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Everton weren’t able to learn all that much from their recent draw in the Premier League against West Ham United.

The central forwards are still misfiring, but there is a new spring in the Toffees’ collective step, and David Moyes’ system continues to show an impressive degree of dynamism.

Against West Ham, there were both winners and losers in Blue. A draw was the result, and Everton shift into ninth place, alongside a huddle of sides on eight points after six games.

Michael Keane continues to stake his claim for a regular starting role in this improving Everton side, while Jack Grealish, even on an ‘off day’, created three chances and looked a focal source of joy from an attacking standpoint. The flow of Moyes’ system runs through the esteemed loanee.

However, we cannot hide from the fact that there were a few who flattered to deceive. In particular, Beto’s woes in front of goal persisted against Nuno Espirito Santo’s Irons, and the Bissau Guinean striker needs to click into gear quickly if he is going to confidently lead the line across the term.

Beto's struggles in front of goal

Manager bounce. A sporting phenomenon that can be defined as a temporary improvement to an ailing team’s performance levels as a direct result of a change in leadership, invigorating the players with a fresh lease of life.

For Everton, this was certainly the case, but then they have also plateaued at a level above that which was being played when Sean Dyche was in the dugout and battling against relegation.

However, for Beto, his post-Dyche purple patch is beginning to look like a flash in the pan. Peripheral across the first half of the 2024/25 season, the 27-year-old scored five goals in four Premier League matches after Moyes’ arrival. He has since scored three times across 18 league fixtures.

Work is needed, but Thierno Barry, £27m summer signing from Villarreal, has yet to prove that he has what it takes to supersede his positional rival.

Against West Ham, Beto struggled once again, missing a chance to score in the first half, with sports writer Barry Viner even describing the forward as “useless”.

If an upswing in form is not on the horizon, changes will be needed. And Beto isn’t the only one, with another Everton star proving against West Ham that he is not the solution in his current role.

Moyes must ditch Everton star

Moyes has an aptitude for lifting players. He recognises the strengths and qualities inherent in any given star and knows how to apply their preferred style within his tactical system.

And the rise and rise of Jake O’Brien since the beginning of 2025 has been a testament to this argument. The Irishman joined from Lyon for around £16m in July 2024, but he scarcely played until the new year had dawned.

More often than not, he has played as a right-back, moonlighting in a role he probably didn’t envisage when crossing the Channel and heading to Merseyside.

But the 6 foot 6 O’Brien has typified the commitment and willingness needed to succeed in a Moyes team, having played every minute of the Premier League campaign from the right side of the defence.

This needs to change, and the draw against West Ham underlined that, with the Liverpool Echo branding the 24-year-old with a 5/10 match rating after a performance that laid bare his lack of focus and deficiencies when getting forward and contributing toward the attack.

He also left something to be desired from an aerial standpoint. As per Sofascore, O’Brien only won three of his six headed challenges, dribbled past twice and having lost the ball 12 times despite failing to create a single chance.

Iliman Ndiaye is playing in an unnatural right-flanking role this season, so to accommodate Grealish on the left. He’s shown flashes of quality across his five appearances, but then Senegalese talent is being supported by a right-back more naturally suited to the centre-half role.

This is not to say that O’Brien never deserves a starting berth again. He has been dependable and industrious since Moyes arrived at the club. However, not signing a right-back this summer was a confusing decision from the Friedkin Group, especially with Ndiaye playing on the right and thus in need of more support.

Former Everton writer Adam Jones even noted during the game that “O’Brien at right-back just does not work in the long term”, continuing to criticise the “mind-boggling” decision not to sign a natural wideman this summer.

While Moyes intimated during the transfer window that this new Everton project cannot be built in a day, or, more accurately, a single transfer window, there’s a sense that the club have sold themselves short in some areas, and with such promise coursing through the squad, it would be disappointing for a dearth of options in key areas to unravel the hard work plied across the year.

O’Brien is a talented and combative defender who has a long-term place in this Everton squad, but it’s clear that TFG needed to sign a natural right-back this summer, especially with Seamus Coleman at the twilight end of his career and Nathan Patterson embroiled in an interminable battle against injuries.

As the season deepens, it’s becoming clear that Beto might not have what it takes to lead the line for Everton in the long run. Is this the same for O’Brien? It is not.

However, as Moyes’ system continues to develop and modernise, so too must an emphasis be placed on an upgrade on the right.

Moyes has just unearthed Everton's brand new Baines & it's not Mykolenko

Everton drew 1-1 with West Ham United in the Premier League as they crept up into ninth place.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 30, 2025

Whisper it quietly, but Manchester United are showing real signs of improvement under Ruben Amorim’s management this season.

Shout it loudly: the Red Devils went to Anfield on Sunday afternoon and emerged victorious, having put Liverpool to the sword and condemned Arne Slot’s side to four successive defeats.

That’s three wins from four in the Premier League for United, who are certainly starting to find some semblance of coherence and style as they march back into European contention.

There’s a lot to like within a burgeoning frontline, but Benjamin Sesko will be disappointed to have been left on the bench for the weekend win.

Why Sesko was left out of the starting line-up

Sesko had previously played his first two full 90s in the Premier League, and he scored on both occasions. The Slovenian centre-forward moved to Old Trafford this summer for a £72m fee, having shown plenty of promise previously with RB Leipzig.

There’s no question that the 22-year-old has sharp footwork for such a rangy forward. He creates chances with comparative consistency while providing an aerial threat each game.

However, there’s a case to be made that United are more fluid, interchangeable, when opting for Matheus Cunha in the middle, flanked by Mason Mount and Bryan Mbeumo.

But then, there’s also a case to be made that the 6 foot 5 striker has the trappings of a world-class goalscorer, and must be trusted after such a pretty penny was spent on his signature this summer.

He’s a talented forward, and there’s a sense he will keep on improving in concurrence with United’s own resurgence.

But Sesko might want to keep an eye on his six, for there’s a prolific academy star over at Carrington who might just fancy a shot at the number nine berth in the coming years.

Man Utd's future number 9 could replace Sesko

Manchester United’s academy is intertwined with the senior set-up. However, with Kobbie Mainoo out of favour, it would be nice to see a new starboy emerge from the ground and play a pivotal role in Amorim’s system.

Well, JJ Gabriel might just be the forward United are searching for. The 15-year-old is a long way away from establishing himself on the professional stage, but he’s developing at a prodigious rate, with ten goals and an assist from his first nine matches with the U18s.

Fast-tracked due to his innate ball-striking ability and dribbling skills, Gabriel could shape into a striker who would provide the best of both worlds for Amorim, blending Cunha and Mbuemo’s athleticism with the sharpness of Sesko in the box.

Described as by “one of the most exciting talents in the world” by the Manchester Evening News’ Steven Railston, Gabriel would hardly be the first to have made the trip from Carrington to superstardom under the Old Trafford lights, and he will use the fuel from the promotion of the class of 92′ and, more recently, the likes of Marcus Rashford.

Also hailed as a “goalscoring machine” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Gabriel might only be 15 but if he keeps on firing at such a clinical rate, he could make his senior bow sooner rather than later, with Angel Gomes Man United’s youngest-ever Premier League debutant at 16 years and eight months old.

The England U15 international, yet to score across six caps, has what it takes to become a success at Man United, but though this is a player to keep a close eye on, his physical and mental development must be prioritised at this stage, and we won’t see him in action for some time.

But when Old Trafford is treated to this precocious youngster’s emergence, he might just ruffle a few senior feathers.

Man Utd have sealed an "incredible signing" who's a new Tevez-type player

Has the new Carlos Tevez arrived at Manchester United?

By
Matt Dawson

Oct 20, 2025

Matheus Cunha recalled his tunnel conversation with Ruben Amorim last season after starring in Wolves' 1-0 win at Old Trafford in April. Cunha eventually went on to sign for Manchester United in the summer transfer window after the English giants triggered his £62.5million ($85m) release clause. Cunha, along with Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, was brought in at Old Trafford as part of Amorim's squad overhaul.

• Cunha's impressive start

  Cunha has quickly established himself as one of United’s standout performers this season so far following his big-money summer move from Wolves. The 26-year-old Brazilian has become a fan favourite at Old Trafford, with his blend of flair, aggression, and creativity earning him comparisons to former club legend Eric Cantona. While his goalscoring numbers remain modest, with one goal in 10 games so far across all competitions, his influence on matches has been undeniable, sparking the Red Devils’ offensive setup. 

  Amorim has built his front line around Cunha and fellow new arrival Bryan Mbeumo. The Red Devils boss' tactical setup has given Cunha the freedom to roam between the lines, link play with midfielders, and exploit gaps between the defensive line. 

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  Cunha recalls conversation with Amorim

  In April this year, Cunha visited Old Trafford with the Wolves side for a Premier League clash and starred in his club's 1-0 win over the hosts as Pablo Sarabia scored the only goal of the match. After the full-time whistle, as the Brazilian was about to enter the tunnel, Amorim grabbed him and had a conversation. 

  Recalling the discussion with the Portuguese manager, Cunha told : "He said, ‘Hey, take care today. What do you feel about the stadium? After the first game, Wolves against United [on Boxing Day], it was a good moment to feel like we have this connection. Wolves is very passionate. We discussed a little bit in the game and he [said] something to me. 

  "And then I said: 'Hey, take care of that thing!' or something like that. He’s someone that pushes us forward. This is the most important thing to be a coach in this big environment. The results start to come much more now. But personally, he’s someone that can show you the energy and then the passion to be part of his team and do the things for him, for the club and to show what you can do to be better. He’s someone who’s very passionate about his job. Someone who I feel is privileged to be the manager of one of the biggest clubs in the world and he shows us this. He shows us our responsibility to use this shirt and then show everyone what is to be part of Manchester United. Every single day he’s with me is a little bit more intense! But I know 100 per cent it’s because he wants to get out my best and then show everyone what I think he knows I can do."

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• Cunha responds to comparison with Cantona

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

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  United's Tottenham test

  United saw a sudden surge in form since October as they have remained unbeaten in their last four league matches, including three back-to-back wins against Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton. They faltered against Nottingham Forest last weekend after being held to a 2-2 draw. Amorim's side will aim to get back to winning ways this Saturday as they take on Tottenham in a key away fixture. 

Manchester United are pressing ahead in their mission to improve their squad and now have a gentleman’s agreement in place to address a key position.

Ruben Amorim's urged to experiment at Manchester United

Like most managers, Ruben Amorim would’ve liked one or two more arrivals through the door at Old Trafford to offer further balance and structure to his side, though he will have to work with the players at his disposal for the time being.

While his unwavering reliance on his favoured system isn’t going away any time soon, Owen Hargreaves has urged the former Sporting boss to experiment a little with his starting line-up as he aims to bring about a consistent run of results.

He said via TNT Sports: “I’d love to see Bruno play as a 10, maybe with Mbeumo as a No. 9. If you have Cunha and Bruno playing as two 10s plus Mbeumo, that’s good. Maybe play Amad as a wing-back on the left if you want to stay with the formation. I just think it’s harsh on Bruno, him being criticised.”

Later, he added: “They decided to get goals and sign proven Premier League players in Cunha and Mbeumo, which I like, but now Bruno has to play deeper to get on the ball and create. He’s not playing his natural position; he’s playing deeper.”

Undoubtedly, Bruno Fernandes has been shoehorned into a deeper role and doesn’t look entirely comfortable. Missed penalties against Fulham and Brentford haven’t helped his case, either. It is entirely fair to say.

Man Utd's most expensive sales of all time

A look at Man Utd’s record departures in their history.

1

By
Charlie Smith

Oct 3, 2025

17 chances created from the Portugal international on Premier League duty illustrate he is still having a telling influence, per Fotmob, though Manchester United could be about to free him up if recent developments come to fruition.

Man Utd have agreement to sign Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace

According to Ben Jacobs via The United Stand, Manchester United have a gentleman’s agreement to sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton next summer if he fails to put pen to paper on an extension at Selhurst Park.

In a deal that could be worth between £60-£65 million, the England international may be the final piece of the jigsaw that Amorim is missing, albeit it remains to be seen if he does end up signing a new deal at his current employers.

Impressing across Crystal Palace’s superb unbeaten run, Wharton has registered one assist in nine appearances this term, thriving in his deep-lying role.

Labelled “outstanding” by Declan Rice, the former Blackburn Rovers man may well be the man to transform Manchester United’s midfield, though he is unlikely to be short of interest over the coming months.

Pep Guardiola has lashed out at Premier League referees, but claims he will never get them to explain their decisions after being on the receiving end of questionable calls for 10 years. The Manchester City boss was left incensed after Anthony Taylor and his team of officials – including those in the VAR booth – allowed a Tyler Adams goal for Bournemouth to stand during Sunday's clash at the Etihad Stadium.

• How USMNT star Adams contributed to Guardiola's anger

  City led that contest midway through the first half courtesy of another effort from prolific Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. Parity was restored, however, when USMNT star Adams hit the net. He did so despite the home side being of the opinion that Gianluigi Donnarumma was impeded.

  The hosts' Italian goalkeeper argued that his arm had been pulled by David Brooks at a corner, preventing him from getting a fist to the ball. With Donnarumma unable to make proper contact with a delivery flighted into his penalty area, Adams was free to bundle home from five yards out.

  City’s protests fell on deaf ears, with Donnarumma being booked for arguing his case. Guardiola was left riled on the touchline, as he turned to supporters and urged them to make more noise and get behind his players. The Catalan coach brought another contentious incident up afterwards, but was quick to explain why he will not be seeking an audience with Taylor and Premier League referee bosses.

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  Guardiola irked by many decisions since 2016

  Guardiola told reporters after being left puzzled by plenty of big decisions across his nine-and-a-half years as Manchester City manager: “I don't call to the officials and the referees, I'm not the manager to do that. I don't do it. Of course they will not call me, but [Brooks went] there and pulled [Donnarumma's arm] down and made it unstable. And after that, I'm sorry to tell you. But I said many times, I know all the referees, I know them one decade perfectly, what is going on in this stadium. I know it.

  “I don't call. I don't have time. My schedule is three games, I have games. I don't have time to waste my time talking. I said to [Taylor] after when we see each other, tell me if it's a foul or not because I'm waiting.

  “If it's a foul or not, just tell me. Just take a look. It's fine. They're brave here. In the Etihad they are brave, so brave. I'm one decade here and we know each other quite well. I'm so pleased with what we achieved with Man City, despite everything, so it has been so good. So good.”

• Guardiola explains why he will not meet with match officials

  It is not the first time that Guardiola has taken aim at Premier League officials. Having been at the Etihad Stadium since 2016, he has previously said of trying to steer clear of debates with those that have a difficult job to do: “I go to the game and I never ever know who is the referee. When I see their face, it’s ‘oh, I remember that face’. I never in my life talk about the referees before, during or after – never ever, ever.

  “A mistake can be a mistake and we are sad, and when it’s in our favour we are lucky. But I don’t waste my time. I have to economise, I have to choose with my time exactly what I have to do. I don’t spend one second (thinking) about referees, especially when we lose. All I am concerned about is what we have to do to play well. The decisions are the decisions and during the season there are moments that help you, sometimes not.”

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  Man City fixtures: Dortmund & Liverpool next on the agenda

  Adams’ goal for Bournemouth counted for little in the grand scheme of things as the Cherries ended up leaving the Etihad Stadium empty-handed. Haaland grabbed his second of the game for City in the 33rd minute – taking him to 17 for the season at club level – before Nico O’Reilly wrapped up a 3-1 win on the hour mark.

  The Blues will be back in Champions League action on Wednesday when playing host to German giants Borussia Dortmund, before then welcoming Liverpool to Manchester for a crunch clash on November 9 that will take both sides into the next international break.

As the ball soared toward the stands, as the Los Angeles Dodgers poured out of their dugout and spilled onto the field, most of the sellout crowd of 52,394 had to be thinking about Kirk Gibson. Another hobbled left-handed slugger, defying common sense and biology, limping to the plate and ending Game 1 of a World Series with a walk-off home run to right field to bring L.A. three wins from the title. 

But as he danced around the bases, Freddie Freeman, the owner of the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history, the scoreboard flashing DODGERS 6, YANKEES 3, was thinking about his dad. 

“He’s been throwing me batting practice since I can remember,” he says. “My swing is because of him. My approach is because of him. I am who I am because of him.” So after he greeted his teammates at home plate, he made his way to the stands, where he found his father in the front row. “If he didn’t love the game of baseball, I wouldn’t be here playing this game,” Freddie says. “So that’s Fred Freeman’s moment right there.”

As for the Gibson comparison—the other most dramatic walk-off in L.A. history, when Gibson, in 1988, fighting a torn tendon in his left leg and a torn ligament in his right, entered as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning of Game 1 and blasted a two-run shot—Freeman just grins. 

“I played the whole game, though,” he says. 

If indeed the most important ability is availability, Freeman’s October should put him in the Hall of Fame. He badly sprained his right ankle trying to avoid a tag at first base on Sept. 26, and he has spent the intervening month hobbling from the training table to the infield and back. Doctors suggested he take four to six weeks off. He took eight days. He has missed only three playoff games. He spends hours getting treatment every day, barely making it to the hitters’ meeting. His teammates alternate between drawing inspiration from his grit and wincing every time he does. 

“The game honors you,” says manager Dave Roberts. “When you do things the right way, you play the right way, you’re a good teammate—I just believe that the game honors you. Tonight Freddie was honored.”

Sometimes that insistence on playing the game the right way drives them crazy, though. On Friday, for example, the only people more annoyed than the Yankees when New York left fielder Alex Verdugo misplayed a Freeman grounder were the Dodgers. There was Freeman, legging out a triple. “We’re all, like, ‘Oh no, Verdugo, you should have cut that off!’ ” recalls Dodgers center fielder Kiké Hernández. “ 'Stop him at first or at second!' ”

Says Roberts, “I was happy he came out of it upright.”

The two MLB teams who employ the Acuna brothers are battling it out this week for a National League playoff spot.

Reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr.'s Atlanta Braves are chasing the New York Mets in the NL wild-card race, a team that just called up his younger brother Luisangel Acuna on Sept. 14. The elder Acuna, of course, was ruled out for the season in May when he tore his ACL, but he's at Truist Park this week to root on his Braves and keep an eye on his younger brother.

The 22-year-old Luisangel Acuna told reporters Tuesday that the brothers have a friendly bet on the three-game series that began Tuesday night in Atlanta.

"If they end up winning, [Ronald] is going to post me on Instagram and say, 'Welcome to Atlanta,'" Luisangel told the media through a translator on Tuesday. "But I told him [the Braves] were going to lose."

The Braves, who were 1.5 games back of a playoff spot and two games behind the Mets entering Tuesday's game, took the series opener 5–1 to inch closer to New York in the standings.

The younger Acuna batted ninth and started at shortstop for the Mets on Tuesday, going 1-for-3 with a single. He scored New York's first and only run of the night while his brother intently watched from the dugout.

Following the three-game series at Truist Park, the Braves will wrap up the 2024 regular season against the Kansas City Royals, while the Mets will play the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.

Julian Nagelsmann has broken with Germany's traditional captaincy protocol, opting to name Bayern Munich defender Jonathan Tah as the stand-in captain for the injured Joshua Kimmich against Luxembourg. This decision means Nagelsmann overlooked Leroy Sane, the most-capped player in the current squad, despite the customary practice of awarding the armband to the most experienced figure in the absence of regular captains.

• Tah named Germany's stand-in skipper

  Nagelsmann, the Germany national coach, officially announced Tah as the captain for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg. The decision comes after regular captain Kimmich was ruled out due to injury, along with vice-captains Antonio Rudiger and Kai Havertz.

  Speaking at a press conference, Nagelsmann stated: "Jonathan Tah will replace him. We appointed a team council before the Nations League – not many of them are left because some are injured. Jona is the only one remaining. He's having a good season and deserves it. I don't know if he already knows. But now he does – and I hope he doesn't get nervous."

  Tah, 29, currently plays for Bayern Munich and has been in strong form. His selection marks a departure from a long-standing tradition within the German national team, which typically sees the armband given to the most-capped player present in the squad when the primary captains are unavailable.

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  Nagelsmann bypasses Sane for captaincy

  The decision to appoint Tah means Nagelsmann has bypassed Sane, who with 70 international appearances, is the most-capped player in the current Germany squad in the absence of Kimmich, Rudiger, and Havertz. This move is particularly significant given Nagelsmann's recent public warnings to Sane about his performance and commitment.

  When questioned by Bild about why Sane, 29, was not given the armband, Nagelsmann explained: "I didn't make up this rule. But I think it makes sense to have a team council – and to actually use it." This indicates a shift towards prioritising players from the established leadership group, or "team council," over mere experience in terms of caps.

  The decision to overlook Sane, especially after his recent return to the squad following an absence from the previous two international matches, underscores Nagelsmann's intent to set clear expectations for the Galatasaray winger. Nagelsmann has been vocal about his belief that Sane will have to excel on a regular basis for Galatasaray if he is to earn his place in the squad after opting for a "worse" league than the Bundesliga by joining the Turkish giants.

• Sane under scrutiny despite Nagelsmann tough love

  Sane has been under considerable scrutiny from Nagelsmann, who has publicly questioned his consistency and commitment since his move to Galatasaray. Nagelsmann had previously warned Sane that he would not be given "countless" opportunities to prove himself at the national team level.

  These comments drew criticism from figures like Matthias Sammer and Lothar Matthaus, who argued that Sane, as an "individualist," might respond better to a more supportive approach. However, Nagelsmann has maintained his stance, asserting that Sane "can handle pressure better" and "doesn’t have to prove anything great to me, I know what he can do, and I want him to bring what he can do onto the pitch."

  Sane's return to the Germany squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Slovakia marked his first inclusion since the Nations League finals in June. He has since shown improved form for Galatasaray, scoring three goals and delivering three assists in 15 appearances across the Super Lig and Champions League. Despite this, Nagelsmann's decision to not hand him the captaincy reinforces the message that performance and adherence to team principles are paramount.

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• Germany close in on World Cup qualification

  Germany enter the match against Luxembourg with the aim of securing their place in the 2026 World Cup play-offs. They are currently level on points with Slovakia in their qualification group, with Northern Ireland three points behind. A strong performance in their final two matches is crucial to confirm their spot in the competition proper.

  The match against Luxembourg will be followed by a fixture against Slovakia. Nagelsmann will be looking to avoid a repeat of their last encounter with Slovakia, where Germany suffered a surprising 2-0 defeat. The selection of Jonathan Tah as captain, a steady and reliable defender, might be seen as a move to inject stability and a strong defensive presence into the team's leadership for these important games.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil has been shut down from throwing for at least six weeks with a high-grade lat strain, manager Aaron Boone told reporters on Monday.

The Yankees are still gathering information on the injury for Gil before announcing a definitive timeline of return for their 26-year-old right-hander.

Gil made 29 starts last season for the Yankees, and went 15-7 with a 3.50 ERA and 146 strikeouts in 136.0 innings pitched.

Gil is expected to be a significant part of the New York rotation when he returns in his second full season at the big league level. Gil had previously started six games in the 2021 season, and made one start in '22.

In '23, he was a key starter in New York's run to represent the American League in the World Series.

Hale End may not quite be La Masia just yet but Arsenal’s academy is only going from strength to strength as far as supplying Mikel Arteta with first-team players is concerned.

While the Arsenal squad may now be packed with big-money stars, it was the academy that arguably kept him in the job.

The early knockings of the Arteta era were not too convincing but he was carried along the way by Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.

Since then, the Spaniard has regularly called upon an academy graduate. Last season was the year of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly and this year is Max Dowman’s turn.

A generational talent if we ever did see one, the 15-year-old is already impacting Premier League games and became the youngest player in Champions League history when he came off the bench against Slavia Prague last week. He’s a special kid, alright.

However, for every Dowman and Saka, there is a Michael Olise, a Serge Gnabry, a Harry Kane, three players who failed to make the grade at Arsenal, having been in the academy.

It’s usually an attacker who makes the headlines but there’s a Hale End defender now beginning to impress and he’s giving Gabriel Magalhaes a run for his money.

How Gabriel has become Arsenal's most important player

Only three centre-backs have ever won the PFA Premier League Player of the Year award; Paul McGrath, John Terry and Virgil van Dijk.

Yet, if Arsenal lift the title next May, you’d have to say that Gabriel is one of the leading contenders to be named player of the season.

He is a unit, a colossus, a man mountain and in the words of Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, currently the “most influential player” in England’s top division.

Why? Well, also described as the “leader” of the defence by Carragher, the centre-back has made a mockery of his £27m price tag.

The 27-year-old endured a rocky first few years at the Emirates but he is now an elite-level player and to some, the best defender on the planet.

That opinion is very much born out of the impact he’s made in the final third. Since joining the Gunners in 2020, no centre-back in Europe’s top five leagues has scored more goals than him (22). He’s added to his collection in 2025/26, netting two goals and supplying three assists in all competitions.

A steely defender, a manager’s dream, a commander in chief and a goalscorer, Gabriel seemingly has it all. Yet, did Arsenal let Hale End’s very own version leave for a pittance?

Hale End's very own Gabriel

While Arsenal’s academy have produced many a great forward player throughout the years, it’s safe to say it’s been a struggle to find an elite defensive talent.

Tony Adams is the most famous example and beyond him, not many players come to light. Adams is perhaps the greatest captain the club has ever had and he is now cast in bronze outside the Emirates.

Since the days of Adams, however, there have been very few central defenders to make the grade at the top level.

That may well be changing, though. Ayden Heaven left Arsenal for Manchester United at the beginning of the year and despite being just 19 years of age, has already appeared at first-team level under Ruben Amorim.

There is also 16-year-old Marli Salmon. Still in the academy, he represented the club during their pre-season schedule and has already been described as the ‘centre-back version of Dowman’. Fine praise indeed.

Salmon still has a number of years before he makes his big breakthrough but someone who is now making an impact is Dan Ballard.

Ballard played 35 official games for the Arsenal U18s and 25 official games for the U21s but he never made a competitive first-team appearance while in Islington.

As such, he needed to leave and it was Sunderland who gave him a home. The centre-back headed to the Stadium of Light in a deal worth just £2m back in June 2022.

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He has caught the eye since moving, particularly in the last year, where he’s beginning to emulate Gabriel.

Like Gabriel, he’s a leader of men and in the words of Sunderland writer Josh Edwards, a “colossus”. He showed as much against his former employers over the weekend where he outshone Arsenal’s number 6.

While much of the pre-game chatter had been about Granit Xhaka, it was another former Arsenal man who made the biggest of impacts.

He beat Declan Rice to the ball inside the Gunners penalty area and then crashed home an almighty effort that ended the visitors’ immense run of over eight games without conceding a goal.

Ballard was also involved in the Black Cats’ late equaliser. Once again the centre-back found himself in the opposition penalty box but this time he was assisting the goal, playing the ball into the path of Brian Brobbey who flicked the ball beyond David Raya. If that wasn’t enough, his remarkable goalline clearance to deny Mikel Merino a last-gasp winner was perhaps even better than his goal.

A true Gabriel-like performance, this was not the first time that the former Hale Ender has popped up with a vital attacking contribution.

It was Ballard’s crashing header that took Regis Le Bris’ men to the Championship play-off final last season, a game in which he also made a jaw-dropping 19 clearances, winning six aerial duels in the process. Gabriel-esque indeed.

Arsenal’s current defensive record means they will have no regrets about letting him leave for such a small fee but it’s nice to see him doing well elsewhere nonetheless.

Arteta will just be cursing his luck that one of the best performances of Ballard’s senior career came against the team that raised him.