B Sai Sudharsan and Prasidh Krishna won the Orange and Purple Caps respectively at the end of IPL 2025
ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jun-20251:49
Moody: Sudharsan an all-format player for India for ten-plus years
Orange Cap tableEven though Gujarat Titans (GT) didn’t make the final, B Sai Sudharsan finished the tournament as its highest run-getter with 759 runs, 42 runs clear of second-placed Suryakumar Yadav of Mumbai Indians (MI). But the 43 runs Virat Kohli scored in Tuesday night’s final for RCB took him up to the third place on the table.It’s a cap he has won twice before, in IPL 2016 and IPL 2024. It wasn’t to be this time, but Kohli has been a model of consistency through the tournament, reflected in his 657 runs for the season.GT captain Shubman Gill (650 runs) and Mitchell Marsh of Lucknow Super Giants (627) rounded off the top five.ESPNcricinfo LtdPurple Cap tableSai Sudharsan’s team-mate Prasidh Krishna made it a GT double by winning the Purple Cap for his haul of 25 wickets, one more than Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) Noor Ahmad, and, after the final, three more than RCB’s Josh Hazlewood.When it comes to Hazlewood, though, one wonders what might have been had he not picked up a shoulder niggle and missed a series of matches in the second half of the tournament. Where Prasidh bowled in 15 innings for his 25 wickets and Noor 14 for his 24, Hazlewood finished with 22 from just 12 bowling innings, capping off his season the wicket of Priyansh Arya, the first of the night, in the final. Like Kohli, Hazlewood’s consistency stood out all through the season.Arshdeep Singh, who picked up 3 for 40 in the final, ended in fifth place with 21 wickets, with MI’s Trent Boult above him with 22, behind Hazlewood on economy rate.Krunal Pandya, meanwhile, won the Player-of-the-Match award in the final, and that took him up to No. 2, behind Suryakumar, on ESPNcricinfo’s MVP table for IPL 2025. Most sixes Highest batting strike rates Best bowling economy rates Best bowling figures in a match
Gujarat Titans (GT) won the toss at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and decided to do what teams do there: field first against Mumbai Indians (MI). No total is safe at Wankhede, given a true pitch, small boundaries and dew later in the night.GT made one change to their team, bringing in left-arm quick Arshad Khan ahead of allrounder Washington Sundar. Once again, GT were playing Rashid Khan at No. 7, which presents an opportunity for the opposition that can take early wickets. Shubman Gill said they wanted to give Kagiso Rabada a couple more net sessions before they drafted him back into the XI.MI remained unchanged, which meant Corbin Bosch continued to play in place of Mitchell Santner, whom he originally replaced thanks to a niggle. Santner was not on the list of possible Impact Players, so it is possible he hasn’t yet fully recovered.Both teams are on 14 points and within a shot of the top position, but GT have a game in hand. This game is crucial for both sides with an eye on the top-two finish, which can guarantee a team two matches in the playoffs.Mumbai Indians 1 Ryan Rickelton (wk), 2 Rohit Sharma, 3 Will Jacks, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Hardik Pandya (capt.), 7 Naman Dhir, 8 Corbin Bosch, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Jasprit BumrahImpact Players bench Karn Sharma, Reece Topley, Robin Minz, Raj Bawa, Ashwani KumarGujarat Titans 1 Shubman Gill (capt.), 2 B Sai Sudharsan, 3 Jos Buttler (wk), 4 M Shahrukh Khan, 5 Rahul Tewatia, 6 R Sai Kishore, 7 Rashid Khan, 8 Arshad Khan, 9 Gerald Coetzee, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Prasidh KrishnaImpact Players bench Sherfane Rutherford, Washington Sundar, Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror, Dasun Shanaka
Things are looking up for Wolverhampton Wanderers. With deadline day approaching, they look set to keep hold of Jorgen Strand Larsen and have now reportedly set their sights on a new midfield target.
Wolves' late transfer plans
Despite already signing Fer Lopez, Ladislav Krejci, Jhon Arias, Jackson Tchatchoua and David Miller Wolfe this summer, Wolves are still reportedly eyeing a late spending spree. With Fabio Silva on his way to Borussia Dortmund, there’s suddenly space in Vitor Pereira’s side for another attacking reinforcement and, as such, Tolu Arokodare has emerged as a serious option.
Whether Newcastle United’s decision to pursue Nick Woltemade instead of Strand Larsen changes the urgency of those in the Midlands is the question that needs answering, but reports have always indicated that Arokodare is seen as a replacement for Silva and not for the Norwegian.
In an ideal world, by the time the deadline passes, Wolves will have two very talented strikers at their disposal and ready to fire Pereira’s side to Premier League safety.
Wolves now eyeing late move to sign another "superb" striker with Arokodare
The Midlands club could be forced to replace Strand Larsen.
By
Tom Cunningham
Aug 28, 2025
The manager recently had his say on Strand Larsen and will be among those relieved that Newcastle decided to look elsewhere. He told reporters following Wolves’ 3-2 Carabao Cup win against West Ham United in midweek: “If it’s my decision, of course [Strand-Larsen stays]. Of course. Because he’s a very important player. It’s not only about the technical and tactical, it’s about the character. He’s a player with character.”
Meanwhile, it’s not just the striker department that could receive a major boost before the end of the transfer window. Reports are now suggesting that Wolves are eyeing a last-gasp midfield move.
Wolves submit Hackney offer
According to Football League World, Wolves have now submitted a bid worth £30m to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. The Championship star has been linked with a move away from the club all summer long, with interest from Ipswich Town and Wolves’ rivals, West Bromwich Albion emerging.
Hayden Hackney for Middlesbrough.
Now, it could be Wolves who secure his signature in what would be a deserved move. The 23-year-old has enjoyed an impressive rise at Boro and, in truth, has had the quality to step into the Premier League for at least two seasons. Compared to both Andre and Joao Gomes, it’s clear that Hackney would push all the way for a starting place at Molineux.
League stats 24/25
Andre
Gomes
Hackney
Minutes
2,472
2,974
3,792
Progressive Passes
109
165
440
Tackles Won
55
71
56
Ball Recoveries
194
200
281
Described as “excellent” earlier this season by manager Rob Edwards, Hackeny has simply picked up where he left off in the last campaign. The midfield star is an incredibly talented ball progressor and combines that ability with his knack for winning possession back for his side – two traits that could make all the difference for Wolves in their bid to survive.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has asked a “what are you doing with this girl” question of the Gunners after seeing USWNT star Jenna Nighswonger exiled from Renee Slegers’ plans. The United States international moved to north London in January but has seen limited game time across her spell in England, with the 24-year-old defender failing to make WSL matchday squads.
How much did Arsenal spend on Nighswonger?
Nighswonger made just four appearances for Arsenal on the back of her reported $100,000 transfer from NJ/NY Gotham FC. She has slipped further out of favour in the 2025-26 campaign, with Slegers favouring alternative options.
AdvertisementGettyWho is ahead of Nighswonger at Arsenal?
Katie McCabe has been lining up at left-back, with Taylor Hinds seemingly the understudy for that role. That situation is leaving a frustrated Nighswonger watching on from afar, much to the surprise of a Gunners great.
Wright's take on surprising situation
Speaking on the podcast, Wright said: "I need some clarity on what's going on with Arsenal and Jenna. [She had] a good preseason, I'm hearing from people. [She's] more than capable of playing at this level — she's not even in the matchday squads.
If she's not injured, why did they deny her a loan move? Why would they do that? So, Arsenal, answer that. What are you doing with this girl and her career? She's 24, so we're not talking about somebody who's got the time to come over here with that upheaval. She's not 19 where you think, OK, let's give her a couple seasons. She's 24, ready to go and an international. So, Arsenal, sort that out."
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GettyWhat Slegers said about Nighswonger
Slegers has said of Nighswonger’s standing in Arsenal’s plans: “We have a very strong squad and I'm so happy with the squad and we need the squad because it's going to be a long season with a lot of games and four or five competitions to compete in so that's the starting point.
“Then, me having to make decisions on selection and players who start and finish, that's something I have to carry and that's a burden for me. It's hard, it hurts but that's part of it. I think we need the squad and it was a decision for us to have the squad because we think we need the depth.”
O Chelsea tem conversas avançadas para contratar o atacante Ângelo, do Santos. O clube do litoral paulista aceitou a proposta dos ingleses, que gira em torno de 15 milhões de euros (R$ 79,5 milhões).
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A necessidade de pelo menos uma grande venda na janela de julho e os valores envolvidos foram determinantes para o Peixe topar o negócio.
+ Pedido do Abel? Possível saída de Luís Castro do Botafogo rende zoeiras na web
O Alvinegro é dono de 70% dos direitos econômicos de Ângelo e, na teoria, ficaria com R$ 56,6 milhões na negociação com o Chelsea. O atacante detém os outros 30% do ‘passe’, mas abriu mão de uma porcentagem. Portanto, o Santos embolsará ainda mais dinheiro na transação.
Para o negócio ser concretizado, é preciso que o Barcelona (ESP) seja notificado, o que está acontecendo. O clube espanhol tem a preferência de compra do atacante, mas não deve cobrir a oferta inglesa.
+ IMPERDÍVEL! Transmissão ao vivo dos jogos do Peixe na Sul-Americana por apenas R$1,00!
A informação da possível ida de Ângelo ao Chelsea foi divulgada inicialmente pelo jornalista Venê Casagrande e confirmada pelo L!.
No início do ano, Ângelo foi alvo de Nottingham Forest (ING) e Flamengo, mas as negociações não evoluíram. O jovem também despertou interesse do Newcastle, da Inglaterra.
Injury to Cross in opening over cause concern for England ahead of Test match
Andrew Miller11-Dec-2024Tammy Beaumont issued a reminder of her all-formats prowess with a superbly paced innings of 65 not out from 46 balls, as England sealed their ODI series against South Africa in a T20-style run-chase under the floodlights in Potchefstroom.On a day that was interrupted by a three-hour delay for rain and lightning, and was marred by a worrying first-over back injury for their senior seamer Kate Cross, England overcame a stiff DLS-adjusted target of 152 in 23 overs to win at a canter – with four overs to spare, thanks to Beaumont’s fifth-wicket stand of 90 in 63 balls with Amy Jones, who finished unbeaten on 49 from 36.Having at one stage been resigned to a washout as the conditions closed in, England were forced to win it the hard way, after Marizanne Kapp’s haul of 3 for 24 in five overs included two massive scalps in her opening over: Maia Bouchier, caught at midwicket third-ball for 4, and Nat Sciver-Brunt, who mistimed a cut to point for a second-ball duck.When Kapp then bowled Heather Knight with a snorter in her third over, England were floundering at 25 for 3. But Beaumont, showcasing the even temperament that still makes her such a prized asset in ODI and Test cricket, refused to be cowed by a climbing run-rate. She found key support, initially from Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who made 22 from 16 balls, and latterly Jones, and the result was effectively sealed when Kapp’s final two overs were repelled with the asking rate already dipping below a run a ball.The win handed England a 2-1 win in the ODI leg of their multi-format tour, having lost the opening match by the same six-wicket margin in Kimberley last week, and put the seal on their overall series win ahead of Sunday’s Test in Bloemfontein, having already taken the T20I leg in a 3-0 whitewash.After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, England restricted South Africa to 233 for 8 in their 50 overs, although they were made to work for their breakthroughs – principally by Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa’s captain, who cemented her status as the ICC’s No.1-ranked ODI batter with a sparkling innings of 61 from 68 balls, studded with a range of her trademark cover drives.Lightning and rain delayed England’s run chase•Gallo Images/Getty ImagesTheir task was not helped, however, by a troubling incident in the opening over, when Cross – following through after bowling her fifth ball – slumped to the turf in visible pain. She was helped from the field by the physio, with Alice Capsey bowling the final ball of her over, and was later revealed to have suffered a back spasm, which may leave her role in the Test match in some doubt.England had already chosen to rest their fastest bowler, Lauren Filer, after her telling breakthroughs in the second ODI, which left their seam-bowling duties in the hands of Lauren Bell and Nat Sciver-Brunt. Wolvaardt took the initiative in the first ten overs, adding 50 for the first wicket with Lara Goodall, one of four changes to South Africa’s line-up.Bell, however, made the first breakthrough in the final over of the powerplay, when Goodall lofted a length ball to mid-on just moments after a firm clip for four off her pads. And not for the first time in this series, South Africa were culpable in their subsequent slide.Anneka Bosch, another change to the line-up, grew into her role with three lusty hits down the ground before driving too loosely through the line off Capsey – on whom Heather Knight had been forced to rely in Cross’s absence. One over later, South Africa’s sturdy start was looking wobbly at 107 for 3, as Sophie Ecclestone skidded a flat trajectory into Wolvaardt’s pad, and extracted the on-field lbw verdict despite ball-tracker confirming it was a marginal leg-sided call.On 14, Nadine de Klerk reacted too slowly to Kapp’s call for a quick single into the covers, and was beaten by Bouchier’s sharp return to Jones, while Annerie Dercksen’s guilty glance at the umpire arguably sealed her fate when Charlie Dean pinned her lbw for 13 – another decision that was shown to be clipping the bails.At 156 for 5 with 18 overs to come, Kapp and Chloe Tryon had the power and poise to provide the big finish. But both batters fell for two runs in the space of nine balls – Kapp to a misjudged launch to long-on off Capsey for 19, and Tryon to a rush of blood at the end of Ecclestone’s eighth over, as she gave her the charge to be stumped for 20.Masabata Klaas then spooned a limp drive to mid-off to depart for a seven-ball duck, but England’s hopes of a quick kill at 201 for 8 were thwarted by Mieke de Ridder and Nonkululeko Mlaba, who batted out the final 45 balls of the innings to eke out a handy 32-run stand. While Kapp was blowing away England’s top-order, those runs looked crucial. But Beaumont and Jones had other plans.
Pakistan have made big changes to the squad for the second and third Tests against England. In addition to Babar Azam – whose omission ESPNcricinfo reported on Sunday – Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are also out. A PCB statement said it had “taken into account the current form and fitness of key players” before leaving out the three players for the remaining two Tests.The decision to leave out arguably Pakistan’s three highest-profile players is little short of stunning. Pakistan’s chastening innings defeat after the first Test – following which captain Shan Masood criticised the bowling performance – was expected to result in several changes, though Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie called for continuity and asked players to be backed. However, the newly formed selection committee, announced on Friday, has gone the other way.
Aaqib Javed, one of the new selection committee appointees, hinted at the players’ loss of form as a reason for their omission.”We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges,” he said. “They remain some of our finest talents with much more to contribute to Pakistan cricket. We are fully committed to supporting them during this period so they can come back even stronger.”Pakistan’s squad for the second and third Tests•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Pakistan have called up the uncapped Kamran Ghulam, Haseebullah and spinner Mehran Mumtaz, as well as seasoned spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali to the squad. Pakistan felt the need for extra spin-bowling cover after Abrar Ahmed was taken ill during the first Test and remains in hospital. Veteran keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed has been replaced by Haseebullah.Related
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Having favoured fast-bowling-friendly conditions at the start of the season, the PCB appears to have had a change of heart; the same strip will be used for the second Test in Multan, with Pakistan set to include an extra spinner in the XI.Babar’s loss of form has been well documented, but Shaheen has also appeared a shadow of the bowler he was before his injury in 2023. Since the start of 2023, he has managed 17 wickets in 11 innings at 45.47 per wicket. His pace has dropped significantly, as has his new-ball impact. Fitness concerns have compounded his problems as this is the third consecutive series he has started but will not finish. He was largely ineffective during the first Test, registering figures of 1 for 120 in 26 overs. ESPNcricinfo had earlier reported he was not assured of a place, with selectors ultimately deciding to leave him out.Naseem, too, has struggled to reproduce the sparkling form he showed in Tests since his 2019 debut. Long considered a specialist Test bowler who did not play a white-ball international until three years later, his workload has come under increasing scrutiny. He only returned from his latest long-term injury in April 2024, having needed surgery on his shoulder after an injury picked up at the 2023 Asia Cup. His pace, too, has seen a dip, though he was the only Pakistan bowler to clear 140kph during the first Test. He threatened in patches during the first Test, but ultimately returned figures of 2 for 157 in 31 overs as England declared on 823 for 7.The omission of both seamers leaves Pakistan’s attack short of real reputational star power and limited new-ball pedigree. Pakistan have included an extra spinner, though they have struggled in that department too, with limited spin talent coming through the Quaid-e-Azam trophy. Sajid and Noman’s recalls are perhaps illustrative of that, as Pakistan grapple with finding a way to take 20 wickets, with Masood attributing Pakistan’s failure in the first Test to their limited wicket-taking potency.The second Test begins in Multan on 15 October, with the third in Rawalpindi starting on 24 October.Pakistan squad for second and third Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.
Former Test opener believes Smith should stay at the top against India after requesting the role last summer
Yash Jha08-Oct-2024Who will open for Australia? Who should open for Australia? Should Steven Smith continue at the top of the order or shift back to number four? These questions have surrounded the Australian Test set-up for a while, and are only gaining traction ahead of India’s visit to Australia next month.”Steve Smith made the call to be able to go and open, and I think he should stay there”. That’s the verdict from Shane Watson as the clock ticks down to the year-end Border-Gavaskar Trophy.”Obviously the safety blanket for him would be moving back to No. 4, but I would love to see him continue to take on the opening spot because he’s got the skill to be able to do it,” Watson said at the sidelines of the launch of the International Masters League in Mumbai on Tuesday.Related
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Smith’s move up the order following David Warner’s retirement after the New Year’s Test against Sydney has been a subject of widespread debate, with no clear winner. Watson himself had backed Cameron Green to succeed as Test opener before Smith’s promotion, but has been convinced otherwise by Green’s performances – headlined by a career-best match-winning 174 not out against New Zealand in Wellington.”Cameron Green came in and batted at No. 4 and did a brilliant job,” Watson said. “His hundred that he got in New Zealand was something very special and he’s the perfect No. 4 candidate now with the future, moving forward.”As if not tricky enough already, Australia’s situation has been further complicated as they sweat on Green’s availability for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which starts in Perth on November 22. The 25-year-old allrounder was flown home from the UK following the third ODI against England after complaining of soreness in his lower back. He has had four previous stress fractures prior to his Test debut in 2020 but the exact nature of his current injury has yet to be confirmed. Cricket Australia’s medical team have been carefully assessing scans over the past two weeks to map out a plan for his recovery with an announcement on his availability for the India series expected to come this week.Smith’s four-Test stint as opener so far has yielded 171 runs – over half of which came in one innings against West Indies – at an average of 28.50, but Watson thinks it’s not a problem caused by his batting position.”I believe the reason why he didn’t do so well over the previous couple of Test matches is just [that] he was a little bit off with his technique,” Watson said. “You see [saw] him getting out a couple of ways which I’ve never really seen him get out before.”I know he would’ve had time just to go away, make some little technical adjustments, and if he opens and he makes those little adjustments, he can be incredibly successful as an opening batter knowing the incredible skill that he’s got.”<Should Brisbane have been the venue for the first Test instead of Perth?The Gabba will not host the first Test this summer•Getty ImagesWatson also voiced his dissatisfaction with the decision to keep Perth as the venue for the opening game of the five-Test series and not Brisbane, traditionally the starting point of Australian Test summers."I'm a traditionalist at heart. Growing up, the Gabba was always the first Test match and that's the Test match I used to go to," the former Australia allrounder said before highlighting the challenge Gabba poses to visiting sides."The Gabba is a more challenging place to play for the foreign teams because there's bounce, there's seam, there's swing, and it's hot and humid. So it just provides a few more challenges, whereas Perth, for example, it's not humid, the ball doesn't swing as much, doesn't necessarily seam as much as well."I always just love the Gabba as being the place for the touring team to be able to come in and have to try and just take on the Australian conditions at their most challenging."The 'Gabbatoir' had been an Australian stronghold for decades, with Australia boasting a 16-2 win-loss record in Tests in Brisbane in the last 20 years. But the fortress has been breached of late. West Indies claimed an upset 8-run win in January, while India famously clinched the 2020-21 series by handing Australia their first Test defeat at the Gabba in 32 years. The ground is also coming towards the end of its use for life with CA only signing a two-year agreement to play Test matches there with doubts over the Gabba's viability beyond that as Brisbane requires upgraded infrastructure to host the 2032 Olympic games.
While Arsenal supporters have been craving additions in attack this summer, it’s actually the midfield that’s seen the biggest upheaval so far.
Jorginho has departed for Flamengo while Thomas Partey, a player Mikel Arteta reportedly wanted to keep at the Emirates Stadium, now looks set to leave when his contract expires at the end of the month.
Terms haven’t been agreed on a new deal and as a result, the Gunners have had to move fast to secure a replacement.
Martin Zubimendi is widely seen as the replacement for Partey and is set to arrive in a deal worth just over £50m from Real Sociedad.
He’s due to be joined in the middle of the park by Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.
The Dane has been with the Bees since 2019, but Arteta now views him as the player to fill the leadership void left behind by Jorginho.
Zubimendi, Hato, Norgaard – Arsenal
So, what’s next on the agenda for Andrea Berra and Co?
Arsenal's transfer plans post Zubimendi & Norgaard
Surprise, surprise, Arsenal are in the market for another defender.
Amid links to Ajax wonderkid, Jorrel Hato, it was reported by various sources on Thursday that Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera is now on the club’s radar.
According to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, the Gunners have already opened talks to bring the 20-year-old to England this summer.
That said, it’s not all about the defence and the midfield at Arsenal with Berta ready to strengthen out wide.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Real Madrid star Rodrygo remains a primary target, but as per journalist Ben Jacobs, they have now added Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to their shortlist.
Eze possesses a £68m release clause, which, according to Arsenal insider Teamnewsandtix, can be paid in three instalments of £20m with £8m in add-ons.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
The same source actually reports that the club have already agreed personal terms with the FA Cup, further fuelling that Arteta and Co are extremely keen on signing him this summer.
How Arsenal's new look attack with Eberechi Eze could shape up
If Arsenal were to bring Eze to the club this summer, it would be a landmark moment for the England international, primarily because he’s already spent time in the Hale End academy.
Now 26, the Eagles sensation has become a “superstar” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, having initially been in the Arsenal academy but released at the age of 13.
Speaking about that time previously, Eze admitted:
Well, he now has the opportunity to return and live out that dream as a man, and as one of the most exciting players in the Premier League.
In 2024/25, the Palace no.10 had an outstanding personal season, scoring 14 times and supplying 11 assists across 43 matches. To put that into context, only Kai Havertz (15) scored more goals in the Arsenal side, while only Bukayo Saka (14) and Martin Odegaard (12) provided more assists.
While Eze largely played as an attacking midfielder last season, he can also play on the left flank, thus possessing the ability to help provide depth and additional quality in two key areas for Arteta.
Potentially providing competition for Odegaard behind the striker or taking over from Gabriel Martinelli on the left, he could be game-changing for the shape of Arsenal’s attack.
Games
40
31
43
Goals
10
11
14
Assists
4
6
11
Mins played
2,686
2,285
3,303
Let us not forget that a new striker could join too. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are the two players in the pipeline, but at the moment it feels like the latter is the leading contender to become Arteta’s new number 9, having reportedly fallen out with the Sporting hierarchy.
The scorer of a staggering 54 goals in 52 games last term, the idea of Gyokeres and Eze playing together in the same attack is certainly a mouthwatering one.
Vikor Gyokeres at Sporting Club.
The latter is a pure magician on the ball, a player who oozes class and can unlock a defence with a dazzling piece of play, much in the same way Saka can.
Throughout last season’s Premier League campaign, he ranked inside the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the division for successful take-ons, the best 11% for shot-creating actions and the top 18% for key passes.
As a result, he seems like the ideal player to help someone like Gyokeres hit the ground running at Arsenal if both arrive.
Together, they could be dynamite. The big Swede isn’t just a goalscorer either. Capable of running in behind, he ranks among the best 3% of strikers in Europe’s top five leagues and premier competitions for progressive passes received, indicating that he’s always making himself an option for the creative hub of the team he’s playing for.
While some Arsenal fans might be sceptical about signing either Gyokeres or Sesko, there’s no doubting that they’d thrive if partnered with Eze in the final third.
This could be just the duo Arteta needs to really catapult his side to the next level.
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The game-changing international could be sensational for Arsenal.
Kathryn Bryce makes 62, Sarah 52 not out after Josie Groves and Heather Graham stifle Stars
ECB Reporters Network22-Jun-2024The Blaze 144 for 3 (K Bryce 62, S Bryce 52*) beat South East Stars 141 for 9 (Redmayne 25, Graham 3-16, Groves 3-33) by wicketsKathryn Bryce continued her outstanding season with a match-winning 62 off 44 balls as The Blaze, who were losing finalists in both women’s regional competitions last season, beat South East Stars by an emphatic seven wickets to lift the Charlotte Edwards Cup at Derby.Bryce, who led the Scotland side she skippers to qualification for their first T20 World Cup earlier in the summer, shared a decisive partnership of 79 with her younger sister Sarah, who herself rose to the occasion with an unbeaten 52 from 46 balls as Stars’ total of 141 for 9 was passed with eight balls to spare.Kathryn finishes the competition as leading runscorer for good measure, having hit an impressive five half-centuries in a tally of 477.It rewarded The Blaze captain Kirstie Gordon for her own strong leadership after the heartbreak of losing both finals to Southern Vipers last year. Her team have suffered only one defeat and avoided Vipers this time after the defending champions were knocked out by Stars in the semi-finals, in which The Blaze beat Central Sparks by five wickets.That sole defeat was inflicted by Stars, who bowled Blaze out for 84 in a five-wicket win on the same ground last Sunday. A repeat victory for the 2021 competition winners never looked on the cards here.The Blaze conceded 22 in the first over after opting to bowl first, yet bowled with discipline and skill thereafter to restrict Stars to 141 for 9, Australian allrounder Heather Graham taking 3 for 16 and legspinner Josie Groves 3 for 33.Georgia Redmayne top-scored with 25 and Alice Davidson-Richards 23 for Stars in what looked like a sub-par total even on a deteriorating surface.Despite left-arm seamer Grace Ballinger’s expensive first over, Stars were limited to 45 for 2 in the powerplay. Bryony Smith (17 from seven balls) was leg before sweeping Gordon’s left-arm spin, and Phoebe Franklin bowled by Graham for 10, having not batted in Stars’ semi-final win over Southern Vipers.More setbacks for the Stars followed as Groves, stepping up in the absence of England star Sarah Glenn, found turn and bounce in a deteriorating surface to have key batters Sophia Dunkley and Paige Scholfield stumped, leaving Stars 62 for 4 in the ninth.Emma Jones clobbered Groves for six square on the on side but she was bowled by Graham in the next over. A recovery of sorts by Redmayne and Davidson-Richards ended when mid-on Marie Kelly, having dropped the latter on 19, made amends off the next ball, giving Groves her third wicket.Having added 31 with her sixth-wicket partner, Redmayne was out when she failed to clear mid-off before Tash Farrant was caught on the square leg boundary off a Gordon full toss in a penultimate over that went for only three, The Blaze skipper finishing as the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 22.Graham bowled Dani Gregory, her last over costing just two after The Blaze restricted their opponents to 16 in the last four.The Blaze chase was finely poised at 49 for 2 after six overs, Kathryn Bryce shaping up nicely again on 29 from 16, although they had lost Tammy Beaumont, run out backing up in a piece of brilliance by bowler Farrant, before Kelly miscued to extra cover. By halfway, Kathryn and sister Sarah were still together, with the target down to 58 more.Kathryn, who had made 44 in the semi-final, edged two slightly fortunate boundaries off Franklin before completing her fifth half-century of the competition from 31 balls.Her hopes of being there to finish the job were ended when she was bowled attempting to reverse sweep legspinner Gregory, leaving that privilege to Sarah, who completed her own half-century off 45 balls before Graham heaved Ryana MacDonald-Gay over mid-off for the winning boundary.