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On Wednesday evening, Arsenal revived their title hopes. It wasn’t pretty. In fact, not a lot about this season has been easy on the eye.

Alas, they were back in the title race, narrowing the gap to Liverpool to four points.

Well, they may well be out of it again after a frustrating 2-2 draw at home to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.

Mikel Arteta’s side created plenty of chances – as they did against Manchester United a week ago and Spurs in midweek – but were ultimately undone by some poor defending.

Given the Gunners have struggled in attack it was refreshing to see them go 2-0 up but Villa rallied well and ran away from north London with a point courtesy of Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins.

It wasn’t a great day at all for the Premier League’s second place side but there were some standout performers in red and white.

Arsenal’s best players against Aston Villa

After a wealth of criticism for his performances since Bukayo Saka got injured, Leandro Trossard has come up with the goods in consecutive games now.

The Belgian scored the winner against Tottenham a few days ago and was perhaps Arsenal’s biggest threat on Saturday evening.

Trossard created both of the home side’s goals, manipulating the ball well down the left before crossing for Gabriel Martinelli to prod home in the second half.

He was the provider in the second half too, crossing for Kai Havertz whose powerful effort couldn’t be stopped by former Gunner Emi Martinez.

While the attack looked as though it was starting to click, Arsenal nearly ran away with all three points but for VAR who ruled out a late goal. A long-range strike cannoned off Havertz’s arm and found the net.

A big positive from the night was that the German found himself back among the goals. Beyond him and Trossard, teenager Myles Lewis Skelly also starred once again and nearly clinched the game-winning assist, sliding the ball in behind for Trossard deep into injury time, only for the former Brighton man to put the chance wide.

In contrast, it was a pity that Arsenal’s chief creator, their captain, was not at the races.

Martin Odegaard’s performance in numbers

This has not been the greatest of seasons for Martin Odegaard.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

The Norwegian suffered an ankle injury on international duty with Norway back in September, a moment that led to a 12-game absence. Since his return, he’s not performed too well.

Notably missing a penalty last Sunday in the FA Cup, the skipper appears to be suffering from a lack of confidence, something that isn’t being helped by Saka’s injury.

Still, with the Englishman missing, someone needs to stand up and it should be Odegaard. He’s Arteta’s leader on the pitch but isn’t showing the qualities required both in a leadership department and on the ball.

His performance against Emery’s men was so bad that it was described as a “stinker” by Arsenal reporter Con Harrison, while GOAL handed him a lowly 5/10 match rating.

The stats told the story of a really poor evening for Odegaard who supplied just one key pass. Usually the conductor of chances within the Arsenal side, he really struggled to pick up pockets of space between the Villa lines.

Minutes played

90

Touches

61

Accurate passes

36/39 (92%)

Key passes

1

Accurate crosses

2/11

Shots on target

0

Shots off target

0

Dribble success

0/1

Ground duels won

0/5

Aerial duels won

0/1

Possession lost

18x

What summed things up was his late free-kick, a moment that turned out to be the last kick of the game. Odegaard swung the ball deep and straight into the arms of Martinez.

That was one of 18 times he gave away the ball and to make matters worse, he didn’t win a single duel, a fact that Arteta will no doubt be concerned about.

He also had just one shot and failed with his only dribble attempt. This was easily one of his worst performances in an Arsenal shirt.

If the Gunners are going to have any chance of winning the league, they need their captain to improve quickly.

He'll revive Odegaard: Arsenal want to sign "monster" £59m Havertz upgrade

The promising forward could be just what Arsenal need.

3 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 13, 2025

Play GOAL6 and you could win £100,000 – all you need to do is correctly predict the outcome of six of this weekend's Premier League matches

It's Gameweek 32 in the Premier League and this is your chance to get involved and play GOAL6 – the prediction game that could see you pocket £100,000.

Predict the results of six fixtures from the Premier League matches taking place this weekend and you could be a big winner – it's that easy.

Sign up and get your scorelines submitted by 12.15 (BST) on Saturday, April 12, and you'll be in with a chance of claiming the prize.

GOAL6 is completely FREE to play – simply log into your GOAL account, or create one if you're new, and take part in the latest gameweek.

Below, GOAL takes a closer look at the six fixtures we've selected this week, providing the latest team news, form and past meetings, plus our own tips, to help you make those crucial predictions.

Getty Images SportMan City vs Crystal Palace

Injuries & suspensions

Man City: Rodri (knee), Nathan Ake (ankle), Erling Haaland (ankle), John Stones (thigh), Manuel Akanji (groin)

Crystal Palace: Chadi Riad (knee), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Edward Nketiah (suspended), Marc Guehi (suspended), Christopher Richards (calf), Maxence Lacroix (head)

Form

Man City: W L D W D

Crystal Palace: W W W D W

Our GOAL6 prediction

Crystal Palace will be without Guehi and Nketiah for their trip to Etihad Stadium after they both picked up red cards in last weekend's crazy win over Brighton, while Lacroix is an injury doubt. But even with a patched-up defence, the Eagles will fancy their chances of piling more misery on Pep Guardiola's listless Man City, especially with star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta fully fit and firing again after recovering from his serious ear injury.

Click here to enter your predictions for this week's matches!

Last three meetings

Date

Result

Competition

16/12/2023

Man City 2-2 Crystal Palace

Premier League

06/04/2024

Crystal Palace 2-4 Man City

Premier League

07/12/2024

Crystal Palace 2-2 Man City

Premier League

AdvertisementGetty ImagesNottingham Forest vs Everton

Injuries & suspensions

Nottingham Forest: Chris Wood (groin), Callum Hudson-Odoi (other), Ola Aina (calf)

Everton: Orel Mangala (knee), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (thigh), Jesper Lindstrom (groin)

Form

Nottingham Forest: D W W W L

Everton: D D D L D

Our GOAL6 prediction

Nottingham Forest's defeat at Aston Villa was a blow to their top-four chances, but they should get back on track at the City Ground when hosting an Everton side that still looks toothless in attack. David Moyes' physical tactics won't make it easy, but Forest have enough firepower to catch the Toffees out on the break – even if Chris Woods remains sidelined – and edge what is sure to be a fiercely competitive contest.

Click here to enter your predictions for this week's matches!

Last three meetings

Date

Result

Competition

02/12/2023

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Everton

Premier League

21/04/24

Everton 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Premier League

29/12/2024

Everton 0-2 Nottingham Forest

Premier League

AFPArsenal vs Brentford

Injuries & suspensions

Arsenal: Declan Rice (ankle),Gabriel Jesus (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Kai Havertz (thigh), Gabriel Magalhaes (thigh) Riccardo Calafiori (knee), Ben White (knee), Jurrien Timber (knee)

Brentford: Fabio Carvalho (shoulder), Josh Dasilva (knee), Igor Thiago (knee), Mathias Jensen (illness), Rico Henry (other), Aaron Hickey (other), Gustavo Nunes (other)

Form

Arsenal: D D W W D

Brentford: D L W L D

Our GOAL6 prediction

We expect Mikel Arteta to ring the changes for Brentford's visit to the Emirates, with the Arsenal boss likely to have one eye on the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid. The Gunners should still be able to see off Thomas Frank's team, though. The Bees have been poor on the road against the top six, and Arsenal will get plenty of chances to keep their faint title hopes alive.

Click here to enter your predictions for this week's matches!

Last three meetings

Date

Result

Competition

25/11/2023

Brentford 0-1 Arsenal

Premier League

09/03/2024

Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

Premier League

01/01/2025

Brentford 1-3 Arsenal

Premier League

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Getty ImagesLiverpool vs West Ham

Injuries & suspensions

Liverpool: Joe Gomez (thigh), Trent Alexander-Arnold (foot), Alisson Becker (head)

West Ham: Michail Antonio (leg), Crysensio Summerville (thigh), Aaron Cresswell (muscular)

Form

Liverpool: W W W W L

West Ham: W L D L D

Our GOAL6 prediction

Liverpool will surely bounce back from only their second league defeat of the season at Fulham when they host Graham Potter's stuttering West Ham at Anfield. The Hammers are still toiling to build up a proper rhythm under their new coach, and the Reds will be eying a repeat of their comprehensive win at the London Stadium in December, with Mohamed Salah's four-game goal drought sure to come to an end.

Click here to enter your predictions for this week's matches!

Last three meetings

Date

Result

Competition

27/04/2024

West Ham 2-2 Liverpool

Premier League

25/09/2024

Liverpool 5-1 West Ham

Carabao Cup

29/12/2024

West Ham 0-5 Liverpool

Premier League

Four-wicket hauls to Scrivens, Villiers go in vain as visitors are denied in Leeds

ECB Reporters Network09-Jul-2022Northern Diamonds made it two wins from two in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy with a thrilling come-from-behind six-run success over a struggling Sunrisers side who for large parts looked set for a shock victory.Off-spinning all-rounders Grace Scrivens and Mady Villiers both claimed career-best four-wicket hauls as the Diamonds were bowled out for 194 in 49.5 overs at Headingley.Sunrisers were then 44 without loss in reply, only to succumb to 188 all out inside 46 overs under the pressure of chasing a first 50-over victory as a region at the 15th attempt across three seasons.Amazingly, all 20 wickets fell to spin. After 18-year-old England A prospect Scrivens had impressed with 4 for 20, Diamonds’ own international twirler Linsey Smith starred with 3 for 34.After electing to bat on a glorious summer’s day, only three home batters, led by captain Hollie Armitage with a well constructed 47 off 59 balls, made it into the twenties.The others, Leigh Kasperek with 31 from No. 8 and Katie Levick’s 28 from No. 10.The Diamonds were 120 for 8 in the 33rd over before Kasperek, Levick and Rachel Slater crucially added 74 runs for the last two wickets. The former two shared 41 for the ninth wicket.The match started with the Diamonds losing England’s Lauren Winfield-Hill for 2 after nine balls, caught behind half-heartedly cutting at Villiers, whose 4 for 36 from 9.5 overs also had the other opener Smith stumped for 1 as the score slipped to 17 for 2 in the fourth over.Then it was Scrivens’ turn to get in on the act, taking the next four wickets, including two in the 27th over. She had Sterre Kalis caught behind, Armitage lbw within sight of a half-century, Yvonne Graves caught behind and Bess Heath caught at deep backward square-leg by debutant Jess Olorenshaw. The latter two came within five balls in the 27th over.By this time, the Diamonds were in significant strife. And it got worse. Leg-spinner Abtaha Maqsood and off-spinner Jo Gardner removed Phoebe Turner and Emma Marlow before the lower order brought respectability to the score.Villiers, however, dashed the Diamonds’ hopes of posting 200 by getting Levick and Kasperek well caught as the innings drew to a close.Scrivens and Cordelia Griffiths (29) shared an opening stand of 44 to further strengthen their side’s position, though it felt as though the Diamonds could stage a comeback as long as they did not let the rate get out of hand. And that is exactly how it unfolded.New Zealand spinner Kasperek had Griffith caught at wide mid-off before Scrivens was trapped lbw by Marlow, who also bowled Villiers to make it 84 for three in the 21st over.When Amara Carr top-edged a sweep at Armitage’s leg-spin and was smartly caught behind by Winfield-Hill, the Sunrisers were 110 for 4 in the 26th and still 85 short.Naomi Dattani played nicely on her way to 41 to keep her side ahead. But Gardner was left-armer Smith’s first of three quick wickets – lbw for 17. Smith, who played for England A against South Africa earlier this week, then had Kelly Castle caught at slip by Kalis before bowling Dattani next ball, with the score now 151 for 7 in the 35th over.Kasperek removed Katherine Speed – another catch for Kalis at slip – before Olorenshaw hit 25 to suggest a visiting revival. However, when she was bowled by Marlow, it was 178 for 9 in the 42nd over.Seventeen needed became seven needed, only for Armitage to account for Maqsood and deny Sunrisers.

Sarina Wiegman's side were 5-0 winners against the same opponents on Friday night, but looked a totally different team in the reverse fixture

Many unwanted memories will have flooded back for several England players when the Lionesses walked out at Den Dreef on Tuesday night to take on Belgium in the Nations League. It was here that Sarina Wiegman's side suffered their last away defeat, losing 3-2 to the Red Flames in the previous edition of this competition. It was almost like that last meeting in Leuven haunted England upon their return, too, as just four days after thrashing the same opponent 5-0 in Bristol, the Lionesses found themselves 3-0 down within half an hour and on their way to another eventual 3-2 loss.

It's been a tricky few days for the European champions. Chloe Kelly withdrew from the squad just before Friday's game, then Lauren James and Alessia Russo followed suit over the weekend after picking up knocks in the win. None of that could excuse the truly terrible defending that led to the Lionesses conceding three goals before the half hour mark in this rematch, though, with Belgium experiencing quite opposite fortunes as they were buoyed by the return of Tessa Wullaert. It was the former Manchester City striker who broke the deadlock, delivered the free-kick for Justine Vanhaevermaet to head home a second and then made it three herself.

Wiegman pulled no punches at half time. Off came Millie Bright and Niamh Charles, both exposed with regularity in that first half. But despite improving defensively, pulling a goal back from the penalty spot through Beth Mead and seeing teenage debutante Michelle Agyemang score an incredible volley late on, England couldn't mount the almighty comeback needed to maintain top spot in their Nations League group. After such a positive result on Friday, this changes the whole complexion of this international window, and puts even more pressure on games against Portugal and Spain at the end of the season.

GOAL rates England's players from Den Dreef…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Hannah Hampton (5/10):

Could perhaps have done better for one or two of the goals but the blame lay mostly with her defenders. Made a good stop at 3-0 to stop the game getting even further away from England.

Lucy Bronze (4/10):

Offered a good outlet going forward but was all over the place defensively. Only half-got back into position in the build-up to Belgium's third and paid the price.

Leah Williamson (5/10):

England's most competent defender, though the bar was not high.

Millie Bright (3/10):

A surprisingly poor defensive display from someone in such good form. Lost her marker for both the second and third goals. Hooked at half time.

Niamh Charles (3/10):

Was regularly caught out by a simple balls in behind, including for Belgium's opener. Also off at the break.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Keira Walsh (5/10):

Lost the ball too easily and had some poor defensive moments, too.

Grace Clinton (6/10):

One of the only players who did themselves justice in the first half. Tidy in possession, worked hard to press and looked the most likely to create something, though it was difficult to do so.

Jess Park (5/10):

Struggled to really get involved, though tried her best to do so and make things happen.

AFPAttack

Beth Mead (6/10):

Good on the ball, strong in her duels and composed from the spot to put away the penalty she won.

Nikita Parris (5/10):

Worked hard but struggled to hold the ball up consistently well to allow England to kickstart attacks in that manner.

Aggie Beever-Jones (5/10):

Couldn't get involved in the game much at all out wide, though had more joy when moved central for the last half hour.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Esme Morgan (6/10):

Settled in well at centre-back and in tough circumstances.

Jess Carter (6/10):

Likewise, helped shore up a back line that was all over the shop.

Ella Toone (6/10):

Lively from the second she came on and was England's best, and most threatening, player for the final half hour.

Fran Kirby (5/10):

Had a couple of nice moments and made a lot of good runs, but England didn't get the ball to her enough in those situations.

Michelle Agyemang (N/A):

Made her England debut in the final few minutes and scored an incredible goal after just 41 seconds.

Sarina Wiegman (5/10):

Had her hands tied with team selection a little due to injuries but the changes she made didn't pay off. To her credit, she responded accordingly, making two subs at the break and another two before the hour. However, the damage was already done, even if Agyemang's late stunner made it close.

West Ham United are plotting a winter offer for one side’s striker after having behind-the-scenes conversations with club chiefs, and it appears imperative they begin to move after Niclas Fullkrug’s latest injury nightmare.

Niclas Fullkrug suffers "significant" hamstring injury

The £27 million summer signing from Borussia Dortmund was just beginning to find his feet and put in some noteworthy displays after recovering from a persistent achilles tendon problem, but Fullkrug now finds himself back on the sidelines.

West Ham consider signing £40m England international who's told he can go

The Hammers have drawn up a list of targets for Graham Potter.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 11, 2025

The 31-year-old, who bagged two goals and an assist before his latest setback, will be out of action for months – as confirmed by new manager Graham Potter.

“It’s fair to say it’s a significant one,” said Potter on Fullkrug’s injury. “When a player pulls up like that you know something fairly serious has happened.

“It’s still early in terms of full diagnosis but nevertheless a significant one, a number of weeks. Months? A number of weeks probably adds up to months, yes. So yeah, I would say that.

Fulham (home)

Today

Crystal Palace (home)

January 18

Aston Villa (away)

January 26

Chelsea (away)

February 3

Brentford (home)

February 15

“Crysencio felt something after about 35 minutes and finished the first half, but probably not at 100 per cent. It’s touch and go but probably erring towards the negative at the moment, but we’ll see.

“We’ve got some attacking options so my focus at the moment is on the team and on how to get the team to function as well as possible, with a view to being competitive and trying to win against Fulham.”

While Potter appears to be downplaying the need for another number nine, Michail Antonio’s horrific car crash, which means he’ll reportedly be out for around a year, leaves West Ham’s boss with just one recognised natural striker in Danny Ings.

Jarrod Bowen played there as a makeshift option under Julen Lopetegui, but the England forward is also unavailable for selection. This has prompted numerous reports linking the east Londoners with a proven goalscorer, and it is reported that West Ham had a recent bid rejected for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.

West Ham planning January loan bid for Marseille striker Elye Wahi

According to esteemed French newspaper L’Equipe, Marseille striker Elye Wahi has found his way onto Tim Steidten and David Sullivan’s radar.

The 22-year-old only joined Roberto De Zerbi’s side from Lens last summer, but he’s managed just three goals in all competitions across 14 total appearances. Interestingly, Wahi was a target for West Ham back in 2023, so it appears they’re now revisiting a potential move for him.

L’Equipe state that West Ham have made contact and held discussions with Marseille chiefs over Wahi, as they plan to move forward on a potential loan deal, which would include an “almost obligatory” clause to buy him outright at around £21 million.

However, the Ligue 1 side are cautious after these talks, as they’re not that keen to part company with a player they signed for a potential £25 million (including add-ons) very recently.

In terms of his proficiency, Wahi scored 19 top flight goals in 33 starts during one of his best seasons at Lens in 2022/2023, with journalist Andrés Onrubia calling him a “real beast” back in 2022.

Liverpool look to be coasting to the Premier League title at this moment in time, but Arne Slot’s Reds will want to guard against any complacency seeping in heading into what could be a sensational 2025.

Of course, it’s hard not to get carried away if you’re a fan of the Anfield giants currently, especially when you consider the Dutchman has steered his side to just one defeat all season long from 18 clashes to sit pretty at the top of the pile on a mammoth 45 points.

Still, January could see the ex-Feyenoord boss add some more numbers to his super-confident group in the hope some fresh blood can get his table-topping team further across the line to an unbelievable top-flight triumph.

Liverpool preparing move for "sensational" defender

As per reports from Spain, Liverpool are allegedly preparing a mega move for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi this January to bolster their options at the back.

Unfortunately for the Reds, personnel in the centre-back positions isn’t plentiful at this moment in time, with Joe Gomez coming off injured versus West Ham United last time out, alongside Ibrahima Konate remaining sidelined.

Therefore, a big money move for the Eagles captain is now said to be in the offing, with a £65m offer reportedly heading Palace’s way shortly.

With the future of Virgil Van Dijk also up in the air owing to his contract running down, it is crucial that Liverpool start looking for more bodies in the heart of defence, with Guehi looking to be their desired man once more having been linked with a switch to Merseyside back in August.

He could be ready for this step up in quality, having once been labelled as “sensational” by Palace chairman Steve Parish, on top of his many similarities to Reds colossus Konate.

Transfer Focus

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

What Guehi could offer Liverpool

England centre-back Guehi deserves all the praise that has come his way since making the switch to South London, with his appearance total at Palace now stretching to 133 games.

From those clashes, Guehi has shown off his ability to be a reliable goalscorer coming up from the back with seven goals next to his name, alongside also being a brute force in the air with 5.5 duels won on average this season in the Premier League.

The in-demand 24-year-old is just a very well-rounded presence with his composure on the ball another standout attribute from his repertoire, displayed in the clip above and in his 44.2 accurate passes averaged per top-flight game this campaign to date.

Konate is much the same for Slot’s men when he’s at the top of his game with the pair perhaps striking up an imposing partnership if a move for Guehi does take place in January.

Attempted passes

53.99

69.92

Pass completion %

83.9%

88.7%

Progressive passes

4.43

3.93

Progressive carries

0.56

0.67

Shot-creating actions

1.16

0.89

Tackles

1.58

1.48

Blocks

1.54

1.00

Clearances

4.43

3.82

Aerials won

2.38

3.30

Said to be similar players as per FBRef, it’s clear to see where the parallels lie but Guehi does actually come out on top in various different aspects of his game compared to the Frenchman, with more tackles and clearances registered over the last year on average, on top of being a competent passer out from the back.

Although it would be obviously disheartening to lose Van Dijk, Liverpool fans would certainly feel less aggrieved about their superstar defender departing if a statement move for Guehi materialised.

This move would cost Slot’s men a bumper amount, but it might well prove to be a worthwhile investment in further strengthening Liverpool’s defensive options ahead of a nervy title run-in.

He wants to leave: Liverpool must sell star earning more than Jota & Gakpo

Slot’s Liverpool ace is looking to leave the club in 2025.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 30, 2024

Will Jacks becomes fourth Surrey centurion before Kent edge along to 147 for 2 in reply

Paul Edwards27-Jun-2022No matter its grandeur, a great building in a world city is almost certain to be ignored by those who live in the metropolis. A visitor turning sharp left out of Oval tube station is immediately struck by the towered splendour of the Micky Stewart Members’ Pavilion and by the mighty suites of offices that border nearly a quarter of one of the most famous cricket fields in the world; commuters, by contrast, have somewhere to get to and walk calmly on. And such indifference is particularly noticeable outside the perimeter of sports grounds when important matches are taking place and desperate dramas are unfolding some 50 yards away from the quiet routines of quotidian life.Now it would rupture truth most grievously to describe the second day’s play in this match as dramatic but it did contain moments of significance and never more so than when Sam Curran lifted George Linde straight and deep into the pavilion to reach his maiden first-class century in his 120th first-class innings. Given that the 24-year-old Curran had made 22 fifties in his 78 matches prior to this game, it will surprise no one that his celebration contained even more leaping and brandishing than is usual on these occasions. For their part, though, patient Surrey supporters might have greeted the achievement with a gruff, “About time, too”, and that would also have been understandable. The view of some locals is that Curran will offer his county and country rather more with the bat than the ball and a first hundred should be viewed as little more than an amuse bouche.Moreover, so violent was the batting on this second morning that Curran’s century, for all that it came off 62 balls, had to take its place in a brutal assault on the Kent attack, five of whose members reached centuries that warranted no celebration at all. We lost around 17 minutes of the session to rain but Surrey still managed to thrash a Jessopian 190 runs in 26.2 overs before lunch. Curran was the most destructive, hammering 4-4-6-4 off the hapless Jacob Duffy when play resumed, but he was not the only hooligan. Will Jacks, who hadn’t faced a ball when play began, helped his sixth-wicket partner add 100 runs in 61 minutes, and reached his own century, off a pedestrian 92 balls, shortly after a luncheon interval in which three 185 buses had passed down the Harleyford Road, seemingly in convoy and en route to the badlands of Victoria.The declaration was applied as soon as Jacks reached his first hundred of the season with Surrey’s total of 673 eclipsing by one run their record score against Kent that was established at Beckenham only 45 days ago. One or two other landmarks were freighted with greater heritage. For example, this is only the second occasion that four Surrey batters have made centuries in the same innings. The predecessors of Hashim Amla, Ben Geddes, Curran and Jacks were David Fletcher, Stan Squires, Jack Parker and Errol Holmes, all of whom made hundreds against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in 1947. Not much sign of austerity there…That three-day match was drawn but Rory Burns plainly hoped that giving his bowlers almost eight sessions to take 20 wickets would avoid such an outcome 75 years later. His strategy looked sound when Ben Compton inside-edged Curran on to his stumps in the fourth over of the innings but an interruption for rain eventually trimmed 10 overs from our day and the only wicket to fall in the long evening session was that of Joe Denly, who was bowled for 38 by a ball that nipped back through the gate from Dan Worrall.Thereafter Daniel Bell-Drummond and Jack Leaning batted with increasing assurance on a pitch they could clearly trust and the only serious alarm came when Leaning edged Tom Lawes just out of the leaping Worrall’s reach at first slip. Yet on a day when batters had become cricketing gourmands, Bell-Drummond’s fine unbeaten 62, his unbroken partnership of 92 with Leaning and Kent’s score of 147 for 2 should be put in perspective. The visitors are still 526 runs behind their pitiless hosts and they need 377 more runs to avoid the follow-on. They are numbers that might make even the commuters ponder awhile as they hurry home to Balham and Tooting Bec.

Nick Mohammed admits that Ted Lasso has already been “life-changing” for those involved, ahead of filming for Season 4 getting underway.

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Award-winning show returning to Apple TV+Title character now in charge of a women's teamFamiliar faces back on screen alongside some new onesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

It has been confirmed that the popular Apple TV+ show will be returning to streaming services around the world in the not too distant future. Title character and writer Jason Sudeikis is back on board and ready to “reboot” an award-winning format.

AdvertisementTHE GOSSIP

Lasso is now coaching a women’s team, having previously overseen events at AFC Richmond in the Premier League, meaning that new storylines can be written as fresh faces are welcomed on board.

DID YOU KNOW?

There will be plenty of familiar characters on show, including Mohammed as Nate Shelley. He is as eager as anybody to get back in front of the cameras, with a surprise hit changing his life and that of many that he shares the screen with.

GettyWHAT NICK MOHAMMED SAID

Mohammed has told the of earning an Emmy nomination for his performance in Ted Lasso: “I was going to get my Covid jab at the Science Museum and I came out of the Tube and my phone started going nuts. It was just surreal. I’d never even been to America before I went to the Emmys. That’s mad, isn’t it?

“The show is a phenomenal thing to be a part of and it’s very odd in this business to be involved in something that’s quite life-changing. I’d never done any dramatic or emotional acting prior, so it was nice to try to do something a little bit unexpected.”

Chelsea have agreed terms with a player over an outright summer move to Stamford Bridge in 2025, and insiders within the club view this deal as a potentially very astute one for manager Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea preparing to face Everton after 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers

The west Londoners rounded off their final Europa Conference League game of the year with a 5-1 victory over Irish side Shamrock Rovers on Thursday evening.

Agents tell Chelsea they can sign "underrated" 16-goal striker for £25m

He’s been in the form of his life this season.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 19, 2024

A hat-trick from summer signing Marc Guiu – alongside goals from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Marc Cucurella – extended Chelsea’s excellent run of form to eight straight wins in all competitions.

Maresca’s side also haven’t tasted a single defeat in all competitions for nearly two months, last losing to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup, and they haven’t lost a Premier League game since their 2-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield in October.

Everton (away)

December 22

Fulham (home)

December 26

Ipswich Town (away)

December 30

Crystal Palace (away)

January 4

Bournemouth (home)

January 14

Chelsea’s tremendous strength in depth allows them to battle on three fronts in very efficient fashion, with Maresca’s B team getting the job done against Shamrock and certain players now well rested for a looming test against Everton on Sunday.

“Very excited, first of all, with the performance, with the result,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Shamrock.

“Once again I think they show how serious they are, how professional they are. In this kind of game sometimes it’s easy to drop, but first of all they know that they are not allowed to drop, and second, we need to show that we are serious, we are professional, and once again I think they show that.

“And then, yeah, it’s been a good chance for the young players, some of them, so we are very happy.

“I think now that we are in the next round, we have to be focused on the next round, and then if we are able to win, go in the next, but thinking to play the final or to win this competition when you have still five or six games to go, I don’t think it’s the correct thing.”

Jadon Sancho agrees terms to join Chelsea permanently next summer

One player who was included on the bench against Shamrock but didn’t play, potentially in an effort to rest him for Everton, is £100,000-per-week winger Jadon Sancho.

The Englishman has really impressed on the whole since making the move to Chelsea on loan from Man United in the summer, so much so that the club are making moves ahead of time to secure his future at the club.

According to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack, Chelsea have already “provisionally” and “verbally” agreed terms with Sancho over an outright move to London next summer, and his temporary deal is set to become permanent for around £23 million if they finish higher than 15th in the table.

Cobham sources view this move as a “massive bargain” behind-the-scenes, and Maresca has really enjoyed working with the ex-Borussia Dortmund star who’s been on “cloud nine” since joining.

With Chelsea’s first permanent signing of next summer looking all but certain, attention switches to January, and it looks set to be an intriguing window.

Kyle Walker will start for England in Thomas Tuchel's first game in charge against Albania on Friday night, according to reports.

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Tuchel's first game as England bossThree Lions host AlbaniaWalker set to startFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Tuchel was announced as the new Three Lions boss back in October 2024, but he did not start in the role until January and so has had to wait until now to oversee a match. His first opponents will be Albania, who are managed by ex-Barcelona and Arsenal full-back Sylvinho, in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley Stadium.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

There has been much debate and discourse over who Tuchel should select, with many critics hoping to see a less conservative side than that under Sir Gareth Southgate. However, it appears the German coach will too lean on experience and defensive solidity to begin with.

AFPDID YOU KNOW?

The were first to report on Friday that Walker, who is on loan at AC Milan from Manchester City, is likely to start for England against Albania. The 34-year-old has stumbled through an up-and-down season so far, but looks set to play from the off ahead of the other right-backs in Tuchel's squad – Chelsea's Reece James and Newcastle United's Tino Livramento. Tuchel is expected to line England up with a back-four formation as opposed to the three-at-the-back system he used during his successful stint at Stamford Bridge.

WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

After facing Albania, England will return to action on Monday when Latvia head to Wembley for their second World Cup qualifier.