Unlike seasons prior, it feels like Manchester City are flying under the radar a little bit this year.

They may have lost two games earlier in the campaign, but with their 2-0 win over Everton and Liverpool’s loss to Manchester United, Pep Guardiola’s side are now second in the Premier League and three points off Arsenal.

Moreover, unlike their two biggest title rivals, the Citizens have a reliable centre-forward leading the line who is currently scoring goals for fun.

Erling Haaland is arguably in the form of his life, and while some may criticise Man City for being a one-man team, the free-scoring Norwegian could end that discourse by helping one of the summer signings reach his sky-high potential this season.

Are Man City a one-man team?

So, even though they are just a win off top spot in the league, there is some talk over them being a ‘one-man team,’ an idea stemming from and given crednce by the lack of goals from elsewhere in the side.

For example, across all competitions, Haaland has scored 14 goals and provided one assist so far this season and the next highest score is Phil Foden, with just two goals to his name.

Unfortunately, it is even worse when looking at the league alone.

Here, the former Borussia Dortmund star has 11 goals and one assist to his name in eight games, but then nobody else in the team has scored more than one.

Even then, only four players have found themselves on the scoresheet aside from the leading man himself.

While City are doing well, this is undeniably worrying, as if the Norwegian monster was to get injured and miss a month or two of action, who would step-up?

Fortunately, it’s still early on in the campaign, and City have talented players who could become more prolific as it goes, including one who, with the help of Haaland, could become one of the best players in the world.

The Man City gem Haaland could make World-Class

Haaland may be the clear standout for Man City so far this season, but there are plenty of talented names in the squad who could get better and better as the campaign goes on.

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For example, arguably the most exciting younger star in the side, and the one who could go on to become a world-beater, is Rayan Cherki.

The Frenchman joined the club from Lyon in the summer, scored on his Premier League debut, but then missed almost two months of action with a hamstring injury.

Fortunately, the 22-year-old international made his return to first team action with a five-minute cameo against Everton on Saturday, and fans should be very, very excited about how good he could be.

After all, The Athletic’s Alex Barker described him as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” just a couple of years ago, and while that might sound a tad hyperbolic, his numbers and output suggest otherwise.

In 48 appearances, totalling 3218 minutes last season, the Lyon-born gem scored 13 goals and provided 21 assists, which comes out to a staggering average of a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 94.64 minutes.

Moreover, FBref ranked him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Ligue 1 last season for expected assists, key passes, passes into the penalty area, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Cherki’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

xA: Expected Assists

0.52

Top 1%

Key Passes

3.31

Top 1%

Passes into Penalty Area

3.40

Top 1%

Shot-Creating Actions

6.44

Top 1%

Assists

0.49

Top 2%

xAG: Exp. Assisted Goals

0.49

Top 2%

Progressive Passes

9.08

Top 2%

Through Balls

0.97

Top 2%

SCA (Live-ball Pass)

4.45

Top 2%

Carries into Final Third

4.01

Top 3%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.88

Top 4%

Progressive Carrying Distance

159.19

Top 4%

Goals + Assists

0.84

Top 6%

Switches

0.66

Top 6%

GCA (Live-ball Pass)

0.66

Top 6%

npxG + xAG

0.71

Top 7%

Passes Completed

47.58

Top 7%

Total Passing Distance

749.90

Top 7%

Progressive Passing Distance

226.65

Top 7%

Touches

69.36

Top 7%

All Stats via FBref

In other words, the ambipedal game-changer is an attacking force of nature capable of creating an abundance of chances as well as being able to take them himslef.

So, it wouldn’t be wild to think that, when he’s fully fit and up to speed, he could play a massive role in helping the team become a little less reliant on Haaland.

At the same time, the Norwegian’s unreal finishing ability could see the Frenchman rack up an incredible number of assists this season and beyond, in turn helping him to fufil the sky-high potential so many believ him to have.

Ultimately, it might take a few weeks, but Cherki could be the solution to many City’s issues this season, and a future superstar.

Related Man City eye South American star who may follow in Julian Alvarez's footsteps

The Citizens could follow a familiar trend in their latest pursuit.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Oct 19, 2025

There was a ruthless streak about Manchester United during Sunday’s statement win over Liverpool, with Ruben Amorim’s expensively assembled forward line finally beginning to fire in 2025/26.

Turning back the clock to January this year, the Red Devils played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield, with one notable moment in that stalemate seeing Rasmus Hojlund surge in behind the home defence, only to be denied by the imposing figure of Alisson from the angle.

The influential Brazilian also denied the Dane in similar fashion back in December 2023, with the game having been level at the time.

Alisson wasn’t involved this time around due to injury, nor was Hojlund, with new Bryan Mbeumo instead converting from a similarly acute angle inside just 63 seconds.

While Hojlund hardly inspired any confidence that he would make the most of such a chance, it was no surprise when last season’s 20-goal Brentford star dispatched his own attempt, having hit the ground running with three goals from his first nine games in a United shirt.

With £74m signing Benjamin Sesko chipping in with two himself this term, while Matheus Cunha’s ‘maverick’ talents have also earned rave reviews, there is a frontline to be feared once again at Old Trafford.

The days of Marcus Rashford and co now appear a distant memory…

Why Amorim was right to move on Marcus Rashford

Like it or not, Rashford is making the most of his dream move to Barcelona, having already registered 11 goals and assists in just his first 12 games for the LaLiga outfit, as per Transfermarkt.

On Tuesday night, Camp Nou’s new loan hero dispatched two efforts in exquisite fashion, rifling home at the near post to help steer Hansi Flick’s youthful side to a thumping 6-1 win over ten-man Olympiakos.

The 27-year-old is back smiling again, having kicked on from his brief renaissance at Aston Villa last term, with the January loan swoop to the Midlands yielding four goals and six assists in 17 games, including a statement showing against Paris Saint-Germain.

That wasn’t enough to coax Villa into paying a reported £40m buy clause, although Flick and co could strike a bargain next summer, with Rashford said to be available for as little as £26m.

Such a lowly price tag may reflect poorly on those back at United, although it’s hard to argue with Amorim’s decision to part ways, with the high-profile forward not seen since trudging off against Viktoria Plzen in December, prior to his absence from the Manchester derby.

A reported night out prior to the 4-0 win over Everton appeared to be the final straw for the new United boss, with Rashford previously punished for a trip to Belfast the season prior under Erik ten Hag.

One misdemeanour too many came amid a continued period of inconsistency, with the Englishman’s 30-goal heroics of 2022/23 standing out as a real anomaly in the post-Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era.

2024/25*

24

7 (3)

2023/24

43

8 (6)

2022/23

56

30 (11)

2021/22

32

5 (2)

2020/21

57

21 (18)

On a reported £300k-per-week at Old Trafford, Rashford simply wasn’t proving value for money, with Amorim right to have sent a message by ousting Rashford from his first-team ranks.

That message was also passed on to another member of the infamous ‘bomb squad’, with so much potential arguably wasted.

The Man Utd star who was destined for the No.7

It shows how much can change in such a short space of time in the footballing world that when deciding on the next number seven at Manchester United in the summer of 2023, there was a genuine clamour for Alejandro Garnacho to receive that honour.

The Spain-born Argentina international was fresh off the back of a breakthrough first season under Ten Hag, having chipped in with 10 goals and assists in all competitions, after previously scoring twice in the club’s FA Youth Cup final win the campaign prior.

That 2022/23 season saw the teenage winger produce notable moments of magic away at the likes of Real Sociedad, Fulham and Leeds United, having also produced a lively cameo off the bench in the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

As noted by Samuel Luckhurst at the time, Garnacho was “under consideration” to succeed his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, as the club’s new number seven, albeit with new man Mason Mount surprisingly offered that status instead.

In hindsight, that move has perhaps backfired, with Mount scoring just five goals over the last two-and-a-bit years, enduring a frustrating, injury-hit spell that has only recently begun to spring into life.

Young, electric and looking like a “young Cristiano” – in the words of Paul Scholes at the time – a teenage Garnacho, meanwhile, looked every bit a United number seven, emerging as one of few fearless, dynamic forwards in Ten Hag’s ranks.

There has been a sense of revision since, but it’s difficult to forget just how exciting that version of the ex-Atletico Madrid starlet was. As noted by Statman Dave, he looked “generational”.

Repeatedly looked to as the man to impact proceedings from the bench, Garnacho relished his role as the game-changer, while also reaching the high point of his time in the senior set-up by scoring the opener in the victorious 2024 Wembley showpiece.

Even last term, for all the speculation surrounding his place under Amorim – having joined Rashford in being omitted from the December derby – the now 21-year-old still finished joint-second behind only Bruno Fernandes for both goals and assists at the club.

That being said, the cracks began to show, with the youngster notably failing to celebrate following his stunner against Leicester City, amid perceived abuse from supporters.

There was also the Europa League debacle, where Garnacho publicly voiced his frustrations at having started the Bilbao defeat on the bench.

Ill-advised and ill-disciplined, the fleet-footed winger had left Amorim – and the club – with little choice but to send him on his way, with United taking such a stance that it perhaps even diminished their initial £70m asking price down to just £40m this summer.

With a sense that Garnacho had got ahead of his station, he had to go, having since endured a turbulent start to life at new club Chelsea, with the weekend win over Nottingham Forest seeing him hooked at the break.

A player that seemingly needed to be loved and idolised, perhaps the polarising wideman would have benefitted from taking on the number seven two years ago, with there no doubt having been a groundswell of support behind him at the time.

Again, however, hindsight might suggest that United were wise not to enhance his ego so swiftly, with such an honour needing to be earned rather than dished out so readily.

Either way, Garnacho – unfortunately – is someone else’s problem now.

Forget Bruno: Amorim has the next Pogba in "maverick" Man Utd talent

Manchester United may have another Paul Pogba brewing under Ruben Amorim…

ByRobbie Walls Oct 21, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians está na final da Libertadores Feminina. As Brabas, que buscam o tetracampeonato, bateu o Inter nos pênaltis, após empate em 1 a 1 no tempo normal. A final será disputada contra o Palmeiras, neste sábado, no estádio Pascoal Guerrero, em Cali, na Colômbia.

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As meninas do Timão precisaram buscar o resultado, pois saíram atrás do placar. Ainda no primeiro tempo, Priscila aproveitou contra-ataque puxado pela uruguaia Belém Aquino. A atacante da equipe gaúcha ultrapassou Bia Zaneratto, do Palmeiras, e se isolou na artilharia da competição continental. 

+ Clássico em BH! Aposte R$100 e ganhe R$650 no confronto entre Cruzeiro e Flamengo

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A equipe corintiana buscou o jogo já na reta final de partida, com Vic Albuquerque, que aproveitou cruzamento de Gabi Portilho e escorou para o gol.

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Porém, se a Vic deixou a sua marca no tempo normal, a mesma coisa não aconteceu quando ela abriu a série de pênaltis e acertou a trave direita da goleira Gabi Barbieri. Para piorar a situação corintiana, o Inter converteu as quatro primeiras cobranças, com Djeni, Bruna Benites e Roberta.

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

As Brabas embalaram as batidas seguintes à de Albuquerque. Tarciane, Luana, Mariza e Fernandinha marcaram.

E foram as últimas duas finalizações das Coloradas, com Zóio e Isa Haas, que decidiram a partida. A primeira acertou o travessão, e a segunda isolou a cobrança decisiva, que definiu a classificação corintiana.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

A decisão entre Palmeiras e Corinthians no fim de semana será a última do técnico Arthur Elias no comando corintiano. Após a Libertadores, o treinador vai assumir exclusivamente a Seleção Brasileira Feminina, função em que ele já exerce desde o início de setembro.

Wayne Rooney has opened up on the biggest regret of his entire footballing career – and it involves Cristiano Ronaldo. Rooney played at three World Cups for England but has revealed that he wishes he had sat one of them out as he was not fully fit at the time. The legendary striker also admitted he was close to not joining Manchester United after a rival Premier League side enquired about him.

• Getty
  

  Rooney wishes he didn't play at 2006 World Cup

  Rooney was at the peak of his powers a few months out from the 2006 World Cup, his next tournament after exploding onto the scene at Euro 2004. However, the striker suffered a metatarsal injury just one month out from the World Cup in Germany when playing for United against Chelsea. He faced a race against time to be fit for the big event, which ended in massive disappointment as he was sent off in the quarter-final tie with Portugal. Rooney accidentally stamped on Ricardo Carvalho and Ronaldo was one of several players to encourage the referee to send Rooney off. Ronaldo was later seen winking at the Portugal bench. 

  And Rooney has admitted that he wished he had never gone to the tournament. He told 'The Wayne Rooney show' on the : "I regret going to the World Cup 2006 probably. I weren’t fit, I shouldn't have went and then it ended with getting a red card and so yeah if I went back, I probably wouldn't go."

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• How Rooney-Ronaldo partnership almost never happened

  Rooney struck up an incredible partnership with Ronaldo at United, winning three Premier League titles together and reaching successive Champions League finals. However, they nearly never played together. Rooney revealed that Newcastle United rivalled the Red Devils for his signature in 2004 before he eventually moved to Old Trafford for £27m.

  Rooney explained: "I would have certainly went [to Newcastle]. Manchester United wanted to wait a season and then sign me the year after they did sign me. Newcastle put a bid in and if Manchester United hadn't come in, I would have gone to Newcastle. Those two were bidding against each other. My agent's best mate was chairman at Newcastle at the time! So I'm sure he was getting nudged to try to get me as well.

  "I wanted to go to Manchester United, but I spoke with Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer. In true Bobby Robson style, on the phone he called me 'Mark'. I thought he had either forgotten my name or he was a genius – because that's my middle name."

• AFP
  

  Rooney: I was quicker than Ronaldo

  Rooney has said that he was quicker than Ronaldo in his prime although he was not the fastest player in the United squad. "We’d done tests at over 30 yards I think it was, and I was topping that and Owen Hargreaves was second," he said. "Owen was quicker than when people think.  so yeah, I was, I was faster than that. But there's all different aspects in, in football. Cristiano obviously dribbling with the ball is really quick, Ryan Giggs dribbling with the ball. Some players seemed quicker with the ball and then without it as well."

  While Rooney retired from football in 2020, Ronaldo is still going strong with Portugal and Al-Nassr. And Rooney is convinced his former team-mate will reach his long-held target of scoring 1000 goals before he hangs up his boots. He said: "One hundred percent.  He’s not retired before he’s caused thousands.  It’d be great for him as well if he does that and I’m sure over the next couple of years he’ll be playing with his son alongside him, so I think that’s a big thing as well for him."

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• Rooney etched into Man Utd history

  United's decision to sign Rooney back in 2004 proved a masterstroke, with the striker going on to become the club's all-time leading scorer with a staggering 253 goals. He also played a major hand in winning 12 trophies, including five Premier League titles and one Champions League.

With talks continuing over Steven Gerrard’s potential Rangers return, an ex-Ibrox ace is now reportedly open to joining the former Gers boss in Glasgow.

Steven Gerrard has positive talks over Rangers return

It’s a big couple of weeks for the 49ers and the Gers, who were forced to face their first major mistake recently when sacking Russell Martin. The former boss won just one game in seven attempts in the Scottish Premiership and a draw at Falkirk proved to be the final straw in a tenure that was historically disappointing.

So, it’s back to square one for those at Ibrox and this time they must get things right on the manager front. They’re not short on potential options, either, when it comes to Martin replacements.

However, whilst Sean Dyche, Danny Rohl and others have been mentioned in recent reports, it looks as though Gerrard is emerging as the favourite to make his return to Rangers.

The former manager remains the last to dethrone Celtic in the Scottish Premiership and could now return to the dugout four years on from leaving the club for Aston Villa.

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Dan Emery

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According to reports, Rangers have already held positive talks with Gerrard, who has been out of a job since leaving Saudi Arabia side Al-Ettifaq in January.

Unlike other candidates, Gerrard’s appointment shouldn’t come with major risk factor. He’s been there and done it at Rangers. Even if the current job is arguably tougher than it once was, his experience with the Gers should prove to be invaluable compared to the likes of Rohl and Dyche.

What’s more, the 45-year-old has already been handed a key boost when it comes to his potential coaching staff in Scotland.

Defoe now open to joining Gerrard at Rangers

As reported by TeamTalk, Jermaine Defoe is now open to joining Gerrard at Rangers and reuniting with his former club in the process. The former striker was briefly an assistant manager after Gerrard left the Gers in 2021 and may now have the opportunity to return to the role for the first time in four years.

There’s little doubt that Defoe would say no to any potential Rangers offer, either, having told reporters:

It’s all slowly coming together for Gerrard and Rangers, who could have their replacement for Martin sealed sooner rather than later.

Nottingham Forest have failed to arrest their slump in form and Fabrizio Romano has now revealed the steps Evangelos Marinakis will take over the international break at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest suffer defeat at Newcastle United

Ange Postecoglou has found himself in a frustrating position since taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo and now has the unwanted record of going seven matches without a win in charge.

Newcastle United away was always a tough encounter to walk into after a 3-2 defeat at home to FC Midtjylland in the Europa League, and goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Nick Woltemade condemned the Tricky Trees to another defeat under the former Celtic boss.

Post-match, Postecoglou refused to back down despite growing speculation that he could be set for a swift exit, stating: “If people want to make an assessment of me after three and a half weeks in which I’ve had six or seven games, there’s nothing I can do about that.

“But at the same time, there’s nothing wrong with things being tough. That’s okay. I’ll say it a million times, I did have an option. I could have been sitting on the couch watching the game today and not be in the middle of it. I’d rather be, much rather be… I love a fight. So it’s a fight, so it’s a struggle – so what? That’s okay.”

Evangelos Marinakis won’t hesitate to relieve Postecoglou of his duties if results don’t improve, as he has already shown this term with Nuno, albeit you get the impression that the international break has come at a good time for all parties.

Murillo repeat: Nottingham Forest now eyeing 2026 move to sign Brazil int'l

The Midlands club are already thinking about reinforcements.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 6, 2025

With the pause in the Premier League season now upon supporters, they have gained some insight on the direction Nottingham Forest’s owner could take amid their questionable run of results.

Marinakis plans crisis talks with Ange

Writing in his letter for GIVEMESPORT, Romano confirmed Marinakis will look to clarify why Nottingham Forest aren’t claiming results since Postecoglou’s appointment in the East Midlands.

He explained: “Marinakis wants to clarify with Ange and understand why this is not working. So for sure there will be discussions about his impact at the club.”

Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest results

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Swansea City 3-2 Nottingham Forest

Burnley 1-1 Nottingham Forest

Real Betis 2-2 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Sunderland

Nottingham Forest 2-3 FC Midtjylland

Newcastle United 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Ultimately, Postecoglou hasn’t been able to find a winning formula since taking over at the Tricky Trees, which is a major cause for concern amid their poor start to the season.

However, his spells at Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur illustrate that sometimes, hardship comes before success is found. The 60-year-old has won six trophies since 2022, potentially offering scope for a little more leeway to get things right.

One thing is for certain, he must deliver sooner rather than later, otherwise Marinakis will be left with no choice but to pull the trigger and hire a replacement.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has hit back after his blunder cost the Villans dearly in their defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. Argentina's number one was at fault as his sloppy pass was intercepted by Mohamed Salah, who made no mistake in firing into an open goal to put the Reds in front. Having made the mistake, the goalkeeper has issued a response.

Martinez howler costs Villa

With minutes left of what had been a very even first-half in Merseyside, Villa were moments away from going into the break level at 0-0. Pau Torres set the ball back to Martinez, who had plenty of space and time to either lay it back to the Spanish defender or send it high up the pitch. Martinez decided to send it back Torres’ way, but the pass was too far in front of the defender who had dropped back and wide to make a passing option for the goalkeeper. It was a fatal error and the Villa back-line could only watch on as Salah pounced on the loose ball and curled a low effort into the gaping net with his weaker right foot.

The Egyptian was never going to pass up the opportunity to score for a second game running and the goalkeeper could have no one to blame but himself. The home side kicked on the in second-half and when Ryan Gravenberch’s deflected effort left a stricken Martinez diving the wrong way, the Reds sealed their first Premier League win after four losses in a row.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMartinez posts response on social media

Speaking after the game, Martinez’s boss, Unai Emery, was unhappy with the complacency shown by his shot-stopper. The Spanish coach, via , said: “Pau was getting his position to play with this pass and then through those passes to feel good and, in that case, lost the ball. Of course, to build in our structure strong and not to concede the chances we conceded.

“It was easy for Salah. It was a huge mistake but one thing in our process under my responsibility. I accept it, and we build a team here through the style we want to keep in our process in the club and in the next matches.”

Emery continued to insist that “we must avoid huge mistakes like we made today in the first goal we conceded.” He added that he will have to reflect on the game and that Villa will work on their build-up play to avoid making such faux pas going forward.

Martinez was less humble in defeat and turned to Instagram to offer his own thoughts. Captioning a post of two black-and-white photos of himself, the goalkeeper said: “I never lose. I either win or I learn.”

Martinez adds another mistake to the list

Some more cynical Villa fans might find Martinez’s response a tad frustrating. The goalkeeper has been prone to a series of avoidable mistakes in recent seasons and has been responsible for a handful of damaging errors that have led to the opposition scoring.

The goalkeeper has often spoken out about his desire to play at a higher level than Villa and was expecting to move to Manchester United in the summer. The Red Devils decided to move for Senne Lammens instead and the Argentine remains reluctantly in Birmingham.

Making another mistake in between the sticks suggests that the goalkeeper has not quite learnt his lesson from previous errors. Should he continue to produce gaffes that lead to dropped points, Emery may look to move on from the once imperious figure in net.

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AFPThe politicised Europa Conference League game

Martinez will have a chance to demonstrate he has learnt from his latest slip against Maccabi Tel Aviv in what should be a fiery fixture on Thursday. Political figures have waded into the game’s preamble after the Israeli side were not handed any tickets for the game at Villa Park after police fears over fan safety. The recent Tel Aviv derby had to be called off to the “endangerment of human lives” and no travelling fans will be in the ground for the Europa Conference League clash.

A complete mismatch of a Test in Bulawayo ended within two sessions on the third day, as Wiaan Mulder alone scored only 23 runs lesser than what Zimbabwe’s entire line-up managed across two innings. But even that happened when, at nine wickets down after being asked to follow-on, an outside edge off Wellington Masakadza dribbled away for four wide of the slips.The tenth-wicket stand between Masakadza and Tanaka Chivanga frustrated South Africa for nearly nine overs, but couldn’t prevent an innings defeat. South Africa comprehensively won by an innings and 236 runs to wrap the series 2-0 after confining Zimbabwe to their heaviest defeat by runs in the first Test of the series. It was South Africa’s tenth Test win on the trot, including their victory over Australia in the WTC 2025 final last month.Related

• Matigimu fined, handed demerit point for throwing the ball and hitting Pretorius

• Mulder: 'Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be'

• Mulder makes 367*, the fifth-highest individual Test score of all time

Zimbabwe started day three of the Bulawayo Test trailing by a massive 405 runs, with nine wickets in hand. While an innings defeat was inevitable given the deficit and the time remaining in the Test, a middle- and lower-order collapse of 6 for 31 after lunch hastened the eventual result.But before that, overnight batters Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Nick Welch negotiated the seven overs from Codi Yusuf and Corbin Bosch to start play by mostly blocking and leaving the deliveries. The first over of spin, though, got South Africa the breakthrough. Off his second ball, Senuran Muthusamy had Kaitano chipping to cover for 40 in the 24th over.Welch, at the other end, struggled to tick along. His first 45 balls fetched him only 14 runs, and one of his two boundaries came earlier in the day when he outside-edged Yusuf between third slip and gully. In the 26th over, however, Welch swung Muthusamy for a huge six down the ground. Next ball, he went for a hoick across the line, and the ball missed both the bat and the leg stump.But that didn’t prevent Welch from keeping his counterattack going. He punched Mulder wide of gully for four, had a difficult chance dropped by David Bedingham at backward point off Muthusamy, was beaten and nearly stumped next ball, and repeated his massive hit for six off Muthusamy – all these in the space of facing nine balls.It was Mulder’s Test, though, and come the 29th over, his heel was just within permissible limits as he cleaned Sean Williams up for 11. Welch slowed down after that wicket, looking content to push for singles and bat time. He raised his fifty just before lunch when he flicked Prenelan Subrayen for two to fine leg , before both Welch and Craig Ervine went unbeaten at the interval. At the time, Zimbabwe were still another 313 runs behind South Africa.However, Welch and Ervine didn’t last long enough. Muthusamy got a leading edge from Welch, who was caught by Mulder at slip for 55 in the third over after lunch. That began the slide, as 153 for 3 soon turned out to be 184 for 9. Yusuf got among the wickets when he trapped Wessly Madhevere in front for 5 in the 53rd over. Ervine and Tafadzwa Tsiga strung together plenty of dots as the scoring stalled, before Yusuf had Tsiga chipping to short midwicket to end his stay on 1 off 20 balls.At six down, Masakadza joined Ervine, and kept South Africa waiting for more. Masakadza edged one just short of second slip off his first ball, and had a tight stumping decision go his way. It was Bosch who ended the five-run union in almost six overs when he had Ervine edging behind for 49 to start the 65th over. Three balls later, Bosch bowled Kundai Matigimu for a duck to bag his third wicket. In the 69th, Bosch had Blessing Muzarabani edging to third slip without scoring, with Zimbabwe trailing by 272 runs.It was a matter of time before South Africa wrapped up victory, but while last man Tanaka Chivanga had some fun, Masakadza too hung around to annoy South Africa. Chivanga scored 22 off 26 balls, with three boundaries and a six, but was the last man to fall when Muthusamy had him top-edging to slip. Fittingly, it was Mulder who took the winning catch, having stood in as captain for this Test, and being named Player of the Match for his marathon 367* and Player of the Series for scoring 531 runs overall and bagging seven wickets.

Sean Dyche was once part of a bust-up involving Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, and his comments on the situation have now emerged after taking over as the Reds’ new manager.

Dyche takes the reins as Forest manager following Ange exit

Having proven his ability to come in and stablise clubs during his time with Everton, Dyche has now taken charge at Forest, following a disastrous spell under the helm of Ange Postecoglou, with the Australian failing to win in eight games and lasting just 39 days.

The former Everton man’s first day on the training ground was Tuesday, with the new boss commencing preparations for Thursday’s tough test in the Europa League, as the Tricky Trees take on FC Porto at the City Ground.

Speaking after his return, the 54-year-old made it clear that he has a lot of love for his former club, saying: “I’ve often spoken about my affection for the Club, having started my career here under the great Brian Clough. I didn’t quite make it to the first team, but I have such fond memories from around the place — and hearing the boss’ voice in the distance.”

However, it remains to be seen how the ex-Nottingham Forest youth player finds working with Marinakis, given that the owner’s public falling out with Nuno led to the Portuguese manager’s departure earlier this season.

The Forest owner is known for his fiery temper, having been seen arguing with Nuno on the pitch near the end of the 2024-25 campaign, and The Sun report he was part of a bust-up involving Dyche after Burnley’s Europa League match with Olympiacos in 2018.

Heading into half-time at 1-1, Marinakis reportedly confronted the referees in the tunnel. Shortly after the break, Olympiacos restored their lead and Burnley’s Ben Gibson was sent off, leaving Dyche fuming.

The former Burnley manager’s comments from the time are eye opening: “I don’t know how many people ran on the pitch and surrounded the referee and linesman. The feel of the game changed in the second half, you’re left scratching your head.

“At half-time, there were plenty of people waiting for the ref in the tunnel.

“It wasn’t just the bench, it was people from the offices, even the tea lady! That’s a joke, of course, but it felt like everyone was piling on.”

Dyche has big task on his hands at Forest

Marinakis will no doubt be very frustrated Forest have been unable to kick on since sealing a return to Europe last season, especially considering how much he backed Nuno in the summer transfer window, spending around £206m.

However, having failed to win since the opening day of the campaign, the Tricky Trees have to be considered relegation candidates, with home defeats against a struggling West Ham United side and newly-promoted Sunderland particularly concerning.

Immediate concern for Dyche at Nottingham Forest after Marinakis decision

It probably isn’t what the new manager wanted to hear.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 21, 2025

Dyche is known for making a statement in his first match in charge of a new club, however, defeating then league leaders Arsenal 1-0 in his opening game as Everton boss, and the new Forest manager will be hoping for a similar start against Porto on Thursday.

منذ عام 1987، ينظم الاتحاد الدولي للتاريخ والإحصاء “IFFHS” ترتيباً سنوياً في جميع الفئات بناء على ما يقدمه اللاعبون والمدربون والفرق من يناير حتى ديسمبر.

وتتألف لجنة التحكيم الدولية من أعضاء الاتحاد الدولي لتاريخ وإحصاءات كرة القدم “صحفيين رياضيين وخبراء كرة قدم” من 120 دولة من جميع قارات العالم.

وبناءً على إحصاءات الاتحاد الدولي للتاريخ والإحصاءات المعترف بها في عالم كرة القدم منذ 38 عاماً تحددت جميع الجوائز وسيتم الإعلان عنها بعد 15 يناير 2025.

اقرأ أيضاً.. بيراميدز يتفوق على الأهلي.. الاتحاد الدولي للتاريخ والإحصاء يعلن تصنيف الأندية

وسيستعد الاتحاد الدولي للتاريخ والإحصاء للإعلان يومياً عن المرشحين لعام 2025 للفوز بكل الجوائز، وسيتم نشر النتائج بعد 10 ديسمبر 2025.

وجاء كورنسلاف يورتشيتش مدرب بيراميدز ضمن المرشحين لجائزة أفضل مدرب. المرشحون لجائزة أفضل مدرب من الاتحاد الدولي للتاريخ والإحصاء 

1- أنطونيو كونتي مدرب نابولي

2- دييجو سيميوني مدرب أتلتيكو مدريد

3- إنزو ماريسكا مدرب تشيلسي

4- هانز فليك مدرب برشلونة

5- لويس إنريكي مدرب باريس سان جيرمان

6- ميكيل أرتيتا مدرب آرسنال

7- سيموني إنزاجي مدرب إنتر السابق والهلال السعودي الحالي

8- آوناي إيمري مدرب أستون فيلا

9- فينسنت كومباني مدرب بايرن ميونخ

10- تشابي ألونسو مدرب ريال مدريد

11- أبيل فيريرا مدرب بالميراس

12- فيليبي لويس مدرب لويس فلامنجو