He has been suspended for nine months after admitting to five breaches of professional conduct regulations

Valkerie Baynes06-Aug-2025An unnamed former county cricket coach has been suspended for nine months after admitting charges of sexual misconduct, including sending sexually explicit photos to two junior female colleagues.The independent Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP) issued the sanction after he admitted to five breaches of professional conduct regulations over incidents in 2023 and 2024, which included attempting to kiss one of the victims in a club changing room.The CDP cited “exceptional circumstances regarding the health of that coach and the serious risk of harm” for not naming him when publishing the report of its disciplinary tribunal on Wednesday.He was sacked as a result of his behaviour and hasn’t been employed in cricket since.The CDP issued the coach a nine-month suspension from cricket. Six months of the sanction were backdated to when he was charged and the remainder was suspended for a period of 12 months because he had accepted responsibility, shown remorse and undergone effective remedial education.He worked with a former professional sportswoman to understand the impact of unsolicited explicit messages, as well as completing courses on sexual harassment and professional boundaries, the CDP said.The tribunal heard evidence that the man “engaged in inappropriate and sexualised messaging” with one of the victims. He stopped when she asked him to but, some days later, sent “a further message of a sexualised and inappropriate nature”.The second victim, who was much younger than the man and had to interact with him as part of her work, also received sexually explicit pictures from him, to which she didn’t respond. Later, he asked her to check the changing rooms for rubbish and, whilst there, he “made an inappropriate attempt to kiss” the victim, who pulled away.In its decision, the CDP stated that although he was not in a formal position of trust with regard to either victim, he was considerably older than both of them and there was “a clear imbalance” between his position at the club and theirs.Chris Haward, managing director of the Cricket Regulator, described the misconduct as unacceptable and praised the “openness and courage of those who reported” it.”Removing sexual misconduct from the game is a priority for the Cricket Regulator,” Haward said. “We recognise that it takes a lot of courage for those impacted to come forward.”The CDP said that while the man made limited admissions to allegations initially put to him by the Cricket Regulator, it “was clear to the Disciplinary Tribunal that the Respondent was a different person to the one who was initially interviewed”.The panel heard that the man had undergone counselling over many months.”He hoped that now he was emerging as a better person,” the tribunal report said. “He had a greater understanding of workplace boundaries, the misuse of social media and what amounted to sexual harassment.”

Latham suffered the injury while fielding during a Vitality Blast game earlier this month and did not recover in time for the first Test

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Jul-2025New Zealand captain Tom Latham has been ruled out of the first Test against Zimbabwe, starting on July 30 in Bulawayo, with a shoulder injury. In his absence, New Zealand white-ball captain Mitchell Santner will lead the side.Latham suffered the injury while fielding during a Vitality Blast game for Birmingham Bears earlier this month and did not recover in time for the first Test. According to an NZC release, he will remain with the squad and hope to be fit for the second Test starting August 7.”It’s hugely disappointing for Tom to be missing the first Test, as captain but also as an integral part of the team,” head coach Rob Walter said.Related

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“It’s never great when you lose your captain, who’s a world-class opening batter and a great team man, but that said we’re going to work really hard to have him available for the second Test. “We’ll continue to assess and see whether a replacement player is necessary, but at this stage we are hopeful that he’ll recover in time.”Santner, who’s played 30 Tests, will be leading New Zealand in the format for the first time. New Zealand will go into the Tests fresh off a T20I tri-series win in Harare where they remained unbeaten throughout the series under Santner’s captaincy.”Mitch did a wonderful job with the T20 squad in this recent series,” Walter said. “He was excellent from a strategy point of view, and he has a strong understanding of the game.”Whilst the format is different, he certainly has the respect of the players and will be supported by some highly experienced Test cricketers, so I trust that he’s going to do a great job.”The two-match series will mark New Zealand’s first Test tour of Zimbabwe since 2016.

He has all the physical gifts a fast bowler needs, and all the skill to go with it. At Kingsmead he showed he may be letting go of the self-doubt that had clouded him for so long

Firdose Moonda28-Nov-2024When you’re more than two metres tall, with a moustache the size of caterpillar on your top lip, and can consistently bowl in the 140s, it’s going to be difficult to convince people that you’re the nervous type, but Marco Jansen is. Or maybe was.Jansen is now the bowler who has taken the joint-fewest number of deliveries to complete a Test-match seven-for: 41. He did this in an explosive spell of movement and bounce that tested the Sri Lanka’s batters’ techniques and ripped them apart. And he did it without the kind of vein-popping aggression that a bowler doing that kind of damage may employ. Jansen is not really that kind of player. He is unassuming, shy, and can get down on himself, even when it’s clear he has all the ingredients to go down as one of the greats.Related

Jansen seven-for sends SL spiralling to 42 all out

Stats – SL slump to their lowest-ever Test total

Take the ball that beat Dhananjaya de Silva’s defence. It moved just enough to swerve through the bat-pad gap. It was full, but not too full. De Silva wanted to drive and got an inside-edge, and Jansen was rewarded with the dreamy sight of the stumps shattering behind the batter. Four overs before that, he had Angelo Mathews reaching for a ball off the back foot and getting a thick outside edge to first slip. The most excited person on the field was Tristan Stubbs, who whooped from third slip and jumped on his team-mates. Jansen was perhaps pensively considering the magnitude of what he had done: removed Sri Lanka’s two most experienced batters to put South Africa in a position to stamp their authority on the game. He bowled his next few overs buoyed with a different kind of confidence; a far cry from the player who, just a year ago, was a shadow of this.Remember last year’s 50-over World Cup where Jansen was South Africa’s new-ball ace before they ran into India and he got the yips? Well, he admitted that he had needed, before the match, a chat with his father and a few Bible verses to calm himself down. Seven months later, he had to play India again, in the T20 World Cup final, and was South Africa’s most expensive bowler in a match that has been archived alongside other ghosts of tournaments past.He went on to play in Major League Cricket (MLC) but, on his return home, not only was he carrying a shoulder niggle but also mental fatigue. Cricket South Africa (CSA) recognised the need to put him on an extended break. They have explained these as “conditioning blocks” intended to address a variety of issues associated with the modern game, including, but not limited to, too much of it. And the time away has left Jansen “a lot more refreshed” and ready to perform under pressure again.”It’s similar to the physical; it feels like I can go for longer periods of time and concentrate at a higher level, which is what you ultimately want as a cricket player, especially in Test cricket,” he said at the post-day-two press conference in Durban.Jansen found just enough movement to find a way through the gap between Dinesh Chandimal’s bat and pad•AFP/Getty ImagesSo yes, there’s a difference between this Test match and the two examples mentioned above. This match isn’t being played in front of a partisan and passionate crowd, and it’s not a final, but South Africa were bowled out for 191 at a ground where their recent history is poor. Though the pitch was not the spinner-friendly sort it had been in 2019, when Sri Lanka last won here, batting conditions were testing and Sri Lanka’s seamers exposed South Africa’s inexperience. Add to that that they also lost a bowler, Wiaan Mulder, while he was batting and two of the other three seamers – Jansen and Gerald Coetzee – had both not played a Test in almost a year, and that was reason to be concerned.By the fourth over, any lingering worries would have started to evaporate. Both new-ball bowlers had wickets and Sri Lanka’s batters were being forced to play at deliveries they may otherwise have left because of the lengths South Africa were bowling. “We assessed that the fuller ball or the ball that hits the stumps three-quarters of the way up, was easier to play even though the ball was nipping,” Jansen said. “Whereas when we bowl a length that hit the top of the stumps or higher, the ball has a longer time to move. After the first five wickets fell in our innings, we saw that that particular area was a good length. And then it’s just a case of making the batters play. If the batters leave well on length and in line, then it doesn’t particularly matter where you bowl. But if you can try and make them play as much as possible, then you’re always in the game.”It could be argued that four of Sri Lanka’s top seven could have left the deliveries they chose to go after and three of those – Pathum Nissanka, Mathews and de Silva – were against Jansen. A fourth, Dinesh Chandimal, had his defences breached both because he failed to close the bat-pad gap and because Jansen got the ball to move just enough to find a way through.Does that mean Kingsmead is on its way to regaining its reputation for the green mamba rather than the subcontinent-like substitute? “The groundsman said the wicket was going to have a bit of pace and consistent bounce,” Jansen said. “Seeing the grass yesterday, we thought the new ball was going to have an effect and then spin might come into the game quicker. But by the looks of it, I think we can strike with the new ball and make it count, I don’t think there’s going to be a lot of overs of spin.”‘We bowled really well in terms of our intensity and the energy of the ball’ – Jansen•AFP/Getty ImagesKeshav Maharaj did not bowl at all in Sri Lanka’s first innings, which only lasted 13.5 overs, but Prabath Jayasuriya has sent down 20 overs and has already taken four wickets. “The ball is turning,” Jansen said. “So I wouldn’t be surprised if Temba [Bavuma, South Africa’s captain] brings Kesh on and sees what happens.”There’s much cricket to be played between now and South Africa bowling again, including Bavuma’s second innings. Jansen equated his first-innings 70 with the value of a century because it was “crucial, especially with the ball seaming around and nipping around.”Bavuma was batting on the first day, when South Africa expected it to move around. They were pleasantly surprised that it did the same on the second, helped by overnight rain which the Test has (hopefully) seen the last of. But it wasn’t only the conditions that they took advantage of. “We bowled really well in terms of our intensity and the energy of the ball, because we realised that the ball was moving nice and quick off the pitch, which is always what we want as bowlers,” Jansen said.He used “we” because it was a collective effort but he was a major part of that, and he might still be too modest to say so. Since coming back from this period of forced rest and rehabilitation, Jansen played eight games before this Test with a best return of 3 for 34 in a domestic T20. Like everyone in South Africa’s attack, the T20Is against India were punishing but he was their most economical bowler. A noticeable difference is how much more he seems to trust his own skills and how much more aggressive he is in his approach. All of that contributed to his 7 for 13 on Thursday, and while those figures may be scarcely believable, they will give him belief for a long time to come.

It has become somewhat of a custom for MLB teams to announce the final result of a game via social media, even if that result is a loss. The Chicago White Sox, who were bested 5-4 by the Los Angeles Dodgers via a walk-off on Wednesday night, put the result of the game to the side for a moment in light of the historic achievement by one Dodgers player. Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw joined an exclusive club on Wednesday night in Los Angeles: the 3,000 strikeout club.

And the White Sox, instead of posting the result of the game on X, found a creative way to congratulate Kershaw.

Classy.

Kershaw notched strikeout No. 3000 with a sixth inning punch out of White Sox third baseman Vinny Capra. The Dodgers later won the game on a walk-off single by first baseman Freddie Freeman.

Newcastle United and PIF have now made their first move in the race to sign Brentford striker Igor Thiago, who has matched Nick Woltemade all the way for goals so far this season.

Whilst the Magpies have clear problems in front of goal in the Premier League – proven by their 3-1 defeat against West Ham United last weekend – their problems once again disappeared on the European stage.

Easing to a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club, both Dan Burn and Joelinton got themselves on the scoresheet in a refreshing change for Eddie Howe. With a trip to face Brentford up next, the Newcastle boss will simply be hoping for a repeat.

Speaking to reporters after securing a third-straight Champions League victory, Howe said: “Yes, it’s a big prize for us and our eyes are very much on it, and I want the players to be feeling the same.

“We said at the start of the Champions League campaign that we didn’t want to have that feeling that we were just pleased to be in the competition. It’s serious. We want to progress. We’ve put ourselves in a stronger position now to do that after the first defeat, but there are still many challenges ahead.”

Progressing on the European stage has certainly been no problem for those in Tyneside so far, but there’s no denying that their Premier League form has suffered at the same time.

Howe must boldly drop Newcastle star who has now moved clear of Isak

Newcastle fought their way to a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 6, 2025

Finding the balance and squad depth needed to thrive in both competitions should be Newcastle’s priority in 2026. As things stand, they’re six points adrift of the top four and, to make matters worse, it is Sunderland who sit in fourth place.

Following a slow start, those at St James’ Park should set their focus on the January transfer window and potentially welcoming attacking reinforcements.

Newcastle launch first Igor Thiago move

As reported by Trivela and ESPN Brazil and relayed by Sport Witness, PIF have now launched their first enquiry to sign Thiago for Newcastle in an addition that would certainly help solve their recent goalscoring woes.

Just like in their search for a striker in the summer, however, the Magpies aren’t alone. Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have also reportedly enquired about Thiago’s availability to spark an all Premier League race for his signature.

Appearances

11

16

Goals

7

7

Assists

0

0

Having matched Woltemade for goals so far this season, Newcastle’s interest in Thiago should come as no surprise. Dubbed “powerful” by Brentford boss Keith Andrews earlier this season, the towering forward also crucially earned Alan Shearer’s seal of approval.

The Newcastle legend said: “He barely played last season because of injury but he got his two goals in that half and that’s what a striker is going to get judged for. He looks like he can fill the void left by Mbeumo and Wissa.”

After signing Yoane Wissa in the summer, Newcastle should make a return to West London to sign Thiago when 2026 arrives.

Newcastle hold internal talks to sign Ederson

Chelsea have held talks about signing a “big name” player this month, with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich believed to be “really worried”, according to a new report.

Chelsea brought back down to Earth after Sunderland defeat

After a run of four straight wins in all competitions, Enzo Maresca would be forgiven for thinking they were on for a fifth when summer signing Alejandro Garnacho brilliantly opened the scoring against Sunderland with his first goal for the club.

However, much to the surprise of on-lookers, it was all downhill from that moment.

Sunderland, who have made one of the best starts to a Premier League campaign by a newly-promoted side in years, levelled the score just under 20 minutes later through Wilson Isidor — staying in the game before Chemsdine Talbi fired a glorious winner in added time.

For Regis Le Bris’ side, the fairytale start continues, but for Chelsea, it’s a stark reminder that they’re far from the finished article.

Chelsea haven’t been helped by injuries lately, but going by Maresca’s post-match verdict, he is still far from satisfied with the Blues’ defensive options.

Chelsea absentees	Problem	Potential return date
Cole Palmer	Groin	December
Benoit Badiashile	Muscle	December
Dario Essugo	Thigh	Early 2026
Liam Delap	Hamstring	October 29
Levi Colwill	ACL	Spring 2026
Malo Gusto	Suspended	October 29

Maresca publicly urged Chelsea to sign another centre-back in the summer window, and reports suggest that Chelsea are set to prioritise a defensive signing in the January transfer window.

It is also believed that Chelsea have held discussions with Marc Guehi’s camp about a cut-price winter move with his deal expiring next summer, but as per journalist Graeme Bailey, they’re considering another “big name” option for 2026 too.

Chelsea hold discussions this month about signing Dayot Upamecano

That man is apparently Bayern star Dayot Upamecano, who has seriously impressed at the heart of Vincent Kompany’s defence.

While the Bavarians are trying to tie him down with an extension, Upamecano is poised to leave on a free transfer as things stand with his current contract expiring at the end of the season, similar to Guehi.

Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, reports that Chelsea have held discussions this month about signing Upamecano on a free transfer next year — expanding on his point that Bayern are “really worried” he could leave.

The 27-year-old France international is a world-class defender on his day, but it is worth noting that Upamecano was limited to just 20 Bundesliga appearances last season due to a combination of various injury issues and suspension.

That being said, snapping up the former RB Leipzig star on a Bosman poses very little risk for Chelsea financially, even if they could be forced to make him one of Chelsea’s top five best-paid players — given Upamecano’s current terms of around £168,000-per-week.

Álvaro Fidalgo’s chances of representing Mexico appear closer than ever, as Javier Aguirre confirmed he intends to call up the América midfielder once he becomes eligible in March 2026. The Spanish-born playmaker, who has spent nearly five years in Liga MX, is on track to join Mexico’s growing group of naturalized players.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Fidalgo will be considered

  Fidalgo’s path to the Mexican national team is taking shape. After months of speculation, Aguirre confirmed that he plans to consider the América midfielder for future call-ups, starting with the March 2026 FIFA window, when the player officially becomes eligible.

  “If he’s legally Mexican and meets all the requirements, I have no reason to close the door on him – or anyone else,” Aguirre told , referring to the 28-year-old Spaniard’s pending eligibility status.

  Fidalgo has been a cornerstone of Club América’s recent dominance under manager André Jardine, helping the club lift multiple titles and earn a reputation as one of Liga MX’s most technically gifted midfielders. His performances have caught the attention of the Mexican federation, which views him as a potential addition ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Becomes eligible after five years in Mexico

  Aguirre compared Fidalgo’s situation to players who earned late World Cup call-ups in previous tournaments. 

  “In every World Cup cycle, there’s always someone who rises at the end. If he’s playing well, has the talent, and is Mexican-then he’s in,” the coach said.

  If selected, Fidalgo would join Germán Berterame and Julián Quiñones as the naturalized players currently integrated into Mexico’s national team setup. However, competition for a midfield spot will be fierce, with Edson Álvarez, Erik Lira, Orbelín Pineda, Érick Sánchez, Fidel Ambriz, Obed Vargas, Gilberto Mora, and Marcel Ruiz also in contention.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Could debut when Mexico reopen Estadio Azteca

  TUDN indicates that Fidalgo will be called to train with in January during a minicamp in Central America, before potentially making his official debut in March, when Mexico will reopen the Estadio Azteca in a friendly against Portugal.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Fellow players welcome his addition

  Several national team players have already voiced support for Fidalgo's inclusion. 

  “Competing with great players like Fidalgo helps us all grow,” said Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas, while Fidel Ambriz added, “If he comes to contribute, he’ll be one more Mexican in the team.”

يستضيف فريق برشلونة خصمه ديبورتيفو ألافيس، مساء السبت، وذلك في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، موسم 2025/26.

تأتي تلك المباراة في خضم منافسات الجولة الرابعة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإسباني لذلك الموسم، على ملعب “كامب نو”.

ويحتل برشلونة في الوقت الحالي، المركز الثاني في جدول الدوري الإسباني برصيد 31 نقطة، في حين أن ألافيس يمتلك 15 نقطة ويحتل المركز الرابع عشر.

ويفتقد برشلونة خدمات اللاعب رونالد أراوخو لإصابته بفيروس في المعدة، بينما يغيب فيرمين لوبيز لإصابة عضلية. تشكيل برشلونة المتوقع أمام ألافيس في الدوري الإسباني

حراسة المرمى: خوان جارسيا.

خط الدفاع: جول كوندي، إريك جارسيا، كوبارسي، بالدي.

خط الوسط:  فرينكي دي يونج، مارك كاسادو.

خط الوسط الهجومي: لامين يامال، داني أولمو، ماركوس راشفورد.

خط الهجوم: فيران توريس.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا

The Chicago Cubs have one of the best records in MLB so far this season, and the Cubbies don't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. They are considered strong World Series contenders, arguably for the first time since they broke the 108-year curse in 2016.

In order to reach the World Series in October, there are a few positions the Cubs might like to upgrade ahead of the trade deadline on Thursday, July 31. The Cubs are expected to make at least one major move, if not multiple, by the deadline.

Who could be joining superstars like Pete Crow-Armstrong, who is one of the NL MVP favorites this season, Kyle Tucker and Dansby Swanson? Here's some players the Cubs have been attached to in trade rumors, and those who would be the best fits for Chicago.

Positions Needed

The biggest need for the Cubs right now is pitching, plain and simple. The team's season got off to a rocky start in the pitching regard as ace Justin Steele underwent elbow surgery in April to cost him the entire 2025 season. Chicago was also without All-Star Shota Imanaga in May and June after he suffered a hamstring strain. He returned to the Cubs' rotation this month. Matthew Boyd earned an All-Star bid this season, but outside of him and Imanaga, the pitchers are less reliable.

Without as much star power in the bullpen as in years past, Cubs pitchers have slacked in some statistical categories. The team ranks 27th in MLB in strikeouts (764), for instance. However, in other categories, the pitching staff has thrived. The Cubs have posted 12 shutouts this season, the second most in the league. The team's combined ERA is at 3.86 this season, which is middle of the pack.

Outside of pitching, the least stable position on the field for the Cubs right now is third base. Rookie Matt Shaw has done a pretty good job manning the position, but he doesn't stand out as much as his fellow Cubs stars in the lineup. He is the only rookie out on the field for Chicago, so the team may want add a veteran player to the hot corner for the remainder of the season.

Trade Targets for the CubsTrade Target 1: MacKenzie Gore — Starting Pitcher, Nationals

The Cubs need another starting pitcher, and MacKenzie Gore is a really good option for them. The Nationals starter is having his best season to date thanks to a 3.59 ERA and 1.27 WHIP, and he earned his first career All-Star bid. He's pitched 112.2 innings with 140 strikeouts, 105 hits allowed and 45 earned runs. Both Boyd (2.20) and Imanaga (2.40) have slightly better ERAs than Gore right now, but his ERA is better than the rest of the Cubs' starting rotation.

There are two potential issues with targeting Gore, though. For starters, the Nationals may not been too keen on giving him up. They could be more interested in signing the 26-year-old to an extension instead of shopping him. The Cubs also may not want to pay the price that Washington believes Gore is worth. The Cubs notoriously avoid overpaying for players, especially in trades. We'll see whether Gore is worth it for them.

Trade Target 2: Seth Lugo — Starting Pitcher, Royals

Back to the pitching gap—if the Cubs can't trade for Gore before the deadline, another possible option is Royals starter Seth Lugo. The Cubs just faced Lugo at Wrigley Field on July 23, when Kansas City won 8–4. Lugo pitched four innings, striking out six batters and giving up four hits and two runs. The win brought his season record to 7–5.

Lugo is 35 years old, meaning he may not be a long-term solution for the Cubs, but he could definitely help them out this season. He has a 2.95 ERA through 19 starts, which is his lowest since 2019 and the 10th-best ERA in MLB right now. Lugo seems like the perfect short-term option for the Cubs if they want a reliable starter thrown into their pitching rotation. The Royals pitcher has a player option for the '26 season worth $15 million.

It's important to note that Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara has been named in conversations with the Cubs as well, but he would be a riskier grab for Chicago than the two pitchers named above. He just underwent Tommy John surgery last year, and the former Cy Young winner has struggled so far this season, posting a 6.66 ERA through 20 starts. But, it's possible the Cubs still consider a trade for Alcantara in hopes his season turns around.

Trade Target 3: Eugenio Suárez — Third Baseman, Diamondbacks

The player everyone's been talking about ahead of the trade deadline is Eugenio Suárez. The Diamondbacks third baseman is a hot commodity as various teams have shown interest in the slugger. The Cubs are one of those teams, even if it seems like a long-shot for Chicago to land him.

Suárez has hit 36 home runs so far this season, along with an impressive league-leading 86 RBIs. He can definitely drive in runs, and could help a Cubs offense that is already thriving this season. Some issues could arise if Chicago pursues Suárez, though. For starters, the Cubs have a lot of competition in negotiations with Arizona. The Diamondbacks are in need of starting pitchers, similar to the Cubs, so it may be difficult for Chicago to make a winning offer to Arizona.

Maybe Suárez won't be the Diamondbacks star the Cubs land ahead of the deadline. The Cubs have also been named among the teams considering a move for Arizona pitchers Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen. We'll see which Diamondbacks players, if any, the Cubs pursue over the next few days.

Leeds United’s atrocious away record in the Premier League this season continued on the road at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

It’s now eight games in a row for Daniel Farke’s deflated Whites where they haven’t even scored in an away fixture, as Fabian Hurzeler’s hosts “outclassed” the visitors from West Yorkshire – as journalist Graham Smyth simply put it – by comfortably winning 3-0.

Of course, for as much as Brighton were at their dazzling best in spells, Leeds really didn’t put in a compelling enough fight to try and steal a result on the South Coast.

Several of Farke’s first team personnel very much let the under-pressure German down, as Leeds now slip nearer to the dreaded relegation zone…

Leeds' worst underperformers vs Brighton

Minus beating bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers on their travels at the tail-end of September, Leeds have been largely abject on the road in the Premier League since sealing promotion.

A 2-0 defeat away at Burnley to end October has now been followed up by this 3-0 disappointment against the rampant Seagulls, as Brenden Aaronson unfortunately receded back into his shell.

The gung-ho number 11 who took to the field against West Ham and grabbed a goal was nowhere to be found at the Amex, with the American failing to fire a single effort at the home side’s net.

To make matters worse, the energy and application were also lacking, with zero mazey dribbles pulled off, on top of only three of his ten duels being won.

Another strong performer versus the Hammers in Jaka Bijol, also looked out of sorts on the South Coast, as the towering Slovenian won just one of his own three duels, while Sean Longstaff further looked a shadow of his rampaging best, leading to Anton Stach replacing him on the hour mark.

In truth, nobody donning Leeds’ changed strip could come away from the one-sided affair holding their heads high, with journalist Adam Pope right with his assessment at the full-time whistle, when stating that there is a clear “big gulf” between the two sides.

Still, Leeds’ defence throughout was far too lax and charitable, away from waxing lyrical about Brighton’s clear firepower, as one of Farke’s defenders on the day put in arguably his worst-ever shift since joining the West Yorkshire outfit.

Leeds star had his worst game for the club

Unfortunately, many of Leeds’ promotion heroes have struggled at points this season already to acclimatise to the demands of the top-flight.

Joe Rodon hasn’t been one of those – with two goals already picked up in his new, fast-paced environment – but even he fell victim to a flat individual showing against Brighton, alongside Jayden Bogle also having a nightmarish afternoon he will want to quickly forget about.

In the Championship last campaign, Bogle was an undroppable whippet who was constantly full of energy down the right, as the “unbelievable” full-back – as Farke once lauded him – ended the title-winning season with six goals and four assists under his belt, while also collecting a mighty 16 clean sheets.

Watching his showing against Brighton, however, and you would think a different presence had entered the pitch altogether, with Bogle’s tenacious energy completely gone – as seen in him failing to complete one successful dribble – as an error-prone performance, instead, helped the hosts to an emphatic win.

Minutes played

77

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

37

Accurate passes

20/24 (83%)

Accurate crosses

1/3

Successful dribbles

0/1

Possession lost

10x

Tackles won

0

Interceptions

0

Clearances

1

Blocked shots

0

Ball recoveries

1

Total duels won

0/1

Staring at the table above in great detail really does solidify the argument that this was Bogle’s worst-ever display as a Leeds player, with zero tackles being won and zero duels being won by the ex-Sheffield United defender only boosting Brighton’s confidence that they could comprehensively get the better of their weak opponents.

Diego Gomez would go on to have an “absolutely insane” game – as one analyst put it – because of the feeble number two’s off-night, with the 25-year-old then afraid to burst forward with his usual pace, knowing he had an extremely tough job on his hands to cage the two-goal Paraguayan.

However, Gomez’s final goal of the afternoon wouldn’t be the most skilful or high-octane goal. Rather, a scuffed attempt at a pass from Bogle – who lost possession a high ten times throughout – would then lead to ex-Leeds star Georginio Rutter putting it on a plate for the red-hot South American to bury.

The aforementioned Smyth would hand out a lacklustre 4/10 rating to Bogle at the close of the demoralising loss, with Farke now surely prepared to drop his regular for James Justin to get a run-out.

If they conjure up many more of those lifeless displays on the road, Leeds will be staring at an immediate return to the Championship, with Bogle potentially collecting an unwanted third relegation on his CV.

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