Unseasonal weather in Western Australia, and a relatively new venue, means surface characteristics are unknown

Tristan Lavalette19-Nov-2025Given the hyperbole, with unseasonal weather adding another layer of drama, there is much intrigue over an expected fast and bouncy Perth Stadium surface ahead of the first Test.However, Australia quick Mitchell Starc remains pessimistic of a pitch which the local tabloid newspaper, in its latest effort to needle England ahead of the series has dubbed a ‘Green Monster’.The teams in recent days have been preparing in the nets behind the massive ground, with the practice sessions notable for sharp and rapid bounce. Whether conditions can be replicated on a drop-in surface that was put in just four weeks ago remains unknown, although the groundstaff do remain hopeful.”The wickets out the back have had a bit of sideways, and up and down,” Starc told reporters. “I’m not going to pretend I know how to read wickets until they’re played on.”A fair bit has been made about the colour of it and that it’s going to be a green mamba. I think it’s probably ready to go now, so I don’t expect to see it do as much as you all anticipate it to do.”Having opened in 2018, and missing two international cricket seasons due to Covid, Perth Stadium is still a relatively new Test venue with no consistent trend established yet.In last year’s India Test, similarly played in late November, both first innings were over within four sessions before the pitch then flattened on days two and three, before unevenness started to come through via large cracks. The year before, against Pakistan, batting was treacherous in the fourth innings thanks to those same cracks, although that Test was played in the oppressive conditions of mid-December.While the WACA’s lore has been rekindled at times, Perth Stadium has been the best batting surface in Australia across the last four years since the new Kookaburra and greener surfaces have made conditions much more difficult on the east coast. Only five overseas batters have scored centuries in Australia in that time and three of them have come in Perth”We’ve had five different wickets in the sense,” Starc said of surfaces at Perth Stadium over the years. “We got a pretty slow, flat wicket against the West Indies [in 2022 which went deep into day five].”The first Test here [in 2018] was one where it cracked up and played a bit like the WACA used to. Last year saw all those wickets on the first day and then it got pretty flat.”You can look at trends and you can look at what’s happened. In the end you got to play what’s in front of you.”Related

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Adding to the intrigue, there has been some stormy weather in the metropolitan area in recent days, while rain is forecast this weekend on the back of a wetter winter and spring in Perth.Wet weather in Perth this deep into spring is unusual, with the famously sun-drenched Western Australia capital usually almost totally dry from November through to April.But WA Cricket head curator Isaac McDonald does not believe the elements will change the expected characteristics of the surface.”You look historically at every Test through both venues here in the west, pace and bounce is a mainstay, and that’s not going to change any time soon,” said McDonald, whose on-field press engagement was pushed back due to lightning strikes close to the ground.”This forecast has been hit and miss. The temperatures have been varying by a few degrees here and there every day. Taking lessons learned from last year, we started prep a day earlier…..really trusting to get our moisture and firmness right.”McDonald said 9mm of grass is currently left on the drop-in pitch, a similar amount to recent Tests at the ground. “The cracks will be present later in the game. What I’ve really knuckled down this preparation is ensuring the pace and bounce is spot on for day one, to ensure an even battle,” he said.”Previous years, I think we’ve been on the flatter side. But last year, being the exception, we were probably a day early in preparation.”So we tried to tackle that with giving ourselves an extra day in preparation to try and even out that balance.”

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Após a vitória sobre o Pyramids, do Egito, que garantiu o Flamengo na final do Intercontinental de 2025, o meia Giorgian De Arrascaeta destacou a maturidade do elenco rubro-negro e a preparação para mais um desafio histórico. O clube carioca enfrenta o Paris Saint-Germain na próxima quarta-feira (17), às 14h (de Brasília), valendo o título do torneio.

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Segundo o uruguaio, o momento agora é de foco total na recuperação física e mental do grupo, que chega ao fim de uma temporada extremamente desgastante.

– A gente tem que pensar em nós, descansar e chegar o melhor possível para esse jogo, que com certeza vai ser um grande jogo. Por tudo o que vivemos neste ano, foram quase 80 partidas, enfrentando equipes europeias e sul-americanas. É um Flamengo pronto para tudo – afirmou Arrascaeta.

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O jogador também ressaltou a experiência do elenco como um dos trunfos do time na decisão. Apesar do cansaço acumulado, o jogador acredita que o grupo saberá lidar com a pressão de uma final internacional.

– Com certeza, é um grupo muito mais maduro, com muitos jogadores experientes. Estamos já no final da temporada, com um pouco de desgaste, mas é mais um jogo em que a gente tem que caprichar – completou.

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➡️ Carrascal destaca força do Flamengo e não vê PSG favorito: ‘Confiança’

Ao ser questionado sobre o significado de conquistar o título intercontinental, Arrascaeta foi sincero ao falar da dimensão emocional que a taça representa para o clube e para a torcida rubro-negra.

– Não tem como explicar o que a gente pode sentir se conquistar essa taça – disse o jogador.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Mengão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Flamengo

Flamengo e Paris Saint-Germain prometem protagonizar um grande espetáculo, reunindo tradição, estrelas internacionais e estilos de jogo distintos. A expectativa é de um duelo equilibrado e de fortes emoções, com o Rubro-Negro buscando escrever mais um capítulo histórico em sua trajetória.

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FlamengoFutebol Nacional

Como have been dealt a massive injury blow with Alvaro Morata ruled out for a significant period. The Spanish striker, who arrived in the summer following a drawn-out transfer saga involving Galatasaray and AC Milan, faces a frustrating spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious thigh injury against Inter.

• Morata blow confirmed

  Cesc Fabregas faces a major headache heading into the winter break after Como confirmed that their marquee summer signing has sustained a serious muscle injury. Morata limped off during the first half of the recent clash against Inter at San Siro, clutching his thigh after a challenge near the corner flag.

  According to an official statement from the club, tests have confirmed a "high-grade lesion of the long adductor muscle in his left thigh". While the club stopped short of putting a definitive timeline on his return, reports in Italy suggest the Spaniard will be out for at least two months. He is expected to miss crucial fixtures as Como look to climb the table, with a potential return date pencilled in for mid-February 2026. They face two matches against AC Milan by then, one of which is supposed to be played in Australia, as well as Lazio and Atalanta. 

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• 'Frustration weighs heavily' on Morata

  Morata took to Instagram to express his devastation at the latest setback. "When things don't go as you expect, when you give your best but can't reach where you want to go, frustration weighs heavily," he wrote. "And now, on top of that, this injury. But even in moments like this, I feel fortunate: because of my teammates, because of my club, because of the incredible fans. I will recover, I will get up and I will return to help achieve all our objectives."

• A nightmare start after summer saga

  The injury compounds what has been a nightmare start to life at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia for the 33-year-old. Brought in to provide elite experience and goals, Morata has struggled to find his rhythm, failing to find the net in his first 15 competitive appearances for the club, eight of which have been as a member of the starting XI. 

  His arrival was meant to be a coup for the ambitious outfit. The transfer saga was one of the stories of the summer, with Morata initially on loan at Galatasaray from AC Milan. A complicated three-way negotiation ensued, with the Turkish giants demanding compensation to terminate his loan early. Milan eventually agreed to pay a fee to release him, allowing him to join Fabregas – his former Chelsea and Spain teammate – at Como.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  What comes next for Como?

  With their star forward out, Fabregas will be forced to reshuffle his pack for the foreseeable future. The burden of goalscoring will likely fall on Anastasios Douvikas, who has netted three times this season, as the club navigates a busy festive period without their most high-profile player. The injury may also force Como into the January transfer market if the diagnosis worsens, leaving Morata to watch from the stands as his wait for a first goal in Como colours drags on into the new year.

  Como are sixth in the league and seven points behind leaders AC Milan and Napoli. They face fourth-placed Roma in their next game on Monday. Last week's 4-0 defeat to title candidates Inter was just their second defeat of the season, having last gone down 1-0 at Bologna in their second Serie A game of the season.

The United States Men's national team have been handed a major injury boost ahead of the 2026 World Cup as star defender Antonee Robinson finally returned from his knee injury and started for Fulham in their Premier League clash against Burnley on Saturday. Robinson has remained sidelined for the majority of the current season due to a persistent knee problem.

USMNT boost

Robinson's injury occurred last fall during one of the USMNT's friendlies, where he sustained a "dead leg" on the top of his knee. That ended up splitting his tendon, leading to severe pain beginning in November. He played through the rest of the season with Fulham, but wasn't deemed fit enough for March's Nations League Finals and, he ultimately missed the Gold Cup after undergoing surgery. 

Ahead of the October international break, when Mauricio Pochettino unveiled his USMNT roster, Robinson's name was on it for the first time in 2025, although he did not appear in any of the matches, as Pochettino had acknowledged that his minutes would need to be managed this camp.

Robinson also acknowledged that he wasn't at his best in terms of attaining full fitness, as the full-back had said: "I'm still getting used to post-surgery. I'm doing all right. I've been in full training and been in full contention to play matches back at Fulham. I had a few spells coming on here and there and played 90 minutes in a cup game and got through it pretty well. I'm still not feeling 100 percent on it or how it felt a year ago before the injury first happened, but I'm getting there slowly."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportRobinson plays full 90 minutes against Burnley

For the first time in the 2025-26 campaign, Robinson survived the full 90 minutes on the pitch as Fulham edged out Burnley in a five-goal thriller in the Premier League on Saturday. Robinson's return to action will be a massive boost for Pochettino and the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil next summer.

Before the tournament, the co-hosts will are scheduled to play four international friendlies and Robinson will look forward to impress the manager during that period and earn his place back in the USMNT starting lineup.

'Mentally, it's been nearly a year away from national team'

Robinson also opened up on the mental toll it took to be away from the national team for over a year as he added: "It was really difficult, to be honest, especially because we had some disappointments this year with not winning the Nations League and the Gold Cup. They're trophies that we take pretty seriously, so not being able to bring them home was disappointing. The fact that you have to watch and can't contribute, I'd always rather be here and be the one taking responsibility on the field, win or lose, then to have to watch and not help out. Mentally, it's been nearly a year away from the national team after not missing too many camps and being with the national team for so long. It was very difficult."

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Getty Images SportRobinson eyes regular game time

For now, Robinson's primary focus will be to feature in Marco Silva's starting lineup regularly to gather game time and attain perfect match fitness before he can prove himself in front of Pochettino in the national team. The American full-back will be back in action on December 17 for the Cottagers as they take on Newcastle United in a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash. 

Pete Crow-Armstrong started off the Chicago Cubs' Fourth of July game against the St. Louis Cardinals with fireworks, quickly demonstrating why it was an easy decision for him to be named a National League All-Star starter.

First, Crow-Armstrong got the second out of the top of the first inning by laying out full extension on a dive to secure a line drive to center field off the bat of Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn.

Here's a look at the sensational catch.

Then, in the bottom of the first inning, Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki and Crow-Armstrong went back-to-back, swatting a pair of solo home runs to put Chicago on the board.

For good measure, he added another solo homer in the bottom of the third inning, this one a 414-foot blast.

Cubs fans certainly don't need to be reminded, but these plays perfectly illustrated the brilliance of Crow-Armstrong.

You want defense? Crow-Armstrong ranks third among all centerfielders with 12 Outs Above Average. Offense? He has 23 home runs and 26 stolen bases.

He's a big reason why the Cubs are both in first place in the NL Central and leading the Cardinals 7-1 on the Fourth of July.

Tottenham Hotspur have experienced all the emotions over the past several years, and the plan is that Thomas Frank will instil stability and a winning culture over the years at the helm.

However, the Danish coach has been through some turbulent waters across his first several months in the dugout, with attacking play far from fluid.

Creativity has been at a low ebb in the Premier League, and while neither James Maddison nor Dejan Kulusevski has kicked a ball this season due to injury, Frank will be expected to spark more fruitful playmaking returns going forward.

(1) Man City

2nd

29.1

(2) Man United

6th

26.8

(3) Arsenal

1st

25.4

(4) Chelsea

5th

24.7

(5) Crystal Palace

4th

24.3

(17) Tottenham

11th

14.8

We have seen green shoots in recent weeks, Spurs currently riding a two-match winning run, but the squad need to kindle some new talismanic figures, with the absence of the likes of Heung-min Son keenly felt.

Why Spurs are missing Son

Tottenham have markedly failed to replace Son and Harry Kane after the respective superstars’ sales in recent years, and though the South Korean was on the decline last year, he still posted 23 goal contributions across all competitions.

That’s natural potency you just can’t teach, only guide in the right direction. The 33-year-old is now playing over the pond for Los Angeles FC, but Frank could certainly do with a new superstar to emerge and prove themselves in Son’s stead.

His leadership and devastating ability were something shared with Kane, but stripping it further back, Christian Eriksen too.

For sure, the Lilywhites would benefit from the Dane’s creative flair right now, especially with Maddison and Kulusevski both out of action. Eriksen notched 69 goals and 88 assists across 305 games for the north London club, and former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy marvelled at his “world-class” quality while at White Hart Lane.

It would be easy to turn toward the transfer market for solutions, and though Frank needs to find a formula that creates a natural well of creativity and coherence in offence, he may actually have two new recruits who are well on their way to emulating the likes of Son and Eriksen before them.

Spurs' new Son and Eriksen duo

Eriksen and Son were instrumental parts in creating a Tottenham team, led by Mauricio Pochettino, that was among the most feared and entertaining on the continent.

It was always going to be a struggle to replace such players, but in Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons, Frank might just have the tools to resculpt the aforementioned.

Simons, 21, has endured a tough start to life down N17, but with two goals from two matches, the Dutch number ten is beginning to show why ENIC Group paid north of £50m to bring him over from RB Leipzig during the summer, beating Chelsea in the transfer battle.

He has been hailed as a “superstar” of a talent by analyst Ben Mattinson, and he ranks among the top 3% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, emphasising that Eriksen-esque passing range that will only develop further over the months and years.

Kudus might not be cut from the same cloth as Son, but he certainly has that wow factor about him, capable of doing things with a football that those around him and against him simply can’t match.

Mohammed Kudus

14

6

Bruno Fernandes

15

6

Rayan Cherki

10

5

Jeremy Doku

15

5

Seven players…

n/a

4

The fact that the former West Ham winger sits as the Premier League’s joint-top assist maker this season says much of his ability. Analyst Raj Chohan has even hailed Simons’ “game-changing” ability, suggesting he has more in his locker than the still-impressive Kudus.

Perhaps the most exciting part is that the best is yet to come. After all, Son took a while to get going after joining Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, while Eriksen needed Christmas to come and pass before uncovering a Midas touch in the final third in 2013/14, when he joined from Ajax.

We must be patient, but there’s no denying that Tottenham have signed several forwards with the capacity to stand out not just among their peers but against anyone in the Premier League.

Tottenham haven’t clicked into gear yet this season, but there have been plenty of positives to take as Frank navigates through the first months of this post-Ange Postecoglou era.

And with Simons coming into his own and Kudus showing off his skilful qualities, the Londoners have all the tools they need to reach the next level when the different parts all come together.

Udogie upgrade: Spurs enter race to sign "the world's most coveted left-back"

Frank is expected to be backed in the upcoming transfer windows by Tottenham owners ENIC Group.

ByAngus Sinclair 4 days ago

Pep Guardiola remains coy, but the plain truth is that Manchester City have closed ground on Premier League table-toppers Arsenal ahead of the Christmas period, and Sky Blue supporters know they would be wise to buckle in.

But then, another truth would be that this is simply not Pep’s strongest City squad. That said, there is enough quality within the Etihad Stadium to challenge for and potentially win the league title, especially with Erling Haaland in such impudent goalscoring form.

However, Haaland can’t do it alone all year long, with the list of the club’s top scorers underscoring the need for more firepower.

Man City – Top Scorers 25/26 (all comps)
Player	Apps	Goals
Erling Haaland	20	20
Phil Foden	19	9
Jeremy Doku	21	3
Rayan Cherki	14	3
Josko Gvardiol	16	2
Ruben Dias	20	2
Tijjani Reijnders	21	2

Phil Foden is going from strength to strength, and that could be a defining factor in City’s revival, but it’s understandable that Guardiola and the board are hoping to sign a new wide forward.

City's winter transfer plans

Haaland continues to defy expectations. Even his soaring expectations. But there’s no question that Guardiola’s side could pack a few more angles into their punches, and that’s something that may need to be fixed in January if the Premier League title is to return to the blue side of Manchester.

Given that the Norwegian goal machine is fixed into his starting berth at number nine, perhaps a goalscoring wideman could be what Pep needs.

According to TEAMtalk, Man City still have a strong interest in signing Antoine Semenyo despite Liverpool’s ostensible lead in the race. All the pointers suggest the 26-year-old is inching toward an exit from Bournemouth in 2026.

Semenyo has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, and with his £65m release clause switching on in January, City will need to pounce quickly to beat off the thick competition for his signature.

Why Pep wants to sign Semenyo

Most of the noise surrounding Semenyo and his future centres around struggling Premier League champions Liverpool, but City know they have it in their power to convince him to join their project.

A big-game player and with six goals and three assists to his name in the English top flight this term, Semenyo is riding the crest of a wave, with a skillset that looks perfect for a team fighting at the top.

His potency and pace could lead him to rival Jeremy Doku as City’s new version of Leroy Sane, who is fondly remembered to this day for his exploits in Manchester.

But, more accurately, Semenyo could actually emerge as Pep’s own version of Sadio Mane, the former Liverpool attacker.

Liverpool analyst Josh Williams has actually suggested that the Ghana international is “the closest you’ll find to peak Mane right now” , and given the terrorising of Premier League defences – including City’s – that the Senegalese winger used to inflict, Pep could do a lot worse than add a new version to his ranks.

Looking at the former Liverpool man during the 2021/22 campaign, leading to a second-place finish at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, in comparison to Semenyo this season, you can perhaps see why such a claim was made, with the Cherries star boasting a completeness that few can claim they have within their locker.

Premier League – Sadio Mane vs Antoine Semenyo
Stats (* per game)	Mane (21/22)	Semenyo (25/26)
Matches (starts)	34 (32)	14 (14)
Goals	16	6
Assists	2	3
Shots (on target)*	2.9 (1.1)	2.4 (1.4)
Big chances missed	13	5
Accurate passes	23.6 (77%)	19.8 (78%)
Chances created*	1.3	1.3
Succ. dribbles*	1.4	1.6
Tackles*	1.0	1.7
Duels won*	4.7	6.5
Data via Sofascore

Both players are combative and dynamic and deadly in the final third, and while Semenyo has the pace and athleticism to rekindle memories of a star like Sane, it is the one-time Liverpool icon, who he bears a more striking tactical likeness.

Two-footed and able to play across both wings, Semenyo is the real deal, and though Bournemouth are struggling for form at this moment in time, he remains a beaming beacon for Andoni Iraola in the final third, having been named the “best winger in the country” by Chris Waddle for his efforts this season.

How City could do with a fleet-footed winger in their mix like Sane right now, someone to contrast with the electric Jeremy Doku.

Semenyo, with all his hustle and bustle, could be the perfect man for the title-chasing task at hand.

Worse than Nunes: Pep must drop Man City star who "doesn't have the legs"

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By
Dan Emery

Dec 3, 2025

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy has his work cut out for him at Parkhead after a frustrating first match in charge of the club against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

A 2-1 defeat to the league leaders proved that the Frenchman has plenty of issues to solve and plenty still to learn about the squad of players that he has at his disposal.

The former Columbus Crew head coach has a big group of players to work with in Glasgow, and there are a number of stars who he should give an opportunity to in the coming weeks.

The rarely-seen Celtic stars Nancy should unleash

Kelechi Iheanacho, for example, was an unused substitute against Hearts after returning from injury, and he should be given a chance to lead the line after Daizen Maeda missed two ‘big chances’, per Sofascore, on Sunday.

The Nigerian centre-forward has scored three goals in eight appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants this season, per Sofascore, and could emerge as Nancy’s first-choice number nine.

Another rarely-seen star who could benefit from the change in shape to a 3-4-2-1 could be Dane Murray, who has started two league games this season, as he is a naturally right-sided centre-back who can provide balance when playing out from the back.

Auston Trusty played in that role on Sunday, as a left-footed player, and was slow to bring the ball forward and progress the play, as he was on his weaker side, which could open the door for Murray to come in and take that spot.

Colby Donovan was also snubbed in Nancy’s first game, playing zero minutes, but he could emerge as the manager’s own Kieran Tierney in the right wing-back position, having been set to leave in the summer window.

Wilfried Nancy is brewing the next Tierney

The 19-year-old academy graduate was “set to join Dundee on loan for the season”, per journalist Josh McCafferty, in the summer transfer window, before an injury to Alistair Johnston meant that he was needed as a first-team option at Parkhead.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

Donovan has gone on to play 716 minutes across 12 appearances for the first-team, per Sofascore, since the decision was made to keep him at the club, instead of sending him out on loan, and he has shown real promise.

The Scotland U21 international is looking to follow in Kieran Tierney’s footsteps in Glasgow, as the left-back came through the academy to provide a big threat down the left flank as an attacking full-back.

In his first spell with the club, as shown in the graphic above, the Scotland international provided an eye-catching 37 assists in 170 matches for the club, and Donovan has the potential to provide a similar threat in this new system.

Hyun-jun Yang started at right wing-back against Hearts. However, Nancy could move him over to the left and unleash the academy graduate on the right to provide crosses on that side.

xA

0.14

Top 28%

Assists

0.28

Top 1%

Long pass accuracy

46.2%

Top 23%

Chances created

1.12

Top 39%

Successful crosses

1.12

Top 25%

Touches in opposition’s box

2.80

Top 14%

Donovan, as shown in the statistics above, has stood out as one of the most impressive creative right-backs in the Premiership this season under Brendan Rodgers and Martin O’Neill, whilst playing as a right-back.

Playing as a wing-back under Nancy would give him even more opportunities to push forward and show off his creativity in the final third, which could improve his output as a creator and make him a Tierney-esque threat on the right-hand side.

Whilst Johnston is still to return from his injury eventually, unleashing Donovan in this new role could provide him with a chance to nail down a regular starting spot in the team to become the next academy graduate to become a star at Parkhead, like Tierney.

His emergence in the first-team this season, after being set to go out on loan in the summer, is perhaps a lesson that Celtic can learn from, as they could give more opportunities to their academy players to see if they have what it takes to play for the senior side before letting them move on, permanently or on loan.

Worse than Yang: Nancy must bin 3/10 Celtic dud who once had "the X factor"

This Celtic star who had “the X Factor” should be ruthlessly dropped from the starting line-up on Thursday.

1 ByDan Emery 6 days ago

Chelsea have built a squad full of brilliant players over the last few years, with the likes of Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella all being genuinely world-class.

However, it would also be fair to say that, so far, their summer signings have not exactly hit the ground running.

In particular, Jamie Gittens has failed to live up to the expectations people had of him after his impressive campaign with Borussia Dortmund last year, during which he recorded 17 goal involvements.

So, it’s not a surprise to see reports linking Chelsea with an exceptionally exciting winger who could end up being a significant upgrade on the Englishman.

Chelsea target Gittens upgrade

With the transfer window less than a month away from reopening, Chelsea have once again been linked with a plethora of brilliant players.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, while there has been plenty of talk about Emmanuel Emegha, the Blues have also been linked with his free-scoring teammate, Joaquín Panichelli.

On top of that, the West Londoners have also been one of several sides linked with Nottingham Forest’s imposing Murillo.

However, while both players would improve Maresca’s squad, because of where they play, neither could be described as an upgrade on Gittens, unlike Yan Diamonde.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Chelsea are one of a handful of top teams interested in signing the Ivorian winger.

In fact, the report goes further than that, revealing that the Blues’ board are convinced about the 19-year-old wonderkid and see him fitting into the team perfectly.

However, on top of having to get ahead of the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, the Pensionsers would also have to stump up a lot of money to secure the player.

According to the report, RB Leipzig would want up to €100m to sell their star asset, which is about £87m, but even so, Diomande looks like a player Chelsea should go all out for, especially as he’d be a significant Gittens upgrade.

How Diomande compares Gittens

Now, while Diomande is someone who can play on both flanks and has actually spent a little more time on the right recently, he is seen as a left-sided player.

Therefore, were he to join Chelsea next month, one of his main rivals for game time would be Gittens, but who is the better player?

Well, when it comes to raw output, which is fundamentally the most crucial metric of all, it’s not even close.

For example, in 15 first-team appearances this season, totalling just 951 minutes, the Ivorian star has scored seven goals and provided four assists.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.36 games, or every 86.45 minutes, which is a rate of return that lends credence to journalist Bence Bocsák’s claim that he is a “generational talent.”

Appearances

15

18

Minutes

951′

830′

Goals

7

1

Assists

4

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.73

0.27

Minutes per Goal Involvement

86.45

138.33′

In stark contrast, the Englishman has scored a single goal and provided five assists in 18 appearances this season, totalling 830 minutes.

That comes out to a pretty underwhelming average of a goal involvement every three games, or every 138.33 minutes.

Moreover, a caveat about the Reading-born ace’s age cannot be made, as the Leipzig star is just 19 and already running games in attack.

On top of having the better output, the Abidjan-born superstar in the making also has some brilliant underlying numbers to his name.

For example, FBref ranks him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons, the top 2% for progressive carries, the top 10% for shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Finally, while the competition is less fierce, it is impressive that the Ivorian monster has already won four senior caps for his country, compared to none for the Englishman.

Ultimately, Gittens may well come good, but at the same time, Diomande is massively outperforming him and looks like someone Chelsea should break the bank on.

Fewer touches than Sanchez & 70% duels lost: Chelsea flop must be dropped

It was another night to forget for Chelsea, especially for one starter who Enzo Maresca must now drop.

ByJack Salveson Holmes 5 days ago

Jamie Carragher has delivered his verdict on Arsenal and their Premier League title challenge after their dramatic 2-1 loss at Aston Villa.

Arsenal suffer first defeat in 18 games as five-point lead slips

Arsenal’s agonising defeat at Villa has ended the Gunners’ 18-game unbeaten streak whilst threatening their title aspirations, with Man City’s subsequent 3-0 dismantling of Sunderland now reducing the gap to just two points.

Emiliano Buendia’s 95th minute winner highlighted familiar weaknesses that have plagued previous title challenges.

Mikel Arteta’s makeshift defence, deprived of William Saliba and Gabriel through injury, conceded soft goals that championship-winning teams simply cannot afford.

Matty Cash’s thunderous opener exploited Eberechi Eze’s defensive negligence, whilst Buendia’s late intervention punished Arsenal’s inability to clear.

Leandro Trossard’s second-half equaliser briefly sparked hope of a hard-fought victory in the Midlands, yet Arsenal ultimately succumbed to Villa’s relentless pressure.

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While Arsenal have only lost twice this campaign, Arteta will be hoping Saturday’s defeat doesn’t sap his squad’s confidence given the manner of their slip up.

Cristhian Mosquera’s ankle injury compounds their current defensive crisis, forcing 16-year-old Marli Salmon onto the bench against Villa.

Man City ruthlessly capitalised on Arsenal’s hiccup, delivering their arguable most complete performance this season against an in-form Sunderland side.

Rúben Dias opened the scoring with a spectacular 25-yard thunderbolt before Josko Gvardiol doubled the advantage through a towering header from Phil Foden’s corner.

Foden completed the scoring after 65 minutes, converting Rayan Cherki’s outrageous rabona cross for a serious highlight reel moment.

Pep Guardiola praised it as potentially City’s finest 95-minute display this season, emphasising how it is consistency rather than individual results that determines success.

The title race has dramatically intensified, with Aston Villa themselves now genuine contenders sitting third, merely three points behind Arsenal following seven consecutive wins in all competitions.

Make no mistake, it is all to play for, and Carragher is convinced that Arsenal have a ‘huge problem’ in the form of Foden.

Jamie Carragher says Phil Foden is a 'huge problem' for Arsenal

Speaking on Monday Night Football, Carragher insists that the England international, alongside Erling Haaland, poses a massive threat to Arsenal’s quest to win a first Premier League title in 22 years.

After a difficult 2024/2025, Arsenal have every right to be concerned, as Foden is now back to his imperious best.

Foden has emerged as City’s most potent attacking threat bar Haaland during their resurgent title challenge, scoring nine goals across all competitions so far this term.

The 25-year-old has also notched six Premier League goals in thirteen appearances, averaging 0.51 goals per ninety minutes whilst contributing two assists.

His recent purple patch has been particularly devastating, with five goals scored in his last three league games. His goal involvement rate of 0.69 per ninety minutes highlights his constant influence in the final third, with Guardiola praising his exceptional qualities following Saturday’s performance.

Foden already surpassed his career milestone of 100 City goals during the summer’s Club World Cup, cementing his status amongst the club’s elite scorers.

His personal renaissance couldn’t have come at a worse time for Arsenal, but luckily for Arteta, the title is still theirs to lose.