Category Uncategorized

After returning to club action following the final international break of 2025, Liverpool needed to find a remedy for their issues.

A defeat to Manchester City two weeks ago is hardly something to be ashamed about, but after consecutive wins across league and European action, it was a return to the doldrums of the previous month.

In truth, Arne Slot’s men have been way off it in 2025/26. The Anfield outfit are severely lagging behind in the race for the Premier League title and they can probably already forget about any hopes of retaining England’s biggest prize, but for a major miracle.

The nadir of the campaign so far came on Saturday. Nottingham Forest, sat inside the relegation places, visited Mersyeside and swatted aside Slot’s troops with ease, winning 3-0.

It was a ghastly defeat and one that was epitomised by the performance of club-record signing Alexander Isak.

The issues behind Alexander Isak

2025 has been a peculiar old year for Mr Isak. He began the year in career-best form and took Newcastle United to a Carabao Cup triumph at Wembley against his new employers.

Yet, he ruined his legacy. He chewed it up and spat it back in the faces of Newcastle supporters.

He didn’t go on the club’s pre-season tour in Asia and from that moment he was never seen in first-team training again.

Isak trained on his own at Newcastle’s complex and then after missing the opening weeks of the season, finally got his British record move to Liverpool. FSG shelled out a jaw-dropping £125m to sign him but he has not been worth that fee in the slightest.

Chalkboard

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

The Swede has struggled with fitness and injury since moving, hardly surprising given he didn’t have a proper pre-season. That, however, is the player’s fault and he’s now paying the price.

The striker has now played nine games for his new side but has only scored once, a solitary goal in the EFL Cup.

He’s gone five Premier League matches without scoring and all four of his Liverpool starts in top-flight action have ended in defeat.

His performance against Forest on Saturday was the epitome of what he’s gone through on Merseyside to date.

As Slot’s side lost 3-0, Isak was nowhere to be seen. BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty described his afternoon as a “symbol of one of the most limp Anfield displays in recent years.”

As a consequence, the attacker only lasted 68 minutes on the pitch, amassing just 14 touches of the football and winning zero of his duels.

Minutes played

68

Touches

14

Accurate passes

5/7 (71%)

Key passes

1

Successful dribbles

0

Shots

1

Shots on target

0

Ground duels won

0

Aerial duels won

0

Before this game had even taken place Liverpool correspondent David Lynch had suggested the Swede was “offering Liverpool less than Darwin Nunez did”. Still, while Nunez never really got up to speed, there is a belief that Isak will eventually come good.

The same cannot be said for someone who plays further back than Isak.

Liverpool star is becoming this season's Darwin Nunez

What a puzzling character Mr Nunez was. The Uruguayan arrived in a £85m move from Benfica back in June 2022 but failed to ever really set the world alight.

He missed a catalogue of big chances. In January 2024, he set a Premier League record when he hit the woodwork four times in one game against Chelsea. No one has ever hit the bar or post on as many occasions in one match as that.

Furthermore, back in 2023/24, only Erling Haaland (34) missed more big chances than Nunez (27) in the top-flight. The trouble is, while the Norwegian powerhouse scored 27 that term, Liverpool’s leading number nine only found the net on 11 occasions in league action.

Then, last season, the South American netted just seven goals in 47 fixtures, prompting his exit from English football. He has since moved to Saudi Arabia and Al-Hilal, where he has netted five times in nine appearances.

Isak will likely have a better Anfield career than that, but he is arguably not the main scapegoat right now. That honour is in the hands of Ibrahima Konate.

The Frenchman, as Nunez did, has become the but of the jokes at Anfield this term and is the most under-fire player in Slot’s squad.

Yes, Florian Wirtz and Isak continue to disappoint, a huge problem given their price tags, but Konate has had one too many chances now and his Liverpool career is heading in a similar way to a certain Trent Alexander-Arnold.

His contract is due to expire at the end of the season and with Real Madrid allegedly chasing his services, it looks like the best option for all parties that he leaves on a free transfer.

Liverpool would love a fee, of course they would, but they just need to get him off their books now. He’s simply too error-prone. It’s not just one error either, something football analyst Raj Chohan outlined on social media during Saturday’s game.

Having made a dreadful mistake, beaten all ends up by Forest striker Igor Jesus, the Frenchman was extremely thankful that the goal that followed that sequence of events was ruled out for handball.

Writing afterwards, Chohan simply said, “every time he makes one error, he makes multiple.”

Tactical writer Dharnish Iqbal, further noted that Konate’s form at the moment is “shocking”, outlining him as one of the biggest problems at Slot’s disposal right now.

According to the official data, supplied by Sofascore, he has made three mistakes leading to a shot in league action alone this term. In the Champions League, he has made a further one. This is particularly bad as in the whole of the 2024/25 Premier League season, he made two. He’s already up to that number now from 12 starts.

He might not be like Nunez in the sense that he’s a striker, but he’s the new club scapegoat, and like Nunez, he needs to leave as soon as possible.

Worse than Konate: Slot must drop 2/10 Liverpool flop who lost 100% duels

Ibrahima Konate was not the only culprit during Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest.

2 ByMatt Dawson Nov 23, 2025

One manager who has previously hailed Swansea City supporters is open to the idea of replacing Alan Sheehan in south Wales.

Swansea City managerial latest

The search for a new permanent Swans manager is underway after parting ways with Sheehan on Tuesday following a poor start to the Championship campaign.

A club statement on Tuesday read: “In the wake of a disappointing run, it is felt results and performances do not meet the standards expected at this stage of the season, and we have had to take this difficult decision.

“The process to appoint a new head coach is already under way. We will update supporters on this process once it has been concluded.”

CEO Tom Gorringe and head of recruitment Adam Worth are leading the search for Sheehan’s successor, with Hammarby manager Kim Hellberg the favourite to come in during the international break.

Talks have been held with the 37-year-old who at this stage appears to be one of the frontrunners after initial discussions.

Swedish coach Hellberg isn’t the only name, though, with former managers Russell Martin and Brendan Rodgers out of work at this moment in time, as well as former Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick.

Russell Martin open to Swansea City return

According to the BBC, Martin is open to the idea of returning to Swansea, more than two years on after leaving for Southampton.

The outlet states that Martin ‘remains a popular figure among players and staff at Swansea’, however, a move back to south Wales for the available manager ‘is unlikely’ despite still having ‘many admirers within the club’.

The Swansea owners are the ones who are seemingly against a return for Martin, who was sacked from Rangers earlier this season following a disastrous short tenure at Ibrox.

The 39-year-old did take Southampton to the Premier League in his first season in charge before being sacked in the top flight by the Saints. Martin has actually taken charge of more games for Swansea than any other club in his managerial career and clearly has a soft spot for Jacks supporters.

Club

Games

Points per game

MK Dons

80

1.38

Swansea

99

1.35

Southampton

73

1.58

Rangers

17

1.24

Following a draw at Huddersfield during his time in charge, Martin was full of praise for the Swansea supporters.

Arsenal have a brimming pipeline of exciting young talent and could be set to add prodigious Montpellier gem Laciné Megnan-Pavé to their ranks if they can fight off competition for his services.

Fighting on all fronts, the Gunners have began to call on the strength of their squad in recent times, evidenced in the fact that Andre Harriman-Annous starred in their victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek.

Clearly, there is room for developing talent to feature under Mikel Arteta should youngsters impress at underage level. With his side top of the Premier League and seeking to go deep into multiple competitions, domestic matches outwith the top-flight may be the breeding ground to blood more of their academy.

However, chances for Hale End prodigies may dry up amid positive injury updates on Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz. Strength in depth is key for the Gunners, and supporters will be delighted that the Spaniard will soon have added flexibility ahead of the festive fixture list.

Adding context, he added: “I see them work every single day, how desperate they are to be part of the team, the huge boost that is going to be for the squad to have those players available again after such a long time. I’m really happy that I think it’s going to be very soon.”

His happiness may be about to multiply, given Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta already appears to have one eye on the next youngster to enter the conveyor belt of bristiling talent at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal fighting Barcelona for Montpellier sensation Laciné Megnan-Pavé

According to Sport.fr, Arsenal are looking to sign Montpellier youngster Laciné Megnan-Pavé and sporting director Berta will look to beat the might of Barcelona to land the services of the exciting goalscorer.

At just 15 years of age, he is already captain of France’s Under-16 squad and has shown a demonstrable track record of hitting the target after notching 15 goals and 12 assists in 24 games last season.

Now under observation due to his ‘explosive’ profile, murmurs insist that Montpellier will offer him a three-year professional contract once he turns 16, albeit the notion of making your name at an elite club like Arsenal may be difficult to turn down.

Physically, he stands at 6ft 1in and is more than a match for defenders despite still having plenty of years to grow, adding another layer of intrigue as the Gunners look to secure his services.

Major League Baseball has asked the New York Yankees to ban the two fans involved with the Mookie Betts interference in Game 4 from attending Game 5, according to a report from Jesse Rogers of ESPN. The two fans, identified as Austin Capobianco and John Peter, will be refunded for the cost of their tickets.

Capobianco and Peter attempted to yank the baseball out of Betts's glove on a foul ball down the line in right field in the bottom of the first inning in Game 3. The umpires ruled fan interference and Gleyber Torres out.

The two fans were ejected from the game shortly thereafter. When asked about the play afterwards, it's fair to say the two fans were unapologetic.

"We always joke about the ball in our area," said Capobianco, who was the one who pried the ball out of Betts's glove. "We're not going to go out of our way to attack. If it's in our area, we're going to 'D' up. Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. We're willing to do this. I know when I'm in the wrong and as soon as I did it, I was like, 'Boys I'm out of here. I patrol that wall and they know that."

Game 5 is set for Wednesday night in the Bronx, as the Yankees try to keep their season alive and force Game 6 back in Los Angeles.

Worcestershire compile the third-highest first-class score in their history as hosts struggle in response

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay30-Jun-2025

Jake Libby followed Adam Hose to a double century•Getty Images

Hampshire 68 for 3 (Varma 10*, Brown 7*, Taylor 2-16) trail Worcestershire 679 for 7 dec (Hose 266, Libby 228, Roderick 80) by 611 runsJake Libby achieved his second career Rothesay County Championship double century as Worcestershire compiled the third-highest first-class score in their history.Stand-in captain Libby batted throughout a 10-hour vigil to secure a personal best 228, while underpinning his side’s vast 679 for 7 declared.His double century was paired with Adam Hose’s on day one – making it the first time two Worcestershire batters had passed 200 in an innings, while Gareth Roderick’s 80 kept him company for much of day two.The declaration at tea left Hampshire 32 overs until the close, and during the evening they managed to lose their top three on a lifeless pitch to end the day on 68 for 3 – an ominous 611 in arrears.Libby is built for long innings. He has a sound defence, enough shot-making to avoid building pressure on himself, and the mental fortitude to become unmovable.Aged 21, he scored a double ton in Nottinghamshire’s Second XI. On Championship debut, Libby scored a 247-ball century. In 2021, he batted for 681 minutes – two minutes shy of the longest Championship innings – to save a match against Essex.This innings shouldn’t have come as a shock to anyone, especially when it became clear before lunch on day one that the Hampshire bowlers were in for a torturous time with the pitch and Kookaburra ball.While Hose scored with abandon, Libby frustrated and accumulated. The pair put on 395 with their contrasting style until Hose’s departure late on the opening day.Nightwatcher Adam Finch and Ethan Brookes fell in the morning session but Hampshire only managed to pick up one bowling point, with Worcestershire counting the maximum five batting points to reverse their batting woes this season.Finch edged the three-wicket James Fuller behind, while Brookes left a straight one from Kyle Abbott.But Libby persisted, passing 150 with his sole six – towering Liam Dawson straight down the ground – and found Roderick a similarly stubborn partner.Roderick had barely scraped 250 runs together in 16 previous innings this season, but given the perfect batting conditions, upped the price on his wicket.It wasn’t pretty viewing in the roasting south coast sun, but it kept the scoreboard slowly ticking and the Hampshire bowlers, eight of whom were used in total, toiling.Roderick’s second fifty of the season came in 114 balls, but it was overshadowed by Libby raising his bat on 200 after 399 deliveries.Roderick top-edged a sweep to fall for 80 and Matthew Waite was carelessly run out before Tom Taylor added 51 with Libby.With a new ball ready after tea, Libby decided to put Hampshire’s bowlers out of their misery by concluding his and Worcestershire’s innings, having cleared his previous high of 215.The 679 was the highest Worcestershire score away from Visit Worcestershire New Road and the highest total by a visiting team to Utilita Bowl – only the 714 Hampshire dropped on Notts in 2005 stands above it.Hampshire’s response was not wholly unsurprising after 160 overs of draining fielding in mercury rising temperatures.Fletcha Middleton and Ali Orr had already been given lives when chances were shelled in the slips, but didn’t cash in.Middleton never looked comfortable before a hooping in-swinger from Taylor hit his pads in front, while Orr seemed to find rhythm until shabbily turning Finch to leg slip.Nick Gubbins followed to give Taylor a second leg-before wicket but Tilak Varma and Ben Brown remained for the last 40 balls of the day.

West Indies posted a mammoth 352 for 8 but rain didn’t allow Ireland’s chase to begin

Abhimanyu Bose23-May-2025

Keacy Carty celebrates his second ODI hundred•Sportsfile via Getty Images

No result West Indies marched to a mammoth total of 352 for 8 on the back of Keacy Carty’s second ODI century and Matthew Forde’s record-equalling fifty as they looked to level the three-match series against Ireland, but the second ODI was washed out as rain didn’t allow Ireland’s chase to begin.Ireland sent West Indies in under slightly overcast conditions. The West Indies openers, Brandon King and Evin Lewis, got going with boundaries through the off side but Barry McCarthy, who took four wickets in the first game, drew the outside edge from King to give Ireland the first breakthrough.The first bowling change also worked for Ireland as Lewis drove Josh Little straight to cover point in the bowler’s first over.Related

Matthew Forde equals AB de Villiers' record of fastest ODI fifty

Hope and Carty then rebuilt for West Indies, ensuring there wasn’t a repeat of the top-order collapse they suffered in the first ODI, as they rotated strike well with quick singles and doubles amid the odd boundary.Hope looked the more fluent in their 81-run stand off 90 balls as Carty slowly grew into the game. Hope also hit the first six of the game, coming down the track to Andy McBrine. But the West Indies captain nicked off on 49 to give Liam McCarthy his first international wicket.West Indies then picked up the tempo, with Carty doing the heavy lifting and Amir Jangoo happy to keep rotating strike. Carty brought up his half-century off 67 balls in the 27th over and then started to shift gears.Matthew Forde is all smiles after equalling the record for the fastest ODI fifty•Sportsfile/Getty Images

In the 29th over, he took on Barry McCarthy for two fours and a six. The six was probably his best shot; he backed away and slapped it over cover.Jangoo was caught at short third off George Dockrell before Carty brought up his century in the 36th over, off 105 balls.But when Carty was caught behind next over trying to cut Liam McCarthy and Roston Chase fell in the 44th with Paul Stirling taking a screamer at short fine leg, West Indies were reduced to 246 for 6 and suddenly were in danger of falling short of 300.Enter Forde. He hit his second ball for a six over cover before hitting four sixes off the next over, bowled by Josh Little – three of them off consecutive deliveries.The next two balls he faced brought ten runs as he scooped Thomas Mayes for four and six. Back-to-back sixes off Liam McCarthy in the next over saw him equal AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest ODI fifty, off just 16 balls before being bowled for a 19-ball 58.Justin Greaves (44* off 36), who scored just seven runs of the 68-run stand with Forde, then accelerated along with Gudakesh Motie (18 off 8) to power West Indies to their second-highest total against Ireland as they plundered 106 runs off the last 42 balls.However, it started to rain during the innings break and didn’t relent, and play was eventually called off at around 5.20pm local time, ensuring Ireland go into the final ODI with an unassailable 1-0 lead.

Batter unbeaten on 65 with 105 still needed and four wickets standing

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay04-May-2025An injury to centurion Jordan Cox marred a strong Essex display on the third day of the County Championship Division One match with Somerset at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.Fresh from his recall to the England squad, Cox extended his overnight score of 61 to an unbeaten 103 as his side stretched their second innings total from 163 for four to 259 all out. But he retired hurt immediately on reaching three figures, having collapsed clutching his lower left side after taking the single that put him on 99.Cox took no further part in the Essex innings and was replaced in the field when Somerset began their quest for 321 to win on a pitch still offering assistance to seam and spin. They closed on 216 for six, Lewis Gregory making 57 and James Rew 65 not out.The first hour’s play saw Cox and Michael Pepper build rapidly on the Essex overnight advantage of 224.Cox reverse swept Jack Leach for boundaries off successive deliveries before greeting the introduction of Craig Overton with a glorious extra cover drive for four. Pepper leant good support and the pair had taken the total to 234 for four when misfortune struck.Cox had been in some discomfort and the quick single off Leach on the cusp of his ton ended with him prostrate the bowler’s end. After several minutes of treatment, he was helped to his feet, but he continued only long enough to slog-sweep Leach for four and complete a 155-ball hundred.Pepper glanced a four off Overton to take the lead past 300, but on 36 became the first of three victims in quick succession for Migael Pretorius, leg before on the back foot.Noah Thain edged to wicketkeeper Rew, while Sam Cook top-edged a pull shot to be caught at fine leg. Leach weighed in with the wickets of Kasun Rajitha and Simon Harmer as Essex plunged from 252 for four to 259 all out.A lead of 321 still looked secure enough on a pitch which had aided bowlers from the first morning. So it appeared, as Somerset’s fragile top order misfired again, leaving the 91 for five at tea.Andy Umeed edged a catch to second slip off Jamie Porter to depart without a run on the board and soon it was eight for two as Archie Vaughan top-edged a shot to leg off Cook to give a simple catch to mid-wicket.Harmer was introduced from eighth over and struck first with the total on 54, Tom Lammonby falling lbw for 30 to a ball that turned past the left-hander’s forward defensive shot and struck his back pad.Tom Abell played well to reach 29 before a sharply turning delivery from Harmer nipped back to clip his off stump and make it 71 for five. With only seven runs added, Tom Banton, on 13, went to reverse sweep the spinner and was judged to have got a touch on the way to the ball reaching Dean Elgar at slip, a decision which clearly frustrated the Somerset player.Skipper Gregory and Rew were unbeaten at the tea interval and both came out for the final session in positive mood.Anything remotely loose was punished mercilessly with boundaries in a counter-attacking partnership that only served to highlight previous batting inadequacies. Gregory raced to a half-century off 80 balls, with 7 fours.Rew was equally impressive and was unbeaten on 37 when his captain brought up the 100 stand with a flashing cut for four off Rajitha. But the same over saw Gregory attempt another back-foot forcing shot only to get a thick inside edge onto his stumps.Rew’s 10th four, guided to third-man off Cook, brought up a fluent fifty off 91 balls and the Somerset 200. He was still there at the close with a further 105 needed against a refreshed attack and the second new ball tomorrow.

Chelsea have missed out on a deal for long-time target Xavi Simons, with Tottenham hijacking their RB Leipzig deal in a blow for Enzo Maresca.

At one stage, it seemed like only a matter of time before BlueCo would put pen to paper on a deal for the Dutchman.

Some reports suggested that Chelsea had reached a full agreement for Simons, but that information turned out to be wide of the mark, with Simons forced to wait for weeks after agreeing personal terms with Maresca’s side.

Chelsea’s pursuit of the 22-year-old, who was a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before switching to PSG in his youth, was hampered by their need to sell players and make room in their squad.

Joao Pedro

Noni Madueke

Jamie Gittens

João Félix

Jorrel Hato

Djordje Petrovic

Liam Delap

Lesley Ugochukwu

Dario Essugo

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Mamadou Sarr

Renato Veiga

Estevao

Armando Broja

Kendry Paez

Carney Chukwuemeka

Mathis Amougou

Basir Humphreys

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Marcus Bettinelli

Christopher Nkunku

Money was no object, considering the Blues have done extremely well in terms of net spend – raising over £300 million in player sales to combat around £280 million spent on transfers.

However, their pact with UEFA after being fined for breaching FFP dictates that Chelsea must sell players from their Conference League squad last season to ensure they can register new signings for the Champions League this term.

Enzo Maresca calling £60m star with Chelsea ready to triple his salary

The Blues boss is personally contacting him.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 28, 2025

While Chelsea were attempting to agree exit deals for the likes of Christopher Nkunku (who’s now joined AC Milan) and Nicolas Jackson, Simons was left in limbo, and this gave Tottenham an opportunity to pounce.

Thomas Frank’s side were bereft of playmakers, following James Maddison’s ACL rupture and a knee injury to Dejan Kulusevski earlier this year, with Spurs also missing out on Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White this window in quite embarrassing fashion.

Chelsea’s London rivals needed to make a statement of intent, and have now done so by stealing Simons from under BlueCo’s nose.

Following overnight talks, Tottenham reached an agreement to sign the ex-PSG sensation for £52 million, with Simons completing his medical on Thursday and signing a potential seven-year contract.

How Chelsea feel as Tottenham hijack their deal for Xavi Simons

As per journalist Simon Phillips, backing up information from another source on his live blog [Thursday, 14:22pm), Chelsea have been left “unhappy” by these developments and thought they already had a verbal agreement with Leipzig.

Leipzig were said to have moved the goalposts, which allowed Spurs to swoop in and strike a deal for the Netherlands international despite lengthy negotiations with Chelsea.

Now, with just days until the deadline, Chelsea are forced to go back to square one in pursuit of a new playmaker, with Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez potentially set to take centre-stage.

Chelsea are prepared to bid around £50 million for Lopez, according to reports in Spain, and it is believed that the west Londoners are also ready to nearly triple the player’s salary by offering him a contract worth £250,000-per-week (Sport).

Maresca has personally phoned the 22-year-old as well (Sport), so this may definitely be one to keep an eye on.

Dele Alli has reportedly settled an alleged £6,000 debt after a jeweller took to Instagram to publicly call him out over a bracelet that hadn't been paid for. The former Tottenham and Everton star was accused of failing to han over cash in a fiery video by rapper-turned-jeweller Ard Adz, but hours later the situation appeared to be resolved after the one-time England international made the payment.

Dele accused of owing money to jeweller

Dele was accused of owing £6,000 to Ard Adz, who claimed the money was for a bracelet bought in Hatton Garden, London. The jeweller posted a furious video on Instagram calling out the former England star and appealing to his followers for help. Screenshots of messages later showed that Alli had settled the alleged outstanding amount.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAdz claims that Dele has since settled

Adz posted a passionate video on social media, saying: "Can someone please, please message Dele Alli to get me my £6,000, please! He's meant to have footballer money, please. I just got out of jail four months ago, I need that butter (money). Alli, what you doing? I thought you were on the right wing, left wing, I can't see you brother. My £6,000, please!"

He then provided an update after claiming the situation had been resolved, adding: "Update: Dele has now paid, allow him now guys & thanks for making him pay. Internet is undefeated."

Dele struggling after failed Como stint

The incident comes at a difficult time for Dele, who recently saw his contract at Como terminated after just one appearance. His only game ended in a red card just minutes after coming on as a substitute, which led manager Cesc Fabregas to confirm he was not part of the club's plans. Once regarded as one of Europe's brightest midfielders, the 29-year-old is now a free agent once again.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWhat the future holds for Dele?

Dele faces an uncertain future as he searches for a new club following his release. His career has been on a steep decline since leaving Tottenham, and off-field issues have only added to his struggles. With no immediate suitors, the midfielder may need to prove his commitment and fitness before securing another opportunity.

Ghulam and Rizwan added 81, but Pakistan were eventually out for 211 on opening day

Danyal Rasool26-Dec-2024South Africa did to Pakistan what they always do to Pakistan at Centurion, blitzing them with the ball in the second hour of the first session before skittling them out for 209. Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson cashed in after a superb opening hour of bowling from Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, which openers Shan Masood and Saim Ayub rode their luck to survive. A couple of partnerships for Pakistan were more than offset by the wickets Paterson, who ended up with five, and Bosch, took in clumps, and just after the third session began, Pakistan had folded for 209, Kamran Ghulam’s half-century the only real source of resistance. Pakistan responded gamely with the ball in hand, puncturing South Africa with three wickets, but having added 82, South Africa will feel they have had the better of the day.The story of the opening session changed the moment Temba Bavuma through the ball to debutant Bosch. He began with a loosener well outside off stump. Masood, who had been forced to deal with an unerring fourth stump all of the first hour, had his eyes light up as he slashed at it, with a thick outside edge carrying to Marco Jansen at third slip to give him a first-ball wicket.All of a sudden, the good balls that kept missing edges started to find them. Paterson nipped one away to Ayub, who was uncharacteristically defensive, accumulating a painstaking 14 off 35 balls. It kissed the outside edge, and both openers were back in the pavilion. Paterson wasn’t done, because Babar Azam, returning to the side, also had a prod at one well outside off stump, the tentativeness of his stroke revealing his lack of confidence; it was meat and drink for the slips again.Related

'Someone needs to pinch me' – Bosch and Paterson script their own fairy-tales

Pakistan waste opportunity to score with so much more available

KG vs KG showdown grips SuperSport Park

WTC final race – How can India, Australia, SA and SL qualify?

With Pakistani defenses going haywire, Saud Shakeel went for the other extreme, looking to take every ball on, but it was just six deliveries before that strategy ran out of road. He gloved a hook through to the keeper, with South Africa successfully reviewing to send him on his way.It will be all the more frustrating for Pakistan after a magnificent first hour of South African bowling went unrewarded. With Kagiso Rabada and Jansen nipping it around, it was obvious why Bavuma had opted to put Pakistan in, but somehow, they had gritted out a way to see off the two leading bowlers.An 81-run stand between Ghulam, who scored an entertaining half-century, and Mohammad Rizwan looked to have dragged Pakistan out of the hole they were put in during the morning session. Rizwan and Ghulam had been building up the partnership the other side of lunch, and continued in similar vein. But with the clouds menacingly moving right overhead, the luckless Rabada was brought in for another excellent but fruitless spell. It produced the most engaging cricket of the day, with both KGs locking horns on more than one occasion; Rabada grew increasingly frustrated with Kamran Ghulam’s stubborn resistance and got close enough to tell him, with Ghulam responding in less than family-friendly terms to go back to the bowling crease.Kamran Ghulam was out for 54 off 71•AFP/Getty ImagesWith the crowd engaged, Ghulam edged one to the slips that Jansen shelled, and brought up his half-century, but South Africa would not be denied. Ghulam slogged Paterson, only to top-edge him to fine leg, where none other than Rabada stood to take the catch that sent a full SuperSport Park into a frenzy.One wicket brought more for South Africa before lunch, and so it proved again. Rizwan nicked off in the next Bosch over before Salman Ali Agha and Aamer Jamal set about another rebuild. With ten minutes to tea, the duo was closing in on another 50-partnership, but one more South African burst would prove the knockout blow.South Africa had put down a couple of chances in the slips off the outside edge, so Bosch found the inside edge of Jamal as he chopped on, before a surprise bouncer from Paterson saw the back of Agha.Once Pakistan had wrapped up, there was enough time for the story of the day to be rewritten, and Khurram Shahzad threatened to do precisely that when he cut Tony de Zorzi in half with perhaps the ball of the day. Constantly threatening both edges of the bat, he found Ryan Rickleton’s outside edge to reduce South Africa to 24 for 2, and wrest momentum back to take into the second day.His peers, however, couldn’t sustain that quality, and South Africa settled. Aiden Markram has been under fire lately for getting out after getting in, and was brave enough to be positive all the same, never letting Pakistan put too much pressure on the batters. That was crucial, especially with Tristan Stubbs looking less than assured at the crease. His manner of dismissal, though was unfortunate, as one appeared to hit a crack and make a beeline for his front shin, giving Pakistan encouragement to take from a day that, thanks to Paterson and Bosch, South Africa will claim as theirs.