Alexander Isak has admitted he expected to do "much more" at Liverpool after a slow start to life at Anfield. The striker joined the Reds from Newcastle United for a Premier League record fee of £125 million ($167m) but so far he has failed to fire. The Swedish international also admits that injuries have hampered his progress, and he has never felt at 100 per cent so far.
Isak and Liverpool struggle
Since his blockbuster £125m move, which entailed a lengthy transfer saga where Isak refused to play for Newcastle and trained alone for much of the summer, the 26-year-old has only scored two goals in all competitions this season. The Swede has struggled with injuries and form since arriving on Merseyside, and so have Arne Slot's team, with the defending Premier League champions currently ninth in the table. As a result, the former Real Sociedad man admits this has not been an "easy" period for him and his new club.
He told : "It's not been easy, of course, individually and also collectively. We've not had the best results lately. Of course, I wish more from me as well, so I think that's pretty obvious. I'm trying to stay positive, we as a team as well, it's a really good group and we're just looking forward and trying to do better as a team."
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Isak not at full tilt
The forward admitted he was his own harshest critic and that he is not happy with his goal-scoring output so far. However, he still stressed that injuries have taken their toll on him.
"I expect to do much more of course, I always do that. Even when I do really well, I want more, so that's not a problem for me. But yeah, I'm trying to stay positive, trying to work to do better and that's what we're looking to do," he said. "Yeah, of course. I think obviously I'm the first one to know and I know best when I'm doing good and when I'm not doing good. So I don't need anyone to tell me how I'm doing, so that's not a problem for me."
When asked if he had felt at 100 per cent at any stage for Liverpool, Isak replied, "I would probably say no, physically. I probably haven't felt at my best. But yeah, that's not really the way I judge myself either. When I'm on the pitch, I want to do well anyway. But yeah, obviously, there's more of me."
Slot defends Isak
Despite scoring just once in the Premier League this season, Liverpool boss Slot said the Reds are not bringing the best out of the Swedish star and must do all they can to maximise his strengths.
The Dutchman told reporters on Friday: "He is not the only No.9 who suffers in some games from not getting many chances. At this level it’s not like the No.9 is involved in eight, nine, 10 chances every single half. But it is obvious and clear that we want to bring him into more threatening situations. Before we went to only one goal conceded in two games [West Ham and Sunderland] we had a lot of chances. Because we are a little bit more compact and not taking as many risks, we have not been able to create as many chances as all of the games before. It is definitely one of the things on my list of things to improve to get our No.9 more involved in the game and more involved in the final third."
The former Feyenoord manager also said that Isak's match fitness remains an issue and that it is "unrealistic" for him to complete three 90-minute games in a week.
"That’s not the way you want to start your career at Liverpool. It is far, far from an ideal situation but, again, this club doesn’t buy a player for half a year. We bought him for six years," he added.
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What comes next for Liverpool?
After playing 68 minutes in the 2-0 win at West Ham and 86 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland, it remains to be seen if Isak will start away at Leeds United on Saturday evening. If not, Hugo Ekitike may lead the Reds' attack at Elland Road.
On Thanksgiving Thursday in the United States, Celtic supporters across the world are thankful that their side has finally won an away European match.
In the Europa League’s early kick off, despite falling behind inside 11 minutes, Martin O’Neill’s side fought back to beat Feyenoord 3-1; Yang Hyun-jun and then Reo Hatate on target in double-quick time, before substitute Benjamin Nygren lashed home a clinching third late on
Before this, the Hoops had failed to win any of their previous 16 European away matches, dating back to a 3-2 victory over Ferencváros in Budapest in November 2021; Kyōgo Furuhashi, Jota and Liel Abada the scorers for Ange Postecoglou’s side back then.
In the context of this campaign, it takes Celts’ points tally up to seven from five Europa League games, boosting their knockout phase hopes, with fixtures against Roma, Bologna and Utrecht still to come on their schedule.
By the time the current Serie A leaders visit Glasgow in a fortnight, there could well be a new face in the home dugout, so which forgotten figure staked a claim in Rotterdam to be a key figure under Wilfried Nancy?
Reo Hatate's magical night
Plenty of Celtic players deserve praise following a famous win in Rotterdam, but Hatate was the star of the show.
The Japanese midfield maestro spectacularly set up the equaliser, before cooly slotted home the vital go-ahead goal, gently passing the ball into the net having been gifted possession by goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther, after some excellent, trademark closing down by Daizen Maeda.
Since arriving in January 2022, Hatate has been one of Celtic’s best and most beloved players throughout; scoring twice in a thumping Old Firm victory mere weeks after joining helps!
However, his position in the starting lineup has come under scrutiny, given the Celts’ do have other good central midfield options, namely Nygren, Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo.
However, Hatate’s mercurial talent and exquisite ability makes him a dream for any manager and, based on how his Columbus Crew team like to play, Nancy will surely make the Japanese international a central figure in his team, once he does arrive.
Meanwhile, which usually less heralded figure will also surely have impressed the incoming manager with his display at De Kuip?
Celtic's "world class" talent stars vs Feyenoord
There were many heroes bedecked in green and white hoops during Thursday’s victory over Feyenoord.
Teenaged full-back Colby Donovan was immense, Luke McCowan was excellent out of position, despite his inexplicable early miss, while Daizen Maeda worked his socks off as always.
Meantime, one of the surprise starters when the team sheets dropped was Yang, chosen over Sebastian Tounekti, Nygren and Michel-Ange Balikwisha by O’Neill, but the Korea Republic international certainly repaid the manager’s
Yang lashed home Celtic’s equaliser on the half-hour mark, connecting with Hatate’s looping cross, the ball squirming in between Wellenreuther and the post.
This was only Yang’s second goal of the season, also on target against Partick Thistle in the League Cup in September beforehand, but this one was rather more important.
Overall, he was a constant threat at De Kuip.
Goals
1
1st
Attempted dribbles
3
2nd
Completed passes
25
16th
Duels contested
6
15th
Touches
43
15th
SofaScore rating
7.3
4th
Since arriving from Gangwon FC in July 2023 under Brendan Rodgers, Yang has flattered to deceive, showing glimpses of quality but only doing so on a very irregular basis.
Upon making the move, Gangwon’s then-club president Kim Byung-ji stated that he had “world class” potential, backing him to become as good as the national team’s all-time leading scorer Son Heung-min.
Speaking during commentary for TNT Sports, Joe Hart, a former teammate of Yang, said that “there’s an excellent player in there”, but that he just has to show it on a regular basis, while manager O’Neill stated that he needs to now replicate his form in training in matches.
Thus, with Nancy seemingly poised to arrive, every member of the Celtic squad will have a clean slate, which will surely be good news for Yang, looking to become a key figure under the new manager, hoping to force his way into Hong Myung-bo’s South Korea squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Celtic's number 1 target: Nancy could sign £7m "finisher" to replace Maeda
With Daizen Maeda potentially set to leave Celtic in January, could possible new manager Wilfried Nancy sign a “really good finisher” to replace him?
It’s been an unfortunate start to the season for Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who’s been sidelined multiple times through injury already and is now racing to recover from an MCL problem.
The North London derby on November 23rd takes on added significance for Arsenal as they await Odegaard’s potential return from a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
The Norwegian playmaker has become synonymous with Arsenal’s attacking fluency, and his absence has been an unwanted headache for Mikel Arteta.
Amid their pursuit of a first Premier League title in 22 years, the Gunners have done very well to cope through a torrid period of injuries to key attacking players at the Emirates. Odegaard’s latest setback came during their 2-0 win over West Ham in early October, when a collision with winger Crysencio Summerville resulted in a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee.
The incident forced him off after just 30 minutes and made unwanted history. Odegaard actually became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts, and what makes this injury particularly cruel is the timing.
The 26-year-old had only just returned from a persistent shoulder problem that had already disrupted his campaign. That shoulder issue saw him withdrawn after 38 minutes of Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds United at the very start of 25/26, before an aggravation of the same injury forced him off after just 18 minutes against Nottingham Forest.
Odegaard has completed a full 90 minutes only twice this season, and Arsenal rehab specialists have resorted to pretty unique methods to speed up his recovery.
The former Real Madrid midfielder has been using anti-gravity treadmills at Arsenal’s London Colney training centre to accelerate his comeback, a technique that reduces gravitational load while restoring muscle strength and mobility.
Arsenal’s unbeaten run in all competitions since defeat to Liverpool
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Man City
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-0 Atletico Madrid
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Burnley 0-2 Arsenal
Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal
Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal
His return would provide a massive boost heading into one of the season’s most important fixtures against Spurs right after the international break, but Arsenal have now been dealt a pretty concerning update.
Credible reports had claimed that Odegaard is battling to be in contention for Tottenham alongside Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres, with Gabriel Jesus the only forward definitively ruled out (Simon Collings).
However, Norway boss Stale Solbakken has now made a suggestion that even the derby may be too soon for him.
Arsenal star Martin Odegaard "some distance away" from injury return
Speaking in a press conference this week, Solbakken stated that Odegaard is actually “some distance away” from his injury return — which makes for a pretty concerning admission ahead of Tottenham’s visit to the Emirates in just 10 days time.
Despite still being sidelined, Odegaard has travelled with the Norway squad to be a presence for morale ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Italy.
Arteta will be keeping a very close eye on his players during this international break, which always poses the threat of unwanted injury problems, and defender Riccardo Calafiori gave Arsenal a scare earlier this week after it was revealed the left-back is training alone with a hip issue.
Luckily for the Azzurri and Arteta, Italian medical officials believe that Calafiori will be fit to face Norway on November 16, with the individual training programme most likely a precaution and nothing too serious.
Immediately after their clash against Tottenham, the north Londoners take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Chelsea just four days later, with Arteta hoping he has most of his attacking contingent back and ready to contribute in these vital face-offs.
Leeds United are back in action in the Premier League this weekend for the last time before the last international break of 2025 as they face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
The Whites were beaten 3-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion on their travels last time out in the top-flight, in what was the latest in a string of dismal away performances.
Leeds United’s Premier League away form (25/26)
Stat
Leeds
Matches
5
Wins
1
Draws
0
Losses
4
Goals scored
3
Goals conceded
12
Points
3
League rank
17th
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Daniel Farke’s side have struggled badly on the road in the Premier League so far this season, with three points from five matches.
Their only win away from Elland Road came against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have no wins, two draws, and eight defeats in their ten matches home and away this term.
Leeds will, therefore, need to step up and improve on the majority of their performances away from home in the division if they want to pick up any points against the Tricky Trees on Sunday.
Nottingham Forest, who are currently managed by Sean Dyche, have plenty of talented players who could cause the Whites problems if they are not at their best.
The Forest players Leeds have to be wary of
The Europa League outfit have a plethora of expensive attacking players who could test Lucas Perri in the Leeds goal if they get past the likes of Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol.
Dan Ndoye, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White, Omari Hutchinson, Taiwo Awoniyi, Elliot Anderson, the list goes on. Dyche has so many talented players at his disposal.
Hutchinson cost £37.5m, Anderson cost £35m, and Ndoye cost £34m. That is just a taste of the kind of spending power that they have been able to flex in recent seasons to build an exciting squad.
Nottingham Forest’s most productive attackers (all competitions)
Goals
Assists
Igor Jesus – 5
Morgan Gibbs-White – 3
Chris Wood – 3
Dan Ndoye – 1
Morgan Gibbs-White – 2
Ryan Yates – 1
Dan Ndoye – 2
Elliot Anderson – 1
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 1
Douglas Luiz – 1
Neco Williams – 1
Omari Hutchinson – 1
Nicolo Savona – 1
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Leeds will need to be wary of Jesus and Gibbs-White, in particular, whilst former Whites centre-forward Chris Wood is currently out through injury.
Gibbs-White has provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Tricky Trees in all competitions this season, after a return of seven goals and eight assists in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore.
The England international did, however, miss a penalty in Forest’s 0-0 draw with Sturm Graz in the Europa League on Thursday night, which could knock his confidence ahead of their clash with Leeds on Sunday.
Whilst the Championship champions need to be wary of the former Wolves star, Farke could unleash his own version of Gibbs-White by dropping Ao Tanaka from the starting line-up.
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The Japan international started the 3-0 defeat to Brighton last time out and should be dropped to allow German central midfielder Anton Stach to return to the side, to provide a threat at the top end of the pitch.
Why Leeds should drop Ao Tanaka for Anton Stach
Per Sofascore, the Japanese midfielder did not register a single shot, key pass, or ‘big chance’ created against Brighton, which shows that he did not have any positive impact in the final third.
On top of his failure to provide quality in possession, Tanaka also failed to win a single tackle and only won one duel in 61 minutes on the pitch for the Whites, as he offered little to the side as a defensive or physical presence.
The former Fortuna Düsseldorf star has no goals, no assists, and no ‘big chances’ created in eight appearances and four starts in the Premier League this season, per Sofascore, which does not suggest that he is likely to cause Forest too many problems on Sunday.
Stach, on the other hand, has shown that he can provide moments of quality at the top end of the pitch that can win points for his side, when he is at his best.
In fact, the summer signing from Hoffenheim scored in the club’s only away win in the Premier League this season, with a stunning free-kick against Wolves in the Midlands.
Stach also came off the bench against Brighton and won four of his four duels and completed both of his attempted dribbles, per Sofascore, in just 30 minutes on the pitch, which suggests that he may be ready to come back into the starting line-up after such a bright cameo.
The towering central midfielder may not be a diminutive style of playmaker like Gibbs-White, but their respective performances this season suggest that he can be Leeds United’s own version of the Forest star.
25/26 Premier League
Anton Stach
Morgan Gibbs-White
Appearances
9
10
xG
0.88
1.90
Goals
1
1
Big chances missed
1
2
Key passes per game
1.6
1.1
Big chances created
2
2
Assists
1
1
Dribbles completed per game
0.7
0.6
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Whites star has been even more creative than Gibbs-White, with 0.5 more key passes per game, whilst scoring as many goals from less xG in the Premier League.
Stach, who was once hailed as “underrated” by writer Bence Bocsák, and Gibbs-White are both midfield players who can make an impact in the final third as scorers and creators, which is why they are difference-makers for their respective teams.
Tanaka, unfortunately, has yet to prove that he can be a difference-maker at Premier League level, with no goal contributions this season, which is why he should be the man to drop out of the XI to bring the German back into the side to face Forest this weekend.
Farke can get DCL firing by ditching Aaronson for "unstoppable" Leeds star
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Nov 6, 2025
Hopefully, if Stach returns to the team, he can shine and outperform Gibbs-White to help the Whites to their second win on the road in the division this term.
Hasaranga, who picked up a hamstring niggle during the second ODI against Pakistan, is not yet ruled out of the tri-series
ESPNcricinfo staff18-Nov-2025
Vijayakanth Viyaskanth has played one T20I, in 2023, during the Hangzhou Asian Games•SLC
Legspinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth has been added to Sri Lanka’s T20I squad for the T20I tri-series in Pakistan as cover for allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who has a hamstring injury.Hasaranga has not been ruled out of the series yet. He picked up the hamstring niggle during the second game of the ODI series against Pakistan and subsequently missed the third ODI as Sri Lanka suffered a 3-0 defeat.Related
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Viyaskanth will join the team directly from Qatar, where he was playing for Sri Lanka A in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. He has represented Sri Lanka just once in senior cricket, making his debut in the Hangzhou Asian Games in October 2023.Viyaskanth first rose to prominence in December 2020, when he became the youngest player at 18 years and 364 days to feature in the Lanka Premier League for Jaffna Stallions. In that tournament, he also became the first born-and-bred player from Jaffna to appear in an internationally televised game. Viyaskanth was also the second highest wicket-taker in the SLC T20 League in August 2025. Overall, in 59 T20 games, he has taken 67 wickets at 20.98 with an economy of 7.18.Sri Lanka are also missing their regular T20I captain Charith Asalanka for the tri-series. He flew home with an illness and Dasun Shanaka will fill in as captain. Sri Lanka play their first game of the tri-series on November 20 against Zimbabwe. The series starts on November 18 with each team playing the other twice before the final on November 29.
Doggett, who is a good chance of being in Australia’s Ashes squad, claimed six wickets to keep South Australia in the game
Tristan Lavalette29-Oct-2025Cameron Green, playing as a specialist batter, fell for a duck but Western Australia team-mate Cameron Bancroft issued a reminder of his indefatigable approach at the top of the order with a determined century at the WACA.Bancroft’s 122 off 255 balls guided WA into a position of strength against South Australia on day two despite the stirring efforts of spearhead Brendan Doggett who finished with 6 for 48 from 21.2 overs.Related
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Doggett is pushing to be a fast-bowling reserve for the Ashes having been part of the World Test Championship squad earlier this year and originally due to tour West Indies before injury struck.”There has been a little bit of noise, but trying not to think about it,” Doggett said about his potential Ashes chances. “I just want to keep playing for South Australia and keep putting good performances together. I think that’s all I can control at the moment.”After missing the India ODIs due to side soreness, Green had a starring role in the field on day one as he eyes making a bowling return in WA’s next Shield match against Queensland starting on November 11.But Green, batting at his preferred No. 4, lasted just six deliveries after whacking Doggett straight to mid-off. It was left to Bancroft to anchor the innings and he returned to form with steely defence mixed with classical drives.A slow start to the season has seen him slip outside of the Ashes selection mix on the back of making just 344 runs at 26.46 last season compared to an average of 48.37 across WA’s hat-trick of titles.Cameron Green fell for a duck as he builds towards the Ashes•Getty Images
“I’ve had my time at that level, feel really grateful. If an opportunity came to play for Australia, that’s great, but certainly not feverish about it,” said Bancroft, who played the last of his 10 Tests during the 2019 Ashes.After dominating the opening day, WA resumed on 87 for 0 with Bancroft and skipper Sam Whiteman having to contend with far more disciplined bowling from South Australia’s quicks.In his return from a hamstring injury, Doggett had been sluggish late on the opening day but found his rhythm from the get go amid overcast morning conditions. Doggett had Whiteman edging to second slip to break the 93-run opening stand and immediately caused Hilton Cartwright problems by pitching up and targeting the pads.Cartwright was made to dig in as he shifted up the order from his customary No. 4 spot due to Green’s return. With the surface flattening out after notable sharp bounce and carry on the opening day, Bancroft and Cartwright started to take the game away from South Australia as they built a half-century partnership and batted into the second session.Cameron Bancroft drives during his century•Getty Images
With South Australia needing a spark, it was up to Doggett to bend his back and he did exactly that after lunch with a stirring spell that accounted for Cartwright and Green in consecutive overs.But South Australia’s momentum was halted by Cooper Connolly, playing his first Shield match of the season having recently impressed in the India ODI series. Connolly has already proven he’s a three-format player in his fledgling career and seemed set to add a sixth half-century in eight Shield innings as he scored at a run-a-ball pace.Connolly was particularly aggressive against offspinner Ben Manenti and the approach rubbed off on Bancroft with the pair trading sixes as WA powered past South Australia’s first innings total of 215.But Connolly’s cavalier knock ended on 33 when he whacked Nathan McSweeney to extra cover before rain halted play for an hour. On resumption, McSweeney unexpectedly turned the game briefly with the further scalps of Bancroft and Aaron Hardie, who threw away his wicket after miscuing a reverse sweep.WA did finish with a 92-run first innings lead but were unable to make a breakthrough before stumps were called early due to bad light.
The defending champions suffered a warm-up defeat to England but coach Shelley Nitschke feels the team are well placed
Andrew McGlashan29-Sep-2025
Sophie Molineux will be pushing for a spot in the starting XI•Getty Images
Australia head coach Shelley Nitschke is prepared to face some “tough” selection calls ahead of the team’s opening ODI World Cup match against New Zealand on Wednesday.The defending champions completed their preparations with a four-wicket defeat against England in Bengaluru, but Nitschke was not too concerned by the result as Australia utilised a rejigged batting order. At 127 for 2 in the 16th over, they were on course for a huge total. But when Ashleigh Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield, who raced to 71 off 48 balls, fell in the space of four balls to legspinner Sarah Glenn, the middle order stumbled.The match saw left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux in action for the first time since last December after she sat out the series against India to complete the final stages of her recovery from knee surgery. She made 5 off 10 balls and claimed 1 for 37, but prior to heading to India captain Alyssa Healy had indicated that Molineux would be a first-choice pick if she proved her fitness.Related
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That would leave a likely decision to be made between the two legspinners, Georgia Wareham and Alana King, when it comes to the final XI against New Zealand in Indore.”Just to see her [Molineux] out there was fantastic,” Nitschke said. “It’s been close on 12 months, but just to have her out there bowling again, that’s a really good thing for us and our squad.”I guess we’ll sit down in the next couple of days and assess everything and see how we line up. I think we’re going to be faced with some pretty tough calls throughout the whole tournament. We’ve got a really good squad here. You know, everyone’s sort of at some point played really well, so we’ve got some decisions to make for sure.”The selectors will also need to make a call on the make-up of the pace attack. Nitschke praised an “excellent” performance from Darcie Brown, who took 1 for 30 in six overs against England after returning from a back spasm, but Megan Schutt and Kim Garth would appear the first-choice pair.Georgia Voll, who is averaging 63.50 across her first five ODIs, appears likely to be the frontline batter to miss out. Allrounder Heather Graham, who has replaced the injured Grace Harris, neither batted or bowled against England.Georgia Voll might be the top-order batter to miss out•Getty Images
Nitschke conceded Australia had not played Glenn “particularly well” but that it was a question of shot selection rather than needing to temper the aggressive approach which has been a hallmark of the team’s recent ODI batting.Having faced India in three full ODIs earlier in the month, Nitschke believed Australia, who only opted for one extra warm-up match rather than the two they could have had, would go into the World Cup battle-hardened.”I think the bilateral series against India was a hard-fought series in some tough bowling conditions and a real challenge. So I thought that was excellent prep,” she said. “We come out here tonight, [in] slightly different conditions, a red-clay pitch as opposed to some black soil that we were playing on in the bilateral, so certainly have been exposed to some different conditions and learnt a lot and have to adapt to that.”I’d like to think that now we’re in a good place and had enough exposure. We’ve been here for long enough to acclimatise… and just looking forward to getting into it.”
“We have to take responsibility,” Charith Asalanka says of Dasun Shanaka and himself after they fell off back-to-back deliveries at a crucial stage of the game
Andrew Fidel Fernando24-Sep-20251:39
What went wrong for Sri Lanka’s batters?
The back-to-back wickets in the eighth over of Sri Lanka’s innings swung this Asia Cup Super Four match towards Pakistan – this was how Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka, who was the first of the two batters to be dismissed in that passage, saw it.Sri Lanka had been 58 for 3 after 7.1 overs, when Asalanka was caught at deep square-leg off the bowling of Hussain Talat. Next ball, Dasun Shanaka poked at a delivery in the channel and sent a thin edge to the wicketkeeper. Sri Lanka were suddenly five down with more than 60% of the overs remaining. The limped to 133 for 8 in the end.”Although we didn’t get a great start from the openers, at the end of the powerplay we still had 53 runs. We’d lost three wickets, but we were still in a good place, because it’s not easy to score that many in the powerplay,” Asalanka said. “But then myself and Dasun got out off successive deliveries, and that was when the biggest damage was done.Related
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“Neither Dasun or I were going for big shots when we got out. I was trying to put the ball into a gap, but ended up top-edging it. Dasun also played a normal shot first up. But we have to take responsibility.”That Sri Lanka managed to have something to bowl at was down to Kamindu Mendis, who hit 50 off 44 balls, with support from Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamika Karunaratne.”We lost five wickets in the first half of our innings, and against these kinds of teams it’s really hard to come back from that,” Asalanka said. “Kamindu and the others fought hard, but Wanindu also got out at a bad time, when it had felt like we could get to 150. In the end it was not enough.”Sri Lanka are very nearly out of the tournament now, having suffered two big losses in the Super Four stage. They had strengthened their bowling for this match, dropping Kamil Mishara for Karunaratne. Asalanka identified balancing his team as perhaps the primary problem facing Sri Lanka ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.”We’ve had lots of issues with our combinations, and that’s something we have to get right ahead of the World Cup,” he said. “We tried going with an extra bowler today, but we lost a specialist batsman because of that, and didn’t score the runs we needed. Other times we’ve played an extra batsman and couldn’t defend a score with the ball.”We need to figure out how to consistently score 180 to 200, and also how to use the part-time bowlers – myself, Dasun, Kamindu Mendis – better. Those are things we need to improve in the future.”
Usman Khawaja is confident of being fit for the second Test in Brisbane but could have landed himself in hot water after describing the Perth pitch on day one of the first Ashes encounter as “s***”.Khawaja was unable to open in either innings of the opening Test having initially been caught out by England’s rapid collapse on the first afternoon and then suffering a recurrence after jumping for an attempted catch in the slips on the second day.With his time off the field having not elapsed when Australia began their first innings, Marnus Labuschagne went in alongside debutant Jake Weatherald with Steven Smith then forced to move to No. 3.Related
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Khawaja then came out at No. 4 but could only make two runs before edging a rising delivery from Brydon Carse. He was one of 19 wickets to fall on the opening day, which followed 17 on the first day of the corresponding Test against India last year, but the ICC match referee Ranjan Madugalle rated the surface “very good”.”Nineteen wickets on the first day and about 20 people got hit, that’s a great wicket – that seems real fair,” Khawaja said at an event for his Usman Khawaja Foundation, a charity which helps support children from diverse, rural and low socio-economic backgrounds.”The same thing happened last year in the Indian Test, it’s just that day one wicket, the ball just does not react. Steve Smith’s by far the best cricketer I’ve ever played with and he’s missing the middle of his bat by a long way – he does not miss the middle of his bat. He’s getting hit in the elbow, he’s getting hit.””You can’t really predict up and down. Up and down is the hardest – sideways is a little bit easier but up and down your hands can’t catch up. So day one wicket at [Perth] is a piece of s***, I’m happy to say that. It has been last year, it was this year.”They do get better. Day two, day three, and then day four, they start to crack up.”Usman Khawaja ahead of what could be his final Test series•Getty Images
Quite what conditions will be served up for the day-night Test at the Gabba remain to be seen, but Khawaja was confident he would be able to take his place in the XI although Travis Head’s spectacular 123 in his absence has sparked a debate about which way Australia should go.”I feel good,” he said. “I’d never experienced it before, but the last few days have been good. I’ve never had back spasms before, so it’s been quite new for me. I’ve been quite lucky. I’m 39 years old [on December 18] and have always had a pretty solid back. Rachel, my wife, has been taking care of me – she’s been letting me sleep in a fair bit actually, I’ve really been taking advantage of it. I should be right.”Recounting the events of the opening day in Perth, which at one stage saw Smith frantically waving to the dug out, Khawaja said he was trying all he could to be available to open.”I went off knowing I still wanted to open; I don’t want to bat anywhere else,” Khawaja said. “I went off, and I think they [England] were six down, and we just went bang, bang, wicket.”I rushed back on, and then we take the next two wickets. That was the frustrating part for me, but I had no other option. I had anti-inflammatories, really strong ones. I had real strong painkillers all through that time – even in the morning – and got myself to a place where I could actually field again.”Khawaja revealed the lengths he was ready to go to in case he was needed to bat during the chase, but Head’s onslaught made it a moot point. “I’m really glad that we got [the match] done that night, because the next day, I already had the radiology booked,” he said. “I was going to get an epidural in my back, so I can actually move somewhat. I had it booked in, ready to go, so if the team needed me, I was there again.”
This has been the season of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, of Amad and Senne Lammens – but don’t forget about Manchester United’s ever-reliable skipper, Bruno Fernandes.
While no longer perhaps the star attraction, amid Mbeumo’s rich vein of goalscoring form, the Portuguese playmaker is still quietly pulling the strings from his deep-lying midfield berth, scoring twice and registering three assists from his 11 Premier League outings.
Two rare penalty misses have perhaps been the biggest story of the 31-year-old’s campaign thus far, although it would be foolish to suggest that he has been under-par, again leading the way in the division for chances created (29), as per FotMob.
As he admitted ahead of his 300th United appearance last month, the former Sporting CP star is almost relishing the prospect of someone else taking the limelight – alla Mbeumo and Cunha – having for so long shouldered the creative and goalscoring burden on his own at Old Trafford.
A recent hat-trick hero on the international front, the experienced genius is far from over the hill, albeit with Ruben Amorim already hinting at a potential role change later down the line, suggesting that his compatriot might need to adjust to “rotation” next season, should the Red Devils return to European competition.
Whether Fernandes himself decides to stick around following the World Cup also remains to be seen, with a long-term replacement needed regardless.
Latest on Man Utd's midfield search
Speaking in that refreshingly honest interview to mark his milestone match, Fernandes did confirm that he had been close to joining Saudi side Al Hilal over the summer, before ultimately opting to stay put despite receiving a significant salary offer from the Pro League outfit.
Also the subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain the year prior, the £300k-per-week talent will certainly have options once again should he choose to depart in 2026, albeit having suggested that he won’t even contemplate an exit until after next summer’s tournament in North America.
With a deal that expires in 2027, however, and lingering concerns over his suitability to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 set-up, Fernandes’ long-term fit in this side is up for debate, regardless of whether he decides to stay or leave, with a young understudy perhaps required.
With that in mind, reports in Spain have suggested that United and INEOS have an offer in the works to sign AZ Alkmaar starlet, Kees Smit, with the 19-year-old said to have ‘caught the eye’ of those in Manchester.
Said to be valued at around €25m (£22m), the report claims that the Old Trafford side are willing to lodge a bid above the Eredivisie side’s valuation, perhaps hinting at their desire to win the race for his signature, amid notable competition.
Compared to Pedri by Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman, the teenager – who has also been linked with Newcastle United – could certainly be a worthwhile punt as far as the INEOS regime are concerned.
Why Man Utd could be targeting the new Bruno Fernandes
Since the arrival of the likes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Jason Wilcox, there has undoubtedly been a clear focus on recruiting stars of the future, be it Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven, or Leny Yoro and Diego Leon.
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Adding Smit into the fold could well help to continue that trend, with the promising Dutchman already earning rave reviews back in Holland, having been hailed as a “supertalent” in the past by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Set to turn 20 in January, the AZ academy graduate has already made 50 senior appearances for his current side, chalking up ten goals and assists in that time, as per Transfermarkt, with 2025/26 proving particularly fruitful thus far.
Largely operating in a central midfield role – but also comfortable in a deeper or more advanced berth, like Fernandes – the £22m gem has scored twice and registered four assists in 19 games in all competitions, four of which have come in just 11 league games.
A player with “superstar potential” – in the view of analyst Ben Mattinson – Smit is particularly adept at striking from range, a trait again similar to Fernandes, with both he and Cunha tied last term for most goals scored outside the box by Premier League players.
Also hailed for his “striker-like finishing” inside the box by Mattinson, Smit does appear to be the complete attacking package, a fact heightened by his likeness to Fernandes in last season’s Europa League.
Indeed, as per FBref, the pair were noted as statistically and stylistically similar players among midfielders turning out in the competition, with the pair both ranking highly for progressive passes and passes in particular.
Smit vs Bruno – 24/25 UEL Ranking
Stat (per 90)
Smit
Bruno
Goals
Top 4%
Top 17%
Assists
Top 1%
Top 14%
Shot-creating actions
Top 48%
Top 2%
Pass completion
Top 30%
Bottom 15%
Progressive passes
Top 4%
Top 2%
Progressive carries
Top 5%
Top 12%
Successful take-ons
Top 4%
Top 46%
Touches in opposition box
Top 10%
Top 7%
Progressive passes received
Top 9
Top 12%
Stats via FBref
Smit’s creative streak has also been evident so far this term, with three big chances created and two key passes averaged per game in the Eredivisie, as per Sofascore. Back in England, for comparison, Fernandes has also created three big chances, while averaging slightly more key passes at 2.6 per game.
Both a goalscorer and provider then, like the Portugal man, Smit would surely be a worthy choice to be a potential deputy to Fernandes in the short-term, before seeking to succeed him in that midfield role later down the line.
Looking very much like a young Fernandes on current evidence, it’s easy to see why the teenager is courting quite so much interest.
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