It might not have been a win, but Monday night’s draw against Everton was about as good a start to Nuno Espírito Santo’s West Ham United tenure as anyone really expected.

The Hammers fought back from one-nil down and looked the more likely winner for large parts of the second half, with Jarrod Bowen, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Crysencio Summerville looking seriously impressive.

However, there were also several players who flattered to deceive, and might be in for a fight to keep their place under the new boss.

In fact, there was one player in particular who should be removed from the team and ultimately moved on as soon as possible by Nuno.

West Ham's underperformers

One of the starters who could have played himself out of the starting lineup on Monday night was defender Konstantinos Mavropanos.

The former Arsenal ace looked unsure of himself for much of the encounter, did poorly for Michel Kean’s opener and maintained a passing accuracy of just 82%.

Likewise, while he wasn’t to blame for the goal, and just generally wasn’t as bad as the Greek ace, Kyle Walker-Peters didn’t exactly impress against the Toffees.

Minutes

95′

Expected Goals

0.00

Expected Assists

0.03

Clearances

3

Ground Duels (Won)

6 (3)

Aerial Duels (Won)

4 (2)

Lost Possession

11

Fouls

3

Crosses (Accurate)

1 (0)

Long Balls (Accurate)

6 (1)

Shots on Target

0

The former Southampton star won just 50% of his aerial and ground duels, lost the ball 11 times, completed just 80% of his passes, didn’t deliver a single accurate cross, misplaced five of six long balls and committed three fouls.

Moreover, the Englishman’s performance was made all the more uninspiring by the fact that Diouf was a monster on the opposite flank and could have had a hat-trick of assists by the end of the game.

Finally, while there were a couple of moments in which he showed his undeniable class, it was an overall frustrating showing from summer signing Mateus Fernandes.

The Portuguese ace amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.12, failed to play a single key pass, and didn’t have a shot on target or complete a dribble, generally looking rather average at best.

However, while all three of these players underwhelmed on the night, there was one starter who was even worse, a starter who has to be removed from the team by Nuno going forward.

The West Ham star Nuno has to drop

Given the poor performers already mentioned, it will probably come as no surprise that the starter in question was Niclas Füllkrug.

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The German international is a striker with a record that suggests he should be thriving in the Premier League.

After all, before he moved to the London Stadium, the “old-fashioned” striker, as dubbed by Ally McCoist, spent a season with German giants Borussia Dortmund in which he scored 15 goals and provided ten assists in 43 games.

Moreover, although he hasn’t played a game since June, the 32-year-old has won 24 senior caps for Germany, in which he has scored 14 goals and provided two assists.

Unfortunately, this eye for goal has not been apparent in England, as last season he managed only three goals and two assists in 20 games for the Irons, and this season he has yet to produce any goal involvement in six appearances.

It was another disappointing display on Monday, as the Hannover-born poacher looked miles off the pace on and off the ball, failed to make the right runs in behind and wasn’t even holding up the ball well.

On top of that, he seemed to lose the ball more regularly than you’d have expected, and while this all sounds harsh, his statistics more than justify this appraisal.

Minutes

89′

Expected Goals

0.24

Expected Assists

0.05

Goals

0

Assists

0

Shots on Target

1

Touches

37

Passing Accuracy

15/23 (65%)

Ground Duels (Won)

2 (1)

Aerial Duels (Won)

14 (4)

Lost Possession

9

Fouls

1

Offsides

1

In 89 minutes of inaction, the German international produced a combined expected goal and assist figure of 0.29, had just one shot on target, took 37 touches – eight fewer than Alphonse Aréola – completed just 65% of his passes, lost 11 of 16 duels, lost the ball nine times and was offside once.

Ultimately, it really was a terrible showing from Füllkrug, and while Nuno isn’t blessed with striker options at the moment, he should axe the German, look to move him on in the winter, and start Callum Wilson up top for now.

West Ham star already looks like "one of the best" in the PL under Nuno

West Ham picked up a point during Nuno Santo’s first match in charge.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 30, 2025

Major League Cricket (MLC) officials hope that Afghanistan players including Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad will be able to fulfil their contracts for the 2025 season after US president Donald Trump signed a travel ban which will come into effect next week.Trump’s proclamation will “fully restrict and limit the entry” into the United States of nationals of 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. He said the ban is designed to “protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people”.There are seven Afghanistan players under contract for MLC 2025: Rashid, Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq (all MI New York); Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Waqar Salamkheil (all Seattle Orcas) and Noor (Texas Super Kings).Related

• Rashid and Omarzai set to miss MLC 2025

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• NZC breaks new ground with MLC investment to partner in expansion

The ban, which is effective from 12.01am Eastern Time on Monday, June 9 includes an exemption for “any athlete or member of an athletic team… traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State”.The order also states: “This proclamation shall apply only to foreign nationals of the designation countries who: (i) are outside the United States on the applicable effective date of this proclamation; and (ii) do not have a valid visa on the applicable effective date of this proclamation.”ESPNcricinfo understands that some relevant players have already reached the United States after receiving visas, while others are yet to apply or travel. A league official told ESPNcricinfo they were hopeful that MLC will be classified as a ‘major sporting event’ by Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, which would ease any concerns about the participation of Afghan players.An official at one affected franchise told ESPNcricinfo that they would explore all options, including the possibility of flying affected players into the United States before the ban kicks in. The official added that they will lean on MLC and other relevant authorities for guidance.An MLC spokesperson said: “We’re continuing to monitor the situation and are working with the relevant authorities to minimize travel disruptions for overseas players ahead of the start of Major League Cricket next week. We continue to attract some of the best players from around the world to come over to the US to showcase their talent, along with the best cricketers from the USA, and we are set to have the most exciting tournament to date this summer.”The order specifically mentions the Olympics, which will take place in Los Angeles in 2028, as an event for which athletes will be granted exemptions. Afghanistan should, therefore, be eligible to compete in the men’s T20 cricket event at the Games if they qualify.MLC’s 2025 season starts on June 12, with a rematch of last year’s final between Washington Freedom and San Francisco at the Oakland Coliseum.

As those at Ibrox continue their hunt for a new manager, one former Rangers star has told them to go and get a Championship manager who’d join the club “in a heartbeat”.

Rangers schedule manager talks

As things stand, it’s Steven Gerrard who sits top of Rangers’ list of candidates to replace Russell Martin. The former Aston Villa manager is reportedly set to hold talks with the 49ers this week as they look to welcome him back to Ibrox for the first time since he left for the Midlands in 2021.

Whilst the return talks are set to be far from simple, Gerrard recently admitted that he has “unfinished business” in the technical area after failed spells in Saudi Arabia and the Premier League.

Looking for an opportunity to reclaim his coaching career, the Rangers job represents an ideal opportunity for Gerrard. He has already been there and done it – winning the Scottish Premiership in 2021 – and there’s no doubt that the Gers need a similar transformation to the one he oversaw four years ago.

That said, he’s not everyone’s top option. Instead, according to one former player, Rangers should be targeting an impressive Championship manager.

Ross McCormack: Lampard would join Rangers "in a heartbeat"

Speaking on the Open Goal podcast, former Ibrox ace Ross McCormack named-dropped Frank Lampard when asked who he believes Rangers should be targeting and claimed that the Chelsea legend would leave Coventry for the Gers “in a heartbeat”.

The former striker said: “If you could get one for me it would be Lampard, having seen what he’s like. I think you leave Coventry in a heartbeat to go to Rangers.”

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If Lampard was available then it would be hard to argue with McCormack. The Chelsea legend has got his managerial career back on track at Coventry City, who have looked unstoppable in the Championship so far this season – remaining unbeaten after nine games.

Games

9

Wins

5

Draws

4

Defeats

0

Goals for

27

Goals against

7

The frustrating truth for Rangers fans, however, is that Lampard is unlikely to ditch his current project now that it is in such a promising position. Coventry and the former Everton manager have their sights set on the Premier League. That’s something that not even Rangers are likely to disrupt.

Instead, the 49ers may be forced to settle for another legendary England midfielder.

Harry Kane is famously a fan of the NFL, with colours being nailed to the mast of the New England Patriots, but does the Bayern Munich striker have a favourite NBA team? The Three Lions captain is partial to a spot of basketball, playing and watching, and is giving social media supporters the opportunity to pick which side he should be following in the 2025-26 campaign.

• NBA returns! Race on for 2025-26 crown

  A new season of elite hooping action is underway in North America, with LeBron James among the superstars ready to illuminate proceedings once the evergreen 40-year-old GOAT has recovered from a back injury. Others are already making plenty of headlines on and off the court, especially where the LA Lakers are concerned.

  It may be that Kane opts to side with LeBron and a star-studded cast from Tinseltown, with Madison Beer among the latest celebrities to catch them in action. England skipper Kane is still mulling over his options, with NBA fixtures being watched purely for fun at present – with no individual allegiance being pledged on behalf of the 32-year-old frontman.

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• Which NBA team will Kane support? Suggestions encouraged

  That situation could soon change. Kane told his channel when asked if he has a soft spot for any particular basketball franchise: “I haven’t really chosen a team yet, if I’m totally honest. I know a couple of the players, just from crossing paths over the years, which I look out for. Other than that, I just kind of flick on the games and watching any team at the moment. Still to pick, will let you know once I do.”

  He has since posted on social media, alongside a video of him hitting a half-court shot from several years ago: “Looking for an NBA team to follow this season, tell me in the comments who I should choose…”

  Bayern Munich, who have their own side in Europe, were quick to chime in with: “We have an idea for a team that’s not in the NBA.” Unsurprisingly, given his emotional ties to Premier League giants Tottenham, many have suggested that Kane should get behind the Spurs of San Antonio.

  Kane is yet to reveal his choice. He has previously rubbed shoulders with an NBA legend in the form of Lakers icon Kobe Bryant. ‘Black Mamba’ attended a Tottenham game at Wembley Stadium in October 2017, when Spurs were forced to briefly relocate as their new stadium was constructed.

  Kane said after presenting the basketball superstar with a personalised Spurs shirt in the wake of a 4-1 Premier League victory over Liverpool – in which he bagged a brace: “Amazing to meet NBA's Kobe Bryant. Had a good chat after the game – chose a good one to come and watch!”

• Kane in NFL: Future as a kicker being considered

  Earlier this year, ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, Kane made a point of attending an NHL game that saw the Florida Panthers face the Edmonton Oilers in Stanley Cup action – with Taylor Swift among the others in attendance that night. Kane said: “What a night! A crazy game in the Stanley Cup, my first ever NHL experience!”

  On the NFL front, Kane has refused to rule out exploring a future in American football as a kicker once his goalscoring days in soccer are over. He has said of treading that path: “It is something in the back of my mind. I've been asked about it before and my focus is on here, the Champions League, Bayern Munich, but it's something I'd like to explore in a future date. But I still feel like I've got many more years ahead of me.”

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  Kane's future: Focus on goalscoring with Bayern & England

  Kane has been encouraged to head to the States, with Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins saying of crossover stars in football: “I think they'll be embraced. Kicking has evolved to where anyone can come in. If you have a love for the game of football, we're going to embrace you. Just do things right. Come in and work and obviously make field goals. I don't think we care who it is or where they're from. Just knock it down.”

  For now, Kane is focused on his day job – with a prolific return at Bundesliga champions Bayern taking him beyond 100 goals for the club. He is chasing down more major honours while keeping a close eye on how events in North American sport play out.

Bayern Munich could now give Chelsea a real transfer boost as BlueCo set their sights on an “elite” player, according to a new report.

Chelsea secure dramatic late win over Liverpool

On the field, Enzo Maresca watched on as his side bounced right back from their dismal loss at home to Brighton by overcoming Premier League champions Liverpool 2-1 last weekend.

Maresca was sent off for his jubilant celebrations after teenage sensation Estevao Willian bagged a vital winner deep into added time, with the Italian sprinting in animated fashion to celebrate alongside his players in the corner.

Moises Caicedo

7.8/10

Marc Cucurella

7.7/10

Estevao

7.7/10

Cody Gakpo

7.5/10

Reece James

7.3/10

via WhoScored

Moises Caicedo also opened the scoring with one of the goals of the season so far, beating Liverpool’s Giorgi Marmadashvilli from long range just 14 minutes into the goalkeeper’s Premier League debut.

It was an evening to remember for the Blues at Stamford Bridge, and one which could highlight that the title race is still wide open as Chelsea look to build upon their deserved three points against Arne Slot’s side.

That being said, according to some reports, Maresca is personally unhappy with his overall squad choices right now and feels that a few key areas need to be reinforced (Simon Phillips) — with Chelsea expected to rectify certain positions in January.

The big one is, of course, at centre-back.

Maresca publicly stated that Chelsea need another body at centre-half in the summer, but despite allegedly holding talks with Dean Huijsen’s camp and considering other names, the Blues didn’t get one over the line.

Now, Chelsea and Maresca are reportedly in agreement that signing a new defender should be prioritised for January, with a goalkeeper also said to be on their agenda.

The West Londoners held negotiations with AC Milan over a deal for France number one Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup, but a major difference in price meant that Chelsea couldn’t find an agreement.

Chelsea are ready to go back in for Maignan and offer him a pre-contract in the winter (Graeme Bailey), as his contract expires at the end of 2025/2026.

However, they face stiff competition.

Bayern could give Chelsea "huge" transfer boost as BlueCo eye Mike Maignan

One of the clubs who are competing for Maignan is Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, but according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Vincent Kompany’s side could hand them a “huge” boost by pulling out of the race.

This is because Bayern are in talks to hand long-serving keeper Manuel Neuer, who’s now 39-years-old, a 12-month extension that would keep him in Bavaria until 2027.

Chelsea could now face less competition in the race for Maignan as a result, which definitely would come as good news for Maresca.

Doubts have surrounded Robert Sanchez’s capability as Chelsea’s long-term number one, and you can make a case that they could need to upgrade with the addition of a world-class, elite-level keeper who’s capable of taking them to the next level.

Maignan, especially on a free transfer, fits the bill perfectly.

The 30-year-old Rossoneri captain has kept 64 clean sheets in 170 appearances for Milan, conceding just 173 goals in that time, which are solid numbers, and he’s just won France’s 2024/2025 Goalkeeper of the Season award.

A Ligue 1 champion with Lille and Serie A champion with Milan already in his career, Maignan’s top-level experience would also be invaluable to Maresca’s extremely young squad, making his signing an arguable no-brainer.

Erling Haaland continued his devastating goal-scoring form with a hat-trick in Norway’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Israel in Oslo.

Haaland’s night did not get off to the best of starts as he saw his sixth-minute penalty saved by Daniel Peretz, who denied him again after the kick had to be retaken, but he more than made amends to make it 18 goals in his last nine games for club and country.

The Manchester City striker, who scored five times against Moldova on his last international appearance, scored Norway’s second between a pair of own goals from Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias.

One of the best strikers in the world, Haaland, winning his 46th cap, scored his 50th goal for his country when he nodded in Antonio Nusa’s cross and the pair combined again as the in-form forward grabbed his third of the night.

Victory for Norway gave them a sixth win from sixth in Group I as they edged closer to qualification for the World Cup, which Haaland spoke about after the game: “I don’t think I’ll say too much about that. I’m just focused on winning the next match. That was my mindset in the last game, and it still is now.”

The striker was then sent home to Manchester by Norway manager Staale Solbakken before they took on New Zealand in a friendly, which ended 1-1.

“Players with particularly tight match schedules are returning home,” a statement from the the Norwegian Football Association read. “Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson, Erling Braut Haaland and Fredrik Bjorkan. Felix Horn Myhre is leaving the squad due to a sore ankle.”

Haaland reacts to Norway 5-0 Israel

Haaland has never shared his opinion on the conflict between Palestine and Israel, but eagle eyed fans on social media believe they have found a cheeky dig at Israel on his Instagram story, on which he posted a selfie after the match against Ran Ben-Shimon’s team.

The 25 year-old posed with the match ball but included the City fans’ chant for him, which is titled “Haaland (Ha Ha Ha)”.

Israel’s participation in international sporting events has caused controversy due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, although it is hoped a recent ceasefire agreement will ease tensions in the region.

Arsenal just can’t catch a break this season.

Mikel Arteta has already lost Kai Havertz, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Piero Hincapie and others to injury since the start of the campaign.

The latest name on that list now is Noni Madueke, who looks set to miss up to eight weeks of action due to a knee injury.

So, with a League Cup clash against Port Vale tonight, the manager needs to decide who’s going to replace him, and we don’t think it should be Saka.

Arsenal's recent League Cup form

It would be fair to say that, since taking over at Arsenal, Arteta has not had a great time in the League Cup.

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In his first stab at the competition, the side fell to a humbling 4-1 home defeat at the hands of eventual winner Manchester City.

Things actually improved the following season, as the club advanced to the semi-finals.

However, a nil-nil draw away to Liverpool in the first leg, followed by a 2-0 defeat in the home leg, saw the Gunners dumped out of the competition.

Even though the club mounted their first title challenge the following season, they did terribly in the cup, losing 3-1 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.

It was another disappointing effort in the 23/24 campaign as the North Londoners lost a Fourth Round tie against West Ham United by the same scoreline.

Interestingly, even though Arteta’s side made it to the semi-finals last season, the terrible manner in which Newcastle United knocked them out almost made it the worst exit of the lot.

In all, Arsenal have massively underperformed in the League Cup for a long time and need to win it this year.

With that said, Arteta should be bold when replacing Madueke in the lineup tonight.

The Arsenal star Arteta should start over Saka

Firstly, it is clear that Saka is the best player at Arsenal and should therefore play as many games as possible.

However, therein lies one of the primary reasons he shouldn’t start tonight: he already plays too many games.

Moreover, he only just returned from his second hamstring injury in as many seasons on Sunday, and therefore cannot be risked ahead of another hugely important game against Newcastle at the weekend.

Finally, even with Madueke out injured, Arteta has another option he can pick instead of the talismanic winger: Max Dowman.

Yes, it would be an incredibly bold move from the manager, but given the need to keep Saka fit, the level of opposition and the teenager’s incredible talent, it’s one he should make.

After all, this isn’t just your run-of-the-mill academy player we are talking about here; this is someone that respected talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed is the “most exciting prospect” he has seen “since Lamine Yamal.”

Dowman in 24/25
Appearances	23
Minutes	1945′
Goals	19
Assists	5
Goal Involvements per Match	1.04
Minutes per Goal Involvement	81.04′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

Moreover, in just 23 appearances across several youth teams last season, totalling 1945 minutes, he scored 19 goals and provided five assists, averaging 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes.

Finally, we’ve already seen what he’s capable of against Premier League teams.

For example, in pre-season, he looked incredible against Newcastle, and then in the league proper, on debut, he earned a penalty against Leeds United.

As respected analyst Ben Mattinson puts it, the 15-year-old is an “insane” talent, and even if Madueke were fit, there would be a genuine argument for starting him tonight.

Ultimately, some may say it’s too early, but Dowman looks like a future superstar and deserves to start against Port Vale.

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By
Charlie Smith

Sep 23, 2025

He represented India in 33 Tests and 15 ODIs between 1979 and 1983

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jun-2025

Dilip Doshi took six five-wicket hauls in 33 Test appearances•PA Photos

Dilip Doshi, the former India left-arm spinner, has died on Monday aged 77. ESPNcricinfo understands he died due to heart issues in London, where he was living for several decades.Doshi, who bowled with a classical left-armer’s action, took 114 Test wickets in 33 appearances, including six five-wicket hauls. He also picked up 22 wickets in 15 ODIs at an economy rate of 3.96. Doshi also played first-class cricket for Saurashtra, Bengal, Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire.