Fifties from Nick Welch, Tafadzwa Tsiga can’t prevent PCC XI recording 138-run win

ESPNcricinfo staff18-May-2025

PCC Select XI 330 (De Caires 79, Morgan 66*, Chohan 56, Ngarava 3-42) and 464 for 7 dec (Mousley 154, Rew 103*) beat Zimbabweans 403 (Madhevere 93, Williams 76, Tsiga 66, Bennett 65, Killeen 3-52) and 253 (Welch 87, Tsiga 66, Jack 3-40) by 138 runsZimbabwe will go into next week’s one-off Test against England on the back of a 138-run defeat to an unheralded Professional County Club Select XI after they failed to bat out the final day in Leicester.Set a target of 392 after the PCC XI declared on 464 for 7 an hour into the final day, Zimbabwe slipped to 51 for 4 shortly after lunch, Hampshire’s Eddie Jack knocking over three of the top four. Nick Welch counterpunched, adding 47 with Wessly Madhevere, whose 93 had steered Zimbabwe to a first-innings total of 403, and 70 with Tafadzwa Tsiga, as the tourists reached tea five down.But Welch couldn’t convert his innings to three figures as Essex allrounder Jamal Richards struck twice during the evening session, and although Tsiga went past 50 for the second time in the match, spinners Dan Mousley and Jafar Chohan plucked out the last three wickets to condemn Zimbabwe to defeat.Mousley had earlier scored a second-innings 154, putting on a stand of 179 with captain Josh De Caires as the PCC XI swiftly overcame a first-innings deficit of 73. De Caires, who top-scored with 79 after electing to bat on day one, added 84 before being stumped by Tsiga off Wellington Masakadza. Mousley was later joined in reaching a hundred by Thomas Rew, as the PCC XI accelerated towards their declaration.The Zimbabweans, who used 13 players in the match, had to be content with a solid four-day workout, which also saw opener Brian Bennett and veteran No. 4 Sean Williams notch first-innings fifties, and left-armer Newman Nyamhuri claim five wickets.

Lionel Messi closed the regular season in style, solidifying his grip on the Golden Boot with 29 goals – not that there was ever much doubt. Still, the Inter Miami star wasn’t content to coast. In what might have been his best performance of 2025, Messi put Nashville to the sword in a 5-2 win, sending a clear message to the rest of MLS ahead of the playoffs: look out.

Saturday was special, even by Messi's lofty standards. He finished with three goals and an assist at Geodis Park, and this was vintage Messi: dribbling, passing, and ultimately, scoring in ways that other humans simply cannot.

Despite the dominant scoreline, it certainly didn't begin that way. From the opening whistle, it was Nashville, not Miami, that looked destined to put up goals. Under an avalanche of shots, though, Miami somehow never broke. Nashville striker Sam Surridge had six shots before Messi got his first.

But once the Argentine scored his first goal, it became the start of something special. He buried it seemingly out of nowhere, giving Miami the lead in the 35th minute.

After seeing his side concede two just before halftime, with Surridge and Jacob Shaffelburg giving the home side a 2-1 lead, Messi ensured that the second 45 would be his. He netted a penalty in the 63rd minute to equalize. He then set up the sequence that led to Baltasar Rodriguez's go-ahead goal in the 67th minute.

In the 81st minute, he put the game out of reach with his hat-trick goal before then turning provider yet again by unselfishly teeing up Telasco Segovia in stoppage time to put an exclamation point on the night. There was seemingly nothing Nashville could do to prevent Messi from being Messi. He finished the regular season with 29 goals and 19 assists. 

The playoffs begin this week and, after winning other silverware the last few years, Miami have their sights set on MLS Cup. That's a scary thought, then, for the teams in their way – especially if Messi continues to play at this level. 

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Geodis Park.

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defense

Rocco Rios Novo (7/10):

In truth, it would have been a lot worse if not for him. Nashville were really going for it in the first half, and it was Inter Miami's goalkeeper who kept them from running away with it.

Jordi Alba (6/10):

A typical Alba performance – even in these final days of his career: a lot of attacking, minimal defending. 

Maxi Falcon (5/10):

Got totally done by Hany Mukhtar on Nashville's opener, but he isn't the first one to have that happen to him. Fair to say he and the Miami defense bended but never quite broke, but it would be nice if they didn't have to bend so much.

Gonzalo Lujan (5/10):

Totally lost on Nashville's first goal. Was taken off early in the second half because, in general, Miami's defense was struggling.

Marcelo Weigandt (6/10):

Crossing was pretty poor, but everything else was relatively okay.

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Baltasar Rodriguez (7/10):

Right place, right time for the goal, and it was deserved as the 22-year-old Argentine went right at Nashville defenders seemingly every time he got the ball.

Rodrigo De Paul (5/10):

Did well to keep tempo, but wasn't as physically dominant as expected, particularly in the first half when Nashville were overrunning Miami.

Sergio Busquets (6/10):

Not quite vintage Busquets, but pretty close. So cool on the ball, and he did have a few good moments defensively in his last regular season match. 

Tadeo Allende (4/10):

Missed a sitter and could have easily been sent off for a reckless tackle. Not his day.

Getty Images SportAttack

Lionel Messi (10/10):

What else is there to say? Absolutely ran the show with three goals and an assist. If this is a playoff warm-up, look out.

Luis Suarez (7/10):

Didn't get a goal, but was certainly involved in two of them. Nashville were physical with him but, in true Suarez fashion, he never shied away.

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GettySubs & Manager

Ian Fray (7/10):

Credited with the assist on Messi's hat-trick goal, but being honest, it was mostly the Argentine's work.

Telasco Segovia (8/10):

Brought some life into the second half, which was key for Miami as they really pushed as the game wore on. Got his goal late on, too, to really put the cherry on top.

Yannick Bright (6/10):

Much-needed life and legs in the midfield as Miami looked to protect their points.

Tomas Aviles (N/A):

Chucked on in the final minutes to swat away any late Nashville attempts.

Javier Mascherano (7/10):

Miami didn't look good in the first half, but Mascherano made the moves to settle his side down. On some nights, that's all he needs to do, and Messi, eventually, will do the rest. This was one of those nights.

Newcastle United knew they would make forward progress after PIF completed their much-anticipated takeover in 2021, but the appointment of manager Eddie Howe has helped grease the wheels and then some.

There have, of course, been bumps in the road, but the Magpies have qualified for the Champions League across two of the past three Premier League campaigns; last year, they won the Carabao Cup after beating Liverpool in the final.

One of Howe’s biggest strengths, aside from his deep tactical understanding and awareness of how to bring many players together, is his ability to keep a bond knitted through his side. Togetherness and Toon DNA.

That’s why selling Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest was such a bitter thing. Academy gems are crucial for a team rising to the top, and this Howe knows.

Elliot Anderson's return to Newcastle

When Anderson stepped out at Newcastle on Sunday, he did so with the knowledge that Howe had publicly intimated his interest in bringing him back to the club.

Sold. £35m. August 2024. Nottingham Forest benefitted from United’s financial troubles, losing a homegrown player who had clear and compelling potential.

Maybe Sunday’s showdown has reinforced in Anderson’s mind the potential for a return to Tyneside, a permanent return. After all, Howe revealed last week that he would be keen on welcoming the 22-year-old back to St. James’ Park.

And for good reason: Anderson is a “do-it-all midfielder”, as said by analyst Ben Mattinson, and the statistics back that up.

Matches (starts)

37 (33)

7 (7)

Goals

2

0

Assists

6

1

Touches*

54.2

103.3

Pass completion

82%

89%

Key passes*

1.0

1.1

Dribbles*

1.0

1.3

Ball recoveries*

5.6

7.9

Tackles + interceptions*

2.5

3.7

Duels (won)*

6.5 (52%)

7.9 (57%)

Newcastle must ensure something similar does not happen again. There are a number of high-quality prospects waiting in the wings, and none more so than Seung-soo Park, who may even be a bigger talent than Anderson – and the rest.

Meet Seung-soo Park

This summer, Newcastle signed Park from K League 2 side Suwon Bluewings for an undisclosed fee. He posted a goal and three assists across 27 appearances in South Korea and landed on Tyneside as a potential superstar.

Primarily appearing down the left channel, the 18-year-old is fleet-footed and powerful when on the ball, and he made a positive impression during pre-season.

Thailand’s Brazilian coach Emerson Pereira has singled out the youngster’s “dangerous” presence on the ball, so direct and slippery when taking on defenders. He is always willing to cause his opponents problems, and if he can marry this with requisite athletic improvements that come with growing up, he may well be a fierce forward indeed.

So fast is the winger that he has even been described by Asian football expert John Duerden as being “similar to Mbappé”, and if he can refine his shooting ability over the coming years, this could be quite the addition for Howe’s starting line-up.

So far, he has only featured six times for Newcastle’s development side, although it’s curious to note that he was named on the bench for United’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa, an unused substitute.

It will take time before he reaches the fluent level to sustain a place in the first team, but Anderson was a part of Newcastle’s U21 squad when he was Park’s age, then spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan in League Two with Bristol Rovers.

Park has the skills and the playing style to rocket right to the top, and by keeping hold of this one, Newcastle might even strike gold with an even bigger talent than Anderson, the one who got away.

Not Woltemade: Newcastle star is "one of the signings of the summer"

Nick Woltemade may not be Newcastle’s best signing of the summer.

ByWill Miller Oct 7, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Aos 24 anos de idade, o atacante Bruno Michel é considerado um dos jogadores mais ‘cascudos’ no São Bernardo FC para a disputa da segunda fase do Brasileirão da Série C. Algo que acontece, em muito, por conta de suas passagens por Atlético-MG e Guarani além de um acesso à Série B conquistado no Botafogo-SP, em 2022.

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>Assista aos jogos do seu clube do coração com aquela gelada! Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00

Diante dessa situação, o avante tem ciência dessa experiência. Porém, sem deixar de exaltar seus companheiros mais jovens:

– Sei da minha responsabilidade, há outros jogadores experientes também, então, sempre ajudamos com conselhos e passamos tranquilidade aos mais jovens do elenco. Sabemos da capacidade de todos para fazer uma boa segunda fase.

O grupo do Bernô na segunda fase é composto por Brusque, Operário e São José-RS. Na chave em questão, os dois primeiros caíram de divisão, logo, merecem mais atenção na análise feita por Bruno.

– Grupo difícil, com equipes tradicionais e experientes, mas estamos nos fortalecendo e nos preparando, pois queremos o acesso. É o objetivo principal e o São Bernardo nos dá totais condições para buscar – finalizou.

Manchester United and Ruben Amorim bounced back with a win against Sunderland on Saturday, and a key update has now emerged over the manager’s future.

Amorim's future still in doubt after Sunderland win

Admittedly, opting to relieve managers of their duties over the years hasn’t necessarily made Manchester United a better side. Still, pressure is continuing to grow on Amorim as he attempts to arrest his side’s slump in form.

Gareth Southgate has been linked to the Old Trafford hotseat and could be a safe option in light of his steady progress with England, and Peter Crouch believes that if a change is coming in the dugout, the ex-Three Lions boss is an ideal fit to step in.

He said via The Mirror: “I love Gareth (and) he’s had some stick unfairly. He took us to the finals. It was frustrating, you know, not to get over the line. If he won one game, then would there be a statue of him.

“He’s gone from a statue to people thinking he’s not good enough for the Man United job. It’s such a fine line in football. I think he’s someone that could build something there. You keep getting managers over that are here for the short term, like I think Gareth Southgate is someone who can build something big.”

Reportedly, Manchester United would need to pay £12 million to sack Amorim, which would be a hefty price to pay if they decide he is not the right man to take them forward, and a cost which they can now avoid at least a little longer after Saturday’s rather comfortable 2-0 victory against the Black Cats at Old Trafford.

"First class" manager who brings "fun factor" to training speaks about links to Man Utd

Ruben Amorim is under increasing pressure…

ByBen Goodwin Oct 3, 2025

Either way, there needs to be some clarity one way or another; something that Ornstein now looks to have provided in his latest update on events at Old Trafford.

David Ornstein shares how Man Utd feel about Ruben Amorim

Speaking to NBC Sports, Ornstein made it clear that Man Utd are keeping faith in Amorim and both parties want to keep moving forward in the right direction, while he still retains the backing of the squad.

He said: “Ruben Amorim is under major pressure, but I think most of that pressure is applied on him by himself, as well as the burden of being Manchester United manager. Manchester United themselves, as I understand, they’re not planning to sack him. They don’t want or intend to, and I don’t think he’s planning to walk away from this.

“Last season, I think he really felt the strain, and people I speak to say he was questioning if he could succeed there. But I do think, incrementally, there is a bit of improvement felt, however small, especially with some of the new signings, and it is still very early.”

Later, he added: “Results will need to improve; we can’t get away from that, and we know how this industry operates, but I think they would like to give him more time.”

Ultimately, giving managers more time is a game of risk versus reward. Manchester United know that the grass isn’t necessarily always greener, but the impact of a bounce under a new coach could also spark their season into life.

There will be plenty of conflicting opinions on Amorim’s future, though he appears to be safe for now as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS favour continuity over instability.

تحدث النجم الأرجنتيني ليونيل ميسي، قائد الفريق الأول 0لكرة القدم بنادي إنتر ميامي عن اعتزال الثنائي سيرجيو بوسكيتس وجوردي ألبا الموسم الحالي.

وكان سيرجيو بوسكيتس، لاعب إنتر ميامي قد أعلن نيته اعتزال كرة القدم رسميًا في نهاية الموسم الحالي 2025/2026.

وكان صاحب الـ37 عامًا قد صعد للفريق الأول في برشلونة عام 2008 تحت قيادة بيب جوارديولا في عمر الـ 20 وأصبح لاعبًا أساسيًا في جيل قاده الأسطورة ليونيل ميسي وسيطر على عالم كرة القدم في هذا الوقت.

أما جوردي ألبا، فقد أعلن في وقت سابق قرار اعتزاله كرة القدم نهائيًا بنهاية الموسم الجاري، ونشر مقطع فيديو مطول عبر حسابه الرسمي على “إنستجرام”.

وتناول ميسي إعلان اعتزال سيرجيو بوسكيتس وجوردي ألبا بعد فترة أسطورية قضاها الثنائي معًا في نادي برشلونة، وفترة لعبهما مع الفريق الأمريكي أيضًا.

وقال ميسي في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “بصراحة، الأمر صعب للغاية، أولًا لأنك ترى أنك جعلت حياتك المهنية بأكملها لكرة القدم، وأن من حولك بدأوا بالرحيل، وتدرك أن وقتك سيأتي قريبًا لا محالة”.

كان ليونيل ميسي قد راوغ عند سؤاله هل سيشارك في كأس العالم 2026 المقبل رفقة منتخب الأرجنتين أم لا (لمزيد من التفاصيل اضغط هنا).

وأكمل: “لطالما كانت علاقتنا داخل الملعب وخارجه جيدة للغاية، كنا قريبين جدًا وتشاركنا الكثير من اللحظات ليس في الملعب فقط بل أيضًا مع عائلاتنا”.

وأتم: “فقدان الأصدقاء يعتبر خسارة كبيرة داخل الملعب وخارجه وبالطبع هذه أيضًا أوقات عصيبة بالنسبة لهم، لأنه ليس سهلًا أبدًا على أي فرد أن يترك شيئًا أحبه وعاش من أجله”.

Blaze fail to close out run chase as Bears sneak a share of the spoils

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay30-May-2025The Blaze 160 for 4 (K Bryce 60*, Elwiss 52) tied with Bears 160 for 8 (Pavely 46, Gordon 2-26)The Blaze and Bears Women shared the points after opening their Vitality Blast season with a tie at Trent Bridge.Charis Pavely, who hit a career-best 46, shared a 75-run partnership with Katie George as Bears Women finished on 160 for 8 from 20 overs.Kathryn Bryce, who top-scored with 60 not out after being dropped on 5, and Georgia Elwiss looked to have set the home side, who were the final 20-over champions in the regional women’s professional game, on course to open with a victory.But, needing nine off the last over, bowled by England seamer Issy Wong, they were able to manage only eight, crucially losing Sarah Bryce, who had hit 27 from 18 balls, to a slower ball off the penultimate delivery.Bears opted to bat and clocked up a respectable 45 in the powerplay, losing two wickets as Abbey Freeborn was beaten by Maddy Green’s pinpoint throw as she chanced a leg-side single off Grace Ballinger, who had Davina Perrin caught at extra cover and should have had a second wicket when Sterre Kalis was dropped at square cover on nought.More casualties swiftly followed as the dangerous Wong was well taken at extra cover off Elwiss and Kalis was bowled by Kirstie Gordon in a stump-exposing attempted sweep.But from 61 for 4, the Pavely-George partnership gave the innings much-needed substance, England Under-19 allrounder Pavely surviving an early chance on 4 to lead the way as the fifth-wicket pair added 75 from 55 balls, hitting five fours and a sweetly-timed six over midwicket off Elwiss before she was bowled by Gordon, sweeping.Explosive Aussie batter Laura Harris clubbed Elwiss for another six but was caught at short fine leg without adding to it, Amu Surenkumar was bowled by Kathryn Bryce and George was run out off the last ball as Bears set The Blaze 161 to win.Marie Kelly, bowled by seamer Surenkumar, fell in the third over of the chase, but The Blaze were 43 from six overs without further loss and were well placed at 71 for 1 at the halfway stage, although only after Kathryn Bryce had ridden her luck on 5 and 13 as chances off Wong and Hannah Baker went down, the first a straightforward one at gully.They were proving increasingly costly as the experienced second-wicket pair began to accelerate, the frustration for Bears compounded as Elwiss had an escape on 45 before completing a ninth career half-century in this format from 36 balls. The partnership moved into three figures in the same over.Elwiss was bowled going down the track to Pavely’s left-arm spin. Joined in the middle by sister Sarah, Kathryn Bryce completed her fifty from 44 balls, but with 26 still needed from 18 balls, a tight finish was in the offing.It came down to nine off the last over and four off four balls after Sarah Bryce had picked off a fourth boundary in 17 balls but with two needed from two Bryce miscued to be caught at mid-off and Green was run out going for a second off the last ball, leaving the match tied.

There has been a twist in Rangers' manager hunt as Steven Gerrard has once again emerged as favourite to take charge at Ibrox Stadium, days after he pulled out of the race for the head coach's role. After Rangers parted ways with Russell Martin earlier this month, Gerrard was poised to return to Glasgow and he even held talks with the club hierarchy, but he later withdrew his name.

• Gerrard pulled out after holding talks with Rangers officials

  After a disastrous start to the 2025-26 campaign, which saw Rangers winning one out of their first seven Premiership matches, the Scottish giants parted ways with ex-MK Dons, Swansea City and Southampton manager Martin, only a few months after he took charge at Ibrox. Martin, who was once considered to be a perfect fit at the club due to his ball-playing philosophy, quickly fell out of favour with the fans once the new season started. The fans wanted the manager out of the club after just one month in charge, as in September, they had publicly showcased their opposition by unfurling banners at Ibrox, displaying their wish to see the coach leave the club.   

  Rangers' 1-1 draw with Falkirk just before the international break proved to be the last straw as the 39-year-old English coach was shown the door. Soon after Martin's departure, Liverpool icon Gerrard emerged as the favourite candidate to take charge of the club and return to Glasgow after four years. He even flew down from the Middle East to hold talks with Rangers officials and was in advanced talks, only to later withdraw his name from the race as he felt that the time was not right to return to football management. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Gerrard back to being favourite to manager Rangers

  Days after turning down the offer, Gerrard has reemerged as the favourite to take charge of Rangers. According to , the former England star has become the bookie's favourite to manage the Gers. , however, also claims that despite being the bookie's favourite, Gerrard is unlikely to be in contention any more and he has already flown back to Bahrain. On Wednesday morning, Gerrard's odds were as high as 20/1 with William Hill. 

  Spokesperson of William Hill, John Hill, told : "Despite ruling himself out of the job just a few days ago, Steven Gerrard has been heavily backed in our next Rangers manager market this morning. Gerrard is now just evens to return to Ibrox for a second spell in charge."

• Premier League legend has encouraged Gerrard to take Rangers job

  Amid the drama over Rangers' manager hunt, Premier League and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer shared advice for Gerrard as he urged the Reds icon to ignore the football cliche. 

  In a chat with , Shearer said: "I don't know Steven's tax situation with him being back in the UK and he can only answer that. There is that 'never go back' saying but if he wants to get back to management, he knows what it's like up there, he's done it and been successful before. He's a huge name in football. I don't think Celtic are that great either. Hearts are top of the SPFL at the moment so that tells you that Celtic aren't a great team either. Steven, or whoever goes into that role may fancy their chances and say it's worth the opportunity and worth going up there to compete. Rangers are miles off it at the minute and it's no surprise that Russell lost his job. The fans were going mad up there and it's not nice to see because of the human behind it and at the end of it. That's what you have to think of but you also know the score when you go into management – if you don't win games, you'll get sacked. The Rangers job will be a brilliant one for whoever takes over."

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  Who will become Rangers' next boss?

  Per SunSport, former Gers star Kevin Muscat is tipped to become the next Rangers head coach. The Australian, who played for the Scottish giants in the early 2000s for a year, is poised to make a comeback after more than two decades. Former Manchester United coaches Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are also among the contenders to take charge at Ibrox, although Muscat remains the favourite.   

Success is yet to arrive, but Mikel Arteta has built a squad full to bursting with incredible talent at Arsenal.

The Spaniard has turned what was a fallen giant struggling in mid-table into a side that will surely get over the line in the Premier League sooner rather than later.

When it comes to the best player in the squad, it’s hard to look past the talismanic Bukayo Saka, and while he had a poor season last year, club captain Martin Odegaard was starting to look back to his best before his MCL injury.

There are other match winners all over the pitch, though, and Arteta even has one youngster who could be described as something of a hybrid between the Englishman and Norwegian.

What makes Saka & Odegaard so special

What is it about Saka and Odegaard that makes them so special, and two of the best players in Arsenal’s squad?

Chalkboard

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

Well, when it comes to the former, it really is multifaceted.

For example, his development at Hale End gives him a connection with the club and fans that few other players can match, and he marries that with an incredible willingness to improve and work rate.

On top of these brilliant foundations, the 24-year-old has also become a consistent scorer of goals and provider of assists over the last few years, so much so that he produced his 100th Premier League goal involvement on his 200th appearance in the competition last weekend.

Moreover, the Ealing-born monster has developed the ability to score all sorts of goals, from sensational far-post curlers to powerful drives off his weaker foot and even the odd tap-in off the back of a well-timed run.

The Emirates poster boy really is one of the most well-rounded attackers in the game and can be compared to any right-winger in Europe.

Odegaard, on the other hand, had an undeniably lacklustre campaign for the club last season, but with back-to-back Player of the Year awards in the two seasons before that, his ability cannot be denied.

The Norwegian is unlikely to ever be as prolific as Saka, but at his best, he is one of the most aesthetically pleasing midfielders to watch in world football.

He is someone who can collect the ball deep, beat an opposition player with a quick shimmy and then play the ball into space for his attackers to run onto and score.

This was what fans were seeing in his last two performances before, only for another knee injury to halt his momentum.

Overall, both Saka and Odegaard are sensational footballers, and it looks like Arsenal have someone who could develop into a hybrid of both.

Arsenal's Saka & Odegaard hybrid

While this description could fit Max Dowman in a year or so, given his age and the limited time he’s spent with the first team, it’s difficult to predict what kind of player he could become in the future.

This is less true for Ethan Nwaneri, who made his debut for the first team over three years ago and put his stamp on things last season.

When it comes to the young Englishman, it’s quite easy to see the ways in which he emulates both Saka and Odegaard.

For example, when in the team last season, he spent most of the time on the right, covering for the former, doing well in the process.

In fact, in his 37 appearances, totalling just 1378 minutes, the Enfield-born monster managed to score nine goals and provide two assists, which works out to a goal involvement every 3.36 games, or more crucially, one every 125.27 minutes.

Appearances

37

Minutes

1378′

Goals

9

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.27′

Moreover, a couple of the goals looked similar to Saka’s trademark far-post curlers.

The similarities to the club captain, on the other hand, are starting to show this season and will likely continue as the campaign progresses.

After all, while he did well on the wing, he is primarily a central player, and that is reportedly how the club view him.

On top of that, while the “phenomenal” prospect, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, hasn’t quite got the same weight of pass as the Norwegian just yet, he is improving.

Ultimately, while Nwaneri isn’t on the level of Saka or Odegaard at the moment, it’s easy to see parts of them in his game, and with time, he could well get there.

Not Saka: Arsenal have future England hero who's "humiliating" PL stars

The incredible Arsenal gem will be a superstar for England in the future.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 10, 2025

Debutant Gurinder Sandhu starred for Sussex on day three of their Rothesay County Championship clash with Durham, but the match is edging towards a draw after a mix of rain and bad light caused play to end early at Banks Homes Riverside.Durham had a tough morning with Australian Sandhu (5 for 83) taking the role of chief tormentor, picking up a five-wicket haul on debut as Durham lost their final four wickets for 26 runs to leave them on 327, a first-innings deficit of 34.Durham bounced back through Matthew Potts after lunch to put Sussex under pressure at 27 for 3, but James Coles was once again a thorn in the home team’s side as he led a Sussex recovery with another fifty.After several disruptions because of rain and bad light across the afternoon, play finished early with Sussex on 111 for 4 at close, 145 runs ahead.Resuming on 249 for 5, it was Graham Clark and Bas de Leede’s job to get Durham quick runs and whittle down the 112 deficit as soon as possible.Durham’s top run scorer Clark continued his fine form as he reached fifty from 89 balls, but Sussex bowlers Ollie Robinson and Sandhu restricted run-making opportunities with a new ball, which was taken just prior to close on day two.Robinson got the breakthrough for Sussex removing Clark for 51 as the Durham man attempted to pull a short ball, but he got an edge through to John Simpson behind the stumps.George Drissell came to the crease as Jofra Archer began his first spell of the day, but he and de Leede managed to negate a four-over burst successfully.Durham broke the Sussex shackles as de Leede pulled back-to-back Sandhu balls to the boundary, but the Australian bounced back as Drissell pulled a short one straight to Fynn Hudson-Prentice who was running in from the boundary, which left Durham seven down.Things went from bad to worse for Durham as Sandhu got his fourth, removing Ben Raine for 10 as he chipped one straight to Tom Clark at cover. Then Potts didn’t last long as he edged a Robinson delivery behind to Simpson for 2.Sussex then wrapped up the Durham first innings as Sandhu picked up the final wicket, with Sam Conners caught behind for 7.Sussex’s second innings got off to a bad start as Potts struck without a run on the board, with the England man getting Daniel Hughes for a two-ball duck as he chopped on to his off-stump.Durham got the Kookaburra ball talking as Ben Raine got Tom Clark for 10, with the Sussex No. 3 edging behind to Ollie Robinson behind the stumps. Potts then got his second, bowling Tom Haines for 12 to leave Sussex in trouble.First innings centurion Coles and Danial Ibrahim soaked up some pressure as the task for Sussex changed from quick runs to survival.Two rain delays either side of seven deliveries from Conners and de Leede delayed Durham’s hunt for wickets, with an early tea taken.Coles, who batted so well on day one, flicked a Conners delivery off his legs for four and he followed that with a nice shot through the third region off the bowling of de Leede.He then pulled a Conners delivery to the boundary, which continued his excellent match, but there was yet another interruption as the players went off for bad light, which preceded more rain.Coles resumed after a third delay with a crunching straight drive off Drissell, and he passed fifty for the second time in the match, this time from 65 balls.The 21-year-old then lost his wicket as Raine bowled him for 53, but the players were off for bad light soon after and when the rain started again, play ended prematurely, with the game drifting towards a draw.