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A few caveats out of the gate here. Umpiring, especially behind the plate, is extraordinarily difficult and Major League Baseball employs some incredibly talented individuals to do it. And the strike zone box that appears on television is far more specious and arbitrary than most viewers think, especially when it comes to the bottom and top of the zone. But even with those concessions, home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi did not have his best night on Monday working behind the dish in the Philadelphia Phillies-San Francisco Giants game.

After expanding the zone on Bryce Harper in the top of the eighth with the score knotted at 1-1, Cuzzi watched three Orion Kekering pitches to Matt Chapman potentially get a decent part of the zone without busting out a strike three call in the bottom of the frame.

Chapman would eventually aim a single through the right side of the infield, setting up the Giants' game-winning run in a contest they went on to win, 3-1.

The side-by-side comparison of his decisions during those two plate appearances does not look good. And baseball fans, as they are wont to do when an umpire botches something, are not being very forgiving.

That's tough way for the Phillies to lose. Going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position probably didn't help either.

Two of Manchester United’s biggest summer signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, are starting to get into full flow for the Red Devils.

Mbeumo, in particular, has started life at Old Trafford quickly, with eight goals and assists in 16 games across all competitions.

As for his Brazilian teammate, things haven’t been quite as smooth sailing. He’s struggled with a few minor injuries and hasn’t been at his best.

The United number ten only has one goal and one assist in 12 Premier League games, but has shown flashes of his best form.

United are not done there when it comes to strengthening in attack, and could dip back into the market this winter.

United’s latest attacking target

It is not just in attack that the Red Devils might be looking to strengthen their side, with midfield a focus area too.

Transfer Focus

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

They are reportedly plotting to sign Elliot Anderson and are even linked with a sensational, if expensive, move for Jude Bellingham.

Looking further up the pitch, the Mancunian giants are linked with a move to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, United are able to meet the Ghanaian’s release clause and could make a move for him.

This, of course, will not be a cheap deal. Semenyo’s release clause is worth a reported £65m, a fee Ruben Amorim’s side ‘would be able to match’ this winter.

However, they would face tough competition for his signature, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City all interested in signing him, too.

Why Semenyo would be a good signing

There is no doubt about 25-year-old Semenyo’s quality. The versatile forward, who can operate on either flank, has been described this season as a “world-class” operator by Cherries teammate Justin Kluivert.

Indeed, the numbers he has put up are reflective of someone deemed an elite winger. This season in the Premier League, Bournemouth’s number 24 has played 14 games, scoring six goals and assisting a further three.

There have been some real standout moments for the 25-year-old, too. He’s scored twice and assisted the other in a 3-1 win at home to Fulham, and scored a sublime solo goal against Liverpool at Anfield on the opening day of the season.

United would love for the winger to have the same sort of impact as Mbeumo if he were to join. The Cameroonian attacker has been one of their most consistent players this season, even winning November’s Premier League player of the month award.

His most recent goal came on Monday against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Mbeumo and his new teammate Cunha can have a “big impact” on the club if they are able to “find a way to click,” according to United great Gary Neville.

If the Red Devils were to acquire Semenyo in the winter window, they would love for him to add to that threat with their two summer recruits.

You could certainly make a case that the Ghanaian is a hybrid of both players. At least, according to FBref, he has similar underlying numbers to Mbeumo over the last year and to Cunha in the top flight this term – noted as statistically similar both men in those respective fields.

Well, to factor in both, let’s look at numbers from the last two Premier League seasons. A standout number is their combined goals and assists per 90 minutes, with Semenyo averaging 0.5, Cunha 0.6 and Mbeumo 0.65.

Semenyo, Cunha & Mbeumo (per 90 mins)
Semenyo	Cunha	Mbeumo
0.5 goals & assists	0.6 goals & assists	0.65 goals & assists
1.29 key passes	1.78 key passes	1.79 key passes
1.85 take-ons complete	2.09 take-ons complete	1.22 take-ons complete
3.85 progressive carries	3.63 progressive carries	3.26 progressive carries
4.6 ball recoveries	4.36 ball recoveries	3.98 ball recoveries
Stats from FBref

It is easy to see how the three players are similar, based on those numbers.

If Semenyo – who, like the United pair, is Premier League proven – can offer the goal and assist numbers of Mbeumo, and the threat carrying the ball which Cunha brings, he would be a dangerous addition to Amorim’s side.

£65m is not the most unreasonable fee for a player of his class, and United fans will be hoping he can have a quick impact at Old Trafford.

The new Ji-Sung Park: Man Utd star is fast becoming as important as Bruno

Manchester United have another star who is becoming as important as Bruno Fernandes.

By
Ethan Lamb

6 days ago

Eddie Howe will manage only his second ever Tyne-Wear Derby on Sunday, as one of football’s most passionate rivalries has its latest instalment this weekend.

His only taste of this fierce clash to date was Newcastle United’s 3-0 triumph over Sunderland in the FA Cup in early 2024, with the Black Cats’ struggles in the Championship clear for all to see, as the Magpies ran out as routine winners.

Now, however, Regis Le Bris’ men sit above their arch rivals in the early Premier League table, as Howe prays his inconsistent side can get the better of the Black Cats on their own patch.

Newcastle’s clumsy performance on the road in the Champions League on Wednesday night won’t fill Howe with loads of confidence, either, with some changes in the offing presumably, off the back of the 2-2 draw away at Bayer Leverkusen.

Changes Howe could make ahead of Sunderland

Goalscoring hero Anthony Gordon would sum up the Toon’s frustrations aptly at the full-time whistle, as a late Alejandro Grimaldo equaliser rid Howe’s men of all three points in Europe’s standout competition.

Gordon won’t be fearful of his starting spot against Sunderland, having made it three games on the trot with a goal now against Leverkusen, but Joelinton will surely be axed for the crunch clash on Wearside, with the Brazilian limping off injured after winning just two duels all match.

Sandro Tonali will also be fearful that he could be surprisingly dropped, with the Italian looking uncharacteristically ropey on the ball at points against Kasper Hjulmand’s men.

It really was a night for Howe’s concrete first team personnel to slip up, as Malick Thiaw somehow avoided a red card for a rash first-half challenge, while Bruno Guimaraes inexplicably placed an effort past Aaron Ramsdale to hand the Bundesliga hosts a one-goal advantage.

Still, both of the underperformers mentioned certainly have enough credit in the bank this season to push these off performances to one side, with Guimaraes scoring this audacious effort last time out in the Premier League versus Burnley.

With a lively 5.4 duels won on average this season in the Premier League, too, as per Sofascore, Newcastle’s captain does feel as if he’s the perfect fit for such a full-blooded showdown, having further been branded the club’s “talisman” by pundit Michael Carrick in recent weeks.

Howe could even have a new Guimaraes in the making in his talented camp right now, with this rising star arguably worthy of a start against the Black Cats, alongside the much-loved South American.

Newcastle's "little diamond" can be Howe's next Guimaraes

The 48-year-old does have a lot of depth on his side now at St James’ Park, with Yoane Wissa’s return from injury gifting him another option up top, away from over-relying on summer recruit Nick Woltemade.

If he is unsure about starting Joelinton for the Tyne-Wear Derby, he could look to the depth at his disposal in the middle of the park by handing Lewis Miley just his fifth league start of the campaign, having been branded “special” when popping up with a goal from off the bench on Wednesday night by journalist Liam Kennedy.

The talented teenager became the club’s youngest goalscorer in the competition’s history, a feat he was made aware of after the game. “I didn’t really know that, to be honest, but it’s a great feeling being the youngest scorer. It’s a dream come true really, scoring my first goal in the Champions League. It couldn’t be better, really,” Miley told reporters after the game.

“I always used to score goals in the academy quite a lot, so I’ve tried to take that into my game in the first team. I just keep trying to get in the box as much as possible and I’ve got two goals in the last couple of weeks.”

Chalkboard

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

In the right place at the right time to direct Gordon’s cross home, it could be argued that Miley has the same difference-maker ability in his veins that Guimaraes also possesses, with the 19-year-old up to four goal contributions for the season, despite his limited starts.

His Brazilian counterpart is six ahead in the goal contribution leaderboard, albeit from far more regular involvement.

Miley’s numbers by season for Newcastle
Season	Games	Goals + Assists
25/26	17	2 + 2
24/25	19	2 + 0
23/24	23	1 + 4
22/23	1	0 + 0
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Moreover, Miley will believe he has what it takes to be a future captain of his boyhood club when Guimaraes hangs up his boots, with the number 67 never looking fazed by the demands of the senior game, ever since being gifted his senior debut at St James’ Park when just 17 years of age.

This ice-cold ability to perform – no matter the occasion – surely means he’ll be preparing to give it his all against Sunderland if given the first team call, with NBC Sports’ Robbie Earle once labelling him as a “little diamond” for his classy displays in competitions such as the Champions League.

Miley does feel as if he is in and around the first team picture for some time now, but he will want to take his game to another level shortly, to be considered worthy of the label of being the next Guimaraes.

Fewer touches than Ramsdale: Howe must drop Newcastle man who won 2 duels

Eddie Howe must now drop this Newcastle United star ahead of this weekend’s hotly anticipated Tyne-Wear Derby.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

4 days ago

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank opted to go with what seemed like a rather defensive team selection when the line-up was revealed before kick-off against Arsenal.

The Lilywhites lined up with five defenders and two defensive midfielders, along with a front three of Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert, and Richarlison against the Gunners.

Possession

57%

43%

Big chances

3

0

Shots

17

3

Shots on target

8

2

xG

1.93

0.07

Passes

448

330

As you can see in the table above, it was an approach from the Danish manager that did not pay off for Spurs, as they were heavily beaten by their local rivals on Sunday.

Tottenham only registered three efforts on goal in their loss to Arsenal, with one of them being the 45-yard lob from Richarlison, as they struggled badly in possession.

Struggling in possession has been a theme of the Premier League season for the Lilywhites, as they currently rank 17th in the division for xG created (11.1) across 12 matches, per FBref.

Some of that will be down to Frank’s system and tactics, as his selection against Arsenal seemed negative on paper, but there have also been some underperforming attacking players this season.

Ranking Tottenham's attackers this season

When looking at how the team’s attackers have performed in the 2025/26 campaign so far, it is hard to look past Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison as the two standout performers.

The Brazil international has delivered five goals and two assists in all competitions for the Lilywhites, whilst the £55m summer signing from West Ham has produced one goal and five assists.

On the other end of the scales, the £52m signing from RB Leipzig, Xavi Simons, has failed to deliver much in the way of quality, with no goals and two assists in 15 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

The Dutch playmaker, who started the season on the left wing after Heung-min Son’s depature, was left out of the starting line-up against Arsenal, and he has to rank near the bottom of the list because of the fee paid versus the output given so far.

1

Mohammed Kudus

2

Richarlison

3

Brennan Johnson

4

Mathys Tel

5

Wilson Odobert

6

Randal Kolo Muani

7

Xavi Simons

8

Dominic Solanke

9

Dane Scarlett

As you can see in the table above, Dane Scarlett and Dominic Solanke are the only two players who rank lower than Xavi, and that is because they have played 59 minutes of football between them, which makes it difficult to place them any higher.

Unfortunately, Spurs are still looking for the true heir to Heung-min Son’s throne after the South Korea international moved on from North London in the summer, as their big-money addition from Leipzig is yet to pay off, and they are now keen on a star who could finally fill that vacancy.

Spurs make big-money bid to sign new winger

According to a report from Spain, Tottenham Hotspur are one of the clubs interested in doing a deal to sign Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams in the upcoming January transfer window.

The outlet claims that Spurs and Chelsea have both submitted bids worth around £62m in an attempt to land the Spain international to bolster their respective attacking units.

Transfer Focus

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

It also reveals that both of those clubs are working on contract offers that would see Williams triple his current wages, which the report does not disclose, in order to convince him to leave his club.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not the Spanish whiz would be willing to move to England, or if the £62m offers are enough to tempt Athletic Bilbao into cashing in on their prized asset.

If Spurs can get a big-money deal for the left-sided attacker over the line, though, he could be Frank’s own version of Heung-min Son on the wing in the second half of the season.

Why Nico Williams would be Tottenham's new Heung-min Son

Williams, who was described as a “level-raiser” by Como scout Ben Mattinson, has all the attributes that the Lilywhites should be looking for in a replacement for the legendary South Korean star.

Like Son, the Spain international is a rapid forward who can use his speed to get in behind defences, as evidenced by Mattinson stating that he has an “electric burst of pace”, which is what served the former Spurs attacker so well for so long.

A goal scored by Williams against Real Oviedo in LaLiga earlier this month was an excellent demonstration of his speed, quality, and comfort on both feet, which Son was also renowned for during his time in North London.

The 23-year-old forward has registered two goals and two assists in nine matches in LaLiga this term, per Transfermarkt, after a haul of 11 goals and seven assists in 45 outings last season.

His most impressive campaign in an Athletic Bilbao shirt, though, came in the 2023/24 season when he delivered an eye-catching eight goals and 18 assists in 37 matches, per Transfermarkt.

These statistics show that the winger does have the potential to provide quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from the flank, as Son did with his 173 goals and 101 assists for Spurs before his move to the MLS in the summer.

Non-penalty xG + xAG

0.38

0.54

Shot-creating actions

4.99

4.51

Progressive passes

3.25

4.09

Progressive carries

5.24

4.27

Successful take-ons

3.33

1.58

Progressive passes received

10.83

10.92

Key passes

1.91

1.86

As you can see in the table above, Williams is also similar to Son in a host of underlying statistics away from purely goals and assists, which suggests that he can provide a similar outlet on the left wing.

Like the ex-Spurs captain, the Spain international is an exceptional ball-carrier who can drive the team up the pitch to make things happen as a creative force, which they badly need at the moment, as evidenced by their dismal attacking display against Arsenal.

Having a counter-attacking weapon like Williams could allow Tottenham to defend deeper in matches, as Frank tried to do on Sunday, because they would have him to explode on the break when they win the ball back, instead of attacks stagnating and allowing the opposition to keep the pressure on.

£22m Spurs flop is becoming their biggest disaster since Serge Aurier

Spurs are carrying a few passengers in the team under Thomas Frank right now.

ByMatt Dawson Nov 24, 2025

Therefore, the £62m-rated star could be a phenomenal addition to the squad with the quality that he could bring to the team on the left wing as their true heir to Heung-min Son.

In the wake of a breakout season, Athletics right fielder and designated hitter Lawrence Butler appears set to stick around for the foreseeable future.

The Sacramento-based team has signed Butler to a seven-year contract extension worth $65.5 million, according to a Thursday night report from Jeff Passan of ESPN. The deal includes a year covered by a team option.

Butler, 24, is coming off a breakout 2024 in the Athletics' final season in Oakland. The Burlington, N.J. native slashed a rock-solid .262/.317/.490 with 22 home runs and 57 RBIs—bettering his numbers from a 42-game cameo in 2023.

Since its relocation, the Sacramento team—aiming to move to Las Vegas by 2028—has shown an uncharacteristic willingness to spend on its roster. The Athletics gave pitcher Luis Severino a three-year, $67 million contract on Dec. 6, for instance.

The Sacramento team is scheduled to open its 2025 season on March 27 against the Seattle Mariners.

تسعى إحدى الأندية الأوروبية الكبرى للتعاقد مع نجم فريق برشلونة، روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، في موسم الانتقالات الشتوي المقبل، حسبما ذكرت تقارير صحفية يوم الجمعة.

وتحوم الشكوك بقوة حول مستقبل روبرت ليفاندوفسكي مع برشلونة، حيث سينتهي عقده في النادي الكتالوني في يونيو المقبل، ولا توجد نية حتى الآن بشأن تجديد صفقته.

وذكرت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، نقلًا عن الصحفي جيانلويجي لونجاري من “سبورت إيطاليا”، أن نادي ميلان يتطلع إلى الحصول على خدمات روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، مطلع العام الجديد، في الميركاتو الشتوي المرتقب.

اقرأ أيضًا.. لابورتا يوجه رسالة إلى ليونيل ميسي بعد افتتاح ملعب “كامب نو”

وأوضحت أنه للوهلة الأولى تبدو صفقة انتقال ليفاندوفسكي إلى ميلان، منتصف الموسم الحالي، مستبعدة، ولكن يجب الأخذ في الاعتبار مسألة انتهاء عقده مع برشلونة في الصيف المقبل، وهو ما قد يمثل حافزًا لبطل الدوري الإسباني من أجل الموافقة على رحيل البولندي.

وستكون صفقة ليفاندوفسكي مشابهة لصفقة تعاقد ميلان مع لوكا مودريتش، صاحب الـ40 عامًا.

وأفادت بأن ميلان يريد ضم ليفاندوفسكي من أجل تعزيز خط الهجوم وزيادة غلته التهديفية، وسيتعين على برشلونة تحديد مسار لاعبه في الفترة المقبلة.

India Under-19 collapsed after a 133-run stand between Malhotra and Mhatre

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay22-Jul-2025

[File photo] Vihaan Malhotra scored 120 off 123 balls•Getty Images

Ralphie Albert sparked not one collapse but two in taking 6 for 53 as England Under-19 edged ahead in the rain-affected 2nd ‘Test’ against India at Chelmsford.The 17-year-old left-arm spinner reduced India from 170 for 1 to 181 for 4 before helping to secure the last six wickets for 37 as India were bowled out for 279 to trail by 30.This looked unlikely when Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra were compiling a dominant stand of 133 for the second wicket. Malhotra would go on to make 120 at nearly a-run-a-ball, but aside from this pair, only Harvansh Pangalia (28) and Kanishk Chouhan (23) reached double-figures, with five batters making ducks.England openers Ben Dawkins and Adam Thomas survived the odd scare to stretch that lead to 123 before bad light ended play 12 overs before the scheduled close.Rain delayed the start until 12.15pm before Malhotra and Mhatre dominated the pre-lunch session.Mhatre, dropped at cover on the second afternoon, was reprieved a second time when Alex Green failed to take a tough caught-and-bowled chance, but soon made the most of his good fortune, two sumptuous fours off the back foot and a huge six from the bowling of day-two centurion Ekansh Singh among the pick of his shots.Malhotra survived a big shout for lbw and being struck midships by James Minto. His cover drive off Green was a thing of beauty, and he raised the 100 of the innings with six over square leg. Another six took him to 50 as India scored 108 in the 75 minutes of play. England looked to be searching for wickets, and the result was too many four balls in a tardy effort.[File photo] Ralphie Albert triggered twin Indian collapses•Getty Images

Whether it was harsh words from the coaches or an inspired lunch choice, England emerged a different side. Tighter bowling brought a breakthrough when Mhatre missed one from Alex French, which angled in and spreadeagled his stumps. He scored 80.Door ajar, Albert produced some spin wizardry to strike twice in as many overs, wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu bunting back a caught and bowled before Rahul Kumar edged low to Thomas at slip.India’s response was to counter-attack, Pangalia dispatching a long-hop over the longest boundary before driving and cutting for successive fours.At the other end, Malhotra’s 16th four took him to his hundred in 101 balls and at 242 for 4 the visitors were back in the ascendancy.However, Pangalia top-edged a cross-bat slog into the deep and RS Ambrish became the third duck on the Indian card when he drove to cover in Albert’s next over.The Surrey youngster was on a roll, Malhotra becoming his biggest prize when perishing to a catch by Ben Mayes on the midwicket fence. Albert wasn’t finished there, Henil Patel his fourth wicket in 13 balls courtesy of Thomas’ second smart slip catch of the afternoon.Thereafter, only Chouhan held up the hosts for a while, Albert’s fellow spinner Mayes (2 for 17) picking up the last two wickets – a due reward for a tight spell.Dawkins and Thomas were both on a pair and began nervously, the former given a life when dropped at first slip off Aditya Rawat on 7.Rawat’s searching examination survived, the pair prospered, Dawkins clearing the ropes at midwicket, while Thomas drove and cut well to reach 50 with seven fours in the last over before the light closed in.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is personally in awe of a marquee player who he believes is the ideal player for his Spurs system, and the Lilywhites are also reportedly prepared to table a bid for him in January.

Tottenham's reported January transfer plans

We’re now 11 games into Frank’s tenure as Spurs boss, and the Dane appears to already be transforming the North Londoners into a far more resolute side.

Despite some recent concerns from a section of the fanbase after their ‘narrow escape’ draws against Brighton, Wolves and Bodo/Glimt, Tottenham displayed real grit at Leeds United last weekend to end their run of seven straight defeats in games just prior to an international break.

Goals from Mohammed Kudus, who was the player of the match, and fellow summer signing Mathys Tel sealed a 2-1 in Yorkshire to also end Leeds’ year-long unbeaten run in the league at Elland Road.

Leeds United 1-2 Tottenham – best players

Match Rating

Mohammed Kudus

8.4

Mathys Tel

7.8

Noah Okafor

7.0

Sean Longstaff

7.0

Jayden Bogle

6.8

via WhoScored

The win means Spurs sit third in the Premier League table with the joint second-best defensive record in the division, with only table-topping Arsenal conceding fewer goals – a stark contrast to Ange Postecoglou’s final season in charge when they were far more fragile at the back.

So far, ex-chairman Daniel Levy and the board’s decision to appoint Frank is paying off, despite Simon Jordan urging Levy to consider Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner before Spurs hired their current boss.

The reshuffled Tottenham board following Levy’s departure, with CEO Vinai Venkatesham taking a more prominent role in the day-to-day running of the club, are also poised to try and back Frank in the January transfer market.

Spurs are reportedly keen to sign another winger and centre-back when the winter window opens, after they tried and failed to sign Man City forward Savinho in the summer, with the Brazil international since extending his Eastlands contract and ending all hope of a potential deal.

One of their rumoured targets for 2026 is Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, who also signed fresh terms earlier this year, and this has elevated his market value to north of £75 million.

Tottenham preparing January bid for Antoine Semenyo amid Thomas Frank belief

That is according to TEAMtalk, who report that Tottenham are positioning themselves to make a major January move for Semenyo and could be “next to bid”.

The winger’s explosive form so far this season has made him one of the Premier League’s most sought-after wingers.

Semenyo has scored six goals and provided three assists in his first seven league games, including a brace against Liverpool at Anfield, helping Bournemouth to a surprise top-four position and attracting attention from England’s top clubs, including Arne Slot’s side, Manchester City and Spurs.

Frank is said to view Semenyo as the “perfect fit” for his squad, particularly given the inconsistent displays from Brennan Johnson and the club’s need for more dynamism out wide.

Semenyo’s ability to play on either flank — combined with his raw pace, directness, and clinical finishing — makes him a tailor-made fit for Frank’s tactical system.

Tottenham’s pursuit of the Ghanaian international is expected to intensify in mid-season as a result, with an offer exceeding £60 million likely to test Bournemouth’s resolve, despite their price tag of £75m.

The Cherries, after extending his deal until 2030, are in a very strong position — and it is even believed that Semenyo rejected an approach from Arsenal in the summer.

However, the 25-year-old’s camp are apparently open to exploring other moves in January if a top side can meet Bournemouth’s lofty demands.

Despite defeat at Anfield before the international break, Arsenal return to action against Nottingham Forest on Saturday lunchtime to much excitement.

However, Mikel Arteta will be without key figures William Saliba, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, the latter facing a race against time to be available for next Sunday’s huge clash with Manchester City in North London.

In the past, injuries have derailed the Gunners’ title hopes and dreams, because they’ve simply not had the squad depth to cope with key absences.

Now though, after spending over £250m in the summer transfer market, that has changed, so Arteta must unleash a few of his summer signings, one who some are forecasting could become even better than Saka.

Eberechi Eze's home debut

Ahead of Arsenal’s first home game of the season, a 5-0 demolition of Leeds United, Eberechi Eze was presented to the Emirates crowd.

It was a genuinely spine-tingling moment, with Eze himself taken aback by the welcome home he received, 14 years after being released as a child, thinking his dream was dead.

Now though, after he was given a mere brief cameo at Anfield, Eze is ready to take centre stage, with those attending Saturday’s clash with Nottingham Forest doing so in anticipation of witnessing a home debut to remember.

As noted by Match of the Day, Arsenal have the second-lowest expected goals from open-play in the Premier League this season, their figure of 1.57 above only that of newly-promoted Sunderland, continuing a problem that has hampered Arteta’s team for a while.

This underlines why Eze has been signed, adding that much-needed creativity, but he may not be the only summer signing Arsenal will be hoping can shine this weekend and beyond.

More than just Arsenal's Bukayo Saka back-up

When Noni Madueke was recruited from Chelsea for £52m in the summer, plenty of eyebrows were raised, but the early signs are that this could be a shrewd piece of business.

In defeat to Liverpool, the 23-year-old was the Gunners’ most dangerous attacker throughout, always giving Miloš Kerkez something to think about, even if the end product was lacking.

Nevertheless, based on what he has produced so far, speaking on the Arscast, Philippe Auclair believes Madueke is simply far too good to merely be considered a Saka back-up, and his statistics last season support this argument.

Madueke 24/25 PL stats
Stat	Madueke	PL rank
Shots	80	14th
Shots per 90	3.54	4th
Big chances missed	14	18th
Progressive carries	154	3rd
Carries into the box	93	3rd
Attempted take-ons	102	25th
Touches in the box	184	5th
via FBref & Sofascore

As the table notes, Madueke ranked behind only Jérémy Doku and Mohamed Salah when it came to progressive carries last season, also ranked in the top five in terms of shots per 90 and touches in the opposition’s penalty area.

He has certainly impressed Thomas Tuchel, starting three of England’s last four World Cup qualifiers, including both this month, scoring his first-ever international goal against Serbia at Stadion Rajko Mitić in Belgrade on Tuesday.

During the international break, former Manchester United defender Paul Parker was so impressed with Madueke that he exclaimed “I actually think he’s better than Bukayo Saka”, praising his frightening pace and ability to strike fear into defenders.

Given that Saka has been consistently excellent since first breaking into the Arsenal team in early-2020, this is a bold claim.

However, this competition for places can only be a good thing for Arteta, given that his star man is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, having sat out more than three months last season due to the same issue, missing 19 games, unquestionably derailing the Gunners’ title aspirations.

On Saturday specifically, it is tough to forecast who Ange Postecoglou will deploy at full-back, given that Ola Aina is set to spend three months on the sidelines, after sustaining a serious hamstring injury during Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

It won’t be Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back, he’s ineligible to face his parent club, but whoever it is will not relish coming up against Madueke, who will surely start in Saka’s place, looking to score his first Arsenal goal.

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Nottingham Forest have been at the centre of managerial uncertainty in recent times and could now be set to replace Nuno Espirito Santo with a rival Premier League boss.

Nuno headstrong amid Nottingham Forest uncertainty

After a strong summer transfer window, Nottingham Forest are primed for another Premier League campaign, but there are lingering doubts over the tenure of their manager.

Tense relationships with Evangelos Marinakis and Edu Gaspar have left the Portuguese boss in an uneasy situation, though new England star Elliot Anderson has confirmed he would like his boss to still be in the East Midlands once the international break is over.

He stated: “Yeah definitely. He’s been really good for me. I feel he’s given me the freedom to go out and do what I do. He just believes in me, which is the main thing.

“He has said ‘go out and play the way you train’, which has really helped me. Freedom in the team has given me the platform to do well. Right now I’m just focusing on this camp and doing my best here and then when I get back to my club I’ll be focused on my club.”

Away from the managerial situation, Nottingham Forest have agreed an out-of-window deal to sign Rangers youngster Blaine McClure, illustrating that work is ongoing behind the scenes at the City Ground despite the market now being closed.

Improvements will continue as the Tricky Trees look to make a mark once again, albeit a feeling of disappointment over their comprehensive defeat to West Ham United before the international break will linger.

Espirito Santo’s position will continue to come under scrutiny despite talks between him and Marinakis, and there is now a new name in the running to replace him at the City Ground.

Marco Silva in contention for Nottingham Forest job

According to Football Insider, Marco Silva is a contender for the Nottingham Forest managerial position and is unhappy at Fulham, meaning he would welcome the opportunity to take a Premier League post elsewhere.

Preferring a 4-2-3-1, the former Everton boss shares the same agency as Marinakis and has emerged as a top target at the City Ground amid Nuno’s public disagreement with the Tricky Trees owner.

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Dubbed “underrated” by Heurelho Gomes, Silva has won 75 Premier League matches from a total of 212 in the dugout, drawing 45 and losing 92 times.

Listing Sporting Clube de Portugal, Watford and Everton among his other former clubs, he may now switch clubs if Nottingham Forest opt to pull the plug on Nuno. However, results in the coming weeks will determine that.

Following four points from nine available in their first three Premier League matches, the Tricky Trees have work to do on the field, though confusion over their managerial reality continues to make headlines.