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Jitesh added an unbeaten 107 with Agarwal, who scored 41 not out, to complete an unlikely chase

Hemant Brar27-May-20252:31

An 18-year wait to end this season?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stormed into Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 as stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma’s 85 not out off 33 balls helped them pull off the third-highest successful chase in the tournament’s history.Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 118 off 61 balls had powered Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to 227 for 3, but RCB chased it down with eight balls and six wickets to spare. They will now face table-toppers Punjab Kings (PBKS) in New Chandigarh on Thursday.Related

• IPL playoffs: How the four teams stack up

• The night Jitesh got rid of the enormous weight on his shoulders

• Pant: LSG haven't played '40 overs of good cricket' all season

Kohli, Salt set the platform

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt gave RCB a start of 61 in 5.4 overs. Salt began the first over with a four; Kohli ended it with a four. Salt began the second over with a four; Kohli ended it with four fours. After four overs, RCB had raced to 50 for no loss. Akash Singh broke through with Salt’s wicket, but Kohli carried on. He chipped Shahbaz Ahmed over his head for a four before hitting Akash on the up through the covers to raise his fifty off 27 balls.

O’Rourke strikes back

Having conceded 22 in his first over, Will O’Rourke returned to bowl the eighth over of the innings. Rajat Patidar, who was in as Impact Player once again, picked him over deep square-leg for a six. Two balls later, Kohli hit him over extra cover for four. But O’Rourke had the last laugh as Patidar slashed his fifth ball straight to Abdul Samad at backward point. Off the next, he had Liam Livingstone lbw with a full delivery. Kohli fell soon after his fifty, slicing Avesh Khan to long-off. With RCB still needing 105 from 8.4 overs, ESPNcricinfo’s Forecaster gave them a 21.07% chance of winning.2:02

‘A riled-up Kohli is bad news for the opposition’

Jitesh takes charge

Jitesh started with a boundary off the first ball, but Akash conceded only seven in the 13th over to increase RCB’s troubles – they needed 89 from seven. Mayank Agarwal had got off to a brisk start and was on 27 off 15 at that point. But Jitesh decided to take matters into his own hands and hit O’Rourke for a six and a four in a 17-run over.When Shahbaz came on for the 15th over, Jitesh took him apart. He hit him for two fours and a six before Agarwal ended the over with a boundary off his own. That over went for 21 and tilted the balance in RCB’s favour. Now they needed only 51 from five overs.Jitesh hit two more fours off Avesh in the next before having a slice of luck. With 39 required from four overs, he tried a reverse sweep off Digvesh Rathi only to be caught at backward point. It was a low catch and the on-field umpires wanted the TV umpire to have a look. But even before that, the TV umpire found Rathi’s back foot touching the return crease. Jitesh heaved the free hit that followed over deep midwicket to bring up his fifty off 22 balls. It was his first-ever IPL fifty.The drama didn’t end there. As Rathi ran in for the last ball of the over, he aborted and broke the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Jitesh was out of his crease at that point. However, the TV umpire ruled it not out, saying Rathi had completed his “delivery stride” before effecting the run out. In the meantime, Pant had withdrawn the appeal.With 28 required from the last three overs, Jitesh smashed O’Rourke for two fours and two sixes and then completed the formalities with a slog-swept six off Ayush Badoni in the penultimate over.2:04

Moody: Jitesh’s 85* the innings of this season

RCB’s strange strategy

Earlier, RCB opted to bowl after winning the toss but their decision not to bowl Bhuvneshwar Kumar until the fifth over was baffling, especially after Nuwan Thushara had found swing in the opening over and had shattered Matthew Breetzke’s off stump with an awayswinging, low full toss in the third. This was the first time since 2015 that Bhuvneshwar did not share the new ball in an IPL game. By the time he came on, the swing had died.

Pant at his destructive best

Batting at No. 3, Pant played a scintillating knock that featured 11 fours, eight sixes and every Pant idiosyncrasy, including a one-handed six, a sideways tumble after failing to reach a wide delivery, and a frontflip to celebrate his hundred.He attacked straightaway. In the fourth over, he hit Yash Dayal for a six and two fours to move to 19 off just eight. That this was already his third-highest score of the season said all you needed to know about his form.1:15

Moody: Wouldn’t have thought Pant was in a form slump

In the seventh over, with no swing on offer, Bhuvneshwar tried a short ball. Pant duly pulled him over deep midwicket for a six. On the next delivery, Livingstone’s misfield at deep square-leg gifted him another boundary. Shortly after that, Pant brought up his fifty, off 29 balls.Mitchell Marsh, who was on 33 off 23 after ten overs, also joined in. Off his next eight balls, he smashed 20. He and Pant added 152 off 78 balls, a stand Bhuvneshwar broke by having Marsh caught behind in the 16th over.Pant was unstoppable, though. He brought up his hundred with a Pant shot and followed it up with a Pant celebration. It was a full and wide delivery from Bhuvneshwar. Pant reached out and scythed it over extra cover for four. By the time he completed the shot, his front leg was in the air, beyond parallel to the ground, the toe pointing towards deep midwicket. After regaining the balance, he looked up, removed his helmet and gloves, and did the flip. The LSG dugout stood up to applaud, as did the home crowd.Jitesh erred in the over distribution. Krunal Pandya, who bowled the second over of the innings, sent down just one more and finished with 2-0-14-0, while Romario Shepherd leaked 51 from his four. By the end of the day, however, he had more than made up for it.

He suggested it was the bowling department that needed major improvement and hinted at changes before the next year

ESPNcricinfo staff18-May-20257:59

Bungling chases – the story of the season for RR?

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have now lost eight out of the nine matches while chasing in IPL 2025. Five of these defeats have been by margins of 11 runs or fewer. In four of these chases, they were well ahead of the opposition. In one, they had to fight back but they were favourites at the start of the last five overs.However, only two of their targets this IPL have been under 200, and none under 180. Coach Rahul Dravid has said their bowling was equally to blame if not more than the batting.”It’s been a tough one,” Dravid said when asked to assess the middle order. “We’ve got close, but we haven’t been able to finish the job. It’s been one of those kind of seasons where you always feel with the ball that we probably give 15-20 runs extra and then you’ve got yourself in some really good positions to win the games, but we haven’t been able to finish the job and a little bit around that lower, lower-middle order we just haven’t been able to click and get the big shots that we need.Related

• Nehal Wadhera and Harpreet Brar take Punjab Kings closer to playoffs

• Finger injury prevents Shreyas from fielding against RR

“I mean, it’s been five games now where the margins have really one or two hits which you need in that phase, which, we just haven’t been able to do. So it’s not that we’ve been losing too many wickets, we’re still only five down today, but we just haven’t been able to hit those shots.”There’s no point just blaming the batsman. I think with the ball also, to be honest, I didn’t think it was a 220 wicket, it was about a 195, 200 wicket, and we gave 20 runs extra. If we look at the numbers, we have probably not been good enough with the ball. Both at taking wickets and controlling runs. We are chasing 200-220 every game.”Dravid suggested it was the bowling department that needed major improvement and hinted at changes before the next year. “Still our batters, especially the openers, have been giving us good starts, but we have been unable to finish the job,” Dravid said. “We will have to work on it for the next year. A little bit in the fielding as well. Sometimes you look at a tournament and see only three wins, but if you look at the five close defeats. Not an excuse, but you can’t lose all five close matches. We have got good batting. In a year they will improve even more. Perhaps in the bowling, we will have to do something to improve.”Dravid said there was no reason to doubt the ability of the middle order. “This is really a quality middle order,” Dravid said. “You’ve got Riyan (Parag) and Dhruv (Jurel) and then Sanju (Samson) is playing in that middle order today as well, so that’s really quality India kind of players with an overseas guy who’s also playing international cricket.”To be fair, all of them had good performances through the season. It’s not that they didn’t. Riyan played some very good knocks, Dhruv we saw today played a terrific knock, probably Hettie at the back end maybe missed out this season, which was a bit tough on us, but that can happen. I mean that’s the game. That’s the nature of the game.”

With Barcelona having stolen Malcolm away from Roma at the 11th hour, Goal looks back at other deals involving dramatic u-turns

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  Dimitar Berbatov to Man City

  With both Manchester sides battling to sign Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov in 2008, the Bulgarian frontman had a difficult decision to make. Spurs had accepted an offer from City, though the striker wanted to sign for United.

  When Berbatov flew into Manchester to speak to City officials, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was at the airport to pick him up, much to the player's surprise. United then got their man for a price lower than City had offered.

  "I am flattered that he [Ferguson] gave me so much of his time," Berbatov said. "He personally came to pick me up at the airport. It was a shock to me, but it was a pleasure to get to know him." 

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  Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea

  After a 25-goal campaign with Everton, Romelu Lukaku had his pick of Champions League clubs to join ahead of the 2017-18 season.

  As the reigning Premier League champions, Chelsea were the clear frontrunners, with manager Antonio Conte desperate to sign a striker who had been discarded by the Blues during Jose Mourinho's tenure at Stamford Bridge.

  However, much to the Italian's disappointment, United were ultimately willing to stump up more cash for the Belgium international, who moved to Old Trafford for a whopping £75 million.

  Lukaku has proved worth every penny, though, netting 27 times in his first year on Manchester before then proving himself one of the world's elite forwards with his performances at the 2018 World Cup.

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  Pedro to Man United

  With Chelsea and Manchester United locked in a battle to sign Pedro from Barcelona in 2015, it was a matter of urgency which closed the deal.

  United officials had flown to Spain to talk to the forward but the winger's agent later said that the Manchester side had, metaphorically speaking, "fallen asleep" during the protracted negotiations, thus allowing Chelsea to swoop in and take Pedro to west London for £19m. 

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  Emmanuel Petit to Tottenham

  As the story goes, Emmanuel Petit was in London for talks to sign with Tottenham in 1997.

  During discussions with Spurs chairman Alan Sugar, the Frenchman became aware of interest from north London rivals Arsenal, who told Petit not to put pen-to-paper at White Hart Lane until he had spoken with compatriot Arsene Wenger.

  With his options now open, Petit was sent back to his hotel in a taxi paid by Spurs to think things over, only for the World Cup winner to take a detour to Highbury and sign with the Gunners instead.  

From the son of legendary France defender Lilian to PSG's wonderkid, the following youngsters are hoping to make waves this season

The new Ligue 1 season is just hours away, and fans are excited to see their club's latest big-money signings in action.

Perhaps even more satisfying for a supporter, though, is seeing a young player flourish when given the opportunity on the biggest stage.

But who should you be looking out for when the teams are named on the opening weekend? Goal breaks down some of the top talents the French top flight has to offer in 2019-20…

• Yacine Adli | Bordeaux

  This former PSG academy star will pursue his career at Bordeaux after sealing a move away from Parc des Princes.

  Bordeaux boss Paulo Sousa sees Adli – who was previously linked with a move to Arsenal – as a big part of his plans, and at 19 he is likely to receive ample first-team action after inviting comparisons with Adrien Rabiot for his midfield displays.

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  Rayan Ait-Nouri | Angers

  Ait-Nouri is a product of the Angers youth system, and should be ready this season to step up to the first team having featured on just a handful of occasions for the club. 

  The 18-year-old left back comes into the new campaign with a burgeoning reputation, and caught the eye of none other than Juventus thanks to his performances with the France Under-19 team.

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  Adil Aouchiche | PSG

  The 17-year-old midfielder was one of the stars of this year's Under-17 Euros, scoring nine goals in five games to equal Michel Platini's Euro 1984 record. 

  Aouchiche stands out in the middle of the park but has ample talent for venturing forward. He has picked up pre-season minutes for PSG this summer and could well play a part in the Ligue 1 holder's plans for the coming season.

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  Eduardo Camavinga | Rennes

  Camavinga was included in Rennes' starting line-up for Saturday's Trophee des Champions defeat at the hands of PSG, an incredible feat for a player still three months shy of his 17th birthday. 

  A native of Angola, the teenager offers strength and dynamism in the middle of the field and looks set to feature on a regular basis for his club this season.

The USMNT faces arch-rival Mexico in Sunday's Gold Cup final, and Goal runs down the 10 best installments of the rivalry in the past 20 years

The U.S. national team and Mexico will renew their rivalry on Sunday in the Concacaf Gold Cup final, facing off in the regional championship game for the first time since 2011. The allure of lifting a trophy will only serve to add more spice to a rivalry that doesn't need much help delivering the drama over the years.

The first time the USMNT faced Mexico was way back in 1934 and it didn't take place in North America, but rather in Rome, where the United States defeated Mexico at the World Cup. That win would be the only one the Americans would record against El Tri for 46 years. For the better part of 65 years, the rivalry was so one-sided it was tough to call it much of a rivalry.

Things started changing around 2000, when the United States started beating Mexico with regularity, and in the past two decades the neighbors have forged a rivalry that has blossomed into a real battle for CONCACAF supremacy.

The United States holds a 14-9-6 advantage in the past 20 years, but Mexico has turned things around, boasting a 5-4-4 edge on the Americans in the past 13 meetings. El Tri has also gotten the better of their rivals in recent title games, having won the past three matches where a cup was on the line.

Sunday's Gold Cup final will mark my 22nd time covering the rivalry, a collection of matches that have delivered drama, skill, passion, anger and joy. I have followed the rivalry to as far as way as South Korea, and others as close as the old Giants Stadium, whose former location I can see from my house in New Jersey. That was also the very stadium where I covered my first USA-Mexico match, back in 2000.

The next chapter of the rivalry will take place on Sunday in Soldier Field, a venue with its own special place in the rivalry. It was in Soldier Field where Benny Feilhaber's wonder goal helped the Americans defeat Mexico in front of a packed pro-Mexico crowd in the 2007 Gold Cup final.

Sunday's final has the makings of a special match, but it will need to deliver some magic to crack Goal's list of the best USA-Mexico matches of the past 20 years.

Here is a look at the 10 best:

• Pedro Pardo
  

  102017: Mexico 1, USA 1 (World Cup qualifier)

  The USMNT registered its second straight World Cup qualifying draw at Estadio Azteca in a back-and-forth encounter that produced one of the best goals in the series. Michael Bradley's long-range strike in the sixth minute stunned the crowd in Mexico City, but it didn't stop Mexico from taking control and eventually finding an equalizer in the 23rd minute courtesy of a Carlos Vela solo effort.

  Bruce Arena was lauded for his tactical approach to securing a point at the Azteca, but it was also the excellent work of his defense and Bradley that helped the USMNT earn a point. Unfortunately for the United States, a trip to the 2018 World Cup still didn't happen.

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• Jamie Sabau
  

  92009: USA 2, Mexico 0 (World Cup qualifier)

  Another dominating performance by the United States in Columbus saw Michael Bradley put on one of his best performances for the national team. He scored both goals, one in the 43rd minute and one in second-half stoppage time to help the USMNT get its Hexagonal round of World Cup qualifying off to a winning start.

• Paul Vernon
  

  82016: USA 1, Mexico 2 (World Cup qualifier)

  The Columbus curse came to an end for El Tri, but it didn't come easy. Mexico dominated the USMNT in the first half, threatening to run away with the win before some in-game adjustments helped the Americans settle into the match.

  Bobby Wood's 49th-minute equalizer helped give the Americans the momentum, but they couldn't find another goal, and it left the door open for long-time USA-Mexico villain Rafa Marquez to head home the winner in the 89th minute. The goal helped Mexico post its first win in Columbus after four straight qualifying shutout losses, and it also helped put a nail in the coffin of Jurgen Klinsmann's tenure as USMNT coach.

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• Donald Miralle
  

  72009: Mexico 2, USA 1 (World Cup qualifier)

  When Charlie Davies opened the scoring at Estadio Azteca on this day in 2009, it looked like Mexico's undefeated record against the United States in home qualifiers might be in jeopardy. Unfortunately for the Americans, they couldn't add to that lead as Mexico responded just 10 minutes later courtesy of a 28-yard blast by Israel Castro.

  The Americans looked like they might be able to escape Mexico City with a draw, but Miguel Sabah's close-range goal in the 82nd minute set off raucous celebrations at the Azteca, and eventually sent the USMNT home with another loss.

It was another weekend full of action for African stars plying their trades in different leagues in Europe

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  Review of Africans in Europe

  Riyad Mahrez missed what could be a crucial penalty for Manchester City, while Sadio Mane, Naby Keita, Joel Matip, and Mohamed Salah lifted another trophy this season.

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  Too Bad: Sadio Mane

  Despite the fact Liverpool won the FA Cup final against Chelsea, it was a bad day for Mane, who missed his spot-kick.

  Edouard Mendy managed to save Mane’s penalty – Liverpool’s fifth – as the Merseysiders went on to win the shoot-out contest by a 6-5 margin.

  Salah was injured in the 33rd minute, while Keita was replaced as James Milner came on. Matip took Virgil van Dijk’s place when Jurgen Klopp made a 90th-minute change, while Mali eligible Ibrahima Konate played from start to finish.

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  Too Good: Taiwo Awoniyi

  The Nigeria star grabbed a brace as Union Berlin defeated Bochum 3-2 in their last Bundesliga game of the season.

  Awoniyi added Berlin’s second goal from the penalty spot in the 25th minute before he scored the third in the 88th minute as they finished the season fifth on 57 points.

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  Too Bad: Edouard Mendy and Hakim Ziyech

  Both played critical roles in the FA Cup, although Chelsea eventually ended up on the losing end.

  Mendy kept a clean sheet before the penalty shootout – when he stopped his international teammate Mane from scoring – while Ziyech scored one of Chelsea’s penalties, but their efforts could not deny Liverpool the trophy at Wembley Stadium.

Mikel Arteta's rampant Gunners just keep on winning

Arsenal made it two wins from two in the Europa League with a comfortable 3-0 win against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night.

First-half goals from Eddie Nketiah and Rob Holding put the Gunners firmly in control and then Fabio Vieira rounded things off with a third late on.

The win moves Arsenal two points clear at the top of Group A, despite having played a game less than Bodo and FC Zurich.

All in all it was a comfortable night's work for Mikel Arteta's side, with the Arsenal boss making eight changes from the team that beat Tottenham at the weekend.

Nketiah's sharp finish after Kieran Tierney's shot had hit the post got the ball rolling and then Holding doubled their lead, heading Vieira's excellent cross into the corner.

The hosts had several chances to extend their advantage, but in the end they just added one more to their tally in the second half, with Vieira finishing from close range after some excellent play by substitute Gabriel Jesus.

• The Winners

  Winner: Eddie Nketiah

  Nketiah seized his opportunity to impress from the start, just as he did against FC Zurich in the opening Europa League group stage game.

  The 23-year-old has now scored in both his starts this season and continues to show an all-round game that looks much improved on what we've seen from him in previous seasons.

  He looks strong, direct and is holding the ball up impressively well.

  His finish, after Kieran Tierney's shot had come back to him off the post, was very sharp.

  The form of Gabriel Jesus is making things difficult for Nketiah in the Premier League, but if he continues to perform like this when he does get a chance then it won't be long before he gets more minutes.

  Winner: Rob Holding

  You could see the delight in Holding's face when he scored.

  The Arsenal defender has struggled for any sort of game time this season, so it was no surprise to see him smiling when he planted Fabio Vieira's excellent cross into the corner to make it 2-0.

  Holding is very much fourth in line now at Arsenal when it comes to centre-backs and he understands that.

  But it's still been a frustrating season for the 27-year-old, so he would have been determined to make an impact on what was his first home start of the campaign.

  And he did exactly that, marshalling the defence well and getting himself on the scoresheet.

  Winner: Fabio Vieira

  What a talent the young Portuguese playmaker looks.

  Vieria has impressed every time he's taken to the field this season and tonight was no different.

  There are still some flaws in his game, which is not surprising given his age and inexperience, but the 22-year-old has so much potential and quality on the ball.

  His whipped cross for Holding's goal was excellent and he was then on hand late on to score his second for the club after some fine play from Gabriel Jesus.

  The goal capped a wonderful performance from the attacker, who looks like a £30 million bargain.

  Mikel Arteta predicted that the Arsenal fans would enjoy watching Vieira when he got fully fit and, judging by what we've seen so far, he was not wrong.

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• The Losers

  Marquinhos:

  After such a bright debut away at FC Zurich, this was a more frustrating experience for the young Brazilian.

  He worked hard down the right-hand side all evening before being replaced by Bukayo Saka, but things just didn't quite work out for him.

  Given his lack of game time in the Premier League, Marquinhos will be desperate to seize his opportunities in these group stage games, but it didn't quite happen this time out.

  His header, which he miscued wide in the early stages of the second half, summed his night a bit. His timing was just a little bit off.

  Loser: The Bodo away fans

  The 3,000 plus travelling fans were certainly not losers because of their support, but they were very unlucky not to get to see their team score.

  The away contingent at the Emirates were superb from start to finish and brought so much colour and atmosphere to the evening.

  Their fantastic support deserved a goal to celebrate, but unfortunately for them their side could not find a way through the Arsenal defence.

• Arsenal Ratings: Defence

  Matt Turner (6/10):

  Barely had a thing to do in the first half, but was alert to make a couple of fine stops after the interval. Great celebration for Nketiah's goal.

  Takehiro Tomiyasu (8/10):

  Solid as always. Got up in support of Marquinhos well.

  Rob Holding (8/10):

  Great header for the second goal. Enjoyed a fine night.

  Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

  Cruised through the majority of the game in second gear.

  Kieran Tierney (7/10):

  Unlucky not to score with his thumping shot that hit the post. Looked strong and fit.

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• Midfield

  Sambi Lokonga (7/10):

  Kept the ball moving well. Neat and tidy.

  Granit Xhaka (7/10):

  Controlled the midfield well. Almost scored with a free-kick.

  Fabio Vieira (8/10):

  Impressive again. Looks a real talent. Great assist for Holding's goal and got on the scoresheet himself late on.

The England striker has now scored 13 goals in 14 games since the World Cup as his late strike at Elland Road helped seal a 2-0 win for the Red Devils

You can try anything you want, but right now, Marcus Rashford cannot be stopped. Just as Manchester United looked like they would drop points against Leeds United for the second time in a week on Sunday, up popped Rashford with his 21st goal of the season to get Erik ten Hag's side back to winning ways.

In a bruising encounter at Elland Road, both sides had chances, but as the game entered its final 10 minutes, it seemed that for the second time in five days, both sides would have to settle for a point.

Enter Rashford. The England striker managed to find himself a yard of space in the Leeds penalty area to head home Luke Shaw's inviting cross and send the visiting United fans into raptures.

The points were wrapped up five minutes later as teenage substitute Alejandro Garnacho weaved his way through the Leeds defence before beating Illan Meslier at his near post, as United's 2-0 win moved them, at least temporarily, up to second in the table.

GOAL breaks down all the winners and losers from a big United win…

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  The Winners

  Marcus Rashford:

  It's difficult to find a more in-form player in world football now, as Rashford's dream run since the World Cup shows no sign of slowing down. He has scored 13 goals in 14 games since arriving back from Qatar, and seems to have added bullet headers to his repertoire if the two games over Leeds this week are anything to go by. If this purple patch continues, then expect United to be celebrating multiple trophy wins come the end of the season. On a personal level, it's just great to have the Marcus Rashford we all fell in love with back in our lives.

  David de Gea:

  On the day he became the first foreign player to make 400 Premier League appearances for the same club, De Gea was outstanding, making three crucial saves to deny Crysencio Summerville either side of half-time. With Harry Maguire recalled and Luke Shaw again playing as a makeshift centre-back, De Gea could have been forgiven for being unsure of himself with an unfamiliar backline in front of him, but he stood up to everything that was thrown at him to equal club legend Peter Schmeichel on 178 clean sheets at the top of United's all-time list.

  Luke Shaw:

  It's perhaps gone under the radar, but Luke Shaw's resurgence after an underwhelming 2021-22 season has been excellent to watch. Two years ago, it seemed like the England defender had got his game together, but he was one of many in a United shirt to struggle last season. Under Ten Hag, though, he has been back to his best, and whether at left-back or centre-back, he is becoming one of United's most reliable performers once more. His cross for Rashford's goal was sumptuous, and was one of many superb crosses he put in during the game.

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  The Losers

  Wout Weghorst:

  Ten Hag ignored calls to leave Weghorst out his line up after a run of underwhelming performances, but the Dutch striker did little to repay his manager's faith. The Burnley loanee was largely anonymous for much of the game, and played the final 20 minutes as a No.10 behind Rashford. He will claim the assist for Garnacho's late strike, but the teenage winger did all the hard work after collecting a bog-standard pass from Weghorst around 30 yards from goal. With Rashford now showing he can score goals while playing centrally as well as out wide, Weghorst's time in the line up might be about to end.

  Leeds' survival hopes:

  Leeds are still on the look out for a new manager after sacking Jesse Marsch on Monday, but they would have been buoyed if they could have avoided defeat against Manchester United in back-to-back games this week. They came close, but after defeat here they are now in a position where they could be sitting in the bottom three when they kick off against relegation rivals Everton next week. A home game against fellow strugglers Southampton follows the week after, meaning the new manager – whoever that might be – needs to hit the ground running.

  Fans of both teams:

  It's no secret that Leeds and Manchester United fans do not like each other, but that is no excuse for some of the disgusting chants that were heard at Elland Road on Sunday. Whether it was the home supporters singing about the Munich air disaster or the visiting fans chanting about the two Leeds supporters who were killed in Istanbul 23 years ago, neither should be tolerated. Premier League fans around the country have shown over decades that they can create the best atmospheres in European football without resorting to such offensive depths. The fact that such songs can be heard in 2023 is utterly depressing.

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  Man Utd Ratings: Defence

  David de Gea (8/10):

  Made three key saves to keep out Summerville on a record-breaking day for the Spanish goalkeeper.

  Diogo Dalot (7/10):

  Kept the dangerous Gnonto relatively quiet and almost broke the deadlock when his rasping drive crashed back off the crossbar.

  Harry Maguire (6/10):

  Defensively sound on his return to the line up, though his passing was not always particularly accurate.

  Luke Shaw (8/10):

  Impressive as a makeshift centre-back yet again before moving back to the left and providing a superb cross for Rashford to head home the opener.

  Tyrell Malacia (7/10):

  Probably United's best player in the first half as he made some key interventions to deny Summerville. Replaced by Martinez on the hour as Ten Hag looked to shore up his defence.

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  Midfield

  Marcel Sabitzer (6/10):

  Again looked hurried in possession but battled well enough in what was a bruising afternoon in midfield.

  Fred (7/10):

  Casemiro he is not, but always puts a shift in, and did well to maintain his discipline after an early yellow card.

How to watch Salernitana vs Inter in Serie A in the US, as well as kick-off time and team news.

Inter will lock horns with Salernitanain a Serie A fixture at the Stadio Arechi on Friday.

▶ Watch Salernitana vs Inter live on Paramount+ today!

The hosts have drawn their last four league matches and will want to do better in front of their own fans up against an Italian heavyweight. With 10 goals, Boulaye Dia is already the highest foreign scorer for Salernitana in Serie A in a single campaign, and the Inter defenders will have to keep a close eye on him.

Meanwhile, Simone Inzaghi could become the first Inter manager to lose four Serie A matches in a row since Claudio Ranieri in February 2012 after going down to Spezia, Juventus and Fiorentina. They have slipped to the fourth in the standings, and another poor display could see Roma leapfrog them.

The manager will hope Lautaro Martinez hits the right notes on Friday to propel his team to three points as he has scored five goals in three Serie A meetings against Salernitana.

GOAL brings you details on how to watch the game on TV in the U.S. as well as how to stream live online.

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  Kick-off time

  Game:	Salernitana vs Inter
  Date:	April 7, 2023
  Kick-off:	12 pm EDT
  Venue:	Stadio Arechi

  The game is scheduled for April 7, 2023, at Stadio Arechi. It will kick off at 12 pm EDT in the US.

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  How to watch Salernitana vs Inter online – TV channels & live streams

  TV channels & streaming options

  Country	TV channel	Live stream
  US	NA	Paramount+

  In theUnited States (US) it is can be streamed live on Paramount+.

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  Team news & squads

  Salernitana team news

  Dia should start upfront along with Krzysztof Piatek. The former also scored in successive matches for Senegal against Mozambique during the recently concluded international break in Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

  However, Pasquale Mazzocchi and Domen Crnigoj are not available through injuries.

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Sepe, Ochoa, Fiorillo.
  Defenders	Danililuc, Lovato, Bronn, Troost-Ekong, Pirola, Bradaric, Sambia, Gyomber, Fazio.
  Midfielders	Maggiore, Bohinen, Coulibaly, Vilhena, Caviglia, Kastanos, Pio Lervolino, Candreva.
  Forwards	Dia, Patek, Bonazzoli, Botheim, Valencia.

  Inter team news

  Romelu Lukaku might be benched as Edin Dzeko is likely to partner Lautaro Martinez in attack.

  Hakan Calhanoglu (muscular) and Milan Skriniar (back) might feature at some point in the match as they are en route to recovery from their respective injuries.

  Danilo D'Ambrosio will miss the fixture due to suspension.

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Onana, Handanovic, Cordaz
  Defenders	Bastoni, De Vrij, Acerbi, Dimarco, Fontanarosa, Dalbert, Bellanova, Darmian, Zanotti, Skriniar.
  Midfielders	Brozovic, Asllani, Barella, Calhanoglu, Gagliardini, Dumfries, Gosens, Mkhitaryan, Carboni
  Forwards	Correa, Martinez, Lukaku, Dzeko

  Head-to-head record

  Date	Result	Competition
  October 10, 2022	Inter 2-0 Salernitana	Serie A
  March 5, 2022	Inter 5-0 Salernitana	Serie A
  December 12, 2021	Salernitana 0-5 Inter	Serie A
  April 11, 1999	Salernitana 2-0 Inter	Serie A
  November 29, 1998	Inter 2-1 Salernitana	Serie A

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Nike to Asics to adidas, we've found the best of the best

On the lookout for the perfect pair of running trainers? There's a style for everyone, no matter if you're a professional runner or someone looking to take their first steps pounding the pavements outdoors.

Whether you're a fan of clocking up miles on the treadmill or an all-weather terrain kind of runner, the perfect running shoes to suit your needs are out there. There's no need to sacrifice style for substance, some of these will look as good on a day out as they will in the gym.

But with so many options available, how do you know which is the right choice for you? We've put together a round-up of the best men's running trainers you can get on the market today, depending on what you want out of your routine.

Click here to skip ahead to our round-up of the best football shin pads.

Our top three:

Best overall running trainers: Nike Pegasus FlyEase

Best budget running trainers: adidas Supernova+

Best running trainers for trail terrains: asics Gel-Venture 8

FAQs:

Why do I need a pair of running trainers?

Whether you're taking it indoors or outdoors, you want to ensure that you're in the best possible condition to get the most out of any run – starting at the bottom with your feet.

You could attempt to do your workout in ordinary shoes or even a different type of trainer, but you're likely to underperform when it comes to delivering results. Running trainers are designed with one function above all – to help the wearer get the most out of any routine where they are pounding the proverbial pavement. That alone is why you'll want a good pair of running trainers, even before getting into the finer details.

What is the difference between different running trainers?

Running trainers are built for different terrain, much like football boots are elsewhere. While one pair will give greater function on a treadmill, another may deliver more over trail ground, and a third could provide superior power on asphalt. Those differences all come down to how you want to approach your run routine and where you'll be taking yourself on your fitness journey.

What is the best type of running trainer?

Plenty of individual facets and elements will help craft a superb running shoe. Still, typically the most significant benefits will be in the comfort, functionality and durability that a good pair of trainers can provide. The last thing you'll want is a trainer that will give you blisters, that's going to slip on uneasy surfaces, or that's going to fall apart at the seams at the first sign of a little bit of wear and tear. Running trainers are designed to withstand heavy-duty workouts, get the best of your body, and ensure minimal injury risk.

Check out the guide below, where you'll find a pair of trainers for every type of runner.

• Best overall running trainers

  Nike Air Zoom Pegasus FlyEase By You

  Nike$160.00 at Nike

  Put a spot of godlike pace into your steps with the Air Zoom Pegasus FlyEase – an absolute monster of a running trainer, bringing together top-of-the-line technology for an excellent experience.

  Its FlyEase system lets you slip them on and off without serious hassle. A wider forefront gives you space to breathe, and the traditional Pegasus responsiveness remains preserved in all its glory to get you to the top of your workout potential faster and harder.

• Best budget-friendly running trainers

  Reebok Energen Lite

  Reebok$60.00 at Reebok

  Who says you've got to break the bank to get some footwear that will match you with every step? The affordable Energen Lite does the job nicely as a sturdy running shoe option.

  It's a simple and effective number with a FuelFoam midsole, intended to provide long-lasting cushioning for full-day usage and a breathable mesh upper to help reduce sweat. It's great for newcomers and veterans alike, whether it's your first or five-hundredth run.

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• Best running trainers for trail terrain

  asics Gel-Venture 8

  asics$59.95 (was $70.00) at Asics

  Prefer to take your runs off the beaten track? The Gel-Venture 8 will do you nicely, bringing the support and stability you'll need when traversing uneven terrain on your runs and workouts.

  A GEL Tech-infused midsole provides additional reinforcement and cushioning against the blows of heavy footfalls and the jagged ground underfoot, while a lugged rubber outsole helps increase grip. Top it off with a padded ankle collar, and you've got one comfortable trainer.