New Zealand captain trying to find a balance to manage the problem better
Deivarayan Muthu09-Nov-2021New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has found it challenging to refrain himself from over-hitting at the nets and instead keep himself fresh for the matches. Williamson’s elbow injury flared up during the warm-ups in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup and the team management has managed him carefully since then.Williamson had sat out New Zealand’s first warm-up, against Netherlands, with a niggly hamstring. He then returned to action against Australia, top-scoring for his side with 37 off 30 balls, but aggravated his elbow.The elbow complaint has been a long-standing one for Williamson, forcing him to miss the ODI series at home against Bangladesh, the start of the first leg of IPL 2021 in India in April, the Edgbaston Test against England and the inaugural Hundred. The elbow was more recently put to test, again, when New Zealand played three Super-12 fixtures in five days across three venues in UAE.”Yeah that has been a bit of a challenge for me personally – the balance between the loading of the elbow and things like that,” Williamson said on the eve of the semi-finals against England in Abu Dhabi.”So, trying to stay as fresh as possible for the game. So, it’s been a bit of a delicate balance to get my head around and I certainly look forward to the day it’s gone (laughs) and I don’t have to worry too much about it.”But, as it stands, it’s a topic of discussion and [I’m] just trying to work closely with the physio to make sure I’m as fresh as possible for the game. It has had an impact on loading, which therefore means training has been a lot less to be fair.”Head coach Gary Stead also said that Williamson’s stints at the nets have been limited although he prefers to hit a lot of balls at training.”Kane’s good at the moment,” Stead said. “He hasn’t probably trained as much as he would have liked. But that’s just making sure that the time when he’s batting, hopefully, that’s in the middle for us and winning games of cricket that he’s not overdoing the elbow and probably training for him is the chance of making it worse. We’ve managed that well and I think that’s the mental challenge for Kane – to work that out as well.”Three days after the T20 World Cup final in Dubai, New Zealand are set to kick off their India tour with a three-match T20I series. New Zealand will then begin their World Test Championship defence in the two-match Test series in Kanpur and Mumbai.The same T20I squad that was picked for the World Cup will also tour India. This means Williamson’s niggly elbow is set for a heavier workout in the subcontinent.
A fiery derby swung the way of the hosts, who had to come from behind to put the Hammers to bed
Chelsea moved back into the Premier League's top four with a 2-1 win at home to London rivals West Ham on Monday.
Graham Potter made his first return to Stamford Bridge since being sacked by the Blues just under two years ago, though he and his Hammers left without any of the points on offer after surrendering a one-goal lead. Frustrations threatened to boil over on a tempered evening, but Enzo Maresca made the requisite changes to stave off intense criticism and ensure his side bounced back following last week's defeat at Manchester City.
Just before a drab first half closed out, West Ham got themselves ahead as Levi Colwill's poor back pass was intercepted by Jarrod Bowen, who kept his cool and slotted beyond Filip Jorgensen. There was still time for Cole Palmer to try and find a leveller before the break, with Alphonse Areola at full stretch to tip his 25-yard free-kick over the crossbar, but that was as close as Chelsea came to scoring in the first 45.
Shortly after the hour mark, the Blues drew level. Pedro Neto's cross caused havoc in the West Ham box and they couldn't clear their lines, allowing the ball to pinball kindly for the Portuguese winger to slam home at the far post. The goal survived a lengthy VAR check for offside after replays couldn't determine whether Marc Guiu had nodded on Neto's initial delivery to an offside Marc Cucurella.
West Ham went close to going back in front minutes later, with Kudus diverting a delicious delivery from Andy Irving onto the post with a diving header. And the visitors were made to pay when Chelsea took the lead with under 20 minutes remaining. Palmer, quiet for much of the evening, burst past Tomas Soucek and tried to cut a low cross back into the box, only for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to inadvertently clip the ball up and over Areola into the net.
Seven minutes of added time were tacked on at the end of the second half, and West Ham went close to a last-gasp equaliser on a breakneck counter, only for Tosin Adarabioyo to block Kudus' close-range strike. That was as close as the Hammers came as Maresca's men held on to take all three points.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Filip Jorgensen (5/10):
Brought in for usual starter Sanchez, though didn't exactly provide much more assurance and safety, dawdling on the ball and spilling the occasional shot.
Reece James (5/10):
Provided decent width when Chelsea ventured into the final third but appeared noticeably lethargic, with Soler giving him the run-around on the touchline. Taken off for Gusto on the hour mark.
Tosin Adarabioyo (7/10):
The leader at the back as per, sweeping up and taking charge in possession, even if that was a little too patient for the home fans' liking. Provided the match-saving block to deny Kudus in stoppage time.
Levi Colwill (3/10):
Had already been pressed into an error by West Ham's frontline before he gifted them the night's opening goal. Tried to win soft fouls but the referee wasn't having much of it.
Marc Cucurella (6/10):
Crashed the box without being picked up by a marker on most occasions. This helped lead to Neto's equaliser, adding another body to the mix.
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Moises Caicedo (6/10):
Took a while to get going having been pick-pocketed plenty in the first half. Not his strongest performance, but the bar has been set pretty high.
Enzo Fernandez (6/10):
Dived into challenges recklessly and was a little fortunate not to be shown a red card for a forceful foul in the second half. His energy proved useful late on when West Ham tried and failed to snatch back a point.
Cole Palmer (6/10):
Chelsea look completely lost when Palmer is unable to pull the strings. A stroke of luck brought about the winning goal, with the otherwise impressive Wan-Bissaka turning his cross in. A lot more involved than in some of the Blues' other middling performances, which was a plus. Replaced by Chalobah with minutes to spare.
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Noni Madueke (5/10):
Provided very little after spurning an early half-chance, though at least brought a cheer from the crowd after knocking over referee Attwell during a counter attack. Withdrawn for Nkunku.
Nicolas Jackson (4/10):
Now eight games without a goal after being withdrawn early in the second half. Picked up a knock early on, but nonetheless could hardly get his touch to stick.
Jadon Sancho (5/10):
Could scarcely free himself from the shackles of former Manchester United team-mate Wan-Bissaka and too came off soon after the break.
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Marc Guiu (6/10):
Replaced the half-injured Jackson. Provided much more of a physical presence in and around the 18-yard area.
Pedro Neto (7/10):
Came on for Sancho and made the most of his chances, firing Chelsea level and taking his man on more successfully than his team-mates.
Christopher Nkunku (5/10):
On for Madueke, though was crowded out of the game flittering between the wing and midfield.
Malo Gusto (6/10):
Brought on for James to provide a bit more pace and dynamism.
Trevoh Chalobah (N/A):
Given a late run out in place of Palmer.
Enzo Maresca (6/10):
An ugly win for an underwhelming Chelsea. Nevertheless, they've needed a gritty victory like that after going off the boil over the last month.
Southampton are thus far enduring a difficult return to the Premier League, and things certainly won’t get any easier this weekend when they travel up North to face reigning champions Manchester City. Saints haven’t beaten City in the top flight since July 2020, losing their last two games against Pep Guardiola’s side by an aggregate score of 8-1.
Russell Martin’s team did, however, secure a memorable victory over the Cityzens in last season’s League Cup, running out as 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo.
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If they are to produce a repeat of that result when they meet City on Saturday, however, they will have to do it without a number of key players. Southampton will be without winger Ryan Fraser, who has been a regular feature off the bench in recent weeks, following his red card against Leicester, while both Ross Stewart and Will Smallbone will also miss the game through injury.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is of course still a long-term absentee, having ruptured his achilles tendon back in April.
Yukinari Sugawara now a doubt
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Martin revealed that he could now also be without defender Yukinari Sugawara for the trip to The Etihad.
The Japan international, who joined Southampton in the summer from Eredivise side AZ Alkmaar for a fee of £6 million, was dragged off after just over an hour against Leicester following a late tackle from Jamie Vardy.
“Yuki had to come off so we’ve managed him a little bit this week or having to manage him,” Martin explained. “I think another 24 hours will depend on if he’s ready to start or not. We’ll have to make a decision on that.”
On Smallbone, Martin said: “Will Smallbone is out now for a little bit of time, which is really frustrating and disappointing for us.”
A big miss at the champions
Suguwara would be a big miss for the Saints should he be unable to play on Saturday. He’s started all of Southampton’s eight Premier League games this season, scoring once and, despite the Saints having yet to win, is impressing with his tenacity on the right-flank.
His importance to Southampton was no more apparent than last week against Leicester. Martin’s side were 2-0 up when Suguwara was forced off, and went on to lose 3-2, with Jordan Ayew scoring the winner in the 98th minute.
Leicester City's Jordan Ayew and Caleb Okoli celebrate after the match.Reuters/John Sibley
Speaking after the defeat, Martin pointed to Suguwara’s early exit as a turning point.
“Obviously at that point the momentum shifts a bit. Yuki is injured, we have to make a substitution that’s enforced, which is not ideal, and then Ryan obviously gets sent off, so that changes the game completely,” he said.
On Leicester’s late winner, Martin added: “I’m furious about that, I’m hurt with that, but I’m not hurt with the fight and the effort that the players gave us. They were brilliant.”
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Filip Jorgensen is now the Blues' No. 1 goalkeeper with Robert Sanchez struggling for form.
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Sanchez guilty of errors at ChelseaMaresca confirms Jorgensen to take overSanchez needs time to recover formFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Sanchez has been guilty of some high-profile mistakes this season for Chelsea and now faces a real battle for minutes at Stamford Bridge. The Spanish goalkeeper has been at fault for a number of goals throughout the campaign which have left Chelsea fans furious as he has been the reason for numerous dropped points.
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Chelsea signed Jorgensen in the summer but kept Sanchez as their starting keeper, however, the 22-year-old made a start for the Blues in their 2-1 Premier League win against West Ham and Maresca has now announced that Jorgensen will serve as their starter ahead of Sanchez in the Premier League. The Italian added that Sanchez needs time to recover both 'mentally and physically'.
AFPWHAT MARESCA SAID
Speaking to the media, Maresca said: "I said that the Filip solution was also to give Robert some time to recover mentally and physically. But the idea is not to game by game change the keeper. In the last Premier League game, we had Filip and in the FA Cup, it was Robert. Our keeper at the moment is Filip.
“I spoke with Robert a few days before West Ham where I took the decision to play Filip. I never spoke again with Robert. Filip, exactly the same. They know the situation. This is the situation now and then we will see.”
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WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
The Blues head to Amex Stadium yet again as they look to avenge their FA Cup loss to Brighton earlier this week. The two sides will face off on Friday, February 14.
TalkSPORT pundit Darren Bent has floated the possibility of West Ham United appointing a big name to replace the under-fire Julen Lopetegui, as speculation continues to surround his position at the London Stadium.
Lopetegui could be sacked by West Ham "at any moment"
Reports in the last few days have claimed that Lopetegui could be sacked by West Ham “at any moment”, as the Hammers hierarchy grow increasingly impatient.
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ByEmilio Galantini Nov 5, 2024
A poor run of results have left West Ham languishing 14th in the Premier League table, picking up just three wins from a possible 10, following a summer transfer window where they spent north of £120 million on new recruits.
Match
Date
Opponent
Competition
Result
#12
02/11/2024
Nottingham Forest (A)
Premier League
3-0 loss
#11
27/10/2024
Man United (H)
Premier League
2-1 win
#10
19/10/2024
Tottenham (A)
Premier League
4-1 loss
#9
05/10/2024
Ipswich (H)
Premier League
4-1 win
#8
28/09/2024
Brentford (A)
Premier League
1-1 draw
#7
25/09/2024
Liverpool (A)
Carabao Cup
5-1 loss
#6
21/09/2024
Chelsea (H)
Premier League
3-0 loss
#5
14/09/2024
Fulham (A)
Premier League
1-1 draw
#4
31/08/2024
Man City (H)
Premier League
3-1 loss
#3
28/08/2024
Bournemouth (H)
Carabao Cup
1-0 win
#2
24/08/2024
Crystal Palace (A)
Premier League
2-0 win
#1
17/08/2024
Aston Villa (H)
Premier League
2-1 loss
This has led to other reports that West Ham are already considering alternative hires. It is believed by some that ex-FC Porto boss Sergio Conceicao is a contender to succeed Lopetegui, with the Portuguese boasting an excellent, trophy-laden record from his time in the Primeira Liga.
Meanwhile, a tactician very well known by supporters, former backroom member Edin Terzic, is also being considered by West Ham as an option.
Now, speaking on talkSPORT this week, Bent has suggested that current interim Man United boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, a Premier League all-time great, may also be a contender.
Bent says van Nistelrooy could replace Lopetegui at West Ham
The former Tottenham and Aston Villa striker believes east London is a potential landing spot for the Dutchman, with his future unclear beyond Ruben Amorim’s arrival on November 11.
Bent suggests van Nistelrooy’s next job could be at West Ham, and he does have trophy-winning experience in charge of PSV Eindhoven. The 48-year-old won both the Dutch Cup and Dutch Super Cup during his time in the Eredivisie, averaging an impressive 2.20 points per game (Transfermarkt), and now boasts top-flight know-how from his time working under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag.
“There’s West Ham,” said the pundit on a live broadcast (04/11/2024, via West Ham Zone].
“He [van Nistelrooy] might be going, ‘Do you know what? If I just do a good job, who knows? The footballing world is massive so I might get another manager’s job.’”
Wicketkeeper believes Marcus Stoinis’ composure under pressure was the key to the pair finishing off Pakistan
Deivarayan Muthu12-Nov-20212:33
Matthew Wade: Marcus Stoinis’ innings ‘freed me up’ to play the way I did at the end
Marcus Stoinis’ takedown of Haris Rauf – and not Pakistan’s lapses in the field – was the turning point in a wildly fluctuating semi-final, according to Matthew Wade.Wade was dropped on 12 by Hasan Ali in the outfield when he miscued a slog in the penultimate over of Australia’s chase of 177. Wade then hit the next three balls for sixes as Australia snatched victory, with an over and five wickets to spare.”I don’t think any of them [the drop and missed run-out chances] were the turning points of the match,” Wade said at the post-match press conference. “I think the way Marcus Stoinis batted at the end, to be honest, was probably the turning point of the match.”I think when I came out there, he might have hit the spinner [Shadab Khan] for six, the first ball when I got out there. I think that kind of play, in my eyes, he’s really gutsy in those decisions that you make out in the middle, win you games. He could’ve easily blocked that ball he went for, hit a six and then that total comes down a little bit more.”But I think the turning point of the game I thought was Marcus’s over against Rauf. I thought that kind of swung the momentum our way and gave us an opportunity to win the game. It’s just an easy thing to do to focus in on missed chances. Yes, maybe it would have gone down late in the last over, but I’m still confident we could have gone home.”Watch cricket live on ESPN+
Sign up for ESPN+ and catch all the action from the Men’s T20 World Cup live in the USA. Match highlights of the second semi-final is available in English, and in Hindi (USA only).
Wade usually opens in the BBL, as does Stoinis, but on Thursday the pair sealed a tense chase without panicking. When they came together, Australia required 81 off 46 balls. They finished it off with an over to spare. Wade put down their success to “confidence” and work put in behind the scenes.”It’s confidence, I think. Confidence in your ability to be able to finish the game,” Wade said. “To be able to bat with Marcus has been awesome. Obviously [I’ve] played a lot of cricket with him at Victoria and early on in his career. Obviously saw him grow into the cricketer he is today.”To go out and bat with him certainly gives you a lot of confidence. I know if I can just hang with him for four or five overs, then he’s going to find the boundary. He’s too good and strong not to. So, the reason that me and him are working well towards the back end is we know each other’s game so much.Related
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“In the optional sessions, the day before the game, you’ll find me and Steve Smith and Marcus Stoinis go down again in closed sessions because we haven’t got a lot of match practice. It’s been invaluable to see what those guys are doing in training, especially Stoiny, work out his strengths, when he’s hitting the ball at his best. And he can see me do exactly the same thing.”Wade, 33, admitted that his international career might have been over had he not won the semi-final for Australia. In the recent past, Australia have had other keeping options in Josh Philippe, Alex Carey and Josh Inglis, who was a wildcard pick in the World Cup squad after impressing in the Vitality Blast and the Hundred in the UK. However, the team management persisted with Wade and he delivered under pressure.”I don’t feel like it’s on the line anymore so much because I’m not 23 anymore,” Wade said. “And if this is it, this is it. It’s not really on the line for me. It’s going to be all over, I suppose. A little bit, I think… I was a little bit nervous coming into the game and knowing potentially it could be the last opportunity to represent Australia.”I just wanted to do well and really wanted us to win this game, give us an opportunity to win the whole thing. We have a great bunch of guys in that dressing room and guys that I have played with for a long, long period of time.”So, yeah, just really I feel like this game was probably hard on nerves than maybe what the final will be because now we’re in it. We’ve got nothing to lose. We’re going to go out there, do our absolute best. It [the final] might be my last game too. As I’ve said to you before in the past, I’m comfortable with it. If it is it, then it’s it. I’ll play as long as they need me and hopefully, we can win some games while I’m there.”Matthew Wade scooped Shaheen Shah Afridi for two sixes at the close•ICC via Getty ImagesThe scoop served Wade well against Shaheen Shah Afridi at the death when fine leg was up in the circle and he pointed out that the shot allows him to manipulate the field.”I’ve had those [scoops and laps] for a longish period of time,” Wade said. “I’ve been playing them from early on in my career as well. But, yes, certainly [it] was something I needed to tap back into a little bit more when I’m batting down the bottom.”It’s easy to have the fine leg up a lot of the time at the end, but someone that laps, it kind of opens up the whole field for you. You’ve got to either have mid-off up or third man up or one of the fielders on the off side. It kind of opens the whole field up for you a little bit.”
Bukayo Saka made history for Arsenal during their 2-2 draw with Liverpool in October 2024, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to score 50 Premier League goals.
Aged just 23 years and 52 days, Saka reached the milestone at a younger age than the likes of Thierry Henry, Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie, ensuring that his place among the club’s legends is secure.
The Englishman has been arguably Mikel Arteta’s finest performer over the previous few seasons, going from strength to strength since his debut in November 2018.
Indeed, he has improved his goal tally each season. 2021/22 saw him score 12 times for the Gunners; he improved that to 15 goals the following campaign before grabbing 20 goals during 2023/24.
Player
Age on 50th Premier League goal
Bukayo Saka
23 years, 52 days
Thierry Henry
24 years, 128 days
Theo Walcott
26 years, 69 days
Robin van Persie
27 years, 162 days
Alexis Sanchez
28 years, 145 days
Via Premier League
In light of his historic achievement, we’ve taken a look at the 11 best goals scored by the winger in the Premier League for the north London side.
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ByBarney Lane Oct 24, 2024 11 Arsenal v Tottenham, September 2021 Saka seals derby in rampant first-half display
The north London derby just weeks into the 2021/22 season saw the Gunners claim a 3-1 win over their arch-rivals, with three goals scored within the opening 34 minutes.
Saka assisted fellow Hale End graduate Emile Smith Rowe for the opener before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined in by netting the second, yet it was Saka’s lovely finish which rounded things off well.
The youngster burst down the right flank, taking on several defenders before seemingly losing the ball in the box. Fortunately, it broke to him, and he slotted the ball into the net to seal the three points.
10 Arsenal v Chelsea, December 2020 Looping effort marks resurgent Arsenal's return to form
The 2020 Boxing Day clash against Chelsea saw Arsenal record a 3-1 victory at the Emirates, with Saka scoring his second Premier League goal of the season.
The Gunners were two goals to the good before Saka received the ball deep into the final third. Rather than cut inside from his position on the right-hand side of the box, he went for a speculative shot which confused the entire defence and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, ending up in the back of the net.
It was Arsenal’s first league win in eight attempts, and they would go on to win four of the five games that followed.
9 Watford v Arsenal, March 2022 Winger rounds off superb team move at Vicarage Road
Having scored seven Premier League goals prior to the clash with Watford in March 2022, Saka enjoyed one of his finest displays of the campaign during the 3-2 victory.
The winger grabbed an assist during the game, but it was his goal which got people talking. Saka played a pass into Alexandre Lacazette on the edge of the penalty area, which the Frenchman flicked back into the path of the youngster, who unleashed a thunderous shot into the Watford goal, putting his team back in front.
It was a wonderful effort, with Saka going on to score another three league goals before the end of the season.
8 Arsenal v Everton, March 2023 Saka sends thunderous drive past Jordan Pickford
Arsenal were pushing Manchester City all the way in the race for the title when they faced Everton in March 2023. The club had suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Toffees the month prior, but there was to be no repeat.
Saka was enjoying his best season to date and continued with a goal and an assist against the Merseyside club. Saka received the ball just inside the Everton penalty area before turning, taking a touch with his left foot and then unleashing an effort into the top corner of the net.
Jordan Pickford had no chance as Saka opened the scoring in the eventual 4-0 win over the Toffees.
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1 ByBarney Lane Oct 11, 2024 7 Wolves v Arsenal, July 2020 Saka nets first Premier League goal in style
With the season resuming in the summer after a break due to the pandemic, Saka had yet to open his account for Arsenal in the league.
That changed in the 2-0 win over Wolves, however. A cross was delivered into the box, which allowed Saka to gain a yard of space to let fly with a left-footed half volley that settled into the Wolves’ net.
It was a wonderful effort by the teenager in what proved to be his only league goal of the season for the club.
6 Aston Villa v Arsenal, February 2023 Starboy emphatically brings Gunners level at Villa Park
Having lost their previous game against Man City, the Gunners travelled to Villa Park in a bid to get back to winning ways. The 4-2 victory was impressive, with Saka netting a crucial equaliser for Arsenal.
Pouncing on a poor headed clearance just inside the Villa penalty area, Saka scored a sublime effort which sailed into the back of the net, restoring parity after Ollie Watkins had scored for Villa early on.
It was his ninth goal of the season and one of his finest, no doubt about that.
5 Tottenham v Arsenal, April 2024 Saka expertly doubles Arsenal's lead on enemy turf
Once again, the Gunners were battling it out with City for the title, and a clash against Spurs was looking like a stiff challenge.
Leading 1-0, Saka made a threatening run down the right and was played in on goal. After taking a delightful touch, he advanced on the Spurs goal before cutting in on his left foot and sliding the ball into the net in what was an excellent north London derby goal.
The club claimed a 3-2 victory which returned them to the top of the Premier League table.
4 Arsenal v Liverpool, October 2024 50 up for Saka as Andy Robertson left embarrassed
Saka’s most recent Premier League goal was one that entered the winger into the record books. The 2-2 draw against Liverpool might not have been the best result, but Saka will remember this goal for the rest of his career.
Another scintillating run down the right flank saw Saka race onto a long ball from Ben White before cutting in on his left foot, getting the better of Andy Robertson with a cheeky nutmeg in the process.
With just the goalkeeper to beat, the Englishman let rip with a shot that nearly took the net off the frame of the goal to put the Gunners a goal ahead.
It was a strike worthy of winning any match, but the north Londoners were made to settle for a draw against Arne Slot’s men.
3 Leeds v Arsenal, October 2022 Saka notches from improbable angle at Elland Road
A resolute Leeds side proved hard to break down during this 1-0 victory, but it was Saka who secured all three points with a moment of magic in the first half once again.
The winger raced on to a through ball, although it looked like he would have to cut it back due to the tight angle.
Cutback? This wasn’t in his vocabulary during the game, taking the goalkeeper off guard by firing the ball into the top corner – the goal proved to be the only one of a hard-fought win.
2 Arsenal v Nottingham Forest, August 2023 Saka gets Gunners season off to a flyer with superb curler
Taking on Nottingham Forest on the opening day, Arsenal started their season with a bang thanks to Saka’s superb first-half effort.
The winger was looking to build on his best season to date in the previous campaign, and it didn’t take him long to find the back of the net. Leading by a single goal after half an hour, Saka received the ball in the final third, but it looked like he was too far out to cause any damage.
A couple of touches with his left foot enabled him to gain a yard of space on his marker before he unleashed an effort out of the blue that nestled into the top corner with pinpoint accuracy.
It was the catalyst he needed to achieve his finest-ever goalscoring campaign for the Gunners, finishing the season with a total of 20 goals in all competitions.
Manchester United loanee Antony was left angry despite scoring his maiden goal for Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday.
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Antony angry despite maiden Betis goalWent down 3-2 against Celta in La LigaMade assist on his debut last weekendFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The United flop, who joined Betis on loan in the January transfer window, has made a bright start to his journey in Spain. After setting up for a goal on his debut for the club in their 2-2 draw against Athletic Club last week, the Brazilian scored his maiden goal in the club's 3-2 defeat at Celta Vigo on Saturday.
AdvertisementWHAT ANTONY SAID
Antony was left angry after the result as he told : "It was very difficult. We started off very well by scoring two goals, but we have to change our mentality. We scored two but we have to be focused for the whole game, the 90 minutes. We have to work to be better. Betis must start and finish well. We have to work harder, and look at what we are not doing well to win the three points."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The 24-year-old also explained why some of the Real Betis players lost their tempers at full time as he added: "It's normal. All the players are angry. After the defeat against Celta, has Betis' objective changed? For the green and white there is no other goal than, day by day, training by training, game by game. We have to be focused on all the games to win the three points."
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY?
Antony will be next seen in action on Thursday as Real Betis take on Gent in a Europa Conference League away fixture.
Damp spot on a length caused problems after rain washed out the opening session
Alex Malcolm23-Nov-2021Travis Head and Usman Khawaja’s audition for Australia’s last Test batting spot has been delayed, with day one of the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and Queensland abandoned after 50 overs due to concerns over the Karen Rolton Oval pitch.The players left the field at 4.30pm after Queensland batter Marnus Labuschagne raised concerns with the umpires over balls rearing from a length. A damp spot had developed on a difficult length at the southern end while the pitch was under the covers in the morning after rain had washed out the opening session of play.Labuschagne copped a blow on the gloves and survived a ball ballooning off the shoulder of the bat. He even called for an arm guard to wear on his left forearm that was significantly larger than the normal sweatband he wears, which does have some protective padding.Labuschagne and Head spoke with the umpires while Khawaja spoke to match referee Steve Davis on the sidelines. The players then left the field before Davis, the two umpires, and head curator Trent Kelly convened in the middle to inspect the surface. After that meeting, it was decided that play would be suspended for the day with Kelly and his ground staff to do seven minutes of work to flatten the damp spot with a heavy tool and the roller before letting the sun dry it out in the afternoon. Play will resume at 10am on day two.”Ground staff began immediate remedial work and officials will inspect the wicket tomorrow morning ahead of a scheduled re-commencement,” a statement said.Labuschagne had come to the crease after Queensland had lost Joe Burns to a ball that exploded from that damp spot and ballooned off the shoulder of the bat to second slip. David Grant’s delivery caused a chunk of the pitch to come up, and Burns walked off in disbelief after facing 105 deliveries for 17.Bryce Street was 45 not out from 147 balls when play was called off. The left-hander, who is preparing for his first Australia A assignment, was not as affected by the damp spot, given it was outside his leg stump. Scoring was painstakingly slow for Queensland as South Australia’s attack made life difficult on the unusual surface.
The new Apple TV+ docuseries looking back at the 2024 MLS season is a welcome addition, but not as rich or dramatic as initially promised
"Dreamt of or dreamed of – which is it?" Cavan Sullivan poses the question to his older brother, Quinn, during a car ride from their family home to the stadium for what what would be his record-setting debut as the youngest player in MLS history for the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park. It’s a moment that underscores his youth and a reminder that he was about to make his MLS debut at the age of 14.
If there's one thing production company Box to Box does well in the opening four episodes of "Onside: Major League Soccer," a new docuseries on Apple TV+ looking back on the 2024 MLS season, it's painting the full picture of Cavan Sullivan's journey to becoming arguably the league's most anticipated prospect. It shows the teenager's rise from age of 6, as well as the differences between his stern and fiery father – who literally yells "f***ing right" when he anticipates his son is about to break the MLS mark.
The series treats the time he has left to break the record in a suspenseful countdown every 15 minutes, highlighting all of the factors that go into young athlete make a groundbreaking debut – pressures from the media, and fans, heaped on the coaching staff to get him in on the pitch.
There's a scene at the end of Episode 3 in which Cavan's dad talks to his son, and asks, "What gives, you could've went all the way?" It was a reflection on a missed shot by Sullivan during his debut. In a lot of ways, that statement could reflect the general assessment of this behind-the-scenes show, intended to show fans a side of the league it has never shown before.
While there are definitely compelling storylines here, from Sullivan to Riqui Puig, it also seems to be controlled controversy. Unlike the well-regarded "F1 Drive to Survive" which converted millions of curious F1 watchers into die-hard fans, "Onside" often keeps its viewers at arm's length. The docuseries made its long-awaited debut on Apple TV+ on Friday, the day before MLS's 30th season kicks off. GOAL takes a look at what worked and what didn't for the series through the first four episodes.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportPro: Coaches tell-all
While the behind-the-scenes access with players in the series is hit and miss, "Onside" does a strong job of bringing out the personalities of various managers in the league. For those who don't get to see the likes of FC Cincinnati's manager Pat Noonan's confident bravado day to day, or have always wondered if Sporting KC's Peter Vermes is as cranky as he comes across in his news confererences, the show does a good job of tapping into that, and how they interact with players.
Fans will see Noonan ignoring his team celebrating his 100th game to carve into them about a poor performance. They'll see Sporting KC's ownership openly discuss wanting to fire Vermes, but diving into all of the reasons why it didn't make sense at the time, as well as the manager's perspective. Lastly, the cool swagger of Wilfried Nancy is all here. That is arguably the strongest part of the show.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportCon: Inconsistent access to players
When "Onside"was announced, both Box-to-Box and MLS promised unparalleled access to the league, its teams, front offices, coaches, and players. Access? Yes. But in comparison toDrive to Survive " or "Hard Knocks"or even some in-house shows created by teams, the MLS series isn't exactly groundbreaking. In the opening four episodes, there are no real forms of conflict.
Curious as to why Lucho Acosta wanted to leave Cincinnati so badly after 2024? That's not here (at least not in the first four episodes). There is a scene in whichcameras try to follow Lionel Messi and Co. into the locker room, only to be shoved away by the Argentine star's well-known bodyguard Yassine Cheuko.
When there are controversies such as Matt Miazga getting suspended for trying to find a referee in the locker room after a controversial call? It is lightly touched on. The incident isn't shown. The saving grace from a player access point of view comes with Tim Parker in Episode 4, showing what it's like to be a non Designated Player getting traded in MLS.
And while the F1 seriesdidn't have full access to the famed superstar Lewis Hamilton until the second season, it gave its audience compelling characters to follow. There's none of that here. More importantly, the show doesn't really give insight (in the opening four episodes) into what it is actually like to play in MLS.
Even NBC Sports's "24 Hours With a MLS Star" did a better job of showcasing that. All of it feels very cookie-cutter, outside of Episode 3, in which the series rightly features Cavan Sullivan as a teen, usage of "Fughazi" and all. Here's hoping if there's a Season 2, the doors will be a bit more open.
Pro: Incredible cinematography
One of the production company's calling cards is its high standard of film capture. There are angles of match footage that are rarely seen in a standard replay show. It feels very high-production – akin to Hard Knocks. For a league in which regular season matches don't always seem crucial, due to the lack of promotion/relegation or a title decider in-season, the strong production gives fixtures a heightened feel.
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GettyCons: Where are the owners?
MLS has some of the most unique ownership groups in the world, from Manchester City and the New York Yankees to Will Ferrell and LAFC, there are dozens of potential stories here. Yet, in the first four episodes, ownership involvement is minimal.
Outside of a table-setting scene in the first episode in which David Beckham and Jorge Mas essentially say they want to sign everyone and will try to (Neymar might say otherwise), MLS owners are largely absent aside from two significant instances – SKC's owners considering moving on from Vermes, and St. Louis deciding to move on from Bradley Carnell (all in the fourth episode). Otherwise, it is largely minor cameos – a smile here, a wave there.
In the F1 series, audiences had carte blanche into the various ownership groups and leaders behind each team – and what drives them, literally and figuratively. Fans understood what makes Mercedes largely lead the pact while a smaller team like Williams will struggle.
There wasn't much of that (so far) in the MLS series.