We are up and running. The Premier League season is finally here but Arsenal haven't quite raced into pole position just yet.

Their 2-0 win on the opening weekend against Wolves was commanding but not really spectacular. Kai Havertz opened the scoring with a tremendous first-half header before Bukayo Saka's second-half sizzler from inside the area settled the points.

It's difficult to take too much from an opening-day victory, particularly when the scoreline was as it was, but Arsenal got the job done on home soil, immediately putting pressure on expected title rivals Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta's men certainly weren't at their free-flowing best but it was a solid display that can be built upon over the forthcoming weeks.

So, who stood out for those in red and white on Saturday afternoon?

Arsenal's best performers vs Wolves

The spotlight this summer has been on Havertz. Can he replicate the form he showed at the back end of last season? Do Arsenal need to sign another striker?

Well, he answered both of those questions very well this weekend. It took the German 20 games to score his first goal of the season in 2023/24 but on this occasion it took him just 28 minutes.

The ball from Saka was a peach, as the winger curled a delicious cross right onto the head of the former Chelsea man who couldn't miss.

It was an excellent all-round performance from Havertz who also picked up an assist. It was Saka who turned goalscorer for the second, picking the ball up inside the area and lashing it past Jose Sa.

The England international has evidently picked up where he left off before the Euros.

There was also an impressive display from goalkeeper David Raya who made one notably important save in the first half and then also kept Arsenal's clean sheet intact when he was forced to deny an effort late in the second period.

Despite the win, there were one or two players who need to improve immediately.

Arsenal's worst performers vs Wolves

The Gunners enter the 2024/25 campaign with more depth. Jurrien Timber has overcome his injury, Riccardo Calafiori has been signed and Thomas Partey is sufficiently fit again.

Then, you have the battle of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli on the left-hand side. Like last term, it's likely the pair will share that spot on the flanks as the season goes on.

However, at the moment, it's the Brazilian who looks to be Arteta's preferred choice. Trossard may well have scored 16 times last term but Arsenal's no.11 has now started the final pre-season clash with Lyon and now on the opening weekend against Wolves.

Did Martinelli perform? Well, he arguably wasn't as bad as Partey who was guilty of giving the ball away in dangerous areas on a regular basis. He got into promising zones, was direct and eager to get at his man but that lack of end product continues to be a problem.

That was something Football.London's Kaya Kaynak highlighted in his post-match player ratings, handing the Brazil international a 6/10 rating, while suggesting 'his end product remains a bit of an issue despite all his good work to get in the good positions.'

Minutes played

90

Touches

35

Accurate passes

17/20 (85%)

Key passes

3

Crosses

1/2

Dribbles

2/4

Shots

1

Ground duels won

7/12

Aerial duels won

2/3

Possession lost

8x

There was a particular occasion in the first half where the 23-year-old rather selfishly had a shot from a tight angle despite Declan Rice screaming for the ball in acres of space inside the penalty area. It's safe to say the club's record signing was not best impressed when Martinelli didn't score.

So, what do the numbers tell us? Well, his 35 touches of the ball were actually fewer than Raya's 41. That wasn't due to a lack of service or lack of trying. It felt like the attacker had opportunities to influence the game.

He did not do that on a regular enough basis, though. Martinelli had just one shot that was blocked, failed with 50% of his dribbles and ceded possession eight times.

They aren't shocking numbers by any means. After all, Saka gave away the ball 11 times during the match.

With Trossard breathing down his neck, however, he will need to improve quickly if he is to keep his place. On this evidence, it should be the Belgian who starts against Aston Villa next weekend.

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The Blaugrana moved nine points clear the week after winning El Clasico, but their lead is now down to one having played a game more than Los Blancos

On October 26, Lamine Yamal admitted that he and his Barcelona team-mates believed themselves to be "the best team in the world". One could easily understand why. At the time of his revelation, Yamal was standing inside Santiago Bernabeu, where Barca had just routed Real Madrid 4-0 – only three days after battering Bayern Munich 4-1 at Montjuic.

There was a swagger about Hansi Flick's side; no side in Europe was playing with such self-confidence. "We've proven that we can beat anyone," Yamal proudly declared.

That still remains the case but, right now, Barca also look capable of losing to anyone. After going nine points clear of Madrid by beating city rivals Espanyol the week after the Clasico, the Blaugrana's lead is down to one after a rotten run of results against mid-table teams.

So, has Barca's bubble burst? Is Hansi's honeymoon in Catalunya over? Or is this just a blip for the Blaugrana?

Getty Images SportRisk versus reward

Flick's Barcelona play a dangerous game. An incredibly high line allows them to put opponents under serious pressure, but it also leaves them vulnerable to the well-timed counter-attacks on account of the acres of space they leave in behind their backline. As far as Flick is concerned, though, the risk is very much worth the reward. The Clasico was a case in point.

Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged beforehand that Barca's high line was a problem that he needed to solve. He said he had a plan in mind but, whatever it was, it clearly didn't work, as Madrid simply couldn't cope with the Catalans and Flick's forwards ran riot as a result, with the revitalised Robert Lewandowski, Yamal and Raphinha all on target.

Flick had successfully squeezed the life out of the reigning European and Spanish champions, and it was even reported afterwards that he had told his players during the interval, "Anyone who drops back a metre, I'll substitute them!"

However, while his tactics definitely worked a treat, the final scoreline unquestionably flattered the visitors. Their performance was impressive and their victory fully deserved but, lest anyone forget, Madrid created plenty of chances (their xG was 1.48 to Barca's 2.58) and it would have been a very different game had Kylian Mbappe been capable of timing a run.

And what we're starting to see in recent weeks is what happens when Barca's pressing and high line malfunction.

AdvertisementAFP'Everyone can play better'

Barca were only beaten 1-0 by Real Sociedad on November 10 and they were undeniably robbed of a legitimate goal by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) – but even the controversy surrounding an erroneous offside call on Lewandowski couldn't disguise the abject nature of the Blaugrana's performance at the Anoeta.

It was a similar story in their following Liga outing, against Celta Vigo. Barca were held to a 2-2 draw after conceding twice in the final six minutes following the dismissal of Marc Casado, but Flick was the first to admit that they'd been awful all evening.

"It wasn't just the last 10 minutes," the German told reporters. "It was the whole match. We played a really bad game. We have to be honest. We made a lot of mistakes, also in the first half, and we weren't confident with the ball. We didn't play the football we're used to. We were lucky with some situations and in the end we got a point and we have to react because it can't be repeated.

"These are things that can happen but we have to look forward. The least bad thing is that it's only one match and we got a point, but we're not happy and neither are the players. Everyone can play better than today."

The problem is that very few have in the past couple of games and Barca have seen a massive lead in La Liga almost completely wiped out.

(C)Getty Images'Many things we're doing wrong'

In fairness to Barca, they really should have beaten Las Palmas on Saturday. As Flick pointed out, they created more than enough chances to do so: "We had 70 percent possession and 27 shots." On another day, they could have won handily – instead of losing 2-1 at home to a team that hadn't beaten Barca away from home for 53 years.

However, the Las Palmas loss isn't being dismissed as nothing more than a freak result, given it's hardly happened in a vacuum. Barca have now dropped eight points in their last three games and tough questions are now being asked of a team that is experiencing its first poor run of form under Flick.

"We’re lowering the level of what we were doing," captain Raphinha confessed to after seeing his equaliser on Saturday fail to prove the catalyst for a much-needed come-from-behind win. "There are many things we are doing wrong.

"I’m angry. I don’t care much about my goal, I only cared about the victory and we didn't win, so I'm not satisfied."

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AFP'Have to reconnect'

Flick is in no doubt that Barca can turn things around, though, starting with Tuesday's tricky trip to Mallorca. "I believe in the players," he said. "I have faith in them."

The former Bayern Munich boss also denied that the squad is suddenly suffering from some sort of collective crisis of confidence. However, Flick did not dispute allegations that his team is no longer exhibiting anything like the same intensity and cohesion as before. At a time when Barca should be improving as a number of key men return from injury, they're actually looking increasingly disjointed.

"When I started here I already told them that there would be no excuses," the German said. "It is normal that some players when they return from injury are not at their highest level, but if we play as a team we should be able to beat anyone. But if some players are disconnected, it will not go well.

"The defence is not just about the four players at the back. Players alone cannot win games. It’s always about the team. We need to have good connections in defence and attack. We have to change, we have to defend better. We have to go back and reconnect." And sooner rather than the later.

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ESPNcricinfo staff04-May-2021Hampshire have signed Colin de Grandhomme, the New Zealand allrounder, for the second half of the T20 Blast.Having undergone ankle surgery after missing the home international season through injury, de Grandhomme is expected to be fit enough to take his place in New Zealand’s Test squad for their tour of England, which includes the World Test Championship final against India at the Ageas Bowl from June 18-22.Related

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He will join up with Hampshire immediately after the WTC final – most likely in time for their fixture against Somerset on June 25 – and is expected to be available for the final eight games of the Blast’s group stage. It is unclear whether he would be available for the knockout stages, with a five-week gap between the final round of group games and the quarter-finals. He has become a specialist at attacking spinners in the middle overs of T20s in recent years, and provides an extra bowling option with his cutters.Hampshire are de Grandhomme’s second county after two years playing for the Birmingham Bears in 2017 and 2018. He is the fifth New Zealand international to sign a contract for this summer’s Blast, following Glenn Phillips (Gloucestershire), James Neesham (Essex), Finn Allen (Lancashire) and Lockie Ferguson (Yorkshire).Hampshire have won the Blast twice, in 2010 and 2012, but have endured a poor run in the competition over the last five seasons: since 2016, they have won only 21 of their 60 completed games, fewer than any other county.

Leeds United are leaving it late when it comes to getting bodies into the building, with the next few days expected to be dramatic before the transfer window officially slams shut.

Both Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon have entered Elland Road in quick succession, but more new faces are expected to join, with the likes of Roland Sallai on the predicted Whites shopping list among a whole host of other names.

Daniel Farke will want to add in a new attacking midfielder if he can, with Georginio Rutter breaking everyone's hearts in West Yorkshire when he moved on to Brighton and Hove Albion, as this exciting target now emerges on to the Leeds agenda.

Leeds transfer news

As report by journalist Alan Nixon, via Football League World, Sheffield United are another new Championship club prepared to battle it out for the services of AFC Bournemouth gem Philip Billing, who has also attracted the interest of Leeds.

Cherries manager Andoni Iraola has stated that he wants to keep Billing situated at the Premier League outfit, however, but an increase in game-time could well see the 28-year-old be tempted to relocate to Elland Road, with only 12 minutes of action coming his way so far in the new top-flight season from two games to date.

The Scandinavian star would take the second tier by storm if he was snapped up as a statement purchase right at the death, with Joel Piroe bumped way down the pecking order at Leeds if Billing was to enter at the last minute, when you consider the Dane's unbelievable numbers at the level in the past.

What Billing can offer Leeds

The former Huddersfield Town man would amass a very impressive haul of ten goals and ten assists from 40 clashes last time he was playing in the second tier, with the Cherries number 29 capable of playing either as a traditional central midfielder or behind the lone striker where Piroe has struggled recently.

Piroe has fallen out of favour with the Leeds masses of late, even with 13 goals and three assists notched up last season in the Championship, with his absence from the starting line-up away at Sheffield Wednesday last time out actually benefitting the Whites, as Brenden Aaronson fired home the opening goal in the 2-0 victory in his spot.

Stat – per 90 mins*

Piroe

Billing

Games played

45

40

Goals scored

13

10

Assists

3

10

Shots*

1.9

1.7

Scoring frequency

216 mins

331 mins

Big chances missed

8

11

Big chances created

3

13

Touches*

27.2

45.6

Passing accuracy*

15.3 (81%)

22.6 (75%)

Total duels won*

1.9

5.0

Stats by Sofascore

More willing to get on the ball and make things happen when contrasted with Piroe, with ten more big chances created during the 2021/22 season compared to the Dutchman's 2023/24 output, Billing would make the hole left behind by Rutter's departure feel less obvious, with the Dane always willing to receive a pass and create an opening.

Bettering Piroe's duels won count as well, with five won on average per Championship clash on the way to automatic promotion being clinched, Billing would be a great body to have around Farke's nervy camp during crunch games, when a make-or-break decision could decide a nail-biting affair.

Also capable of performing when making the step-up to the Premier League, with Billing impressively finding the back of the net seven times during the 2022/23 season, the £45k-per-week target – as per Capology – feels like a perfect fit for the Whites, as they strive to win promotion once more.

It remains to be seen whether Billing – who David Wagner once described as a player who "has everything" – can be persuaded to move back down to the Championship, but Leeds must push on to try and make this statement capture happen if they're truly serious about their promotion chances.

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ByDan Emery Aug 27, 2024

Jamie Carragher says Manchester City should be worried about finishing in the top four this season, with their Premier League crown slipping away.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Worst run of Guardiola's managerial career
• Defending champions winless in seven
• Have slipped 11 points off title-chasing pace

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pep Guardiola has overseen a historic run of four-successive title triumphs, and six in the last seven campaigns, but is currently enduring the worst run of his distinguished managerial career – with City suffering six defeats across a seven-game winless stretch.

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• WHAT CARRAGHER SAID

  The reigning champions of England are now 11 points off the pace in the 2024-25 title race and Carragher believes there is no way back for them from here. The former Liverpool defender told after seeing City suffer a 2-0 defeat at Anfield in their latest outing: “This season, Manchester City will not be winning the Premier League. I don’t think there is any way back.

  “It is almost a mini-crisis for Manchester City, and I think it’s reminiscent of Liverpool two years ago. I actually think Man City might have a fight on the hands for the top four. I actually look at Arsenal and Chelsea and the way they’re looking right now… I think it may be difficult for Man City to finish above them if they don’t go into the market in January.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  City will likely have money to spend in the next transfer window, with Carragher adding on the need for reinforcements to be welcomed through the doors at Etihad Stadium: “He [Guardiola] needs to buy players. If he can do that in January who knows, but he may need to wait until the end of the season to fix it. I look at the energy Arsenal have got and the energy the young players at Chelsea have got and I think it might be difficult for City to finish above them.”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  While City contend with uncharacteristic struggles on the field, they are still fighting an 115-charge Financial Fair Play (FFP) case off it that may yet deliver more misery to the blue half of Manchester – with there suggestions that they could be stung with points penalties, a transfer embargo or even demotion out of the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly on the cusp of completing another deal this summer following their latest capture of Ramon Sosa.

Nottingham Forest eye late additions

After picking up their first point of the season on the Premier League opening weekend, Nuno Espírito Santo's side remain active in the transfer market as it heads towards the end of the window. The Garibaldi are eyeing up a move for fresh blood in attack, and have already seen one bid turned down for Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez, who scored 23 goals in last season's Eredivisie.

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Meanwhile, they are also understood to be chasing defensive reinforcements and a goalkeeper, with the arrivals of Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa having already bolstered their frontline.

But it is a far cry from recent transfer windows, which have seen them cram the arrivals lounge at a rate only matched by Todd Boehly at Stamford Bridge, a series of events which led to them sailing too close to the wind with financial fair play.

Despite their more settled nature this time around, they are always on the hunt for upgrades, and they may be ready to revisit a player they know well before the end of the transfer window.

Montiel on verge of Forest return

That comes as one journalist claims that Forest have agreed a deal to re-sign right-back Gonzalo Montiel ahead of the transfer deadline in what would be a bizarre move.

The Argentine, who featured six times as they lifted the Copa América over the summer, spent the 2023-24 campaign at the City Ground but appeared to fall out of favour towards the back end of the campaign, failing to feature in games between February and April, though he did start the final four games of the season.

But despite Montiel's loan move having an option to buy the defender included, the club chose not to activate it, sending him back to Seville instead. Now, it is reported they are set to buy him this summer after all, with the initial decision perhaps influenced by potential financial fair play repurcussions ahead of the June 30th PSR deadline.

Montiel's first Nottingham Forest stint

Appearances

19

Starts

12

Goals

0

Assists

3

Yellow Cards

6

Appearances under Espírito Santo

14

As per Spanish journalist Fernando Serrano, the defender is "very close" to signing for Forest once more, with the Argentine having agreed personal terms on a four-year deal at the City Ground. Meanwhile, Forest have tabled a 12m euros (£10.2m) offer to sign him, comprising 9m euros up front (£7.7m) plus a further 3m euros (£2.5m) in add-ons.

There is no mention of whether Sevilla have accepted the offer, but given that it is likely of a similar value to the option to buy Montiel in the initial loan and the Argentine is down to the final two years of his £23,000 a week deal, it could well be enough to bring the World Cup winner back to the City Ground permanently.

MatériaMais Notícias

Aclamado pela torcida doBotafogocom os gritos de “Fica! Fica!”, Rafael Navarro fez mistério em relação à sua possibilidade de permanência no clube na temporada de 2022. Na saída do gramado após a goleada por 4 a 0 sobre o Vasco, neste domingo (7), o atacante afirmou.

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-Eu estou muito feliz com o momento. O Botafogo me deu essa oportunidade de mostrar o meu trabalho, então sou eternamente grato. Vou levar o Botafogo sempre na minha vida, é a minha casa. Amo muito o Botafogo e essa torcida maravilhosa – declarou à Rede Globo.

O jovem, que fez o terceiro gol da equipe na tarde na Colina, destacou a força da torcida e afirmou que sua decisão sobre o futuro no futebol ficará para depois.

-É uma emoção muito grande ouvir a torcida gritando meu nome. Estou muito feliz com o momento que estou vivendo. Essa vitória de hoje é para eles, muito importante, até porque viramos líder do campeonato. Eu estou muito feliz. Futuro deixo mais para frente, estou focado agora em ser campeão com o Botafogo – garantiu.

O Botafogo, líder da Série B com 62 pontos, volta a campo na quinta-feira (11), quando pega a Ponte Preta no Moisés Lucarelli.

All summer long, Newcastle United have been on the hunt for a new right-sided attacker to try and bolster Eddie Howe’s attacking ranks.

However, after multiple failed attempts, with just ten days remaining in the transfer window, there’s not long left for the hierarchy and recruitment team to pick out a talent that would improve the options available to the Magpies boss.

Jacob Murphy started the season opener against Southampton in the Premier League last weekend, before being replaced by full-back Emil Krafth after Fabian Schar’s red card, with Miguel Almiron an unused substitute during the victory.

After such heavy investment, it’s evident that more needs to be spent to give Howe that option that he’s been craving all summer, but no deal seems close for any of the targets, which include Anthony Elanga and Noni Madueke.

As a result, the club could turn their attention to one player who has previously caught the eye in recent months.

Newcastle should make move for £35m talent

In the club’s hunt for a new right-sided attacker, it’s pivotal that they don’t make an erratic signing for the sake of an extra body, with any addition needing to be an upgrade on the players currently in that area.

One player they could reignite interest is PSV’s Belgian winger Johan Bakayoko, after previously registering interest in a move for the 21-year-old earlier in the summer.

However, they wouldn’t be alone in their hunt for the youngster, with Liverpool also touted as a potential destination for the talent who has already registered two goals in the Eredivisie this season.

Any deal for Bakayoko would cost an interested party around the £35m mark, a reasonable price given his impressive goal return so far in 2024/25.

He would prove to be an upgrade on the current crop of players at Howe’s disposal, whilst also a better option than one sensation who recently departed Tyneside.

Why Bakayoko would be an upgrade on Minteh

A lot of disappointment was expressed at the end of June when Newcastle offloaded young winger Yankuba Minteh in a £33m deal to help boost their PSR standing.

The Gambian winger produced a sensational campaign on loan at Dutch outfit Feyenoord, registering 15 goal contributions in just 27 appearances – helping Arne Slot’s side claim a Champions League spot.

Whilst the deal saw the Magpies make a £26m profit on the £8m fee they paid for him the summer prior, there were real expectations that he could’ve been the answer to the club’s right-wing issues – but ultimately they couldn’t risk a point deduction during the current campaign.

However, a potential move for Bakayoko would see Howe’s secure themselves a higher-quality talent, with the youngster dubbed as a “[Bukayo] Saka regen” by analyst Ben Mattinson, with the talent possessing a very similar trait of cutting inside onto his wand of a left foot.

When comparing both his and Minteh's respective stats from the Eredivisie last season, the Belgian came out on top in various key areas for an attacker, potentially adding much-needed quality to Newcastle’s front line.

Bakayoko registered more combined goals and assists than Minteh last season – with 21 in total in the league – demonstrating the added goalscoring threat that he possesses in attacking areas.

Games played

33

27

Goals + assists

21

15

Progressive passes

3.5

2.5

Pass accuracy

82%

64%

Take-on success

53%

50%

Carries into final third

3.6

3

He also averaged more progressive passes per 90, whilst completing more take-ons and carries into the final third, creating opportunities for himself or the likes of Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak.

£35m for a player of his quality in today’s market could potentially be excellent business by the club, with his value set to soar with regular minutes in one of Europe’s leading divisions. That likeness to Saka is also another tick in the box, with the Englishman chalking up 34 goals and assists for Arsenal last season.

The Belgian has undeniable quality, allowing the Magpies to finally solve their right-winger hunt if they do revive their prior interest, whilst also handing the fanbase the opportunity to forget about the loss of Minteh.

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ByBrett Worthington Aug 13, 2024

Southampton would have been annoyed, come full-time at St James' Park, that they weren't travelling back down to the South Coast with something to show for their promising Premier League opening day display.

In the end, a costly goalkeeping error from Alex McCarthy – who passed straight to Alexander Isak lackadaisically for Joelinton to then convert – allowed the Magpies to pick up a fortuitous 1-0 win, despite the fact Eddie Howe's men had to play all of the second 45 minutes with ten men.

The stand-in Saints shot-stopper had barely any shots to save otherwise, as Southampton dominated proceedings with 19 shots to Newcastle's meagre three.

He could soon be replaced in the line-up, therefore, with a new addition in-between the sticks, who is more naturally suited to playing out from the back with confidence.

Southampton's search for a goalkeeper

As per journalist Darren Witcoop, Southampton are lining up a swoop of Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Jason Steele, to bolster their options away from McCarthy.

Steele did start Brighton's emphatic 3-0 victory against Everton on the weekend, however, but the Saints will try and win his services regardless, desperate for more numbers in between the sticks with Gavin Bazunu sidelined until 2025 with a serious knock.

Noted as being a "ball-playing" 'keeper by Witcoop, snapping up the 34-year-old would ensure errors like the costly one McCarthy made versus Newcastle are eradicated from the Saints' game moving forward, on top of winning a shot-stopper who has impressed for the Seagulls in terms of keeping the ball out of his net in the elite division before.

How Steele would suit Southampton

On the opening day, Steele impressed those watching on from a Brighton perspective at Goodison Park, far more than those in the away end at Newcastle grimly spectating McCarthy's display.

Coming away from the 3-0 win with a 90% pass accuracy in-tact, the Seagulls 'keeper also had to remain alert when the Toffees ventured forward on occasion, with one save and two punches also registered.

Looking at the above table, Steele is a far more competent ball-playing option than McCarthy, hence why Martin is targeting the former Middlesbrough 'keeper as a replacement, with far more passes attempted per 90 minutes as a braver presence in between the sticks.

Moreover, the £20k-per-week shot-stopper – as per Capology – is more willing to come outside of his penalty area to help orchestrate moves, with 2.59 defensive actions registered outside the penalty area over the last year per game, compared to McCarthy's paltry 0.20.

FBref even makes bold comparisons that Steele's game is similar to that of Manuel Neuer's and Ederson's, with both of those world-class 'keepers renowned for their unerring coolness on the ball.

Not having everything his own way at Brighton during his time at the club, however, Steele would become a surprising starting figure for ex-Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi last campaign, after having to make do with an unsteady place on the periphery for large spells.

Steele also has far more encouraging recent numbers for Brighton, compared to the current Saints number one, with 79 goals shipped from 54 games.

This is contrasted next to McCarthy's alarming 231 goals leaked from 148 contests, with only 38 clean sheets picked up from those starting games for Martin's men.

Described as being "outrageous" for his ability to play under pressure, and pass with swagger, by ex-Watford 'keeper Ben Foster last season, Steele could soon become a hero for the Saints, if he puts in calm displays that help in their aim to stave off relegation.

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Kelan Sarson

Aug 18, 2024

It's rather safe to say that Tottenham don't particularly like travelling to St James' Park. It's been a bleak away fixture for the Lilywhites who just can't seem to defeat Newcastle United.

Their record in recent years has been dreadful, with that iconic 6-1 defeat where the Magpies ran rampant in the first half still rather fresh in the memory.

Spurs' fortunes were no better on Sunday afternoon, even if the performance was more convincing than in recent years.

On another day, Ange Postecoglou's side could quite easily have left Tyneside with all three points. They struck the bar, forced Nick Pope into some nervy moments and should probably have scored through Wilson Odobert. It said it all, however, that they had to rely on an own goal during the 2-1 loss.

Cristian Romero wasn't at the races and was caught out of position for both goals, notably for the second when Jacob Murphy was given the freedom of the pitch to run in behind and lay it on a plate for Alexander Isak.

Isak's performance in numbers against Spurs

The performance of Isak would no doubt have intrigued Postecoglou, particularly after the arrival of their own big-money striker this summer in the shape of Dominic Solanke.

Games

4

Wins

3

Draws

0

Defeats

1

Goals

5

Spurs were arguably stifled by the Englishman's injury on Sunday and lacked a focal point, someone to aim for in the box to take advantage of their constant second-half pressure.

As it happens, it was that man Isak who scored the winner. The Swede hasn't looked his normal self this term but he loves playing against Tottenham and added to his tally over the weekend. The finish was simple, tapping into an empty net from a matter of a few years after Murphy had taken Guglielmo Vicario out of the game.

Besides that, the centre-forward perhaps didn't have his best outing, winning just three of his 14 duels and giving away possession on ten occasions.

That said, the £60m-rated talent is one of the most menacing attackers in the division. His 21 goals in 30 Premier League matches last season says it all.

Postecoglou will no doubt hope that Solanke reaches those dizzy heights once fit and firing. The former Cherries star was prised away for a £65m fee, more than Isak's current valuation, as per Fotmob. He's not the only man in the white of Spurs who's worth more though.

Market Movers

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James Maddison's season in numbers

Signed for a fee of £40m during the Australian manager's first summer in the dug-out, James Maddison has had a topsy-turvy Spurs career.

The attacking midfielder started last season on fire, scoring three times and supplying five assists in his opening 11 matches. Injury struck, however, and since then he hasn't been the same player, missing out on a place in the squad for Euro 2024, a decision that understandably left him gutted.

Returning at the start of 2024, Maddison endured a run of 17 matches where he scored only once. At the start of the new campaign, he's looked more like his older self. Maddison has failed to score again but he's picked up assists versus both Leicester City and Everton.

Games

28

Goals

4

Assists

9

Big chances created

11

Key passes per game

2.4

Successful dribbles per game

1.1

Shots per game

2.1

You sense that once this Spurs team begins to fire, those numbers will only improve. Indeed, the thought of the England international featuring in a three-prong attack alongside Heung-min Son and the aforementioned Solanke is an exciting one.

Although he's endured a tricky year, this is still one of the division's premier creators we're talking about here. Last term, the "incredible" midfielder, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, ranked inside the top 8% of positionally similar players in the Premier League for assists per 90 and among the best 3% for key passes, as per FBRef.

So, if Postecoglou can find a way to unlock more from the 27-year-old, he will no doubt prove key in their battle to secure a top-four place. Now valued at £65m, £5m more than Isak, it says it all about how much people rate him within the game. He is up there with the very best English football has to offer. A place in Lee Carsley's Three Lions set-up surely won't be far away.

Spurs star who dropped a 5/10 at St James' Park was not good enough

Spurs slipped to defeat against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

3 ByMatt Dawson Sep 1, 2024