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At the halfway stage of IPL 2021, only a few teams have been able to achieve clarity about their best XIs

Gaurav Sundararaman03-May-2021 17Traditionally Mumbai don’t make too many changes. In IPL 2020, Mumbai used just 15 players – the least in the tournament. Already this season, the defending champions have fielded 17 players. Chris Lynn and Marco Jansen had to start due to the non-availability of Quinton de Kock and Nathan Coulter-Nile. Chennai, where Mumbai played their first set of matches, did not suit their batting style and hence they had to make a couple of tactical changes. Jayant Yadav played when there were a lot of left-handed batters in the opposition and if the pitches were slow and taking spin. But, in Delhi, playing against the Super Kings, Mumbai strengthened their pace attack playing Dhawal Kulkarni and Jimmy Neesham. It has meant that Ishan Kishan, who hit a staggering 30 sixes last IPL, has had to sit out after struggling for form in the intial matches this season, but also to accommodate the extra Indian bowler. Kishan’s position has gone to Krunal Pandya, who has been given the new role of batting at No.4Points Table•ESPNcricinfo Ltd Delhi Capitals 17Delhi Capitals have mainly had to make a few forced changes. Indian bowling allrounder Axar Patel was indisposed recovering from Covid-19 and missed the first five matches. Patel’s return offset the absence of R Ashwin, who was forced to leave the tournament after five matches to attend to his family that had been enveloped by Covid-19. South African fast bowling pair of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje joined the IPL late while Indian pair of Amit Mishra and Ishant Sharma missed the first few matches recovering from niggles. Tactically Steven Smith for Ajinkya Rahane was one change and the Capitals have made. Nortje has been kept out thanks to the scintillating form of uncapped Indian fast man Avesh Khan, who is the second-highest wicket-taker this IPL at the halfway stage. Don’t fix what is not broken and expect the Capitals to persist with the winning combination. Punjab Kings Players used: 18Similar to the Royal Challenges, the Punjab Kings have also played at three venues. That has prompted tactical changes. Despite enduring his worst IPL with four ducks in six matches, West Indies powerhitter Nicolas Pooran was persisted with for the first seven matches. The bowling department was changed based on the opposition and venue. One curious move by the Kings has been the late introduction of Ravi Bishnoi, who sparkled in IPL 2020 with his attitude and his googlies. Expect the Kings to continue backing their core group of batters with changes in their bowling line up as they move towards Bangalore for their second half, which is very batting friendly. Sunrisers Hyderabad Players used: 21Sunrisers Hyderabad have had the worst start to the IPL since they entered the IPL in 2013. A solitary win in seven matches has meant they’re at the bottom of the points table. Desperation to win combined with injuries to key bowlers has resulted in several changes – 21, the most for a team this tournament so far. The franchise also took the bold move of dropping all-time Sunrisers and IPL great David Warner as captain and player in order to provide more balance to the team. What has also not helped is lack of swing in venues like Chennai as well as the fitness struggles of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the knee surgery that ruled out T Natarajan. The team that has made the IPL play-offs consistently since 2016 has pressed the panic button and expect that extending to the second half of the IPL.

A thrilling MLB regular season, which featured much of the playoff picture coming down to the final day, has come to an end. The postseason field is set and October baseball is around the corner. 

While offensive production, specifically home run-hitting, will be critical to team success, pitching—as it has for some time—will ultimately determine which club eventually hoists the Commissioner’s Trophy. In today’s age of high-octane bullpens, elite relief pitching has shortened the game and matters as much as, if not more than, starting pitching. But navigating those first several innings with a starter remains a crucial part of a team’s game plan. 

So, which teams are best positioned to keep their opponents at bay until the battles of the bullpens commence?

PHILLIPS: The Most Significant Moments From MLB’s Wild Regular Season Finale

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

Stats (rank among playoff teams): ERA: 3.61 (4th) | WHIP: 1.19 (5th) | K%: 25.2% (1st)

1. Yoshinobu Yamamoto
2. Blake Snell
3. Shohei Ohtani
4. Tyler Glasnow

Earlier in the season, it would have been blasphemous to rank the Dodgers’ injury-riddled rotation this high. But the staff has been the best in baseball in terms of ERA in the final month. If not for Paul Skenes, ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto may be the National League Cy Young Award winner. After a shoulder injury wrecked the first four months of his Dodgers tenure, Blake Snell has quickly rounded into form since his August return Oh, and Shohei Ohtani’s arm is, at long last, fully stretched out after he hurled a season-high six innings in his last outing. No. 4 option Tyler Glasnow is better than most teams’ second starter. Los Angeles is so stacked, Clayton Kershaw is being kept off the wild-card roster and is unlikely to start a game in his final playoff rodeo. 

2. Philadelphia Phillies

Stats: ERA: 3.53 (1st) | WHIP: 1.18 (4th) | K%: 25.3% (2nd)

1. Cristopher Sánchez
2. Ranger Suarez
3. Jesús Luzardo
4. Aaron Nola

The Phillies rotation took a major blow in August when ace Zack Wheeler was diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome, which required season-ending surgery. However, this remains a formidable bunch. All-Star snub Cristopher Sánchez was the best lefthander in the NL all year long, Ranger Suárez wasn’t too far behind him and Jesús Luzardo’s swing-and-miss upside figures to play well in October. Aaron Nola has struggled this season, but he, like Philadelphia’s rotation as a whole, is playoff battle-tested. 

3. Seattle Mariners

Stats: ERA: 3.97 (10th) | WHIP: 1.18 (3rd) | K%: 23.7% (7th)

1. Logan Gilbert
2. Luis Castillo
3. Bryan Woo
4. George Kirby

Admittedly, this lofty ranking depends largely on the status of Seattle’s ace Bryan Woo, who is nursing mild inflammation in his left pectoral muscle. But the Mariners’ decision not to place Woo on the 15-day IL inspires confidence in his status. For much of the regular season, Seattle had a good-but-not-great pitching rotation. In the season’s final month, the red-hot Mariners lived up to their potential to form one of the best staffs in baseball. Between Woo, Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo and George Kirby, Seattle boasts a rotation that excels at both strike-throwing and inducing swings-and-misses, the perfect October recipe. 

4. New York Yankees

This was a night for three points. Liverpool’s staggering decline this season cannot be understated, and following a succession of disappointing draws against Sunderland and Leeds United, a one-goal win over Inter Milan at the San Siro could bear dividends going forward.

It was a strange contest on the VAR front, with Ibrahima Konate’s first-half header ruled out before Florian Wirtz won a match-winning penalty late on, adjudged to have been pulled to the ground by Alessandro Bastoni. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and converted.

Liverpool have returned to the top eight of the Champions League. Liverpool’s defensive line has been so porous this season, leakier than Old Trafford roofing, but Arne Slot has employed a more compact and pragmatic system in recent fixtures. Back to basics.

However, the Reds’ highly talented forward players are still, as a unit, flattering to deceive, and improvements are needed there.

How Liverpool's forwards played at San Siro

Post-match, Slot detailed Liverpool’s emphasis on shutting up shop in recent weeks. Mixed results on that front, but there has been a concerted plan all the same, and it came to fruition against Serie A champions Inter Milan.

Szoboszlai’s penalty aside, Liverpool amassed 0.56 xG in the second half, as opposed to just 0.12 before the break. Slot’s tactical tweaks were on the money in Italy, but the Premier League champions are still struggling to get a tune out of record signing Alexander Isak, who huffed and puffed but was unable to achieve anything of note in the final third before being withdrawn after the hour mark.

This is a world-class striker, but he needs better creative connections. Curious, then, that he was replaced by Wirtz, who nestled into the ten spot and changed the game, finding pockets of space and placing the Nerazzurri defenders under pressure, creating a chance, winning both of his duels and enjoying neat interplay with Ekitike and Szoboszlai in particular.

Anfield plays host to a crucial Premier League tie against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend, and it’s crucial that the German playmaker starts at the expense of a star who still hasn’t clicked together this season.

Slot must drop 6/10 Liverpool star

So many Liverpool stars have flattered to deceive this season, and Alexis Mac Allister has been one of the most disappointing. The 26-year-old has played at such a high level since joining the Merseysiders from Brighton in 2023, but he’s lacked bite and energy and eloquence in the engine room.

Deployed in a more advanced role against Inter, ostensibly to ease his defensive struggles and build-up problems this season, the £150k-per-week talent did actually prove dependable in stifling the hosts’ threat, but he lacked the completeness that fans have come to expect, unable to effectively service the forwards.

The Liverpool Echo acknowledged Mac Allister’s defensive contribution, handing him a 6/10 match rating, but they also drew attention to the Argentine’s attacking effort, leaving something to be desired on that front.

Minutes played

90′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

46

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

Accurate passes

32/37 (86%)

Chances created

0

Crosses

0/0

Recoveries

2

Tackles won

1/1

Duels won

6/8

There has been a suffocating air of frustration around the South American’s performances this term, and most of that is because Liverpool fans know how good he can be.

But he’s offering little right now, and though he completed his defensive duties with diligence, there was a lack of dynamism and sparkle that will hinder the Anfield side going forward. He didn’t attempt a dribble and neither did he create a chance. Wirtz must play at the weekend.

Ultimately, Liverpool still have many, many creases to iron out, but this was a step in the right direction. However, Liverpool’s emphasis on compactness cannot come at the expense of pre-existing creative problems, and Wirtz must start at the weekend; that much is clear.

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With just one win picked up across their last five Premier League games, Manchester United now look short on confidence again heading into a bumper December.

Everything looked to be smooth again with three victories secured on the bounce in October, but the boos would ring out at the full-time whistle when the tired Red Devils could only muster up a 1-1 draw versus relegation-threatened West Ham United last time out.

It will be very interesting to see where United sit in the ever-changing league standings when the hustle and bustle of the Christmas period is over, with the up-and-down outfit still only three points off fourth position, despite their recent stumbles.

Whatever does play out, United will surely use the January transfer window to their advantage, as several standout signings are tipped to move to the Theatre of Dreams, despite their hot-and-cold nature.

Man Utd's number one January target

Amorim will just have to hope he is still in the United dug-out by the time January window rolls around, with ESPN reporter Rob Dawson stating that he needs “time and patience” amid shouts he should be given the axe.

Even with this uncertainty in the air, plenty of transfer rumours are circulating, with the likes of Adam Wharton alleged to be on the Premier League outfit’s radar, as they try and win themselves some fresh blood in the middle of the park.

Of course, there is also one incessant piece of gossip that Elliot Anderson could swap Nottingham Forest for the Red Devils, with a statement double deal now even in the works involving Anderson, according to Football Insider.

As per Mick Brown, via Football Insider, United are chasing after the signatures of both the England international and AFC Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo, with the duo named as top targets in a combined £170m deal.

£65m of that alone could be spent on securing Semenyo, as is the Cherries attacker’s previously mentioned release clause, with Amorim loving the idea, surely, of the Ghananian forward moving to Old Trafford, especially with Bryan Mbeumo off to the African Cup of Nations shortly.

Brown said: “Semenyo is the one they’ve been looking at. United need to spend in January to improve the squad, and he’s somebody they wanted to bring in during the summer before he signed that contract. If the opportunity comes up when the window opens, it would make a lot of sense because he would also be able to plug that hole left by Mbeumo.

“You’re looking at people like Semenyo and Elliot Anderson to come in, they’re the top targets for Amorim because both of them would be real improvements in key areas of the squad.”

While United are desperately searching for some fresh blood centrally, Semenyo might well go down as an even better signing than Anderson, particularly as Amorim is no doubt cursing his side’s ineffectiveness in front of goal as of late.

Why Semenyo could be a better signing than Anderson

Immediately after the poor 1-1 draw versus the Hammers, Sky Sports’ Roy Keane would heavily criticise the disappointing United attackers, stating that they’re not “nasty enough” or “clinical” enough to kill off a game.

With Mbeumo set to link up with Cameroon soon at the AFCON, Amorim’s options in attack could soon become even weaker, with the former Brentford striker way out ahead as United’s strongest attacker of the season so far, having powered home five Premier League goals.

In stark contrast, both Joshua Zirkzee and Matheus Cunha only have two league strikes between them this season, while Benjamin Sesko has just two goals, himself, when fit, with Semenyo’s arrival on the scene finally gifting United that deadly, rampaging attacker that Keane, and presumably Amorim, is crying out for.

Indeed, just in the Premier League alone this season, the blistering attacker has managed to conjure up a devastating nine-goal contributions, with Pep Guardiola even going out of his way to herald Semenyo as an “extraordinary” talent who can change games, which is what United are in dire need of, to avoid any more underwhelming draws.

25/26

14

6 + 3

24/25

37

11 + 6

23/24

33

8 + 3

22/23

11

1 + 0

Of course, against West Ham, the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro weren’t at their best, but they are still some of the more consistent performers in the United ranks through the middle, with the ex-Real Madrid man managing to win a high 11 duels to keep up his United resurgence.

Moreover, with two goals and five assists next to his name this season, Fernandes will feel he’s done enough to be kept in the United starting XI for the foreseeable future, away from Amorim and Co splurging out £100m on Anderson.

Whereas, if the Red Devils were to splash out a more reasonable £65m on Semenyo, their attack could be taken to that next level, with Chris Waddle even hailing the vibrant number 24 as “the best winger in the country”, as he now sits on a mighty 26 goals and 12 assists from 95 Premier League outings.

Anderson’s arrival could well gift United a fantastic, well-rounded midfield presence for the long run, but in the immediate, with Amorim and Co fluffing their lines consistently up top, Semenyo feels like the more pressing purchase, especially if they’re left short during the AFCON.

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Tottenham Hotspur’s unbeaten run in the Champions League came to an abrupt end last night, with holders PSG securing a huge 5-3 triumph in Paris.

The Lilywhites twice took the lead at the Parc des Princes, but Thomas Frank’s men were unable to hold and secure yet another victory in Europe’s biggest competition.

Vitinha’s hat-trick was enough to get Luis Enrique’s men across the line on home soil, leaving Frank with huge work to do to get his squad out of their current losing spree.

Goals from Kolo Muani and Richarlison weren’t enough to get the Lilywhites all three points, but it certainly does give the manager something to build on in the final third.

However, the same can’t be said for numerous members of the first-team squad, with various starters unable to take full advantage of the chances handed their way.

Spurs’ poor performers against PSG last night

After questions were asked about the midfield department following the defeat against Arsenal, Frank decided to once again change shape and hand Pape Sarr a start in central midfield.

Many were crying out for the Senegalese international to return to the starting eleven, but ultimately, he was unable to take advantage of his opportunity.

He was arguably at fault for PSG’s third effort, with the 23-year-old robbed of possession in his own defensive third before Fabian Ruiz fired home for the hosts.

The youngster wasn’t alone in failing to deliver, with full-back Djed Spence once again unable to pounce on his starting role on the left-hand side of the back four.

The Englishman failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles or crosses, subsequently highlighting the lack of contribution he made when in transition.

However, without the ball, the 25-year-old was just as lacklustre, as seen by his measly tally of just 33% ground duels won whilst also being dribbled past on one occasion.

The Spurs star who had his worst game for the club v PSG

After Kolo Muani put Spurs ahead for the second time at the Parc des Princes last night, there was a belief within the Spurs faithful that the club could pull off a famous European result.

However, in true Lilywhites fashion, as of late, they were unable to sustain such a scoreline, with the collapse in the last half an hour no doubt frustrating manager Frank.

Certain players can absolutely leave such a defeat with credit and with their heads held high, with the aforementioned Kolo Muani undoubtedly having his best game for the club.

Other players, like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray also impressed at the heart of the side, with the pair the beneficiaries of the manager’s selection roulette.

The same can’t be said for numerous players, with Cristian Romero undoubtedly one that springs to mind when focusing on players who failed to deliver in Paris.

The Argentine, who’s the Lilywhites captain, endured a torrid evening against the reigning European champions, which no doubt contributed to the loss last night.

He featured for the entirety of the contest, but not without struggle, with the centre-back needing to share some of the blame for Sarr’s mistake with his poorly timed pass into the midfielder.

Romero was also adjudged to have handled Vitinha’s effort late on, which led to the Portuguese international stepping up from the penalty spot to complete his first senior hat-trick.

His underlying stats further showcase his lack of impact, with the defender committing two further fouls and being dribbled past on two separate occasions.

Other numbers, such as six times possession lost and 50% duels lost, further highlight his lack of impact and why it was perhaps his worst display in a Spurs shirt yet.

To top off his dismal night in Paris, Romero was handed a measly 3/10 match rating by Football London journalist Alasdair Gold, reaffirming how disappointing he was against the Frenchmen.

After such a showing, Frank will no doubt be questioning his starting role, with flashes of the Argentine’s rash nature rearing their head during the defeat.

However, the player will be hoping he’s still selected at the weekend to try and make amends and lead the club to a needed win the Premier League against Fulham.

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كشفت تقارير صحفية، عن الأندية الإنجليزية التي سوف تتأثر بـ كأس أمم إفريقيا بسبب اللاعبين الأفارقة الذي سيغادرون أنديتهم بسبب العُرس الدولي.

وتستضيف دولة المغرب منافسات كأس الأمم الإفريقية، والتي تنطلق في 21 ديسمبر المقبل، ويشارك بها منتخب مصر.

ومن المعلوم أن بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا تقام في فترة الجفاف بالقارة والتي تشهد هطول أمطار بشكل معتدل عن فترة الصيف، ليكون الطقس مناسبًا لممارسة كرة القدم.

ونشرت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” عدد اللاعبين من كل فريق يلعب في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، سيغيب بسبب كأس أمم إفريقيا.

ووفقًا للصحيفة البريطانية، يكون نادي سندرلاند قد حصل على نصيب الأسد في غياب لاعبيه إذ يغيب عنه 7 لاعبين، ثم نادي وولفرهامبتون يغيب عنه 5 لاعبين، وبنفس العدد لدى نوتنجهام فورست وكريستال بالاس.

ولن تتأثر 3 أندية من إقامة بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا وهم ليدز يونايتد وتشيلسي وآرسنال. قائمة اللاعبين الغائبين عن أندية الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بسبب أمم إفريقيا

سندرلاند: 7 (شمس الدين طالبي، سيمون أدينجرا، برتراند تراوري، آرثر ماسواكو، رينيلدو، نوح صديقي، حبيب ديارا).

وولفرهامبتون: 5 (إيمانويل أغبادو، مارشال مونيتسي، تاواندا شيريوا، جاكسون تشاتشوا، تولو أروكوداري).

كريستال بالاس: 4 (إسماعيل سار، كريستيانتوس أوتشي، شادي رياض، وشيخ دوكوري).

نوتنجهام فورست: 4 (إبراهيما سانجاري، ويلي بولي، أولا أينا، تايو أوونيي).

مانشستر يونايتد: 3 (بريان مبيومو، عماد ديالو، نصير مزراوي).

فولهام: 3 (أليكس إيوبي، كالفين باسي، صامويل تشوكيز).

بيرنلي: 3 (أكسل توانزيبي، لايل فوستر، هانيبال مجبري).

إيفرتون: 3 (إليمان ندياي، إدريسا جاي، آدم أزنو).

مانشستر سيتي: 2 (عمر مرموش، ريان آيت نوري).

برينتفورد: 2 (دانجو واتارا، فرانك أونيكا).

توتنهام: 1-2 (بابا ماتار سار، إيف بيسوما).

ليفربول: 1 (محمد صلاح).

أستون فيلا: 1 (إيفان جيساند).

برايتون: 1 (كارلوس باليبا).

بورنموث: 1 (أمين عدلي).

نيوكاسل: 1 (يوان ويسا).

Over the last couple of years, Manchester United have been a side who have splashed the cash in the transfer market to try and take them back to their former glory days.

In the last three years alone, the Red Devils have spent upwards of £800m on new additions, but the vast majority of which have failed to deliver and catapult them up the league table.

The club finished 15th in the Premier League last time around, with pressure piling on manager Ruben Amorim as a result of his lack of impact at Old Trafford.

Despite financial difficulties voiced by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, he handed the 40-year-old funds in the region of £200m to help improve his first-team squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, one player already at the Theatre of Dreams has struggled as of late, with a potential exit on the cards from the club in the months ahead, given his lack of impact.

The latest on Zirkzee’s future at Man Utd

Over the last couple of days, it’s been reported that United forward Joshua Zirkzee has been hugely linked with an exit just over a year after his arrival.

Last summer, the Red Devils paid a fee in the region of £36m for the signature of the Dutchman, joining the club from Serie A side Bologna with real expectations to improve the frontline.

However, the 24-year-old only netted three league goals last season and was unable to get himself off the mark in the opening weeks of the new season after staying put.

The big-money spent by the board over the summer has seen the player fall further down Amorim’s pecking order, subsequently failing to make a single start to date.

He’s only registered 74 minutes of league action in 2025/26, undoubtedly leading to his desire to leave the club and pursue a new challenge in the near future.

Current CEO Omar Berrada has previously stated that players who failed to make any impact in two years must be sold to avoid losing huge money – with Zirkzee certainly in that category.

However, he’s not alone in that department, with another current first-team member also on borrowed time given his lack of impact at Old Trafford in recent times.

The United star who’s on borrowed time alongside Zirkzee

United’s lack of success in the transfer market has undoubtedly contributed to their demise in the Premier League, which has increased pressure onto the shoulders of Amorim.

Some of the players already on the books before his arrival struggled to make an impact after his arrival, with Brazilian winger Antony just one player who ultimately failed to hit the ground running during his tenure.

He joined the club in a £86m deal from Ajax back in the summer of 2022, subsequently following Erik ten Hag to the club after his appointment during the same period.

However, the club decided to sell the 25-year-old this summer, with the forward moving to Real Betis for just £21m, seeing the hierarchy take a £65m loss on their investment.

Another example of their failure in the transfer market is highlighted in their move to sign Manuel Ugarte last summer, with the Uruguayan costing a fee in the region of £42m from PSG.

His arrival was seen as the perfect opportunity to improve the options in the middle of the park, but a little over 12 months after his transfer, he’s failed to nail down a place in the starting eleven.

Ugarte, who’s been dubbed a “wet blanket” by former Chelsea star Craig Burley, has only started two games this campaign, along with 22 in the previous season.

Games played

6

Matches started

2

Minutes played

242

Passes completed

40

Chances created

0.3

Fouls committed

3.4

Dribbled past

0.9

Interceptions

0.6

The Uruguayan’s underlying stats from the recent campaign highlight his inability to impress, which could ultimately spell the end of his time at Old Trafford in the near future.

He’s only completed an average of 40 passes per 90 this season, whilst only creating 0.3 chances per 90, subsequently showcasing his

inability to progress the play into attacking areas.

The 24-year-old has also committed 3.4 fouls per 90 to date, whilst also ranking in the 73rd percentile for being dribbled past – highlighting he often resorts to taking out an opponent if he’s struggling to dispossess them.

As a result, he’s often been selected behind the likes of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in such a role, with his move to England undoubtedly failing to reach the heights many anticipated.

After such a disappointing first year in the Premier League, it wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone to see him depart in the near future, subsequently raising funds for another talent to arrive in the process.

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Anthony Gordon has become the centre of social media scrutiny after the England international failed to find the back of the net in yet another Premier League game. The winger has had a grip on the left of the Magpies and Three Lions' attacks in recent months, but both Eddie Howe and Thomas Tuchel may be growing concerned at Gordon's lack of output.

• Gordon under fire for West Ham defeat

  Gordon was disappointing once again for Newcastle in the Premier League as the Magpies slumped to a shock 3-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium. The Hammers recorded just their second win of the season, and their first under Nuno Espirito Santo, to leave Newcastle a disappointing 12th after 10 games.

  The afternoon started brightly for the away side when Jacob Murphy put the visitors in front after just four minutes. The right-winger weaved in and out of the Hammers defence before striking hard into the bottom-left corner.

  Yet, the Magpies could only hold onto their lead for half-an-hour when Lucas Paqueta, looking to lead West Ham to safety, curled an effort from distance past the diving Nick Pope. Ten minutes later, a Aaron Wan-Bissaka cutback was turned into his own net by Sven Botman to give the hosts the lead. Newcastle pushed, but were unable to find a way back into the game and Tomas Soucek bundled home in injury time to seal the three points.

  It marks another poor result and performance from Newcastle, whose dreams of qualifying for the Champions League for another season already look under threat, with much of the blame for their inconsistent and wasteful attack being levelled at Gordon, who was substituted at half-time.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Fans fume at wasteful winger

  The Newcastle United fans are growing tired of the winger, who has now gone 19 games in the Premier League without scoring or providing an assist for one of his team-mates. On X, @Regista10_ declared the stat as, "one of the worst stats" they had ever heard.

  Gordon was also fortunate that his lackadaisical performance escaped punishment. @KHeneage said that "Anthony Gordon [is] far too casual on the ball in the wrong areas," in reference to the winger being robbed of possession leading to a West Ham attack. Looking to pounce on Gordon’s error, the hosts poured forward and, when Jarrod Bowen went over in the box, looked as if they would take advantage of the winger’s complacency in midfield. Luckily for Gordon, the awarded penalty was overturned by VAR.

  On the same incident, @Will44s added: "Anthony Gordon is very light weight and also gives the ball away far too much for somebody that’s meant to be this good a player."

  Taking things further, @swamoil wanted the club to not only drop the wide attacker from the starting line-up, but to expel him from the entire club. They posted: "Anthony Gordon needs to be released. Spent £500m and Jacob Murphy from nearly a decade ago is still our best winger."

  Also looking for the Magpies to move Gordon on, @GetAHurrCutMan_ said: "Anthony Gordon is nowhere near as good as he thinks he is. Would snap your hand off if a bid of any significance arrived."

• Gordon to move back to Merseyside?

  Interest in Gordon from other clubs has been well-documented. Liverpool have long-been-linked with the winger who has reportedly been open to a move back to Merseyside.

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  Shooting boots are on in Europe

  Champions League nights return to the Northeast this week as Athletic Club visit St. James’ Park. Fortunately for Gordon, he has been excelling in European football and even drew praise from Benfica manager Jose Mourinho after the Englishman put the side from Lisbon to the sword. He will want to add to the four goals in three games he has scored in the competition already.

Bethell and Pope are in direct competition for the spot in England’s first Test against India

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jun-2025Rob Key, has insisted that England’s looming selection call between Jacob Bethell and Ollie Pope will not define either player’s career ahead of Friday’s first Test against India in Leeds.Bethell and Pope are in direct competition, with one of the pair set to walk out as England’s No. 3 at Headingley and the other likely to miss out on selection altogether. Key, England’s managing director of men’s cricket, has framed the call as a decision as to “which really good player” they should pick, and said: “It’s a good position to be in.”Pope batted at No. 3 in England’s most recent Test against Zimbabwe and scored 171 to extend his strong record in the role, where he averages 43.06. But Bethell, 21, scored three half-centuries in the same position during December’s tour to New Zealand when Pope kept wicket and batted down the order, and is English cricket’s coming man.Related

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“I don’t see it as a problem, really,” Key told the ‘s cricket podcast. “You win either way, really. You’ve got two brilliant players that can do that role. Ollie Pope’s been fantastic in that tough spot; he played brilliantly in New Zealand… alright, he was in a different role, but we’ve got two brilliant options in those spots.”A tough decision is when you’ve got no options, and you’ve got to just then try and find something from nowhere. That’s when I’m sort of scratching my head. This one is: ‘Which really good player are we going to pick?’ It’s a good position to be in.”Bethell missed England’s win over Zimbabwe because he was playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL. Michael Atherton has been a prominent critic of the decision to allow him to stay in India rather than returning for that Test, but Key said that he had no regrets.”I don’t think [that] the careers of Ollie Pope and Jacob Bethell are defined by what happens this week, or whether he came back to play the Zimbabwe Test. He may not have played that Test match,” Key said. “Watching his development has been extraordinary, and him going out there and playing in the IPL, I think was brilliant for him. We’ll get the return on that in the future.”Key also suggested that Mark Wood, who is sidelined with a knee injury, retains an outside chance of being fit for the end of the five-match series. “He potentially could be ready for the back end,” he said. “You may see him by the end of the series, but certainly then when you fast-forward to the Ashes, he should be fine for that.”