قدم جيرارد بيكيه، أسطورة نادي برشلونة، كافة دعمه لنجم الفريق الكتالوني، موضحًا أنه يجب أن يتم الاهتمام بصحة اللاعبين النفسية بشكل أكبر خلال الفترة المقبلة.

ويمر نادي برشلونة بفترة جيدة على كافة المستويات، حيث يبتعد الفريق الكتالوني في صدارة الدوري الإسباني بفارق أربع نقاط عن ريال مدريد صاحب المركز الثاني.

لكن مدافع نادي برشلونة، رونالد أراوخو، يعاني الأمرين في المقابل، حيث لا يشارك الدولي الأوروجوياني مع البلوجرانا خلال الفترة الأخيرة، وذلك بسبب مشاكل تتعلق بصحته النفسية.

أراوخو تعرض إلى انتقادات هائلة، عقب طرده خلال مباراة برشلونة وتشيلسي قبل أسبوعين بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

ودعم بيكيه أراوخو، موضحًا أن أمر الصحة النفسية لا يمكن الاستهانة به في كرة القدم.

وقال بيكيه في تصريحات إلى صحيفة “سبورت”: “يجب الاهتمام بالصحة النفسية، هذا أمر بديهي وليس فقط في عالم كرة القدم أو الرياضة عمومًا”.

وأضاف بيكيه في حديثه: ”كما رأينا حالة أندريو بوينافوينتي الذي اضطر للتوقف لنفس السبب، يناقش هذا الموضوع بشكل متزايد وأعتقد أنه أمر جيد أن الكثيرين لا يدركون أهميته”.

أقرأ أيضًا.. “يفعل مثل والده”.. صحفي إسباني يتوقع موعد رحيل لامين يامال عن برشلونة

وأوضح: ”لطالما كان عالم الرياضة متأخرًا في هذا الشأن، أتذكر حقبة العنصرية والعنف في الملاعب، على مستوى المشجعين يبدو أننا في كرة القدم كنا دائمًا آخر من يتكيف مع هذه الأمور، لقد حان الوقت لاحترام المحترفين، حان الوقت للتوقف عن كون هذا العالم مكانًا يسمح فيه بكل شيء حيث يمكن للجميع أن يفعلوا ويهينوا كما يحلو لهم”.

وأردف بيكيه: ”أتذكر أنني عشت كل هذا في زماني، وخاصًة خلال سنوات استقلال إقليم كتالونيا، عندما كنت في المنتخب الوطني وكان علي أن أبني لنفسي درعًا واقيًا، ويأتي وقت وهو أمر غير صحي، عندما لا يعود المرء يهتم بما يقوله الناس أو يفكرون فيه، لكنها الطريقة الوحيدة للحفاظ على صحته النفسية وشعوره بالراحة العاطفية”.

واختتم حديثه قائلًا: “قد يواجه آخرون صعوبة أكبر أو لا يرغبون في اتخاذ الإجراءات التي اتخذتها، في هذه الحالة، رفع رونالد أراوخو يده وقال علي أن أتوقف، وأعتقد أن النادي يبلي بلاءً حسناً للغاية بالاستماع إليه ومنحه الوقت الذي يحتاجه، وأعتقد أن على جميع مشجعي كرة القدم في إسبانيا التفكير في الأمر قليلاً”.

Weaknesses are few and far between for the most imposing team on the planet, but hosts exposed them all the same

Valkerie Baynes30-Oct-2025

Beth Mooney shakes the hand of Jemimah Rodrigues after her sensational innings•Getty Images

Australia’s Death Star imploded under a nerveless assault by India’s batters, who stood up when it mattered to end their opponents’ World Cup dominance and secure a home World Cup final.Having crushed star sides seemingly at will since their 2022 World Cup triumph – including South Africa, this year’s other finalists whom they bowled out for 97 in a seven-wicket victory in the group phase – Australia’s unbeaten run through this tournament was ended by one performance in particular.Jemimah Rodrigues played the role of Luke Skywalker with the innings of her life to lead India through the highest successful run-chase in women’s ODI history, her unbeaten 127 ensuring a five-wicket win in Navi Mumbai.Harmanpreet Kaur, her Han Solo if you will, contributed 89 to a 167-run stand for the third wicket with Rodrigues. Alongside some crucial strikes by Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh and Amanjot Kaur, who hit the winning runs, they ensured there will be a new World Cup champion on Sunday.Australia were complicit in their own demise.The ball of energy that is Phoebe Litchfield had looked certain to keep their force-field intact with a 93-ball 119 then threw herself about in the field, but Australia uncharacteristically faltered in the crucial moments.”Ultimately we just weren’t sharp enough today, probably in all three facets, to give ourselves the opportunity to win that semi-final,” said Alyssa Healy, Australia’s captain and chief destroyer on many occasions, including as a centurion and the player of the match when her side defeated India earlier in the tournament.”We did pretty well to hang in there. We created a lot of opportunities and let ourselves down in that regard, so I’m probably sitting here disappointed knowing that we did that to ourselves a little bit.”Not taking anything away from the Indian performance, I thought they played really well, but there’s a little bit of an element of, we let ourselves down a little bit. It sort of feels a little bit un-Australian to be not as clinical as what we normally are.”Phoebe Litchfield’s century looked to have done the job for Australia•Getty ImagesHealy had been untidy at times behind the stumps on Thursday, pacing round like a caged animal after the ball pinged off the shoulder of Rodrigues’ bat flush into her thumb when the batter was on 60. The pain was physical but Rodrigues would ensure she hurt Australia deeply too.Rodrigues was on 82 when Healy dropped an absolute dolly of a top-edge, sailing high into the air. It looked as though Healy and bowler Alana King would collide at short midwicket as both ran in under the ball but King stopped in time, leaving Healy to do the rest and she shelled it.It was brilliance, not luck, which finally accounted for Harmanpreet, who miscued a pull off Annabel Sutherland and found Ash Gardner sprinting in from deep midwicket and diving forward to take the ball at full stretch.As the night wore on, the dew clearly made fielding difficult as Australia made more mistakes. When Tahlia McGrath dropped another sitter at mid-off when Rodrigues was on 106 in the 44th over, it felt like the point of no return was near.”Oddly, I think we were still in it with four or five overs to go, probably five overs to go,” Healy said. “Funny things happen in games of cricket when it gets tight like that. If you can put enough pressure on an opposition, things can unfold. So yeah, she [Rodrigues] played really well tonight.”We gave her a couple of opportunities, which didn’t help us, but I thought she played really well. Her mental resilience out there, to get her team over the line was exemplary, so full credit to her.”Credit too, to Litchfield, whose maiden World Cup century was at the core of Australia’s total of 338 – yes, they were bowled out with one ball remaining.All lightning-fast wrists and access-all-areas shot selection, Litchfield had already passed fifty off 45 balls when she shimmied down the pitch and launched N Sree Charani way over wide long-off for six.Next ball, playing her favoured reverse sweep to a low full toss, Litchfield sent Australian hearts into mouths as the ball sailed to short third, where Amanjot collected cleanly, or did she? From Amanjot’s end, yes, it seemed so, and Sue Redfern, the on-field umpire, signalled out, but then third umpire Kim Cotton ruled, rightly, that it was a bump ball, and Litchfield got another life on 62. She made it count.Related

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Before you knew it, Litchfield was dancing down the pitch to Sree Charani once more and going up and over mid-off to bring up her hundred, off just 77 balls. Back-to-back sixes off Deepti followed, the second a logic-defying switch-hit over deep cover.But that trademark innovation resulted in her downfall, a split-step and attempted lap off Amanjot was mistimed and Litchfield ended up steering the ball onto her middle stump.Litchfield shared a 155-run stand with Ellyse Perry after Healy had departed for just 5 but, apart from Perry’s 77 and Gardner’s 45-ball 63, no other Australian batter produced an innings of note.Litchfield put her body on the line time and again in the field too, in a bid to stem the flow of runs from Harmanpreet and Rodrigues.She produced a superb run and flick back just inside the rope to save a boundary as Rodrigues punched through cover point and, although it was bittersweet she later launched herself to her right at cover and was airborne, fully horizontal, as Rodrigues’ powerful drive flicked her fingertips. In so doing, Litchfield turned a certain four into a single.Litchfield wasn’t immune to the slippery ball either though, struggling to pick it up when Rodrigues slipped trying to retreat to her crease with Healy screaming for the throw to come to her, highlighting the pressure Australia were under.But if Litchfield is the future – and she is at just 22 years of age and with 67 caps already – Australia are in good shape to overcome this setback.Bear in mind, they will spend the next seven months with one eye on clearing a similar hurdle in next year’s T20 World Cup in England, having also bowed out of the 2024 edition in the semi-finals by losing to South Africa.”We’re playing some unbelievable cricket and that’s why it doesn’t quite feel right sitting here at the losing end, not getting to Sunday’s fixture,” Healy said. “The opportunity for some of our players to play in a really high-pressure situation like that is going to do wonders for our group.”The same thing happened in 2017, we reflected on that and thought we could have done things a little bit better under pressure, and where we can be better at little certain aspects of our game.”This is just another recognition, I suppose, to our group to say, ‘you know what, we can be better at little moments of the game’, but I guess for our group to experience that, to be put under pressure and see how we respond, is going to do great things for us moving forward.”If Australia’s semi-final defeat to India eight years ago and their title victory in 2022 is anything to go by, while India and South Africa fight for this trophy, a new and improved world-beating machine is already under construction.

Manchester United are pursuing new reinforcements in January and could now be set to submit a bid for one of Europe’s most high-profile midfielders.

Man Utd looking towards the January window

Admittedly, the Red Devils have enjoyed a mixed start to the Premier League season and will now look to take advantage of the chance to move up a few places within a tight collective of sides all vying for a spot in the European slots.

On Monday, Manchester United’s frustrating defeat at home to Everton brought back some old scars that have been a feature of Ruben Amorim’s tenure at the club, with his side unable to break down a spirited Toffees outfit despite having a man advantage for most of proceedings.

Falling flat in attack, Joshua Zirkzee’s emergence after failing to earn a regular place in the side this season was questioned by BBC Radio Manchester’s Gaz Drinkwater, who believes Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount should’ve been brought into the starting side instead.

He said: “Bring Mount and Kobbie Mainoo into the starting XI. He obviously doesn’t see Mainoo as a midfielder because he can’t get in the team in that position. Amorim sees him as a number 10 or maybe even a false-nine type player where maybe they [the front three] interchange a bit.

“I don’t understand the logic of bringing in a totally cold Joshua Zirkzee into the game, who has basically had zero minutes this season, and he did nothing.”

Man Utd plotting "bargain" deal to sign "imposing" Ligue 1 defender who scouts love

He could complete Amorim’s back three.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 27, 2025

Without doubt, the Red Devils will need to recruit wisely in January as they begin to feel the effects of a hefty schedule, and they could now be set to lodge a bid for a high-profile midfielder.

Man Utd ready bid for Federico Valverde

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are preparing a £87m bid for Federico Valverde, and he may be allowed to depart amid a spate of up and down performances for Real Madrid.

The Uruguay international may now be set for a change of scenery and would be open to a move elsewhere, potentially re-establishing himself as the central part of a project at Old Trafford.

Five similar players to Federico Valverde

Declan Rice

Arsenal

Bernardo Silva

Manchester City

Eduardo Camavinga

Real Madrid

Nicolo Barella

Inter Milan

Moises Caicedo

Chelsea

All data courtesy of Football Transfers

Labelled “superb” by Thibaut Courtois, Valverde has registered four assists in 17 appearances across all competitions this season. Overall, he has scored 32 times and laid on 35 goals for his teammates in 340 appearances for Los Blancos, cementing himself as a fan favourite.

Amorim is confident that his versatility, quality and combativeness could form a new dynamic in the engine room as they look to reclaim their place among the elite of English football.

Real Madrid aren’t totally closed off to selling Valverde, creating a scenario that could work out for all parties if the 27-year-old makes a headline-grabbing move to English shores.

U.S. international Josh Sargent provided a rare bright spot for Norwich City during their 3-2 defeat to Watford, finding the net with an 11th-minute header to temporarily put the Canaries ahead. The American forward's early strike marked a significant personal milestone, ending a frustrating 14-game goalless run in the Championship that had stretched across several months of the 2025 season.

Getty Images SportNorwich City striker finds breakthrough with early goal

The moment of relief came early for Sargent at Vicarage Road when he demonstrated his predatory instincts by stealing in front of Watford defender Marc Bola at the far post. The 25-year-old American international timed his run perfectly to meet Oscar Schwartau's precise left-wing cross, nodding the ball beyond Watford goalkeeper Nathan Baxter to give Norwich a 1-0 lead. His celebration showed visible emotion after finally breaking a scoring drought that had plagued him since mid-season.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCanaries unable to capitalize on Sargent's breakthrough

Despite Sargent's early contribution, Norwich couldn't hold onto their advantage in a thrilling back-and-forth contest. The Hornets equalized through Luca Kjerrumgaard before Oscar Schwartau restored Norwich's lead just before halftime.

However, the second half belonged to Watford, with Kjerrumgaard scoring again and substitute Tom Ince – netting his 100th Championship goal – completing the comeback for a 3-2 Watford victory. The defeat kept Norwich rooted in the Championship relegation zone, overshadowing Sargent's personal achievement.

Back on track

Sargent's goal against Watford continued a remarkable personal trend for the American forward, who has consistently performed well against this side. The striker's header marked his seventh goal in nine appearances against the Hornets and his third at Vicarage Road in 2025 alone.

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Getty Images SportSargent's form gives Norwich hope

As Norwich City continue their fight against relegation, Sargent's return to scoring form could prove crucial for Philippe Clement's struggling side. The Canaries will face Sheffield United next on Dec. 9 on the road before welcoming Southampton to Carrow Road on Dec. 12.

Former India seamer Venkatesh Prasad has vowed to bring top-flight cricket back to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium if elected as president in the upcoming Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) elections slated for November 30.Prasad has teamed up with Sujith Somasunder, the former India and Karnataka opener, with the duo receiving a strong endorsement from two India stalwarts, Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath. Vinay Mrutyunjaya, another former KSCA officer bearer, will contest for the secretary’s post.Both Prasad and Somasunder were earlier part of the KSCA administration when Kumble and Srinath had served as president and secretary. Prasad served as vice-president while Somasunder, who is currently head of education at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), was part of the managing committee.Two other women cricketers are part of Prasad’s camp – former India Women captain Shantha Rangaswamy and V Kalpana. While Rangaswamy is ineligible to contest elections due to the age criteria, Kalpana is likely to be part of the committee in some capacity.Prasad will be contesting against KN Shanth Kumar, who has the backing of Brijesh Patel, the former India batter and veteran KSCA administrator. Kumar is a former board member of the Indian Golf Union, and represented India as a non-playing captain at the golf competition at the 2002 Asian Games.Related

• Venkatesh Prasad: 'Want to bring cricket back to Chinnaswamy'

“Karnataka cricket has been suffering and Venky is here to make a difference,” Kumble told reporters on Tuesday. “All the work we had put in during our three-year tenure [2010-2013] has been undone over the past many years. The most common question we get asked is ‘when are you returning?'”Two key stakeholders have been neglected: cricketers and fans. Last week we won the Women’s World Cup, and it was a landmark occasion. But we [Karnataka] didn’t have a single representation. That needs to change.”Kumble also touched upon the horrific stampede that claimed 11 lives outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory parade after winning IPL 2025. Describing June 4 as a “black mark, black day”, Kumble urged Prasad & co to ensure they do everything they can to “bring glory back to Karnataka” and the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which he likened to a “temple.”Prasad, meanwhile, underlined his panel’s readiness to hold constructive dialogue with the Karnataka government and other key stakeholders to bring back cricket to the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Only club games have been played at the venue, which recently lost out on the Women’s World Cup – including the final – due to the stand-off between there KSCA and the state government over the stampede row.The KSCA has also been in a tussle with the state government over power issues. Until earlier this month, BESCOM – the state’s electricity department – had cut off power to the entire facility due to non-compliance with fire safety norms. Recently, the KSCA submitted an undertaking of compliance, since which power has been restored.”We believe in having a proper dialogue with the government, and adhere to whatever the safety audit report has told us,” Prasad said. Somasundar added: “The stadium renovation work needs to be done in a phased manner, and is something we will take up on priority. We may not be able to increase the capacity, but we should certainly comply with safety norms and ensure cricket returns to one of India’s storied venues.”Another key area of focus, Prasad said, was the development of a full-fledged women’s academy at the same premises where the National Cricket Academy, now BCCI’s CoE, operated.

Jharkhand cruise to their third straight win of the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while Karnataka, who were beaten by Rajasthan, have now lost two in a row

Shashank Kishore30-Nov-2025Ishan Kishan struck his fifth T20 century, an unbeaten 50-ball 113, as Jharkhand made light work of Tripura’s 182 for 7 in Ahmedabad. Jharkhand achieved their target in 17.3 overs, with eight wickets to spare.This was their third straight win of the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.Kishan, also Jharkhand’s captain, struck ten fours and eight sixes, and his third-wicket stand of 153 with Virat Singh took his team to victory. Virat finished unbeaten on 53 off 40 balls.Tripura’s batting effort was led by Vijay Shankar (59 not out in 41 balls) and Manisankar Murasingh (42 in 21). Two days after making an incredible 95 not out to help Jharkhand get past Karnataka, Anukul Roy proved his al-lround chops, this time picking up 2 for 29 to be among Jharkhand’s best bowlers.

Mhatre slams second consecutive ton

Ayush Mhatre cracked his second straight T20 century, this time off 58 balls, as Mumbai crushed Andhra by nine wickets to record their third straight win at SMAT 2025-26.Chasing 160, Mumbai romped home in just 15.1 overs, with Mhatre walloping five fours and nine sixes in his innings. He put on an unbeaten 101 for the second wicket with India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, whose contribution was an unbeaten 31.Tushar Deshpande was the pick of the Mumbai bowlers, taking 3 for 25 off his four overs. Shams Mulani was equally impressive, taking 1 for 24 off his four. Andhra, who started poorly, were kept afloat by Ricky Bhui (48), while SDNV Prasad’s unbeaten 32-ball 44 hauled them towards 160.

Nagarkoti swings thriller Rajasthan’s way

Former India Under-19 star Kamlesh Nagarkoti picked up three wickets as Rajasthan pipped Karnataka by one run in a last-over thriller. This was Karnataka’s second straight defeat and significantly dents their chances of making it to the Super Four phase. Rajasthan, meanwhile, pocketed their third straight win.Rajasthan posted 201 for 5 on the back of useful contributions from Deepak Hooda (43 in 28), Kartik Sharma (46 in 31) and Mahipal Lomror (48 in 30).Karnataka were rocked early as they slipped to 51 for 3 by the seventh over, before Karun Nair (51 in 32) and R Smaran revived the innings.Karnataka looked good to chase the runs down even though the asking rate spiralled to over ten an over for the last six overs. That was when Nagarkoti removed Abhinav Manohar and Pravin Dubey, who orchestrated their opening win with a last-over six, to turn the tide in Rajasthan’s favour. Smaran remained unbeaten on 48 off 31 balls.

Patidar shows good form in comeback match

Rajat Patidar marked his return from a month-long layoff with a sparkling 20-ball 43, setting up Madhya Pradesh’s 37-run win over Uttar Pradesh in Kolkata. This was their second win in three matches.Coming in at No. 4, Patidar injected immediate momentum to the innings, cracking five fours and two sixes during a 60-run stand with Harsh Gawli that lifted MP to a competitive 184 for 7.UP’s chase disappeared early courtesy seamer Shivam Shukla, but Rinku Singh kept them afloat with a counter-attacking 65. He was the last man dismissed, caught by Patidar off legspinner Rahul Batham, as UP were bowled out in 18.3 overs to slump their first loss of the competition. Batham finished with figures of 3 for 33.

January is looming, with all the talk at Manchester United centred on the prospect of potential midfield moves for the likes of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, with Ruben Amorim in desperate need of reinforcements in that department.

As Class of 92 hero Nicky Butt recently suggested, however, if – like that young pair – Kobbie Mainoo was operating for another Premier League side, he is the type of talent that the Red Devils would be dishing out £50m or £60m for.

The youngest of the trio, it was of course Mainoo who was England’s midfield golden boy just 18 months ago, starting every knockout stage game at Euro 2024, including the final.

Wharton, meanwhile, watched on as an unused member of Gareth Southgate’s squad that summer, while Anderson had not yet entered the conversation, having remained with the U21 set-up until this season.

It’s funny and also frustrating just how things can change, with Mainoo now seemingly staring down the barrel of a World Cup omission and a perhaps inevitable 2026 exit from Old Trafford.

Manchester United lodge bid for new midfielder

It’s become a familiar sight this season, with the 20-year-old merely introduced as a late second-half substitute under Amorim, just as he was again in the dying embers against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Yet to start a single league game in 2025/26, questions continue to be asked regarding the Portuguese’s treatment of the academy graduate, with rumours rife over a January departure.

Whether it be on loan or on a permanent basis, the forgotten talent has routinely been linked with an exit, with a reunion with Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund at Napoli having been mooted.

Back in Manchester, Mainoo’s hopes of game time might be dented even further if reinforcements are added next month, with reports in Spain suggesting that INEOS have already begun to make moves, amid their reported interest in Conor Gallagher.

As per the report, United are said to have lodged an offer of around £30m in order to sign the Atletico Madrid man, with the LaLiga side said to be willing to sanction a sale.

The suggestion is that the £30m bid is close to what Atleti would deem to be a ‘reasonable price’, ensuring that a relatively routine deal could be struck when the new year rolls around.

Why Gallagher's signing would be bad news for Mainoo

Whether it is his ideal position or not, Bruno Fernandes – who moved above Paul Scholes on United’s Premier League assist list at the weekend – is nailed on to start in one of the two midfield roles under Amorim.

Transfer Focus

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That has left Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Mainoo to fight it out for that remaining starting berth, with the former Sporting CP boss thus far putting his faith in the 33-year-old Brazilian, who has started 11 league games this time around.

Mainoo, for what it’s worth, does appear to have nudged ahead of Ugarte in the pecking order, considering the Uruguayan hasn’t even got off the bench in the last two outings, although Gallagher’s addition could again knock him back down the list of priorities.

Despite the former Chelsea man’s limitations in possession – notably ranking in the bottom 30% of European midfielders for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref – he does appear to be a ready-made Amorim midfielder, such are his physical capabilities.

Previously hailed as like “[N’Golo] Kante with goals” by talkSPORT’s Tony Cascarino – while also dubbed a “monster” as per Tom Dutton – the England international is simply relentless in the centre of the park, representing arguably the perfect fit for this 3-4-2-1 system.

Gallagher – 23/24 PL stats
Stat (*per game)	Record
Games (starts)	37 (37)
Goals	5
Assists	7
Big chances created	11
Key passes*	1.4
Pass accuracy*	92%
Total duels won*	50%
Balls recovered*	6.0
Tackles & interceptions*	3.5
Stats via Sofascore

Indeed, compared to his peers in Europe’s top five leagues, he also ranks in the top 4% for interceptions made per 90, while Mainoo, remarkably, ranks in just the bottom 1%.

The beauty of Mainoo is of course what he can do at the top end of the pitch, ranking in the top 4% for touches in the attacking penalty area, although Gallagher is no slouch in that regard too, ranking in the top 9% for that same metric.

Also in the top 12% for non-penalty goals, the one-time Crystal Palace loanee has recorded 12 goals and assists in 70 games during his stint in the Spanish capital. For comparison, Mainoo has recorded just ten goals and assists in 82 senior games at United.

All-action but with an end product to match, as was evident during his time at Stamford Bridge, Gallagher – at £30m – could represent a wise, bargain choice heading into 2026, at a time when fresh legs are desperately needed in the centre of the park.

In an ideal world, Mainoo would be leading the charge as the centre-piece of United’s midfield, but sadly for the youngster, Amorim’s demands and requirements might lend themselves to a more physically suitable asset like Gallagher instead.

Amorim can fix Man Utd's midfield by axing Casemiro for "future £100m" star

This Man Utd ace could be the solution to their midfield issues

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Joe Nuttall

Dec 3, 2025

Former Australia allrounder signs three-year contract to succeed Trevor Griffin

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Nov-2025

Erin Osborne during her days playing for Melbourne Stars in the WBBL•Getty Images

Somerset have appointed Erin Osborne, the former Australia allrounder, as women’s head coach. Osborne, 36, has signed a three-year contract and replaces Trevor Griffin, who stepped down after Somerset’s first season in the newly professional Tier 1 county structure.Osborne played 121 times for Australia between 2009 and 2016. She retired from domestic cricket in 2022, going on to hold a number of coaching roles with Canberra-based ACT Meteors.”I’m thrilled to be joining Somerset as women’s head coach,” Osborne said. “This is an incredible opportunity to work with a club that has a proud history and a passionate supporter base.”I look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place and working closely with the players, coaches, and support staff as we strive for continued growth and success.”Somerset finished bottom of the Vitality Blast group last season, although fared better in the One-Day Cup, winning six games out of 14 and just missing out on the knockouts.On Osborne’s appointment, Somerset director of cricket, Andy Hurry, said: “Erin was the standout candidate for the position, and her knowledge and experience, aligned with her drive to succeed, really resonated with the panel, and will stand the club in good stead moving forward.”Her coaching path to date has seen Erin gain a thorough understanding of how to construct effective programmes, inspire players, and improve performance across female and male pathways. These traits will prove invaluable as we look to build on the inaugural year of professional women’s cricket at the Cooper Associates County Ground.”Erin has established an excellent reputation as a coach in Australia, and we are excited to see her lead Somerset Women into the next stage of our journey.”

Tottenham are looking to get back to winning ways against Fulham tonight with Thomas Frank handed a key selection decision ahead of the Premier League clash.

Tottenham face Fulham after back-to-back defeats

Spurs face a crucial test when Fulham visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Frank desperate for a response following Wednesday’s devastating 5-3 Champions League defeat to PSG.

The Parc des Princes encounter saw Spurs’ unbeaten European run spectacularly ended despite twice taking the lead, with Vitinha’s sensational hat-trick ultimately proving the difference.

The result leaves Tottenham fifteenth in the Champions League standings, significantly increasing pressure on Frank to arrest their recent slide.

The Lilywhites have won just one of their last five games in all competitions, a 4-0 rout of Danish minnows FC Copenhagen, with London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal recently putting them to the sword.

xG

11.0

17th

Non-penalty xG

11.0

16th

Progressive passes

413

12th

Shots

110

19th

Shots on target

40

15th

Average shot distance

15.6 yards

17th

Dominic Solanke’s continued absence through injury compounds Tottenham’s attacking concerns. The striker has been out since undergoing ankle surgery earlier in the season, managing just 47 minutes of football all campaign.

His unavailability places enormous responsibility on Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison to provide a consistent goalscoring threat, though Frank has suggested that the former will be given the nod against Fulham after his breathtaking PSG performance.

The Frenchman donned a mask for his fractured jaw, scoring a brace and providing an assist against his parent club, with Frank confirming that Kolo Muani is fit enough to start this evening.

However, one man who won’t be taking part is star defender Cristian Romero.

Tottenham "liability" left Thomas Frank "raging"

The Argentine endured an evening to forget away to PSG, with talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook branding him a “liability” that would have left Frank “raging”.

Romero is set to miss tonight’s clash with Fulham through suspension, meaning that Kevin Danso is more than likely set to partner Micky van de Ven at the heart of Frank’s defence.

This could be enough to get the job done against a Fulham side who are firm candidates for relegation after a lacklustre start to 2025/2026, but Frank will be wary that Marco Silva’s men have won two of their last three Premier League games.

Even after Romero’s disasterclass at PSG, the 27-year-old remains a key figurehead for Spurs and partners van de Ven to devastating effect at times.

Ange Postecoglou always had a much better time as Spurs boss when both men were available to play his high line, but Danso has proved that he can do a solid job when called upon.

Mikel Merino was the hero yet again for Arsenal, picking up a goal and an assist as the Premier League leaders saw off a stubborn Brentford side 2-0 at the Emirates to restore their five-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City. The Spain international, still playing as Mikel Arteta's makeshift striker, scored a fine header early on to open the scoring and then set up substitute Bukayo Saka in the closing stages to wrap up a crucial win for the Gunners.

Arteta took the opportunity to make some changes following Sunday's draw at Chelsea, with Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard and Ben White coming in for Saka, Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber. And it was Madueke and White who combined superbly to set up Merino for the opening goal, with the Spaniard smartly heading home the former's cross at the near post.

Gabriel Martinelli had a chance to double Arsenal's lead before half-time but fired over, while at the other end David Raya produced a wonderful point blank save to tip Kevin Schade's header onto the crossbar. 

Arsenal had to endure some nervy moments in the second half as Brentford looked for a leveller, but they made sure of the win late on when Saka – who had replaced Madueke – finished off Merino's pass to restore Arsenal's five-point advantage at the top of the table.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Emirates Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  David Raya (8/10):

  Outstanding save to tip Schade's point-blank header onto the bar and his handling was good throughout.

  Ben White (8/10):

  Back in the starting XI and reminded everyone just how good he is in the first half. Excellent down the right, linked up really well with Madueke. Lovely assist for Merino's early goal.

  Cristhian Mosquera (6/10):

  Arsenal's latest injury victim. Forced off before half-time after an awkward landing.

  Piero Hincapie (7/10):

  Solid enough. Coped pretty well with the pace and direct style of the Brentford attack.

  Riccardo Calafiori (7/10):

  A typically strong showing, popping up all over the pitch. Did well defensively and almost scored late on.

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  Midfield

  Martin Zubimendi (7/10):

  Calm and steady as always. Just kept things ticking over nicely.

  Declan Rice (7/10):

  Made some driving runs into the box and was so close to providing a great assist for Madueke before Henry's last ditch block. Limped off late on with what Arsenal will hope was cramp.

  Martin Odegaard (6/10):

  Positive signs on his first start since his return. Heavily involved, linked up well down the right and looked fit. Important minutes as he looks to get back to his top level.

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  Attack

  Noni Madueke (7/10):

  Really lively when on the ball in the first half and caused Henry so many problems. Lovely flick to release White in the build up to the early goal. Set-piece delivery needs work though. Faded after half-time.

  Mikel Merino (8/10):

  Brilliant centre-forward play to open the scoring. The run and header were superb. Good display, covered so much ground and added an assist for Saka late on.

  Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):

  Fired one shot over in the first half. Willing runner, but was on the fringes of things before being replaced by Eze.

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  Subs & Manager

  Jurrien Timber (7/10):

  Replaced the injured Mosquera at centre-back in the first half. Solid.

  Bukayo Saka (7/10):

  Made sure of the points in stoppage time from Merino's pass. 

  Eberechi Eze (6/10):

  Saw quite a bit of the ball, but Brentford dealt with him well.

  Viktor Gyokeres (N/A):

  On for the closing stages.

  Mikel Arteta (7/10):

  Made some changes to give some players a rest. Unlucky that Mosquera picked up an injury which forced Timber on early.