Neymar issued a public apology after conceding a controversial penalty in a game that has kept Santos in a relegation dogfight. The Brazilian superstar was in action on Wednesday evening against Mirassol. An eventful outing saw him open the scoring inside four minutes, before being responsible for presenting Serie A rivals with an opportunity to level the scores.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has a grand plan for striker Dominic Solanke once he returns from injury, contrary to other reports.
In the last few days, Spurs’ club-record signing has actually been linked with the January exit door.
The 28-year-old’s last appearance came during a brief cameo in Tottenham’s 2-0 win away to Man City at the very start of the campaign, but he’s been sidelined with a niggling ankle problem ever since.
Dejan Kulusevski
Knee
22/11/2025
James Maddison
ACL
01/06/2026
Radu Dragusin
Knee
22/11/2025
Ben Davies
Thigh
23/11/2025
Kota Takai
Ankle/Foot
08/11/2025
Yves Bissouma
Ankle/Foot
08/11/2025
Wilson Odobert
Abdominal
01/11/2025
Cristian Romero
Groin
01/11/2025
Destiny Udogie
Knee
08/11/2025
Dominic Solanke
Ankle
08/11/2025
Archie Gray
Calf/Shin/Heel
06/11/2025
via Premier Injuries
Solanke underwent minor surgery to fix the issue, with Frank’s forward still working his way back to full fitness ahead of a tough run of fixtures.
Despite playing just 49 minutes in total under Spurs’ new boss, reports have surprisingly suggested that Frank isn’t particularly impressed by Solanke and could look to sell the England international.
Solanke’s inconsistency and fitness issues have raised some doubts among supporters about his suitability as Tottenham’s long-term first-choice striker, with Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović reportedly emerging as a prime alternative as the Serbian’s contract expires at the end of this season.
Links to Vlahovic could raise some questions about Solanke’s future in N17, but according to reporter Dean Jones, the former Bournemouth star shouldn’t be too worried about his place.
Thomas Frank's grand plan for Dominic Solanke at Tottenham
Jones, writing for TEAMtalk, says that Frank is preparing to make Solanke the focal point of his attack once the striker returns from injury, with growing “inside” belief that he can add a fresh and “new” dimension to their attacking play.
Despite Solanke’s challenges, there’s a clear sense among Tottenham’s coaching staff and insiders that he has the qualities to lead the line effectively.
The return of Solanke is eagerly anticipated by Frank, with hopes that he will elevate Tottenham’s attacking threat in crucial matches.
The delay in his comeback may also be put down to Spurs adopting a more cautious approach with the number nine’s overall fitness as they look to avoid any setbacks.
Mathys Tel, bar his goal away to Leeds United, has struggled to replace Solanke overall, while Richarlison endured another night to forget during Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Last season, Solanke proved his worth by scoring 16 goals across all competitions, finishing as Spurs’ second top scorer behind Brennan Johnson. This goal tally underscores his importance to the team’s attack and highlights the threat he poses when fully fit.
Solanke’s presence allows Frank to build the attack around a proven goalscorer, providing a sense of stability to the entire forward line.
The ‘underrated’ forward’s ability to deliver crucial goals will be vital, especially in tight games where a clinical finish can make all the difference.
Jamie O'Hara takes aim at "non league" Tottenham player in defeat to Newcastle
Brendan Doggett put his case forward to be a reserve quick, but has any specialist opener done enough to be in the Test squad?
Andrew McGlashan01-Nov-20253:26
McGlashan: ‘Marnus has done everything asked of him’
At the WACA, there was almost as much interest in what Cameron Green didn’t do – at least in the match itself – than what he did. The full return to bowling was put on ice for another week as he was restricted to working through his loads around the game, including a bowl in the middle after the game was completed.Related
'I'll be ready' – Doggett waits on an Ashes call after six wickets on Shield return
Webster hopeful he doesn't get 'squeezed out' of Australia's XI for Perth Test
Labuschagne welcomes opening challenge with clear head
Green helps Western Australia to safety, then gets into bowling work
Aside from that, Green spent useful time in the middle on the final day after his first-innings duck – a drive that he absolutely nailed, but straight to the fielder – and appeared disgruntled when given caught behind. Green has often said how he is better the more he bats in a certain format, so it will be worth watching how he starts the Ashes after somewhat disjointed preparation, although there is still a chance for a long innings in round four of the Shield.A significant performance in this game came from Brendan Doggett in his first Shield outing of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury. His 6 for 48 in the first innings could well have locked him into the squad as one of the reserve quicks. He travelled for the World Test Championship final earlier this year and was due to tour the West Indies before injury.”It’s just nice to see him come out and bowl like he did – he bowed quick [and] his body pulled up all right, which is good,” South Australia coach Ryan Harris said. “But timely to get six wickets, especially with that announcement coming up in the next few days. He’s got a bit of pace and it’s going to be a bit of a pace-off in this Ashes – England are bringing some serious pace. So he’ll fit in nicely… and if he gets the opportunity, he’ll be definitely ready for it.”Cameron Bancroft fitted into the issued-a-reminder category with a century in the first innings, but his chance of further Test cricket appears to have gone. That may not be the case for Nathan McSweeney, however, even if his next opportunity has to wait a little while. The South Australia captain put together an excellent century on the third day, and chipped in with handy wickets.Beau Webster got through a good workload with the ball on his return•Getty Images
Beau Webster has been assured of his place in the Test squad by chair of selectors George Bailey (the XI may be another matter) and the most important aspect of his outing against Victoria was the 23 overs he sent down after an ankle injury. However, he would have liked more time in the middle as he made just 11 and 6 in Tasmania’s defeat. But Webster will likely play the opening Test if there are any doubts over the volume of overs Green can send down.Jake Weatherald will be one of those hanging by the phone this week. He missed the opportunity to add further weight to his case for a maiden call-up although his two dismissals were against excellent deliveries. He may bemoan the life of an opener, having to twice come out with short periods to face before the close.Three half-centuries prior to this game, including his decisive 94 against Western Australia, arguably still makes him the most compelling option among the specialist openers, although Campbell Kellaway’s 147 further enhanced his reputation. It’s unlikely he’ll be in the frame yet, but the selectors went for Sam Konstas last season, so the precedent is set for picking a youngster.Fergus O’Neill probably won’t come into contention this home season, but he can’t do much more to push his claims than with four second-innings wickets to secure victory.Steven Smith looked in fine touch•Getty Images
Despite the selection race being tight, it’s unlikely a single innings will make a difference. However, Matt Renshaw missed a chance to build on a start against NSW to back up a strong week with the Australia ODI squad against India. Still, his versatility as a batter could work in his favour especially if the selectors want a player to cover a variety of positions in the squad. Renshaw’s dismissal came after Konstas had shouldered arms against Hayden Kerr to continue his tricky season.Usman Khawaja, who endorsed Renshaw for the opening role, put together an encouraging 87 to tune up for the first Test where the spotlight will be on him as the senior opener. If he starts poorly against England, there is a world where his position comes under scrutiny midway through the series.Marnus Labuschagne is certain of a recall, although where he bats may well not be answered until closer to the first Test. However, the manner of his dismissal at the Gabba may have caught the attention of England’s analysts. He flicked Liam Hatcher firmly off his hip to a well-placed deep leg gully. It was a well-timed shot, and he may be viewed as a little unfortunate, but it’s a manner in which he has fallen before.Steven Smith, who will captain Australia in Perth and perhaps beyond depending on Pat Cummins’ fitness, declared he was already ready for the Ashes before playing a game after arriving back from New York. After taking 20 balls to open his account, he looked in terrific order during a classy century, albeit against a much-weakened Queensland attack.Something that is worth keeping an eye on is the form of Nathan Lyon. He took 2 for 120 in this match, his wickets coming late in Queensland’s innings, leaving him with six at 45.66 so far this season, although conditions have favoured the quicks.
Sabina Park collapse symbolises West Indies’ Test malaise, but what is the way ahead?
Andrew McGlashan15-Jul-2025
AFP/Getty Images
There’s never a good time to be bowled out for 27. Monday at Sabina Park felt like a particularly bad one for West Indies.At 11 for 6, New Zealand’s 70-year record of 26 all out was under threat. When Scott Boland took his hat-trick, there was a realistic chance they would at least have someone to share it with. There won’t be many people across the Tasman shouting Sam Konstas a beer after his misfield.Less than 24 hours later, Cricket West Indies has called an emergency summit with invites to a host of former greats for help. But there will be skepticism about whether it will make any difference.Related
West Indies 'hedging our bets' as fear over two-tier WTC grows
Clive Lloyd: 'We have to examine all aspects of West Indies cricket'
CWI calls for emergency meeting with legends after 'deeply hurting' loss
Stats – WI post second-lowest Test total; Starc takes five in 15 balls
As impressive as Mitchell Starc and Boland were, it was a woeful display. They couldn’t even say it happened in the night session. There had been warning signs in the first two Tests when their second innings fell apart rapidly; their last performance of the series was the sum of all fears. Within six balls, there was the sense it could be a horror show.John Campbell can be excused somewhat as he edged a perfect outswinger from Starc. He had shown some gumption in earlier innings. You also need to have some sympathy for debutant Kevlon Anderson padding up to an inswinger and then reviewing, a clear sign of a frazzled mind. Brandon King, who had performed encouragingly, decided a booming drive was the best option despite having seen Starc curving the ball late.King made West Indies’ one half-century of the series – his 75 was also the highest individual score on either side – but no one else, barring Anderson Phillip who played a single match, averaged over 20. Batting was tough, for sure, and Australia weren’t immune from their own problems, but there were numerous techniques exposed. No doubt the game in West Indies needs help, but it also needs to help itself.Since February 2023, when Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul each score hundreds in a 336-run stand against Zimbabwe, West Indies have had two centuries: Kavem Hodge against England and Justin Greaves against Bangladesh. There have been some fallow periods in West Indies’ batting over the last 25 years – they started the 21st century by making totals of 54, 61 and 82 in 2000 – but this might be the lowest point, and not just statistically.This performance also comes at a time when the future structure of Test cricket is at the forefront of debates. Nothing is yet decided, although some plans may be outlined at the ICC’s annual conference in Singapore this week, and while it can be easy to be drawn into sweeping statements after events such as Sabina Park, the problems facing West Indies in the format are as acute as any of the Full Members.They have managed a couple of landmark victories in recent times – defeating Australia at the Gabba and Pakistan in Multan – but they look like outliers. The win in Brisbane persuaded administrators to add a third Test to this series, which became the Sabina Park day-nighter.Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph troubled Australia all series with the ball•AFP/Getty ImagesThat they competed with Australia for the first two days of each Test is worthy of note, but that was largely down to the fast bowlers. Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and latterly Alzarri Joseph performed superbly, supported by Greaves’ brisk medium pace, and made life very uncomfortable for the visitors. They are carrying the team but are being asked to perform miracles.It needs to be questioned whether a factor they are taking advantage of – the pitches – has veered too far one way; although, with something of a grimace, Roston Chase said the Jamaica pitch was the best of all three.It’s all well and good playing to your strengths, the bowlers making the most of a ball zipping around, but when your weakness is so weak it makes everything futile. Since the start of 2023, the West Indies, as a venue for Tests, has the lowest collective batting average where more than a single match has been played. West Indies, themselves, average just 18.39 in that period, by far the lowest for a home side.Clearly, the problems in West Indies run deeper than the 22 yards but after the second Test in Grenada, coach Daren Sammy spoke about the surfaces around the Caribbean and how batters even at domestic level are unable to trust their games. Slightly counter to that, Chase said it was hard to judge players properly as each team had a couple of good bowlers.West Indies have away tours of India and New Zealand next where the batters are likely to be severely challenged again. Their other away series in this WTC cycle is in Bangladesh. Back at home they will face Sri Lanka and Pakistan, teams they may believe they can compete with.After the match had raced to its hasty conclusion and the presentations were completed, Starc delayed his return to the Australian celebrations to chat with uncapped West Indies quick Johann Layne who is highly regarded as part of the next generation. Layne appeared to be lapping up all the tips from one of the game’s greats. It can only be hoped that he has a viable Test team to be part of, and a chance to face Australia in the future.
Fans queued up for tickets with Gill training not far from home and all four teams assembling for the playoffs
Shashank Kishore28-May-20259:02
Moody: ‘Two in-form teams, we’re in for an absolute cracker’
A long line, spanning the entire stretch of the IS Bindra Stadium’s outer boundary around the main entrance, stood to buy tickets for Thursday’s Qualifier 1 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). But as Gujarat Titans (GT) entered the venue for a training session, the noise level went up manyfold.The cheer intensified further when Shubman Gill emerged. The fanfare when teams train isn’t new, but this one carried extra warmth. It was an ode to Gill, the local boy who has grown up playing here in Mohali, from his mid-teens after arriving in the city from Fazilka, a hamlet some 300km away, in Punjab.Wednesday’s appearance was his first in the region since he had been named the India Test captain. So there was this obvious interest around the prodigal son, even though the real home team – PBKS – were in the midst of their own training session about 30km away in New Chandigarh, which houses the new stadium.Related
IPL playoffs: How the four teams stack up
Evenly matched Punjab Kings and RCB fight for ticket to finale
Several police personnel manning the main entrance also queued up to click pictures, but their hero had given them the slip as he made his way into the main block, and to the nets behind the stadium, where he watched GT’s young batters go through their drills.Gill stood there observing, giving them words of encouragement, while gently warming up himself. He shadow-batted, and then faced some throwdowns – checking if his feet movement, bat follow-through, and everything else was in order. Ten minutes later, he was out and saw the rest of the session with his pads on, playing the role of a senior figure, as some of the others trained at the centre wicket.There was no sign of some of the other big stars, among them Rashid Khan and B Sai Sudharsan. Ishant Sharma huffed and puffed his way through an intense 40-minute spell, head coach Ashish Nehra conducted a catching drill, and the team’s physios made Instagram reels for players who came up to them requesting to time their sprints.The intense net session was done away with following the one they had on Tuesday night in New Chandigarh. This seemed like a quiet stroll in the park – just to get the body moving, give players the feel, and get them adjusted to fielding in the evening heat.Fans queue up outside the IS Bindra Stadium for tickets to the playoff matches•Shashank Kishore/ESPNcricinfo LtdA few hours prior to GT’s training, it took a good 30 minutes to drive over from central Chandigarh to the new stadium, where queues for tickets seemed even longer, with fans calling online tickets “inconvenient” because of the need to exchange them for physical ones at the venue later. Even worse, the exercise had to be completed on a non-match day. Good luck if you’re turning up on match day looking for the physical version of the tickets you had already bought.Inside, Mumbai Indians (MI) went through their drills exactly like GT did. Except, some of the big boys were in attendance. Among them, Jasprit Bumrah the most excitable – as he challenged his mates, bowling his heart out for a good 45 minutes in near 40-degree afternoon heat. Bumrah and Trent Boult competed with each other with cranked-up intensity, troubling K Shrijith, Robin Minz and new recruit Jonny Bairstow. Then Mitchell Santner arrived and smacked the ball around.All this as the ground staff carefully cordoned off the main squares and covered it with two layers of hessian, making the process of taking a peek at the deck virtually impossible.1:46
‘This is the new Punjab’
The evening seemed like a blockbuster if you’re a keen nets-watcher. Arshdeep Singh swung it sideways; Priyansh Arya gave scant respect to seniority as he bashed the ball; the PBKS coaches stood there applauding, while also engaging in some quiet chats with players by the side after their respective sessions.While all of this happened, RCB were blissfully mid-air, recovering from a late-night finish, and only arriving on Wednesday evening. They will need to hit the ground running on match day, banking on intel from their analysts and their own experience of having played and won in New Chandigarh when they last played PBKS.Come Thursday, the mood is unlikely to be this relaxed and friendly. The IPL is bracing for a full house, and hope it will be a spectacle. PBKS are playing a playoff match at their home venue for the first time. Never before have they had the kind of fanatical support like they do this year. Even during their peak year in 2014, Mohali didn’t always sell out. But their exceptional season has led to a turnaround.Over to the playoffs then. From all of this being a non-starter two weeks ago, here we are, this close to seeing if the IPL throws up a new champion. The next two days will give us some sort of an inkling.
Mujeeb had broken the stumps with his towel while Noor had shown dissent when the umpire adjudged one of his deliveries to be a wide
ESPNcricinfo staff20-Sep-2025
Noor Ahmad took one wicket in the match against Sri Lanka•Associated Press
Afghanistan spinners Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have been handed a demerit point each for breaching Level 1 of the ICC code of conduct during the Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.Noor was found to have breached Article 2.8 which indicated “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match” while Mujeeb was charged with breaching Article 2.2, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match.”Mujeeb had broken the stumps with his towel during the match. Noor had shown dissent in the 16th over of Sri Lanka’s innings when the umpire adjudged one of his deliveries to be a wide.On-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Virender Sharma, third umpire Faisal Afridi and fourth umpire Rohan Pandit levelled the charge. Both players admitted to their offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Richie Richardson, so there was no need for formal hearings.Afghanistan’s Asia Cup campaign came to an end after they lost to Sri Lanka by six wickets. Both Noor and Mujeeb picked up a wicket each in the game.
يلتقي فريق الكرة الأول بالنادي الأهلي مع نظيره الجيش الملكي المغربي، اليوم الجمعة، ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا للموسم الحالي 2025-2026.
ويحل الأهلي ضيفًا على الجيش الملكي في ملعبه بالمغرب، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات لبطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
وكان النادي الأهلي، حقق الفوز في لقاء الجولة الأولي على شبيبة القبائل الجزائري، بنتيجة 4-1، في اللقاء الذي أقيم بالقاهرة يوم السبت الماضي.
طالع |القناة الناقلة لمباراة الأهلي والجيش الملكي اليوم في دوري أبطال إفريقيا
بينما الجيش الملكي كان قد خسر في مباراة الجولة الأولى أمام يانج أفريكانز التنزاني بهدف دون رد.
ويتواجد النادي الأهلي في المجموعة الثانية من دوري أبطال إفريقيا، مع الجيش الملكي وشبيبة القبائل الجزائري ويانج أفريكانز التنزاني. موعد مباراة الأهلي والجيش الملكي اليوم في دوري أبطال إفريقيا
تقام مباراة الأهلي والجيش الملكي، اليوم الجمعة، 28 نوفمبر، في تمام الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 10 بتوقيت السعودية، 8 بتوقيت المغرب.
This Sunday’s Women’s Super League clash between Brighton and London City Lionesses should have produced an enticing showdown between two of England’s most exciting young strikers, with Euro 2025 hero Michelle Agyemang in the Seagulls’ corner and rising star Isobel Goodwin representing the newly-promoted big spenders.
Agyemang’s profile has blown up in 2025, a process which began back in April when, as a teenage prospect who was relatively unknown to the general audience, she scored a wonderful goal just 41 seconds into her Lionesses debut. That rise only continued through the summer, as the Arsenal academy product took centre stage on several occasions at Euro 2025 to help England complete escape act after escape act, on their way to a second successive continental crown.
Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing the talented teen perform heroics like that again for a while. After being stretchered off in England's win over Australia in October, Agyemang was dealt the devastating diagnosis of an ACL injury, ending her 2025-26 season before it really got going.
On Sunday, then, when it comes to exciting prospects for the Lionesses, attention will be centred on Goodwin, a player only out-scored by Alessia Russo and Aggie Beever-Jones among English centre-forwards in the WSL this season, and a player who Sarina Wiegman could turn to in order to bolster her options in that position in the New Year amid Agyemang’s absence.
Getty ImagesCompetition aplenty
It says a lot about Goodwin that despite London City’s spending after promotion to the WSL this year, she has been one of their stand-out performers. Backed by the billions of Michele Kang, the club from the capital broke the women’s transfer record when they signed Grace Geyoro on deadline day, while the addition of Barcelona youth product Lucia Corrales also cost a fee that ranks among the top 10 in the sport’s history.
They were just two of the 17 signings London City made in the summer, with England international Nikita Parris another notable one when it comes to Goodwin. Could her arrival, or that of experienced Finland forward Sanni Franssi, put the 22-year-old's spot in the team under threat?
AdvertisementGetty ImagesRising to the challenge
It's to her immense credit, then, that Goodwin has started all nine of the club's WSL games so far this season. Make no mistake, she came into the campaign with plenty of hype and status of her own. After all, it was only in September of last year that London City paid a fee that could rise up to £150,000 ($200,000) – a record for Women's Super League 2, the English second tier – to sign Goodwin from Sheffield United. But she has worked incredibly hard to earn, and maintain, the reputation that led to such a switch.
It's not been easy at times, either. Goodwin has dealt with some frustrating injuries in her short career to date, starting back when she was at Aston Villa. Aged 19, despite those setbacks, she signed her first professional deal with the club whose youth set-up she had come through, but wouldn't get the first-team opportunities she was after. As such, in January 2023, Goodwin made the brave decision to mutually terminate her contract and join Coventry United, the club rooted to the bottom of the second tier.
Unsurprisingly, Coventry would be relegated at the end of the season, but Goodwin wouldn't leave the division. After scoring four goals in 10 outings for a team that managed just seven points from 22 games, Sheffield United were happy to pick up the towering striker, who delivered 15 goals in 19 league games in her one and only season in South Yorkshire.
It was then that London City came in with a record-breaking fee for the young forward and she more than justified it, netting 16 times in 18 outings the following year to help fire the Lionesses to the second-tier title and, with it, promotion.
Getty ImagesMaking the leap
This season, then, perfectly fits in with Goodwin's track record of rising to the next challenge. Over the last two-and-a-half years, the difficulty has increased bit by bit for the 22-year-old, with her always seeming to take the right-sized step forward in order to learn, develop and improve.
Despite coming into this campaign with essentially no WSL experience, having made only three late substitute appearances in the top-flight while at Villa, she has adapted impressively to lead the London City line in one of the best leagues in the world. "It's a pretty big jump but it's an exciting one," Goodwin said last week. "Any little mistake you make, you're going to be challenged for it."
"The question we asked her at the end of last year is, 'Okay, you've had a really good year in [WSL 2]. What does it look like at the next level?'" Emma Coates, Goodwin's coach for England's Under-23s until her departure from the Football Association this week, recalled. "There's more decisions [to make], you're playing against more experienced players and maybe she can't rely on her physical profile as much, which I thought she could do in the [second tier]. The challenge that she's rising to is contributing to her development as a player."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty ImagesAdjusting and improving
That's not to say Goodwin has arrived in the WSL as one of the best strikers in the division. She's still only 22, she's playing against a quality of opponent greater than she's ever faced and there are games where, because London City are still adjusting to the league as a group, she isn't getting much service or as many touches on the ball as she'd like. For example, with only 249 touches in the WSL this season, Goodwin is averaging fewer than 28 per 90 minutes, the fourth-fewest in the entire division.
Despite that, the 22-year-old has still made a serious impression. Her two-goal display at Everton in September, to secure a 2-1 win for her team, has been the highlight so far, with her goal-scoring display at former club Villa and her all-round excellent centre-forward performance at home to West Ham other stand-outs.
"For me, Isobel is a perfect example of what I explained at the beginning of the season," Jocelyn Precheur, the London City boss, said after the win over Everton. "We know the biggest challenge for us will be to adapt to the intensity and rhythm of this league. We have the capacity to do it and the players are talented enough to adapt to this league. It’s just a matter of time."
Goodwin has shown her qualities with England as well. After scoring on her first start for the U23s back in February, she has four goals in her last seven games for the Young Lionesses, with her unlucky not to have a greater total having also hit the woodwork a few times in that period.
Penny for Alexander Isak’s thoughts? Liverpool’s record-breaking striker has been down by the wayside right since the summer, and the fans are desperate to see him recover his form and showcase that world-class quality.
Isak left Newcastle United for Anfield at the end of the summer transfer window, on strike throughout August following a breakdown in relations on Tyneside. It’s been a struggle ever since, with the lack of a pre-season and injury issues in recent months limiting him to just four Premier League starts so far.
This is all symptomatic of the deeper malaise at Arne Slot’s Liverpool. Slot’s Liverpool, last season’s dominant league champions, have been pants this year, with nine losses in their past 12 matches in all competitions.
Not good enough. Isak’s only goal came against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, a competition the Merseysiders have since been dumped out of.
He will surely come good, but FSG will be anxiously waiting for proof that they have got bang for their buck. At the moment, Isak is offering less than Darwin Nunez before him.
Slot’s brand of football is built on structure and. Both he and Jurgen Klopp subscribe to attacking play, but where the German enjoys heavy metal, Slot is more of a purveyor of smooth jazz.
That was last season, though, with the Reds having left so much to desire this season. Liverpool are so tactically imbalanced, lacking the control of last season.
It’s for this reason that Nunez was sold. Wasteful in front of goal, yes, the Uruguayan was also erratic and mercurial, and given that Slot only started him once in the Premier League after Boxing Day, it’s clear he did not view him as the answer.
|
Darwin Nunez – Past 5 Seasons (all comps) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Apps |
Goals + Assists |
|
25/26(Al-Hilal |
10 (6) |
5 (2) |
|
24/25 – Liverpool |
47 (17) |
7 + 7 |
|
23/24 – Liverpool |
54 (33) |
18 + 15 |
|
22/23 – Liverpool |
42 (26) |
15 + 4 |
|
21/22 – Benfica |
41 (32) |
34 + 4 |
|
Stats via Transfermarkt |
||
So, it would not be that bold to assume that selling Nunez to Al-Hilal and replacing him with a clinical superstar like Isak was done with a view toward giving Liverpool more accuracy and presence in the final third.
It’s worth stressing that Isak is anticipated to be a success at Anfield. He is too good – and proven in the Premier League – not to click into gear.
But, as journalist David Lynch put it earlier in November, Isak is “offering Liverpool less than Darwin Nunez did” at the same stage last season, and that will certainly need to change going forward.
There is still full anticipation that the Sweden international will be a success story at the club, though, but the same can’t be said for another of Liverpool’s summer recruits, who has so much to prove after a wretched start to the season.
In fairness, Nunez scored on his Liverpool debut against Manchester City in the Community Shield. He posted a goal and an assist off the bench on his Premier League debut, a draw at Fulham.
But, ultimately, the 26-year-old’s erraticness and his inability to conform to Klopp and then Slot’s tactical systems led to his sale.
Now, Liverpool may have landed their new version of the South American, and not in Isak, but Milos Kerkez, who completed a £40m move from Bournemouth to the Anfield club this summer.
Kerkez, 22, was named as a part of the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for 2024/25, exceptional on the south coast. That fine form is a world away from what Liverpool fans have witnessed over the past three months, with journalist Jean Paul Schiberras claiming he “looks like he has never played football before” in Slot’s set-up.
Following the defeat to PSV, content creator Mark Goldbridge remarked that Kerkez has been “such a bad signing” for Slot’s team. It was a collective shambles on Wednesday evening, but the Hungary international was culpable for lackadaisical defending as the visitors surged forward and took the lead in the second half.
It is incomprehensible to think that Kerkez simply doesn’t have what it takes to play for Liverpool. Last season, he was arguably the best left-back in the league, such a ferocious mix of power and athleticism and energy.
But he is lacking, as it were, street smarts. Kerkez has the skills to succeed at a club like Liverpool, but too often he has suffered from poor decision-making, lacking the awareness and positioning to read danger and ensure he is one, two, three steps ahead.
|
Milos Kerkez in the Premier League |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stats (* per game) |
24/25 |
25/26 |
|
Matches (starts) |
38 (38) |
11 (10) |
|
Goals |
2 |
1 |
|
Assists |
5 |
0 |
|
Touches* |
59.6 |
50.8 |
|
Accurate passes* |
28.6 (80%) |
27.9 (86%) |
|
Chances created* |
1.0 |
0.6 |
|
Dribble (success)* |
0.6 |
0.3 |
|
Recoveries* |
4.7 |
2.8 |
|
Tackles + interceptions* |
2.6 |
1.6 |
|
Clearances* |
2.6 |
3.3 |
|
Duels won* |
4.0 (54%) |
3.6 (61%) |
|
Errors made |
4x |
2x |
|
Data via Sofascore |
||
This is why he is an endangered member of this squad. This is why he faces the potential of leaving with a reputation akin to Nunez, brimming with quality but arriving as a young and uncut gem, ultimately failing to bring it all together.
Is he a liability in this team? Perhaps so. It is useful to use Andy Robertson as a yardstick for the conundrum: last season, the Scotsman was clearly on the decline; a left-back was clearly a priority for FSG to sort out. But there are many calls now for the vice-captain to restore a nailed-down starting berth.
Slot has started using the 31-year-old more frequently, yes, but he has only started two of 12 Premier League fixtures this season, one of which includes the comprehensive 2-0 win over Aston Villa earlier this month.
Described as a “nervous wreck” by pundit Jamie Carragher, it’s clear that Kerkez is feeling the weight of moving to one of the world’s largest outfits. It doesn’t help that Slot’s tactics have proved so dysfunctional this term.
But left-back was a glaring weakness at Liverpool last year, and with Kostas Tsimikas out on loan and Robertson winding down, things have only gotten worse for the champions.
In this, Kerkez is becoming a major problem, a liability as concerning as Nunez was.
Gakpo upgrade: Liverpool could see bid accepted to sign £80m "superstar"
Liverpool are planning to enter the market for a new left-sided forward.
By
Angus Sinclair
Nov 27, 2025
While their performances last year and at the start of the season suggest otherwise, West Ham United do have a talented squad.
The likes of Freddie Potts, Jarrod Bowen, Mateus Fernandes, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters are all good to great players who will help move the East Londoners away from a Premier League relegation scrap as the season goes on.
However, one area of the team that the Hammers have consistently failed to address is up top, with neither Niclas Füllkrug nor Callum Wilson good enough to lead the line.
Fortunately, West Ham are now being linked with an inform number nine who could end their striker curse and was even linked to Harry Kane as a youngster.
Before his injury, Füllkrug had made seven appearances for West Ham this season, in which he failed to score or assist a single goal, which makes news of his likely departure in January rather welcome to most fans.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Wilson, on the other hand, has been able to find the back of the net twice, in fact, but even so, he has hardly blown anyone away in his nine appearances so far this season, and with his injury record being what it is, he cannot be relied upon.
So, with all that in mind, it’s clear that the East Londoners are in desperate need of a new striker once the window opens, and fortunately, that might happen.
According to a recent report from Turkey, West Ham are among several sides interested in man of the moment, Troy Parrott.
Alongside the Hammers, the report claims that Everton, Leeds United and Stuttgart are keen on signing the Irish international from AZ Alkmaar, who want at least €30m for him, which is about £26m.
It could be a tough transfer to get over the line, but with how well Parrott has played in recent years, and how much of an upgrade on Füllkrug and Wilson he’d be, it’s one worth fighting for.
It’s the obvious place to start, but it’s also the most important: Parrott would be a huge upgrade on Wilson and Füllkrug because he’s simply the better goalscorer.
For example, while the two West Ham strikers have just two goals between them this season, the Irishman has already racked up an astounding tally of 13 goals and two assists in 14 appearances, totalling 928 minutes.
That comes out to a sensational average of 1.07 goal involvements every game, or one every 61.86 minutes.
|
Parrot’s 25/26 |
|
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
14 |
|
Starts |
11 |
|
Minutes |
928′ |
|
Goals |
13 |
|
Assists |
2 |
|
Goal Involvements per Match |
1.07 |
|
Minutes per Goal Involvement |
61.86′ |
|
Points per Game |
2.21 |
|
All Stats via Transfermarkt |
|
Such an incredible rate of return makes the claim of one analyst, made over five years ago, that he was “reminiscent of Harry Kane” as a youngster look rather reasonable today.
It’s not just this season that the former Tottenham Hotspur gem has been on fire, though, as he ended last season with an excellent haul of 20 goals and five assists in 47 games.
With that said, the second reason he’d be an excellent upgrade on the Hammers’ ageing forwards is that he’s still just 23 years old, and therefore has plenty left in the tank.
Moreover, while he did have some injury problems early on in his career, he has not missed more than nine games for club and country in any of the last three campaigns.
Finally, as was made quite clear over the last week or so, the Dublin-born game-changer is someone for the big occasions.
For example, he scored both goals in Ireland’s 2-0 win over Portugal, and then followed that up with what is already a legendary hat-trick against Hungary, securing the country’s place in the World Cup play-offs.
Moreover, his third goal was practically the final kick of the game, suggesting he isn’t someone to flap under the most immense of pressure.
Ultimately, while it might be difficult to get ahead of the other interested parties, West Ham should be doing all they can to sign Parrott in January, as he might be the man to end their striker curse.
£67m spent & no Wilson or Fullkrug: Nuno's dream West Ham XI after January
This is the dream West Ham starting line-up that Nuno could build in the January window.
By
Jack Salveson Holmes
Nov 15, 2025