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Australia go 4-0 ahead on the Women’s Ashes points tally after two ODIs in the multi-format series

Alex Malcolm13-Jan-2025

Alana King dismissed Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone off consecutive deliveries•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

In front of a packed Shane Warne stand at the Junction Oval, Alana King produced an Ashes spell for the ages in the mould of her hero to inspire Australia to an extraordinary victory over England, defending 180 in a crazy finish that had to be seen to be believed and handed the hosts a four-point lead after two matches in the multi-format series.Defending a meagre 181, the lowest ever defended in an Ashes ODI, King took 4 for 25 with some magical legspin bowling. She was well supported by Kim Garth who took 3 for 37 while Ash Gardner bowled a frugal spell of 10 overs taking 1 for 23.King was awestruck by the ovation she got from the Shane Warne stand following her extraordinary spell.”I played a lot of cricket here growing up and even started off my professional career at Victoria, so this place will always be pretty special to me,” King said. “Having the Shane Warne stand now, yeah, it was pretty surreal to be quite honest, but more happy to get the win.”As good as Australia’s bowlers were, England’s batters were enormous contributors to their own downfall with a mix of woeful decision-making and execution ensuring Australia could afford to drop four catches, have Annabel Sutherland withdrawn from the attack for two no-balls above waist high in the 48th over, and still win by 21 runs.England’s meltdown was complete after Amy Jones forgot to run off the second free hit in the over, that had to be bowled by Tahlia McGrath, which left No. 11 Lauren Bell exposed at the start of the 49th. She was bowled first ball to leave Jones stranded on 47.England’s stunning collapse outshone Australia’s earlier in the day after the home side lost 8 for 49 to be bowled out for 180 with Alice Capsey taking a career-best 3 for 22 and Sophie Ecclestone claiming 4 for 35.Ellyse Perry made a match-winning 60 but she was one of Capsey’s three victims as Australia slumped from 131 for 2 to be bowled out in 44.3 overs. It was the first time Australia had been bowled out at the Junction Oval in nine completed ODIs there. The 12 wickets taken by spinners across the match is the joint-most in Australia in ODIs. The rarity of Australia’s stunning collapse was highlighted by the fact that their No. 11 Darcie Brown scored her first ODI run, having previously batted just once in 22 matches.While Australia’s collapse was epic and statistically far more impressive, it ended up being second-best to England who are now in a perilous situation in the series. The collapse came in two parts having reached 68 for 2 after Garth removed both openers.Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt looked in control with a calming 41-run stand. But just like Sydney, both butchered promising starts to leave England stuttering. Knight closed the face trying to work Gardner square and popped up a simple return catches off the leading edge.King then weaved her magic, bowling Danni Wyatt-Hodge with a ball that drifted into middle and leg and ripped into the top of off, leaving the batter with a Mike Gatting-esque look on her face.Sciver-Brunt then following Maia Bouchier and Knight’s lead, closing the bat face against the turn to pop an easy leading edge to cover.England steadied briefly, with Jones and Capsey sharing a 36-run stand. But it came off an asphyxiating 75 balls. Capsey was given out lbw but reprieved via an inside edge. Jones was then dropped at backward point, before finally the pressure told as Garth beat Capsey’s inside edge to finally get her out lbw.King’s last over was mayhem. Charlie Dean tried a lap scoop and succeeded only in popping an easy catch to Mooney who moved behind Alyssa Healy from slip. Ecclestone nicked a big spinning legbreak next ball to leave King on a hat-trick and England eight-down.It should have been nine three balls later. Lauren Filer was dropped at a catching mid-on by Garth to deny King five.Jones then farmed the strike and England still had a chance. Filer was dropped a second time with Healy unable to hold a spectacular one-handed effort off Garth.But as with any great collapse, it was not complete without a calamitous run out. Filer obliged after Jones tried to lap-scoop Megan Schutt. Brown made an exceptional diving save at short third. Filer ran all the way down while Jones never moved. Healy relayed a throw from Brown to Schutt before Filer could get close to safety.England were left nine down needing 34 from 42 balls. Bell then managed to survive 15 balls for one run but equation became 28 from 18 before Sutherland’s 48th seemed to give England hope. But in the chaos of Sutherland’s over, Jones forgot how many balls were left and King forgot she had dropped a free-hit in the deep. Jones’ amnesia was more costly.Earlier, Australia’s collapse could have easily cost them the match. They were cruising after being sent in at 131 for 2 with Perry looking imperious having passed 50 for the 38th time in her ODI career, barely offering a false shot in the process.Ecclestone, the No.1 bowler in the world, had made an indifferent start with the ball after oddly being held out of the attack until the 18th over, having not been brought on until the 15th over in the first ODI in Sydney.She struck second ball, trapping Phoebe Litchfield lbw for 29 as the left-hander yorked herself trying to reverse-sweep.Ecclestone then overattacked to Perry and Mooney for three overs before trapping the left-hander lbw. England needed a review to get the initial not out decision overturned.Capsey then scythed through the middle-order with her part-time offspin after replacing Charlie Dean at the pavilion end. She dropped a relatively straightforward caught and bowled chance offered by Sutherland. But it did not cost much as Sutherland failed to keep another drive down, picking out Knight at cover.Ellyse Perry brought up her half-century with back-to-back boundaries•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Perry then got bogged down. She had raced to 51 from 52 balls, striking five fours and two sixes. She never went longer than 14 balls without finding the rope and struck a six and two fours in the space of five balls to bring up the milestone.But having motored to 51, she scored just nine runs from her next 22 balls with Ecclestone and Capsey putting the squeeze on having taken two wickets at the other end.In the 29th over, Capsey delivered four consecutive dots to Perry, never leaving the stumps and nearly trapping her lbw with the fourth ball. She sneaked through with the fifth as Perry jammed her bat against her pad but missed the ball. She was initially given not out but England were successful with another review. Capsey added to her haul when Gardner left a huge gap between bat and pad trying an ambitious drive on the up and lost her off stump.Knight seized the moment and brought Filer back on to the remove the out-of-form Tahlia McGrath with sheer pace. Filer had previously looked like Bambi on ice in her opening two spells, slipping and tumbling to the deck in her delivery stride nearly half a dozen times as she conceded 34 in five overs.Ecclestone returned to clean up the tail alongside Bell who also finished with 2 for 25 including the early wicket of Healy.

Marcus Rashford has admitted to enduring a "difficult" pre-season at Barcelona after his loan move from Manchester United. The 26-year-old forward, who joined the La Liga champions after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, has described Barca head coach Hansi Flick's training routine as "very intense".

Rashford finds Barcelona training exhaustingFlick’s pre-season regime challenges himLaporta fears registration delay for debutFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Rashford is finding out just how relentless the pace can be at a club obsessed with intensity and precision. Speaking candidly about his early weeks with Barca, the forward admitted he has struggled to adapt to Flick’s “very intense” methods, particularly during a sweltering tour of Asia.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT RASHFORD SAID

Speaking on , Rashford said: "Here, it is very intense. It is difficult to explain, but the pre-season has been difficult; I was tired after every workout, and the weather also played a role. Running is not difficult; it is more about practising with the ball and maintaining a consistent level. In this sense, the intensity is more complex."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite the exhausting workload, Rashford insists the experience has been invigorating. The chance to share the pitch with some of Europe’s most gifted young stars, including Spanish sensation Pedri, has been a source of real joy.

"Honestly, it is very refreshing to be able to play with these players and play football at their own tempo [rhythm] like Pedri, who I think is only 22 or 23 years old," he said. "I hope to have a good individual season, but if I have to choose between that and winning titles, choose to win titles."

DID YOU KNOW?

However, Rashford’s immediate future on the pitch is far from certain. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has sounded the alarm over the possibility that the loanee may not be registered in time for the club’s La Liga opener against Mallorca on August 16. 

Laporta said: "We're working to make it happen. With Marc-Andre ter Stegen's decision, we have the option of registering Joan Garcia, and we're working on the rest. This week, we'll have news, hopefully good news, to see if we can register them before La Liga starts. And if we can't, we have time."

Liverpool did a great job of fending off competition from rivals to win the Premier League title last term and could now look to repeat the trick on the transfer market.

Liverpool chase more arrivals after Florian Wirtz confirmation

Arne Slot has brought success since arriving at Anfield and looks to have made ann early play in the transfer market as his side aim to stay at the top of the English pyramid.

Jeremie Frimpong has already arrived and Florian Wirtz is set to soon officially become a Liverpool player once the formalities from his move are ticked off, so who could be next on the summer conveyor belt?

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez could be next in line at Anfield, claiming his trademark ‘Here We Go’ statement is imminent regarding the Hungary international.

He stated: “I maintain my position, Milos Kerkez will be a Liverpool player. In this case, there are some small details to clarify with Bournemouth, but I maintain my position. I see Milos Kerkez going to Liverpool this summer.

“Then they still have to close these details. This is why, in this case, there is still no here we go, but it’s coming. I have told you several times, here we go soon. Here we go, it’s coming.”

Huijsen 2.0: Liverpool holding final talks to sign "revelation" after Wirtz

Liverpool’s hectic start to the summer transfer window only looks set to continue – and we aren’t even halfway through June

1 ByRobbie Walls Jun 12, 2025

Not resting on their laurels, Liverpool appear to have several priority positions ready to strengthen and money is expected to be spent in the pursuit of further silverware.

Achieving a steady stream of success both domestically and in Europe will be difficult, but the Reds now have a top defender lined up to further their chances of staying at the summit.

Liverpool ready to beat competition to sign Goncalo Inacio

According to A Bola, Liverpool are ready to move for Sporting Clube de Portugal defender Goncalo Inacio, even if Manchester United ad Newcastle United will provide stiff competition for his signature.

Labelled “complete” by scout Jacek Kulig, it is mooted that he will cost in excess of £51 million. However, the reigning Portuguese champions may be willing to sell the Portugal international for less despite his recent part in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph.

Five similar players to Goncalo Inacio (FBRef)

Olivier Boscagli

PSV Eindhoven

Leo Ortiz

Flamengo

Ryan Flamingo

PSV Eindhoven

Nehuen Perez

Porto

David Hancko

Feyenoord

Enjoying a superb campaign, Inacio registered an impressive six goals and three assists in 42 appearances across all competitions last term featuring for the most part in central defence.

Ibrahima Konate has yet to sign a new deal at Liverpool and could be available to sign a pre-contract elsewhere in January, paving the way for the Reds to court potential replacements.

Liverpool have shown already this window that they have an elite talent radar, and Inacio arriving at the club would certainly fit the bill as another striking addition.

After 133 years of being Everton’s distinguished home, the Toffees waved goodbye to their historic Goodison Park stadium on Sunday when Southampton travelled to the blue half of Merseyside.

It was an emotionally charged afternoon with Goodison packed to the rafters for one last time in the Premier League and – thankfully – most of the Everton players on the pitch didn’t contribute a drab ending as they comfortably got the better of an already relegated Saints side 2-0.

Iliman Ndiaye, in particular, stood out with the ex-Sheffield United attacker now donning the label of being Goodison’s last ever goalscorer.

Everton's final Goodison Park heroes

The obvious place to start is with Ndiaye who ensured the atmosphere remained electric throughout by breaking the deadlock early on.

The skilful number ten had failed to find the back of the net in Premier League action this month, leading up to the finale at Goodison, but he more than made up for any blanks being fired when curling home a fantastic solo effort after just five minutes.

He would then make sure of the three points when collecting his brace late into the second half, but there were plenty of other positive performers away from just the standout number 10.

Dwight McNeil would chip in with an assist down Ndiaye’s opposing right flank, whilst both Idrissa Gueye and Vitaly Mykolenko would see out their Goodison careers with plenty of fight on show by winning a combined 19 duels. Impressive work indeed.

Whilst all those mentioned could go on to star at Everton’s soon-to-be new home at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, others might well have played their final home games donning Toffees blue, with an underperformer now likely to be let go of.

Everton star just played his last home game

Ashley Young is a firm definite for this category, with the former Manchester United man already confirmed to be leaving at the expiry of his contract before being given 70 minutes in place of an injury-stricken Seamus Coleman.

Whilst it hasn’t been outright confirmed just yet, it does look nailed on that Abdoulaye Doucoure will soon follow Young out the door this summer, considering the 32-year-old midfielder was seemingly waving an emotional goodbye to the crowd when substituted off against the Saints.

With 165 appearances under his belt on Merseyside, it’s fair to say Doucoure has been a loyal servant to Everton through some testing times.

But, even with an impressive total of 21 goals and 14 assists being tallied up along the way, the veteran’s swansong showing at Goodison left a lot to be desired and showed why contract talks have allegedly stalled.

Doucoure’s performance in numbers
Stat	Doucoure
Minutes played	65
Goals scored	0
Assists	0
Touches	43
Accurate passes	29/31 (94%)
Shots	2
Big chances missed	1
Successful dribbles	0/1
Total duels won	3/10
Stats by Sofascore

Doucoure struggled in an attacking midfield capacity throughout, with the number 16 squandering one big chance to make Everton’s lead on the moving day even stronger, alongside failing to complete a single successful dribble.

But, it was also a poor day at the office for Doucoure when attempting to battle away from performing just his attacking duties, with the former Watford man winning only 30% of his duels.

It would be a sorrowful ending for the Senegalese midfielder at Everton, but much like the case is with Young, the removal of some experienced heads for some fresher talent could do David Moyes’ men a lot of good ahead of their major relocation.

While we say adios to Goodison, we must also say farewell to Young and Doucoure.

Most exciting deal since Richarlison: Everton could sign “world-class” star

David Moyes will look to bring in one or two exciting names to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 18, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

da casino： Corinthians e Vasco se enfrentam neste sábado (29), às 18h30 (de Brasília), pela 17ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Para o Timão, além da chance de se distanciar da zona do rebaixamento e ampliar para sete o número de jogos sem derrotas, também é a oportunidade de manter um retrospecto positivo, que já dura mais de uma década, sem perder para a equipe carioca.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasVascoCom reforços, Vasco divulga lista de relacionados para a partida contra o CorinthiansVasco28/07/2023BrasileirãoCorinthians x Vasco: onde assistir ao vivo, horário e escalações do jogo pelo Campeonato BrasileiroBrasileirão29/07/2023CorinthiansSituação por empréstimo esfria, e Corinthians negocia venda em definitivo de Barletta ao CearáCorinthians28/07/2023

da pinnacle： O último triunfo cruz-maltino sobre a equipe alvinegra aconteceu no dia 13 de outubro de 2010. Portanto, já fazem 12 anos e nove meses que o Time da Colina não bate o Alvinegro do Parque São Jorge.

+ Olho no Brasileirão! Assine o Prime Video e acompanhe todos os jogos do seu time do coração!

É bem verdade que neste período os clubes não se enfrentaram em quatro temporadas: 2014, 2016, 2020 e 2021, já que em todas elas os vascaínos estavam disputando a Série B do Brasileirão. Porém, no espaço de tempo foram 19 jogos, com 11 vitórias corintianas e oito empates.

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Desses jogos, 17 foram pelo Campeonato Brasileiro e dois pela Libertadores, quando o Corinthians passou pelo Vasco da Gama nas quartas de final em 2012, ano em que conquistou o título inédito.

Inclusive, o período de jejum vascaíno iniciou justamente em uma época de forte rivalidade com o Timão. Em 2011, por exemplo, as equipes brigaram ponto a ponto pelo título nacional. No fim, os paulistas foram campeões na última rodada, com dois pontos de vantagem (71 a 69). Mesmo assim, naquele ano não houve vitória do Cruzmaltino, que perdeu para o Alvinegro no primeiro turno por 2 a 1, no Pacaembu, e empatou em 2 a 2 no segundo turno, em São Januário. No jogo realizado no Rio de Janeiro, inclusive, um dos gols dos cariocas foi marcado pelo lateral Fagner, que hoje é ídolo corintiano.

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ÚLTIMA VITÓRIA DO VASCO

No dia 13 de outubro de 2010, o Vasco foi a campo escalado pelo técnico PC Gusmão com nomes como Fernando Prass, no gol, Dedé, Jumar, Felipe (maestro) Zé Roberto e Éder Luís, os dois últimos foram os autores dos gols vascaínos, ambos marcados ainda no primeiro tempo, aos 10 e 21 minutos.

+ Cupom LANCEFUT com 10% OFF para os fanáticos por esporte em compras acima de R$299,90

No lado corintiano, a equipe foi dirigida interinamente por Fábio Carille, que na época era auxiliar técnico e ‘tapava o buraco’ após a demissão de Adílson Baptista do comando corintiano três dias antes – Tite seria contratado na semana seguinte. Em campo, o time tinha nomes como Alessandro e Danilo, que atualmente são gerente de futebol e técnico do sub-20 do Timão, respectivamente. O lendário lateral-esquerdo Roberto Carlos também foi titular, enquanto Ronaldo Fenômeno fazia parte do plantel, mas estava em fase final de recuperação de uma lesão na panturrilha direita. O craque voltou no jogo seguinte, contra o Guarani.

A partida, que teve o Vasco dominante desde o primeiro minuto de jogo, também foi marcada pelos gestos obscenos feitos pelo centroavante corintiano Souza, apelidado como Caveirão, ao deixar o campo no fim do primeiro tempo. Ele nem voltou a campo na segunda etapa.

COMO ERA O ANO EM 2010?!

Em outubro de 2010, o Brasil vivia um período eleitoral, que terminaria com a eleição de Dilma Rousseff como presidente da República. A primeira, e até hoje, a única mulher a ocupar o cargo. O primeiro turno havia acontecido 10 dias antes da partida. Já o segundo ocorreu 18 dias depois.

Naquele ano, moicanos e calças coloridas eram modas, por conta da ascensão do atacante Neymar e da banda Restart. A Espanha conquistou a primeira Copa do Mundo disputada no continente africano. “Passione” era a novela na faixa das nove horas da noite. E “Baby”, cantada pelo canadense Justin Bieber, era a música do momento.

NO ESPORTE

Ainda que tivesse os, já citados, craques Roberto Carlos e Ronaldo, o Corinthians não foi o time brasileiro mais badalado daquela temporada. Mas, sim, o Santos. Com o retorno de Robinho, com direito à chegada à Vila Belmiro de helicóptero, a presença do Eterno Rei Pelé e show da banda Charlie Brown Júnior, o atacante formou o trio com Neymar e Paulo Henrique Ganso que renderam os títulos paulistas e da Copa do Brasil.

Porém, mais do que isso, as dancinhas daquele time repleto de garotos e o estilo, principalmente com os cortes de cabelo moicano, se tornaram tendência pelos adolescentes da época.

Além dos títulos, os golaços e, principalmente, as goleadas, como o 10 a 0 sobre o Naviraiense, pela Copa do Brasil, e o 9 a 1 sobre o Ituano, pelo Paulistão, por exemplo, marcaram o início da chamada ‘geração Neymar’, pelo Peixe.

Mas, além do Santos, o ano de 2010 marcou o fim da fila do Fluminense no Campeonato Brasileiro. Liderado pelo argentino Dario Conca, o Tricolor Carioca voltou a conquistar a competição após 28 anos.

O campeão da Libertadores daquele ano também foi brasileiro: o Internacional. O Colorado, inclusive, teve como destaque o então garoto Giuliano, que foi decisivo naquela conquista marcando gols nas quartas de final, semifinal e nas duas finais contra o Chivas, do México. No fim daquela temporada, no entanto, o clube gaúcho se tornaria o primeiro clube sul-americano a ficar fora da final do Mundial de Clubes da Fifa, ao ser derrotado por 2 a 0 pelo Mazembe, da República Democrática do Congo, na semifinal. Essa derrota ficou marcada pelas dancinhas do goleiro africano Kidiaba.

No universo das seleções, 2010 foi ano de Copa do Mundo. A primeira disputada no continente africano, na África do Sul.

A Seleção Brasileira, dirigida por Dunga, não vinha com grande expectativa, principalmente se comparada ao Mundial anterior em 2006, na Alemanha. Porém, após uma Eliminatória e um início de Copa consistentes, a empolgação do povo brasileiro aumentou, até a queda da Canarinho para a Holanda nas quartas de final. O jogo ficou marcado pelos dois gols de Wesley Sneijder e a expulsão de Felipe Melo após um pisão em Arjen Robben.

No final, em uma decisão entre duas seleções que nunca haviam sido campeãs do Mundo, a Espanha venceu a Holanda na prorrogação, com gol de Andrés Iniesta.

Em outubro, porém, quando o Vasco venceu o Corinthians pela última vez, o técnico da Seleção Brasileira era Mano Menezes, que havia assumido o Brasil após o Mundial. O treinador havia deixado justamente o Timão para ser contratado pela CBF.

NA MÚSICA

O hit do verão em 2010 era o ‘Rebolation’, da banda Parangolé, que tinha como seu vocalista à época Léo Santana. A música ficou muito popular, até mesmo por conta de algumas comemorações dos meninos do Santos durante o Campeonato Paulista.

Outras canções que fizeram sucesso naquele ano foram: ‘Só os Loucos Sabem’, do Charlie Brown Junior; ‘Fugidinha’, de Michel Teló; ‘Tá Vendo Aquela Lua’, do Grupo Exaltassamba.

O ano de 2010 também teve o grande sucesso do ’emocore’ no Brasil, com bandas como Restart, Cine e Hevo84 fazendo muito sucesso. Em relação às duas primeiras, houve a tendência das calças coloridas. Esse movimento deixou o então vlogueiro Felipe Neto, que fazia vídeos criticando tudo e todos, bastante irritado à época. Porém, anos mais tarde, o próprio Felipe, já com a alcunha de influencer digital, passou a fazer vídeos pintando o cabelo de diversas cores.

NA TELEVISÃO

O principal reality show do Brasil, o Big Brother, teve, pela primeira vez na história, o retorno de participantes que já haviam disputado o programa em edições anteriores, incluindo campeões como Kléber Bambam e Dhomini. Marcelo Dourado, que também retornava ao BBB após ter participado da quarta edição, foi o campeão. Naquele ano, o programa também teve nomes que se consagraram, como Dicésar, Serginho, Anamara, Eliéser, entre outros.

Na novela da faixa das 21h, Passione, a trama era protagonizada por nomes fortes da dramaturgia brasileira, como Tony Ramos e Fernanda Montenegro. E teve em seu enredo o misterioso ‘segredo de Gerson’, personagem interpretado por Marcello Antony. A obra, escrita por Sílvio de Abreu, teve a inclusão de assuntos esportivos, já que o personagem Gerson (Marcello Antony) era piloto de Stock Car, enquanto Danilo (Cauã Reymond) e Sinval (Kayky Brito) eram ciclistas profissionais.

NO CINEMA

Em 2010, o grande lançamento no cinema nacional foi o filme ‘Tropa de Elite 2, o Inimigo Agora é Outro’. Após o grande sucesso do primeiro filme escrito pelo cineasta José Padilha, o segundo faz uma crítica ao Estado e às milícias no Rio de Janeiro. Ele foi novamente protagonizado pelo ator Wagner Moura, que interpretou o personagem do Coronel Nascimento, que na obra em questão deixava o cargo no Batalhão de Operações Especiais (Bope) e integrava a Secretaria de Inteligência do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. O filme foi a maior bilheteria no Brasil naquele ano.

No cinema internacional, animações como ‘Toy Story 3’ e ‘Shrek Para Sempre’ foram lançadas naquela temporada, bem como o filme ‘Eclipse’, o terceiro da ‘Saga Crepúsculo’.

Newcastle United are on course to claim Champions League qualification and could now make a statement in the window by completing a deal for a prolific forward, according to a report.

Newcastle see off Chelsea to close in on Champions League

Eddie Howe is within touching distance of hearing the Champions League anthem blare out at St James’ Park once again after leading his side to a vital 2-0 victory over Chelsea on home soil.

Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes put the seal on a heated contest in the North East, setting up two mouthwatering clashes against Arsenal and Everton as Newcastle bid to complete a return to Europe’s top table.

Regardless of Premier League placement, Howe’s men hold a strong hand when it comes to the summer transfer window. Nevertheless, booking their place in the Champions League could prove to be a major selling point to prospective recruits.

Establishing some early direction on that front, Newcastle have set their sights on Girona midfielder Yangel Herrera and there are reports that a £21 million bid has now been submitted to land his services.

Looking closer to home, the Magpies also have Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott on their radar, though he would be a more expensive arrival as his price tag sits around the £50 million mark.

Howe must now unleash Newcastle's own Bryan Mbeumo in "nightmare" star

Eddie Howe could now unleash this blistering Newcastle United ace ahead of the tricky challenge of Chelsea.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 11, 2025

Either way, there is plenty of work to be done on Tyneside. Newcastle have shown a healthy level of ambition since PIF became involved with the club, but sustaining themselves among the elite now has to be the priority.

Taking note, Howe and company are now advancing to seal a deal for one of Europe’s most revered strikers ahead of the summer window.

Newcastle advancing in move to sign Victor Boniface

According to Africa Foot, Newcastle are in negotiations over a deal to sign Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen and it is said that the talks in question are advancing, with discussions even taking place with the player’s representatives.

The report claims the Magpies are set to pay a fee of £42.2 million to land the Nigeria international, which could occur sooner rather than later as Howe looks for another forward to accompany Alexander Isak.

Alexander Isak vs Victor Boniface – domestic league statistics
Victor Boniface
Goals	8
Assists	1
Shots on target	18
Chances created	10
Completed dribbles	15
Alexander Isak
Goals	23
Assists	6
Shots on target	44
Chances created	42
Completed dribbles	42

Labelled a “complete player” by Xabi Alonso, Boniface has notched 11 goals in all competitions this term, though has suffered hamstring problems in a campaign where Bayern Munich were able to reclaim the Bundesliga title. Speculation over a five-year deal on Tyneside is beginning to do the rounds. However, it remains to be seen if Newcastle can ratify the details required to pull off a statement signing.

With the summer window now creeping closer, bringing Boniface to the North East would be a marker of their ambition heading into 2025/26.

Angel Gomes called Mason Greenwood his "little brother," with the English international now reunited with his former Manchester United team-mate.

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Gomes presented as new Marseille playerExplained how Greenwood convinced him to join the clubDuo came through the Man Utd youth ranks togetherFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Gomes was presented as a Marseille player on Friday and the English international spoke about Greenwood, calling him his "little brother" and explaining how the forward helped him reach the decision of joining him at the Stade Velodrome. Gomes has made the switch from Lille, joining as a free agent upon the expiry of his contract.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Both Gomes and Greenwood were part of the Manchester United youth academy, with the former making his first team debut in 2017. Greenwood made his first appearance for the senior team in 2019, with the duo a part of the Red Devils' first-team in the 2019-20 season. Over five years after last sharing a dressing room together, the England-born duo will once again play together, this time around in Ligue 1 at Marseille.

WHAT ANGEL GOMES SAID

Speaking at his first press conference as a Marseille player on Friday, Gomes said: “I’ve spoken to Mason on the phone several times. He’s a bit like a little brother to me. We met when we were eight, when we played together at the youth level. Starting so young and ending up at a professional club together is rare and beautiful… I can’t wait to share these moments with him in Marseille.” 

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ANGEL GOMES?

The 24-year-old midfielder will be aiming to hit the ground running when he features for Les Phoceens in their first summer friendly on July 21 against Belgian second-tier side Olympic Charleroi.

Match details

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (tenth, P10, W3, L7) vs Gujarat Titans (eighth, P10, W4, L6)
Bengaluru, 1930 IST (1400 GMT)

Big picture – Will Kohli boss Titans spinners again?

Spin has been Virat Kohli’s nemesis in T20s for a few years now, but he produced a masterclass against one of the IPL’s best spin attacks in their last match to keep RCB’s hopes alive in the season, albeit barely so. On Saturday, he will go up against the same attack again when Gujarat Titans visit the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.Before the first match against GT, Kohli was striking at 123.57 against spin this season, and in IPL 2023, his strike rate against spin was 112.8. But in Ahmedabad, Kohli scored 61 of his 70 runs against spin, at 179.41. In fact, Kohli’s last innings was one of the most dominant performances against spinners by an opener in IPL history, with no other opener getting a higher proportion of their runs against the slower bowlers while scoring 50 or more.And Kohli looks ready to bring on more of the same, having had an extended session against the spinners on the eve of the match, focusing on his range-hitting against them.Kohli’s takedown of GT’s spinners, and later Jacks’ incredible acceleration, meant RCB cruised in their chase of 201 without their two designated spin hitters – Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell – having to go out to bat.R Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad all went for more than 10 runs an over, and now they will face the same opponents at a ground that’s been a graveyard for spinners. With GT being a bowling-heavy team, they will need to revise their plans and come up with a way to stop RCB from making it three wins in a row.

Form guide

RCB – WWLLL (last five matches, most recent first)
GT – LLWLW

Previous meeting

An 86-run stand between Sai Sudharsan and Shahrukh Khan took Titans to 200 for 3 after openers Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha were dismissed within the first six overs. Despite Faf du Plessis falling to R Sai Kishore in the fourth over, the chase turned out to be an easy one in the end for RCB. Will Jacks struggled early on, but Virat Kohli ensured the visitors did not lose the momentum. At 16 off 16 at one point, Jacks suddenly exploded, smashing 84 runs off his next 25 deliveries. That included going 6, 6, 4, 6, 6 against Rashid to bring up his maiden IPL century and seal an NRR-boosting win in the 16th over.

Team news and impact player strategy

Royal Challengers BengaluruWith back-to-back wins behind them, RCB will likely stick to the same combination they used last time, with the option of bringing in Mahipal Lomror or an extra bowler in Vyshak Vijaykumar or Akash Deep.Probable XII: Faf du Plessis (capt), Virat Kohli, Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal, , Gujarat TitansGT are unlikely to tinker with their team, although they may be tempted to play an extra pacer in Josh Little or Spencer Johnson ahead of Noor Ahmad in Bengaluru.Probable XII: Shubman Gill (capt), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), , Shahrukh Khan, David Miller, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Sharma, Noor Ahmad/Josh Little,

In the spotlight – Glenn Maxwell and Shubman Gill

One of RCB’s batting mainstays in recent years, Glenn Maxwell has been uncharacteristically off-colour in IPL 2024, scoring just 32 runs in six innings, 28 of which came in one knock. He was out of the XI after being asked to drop, and after a break, he was back in action against GT last Sunday. While he did not get a chance to bat in Ahmedabad, he got the wicket of the opposition captain Shubman Gill. With Patidar and Jacks hitting form for RCB, Maxwell will have a reduced burden in that middle order, and could benefit from being able to play with more freedom.Will Shubman Gill get back in form at the Chinnaswamy?•BCCI

Shubman Gill, captaining in the IPL for the first time in his career and coming into this season on the back of scoring almost 900 runs in the last edition, has not quite had a tournament to remember. He has made just 320 runs in 10 matches so far, and scored just the two half-centuries. A return to the Chinnaswamy might just be the spark he needs to return to his form from last year – he scored his third century of IPL 2023 on his previous visit to the venue.

Stats that matter

• Kohli loves playing against Gujarat Titans. In four innings, his lowest score against GT is 58 and he averages 151 against them
• GT’s Afghan spinners may be key against RCB skipper Faf du Plessis. He has got out to Rashid twice in 13 innings and twice to Noor in two innings
• Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan are the only batters in IPL 2024 to face 100 balls or more in the powerplay and strike lower than 140. This has resulted in GT being the slowest scorers in the powerplay this season

Pitch and conditions

There was plenty of rain in Bengaluru on Friday afternoon, although it subsided in the evening. The forecast is the same for Saturday, so while it is expected to be cloudy, rain should not interrupt play.

Quotes

“We are moving along in the right direction. It is a shame it didn’t happen a few games earlier but there is still a chance for us. We have four games left. We are going to try and give our best, one by one. We will try and win this and one by one after that and it [getting into the playoffs] can happen if we perform in the next four games.” Will Jacks “It’s not a huge concern for us. Having Wriddhi [Wriddhiman Saha], we all know the kind of player he is. I don’t really, especially you guys, need to educate Shubman, we all know what his abilities are. It’s just a matter of us really playing that pace we’re looking for. Hopefully, we’ll make 300 as everybody is taking about. But we’ll be there and thereabouts on a ground like this.” GT assistant coach Naeem Amin on their top order not firing