Everton have come on leaps and bounds since David Moyes returned to the helm in January after so many years away.

However, there are plenty of wrinkles that still need ironing out, with Tuesday evening’s Carabao Cup defeat at Molineux illustrating that fact. The Toffees have gone 30 years without silverware, and Wolverhampton Wanderers handed them their fourth third-round defeat in the competition in five years.

One point from six available in recent Premier League outings, a point against Aston Villa at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and then defeat at Anfield, emphasise the task on Moyes’ hands if he wishes to restore the Merseysiders to their one-time standing and consistency during his first term at the club, but he has the tools to achieve this.

After all, Everton signed Jack Grealish from Manchester City on loan for the duration of the 2025/26 season, didn’t they?

The Jack Grealish effect

Grealish was at a crossroads this summer, having fallen by the wayside at Man City, sinking further and further into the fringes across the second half of his time at the illustrious outfit.

Everton and Moyes offered him a lifeline, and he has taken it with both hands, already registering four assists in the Premier League and being crowned the division’s Player of the Month for August.

Everton lacked fluency and drive in attack last season, and they needed a more passionate approach this year.

But Grealish wears his passion on his sleeves, and he’s built upon a skillset of flair and guile and sparkle. Pep Guardiola once hailed the Three Lions star for his “aggressive” nature on the pitch, but this wasn’t always on show at City.

Now, though, the 30-year-old has restored his bite down the left flank, not just creating but getting stuck in too, with Sofascore recording that he has averaged 7.2 duels per game so far.

Grealish is a sensation, but whether he is the finest forward in Everton’s ranks is a debatable thing when Iliman Ndiaye also plies his craft under Moyes’ wing.

Moyes has hit the jackpot on Iliman Ndiaye

Ndiaye has been a revelation at Everton, signed for just £15m in July 2024. Only spending one term in France with Marseille, the Senegalese winger struggled to get going after previously starring in the Championship with Sheffield United, where his performances earned many plaudits.

And he picked up where he left off in England, hailed for his “dynamite” quality when on the ball by Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp.

Across all competitions last term, Ndiaye scored 11 goals for the Toffees, more than any of his teammates.

He hasn’t quite settled into his finest form this season, but Ndiaye has still been fantastic under Moyes’ wing, scoring twice and assisting once.

When collating his match data with Grealish’s over these opening weeks of the campaign, it becomes all the more clear that Grealish has some fierce internal competition as he plays his way toward contention for the Player of the Year and indeed steers Everton to heights unscaled in many recent years.

Matches (starts)

5 (4)

5 (5)

Goals

0

2

Assists

4

1

Touches*

49.4

44.0

Shots (on target)*

1.4 (0.4)

0.8 (0.6)

Accurate passes*

23.6 (86%)

18.0 (80%)

Key passes*

3.0

1.4

Dribbles*

1.6

3.4

Ball recoveries*

4.2

6.8

Tackles*

1.8

2.4

Duels won*

7.2

8.2

As you can see, most of the effusive noise might be directed toward Grealish so far this term, but Ndiaye is on a level with the England international, and he’s five years younger besides.

Both are electric and pacy players, and there’s a neat balance in Grealish’s playmaking emphasis and Ndiaye’s more direct approach.

It’s also worth noting that the former Marseille man is earning just £45k per week at Everton, and while a bumper pay rise is sure to be on technical director Angus Kinnear’s radar, it’s an illustration of the shrewd business completed in reeling him over. Farhad Moshiri’s dysfunctional reign was characterised by many bungled deals, but credit must be paid for the addition of Ndiaye.

Grealish, meanwhile, is one of the best-paid players in the Premier League, and though he’s playing like it across the opening weeks of his Everton career, Ndiaye is quite the wide forward himself – and he’s permanently on the Toffees books besides.

In any case, both superstars are more than happy to be playing their football on Merseyside, beaming grins clear for all to see.

While Everton have hit the jackpot with the addition of Grealish, it’s important to remember that he is only a loanee. A permanent stay down the line isn’t out of the question, but it will present a new financial obstacle for Kinnear and co.

Ndiaye is already on the books, of course, and he just keeps on going from strength to strength, potent in the final third but also a willing defender, a crisp passer and a breakneck runner.

Data-driven platform FBref underscore all this. Across the past year, the African talent ranks among the top 17% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe for pass completion, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 9% for tackles per 90.

Watch him continue to improve. Here is a talisman. Here is a player who can match Moyes’ ambitions over the coming years.

Everton must only resist any inevitable efforts from interested parties, and while a price tag is unknown, it’s clear that the Toffees would demand a stratospheric sum for their star.

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ByWill Miller Sep 27, 2025

Danni Wyatt-Hodge continued her Utilita Bowl love affair as her 65 helped table-toppers Surrey vanquish Hampshire Hawks in a last-ball Women’s Vitality Blast thriller.Until her move to Surrey this winter, England star Wyatt-Hodge had made Utilita Bowl her home since 2017 – with both Southern Vipers in the Kia Super League and regional setup, and Southern Brave in the Hundred.She led a chase of 156 after Charli Knott had carefully amassed her T20 best of 74 to get Hawks to bang-on par at 155 for 4. Surrey eventually required 11 off the last over, which Paige Schofield and Alice Davidson-Richards managed with a two off the final delivery.Surrey captain Bryony Smith might have lost the toss but the placement of her fielders were exemplarity as Knott and Maia Bouchier struggled to pierce the ring. Only 32 runs came in the powerplay, with Knott particularly bogged down, as the fielding was backed by consistently tight bowling.It wasn’t rewarded with a wicket until the ninth over, when Bouchier skewed Alice Capsey to short third to end a 57-run opening stand.Bouchier’s demise began the start of more steady runs off Knott’s bat, helped by Freya Kemp pushing twos in her short stay – Kemp was caught at long-on before Georgia Adams swung to mid-off, both off the economical Dani Gregory.Rhianna Southby also fell, well caught at long-on by Davidson-Richards, but while wickets came quickly, runs came even faster.Knott had found her groove with the cover region a favoured area to power classily along the floor and to the ropes. The Australian had scored her T20 best in the victory over Essex last Thursday, but she went past the 72 she scored at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford.Her fifty came in 46 balls and she ended up with a 61-ball 74 as Hawks accelerated to score 56 runs in the last five overs – with Abi Norgrove sensational in her 24 off 10 balls.Surrey’s chase of 156 started with a stutter as Bryony Smith was out-Smithed by Linsey Smith – the left-arm spinner striking with her first ball after returning from England duty. Capsey looped international team-mate Lauren Bell to midwicket and Kira Chathli was unbelievably caught at point as the visitors slumped to 35 for 3.Wyatt-Hodge is very familiar with Utilita Bowl from years spent here before her winter move to Surrey. It made her the perfect person to get the chase in order as she got things motoring with a six down the ground off Smith.Her eighth T20 half-century on the ground came in 30 balls but Mary Taylor’s second over brought two wickets and made Hawks favourites. Grace Harris, who had put on 66 with Wyatt-Hodge, picked out long-on and then Wyatt-Hodge sliced to backward point.Paige Scholfield and Davidson-Richards kept the chase in order to make in 18 needed off the last two overs, and 11 off the last over. Adams held the first three balls to four runs but Davidson-Richards flashed a boundary through the covers before Scholfield hit two off the last ball to secure a nervy win.

It was not an easy game, but Arsenal picked up another three points in the first Premier League game back after the international break.

The Gunners overcame Fulham at Craven Cottage in a game where their London rivals made it tough to earn all three points.

Facing off against a well-drilled Marco Silva side, it took Arsenal until midway through the second half before they were able to break the deadlock. Riccardo Calafiori did have the ball in the back of the net in the first 45 minutes, but the flag was up for offside, a decision VAR confirmed.

Finally, the Gunners were able to take the lead. Once again, it came from a corner, with Gabriel flicking a header on towards the back post.

Waiting there unmarked was Leandro Trossard, who converted the flick-on via his knee.

There was more drama to come, though. Moments after Fulham’s summer signing, Kevin, came onto the pitch, he brought down Bukayo Saka in the penalty box. However, it was overturned by VAR, after it was deemed that the Brazilian had played the ball.

Despite the win for Mikel Arteta’s side, it wasn’t an easy day at the office. One player who struggled once again was Viktor Gyokeres.

Gyokeres’ stats vs. Fulham

Life at Arsenal started fairly well for Sweden international Gyokeres. However, he failed to score once again at Craven Cottage, meaning he has now gone nine games without a goal for club and country.

Chalkboard

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

That was not for a lack of trying, though. The former Sporting CP attacker had a tough day against a defensively diligent Fulham side. He did get close once in the first half, although his shot from a narrow angle was comfortably saved by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

In the second half, he fired over from close range, squandering an excellent chance.

The stats after the game show that it was a tough night for Arsenal’s number 14. In 89 minutes, he had just 20 touches and managed two shots on target. He only completed five out of nine passes attempted, although he was more of a nuisance without the ball, winning three out of four ground duels.

One person who was critical of his performance was Goal journalist Charles Watts. He gave the Swede a 6/10 for his efforts, describing it as ‘another hard working display’ but did note there was ‘little to show for it’.

Gyokeres was not the only Arsenal player who struggled to make a real impact at Craven Cottage.

The other Arsenal star who struggled vs. Fulham

The trip to Craven Cottage was never going to be easy for Arteta’s men. The Cottagers are renowned for being tough to break down, and they certainly made life tough for Arsenal, as Gyokeres experienced first-hand.

It was also a tough evening for another Arsenal summer signing, Eberechi Eze. The England international played in Martin Odegaard’s usual role on the right-hand side of midfield, but struggled to get a real grip on the game.

That is certainly reflected in the stats. The former Crystal Palace star had 37 touches of the ball, and completed 24 out of 27 passes.

However, he only created one chance and completed one dribble from two attempted.

Touches

37

Passes completed

24/27

Opposition half passes completed

16/20

Dribbles completed

1/2

Chances created

1

Ground duels won

2/3

Ball recoveries

1

Watts also noted that it wasn’t the easiest game for Eze. Like Gyokeres, he gave the Gunners number 10 a 6/10 for his performance in West London. The journalist said he was ‘sloppy at times’ but did acknowledge the fact that ‘it was very hard for him to find any space’ in a busy midfield.

It will be interesting to see whether Arteta keeps Eze in the side for the Gunners’ next game, a Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid. They face the La Liga outfit at the Emirates Stadium, and it could be another tough game.

Diego Simeone’s side are renowned for being tough to break down, and again, it could get congested in midfield. The Gunners’ Spanish boss might well decide to rotate Eze out of the team for that game, after struggling in similar circumstances.

If that is the case, he could bring Christian Norgaard or Mikel Merino into the fold. Both players came on against Fulham on Saturday night, with the latter replacing Arsenal’s number 10 just past the hour mark. There are certainly options if Arteta chooses to rest Eze.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 17, 2025

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is fast earning plenty of admirers for his work at N17 so far, and some players have gone up another level since his arrival.

Thomas Frank slowly transforming Tottenham after Ange Postecoglou era

Ange Postecoglou, despite a torrid 24/25 season in the Premier League, had his own loyal section of Spurs supporters after the Australian helped to end Spurs’ 17-year wait for a major trophy last season.

Postecoglou also endeared himself to members of the Lilywhites fanbase with his personality, memorable quotes and ‘no-nonsense’ demanour, whilst those within the Spurs squad appeared to have a very strong relationship with Frank’s predecessor, including Yves Bissouma, who described the tactician as a father figure.

The likes of Pedro Porro, Dominic Solanke, Son Heung-min, Guglielmo Vicario and more posted emotional tributes to Postecoglou after ex-chairman Daniel Levy and the board made the decision to part company, but since his departure, Frank has begun to steadily transform Tottenham.

Tottenham’s fragility defensively was a key complaint of Postecoglou’s tenure, and there is little denying that the north Londoners look far more assured in that respect under Frank.

Spurs have conceded just six goals in Frank’s first nine games in all competitions, and two of them came against European champions PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final.

Bar a disappointing 1-0 loss at home to Bournemouth, Tottenham have displayed real character when under the cosh too — mounting comebacks in each of their last two Premier League games against Brighton and Wolves.

Their very convincing 2-0 win away to Man City, where summer signing Joao Palhinha dominated the midfield, and 3-0 trouncing of London rivals West Ham were only overshadowed by the performances of some star players.

Barcelona are still regretting their botched deal for Lucas Bergvall, according to reports in Spain, with the midfield sensation, Palhinha, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Pape Sarr and others standing out among Tottenham’s best-performers of the season thus far.

A special nod also must go to Richarlison, who struggled with injuries under Postecoglou last season but has since found a new lease of life.

The Brazil international boasts three goals and an assist from his opening six league matches, replacing the injured Solanke with real aplomb, but Spurs chiefs may soon need to make a key call about his future.

The 28-year-old’s contract expires in 2027, meaning that Tottenham could be forced to sell on the cheap unless they agree an extension.

Richarlison could join Crystal Palace from Tottenham in £20m deal

As per BolaVip and journalist Alexsander Vieira, as relayed by Sport Witness, Crystal Palace are seen as a realistic destination for Richarlison if Spurs opt to sell — and the striker could go for around £20-25 million.

A return home to Flamengo is also touted, but Palace are seen as the likelier option, with Richarlison also having one eye on a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup next year.

Frank has already made his stance on Richarlison crystal clear, and the player himself has apparently expressed his commitment to Spurs.

However, given Richarlison’s contract situation, CEO Vinai Vinkatesham and the new-look Spurs boardroom could take the decision out of both their hands.

Australia appealed but umpires signalled ball was dead after it briefly became lodged behind pad flap

Andrew Miller12-Jun-20251:26

Bedingham: ‘Way I picked up the ball came across dodgy’

South Africa’s David Bedingham admitted he had “panicked big time” during a handled-the-ball incident on the second afternoon of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, one that briefly threatened to thrust Australia’s wicketkeeper Alex Carey into another spirit of cricket rumpus.Two years on from his contentious stumping of Jonny Bairstow during the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, Carey was once again at the centre of an unusual Australian appeal, as Bedingham – on 31 at the time, and in the final over before the lunch break – played off the back foot to Beau Webster, and inside-edged the ball into his pad-flap.Although the on-field umpires, Richard Illingworth and Chris Gaffaney, subsequently called the ball dead, Bedingham’s continued movements had briefly threatened to dislodge it from his pad-flap. With Carey swooping round from behind the stumps in a bid to gather it before it hit the turf, Bedingham responded by reaching down to his knee, and throwing the ball to the ground.Related

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“Yeah, I think I panicked big time,” Bedingham said at the close. “Because Carey was standing up, he was quite close. The umpires said, regardless, it was dead ball. But I think the way I picked up the ball and dropped it came across a bit dodgy.”Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, played down the moment in his post-match press conference, but acknowledged that he would likely have withdrawn the appeal had the umpires not signalled dead ball. Notably, he chose not to do this two years ago against England, when Carey capitalised on Bairstow’s habit of walking out of his crease after each delivery to throw down his stumps with an opportunistic under-arm shy.”I’m just glad they withdrew the appeal, because there [would be] more controversy and that type of stuff,” Bedingham said. “I’m glad nothing happened out of it, really. The slip cordon just told me, ‘don’t panic, just leave it…’ but in the moment, I think I panicked big-time.”The Bairstow dismissal caused a huge row, with Australia’s fielders coming in for abuse from MCC members within the Long Room as they left the field at the end of the session, and England’s captain Ben Stokes subsequently stating that he wouldn’t want to win a game in such a manner after Australia sealed a 43-run win later that afternoon.David Bedingham drops the ball from his pad just as Alex Carey comes forward to catch it•Getty Images

However, that moment, as with this latest incident, clearly fell within the remit of the laws of the game.According to Fraser Stewart, MCC’s head of cricket and the former laws manager, the eventual decision was “right for the game”, even if a strict interpretation of the Law 20.1.1 – which pertains to dead balls – might argue that the ball hadn’t been completely stationary at the moment of Bedingham’s intervention.According to the relevant laws, a ball becomes dead when: In a 2001 Test in Ahmedabad, England’s Michael Vaughan was given out handling the ball after placing his hand on the ball after it had already hit the turf, seemingly to prevent it from rolling back onto his stumps.Vaughan is the last of seven batters to be given out handled the ball in a Test match, because since 2017, that mode of dismissal has been subsumed into obstructing the field. In 2023-24, Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim fell in that manner after handling the ball against New Zealand in Mirpur.

Carse and Woakes are set to open the bowling, while Tongue and Bashir have retained their positions

Matt Roller18-Jun-2025It will be Ollie Pope, rather than Jacob Bethell, who bats at No. 3 for England against India in Friday’s first Test at Headingley.Pope, England’s vice-captain, left his position vulnerable after a poor run of form last year. Moreover, Bethell’s sudden emergence in New Zealand prompted serious consideration about the No. 3 spot. But Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have opted to retain Pope, resisting the temptation to pick England’s most promising young player of his generation.Bethell’s opportunity at No. 3 in New Zealand was the result of two absentees – Jamie Smith (paternity leave) and Jordan Cox (thumb injury) – pressing Pope into action as England’s wicketkeeper. He scored three half-centuries in his first three Tests, including a second-innings 96 in Wellington, while Pope looked more comfortable down at No. 6.But Pope returned to No. 3 against Zimbabwe last month, with Bethell deemed unavailable while at the IPL, and scored 171 to push his case for retention. Rob Key, England’s director of cricket, said on Tuesday that England had “two brilliant options” for one position, and they have chosen Pope.ESPNcricinfo LtdEngland confirmed their team for the first Test on Wednesday, with Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes set to open the bowling after missing last month’s win over Zimbabwe through injuries. Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir retain their positions, with Gus Atkinson still recovering from a hamstring injury, while captain Stokes completes the attack.This will be Carse’s first home Test, after he took 27 wickets in five Tests in Pakistan and New Zealand this winter. “Headingley is an unbelievable ground,” he said. “I’ve played a bit of white-ball cricket here over the last couple of years… but to be able to play a home Test against India is going to be pretty exciting and I cannot wait to get going.”Carse has been a change bowler throughout his first-class career but is expected to take the new ball alongside Woakes this week. “There has been a little bit of discussion around that. I’m relishing that opportunity, if that is what it is,” he said. “I opened the bowling during the one-day series [against West Indies] and felt comfortable and confident.”England’s attack has considerably less experience than those India have faced on their recent tours. Mark Wood remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Rishabh Pant said it was “definitely” a bonus not to face the retired James Anderson and Stuart Broad. “It feels so good,” Pant said, with a smile. “But… they have enough ammunition as an England bowling line-up.”England XI: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Josh Tongue, 11 Shoaib Bashir.

Antonio Conte was left fuming after Napoli’s 1-0 win over Lecce, hitting back at 'absurd' claims that Kevin De Bruyne’s long-term injury could somehow help his team. The Italian coach was frustrated by recent talk in the media, saying he has had enough of theories about injuries to veteran players like De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.

• Napoli grind out tough win despite De Bruyne’s absence

  Napoli had to dig deep to claim all three points against a resilient Lecce side, securing a 1-0 win at the Via del Mare. It wasn’t their most convincing display, but Conte’s men did enough to hold their lead and stay top of Serie A. It was a crucial win for the Gli Azzurri, who went into the game without De Bruyne. The Belgian remains sidelined with a serious thigh injury, which is expected to keep him out of action until at least 2026.

  The former Manchester City midfielder suffered a serious thigh injury after scoring from the penalty spot against Inter. The 34-year-old had been central to Napoli’s attacking rhythm since joining from City this summer, contributing four goals and two assists in 11 appearances across all competitions.

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• Getty Images
  

  Conte hits back at 'absurd' talk of advantage

  Conte couldn’t hide his frustration over recent media chatter from a few analysts suggesting that Napoli might benefit from an injury to a player of De Bruyne’s calibre. 

  "Let's not forget this start to the season, where we're making a virtue of necessity," the Italian said after Napoli's win on Tuesday. "Key players are getting injured, there's been talk of major reinforcements, and meanwhile we've lost Lukaku and now De Bruyne too. Some said we benefited from that, and I find that absurd.

  "I remember the headlines about his signing [De Bruyne] for Napoli, which was outpacing their rivals. Now, some dare say [his injury] could be an advantage, it's fantastic: I give up, I've heard all sorts of things. Lukaku has disappeared from the radar, now De Bruyne's absence is an advantage: it's Oscar-worthy.

  "Let's look at the goalkeepers: the third keeper broke, then [Alex] Meret, and some were wondering why we also brought in [Vanja] Milinkovic-Savic, while now he's the only one left. Maybe we need to keep quiet sometimes, because some people have a slightly longer view, and in the end, the facts prove them right."

  Despite Conte’s defence, his relationship with De Bruyne didn't get off to a positive start. The coach had previously warned the Belgian about controlling his emotions after the midfielder reacted angrily to being substituted during a 2-1 loss to AC Milan last month.

• Napoli suffer another injury scare

  Meanwhile, Napoli’s injury troubles continue to pile up. The team is already without De Bruyne, Lukaku and goalkeeper Meret, while Noa Lang provided another big scare by picking up a knock against Lecce. Conte, however, played down the concern after the match. 

  "Lang had two knocks in the same area, I think it's a stiffening of the muscle, but taking knees in the same area isn't easy. It's not a broken bone. I'm also happy for him, as it was his first game as a starter. We have to involve everyone in a difficult situation; we must never lack spirit," he added.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Injury-riddled Napoli need to dig deep to defend Serie A title

  Napoli’s title defence faces its biggest challenge yet without De Bruyne leading the pack. The Belgian’s injury has left a massive hole in Conte’s plans, forcing the coach to rely on squad depth to keep their momentum going. They will next face Como, who have been in fine form this season, before facing Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.

  For now, Napoli can enjoy being alone at the top of the Serie A table, while waiting to see how Roma fare against Parma later tonight. But with several key players sidelined, the Italian manager knows his side will have to dig deep to stay ahead in the race.

In-form forward Bryan Mbeumo has been Manchester United’s “best signing” of the season so far, according to club legend Wayne Rooney. The Cameroon international has received plenty of plaudits after inspiring the Red Devils to a remarkable upturn in form, with Ruben Amorim’s men having recorded three straight victories against Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton.

Mbeumo has quickly become a fan favourite following Brentford switch

Mbeumo has quickly felt the love from the United faithful after making a huge impression following his summer move from Brentford. After netting in the last-gasp 3-2 victory over Burnley on 30 August, the 26-year-old then scored the opener as United collected their first win at Liverpool since 2016 on 19 October. Mbeumo followed up his heroics at Anfield with a brace in United’s 4-2 triumph over Brighton on Saturday, in an impressive run of results which have completely changed the atmosphere around Old Trafford.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportUnited legend Rooney singles out in-form Mbeumo for huge praise

And while fellow summer signings Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens have also impressed in United’s winning run, Mbeumo has been labelled as the club’s best piece of business by Rooney. Speaking on United’s all-time top goalscorer said: "Mbeumo has been consistent with his performances, I think that's the main thing.

"If you're consistently getting in the right positions, getting chances, you will score. When you're a forward and you score goals, you enjoy scoring goals and that feeling keeps going.

"His confidence is very high at the minute. Hopefully that continues because he's certainly been the best signing for United this season."

Amorim also hailed Mbeumo's impact following the Brighton victory

Rooney is not the only person to laud Mbeumo’s impact, with manager Amorim having also paid tribute to United’s No.19 after the Brighton victory.

“He’s a working machine,” said Amorim in his post-match press conference. “He’s so good in transitions. He’s improving when we are organising the final third. The connection with Amad, it’s really hard to beat these two guys because they change position, they are really fast, they are good in one against one. 

“My role was, as a manager, to explain what I want from him. But it was more the club. And you guys. We can struggle a lot, but it’s Manchester United. When Manchester United is there, and when we feel that this player wants to come here, no matter what, no matter what the position, no matter if it's Champions League or not, we also give everything to bring these kind of guys, and that was the case.”

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AFPUnited captain Fernandes lauds Mbeumo, Cunha, Lammens & Sesko

Meanwhile, United captain Bruno Fernandes also expressed his delight at the arrivals of Mbeumo, Cunha and Lammens, as well as striker Benjamin Sesko, who has scored two league goals since joining from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in August.

“I think at this club, every time I spoke with anyone who was talking with me, they were asking we need to sign good players and everything else,” Fernandes said after the Brighton win. “We need to sign big characters, not good players because at this club, being good players sometimes is not enough because of the pressure, because of the attention we get and everything. I think we brought in players that are very aware of the dimension of the club. You spoke about Cunha. Cunha has that good arrogance to do the good things and the right things, so that's something good. Bryan, also the same. He's not afraid to take the ball, to do his play, to do his things. We brought two players who were aware of the Premier League, also.

"And then we brought a very young goalkeeper and a centre-forward, they hit the ground flying (running). Obviously, we know Ben (Sesko) will be judged by scoring goals or not. But a part of that, he's been doing great, whatever he's being asked to do. He's got his goals already, and I think now it's going to come more and more because he's more than capable of scoring goals. Senne came probably with the intention of being the number one. He had to wait for his moment. The moment came and he was ready for that. So this is what this club is about. You come, the moment will be there straightaway and you have to take it.”

أكد أسامة حسني، لاعب النادي الأهلي السابق، أن مسألة تكافؤ الفرص بين الأندية المشاركة في بطولة السوبر المصري تحتاج إلى مراجعة جادة من جانب رابطة الأندية واتحاد الكرة المصري، لضمان العدالة بين الفرق المتنافسة.

وقال حسني في تصريحات عبر برنامج “اللعيب” على قناة MBC مصر: “أود قبل انطلاق بطولة السوبر المصري أن أتحدث عن مبدأ تكافؤ الفرص بين الأندية المشاركة، وضرورة تحقيق العدالة سواء من قبل رابطة الأندية أو اتحاد الكرة المصري”.

وأضاف: “يشارك في البطولة كلٌّ من الأهلي بصفته بطل الدوري، والزمالك بصفته بطل كأس مصر، وسيراميكا كليوباترا بصفته بطل كأس الرابطة، إلى جانب بيراميدز الذي حصل على البطاقة الذهبية للمشاركة”.

طالع أيضًا | عاجل | فيفا يُعلن إيقاف قيد الزمالك رسميًا

وتابع: “الرابطة قررت أن يلعب الزمالك وبيراميدز يوم الأحد في القاهرة الساعة الخامسة مساءً، بينما خاض الأهلي مباراته في الإسكندرية في الساعة الثامنة مساءً، ثم عاد إلى القاهرة استعدادًا للسفر إلى الإمارات”.

واستكمل: “الأهلي سيسافر إلى دبي، ثم ينتقل بالحافلة لمدة ساعتين إلى مدينة العين، وإذا فاز على سيراميكا سيعود ليواجه الزمالك أو بيراميدز في أبوظبي، في حين أن الفريقين الآخرين سيبقيان في راحة هناك”.

وتساءل: “أين مبدأ المساواة بين الأندية؟ الأهلي هو بطل الدوري، ومن المنطقي أن يحصل على تمييز يليق بمكانته كبطل، لا أن يُرهق بهذا الشكل في التنقل بينما تستفيد الأندية الأخرى من الراحة”.

واختتم: “حتى في أسوأ حالاته أو في ظل غيابات عديدة، يبقى الأهلي المرشح الأول لحصد اللقب، أما في مسابقة الدوري فالوضع مختلف، فهي بطولة طويلة المدى تشهد فترات صعود وهبوط، لكن الأهلي دائمًا يعود بقوة، وأنا على يقين بأنه سيتوج بلقب الدوري هذا الموسم في النهاية”.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is in line to receive a welcome boost, with one star now expected to make an earlier return from injury.

Mikel Arteta shares Arsenal injury update pre-Fulham

The return of Premier League football after another tedious international break, much to the delight of Gunners supporters, is now imminent.

Arsenal take on Marco Silva’s Fulham at Craven Cottage, with Arteta looking to extend his side’s seven-game unbeaten run in all competitions and maintain their place atop the Premier League table.

The North Londoners have failed to win at Fulham’s ground in each of their last two visits, losing 2-1 there at the end of 2023 and drawing 1-1 a year later.

Silva has worked wonders on a shoe-string budget since guiding Fulham to promotion and an immediate return back to the top flight in 2022/2023, and the Whites are currently faring much better than a few of last summer’s much more lavish spenders.

Rank

Club

Gross Spend

Sales

Net Spend

15.

Crystal Palace

£48.9m

£67.5m

+£17.7m

14.

Aston Villa

£28m

£43m

+£15m

13.

Fulham

£35.1m

£8.7m

-£26.4m

12.

Burnley

£97.7m

£31m

-£66.7m

11.

West Ham

£131.3m

£55m

-£76.3m

See where Arsenal rank here…

Arteta currently has a few key players out as well, with club captain Martin Odegaard, summer signing Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all unavailable for their trip across London.

Jesus is still recovering from his ACL tear, which has kept him out since last winter, and reports suggest that Arsenal could even sell the Brazilian in January following the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres.

Madueke was in red-hot form before he was sidelined with a knee problem, which was a major blow for the England international, and Odegaard swiftly returned to the treatment table with his own knee issue after just coming back from a shoulder injury.

Havertz, meanwhile, played just half an hour this season before he too suffered a knee complication.

Speaking of the German, reliable club insider HandOfArsenal has shared a very encouraging update on Havertz’s progress via X, which provides further insight into what Arteta said in his pre-Fulham press conference.

Kai Havertz could return "earlier than expected" with Arsenal staff "blown away"

It is believed the attacker is striving to make an earlier return than anticipated, and his performances in rehab have even left Arsenal staff blown away.

This is undoubtedly excellent news for Arsenal, as the 26-year-old has become a crucial figure for Arteta.

Last campaign, Havertz was a key man in their attacking lineup across all competitions, showcasing his creativity and versatility with 15 goals and 5 assists — including four strikes in the Champions League.

These numbers would’ve been even greater if not for a hamstring injury which kept him out for three months towards the end of 2024/2025, and his potentially imminent presence will relieve some of the creative burden on Arsenal’s available forward line.

Havertz will also keep Gyokeres firmly on his toes, with the Swede currently on a six-game streak without scoring.