Even with Sunderland announcing that Mike Dodds would be manager until the end of the season following Michael Beale's dismissal, that hasn't stopped the Black Cats rumour mill churning out possible Beale successors for the summer.

It will be a major decision for the Black Cats board to get right, with Dodds even in line for the permanent job if he excels in his temporary duties between now and the end of this campaign.

With the likes of Steve Cooper linked to the vacancy, another name that has tasted promotion success up to the Premier League is also being touted to be in the running for the Sunderland job.

Yet, unlike Cooper, this appointment might not be the best fit despite this name's impressive unbeaten record against the Black Cats when occupying the other dug-out.

Sunderland's manager search

TEAMTalk have reported that former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom will be spoken to regarding the Sunderland vacancy, the 46-year-old manager eager to dip his toes back into the cut and thrust of second-tier football despite the calamitous end to his Blades reign.

This would be a risky decision to take by those associated with the Black Cats, with Heckingbottom exiting South Yorkshire with just one Premier League win from 14 matches in charge this campaign with the Blades looking doomed to an immediate return to the Championship.

Still, with an automatic promotion up to the top flight on his resume sticking out – with football pundit Carlton Palmer describing this feat as "remarkable" at the time – the Sunderland hierarchy could deem Heckingbottom as a potentially successful successor to Beale regardless of any recent misfires.

Heckingbottom's managerial record

The 46-year-old boss is certainly one that divides opinion, with fans of Barnsley and Leeds United cold on their ex-manager after struggling at both Oakwell and Elland Road.

Winning just four matches in charge of the Whites from the 16 games he was in the dug-out for, on top of accumulating 40 losses with the Tykes, it's fair to say Heckingbottom had to rebuild his scarred managerial career somewhat at Bramall Lane.

Heckingbottom would win 51 games for Sheffield United as both a permanent manager and as a caretaker, which coincided in the South Yorkshire outfit winning automatic promotion last season comfortably before the wheels came off making the jump up.

Heckingbottom's managerial record

Club

Games managed

Wins

Draws

Losses

Sheffield United (permanent/caretaker)

109

51

18

40

Hibernian

32

12

10

10

Leeds United

16

4

4

8

Barnsley

105

37

28

40

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Still, it's not as if Chris Wilder – Heckingbottom's immediate replacement – has fared any better with the Blades rooted to the foot of the Premier League table on 13 points currently.

Heckingbottom's insistence on playing a 3-5-2 formation – which saw varied levels of success at Bramall Lane – could work at the Stadium of Light away from his numbers as a boss, with the likes of Trai Hume excelling potentially as a wing-back figure.

Moreover, amazingly so, Heckingbottom has never lost a game when facing off against the Wearside outfit as a manager – picking up four wins and a draw from his five encounters with Sunderland, with the last win coming just last year as the Blades won 2-1 away from home.

It would be a major risk to throw Heckingbottom into the spotlight at Sunderland, with the job having a reputation for swallowing managers whole and then spitting them back out again as was seen with Beale, but his recent promotion-winning status could sway the Black Cats hierarchy somewhat.

Regardless of who is chosen next as Beale's successor, it will no doubt be an interesting managerial saga to watch unfold with Dodds keen to impress now to stake his own claim for the permanent job.

England allrounder hits out at publication of details of family tragedy more than three decades ago

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Sep-2019Ben Stokes has hit out at The Sun newspaper for the “heartless” and “immoral” decision to publish a front-page article about a family tragedy that occurred in New Zealand before he was born.In a statement on Twitter, Stokes said the story concerned “events in the private lives of my family, going back more than 31 years” adding that it contained “serious inaccuracies which has compounded the damage caused”.”The decision to publish these details has grave and lifelong consequences for my mum in particular,” Stokes said. “To use my name as an excuse to shatter the privacy and private lives of – in particular – my parents is utterly disgusting.”It is hard to find words that adequately describe such low and despicable behaviour, disguised as journalism. I cannot conceive of anything more immoral, heartless or contemptuous to the feelings and circumstances of my family.”Stokes has hit the headlines for all the right reasons this summer, thanks to his starring role in both England’s World Cup win against New Zealand at Lord’s in July, and his stunning unbeaten 135 in the third Ashes Test at Headingley, a performance that was hailed as one of the greatest innings of all time as England squared the series with a one-wicket win.”I am aware that my public profile brings with it consequences for me that I accept entirely,” he said. “But I will not allow my public profile to be used as an excuse to invade the rights of my parents, my wife, my children or other family members. They are entitled to a private life of their own.”For more than three decades, my family has worked hard to deal with the private trauma inevitably associated with these events and has taken great care to keep private what were deeply personal and traumatic events.”Stokes’ statement has been retweeted more 25,000 times, including by his Test captain Joe Root, who urged his followers to “please take the time to read this and respect it”, and the Manchester United striker, Marcus Rashford, who stated that Stokes had been “huge for sport this summer. He and his family deserve better.”

pic.twitter.com/ojjjvstZI2

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) September 17, 2019

Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive, also joined in the condemnation on behalf of English cricket.”We, like the wider sporting world, are disgusted and appalled at the actions taken in revealing the tragic events from Ben’s past,” he said. “We are saddened that an intrusion of this magnitude was deemed necessary in order to sell newspapers or secure clicks.”Ben’s exploits this summer have cemented his place in cricket’s history – we are sure the whole sport, and the country, stands behind him in support.”In a statement, The Sun insisted the paper had the “utmost sympathy” for Stokes and his mother, but said that they had received the co-operation of a family member in compiling the story.”The tragedy is also a matter of public record and was the subject of extensive front-page publicity in New Zealand at the time,” the newspaper added.

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– Estamos buscando manter um ritmo forte para que possamos conquistar nossos objetivos nos próximos jogos. O grupo tem trabalhado muito para evoluir e para vencer as partidas que tivermos nas próximas semanas – disse.

O atleta falou ainda sobre o desejo de terminar bem o primeiro semestre.

– Estou trabalhando muito para terminar esse primeiro semestre jogando em alto nível e podendo ajudar o grupo nos próximos confrontos – concluiu.

The EFL Cup final sees the first major piece of silverware in the English football calendar handed out. The tournament has been famed for its classic finales over the years, with a European place also up for grabs if an unfancied side makes it to Wembley.

Here, we take a look back at some of the most memorable showpieces the tournament has thrown up since its inception in the 1960s.

8 2019 – Manchester City 0-0 Chelsea (4-3 on penalties) Farcical scenes as Chelsea's Kepa refuses to be substituted

Kicking things off with a goalless draw, the 2019 final between Manchester City and Chelsea is perhaps best well-known for the altercation between Blues boss Maurizio Sarri and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Both clubs came into the game in different circumstances. Pep Guardiola’s City were at their juggernaut best as they went toe to toe with Liverpool for the Premier League title while at the time, still seeking a historic quadruple.

Chelsea, on the other hand, were in their first season under Sarri following the departure of Antonio Conte in the previous summer, with the Blues playing Europa League football for the first time since winning the competition in 2013.

The heated moment came when Sarri attempted to substitute Kepa ahead of the impending penalty shootout. Willy Caballero was poised to enter the fray, yet the Spaniard refused to leave the field.

With his authority challenged, Sarri appeared to leave the dugout altogether as Kepa somehow remained on the pitch. Unfortunately, he was unable to fully vindicate himself despite saving from Leroy Sane as City prevailed in the shootout, with Raheem Sterling scoring the winner after Jorginho and David Luiz were unsuccessful from the spot.

7 2011 – Arsenal 1-2 Birmingham City Defensive cock-up hands Blues unlikely Wembley victory

In one of the competition’s most recent cup final shocks, Birmingham City produced one of the great League Cup moments with a last-gasp win over strong favourites Arsenal.

The Gunners were battling on four fronts heading into the contest, and had responded to Nikola Zigic’s opener as Robin van Persie equalised before half-time.

Blues goalkeeper Ben Foster then pulled off a string of saves to deny Arsenal the winner they craved, before the mother of all mix-ups at the back allowed Obafemi Martins to stroke home into an unguarded net.

Both sides’ seasons unravelled after that, with Arsenal dropping out of Europe, FA Cup and title contention, while Alex McLeish’s team were relegated on the final day, with a place in the Europa League mere consolation.

6 1969 – Swindon Town 3-1 Arsenal Third Division Robins stun off-colour Gunners

Unfortunately for Arsenal, they had made something of a habit of falling at the final hurdle in the League Cup – and often in exceptional circumstances.

That was certainly true when they took on third-tier Swindon Town in the 1969 final at Wembley. While the build-up to the game was dominated by the Gunners being taken down by flu, they were nevertheless favourites to overcome their opponents.

As it happened, the Robins were unlucky not to have won the match in normal time, with Bobby Gould netting an equaliser four minutes from the end to force an extra period.

That was when the beleaguered Gunners’ race had been run, with Swindon grabbing two extra-time goals to secure a superb result and their first major domestic trophy.

5 1993 – Arsenal 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday Calamitous celebrations overshadow Gunners victory

While there was nothing overly remarkable about the 1993 final itself, the events that followed the final whistle are worthy of entering football folklore – for all the wrong reasons.

Arsenal had come from behind to win just their second League Cup title, with midfielder Steve Morrow getting the winner after Paul Merson had cancelled out John Harkes’ opener.

Unfortunately for hero Morrow, the exuberant celebrations from his captain, Tony Adams, led to him being taken to hospital with a broken arm, after the Gunners skipper slipped while trying to get Morrow onto his shoulders.

Morrow missed the trophy presentation as well as the remainder of the season. In fact, he wouldn’t receive his winners’ medal until Arsenal ironically met Wednesday again in the FA Cup final later that year.

Club

Times won

Last win

Liverpool

9

2022

Manchester City

8

2021

Manchester United

6

2023

Chelsea

5

2015

Aston Villa

5

1996

Tottenham Hotspur

4

2008

Nottingham Forest

4

1990

Leicester City

3

2000

Birmingham City

2

2011

Arsenal

2

1993

Norwich City

2

1985

Wolves

2

1980

4 1991 – Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Manchester United Sheridan goal wins cup for second-tier Owls against United

In what is the most recent example of a team outside of the top tier winning the competition, Sheffield Wednesday defeated would-be Premier League juggernauts Manchester United with a superb win at Wembley.

While this was a United team that only finished sixth in the old First Division, they would end the campaign as European champions with victory in the Cup Winners’ Cup against Barcelona just a few weeks later.

But they were left to pick themselves up from a rather embarrassing defeat, as John Sheridan’s strike handed the Second Division Owls their only League Cup to date and Ron Atkinson got one over on his old employers.

3 1988 – Luton Town 3-2 Arsenal Arsenal throw it away as Hatters come back to win thrilling finale

As mentioned, Arsenal just don’t seem to help themselves when they get to the League Cup final. Perhaps their most agonising defeat came in a five-goal thriller against Luton Town, who were seeking their first major trophy.

Arsenal had recovered from a goal down to lead with a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to goals from Martin Hayes and Alan Smith. A missed Nigel Winterburn penalty then shifted momentum dramatically, with Danny Wilson – who would later win the tournament again with Sheffield Wednesday – equalising late on, before Mark Stein’s free kick completed an unlikely, incredible comeback.

While their defensive failures in this game would inspire George Graham’s men to the league title a year later, this was a moment to forget for the Gunners as Luton enjoyed one of their finest hours.

2 2005 – Chelsea 3-2 Liverpool (aet) Mourinho silences the fans as Chelsea edge classic

Chelsea’s first meeting with Liverpool at this stage of the competition was one for the ages. Seeking a first major trophy since the arrival of Roman Abramovich, the Blues got off to a horrendous start when John Arne Riise lashed home inside a minute.

A bizarre own goal from Steven Gerrard then levelled the scores after he headed past Jerzy Dudek. This prompted Jose Mourinho to infamously ‘shush’ the Liverpool fans, after which he was sent to the stands.

But his Chelsea side didn’t let this affect them in extra time, with Didier Drogba and Mateja Kezman striking late in the added period to all but put Chelsea’s name on the trophy. Antonio Nunez swiftly pulled one back, but Chelsea held on to deny Rafael Benitez’s Reds.

1 2007 – Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea Drogba the hero as memorable Cardiff final descends into chaos

If you want drama, controversy, punch-ups, managers on the pitch and red cards galore, the 2007 League Cup final had it all.

Arsene Wenger’s youngsters had made it all the way to the final having seen off the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham in the previous rounds, while double league champions Chelsea were in their element under Mourinho.

The story began with 17-year-old Theo Walcott opening the scoring with his first Arsenal goal. Didier Drogba equalised soon after to leave the tie delicately poised.

Things got incredibly tense when John Terry went flying in for a header only to meet the boot of Abou Diaby, which knocked him unconscious and led to a lengthy stoppage.

And even after Drogba had expertly headed home a late winner once the match had restarted, there was still time for things to be taken up a notch.

Arsenal skipper Kolo Toure rather violently took offence to a challenge from John Obi Mikel, leading to an almighty scuffle between players on both sides. Mourinho and Wenger both entered the field in an attempt to calm things down, before Howard Webb handed Mikel, Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor their marching orders.

The match entered an (at the time) almost unprecedented 100th minute in regulation time, but the ten men of Chelsea held on to deny Arsenal yet another League Cup in a final that will be remembered for years to come.

It is all too easy for folk in the West Country to fall in love with Somerset cricket and all too tempting at times to think their heroes have spurned such devotion. It is not so, of course; the players share that love, but as Yorkshire’s bowlers took six wickets for 85 runs and seamers’ cloud gave way to batsmen’s sunlight on this first morning many spectators at the County Ground feared this would be another September in which their hopes of a first title would founder.They may yet do so, of course. Yorkshire are only 129 runs behind the home team’s 199 and still have seven wickets in hand. But the day finished rather more evenly poised than had seemed likely when Somerset were in their lunchtime doldrums. Moreover, supporters have enjoyed unforgettable occasions at Taunton in recent years and few are more clearly printed on the mind than the morning four years ago to the day when Tom Abell reached his maiden first-class century. So perhaps it was fitting that it should be Abell, now Somerset’s captain, who rescued his team against Yorkshire with a patient innings of 66 which revealed all the nous the young skipper has picked up during four years in which his own resources, both mental and physical, have been tested to their limit.On a pitch offering slow turn and help to seamers who adhered to their disciplines, Abell eschewed the rashness which brought the downfall of Steve Davies, who was caught at point off Steve Patterson for 11 in the ninth over of the day. He also exhibited little of the technical looseness which caused James Hildreth to be bowled through the gate for a single by Duanne Olivier. Instead, he played late and watchfully, rarely driving through the V, wisely preferring to wait for the balls that were either too short or too wide.Somerset needed Abell’s vigilance. This is a game the home side may need to win if they are to sustain their dreams of the title. It is certainly a match Yorkshire must win if their own slender chances are to be anything more than arithmetical. So imagine the glee with which Abell and his players greeted the news that slow left-armer Keshav Maharaj would be available for this game. It may be compared to the joy likely to be felt by Andrea Leadsom were she to be told that John Bercow was dropping round for a cuppa and a chinwag. Maharaj, you see, took eleven wickets when playing for Lancashire in the tied match at Taunton last year; he then took another ten for Yorkshire in their innings victory over Somerset in July. And on this first day, he remained true to form by picking up another five, thus taking his total against Abell’s team to 26 in five innings at an average of 10.88.After the seamers had taken the first four wickets Maharaj was summoned to bowl at the River End ten minutes before lunch. His first wicket was something of a charity donation when George Bartlett decided it would be a good wheeze to reverse sweep the second ball after lunch. He duly edged a catch to Adam Lyth at slip. Young cricketers perceive reverse sweeps and scoops very differently to the old pro’s. They are part of their stock in trade. But it is still fair to ask whether the risk against reward equation worked in Bartlett’s favour on this occasion.In truth, Abell had little help until Jamie Overton joined him in a 51-run stand for the ninth wicket. Six of the first eight batsmen dismissed by Yorkshire’s bowlers reached double figures but none could manage more than the 15 notched by Dom Bess before he carelessly drove Maharaj to Tim Bresnan at short cover in the same over in which he had hit two fine fours. Bess was the seventh batsman dismissed but the fourth to be complicit in his departure. Overton, on the other hand, selected the ball to hit and celebrated the award of his county cap, after 153 games in all formats if you please, by clumping six fours in an unbeaten 40. Maharaj, of course, had the last word, removing both Abell and Josh Davey leg before wicket in the space of three balls to leave Somerset one run short of a batting point.Yorkshire began their innings as if intent on taking a first-innings lead this evening. Lyth hooked and pulled Davey for two sixes in the same over, thus taking him past 10,000 first-class runs for Yorkshire. But both he and Will Fraine were caught behind in the first six overs and after Gary Ballance had accumulated 35 runs in a little less than an hour, Dom Bess had Yorkshire’s top scorer leg before wicket ten balls before the close. We are thus set for a close contest, although no one is betting it will last into a fourth day.

Fabrizio Romano has shared a Manchester United update on the future of Erik ten Hag, following rumours of a possible Old Trafford change.

Man Utd manager latest

The Red Devils haven’t had the best of campaigns under the Dutchman following a positive first season which resulted in an EFL Cup win and a top four Premier League finish.

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He’s been ranked as one of the top young players in the world.

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This time around, Ten Hag’s side were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stages, are outside of the top four and only have the FA Cup as a last chance of silverware.

Due to the club’s poor form, there have been plenty of rumours about Ten Hag’s long-term future in charge of United, with Richard Keys even calling him ‘Erik ten Toast’.

A number of managers have been linked to come in and replace Ten Hag following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival, including Zinedine Zidane and Julian Nagelsmann. Zidane is thought to be the dream target for United, whereas Nagelsmann is thought to be the main candidate to come in.

Meanwhile, The Manchester Evening News have stated that Ratcliffe is "not completely sold" on Ten Hag and is looking at a possible change in the long run after 15 defeats in all competitions this season. Brighton coach Roberto de Zerbi is another understood to be of interest at Old Trafford, and Romano has reacted to these claims.

Romano shares Ten Hag update

Speaking to Give Me Sport in the last 48 hours, Romano responded to the rumours of Ten Hag’s uncertain future, saying that Ratcliffe and INEOS are “giving Ten Hag time and space”.

"My understanding remains that there is nothing concrete to these kinds of stories – Man United are giving Ten Hag time and space to develop his football and his ideas, he also confirmed a very good relationship with INEOS. He has to keep going at the best level in the next three months, that’s obviously important. I’m sure in this time we’ll continue to have many stories about this, but for now, nothing is happening."

Should the Red Devils finish outside the top four and miss out on winning the FA Cup, with rivals Liverpool up next in the quarter-finals, then perhaps Ratcliffe could look to make a change.

However, until then, it looks as if the Dutchman’s immediate position as manager is safe, with Wednesday’s late FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest now looking crucial.

Bayern Munich have reportedly missed out on Italian wonderkid Samuele Inacio as the Atalanta teenager has opted to join Borussia Dortmund instead.

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Dortmund close in on Inacio Beat rivals Bayern in the race Played for Italy youth teams WHAT HAPPENED?

The competition for Inacio’s signature was fierce, with numerous top clubs expressing keen interest in the Italian prodigy. Bayern were among the contenders, vying intensively for his services. However, according to Dortmund emerged victorious in this transfer battle, securing a player who has already shown great promise at a young age.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Inacio's performances at Atalanta Bergamo U17 have been noteworthy. Playing as a second striker, he scored six goals in 14 matches last season, showcasing his knack for finding the back of the net and his potential to develop into a prolific forward. His talents have not gone unnoticed at the national level either, as he has represented Italy in the U15 and U16 national teams, further highlighting his capabilities and the high expectations surrounding his future.

DID YOU KNOW?

Inacio has admired football stars Kevin De Bruyne and Neymar, indicating the type of player he aspires to become. Emulating De Bruyne’s vision and playmaking abilities, combined with Neymar’s flair and creativity, Inacio aims to develop a versatile and impactful playing style.

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Dortmund are renowned for their excellent youth development program, which has produced several world-class players over the years. Inacio’s move to the club is expected to provide him with the ideal environment to hone his skills and transition to professional football.

First-round wrap: Also find out about the South African who went to England but returned

Firdose Moonda10-Oct-2019

Getty Images

South Africa’s struggles in India have put the spotlight on the country’s first-class season that is currently underway. With a home summer to follow against England, the national team could be on the hunt for solid top-order batsmen, a new crop of fast bowlers, or maybe even just a reassurance that the level below the best is strong and competitive.The first round of matches delivered plenty of thrills, which we re-cap here.A hat-trick to start the season Tshepo Moreki moved to the Titans at the start of the 2018-19 summer, after stints with Dolphins and Cobras, to gain consistent game time. He only featured in half of their first-class fixtures and was steady without being outstanding. But a season later, that might be changing.Moreki manufactured a victory against the clock with a hat-trick in the last hour of play on the final day, after Titans declared shortly before lunch, leaving themselves 71 overs to bowl Dolphins out. At 146 for 6 in the 53rd over, Dolphins may have entertained thoughts of escaping with a draw, especially after Andile Phehlukwayo looked like he’d settled in for the ultimate blockathon.He faced 45 balls and spent 62 minutes at the crease for his five runs when Moreki tempted him into a booming drive, but Phehlukwayo only managed an edge to short-third man. Moreki’s next ball bowled Eathan Bosch between the bat-pad gap, and he then had Daryn Dupavillon caught behind to leave the Dolphins 146 for 9 with at least 17 overs remaining. The last pair held out for another seven overs before the Titans sealed the win in the dying stages of the match.The South African who went to England but returned Johannesburg-born Neil Brand, 23, moved to Kings College in Taunton, hoping to qualify and play for England. He represented Cardiff MCC University and the Glamorgan and Somerset second XIs before returning to South Africa in December 2017. He joined the University of Pretoria (Tuks), where former New Zealand international Kruger van Wyk heads the structure, and had immense success. Brand was Player of the Tournament in the T20 Varsity Cup and the leading run-scorer in the national club championship. Tuks won both competitions. He made his franchise debut last season and was contracted to Titans for this summer, where he has immediately made a big statement.Brand scored 106 and 77 and set the Titans up for victory over Dolphins. His was not the only notable contribution, though. Farhaan Behardien’s 114 in the first innings contributed to the Titans being the only team to cross 400 in an innings in what appeared to be the best-behaved pitch of the opening round. What’s with the pitch in Potch?Early season pitches in Potchefstroom are unpredictable in every way. They are known to have uneven bounce and pace, and the one used for the season opener appeared particularly hostile. Thirty-nine wickets fell in two days in what became a low-scoring thriller. While the cricket was interesting, its quality was questionable, as a source told ESPNcricinfo.”That pitch really wasn’t fit for first-class cricket. It was completely underprepared,” the insider said. “The top was completely gone and in the end, seamers were even tougher to play than spinner as there was a complete lack of bounce.”Spinners took 28 of the 40 wickets and George Linde’s 11 saw him surge to the top of the wicket-taking chart after the first round of matches. But the Cobras walked away with only four points while defending champions, the Lions, claimed 22. While they will gladly take a winning start, they may now wonder why they didn’t get their campaign underway 120 kilometers down the road at Wanderers in Johannesburg, their other home ground.CSA hadn’t responded for a comment at the time of writing.Coetzee marks his arrival in styleIn Kimberley, legspinner Shaun von Berg made a Man-of-the-Match debut for the Knights where he took six wickets and scored an unbeaten second-innings 61 to steer them to victory over the Warriors. But the spotlight was on another newcomer. Nineteen-year-old seamer Gerald Coetzee also took six wickets, including 4 for 53 in the second innings, to announce himself on the first-class scene.Coetzee, a product of Saint Andrews in Bloemfontein, is a former South African Schools’ captain. Until Thursday, he was best known for his 5 for 32 against New Zealand at the 2018 Under-19 World Cup. He was part of the Under-19 side that toured India earlier this year but had to return home early after picking up a side strain.These are early days, but with concern raised over South Africa’s resources in the face of big-name retirements and continued Kolpak signings, Coetzee will be one to watch as the summer develops.

Liverpool failed to regain the top spot in the Premier League as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

The Reds failed to make the most of their many opportunities to take the lead during the second half after a penalty from Alexis Mac Allister ruled out John Stones' opener during the first half.

Jurgen Klopp's side were dominant and aggressive in the press throughout the game, and racked up 2.46 xG – to City's 1.61 – but ultimately had to settle for a point.

Mac Allister, who scored the equaliser from the spot, put in a superb performance in the middle of the park, but the real star of the match for the German boss was his captain – Virgil van Dijk.

Alexis Mac Allister's stats vs Man City

The Argentina international remained composed as he stuck his penalty to Ederson's right and beyond the despairing dive of the Brazilian, who had given the spot-kick away with a rash challenge on Darwin Nunez.

He was also combative out of possession with his constant pressing and harrying of the City midfielders to make sure that they did not have any time on the ball.

Alexis Mac Allister

Against Man City

Minutes played

90

Duels contested

14

Duels won

8

Pass accuracy

82%

Chances created

0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Mac Allister was dominant in his physical battles, by winning eight of his 14 duels, but his work in possession could have been better.

To only complete 82% of his attempted passes without creating a single chance for his teammates suggests that the midfielder was wasteful at times without being progressive, which he may look back on as an area to improve on next time out.

Virgil van Dijk's stats against Man City

Meanwhile, van Dijk was the real star of the show at the heart of Liverpool's defence as he was almost faultless throughout the match for the Reds.

Barring one moment when Erling Haaland robbed him of possession during the first half, the Netherlands international typified the team's aggressive and dominant performance.

The former Southampton colossus, who had 93 touches of the ball in total, was super reliable with his use of the ball as he completed 97% (77/79) of his attempted passes, which included six of his seven long pass attempts.

Defensively, van Dijk won five of his eight duels and made a number of key defensive contributions to cut out City attacks, with four tackles and four interceptions.

He made two last-man tackles to bail the rest of his defence out after they had been bypassed, and brilliantly marshalled Haaland – as the last man – into a weak effort on goal after the Norway international looked like he had a free run on goal.

These statistics show that van Dijk was outstanding in and out of possession throughout the match, with his calmness on the ball and dominance defensively, which is why he was the real star of the show over Mac Allister, who was sloppy at times.

West Ham United are plotting to appoint the “next Unai Emery” to replace David Moyes at the London Stadium, according to a new update.

David Moyes under West Ham pressure

The Hammers are still yet to win a game in 2024 after suffering another Premier League defeat on the weekend, this time to strugglers Nottingham Forest.

It was yet another afternoon to forget, losing 2-0 and seeing new signing Kalvin Phillips sent off. Plenty of West Ham supporters in the away end at The City Ground made their feelings known at the end of the game, unveiling a ‘Moyes Out’ banner.

West Ham make decision on future of David Moyes amid Forest defeat

The Hammers appear to have changed their mind on the future of the Scottish manager.

By
Ben Browning

Feb 17, 2024

However, Moyes came out and defended his position after the defeat at The City Ground, saying on fans’ discontent:

“I’m pretty long in the tooth, it happens and I don’t think you can please everybody. I think it would be hard to say there have been many better times at West Ham. Maybe they want something different but if they’re honest I think they probably have to say it’s been as good a time as they’ve had at the club, winning a trophy and the league positions.

"Maybe they’ve had managers who excite them more, possibly, but the one who’s sitting here wins more.”

It is believed that Moyes is still under no immediate pressure in regards to getting the sack, but it looks as if club officials are looking at their options.

West Ham manager update

According to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke in the last 48 hours, West Ham are plotting to appoint the “next Unai Emery”, looking at bosses who are serial trophy winners and have a CV littered with top clubs. Those at the London Stadium have been ‘impressed with Aston Villa’s capture of Emery in 2022 and would consider the potential to lure a top-calibre manager of their own’.

The Hammers want Moyes to stay but now have a shortlist of potential managers to replace the Scot, should they feel a change is needed.

It looks as if the club could well have a new man in the dugout during 2024, but when that will be remains to be seen. Moyes’ current contract expires at the end of the season, with talks over an extension thought to be on hold for now.

So far this year, things have gone from bad to worse, falling down the Premier League table and exiting the FA Cup to Championship side Bristol City.

In regards to who could take over in the Emery mould, former Wolves, Sevilla and Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui has been mentioned and is open to the idea of replacing Moyes.

He‘s won three honours as a manager and has taken charge of a number of top clubs, so perhaps Lopetegui could be a target, making this one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks and months.