The Miami Marlins entered Friday night's action in the cellar of the National League East with a 12-18 record. But let no one suggest, even for a minute, that the roster is not laying it all on the line and sacrificing what is most dear to them in the quest for victory. Even by accident.
Already down 6-0 to the Athletics in the top of the fifth inning, first baseman Matt Mervis attempted to scoop a low throw from shortstop Xavier Edwards. Which he did. But not in the way he would have preferred.
For his heroic work, Mervis was rewarded for going viral and having his pain reduced to a movie line from the early-aughts comedy classic g story. It's a cruel world.
Let this be a reminder to always wear the necessary protection while stepping between those white lines.
Gennaro Gattuso delivered a sharp message about Federico Chiesa’s Italy future after the Liverpool winger rejected two more national team call-ups. With the Azzurri preparing for a tense 2026 World Cup play-off run, the spotlight is now firmly on Chiesa’s repeated withdrawals and Gattuso’s growing frustration. The situation adds fresh tension around Italy’s build-up to a defining March showdown.
Italy’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup play-offs have been marred by the ongoing saga surrounding Chiesa, who has rejected multiple call-ups this season. The Liverpool winger, who has contributed two goals and three assists for his club, has been in strong form yet continues to withdraw from national team duty.
Gattuso has attempted to integrate him into the squad since taking over this year, but Chiesa has now declined four or five times across various camps including Italy’s most recent qualifiers against Moldova and Norway. His last appearance for Italy came at Euro 2024, where the Azzurri were eliminated by Switzerland in the last 16, a defeat that triggered heavy criticism across the country.
With Italy now facing a difficult play-off route – Northern Ireland in the semi-final and potentially Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the final, Chiesa’s absence is becoming a major storyline. That tension set the stage for Gattuso’s latest pointed remarks.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesGattuso’s blunt message on Chiesa’s situation
Gattuso did not hold back when asked whether the 28-year-old would return for the upcoming play-offs, speaking to , he said: “You know it well. You know Chiesa’s problem. You always ask me the same thing. I call Chiesa in every call-up; I always talk to him. The problem is not Gattuso or his staff; he has a problem, not us. You know it well. You always ask the same thing, and I always answer the same.”
The Italy boss spoke about the current situation earlier this month: "I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has. We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me. I can't say anything else." Gattuso was pressed further on the issue and confirmed the decision has definitely come from the player himself, adding: "Yes, it's already the fourth or fifth time that I'm explaining this."
Why Gattuso’s comments matter for Italy’s play-off push
Gattuso’s remarks highlight a deeper strategic concern for Italy as they prepare for a decisive March. The ex-Juventus winger is one of the nation’s top attacking talents, and his form at Liverpool, including a Player of the Month award in September shows he still influences games even without consistent starts. His decision to repeatedly decline national team duty removes a key tactical option for the Azzurri at a time when they are struggling for creativity and consistency.
Italy only finished second in their qualifying group behind Norway and were beaten 4-1 by the same opponents in their final group match, underlining the instability that continues to follow the squad. Without Chiesa available, Gattuso must rely on less experienced or less dynamic wide players as Italy enter a pressure-packed play-off path, a route that has historically troubled the Azzurri.
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(C)Getty ImagesItaly turn focus to Northern Ireland clash
Attention now shifts to Italy’s March 26 semi-final against Northern Ireland, a physical and resilient opponent that Gattuso is refusing to underestimate. Speaking about the tie, Gattuso kept his message direct: “It’s a physical team; they never give up. We have to play it. I’ve been saying this for three months. We knew we had to go through the playoffs; we knew our path had to improve. We look ahead with confidence.”
If Italy advance, they will face Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina away from home in a high-stakes final just five days later. That makes the absence of a player like Chiesa even more impactful as the Azzurri navigate a brutal and compressed path to the World Cup. All eyes now turn to March and whether Italy can secure their place without one of their brightest attacking stars.
A reformulação do elenco do Corinthians está a todo vapor. O clube definiu as saídas de Gil, Cantillo, Giuliano e Renato Augusto e já mapeia o mercado para fechar com cerca de dez reforços. Além disso, o presidente eleito, Augusto Melo, começa a definir o futuro dos jogadores que voltam de empréstimo ao Timão.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasVaivémGrêmio, Corinthians e São Paulo disputam atacante considerado ‘carrasco de clubes paulistas’Vaivém12/12/2023CorinthiansCorinthians abre negociações com o Benfica pela permanência em definitivo de Lucas VeríssimoCorinthians12/12/2023FlamengoEmpresário de Gabigol abre o jogo sobre renovação com o Flamengo e nega contatos com o CorinthiansFlamengo12/12/2023
+ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians
O Lance! traz atualizações sobre Ivan, Raul Gustavo, Mandaca e outros atletas emprestados pelo Timão na temporada.
IVAN
Ivan não cumpriu as metas estabelecidas em contrato que ativariam uma obrigação de compra pelo Vasco. Com Cássio e Carlos Miguel garantidos para 2024, o Corinthians quer negociar o goleiro, e o Cruz-Maltino deseja contar com o atleta para a próxima temporada. Até o momento, os clubes não abriram negociações para um novo empréstimo.
RAUL GUSTAVO
O Bahia não irá exercer a opção de compra estipulada em contrato, e Raul Gustavo retornará ao Corinthians. Com poucas opções na zaga, o Timão vai reintegrar o zagueiro ao restante do elenco. Raul é bem avaliado pela nova diretoria e deve estar à disposição do técnico Mano Menezes para o Paulistão.
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+ Veja como ficou a tabela do Brasileirão após a última rodada
MANDACA
O volante foi emprestado até o final da temporada ao Juventude e foi importante no acesso do clube gaúcho à Série A. Mandaca não está nos planos do Corinthians para a próxima temporada, e o Timão busca um novo empréstimo. O Juventude está interessado e deve abrir negociações com o Corinthians.
RODRIGO VARANDA
Quem também não permanecerá no Corinthians é o atacante Rodrigo Varanda, que atuou por empréstimo no América-MG. Com contrato até janeiro de 2024 com o Timão, ele não terá o vínculo renovado e já tem pré-contrato com um clube brasileiro.
Compared to some in the division, Leeds United are yet to be completely ravaged by injuries so far this season. That said, they have suffered from some absences here and there.
Lucas Perri has been out of Daniel Farke’s plans since featuring against Newcastle United through injury, but this setback hasn’t derailed the Whites too much, with Karl Darlow taking over in goal, resulting in a win and a draw being clinched.
Moreover, Jayden Bogle has managed to wriggle free of any injury difficulties – with Farke worrying he might have missed the AFC Bournemouth draw – only for the former Sheffield United man to win seven ground duels versus their Premier League foes.
Leeds are well equipped to deal with injury struggles; therefore, with Daniel James, another injury-prone figure, now taking up room in the Elland Road treatment room.
The latest on Dan James' injury setback
It’s well-known by this point that the Welshman has routinely looked out of his depth in the Premier League, whether that be with Leeds or at other clubs.
Glancing at his numbers in the top-flight, and then comparing them to his Championship statistics, it’s really night and day between the two of them.
Once labelled an “exceptional” talent by ex-Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he has struggled to ever look Premier League-ready.
Indeed, in the EFL’s elite division to date, the 27-year-old attacker has a bumper 29 goals and 25 assists next to his name, notably finding his way into the PFA Team of the Season for 2024/25.
On the contrary, in the league above, it’s just 12 goals and 13 assists to shout about, with his sketchy injury record also a major cause for concern for the number seven when it comes to regular minutes this season.
Worries emerged earlier this week that the winger had suffered an ACL injury and while the full extent of his recently obtained ankle injury is yet to be fully revealed, it is alleged that he could only miss up to six weeks of action, having also sat out a total of ten games last campaign during Leeds’ promotion hunt due to a hamstring issue.
Despite the Welshman sliding down the pecking order somewhat, he will still be fondly remembered for his key role last season as promotion was achieved, despite said setbacks.
Yet, it’s clear now, from Leeds’ summer business, that upgrades have been purchased all over the pitch to help the top-flight newcomers adjust to the testing Premier League, with one signing already looking a better talent than James at the elite level.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The "electric" star who is better than James
Both of Leeds’ early wins in the Premier League this season have been picked up courtesy of a whole host of Farke’s new purchases shining bright.
On the opening day, it was Lukas Nmecha – who joined from Wolfsburg this summer – who stole the headlines when converting a late penalty to hand his new employers a 1-0 win over Everton.
Then, it was the turn of Noah Okafor, who would seal a convincing 3-1 victory on the road against Wolverhampton Wanderers, after leaving AC Milan behind for England late into the hectic transfer window.
Unlike James, who relocated to Elland Road nervously after a stop-start time at the Red Devils, Okafor has arrived in England with his confidence full to the brim.
Indeed, he caused defences in the Austrian Bundesliga, Serie A, and the Swiss Super League all sorts of bother, before another top-flight adventure opened up for him.
Amazingly, playing for the likes of RB Salzburg, Milan, and Basel, Okafor notched up a blistering 81 goal contributions, which blows James’ own lacklustre numbers in the Premier League – another tough top-flight division in Europe – out of the water.
Okafor’s career numbers by position
Position
Games
Goals + Assists
LW
90
20 + 9
CF
79
26 + 16
RW
40
10 + 7
SS
2
0
LM
1
0
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Consequently, Leeds might no longer feel a need to persist with James, even with the knowledge that he can bamboozle defences with his pace and skill on his day, when they have a similar winger who is proven at the very top in their fresh number 19.
It’s safe to say that the Swiss is also bamboozling defences in England, evoking memories of a tricky Raphinha when he once plied his trade at Elland Road. Indeed, to rubber-stamp that comparison, Okafor notably made a ridiculous 12 dribbles in the opening 45 minutes of that game with Wolves, the most by any player in the first half of a Premier League game since Boxing Day 2019, when Wilfried Zaha achieved 13 vs West Ham.
James will, no doubt, be given his moment in the Premier League spotlight again when he wriggles free of his latest injury setback.
But, with faces such as the “electric” Okafor already impressing – as he was once labelled by scout Jacek Kulig – Farke won’t feel he has to show blind loyalty to his old guard going forward.
Leeds had the original Gudmundsson & they let him leave for just £1m
Leeds must regret cashing in on this star who was the original Gabriel Gudmundsson at Elland Road.
Everton are now reportedly keeping tabs on an “unbelievable” player who has enjoyed significant recent success at international level.
Moyes upbeat despite Everton loss
The Blues were beaten 2-0 away to Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, with the visitors unable to contain the in-form Erling Haaland.
Despite the result, Everton manager David Moyes still managed to feel positive about what he saw, with defeats at the Etihad never too concerning.
“I’m pleased with how we played. We were a bit disappointed when we lost the first goal. It was only 1-0 but to give them a second goal quickly was a killer for us. But there are a lot of good things we could talk about and what we’ve done well. We’ve come here and given them a bit of a game.
“Maybe we’d like to do better, but we’re only growing at the moment and we’re still trying to get better. We missed a couple of big chances in the first half, which might have altered things the way we were playing. We needed any opportunities we got to go in or to certainly get us something more positive than we did. So, look, no real problems with the performance overall – most of it.”
Everton have made a solid start to the new season, but that’s not to say that new signings in the January transfer window wouldn’t go amiss.
Everton eyeing move for "unbelievable" defender
Speaking to Everton News, journalist Graeme Bailey talked up the idea of Everton completing the signing of Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell in January.
“Charlie Cresswell is doing very well in France, and this comes after a very good showing at the Euros. Everton are very much in the market for new defenders in 2026 and I am told that he is one they have watched. He certainly fits the profile of player David Moyes likes, and is one to keep an eye on.”
Cresswell has enjoyed an excellent year, winning the European Championships with England’s Under-21s and proving to be a key man, starting three matches.
The 23-year-old is also impressing in France with Toulouse, being hailed as “unbelievable” by presenter Joe Wainman, and he stands out as an excellent option for Everton.
While James Tarkowski remains a great player for the Blues, both in terms of quality and leadership, he is now 32 and a long-term successor needs to be found.
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If Everton managed to entice Cresswell to the club, he could be Jarrad Branthwaite’s centre-back partner for years to come, also enhancing his chances of forcing his way into the senior England setup at the same time.
تحدث الألماني توني كروس، لاعب ريال مدريد السابق، عن الأزمة التي نشبت بين فينيسيوس جونيور ومدربه تشابي ألونسو خلال مباراة برشلونة في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني.
واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة الكلاسيكو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”، يوم الأحد الماضي.
وتمكن ريال مدريد من حسم نتيجة المباراة بثنائية مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.
وفي الدقيقة 72، قرر تشابي ألونسو خروج فينيسيوس جونيور ونزول مواطنه رودريجو، ولكن ذلك القرار لم يعجب الأول.
وأبدى فينيسيوس جونيور غضبه واستياءه من قرار تشابي ألونسو، حيث انفعل بطريقة عصبية على ذلك الإجراء، وظل يردد كلمات وهو في حالة انفعال شديد خلال خروجه.
وقال كروس، في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “سبورت”: “عندما تقدم أداءً استثنائيًا وخاصةً في مباراة كهذه، لا تشعر بالسعادة، لن يعجبني أبدًا استبدالي ولكن لأكون منصفًا لن أذهب مباشرةً إلى غرفة الملابس بعد استبدالي”.
اقرأ أيضًا | دوجاري: فينيسيوس لا يتوقف عن البكاء.. وبيريز سيبيعه
وأضاف: “يمكنك دائمًا الحكم من الخارج لكنني أود أن أذكر أنه في الواقع، لا أحد باستثناء من حضروا المباراة أمام 80 ألف متفرج والنتيجة 2-1، يدركون أنك لا تريد أي شيء سوى الرحيل”.
وأردف: “لا أحد ممن يحكمون على المباراة في النهاية يستطيع تخيل هذا الشعور أو في كثير من الأحيان، معظم من يحكمون عليها ببساطة لا يستطيعون وضع أنفسهم في مكانهم”.
واستطرد: “عندما تنظر إلى الأمر بهدوء وبعيدًا عن العواطف، قد تقول حسنًا، يمكنني كبت غضبي لفترة أطول، أفهم ذلك، لكن كما ترون من الصور، لا يبدو الوضع مثاليًا”.
وأتم: “مع ذلك أود الإشارة إلى أن التواجد في مثل هذه المباراة يُمثل حالة عاطفية استثنائية، لقد مررت بهذه التجربة مرات عديدة، لذلك ليس عليك دائمًا أن تأخذ كل شيء على محمل الجد، المدربون لا يفعلون ذلك عادةً وخاصةً أولئك الذين كانوا لاعبين سابقين”.
Leeds United failed to deliver on what Daniel Farke wanted from the end of the summer transfer window, as he wanted further attacking reinforcements added to his squad.
The German head coach wanted the 49ers to bring in more quality to bolster his options at the top end of the pitch, to add to Noah Okafor, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Lukas Nmecha.
Leeds United managerDanielFarkeapplauds their fans after the match
Speaking ahead of the deadline, the manager said: “In defence and midfield, goalkeeper position and full-back position, we’ve done really good business. But we spoke quite open and honestly about it, we would need to add some more quality up front. We need to stay awake until the last hour of this window.”
Leeds were interested in a deal to sign Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, before Chelsea swooped in to sign him on loan to push the Whites out of the way.
The Argentine attacking midfielder reportedly earns £25k-per-week and could have been a shrewd and cost-effective signing for the Championship champions on loan.
Why Buoanotte would have been a value-for-money signing for Leeds
When you consider some of the wages that are being paid by Leeds within their current first-team squad, Buoanotte could have been a value-for-money addition to the group on a season-long loan.
Per Capology, for example, Jack Harrison is the top earner in the squad on a weekly wage of £90k, despite the fact that he scored one goal in the Premier League on loan at Everton last term and is not currently a starting XI player for Farke.
Jake O'Brien and Jack Harrison in action
Whilst it is worth noting that Noah Okafor (£72.5k-per-week) is the only new signing whose wage is reported on Capology, Harrison does not appear to be providing value-for-money for the output that he offers on the pitch.
Particularly when you consider that Buonanotte scored five goals on loan at Leicester, per Sofascore, in the top-flight last season and only earns £25k-per-week, suggesting that he would offer more value for money than the English dud does.
Top 10 Leeds earners (excluding new signings)
Player
Weekly wage
Jack Harrison
£90k
Dan James
£70k
Pascal Struijk
£50k
Brenden Aaronson
£45k
Joe Rodon
£40k
Ethan Ampadu
£40k
Wilfried Gnonto
£30k
Illan Meslier
£30k
Jayden Bogle
£30k
Karl Darlow
£30k
Wages via Capology
As you can see in the table above, Brenden Aaronson, Karl Darlow, and Illan Meslier also feature within the top ten earners who were at the club at the start of the window, yet they have not started any games this season in the Premier League.
Aaronson, though, has at least come on as a substitute in all three of the team’s league matches so far, which shows that he is still part of Farke’s frontline plans.
The same cannot be said for Meslier, though, as the French goalkeeper has not made any of the matchday squads in any competition for the first-team this season.
He currently earns £5k more per week than Buonanotte does at Brighton/Chelsea, which emphasises how little the Whites are getting back for the wages they are paying him.
Wage Burners
Football FanCast’s Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.
The 49ers should be pushing to cash in on Meslier before the transfer windows in other countries around the globe slam shut, so that they can save roughly £1.5m-per-season on the shot-stopper.
Why Leeds should sell Illan Meslier
Leeds missing out on signing Buonanotte at £25k-per-week, when he scored five goals in the Premier League last season, puts into perspective how little the club are getting back from the wages that they are spending on some of their current squad.
Leeds United's IllanMesliercelebrates
As aforementioned, Meslier has not even made the bench for a match this season, with Lucas Perri and Darlow both ahead of him in the pecking order as it stands, yet he is earning even more than the promising Argentine playmaker.
This is why the 49ers should be pushing to sell him to any potentially interested clubs, whether that is in Turkey or elsewhere, in the coming weeks, if not then in the January transfer window.
Leeds United managing director Robbie Evans told The Athletic that there was some interest in Meslier before the English window slammed shut, but that it was not as strong as he expected for “a player of his calibre”.
Leeds United's IllanMesliercelebrates after the match
Whilst the club are entitled to value the Frenchman as they wish, there has to be a degree of realism because the left-footed dud was unlikely to attract much high-level interest, in terms of clubs or possible transfer fees, after being dropped last season and demoted to third-choice at the start of the current campaign.
The 25-year-old dud made three errors that directly led to goals and conceded 2.73 more goals than expected in the Championship before being dropped for Darlow, per Sofascore, which speaks to how underwhelming his performances were.
Meslier’s struggles in the 2024/25 campaign were far from unpredictable, though, as he has rarely been an impressive or consistent shot-stopper in his career at Elland Road.
Illan Meslier’s shot-stopping form before 2024/25
Season
Goals conceded
Post-shot xG minus goals conceded
23/24 (Championship)
40
-3.1
22/23 (Premier League)
67
-12.4
21/22 (Premier League)
79
-16.2
20/21 (Premier League)
52
-3.4
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, the French flop conceded a staggering 32 goals more than the post-shot xG expected him to in his three seasons in the Premier League.
This is why there needs to be some realism around a potential sale of Meslier because other teams will look at these performances, and the fact that he has dropped to third-choice this season, and wonder if it is worth spending millions to sign him for their club.
The left-footed goalkeeper, who was once dubbed a “massive liability” by journalist David Kent, has been too poor for too long between the sticks for Leeds, hence why he has found himself in this awkward position at the start of the season.
Therefore, the 49ers must finally try to work out a deal with any of the aforementioned interested teams that Robbie Evans mentioned, if their respective transfer windows are still open, in order to part ways with Meslier.
Worth more than Buonanotte & Wilson: Leeds hit gold signing "electric" star
Leeds United have hit the jackpot with this star who is worth even more than Facundo Buonanotte and Harry Wilson.
By
Dan Emery
Sep 2, 2025
It may have to wait until January when more teams are available to snap him up, but the lack of quality performances, or any performances at this moment in time, on the pitch shows that the club are not getting value for money out of his wages.
Newcastle put forward a dominant display in their 4-0 win away win over Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise. Eddie Howe's side were ruthless in attack, with Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon linking well in their first start together as a trio. Woltemade opened the scoring with a clever flick, before Gordon twice bagged from the spot with substitute Harvey Barnes adding the fourth.
The visitors started brightly, neatly playing through USG's press setting up Elanga for a blocked attempt on goal in the opening minutes. Newcastle kept the pressure up on their hosts, hemming the home side in with a string of set pieces including a patented long throw from Dan Burn. Eventually, that momentum told, as USG failed to completely clear from an Elanga cross. Sandro Tonali steamed onto the dropping ball, sending a side-footed volley back towards goal. Woltemade quickly reacted, flicking the ball past Kjell Sherpen's despairing dive into the vacated half of his net.
That brought a response from USG, as the Belgian champions looked to progress the ball quickly into Newcastle's half. A string of set pieces of their own brought two edge-of-the-box efforts from Adem Zorgane. Both were comfortably dealt with by Nick Pope in the Newcastle net.
Despite that brief flurry, Newcastle never looked particularly rattled. The Premier League side were more than up to the task of playing through the USG press, quickly scything through the midfield thanks to clever link up play from Woltemade and progressive dribbling by the elusive Elanga. Joelinton should have doubled the Magpies lead when he nodded a volleyed Kieran Trippier cross past Sherpen's far post in the 26th minute.
It was Elanga who provided the telling contribution for Newcastle's second. The Swedish winger cut in from the left-hand side before leaving Ousseynou Niang in the dust after two lightning quick step overs. His following touch was just heavy enough to prompt a lunging tackle by Fedde Lysen, however, the centre back failed to reach the ball before Elanga, felling the Newcastle man just inside the corner of his own box. Gordon stepped up for the resulting spot kick, who calmly sent Sherpen the wrong way, nestling the ball in the bottom right corner of the goal.
Newcastle kept up the pace straight from the second half whistle. Woltemade's quick feet in the middle of the park allowed him to unleash Elanga, whose fizzing effort was parried away by the embattled Sherpen. That elicited a response from the hosts. Anan Kahalili's curling effort leaked past the Magpies far post, before Nick Pope was called into action twice in quick succession denying Niang's driven hit from a tight angle and another Zorgane effort from the edge of the box.
Again, that intermission in Newcastle's dominance proved be brief. Just after the hour mark, a dnagerous insinwing cross from Gordon zipped off the turf, striking Lysen's arm as he grappled with Woltemade. The referee was beckoned to the screen by the VAR, setting up Gordon to convert his second penalty spot of the game. This time Sherpen went the right way, but he was still unable to stop the Liverpudlians strike which was fired into the side netting.
To their credit, USG continued to push forward for a goal, however, with Eddie Howe ringing the changes in the 73rd minute, the Magpies had plenty of fresh legs on the pitch to counter at pace. Their fourth came after Anthony Gordon won the ball on the edge of his own box and released William Osula. The young striker held the ball up masterfully, before sliding a pass into the path of Barnes. The winger seemed to dither on his chance, allowing the USG defender back in for a challenge. His side footed effort looped off the lunging tackle and nestled in the back of Sherpen's net. Entering this game, Newcastle's wingers had just one assist among them. It will give Howe immense pleasure to see his team finally start to flex their attacking muscles in the 2025/26 season.
GOAL rates Newcastle's players from Joseph Marien Stadium.
AFP
Goalkeeper & Defence
Nick Pope (7/10):
Was called upon multiple times in short succession after long periods of inactivity. Kept his concentration well.
Kieran Trippier (7/10):
Linked up nicely with Guimaraes and Elanga down the right-hand flank. Provided a couple of dangerous crosses to boot.
Malick Thiaw (6/10):
Little was asked of the German centre back who looked remarkably comfortable.
Sven Botman (7/10):
Similarly unruffled for the bulk of the action, but intervened with a couple of well-timed tackles.
Dan Burn (6/10):
His long throw caused USG trouble in the opening stages. Probably the most wasteful Newcastle player with the ball, but that says more about his teammates' performance than his. Solid.
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AFP
Midfield
Sandro Tonali (8/10):
Provided defensive ballast, control on the ball and an attacking threat from deep. An all-round performance once again.
Bruno Guimaraes (7/10):
Neat touches on the ball that helped to unlock Elanga on the right flank. None nicer than a first half nutmeg on an onrushing opponent.
Joelinton (6/10):
Flashed a header narrowly wide of the post in the first half. Picked up a harsh booking not too long after that clipped his combative wings somewhat. Pulled on the hour.
AFP
Attack
Anthony Elanga (9/10):
A bright performance from a player whose output has been doubted since his £55m move. Progressed the ball on the counter and gave Niang fits in the final third. Potentially a breakthrough moment.
Nick Woltemade (8/10):
Made a telling deflection on Tonali's shot to open the scoring. Dropped deep and linked the play nicely, showing off his dribbling prowess. Two goals in two games, including his first in the Champions League will only bolster his confidence.
Antony Gordon (9/10):
Most of the action came down Newcastle's right, but Gordon went looking for work both in the buildup and in the box. When he was on the ball, he rarely put a foot wrong. Took both penalties with minimal fuss.
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Subs & Manager
Lewis Miley (6/10):
Some neat touches, but was under little pressure in a decided game.
William Osula (7/10):
Held up the ball and found the telling pass for the fourth goal.
Harvey Barnes (7/10):
With Elanga and Gordon's performance he will be delighted to chip in with a goal.
Lewis Hall (6/10):
Bombed down the wing as Gordon increasingly shaded inside after Woltemade's exit.
Fabian Schär (N/A):
Will be grateful for the minutes after missing the last three games with a concussion.
Eddie Howe (9/10):
There are signs that this Newcastle team is finding its attacking flair in a post-Alexander Isak world. He will be delighted with his side's performance.
أكد خوان لابورتا، رئيس نادي برشلونة، على قوة علاقته مع الأسطورة ليونيل ميسي، على الرغم من رحيل الأخير عن البلوجرانا، موضحًا أنه يحب فكرة كونه رئيسًا للنادي الإسباني.
لابورتا عاد ليكون رئيس نادي برشلونة منذ حوالي خمس سنوات، وقد تحسن وضع النادي الإسباني معه وحقق بطولتي دوري خلال الفترة الماضية.
وغادر ميسي صفوف برشلونة، بعد فشل تجديد عقد الدولي الأرجنتيني، حيث وقع نجم إنتر ميامي الأمريكي الحالي في عام 2021 مع نادي باريس سان جيرمان كوكيل حر.
وأكد لابورتا على حبه الكبير لرئاسة برشلونة، موضحًا أنه صادق حقًا مع جماهير النادي الإسباني.
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وقال لابورتا في تصريحات نقلها صحفي شبكة “سكاي سبورتس”، فابريزيو رومانو: ”كانت علاقتنا مع ميسي رائعة لكنها توترت عندما لم نتمكن من تجديد عقده، لكنها تتحسن مجددًا، نأمل أن ينال التكريم الكبير الذي يستحقه حقًا”.
وأضاف لابورتا في حديثه: ”أحب رئاسة برشلونة مع أن الكثيرين يستطيعون القيام بذلك ببراعة، لطالما شعرت برغبة في المساعدة عندما يمر النادي بأوقات عصيبة، ما يدفعني هو رؤية الجماهير سعداء من جديد”.
وأوضح: ”على رئيس برشلونة أن يقول الحقيقة دائمًا فهذا النادي لا يملك إلا كلمة واحدة، لا يمكنك الوثوق بالجميع ولكن يجب أن يكونوا قادرين على الوثوق بك، ولهذا يجب عليك دائمًا الوفاء بما تقوله”.
وأردف لابورتا: ”لقيادة برشلونة، يجب أن تحبه بجنون وأن تخدم الجماهير وأن تضع مصالح النادي فوق مصالحك الخاصة، الأمر لا يتعلق بالسلطة بل بالمسؤولية والصدق”.
وتابع: ”برشلونة أكثر من مجرد ناد، فهو يمثل كتالونيا ولكنه أيضًا نادي عالمي، أن تكون رئيسًا يعني احتضان تنوع الأفكار، كل أيديولوجية، كل مشجع، كل شخص يحمل برشلونة في قلبه”.
وواصل: ”يجب أن تكون عاشقًا لكرة القدم لتكون رئيسًا لبرشلونة، لن تعرف أكثر من مدرب أو مدير رياضي لكن عليك أن تعيش اللعبة وتتنفسها لتفهم معناها”.
واستكمل: ”أنا عاطفي وسريع الغضب، عندما أغضب أكون كزجاجة شمبانيا وأنفجر لكن الأمر يمر بسرعة، لست حاقدًا، لا يمكنك أن تعيش حياتك وأنت تحمل الضغينة في قلبك”.
واستطرد: ”أستمع دائمًا لمن أثق بهم، المدير الفني ومجلس الإدارة وأبنائي، أنسق بين العقول العظيمة، لكن في النهاية أنا من يتخذ القرار النهائي وهذه المسؤولية لا تخيفني”.
وقال: ”لست أنانيًا، مع أننا جميعًا لدينا لمسة من الأنانية. أدافع عما أؤمن به وأحب بشغف، وعندما أحب سواء الناس أو برشلونة، أفعل ذلك بصدق مطلق”.
وعن مدرب برشلونة، هانز فليك اختتم لابورتا: ”هانز فليك أشبه بشخصية فيلم المصارع، يذكرني بشخصية راسل كرو، إنه متطلب ولكنه حساس ومدرب رائع وشخص رائع، أشعر براحة كبيرة في العمل معه”.
Trent Alexander-Arnold pulled up injured just three minutes into Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Marseille on Tuesday evening at the Santiago Bernabeu. The English full-back, handed his Champions League debut in the white jersey by head coach Xabi Alonso, lasted just three minutes before pulling up in pain.
From dream start to disaster
Alexander-Arnold had barely broken into stride when disaster struck. Sprinting forward with the ball, he suddenly clutched at his left hamstring. The look on his face said it all, another cruel twist for a player who has had rotten luck since swapping Merseyside for Madrid.
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Limping off but no stretcher
Alexander-Arnold sank to the turf, grimacing and shaking his head in disbelief. But in a small mercy for the fans, he managed to walk off on his own, declining a stretcher and showing at least some signs of mobility.
Alonso's rotation plans in tatters
Alonso has been keen to rotate his full-backs this season, giving Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold two La Liga starts apiece in the opening four fixtures. The plan was to keep legs fresh, competition fierce, and options plentiful across all competitions. But that strategy is now under threat. Carvajal, a club stalwart and academy graduate, has once again shown why prising the role away from him is near-impossible. With Alexander-Arnold sidelined, the Spaniard has a grip on the starting spot.
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A blow to Trent's new chapter
For Alexander-Arnold, the timing could not be worse. Moving from Liverpool to Real Madrid was meant to be the fresh start to supercharge his career. Instead, his Bernabeu story has already hit a stumbling block. The full-back has shown flashes of his trademark passing range and attacking instincts, but the sheer presence of Carvajal has prevented him from truly planting his flag in Spain. This latest setback leaves him scrambling to prove his worth all over again.