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Thomas Frank has enjoyed an impressive start to his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, only losing three of his first 14 competitive games in charge of the club.

However, many fans still aren’t convinced by the Dane, especially after the defeat against Newcastle United in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

The 51-year-old only made four changes to his starting eleven, but one of which proved to be a huge mistake – with Mohammed Kudus dropping down to the substitutes bench.

The Ghanaian has been the Lilywhites’ shining light in 2025/26, as seen by his tally of one goal and four assists within his first nine Premier League outings.

Such creativity was hugely lacking against the Magpies, with the £55m leaving the responsibility down to one of the other big-money names to move to North London this summer.

Xavi Simons’ best game in a Tottenham shirt

After spending £52m on the signature of attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, huge excitement was generated within the Spurs fanbase – but it’s safe to say he’s failed to live up to such expectations.

The Dutch international has registered just one assist and failed to score a single goal in any of his 11 outings, further backing up his lack of impact in North London.

However, his showing against Newcastle was arguably one of his best for the club, with Frank finally starting to utilise the 22-year-old in his natural attacking midfield role.

Simons featured for the entirety of the defeat, subsequently creating three chances for his teammates – but none of which resulted in a goal for Frank’s men.

Richarlison was often the man on the end of his chances, but the Brazilian’s wasteful nature was highlighted in his own tally of two big chances missed.

There’s no doubt he’s been unlucky during his opening few months in England, but the manager can certainly solve such an issue during the next couple of matches.

The Spurs player who can finally get Simons firing

In Spurs’ nine Premier League matches throughout 2025/26, the side have already netted 17 goals – subsequently averaging nearly two goals per game in England’s top-flight.

The goals have been spread around the first-team squad, as seen by centre-back Micky Van de Ven’s tally of three goals, which puts him joint-top of the goalscoring charts.

Richarlison has also netted the same number of goals, but has been called into question over the last few weeks for his inability to find the back of the net.

The Brazilian has failed to score in any of his last eight outings for the Lilywhites, often being wasteful within the final third – as seen by his misses against the Magpies.

Dominic Solanke has been unavailable over recent months due to an ankle issue, with Frank needing to hand fellow centre-forward Randal Kolo Muani the chance to impress.

The Frenchman joined on a season-long loan from PSG on deadline day, but has only started one game to date as he builds up match fitness after a stop-start pre-season.

However, despite his minutes off the substitutes bench, the 26-year-old has still demonstrated glimpses of his quality, which could see him handed a needed run of games as a regular starter.

He was even brought on with 25 minutes remaining at St James’ Park earlier this week, making an immediate impact with his direct run through the midfield, halted by referee Chris Kavanagh.

Kolo Muani, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by one analyst, may have failed to score for the Lilywhites to date, but his temporary spells elsewhere have showcased his clinical nature.

Games played

22

Goals scored

10

Shot on target accuracy

55%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

Key passes made

1.4

Take-ons completed

1.5

Carries into opposition box

1.2

Aerials won

1.2

He scored 10 goals in just 22 appearances with Juventus last campaign, even managing to put 55% of the shots he took on target – highlighting his accuracy in front of goal.

Such numbers would allow Simons to increase his own tallies in North London, with his incredible defence splitting passes falling into the path of a clinical talisman.

Creativity has been the Dutchman’s strong point prior to his move to England, but it’s been massively neglected given Richarlison’s inability to find the back of the net.

However, that could all be about to change if Frank decides to start Kolo Muani, with the pair having the talent to make the 2025/26 campaign one to remember for the Lilywhites.

Forget Kudus: Spurs star is rapidly becoming one of the "best in the world"

Tottenham Hotspur now have a world-class talent on their books under Thomas Frank.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 29, 2025

Matheus Cunha says he is determined to "bring back the glory days" at Manchester United. The Brazilian has helped Ruben Amorim's team become a more competitive force this season but the ex-Wolves man says this is just the beginning. But amid his impressive start to the season, the 26-year-old was quick to downplay comparisons to Red Devils icon Eric Cantona.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Cunha compared to Cantona

  Cantona is widely viewed as one of United's best-ever players, with the Frenchman playing a huge role in turning the Red Devils into the juggernaut that dominated English football for years in the 1990s and 2000s under manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Last month, former Premier League defender Stephen Warnock said Cunha has "got the aura of Cantona," and club CEO Omar Berrada previously stated that the £62.5 million ($85m) signing will prove to be "Cantona-esque" for the Red Devils. But the player himself thinks he needs to do a lot more before he can be spoken about in the same breath as the forward. 

  He told The Sun: "Wow, what a player. I need to do much more things to be compared to him. When someone says something like this to me, I try to see the good part of this. To be someone who has a lot of passion to play for this club, to play football – and then try to represent everyone inside of the pitch. I feel privileged to be associated with these kind of things and with Cantona also. He made history. And if I can do a little percentage of what he did already, I’ll be very happy and then try to build my way to the guys to remember me also. I’m new at the club. I’m new in terms of the look, all the other performances from the past. Everything for me is new. So I have only my mind in bringing back the United glory days."

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• Cunha: 'I want to do it my way'

  Arsenal reportedly wanted to sign Cunha from Wolves in January but he ended up signing a new deal that included the release clause that United triggered this summer. Now, he wants to "build his dream" at Old Trafford. 

  He added: "You need to look at even the hard moments in the positive way. Of course, I’m not someone special. Of course, I have my doubts. I have the difficult moments, like everyone. But this kind of world, I don’t feel it is impactful, like pressure to play like for this club or maybe to be someone different from the others. I only want to do it my way. I want to help my team. I only want to build my dream. To be a little part of the United history – be successful – I will always go for that.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Man Utd's relief at signing Cunha

  The Brazil international ran circles around United for Wolves last season, as he picked up the man of the match award twice against Amorim's side. He scored one and assisted the other in their 2-0 win at Molineux and was instrumental in the 1-0 victory in the return fixture. 

  When asked if United's players were relieved when Cunha joined them, he replied: "Yeah, exactly. It was exactly what happened! It was when I arrived and then I think my back was direct to Nous [Noussair Mazraoui] and to Leny. Because I only looked left and Leny was there. And they said, ‘Wow, wow, I’m so happy to have you on our side right now. It was so hard to get to the ball. And then we talked about the game. I was a little bit shy, you know, in the beginning. But these kind of moments help us be a little bit more comfortable. And then it was very good moments to remember."

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• What comes next for Man Utd?

  United are currently on a four-match unbeaten streak, comprising three wins and a draw. They sit eighth in the Premier League but if results go their way this weekend, they could be back in the top four. But to do that, they will have to beat Tottenham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday afternoon in a repeat of last season's Europa League final. This will be a good test of Amorim's team as they try and banish the horrors of last term.

Tottenham Hotspur have made an excellent start to life under Thomas Frank over the last couple of weeks, with the Dane only losing one of his first nine games at the helm.

Part of his success in North London has been down to the immediate impact of summer addition Mohammed Kudus, with the Ghanaian nailing his place in the starting eleven.

The 25-year-old cost £55m from Premier League rivals West Ham United, already hitting the ground running and contributing to the Lilywhites’ success on the pitch.

He’s already registered four assists across all competitions, two of which came on the opening day in the 3-0 triumph over Burnley – a game which was his competitive debut for the club.

Such an achievement matched a record set by one other first-team member, but the new addition has yet to feature alongside him in the early stages of the 2025/26 campaign.

James Maddison’s highs and lows at Spurs

James Maddison became the first player in Spurs’ Premier League history to register two assists on his league debut, subsequently being joined in such a club by Kudus.

The Englishman joined the Lilywhites back in the summer of 2023 for a fee in the region of £40m from Leicester City after the Foxes’ relegation the season prior.

Since his transfer, he’s racked up 75 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring 16 times and registering 19 assists across all competitions – but such numbers don’t tell the whole story.

Injuries have massively plagued the 28-year-old over recent years, already suffering four injuries in his two-year spell, subsequently missing 25 matches through various setbacks.

Maddison has since suffered an ACL injury, further adding to his frustrations and is now expected to miss out on the vast majority of the Dane’s first campaign in charge.

There’s no denying that the attacking midfielder is a player who possesses huge talent, but ultimately his lack of fitness has constantly prevented him from making an impact on a consistent basis.

As a result, he could easily lose his number ten shirt in the near future, with one player already on the books deserving of the opportunity to wear such a historic shirt.

The Spurs star who could steal Maddison’s #10

Over the last couple of years, Spurs have been fortunate to see multiple top talents wear the number ten shirt – none more so than former striker Harry Kane.

The centre-forward emerged through the ranks in North London, before making his mark in the first-team and cementing himself in the Lilywhites’ history forever.

He found the net on 280 occasions during his decade-long spell with the club, subsequently surpassing the late Jimmy Greaves and becoming their all-time top-scorer.

However, Maddison was the player to inherit such a shirt after the former’s departure to join Bayern Munich, but the club may look to hand another first-team star the responsibility of wearing such a historic number.

Pape Matar Sarr joined the Lilywhites as an unknown quantity to many of the supporters, but it’s safe to say he’s now become one of the club’s best players at present.

The Senegalese international joined for just £14.6m in 2021, but would have to wait until the following summer to make his first competitive appearance for the English outfit.

However, since such a day, the 23-year-old hasn’t looked back, subsequently racking up over 100 appearances in all competitions – five of which have come in the Premier League under Frank.

Sarr, who’s been dubbed “unbelievable” by Jamie O’Hara, has already registered a goal and two assists in England’s top flight this season, highlighting his attacking quality despite his deep-lying role.

He’s now posted a total of 10 goals and eight assists since making the move to England, which has allowed him to be a vital component within the club’s midfield department.

Out of possession, Sarr has been just as impressive, winning 5.1 duels per 90, along with 4.8 recoveries made – arguably being one of the best box-to-box options in the league.

At 23, he had plenty of time to build on his early success in North London, potentially playing a crucial role in any future success achieved during Frank’s tenure in the role.

As a result, he could easily be handed the number ten shirt by the club to reflect his importance, but such a decision could prove to be harsh in Maddison, given his recent struggles.

However, football is a cruel industry and it remains to be seen what level the Englishman is at after such an injury lay-off, with the hierarchy having a huge call to make on his future.

Spurs already have dream Son heir who's yet to play in the Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur could save themselves millions with a Heung-min Son replacement within their ranks.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 3, 2025

Sophie Ecclestone has been left out of England’s white-ball squad for the home series against West Indies, where Issy Wong is poised to make a comeback to international ranks.Ecclestone has been unable to play domestic cricket due to a knee injury, although she turned out for Lancashire on Wednesday and scored a fifty as England’s selection panel, including newly appointed national selector Lydia Greenway, named their squads.Maia Bouchier was omitted, while Wong joined fellow Warwickshire seamer Emily Arlott in the squad for three T20Is. Arlott – yet to make her international debut – was also selected in the squad for three ODIs to follow.Wong last played for England on the tour of Ireland last September while the first-choice T20 squad was preparing for the World Cup after a difficult period struggling with her form. She impressed for England Women A in their recent tour of Australia and in her county’s opening matches.Also making returns are batters Alice Davidson-Richards and Emma Lamb, selected for the ODIs off the back of impressive performances with the bat in the Metro Bank One Day Cup domestic competition.The Blaze’s opening batter Tammy Beaumont and spinner Linsey Smith – the leading wicket-taker in the Metro Bank One Day Cup – are selected in both squads while Mahika Gaur, the 19-year-old left-arm quick who travelled to Australia for the Ashes but didn’t play as part of her return from injury, was called up for the ODIs. Beaumont returned to the T20I format last year following a two-year absence from the format although she only played the Test and ODIs in Australia.”Following her knee injury, Sophie Ecclestone is physically not quite at 100% yet,” said head coach Charlotte Edwards. “She’s been rehabbing and working hard but she’s only just got back on the park for Lancashire so she doesn’t have enough cricket under her belt to be ready for this series.”All-rounders Freya Kemp (back) and Danielle Gibson (stress fracture) are both unavailable due to injury. Lauren Filer’s return from a knee injury continues positively and she will continue to be reviewed.”Maia Bouchier misses out having been a part of the Ashes series, Maia’s talent is there for all to see and the challenge to her is to go and make consistent match-winning contributions for Hampshire in domestic cricket. It’s the same for any player who’d disappointed to not be a part of these squads.England Women T20I squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Emily Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-HodgeEngland Women ODI squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Alice Davidson-Richards, Emily Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Mahika Gaur, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith

تحدث أحمد حسن، نجم منتخب مصر السابق عن مواجهة الأهلي والاتحاد السكندري، التي أقيمت ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري.

وحقق الأهلي، الفوز على الاتحاد السكندري بهدفين مقابل هدف، ضمن منافسات الجولة الحادية عشر من مسابقة الدوري المصري.

وقال أحمد حسن عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “الأهلي حصل على ما يريده من اللقاء، وهو حصد الثلاث نقاط، ولكن ما زال الأداء عليه علامات استفهام، ويعود ثانيًا لصدارة جدول الدوري، ولكن ما زال الأهلي يعاني دفاعيًا”.

طالع.. توروب: زيزو وبن شرقي يفعلان أصعب شيء في كرة القدم.. وهذا ما يحتاجه الأهلي

وتابع: “دور توروب (المدير الفني للأهلي) أن يتعامل مع ذلك، لأنها مسألة صعبة؛ في 10 مباريات يدخل مرماه 12 هدفًا”.

وأتم: “أعتقد شاهدنا ذلك، كاد ممكن للاتحاد السكندري أن يتعادل، نفذوا هجمات كثيرة، وتراجع في الشوط الثاني بدون سبب بالنسبة للأهلي”.

Nottingham Forest have now submitted an offer for a defender who has “great speed”, with negotiations currently ongoing.

Business as usual at Forest despite Nuno uncertainty

Nuno speaking negatively about his relationship with Evangelos Marinakis has caused instability at Forest, and there have been suggestions that Ange Postecoglou could be brought in as a replacement for the 51-year-old.

However, there is said to be an air of business as usual at the City Ground, with Forest focusing on having a strong end to the summer transfer window, having already made major improvements to their squad.

One position in which the Tricky Trees are yet to strengthen, however, is full-back, and Nuno clearly feels more depth is required on both sides ahead of the upcoming Europa League campaign.

Requested by Nuno: Nottingham Forest make offer for £6m "big-game" player

The Tricky Trees have tabled a bid for a new signing, with negotiations currently ongoing.

ByDominic Lund Aug 27, 2025

Earlier this week, it was revealed that talks over a deal for Leicester City left-back Victor Kristiansen are progressing, and now Nuno’s side are looking to strengthen on the opposite flank too.

That is according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), which states Nottingham Forest have now submitted a €12m (£10m) offer for Juventus right-back Nicolo Savona, which was knocked back, with the Italian club looking for a total package worth up to €20m (£17m).

The Serie A side are open to a sale, with information from journalist Gianluca di Marzio also being relayed, who reports that negotiations between the two clubs are currently ongoing, and they are likely to meet somewhere in the middle.

Savona is being targeted as an alternative to Sevilla’s José Ángel Carmona, who has made it clear he would prefer to remain at his boyhood club, rather than moving to the Premier League this summer.

Carmona should remain Forest's number one target

The aforementioned report states Carmona could still change his mind about a move to the Premier League, which would be good news for Forest, given that he has vastly outperformed Savona from a defensive point of view over the past year.

Average per 90

Jose Angel Carmona

Nicolo Savona

Tackles

2.42

1.42

Interceptions

1.96

0.58

Blocks

1.22

0.75

Clearances

2.88

2.04

The Spaniard is also far more experienced at senior level, having made 96 appearances across spells with Sevilla, Getafe and Elche CF, while the Juventus defender has just 40 first-team appearances to his name.

Juventus boss Igor Tudor has praised his defender in the past, saying: “He is professional and has great football intelligence. He understands what is happening on the pitch, and he has great speed. So we’re talking about a player with so many skills.”

“He is a humble guy who listens to advice. These are things that may seem obvious, but they are not at all. He has those values ​​that are getting a bit lost, so they are precious now.”

However, Forest should work on changing Carmona’s mind before the transfer deadline, as there is every indication he would be a better signing than the Italian.

India batter gets to the milestone in the Champions Trophy match against Pakistan in Dubai, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Feb-2025

Virat Kohli flicks one away in the innings that got him past 14,000•AFP/Getty Images

Virat Kohli has become the fastest batter to reach the milestone of 14,000 ODI runs, getting there in his 287th innings in the Champions Trophy match against Pakistan in Dubai.Kohli began the game against Pakistan 15 runs short of 14,000, and passed the milestone during India’s successful chase of 242, leading his team to victory with an unbeaten hundred, his 51st in the format. He reached his century by hitting the winning runs, a cover-driven boundary off part-time spinner Khushdil Shah.”The difference that I saw, at least from his innings against Bangladesh to this… of course, the pitch was slightly better, but even when he sort of blocked against Bangladesh a couple of dot balls, he was sort of shadowing that again after that, but today we didn’t see any of that,” Anil Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo MatchDay. “He was just back to the way he bats and that says that the mind space was at ease and, of course, the challenge of playing Pakistan and the crowd, I’m sure sort of helps him lift his game and today we saw him in sublime form.”Kohli is only the third batter to score 14,000 runs in ODIs after Sachin Tendulkar, who reached the landmark in 350 innings, and Kumar Sangakkara, who took 378 innings. Kohli got to 14,000 in 63 fewer innings than Tendulkar.