Tag Futebol

How well prepared are West Ham United for the new Premier League season?

Well, Graham Potter will certainly take encouragement from his team’s performances during the Premier League Summer Series, beating both Everton and Bournemouth, their only defeat coming in the first game of their US tour against Manchester United.

The Hammers’ homecoming is on Saturday, welcoming LOSC Lille to the London Stadium, before the serious business begins at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland a week later.

However, supporters are certainly concerned about the make-up of this squad, given that Mohammed Kudus has been sold to fierce rivals Tottenham, with the arrivals of Callum Wilson, Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf doing little to lift the mood.

Well, could that be about to change, as the Irons target a move to sign a “phenomenal” striker who has been compared to Erling Braut Håland?

West Ham's never-ending search for a striker

With Michail Antonio having been released, West Ham require a new starting centre-forward this season, even after the arrival of Wilson, who surely cannot be banked upon to remain fit, having seen just 458 minutes of action last season, scoring one goal.

Well, fair to say, they don’t have a great track record when it comes to signing strikers for big money, as the table below documents.

Evan Ferguson

2025

Loan

8

Zero

Niclas Füllkrug

2024

£27m

20

3

Danny Ings

2023

£15m

69

5

Gianluca Scamacca

2022

£30.5m

27

8

Sébastien Haller

2019

£45m

54

14

Albian Ajeti

2019

£8m

12

Zero

Javier Hernández

2018

£16m

63

17

Jordan Hugill

2018

£10m

3

Zero

Lucas Pérez

2018

£4m

19

6

Diafra Sakho

2016

£10m

71

24

Emmanuel Emenike

2016

Loan

16

2

As the table outlines, since Antonio’s arrival in 2015, no West Ham striker has scored more than 25 goals for the club, with a vast amount of money wasted on players who produced very little.

As they seek to change that, reports in Spain claim that West Ham are interested in signing Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth, with Brentford also mentioned as potential suitors.

They add that los Colchoneros would be open to offers for the Norwegian centre-forward, as they pursue Roma’s Artem Dovbyk, and that Sørloth could be available for as little as €25m (around £22m).

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

So, could the 29-year-old soon swap the Spanish capital for East London?

How Alexander Sørloth would improve West Ham

Fair to say, Sørloth has had a strange career, only really becoming a regular goalscorer very recently, with sporadic scoring sprees in there too, as noted below.

2013/14

Rosenborg

7

1

2014/15

Bodø/Glimt

29

14

2015/16

Groningen

15

2

2016/17

Groningen

30

4

2017/18

Midtjylland

26

15

2017/18*

Crystal Palace

4

Zero

2018/19

Crystal Palace

16

1

2018/19*

Gent

22

5

2019/20

Trabzonspor

49

33

2020/21

RB Leipzig

37

6

2021/22

Real Sociedad

44

8

2022/23

Real Sociedad

46

16

2023/24

Villarreal

41

26

2024/25

Atlético Madrid

53

24

*moved in January

As the table outlines, Sørloth changes clubs very regularly, often enduring long periods without scoring very many goals, including making little impact during his time at Crystal Palace.

Up until recently, his career highlight came in the 2019/20 season, firing Trabzonspor to second in the Turkish Süper Lig and glory in the Türkiye Kupası, on target during the final victory over Alanyaspor at the Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadı, one of his 33 goals that season.

Sørloth has then found his feet again in Spain, scoring 26 goals for Villarreal, earning a £28m move to Atlético Madrid last summer, for whom he netted 24 times, on target every 78 minutes in La Liga.

Alexander Sørloth

Atlético Madrid

20

1.15

Patrik Schick

Bayer Leverkusen

21

1.12

Ousmane Dembélé

Paris Saint-Germain

21

1.09

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

26

0.98

Kylian Mbappé

Real Madrid

31

0.96

Mika Biereth

Monaco

13

0.95

Mateo Retegui

Atalanta

25

0.94

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona

27

0.91

Ayoze Pérez

Villarreal

19

0.87

Oihan Sancet

Athletic Club

15

0.83

Manager Diego Simeone described Sørloth’s form as “phenomenal”, while Domagoj Kostanjšak of Total Football Analysis notes that he ‘thrives on physical duels’, making him a classic target man centre-forward.

Meantime, Juan Fernández Valencia of Breaking the Lines agrees, praising his ‘exceptional ability to win aerial duels’, suggesting there were fears when he arrived at Atleti that he was simply a one-season wonder, but he very much alleviated those concerns in a Rojiblancos shirt.

Should Sørloth return to the Premier League, one player he’ll know very well is Håland, given that the duo have started all four of Norway’s World Cup qualifiers in 2025 up front together, firing their country to four wins out of four.

Håland has found the net during all four of these victories, with Sørloth netting in each of the first three, including a famous 3-0 demolition of Italy, their main rivals for top spot in Group I, in Oslo back in June.

As noted by Stuart James of The Athletic, national team manager Ståle Solbakken faces a real challenge getting both centre-forwards in the same line-up, given their physical and stylistic similarities; both are tall and physically imposing, but have excellent movement and thrive when able to burst in-behind.

That likeness has also been picked up on by FBref, who note that Håland is one of the most statistically similar strikers to Sørloth among those in their position across Europe’s top five leagues.

Interestingly, the Atleti star ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals per 90, thus actually placing him ahead of the prolific Manchester City talisman, who ranks in the top 6% in that regard.

Sørloth certainly would not face a similar issue should he move to West Ham, as he would instantaneously become the main man through the middle of the attack, so could the Norwegian be the player to break the Hammers’ striker curse?

Potter's new Bowen: West Ham battling PL rivals for "explosive" £30m talent

West Ham could be getting their hands on a future superstar.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 7, 2025

Defending champions left waiting on Birmingham Phoenix result in bid for top spot

ECB Media14-Aug-2024

Rovman Powell lanuches a six over wide long-on•Nathan Stirk/ECB via Getty Images

Oval Invincibles missed the chance to confirm their spot in Sunday’s final at Lord’s at Trent Bridge, losing to Trent Rockets thanks to Rovman Powell’s spectacular hitting.The Invincibles are still clear favourites to progress directly to the final as group winners, but Birmingham Phoenix could leapfrog them on net run-rate with a huge win over rock-bottom Manchester Originals on Thursday night. The Phoenix would need to win by around 92 runs batting first, or to chase down a target with around 62 balls to spare.”They’re a very good side,” Sam Billings, the Invincibles’ captain, said. “Their season could have been very different, and we knew it would be a tough match tonight at Trent Bridge, which is a great place to play.”As for us, a lot of positives tonight, we’ve played a lot of very, very good cricket in this tournament and one defeat doesn’t change that. It’s all about adapting to conditions. The Oval has played very different to Lord’s, but there’s a lot of clarity amongst the group regarding their own roles.”Tom Alsop swings hard over midwicket•Nathan Stirk/ECB via Getty Images

Coming to the crease with 95 needed from 52 balls and the Rockets three wickets down, Powell joined Tom Alsop to post an 80-run stand from just 32 balls to take the Rockets careening towards the Invincibles total of 150.Powell’s pyrotechnics delivered four sixes, with one hit off Sam Curran going 101 metres, before Curran induced Powell to miscue a lofted drive to long-on. The Jamaican’s dismissal left the Rockets needing 15 from 10 balls, but Alsop and Chris Green took the home side to victory with six balls to spare.The last two winners of the Hundred men’s competition have experienced contrasting fortunes this term with the Rockets, 2022 champions, suffering four defeats and already eliminated before Wednesday’s fixture, while the Invincibles have been relentless, winning six of their first seven.But in front of 12,000 fans at Trent Bridge, there was little between the teams. Choosing to bat first on a pitch taking turn, Invincibles opener Dawid Malan made a composed half-century against his old side, batting through the innings for an unbeaten 53 off 43 balls to allow the hitters to open up around him.Will Jacks’ quickfire 30 came from 17 balls ensured that the Invincibles dominated the powerplay, before Jordan Cox smashed a 30-ball 39 in a 71-run partnership with Malan.Cox succumbed to Sam Cook, whose figures of 2 for 23 were the most economical of the Rockets’ bowlers, giving Donovan Ferreira free rein to boss the latter stages. Ferreira’s unbeaten 27 occupied just 10 balls and featured three successive sixes to haul the Invincibles up to 150 for 3.Saqib Mahmood, bowling 15 of the first 20 balls of the Rockets innings, was fast and hostile, regularly touching 88mph and accounting for Tom Banton in his opening spell.Saqib Mahmood struck early to remove Tom Banton•Nathan Stirk/ECB via Getty Images

A recovery took place between Alex Hales and Joe Root but when Hales, on 35, misjudged a pull to give Jacks his first wicket, followed by Root lofting a Nathan Sowter leg-break to Curran at long-on, the Invincibles were strong favourites. Step forward Powell and Alsop, who gave Rockets fans a reminder of their quality.

Left-arm seamer takes 3 for 12 as hosts run riot at Durham

ECB Reporters Network19-Jun-2024

Rachel Slater was in the wickets for Northern Diamonds•Getty Images

Northern Diamonds bowled Lancashire Thunder out for just 61 – the lowest total in the four-year history of the Charlotte Edwards Cup – on the way to a five-wicket victory with 6.2 overs to spare against their arch-rivals at Durham’s Seat Unique Riverside.Scotland left-arm seamer Rachel Slater returned a superb three for 12 from four overs bowled straight through with the new ball, while opener partner Lizzie Scott also struck twice added to two wickets for the off-spin of Erin Burns in a final group clash which started with neither side able to qualify for Saturday’s Finals Day.Having almost perfectly made use of helpful bowling conditions, the Diamonds slipped to 37 for four in this helter-skelter contest. But Thunder had left themselves with too much to do, and their former batter Rebecca Duckworth steered the hosts over the line with an unbeaten 21.Both sides finished this competition with three wins from their 10 matches. Diamonds have won their last two and Thunder have lost their last two.Given the Diamonds are hosted by Yorkshire as a region, this was the first of two Roses T20s in as many nights, with the men’s teams facing off at Headingley in the Vitality Blast tomorrow. And the first blow was struck by the White Rose county in emphatic fashion.Diamonds got off to a near-perfect start, beginning with the correct call at the toss.Captain Hollie Armitage elected to bowl on a green pitch which offered obvious seam movement and also prodigious swing for Slater and Scott, the latter playing her first game of this season’s T20 competition.Thunder slipped to 19 for four inside the opening five overs, losing key trio Emma Lamb, Australian Katie Mack and in-form Seren Smale, whose 88 not out in their defeat at Central Sparks on Friday represented – at the time – the highest score by any batter in this competition.Scott had Fi Morris and Mack caught, the latter brilliantly by a diving Katherine Fraser at backward point, and left-armer Slater bowled Lamb and Smale.Unfortunately for Thunder, things got worse quickly, and 13 from Tara Norris batting at number nine proved to be their highest score. Only three batters reached double figures as a procession of batters came and went on a sunny North East day.Captain Ellie Threlkeld was run out from cover at the striker’s end before debutant all-rounder Grace Johnson chipped Slater to mid-off – 24 for six in the seventh.Kate Cross was bowled by Australian Burns before, considering the circumstances, the riches of back-to-back boundaries through the covers for Norris off former Thunder seamer Sophia Turner took the score to 50 for seven in the 11th.But it was only a brief respite. Norris was bowled on the pull at Scotland off-spinner Katherine Fraser before Liberty Heap was stumped off Katie Levick’s leg-spin.And when Sophie Morris chipped Burns to cover, Thunder were all out inside 15 overs for a record low total.Left-arm spinner Morris and new ball seamer Cross then both struck twice apiece to give Diamonds something to think about at 37 for four after eight overs, 25 runs still needed.England’s Cross trapped Emma Marlow lbw and had Bess Heath caught behind to finish with figures of two for 14 from four overs.Duckworth’s unbeaten 21 represented the highest score of the match.

Looking to get their summer transfer business underway, Aston Villa have now reportedly made contact to sign a £400,000-a-week defender ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Where Aston Villa stand with PSR

Aston Villa’s biggest concern after missing out on Champions League qualification on the final day came off the pitch rather than in Unai Emery’s dressing room. After missing out, those in the Midlands could now have PSR problems on the horizon which force them to sell at least one key man this summer.

As a result, one name that could be heading for the exit door is Emiliano Martinez. The goalkeeper looked emotional in Aston Villa’s final home game of last season and rumours have since linked the Argentine goalkeeper with a move to Atletico Madrid. Martinez, however, is reportedly waiting for Manchester United this summer.

After they finished sixth to follow up their Champions League qualification in the season prior, there will be plenty of questions about the PSR rules from those at Villa Park, but before they get answers they must find solutions.

He's like Palmer: Aston Villa could have bid accepted for £30m "machine"

Unai Emery is targeting several high-profile players this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 14, 2025

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire delivered an explanation as to how Aston Villa found themselves in hot water financially, saying on Sky Sports: “And remember, Villa have done very well in that competition (UCL). So that will be a plus. And they have sold some players as well, in both the last summer market and the January one.

“But I think there is still a perception that Villa will have to box clever. And of all of the clubs under pressure to sell players by June 30, I guess they’re the ones who are the club that gives the most attention because their spending in the last couple of years before getting into Europe was so extensive.”

Aston Villa make contact to sign Laporte

The Villans seem to be in a defiant mood, however, and could still spend to welcome incomings of their own this summer. According to Spanish newspaper AS via Sport Witness, Aston Villa now made contact to sign Aymeric Laporte from Al-Nassr in an attempt to beat Arsenal to the defender’s signature in the coming months.

The Gunners have also reportedly made contact, as have Athletic Club, Marseille and Inter Milan. In a hectic race, it’s Villa who will hope to swoop in and make an impressive statement by welcoming a five-time Premier League winner.

Signing Laporte won’t come cheap, given that he reportedly earns around £400,000-a-week at Al-Nassr, but he has made it no secret that adjusting to life in Saudi hasn’t been easy.

The experienced defender told reporters last year: “It’s a big change compared to Europe, but in the end it’s all adaptation. They haven’t made it easy for us. In fact, there are many players that are dissatisfied. They do look after us but not enough for my liking. That is to say, in Europe they pay you a good salary, but they take better care of you.”

This summer presents Liverpool boss Arne Slot with an opportunity to strengthen his squad and build on the success endured in his first campaign at the helm.

He’s already managed to claim the Premier League title in his debut year in charge, but will want to make additions to the side to aid their ambitions of retaining their glory next time around.

Handing new contracts to Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk is undoubtedly the best business they will conduct this summer, keeping hold of two of their star men from their title-winning side.

Despite their success in recent months, if they are to have the best chance of being involved in a title race again during 2025/26, they will need to be joined at Anfield by new signings.

With the transfer window rapidly appearing on the horizon, Slot and the hierarchy have already wasted no time in identifying potential additions, with numerous names already appearing on their shortlist.

An update on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings this summer

Over the past few months, Bournemouth duo Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen have both appeared on the club’s shortlist, looking to bolster the Reds’ defensive department.

Both players have starred in the Cherries’ success over the last few months, leading to huge links to a potential double switch to Merseyside during the off-season.

However, attacking options have really been the talking point, with a new centre forward desperately needed – leading to links with Atlanta forward Mateo Retegui, according to Anfield Watch.

Their report states that the Reds’ hierarchy have been keeping a close eye on the 26-year-old’s progress, excelling in Serie A, as seen by his tally of 24 goals and five assists in his 32 outings.

It also claims that the board feel he has the quality to deliver the goods at Anfield, potentially leading the line for Slot’s side and providing the added quality they’ve been hunting for.

Why Liverpool’s target could be Slot’s own Luis Suarez

Luis Suárez is just one talent who’s captured the heart of most during his spell at Anfield, registering 82 goals in his 133 appearances during his three years at the club.

The Uruguayan joined the Reds as an unknown quantity to many after completing a switch from Ajax back in 2013, but his endless goals quickly saw him become a fan-favourite.

From multiple hat-tricks against Norwich City to numerous Merseyside Derby goals, the striker had it all, going down as one of the best forwards to ever play for the club.

His unpredictable nature made him such a hit with the fanbase, potentially having the chance to land their next version of the talisman in the form of Retegui this window.

The Italian has been labelled as a ‘pit bull’ type forward by analyst Ben Mattinson, following the style of Suarez, with both possessing an instinctive nature in the final third – as seen by their respective goalscoring tallies.

When comparing his stats to current striker Darwin Núñez, Retegui has massively outperformed the Uruguayan in multiple key areas, showcasing why he would be a superb option for the Reds this summer.

The Atalanta star, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers” by The Overlap’s analyst, has massively outscored Nunez, whilst also posting a higher shot-on-target rate – further proving his abilities in attacking areas.

Games played

32

26

Goals & assists

29

7

Goal per shot-on-target

0.7

0.4

Passes completed

77%

70%

Shots on target per 90

1.2

1

Aerials won

1.9

1.4

Aerial success rate

43%

35%

He’s also completed more of his attempted passes, along with more aerials won, handing Slot the all-round centre-forward he’s craved since taking control of the side.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal would set the hierarchy back this summer, he’s proven that he has the tools to be a success in the Premier League and possibly emulate Suarez’s success.

If he manages to get anywhere near the level produced by the Uruguayan at Anfield, he will be a monster hit with the supporters in the club’s attempts to continue their success domestically and push for continental glory.

He'd be amazing with Gravenberch: Liverpool preparing £34m bid for new CM

Liverpool could make a shrewd addition to their midfield this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 4, 2025

In the wake of Liverpool’s leave-it-late victory over West Ham United to move within touching distance of claiming the Premier League, both Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk have alluded to a big summer of investment.

The runaway leaders have surprised everyone in ending Manchester City’s four-peat and leapfrogging Arsenal, who look set to complete their third second-place finish on the trot.

However, Liverpool definitely haven’t been perfect, with several first-team regulars struggling to prove themselves under new management and seemingly heading toward a summer exit.

From an attacking sense, Darwin Nunez is the most likely name to be drawn to mind, but he’s not the only one, oh no, Diogo Jota has also flattered to deceive for months and could be sold this summer.

Why Liverpool should sell Diogo Jota

Nunez has been consigned to the margins all season – the Uruguayan wasn’t even a part of Liverpool’s matchday squad against West Ham – but Jota has been utilised in a more important manner.

However, injuries have managed to scupper Jota’s hopes of a standout season. The 28-year-old has only started 13 Premier League matches all year, with the goals drying up since overcoming setbacks across winter and before.

Indeed, the Portugal international has only scored twice across his past 13 fixtures in all competitions, with the combination of injuries and goalscoring impotence highlighting the need for a new centre-forward.

24/25

32 (21)

9

4

23/24

32 (19)

15

5

22/23

28 (15)

7

8

21/22

55 (39)

21

6

20/21

30 (19)

13

1

Liverpool need to aim for the stars. Some reports claim that Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is very much the dream target this summer, but at around €150m (£130m), the Reds might need to part ways with more than just Nunez.

Chalkboard

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

Luckily, Slot knows that he has an up-and-coming star who could take Jota’s place and save Liverpool a whole load of money.

Liverpool already have a perfect Jota heir

Who knows how Liverpool’s transfer window will pan out. In fairness, though, there’s every chance that the Reds could launch a stunning move for a player of Isak’s ilk.

Finances are good at Anfield, but those working away in the offices will always look for a shrewd solution if one presents itself, and promoting Jayden Danns through fire sales of Nunez and Jota could be the perfect, resourceful way to take Liverpool forward next season.

Danns, 19, has suffered with a few unfortunate injuries over the past year, ending his January agreement to move on loan to Championship promotion hopefuls Sunderland before he had even kicked a ball.

But there’s no mistaking the teenage striker is one to watch, with analyst Ben Mattinson already pronouncing him to be “a better finisher than Nunez.”

Based on the evidence of the past three years, this isn’t all that hard, but it does highlight the natural ball-striking prowess that Danns can develop over the coming years, having already scored three times for Liverpool across just nine professional appearances.

Serving as Isak’s understudy, for example, Danns could save Liverpool millions and allow them to stock up the war chest through sales of Liverpool’s existing – and struggling – number nines.

With attention needed across various other areas of the park, this might just be the perfect way to keep Slot’s side firing while strengthening across key areas too.

He could surpass Salah: Liverpool ready £130m offer to sign world-class CF

Liverpool are set to break the bank on a new striker this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 14, 2025

Durbar Rajshahi, meanwhile, became the first team to not field an overseas players after they boycotted a game over non-payment issues

Mohammad Isam02-Feb-2025Chittagong Kings’ second-place finish in the BPL points table was the biggest surprise at the end of the tournament’s league phase. They had to win at least two out of their last three games this week, and they ended up winning all three: against Rangpur Riders, Sylhet Strikers and Fortune Barishal.They set up the first qualifier with Barishal, who topped the table with 18 points. Khulna Tigers meanwhile won the race to qualify as the fourth team, after beating Rangpur and Dhaka Capitals in their last two league matches. They were equal on 12 points with Durbar Rajshahi, but Khulna had the superior net run rate.In the eliminator match, Khulna will take on Rangpur who lost their way after making an impressive start to the season. Rangpur lost their last four matches after winning eight in a row. Rajshahi, Dhaka and Sylhet are out.

Best batter: Mohammad Naim

Mohammad Naim had the most impact as a batter after his century guided Khulna to a crucial win against Rangpur. Naim pummeled an unbeaten 111 off 62 balls, including seven fours and eight sixes.Dawid Malan was also in great form for Barishal, hitting a couple of sixties this week and an unbeaten 16-ball 37.What would be most encouraging for the Champions Trophy-bound Bangladesh team, is the form of Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon. They played some destructive knocks this week, with Tanzid hammering seven sixes in his 58 off 37 balls against Khulna. He finished the tournament with 485 runs at a 141.39 strike-rate, and hit 36 sixes – the most by a Bangladeshi batter in the BPL. He also finished the league stage as the tournament’s leading run-scorer.Parvez’s 75 off 41 balls against Barishal included a four and eight sixes, which helped Chittagong to a score of 206.Khaled Ahmed returned a four-wicket haul against Sylhet Strikers•Chittagong Kings

Best bowler: Faheem Ashraf

Faheem Ashraf’s resurgence, including figures of 5 for 7 against Sylhet, played a huge role in his Pakistan return to the Champions Trophy side. He now has 20 wickets for Barishal, second only to Taskin Ahmed who finished the competition with 25 wickets at an average of 12.04.Chittagong got the full service of their local pacers when Shoriful Islam and Khaled Ahmed both took four-wicket hauls against Sylhet. Left-arm quick Mrittunjoy Chowdhury took four wickets against Rangpur, while offspinner SM Meherob also registered a crucial four-wicket haul against Sylhet.

Unusual plays

Rajshahi became the first team to play without overseas players, breaking the BPL’s rule in the process. Their overseas players refused to appear against Rangpur on January 26, after the team owners missed several pay deadlines.Barishal bowled out Dhaka for just 73 runs, the lowest total in this edition, beating Rajshahi’s 80 all out against Chittagong.Chittagong meanwhile were at the other end of the batting scales, becoming the first team to get four 200-plus scores in the league phase. They also struck 17 sixes in their last game against Barishal, breaking their own franchise record in the season.Akif Javed has taken 19 wickets at an average of 14•Rangpur Riders

Starlets who caught the eye

Akif Javed, the uncapped Pakistani left-arm fast bowler, was the most impressive young player during the league stage. He has taken 19 wickets averaging 14, with an economy rate below seven.Mahidul Islam Ankon and Shamim Hossain were impressive young big-hitters, with high strike-rates having scored more than 200 runs lower down the order. Tanzid had already caught the eye with his big scoring in the top order while fast bowler Tanzim Hasan Sakib was Sylhet’s only shining light.

First impressions were encouraging on South African cricket’s quest for renewal

Firdose Moonda10-Jan-2023There were people. For the first time in three years, Newlands was filled with thousands of fans. And not just any kind of fans. Happy fans.This is not a dog-bites-man story, but actually worth stating loud and proud up front because prior to this, the opening night of the SA20, there have been more than 1000 very difficult days in South African cricket. Unhappy days. And unhappy people.The tough times started right here, at this ground, in December 2019 when a new CSA leadership was unveiled amid administrative chaos. In the weeks and months and years that followed, pretty much everything that could go wrong, on and off the field, did go wrong and public confidence in the game shrivelled and shrunk. Even the most dedicated supporters took up residence in negative town and talk on their streets was that nothing could interest them in anything CSA did ever again. But 20,000 of them were lured back into Newlands on Tuesday afternoon, two weeks before January’s pay-day, and rumour has it the same number will turn up at Kingsmead on Wednesday and in Gqeberha the day after.They liked what they saw in Cape Town. People smiled and took selfies as they slowly found their seats in the afternoon sun. Young children, still on school holidays, came in with their parents, and would doubtless be permitted a later-than-usual bedtime. As had been the case just before the pandemic silenced our stadiums, the crowd was diverse in age, gender and race – a heartening sight considering the polarised state of the game outside of this tournament. And then they sang.Related

• Teams divided over SA20's provision of deciding playing XI after the toss

• Explainer – What's different about the SA20? Did SA really forfeit ODIs for the new league?

• Brevis, Stubbs, Ferreira among players who could light up SA20

The SA20 organisers have spent significant resources on the entertainment and brought out two of South Africa’s best-known performers for an otherwise low-key opening ceremony. Sho Majozi, a rapper, and Master KG, famed for the lockdown hit “Jerusalema”, performed on a stage just outside the newly built office development at the ground while dancers did their bit in front of the embankment. A clutch of pre-converted MI Cape Town supporters, with branded azure blue caps, flags and t-shirts, joined them, complete with all the right moves. The fireworks in the day time only managed to blend in with the bright blue sky and were lost on just about everyone but the presence of the who’s who of South African cricket was not.On the grass embankment, a fenced-off area functioned as a makeshift commentary box. Graeme Smith, now in his role as the league’s commissioner but who has worn hats from national captain to director of cricket, was swamped by autograph-hunters. Smith has found himself loved and hated in equal measure over the last three years – for saving South African cricket after the terrible Thabang Moroe era, and for suspicions that he fostered a boys’ club of sorts in the national team (which was also implied at the Social Justice and Nation-Building hearings), but he still commands an audience. AB de Villiers was around too, and had a similar reception. But the biggest response was reserved for the men on the field. Specifically, the one we’ve called “Baby AB”, now known as DB: Dewald Brevis.He lived up to his reputation as the next big thing in South African innings with a match-winning knock in the tournament opener, after it seemed local players would be outshone. Cape Town’s own George Linde was tasked with bowling the first ball of the new competition and would never have played in front of a crowd this big at home. His first two deliveries went well but this third was threaded through extra cover by Jos Buttler. He conceded eight in total and then switched ends to bowl the fourth over, where he conceded nine more.Jofra Archer picked up a wicket in his first over on comeback•SA20In between that, Jofra Archer made a much-awaited comeback to competitive cricket, after 18 months on the sidelines, and he could not have asked for a better start. He removed Wihan Lubbe with his third ball, after swinging the first and zoning in on the toes with the second, and finished with a wicket maiden. The oohs and aahhs were admiring but probably also a little anxious. Remember that Archer will be part of the England ODI squad that plays South Africa in World Cup League matches later this month and if he’s already getting his speeds up to 145kph, how dangerous might he be then?The English performers continued to give South Africa plenty to worry about as Buttler found his groove with ramps and lap shots and then Olly Stone took out both his and Dane Vilas’ middle stumps. David Miller provided a reminder of what South Africans can do with a 31-ball 42, including a glorious six over long-on off Sam Curran, but became the first of Archer’s two-in-two. But then South Africa’s new names dominated.Brevis and Ryan Rickleton, both talked about as batters who should have been in the Test squad in Australia, made the target look small as in the president’s suite some of the national rugby team, including scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies, looked on. They batted with a freedom South African players have not had for the last three years, unshackled from the burdens of controversy and to some extent, expectation.A sunset walk around the ground revealed that as much as people were paying some attention to what was going on in the middle, they weren’t paying that much. This is, after all, a tournament that’s about more than cricket and many of the people at Newlands were enjoying the other things on offer. They were catching up with their friends, eating too many hot chips, queuing at the bars and every now and then appreciating a big hit. So far, so successful then as the SA20 officially starts.

Also, just why India’s set batsmen need to carry on during twilight come the Adelaide Test

Sidharth Monga11-Dec-2020No spinner in the Indians’ XI
That the Indians chose to play neither offspinner R Ashwin nor left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav in this match could mean one of three things. Let’s start with the most dramatic possibility first: India are toying with the idea of four quicks in Adelaide. If they are indeed thinking along those lines, it is not without merit. In seven day-night Tests in Australia – four of which have been held in Adelaide – spin averages close to 50 per wicket despite an impressive average of 26 for the home spinner Nathan Lyon. Among the visiting spinners to struggle, the most prominent name is Pakistan legspinner Yasir Shah. Thus, it can perhaps be argued that there might still be something in there for playing a spinner of the pedigree of Ashwin, but equally there might be a case for not playing any except that it could leave India with a long tail.The other reason could be that India saw enough of Ashwin and Kuldeep in the first warm-up to decide on Ashwin for Adelaide and have left this second match for those who need more practice. Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah required overs under belts and some long-format rhythm, while Navdeep Saini and Mohammed Siraj could still be in a contest for the final spot in the pace attack. Umesh Yadav, though, remains the frontrunner for the third seamer’s slot.The third – and worrying – reason for India could be to manage the workload of Ashwin, who wasn’t at his fittest during the IPL. With Ravindra Jadeja already struggling with a hamstring injury and concussion, India could do better than to have to cotton-wool their only experienced spinner.Set batsmen need to carry on
During the 63-run second wicket partnership between Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill that went at nearly ten an over, the ball hardly moved off the pitch before one that suddenly seamed back in a couple of feet to bowl Shaw. But by about the 20th over and close to the twilight period, the ball had started to do plenty. In the first 40 minutes of the second session, it seemed all Australia needed to do was to land the ball at the right place; from 72 for 1, the Indians eventually lost eight wickets for 51 runs.If day-night Test cricket has taught us anything in its brief history, it is these variables: there can be the pockets of play – usually once it starts getting dark – where bowlers can run away with the game in a session. The only way to get through these phases has been for set batsmen to continue playing through, as new batsmen find it extremely hard to start in these conditions.Wriddhiman Saha takes a diving catch in the outfield•Getty ImagesRishabh Pant or Wriddhiman Saha?
It has emerged that Saha didn’t play ahead of Pant in the first tour game due to any preference, but because Pant had woken up with a sore neck. However, Saha had used that opportunity to score a match-saving half-century, showing he too can bat in Australia. That possibly resulted in a bat-off between the two wicketkeepers today, as Pant scored five and Saha nought. The big gloves went to Pant, but Saha pulled off a stunner in the field, running back to take one over his shoulder.Head injury protocols
When Cameron Green hit Jasprit Bumrah on the head, Bumrah immediately signalled to everyone he was fine and tried to wave away the medical attention. The umpires had to step in and ask the Indian medical staff to come and check on Bumrah and his helmet. This is a significant event coming on the heels of a concussion to Jadeja during the first T20I on the tour, for which he was tested only during the innings break. He was allowed to bat for four balls against high-quality fast bowling with a possible concussion. And if Bumrah would have had his way, he would have refused immediate attention today. Rather than leave this protocol up to the player, testing them after every blow to the head should be mandatory.Shami, Bumrah look dangerous
It was a little surprising when both Bumrah and Shami played neither the last two T20Is nor the Test warm-up in the week gone by, but that was result of a well-earned trust between Virat Kohli and his fast bowlers. They wanted some rest, and were given their dues. And when they came back on the park for this three-day fixture before the first Test that begins on December 17, both looked in ominous form.The pink ball was moving under lights, and they hardly bowled any loose deliveries. The pitch made them look sensational, but their pace was up, the seam movement was pronounced and even long spells were bowled. Fortunately for the pair, it rained for long enough when it was time for their spells to end, thus giving Shami an extended break to provide further nightmares to the batsmen, as he ended up bowling 11 overs on the trot. Whoever the third – and fourth, if needed – quick might be for India, the top two showed they were ready.While Bumrah scoring his maiden first-class fifty and walking out to a guard of honour from his team-mates was the highlight of the day, the bowling form – 20 overs between them for 62 runs and five wickets – of him and Shami might be India’s biggest positive from the day.

It’s shaping up to be a sensational season for Arsenal this year.

With nine games played in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s side sit atop the Premier League table, six points clear of Manchester City and seven points clear of Liverpool.

Moreover, while the Gunners look impossible to score against at the moment, there is a real sense that the team could still move up a gear or two.

Even then, several Arsenal players are performing at levels fans have not seen before, including one big-money signing who is emulating Jurrien Timber’s rise.

Timber's rise at Arsenal

Arsenal made a number of impressive signings in the summer of 2023, including David Raya, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz.

Chalkboard

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

Yet the player fans probably knew the least amount, due to him not playing in England, was Timber, who moved to the Emirates from Ajax for a fee of around £38m.

Unfortunately, the supporters wouldn’t learn much about their new defender during his first season at the club either, as he suffered an ACL injury in the opening game against Nottingham Forest, which kept him out until the final match of the campaign.

Fortunately, the Dutchman didn’t miss anywhere near as many games last season and, as a result, made an incredible impact on the team, primarily by being solid as a rock on the right-hand side.

However, this year has seen the Utrecht-born monster take yet another step forward in red and white, as, in addition to being an elite lockdown defender, he has also become a genuine attacking threat.

For example, in just nine Premier League games, the 24-year-old has scored two goals and provided two assists.

Moreover, according to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of full-backs in the league this season for non-penalty expected and actual goals, shots on target and through balls, the top 6% for passes into the penalty area, and more, all per 90.

Goals

0.26

Top 1%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.26

Top 1%

Shots on Target

0.64

Top 1%

Through Balls

1.03

Top 1%

SCA (Shot)

0.51

Top 1%

Passes into Penalty Area

1.79

Top 4%

GCA (Fouls Drawn)

0.13

Top 4%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.90

Top 4%

Penalty Kicks Won

0.13

Top 4%

xG: Expected Goals

0.23

Top 7%

npxG: Non-Penalty xG

0.23

Top 7%

Progressive Passes

6.41

Top 7%

In all, Timber has become an all-action full-back who excels in all facets of the game, and as a result, it’s almost impossible to disagree with analyst Ben Mattinson’s claim that he is “one of the best Emirates-era signings.”

Therefore, it’s massively encouraging to see another one of Arteta’s big-money signings start to emulate him in certain ways this season.

The Arsenal star emulating Timber

There are plenty of Arsenal players having stellar campaigns so far this season, but someone who’s been a big surprise in the best way possible has been Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian international joined the club in the summer of 2024, and while he did so with plenty of fanfare, he did not have the best of debut seasons in red and white.

In fact, across the whole campaign, the former Bologna star made just 29 appearances, totalling 1497 minutes, which was almost entirely down to his truly dreadful injury record, which saw him miss 30 games for club and country and spend 175 days on the sidelines.

24/25

175

30

23/24

4

2

22/23

53

15

21/22

73

18

20/21

118

33

19/20

43

5

18/19

291

75

It was so bad, and Myles Lewis-Skelly did such a good job in his place that there were doubts over whether he’d actually be able to hold down a place in the team, or if he would suffer injury after injury before being shipped off, akin to what happened with Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Fortunately, this year has been completely different, and as things stand, he’s already made ten appearances for the first team, totalling 791 minutes, and is yet to miss a single game through injury.

This comeback is one of the similarities he shares with Timber, and the second is that, on top of simply being available, he’s also been absolutely incredible for the team this year, both defensively and especially going forward.

For example, he’s already scored a goal and provided two assists, and his underlying numbers, like the Dutchman’s, are sensational.

According to FBref, the £120k-per-week monster ranks in the top 1% of full-backs in the league for total shots, the top 4% for expected goals, the top 7% for goals plus assists, the top 10% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and more, all per 90.

On top of the incredible numbers, the Rome-born wildcard is also one of the most entertaining players to watch in the league.

Shots Total

2.20

Top 1%

GCA (Defensive Action)

0.13

Top 1%

xG: Expected Goals

0.25

Top 4%

npxG: Non-Penalty xG

0.25

Top 4%

SCA (Fouls Drawn)

0.26

Top 4%

GCA (Shot)

0.13

Top 4%

Goals + Assists

0.39

Top 7%

npxG + xAG

0.31

Top 7%

SCA (Shot)

0.39

Top 7%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.65

Top 7%

Touches (Att Pen)

3.50

Top 7%

SCA (Defensive Action)

0.13

Top 10%

Assists

0.26

Top 13%

npxG/Shot

0.11

Top 16%

GCA (Live-ball Pass)

0.39

Top 16%

Goals

0.13

Top 19%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.13

Top 19%

Passes Completed (Medium)

18.78

Top 19%

For example, the freedom given to him by Arteta and his subsequent roaming approach to the game have led him to being described as a “wild horse on the loose” by the Telegraph’s Sam Dean and “the most electrifying man in sports entertainment” by journalist James Benge.

Ultimately, while he had a poor start to life at Arsenal, Calafiori has exploded into life this season, and, like Timber, has become one of the most indispensable players in Arteta’s squad.

Not Eze & Gyokeres: Arsenal pair look like the best since Bergkamp & Henry

Aretat has helped to create Arsenal’s best duo since Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 27, 2025