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O Corinthians recebeu uma dura notícia na tarde de segunda-feira com a confirmação do rompimento do ligamento cruzado anterior no joelho esquerdo de Paulinho. O jogadorsentiu a lesão ainda no primeiro tempo da vitória por 1 a 0 sobre o Fortaleza e deverá perder o restante da temporada.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansEm maio, Corinthians definirá o seu futuro em duas competições; confira a maratona!Corinthians03/05/2022Futebol NacionalFlamengo e clubes de São Paulo marcam reunião para criação de ligaFutebol Nacional02/05/2022CorinthiansPaulinho, do Corinthians, rompe o ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho esquerdoCorinthians02/05/2022

> GALERIA – Fotos da nova camisa do Corinthians, que faz homenagem a 2012

A lesão vem no pior momento possível, já que o clube vai enfrentar uma maratona de jogos decisivos em maioe o camisa 15 era peça importante no rodízio de Vítor Pereira.

Ao lado de Du Queiroz, Paulinho é o meia do Timão que mais vezes jogou na temporada, tendo participado de 19 partidas. Ele também é o vice-artilheiro da equipe, com quatro gols marcados.

A lesão do jogador tão identificado com a Fiel é apenas mais um obstáculo que o Corinthians precisará superar para obter sucesso na temporada.

A ‘maré de azar’ começou no dia 19 de abril, um dia antes do elenco embarcar para Londrina, onde enfrentaria a Portuguesa-RJ no jogo de ida da terceira da Copa do Brasil. Naquela terça-feira, o clube informou que Cantillo estava gripado e não viajaria com a delegação.

Na sexta-feira daquela mesma semana, o Corinthians iniciou a campanha do apagão nas redes sociais para combater a violência no futebol e fake news.

> TABELA – Confira a tabela e simule os jogos do Timão na Libertadores

Sem informações oficiais antes e depois da derrota para o Palmeiras no Dérbi, por 3 a 0, a torcida só ficou sabendo que Cássio, Willian, Paulinho e Róger Guedes tiveram sintomas gripais por meio de coletiva pelo presidente Duílio Monteiro Alves.

Vítor Pereira falaria antes do mandatário no CT Joaquim Grava, mas o português testou positivo para Covid-19 e não pôde ficar no banco durante a vitória por 2 a 0 contra o Boca Juniors pela Libertadores.

Mesmo recuperado, o treinador lusitano corre risco de não estar à beira do gramado contra o Deportivo Cali nesta quarta-feira (4). Ele não viajou com a delegação corintiana para a Colômbia devido aoprotocolo da Conmebol, que prevê a liberação a partir do 11º dia após o teste positivo para COVID-19.

Ainda na coletiva após a vitória por 1 a 0 contra o Fortaleza pelo Brasileirão, Vítor confirmou que Gustavo Mosquito vem lidando com umatendinite crônica e, segundo o técnico, vem limitando a velocidade e explosão do atleta.

– O Gustavo anda com uma tendinite crônica. Ele é um jogador rápido e quando se sente uma picada no tendão, quando é no musculo que promove as arrancadas fortes, isso é uma coisa que o condiciona. Ele teve esse azar, inflamou o tendão e esta tratando. Eu nunca mais vi o Gustavo atingir a velocidade que atingia antes de chegarmos. Agora ele esta com essa limitação que não permite aceleramento máximo. Ele teve azar. Estamos tentando controlar esse problema – esclareceu o português durante a coletiva.

Não poder contar com um jogador da qualidade técnica e as virtudes de líder que Paulinho possui serão irreparáveis. O grupo e a comissão técnica vão demorar para assimilar a perda de uma peça tão importante como o camisa 15. Contudo, esse não é o primeiro obstáculo na temporada do Corinthians, e o clube vem conseguindo superar as adversidades em meio ao frenético calendário brasileiro.

Ireland were propelled to 174 by Mark Adair and Curtis Campher’s unbroken partnership of 58 from only 23 balls

Sreshth Shah22-Jul-2022Glenn Phillips produced a match-winning fifty for the second time in the series to help New Zealand overcome a tricky chase of 175 in the third and final T20I against Ireland in Belfast. Phillips used the dimensions of the Stormont ground – wide square on either side – to get 46 out of an unbeaten 56 runs by running, as he hit only one four and a six.Daryl Mitchell also played a vital hand in New Zealand’s six-wicket win, scoring a 32-ball 48 with five fours and a six. He came together with Phillips when New Zealand were 65 for 3 in the eighth over, and their fourth-wicket partnership of 82 tilted the game in the visitors’ favour, after which they did not let go of the advantage.Earlier, Ireland’s lower order had impressed to propel their side to 174, with Mark Adair cracking 37* off 15 balls, and Curtis Campher hitting an eight-ball 19*, as the hosts smashed 70 runs in their last five overs.Their unbroken partnership of 58 in only 23 balls gave Ireland the momentum at the break, but despite an early stranglehold with the ball, they ended up losing their sixth white-ball game against New Zealand in the 2022 home summer, losing both the ODI and the T20I series 3-0.The Phillips-Mitchell partnership
At 65 for 3, New Zealand were in an uncomfortable position. No team in the 23-T20I history of Belfast had ever successfully chased 140 or more, and with three early wickets gone, it appeared as if Ireland would finally get a win against the visitors.Finn Allen was the first to go for 14, out to a yorker from Craig Young in the second over. Dane Cleaver soon followed him for 5 when his pull off Josh Little couldn’t clear the outfielder in the deep. And Martin Guptill – who offered the full face of the bat to play some glorious lofted shots down the ground – was out for a 19-ball 25 while trying to sweep George Dockrell and only managing a top-edge to short fine leg.At that stage, New Zealand needed a recovery job, and Phillips and Mitchell provided that by playing with the dimensions of the field. They struck just two boundaries from overs 8 to 13, and played risk-free cricket to bring the equation down to 70 in seven overs.Paul Stirling clattered three fours and sixes each to score 40 in 29 balls•Sportsfile via Getty ImagesAfter that, they feasted on the 15th over from Campher, which went for 20, with ten runs off two balls from Mitchell’s bat, and a six from Phillips.That eased the pressure on New Zealand, reducing the required rate to 8.60 with five overs to go, and Mitchell struck two more fours to move to 48. But he fell to a bouncer from Little in the 17th over, departing after an innings that came at a strike rate of 150.Phillips carried on to his third T20I fifty, getting there in 39 balls, and stayed unbeaten on 56. To finish things off, James Neesham struck 6, 4, 4, 6 in a six-ball cameo of 23 to finish the game off with six balls to spare.Adair, Campher fight for Ireland
The extra bounce on a fresh Belfast pitch troubled Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie, who struggled to 10 off 16 balls. Blair Tickner, replacing Lockie Ferguson for the final T20I, dismissed him in the fifth over.Balbirnie’s opening partner Paul Stirling batted in a contrasting fashion, however, clattering three fours and three sixes to score 40 in 29 balls, and kept Ireland going at a run rate of more than 7.5 for the first ten overs.Stirling was assisted in Ireland’s early assault by Lorcan Tucker, who was promoted to No. 3, and they added 46 for the second wicket. Tucker was imperious in his use of the sweep – and the occasional reverse sweep – to hit 28 in 19 balls, but both batters fell in quick succession, which triggered a collapse.It was Ish Sodhi who started it all, with Stirling edging a length ball with extra bounce to the wicketkeeper. Four balls later, Tucker’s attempted leg-side slog off Tickner took a leading edge to third man. From 79 for 1, Ireland lost their next five wickets for only 37 runs, and at 116 for 6 in 16.3 overs, it looked like a promising innings had fizzled out.But Adair – fresh off a 22-ball 27 in the second T20I – and Campher had other plans. Campher ruined Tickner’s figures with 6, 4, 4 in the 18th over. And then Adair tore into Neesham’s 19th, taking 16 runs off the first three balls, and hitting another six and four in Jacob Duffy’s 20th.Their partnership of 58 at a run rate of 16.57 meant Ireland’s bowlers had something significant to bowl at. However, the hosts were undone by Phillips and Mitchell in the end.

Tottenham Hotspur host Liverpool in the Premier League this afternoon, still bouncing from the frenetic Carabao Cup victory against Manchester United on Thursday evening.

That performance has set up a semi-final showdown with Arne Slot’s squad in the New Year, and this weekend’s clash could be used as a yardstick down the line to determine how the exciting outfits match up.

Liverpool are two points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand but have ceded ground in each of their past two matches and look more susceptible with Ibrahima Konate sidelined through injury.

Spurs team news

Though Sunday’s visitors have one or two concerns, Tottenham have suffered a spate of setbacks in recent weeks that have limited their options considerably.

Guglielmo Vicario is still out, and thus Fraser Forster, 36, will reprise his place between the sticks once again after his horror show against the Red Devils.

Compounding this problem, star defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are still out until the New Year, and while Ben Davies is nearing a return, this one might come too soon.

While Spence made a good impression, he’s probably not going to start for this one, with Destiny Udogie believed to be fit once again after missing out in midweek. The robust left-back could be key against a Reds side that may just be eyeing him somewhat jealously.

Destiny Udogie could be crucial vs Liverpool

Udogie is set to be fit for this crunch clash, and it’s a good thing too, with his strengths perfect for the high-stakes fixture against the Liverpool machine.

Destiny Udogie – Premier League Statistics
Match Stats*	2023/24	2024/25
Matches (starts)	28 (28)	16 (16)
Goals	2	0
Assists	3	1
Touches*	67.2	63.3
Pass completion	87%	89%
Key passes*	0.9	0.8
Dribbles*	0.9	0.6
Ball recoveries*	6.0	4.6
Tackles + interceptions*	3.7	3.8
Total duels (won)*	5.4 (50%)	5.8 (56%)
Stats via Sofascore (* = per game)

Some may claim that Udogie hasn’t been at his best this season, but the data would suggest that he’s continuing to make headway in England’s top flight and, let’s not forget, has only recently turned 22.

Described as a “monster” by journalist Travis Levison due to his physical and athletic qualities, Udogie is the perfect player to nullify a player like Mohamed Salah, who is 32 but still one of the most potent threats in Europe.

Salah’s athletic regression is a by-product of Father Time, but he’s catered his game to accommodate his age. It will take someone such as Udogie to come out on top.

Indeed, the Italian ranks among the top 7% of Premier League full-backs this year for progressive passes, the top 18% for progressive carries and the top 14% for tackles and blocks per 90, as per FBref, making good on the claims from reporter Hunter Godson that he is a “sickeningly good” young talent who would walk into “nearly every team in the world already”, including the Reds.

Liverpool’s Andy Robertson may return to the starting line-up after being sent off against Fulham one week ago (missing out against Southampton on Wednesday) but the 30-year-old is starting to show signs of withering and given that Liverpool will be hunting for a left-back in 2025, might pay extra close attention to Udogie’s performance.

Of course, it’s not likely that Spurs’ talent will be going anywhere soon, though that’s not going to stop Tottenham from showcasing Udogie in all his qualities, perhaps proving to be the difference-maker on a testing afternoon.

Levy must axe Spurs "horror show" who Postecoglou "really wanted" to sign

The experienced international has not been good enough for Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Dec 20, 2024

Sometimes, a result in football shifts a mood dramatically. Some might point back over the past six months. Others could counter the point with evidence of Arne Slot’s incredible start to life at the helm, sending Liverpool into the driving seat for the two biggest prizes.

But football doesn’t work that way. Tottenham Hotspur beat Liverpool on Wednesday evening and they beat them soundly. So what, Lucas Bergvall’s goal was enabled by contentious officiating that is becoming a staple in this fixture, in this stadium.

The fact is, Liverpool looked leggy and sapped, with Slot’s mastermind tactics falling short this time, perhaps due to a lack of rotation across the campaign that is now catching up with a side that has performed at full throttle and defied expectations in doing so.

In the press-focused overtures of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup defeat – a 1-0 loss that still leaves the Reds with a great chance of overturning the deficit and moving to the final stage – Slot claimed that he is confident in his squad’s quality and is not actively looking to make signings this month.

That’s a boring and expected response from a Premier League manager, but it’s one that Slot needed to make, for Liverpool will only act if the perfect opportunity arises.

Has that dream chance emerged?

Liverpool tempted to seal stunning Jan signing

As per Football Insider, Liverpool have been informed that a bid worth roughly £25m would be enough to convince Bayern Munich to part with Leroy Sane this winter.

Sane is out of contract at the end of the season and has been locked in protracted negotiations for an extension, but he could return to the Premier League with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United all interested.

The winger turns 29 in a few days and thus would not be the typical FSG-type signing, but he’s durable, athletic and incisive, and could be a unique opportunity to complete Slot’s frontline.

Sane has previously confirmed that he would not prioritise dealings with other clubs this month, but as January rumbles on, so too do suitors like Liverpool grow in confidence.

What Leroy Sane would bring to Liverpool

Liverpool have been playing against the backcloth of Jurgen Klopp’s shocking departure this season, with many expecting Anfield to fall like many other giants at the end of a dynasty.

But they haven’t. Liverpool are first-placed in the Premier League and Champions League tables, firm favourites on home soil and confident on the continent as they gear up for the knockout rounds.

Sane is a tried-and-tested winner on English shores, endowed with the technical and physical attributes that could see him thrive as one more member of Liverpool’s exciting attack. Indeed, he’s already scored four goals against Klopp’s Reds from just five Premier League meetings.

Though he’s been in and out of the starting line-up under Vincent Kompany this year, Sane reiterated his standing as one of Europe’s finest wingers last season, producing performances that show more roundedness than, say, Mohamed Salah.

League Stats – Leroy Sane (23/24) vs Mohamed Salah (24/25)

Match Stats*

Sane

Salah

Matches (starts)

27 (25)

19 (19)

Goals

8

18

Assists

11

13

Shots (on target)*

2.7 (1.0)

3.9 (2.1)

Big chances created

16

15

Key passes*

2.7

1.5

Dribbles (completed)*

3.6

1.7

Ball recoveries*

3.4

2.6

Duels won*

4.9

3.6

Stats via Sofascore

That’s not to say he’s on the Egypt sensation’s level, but it would bring something a little different to Slot’s system. Salah flattered to deceive as Liverpool fell to defeat against Spurs, peripheral and garbled in his efforts, skewing wide with both shots, failing his one attempted dribble and creating only one key pass, as per Sofascore.

Sane – who was dubbed “electric” by Gary Neville – might even be a good shout for Salah’s heir, insofar as a player who can operate in the 32-year-old’s position and provide Liverpool with an extra layer of quality to keep things chugging away across multiple positions.

He certainly has the traits to do so, with new England manager Thomas Tuchel saying this of his countryman’s talent:

With Federico Chiesa lacking fitness and fluency in Liverpool’s system, a player like Sane might have been perfect for that match, widening the scope of Liverpool’s frontline and adding that final bit of quality for matches such as the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Sane actually ranks among the top 14% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 10% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, underscoring mechanics that speak of his suitability at Liverpool.

After all, the number-crunching site reveal that Liverpool’s Luis Diaz is the Germany international’s most similar player.

The 27-year-old is one of the biggest winners from the managerial baton pass last summer, hitting 12 goals and three assists from 26 matches for Liverpool this season, the recipient of praise from correspondent James Pearce for Slot having “taken the Colombian’s game to the next level.”

Diaz isn’t old but he’s no spring chicken, but that proves that Sane could return to English football and unearth latent qualities that would shape him into a brilliant and integral part of Liverpool’s frontline.

Liverpool are not ill-equipped in their fight for silverware, but the fact remains that few – if any – foresaw such remarkable progress in Slot’s first season.

There was a general air of frustration as Red supporters trickled out of N17 like fallen winter rain, but it’s still only half-time against the Lilywhites.

Transfer Focus

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

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It’s only half-time regarding the campaign, to be honest, and Liverpool must act to hand their team the best chance of making it a grand slam finish. Salah might be the best player in the world right now, but Sane could add one more dimension.

Related Fewer touches than Alisson: Slot must axe 5/10 Liverpool star after Spurs

Liverpool fell to a defeat in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Spurs.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jan 9, 2025

Rob Keogh, Lewis McManus put heat back on bowlers at Wantage Road

ECB Reporters Network19-Jul-2022

Washington Sundar took four wickets to threaten Northants’ batting•Getty Images

Washington Sundar marked his County Championship debut for Lancashire by taking four wickets – including one with his second ball of the day – on a sweltering opening day against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.Rob Keogh and Lewis McManus both scored half-centuries to put the heat back on Lancashire’s bowlers after the visitors had threatened to run through Northants’ batting.Some tight and disciplined bowling from Lancahire’s attack had reduced Northants to 124 for 5 in temperatures approaching 40 degrees, Will Williams picking up two scalps.But Keogh led the counter-attack, striking six boundaries as he passed 5,000 career runs in first-class cricket. He found a willing partner in McManus and the pair shared a 77-run partnership in 18 overs to take Northants past 200.Related

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Lancashire made further inroads before the close as Washington finished the day with figures of 4 for 69. He removed Keogh thanks to a stunning one-handed slip catch from Luke Wells, while Tom Taylor was trapped lbw attempting a reverse-sweep.McManus reached his fourth half-century of the season shortly before the close as.Northamptonshire finished on 218 for 7.”I think I bowled well with some good lines, and [there were] a couple of amazing catches as well,” Washington said. “I feel very good coming over here. Making my debut for Lancashire is a huge thing for me. Getting my cap in the morning from Mark [Chilton] is a great thing. The boys were really supportive. They fielded very well as well, so I’m feeling very good.”I’m sure there’s going to be a huge learning for me and I want to give back a lot for Lancashire. They’ve shown faith in me and I want to perform my very best and win a lot of games for them and keep them happy with a lot of good performances. I’m looking forward to understanding myself more with the red ball especially in these kinds of conditions and coming up against different a set of players with different styles.”Obviously the conditions are quite different from what it is in India and a few other places. I’m looking forward to learning a lot about the culture with the kind of cricket that’s played over here and seeing lots of different styles of batsmen and bowlers and learn more about cricket as well. I think I’ve brought some sun from my home!”Rob Keogh made a useful half-century•Getty Images

Earlier on a day reduced to 72 overs because of the extreme heat, Northamptonshire’s top order failed to capitalise after winning the toss and deciding to bat, despite most batters getting good starts.New red-ball captain Will Young saw off the new ball but fell cheaply for two to Washington’s second delivery when the batter edged behind off an attempted cut shot.Ricardo Vasconcelos, who stood down as captain ahead of this game, survived a scare in the first over when he edged behind, but was soon into his work, driving down the ground for four and playing through extra cover for another boundary.He had moved onto 23 when he survived a strong appeal when Luke Wood got one to nip back. The left-arm pacer got his man in his next over though when Vasconcelos flashed loosely outside off stump and steered the ball straight to second slip. It was a testing, fiery spell either side of lunch from Wood who troubled the batters by pitching the ball up, mixed in with some well-directed short deliveries.Emilio Gay, fresh from a century at Canterbury last week, made the most of the fast outfield with five boundaries before lunch. He also stepped down the pitch to dispatch Washington high into the Lynn Wilson Stand.Northamptonshire went into lunch on 63 for 2 but scoring slowed considerably after the interval in the face of some disciplined Lancashire bowling which soon reaped rewards when Procter was adjudged lbw to Williams for 19, struck on the pads attempting to work a ball to leg. Williams picked up a second wicket when Gay drove loosely and Rob Jones took a sharp catch at second slip.Keogh played positively from the outset. He got off the mark with a well-timed clip off his toes for four and although he played and missed consecutive balls from Williams, he was severe on the slow bowlers. He played a perfectly timed back-foot punch for four off Washington and then smashed two deliveries from Matt Parkinson through extra cover.He combined with Ryan Rickleton in a stand of 43 but the South African international fell on the stroke of tea for 22 when Washington rapped him on the pads as he played back in his crease. McManus was equally aggressive against Parkinson, sweeping him for four and smashing him down the ground for two further boundaries.But Washington duly made the breakthrough to leave Lancashire on top. McManus, who struck Wells down the ground for six in the closing overs, will be key if Northants are to try to push on towards 300 in the morning.

WV Raman appointed batting consultant while Saurasish Lahiri will continue as the assistant coach

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jul-2022

Laxmi Ratan Shukla: “We will have to develop the art of holding onto our nerves when the situation is tough”•Hindustan Times via Getty Images

Laxmi Ratan Shukla has been appointed as the head coach of the senior Bengal side for the upcoming season. He succeeds Arun Lal, who stepped down from the post earlier this month.”It’s a new responsibility and I will give my best like I did when I used to play for Bengal,” Shukla, 41, was quoted as saying in a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) release on Tuesday.”I like taking new challenges. All the past coaches for Bengal did a superb job for the team. We have come close to winning trophies in the past but we’ll have to climb all the way again to reach the top in the new season.”My motto is everyone can and everything is possible. I want everyone to believe in themselves. We will have to develop the art of holding onto our nerves when the situation is tough. All players who have reached this level are all capable. It’s a new year, new season and we are hoping for the best.”Bengal were runners-up in 2019-20 in Ranji Trophy and bowed out of the semi-final earlier this year. They had a rather underwhelming white-ball season in 2021-22, bowing out of the quarter-final in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy while missing out on the knockouts in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy.””The decision is taken by all the office bearers unanimously as we selected the veteran as the most deserving among the other reputed contenders who were up for the slot,” Avishek Dalmiya, the CAB president, said.”I am very hopeful that under him Bengal cricket would reach greater heights as we all know his commitment for Bengal cricket. He can connect with the players very smoothly.”Meanwhile, former head coach of India women’s national side, WV Raman was appointed as the batting consultant while Saurasish Lahiri will continue as the assistant coach of Bengal.Raman was previously head coach of Bengal in 2011-12. Under him they won the Vijay Hazare trophy in 2012 by beating Mumbai, a game in which Shukla made a match-winning century.Bengal will be without Wriddhiman Saha, who will play for Tripura in the 2022-23 season.

Stumps Sri Lanka gained a virtually unassailable position in the second Test, as Dhananjaya de Silva hit a ninth Test century, and Dimuth Karunaratne and Ramesh Mendis joined him in substantial partnerships.But they were only able to take one Pakistan wicket before bad light set in, and 26 overs were lost to the day. Perhaps because Pakistan had chased down 342 in the first Test, Sri Lanka had waited until their lead had stretched to 507 before declaring their second innings closed. They will now be under significant pressure to claim early wickets on day five, to give themselves a chance of leveling the series.The centrepiece of Sri Lanka’s second innings was de Silva’s 126-run stand with Karunaratne, who himself struck a half-century despite visibly struggling with a back sprain. The pair had come together with the score on 116 for 5 on the third day, and had put on 59 together by stumps.Early on day four, they each had a little luck. De Silva had mis-hit a cut shot against Hasan Ali in the second over, and the inside edge passed perilously close to the stumps. Karunaratne then played back to Nauman Ali’s first ball of the day, and would have been lbw had the umpire given him out on the field. In the end, Pakistan reviewed, and Karunaratne was saved by an umpire’s call on line.Eventually, though, the batters settled and the runs began to flow. De Silva used the sweep to excellent effect, once slogging Yasir Shah over midwicket for four, while Karunaratne used the reverse sweep to access empty space behind point. Largely, though, the batters preferred to use their feet to find the single options. Karunaratne brought up his half-century off the 97th ball he faced; de Silva off his 102nd, two overs later.File photo: Imam-ul-Haq was positive in Pakistan’s response•AFP/Getty Images

Karunaratne was out to an excellent reflex catch at short leg by Shafique, off Nauman’s bowling. But by that stage, the pair had delivered Sri Lanka to an incredibly strong position. De Silva went to lunch on 84, and needed only 16 balls to complete his century in the company of Ramesh, as he found square boundaries on either side of the pitch with relative ease against the spinners.Ramesh then attacked to speed Sri Lanka towards their declaration, which only came when de Silva was run out for 109 at the non-striker’s end, roughly 40 minutes into the afternoon session. Ramesh seemed to have called his partner through for a run, but sent him back when it was clear that Yasir Shah was swooping on the ball from midwicket. Yasir’s direct hit caught de Silva metres short.On a pitch that wasn’t taking substantial turn yet, Pakistan’s spinners were unable to put Sri Lanka under pressure consistently on day four. Seamer Naseem Shah, who had bowled an excellent spell at the start of the day, returned Pakistan’s best figures of 2 for 44 from his 12.5 overs.Pakistan made a bright start to the fourth innings, even if both Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq lived dangerously at times. Shafique was almost caught at short leg off the bowling of Asitha Fernando, although that delivery was deemed a no-ball in any case. Sri Lanka then raised strong lbw appeals against Imam, though none they were willing to review.Having been burned by Shafique in the first Test, Sri Lanka were thrilled to see him make a mistake in this fourth innings. Having seen out 50 balls, he ran at Prabath Jayasuriya to try and launch him over mid-off, perhaps in an attempt to force Sri Lanka to spread the field. Having not quite got to the pitch of the ball, he mis-hit it high into the air. Dunith Wellalage sprinted back from mid-on to get underneath the high, swirling catch, much to his teammates’ delight.Imam and Babar Azam saw Pakistan through until the light faded, frequently looking for runs, even if a Pakistan victory seems virtually impossible. By stumps Imam had moved to 46 off 80; Babar to 26 off 38.

Sometimes, action needs to be taken in the Premier League. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has – rightly – been hit with plenty of criticism this season, having gone 16 matches without a single goal contribution for a struggling Everton side.

While the non-committal striker has been dismal for large portions of the campaign, he’s hardly been helped by his playmakers, with Everton actually the least creative team in the division this season.

Premier League 24/25 – Big Chances Created

League Rank

Team

BCC

16.

Leicester

35

17.

West Ham

31

18.

Ipswich

28

18=

Southampton

28

20.

Everton

23

Stats via Premier League

David Moyes has a towering task on his hands, but it’s not insurmountable. New owners, The Friedkin Group, simply need to invest this month, with a new winger being targetted alongside a centre-forward.

Everton eyeing Harrison upgrade

Turkish newspaper Hurriyet – translated by Sport Witness – have confirmed that Everton are in the running for Galatasaray star Baris Alper Yilmaz, albeit with a host of Premier League rivals sniffing around too.

Aston Villa, Newcastle United and West Ham United are all prepared to tussle for the prized winger, who Gala have priced at €30m (£25m) after laughing off initial bids totalling €20m (£17m).

However, the 24-year-old principally plays off the right flank and could be enticed by Everton’s need for a star member in that position. Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom, plainly, aren’t cutting the mustard.

Why Everton want Baris Alper Yilmaz

A little-known player across Europe before Euro 2024 in Germany, Yilmaz made quite the impression with Turkey last summer, earning praise from Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after he made it “very hard” for him to defend against, the Netherlands star acknowledging his tricks and fleet-footedness.

Turkey were knocked out of the prestigious competition in the quarter-finals, losing 2-1 to the Dutch after an enthralling contest, but Yilmaz stood out across their five matches, averaging 5.8 successful duels and 1.6 dribbles per game, as per Sofascore, while also placing one key pass each match.

He’s since been in fine fettle in the Turkish Super Lig, instrumental as first-placed Galatasaray mount a title charge under Okan Buruk.

Ten goals from 18 appearances certainly constitutes a reputation as a goalscoring winger, especially as he’s created four big chances and averaged 1.6 dribbles per game too.

Without question, he’d be an upgrade on Harrison for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign, with the on-loan Everton star enduring a torrid season in the Premier League, yet to score or assist over 18 outings, equating to 1,001 minutes in total.

The 28-year-old has also only managed to create three big chances while averaging 0.6 dribbles per game, with a measly success rate of 32%.

The Athletic have confirmed this month that Everton are seeking new forms of firepower on the flanks, and Yilmaz would be the electric option capable of steering the club away from the drop zone.

It would be unwise to cut Harrison’s loan spell short and send him back to Leeds United, but in Yilmaz, an exciting option could arrive and trump him to the starting spot.

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After London rivals Crystal Palace brought them back down to earth to inflict the second defeat in three games for new manager Graham Potter, West Ham United have reportedly turned their attention towards handing him his first signing.

West Ham transfer news

On paper, West Ham looked like a side ready to step things up in a new era in the summer. They enjoyed a fairly successful transfer window, welcoming impressive coups such as Jean-Clair Todibo and Niclas Fullkrug whilst appointing Julen Lopetegui as David Moyes’ replacement. But that’s where things went wrong.

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From the off, the Spaniard never quite seemed like the right appointment, and as disappointing results began to arrive, it even started to look like a move full of unambition from those at the London Stadium. So in truth, his dismissal always seemed inevitable, with the responsibility now sent the way of Potter to turn things around.

Doing that is easier said than done, and there’s no doubt that the Hammers should once again return to the transfer market and hand their new manager some reinforcements of his own, which could include an England international.

According to TalkSport, West Ham are now lining up a move to sign Angel Gomes in what could quickly be among the bargains of the summer if the Hammers swoop in to secure his signature as a free agent at the end of the season ahead of a number of interested parties in England.

The Lille star has some unfinished business in the Premier League after leaving Manchester United and discovering his best form in France. Now, he could get the chance to come back and haunt his former club.

"Impressive" Gomes has earned Premier League return

After returning to the radar of many English clubs courtesy of a shock call-up to the England squad last year, Gomes has now done more than enough to deserve a shot at Premier League redemption – and West Ham could be an ideal destination. Next to the more physical Tomas Soucek, Gomes’ technical prowess could thrive at the London Stadium.

Dubbed “impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the midfielder is still just 24 years old and on the verge of the peak of his powers, making this summer’s bargain opportunity one that West Ham simply cannot miss out on.

When the summer arrives and Potter truly gets the chance to mark his own stamp on the current West Ham side, he should turn towards the former Manchester United man as one of his first signings.

For the first time in ten years, Manchester United scored two goals at Anfield. Could it be a defining moment in Liverpool’s title charge? Perhaps, but they’re still streets ahead of the pack.

The narrative heading into this match was that Ruben Amorim’s men didn’t stand a chance. Liverpool were going to rock up amid a snowy storm and dismantle their arch-rivals. That did not happen.

Instead, United delivered their best display of the Amorim era yet to deal Arne Slot’s side a mini blow in the title race following a 2-2 draw.

Cody Gakpo equalised following Lisandro Martinez’s thumping opener and when Mo Salah found the net from a penalty, it looked as though Liverpool would run away with it.

That was far from the case as Amad Diallo, the scorer of a late winner against Manchester City a few weeks ago popped up again in a big moment, scoring with just ten minutes remaining.

While Salah and Gakpo will get plaudits for their displays, not many others in red will have pleased the manager on Sunday.

Liverpool's worst performers against Man United

This was meant to be a breeze. It was a straightforward win. Oh, how we were wrong.

Man United were written off but to their credit were brilliant, notably causing all sorts of problems for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

The England international has been linked with Real Madrid of late but as Roy Keane said on Sky Sports, this was a performance that more warranted a move to Tranmere Rovers.

Alexander-Arnold was caught out numerous times with Martinez’s goal coming from his side of the pitch.

Furthermore, the 26-year-old was dribbled past twice, failed to complete an accurate cross and also failed to win a single duel. Not ideal.

Curtis Jones was another who “really struggled” in the words of Gary Neville during commentary. Hauled off just after the hour mark he did so having failed to produce a key pass, have a shot or attempt a single dribble. The numbers didn’t make for good reading.

That said, there was another player, someone who could cost Liverpool the title if he continues playing like he has done this season.

Andy Robertson's performance in numbers

The Scot has been a brilliant servant to Liverpool, chiefly throughout the Jurgen Klopp era. He will go down as a Reds icon when he finally leaves and sadly, that must be soon.

Chalkboard

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

Should he stay any longer he may well damage his legacy at Anfield. He’s played 321 times for Liverpool but if they are serious about winning the league, they must ensure there aren’t too many games added to that tally.

The likes of Milos Kerkez and Antonee Robinson have both been linked and they would no doubt be an upgrade on the 30-year-old who is a shadow of his former self.

As European football expert Zach Lowy put it, he has become the “biggest threat to Liverpool’s title push” and he showed as much against United.

Robertson vs Man Utd
Minutes played	90
Touches	58
Accurate passes	36/42 (86%)
Key passes	2
Crosses	2/6
Long ball accuracy	0/4
Blocked shots	1
Clearances	0
Interceptions	3
Tackles	1
Duels won	1/4
Possession lost	11x
Stats via Sofascore.

Robertson lasted the full 90 minutes but in doing so, completed just two of his six crosses, won only one of his four duels and gave away the ball 11 times from 58 touches.

It was the Scotland international who didn’t get close enough or react fast enough to get out to Amad for the late equaliser and his woes compounded when he fed Ryan Gravenberch a horrible pass that bobbled out of play as Liverpool looked to mount a late charge for a winner.

Handed a 5/10 player rating by the Express’ Charlie Gordon, he picked out the “costly mistake” for his role in Amad’s goal as the defining moment of Robertson’s afternoon.

For so long the two full-backs have been incredibly trustworthy for Liverpool but this was a match to forget for the both of them. While Trent is likely to depart, Roberson must do too. A younger alternative is required.

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