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It has been a dire start to the 2025/26 season for Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s side have picked up a single point so far this term, and are yet to score a goal, three games into the new campaign. It is a worrying sign.

Of course, losing players like Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, who were both on loan for the second half of last season, has impacted them.

That is why, on transfer deadline day, the West Midlands side are pushing for a new attacker.

Aston Villa’s latest attacking target

With the transfer window set to slam shut at the earlier time of 7pm, it does not give Emery long to add an attacker to his squad.

Transfer Focus

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

Fabrizio Romano is reporting that there are ongoing ‘negotiations’ for Villa to sign Manchester United star Jadon Sancho today, amid the prospect of Emi Martinez heading in the other direction.

Both clubs are attempting to secure an ‘agreement’ on those deals.

Romano explains that the England international ‘has to decide his future today’, and a move to Villa Park could offer a viable solution. A fee of £20m was quoted for the forward earlier in the window, and that could be a fee Villa need to pay themselves.

Why Sancho would be a good signing

Described as a “maverick” in his younger days by former coach Louis Lancaster, Sancho’s career trajectory has perhaps not gone as expected. His time at Old Trafford has been far from easy, although he did impress on loan at Chelsea last season.

At 25 years of age, Sancho has bags of Premier League experience now. He’s featured 89 times in the English top flight for the Red Devils and Enzo Maresca’s Blues, with 12 goals and 11 assists coming in that time.

Of course, the London-born star became known thanks to his sensational time at Borussia Dortmund. Over two spells in Germany, Sancho played 158 games, scoring 53 times and assisting 67, helping win the DFB-Pokal in 2020/21.

Well, this would be a move similar to one Villa made in January, when they brought Asensio in on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

The former Real Madrid star enjoyed a successful loan spell at Villa Park for the second half of last season, where he was able to get his career back on track after falling out of favour in the French capital.

Asensio only played 21 times for the club, but had a huge impact on Emery’s attack. He was deadly in front of goal, bagging eight times, and chipped in with an assist, too.

It is easy to see why Sancho could be the second coming of Asensio at Villa Park. Both players have somehow seen their careers take a bit of a downward spiral, falling out of favour at their respective clubs.

Yet, with the Spaniard able to play regular first-team football and become a key player for Villa, he bolstered his stock once more. It is easy to see how Sancho could do the same.

Their numbers from last season are similar, too. For example, Sancho averaged 1.94 key passes and 2.3 take-ons completed per 90 minutes.

In comparison, Asensio notched up an average of 2.12 key passes and 1.06 completed take-ons each game.

Sancho vs Asensio
Stat (per 90)	Sancho	Asensio
Key passes	1.94	2.12
Progressive passes	4.59	5.36
Take-ons completed	2.3	1.06
Progressive carries	5.2	2.72
Ball recoveries	5.05	3.05
Stats from FBref

Sancho could certainly become Villa’s new Asensio and really get his career back on track at Villa Park. He is clearly a talented attacker who could thrive in the pockets for Emery and help revitalise a struggling Villa attack, which is missing Asensio’s impact.

Next Rashford: Aston Villa exploring late deal for "special" £31m star

Aston Villa could seal a sensational last-gasp deal by snapping up this special attacker.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 1, 2025

Manchester United are reportedly considering appointing former midfielder Michael Carrick as caretaker manager for a second time if struggling boss Ruben Amorim is sacked. The United boss is under increasing pressure after a disappointing start to the season and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe could turn to a familiar face to steady the ship at Old Trafford.

Pressure increasing on Amorim at Man Utd

Manchester United's defeat to Brentford on Saturday brought a fresh round of criticism for Amorim and more pressure on the Portuguese boss. After victory over Chelsea, the Red Devils had the chance to win consecutive Premier League games for the first time under Amorim but failed spectacularly as they were beaten 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium. Amorim insisted after the game he "wasn't concerned" about talk he could be sacked, but he will know his position is under scrutiny after overseeing 17 defeats from his 33 Premier League games in charge of the Red Devils.

AdvertisementAFPCarrick in frame to take over as caretaker boss

Manchester United are keeping tabs on potential replacements for Amorim but are continuing to back the 40-year-old for the time being, according to . Carrick has emerged as a potential option to take over as caretaker manager after previously taking on a similar role after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in 2021. Carrick oversaw two wins and a draw before stepping down as Ralf Rangnick was appointed interim boss. 

Carrick has been tipped as a good future option for United by former assistant Rene Meulensteen. He told football betting site BetVictor: "Michael Carrick might be the obvious option if Ruben Amorim is to go. Obviously Michael Carrick still knows quite a few players that were there when he was there. So he's still got some good inside information. He obviously knows the club. He knows what's expected from the club. Well, you always get that and there's always names being thrown around. Jose Mourinho's out of the job as well. So that will be thrown around and there's all other managers as well.  

"But the key is that you need to have a guy that obviously has got a clear idea but puts some kind of a structure in place that the players buy into and that you get a spark from the players. Because they're not bad players, there's plenty of good players there. I'm sure that if they would play in a system that suits them, they really play at the best. I think you could see a fantastic Manchester United. Maybe Michael could well be the guy. It's not magic. It's common sense more than anything, that's it and Carrick has got plenty of that."

Carrick's managerial record at Middlesbrough

The 44-year-old is currently out of work after being sacked from his first permanent managerial job at Middlesbrough in June. Carrick was appointed in 2022 and immediately took the team up the table and secured a play-off place, only to see his team beaten in the semi-finals. Middlesbrough narrowly missed out on a top six in the following two campaigns, leading to Carrick's dismissal ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. 

Yet Carrick retains close ties with the Red Devils following an  illustrious career with the club that brought Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League titles. His son is in the captain of the Under-16 team, and plays alongside Kai Rooney, and Carrick has been spotted watching Jacey in action for the club alongside Wayne in the recent SuperCupNI youth tournament.

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Man Utd draw up list of potential Amorim replacements

Carrick isn't the only name on Barcelona's list of targets if Amorim does move on. Gareth Southgate, Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner are also reportedly on Ratcliffe's radar as he ponders whether to keep faith with Amorim or make another managerial change. Yet axing Amorim will prove costly business for Manchester United. The Red Devils will reportedly have to shell out a whopping £12million ($16m) in compensation if his contract is terminated before November.

Watford have raised eyebrows after releasing a post-match dressing-room video of manager Paulo Pezzolano delivering an emotional yet awkward speech to his players. Despite their 2-1 win over Hull City, the manager's intense tone and cryptic comments to a dejected-looking dressing room left many fans baffled and questioning the message behind the footage.

Watford release video of Pezzolano's bizarre team talk

Watford shared behind-the-scenes footage of Pezzolano addressing his squad after their second league win of the season. In the video, the Uruguayan manager praised his players’ first-half display but also stressed the importance of character, daily hard work, and unity. However, his remarks – including claims that "you have a lot of problems" and "I am not here to make friends" – struck an odd note with supporters.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFans voice their displeasure with Pezzolano's words

Watford fan @FroomyWFC said: "What a strange video to release. Just an angry, clueless man, you can almost feel the players wondering what is going on! It all feels wrong. Very strange situation."

@DanHarvey74 added: "If this is an attempt to get fans behind this man you are as delusional as he is. That is not a happy dressing room even after a win, have seen more upbeat funerals. Just find this guy deeply uninspiring and this video only reaffirms that."

@alexde_la_salle wrote: "The 'I’m not here to make friends' is such a dangerous line. It’s so unnecessarily aggressive"

@ThomasJDesign concluded: "The previous manager was quite literally their friend. Now they have someone saying 'I'm not here to make friends..with anyone.' Now imagine when you were 18-21 y/o, must be hard to know where you stand and what the right way to act is. This is the dressing room after a win too"

Pezzolano video creates division rather than unity in fans

Pezzolano, who arrived at Vicarage Road in May, has endured an underpar start to life in the Championship. Though the video was intended to inspire and bring the fans behind the Uruguayan manager, it has clearly not had the intended effect.

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Getty Images SportWatford face a big test against Portsmouth next

The Hornets currently sit 16th in the Championship with eight points from seven games. While the win over Hull offered brief relief, the reaction to the dressing-room video suggests supporters remain unconvinced by Pezzolano’s leadership.

After a very quiet start to the transfer window, things are really starting to heat up at Aston Villa.

Back-up goalkeeper Marco Bizot was the only new signing to start the Claret and Blue Army’s Premier League opener against Newcastle, deputising for the suspended Emi Martínez, while their most noteworthy new recruit, Evann Guessand, was an unused substitute.

Meantime, as they seek to stay compliant with the Premier League’s Profitability & Sustainability Rules, Villa have made a few sales in recent days, so could this lead to them making a notable addition?

Aston Villa's new look attack

On Sunday, it was confirmed that Jacob Ramsey had departed Aston Villa, the club he joined as a six-year-old, signing for Newcastle United for a reported fee of £43m.

Meantime, having not even been on the bench at the weekend, Leon Bailey is expected to complete a move to Roma this week, with the Giallorossi paying a £2m loan fee, the deal containing a £19m option to buy.

So, could these departures facilitate an attacking addition or two being added to Unai Emery’s squad?

Well, according to a report by the Daily Mirror, Aston Villa are ‘interested’ in signing Leandro Trossard from Arsenal, with Brentford as well as ‘several foreign clubs’ also monitoring the Belgian’s situation; Fenerbahçe and Bayern Munich have been mentioned in the past.

Interestingly, the £18m-rated forward was an unused substitute during the Gunners’ Premier League opener at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Mikel Arteta turning to new signing Noni Madueke instead, when the Belgian had previously been the first man off the bench for so long.

Transfer Focus

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

Having spent big, Arsenal need to raise funds in the remaining weeks of the window, looking to offload Oleksandr Zinchenko, Reiss Nelson, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fábio Vieira and possibly Trossard too, so could he soon swap North London for Villa Park?

What Leandro Trossard would bring to Aston Villa

Ever since he first arrived in the Premier League, joining Brighton from Genk, Trossard has been a consistent performer.

He scored 25 goals and registered 15 assists in 121 outings for the Seagulls, most notably bagging a hat-trick against Liverpool at Anfield, before a public falling out with Roberto De Zerbi in January 2023 saw him depart.

Having failed in their pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk, Arsenal swooped in and signed Trossard, and this has certainly proved to be £27m well spent.

The Belgian has racked up 28 goals and 23 assists in 124 Arsenal appearances, earning a reputation as something of a super sub, often making key contributions off the bench, including scoring with his first touch at Villa Park almost exactly 12 months ago, this the last time Aston Villa tasted defeat in a league match at home.

Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT labelled him a “clinical” finisher, while manager Arteta described him as “competitive”, adding “he wants to win… he always wants to be the best”. In the words of one Arsenal content creator, he is “one of the most underrated player in the Premier League”.

Trossard featured in all 38 of Arsenal’s Premier League matches last season, the only outfielder to achieve this, filling in across the front line, deployed as a centre-forward and a second-striker, as well as on both flanks, given the Gunners’ injury crisis.

Should he move to Villa, Emery would surely appreciate this versatility, but let’s assess how he compares to the outgoing Bailey.

Appearances

72

59

Minutes

4,197

3,220

Goals

20

11

Assists

10

11

All statistics below are on a per-90 basis:

Shots

2

1.4

Shots on target

1.1

0.7

Chances created

1.5

1.8

Big chances created

0.34

0.42

Big chances missed

0.34

0.06

Take-ons completed

1.4

2.2

Take-on success %

55.83%

50.55%

Average Sofascore rating

7.07

6.94

As the table outlines, Trossard has produced a far greater output across the last two Premier League seasons, albeit Bailey does come out on top in terms of assists, chances created and dribbles per 90, albeit the Belgian completed a higher proportion of his take-ons.

So, in terms of being an out-and-out goal threat, Trossard would surely represent a clear upgrade on what Villa are selling.

Also, as already documented, the Belgian is very durable, while the same cannot be said of the departed Ramsey, who missed eight Premier League matches last season due to a hamstring injury, having seen little over 1,000 minutes during the previous campaign due to metatarsal, foot, toe and hamstring issues.

Even last year, when making 46 appearances, accumulating over 2,300 minutes, the 24-year-old scored just four goals and registered a mere seven assists across all competitions.

Given that Villa could play as many as 67 matches this season, including up to 17 in the Europa League, Trossard’s availability would surely prove invaluable.

Thus, if Arsenal are eager to sell, and the 30-year-old is available at the right price, he would add plenty to Emery’s squad.

Asensio repeat: Aston Villa making late push to sign "superb" Spanish star

Aston Villa are pushing to sign a £4m star who could be Asensio 2.0.

1 ByKelan Sarson Aug 18, 2025

Newcastle United have not enjoyed a fruitful summer transfer window so far, but Eddie Howe still has time to prove the noise is nothing more than a tempest in a teacup.

However, few of a Toon persuasion, if any, could say that Alexander Isak joining Liverpool wouldn’t be a detrimental blow to Howe’s grand plan.

It’s important to remember that the Sweden striker, who scored 27 goals last season, including a strike against Arne Slot’s Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, may yet remain at St. James’ Park.

Though the club will be cautious about keeping a player, star man he may be, against his will, it would be ludicrous to cash in for a British record £130m sum without sourcing an able replacement.

And that’s currently the focus on Tyneside.

Newcastle’s search for Isak replacement

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is the top target at number nine.

However, the Magpies are joined in the pursuit of their quarry by Manchester United, complicating matters having already fallen short in many a transfer tussle this summer.

He’s not the only one on the radar, though, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that the Tynesiders actually lead Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, having been described as the ‘frontrunners’.

Wissa, 28, was one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards last year, and Brentford want £50m for his sale.

However, his morale at the Gtech has deteriorated after what he believes is a gentleman’s agreement to leave for much less, terms shaken upon last summer. Brentford’s stance over the coming weeks will determine whether Newcastle will get their man.

As per the report, it remains to be seen if a compromise fee of £40m will be reached.

Why Newcastle want Yoane Wissa

Wissa might not be as ‘exciting’ as someone like Sesko, who is one of Europe’s most coveted strikers and billed as “the new Erling Haaland” by the likes of talent scout Jacek Kulig, but he’s proven in the Premier League.

In fact, he’s proved on English shores that he can chalk up 20-goal campaigns, and that’s something that could prove invaluable for Newcastle next season as they look to qualify for the Champions League once again, while fighting in Europe’s elite sphere concurrently.

Sure, the likes of Anthony Gordon would help someone like Sesko find their footing, but would the England winger not find a more secure partner in Wissa?

Gordon, 24, is one of the finest wingers in the Premier League, and he has forged quite the partnership with Isak over the past couple of years.

In 2023/24, Gordon was awarded the club’s Player of the Year award. It was his first full season in black and white, and he had contributed 22 direct goal involvements in the league to drive the Magpies through a frustrating, injury-hit season.

The recent term proved tougher for Gordon, who only scored six top-flight goals. Even so, his talent has been picked up by big hitters such as Arsenal and Liverpool, leading Howe and co to slap a £100m price tag on his head, warding such suitors away.

He’s described himself as “a nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, so athletic, so snappy, so fierce. Gordon’s movement and energy would be perfect alongside such a calm and composed finisher in Wissa, one whose pedigree in the division has been proven.

Wissa’s “absolutely sensational” finishing, as it has been hailed by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, is underscored through the data. The Congo DR international has posted 41 goals and assists across the last two seasons alone.

Having scored at a rate of 0.59 in the league last year, as per FBref, while keeping it crisp on the ball too, the data-driven site revealed him to be one of Isak’s most statistically comparable players.

It’s clear that he would add a sense of focus and confidence in the final third that Sesko perhaps might not, and that’s something that would only serve to enhance Gordon’s own game.

League Stats 24/25 – Yoane Wissa vs Benjamin Sesko
Stats (* per game)	Wissa	Sesko
Matches (starts)	35 (34)	33 (30)
Goals	19	13
Assists	4	5
Touches*	29.1	30.7
Shots (on target)*	2.6 (1.2)	2.1 (0.9)
Big chances missed	17	10
Pass completion	79%	68%
Key passes*	0.8	0.6
Dribbles*	0.4	1.2
Ball recoveries*	2.3	1.9
Tackles + interceptions*	0.8	0.4
Duels (won)*	3.4	4.1
All data via Sofascore

Thus, Wissa could be Gordon’s new Isak, a pillar of strength, a focal point, standing proud at the front and allowing the Three Lions star to shuttle up and down the flank, stretching and creating.

The ability to score many goals in the Premier League with consistency is a rare and precious thing. Isak would attest to that. To sell the 25-year-old to Liverpool is to lose one of the finest players in the world, and though the British-record fee that his sale would demand would ameliorate the loss, it’s absolutely crucial that that fee is redirected toward the right replacement.

Though that could be plural. Such would be the financial recuperation that both Wissa and Sesko could arrive at Howe’s door without Newcastle even topping the fee they would land from Isak’s departure.

And though Sesko has potential, it’s hard to imagine that he would provide the kind of goal threat that Isak has mastered. Wissa, obviously, isn’t as complete or technically sharp as the Swede, but he is settled into his prolific place in the Premier League, and so signing him would maintain a level of fluency that could in turn propel Gordon back into the ascendancy after a challenging season.

Here is an elite finisher. Perhaps not a natural-born goalscorer, but chiselled across a number of seasons in the Premier League. He’s worked hard for his opportunity, has Wissa, and now Newcastle must push to seal his signature and receive instantaneous success in the final third.

A new Ben Arfa: Newcastle join the race to sign "sensational" £21m star

Newcastle United target Morocco star reminiscent of Hatem Ben Arfa

By
Will Miller

Jul 29, 2025

Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood said Babar Azam’s “break” from the Test squad will end up benefitting rather than harming him. Babar was omitted from the Pakistan squad for the last two Tests against England, which Pakistan won to claim the series 2-1, after a prolonged lean patch.”I think he’s one of the best batsmen in the world. I’m nobody to [say he doesn’t have] a future,” Masood told the radio programme. “He has every quality to be one of the greatest batsmen in Test cricket. He’s always there or thereabouts in the rankings. Sometimes, people need a break.”Pakistan have been swift to indicate Babar has not entered a period of international wilderness, calling him up for Pakistan’s twin white-ball series against Australia. It starts with a three-match ODI series – Pakistan’s first since their disappointing World Cup campaign that saw Babar reluctantly quit as captain. Pakistan have gone so long without playing a 50-over international that in the time since, Babar was reappointed white-ball leader and quit once more, all without having led the side in the format.Related

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• Gillespie frustrated by lack of clear communication in role as Pakistan coach

But, in the clearest signal yet that Babar’s absence from Pakistan’s Test side will be temporary, Masood said he expected him to “come back a stronger player”. Babar has not scored a half-century in Test cricket in 18 innings stretching back to late 2022, Pakistan’s next Test series is in South Africa, an opposition he has had some happy Test memories against. South Africa were Pakistan’s first opposition when Babar became Test captain as he led his side to a 2-0 series victory. In 2018, his assault on Dale Steyn in a blistering counterattacking innings at SuperSport Park was widely seen as Babar’s Test coming-of-age.”I think this break will do him a great deal of benefit and he’ll come back a stronger player,” Masood said. “There’s no harm in being pulled out at times and having a breather. He’s played a lot of cricket and gone through a lot, and he’ll always be one of the main batsmen to play for Pakistan.”Masood was less willing to be drawn in on the specifics of what his role entails. After the PCB appointed a new selection committee following a chastening innings defeat in the first Test against England, the captain – as well as the head coach Jason Gillespie – were removed from the selection panel. Gillespie called himself a “matchday strategist” in the press conference that followed, and said it “wasn’t what I’d originally signed up for”. The change also applied to white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, who resigned earlier this week.Masood said he had a good relationship with the incoming selectors, insisting he wanted to focus on the team instead of focusing on where individual credit should be apportioned. “People in Pakistan are quick to give success to individuals,” he said. “To make one person a hero. I think it’s always going to be a collective thing. I’d rather pass credit onto everyone else; it was a collective decision. When we sat down together in our first meeting, we were on the same page. We said ‘we need to take 20 wickets, how do we take 20 wickets?'”We thought playing on a used pitch, playing three spinners – that, we thought, would benefit us greatly. I’ve worked with three different setups in my tenure so far. My first series in Australia was different, the Bangladesh series was different, and then we’ve had this group of people that were involved in selection and leadership. I’ve been on the same page with them so far. At the end of the day, it’s about Pakistan cricket, and we’re very fortunate that the entire collective came together.”There were less consequential, if more combustible, issues at hand, too. Moments after the Pakistan captain struck the winning six, he sat down for an interview with the host broadcaster, which involved a few awkward exchanges with commentator Ramiz Raja, with Raja querying Masood clumsily about how he had led the side to six consecutive defeats. A trimmed version of the exchange went viral, with much criticism for Raja, who later posted a video clarifying the intent behind his questions.”There are no hard feelings from my side,” Masood laughed. “I’ve always been an open book in front of the media and tried to conduct myself in the best possible way. People have every right to ask questions however they want. I want to give the best account of myself and for my character to be reflected the way I am. I’m good at taking constructive criticism and I’m also good at filtering stuff out.”

New Zealand captain believes the batting collapse on the third morning was the definitive portion of the match

Andrew Fidel Fernando23-Sep-2024New Zealand tend not to do especially well in Galle. Of their five Test defeats from as many games at the ground, one has been by an innings, another by ten wickets, and one more by 202 runs. Their latest Test at the venue, which ended in a 63-run defeat to Sri Lanka on Monday, when they went into the fifth morning with an outside shot of victory – 68 more runs to win, with two wickets remaining – represents their closest result here.But two players, in particular, stuck out. In his first outing in steaming conditions, and on a dry deck, seamer Will O’Rourke was frequently menacing – often touching 140kph – while sending down short deliveries on a pitch not especially conducive to short bowling. Vitally, for a bowler in his third Test, there were also no hugely loose spells. His takings were 8 for 104. Six of those dismissals were of top- or middle-order batters. Captain Tim Southee was suitably impressed by the 23-year-old.”Will’s had a very short Test career so far, and he’s certainly announced himself,” Southee said after the match. “We saw in New Zealand how dangerous he can be. He’s got the skills to have a very good Test career. For him to come to his first Test in the subcontinent and walk away with a very impressive eight wickets for the match is nothing short of special. He’s got a great head on his shoulders, and he’s a big guy. So there’s a lot to like about Will O’Rourke.”Related

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On the batting front, 24-year-old Rachin Ravindra produced his second-highest Test score – a characterful 92 on a treacherous fourth-innings pitch – as New Zealand pursued a tall 275. Ravindra is not quite so new to internationals, of course, having lit up last year’s ODI World Cup in India. But he remains a batter still finding his feet at the top level, and the clear-headed approach he took on day four – pouncing almost unnerringly on errors of length, while endeavouring to keep the score ticking – was especially impressive in his third Test in Asia.”Rachin kept us in the hunt with that chase,” Southee said. “We knew it was [a] tough ask, and that it was going to take something special, with the wicket taking a lot of turn in these last couple of days. It was a great knock in those conditions.”It’s not easy to bat – the ball was spinning, and doing all sorts [of things]. For a young guy without a lot of experience in this part of the world to go out and get 90-odd was great signs for him as well. He’s another one that’s an exceptional talent, and he’s had a little taste of international cricket as well, and done exceptionally well. He’s a great young kid with a good head on his shoulders.”Tim Southee called Rachin Ravindra an “exceptional talent” after the Galle Test•APFor Southee, it was New Zealand’s batting collapse on the third morning that was the definitive portion of the match. They had been 255 for 4 in their first innings overnight, only 50 runs adrift of Sri Lanka’s total. But they then lost six wickets for 71 runs, as the middle and lower orders succumbed to finger spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis. In the end, their lead was only 35, when it had threatened to be much more.”I guess the position where we got ourselves in, in the first innings, was good. But the last four or five fell for not many, and there was an opportunity to get a bigger first-innings lead,” he said. “We knew that that second new ball was going to be tough given the nature of the wicket and the quality of the Sri Lankan spin bowlers.”If you look at those moments, if we were able to press on and get more of a lead, things could have been different. It was still a good Test match. There’s plenty of good things we can take into the next couple of days.”

حذر جنارو جاتوزو مدرب منتخب إيطاليا من أن الكفاءة وحدها لا تكفي بعد الفوز الساحق على إستونيا بخماسية نظيفة في بيرجامو في إطار تصفيات اوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

وأكد جاتوزو ضرورة استعادة الروح القتالية التي أتقنها المنتخب الإيطالي على مر السنوات، وقال في تصريحات نشرتها “فوتبول إيطاليا” :”كنت أخشى أن يدخل الفريق فترة الاستراحة متعادلاً بدون أهداف وأن يكون الفريق متوترًا بعد استئناف اللعب، لكنهم حافظوا على نفس الروح وقدم الفريق أداء رائعًا”.

وأضاف :”كنا نعلم أنه يجب علينا المخاطرة وترك مواقف فردية في الهجمات المرتدة نظراً لكثرة المهاجمين في الملعب، كان من المهم تمرير الكرة على الأطراف ومهاجمة دفاعاتهم ولم يحالفنا الحظ في التسجيل مبكراً، أهنئ اللاعبين لأننا حظينا بأجواء تدريبية رائعة لمدة ثلاث أيام”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | بداية مثالية لـ جاتوزو.. إيطاليا تصعق إستونيا بخماسية في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026

وواصل :”كما قلت دائماً، هذا الفريق يتمتع بالجودة لكن الجودة وحدها لا تكفي لتحقيق أي شيء، على هذا الفريق أن يبذل قصارى جهده ويهاجم ويضغط بقوة ويظهر بحماس كبير، أعتقد أننا رأينا كل ذلك اليوم”.

وحول نشيد منتخب إيطاليا الذي أظهر شغف جاتوزو وهو نفس الشغف الذي رافقه كلاعب منذ فوزه بكأس العالم 2006، قال: “تأثرت قليلاً أثناء النشيد، قررت ترك اللاعبين وشأنهم خلال الإحماء ومغادرة الملعب لأنني تحدثت إليهم كثيراً خلال الأيام القليلة الماضية مما أثار أعصابهم”.

وأتم: “هناك ضغط كبير أشعر به وهذا أمر طبيعي لكنني أحاول أن أعيشه بإيجابية، أنا محظوظ لأن الأجواء كانت رائعة منذ اليوم الأول لوصولي مع الجهاز الفني”.

وحول اللعب في المباراة القادمة ضد الكيان الصهيوني، رد جاتوزو حول الوضع في غزة: “أنا رجل سلام ومن المؤسف رؤية الأطفال والمدنيين يمرون بهذا”.

وختم: “نحن ببساطة غير محظوظين بوجود هذا الخصم في مجموعتنا، لا يمكننا فعل الكثير حيال ذلك، ما نراه مؤلمًا وهذا كل ما أستطيع قوله”.

After agreeing a deal to sign Zepiqueno Redmond on a free transfer, Aston Villa have now reportedly made an offer to sign a Serie A champion who is tempted to complete a move to the Midlands.

Aston Villa set to sign Redmond

Kicking off their summer business as early as possible, the Villans are reportedly set to sign Redmond from Feyenoord when his current contract comes to an end at the end of the month. At just 18 years old, the Dutchman very much reflects the future of Aston Villa’s frontline and could provide Unai Emery with a replacement for Jhon Duran that he has needed at times.

When it comes to first-team experience, the young forward has already received a taste of Eredivisie action at Feyenoord and even featured in the Champions League last season. Now, Redmond will be keen to add some Premier League experience to a portfolio that only looks likely to grow more and more impressive as the years go on.

Despite their PSR concerns, Redmond could yet be the first of a few fresh faces in the Midlands if reports are anything to go by. Recent rumours have mentioned names such as Jack Grealish in recent weeks and there’s no doubt that his return would cause quite the stir.

Having been shown the door at Manchester City, Grealish could yet complete a sensational Villa comeback and one that would need to see him get fans back onside as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, away from Grealish, the Villans have also reportedly submitted an offer to sign a Serie A champion this summer.

Aston Villa submit offer to sign Rrahmani

According to Il Mattino, as relayed by CalcioNapoli, Aston Villa have now submitted an offer to sign Amir Rrahmani from Napoli this summer and whilst he is not desperate to leave the Italian club, he is reportedly tempted by the offer from the Midlands.

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Villa aren’t alone in their pursuit, however, with Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly chasing a deal to sign the experienced centre-back. And that interest should come as no surprise. The 31-year-old enjoyed an excellent campaign as part of Napoli’s Serie A-winning side, starting in all 38 games, and has done more than enough to attract impressive admirers.

Starts

38

23

Progressive Passes

4.97

4.33

Tackles Won

0.82

0.67

Ball Recoveries

3.57

2.77

Given how highly those in the Midlands rate Pau Torres, the fact that Rrahmani outperformed the Spaniard in several areas proves just how impressive an addition he would be.

A deal may be easier said than done, however, especially if Antonio Conte has his say. The Napoli boss was full of praise for his defender last season, describing him as “hardworking” and like a “solider” in his title-winning side.

Today is the day for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou and his team can make their fans forget about their diabolically poor domestic season by continuing their impressive European run and winning the Europa League Final.

However, with Manchester United having a stellar track record on the continent this season as well, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll get their hand on the trophy come full-time.

To give his team a better chance of coming away victorious, Postecoglou will have to make a number of changes to the starting lineup that lost away to Aston Villa on Friday night, like dropping Mikey Moore.

Why Moore should be dropped

The first thing to say is that while we think Moore should be taken out of the team, that doesn’t mean we don’t think he’ll have a large part to play for the club in the coming seasons.

After all, his youth record of 21 goals and 15 assists in 34 appearances across the various levels is nothing short of spectacular, and according to respected analyst Ben Mattinson, he’s a “future superstar” in the making.

However, he is still just 17 years old, and while he has looked reasonably impressive for the senior team here and there, he’s not had a significant enough impact – three goal involvements in 21 games – to warrant a start in the club’s biggest game since the Champions League Final.

Minutes

87′

Expected Goals

0.00

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.00

Assists

0

Accurate passes

7/9 (78%)

Key passes

0

Crosses (accurate)

1 (0)

Shots on target

0

Ground duels (won)

9 (4)

Possession lost

7

Dribbled past

2

Dribble attempts (successful)

3 (0)

Moreover, his inexperience showed somewhat at Villa Park, as he struggled to assert himself on the game and eventually came off the pitch in the 87th minute, having made just seven passes and failing in 100% of his dribbles.

Moreover, with Brennan Johnson still the team’s top scorer in all competitions this term, with 17 in 49 games, it should go without saying that he should be starting on the right ahead of everyone else.

The other Spurs star who should be dropped

Given the underwhelming nature of the game, there are a few other players you could bring up who should probably be taken out of the team for the final, like Archie Gray, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies and more.

Yet, in this instance, we are talking about another starter in the attack: Mathys Tel.

The young Frenchman might well be one of the more exciting players in the Lilywhites’ squad, with some at the club reportedly labelling him a “generational talent” before he arrived in February, but against the Villans, he didn’t do enough to convince us he should keep his place in the team for tonight’s monumental clash.

Minutes

96′

Expected Goals

0.00

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.15

Assists

0

Accurate passes

12/14 (86%)

Key passes

1

Crosses (accurate)

1 (0)

Shots on target

0

Big chances created

1

Dribble attempts (successful)

5 (1)

Duels (won)

14 (4)

Possession lost

11

Fouls

4

For example, despite leading the line for 96 minutes, he failed to take a single shot on target, registered just 0.15 expected assists, failed in 80% of his attempted dribbles, completed only 12 passes, failed in 100% of his crosses, missed one big chance, lost ten of 14 duels, lost the ball 11 times and committed four fouls.

Add to that the fact that he’s scored just three goals and provided one assist in 19 appearances for the club this season, and it’s almost impossible to make a convincing argument about why he should lead the line against the Red Devils.

Moreover, Dominic Solanke, the man who should come in to replace him, has been far more effective in front of goal this season, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 43 appearances.

Ultimately, Tel could still be a useful asset for Spurs in tonight’s final, but to get the most out of him, Postecoglou would be better off starting him on the bench and then bringing him on later into the match as things get stretched so that he can exploit the opening spaces with his pace.

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