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Plays of the day from the first T20 between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe in Sharjah

Shashank Kishore08-Jan-2016Unlucky Tiripano
As far as debuts go, this could have been the stuff dreams are made of. Instead, Donald Tiripano was left wondering what could have been. While his extra pace proved a welcome addition to the Zimbabwe squad, luck simply wasn’t on his side. He should have sent back the danger man Mohammad Shahzad off the third ball off of his T20I career. However, what unfolded would have made the romantics eke out a cry of anguish as Shahzad was put down by Chamu Chibhabha at deep midwicket. Adding insult to injury, the ball burst through his hands and went to the boundary.Masakadza’s brain freeze
Pressure can do different things to different people. Ask Hamilton Masakadza, for he would have been replaying an incident that happened in the second over of the match, over and over again. Usman Ghani took off for an absolutely impossible single and was more than halfway down when his partner turned his back on him. Instead of lobbing the ball back to the yelling wicketkeeper, who made all sorts of gestures to get him to throw, Masakadza thought he could do a Jonty Rhodes by running in from point and throwing himself at the stumps. But that leap never came, as he ended up looking embarrassed when the batsman beat him to dive full stretch back into the crease. Masakadza had clearly under-estimated the time it would have taken him to get to the stumps, leaving all his team-mates red-faced.Naib’s Dhoni-like flourish
Watching Gulbadin Naib bat, you couldn’t help but wonder why he was kept on cold storage for nearly a year. He can muscle the ball, run well and field like a tiger on the prowl. On Friday, while he kept peppering the leg-side boundary, he also channelised the improviser in him to hit a helicopter hit, albeit over third man. Seeing him walk across repeatedly, Luke Jongwe fired one full and onto the sixth or seventh stump outside off. Astonishingly, Naib used his height to reach out, get underneath the ball and slice it hard enough to clear third man. The final Dhoni-like flourish towards the end for the cameras suggested how immensely satisfied he was with the outcome of the stroke that didn’t actually look possible a couple of seconds before he executed it.Masakadza’s riposte and Shahzad’s send-off
Three early wickets had Afghanistan fired up. With his confidence sky high, Naib, who is no more than a part-time medium-pacer at best, was given the ball. There was drama immediately. Masakadza hit one back down the pitch, only for Naib to hurl a throw to the wicketkeeper that had Masakadza shaking his head in anger. As if to take it out, the next ball was scooped magnificently over deep backward square leg for a six. It would be the start of a battle within a battle, with Shahzad joining in to give Masakadza an earful every time he was on strike. Five overs later, Masakadza missed a reverse sweep to be bowled, as Shahzad gave him a proper send-off by punching his fists in front of the batsman and giving him a few words. An already upset Masakadza made his displeasure obvious by pointing it out to the umpire, who had to come in the way of the Zimbabwean and the spirited Afghans. Fortunately, the situation was doused by the umpires quickly.Last over drama
Zimbabwe needed 21 off the last over. Dawlat Zadran, bowling with a greasy ball, nearly made a mess of it. He got away with a high full toss without a warning, and then delivered another one over the waist. He could have been taken off the attack had he received a warming, but the umpires felt the first of the no-balls wouldn’t have caused any physical harm to the batsman. Then with six needed off two balls, Zadran flirted with the wide line outside off. The call eventually went in favour of Afghanistan even as a furious Chigumbura kicked the turf in disbelief. That it came right at the end of the nail-biter added to the confusion, with Afghanistan eventually prevailing.

Manchester United target Andre Onana is "open" to a move to Old Trafford this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Is Onana joining Man United?

With Erik ten Hag's side having finally agreed a deal with Chelsea for Mason Mount, attention has turned to replacing the departing David de Gea, who is edging towards leaving the club following the expiration of his contract.

The man they have seemingly turned to is Inter's Onana, who is in contact with United over a move to the Premier League.

Despite no fee having been agreed with the Italian side as of yet, it is believed that Inter will demand a fee of around £50m for their 27-year-old shot-stopper. United will be hoping to get that figure down, or at least spread the payment over a long period of time.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Onana is keen on a move to the Premier League and is open to joining the Red Devils on a permanent basis.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Italian said: "Something I mentioned yesterday night and in the past few days about Andre Onana is that Manchester United interest is there. I can say that also in the recent hours, today Man United had one more contact with Andre Onana's camp."

He added: "They [Inter] want around €50/55m for Onana, not less than this. But, for sure Man United interest is there. They're very well informed on the conditions, on player and club side, and the player would be open to Premier League experience."

The fact that Onana is open to a Manchester United will only strengthen the club's position when bargaining for the Cameroon international, although it appears that United are yet to approach Inter directly to speak about the transfer.

Chelsea were also interested in Onana, with the Blues eager to replace Edouard Mendy, but United have jumped ahead of them in the queue.

Is Onana an upgrade on De Gea?

When comparing Onana with his potential predecessor De Gea, both in their domestic leagues only, the two goalkeepers are not too dissimilar in standard.

Onana conceded 0.13 fewer goals per 90 and boasted a 2.4% higher save percentage than his counterpart, while De Gea enjoyed a significantly better clean sheet percentage (44.7 to 33.3).

However, there is a difference when it comes to distribution. Despite playing 14 fewer games than De Gea, Onana managed only 29 fewer passes, boasting a 10.1% better pass accuracy, but the main difference came with long passes as both goalkeepers had the exact same short and medium pass completion percentage.

It's clear that Onana is more comfortable with the ball at his feet and is utilised in a distributor role far more often than De Gea, which is the main reason Ten Hag is looking to move for the 27-year-old.

For Ten Hag, however, it looks like a trade worth making to help him implement his style of football at Old Trafford.

Tottenham Hotspur are in ongoing talks over Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba amid reports they're also negotiating Micky van de Ven.

Who will join Spurs this summer?

Incoming new manager Ange Postecoglou, before he's even officially started work, will be ecstatic at the business conducted by Spurs so far this summer.

The Australian is yet to properly begin his tenure as Tottenham manager, which is set to kick off on Saturday, but Postecoglou has so far watched both goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and playmaker James Maddison come through the door.

Both deals, after quick negotiations, have been confirmed by the Lilywhites as Spurs look to bolster weak areas of the squad and potentially challenge for a European place next season.

Reports have suggested that the north Londoners are not done there, though, with attention now turning to the capture of a star centre-half to plug their leaky defence.

Tottenham were subject to some alarming and worrisome defensive stats over 2022/2023, with no other top flight side above 15th conceding more than Spurs last campaign.

It is an issue both Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy will be eager to resolve, and quickly, as reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano claim they've now opened direct talks to sign star Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven.

The 6 foot 4 defender has been praised for his performances in the Bundesliga, but according to The Evening Standard and journalist Dan Kilpatrick, he isn't the only centre-back they're in negotiations for.

Indeed, as per their information, it is believed Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen is also tickling their fancy – with "talks continuing" for the Burkina Faso international after their Maddison deal.

To gage price and other factors, it is perhaps prudent for Spurs to engage in multiple talks for different centre-back targets, with Tapsoba still firmly attracting their interest.

Alongside both Tapsoba and van de Ven, Tottenham are said to be keen on re-signing Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, coming after his 22/23 loan spell in north London.

What's been said about Edmond Tapsoba?

An undroppable for Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso last season, only their goalkeeper played more German top flight minutes than Tapsoba last season.

The 24-year-old also averaged more Bundesliga clearances per 90 than all of his teammates bar Jonathan Tah (WhoScored), backing why Spurs are currently in discussions for the defender.

Tapsoba has also been called a "top quality" player in recent years by members of the media, so his potential signing could be quite the enticing prospect.

Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he won't be singing the English national anthem in his first few matches in charge of the Three Lions.

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Tuchel won't sing the English national teamEngland set to host Albania and LatviaNamed his first England squad earlier this weekFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Thomas Tuchel era in the England national team is all set to begin next week as they face Albania in a World Cup qualifying game next Friday. Earlier this week, the German coach announced his first-ever England squad where Newcastle United's Dan Burn earned his maiden national team call up. Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford also returned to the national team set up alongside Premier League-winning former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT THOMAS TUCHEL SAID

Before managing the Three Lions for the first time, ex-Chelsea boss revealed that he does not intend to sing the English anthem. Speaking to reporters, Tuchel said: "I think first of all, you have a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem, and I could not be more proud to be on the sideline and be in charge of the English national team. It means everything. It means a lot to me, I can assure you.

"But I can feel, because it is that meaningful, and it is that emotional, and it is so powerful, the national anthem, that I have to earn my right to sing it. I feel that it is not just a given. You cannot just sing it. That’s why I decided that I will not sing it in my first matches."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The 51-year-old added: "I will earn it with results, with building a group, with doing my job properly. And by creating a feeling where maybe even you guys say at some point: ‘now it’s time that you sing it, it feels like you properly earned it and you’re a proper English guy now!’ Maybe I have to dive more into the culture and earn my right from you, from the players, from the supporters. So everyone feels like ‘he should sing it now, he’s one of our own, he’s the English manager, he should sing it.’"

GettyWHAT NEXT?

After hosting Albania on Friday, Harry Kane and Co will next take on Latvia in their second World Cup qualifying match on March 24.

Royals, the most economical powerplay team this season, will be up against the dangerous Shaw and Warner

Hemant Brar21-Apr-2022Big pictureIn IPL 2022, teams batting second have been more successful until now, winning 18 and losing 14 matches. The only team that has defied this trend is Rajasthan Royals. All four of their wins have come while batting first, with Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer helping them post above-par totals. Buttler scored hundreds in two of those wins, and has an overall tally of 375 runs at an average of 75.00 and a strike rate of 156.90.If Buttler has been the power-anchor, Hetmyer has ensured Royals have finished their innings with a crescendo. Among those who have scored at least 200 runs this season, Hetmyer’s strike rate of 179.83 is the third-highest. Together, the two have scored more than 57% of Royals’ total runs.Yuzvendra Chahal has been their enforcer with the ball, taking a wicket every ninth delivery. He has been well-supported by R Ashwin, who might have picked up only two wickets to Chahal’s 17 but has kept the lid on the scoring rate. With Obed McCoy impressing in the last game, Royals now have the option of using Trent Boult exclusively as a new-ball bowler.Watch live in the USA

Watch the match on ESPN+ in English and in Hindi.

A handsome win on Friday could enable Royals to replace Gujarat Titans at the top of the points table. Looking to stop them will be Delhi Capitals. Despite being hit by Covid-19, Capitals will be high on confidence after demolishing Punjab Kings in their last game, even if they currently occupy the bottom half of the table with three wins in six games.In Prithvi Shaw and David Warner, they have arguably the most destructive and in-form opening pair in the tournament. But their batting tapers off after that. Rishabh Pant has played a couple of cameos but Rovman Powell’s form is a serious concern. In five innings, Powell has scored only 31 runs, at an average of 6.20 and a strike rate of 100.00.When it comes to bowling, left has been right for Capitals. Their left-arm seamers (Khaleel Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman) and left-arm spinners (Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav) have held sway over oppositions.In the newsThis match was originally scheduled to be played in Pune, but after six members of Capitals’ contingent tested positive for Covid-19, the game was moved to the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer have played key roles for Royals this season•BCCILikely XIsDelhi Capitals: 1 Prithvi Shaw, 2 David Warner, 3 Sarfaraz Khan, 4 Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), 5 Lalit Yadav, 6 Rovman Powell, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Khaleel Ahmed.Rajasthan Royals: 1 Jos Buttler, 2 Devdutt Padikkal, 3 Sanju Samson (capt & wk), 4 Shimron Hetmyer, 5 Karun Nair, 6 Riyan Parag, 7 R Ashwin, 8 Trent Boult, 9 Obed McCoy, 10 Prasidh Krishna, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal.Strategy punt Sixty-seven in 7.3 overs, 93 in 8.4, 50 in 4.4 and 83 in 6.3. These are the starts Shaw and Warner have given Capitals in their last four outings. But Boult could neutralise that threat. In all T20s, Boult has dismissed Shaw three times in 18 balls while giving away only 19 runs. Against Warner, he has conceded 38 runs in 45 balls for two dismissals. Given Boult has better numbers with the new ball, Royals could give him three overs up front. Ashwin, too, has kept Warner somewhat quiet. The offspinner has dismissed Warner five times in 127 balls while conceding 159 runs. How do you stop Buttler? Capitals’ best bet could be to make him face Kuldeep as much as possible. Against Kuldeep, Buttler has scored 36 runs off 35 balls with two dismissals. But given the way he batted out Sunil Narine in Royals’ last game, he could do the same to Kuldeep.Stats that matter In IPL 2022, Royals have the best economy rate (6.72) in the powerplay. The average first-innings total at the Wankhede Stadium this season has been 158, the lowest among all four venues. Shardul Thakur has dismissed Devdutt Padikkal three times in four innings while giving away only 17 runs in 19 balls. Khaleel’s economy rate so far this season is 7.15. It is the first time in five IPL seasons that he has gone for less than eight.

There is no denying it: this season is not going to plan for Tottenham Hotspur.

The North Londoners have looked incredible in some games but utterly dire in others, and over the last week, they have dropped points against Fulham, AS Roma, Bournemouth, and most recently, Chelsea.

It’s a run of results that has piled the pressure on Ange Postecoglou, and while plenty of fans are desperate for him to succeed, there are murmurings that he may not get the chance.

In fact, even before the devastating loss to Chelsea, reports were linking the club with another manager, someone who has already got the better of the Australian this season.

Postecoglou's Spurs career

Tottenham made the shock decision to appoint Postecoglou in the summer of 2023, and while there were plenty of detractors at the time who claimed his success with Celtic wouldn’t translate, it didn’t take long for him to start impressing fans and pundits alike.

For example, they went undefeated in their first ten league games and were actually sitting in first place for the October international break.

However, in their 11th league game of the season, they lost 4-1 at home to Chelsea, in a game that saw James Maddison and Micky Van de Ven come off injured, and Cristian Romero receive a red card.

That result saw the North Londoners’ campaign turn entirely on its head, and by the time the final whistle was blown in game week 38, they had fallen to fifth place, with a record of 20 wins, six draws, 12 losses, a goal difference of just 13 and 66 points – 25 off Manchester City in first.

Unfortunately, while some hoped that a fresh start this season would see the team return to their pre-Chelsea form of last year, that has not happened.

Games

63

Wins

32

Draws

9

Losses

22

Points

105

Points per Game

1.67

Goals For

124

Goals Against

95

Goal Difference

+29

Instead, Postecoglou’s side now sit in 11th, on 20 points, with six wins, two draws and a staggering seven defeats to their name already.

In other words, Tottenham have lost 19 of their 53 Premier League games under the Australian’s stewardship, and while there is undoubtedly a chance that his incredibly entertaining brand of full-throttle football could eventually turn things around, it’s no surprise that they already have a shortlist of potential replacements should they pull the plug.

Postecoglou's potential replacement

So, according to a report from Football Transfers, Spurs have shortlisted Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as their first choice to replace Postecoglou should they choose to sack the Australian.

The Northern Irishman has a strong connection to the club, as he spent time in the academy before injury forced him into retirement, then returning a few years later as a scout and then the U18 manager after that.

His success in North London saw him snapped up by Manchester United, where he spent more time as a scout and U18 manager before then earning a place as an assistant manager for Ole Gunnar Solskjær, José Mourinho, Ralf Rangnick and Michael Carrick.

However, after years of learning from some of the best in the business, the 38-year-old accepted his first senior manager job, joining League One Ipswich in December 2021.

Over the next few years, the “sensational” tactician, as John Barnes dubbed him, led the Tractor Boys on a stunning journey from the third tier right up to the Premier League in back-to-back promotions, and while they currently find themselves in the relegation zone, they’ve shown enough to indicate they could well stay up.

For example, they picked up points against Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Brighton & Hove Albion and even beat the Lilywhites 2-1 away from home just before the last international break.

Now, one added benefit to appointing McKenna is that his preferred formation of 4-2-3-1 could help the club to tighten up at the back, as a double pivot would both provide the back four with that bit more cover, as well as the two in the pivot.

Games

147

Wins

77

Draws

41

Losses

29

Points

272

Points per Game

1.85

Goals For

275

Goals Against

155

Goal Difference

+120

Moreover, it could see Maddison unleashed in a more traditional number ten position, which would allow him to do what he does best and create incredible chances for his teammates.

Ultimately, there is a sense that as things stand, fans would still rather stick by Postecoglou and see if he can turn things around, but if the board has other ideas, McKenna could be the ideal replacement.

Al-Hamadi 2.0: Ipswich could sign £5m Clarke rival in promising EFL star

The exciting talent could be a brilliant addition to Ipswich’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 5, 2024

Bruno Fernandes has been urged by Joe Cole to leave Manchester United for a team that can "win trophies" because "all he gets is stick".

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Fernandes has been in fine form for UnitedRegistered two assists & a goal against LeicesterTold to swap United for a more ambitious clubFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 29-year-old playmaker was instrumental in United’s recent 3-0 victory over Leicester City, scoring once and providing two assists. With his latest assist, Fernandes became just the sixth player in United’s history to register 50 in the Premier League, joining legends such as Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, and Eric Cantona.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Since arriving from Sporting CP in 2020, Fernandes has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers. He has scored 94 goals and provided 79 assists in 276 appearances across all competitions. However, while his individual stats are impressive, United’s inability to challenge for major honours has led Cole to urge the Portuguese to reconsider his future at Old Trafford.

WHAT COLE SAID

Speaking to Paddy Power, Cole said: "If I’m Bruno Fernandes, I’d absolutely be looking for a move away from Manchester United. He’s the first butterfly and he’s getting all the arrows from everyone. He must go home at night and wonder why everyone is digging him out when he’s the only one pulling his weight in this team.

“There are others doing okay but he is literally dragging that club through this dire moment. When all is said and done and Bruno leaves United and maybe they return to the top, they’ll look back at this era and the only shining light will be Bruno Fernandes."

DID YOU KNOW?

Cole further argued that despite Fernandes' relentless efforts, the criticism directed at him is unfair.

“He’s a fantastic footballer and you could put him into most teams, and he’d thrive, but I don’t think he’s won a league in his career and he needs to go and prove to himself that he can play in a top side because he’s run his race at Manchester United," he said.

“He should leave that club with everyone; the owners, fans and the manager giving him his flowers because he gets all the stick. And that’s part and parcel of being a Manchester United footballer but how must he feel when he’s getting all the pelters despite being the one with the goals, assists and driving the team forwards. He’s a fabulous player and if I was him, I’d be looking to go and play in a team capable of winning trophies.”

The centurions both lifted the Player-of-the-Match award after they kept each other company in the middle for over two hours

Annesha Ghosh12-Mar-2022Rarely does the best performer in a game insist on a second Player-of-the-Match award for their team-mate. Rarer are the times they direct a demand of this sort at cricket’s governing body, at a world tournament at that.But Smriti Mandhana said she was aware her 123 would have mattered little against an undefeated West Indian side had fellow centurion Harmanpreet Kaur not done her bit to put India’s 2022 ODI World Cup campaign back on track after a chastening defeat two days ago. So Mandhana had Harmanpreet, who made 109 on the day, by her side at the presentation ceremony where she explained why she felt they both were equally deserving of the honour.Related

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In-form Harmanpreet promises to be 'there for my team' at the biggest stage

Stats – Mandhana and Harmanpreet set new benchmarks

West Indies collapse after Mandhana, Harmanpreet centuries as India seal NRR-boosting win

WWC 2022 week one: An opening-day thriller, near-upsets

“I think scoring a century and not being a Player of the Match is something which I wouldn’t really want as a player,” Mandhana said after India’s 155-run win at Seddon Park. “I think we both contributed equally for us (India) to score 300. So it’s good for us to share the trophy.” Asked who might eventually keep the award, Mandhana said, “I’m sure ICC will be giving another trophy and I’m sure they have enough budget to do that.”That Mandhana and Harmanpreet both lifted the award at the end of the ceremony and grinned ear-to-ear at the cameras seemed fitting on a day they kept each other company in the middle for over two hours, exchanging notes, smiles, and hugs – in that order – while reaching new milestones, individually and as a pair. After all, their 184-run fourth-wicket stand, the second century stand between them and India’s highest at any ODI World Cup, had propelled the team to a mammoth 317 for 8. That was India’s best-ever score at a 50-over world tournament and the highest so far in this edition of the event.Mandhana’s century was her second at an ODI World Cup and the second against West Indies, too. Harmanpreet’s, meanwhile, made her the first Indian woman to score three hundreds in ODI World Cups. Both knocks proved pivotal in lifting India to the safety of a 300-plus total a week after 310 was nearly chased down at the same venue. Against a West Indies side that had downed hosts New Zealand and defending champions England in their first two outings, it was all the more critical for India to post an imposing total after opting to set one.”As batters, we both prefer chasing and setting the target both together,” Mandhana said of the dynamic of her partnership with Harmanpreet. “Our strengths are really different because she is really good with spin and I like pace on the ball. So when the spinner comes on I give her the strike and when the pacer comes on she gives me the strike.Smriti Mandhana scored her second century against West Indies in World Cups•AFP via Getty Images”It’s always fun to bat with Harry . We have battled a lot in T20s in last six to seven years I’ve been part [of the Indian team], I’ve had a lot of partnerships with her and we always complement each other really well. We share a really good bond on and off the field.”When she did walk in, the situation was quite tricky, so I didn’t want to get her [to] lose her focus. So I didn’t really joke around at that time. But once she was in 30s and 40s, we both were actually having a lot of fun after that; we started talking a lot more. And I don’t think today I needed to tell her because she was smiling a lot more than she generally does.”Despite India’s attacking start – thanks to opener Yastika Bhatia’s 21-ball 31 – India found themselves precariously placed near the 15th-over mark when No. 5 Harmanpreet joined Mandhana in the middle. Together, they powered India from 78 for 3 to 262 for 3 at a rate of over a run a ball. A standout feature in their stand were their ease at stealing ones and twos, a major part of both their innings built on along-the-ground strokes.”When she came into bat, we were focusing more on singles and doubles because we had lost three quick wickets and we didn’t want to play another [fancy] shot or get out or something and we didn’t want to even stop the run rate,” Mandhana explained. “So our discussion was that we’ll just keep batting and we will get singles and doubles and convert the singles into doubles. That’s something we all spoke in the dressing room after the New Zealand match, where we couldn’t start the momentum and carry it also.”Deputy to Harmanpreet in the T20I side, Mandhana was effusive in her praise for her senior and ODI vice-captain’s work ethic and resilience.”From the outset, I feel when her back is towards the wall, that’s when she comes the best out and that’s something which I’ve seen,” said Mandhana. “Her work ethics are really up there in the whole team. She keeps going even if she does not get the results. That’s something that really gets her going. World Cups are the place where she comes good and comes big.

“I’ve been getting out on 70s and 80s quite a lot, so something which was consciously I was thinking that if I feel like playing a shot I have I don’t have to stop myself.”Smriti Mandhana

“From the practice game she’s been batting well, so we are really confident that she will be able to score runs in this tournament. I’m happy that she just got back to back score fifties And most importantly I think today’s century will give her a lot of confidence and [to] the whole team as well because we were not in a great place to start with and from there for her to bat and get us out of that situation, I think it was an incredible innings.”During the innings break, Mandhana described her 119-ball knock as “uncharacteristic,” for she scored at a strike rate of under 90 for the best part of her innings. Later, she admitted she “had a little nervous nineties today,” dropped on 94 at deep midwicket by Aaliyah Alleyne and then surviving a bouncer and an appeal for lbw soon after.”I was a little nervous about that ball going up in there and I prayed to two-three gods saying that please let the player drop it and she put it down, so I should thank her actually because otherwise I would have got out on 96,” Mandhana said. “It’s been a long way for me to come [and score the hundred] …”I’ve been getting out on 70s and 80s quite a lot, so something which was consciously I was thinking that if I feel like playing a shot I have I don’t have to stop myself. I’ll just go with the flow and I’ll just play according to the ball. That’s how I started my inning, so that’s something which I was really working on. Hopefully, I will be this kind always on me and I will convert the 60s and 70s into a big score because if I do that India is [usually] in a great position.”Mandhana will likely have to make do with just the one Player-of-the-Match trophy for herself and Harmanpreet from this game. It was fitting, nonetheless, that the third in line for India’s ODI captaincy honours, doffed her hat to Harmanpreet, the captain Mandhana made her limited-overs debuts under, when she could have the spotlight entirely on herself.

Aston Villa sent scouts to watch a 19-year-old midfielder in action last week, according to a recent report. The Villans’ poor run of form continued over the weekend, as they were beaten 3-0 by Chelsea, making it eight games in all competitions without a win. Three defeats in their last four Premier League games have seen Unai Emery’s side fall down the table, and given their expectations, it could mean they are in for a busy January.

Unai Emery may use relationship to sign £25m midfielder for Aston Villa

Emery could have a vital advantage…

ByTom Cunningham Dec 2, 2024 Aston Villa transfer news

Emery will be keen to stop this poor run of form as soon as possible, but with the January transfer window on the horizon, he will have his eye on one or two additions to freshen up his team. One player Villa may now be interested in signing is Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth.

The left-back has been an impressive performer for the Cherries and could now be open to a move away from the club, as they value the defender at £40 million. Kerkez is not short of interest, as Manchester United, Liverpool, and Villa are all interested in securing his services. As well as looking at Kerkez, Villa have also made an enquiry over the signing of Malik Tillman from PSV Eindhoven.

The USA international has made a fantastic start to this season, and already there have been several enquiries made over a possible winter transfer. The transfer news doesn’t stop there for Villa, as club scouts have been in place to watch a young midfielder in the last week.

Villa scouts watch 19 y/o being tracked by nearly 30 clubs

According to journalist Alan Nixon, relayed by Inside Futbol, Aston Villa sent scouts to watch Reims midfielder Valentin Atangana in action. The 19-year-old has been at Reims for his entire career, playing for their under-17s, under-19s and B team before moving into the first team in July 2023.

Atangana played 15 times for the French side last season in Ligue 1, following seven appearances in the league during the 2022/23 campaign. Despite the midfielder not scoring for Reims or registering an assist, he has been catching the eye of teams across Europe with his performances.

The report states that Villa had scouts in place last week to watch Atangana, but they were not the only English club tracking the young player, as Tottenham, Brentford, Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United also had scouts in attendance at the game.

Apps

13

Minutes per game

85

Shots per game

0.8

Touches

48.8

Key passes per game

0.4

Accurate passes per game

31.9 (90%)

Interceptions per game

1.2

Tackles per game

1.9

They were joined by Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, who also had representatives present, as no fewer than 26 teams have been tracking the teenager.

Atangana is under contract at the French side until 2027, meaning as 2025 closes in, some of these teams could look to test Reims’ resolve. Signing Atangana would add another midfielder option to Emery’s team, and his youthful, energetic style could be ideal for the Premier League side as they try to get back on top.

The England youngster was involved in a rare moment of quality in a difficult game for Sonia Bompastor's side as they extended their lead at the top

Chelsea nearly came unstuck against a plucky Leicester City side again on Wednesday, but escaped from a difficult evening with all three points thanks to goals from Catarina Macario, Aggie Beever-Jones and Erin Cuthbert. The Foxes held the Blues to a draw in December, representing the first winless game of Sonia Bompastor's reign – with the second only coming on Sunday in a 2-2 result at Brighton, and they were a tricky opponent again in the rematch, even if the reigning Women's Super League champions managed to come away with a 3-1 win.

Macario's goal from a deflected free-kick, which wrong-footed goalkeeper Janina Leitzig in the eighth minute, was Chelsea's only shot on target in a disappointing and disjointed first half, one disrupted by a lengthy stoppage when England youngster Ruby Mace was stretchered off. A rare moment of quality doubled that lead early in the second period, as Mayra Ramirez's backheel put Beever-Jones through to finish, but it wouldn't put the game to bed as the Blues might've hoped.

Despite losing a key player in Mace, Leicester grew in confidence in the game, best evidenced by the gorgeous scooped finish that Yuka Momiki produced to halve the deficit before the hour. It was no less than the Foxes deserved, but they could not turn it into more, as Bompastor looked to her stacked bench to wrestle some of the momentum back.

Cuthbert's curling strike in the final minutes, which came just after she crashed another effort off the bar, made the scoreline flatter the Blues, who extended their lead at the top of the WSL table to eight points.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Kingsmeadow…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Hannah Hampton (6/10):

Positioned herself well to deal with any Leicester threats, making a few comfortable saves as a result.

Lucy Bronze (5/10):

A little sloppy in possession at times and didn't always make the best decisions on the ball.

Nathalie Bjorn (5/10):

Awareness of the space she was responsible for felt lacking at times. Went off with more than half an hour to go.

Millie Bright (6/10):

Had a few sloppy moments, but generally mopped up well at the back where needed.

Niamh Charles (6/10):

Battled well in defence, winning possession back more than any other player, but found her attacking impact limited.

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Oriane Jean-Francois (6/10):

Did her job well enough, covering her defenders where needed and moving the ball around nicely. Just lacked a bit of help in a defensive sense in the midfield at times.

Maika Hamano (6/10):

After finding herself somewhat limited in her position in the first half, seemed to be pushed further forward in the second and immediately played an important role in Chelsea's second goal. Was much better from there.

Catarina Macario (6/10):

Was always looking to get on the ball and get involved, even if her end product wasn't always there. Free-kick broke the deadlock and another went close, too.

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Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (5/10):

Offered plenty of endeavour down the right, albeit without the final ball to make a difference.

Mayra Ramirez (6/10):

Couldn't really pick the ball up and run at defenders like she so often does. Produced a gorgeous backheel to put Beever-Jones through to double Chelsea's lead, however.

Aggie Beever-Jones (6/10):

Showed good movement off the ball to be an option when Chelsea got forward, with her run through to finish and make it 2-0 great evidence of that. Did lose possession in a dangerous area for Leicester's goal, though can't shoulder all that blame.

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Subs & Manager

Wieke Kaptein (7/10):

Came on before the hour to add some steel to the midfield and she did exactly that, while also offering a good attacking threat.

Ashley Lawrence (6/10):

Took up the right-back role for the final half hour or so and didn't do too much wrong.

Erin Cuthbert (7/10):

Made her return from a rib injury in the final 20 minutes and her impact was significant, with a fantastic late strike one of three troubling efforts she sent towards the away goal.

Sjoeke Nusken (N/A):

A late introduction to help see the game out.

Sonia Bompastor (6/10):

Lack of any flowing passing moves felt in part due to the lack of a proper midfield deployed, with Jean-Francois sat behind two players who are essentially forwards. There was not much shape in the middle as a result and that hurt the team as a whole. Improved when changes were made, at least.