Category Uncategorized

At the same time, having given so much to England, it is understandable he has chosen to sacrifice himself in less painful ways

Vithushan Ehantharajah24-Aug-2022Ben Stokes isn’t one for soundbites. But on the eve of his sixth Test as the full-time men’s captain, one which England need to win to square the series with South Africa, he leant on what is becoming a familiar crutch.”I would never ask my team to do something I wouldn’t”.It is an admirable stance for a skipper to take, and perhaps Stokes is in the unique position as an allrounder where he can act it out. The short-ball tactic England employ – with mixed results – is basically all on him, as it was in the previous regime under Joe Root.With age, the effects of these bumper spells, the extra effort, and the multiplying force put through that front leg wear a little heavier, particularly on his left knee. However, such is his belligerence that even concern from good friend and former England cricketer Steve Harmison was dismissed as unnecessary. “It is something I can manage.”Related

Ben Stokes steals the crucial scenes in another box-office display of bravado

Ben Stokes urges England to keep the faith as rollercoaster hits first dip

McCullum wants England to go 'harder' after regime's first setback

Nicholas: Go hard when suits; dig deep when force is with those who oppose

Interestingly, discussions on how he bowls himself and the associated risks did not elicit the familiar nugget. It was his batting: particularly the almost cavalier approach to the craft he has adopted under Brendon McCullum. There are shades of the Kiwi’s familiar two-step down the ground routine in among some outrageous shots that, so far, have reaped 259 runs at an average of 37 in this summer’s home Tests.It is not bad, but certainly short of his capabilities. There was a period from the start of 2019 to the end of 2020 when it seemed we were entering a new era of Stokes, the batter: he averaged 50 across 18 Tests, with four hundreds among them. At times, he looked the most technically accomplished in the line-up, which is saying something, given he sits next to Root.And yet at the same time, to focus on numbers and aesthetics is to miss the point. Stokes’ method, however madcap, is his way of embodying the extreme of how he wants the batting line-up to operate.Ben Stokes’ belligerence has had mixed results, but created a noteworthy turnaround and comeback wins•Stu Forster/Getty Images”I know when I play well it’s very good for the team,” he answered when asked if, perhaps, there is a regression to the norm. “Me being the leader, I would never ask my team to do something I wouldn’t, but there’s a bigger picture to that if that makes sense.”I’m sure there will come a time when it does have to mellow down a little bit but at this time right now, I feel I’ve got a big responsibility to be that person hitting the message home and almost people watching going like ‘he’s able to go out and do that in a difficult situation’.”If you will allow for some extrapolation with wildly different sample sizes, Stokes’ mantra is clear to see. Overall, he attacks deliveries twice as often as he did across the three home summers between 2019 and 2021. The biggest expansion is the approach to full deliveries, going after them 42.42% of the time compared to 11.54% in the above period.Similarly, he is striking length balls more than twice as often. It is no surprise his strike rate of 78.72 is comfortably his highest in an English season.After a trio of scores – 54, 46 and 75 not out – in his first four knocks of the summer, there have been plenty of starts that in the old days of a few months ago would have been filed under “thrown away”. Their purposes, however, were not for nothing, either shocking bowlers and the field for the benefit of the guy at the other end, or coming in next.Even the twin 20s in the innings defeat at Lord’s had a little more to them: the first innings a necessary counter, the second a hit-out as the last viable option for victory before being caught at midwicket trying to strike Kagiso Rabada for a six, thus becoming the ninth wicket to fall.”It’s about the language we speak as well in the group to set the tone of what we’re about,” Stokes on England’s approach•Getty ImagesMaybe because cricket is like this, but it is hard not to wince at the thought of Stokes wanting to be the canary down the mine, given he strikes gold so often. At the same time, having given so much of himself to England over the years and still only coming away with sub-par results – one win in 17, anyone? – perhaps it is understandable that he has chosen to sacrifice himself in other, slightly less painful ways.And it is certainly working to a point, with four wins and an overall run rate of 4.50 which is the highest of any team to play five or more games in a season.Ahead of the second Test against South Africa, nursing a 0-1 scoreline, Stokes took the opportunity to talk the talk once more, fully aware he will walk it from 11am on Thursday, and hopefully get others to follow as resolutely as they had before.”It’s about the language we speak as well in the group to set the tone of what we’re about, because when you are up against the wall – as we were in the first innings – it’s a lot easier to take a step back and go into your shell a bit more,” he said.”That’s something we don’t want to creep into this team at the moment. That game in particular we all hold our hands up and know we didn’t perform to where we wanted to, and there will be occasions when similar situations happen. But if they go out there with the confidence of having the backing of the dressing room is very powerful I feel.”Indeed, this match feels like more of an acid test than last week. Then it was about seeing how much of the ethos sustained after a long break. Now it will be about how much those players still believe after a first defeat.As for Stokes? Well, he might find himself in an interesting conundrum. Because as much as he still wants to lead the way, doing so here, with the series on the line, might require a more selfish approach.

Bumrah’s yorker, Jordan’s ‘long’ run, Agarwal’s effort in the deep, Ferguson’s rockets, and more

Nagraj Gollapudi19-Oct-2020Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab, DubaiBumrah nails Rahul with a yorker – 17.3 overs
This was the ball that swung the match the Mumbai Indians’ way. It was the 18th over. Jasprit Bumrah had been hit for 15 in his previous over. KL Rahul was on 75 and in command. The Kings XI needed just 27 from the last three overs. Off the third ball, Bumrah went wide off the crease, and pitched the perfect yorker with a hint of reverse swing. Rahul moved in line to cover off stump, but the almost-149-kph ball swerved past the outside edge of the closed bat-face to hit off stump.Coulter-Nile denies boundary to Hooda – 19.1 overs
The Kings XI now needed just nine runs from the final six balls, and Trent Boult lined up to bowl. Deepak Hooda moved quickly wide outside his off stump to pick a fuller-length delivery that was angled away. Hooda thought he had flicked firmly as the ball was flying over square leg for a certain boundary. Except it did not – Nathan Coulter-Nile flung himself to his wrong side (left) to stop it, even attempting to pluck the catch with a reverse cup. Had Hooda succeeded, the target would have come down to five from five. But Coulter-Nile kept the Mumbai Indians in the contest.Chris Jordan took a long route while trying to complete the second run•HotstarJordan takes circuitous route – 19.6 overs
The Kings XI needed just two runs from the final delivery to win. Getting close to the stumps, Boult delivered a yorker at Chris Jordan’s toes. Jordan did well to push the ball to the empty mid-on area and immediately called for two even as Kieron Pollard, standing well inside the boundary at long-on, charged in. And Jordan, instead of running in a straight line after completing the first run, decided to take a long route back, which gave Quinton de Kock enough time to neatly collect a powerful throw from Pollard and whip off the bails. A straight dash, and Jordan should have made it. The match was a tie. It was the second Super Over on Sunday, the first time the IPL had experienced two on the same day.Mohammed Shami bowled the Super Over for Kings XI Punjab•BCCIShami’s own super over – Super Over 1
De Kock and Rohit Sharma just needed to get five runs. Mohammed Shami ran in for the first ball, went wide off the crease, and pitched the perfect off-stump yorker that de Kock could only nudge for a single. Having seen Bumrah succeed with the yorker and the low full-toss work in Mumbai’s Super Over, Shami’s aim, as Rahul revealed after the match, was to bowl six yorkers. He bowled five of them perfectly… It was one of the best overs of fast bowling, done with a smile and without any apparent show of nerves.KL Rahul runs Quinton de Kock out•BCCIRahul runs out de Kock – final ball, Super Over 1
It came down to two to win off the final ball for the Mumbai Indians, with de Kock facing Shami. He stuck to the wide yorker, and de Kock did well to chip it to the right of short cover where Ravi Bishnoi dived but failed to intercept the ball, allowing the batsmen to turn back for the second. Nicholas Pooran charged from the deep, but his throw was not on the stumps. But in a moment of brilliance, Rahul, who stood out in the field with the Orange Cap (for most runs this IPL) on, moved in front of the stumps, went down on his right knee to collect the off-target throw, and then flicked the ball back on to the stumps in the nick of time to beat the dive from de Kock. On to Super Over Part II.Mayank Agarwal converts a six into two with an acrobatic fielding effort•HotstarAgarwal denies Pollard 6 – Super Over 2
Jordan had done really well allowing just nine runs from his first five balls to the pair of Pollard and Hardik Pandya. Pollard was on strike for the final delivery, which turned out to be a low full toss. Pollard, ready deep in his crease, flicked the ball powerfully to deep midwicket, where Mayank Agarwal was stationed. As the ball looked set to go well over him, Agarwal used all his core strength to leap powerfully and somehow – stunningly – managed to connect with the ball mid-air and parry it back into the field of play. “Phenomenal,” Simon Doull, the commentator, burst on air – a befitting description of Agarwal’s fielding. It meant Pollard and Mumbai got just two runs instead of six and the target was 12.Chris Gayle puts one away in the second Super Over•BCCIGayle goes bam – Super Over 2
Chris Gayle did not waste time. The first ball from Boult was a low full toss, in the slot, and Gayle hacked it over deep midwicket for a big six. The pressure was off straightaway, and Agarwal finished the job with two crisp boundaries to put an end to a long but memorable Sunday.Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Abu DhabiUh oh… one of the most worrying sights for Eoin Morgan – Andre Russell looks like he’s injured himself•BCCIHobbling Russell takes match to Super Over – 19.6 overs
If the night was breathtaking, the evening had set things up nicely. Andre Russell has been hurting this IPL – both physically, and with his struggles on the field, especially with the bat. On Sunday, Russell had flopped with the bat again, hurt his hamstring in the field, but was sent back to bowl the final over of the match. The Sunrisers Hyderabad needed 18 runs. Their captain David Warner was at the crease with the young Abdul Samad. Russell’s first ball was a free hit. Warner then cracked three consecutive boundaries to bring the equation down to two runs from the final ball. Russell jogged in to hurl a 132-kph delivery into Warner’s pads. Warner attempted to hit down leg, but getting up taking just one leg-bye. Mumbai had just started batting in Dubai, as the match in Abu Dhabi entered the Super Over.Lockie Ferguson and Shubman Gill combine to dismiss Abdul Samad•HotstarFerguson-Gill combo denies Samad a six – 18.6 overs
This was the last over of the previous over. Samad had played a brilliant cameo, picking 23 from 14 balls. The last from Shivam Mavi was an easy low full toss that Samad hit flat towards deep midwicket. Lockie Ferguson, at deep square-leg, ran to this left, positioned himself sideways to pouch the catch safely with two hands just inches inside the boundary line. But with momentum threatening to put him off balance, Ferguson noticed Shubman Gill was close enough, so he lobbed the ball neatly to his team-mate, who completed the catch even as the New Zealander crossed the boundary line.Fast, furious, irresistible – Lockie Ferguson rearranges the stumps•BCCIFerguson rocks Sunrisers with three-ball trick – Super Over 1
Looking like a contestant in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Ferguson knocked the Sunrisers out in just three deliveries in the Super Over. First, he pitched a length delivery in the high 140s to knock back Warner’s off stump, and two deliveries – and two runs – later, bowled Samad with a brilliant change of pace. The target for the Knight Riders was just three runs.

Harry Kane might not be plying his trade for Tottenham Hotspur anymore, but he’s a player who will forever remain in their history for his efforts in North London.

The England international was a product of the Lilywhites’ academy setup, subsequently bursting through the ranks before securing his place in the first-team back in 2014.

He would make 435 appearances for the club during his decade in the first-team, even breaking the record for the most goals scored by a player in their history.

His tally of 280 goals surpassed the record set by the late Jimmy Greaves, but his talents within the final third have also been reflected in his international career.

Kane has scored 74 goals for his country, which has also allowed him to break the record set by former Manchester United talisman Wayne Rooney.

However, in 2025, the Lilywhites have a crop of fellow English talents, with many hoping to follow in the striker’s footsteps in being a mainstay on the international stage.

Spurs’ star performers for England in recent years

Alongside Kane, Spurs have had numerous players who have represented England at international level, many of whom have starred and made themselves key members of the squad.

Dominic Solanke and James Maddison have both previously been named in the Three Lions’ squad, but have been unable to make any appearances in recent months due to their respective injury issues.

However, Djed Spence is the latest player to break into Thomas Tuchel’s squad, even starting the friendly against Wales at Wembley on Thursday night.

The full-back featured for 90 minutes in the triumph over Craig Bellamy’s side, subsequently pocketing teammate Brennan Johnson and firing shade at the winger on social media.

His underlying stats were just as impressive, with the defender completing 98% of the passes he attempted, whilst also winning 100% of the tackles he entered.

With the 25-year-old the latest player to make his mark for England, there will be hope that another youngster in the Lilywhites ranks can follow in his footsteps in the years ahead.

The Spurs star who could be England’s next superstar

After making 19 appearances for Spurs last season, 18-year-old winger Mikey Moore is a player with a huge future ahead of him in North London.

He’s spent the majority of his life on the books of the Lilywhites, but was catapulted into the limelight last season as a result of the injury crisis under Ange Postecoglou.

Such a situation even led to the teenager scoring his first professional goal in the meeting with Elfsborg in the Europa League – a moment that will undoubtedly stick with him forever.

However, he was loaned out by Thomas Frank this summer, subsequently joining Rangers until the end of the 2025/26 campaign to gain valuable minutes to continue his progression.

He’s not the only talented Englishman within their ranks, with 16-year-old star Luca Williams-Barnett another player who is set for a bright future in North London.

The attacking midfielder has been starring way above his age group over the last few seasons, with the youngster featuring in the U18s for the majority of 2024/25.

He ended the year with a staggering 23 goals and nine assists in his 24 outings for the Lilywhites, resulting in a jump up once again – now becoming a key member of the U21 side.

Such form has led to the teenager being handed his first senior appearance against Doncaster Rovers last month – with analyst Ben Mattinson labelling him “one of England’s best talents”.

Williams-Barnett’s first-team outing is one thing, but he’s also managed to thrive in the youth ranks once again, now registering eight goals and five assists in his nine outings in all competitions.

His numbers for the U21s are nothing short of sensational, with the teenager now boasting the best record of any player in the squad – an unthinkable feat for someone playing five years above their age category.

Williams-Barnett has also cemented his place in the England U18 setup, making three appearances already this campaign and scoring on two occasions – further showcasing his incredible talents.

Given his tender age, there’s no denying that the attacker needs more time in the academy system to develop before being able to make the jump into the first-team squad.

However, if he continues on his current trajectory, there’s no reason why he can’t emulate Kane’s success, whether that be in North London for Spurs or even on the international stage for England.

Bigger talent than Vuskovic: Spurs' "absolute jewel" could be the new Son

While Luka Vušković is impressing on loan at HSV, Tottenham have struck gold on an “absolute jewel” who could become Spurs’ new Son Heung-min.

1

By
Ben Gray

Oct 10, 2025

There has now been a new update on Crystal Palace’s pursuit of a “true warrior”, with it being revealed a “good value” January deal is possible.

Palace on course to push for Europe

Palace remain in a strong position to push for European qualification, having taken 20 points from their opening 13 Premier League games this season, although they will be frustrated about Manchester United coming from behind to win at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

The Eagles fell to a 2-1 defeat against Ruben Amorim’s side, but they will have the opportunity to put things right tonight, when they travel to Turf Moor to take on an out-of-form Burnley side, who have lost their last four Premier League matches.

However, with the likes of Sunderland, Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion all in European contention after impressive starts to the campaign, it is getting congested at the top of the table, and Oliver Glasner’s side are now looking at new additions for the January window.

Last week, it was revealed that a concrete offer had been made for Bayern Munich’s Sacha Boey, who Glasner is a big fan of, according to a new update on their pursuit of the defender from TEAMtalk.

In an interview, journalist Dean Jones said: “Palace have been made aware that there could be a possibility for this one on a permanent deal and it actually could be a good value one. I’m told that is the preference at the moment.

“They [Bayern] don’t have much interest in letting him out on a loan. In the case of a loan offer they may well just hold on to him until the summer instead.

The journalist also went on to clarify that negotiations aren’t currently at an advanced stage, saying: “At this stage I think Palace are just feeling out the terms and understanding the player’s situation.”

Crystal Palace star who "they don't want to lose" now has his agent testing an exit

The Eagles must look to keep hold of their star striker.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 25, 2025 "True warrior" Boey could be exciting addition for Palace

The right-back certainly caught the eye during his time with Galatasaray, having been hailed as a “true warrior” by members of the Turkish media, and he is very assured in possession of the ball, as displayed by his performance across some key metrics over the past year.

Sacha Boey’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Passes attempted

73.18 (97th percentile)

Pass completion %

90% (99th percentile)

Progressive passes

6.31 (95th percentile)

That said, the 25-year-old, who rakes in £80k-a-week should probably seek a move this winter, given that he has fallen down the pecking order considerably, being benched for the last three Bundesliga games.

With Palace competing in Europe this season, it would be a smart move to bring in additional strength in depth at right-back this January, and a long-term replacement for Daniel Munoz may be needed regardless, amid interest from Chelsea and Barcelona.

As such, Glasner’s side should make a move for Boey, and it is promising news that a deal could be possible for a reasonable price.

Tottenham Hotspur will feel hard done by after salvaging a draw against Newcastle United on Tuesday evening, having come unstuck after Anthony Gordon dispatched a controversially won penalty for the home side.

There’s a case to be made that Rodrigo Bentancur had infringed play in the box, but the tussle was waged between two players – one of whom was the 6 foot 7 Dan Burn – and there’s also a case to be made that Bentancur was pulled to the floor by the Newcastle defender.

Even as Cristian Romero’s brace rescued his side, Thomas Frank will know the pressure valve has not been released, and he still has much to prove if he is to cement his managerial berth in north London.

Frank's struggles at the Spurs helm

Tottenham have been something of a mixed bag in the Premier League this season. Their home performance woes have spilt from last year into the current term, with the defeat to Fulham meaning three have been lost on the bounce in the top flight.

Tactically, Tottenham are not creating enough. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are sidelined, have been since the summer, but this is no excuse for the stunted playmaking quality that has been on show. Spurs’ players are not maximising their own skillsets.

Frank is a more pragmatic manager than Ange Postecoglou before him, but his Brentford side still produced clinical and concise attacking play.

Premier League 25/26 – xG Leaders

Club

League Position

xG

Man City

2nd

26.7

Chelsea

4th

24.0

Arsenal

1st

23.5

Crystal Palace

5th

22.7

Liverpool

8th

22.2

(18) Tottenham

11th

12.6

Data via FBref

Now, much has been left to be desired in his Lilywhites team, and ENIC Group could be forced into cutting off their new manager and replacing him with a summer target.

Indeed, Daniel Levy (remember him?) interviewed Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, as per TalkSPORT, who confirm that he has his sights set on a move up the ladder, albeit with a preference to see out the season.

Given the depth of Tottenham’s interest, this could be a deal revisited. And anyway, it’s not like the Spanish tactician has done anything to deter suitors this year.

Why Iraola is a better stylistic fit

Iraola is a young manager, but he has taken to the Premier League with ease, inculcating his aggressive, attack-focused football at the Vitality Stadium and recording Bournemouth’s highest-ever points total (56) last year.

He has transformed Bournemouth from a band of hard-batting, relegation-contending troops to an easy-on-the-eye attacking force, so intense and energetic. The fact he boasts a superior points-per-game record to Frank in the Premier League only adds fuel to the argument.

It’s a style of football that feels tailor-made for a club like Spurs. To dare is to do, after all, and one of the biggest criticisms of Frank’s tactics has been a pragmatism and lack of creative ambition.

The Spaniard has even been generously named “the best coach in the Premier League” by journalist James Horncastle for his impact on the south coast, and though the Cherries are struggling for form right now, with four losses from five outings, there’s little question that he has laid out his credentials at the top.

Talented players like Xavi Simons are struggling. Tottenham are in a rut. Could Iraola provide the solution? His ability to adapt – evidenced after a summer exodus – could also play favourably into a north London outfit who have undergone a fair amount of chopping and changing in recent years.

It is not yet time for ENIC chiefs to push for a managerial change, but Frank will know that he will soon be on borrowed time if unable to prove that his tactical vision is slowly taking root at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Should push come to shove, Iraola may well prove the perfect replacement, his self-defined “rock and roll” brand of football aligning with Spurs’ free-flowing identity.

Related The new Son: Spurs prepared to pay £65m to sign "world-class" talent

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to fork out a hefty sum to land a new attacker for Thomas Frank.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

Every team has hope to contend on Opening Day. Likewise, every player who’s yet to reach superstar status in the major leagues can dream that this is the year he’ll make a name for himself.

The theme of our season-opening power rankings is based off of those dreams. We’ve identified one player on each team who’s shown glimpses that he could break out on the big stage. With the vast majority of MLB teams set to open the 2025 season on Thursday, we’ll soon find out which players have what it takes and which have misplaced hope—until next year, anyway.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

Breakout Candidate: SP Roki Sasaki
No surprise here. There’s a reason he’s been the world’s top pitching prospect for several years. Sasaki boasts a wicked arsenal that includes an upper 90s fastball that hits triple-digits regularly, plus a splitter that is already one of MLB’s best pitches and a good slider. He’s an extreme favorite to win Rookie of the Year in the National League.

2. New York Mets

Breakout Candidate: SP Griffin Canning
It may feel overly optimistic to call Canning, a 28-year-old former top prospect, a breakout candidate. Injuries and inconsistency have left the former Los Angeles Angels hurler’s potential untapped. Thanks to different pitch sequencing, however, Canning racked up 22 strikeouts in 14 ⅓ innings during a productive spring. He could finally level up in David Stearns’s Mets pitching lab.

3. Philadelphia Phillies

Breakout Candidate: 2B Bryson Stott 
Stott seemed on the verge of becoming an All-Star after he rapped 164 hits, batted .280 and stole 31 bases in ‘23. But he took a step back in a disappointing ‘24 campaign in which he was playing through a nerve issue in his elbow. Now healthy and with a strong spring under his belt, Stott is poised to become an All-Star for the first time.

4. New York Yankees

Breakout Candidate: OF Jasson Dominguez 
Dominguez endured some rough moments in left field to start the spring but the Yankees demonstrated patience and he began to show progress. Dominguez, who just turned 22 last month, belted four home runs in eight games in a brief stint in the majors in 2023 before injuries derailed his progress. In ‘25 he’ll show why he earned the nickname “The Martian.”

5. Boston Red Sox

Breakout Candidate: OF Ceddanne Rafaela 
At just 23 years old last season, Rafaela was a fixture in Boston’s lineup, appearing in 152 games while belting 15 home runs and swiping 19 bases while also being rated as an above-average center fielder with a strong arm. The speedy Rafaela could go for a 25–25 season in one of the AL’s best lineups in ‘25.

6. Arizona Diamondbacks

Germany's new star forward Nick Woltemade finally broke his silence on the 'idiots' Newcastle claim made by Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after the Bundesliga champions lost the transfer race to sign the striker from Stuttgart for £65m. After selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool on deadline day, the Magpies brought Woltemade as the Swede's replacement.

Rummenigge called Newcastle 'idiots' after losing Woltemade race

After missing out on one of their key transfer target for the summer, Bayern board member Rummenigge branded the Magpies 'idiots' for spending a massive transfer fee and even sarcastically congratulated Stuttgart for cashing in. The Bundesliga champions made several attempts to bring the German striker to the club over the summer, with their final bid reportedly touching €60m (£52m/$70m). Stuttgart, however, refused to let the player leave below their asking price of €75m (£65m/$87m).Ultimately, a desperate Newcastle made a club-record £69m bid and got the deal done.

Speaking to , Rummenigge said: "I can only congratulate them in Stuttgart for finding, so to speak, an idiot who would pay that much money, because we certainly wouldn't have done that. I said: We're coming in on a scale that I no longer find acceptable. We shouldn't meet all of their demands. 

"The players and their agents must also be careful not to trap themselves. The money has to come from somewhere, and that comes from expanding competitions or creating new ones."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWoltemade reacts to Rummenigge's comments

The Magpies star has now finally reacted to Rummenigge's comments as he told : "My team-mates commented on it, I didn't. I think that was the right thing to do. A lot was made of my name, Bayern, and transfer fee during the summer; that was the story of the summer. To answer your question: the headlines everywhere said 'idiots.' But I read Mr Rummenigge's entire statement – it was certainly somewhat unfortunate, but not quite so dramatic.

"When I arrived at the national team, everyone congratulated me. Bayern players also congratulated me. When they see a player taking a step forward, you get congratulations. That was the case for me too. There were no negative comments, especially since my circumstances were special."

Ex-Newcastle star hit back at Rummenigge

Reacting to the Bayern chief's harsh comments, former Newcastle winger Chris Waddle told : "They probably thought they had him at a lower price. Newcastle have obviously looked for a centre-forward after the saga with Isak. They've looked around and thought who's available? They've looked at Woltemade because he's a good player. He's a tall guy. He's quite mobile. Technically he's all right. 

"Bayern Munich thought, 'he’s a player we can snap up who could replace Harry Kane in a couple of years.' They probably thought they had a deal done. But Newcastle came in and I think it's a little bit of sour grapes. I think Newcastle's offered a better contract, better wages, better everything. Bayern Munich would probably think they would get him at the price that they think he's worth. They think Newcastle's paid over the top. Time will tell on that."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportHow is it going for Woltemade?

Woltemade has made an instant impact since moving to the Premier League from the Bundesliga in the summer. He has appeared in 14 matches for the Magpies thus far across all competitions and scored seven goals, including four in eight league appearances. 

He has also performed consistently for his national team and he recently starred with a brace in Germany's close win over Luxembourg, which kept their hopes alive of securing a direct berth at the World Cup next year. The 23-year-old will be back in action for Germany on Monday as the four-time world champions face Slovakia.

Nottingham Forest have now approached an “incredible” Premier League title-winning manager, following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou on Saturday.

Forest sack Ange after just 39 days in charge

Postecoglou lasted just 39 days as Forest manager, with the Australian now second only to Sam Allardyce on the list of shortest-serving managers in top flight history, although it was an understandable decision from Evangelos Marinakis.

The 60-year-old failed to win any of the eight matches he took charge of in all competitions, with the Tricky Trees even being dumped out of the EFL Cup by Championship side Swansea City.

A relegation battle could be on the cards for Forest, who occupy 18th place in the table after a disastrous start to the season, collecting just five points from their opening eight matches.

Marinakis has certainly wasted no time finding potential replacements for Ange, with reports revealing Sean Dyche is in advanced talks about replacing the former Tottenham Hotspur boss in the dugout.

However, Dyche is not the only option on the shortlist, according to a report from The Athletic, which states Nottingham Forest have been in contact with 2011-12 Premier League title-winning manager Roberto Mancini.

Forest have held talks with the ex-Manchester City boss, who was most recently manager of Saudi Arabia, before reaching a joint agreement to exit the role a little over a year ago.

While the Italian was unsuccessful with Saudi Arabia, he certainly achieved his goals as manager of Italy, leading his home country to Euros glory back in 2021.

Related Nottingham Forest's most expensive sales of all time

The biggest departures from the City Ground.

Posts ByCharlie Smith Oct 9, 2025 "Incredible" Mancini could be exactly what Forest need

Ange imposing his attacking philosophy ultimately ended up being too much too soon, given that Nuno Espirito Santo implemented a counter-attacking style of play during his time at the City Ground.

Mancini, on the other hand, is well-known for his more pragmatic approach, which could be what Forest need to avoid being exposed in defence, having conceded eight goals in their last three matches in all competitions.

The 60-year-old, who led City to the Premier League title back in 2012, was also praised by former player Yaya Toure in the wake of Italy’s Euro 2021 triumph.

Having won 14 trophies across a very successful managerial career, Mancini could be a fantastic appointment for Forest, and the fact he is currently without a club is an added bonus.

Arsenal are determined to hand star winger Bukayo Saka a new contract, with the England international set for a massive pay hike. After tying down William Saliba to a long-term deal, the Gunners have now shifted their focus to Saka and want to wrap up contract talks as early as possible amid fears that the wide man could draw transfer interest in the future.

• Arsenal want to retain existing squad members

  Arsenal spent heavily in the summer transfer window to rebuild their squad as they brought in as many as eight new players. The Gunners' outlay has had an impact already as they have won eight out of their first 10 Premier League games and are being considered as early favourites to win the league title. 

  However, new sporting director Andrea Berta had mentioned that retaining existing key squad members on a long-term basis continues to remain the club's top priority. In the past few months, they have extended the deals of Gabriel, Ethan Nwaneri, William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly and are now hoping Saka agrees to their offer.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Saka set to be offered blockbuster deal

  Per , Arsenal have met Saka's representatives on multiple occasions in recent times, which has made it clear that the Gunners are determined to retain their star player. The Premier League leaders want to wrap up the process as early as possible amid fears of transfer interest from across Europe. The club want to tie down Saka until the summer of 2030 and are planning to offer wages in the region of £12 million ($16m) gross per season.

  The report adds that Saka's renewal will reflect owner Stan Kroenke's confidence in the player and will also send a message to other clubs that Arsenal can hold onto their star players. The Gunners remain confident that Saka will agree on the new deal.

• Saka 'believes' Arsenal can win Premier League

  In a recent interview, Saka expressed his confidence in Arsenal winning the Premier League this season, as she said: "This year, I feel we’re a very strong group and we’ve got a lot of quality. We’ve already suffered a lot of injuries, but you know, the players that have come in have shown that we can all keep the level at the top at the highest. That’s what it’s going to take for us to go all the way. I think that’s where we’ve slipped off in a few seasons, but this season, I think we’ve got that. And you know, it’s making me really believe we can do it."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Can anyone beat Arsenal this season?

  Mikel Arteta's side, who have won eight out of their first 10 league matches, have been hailed as favourites to lift the trophy in May. As by far the most consistent side in the division so far, the Gunners have been told the trophy is theirs to lose, although there is one club who could challenge them.

  Speaking on his self-titled podcast, ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville said: "This has got to be them, hasn't it? This has got to be their year. This is the fourth season on the bounce that I've had them to win the league, but they're not necessarily miles better, they're repeating their levels of consistency, and that's all they're going to have to do this year to win the league. They're not going to have to go and get 100 points, they're not going to have to get even 90 or 95 points to win the league, mid-80s, high 80s will win them this title, and they can do that."

  He added: "The reason I say I’m confident Arsenal will win the league is because you always think about what can stop a team. If Liverpool lost Virgil van Dijk or Mohamed Salah in previous seasons they would be in trouble. But I can’t think of any player Arsenal might lose now and it would mean they would lose the title…even the two centre-backs because of the summer signings. Every position is covered. Bukayo Saka was that player in the past but Noni Madueke came in when he was injured. Everywhere, they are properly doubled up with the same level of quality or only a small drop-off. So who’s going to take it off them? Arsenal would have to beat themselves not to win it. I don’t think Man City are going to get back to a level they’ve been at previously and come back at Arsenal. Pep Guardiola is a genius but he hasn’t got the players or the team playing at the level needed. Liverpool are the only team but they would have to get back on track very quickly."

It's been a few months, but Jude Bellingham is back. After a delayed start to his season and an international break packed full of questions regarding where – and remarkably, if – he fits into England's World Cup plans, the Real Madrid man has showed in Sunday's Clasico that he remains the man for the biggest of occasions.

Bellingham has had a special relationship with Spain's biggest game ever since arriving at Santiago Bernabeu, and so it proved again on Sunday. Bellingham was everywhere, at the centre of everything Madrid did well as they battered Barcelona, even if the 2-1 scoreline told another story.

For a short time, it seemed that it wouldn't be Madrid's day as they had both a penalty and a Kylian Mbappe wondergoal overturned by VAR inside the opening 10 minutes, but Bellingham had other ideas. He received the ball just inside the Barcelona half, expertly turned away from Pedri and fed Mbappe, who had little to do other than look up, consider the angles, and smash into the bottom corner.

Barca and Fermin Lopez were gifted an equaliser by some sloppy play from Arda Guler, but Los Blancos never let up, and it was Bellingham who scored the second, ghosting into the box and side footing home into an empty net from an Eder Militao knockdown.

Everything after felt quite routine. Barca, without both Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski due to injury, lacked potency as Lamine Yamal failed to back-up his pre-match fighting words with a performance. Mbappe had a controversial penalty saved, though him netting would have given the scoreline a more accurate feeling.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from the Bernabeu…

• AFP
  

  WINNER: Jude Bellingham

  There was a sense that Bellingham needed a big performance here, if only to reassert himself. The Englishman had been strangely forgotten in the Madrid consciousness, in part due to the excellent performances of Guler while Bellingham recovered from his summer shoulder surgery.

  This, though, was a game that showed the levels between the two. Bellingham was asked to play as a right-sided No.10, though covered pretty much every blade of grass. Going forward, he was dynamic, while off the ball he harassed and harried Pedri, largely marking the Spaniard out of the game. He was good value for his goal, and on another day, might have had one or two more.

  This is the Bellingham paradox of sorts. He can produce this kind of performance whenever asked, but hasn't done it enough since his remarkable debut season in Spain. It is easy to forget, though, that he won't turn 23 until June.

  And with his England place apparently in doubt, this was the statement showing he needed to remind everyone back home of his ability. Thomas Tuchel better have been watching…

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  LOSER: Lamine Yamal

  Yamal is human after all. All eyes were on the Barcelona teenager ahead of kick-off in part due to him having claimed on social media that referees favour Madrid – something that didn't go down too well in the Spanish capital. Yamal then doubled down on that sentiment in the hours before the game with an Instagram story that referenced the kind of stick he regularly gets from Madridistas (tensions are no longer stoked in press conferences, it seems).

  The issue is, these kinds of sentiments tend to need to be backed up by actual showings of impressive football, and Yamal failed to produce anything like his best. He has been fighting through injuries for a couple months now, and he subsequently looked a step off it in the biggest game of the season to date.

  Yamal managed just two shots – neither of which were on target – and was rather limited as a creative force. In fairness, Madrid defended him well, too. Alvaro Carreras was on him from the first minute while and Dean Huijsen offered plenty of help. It is true, too, that Yamal was lacking in quality support without Lewandowski and Raphinha, but these are the kind of games you now expect the youngster to take over.

  By the end of it all, he was left arguing with a furious Dani Carvajal, who claimed the teenager 'talks too much'. Maybe he's right. There will be other days for Yamal; this just wasn't a very good one.

• AFP
  

  WINNER: Xabi Alonso

  Madrid have now played two big games this season, winning one and losing the other. In the first, a 5-2 drubbing at the hands of Atletico Madrid, Xabi Alonso didn't really change anything. He went with his version of a 4-4-2, and didn't offer much to confront the entirely predictable, long-ball football that Diego Simeone would play. Real deserved to get hammered.

  But here, Alonso adapted. Eduardo Camavinga was a surprising selection but was deployed to shut down Alejandro Balde's surges up the left, while Bellingham was given a little more positional freedom and Mbappe's instructions were clear: run straight forward very fast. The result was a Madrid drubbing in the first half.

  And then, in the second, Alonso tightened things up. Realising Barca were tired and lacking in ideas, he instructed his side to bunker in. Los Blancos' shape was excellent, and Barca's only real chance came from a fluffed Jules Kounde run in behind – the kind of effort you'd image Alonso would be fine to surrender.

  His credentials as a tactician could never truly be questioned, but this was Alonso's best day yet in the Madrid dugout.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  LOSER: Hansi Flick

  As for the other bench… Well, technically, Hansi Flick wasn't there. That was occupied by Marcus Sorg, Barca's assistant manager who stepped in for the German after Flick was sent off against Girona last week.

  Flick, could be seen high in the stands, watching from afar, and he must have hated what he saw. Barca were poor at both ends, and outworked in the middle. Their signature high line was repeatedly exploited by Madrid, and even if they did successfully catch Mbappe offside on a couple of situations, it proved to be an act of suicide for the first goal.

  At the other end, their attack was non-existent. Ferran Torres is an agreeable back-up striker who can tag in against lesser opposition, but he looked lost here. Fermin, meanwhile, lacked muscle in midfield and conviction in attack despite netting the equaliser.

  Flick can, and surely will, point to the injury issues that have plagued Barca as part of a reason for this loss, and there's a point to be made there. But he is also now five points behind his arch rivals in La Liga, meaning their title defence is already at real risk of failing.