Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly prepared to splash the cash this summer, with the 53-year-old plotting to reinforce the squad in numerous areas, including at centre-forward.

Andrea Berta arrives at Arsenal to replace Edu Gaspar

The ex-Atletico Madrid transfer chief, who was at the Wanda Metropolitano for 12 years before leaving La Liga in January, has arrived at Arsenal to replace former Gunners sporting director Edu Gaspar, following his departure in November.

Arsenal open talks to sign £50m player with Berta expected to launch bid

The new Gunners sporting director already has targets in place.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 12, 2025

Berta orchestrated a host of high-profile Atlético deals during his time at the club, including moves for the likes of João Félix, Diego Costa and Álvaro Morata, while also selling Antoine Griezmann for £108 million before bringing him back three years later for just £17 million.

A savvy negotiator in the transfer market, Berta’s arrival has brought plenty of excitement with it, and there has already been plenty of speculation in regards to who the Italian could look to sign when he commences his role in the coming weeks.

Chelsea (home)

March 16th

Fulham (home)

April 1st

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

GiveMeSport reported recently that RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko, Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi are all on Berta’s radar heading into the summer, while other reports claim the official has an interest in Bruno Guimaraes (Eduardo Burgos).

There are even suggestions that Arsenal have already initiated some talks over signing Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, while Berta has expressed his desire to strike a potential summer deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.

It could be a very intriguing summer at Arsenal following their brand-new appointment, and it will certainly be a crucial one after their serious failure to mount a successful Premier League title challenge this season.

Benjamin Sesko eyeing Arsenal move as Berta set for "record-breaking" summer

GiveMeSport have another update on this, and they write that Berta could be set for a “record-breaking” summer spend which could even reach £300 million.

Arsenal want to reinforce the squad by signing a new second-choice keeper, full-back, midfielder, left-winger and striker. They could even look to bring in an alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side as well, and Berta has already identified a host of targets.

One of them is RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko, who is on course to better his 2023/2024 campaign after scoring 17 goals in all competitions already this season.

Previous reports have claimed that Sesko is tempted to join Arteta this summer, and GMS reiterate that the 21-year-old, dubbed a “machine” last year, does have one eye on a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Indeed, they claim Sesko maintains an interest in joining Arsenal, and if Berta has his way, the Slovenia international could be one of many fresh faces making their way to the English capital at the end of this season.

Sky Sports also claim that the striker’s current release clause stands at £62 million, but this could shoot up to above £66 million, depending on whether certain conditions are met.

Everton are one of a host of clubs who are pushing to sign a “ridiculous” Premier League midfielder at the end of the season, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

Moyes eyeing various signings for Everton

The Blues continue to be linked with potential new signings ahead of the summer transfer window, with West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek emerging as a rumoured priority option for David Moyes.

The Scot managed the 30-year-old during their time together at the London Stadium, with right-back Vladimir Coufal also seen as a possible option to add to Everton’s squad.

Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez is an impressive young player who is also reportedly wanted by the Blues at the end of the campaign, especially if Jarrad Branthwaite moves on to pastures new. The Ecuadorian may have scored an own goal against Manchester City earlier in the year, but he is a footballer with lots of potential.

Meanwhile, Moyes is also believed to be eyeing young Championship players who he could help turn into superstars at Everton, although no specific player has been mentioned in this latest update. West Brom ace Tom Fellows is a former target, however, so he could be an option again.

Everton looking to sign "ridiculous" Spurs player

According to a new update from TheBoyHotspur, Everton are interested in signing Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma in the summer window.

The Blues aren’t the only club that the 28-year-old is “on the radar” of, however, with Aston Villa and Crystal Palace also getting a mention. European clubs are also tracking him and could tempt Spurs with offers as high as £24.7m, with Tottenham willing to sell Bissouma and replace him with Palace’s Adam Wharton.

The £55,000-a-week Bissouma could be a brilliant signing for Everton if they get a deal over the line this summer, with the Spurs man possessing quality and experience in the middle of the park.

Everton star is now ready and waiting to become Bramley-Moore's own Lukaku

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By
Kelan Sarson

Mar 4, 2025

At 28, he is still at a good stage in his career, so the Blues wouldn’t be signing a player who is past his best, and James Maddison has lauded his teammate, saying:

“We all know Yves’ [Bissouma] ability, he is a ridiculous player at times. He has got a skill not many have. The gaffer is a great man with good morals. He [Yves] has to keep working hard. The performance was there on Monday. It was a case of not putting our chances away. It’s important you try and put into practice what the manager wants. It’s about us trusting him.”

Yves Bissouma’s Premier League stats this season	Total
Appearances	20
Starts	12
Minutes played	1055
Goals	2
Assists	0
Tackles per game	1.9
Clearances per game	1.4
Pass completion rate	89.6%

Whether Bissouma sees Everton as a drop down in his career remains to be seen, but in fairness, there isn’t a huge amount separating them in the Premier League, and the Blues feel like they are on an upwards trajectory under Moyes.

Captain Hardik Pandya has taken “full ownership” for Gujarat Titans’ last-over loss against Delhi Capitals in Ahmedabad as the hosts fell short by just five runs while he remained unbeaten on 59 off 53.Chasing 131, Titans needed 33 off the last 12 balls and then 12 off six, thanks to Rahul Tewatia, who hit three sixes off Anrich Nortje in the penultimate over. But when Hardik got strike in the last over against Ishant Sharma, he managed only a double and a single before Tewatia fell on the fourth ball, and Ishant brought it down to seven needed off the last ball before giving Capitals their third win.”I tried my best but could not capitalise. It boils down to me,” Hardik said. “Obviously, we would have taken 129 [131-run target] on any given day. [We] just lost a couple of wickets and at the end, Rahul got us back in the game.”Hardik struck seven fours in his knock but not a single six, and no boundaries in his last 13 balls when the asking rate kept shooting up.Titans had lost three wickets inside the powerplay and soon lost David Miller too in the seventh over to be 32 for 4. Despite not being explosive, Titans were steady thanks to a 62-run partnership between Hardik and Abhinav Manohar. However, the pair consumed 63 balls in the process with Manohar falling for 26 off 33.Hardik said that Manohar’s inexperience showed and once again asserted that it was his own inability to close the game that cost them.”We were hoping to get a couple of big overs in the middle but at that point of time we could not get rhythm,” he said. “It was new for Abhinav as well. It boils down to how I was not able to finish the game. Full marks to their bowlers as well and full ownership on my side where I could not finish the game I should’ve.”Hardik also said that the pressure on them was due to the early loss of wickets and that made it difficult for them to keep going with intent.”It was more about the pressure of [losing] wickets,” he said. “I don’t think the [track] played much role. It was a tad slower than what we are used to here. But they bowled really well. We lost a couple of early wickets and then we had to take some time. We could not get the rhythm in the middle. Rahul brought us back into the game. Otherwise, they were quite ahead.”Intent had to be there. It’s just that we lost a couple of wickets where if you keep losing wickets, it’s difficult to keep the intent as well. We lost because I could not get my rhythm and we kept losing wickets at the start and that put us under pressure. We like to take it deep and hope to get a couple of big overs which we could not get.”Three of Mohammed Shami’s four wickets in the powerplay were caught behind•Associated Press

Titans had restricted Capitals to a mere 130 for 8, led largely by a four-wicket haul from Mohammed Shami. The fast bowler picked up all four of those inside the powerplay to return with second-best figures in the phase in the IPL. Hardik felt sorry for Shami, who was adjudged Player of the Match, and said the batters couldn’t back the bowlers on the night.”I feel sorry for [Shami],” Hardik said. “If you bowl like that, then you restrict the team to 129 [130], I think [our] batters disappointed. I don’t think the ball did a lot. It’s just that Mohammed Shami’s skillset he has and he made the ball talk. Otherwise, I think for fast bowlers, the wicket did not have much assistance. But the way he bowled four on the trot and got us in the game, full credit [to him].”As I said, batters and particularly myself did not finish and we disappointed him.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Após 20 rodadas, o Guarani permanece na zona de rebaixamento da Série B e o sinal de alerta está ligado no Brinco de Ouro da Princesa.

– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B

Nesta quinta-feira, o desafio é fora de casa e o Bugre precisa bater o Sport, na sempre temida Ilha do Retiro.

No momento, a equipe de Campinas aparece na 18ª posição, com 19 pontos, dois a menos que o Operário-PR, primeiro time fora do Z-4.

Para ficar acima da zona de rebaixamento, a solução é vencer fora de casa e respirar aliviado.

Além de fazer o seu resultado, o Guarani precisa torcer para que o Operário-PR não vença a Ponte Preta e o CSA perca do Ituano.

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Manchester United and INEOS are now plotting a move to sign a “versatile” £67 million star alongside a new striker, according to Sky Sports.

Man Utd add new striker to transfer radar

It has become quite clear to Ruben Amorim that signing a new striker during the summer transfer window should be a top priority given the lack of goals in the team throughout this campaign.

Man Utd eye Isak-like forward who's outscored Hojlund and Zirkzee in 24/25

Man United have set their sights on signing a new striker this summer and a fresh name is on their radar.

1 ByBrett Worthington Mar 20, 2025

Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have been tasked with leading the United line this season, but the pair have struggled to make a regular impact in terms of goals on a consistent basis. In fact, Hojlund’s struggles have meant he is now being linked with a move to Napoli.

The Italian side are said to be keen on landing the Denmark international, as Antonio Conte sees him as someone who can compete alongside current striker Romelu Lukaku.

So as Hojlund is linked with a move away from Old Trafford, United have now added Mainz striker Jonathan Burkardt to their transfer wishlist.

Burkardt is the latest striker to be added to their list after impressing club scouts in the 3-4-3 system that the German side like to play, which is identical to how Amorim sets up his United team.

Man Utd plotting move to sign £67m Bundesliga star

While the Red Devils continue their search for a new number nine, according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Man United are also weighing up a move to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig alongside a striker.

Plettenberg states that United have now moved away from holding an interest in signing Simons, as they are looking to sign a “versatile” attacking midfielder as well as a new striker. However, he states the issue for the Red Devils could be the cost, as Simons is considered very expensive.

The German side are looking to get around €80 million for the Netherlands international, which is roughly £67 million. Despite the hefty price tag, it is possible that Simons will leave Leipzig in the summer.

Apps

68

Goals

18

Assists

19

Despite Leipzig’s struggles in the Bundesliga and the Champions League, it has been another impressive campaign on a personal level for Simons. The midfielder has netted seven goals in 18 league games, as well as grabbing four assists along the way.

The Dutchman, who has 24 caps to his name, is under contract until June 2027, so Leipzig still have time left to decide on his future, but given the team’s struggles this campaign, Simons may be looking for a new challenge in the summer.

Manchester United officials have set their sights on signing a player from West Ham United this summer, with Red Devils officials under the impression that he’d suit Ruben Amorim down to the ground.

Players tipped to leave West Ham this summer

Aaron Cresswell, Vladimir Coufal, Danny Ings and Michail Antonio are all out of contract at the London Stadium this summer, meaning Graham Potter, co-chair David Sullivan and Hammers transfer chiefs could be forced to orchestrate a serious summer rebuild.

West Ham table £16.5m contract offer to sign "sensational" star for Potter

Graham Potter has identified his top target ahead of the summer, and the Hammers have now made a concrete approach.

ByDominic Lund Mar 4, 2025

Carlos Soler is also set to return to PSG after his east London loan, as things stand, with no official decision made on whether West Ham will trigger the £17 million option to buy in his temporary deal, while there are some reports that Jean-Clair Todibo could be sold right after his obligation to buy from Nice gets activated.

Lukasz Fabianski will leave on a free at the end of this season if West Ham don’t activate the one-year extension clause in his contract as well, which would put an end to the Pole’s seven-year stay at the club.

Newcastle United (home)

March 10th

Everton (away)

March 15th

Wolves (away)

April 1st

Bournemouth (home)

April 5th

Liverpool (away)

April 13th

Lucas Paqueta’s future remains uncertain, amid rumours that clubs in Brazil are interested in poaching the midfielder as he battles spot-fixing allegations off the field.

Mohammed Kudus has been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool ahead of the next transfer window, and there are suggestions that the Ghanaian’s contract includes an £85 million release clause which will become active this summer.

Kudus has apparently shown frustration behind-the-scenes at West Ham, and was unsettled during Julen Lopetegui’s brief tenure in charge. However, it is very debatable whether clubs will be prepared to pay £85 million for his services later this year.

Meanwhile, amid his excellent loan spell at Real Sociedad, defender Nayef Aguerd is believed to be attracting attention from elite clubs.

West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd attracting Man United interest

Real Madrid have already expressed interest in Aguerd, with the Morocco international standing out as Sociedad’s best performer by average match rating over 19 La Liga starts this campaign, according to WhoScored.

The 28-year-old is making a real success of his stint in La Liga, and Sociedad are believed to be attempting a permanent deal for the centre-back before next season.

However, as per a Spanish media source, Imanol Alguacil’s side will face stiff competition from Old Trafford.

Indeed, Man United are plotting a move to sign Aguerd from West Ham this summer, and the club are said to be convinced that the African would slot into Amorim’s system perfectly.

However, as per other reports, Aguerd won’t come cheap to suitors following his brilliant 2024/2025 campaign. West Ham will apparently demand around £42 million to sell Aguerd, which would give Potter’s side a £12 million net profit on the player after they paid £30 million to bring him in from Rennes on a five-year contract in 2022.

Washington’s all-round effort in vain for Sunrisers as they slide to fifth loss this season

S Sudarshanan24-Apr-20231:55

Moody: Tripathi and Brook had no rhythm

For a large part of the contest, Sunrisers Hyderabad seemed to have a hold on Delhi Capitals. Like when Washington Sundar picked up three wickets in an over. When Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave away almost nothing in his four overs. When Mayank Agarwal laid a solid platform for Sunrisers’ chase of 145.It came down to Sunrisers needing 13 off the last over, with Washington and Marco Jansen in the middle. But Mukesh Kumar exuded calmness as he nailed his yorkers and gave away only five runs, sealing a seven-run win for Capitals. It was the lowest total the Delhi franchise had successfully defended in the IPL.Warner fined for maintaining slow over-rate

Delhi Capitals captain David Warner was fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. As it was his team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Warner was fined INR 12 lakh.

Capitals’ spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel had combined figures of 8-0-43-3 to stifle Sunrisers in the chase. It was Capitals’ second successive win, but despite that they stayed at the bottom of the standings, thanks to their net run rate of -0.961.Washington, Klaasen take Sunrisers closeCapitals’ spinners had done well to leave Sunrisers needing 51 off the last four overs. But Heinrich Klaasen displayed his power-hitting skills, taking on fellow South African Anrich Nortje. From being on 9 from 8 at the start of the 17th over, Klaasen raced to 31 off 18, launching Nortje for a six over deep midwicket and then hitting two fours off Mukesh in the 18th over. At the other end, Washington first ramped Nortje through deep third before playing a tumbling scoop off Mukesh. He then heaved Nortje through deep midwicket to get the equation down to 13 off 6. But Washington couldn’t get the big hits away in the final over.Sunrisers get stuckAfter changing their opening combination once again, Sunrisers got off to a sedate start. Harry Brook struggled to get the measure of the surface and fell for seven off 14 balls trying to scoop Nortje. Agarwal started more positively, but Sunrisers managed only 36 for 1 in the powerplay.Rahul Tripathi, brought in as the Impact Player for T Natarajan, tried everything he could – dashing down the track, getting inside the line to play the scoop, using the depth of the crease – but he couldn’t put the ball away either. Agarwal, meanwhile, found the occasional boundary but the runs came at a premium. Their 38-run stand for the second wicket ended when Agarwal looked to hit out off Axar, against whom he doesn’t have a favourble match-up. Off the 54 balls Agarwal has faced from Axar in the IPL, he has managed to score only 43. On Monday, he fell for 49 off 39 balls and that opened the floodgates. Tripathi was caught behind off Ishant Sharma in the next over, Kuldeep deceived Abhishek Sharma in the following over before Axar had Aiden Markram chopping on in the 15th over.In the middle overs (7-16) Sunrisers could muster only 58 and lost four wickets. In the corresponding phase, Capitals had managed 64 for 3.Washington’s triple-strikeIn 13.4 overs in IPL 2023 before Monday, Washington had gone wicketless. His first over against Sunrisers went for 13 with David Warner hitting a four and a six. Washington then stepped up in his next over, the eighth of the innings, putting the skids on Capitals.Warner went for a slog-sweep and only found deep midwicket. A ball later, Washington had Sarfaraz Khan top-edging a sweep to deep backward square leg. And then, off the fifth ball of the over, Aman Khan fell top-edging an attempted slog across the line to covers. From 57 for 2, Capitals had slid to 62 for 5 in eight overs.Capitals’ batting wobbly againHaving benched Shaw, Phil Salt opened for Capitals but nibbled at an outswinging length ball from Bhuvneshwar on his first ball, the third of the match, to be caught behind for a blob. Warner hit his first six of the season but was not fluent. Sarfaraz Khan had one lofted extra cover drive for six to write home about. But barring Mitchell Marsh, Manish Pandey and Axar, Capitals’ batting left a lot to be desired again.Marsh got going with four fours off Jansen’s first over. He first flicked a length ball over midwicket before tickling one down to fine leg. Jansen went wide and was duly thrashed through cover-point before being caressed through extra covers. But Natarajan managed to see the back of Marsh in the final over of the powerplay, getting one to swing into him off a length. It struck Marsh on the back pad and the umpire ruled the lbw appeal in the batter’s favour but Sunrisers got their man via the DRS.With Pandey and Axar joining hands in the eighth over, Capitals were in danger of falling way short on a surface that had enough in it for the spinners. But the duo added 69 together off 59 balls to give them a semblance of platform for the final flourish. Both scored 34 apiece with Pandey taking 27 balls and Axar taking 34 for his.But Bhuvneshwar cleaned up Axar with a seaming ball that dipped on the batter to bowl him. Pandey was run-out in the following over as Sunrisers slid into the driver’s seat. Capitals lost four wickets in the last 19 balls to finish at 144 for 9, a total that didn’t seem enough at the halfway stage. But their bowlers ensured it was.

Despite still having a lot to play for this season, Aston Villa are slowly turning their attention to the summer and are now interested in signing a “special” Real Madrid player, with the pursuit being led by transfer guru Monchi.

Rashford double sends Villa to FA Cup semi-finals

Two second-half goals from Marcus Rashford helped secure Villa’s place in the last four of the FA Cup this weekend, as the Midlands side eased past Preston North End. It was Rashford’s first and second goals for Villa since joining on loan from Manchester United, and manager Unai Emery believes Rashford has now made “one step forward”.

As good as Rashford: Aston Villa star just gave Emery a big headache

Aston Villa ended up cruising through to the semi finals of the FA Cup with a big away win at Preston North End.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 30, 2025

The Villans do have the option of making Rashford’s deal at Villa Park a permanent switch, and after the game against Preston, the boss was asked about the situation, but Emery didn’t want to waste time talking about that.

“We can’t waste time speaking about that,” he told the BBC. “If next year we are in the Champions League, in the Europa, or the Conference League or not. Or we don’t win a trophy – it is completely different.”

Monchi wants Aston Villa to sign Real Madrid star Güler

As the Midlands side continue their focus on what remains of this season, according to a report from Spain, Monchi has confirmed Aston Villa’s interest in signing Arda Güler from Real Madrid this summer.

The report states that despite injuries affecting his game time this season, when he’s played for Real Madrid, he has impressed with his enormous attacking quality. Villa have now taken notice of his performances, and Monchi sees Guler as the ideal player to reinforce their attack as the Villans look for young players who can continue their growth in the Premier League.

However, any deal Villa wishes to do for Güler will be considered difficult to complete, as Real Madrid consider the Turkey international an important player for their future. The report does state however that Madrid will have to make a decision about what they want to do with Güler soon – the player himself will also have to decide what he thinks is best for him and his career amid such limiting playing time this season.

Apps

44

Goals

9

Assists

6

Guler, who has been dubbed “excellent” by Alex Barker, joined the Spanish giants in July 2023, and so far, he’s had to remain patient when it comes to game time. The midfielder, who earns €100,000 a week (£83,000), has played 19 times in La Liga this season but has only started 12.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a classificação do Palmeiras em cima do Atlético-MG nas quartas de final da Libertadores, Abel Ferreira passou a ser ainda mais alvo de críticas e comentários por parte de alguns técnicos brasileiros. Primeiro começou com Cuca, depois passou por Mano Menezes e agora mais frequentemente com Jorginho. No entanto, clube e treinador palmeirense não irão alimentar as polêmicas.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasOPINIÃO: Sucesso de Abel Ferreira no Palmeiras não incomoda apenas técnicos brasileirosPalmeiras17/08/2022PalmeirasCom gols de Sochor e Zaneratto, Palmeiras conquista segunda vitória no Paulista FemininoPalmeiras17/08/2022PalmeirasÚltimo Palmeiras x Flamengo com público no Allianz Parque marcou início de nova filosofia no VerdãoPalmeiras17/08/2022

GALERIA
> Confira os públicos do Palmeiras no Allianz Parque em 2022

TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2022 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

Segundo apurou o LANCE!, o Verdão não pretende fazer qualquer tipo de manifestação sobre o tema, a não ser que alguma fala contenha teor xenófobo, preconceituoso ou atinja a honra do comandante português. Por ora, a questão é tratada como algo que não afeta diretamente a pessoa e sim o trabalho ou conceitos esportivos. Coisas que não valem “perder tempo” em se debruçar.

A reportagem chegou a ouvir de um conselheiro palmeirense que o clube “tem coisas mais importantes a se preocupar do que com treinadores concorrentes”. Os assuntos mais importantes dizem respeito aos jogos decisivos contra Flamengo, Fluminense e Athletico-PR, que são válidos por Brasileiro e Libertadores, respectivamente.

Por parte de Abel Ferreira, a postura é bem parecida. O treinador do Palmeiras não vai responder sobre o tema nas coletivas e não vai alimentar a polêmica. A intenção é não entrar em conflito com os colegas de profissão aqui no Brasil, os quais ele sempre procura elogiar em suas declarações. Além de ser algo que não é de seu feitio.

Acima disso, porém, está o foco nas decisões. Assim como o clube pensa, Abel está focado em preparar seu time para ir em busca dos títulos que ainda restam para o Verdão na temporada, que são o do Brasileirão e da Libertadores. Tanto a comissão técnica portuguesa, quanto os dirigentes alviverdes consideram esses próximos jogos essenciais para se manter nessa disputa por duas taças.

Na visão interna, que também envolve o elenco, não é hora de se preocupar com o que vem de fora e sim com o que se trabalha dentro. A ideia é que ninguém se pronuncie sobre o tema, ou que alimente essa polêmica. Como o próprio Abel diz, a exigência é que cada um faça o seu máximo, que é o que é possível controlar, uma vez que os resultado e as reações de fora não são controláveis.

The pitch was slow and offered turn, and the absence of dew meant that MS Dhoni and his bowlers were in their element at Chepauk

Alagappan Muthu23-May-20232:13

Moody: CSK’s an example of a perfect high-performance environment

MS Dhoni has led Chennai Super Kings to their tenth IPL final. He’s had the whole country wrapped around his fingertips without even trying, and nights like these are the reason why. Even the umpires couldn’t win against him.He met Gujarat Titans on a pitch that he likes – the kind that used to greet international teams during his reign as India captain – and turned their comfort zone into anything but. A team that likes batting second lost for only the fourth time in 18 chases.It really did feel like destiny was at play here. CSK’s batters mis-hit a lot but they still managed 172. Their quicks then sprayed it around but those short balls down leg and wide full tosses actually got wickets. The spinners, however, were in their element with Ravindra Jadeja and Maheesh Theekshana picking up four wickets for 46 runs.Titans aren’t done, of course. They were the dominant team in the league stage, which earned them a second shot at a place in the final. They’ll have to make the most of that now against either Mumbai Indians or Lucknow Super Giants in Ahmedabad.Abraca-JadejaThere are times when it feels like Dhoni’s players become extensions of his will and there is one who knows that feeling more than most. To be fair, that implication has hurt Jadeja as much as it has helped him.The left-arm spinner was always going to be crucial in conditions where the new ball was stopping on the pitch and the old one was keeping low. By the time he got it in his hands, it began to take appreciable amounts of turn as well.His second wicket – that of David Miller – was magic. High pace. From around the wicket. Pitching on middle stump. But the angle made the batter think he had the room to whip it away. A split second later his stumps were in disarray.This was Jadeja’s eighth wicket of a left-hander, doubling his previous best in an IPL season.Deepak Chahar had Shubman Gill caught on the long-leg boundary for 42•Getty Images

Theekshana shows whyThere was always a question about him in the press conferences. Why is he in the side? Why didn’t they play Mitchell Santner? What is the point of a spinner who couldn’t take wickets in Chennai? Well this is it.Theekshana got rid of Hardik Pandya. At the time, it felt like the Titans captain was preparing to take the bowler on. It was his second big move, after coming out at No. 3 and hitting his first ball for four. The logic was if he could defang one of CSK’s go-to men in conditions that were perfect for him that’ll send a shockwave right through the team. It was a calculated risk. It didn’t come off. The battle lasted three balls.Towards the end of the game, with Dhoni working to push up the required rate, he turned to Theekshana again and he went straight through Rahul Tewatia. It was part of a period in which Titans lost four wickets for 26 runs in 24 balls.Recovering from 98 for 6 was not possible, even with heroics from Rashid Khan.Gill vs ConwayAt the end of CSK’s powerplay, Devon Conway was 14 off 11 with a control percentage of 64. Those stats combine to suggest he was trying a lot of things and very few of them were coming off. Coming down the track. Looking for those scoops. Anything. Everything. But nothing worked. He was stuck and for as long as he was so were the Super Kings. They hit no boundaries for 29 balls between the 10th and the 15th overs. Just a little after that, Conway’s control percentage dipped to 50. He was playing a false shot once every two balls.Meanwhile, Shubman Gill had unlocked batting. Even here, he played a shot that barely made sense. It was a flick, but he hit it in front of short midwicket, which meant he had to limit the amount of wrist he put into it. He had to limit the one thing that gives the shot its power and it still went screaming away to the boundary.Dhoni knew he could not let Gill bat till the end. So he called on Matheesha Pathirana a little earlier than he usually does. And the young slinga got a bit of stage fright. His first over in his first IPL playoff match contained 10 balls, including four wides.Gill survived so Dhoni went to plan B. If he couldn’t be prised out, maybe he could be tempted. Deepak Chahar came on. And with the first ball of the 14th over – short, slow and so damn juicy – he had Titans’ biggest hope caught on the long-leg boundary. Gill walked away with a control percentage in the 90s. Conway walked away with the win.MS Dhoni has a chat with Chris Gaffaney about Matheesha Pathirana’s availability to bowl•BCCI

Dhoni vs the umpiresWith the set batter gone, Dhoni reigned supreme. He had three overs of Pathirana left to combat Titans’ finishers. And he would use them all even if it meant inviting an over-rate penalty. That’s 16, 18 and 20. Only Pathirana had left the field for a while. So he couldn’t bowl the 16th until he had been on the pitch for the same time he had been off. So Dhoni went to the umpires and just had a little chat, seemingly letting the clock tick on down until he could unleash his death bowler.This is what Dhoni does. He defends totals. It’s part of his mystique. Hardik actually said it best: “That’s the beauty about him. With his mind and the kind of way he uses his bowlers, he will make sure you feel like he is adding 10 runs extra to the score.”That Super Kings got to 172 was down to Ruturaj Gaikwad and his 14th IPL half-century. He too had to struggle but whereas other batters let the pressure get to them, he keeps his composure. For example, in the fifth over, Rashid had tied him down by bowling into the wicket and at the stumps. Sensing that the batter would be looking for a release shot now, the legspinner dangled one outside off. Gaikwad went after it, as he was supposed to, but he hit it inside out over cover where there were no fielders. That is a high-quality shot in a high-pressure situation against a high-class bowler. It represented both Gaikwad’s skill and his clear-headedness at the crease. CSK were very lucky he was reprieved on 2 off 6 by a no-ball.