علق الأرجنتيني هيرنان كريسبو، المدير الفني لفريق العين، على الهزيمة أمام الأهلي في ربع نهائي كأس الإنتركونتينينتال، بملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.

وسحق الأهلي نظيره العين بثلاثية نظيفة، على ملعب استاد القاهرة، وسط حضور جماهيري كامل العدد، ليتأهل المارد الأحمر إلى نصف نهائي كأس الإنتركونتينينتال، وينتظر الفائز من المباراة التي ستجمع بين باتشوكا المكسيكي والفائز بلقب كأس ليبرتادوريس (ممثل قارة أمريكا الجنوبية).

وقال كريسبو في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “الإمارات اليوم”: “من الصعب أن يلعب فريق ضد هذا الكم من الجماهير، من غير السهل اللعب في هذه الأجواء الجماهيرية الكبيرة، هذه هي كرة القدم، أحيانًا يكون لديك تصور للمباراة وتعتقد أنه خيار جيد ولكن لم نلعب بشكل جيد”.

وتابع: “هذه فرصة جيدة للتعلم ويجب أن نعيش مع الأخطاء ونتعلم منها، اللعب ضد مثل هذا النوع من الجماهير صعب ولكن الأهم هو أننا نحترم البطولة”.

طالع أيضًا | كولر: أريد الفوز بكل المباريات.. ولكن هذا ليس متاحًا دائمًا

وأضاف: “على مستوى كرة القدم، الأهلي لعب بشكل أفضل منا، ارتكبنا الكثير من الأخطاء الفردية ودفعنا ثمنها غاليا وعندما تلعب في مثل ذلك المستوى العالي يكون من الصعب ارتكاب الأخطاء، مع تلك الأجواء يجب أن تقدم مباراة مثالية ولكننا لم نقم بذلك”.

وأشار المدرب الأرجنتيني: “حاولنا اللعب بـ سفيان رحيمي كمهاجم، وبعد تأخرنا حاولنا إضافة لابا كودجو معه، ولكن كل الحلول التي حاولناها لم تأتي بالنتيجة، لم يكن يومنا وكل شيء جربناه قاموا بشيء أفضل منه”.

واستمر: “حاولنا تقديم أفضل ما لدينا ولكن لم نشعر بالراحة في أي وقت من المباراة، استقبلنا الأهداف من أخطاء فردية لا يمكن ارتكابها في مثل تلك المواجهات”.

واختتم: “لعبنا ضد فريق قوي وأمام جماهيره، كل هذا المجهود والطاقة أحيانا لا تكون كافية، لا أريد أن أقول إننا قمنا بمعجزة بالتتويج بدوري أبطال آسيا ولكن أقول إننا نريد الوصول إلى هنا من جديد”.

Mohammad Rizwan fell five runs short of a maiden hundred before Australia’s quicks wrapped up victory

The Report by Andrew McGlashan24-Nov-2019Australia were made to work harder than appeared likely in securing an innings-and-five-run victory on the fourth day at the Gabba as Babar Azam scored a magnificently classy second Test hundred and Mohammad Rizwan fell five runs short of his first before the tail went down swinging.When Pakistan were reduced to 5 for 94 in the morning session – the same position they found themselves in the first innings – the prospect of Australia needing the second new ball or coming close to batting again seemed far-fetched. However, Azam and Rizwan added 132 for the sixth wicket then Rizwan was joined by Yasir Shah to put on 79 for the seventh.The loss of Rizwan for 95, moments before the second new ball was taken, ended the resistance and the Pakistan fast bowlers were in for a good time, not a long time. Josh Hazlewood finished with 4 for 63 in what was Australia’s 13th straight victory at home against Pakistan.Azam played an outstanding knock, a fine response to the poor stroke in the first innings which left Pakistan in trouble. He barely put a foot wrong this time, scoring freely around the wicket, with the driving standing out as so often in a typical Azam innings. There were no nervous nineties for him as he pulled Pat Cummins through midwicket before driving wide of mid-off to bring up his first overseas hundred off 160 balls.Nathan Lyon brought his innings to a halt when a quicker delivery found the edge and Tim Paine took a sharp catch, but that was not a prelude to a swift conclusion as Rizwan matched Azam stroke for stroke only to upper cut Hazlewood to third man moments before the second new ball.Significant damage had been done to Pakistan’s top order on the third evening and they resumed on 3 for 64. There were promising signs in the first hour as Azam and Shan Masood repelled the Australia quicks, although Masood was challenged by considerable seam movement Cummins extracted from the fourth-day wicket.It was Cummins who struck first when Masood got a thin top edge on a hook and in the next over Hazlewood produced a peach to take a nick from Iftikhar Ahmed. Pakistan have had no contribution from two of their top six in this match – Ahmed and Haris Sohail – and it will give them plenty to ponder ahead of the Adelaide Test on Friday.Babar Azam celebrates his century•AFPAustralia sensed an early wrap-up but then hit the roadblock. A sweetly-timed drive off Mitchell Starc took Azam to his half-century; his judgement of length against pace and spin was a standout feature of the innings. There was moment of mild concern on 75 when Australia reviewed an lbw shout from Hazlewood which was umpire’s call on trimming the bails.Azam’s Test career has been on an upward curve over the last 12 months and he tuned up stylishly with a hundred against Australia A, but this could yet be a crucial moment in the career of a batsman who is earmarked as one who can join the elite.Rizwan, in his second Test, had shown his feisty qualities in the first innings before edging a Cummins delivery which was a borderline no-ball that many felt should have been called. He played second fiddle to Azam for the first part of his innings but became more aggressive during the afternoon and evening session. His duel with Lyon – whom he slog-swept to bring up his maiden Test fifty from 86 balls – was especially absorbing. The offspinner targeted the footmarks created by Starc and Rizwan was keen to use his feet, highlighted by a wonderful drive through the covers that almost brought applause from the bowler himself.On 92 it appeared he may have fallen to one of the great short leg catches when Marnus Labuschagne moved with a paddle sweep, the ball lobbing behind square with Labuschagne flinging himself full length to get the ball in his fingertips but the third umpire ruled it had been grounded. Subsequent replays suggested it hadn’t hit the bat in any event.Perhaps keen to reach three figures before the new ball, Rizwan’s eyes lit up when Hazlewood’s first ball back was short outside off and he sent it straight to Lyon at third man. The only question then was whether the final three wickets would make Australia’s openers pad up. Yasir – whose batting was encouraging for Pakistan in both innings – missed a maiden Test fifty when he got a leading edge to mid-off and three overs later Matthew Wade’s catch at long-on was the final act in another comprehensive Gabba victory for Australia.

Jadon Sancho has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Paris Saint-Germain, but Manchester United’s asking price may prove to be an issue.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Winger loaned out to Dortmund last seasonTen Hag has hinted at clean slate in EnglandLigue 1 heavyweights exploring possible dealGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The 24-year-old winger found himself frozen out at Old Trafford last season under Erik ten Hag. A return to Borussia Dortmund was made in January, allowing the England international to see regular game time while also gracing the Champions League final.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Sancho did not do enough to earn a place in the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 squad, with more questions being asked of his future at club level. He has returned to training at United, figuring for them in pre-season, and Ten Hag has hinted at wiping the slate clean.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

is, however, reporting that PSG now have their sights set on Sancho – with a deal for Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen proving difficult to complete with Napoli. It is claimed that Sancho is open to the idea of heading to Parc des Princes, with personal terms close to being agreed.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT?

PSG fear that United will make it difficult for a transfer to be put in place, with the Red Devils said to have placed a €50 million (£42m/$54m) price tag on Sancho. It remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached in England or France that suits all parties.

The international break is finally over, and Arsenal's first game back is a big one: Manchester City.

If the Gunners want to maintain their position atop the Premier League table and build some breathing room between themselves and Pep Guardiola's behemoth, they'll need to win at the Etihad, something they haven't done in nine and a half years.

However, Mikel Arteta's side should go into the game full of confidence after their brilliant run of form since the turn of the year.

That said, the Spaniard should look to make one change to the XI that beat Porto last time out and drop Leandro Trossard.

Leandro Trossard's performance this season

Trossard has been enjoying another fruitful season in North London this year, and while he's not been able to provide anywhere near the number of assists he did for the club in the latter half of 2022/23, he's made up for it with goals.

In his 34 games this season, he's scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists, meaning he is currently averaging a goal involvement every 2.61 games, which is undeniably impressive and should be celebrated.

However, as a left-winger, the Belgian has scored six goals and provided one assist in 20 appearances, three of which came when coming off the bench late into games.

Leandro Trossard's positional versatility

Positions

Left Winger

Striker

Attacking Midfielder

Right Winger

Starts

28

14

3

1

Goals

6

4

0

0

Assists

4

7

0

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.35

0.78

0.00

1.00

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Now, this isn't to say that the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace isn't a great winger; it's more about showing that he is more effective coming off the bench in that position or starting up front as the number nine, where he has scored four goals and provided one assist in just seven games.

However, Kai Havertz has been starting as the team's recognised striker with great aplomb as of late, so dropping him for the 29-year-old would be unwise.

Therefore, for the game at the Etihad, it would make sense to keep Trossard as an impact player should the Gunners need him and instead start Gabriel Jesus out wide against his old side.

Why Gabriel Jesus should start against Manchester City

Now, Jesus has had another campaign dominated by injuries this year, which has seen him miss a significant portion of the team's recent run of results, but it shouldn't be forgotten that in the games he has played, the Brazilian has been quite brilliant.

So far this season, the "sensational" dynamo, as Micah Richards described him, has scored eight goals and provided five assists in just 26 games, meaning he's averaging a goal involvement every two games, comfortably beating out his teammate's average.

Moreover, his return of 13 goals and four assists in 33 games as a left-winger means he averages 0.51 goal involvements per match in that position, which, once again, just about beats out the Belgian's average of 0.50 per match across his career and 0.35 per match with the Gunners.

Gabriel Jesus vs Leandro Trossard for Arsenal

Player

Jesus

Trossard

Appearances

59

56

Goals

19

12

Assists

12

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.52

0.42

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Additionally, starting the former City ace out wide this afternoon will give the team another direct and immensely skilful outlet on the left, so attacks won't have to rely so heavily on Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka making something happen on the right.

Lastly, the São Paulo-born star might just have something extra to prove in a game at his old home stadium. While that is practically impossible to quantify, it could be the 1% the team needs to do what they haven't done for the best part of a decade – leave with all three points.

Related Arsenal's "world-class" general has made himself as undroppable as Odegaard

The brilliant international has been sensational for the Gunners this season.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 23, 2024

Ultimately, Arteta is blessed with several options when it comes to picking his team, and while Trossard would likely do a good job this afternoon, starting Jesus there will give the Gunners that little bit more flair and unpredictability in attack.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo recebeu, nesta quarta-feira (26), cerca de 400 mil euros (aproximadamente 2,6 milhões de reais), do Porto, pela venda do zagueiro Éder Militão, em 2018. A informação foi dada primeiramente pelo site Goal e confirmada pelo LANCE!.

Vai continuar? Veja a ligação entre São Paulo e a LG como patrocinadora do clube

De forma parcelada, o Tricolor vendeu Militão por7 milhões de euros, sendo que 4 milhões ficariam com o São Paulo (parcelados) e 3 milhões para o estafe do jogador. O que atrasou foi a última parcela, de 378 mil euros, que, com juros, chegaram a aproximadamente 400 mil euros.

VEJA A TABELA E SIMULE JOGOS DO CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO

RelacionadasSão PauloBruno Rodrigues celebra vitória e classificação do São Paulo para as oitavas de final da Copa LibertadoresSão Paulo26/05/2021São PauloEm alta no São Paulo, Arboleda mira mais títulos: ‘Quero fazer história’São Paulo26/05/2021São PauloO início de um sonho… Veja o antes e depois das crias de Cotia que venceram o Paulistão no São PauloSão Paulo26/05/2021

Nas últimas semanas, o São Paulo acionou o Porto na Fifa, pedindo o pagamento da dívida. A entidade máxima do futebol deu razão ao Tricolor e obrigou o Dragão a pagar o valor em 45 dias. O prazo acabou e o Porto chegou a ser punido com o temido ‘transfer ban’.

Nesta terça-feira (25), finalmente o Porto pagou o valor devido ao São Paulo e vai se livrar da punição. Vale ressaltar que não foi o único valor que o Tricolor recebeu por Militão. Em 2019, o defensor foi vendido ao Real Madrid (ESP), onde está atualmente, por50 milhões de euros (R$ 215 milhões, à época). O Tricolor recebeu5,7 milhões de euros (R$ 25 milhões).

Cria da base são-paulina, Militão jogou no São Paulo entre 2017 e 2018, atuando em 57 partidas, com quatro gols marcados.

Veteran produces a sublime unbeaten century to guide WA home in a tricky chase of 206

Alex Malcolm26-Nov-2019

Shaun Marsh celebrates his century in the final•Getty Images

It really was Shaun Marsh’s Cup.Australia’s one-day domestic competition’s title sponsor has nothing to do with Shaun or his famous cricketing family, for as much mirth as the possible link has provided. But the 36-year-old proved why he is still one of Australia’s premier domestic players carrying Western Australia to their 14th title with a magnificent unbeaten century to sneak past Queensland in the final at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.WA’s star bowlers Jhye Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile had set the game up claiming three wickets each to bowl Queensland out for 205 after winning the toss. Richardson, it was revealed, incredibly bowled under duress having hurt his previously injured right shoulder at training on Monday. The hosts were fortunate to make that many thanks to a brilliant 79 from Jimmy Peirson.Chasing 206, WA were 3 for 23 at one stage but Marsh guided his side home with an unbeaten 101 from 132 with 13 boundaries. It was Marsh at his sublime best, driving, cutting, and pulling with textbook assuredness on a surface where only two players passed 37 on either side.He got good support initially from Marcus Stoinis who made 37. Although the allrounder absorbed 62 deliveries and at one stage was 10 off 37 balls, Marsh kept the scoreboard moving. Stoinis eventually got going against the part-time spin of Matt Renshaw, but after clubbing a four and six he holed out in the deep. WA wobbled again slumping to 6 for 151 with 15 overs left when Cam Green fell to a stunning catch from Max Bryant diving to his left at backward point. But Marsh and Ashton Agar didn’t panic. They had to withstand a probing spell from Billy Stanlake who bowled sensationally without reward, finishing with 0 for 30 after beating the bat endlessly.Marsh cruised to his 9th one-day domestic century before Agar smashed a six to bring up the winning runs with two overs to spare.Shaun Marsh and Ashton Agar celebrate the winning runs•Getty Images

Earlier, Peirson salvaged the Queensland innings after Richardson and Coulter-Nile ripped through their top order.The quicks made the most of a surface with plenty of live grass after WA captain Ashton Turner won the toss. Richardson pinned Bryant lbw with a ball that nipped back sharply off the seam before Sam Heazlett chopped on off Coulter-Nile to leave the Queensland 2 for 8. Usman Khawaja weathered the storm and looked in sublime touch racing to 26 with two boundaries and a six. He looked untroubled, and every bit the joint player of the tournament alongside absent Queensland teammate Marnus Labuschagne, until Coulter-Nile found some extra bounce and nip to catch his outside edge. Richardson sucked Renshaw into driving on the up to have him caught at second slip before trapping Jack Wildermuth flush on the shin in front of middle stump.But from 5 for 56 after 14 overs Peirson and Bryce Street rebuilt. Street struggled for fluency scoring 29 from 72 balls with just one boundary but Peirson controlled the scoring with sharp footwork and good placement. Stoinis was particularly effective in tying up Street, delivering his 10 overs for just 30 runs. They shared a 46-run stand until Street fell to a stunning one-handed return catch by Agar. He dived to his right, his non-dominant hand, past the ducking non-striker Peirson to pluck the chipped drive.Peirson found allies in Mark Steketee and Matt Kuhnemann to lift the total up over 200. He fell for 79 in the final over, caught at deep fine leg hooking Coulter-Nile.Queensland had WA under enormous pressure at 3 for 23. Cameron Bancroft was out hooking Steketee, having replaced Josh Philippe at the top of the order and as the wicketkeeper, while D’Arcy Short was caught at mid-off failing to stay on top of a drive off Michael Neser. Turner was Neser’s second victim adjudged lbw to a delivery that seamed a long way back into the right-hander.But they couldn’t get Marsh. It was WA’s third title in seven years, and their first under coach Adam Voges in his second year.

Shahadat Hossain, the Bangladeshi fast bowler, has been banned for five years, with two years suspended, following an incident during a National Cricket League (NCL) game in Khulna when he physically assaulted team-mate Arafat Sunny Jr on the field.The 33-year-old Dhaka Division player was withdrawn from the game against Khulna Division after allegedly hitting Sunny, apparently following an argument about shining the ball – Sunny refused to shine the ball for the paceman. Those who saw the incident said it needed the Dhaka players’ intervention to restrain Hossain.His actions amounted to a Level 4 offence and he was handed a fine of BDT 100,000 (USD 1200 approx.) by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.The NCL’s technical committee made the decision on Tuesday afternoon, leaving Shahadat with a chance to appeal against the penalty by November 26.”We have banned Shahadat Hossain for five years with two years of suspended sentence,” Minhajul Abedin, the chief selector who is part of the NCL’s committee, said after their meeting in Dhaka. “He can appeal by November 26. He has been reported with a Level 4 offence, based upon which the technical committee took the decision.”What he did was very unfortunate. These incidents keep happening. BCB has a zero-tolerance policy for these things. No player will be spared. We have considered his previous history before taking this decision. It should serve as an example for all cricketers.”Meanwhile, according to local newspaper reports, Dhaka pacer Mohammad Shahid could also be punished, after it emerged that he had been mentioned in the match officials’ report for starting the scrap with Sunny. Shahid has reportedly admitted to his guilt.Hossain, who has played 38 Tests, 51 ODIs and six T20Is between 2005 and 2015, hasn’t been in the national frame since he was arrested in 2015 for beating up his domestic help, which led to a temporary suspension.

A see-sawing contest in Bridgetown ended up in the hosts favour as Ireland were left to rue some missed opportunities

Alagappan Muthu09-Jan-2020

Alzarri Joseph jumps in his delivery stride•CWI Media

Barry McCarthy’s veins are popping.The ball is maybe 50 feet in the air. Nobody cares where it ends up. All the Ireland players rush the man in the middle of the pitch screaming into the still night. This was the moment. The moment that they won the game. Or well, it should have been.Kieron Pollard was gone. The last specialist batsman was gone. Replays showed him entering the dressing room quietly, but just as he was slipping out of the camera’s range, his visage broke and the overwhelming disappointment made him stomp his foot.The fans in Bridgetown were left praying for a miracle and Hayden Walsh decided he’d provide one. Walking in at No. 9, with the target still 90 runs away, he revived a lost cause, then repelled the inherent pressure of it. He defended well. He drove magnificently. He called loud and clear for his runs. He even protected his partner from the strike. West Indies rose from 148 for 7 to 200 for 7. They were only 38 away. There was tons of time still left in the game. And at least one more twist.In the 39th over, Khary Pierre nicked the offspin of Andy McBrine to first slip. What brave captaincy from Andy Balbirnie. What sweet joy for his team. Only…Walsh was still there. Rising up to short balls. Blocking out the yorkers. Always scoring runs. Except the final ones. He got stuck. He only made six runs off his last 20 balls and in that time there were two chances for Ireland to kill the game.A run-out with the batsman nowhere near the crease, but the ball seemed to slip out of Mark Adair’s hands as he tried to break the stumps. The third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge checked it for five minutes (maybe more) before saying there was no “conclusive evidence” to rule it out. The very next delivery, Adair had both batsmen within handshaking distance at the bowler’s end, but he fumbled again and another run-out opportunity went begging. Immediately afterwards, Sheldon Cottrell belted a six and one of the best games of one-day cricket was done.Ireland had actually defended their total of 237 exceptionally well. They made Evin Lewis succumb to dot-ball pressure. They capitalised on Shimron Hetmyer’s reckless tendencies. They proved simply too good for Brandon King. They had West Indies at 24 for 3. Key to that start was there were no wasted deliveries, but then there came a flood, from Gareth Delany’s, who was hit clean out of the park.For that brief period, it seemed normal service had resumed. Nicholas Pooran was once again rising up to the occasion, batting with the great skill that makes people watching the game wonder which team was actually on top. And Pollard… Well, he was making those silly cricket balls just disappear.A straight six had so much power that it cleared the Worrell Walcott and Weeks stand right behind the bowler. It seemed portentous, like Ireland’s grip was slipping, which was further reinforced by the fact they had exposed a 22 year-old part-time legspinner who had never ever bowled in an ODI to the whims of one of the biggest six-hitters in the world. Poor Delany. Six of his 12 deliveries went to or over the boundary. Pollard and Pooran conjured up 64 runs in only 45 balls and suddenly West Indies were in control. And then they weren’t.Nobody knew why. Really, the only thing that changed was the weather. Two balls after a teeny tiny itty bitty rain break, Pooran was bowled by wicked offbreak from Simi Singh. In the next over, Pollard was undone by a little extra bounce. Meanwhile, a set of players who never stopped believing in themselves – even when they were made to watch cricket balls fly out of the ground – got their just rewards.Ireland would have sensed victory then. They’d certainly prepared for it. There was logic in the decisions they made, like batting first, which was the only thing to do on a pitch that had already been used for the first ODI. Backing the same XI that couldn’t get past 200 seemed risky but most of the batsmen had starts in that game. Balbirnie might perhaps have thought one of them might be able to convert it in this one.The openers set up in that way. Paul Stirling was careful throughout his half-century all the way through to the point when he yelled out in disappointment after dragging the ball onto his stumps. He chose not to attack West Indies’ strike bowlers – Alzarri Joseph and Cottrell – unless they dragged the length short. The pull was a highly productive shot, and the only sign of his power. It seemed like he was on instruction to bat through the innings and pick his targets – a job he was doing quite well, especially against the left-arm spin of Pierre which he took for two fours and a six.But it wouldn’t last. Joseph came back for his second spell and a well-directed short ball, giving the right-hander no room for a glide down to third man crashed into the stumps. Stirling was heard on the stump mic yelling the word “no” while the West Indies players rounded on their young fast bowler who once again showed he can construct 10 beautiful overs together (not to mention a killer lofted drive; he hit two of them to bring the equation down from 15 off 18 to 6 off 15)Joseph began this game with a wicket, a refreshingly pitched up ball in the ninth over that went right through Balbirnie’s defense and made a very lasting impression on his stumps. His game plan was simple. Go full and give the ball a chance to move while it was new, and it did. Overcome the old ball by banging it into the pitch and turning it into a weapon. He did that too.None of the Irish batsmen were able to pick up his bouncers. Lorcan Tucker offered a leading edge to gully for 1 and Kevin O’Brien top-edged a pull to long leg on 31. Both batsmen had just successfully used DRS to give themselves a second life. Two balls later, they threw it away. At 154 for 6, it seemed Ireland might just fade away again but Singh marshalled to tail well to carry them through to the 50 overs and a total that gave them a gambler’s chance and they very nearly hit the jackpot.

Tottenham have now sounded out a £26 million forward's camp over his possible summer signing, as chairman Daniel Levy eyes a bargain move.

Levy and Lange drawing up summer shortlist at Spurs

Technical director Johan Lange, unofficial consultant Fabio Paratici and chief football officer Scott Munn, who will all report to Levy, are busy behind-the-scenes identifying Spurs' potential targets this summer.

Club readying new contract for defender to stop him from joining Tottenham

They’re prepared to make him one of their highest earners.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 22, 2024

Manager Ange Postecoglou has already admitted that Tottenham want to sign another new centre-back after Radu Dragusin, while widespread reports have suggested that Spurs wish to upgrade their attacking areas as well.

“Look, a player they appreciate for a long time is Raphinha from Barcelona. We know the financial situation at Barcelona is not easy, so he could be one of the names. They will look at that kind of player," said Fabrizio Romano to JD Football last week.

"Another player they appreciate is Pedro Neto, but he has this issue with his injuries, so I’m not sure Liverpool, Tottenham or the other clubs following the player will be prepared to play big money for Pedro Neto this summer. That kind of player is the priority for Tottenham, I see them going for that kind of winger, a quality player to help with goals and assists."

While the club boast stars like Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, James Maddison and Timo Werner among their ranks, there is a case to be made that Spurs could do with that extra injection of proficiency in the final third.

They've done well to cope without club-record goalscorer Harry Kane in their first full season without the Lilywhites legend, thanks largely to Son Heung-min and Richarlison's excellent form, but they've arguably been lacking goals and assists from elsewhere.

Son Heung-min

14

Richarlison

10

Dejan Kulusevski

6

Brennan Johnson

4

Cristian Romero

4

In terms of attacking output, one player who's really impressed this season is Genoa star Albert Gudmundsson. The Iceland international, who is rumoured to be on Spurs' radar, has bagged 10 goals and three assists in 27 Serie A starts over 2023/2024. This has alerted Tottenham's recruitment team, as explained in Romano's Daily Briefing this week.

Tottenham sound out Gudmundsson's camp over summer move

As per a journalist working under Romano, Spurs have sounded out Gudmundsson's camp over a potential summer switch to N17, but Juventus and Roma are also believed to be chasing the forward.

He could leave Genoa for a fee of around £21-26 million, which is pretty affordable from Levy's perspective, and his attacking contribution makes that price tag seem worthy of an investment.

While there have apparently been no official talks, you could make a very stern case that this is a deal which needs pursuing.

“He reminds me of Salah when he was at Roma, in that every now and then he disappears. Much like Salah then, he would have four or five chances per match and only score at most one," said teammate Kevin Strootman.

“They used to say that if Salah was more clinical, he would be playing for Liverpool, and that is exactly what happened. All joking aside, Gudmundsson is a devastating player and also an exemplary professional.”

Leeds United lost for just the second time this calendar year in all competitions after slipping up away at Coventry City on Saturday afternoon, with Ellis Simms and Co getting the better of a lacklustre Whites to secure a 2-1 victory come full-time.

That means Leeds have surrendered their grip on the top two in the Championship for the time being by dropping down to third position, as Enzo Maresca's Leicester City left it late to beat Birmingham City 2-1 to make Daniel Farke's men feel even more despondent at the final whistle.

Many Leeds players who usually come up trumps for Farke's side struggled at the CBS Arena against Mark Robins' playoff-chasing Sky Blues, none more so than Georginio Rutter who underwhelmed throughout a sub-standard 90 minutes from the typically lively Frenchman.

Georginio Rutter's performance vs Coventry in numbers

Rutter was out-of-sorts by his high standards in the disappointing 2-1 defeat, unable to make an impact like he has done so many times this season for the Whites when a moment of magic has been needed.

The poor Leeds number 24 would muster up just one shot on Bradley Collins' net during the entire game, with that effort being a speculative effort that killed the away side's momentum late on.

Moreover, the ex-TSG Hoffenheim man would come away from the narrow loss with a 65% pass accuracy next to his name and just one key pass managed to try and unlock a stern and determined Coventry defence.

The 21-year-old was tricky with the ball at his feet with five out of six successful dribble attempts registered, but it was his feebleness winning duels that would have gotten under Farke's skin at the conclusion of the game.

The 6 foot attacking midfielder – who was awarded a 5/10 match rating by the Yorkshire Evening Post – would win just nine of the 24 duels that came his way, with Coventry coming out on top more often than not in a decisive 50/50 when Rutter was present.

Rutter's numbers vs Coventry

Minutes played

90

Touches

56

Accurate passes

17/26 (65%)

Shots on target

0

Duels won

9/24

Possession lost

25x

Stats by Sofascore

Losing possession 25 times for this team wouldn't have helped Leeds' cause on their travels to the CBS Arena whatsoever, with his attacking teammates in Daniel James and Crysencio Summerville likely getting frustrated by the Frenchman's torrid afternoon.

This below-par showing from the £70k per week Leeds man could see him axed from the Whites lineup when the West Yorkshire side face off against Sunderland on Tuesday night back on home turf.

Joel Piroe could well feel his late goal against the Sky Blues means he's deserving of a start against the Black Cats, with Farke now left with a selection conundrum to address.

The players who could replace Rutter v Sunderland

The obvious shout is to bring the ex-Swansea City man into the lineup at the expense of Rutter, with Piroe starring in this number-ten spot at times this season.

Piroe's strike in the 76th minute against Coventry nearly initiated a late comeback too, the Dutchman eager to kick on as a result and be unleashed from the get-go next match to further add to his 12-goal tally for the Championship season.

Mateo Joseph could also be fancied up top over Patrick Bamford in another possible alteration, who put in another forgettable performance to his side's detriment.

Rutter being given a breather with the games coming thick and fast this crucial April could be a wise decision to take by Farke, the Frenchman fading in and out of the 3-1 Hull win prior to this Coventry defeat as well by missing two big chances.

Regardless of the XI fielded by the German manager this coming mid-week, Leeds fans will just pray this defeat on the road is a momentary blip and a confident three points can be secured back at Elland Road.

Chalkboard

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

Expand Collapse