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The men do know what they need to do – if only they did it often enough

Andrew Fidel Fernando25-Jan-2021Batting conscience: All right, we’ve got a lead of 37. Nice one. I mean, it could have been more, but in these conditions, 37 is nothing to scoff at. They’ll be worried. Lasith Embuldeniya only needs stare at their openers for them to wet themselves. Most of their batting order doesn’t look too comfortable. But there’s that bloody Joe Root. Getting outside the line, sweeping the offies, reverse-sweeping the left-arm spinner like a demon, using the depth of the crease. Fu! He’s in ridiculous touch, and we have to make sure we put the lead beyond him. Let’s get ourselves in, get some partnerships going. Really knuckle down today. I’m feeling good. We’ve got this.Batsman: Hahah yeeaah, s***w you, I’m not doing any of that.Conscience: Uhh, what?Batsman: Look, buddy, I’ve listened to you for the last two innings. We’ve passed 350 twice. We’ve applied ourselves just like you said and very seriously blocked out James Anderson and, oh, so carefully batted longer than a day and gritted it out and showed restraint and ohmygod I’m falling asleep just thinking about it. But I’m sick of that negative approach trash. It’s “me” time now.Conscience: Got to say I’m a bit surprised. You do know the Test and the series are on the line, right? And that they won the first Test, and they’ve won their last four in a row in Sri Lanka? Do you really want to be the team that gave up five Tests out of five to England?Batsman: Wow, look at Mr Booksmarts over here. Lighten up, bro. Hahah.Related

• Mickey Arthur bemoans poor batting after second Test goes 'horribly wrong' for Sri Lanka

• Dom Sibley breaks out of slump to help see England home

• Dickwella's dance of destruction. Or creation. Or whatever it is

• Embuldeniya's unsexy virtues put him on the right path

Conscience: I feel like you’re really not listening to reason. But ok, look, just to get on the same wavelength, I’ll cut you a deal. What if you get out there, and play your first 30 balls normally? Once you’ve got yourself going and are feeling good, then we can talk about aggressive shots.Batsman: Man, 30 balls! Are you joking? That’s like, six overs or something, right? Like a whole powerplay? You want me to bat out a powerplay? It’s not the year 1900.Conscience: [Sighs deeply] First of all this is a Test match. Secondly 30 balls is just five ov….Batsman: Gaaaaaaawd listen to yourself talk, Grandpa. Live life. You’re in Galle, bud. Look at that ocean, those coconut trees swaying. Smell the flowers man like the hummingbirds in the garden over there…Conscience: Ok but Sri Lanka has no hummingbi…Batsman: And another thing. How are you gonna tell me to be worried when their spinners are Jack Leach and Dom Bess, man? They’re playing at Galle and couldn’t even get a single wicket in the first innings.Be a bit more like Joe Root? Sure, reverse sweep coming up…•SLCConscience:They literally got 14 wickets between them in the last match, which they won.Batsman: Oh, but that was a fluke. You know it was a fluke. I know it was a fluke. Everyone knows it was a fluke. You can’t read into that. We just batted reeeeaaally badly in that first innings.Conscience: What do you think I’m trying to stop you from doing again?Batsman: Whoa, hey. This is your problem. You’re so tense all the time. You saw how Joe Root scored all his runs yesterday, he was loose and positive and fun. And he swept the ball. Did you see those sweeps? I’m definitely going to get me a piece of that. Anyway, you should be more like Root.Conscience: No, should be more like Root you idio… [Inhales] Look, so if you’re going to sweep, can you promise me that you’re not going to try the slog sweep too early, and that you’re going to sweep with the turn?Batsman: Sure.Conscience: Really?Batsman: Haaaah, ok, you got me. No, not at all. I’m just going to sweep, man. With the spin, against the spin, non-slog, slog, what’s even the difference?Conscience: There’s a GIGANTIC difference!Batsman: Uhhh, only if you’re not very good at executing your shots, duh. Did I mention we scored 350-plus in the last two innings?Conscience: [Sighs] Against my judgment, I’m going to try one more time. Your poor team-mate Lasith Embuldeniya has bowled 42 overs in the first innings, which just wrapped up this morning. He’s probably going to be our main threat again in the second innings. If for no other reason, then just for him, can you please make sure the team bats a couple of sessions?Batsman: For Embula? Sure, I’ll bat carefully for him.Conscience: You won’t, will you?Batsman: Nope. Not at all.

Have a day, Trey Yesavage.

The Blue Jays pitcher was just called up to the majors last month, and now he already etched his name in the World Series history books after his incredible Game 5 performance.

In seven innings of work on Wednesday night vs. the Dodgers, Yesavage recorded 12 strikeouts against Los Angeles batters, which is now the World Series record for the most strikeouts thrown by a rookie in a single game. He was the first rookie to record 10-plus strikeouts in a World Series game in 76 years, too. Yesavage was also the first rookie to strike out five consecutive batters in a World Series game. He didn’t walk a single batter.

Here's a closer look at all 12 strikeouts Yesavage recorded on Wednesday night.

To add to his excellence, it's worth noting that Yesavage had struck out every batter in the Dodgers lineup at least once through five innings on Wednesday night. That's pretty incredible when facing the reigning World Series championship team with a roster worth around $148 million this year. On the flip side, Yesavage's salary is $57,204 since being called up from the minor leagues, per .

This isn't even the first time Yesavage has recorded over 10 strikeouts in a postseason game this year. In Game 2 of the ALDS vs. the Yankees, Yesavage threw 11 strikeouts over 5.1 innings—Phew. Yesavage has been through a whirlwind introduction to life in the majors, and now is just one game away from a World Series ring.

The Cubs franchise and fanbase was shaken on Monday when legendary player Ryne Sandberg died at the age of 65 from cancer.

The Cubs and MLB world alike have honored Sandberg in various ways this week. The Cubs are even introducing a No. 23 patch to their jerseys for the remainder of the 2025 season to memorialize "Ryno."

This isn't the only way the Cubs are honoring the late legend. On Saturday in their home game vs. the Orioles at Wrigley Field, all Cubs players will wear a Sandberg No. 23 jersey without their names on the back. The team will wear the iconic pullover blue jerseys that Sandberg used to wear during his time with the team in the 1980s.

Cubs executive Crane Kenney shared the news on 670 The Score on Thursday, also noting that the jerseys will be auctioned after the game and all the proceeds will be donated to cancer research. The organization plans to celebrate Sandberg's legacy and life all day on Saturday at Wrigley Field.

It will be an emotional day in Chicago on Saturday.

Television presenter Laura Woods has shared a positive update following a worrying collapse during live coverage of the Lionesses' friendly against Ghana on Tuesday evening. Woods was taken ill ahead of kick off when she fell and was caught by pundits Ian Wright and Anita Asante, and ITV immediately cut to an advertising break. The presenter has now taken to social media to reassure fans and thank those who helped her.

Worrying scenes as Woods taken ill live on air

There were worrying scenes on Tuesday night as Woods collapsed just minutes into ITV's broadcast of England's friendly against Ghana. Woods was introducing the game when she collapsed and ITV cut to a break. Woods was then replaced by Katie Shanahan, who explained to the audience that the host had been "taken ill" and then added a little more information at half-time. She said: "As you may all be aware, Laura Woods fell ill at the start of the programme. We want to reassure you that she's doing OK. We all send her our love."

The popular television presenter's fiancé Adam Collard subsequently posted an update on X that read: "Laura is all OK and with the right people. Thank you for all of your kind messages."

AdvertisementWoods shares positive update

Woods has now offered her own update on Instagram that reads: "Gosh that was a bit weird. Sorry to worry everyone, I'm OK, the wonderful paramedics at Saints have said its probably a virus, just need a bit of rest and hydration. I'm really embarrassed that happened on TV, but a big thank you to my colleagues at ITV who have really looked after me tonight. And to Wright and Neets for catching me and sorry again x."

Instagram

Good wishes sent to Woods

The worry scenes prompted an outpouring of support on social media. Woods, who also presents Champions League coverage on TNT Sports and has previously worked with talkSPORT, received messages of support from both broadcasters. 

TNT Sports posted: "Everyone at TNT Sports would like to send Laura Woods our very best wishes. Get well soon, Woodsy."

And talkSPORT added: All of us at talkSPORT send our best wishes to Laura Woods. Get well soon, Woodsy. 

ITV Football also wished Woods a "speedy recovery" on social media, while the Lionesses wrote a message that read "Sending our love and wishing you a speedy recovery laura woods."

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Getty Images SportLionesses finish year with a win

ITV's coverage continued with the Lionesses finishing off 2025 with a 2-0 friendly win over Ghana. Lucia Kendall scored her first international goal in the victory after just six minutes, before a late penalty from Alessio Russo wrapped up the victory for Sarina Wiegman's side.

Parent company of Major League Cricket takes legal action over termination of commercial agreement

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Sep-2025There has been a power struggle at the heart of cricket in the USA for over a month now and it escalated on Tuesday, with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the parent company of Major League Cricket (MLC), taking USA Cricket (USAC) to court for “improper termination” of their contract.The two parties had been commercial partners since May 2019 but a few weeks ago USAC ended it saying ACE had failed to “fulfill its contractual and fiduciary obligations”, including payments due to the national team and support staff. ACE disputed this, claiming it had actually offered more than the agreed amount.An ACE press release said on Wednesday: “USAC’s handling of the ACE agreement has been chaotic and reckless. It is emblematic of USAC’s bad faith. A small group of USAC directors have chosen to prioritize politics rather than preparing teams that can build on their recent successes.”These actions have jeopardized ACE’s significant investments into U.S. cricket over the last six years, as well as the continued success of cricket in the U.S.”USAC’s wrongful conduct cannot go unanswered, so today, ACE filed legal proceedings against USAC regarding its improper termination of the ACE agreement.”

“We have commenced legal proceedings against USAC to prevent the irreparable harm caused by its wrongful termination of the ACE agreement and to protect the thriving cricket community that ACE has cultivated in America”Johnny Grave ACE chief executive

This situation has caused unease among the USA players. ACE runs the highest profile cricket tournament in the country – MLC – and the development league associated with it – Minor League Cricket. It also owns the ground that houses the High Performance Centre at Grand Prairie in Dallas, Texas and operates other facilities in Morrisville, Florida and California.At the time of USAC terminating its deal with ACE, on August 21, it said it was open to renegotiations. Seven days later, it even suspended the decision to cut ties. On September 16, however, “USAC then unilaterally reinstated its original termination, effective today, without holding any meaningful discussions directly with ACE”.Johnny Grave ACE chief executive, said, “We’re disappointed with the actions of USA Cricket. For the last six years, ACE has been focused on the athletes, fans, and partners who have helped develop US cricket. We have commenced legal proceedings against USAC to prevent the irreparable harm caused by its wrongful termination of the ACE agreement and to protect the thriving cricket community that ACE has cultivated in America.”This standoff is taking place two months after the successful staging of the 2025 MLC season and less than six months out from the men’s T20 World Cup. USA are due to participate in that tournament in India and Sri Lanka and ACE had planned a training camp for 35 top men’s players with trial matches – three 50-over games and three T20s – in Morrisville against West Indies A.”Is that all still taking place or not? These camps have to take place for the players to get ready for those things,” USA allrounder Corey Anderson said recently. “All of those things are very much in a big question mark at the moment, which again just creates more uncertainty around the players.”

تلقى ريال مدريد أنباء جيدة اليوم بعد عودة لاعبيه إدواردو كامافينجا وكيليان مبابي من معسكر منتخب فرنسا بسبب مشاكل في اللياقة البدنية.

ولم يتدرب كامافينجا مع منتخب فرنسا هذا الأسبوع لتعرضه لآلام في أوتار الركبة ولم يشارك أمس ضد أوكرانيا وتقرر عدم المخاطرة به، وتم استبعاد كيليان مبابي أيضاً حيث عانى من التهاب في كاحله بعد أن قاد الديوك للفوز برباعية نظيفة.

ووفقاً للصحفية “أرنشا رودريجيز” فإن ريال مدريد تلقى خبراً ساراً جديداً بأن الثنائي الفرنسي لا يعانيان من أي إصابة ويحتاجان للراحة.

أقرأ أيضاً.. آس توضح حقيقة الأزمات الداخلية في ريال مدريد ومصير ألونسو بعد النتائج الأخيرة

ولن يخضع كيليان مبابي لأي فحوصات ومن المتوقع أن يكون مع كامافينجا جاهزين لمواجهة إلتشي عندما يعود ريال مدريد بعد انتهاء التوقف الدولي.

ومن المتوقع أيضاً أن يكون الحارس البلجيكي تيبو كورتوا وفيديريكو فالفيردي جاهزين لمباراة إلتشي بعد تعرضهما لإصابات طفيفة في وقت سابق من هذا الشهر.

Newcastle United have stepped away from the action zone as the October international break takes the stage. But Newcastle are anything but idle, having appointed a new technical director in Ross Wilson from Nottingham Forest.

Wilson, 41, leaves the City Ground having overseen a rise from relegation candidates in the Premier League to European contenders, having finished seventh last year after heavy spending.

In the dugout, Eddie Howe is a meticulous man. He knows every nook and every cranny of his opponents’ half, having profiled each player and grasped their strengths and their weaknesses. Wilson has a personality apt to connect with the tactician’s own bearing.

Newcastle have earned their flowers for their fast rise in the years since PIF completed their club takeover, qualifying for the Champions League in two of the last three seasons and winning the Carabao Cup last year.

But Paul Mitchell left his post less than one year after Dan Ashworth departed, and there’s no denying the Magpies recruitment drive has been knocked somewhat out of kilter. That is now anticipated to change.

Ross Wilson's recruitment record

Before Nottingham Forest, it was Rangers. While in Scotland, it was Wilson who sat behind the desk when Steven Gerrard led the club to the Premiership title, still the Gers’ sole title success since 2011.

And after moving to the Premier League, his reputation has only grown, with Wilson considered a real coup for the Tynesiders and further evidence of the fall from stability at Forest.

According to the i Paper, it is understood that Newcastle will seek to reward Sandro Tonali, Sven Botman and Tino Livramento with new deals once the transfer specialist is instated.

One of Wilson’s biggest strengths is his ability to identify and sign first-team candidates who both align with the manager’s tactical vision and the club’s wider culture.

Though this summer was one of much upheaval at Newcastle, there’s no denying Howe has eased the loss of Alexander Isak to Liverpool with a range of impactful additions, Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw in particular shining across the early months of the season.

Still, the direction has been at times uncertain, business taking an almost fragmented quality. Wilson, in tandem with Howe, could change that, with some exciting potential options already being discussed.

Who Ross Wilson could sign at Newcastle

Wilson signed his fair share of first-team players at Nottingham Forest, having joined from Rangers in 2023. At the time, the Midlands side were embroiled in a relegation battle in the Premier League and had not yet parted with Steve Cooper and brought in Nuno Espirito Santo.

Forest now have their own issues, with Edu and Nuno’s conflict leading to a divorce which has left the club’s meteoric rise in tatters. Wilson played his part, though, and may now fancy a step-up to St. James’ Park.

Newcastle, for sure, have work to do if they wish to settle permanently alongside the Premier League elite. With Wilson and Howe working together, this could bear dividends, especially when considering Howe’s recent comments regarding Elliot Anderson, who was sold to the City Ground for about £35m in 2024 as the Toon scrambled to ease their PSR suffering.

Last week, the manager called Anderson, 22, a “precious” talent who he would “love” to welcome back to his boyhood club, and now Newcastle have landed Wilson, that potential lane of communication has very much stretched open.

It would be a costly one to engineer, to be sure, but now, it certainly seems a whole lot more likely.

And there’s more. Nick Pope is still performing at 33 years old, but he’s out of contract at the end of the season and a replacement might be required, even with Aaron Ramsdale having joined on loan in August.

James Trafford came within a whisker of signing for the Magpies this summer, and now that he’s on the fringes at Manchester City, he might recieve a call from Wilson down the line.

That should just about do it. Howe leads a complete and robust Newcastle side, but even though £55m was forked out for Forest’s Anthony Elanga this summer, there might be a desire to add another winger to the ranks.

And who better than Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who was very much on the club’s radar this summer? The Cherries fought off interest from many of the Premier League’s biggest hitters, with the Ghanaian forward signing a new contract at the club.

The vultures still circle, though, and Newcastle are among that kettle of suitors looking to strike a deal, having prepared a bid in the final weeks of the window. Liverpool are also keen, showing interest as recently as this week, and they have been met with demands of a £75m payment from the south coast club.

Semenyo would cost a pretty penny, alright, but there’s little question that he’d be a fantastic addition, having scored six goals and supplied three more across seven top-flight appearances this season.

We know already that Howe wanted to bring the prolific forward to the club, and now Wilson will help promote Howe’s vision.

It’s exciting to note that even with Isak having been sold this summer, Newcastle have a dynamic crop of players capable of hitting even loftier heights than were struck last season. But with the likes of Trafford and Anderson and Semenyo added to the fold, Newcastle would go from strength to strength.

One Premier League analyst has even claimed Semenyo is “one of the best players in the world”. These are the heights Newcastle must be striving for, and Wilson can make it happen.

Howe has found the next Saint-Maximin in "frightening" Newcastle star

Summer signing aims for Saint-Maximin’s flair with Newcastle’s need for consistency

By
Will Miller

Oct 11, 2025

Arsenal equalled a 105-year-old record after extending their remarkable defensive run with another shut-out win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Mikel Merino, who was covering for the injured Viktor Gyokeres upfront, added a brace to give Arsenal a comfortable 3-0 win in the Czech Republic.

Arsenal equal century-old record

This was Arsenal's eighth consecutive victory across all competitions without conceding a goal this season, a joint record for an English top-division side along with Preston in 1889 and Liverpool in 1920. The record-equalling dream run of victories started with a 2-0 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League on October 1, after which they beat teams like West Ham, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Atletico Madrid and Burnley. 

The last time Mikel Arteta's side conceded a goal was against Newcastle United in the Premier League on September 28, although the Gunners still clinched the clash 2-1. Overall, they are on a 10-match winning streak across all competitions. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesDowman creates history

Arsenal wonderkid Max Downman became the youngest player ever to appear in a Champions League match, at just 15 years and 308 days, when he came on as a 72nd-minute substitute in place of Jurrien Timber. In the process, the teenager shattered the record previously held by Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko, who was 16 years and 18 days when he made his debut in 2020.

It was indeed a dream come true moment for the youngster, who was playing, only weeks ago, in the UEFA Youth League, where he dazzled for Gunners' Under-19s against Atletico Madrid, providing two assists in a narrow defeat. Dowman has been training with the senior side under Arteta since the start of the season and made his debut for the club in their 5-0 win over Leeds United in the Premier League. 

Arsenal hailed for squad depth

The Premier League leaders have been hailed for their squad depth in the current campaign, as CBS Sports Golazo analyst Geoff Shreeves told GOAL: "Remember when Liverpool flew out the traps and they signed Wirtz? And there was the talk of getting Isak? And the amount of people who said 'Let's not bother. Just give them the trophy.' Arsenal started to falter a little bit, so it's all over. So no, I wouldn't say Arsenal win it. They've got a great chance. Would I say it's definitely going to happen? Not in a million years, because that's the beauty of the Premier League. 

"Look at the Premier League table right now. Look at Bournemouth, look at Sunderland. It's fantastic. I think we're in for a vintage Premier League this season. Last season, you have to admire what Arne Slot did at Liverpool. But they won it pretty much at a canter, and the bottom three were gone quite early. I said at the start of the season, I think we're seeing much greater competition at the top spot, and I think we'll we'll have far more teams involved in the relegation scrap. At the moment, that's looking fairly prescient. It's a rare example of me actually being right."

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Getty ImagesWhen will Gyokeres return?

Amid the stunning run of form, Arteta remains concerned over star forward Gyokeres' condition as he missed the Champions League tie on Tuesday. The Sweden international sustained a hamstring injury during the Premier League win over Burnley last weekend, leaving the Arsenal boss fearful that he may be out for an extended period of time. The Spanish coach told reporters ahead of the European clash: "I am concerned because he hasn't had many muscular issues and he needed to leave the pitch and he was feeling something. That's obviously never a good sign, especially for a player that is very, very explosive. So we are digging in a little bit more to understand where we are in terms of the injury and we'll announce the moment we know."

A fresh report from BBC has claimed that Gyokeres will undergo further tests this week and Arsenal fear he could be out for up to two weeks. This means that the striker will miss the club's upcoming league clash against Sunderland and will also rest during the international break, but is expected to return ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham on November 23.

Whilst game-week one gave us a taster, game-week two truly signalled the start of the drama in the Champions League. We saw VAR controversy, upset players and a timely reminder as to why Paris Saint-Germain are European champions even with a weakened line-up.

The French giants gradually picked Barcelona apart and eventually found their reward to make it two from two on Europe’s top stage. The same can’t be said for Liverpool and Manchester City, however, who failed to pick up where they left off. That said, out of Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot, it is the latter who will be most frustrated after suffering back-to-back defeats in all competitions.

So, in a week full of many twists and turns, who stands out as our biggest winners and losers in the Champions League?

Winners: Dier rattles Man City and Hojlund sparks Man Utd regret

Winner: Rasmus Hojlund (Napoli)

It’s a familiar story for Manchester United, isn’t it? Whilst the Red Devils watch on from outside of European qualification and a long way away from even considering Champions League football, their former players continue to thrive elsewhere. Last season, it was Scott McTominay. Now, it is Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund.

The Napoli forward has already scored three goals in five games for the Italian giants – seven fewer than last season’s end total – and rounded off a fine evening in the Champions League with a brace against Ruben Amorim’s former side, Sporting Club.

What truly rubs salt in the Man United wounds is the fact that Hojlund, Anthony Elanga and Marcel Sabitzer – all former players – picked up the Man of the Match award for their current clubs in the Champions League this week while the Red Devils continue to struggle.

Winner: Goncalo Ramos (PSG)

Trying to get into that PSG frontline may well be the toughest task in European football. It now even includes a Ballon d’Or winner in Ousmane Dembele. But that’s not stopping Goncalo Ramos from knocking on the door of Luis Enrique’s frontline, desperately fighting for his place.

The Portugal international was at it again in the Champions League. After 19-year-old Senny Mayulu earned a starting place over him before scoring PSG’s equaliser against Barcelona, it was up to Ramos to emerge from the bench to find the winning goal and make a claim for his place once again.

Netting his third goal of the season and his second in as many Champions League games, Ramos continues to be one of the most underrated forwards in European football.

Winner: Eric Dier (AS Monaco)

A Bundesliga winner, versatile defender and now among Bernardo Silva’s football foes, Eric Dier is putting together quite the CV these days. The former Tottenham Hotspur star was accused of diving by the Man City midfielder to earn Monaco’s late penalty, which he converted to draw his side level, but insisted that there was contact in his post-match reaction.

After stealing a point from what seemed a certain defeat, both Monaco and Dier should be delighted with their latest Champions League outing. As for Man City, it’s yet another slip from what has become an increasingly-vulnerable side in the last 12 months.

Losers: Flick's high-line exposed and VAR steals headlines again

Loser: Hansi Flick (Barcelona)

A high-line is a game of risk and reward. Ask Jurgen Klopp and he’ll say that it played a crucial part in Liverpool’s best-ever Premier League side. Guardiola will also provide a similar answer from a Man City perspective. But Barcelona aren’t enjoying the same dominance.

Once again, Hansi Flick’s backline were left exposed in the Champions League. It arguably handed Inter Milan a route to the final last season in a thrilling semi-final and it has just provided PSG with an early scalp in their first defence. The Spanish giants are unlikely to change and former star Thierry Henry didn’t hold back with his verdict.

The former Barcelona star said: “You cannot play in the Champions League with that high-line, I’m sorry. When you play against good teams, you’re gonna get exposed and that’s exactly what happened. Any well-timed run, you go through on goal.”

Loser: Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)

An exasperating, dramatic start to Liverpool’s season has quickly turned concerning. Suddenly, the late winners have stopped coming and their defensive vulnerability has remained, with Ibrahima Konate’s performances playing a large part in that. The Frenchman was suspect in a 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace last weekend and struggled once again as Galatasaray shocked the Reds.

With the Frenchman’s contract coming to an end in less than 12 months and Real Madrid sniffing around, to say that his dip in form is poorly-timed would be an understatement.

Add on the fact that Arne Slot only has three senior centre-backs at his disposal and it’s clear that Konate must rediscover his best as soon as possible.

Loser: VAR

At risk of sounding like a broken record, it was another poor week for VAR in the Champions League. Galatasaray’s penalty, which was awarded after Baris Alper Yilmaz hit the deck following contentious contact from Dominik Szoboszlai, stood out as questionable on Tuesday night before Monaco’s late penalty against Man City caused more controversy.

Reports are also circulating that the VAR team chose the wrong frame to look at Ramos’ winning goal against Barcelona. New images show just how tight the call actually was in a moment that could have ended very differently.

Many believed that VAR’s introduction would eradicate refereeing mistakes or at least guide the headlines away from the referees. Years on, however, it is doing anything but.

أعلن اتحاد الكرة رسميًا، عن موقف نبيل عماد دونجا لاعب فريق الزمالك، من المشاركة في بطولة كأس السوبر المصري الذي من المقرر أن يقام في دولة الإمارات.

يذكر أن بطولة كأس السوبر المصري ستبدأ من يوم 6 نوفمبر 2025 في الإمارات، بمشاركة الأهلي والزمالك وبيراميدز وسيراميكا كليوباترا. 

طالع.. خاص وعاجل | اتحاد الكرة يحسم مصير مشاركة دونجا مع الزمالك في السوبر المصري بيان اتحاد الكرة حول موقف دونجا من السوبر المصري 

وجاء بيان اتحاد الكرة على النحو التالي: 

أرسلت إدارة المسابقات بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، خطابات إلى الأندية الأربعة المشاركة في بطولة السوبر المصري بالإمارات “الأهلي، والزمالك، وبيراميدز، وسيراميكا كليوباترا” لإخطارهم بأسماء اللاعبين الصادر بحقهم عقوبة الإيقاف في بطولة السوبر المصري حيث لا يحق لهم المشاركة في النسخة المقبلة.

تضمنت قائمة الإيقافات، اسم اللاعب نبيل عماد علي المهدي “دونجا” لاعب الزمالك فقط حيث تم إيقافه 4 مباريات في بطولة السوبر بناء على تقرير مراقب مباراة فريقه أمام بيراميدز في البطولة الأخيرة.