Tag Futebol

MatériaMais Notícias

A temporada do Campeonato Brasileiro chegou ao fim com clima ruim para o torcedor do São Paulo. Individualmente, os jogadores também não despertaram grandes expectativas entre os fãs.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSão PauloSão Paulo presta esclarecimentos ao Ministério Público após denúnciaSão Paulo09/12/2025São PauloPlanejamento 2026: saiba quem pode deixar o elenco do São PauloSão Paulo09/12/2025Lance! BizSão Paulo acerta com novo patrocinador; veja tempo de contratoLance! Biz08/12/2025

A maior prova disso é que, em enquete do LANCE! nas redes sociais, o jogador mais destacado para os torcedores foi o goleiro Rafael no Brasileirão. O arqueiro participou de 35 partidas, atuando como titular em todas elas. Ao longo da competição, sofreu 38 gols, uma média de 1,1 por jogo, e conseguiu manter a meta zerada em 12 ocasiões, equivalente a 34% dos confrontos. Registrou 3,2 defesas por partida, sendo 2,0 delas em chutes dentro da área, e teve 75% de aproveitamento em bolas defendidas. Nos passes longos, apresentou 31% de acerto. Sua nota média pelo Sofascore foi 7,10.

➡️ Clique aqui e baixe o app do Sofascore para ficar por dentro de estatísticas e resultados de futebol em tempo real

No Brasileirão 2025, Alan Franco participou de 29 jogos, sendo titular em 28, com média de 79 minutos em campo por partida. Registrou 1,2 desarmes, 0,9 interceptações e 4,3 cortes por jogo, além de recuperar 4,7 bolas por partida. Teve 55% de eficiência nos duelos, ganhando em média 3,5 por jogo, e 60% de aproveitamento nos duelos aéreos. Sofreu 0,4 dribles por jogo e cometeu 1,1 faltas por partida, acumulando sete cartões amarelos. Sua nota média pelo Sofascore foi 6,81.

continua após a publicidade

Luciano disputou 32 jogos no Brasileirão 2025, sendo titular em 24 deles. Marcou nove gols e deu quatro assistências, levando em média 162 minutos para participar de um gol. Finalizou 2,4 vezes por jogo, sendo 0,8 no gol, precisando de 8,4 finalizações para marcar. Converteu 33% das grandes chances e realizou 0,9 passes decisivos por jogo, criando quatro grandes oportunidades para a equipe. Nos duelos teve 52% de eficiência e sofreu 1,4 faltas por partida. Sua nota média pelo Sofascore foi 7,03.

➡️Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! São Paulo

Marcos Antônio atuou em 28 partidas no Brasileirão 2025, sendo titular em 23 delas. Distribuiu quatro assistências e criou nove grandes chances, com média de 1,0 passe decisivo por jogo. Finalizou 0,6 vezes por partida, com 0,1 finalizações no gol, e acertou 75% dos passes longos. Registrou 0,7 desarmes, 0,3 interceptações e recuperou 3,2 bolas por jogo. Teve 37% de eficiência nos duelos e cometeu em média 1,0 falta por partida, recebendo quatro cartões amarelos. Sua nota média pelo Sofascore foi 6,91.

continua após a publicidade

Veja abaixo a porcentagem de votos de cada jogador

Rafael: 92,7%Marcos Antônio: 2,3%Luciano: 3,9%Alan Franco: 1,1%Temporada do São Paulo

Sem grande destaque nas competições, o time comandado por Hernán Crespo garantiu vaga na Copa Sul-Americana, embora ainda mantenha expectativa de classificação à Libertadores, dependendo do campeão da Copa do Brasil. Para isso, o Tricolor precisa torcer para que Fluminense ou Cruzeiro conquistem o título.

O São Paulo encerrou o Brasileirão 2025 na oitava posição, com 51 pontos em 38 jogos, resultado de 14 vitórias, 9 empates e 15 derrotas. A equipe marcou 43 gols e sofreu 47, terminando com saldo negativo de quatro tentos.

Na Copa do Brasil, o São Paulo foi eliminado pelo Athletico-PR nas quartas de final. Na partida de ida, o Tricolor venceu o Furacão por 2 a 1, no Morumbi, e jogava por empate ou qualquer vitória na volta. No entanto, mesmo com um jogador a mais, o Furacão venceu o Tricolor por 1 a 0 no tempo normal e depois garantiu a classificação ao vencer por 3 a 0 nas penalidades.

No Campeonato Paulista, o São Paulo foi eliminado pelo Palmeiras nas semifinais. Já na Libertadores, a equipe também caiu nas quartas de final, após perder os dois jogos para a LDU.

Tudo sobre

BrasileirãoFutebol NacionalSão Paulo

Tottenham are reportedly determined to give Thomas Frank time to succeed at the club despite their 4-1 thumping away to rivals Arsenal. Spurs have lost three of their last five Premier League games and have dropped to ninth in the table following their wretched performance at Emirates Stadium. But the Dane's future at the club is not under threat for now.

Frank apologises for Tottenham drubbing

Head coach Frank admitted he felt confident going into the north London derby but Arsenal dismissed Tottenham with apparent ease, with Spurs mustering an Expected Goals tally of just 0.07 and a paltry three shots on goal. After the loss on Sunday, the former Brentford manager, who joined Spurs on a three-year deal over the summer, apologised to the travelling fans. 

He told Sky Sports: "I think it is extremely painful. I won't talk away from that. It was a bad performance. It was completely the opposite of what the intention was when we came here. We can only apologise to the fans for the performance. I think no matter if both teams wanted to play shirt, they got more out of that and we couldn't get out. When the team went long, we didn't win enough duels. That is exemplified by the 2-0 goal and the 3-0 goal, where a player went through two or three players. Bad performance and we lost. I have seen a lot of character and fight in this team but we didn't win enough duels. We can call that whatever we want but we didn't win enough."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTottenham to stick with Frank

According to The Telegraph, Tottenham want to give Frank enough time to get things right but there are concerns he is making life hard for himself by chopping and changing too much. The report adds that Spurs believe Frank's numerous rotations have contributed to their inconsistency and creativity problems. Some players are keen for Frank to focus more on his team's strengths, rather than the opposition's, but it is unclear how widespread that feeling is. The club's owners, the Lewis family, are targeting long-term success under the Dane, which suggests that no short-term decisions are being considered. Incidentally, Frank took the number of changes he has made to his starting XI to 29 for the Premier League so far – the third-most in the league after Wolves (39) and Chelsea (31).

Tottenham tactics go awry

Frank also said that he tried to deploy the same tactics Tottenham used in their agonising UEFA Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain in August, but what he got was an "extremely bad" performance. 

He added: "That's an extremely hard defeat to take. We are all emotional and frustrated and need to look at it with calm heads. I was very confident going into the game that we could be competitive and we weren't, which was disappointing. We tried to do something different that was very successful against PSG. Today it wasn't and I always take responsibility for my decisions and then when it doesn't go the way we want it to go, that's on me. We changed it at half-time but I am 1000% sure that no matter what formation you play if you don't win enough duels or are aggressive enough, it doesn't matter what formation you play."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Spurs?

The games don't get any easier for Tottenham as after the loss to table-topping Arsenal, they travel to defending Champions League holders PSG in Europe's elite competition on Wednesday. And one area Frank is eager to fix is their toothless attack. 

He said: "That [lack of creativity] has been an ongoing theme that we are working hard to improve. It doesn't look good today or against Chelsea. We need to keep working on it. There were a lot of things in this game we need to do better. We are four months into it and they are further in their journey as a team and that was very obvious today. Of course there will be noise. We played against our biggest rivals and we lost badly. But we keep noise out and we focus. I know this tam is very competitive. I know this team is competitive and we showed that against Man City and PSG. Of course it looks bad today and it was not good enough."

Being the massive club they are, Arsenal have had some genuinely world-class players represent them.

From the likes of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp in the Invincibles era, to Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and their backline today.

However, the Gunners also have more than their fair share of cult heroes, such as Sunderland’s current captain, Granit Xhaka.

The Swiss international left Arsenal in the summer of 2023, but it looks like Mikel Arteta might have someone in his squad today who could be the club’s next Xhaka.

Xhaka's turbulent Arsenal career

It’s summer 2016, and after a reasonably impressive Euros with Switzerland, Arsenal opt to splash around £34m on Xhaka.

Chalkboard

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

Expand Collapse

Unfortunately, while he certainly wasn’t one of the team’s worst players, the former Borussia Mönchengladbach ace was fairly underwhelming over the following few years.

However, given his experience, combative nature, and general personality, he was chosen by his teammates to become the club’s captain in September 2019, under Unai Emery.

It was a decision that would cataclysmically backfire just a month later, when, during a game against Crystal Palace, he was substituted off to a jeering crowd, to which he responded by throwing the shirt and armband to the floor and swearing.

At that point, it looked like his Arsenal career was well and truly over, but once he was appointed manager, Arteta was able to convince the fiery midfielder to stay and fight for his place.

Over the next two years or so, that is exactly what the Basel-born titan did, and finally, against all the odds, away to Brentford in September 2022, the fans began to sing his name once more.

The tough-tackling, all-action international had his best campaign in red and white that season, ending it with nine goals and seven assists in 47 games as the club launched a surprising title charge.

Xhaka’s Arsenal career

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

16/17

46

4

3

17/18

48

3

8

18/19

40

4

5

19/20

41

1

2

20/21

45

1

2

21/22

30

1

2

22/23

47

9

7

All Stats via Transfermarkt

It would prove to be his final year with the club, but instead of leaving in disgrace like so many thought he would, the Swiss icon was serenaded by an adoring Emirates crowd as he grabbed a brace and said his goodbyes.

Now, two and a half years later, it looks like Arteta could have his own Xhaka-type player in his Arsenal squad.

Arsenal's new Xhaka

Now, arguments could certainly be made for either Declan Rice or Martin Zubimendi becoming the next Xhaka for Arsenal, but instead, it’s actually Myles Lewis-Skelly.

It might sound a little out there at first, but there are a few reasons, such as the youngster’s natural position.

Yes, the teenager has played at left-back for the first team, but spent most of his time in the academy playing as either a defensive or central midfielder.

Moreover, when you watch him play, it is so apparent that he’s more of a central player, as not only does he have the spatial awareness and range of passing to thrive there, but he also has the carrying ability.

In fact, it was his incredible drive and assist for Gabriel Martinelli against Atletico Madrid that led one content creator to label him as one of the best in “world football” when it comes to carrying.

Furthermore, the 19-year-old has already shown the physical and mental strength Xhaka possess, and as Rice has pointed out, he seems utterly “fearless” on the pitch, regardless of the opposition.

Finally, in addition to the fiery attitude, the Hale End gem also has a wand of a left foot, and has already chalked up a few assists thanks to his weight of pass.

Ultimately, it is still so early in his career, but it’s clear that Lewis-Skelly shares some of Xhaka’s best traits and could become Arsenal’s new version of the Swiss monster.

Related Forget Dowman: Arsenal's "explosive" Hale Ender looks like another Saka

The impressive youngster could be the next Saka and the next talent off the block for Arsenal after Dowman.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 7, 2025

The trade deadline's biggest prize reportedly will go to the Seattle Mariners.

The Mariners are acquiring third baseman Eugenio Suarez from the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to a Wednesday night report from ESPN's Jeff Passan. Suarez, 34, previously played for Seattle from 2022 to '23.

The two-time All-Star joins the Mariners in the midst of a surpassing offensive season; he's slashing .248/.321/.577 with 36 home runs and 87 RBIs. The last of those figures leads Major League Baseball.

If the deal is confirmed, Suarez will re-form a formidable duo with Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh—a superstar with 41 home runs, 87 RBIs and a Home Run Derby title to his name this season.

Suarez is in his 12th MLB season, and has hit 312 career home runs. He has hit 30 home runs on six different occasions, and hit 49 for the Cincinnati Reds in 2019.

The Mariners have a long way to go to wrap up a playoff berth, but opposing pitchers will seemingly have their work cut out for them.

رصدت صحيفة “جارديان” البريطانية، تقريرًا مطولاً عن النجم المصري محمد صلاح جناح فريق ليفربول، بعد التصريحات الهجومية التي أدلى بها في أعقاب المباراة أمام ليدز بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وافتتحت الصحيفة التقرير، بالحديث عن انكسار علاقة محمد صلاح بليفربول بعد المقابلة التي أجراها، والتي تعد بمثابة اختبار لعلاقة النادي بالمدرب الهولندي آرني سلوت، وسيظهر أيضًا مدى الدعم الذي يحظى به الأخير.

وأشارت إلى أن صلاح قد يكون متأثرًا نفسيًا بجلوسه بديلاً لثلاث مباريات على التوالي، وأفادت أن تصريحاته كانت بمثابة قنابل يقوم المصري بإلقائها واحدة تلو الأخرى، وهو تصرف لم يكن وليد العاطفة.

“جارديان” وصفت صلاح بأحد أعظم لاعبي ليفربول، وأكدت أن تصريحاته وكلماته مدروسة بدقة لتحقيق ما يريده، وفي هذه الحالة، تكديس المزيد من المشاكل على سلوت.

ويفيد التقرير أن صلاح بالغ في حديثه والأمر مشابه لمقابلة لروي كين نجم مانشستر يونايتد السابق، وتصريحاته التي أدلى بها قبل 20 عامًا والتي أدت إلى إقالته من منصب قائد الفريق، ولم تُنشر كلمات كين علنًا آنذاك، ولم يُنشر النص الكامل حتى الآن.

وحللت الصحيفة تصريحات صلاح حيث اتهم ليفربول مرتين بالتخلي عنه ردًا على فشلهم في الدفاع عن لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وقد حرص المصري على أن يكون جميع أفراد ليفربول – إدارة النادي، والمدرب، وحتى زملائه الذين يُحبهم – في موقف مشابه له.

طالع | “شعور صادق وإشارة مزيفة”.. خبير لغة جسد يُحلل تصريحات محمد صلاح ضد سلوت وليفربول

سلوت نفسه أصبح في وضع مشابه بعدما كشف صلاح عن انتهاء العلاقة بينهما، وهي وضعية لا يمكن استمرارها، كما طالت الاتهامات مسؤولي الإدارة، وتحديدًا ريتشارد هيوز المدير الرياضي، ومايكل إدواردز المدير التنفيذي، بعد ادعاء صلاح أن هناك من يريد إخراجه من النادي، وبشكل مباشر، تشير الأصابع إليهم.

ويواصل التقرير الإشارة إلى أنه حتى زملائه في الفريق لم يسلموا، بعد إصرار صلاح المتعالي على أنه استحق المركز الذي انتزعه سلوت منه، وذلك قبل أسبوع واحد فقط، ومن بين هؤلاء الزملاء دومينيك سوبوسلاي، أفضل لاعبي ليفربول هذا الموسم، والذي شارك أساسيًا بدلًا من صلاح أمام وست هام وسندرلاند وليدز.

وقد يعترض فيرجيل فان دايك على زميله أيضًا، بعد أن قال: “ليس الأمر وكأنك تتمتع برصيد غير محدود، على الجميع أن يُقدم أداءً جيدًا”، وذلك عندما سُئل عن استبعاد صلاح.

وتبرز هنا أيضًا تصريحات أخرى لفان دايك بعد مباراة سندرلاند: “أحتاجه حولي كأحد القادة”، وتشير “جارديان” إلى أن ما فعله صلاح لم يكن قيادة، بل أنانية خالصة وخيانة لغرفة الملابس، ويبدو أن أزمات ليفربول هذا الموسم لا نهاية لها، ومعظمها صُنع بأيديهم.

وتفيد “جارديان” أن رد ليفربول يجب أن يكون حاسمًا، وإلا فإن مكانة سلوت ستتلقى ضربة قوية من داخل النادي نفسه، بعدما تراجعت بالفعل في نظر عدد كبير من الجماهير بسبب سوء النتائج والأداء.

وعاد التقرير للتذكير بتصريحات روي كين حيث سحب مانشستر يونايتد منه شارة القيادة بسبب هجومه العلني على زملائه، وصحيح أن صلاح لم يصل إلى هذا الحد، لكنه واجه مدربه علنًا وانتقد قراراته.

اقرأ أيضًا | براتب 200 مليون يورو.. وجهة جديدة تنتظر محمد صلاح في يناير

وتؤكد الصحيفة أن ليفربول لا يمكن له أن يسمح بمرور الأمر إن كان يريد الحفاظ على سلطة سلوت داخل غرفة الملابس، وقد يكون استبعاد صلاح من رحلة دوري الأبطال إلى ميلان لمواجهة إنتر، ومن مباراة برايتون على ملعب آنفيلد، بداية مناسبة للعقاب، خاصة بعد تلميحه بإمكانية توديع الجماهير – نهائيًا أو قبل سفره إلى كأس أمم إفريقيا.

وتتابع الصحيفة، موضحة أن تغيير المدرب أسهل وأقل تكلفة من تغيير فريق كامل، لكن مع تقدم صلاح في العمر وتراجع مستواه بوضوح هذا الموسم، تصبح المعادلة أقل تعقيدًا بالنسبة لليفربول، ويبدو من غير المعقول أن يستمر صلاح وسلوت معًا حتى نهاية عقد المصري في صيف 2027.

وواصلت مشيرة إلى أن الخطوة التالية من ليفربول ستوضح موقف النادي، إما من دعم محمد صلاح أو مدرب الفريق آرني سلوت، مع الوضع في الاعتبار أن هيوز وإدواردز يدركان جيدًا الاهتمام السعودي بالتعاقد مع المصري واحتمالية السعي لضمه في يناير.

وقد يتغير موقف ليفربول السابق تجاه العرض السعودي الذي تم رفضه قبل عامين، ويبدأ النادي في فتح باب التفاوض والاستفادة ماليًا من بيع صلاح ومن ثم دعم النادي بصفقات جديدة مثل أنطوان سيمينيو لاعب بورنموث.

ووصف التقرير مقابلة صلاح بالانقسامية والحادة، وربما أجريت مع وضع العروض السعودية في الاعتبار، لكنها حظيت ببعض الدعم لأنها تتوافق مع الإحباطات المحيطة بموسم ليفربول.

وأشارت إلى أن صلاح مُحق في قوله إنه لا ينبغي استهدافه بسبب إخفاقاتهم، في حين يعاني العديد من اللاعبين، وقد أنفق النادي ما يقرب من 450 مليون جنيه إسترليني على فريق فاز بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بسهولة الموسم الماضي وتراجع في نتائجه سريعًا، وكان هوجو إيكيتيكي هو الوحيد الذي له تأثير ملحوظ من بين صفقات ليفربول الصيفية باهظة الثمن.

وأتمت جارديان تقريرها موضحة أن صلاح سيحتفظ بمكانته كبطل في ليفربول بغض النظر عن تداعيات مقابلته، على الرغم من أن إظهار الدعم الداخلي لسلوت سيؤكد اعتقاد النادي بأن المصري تجاوز الحد.

Newcastle United need some fresh ideas. This much is clear after a turbulent start to the season that has left Eddie Howe searching for answers, his side 14th in the Premier League after 11 matches.

There are internal solutions available to the esteemed English coach, but there’s no question that he views St. James’ Park academy graduate Elliot Anderson as being the missing cog in the machine.

The Magpies reluctantly sold Anderson to Nottingham Forest for around £35m in 2024 to avoid PSR ramifications falling on their head. But now, the 23-year-old is flying, and his boyhood club want him back.

The latest on Newcastle's interest in Elliot Anderson

It is understood that Newcastle and Manchester United are the most likely clubs to do battle for Anderson’s signature next summer. Word on the street, however, is that Forest are set to demand a figure in excess of £100m.

Matches (starts)

37 (33)

11 (11)

Goals

2

1

Assists

6

1

Touches*

54.2

94.4

Accurate passes*

28.7 (82%)

62.1 (87%)

Chances created*

1.0

1.4

Dribbles*

1.0

1.3

Ball recoveries*

5.6

8.4

Tackles + interceptions*

2.5

3.5

Duels (won)*

6.5 (52%)

7.5 (55%)

That might be an exorbitant asking price, but we can see why the City Ground side would be so reluctant to part with their man. Anderson has grown into a world-beater of a midfielder, and he is emerging as the most likely candidate to partner Declan Rice in England’s midfield at the 2026 World Cup over the pond.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed, but with the Tricky Trees likely to prove difficult negotiators, don’t hold your breath.

However, it might be pleasing to note that PIF have been busy at the academy level, reinforcing the youth team with top talents capable of finding a way into Howe’s outfit.

And there’s one who might actually prove a bigger talent than Anderson, once given an opportunity to make his mark.

Newcastle have a bigger talent than Anderson

There has been a concerted effort toward raising Newcastle’s youth system over the past few years. And it is working, with prospects such as Vakhtang Salia added to the fold.

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all fancied Dinamo Tbilisi’s talented forward this year, but it is a testament to Newcastle’s development that they won the race, enticing the youngster with a clear pathway toward the first team.

A versatile forward, Salia can play on either flank or in a central striking berth. In Ukraine, he scored eight goals and provided four assists across 57 matches for Dinamo’s seniors.

Salia only turned 18 in August, and it was then that his move to Tyneside was green-lit. However, it’s been a rocky start on English shores for the man who has been likened to Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal. He hasn’t played for United yet, injured early in his new start.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has described him as “one of the best teenage prospects in the world”, and with the right care and attention over the coming years, there is every reason that Salia could be fashioned into a superstar, so naturally gifted and with a physicality on the ball that suggests he could adapt to the brutality of the Premier League.

It is frustrating that Salia should have been disrupted in this way so early into his Newcastle career, but this will teach him about adversity, and in this, he could rival Anderson, who has weathered storms of his own before emerging as a superstar at the City Ground.

Woltemade will love him: Newcastle targeting a "top 5 manager in the world"

Newcastle are in dire straits in the Premier League at the moment.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 19, 2025

Khary Pierre, the left-arm spinner who is yet to play in Tests, has also been called up

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Sep-2025West Indies have dropped former captain Kraigg Brathwaite from their 15-member squad for the two-Test series in India beginning on October 2, while Alick Athanaze and Tagenarine Chanderpaul have been recalled with an emphasis on players well equipped to play spin.Brathwaite, a veteran of 100 Test caps, lost his place in the XI in the final Test against Australia earlier this year, a series which West Indies lost 0-3 and resulted in an emergency meeting which involved the likes of Clive Lloyd and Brian Lara. Also missing from the squad against Australia are Keacy Carty, Johann Layne and Mikyle Louis.Khary Pierre, the left-arm spinner who is yet to play in Tests, has been called up too. Pierre is the second specialist spinner in the squad alongside vice-captain Jomel Warrican, and has been selected after taking 41 wickets at an average of 13.56 in the West Indies championship. Gudakesh Motie, meanwhile, has been rested “given the demands of the upcoming limited-overs schedule,” according to a CWI release.”The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles, with Alick Athanaze being added for his strengths and qualities against spin bowling,” head coach Daren Sammy said in a statement. “Khary is included for the first time as our second spinner in what we expect to be helpful conditions.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Athanaze’s last Test appearance was in the subcontinent against Pakistan in January. Chanderpaul, who last played a Test in January 2024 on the tour of Australia, is likely to partner John Campbell at the top. Kevlon Anderson, who has a first-class average of 42.05, keeps his place in the squad. The other batters are the captain Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach and Brandon King.The spin contingent will be led by Warrican, Pierre, and Chase. The seamers are Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Anderson Phillip and Jayden Seales.West Indies are set to arrive in Ahmedabad on September 24. Only four players – Chase, Hope, Alzarri and Warrican – were part of the West Indies squad that last toured India in 2018-19. The first Test is set to be played in Ahmedabad and the second one in Delhi from October 10.West Indies have a busy season ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup in February-March. Later this month, they play Nepal in Sharjah for three T20Is, then play two Tests in India before flying to Bangladesh for a multi-format white-ball tour in October-November. They close out the year with an all-format tour of New Zealand from November 5 to December 22 comprising five T20Is, three ODIs and three Tests.

West Indies Test squad for India series

Roston Chase (capt), Jomel Warrican (vice-capt), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.

Tottenham Hotspur have now submitted an enquiry to sign FC Barcelona defender Eric Garcia, with Thomas Frank personally an admirer.

Spurs lost their second game on the bounce on Saturday afternoon, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat at home against Chelsea, and the overall performance was extremely disappointing, recording an xG of just 0.10, their lowest total on record.

They would’ve lost by a greater margin too, if it hadn’t been for Guglielmo Vicario, with the goalkeeper putting in a top display, making seven saves from inside the box and preventing 2.17 goals.

Frank came out to defend two of his players after the match, saying: “We have Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence who are doing everything they can. They perform very well so far this season and everyone is frustrated.”

Van de Ven has been particularly impressive, most notably scoring a brace in the 3-0 victory against Everton last month, but the manager is now looking to sign a new centre-back.

Tottenham make enquiry to sign Eric Garcia

According to a report from Spain, Tottenham have been enquiring about a deal for Garcia for the past few months, with Frank viewing the defender as perfect for his system, given that he is able to play the ball out from the back.

Chelsea are also in the race for the Spaniard, but he is now set to put pen to paper on a new contract with Barcelona to extend his stay beyond 2026, which is news that has come as a shock for the interested Premier League clubs.

With the 24-year-old committed to his boyhood club, Spurs will have to move on to alternative options ahead of the January transfer window.

The north Londoners will no doubt be very disappointed to have seemingly missed out on the centre-back, given that Frank is personally an admirer, while he has also received very high praise from Xavi in the past.

The former Barcelona manager said: “Eric is extraordinary. I value him a lot, he is important to us. He plays in a very complicated position because, at Barca, a centre-back is always exposed. But he is a role model in the dressing room and we value him a lot.”

Tottenham have "one of the most exciting" teenage centre-backs

The 19-time Spain international has also performed very well over the past year, showcasing his passing, tackling and even goal-scoring ability on a regular basis.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.19 (99th percentile)

Passes attempted

83.24 (97th percentile)

Progressive passes

6.99 (98th percentile)

Tackles

2.16 (91st percentile)

A move for Garcia may well be off the cards, but other exciting options remain on the shortlist, with it emerging they are now serious contenders to sign Lazio defender Mario Gila in January, while they already have a highly-rated young centre-back they could call upon.

Bigger talent than VDV: Spurs have "one of the most exciting teenage CBs"

Tottenham Hotspur already have a top-level player on their hands despite Micky Van de Ven’s recent form.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 29, 2025

Viktor Gyokeres knows exactly what Arsenal need to do in order to get their season back on track. The Gunners lost ground in the title race as they fell to just their second Premier League defeat of the season at Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. Combined with Manchester City's win over Sunderland, Arsenal's lead at the top of the table has been cut to just two points.

AFPArsenal crashed to second league defeat of the season

Villa went ahead with 10 minutes of the first half to play at Villa Park in Saturday's lunchtime kick off as Matty Cash rifled past David Raya from close range. Arsenal were level shortly after the restart as Leandro Trossard scored his fourth league goal of the season having been introduced at the break in the Midlands.

However, the Villans threw a spanner in Arsenal's title pursuit as Emiliano Buendia scored a last-gasp winner for Unai Emery's side to condemn Arsenal to just their second league defeat of the season.

The result means Arsenal have now won just two of their last five league matches, and the dip in form has seen their lead at the top of the Premier League table cut to just two points, with Manchester City hot on their heels. Star striker Gyokeres, meanwhile, has issued his demands to his teammates after Saturday's Midlands reverse.

AdvertisementArsenal 'disappointed' with Villa defeat, claims Gyokeres

After the game, Gyokeres delivered his verdict on the game and admitted that the dressing room was downbeat following the loss at Villa. "We are of course disappointed with the result," the Swede said after Saturday's defeat.

"It’s not a great feeling right now, but it’s only December and there are a lot of games to play. You can always find some positives, but it’s still a very difficult way to lose a football game. It’s tough right now, but we’ll look forward to the next one soon."

Gyokeres, who has endured a spell on the sidelines recently owing to a hamstring injury, has netted just four league goals following his arrival from Portuguese giants Sporting CP over the summer.

Getty Images Sport'We have to keep creating chances'

The 27-year-old last scored in Arsenal's 2-0 win at Burnley last month, but insists that if the Gunners continue to create chances then the goals will flow.

"We have to keep creating chances and get shots on goal because then you’ll eventually score more goals. So yes, that’s of course a positive and we just need to do things in between also a bit better," Gyokeres added after the Villa reverse.

"It’s football. If you score in the last few seconds or minutes, that is an unbelievable feeling, so it goes both ways. Today, unfortunately, it was the other way. It’s tough, but you learn from it. If we focus on what we can control and do in our favour and focus on the next game, we’ll be better, I think."

Arsenal now turn their attention to the Champions League as they take on Belgian side Club Brugge in midweek before they face winless Wolves at Molineux next weekend as the Gunners seek to get their title push back on track.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

'That's the league'

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, spoke about the impact of the defeat at Villa on Saturday, which combined with City's 3-0 win over Sunderland means the north London side sit just two points clear at the top of the table. "That's the league," Arteta started following the 2-1 defeat.

"You go to Old Trafford, you go to St James Park, you go to Chelsea, you come here – we've been in a lot of difficult grounds and today the result could have been different.

"The reality is not, and that's the step that we have to make. We've been 18 games unbeaten and still we are there, very close to each other. That's the level of the league and we know that.

"That's the opportunity that we have ahead of us and that's it. Now it's time to bounce back. They have given me all the right reasons to think that we're going to continue to perform at the same level, because what the boys tried to do today, again, with the schedule that we had, it was amazing. So, [we] move on."

Nottingham Forest have begun to see an excellent upturn in their form since Sean Dyche took over the club. He’s won three from his first six games, including Saturday’s exceptional 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield. It has certainly been a positive start to his tenure.

Indeed, there have been some excellent individual performances since the Englishman became the Forest manager. Morgan Gibbs-White has been one of the standouts, with three goals in his last three Premier League games. The likes of Nicolo Savona and Igor Jesus have also been in impressive form.

With his side in excellent form, Dyche could well turn to the transfer market as he looks to add more quality to the Forest squad.

The latest on Nottingham Forest's transfer plans

It seems like the East Midlands side are looking to add depth in midfield. Reports in the past few days suggest they are plotting a move for talented Belgian midfielder Nathan De Cat, although the likes of Bayern Munich are challengers for the 17-year-old’s signature.

Transfer Focus

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

However, if that move does not materialise, Forest are also considering Everton midfielder and former loanee James Garner.

According to a report from Football Insider, the club are “looking at him” and could make a move, with his contract up in 18 months.

However, this will not be an easy deal to do. There are a host of Premier League clubs interested in the former Manchester United man, with Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham United all keeping tabs.

As for the price, he could cost upwards of £20m, according to a report in mid-November.

Why Garner would be a good signing for Forest

24-year-old Garner has been pivotal for the Toffees this season. He has excelled as a full-back and in the middle of the park, with Everton gaffer David Moyes relying on that versatility several times this season.

Indeed, Garner has played 11 times in the Premier League, operating in different areas of the pitch. He’s played three games as a left-back, scoring a thunderbolt in one of those, seven times in the heart of the midfield, and once at right-back.

Of course, a move to Forest would see Garner return to the club. He played a historic part during his first stint, a loan from Man United.

He played 69 times in Garribaldi Red, scoring and assisting 18 times, and helping Forest return to the Premier League. Statman Dave described him as a “special” player during his time at the club.

If Garner was to make a move back to the City Ground, and Dyche utilised him in midfield, he might well form a strong partnership with Gibbs-White. Unsurprisingly, the England international is a key player under Forest’s new boss.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder has been in excellent form under Dyche, with the third of his three goals in the top flight coming last weekend at Anfield. However, he has been a consistent performer in Garibaldi Red his whole time at the club.

He’s recently brought up his 50th goal contribution for the club, and has 22 goals and 31 assists in 135 games. Gibbs-White excels as a number 10, but there are times when he needs to play deeper to help Forest out defensively.

The signing of Garner, however, could change that. The Everton man is someone who could play with Gibbs-White in midfield and take some of the defensive responsibility off the Forest number 10. His defensive numbers are impressive, averaging four tackles and interceptions per game this season, for example.

Garner vs. PL midfielders
Stat (per 90)	#	Rank vs PL midfielders
Defensive 3rd tackles won	1.36	Top 11%
Interceptions	1.45	Top 11%
Clearances	2.73	​​​​​​​Top 9%
Blocks	1.64	Top 19%
Stats from FBref

This sort of defensive nous could make Gibbs-White unplayable for Dyche’s side. With a player like Garner behind him, and Elliot Anderson of course, it might mean he is less shackled defensively, thus being able to be more effective going forward.

This midfield dynamic could hugely benefit Forest, and make them a more potent team in attack. In this market, £20m is a nominal fee for a player who knows the club and can benefit the side.

Not Zinchenko: Dyche could now drop “incredible” Nottingham Forest star

Sean Dyche could ditch this Nottingham Forest star alongside Oleksandr Zinchenko for his Premier League return.

By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 26, 2025