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Leeds United finally scored a goal from open play in the Premier League in their exciting 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers away from home on Saturday.

The Whites had only scored one goal, a penalty against Everton, in their opening four matches of the top-flight campaign, which created concerns over the attacking quality within the group.

Daniel Farke’s side hit back at the critics with three goals in the first half at the Molineux, two coming from open play, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach, and Noah Okafor all got themselves on the scoresheet.

Stach’s goal was the pick of the bunch. The summer signing from Hoffenheim’s belting free-kick into the top corner was a beautiful goal, and he followed that up with an assist for Okafor’s strike.

That win does not put all concerns over the quality of the squad to bed, though, firstly because Wolves have lost all five of their matches in the division and appear to be one of the weaker teams in the league.

Secondly, because there are still some players in the team who are yet to reach lift-off in the Premier League, Brenden Aaronson is one of them.

Why Brenden Aaronson needs to step up for Leeds

To his credit, the USA international is a hard-working player who will always put in a shift and leave everything on the pitch with his relentless pressing and desire to win possession back.

Unfortunately, though, Aaronson’s lack of physicality often means that his hard work goes unrewarded at Premier League level, because opposition players are faster and stronger than him.

For example, the USNMT star has not won a single aerial duel in the division so far, across five appearances, per Sofascore, and he has already been dribbled past six times, ranking in the bottom 6% of wingers in the league in that statistic, per FotMob.

Aaronson showed flashes of quality in the Championship last season, scoring nine goals and providing two assists in 46 matches, but he has yet to prove that he is good enough for the Premier League.

His performances when the West Yorkshire outfit were last in the big time do not help the idea that he is not up to scratch at this level, as he was not up to the task in the 2022/23 campaign.

Appearances

36

xG

3.86

Goals

1

xA

2.59

Assists

3

Ground duel success rate

43%

Aerial duel success rate

17%

As you can see in the table above, Aaronson hugely underperformed in front of goal and lost the majority of his duels on the deck and in the air in that season, as Leeds were relegated from the Premier League.

This is why the 24-year-old attacker has to step up in the present day and start to show that he can deliver goals and assists on a regular basis, having failed to provide any goal contributions in five league games so far this term.

The lack of quality provided by Aaronson at the top end of the pitch should enhance the feeling of regret that the club should have for cashing in on a player who has gone on to be even better than the former RB Salzburg star.

Leeds had Polish attacking midfielder Mateusz Bogusz on their books before they decided to cash in on him in March 2023, for a fee of £874k, per Transfermarkt.

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What the versatile forward has achieved since moving on from Elland Road suggests that the Whites had a mare by allowing him to move on for a fee that was less than £1m.

Why Leeds United should have kept Mateusz Bogusz

Bogusz only played three times for the first-team, starting two of those matches, at Leeds before his move to LAFC in 2023, which means that the midfield star did not get many opportunities to shine in West Yorkshire.

The Poland international’s transfer to the MLS provided him with the chance to play regular football and showcase his quality at the top end of the pitch week-in-week-out, and he grasped that chance with both hands.

Bogusz, who was hailed as a “dangerous” player by reporter Greg Beacham, scored 24 goals and provided 19 assists in 90 matches for LAFC in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he provided goals and assists on a regular basis.

The 24-year-old star, who is the same age as Aaronson, proved that he could produce consistent performances in the final third, mostly playing as an attacking midfielder for the American outfit.

Appearances

36

46

xG

9.20

11.43

Goals

16

9

Big chances created

9

9

xA

6.11

6.05

Assists

8

2

As you can see in the table above, Bogusz’s performances in the MLS during the 2024 season were more impressive, particularly from a goalscoring perspective, than Aaronson’s were in the Championship for Farke’s dominant side.

These statistics suggest that the Whites would have been better off with the Poland international in the number ten position, because he could have offered more quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals at the top end of the pitch.

As well as missing out on a quality player, Leeds also missed out on a bigger payday. Cruz Azul swooped in to sign the attacking midfielder for a fee of £7.4m in January of this year, which is significantly more than the £874k that the Whites raked in for his services in 2023.

At the time of writing (23/09/2025), Bogusz is valued at £6.5m by Transfermarkt after a return of two goals and seven assists in 32 outings for the Mexican side. This means that his value has soared by 644% from the £874k that he was sold for less than three years ago.

It's not Darlow: Leeds star is in danger of becoming their new Meslier

This Leeds United star is in danger of becoming the next Illan Meslier at Elland Road.

ByDan Emery Sep 16, 2025

Therefore, Leeds must regret cashing in on Bogusz for multiple reasons, because he would be an upgrade on one of the club’s current attackers, Aaronson, and because they missed out on millions.

Skipper’s unbeaten 97 followed Derbyshire losing their last six wickets for 80

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay19-Apr-2025Northamptonshire skipper Luke Procter led from the front as his team fought back on the second day of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two match against Derbyshire at Derby.Procter made an unbeaten 97 and shared an opening stand of 143 with Ricardo Vasconcelos who passed 50 for the first time this season, scoring 82 off 117 balls, as the visitors closed on 236 for 3 in reply to Derbyshire’s 307.Procter also finished with figures of 3 for 61 with Justin Broad claiming 4 for 60 as Derbyshire lost their last six wickets for 80 runs, including Brooke Guest who top scored with 91.Northamptonshire’s bowlers had something to prove after a below par performance on the first day and they delivered a much improved display in terms of control and discipline.Guest had played a counter-attacking innings which had disturbed the bowler’s lines and he resumed with a crisp straight drive down the ground against Liam Guthrie to move into the nineties.But Guthrie had the last word when Guest went to drive a widish ball and dragged it into his stumps to give the visitors the early breakthrough they needed.When Broad replaced Guthrie, he found some inswing to trap Anuj Dal in front and then beat Martin Andersson’s loose drive to reduce Derbyshire to 267 for 7.Zak Chappell edged a forcing stroke behind to give Broad his third victim of the morning and Derbyshire were in danger of falling below 300 when Luis Reece was caught down the legside aiming to pull Guthrie.Blair Tickner secured a second bonus point when he pulled Dom Leech to the ropes before Procter took the new ball and had Jack Morley caught behind.It was a good session for the visitors who dominated the afternoon with Vasconcelos and Procter batting through to tea. Vasconcelos was close to being lbw to Tickner early in his innings but after a sketchy start, a glorious on drive off the New Zealand paceman showed his confidence and touch was returning.As well as he and Procter batted, it was not a good session for Derbyshire’s bowlers who failed to maintain the consistent lines to build pressure. An off drive off Andersson brought Vasconcelos his 10th four and took him to 50 before he whipped Reece to the midwicket boundary to bring up the 100 stand which came from 135 balls.Procter completed his half-century after tea and when Wayne Madsen could not cling on to a fierce chance at second slip off Tickner when Vasconcelos was on 76, it threatened to be expensive.It certainly looked that way when the opener pulled the next delivery for four but when Tickner tempted him with a wide-ish ball, he slashed it to gully where Andersson made no mistake.Vasconcelos knew he had thrown away the chance of a hundred and had to drag himself from the crease but he and Procter had given their team a good platform to build on.Procter was building another partnership with George Bartlett until Chappell got enough lift off a length to have the latter caught behind and James Sales never got going, playing across a full ball from Reece.Derbyshire were much better in an extended final session but Procter and Rob Keogh reduced the arrears to 71 before bad light ended play.

There is no getting away from the fact that it’s been a horror start to the season for West Ham United this year.

The East Londoners were knocked out of the League Cup at the first time of asking by Wolverhampton Wanderers and have lost four of their five Premier League games, scoring just five goals and conceding 13.

So, when taking this into account, plus last season’s dire form, which saw his side lose nine of 19 games, it was no surprise to see Graham Potter finally given the sack on Saturday.

Matches

25

Wins

6

Draws

5

Losses

14

Points

23

Points per Game

0.92

Goals For

30

Goals Against

41

In his place, the Hammers have hired Nuno Espírito Santo, who recently enjoyed a brilliant stint with Nottingham Forest, taking them from relegation candidates to European football in a season and a half.

The Portuguese manager is known for playing slightly more defensive football than the Englishman, but his ability to turn his teams into counter-attacking machines could bring some real excitement – and success – back to the London Stadium.

However, before Nuno has a chance to greet the home fans, he faces the daunting task of taking on Everton at their brand-new stadium, which will be no easy task given their current form.

West Ham and Nuno's record vs Everton

Since their first competitive encounter all the way back in February 1907, West Ham have played Everton a whopping 153 times. Unfortunately, the Hammers have won just 45 of those games, drawn 33, and lost the other 75.

However, their recent record against the Toffees has been far more encouraging, with just one loss in their last five games, two wins and two draws.

Those two draws came last season, with ex-boss Julen Lopetegui overseeing a drab 0-0 draw at home in November, and then Potter leading his side to a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park courtesy of a 67th-minute strike from Tomáš Souček, which was matched by a 91st-minute strike from Jake O’Brien.

03/25

Away

1-1 Draw

11/24

Home

0-0 Draw

03/24

Away

3-1 Win

10/23

Home

1-0 Loss

01/23

Home

2-0 Win

Unfortunately, while the Irons’ overall record against West Ham is far from ideal, Nuno’s isn’t any better.

Across his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Forest, the São Tomé-born tactician has overseen nine matches against the Merseysiders, winning three, drawing one and losing the other five.

Now, his teams have scored 13 goals and conceded just 12 in those games, but it’s still a worrying record, especially when taking into account the fact that the Tricky Trees lost at home to David Moyes’ side in April this year.

However, today is the start of a new project for Nuno and West Ham, and there is every chance the former Forest boss can pick up all three points, and this is the line-up he could do that with.

West Ham's predicted line-up

Souček is still out due to the straight red card he picked up against Tottenham Hotspur, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is still out with a stomach issue.

However, apart from them, Nuno should have a full contingent of players to pick from to fill out his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation for tonight’s hugely important game.

Starting between the sticks has to be Alphonse Areola. The Frenchman wasn’t great against Crystal Palace last week, but Mads Hermansen has had a horror start to his Irons career, and the new boss won’t want a goalkeeping error to cost him in his first game.

The full-back pairing has to be Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf. The former has to start due to Wan-Bissaka’s stomach issue, and the latter has been one of the few players who have looked good this season, already providing three assists in five league games.

Things could change quickly under the new regime, but for the game tonight, Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos will likely keep their places in the team as they’ve started the last three games together.

Now, we get to the first significant change to the team in the midfield, with the “average” James Ward-Prowse, as dubbed by one analyst, being left on the bench for summer signings Matues Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa to come in as the deeper midfield two.

The former Southampton star barely got any game time when he was on loan with Forest last season, and considering his truly dreadful start to the campaign, it would be baffling to see him start tonight.

Moreover, the former AS Monaco gem possesses the tenacity, energy, and mentality to do the necessary dirty work. At the same time, the Portuguese ace can bring more ball quality from deep, helping to create a wonderfully balanced double pivot.

Starting in attacking midfield will undoubtedly be the mercurial Lucas Paqueta. The Brazilian hasn’t been at his best so far this season, but he’s still been able to score three goals in five games.

Moreover, the manager helped Morgan Gibbs-White rack up 17 goal involvements in 38 games last year, so there is no telling what he’ll be able to do with the former Lyon star.

It’ll come as no surprise to anyone to see Jarrod Bowen out on the right this evening, as even though the rest of the team have struggled this season, the former Hull City star has scored two goals and provided an assist in his six appearances.

Furthermore, the 28-year-old game-changer was able to rack up a sensational haul of 24 goal involvements in just 36 appearances last year, so he is going nowhere.

Appearances

36

Minutes

3138′

Goals

14

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.66

Minutes per Goal Involvement

130.75

On the opposite flank, it’ll probably be another start for Crysencio Summerville. The former Leeds United gem certainly needs to work on his output, but there is no denying that he makes things happen off the left, and his rapid pace could be perfect for the counter-attacking football the new boss is known for.

Finally, while some might want to see Niclas Füllkrug return to the team, it will likely be Callum Wilson who starts up top. The former Newcastle United star certainly has his drawbacks, but unlike the German, he has a goal to his name this season and a track record of scoring when fit.

Ultimately, it may well still be incredibly early on in the season, but West Ham’s game against Everton tonight feels like a massive one, not just because it’s a chance for the team to put a stop to their downward slide, but also because it’s a chance for Nuno to properly introduce himself to the fans and show them what he’s about.

Barcelona’s preparations for El Clasico have taken a major blow as Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out with a fresh muscle injury sustained on international duty with Poland. The Catalan club are reportedly furious with the veteran striker for continuing to play despite feeling discomfort, a decision that has now sidelined him for up to a month.

Lewandowski injured during Poland duty

Barca’s worst fears were confirmed when Lewandowski returned from international duty with a torn muscle in his left thigh. The 37-year-old suffered the injury during Poland’s match against Lithuania, where he felt discomfort in the first half but chose to continue playing. Despite having already dealt with a similar issue earlier this season, the forward opted to finish the game, even after being bandaged at half-time. His decision has now proved costly, with the club ruling him out for at least four weeks, meaning he will miss the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBarca's frustration grows

Tensions have flared at the Catalan club over Lewandowski’s handling of the situation. According to , the club believes the striker should have immediately requested substitution rather than risk aggravating the injury. The report suggest that Hansi Flick and the medical staff are frustrated by the lack of caution shown by such an experienced player. An angry mood at the Barca camp was the prevailing sentiment, especially after Lewa went on to play the full 90 minutes and even scored Poland’s second goal.

FIFA trouble strikes again at Barca

This episode adds to Barcelona’s growing list of injury frustrations during international breaks. The international break has already impacted Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, while young stars like Lamine Yamal have previously missed matches after being overused by their national teams. Flick, who had earlier criticised Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and his staff for overplaying Yamal, now finds himself battling yet another fitness crisis, this time apparently caused by the player himself. The club’s medical department is also reportedly questioning how national team staff handled Lewa’s condition after he had only recently returned from a thigh strain sustained in pre-season.

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Getty/GOALFive matches missed, Clasico confirmed out

Lewandowski's latest setback will likely see him miss at least six key fixtures across La Liga and the Champions League, including crucial clashes against Girona, Olympiacos and El Clasico against Real Madrid. The Pole was expected to play a key role in the title race, but his absence leaves a void up front. With Torres is likely to lead the line in his absence, while Flick could also experiment with using Marcus Rashford centrally once Raphinha returns from injury. For Barca, the timing couldn’t be worse, especially with Lewandowski’s contract renewal discussions still ongoing.

The next month will be crucial for both Lewa’s recovery and Barca’s season. The club is optimistic he could return after the November international break, possibly in time for the fixture against Athletic Club. However, his recurring muscle problems raise serious questions about workload management and the striker’s long-term fitness. For now, Flick’s challenge is to find consistency without his star forward, and ensure the team stay competitive ahead of a defining stretch in both domestic and European competitions.

Hampshire come unstuck against Pakistan stalwart as Division One leaders take grip on proceedings

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay10-May-2025Mohammad Abbas took five wickets on his Nottinghamshire debut to put the Division One leaders in a strong position against his former county after 16 wickets fell on day two of their Rothesay County Championship clash with Hampshire at Trent Bridge.The 35-year-old Pakistan seamer, who took 180 first-class wickets in four summers at the Utilita Bowl before agreeing to move to Trent Bridge for part of this season, finished with 5 for 31 as Hampshire were bowled out for 196 in their first innings in reply to Nottinghamshire’s 333.Nottinghamshire slipped to 59 for 5 in their second innings but Jack Haynes and Liam Patterson-White helped them recover to 171 for 6 at the close for a lead of 308, which already looks like a winning advantage on a pitch that has given plenty of assistance to the bowlers.Earlier, Kyle Abbott – Abbas’s former new ball partner on the south coast – hit three sixes in a feisty 67 to rescue Hampshire from 106 for 7, going on to add two wickets to his own five-wicket first-innings haul.Bowling initially from the Radcliffe Road end, Abbas dismissed Nick Gubbins via a catch to fourth slip to claim his first scalp in Nottinghamshire colours in his fifth over as Hampshire, two without loss overnight, found themselves 31 for 2 after 40 minutes, having already lost opener Mark Stoneman, caught and bowled by Brett Hutton.Fletcha Middleton was caught behind as a ball from Lyndon James climbed on him sharply enough to prompt a miscued pull but, approaching lunch, Hampshire might have felt they had the foundation for a decent response to Nottinghamshire’s first innings.But that assessment was blown apart as Abbas returned to the attack from the Stuart Broad End, taking three wickets in as many overs either side of the break, turning 96 for 3 into 99 for 6.Prest, having struck back-to-back boundaries as Abbas momentarily lost his lines, was leg before as the next ball struck him plumb in front. Ben Brown’s off stump was sent cartwheeling and Toby Albert nicked to second slip.Hutton beat James Fuller’s defensive prod at 106 for 7, after which, still 227 behind, Hampshire could quickly have found themselves batting for a second time had Abbott’s positive approach not paid off.The South African hit a half-century from 36 balls as he added 42 for the eighth wicket with Liam Dawson, plus 30 for the ninth with Brad Wheal, last man Sonny Baker keeping him company long enough for the follow-on to be avoided.Dawson fell to a superb catch by Farhan Ahmed at extra cover as Abbas completed his quintet, Wheal becoming a second victim for James in almost a duplicate of Middleton’s dismissal before lunch.Abbott, who lofted a straight six off the left-arm spin of Patterson-White and twice cleared the rope hooking Hutton, was ultimately caught at long-on. It gave Farhan a wicket with his second ball and while Hampshire trailed by 137 runs, it was much fewer than had seemed likely.Abbott then enhanced the value of the runs he had made by dismissing both Nottinghamshire openers in his first four second-innings overs with no sign of the match’s rapid evolution slowing down. He bowled Haseeb Hameed, seemingly beaten for pace, and had Ben Slater nicking to slip.A wicket in the last over before tea and two more shortly afterwards left Nottinghamshire in peril at 59 for 5, albeit 196 runs in front.Joe Clarke was caught behind trying to pull Wheal. Fuller then had first-innings centurion Freddie McCann caught behind off an outside edge and Wheal picking up a second as Kyle Verreynne was bowled by a ball he chose to leave.Nottinghamshire lost a sixth wicket for 84 as James pulled Baker’s first delivery to mid-off but, with signs that some of the venom in the pitch might be starting to dissipate, Haynes and Patterson-White put together a partnership so far worth 87 that might have put the game out of Hampshire’s reach.

Just over two and a half years after stepping down from the Sporting Director role, Fabio Paratici has returned to Tottenham Hotspur to once again oversee operations in North London.

The Italian previously spent two years in the role, before stepping down in April 2023, but looks set to pick up where he left off to help the club in their quest for Premier League glory.

However, this time around, he will be working alongside new boss Thomas Frank, with the Dane needing to strike up a key partnership with the 53-year-old to bring success to the club.

With the transfer window shut until January, the boss won’t get the opportunity to see the fruits of the Italian’s labour for a couple of months, but no doubt work will be ongoing behind the scenes.

Numerous players will likely be lined up by the duo to help strengthen the side after their impressive start to 2025/26, which has seen them lose just once in the first nine outings.

Richarlison

£50m

Cristian Romero

£42m

Destiny Udogie

£15m

Djed Spence

£20m

Yves Bissouma

£25m

Pape Sarr

£18m

Dejan Kulusevski

£25m

Rodrigo Bentancur

£20m

However, this is the dream XI the Sporting Director could build for the Lilywhites over the next couple of months…

1 GK – Guglielmo Vicario

The Italian has been Spurs’ number one over the last couple of years, but not without questions from the fanbase over his ability in the role.

However, he’s managed to keep four clean sheets in 2025/26 to date, with faith needing to put in the 29-year-old to keep his number one shirt.

2 RB – Djed Spence

No Spurs fan would’ve anticipated the rise of the full-back in recent months, with the 25-year-old going from the brink of being sold to being a consistent England international.

His rise could see Pedro Porro tumble down the selection in the months ahead, potentially even being sold should Spence’s form continue.

3 CB – Micky van de Ven

The Dutch international is no ordinary defender, subsequently possessing a huge amount of pace that often gets the backline out of trouble.

His left-footed ability also makes him a rare commodity in the modern game, with the 24-year-old needing to be a regular starter for the foreseeable future.

4 CB- Cristian Romero

The second half of the Spurs centre-back partnership is Cristian Romero, with the duo being an unbreakable partnership – one that helped transform the defensive record this season.

The Argentine international has acquired the captain’s armband in recent weeks, further showcasing the trust shown in him by Frank.

5 LB – Destiny Udogie

Like many players last season, the Italian struggled massively with injuries last season which restricted him from making a huge impact in North London.

However, this season, he’s already featured in eight games across all competitions and has nailed his place down as the club’s first-choice left-back.

6 CDM – Joao Palhinha

The Portuguese international only joined the Lilywhites on loan this summer, but has already wasted no time in impressing – already netting two goals for the club.

His ball-winning ability is another huge positive, with Paratici needing to trigger the buy option in his temporary contract at the end of the campaign.

7 CM – Lucas Bergvall

In years to come, Swedish international Lucas Bergvall may become one of the club’s best-ever purchases after joining for just £8.5m from Djurgarden last summer.

Despite being 19, he’s already racked up over 50 appearances for the club, with the youngster demonstrating talents way beyond his tender years.

8 CM – Xavi Simons

The Dutch international was one of two £50m+ additions during the summer window, but has got off to a slow start in North London – only one assist in his first seven outings.

However, sympathy will need to be handed his way, with boss Frank needing to utilise the youngster in a more central role during his time in the Premier League.

9 RW – Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus has been a phenomenal addition for Spurs this summer, already hitting the ground running in 2025/26, with one goal and four assists in the league.

At just 25, he has bags of time to develop further, with the Ghanaian likely to play a key role in any future success during Frank’s tenure.

10 ST – Rodrigo Muniz

The centre-forward position has been a tricky one for Spurs since Harry Kane’s departure, but that could be solved with a move for Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz.

The Brazilian was hugely linked with a switch to join the Lilywhites this summer, but a move never materialised, with Paratici needing to revisit a deal in January.

Eddie Howe stopped short of getting embroiled in a war of words with Arne Slot after the Liverpool boss labelled Newcastle a “smaller club” when questioning their handling of Alexander Isak. The striker was in the process of regaining his match fitness following his British record transfer in the summer, before sustaining a groin injury in the Reds' victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday.

Getty Images SportIsak arrived short of fitness after missing Newcastle's pre-season

After refusing to play for Newcastle in order to force through his £125 million (€144.5m/$169.3m) move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day, Isak arrived at Anfield short of match sharpness. The Sweden international made it clear he did not want to play for the Magpies again, missing the club’s pre-season tour of Asia as well as their opening three Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa, Liverpool and Leeds.

AdvertisementSweden striker sustained groin injury in Liverpool's win over Frankfurt

Following the completion of his switch to Liverpool, Isak has been slowly introduced into the fold, with Slot mindful of the forward’s lack of a pre-season. However, after starting alongside fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike in the thumping 5-1 win over German side Frankfurt in the Champions League, Isak sustained a groin problem at Deutsche Bank Park, meaning he is a doubt for his side’s trip to Brentford on Saturday evening.

"Alexander is not too bad,” said Slot ahead of the Brentford game. “He is a question mark for the weekend so we will see where he is.”

Getty Images SportSlot questions Newcastle's handling of Isak following injury setback

Slot’s update follows his previous comments which saw him question Isak’s treatment at Newcastle as the summer saga surrounding his future played out.

The Dutchman said: “I don't think there's a rule that every single player has the same (pre-season preparation). But it also depends on what he did when he didn't train with the team, what the impact is if you go to a new club as a big signing.

“So you cannot compare, maybe a player who hasn't trained or played in pre-season at a smaller club than if you go to Liverpool.”

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Howe refused to get involved in exchange with counterpart Slot

However, when asked about Slot’s accusations following the injury to Isak, Newcastle boss Howe refused to get involved in an exchange with his counterpart, though he did defend the club’s care of their “elite players”.

Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Fulham on Saturday, Howe said: “The set-up here is very good. It is not perfect, we've got things to improve and to grow. But the owners here have developed the facilities since I've been here very, very well.

“You can see there is building work going on currently to hopefully deliver even better in the future. But I have no complaints. We've got elite athletes here, many of them, and touch wood, we're managing them pretty well at the moment.”

And when asked if he would “go into bat” and defend Newcastle following Slot’s comments, Howe added: “I like the way you’ve worded that… encouraging me to go into bat!

“I don’t have to do that, I don’t feel. You’ve done it for me, reeling off all those things! But you obviously know what my answer would be.

“I don't think that's wise for me to get involved in those discussions. Alex is no longer at this football club, so I won't comment on it.”

Gloucestershire face uphill battle as Bancroft leads rearguard in second innings

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 23-Jun-2025Centuries from Wayne Madsen and Harry Came strengthened Derbyshire’s grip on the second day of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two match with Gloucestershire at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol.Skipper Madsen hit 123 and Came 103, extending their overnight third-wicket stand to 206 as the visitors posted 398 in reply to Gloucestershire’s modest first-innings total of 187, a lead of 211. Todd Murphy was the most successful bowler with three for 120 on debut.The hosts hit back strongly after their opponents had been 301 for two at one stage and then made a better fist of their second innings, reaching 62 for one by the close, having reduced the deficit to 149. Cameron Bancroft was unbeaten on 32.Derbyshire began the day on 116 for two, still 71 behind, with Madsen 18 not out and Came unbeaten on 29. Gloucestershire hopes centred upon their new signing Murphy, but Madsen quickly set the tone by twice hitting the Australia Test off-spinner through the off side for back-foot fours.There was nothing Murphy nor any other bowler could do to prise apart the Derbyshire pair as Came was first to fifty off 86 balls. Madson soon followed to the same landmark off 82 deliveries before cutting a boundary off Zaman Akhter to take his side into the lead.By lunch that advantage had stretched to 55 runs, with the scoreboard reading 242 for two. The afternoon session saw Madsen reach three figures off 157 balls, with 11 fours, and Came replicate that achievement, having faced 180 deliveries and hit 12 fours and a six. Neither had looked in the least trouble on a benign pitch, highlighting how poorly Gloucestershire had batted on day one.It was a major surprise when Madsen’s dismissal, with the total on 301, caught off a top-edged reverse sweep to give Murphy his first Gloucestershire wicket, sparked a Derbyshire collapse that saw six more fall for just 55 runs. Brook Guest could make only two before being caught at short mid-wicket off seamer Ben Charlesworth, who quickly struck again by having Came caught behind cutting just before the second new ball became due.It was 319 for six when Anuj Dal was bowled by a ball from left-arm spinner Graeme van Buuren which turned to beat his forward defensive push, and 320 for seven when Alex Thomson was caught by wicketkeeper James Bracey down the leg side off Murphy.The Aussie struck again when Martin Andersson was snapped up at short-leg and the sorry procession continued as Ben Aitchison skied a catch to backward point off van Buuren. Derbyshire’s lead at that point was 169, but former Gloucestershire loanee Zak Chappell then frustrated his old teammates with some quality shots in a stand of 42 with first day bowling hero Jack Morley.The latter lofted van Buuren over wide long-on for six, while Chappell produced one of the shots of the day when clipping Ajeet Singh Dale through the leg side with a flourish for four to take the lead past 200. He and Morley were still together when a delayed tea was taken with Derbyshire 395 for nine.The final session saw Morley fall lbw to off-spinner Ollie Price attempting to sweep with Derbyshire just two runs short of a fourth batting point. Chappell remained unbeaten on 28 and Gloucestershire were left with 22 overs to bat in their second innings before stumps.They negotiated 11 before Morley added to his six first-day victims by pinning Joe Phillips lbw on the back foot for 14. But skipper Bancroft remained rock solid and will hope to lead his side back into the game tomorrow.

Anthony Gordon has become the centre of social media scrutiny after the England international failed to find the back of the net in yet another Premier League game. The winger has had a grip on the left of the Magpies and Three Lions' attacks in recent months, but both Eddie Howe and Thomas Tuchel may be growing concerned at Gordon's lack of output.

Gordon under fire for West Ham defeat

Gordon was disappointing once again for Newcastle in the Premier League as the Magpies slumped to a shock 3-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium. The Hammers recorded just their second win of the season, and their first under Nuno Espirito Santo, to leave Newcastle a disappointing 12th after 10 games.

The afternoon started brightly for the away side when Jacob Murphy put the visitors in front after just four minutes. The right-winger weaved in and out of the Hammers defence before striking hard into the bottom-left corner.

Yet, the Magpies could only hold onto their lead for half-an-hour when Lucas Paqueta, looking to lead West Ham to safety, curled an effort from distance past the diving Nick Pope. Ten minutes later, a Aaron Wan-Bissaka cutback was turned into his own net by Sven Botman to give the hosts the lead. Newcastle pushed, but were unable to find a way back into the game and Tomas Soucek bundled home in injury time to seal the three points.

It marks another poor result and performance from Newcastle, whose dreams of qualifying for the Champions League for another season already look under threat, with much of the blame for their inconsistent and wasteful attack being levelled at Gordon, who was substituted at half-time.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFans fume at wasteful winger

The Newcastle United fans are growing tired of the winger, who has now gone 19 games in the Premier League without scoring or providing an assist for one of his team-mates. On X, @Regista10_ declared the stat as, "one of the worst stats" they had ever heard.

Gordon was also fortunate that his lackadaisical performance escaped punishment. @KHeneage said that "Anthony Gordon [is] far too casual on the ball in the wrong areas," in reference to the winger being robbed of possession leading to a West Ham attack. Looking to pounce on Gordon’s error, the hosts poured forward and, when Jarrod Bowen went over in the box, looked as if they would take advantage of the winger’s complacency in midfield. Luckily for Gordon, the awarded penalty was overturned by VAR.

On the same incident, @Will44s added: "Anthony Gordon is very light weight and also gives the ball away far too much for somebody that’s meant to be this good a player."

Taking things further, @swamoil wanted the club to not only drop the wide attacker from the starting line-up, but to expel him from the entire club. They posted: "Anthony Gordon needs to be released. Spent £500m and Jacob Murphy from nearly a decade ago is still our best winger."

Also looking for the Magpies to move Gordon on, @GetAHurrCutMan_ said: "Anthony Gordon is nowhere near as good as he thinks he is. Would snap your hand off if a bid of any significance arrived."

Gordon to move back to Merseyside?

Interest in Gordon from other clubs has been well-documented. Liverpool have long-been-linked with the winger who has reportedly been open to a move back to Merseyside.

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AFPShooting boots are on in Europe

Champions League nights return to the Northeast this week as Athletic Club visit St. James’ Park. Fortunately for Gordon, he has been excelling in European football and even drew praise from Benfica manager Jose Mourinho after the Englishman put the side from Lisbon to the sword. He will want to add to the four goals in three games he has scored in the competition already.

Manchester United have encountered major squad changes under INEOS and could be set to experience another big development under Ruben Amorim by selling one star to Bayern Munich.

Man Utd set to make midfield moves in 2026

There is no secret that the Red Devils wanted another midfielder on top of their current crop during the January transfer window. However, they will have to wait until 2026 to bring in engine room solidity.

Following a failed approach to land Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba, Manchester United are reported to be lining up a January move for Porto’s Victor Froholdt, who has a £74 million release clause at the Primeira Liga giants.

Providing a more homegrown feel, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is also a high-profile name on Amorim’s list, even if it could cost a hefty price of £100 million to uproot the England international from South London.

After frustration over Kobbie Mainoo’s Manchester United future, the former Sporting boss delivered an intriguing take in the build-up to his side’s win at Liverpool on Sunday, emphasising that he understands why the Carrington graduate and others may feel hard done by not to have received more minutes.

Man Utd want to sign gem loved by Frank Lampard as part of INEOS strategy

The Red Devils are now plotting a new addition.

BySean Markus Clifford Oct 19, 2025

He stated: “That is normal, and I also know that in our club, everything is a lot of noise, and you have to have news, and players are not playing. They want to play. Like you said, there’s a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players talking all the time. So, I understand that but they are our players, and we need everyone to have a good season.”

Ultimately, players come and go and that is something no club is immune from, hence why a landmark departure could now happen at Manchester United come 2026.

Bruno Fernandes wanted by Bayern Munich

According to reports in Spain, Bayern Munich have entered the race to sign Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes and the Portugal international could be tempted by the prospect of a move to the Allianz Arena.

Should a fee in the region of £60 million be offered, the Red Devils may be tempted to cash in on their captain to avoid a scenario where he tries to engineer an exit from Old Trafford.

Five similar players to Bruno Fernandes (FBRef)

Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea

Nadiem Amiri

Mainz

Alex Baena

Atletico Madrid

Declan Rice

Arsenal

Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid

Despite missing penalties against Fulham and Brentford this season, he remains a leading light for Manchester United in their quest to reach the top of English football again, though his contract is set to expire in 2027, something that could create problems down the line.

Clubs in Saudi Arabia are also keen on his services, though his main priority is to remain within European football, albeit the final decision will be left down to him personally rather than an outright refusal from the Red Devils to sell. Either way, this one may be worth keeping an eye on.