Pau Victor will join Portugese club Braga on a permanent deal after falling behind Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres in Barcelona's pecking order.
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All the stats highlights from a dominant performance by India on the second day in Chennai
ESPNcricinfo stats team14-Feb-2021268 – Test wickets for R Ashwin in India; only Anil Kumble, with 350, has more wickets in India. During the course of his 5 for 43 today, Ashwin went past Harbhajan Singh’s home tally of 265. Ashwin averages 22.54 in home Tests, compared to Kumble’s 24.88 and Harbhajan’s 28.76. This was Ashwin’s 23rd five-for at home, which is only two short of Kumble’s record.ESPNcricinfo Ltd200 – Left-hand batsmen that Ashwin has dismissed in Tests. He is the first bowler to reach that mark. Of the 391 Test wickets for Ashwin, 200 are of left-hand batsmen, which is an impressive percentage of 51.2. Next on the list of most left-handers dismissed is Muttiah Muralitharan, but only 23.9% of his victims (191 out of 800) were left-hand batsmen. Ashwin averages 19.55 against left-handers, and 31.24 against right-handers.ESPNcricinfo Ltd134 – England’s total, which is their second-lowest all-out score in India; the lowest is 102, in Mumbai in 1981. In terms of overs faced, the 59.5 they faced here is their fifth-lowest in India. One of the previous four was in their second innings in the first Test of the series, when they were looking out for quick runs and were bowled out for 178 in 46.3 overs.74.6 – The control percentage for England’s batsmen in their first innings; India’s control percentage in their first innings was 82.4%. England’s batsmen played a false shot every 3.9 deliveries, compared to one every 5.7 balls for India’s batsmen. In the 18 overs of India’s second innings, their control percentage dropped to 78.5, which is a false shot every 4.7 balls. A batsman is in control of a delivery when the ball goes where the batsman intended it to. On the other hand, a false shot is marked when a batsman edges, mistimes, or is beaten by a delivery.79.75 – Ben Foakes’ batting average in Asia. In seven innings in the continent, he has scored a century and a half-century, and has only twice been dismissed below 20.0 – Extras conceded by England in India’s first innings. That is the highest total in a Test innings in which no extras have been conceded. The previous highest was 328, though on that instance India’s bowlers bowled 187.5 overs, against Pakistan in 1955, compared to the 95.5 overs bowled by England in the Indian innings.4 – Ducks in India’s first innings, which is only the ninth instance of four or more ducks in an Indian innings at home. The previous such instance was in 2008, against South Africa in Ahmedabad.
Heading into Sunday’s clash at St James’ Park, both Chelsea and Newcastle United found themselves locked on 63 points in the Premier League.
But, come the full-time whistle, the gulf in class between the two Champions League chasing outfits was obvious, with both Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes sharing out the goal-load to hand Eddie Howe’s Toon a richly deserved 2-0 win.
Of course, the Magpies’ quest for a golden three points was undoubtedly helped by Nicolas Jackson receiving a red card deep into the first half, with the ex-Villarreal striker enduring yet another torrid afternoon leading the line for Enzo Maresca’s men.
Jackson's horror show on the road
The 23-year-old does have somewhat of a healthy goal return next to his name this season at 12 strikes overall, but all the main talking points from the clash on Tyneside would centre on his dismissal, away from his hot-and-cold ability to find the net.
Indeed, after planting an elbow into the face of Newcastle defender Sven Botman, the inconsistent Blues attacker would be sent off, meaning he is now suspended until the end of the Premier League season.
There was still 65 minutes of the match left after Jackson’s moment of madness, but the damage had already been done on Chelsea’s end, meaning Newcastle eventually strolled to a 2-0 victory to gain an upper hand to finish inside the coveted top five.
Jackson didn’t even test Nick Pope with a single effort on goal before clashing with the Magpies centre-back, with Maresca now tasked with deciding who to start up top now in the remaining top-flight contests to come ahead of the suspended striker.
Other Chelsea first-teamers could also feel the wrath of the manager’s team selection moving forward, with this fellow underperformer in attack only lasting ten more minutes than Jackson before being hooked.
Chelsea's other big underperformer
Nobody wearing Chelsea blue would come away from the 2-0 defeat with much praise, with Romeo Lavia another who looked out-of-sorts in the midfield department, especially when his casual nature on the ball centrally led to Tonali’s speedy opener.
But, Lavia would at least see out 75 minutes on the St James’ turf, with Noni Madueke half a tactical substitution due to Chelsea being reduced to ten men, and half an alteration made purely out of his ineffectiveness in attack when he lasted just 45 minutes.
Minutes played
45
Touches
16
Accurate passes
8/9 (89%)
Shots
0
Successful dribbles
0/1
Dribbled past
2x
Total duels won
0/4
At times, Madueke was merely a spectator to the constant waves of Newcastle attacks, with the 23-year-old dribbled past more times than he could conjure up successful dribbles himself.
Moreover, the ex-PSV Eindhoven winger could trudge off the pitch at the half-time interval and not return off the back of failing to register a single effort on the home side’s goal, alongside failing to win a single duel from four attempts. In stark contrast, even as Newcastle bossed proceedings, Jacob Murphy would win four duels as a committed warrior for Howe’s hosts.
It could well be time for Maresca to experiment with something fresh down the left channel, therefore, with 19-year-old sensation Tyrique George capable of playing down that flank, alongside an equally hit-and-miss Jadon Sancho.
The Italian will just pray that any changes he does makes to his XI pays off, with the Blues now slipping down the league, whilst Newcastle bask in the glory of third position.
Whenever Chelsea seem to be settling into their groove, another bump seemingly appears in the road, with just two Premier League games now left for the Blues to make any European dreams come true.
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“We can’t make mistakes against him tomorrow,” says Prabath Jayasuriya
Andrew Fidel Fernando22-Sep-2024If you’re a batter, your first Test at one of the most trying venues on the planet tends not to go well for you. Rachin Ravindra, though, is proving across formats, that he’s not your run-of-the-mill batter out of New Zealand.His fourth-innings vanguard, which by the end of day four has brought him 91 not out off 158, and pushed New Zealand into a spot where they still have an outside chance of victory, has been full of bravado.Sri Lanka’s offspinners attacked him outside off stump, figuring that as he likes to play shots out there, there will eventually be an edge that comes off his bat. The edge never materialised but plenty of runs did – 40 of his runs coming in the arc between backward point and cover, Ravindra’s shot-making frequent and consistent even when the pitch was spitting towards the end of the day.Related
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“I’ll be honest, the pitch isn’t easy – but there were periods there when Rachin made it look very easy,” said Ajaz Patel, who partnered Ravindra through the last few overs of the day.”He’s a phenomenal player. I think he’s world class. With his batting out there today, you saw him sticking to a solid plan for long periods, and trusting his skills. He’s got an amazing future in front of him. I’m grateful he’s on our team. He’s a headache to bowl to in first-class cricket.”When Sri Lanka switched to bowling straighter at him, Ravindra was no less proficient through the legside. He was ruthless when the bowlers erred even slightly on length, preferring the pull to the sweep as his main run-scoring option on the legside.In fact, four of his nine fours, and his one six all came through midwicket, with the six coming off a full toss.Opposition left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya had serious praise for Ravindra too.”I mostly tried to bowl into the rough to him and turn it into him. Sometimes he was very good at latching on to the short balls.”There was some little chances that came off him. But he kept his patience and batted nicely. He hit the loose balls away and kept the good ones out. He played like someone who understood his game, and was sticking to a game plan. Sometimes we tried to take his wicket and bowled aggressively, but he turned those into scoring opportunities.”Sri Lanka now need two more wickets to win, while New Zealand need 68 for victory. Ravindra has to score those runs in the company of No. 10 Patel, and No. 11 Will O’Rourke. If he gets through that challenge, it may be the finest moment of his career to date – in Tests, at least.”We can’t make mistakes against him tomorrow,” Jayasuriya said. “We have to take those two wickets.”
Chelsea are convinced a marquee Brazilian would be a star for Enzo Maresca next season, and a move for the player is expected to happen “soon”.
Chelsea agree Liam Delap deal as BlueCo continue forward search
Earlier this week, Chelsea reached an agreement over the signing of Ipswich striker Liam Delap, with the Englishman, barring any unexpected surprises, looking set to become their first completed deal of the summer.
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The 22-year-old had alternative offers on the table, particularly from Man United, Newcastle and Everton, but Delap started to give his preference to Chelsea after they qualified for the Champions League (talkSPORT).
Rank
Team
Points
GD
Man City
71
+28
Chelsea
69
+21
Newcastle
66
+21
6
Aston Villa
66
+7
7
Nottingham Forest
65
+12
Reports then began emerging that Delap had fully agreed to join Chelsea after being convinced of the project, with Maresca now also said to have played a “crucial” role in convincing the ex-Man City starlet to choose a Stamford Bridge move.
Delap is now also set for a medical at Cobham ahead of a £30 million switch from Portman Road.
While Chelsea are closing in on the Englishman, this doesn’t appear to be the end of their search for new forwards. Now that they’ve qualified for the Champions League, and with many squad members potentially leaving to raise even more funds, there is a chance that Chelsea sign two strikers this summer.
As well as this, BlueCo are targeting a winger, as heavily reported, and one name high on their transfer shortlist is Real Madrid star Rodrygo.
The Brazil international is valued at £84 million by Real, following his 23 goal contributions over 50 appearances last season (13 goals, 10 assists), so Chelsea would need to invest significantly in his capture as they also “push” for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké (Florian Plettenberg).
Chelsea convinced Rodrygo would be a star for Enzo Maresca
Spanish newspaper Diario AS, and their reporter Eduardo Burgos, share some interesting details on Chelsea’s links to the 24-year-old.
Chelsea believe Rodrygo could be one of Maresca’s “crown jewels” next season, envisaging a key role in the squad for him. While London rivals Arsenal have already held informal discussions over the £202,000-per-week attacker, Chelsea are expected to do the same “soon”.
Burgos writes that Chelsea are intent on making a “statement” this summer and anticipate a very busy window, especially after confirming their spot in the Champions League, and Rodrygo “ticks all the boxes”.
“Rodrygo, so underrated,” said Jude Bellingham about his Real teammate.
“For me he’s probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad. The things he can do with the football — we’ll be messing around and he’ll flick the ball up somehow and you’re like, ‘How do you do that?’. I’m trying to do it, twisting up my ankles and everything like that. He’s a pleasure to play with.”
England seamer looks to manage workload ahead of West Indies Tests in July
Matt Roller05-Apr-2024James Anderson is unlikely to play for Lancashire in the County Championship before June, as he looks to manage his workload before England’s Tests against West Indies and Sri Lanka in the second half of the summer.Anderson has played four Championship games for Lancashire in each of the last three years. But England’s home Test season starts around six weeks later than usual this summer, against West Indies on July 10, on account of a scheduling clash with the T20 World Cup.”With the Tests being in July, it’s tricky,” Anderson said at The Oval, speaking as the government announced a £35 million investment package in grassroots cricket. “It’ll probably be June before I play, or maybe the end of May.”Nathan Lyon, Lancashire’s new overseas signing, had lunch with Anderson on his first full day in the country and has expressed his desire to play alongside his Ashes rival. “I think he plays seven out of the first nine games, so hopefully I’ll play one or two [with him], either at the end of May or in June,” Anderson said.Related
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Lancashire play seven Championship games before the start of the T20 Blast in May. They then have two more fixtures starting on June 23 (vs Kent at Canterbury) and June 30 (vs Nottinghamshire at Southport) which Anderson may target before the first Test against West Indies.Most of England’s Test regulars are due to play in five out of their respective counties’ first seven Championship games, though schedules vary from player to player. Durham chief executive Tim Bostock estimates that Ben Stokes will play “three or four” Championship fixtures for Durham before the first Test, after withdrawing from the T20 World Cup.Jack Leach, who recently underwent surgery after injuring his knee during England’s tour to India, is not expected to feature in the first month of the season. “Somerset are likely to be without Jack Leach until early May as he continues his rehabilitation back to full fitness,” the club said in a statement on Thursday.Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, believes the participation of many England players at the start of the season is “a real boost” for the status of county cricket. “Aside from the IPL, we can all focus on first-class, red-ball Championship for April and May, and that’s a good thing,” Gould said.
Freese stole the show, and hearts of American fans on social media, in dramatic USMNT win to advance to semifinals
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Freese gets praise on social after penalty heroicsUSMNT's Arfsten got a mixed reviewGoal-scoring Luna also gets praisedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The U.S. men's national team pulled off a dramatic 2-2 (4-3) shootout win over Costa Rica on Sunday night to book a trip to the Gold Cup semifinals against Guatemala.
After the win, the name that was on everyone's minds was Matt Freese, the USMNT goalkeeper who made a case to be the starter at next year's World Cup after making three saves in the tense shootout. The NYCFC star was incredible in goal against the CONCACAF rival.
GOAL tracked all of the best reactions from fans, pundits and former players to the USMNT's win.
AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYINGWHAT PUNDITS, EX-PLAYERS ARE SAYINGGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The U.S. needed a win to avoid the fate of Canada, which lost to Guatemala earlier on Sunday. After advancing to the semifinals for a record 17th time, Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT are still alive in a quest to win their first Gold Cup since 2021.
MatériaMais Notícias
da premier bet： Tão logo aconteceu o sorteio que definiram os grupos da Copa Sul-Americana, a expectativa foi grande para o confronto entre São Paulo e Tigre. Tudo por conta da final de 2012, quando o Tricolor ganhou o título sobre os argentinos, que não voltaram do intervalo no Morumbi após alegarem que foram agredidos por seguranças.
Pois bem, a Independente, principal organizada são-paulina, barrou mulheres e crianças na caravana, a polícia federal argentina passou os dias divulgando planos para coibir choques e, a esperada ‘batalha do José Dellagiovanna’, ‘cancha’ do Tigre, no final ganhou contornos de comédia.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoIrritada, Globo segura lançamento de documentário de Galvão Bueno; entendaFora de Campo06/04/2023Fora de CampoCanal no Youtube acerta com Téo José para transmissão da final do CariocãoFora de Campo06/04/2023VídeoVÍDEO: Torcida invade gramado para celebrar classificação do Nantes à final da Copa da FrançaVídeo06/04/2023
da luck： E a torcida do Tigre apedrejou o ônibus do próprio time, por engano, pensando se tratar do #SPFC. Agustin Cardozo, da equipe argentina, acabou de postar pedindo calma a seus próprios hinchas… #lanceSULA pic.twitter.com/6nW30jv0Id
— Rafael Ribeiro (@rafaelemilianoo) April 6, 2023
+ Guia São Paulo: veja a análise dos adversários, onde assistir e tudo sobre o Tricolor na Sul-Americana
Tudo porque, na disposição para intimidar o elenco são-paulino, ‘hinchas’ da equipe montaram uma emboscada com pedras aos brasileiros. Só que na hora de executá-la, confundiram o ônibus. E acabaram atingindo o veículo que transportava sua própria delegação!
A situação pitoresca foi denunciada pelo próprio reserva dos ‘Matadores’,Agustin Cardozo, que em sua conta no Instagram alertou os torcedores do erro.
Por enquanto o clima é tranquilo na partida. O esquema das autoridades argentinas funcionou e a chegada de time e torcida ocorreu sem maiores problemas. Pela TV, foi possível ver ‘trapos’ do Chacarita Juniors, principal rival do Tigre e cuja ‘barra brava’ é aliada dos são-paulinos. O que mostra que o esquema de segurança não foi assim tão eficaz…
Confira o jogo entre Tigre e São Paulo pelo LANCE!.
A ESPN argentina relata o pitoresco ataque errado da torcida do Tigre… #lanceSULA https://t.co/TzdQrhlxiO
— Rafael Ribeiro (@rafaelemilianoo) April 7, 2023
Following the news that Kevin De Bruyne is set to depart as a free agent this summer, Manchester City have now been handed a fresh concern by Real Madrid’s reported interest in signing one of Pep Guardiola’s star men.
Guardiola preparing for Man Utd revenge
In what will now go down as De Bruyne’s final Manchester derby, Guardiola and his Manchester City side will be seeking revenge over their rivals after Amad Diallo’s shock last-gasp winner left them on the losing side earlier in the campaign. In what has been a campaign to forget, the Citizens will be hoping to at least compile the misery on Manchester United.
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Guardiola reiterated that his side are currently in a good place ahead of the chance to earn revenge against their rivals, telling reporters: “Good. The last two games we were good and hopefully we continue in the last eight games in the Premier League and prepare. The people rest and tomorrow we’re going to prepare the game.”
However, the Spaniard’s main focus was on De Bruyne’s announcement and how he will miss the Belgian’s quality, saying in his pre-match press conference: “Sad day. It’s a happy day for the fact of the pleasure that I live this time that I have with him. He gave all of us his humanity and of course his influence in all our success. The last decade would not be possible to imagine without him.”
That said, De Bruyne may not be the only star man that Guardiola is left bidding farewell to this summer, with Real Madrid now readying a shock move to sign one particular Manchester City star.
Real Madrid readying Bernardo Silva move
According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are now readying a move to sign Bernardo Silva this summer, with the midfielder keen to leave the Etihad and end an incredibly successful tenure in the Premier League. Like De Bruyne, Silva has played a pivotal part in City’s dominance over the years as a jack of all trades at Guardiola’s disposal.
After a difficult campaign, however, the Portugal international could be among those allowed to leave the club in what would arguably be coming at the right time for all involved.
Once dubbed “irreplaceable” by Guardiola, Silva is now struggling to keep up with the pace of the Premier League and must make way for a much-needed rebuild at Manchester City this summer. And if that means a move to Real Madrid, then not many could argue over whether a player of his success deserves such a move.
Tottenham Hotspur are doing the groundwork on a deal to sign an “exceptional” winger, who is now one of their key targets for the summer transfer window, according to a report.
Spurs set to strengthen in attack
It is clear Tottenham are keen on bringing in additional attacking options this summer, given that they have identified a number of potential targets in the striker department, recently stepping up their pursuit of Lille marksman Jonathan David, who is soon to be a free agent.
Arsenal are also linked with a move for David, and Spurs may also have to battle their rivals for the signature of Leeds United youngster Harry Gray, younger brother of Archie, with Premier League clubs queuing up to sign the impressive teenage striker.
Bringing in a new striker is of interest to Ange Postecoglou, and the manager also wants to refresh his wide options, with Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman being named as a potential signing earlier this month.
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Bayern manager Vincent Kompany is happy to offload Coman, which could make a deal easier to facilitate, but Tottenham may be more keen on an alternative option from much closer to home.
According to a report from GiveMeSport, Spurs are now doing the groundwork on a deal to sign Southampton winger Tyler Dibling, as they look to make a splash in the summer transfer window.
Dibling has now been identified as one of the Lilywhites’ key targets, with the 19-year-old beginning to look more likely to leave the Saints this summer, given that his side are almost certain to be relegated from the Premier League.
Postecoglou’s side could be trying to move ahead of the other clubs in the race for the starlet, who has previously been valued at £55m, with the likes of Manchester United and Crystal Palace also named as potential suitors.
Dibling excelling despite Saints' struggles
It has been a season to forget for Southampton, who are still not safe from the ignominy of recording the lowest-ever Premier League points total, having collected just nine points from 29 games.
However, Dibling has still managed to impress at times, chalking up four goals and two assists in all competitions, in what has been a real breakthrough season for the youngster.
The Exeter-born winger has also managed to impress when he hasn’t been on the scoresheet, being lauded as “exceptional” and a “joy to watch” by reporter Ryan Taylor, following an excellent showing against Manchester United back in September.
It would be a difficult task for any player to stand out in such a poor side, but some of Dibling’s performances this season indicate he deserves another chance in the Premier League next season, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in a better team.