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During his time as manager of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Aston Villa and French giants Paris Saint Germain, Unai Emery has coached some of Europe’s biggest stars. These players have helped him become a manager synonymous with winning silverware, with his trophy cabinet including four Champions Leagues and one Ligue 1 title.

The Spaniard has the fortune of managing both Kylian Mbappe and Neymar during his spell in Paris. Both boasted an unbelievable record under Emery, with the Frenchman scoring 21 goals and registering 16 assists in 44 games and the Brazil legend playing 30 times for Emery, scoring 28 goals with 18 assists.

The likes of Edinson Cavani, who scored 89 times in 98 games for Emery’s PSG side, Angel Di Maria and Thiago Silva also played under the Spanish manager during his stint as PSG manager.

Some of Emery’s other notable players include Spain legend David Villa, who played for Emery 88 times as a Valencia player, scoring 59 goals and assisting once, and former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata, also for Valencia.

With the transfer window now open, Emery has been linked with another of his former players, who could join Villa and reunite with the Spaniard.

Aston Villa could sign Premier League midfielder

The player in question here is Tottenham Hotspur and Argentina midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso. The 28-year-old has struggled to become a regular at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and could depart the club this summer.

This is according to a report from Football Insider which believes the Villans are in talks with Ange Postecoglou’s side over a potential 'three-player swap deal' this summer.

According to the report, Jacob Ramsey is set to go the other way and make the switch to North London, as well as another, unnamed Villa player, in exchange for Lo Celso and a sum of money.

The Lilywhites are hoping to 'reduce the cash outlay' by offering the Argentine to the Midlands side, which means they have to pay less upfront for Ramsey. It's claimed the Villans value the 23-year-old at around £50m, with Spurs hoping to bring that down and are happy to let Lo Celso go in exchange.

Why Lo Celso would be a good signing

Since joining Spurs, Lo Celso has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot. He has gone out on loan twice, to Villarreal both times, where Emery managed him for the second time, having also coached him whilst PSG boss. Interstingly, the Spaniard is the coach Lo Celso has played under the most times.

The 2024/24 season was a very frustrating campaign for the Argentina international, who is currently representing his nation at the Copa America. He played just 24 times in all competitions, with 22 of those appearances coming in the Premier League. However, his 597 minutes in that time equated to just 6.6 full 90 minutes on average.

Should Lo Celso switch to Villa Park as the direct Ramsey replacement, we will get to see him reignite his partnership with Emery. The 28-year-old is clearly highly regarded by the Spaniard; before the pair linked up once again at Villarreal, Emery explained they brought him in because he is a very “versatile” footballer. Lo Celso returned the compliment, explaining his former boss is so good to work with because he knows “what he can give you”.

In terms of how the Argentine compares to Ramsey, they are both number 10s who like to get on the ball in pockets of space behind the striker and drive forward with the ball.

According to Fbref, Lo Celso averaged 4.46 progressive carries and 3.57 carries into the final third per 90 minutes last season. In comparison, Ramsey averaged 3.47 progressive carries and two carries into the final third, slightly fewer although still impressive output.

One area Lo Celso excels over the Englishman according to the stats is in his creative passing numbers. Last season, the 28-year-old averaged 3.21 key passes compared to Ramsey’s 1.05 per 90, with his expected assists 0.35xA, with Ramsey averaging just 0.15xA per game.

So, should they add Lo Celso to their squad, Villa would be bringing in an experienced player who knows what it takes to play under Emery. The Argentine has great quality on the ball and could be an excellent option to replace Ramsey as one of those number 10s in Emery’s famed 4-2-2-2 system because of his technical ability and eye for a pass. It could be a match made in heaven.

Jack Grealish repeat: Important Aston Villa star could leave for PL club

Another of Aston Villa’s finest academy graduates could depart.

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 4, 2024

Aakash Chopra analyses play from the run-fest in Mumbai, where Kings XI prevailed over the hosts

Aakash Chopra11-May-2017Kings XI’s batting gamble
In the first half of IPL 2017, Kings XI afforded so much importance to their batting that they opted fill all their overseas slots with batsmen. In their last two games, though, they decided to play with only five batting options, including wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha. Allrounder Axar Patel slotted in at No. 6, and then it was only the bowlers. With Glenn Maxwell doing better with ball of late, they could’ve easily fielded an extra batsman in Gurkeerat Singh, but they took a more risky route in two must-win games.Mumbai bait Kings XI
Kings XI were 126 for 1 in 10 overs. Rohit Sharma went to Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah in successive overs in search of a wicket. The four fielders inside the circle were stationed close enough to stop the easy singles; it was a proper attempt to build pressure and break Kings XI’s momentum. But Kings XI did not try even one risky shot till the last ball of Bumrah’s over. Just when it seemed that they’d avoided the trap, Maxwell fell to Bumrah’s last delivery, looking to slice the ball square on the off side. If he had not fallen, Rohit would have been hard-pressed with his bowling options. Maxwell’s departure allowed him to bowl Harbhajan Singh and Karn Sharma at that stage.Malinga loses his sting
Malinga has lost a little pace and accuracy. He is no longer the go-to bowler for the death overs; both Bumrah and McClenaghan are preferred over him for the tougher overs. So, what has gone wrong apart from getting a little slower? Malinga’s previous successes were based on his unorthodox action creating deception, and a radically different flight path for the ball backed by pinpoint accuracy with regards to yorkers and slower ones. Even when he wasn’t really accurate, the extra pace made it difficult for the batsmen to get under the ball.If you look at his stats from IPL 2015 – he missed the 2016 edition with injury – and this year, the difference is telling. The numbers suggest that whenever the yorker has found its target, he has been equally economical (5.20 runs per over) in both seasons. While the frequency of the full balls (attempted yorkers) has remained the same (33%) in both seasons, the lack of pace has taken the batsmen’s strike-rate off these deliveries through the roof this season – 175.80 this year to 138.05 in 2015. The same holds true for attempted bouncers; the lack of pace has allowed the batsmen to strike at 380 off these deliveries (181.82 in 2015).The West Indians’ old-school big hitting
T20 might be cricket’s newest format, but it seems West Indies batsmen have cracked its batting code by revisiting the age-old formula for big hitting. In years gone by, all big hitters would hold the bat handle right at the top, have a high back-lift, and an uninhibited swing of the bat. Lendl Simmons does this, so does Pollard. Hands at the top of the handle increases reach, and the long levers provide more power.Three times the fielding innovation
Innovative field placements are one of the striking features of T20 cricket. One such field includes three fielders inside the circle on the off side, behind square for spinners. This field is put out when a batsman is on the offensive but doesn’t have the game to play the switch-hit or reverse-sweep, which is the case with most Indian batsmen. Pollard is also from the same school of batting, and so Rahul Tewatia and Axar had such a field for both Hardik Pandya and Pollard.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested in the Dominican Republic on Monday, police said. Franco, who is on indefinite administrative leave from Major League Baseball as he awaits trial, was reportedly involved in an altercation Sunday that led to guns being drawn. Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, Franco and an unnamed woman are being held for questioning over the incident.

Franco has a December 12 trial in the country for a separate case in which he is accused of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking. As noted by ESPN, Franco's bail agreement allows him to travel within the Dominican Republic and he is free to carry a gun so long as he has a license to do so and the weapon is registered.

The 23-year-old shortstop was placed on MLB's restricted list in July and then on administrative leave in August after he was accused by prosecutors of having a sexual relationship with a then-14-year-old girl. Until that case is resolved Franco is considered under investigation by MLB over the league's domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.

Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million deal with the Rays in 2021. He has not taken the field for the franchise since 2023.

Their 98 and 74 respectively lead hosts to record-breaking total of 218 for 3 against Storm

ECB Reporters Network19-May-2023Brutal innings of 98 and 74 from Lauren Winfield-Hill and Hollie Armitage led the Northern Diamonds to a record-breaking total of 218 for 3 in a landslide Charlotte Edwards Cup victory by 32 runs over Western Storm at Headingley.Never before in two years of regional cricket had a team posted more than the 186 for 1 Thunder scored against Sunrisers at Emirates Old Trafford in 2021, and the Diamonds sailed beyond that mark inside only 17 overs under the floodlights.They took advantage of a short boundary towards the Western Terrace side of the ground and a fast outfield, though captain Armitage hoisted five of her six sixes to the longer leg-side boundary in a 36-ball assault. Winfield-Hill batted with more poise, hitting 21 boundaries in 56 balls.The Storm, minus England captain Heather Knight – she was absent despite being named in the match-day squad, were spirited in response as they totalled 186 for 8. But no one could support opener Danielle Gibson’s 52 off 30 balls as debutant seamer Grace Hall, Lizzie Scott, Katie Levick and Abi Glen all struck twice.After inviting the Diamonds to bat in excellent batting conditions, the writing was on the wall for the Storm pretty quickly as Winfield-Hill took Lauren Filer’s seam for four fours in as many balls in the second over, moving the score to 21 without loss.That was the first of 13 double-figure overs, including eight in a row from the start of the 10th over and two of them over 20.Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast was the pick of the visiting bowlers as her seam returned 1 for 32 from four overs, with Armitage caught at deep midwicket late on.But the Storm, despite only conceding six extras, were unable to gain any control, and their ground fielding became increasingly ragged as the pressure increased.Winfield-Hill dominated a 58-run opening stand with Leah Dobson (25) before sharing 139 inside 12 overs for the second wicket with Armitage.Both Winfield-Hill, the beneficiary of a missed stumping chance on 49 as wicketkeeper Nat Wraith fumbled the ball, and Armitage posted their career-best scores in all T20 cricket.There is an argument to suggest that Armitage’s innings was the better of the two given Winfield-Hill was able to ride the wave after a good start in the powerplay. Armitage had to do all her work with the field set back.Unfortunately for the former, she fell agonisingly short of a maiden T20 century when holing out to deep midwicket off Chloe Skelton’s off-spin.In the opening six overs of the chase, Storm kept themselves up with the rate with 66 on the board, though new ball seamer Scott had struck twice to get rid of Wraith – well caught at deep midwicket by a diving Dobson – and Prendergast caught behind.That was always going to be the problem for Storm, keeping wickets in hand, and they weren’t able to do it despite the Diamonds not being at their best with the ball.Former England batter Fran Wilson was trapped lbw for 16 reverse sweeping at leg-spinner Levick’s fifth ball. Captain Sophie Luff skewed Levick to backward point shortly afterwards before the game-breaker came when Hall had Gibson brilliantly caught on the run by Chloe Tryon at long-on. At 121 for 5 after 13 overs, it was all but game over.Gibson had been strong through cover and midwicket to give her side a glimmer of hope. But it was extinguished with almost 100 runs still required.Alex Griffiths and Filer shared a consolatory 43 for the sixth wicket in entertaining fashion, with the former hitting two sixes in 31. But both fell to Glen and Hall in the closing overs.

Celtic secured the first piece of silverware of the Scottish campaign with a win on penalties in the League Cup final at Hampden Park on Sunday.

The Hoops won 5-4 on penalties against their Glasgow rivals after an entertaining, for the neutral, 3-3 draw in regulation time, to win the competition for the first time since Brendan Rodgers returned to the club last summer.

They were twice pegged back by Rangers after going 2-1 and 3-2 up but kept their cool and ended up being perfect from the spot, scoring all five penalties.

The Gers won the competition, beating Aberdeen 1-0 in the final, last year after the Bhoys had been knocked out by Kilmarnock, and they were unable to defend their crown.

It was far from a perfect showing from the Scottish Premiership champions, given that they conceded three times and had to take the match to penalties.

However, there were a number of strong performers on the park for Celtic in the match, as a few of Rodgers’ star players stepped it up on the big stage.

Celtic's top performers against Rangers

Despite letting in three goals, veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was fantastic between the sticks for the Scottish giants with several important stops, and could do little about the goals that were conceded.

The Denmark international, of course, had the telling moment in the match with his brilliant low save from Ridvan Yilmaz’s penalty to provide Daizen Maeda with the opportunity to win the game in the shoot-out.

Summer signing Arne Engels came off the bench to contribute to the victory with an assist for the third goal for Celtic, cutting the ball back to Nicolas Kuhn for the forward to score, before coolly converting from the spot in the penalties.

Maeda and Kuhn, the scorers of the second and third goals, were also impressive on the flanks, with the former brilliantly winning the ball back before racing through to score, as well as finding the back of the net from the penalty spot to win the trophy.

Kuhn’s goal was also superb as the German forward raced down the wing to lay the ball off to Engels before positioning himself perfectly inside the box to finish brilliantly.

However, there were also some players who struggled to showcase the best of their abilities, and one of those was Greg Taylor – despite his goal.

Why Greg Taylor may have secured his departure

The Scotland international was at fault for the opening goal in the match as it was his dreadful pass in the middle of the pitch that went straight to Nedim Bajrami, who eventually scored after Hamza Igamane’s shot was parried out to him in the box.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

BBC Scotland reporter Martin Dowden described it as a “mindless” mistake from the former Kilmarnock man, as his decision to play the ball towards Cameron Carter-Vickers when Igamane and Bajrami were in position to intercept could not be explained.

The 27-year-old earned a player rating of 5/10 from the Daily Record, who wrote that his sloppy passing let the team down, and that the lightweight looked ‘off the pace’ down the left flank.

Taylor did, however, find the back of the net with an equaliser but it was a deflected, low, effort from the edge of the box that may not have caused Jack Butland many problems had it not come off Robin Propper’s boot.

Popular account ‘Everything Celtic’ on X posted that the full-back “just secured his departure” as he “hasn’t been good enough for Celtic for a long time”, adding that they hope the defender is moved on by the end of the January transfer window.

The experienced full-back’s current contract with Celtic is due to expire in the summer of 2025, and this means that he can speak to teams from abroad next month to secure a pre-contract deal elsewhere.

Why Celtic should cash in on Greg Taylor

With this in mind, Rodgers must ruthlessly cash in on the Scottish dud when the January transfer window opens for business, to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.

Taylor can leave on a free transfer at the end of the season and this means that next month’s window is the club’s last chance to rake in a fee, albeit a potentially small one with his deal running down, if there are any sides interested in a swoop for him ahead of the second half of the season.

He has been a fantastic servant for the Hoops over the years, with 194 appearances in all competitions to date, but his departure would open the door for another player to get an opportunity in the left-back spot.

Celtic already have a young talent in the squad in Barcelona loanee Alex Valle and the Spanish dynamo could step up to be the first-choice left-back in the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.

His performances in the Premiership in his limited minutes on the pitch this term have been impressive, and he could potentially be an upgrade on Taylor.

As you can see in the table above, the Scottish dud has been dribbled past twice as much on average per game in comparison to his Spanish teammate, which shows that forwards have far more joy in one-on-one battles against him.

They offer a similar threat at the top end of the pitch, with two assists in six games for Valle and four assists in 12 outings for Taylor, but the Barcelona loanee appears to have the edge over him from a defensive perspective.

This shows that Rodgers does have a player with the potential to slot straight into the left-back spot in the starting XI, which is why he could afford to brutally bin Taylor next month if a club comes in with an offer for him.

As bad as Taylor: Rodgers must instantly drop 6/10 Celtic star

Celtic secured the first piece of silverware of the season by defeating Rangers at Hampden.

1

By
Matt Dawson

Dec 15, 2024

Pep Guardiola is confident that Kevin De Bruyne, who is leaving Manchester City, will soon have a statue outside the Etihad Stadium.

Article continues below

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• Belgian spent 10 years at the Etihad
• Will depart when contract expires
• Standing secured among club icons

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After taking in 10 memorable years with the Blues, Belgian midfielder De Bruyne has revealed that he will be leaving as a free agent when his contract expires this summer. He will walk away as a modern day legend in the Premier League.

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• Manchester City
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  De Bruyne has won everything with City, including the Champions League, and is assured of a standing among the immortals on the blue half of Manchester. That should, at some stage in the near future, earn him a permanent monument outside the ground that he has graced with such distinction during an era of remarkable success.

• WHAT PEP GUARDIOLA SAID

  Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Mike Summerbee, Colin Bell and Francis Lee all have statues at the Etihad. Quizzed on whether De Bruyne will get that treatment, Guardiola told reporters: "Listen, I don't know, but I would bet a lot of money that it is going to happen, that's for sure."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  De Bruyne has been a talismanic presence for Guardiola throughout his trophy-laden reign as City manager, and the Catalan coach said of seeing another iconic figure move on: "A sad day. A happy day for the pleasure personally that I will leave with him. He gives all of us humility and his influence in our success over the last decade – that would have been impossible to imagine without him.

  "A sad day because one of us is leaving. When Vincent left, or Sergio left, or David Silva left, these players with their contribution. It’s a sad day. But we still have 10 games and hopefully 11 that we can enjoy with our fans. He will get, I’m sure, the love."

Stats highlights from the second day at Trent Bridge as England closed in on the Ashes

S Rajesh07-Aug-20155-35 Ben Stokes’ bowling figures, his second five-for in Tests. His best is currently 6 for 99 against Australia in Sydney in 2014.16.71 Michael Clarke’s average in this series; it is the second-lowest by a batsman-captain in an Ashes series since 1965 (minimum six innings). Only Ricky Ponting did worse in 2010-11, averaging 16.14 in eight innings. In all Ashes series, there are only five instances of captains having lower averages when batting in the top seven. In fact, Clarke’s batting average isn’t dissimilar to Mike Brearley’s in the two Ashes series he captained in: in 1978-79 he averaged 16.72 from 12 innings, while in 1981 he averaged 17.62 from eight innings. England, though, won both those series.18 Number of times, in his last 33 Test innings – starting with the 2013-14 Ashes – that Clarke has been dismissed for less than 20. He has gone past 40 only six times during this period. Before the 2013-14 Ashes series, Clarke had a career average of 52.08; it has now slid down to 49.30.331 England’s first-innings lead, which is their eighth-highest against Australia since 1940. Three of their higher leads came in a single series, in 2010-11 in Australia. (Click here to see England’s highest leads when they batted second, and here for their leads when they batted first.) It’s also their second-highest lead in a Test at Trent Bridge, after their 401-run lead against Pakistan in 1954.69.09 David Warner’s Test average in the second innings against England: in 12 innings he has eight 50-plus scores. In the first innings he averages 19.50, with only one 50-plus score in 12 innings.5 Number of opening pairs who’ve put together two century partnerships in the second innings of an Ashes series. Chris Rogers and David Warner became the fifth such pair, adding 113 here and 114* in the second innings at Lord’s. Before them, the only pairs to achieve this were Jack Hobbs-Herbert Sutcliffe (1926), Len Hutton-Cyril Washbrook (1946-47), Geoff Boycott-John Edrich (1970-71), and Michael Slater-Mark Taylor (1994-95). Out of nine second-innings century partnerships for the opening wicket for Australia in England, Rogers and Warner have contributed three.26 Runs scored by Steven Smith in his last four Test innings: 7, 8, 6, 5. At Lord’s he scored 273 runs in two innings.42.66 Stuart Broad’s batting average in Tests at Trent Bridge. In ten innings, he has been dismissed for less than 24 only once.106.33 Joe Root’s Test average at Trent Bridge. He has scored two hundreds in four innings – 154 not out against India last year, and 130 in this Test.6-111 Mitchell Starc’s bowling figures, his best in Test cricket, surpassing 6 for 154 against South Africa in Perth in 2012. This is his fourth five-for, but in three of those he has gone at more than four runs per over. These are also the fifth-best figures by an Australian bowler at Trent Bridge.

Hardly anyone got going for Rajasthan Royals after the openers Buttler and Jaiswal

Hemant Brar19-Apr-20232:30

Muzumdar: Samson’s run-out the game’s turning point

On a slow Sawai Mansingh Stadium pitch, Lucknow Super Giants spoiled Rajasthan Royals’ homecoming in a game of middling totals by defending 154, the lowest total successfully defended this IPL.Playing in Jaipur after almost four years, Royals restricted Super Giants to 154 for 7. In response, they were 89 for 1 after 12 overs, needing 66 from the remaining eight. But Marcus Stoinis and Avesh Khan used the slowness of the surface to their advantage by banging the ball in the middle of the pitch to make run-scoring difficult.

Rahul fined for Super Giants’ slow over-rate

Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul was fined INR 12 lakh for his team’s slow over-rate. It was Super Giants’ first offence of the season. They also faced the on-field penalty and had to bowl the 20th over with just four fielders outside the 30-yard circle.

As the asking rate mounted, so did the pressure on the Royals batters. With 48 required from four overs, Ravi Bishnoi conceded just six in the 17th. In the next over, Devdutt Padikkal picked up three fours off Stoinis to keep Royals in the contest but Naveen-ul-Haq bowled an excellent 19th over, giving away just ten and leaving 18 to defend for Avesh.Riyan Parag started the final over with a four, followed by a leg-bye, before Avesh dismissed Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel on successive deliveries to seal the result.

LSG’s scratchy start

The recent record in Jaipur was in favour of the chasing sides, and Sanju Samson duly opted to bowl. Even though Trent Boult couldn’t pick up a wicket in the first over this time, he started with a maiden to KL Rahul. With just 14 runs on the board after three overs, Rahul walked at Sandeep Sharma and punched him uppishly towards extra cover, where Yashasvi Jaiswal put down a straightforward chance. Later in the over, Rahul got another life when he pushed one to the right of Jaiswal and took off. Jaiswal intercepted with a dive but missed a direct hit, and Rahul would have been out by a yard.In the next over, Rahul had a third life: he miscued Boult, but Jason Holder, having settled under it after running back from mid-off, failed to hold on. With Kyle Mayers also struggling to score freely, Super Giants finished the powerplay on 37 for 0 – the lowest wicketless powerplay total this season by a distance.

A flicker from Rahul and Mayers, but nothing more

It was only after the powerplay that Rahul and Mayers really tried to increase the tempo. They were successful too for a while. Mayers launched Holder for a six in the eighth over and Rahul finished it with a four. In the next over, Yuzvendra Chahal was in the firing line. Mayers started by hitting a six and four off successive balls before Rahul slog-swept the legspinner for another six.3:27

Were Rajasthan Royals left surprised by the slowness of their ‘home’ ground?

With Super Giants 74 for no loss after nine overs, the platform was set. However, the next nine overs brought them just 55 runs with the loss of four wickets. Rahul was the first to depart, chipping Holder to long-on for 39 off 32. The experiment to send Ayush Badoni at No. 3 didn’t work either; the batter deflected a scoop off Boult onto his leg stump in the next over.In the 13th over, Mayers struck back-to-back fours off Chahal, and brought up his half-century off 40 balls. But R Ashwin’s double-strike from the other end to remove Deepak Hooda and Mayers kept the lid on the scoring rate. And despite Nicholas Pooran hitting Holder for two fours and a six in a 17-run 19th over, Super Giants just crossed 150.

Jaiswal keeps Royals afloat

Royals started their chase slowly and were 23 for 0 after four overs despite Yudhvir Singh leaking 16 in the second. By the end of the powerplay, though, they had more than doubled their score. A misfield by Mayers gifted Jaiswal a boundary on the first ball of the fifth over, bowled by Yudhvir. Three balls later, Butter – on 5 off 14 until then – smashed a 112-metre six.In the last over of the powerplay, Jaiswal and Buttler hit Avesh for three fours, the second of those a slash from Jaiswal that burst through Naveen’s hands at short third.Still, Buttler was going slower than a run a ball, and it was Jaiswal who kept Royals afloat. The two added 87 in 11.3 overs; Buttler’s contribution in that was only 35 off 35.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Stoinis and Avesh turn it around

Royals were moving towards their target with little fuss when Stoinis ended the opening stand with Jaiswal’s wicket, who steered one low to Avesh at short third. The next two overs brought two more wickets; Samson was run-out and Buttler holed out to deep midwicket off Stoinis for 40 off 41.With 56 needed from six overs, and Padikkal and Shimron Hetmyer in the middle, Royals were still the favourites. Naveen leaked just five in the 15th, resulting in the required rate going past ten for the first time in the chase. Hetmyer tried to take on Avesh but was caught at long-on, only for 2. That turned the game in Super Giants’ favour, and from there on, they didn’t give Royals any chance.

Back to the drawing board. In 2022/23, Newcastle United were in their heyday under Eddie Howe, but for a host of reasons, haven’t been able to kick on and find themselves needing more after yet another Premier League setback.

Crystal Palace were the better team at Selhurst Park, limiting Newcastle to one off-target shot and unleashing 16 of their own. xG (expected goals) is hardly the defining factor in assessing a contest’s flow, but the hosts produced 1.76 xG, whereas United mustered a measly 0.04 xG via Sofascore through Joelinton’s blocked shot.

If a single match was a personification of Newcastle’s struggles, this one would be a fitting emblem. Goals are in short supply and creativity is more so. It was ironic that Marc Guehi, fiercely pursued by the Toon this summer, would turn into his own net to give Newcastle the lead, their sole attacking move of significance across the affair.

But irony’s a fickle thing, and Guehi put in a commanding defensive display and responded with an assist for Daniel Munoz’s last-gasp equaliser, meaning the Magpies are tenth and could be lower still before the day is up.

Howe needs to tinker away to recentre his outfit’s fluency, and though changes are needed up front, Tino Livramento failed to bring it all together on the defensive right flank.

Tino Livramento's performance vs Palace

He wasn’t the worst player on the field, but Livramento didn’t enjoy his finest performance. The Shields Gazette acknowledged the right-back’s willingness to get forward but rebuked his lack of quality on the ball and fragility in several defensive moments.

He was handed a 5/10 match score, which is probably about right.

Newcastle signed Southampton’s talented prospect in a deal worth £40m, and while there have been ups and downs, Livramento is patently one of the prized young full-backs in English football and, recently 22, has a wide expanse of growth still to be crossed.

This was evident in south London, with Livramento being dribbled past twice and losing six of his 11 contested duels, as per Sofascore.

Pared down, neither of these metrics is particularly damning, but it’s telling that he failed to make a single key pass, hardly helping Newcastle in their desperate quest to restore some control in creative phases.

The Toon’s lack of playmaking success this season, compared to last, is rather damning, however, and very much indicative of Newcastle’s struggles.

Oh sure, Anthony Gordon needs to do more, playmaking is negligible in the centre of the field and the Magpies’ failure to sign a right winger is biting at them, but when Kieran Trippier is sat waiting in the wings, it’s perhaps time for Howe to unleash his veteran once again. It might bear dividends.

Howe must boldly unleash Kieran Trippier

Curiously, Newcastle ranked joint-second for big chances created (97) in the Premier League last term, level with champions Manchester City. The fact that Newcastle more-or-less have the same parts is more curious still but perhaps comments on the rust that is spreading across a squad crying out for some fresh inspiration.

Newcastle are bound to target impactful attacking additions in 2025, with recent reports even suggesting that Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is on the winter radar.

However, the intervening December period cannot be allowed to sprout rotten results; while Newcastle have been out of sorts, they are only four points behind third-placed Brighton & Hove Albion and could easily spring back into the ascendency with a winter purple patch.

Easier said than done. Fluidity simply isn’t there, and that’s why Trippier must start going forward. The 34-year-old was nearly sold in the summer but has remained at St. James’ Park. He has played just six minutes of Premier League football in two months, but having recovered from a hamstring injury will be desperate to make his mark.

You have to say, his ball-playing skills could have been utilised against a resilient Eagles backline. As per FBref, the £120k-per-week veteran ranked among the top 1% of full-backs in the Premier League last season for assists, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 4% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90.

Given that not only has the Magpies’ creative wellspring dried up, but their possession has dropped from a 52.5% average to a 49.5% average, as per FBref, you could surmise that Trippier’s reintroduction could have an effect on United and their purchase in passing transitions.

Moreover, Trippier, who has been one of the harbingers of the new era upon joining from Atletico Madrid for a £12m fee in early January 2022, is not as defensively disastrous as he is depicted, for he succeeded with 56% of his ground duels last term and averaged two tackles per game, as per Sofascore.

Recent reports suggest that Newcastle are willing to accept offers for their skipper in January, with his high wages and reduced role not quite justifying his place in the first-team squad any longer.

Why don’t we shelve that for the upcoming month, or perhaps even until the end of the campaign? Trippier is one of the finest playmakers in the Premier League – and don’t Newcastle need some inspiration in that regard?

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By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 29, 2024

With the World Cup just more than 400 days away, GOAL looks at how the U.S. squad might look next summer

The World Cup is inching closer and closer but, after a disappointing performance in the last week's CONCACAF Nations League, the U.S. men's national team has never felt further away. Some of the team's very real issues were exposed during this most recent window, and there are just about 14 months remaining for Mauricio Pochettino and his staff to find the solutions.

That's all on top of the challenges that were expected to come over the next year or so. Just a few months into his role, Pocehttino is still learning about his group, and Nations League losses to Panama and Canada will be the harshest lessons yet.

There are still key players he hasn't seen in his brief tenure, including several that could end up starting for the USMNT in the sumer of 2026. Those include Sergino Dest and Folarin Balogun, both of whom have had long-term injury absences.

Of course, some of this roster picks itself. Christian Pulisic isn't going anywhere. Neither is Antonee Robinson, who was a crucial injury absence during the most recent games. Tyler Adams and and Tim Weah are anchors, if healthy. Outside of a select few, though, it's wide open everywhere else heading into the home stretch of this World Cup cycle.

So who's in and who's out? What are the tough calls Pochettino will have to make? Which youngsters have a realistic shot of making the 23-man squad for 2026? GOAL takes a way-too-early look.

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  GOALKEEPERS

  GOAL's picks: Patrick Schulte, Zack Steffen, Matt Turner

  Pochettino's top three in this spot seem somewhat clear, although the order could very well be changing. Turner has been the guy since 2021, but a lackluster Nations League run has put that into question. It'll all depends on what he gets up to this summer, as a move from Crystal Palace looks even more vital than it did even a week ago.

  Behind him are a pair of MLS goalkeepers that will just need to stay in-form to remain in the mix. There are other contenders in the league, for sure, but Steffen and Schulte have stood out and have continued to remain part of Pochettino's project. As things stand, it looks like Steffen is the one just ahead of Schulte at the moment but, again, so much can change here when it comes to form.

  One to keep an eye on, though, is Diego Kochen. Teams use their third goalkeeper spot on a rising star fairly often, using it to prep a future No. 1. If the U.S. goes that route, Kochen or Gaga Slonina are candidates.

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  DEFENDERS

  GOAL's picks: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Sergino Dest, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Joe Scally, Antonee Robinson

  We'll start with the fullback position because that's relatively straightforward. If healthy – and that's a big if after both missed for Nations League – Dest and Robinson are the starting fullbacks. The U.S. misses so much in the final third without them providing options from out wide. Behind them, you have the versatility of Scally, who could also play as a third centerback, as well as several midfielders that can slot in at the fullback spots.

  That allows you to carry more centerbacks and, right now, that picture is far less clear. The team still hasn't really been able to move away from Ream, which is a credit to him and how smart he is, but is also a warning sign that those behind him need to grow a bit more. Of the rest, Richards is a relative lock, with the other spots up for grabs. For Nations League, they originally went to Carter-Vickers, McKenzie and Trusty, but carrying five centerbacks feels a bit heavy.

  Of the younger options, keep an eye on Noahkai Banks, John Tolkin and Caleb Wiley, too, depending on how well they develop with their clubs.

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  MIDFIELDERS

  GOAL's picks: Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso, Diego Luna, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Gio Reyna, Tanner Tessmann, Malik Tillman

  The eye-catching name is Reyna because, right now, he's the biggest wild card in the USMNT pool. The chances of him playing a key role next summer are just about equal to the chances of him being left out of the squad altogether

  It will all depend on a transfer and, more specifically, how well he plays once he gets one.

  There are other options in Tillman and Luna who can provide attacking flair, so no worries there. McKennie, too, could play as a No. 10. Musah, meanwhile, can be a swiss army knife either out wide or central.

  As for deeper-lying options, the U.S. still need to see a big game out of Cardoso, but there's still time for that – he also missed this camp with injury. Adams is a lock and we'll go with Tessmann for that final spot.

  For those in the mix, Brenden Aaronson is the big exclusion. It's clear that Pochettino wants to see more from him and, at the moment, attacking midfield spots are looking a bit full. Still, the U.S. missed his energy in Nations League, which certainly helps his case for inclusion.

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  FORWARDS

  GOAL's picks: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Haji Wright

  Some really tough calls for Pochettino to make in these spots and, to put it lightly, some major headaches.

  The first issue is the lack of wingers and, more specifically, the lack of pace. Pulisic and Weah are locks but, behind them, there aren't that many out-and-out wingers that have made an impression on Pochettino.

  Zendejas could if he keeps crushing it in Liga MX, while Wright's recent return to injury would give the team depth both at striker and out wide, should the U.S. go that route. There are wingers in the midfield section but, again, they don't have the "stretch the field" pace the U.S. may need in that spot.

  The big exclusion from the forward pool is Sargent. As we all know, forwards are defined by goals and, if he can keep scoring them for his club, that will help his cause.

  Yet it's hard to ignore his USMNT drought – stretching back to 2019 – and, more specifically, the fact that Pochettino turned elsewhere in the Canada game after Sargent missed two scoring opportunities against Panama. Add in the versatility Wright provides, and that decision would be a difficult – but it is one that, at least today, makes sense.

  As for young option on the rise, keep an eye on Paredes. He could be a game-changer out wide once he gets back into the swing of things at Wolfsburg.