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Oito jogos consecutivos sem vencer, sendo sete com Vanderlei Luxemburgo. O Corinthians vive uma de suas piores sequências recentes e não há qualquer perspectiva de melhora. Desde que Luxa chegou ao Parque São Jorge, o Timão parece dar um passo para frente e dois para trás.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansBalanço do Corinthians: saiba os valores das contratações feitas pelo clube em 2022Corinthians25/05/2023CorinthiansCorinthians iguala sua segunda pior série sem vitórias neste séculoCorinthians25/05/2023CorinthiansPaulinho sofre entorse no joelho esquerdo e será reavaliado no retorno do Corinthians ao BrasilCorinthians25/05/2023

+ Ataque faz jogo apagado e a “luz” do Corinthians na Libertadores começa a falhar; veja notas

Se contra o Flamengo houve melhora, a atuação no empate por 0 a 0 diante do Argentinos Juniors foi aquém do esperado, especialmente após a expulsão do atacante Nuss, e o treinador corintiano é o principal responsável pela queda de rendimento. Os jogadores lutaram e mostraram raça dentro de campo, mas foram “engolidos” taticamente por uma equipe com movimentos coordenados e ideias claras.

+ Não perca nenhum lance do Timão na Liberta. Assine o Star+ por apenas R$40,90 por mês e torça onde quiser!

O roteiro corintiano foi o mesmo das últimas três partidas, e a equipe teve momentos de perigo no começo do jogo, especialmente com os laterais Bidu e Bruno Méndez, mas Murillo perdeu a grande chance do Alvinegro.

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Paulinho, que até então era uma das raras intervenções táticas positivas de Luxemburgo, saiu lesionado e o time murchou sem ele em campo. A equipe da casa rondava a bola perto da área, e a maior ameaça veio em desvio contra de Bidu.

No segundo tempo, o Argentinos Juniors seguiu martelando pelos lados, mas sem ameaçar o goleiro Carlos Miguel, e a defesa passou intacta pela primeira vez sob o comando de Luxemburgo. Já o Corinthians não conseguia trocar cinco passes e se via sufocado pela pressão do adversário.

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A expulsão do atacante Nuss, aos 33 do segundo tempo, era tudo que o Timão precisava para sair ao ataque e pelo menos tentar a vitória. Mas na prática, foi o Argentinos Juniors que mais ofereceu perigo.

+ Timão vivo na Libertadores? Veja os resultados e como ficou o grupo do Corinthians após a rodada

Luxemburgo colocou Romero, e nos minutos finais Fábio Santos e Wesley, em uma tentativa sem lógica de jogar com três atrás para ter mais homens à frente. As mudanças não tiveram efeito positivo e o clube alvinegro não aproveitou a vantagem numérica.

Olhando para a tabela do grupo, o empate não foi um mau resultado, haja visto que a equipe só depende de si para chegar ao mata-mata da Libertadores. Mas precisar de vitórias é tudo que o Corinthians não consegue no momento, e nem mesmo a volta de Renato Augusto no horizonte é capaz de reerguer os ânimos de um time que retrocede em campo e não passa confiança ao seu torcedor que o cenário será revertido.

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After taking the reins at Tottenham Hotspur, new boss Thomas Frank has already demonstrated his ability to switch his tactics based upon the opposition from game to game.

He’s already operated with a back five and a back four in various games, undoubtedly evaluating the options at his disposal for his debut campaign at the helm in North London.

However, a glaring issue has arisen in the side, with a lack of depth in the final third potentially transforming into a huge problem should no solution be found before the end of the window.

If the Dane is to be successful in the Premier League, he will need various talents at his disposal to call upon, but at present, he’s severely lacking in options in attacking areas.

After the departure of Heung-min Son and injury to James Maddison, the number ten and left-wing positions are massively depleted – with owner Daniel Levy needing to rectify such issues as soon as possible.

Spurs’ attempts to land an Eze alternative this summer

Eberechi Eze appeared to be the player to fill such roles within the Spurs side, after the hierarchy agreed a deal with Crystal Palace for the Englishman’s signature.

The player himself wanted to join Frank’s side, but despite the progress made on a deal to land the 27-year-old – he will not be making a move to join the Lilywhites this summer.

He’s since accepted an offer to join North London rivals Arsenal, subsequently ending Levy’s pursuit of the attacking midfielder – which has seen the club move onto different targets.

Some of the options have previously been on their radar at previous points of the summer window, with Manchester City star Savinho just one name remerging in their sights.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed in recent days that Frank’s side will return to negotiations before the end of the window, after previously failing to strike an agreement with Pep Guardiola’s men.

He also claimed that an offer of €70m (£60m) was being prepared for the Brazilian forward, who managed to notch 14 combined goals and assists in the 2024/25 campaign.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Saka

Bukayo Saka is a player who’s constantly tormented countless backlines in the Premier League over recent seasons – with Tottenham being one of the sides unable to contain the Arsenal winger.

The 23-year-old has scored five times against the Lilywhites in his career – the most of any side he’s faced – often claiming bragging rights for Mikel Arteta’s side in the North London derby.

Such performances have undoubtedly left the Spurs faithful wishing they had a player of his quality, but talents like the Englishman would cost a pretty penny in the modern market.

To make matters worse for the Lilywhites faithful, Saka will be aided in his attempts at the Emirates by Eze – rubbing further salt into the wounds after missing out on his signature.

However, their pain may be short-lived, especially if they can land a deal for Savinho, with the City star able to make the fans forget about the failed move for the 27-year-old.

The Brazilian has been labelled as a similar player to Saka by FBref, a comparison that is understandable when delving into his underlying stats from the previous campaign.

The 21-year-old managed to outperform the Gunners star in numerous key areas, subsequently handing Frank his own version of the top-level attacker.

How Savinho & Saka compared in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Savinho

Saka

Games played

29

25

Goals & assists

9

16

Shot on target accuracy

38%

33%

Progressive carries

7.1

5

Pass accuracy

81%

75%

Passes into the opposition box

2.4

1.9

Take-on success

46%

45%

Carries into final third

2.3

1.6

Carries into the opposition box

3.8

2.6

Stats via FBref

Savinho, who’s been labelled “incredible” by current boss Guardiola, posted a higher shot on target accuracy rate – able to cut inside off the right-hand side trouble the ‘keeper on a more consistent basis.

His ability to get shots off around the 18-yard box is undoubtedly crucial, but the need for a creative presence within the current first-team squad has been evident of late.

The Brazilian could provide just that with any move to North London, bettering Saka in various areas – such as passes completed and passes into the opposition area per 90.

However, Savinho has also caused havoc to the opposition with his talent at driving the opposition – registering more carries into the penalty area per 90, whilst also achieving a higher take-on success rate.

Missing out on Eze will certainly be a bitter blow, but any disappointment could be pushed aside if the hierarchy manage to get a deal over the line for the City youngster.

If he does make the move, the 21-year-old would have all the tools to match Saka’s achievements in the capital, undoubtedly offering the needed threat Frank has been hunting for throughout the off-season.

Related Bigger talent than Eze: Spurs to make late offer to sign £60m sensation

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a move for a star who could provide a bigger impact than Eberechi Eze.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Aug 22, 2025

Tottenham face-off against Man City in the Premier League this afternoon, and off the field, both clubs have been chatting over winger Savinho.

Today’s clash at Eastlands has been tipped as an opportunity for Lilywhites chiefs to hold more face-to-face talks with City officials over a deal for the Brazil international, coming after Spurs’ already well-documented pursuit of him.

Thomas Frank’s side have seen a bid worth just over £40 million rejected, according to Savinho’s agent, Frederico Moraes, but the player’s camp are in London right now attempting to facilitate discussions as Savinho eyes a move to north London.

The former Girona star, who will play no part today due to injury, is believed to be very keen on joining Spurs as he looks to become a Premier League mainstay ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Daniel Levy, technical director Johan Lange and CEO Vinai Vinkatesham are still dusting themselves off from the public humiliation of missing out on Eberechi Eze, with the 27-year-old coming as their second failed playmaker deal of the window after Morgan Gibbs-White.

In response, reports from Brazil suggest that Tottenham are really pushing the boat out to sign Savinho, with Levy even preparing a club-record £69 million bid.

However, City’s stance thus far is that he’s not for sale, with Pep Guardiola even publicly stating that he wants Savinho to remain in Manchester for many years.

If their move for the South American hits a brick wall, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that Tottenham have identified a “cheaper” alternative.

Tottenham identify Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche as "cheaper" Savinho alternative

O’Rourke claims that Spurs see Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche as that man, coming after the 23-year-old bagged seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions last season.

Other media sources believe that the Frenchman, who won silver with France at the 2024 Olympic Games, could be available for just under £50 million – so Levy will still need to pay a considerable fee.

Akliouche is no stranger to the big occasion, though, with the winger putting in some impressive Champions League performances last season, including the opening goal in Monaco’s 2-1 win over Barcelona.

Everton supporters will be excited about the Premier League season ahead as top-flight football finally comes to the Toffees’ new home in the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

They will have to wait that little bit longer for the action to start on their home patch, however, as Elland Road will be the first ground ticked off this season when David Moyes’ men face off against the stern prospect of a newly promoted Leeds United side.

Brand new recruit Adam Aznou could well have the privilege of making his Premier League debut for the Merseyside outfit in West Yorkshire, with more new signings surely in the pipeline to join the up-and-coming defender, before September’s abrupt cut-off.

Everton pushing to sign free agent star

The Toffees are four signings down this summer already, with promising French attacker Thierno Barry the pick of the bunch for a sturdy £27m.

However, Moyes and Co. are likely to push on with more fresh additions, with Douglas Luiz one high-profile name on their radar to boost their options in central midfield.

Everton aren’t just looking at the ex-Aston Villa star in isolation to bolster their numbers centrally, however, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that Josh Brownhill is also on their agenda.

Indeed, that exclusive report from GIVEMESPORT has highlighted that both Leeds and Everton are locked into a tussle to win the free agent’s services, after the skilful Englishman allowed his Burnley contract to run down.

However, it could be a tall order to win the former Clarets captain’s services, owing to a further development that Toronto FC have offered a bumper £100k-per-week deal to the 29-year-old.

Still, the report states that Everton are pushing to try and convince Brownhill to remain put on English shores, with the potential here for the Manchester-born midfielder to become Moyes’ next Leon Osman in offering plenty of goals and assists in key moments.

How Brownhill could become Moyes' next Osman

After all, much like Brownhill would arrive on the scene for nothing, Osman cost Everton zilch when he emerged up the Merseyside ranks as a homegrown gem.

Amazingly, by the close of his long-winded Everton journey, Osman would have 58 goals and 36 assists next to his name from 433 appearances, with his output not letting up right until his retirement in 2016.

Osman’s numbers for Everton vs Brownhill’s career numbers
Stat	Osman	Brownhill
Games played	433	462
Goals scored	58	58
Assists	36	40
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Indeed, just three years before hanging up his boots, Osman – who was donning the Toffees armband on the day – would rifle home a stunning effort against eventual title-winners Manchester City.

Brownhill provided a similar class to proceedings at Turf Moor last season when helping Scott Parker’s men clinch a triumphant promotion back up to the Premier League, as seen in him collecting a mammoth 18 goals and six assists across 42 second-tier outings.

It will just be up to the experienced midfielder to translate this blistering Burnley form to the top-flight, but there are promising signs already that he can perform at the daunting level.

From 111 appearances so far in the difficult division, the “brilliant” midfielder – as he was glowingly labelled by Parker – has six goals and six assists next to his name, with lots more hopefully heading his way when surrounded by better quality teammates at Everton, over consistent relegation dog-fights hitting him in the face.

The hope will just be that Brownhill can be that new Osman-like spark for Moyes to rely upon, having also once been dubbed a “crucial” part of the Turf Moor jigsaw under ex-Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.

Toronto’s excessive offer might well make this deal tricky to pull off, but the 29-year-old could favour a move to Merseyside over an MLS switch, knowing he could be as loved as Osman down the line.

Everton enter race to sign "gifted" £30m+ McAtee alternative for Moyes

He’s a wanted man…

By
Tom Cunningham

Aug 2, 2025

Despite the absence of Bumrah, India snatched a four-run first-innings lead, turning the Test into a second-innings shootout

Deivarayan Muthu04-Jan-20251:18

Manjrekar: Pant took the pitch out of the equation

During the lunch break on the second day, Rohit Sharma cleared the air, saying that he had sat out of the Sydney Test and that he wasn’t retiring from Test cricket yet. Soon after the break, Jasprit Bumrah, who had taken over from Rohit as captain, left the SCG for scans. Australia had lost half their side around that time, with the game – and the series – dangling on a razor’s edge. Despite the absence of Bumrah, who had experienced back spasms, India snatched a four-run first-innings lead, turning the Sydney Test into a second-innings shootout.Rishabh Pant pulled India further ahead with a jaw-dropping 29-ball half-century. It was the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in Test cricket, behind his own 28-ball effort against Sri Lanka in 2022. After Scott Boland had carved up India’s top order with pinpoint accuracy, Pant countered them and thrilled a Sydney crowd of 47,257. The late dismissals of Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy kept the game in the balance, with India leading by 145 at stumps.The second-innings shootout, though, could get skewed in favour of Australia if Bumrah isn’t fit to bowl anymore in this Test.Related

Bumrah leaves SCG for scans after experiencing back spasms

Rohit says he 'stood down' for SCG Test: 'It is not a retirement decision'

India’s support bowlers, though, stepped up admirably on the second day, with Prasidh Krishna and Reddy sharing five wickets among them. India’s non-Bumrah seamers came away with combined figures of 8 for 132 – their best in any innings on this tour.Reddy picked up two wickets in two balls while Prasidh marked his Test comeback with the scalps of Steven Smith, Alex Carey and debutant Beau Webster, who top-scored for Australia with 57 off 105 balls.Webster continued his excellent debut, emulating his team-mate Sam Konstas in scoring a half-century in his first Test.The day had dawned with Bumrah snaring Marnus Labuschagne for 2 and throwing a stare at non-striker Konstas. Bumrah surpassed Bishan Singh Bedi’s tally for the most wickets taken by an India bowler on a tour of Australia.Beau Webster dismissed Shubman Gill for his first Test wicket•Getty Images

The 19-year-old responded strongly with the bat when he advanced at Bumrah and shanked him down the ground for four. Then, after Bumrah reinforced the slip cordon by bringing deep third in, Konstas unfurled another audacious reverse-ramp, prompting Bumrah to post a fielder at deep third.In the next over, however, Mohammed Siraj had Konstas edging to gully for 23 off 57 balls with an outswinger. Three balls later, he had Travis Head caught at second slip for 4. Where Bumrah and Australia’s quicks hit the deck, the source of Siraj’s menace was swing. So, he kept exploring a fuller length to maximise that swing.Smith and Webster steadied Australia with a 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket before Smith fell to Prasidh at the stroke of lunch. Smith seemed destined to reach 10,000 Test runs but moments before the break Prasidh shifted his stock length to an even more fuller one to dismiss him five short of the landmark.Then, in the afternoon, he stormed through the defences of Carey with a similar length. Reddy rocked Australia even further with the wickets of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Australia lost their last four wickets for just 19 runs to be bowled out for 181.Yashasvi Jaiswal then launched India’s second innings in grand style, scything Starc for four fours in the first over. KL Rahul, too, showed some attacking intent at the other end until Boland intervened and curtailed India’s rapid start.Some of Rishabh Pant’s outrageous shots were on display•Getty Images

Boland struck in his second over when he had Rahul chopping an inducker onto his stumps and in his next over, he knocked Jaiswal over with a beauty that angled in towards middle from around the wicket and seamed away late to beat the outside edge and smash the top of off stump. Boland proceeded to dismiss Virat Kohli in familiar fashion, for 6. It was the eighth time that Kohli was out edging behind to the keeper or the slip cordon in nine trips to the crease in this Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was so angry that he yelled at himself and slapped his thigh.Webster earned his maiden Test wicket when he had Shubman Gill caught behind off the inside edge.After having spent nearly 150 minutes being someone else with the bat on the first day, managing 40 off 98 balls, the real Pant stood up on the second. He charged at his first ball from Boland, who had just snared Kohli, and violently clubbed him over mid-on for six. He then ventured a reverse-scoop off his third ball, and though he failed to connect, he didn’t curb his natural instincts in this innings.Pant then lined up Webster for three successive fours, including a trademark falling sweep-pull. He notched up his fifty with a helicoptered six off Starc and celebrated the milestone with another six next ball.Pant’s assault forced Australia into bowling T20 lines and lengths. When Cummins went short and wide of off and hid the ball away from Pant’s swinging arc, he chased it and ended up feeding an edge to the keeper. Boland had Reddy holing out for 4 to cap a 15-wicket day in Sydney.

GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave the comforts of Great Britain in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.

There were a lot of reasons for the Britons playing away from home to be happy over the weekend. History books have been rewritten, returns from injury have been made and a couple of hat-tricks have put German football on notice. All in all, it's been a positive season so far for them.

Every Monday, GOAL will be breaking down the winners and losers of the Brits abroad, so let's dive into this week's offering and see how Britain's finest exports are doing.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WINNER: Harry Kane

  At the age of 32, is it possible that Harry Kane is still getting better? In an era where the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski peaked in their supposed twilight years, it's definitely plausible, particularly given Kane has already outlined his ambitions to replicate their longevity at the top level.

  Most recently, the striker netted a hat-trick in Bayern Munich's 4-1 win at Hoffenheim, ensuring they maintained their 100% start to the new season. This came at the end of a week in which Kane also came back to haunt former rivals Chelsea with a stunning Champions League display, scoring twice in a 3-1 victory in midweek.

  The records keep on tumbling for Kane, who has only needed 67 appearances to reach the 70-goal mark in the Bundesliga, becoming the fastest player to reach that tally in the division's history. He is also two goals shy of 100 for Bayern in all competitions, and if he nets a brace in Friday's visit of Werder Bremen, he will become the fastest player to hit that total for a club in a top-five league as well. That milestone is currently the joint-property of Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland, who both got to 100 goals in 105 matches at Real Madrid and Manchester City respectively. In a more niche category, Kane is also the first player to successfully score their first 17 penalties.

  There is already talk of Kane mounting a charge for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, and it has been suggested to him by the German press – who have also offered him an apology for questioning his €100m transfer fee – that he could even hit 50 goals this season. In response, Kane said: "I generally don't set any limits for myself, we'll keep going. Sometimes things don't go as hoped for a striker. But right now I have the momentum and I'm enjoying it. I feel good. I know I'll get my chances in this team. Big praise to the lads. I'm working hard for the team, and the goals will come."

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• Getty Images
  

  LOSER: Marcus Rashford

  Listen, this was quite a fine week for the Brits playing abroad, so we're having to do a little fudging on the definition of 'loser'. Each of our three in that bracket on this occasion actually had reasons to be positive, but it's the negative spin that's had to race to the surface to give us a bit of balance here.

  We'll start with the most high-profile of the trio in Marcus Rashford, whose sensational brace on Thursday helped Barcelona to a 2-1 win at Newcastle in their Champions League opener. Everything was looking up again, but it seems that old habits die hard. The Manchester United loanee was expected to keep his place in the starting lineup for Sunday's La Liga encounter with Getafe, only to be dropped to the bench after turning up late to a team meeting.

  Nevertheless, Rashford still made his mark as a substitute, coming on to assist Dani Olmo for the final goal as Barca ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at the Johan Cruyff Stadium (yes, the champions of Spain are still playing at their training ground). If this is a 'loser' week for Rashford, then he's still going to enjoy one hell of a season on loan in Catalunya in the hope of earning a permanent move.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WINNER: Jude Bellingham

  Jude Bellingham is not only back, but well ahead of schedule, too. He was not expected to make a full recovery from shoulder surgery, underwent over the summer following Real Madrid's Club World Cup exit, until October. Yet here he was, strutting out onto the Santiago Bernabeu turf with over a week of September still remaining, ready to fight for his spot back in Xabi Alonso's plans.

  The midfielder was introduced as a late sub in Saturday's 2-0 win versus Espanyol, replacing Kylian Mbappe for the final few minutes of the contest, and was given quite the ovation by the home crowd. Speaking post-match, Bellingham said: "I missed this and you all so much. I'm truly grateful for the love you've shown me at the stadium and during my recovery; it means a lot to me. Now for more."

  Where Bellingham fits into Alonso's plans has proven a fun talking point in the Spanish capital in recent weeks ahead of his comeback. With Arda Guler and summer signing Franco Mastantuono starting the season in fine form, there is further competition for places between the lines, while Federico Valverde remains as dependable as ever deeper in midfield. What's for certain is Alonso has a plethora of different options to play with, and in Bellingham he has a bonafide game-changer.

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• Getty Images
  

  LOSER: Tyrhys Dolan

  On the losing side at the Bernabeu this weekend was winger Tyrhys Dolan, but as was the case with Rashford, this is still a success story of sorts. A former product of the Manchester City youth academy, Dolan has spent the majority of his career to date with Blackburn Rovers in the Championship. He was picked up by Espanyol on a free transfer this summer and has featured in all five of their La Liga games so far this season, starting in four of them, including away at Madrid. The Catalan side sit fourth in the table despite the defeat.

  Before this trip to the Bernabeu, Dolan gave an emotional interview to the Sid Lowe about his journey to this stage, and how he's dealt with the suicide of his best friend, fellow ex-City player Jeremy Wisten, since his passing almost five years ago: "These are the stadiums any kid dreams of, but it's not even for me. I'm quite selfless. I've always got satisfaction from other people's enjoyment. It's a moment for everyone around me, friends and family, to be there, to see these places and say: 'Remember when he was in the park,' to look back and think: 'We've been through so much, now we're here'."

  Dolan and his team may have lost on Saturday, but in many other ways, he is a winner. Good on him.

حقق منتخب إثيوبيا، فوزًا ثمينًا على نظيره غينيا بيساو، بهدف دون رد، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

والتقى منتخب إثيوبيا أمام غينيا بيساو، اليوم، في إطار لقاءات الجولة التاسعة من مرحلة المجموعات بتصفيات كأس العالم.

وتضم المجموعة الأولى منتخبات: مصر، بوركينا فاسو، سيراليون، جيبوتي، غينيا بيساو، وإثيوبيا.

طالع | ترتيب مجموعة مصر في تصفيات كأس العالم (مباشر)

جاء هدف اللقاء الوحيد عن طريق اللاعب رامكيل جيمس في الدقيقة 27، ليمنح منتخب بلاده النقاط الثلاثة ويحسن موقفهم في ترتيب المجموعة. هدف فوز إثيوبيا أمام غينيا بيساو في تصفيات كأس العالم

 

وبهذه النتيجة، رفع المنتخب الإثيوبي رصيده إلى 9 نقاط في المركز الخامس بالمجموعة الأولى، بعد تحقيقه انتصارين و3 تعادلات مقابل 4 هزائم.

بينما تجمد رصيد غينيا بيساو عند 10 نقاط في المركز الرابع، من انتصارين و4 تعادلات و3 هزائم.

England were proactive and stayed in the game but could not dislodge India’s No. 3

Sidharth Monga25-Jan-20252:01

Tilak’s finishing reminds Manjrekar of MS Dhoni

India are used to their No. 3 sealing tense chases in limited-overs cricket. With the legendary one retired from T20Is, the new one shepherded India to a 2-0 lead with a 55-ball 72 that Virat Kohli himself would have been proud of. With wickets falling around him, Tilak Varma had to tamper with his natural game and even farm the strike in the end, but he produced just enough hits to take India over the line with two wickets in hand.The two sides brought two diametrically opposite styles to the match. India continued testing England with spin, bowling 14 overs of them for 118 runs and six wickets. The beleaguered England side kept going hard at them, somehow managing to get to 165, and then unleashed high pace and bounce on a surface that gave them just enough zip. They defended bravely, gambling twice with spin, but while the pace and bounce brought them wickets, it also travelled. Jofra Archer went for 60 in his four overs. Tilak took his last over, the 16th, for 19 to tilt the scales decisively.Same, same but differentA first-over wicket for Arshdeep Singh. Check. This time with a bouncer bowled across the body of Phil Salt with two men back for the hook.A first-ball wicket with spin. Check. This time to home boy Washington Sundar, who replaced the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy.Wickets for Varun Chakravarthy. Check. Harry Brook bowled through the gate the first time he faced Varun.Tight bowling from Axar Patel. Check. And this resulted in the two big wickets of Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone.However, England refused to get bogged down. They kept hitting back despite the loss of wickets. Buttler scored 45 off 30. Score 90 for 5 in the 12th over.Varun Chakravarthy bowled Harry Brook for his first international wicket at his home ground, Chepauk•BCCISmith and Carse boost EnglandDebutant Jamie Smith, playing in place of the unwell Jacob Bethell, displayed early promise by playing Axar like a medium-pacer and lofting him over long-on. India seemed to have gone to the well too often when they introduced the part-timer Abhishek Sharma, the fifth spinner. Smith took him for a six and a four off the first two balls, but eventually he, too, went to the well once too often and hit a third arm ball straight to long-off.Brought in to provide batting depth, Brydon Carse displayed all-around ability, hitting three sixes in his 31 off 17. Two of them came off Varun, again under the assumption that everything turns in or goes straight on. A poorly judged second run, though, resulted in his run-out, costing them a big kick in the end. The last four overs brought them just 29.Pace meets fireArcher and Mark Wood let the ball rip under the night sky. Wood seamed a quick delivery back to trap Abhishek, but not before the opener had taken down Archer by carving him for three boundaries in the first over. Varma went a step further by giving him the 1-2: back away and cut for four, followed by a swept six out of the stadium. In between, Archer’s pace accounted for the wicket of Sanju Samson.Tilak Varma hit five sixes in his knock•AFP/Getty ImagesEngland dig inEngland didn’t back down, and kept testing the middle of the pitch. They went for runs, but Carse managed to get the wickets of Suryakumar Yadav and Dhruv Jurel with just that length. Jamie Overton piled on with a corker first ball to take the glove of Hardik Pandya as India lost three wickets for 21 runs in four overs and slipped to 78 for 5 in 9.1.Rashid drops WashingtonWith a little bit of grip available to him, Adil Rashid bowled beautifully in the middle overs to pile the pressure on India. Four runs came off 11 balls for the stand. Then a flying bouncer for five wides brought India relief. However, Wood again seemed to have produced the wicket, but Rashid dropped a sitter at mid-on. A no-ball, later in the over, was followed by a six off the free hit, and two glorious back-foot aerial punches to hard lengths that cleared mid-off. Now 53 required off seven.England buy their way backCarse again produced a beauty to hit the top of middle of Washington. India still had one more allrounder before they could get into the tail. Buttler bought that wicket with the introduction of Liam Livingstone’s spin. Axar holed out to deep midwicket, to open one end up with 40 still needed off 31.Tilak prevailsButtler went to Archer to drive home the advantage but Tilak cracked the game open. A top-edged six didn’t quite amuse Archer, who had seen Tilak do that earlier as well, but the flat square-cut for the follow-up six stunned him. More desperation followed when Arshdeep toe-ended a boundary but Archer had been distracted by his backing away and wasn’t attacking the stumps at any rate.Buttler gambled again with Rashid. Tilak farmed the strike early, and gave Arshdeep just one ball to play out. Like Axar, Arshdeep, too, swung hard and holed out to deep square leg.Carse again bowled a tight over to leave 13 off the last two, and Buttler gambled again. Tilak took the first four balls again. For just three. Now you can’t blame the lower order for lack of consistency. Even Ravi Bishnoi swung at Livingstone, but this time the edge flew just over short third.Tilak finished it off with a searing cover-driven four with four balls to go.

Newcastle United are thought to be willing to sell a popular player this summer, despite the fact that he only recently signed a contract extension.

Strikers are dominating the headlines at St James’ Park currently, both in terms of Alexander Isak’s future and potential replacements for the Swede, should he ultimately move on to pastures new.

For now, Isak is still a Newcastle player, but Liverpool continue to lurk, with a second offer far from out of the question after seeing a £110m bid turned down last Friday. The Premier League champions will likely have to wait until a replacement is sorted, though.

RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko appears to be the leading choice for the Magpies currently, as they battle Manchester United for his signature, but they could do with two new strikers after the departure of Callum Wilson at the end of last season.

Brentford ace Yoane Wissa has emerged as another strong choice to join Newcastle this summer, with Eddie Howe’s men confident of getting a deal over the line. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has also been linked with a switch to St James’, as has Paris Saint-Germain’s Goncalo Ramos, who could look for a move away from the reigning Champions League holders.

Newcastle willing to sell "great" player

According to a fresh update from NUFC Blog, Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravkla looks increasingly likely to leave the club this summer, with his representatives working on a move away. The arrival of Aaron Ramsdale on a season-long loan move from Southampton has added more competition for places, and a “permanent move for the former Sparta Prague star has now been sanctioned” by the Magpies.

Dubravka has been a popular figure at Newcastle ever since his memorable debut, always proving to be a strong backup option in goal, being lauded by Howe last season.

The £40,000-a-week Dubravka only actually signed a new deal at Newcastle earlier this year, so some may find his exit odd, but receiving a fee for him makes sense at this point in his career.

Minutes are going to be few and far between for the 36-year-old in 2025/26, so he will surely prefer the idea of testing himself at a new club, enjoying the autumn of his career by being a regular starter.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank was about to be backed with the signing of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, but Arsenal have now thrown a major spanner in the works by sensationally hijacking the deal overnight.

Eze had agreed personal terms over a move to Spurs, and earlier this week, reliable media sources were reporting that Tottenham verbally agreed the finances of a deal with Palace too.

An agreement in principle was reached to sign the 27-year-old (Ben Jacobs), but in a shock twist, Arsenal burst back into the race for Eze.

After losing Kai Havertz to injury, Spurs’ rivals swiftly moved to strike a full verbal agreement of their own on Wednesday evening, and despite Frank’s side doing the same thing days earlier, Eze is now set to join Arsenal instead as he ultimately prefers a move to N5.

There were warning signs that a Tottenham deal for Eze was far from complete, with Sky journalist Kaveh Solhekol previously telling supporters that his signing was no guarantee.

“The deal is not going to be agreed until Palace get what they want from the deal,” said Solhekol earlier this week.

“They also need to line up a replacement, because he’s such an important player for them. The interesting thing, of course, is that Palace have got this important European play-off game on Thursday night against Frederikstad.

“Will he be involved in that game, or will the deal with Spurs be done so quickly that he may be involved with Spurs against Manchester City? I think we’re getting a little bit ahead of ourselves.”

News of Eze’s rejection comes as a hammer blow for Frank, with Tottenham now forced to dip back into the market for a new number 10 yet again this summer after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White earlier in the window.

Away from their disastrous search for a playmaker, it is believed that the north Londoners are also after a new winger and a centre-back.

Son Heung-min bid goodbye to Spurs after 10 years recently, departing for LAFC in the MLS, and this has left a seismic gap in quality where the South Korean megastar once was.

Dejan Kulusevski also remains out injured with a serious knee injury, prompting Tottenham to scour for a forward who can provide the same level of threat as the Swede and Son.

Tottenham have held talks with Man City over a deal for Savinho, including rejected bids, but as things stand, City are apparently blocking the move (Fabrizio Romano) – forcing Frank’s side to look at alternatives – even if they reportedly haven’t given up just yet.

Thomas Frank wants Tottenham to sign Nathan Collins after Eberechi Eze

In terms of their search for a defender, amid Radu Dragusin’s lengthy lay-off, Brentford captain Nathan Collins is becoming a more serious target.

According to CaughtOffside, Frank is keen to work with Collins again at Tottenham, and the club are expected to make imminent contact over a deal.

The site adds that we can expect movement on this shortly, with Spurs standing out as the most likely destination for him if Keith Andrews’ side decide to sell after what has already been a very difficult summer.

With Frank and co stepping up their efforts to tempt the Irishman, it is worth noting that the 24-year-old, who was signed from Wolves two years ago for just £23m, has been lavished with praise for his mentality.