أدلى نجم الزمالك السابق، أحمد حسام ميدو، بتصريحات قوية تحدث فيها عن الأوضاع الصعبة التي تمر بها القلعة البيضاء، موجهاً رسالة إلى المسؤولين لإنقاذ النادي العريق من الانهيار الذي يشهده على مختلف المستويات.
قال ميدو في تصريحات عبر برنامج “أوضة اللبس” على قناة “النهار”: “جمهور الزمالك (هيتجنن وبيكلم نفسه) لا يفهم ما يحدث، يرى ناديه ينهار أمام عينيه، ولاعبيه لا يحصلون على مستحقاتهم، والفرق تحقق نتائج سلبية، ولاعبون ومدربون سابقون يهددون بتقديم شكاوى إلى الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم”.
وتابع: “جمهور الزمالك يطالب المسؤولين على الأقل بأن يعرفوا الموقف، ويطالبون عبر موقع تويتر رئيس الجمهورية بالتدخل لإنقاذ النادي، هل يُعقل أن نادياً بتاريخ الزمالك الكبير وجماهيره العريضة في مصر والوطن العربي يُسحب منه حقه في أرض نادي الزمالك بمدينة السادس من أكتوبر؟”.
وأضاف ميدو: “الزمالك منذ شهرين لا يوجد أحد يفهم ما يجري بداخله، النادي ينهار في كل الألعاب، واللاعبون لا يحصلون على مستحقاتهم، وفريق كرة اليد لم يشارك في بطولة إفريقيا، وفريق كرة القدم يخسر ومدربه يهدد بالرحيل، أليس من حق جماهير الزمالك أن تفهم ما الذي يحدث؟ هذا كل ما يطالب به جمهور النادي، أن تعود أرض الزمالك بما لا يخالف القانون”.
طالع أيضًا | هشام نصر يوضح حقيقة تفكير مجلس الزمالك في الاستقالة بسبب أزمة أرض أكتوبر
وواصل: “كيف نترك نادياً بحجم الزمالك يمر بهذه الظروف؟ أنا شخصياً على وشك أن أفقد صوابي لأنني لا أفهم ما الذي يحدث، إنها المرة الأولى في حياتي داخل نادي الزمالك التي لا أعرف فيها ما يجري، وحتى المسؤولون أنفسهم لا يعلمون شيئاً”.
واستكمل: “هل يوجد مسؤول في الدولة يرضى بأن يحدث ذلك في نادي الزمالك؟ أتمنى أن أرى الزمالك نادياً عادياً يعيش ظروفاً طبيعية مثل باقي الأندية”.
وأشار: “الزمالك يعاني من أخطاء إدارية، شأنه شأن جميع الأندية المصرية، لكن لا أستطيع أن أهاجم أو أُحمّل أحداً المسؤولية وهو مكبل اليدين، وهناك مسؤولون يدفعون أموالاً من جيوبهم الخاصة لمحاولة إنقاذ الموقف، وهذا أمر مؤسف أن يحدث مع نادٍ بحجم الزمالك”.
واختتم: “نادي الزمالك، الذي تأسس عام 1911، يمتلك جماهير ضخمة في مصر والعالم العربي، وأنا عندما أسافر إلى الدول العربية أجد أن معظم الناس هناك يشجعون الزمالك ويتابعون أخباره باستمرار”.
Harry Kane broke another Bundesliga record when scoring two penalties in Bayern Munich’s crushing victory over Hoffenheim. England captain Kane netted a hat-trick in that contest – his second of the 2025-26 campaign – with a couple of efforts coming from the spot. The prolific frontman has never missed from 12 yards in the German top-flight – with 17 strikes converted.
Kane yet to miss Bundesliga penalty
That remarkable run has seen Kane rewrite the history books. He is the first player in Bundesliga history to successfully score 17 penalty kicks. His unblemished record was maintained in a 4-1 victory at Hoffenheim.
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Can Kane hit 50 goals this season?
Kane has claimed that he has no “limits”, with the Three Lions superstar refusing to rule out reaching 50 goals in a single campaign for the first time in his career. He is already up to 13 this season.
Who Kane took penalty record from
Hans-Joachim Abel has been overtaken in the penalty-scoring department, with Kane pulling level with the former Fortuna Dusseldorf, Bochum and Schalke star when scoring spot-kick No.16, before then moving into a league of his own.
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Kane's first penalty for Bayern & his most recent
Kane’s first Bundesliga penalty for Bayern was converted against Augsburg in August 2023, shortly after arriving from Tottenham, with a piece of history being made on that front just four games into his third season at the Allianz Arena.
David Moyes cut a furious figure after Everton’s 2-1 defeat at Anfield, branding referee Darren England’s handling of the Merseyside clash “very strange.” Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike had fired the champions into control, but Idrissa Gueye’s strike gave the Toffees hope. The visitors piled on late pressure, yet controversy dominated the aftermath as Moyes and his players left the red half of the city empty-handed once again.
Gravenberch and Ekitike hit hard
Liverpool, with the Anfield crowd roaring, struck first through Gravenberch before new boy Ekitike doubled the advantage. Everton looked lifeless before the interval, unable to keep pace with Liverpool’s relentless tempo. But the second half told a different story as Moyes’ side found their fight, and Gueye’s goal hauled them back into it. For a while, the champions looked rattled as Everton pushed bodies forward, scenting an equaliser.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMoyes hit out at England
Moyes seethed post-match about the minutes added on: "Three minutes was very strange. Every quick free-kick had to be stopped and brought back for the whistle, and then we get a booking for it. I find it quite unbelievable.”
Grealish clash sparks fury
At the heart of the drama was Jack Grealish. Hounded by Liverpool defenders all evening, the winger felt that protection from the officials was little. To make matters worse, he was shown a yellow card after the final whistle for venting his anger.
“We couldn’t get the last goal and it was frustrating in the second half,” he told . "They were trying to slow the game down at times. I’ve never seen a player in my whole life get booked for taking a quick free-kick. I don’t know where that rule has come in. Even the stoppage-time, three minutes and one minute, I’ve never seen that in the Premier League in the last two or three years.
“There were frustrations with the referee. Sometimes you want to let the game go, I completely get that, but you can’t not give us something and then two seconds later one of their defenders goes down after getting touched in the back and he gives it. You come to these stadiums and the crowd are on them, I feel that they feel they have to give it. Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] is on four yellows now and he got one for taking a quick free-kick. We want to get the game going, we’re losing.”
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History weighs heavy on Moyes
The result added another unwanted entry in Moyes’ record book. This was his 21st trip to Anfield in the Premier League without victory, a record number of winless games for a manager at a single stadium. Of those visits, 15 have ended in defeat, with the other six drawn. For the Toffees, the numbers cut deeper still: this was the first time in 88 years that Liverpool have chalked up five consecutive home wins against their city rivals.
The highs and lows from the latest round of matches in the Bangladesh Premier League
Mohammad Isam08-Jan-2025Rangpur Riders have taken a four-point lead at the top of the table after winning their first five games in the 2024-25 BPL season.Their victories include two each against new franchise Dhaka Capital and Sylhet Strikers but their big gain was the win against defending champions Fortune Barishal. It was an early warning to their opponents of Rangpur’s strength, having come into the tournament after winning the Global Super League title in Guyana.Barishal, who are also strong contenders for the BPL title, will view the defeat to Rangpur as a major setback. They have won their other three matches: one against Sylhet and two against Durbar Rajshahi. Sylhet and Dhaka are the winless teams, having lost three and four matches respectively.Best batters: Three centurionsChittagong Kings’ Usman Khan scored the first century of the season – a match-winning 123 off 62 balls against Rajshahi. Hours later, Thisara Perera made 103 not out off 60 balls for Dhaka in their defeat to Khulna. Alex Hales’ unbeaten 113 off 56 balls helped Rangpur chase down 206 against Sylhet. He added 186 runs for the second wicket with Saif Hassan, who started the BPL with two half-centuries in three innings.Related
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Taskin Ahmed grabs 7 for 19 for Durbar Rajshahi, a new BPL record
Best bowler: Taskin AhmedTaskin Ahmed’s 7 for 19 for Rajshahi brought the heat on a chilly day against Dhaka; it was only the third seven-wicket haul in T20 cricket and the first in a major franchise league. He shot to the top of the wicket charts with 12 scalps in four games.The Rangpur pair of Nahid Rana and Mahedi Hasan are also among the wickets. They have a four-wicket haul each, while Khulna’s Abu Hider took the other four-wicket haul in the first week.Unusual eventsTom O’Connell was recalled after being adjudged timed out in Chittagong’s first match against Khulna in Dhaka.Perera scoring a century from No 6 for Dhaka in a defeat was a statistical rarity in the BPL. It was only the second century at No 6 and lower in the BPL. Lahiru Samarakoon also bowled the most expensive four-over spell of the season so far – his 0 for 64 for Rajshahi against Barishal are the third most expensive figures in BPL history.Young one to watchJishan Alam, the 20-year old who came into the BPL after impressive performances in domestic T20 games, has had one good performance so far – scoring 38 off 27 balls for Rajshahi against Barishal after beginning his season with two ducks. Pakistani left-arm quick Jahandad Khan, also playing his first BPL season, took three wickets against Sylhet. Iqbal Hossain, an 18-year-old seamer, took 2 for 41 for Barishal on his BPL debut against Rangpur.
The allrounder has been approved as a replacement player following the collision which ruled out Daniel Sams and Cameron Bancroft
AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jan-2025
Dan Christian will make a return to action in the BBL•Getty Images
Australian T20 legend Dan Christian has come out of retirement and to the rescue of the BBL’s injury-hit Sydney Thunder.The 41-year-old allrounder last played professionally for Sydney Sixers two summers ago and has since served as an assistant coach at Thunder.Christian has not played a professional match of cricket since Sixers’ BBL12 semi-final loss to the Brisbane Heat but has been keeping fit with UNSW in the NSW Premier Cricket competition.Related
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Bancroft out of BBL, Sams under concussion protocols after horrific on-field collision
Hurricane Tim David blows Strikers away for fourth consecutive win
He will join an elite club of players to feature in the BBL in their 40s that includes Brad Hogg, Brad Hodge, Peter Siddle, Fawad Ahmed and the late Shane Warne.Christian is available for the remainder of the tournament, which has already featured big improvements from reigning wooden spooners Thunder.Christian’s comeback follows injuries to Daniel Sams and Cameron Bancroft, both sidelined after a horror collision in the field during last week’s win over the Perth Scorchers.Sams (concussion) and Bancroft (fractured shoulderblade, broken nose, concussion) joined a mounting injury toll that has also sidelined Jason Sangha, Nic Maddinson and Tanveer Sangha.”I made the decision during the off season that a return to the BBL or any other T20 leagues was never entirely off the table for me,” Christian said. “The body feels great, and I wanted to ensure I was prepared if an opportunity arose.”The incident with Cam Bancroft and Dan Sams was extremely unfortunate, but I’m really grateful for the opportunity it’s presented. I wish them all the best with their recoveries and hope they’ll be back on the park soon.”In addition, Thunder could lose Sam Konstas to Test duties later in the tournament and expect to farewell internationals Sherfane Rutherford and Lockie Ferguson as they head to the ILT20.”We’re very fortunate to have Dan already within the club,” said Thunder general manager Trent Copeland. “He’s a legend of the BBL and we’ve got no doubt he’s still up to the level. We can’t wait to see him jump back into this environment and make an impact.”Christian is considered a T20 specialist, having played 409 games for 18 different teams in six different countries across a globetrotting career.He represented Australia 43 times in white-ball cricket and has won three BBL titles – one each with Brisbane Heat, Melbourne Renegades and Sixers.
Two teams who have traversed contrasting paths in the 2024-25 Super Smash will meet on Sunday, for a title that has been eluding them for years.Central Districts, unarguably the form team of the tournament, with six wins in their eight completed games, will be chasing their first T20 trophy since 2018-19. Though Canterbury have only snuck into the final this season they’re more familiar with this territory. They made the final in the past four seasons, but the title kept slipping away from their grasp.Canterbury had last won the T20 title way back in the inaugural edition in 2005-06, when Peter Fulton, their current coach, was an active player along with the likes of Brendon McCullum, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris and Nathan Astle.Will 2024-25 finally be Canterbury’s season? Their captain Cole McConchie believes so. “I don’t think it [being runners-up in the last four seasons] affects our approach,” he said in the lead-up to finals weekend. “That determination and motivation factor is always high. I think any time you get the chance to compete for silverware, you know, we always want to add it to our cabinet.”I think [winning the title] would mean a lot. I think, if we’re honest, we’ll put a big tag on the T20 title. And, you know, it would certainly mean a lot to the boys and the association. You know, very fortunate with the support that we get at Hagley with our friends and family and the cricketing community. And, we’ve had plenty of messages of support from the Canterbury cricket community.”The stars are aligning and shining for Canterbury. After a washout at the Basin Reserve KO’d Wellington and helped Canterbury sneak into the Eliminator, Canterbury’s all-New Zealand attack, led by Matt Henry and a fit-again Kyle Jamieson, pinned Northern Districts down to 110 for 9. At one point in that game, Henry was threatening to emulate Lockie Ferguson by bowling four maidens, but two runs off his final over saw him miss the record. Nevertheless, his 4-3-2-2 was the most-economical four-over spell in New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition.Matt Boyle then cracked 48 off 25 balls to fortify his status as the breakout player of this season. In all, the tall, big-hitter has scored a chart-topping 375 runs at an average of 41.66 and strike rate of 158.22 going into the final. His captain McConchie is enthused by his progress.”You know, [in] the last few years, he showed glimpses in games,” McConchie said. “All of us lads have seen what he does at training, and, you know, he’s a quality striker of the ball, and a quality player. And, you know, he’s worked really hard at his game, and to see him get the rewards is not surprising for us, because we know the sort of quality that he is.”Jack Boyle has been a strong presence at the top for Central Districts•Getty Images
Boyle vs Boyle in battle of the brothers
Tom Bruce, the Central Districts captain, slots in right behind Matt Boyle as the second-highest run-getter so far this season, with 325 runs at an average of 65 and strike rate of 164.14. CD have had other heroes as well: seamer Blair Tickner tops the wickets charts till now, while Jack Boyle, formerly of Canterbury and Matt’s elder brother, has done the job at the top, setting up the platform for Bruce and Co. to launch. In CD’s last league fixture against Auckland, Angus Schaw, Jack’s landlord, brought a challenging chase home.The battle between Matt and Jack will divide the family’s loyalties and add more spice to the final.”Yeah, I think the good part is it’s been different guys have been contributing every game, and that’s all you’re after,” Bruce said. “Obviously as captain, it’s nice to score some runs myself as well and be consistent, but at different games and different times, other guys have stepped up and have really led the way. So really pleasing to see some of the guys show a bit of consistency there and sort of lead from the front, which has been awesome.”For Bruce, who had captained CD to Super Smash glory in 2018-19, the focus is on adding another trophy to his kitty.”Yeah, look, 2018-19 season was the last time we lifted the T20 trophy and it’s the only time in my ten-year career,” Bruce said. There’s a few guys there that played in that game as well, so obviously fond memories for those guys. And saying that, the previous year we got our pants pulled down a wee bit from ND as well, so some not-so-fond memories there. So a lot of guys, it’s their first finals experience, so awesome to see them and to see how they’ll come through the day and through the opportunity.”
The mood around Arsenal is jubilant at the moment.
Mikel Arteta’s side are top of the Premier League table following their thumping win against Leeds United; Martin Odegaard could be fit for Sunday, and Bukayo Saka’s injury will only keep him sidelined for four weeks at most.
However, it’s still probably the arrival of Eberechi Eze and the nature of his signing that has fans the most positive about the coming campaign.
It feels like the Englishman could be the missing piece for the Gunners, and in more good news, the club are closing in on another signing who could help him get even more out of him.
Arsenal target dream teammate for Eze
With less than a week to go until it shuts, it wouldn’t be hyperbolic to claim that this summer transfer window has been one of the best in Arsenal’s recent history.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Andrea Berta and Co have added game-changing quality to the starting lineup in Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres, while also filling out the squad with quality options like Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera.
Yet, the deal that is remembered most this summer in years to come is undoubtedly going to be the one for Eze, and now it looks like the North Londoners could be about to add someone else to the squad who could make him even more dangerous.
At least that is according to a recent report from David Ornstein, who has reaffirmed Arsenal’s interest in Piero Hincapie.
Speaking to NBC Sports, the renowned journalist has revealed that while plenty of other clubs are interested in signing him, he is prioritising the Gunners and is “very eager” on a move to the Emirates.
However, based on stories from earlier this week, it appears that Bayer Leverkusen want his full release clause, which amounts to around £52m.
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but Hincapie would be more than worth it, especially as he could get even more out of Eze at Arsenal.
Why Hincapie would be a dream for Eze
One of the most significant positives to Eze is the simple fact that he can play as a ten and out on the left.
However, as his heatmaps tend to show, even when starting on the left, he does tend to move back towards the middle of the pitch as he gets closer to the box.
In other words, he isn’t a touchline winger, and using him as such would likely see his effectiveness reduced.
Fortunately, while he is likely to start on the left fairly frequently at Arsenal, the arrival of Hincapie means he won’t need to stay wide during the attacking phases of play.
The reason for this is that while he might not be an out-and-out overlapping full-back, he’s shown himself to be incredibly effective at this role.
In fact, even though he can and does play in the middle of the defence at times, he has become so effective at full-back in recent years that respected analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as “a left-sided Ben White.”
Piero Hincapie in action for Bayer Leverkusen
Therefore, if he starts behind the former Palace star, then he would be the one providing width with lung-busting runs up and down the byline and a constant stream of crosses into the area, or cut-backs just ahead of it.
Finally, if you still need convincing, his underlying numbers also point to him being a truly elite full-back.
Shots Blocked
0.65
Top 1%
Touches (Mid 3rd)
42.07
Top 2%
Total Passing Distance
1022.32
Top 3%
Progressive Passing Distance
359.66
Top 3%
Live-ball Passes
64.43
Top 3%
Aerials Won
2.25
Top 3%
Passes Completed
61.71
Top 4%
Pass Completion %
88.1%
Top 5%
Touches
81.35
Top 5%
Carries
45.99
Top 5%
Progressive Carrying Distance
137.22
Top 5%
Total Carrying Distance
230.70
Top 7%
Passes into Final Third
5.20
Top 8%
SCA (Shot)
0.18
Top 8%
According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of full-backs in Europe’s top-five leagues for shots blocked, the top 3% for progressive passing distance, the top 5% for progressive carrying distance, the top 8% for passes into the final third and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, Hincapie would be an excellent signing for Arsenal regardless of the other additions made this summer.
Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
However, the impact he could have at the club has been dramatically increased now that Eze has joined Arteta’s project, and the opposite will also be true should this transfer go through.
Arsenal place bid for bargain Piero Hincapie alternative as club respond
Andrea Berta has his eye on more than one defender.
Newcastle United have built their modern reputation not just on financial clout but on shrewdly identifying opportunities that balance ambition with strategy.
Their recruitment since the change of ownership has been measured, targeted and often brave.
The signing of Sandro Tonali in 2023 epitomised that approach.
In making the AC Milan midfielder the most expensive Italian player in history, Newcastle showed their willingness to gamble on a player who combined proven Serie A quality with enormous potential upside.
Despite his 10-month suspension for breaching betting regulations, Tonali has since returned to play a central role in Eddie Howe’s side.
He was instrumental in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph – their first domestic silverware in 70 years – and now forms part of a midfield three with Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton that ranks among the most complete in Europe.
That calculated risk has paid off.
It has also demonstrated to Newcastle’s hierarchy that Italian football remains fertile ground for elite talent that can be persuaded to make the move to the Premier League.
Newcastle make contact over Inter star
They have already dipped back into Serie A this summer, recruiting Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, further evidence of a strategy built on trusted relationships and a willingness to invest in players who can adapt quickly to Howe’s aggressive, high-pressing football.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Against that backdrop, it is no surprise that Newcastle are once again monitoring the Italian market.
According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, Newcastle have made initial contact with Inter Milan regarding midfielder Davide Frattesi.
While discussions have not moved beyond a preliminary stage, the very fact the club have opened a dialogue underlines their intent to explore whether another Serie A talent could be lured to Tyneside.
Frattesi, 25, has long been viewed as one of Italy’s brightest midfielders.
He joined Inter in 2023 from Sassuolo, and since then, he has grown into an important option for Inter.
Christian Chivu, Inter’s new head coach, considers him a key part of the squad, but with the likes of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Piotr Zieliński and Luis Henrique all competing for central roles, a departure cannot be entirely ruled out.
Still, Inter’s position is firm: any suitor must meet their €40m (£35m) valuation.
That figure is not insignificant, particularly for Newcastle, who have already invested heavily this summer.
Jacob Ramsey’s arrival from Aston Villa strengthened their midfield department, making a further signing in that area less of a priority.
Yet Frattesi’s profile fits with Howe’s long-term vision of building a squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe.
Lessons From Tonali and the Italian Connection
Frattesi’s numbers underline his threat.
He scored five times and registered two assists in 28 Serie A appearances last season, while also making an impact on the European stage with two goals in 13 Champions League outings, including a decisive strike in Inter’s semi-final victory over Barcelona.
Internationally, he already has 29 caps for Italy and an impressive return of eight goals.
Beyond raw output, his underlying metrics stand out. According to FBref, he ranks in the 99th percentile among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty expected goals per 90 (0.37), the 95th percentile for total shots per 90 (1.91) and the 93rd percentile for touches inside the attacking penalty area per 90 (3.08).
Few central midfielders in Europe consistently arrive in advanced areas with such effect.
The parallels with Newcastle’s pursuit of Tonali are obvious. In both cases, the club identified a player who, while not surplus to requirements, could potentially be prised away from one of Serie A’s giants for different reasons.
In Tonali’s case, although he was a key player in Milan’s 2021/22 Scudetto-winning side, the club’s difficult financial situation forced his transfer.
By contrast, Frattesi’s place in Inter’s starting lineup is far from guaranteed.
This situation could play into Newcastle’s hands, particularly if the player desires a more consistent role ahead of a potential World Cup campaign with Italy.
At 25, he has room to grow further, and his skillset – high pressing, ball-carrying, late penalty-box entries – aligns with Howe’s blueprint.
The challenge is financial. Inter, flush with midfield depth but also mindful of squad harmony, are under no pressure to sell unless their €40m (£35m) price tag is met.
Newcastle, mindful of PSR Regulations, may be wary, having already spent significantly on Ramsey, Anthony Elanga and Thiaw this summer.
That said, Newcastle’s Serie A ventures are rarely speculative.
Their recruitment team has cultivated strong networks in Italy, and the arrivals of Tonali and Thiaw underline the willingness of Italian clubs to engage with them when the price is right.
Whether or not a deal for Frattesi materialises, the broader point is that Newcastle are doubling down on a transfer strategy that has already brought success.
Tonali’s rehabilitation from suspension into a central figure was a vindication of Newcastle’s faith in Serie A talent.
Frattesi, with his goalscoring instincts and ability to operate at both ends of the pitch, could be the next step in that evolution.
For Newcastle, the Serie A experiment has already paid off once – a repeat, even if not immediately, seems only a matter of time.
Their answer to Guehi: Newcastle weigh up late move to sign £30m "monster"
Newcastle aren’t just looking at forwards as the transfer window enters the final stretch.
Arsenal will have spent near £300m once the summer transfer window ends at 7pm on Monday evening. Still, the Gunners’ luxurious new squad was not enough to fend off another of the market’s big spenders, Liverpool.
Truth be told, Arne Slot’s side were there for the taking. Mikel Arteta’s men enjoyed more of the ball in the first half and looked threatening, but could not make their advantage tell.
In the end, they were undone by a moment of magic. Arsenal played with the handbrake on and the Reds made them pay.
Last season you may well remember Declan Rice’s stunning free-kicks against Real Madrid. It’s hard to forget them. Well, Rice eat your heart out.
Dominic Szoboszlai stepped up and struck a beautiful free-kick over the ball and past David Raya with not long left on the clock.
What went wrong for Arsenal at Anfield
After winning on the Premier League’s opening weekend against Manchester United, much was made of Arsenal’s unbeaten run against the big teams.
Indeed, as the north Londoners headed to Merseyside on Sunday, they did so having not lost their last 22 games against the division’s traditional big six; Manchester City, Liverpool, Man United, Spurs and Chelsea.
Well, that record came to an end in disappointing fashion this weekend as Arsenal rather lost with a whimper.
The tone was set in the opening exchanges. William Saliba went down off the ball and went off, replaced by Cristhian Mosquera. To his credit, the summer signing did well, winning four of his five duels, according to Sofascore.
The performance stemmed from Arsenal’s attack. While Arteta may have a fantastic record against the biggest sides in English football, it’s becoming a regular occurrence now that they struggle to get out of second gear.
Barring the annihilation against Manchester City last season, very rarely have the Gunners managed to romp to victory.
Excusing that City game, it’s 11 matches since Arsenal scored more than twice in those ‘big-six’ fixtures. Fair enough against the best sides in the land, but it speaks volumes of a team who aren’t given much creative freedom or license.
Viktor Gyokeres, like he did against Manchester United, looked isolated up top and was devoid of much service. That’s hardly a surprise considering Arsenal started Ethan Nwaneri, Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze on the bench. Also without Bukayo Saka, this one was always going to be a bit of a struggle.
Mikel Merino was chosen in the Odegaard role but despite scoring twice against Liverpool in 2024/25, he didn’t really turn up on this occasion, completing just 77% of his passes.
To his credit, Noni Madueke was probably the best player for the visitors. Handed an opportunity in his favoured role on the right-hand side, he regularly looked to make things happen.
He had three shots, the most of any Arsenal player and completed his one and only dribble. It’s a pity his partner on the opposite side of the pitch failed to show the same vigour.
The root of Arsenal's problems in attack
For the vast majority of this summer window, Arsenal supporters have had two cravings. One was for the club to sign a new striker and they did so by welcoming Gyokeres to the Emirates Stadium.
The other desire was to see Andrea Berta sign a left winger. He’s semi-done that, welcoming Madueke and Eze into the fold.
It was Madueke who started on the left against Leeds United last week and it was Eze who finished Sunday’s clash in that role, substituted on with 20 minutes to go. The new signing was vibrant, certainly more so than the man he replaced, Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian is a puzzling talent. In 2022/23, he finished as the club’s joint-top scorer, registering 15 goals.
Since then, it has been an arduous few years for the wide player who has struggled to replicate that form. His performance against Liverpool showcased why he’s become a bit of a scapegoat in recent times.
Full of pace, Martinelli will always guarantee energy, but his lack of incisiveness in the final third completely killed Arsenal in the first half.
FFC’s Arsenal ratings
David Raya
6/10
Jurrien Timber
6/10
William Saliba
N/A
Gabriel
7/10
Riccardo Calafiori
6/10
Martin Zubimendi
6/10
Declan Rice
6/10
Mikel Merino
5/10
Noni Madueke
8/10
Gabriel Martinelli
3/10
Viktor Gyokeres
5/10
There were two moments in particular. One came in the opening exchanges when he found the chance to break through the centre of the pitch. Gyokeres looked to make two runs in behind but Martinelli didn’t get his head up. He eventually ran down a blind alley into the penalty area and lost the ball having failed to make up his mind over what to do with it.
The same happened slightly later in the half when he decided to hold the ball up rather than get after Szoboszlai who was playing out of position at right-back.
It said it all that the Hungarian, even before his showstopping goal, was on course to win the man of the match award.
Martinelli only lasted 70 minutes but he really should have been hooked sooner, having failed to have a single shot, manage one dribble or create a key pass.
Martinelli vs Liverpool
Minutes played
70
Touches
15
Accurate passes
6/7 (86%)
Key passes
0
Shots
0
Dribble attempts
0
Crosses
0
Duels won
2
Stats via Sofascore.
It was a really poor afternoon for the Brazil international who left the pitch after amassing just 15 touches, 40 fewer than goalkeeper David Raya.
As Arsenal podcaster and writer Phil Costa noted during the 90 minutes, he’s “so clunky and indecisive.” Is it any wonder the Gunners have moved to secure the services of Eze and Madueke this summer?
On this evidence, Martinelli should find himself back on the bench after the international break. Eze simply has to start when they face Nottingham Forest in two weeks.
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Arsenal could conclude their summer business with the signing of a player who’s like Granit Xhaka.
Will West Ham United continue to be busy in the final few days of the transfer window?
On Friday, the Hammers announced the arrival of not one but two new central midfielders; Matheus Fernandes arriving from Southampton for £38m, while Soungoutou Magassa has joined from Monaco for £18m.
This takes the Irons’ summer spending up to £94m, having also acquired Mads Hermansen for £20m, El Hadji Malick Diouf for £19m and both Kyle Walker-Peters and Callum Wilson on free transfers.
However, given that Graham Potter’s team have played three and lost three so far this season, smashed by Sunderland and Chelsea in the Premier League, also dumped out of the EFL Cup by Wolves, he’ll be demanding more, especially defensively, so could a new centre-back arrive?
West Ham's need for a new centre-back
As already alluded to, despite the fact Potter deploys a back five and two holding midfield players, the Hammers have conceded eight goals in their first two top-flight matches for the first time in their entire history.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman and Nayef Aguerd have been the starting centre-back trio for both matches who, between them, cost £105m in transfer fees, but they’re not playing like it at the moment, with the latter coming in for the most criticism.
After falling out of favour, Aguerd actually spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad, making it somewhat surprising that he’s been immediately reinstated as first-choice upon his return, so could the Hammers sign an upgrade?
Nayef Aguerd for West Ham.
Well, as reported by BBC Sport, West Ham are plotting a move to sign centre-back Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse.
Elsewhere, it has been reported that it could require a fee of around £18m to secure the signature of the 23-year-old, who only joined les Violets from Leeds for £3.8m as recently as last year.
Earlier this summer, Aaron Cresswell departed East London as a free agent, joining Stoke, so could his namesake be set to arrive at the London Stadium?
What Charlie Cresswell would bring to West Ham
Cresswell has certainly enjoyed a memorable last 12 months, making 36 appearances for Toulouse, including starting both of their Ligue 1 matches this season, helping le Téfécé keep clean sheets during victories over both Nice and then Stade Brestois.
Meantime, over the summer, he was a stalwart in the England side that won the under-21 European Championships in Slovakia, playing every minute of all six matches, scoring against Czechia in Dunajská Streda.
His performances earned him a place in the team of the tournament, as chosen by the UEFA Technical Observer panel, while journalist Henry Winter praised his leadership qualities, while Gary Rowett, who was his manager at Millwall, labelled Cresswell “excellent”, adding that he was “hugely important” to his team.
During his Leeds career, the young defender made just five Premier League appearances, totalling 140 minutes, but his impressive performances both in Ligue 1 and for the Young Lions could land him a second opportunity.
However, would he represent an upgrade on Aguerd? Let’s find out.
Appearances
31
21
Minutes
2,591
1,763
All stats below are on a per 90 basis:
Duels contested
8.8
8.7
% of aerials duels won
66%
65%
% of ground duels won
51%
72%
Clearances
6.6
4.6
Interceptions
1
0.7
Blocks
1
0.8
Ball recoveries
3.6
3.8
As the table documents, when comparing Cresswell at Toulouse to Aguerd at Real Sociedad, it is the Englishman who boasts better defensive metrics, pretty much across the board.
Millwall loanee Charlie Cresswell.
The 23-year-old comes out on top in terms of aerial duels, clearances, interceptions and blocks, which is pretty much everything you would want from a central defender.
Thus, all available evidence suggests the young Englishman would improve this very leaky West Ham back line.
Fernandes will love him: West Ham "exploring" deal for "superb" £25m star
The midfield monster would be an excellent signing for West Ham and Fernandes.