Manchester United have made another approach to sign a fresh face to bolster their midfield ranks as they look to turn their poor form under Ruben Amorim around, according to a new report.
Manchester United struggling under Amorim
Despite the arrival of Amorim in November, things have not improved for United so far this season. Though they battled to a 2-2 draw with Premier League leaders Liverpool in their most recent outing, the point stretched their winless run to five games, having lost the previous four.
It also means that Amorim has won just two of his opening nine Premier League games, and he opened the door to potential relegation with his side currently just nine points clear of the drop zone in 13th place, the lowest they have ever been at this stage of a campaign.
“I think that it is a possibility. We have to be clear with our fans”, the new Red Devils head coach explained. “It is a really difficult moment, one of the more difficult moments in the history of Manchester United and we have to address it with honesty.”
One of the biggest problems has been in central midfield, where both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are the wrong side of their peak and lack the energy required for Amorim’s high-press 3-4-2-1 system.
The pairing of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte appears to provide a solution to this, with the younger duo working well in tandem against Liverpool and Mainoo’s introduction proving a key turning point in the defeat to Newcastle the game before. However, the club undoubtedly needs more investment in that area, and now they could have identified their man.
Manchester United make new approach for Wolves midfielder
That comes as a fresh report from TEAMtalk claims that Manchester United have once again asked Wolves for details over a potential move to sign Joao Gomes in the upcoming transfer windows.
The Red Devils have held a long-term interest in the Brazilian no.8, having chased him before they ultimately opted to sign Ugarte over the summer.
That interest clearly remains, and with Wolves currently battling relegation the club could be sniffing a potential bargain at Molineux. Described by Football Analyst Ben Mattinson as a “serious player”, Gomes still has three and a half years left to run on his £30,000 a week deal in the Midlands, but is unlikely to stick around should the Old Gold find themselves in England’s second tier.
How Joao Gomes ranks against Manchester United midfielders
Premier League 24/25 stats
Joao Gomes
Manuel Ugarte
Casemiro
Kobbie Mainoo
Appearances
19
14
14
14
Goals and Assists
3
0
1
0
Pass Accuracy
84.2%
90.4%
79.3%
86.6%
Tackles and interceptions per 90
4.19
5.73
5.05
4.02
Yellow Cards
6
5
1
5
However, any deal is unlikely to happen this winter, with the report claiming that Wolves are “not open to considering selling him this transfer window” save for “a huge offer”, something that Manchester United are unlikely to be able to put together given their well-documented financial issues.
Should he become available this summer, Manchester United are unlikely to be the only side keen to sign him, but he could prove a massive upgrade on their current options in midfield and offer some more much-needed energy to Ruben Amorim’s ranks.
Stumps Tamim Iqbal had been dismissed in the nineties twice in his the last five innings against Sri Lanka, coming into the first Test. He had seven half-centuries against them in the format, but had not breached the three-figure mark even once. The 31-year-old made sure he set the records straight as he notched up his 10th Test century on the third day, helping the hosts take control of the first Test, in Chattogram.By stumps, Bangladesh had piled on 318 for 3 and were just 79 runs away from Sri Lanka’s first-innings score of 397. Mushfiqur Rahim, who is just 15 runs away from becoming the first Bangladesh player to reach 5000 runs in Test cricket, ended the day unbeaten on 53. Litton Das, who added 98 with Mushfiqur, was also unbeaten, on 54. Tamim, for the most part looked like reaching the 5000-run mark first, but was forced to retire hurt on 133 because of cramps. He is now 19 runs away from the landmark.The third day, though, firmly belonged to Tamim, who fought the weather, and some tight bowling. He was his usual aggressive self from the get-go and found boundaries at regular intervals in the morning session. Unbeaten on 35 overnight, Tamim raced to his fifty in the fifth over the morning and notched up his ton shortly after lunch. However, the humid conditions got the better of him and he could not come out to bat after tea.Resuming on 76 for 0, still 321 runs behind, Bangladesh’s batters quickly went about their job. In a near-perfect morning session, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Tamim added 81 runs in 28 overs, as Bangladesh went to lunch unscathed on 157 for 0.Tamim brought up his fifty by cutting Ramesh Mendis wide of point for a four and it did not take long for the duo to bring up Bangladesh’s first century stand for the opening wicket in over five years.Mahmudul, too, raised his second half-century in just his fifth Test with a flick through midwicket but fell shortly after lunch. Having had a reprieve on 51, when Lasith Embuldeniya failed to hold on to a catch at the fine-leg, the 21-year-old finally fell for 58 to Asitha Fernando. Continuing with his ploy of bowling short from around the wicket, Asitha induced a faint tickle off Mahmudul’s bat and glove down leg through to the keeper, with the opening stand ending on 162.Tamim though continued on his merry ways, as he coasted through the nineties with a couple of fours before reaching his century by flicking Asitha to deep midwicket.However, having looked flat in the morning, Sri Lanka were much better with their control in the second session. Kasun Rajitha came in as concussion substitute for Vishwa Fernando, who suffered from dizziness after he was struck on the head late on day two by a Shoriful Islam bouncer. And it was Rajitha, who pulled Sri Lanka back in the game with two quick strikes.Concussion sub Kasun Rajitha picked up two quick wickets•Getty Images
The seamer accounted for Najmul Hossain Shanto for 1, in his very first over before sending back Mominul Haque for 2. Bowling from around the wicket, he first induced an outside edge off Najmul’s bat through to the keeper and then crept through the gap between Mominul’s bat and pad to clean him up.With the surface playing a few tricks, Sri Lanka had the chance to take control. Ramesh seemed to have Tamim caught behind on 102 but the decision was overturned on review. When the outside edge did arrive off Tamim’s blade a few overs later, Dhananjaya de Silva failed to hold to the chance at first slip, when the opener on 114.Mushfiqur and Tamim survived the 45 minutes or so before tea, but it was evident that the heat was getting to Tamim. Sri Lanka would have sensed a chance to stamp their dominance on the game in the final session. However, Litton and Mushfiqur had other ideas.Litton, in particular, showed maturity. He started off cautiously but made sure the loose deliveries did not go unpunished. Mushfiqur,too, held his end up well.Litton was the first to reach his fifty, his 12th in Test cricket, with an elegant flick wide of mid-on. He looked untroubled for the most part. Barring a chance at short leg, which the fielder failed to latch on to, Litton gave nothing away.Mushfiqur too reached his fifty soon after and will be hoping to break the 5000-run barrier early on day four. For Sri Lanka, their only bright spot was Rajitha, who wasn’t originally included in the starting XI.
Keeper suffers second freak injury in a year as Surrey keep pace with Somerset
Matt Roller23-Apr-2022Ben Foakes was helped off the field by medical staff after a sickening collision with Jamie Overton and will undergo concussion tests ahead of the final day of Surrey’s Championship match against Somerset at The Oval.Foakes dived to his right while taking a catch to dismiss Tom Banton off Reece Topley’s bowling, while Overton dived to his left at first slip and made contact with Foakes’ head with his right shoulder.Sam Curran ran over to celebrate but immediately signalled to the dressing room as Foakes lay on his back and covered his face with his left arm. Surrey’s medical staff rushed on with a stretcher during a ten-minute delay, though Foakes managed to walk off the field with help from Alex Tysoe, the lead physio.”He’s under observation with the physios,” Azhar Mahmood, Surrey’s assistant coach, said. “Concussion tests are going on and hopefully he’ll be fine tomorrow. It was shoulder to neck. I think there was a cut. There was some blood coming out of his ear but I’m not sure if it was internal or outside.”Ollie Pope took the gloves for the final hour of the third day. Jamie Smith, who was left out of this game, could come into the side on Sunday as a concussion replacement depending on the outcome of Foakes’ tests.This was the second time in a year that Foakes has suffered a freak injury at The Oval, after he tore a hamstring while slipping in his socks on the dressing-room floor following a Championship game against Middlesex last May.With Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler rested after their involvement in the IPL, Foakes had been in line to make a home Test debut against New Zealand. Instead, he was ruled out for four months, only returning to Surrey’s first XI for their final Championship match of the season, a high-scoring draw against Glamorgan.The timing of his latest injury will be a concern to England, with the first Test of their summer – again against New Zealand – just under six weeks away. Foakes has started the season with 240 runs for twice out across three appearances and is the incumbent wicketkeeper after taking the gloves in the Caribbean.Foakes’ injury appeared to disrupt Surrey’s rhythm as they looked to restrict Somerset in their second innings. Topley had taken three wickets in seven balls – including that of Banton, their last recognised batter – before the stoppage in play but Surrey went 11.5 overs without one under the floodlights.But Jack Leach chopped on off Overton before Jordan Clark struck with the final ball of the day, leaving the game in the balance heading into Sunday. Surrey were two bowlers down with Curran limited to 15 overs in the match by the ECB as he returns to fitness and James Taylor suffering from back spasms, but Overton and Topley sparked a collapse of six wickets for 64 runs late in the day.Somerset’s lead was 225 heading into the final day thanks largely to an 89-run partnership for the third wicket between Banton and Tom Abell, both of whom made fifties. Abell had managed 109 runs in his last 14 first-class innings heading into this game but made 203 for once out in the match, scoring freely and hitting boundaries on both sides of the wicket before edging behind off Ryan Patel’s medium pace.For Banton, this was a significant innings, only his second of the summer after missing the first two rounds of games due to a fractured finger. He started last year opening the batting, then became a specialist No. 7 and finished the season out of the side after averaging 18.84, but vowed in pre-season that he would “come back as a new player this year” following technical tweaks over the winter.He was occasionally troubled by Overton, edging his first ball wide of the slip cordon for four, but dug in for just over two hours and played confidently through the covers and off his pads. It was notable that he came in at No. 4, ahead of James Hildreth, having enjoyed most of his red-ball success in the middle order in his breakthrough season in 2019.Surrey had been bowled out for 308 soon after lunch, with Peter Siddle taking four of the last five wickets to finish with 6 for 51 from his 26 overs in his 200th first-class game.In his first appearance for seven months after a stress fracture of the lower back, Curran had threatened to make the first hundred of his professional career, scoring fluently and lofting Leach for a straight six, but ultimately fell 20 runs short.
It’s been a bizarre season for Tottenham Hotspur so far this year.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have looked hopeless at times, such as in their losses to Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town, but simply electric in others, like the wins over Manchester United and Aston Villa.
However, the North Londoners’ 4-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday was so emphatic and so incredibly impressive that it could just be the catalyst for them to now go on a genuine run of good form.
James Maddison
That said, for all the brilliant displays on the side of the Lilywhites, there were plenty of abject ones on the side of the hosts, including former Spurs ace Kyle Walker, although as bad as he’s been this season, there is a former Tottenham defender who has been even worse.
Kyle Walker's dreadful season
Walker left for Spurs in the summer of 2017 to join City for a whopping £53m, which was a record for a full-back at the time, and while there was an adaptation time for the Englishman, it would be fair to say it’s been a move that’s since worked out.
Kyle Walker for Manchester City.
For example, in the seven and a half years since, the 34-year-old has made 311 appearances, in which he’s won six league titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, two Community Shields, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and, of course, the Champions League.
However, time catches up with us all, and to say the former Spurs ace has deteriorated this season would be a massive understatement.
His decline was on full show against his old club on Saturday when he looked miles off the pace and was comfortably beaten by Timo Werner for the Lilywhites’ fourth goal.
Moreover, former professional Tony Cascarino described the Englishman’s performance as being similar to when Gareth Bale ran “Maicon, the great Brazilian full-back ragged,” and that it was a similar situation against Brighton & Hove Albion’s Kaoru Mitoma earlier this month.
In all, it’s hard to look at Walker’s performances this season and not come to the conclusion that his career at the top level is coming to an end. Yet, there is another former Spurs defender who is younger and is having an even worse season than him this year.
The former Spurs player who's been worse than Walker
So, to cut straight to the point, the player in question is fellow full-back Emerson Royal.
The 25-year-old, who was described as a “liability” during his time with Spurs by Jamie O’Hara, joined Italian giants AC Milan in the summer for around £13m, in a transfer that Italian football writer Kaustubh Pandey described as “a deal for the ages,” but not for the right reasons.
Instead, he was shocked at how much the Italian giants were willing to pay for the Brazilian defender, as aside from very few glimpses here and there, he’s been dreadful since leaving N17.
For example, in the club’s game against Juventus over the weekend, Football Italia gave him a paltry 4/10 match rating, while he didn’t do much better in the clash with Cagliari either, with Gazzetta dello Sport giving him a 5.5/10.
In all, the São Paulo-born ace has made 14 appearances for Milan, 12 of which have been starts, of which six have ended with victories, three have ended in draws, and five have been defeats.
Emerson Royal’s Milan record
Appearances
14
Wins
6
Draws
3
Losses
5
Points per Game
1.50
Goals
0
Assists
0
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Ultimately, it’s hard to look at Emerson’s time at the San Siro as anything other than a complete disaster, especially when experts like James Horncastle write that his transfer to Milan ‘looks like the biggest donation in the history of Fondazione Milan as the club charitably tries to make his wish to become a footballer come true.’
Therefore, while Walker is having an undeniably poor season, another former Spurs full-back is having an even worse one.
Spurs academy gem is now outscoring Kulusevski & Son after leaving
The exciting winger is enjoying a stellar season away from Spurs.
West Bromwich Albion are certainly experiencing a wobble in the Championship at the moment, having started the season like a runaway train.
The Baggies raced straight out of the blocks with five victories from their opening six second-tier contests, before a defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at the close of September clearly knocked confidence in Carlos Corberan’s camp.
Even when results haven’t always gone in the favour of the West Midlands side, it’s safe to say the defence has consistently put in a shift, despite the goals also notably drying up in the attacking positions.
West Brom's stern defence this season
It’s not as if this is just reserved to this campaign in isolation, however, with Corberan’s men priding themselves on dogged displays last season, on top of their efforts in the Championship now.
West Brom only leaked 47 goals across 46 games, with playoff winners Southampton surrendering a far heftier 63 strikes, and it looks to be another season where the defenders will shine at the Hawthorns.
Kyle Bartley has been key to these solid performances at the back so far, amassing five clean sheets from the ten second-tier appearances he has managed to get under his belt, before being ruled out through injury for West Brom’s last two league contests.
Paddy McNair now finds himself in the Hawthorns treatment room too which piles on even more selection issues for Corberan defensively, alongside Semi Ajayi also now being ruled out for four months, but the Spaniard will know he can rely on the trusty duo of Darnell Furlong and Torbjørn Heggem to remain staunch regardless of any more absentees troubling him.
Not every player has gone to be a rip-roaring success at the back for the Baggies after signing on the dotted line, however, with this centre-back purchase going down as a dud, but one that thankfully didn’t damage the then Premier League club’s bank account too much.
Market Movers
Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?
James Chester's time at West Brom
The established top-flight club forked out some big bucks to snap up James Chester in the summer of 2015, acquiring the ex-Hull City man for a bumper £8m fee.
Chester would never fully settle in at West Brom, to the dismay of the Hawthorns masses who must have thought he was going to be a rock-solid performer based on his price tag, with the former Baggies number four only going on to make 19 appearances for his new employers before being let go of to join near neighbours Aston Villa.
He would go on to be a valued part of the Villa defence over many seasons, away from struggling at West Brom, with 126 appearances amassed by the time of his exit in 2020.
West Brom did have to sell Chester for £1m less than they purchased him for when letting him move onto Villa Park, but the £7m sale hasn’t really haunted them in the long run, with the experienced defender’s value constantly falling since his underwhelming spell at the Baggies.
Date
Value
June 2024
£60k
June 2023
£84k
November 2021
£758k
October 2020
£1.6m
December 2019
£3.7m
February 2018
£6.7m
August 2016
£7m
Even as he blossomed into a dependable first-team performer for Villa week in week out, Chester’s value would begin to fall, with his price all the way down at £1.6m by October 2020, when he was on the books of Stoke City after being released by his former club.
Now, the Welshman’s value sits at a meagre £60k, as the 35-year-old’s career begins to peter out playing in League Two with Salford City, with Chester yet to feature in a game in the lowly division this campaign so far.
Looking back, West Brom must feel vindicated now that they parted ways with their former dud so prematurely, resulting in them winning back some substantial cash before his value dramatically took a nosedive.
West Brom's "relentless" loan star has seen value soar £31m since leaving
West Bromwich Albion once had this star on their books before his career took off.
Lahore Qalandars have released Fakhar Zaman from their roster for PSL 2022, but ESPNcricinfo understands that the franchise is likely pick him again as a platinum player on draft day scheduled for Sunday. They have retained premier fast bowler Haris Rauf and made him their brand ambassador while also demoting him from the Platinum category to the Diamond category.Karachi Kings player retentions for PSL 2022•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Other than Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators, all four franchises have fully utilised their quota of eight player retentions. Karachi Kings named Babar Azam captain for the season but have also retained their ex-captain Imad Wasim along with Mohammad Amir – whose category has been rejigged this season to Diamond.Quetta Gladiators player retentions for PSL 2022•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Hasan Ali, who moved to Islamabad United last season, will stay with the franchise with Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shahdab Khan, and Alex Hales the key players retained by the two-time PSL champions. They, however, have traded Iftikhar Ahmed to get Azam Khan from Gladiators. At the draft, United will be picking one each in the Platinum and Diamond categories, and four from the Silver category. They have room to pick two emerging players as well.Qalandars have released Ben Dunk, Samit Patel, Dilbar Hussain, Agha Salman, Joe Denly and Tom Abell. They now have room for three picks from the Gold category, two from Silver, two from emerging and one each from Platinum and Diamond.Lahore Qalandars player retentions for PSL 2022•Getty Images
Peshawar Zalmi, who are in a rebuilding phase, managed to retain eight players with Wahab Raiz and Liam Livingstone as Platinum picks. They have released their all-time leading run-getter Kamran Akmal, but there is a chance that he will be picked back up as a Gold category player in the draft. Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik and Sherfane Rutherford are retained in the Diamond category. They will have space for one Platinum and four Silver category players, and two emerging players.Title holders Multan Sultans retained their best bet Mohammad Rizwan, who was in the Sliver category until last year but has now been elevated to the Platinum category. Riley Rossouw, Imran Tahir, Sohaib Maqsood, Khusdil Shah and Shahnawaz Dahani stay on board, while Chris Lynn, Usman Qadar, Sohail Khan and Adam Lyth have been released. Sultans also traded Shahid Afridi and James Vince to Quetta Gladiators for Diamond and Silver draft picks.Islamabad United player retentions for PSL 2022•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Gladiators kept their faith with Sarfaraz Ahmed who will continue to lead the side. They have released Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis, Tom Banton, Ben Cutting, Usman Shinwari, Cameron Delport and Dale Steyn but retained their core group of local players Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah. They can now pick one Platinum, one Diamond and five Silvers alongside two emerging players.Multan Sultans player retentions for PSL 2022•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
For the first time in PSL, right-to-match cards have been introduced allowing PSL franchises to buy back a maximum of one player that they have released at the draft by paying the respective fee against each category – Platinum (PKR 2.8 million), Diamond (PKR 1.75 million), Gold (PKR 1.4 million), Silver (PKR 0.8 million), Emerging (PKR 0.45 million). Each team is allowed to pick two additional players in the supplementary round. The franchises have the right to exercise one wildcard pick as well.The seventh edition of PSL will begin on January 27, with the draft to be held on December 12 in Lahore. The league, which begins about a month earlier than usual to make room for Australia’s upcoming tour in March-April, will have its final on February 27. Each of the six franchises are allowed to retain as many as eight players from their previous roster and pick another eight in the draft. Players who were picked up as replacements for the Abu Dhabi leg of the PSL earlier this year are not considered in the original roster.Peshawar Zalmi player retentions for PSL 2022•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
The Retentions
Islamabad United (8) – Asif Ali, Hasan Ali (both Platinum), Faheem Ashraf (Diamond), Shadab Khan (Diamond, Brand Ambassador), Alex Hales (Gold, Mentor), Azam Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr (both Gold) and Paul Stirling (Silver)Karachi Kings (8) – Babar Azam, Imad Wasim (both Platinum), Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nabi (both Diamond), Joe Clarke (Gold, Brand Ambassador), Aamir Yamin, Sharjeel Khan (both Gold) and Mohammad Ilyas (Silver)Lahore Qalandars (8) – Rashid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (both Platinum), Haris Rauf (Diamond, Brand Ambassador), David Wiese, Mohammad Hafeez (both Diamond), Ahmed Daniyal, Sohail Akhtar and Zeeshan Ashraf (all Silver)Multan Sultans (7) – Mohammad Rizwan, Rilee Rossouw (both Platinum), Imran Tahir (Diamond, Mentor), Sohaib Maqsood (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold, Brand Ambassador), Shahnawaz Dahani and Shan Masood (both Gold)Peshawar Zalmi (8) – Liam Livingstone, Wahab Riaz (both Platinum), Haider Ali, Sherfane Rutherford, Shoaib Malik (all Diamond), Hussain Talat (Gold), Saqib Mahmood (Gold, Brand Ambassador) and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Silver)Quetta Gladiators (7) – James Vince, Sarfaraz Ahmed (both Platinum), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz (both Diamond), Shahid Afridi (Gold, Mentor), Mohammad Hasnain (Gold, Brand Ambassador) and Naseem Shah (Gold)
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.
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.”
Arsenal were dealt some very worrying news on Saturday, with England confirming that winger Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from international duty through injury.
Bukayo Saka returns to Arsenal after England injury
The Three Lions’ humiliation at the hands of Greece wasn’t the only sorry sight for on-looking Arsenal supporters on Thursday, as fans were given a reason to fear the worst when Saka was substituted early in the second half with pain in his right leg.
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Any hope that this was just a precaution is now blown to the wind, as England announced today that Saka has returned to Arsenal for an assessment on his injury.
The north Londoners – who have already seen Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kai Havertz and Kieran Tierney injured at various points this season – now face the prospect of being without Saka for an extended period.
Bournemouth (away)
October 19
Liverpool (home)
October 27
Newcastle United (away)
November 2
Chelsea (away)
November 10
Nottingham Forest (home)
November 23
During the last international break, Arsenal lost club captain Odegaard through ankle ligament damage, and they now sweat over the fitness of star winger Saka, who is absolutely imperative for manager Mikel Arteta.
There is optimism that Havertz will be available for Bournemouth in their next Premier League game after the makeshift striker withdrew from international duty for Germany. In any case, you could spare a penny for Arteta’s thoughts right now, given he’s in danger of losing two star players through injury over the last two international breaks.
It is too early to say just how long the £195,000-per-week star will be out for or whether he’s even a doubt for Bournemouth, but Saka appeared to pull his hamstring against Greece – so there is reason to believe it could be serious.
In the build-up to this news, Arsenal have been linked with signing a backup option who can come in for Saka when required, and it is believed the Gunners have their eye on Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.
Arsenal chiefs view Semenyo as Saka alternative
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal view Semenyo as an alternative to Saka, with Arteta a personal admirer of the former Bristol City star.
The 24-year-old – who’s started this season in impressive fashion with three goals and an assist across eight games in all competitions – has been praised for his form by teammates and pundits alike.
“As a team, we knew the quality he has and we saw that last year,” said teammate Lewis Cook at the start of October.
“He’s got to just keep working hard – being aggressive and being clinical. He’s got a lot better at running back and helping out the team too. He’s a powerful lad and has all the ability in the world. Hopefully, he can continue to show that.”
While this transfer would most likely be for next summer, it is clear that Arsenal need quality options in case star men like Saka become unavailable. Semenyo could fit the bill in this regard, with Jamie Redknapp also praising the Ghanaian this season.
“He’s a lovely footballer to watch,” said Redknapp on Premier League Productions.
“The manager’s taken him to another level, he obviously has that capability because you saw it with Solanke. I’m just seeing him elevate his game right now, we’ll talk about ‘why does that happen?’, a lot of it is purely on confidence.
“He looks like he’s enjoying his football, his shoulders are back, he’s relaxed, every time he gets it, he plays with a bit of a swagger. He’s actually a joy to watch right now.”
O diretor de futebol do São Paulo, Carlos Belmonte, atualizou a negociação do Tricolor com o meia-atacante Soteldo, do Toronto. As tratativas são difíceis pelos valores envolvidos e a grave crise financeira que o clube vive.
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Segundo Belmonte, o São Paulo consultou equipe canadense por Soteldo, mas com o veto de um empréstimo e a possibilidade somente de compra, as conversas esfriaram. No entanto, Belmonte disse que a negociação não está descartada.
– Soteldo e um jogador que foi para os Estados Unidos. Tivemos uma informação inicialmente, que o Toronto tinha a intenção de emprestá-lo, a partir dessa intenção que chegou a nós tivemos contatos. Conversamos com eles e soubemos que não havia essa intenção, apenas saída em definitivo. Sabemos da nossa situação financeira e esfriou um pouco. Mas não está descartada – disse o dirigente, ao programa ‘G4’ do Band Sports.
A situação do venezuelano é difícil. Soteldo recebe cerca de R$ 2 milhões por mês e não tem intenção de baixar os seus vencimentos. Somente uma composição financeira com um parceiro pode possibilitar a chagada de Soteldo com esse salário. Por isso, o São Paulo vê o negócio como complicado.