Scoring wonder goals at training is nothing unusual for Matildas star Kyra Cooney-Cross, so when she finally got the chance to unleash from a considerable distance in match, she wasn’t going to pass it up.
Cooney-Cross celebrated her 50th Matildas appearance in style on Tuesday morning (AEDT), finding the back of the net with a spectacular 30-plus metre effort that caught goalkeeper Stina Johannes off her line in Australia’s 2-1 win over Germany in Duisburg.
“Some of the girls made comments before that I do that in training all the time, but I’ve never had the chance to do it in a game because I’m a lot deeper playing as a (defensive midfielder),” she said.
Watch every ball of the Australia A v India A LIVE & ad-break free during play | Day 1 THURS 10:55AM | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
“(Against Germany) I got the opportunity to play higher up (the pitch) … and I guess I got the opportunity (to shoot) and I took it.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about it after I scored.”
Cooney-Cross told the Matildas website that scoring her first goal for Australia was also a “big relief”.
“It’s a surreal moment. I’m feeling very proud and grateful,” the 22-year-old Queenslander said.
Matildas take down Euro heavyweights | 02:29
“It’s finally happened, (and) especially in a big game, it makes it even more special.
“I’m so grateful to get 50 caps. I definitely wouldn’t be here without a few of the girls sticking by my side and helping me get there.”
The Arsenal midfielder is relishing the prospect of returning home for matches in Queensland and Victoria against Brazil (November 28 and December 1) and Chinese Taipei (December 4 and 7).
“I miss it so much. The first thing you do when you go and sing the national anthem, you look for your family and friends,” she said.
“It’s been a while since we’ve done that, so I miss it, and we all can’t wait to be back home.”
Manchester City and Spain defensive midfielder Rodri has won his first Ballon D’Or in what turned out to be not much of a shock as the signs pointed to the 28-year-old taking out the prestigious gong.
Rodri was second favourite yesterday behind Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior but Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham also in the mix, Real Madrid made the stunning decision to boycott the ceremony in Paris.
Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
The no-show from the Spanish giants effectively made it clear that Rodri would take home the mantle as the best male footballer of the year.
Despite the controversy, he put together a remarkable year.
He was player of the tournament as Spain won the Euros, scored the winner in last year’s Champions League and is a vital part of one of the world’s best club sides – unfortunately for Manchester City he is currently sidelined with an ACL injury.
Former City player George Weah presented the award – which was another omen that Rodri would win – on a historic night for the club as their rock in defensive midfield became the first player ever from the blue half of Manchester to win the award.
He is also the first defensive player to achieve the accolade in almost two decades as Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro was the last in 2006.
Incredibly Rodri is also the first Spanish player to win the men’s Ballon d’Or since Luis Suárez in 1960 which is remarkable for a country with such great football pedigree.
“An incredible night for me,” Rodri said. “It’s a special day for me, my family and my country.”
Rodri thanked his girlfriend Laura as the award ceremony fell on their anniversary, and also acknowledged his Manchester City and Spain teammates before touching on himself.
“I always try to improve every day, the level of my game, [playing] the modern holding midfielder role, playing further forward,” he said.
“I’m just a normal guy, I enjoy sport, enjoy my profession. I try to be a good person, try to be a leader. I’m a calm person, until I get upset. I’d like to show the kids that you don’t have to be crazy, you can be a normal guy, try to do your best.”
Matildas take down Euro heavyweights | 02:29
REAL MADRID BOYCOTT EXPLAINED
The Ballon d’Or ceremony got underway on Monday in the absence of Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham after the Spanish club said it would boycott over a perceived snub of its players.
The Spanish and European champions earlier on Monday told AFP it questioned the methods behind the selection of the Ballon d’Or winner, saying that their defender Dani Carvajal, another of the 30 players nominated, had also been unfairly overlooked.
“If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner,” Real Madrid told AFP.
“As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.” The seven players from the Madrid contingent that were short-listed for the individual award, including Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger, Fede Valverde and the retired Toni Kroos, did not show up to walk the red carpet at Paris’ Chatelet Theatre before the ceremony began.
For this year’s edition, the organisers had decided to keep the winner’s identity secret until the on-stage announcement.
With the absence of the Madrid’s double-winning stars, especially that of the bookmakers’ favourite Vinicius, many are now tipping Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri to win the award.
However, the Ballon d’Or organisers told AFP that “no player or club” knows in advance who will win the award.
The Ballon d’Or is awarded by a jury of journalists representing the top 100 nations in the FIFA rankings.
Cooney-Cross scores long-range worldie! | 00:43
BONMATI WINS AGAIN, MATILDAS SNUBBED
Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmati on Monday won her second successive women’s Ballon d’Or, after leading her club to a historic continental quadruple of titles and claiming the Nations League with her country.
The 26-year-old playmaker joins team-mate Alexia Putellas as the only women to win the Ballon d’Or twice, since the award’s inauguration in 2018.
“This cannot be achieved alone, I am very lucky to be surrounded by players who make me better every day,” Bonmati said after receiving the award.
“Thanks to the staff, to the club workers, without you we would not achieve so much success.” Already considered an all-time great of the women’s game, Bonmati was the stand-out performer as Barcelona romped to a trophy-laden 2023/24 season.
The Catalans won every trophy available to them last term — the Spanish league, the Copa de la Reina, the Supercopa de Espana and a second-successive Women’s Champions League.
Bonmati scored a goal and put in a player-of-the-match performance as Barcelona beat Lyon 2-0 in the final of the Champions League to claim their third title in four seasons.
Not a single member of Australia’s Matildas squad was selected in the top 30 as Sam Kerr has been out with an ACL injury.
Owen’s advice to Irankunda | 02:37
– ‘Proudest I’ve felt’ –
“It’s the first time we’ve beaten Lyon. I’m proud of the team, and we know that with these fans we have, we can’t fail,” Bonmati said after the crowning moment of her season, which was played in front of 51,000 spectators in Bilbao’s San Mames stadium.
A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, the diminutive midfielder was also named player of the season by UEFA for her six goals and six assists during her side’s successful European campaign.
With eight goals and 11 assists in Spain’s Liga F, Bonmati was equally influential in guiding Barcelona to a fifth-straight league title.
The 2023 World Cup winner added the inaugural Women’s Nations League to her resume in February, when she scored Spain’s opener in their 2-0 win in the final against France.
She was again selected by UEFA as the overall player of the finals for her performances and goals in the semi-finals and final.
Only a shock defeat in the Olympics semi-final against Brazil prevented Bonmati from having the chance to secure a remarkable six titles for club and country in one season.
In April, Bonmati was named Sportswoman of the Year at the Laureus Awards, becoming the first footballer to do so, and was rewarded along with her Spain team-mates for winning the Women’s World Cup in August 2023.
She also received praise for helping to combat sexism in the Spanish football federation by protesting with her team-mates after disgraced former president Luis Rubiales forcibly kissed player Jenni Hermoso.
“She’s a role model of a player. How she trains, her attitude, the way she approaches things every day, she just sets a great example,” then-Barcelona coach Jonatan Giraldez said of his star asset in May.
“We met when she was starting out her career. I’ve watched her grow up, go through the whole process. I’m pleased to have seen everything that’s happened (to her), and she deserves it all.”
The women’s Ballon d’Or is chosen from a shortlist of 30 players by a voting panel of 50 international football journalists.
Arsenal rescued a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich as Leandro Trossard’s late leveller stopped Harry Kane making a triumphant return to north London in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Trossard came off the bench to equalise in the closing stages at the Emirates Stadium after former Tottenham striker Kane put Bayern 2-1 ahead with a first-half penalty.
Arsenal had taken an early lead through Bukayo Saka before former Gunners winger Serge Gnabry put Bayern back on level terms.
Kane scored a north London derby record 14 goals against Arsenal during his time with Tottenham, making him an inevitable target for taunts for Gunners fans.
When Kane bagged his sixth career goal at the Emirates — and his 39th in all competitions in his first season with Bayern — it seemed the England captain would have the last laugh.
But Trossard’s dramatic intervention leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of the second leg in Munich on April 17.
Befitting their poor form, Bayern made a nervous start and Alphonso Davies was quickly booked for a challenge on Saka that triggered a second-leg suspension for the Canadian defender.
Mikel Arteta’s men took the lead in the 12th minute, showing the intensity and poise that had led Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel to label them “the best team in the Premier League”.
Saka started Arsenal’s high press, winning the ball deep in Bayern’s half before Ben White’s return pass picked out the England winger in the area.
Saka’s strike was unerring, flashing low past Manuel Neuer into the far corner for his 18th goal in all competitions this term.
But Tuchel’s side exposed a rare moment of naivety from Arsenal to draw level six minutes later.
Leandro Trossard’s goal salvaged a draw for Arsenal against Bayern Munich. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes carelessly surrendered possession and Bayern pounced as perfectly weighted passes from Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka picked out Gnabry, who deftly guided his shot past David Raya from 12 yards.
It was the first time Arsenal had conceded at home in the Champions League this season, and Raya had to pick the ball out of his net again in the 32nd minute.
Leroy Sane’s dazzling burst through the heart of the flat-footed Arsenal defence was only halted when William Saliba’s crude challenge conceded a penalty.
With boos ringing around the Emirates, Kane kept his composure to send Raya the wrong way from the spot before aiming a broad grin at the Arsenal keeper on his way back to the centre-circle.
In an inspired tactical change, Arteta sent on Trossard and Gabriel Jesus in the second half, lifting Arsenal out of their lethargy in time to snatch a 76th-minute equaliser.
Jesus was the catalyst with a superb surge into the Bayern area that ended with a pin-point pass to Trossard, who gleefully slotted a fine finish past Neuer.
Arsenal were furious not to be given a penalty in the final seconds when Neuer caught Saka in a fitting denouement for a tie on a knife-edge.
The decision not to award Arsenal a late penalty left TNT Sports pundits Martin Keown and Rio Ferdinand in disbelief.
“Wow, look, from where we were, I thought all day long it’s a penalty,” Keown said.
“There is a suspicion that Saka puts his foot toward the ball. But the movements from the keeper, Neuer is going towards the ball. He comes out and makes the challenge. For me, that’s a penalty.”
Ferdinand added: “How has that not been given? I can’t believe it, with VAR and everything, I can’t believe that has not been given. That is a penalty.
“I’m walking around in disbelief with my hands on the top of my head.”
Arsenal players were not happy with the decision to wave away a late challenge on Bukayo Saka. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Real Madrid and Champions League holders Manchester City shared a pulsating 3-3 draw in a rollercoaster quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.
Bernardo Silva put City ahead with a low free-kick but Ruben Dias’ own goal and Rodrygo Goes helped Madrid dramatically and swiftly fight back.
Manchester City’s own quick-fire double in the second half through Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol stunned the record 14-time winners, but they snatched a draw through Fede Valverde’s scorching volley.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti opted for defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni at centre-back over Nacho Fernandez and an early rash challenge from the Frenchman paved the way for City’s opener.
Tchouameni clumsily hacked down Jack Grealish after 33 seconds and was booked, meaning he will miss the second leg.
From the free-kick Silva punished Madrid further, catching goalkeeper Andriy Lunin out at his near post with a low effort which skidded home.
Ancelotti, coaching a record 200th Champions League match, claimed his team lacked courage and personality when they were crushed by City in last seasons semis, but they showed mental strength to quickly turn the game on its head.
This kind of feat is Madrid’s wont in the Champions League, and they produced two goals in two minutes, reminiscent of their stunning 2022 semi-final comeback against City thanks to Rodrygo’s brace.
Real Madrid and Manchester City could not be separated. (Photo by Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP)Source: AFP
Dias deflected the first into his own net as he tried to block Camavinga’s long-range piledriver, and Rodrygo slipped home the second after Vinicius Junior played him in, aided by another deflection, off Manuel Akanji.
A breathless first 45 minutes was followed by more of the same, in a tie increasingly dubbed a Champions League “Clasico”.
Foden pulled his team level with a superb strike, arced into the top corner from the edge of the box.
With Antonio Rudiger shackling Erling Haaland, City got a goal from an unlikely source to lead five minutes later.
Defender Gvardiol’s ferocious bending effort from distance left Lunin no chance and silenced the Bernabeu — but not for long.
Valverde’s brilliant volley from Vinicius’ cross zipped past Ortega to level the score and leave the game deliciously poised for the second leg on April 17.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has hit back a barbed swipe from Lebanon coach Miodrag Radulović on Monday night aimed at youngster Patrick Yazbeck, who is set to make his debut for Australia on Tuesday night.
Yazbek was born in Sydney but has Lebanese heritage, and was eligible to represent either nation.
But he rebuffed approaches from Radulovic’s Cedars and is now a “more than 90 per cent” chance to make his debut in Canberra’s FIFA World Cup qualifier, according to Arnold.
“He’s Australian first and foremost,” Arnold said of the 21-year-old, who plays in Norway with Viking FK. “It’s the blood and the heart and the passion.
“His mum and dad are from Lebanon, and he’s got that in him as well. But he’s a fantastic kid. He will more than 90 per cent get match minutes tomorrow night and make his debut against Lebanon, I think it’s a great thing for him and his family that they’ll never forget.”
Watch selected NRL & AFL games, along with every F1 race live in 4K on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial today>
It came just minutes after Radulovic claimed Yazbek should have chosen to represent Lebanon instead.
“I think it would be better to be one of the leaders in our team than sitting on the bench (for Australia), but this is his decision,” Radulovic said.
“I’m not interested anymore.”
Graham Arnold anticipated sweeping changes to the Socceroos XI.Source: Getty Images
Arnold signalled Yazbek’s likely debut while stating there would be “four or five” changes to the starting XI that beat Lebanon 2-0 on Thursday night in Sydney.
Some of the decisions have been made for him, with left wingers Riley McGree and Jordy Bos both injured in Thursday’s win, while defensive midfielder Keanu Baccus is suspended. All three have left camp early to return to their clubs.
But in a boost to the team, veteran winger Craig Goodwin is fit and ready to start after missing the first match with a virus picked up during the long trip down under from England.
“It was quite frustrating as I started the travel to come over, I started feeling a bit sick and had some symptoms on the plane,” Goodwin said.
“I landed, spoke to the doctor and went and got seen and had a bit of a virus so I had to sit tight to not bring it into the camp and affect more players and affect the games that we’ve got.
“I’m here now and I’m ready to go and looking forward to the game.”
He’s likely to jump straight into the starting side after the injuries to McGree and Bos.
“Hopefully, they’re okay. But hopefully, I can come in and fill that void that’s been left on the left-hand side now,” Goodwin said.
Craig Goodwin is set to return.Source: Getty Images
Ajdin Hrustic’s impressive performance off the bench on his return has the playmaker poised to make a first Socceroos start since September 2022, having subsequently gone through a torrid 18 months marred by injuries and a dramatic exile from former club Hellas Verona in Italy.
Now at Heracles Almeda in the Netherlands – and crucially, back on the field regularly – his return to form is a significant boon for Graham Arnold and the Australian set-up.
Arnold indicated he is likely to persist with a 4-4-2, with in-form Kusini Yengi expected to retain his place as one of the two strikers. Adam Taggart was the other starting centre-forward on Thursday, but competition for places at the head of the attack is fierce, with Arnold naming a full six strikers for this squad.
“It’s about playing the players to their strengths,” Arnold said. “At the moment we’re short for wingers and we’re playing lopsided.”
Besides Yazbek, Central Coast Mariners midfielder Josh Nisbet, 24, could also make his debut off the bench after a standout run in the A-League Mens.
Winger Samuel Silvera will be hoping for a chance to prove himself in the absence of a number of familiar faces in that role, including the injured pair of Martin Boyle and Marco Tilio as well as the fresh injuries to Bos and Goodwin.
Elsewhere, defenders Thomas Deng and Gethin Jones could get a look-in if Arnold looks to rotate his stocks.
The Socceroos are preparing to take to the field for the first time since their heartbreaking Asian Cup quarterfinal defeat to South Korea, with attention now fully focused on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
And as Arnold looks to the future, three potential debutants could get their shot.
Here are the big talking points from today’s announcement.
Arnold has had plenty of selection headaches to deal with.Source: Getty Images
ARNOLD WHACKS EURO CLUBS
Arnold has been forced into a difficult balancing act in selecting this squad – just as he did in the Asian Cup in January – over whether or not to select under-23 players.
The U23 Asian Cup next month will decide which nations qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris. Yet next month’s tournament is not held during a FIFA window, meaning clubs are not obligated to release players to compete for the Olyroos.
Arnold has tried to convince them to let talented youngsters players play for the Olyroos by omitting them from his Socceroos squads.
That was the case for 20-year-old centre-back Alessandro Circati, who was left out of the Asian Cup squad and is again absent this time around.
Parma is hunting promotion to Italy’s Serie B, making it understandable they are reluctant to lose any players in the closing stages of the season.
But if he hoped leaving Circati out of the Socceroos team would mean Parma let him play for the Olyroos, those hopes are fading fast.
“That’s to be determined. But I have to say, I’d be doubtful about that,” Arnold said.
Circati debuted in a friendly against New Zealand last year.Source: Getty Images
He slammed European clubs for pressuring players to turn down international call-ups and focus on their domestic careers.
“Tony Vidmar [Olyroos coach] at the moment is getting quite a number of overseas-based clubs refusing to release players in April. I spoke to [Circati] and I think it’s one thing a lot of people need to understand: the pressure that kids get put under from their clubs overseas to [not] play for Australia is a lot.
“Alessandro and even [uncapped 20-year-old] Cristian Volpato, exactly the same. They just want to focus on their club careers at this moment in time. I do believe that Alessandro, especially, will play for Australia, and I do believe Cristian will want to play for Australia. It’s just at the moment, the timing is probably not right for them – especially with Alessandro; they’re going for promotion with Parma to get up in Serie A.”
Arnold is well-placed to comment on the plight of the Olyroos, having led them to both the 2008 and 2020 Olympics.
Selecting a squad is difficult enough. It’s made even harder when balancing the needs of the under-23 team – and when clubs don’t play ball.
Standard’s Aiden O’Neill is missing due to injury and suspension.Source: AFP
INJURY CRISIS PROVIDES BIG CHANCES
Two of the Socceroos starting XI from their last match – the Asian Cup quarter-final against South Korea – have been ruled out of this squad.
Winger Martin Boyle suffered a nasty concussion playing for Hibernian, while veteran left-back Aziz Behich, a teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has suffered an ankle injury.
Behich played every minute of the Socceroos’ five Asian Cup matches, while Boyle started all five matches and scored two goals.
But the list of injured players is much longer – “12 or 13” in total, Arnold says.
Wingers Marco Tilio (on loan at Melbourne City, hamstring injury) and Awer Mabil (Grasshopper FC in Switzerland) are both injured.
Midfielder Aiden O’Neill is battling an ankle injury, but would have been ruled out regardless after picking up a red card against South Korea. Highly touted 21-year-old midfielder Alex Robertson is out with a torn thigh muscle.
Meanwhile, there’s an added worry for Arnold after Lewis Miller – who was named in the squad – hobbled off with injury this morning.
“He called me straight from the dressing room this morning, it’s too early to rule him out,” Arnold said.
“He’s going to have scans and get checked on and then we’ll deal with that in the next couple of days.”
Australia’s defender #19 Harry Souttar consoles Australia’s defender #20 Lewis Miller after their defeat in the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup quarter-final football match between Australia and South Korea at Al-Janoub Stadium in al-Wakrah, south of Doha, on February 2, 2024. (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP)Source: AFP
It means the Socceroos have been forced into a number of changes, but also provides a significant chance for players to stake their claim in the starting side.
That is particularly the case for wingers – with nailed-on starter Boyle a key absentee. Jordy Bos (more on him below) and Craig Goodwin (32) are the likely first-choice starters, though Middlesbrough’s Sam Silvera (23) could get his shot.
Brandon Borrello (28) has recovered from the ankle complaint that ruled him out of the Asian Cup and has been recalled, with the Western Sydney Wanderers attacker hoping his versatility can give him a greater opportunity at the national team level.
Zero to hero! Aussie gun redeems shocker | 00:45
Kusini Yengi, the 25-year-old striker for Portsmouth in England’s League One, also looms as one to watch this window. He was deployed on the right side of the attack this week against Burton. After missing a wide-open goal, the Aussie gun recovered to score a panenka penalty and turned it into a brace in the second half.
He now has 10 goals and two assists in 23 appearances in all competitions – but his surprise start at right-wing could convince Graham Arnold he can perform in a wider role rather than just as a striker, where there’s plenty of competition for places.
Besides Yengi, there’s veteran Mitchell Duke, uncapped John Iredale, and the A-League trio of Bruno Fornaroli, Brandon Borrello and Adam Taggart.
“All of them bring something different,” Arnold said.
Kusini Yengi missed a sitter – and ended up caught in the net!Source: Getty Images
BIG QUESTION OVER LONG-TERM PROBLEM POSITION
With Aziz Behich injured, the Socceroos are left with just one specialist left-back in the squad: 12-cap Jordy Bos. The 21-year-old left-back is enjoying a stellar season at KVC Westerlo in Belgium, scoring a sublime long-range strike on the weekend.
But at the Asian Cup, he played exclusively as a winger – and scored his maiden Socceroos goal just moments after coming off the bench in the opening match – with Arnold repeatedly stating that he believes the youngster is more suited to an attacking position.
Yet Behich is 33 years old, and it is unclear whether he will be capable of playing in the next World Cup in 2026.
It means the Socceroos have a big question mark over the future at the position.
Bos’ undoubted potential has led many to believe he could lock down the role for the foreseeable future.
In the Asian Cup warm-up match against Bahrain, Bos delivered a faultless performance in that position, and he previously impressed in the left-back role against Bangladesh last year.
But Arnold is likely to stick to his guns and deploy Bos as a winger this time around, especially with the absence of Boyle leaving the frontline a little lean.
Bos is more suited to the left flank, but Craig Goodwin could be deployed on that side with Bos shifted to the right.
South Korea’s midfielder #26 Yang Hyun-jun is marked by Australia’s defender #16 Aziz Behich during the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup quarter-final football match between Australia and South Korea at Al-Janoub Stadium in al-Wakrah, south of Doha, on February 2, 2024. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)Source: AFP
Assuming Arnold does deploy Bos in attack, Kye Rowles is most likely to deputise on the left.
Arnold said: “Kye Rowles can also play there, it’s a good thing what we did last year in some friendlies, trying different ways (of lining up).
“Jordy’s obviously playing that role at Westerlo, it’s a familiar role for him.”
The left-footer is typically deployed as a left-sided centre-back and has formed what is clearly Australia’s first-choice partnership with Harry Souttar.
The pair played together in four of the five Asian Cup matches, with Souttar partnered by Cameron Burgess in the other.
Rowles has been used at left-back before, notably in back-to-back games against Mexico and England late last year.
It appears the most likely option for the upcoming pair of matches against Lebanon, which would give Burgess a chance to nail down a position alongside Souttar in the heart of defence.
Souttar, of course, remains in virtual exile at club level, having made just four appearances for Leicester all season in all competitions (not due to any fault of his own, but rather that Leicester’s other centre-backs have been outstanding).
But Souttar’s performances at the Asian Cup proved that despite his lack of match minutes he can be relied upon to deliver for the national team – and means that Rowles could be forced to play at left-back whenever Behich is absent.
Arnold said his lack of game time was a concern but added: “The way he plays for us, the goals he scores – he’s probably our leading scorer in my reign!”
“I know he’s working extremely hard and I know he’s ready for these games.”
23-year-old Sydney FC fullback Joel King has been viewed as a long-term prospect at the troubling left-back position after impressing at the Tokyo Olympics and in four Socceroos appearances.
He was an unused substitute at the 2022 World Cup but has fallen down the pecking order since then. All four of his Socceroos appearances came in 2022, and missed out on this window due to only just having recovered from a toe injury.
29-year-old Callum Elder at League One side Derby County could have been in the mix for a recall, only to suffer an ankle sprain a fortnight ago.
Outstanding 21-year-old Jacob Farrell of the Central Coast Mariners could be the next in line. He will feature this window for the Olyroos (U-23s) at the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) U-23 Championship in Saudi Arabia, a crucial preparation for the Olyroos ahead of the U23 Asian Cup which doubles as Olympic qualifiers.
Graham Arnold will certainly be keeping a close eye on Farrell – and many other Olyroos stars – as he looks to build his squad for the future with the World Cup firmly in mind.
For now, however, Arnold faces a conundrum over whether to stick with Bos as a winger or shift him to left-back, where he has both the potential and the opportunity to be the long-term answer to a major selection problem.
Tom Glover (R) could be in line to debut.Source: Getty Images
THREE POTENTIAL DEBUTANTS
Behind captain Maty Ryan, there are two young goalkeepers: Joe Gauci of Aston Villa and Tom Glover of Middlesbrough. The highly talented duo headline the list of potential replacements for 31-year-old Ryan, though the Socceroos’ first-choice number one shows no signs of slowing down.
Glover has been in Socceroos camps multiple times – most recently in October in London – but has not yet debuted. The 26-year-old has played 20 times for second-tier Boro this season and could well earn his first cap should Arnold look to blood the next generation.
23-year-old Gauci has not yet debuted for Premier League club Aston Villa after his groundbreaking move in the January transfer window, but has two caps for the Socceroos already and is perhaps already ahead of Glover in the pecking order.
On the other end of the pitch, Germany-based striker John Iredale would be a shock debutant given his patchy form in the Bundesliga 2 this campaign, with three goals and an assist in 16 appearances in all competitions.
The striking position is an area where the Socceroos are struggling for depth, particularly in the younger generation, and the 24-year-old boasts plenty of physicality – which could help his case for a debut.
Perhaps the most intriguing decision among the selections was that of defensive midfielder Patrick Yazbek.
The 23-year-old has been absolutely stellar for Norwegian side Viking FK this campaign and certainly deserves to be in the Socceroos. With Aiden O’Neill and Alex Robertson both ruled out, he is more than capable of stepping up as Keanu Baccus’ back-up in the defensive midfield role.
Yet questions have been raised over whether he would be better off playing with the under-23s in Saudi Arabia, where he had been called up before being poached by Arnold’s Socceroos.
Graham Arnold has named an extended 25-man Socceroos squad to face Lebanon in World Cup qualification, with a number of stunning recalls amid an injury and suspension crisis.
Australia face Lebanon in Sydney (March 21) and Canberra (26th), where a pair of wins would book the Socceroos’ place in the next stage of Asian qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
24-cap playmaker Ajdin Hrustic is undoubtedly the biggest inclusion in the squad for Australia’s first matches since a disappointing quarter-final exit at the Asian Cup.
The creative midfielder was a standout in Australia’s qualification journey to the 2022 World Cup, only to be restricted to just a handful of minutes during the tournament proper due to an ankle injury.
He underwent surgery after the tournament before being sent into virtual exile at Serie A club Hellas Verona. His lack of game time meant he played just once for the Socceroos in 2023 – a 45-minute appearance last May.
But in February, the 27-year-old finally sealed an exit from Verona, joining Eredivisie relegation battlers Heracles Almelo. He has subsequently played five straight games, picking up a goal.
His return to form is a huge boost for a Socceroos team that has often struggled to break down organised, packed defences – while his set-piece ability provides another valuable weapon to the Socceroos’ offensive arsenal.
Ajdin Hrustic endured a nightmare run at Serie A side Hellas Verona.Source: Getty Images
Perth Glory striker Adam Taggart also earns a recall as Arnold searches for depth up front – what has become something of a problem position for the green and gold.
Taggart has 14 goals in 18 appearances in the A-League Men’s this season, and scored twice for Glory in a 2-2 draw with Newcastle on the weekend in front of a watching Arnold.
The 30-year-old has not appeared for the Socceroos since September 2022.
Western Sydney Wanderers striker Brandon Borrello has also been recalled after recovering from an ankle injury that saw him miss the Asian Cup.
Martin Boyle will be absent after suffering a sickening head knock for his club Hibernian, while Marco Tilio, Aziz Behich, and Awer Mabil are all injured.
Aiden O’Neill is suspended after being sent off in the Asian Cup quarter-final, a 2-1 extra time loss to South Korea – but an ankle injury would have ruled him out regardless.
Right-back Lewis Miller was named in the squad, just hours after suffering an injury while playing for Scottish club side Hibernian. Miller was forced from the field in the first half of Hibs’ 2-2 draw at Ross County and is now in doubt.
The raft of injuries and unavailability has seen 21-year-old Patrick Yazbek promoted from the under-23s Olyroos team, after being initially named to play for that side in a tournament in Saudi Arabia this window.
The Viking FK defensive midfielder is one of three potential debutants, alongside striker John Iredale (SV Wehen Wiesbaden in Germany) and gloveman Thomas Glover.
“As a group we took a lot away from our time in Qatar and I’ve got no doubt that we’ll be better for the experience as we work towards World Cup qualification,” Arnold said in a statement.
“We selected a number of younger, inexperienced players for the Asian Cup with the view of giving them more opportunities at international level as well as exposing them to tournament conditions.
“It’s part of our continued regeneration of the senior national team squad, ensuring that in two years’ time we have the depth and experience required to succeed on international football’s biggest stage.”
“We’ve gone with a similar squad to the one we took to the Asian Cup, and they’ll be prepared to face a side in Lebanon that have a lot to play for,” added Arnold.
“It’ll be a great test for the group and one I know they’re very much looking forward to,” Arnold concluded.
There is no room for 33-year-old Mathew Leckie, whose international future appears set to be over with Arnold turning to the future. His Melbourne City teammate Jamie Maclaren is also absent.
The Socceroos currently sit top of Group I in the AFC’s second round of World Cup qualifiers with two wins (six points) from two matches.
Lebanon is in second with two points, while Palestine and Bangladesh each have one point.
The top two nations progress to the third round, where 18 teams are split into three groups of six.
FULL SQUAD
Nathaniel Atkinson, Keanu Baccus, Brandon Borrello, Jordy Bos, Cameron Burgess, Thomas Deng, Mitchell Duke, Bruno Fornaroli, Joe Gauci (Gk), Thomas Glover (Gk), Craig Goodwin, Ajdin Hrustic, John Iredale, Jackson Irvine, Gethin Jones, Riley Mcgree, Connor Metcalfe, Lewis Miller, Kye Rowles, Mathew Ryan (Gk) (C), Sam Silvera, Harry Souttar, Adam Taggart, Patrick Yazbek, Kusini Yengi
A staggering 13-year first helped Manchester City seal a vital point against a title rival, while Ange Postecoglou might have helped Tottenham finally shake off an unwanted tag.
Elsewhere, a major tactical gamble might have cost a dark horse dearly while Kai Havertz’s chant continues to become more ironic with every passing game.
Foxsports.com.au takes a look at the weekend that was in the latest edition of Premier League Talking Points!
Erling Haaland is on track for another Premier League golden boot but was all-but-invisible for City against Liverpool. The star striker was exceptionally shut down by Virgil van Dijk and managed just 21 touches – fewer in his 90 minutes than Mohamed Salah managed in half an hour off the bench for Liverpool.
But City’s goal came from a rare source: a set piece, their first dead-ball goal at Anfield since 2011.
Kevin de Bruyne took a quick corner to the front post, where Nathan Ake had pushed away a defender to create a gap for defensive midfielder John Stones to calmly finish.
It was a move straight off the training ground.
“That looked like genius from Kevin De Bruyne,” Sky Sports’ Gary Neville said. “How has he spotted that run from John Stones? It is something they have worked on; things like that don’t just happen. What a man to execute it.”
“There are not many players in the world who could do what he’s done with that pass,” Roy Keane added.
“To deliver that and get that accuracy and speed, brilliant. They’d worked on the movement, a little bit of blocking, but the delivery was absolutely fantastic.”
Stones’ goal meant Manchester City scored its first goal from a dead-ball situation at Anfield since 2011. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)Source: AFP
Stones credited City’s first-team assistant coach and set-piece specialist Carlos Vicens for the goal, telling Sky Sports afterwards: “We’ve worked hard on it all week. We spotted something yesterday, worked on it, and it came off.”
After the goal, City coach Pep Guardiola pointed straight at Vicens in his celebrations – not for the first time this season. Guardiola ran to hug Vicens after a stunning set-piece goal against Burnley last month. De Bruyne shaped up to whip in a cross – even putting his arms in the air to signal the ball was coming aerially – before sliding through a 20-metre through ball that stunned the defence and gifted Julian Alvarez an easy chance.
Vicens coached City’s under-18s before being promoted to first-team assistant in 2021. That season, City broke the Premier League record for the best set piece goals differential – scoring 21 times while conceding just one.
This season, City have again conceded the fewest set-piece goals, just two, though Arsenal lead the league with 18 goals scored from set pieces.
So highly respected is Vicens that in 2022 he was lined up to take the head coaching role at Heracles Almelo in the Netherlands, before backflipping and remaining at City.
He earned City a point at Anfield, and Vicens could well prove a key factor as the title race goes down to the wire.
Stones acknowledged the key role of City’s set-piece coach in scoring against Liverpool. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)Source: AFP
VAN DIJK IS A COLOSSUS KEEPING REDS IN TITLE HUNT
Liverpool fans would have been nervous when they saw the team sheet for the clash with Manchester City. Cruelled by injuries, the Reds named just one of their best back-five: Virgil van Dijk. He was partnered with Jarell Quansah (21 years old) in the heart of defence, with Conor Bradley (20) on the right and right-footed centre-back Joe Gomez filling in at left back. Behind him was back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Against a deadly attack like Manchester City’s, the Reds faced a tough test. But van Dijk was absolutely magnificent. He kept Erling Haaland to just one shot – well below his season average of more than four per game. Van Dijk was top or equal first in tackles (4), interceptions (4), and last-man tackles (2), and his passing was typically excellent, completing 77 of 79 attempts for a game-high completion rate.
He hasn’t lost an aerial duel since January, and he has now lost just once in 94 matches at Anfield.
Van Dijk has won every single aerial duel in the Premier League since January.Source: AFP
The highlight of the match was when Haaland sized up van Dijk and ran straight at him: a battle between arguably the world’s best attacker and defender.
Van Dijk – without a teammate within cooee – corralled the deadly striker perfectly and the result was a tame shot.
His composure in defence and with the ball at his feet, combined with his vocal marshalling of his young teammates, was crucial in Liverpool’s success.
While the Reds have been decimated by injuries, van Dijk has been a picture of consistency – no player has started more of Liverpool’s league games than Van Dijk’s 26.
The Reds have overcome all of those injuries to remain firmly in the title race. Without van Dijk, they’d be nowhere near.
Van Dijk was the man of the match with a sublime performance.Source: AFP
ANGE’S TROOPS SHAKE OFF ‘SPURSY’ TAG AS RIVALS’ BOLD TACTICS BACKFIRE
When Tottenham and Aston Villa last played in the Premier League, it was the latter who struggled to deal with Ange Postecoglou’s inverted wing back system.
However, Villa boss Unai Emery proved his tactical acumen by making a halftime change to deal with the system and it worked as the visitors emerged 2-1 victors at Tottenham’s home turf.
To combat Tottenham’s inverted wing backs from the outset, Emery boldly adopted a 3-5-2 formation which transformed to 5-3-2 when defending, as Matty Cash and Lucas Digne flanked a back three of Pau Torres, Clement Lenglet and Ezri Konsa.
It was the first time Villa had used that approach all season long and for the first 45 minutes it worked, even if it left Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey largely isolated in attack.
But it took just five minutes into the second half for Tottenham to break the deadlock courtesy of James Maddison before Brennan Johnson doubled the visitors’ advantage shortly after.
A John McGinn red card for Villa in the 65th minute left Emery’s side with an almighty mountain to climb and it proved to be an insurmountable task, as Tottenham added two more goals in stoppage time via Heung-Min Son and Timo Werner.
The back five was evidently a tactical gamble that significantly backfired, especially given the implications of the fixture.
Sizzling Spurs sink 4 past Villa | 01:05
As it stands, only the top four will progress into next season’s Champions League which is why Tottenham’s victory over Villa, who sit in fourth place, was so vital.
The 4-0 win kept Tottenham in fifth, but they are now just two points behind Villa and have a game in hand.
Additionally, the defeat marked Villa’s fourth defeat in five games across all competitions, a marked contrast from the 17-game unbeaten run that was ended by Newcastle only in late January.
On the contrary, perhaps this result proves Postecoglou has rid Tottenham of its ‘Spursy’ tag that has plagued the club for years.
In high-stakes games in previous years, Tottenham developed a reputation for faltering under the bright lights.
But against Villa, on their home turf no less, Tottenham were anything but ‘Spursy’.
Crucially, Postecoglou’s side have no other domestic or continental competitions to worry about outside of the Premier League while Villa are still in the Europa Conference League.
With a win over their biggest rival in terms of Champions League qualification, Postecoglou will hope the three points proves to be the torpedo of momentum the team needs, especially with a three-game run against Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the not-too-distant future.
Tottenham’s win over Aston Villa gave them the advantage in the race for the top four. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
IRONY BEHIND GUNNERS STAR’S CHANT AS EPIC RUN CONTINUES
“60 million down the drain, Kai Havertz scores again!”
The sight and sound of Arsenal fans belting out Havertz’s chant to the tune of Shakira’s Waka Waka has become a staple this season but none more so than in recent fixtures.
Havertz moved to Arsenal from Chelsea last summer, bringing an end to a three-year stint where he never really quite looked at home anywhere on the field.
It also took the German international some time to bed in at Arsenal but Havertz is now excelling and it’s coincided with a staggering run of form for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Brentford at the Emirates was their eighth in a row, a run in which they’ve scored 33 goals and conceded just four.
Of course, it’s been a collective effort on the goalscoring front, but Havertz’s goal against Brentford turned out to be the match winner.
Havertz has four goals in his last four games for Arsenal. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)Source: AFP
Havertz’s goal was also his fourth in as many matches, highlighting his growing importance to Arsenal as the title race continues to take twists and turns with every passing week.
Prior to this run of form, it took Havertz 23 games across all competitions to score four goals.
Havertz’s ability to play as a striker or in the midfield offers Arsenal with crucial versatility, allowing for plenty of dynamism in attack.
In fact, he began the contest against Brentford up top but dropped back into a midfield role when Gabriel Jesus was substituted on.
With Havertz consistently on the scoresheet and Arsenal racking up goals for fun — specifically an average of 4.13 goals per game over the last eight fixtures — could it be the tonic needed for the Gunners to go one better than last season?
The Asian Cup has ended and the Socceroos are back at their clubs – although for some of them, the January transfer window saw them secure major transfers.
Now, Socceroos coach Graham Arnold can turn his full focus to World Cup qualification, with the Aussies resuming their road to the 2026 tournament next month.
Here’s the situation for every Socceroo – and a couple of other guns who are knocking down the door for international selection.
This mega Roo Radar begins with Socceroos who featured in the Asian Cup squad sorted by position, before including a number of other notable names.
The Socceroos skipper recovered from a fractured cheekbone in time to play in all five of the Socceroos’ Asian Cup games and was a calming presence throughout.
With Ryan between the sticks the Socceroos conceded just three goals all tournament long, one of which was a penalty and another an unstoppable free-kick from South Korean star Son Heung-Min.
Ryan kept up his trend of clean sheets in his first game back for AZ Alkmaar as they drew 0-0 with Almere City.
Ryan needed to wear a face mask for some Asian Cup games after surgery on a fractured cheekbone.Source: Getty Images
Joe Gauci
Gauci travelled to Qatar as the clear back-up to Ryan but he did earn a start in the final warm-up match against Bahrain which the Socceroos won 2-0.
Despite not playing, Gauci generated plenty of headlines in Australian football after he completed a switch from Adelaide United to Premier League outfit Aston Villa for up to $2.5m
Emi Martinez, the latest recipient of the Yashin Troph for the best goalkeeper in the world, is Villa’s clear number one as Gauci will compete with Swedish veteran Robin Olsen for the back-up role.
Gauci has already been heavily involved at the Birmingham outfit and was a part of the warm-up drills prior to his new side’s fixture against Manchester United at Villa Park.
The 23-year-old has also been registered in Villa’s squad for the remainder of the Europa Conference League.
Could we see Gauci in the Premier League this season?Source: Getty Images
Lawrence Thomas
Although Thomas didn’t see a single minute of action for the Socceroos, he was thrust straight back into action for the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Thomas was included in the Wanderers’ extended squad for the fixture against Macarthur on February 4 but came on at halftime in place of Daniel Margush.
Unfortunately for Thomas, there was little he could do to prevent Valere Germain’s winner in the 93rd minute as Macarthur sealed a highly controversial 4-3 victory that sparked a furious rant from Wanderers boss Marko Rudan in his post-match press conference.
DEFENDERS
Nathaniel Atkinson
The 24-year-old right back made three Asian Cup appearances for the Socceroos, but faces a tough task to regain his place in the starting XI for Scottish side Heart of Midlothian. Hearts signed 20-year-old Jamaican talent Dexter Lembisika on loan from Premier League side Wolves in mid-January, and he’s impressed in six appearances since the move. Atkinson came off the bench to replace Lembisika in a Cup game on the weekend but will be desperate to earn his place back in the starting side.
Aziz Behich
33-year-old Behich sealed a massive loan move to Saudi club Al-Nassr – joining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo – after playing every minute of the Socceroos’ five Asian Cup matches at left back. He debuted in an Asian Champions League clash, playing the full 90 minutes, in a promising sign he’ll be in the starting XI for the Saudi giants for the remainder of the season.
Behich in the yellow and blue of Al-Nassr.Source: Getty Images
Jordy Bos
The supremely talented 21-year-old locked down the left wing-back role at Belgian club Westerlo this season after joining from Melbourne City last July (for a fee that was at the time the Australian record). Since returning from the Asian Cup, where he made five appearances (three starts) and scored a goal off the bench against India, he’s immediately regained his starting spot at club level.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold prefers to use him as a left winger, but Bos has typically been used as a fullback by Westerlo who sit 11th in the Belgian Pro League.
Cameron Burgess
The Scottish-born 28-year-old is right back in English Championship team Ipswich Town’s starting XI after returning from the Asian Cup, where he started one game and came off the bench in the quarter-final defeat.
Ipswich sit fourth in the Championship with a game in hand as they chase promotion to the Premier League, and Burgess looks set to add to his 24 league appearances already this season – remarkably, he has never been substituted in those matches.
He plays alongside Aussie midfielder Massimo Luongo, who turned down an Asian Cup call-up and retired from international duty to focus on the club’s promotion push.
Thomas Deng
The 26-year-old didn’t get onto the field in the Asian Cup – and hasn’t played for the Socceroos since March last year – but he’ll be eagerly anticipating the start of the new J-League season next weekend. The versatile centre-back started most matches for Japanese top-flight club Albirex Niigata last season as they finished tenth, and he’ll hope to retain his role this time around.
Gethin Jones
The 28-year-old is back in the starting line-up at League One club Bolton Wanderers after three starts for the ‘Roos in Qatar – and he’s even worn the captain’s armband in both games since his return. And this week, the right-back scored his first league goal of the season with a looping set-piece header in a 2-1 win for the third-placed side. With games in hand, Bolton are well in contention for automatic promotion that would see Jones reach England’s second tier.
Lewis Miller
The 23-year-old right back played less than 50 minutes across two Asian Cup games, but he’s another Aussie to return straight to the starting line-up at club level. Miller made his 16th start of the Scottish Premiership season (plus one bench appearance) in Hibernian’s 2-1 defeat to heavyweights Celtic, then backed up on the weekend with another start in a cup win.
All up, he’s played 41 times for Hibs since joining in July 2022, and shows plenty of promise as a long-term Socceroos prospect despite struggling in the Asian Cup.
Kye Rowles
Rowles started every single league game for Hearts (in Scotland) before the Asian Cup, and came right back into the side in a cup win on the weekend. The 25-year-old was a standout in the Asian Cup, playing every minute in four of the five matches, and is contracted with Hearts until 2028 – showing just how much they value the cool, calm, and collected centre-back.
Harry Souttar
Souttar is in a dire position at his Championship club Leicester, with the 200cm centre-back in virtual exile. He’s played just four appearances (two starts) this season for a total of 188 minutes. A strong Asian Cup performance put him in the shop window in the January transfer window, with Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic both interested in a loan move – but a deal to join brother John at Rangers fell through on deadline day. Saudi side Al-Nassr were also interested.
Souttar has vowed to fight for minutes at Leicester, but is unlikely to feature unless a starting centre-back is injured.
“I know obviously to continue to be in the national team, I’ve got to be playing club football – but we’ll cross that bridge when it comes,” Souttar told AAP during the Asian Cup.
“He’s got to sort out his club career, he really does,” coach Graham Arnold told AAP. “This can’t go on forever.”
For now, Souttar will be waiting desperately for the season to end and the next transfer window to offer him a way out of his nightmare.
Souttar kept up his incredible scoring record by pitching in at the Asian Cup.Source: Getty Images
MIDFIELDERS
Keanu Baccus
After playing all five matches at the Asian Cup, Baccus returned to Scottish club St Mirren with a half-hour bench appearance before a 90-minute effort against Celtic in the Cup. He’s started most games this season – and come off the bench in the handful where he’s started from the pine – and looks a crucial player in St Mirren’s run home. 25-year-old Baccus is also off-contract at the end of the season, so the next few months will be crucial for his future.
Jackson Irvine
The midfield maestro is back at German second-tier club FC St Pauli, where he wears the captain’s armband – but missed out on playing on the weekend after being “quite sick” and having a “really bad week”. He’s back at training with the team now, who are three points clear at the top of the table despite suffering their first league loss since April 2023. 19-year-old Aljoscha Kemlein (on loan) has been excellent in filling in for Irvine in recent weeks, but the 30-year-old Aussie is nailed-on to get back into the starting team and push for promotion to Germany’s top flight in the next few months.
Irvine was devastated after Australia’s Asian Cup exit.Source: AFP
Riley McGree
McGree started six of the first ten Championship matches for Middlesbrough (and came off the bench in the other four) before suffering a foot injury that ruled him out for two months.
He returned for just a handful of bench appearances before jetting off to the Asian Cup, where he made two starts and three substitute showings. Those handy minutes put him in good stead upon his return to club football, where he came back with a bench appearance before playing the full 90 minutes yesterday – but at attacking midfield rather than his usual left wing role. That’s because Middlesbrough signed 23-year-old talent Finn Azaz from Championship rivals Plymouth Argyle in early January. He had seven goals and five assists before the move, and has nabbed a goal and an assist in five appearances for his new club since then. McGree has a tough battle on his hands to unseat Azaz, but could be
Connor Metcalfe
The 24-year-old has appeared in every match for the Socceroos since the start of 2023, and continued that run with three starts and two sub appearances at the Asian Cup. Since then, he’s returned to FC St Pauli alongside Irvine, and played 28 minutes off the bench upon his return. Overall, he’s made 21 appearances this season with 12 starts and nine substitution efforts – so will be looking to press his case for a locked-down starting berth in the final months of the season.
Aiden O’Neill
The defensive midfielder has been sensational for Belgian club Standard Liege this season, and took things to another level last weekend with a sensational goal in a 1-0 win over OH Leuven.
On the edge of the area, O’Neill chested the ball down before slamming a half-volley into the net, his first goal for the club after joining last July.
“To be honest, there is a bit of luck in this goal,” the Aussie told DH Les Sports+. “I was in a good position and I said to myself ‘why not take my chance?’.
“I had already dreamed of scoring a goal like that but, to succeed in doing it, especially in such an important match, is something else. It means a lot.
“I had already scored goals from outside the box but, yes, I can say that this one is probably the best of my career. And it brings three super important points for the team.”
O’Neill had started six-straight league matches before the Asian Cup and looks to be back in the first team.
Aussie returns from Asian Cup in style | 00:41
FORWARDS
Martin Boyle
Having missed the 2019 Asian Cup and the 2022 World Cup through injury, Boyle finally got to represent the Socceroos at an international tournament.
The 30-year-old winger even got his first tournament goals, scoring a penalty against Uzbekistan and one of Australia’s four against Indonesia.
Boyle has wasted little time in returning to form for club side Hibernian since returning, scoring once and assisting another in the club’s 3-1 win over Inverness CT in the fifth round of the Scottish FA Cup.
He also played the full match as a right winger in a 2-1 defeat to Celtic on February 7 as Hibernian remain in eighth in the Scottish Premiership.
Sammy Silvera
Since moving to Middlesbrough from the Central Coast Mariners last summer, Silvera has largely been used as an impact substitute, coming off the bench 13 times prior to the Asian Cup.
Silvera enjoyed a similar role for the Socceroos in Qatar whenever Arnold sought out a fresh injection of pace and trickery but struggled to find his groove.
The Aussie youngster has once again reprised his role as an impact sub upon returning to Middlesbrough, coming off the bench in Boro’s last three Championship fixtures against Sunderland, Bristol City — where he scored a 91st-minute consolation goal — and Preston North End.
With 15 game left in Middlesbrough’s season, Silvera will hope to earn some regular starts as he looks to prove he belongs at the Championship level.
Bruno Fornaroli
Fornaroli entered the Asian Cup on the back of some scintillating form for Melbourne Victory, scoring 13 goals in 10 games.
A first start in Qatar for Fornaroli didn’t arrive until the Round of 16 clash against Indonesia as a result of Mitchell Duke’s injury-enforced absence, with the Victory man consigned to cameos off the bench in the Socceroos’ other games.
Fornaroli fired a blank in his first game back for Victory (1-0 defeat to Macarthur), when he suffered a fractured hand – but still played the entire game. He has since undergone surgery but could still play this weekend, and it’d be silly to bet against the 36-year-old enjoying another rich vein of scoring form.
After all, he’s still tied first for the golden boot race alongside Newcastle’s Apostolos Stamatelopoulos despite missing five games.
’El Tuna’ may be 36 years old, but he’s in vintage scoring form.Source: Getty Images
Kusini Yengi
Yengi took major strides in staking his claim to be the Socceroos’ next long-term option up front, starting the group stage clash against Uzbekistan in place of an injured Mitchell Duke, with Arnold describing his performance as “outstanding.”
He may not provide the same relentless pressing as Duke does up top, but Yengi’s physicality and ability to hold the ball up certainly caught the eye.
Yengi earned his call-up thanks to a strong debut season for League One promotion hopefuls Portsmouth with seven goals in 17 appearances prior to the Asian Cup.
And the former Western Sydney Wanderers man didn’t need to wait long to make an impact on his return at Fratton Park, scoring the first of Portsmouth’s three in a win over Cambridge United.
Marco Tilio
Having secured a dream move from Melbourne City to Celtic last summer, Tilio’s endured a Glaswegian nightmare.
The 22-year-old had clocked 28 minutes all season long under Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers but was still included in Arnold’s Asian Cup squad due to his ability to “bring that bit of difference as an impact player” and to “get that smile back on his face.”
Tilio appeared just once for the Socceroos in Qatar — five minutes off the bench against Uzbekistan — but has since secured a loan move to Melbourne City for the remainder of the season.
He made his return in the 5-1 humiliation against Brisbane in a 32-minute appearance off the bench and one would imagine it won’t be long before he’s back starting games again.
It is a loan move that must work out for Tilio in a bid to force his way back into Rodgers’ Celtic plans.
Otherwise his time with the Hoops could be over as quickly as it began.
Mitchell Duke
Duke remains Arnold’s first choice at striker, although the two group stage fixtures he played in didn’t exactly play to his main strengths of stretching opposition backlines.
The 33-year-old also had a golden chance to send Australia into the semi-finals against South Korea but flashed his header wide.
Duke is now gearing up for the 2024 J1 League season with Machida Zelvia having helped the team achieve promotion last year.
At his age, it’s likely Duke has just one more World Cup cycle left in him as Arnold must eventually turn to the next generation.
But as long as Duke has plenty of running left in him, he won’t give up his starting spot without a fight.
Craig Goodwin
Goodwin continues to age like a fine wine and richly deserved his spot in the AFC’s Asian Cup 2023 team of the tournament.
However, Goodwin cannot let his performances for club or country dip knowing Jordan Bos is breathing down his neck as his replacement at left wing, even though the latter has made his name predominantly as a left back.
The 32-year-old last featured for Saudi Pro League side Al-Wehda on December 31 before the league took a brief pause, but has started 13 of the 14 league games he’s played in this season.
Goodwin will most certainly have a vital part to play in the Socceroos’ road to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and will hope to feature at the tournament.
Goodwin’s outstanding performances at the Asian Cup saw him named in the team of the tournament.Source: Getty Images
John Iredale
Iredale represented somewhat of a surprise inclusion in Arnold’s Asian Cup squad, although the Aussie boss revealed the forward was a player he’d “admired for a long time.”
The 24-year-old, who plies his trade with 2. Bundesliga side Wehen Wiesbaden, didn’t see a minute of action in Qatar but earning a call-up is no easy feat.
In his return to action for Wehen Wiesbaden, Iredale came off the bench against FC Nuremberg for a brief cameo.
However, should Iredale start to receive more regular starts, expect him to figure in the conversation for Socceroos inclusions for several more international windows to come.
OTHERS — NON ASIAN CUP
Calem Nieuwenhof
The 22-year-old centre midfielder (well, he turns 23 tomorrow!) was one of the standouts in the last A-League season before moving to Scottish club Hearts in July. Since then, he’s come along in leaps and bounds – so much so that his coach is confident he’ll lace up his boots for the Socceroos soon.
After a slow start to the season, Hearts are third in the league with eight wins in a row in all competitions, and their Aussie foursome of Nieuwenhof, Kye Rowles, Nathaniel Atkinson and fellow young midfielder Cameron Devlin have been crucial to their success.
He’s played 25 times in all competitions, scoring two goals in his last five games and picking up an assist. His most recent goal was an absolute stunner.
Crucial to his rise has been an increased physicality and toughness in the midfield scrap – with the Scottish league the perfect place for the youngster to grow in that regard.
“The character he is, he’s a reserved person and is really chilled out,” coach Steven Naismith told The Scotsman. “That probably went against him in his first few months when he was finding his feet, but in training you can see his quality – his calmness in possession, his understanding of the game, his range of passing, and he is a goal threat as well.
“He’s one of the fittest players at the club. What he brings on and off the ball is really important. He’s consistently improving and becoming more dominant in games, which is why we signed him. We knew he was a good player, he’s a really good player.
“He’s got a desire to get into the international team and I don’t think that’ll be too far away if he continues in the same vein of form.”
Nieuwenhof said his manager was ‘not wrong, for sure’ about being chilled out – but added: “You need to go into every game with that mindset that you are going to have to get stuck in and get involved. Cammy’s great to learn from. He’s a real dog and a really aggressive player. For sure that is something I can take from his game. That’s something I have really learned across the last few months and brought it into my game and just trying to get consistency into that side of my game, the physical aspect.”
For now, he looms as a crucial member of Australia’s Under-23 Olyroos squad who will compete in the U-23 Asian Cup in April-May in a bid to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. But he’s building a compelling case to join the Socceroos’ stacked midfield ranks.
Two-cap Socceroo Cameron Devlin, meanwhile, was ruled out for around six weeks after an ankle injury which cost him a place at the Asian Cup. The 25-year-old has been on the bench for the last two games for Hearts but has not yet played.
Alessandro Circati
Circati’s stock continues to rise with every game for Serie B side Parma and it’s only going to strengthen the case for his inclusions in future Socceroos squads.
The 20-year-old was left out of the team that went to the Asian Cup as Arnold felt it was better for his development to keep playing at club level rather than warm the bench in Qatar.
Since Serie B resumed from the winter break, Circati has started three of the five games, with one draw and two wins in that time with Parma losing one of the games he was benched for.
Circati has plenty of years on his side and, crucially, the benefit of regular game time.
Additionally, Parma are six points clear at the top of Serie B and are no doubt the favourites for promotion, meaning Circati could very easily be lining up in Italy’s top flight next season.
If Parma go up and Circati starts Serie A games, the noise will only grow louder for his inclusion in Socceroos line-ups – and the rumours of Premier League interest will only grow stronger.
Ajdin Hrustic
Hrustic has rapidly fallen from his status as one of the Socceroos’ key creative outlets to the international wilderness, but a January switch could provide the spark needed to get his career back on track.
The midfielder’s move from Frankfurt to Serie A side Hellas Verona has been an unmitigated disaster, failing to even make the bench for any of their league games this season.
But Hrustic sealed a loan switch to Dutch side Heracles Almelo and earned a start in just his second match, helping the club to a 3-2 win over Vitesse. It was his first top-flight start in over a year.
It’s a much-needed move for Hrustic if he is to force himself back into Arnold’s thoughts ahead of World Cup qualification.
Hrustic has not appeared for the Socceroos since a 45-minute showing in the 2-0 friendly defeat to Argentina in China last June.
Given the Socceroos’ struggles when it came to unlocking deep-lying defences at the Asian Cup — a problem the Aussies will encounter throughout the road to the 2026 World Cup — Hrustic’s return would be a welcome one.
Hrustic finally ended a year-long nightmare at Verona.Source: Getty Images
Cristian Volpato
Until Volpato makes his international future clear, there’s still a chance he could be capped for the Socceroos in the not-too-distant future.
Speaking to ESPNprior to the Asian Cup, Arnold revealed he had been in constant communication with Volpato but the talented midfielder “wants to just focus on his club career” for now.
Since moving from Roma to Sassuolo last summer, Volpato has largely been consigned to appearing off the bench and only just made his first start of the season against Bologna.
But Volpato made full use of the opportunity, scoring a stunning goal to give Sassuolo a 2-1 lead in the 34th minute as they went on to record a 4-2 victory.
With the 2026 World Cup cycle about to begin, could Volpato’s interest in international football be piqued?
Nestory Irankunda, Garang Kuol and Awer Mabil
And what of the Socceroos’ attacking trio of Nestory Irankunda, Garang Kuol and Awer Mabil?
Mabil has been a mainstay of the Socceroos set-up and loomed as a likely inclusion for the Asian Cup squad, but he picked up an injury in Grasshopper’s 1-0 win over Basel on December 10 and has not been sighted since.
Prior to the injury, Mabil had been in solid form throughout the season and started eight out of 12 games he appeared in, with four goals and three assists to boot.
At 28 years of age, expect Mabil to be in and around Socceroos squads for the next World Cup cycle.
Popular figure Awer Mabil missed the Asian Cup with injury.Source: Getty Images
On the other end of the age spectrum is Kuol and Irankunda.
Kuol burst onto the scene for the Central Coast Mariners and earned a move to Premier League side Newcastle United, but from there his club journey hasn’t gone as he’d have hoped.
He moved to Eredivisie side FC Volendam on a season-long loan but they sit in 17th place, nine points away from safety.
Kuol himself has struggled to hold down a starting spot as well, clocking just 55 minutes of action since December.
It’s important to remember he is just 19 years of age and there’s plenty of time on his side, but as it stands, he’s behind in the pecking order of Socceroos’ wingers.
Garang Kuol scored his maiden Socceroos goal last March.Source: Getty Images
Then there’s Adelaide United winger Irankunda, who recently turned 18 and is headed for Bayern Munich at the end of the season.
The teenage sensation turned heads with blistering power in his shots and silky runs down the right, breezing past defender with ease.
However, since his move was announced, Irankunda has often cut a frustrated figure on the field and Adelaide coach Carl Veart even said he doesn’t “see enough happiness” from the prodigy.
Irankunda was brought into the Socceroos fold as a train-on player for the friendlies against Ecuador in March last year and has also featured for the Joeys.
Should Irankunda continue his remarkable upward trajectory with Bayern, a full Socceroos call-up is not out of the question and he could loom as a major game-changer for the upcoming World Cup cycle.
The Premier League is set for a major six-week shake-up as a whopping 40 players are called up for national teams across two premier competitions.
Both the African and Asian confederations host their respective tournaments over the next month.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) runs from 13 January to 11 February in Ivory Coast. The Asian Cup – where Australia’s Socceroos will compete – is in Qatar from 12 January to 10 February.
Socceroos players began arriving for a pre-tournament camp in Bahrain as early as January 1, and many other players competing in AFCON or the Asian Cup have already departed their clubs to link up with their national teams.
And on Wednesday morning (AEDT), the impact was clearly felt by West Ham, who wanted to select Mohammed Kudus against Brighton for one final match before leaving for AFCON – only to be denied the Ghanaian federation.
The next six weeks could prove crucial at both ends of the table. Some clubs will be decimated by departures, like Nottingham Forest, who lose six players, or Wolves and Brentford who have four players selected apiece.
Other clubs, like Liverpool and Tottenham, lose superstars in Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Son Heung-Min (South Korea) respectively.
But some clubs will view the period as a chance to make up ground on their rivals. Manchester City, Newcastle and Burnley do not have any players competing in either the AFCON or Asian Cup.
After mounting a surprise title tilt last season, with Granit Xhaka enjoying one of his finest campaigns for the Gunners, Mikel Arteta still believed he could find an upgrade in the centre of the park – and he splashed a Premier League-record £105m for Declan Rice.
Now, Rice is becoming an integral cog in the engine room as the Gunners remain firmly in the mix for the title.
What impresses Arteta most about Rice? “The way he dominates key aspects of the game,” replied the manager.
“First of all, it’s the way he reads the game, his intelligence, his decision-making on and off the ball, when to pass the ball, how to pass it, where to look, how to execute, and the timing of that, which is very, very relevant, especially in his position.”
He’s only growing more and more connected with his teammates. He could be the key to going one better than last season and finishing with the coveted trophy.
Although the Gunners rounded out the first half of the season with a disappointing defeat at the Emirates to West Ham, it doesn’t take away from what’s been yet another dazzling run for Arteta’s side.
Declan Rice has looked worth every bit of Arsenal’s major investment. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
ASTON VILLA (3rd, +15 GD, 39 pts): A
Mid-season MVP: Douglas Luiz
Plenty of expert predictions for this season had Villa finishing well out of the title race. Manchester United great Gary Neville predicted a sixth-place finish, while former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher had them out of the top six. It’s fair to say precious few predicted a genuine title challenge, but that’s what Unai Emery’s men have served up. A staggering 15-game win streak on home soil came to an end just before Christmas, though they salvaged a draw with a 97th-minute equaliser against Sheffield United.
Villa’s inability to beat a number of lower-table teams this season — see Nottingham Forest, Wolves, Bournemouth and now Sheffield United — is their biggest blemish this season.
Three of those four games also came away from home, so if Villa are serious about a top four finish they must find a way to take maximum points when expected, especially against those who are struggling.
Ollie Watkins continues to turn in several all-action displays up front, contributing nine goals and six assists to date this season.
But the player most vital to Villa’s transformed fortunes is Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz who orchestrates every deadly move from midfield.
Luiz’s box-to-box displays have been something to behold as he breaks up opposition attacks only to drive the team up the field and thread the needle with aplomb.
Douglas Luiz is the midfield lynchpin driving Aston Villa forward. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)Source: AFP
BOURNEMOUTH (12th, -5 GD, 25 pts): B+
Mid-season MVP: Dominic Solanke
Last season was a shemozzle, a mess, a rollercoaster (but not the fun kind). Remember the 9-0 thumping from Liverpool that saw Scott Parker sacked in August? Then came an ownership takeover, a slump to last place in March, before a late-season resurgence to finish 15th under Gary O’Neil, who probably deserved to win manager of the season.
They embarked on a stunning spending spree in the off-season, with a whopping net spend of €126.19m – sixth in the Premier League and in front of Liverpool and Newcastle United. Then they sacked manager O’Neil before the season began. The new owners had high expectations – but while there’s been some promising signs, things haven’t been smooth sailing. They were 19th and winless after nine games (three points), but have since turned things around impressively to rack up 22 points from the next nine games (W7 D1 L1).
After a 6-1 defeat to Man City they could have fallen apart, but instead they’ve been one of the form teams in the league to soar out of the relegation battle.
The big difference from last season has been Solanke’s form, with the ex-Liverpool striker hitting 12 league goals in 18 games – more than last campaign’s top scorer Philip Billing (7) managed in a full season. If he stays at Bournemouth (amid interest from Tottenham and West Ham), the Cherries could even threaten a top-half finish.
Dominic Solanke is enjoying an absurd goalscoring run. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
BRENTFORD (14th, -3 GD, 19 pts): C-
Mid-season MVP: Bryan Mbuemo
It was always going to be a tall task spending half a season without star striker Ivan Toney, but Brentford have managed to survive.
Toney was banned from playing until early January after breaching the FA’s gambling rules, meaning the Bees had to rely on other sources for goals.
Cameroonian winger Bryan Mbuemo has largely shouldered the burden and has a club-leading seven Premier League goals to his name.
However, Brentford — and this will be a constant theme for a lot of these teams, so bear with us — have been crippled by serious injuries throughout the season.
Kevin Schade, who turned his loan move to Brentford into a permanent one in the summer, was meant to help share the goalscoring duties but has been out of action since late September with no return date set in.
Star defender Rico Henry is out for the season while right back Aaron Hickey has also been sidelined for several months among others.
The Bees’ form this season has also been quite patchy, winning just one of their first eight games before four victories in their next six. But they’ve now lost four in a row and six of their last seven, seeing them slide towards the relegation zone.
With Toney due to return in mid-January, it could be the boost Brentford need to kickstart their season once again.
Brentford have struggled without their star striker Ivan Toney this season. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
BRIGHTON (8th, +5 GD, 30 pts): B-
Mid-season MVP: Pascal Groß
After the lofty heights of a sixth-place finish last season, high expectations had been set for the Seagulls in the 2023/24 campaign.
But a bright start in which Brighton won five of their opening six games is in the distant past, as Roberto De Zerbi’s side have tasted victory just three times in the following 12.
Although De Zerbi’s great entertainers have been kept scoreless just once this season, they have scored two or more goals just five times since a 3-1 win over Bournemouth in late September.
What is most alarming about Brighton this season is the number of goals they’ve shipped, which stands at 33.
For reference, 16th-placed Nottingham Forest and 18th-placed Luton Town have conceded 34.
Part of this is no doubt down to a backline crippled by injuries.
Star left back Pervis Estupinan had been out for some time before marking his return to action with a screamer against Tottenham, while Tariq Lamptey and Adam Webster have also spent time on the sidelines.
De Zerbi has also switched between Jason Steele and summer signing Bart Verbruggen in the goalkeeper position, offering little consistency in a crucial part of the field after Roberto Sanchez’s exit to Chelsea.
One shining light of consistency this season has been German stalwart Pascal Groß, who continues to be a vital cog in De Zerbi’s Brighton machine.
Another bright spot for Brighton is the goalscoring prowess of Joao Pedro, who joined from Watford for a club-record fee of £30 million.
And despite all of the things that have gone awry for the Seagulls this season, they’re still just three points away from the Europa League spots.
Joao Pedro (centre) leads the goalscoring charts for Brighton. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
BURNLEY (19th, -20 GD, 11 pts): D
Mid-season MVP: Josh Brownhill
Burnley won the Championship last season at a canter but life in the Premier League has most certainly not been kind.
There was plenty of intrigue as to whether Vincent Kompany’s brand of football at Turf Moor would hold up against the best England has to offer and so far, the answer has been a resounding no.
Kompany took a significant risk going into the season with the youngest squad in the Premier League with an average age of 24 years and 170 days.
So far, it is a risk that has not paid off as Burnley sit 19th and have conceded the second-most goals in the league.
Burnley lost 11 of their first 13 games, achieving a win and a draw over fellow relegation candidates Luton Town and Nottingham Forest respectively.
But apart from that, there hasn’t been much to sing about on the terraces of Turf Moor although a much-needed 2-0 victory away at Fulham will give Kompany’s troops a needed lift going into the second half of the season.
Skipper Josh Brownhill has been one of the few shining lights in this Burnley team, providing a wiser head in a team brimming with young and eager minds.
Staying up this season will be a mammoth task but with Kompany’s remarkable leadership skills, don’t count out the Clarets just yet in the fight for survival.
Vincent Kompany has a massive job on his hands to keep Burnley in the Premier League. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
CHELSEA (10th, +2 GD, 25 pts): F
Mid-season MVP: Cole Palmer
If Chelsea fans thought last year would be the worst of it, well, can only provide our condolences.
A fresh start under new manager Mauricio Pochettino as well as several of the players becoming more familiar with the Premier League had Blues fans hoping for the world.
Instead, they’ve been delivered an atlas.
Chelsea managed to ship off $AUD435 million worth of talent (per Transfermarkt) elsewhere including Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City) and Mason Mount (Manchester United) to name just four.
But the players brought in — at an estimated total expense of $756 million — have simply not lived up to the billing.
Defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo was the most expensive of the lot, joining Chelsea from Brighton for an eye-watering $187 million.
Yet the Ecuadorean continues to struggle to live up to his price tag and doesn’t look at home in Pochettino’s system.
Sure, Pochettino has been dealt a somewhat rough hand with injuries as skipper Reece James continues to spend more time off the pitch than on it while the likes of Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella are sidelined for some time.
Yet for a team that has been so expensively assembled and one of Chelsea’s grand stature, just six wins from 17 league games is simply not good enough.
One summer signing who has looked sharp since arriving is Cole Palmer, who looked to be a seriously risky piece of business at $76 million.
But the Manchester City youth product has delivered several crucial performances for Pochettino’s side and is cold as ice when stepping up to take penalties.
Despite Palmer’s emergence, it cannot be ignored that Chelsea are a serious risk of failing to qualify for European football for a second-straight season.
And if that happens, it’s safe to say Chelsea’s answer will be to throw more money at it and hope it fixes itself.
Despite heavy investment in the summer, Chelsea are still struggling badly. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
CRYSTAL PALACE (15th, -9 GD, 18 pts): C-
Mid-season MVP: Eberechi Eze
After Roy Hodgson steered the club away from relegation at the end of last season, Crystal Palace rewarded him with a one-year extension.
It’s taken just 19 games for Hodgson, a boyhood Palace fan, to have the Eagles once again nervously looking over their shoulder at the drop to the Championship.
After just two defeats in the first eight games, Hodgson’s troops have suffered a massive nosedive in form.
Palace have lost seven of their last 11 fixtures, with only one win — against 19th-place Burnley — in that run.
The main issue crippling Palace is their inability to find the back of the net, with their tally of 19 goals the third-lowest in the league: only Burnley (18) and Sheffield United (15) are worse.
Talk is heating up about the Palace top brass eyeing up a move for Steve Cooper, who was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest, as a mid-season replacement for Hodgson.
It could be what the team needs if it is to surge up the table and unlock the attacking talent it possesses.
The dynamic duo of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze is one of the league’s most exciting on paper, but largely due to injuries they have not been able to share the field.
If those two can start to fire, Palace theoretically should pull away from the danger zone.
Roy Hodgson has overseen a worrying run of form at Crystal Palace lately. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
EVERTON (17th, -1 GD, 16 pts): B+
Mid-season MVP: Dwight McNeil
It’s worth starting with the obvious: Everton copped a Premier League-record ten-point penalty for financial breaches last month that dropped them to 19th and level on points with the bottom-placed team. Without it, they’d be in the top half of the table right now. But the players have responded brilliantly to that hefty blow, beating Newcastle and Chelsea comfortably in recent weeks to climb out of the relegation zone. They are doing so even after recording a €42.30m transfer profit in the off-season – one of only four teams to receive more than they spent. After narrowly avoiding relegation in recent seasons, the points penalty has ignited a fire in their collective belly and they look set to push well clear of danger.
The key marker of improvement behind Everton’s resurgence is their defensive record, a hallmark of Toffees boss Sean Dyche.
Everton have conceded just 25 goals this season, a figure equal with heavyweights like Newcastle and Manchester United.
Although Everton have improved as a collective, one star who looks especially rejuvenated under Dyche is winger Dwight McNeil.
The winger burst onto the scene at Burnley during Dyche’s tenure and the two are once again getting the best out of each other, with McNeil constantly whipping in dangerous crosses that have opposition backlines scrambling.
Despite a 10-point deduction, Everton have not been feeling sorry for themselves. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)Source: AFP
FULHAM (13th, -8 GD, 21 pts): C
Mid-season MVP: João Palhinha
After losing talismanic striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi club Al-Hilal in the summer, serious questions were going to be asked about Fulham and Marco Silva this season.
Would they have the same goalscoring credentials? Will Silva tweak his team’s style of play to mitigate the loss of Mitrovic?
Could they actually replace Mitrovic and achieve the same results?
In short, no.
Summer signing Raul Jimenez and Willian lead the club’s goalscoring charts in the Premier League with just four to their names, followed by Bobby Decordova-Reid and Alex Iwobi who have three each.
However, Fulham somehow managed to score 16 goals in the space of four games, including back-to-back 5-0 wins at home over Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.
Throw in a recent 2-0 defeat at home to relegation battlers Burnley and you start to see why Fulham are just a very, very odd team this season.
One man crucial to Fulham’s hopes of a comfortable mid-table finish this season is defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha, who almost joined Mitrovic out the exit door but to German giants Bayern Munich instead.
Palhinha could have easily downed tools given the move of a lifetime didn’t come off, but the opposite is true.
The Portuguese start leads the league in tackles by a massive margin and will be crucial to Fulham’s efforts in the second half of the 23/24 campaign.
Fulham are all but certain for a comfortable midtable finish. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
LIVERPOOL (1st, +23 GD, 42 pts): A+
Mid-season MVP: Mohamed Salah
They’re scoring goals for fun, have the best defensive record in the league and if it weren’t for an egregious officiating error, would be undefeated.
Oh, and they’re sitting in first place too.
It’s been some start to the season for Liverpool who have won 12 of their 19 league games so far.
Unsurprisingly, Mohamed Salah has been pivotal to Liverpool’s success this season thanks to his 12 goals and seven assists in the Premier League.
The new-look Reds midfield has also impressed, especially summer arrival Dominik Szoboszlai.
Despite all of the Reds’ success this season, they have not been without their flaws.
Liverpool have had to come from behind to either win or draw on eight occasions this season and of those eight games, a goal has arrived in second-half stoppage time.
One side of that argument plays into Jurgen Klopp’s previous comments about his players being “mentality monsters”.
On the other hand, it is an unsustainable trend that could come back to bite Liverpool dearly.
Of course, the biggest question that faces Klopp’s side is how they will cope without Salah when he takes off for the African Cup of Nations with Egypt.
Given he has been involved in 19 of Liverpool’s 39 league goals this season, his absence takes away the team’s best goalscoring threat.
But Klopp is one of the best managers in the world for a reason and will have devised a plan to make up for Salah’s absence.
Just how well that plan works will likely prove the difference between winning the Premier League and falling agonisingly short yet again.
Mohamed Salah is vital to Liverpool’s title hopes. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)Source: AFP
LUTON TOWN (18th, -13 GD, 15 pts): C-
Mid-season MVP: Ross Barkley
They’ve got no money, the smallest ground in the league, and it’s fair to say they were given no chance of survival. From the start of the season, they showed they were up for the fight. But the big question was always around whether they had enough quality.
In their first 12 games, they had six points and had scored just 10 goals. It felt like they probably deserved more – they gave Man Utd a huge scare and came within inches of beating Liverpool.
But they turned things around after that. Since then, they’ve scored 10 goals in six games and racked up nine points!
After being all-but-written-off in pre-season, they’re mounting a genuine run at avoiding relegation.
The Hatters have now won both games since captain Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest, including a genuine ‘six-pointer’ over Sheffield United.
Ex-PL defender Stephen Kelly told BBC Radio: “Sometimes it can be a horrendous moment like that that galvanises you as a group of players.
“Quality-wise I don’t think Luton are there when it comes to the Premier League and they can’t compete with the finances. But they compete with hard work, energy and desire.”
Maybe the magic touch of quality comes from Barkley, who has slotted in perfectly after joining from French first-tier team Nice in the off-season.
The former Everton and Chelsea midfield star is shining in a deeper role, picking up the ball deep and driving forward. His long balls and ability to draw in defenders has been crucial for Luton’s attack. The 30-year-old is undergoing a career resurgence – and it might just carry the Hatters to survival.
Ross Barkley is enjoying a career resurgence at Luton Town. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
MANCHESTER CITY (4th, +22 GD, 37 pts): A-
Mid-season MVP: Rodri
The status that comes with winning four Premier League titles in a row explains why this season so far feels a little below par for Manchester City.
It’s been a rather bizarre season for Pep Guardiola’s side, who found themselves in fourth at the halfway mark of the 23/24 season.
Some things remain relatively normal: Erling Haaland leads the golden boot race with 14, City are the league’s highest scorers with 43 and have conceded the third-fewest goals (21).
But there’s a feeling City, for the first time in a long while, might be a little vulnerable.
The absence of star Belgian midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has no doubt played a major role in that sentiment, while Haaland’s recent injury has lightened the load on opposition backlines.
Yet there’s one alarming stat which suggests those two aren’t the vital pieces to City’s title charge.
Instead, it’s Spanish midfielder Rodri.
Granted he’s not going to provide the mind-boggling assist and goal numbers De Bruyne and Haaland provide.
But from the three games City have not had Rodri available, they have lost all three: a 2-1 loss to Wolves as well as 1-0 defeats to Arsenal and Aston Villa.
City also could and perhaps should have a better defensive record, if not for the 4-4 and 3-3 goalfests against Chelsea and Tottenham respectively.
In fact, City have conceded goals in the 90th minute and beyond for three of their four draws this season, pointing to a serious concentration issue that has crept in for Guardiola’s side.
However, there’s always a sense of inevitability with City given they know exactly when to peak during the final run-in and simply cannot be counted out until it’s mathematically impossible.
Manchester City have not won when Rodri has been absent. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)Source: AFP
MANCHESTER UNITED (7th, -4 GD, 31 pts): B-
Mid-season MVP: Bruno Fernandes
Let’s start with the positives. They’re seventh on the ladder and still in top-four contention. Bruno Fernandes is putting together a season for the ages when it comes to playmaking (more on that below). But it’s fair to say there are still big problems.
Ten times this season, Manchester United have conceded more than one goal in the space of 10 minutes or less. This month alone that has included two in five minutes (Villa), two in six (West Ham), two in five (Bournemouth).
Then there’s the attack. United have scored just 21 goals this season, which is the equal-third fewest of any team in the Premier League.
Before their impressive comeback win over Aston Villa, United’s forwards had scored a combined four league goals from open play in 18 games. The team had gone over 420 minutes without scoring before Garnacho’s opening goal against Villa. Big-money signing Rasmus Hojlund’s goal in the game was his first in the league … in his 15th appearance!
“Too many people talk about the strikers at Man Utd,” Garnacho said after the game.
United fans will be hoping their forwards can finally find some form and shut up the critics.
Thankfully, they’re getting plenty of service from Fernandes, who keeps creating chances at a remarkable rate. His expected assists this season stands at 6.47 per understat, while his actual assists is just three. If his teammates can stop missing so many chances, United can still make something of this season.
Bruno Fernandes is providing chances but his United teammates are struggling to finish them. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)Source: AFP
NEWCASTLE (9th, +12 GD, 29 pts): B-
Mid-season MVP: Anthony Gordon
It was always going to be a difficult ask for Newcastle to build on the wild ride all the way to the Champions League they enjoyed last season.
And so far, that’s exactly what it’s proving to be.
A 5-1 win over Aston Villa and an 8-0 thrashing of Sheffield United are distant memories as Eddie Howe’s side limped its way to the halfway mark, losing four of their last five games.
The depth of Eddie Howe’s squad has been tested beyond belief as the addition of a European schedule has placed plenty of strain on a playing group desperately short on depth.
Couple that with lengthy injury spells to key players like Nick Pope, Harvey Barnes and Sven Botman to name three and it’s easy to understand why the Magpies are suffering this season.
There’s also been the unwanted distraction of marquee summer recruit Sandro Tonali’s suspension for gambling, robbing Newcastle of a player deemed pivotal to their domestic and European hopes.
But amid all the doom and gloom in the Toon, winger Anthony Gordon has been a shining light.
Gordon wears his heart on his sleeve and it’s his relentless energy that has resulted in vital goals for Newcastle.
The 22-year-old has six league goals to his name but, most crucially, has started 17 of 19 games.
Having guided Newcastle back to the Champions League last season, Howe’s job is extremely likely to be safe despite the team’s struggles this season.
But given it is the first sustained period of on-field woes, it will be extremely intriguing to see how patient Newcastle’s Saudi ownership are.
Newcastle are struggling to emulate the highs of last season. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
NOTTINGHAM FOREST (16th, -12 GD, 17 pts): D
Mid-season MVP: Morgan Gibbs-White
It wasn’t anything close to the transfer extravaganza prior to their Premier League return last year, but Nottingham Forest still decided to loosen the pursestrings and bring a raft of stars to the City Ground, including star wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga.
Despite the high-profile additions, Forest boss Steve Cooper couldn’t quite get them firing when he needed to and as a result the cult hero was sacked.
Looking at Forest’s results this season and it’s hard not to see why club owner Evangelos Marinakis lost patience with Cooper.
Things appeared reasonably bright for the Reds at the start of the season having lost just four of their opening 11 games and even then, those defeats were to Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.
But after a surprise 2-0 win at home against Aston Villa, the wheels fell off for Cooper and his team.
Four straight losses — including a 5-0 humiliation away to Fulham which resulted in Marinakis hurling his matchday accreditation into the front garden of a home near Craven Cottage — cranked up the pressure on Cooper.
A 1-1 draw against Wolves only proved to be a brief stay of execution, as a 2-0 loss to Tottenham the following week brought an end to Cooper’s time at the club.
Former Wolves boss Nuno Esperito Santo has now arrived and although he tasted defeat amid controversial circumstances in his first match in charge, Forest looked a brighter side in a 3-1 win away to Newcastle.
Although Forest may privately harbour aspirations bigger than just survival, Nuno’s remit will no doubt be to avoid the drop.
Dynamic forward Morgan Gibbs-White will be vital to achieving this aim, as will the goalscoring prowess of Kiwi striker Chris Wood.
Morgan Gibbs-White (left) is one star who is set to play a big role in keeping Forest up. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
SHEFFIELD UNITED (20th, -32 GD, 9 pts): E
Mid-season MVP: Gustavo Hamer
The Blades have lacked a cutting edge (sorry) up front, but they’ve also been sliced apart defensively. They’ve got the worst offensive and defensive record in the league by some distance. In fact, after 19 games, they hold the second-worst defensive record in Premier League history. Their 47 goals conceded is second only to Barnsley 1997-98 (50 conceded).
But to be fair, expectations were low this season, especially when they sold two key players in Iliman Ndiaye to Marseille and Sander Berge to rivals Burnley. At times they have been a shambles that feels more like a bunch of individuals than any sort of united team. They’ve lost two games 5-0 and another 8-0, sacked a manager and need a miracle to avoid relegation. It’s been a sorry season.
Hamer, a 15 million pound signing, has been a rare shining light. He struck an absolute screamer on his Premier League debut and has impressed with his workrate on and off the ball. He is creative and courageous – which sometimes results in gifting possession to the opposition too frequently – but he has the kind of intensity and drive to win that is infectious. At least, Sheffield fans will hope so, otherwise it will be straight back to the Championship for the Blades.
Sheffield United are favourites to be relegated. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
TOTTENHAM (5th, +11 GD, 36 pts): A
Mid-season MVP: Ange Postecoglou (we had to!)
From leading the league in October, to managing to find a way to score goals after losing arguably the club’s greatest-ever striker Harry Kane, and most importantly playing an attractive style of football, it’s been one hell of a start to the season for Spurs. They’ve faced a major injury crisis that’s about as bad as any team in the league, and took out two of their star signings (and most important players overall) James Maddison and Micky van de Ven.
At the same time, they’ve been struck down by suspensions – like Cristian Romero, who sums up their season with his two red cards followed by a big injury.
Sure, they had a poor November, but overall the first half of the season has been more than impressive.
They lost 14 games last season. At the mid-point of this season, they’ve lost five.
And if Postecoglou thought he had already undergone a brutal test with a casualty ward at capacity as well as constant suspensions, he’s got a nightmare scenario in the very near future.
He’s about to lose star midfield duo Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr to the African Cup of Nations as well as club captain Heung-Min Son to the Asian Cup.
But the Australian boss has never shied away from a challenge and he won’t be about to do so now.
Perspective is also needed when viewing Postecoglou’s achievements amid the brutal hand he has been dealt when it comes to the unavailability of several of his first team stars.
When he’s had everyone free to play, we’ve seen just how good this Tottenham team can be.
Postecoglou has enjoyed a true rollercoaster of a Premier League season and we’re only at the halfway mark. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
WEST HAM (6th, +3 GD, 33 pts): B
Mid-season MVP: Jarrod Bowen
Prior to the season, the big question surrounding West Ham was about how they would navigate life without talismanic midfielder and captain Declan Rice after his £105 million move to Arsenal.
Granted, a direct replacement of Rice’s quality was just about impossible.
But thanks to the summer additions of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse, Rice’s absence is not as keenly felt as first feared.
Hammers boss David Moyes also began the season as one manager tipped as a likely chance of getting sacked and, for a brief period this season, it looked like that could have eventuated.
A run of five defeats in seven games heaped pressure on the Scot, but in typical Moyes fashion, he managed to turn the ship around.
Since that run, West Ham have lost just once — a rogue 5-0 hammering at the hands of Fulham — and have won six of their last eight to rocket up from 12th place all the way to sixth.
Pivotal to this uptick in form is the dynamic trio of Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.
Paqueta leads the league in the most through balls with 19, ahead of the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bruno Fernandes and Martin Odegaard, and has five assists to his name.
After a slow start, Kudus has found his feet in the Premier League and has four goals in his last six league games.
But it is Bowen who has been the real shining light of West Ham, with his 11 goals to date proving vital.
His pace and ability to stretch opposition backlines is crucial to the Hammers hitting teams in transition and, as it stands, should be considered a lock for England’s squad at EURO 2024.
Jarrod Bowen is in sensational form for West Ham this season. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
WOLVES (11th, -4 GD, 25 pts): C
Mid-season MVP: Matheus Cunha
When Julen Lopetegui resigned on August 8, many Wolves fans would have been forgiven if they feared the worst going into this season.
The relatively underwhelming appointment of Gary O’Neil — who was sacked by Bournemouth not long after the end of the 2022/23 season — did little to allay those fears.
Despite the initial fears, Wolves fans backed O’Neil to the hilt and that bond has strengthened over the course of this season.
The highs have been very high for Wolves so far, with home wins against the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City giving the Molineux faithful plenty to sing about.
But the one thing that has tightened the bond between Wolves fans and O’Neil is the fact the club has been on the wrong side of an alarming number of VAR calls.
It began in the first match of the season when Wolves were denied what looked like a stonewall penalty after Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic.
Wolves also had two penalty calls go against them in the 3-2 defeat to Fulham, with O’Neil even claiming referee Michael Salisbury told him he made a mistake in awarding one of the penalties.
It led O’Neil to state his team had lost seven points as a result of VAR’s ineptitude, but it also helped create a siege mentality amongst the entire club.
To an extent it’s paid off, with Wolves sitting 10 points clear of the relegation zone and only six points off seventh, the position which qualifies a team for the Europa Conference League.
Matheus Cunha, who joined on a permanent deal in the summer, is a big reason for Wolves’ improvement this season as are the goals from Hwang Hee-Chan.
Cunha’s four goals and five assists goes some way to explaining the attacking threat he provides for O’Neil’s team and will look to continue to be a nuisance for the opposition.
