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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.

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.”

MatériaMais Notícias

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.

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Amid such a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign, Everton reportedly failed to sign a midfield reinforcement for Sean Dyche late on in the summer transfer window after exploring a move.

Everton transfer news

Eased past by Brighton & Hove Albion, smashed by Tottenham Hotspur, and shocked by last-gasp Bournemouth, Everton couldn't have asked for a worse start to the season.

The Toffees looked on course to secure their first three points of the season at the third time of asking after gaining a commanding 2-0 lead over Bournemouth, only for the Cherries to begin their comeback in the 87th minute and end it with victory in the 94th in astonishing fashion.

Those at Goodison Park are heading towards another relegation battle and one they might not survive this time around, forcing them to look back on their summer window as a case of what might have been, especially in pursuit of one player.

According to talkSPORT, Everton failed in a late move to sign Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina, who sanctioned a loan move to Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in the end instead.

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The midfielder spent last season on loan at Manchester United and Erik ten Hag was reportedly blocked by the club's new hierarchy under Sir Jim Ratcliffe from attempting a reunion of his own this summer. Opening the door for Everton, the Toffees could have found a last-gasp replacement for Amadou Onana, only to fail in their attempts.

An experienced international who initially stole the headlines at the Qatar World Cup, Amrabat would have been a shrewd signing to end Everton's summer business.

"Important" Amrabat could have replaced Onana

Replacing Onana was never an easy task for Everton in the summer transfer window, but they would have been wise to go for experience over the risk of youth in Tim Iroegbunam. And that should have led them to Amrabat's signature. The midfielder ticks that box and should still be at the peak of his powers at 28 years old.

Premier League stats 23/24 per 90 (via FBref)	Sofyan Amrabat	Amadou Onana
Progressive Passes	6.35	4.61
Tackles Won	1.54	1.64
Ball Recoveries	5.77	6.90
Progressive Carries	0.58	0.91

Whilst still a level below Onana, Amrabat's ability to progress play as well as his work off the ball would have left Everton in far better stead than the replacements that Dyche has instead been handed for the Belgian.

Amrabat earned the praise of Manchester United boss Ten Hag last season, with the Dutchman saying via The Metro: "I think he played a very good game. Very important for us in the pressing and the counter-press. He’s doing a really good job keeping the team together, keeping the team compact and we had good moments to press, to control the game."

Despite that praise and those aforementioned numbers, however, Everton's move came too little too late to benefit and land a replacement for Onana.

England overcome Hasan Ali five-for to win by 52 runs to take series with game to spare

George Dobell10-Jul-2021
England have wrapped up the Royal London ODI series against Pakistan with a game to spare following a 52-run victory over Pakistan at Lord’s.Despite being without their first-choice squad, despite being put into bat in conditions which Ben Stokes described as “lovely to bowl in” and despite subsiding to 160 for 7 with 20 overs of their innings remaining, England won this game with something to spare. Having won the first match ODI in Cardiff by nine wickets, it means they go into the final game at Edgbaston on Tuesday with an unassailable 2-0 lead.It bears repetition that this is a highly proficient Pakistan side. Going into this series they had lost just one of their most recent 12 completed ODIs and, had they won this game convincingly, they could have risen to second place in the World Cup Super League. To beat them at any time is an achievement; to beat them without the use of at least 20 of your best players is another demonstration of England’s current depth in limited-overs resources.The defining passage of play probably came late in England’s innings. When Lewis Gregory and Brydon Carse came together, England had just lost three wickets for four runs and were precariously placed at 160 for 7. At that stage, a total of 200 looked unlikely.But the pair added 69 in 77 balls – a record eighth-wicket partnership at Lord’s in ODI cricket – to drag England to what proved to be a competitive total on a Lord’s surface offering assistance to both seam and spin bowlers. While any highlights package might focus on Gregory’s boundaries – one of them, driven through the covers on the up off Hasan Ali would have pleased any batter – the pair also ran impressively, putting pressure on the Pakistan fielders.While England were still bowled out with 10 deliveries unused – rain which delayed the start of the match by 90 minutes also reduced this to a 47-overs a side affair – their final total (247) was slightly better than that set in the first innings of the most recent ODI played on this ground: the 2019 World Cup final when New Zealand managed 241 for 8. And, as we know, that proved highly competitive.Related

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Modest though England’s total may look, it should probably have been far fewer. With both Dawid Malan, drawn into flashing at one angled across him, and Zak Crawley, late on a yorker, falling for ducks, England were 21 for 2 at the start of their innings with Hasan and Shaheen Shah Afridi threatening. But Pakistan’s support bowlers were unable to sustain the pressure, squandering the help in the surface by bowling too wide and too short.At one stage, with Faheem Ashraf conceding four boundaries in an over – and three in succession – to Phil Salt, England plundered seven fours in 11 deliveries. In partnership with James Vince, Salt added 97 for England’s third wicket helping them bring up the 100 in just 13.1 overs. It was the fastest any side had reached 100 in an ODI at Lord’s since India did so in 13.1 overs in 2002. On a pitch on which run-scoring proved difficult, the 99 runs conceded from the 15 overs from Faheem and Haris Rauf was a key difference between the sides.For while England’s opening bowlers also made inroads – Saqib Mahmood again proving dangerous and defeating Babar Azam with one that seamed in and Mohammad Rizwan with one that seamed away – they won far better support from their colleagues. Craig Overton earned the wicket of Fakhar Zaman by allowing him to scored two from the 14 balls he bowled at him and finally nipping one back through the gate, while Carse bowled with impressive pace.Hasan Ali took a five-wicket haul•PA Photos/Getty ImagesEngland’s batters also deserve credit, though. For while there was a time when, confronted with such conditions, a batting side might be expected to react with caution, those days have gone. Certainly when England are batting. Instead Salt threw his hands at almost everything he received. And if there was some rust amid the diamonds – a dropped chance here; an inside edge that whistled past the stumps there – the aggression of the approach appeared to wrong-foot Pakistan’s support bowlers, in particular.Perhaps the highest-class batting of the day came from Vince. While he, too, was aggressive, he looked just a little more controlled when coming down the wicket to drive the seamers through the covers or latching on to the resultant short ball with powerful pull strokes. Salt’s maiden ODI fifty took 41 balls; Vince’s second in ODIs took just 36 balls.While Stokes, presented with a cap to commemorate his 100th ODI cap by Ashley Giles ahead of the game, flourished briefly, his attempt to dance down the wicket and thrash Hasan into the stand resulted in a lost off stump. With Hasan then angling one past the defence of John Simpson and Overton edging an intermediate prod, the bowler had taken three wickets in nine legitimate balls without conceding a run off the bat. His final figures – 5 for 51 – were the best by a Pakistan bowler in an ODI at Lord’s. For a man playing just his third ODI since the World Cup due to injury, it also represented a terrific comeback.At that stage, it looked as if Pakistan would keep England below 200. But Gregory and Carse gave their side some hope. And when Gregory followed up with the early wicket of Imam-ul-Haq at the start of the reply, the value of their partnership was put in perspective.There were encouraging moments for Pakistan. Saud Shakeel, in just his second ODI, looked composed and capable in making a maiden half-century while Hasan took 22 from four balls (a four and then three successive sixes) from Matt Parkinson.But by the time Simpson, anticipating Faheem’s sweep and slipping down the leg-side, held on to a superb catch off the face of the bat, it was clear it was to be England’s day. Some of these England players may not appear in a lot more international cricket – there’s no way the likes of Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes get left out of a first-choice side – they will have warm memories of the day they won England a series in front of a full house at Lord’s.

Leeds United's lacklustre start to the new season continued away in the Midlands on Saturday afternoon, Daniel Farke's men left to take a point from the Hawthorns following a 0-0 draw with West Brom.

To be honest, it was a pretty decent point considering what's happened over the last week.

Leeds drew 3-3 with Portsmouth on the opening day before being hammered by Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup in midweek as they shipped six goals in their opening two matches for the first time since 1959. Yeah…it's not great, is it?

Then came the hammer blow of losing Georginio Rutter and his absence was more than felt this weekend. Leeds had just six touches in the opposition box, the lowest throughout Farke's entire managerial career.

Going into the break, they only had a 50% pass accuracy in the final third. It makes for grim reading.

The latest on Rutter's future

Just hours after Leeds had suffered defeat to Boro, it was confirmed that Brighton had activated Rutter's £40m release clause.

It was heartbreaking, it was anguish, particularly for a fan base who have already seen Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville walk through the exit door.

So, when will Rutter be confirmed? Well, Farke admitted during his pre-match press conference that he had already said his goodbyes to the squad.

Leeds paid £25m for him in 2023 so they are making a mighty fine profit on the player. That said, the prize of reaching the Premier League would bring even greater riches and they may well struggle to get there now without the Frenchman and Summerville.

Joel Piroe was the man to replace Rutter against the Baggies on Saturday but didn't take his chance to shine in a worrying display.

Piroe's performance in numbers

The Dutchman has rather flattered to deceive since being signed from Swansea City last summer.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Piroe registered a haul of 16 goals and three assists, but struggled in the number 10 role, despite 50% of his strikes coming from that position in the team.

As a result, it was frustrating for supporters to see Piroe selected in that area of the field again against West Brom.

Hauled off after 64 minutes for Joe Rothwell, he vacated the pitch having had 23 touches, far fewer than goalkeeper Illan Meslier's 49 touches.

The 25-year-old registered a dismal haul of just six passes, of which none created a goalscoring opportunity. For someone playing a role such as Piroe's, you should be expected to create. After all, Rutter ended last term with 16 assists, 13 more than his Dutch colleague.

Piroe vs West Brom
Minutes played	64
Goals	0
Assists	0
xG	0.33
Accurate passes	6/10
Key passes	0
Crosses	0
Shots off target	2
Shots on target	0
Dribbles	0/2
Ground duels won	1/6
Aerial duels won	0/2
Possession lost	13x
Stats via Sofascore.

To make matters worse, the former Swansea man ceded possession 13 times and won just one of his eight duels.

The attacker was subsequently slated after the game as he was handed a 4/10 match rating by journalist Beren Cross who described his outing as 'a familiar and poor display' which 'left a lot to be desired'.

Leeds could also lose Willy Gnonto this summer

So, it wasn't a great audition from Piroe as Farke attempts to solve the Rutter-shaped hole in his side.

It's a long old season and Leeds will surely improve but the omens are not good if an internal solution is sought in that number 10 role. For their next clash, the manager must try something else and put Piroe back on the bench.

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Australia’s batting fell away from a solid platform then a century stand took the game away

Daniel Brettig07-Mar-2021New Zealand 143 for 3 (Guptill 71, Conway 36, Phillips 34*, Meredith 2-39) beat Australia 142 for 8 (Wade 44, Finch 36, Sodhi 3-24, Boult 2-26) by 7 wicketsA dreadful finish to Australia’s innings opened the way for New Zealand to rumble to a seven-wicket victory and a 3-2 T20I series triumph, as Martin Guptill and Devon Conway finished the bout the way they had started it in Christchurch.A pair of wins in spectator-free games had allowed Australia to turn up for the final game with a chance to win from 0-2 down, but on a sunny Sunday afternoon with a crowd again present, Kane Williamson’s side scotched early momentum enjoyed by the visitors when Matthew Wade and Aaron Finch were in harness to completely dominate the closing overs and leave a target of just 143 to win. Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner and Trent Boult all made valuable contributions.Guptill and Conway, joining forces as openers, then powered to a stand worth 101 to mean that a rapid second spell from Riley Meredith was nowhere near enough to prevent the match and series going comfortably New Zealand’s way. Having been eliminated from the World Test Championship final by India’s victory over England the night before, it has not been a happy 24 hours for the Australians.Wade roused by his demotionOn a surface that promised to be tired by its third consecutive use for a T20I, Finch was very happy to bat first, but with one significant change: switching Josh Philippe up to open and demoting Wade to No. 3 after four underwhelming games. The move did not work out for Philippe, who took a huge swing at his first ball from Boult and was extremely lbw as it swung back just enough down the line of the stumps, but it had the effect of rousing Wade into action.Finding the boundary on either side of the wicket, and taking his runs with equal alacrity off pace and spin, Wade allowed Finch to bat comfortably in his slipstream, and at 74 for 1 in the 10th over a tally of at least 160 beckoned. Even after Finch fell, cutting Sodhi, and Glenn Maxwell picked out deep backward square leg second ball, Australia were well placed at 99 for 3 with seven overs remaining – or so it seemed.Australians swing themselves off their feetIn addition to Philippe, the tourists also elected to promote Ashton Agar to join Wade, but the shuffling did not aid their efforts to build a second set of momentum in the closing overs. Wade found himself starved of the strike once wickets began to fall, and while still seeing the ball well, ended up miscuing a Boult knuckle-ball from the bottom of the bat to find deep midwicket. Marcus Stoinis and Agar threatened briefly, but upon being presented with consecutive friendly full tosses from Sodhi, both found fielders.Mitchell Marsh averted a full tosses hat-trick, and clumped one big blow beyond wide of long-on, but when he was comprehensively yorked by Tim Southee after an ordinary start to the final over, the innings had slipped well away from Australia in terms even of putting up a total beyond 150. The tally for the final seven overs of the innings was to read 43 runs at a cost of five wickets, a strong endorsement of the way Williamson marshalled his bowlers and fielders to frustrate Australia after such a promising start.Martin Guptill regularly peppered the Wellington boundary•Getty Images

Guptill, Conway take controlThe day’s second change in opening partnerships had Conway promoted to start New Zealand’s chase alongside Guptill. This time, the fresh union was to prove decisive to the match and the series, as they were not parted until New Zealand had 100 on the board and a small Wellington crowd dancing in the aisles. There was some useful assistance for spin, and Meredith’s speed was again considerable, but Guptill and Conway got themselves set before launching with telling effect.Thirteen came from the third over, 11 from the fifth, 12 from the sixth and then a monumental 23 from the ninth twirled down by Adam Zampa, including a Guptill six that landed on the “cake tin” lid, aka the roof of the stands. A partnership ultimately worth 101 before Conway’s exit provided a more than useful extra option for New Zealand in terms of their thinking for the T20 World Cup later this year: Conway, though, seems adept at most batting tasks.Meredith’s speed can’t turn the gameFinch brought back Meredith for a final tilt at the rush of wickets needed to turn the game, and the swift Tasmanian was at least able to have plenty of watchers take notice by grabbing two in as many balls. Conway’s slice to deep point was only partly to do with the bowler, but the fast off cutter that pinned Williamson in front of leg stump – meaning Meredith had dismissed the New Zealand captain twice in three balls this series – will be remembered by the Australia selectors.Glenn Phillips’ first few balls from Meredith were also uncomfortable for their sheer pace, but once New Zealand’s No. 4 got used to the velocity, he was able to respond with shots that meant the fast bowler’s analysis was a seemingly unexceptional 2 for 39. That left the stage clear for the finish, as Phillips delivered the series to his side after Guptill fell, swatting Zampa for two sixes in three balls to win with 28 balls to spare.