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Liverpool’s victory over bitter rivals Everton last night saw Arne Slot’s side claim their 22nd Premier League win of the season, pushing them one step closer to the title.

The Reds may have struggled to produce their best display, but Diogo Jota’s strike in the 57th minute secured all three points – making amends for their draw against the Toffees in February.

Slot’s side now have a 12-point buffer over Arsenal with just eight league outings remaining – looking to be in pole position to claim their second title in the last six seasons.

Serious credit should be given in the direction of the Dutchman for his work in 2024/25, allowing for a seamless transition after taking the reins from Jürgen Klopp in the summer.

Numerous players managed to thrive in the Derby Day environment, many of which will have given the manager a selection headache ahead of the last couple of outings.

Liverpool’s star performers against Everton

Curtis Jones was forced to operate in a natural right-back role given the injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley over the last few weeks.

However, the academy graduate produced a superb display, completing 93% of the passes he attempted, whilst also completing 100% of dribbles – thriving with the ball at his feet.

Luis Diaz has been an inconsistent figure in recent months, only netting one goal in 2025, but managed to tee up Jota for the only goal of the encounter.

The Colombian created six chances during his spell on the pitch – the most of any player – whilst also completing five dribbles, highlighting the threat he posed in the final third.

One other first-team member impressed throughout, undoubtedly cementing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet as a result of his showing.

The Liverpool player who’s now as important as Salah

Mohamed Salah has been a crucial reason for Liverpool’s success in 2024/25, registering a staggering 54 combined goal contributions in his 44 outings to date.

However, the Egyptian’s future remains up in the air with just a couple of months remaining on his contract, with no news yet to be released on whether he will sign a new deal.

Undoubtedly, losing a player of his quality would be a huge loss for the Reds, with the hierarchy desperately needing to prevent losing the star man on a free transfer.

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has enjoyed a superb rise during his compatriot’s reign, becoming a key player in their success and cementing his place at the heart of the side.

He’s started every single Premier League outing this campaign, notching two assists and forming an excellent partnership with Alexis Mac Allister in recent months.

Last night was no different for the 22-year-old, completing 72 passes at a completion rate of 89%, with ten of his passes going into the final third and finding a teammate.

Minutes played

90

Touches

102

Passes completed

72/81 (89%)

Passes into final third

10

Dribbles completed

1/1 (100%)

Clearances made

2

Interceptions made

2

He also notched a tally of 102 touches, whilst also managing to complete a dribble and looking positive every time he had the ball at his feet.

Chalkboard

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

Defensively, he also managed to impress, making two clearances and two interceptions whilst also managing to make seven recoveries – highlighting his impressive performance at the base of midfield.

As a result of his showing, he was handed a 7/10 match rating by Football Insider journalist Toby Wilding, showcasing how impressive his showing was for Slot’s men.

Given his performance, it’s evident that the former Bayern Munich man has enjoyed a revival at Anfield, looking to be a shrewd addition under his compatriot.

His showing last night was evidence of the talent possesses, undoubtedly being one of the first names on the teamsheet, arguably being as important as Salah to Slot given his emergence this season.

He's better than Frimpong: Liverpool working on deal to sign "complete" RB

Liverpool are already working on a deal to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 2, 2025

Melbourne and Ahmedabad were buzzing on the eve of India-Pakistan, New York not so much

Sidharth Monga08-Jun-20242:54

India or Pakistan – who’s going to win?

You can’t feel it in the air. It’s unfortunate but true. You just can’t.That’s unlike the last two India-Pakistan matches I’ve been to. Two years ago, in Melbourne, fans of both teams came to watch the nets with their , trumpets and their shared songs. It’s convenient there. The nets are one level below the concourse from where people can watch. It was a festival, a party, a celebration. In perfect conditions the next day, both sets of fans sang together, the two teams played a thriller, and then the Indians let out perhaps the biggest roar ever in Melbourne, which could be heard a few suburbs away.Last year in Ahmedabad, you could feel the tension. Tickets were impossible to get, only slightly more difficult than finding a bed to sleep in after the match. In the lead-up, though, there was unease beneath the surface. Everybody wanted the game to happen without incident. The ugly side of this rivalry was always around the corner. If someone cut-pasted you into an Ahmedabad hotel and you walked onto the street, you would have immediately known an India-Pakistan match was on.In big New York in big 2024, you can’t tell the most-storied cricket match, the most anticipated cricket event of the year, a match for which tournament groups are planned, is around the corner. You just can’t feel it in the air.The schedule doesn’t help. It is one of six (morning) matches in six days at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. Also, we need to be accurate when we say they are playing in New York. They are playing in the New York state and not New York City. There’s a big difference. For those familiar with India, imagine the cricket ground Afghanistan called their home in Greater Noida, far away in the middle of nowhere with no public transport connectivity. This is the same, except Afghanistan had proper cricket pitches and training facilities there. Now you wouldn’t say Afghanistan played in Delhi, would you?Related

Two great cricket rivalries have fizzled out at the T20 World Cup, but there's still one to watch

Pant handed crucial window of opportunity at No. 3

Explainer – what's wrong with the T20 World Cup pitches in New York?

Imad Wasim passed fit to play India

A bit like how Afghanistan went about their work unknown to the most of Delhi, except for the Afghan immigrants in Lajpat Nagar and surrounding areas, this T20 World Cup is happening without clamouring for New York’s attention. Well, except for the officious police, bordering on paranoid. We have their attention all right. You can’t even imagine throwing the nets open to public with this police.Also New York City is a busy and expensive place. People are just coming around. There is a big picnic in Central Park planned for fans on Saturday afternoon. While availability (still!) of the exorbitantly-priced hospitality tickets at the main venue should worry the ICC, the watch party at Citi Field is sold out.A supermarket in Jackson Heights is selling India-Pakistan jerseys but the buzz is far from palpable•AFP via Getty ImagesIf the idea was to introduce New York to the ritual three-four days of revelry and rivalry a traditional cricket contest brings, this seemingly hurriedly organised match has not quite succeeded. Having said that, the ICC possibly didn’t want to lose this opportunity, because who knows when the Caribbean will get a chance to host a Men’s World Cup again: this is the first one outside India, England and Australia since 2015. The 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE was technically India’s event that was played there because of the pandemic.The tournament so far, at 20 teams the biggest World Cup to date, has been a success after the initial hiccups. Wins for USA, Canada, Afghanistan and Bangladesh have opened the first round to many possibilities, a glorious vote for expansion rather than contraction. And yet, the truth and irony is that India vs Pakistan makes this expansion possible. Like it or not, it does.It was India vs Pakistan that rescued a disastrous 2007 for the ICC after the over-regulated and upset-filled ODI World Cup took the joy out of the event in the West Indies. The two classics between India and Pakistan in the inaugural T20 World Cup later that year gave the format the acceptance and launchpad it needed. It took a few years for the ICC to stop waiting for an organic meeting between the two teams. Since 2013, the two have been in the same group in the first round to ensure at least one meeting. The ACC followed suit.Rushed build-up or not, dodgy pitches or not, this is still India vs Pakistan, and the New York region is expected to make more than $78 million from it, according to a study carried out by Anderson Economic Analysis, LLC. There is added context to it now, after to Pakistan’s defeat to USA. It is practically a must-win for them, which makes it different to recent matches between the two that have carried less of an edge.People are coming from faraway lands for it. I know of some flying in from USA’s west coast who have paid upwards of $2500 per ticket. Some packages are going at more than $10000 per ticket. Many legendary cricketers from both countries will be in attendance. Amid all this, the ICC will hope the teams recreate some of the magic they did in Melbourne, albeit in less-than-ideal conditions. Whoever is even remotely interested in cricket might want to come, because a close match between these teams at a neutral venue in the presence of supporters of both sides is one of the unique experiences in sport.

Series played in 45C weather carries huge importance for World Cup qualification

Danyal Rasool07-Jun-2022It’s 326 BC. The Internet hasn’t been invented. The first Test match is yet to be played. We’re talking about a time well before even the first Shahid Afridi retirement announcement. A time when incursions of any kind are dictated as much by the weather as any other tactical considerations; launching one in the winter – with defence against the cold virtually non-existent – is perhaps the most unforgivable blunder one could commit. Even 2,000 years later, two of the most famously disastrous military debacles – Napoleon’s invasion of Russia and Nazi Germany’s in the Soviet Union – will largely by done in by the extreme cold.And yet, when Alexander was plotting a move against the Mallians in what is now widely considered to be Multan, he ruled out waiting till the summer months. He picked instead the miserably wet winter months to launch his campaign, catching the inhabitants by surprise. The citadel was besieged, and by February, the city had fallen, before winter was forced to begin its annual eight month retreat from South Punjab’s most prominent city.2,348 years later, it perhaps becomes clearer why the ancient Greek emperor preferred to give Multan a wide berth once the summer sun had set in. An incursion of a very different kind is upon us, with the West Indies cricket team to play Pakistan’s in an ODI series carried over from last year and much has changed in one of the cities most redolent of the subcontinent’s uniquely storied history. It is now a bustling modern metropolis, a hub of commercial and economic activity with state-of-the-art infrastructure. Little has changed in one aspect, though; there remains virtually no defence against the oppressive heat.The temperature on each of the days the three ODIs are due to be played will regularly exceed 45C, forcing the games to begin well into the evening, likely finishing after midnight. Multan was by no means Pakistan’s first choice as host at this time of year, with the slightly cooler Rawalpindi originally slated to host the games. But political uncertainty forced a change of venue, and with Lahore and Karachi’s surfaces being relaid, the Pakistan Cricket Board had little choice but to move a series being held at the hottest time of the year to the hottest city with an international cricket ground.However, this isn’t the first time a series is being held in uncomfortably hot weather, and with empty spaces in the calendar shrinking ever further, it certainly won’t be the last. Indeed, the PSL last year famously took place in Abu Dhabi in June and July, and the BBL and IPL are regularly held at times when dry heat in a number of host cities is high. Add to that the fact this series was a victim of Covid-induced havoc the previous winter, and originally scheduled for December.2:48

Pooran on Netherlands series, challenges in Pakistan and assessment of debutants

Pakistan have made preparations to combat the heat, holding training camps in advance to ensure they’re as acclimatised as they possibly can be. There are, after all, Super League points at stake, and Pakistan, with only six wins out of 12 this cycle, will need to push themselves further up the table if they are to avoid the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe. Babar Azam’s men are fresh off an impressive come-from-behind series win over Australia at home, and will field a largely full-strength side. They should be firm favourites against an opposition that, until their 3-0 series win in the Netherlands last week, hadn’t won an away ODI series for more than a decade.With preparations for the World Cup next year gradually kicking, it’s that series against Australia that perhaps offers the clearest blueprint for the brand of ODI cricket Pakistan want to play, and the quality they bring to the table on batting-friendly tracks. West Indies don’t possess Australia’s quality in either department, and the bone-dry pitches Multan will offer up look set to produce big scores once more. That might mean Pakistan’s soft underbelly – their middle order – stays shielded once again, but Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar have glorious opportunities to pick up where they left off.West Indies face challenges on multiple fronts. You don’t need Google to know Amstelveen’s conditions are unlikely to equip them to handle what they will experience in Multan. You also don’t need to check the ICC rankings to know victory over the Netherlands is probably not indicative of the way things might go against Pakistan.But even so, West Indies will be buoyed by the variety of performers they had in the Netherlands. The three hundreds were scored by three different top-order batters, while rising star Brandon King smashed two unbeaten half-centuries to finish that series off. Akeal Hosein and Alzarri Joseph were consistently solid with the ball, and victory, regardless of the opposition, will always provide the one thing that all sportspeople need: confidence.Even for this city, teeming with 1000-year old Sufi mystic shrines, temples and mosques, as well as the saintly tombs that give Multan its sobriquet, this series is historic. It’s the first international cricket held outside the three major power centres in Pakistan since the 2009 attack, allowing Multan to savour something it has been deprived of for far too long: the spotlight. It’s a glorious place to pay a visit, but – as even Alexander knew two millennia ago – perhaps when the weather’s a little bit cooler.

A big score for Rahul and a big win for the Kings XI Punjab. Twitter was full of praise for both

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Sep-2020KL Rahul smashed an unbeaten 132 off 69 balls – the highest individual score in the IPL by an Indian – in the Kings XI Punjab’s big 97-run win over the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Twitter was full of praise for the Kings XI captain.

Some solid shots there by @klrahul11 classy hundred

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) September 24, 2020

.@klrahul11 has led from the front.
Super innings! He has paced his innings nicely and timed the ball beautifully.#KXIvRCB #IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/yOufAjYoAu

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 24, 2020

What a knock by @klrahul11 just sensational for @lionsdenkxip #ipl

— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) September 24, 2020

What an amazing knock by @klrahul11 .. Super super proud of you brother, Great innings

— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) September 24, 2020

Kl Rahul WOW #IPL2020

— Ben Duckett (@BenDuckett1) September 24, 2020

Klass Rahul #champion

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 24, 2020

The innings was backed up by a splendid bowling performance, with the Royal Challengers being dismissed for 109.

What a win! Total team effort, set up by a KLass performance from the skip. Few better sights in cricket than @klrahul11 in full flow. No total is safe in T20, so it was vital for bowlers to finish the job which they did with speed and guile. @lionsdenkxip #SaddaPunjab #ipl2020 pic.twitter.com/sogXm7hiJw

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 24, 2020

Great win for @klrahul11 rcb couldn’t chase 132. Well done #bishnoi #shami #ashwin #cottrell @lionsdenkxip

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 24, 2020

Salute to @lionsdenkxipMarching On #SaddaPunjab pic.twitter.com/djcDagS2Tb

— K L Rahul (@klrahul11) September 24, 2020

So proud of the way the boys played tonight Happy to see the Orange Cap & the purple cap in the @lionsdenkxip Congrats @klrahul11 4 leading from the front & for the unbeaten 132. I’m leaving Dubai with the biggest smile on my face #Shammi #KXIPvsRCB #PzIpldiaries pic.twitter.com/7YeDEvKeOP

— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) September 24, 2020

Will net run rate come back to hurt the Royal Challengers?

KL Rahul beat #RCB by 23 runs Big losses mean NRR taking a massive hit…might hurt you in the business end of the tournament. #KXIPvsRCB #IPL2020

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 24, 2020

With Rahul showcasing his best on Thursday night, no wonder opposition sides are worried.

Hey @klrahul11, brilliant innings (and celebration).

Think you deserve a rest next game.#KXIPvRCB | @lionsdenkxip

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) September 24, 2020

For the first time in quite a while, there are reasons for West Ham United fans to be optimistic.

Nuno Espírito Santo appears to have found a system that not only gets the best out of his players but has already delivered two Premier League wins in a row.

Moreover, some of the stars who were looking a little lacklustre earlier in the season are now starting to pick up some form.

One of those is Lucas Paqueta, although there is a former West Ham player sold by former Sporting Director Tim Steidten who is still outperforming the Brazilian.

The latest on Lucas Paqueta

It would be fair to say that last season was not Paqueta’s finest for West Ham.

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After all, in 36 appearances across all competitions, the former Lyon star was only able to chalk up a rather underwhelming tally of five goals and no assists.

It looked like it would be much of the same for a period at the start of this season, as aside from a thunderous effort against Chelsea and a penalty against Nottingham Forest, the 28-year-old looked like he was simply coasting through games.

Then, just to make the situation worse, stories emerged of him wanting to leave the club as soon as the winter window.

However, the Paqueta-born dynamo quickly responded by posting a picture of himself and his family at the London Stadium, which, given the timing, certainly felt like a statement.

With all that said, this could still be his last season, with transfers expert Fabrizio Romano making it clear that a departure in the summer is still very much on the cards.

If this really is to be his last season in Claret and Blue, at least the mercurial midfielder is starting to show his best again, scoring a goal against Newcastle United and playing well against Burnley last week.

Yet, even with this uptick, Paqueta is being outperformed by another midfielder sold by West Ham last year.

The former West Ham star outperforming Paqueta

There has been plenty of player churn at West Ham in recent years, but one of the most talented to leave was undoubtedly Pablo Fornals.

The 29-year-old joined the Hammers from Villarreal in the summer of 2019, and over the following four and a half years made 203 appearances, in which he scored 23 goals, provided 19 assists and won the Conference League.

However, by the 23/24 season, he was more of a bit-part player, and so when Real Betis came knocking in the January window, the Hammers were happy to let him leave for around £6.8m.

Since then, the Spaniard has already made 69 appearances for the Seville outfit and even started in the Conference League Final against Chelsea last year.

However, this season has been his best in a very long time, to the extent that he’s been called up to the Spanish national team for the first time in four years.

It’s a thoroughly deserved call-up, as in 16 appearances, totalling 1131 minutes this season, he has scored twice and provided four assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.66 games, or every 188.5 minutes.

For comparison’s sake, Paqueta’s tally of four goals in 12 appearances, totalling 1051 minutes, comes out to a worse average of a goal involvement every three games, or every 262.75 minutes.

The comparison is even more weighted in the Spaniard’s favour when examining their underlying numbers.

For example, the “unbelievable” midfielder, as dubbed by journalist Karl Matchett, comes out on top in most crucial metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, passing accuracy, key passes and shot-creating actions.

Overall, while he might not be as good a player as Paqueta, Fornals is certainly outperforming him this season, and is someone Nuno would surely love to have in his squad.

Better than Potts: West Ham must rue losing "the best academy player in Europe"

The former West Ham academy gem is going to be a bigger star than Freddie Potts.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 13, 2025

Nottingham Forest are now pursuing a January move for an “outstanding” British player, having monitored him closely over the past few weeks.

Forest looking to improve defence after Everton setback

Forest have certainly made progress since the arrival of Sean Dyche, now sitting two points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, and they have often looked solid from a defensive point of view, keeping four clean sheets in their last seven matches in all competitions.

The Tricky Trees aren’t in the clear just yet, however, being brought back down to earth with a 3-0 defeat against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last time out, with Dyche critical of some aspects of his side’s performance, saying: “We were nowhere near it on the physical side. We had the ball in many places but the decisions went against us.”

The manager also added: “The players deserve a lot of credit, but they have to fight and play to their shape. We were well short of that.”

With Dyche perhaps looking to make his own mark on the squad he inherited, Nottingham Forest are now pursuing a January move for a new defender, namely Sassuolo’s Josh Doig, according to a report from Tuttomercatoweb (via Sport Witness).

However, the Italian side have no interest in sanctioning a departure this winter, as Doig is regarded as one of their most important players, so it may be difficult to tempt them into a sale.

The Scottish defender has been monitored closely over the past few weeks, but there are some doubts over whether the Tricky Trees need to bring in a new left-back, with Neco Williams and Oleksandr Zinchenko already on the books, and Botafogo’s Cuiabano set to return next month.

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The Tricky Trees are looking to sign a new centre-forward next year.

1 ByDominic Lund Dec 8, 2025 "Outstanding" Doig impressing in the Serie A

Lauded as “outstanding” by coach Neil Critchley, the Scot has certainly impressed in the Serie A over the past year, ranking very highly across a range of defensive statistics, when compared to other full-backs.

Josh Doig’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Interceptions

1.53 (92nd percentile)

Blocks

1.53 (87th percentile)

Aerials won

1.62 (91st percentile)

Former Hibernian teammate Lewis Stevenson has also waxed lyrical about the Sassuolo star in the past, saying: “He has the potential to go to the top level. He is 6 foot 3, fast, strong. Even just looking at him with his top off – without meaning to sound creepy – he looks like Ronaldo, with that kind of physique. He just is an athlete.”

The Edinburgh-born defender has been a key player for the Italian side so far this season, making 13 Serie A appearances, and he earned his first cap for Scotland in a 4-0 victory against Liechtenstein in the summer.

That said, given that Dyche already has Williams and Zinchenko at his disposal, bringing in a new left-back shouldn’t be a priority this winter.

Liverpool are already reportedly working on their move to sign a £100m winger to replace Mohamed Salah, who was left out of the squad entirely for their trip to face Inter Milan.

Thierry Henry: Salah "wrong" for public Liverpool spat

In truth, Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw at Elland Road feels like an eternity ago such is the drama that’s unfolded since. Salah’s bombshell is still leaving shrapnel around Anfield and around the Premier League, with Jamie Carragher delivering a brutal assessment on Monday Night Football and Thierry Henry since adding to that in midweek.

The Frenchman said on CBS’ Champions League show: “Look, nobody is talking about what Mo Salah has achieved in the game. We’re talking about a moment in time that I think he got wrong.

“You do not talk about your personal situation openly when your team is struggling. You do it in a dressing room. I’ve done it. I went to the dressing room and smashed everything in. I went to the office of the boss and complained about stuff.

“When I was at Barcelona, I went away with the team. They put me in the stand. Did you hear me talking about it? No. There is a team. You need to protect your team at all costs, all the time.”

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By
Robbie Walls

4 days ago

Arne Slot, meanwhile, is still awaiting an apology and has at least seen his side bounce back from the Leeds game with a professional 1-0 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro.

The Athletic believe that Salah’s outburst was either aimed towards securing an exit away from the club or to put pressure on Slot’s position. If it is the former and there really is no way back then the Reds could reportedly turn their attention towards Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool begin "work" on Barcola move

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are already “working” on a move to sign Barcola in an attempt to replace Salah in 2026. The PSG man is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal in France, leaving the door ajar for those at Anfield to make their move.

Sources told Caught Offside: “Liverpool have already begun background work on replacing Salah. A player they really like, and have been following closely for some time, is Bradley Barcola.”

Even though he’s yet to sign a new deal, Barcola’s current contract doesn’t expire until 2028. That means Liverpool will likely have to pay a premium fee to secure his signature, with reports in the summer suggesting that PSG value their winger at as much as £100m.

Dubbed “special” by Como scout Ben Mattinson last year, it’s easy to see why Barcola has emerged as an option to replace Salah. In 1,274 minutes so far this season – the same as around 14 games – the Frenchman has scored five goals and assisted another three from out wide.

Replacing Salah will be one of the toughest jobs that Richard Hughes has had as sporting director, but he may already have an ideal candidate in mind.

He could be captain after Van Dijk: £35m star very keen on joining Liverpool

Tottenham’s unbeaten Champions League run came to a dramatic end at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night against PSG, but there were positives to take from the thrilling encounter.

The European champions were rocked by Thomas Frank’s plucky Spurs side, who gave Luis Enrique a real nightmare, with PSG mounting two separate comebacks to secure a pulsating 5-3 victory.

Midfielder Vitinha claimed a memorable hat-trick, with PSG having to rely on moments of sheer quality just to overcome the north Londoners in France.

Frank’s men stunned the home side by taking a deserved lead on 35 minutes through Richarlison, who headed home from close range after brilliant build-up play involving youngsters Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray. The Brazilian’s opener looked set to give Spurs a halftime advantage, but Vitinha crashed in a spectacular 25-yard equaliser via the crossbar just before the break.

Tottenham regained their lead five minutes into the second period when Randal Kolo Muani fired home against his parent club, converting the rebound after Gray’s effort was cleared off the line. However, PSG responded immediately with a devastating 13-minute blitz that turned the contest decisively in their favour.

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By
Emilio Galantini

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Vitinha curled home his second goal after being afforded excessive space to cut inside, before Fabian Ruiz completed the turnaround six minutes later following a costly turnover from Pape Matar Sarr outside his own penalty area. William Pacho then extended PSG’s advantage to 4-2 after Tottenham failed to clear Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s corner adequately.

Kolo Muani bundled his way through to drill home his second goal with 18 minutes remaining, briefly offering Spurs hope of salvaging something from the match. Those aspirations were dampened moments later, when Cristian Romero’s handball gifted PSG a penalty, which Vitinha confidently converted to complete his hat-trick and seal all three points.

The loss was Tottenham’s first in nine Champions League matches and leaves them sitting 15th in the league phase standings. Despite showing attacking intent and twice taking the lead, Frank’s young side were ultimately undone by defensive lapses during crucial moments in the second half.

Kolo Muani’s man of the match display against PSG, a club he’s still under contract with, gave Spurs major hope that they could have the answer to their striking problems after all.

The Frenchman, who’s suffered repeated injury setbacks since joining on loan, bagged his first goals for the Lilywhites and proved a real mence against one of the continent’s top sides.

However, Kolo Muani wasn’t Tottenham’s only bright spark on the night.

Thomas Frank praises "very impressive" Archie Gray in Tottenham loss to PSG

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Frank reserved special praise for Gray, who linked up with Bergvall for Spurs’ opening goal of the contest and provided real energy in midfield.

The 19-year-old has spent most of this season out with a calf injury so far, and before that, found it hard to get consistent first-team minutes with Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr and Bergvall all ahead of him in the pecking order.

Much like last season, Gray responded with a solid performance when called upon last night, and it could be time for the Englishman to earn Frank’s starting nod much more often.

The former Leeds United sensation was given a baptism of fire under Ange Postecoglou last season when asked to play multiple unfamiliar roles during Spurs’ 24/25 injury crisis, and he’s done arguably done enough to earn the club’s favour.

With the 2026 World Cup just round the corner, Gray will be hoping that he can potentially stake his claim in Thomas Tuchel’s squad, but he’ll need Frank’s faith with more game time.

Roki Sasaki has arrived, and he came as advertised.

The 23-year-old Japanese pitching phenom made his first spring training appearance for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night, and was absolutely dominant. He flashed the kind of elite stuff that made him the most coveted pitcher on the market this winter.

Sasaki followed countryman Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who went four innings against the Cincinnati Reds. The rookie entered in the fifth and tossed three innings. He wasn't perfect, as he allowed a double to Elly De La Cruz and a single by Austin Wynns, while walking Christian Encarnacion-Strand and hitting Stuart Fairchild. But around that, he looked phenomenal.

In his three innings, Sasaki struck out five batters, while hitting 99 mph on his fastballs and flashing a nasty splitter and a really good slider that is likely to improve. His fastball averaged 98 mph and he got eight swings and misses.

To any MLB fans who were mad when Sasaki picked the Dodgers, tonight did nothing to quell that anger. He's yet another elite piece for a loaded pitching rotation that includes Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw and, at some point, Shohei Ohtani.

Former Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell reportedly has a new home in baseball.

Sportsnet's Shi Davidi and Ben Nicholson-Smith reported Friday that the Toronto Blue Jays hired Bell as vice president of baseball operations and assistant general manager.

Despite being signed to a contract extension in 2023, the 52-year-old Bell was fired by the Reds in late September after a disappointing season in which Cincinnati finished 77–85 and missed the playoffs for a fourth straight year.

Over six seasons as the Reds' manager, Bell registered a 409–456 record (.473 winning percentage) and received votes for the NL Manager of the Year award twice.

Bell played 12 seasons in the big leagues from 1995 to 2006 for six different teams. He began his coaching career as the manager of the Reds' Double-A affiliate in 2008 and worked his way up to Triple-A in '11. After stops with the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals coaching staffs, Bell served as the San Francisco Giants' president of player development from 2017 to '18.

Bell now will work alongside general manager Ross Atkins in the Blue Jays' front office as Toronto attempts to rebound from its 74–88 campaign in 2024.