The Premier League is finally back in action this weekend, and Arsenal are in action against Nottingham Forest.

Mikel Arteta’s side may have lost last time out, but Liverpool did not outplay them, and most of the team put in a good performance.

One of the standout players for the Gunners was Noni Madueke, who is likely to start again on Saturday in the absence of Bukayo Saka.

The former Chelsea ace has looked good so far this season, and if he continues his good form, he could be the player to end someone else’s Arsenal career.

Madueke's good start to the season

It was somewhat of a surprise when it was revealed that Arsenal were interested in signing Madueke this summer, and considering the petitions, it was not necessarily a welcome one for some fans.

Chalkboard

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

However, while it is still early on in the campaign, the Englishman is so far proving his doubters wrong.

He hasn’t necessarily blown anyone away in the league, but against Liverpool, for example, he was undoubtedly the club’s best attacker, taking a couple of shots, completing 100% of his dribbles, and generally being a menace.

However, it’s been on international duty where we’ve been able to see the best of him.

For example, it was his cross that resulted in an own goal to open the scoring against Andorra, and then he scored his first international goal away to Serbia on Tuesday.

More than that, though, he was a constant threat on the right, utilising his blistering pace, ball-carrying ability, and quick feet to terrorise the Serbian defenders.

In all, while it is early, Madueke is looking quite dangerous this season, and while he is great cover for Saka at the moment, he could also end someone else’s Arsenal career when the Hale Ender returns.

The Arsenal star Madueke could replace

While most of Arsenal’s squad could be compared with some of the best in the league in their respective positions, the same can no longer be said of Gabriel Martinelli.

The 24-year-old winger was undoubtedly one of the most exciting attackers in the Premier League, but that was back in the 22/23 season, when he racked up a tally of 15 goals and seven assists in 46 games.

However, that was some time ago now, and in the two and a bit campaigns since, he has only gone backwards.

For example, in the 23/24 season, he mustered up eight goals and five assists in 44 games; last season, he managed ten goals and six assists in 51 games, and then so far this year, he’s failed to score or assist a goal in his two starts.

More damming than that, though, fans no longer expect him to offer much of a threat; instead, they expect to watch a winger who can no longer beat his opposite number and often halts attacks altogether.

We saw this in the game against Liverpool when he failed to play the ball into Viktor Gyokeres’ path when the Swede would have had a chance to score, leading to podcaster Phil Costa labelling him “clunky and indecisive.”

Appearances

51

Minutes

3564′

Goals

10

Assists

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.31

Minutes per Goal Involvement

222.75′

The Brazilian international may still be valued at around £48m by Transfermarkt, but it’s hard to see him maintaining his place in this team for much longer, especially with Madueke in the squad.

The Englishman might be a right-winger first, but he has played off the left already for the club against Leeds United, and while it wasn’t his finest game, he offered more than the former Ituano gem has in a long time.

Ultimately, Martinelli is still a player fans have an affinity with, but he has not been good enough for a long time, and it just feels like a matter of time until Madeueke ends his Arsenal career lest he massively improve.

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The superstar would be an excellent rival for Saka at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 11, 2025

Aston Villa entered the season with high expectations after last year’s sixth-place finish, but their early form has left much to be desired.

They secured only their first league win of the campaign against Fulham last weekend, a result that at least lifted them away from the bottom three.

Currently sat 16th in the Premier League with a goal difference of -2, Villa’s league form has been a stark contrast to their performances in Europe.

In the Europa League, they look far more assured, sitting third in their league phase after victories over Bologna and Feyenoord.

The European stage seems to suit Unai Emery’s side, who benefit from his tactical nous in knockout football.

Yet domestically, inconsistency has plagued them. It is in moments like these that clubs look back on players who define stability, leadership and consistency.

These are the traits Villa fans fondly remember in one of their greatest-ever servants, Gareth Barry.

The need for a player like Gareth Barry

For over a decade, Barry embodied everything Aston Villa aspired to be: steady, disciplined, and adaptable.

After joining Villa’s youth system from Brighton, he went on to make 439 appearances, scoring 52 goals and providing 47 assists.

His versatility made him indispensable – capable of anchoring midfield, dictating play from deep, or even filling in at left-back when required.

Barry’s crowning trait was composure.

Rarely one for spectacular moments, his intelligence and positional discipline allowed his sides to control games.

He was central to Villa’s push for Europe in the mid-2000s and started in their 2000 FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea.

His consistency also earned him 53 England caps, including a place in the 2010 World Cup squad.

Liverpool made multiple attempts to sign him in pursuit of Champions League experience, but he eventually joined Manchester City in 2009 for £12m, where he became part of the early foundations of their modern dominance.

Barry’s style was defined by calmness under pressure.

He was not the quickest, but his stamina, strength in duels, and tactical intelligence allowed him to excel against more naturally gifted players.

By keeping things simple – short passes, smart diagonals, and constant recycling of possession – he gave Villa stability and ensured that more adventurous teammates could thrive.

Villa’s current side, struggling for rhythm in the league, need someone of that profile: a midfielder who combines defensive resilience with technical composure, someone who dictates tempo while protecting the back line.

That responsibility now falls to Boubacar Kamara.

Aston Villa's new Gareth Barry

Signed on a free transfer from Marseille in 2022, Kamara has quickly grown into one of Villa’s most important players.

The 25-year-old French international, valued at around £35m, operates primarily as a defensive midfielder but can also cover at centre-back when needed.

His arrival was seen as a coup at the time, with former manager Steven Gerrard instrumental in convincing him to join.

Since then, this “jewel” of a footballer, as hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has made 104 appearances, scoring twice and providing four assists.

While those numbers may not leap off the page, his influence lies elsewhere.

Boubacar Kamara – 2024/25

Matches Played

26

Minutes

1,726

Goals

1

Progressive Carries

19

Progressive Passes

85

Source: FBref

Villa are undeniably a different side when he plays, providing structure, control, and balance.

His absence last season was felt keenly whenever injuries sidelined him, underlining just how integral he has become.

The statistics reinforce his importance.

Kamara ranks in the 80th percentile for pass completion (88.2%), showing his reliability in possession.

Defensively, he is in the 86th percentile for clearances (2.34 per 90) and 83rd percentile for aerial duels won (1.6 per 90).

On his return to the starting XI against Feyenoord, Kamara marked the occasion with an assist, further proof of his ability to influence both phases of play.

Like Barry before him, he is not a headline-grabber like the goalscoring John McGinn, but rather the glue that holds the team together. For Emery, keeping Kamara fit will be vital.

He provides the shield in front of the defence, allowing creative players like Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendía – as well as McGinn – to flourish higher up the pitch.

Without him, Villa lack both the balance and the resilience required to compete on both domestic and European fronts.

Just as Barry once quietly dictated Villa’s tempo, Kamara represents the modern equivalent: disciplined, technical, and reliable.

If Aston Villa are to climb the league table and turn their European promise into genuine success, their fortunes may rest on whether Kamara can stay fit and continue to step up as their present-day answer to a club legend.

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Posts 3 ByKelan Sarson Oct 3, 2025

Enzo Maresca revealed why he is "not worried" about Chelsea's disciplinary record after Malo Gusto became the latest player to be sent off towards the end of their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The Blues have now had to cope with sending off in four out of their last six matches across all competitions. Despite being a man down, Maresca's side comfortably clinched a 3-0 win over Forest.

Gusto sent off in Chelsea's win over Forest

Gusto became the fourth Chelsea player, after Robert Sanchez, Trevoh Chalobah and Joao Pedro, to be sent off in Chelsea's last six matches across all competitions. Gusto was given his marching orders in the 87th minute after he pulled off a mindless challenge on Neco Williams, who was attempting to make a quick counter-attack down the left side after receiving the pass from his goalkeeper. Gusto was immediately booked for the second time in the match and was then shown the red card.

The sending off, however, did not affect the Blues as they were already leading 3-0 courtesy of goals from Josh Acheampong, Pedro Neto and Reece James. The win helped Chelsea to move up to the eighth position as they now have 14 points from their first eight matches. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMaresca 'not worried' about Chelsea red cards

Blues boss Maresca, however, is not too bothered with yet another Chelsea sending off, as he claimed that he is "not worried" about Gusto being shown a red card.

Speaking to reporters after the match, the Italian coach said: "Again, it's something that we can do better, but I'm not concerned. I know that there are some of you that say, why is he not concerned? I'm not concerned, because I like to analyse. It's a moment that we consider a red card, yes. We can avoid that, yes, for sure we can avoid that. But also for me, the desire of the players is important. Today, with 3-0, 90 minutes the game is finished. Malo [Gusto] can avoid that, because it's useless to make a second foul on a yellow card, for sure. But also the good part is, Malo is showing that he doesn't want to concede nothing. They don't want to concede a goal, they are playing for a clean sheet. It's the balance, we can avoid that for sure."

Chelsea's first-half performance raised concern

Despite the thumping win at the City Ground, the Blues' performance was far from convincing, especially in the first half, as they posted an unwanted stat. Forest dominated proceedings from the start and had 66.4% possession for the final 15 minutes in the first half. Chelsea were certainly caught off guard as they kept chasing shadows for the entire first 45 minutes. According to Opta, Chelsea had more errors (3) leading to shots in their box than any other Premier League match played this season. Maresca's side were evidently missing their Ecuadorian talisman, Moises Caicedo, in midfield as Forest had little trouble finding spaces at the back. It was the first time that Caicedo has started on the bench since Christmas Eve 2023, a game against Wolves, which ended a stretch of 65 consecutive starts.

Maresca revealed how he tried to motivate his team at the break: "My message was 'guys, off the ball, we are good off the ball and on the ball, we are not good enough'. We gave the ball away too much. It was a bit lazy. A lazy mistake that we can avoid that. In the second-half, we adjusted something tactical. Sloppy, not lazy. We looked sloppy in the build-up."

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Getty Images SportEnd of the road for Postecoglou

Minutes after the full-time whistle at the City Ground, Forest announced that head coach Ange Postecoglou was relieved of his duties, only a month after appointing him as the new manager. Postecoglou returned to the Premier League in September after Forest sacked Nuno Espirito Santo but the Australian's stay was short-lived as owner Evangelos Marinakis is now looking for his third head coach in a season which promised so much following the club’s return to European football.

On the manager's sacking, the official statement from the club read: "Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect. The Club will make no further comment at this time."

Forest will next host Portuguese giants FC Porto in the Europa League league stage clash at the City Ground on October 23.

MatériaMais Notícias

O zagueiro Pedro Geromel fez apenas um jogo pelo Grêmio depois de sua recuperação de problema no menisco do joelho esquerdo (goleada por 3 a 0 diante do Cruzeiro) e já terá de parar novamente.

Isso porque, segundo informação confirmada pelo clube em seus canais oficiais, Geromel teve constatada em exames uma lesão muscular na coxa direita. Os exames foram feitos depois do defensor sentir uma fisgada na reta final da primeira etapa e deixar o gramado para a entrada de Rodrigo Ely antes mesmo do intervalo.

>Já atualizou sua camisa de 2023? Confira os novos uniformes do Imortal!

– O Grêmio informa que o zagueiro Pedro Geromel foi submetido à exame de ressonância magnética na última segunda-feira e teve constatada lesão muscular grau I no bíceps-femoral da coxa esquerda. Geromel iniciou tratamento intensivo com a fisioterapia e será avaliado periodicamente para retornar aos gramados – comunicou o Imortal.

O ano de 2023, aliás, tem sido de uma sequência considerável de dificuldades onde, além do problema no menisco e todo o processo de recuperação subsequente, ele teve um edema ósseo durante a reabilitação. Dessa forma, precisou adicionar mais tempo ao que foi inicialmente previsto para seu retorno.

Desta forma, Geromel se une a lista onde já constavam outros três nomes de linha defensiva (Gabriel Grando, Fábio e Cuiabano) como baixas do Grêmio para o próximo compromisso da temporada. O duelo em questão, na Arena, será frente ao Cuiabá, no próximo domingo (3), pelo Campeonato Brasileiro.

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Liverpool have won five games in a row this season, first losing the Community Shield against Crystal Palace. It hasn’t been easy. It hasn’t been straight-forward.

But Liverpool rarely take the easy route, and it’s exciting to think that the Reds perch atop the Premier League pile and kicked off their Champions League campaign with three points, having looked below their best.

Florian Wirtz hasn’t yet clicked the pieces together following his £116m move from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, but he will. The German created five chances against Atletico Madrid, and his neat touches and link-up play made a convincing comment on his class.

And, moreover, Liverpool have now integrated Alexander Isak into their playing squad, the Sweden striker joining in a British record £116m deal on deadline day and bringing with him one of the most dangerous striking skillsets in world football.

On Wednesday, he made his debut under the European lights, and he showed plenty of promise.

Alexander Isak's Liverpool debut

Isak looked bright on his Liverpool debut, especially considering he has played a paucity of football across the past three months.

Liverpool know what they have paid for. Last season, the 25-year-old scored 27 goals across all competitions, including the winner against Arne Slot’s side in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

Now, he’s Anfield’s, and fans can expect many goals across the coming years, and silverware besides.

He might not have bagged himself a debut goal against the Spaniards, but the Sweden star looked sharp, with signs of an elite partnership with the aforementioned Wirtz evident throughout. One analyst marvelled at the duo, saying their “link-up looks terrifying”.

This is Liverpool’s now. These are the superstars who have been signed for significant fees to propel Slot’s project even further forward after the Premier League title was so confidently claimed last year.

Liverpool broke any number of financial records this summer, but this was achievable after many years of calculated diligence. FSG are nothing if not prudent, after all.

But this spills into every corner of Liverpool’s wider system, and it’s not just the big-money buys who are shaping the Anfield side’s future, with one teenager in particular boasting the talent to one day become the cream of the crop, perhaps even ahead of Isak.

Liverpool may have a bigger talent than Isak

Liverpool are in good hands. There will be peaks and troughs over the coming years, but it’s pretty nailed-on that the Reds will challenge for the biggest honours nine times out of ten across the coming years.

Isak leads the line, and he’s flanked by so many talented players. One of whom is Rio Ngumoha, the 17-year-old winger who announced himself emphatically at the start of the season.

Liverpool poached one of Chelsea’s prized Cobham talents in 2024 and swiftly integrated him into the youth set-up on Merseyside, with a pathway lit up toward the senior side.

Ngumoha started on the left wing as Liverpool beat Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round last season, and he caught the eye with his snappy footwork and slick dribbling.

But it was against Newcastle United at the start of the current campaign that Ngumoha truly made his name known.

Liverpool had squandered their lead against the ten-man Magpies, and it looked like they were heading for a draw. But up stepped the 17-year-old, off the bench and crackling with energy as he converted Mohamed Salah’s cross-box pass.

Hailed as a “special” player by journalist Bence Bocsak, it looks like this could be a season of numerous achievements for the England U18 star, who is very much on the fast track to the top.

He’s not the tallest, but Ngumoha is stocky and powerful and purposeful on the ball. He is endowed with the athleticism needed for someone of his profile, carrying the ball upfield and into the danger area.

His development must not be rushed, but it’s hard to contain such a thrilling talent. If Ngumoha keeps on as he is, there’s every chance he will meet his high-ceilinged potential and smash through it, becoming a player who dominates and dictates for Liverpool. A talisman for Slot’s side.

Development is not a linear thing in football. Salah only achieved worldwide recognition after signing for Liverpool aged 25, while Virgil van Dijk was 26 when he completed his record-breaking move from Southampton to Merseyside.

Isak is the now, but is Ngumoha not too? The teenage prodigy scored the winner at St. James’ Park when Isak was still contracted to Newcastle, did he not?

His emergence stopped sporting director Richard Hughes from moving to sign a new left-sided forward after Luis Diaz’s sale to Bayern Munich.

But it’s more than fair to say that Ngumoha has plenty of potential yet to tap into, and that’s an exciting thing.

As he continues to go from strength to strength, there’s no doubt in Slot and the Liverpool coaching staff’s minds that this is a potential superstar, one who has already proved his worth in one of the best teams in the world and one who, soon, could be rivalling Isak as the superstar in Slot’s Liverpool team.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 18, 2025

For all the scrutiny on Newcastle United’s inconsistent attack, their defensive organisation has been the team’s saving grace.

Eddie Howe’s side may not have been firing at the other end, but their solidity at the back has provided a foundation to build from.

Heading into their meeting with Arsenal, Newcastle had conceded the lowest expected goals against (xGA) in the Premier League at just 2.5. Compare that with their efforts in offence and the difference is stark.

Burnley

4.5

Aston Villa

5.0

West Ham

5.0

Newcastle United

5.2

Wolves

5.6

That xGA record slipped slightly after the defeat to Mikel Arteta’s side, but they still sit second in that particular metric – underlining the strength of their structure without the ball.

Across their opening fixtures, the Magpies have conceded only five goals, keeping four clean sheets. Only Liverpool and Arsenal have managed to score against them in the league play.

A big part of that early-season resilience has been the work of Tino Livramento, who added balance with his pace and anticipation on the flank.

His injury against Arsenal, which looked serious, could prove damaging to Howe’s plans.

Yet it also highlighted the broader point: Newcastle are in the process of rejuvenating their defensive line.

The partnership of Dan Burn and Fabian Schär has been a reliable one, but with Champions League football and a congested schedule, rotation is no longer optional.

Howe has made it clear that everyone must be ready to slot in seamlessly and that process is beginning to accelerate as one fantastic servant edges towards the twilight of his career.

How Fabian Schär became Newcastle's defensive heartbeat

When Newcastle signed Schär from Deportivo La Coruña in 2018 for just £3m, few predicted he would go on to become one of the club’s most consistent performers of the modern era.

Now into his sixth season, the 33-year-old has amassed 235 appearances, scoring 21 goals and contributing 10 assists – remarkable numbers for a centre-half and a reminder of his set-piece threat.

What sets Schär apart is his technical ability.

Described as a “true legend of the club” by one Newcastle content creator earlier this year, he is most notably comfortable receiving the ball under pressure. The Swiss defender can step out of the backline, carry into midfield, and fire incisive passes through the lines.

Under Howe, that skill has been essential in moving Newcastle away from being a purely reactive side to one that can build attacks from deep.

Chalkboard

He also brings invaluable experience. With 86 international caps for Switzerland before his retirement last year, Schär has featured at World Cups and European Championships, developing into a leader by example rather than volume.

Supporters regard him as one of the best value-for-money signings in the club’s history.

Yet even leaders decline. At 33, Schär has become more vulnerable to injuries, missing recent fixtures due to concussion protocols after a heavy knock against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Subtle lapses – slower reactions to second balls, occasional mistimed challenges – have also crept in.

While his passing remains assured, there is a growing sense that Newcastle must prepare for a future where he is no longer the constant at the heart of their back four.

Newcastle's future leader ready to replace Schar

If Schär represents the present, new signing Malick Thiaw may well be the future.

Signed from AC Milan in the summer for £30m, the Germany international arrived with a reputation as one of Europe’s most technically capable young centre-backs.

At 24 years old, he already had 85 senior appearances for Milan and experience in the Champions League – proof that he can handle high-pressure environments.

Thiaw’s qualities are exactly what Howe seeks in a modern defender.

He is calm in possession, able to turn away from pressure, and plays progressive passes that cut through midfield lines.

Matches Played

22

Tackles

24

Blocks

14

Interceptions

15

Aerial Duels Won

49

His statistical profile backs this up: with a 93.2% pass completion rate, ranking him in the 95th percentile among his positional peers across Europe, he rarely concedes possession cheaply.

He also averages nearly five progressive passes per 90 minutes, placing him in the 85th percentile – evidence of his willingness to play forward rather than sideways.

His performance against Arsenal offered a glimpse of his potential. Thiaw won four of six aerial duels, cleared the ball eight times, and crucially, was not dribbled past once.

In possession, he completed 20 of his 23 passes, showing the kind of poise that makes him such a natural fit for Howe’s tactical approach.

Defensively, he read danger well, stepping out to intercept once and shepherding Arsenal’s attackers away from goal with his positioning.

Stylistically, Thiaw has drawn comparisons with Ibrahima Konaté and Micky van de Ven – defenders who blend physical dominance with technical assurance.

Newcastle fans already see the potential for Thiaw to form a long-term partnership with Sven Botman, one that could anchor the club’s backline for the next five years.

Of course, the summer arrival still needs to adapt fully to the pace and intensity of the Premier League, but the early signs are encouraging.

With Champions League fixtures demanding rotation, Howe may soon face a decision that seemed unthinkable only a year ago.

Phasing out one of the club’s most reliable veterans in favour of a player who looks ready to lead Newcastle’s defence into a new era.

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ByWill Miller Sep 29, 2025

Gladiators posted the highest ever PSL total of 263 for 3 and claimed the top spot

Rvel Zahid08-May-2025

Islamabad United find themselves stuck in a rut after steamrolling opponents at the start of the PSL 2025 with five consecutive wins. As per Salman Ali Agha, injuries and niggles forced them to make wholesale changes and now they have slipped to fourth loss on the bounce at the crucial juncture of the tournament.After opting to bowl, they were left stunned and out of sorts as Quetta Gladiators cartwheeled their way to a stunning drubbing of United. The victory was orchestrated with the bat. Gladiators posted the highest ever PSL total of 263 for 3 on the back of two eye-catching hundreds by Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz. In the battle for a top-two finish, they were a rampaging menace on the hapless bowling attack that lacked penetration and discipline.The pyrotechniques from centurions took the game away after the first half as they swung their bat at almost everything; Rossouw turned on the beast mode from the moment he took guard, while Hasan followed suit and didn’t drop his intensity even after losing his partner. He hit Naseem Shah for three sixes in the penultimate over and belted another six and a four in the final over bowled by Ben Dwarshuis, bringing up his century on the last ball of the innings and soaking in applause from the great Sir Vivian Richards and the rest of the crew. The acceleration after the first ten overs was staggering. Gladiators added 160 in the last ten, which took the game away from United. Eventually, United fell short by 109 runs in one of the most one-sided games of this season.Related

Stats – Quetta Gladiators record the highest total in PSL history

The confidence Nawaz gained in the last cliffhanger against the same opposition flowed into tonight’s game. There was no second-guessing and a lot more resolve, conviction, decisiveness and authority in his shots on a batting-friendly surface.A target of 264 was always going to be a daunting task, especially with veteran pacer Mohammad Amir back in the fold. When Gladiators returned to defend, Amir dismissed Kyle Mayers and Sahibzada Farhan in the first over. Mayers was pinned in front on nought and he didn’t bother for a review. Amir showed remarkable control with the new ball and got the better of Agha in the third over, thereby making an impact right away after a few absences and showing his coveted knack of picking wickets upfront yet again.The game was done and dusted in the powerplay with little to no resistance thereon as wickets continued to tumble and United were staring into the abyss with 68 for 8 at the end of the ninth over. The ripping spin of Abrar Ahmed continued to weave magic; he denied any late order resistance by outsmarting Haider Ali and soon outsmarted Jason Holder, ending his quota with 2 for 17. Azam Khan was sloppy with the glovework and couldn’t make any substantial impact with the bat, slicing a wide short delivery to Mohammad Wasim Jr., who was livewire in the field and took three superb catches. That’s when Imad Wasim and Dwarshuis decided to accept the inevitable and played to reduce the blow to their team’s net run rate and defeat margin.Gladiators have given a massive boost to their net run rate and confirmed top spot, while United slipped to third with a must-win game scenario for their upcoming last group fixture on May 10 against Karachi Kings.

Northamptonshire have signed Australian legspinner Lloyd Pope as one of their overseas players for the Vitality Blast* after Ashton Agar was ruled out with a calf strain.Agar helped Northants reach the quarter-finals of last year’s Blast, and was due back for the entirety of the group stage. He will be replaced by the uncapped Pope, 25, who was named in the 2024-25 Big Bash League team of the tournament.”I’m so excited to come to Northamptonshire, I can’t wait to meet everyone and to join my new teammates.” Pope said. “I’m really looking forward to hopefully contributing to some wins for the Steelbacks and going deep in the tournament.”There is also uncertainty over the availability of South Africa batter Matthew Breetzke for the start of the Blast, following the interruption of the IPL. Breetzke is contracted to Lucknow Super Giants – although he has not played a game this season – and is understood to be returning to India for the rearranged finish to the competition.Agar said: “I’m extremely disappointed to be missing this year’s Vitality Blast with Northamptonshire. I loved my time there last season, it’s a fantastic club with great people and I’ll be watching and supporting the boys from Perth.” He added.Northants head coach, Darren Lehmann, said: “We’re all very disappointed for Ashton, but we wish him well in his recovery.”*11.45am BST – Story updated with Pope signing

Before this summer, Mikel Arteta’s track record of bringing new forward players to Arsenal was pretty non-existent.

While the Spaniard has enjoyed spending the Kroenke’s money on bolstering the defence, very rarely have we seen the attacking ranks improved.

Indeed, up to 2025, the only out-and-out attackers Arteta had brought to the Emirates Stadium were Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Willian.

Even Havertz was initially listed as a midfielder when he first moved to north London.

Signed for £65m, the German is still the most expensive addition to the forward line since a certain Nicolas Pepe, a player who did not exactly thrive under Unai Emery or Arteta.

His story in the capital is a sad one, although he is now finding form at Villarreal in Spain.

The story of Nicolas Pepe's abject Arsenal career

In August 2019, Emery and and Co went big to seal the acquisition of Pepe from Lille in a deal worth £72m.

It was a landmark move, one that broke the club’s transfer record at the time. While it was a jaw-dropping sum of money, splashing out on Pepe did not necessarily look like an awful decision at the time.

Indeed, the Ivorian had scored 22 goals and supplied 11 assists in 38 Ligue 1 matches the previous campaign. He was undeniably one of the most exciting wingers in European football.

Unfortunately, it didn’t exactly go according to plan for the left-footed star who struggled with wild bouts of inconsistency during his time in England.

That said, if we solely look at the numbers, he didn’t have a truly terrible time at the Emirates. He registered an average of 16 goal involvements per season, producing eight goals and ten assists during his first campaign. He then scored 16 times during his second year at the club. That’s a brilliant tally, more goals than any Arsenal player scored in 2024/25 for context.

Based on that, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Pepe did well. Ultimately, however, he wasn’t worth the £72m paid.

Eventually leaving on a free transfer after playing just 681 league minutes in 2021/22, Arsenal reporter Charles Watts described the move as a “horrendous mistake”. An internal investigation was led into the signing, while the player himself declared that he contemplated retiring as a result of his time in London.

To make matters worse, Emery later declared that he didn’t even really want Pepe either. The man the Spaniard wanted was Wilfried Zaha.

Indeed, the now Aston Villa boss once stated: “Pepe is a good player but he needs time. When I was there he didn’t give me the performances. I was in favour of someone coming who knew the English league, more than anything so that he wouldn’t need a period of adaptation. I had a meeting with Zaha. He was the player I wanted because I could see that he won so many games on his own.”

Now in Spain and aged 30, he is enjoying his time with Villarreal immensely. He was named LaLiga’s Player of the Month for August, having scored two goals and registered an assist in his opening three games for the club.

Pepe may have been an expensive flop for the Gunners but six years on from his acquisition, Arsenal may well have signed a player who is everything that the Ivory Coast international promised to be.

Arsenal star is shades of Nicolas Pepe, but in a good way

Pepe had plenty of endearing traits. Standing at 6 foot, he had a rangy dribbling and running style.

His play style was packed with little body feints; he would roll the ball with one foot and then explode the other way in the blink of an eye. He was direct and difficult to deal with in and around the penalty area.

Left-footed as well, he was your classic inside forward from the right flank. As we all know, it didn’t really happen for him.

Well, in 2025, it looks as though Arsenal have found another Pepe, just with all the bad bits left out.

Hear us out, but that player is Noni Madueke, the club’s £55m arrival from Chelsea during the summer transfer window.

Chalkboard

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

When Madueke first arrived at the club, certain but limited sections of the fanbase protested against his signing.

Seemingly fed up of signing players from Chelsea, the campaign read ‘No to Madueke’. Well, Arsenal said yes to Madueke and he’s been a captivating signing so far.

Like Pepe, he is left-footed and they both have a very similar dribbling style. We certainly saw that against Nottingham Forest on Saturday when Madueke terrorised Morato and Neco Williams at full-back.

The £150k-per-week England international completed a whopping five dribbles on the afternoon and his ability to trap the ball and then immediately run at players evoked memories of the best of Pepe.

He was remarkably direct, twisting the Forest full-backs this way and that. Hailed for his “electric” performance by Gunners writer, Adam Keys, it’s been a mighty fine start to life in the famous red and white for the 23-year-old.

The winger may not have found the net or assisted a goal yet, but the quality is clear. He is ready to explode in a way Pepe never managed to do.

Madueke was Arsenal’s most threatening player against Liverpool in the 1-0 defeat at Anfield and despite not registering a goal contribution on Saturday, once again looked like their most menacing player.

Perhaps, after all of these years, Arsenal are going to get the player Pepe promised to be, just for nearly £20m cheaper.

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ByMatt Dawson Sep 15, 2025

Celtic are in action in the quarter-finals of the League Cup this weekend as they prepare to take on Partick Thistle to battle it out for a place in the semi-finals of the competition.

The Hoops thrashed Falkirk 4-1 in the last 16 of the League Cup earlier this season, thanks to goals from Daizen Maeda, Alistair Johnston, and Dane Murray, along with a Liam Henderson own goal.

This clash with Partick Thistle will provide Brendan Rodgers with a chance to rotate his side, which could see Arne Engels handed a rare chance to impress.

Why Celtic should be worried about Arne Engels

After selling Adam Idah to Swansea City for a deal worth up to £7m, £1.5m less than they paid Norwich City for him last year, the Hoops should be worried that Engels is the next big-money signing to ultimately flop at Parkhead.

The Belgium international, who signed for a club-record fee of £11m from Augsburg last year, has only started two of the club’s five matches in the Scottish Premiership this season, and was an unused substitute against Kilmarnock last time out.

Engels has failed to score a goal and provided one assist in seven appearances in all competitions this season, after a return of ten goals and 13 assists in the 2024/25 campaign, per Transfermarkt.

The 22-year-old midfielder has found himself out of the side and potentially clinging onto his career at Parkhead, and it is because of the summer signing of Benjamin Nygren.

Why Benjamin Nygren could end Arne Engels' career at Celtic

The Sweden international, who sometimes played as a striker before his move to Celtic, was compared to legendary centre-forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic when he was 16.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

Nygren is Swedish and also has a lanky build, which is why it is not a surprising comparison, but he has established himself as a central midfielder at Parkhead, rather than as a centre-forward like Ibrahimovic.

Despite mainly playing as a right winger for Nordsjaelland in the 2024/25 campaign, per Transfermarkt, the £1m (£1.3m) signing has locked in a spot alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate in central midfield, which was the slot that Engels filled last term.

As you can see in the table above, Nygren has scored three goals and created 3.2 chances per game across five outings in the Premiership so far this season for the Hoops.

Engels, however, only scored two non-penalty goals and created 1.7 chances per game across 34 appearances in the top-flight for the Hoops last term, per Sofascore.

These statistics suggest that Celtic have improved their midfield by signing Nygren for £1.3m to replace Engels in the XI because of the quality that he has already provided as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

This is bad news for the Belgium international because it will now be difficult for him to break back into the starting line-up unless he is able to improve on his performances from last season and on Nygren’s this term.

If he cannot oust the Sweden international from the midfield before the January transfer window or next summer, there could be a decision to be made on his future, as there was with Idah when it was clear that Rodgers did not fancy him as the first-choice number nine moving forward.

Worth more than Tounekti: Celtic are brewing the new Reo Hatate at Parkhead

Celtic have a brilliant midfield star who could be the club’s next Reo Hatate in the middle of the park.

By
Dan Emery

Sep 16, 2025

Therefore, Nygren, once compared to a legendary striker, may be the player who ends Engels’ career at Parkhead if he continues to impress in midfield for the Scottish giants.