the Premier League, yet one whose time in England may be short-lived and unsuccessful on the grass.

His time in the French capital was somewhat turbulent, having failed to nail down his presence after transferring from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 for a whopping £76m fee. However, a short loan spell with Juventus last season led to ten goals and three assists from only 22 appearances.

Linking this back to the aforementioned Tel, Kolo Muani’s second injury of his Spurs stint could provide the Frenchman with the chance to nail down a regular starting berth.

Couple that with Solanke’s much-anticipated return and the wonders that could work on creating a more solid and dynamic attacking spread, Kolo Muani may be a striker on borrowed time as he struggles to acclimatise before the end of the season, when he will surely close the door on his loan stay down N17 without a sharp upswing in fortunes that look unlikely to materialise at this stage.

Tottenham have some issues, to be sure, but they have also shown themselves to have what it takes to make incremental improvements this season and beyond.

With Kolo Muani now sidelined once again, however, Frank’s scope at number nine has been narrowed. How big a blow will this prove to be? Whatever the verdict, the Les Bleus star is becoming a problem for the London-based outfit.

Spurs flop who's been "swallowed in the PL" must be dropped for Odobert

Thomas Frank can unleash Wilson Odobert by ruthlessly dropping this Spurs flop.

2

By
Dan Emery

Nov 10, 2025

Amid all the boxes they ticked in the Sylhet Test against Ireland, Najmul Hossain Shanto getting back in his groove would make the Bangladesh set up the happiest.Shanto struck his eighth Test century and his fourth as Test captain – 100 in 114 balls – on his return to the helm as Bangladesh won by an innings and 47 runs.He had resigned from the captaincy in June after Bangladesh’s series against Sri Lanka. It was a difficult time for Shanto, who was said to have felt slighted by the BCB, who didn’t contact him before naming a new ODI captain. Shanto had also said at the time that he didn’t believe three separate captains would serve the dressing room well. BCB president Aminul Islam convinced Shanto to return as the Test captain recently, and his first innings back was an aggressive, chanceless century.Related

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“I think this is just a good start, nothing more than that,” he said after the Test. “I have always enjoyed thinking as a batter even when I am a captain. I try to contribute as a batter, but then when I am in the field, I take my responsibility as the captain.”Shanto revealed that the first few days after leaving the Test captaincy were hard to deal with, but that he recovered well and ended up enjoying the “non-captaincy” period.”To be very honest, the early days were tough,” he said. “I did feel relaxed afterwards. I enjoyed the whole time. I spent a lot of time with my family. I also developed my skills both technically and mentally.”Mahmudul Hasan Joy scored a big century in his first innings back in the Test side•BCB

Bangladesh also had a big contribution from Mahmudul Hasan Joy, whose 171 in the first innings is the team’s second-highest score by an opener. Mahmudul returned to the side after being dropped when he went through a lean phase.Shanto was happy to see Mahmudul back and among the runs, and also said he was keen to see more of debutant left-arm spinner Hasan Murad, who took six wickets in the match, including four in the second innings.”Murad was outstanding,” Shanto said. “He has waited for this opportunity for a long time. He has performed in first-class cricket in every season. He has great numbers. His patience is exemplary. It was great to see. I wish he can continue to improve slowly.”Joy wasn’t in the team. He has improved himself to come back with a big century in his first innings back in the team. His comeback is a positive thing. I think Joy has improved with the mental side of things. I hope he continues to play with this mentality.”

Despite a gruelling day in the field, studded with five dropped catches, Joe Root remains adamant that England are still in touch with Australia in the second Test at the Gabba, but says that any prospect of a fightback will require their batters to “express themselves in the right way” for the remainder of a must-win match.Root himself did just that in England’s first innings, finishing unbeaten on 138 to record his maiden Test hundred in Australia, and his 40th overall. Too many of his team-mates failed to provide the requisite support, however, with Harry Brook’s carefree knock of 31 leading his former team-mate, Stuart Broad, to question his game awareness during a stint on Australian radio. In addition to four ducks, Zak Crawley’s 76 was England’s only other score of note, until Jofra Archer joined Root in a free-wheeling last-wicket stand of 70 in 9.4 overs.That shortcoming had been set in stark relief by the close of the second day, with Australia strongly placed on 378 for 6, a lead of 44, thanks to double-figure contributions from each of the eight batters so far used. No-one could go past Jake Weatherald’s 72, but after a brace of 60s from Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, and 45 from Cameron Green, Alex Carey remained unbeaten at the close on 46.England’s standards were challenged throughout a tough day, with Australia rattling along at more than five runs an over, while Will Jacks’ anonymity with the ball has already placed a huge burden on their four-man seam attack. They did manage to claim three wickets in the floodlit final session, including two in an over from a hard-toiling Brydon Carse. However, they also let slip four of those chances – including a particularly culpable drop from Carse at short cover off Michael Neser.Related

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“It’s clear we weren’t our best at that phase of the game,” Root told TNT Sports at the close. “But the way that we dragged things back, by managing to take those wickets in a cluster, it shows what the nature of this game can be like, especially with the pink ball.”In the wake of their first-Test defeat, England’s decision not to play in a three-day floodlit match in Canberra came in for some criticism. While the nature of the contest arguably vindicated that move from a batting and bowling point of view, the chance to replicate a fielding session under the floodlights was perhaps an opportunity lost for the visitors.Root, however, insisted England had worked hard on their fielding drills in their practice sessions at the Gabba.”It is different to a white ball,” he said. “We get a lot of exposure to [floodlit cricket] in ODI cricket and T20 cricket, but it is slightly different. But you still back yourself. We practice really hard for the five days leading into it. We made sure we got our work done. Unfortunately, it’s just one of those days where a few didn’t quite stick to hand. We’ve got to make sure we stay confident, we stay up and, when we get those chances later on in the fixture, we’re ready to take them.Marnus Labuschagne raised his second fifty of the series•Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“We’ve obviously got some more work to do tomorrow, but we’re certainly well and truly in this game. More than anything we’ve got to come out with a huge amount of energy and positivity. We know our best cricket can turn a game very quickly, so we’ll turn up tomorrow with that right attitude. We know that, if we’re anywhere near our best, then very quickly this game can turn in our favour.”First things first, Root acknowledged, England must claim Australia’s final four wickets in the daylight hours.”If we get things right in the morning, and go about things as a team in the correct fashion, then we can put ourselves in a really strong position on a wicket which looks like it’s plating,” Root said. “It looks like there might be a few cracks to work with later on in the game. But clearly, we’ve got to look at tomorrow morning first and foremost, and get things right there.”However, the focus is already turning to England’s crucial second innings – which will begin not only with memories of Root’s resilience on the first day, but of how Australia themselves have gone about hunting down England’s score with aggression allied to sensible shot selection. The contrast with England’s approach, particularly against Mitchell Starc who struck in the first over of a new spell on three occasions in his first-innings 6 for 75, was telling.”When we get out there with the bat, the quality that we have and the talent that’s in that dressing room can go out there and express themselves in the right way on that surface to go and get a big score, which could be very tricky batting last on that surface.””I’ve got quite a clear plan how I score my runs,” he added. “I’ve just got to back myself and understand that, if I do that for long periods of time and make good decisions, I’ll be successful.”Labuschagne, whose partnerships with Weatherald and Smith were key to Australia’s strong position, acknowledged that his dismissal for 65 – just as the floodlights were kicking in – was ill-timed, but his proactive 78-ball innings had still been an ideal template for the conditions.”I would like to be a bit more resilient … getting out on the stroke of the changeover between day and night was not ideal,” he said. “But you’ve just got to keep telling yourself as the batter, it’s just one ball at a time. If you’re thinking too far ahead, you start reading into a ball that might have bounced more off a crack or hit you. You’ve got to stay in the moment as much as you can.”If you’re bowling good balls in the channel at the Gabba, it’s tough to score with the extra bounce. But it was a nice wicket. Obviously, it’s a little bit cracky here and there, but the majority of the times the balls hit the wicket, it was really nice.”The two guys at the top just grabbed that momentum of the game early, and we were almost able to piggyback their momentum, and continue to put pressure on.”

The home side crumbled on the final day before a last-wicket stand narrowed the margin

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff07-Oct-2025New South Wales opened their Sheffield Shield campaign with a memorable 74-run away win over Western Australia.Set 231 to win, WA crumbled for 156 on a tricky pitch at the WACA ground in Perth as unheralded Blues quick Liam Hatcher inflicted serious damage on the lower order. Batting with injured No. 11 Joel Paris, Australia allrounder Ashton Agar went down swinging.Related

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Paris and Agar put on an innings-high 53-run stand for the last wicket to give NSW some nervous moments before closing out the game.But Agar was bowled for 46 the first ball after drinks in the second session of day four, slashing onto his stumps off Ryan Hadley who finished with eight wickets in the matchNSW lost serious experience in the off-season with Jackson Bird moving back to Tasmania and Moises Henriques retiring from four-day cricket. The upset result is a huge boost for veteran Test spinner Nathan Lyon, who led the side in this match in the absence of Jack Edwards on Australia A duty.WA veteran Cameron Bancroft did nothing to impress selectors for a potential Test recall, out for 3 when he edged Hadley after making 10 in the first innings.Test allrounder Cameron Green fell for 24 on Tuesday, superbly held in his follow through by former WA quick Charlie Stobo, after making 19 in the first innings. Green, who is being eased back into bowling following serious back surgery last year, sent down just four overs in the match.NSW’s contenders for a potential Test spot – Sam Konstas and Kurtis Patterson – also failed to capitalise. Incumbent Test opener Konstas made 4 and 14, while Patterson, who played the last of his two games for Australia back in 2019, was dismissed for 8 and 4.

Three top order stands, one after the other, led by Saif Hassan, then Towhid Hridoy, propelled Bangladesh to overhaul Sri Lanka’s 168, on a dry Dubai track.Saif’s 59-run stand with Litton Das came off 34 balls. It saw Bangladesh set the platform. Then Saif joined Hridoy for a 54-run stand off 45 balls, that consolidated their innings through the middle overs. Hridoy then took charge in a 45-run partnership off 27 balls with Shamim Hossain that put Bangladesh on the cusp of victory. There were some wobbles very late in the game, but those batters had done enough. Bangladesh only needed five to win going into the final over, and they got there with a ball to spare, even if they’d lost two wickets and almost a third scoring the winning run.Sri Lanka struggled for wickets right through the innings, with Saif especially good at keeping the seamers at bay in the powerplay. By the end of the 15th over, Bangladesh had still only lost three wickets, and needed only 39 more to win. It seemed highly unlikely they would lose from there. In fact, they had looked good for the majority of this chase.In Sri Lanka’s innings, Dasun Shanaka’s promotion to No. 5 had yielded results, as he struck 64 not out off 37 balls, to give Sri Lanka a decent – if not spectacular – finish. But two Bangladesh bowlers had also shone: Mustafizur Rahman took 3 for 20, and Mahedi Hasan claimed 2 for 25.2:07

Maharoof: Shanaka showed up when the chips were down

Saif neutralises Nuwan Thushara

When Nuwan Thushara dismissed Tanzid Hasan in the first over, you wondered if this would be another match which his first spell goes some distance to winning. He has tended to have rich hauls against this opposition. But in Saif, Bangladesh had a beautiful counter to Thushara. Saif was outstanding down the ground as Thushara kept going full (as he often does in the powerplay). Saif hit a four over the bowler’s head first ball of the second over, before running at Thushara next ball and depositing him over the rope. Thushara’s second and third overs would cost 14 runs each, Saif doing the majority of that damage.

Hridoy takes down Kamindu Mendis

Sri Lanka’s general strategy is to have Shanaka and one of the spin-bowling allrounders share four overs between them. Usually Charith Asalanka bowls himself. But in this game he chose not to bowl, and gave the 15th over of the innings to Kamindu Mendis. It would be the one in which the match would swing definitively in Bangladesh’s direction.Hridoy crashed him over cover for four second ball, then when Kamindu fired a shortish ball at the stumps, Hridoy got inside the line and launched it high over the deep square leg boundary. Later in the over, he slashed one between cover point and backward point to fetch another four. At the start of that over Bangladesh had needed 55 off 36 balls. Hridoy’s 16 runs off that over made the equation much simpler.1:55

Chopra impressed with Hridoy’s cricketing smarts

Shanaka’s blitz

Unlike Sri Lanka’s bowlers, Bangladesh kept striking regularly after Sri Lanka’s openers had put on 44 runs together. Shanaka was the only one to make a substantial score through the middle and later overs, crashing six sixes and three fours. He’d been dropped off the bowling of Mustafizur on 38, in a period in which Bangladesh gave at least three batters reprieves. Shanaka’s most productive over was against the spin of Nasum Ahmed, whom he clobbered for two sixes and a four in the 15th over.

Mustafizur and Taskin close well

Arguably the best over Bangladesh bowled was delivered by Mustafizur, who had both Kamindu and Asalanka caught in the 19th over, in which he conceded only five runs. Taskin Ahmed then bowled four dots to a mid-blitz Shanaka in the next over, delivering a clutch of good slower balls. He was hit for a six and a four too, but between them Bangladesh’s senior quicks had conceded only 15 in the last two overs, which Sri Lanka had been well-set to exploit.

Thomas Frank has enjoyed an impressive start to his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, only losing three of his first 14 competitive games in charge of the club.

However, many fans still aren’t convinced by the Dane, especially after the defeat against Newcastle United in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

The 51-year-old only made four changes to his starting eleven, but one of which proved to be a huge mistake – with Mohammed Kudus dropping down to the substitutes bench.

The Ghanaian has been the Lilywhites’ shining light in 2025/26, as seen by his tally of one goal and four assists within his first nine Premier League outings.

Such creativity was hugely lacking against the Magpies, with the £55m leaving the responsibility down to one of the other big-money names to move to North London this summer.

Xavi Simons’ best game in a Tottenham shirt

After spending £52m on the signature of attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, huge excitement was generated within the Spurs fanbase – but it’s safe to say he’s failed to live up to such expectations.

The Dutch international has registered just one assist and failed to score a single goal in any of his 11 outings, further backing up his lack of impact in North London.

However, his showing against Newcastle was arguably one of his best for the club, with Frank finally starting to utilise the 22-year-old in his natural attacking midfield role.

Simons featured for the entirety of the defeat, subsequently creating three chances for his teammates – but none of which resulted in a goal for Frank’s men.

Richarlison was often the man on the end of his chances, but the Brazilian’s wasteful nature was highlighted in his own tally of two big chances missed.

There’s no doubt he’s been unlucky during his opening few months in England, but the manager can certainly solve such an issue during the next couple of matches.

The Spurs player who can finally get Simons firing

In Spurs’ nine Premier League matches throughout 2025/26, the side have already netted 17 goals – subsequently averaging nearly two goals per game in England’s top-flight.

The goals have been spread around the first-team squad, as seen by centre-back Micky Van de Ven’s tally of three goals, which puts him joint-top of the goalscoring charts.

Richarlison has also netted the same number of goals, but has been called into question over the last few weeks for his inability to find the back of the net.

The Brazilian has failed to score in any of his last eight outings for the Lilywhites, often being wasteful within the final third – as seen by his misses against the Magpies.

Dominic Solanke has been unavailable over recent months due to an ankle issue, with Frank needing to hand fellow centre-forward Randal Kolo Muani the chance to impress.

The Frenchman joined on a season-long loan from PSG on deadline day, but has only started one game to date as he builds up match fitness after a stop-start pre-season.

However, despite his minutes off the substitutes bench, the 26-year-old has still demonstrated glimpses of his quality, which could see him handed a needed run of games as a regular starter.

He was even brought on with 25 minutes remaining at St James’ Park earlier this week, making an immediate impact with his direct run through the midfield, halted by referee Chris Kavanagh.

Kolo Muani, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by one analyst, may have failed to score for the Lilywhites to date, but his temporary spells elsewhere have showcased his clinical nature.

Randal Kolo Muani – stats in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

22

Goals scored

10

Shot on target accuracy

55%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

Key passes made

1.4

Take-ons completed

1.5

Carries into opposition box

1.2

Aerials won

1.2

Stats via FotMob

He scored 10 goals in just 22 appearances with Juventus last campaign, even managing to put 55% of the shots he took on target – highlighting his accuracy in front of goal.

Such numbers would allow Simons to increase his own tallies in North London, with his incredible defence splitting passes falling into the path of a clinical talisman.

Creativity has been the Dutchman’s strong point prior to his move to England, but it’s been massively neglected given Richarlison’s inability to find the back of the net.

However, that could all be about to change if Frank decides to start Kolo Muani, with the pair having the talent to make the 2025/26 campaign one to remember for the Lilywhites.

Related Forget Kudus: Spurs star is rapidly becoming one of the "best in the world"

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Oct 29, 2025

Newcastle United continue their Champions League campaign as Portuguese giants Benfica come to town.

Despite only picking up two victories in the Premier League all season so far, the Magpies did at least manage to entertain their die-hard fans last time out on Europe’s grandest stage.

Eddie Howe’s men went away to reigning Belgian Pro League champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and hammered the hosts 4-0.

They are winless on their own patch in the illustrious competition, however, as a Marcus Rashford-led effort ensured Barcelona travelled to Tyneside to collect a 2-1 win in mid-September.

Still, with Nick Woltemade finding the back of the net for fun at the moment, with the German actually in on the act in Belgium, too, it could be another game to remember for the 6-foot-6 menace against Benfica.

It’s safe to say memories of Alexander Isak are long gone now.

How Woltemade compares to Alexander Isak this season

Even while Newcastle haven’t been at their best so far this season, Woltemade has continually stood out as a thorn in the side for opposition defenders to thwart.

Indeed, the German attacker already has five goals next to his name for the Magpies from just eight appearances, with his strike last time in the Champions League for Howe’s men – which got the ball rolling against David Hubert’s side – coming about from just 42 touches of the ball.

He was instinctive once more for his new outfit against Brighton and Hove Albion, with a cleverly executed back-heel beating Bart Verbruggen in the Seagulls net, after the lethal number 27 had only amassed 31 touches across his 90 minute spell.

With a goalscoring frequency of every 99 minutes next to his name in the top-flight, it’s clear that Howe will be relying on Woltemade to unnerve Benfica under the St James’ Park floodlights later on, having already lived up to his tag of being an “absolutely ridiculous” finisher that he was previously handed to him by journalist Zach Lowy.

The towering centre forward is already emulating some of the greatest finishers the Toon have ever had and after fearing for their future without Isak in the summer, they now could care less that he was playing for Liverpool. After all, the German is streets ahead of Newcastle’s once much-loved striker.

Games

5

4

Goals

4

0

Shots

8

6

Shot accuracy

50%

16.67%

Conversion rate

50%

0%

Take-on success

40%

0%

Duels won per 90

4.8

2.2

Positive signs indeed, and to get more from his big summer arrival, Howe could be tempted to tinker with his wide options this week.

How Newcastle could make Woltemade even better

While Woltemade was a nuisance for the Seagulls to contain, the same can’t be said for his attacking teammate in Anthony Elanga.

Chalkboard

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

He remains without a goal or assist at Newcastle, since securing a £55m move to the club this summer from Nottingham Forest.

Howe was so disappointed by his forgettable showing on the South Coast that he was hauled off at the half-time interval, with the usually quick and hard-to-read winger failing to complete a single successful dribble from his minimal 20 touches of the ball.

In his place could come Jacob Murphy, who Woltemade would surely love lining up alongside if the experienced 30-year-old’s link-up play with ex-striker Isak is anything to read into.

Amazingly, 11 of Isak’s 62 strikes for the Toon came about from a Murphy assist, with journalist Lee Ryder just last season going out of his way to hail the number 23’s work alongside the Swede as “incredible”, when the pair combined for a goal against Ipswich Town.

Games played

4

Minutes played

114 mins

Goals scored

0

Assists

2

To further back up the argument, Murphy also has an assist next to his name in the Champions League this season – which bumped his assist haul for the club in total to a sizeable 36 assists – with a late cameo against Barcelona seeing him combine with Anthony Gordon for a consolation effort.

He might not be as flashy or as direct as Elanga can be, but Howe and Co know where they stand with Murphy and what can he offer, having once been noted as being an “unsung hero” by journalist Scott Wilson for how he slips under the radar.

He will want to be front and centre of a confidence-boosting victory, however, if he is selected, with Woltemade also no doubt ready to lurk in the danger areas again to power home an effort put on a plate for him by his seasoned teammate.

Newcastle have signed a "monster" who is another Woltemade-type player

Newcastle United have picked up another Nick Woltemade-type player.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 20, 2025

Sibley’s 25th century came up alongside Curran’s second during a 170-run stand between them

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay29-Jun-2025Surrey 407 for 3 (Sibley 169*, Curran 108, Lawrence 58*) vs DurhamDom Sibley and Sam Curran scored excellent centuries as champions Surrey made Durham rue their decision to field first on day one at the Kia Oval.Sibley’s batted all day for his unbeaten 169, his third century of the campaign, while Curran’s 108 from 117 balls was his first Championship ton of the season. The duo added 170 for the third wicket as the hosts piled up 407 for 3.Prior to their mammoth stand Rory Burns lit up the morning’s play with a half century full of trademark shots and laced with 12 fours and Dan Lawrence (58*) too passed 50 at better than a run a ball before stumps were drawn.Durham were without the services of Ben Raine from early afternoon and there was a nasty moment for England quick Matthew Potts, who collided with the advertising boards in stopping a boundary shortly before lunch. He didn’t appear at the start of the afternoon session but returned to bowl later, seemingly without issue.Shorn of the services of Brydon Carse, Mark Wood and Codi Yusuf, Durham nevertheless followed the accepted practice of bowling first at the Oval even with the Kookaburra ball in play.Burns soon caused them to question the wisdom of that decision, producing his full repertoire of strokes. Durham aided this process, guilty of bowling either short and wide to feed the cut shot or drifting onto the pads whereupon the former England opener would drive them through mid-on and mid-wicket.There was the odd cover-drive too, all of which meant Burns was not required to exert himself with too much running on a hot day. His 12th four raised his 50, at which point he’s scored only three aside from his boundaries.A loose stroke brought his downfall shortly before lunch and when Ryan Patel went cheaply soon after the resumption there seemed a tiny window of opportunity for the visitors. However, Raine (1 for 32) left the field in the wake of taking the wicket and Curran and Sibley soon slammed that window shut again.Curran bristled aggression from the start, taking a particular liking to the spin of George Drissell, clouting his first ball, a full toss back, over the bowler’s head and later muscling him over the ropes for six.Against seam he was ruthless given any width, his first 50 coming in only 48 balls. Only a tight spell from Will Rhodes dragged him back below a run a ball, but his sparkling hundred containing a six and 14 fours was completed soon after tea before Drissell gained a measure of recompense by having him caught in the deep.Sibley, who edged short of wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson on four in the second over of the day, was content to play second fiddle, though he did unfurl three boundaries in one Jimmy Neesham over, the former New Zealand Test bowler pressed into service with a red ball for the first time in three years.A lovely pull shot was among eight fours in his first fifty and while there were only two more on route to 100, reached in 238 balls, he was a man transformed thereafter.Two short-pitched balls were expertly guided to the fence at third, while a punch through mid-wicket, his 19th four in all took him past 150.A ramp shot and a drive on the up came out in the death throes of the day as he dominated a stand of 131 with Dan Lawrence, who in turn scored his 1000th run for Surrey as the 400 was raised shortly before the close.

Arsenal have made a name for themselves in scoring late goals, with their meeting against Manchester City at the Emirates yesterday another example of their late heroics.

Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal off the substitutes bench secured a vital point for Mikel Arteta’s men – keeping them just a couple of points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.

However, despite the last-gasp effort from the Brazilian, the Gunners boss certainly made a few questionable calls which ultimately cost the side three points in North London.

There’s no denying that the investment over the summer has provided key depth to the Spaniard, but he’s still yet to figure out his best eleven on a regular basis.

One of the biggest issues that plagued his side yesterday was his selection in one area of the pitch – with such a decision being a conservative one rather than one to challenge Pep Guardiola’s side.

Arteta’s midfield disappointment against Man City

After Martin Odegaard was ruled out with the shoulder injury sustained against Nottingham Forest, Arteta had a huge dilemma as to who to utilise in his Arsenal midfield against Man City.

He decided to go with Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino as a flat trio, but it was a decision that ultimately proved to be the wrong one.

None of the aforementioned talents are a natural number ten, which saw the Gunners lack a huge amount of creativity, especially in the first 45 minutes.

The Spaniard’s side had 68% of possession in such a period, but only registered one shot on target – dominating the play but unable to break down the visitors’ backline.

Guardiola’s men were comfortable with the hosts maintaining as much of the ball as they did, putting their focus into counterattacks – as showcased by Erling Haaland’s first-half strike.

Arteta did eventually make the changes his side needed, which resulted in Martinelli’s late effort, with the manager needing to start one player on a consistent basis in the weeks ahead.

The Arsenal star who must start every game

Given the influx of additions, along with the players already at Arteta’s disposal, it was always going to take time for the manager to work out his best starting eleven.

The volume of competitions the club will take part in will require strength in depth, but it’s also vital that the boss creates a settled side in their title charge.

Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres have already cemented their place in the first eleven, both starting every one of the club’s first five Premier League outings.

However, fellow summer addition Eberechi Eze has had to bide his time in making an impact for the Gunners, after joining from Crystal Palace in a £60m transfer.

The England international has only started twice since his transfer, often having to resort to minutes off the substitutes bench to make an impact on proceedings.

He’d already registered an assist from a starting position, picking out Gyokeres for the second goal in the 3-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates last weekend.

However, Arteta decided that the 27-year-old would start on the bench against Guardiola’s men – a decision that proved to be a mistake given his impact after coming on at the break.

He completed 87% of the passes he attempted, two of which were into the final third, allowing him to create one big chance in the process – offering the side the needed attacking presence they craved in the first half.

Eze also provided the perfectly sighted pass over the top for Martinelli to run on to, further showcasing the superb creative nature he possesses when in possession of the ball.

As a result of his second half cameo, the Englishman was handed an 8/10 match rating by GOAL’s Sean Walsh – subsequently highlighting the impact he had off the bench.

Given his showing off the bench, Arteta simply can’t look past Eze for the Gunners’ next outing, with his talent massively aiding the club’s ambitions of ending their title drought.

It’s clear that the deep-lying midfield trio didn’t work against a side that’s prepared to sit deep, with Eze arguably being the perfect player to unlock the goods going forward.

Saved by Martinelli: Arteta must drop Arsenal star who lost 100% of duels

Arsenal rescued a late draw with Manchester City thanks to a late goal from Gabriel Martinelli.

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 21, 2025