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Sonia Bompastor has rued Chelsea's 'frustrating' loss to Everton on Sunday, a result that leaves the club falling behind Manchester City in the WSL title race. Chelsea have now failed to win their last three league matches following a 1-0 home defeat, despite dominating at Kingsmeadow as the Blues again failed to find the breakthrough as they fell to a narrow loss.

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  Chelsea dominated but failed to find the breakthrough

  Honoka Hayashi's first half strike was enough to separate the two teams in west London on Sunday as Everton ended Chelsea's historic unbeaten run. It was the first time the Blues had lost a league game under Sonia Bompastor, who succeed Emma Hayes at the Chelsea helm last May.

  Everton's 1-0 victory in the capital saw Chelsea lose a WSL outing for the first time since a 4-3 loss at Liverpool back in May 2024, a run of 34 matches since they last tasted defeat. After falling behind early on, Chelsea peppered the Everton goal, amassing 30 shots and 79% possession as they failed to find the breakthrough.

  And after the defeat at Kingsmeadow, Bompastor lamented the "really frustrating" defeat which leaves Chelsea's title defence hanging by a thread.

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• 'I don't think the players could have done a lot more'

  Following the defeat to Everton, Bompastor said: "It’s a really frustrating result. It's tough, but I think if we analyse the performance and look at the statistics, I don't think the players could have done a lot more. Maybe we could have been more efficient again, more clinical.

  "We created enough shots, crosses, and we hit the woodwork three times. It's just one of these games where the ball didn't want to go in, and it was tough. If you want to win games, you have to make sure you score goals. I think, again, if you look at our statistics, we are creating enough to win the games, but we are just not being efficient at finishing the chances. I think, for now, what we need to solve is more like how we can get back to scoring goals.

  "In the game tonight, we knew we had to be really switched on and focused on the transitions from Everton. I think they scored from one of these early on in the game, and then things changed after we were running after the result."

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  'We were not focusing at all on the unbeaten run'

  While Chelsea's unbeaten run ended at 34 matches, Bompastor added that her side were not thinking about the streak, stating: "For me, we were not focusing at all on the unbeaten run. It was not one of our aims going into this new season. Our mindset was more like we started the new season from zero.

  "We haven’t won anything yet. We want to be able to compete in every competition. We want to win trophies. Going into every game, we know it will be tough. This league is competitive."

  Defeat at Everton means Chelsea have now failed to win their last three league matches as the Blues struggle in their title defence. Sunday's loss combined with Manchester City's 3-0 win at relegation threatened Leicester means City sit six points clear at the top of the WSL table having won their last nine league outings as they responded perfectly to the opening weekend 2-1 loss to Chelsea.

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• What next for Chelsea?

  Chelsea are next in action at Brighton next weekend as they look to get back to winning ways. The trip to the south coast will be the Blues' final league game of 2025, and they return to domestic action with successive London derbies in 2026 with respective welcomes of West Ham and Arsenal.

  The Blues then kick off February with a decisive trip to league leaders Manchester City, in a game that should have huge ramifications in the WSL title race.

  City, meanwhile, round off the year with the welcome of Aston Villa next weekend, and start 2026 with a home game against Everton and follow up their meeting with the Toffees with a trip to the London City Lionesses.

He scored crucial runs down the order and took five wickets but the visitors are still staring at an innings defeat

Mohammad Isam27-Jun-2025Sri Lanka are on the cusp of a big win against Bangladesh in the second Test in Colombo. The visitors are still 96 runs away from avoiding an innings defeat, and with just four wickets in the bag, a big loss is very much on the cards with two days left.While not a lot of positives have come out of the Bangladesh camp, particularly in this second Test, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam is among their few success stories. Taijul battled on the second morning with the bat to give the Bangladesh total some respectability. The eventual 247 wasn’t substantial, but that they even got there was down to Taijul’s 33 off 60 balls.He then bowled seven spells of varying lengths to grab his 17th five-wicket haul, and fifth in an overseas Test, putting him on par with Shakib Al Hasan. Taijul’s 5 for 131 in Colombo was the umpteenth example of his doggedness and consistency. He also showed what a technically sound left-arm spinner he is. Taijul demands batters’ attention till the last moment they play or leave the ball. It adds a measure of thrill to his long spells.Related

• Don't jump off the Nahid Rana hype train just yet

• Kusal Mendis counterattack balloons SL's lead before Bangladesh collapse

In both Galle and Colombo, he kept his end of the bargain by bowling as tightly as possible. At times, wicketkeeper Litton Das would remind him to toss the ball a little higher or come a little straighter. And Taijul was mostly on the money.In Colombo, Taijul was a study of patience. He shared the new ball and bowled 23 overs on the trot. Nahid Rana and Ebadot Hossain went for plenty from the other end, so he had to be the captain’s banker. Taijul took one wicket in that spell. He bowled nine more overs on the second day, each time keeping his consistency intact. All this with an elbow injury he picked up while batting.When Najmul Hossain Shanto handed him the ball early on the third morning, it was to stop the bleeding. Sri Lanka had made an impressive start, so Bangladesh couldn’t afford to give runs freely. Taijul removed overnight centurion Pathum Nissanka early with the second new ball. He got one to skid rapidly, with the ball holding up ever so slightly for Sri Lanka’s centurion to chip to short extra cover. Taijul then beat captain Dhananjaya de Silva with his flight, building up to a delivery that had a hint of inward drift, beating his front-foot prod.Taijul was taken off after just four overs on the third morning, for Mehidy Hasan Miraz to bowl against the left-hand batter Kamindu Mendis. The match-up didn’t work and Mehidy had to be taken out of the attack soon. Taijul later came back to take two of the last three wickets to fall. It took his tally to 237, nine short of Shakib’s record 246 for Bangladesh. At the press conference after stumps, one couldn’t draw Taijul into that conversation, such is his introverted nature. He would rather talk about his seam position.Taijul Islam added some crucial runs during Bangladesh’s first innings•Associated Press”I did what comes naturally to me, from the start of my career,” he said. “There is always the odd variation for the spinner. Like sometimes you will check how the ball behaves in certain pitches or seam positions. I was trying that only. I prefer bowling in long spells. I am used to bowling long spells. I never think that I can’t bowl long spells. That’s how I bowl in the nets, too.”Taijul said that Nissanka’s wicket helped Bangladesh restrict Sri Lanka when they looked like running away with a mammoth total on the second day. “He [Nissanka] is in great shape. He has struck two big knocks. He was an important breakthrough for us. I think his wicket helped us bowl them out reasonably quickly.”Taijul lamented Bangladesh’s batting performance in the game, too, and he may yet have to put up another rearguard action on the fourth day, with the visitors struggling.”I am a bowler, but I bat as well,” he said. “Our batting wasn’t that good. In the first innings, the wicket was good. Each batter got out after getting set. Had there been two hundreds or two fifties, the situation might have been different.”Weather could have a say on the fourth day, but Sri Lanka only have to dismantle Bangladesh’s lower order on their way to the series win. Taijul will make way for the white-ball specialists and will get back to training in Dhaka, and maybe get to play some red-ball cricket when the 2025-26 season opens in October.He will eye Shakib’s record against Ireland, though it will likely pale in comparison to the attention that Mushfiqur Rahim will get as he is projected to complete 100 Tests in that series. Taijul probably wouldn’t mind the limelight away from him even then.

Had Liverpool been dispatched at the London Stadium right now, the calls for Arne Slot’s dismissal would have risen a few decibels, higher than the din that followed successive Anfield defeats against PSV Eindhoven and Nottingham Forest.

But Liverpool secured a 2-0 win over the Hammers in the Premier League, with Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo sealing three much-needed points for the struggling Redmen.

Still, the Merseyside outfit have left so much to be desired this term, lacking all of last year’s balance and belief as Slot was crowned king in his first year in charge.

So much has gone wrong, and the forthcoming league fixtures against Sunderland and Leeds United will determine whether a true crisis has been averted.

Much more is needed. The likes of Florian Wirtz and Isak are beginning to show signs of world-class quality, but FSG must feel pretty rueful over their decision to sell Luis Diaz and opt against sealing a like-for-like replacement for the Colombian winger.

How Luis Diaz has performed since leaving Liverpool

In fairness, Diaz was set to enter the penultimate year of his Liverpool contract, and there was no sign of a resolution. The Reds cashed in for a healthy £66.5m sum.

However, the 28-year-old’s blistering performances in Germany this season have underscored the dimension that Slot has lost down the left channel. Moreover, let’s not forget that Diaz played plenty of football as a makeshift number nine last year.

Bayern score a lot of goals, and they are the dominant force in the Bundesliga. However, Diaz is impartial as to who he picks apart, having played some immense stuff in the Champions League too.

His prolificness has catapulted him to a seat at the highest table, marrying his athleticism and electricity with a new sharpness in front of goal.

This serves as a reminder that the grass is not always greener. Diaz will have no regrets over his summer transfer, but Liverpool desperately miss his speed and energy and potent threat.

And now, FSG are in danger of losing their next version of the versatile forward.

Liverpool star could be "the next Diaz"

Liverpool opted against directly replacing Diaz this summer, hoping to keep a road to the first team for Rio Ngumoha clear from clutter.

But Diaz is an elite player, and he is not easily replaced. Perhaps some of a Liverpool persuasion regret their frustrations directed toward him last season, with the clinical performances coming in pockets throughout the year.

History may repeat itself with Alexis Mac Allister, who has been described by prominent Liverpool fan John O’Sullivan as being “the next Diaz” in that he is being hounded out by some segments for his performances this year.

While it’s true that the Argentina “superstar”, as he has been called by pundit Joe Cole, has been off the boil this season, he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, instrumental for the club’s success since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023.

Few know the byways of the midfield game like Mac Allister, who is combative and creative and cerebral in his performance in the engine room. Not just a steely lieutenant, he is smart and savvy, and that sets him apart.

Form is temporary, as the old adage goes. Mac Allister will surely bounce back, but if Liverpool are set for a rocky road through the 2025/26 season, the 26-year-old may be considered for sale next summer, though reports suggest sporting director Richard Hughes and the club’s officials want him to stay put.

It’s as clear as day: Mac Allister will thrive if sold to a superpower in Germany or La Liga.

And Liverpool, as with Diaz, will be left rueing their decision as they scramble to find an adequate replacement.

Semenyo upgrade: FSG enter race to sign £88m "superstar" for Liverpool

Liverpool and FSG are getting ready to sign a new forward in 2026.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 2, 2025

England boss Thomas Tuchel has hinted that the glitz and glamour of the 2026 World Cup ceremony was rather unnecessary. The Three Lions eventually found out that they will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama at next year's competition in North America. However, those watching the draw had to wait a long time to find out the results, something Tuchel believes they could have "done without".

• 'I don't need it'

  On Friday, the football world discovered who will play who in the group stages of the World Cup, with England facing 2018 finalists Croatia first up in the tournament. For those tuning in, though, it took an eternity for the nations to actually be drawn in Washington D.C. Earlier on in the ceremony, United States President Donald Trump received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino designating it for a person who has "taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace" and "united people across the world". Trump was given a large gold trophy, a medal, and a certificate, while Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was also heavily involved in the draw. Going by Tuchel's comments, he didn't appear to be a fan of the whole affair.

  He told : "I do not, not like it but we could have done it like, without all of this. I don't need it. But of course, it's a huge stage and it's big entertainment. I was very well aware that it's not about the deep insight of football today."

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  England face 'difficult' group

  While England are favourites to win their group and progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup, many Three Lions fans have not forgotten Croatia dumping them out of the tournament at the semi-final stage in 2018. And former Chelsea boss Tuchel is certainly wary of their upcoming opponents, even though they beat them in Euro 2020.

  "Difficult group, difficult opener. Difficult group with Croatia and Ghana, two regulars in World Cups and two proud and strong nations. Panama, I don't know much about Panama at the moment but we will find out about it before the tournament starts, of course," he said. "For me, I'm only experienced group football in Champions League formats and the way to approach it was to always give it the biggest respect and to put all the focus into winning the group. It always seems difficult like our group now but we are confident and we will be well prepared when we arrive.

  "Nobody should be underestimated. Of course, Croatia is the standout, they're the highest ranked team from pot two that we got into out group but listen, Ghana is always full of talent and can always surprise and has a big history in World Cup football, and also Panama will try to make the most in their underdog role. No one can be underestimated, everyone deserves the fullest respect and we can show that."

• Tuchel's preference…

  On paper, Croatia is the most difficult side England face in the group stage, with their European rivals six places below the Three Lions in the world rankings in 10th. Incidentally, Panama are down in 30th, and Ghana sit in 72nd. While some nations may want to ease into the competition with an easier match, Tuchel had no preference. 

  He said: "I had no preference because why would I worry? I cannot influence. The legends took the draw and this is what we get and what we have to deal with now. We know now our opponents, we know we will start late in the tournament if players are involved in European finals, hopefully. We didn't desire anything we just handled the situation as it is. You get a little more days before and then you get a condensed schedule later in the tournament. Everything comes with in upside and downside."

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  What comes next for England?

  England are expected to face Croatia in their World Cup opener in Toronto, Canada, or Dallas, in the United States, on June 17. Before then, the Three Lions will have to confirm some friendly fixtures earlier on in 2026 to get them ready for the showpiece event.

With six days before the MLB trade deadline, the New York Mets have landed on the board by trading for relief pitcher Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, SNY's Andy Martinio reported. ESPN's Jeff Passan confirmed the news.

Acquiring a relief pitcher was high on the list for the Mets' needs ahead of the deadline. Since the All-Star break, three of New York's relief pitchers—Max Kranick, Dedniel Nunez and Brandon Waddell—all landed on the injured list. Kranick and Waddell are on the 15-day IL, while Nunez is on the 60-day IL.

In order to hold on to their close NL East lead in the second half of the season, the Mets needed strong relief pitching. The Mets' 59–44 record puts them 0.5 games ahead of the Phillies as of Friday.

Soto has appeared in 45 games so far this season for the Orioles, posting a 3.96 ERA in that span. He's pitched 36.1 innings and struck out 44 batters. He's had 29 hits, 16 earned runs and two home runs hit on him.

Group B team-by-team guide on England, India, Pakistan, West Indies and Ireland

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Feb-2023

EnglandOverviewEngland have a long-awaited second shot at this after their semi-final was washed out in 2020 and India advanced as group winners to the final. They’ll be acutely aware of the need to maintain control of their destiny – a first-up defeat to South Africa ultimately cost them on that occasion. Two easy match-ups, on paper at least, against West Indies and Ireland to begin this edition offer the chance to get on a roll. Captain Heather Knight has returned from the hip injury which kept her out of a disappointing campaign for the Commonwealth Games hosts and exciting young allrounder Alice Capsey has made a timely recovery from a broken collarbone. Gallant runners-up at last year’s ODI World Cup, they’ll likely need to get past India, whom they edged 2-1 at home in September, if they are to have a chance of going one better.SquadHeather Knight (capt), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones (wk), Katherine Sciver-Brunt, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni WyattPlayer to WatchNat Sciver-Brunt was England’s most influential player throughout 2022, perhaps most memorably with her 148* in the 50-over World Cup final which was one of two defiant centuries she produced against the Australians at the tournament. She has made a seamless return from a three-month mental health break after a season which left her “emotionally fatigued” and recently resumed her vice-captaincy role, suggesting her comeback is complete in ominous signs for the opposition.Predicted finish: Runners-up

India

OverviewThe winds of change are here, having first started blowing in 2017 after their soul-stirring runners-up finish at the 50-over World Cup. Fresh off an inaugural Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup triumph, of which two key members of the current squad – Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma – were a part, India will look to draw inspiration from that campaign with a team that has several world beaters, and is far different to the nervy group that played the previous final at a heaving MCG. India are coming into the tournament on the back of exhaustive preparation. Having played Australia in an intense five-match series in December, they underwent a skill-based camp prior to their tri-series campaign in South Africa, where they ended runners-up. Gone are the times where India rocked up at a big tournament undercooked. This team means business.Squad:Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Richa Ghosh (wk), Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Devika Vaidya, Radha Yadav, Renuka Thakur, Anjali Sarvani, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Shikha PandeyPlayer to watchAmong the most elegant players in the world, Smriti Mandhana has over time added an X-factor to her batting with a power game comparable to the best. Her destructive presence married with consistency lends an air of superiority to India’s top order. Mandhana, among the most marketable female athletes in India already as per estimates, is also a key part of the think-tank, with her cricketing smarts likely to be called upon often during the tournament as vice-captain.Predicted finish: Bridesmaids no more, expect India to make a serious pitch to enter the grand finale. There’s class, experience of heartbreak and lessons they can draw upon. They’re acclimatised, having arrived in South Africa three weeks ahead, making them even more dangerous.

Ireland

OverviewIreland are making their first appearance at the tournament since 2018. They defeated Pakistan 2-1 in a series in Lahore in November but lost twice in qualifying to Bangladesh. The camp has been hit by illness and injury in South Africa, where they’ve still managed to defeat Bangladesh and push Sri Lanka to the wire in warm-up fixtures. Despite an average squad age of just 24, they have some vastly experienced players and that’s not just among the 30-somethings like Mary Waldron, Eimear Richardson and Laura Delany. The gap to the more established nations remains pretty vast, however, and as qualifiers they’ll likely be delighted with winning a game or two.SquadLaura Delany (capt), Rachel Delaney, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Eimear Richardson, Mary Waldron (wk).Player to watchGaby Lewis epitomises Ireland’s experienced youth. Still only 21, their vice-captain has represented her country for more than eight years. She was Player of the Series against Pakistan, scoring 144 runs at 72.00 with a strike rate of 130.90. The hard-hitting top-order batter has a career-best of 105 not out from 64 T20Is and is unlikely to be unaffected by big-game nerves after a handful of appearances in the Women’s Hundred and the World T20 in 2016 and 2018.Predicted finish: Group Stage

Pakistan

OverviewCricket’s favourite mother-and-baby pair will make a return to the international stage when Bismah Maroof and her daughter Fatima arrive in South Africa with more than just hearts to win. Their major tournament record is poor: they have only won a quarter of the matches they have played at T20 World Cups and never made it out of the group stage, and they come into this edition on the back of some chastening results. Pakistan have only won one of their last five T20I series, but have lost their last two, to Australia and Ireland. They are without seamer Diana Baig but they still have a good mix of talent and experience. Javeria Khan, Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz have almost four decades of international experience combined. Add to that the potential of Fatima Sana and Ayesha Naseem and Pakistan may not be overreaching to hope they have their best World Cup yet. They kick off with a marquee clash against India, which will put them under early pressure, and have other tough opposition to see off after that.SquadBismah Maroof (capt), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Tuba HassanPlayer to watchEighteen-year old Ayesha Naseem is among the biggest hitters around and has a power game that could set the tournament alight. In Pakistan’s recent T20 series against Australia, Naseem struck an 83-metre six off Darcie Brown in an innings where she breached the boundary three times. If Pakistan are to get the best out of her, they may want to consider batting her higher than No.7.Predicted finish: Group stage. Pakistan have never advanced to the knockouts and with India and England in their group, it will be tough to change that.Fatima, daughter of Bismah Maroof, sits with her mum’s team-mates•ICC via Getty Images

West Indies

OverviewHow the mighty have fallen. Their T20 World Cup win in 2016 should’ve spurred a revolution for the women’s game in the Caribbean. Instead, it has slipped into an abyss with no signs of healing even though from time to time, they’ve produced players capable of dominating on their day. West Indies haven’t come close to winning the title since that heady evening in Kolkata. Adding to their woes is the fact that one of their best players, Deandra Dottin, isn’t part of the squad anymore having retired after a tiff with the WICB. Trying to emerge from the Taylor-Dottin era was always going to be challenging enough, but they may have not imagined it to have come this quickly. Stafanie Taylor is still part of the group but has struggled with injury. She will need immense support from Hayley Matthews. Batting has been an Achilles heel for a while, and unless things turn around dramatically, they’re unlikely to cause a major shake-up.Player to watchDon’t go by Shabika Gajnabi’s career numbers just yet. Below average as they may be, she’s the kind of player who could deliver big returns if she’s persisted with and given confidence. Someone who can bat in the middle order and deliver two or three overs of seam-ups, Gajnabi will strive for consistency to try and become a regular in the XI.SquadHayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Trishan Holder, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor and Rashada Williams.Predicted finish: They’re in the easier group but that doesn’t necessarily mean a semi-final berth is a done deal. West Indies will do well to remain in contention to take the second spot from the group.

José Butto suited up in his New York Mets uniform and headed to the bullpen to await his opportunity on Wednesday but before he got the chance, news came down that he had been traded to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Tyler Rogers. Major League Baseball's trade deadline creates these types of situations from time to time where we're privy to the traded player's real-time reaction. And Butto's was emotional.

Butto could be seen processing the information and being comforted by Mets bullpen coach Jose Rosado.

He then took his leave from the bullpen after saying his goodbyes out there.

Upon entering the dugout Butto was embraced by the other Mets as they learned of the news.

Butto had spent his entire professional career with the Mets and broke through into the big leagues in 2022. This year he has appeared in 34 games with a 3-2 record and 3.64 ERA.

It’s been a fairly positive international break for Newcastle United and one player has now been the subject of high praise from former Manchester City star Micah Richards.

Newcastle stars shine on international duty

To no surprise, Nick Woltemade has been the main Newcastle name in the headlines. The German continued his good form from club level by scoring for his nation as they edged past Northern Ireland. It’s now five goals in all competitions for Newcastle’s record signing since arriving at St James’ Park and he looks unlikely to slow down anytime soon.

It’s also been a strong international break for Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian started both games for his nation as they smashed South Korea 5-0 before falling to an unexpected 3-2 defeat against Japan. However, the fact that he kept hold of his starting place as Carlo Ancelotti’s reign commenced, is a positive sign ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

There was one player that certainly didn’t enjoy his time away from Tyneside, though, and that’s Anthony Elanga. The winger has been part of a struggling Sweden side yet to win a game in World Cup qualifying and only saw his nation’s misery continue in defeats against Kosovo and Switzerland.

Newcastle star who's becoming a "fan favourite" could be Howe's new Joelinton

Newcastle have recruited wisely since Eddie Howe arrived four years ago.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 15, 2025

Given that the former Nottingham Forest winger is also yet to score for Newcastle, the last thing he needed was more frustration with his country. He, as well as Eddie Howe, will be hoping for an upturn in form when the Magpies return to action.

That said, the same doesn’t apply to one of his teammates, who is beginning to rediscover his best form and earn deserved praise as a result.

Micah Richards: Gordon "next level" compared to Rashford

Left in awe of the Newcastle winger after he scored his second goal for England in a 5-0 thrashing of Latvia, Richards claimed that Gordon is the “next level” above Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United after putting pen to paper on a £12m-a-year deal.

Heaping praise on Gordon, Richards said: “I think Gordon. I think Gordon. And that’s why I was talking about Rashford, because Rashford’s doing well at Barcelona, as I’ve mentioned, but Gordon, I think he’s took his game to the next level.

“I think he’s always been a confident boy. He’s always been able to go both ways. He’s played a little bit up front in that number nine role.

“He’s definitely best out, out wide, but I think his final ball’s getting a lot better. Don’t forget, when he goes down that side, he’s coming on to his left foot, but some of the balls he put in tonight, they were a lot better than I’ve seen previously. So I think he did well tonight.”

The St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates in style Monday night, courtesy of a walk-off solo home run by Alec Burleson in the bottom of the ninth inning.

While it was a fun victory on a late summer night, a historically low number of fans were inside Busch Stadium to witness it.

The Cardinals are now just 65-67 on the season and it appears that they will miss the postseason for a third straight year. That lack of success might be the reason why only 17,675 fans were in attendance on Monday night. That number, according to the Derrick Goold, is the lowest in the stadium's history and the first time they have had under 20,000 people at a home game since the stadium was opened in 2006.

That's a tough look for a franchise that has won 11 World Series titles. But it's also a sign of the times for a club that has only won one two playoff series since 2014.

Lots of MLB fans roasted the Cardinals and their fans, who have been known to refer to themselves as the best in baseball.

The Cardinals will host the Pirates in the second game of their series Tuesday night at 7:45 p.m. ET.

Tottenham Hotspur were unable to build on the positive momentum that they seemed to have before the international break as they lost 2-1 to Aston Villa on Sunday.

Spurs had beaten Leeds United 2-1, thanks to goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, before the break, and started the loss to Villa with an early goal through Rodrigo Bentancur.

It was all downhill for the Lilywhites after that impressive start to the match, though, as Unai Emery’s men came away with all three points, thanks to goals from Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia.

Why Spurs must not drop Guglielmo Vicario

Some criticism may go the way of number one Guglielmo Vicario for his part in the match, as he conceded both of the shots against him and should have done better with the first goal.

As you can see in the clip above, the view from behind Morgan Rogers suggests that the Italy international was not in a good position and was then unable to stretch enough to get a glove on the shot, which was nowhere near the corner of the goal.

Vicario, though, should not be dropped by Thomas Frank for his performance against Villa, as he has been a net positive this season.

Per Sofascore, he has prevented 1.72 more goals than expected in the Premier League, which shows that he has been outstanding as shot-stopper on the whole.

A Tottenham player whose place in the starting line-up should not be as secured as Vicario’s, though, is attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, who was underwhelming on Sunday.

Why Xavi Simons is on borrowed time

The Netherlands international has started four of his five appearances for the club in the Premier League since his £52m move from RB Leipzig in the summer transfer window.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

He should now be on borrowed time in the starting XI because he has not done enough in his performances as a player who is in the team to score and create goals as an attacking midfielder.

There have been flashes of quality from Simons on the ball, particularly in the win over Leeds, but he has not done enough in the final third so far.

As you can see in the table above, Simons has only provided one direct goal contribution in his first five appearances, and that was an assist from a corner.

Against Aston Villa, the Dutchman created one chance, which was a short pass for Joao Palhinha to shoot from distance, failed to produce an accurate cross, did not have a single shot on goal and to make matters worse, only won five of his 14 duels, per Sofascore.

The former PSG youngster also failed 100% of his attempted dribbles, per Sofascore. This shows that he was completely ineffective in possession for Spurs, which is why he was as bad as Vicario, who was ineffective with no saves in goal.

His lack of impact in the final thid was not down to a lack of opportunity, though, as he had several opportunities to get a shot away in space on the edge of the box, yet opted to pass the ball sideways instead of trying to test Emi Martinez on multiple occasions.

Simons’ return of 21 goals and 21 assists in two seasons with Leipzig, per Sofascore, show that he does have the ability to score and create goals on a regular basis in a number ten or wide position.

However, he has had a timid start to his career in the Premier League and needs to step up and show more intensity in the final third, to make himself a difference-maker for Frank.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 17, 2025

At this moment in time, Simons is not doing enough on the ball and that is why he is on borrowed time in the starting XI, as the manager may have to consider dropping him out of the team if these underwhelming performances persist.