Ferdinand says Tuchel "has to" select Welbeck in England's World Cup squad

Rio Ferdinand has now claimed Thomas Tuchel “has to” select Danny Welbeck in England’s World Cup squad next summer, having emerged as the second-best striker behind Harry Kane.

Captain Kane will almost certainly be a nailed-on starter at the World Cup, should he remain fit, given that the 32-year-old is the Three Lions’ leading all-time goalscorer, having scored 76 goals in 110 appearances.

The Bayern Munich star has also made an incredible start to the season, amassing 20 goals in 13 matches in all competitions, blowing existing records set by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi out of the water.

England’s back-up options aren’t quite as reliable, however, with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who scored the winner against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final, netting just one goal in nine Premier League appearances this season.

There may also be doubts about the inclusion of Ivan Toney, given that the 29-year-old arguably isn’t testing himself at the highest level week in week out, having signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in the summer of 2024.

Ferdinand urges Tuchel to take Welbeck to the World Cup

As such, Ferdinand has now made the bold claim that Welbeck should be re-introduced to the England squad, saying: “He’s second to Harry Kane. If you’re talking form right now and the squad was being picked tomorrow, Danny Welbeck has to go, no?

“I would take him. If he finishes the season in the form he’s in right now, there’s no way you can’t take him because he’s only going there for a month, it ain’t like we’re saying to him he has to play a full season, you’ve got to be ready and that role he can do that, coming in and out, be a support act for someone like Harry Kane.”

“Right this second, right this moment in time, form wise he’s [Welbeck] above all of them [Ollie Watkins, Dominic Solanke and Ivan Toney], and playing in the best league in the world. He’s second, for me.”

The ex-Manchester United defender also added: “He’s a class act on and off the pitch, a great guy.”

In fairness, the Brighton striker is in far better form than Watkins, having scored five goals in his last four Premier League games, most recently finding the back of the net against former club Man United with a remarkable free-kick.

That said, it may be a risk for Tuchel to reintroduce the striker to the squad, given that it has been a long time since he was involved in the England set-up, with the 34-year-old’s last cap coming in a friendly against Switzerland way back in 2018.

There is also still plenty of football to be played before the England boss decides his squad, and Toney should arguably be on the plane as the main back-up for Kane, having proven he can handle big-game pressure by coolly converting a penalty against Switzerland in the 2024 Euros quarter-final.

AI has predicted England's squad for the 2026 World Cup No Foden or Palmer: AI predicts Tuchel's England squad for 2026 World Cup

What could Tuchel’s England squad look like in the USA next summer?

ByMatt Dawson Oct 14, 2025

شيكا: التعادل مع الزمالك سيضع كهرباء الإسماعيلية على الطريق الصحيح

علق محمد السيد شيكا، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي كهرباء الإسماعيلية على التعادل مع الزمالك في كأس الرابطة المصرية.

وتعادل فريق الكرة الأول بنادي الزمالك مع كهرباء الإسماعيلية، بثلاثة أهداف لكل منهما، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الرابطة، وسجل شيكا “هاتريك”.

طالع|فيديو | الزمالك يفتتح كأس الرابطة بالتعادل 3-3 مع كهرباء الإسماعيلية

وقال شيكا في تصريحات لبرنامج الماتش، على قناة صدى البلد: “التعادل نقطة تحول أخرجتنا من الحالة التي نعيشها، لأن النتائج في الدوري ليست افضل شيء والنتائج لم تخدمنا”.

وتابع: “التعادل أمام الزمالك سيضعنا على الطريق الصحيح، استعدينا للزمالك مثلها مثل أي مواجهة، ربنا عوضنا أننا نعود للمباراة”.

واختتم: “أطلق علي اسم شيكا بسبب لون بشرتي السمراء، لي الشرف أن يرتبط اسمي بالزمالك ولكني لست زملكاوي”.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. Coped With Yankees' Game 1 Wild-Card Loss in Relatable Fashion

Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. was left out of the starting lineup for Game 1 of their wild-card series against the Red Sox, which New York lost 3–1. Manager Aaron Boone chose to instead play Amed Rosario, leaving Chisholm to only substitute in on defense late in the game and take one at-bat.

Chisholm did get the nod to return to the lineup on Wednesday in Game 2 of the series and he came up clutch as he scored the winning run on a hit from Austin Wells. The Yankees won 4–3, and the wild-card series will now extend to a third game.

After the win, Chisholm was asked how he dealt with the disappointment from the night before. He simply replied, “I played and I mercy-ruled someone. That's how I get my stress off."

Chisholm shared that his team is named "New York Aliens" and features him and Ken Griffey Jr. in his lineup. He won 12–1.

Chisholm also clarified after the game that all is good between and Boone after he was left out of the Game 1 lineup.

"There was never a problem between me and Aaron Boone," he said. "He's been my manager all year and I've stood behind him all year. We always have disagreements. I played third base this year and we had a little bit of a disagreement in that, but at the end of the day, I always stand with Boonie because he always understands where I come from. He knows I'm a passionate player and he knows I wear my feelings on my sleeve. He knows that I'm here to compete."

Boone has confirmed that Chisholm will be in the starting lineup for Game 3 of their wild-card series, which takes place on Thursday.

Man City "genius" looks like the player Liverpool thought Wirtz would be

Replacing Kevin De Bruyne was always going to be hard for Manchester City. The Belgian midfielder is one of the all-time greats in Premier League history, and whilst they had Phil Foden to pick up the mantle, it was a burden which they wanted to spread out.

How on earth did they even begin their search to replace a man with 108 goals and 177 assists in 422 games for the club? De Bruyne amassed those numbers on the way to six Premier League titles and one Champions League, part of that famous treble in 2022/23.

Well, one target over the summer was Florian Wirtz.

How close Man City came to signing Wirtz

It would have been an expensive deal to do, but the Cityzens were truly interested in signing Germany international Wirtz over the summer. The 22-year-old was just coming off the back of another excellent season for Bayer Leverkusen.

In total, he made just shy of 200 appearances for the club. Wirtz racked up 197 games for the Bundesliga outfit, scoring 57 goals and assisting 65 in that time.

That was enough to pique City’s interest, with reports suggesting back in April that he was being earmarked, alongside Morgan Gibbs-White, as a possible successor to De Bruyne.

Just a month later after that initial report broke, BBC Sport said that City stepped away from any potential move for the young attacking midfielder. The reason was said to be ‘the soaring costs of any deal’, which we know now were astronomical.

The German attacking midfielder joined Liverpool instead, and cost the 2024/25 Premier League champions £116m. He’s failed to live up to that price tag so far, with just three assists and no goals in 15 games.

The man City ended up signing has been far better than Wirtz this season.

The Man City star who's looking better than Wirtz

We will never know how Wirtz would have started life in the Premier League if he had moved to East Manchester rather than the Red half of Merseyside. Yet, he has certainly been underwhelming for Arne Slot’s side.

At this stage, it seems like City got the better end of the deal with Rayan Cherki. The Frenchman joined the club from Olympique Lyon, costing just £30m. It has been an excellent start to his time at the Etihad Stadium.

Injuries have unfortunately hampered Cherki this season, but when he has been available, the attacking midfielder has shone. In just eight games for the club, he’s already scored and assisted six times, averaging a goal involvement every 44 minutes.

It’s hard to pinpoint his best contribution so far because of how well he has started under Pep Guardiola. However, his goal on debut away to Wolverhampton Wanderers, which included a sharp one-two, dazzling skill and a tidy finish, was a real standout moment.

Just by seeing a goal with that quality, it is easy to see why BBC Sport analyst Umir Irfan thinks so highly of him. He described Cherki as a “genius footballer,” and with the skill he showed for that strike and in the buildup to it, the evidence is clear to see.

Indeed, Liverpool fans might have expected Wirtz to have a quick start like Cherki did for City. However, the Frenchman ranks ahead of him for several key metrics, including more chances created, with 2.8 compared to 2.4 per 90 minutes.

Goals and assists

1.8

0

Chances created

2.8

2.4

Opposition half passes completed

38.7

27.3

Fould won

1.2

0.6

Duels won

5.6

3.6

For not far off £80m less than Wirtz’s fee, it is easy to see how City fans might feel they got the best deal. Cherki is a magician with the ball at his feet, a creative force in the final third and a goal threat.

That is probably what Liverpool fans expected of Wirtz, but the German has not hit those heights yet. Citizens supporters must be delighted they got this end of the deal.

Better than Cherki: 8/10 Man City star is now as undroppable as Haaland

Manchester City confidently got the better of a tough AFC Bournemouth outfit on Sunday in a 3-1 win.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 2, 2025

Switch Hit: All aboard the Bethell bus

England have picked uncapped Jacob Bethell at No. 3 for the first New Zealand Test. Alan Gardner is joined by Vithushan Ehantharajah, Andrew Miller and Matt Roller to preview the series

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Nov-2024England have pitched up in New Zealand for their Test tour, but are already on to their third wicketkeeper – with Jordan Cox, deputising for Jamie Smith, injured in the nets. That, in turn, has led to a Test debut for Jacob Bethell, batting at No. 3 while Ollie Pope drops down the order with the gloves. Keeping up? Don’t worry, this week’s pod will help you out, as Alan Gardner speaks to Vithushan Ehantharajah in Christchurch and then discusses the latest Baz-call with Andrew Miller and Matt Roller. Is Bethell ready for his sudden promotion? Should Joe Root be doing the job at first drop? And are England getting too funky for their own good. All that, as well as their prospects for the series against a resurgent New Zealand.

Where Yankees' Comeback ALDS Game 3 Win Ranks in Team's Postseason History

For the first portion of Tuesday night's Blue Jays-Yankees showdown, it felt like Toronto was gonna run away with it and handily eliminate New York from the postseason in just three Division Series games, a prediction strongly supported by the Blue Jays' 6–1 lead after the top of the third.

But the pinstripes eventually battled back and not a moment too soon, fueled entirely by a well-timed and momentum-shifting three-run homer from Aaron Judge that tied the game. Shortly after, New York took the lead and didn't lose it again, ultimately forcing a Game 4 and keeping their postseason hopes alive for at least another day.

Adding some more grandeur to the victory, the night's five-run recovery is tied for the second-largest comeback in Yankees' postseason history, on par with the 2010 ALCS Game 1 and the 1997 ALDS Game 1 (both of which are series that New York would go on to lose), per MLB researcher Sarah Langs.

The team's largest postseason rally, however, came in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series, which the Yanks won 8–6 vs. the Braves. They would then go on to win the championship that year in six games.

Outside of the Bronx, the largest comeback win to avoid postseason elimination specifically happened in Game 5 of the 2008 ALCS, when the Red Sox came back from a seven-run deficit to defeat the Rays and force a Game 6 (Tampa Bay would later eliminate Boston in Game 7).

After that, you have a six-run Cardinals rebound in Game 5 of the 2012 NLDS, then various five-point rallies from the 2002 Angels (WS Game 6), the 1995 Mariners (ALDS Game 4), and—you guessed it—the 2025 Yankees in ALDS Game 3.

We'll see what the Yanks can pull off next come Game 4, slated for Wednesday, Oct. 8, with first pitch at 7:08 p.m. ET.

كوليمور لـ ليفربول: اتركوا محمد صلاح لو أراد الرحيل.. "النادي أهم من اللاعبين"

يرى ستان كوليمور، لاعب نادي ليفربول السابق، أن إدارة الريدز يجب أن توافق على بيع محمد صلاح خلال الفترة المقبلة، حال طلب الدولي المصري ذلك، موضحًا أن النادي أهم من اللاعبين.

محمد صلاح بقى كبديل لثلاث مباريات متتالية وكان آخرها أمام ليدز يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز أمس السبت، حيث تعادل الريدز 3-3 ولم يشارك الدولي المصري في ال90 دقيقة.

وانفجر محمد صلاح عقب نهاية المباراة، حيث صرح بأنه ليس سعيدًا بوضعه في الريدز وبأن علاقته مع المدير الفني آرني سلوت قد انهارت تمامًا، كما صرح ابن الـ33 عامًا أن إدارة النادي الإنجليزي لم تنفذ الوعود التي قالتها له.

وتحدث كوليمور عن وضع محمد صلاح مع ليفربول، وذلك عبر منصة “إكس”، حيث قال: “أعتقد أنني أعرف القليل عن ليفربول وجماهيره ونظرتهم إلى ناديهم، تأثرت هذه الفترة بالطبع بشانكلي، ثم بايزلي، وكيني، ويورجن كلوب، والآن سلوت”.

وأضاف: “يبقى شيء واحد ثابت ربما أكثر من أي نادي إنجليزي آخر، وهو أن النادي دائمًا هو الأهم والأخير فاللاعبين والمدربين يضيفون بصماتهم إلى النادي لكن النادي يتفوق على الأشخاص”.

وأوضح: ” الآن، ترك محمد صلاح في أنفيلد إرثًا من الانتصارات، واحتل مكانه بين عظماء النادي”.

وأردف: “لذا، من المثير للاهتمام أن أرى مقابلته تلقي قنبلةً على النادي، لأنني لو كنت أعرف ليفربول وجماهيره أصلًا (أعتقد أنه قد يكون هناك اختلاف في ردود الفعل بين الأجيال فالأصغر سنًا يدعم القنبلة، والأكبر سنًا يهزون رؤوسهم)، فسيكون رد فعلهم الأول”.

وتابع: “النادي، أولًا وقبل كل شيء لا يهمه من يكون، إنه شعار حي ينبض بالحياة، وحتى محمد صلاح سيجد صعوبةً في مواجهته”.

واستكمل: “والآن، هل يمكن أن يكون آرني سلوت أقل ودًا مع اللاعبين من يورجن؟ بالتأكيد، إنه رجل هادئ، مسترخي، ومنعزل بعض الشيء، إن كنت تتذكر لم يعجبه أداء ترينت في بداية الموسم الماضي، وأظهر موقفًا غير مبالي في الموسم الأول تجاه أحد أفراده الذي فاز بكل شيء، أعتقد أن هذا مثير للإعجاب، ولكنه ليس بقدر إبهار الفوز بلقب الدوري في موسمك الأول”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ديلي ميل: رسالة حسام حسن لـ محمد صلاح تدل على شيء هام

وواصل: ”لقد اكتسب سلوت احترامه أيضًا، الفريق يلعب بشكل جيد في الهجمات السريعة وفي الدفاع، وفي اتخاذ القرارات في أوقات أخرى، هذا يشمل الجميع، وإذا سألت 99.9% من اللاعبين عما إذا كانوا يقبلون مباراتين أو ثلاث مباريات بالجلوس على مقاعد البدلاء لعدم تحقيقهم للأهداف، فسيجيبون جميعًا بنعم”.

وقال: ”فقط في جنون كرة القدم الحديثة عام 2025، لن يكتفي أتباع الشخصية المتعالية بالتشكيك في استنتاج منطقي مفاده أنت لا تلعب جيدًا، ها هي فترة على مقاعد البدلاء، بل ربما كاد محمد صلاح أن يخدع نفسه ليرفع نفسه إلى مصاف ميسي أو رونالدو، لاعبين كان بإمكانهم لو شاءوا أن يفعلوا ويقولوا ما يشاؤون حرفيًا في العقد الماضي، محمد صلاح ليس مثلهم، وليفربول، كما ذكرت، ليس هو النادي نفسه”.

وأضاف: “أنا متأكد من أن بعض اللاعبين الشباب سيقولون إنه محق، وسلوت هو المسؤول، ولكن دون أي دليل على أن سلوت قد تعمد ذلك، يحتاج المدربون إلى أداء نجومهم، لا أن يسألوا عنهم في كل مؤتمر صحفي خلال الأشهر الخمسة المقبلة”.

وعن حلول وضع محمد صلاح وليفربول: ”يتحدث اللاعب والمدرب على انفراد، ثم يخبر المدرب اللاعب بما يريده منه ويلتزم اللاعب أو يخبر المدرب برغبته في الرحيل”.

وتابع: ”إذا أراد اللاعب الرحيل فلينفذ ذلك بسرعة، وإلا فاختر اللاعب ودعه يحكم عليه بناءً على أدائه المستمر، إذا كان أداؤه ضعيفًا فلا يمكن للمدرب أن يخسر، إذا كان رائعًا فلا يمكن للمدرب أن يخسر، لذا فإن إشراك سلوت لمحمد صلاح يعد بداية جيدة جدًا، خاصةً مع وجود صفقتين مهمتين لم تجعلا منه لاعبًا أساسيًا”.

واستكمل: “يمكن لآرني سلوت أن يخفف من وطأة صراحته، ويقول ربما لست يورجن لكنني أحب لاعبي، وما كانوا ليفوزوا بلقبٍ رائعٍ الموسم الماضي لولا ردة فعلهم تجاهي وأساليبي، لكنني أسمع تعليقات محمد، ويمكنني أن أخبركم جميعًا الآن أنني أحبه كثيرًا، وهذا التصريح الأنسب تجاه التعامل مع النجوم”.

واستطرد: “لكن من المؤكد أنني لا أعتقد أن هناك لاعبًا من ليفربول سواء كان في الماضي أو الحاضر أو ​​المستقبل، لديه شكاوى مشروعة من شأنها أن تهدد مبدأ أن النادي أولاً وأخيراً، وأنا متأكد من أن أولئك الذين كانت لديهم مخاوف مشروعة قد طرحوها في الوقت المناسب، وليس في مقابلة سريعة عندما تكون المشاعر مشتعلة”.

واختتم: “لقد حقق ليفربول  إنجازات مماثلة لكل لاعب لعب معه، لذا استحقت المؤسسة هذا النقد الخاص لا العام، أيًا كان مصدره”.

Man Utd flop who looks "miles off it" is in danger of being the new Antony

Manchester United aren’t quite at the level of competing with Arsenal yet in the Premier League, but Ruben Amorim’s men are definitely in a healthy spot right now after so much turbulence at Old Trafford.

Indeed, the Red Devils are now deep in a five-match unbeaten run in the top-flight, with fantastic attacking displays against Sunderland and Brighton and Hove Albion, matched by a real desire to fight until the end, as seen in Matthijs De Ligt’s dramatic equaliser, clinching a 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur last time out.

Away from the Dutchman finally coming good, United are also cooking on gas with the majority of their recruits from the hectic summer transfer window just gone.

INEOS really did splash the cash this summer, as they attempted to move on from the Red Devils’ depressing 15th-place finish come the end of the 2024/25 season, as quickly as possible.

Thankfully, Amorim and Co. prioritised signings that were desperately needed, who also had Premier League experience, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha both joining the building from Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively, for a whopping £133.5m, to boost United’s weak attacking areas.

That was a significant chunk of the £216m that was overall spent, but it’s paid off, with six goals shared between the attacking pair in Premier League action so far this season.

Thankfully, Bryan Mbeumo has not fallen victim to the Antony curse, but one of their big-money signings has done.

How Antony is playing after leaving Man Utd

Having gone his first seven Premier League games in United red with just one goal next to his name, the £71m recruit of Mbeumo has now come into his own to be seen as one of the standout bits of business INEOS signed off on in the summer, scoring a fine header against Spurs, taking his tally to six since moving.

A big-money addition, Amorim and Co will be thankful that he’s made a more vibrant impact than a certain Anton.

It feels like a lifetime ago since the Brazilian forward left Ajax behind to move to England for an eye-watering £81.3m in 2022, with only Paul Pogba burning a bigger hole in United’s pocket at the £89m mark.

At the time, it would have been viewed as a considerable amount to fork out, but it would have also been deemed an expensive gamble worth pursuing, with a mightily impressive 24 goals and 22 assists coming his way for the Amsterdam giants.

Ex-United legend Edwin Van De Sar – who also shone for Ajax during his playing days – would even hail him as being a “potential world star” on his arrival at the Theatre of Dreams, with his trickery clear for all to see in flashes in Manchester.

While it ultimately didn’t happen for him in red, he’s certainly made a much brighter impact in the green and white of Real Betis. Having left England behind in the summer, the wide forward has now scored six goals and registered two assists in his ten outings this term.

All these tricks and flicks from Antony were rarely followed up with consistent output, with the Brazilian only managing to find the back of the net a weak 12 times from 96 games in Manchester, leading to another Red Devils icon in Paul Scholes criticising him as a “one-trick pony”.

Man United's new Antony

Unfortunately, there is one fresh recruit who is heading in the dire direction of becoming United’s new version of Antony, as a high price tag potentially becomes the undoing of another underwhelming attacker.

Benjamin Sesko is the man and like Antony, he has also felt the wrath of United legends during his early stint at Old Trafford to date. Notably, Gary Neville suggested that the former RB Leipzig striker was “miles off it” up top.

Like Antony, Sesko joined the English game with a revered reputation for being a nuisance for opposition defences to handle, with the Slovenian commanding a steep £74m price tag out of the Premier League giants off the back of bagging a mighty 27 Bundesliga strikes from 64 contests.

Games played

11

Goals scored

2

Assists

1

Big chances missed

3

Goal conversion

11%

However, much like Antony found out the hard way when making the bumpy transition from the Eredivisie to the Premier League, Sesko hasn’t looked confident at all since leaving the comforts of Germany behind, with only two top-flight goals heading his way from 11 games.

United would even manage to collect that 2-2 draw away at Spurs after Sesko had limped off late on, leaving them down to ten men.

Before that, the low-on-confidence number 30 – who was said to be “struggling” post-game by Amorim – had been played through twice in glorious positions, only to fluff his lines.

Sesko won’t be written off just yet, but the alarm bells are there considering his shoddy displays in the opening few months of his stint in English football.

But, Sesko will know he needs to show why he cost such a high amount soon; otherwise, he is in danger of just being disregarded as a frustrating flop down the line, who had moments here and there of magic.

It's not Mbeumo: "Unbelievable" Man Utd star looks like Amorim's new Bruno

Bryan Mbeumo stole the show again for Manchester United – but he wasn’t alone…

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 9, 2025

Manchester City player ratings vs Liverpool: Jeremy Doku shines in dominant win while Erling Haaland and Nico Gonzalez find the net

Jeremy Doku ripped Liverpool to shreds in one of the great individual displays this fixture has seen as Manchester City outclassed their rivals in a dominant 3-0 win. The Belgian winger gave Conor Bradley a living nightmare throughout the time he was on the pitch but no Liverpool player was safe from him and after monstering the Reds he topped his performance off with a fittingly brilliant goal.

Doku's trickery earned City a penalty when he was fouled by Giorgi Mamardashvili although the goalkeeper got his own back by denying Erling Haaland from the spot. Haaland would not be denied though and powered City into the lead with a header. Liverpool thought they had levelled against the run of play when Virgil van Dijk scored a header from a corner but Andy Robertson was interfering with play from an offside position.

It was a warning to City and they responded by doubling their advantage right before half-time with a deflected effort from Nico Gonzalez. Liverpool improved in the second half and gave the hosts a few scares but Doku had the final say, scoring with an incredible curling strike which ended the contest there and then.

GOAL rates Man City's players from the Etihad Stadium…

  • Goalkeeper & Defence

    Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):

    Some good, some bad. Risked a red card with a headless charge from his area to face down Mohamed Salah and was saved by Dias. He did make a good save from Dominik Szoboszlai's long-range hit and was quick to push a loose ball away from the feet of Van Dijk.

    Matheus Nunes (7/10):

    One of his best displays in a City shirt and against a top opponent. Provided the perfect cross for Haaland to open the scoring and was comfortable in defence, a key challenge on Andy Robertson among his many contributions.

    Ruben Dias (8/10):

    A masterful performance from the back. Made countless interventions, from cutting out an inviting pass from Salah, beating Szoboszlai to the ball and above all saving Donnarumma's blushes by tackling Salah.

    Josko Gvardiol (5/10):

    Made a worrying amount of mistakes in the second half which gave Liverpool encouragement.

    Nico O'Reilly (7/10):

    Worked his socks off throughout, which was particularly impressive after going down with an apparent injury in the first half. Caused Bradley plenty of bother, making for a fearsome double act down the left flank with Doku.

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  • Midfield

    Bernardo Silva (8/10):

    Produced a big-game performance, controlling proceedings with his precise passing and vision.

    Nico Gonzalez (8/10):

    He has been learning the trade of a Man City midfielder in the last year and today he delivered his first-class thesis. Showed brilliant awareness throughout, making numerous key blocks and interceptions while also bolting forward to support the attack. His goal may have been a little lucky but he showed the belief to shoot from range and was rewarded.

    Phil Foden (6/10):

    Was perhaps a little worn out after his Champions League heroics as he took a beat seat role in creativity although he did chip in with some important defensive work.

  • Attack

    Rayan Cherki (5/10):

    A comedown from his excellent display against Bournemouth. Spooned a shot over the bar, had another blocked and overall failed to sparkle, leading to him being withdrawn for Savinho early in the second half.

    Erling Haaland (7/10):

    Responded perfectly to the setback of having his penalty saved by finding the breakthrough goal, beating Konate in the air with an athletic leap and getting a whole load of power on the cross. Linked the play well by giving his team-mates wall passes from which to launch quick breaks. 

    Jeremy Doku (10/10):

    A truly phenomenal display from start to finish. Began playing all over the attack but was most dangerous down the left. Tore Conor Bradley apart from start to finish, earned the penalty, fuelled countless attacks with his dribbles and then adorned his performance with a magnificent strike.

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  • Subs & Manager

    Savinho (5/10):

    Should have done more after replacing Cherki in the 52nd minute and his introduction initially led to Liverpool getting a grip on the play.

    Omar Marmoush (6/10):

    Looked keen to add to the goal rout but still looks a little rusty after his injury lay-off.

    Pep Guardiola (9/10):

    A near-perfect display from his team on his 1000th game. Got his selection spot on and knew exactly how to cause Liverpool harm. Only made two substitutions as there was very little he needed to change.

Arsenal women's player ratings vs Twente: Beth Mead's fine form continues! Lionesses forward makes the difference as Gunners grab vital Champions League win

Beth Mead's early strike secured a vital Champions League victory for Arsenal on Tuesday, as the reigning European champions saw off Twente in a narrow but comfortable 1-0 win. It's a scoreline that doesn't reflect the dominance the Gunners enjoyed as they crept up the league-phase standings, moving to within one point of automatic qualification for the knockout rounds with one game left to play, while securing at least a play-off berth.

When Mead found the back of the net after 10 minutes, it felt like Arsenal could score quite a few. Two minutes before that, only some heroic Twente defending had prevented Mariona Caldentey, who fired not far off target even earlier on, and then Mead from scoring, with the Gunners' high and aggressive press working a treat and forcing the visitors into turning the ball over plenty in dangerous areas.

As it transpired, though, that would be the only goal of the game. It wasn't for a lack of trying; Alessia Russo would go close with three headers, including one which hit the bar late on, and the outstretched leg of Diede Lemey prevented her from scoring when she did get one on target. The goalkeeper's best save, however, might have been to prevent her own team-mate from netting an own goal, when she reacted brilliantly at her near post after Victoria Pelova's flick was inadvertently directed towards goal by Lieske Carleer.

Chances at the other end were few and far between, with Sophie Proost's header well over the bar, meaning the biggest scare Anneke Borbe, Arsenal's third-choice goalkeeper, had in the home goal was when she was caught by the onrushing Eva Oude Elberink, almost forcing the Gunners to hand a senior debut to 17-year-old Amy Liddiard. Fortunately, with Daphne van Domselaar and Manuela Zinsberger already sidelined, Borbe was able to continue and preserve the clean sheet that ensured her team's victory, their second in a row after three games without one.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Meadow Park…

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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Anneke Borbe (6/10):

    Essentially a spectator for this one. Made just 13 touches all game and her only call to action saw her bravely dive at the feet of Oude Elberink when she was put through one-on-one.

    Taylor Hinds (6/10):

    Another solid, if unspectacular, performance from one of England's most recent debutantes.

    Lotte Wubben-Moy (7/10):

    Calm and composed in possession and assured in her defending, helping the Gunners to restrict Twente to little in attack.

    Steph Catley (7/10):

    A little looser in possession than her centre-back partner, but only just. Always switched on and helped organise the defence well.

    Katie McCabe (7/10):

    Provided some quality service with that left foot of hers and nearly got on the scoresheet, too, through a clever free-kick.

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    Midfield

    Kyra Cooney-Cross (7/10):

    Started a little sloppily but got better as the game went on, showing plenty on both sides of the ball and delivering some good set pieces.

    Mariona Caldentey (6/10):

    Moved the ball well enough in deeper areas and looked a real goal threat early on, but her accuracy on the ball dropped off in the final third. 

    Victoria Pelova (7/10):

    Set up essentially as a second striker out of possession and was crucial to Arsenal's high press working so well.

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    Attack

    Beth Mead (8/10):

    Made the decisive contribution just 10 minutes in and could've added to her tally were it not for some heroic Twente defending. A classy display.

    Alessia Russo (6/10):

    Had several chances but couldn't find the back of the net, hitting the bar and forcing a good save out of the goalkeeper with her best efforts. She was able to get involved still with some nice moments in Arsenal's build-up play, though.

    Olivia Smith (7/10):

    Caused Twente all sorts of problems with her quick feet and direct approach, getting kicked plenty for her troubles. Unlucky to be booked for a good tackle.

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    Subs & Manager

    Caitlin Foord (6/10):

    Full of running down the left, delivering a couple of great balls in her 30 minutes or so on the pitch.

    Frida Maanum (7/10):

    Provided a real goal threat after coming on before the hour and created for others, too, in an impactful performance.

    Kim Little (6/10):

    Added plenty of energy to the middle of the park, aiding defence and attack.

    Emily Fox (N/A):

    Helped Arsenal see the win out as a late sub.

    Stina Blackstenius (N/A):

    Only came on in stoppage time.

    Renee Slegers (7/10):

    Set up her team to press Twente aggressively and it worked a treat, leading to the only goal of the game. Subs were proactive to ensure the levels didn't drop and her team could see the win out.

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