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The 2025/26 campaign promised a new dawn for Tottenham Hotspur and their supporters.

Before too long, Ange Postecoglou and Daniel Levy had both been replaced. Thomas Frank was the new manager and Fabio Paratici had even returned for a second bite of the cherry.

Yet, rather like it did with Ange, things have unravelled all too quickly for Frank. There’s one word for it: Spursy.

The North Londoners began the season brilliantly. Their new Danish manager had engineered more security and better organisation at the back.

From the remarkably high line of Ange-ball to the more sedate Frank ball, excusing the Super Cup defeat to PSG, Spurs kept five clean sheets in their opening seven games of the Frank regime. How times change, eh?

Tottenham have now won just one of their last eight matches in all competitions and have shipped 18 goals in that time.

While Spurs may not be in 17th place, the position Postecoglou steered them to, a number of players have regressed.

The biggest issues of Thomas Frank's reign

The Dane moved from west to north London over the summer and while his appointment did not garner the level of fanfare a certain Antonio Conte or Jose Mourinho attracted, it was viewed as a smart appointment.

From Championship to the top half of the Premier League, what Frank achieved with Brentford was first-class.

Yet, he is no longer with the Bees and Spurs fans demand more. They demand good football, they demand that they challenge for honours.

Well, despite Postecoglou’s tenure now a thing of the past, Spurs look no closer to achieving their goals under Frank.

The defence improved for a limited amount of time but the biggest issues have emerged in attack.

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Brennan Johnson ended last season as Spurs’ top scorer with 18 strikes to his name but he has put in a number of abject performances of late. The Welshman has found the net just once across his last 12 matches, a dire run that’s caused frustration.

Up top, Dominic Solanke has rarely been seen due to injury and the same can be said of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Without them, Spurs have a creativity problem. According to FBref, their expected goals tally sits at just 11.9, the fourth-worst record in the division. That’s hardly a surprise considering that they rank 18th in the Premier League for key passes (88), and 16th for expected assists (8.1) across the campaign so far.

That’s even with marquee signing Xavi Simons in the team. Their failure to sign Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze is well documented and how Frank must wish they’d secured a Premier League-proven creative midfielder instead.

That said, their full-backs are not offering enough either. Pedro Porro, usually so creative and dangerous, particularly over a dead ball, has only carved out 1.39 key passes per 90 minutes, down on last season’s tally of 1.97 per 90.

His partner in crime on the left isn’t faring much better either. In fact, his drop off has been somewhat reminiscent of Dele Alli.

Spurs star is heading down the Dele Alli path

When analysing the right back position at Spurs, it’s clear that improvement is needed. Perhaps Archie Gray or Djed Spence could profit from Porro’s lack of form.

Likewise at left-back, Destiny Udogie is enduring a tough season. He spent early parts of the term out injured but is now back in action. However, he’s largely disappointing.

It was only a few years ago that the young Italian was described as “one of the best left-backs” in the league by pundit Clinton Morrison but that now couldn’t be further from the truth.

In many senses, Udogie’s rise and fall mirror that of someone like Dele, like a Tanguy Ndombele. He’s got all the talent in the world, all the raw attributes to thrive at this level.

We’ve already seen that. In 2023/24, the wing-back collected two goals and three assists. Not jaw-dropping numbers sure, but this was a player well on his way to cementing himself as a future hero in these parts. He’d get into “nearly every team in the world” remarked journalist Hunter Godson.

Sadly for the 23-year-old, he’s regressed big time under Frank, much like the aforementioned Dele did under Mourinho. While Frank hasn’t called Udogie “lazy”, which was the criticism the ‘Special One’ handed to the England international, his performances have begun to decline.

Like Dele, this was a player with the world at his feet. He looked like a world beater, one of the best young talents in England. Now, however, it’s all gone pear-shaped.

Udogie’s last two performances, in particular, have proven to be a problem. In the defeat to Fulham last weekend, Football.London’s Alasdair Gold noted how the defender ‘didn’t offer too much going forward’ and made an untimely slip when Harry Wilson found the net.

His display against Newcastle United on Tuesday, a 2-2 draw, left plenty to be desired too.

Minutes played

90

Touches

52

Accurate passes

30/36 (83%)

Key passes

0

Accurate crosses

0/2

Successful dribbles

0/1

Shots

0

Tackles won

1

Interceptions

0

Ground duels won

2/7

Aerial duels won

0/2

The aforementioned Gold slated the Italian for having a few ‘sloppy moments’ while flagging that Newcastle got a lot of joy down the Tottenham flanks.

Safe to say his numbers don’t particularly paint a very vivid picture either. Udogie won just two of his nine duels and failed to register a single shot, supply a key pass or successfully complete a dribble.

All in all, it was a poor day at the office for the Italy international and he must improve moving forward.

He’s a talented player, one of the best young talents we’ve seen in the division across the last few years. Under Frank, however, it’s heading in the same way as Dele under Mourinho. Both had immense potential, but their talents could go to waste.

Thomas Frank may have just found Spurs' new Mousa Dembele vs Newcastle

Tottenham battled back to claim a draw against Newcastle at St. James’ Park.

3 ByAngus Sinclair Dec 3, 2025

Former England and Liverpool striker Andy Carroll scored a brilliant hat-trick for Dagenham & Redbridge. The 36-year-old forward, who once broke the British transfer record when moving to Anfield from Newcastle United, has made a fresh start in the sixth tier of English football after leaving French side Bordeaux in the summer. He joined the club both as a player and a shareholder.

• Carroll returned to England this summer

  Carroll, who previously enjoyed spells at Newcastle, Liverpool, and West Ham United in the Premier League, returned to England this summer after a brief stint with French fourth-division club Bordeaux. Despite interest from clubs across Europe, the veteran forward chose an unexpected path and came back to his homeland. He got off to a nightmare start in the sixth tier of English football. In a pre-season friendly against League Two side Crawley Town, Dagenham and Redbridge went down 5-1 as Carroll came on as a substitute after the hour mark. 

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  Carroll's hat-trick inspires Dagenham and Redbridge to a win

  On Saturday, the veteran forward featured in Dagenham and Redbridge's starting and completed a hat-trick within the first 31 minutes of the match as his side thrashed AFC Totton 5-1 in a National League South. He opened the scoring in the sixth minute before doubling the tally 12 minutes later. Carroll then completed his hat-trick just past the half-hour mark as he cushioned a clipped ball down before beating the opposition goalkeeper to complete a third for the evening. 

  Carroll, who now has six league goals to his name, thanked the supporters after the memorable performance, as he said: "Thanks for the support today, buzzing with my hat-trick and the three points. What a win. Let’s keep it going."

  With the win on Saturday, the club have now moved up to 12th in the Northern League South points table. 

• 'My kids thought I was signing for Chelsea'

  After moving back to England and joining a lower division club, Carroll had told reporters: "My kids thought I was signing for Chelsea — they’ll be in for a shock. It’s a fantastic location and close to my kids, they will be able to come and see me play. I really enjoyed my time in Bordeaux, but it’s time for me to get settled with my family. I’m hoping my kids will bring their friends to see me play. I didn’t want to finish playing football, and I’m really excited to get involved in the leadership side and be a player. I’ve got experience in seeing how clubs are run, of all levels. I think I can add value."

  He added: "My first job is to go in as a player, I want to get them promoted. I was offered clubs with a lot more money, but I realised Dagenham was a project that I really wanted to get into. I want to help as many players and staff from my experience and background as possible. I was getting offers from clubs in France, Italy and Spain, but I wanted to come home. I could sign for a top club, but me and the managers might not see eye to eye, so I just want to be somewhere I’m going to be happy."

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• AFP
  

  Carroll's struggles in France

  In April this year, while Carroll was still in France, French publication claimed that the English forward earned €1,614 (£1,372) gross per month at Bordeaux, which is less than €1,400 (£1,190) after tax. The figure mentioned by was less than the French minimum wage for a 35-hour work week of €1,801.80 (£1,532).

  He himself had told L'Equipe in an interview that his apartment rent was more than his wages. "I rent a nice little house and my salary is less than my rent. If I joined Bordeaux, it's obviously not for the money," Carroll said.

There have been some miserable nights in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at Manchester United, with Monday’s defeat to Everton ranking high on that list, having allowed the ten-man Toffees to secure a first away win at Old Trafford for former boss David Moyes.

Ironically, there were shades of Moyes’ own nadir – the 2-2 draw with Fulham back in 2013/14 – about that 1-0 loss, with Ruben Amorim again in danger of heading the same way as the Scotsman in the United dugout.

Indeed, a year in charge has yielded just 12 Premier League wins for the Portuguese coach, with the positivity of the recent five-game unbeaten run now tempered with the angle of three games without a win in the top-flight.

A key crux of the issue is the use – or rather misuse – of Bruno Fernandes in a deep-lying role, with the Red Devils crying out for a new creative hub ahead of him.

Man Utd's search for a successor to Fernandes

From netting 38 goals and assists in all competitions last term, the United skipper has been forced to almost play with the handbrake on, having even operated as the deepest midfielder following Kobbie Mainoo’s introduction against the Merseyside outfit.

Currently looking ill-suited to this 3-4-2-1 system, the 31-year-old – who came close to joining Al Hilal over the summer – might be at the centre of speculation again heading into next year’s World Cup, with his current deal set to expire in 2027.

He does still lead the way at United for big chances created (3) – alongside Amad and Bryan Mbeumo – although that is half as many as the division’s leader, Jeremy Doku (6), as per FotMob, with Fernandes’ powers perhaps on the wane in his new role.

In need of a new chief creator? Well, enter Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, with reports in Spain suggesting that the Manchester side are among the clubs to have expressed an interest in the fleet-footed Frenchman.

Reportedly valued at around £123m, the 24-year-old is also attracting attention from both Liverpool and Arsenal, albeit with INEOS viewing him as someone who would bring a ‘significant leap in quality’.

Now in his second season in Munich, following a £50m move from Crystal Palace last year, the London-born star is shining in German football. Could he be just what Amorim is looking for?

Why Olise would be a perfect signing for Man United

After a hefty summer of investment totalling almost £250m, there might be a sense that INEOS have already put together their long-term frontline, in the form of Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

As the recent loss indicated, however, a couple of injuries to that latter duo highlighted the lack of real depth, while the pair’s return of just three goals between them is also cause for concern.

Sesko, in particular, is far from the finished article, with Amorim potentially able to fashion a fluid attacking trio of Cunha off the left, Mbeumo through the middle and Olise on the right, with the Bayern gem currently looking so devastating in that role in Munich.

In the Bundesliga alone this season, the one-time Reading winger has chalked up six goals and six assists for Vincent Kompany’s side, while registering seven big chances created in total, as per Sofascore.

A “magician” – according to Bayern teammate Dayot Upamecano – in the mould of Fernandes, the left-footer has also averaged 2.3 key passes per game, while eclipsing that return from his five Champions League outings, with 2.4 key passes per game.

Three goals and assists and three big chances created have also come amid a standout start to this year’s league phase in Europe, with Olise now rightly lauded as “one of the best players in the world” by the likes of teammate Serge Gnabry.

That lofty status is more than warranted, as he currently ranks in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for assists and shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, while also ranking in the top 4% for progressive passes per 90.

Mason Greenwood

13

Michael Olise

13

Lamine Yamal

11

Antoine Semenyo

9

Ilan Kebbal

9

Christian Pulisic

7

Romain Del Castillo

7

Domenico Berardi

7

Ritsu Doan

7

Bryan Mbeumo

7

In essence, everything he does is with an attacking thought in mind, possessing that Fernandes-esque knack for being able to unlock a defence with a moment of genius.

There is also an at-times erratic quality that comes with that approach, like the Portuguese, having lost possession on average 17 times a game in Germany’s top-flight.

He is a risk-taker, however, and as Monday showcased, United could certainly do with more of that.

Having – perhaps rightly – allowed the likes of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho to depart, while clipping Fernandes’ wings, this is a squad in desperate need of a game-changer. Olise might just be that.

Worse than Bruno & Casemiro: Amorim can't start Man Utd duo together again

This change could help turn Man Utd’s season around.

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 26, 2025

The longer this goes on, the noisier it will get for Liverpool and their new signings and their recruitment strategy when viewed through a wider lens.

Five defeats from six in the Premier League have snuffed out any hopes of Arne Slot retaining his throne at the top of the division. Arsenal are eight points ahead at the summit, but it is the stark polarity in technical implementation and fluency that is a greater threat to Liverpool’s campaign.

That and the Reds’ startling defensive fragilities. Ibrahima Konate has been at the centre of Liverpool’s problems this term, and Virgil van Dijk is hardly at his best either. A variety of full-back pairings have yet to provide sustainable results, and Alisson Becker’s absence through injury hasn’t helped matters.

But Liverpool are all wrong, and it has at times felt as if Slot it trying to put square pegs into round holes. To solve this crisis of confidence and cohesion, sporting director Richard Hughes appears to be getting ready to add a high-level midfielder to the Anfield ranks.

Liverpool looking to sign a midfielder

Liverpool have got plenty of creativity in their ranks, even if Slot is not wielding his playmakers’ abilities to the max at this moment. But Liverpool need more in the way of build-up play.

Ryan Gravenberch is one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League, and he has excelled since Slot shifted his countryman into a deep-lying central berth.

But Liverpool are embroiled in a pressing conundrum this season, lacking the intensity and physicality and drive to recycle possession. This was painfully clear on Sunday against Manchester City, who outperformed Liverpool across almost every department.

The Merseysiders also look a bit lost, tactically. That’s a disquieting thing to say, and the dichotomy between Slot’s first and second terms at Liverpool are illustrated clearly through this point.

What Liverpool need is a genius midfielder to rival Gravenberch at number six and revive Liverpool’s energy and build-up and pressing. Gravenberch is great, but Fabinho’s presence is missed in the Liverpool midfield, that Brazilian anchor whose composure under pressure and crisp, intelligent distribution paid dividends under Jurgen Klopp.

It is perhaps for this reason that Hughes and FSG have centred their sights on Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha.

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the Portugal international ahead of the turn of the year and are willing to offer a staggering €130m (about £114m) fee. Arsenal and Juventus are also understood to be keen on the 25-year-old.

This won’t be an easy one to pull off, of course. Vitinha is contracted to the Parc des Princes until 2029, and he is considered by PSG to be one of their most untouchable players.

What Vitinha would offer Liverpool

Vitinha is rather good at football. It seems obvious that he would raise the level of Liverpool’s midfield, having dominated under Luis Enrique’s wing, winning a historic quadruple last season and continuing to dazzle at the heart of the PSG super-team this term.

Described by Portugal manager Roberto Martinez as being “the best midfielder in the world”, Vitinha has been instrumental in Paris’ golden footballing age, playing 169 times across all competitions for the club since joining from Porto for £34m in 2022.

Here is a midfielder who has played in the Premier League before, featuring 19 times and starting five of those fixtures in 2020/21 while on loan with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

This was a bit-part role for a young and raw player. Vitinha is now levels above that one-time player whose passing and skill have found a maturity befitting a team at the very top of the European pyramid.

It is such a player who could turn things around for Liverpool, perhaps even establishing himself as the Redmen’s finest midfielder since those days of Fabinho in Klopp’s system.

These players do not share that many stylistic similarities, but Fabinho was considered among the finest in the world when tackling his way through the Premier League, and Vitinha, as mentioned already, is believed by some to be the very creme of the world crop, finishing third in the men’s Ballon d’Or rankings this year.

1.

PSG

Ousmane Dembele

2.

Barcelona

Lamine Yamal

3.

PSG

Vitinha

4.

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah

5.

Barcelona

Raphinha

This is a midfielder who can do it all. His passing is out of his world, and his is a scholarly footballing mind. As per data-led platform FBref, Vitinha ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe over the past 12 months for pass completion, passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 9% for shot-creating actions and the top 8% for progressive carries per 90.

Moreover, Vitinha has won 60% of his ground duels in Ligue 1 this season, emphasising the underrated combativeness to his game.

Gravenberch is mobile and crisp on the ball and progressive when the right chance presents itself, but he is not as skilled on the ball as Vitinha, and while Klopp’s heavy-metal system demanded an enforcer like Fabinho, Slot’s more centralised build-up patterns demand a profile like Vitinha, especially now Trent Alexander-Arnold has up and left.

This is why Vitinha would be such a credit to the project, very much becoming Slot’s own version of Fabinho without matching the 32-year-old, who now plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, in regard to the deeper analytical dive of his playing style.

The ripple effect of such an acquisition would be astounding. Energy and movement and belonging would give rise to the likes of Konate and Van Dijk’s latent brilliance as a defensive partnership. Vitinha would direct play and orchestrate from the middle. Here you would find Wirtz unlocking his skills once again, and the web of passing patterns would strengthen across the central and attacking thirds.

Liverpool said their farewells to Fabinho a time ago, and success has been had in the years since his sale. But Liverpool miss him still, and while Vitinha is a wildly different profile, his technical skills and ability to navigate his way through intense pressure underscore the importance of getting this one over the line and reviving the Slot machine.

More than Wirtz: £36m Liverpool star is becoming a "serious issue" for Slot

Liverpool were condemned to a fifth defeat in six Premier League matches at the Etihad.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 10, 2025

Everton have now reportedly made an enquiry over signing a South American forward, who will be worth as much as £40m in 2026.

Moyes: Everton want to be "challenging for Europe"

After victory over Bournemouth in midweek, David Moyes looked ahead to his side’s clash against Nottingham Forest this afternoon with plenty of ambition in mind. The veteran manager, whilst urging Everton to stay realistic, admitted that he wants the Toffees to be a team “challenging for Europe”.

He told reporters: “If we can get another win against Nottingham Forest, we push ourselves right in there again, but in the same breath we’re all looking over our shoulder because we want to get more distance between the bottom of the league and the ones at the bottom at the moment.”

Given how tight the Premier League table is, Everton may not be far off where they want to be by the end of the weekend. Heading into the weekend, Moyes’ side sit 10th, but only three points adrift of the top four. If results go their way, they could find themselves in a sensational position.

It would then be about keeping hold of that European place and that’s something the January transfer window would help. On that front, The Friedkin Group have already got a number of targets in mind.

According to recent reports, Everton have now joined the race to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid as he looks to earn a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad by returning to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, they’re also on the hunt for a striker amid Thierno Barry’s poor start and Beto’s continued struggles. It’s very much been the missing piece for Moyes and Everton have reportedly turned towards Yuri Alberto as a result.

Everton make enquiry to sign Yuri Alberto

According to TeamTalk, Everton have now made an enquiry over signing Alberto in 2026. The Corinthians forward is reportedly valued at as much as £40m, but could prove to be worth the price given how he’s starred since returning to Brazil in 2023.

Dubbed “superb” by South American expert Nathan Joyes last November, Alberto’s since enjoyed an excellent campaign in Brazil – scoring 18 goals in 54 games in all competitions.

As Everton search for the clinical striker that they so desperately need, the 24-year-old could finally get the Premier League move that has been on the cards for a couple of years.

Related Everton eyeing up move to sign former-Liverpool star who's been "fantastic"

He could come back to haunt Liverpool.

Posts 1 ByTom Cunningham Dec 3, 2025

£40m is, of course, a steep price to pay but that price would turn into a bargain if Alberto helped the Toffees into shock European contention this season.

Everton now ready to compete in race to sign "physical" La Liga star in £35m deal

While Arsenal dropped points prior to the international break, this weekend represented a colossal opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s men to stamp their authority on this Premier League title race.

Manchester City and Liverpool suffered defeat, meaning that once the Gunners had beaten fierce rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, their advantage over City in third was now seven points.

As Jamie Carragher put it at full-time on Sky Sports, the only team who can stop Arsenal from winning the league are Arsenal.

They have the tactics, they have the defensive shape and they now have the attacking firepower and depth to their squad to take on anyone.

As Arsenal swatted aside Spurs, they did so without a recognised centre-forward, they did so without captain Martin Odegaard and they did so without Gabriel, one of the most influential players in the entire division this season.

The man to thank? Well, it was certainly Eberechi Eze.

The key men as Arsenal defeat Spurs

Coming into this game the narrative was all about Eze.

The attacking midfielder had famously rejected a move to Spurs in the summer in favour of returning to his boyhood club.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank was quizzed on that in his pre-game press conference and muttered a response that he will now live to regret: “Who’s Eze?”

The Dane said that with a smile. Well, he certainly knows who Eze is now.

He became the first Arsenal player to score a hat-trick in the north London derby since Alan Sunderland in 1978 and he did so in some style.

It was Leandro Trossard who has opened the scoring but Eze, signed for £67.5m over the summer from Crystal Palace, stole the show.

Arsenal have lacked a player with his ability to shoot on sight and boy did he do so on Sunday evening. His first was a brilliant taken effort in a crowded penalty area but his second and third goals came with more space.

The quality, however, was equally as good each time. The England international scored a stunning goal for his country over the international break and was bang in form again here. The way he dispatched his second on his weaker foot spoke volumes of the form this man is in.

The third was also sumptuous. Fed the ball by Trossard, the former Palace star took one touch to set himself, ignored Bukayo Saka to his right and rifled the ball home.

Eze deserved most of the plaudits but the aforementioned Trossard did too. He scored and assisted, meaning that in the 32 games where he has found the net for Arsenal, he has never been on the losing team.

An amount of praise must be passed to Piero Hincapie too.

With Gabriel injured and out of the side the Ecuadorian stood in at centre-half and was exemplary on his first start in the Premier League, winning all three of his contested aerial duels.

Still, there was a rather underrated performance elsewhere that we’re yet to mention.

Arsenal star shows shades of Ozil and Odegaard

An attacking midfielder lights up the Emirates again and you’d be forgiven for thinking that Eze was the most alike to a certain Mesut Ozil and Odegaard.

Yet, in rather surprising circumstances, the player who evoked memories of those dazzling Arsenal players was Mikel Merino.

Chalkboard

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

When the Spaniard signed for the Gunners in 2024 he was renowned as something of a duel monster. While he’s played regularly in midfield for Arteta, he has been most impactful as a makeshift striker.

Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus last term meant that the Spain international needed to fill in as a centre-forward. He performed admirably too, notably scoring against Real Madrid and rescuing that win against Leicester when he first featured as the number 9.

Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres in the summer but have still had to rely on Merino with Jesus, Havertz and the Swede on the sidelines in recent weeks.

The £32m midfielder netted twice against Slavia Prague in the Champions League a few weeks ago but perhaps saved his finest display of the season for Spurs on Sunday.

He started the game slowly but held the ball up admirably and although he won’t run the channels like Gyokeres, he made the team click and was the catalyst for Eze’s hat-trick. That was outlined by analyst Raj Chohan on social media.

That wasn’t the best thing Merino did, however. The pass for Trossard’s goal was remarkable.

He received the ball 25 yards from goal, waited for precisely the right moment to clip the ball into the box and he did so delightfully, finding the Belgian who swivelled and then found the net.

It was a scarily good pass, one that evoked memories of a certain Ozil.

In the process of being hailed as “Arsenal’s most underrated player” by club insider, Hand of Arsenal, he stated that “if that pass is made by Ozil we are raving.”

CBS reporter James Benge had a similar viewpoint, remarking that it was “an Arsene Wenger building an entire midfield out of diminutive playmakers” type of pass.

Cast your mind back to the days of Ozil, to some of Odegaard’s magical assists in Arsenal colours, it was right out of their playbook and it broke down what had been a stubborn Spurs defence up to that point.

Merino is not the most stylish of players, he is not the Rolls-Royce. However, what he will always guarantee is a mighty strong shift and a very efficient performance. He delivered just that on Sunday again, all with a bit of Ozil flavour.

Not just Eze: £27m star just had his best game for Arsenal

Eberechi Eze scored a remarkable hat-trick as Arsenal defeated Spurs.

By
Matt Dawson

Nov 23, 2025

Xavi Vilajoana, who this week unveiled his campaign for Barcelona's upcoming presidential elections, was scathing in his criticism of current club president Joan Laporta. Vilajoana promised that, under his presidency, his team will focus on investing further in the club's famous youth academy, saying that it must be the source of their next world-class star, discouraging a big-money move for a star of Erling Haaland's stature.

• Barcelona set to hold presidential elections next year

  The next presidential elections at Barcelona are not too far away, with Laporta having already confirmed that he is planning to run for the re-election next year. More recently, a report from revealed that Laporta is being tipped to call the elections in April 2026, before the season ends. 

  The current Barcelona president has been talking himself up and is looking to secure his position following his work during the second tenure. “We’ve made difficult decisions, we’ve worked under pressure. It’s been an important year in the club’s recovery, and I’d like to run in the next elections,” he told in May.

  “I believe this project, which I have the honor of leading, deserves to continue. We made brave, courageous, and controversial decisions, and we’ve moved forward, both to stop this campaign of institutional discredit that has taken hold in some sectors, especially among rivals.

  “The registration of players was an ordeal due to the violent reaction of those who didn’t want things to go well for us. All of this, and much more, gives me the strength to continue. It’s Barça’s best project because we love the club and we know what we’re doing and what’s in our best interest.”

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  Presidential candidate tears Laporta apart

  Victor Font, the primary presidential candidate who finished behind Laporta last time around, is expected to run for presidency once again. The likes of Joan Camprubi Montal, Marc Ciria and Xavi Vilajoana have also been reported to be in the running. 

  On Thursday, Vilajoana unveiled his campaign for the Barcelona presidency under the slogan "Ready to recover our Barca". Speaking at the event, he criticised Laporta's methods and shared how he will improve the club. 

  “I have been working for the club for 21 years, both as a football and futsal player and then as a board member under three presidents [Laporta, Sandro Rosell and Josep Bartomeu]. I am optimistic and I will give it my all; the game has begun and it's going to be a long one,” he emphasised. “You can’t run the club behind the backs of its members, its owners. We have a captain who’s sailing without a plan; everything is mired in complete improvisation.

  “If I am elected president, I will freeze season ticket prices until Camp Nou is finished. The members must come first. We can dedicate 40 million euros to this within a one billion euro budget. I have a plan to increase sponsorship revenue by 30%. We will promote La Masia, our greatest asset, whose budget Laporta has decided to cut by 37%. Our Haaland isn't at City, he's at La Masia. It pains me to see the state of the other sections. I was captain of one of them (futsal) and I know how important they are; they are part of our identity… Women's sports will be represented in all sections if I win.

  “I want to do what's best for Barcelona. I don't know what will happen in the future, but I'm convinced that my project is very strong. What I am clear about is that the sums must be complementary. I'm not against anyone, I'm for Barca. Going against everything doesn't help. Being president of Barca isn't about handing out positions.

  “Laporta’s management is insane. This isn’t about sweeping things under the rug, but about making sure those responsible pay the price. The auditor will determine if there have been any illegal actions. And if they have harmed the club, they must be reported.

  “I try not to listen to this president because he doesn’t contribute anything to my life,” he said, adding that every time Laporta speaks he “disrespects the members,” lamenting “the current image of Barcelona; the club deserves much more.”

• Messi could participate in Barcelona elections

  In September, reported that Barcelona legend Lionel Messi could potentially play a part in the upcoming presidential elections. However, he would not be endorsing another term for Laporta, as it was revealed that he could showcase support for other candidates such as Font and Camprubi. 

  Laporta has often held accountable for Messi's unceremonious exit from Barca in 2021, with the player and his family seeing Laporta pulling the plug on a renewal as 'betrayal'.

  "The first person who should be talking about Messi is Laporta," Vilajoana added. "If he hasn't been with us for four years, it's his fault. Messi is an asset of the club. No one can appropriate the club's assets."

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  Accusations from Font have piled pressure on Laporta

  Last month, Laporta's rival Font accused the Barcelona president of hiding €80m in losses, lambasting him for making an utter mess of the club's already fragile financial condition. "Last year's closing reflected losses of 90 million euros. We asked for a restatement because there were overvalued assets, and we were ignored," Font told in October. "This year's accounts hide 80 million euros more in losses that are restatements in last year's accounts, and this hasn't been mentioned; the Assembly isn't aware of it. There's a lack of transparency."

  Font has also urged that "we need elections as soon as possible," adding that the "members will fight to ensure that the social model does not change and that the club is once again managed efficiently and responsibly."

  Laporta is under tremendous pressure as things stand, and his case for another presidential term could further diminish if the Catalans fail to be in contention for major silverware by the time the elections take place next year.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em coletiva de imprensa, Pedrinho, Presidente do Vasco, conta detalhes sobre o projeto de reforma de São Januário. O mesmo ainda ressaltou o seu desejo de iniciar as obras até o final do ano.

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– E nos melhores dos sonhos, isso não é uma promessa, é um desejo, que a gente consiga iniciar as obras no final do ano. Esse é o nosso desejo. A gente se empenha nisso quase que 24 horas pra que isso aconteça. Mas temos que respeitar todos os trâmites e burocracias para a obra sair – disse Pedrinho.

Tudo sobre

Futebol NacionalVasco

NZ batter had represented the franchise in 2025, but was released despite being their highest run-getter

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Nov-2025Kane Williamson is set to replace Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam at Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) ahead of SA 2025-26, ESPNcricinfo understands. DSG had bought Taijul for R500,000 (approx. US$28,858) at the mega auction in September, but he’s set to miss the upcoming fourth edition of the SA20.Williamson, meanwhile, had made his debut in the tournament when he represented DSG last season, but was released by the side despite being their highest run-scorer. He scored 233 runs at an average of 46.60 and a strike rate of 118.87 in eight games. DSG finished at the bottom of the table.Williamson’s return to the SA20 continues his foray in the franchise world. Last month, he was appointed Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) strategic advisor in the IPL. Earlier this year, after his maiden stint at the SA20, he played in the Hundred for the first time in his career and in the Vitality Blast after seven years. Soon after, Williamson signed only a casual agreement with New Zealand Cricket to have flexibility in playing overseas.Related

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Last week, he also retired from T20Is with the T20 World Cup only three months away.At the SA20 next year, Williamson will join Noor Ahmad (retained), Sunil Narine and Jos Buttler (both pre-signed), among others, as DSG look to improve on their performance from last season.The fourth edition of SA20 begins on December 26, with DSG playing the opening game against MI Cape Town in Cape Town.

The weather could be a factor in the opening ODI of the series while Australia are likely to field two debutants

Andrew McGlashan18-Oct-20251:45

Can all three allrounders make India’s XI?

Big Picture: A big start to a big summer

Virat and Rohit are back. But will they make 2027? India have a new ODI captain. Pat’s not here, but his back is the talk of the nation. Australia have lost a key player to side soreness, although don’t panic is the word. Selectors are trying to balance red-ball preparation and white-ball results. It’s only the middle of October, but there’s plenty going on at the beginning of what could be the biggest cricket season ever down under.For Australia, there are long, medium and short-term focuses as their summer begins in Perth: an eye on planning for the next ODI World Cup, the build-up to the Ashes and the hope that further key players don’t go down over the next few weeks, and then trying to win this series itself against a strong India side who got the better of them in the Champions Trophy semi-final earlier this year.Related

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The final of that tournament, where India were crowned champions, was their most recent ODI. There’s been some significant change for them since then. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are single-format players and Shubman Gill is their captain in Tests and ODIs, an incredible workload in the modern game even if he will likely be managed across certain series. Jasprit Bumrah isn’t here for the ODIs, but will arrive for the T20Is.Australia, who are a little more recently acquainted with this format having faced South Africa in August, had hoped to field their strongest possible side, at least for the start of this series, but they will be without various first-choice players. They are also still trying to settle down a batting line-up in the post Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell era.Pat Cummins is the biggest injury-watch ahead of the Ashes, and more on his timeline will soon become clearer, while Josh Inglis (calf) will miss at least the first two matches and Cameron Green (side) the whole series. Adam Zampa (awaiting the birth of his second child) will be absent from Perth due the travel distances involved while Alex Carey (Ashes preparation) will link up in time for his hometown game in Adelaide.Ticket sales for India’s visit across the three ODIs and five T20Is which follow have been huge and a crowd upwards of 50,000 is expected at Optus Stadium, a figure which has only been reached twice in the venue’s history.

Form guide

Australia WLLLW
India WWWWW
Eyes on 2027: will these two giants of the game be there?•ICC via Getty Images

In the spotlight: Travis Head and Virat Kohli

India supporters don’t need reminding of the performances Travis Head has put together in the past. Two centuries in last season’s Test series added to his trophy-defining knocks in the 2023 World Test Championship final and ODI World Cup. For a little while during the Champions Trophy final earlier this year it looked like another could be forming but Varun Chakravarthy cut him off in the nick of time. These white-ball games are Head’s first matches of the home summer and a couple of decent scores would set him up for what’s ahead, although there remains a reasonably strong chance he will play the last Sheffield Shield match before the Ashes as well.Well, who else could it be? Virat Kohli will suit up for India for the first time in seven months amid much speculation around the future of his international career. One minute, this tour may be it, the next he’s all in for 2027. Time will tell. Regardless, this will surely be his last visit to Australia as an international cricketer. It’s a place that has played a major part in his storied career, with Optus Stadium being the scene of his last Test century. He has not always endeared himself to Australian fans, not least last season when things got heated in the latter stages of the Test series, but with the stadiums likely to have no shortage of Indian support over the next three matches he should get a warm reception.Matt Renshaw is expected to slot into the middle order•Getty Images

Team news: Renshaw in line to debut; how do India balance their attack?

Matt Renshaw and Mitch Owen are set to make their ODI debuts in the middle order while Josh Philippe will play his first ODI since 2021 and his first as wicketkeeper. Mitchell Marsh said they would not go with an all-pace frontline attack which means left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, who is covering for Zampa, will feature on home soil for the first time.Australia (possible): 1 Travis Head, 2 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 3 Matt Short, 4 Matt Renshaw, 5 Josh Philippe (wk), 6 Mitch Owen, 7 Cooper Connolly, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Nathan Ellis, 10 Matt Kuhnemann, 11 Josh HazlewoodIndia will need to ponder who slots into the No. 8 role and whether they want the extra batting of Washington Sundar. Despite the team’s last ODI being in March they are set to have the same top six as the Champions Trophy final.India (possible): 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Shubman Gill (capt), 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Shreyas Iyer, 5 KL Rahul (wk), 6 Axar Patel, 7 Nitish Reddy, 8 Washington Sundar/Kuldeep Yadav, 9 Harshit Rana, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Prasidh Krishna/Arshdeep Singh

Pitch and conditions

Albeit from a small sample size of three games spread over six years, Optus Stadium has been a relatively low-scoring ODI venue. Australia have been bundled out for 152 and 140 in their last two visits here in the format. There is generally something for everyone in the drop-in pitches although this is the first game at the ground since last season. The bigger factor could be the weather with showers forecast during the day.

Stats and trivia

• The last time Kohli and Rohit played under a different captain was nine years ago against New Zealand
• Australia have lost all three of their ODIs at Optus Stadium
• Travis Head needs 58 runs for 3000 in ODIs
• If Mitchell Starc plays in Perth it will be his first ODI since November 2024.

Quotes

“The key for us is to make sure we start well on Sunday; we don’t want to be playing our best in the last game like we did last series. [It’ll] be tough against a quality outfit but exciting for a few guys to get their first crack at it.”
“The success they have had all over the world, they have made runs, won series, won trophies, so their experience will be very helpful.”
Shubman Gill on the presence for Rohit and Kohli