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Manchester United got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory away from home against Crystal Palace. The Red Devils struggled in the first half and went into the break a goal down, but an energetic performance in the second 45 minutes, combined with two smart goals, ensured they got all three points.

Indeed, it was a penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta which gave the Eagles a lead. Leny Yoro made a clumsy tackle in the penalty area, with the Palace striker eventually slotting home from 12 yards. He was asked to retake his initial kick after striking the ball against his standing foot.

United came out with far more energy in the second half, and it only took them nine minutes before they managed to equalise. Joshua Zirkzee scored his first Premier League goal in almost a year to pull things level.

United’s winner came from Mason Mount, who bagged his second goal of the season. It was a good effort, with Bruno Fernandes laying a free kick into his path and Mount slotting home through a disjointed Palace wall.

The Englishman’s strike was enough to win United the game. There were some standout performances, with Zirkzee someone who played particularly well.

How Zirkzee downed Crystal Palace

It has not been the easiest season for Netherlands international Zirkzee. Saturday lunchtime at Selhurst Park felt like a big moment, and, after a first half where he struggled to get into the game, he certainly took his chance.

The goal from the attacker was simply sensational. He also got on the end of a Fernandes freekick, bringing the ball down on his chest before smashing a volley across goal into the far corner. It was a sublime strike from a man who needed a goal.

However, it was not just the goal from Zirkzee which stood out. His second-half showing was described as “amazing” by Alice Talks Footy over on X, with the United number 11 constantly linking up play, showing off his exceptional technical ability with clever touches.

Indeed, his numbers at full-time show just how well he played. Zirkzee had 50 touches of the ball, completing 14 passes in the opposition half and creating one chance. He also won eight duels and made three ball recoveries.

It was a brilliant second-half showing from the United striker, who will now be hoping to kick on. As well as he played, one of his Red Devils teammates was arguably better.

Man Utd star outshines Zirkzee vs Palace

One of the real standouts for United against the Eagles was Luke Shaw. Making his 300th appearance for the Red Devils, Shaw continued his good form this season on the left of Amorim’s back three.

The United number 23 made some key defensive contributions, including a crunching tackle to stop Eddie Nketiah from getting a shot off in the first half. He also made three interceptions, ball recoveries and clearances in a strong performance.

Touches

78

Pass accuracy

87%

Duels won

3/6

Clearances

3

Interceptions

3

Ball recoveries

3

Blocks

1

Indeed, one person who rated Shaw’s efforts in South London was Goal journalist Calum Preston Kelly. He gave the Englishman a 7/10 for his afternoon’s work and praised him for the fact that he “defended strongly” against Oliver Glasner’s men.

Just last game, Gary Neville said Shaw is a “waste of time” in a United squad. Yet, after a statement showing at Selhurst Park, it is easy to see that the defender could be considered an undroppable member of the squad.

There is plenty of competition for places in that left centre-back role, too. Shaw was replaced with minutes remaining in the game by Lisandro Martinez, and his return could perhaps have signalled the end of the Englishman’s run in the starting lineup.

Yet, after a performance like that, it is hard to see Amorim dropping one of his most experienced players. Shaw was crucial in United keeping Palace at bay from open play, and looks undroppable ahead of a busy festive period.

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Manchester United have landed a star who could reach the next level under Ruben Amorim.

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Greaves and Roach stayed put for 68.1 overs to deny New Zealand and eke out a miraculous draw

Abhijato Sensarma06-Dec-20251:01

Chase: Roach is a modern-day legend

Strong winds make impressions on the sweaters worn by New Zealand’s players. Creases on their foreheads make a bigger one. The sun is out, shadows lengthen, and they are being made to sweat.Cricket’s most aesthetic miracles end in victory against the odds – Kolkata 2001, Edgbaston 2005, Gabba 2021 to pick three from this century. High drama and tense finishes. Christchurch 2025 is different.West Indies are 72 for 4, chasing 531, before tea on the fourth day. Defeat appears inevitable. Shai Hope and Justin Greaves survive until stumps. Normal service resumes when Hope and the No. 7 Tevin Imlach fall quickly on the final morning. Kemar Roach joins Greaves. They begin to bat, and bat.Related

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For the next session and a half, they survive on a pitch without much jeopardy. The odds of a draw increase ever so gradually; the faintest glimmer of a shot at victory. West Indies need 132 in the final session of the final day, but are one wicket away from it all crashing down. A crowd of a few hundred around the lush banks at Hagley Oval is watching.Across the Tasman, thousands are watching Test cricket in fast-forward at the Gabba. If Bazball is aesthetic for some, Australia are responding with their own brand of break-neck batting. Roach, however, has not scored for 72 balls. At some point during this passage of play, he survives an appeal for caught behind to a Michael Bracewell delivery spinning away from off stump, and is saved because New Zealand have no reviews left. Soon, a ball from Zak Foulkes rises at him. He gets inside the line – almost in a tangle – and somehow pushes it to mid-on.Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach helped West Indies pull off an epic draw•Getty ImagesNew Zealand will not be breaching his defences today.At some point in the final session, as the rest of the cricket world begins to wake up to the possibilities in Christchurch, it becomes evident West Indies are playing for a draw. Like the summit of a mountain, 531 is within sight, but it’s farther and more fraught with risk than it appears to those on the outside. Fatigue is physical and mental, and focus is fragile.Roach deadbats deliveries. The pitch is placid but once in a while a ball rips in from the footmarks outside off to threaten the stumps or the edge, forcing the batter into coming forward to block. At other times, he contorts into positions that keep the bat face tilted down, knocking the ball into the pitch.Defence becomes an all-encompassing routine: eyes on ball, move your feet, keep head still, pat it down, repeat. No matter whether you need one run to win, or a couple hundred, you defend the same. The ball yields no result beyond an annotation for itself: it’s a , an acknowledgment of the inability to – or intent not to – score off it.Turbo-charged batting influenced by white-ball formats has contributed to some memorable Tests in recent years, but this match has entered a meditative space unique to the five-day format – the aesthetic of attrition. Roach is on 53 for the longest time… and suddenly, 54. He keeps meeting the ball with the full face of the bat anyway. His contortions do not matter as much as the fact that he is running down the overs.1:36

Did West Indies think of going for the win on the last day?

At the other end is Greaves, taller, with a higher back-lift, and a more solid defence, inching towards a double-century. New Zealand’s bowlers pull back their lengths. Greaves plays with a long stride, and brings his bat down with flair, almost like a full-frontal chop.He too has pared back his scoring options as the overs go by. New Zealand start bringing fielders in as the danger of defeat recedes. For Roach, there are four close catchers on the corners of the small box around him. Once in a while, ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ are heard: a close chance at short leg, a ball drifting in padded away, the faint hopes of a fainter edge.The final hour begins. West Indies are 96 away with four wickets in hand. Greaves on 185, Roach on 53. No Bazball batting here. Spectators stroll beyond the boundary, a child stretches out on his father’s shoulders, and out in the middle they block.After another incidental run, an announcement is heard that West Indies have achieved the second highest fourth-innings total in Test history – 452. It’s received with a ripple of applause. Greaves and Roach gently bump fists in the middle. They have climbed a summit no one else has this century.Justin Greaves scored his maiden double hundred in Tests•Getty ImagesGreaves gets to his own landmark in the penultimate over of the match – off a rare full delivery, sliced over backward point. For once, the ball means something beyond survival. He takes off his helmet, bumps fists with his partner, and acknowledges his dressing room. He’s only the seventh man to make a double hundred in the fourth innings of a Test.They remain unbeaten for 68.1 overs. Greaves for 388 deliveries, Roach for 233. West Indies finish 74 short of the target, but their victory is in 163.3 overs survived.Let’s stay with them for this one last ball. Rachin Ravindra jogs in. His delivery is short of a length, sliding across off. Greaves moves back, head still, eyes on the ball, offering the full face of the bat for one final time.The shadows are now long in Christchurch. Greaves and Roach take off their helmets and gloves and embrace near the pitch. It’s still a sunny evening. A strong wind makes impressions on their jerseys. And as they begin walking towards their team-mates in the dressing room, the creases on their foreheads are gone.

CA said the incident occurred when the players were walking to a cafe on Thursday

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Oct-2025

Australia are playing their last two league matches in Indore•ICC via Getty Images

Two Australian players were “touched inappropriately” by a motorcyclist in Indore, where they played South Africa in their final league game of the Women’s World Cup on Saturday. The incident occurred while the players were walking to a cafe on Thursday, the morning after Australia’s victory against England in Indore.”CA can confirm two members of the Australian Women’s team were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe in Indore,” Cricket Australia said in a statement. “The matter was reported by team security to police, who are handling the matter.”Rajesh Dandotiya, the additional district commissioner of police, Indore crime branch, said they had made an arrest. “The security in-charge manager of the Australian team registered a complaint about inappropriate behaviour against two players. We carried out an intensive strategic operation and arrested the culprit, Aqeel. He belongs to Khajrana but now lives in Azad Nagar. He has an old criminal record.”The Indore Police Commissionerate held a meeting with the stakeholders, BCCI and MPCA, after which security protocols were put in place. We are examining where the security protocol was breached. The incident happened on October 23 around 11am and within the next six hours, we carried out an intensive strategic operation and arrested the culprit. The incident happened when they were headed to a cafe from hotel Radisson.”Devajit Saikia, BCCI secretary, described the incident as “very condemnable” and assured to “revisit our safety protocols if required.”The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) said in a statement that it was “deeply pained and shocked by the disturbing incident of misconduct and inappropriate behaviour with two players from the Australian Women’s Cricket Team in Indore. No woman should ever have to endure such trauma, and our thoughts and support are with those impacted by this distressing incident. This unfortunate event has deeply affected everyone from MPCA who cherishes the values of respect, safety, and dignity of women. It is truly inspiring to see the players rise above this painful experience and continue to compete with courage and determination, carrying the pride of their nation on their shoulders in the match against South Africa.”Over the years, Indore has earned a proud reputation as a safe venue for the visiting teams and dignitaries from other fields. It is deeply painful that the disorderly action of one individual has caused such harm and cast a shadow over the city’s image. As the host, MPCA extends sincere apologies to the Australian Women’s team for this deeply distressing and unfortunate incident while in our city known for safety, grace, and hospitality.”Australia ended the league stage on top of the World Cup points table and will play India in the second semi-final on October 30 in Navi Mumbai. South Africa will travel to Guwahati to play England in the first semi-final on October 29.

Celtic have just under two weeks to find their long-term successor to Brendan Rodgers in the dugout at Parkhead before the end of the international break.

Martin O’Neill has been in interim charge for the last four matches in all competitions, winning three of them, but he may have managed his last game for the club if they can find a permanent head coach in the coming days.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph recently claimed that Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy has emerged as one of the contenders to replace Rodgers in Glasgow.

Celtic considering move for title-winning manager

The French MLS head coach is not the only name under consideration during this international break, though, as they are also looking at a title-winning boss who would be an upgrade on Nancy.

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According to Sky Sports, Celtic have drawn up a shortlist that includes several of the usual suspects, including Nancy, Kieran McKenna, Craig Bellamy, and Kjetil Knutsen.

The report claims that Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen is also one of the tacticians on their radar, as they consider who they want to replace Rodgers this season.

It remains to be seen who they will decide to pursue as their number one target, at this moment in time, but Hayen could be a much better option than Nancy for the Hoops.

Why Nicky Hayen would be a better option than Wilfried Nancy for Celtic

The 4-2-3-1 head coach could be an upgrade on the Columbus Crew manager for Celtic because of his experience in European football and his superior domestic performances.

Per Transfermarkt, Nancy has averaged 1.70 points per game over 169 MLS matches in his career. He also ended the 2025 campaign with a points per game average of 1.59, winning 14 and losing eight of his 34 games.

Meanwhile, per Transfermarkt, Hayen has averaged 2.00 points per game across 83 matches as Club Brugge’s permanent manager, after averaging 2.21 points per game in 14 outings as their caretaker before landing the permanent job.

The Pro League boss, who was described as “tactically unbeatable” by one scout on X, has also won three trophies, including a league title, since the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

Meanwhile, Nancy has won one trophy, the MLS Cup, since the start of 2023, which suggests that Hayen would be the better option out of the pair when looking for domestic success in the Scottish Premiership.

Nicky Hayen’s European record

Stats

Conference League

Champions League

Matches

4

15

Wins

2

6

Draws

1

2

Losses

1

7

Points per game

1.75

1.33

Best finish

Semi-finals

Last 16

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the Club Brugge head coach has also had success on the European stage, going further in the Conference League and the Champions League than Rodgers ever did across his two spells at Parkhead with Celtic.

These statistics suggest that Hayen would help the Hoops to compete on the European stage, as he has proven that he can coach at that level, whilst Nancy has only ever coached in the MLS and has no prior experience in the Europa League, Conference League, or Champions League.

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Therefore, the Club Brugge boss could be a much better option for the Scottish giants than Nancy, because their respective careers suggest that he has a higher chance of being a success domestically and on the European stage.

After Paris Saint-Germain hard-fought 3-2 win over Lyon, manager Luis Enrique hinted at possible January transfer activity but admitted that “very few players” could actually improve the reigning European champions. While praising the team’s resilience and Warren Zaire-Emery’s growing influence, Enrique stressed the need for defensive refinement, even as PSG’s new wage model and sustainable transfer strategy redefine how the club operates.

PSG edge Lyon in tense encounter as Enrique calls for ‘resilience’

PSG reclaimed the top spot in Ligue 1 after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Lyon, sealed by Joao Neves’ stoppage-time header. The contest, filled with quick goals and controversy, showcased PSG’s offensive sharpness but also exposed defensive lapses that Enrique was quick to highlight.

The decisive moment came deep into injury time when Neves converted a corner to give PSG the win, moments after Lyon’s Nicolas Tagliafico was sent off for a reckless challenge on Vitinha, a decision that sparked post-match protests from Lyon players and staff.

Speaking after the match, Enrique said, “Resilience is what I wanted to see. We fought until the end, but we need to defend better. Both goals came from poor alignment. You can’t push the line up when there’s no pressure on the ball.” Despite defensive flaws, he commended his squad’s mentality and composure in closing out the win.

AdvertisementAFPEnrique hints at January plans

Addressing questions about the upcoming January transfer window, Enrique struck a measured tone. He reaffirmed that PSG are “always open to strengthening,” but emphasised the difficulty of finding players capable of elevating an already elite squad. “Reinforcing a team of this quality is very difficult. There are very few players who can truly strengthen this team,” he said.

"We have complete confidence in our current players. We won't make any signings if someone else thinks we need them. We clearly hope to have a well-thought-out team and a balanced squad. There are many young players who can develop and contribute even more."

Among potential targets, PSG have been linked with Barcelona’s Eric Garcia, a player Enrique knows well from his time as Spain’s manager. PSG are reportedly preparing a €5 million winter bid, though Barcelona remain hesitant to sell. The 24-year-old’s tactical intelligence and composure on the ball fit Enrique’s possession-oriented system, particularly given injuries to key defenders like Achraf Hakimi.

PSG building smarter, not flashier

Under sporting director Luis Campos, PSG have undergone a major philosophical shift. Gone are the days of splashy, high-salary signings; the club now focuses on sustainable spending and versatile players who fit Enrique’s tactical model. Campos has worked to flatten the wage structure, introducing merit-based pay tied to performance and appearances rather than star status.

Campos explained that the new policy ensures “you earn more when you deserve it, when you play.” This change was central to Gianluigi Donnarumma’s departure in summer 2025, as his salary demands exceeded the club’s revised framework. Campos defended the decision, stating, “Donnarumma wanted a PSG that no longer exists. The club is now more important than any player.”

The result is a leaner, more cohesive squad built around tactical flexibility. Even without marquee transfers, PSG maintain depth across positions and rely on internal development to sustain success. The approach reflects a broader modernisation trend in elite football, where financial discipline and squad balance outweigh individual star power.

Campos and Enrique’s collaboration ensures that signings now serve a clear tactical purpose, a stark contrast to the past era of impulse buys driven by branding and marketing value.

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AFPPSG’s new balance hangs on success, sustainability, and long-term vision

PSG’s victory over Lyon underscored the balance the club is striving for, excellence on the pitch paired with responsibility off it. Despite injuries and fixture congestion, the team remains competitive at the top of Ligue 1 and continues to show resilience in crunch moments.

Coach Enrique, while pleased with the win, maintains that PSG “must keep improving,” particularly in defensive transitions. His emphasis on structure, discipline, and adaptability mirrors the club’s broader off-field restructuring under Campos.

After the Lyon match, Enrique summed up the club’s direction succinctly: “We’re happy to be at the top, but it’s not enough. We want to play better, defend better, and grow together. The goal is not just to win, it’s to build something lasting.”

It would be easy to say that this is becoming a season to forget for Liverpool, but Arne Slot’s Reds have in actual fact sunk so low that this wretched campaign will be seared into the fanbase’s memory for years to come.

The Premier League champions have lost nine of their past 12 matches in all competitions, including twice at Anfield in a space of just five days. This is beyond concerning: this is a calamity.

For all the mitigating circumstances at the Merseyside club, there is simply no excuse for the lack of fight and intensity that fans have watched all too often since the summer, Liverpool having established themselves as title winners and broken the summer spending record.

Alexander Isak is the most expensive player in British history, joining Liverpool from Newcastle United for £125m on deadline day.

His only goal since joining came against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. The Sweden striker has not integrated well, though it’s not exactly easy to dovetail into this current Liverpool side.

He needs more support, and that’s why sporting director Richard Hughes is surveying the market for a new wide forward to replace Mohamed Salah.

Why Liverpool want to replace Mohamed Salah

Salah’s struggles this season must be viewed through a wide and balanced lens. The 33-year-old has been wildly out of sorts, but he’s ageing, grieving the passing of his teammate Diogo Jota and playing a tweaked role now that Liverpool have signed big-money strikers.

Taking all this into consideration, he’s still struggling to perform to the expected level. This is perhaps why Liverpool are gearing up for winter bid for Bournemouth’s versatile forward Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65m release clause.

But should Liverpool be aiming higher? After all, they need to land an elite winger who will succeed in rekindling Isak’s world-class quality.

Well, they may have found their man in Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, with Spanish sources suggesting that Liverpool are prepared to fight for the 23-year-old’s signature next summer.

Olise joined Bayern from Crystal Palace in 2024 and has since staked his claim as one of the most exciting forwards in the business. Vincent Kompany’s side know this and will demand a staggering €140m (equating to £122m) sum for his sale.

Arsenal and Manchester United are also keen, so Hughes had better roll up his sleeves.

Why Liverpool should sign Michael Olise

It might have been an unhappy return to English shores for Olise this week as his Bayern team were beaten 3-1 at the Emirates, but the right winger still caught the eye, completing three dribbles and winning eight duels.

A fully-fledged member of Didier Deschamps’ France set-up, Olise has proven himself across a range of different levels, and now he is ready to take the baton from Salah and become a superstar at Anfield.

Should Salah find a purple patch within him once again, the fact remains that his £400k-per-week contract expires at the end of next season, and Liverpool are somewhat short of options on that flank.

The two could cohabit on Liverpool’s attacking flank next season, and Olise has the athleticism and output to ensure Isak reminds everyone that he is “the best striker in the Premier League”, as he was hailed by Jamie Carragher for his form with Newcastle during the 2024/25 campaign.

Olise ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists and shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive passes and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, data via FBref.

Harry Kane is a very different type of number nine to Isak, but the Sweden international’s more energetic and mobile playing style might actually give rise to Olise’s finest creative qualities.

Indeed, Isak is fast and furious, skilful on the ball. His ability to split lines open with cleverly-timed runs would play into Olise’s playmaking.

Hailed as “one of the best wingers in the world” by podcaster Henry Swain, Olise would be taking Salah’s place on the right, whereas Isak is tussling for a starting berth with Hugo Ekitike, who also joined Liverpool this summer.

Should the Reds succeed in adding Olise to their ranks, he has the potential to become their star forward. This is quite a claim, Isak, Ekitike and Florian Wirtz are among the attacking options at Slot’s disposal, after all.

But it’s the truth. Here is a player whose proven ability across so many different areas underscores his quality. He is artful on the ball and combative and physical when he needs to be. Isak might have proven himself in front of goal in the Premier League, but his start to life on Merseyside shows that he has weaknesses within his game.

25/26

5 (4)

0 + 1

24/25

34 (34)

23 + 6

23/24

30 (27)

21 + 2

22/23

22 (17)

10 + 2

Olise, after all, has recorded 62 goal contributions from only 74 matches for the German giants, and that after enjoying a talismanic role at Selhurst Park with Palace.

Toward the end of the 2023/24 campaign, Carragher spoke on Sky Sports of Eberechi Eze and Olise’s brilliance for Oliver Glasner’s Palace. He said those Eagles would fly high at top clubs in the Champions League.

The pundit was right. Olise is a superstar, and given his Premier League and European experience, his flair and gusto, he would be the perfect right-sided forward to take Salah’s place and combine with a striker like Isak to fire Liverpool back into the ascendancy – and keep them there.

But given his potential to succeed Salah, and unenviable task if ever there was one, Olise might even prove a better deal than Isak, whose success perhaps runs counter to Ekitike’s own long-term ambitions at the front of the Anfield ship.

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Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy was left to rue missed chances after his team lost 2-1 to Hearts at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership in his first game in the dugout.

Speaking after the match, in the clip below, the French boss blamed a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal and a lack of combination play in the final third after a bright first-half showing.

With the January transfer window just around the corner, the former MLS boss may already be thinking about the areas of his squad that he wants to improve ahead of the second half of the season.

Celtic plotting move to sign Premier League player

In fact, the Scottish Premiership champions are already looking at a possible move for a player who could be a dream first signing for Nancy at Parkhead.

Transfer Focus

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According to Football Insider, Celtic are plotting a move to sign Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega to be their long-term replacement for Kasper Schmeichel.

The report claims that the Hoops are looking at the £90k-per-week shot-stopper because he could be available with his contract expiring at the end of the season, which could make him an option in January for a cut-price fee or on a free next summer.

It adds that the Scottish giants are in the process of identifying a replacement for Schmeichel because the 38-year-old veteran’s deal is also due to expire next year.

Football Insider states that there are also immediate concerns about the Dane’s current performance levels, which is why Ortega could be a dream first signing for Nancy.

Why Celtic should sign Stefan Ortega in January

Instead of waiting to sign him on a free transfer in the summer, Celtic should push to land the Manchester City outcast on a cut-price deal in January, as he is currently behind both Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford in the pecking order at The Etihad.

As Football Insider outlined, Schmeichel’s performance level has not been particularly high for the Hoops this season. Per FotMob, the experienced stopper has conceded 1.34 more goals than expected in the Premiership and 0.50 more than expected in the Europa League.

This suggests that the Denmark international has not been up to scratch as a shot-stopper in domestic or European action for Celtic, which is why signing the City goalkeeper immediately could be a shrewd move.

Ortega, who once left Guardiola on the floor with a save against Tottenham Hotspur, may only be a third-choice option in England, but he is playing for serial Premier League winners and has proven his quality in the English top-flight in seasons gone by.

Whilst Schmeichel has struggled as a shot-stopper for Celtic this season, the German star has largely been an excellent shot-stopper in the Premier League and the Bundesliga in the past five years.

25/26 (Premier League)

0

N/A

24/25 (Premier League)

13

-0.7

23/24 (Premier League)

7

+2.0

22/23 (Premier League)

3

+3.1

21/22 (Bundesliga)

33

+4.8

20/21 (Bundesliga)

34

+3.1

As you can see in the table above, the 33-year-old has conceded 12.3 fewer goals than expected across his top-flight career to date, which is an exceptional statistic that highlights how impressive his shot-stopping is.

Ortega, who was hailed as an “exceptional goalkeeper”, has shown that he can be a reliable shot-stopper at the top level, whilst journalist Pete O’Rourke noted that he is “very effective” with the ball and would “fit” the style that Nancy wants to implement at Parkhead.

His ability on the ball, which is a prerequisite to playing in goal in a Guardiola side, means that he will suit a team like Celtic, who are expected to dominate possession and play out from the back, making him a good stylistic fit for the club.

Ortega, though, also has, as evidenced by his statistics in Germany and England, the shot-stopping quality on top of that to ensure that the Hoops do not concede cheap goals with the few shots that they do give away.

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Therefore, the board must back Nancy by making a move for Ortega in January, instead of the summer, because a player of his quality could immediately improve the team and improve their chances of enjoying a successful end to the 2025/26 campaign, making him a dream first signing.

Ireland are in Group A, along with Australia, Japan and Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Dec-2025Fast bowler Oliver Riley will lead Ireland at the 2026 Under-19 World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe next January. Reuben Wilson, another quick, is the vice-captain of the 15-member squad.Ireland will have an eight-day camp in Potchefstroom in South Africa before leaving for Namibia. They play two warm-up matches against West Indies (January 10) and Tanzania (January 13) in Windhoek.Ireland are in Group A at the Under-19 World Cup along with Australia, Japan and Sri Lanka. They play Australia on January 16, Sri Lanka on January 19, and Japan on January 22. Ireland will be coached by Peter Johnston at the World Cup, with Nigel Jones as assistant coach.The tournament comprises 16 teams divided into four groups of four each in the first round. Twelve teams – three from each group – will progress to the next round, where the teams will be divided into two groups of six. The top two from each group of six will contest the semi-finals. The tournament begins on January 15 and concludes with the final on February 6 in Harare.Ireland Under-19 squad: Alex Armstrong, Callum Armstrong, Marko Bates, Sebastian Dijkstra, Thomas Ford, Samuel Haslett, Adam Leckey, Febin Manoj, Luke Murray, Robert O’Brien, Freddie Ogilby, Oliver Riley (capt.), James West, Bruce Whaley, Reuben Wilson (vc)Non-travelling reserves: Peter le Roux, William Shields

Rahul Dravid playing the lead as India beat Australia in Adelaide back in 2003 or Rangana Herath battling aches and pains to conquer India in Galle in 2015?

ESPNcricinfo staff22-May-2025Update: This poll has ended. The AUS-IND 2003 Adelaide Test moves into the quarter-finals.Dravid conquers Adelaide – Adelaide 2003It was Kolkata 2001 all over again, except the support act took over the lead role this time.Instead of 445, Australia scored 556 batting first here, with Ricky Ponting hitting 242 at a strike rate of 68.75. But unlike their 171 in Kolkata, India scored 523, keeping the match on an even keel, and it was the Rahul Dravid-VVS Laxman partnership for the fifth wicket, worth 303 runs, that made it possible. Here, Dravid scored 233 from No. 3, and Laxman 148 from No. 6. Their batting positions another change from Kolkata.Australia’s second innings was a letdown; all they got was 196, setting India 230 to win, and the star of the show, which gave India the upper hand, was Ajit Agarkar, whose 6 for 41 thwarted Australia.Dravid had scored that many in the first innings alone, but this time he only had to make 72, hitting the winning runs when he cut Stuart MacGill through the off-side infield. It remains one of India’s great victories in Australia, achieved at a time when they didn’t come as often as they have since.Herath chokes India – Galle, 2015
In the opening match of the series in Galle, India needed only 153 to win with nine wickets in hand at the start of the fourth day. A rearguard by Dinesh Chandimal, who followed up his 59 in the first innings with a 162 not out in the second, had given Sri Lanka a second-innings total of 367, and set India a target of 176 – they had taken a sizeable first-innings lead.The in-transition Sri Lanka turned to their veteran Rangana Herath, who was struggling with sore knees and a dodgy back. And Sri Lanka made the target look much bigger than what it was as they choked the life out of India’s chase.They made India work hard for every run on a turning pitch, and India couldn’t get past the then 37-year old Herath and young offspinner Tharindu Kaushal, as they folded for their lowest total against Sri Lanka. The only form of resistance after Shikhar Dhawan fell for 28 came from Ajinkya Rahane, who made 36 and was the penultimate man to fall with India at 102 for 9. India could add only ten more as they folded for 112.Herath finished with 7 for 48, as Sri Lanka won by 63 runs in a memorable start to Kumar Sangakkara’s farewell series.

West Ham could oversee a host of exits when the winter window reopens for business, including some pretty noteworthy names.

January is set to be vital for Nuno Espirito Santo and co, with reports suggesting that chairman David Sullivan and the board are prepared to back their new manager to the hilt.

The Hammers have just been given some real encouragement they can avoid a dreaded drop to the Championship, having secured back-to-back home wins for the first time since October last year whilst scoring six goals in their last two games.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

West Ham’s crucial wins over Newcastle and Burnley at the London Stadium have relieved some major pressure on Nuno, with the January window set to hand him another potential lifeline amid reports that the club are looking to sign a new defender and striker at the very least.

Nuno has also been given “confirmation” that West Ham will have money to spend mid-season (Sky Sports), and ExWHUemployee has backed this up recently whilst confirming that the club are scouting heavily in Belgium.

That being said, incomings are not the only item on West Ham’s agenda at the turn of the year.

After being axed from the squad, pretty much immediately after Nuno replaced Graham Potter, midfielder James Ward-Prowse is now resigned to leaving in January, despite being a vice-captain and first-team regular at the start of 2025/2026.

The 30-year-old, who is just one free-kick goal away from equalling David Beckham’s all-time Premier League record of 18, is not in Nuno’s long-term plans.

Meanwhile, The Times recently reported that Lucas Paqueta is keen to leave West Ham in the winter, with Fabrizio Romano also stating in his GiveMeSport newsletter that an exit for the Brazil international isn’t ruled out in the slightest.

Now, as per a report from El Intransigente, midfielder Guido Rodriguez could follow them out the door.

Guido Rodriguez wants to leave West Ham in January

The Argentine, signed on a free deal from Real Betis last year, is another who’s suffered from Nuno’s axe — having managed just 19 minutes of action since the tactician’s arrival.

He was largely a bench player under Potter as well, and El Intransigente reports that Rodriguez is looking to leave West Ham as he aims to battle his way into Argentina’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo also “dreams” of signing Rodriguez and could offer him a route out of London, but he isn’t alone, as Real Betis, Espanyol and Club América are also actively targeting the 31-year-old World Cup winner whose contract expires at the end of the season.

West Ham could be forced to sell him on the cheap in January because of this, but considering they signed him on a Bosman deal in 2024, any fee received for Rodriguez would go down as pure profit through the lens of PSR.

Selling him is a real no-brainer, and Sullivan will be particularly keen to get his £75,000-per-week wages off the books to free up space for a potential striker.

As well as Rodriguez, Ward-Prowse and Paqueta, it is believed that Niclas Fullkrug has told West Ham he wants a January transfer, so they’ll need to replace the German.