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Newcastle's players have been starring on international duty as several of them came in for high praise in the past week, with one being singled out as particularly impressive ahead of the Premier League return.

Hall among Newcastle players starring on international duty

Headlining Newcastle's international break was Anthony Gordon, who finally got a chance to impress for England in their Nations League opener against Ireland and seized it with both hands. The winger was a constant threat behind the Irish defence and saw plenty of praise across the media in the aftermath, handed an 8/10 rating by the Independent.

"Very lively, providing much needed pace and genuine width to the left wing – both of which were missing during the Euros – while also popping up in other dangerous areas. Should have scored shortly before Rice’s opener, but the diagonal run unlocked Ireland’s defence."

Another excellent performance lay in wait for his Newcastle teammate Alexander Isak, who has formed a formidable partnership with Viktor Gyokeres at international level. The Newcastle man grabbed two goals against Azerbaijan, before following it up with another clinical effort against Estonia.

There were also outings on the international stage for Miguel Almiron and Bruno Guimaraes, whose Paraguay and Brazil face off on Wednesday in the final round of international break fixtures.

And at youth level Newcastle stars impressed too; Lewis Hall caught the eye playing at left back for England's U21 side, with the former Chelsea man picking up two assists in a 4-1 thrashing of Austria on Tuesday evening.

Midfielder stars in both games for his country

That comes with Newcastle's returning midfielder Sandro Tonali scooping widespread praise for his pair of performances for the Azzurri over the international break.

Club think they'll agree deal for Newcastle's "unbelievable" star this week

He has been a superb player for Eddie Howe.

ByHenry Jackson Sep 10, 2024

Still a youngster himself at 24 years of age, he has barely featured since penning his £120,000 a week deal on Tyneside 12 months ago courtesy of a gambling ban, but made his return to widespread acclaim against Tottenham just before the international break.

Called up Luciano Spalletti, he grabbed an assist against France before being asked to start his second game in a week against Israel. Though he did not contribute to either of his side's goals in their 2-1 win in Budapest, he came away having impressed plenty, and the Italian media were full of praise for his performance.

Sandro Tonali vs Israel

Minutes

90

Shots (on target)

1 (1)

Passes completed

37

Pass accuracy

90%

Passes into final third

9

Tackles and interceptions

4

Sports Keeda handed him a 7.5/10, the joint-highest rating for anyone in an Italian shirt that evening, while others had similarly high praise.

“Not only does he create, but he shows an overflowing physical condition despite coming from a year of suspension. There is no way around it: with him in the construction phase, Italy is a different team and his value soars”, Eurosport Italy wrote.

Leggo handed him a 7/10, saying: “He covers a lot of kilometres and also puts in a lot of quality. A modern midfielder, capable of doing everything with great naturalness. He even comes close to scoring. He never stops. Inexhaustible.”

Now back from his ban, the Italian will undoubtedly be a massive bonus for Howe this season, with the Newcastle boss having previously singled him out for praise.

"He was magnificent. The goal, sometimes these things are just meant to happen, and he's arrived in the box and it’s a great finish", the Newcastle boss revealed after Tonali scored on his Toon debut last season. Should he be in the starting XI against Wolves?

The England winger is set for a spell on the sidelines after limping off early on in Saturday's 5-1 win at Crystal Palace

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In the autumn of 2023, a tongue-in-cheek meme did the rounds in Arsenal's social media circles. It featured an iconic scene from 'Diary Of A Wimpy Kid', during which several children sing wildly out-of-key to Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart', before one boy nails it and steals the show right at the end as the song leaps into the chorus.

In this instance, the scene came with the caption of 'Mikel Arteta trying to find a back-up for Bukayo Saka'. Plastered over the tone-deaf kids were the names of several Gunners wingers, including Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli. The angelic voice belonged to none other than Saka himself.

It's hard to call right wing a problem position for Arsenal considering that's where one of their biggest stars plays, though that creates the worry of trying to find a suitable deputy. Whether through internal solutions or in the transfer market, the Gunners have not been able to source someone who can take the load away from an overworked Saka, and that's an even more concerning issue.

Arsenal's chickens came home to roost on Saturday when Saka was forced off with a hamstring strain in the first half of their thumping of Crystal Palace, leaving Selhurst Park on crutches to the "worry" of Arteta. This was, however, a problem of their own making.

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportOver-reliance

During the Gunners' first title challenge under Arteta in 2022-23, the love was spread around when it came to goals. All four primary attackers – Saka, Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard – reached double-figures for goals in the Premier League, and they were the best team to watch in the entire country, playing football the Arsenal way.

Since then, Arteta has made some tweaks in the name of control and squeaking out wins more often when points may previously have looked to escape their grasp. The regression of Jesus and Martinelli since has meant Saka and Odegaard have had to bear more of the attacking load, pushing themselves to the limit.

In 2023-24, Saka was the only Arsenal player to reach double-figures for both goals and assists, tallying a combined 34 in 47 matches across all competitions. The next highest was Odegaard with 22.

The 23-year-old has already clocked up 250 senior appearances at club level, plus a further 43 for England. This was bound to take its toll eventually.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportHeavy workload

A massive reason as to why Saka is so indispensable for club and country is his style of play. In another era, he would have been the prototypical 4-4-2 winger, someone capable of stretching play but also tracking back and covering his man.

Arteta has still sought to utilise his No.7 in that old-fashioned way. His shifts on the right flank are not like those of his peers. You can depend on Saka to get stuck in, to run the hard yards to protect Ben White or Jurrien Timber or whoever else is playing at full-back. And then he will go down the other end and score a screamer, or put in a delicious cross to be swept home, or drag three opponents out of position to create space for a team-mate.

From the start of 2023-24 to the present day, Saka has sat out 22 games for Arsenal and England due to injury concerns having previously been the picture of perfect health. The miles on Saka's young body are not regular miles. You could even go as far to suggest that this layoff will do him some good as he will finally be afforded an extended period of rest.

Getty Images SportLack of effort

Arsenal have kept their powder dry when trying to find a like-for-like option who could resemble Saka. He has been their only left-footed wide man and inverted right winger since Nicolas Pepe – remember him? – left the club.

This has limited how Arteta's side can open up teams. Without a threat to come inside from that flank, the right-back has less space to make an overlapping run, nor does Odegaard have as much room for manoeuvre when he marauds over that way.

Of course, we've seldom seen what such an Arsenal system would look like because, as we've explained and must continue to stress, .

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Getty Images SportSpot up for grabs

Push has come to shove, then. Arsenal will be without Saka for some period of time and must soldier on without him. Arteta's hand has been forced and it will be intriguing to see how he plays it.

After Saka went off at Palace, Martinelli was switched over to the right and grabbed a goal for his troubles. Perhaps a switch of flank is what the Brazilian needs to rediscover his form of old having struggled so far this season. The rejuvenated Jesus is also capable of starting from the right, as is loanee Raheem Sterling, and thus opens up the possibility of the Gunners' wide men swapping wings during games now.

If Arteta wants to keep a leftie out on the right, he may have to give more minutes to teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri, who ordinarily plays in a similar position to Odegaard through the middle but can at least recreate the conditions Saka gave the attack with his willingness to switch onto his stronger foot.

Arsenal are plotting a “potential big-money” move for a player who once commanded a price tag of around £137 million, and the presence of manager Mikel Arteta could be a very enticing draw for him.

Arsenal prepare to face Tottenham with transfer plans ongoing

Arteta is busy in full preparation for Arsenal’s all-important North London Derby clash away to Tottenham on Sunday, and the Spaniard has a few selection headaches to deal with ahead of the mouthwatering encounter.

Arteta confirms "great news" for Arsenal ahead of Spurs with injury update

A key player looks ready to feature against Tottenham.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 14, 2024

While Gabriel Jesus, Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard are in contention to feature at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Arteta refusing to rule out their inclusion, Arsenal will certainly be without both Mikel Merino and Declan Rice.

Merino is sidelined with a shoulder injury, after he collided with Gabriel Magalhaes in his first ever London Colney training session, while Rice is set to miss Tottenham through suspension – following his sending off at home to Brighton a fortnight ago.

Tottenham (away)

September 15

Man City (away)

September 22

Leicester City (home)

September 28

Southampton (home)

October 5

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

Odegaard was thought to be out for weeks, after he was hauled off with an ankle problem in Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria, but a real boost for Arteta is that his club captain could actually be available for Sunday, depending on a last-minute assessment.

“We need some more tests,” said Arteta on Odegaard’s potential availability for Tottenham.

“Let’s see what happens in the next day or so. This afternoon probably. Let’s see the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back. He’s super positive about everything. Martin wants to be here every day, but we have to wait and see.

“He’s willing and he wants to be present in every game, especially a big game like this one. We need to make sure we know first how good he can be or not.”

As Arteta devises how best to set his team up against Spurs, sporting director Edu Gaspar and co are already making transfer preparations for 2025. Arsenal are frontrunners for Jonathan David, according to some reports, with the Lille striker able to agree pre-contract terms in January ahead of a free summer move.

Meanwhile, there are claims that Arsenal have already made contact over Benjamin Sesko as they eye another swoop for the Slovenian (CaughtOffside), coming after they failed to tempt the forward with an offer this year.

Arsenal plotting marquee move for Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane

According to GiveMeSport, former Man City star and Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane is on their list of targets for next year too. The once-£137 million forward, who earns around £325,000-per-week at the Allianz Arena, would still be a costly operation for the Gunners despite Sane’s contract expiring next summer.

The Germany international’s salary would make him Arteta’s highest-paid player, but it is believed that Arsenal are plotting a “potential big-money” move for Sane regardless, alongside fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.

Arsenal could have an advantage over the Magpies due to Arteta, with Sane expressing just how highly he regards the tactician.

“I can just say positive things about Mikel Arteta. Since we started working together, he helped me a lot on the pitch,” said Sane on Arteta in an interview with The Independent.

“He tried to improve my football; he told me what I did good and what I did wrong, and he tried to work on it. Next to Pep, they both really helped me and improved me, to bring me to the next level.

“Even now, at Arsenal, for me you can see he’s doing a great job. You can see he has a concept, a way that he wants to play, a way that he wants his team to play, and obviously it will take some time until everybody really understands it. I think he will do a great job as a [head] coach too.”

Mithali Raj says India will look to be more positive with bat and ball as preparations kick off for the next ODI World Cup

Annesha Ghosh26-Jun-20214:02

Mithali Raj – ‘The current bowling attack, especially the spinners over the years have won matches for us irrespective of the wicket we played’

Mithali Raj believes a potential ODI debut for Shafali Verma against England could help India capitalise on the field restrictions better. The three-match series begins from Sunday.”That’s how she plays. That’s her strength. That’s her style of batting,” Raj, India’s Test and ODI captain, said on match eve in Bristol. “There would be times she would give us head starts. We would love that [and for] her to be consistent. At the same time, she’s a young kid. She will learn with experience and with more matches she’ll also understand how to build an innings also.”Since she’s getting into playing the one-day series for the first time, I, as the captain, would always encourage her to play the way she enjoys playing and is comfortable playing. That’s the style of batting she should do.”Verma, 17, made 96 and 63 on Test debut last week in the tour-opening one-off Test against England, becoming the youngest batter to score twin fifties on debut in women’s Tests. Prior to that, she had played only in 22 T20Is, having debuted in September 2019.Since the 2017 ODI World Cup, India have tried out several opening partners for the left-handed Smriti Mandhana, all right-handers, including Jemimah Rodrigues, Punam Raut, Priya Punia, with varying degrees of success. However, either inconsistency – as has been the concern with Rodrigues in the recent past – or the inability to make runs at a brisk rate – a long-standing talking point around the batting styles of both Punia and Raut – has left the position still open.India depend on their top order for a lot of their success in ODIs. Since the 2017 World Cup, only 36.33% of bat runs have come from Nos. 4, 5, 6, and 7 while the top three have made 55.73%. Crucially, 21.03% of India’s team runs have come before they’ve lost the first wicket. So they can’t afford mishaps early in the innings, which could happen given Verma’s adventurous style of play.”We as experienced batters in the middle order, if we lose an early wicket, we are there to compensate and build an innings,” Raj said. “So if she gives us a great start, we’ll take it from there. Our team does have the batting depth wherein everyone has a different role to play. So we look forward to sticking to that role and give our best in playing that role.”Shafali Verma is fresh off a successful Test debut•Daniel Pockett/Getty ImagesWith Verma and allrounder Sneh Rana – who scripted a memorable comeback to the Indian side last week – likely to make the XI for the ODI series opener, a rejig of the top six is also on the cards.Raj, who, having kicked off her international career as an opener 22 years to the day, has largely played at No. 3 since. In the ODI series against South Africa at home in March, which India lost 1-4, she batted at Nos. 4, and 5. Raut came in at one-down in all of those matches, while Harmanpreet Kaur batted ahead of Raj, at No. 4 in the fifth match.”Healthy competition is always good in the team,” Raj said, smiling. “Having said that, we picked the team based on composition again and I would say that’s important and the girls would also understand that.”There are times when we go with an extra seamer depending on the wicket, at times we go with a spin-dominant bowling attack. So, accordingly, we try and see into our batting order and depth as well. With the equation of the allrounders coming in, we’ll definitely look into it, yes. We do have a few options, but we will select based on what composition the team is looking at getting into tomorrow’s game.”This ODI series is India’s first in the UK since their nine-run defeat to the hosts in the final of the 2017 ODI World Cup. With the next World Cup due in under nine months, Raj aims to lead the side back to winning ways after a below-par performance against South Africa.”The biggest thing we’d want the team to do is have a very strong mindset because we can’t really compare the series [to the one against South Africa in March],” Raj said. “Yes, we lost the home series but the conditions are very different at home and in England, so we can’t have the same approach.”But yes, we’d definitely look into having a more positive intent, whether it’s our batting or bowling attack, and we have been working on our fielding. Right now it’s important that whatever strategies or whatever we tried to work on in our training sessions, we carry them into the match and be consistent at that.””[…] I think our preparation has definitely started but it’s important that when we get into a series we look to win,” Raj said when asked when asked if conditions in New Zealand, where the 2022 World Cup would be played, could be similar to those in England. “Yes, we consider that also as a gameplan for the core players or the combination we would like to try or look at in the run-up to the World Cup.”Having said that, it’s important for us to win a series because the last series didn’t go well for the team and as the captain I would like the team to get back to winning ways.”

Chelsea will be looking to break their bad luck at the London Stadium, having not beaten West Ham United away from home since 2021, when Timo Werner scored the only goal for Thomas Tuchel’s side in their 1-0 Premier League victory.

The Blues will need to put in a much better all-round performance than they did against Bournemouth last weekend, if they’re to make it back-to-back wins in the league, having only generated 0.78 xG compared to the 1.78 xG of the Cherries.

Date

Opponent

Competition

21/09/24

West Ham

Premier League

24/09/24

Barrow

EFL Cup

28/09/24

Brighton

Premier League

03/10/24

Gent

Conference League

06/10/24

Forest

Premier League

20/10/24

Liverpool

Premier League

Maresca could make three changes to his side in an attempt to iron out any kinks for this Saturday’s fixture against the Hammers, with a first start for one of Chelsea’s new stars.

1 GK – Robert Sanchez

Between the sticks, Robert Sanchez keeps his spot for Chelsea after recording his first clean sheet of the season against Bournemouth, making seven saves (accumulative of 2.48 xG). The Spanish goalkeeper has been reinstated as the number one, with Maresca keen to have his goalkeeper involved in the build-up, composed on the ball.

2 RB – Axel Disasi

Despite having performed poorly against Bournemouth, before being hooked at 62 minutes, Axel Disasi may not lose his spot, as Malo Gusto remains out through injury. Reece James also remains out, and therefore the Blues have limited options for this area of the pitch.

3 CB – Wesley Fofana

Slowly building back to his best having missed all of last season, Wesley Fofana continues to get the nod as the right-side central defender, in order to continue his progression and build his match fitness/sharpness. The Frenchman won five of his eight duels (both ground and aerial) against Bournemouth.

4 CB – Levi Colwill

One of the standout performers so far under Maresca, Levi Colwill is really getting to show his passing acumen in this possession-based system. Averaging 84.0 touches per 90 this season, the Englishman is being given the reins to orchestrate from deep under his new manager, and is thriving from it.

5 LB – Marc Cucurella

The tenacious left-back has started every Premier League game so far under Maresca, and it’s hard to see this stopping now. Always involved, winning his duels, and a key component to their aggressive press, Marc Cucurella is expected to start as the left-back against West Ham.

6 DM – Moises Caicedo

Captain of the side against Bournemouth, making four tackles, and winning seven of his nine ground duels, Moises Caicedo is growing game by game, after a slow start in his opening few, the Ecuadorian is coming into his own in the middle of the park.

7 CM – Enzo Fernández

The Argentine was missing against the Cherries due to illness, but returns to face West Ham, having missed his passing qualities and ball retention in the middle of the park. Enzo Fernández will play alongside Caicedo, in place of Renato Veiga, running proceedings for the Blues.

8 CM – Cole Palmer

Of course, Cole Palmer will be starting, Chelsea’s star man last season, and already with four assists in four Premier League games. The England international is taking up a more heavy playmaker role this season, and that is already showing early doors.

9 RW – Noni Madueke

Perhaps the inform player at Chelsea currently, Noni Madueke has recently earned his first England call-up, followed by his first cap, where he bagged an assist. The 22-year-old has scored four goals in five games, and should continue on that right side, being a direct and impactful winger for Maresca.

10 LW – Jadon Sancho

After his superb debut performance from the bench, bagging an assist for Christopher Nkunku to win the game, the “special” Jadon Sancho – as previously hailed by Neymar – may have earned his first start. The dynamic winger adds flair, creative passing, and 1v1 ability out wide, and could be key against the Hammers.

That inclusion would see fellow summer signing Pedro Neto drop to the bench, with the Portugal international having been hooked at half-time last time out after making just 25 touches.

Christian Pulisic scored Milan's equalizing goal to spearhead the Rossoneri's comeback to win the Supercoppa Italiana with a 3-2 triumph over Inter

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Pulisic scores equalizer in comeback10 goals on seasonMilan win Supercoppa ItalianaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

U.S. international Christian Pulisic secured his first trophy with AC Milan, playing a significant part in his side's Supercoppa Italiana win over rivals Inter.

With Milan down 2-0, the began their comeback with a 52nd-minute goal from Theo Hernandez. Pulisic's 80th-minute goal was the equalizer, though, as the U.S. men's national team star netted his 10th goal in all competitions this season. Receiving the ball on his left foot, Pulisic took a touch and then picked out a corner, making it 2-2 with his second goal in as many games, having scored in the win over Juventus in the semifinal on Friday.

The American then played a part in Milan's stunning last-gasp winner, as Pulisic's hockey assist on Tammy Abraham's goal helped Milan secure the trophy win.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Monday's win gives Pulisic his first trophy in Milan colors, although the American has lifted plenty of trophies throughout his career so far.

At Borussia Dortmund, he lifted one trophy, the DFB-Pokal, while Pulisic won the big one, the Champions League, at Chelsea alongside the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup. With the USMNT, the winger is a three-time CONCACAF Nations League winner as he and his teammates look to make it four in a row in that competition this spring.

Pulisic now has 10 goals in 22 matches for Milan in all competitions, having proven himself as one of Serie A's elite attackers.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MILAN?

Pulisic and Milan will be back in action on Saturday as they play host to Cagliari in Serie A. are currently eighth in Serie A and will hope that Monday's trophy lift can help carry them to a better second half of the season in Serie A.

Kieron Pollard did not confirm whether he would be fit but Jason Holder is expected to return

Andrew McGlashan20-Jul-2021Big PictureAs for a number of sides, one-day series have been few and far between for these two teams since Covid-19 struck. For both it will be just their third series under the World Cup Super League and in Australia’s case it’s more than six months since they last played 50-over cricket.In a way, the two teams emphasise how each ODI is now more important. Australia have won both their series against tough opponents in India and England but are only 10 points better off than West Indies due to dropping a game in each series. West Indies were whitewashed by Bangladesh but made up ground with a 3-0 win over Sri Lanka.Since 2000, the sides have played each other 48 times in ODIs with Australia 37-8 ahead although in this series the home advantage for West Indies could be significant. It means they can pick their specialist one-day squad whereas Australia’s line-up will be a mix-and-match job given the absentees and T20 focus of the tour.With Aaron Finch ruled out of at least the first match with a knee injury, stand-in captain Alex Carey and Mitchell Marsh will be the only members of the top order who have been a regular part of Australia’s ODI line-up. In Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa they still have the core of their bowling attack together although there are spaces to fill there as well.West Indies played some very solid cricket against Sri Lanka earlier this year when they won all three games chasing but coach Phil Simmons has laid down the challenge for them of going big if they get the chance to bat first. The recent T20 series was West Indies’ first bilateral success against Australia in any format since 1995 when they won a one-day series. They have a good chance of matching that this time.Form guide (last five completed matches)
West Indies WWWLL
Australia LWWWLWatch cricket on ESPN+

West Indies v Australia is available in the US on ESPN+. Subscribe to ESPN+ and tune in to the match

In the spotlightShai Hope has a phenomenal ODI record. Of players to score over 3000 runs, only two – Virat Kohli and Babar Azam – currently have a better average. He was in fine form during the series against Sri Lanka in March when he made 110, 84 and 64. In his one previous innings against Australia, he made 68 at the 2019 World Cup.Mitchell Marsh was the one significant success in the T20 series as he scored 219 runs and claimed eight wickets with some of the most consistent cricket he has produced for Australia. He returned to the ODI side in early 2020 for the first time in two years but then missed the home series against India due to injury. His ODI numbers are pretty solid: a batting average of 34.36 and bowling return of 36.79. He will enter this series full of confidence with a chance to cement his role as the team’s premier limited-overs allrounder.Related

Simmons wants West Indies' ODI top order to keep pushing themselves

Alex Carey to captain Australia after Aaron Finch ruled out

Team newsKieron Pollard did not confirm whether he would be available. If he continues to be sidelined it could open up room for another batter. Hope is the vice-captain in this format. Otherwise if he is fit it could be a choice between Jason Mohammed and Shimron Hetymer in the middle order. Jason Holder is also set to return after being rested. Interestingly, Pollard hinted that West Indies could consider including legspinner Hayden Walsh Jr after his success in the T20 series even though he is not part of the squad.West Indies (possible): 1 Evin Lewis, 2 Shai Hope (wk), 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Jason Mohammed, 5 Nicholas Pooran, 6 Kieron Pollard (capt)/Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Jason Holder, 8 Fabien Allen, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Akeal Hosein/Hayden Walsh Jr, 11 Sheldon CottrellFinch’s absence may give Matthew Wade a chance of his first ODI in four years if only to add some experience to the line-up. Marsh appears likely to remain at No. 3 after his success in the T20 series while there could be debuts for Josh Philippe and Ben McDermott. Carey did not rule out a return for Dan Christian as well.Australia (possible): 1 Matthew Wade, 2 Josh Philippe, 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Moises Henriques, 5 Ben McDermott, 6 Alex Carey (wk), 7 Ashton Agar, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Adam Zampa, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Jason BehrendorffPitch and conditionsThis will be the first international cricket in Barbados since January 2020. Carey said the pitch looked good while Pollard noted the lush outfield. The forecast is for a cloudy but dry day.Stats and trivia Nicholas Pooran needs 18 runs to reach 1000 in ODIs. If he did it in his next innings, his 26th, he would be the third fastest for West Indies behind Viv Richards (21) and Gordon Greenidge (23). Since 1980-81, Australia have handed out three (or more) ODI debuts on only two occasions: 1984-85 against New Zealand in a game that was rained off and in 2012-13 against Sri Lanka – a match where Finch, Usman Khawaja and Phil Hughes made ODI debuts.Quotes”It’s an Australian cricket team that left the shores and these guys will want to impress. It’s a matter of us concentrating on what we need to do and our plans. Mitch Marsh has got away from us a little in the T20 series but hopefully it’s not the same in the ODIs.”
Kieron Pollard“Learning from those T20s, we played some good cricket, we had some opportunities to stay alive in the series but unfortunately didn’t quite grab them. Now moving into one-day cricket, the game lengthens out, there’s opportunities to bat time in the middle, a new location and a new series with the likelihood of some fresh faces, it’s an exciting feel around the group.”

Afghanistan board draws up contingency plan for travel, as no commercial flights have taken off from Kabul since the Taliban’s takeover of the country

Umar Farooq21-Aug-2021The Afghanistan contingent might have to take a circuitous route to Sri Lanka for their scheduled three-match ODI series against Pakistan, to be played in Hambantota, because of the political turmoil in their country. No commercial flights are taking off from Kabul following the Taliban takeover of the country and, ESPNcricinfo understands, a contingency plan has been worked out by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB): get Pakistani visas for all the players and support staff, get them to travel by road to Pakistan, then fly to Dubai, and then on to Colombo for the series, if no direct flight out of Kabul can be arranged.Related

Azizullah Fazli returns as Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman

Farooqi, Noor Ahmad in squad for Pakistan ODIs

Afghanistan selector steps down citing 'interruption'

Rashid Khan remains match-winning class act

Gunawardene appointed Afghanistan batting coach

All this follows a period of uncertainty, with an update on Thursday saying that the series would go ahead as planned. That the matches – it’s a home series for Afghanistan – would take place in Hambantota, after originally being planned in the UAE, was decided before political events in recent days saw the Taliban take charge following the withdrawal of western forces and the collapse of the elected government in Afghanistan.ESPNcricinfo understands that the PCB had offered to host the series in one venue in Pakistan after the UAE plan fell through, but the ACB declined, preferring to play the matches in Sri Lanka instead.The series is due to begin on September 3, and will involve a three-day quarantine period on arrival for both sides.That commitment, as well as an Afghanistan Under-19 tour to Bangladesh later in September, have been the focus of immediate concern though ACB CEO Hamid Shinwari had said that both tours were going to be on schedule, pending logistical issues around the departure of the sides.”Cricket is doing very well,” Shinwari told ESPNcricinfo earlier this week. “We are going to the office (ACB). The cricket team is preparing for the Pakistan series in Sri Lanka. It is confirmed. We are committed to sending a team to Sri Lanka as soon as possible. There is transition going on here in Afghanistan hence there is a vacuum in flight operations and availability is affected. But we will fly out as soon as we find a flight. We have our boys assembled in Kabul and they are preparing for the series.”We hope the squad will depart in the next four days. We have updated both the PCB and Sri Lanka Cricket and both are on board. I am thankful to SLC for hosting us and that is really generous of them.”It is understood that the PCB had delayed announcing the Pakistan squad for the series – it was originally due to be announced on August 20 – given the uncertainty over Afghanistan’s travel plans.Even once the Afghanistan players get their Pakistan visas, a further complication could potentially affect the series: the Covid-19 pandemic. On Friday, Sri Lanka announced a 10-day lockdown, two days after the island reported 3793 new cases and a highest-ever single-day death toll of 187. The lockdown is set to run until August 30, four days out from the scheduled start of the Afghanistan-Pakistan series.GMT 1720 The story was updated with details about the 10-day lockdown in Sri Lanka.

USWNT star Naomi Girma is attracting big attention from Europe, with Chelsea reportedly leading the race to sign her.

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USWNT defender Girma out of contract in 2026San Diego Wave star has interest from Lyon & ArsenalBut Chelsea lead race for potential $1m dealFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

There have been plenty of reports in recent months about interest in Girma from abroad, with her having emerged as one of the most talented center backs in the entire game already, aged just 24. Indeed, after helping her country win gold at the Olympic Games last summer, USWNT boss Emma Hayes described Girma as "the best defender I've ever seen".

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Lyon, home of USWNT team-mate Lindsey Horan, have been linked with her, as have Arsenal. However, understands that it is Chelsea who are currently favorites to land Girma's signature, which could come at the cost of $1 million (£820,000). The current world-record fee for a transfer in the women's game is $862,000 (£706,000), which Bay FC paid to sign Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF last year.

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Given that potential price tag, it is unlikely that Girma leaves the San Diego Wave for another NWSL side. That's because league rules require a salary cap tax if a club spends over a net $500,000 (£409,000) on transfer fees.

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USA TodayWHAT NEXT FOR GIRMA AND SAN DIEGO?

New San Diego boss Jonas Eidevall, and the new ownership which took over in October, will certainly be keen to avoid losing Girma, who is out of contract at the end of 2026. It'll be up to them to renew that deal and avoid losing the defender to a European giant.

Arsenal have completed a move to sign a highly rated star for their academy, it has emerged, with the Gunners looking to futureproof their side.

Arsenal show youth academy pathway

It has been a mixed few years for Arsenal’s academy, with several players leaving in search of pastures new and regular Premier League football in recent seasons. Following the crop of Hale End graduates that included Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe, there was a reluctance to risk academy talents by Mikel Arteta, either based on their talent or senior-level readiness.

Arsenal acadamy graduates’ Premier League debuts

Player

Debut

Age at debut

Myles Lewis-Skelly

September 22nd 2024

17 years 11 months 27 days

Ethan Nwaneri

September 18th 2022

15 years 05 months 28 days

Folarin Balogun

August 13th 2021

20 years 01 month 10 days

Emile Smith Rowe

December 15th 2019

19 years 04 months 17 days

Bukayo Saka

January 1st 2019

17 years 03 months 27 days

Joe Willock

April 15th 2018

18 years 07 months 26 days

That led to several high profile exits, led by Omari Hutchinson, who left the Gunners for London rivals Chelsea before eventually impressing at Ipswich Town and earning a permanent move to Portman Road over the summer after helping them get promoted back to the Premier League.

Armando Cozier-Duberry also grew tired of waiting for a first team opportunity behind Saka, making a permanent move to join Brighton over the summer, though he is yet to feature for the Seagulls and is spending the 2024/25 campaign with Blackburn Rovers.

Previously highly-rated duo Charlie Patino and Reuell Walters both left the club permanently over the summer too, with neither having made enough of an impression to land a spot in the first team, while the same was true of Brooke Norton-Cuffy after several loan spells.

But the arrival of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly has ushered in a new crop of youngsters who are keen to make their mark on the Arsenal side, and follow in the footsteps of Saka, while Arsenal are keen to show them that a pathway to the first team is available.

In the club’s Carabao Cup win over Bolton, this was made clear as Jack Porter (16), Josh Nichols (18), Lewis-Skelly (17), Nwaneri (17), Maldini Cacri (18) and Ismael Kabia (18) all featured for the Gunners, while Alexei Rojas (18) and Aiden Heaven (17) were unused substitutes. Now, Arsenal are looking to keep that conveyer belt of talent moving with another addition.

Gunners sign another young prospect

That comes as The Secret Scout reports that Mikel Arteta’s side have completed a move to sign U15 forward Joshua Sesay from Millwall’s youth ranks, with the winger already pictured signing on the dotted line.

The youngster can play on either flank and first caught the eye of the Gunners during the under-15 Floodlit Cup last season.

Arteta pulls U-turn over Arsenal star with Edu ready to open new deal talks

The Gunners are keen to reward him.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Oct 4, 2024

As per Rising Ballers on X, he is “one of the most exciting young players coming up in the country right now”, and had “all the big clubs looking to sign him”, suggesting that Arsenal have pulled off something of a coup to convince him to pick north London. Should the recent successes of Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly be anything to go by, he may have made a wise choice.