'We need energy till the last ball' – Pakistan's problems mount after letting golden chance slip

Pakistan knew they needed to be near perfect to beat Australia, an opponent they had failed to overcome on 16 prior occasions, and for around 22 overs, they were.There were diving catches, lightning quick stumpings, and your proverbial livewire acts of fielding. The conditions, too, were tailor-made; there were a few raised eyebrows when Pakistan opted to bowl first, but with the caliber of spinners they had in their ranks, they were confident of challenging Australia’s batters.That confidence was vindicated swiftly, as a combination of skillful bowling, efficient catching and some uncharacteristic errors in batting from a large chunk of Australia’s batting unit, saw the defending champions stumble to 76 for 7.Related

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Pakistan had never beaten Australia, and now they were closer than ever. But like a car crash in slow motion, the opportunity that had presented itself before them was snatched away brutally.”When they’re [Pakistan are] flying, they’re up and about. If you get a little partnership going, they can get a little bit flat, and you can open the game up that way,” Beth Mooney said after the game.”I sort of knew we had a long time to bat, so we didn’t have to do anything too rash.”That same sentiment was echoed by Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana during the post-match presentation.”We were on top after 20 overs in the first innings. After that, Beth Mooney played well and our girls’ energy came down. We need that energy until the last ball.”Mooney had struck a match-winning 109 off 114 deliveries to take the game away from Pakistan. That 109 was just five short of Pakistan’s eventual tally in their chase.Mooney’s innings also served to highlight the weaknesses prevalent in Pakistan’s batting unit. While Mooney rotated the strike – she took 44 singles across her innings – and shelved her attacking instincts to steer the game back towards her side, Pakistan lost wickets from the get-go.A game that started with ‘how good is this’ ended with ‘how did that happen’ for Fatima Sana•ICC/Getty Images

Sidra Amin struck 35 from 52, but no other batter in Pakistan’s top six reached double digits. While there is the mitigating factor that their last two games have been against Australia and India, and their first match in this tournament was against a Bangladesh outfit that is proving to be dangerous with the ball, Pakistan will know that a high score of 159 across those games is not good enough.”It is quite disappointing for us also because we were batting well previously. We did well in the Qualifiers, we did well in the series against South Africa in the lead up to the World Cup,” Sidra Nawaz said after the game.”Here, we aren’t able to create the momentum in our batting, we are trying to figure out how to solve that, and do well in our upcoming matches.”While Nawaz’s comments hold a modicum of truth – there were two scores of 287 and 255 against South Africa in Lahore – Pakistan’s unreliable batting unit has been a problem for some time now.Across 35 innings since the 2022 World Cup, they have managed a score of 250 or more just five times. Even accounting for low-scoring chases, this has been a fairly worrying record, and it’s something they will need to address sooner rather than later if they are to support the best efforts on the field.

موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة ليفربول وآيندهوفن اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. والمعلق

يستأنف فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي مشواره في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا 2025-2026، مساء اليوم الأربعاء، حين يلاقي آيندهوفن الهولندي.

ويستقبل ليفربول خصمه آيندهوفن على ملعب “آنفيلد” ضمن مباريات الجولة الخامسة لمرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا للموسم الجاري.

ويمر ليفربول بوضع عصيب، حيث يشهد تراجعًا في النتائج، ويدخل المباراة بعد هزيمة في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز أمام نوتينجهام بثلاثية نظيفة.

ويأمل آرني سلوت في العودة للنتائج الإيجابية بدءً من المواجهة أمام آيندهوفن اليوم، والحصول على مزيد من النقاط في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وحقق ليفربول الفوز خلال ثلاث مباريات في دوري الأبطال وتعرض للهزيمة في مباراة واحدة، ويملك في رصيده 9 نقاط بالمركز الثامن، أما خصمه آيندهوفن يملك 5 نقاط في المركز 18. موعد مباراة ليفربول وآيندهوفن في دوري أبطال أوروبا

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساء اليوم الأربعاء، بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر مساءً بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة ليفربول وآيندهوفن اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا

تذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN sport HD 4. معلق مباراة ليفربول وآيندهوفن اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا

يعلق على المباراة، عصام الشوالي.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا

Better move than Semenyo: Liverpool set to table bid to sign £53m "machine"

Liverpool turned a corner at the weekend, professionally defeating West Ham United at the London Stadium to arrest the shocking slump that has sent Arne Slot’s project into a spin.

However, it’s important for those of a Red persuasion not to get too excited. West Ham are hardly in good form, teetering on the edge of the Premier League relegation zone.

But there were some positives to be taken after that industrious win. Particularly, Liverpool looked sharp in attack, with Alexander Isak netting his first league goal for the Reds and Cody Gakpo notching a goal and an assist. Florian Wirtz sparkled in his creative role.

There has been talk of FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes dipping into the transfer market for a new forward in January, but if anything, the win over the Hammers and Liverpool’s abject form highlight a different area that needs attention.

Liverpool's winter transfer plans

It’s clear that Liverpool need a centre-back. Top sources have also linked the Premier League champions to prolific Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65m release clause valid from January.

However, the centre of the park appears to have been overlooked. Certainly, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have not formed a convincing partnership this season, and a tough-tackling and dynamic option could be worthwhile for a Liverpool side looking to bounce back.

As per Caught Offside, Liverpool are expected to table a €60m (£53m at current exchange rates) bid for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, with the French midfielder no longer considered untouchable at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It’s understood that Los Blancos have held informal discussions about the 23-year-old’s future after an injury-affected few years, but Camavinga is one of the best in the business, and Liverpool could hit the jackpot by signing him for a comparatively affordable fee.

Why Liverpool want Eduardo Camavinga

Camavinga has been at Real Madrid for most of his professional career, having left France and Rennes and joined the Spanish giants in a €40m (£34m) package back in 2021.

He’s won the full gamut, and, on an individual level, been hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “a real war machine in midfield”. One of the sternest criticisms Slot’s side have faced pertains to their lack of physicality and bite in midfield this season, outduelled in most of their defeats – and there have been a whole host of losses.

Camavinga would fix that, settling into the six berth. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 12% for successful take-ons, and the top 1% for tackles won per 90, emphasising his ball-playing quality and the gritty defensive acumen that would stabilise Slot’s sinking system.

Looking at those metrics – and more – in a different format, see how Camavinga could add more defensive solidity to the engine room when assessing his data against that of Mac Allister, whose form has plummeted this season.

Goals

0.11

0.18

Assists

0.11

0.20

Touches

76.18

63.79

Pass completion (%)

90.8

83.3

Shot-creating actions

2.44

3.80

Progressive passes

4.76

5.76

Progressive carries

1.93

1.46

Successful take-ons

1.13

0.67

Recoveries

5.72

4.65

Tackles won

2.72

1.46

Interceptions

1.25

0.91

Aerials won

1.30

0.56

But those metrics are taking across a year-long stretch, and the Argentine was among the creme-de-la-creme last year as Slot’s Reds romped their way to the title.

Semenyo might be a stellar addition to a Liverpool side who opted against a direct Luis Diaz replacement this summer, but Gakpo has held down the fort measurably well, and Rio Ngumoha, 17, was entrusted with a regular first-team role after an impressive emergence season.

Real Madrid are in a state of upheaval right now, and signing a player of Camavinga’s ilk for a decent figure won’t come around too often. Wataru Endo is scarcely used by Slot and Gravenberch and Mac Allister need proper competition.

Should Liverpool instil some French flair into their midfield in the form of Camainga, they would be sure to level up, adding the joie de vivre that has been lacking this term, and a tough-tackling presence that would ease the defence’s burden and free up the forwards to reach new heights.

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Aston Villa make contact to sign "incredible" Real Madrid ace on loan in January

Aston Villa have now made contact to sign Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Garcia on loan in the January transfer window, but there could be competition from a plethora of rival Premier League clubs.

Villa’s interest in signing Garcia is nothing new, with claims they had even submitted an offer and wanted to get a deal over the line as quickly as possible, amid a lack of game time for the forward at Real Madrid.

The 21-year-old has appeared for just 96 minutes in La Liga this season, which will be a concern, given that he is now at an age where receiving consistent game time is important, otherwise his development could be hampered.

The Villans’ interest in signing a new forward also comes amid Evann Guessand making a slow start to life in the Premier League, having failed to register a goal or an assist, meaning Unai Emery may need a fresh injection of quality this winter if his side are going to push for the European places.

Aston Villa make contact to sign Gonzalo Garcia on loan

According to a report from Football Insider, Aston Villa have now made contact to sign Real Madrid forward Garcia on loan in the January transfer window, having registered their interest, but the Spanish heavyweights are yet to come to a final decision on his future.

Xabi Alonso’s side have concerns about a lack of depth in attack, meaning it could be worth keeping the Madrid-born starlet as a back-up option, especially considering Endrick is also set to go out on loan this winter.

Should the La Liga side sanction a departure, there may be stiff competition for the youngster’s signature, with Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers also being named as potential suitors by journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Although the young Spaniard has been unable to force his way into Alonso’s plans in La Liga, he certainly made a name for himself at the Club World Cup in the summer, receiving high praise from scout Jacek Kulig.

Not only that, but the centre-forward has also impressed at international level for Spain U21s, scoring in each of his last three matches, while also captaining his side during two of his five international caps.

With Ollie Watkins arguably not the player he once was, having scored just one Premier League goal this term, Aston Villa could do with bringing in a young striker with high potential, and Garcia has proven he could be a future star.

Aston Villa looking to sign "world-class" goalkeeper to replace Martinez

Aston Villa make Emiliano Martinez sale decision amid Unai Emery comments

There has been a key update on Martinez’s future, following the goalkeeper pushing for a move during the summer.

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Dominic Lund

Nov 19, 2025

Oposição cria chapa no Palmeiras e promete disputa com Leila Pereira pela presidência

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras viverá um ano movimentado na sua política com a disputa pelas eleições presidenciais, que acontece em novembro de 2024. Diferente do que aconteceu em 2021, quando Leila Pereira assumiu a presidência sem nenhuma oposição, a história dessa vez pode ser diferente.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Nesta terça-feira (5), foi lançado o movimento ‘Palmeiras Avante’, uma chapa de oposição que promete se unir em torno de um nome para tentar brigar com Leila Pereira pelo cargo mais alto do clube a partir de 2025.

Os nomes de possíveis candidatos estão sendo analisados, mas a prioridade do grupo é definir um plano de gestão capaz de impulsionar a Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, escutando associados e torcida e promovendo a união de diversas alas políticas.

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Entre os grupos políticos que fazem parte do Palmeiras Avante estão conselheiros ligados ao Ocupa Palestra, Grupo Arquibancada e e Grupo Academia, além de nomes independentes e outros que chegaram a fazer parte da gestão atual, mas que se manifestaram descontentes com a atual administração iniciada em dezembro de 2021.

“Estamos unindo grupos e pessoas interessadas em construir um Palmeiras mais democrático, profissional e transparente. Queremos um clube que respeite e esteja mais próximo da sua torcida, sócias e sócios. Acreditamos que o Palmeiras pode ser ainda mais forte adotando melhores práticas de gestão e governança” disse Felipe Giocondo, conselheiro e um dos principais coordenadores do movimento.

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➡️ Veja os grupos e datas dos confrontos no Paulistão

Confira a nota na íntegra que explica o que é o Palmeiras Avante:

O Palmeiras Avante é um movimento que idealiza um Palmeiras mais profissional, transparente e sem dono. O movimento quer pensar e construir o Palmeiras do futuro, valorizando sua identidade brasileira e seu alcance nacional e articulando uma instituição mais inclusiva, democrática e capaz de, por meio de uma administração profissional e de excelência, mover o clube adiante e colocá-lo à frente de ações importantes para sua torcida e toda a sociedade.

O Movimento Palmeiras Avante é multipartidário e reúne conselheiras e conselheiros, associados e associadas, torcedores e torcedoras que estão construindo um projeto de gestão verdadeiramente baseado em profissionalismo, respeito e transparência.

Tudo sobre

Leila PereiraPalmeiras

Red Sox Once Again Kneecap Roster With Rafael Devers Trade

As the San Francisco Giants took the field in Los Angeles this afternoon, still reeling from the news that they had executed a blockbuster trade to bring Boston Red Sox DH Rafael Devers aboard, the man at the center of the deal stood at shortstop. 

The biggest transaction of the 2025 season was not really about the four players headed to the Red Sox—converted starting pitcher Jordan Hicks; swingman Kyle Harrison, who was pulled from the bullpen just minutes before his scheduled start against the Dodgers; outfield prospect James Tibbs; or pitching prospect José Bello—or even Devers himself, the top-10 hitter who has twice squabbled with team officials over his position. No, this deal was five years in the making, dating back to the last time the Red Sox made a major trade: the 2020 Mookie Betts trade. 

Back then, just a year removed from the best season in franchise history and the organization’s ninth World Series title, the Boston ownership group considered the most talented player its farm system had produced since Carl Yastrzemski and shrugged. Management, led by principal owner John Henry, decided not to offer Betts an extension; rather than let him walk in free agency for nothing but a draft pick, they ordered then–head of baseball operations Chaim Bloom to trade him.

Bloom scrounged around among an industry that knew he had to move Betts, tacked on the three years and $96 million remaining on lefty David Price’s deal, and ended up with a forgettable package from the Dodgers: outfielder Alex Verdugo and two prospects, shortstop Jeter Downs and catcher Connor Wong. (The Red Sox traded Verdugo to the Yankees before last season after he publicly feuded with manager Alex Cora, waived Downs after he played in 41 games and have received zero RBIs from Wong in 41 games this season.) 

Betts immediately signed a 12-year, $365 million extension with the Dodgers that will look like a bargain no matter how the last six years go: He has been an All-Star every season and finished No. 2 in MVP voting twice while slotting in easily in right field, at second base and at shortstop, and leading the team to two titles. (He reportedly told friends he would have signed the same deal in Boston.)

Betts has thrived in his six seasons since being traded from the Red Sox to the Dodgers. / Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

So naturally, two years later, Henry’s ownership group lowballed its next homegrown star, shortstop Xander Bogaerts, in extension talks, then watched him decamp to the San Diego Padres in free agency for 11 years and $280 million—some five years and $140 million more than Boston had offered. Amid a roar of fan fury so loud it all but drowned out the team’s Winter Weekend the next spring, Henry and Bloom tried to make amends by signing the final remaining young star, Devers, to a 10-year, $313.5 million deal. (Henry fired Bloom following the 2023 season.) Devers had always been a talented hitter, but even then, when he was 26, it was clear that he was the least fit of the three for that sort of commitment. He did not profile to spend the rest of his career at third base, and he had yet to show the kind of leadership you might ask of the face of your franchise. The whole deal felt a bit like when an umpire misses a pitch down the middle, then calls the next pitch a strike no matter where it ends up. 

This spring, the cracks began to show. The Red Sox upgraded at third base by signing Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal with two opt-outs, but apparently failed to inform Devers that he’d been unseated. At spring training, Devers told reporters, “Third base is my position.” Eventually, Cora convinced him that designated hitter was his new position, although Devers never seemed especially thrilled about it. 

Then, a month ago, first baseman Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury, and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow turned to Devers. “They can’t expect me to play every single position,” Devers lamented to reporters. He added, “They put me in this situation, and they told me that they didn’t want to allow me to play any other position. Now, I think they should do their jobs, essentially, and hit the market and look for another player. I’m not sure why they want me to be in-between the way they have been.” His frustration was so evident that Henry flew to Kansas City to meet the team and address the issue with Devers. 

Evidently he was not satisfied with how that conversation went. 

The Red Sox may yet win this trade—the Giants will pay the entire $250 million remaining on Devers’s contract, and Tibbs was their first-round draft pick last year—but this was certainly not the situation they envisioned when they sat at a dais in Boston two and a half years ago and anointed Devers the face of the franchise. In the end, though, perhaps this franchise got the face it deserved: a talented but mercurial player who didn’t always have his priorities straight and never quite lived up to his potential. 

Brewers Rookie Starts MLB Career With Three Consecutive 100-Plus MPH Pitches

The Milwaukee Brewers welcomed top pitching prospect Jacob Misiorowski to the big leagues on Thursday, as he took the mound for his first MLB start.

Misiorowski wasted no time showing fans exactly why he was such a heralded prospect. Facing St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbar in the top of the first inning, Misiorowski delivered him three consecutive fastballs that were 100-plus mph.

The first pitch was a 100 mph fastball that Nootbar didn't swing at. Misiorowski then pumped it up a bit with a 102 mph fastball that Nootbar missed on. The third pitch was clocked at 101 mph, and the batter was able to foul it back. The rookie ended up getting Nootbar to ground out for what was the first out of his MLB career.

Have a look at Misiorowski lighting up the radar gun right out the gate during his debut:

The 23-year-old worked a clean first inning before notching his first career strikeout in the second frame, sitting down Willson Contreras with a filthy 95 mph slider.

By the end of the second inning, he'd topped 100 mph with 11 pitches, which already ranks fourth among MLB starters this season.

Misiorowski made 13 appearances in Triple A this season, recording a 2.13 ERA with 80 strikeouts and 31 walks in 63 1/3 innings.

Berta could sign Arsenal's own Palmer in 'one of the world's best players'

To say Arsenal are in form at the moment would be an understatement.

Mikel Arteta’s side are flying and, following their 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, are starting to get the recognition they deserve.

Moreover, while there is still a long way to go before anything is settled, the Gunners could go a long way in cementing their grip on the Premier League title race by beating Chelsea on Sunday.

However, it will be a tough game, and on top of Estevao, Arsenal may have to be on their toes regarding a certain Cole Palmer, who’s previously been compared to another international star the Gunners have been linked with.

Arsenal team news

Arsenal’s recent run of results and performances have been hugely impressive, and are made only more so by the fact that the team have been plagued by injuries.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, the team tore Tottenham Hotspur to pieces without a recognised number nine on the pitch, or bench for that matter, and without Gabriel Mageheles, who has arguably been their player of the season so far.

Fortunately, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard are all back in contention again, with all three coming off the bench against Bayern.

Moreover, during his pre-match press conference, Arteta revealed that there is “a potential chance” that Leandro Trossard could be available for the game this weekend.

He was a little less clear when it came to Gabriel Jesus, as he confirmed that the striker took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly, but said “We have to see” when it comes to his availability for Sunday.

Finally, while it seems unlikely, the boss didn’t rule out the possibility of Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz making it into the squad, saying, “We have another day tomorrow, so let’s see how everybody is tomorrow.”

So, it’s mostly good news on the injury front for the Gunners, but the Blues have also received a big boost, with Enzo Maresca confirming that Palmer is now available to start the game.

The Englishman is a world-class player, and based on reports from earlier this month, Arsenal could potentially sign someone who has been compared to him in the past.

The Palmer-like star Arsenal could sign

Arsenal have already been linked with a host of seriously exciting players over the last month or so, but arguably the most exciting and the one who has been compared to Palmer is Michael Olise.

Now, it should be said that the two internationals, of course, have their differences, but according to FBref, the Englishman was the third-most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Frenchman in the 23/24 Premier League season.

To gain a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached, you can take a look at the underlying numbers in which the pair ranked so closely.

Olise & Palmer

Statistics per 90

Olise

Palmer

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.74

0.76

Key Passes

2.54

2.47

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.39

2.37

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.21

0.17

Live Passes

42.6

44.6

Shot-Creating Actions

5.79

5.57

Goal-Creating Actions

0.99

0.89

All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 PL Season

These metrics included things like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key and live passes, shot and goal-creating actions, passes into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

In other words, both players were attacking monsters, both from a goalscoring perspective and a creative one.

Now, on top of the undeniable statistical similarities between them, they can also both be described as entertainers; they are players who’ll produce the output, but will also get the fans on their feet with a piece of skill and trickery.

Moreover, the pair of them are quite nonchalant in the way they go about their business on and off the pitch, making the former Crystal Palace star someone who’d probably fit in quite well at the Emirates.

Ultimately, while the comparisons to the Chelsea star are great, the Gunners should be looking to sign the Bayern Munich star regardless, as in just 74 appearances for the German giants, he has already produced 62 goal involvements, which more than justifies Serge Gnabry’s claim that the 23-year-old is “one of the best players in the world.”

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"I'm told" – Romano shares what Slot thinks about his own Liverpool future

Liverpool are in an unfamiliar state of flux in the Premier League and Fabrizio Romano has now delivered a definitive update over Arne Slot’s future at Anfield.

The Reds have failed to build on their title win last campaign and suffered a heavy 3-0 loss at home to Nottingham Forest at the weekend, with several of their big hitters underperforming in a disastrous display against Sean Dyche’s men.

Of course, certain factors have made it difficult for Slot to enjoy the same success that he managed to achieve on Merseyside last season, albeit their summer transfer spend of over £400 million has meant plenty of criticism is being thrown their way after new additions failing to adapt to life at the club.

PSV Eindhoven await in what is set to be a crucial Champions League encounter, not only to keep the Reds on course for a top eight league phase finish, but also to alleviate growing noise surrounding his tenure with results flattering to deceive.

Ultimately, there has been a collective fall below usual standards at Liverpool that has been uncharacteristic to say the least. Not only do they sit in the bottom half of the Premier League, they are also 11 points behind in a title race that was anticipated to be tight from the outset by most in English football.

Form is temporary and class is permanent is a saying that many Reds fans hope will ring true over the coming weeks. Either way, their side now face the challenge of proving that is the case, especially given they have a heavy festive schedule to come that will require full use of a squad that look out of sorts.

Slot is in the firing line and some are seriously starting to question his credentials. Providing an update on his future, renowned journalist Romano has given an insight regarding what could happen next.

Fabrizio Romano delivers Arne Slot Liverpool update

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano has stated that despite Liverpool’s poor performances under Slot, he will be given time to turn their situation around and retains the full backing of the Anfield hierarchy.

He said: “Obviously, losing six of the last seven Premier League games is something not at Liverpool level. The results are unacceptable, Liverpool and everyone at the club knows that. At the same time, my information to answer many questions on our podcast Men In Blazers is that Liverpool at the moment are not activating any contact to replace Arne Slot.

“At this stage, the situation is still under control. It’s complicated, it’s difficult, it’s an emergency situation. Liverpool are internally discussing about this topic, the manager, the management, the staff, all have all together, been given some responsibility, of course, also to the players.

“It’s not just Arne Slot, it’s also the players. If you look at some of the games, it looks crazy how Liverpool players really can’t perform in some of these games at their usual level.

“But at this stage, I’m told that of course, Arne Slot knows that this situation must change as soon as possible, especially in the Premier League more than in the Champions League. In the Premier League is important for Liverpool to change this situation. As of now, Liverpool as a club, owners, management, still back the manager, support the manager and want to see different results as soon as possible.”

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Rumours may be swirling around his future, though it seems as if Liverpool are in no rush to make any rash decisions, with Slot likely still retaining plenty of credit in the bank from last season.

In a fluid situation, that may change if results are to continue on the same trajectory, but the former Feyenoord boss looks to be safe for now ahead of their double header against PSV and West Ham United.

Newcastle have already got a bigger talent than Barnes who's "like Mbappe"

Eddie Howe has finally got the better of Pep Guardiola now in a Premier League environment.

At the 19th time of asking, Howe managed to get one over on the highly successful Manchester City manager, as Newcastle United romped back into top-flight action with a 2-1 win at St James’ Park.

Newcastle were good value for the win, too, as Harvey Barnes chipped in with a double to steer the Toon to another memorable victory on their own patch.

How Harvey Barnes downed Manchester City

The former Leicester City winger is now up to six goals for the season in all competitions, despite his appearance against Guardiola’s men only being his fifth Premier League start of the campaign.

With a brace under his belt, though, he’s surely a shoo-in for more starts as the congested winter fixture schedule hits. Journalist Henry Winter simply described his display as “clinical” when powering two quickfire efforts past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Barnes would manage to put away those two efforts confidently, with just four shots registered in total. But, away from stylishly getting the better of the new City number one with his opener, the 27-year-old also managed to win three duels and attempt three mazy dribbles as a constant livewire.

The only worry will be whether Barnes can stay fit to keep up this electric form, with three Premier League goals now next to his name from limited starts. Across the last three seasons on Tyneside, he has missed a concerning 38 games via injury.

Thankfully, though, Newcastle have a rising star in their ranks who could go on to be a bigger talent than the Toon winger.

Newcastle's 18-year-old Barnes replacement

Howe has shown frequently throughout his time as Newcastle boss to date that he is willing to chuck a starlet into the first team picture if they’re deemed ready for the challenge of senior action.

Indeed, Lewis Miley first made his senior debut under Howe when he was just 17 years of age, while another budding homegrown prodigy in Sean Neave, occupied a space on the bench against City, all while still being a wide-eyed 18-year-old prospect.

Could Seung Soo-Park be the next to bridge the gap between the U21s and the first team?

The future certainly looks bright for the South Korean attacker, who excelled for Suwon Bluewings back in his native Korea at just 17 years of age, becoming the youngest ever player in the history of Korean league football.

One goal and three assists came his way from 28 appearances for Suwon, with Barnes reduced to playing all the way down in League One at around the same age with Milton Keynes Dons, out on loan from then parent side Leicester City.

Park has even been described as a “similar [player] to Mbappe” by Asian football expert John Duerden for his frightening speed when bombing forward, which was seen in the summer when Park was handed opportunities in pre-season, with three dribbles successfully completed up against Espanyol.

With two duels won against Tottenham Hotspur in another pre-season test, it might not be the wildest suggestion in the world to state that Park could be gifted some senior minutes in the bread and butter of the Premier League soon, with the Korean sensation hailed for showing a “maturity beyond his years” by academy coach Steven Harper when first joining.

Newcastle’s left wing options

Player

Games in 25/26

Goals + Assists

Gordon

13

4 + 1

Elanga

18

0 + 1

Barnes

18

6 + 2

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Of course, the ex-Suwon winger does have both Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga in his way, too, down the left-hand side, but if he can manage to live up to all his early hype, he should be able to surpass those in front of him down the line.

Indeed, Elanga is yet to get up and running with zero goals for the season. Moreover, Barnes is also prone to a hit-and-miss performance in Newcastle black and white, having only managed five goals during the entire 2023/24 season.

For the time being, Howe will rely on Barnes, who is thankfully in a purple patch right now.

Yet, in the long term, don’t discount Park leapfrogging the Englishman, with a stunning Mbappe-style talent potentially on Howe’s hands.

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