Sports Buzz

Tag: multiple occasions

  • Man Utd ‘erupts’ as PL’s ‘most hated player’ saves the day; huge Arsenal scare: CL wrap

    Man Utd ‘erupts’ as PL’s ‘most hated player’ saves the day; huge Arsenal scare: CL wrap

    Andre Onana and Harry Maguire were the unlikely heroes as Manchester United kickstarted their Champions League campaign by beating FC Copenhagen 1-0 on the night Bobby Charlton was remembered at Old Trafford.

    Much-maligned centre-back Maguire headed in the only goal 18 minutes from time before Onana saved Jordan Larsson’s penalty with the last kick of the game.

    The English giants had lost their opening two Champions League group games for the first time in the club’s history, but are back in contention for the last 16 thanks to a much-needed win.

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    One of United’s greatest ever players, Charlton died on Saturday at the age of 86.

    A moving tribute was paid to the 1966 World Cup winner before kick-off as United boss Erik ten Hag laid a wreath in the centre-circle before a minute’s silence was observed.

    Ten Hag urged his players to be inspired by Charlton’s legacy after a difficult start to the season.

    But the Dutchman would have been disheartened by another insipid first-half performance.

    The Danish champions were inches away from going in front after just five minutes.

    Maguire was caught in possession by Mohamed Elyounoussi and the former Southampton forward’s cross was turned onto the post by Diogo Goncalves.

    The emotional atmosphere around Old Trafford prior to kick-off quickly turned to groans of frustration at the home side laboured to create anything of note before the break.

    Ten Hag responded by introducing Danish international Christian Eriksen against his countrymen.

    However, it was not until two more big chances for Copenhagen to take a shock lead that United awoke from their slumber.

    – Onana proves his worth –

    Onana made high-profile errors in both United’s Champions League defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.

    But the man who helped Inter Milan reach the final of last season’s competition showed why United splashed out £47 million on him in July.

    Onana’a first crucial save of the game prevented Lukas Lerager’s shot finding the top corner.

    Moments later Elias Achouri blasted a volley over when unmarked at the far post. Rasmus Hojlund is Eriksen’s heir as the great hope of the Danish international side, but he failed to shine against his former club.

    Hojlund’s most telling contribution came in teeing up Eriksen for a powerful low drive that former Liverpool goalkeeper Kamil Grabara did brilliantly to turn behind.

    MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 24: Andre Onana redeemed himself after high profile errors earlier in the competition.Source: Getty Images

    Marcus Rashford’s loss of form has contributed hugely to United’s struggles so far this season.

    The England international, who scored 30 goals last season, has still netted only once this campaign and wasted a glorious chance to open the scoring with a heavy touch when one-on-one with Grabara.

    Substitute Alejandro Garnacho then did exactly the same with just Grabara to beat.

    Instead centre-back Maguire bailed out his forwards to at least ensure Charlton’s farewell was marked with a victory.

    The England international had fallen way down the pecking order during Ten Hag’s first season in charge, but is making the most of a series of defensive injuries that have brought him back into the fold.

    Maguire just stayed onside to meet Eriksen’s cross with a bullet header 18 minutes from time.

    United should have added a second as Garnacho and Scott McTominay passed up big chances to double the lead.

    And they were nearly made to pay when McTominay was penalised for a high foot on Elyounoussi deep into stoppage time.

    Larsson, son of former United striker Henrik Larsson, stepped forward but his powerful effort was turned behind by Onana to spark wild scenes of celebration.

    Victory takes United above Copenhagen into third in Group A and within one point of Galatasaray.

    Bayern are already closing in on qualification after a 3-1 win over Galatasaray made it three wins from three games for the German giants.

    MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 24: Harry Maguire scored the winner at Old Trafford.Source: Getty Images

    CLASSY JESUS STEERS ARSENAL TO WIN OVER SEVILLA

    Gabriel Jesus scored a sublime goal and created another to earn Arsenal an important 2-1 Champions League win over Sevilla on Tuesday, making up for their shock defeat at Lens earlier in October.

    The Brazilian striker crafted Gabriel Martinelli’s opener with a masterful turn and pass and then doubled the Gunners’ lead with a lethal finish, as Mikel Arteta’s side moved top of Group B.

    Arsenal moved up to six points, one ahead of Lens, with the French side drawing 1-1 at home against PSV Eindhoven, who are level on two points with Sevilla.

    Diego Alonso’s team put up a spirited showing in the Uruguayan’s second match in charge, following their impressive and intense performance in a draw against La Liga leaders Real Madrid on Saturday.

    However, Arsenal had more cutting edge in attack and Jesus’ quality made the difference in an entertaining clash in Andalusia — he has scored in each of his team’s matches in the competition.

    Gabriel Jesus was on fire for Arsenal.Source: Getty Images

    Sevilla boasted before kick-off with banners hailing their record seven Europa League triumphs, but in the heart of their defence they also have a four-time Champions League winner in Sergio Ramos.

    The 37-year-old martialled the defence well as the hosts kept Arteta’s side at bay for the majority of the first half, which was bookended by Martinelli chances.

    Sevilla goalkeeper Orjan Nyland saved the first, darting off his line quickly to deflect Martinelli’s shot back off the striker and out for a goal kick.

    The hosts took control in driving rain at the rowdy Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, with Lucas Ocampos flicking wide and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya looking uncertain under pressure, giving the ball away on multiple occasions.

    Arteta defended the Spain international after he made two mistakes in Saturday’s Premier League draw at Chelsea, with some fans demanding to see Aaron Ramsdale restored in goal, but the coach stuck with his compatriot.

    Sevilla carved out their best chance of the first period moments before Arsenal took the lead, with Youssef En-Nesyri dragging an effort narrowly wide after breaking into the area.

    After another Sevilla attack was cut short in stoppage time, Gabriel Jesus turned brilliantly in midfield to confound two Sevilla players and open up the pitch, before springing Martinelli through on goal with a quick pass.

    The Brazilian showed composure to round Nyland and slot home on his Champions League debut with Ramos unable to catch him in pursuit.

    Carpenter unfazed by online critics | 01:54

    – Jesus decisive –

    Arsenal last qualified for the tournament in 2017 and Arteta’s young side’s inexperience told in their defeat by Lens after having taken the lead, however this time they quickly found a second goal.

    The otherwise quiet Martin Odegaard lashed over the bar early in the second half before Jesus dribbled into the box from the left flank and brilliantly thrashed a shot into the far top corner across Nyland.

    Sevilla pulled one back just before the hour mark when Nemanja Gudelj headed home from Ivan Rakitic’s corner past the motionless Raya.

    The Arsenal goalkeeper produced a spectacular save to tip Mariano Diaz’s effort on to the crossbar, although it would have been ruled out for a foul had it found a way in.

    Sevilla beat Manchester United and Juventus last season at home in their Europa League run and refused to give in without trying everything, with former Tottenham winger Erik Lamela booked for diving in the area.

    They turned the screw in the final stages, but Arsenal clung on for victory.

    THREE IN THREE FOR BELLINGHAM AS REAL MADRID WIN IN BRAGA

    Jude Bellingham scored his third goal in as many Champions League appearances for Real Madrid as the Spanish side won 2-1 away to Braga in Portugal on Tuesday.

    Rodrygo put Real ahead and England star Bellingham made it 2-0 just after the hour mark, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side then holding on after Alvaro Djalo pulled one back for Braga.

    The result leaves Madrid in a strong position with the maximum nine points from three games in Group C, three ahead of Napoli who beat Union Berlin 1-0 away in Germany.

    After a cagey start, Nacho released Vinicius down the left flank and the Brazilian stood Serdar Saatci up before squaring for a sliding Rodrygo to give Madrid the lead on 16 minutes.

    Madrid briefly thought they had doubled their lead 10 minutes before half-time when Rodrygo slotted the ball into an empty net, but Vinicius had strayed offside as Eduardo Camavinga played him in near the halfway line.

    Jude Bellingham can’t be stopped for Real Madrid.Source: Getty Images

    Bellingham doubled Madrid’s lead on 61 minutes when he stroked the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box after being teed up by Vinicius.

    It was his 11th goal in all competitions for Real since joining the record 14-time European champions from Borussia Dortmund ahead of this season.

    However, the home side halved the deficit just two minutes later when Djalo powered a near-post drive past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

    Braga then introduced the dangerous Bruma, who was only deemed fit enough to start on the bench. The change nearly paid off on 70 minutes when a Ricardo Horta drive was spooned just wide by Arrizabalaga.

    Vinicius thought he had added a goal to his two assists on 82 minutes, but the assistant’s flag denied him with Madrid looking to kill off the game.

    A VAR check for a penalty in the 89th minute was Braga’s last hope for an equaliser as Madrid ground out a hard-fought victory.

    The Spanish side will be looking to book their place in the round of 16 when they host Braga in the return fixture on November 8.

    Given the nod to start up front, Brazilian attacker Rodrygo will be hoping his goal will ensure his place in the starting XI for Saturday’s Clasico away to Barcelona.

    UEFA Champions League results on Wednesday (AEDT)

    Group A

    Galatasaray (TUR) 1 (Icardi 30-pen) Bayern Munich (GER) 3 (Coman 8, Kane 73, Musiala 79)

    Manchester United (ENG) 1 (Maguire 72) FC Copenhagen (DEN) 0

    Group B

    Lens (FRA) 1 (Wahi 65) PSV Eindhoven (NED) 1 (Bakayoko 54)

    Sevilla (ESP) 1 (Gudelj 58) Arsenal (ENG) 2 (Martinelli 45+4, Jesus 53)

    Group C

    Union Berlin (GER) 0 Napoli (ITA) 1 (Raspadori 65)

    Braga (POR) 1 (Djalo 63) Real Madrid (ESP) 2 (Rodrygo 16, Bellingham 61)

    Group D

    Inter Milan (ITA) 2 (Sanchez 19, Calhanoglu 64-pen) Salzburg (AUT) 1 (Gloukh 57)

    Benfica (POR) 0 Real Sociedad (ESP) 1 (Mendez 63)

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  • Pathetic ‘template’ irks; champs stun amid throwback monstrosity: Every PL kit rated

    Pathetic ‘template’ irks; champs stun amid throwback monstrosity: Every PL kit rated

    A new Premier League season brings new stadiums, some new players but more importantly, new kits.

    For the jersey enthusiasts among us, the lead-up to the season is like Christmas as teams release their new kits left, right and centre.

    Some sections of fans will curse their team for daring to partner with certain manufacturers while others will be quick to sleep with the shirt in their bed like a child cuddles a stuffed toy.

    Granted, these rankings have arrived well after the season has kicked off.

    But, if anything, it’s allowed this reporter to further justify the ratings having seen them on the field as opposed to the marketing shoots.

    Without further ado, here’s Foxsports.com.au’s 23/24 Premier League Kit Rankings!

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    Ronaldo goes NUCLEAR at referee | 00:33

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    Arsenal

    Arsenal and adidas partnership has once again delivered a solid kit.

    But the gold trim on the sleeves and badge do leave some questions.

    The marketing speak is that the gold touches are a tribute for the 20th anniversary of the Gunners’ ‘Invincibles’ season in the 2003/04 campaign.

    They’ve even added Arsenal’s record from that season somewhere on the jersey because Gunners fans reminding you they are the only club to go undefeated for a full Premier League season wasn’t enough.

    However, we have our suspicions the gold touches were applied in the hope Arsenal would go on to win last season’s Premier League title given how far ahead the design process begins.

    At the end of the day, it probably depends on who you ask.

    The gold accents are an interesting touch. Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied

    Rating: 8

    Aston Villa

    What in the Burnley circa-2011 monstrosity is this?

    The mid-tier sponsor, the tacky design supposedly inspired by soundwaves taken from fans singing at Villa Park, it just doesn’t work.

    At least this jersey might end up being a collector’s item with the new badge on the shirt.

    But even that has an embarrassing backstory given the club’s fans voted for it last season as their new badge, only for Villa to hold fire on rolling out the badge on a full-time basis, meaning this one is a tribute to the 1982 team who won the Champions League.

    A very chaotic kit in every possible way.

    That sponsor … our eyes! Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied

    Rating: 3.5

    Bournemouth

    Hold on a minute, the black stripes are thicker than the red ones?

    Is this the end of days?

    Probably not.

    But it’s a cool and inoffensive way to usher in a new era at Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola as the Cherries don a kit that makes them look like AC Milan.

    AC Milan in disguise? Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied

    Rating: 6

    Brentford

    Brentford has once again adopted the two-year kit cycle, meaning this one will be in the rotation for this year and the next, so kudos to the Bees for that move.

    But if you’re going to take that approach, at least serve up something better than this.

    The black patches under the arm and on the collar look out of place and take away from what could very easily be a great kit.

    There’s also the sad element of being sponsored by a betting company when their best player was diagnosed with a gambling addiction.

    Umbro filled the very simple brief for Brentford. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Rating: 5

    Brighton

    The strange yellow pinstripe on last season’s Brighton’s shirt has vanished and been replaced by, well, nothing.

    The Seagulls have returned to their traditional blue and white stripes, finally moving away from trying to anything and everything to jazz up what is a very simple design brief.

    It’s certainly worked well for this year’s jersey, although Brighton fans will be careful not to buy it with any youngster’s name on the back given they’ll probably be sold in the next three years to Chelsea.

    Warning: Players who wear this jersey have a high chance of being sold for a significant profit. Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied

    Rating: 6

    Burnley

    Somehow it appears Castore and Umbro’s designs for Aston Villa and Burnley respectively fell into the wrong hands.

    Because this Burnley kit just screams Aston Villa.

    On an unrelated but equally amusing note, it’s great to see W88 keep up their insane record for sponsoring a promoted team.

    They were on the front of Wolves’ jersey in 2018, Villa’s in 2019, Fulham’s last season and now Burnley.

    But back to the kit.

    No matter how Vincent Kompany’s troops get on this season, at least they’ll do it in style.

    Burnley? With a classy kit? Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied

    Rating: 8

    Chelsea

    Not even a funky 90s-themed photo shoot is enough for this Chelsea shirt to really make its mark.

    The Blues supposedly took inspiration from the kit they wore in 1997/98, but that’s a little hard to stomach when that one had a collar and this does not.

    The kit also features an iridescent Chelsea and Nike badge which, according to the kit release, “highlights the prestige and glamour of the famous King’s Road in the 90s.”

    Well, if you secure your worst league finish in almost 30 years having spent silly amounts in the transfer market, perhaps it really is best to keep thinking about the good ol’ glory days.

    What an expensive photo shoot this would have been. Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied

    Rating: 6

    Crystal Palace

    Oh dear.

    Crystal Palace have abandoned their usual stripes and gone for the half-and-half jersey split.

    The Eagles’ kit is inspired by the 10-year anniversary of returning back to the Premier League, a frightening prospect if that’s how recent teams will go to justify a retro design.

    They went for a half-and-half split back then and it didn’t look quite right, even if our very own Mile Jedinak led the team back then.

    There’s also an added touch of the Crystal Palace monument on the jersey which is where the club was founded, although those who know their history will know the final fate of that building was not a happy one.

    It adds something extra to the shirt, but it’s difficult to see it on the red half which basically makes it redundant.

    Can we just go back to the happy little crayon squiggles they had last year?

    Let’s hope Crystal Palace’s season doesn’t end in similar fashion to the landmark they were named after. Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied

    Rating: 3

    Everton

    Less really is more.

    Everton have kept it simple for this year’s kit, which is basically a blue polo with a white collar.

    But wait! There’s some minor design elements!

    Aside from the traditional Hummel chevrons on the shoulders, the collar features a nod to the old stands at Goodison Park in a fitting tribute to the famous stadium given it is the Toffees’ last season there before moving to their fancy new ground on the Bramley-Moore Dock.

    But given Everton’s on-field struggles and failure to address glaring needs in the transfer market, Goodison Park might not be the only thing the Merseyside club moves on from at the end of the season.

    Is there such a thing as a jersey too good to go down? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Rating: 7

    Fulham

    No. Just no.

    Crystal Palace might have gone for the half-and-half kit as a whole, but Fulham doing that for the stripes?

    Call us a sucker for symmetry, but it just doesn’t look right.

    It’s either all-in or the red stripes or the white stripes, you don’t get to dip your fingers into both pies.

    If Fulham went for only red or white stripes, this rating would be significantly higher.

    Alas, they did not and therefore their rating is not.

    The law dictates you’re not allowed to have different colours of the famous three stripes. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Rating: 4

    Liverpool

    Liverpool have really tested the design waters with this year’s number.

    Having gone for a plain red jersey last season in seriously groundbreaking areas, Liverpool have tacked on a white trim on the neck and sleeves!

    Granted, it’s meant to be a throwback to the Reds’ 1973/74 jersey which, upon investigation looks exactly the same.

    As mentioned earlier, less can be more in the world of kits but for Liverpool to pull off two incredibly basic designs in consecutive years reeks of laziness.

    Is it too much to ask for ANY designs on Liverpool home kits these days? (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Rating: 4.5

    Luton Town

    If ever there was a jersey that gave off serious 2000s Coca-Cola Championship vibes, this is the holy grail.

    Unfortunately for Luton, orange is a colour that’s rather difficult to work with when it comes to kits but they’ve at least made an effort.

    But we haven’t had an orange home kit in the Premier League since the days of Blackpool, so it’s a welcome change.

    Sadly for the Hatters, it’s hard to see this jersey befitting a team likely to survive the drop.

    It’s been a minute since an orange home jersey has graced the Premier League. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Rating: 5

    Manchester City

    Shut up and take our money.

    Puma have dished up some serious clangers over the years (the away kits for their World Cup teams in Qatar, anyone?) but credit where credit is due, they deliver when it comes to their Manchester City kits.

    The collar is perfect and so too is the design of the spiralling walkways outside the Etihad Stadium.

    We can’t put emojis in these stories but if we could, one of a chef’s kiss would perfectly encapsulate City’s jersey.

    It’s just so damn good. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Rating: 9

    Manchester United

    There’s just something about black accents on a Manchester United jersey that feels so right.

    Adidas have once again delivered for the Red Devils this season, while the Team Viewer logo also managed to somehow grow in size.

    The most intriguing design element of this kit is the incorporation of the Lancashire Rose in the form of the pattern on the Trafford Road Bridge.

    Well, at least that’s how it was explained when the kit was released.

    Otherwise it’s just a bunch of incredibly confusing lines that made little sense.

    There’s more than meets the eye, or shirt. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Rating: 7.5

    Newcastle United

    It’s rare to hear the words “Castore” and “good kit” in the same sentence, but here we are.

    They’ve served up a quality kit for Newcastle this year as they return to the Champions League, even if it is alarmingly similar to last year’s.

    The key differences are the shape of the collar and having dominant black stripes instead of white ones as well as losing the blue Castore logo and sponsor.

    However, the Magpies do lose points for having a very questionable front-of-shirt sponsor.

    They inked a £25 million-a-season deal with a company called Sela, a Saudi Arabian events company who are owned by the nation’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)

    Conveniently, the PIF owns 80 per cent of Newcastle.

    For reference, Newcastle’s previous sponsor Fun88 paid £6.5 million-a-year to feature on the front of their kit.

    The Premier League gave the green light for Sela’s sponsorship but it has done little to stop the questions from fans regarding the deal being fair market value.

    On a more positive note for Toon fans, this year is Castore’s last as the club’s manufacturer with Adidas set to take over from next season.

    All’s well that ends well?

    A quality jersey with a questionable sponsor. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Rating: 8

    Nottingham Forest

    A quick glance at Nottingham Forest’s online club shop shows states their home kit is available for $AUD125.

    That’s awfully expensive for a kit that’s essentially a glorified template kit with a Forest badge slapped on.

    Seriously, you could save yourself plenty of cash if you hopped on adidas’ website, picked out a red sport shirt and got someone to stitch on the club’s badge.

    It’s borderline pathetic how little effort has gone into this Forest shirt.

    “Wait, is that someone who just bought our template jersey?” (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Rating: 2

    Sheffield United

    Brentford, take note.

    Sheffield United have shown how you jazz up a red-and-white-striped kit without going overboard with the design.

    The kit oozes class which is a real shame given there could be a serious lack of it on the field given the quality of the Blades’ squad.

    This could become an iconic shirt for all the wrong reasons. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Rating: 7

    Tottenham Hotspur

    If there was ever a shirt that made you just shrug your shoulders and say, “meh,” then this would take the cake.

    It fills the main objective of a Tottenham kit in that it’s white, which is pretty hard to mess up.

    The blue trim on the cuffs are kind of cool?

    We’re really having to clutch at straws here to find anything interesting about this one.

    Lucky that Spurs have Ange Postecoglou at the wheel to make up for lack of excitement when it comes to the design on the kit.

    Arm sleeves are not included. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Rating: 6

    West Ham United

    We get it, West Ham, bubbles are your thing!

    You have the song, you have the bubbles before the game but do we really need bubbles on a jersey?

    Without the bubbles, this would be a quality kit for the Hammers but the bubbles add an unnecessary and childish touch to it.

    It’s not for us.

    But if that fish from Finding Nemo who exclaims “bubbles” every time he sees a bubble in the fish tank was doing these ratings, it would be a different story.

    Taking their anthem to a whole new level. Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied

    Rating: 4.5

    Wolves

    Honestly, we’re struggling to find anything wrong with this kit.

    The black and white on the collar complements the dominant ‘old gold’ perfectly.

    Sometimes there really isn’t much that needs to be said for a kit and that’s the case with this Wolves number.

    A tidy little number for Wolves. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Rating: 8

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  • Five massive EPL moves that could still happen as transfer deadline looms

    Five massive EPL moves that could still happen as transfer deadline looms

    The Premier League season is underway, but there’s still time for teams to make some last-minute moves before the transfer window slams shut.

    This year, the typical August 31 deadline day has been moved for Europe’s top five leagues due to midweek match fixtures.

    The transfer window will instead close at 11pm (British Standard Time) on September 1. That’s 8am AEST Thursday 2nd September.

    So far this window, six Premier League clubs have net transfer spends over €100m ($A169m), with Manchester City set to join them when they confirm the €65m arrival of winger Jérémy Doku from Rennes.

    But a host of big names could still be set to make moves in the final week before the transfer window slams shut.

    Here are five players to watch out for.

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    Ronaldo goes NUCLEAR at referee | 00:33

    Romelu Lukaku

    One of the longest-running transfer sagas of this off-season, Lukaku’s future remains well and truly up in the air.

    According to respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Lukaku has not even spoken to Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino – and appears unlikely to get a look-in at the Blues this season, after the club gave him an extended break in the off-season to seek a move elsewhere.

    The most likely destination appeared to be Inter Milan, where he scored 14 goals on loan last season (and where the Belgian striker played before signing for Chelsea in 2021).

    But a $63m move collapsed in spectacular fashion after Inter found out he was secretly negotiating a transfer to their rivals Juventus.

    MORE: ‘Huge disappointment’: $63m exit falls apart after two-year lie exposed

    Juventus are financially thinly stretched and cannot afford to sign Lukaku without offloading the likes of Duhan Vlahovic, who they offered to the Blues in a swap deal – only to be rejected.

    If Juventus can sell Vlahovic, a deal for Lukaku appears likely.

    But if they can’t, Lukaku’s only real option appears to be Saudi Arabia. He rejected a move to Al-Hilal earlier in the window to try and continue his career in Europe’s top divisions.

    But with precious little interest outside of Juventus, he could be forced to backtrack and accept a move to the Middle East – or else spend a season on the fringes at Stamford Bridge.

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    Romelu Lukaku has had a frustrating window – and it could get worse.Source: AFP

    Mason Greenwood

    The 21-year-old Manchester United attacker was viewed as one of the most talented young forwards in the game and valued at over £100m just two years ago.

    Sickening audio and video of the player with a former partner was posted online in January 2022, leading police to charge him with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

    He was stood down by the club, before police dropped the charges this February after key witnesses including the alleged victim stopped co-operating with the investigation.

    Manchester United subsequently undertook a (heavily criticised) six-month investigation into the abuse allegations, and announced this week that the striker would leave Old Trafford.

    CEO Richard Arnold said in an open letter to supporters: “While we were unable to access certain evidence for reasons we respect, the evidence we did collate led us to conclude that Mason did not commit the acts he was charged with.”

    Greenwood said: “I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges” [which is not correct, given the charges were dropped after witnesses stopped co-operating with police].

    Greenwood’s contract with United runs until June 2025, but he’ll now need to find a new club. However, given the club faced immense backlash over suggestions Greenwood could return to their first team – forcing them to backtrack – other clubs will be wary of signing the youngster who managed 35 goals in 129 senior appearances for the Red Devils.

    Mason Greenwood in January 2022, his final game for United.Source: AFP

    According to The Sun, Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq were ‘considering’ an offer worth up to £10 million-a-year. But the club’s manager, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, branded that ‘fake news’ on social media.

    Nevertheless, another of Saudi Arabia’s cashed-up clubs could make an offer given their remarkable spending spree this window.

    The Sun also claimed former United manager Jose Mourinho is interested in signing him for Italian side AS Roma after an injury to Tammy Abraham left them short of attacking options. But their interest was quickly refuted by Italian media.

    Another report has stated Juventus and AC Milan could be tempted into a move (Juve on a loan deal). AS Monaco in France is also looking for attacking reinforcements and could be a potential landing spot.

    A report by the Mail claims Turkish sides Galatasaray and Istanbul Basaksehir are also interested, with another report stating Fenerbache could also be in the mix, while the newspaper also states that two unidentified Championship clubs (England’s second tier) withdrew their interest after preliminary talks with the player.

    At this stage, it appears unlikely Greenwood would remain in England given the extremely negative public opinion towards the player.

    But Manchester United has not terminated his contract and it is unclear whether they would let him go for free, seek a transfer fee for his exit, or potentially angle for a loan move.

    ‘It’s not going to change the game’ | 01:02

    Mohammed Kudus [UPDATED]

    Ghana international Kudus is a superstar at Dutch giants Ajax, and they’re desperate to keep hold of a player who has already picked up a goal and an assist in their first two games of this season.

    But the 23-year-old attacking midfielder/winger is in hot demand in the Premier League. Brighton were interested earlier in the window, and even agreed a deal in principal for a reported £34.5 million. But the deal fell through – and the Dutch club has pumped up their asking price amid interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham.

    West Ham have seen two bids for the player rejected in the last week, most recently a reported £36m offer. Ajax value the player at a reported £44m or £47m according to differing reports, but West Ham are reportedly unwilling to go above £41m.

    The Ghanaian and 2022 World Cup star topped Ajax’s scoring last season with 18 goals in 42 games (all competitions).

    After West Ham missed out on Rennes winger Jérémy Doku, who moved to Manchester City for £55.5m, they will be pushing hard to bolster David Moyes’ squad.

    UPDATE: According to multiple reports, a deal is now on the brink of being agreed. The Athletic claims the initial fee will be worth €41.5m, with an additional €3m in add-ons. Ajax will also receive 10 per-cent of any fee should West Ham sell the player on.

    Mohammed Kudus has already bagged a goal this season.Source: AFP

    Folarin Balogun

    The young American attacker is on Arsenal’s books for now, but is unlikely to remain there by the end of the transfer window. The 22-year-old impressed on loan to French club Reims last season with 21 league goals in 37 games and has become a target for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, but has been left out of Arsenal’s squad for the first two games of the new season.

    Misfiring Chelsea are reportedly interested in a bid to cure their lack of goalscoring bite, and the Evening Standard reports the Gunners’ forward is open to moving to their cross-London rivals. But Arsenal would seek a significantly higher £50m fee from a cashed-up Premier League rival than an overseas club.

    Injuries to Chelsea attackers Carney Chukwuemeka and Christopher Nkunku has left the club desperate for late signings, but the Daily Mirror says a compromise of around £40m could be reached.

    A return to France in the form of Monaco had appeared the strongest possibility before Chelsea’s injury crisis forced them back into the market.

    Monaco had a £34 million bid rejected for Balogun but remain in deep talks with Arsenal.

    Fulham is also mulling a bid to replace star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic who joined Al-Hilal, but would struggle to contend with Chelsea should there be a bidding war.

    Dean Henderson

    It’s all action at Manchester United’s goalkeeper section right now. First they backflipped on a new deal for David de Gea, who remains without a club after a big-money move to Saudi Arabia fell through. According to reports, Bayern Munich appears a possible destination.

    Now Dean Henderson is expected to depart after the £43.8m (plus add-ons) arrival of Andre Onana, who has taken the no. 1 role for the Red Devils. Crystal Palace lead the race ahead of Nottingham Forest, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

    His pending exit has United looking for a new back-up gloveman – especially with their other back-up, Tom Heaton, battling a calf complaint.

    Manchester United goalkeeper #24 Andre Onana could have some new competition soon.Source: AFP

    United are in talks with Turkey goalkeeper Altay Bayindir of Fenerbahce, with a Turkish report claiming the club has offered £6 million for a player who has been given permission by his club to seek an exit.

    It’s not the only back-up keeper United has been linked to, with 20-year-old Japanese keeper Zion Suzuki rejecting a £5m transfer earlier this window to focus on playing time with the Urawa Reds ahead of next year’s Olympics.

    Greece international Odysseas Vlachodimos of Benfica is also a reported United target. Vlachodimos has been left out of the Portuguese side’s squad in recent weeks with an exit highly likely after the club signed a new number one.

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  • Valiant Kerr act not enough as star bounces back after costly error: Matildas Player Ratings

    Valiant Kerr act not enough as star bounces back after costly error: Matildas Player Ratings

    The Matildas unfortunately ran out of steam as they went down 2-0 to Sweden in the third place playoff at Brisbane Stadium.

    Tony Gustavsson opted to name an unchanged lineup against Sweden and although they put in a valiant effort against the European side, it was evident they were physically spent.

    Foxsports.com.au takes a look at how every player performed in Matildas Player Ratings!

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    Mackenzie Arnold – 7

    Was called into action within the opening 60 seconds to deny Blackstenius from close range, getting down low to her right to pull off an impressive save.

    Arnold also came agonisingly close to keeping Rolfo’s penalty out as she guessed the right way but just couldn’t get a fingertip on the ball.

    She also got a hand to Asllani’s goal yet it wasn’t strong enough to keep it out of the net.

    Made some key claims off crosses and did well to keep the scoreline down to just two goals as Sweden constantly hit the Aussies on the transition.

    Steph Catley – 5.5

    The toll of getting up and down the left side seemingly took its toll on the vice-captain.

    Catley had a couple of sloppy passes at the beginning that allowed Sweden to pile on the pressure.

    However, she made up for those with some vital interventions throughout and did extremely well to put in a sliding challenge late in the game, highlighting her never-say-die attitude.

    Clare Polkinghorne – 5

    The veteran defender was caught napping at the back on a handful of occasions and her lack of pace proved harmful at times.

    However, her physical presence was vital and she won a number of clearing headers.

    Substituted off in the 73rd minute for Courtney Nevin.

    Clare Hunt – 6.5

    Hunt had a costly loss of concentration when she clipped Blackstenius in the box, although some may argue it was a penalty on the softer side of things.

    However, the defender was outstanding in several other moments throughout, producing last-ditch tackles or closing down Sweden’s attackers before calmly distributing the ball.

    There was little she could do for the last goal as a swarm of yellow shirts came running towards her.

    Clare Hunt displayed poise at the back except for a costly penalty. (Photo by Patrick Hamilton / AFP)Source: AFP

    Ellie Carpenter – 6

    After a disappointing night against England, Carpenter bounced back and put in an impressive shift against Sweden.

    She enjoyed plenty of trademark runs down the right but also did well to hold her run and put her defensive duties first.

    It still wasn’t close to what we know Carpenter is capable of, but it was definitely an improved performance from the semi final.

    Came off in the 73rd minute for Alex Chidiac.

    Katrina Gorry – 5.5

    Got into a brief push-and-shove with Sweden skipper Kosovare Asllani which was her main highlight of the first half.

    Was perhaps a little guilty of holding onto the ball for too long and diving into tackles needlessly, allowing Swedish players to easily get past her.

    But ‘Mini’ still showed plenty of bite in the midfield and led the team with four tackles.

    Substituted off in the 60th minute for Emily van Egmond.

    Kyra Cooney-Cross – 6.5

    The silky midfielder looked the goods once again, bursting past her marker and into space before passing the ball.

    But she was once again tasked with covering perhaps too much space and was overran by Sweden on the counter-attack which isn’t exactly her fault.

    Overall, it was another gusty display from the 21-year-old who has no doubt earned plenty of admirers overseas.

    Cooney-Cross was never afraid to put a challenge in. (Photo by Patrick Hamilton / AFP)Source: AFP

    Mary Fowler – 6

    Fowler truly is a joy to watch with the ball at her feet.

    Her control of the ball is unlike any other in the Matildas team and it came in clutch on multiple occasions, dribbling her way through yellow shirts in positions when it seemed impossible.

    But it also came at a cost, as Sweden would break rapidly after snatching the ball off Fowler.

    She was forced to drop deeper and deeper to pick up the ball but it also resulted in her having to make several defensive plays, not an ideal scenario for the Matildas’ attacking midfielder.

    Having run absurd amounts in the previous games, it was evident Fowler was knackered towards the end.

    Caitlin Foord – 5

    The Arsenal forward sadly didn’t look as dominant out on the left as she usually has at this tournament.

    Again, Foord would drive at her opposite number in Nathalie Bjorn before looking to cut inside, but those opportunities came few and far between.

    Hayley Raso – 6

    The ribbon-wearing winger was relentless going up and down the right flank and even the left side too for a brief period in the first half.

    Raso also had the Matildas’ best chance in the first half when she brought down a cross from Ellie Carpenter and tried to squeeze it past Zecira Musovic at her near post but was denied.

    Substituted off at the hour mark for Cortnee Vine.

    Sam Kerr – 5

    Kerr zipped around the field and didn’t look like she was hampered by any lingering effects of her calf injury.

    Sadly for the Aussie skipper, the rest of her teammates didn’t possess her freshness.

    Although Kerr had some solid touches to link up play with her teammates, she struggled to get properly involved and her role slowly diminished the longer the game went on.

    Went down midway through the second half clutching at her calf and had to briefly go off, but showed plenty of character to return to the field and see out the game for her nation.

    Kerr’s calf flared up towards the end. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    SUBSTITUTES

    Cortnee Vine – 5

    Came on for Hayley Raso in the 60th minute.

    The red-headed speedster entered the contest just before Sweden added their second goal of the game.

    Vine had a handful of successful moments getting past the Swedish backline but her role seemed to transform into a wing-back as it appeared the Aussies went to three in defence.

    The change in role practically prevented Vine from using her most devastating qualities where she is most dangerous.

    Emily van Egmond – 5

    Came on for Katrina Gorry in the 60th minute.

    Van Egmond was added to provide some extra attacking spark but ended up playing too deep, meaning she was too often tasked with trying to unlock a low Swedish block.

    Alex Chidiac – 5

    Came on for Ellie Carpenter in the 73rd minute.

    Chidiac had a tough role given she came on when the team was 2-0 down.

    It never looked like Chidiac had a structured role in the time she was on as the Matildas chased the game.

    Courtney Nevin – 5

    Came on for Clare Polkinghorne in the 73rd minute.

    Nevin was thrown on for her first minutes of the tournament and seemingly played several different roles across the backline.

    Didn’t exactly make much of an impact but can take solace that no goals were conceded after she came on.

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  • Surprise twist amid Lillard’s crisis talks as NBA side got cold feet over shock draft trade

    Surprise twist amid Lillard’s crisis talks as NBA side got cold feet over shock draft trade

    Damian Lillard may become the latest superstar to take his talents to South Beach.

    After an NBA Draft in which the Trail Blazers essentially drafted Lillard’s successor at point guard in Scoot Henderson — rather than trading the pick for an established All-Star and free agency looming — Lillard has “serious interest” in joining the Heat, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick.

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    “Lillard indeed has serious interest in joining the Heat, who would surely love to pair him with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo,” Amick said.

    “If it reaches this point — and there’s still an ‘if’ here considering all the times Lillard chose not to ask out before — Lillard’s wishes would matter a great deal because of the enormity of his contract.”

    Lillard and his agent Aaron Goodwin met with the Blazers on Monday to discuss his future with the franchise, but per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the outcome was not what many expected.

    “This was the meeting that a lot of the league was watching to see if Damian Lillard requested a trade, and he absolutely did not,” Windhorst said on ESPN’s Get Up.

    “In fact, from what I understand, the tender of the meeting was that he doesn’t want to put pressure on the Blazers, that he wants to see what they do in free agency, and that he’s going to give them time to do that. So this is an interesting strategic move.

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    “He said at the end of the season ‘give me veterans’. The Draft came and went, but no veterans. He’s still not pressing from what I’ve been told.”

    In fact, Portland might have nabbed a veteran to appease Lillard during the draft, but it ultimately did not come to fruition.

    According to GQ’s Howard Beck, Portland “did briefly discuss” swapping Henderson for none other than Paul George, but the Trail Blazers weren’t fully committed to making the deal.

    Lillard has come out on multiple occasions stating that he believes that Portland has the assets and opportunities to find players to help him contend – however, by not making trades on draft night, that significantly lessened the possibility they choose that route over a rebuild.

    With limited cap space, it seems more likely than ever that the 32-year-old Lillard is on his way out.

    Miami has been linked to Lillard for a while, including when he explicitly said the Heat would be an “obvious” trade destination for him if he demanded out of Portland.

    “I think Miami is the obvious one,” Lillard said on Brian Custer’s “Last Stand Podcast”.

    Lillard’s future is sure to be a topic of hot discussion throughout the NBA off-season. (Photo by Steph Chambers / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP

    “And Bam is my dog. Bam is my dog, for real. But I think Miami is the obvious one.”

    The two played together on Team USA in 2020 and a reunion in South Beach seems increasingly likely as the days go on.

    Lillard also was on Instagram Live when Will Smith’s “Miami” played in the background, although Goodwin said it was “just a coincidence.”

    Although Lillard does not have a no-trade clause like recently traded Bradley Beal, who forced his way out of Washington, his massive contract gives him some say of where he goes.

    The seven-time All-Star is coming off one of his best seasons of his career with averages of 32.2 points and 7.3 assists.

    Adding Lillard to a Miami squad that went through precipitous offensive droughts in its playoff run to the NBA Finals would immediately make it a major contender to not only make it back to the championship round, and to potentially win it all.

    This story originally appeared on the New York Post and has been reposted with permission

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  • Crunch Kane call looms; $95m star set to spark revolution: Verdict on Ange’s Spurs squad

    Crunch Kane call looms; $95m star set to spark revolution: Verdict on Ange’s Spurs squad

    The Premier League season may be months away but for Ange Postecoglou, the hard work has already begun.

    The new Tottenham Hotspur boss knows his squad must undergo a major refresh, with several stars set to be shipped out.

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    Postecoglou also has the benefit of the biggest transfer budget he has had, which means he can go for more ambitious targets like never before.

    Of course, there’s already plenty of talent within the squad at all ends of the pitch.

    Postecoglou will cast his eyes over the team throughout pre-season and must be ruthless in his decision-making process when it comes to who he wants to keep and who will be on the next flight out of Heathrow.

    Foxsports.com.au predicts which players make the most sense to sell, who could make temporary exits, who to keep and who Postecoglou may look to bring in and enhance his team.

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    GOALKEEPERS

    Hugo Lloris

    Hugo Lloris has spent over a decade with Tottenham and counts himself as the club captain.

    However, the 36-year-old’s performances have noticeably dipped in recent years with uncharacteristic errors proving costly for Spurs.

    Lloris still has a year on his contract, but he’s openly admitted he has “desires for other things” and that it’s the “end of an era” for him.

    An ageing goalkeeper who wants out?

    That’s probably the easiest call Postecoglou will make.

    Verdict: SELL

    Fraser Foster

    Fraser Foster joined Tottenham on a free deal in July last year with the knowledge he would be Lloris’ back-up.

    Yet Foster ended up having a more important part to play than he would have first thought, as a knee injury to Lloris in February gave the 35-year-old an extend run between the sticks.

    In fact, the former Southampton gloveman was recalled to the England squad almost seven years after his last game in March.

    Foster has another year to run on his contract and it makes sense to keep him at the club.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Who could they buy?

    With Lloris’ departure imminent, Postecoglou and Spurs already know one position on the field that quickly needs addressing.

    The club is on the verge of securing Lloris’ replacement with a $30 million deal agreed for Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

    Guglielmo Vicario is set to become Tottenham’s new No. 1 goalkeeper. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    DEFENDERS

    Davinson Sanchez

    Since moving to Spurs from Ajax for $AUD78 million in 2017, Davinson Sanchez’s time at the club has flattered to deceive.

    If anything, it was summed up by the sad events that transpired during Tottenham’s clash against Bournemouth in April this year.

    The Colombian was booed when he was subbed on for the injured Clement Lenglet and was booed again as he was taken off in the 58th minute.

    Although Postecoglou has shown an ability to resurrect a player’s career, it seems it’s best for all parties involved to sever ties and start fresh.

    Verdict: SELL

    Emerson Royal

    Emerson has been a constant presence on the right side of the Tottenham backline and has shown glimpses of his frightening potential.

    However, the 24-year-old’s defensive limitations have been exposed in brutal fashion on multiple occasions.

    Postecoglou loves his fullbacks getting forward and that style fits Emerson to a tee, even if the Brazilian is no guarantee to be the first-choice option at right back.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Eric Dier

    One of the longest-serving players in the squad, Eric Dier has vital experience and his leadership qualities will be crucial in a time of great change in the club.

    With almost 50 appearances for England, Dier remains a quality defender and will likely play a key role under Postecoglou.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Cristian Romero

    Cristian Romero only joined Tottenham on a permanent basis last summer, so it makes little to no sense for the club to bin him off after just one full season in North London.

    A World Cup winner with Argentina, Romero is the daring centre-back Postecoglou craves.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Cristian Romero could thrive under Postecoglou. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Ryan Sessegnon

    Since arriving as a fresh-faced 19-year old from Fulhams for $46 million in 2019, Ryan Sessegnon has never quite lived up to the lofty expectations placed on his shoulders when he joined.

    However, his ability to play anywhere on the left flank is certainly a bonus and, at age 23, still has plenty of time to grow into a key player for Spurs.

    There’s more to gain by keeping him at the club than binning him off in the summer.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Pedro Porro

    Tottenham struck a deal with Sporting during the January window to sign Pedro Porro on loan for the rest of the 2022/23 season with an obligation make the deal permanent in the summer.

    Porro’s not going anywhere.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Japhet Tanganga

    Tanganga has made 50 appearances in all competitions across four seasons with Tottenham.

    At 24 years old and almost certain to not break into the starting line-up anytime soon barring a catastrophic run of injuries, there’s little point in sticking around at the club if he wants to progress his career.

    Verdict: SELL

    Ben Davies

    Like Dier, Ben Davies has been a stalwart of this Tottenham team since he arrived in 2014 and has proven to be a reliable option at the back.

    Capable of playing centre-back or left back, Davies’ experience and versatility will be crucial.

    A wise, veteran presence is also key for helping Postecoglou get his message across early and the Aussie boss could do worse than the Welshman.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Sergio Reguilon

    After he was shipped out on loan to Atletico Madrid for the entirety of the 2022/23 season, it’s tough to see a way back into the Spurs lineup for Sergio Reguilon.

    Even then, he struggled to crack Atleti manager Diego Simeone’s starting squad.

    It’s hard to see Reguilon staying on at the club beyond the summer window.

    Verdict: SELL

    Sergio Reguilon is likely headed for a Spurs exit. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Joe Rodon

    Joe Rodon faces a similar situation to Tanganga: he’s at an age where playing regular football is a must, but it’s not going to happen at Tottenham.

    Another easy decision for Postecoglou when it comes to a sale, but the question now becomes who will be a willing suitor for the Welshman?

    Verdict: SELL

    Djed Spence

    Spence moved to Tottenham last summer on a five-year deal, but didn’t see the game time he perhaps would have liked in his first season with the club.

    However, the right back is just 22 and is certainly a long-term investment.

    It’s why Postecoglou should allow Spence to move elsewhere on loan for the season and reassess the youngster’s future next summer.

    Verdict: LOAN

    Destiny Udogie

    Like Spence, Destiny Udogie joined Tottenham on a five-year deal in August 2022 but was immediately loaned back to Udinese where he got plenty of game time.

    The 20-year-old is unlikely to get the minutes he wants so he’ll likely head back out on loan for more experience.

    Verdict: LOAN

    Who could they buy?

    With plenty of youth at the full-back/wing-back positions, the heart of defence is one position Tottenham could look at refreshing ahead of the new season.

    Should Rodon and Tanganga both depart as anticipated, it leaves Postecoglou with a handful of viable centre-back options.

    Furthermore, Dier is off-contract in 2024 and Davies in 2025, so there is plenty of reason to invest in a new centre-back this window.

    As to who that might be, Sky Sports reports Tottenham hold an interest in Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who has one year left to run on his deal with the Cottagers.

    A product of Manchester City’s academy, Adarabioyo has been a rock in Fulham’s back line since joining in 2020.

    But he now could be destined for bigger and better in the same city.

    Sky Sports also claim Tottenham are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, although the England international has three years remaining on his deal at Selhurst Park.

    Tottenham aren’t just limiting their sights to defenders in the Premier League, either.

    The Telegraph reports the club are monitoring Juventus centre back Gleison Bremer to see if he will be made available after just one season in Turin.

    The Brazilian is a target for a number of Premier League clubs but given Tottenham’s need for new defenders, they could push to the front of the queue.

    Additionally, The Guardian claims Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven has been added to Spurs’ shortlist after a breakthrough season in the Bundesliga.

    Van de Ven was included in Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal’s 39-man preliminary squad for the 2022 World Cup but didn’t make the final cut, however a full international isn’t far off.

    Tottenham have also been credited by multiple outlets with an interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba.

    Edmond Tapsoba is a prime target of Tottenham. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    MIDFIELDERS

    Oliver Skipp

    He’s not exactly a world beater and won’t produce moments of individual brilliance to win games for Spurs, but Oliver Skipp is a reliable performer in Spurs’ engine room.

    The 22-year-old enjoyed his highest number of appearances in a single Premier League season in the 2022/23 campaign.

    With time on the Englishman’s side, Postecoglou could view Skipp as a player he can mould and adapt to his intricate style of play.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Pierre-Emile Hojberg

    The tough-tackling Dane has been in North London for three seasons but rumours are swirling over a potential exit.

    Hojberg did little to quash the speculation while on international duty for Denmark, stating: “What comes next is fortunately not in my hands.”

    He’s not exactly giving off the vibe he wants to stick around for life under Postecoglou.

    Verdict: SELL

    Pape Matar Sarr

    It took some time for Sarr to make his Spurs debut, but once he did, he was a constant presence.

    The Frenchman ultimately made 11 appearances and, at 20 years of age, has plenty of upside.

    It makes sense to hold onto him for the summer.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Rodrigo Bentancur

    Bentancur was one of Tottenham’s best up until he suffered a cruel ACL injury in February.

    He’s a classy, tidy midfielder who has plenty more to give.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Yves Bissouma

    Since arriving in a $47 million deal from Brighton last summer, Bissouma struggled to find his place in the Tottenham midfield.

    But with the way Postecoglou likes to set his teams up, the 26-year-old could quickly become a pivotal player in the No. 6 role Callum McGregor made his own while at Celtic.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Bissouma struggled to replicate his Brighton form with Spurs last season. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Harry Winks

    A product of Tottenham’s academy, it seems Winks’ days in North London were already numbered going into last season.

    The 27-year-old ultimately moved on loan to Serie A side Sampdoria for the 2022/23 campaign, but they were relegated in a dismal season.

    Winks’ deal also included an option for Sampdoria to make it permanent and even if that doesn’t transpire, it’s clear Spurs are happy to let the England international go.

    Verdict: SELL

    Giovani Lo Celso

    Lo Celso joined Tottenham in the summer of 2019 after an impressive season with Real Betis but has struggled to hit similar heights in North London.

    He has spent the last 18 months on loan with La Liga side Villarreal in a major sign his future likely doesn’t lie with Spurs.

    The fact Lo Celso got plenty of minutes in Spain will help the club recoup a reasonable fee for him.

    Verdict: SELL

    Tanguy Ndombele

    A club record signing that can definitely be chalked up as a flop.

    Ndombele has shown glimpses of his immense quality but those have come with alarming irregularity for someone that cost approximately $102 million.

    He did spend last season on loan with Napoli and is now a Serie A winner, but Tottenham will almost certainly look to move him on.

    Verdict: SELL

    Who could they buy?

    It’s not exactly a secret Tottenham are in the market for a creative midfielder and there is one name that has been a constant among reports from here, there and everywhere: James Maddison.

    The Leicester City midfielder was a vital player for the Foxes since he arrived from Norwich City and is too good to spend next season toiling away in the Championship.

    However, a sticking point is proving to be his price as Leicester hold out for a $95 million fee despite the England international having just one year left on his contract.

    It also appears Tottenham have a clear race to sign Maddison given Newcastle, who were also keen on the midfielder, have diverted the majority of its transfer budget on AC Milan star Sandro Tonali.

    James Maddison is heavily linked with a move to North London. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    FORWARDS

    Ivan Perisic

    Former Spurs boss Antonio Conte was desperate to sign Perisic, who starred for him at Inter Milan in the wing-back role.

    Although the Croatian racked up 12 assists, he struggled to have a strong influence in Tottenham’s collective slide last season.

    Given his age, expiring contract in 2024 and the fact he doesn’t quite fit Postecoglou’s system, it is difficult to see Perisic enjoying a future at Spurs.

    Verdict: SELL

    Heung-Min Son

    After the high of winning the Golden Boot in 2021/22, Son struggled last season and finished with just 10 league goals.

    However, the South Korean revealed he was dealing with a serious hernia injury which required surgery immediately after the season was complete.

    Another easy call for Postecoglou.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Richarlison

    Richarlison made the move to Tottenham last summer for $95 million, making him the second-most expensive signing in club history.

    Unfortunately he racked up more yellow cards for goal celebrations than goals scored thanks to VAR.

    But the Brazilian should not be written off and could be one to flourish under Postecoglou.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Harry Kane

    Yes, Kane’s deal with Tottenham expires next summer and the club is at risk of losing him for nothing.

    A sale of Kane would also net the club a nine-figure transfer fee which would help fund a rebuild for Postecoglou.

    However, this is also a striker who scored 30 league goals in a team that finished 8th.

    Quite simply, the only way Tottenham can challenge for anything this season is with Kane up top.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Harry Kane will be a free agent in the summer of 2024. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Dejan Kulusevski

    The club turned his loan into a permanent deal earlier this month and shapes as a key player under Postecoglou.

    Verdict: KEEP

    Bryan Gil

    Since joining Tottenham in 2021 as part of a $41 million deal which saw Erik Lamela go the other way to Sevilla, Gil has played just 234 minutes of Premier League action across 13 games.

    For the mathematicians at home, that’s an average of 18 minutes per game.

    At 22 years of age, there is still a chance, albeit slim, for Gil to resurrect his Spurs career.

    But after spending the second half of the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons with Valencia and Sevilla respectively, it’s hard to see a future for Gil at Tottenham.

    Verdict: SELL

    Who could they buy?

    For the most part, Tottenham are well-stocked in the forward department with several able to play across the front three and a healthy mix of youthful exuberance and experience.

    That’s not to say it is an area of the pitch Tottenham are going to disregard entirely in the transfer market.

    In fact, The Athletic reports Tottenham could swoop for Maddison’s Leicester teammate Harvey Barnes.

    The winger was a thorn in the side of right-backs for years with Leicester and, like Maddison, is wasted in the Championship.

    A bit of a left-field target for Spurs is Jadon Sancho, per the Daily Star.

    The winger has never found a rhythm at Manchester United and a new lease of life could be just what he needs under Postecoglou.

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  • ‘Primary candidate’: Postecoglou ‘strongly considered’ for Spurs job after latest PL bombshell

    ‘Primary candidate’: Postecoglou ‘strongly considered’ for Spurs job after latest PL bombshell

    Tottenham is “strongly considering” Ange Postecoglou as its next manager after their top candidate rejected an offer to leave a Dutch powerhouse.

    Arne Slot, the manager of Feyenoord, was the leading contender ahead of Roberto De Zerbi and Luis Enrique but after holding talks with Spurs will remain in the Eredivisie, reports The Athletic.

    “Spurs have been looking for a candidate who can institute cultural change at the club, bringing every aspect of the club back together and re-energising the style of play,” according to the report.

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    “That has seen them turn away from some of the bigger-name candidates and instead look for a candidate who represents something close to what Mauricio Pochettino did when he arrived at Spurs in 2014. Pochettino himself was not approached this summer, and is now on the brink of taking over at Chelsea instead.”

    Where will Ange end up next season? | 00:56

    That has Aussie Postecoglou, recently named Scotland’s Manager of the Year for a second straight season after taking Celtic to another league title, as one of the “primary candidates” at Spurs according to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney.

    “While the feeling in the game had been that the Slot negotiations were close to the finish line, some figures with knowledge of the situation insist Spurs were still conducting discussions about a top list of targets. One of those is Postecoglou, who is being strongly considered, along with Sporting’s Ruben Amorim,” Delaney’s report stated.

    “Daniel Levy would greatly value Luis Enrique but that is seen as more difficult to pull off given the Spanish coach’s list of demands when Chelsea interviewed him.

    “Postecoglou has earned huge admirers in the game for his expansive and entertaining work at Celtic, and there is hope that any deal would be smoother to do than with Feyenoord due to good relationships between involved parties. The Australian is commonly seen as one of the most exciting managers in world football.”

    Ange Postecoglou, Manager of Celtic, celebrates after winning the Cinch Scottish Premiership following the match between Heart of Midlothian and Celtic FC at Tynecastle Park on May 07, 2023 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Postecoglou has spoken on multiple occasions about the growing interest in him from the Premier League.

    “You think about it all,” the Melburnian said recently.

    “When people say ‘he’s going to go down the road or somewhere else with the first offer he gets’ it’s not how I’m wired, it’s not how I think.

    “For me, what it’s about is just trying to leave a mark wherever I am. I have done that with every football club I have been at. I want to do that at this football club and that is all that consumes me. I don’t think about the next step … or I need to go somewhere else … or I need to do this … or I need to consider other things. It is all there.

    “You don’t go through life oblivious to it. It is not healthy to put the blinkers up and not know what is going on because that tests your desire to keep doing what you’re doing. If people are talking about my future or are interested in my future I will sit there and listen. It doesn’t mean I am going to jump at anything that comes my way. I am really passionate about what I do and the people close to me know what is most important to me, what drives me and what keeps me sort of happy in my role. I couldn’t be happier.”

    Spurs sit eighth in the Premier League, facing the potential of no European football next season, and face relegation-threatened Leeds on the final day.

    Celtic will play in the Champions League next season.

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  • Gunners are ‘wilting when it matters most.’ It’s why City are ‘ready to eat them alive.’

    Gunners are ‘wilting when it matters most.’ It’s why City are ‘ready to eat them alive.’

    Rarely does a regular season Premier League game warrant pay-per-view attention.

    But that’s what Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City on Thursday morning demands.

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    It is a contest which could very well decide the Premier League title, despite both sides having plenty of games left to play.

    The Gunners will make the trip to the Etihad on the back of three consecutive draws, all of which felt like defeats knowing the implications of such a result.

    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was forced to watch his troops blow a two-goal lead not once but twice before helping his side overcome a 3-1 deficit to last-placed Southampton to draw 3-3.

    It’s now left the gap between Arsenal and City to just five points, with the latter having two games in hand.

    Some may subscribe to the school of thought that although City has the advantage in games in hand, they are still behind on the ladder and therefore it is advantage Arsenal.

    But most supporters need no reminders of City’s ruthlessness.

    Despite competing on three fronts, Pep Guardiola’s side have found a way to maintain form across the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

    Meanwhile, Arsenal crashed out of the Europa League in a penalty shootout to Sporting and have since stumbled to a series of poor results in the Premier League.

    So, how will this heavyweight slugfest play out on Thursday?

    Could this Bamford miss bury Leeds? | 00:28

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    THE DAMNING TREND BEHIND GUNNERS’ SLIP-UP

    It’s been nothing short of a dream season for Arsenal fans and given they will almost certainly finish inside the top two, the team has obliterated all pre-season expectations.

    But having been top of the table for just about the entire season to date, to relinquish its grip on the title would be the cruellest of blows, especially this late in the season.

    Even after a wretched run, by a title challenger’s standards, of two losses and a draw — with one of those defeats coming against Manchester City — the Gunners went on to win seven games in a row.

    However, one key difference between Arsenal’s form before and after the World Cup break hints at what’s gone wrong for Arteta’s side.

    Before the World Cup, Arsenal conceded 11 goals from 14 games, an extremely impressive figure.

    But since play resumed in late December, the Gunners have shipped 23 goals in 18 games with 10 of those coming in the past three games.

    That alarming amount of goals conceded has coincided with the absence of French defender William Saliba, who went off with a back issue against Sporting and hasn’t been sighted since.

    William Saliba has been a vital cog in Arsenal’s backline. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Arsenal are a weaker outfit without the Frenchman and that’s a fact.

    With Saliba in the backline, Arsenal’s goal-against figure sits at a healthy 0.9.

    In the five games he has not featured since his back injury, it balloons out to 1.8.

    Rob Holding has come into the team to cover for Saliba’s absence, but his lack of pace has been worryingly exposed on numerous occasions.

    It also creates a larger problem within the team’s structure that, according to former Gunners player Adrian Clarke, explains the recent struggles.

    “When Saliba plays, Arsenal are able to squeeze up the pitch and keep the three units compact and high, because he’s got the speed to recover,” Clarke told The Athletic.

    “If a team knocks one over the top, Saliba is invariably quick enough to get there.

    “What’s happening now, I think, is that they’re setting the line a bit deeper to protect Holding, which is then making a bigger hole in the midfield.

    “And as brilliant as (Thomas) Partey has been this season, he is struggling at the moment to carry that entire midfield on his own because the way that the team needs to protect Holding means the space around him (Partey) has been expanded.”

    Rob Holding’s lack of pace has been exposed on multiple occasions. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)Source: AFP

    There’s also the question of whether Arsenal peaked perhaps a little too early in the run-in.

    The Gunners were forced to dig deep with stoppage-time winners against Aston Villa and Bournemouth during their recent seven-game win streak.

    But, as The Telegraph’s Oliver Brown wrote, those victories may have taken more gas from the tank than Arteta will care to admit.

    “Ronnie O’Sullivan claims he cannot win a world championship in snooker unless he swats aside his early opponents with ease,” Brown wrote.

    “Andy Murray wins two unforgettable five-setters in Melbourne but then discovers he has nothing more left to give.

    “Arsenal seem to be fast approaching the same juncture. They have entertained everybody royally for eight months, but they are running on fumes.”

    Arsenal’s form of late suggests they don’t have much more left in the tank. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    WHY CITY’S ‘GLARING TRUTH’ HAS THEM READY TO EAT GUNNERS ‘ALIVE’

    As for City, well, it appears they’ve got plenty of miles left in them.

    After all, this is not their first rodeo when it comes to neck-and-neck title races.

    During the 2018/19 season, City won their final 14 games in a row to squeak past Liverpool by a solitary point to win the league.

    Even as recently as last season, Guardiola’s side only secured the title on the final day after coming back from 2-0 down against Villa to win 3-2 with all goals coming in the final 15 minutes.

    But unlike the Gunners, City have not had to pull a rabbit out of the hat to secure victories.

    Since losing two in four games at the start of the year against Manchester United and Spurs. Guardiola’s side have been on a tear and played their opponents off the park.

    City have won eight games from nine, the exception being a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.

    In that stretch, City have scored 25 goals — an average of 2.7 a game — while only conceding seven.

    City refuse to go away. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    It points to a team of cool, experienced heads when they need it most having walked this very path in regards to title challenges.

    A certain goal machine by the name of Erling Haaland also helps, too.

    Aside from the Norwegian’s freakish goalscoring ability, which has him on track to shatter the record for most goals scored in a season, Guardiola has shored up the defence and overseen marked individual improvements.

    It paints a contrasting picture with the happenings at the Emirates, especially at this stage of the season.

    And it’s why Brown feels that a “glaring truth” has been confirmed: City “are ready to eat them alive.”

    “City have shown that these are the periods that sort the champions from the mere pretenders,” Brown wrote.

    “Arsenal, sadly, are wilting when it matters most.”

    Brown added: “It has taken longer than anybody imagined to arrive, but Arsenal are truly teetering now, lurching towards the finish line as inelegantly as any drunk struggling to catch the last Tube home from Holloway Road. This is not, to put it bluntly, championship pedigree.”

    Erling Haaland has scored goals for fun under Pep Guardiola for City this season. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    There exists the very real possibility Arsenal destroy everyone’s predictions for not just this contest, but the entire title race.

    A win at the Etihad would undoubtedly provide a needed jolt to get them back on track after a serious wobble.

    However, City, much like a lion stalking a wounded gazelle, seem inevitable.

    With Haaland bearing his teeth in pursuit of every goalscoring record in the books and Jack Grealish starting to look like the £100m man he’s being paid to be, it’s hard to back against City.

    But, similar to how Tyson Fury miraculously rose to his feet after being knocked down in his first fight against Deontay Wilder, Arsenal aren’t ready to lay down and accept a beating just yet.

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  • ‘Let’s try win the World Cup’: Roos debutant’s big call as Aussies find their ‘bite’ — Talking Points

    ‘Let’s try win the World Cup’: Roos debutant’s big call as Aussies find their ‘bite’ — Talking Points

    On Friday night, the Socceroos gave fans an insight into what the road to the next World Cup (2026, in Canada, the USA, and Mexico) might look like. There were young talents, plenty of guts and determination on show, and – perhaps most rewarding for the near-21,000 fans in Sydney – goals.

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    Their 3-1 victory over Ecuador was thrillingly chaotic, the kind of scene where it’s hard to make sense of it all. In other words, a party – a celebration of the Socceroos’ finest showing at a World Cup.

    But for all the talk of the past, the team and manager Graham Arnold have turned their gaze firmly to the future, to World Cup qualifiers which begin in November and the huge opportunity presented by the Asian Cup in January.

    Here are the big talking points from the Socceroos’ first match of 2023.

    MORE NEWS

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    Kuol caps epic Socceroos showing! | 00:36

    ‘UTILITY’ IRVINE STEPS UP FOR ABSENT MIDFIELD PARTNERS

    He opened the scoring, set up the second goal with his defensive pressure, and quite simply was everywhere for the Socceroos. Jackson Irvine had an absolute day out – and it’s no surprise, given the form he is in at St Pauli in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga.

    The captain of that club, he has started all-but-one game (and missed another through suspension) and led them on a promotion charge, scoring four goals and adding an assist in his last five league games. With Ajdin Hrustic and Aaron Mooy absent, he was in charge of the midfield on Friday night – and promoted forward to a number 10 position until youngster Alex Robertson was brought on with an hour to play.

    “I’ve played a variety of different roles throughout the national team and at my club. It all ties into the way I like to play which is obviously high energy, win the ball back, get in the box and be effective at both ends of the field,” he said.

    Irvine led from the front last night.Source: Getty Images

    Irvine’s impressive performance in that position – especially his link-up play with the attacking trio – could signal more minutes in that role in the future.

    Arnold said: “I see him more as a bit more of a utility (than a 10). He can play at six and he’s got the energy to go box to box. So if I restrict him to stay at six, then I don’t think we’re getting the best out of him.

    “He can play as 10 and play up beside Dukey (Mitch Duke), but against other teams that sit back further we can play one six (rather than two) and Jacko can go box to box, when we lose it he gets back into the block and the defensive unit.

    “He’s great at making late runs into the box. He’s playing as a double six (double pivot) in St Pauli but he’s in the box 20 times a game! So he can do both roles.”

    Arnold said before the game that the development in the depth of the Socceroos at the six position (such as starting pair Keanu Baccus and debutant Aiden O’Neill last night) could free him up to move Aaron Mooy to a more attacking role akin to how he plays at Celtic. Irvine might also be the beneficiary of the arrival of the young defensive midfielders – and it could prove a big boost for the Socceroos’ attack and high-pressing defence in the future.

    Marvellous Mabil scores Socceroos second | 00:47

    ‘THE BROTHERHOOD IS BACK’: ARNOLD’S ‘FAMILY’ ON FULL DISPLAY

    For years, Graham Arnold has spoken of the Socceroos and the youth teams below the senior squad as a ‘family’. Unity and a selfless work ethic for the team have been at the core of a culture that the veteran manager and former Socceroos player himself has tried to instil.

    12 months before Friday’s win – to the day – the Socceroos lost 2-0 to Japan in Sydney. It was a gutting defeat, even if both goals came in the dying embers of the game. Outplayed across the pitch, saved by the woodwork on multiple occasions, the Socceroos suddenly found themselves out of contention for automatic qualification to Qatar – and Graham Arnold found himself on the brink of being sacked. He wasn’t, and the rest is history.

    Arnold’s focus on developing that team culture was crucial to the success of the World Cup.

    But looking forward, it’s Arnold’s efforts to get the younger generation to buy into those ideals that could lay the foundations for even greater success.

    Arnold took charge of the under-23 team, the Olyroos, to guide them to the Tokyo Olympics. It not only developed their talents – and resulted in many of them earning transfers to Europe and becoming fully-fledged Socceroos – but it strengthened the ties between the veterans and the next generation.

    As 18-year-old Garang Kuol, who scored his maiden international goal, said after full-time: “The brotherhood is back, especially after the World Cup. It feels like a second family and a very special place being around the boys.”

    Even the injured Martin Boyle, who was anointed ‘Chief Vibes Officer’ at the World Cup, flew from Scotland to Australia to be a part of this camp.

    Just as impressive was captain and 80-cap veteran goalkeeper Mat Ryan sprinting the length of the field in the 84th minute to celebrate with Kuol and the entire XI after the teen tyro became the fourth-youngest Socceroos scorer in history.

    Jackson Irvine poses for photographs with the crowd after the game.Source: Getty Images

    ‘PASSION’ AND ‘BITE’ IS ‘WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT’

    It might have been a friendly in name, but the Socceroos burst out of the blocks with plenty of aggression and maintained the rage for the full 90 minutes.

    Jackson Irvine said in the post-match press conference: “It’s gotta be the mentality when you play at home … everybody wanted to come out and show that aggressiveness from the beginning.”

    His workrate in defence was second to none, and he created the second goal for Australia with a brilliant piece of team pressing to pinch the ball on the edge of Ecuador’s box – the exemplification of Arnold’s pressing defensive approach and the Socceroos’ mindset.

    “There’s nothing more satisfying sometimes than scoring a goal from a high press … that was the perfect example of what we’re trying to do in those moments,” Irvine added.

    But the most heated moment of the match came in stoppage time when Manchester City youngster and the first third-generation Socceroos player Alex Robertson went down in the box. He appeared to have been collected by a defender, but the referee waved away his penalty appeals – and instead brandished a yellow card towards the Aussie for simulation.

    An Ecuador player patted Robertson on the head as he lay on the ground, which incensed the 19-year-old, who leapt to his feet and sparked a melee.

    Players came rushing in from both sides to join the push-and-shove, with towering defender Harry Souttar playing bodyguard for his debutant teammate – and probably striking a dose of fear into the visitors’ hearts with his immense frame.

    “I’m playing for my country, a country that means a lot to me and my family and I’d do anything for the shirt and the team I’m playing with. It comes with the passion,” said Robertson.

    Things got heated at the end!Source: Getty Images

    Souttar couldn’t get enough of Robertson’s attitude.

    “I just said I love it from him. He is still young, he has that bit of bite and we love that. That’s what we’re all about,” he said.

    Arnold had extremely limited time to drill his charges with tactical nuance before this clash, which makes the leadership of the veterans and the hardworking mentality of the team even more important.

    As Arnold said afterwards: “The messaging won’t change much. The boys like it and it’s simple … yesterday we were doing a tactical session and got wiped out by the lightning, so we didn’t get that much of a session.”

    Looking forward, there will surely be tactical tweaks and opportunities to try new things. But when it comes down to it, the Socceroos’ never-say-die attitude is what sets them apart.

    Just how much do they believe? Ask Robertson, after just 30 minutes in the green and gold.

    “You’ve obviously got to reach for the stars and win a World Cup,” Robertson said, per AAP.

    “You never know what can happen, you saw what the Socceroos did at the last one.

    “For the next few years, building up to the next one, I think we can do some really big things in the future, why not say it? Let’s try and win the World Cup.”

    Or there was goalscorer and Young Australian of the Year Awer Mabil, who said: “This is a movie, and we want to keep directing that movie”.

    Awer Mabil is feeling the movie magic.Source: Getty Images

    ‘CAN’T SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH’: KIDS STAKE THEIR CLAIM

    Robertson delivered an eye-catching debut, never looking flustered under pressure with his ball movement and dribbling (9/10 passes completed, two fouls won) and throwing himself about in defence (two tackles, four passes pressured, two forced turnovers).

    Arnold said the teen’s performance was ‘very very good’, and was also ‘extremely happy’ with the performance of the night’s other debutant, Melbourne City midfielder Aiden O’Neill.

    Harry Souttar told Network 10 after the match: “Aiden O’Neill making his debut, you’re not going to get many better debuts than that.”

    Irvine said: “I thought Aiden was exceptional, you can see the kid’s got class, composure, he wasn’t fazed. Can’t speak highly enough of his performance … (he’s) got a good understanding of the game, he has that already at a very young age which is very impressive.”

    Co-commentator Andy Harper said during the game on Channel 10: “I couldn’t be more impressed.

    “He has not missed a beat. Looks completely at home I’d say.”

    Aiden O’Neill of Australia tackles Angelo Preciado of Ecuador.Source: Getty Images

    Combine that with the performances of Kuol (18), Marco Tilio (21) and the 24-year-old trio of Souttar, Kye Rowles, and Keanu Baccus, and it was a great day for Arnold’s youth brigade.

    There are three more potential debutants in the second friendly against Ecuador on Tuesday in Melbourne – defender Jordan Bos, keeper Joe Gauci, and attacker Nestory Irankunda, who could become the youngest-ever Socceroo at 17.

    Asked whether Irankunda will take to the field on Tuesday night, Arnold closed his press conference with a smile and dead-batted: “We will see, we’ll see.”

    It’s clear that the Socceroos boast greater depth across the park than they have for some years – and the young guns are staking their claim for a place in the core squad for the looming World Cup qualifiers and Asian Cup.

    “These young boys are tapping the older boys on the shoulder, which is great,” Arnold said with a rare smile.

    Alex Robertson with the ball.Source: AFP

    With Martin Boyle, Aaron Mooy, Ajdin Hrustic, Jamie Maclaren, and Mathew Leckie all out injured, Arnold has a fantastic opportunity to blood the next generation – and his bold decisions certainly paid off on Friday.

    He said: “We will make changes. I didn’t bring everyone here to not play!”

    But for all the hype around Robertson, Kuol, O’Neill and the other teen talents, Arnold had a word of caution.

    “Let’s not get carried away because these kids need a heap of experience and plenty of game time at their club.”

    Let’s not get carried away, either, by last night’s scoreline, especially considering the opening goal should almost certainly have been ruled out for off-side – and perhaps even Kuol’s late goal too.

    But where’s the fun in that? This was a celebration of the heroes in Qatar, and a night to celebrate and dream about the bright future of this team.

    As Robertson said: “Why not say it? Let’s try and win the World Cup.”

    Why not, indeed.

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  • Why Harden could drop $108m bombshell on Sixers; KD’s pitch for NBA great: Rumour Mill

    Why Harden could drop $108m bombshell on Sixers; KD’s pitch for NBA great: Rumour Mill

    It may be back to the future next season for James Harden and the Houston Rockets with a shock reunion reportedly becoming increasingly more likely.

    Plus the stars of a leading championship contender are pitching their case to their team’s front office to sign a future Hall-of-Famer ahead of a title push.

    Catch up on all the latest whispers in our NBA Rumour Mill!

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    Fri, 24 Feb

    Friday February 24th

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    SURPRISE RETURN TO HOUSTON FIRMING FOR HARDEN

    They say you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.

    If the latest buzz around the league is anything to go by then perhaps James Harden has come to the realisation that his life in Houston was pretty sweet.

    ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first flagged this potential shock reunion around Christmas, but according to the latest rumour from one Rockets’ reporter, Harden is more likely than not to be a Rocket next season.

    “I’m putting it at a seven out of 10,” The Athletic’s Kelly Iko said during an appearance on local TV in Houston.

    “I think where there’s smoke there’s fire, and James loves this city. He loves those guys on the roster, young players in Houston, he has ties to the city, businesses, his home is here, and crazier things have happened. Don’t call me crazy, but you might be seeing something different.”

    Harden – who entered the All-Star break averaging 21.4 points, 10.9 assists and 6.2 rebounds in 41 games this season while shooting 45.1 per cent from the field, 38.9 per cent from beyond the arc and 86.3 per cent from the free-throw line – has a player option for next season on a two-year, $68.6 million ($A100.8m) deal.

    But opting out of that final year this off-season seems inevitable after the former league MVP recently hired his first full-time agent since 2017, former Adidas executive Troy Payne from Equity Basketball, to represent him in all future negotiations.

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    We may see James Harden in a Houston Rockets jersey again next season. (Photo by Scott Halleran)Source: Getty Images

    Harden spent nine seasons playing for the Rockets. He averaged 29.6 points, 7.7 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 621 games. He won three consecutive league scoring titles and was named an All-Star every season after leading the franchise to the playoffs each year, outside of his last.

    The 33-year-old guard forced his way out of Houston two seasons ago in a wild four-team trade that sent him to the Nets before he then forced his way out of Brooklyn prior to last season’s trade deadline in a deal that sent Harden to the 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round draft picks.

    The Rockets – who hold a league-worst 13-45 record – have fallen into a rebuild since trading their former franchise cornerstone.

    However a reunion with Houston would put him on quite a different team than he left with a promising core of young players such as Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. to work with as well as a boatload of valuable draft picks across the next five years (nine first-round picks – including possibly likely No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama – and 10 second rounders), courtesy of the Harden deal.

    The 38-19 Sixers, meanwhile, have won seven of their last 10 games headed into the All-Star break. If Philadelphia – which entered the break in third place in the East – makes a deep playoff run or even wins a championship, it may be enough to convince Harden to either opt-in to the final year of his deal or even re-sign with the team.

    KD, CP3 PUSHING FOR ’MELO IN PHOENIX

    Pundits around the league believe that superstar duo Kevin Durant and Chris Paul may be trying to convince both Carmello Anthony and Suns’ brass that they should do a deal that would see the future Hall-of-Famer land in Phoenix.

    “I think he has the talent to play in our league,” the two-time NBA champion told Bally Sports’ over the All-Star weekend.

    This follows recent comments by Chris Paul heaping praise on his longtime friend and former Rockets teammate.

    “Melo is one of the best to ever to play the game,” Paul told the New York Daily News last month.

    “I’m obviously biased and hope he’s in the league soon because somebody of that caliber, with that ability, with the heart that he has, and the stuff he’s done for the game — he should be able to walk off the court when he’s ready.”

    If the Suns were to sign Carmello Anthony it would reunite him and CP3 for the first time since their brief 10-game stint together on the 2018-19 Houston Rockets.

    While ’Melo’s time in Houston was over before it ever truly began, he and Paul worked well in tandem in their limited time on the court with plenty of highlights of Paul driving into the paint before kicking out to a wide-open Anthony to spot up from long range.

    NBA Analysis Network’s Aidan Wohl believes that Anthony in Phoenix would be a good fit.

    “Should the Suns make the move and acquire Anthony, they will receive much-needed depth and veteran leadership since losing key pieces from their championship runs such as Cameron Johnson, Mikal Bridges, and Jae Crowder via the Durant trade,” he wrote.

    “Plus, the Suns could also gain more chemistry from signing Anthony with star point guard Chris Paul being one of his closest friends on and off the court. This could potentially provide a spark for Phoenix as it will take some time for the team to pick up where they left off since the blockbuster trade.”

    ClutchPoints’ Paolo Songco shared Wohl’s sentiment.

    “The Suns lost Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson as part of the Durant blockbuster trade. They also (finally) parted ways with Jae Crowder in the same deal. While they did get some bodies back as part of the exchange (apart from KD, of course), there could still be some holes to fill in Phoenix’s line-up, especially in their second unit,” Songco said.

    “Carmelo Anthony could fill this void for the Suns, and while he is no longer the superstar he once was, Melo could still provide some quality minutes off the bench for his team.”

    Bleacher Report’s Joseph Zucker isn’t as convinced.

    “Anthony’s defence — or lack thereof — becomes a more glaring issue in the postseason, which is undoubtedly a consideration for any team that might want to sign him,” Zucker wrote.

    “The Blazers had a minus-16.0 net rating with him on the court during the 2021 postseason, per NBA.com. It was a similar story during the 2020 playoffs (minus-17.1 net rating).”

    This follows earlier speculation by former Suns player Jamal Crawford who said he believed his former team may look at trying Anthony out.

    “I mean will Carmelo get a flyer now with Phoenix?,” he asked during an appearance on ‘TNT’.

    “There’s a guy like Isaiah Thomas getting a flyer. With spacing another guard you just never know, but the good thing I love about it’s so open. Every team believes they can win. If they do that they’re going to make that move. They’re not going to think twice about it.”

    The 6-foot-7 forward was once considered one of the best players in the league during his time with both the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks, however, struggled to find a home after being pigeonholed as a ball-dominant scorer whose production had waned towards the end of his tenure in the Big Apple.

    Carmelo Anthony recently said he hopes his New York Knicks’ jersey is one day retired in the rafters at Madison Square Garden. (Photo by Elsa)Source: Getty Images

    The 38-year-old proved he could still be a valuable contributor in this league with the right role and fit after a successful two seasons in Portland.

    However the former first-round draft pick remains unsigned after most recently playing a key reserve role last season for the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 13.3 points per game in 26 minutes of action in 69 contests, while going close to winning Sixth Man of the Year honours.

    In the twighlight of his career and having cemented his legacy as one of the 75 best players to ever play the game of basketball, it’s safe to say that ’Melo’s sole motivation for playing in the NBA at this point is the chance to secure the championship which has thus far eluded him.

    With KD targeting a return in the Phoenix’s matchup against the Hornets in Charlotte next Thursday (AEDT) and the Suns now favoured to come out of the West, perhaps a union between Anthony and Phoenix could be the perfect fit for both parties.

    Best plays of NBA All-Star game | 01:58

    TROUBLE BREWING IN PARADISE?

    Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards have been synonymous over the course of the last decade with the three-time All-Star knocking back interest from around the league on multiple occasions to remain loyal to the team that drafted him third overall back in 2012.

    However despite signing a five-year, $251 million ($A367.7m) max contract on last off-season, the 29-year-old’s patience appears to be wearing thin after being starved of success during his time in the nation’s capital, according to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears.

    “While Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal truly enjoyed the competition and pageantry of attending his first Finals game, he was also emotionally crushed that he has never come close to being in a Finals game during 10 seasons with the Washington Wizards,” Spears wrote in reference to Beal sitting courtside at Game 4 of the NBA Finals last season.

    Beal recounted the moment during a Q&A interview with Spears.

    “Just the atmosphere, as a competitor, you’re like, ‘Yo, I want to be a part of this. I want to hoop on this stage.’,” Beal said.

    “… To see the competitive nature of the game, I got to get there.”

    Bradley Beal just wants to win. (Photo by Scott Taetsch)Source: Getty Images

    The 6-foot-4 shooting guard has had tremendous individual success during his career scoring an average of 22.1 points per game, but has suffered through disappointment from a team perspective with the franchise having been to the playoffs five times but having never advanced to even the conference finals, let alone the NBA Finals.

    In fact the Wizards haven’t been to the conference finals in almost half a century when the then-Washington Bullets lost to the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1979 NBA Finals.

    Having achieved everything he could hope for individually prior to entering the league, the Missouri native’s sole focus is on hoisting the Larry O’Brien before he eventually retires.

    “I feel like I’ve accomplished a good amount of my career. I’ve been an All-Star, been All-NBA, averaged 30 in the league,” Beal said.

    “It’s just, ‘OK, what can I do now? What do you want to do?’ Win, win, win, win, win at the highest level, play in meaningful games, win multiple playoff series, get to the Finals, win a Finals. That’s what I want to do. That’s the goal.”

    Beal has consistently put his trust in the organisation to provide him with the support required to win that so-far elusive championship, but even he admits there comes a tipping point.

    “I’m patient, but there comes a time where you have to be a little selfish and draw a line in the sand, for sure,” he said.

    “So, I have thoughts in my head but at the same time I stay in the moment. I stay engaged with what we have and what we do and don’t get caught up in noise and just go from there, take it a day at a time, control what I can control.”

    The Wizards (28-30) entered the NBA All-Star break as the Eastern Conference’s No. 9 seed after winning 10 of their last 14 games – including Beal scoring at least 30 points in three of the last four games – but realistically the greatest hope for Washington this season is to merely make the postseason.

    Beal is currently in the prime of his career, but it won’t remain that way forever.

    If Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard can’t find a way to turn the roster into one that can genuinely challenge for the title in the very near future then Beal’s remarkable patience and unwavering loyalty may finally run out.

    Westbrook to make the move to Clippers | 00:55

    CONTROVERSIAL CHARLOTTE STAR SUPPOSEDLY SET FOR NBA RETURN

    Miles Bridges may soon be back in the league and once again playing for the Hornets according to his recent statement.

    “It’s been a long process,” Bridges told The Associated Press on Wednesday (AEDT) at halftime of Michigan State’s home game against No. 17 Indiana.

    “I might be back in March.”

    The 24-year-old forward led Charlotte in scoring last season and looked set to earn a massive contract after the restricted free-agent was extended a qualifying offer by the franchise, before he was arrested following an alleged domestic violence offence.

    Miles Bridges appears set to return from NBA exile. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton)Source: Getty Images

    The alleged victim Mychelle Johnson, Bridges’ wife with whom he shares two children, took to Instagram following the incident to share horrific images of her injuries and to speak out against the former first-round pick.

    “I hate that it has come to this but I can’t be silent anymore,” Mychelle Johnson, 24, posted. “I’ve allowed someone to destroy my home, abuse me in every way possible and traumatise our kids for life.

    “I don’t need sympathy, I just don’t want this happening to anyone else. I just want this person to get help, my kids deserve better. That’s all I want. It hurts, everything hurts, this situation hurts, most importantly I’m scared and hurting for my kids who were witness to everything.”

    Johnson described the sickening abuse through a series of photos showing scratches to her face, her bloody ear, bruises along her arm, back, and legs.

    In one of the photos, a medical report claims Johnson was a “victim of abuse by a male partner” and sustained a nasal bone fracture, a strained neck, and a concussion.

    Bridges, who fled the scene before police arrived, was charged with felony domestic violence when he turned himself in to Los Angeles police.

    The 6-foot-7 Flint, Michigan native has not played this season while under an NBA investigation for the incident.

    He pleaded no contest three months ago in Los Angeles to a felony count of injuring a child’s parent, agreeing to do so in exchange for three years probation and no jail time. Bridges also has to complete 52 weeks of parenting classes, 52 weeks of domestic violence counselling and 100 hours of community service as part of the agreement.

    While Bridges has forecast an imminent return to on-court action with the team he spent his first four seasons in the NBA with, he may still face disciplinary action from the league including but not limited to a lengthy suspension.

    Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak was coy when asked about Bridges situation and future with the team earlier this month.

    “The NBA is conducting an investigation and I don’t know when that is going to end,” Kupchak said.

    “When it ends, we’ll have more information and we’ll go from there. I’ll leave it up to you to decide what kind of impact that had on our team this year.”



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