Partner to Larsen: Pereira must axe Arokodare for "relentless" Wolves star

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2024/25 Premier League campaign has been defined by frustration and disappointment.

Five games in, they are rooted to the bottom of the table with zero points and a goal difference of -9.

Their attack has looked blunt, generating one of the lowest expected goals (xG) figures in the division – only Aston Villa, Burnley, and Leeds rank worse.

This stands in stark contrast to their Carabao Cup outings, where they have shown flashes of potential.

They beat West Ham in the second round with a convincing display and now have an opportunity to build momentum against Everton in the third round on Wednesday night.

For manager Pereira, this cup tie feels like more than just a fixture; it’s a chance to breathe life into a faltering season.

The departure of Matheus Cunha, who was instrumental last year, has left a void in Wolves’ attacking play.

While the defensive structure under Pereira’s three-at-the-back system has shown glimpses of resilience, the final third remains the glaring weakness.

Upcoming fixtures, including clashes with relegation rivals Sunderland and Burnley after the international break, demand fresh solutions.

Arokodare's difficult start at Wolves

When Wolves signed Tolu Arokodare from Genk for £24 million, there was genuine excitement.

The 24-year-old forward had just finished as the Belgian Pro League’s Golden Boot winner, scoring 21 goals and establishing himself as a dominant aerial threat.

In total, he netted 41 times in 113 appearances for Genk, suggesting he could be the answer to Wolves’ goalscoring problems.

So far, however, the transition has been anything but smooth.

Arokodare has featured twice in the Premier League for a combined 156 minutes, starting against Newcastle and Leeds. While his physical presence is undeniable, his output has underwhelmed.

Against Leeds, he recorded three shots, but only one was on target. His dribbling attempts yielded no success, and although he contested 13 aerial duels, he only won seven, as per Sofascore.

The numbers reflect a player still adjusting to the intensity and pace of English football.

Wolves fans were expecting a ruthless finisher; instead, they’ve seen a forward struggling to impose himself.

Pereira’s persistence with Arokodare has become synonymous with the side’s wider attacking malaise.

At a time when Wolves desperately need sharpness in the final third, he has looked like a work in progress rather than a solution.

How Pereira can get Wolves firing again

The return of Jorgen Strand Larsen could change the equation entirely.

The Norwegian striker has been Wolves’ talisman since arriving from Celta Vigo, having scored 14 league goals on loan.

That tally accounted for 22% of Wolves’ total strikes, a contribution that proved decisive in avoiding relegation last season.

His commitment was underlined this summer when he signed a new deal until 2030 despite Champions League club Newcastle United tabling bids of £50m and £55m.

Strand Larsen has already opened his account for the campaign, scoring twice in the Carabao Cup win over West Ham.

Yet an Achilles injury has sidelined him for the past two league games, leaving Wolves blunt in attack.

Now fit again, his return offers Pereira an ideal chance to reset the forward line.

The ideal partner for him is Jhon Arias, the Colombian winger-forward who joined from Fluminense for £15m.

Arias contributed four goals and 13 assists in Brazil last season, showcasing his ability to both score and create.

His versatility makes him well-suited to Pereira’s 3-5-2 system, where he could play just off Strand Larsen, stretching defences and linking midfield with attack.

Although Arias has only managed 179 league minutes so far, his technical qualities have been clear, having also been hailed for his “relentless” work off the ball by analyst Ben Mattinson.

John Arias – 2025

Matches Played

12

Goals

1

Assists

4

Progressive Carries

48

Progressive Passes

55

Source: FBref

He thrives in tight spaces, has the vision to pick progressive passes, and the pace to break lines – elements Wolves sorely lack when Arokodare leads the line.

If given a run of games, Arias could replicate the kind of strike partnerships Wolves have historically relied upon in Derek Dougan and John Richards.

Everton in the League Cup provides the perfect stage to test this combination.

Strand Larsen’s presence guarantees a focal point, while Arias’ creativity and movement would add unpredictability.

Together, they could finally give Wolves the attacking structure to match the defensive solidity that has, at times, looked promising.

Wolves' most expensive signings of all time

Football FanCast takes a detailed look at Wolves’ 10 most expensive signings of all time.

ByCharlie Smith Sep 5, 2025

OPINIÃO: 'Palmeiras vai pegar o pior Galo dos últimos três anos, mas isso não significa nada'

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras encara o Atlético-MG, nesta quarta-feira (2), pelo primeiro jogo das oitavas de final da Copa Libertadores 2023 e pelo terceiro ano consecutivo tenta eliminar a equipe mineira da competição continental.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasDudu se aproxima do retorno, e Palmeiras inicia preparação para enfrentar o Atlético-MGPalmeiras31/07/2023Futebol InternacionalOitavas de final da Libertadores: onde assistir, chaveamento, datas e horários dos jogosFutebol Internacional01/08/2023PalmeirasRony ultrapassa marca de Arce e iguala Raphael Veiga na artilharia do ano no PalmeirasPalmeiras31/07/2023

+ Veja tabela da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

Apesar de viver um período de muitas críticas da torcida pela falta de contratações e do enfraquecimento do elenco, o Verdão chega um pouco melhor do que o Galo para o duelo deste meio de semana, mas nem Abel Ferreira, nem a torcida alviverde quer chamar o favoritismo para si, até porque apesar do momento péssimo vivido, o Galo fez um jogo bem competitivo diante do Flamengo, no último sábado.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

A equipe de Felipão ainda não venceu nenhum jogo sob seu comando e vai chegar muito mais pressionada pelo resultado do que o time de Abel Ferreira. Já são nove jogos sem saber o que é vitória pelo lado atleticano.

continua após a publicidade

Em 2021, o Palmeiras de Abel Ferreira eliminou um dos melhores times do Atlético-MG deste Século XXI. Campeão Brasileiro e da Copa do Brasil, o gol de Dudu tirou a chance de uma tríplice coroa histórica do Galo e carimbou o passaporte do Verdão para fazer história em Montevidéu no mês seguinte.

Já na temporada passada, o Galo de Cuca jogava a vida no ano diante do Verdão, e apesar do equilíbrio nas duas partidas, o Palmeiras de Abel talvez vivia o seu ápice tanto de futebol quanto de força do elenco. A decisão nos penais entrou para a história como um dos momentos de maior superação do clube nos últimos tempos, uma vez que o time acabou a partida com dois jogadores a menos.

continua após a publicidade

+ OLHAR DO PORCO: Mais importante que os três pontos, é recuperar a confiança, Palmeiras!

Acho que fica claro que o Palmeiras enfrentará o pior Galo desses últimos três anos, mas para muitos, esse também é o pior Palmeiras dos últimos três anos.

A única diferença é que o Verdão segue confiando no ótimo trabalho de Abel Ferreira, principalmente em Libertadores. Lembrando que o clube chega às oitavas com a melhor campanha da primeira fase.

Aos palmeirenses fica a esperança de que o clube consiga uma classificação desta vez um pouco menos sofrida, mas para isso o time vai ter que competir demais, porque o Galo também joga praticamente a sua salvação na temporada diante do Verdão.

Que duelos teremos no Mineirão e no Allianz Parque nessas próximas duas semanas! Graças a Deus estaremos lá nas duas!

'A proud and defining moment' for Zimbabwe cricket

The ongoing Test at Trent Bridge is Zimbabwe’s first in England since 2003

ESPNcricinfo staff23-May-2025

The ongoing Trent Bridge Test is Zimbabwe’s first in England since 2003•AFP/Getty Images

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani has said the team’s ongoing Test against England is a “defining moment” that “underscores the importance of inclusive participation in the game’s most revered format.”The Trent Bridge Test is Zimbabwe’s first Test in England since 2003, and their first international game across formats in the country since 2004. After the four-day Test, Zimbabwe will also play a four-day game against South Africa in Arundel from June 3 to 6.”Zimbabwe’s return to Test cricket in England marks a proud and defining moment – not only for our team but for the global cricket community,” Mukuhlani said in a statement. “It reflects our continued growth as a cricketing nation and underscores the importance of inclusive participation in the game’s most revered format.Related

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“Test cricket remains the ultimate measure of skill, character and endurance. For it to thrive, all Test-playing nations – especially smaller teams like ours – must be afforded meaningful opportunities to compete regularly, including against top-tier opposition.”This match against England is more than just a contest – it is a celebration of Test cricket’s enduring power to inspire, challenge and unite. It reaffirms our conviction that the red-ball game must remain at the heart of cricket’s future, with teams like Zimbabwe playing a full and active role at its core.”After a tough first day, on which England scored 498 for 3 before declaring on 565 for 6 on the second morning, Zimbabwe responded positively with opener Brian Bennett scoring a hundred off 97 balls. It was the fastest Test hundred by a Zimbabwean and he is only their third batter to score one against England.Since making their Test comeback in 2011, Zimbabwe have played 40 matches in 14 years – an average of just under three Tests a year – but they have 11 Tests lined up in 2025.

Com atuação majestosa de Lucas Moura e milagres de Rafael, São Paulo bate o Corinthians e está na final da Copa do Brasil

MatériaMais Notícias

É bem capaz que não tenham avisado a defesa do Corinthians que Lucas Moura havia voltado ao São Paulo. O jogador e o Tricolor não tiveram nada a ver com isso e aproveitaram todos os espaços dados pelos corintianos para garantir, ainda no primeiro tempo, a vitória por 2 a 0 no jogo de volta da semifinal da Copa do Brasil. O resultado colocou o clube do Morumbi de volta à final da Copa do Brasil. Lucas marcou o segundo, sendo que o primeiro foi anotado por Wellington Rato, aposta do técnico Dorival Júnior para a partida.

RelacionadasFutebol LatinoEstudiantes terá ‘vantagem’ para encarar o CorinthiansFutebol Latino16/08/2023Futebol NacionalBarba e bigode! Palmeiras vence o Corinthians fora de casa e garante vaga na final do Brasileirão Sub-20Futebol Nacional15/08/2023CorinthiansSaiba quanto o Corinthians irá faturar com a ida de Carlos Augusto à Inter de MilãoCorinthians15/08/2023

Com muitas dificuldades para se encontar na partida, o Timão deu espaços defensivos e não conseguiu segurar o resultado conquistado há três semanas, no jogo de ida, realizado na Neo Química Arena. Quando foi para o abafa, já nos 15 minutos finais, parou em uma noite inspirada do goleiro Rafael que fez, pelo menos, duas grandes defesas e garantiu os são-paulinos na decisão do torneio nacional

+ Assista aos jogos do seu clube do coração com aquela gelada! Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00

CINCO LANCES QUE MARCARAM A PARTIDA

> FESTA BONITA, MAS ATITUDE LAMENTÁVEL: a torcida do São Paulo fez uma linda festa na recepção ao ônibus do Tricolor, com pessoas penduradas em árvores e placas, árvores e muitas queimas de fogos. No entanto, tudo o que aconteceu na chegada do veículo que trouxe a delegação são-paulina foi manchado quando o ‘busão’ que trouxe o elenco do Corinthians chegou. Garrafas foram atiradas e depredaram vidros e parte da lataria do meio de transporte corintiano. A situação fez com que o Timão atrasasse a sua chegada ao estádio do Morumbi e, consequentemente, a bola demorou nove minutos para rolar em relação ao horário previsto para o início da partida.

>!RATO NA CORUJA! O São Paulo começou mandando no jogo, indo para cima e dominando as ações ofensivas, enquanto o Corinthians estava na base do abafa e chutão. Em um deles, Cássio saiu jogando errado, a bola sobrou com Wellington Rato que teve toda a liberdade do mundo para dominar, avançar, trazer para dentro e mandar um chute na gaveta, onde a coruja faz o ninho. E nem se três Cássios pulassem no canto direito conseguiriam defender. Brilhou a estrela do atacante e do técnico Dorival Júnior, que apostou no jogador justamente no duelo mais importante do ano, até aqui. 

>LUCAS (GOL)RA: Com passagem pela base do Corinthians, quando era Marcelinho (por conta da semelhança com o ‘pé de anjo’), mas revelado pelo São Paulo. Voltou para casa, e no seu terceiro jogo marcou o segundo gol. E em uma jogada que teve ele do começo ao fim. Rodrigo Nestor foi para o fundo e tocou para trás. Lucas tinha condição de finalizar, mas inverteu para Wellington Rato, pelo lado direito. O atacante escorou de cabeça para o meio da área, entre os zagueiros corintianos, que ficaram parados. E aí, Lucas Moura foi de novo Lucas (Gol)ra. Ou, Lucas gol lá. Lá no fundo do gol adversário. O primeiro no Morumbi em seu retorno para o berço. 

> WESLEY INCENDEIA: o garoto entrou aos 17 minutos do segundo tempo e, a partir dos 30, colocou fogo no jogo pelo lado esquerdo. Partiu dos pés dele as duas primeiras grandes chances do Timão. Na primeira, a bola sobrou para Maycon, que chutou para fora, mas muito próximo da trave do goleiro Rafael. Na sequência, o próprio garoto bateu cruzado e mandou para fora, mas, novamente, com muito perigo.

> DEUS RAFAEL: quando o Corinthians resolveu jogar, duas grandes chances pararam em defesas espetaculares de Rafael. A primeira foi em um chute de fora da área do Matías Rojas, que tinha o ângulo direito como endereço. O camisa 23 do Tricolor foi buscar com a mão trocada. A segunda foi no último lance da partida, quando, após um cruzamento na área, a bola foi rebatida e sobrou para Giuliano bater, da entrada da pequena área, à queima roupa, parando no são-paulino. A arbitragem marcou impedimento no lance, mas ele certamente seria revisado pelo VAR.

COMO FOI O PRIMEIRO TEMPO?

Primeiro tempo de somente um time: o São Paulo. Precisando tirar uma desvantagem de dois gols, o Tricolor foi para cima do Corinthians desde o início. E não demorou muito para abrir o placar. Na primeira grande chance criada, Wellington Rato teve toda a liberdade do mundo para avançar, cortar para o meio e enfiar um canudo no ângulo direito do goleiro Cássio. O lance, inclusive, começou após uma reposição de bola errada do arqueiro corintiano. E a equipe são-paulina seguiu em cima, tanto que ampliou a vantagem ainda na etapa inicial, com o craque do primeiro tempo: Lucas Moura. Em uma troca de passes, o camisa 7 recebeu na entrada da área e inverteu para Rato, que, de cabeça, colocou entre os zagueiros corintianos que pararam. Lucas entrou sozinho cabeceou na trave, mas a bola acabou entrando. O único momento de perigo corintiano foi em uma cabeçada de Murillo, após cobrança de escanteio, que passou pelo canto direito de Rafael, que ficou parado e tirou com os olhos. A bola tirou tinta da trave no Morumbi. 

E A ETAPA FINAL?

O Corinthians voltou para o segundo tempo com duas alterações: entraram Fagner e Matías Rojas nos lugares de Bruno Méndez e Fausto Vera. Mesmo assim, o Timão não conseguiu criar as primeiras mudanças. Então, precisou de outras substituições para entrar de vez no jogo. Assim, entraram Matheus Bidu, Giuliano e Wesley aos 17 minutos da etapa final. E, principalmente, o ingresso do terceiro fez o clube alvinegro incendiar. Na casa dos 30 minutos, os corintianos começaram a ensaiar uma pressão e criaram dois grandes lances de perigo. Um iniciado pelo garoto e que terminou com um chute para fora de Maycon. E o segundo com a própria cria do terrão, que bateu cruzado e tirou tinta da trave são-paulina. Antes, o São Paulo teve, pelo menos, duas boas chances de ampliar o marcador. Na principal delas, Calleri ganhou a marcação e tentou a finalização de letra, que parou no goleiro Cássio. Nos minutos finais, o Corinthians foi para a pressão. E foi onde brilhou a estrela do goleiro Rafael, do São Paulo, que fez dois milagres. O primeiro, em um chute de fora da área de Rojas, que iria no ângulo direito. A segunda, no último segundo com uma bola rebatida após cruzamento que sobrou para Giuliano, na entrada da pequena área, enchendo o pé e parando novamente no paredão do Tricolor. A arbitragem marcou impedimento, mas o lance seria revisado pela arbitragem de vídeo.

OS NÚMEROS DO JOGO

+ Confira com mais detalhes como foi a partida

FICHA TÉCNICA
SÃO PAULO 2 X 0 CORINTHIANS
COPA DO BRASIL – SEMIFINAL – JOGO DE VOLTA

Local:estádio do Morumbi, São Paulo (SP)
Data e hora:16 de agosto de 2023, às 19h30 (de Brasília)
Árbitro:Raphael Claus (FIFA/SP)
Assistentes:Bruno Boschilia (FIFA/PR) e Rodrigo Henrique Correa (FIFA/RJ)
Árbitro de vídeo:Igor Junio Benevenuto de Oliveira (VAR-FIFA/MG)
Público e renda:
Cartões amarelos: Murillo (Corinthians)
Cartões vermelhos:

GOLS: 1-0 Wellington Rato (13’/1T); 2-0 Lucas Moura (31’/1T)

SÃO PAULO
Rafael; Rafinha, Arboleda, Beraldo e Welington; Pablo Maia e Alisson (Gabi Neves, 27’/2T); Wellington Rato (Juan, 32’/2T), Lucas Moura e Rodrigo Nestor (Michel Araújo, 32’/2T); Calleri (Diego Costa, 44’/2T). Técnico: Dorival Júnior.

CORINTHIANS
Cássio; Bruno Méndez (Fagner, intervalo), Gil, Murillo e Fábio Santos (Matheus Bidu, 17’/2T); Fausto Vera (Matías Rojas, intervalo), Maycon, Ruan Oliveira (Giuliano, 17’/2T) e Renato Augusto; Adson (Wesley, 17’/2T) e Yuri Alberto. Técnico: Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

O QUE VEM POR AÍ

O primeiro jogo decisivo da Copa do Brasil acontece exatamente em um mês, no dia 16 de setembro. A volta será na semana seguinte, no dia 23. O São Paulo aguarda o vencedor de Flamengo e Grêmio para conhecer o adversário. Os cariocas tem uma vantagem de dois gols adqurida no jogo de ida, em Porto Alegre. Portanto, as chances são grandes

Antes desses jogos, no entanto, o Tricolor terá compromissos pelo Brasileirão e Copa Sul-Americana. Na competição nacional, o time do Morumbi enfrente Botafogo, América-MG, Coritiba e Internacional. Já no torneio continental, terá dois jogos contra a LDU, do Equador, nos dias 24 e 31 de agosto.

O Timão também tem essas duas competições pela frente. A equipe alvinegra, que tenta se distanciar da zona do rebaixamento, enfrenta o Cruzeiro, neste sábado (19), às 21h, no Mineirão. Já na Sula, o clube do Parque São Jorge terá dois duelos diante do Estudiantes, da Argentina, nos dias 22 ee 29 de agosto.

"عيب أوي".. أيمن يونس يرد على تصريحات ثروت سويلم ضد حلمي طولان

علق أيمن يونس لاعب الزمالك السابق، على تصريحات ثروت سويلم، المتحدث الرسمي باسم رابطة الأندية، بشأن أزمة منتخب مصر الثاني، وتلويح حلمي طولان المدير الفني بالاستقالة.

وكان سويلم قد قال عن تلويح حلمي طولان مدرب المنتخب الثاني بالاستقالة حال عدم تأجيل مباراتين لـ بيراميدز، إنه لو أصر على الاعتذار فمصر مليئة بالكوادر ويتمنون هذا المنصب، طالع من هنا.

وتشهد الكرة المصرية أزمة في الساعات الأخيرة، بين رابطة الأندية المحترفة والمدير الفني لمنتخب مصر الثاني، حلمي طولان، بشأن طلب تأجيل مباريات فريق بيراميدز بسبب مشاركة عدد من لاعبيه مع المنتخب، وتضارب مواعيد بطولة كأس العرب مع مواجهات بيراميدز في كأس الانتركونتيننتال.

ورد أيمن يونس على تصريحات ثروت سويلم، قائلا عبر حسابه على منصة “إكس”: “رد غير مقبول …يا طولان غيرك يتمني ؟!!، بجد عيب ..بدل ما نقول  حنوفر كل سبل الاعداد و الراحه والتجهيز المميز المناسب لمنتخب مصر المحلي  ..يا سياده المسؤل ده اسم مصر ……ده رد ده !!!!!!!..عيب اوي “.

ويشارك منتخب مصر في بطولة كأس العرب في الفترة من 1 حتى 18 ديسمبر المقبل، وأسفرت القرعة عن تواجده في المجموعة الثالثة، التي تضم كلاً من، الأردن والإمارات والفائز من (الكويت ضد موريتانيا).

Chelsea have a "future Ballon d'Or winner" who's as exciting as Estevao

Even though they have received plenty of criticism for it over the years, Chelsea’s transfer policy has seen them build a squad full of exceptionally talented youngsters.

The club might not be ready to challenge for a Premier League title this season, but over the next few years, as their youngsters become increasingly comfortable, they could be a real force in all competitions.

One of the players who looks like he could be a genuine superstar for the West Londoners is Estevao, who was sensational against Liverpool on Saturday.

However, Chelsea have already got their hands on another incredible prospect who could end up being an even bigger talent than the 18-year-old.

Estevao's brilliant performance against Liverpool

It should be said that Estevao’s brilliant display against Liverpool on the weekend didn’t come as much of a surprise to Chelsea fans and those who have been watching them this season.

After all, while he hadn’t scored before the game, he had made a couple of impressive cameos off the bench against the likes of Crystal Palace and Benfica.

Moreover, in his first start for the club, against West Ham United, he was near-enough unplayable and, thanks to some silky movement and technical brilliance, provided his first assist for Joao Pedro.

However, even then, it can’t be denied that his efforts against Arne Slot’s side felt far more significant and like a real statement to the rest of the league.

He only came on in the 75th minute, but once he was on the pitch, it was impossible to ignore him.

Granted, a lot of what he tried didn’t actually come off for him, but the fact that he attempted three dribbles, played two key passes, and was accurate in two of his three crosses in just a little over 20 minutes of action is hugely impressive.

He made Andy Robertson’s life miserable in the closing moments of the game and then, thanks to his awareness and positioning, was in the right place at the right time to poke home the winner.

Daniel Sturridge summed it up well after the game when he said the teenage gem “came on and was absolutely top draw.”

In all, Estevao looks destined to reach the very top of the game, but Chelsea have already signed another sensational prospect who might just be an even bigger talent.

Chelsea's bigger talent than Estevao

In good news for Chelsea fans, there are a few genuinely exciting youngsters set to join the squad next summer, including Denner, Geovany Quenda, and Kenry Paez.

Chalkboard

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

However, when it comes to someone who might be a bigger talent than Estevao, only one name comes to mind: Dastan Satpayev.

The Blues secured a deal for the Kazakhstani forward in February, but as he was 16 at the time and is now 17, he has to wait another season before he can move to West London.

However, that might not actually be such a bad thing, as he’s been getting plenty of game time with Kairat Almaty in recent campaigns and making quite the impression.

For example, in 27 appearances last season, totalling 1908 minutes, the young phenom scored 13 goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.35 games, or every 95.4 minutes.

Satpayev’s 24/25

Appearances

27

Minutes

1908′

Goals

13

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.74

Minutes per Goal Involvement

95.4′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

So far this season, the Almaty-born ace has scored three goals and provided one assist in nine games, seven of which have been qualifiers for the Champions League, with the other two being in the competition proper.

The hype surrounding the forward is no joke, with one analyst going as far as calling him “a future Ballon d’Or winner” and, as if that wasn’t enough pressure, “a future rival to Lamine Yamal.”

Finally, the 17-year-old is not just impressing at club level, but also on the international stage.

After producing five goal involvements in ten games for Kazakhstan’s U17 side, and then making one appearance for the U21s, he has already won five senior caps, two of which have come against Wales.

Ultimately, Estevao is the man of the moment and appears destined for greatness, but it seems that Satpayev will follow a very similar path in a year’s time and could even surpass him.

Moises Caicedo tells Chelsea fans where he ranks himself compared to Kante

The Blues midfielder scored a stunning goal as his side went on to defeat Liverpool.

BySean Markus Clifford Oct 6, 2025

PBKS' chance to go to the head of the class

With the race for a top-two finish still wide open, PBKS are in control of their destiny

Hemant Brar23-May-20252:28

Moody: ‘Surprised Brar hasn’t played more games’

Big picture: Punjab’s uncrowned kingsPunjab Kings (PBKS) were 122 for 1 in 10.1 overs when their match against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamsala was aborted on May 8, and IPL 2025 was suspended for a week. The two teams will replay that game on Saturday, but this time at a neutral venue Jaipur, where a victory for PBKS will take them to the top of the points table.PBKS had held a pre-season camp in Dharamsala to get acclimatised to their second home ground. But now they will play two crucial games at a third “home” venue. Their only advantage is that their previous game, against Rajasthan Royals, was also here, while DC are yet to play in Jaipur this season.While PBKS have qualified for the playoffs, the race for a top-two finish is still open and defeats for Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the last two days have left them in a good position. If they win their remaining two games, they will finish No. 1.*This is the first time since 2014 that PBKS have qualified for the playoffs. And this revival has been led by their uncapped Indian batters. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have given them explosive starts, Nehal Wadhera has played impactful knocks in the middle order and Shashank Singh has finished well towards the end. Add captain Shreyas Iyer to it and you have five batters with over 250 runs at a strike rate of over 150. They are the first team in IPL history to have five such batters in a season.DC are now out of the race for the playoffs. They had started strongly, with five wins in six games. But then they had a reversal of fortunes and could win only one of their next seven. However, given how important this game is for PBKS, they will not take DC lightly.Form guidePunjab Kings WWWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Delhi Capitals LLLLWShreyas Iyer could once again play as Impact Player•BCCI

In the spotlight: Shreyas Iyer and KL RahulShreyas Iyer is the first captain to lead three IPL teams into the playoffs. He did it with DC in successive seasons, in 2019 and 2020, and led Kolkata Knight Riders to the title last year. Now he has done it with PBKS. With the bat, he has 435 runs at a strike rate of 174.69, which is almost 30 points higher than his strike rate last season. His strike rate of 182.19 in the non-powerplay overs is second only to Nicholas Pooran’s 211.51.Like Shreyas, KL Rahul too has been out of India’s T20I side for a while now. Like Shreyas, he too has upped his strike rate this season. Unlike Shreyas, not being the captain seems to have brought the best out of him. Leading Lucknow Super Giants last year, he scored 520 runs at 136.12. This year, he is on 504 at 148.67 with one game to go. Can he ensure DC finish on a positive note?Team news and likely XIIsShreyas did not field in the last game because of a finger injury. If things have not improved, he may once again play as Impact Player. Meanwhile, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis and Kyle Jamieson have (re)joined the squad. Inglis and Jameison could be straight swaps for Mitchell Owen and Xavier Bartlett, but picking one between Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai might not be as simple.Punjab Kings (probable): 1 Priyansh Arya, 2 Prabhsimran Singh, 3 Josh Inglis (wk), 4 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 5 Nehal Wadhera, 6 Marcus Stoinis/Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Shashank Singh, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Kyle Jamieson, 10 Harpreet Brar, 11 Arshdeep Singh, 12 Yuzvendra ChahalAxar Patel did not train on the eve of the match as he is still recovering from the illness that forced him to miss the last game. If he remains unavailable, DC may give seam-bowling allrounder Madhav Tiwari another chance.Delhi Capitals (probable) 1 KL Rahul, 2 Faf du Plessis, 3 Abishek Porel (wk), 4 Tristan Stubbs, 5 Sameer Rizvi, 6 Ashutosh Sharma, 7 Axar Patel (capt)/Madhav Tiwari, 8 Vipraj Nigam, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Mustafizur Rahman, 12 Mukesh KumarThe big questionPitch and conditionsThe average first-innings score at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium this IPL has been 200. So expect a high-scoring game once again. During the daytime, there is a warning for excessive heat. While it will be cooler in the evening, the mercury will still hover around 36°C.Key stats Axar has favourable match-ups against Prabhsimran and Inglis. Against Prabhsimran, he has conceded only 24 runs in 26 balls in the IPL while dismissing him once. And he has dismissed Inglis twice in 13 balls in all T20s while giving away just ten runs. So if he is fit to play, he could open the bowling. Shreyas has a strike rate of only 110.00 (33 runs in 30 balls, one dismissal) against Mustafizur Rahman in all T20 cricket. Rahul has struggled against Arshdeep Singh (31 runs off 25 balls, two dismissals) in the IPL but has a strike rate of 150.60 (125 off 83, one dismissal) against Yuzvendra Chahal. Chahal has had the upper hand against Faf du Plessis: 44 runs in 50 balls, three dismissals.Quotes”I’m not on the selection panel but I would expect that we’re going to pick our best team to win tomorrow. I think it’s important for us as a group to finish well and put ourselves in a position to win the match. I would have thought if it’s a lineball decision, that [trying new plyers] may happen, but generally speaking we’ll look at their team, look at the wicket today, which looks an absolute belter, and pick our best team to win the match and finish strongly, which is what all of our group wants.”
*Updated after the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad

Spurs can replace Kudus by unleashing "one of England's best young talents"

Former Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy made the bold decision to part ways with head coach Ange Postecoglou after the club won the Europa League at the end of last season.

The dismal Premier League form, which resulted in a 17th-placed finish, was enough to see the former Celtic boss lose his job, and Thomas Frank was brought in to replace him.

The Danish tactician has won five, drawn two, and lost two of his first nine matches in charge of the Lilywhites, in what has been a fairly impressive start to life in North London.

Frank will not have been happy with his side’s performance in their 1-1 draw at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out in the Premier League, though, as they needed a last-gasp equaliser from Joao Palhinha to snatch a point.

Levy backed the new head coach in the transfer market with a host of new signings, including Palhinha, before he moved on from the club after the summer transfer window.

One of the summer signings who has divided opinions among the fanbase so far this season is former West Ham United attacker Mohammed Kudus.

Why Spurs need to see more from Mohammed Kudus

The Europa League champions swooped to sign the Ghana international from their Premier League rivals for a fee of £55m in the summer, hoping to improve their attack.

There have been flashes of quality from the left-footed star early on in his Spurs career, with three assists in six Premier League matches to date.

His best moment in a Spurs shirt so far was his assist for Richarlison’s wonder goal against Burnley on the opening day of the season, with a lightning-quick change of direction to create space for a cross for the Brazilian striker.

His three assists, though, have come from one ‘big chance’ created and an xA of 1.09. This suggests that he has been slightly fortunate to have been rewarded with as many assists as he has.

Kudus’ assist against Brighton is perhaps an example of that fortune, as the winger appeared to be going for goal with a shot that fell to the feet of Richarlison, who bundled the ball in from close range.

Mohammed Kudus

Vs Brighton

Vs Wolves

Minutes

90

90

Shots

2

2

Dribbles completed

6/12

5/10

Key passes

2

1

Assists

0

1

Duels won

8/20

8/24

Possession lost

27x

22x

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the £55m signing from West Ham has been incredibly wasteful in the last two matches for Spurs against Brighton and Wolves, losing the ball a staggering 49 times in 180 minutes.

To create only three chances for the team whilst losing the ball 49 times suggests that Kudus is not providing enough quality in his end product, as a dribbler or as a creator.

His lack of threat as a goalscorer is also a cause for concern. Kudus has yet to score from 1.01 xG in the Premier League for Spurs, which comes after he scored just five goals from 6.90 xG for West Ham in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore.

Therefore, Tottenham and Frank need to see more from the winger on the ball and in the final third, because his current lack of goals and his wastefulness in possession are not ideal.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Spurs, though, do have a young talent emerging in their academy who could have the potential to replace the £55m signing in the mid-to-long-term.

Luca Williams-Barnett made his first-team debut for the club against Doncaster in the League Cup earlier this month at the age of just 16, and he could be a future star in North London.

Why Luca Williams-Barnett could replace Mohammed Kudus

The versatile attacker got eight minutes of senior football under his belt off the bench in that match, which shows that he is in Frank’s thoughts and has done enough at academy level to warrant a chance in the first-team.

Williams-Barnett’s form for the club at youth level has been sensational and suggests that the Lilywhites have a major talent on their hands that they need to carefully develop.

Described by analyst Ben Mattinson as “one of England’s best talents at youth level”, the 16-year-old talent has started the 2025/26 campaign with a return of six goals and four assists in all competitions, including a hat-trick for the U21s against Leicester City earlier this month.

Williams-Barnett predominantly plays through the middle as a number ten, per Transfermarkt, but he has also been deployed out wide on the left and the right during his youth career in North London.

The teenage sensation was described as a “pure talent” with “silky dribbling” by U23 scout Antonio Mango. Talent scout Jacek Kulig, meanwhile, hailed him as the figurehead of an “exciting” generation of young talents at Spurs.

Luca Williams-Barnett

24/25

25/26

Appearances

23

8

Minutes

1857

599

Goals

20

6

Minutes per goal

93

100

Assists

12

4

Minutes per assist

155

150

Minutes per goal contribution

58

60

Stats via Transfermarkt

It is easy to understand why talent scouts are so excited by the potential of Williams-Barnett when you look at his statistics in the table above, because he has averaged a goal or an assist every hour of football at youth level since the start of last season.

These statistics show that he provides a regular threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for Spurs at U21 and U18 level, which earned him a first-team debut against Doncaster.

The next step for Williams-Barnett in his development is to make his Premier League debut and show that he can translate his attacking prowess to first-team level.

Given that Kudus is yet to fully convince on the right flank and that the youngster has played out wide at academy level, unleashing the 16-year-old star on the right wing could be one way to plot a pathway into the team for him.

Fewer touches than Vicario: Frank must drop 4/10 Spurs dud after Wolves

Tottenham Hotspur failed to claim all three points against Wolves, with one player disappointing throughout.

2 ByEthan Lamb Sep 28, 2025

There is no rush for that to happen this week or next month, or even this year. He only turns 17 on Wednesday and has plenty of time left ahead of him, but his impressive progression at youth level suggests that Frank has a Kudus replacement in the making.

VÍDEO: Os melhores momentos da vitória do Atlético Mineiro sobre o Santos pelo Brasileirão

MatériaMais Notícias

O Atlético Mineiro, no jogo inaugural do seu novo estádio, venceu o Santos, por 2 a 0, em duelo válido pela 21ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Com dois gols de Paulinho, o Galo garantiu a festa e deixou o Peixe estagnado na zona de rebaixamento da competição. Veja no vídeo acima os melhores momentos da partida!

+ Já atualizou sua camisa de 2023? Confira os novos uniformes do Peixe!

CLASSIFICAÇÃO DOS TIMES

Com o resultado, o Atlético acumula 30 pontos pula para a 8ª posição da tabela, mas a sua colocação pode mudar por conta do desenrolar dos jogos da competição. Enquanto isso, o Santos permanece com 21 pontos e continua na 17ª classificação da tabela.

PRÓXIMOS JOGOS DO SANTOS: DATAS, HORÁRIOS E ONDE ASSISTIR

América-MG x Santos – sábado, 2/9, às 18h30. Independência. Brasileirão. Onde assistir: Premiere
Santos x Cruzeiro – quarta-feira, 13/9, às 21h30. Vila Belmiro. Brasileirão. Onde assistir: Globo e Premiere
Bahia x Santos – segunda, 18/9, às 20h. Arena Fonte Nova. Brasileirão. Onde assistir: Premiere

PRÓXIMOS JOGOS DO ATLÉTICO MINEIRO: DATAS, HORÁRIOS E ONDE ASSISTIR

Athletico x Atlético-MG – sábado, 2/9, às 16h. Arena da Baixada. Brasileirão. Onde assistir: Rede Furacão
Atlético-MG x Botafogo – sábado, 16/9, às 21h. Arena MRV. Brasileirão. Onde assistir: SporTV e Premiere
Atlético-MG x Cuiabá – quinta, 21/9, às 21h30. Arena MRV. Brasileirão. Onde assistir: SporTV e Premiere

ديكلان رايس يفسر طريقه احتفاله بهدف آرسنال الثاني ضد بيرنلي

عبر ديكلان رايس، نجم نادي آرسنال، عن سعادته الكبيرة، جراء الفوز الذي حققه فريقه اليوم السبت على بيرنلي، بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، مفسرًا كذلك سبب احتفاله بتلك الطريقة بعد هدفه في مرمى أصحاب الأرض.

واستمر آرسنال في نتائجه المميزة خلال الفترة الأخيرة من هذا الموسم، وحقق الانتصار على حساب بيرنلي بهدفين دون مقابل، ضمن الجولة الـ10 من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وابتعد آرسنال في صدارة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ليؤكد الجانرز نيته لكسر لعنة عدم الفوز بلقب البطولة المحلية منذ موسم 2004.

وسجل رايس هدف آرسنال الثاني في لقاء اليوم، والذي جاء من رأسية رائعة.

اقرأ أيضًا .. ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي بعد فوز آرسنال على بيرنلي

واعترف رايس في تصريحات نقلتها “بي بي سي سبورت”، أن سبب احتفاله بالإشارة إلى السماء يعود إلى عمته والتي توفيت الأسبوع الماضي.

وقال رايس: “توفيت عمتي قبل مباراة فولهام. كنت أحبها حبًا جمًا وسافرت إلى كل مكان لمشاهدتي مع والدتي، أعلم أنها تشاهدني من الأسفل الآن، لذا كان هذا اليوم من أجلها”.

وعن الانتصار على بيرنلي، أضاف رايس في حديثه: “ربما خسر بيرنلي مرة واحدة على أرضهم خلال 18 شهرًا، كنا نعلم أنها ستكون مباراة صعبة، لذلك كان علينا التمسك بمبادئنا، برز أداؤنا بشكل واضح وكان بإمكاننا تسجيل أربعة أو خمسة أهداف في الشوط الأول”.

واختتم لاعب وست هام يونايتد السابق: “من المهم أن نواصل تسجيل الأهداف، هدفان مثاليان لنا، إذا نظرنا إلى الهدف الثاني ككل، نجد أننا ندافع ضد رمية تماس لعبت بشكل طولي من نصف ملعبنا، ثم جابرييل يحصل على الكرة وأنا أواصل الجري بها، كنت أشبه بلاعب خط وسط تقليدي اليوم”.

 

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