'Now it looks like Liverpool are done' – Pep Guardiola reacts to Reds' slump as Arne Slot's side leave door ajar in Premier League title defence

Pep Guardiola gave a tongue-in-cheek response when discussing the ever-changing narrative surrounding the Premier League title race, joking Liverpool are now “done” following their recent run of poor form. The Manchester City manager delivered the wry take when recalling how his side were written off following a start to the season which saw them lose two of their opening three games.

City back in title race discussion following five-game unbeaten run

Following a 2024-25 season which saw City fail to claim any silverware, Guardiola’s side were considered by many bookmakers to be third favourites for this season’s league title, behind both Liverpool and Arsenal. City then saw their odds increase when they suffered successive defeats against Tottenham and Brighton in August, having beaten Wolves 4-0 in their opening league fixture.

However, City are now the name on everyone’s lips in the title race discussion, having put together a five-game unbeaten run in the league. Following victories over Manchester United, Burnley, Brentford and Everton – having also recorded a draw with Arsenal – Guardiola’s men have now risen to second in the table, three points behind Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and one point above Arne Slot’s Liverpool.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLiverpool have title credentials questioned following losing run

Liverpool, meanwhile, have had their title credentials questioned for the first time following a recent four-match losing streak. The Reds suffered defeats against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Chelsea and United before getting back on track with an impressive 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday. Slot’s men are looking to return to winning ways in the league when they travel to Brentford on Saturday evening, whereas Guardiola and City head to Aston Villa on Sunday after defeating Villarreal in their European encounter on Tuesday.

Guardiola pokes fun at pundits' early-season predictions

And ahead of another weekend which will see attentions return to the title race, Guardiola poked fun at pundits’ reactions to City’s early-season form when asked about Liverpool’s disappointing league results of late.

"In the first two, three games we were done and now it looks like Liverpool (who are third after three consecutive losses) are done,” Guardiola joked ahead of City’s trip to Aston Villa. "I'll tell you that we will be back.

"I've said many times that the pundits, the specialists, the former footballers know what's going to happen after five games — I'm not able to do that.

"10, 15 games to know what's going on. Liverpool and Arsenal are there, someone else will be there and hopefully we can be there.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportHaaland the catalyst for City being discussed as title contenders again

While the likes of Nico O’Reilly and Phil Foden have played key roles in helping City return to form, Erling Haaland has undoubtedly been the catalyst behind the 10-time champions’ being discussed as title contenders once again. The Norway international has been in remarkable goalscoring form in 2025-26, netting 15 times in just 11 games for City. The former Borussia Dortmund man has also replicated his club efforts on the international stage, scoring a hat-trick against Israel earlier this month to put his country on the brink of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Sussex seal hard-fought win despite Jack Libby's Hove comforts

Opener makes 167 but Worcestershire fall short in valiant fourth-innings chase

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay12-May-2025

Jake Libby made 167 but finished on the losing side•Getty Images

Sussex’s persevering seam attack finally broke Worcestershire’s determined resistance – led by Jake Libby’s 167 – to claim their second win since promotion back to Division One in the Rothesay County Championship.No opponent loves batting at Hove more than Libby, who has now made the three highest scores of his career at the 1st Central County Ground. And while he was there to anchor their chase, Worcestershire looked capable of overhauling a target of 361.But having seen off another testing spell by Ollie Robinson with the new ball, Libby was caught off Robinson’s replacement Fynn Hudson-Prentice. His was the eighth wicket to fall with 75 still needed and Robinson got belated rewards for an excellent performance when took the last two wickets after tea to seal victory by 47 runs.There was little assistance in the pitch, even on the fourth day, for Sussex’s spinners, so it was left to their seam bowlers – led by the indefatigable Robinson – to take the seven wickets needed at the start of the final day which began with Worcestershire requiring 244.It was no surprise that Libby offered supreme resistance. He made his career-best 215 in this fixture in 2022 followed by 198 a year later. Here, having resumed on 64, he batted superbly especially against Robinson who beat the bat on numerous occasions, regularly challenged the stumps and could easily have finished with five or six wickets.Ollie Robinson is mobbed after taking the final wicket•Getty Images

During a nine-over spell at the start of the day Robinson thought he’d removed Libby on 86 to a catch behind the wicket but umpire James Middlebrook remained unmoved and shortly before lunch Libby moved to the 18th first-class hundred of his career, from 180 balls.Hudson-Prentice had picked up nightwatchman Ben Allison in the second over of the day but Sussex only took one more wicket in the morning session when Ethan Brookes played on to Ari Karvelas.Skipper Brett D’Oliveira helped Libby put on 81 in 22 overs either side of lunch with few alarms but with the new ball due Tom Clark made an important breakthrough when he bowled D’Oliveira through the gate for 29.Matthew Waite then gave Libby solid support. They survived another outstanding spell by the luckless Robinson down the slope with Waite batting for an hour before Karvelas tempted him into driving at an outswinger and James Coles took a sharp, low catch at third slip.Libby still looked as if he could still guide Worcestershire home but when Hudson-Prentice replaced Robinson he broke through straight away, tempting Libby into a rare loose drive which Clark, diving to his right, clung onto at second slip. Libby had batted for six-and-a-half hours, faced 252 balls and hit 22 fours and departed to a fully deserved standing ovation from an appreciative Sussex audience.Fateh Singh was put down behind the stumps by John Simpson off Jack Carson on 7 but it didn’t prove costly. Robinson returned for a third spell after tea and finally got some belated reward when Singh took on a short ball and Tom Haines raced in from the midwicket boundary to take a well-judged catch.Robinson wrapped up victory in emphatic style in his next over when he sent Ben Gibbon’s off stump cartwheeling to finish with 3 for 66 from 29.2 overs.

'Perfection' – Zinedine Zidane says he's rewatched Real Madrid's Champions League final 'six times' as legendary coach hails his team's display as the pinnacle of football

Zinedine Zidane has revealed he has rewatched Real Madrid’s 2017 Champions League final against Juventus more than six times, describing the performance as “perfection.” The French legend called it the pinnacle of his managerial career, praising the team’s dominance in what was their second of three European successes under the Frenchman.

  • Zidane reflects on his finest Real Madrid triumph

    Zidane, who won three consecutive Champions League titles with Madrid as manager, singled out the 2016-17 final against Juventus as his standout moment. Los Blancos dominated the clash, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro and Marco Asensio all scoring as Madrid ran out 4-1 victors. The Frenchman emphasised the brilliance of his team’s second-half display, repeatedly describing it as the ultimate example of football excellence.

  • Advertisement

  • AFP

    Zidane praises Madrid’s 2017 Champions League display

    The 1998 World Cup winner, appearing at the Festival Dello Sport organized by , reflected on his most memorable moments in football. He singled out Madrid’s 2017 Champions League final against Juventus as the pinnacle of his managerial career.

    "The best moment of my career after the World Cup? Our second Champions League against Juventus. The way we played that second half… it was truly spectacular. I've watched it four, five, six times… and I've always said: 'This is football.' Perfection."

  • Zidane’s legacy and future prospects in coaching

    Since stepping away from Madrid following his second stint in 2021, Zidane has remained a highly sought-after figure in football. Reports link him to Chelsea, Manchester United and the Saudi Pro League, with speculation also mounting about the French national team job. His remarkable track record and calm leadership style continue to make him a sought-after figure in global football.

    The 53-year-old recently claimed his ultimate dream is to manage the French national team: "I will definitely return to coaching. Me at Juventus? I don't know why it didn't happen. I always have him in my heart because he gave me so much. In the future, I don't know, one of my goals is to coach the French national team. We'll see."

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

  • getty

    Next chapter could see Zidane return to the sidelines

    Zidane has confirmed he plans to return to coaching, with one of his long-term ambitions being to manage France, but top European clubs will be holding onto some hope that they can tempt the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner.

De novo! Nos pênaltis e com as bênçãos de 'São Cássio', Corinthians bate o América-MG e avança às semifinais da Copa do Brasil; veja o resultado

MatériaMais Notícias

Corinthians e pênaltis possuem uma relação de amor na Copa do Brasil. Pela terceira vez na competição, o Timão precisou da marca da cal para se classificar na competição nacional. Na tarde deste sábado (15), a equipe alvinegra venceu o América-MG por 3 a 2 no tempo normal. Mas, como havia perdido por 1 a 0 em Belo Horizonte, no último dia 5 de julho, precisou das penalidades para avançar, desta vez, às semifinais, onde terá um clássico pelo São Paulo pela frente.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol LatinoCampeonato Peruano: Antes do Corinthians, Universitario vence e assume a liderançaFutebol Latino15/07/2023CorinthiansCorinthians é multado pelo STJD por objeto atirado em Deyverson, do CuiabáCorinthians14/07/2023CorinthiansCorinthians resolve problema, mas ganha outro para solucionarCorinthians14/07/2023

No tempo normal, os gols corintianos foram marcados por Renato Augusto, Yuri Alberto e Róger Guedes. Já no lado do América-MG, o argentino Benítez e o uruguaio Mastriani balançaram as redes. Na disputa por pênaltis, brilhou a estrela de Cássio, que defendeu duas cobranças. Marcinho também isolou um do lado americano. Porém, Adson parou em Mateus Pasinato na sua batida. Fábio Santos, Giuliano e Yuri Alberto marcaram, o último convertendo a penalidade decisiva..

+ Confira a tabela da Copa do Brasil e confira como ficou as semifinais da competição

CINCO LANCES QJE MARCARAM A PARTIDA

> !DUPLA SERTANEJA AFINADA! Matías Rojas e Renato Augusto foram as grandes novidades do Corinthians. Os mais aplaudidos pela torcida no anúncio da escalação, mostraram alinhamento e poder de decisão. O meia paraguaio, que fez a sua estreia nesta tarde, iniciou os lances em dois dos três gols corintianos. Renato abriu o placar logo no início do segundo tempo.

> YURI DESENCANTA, MAS NÃO DESLIZA. Yuri Alberto estava sem marcar gols há quatro jogos. Teve duas grandes chances de marcar, mas em uma parou no goleiro Pasinato, e na segunda mandou na rede pelo lado de fora. Na terceira, não desperdiçou. Rojas iniciou a jogada, serviu Róger Guedes, que encontrou Ruan Oliveira. O meio-campista cruzou por baixo, e Yuri só completou para a rede.Na comemoração, um desabafo. Yuri tirou a camisa e, dessa vez, não deslizou de joelhos para o chão, como costuma acontecer.

> RÓGER ‘ARENA’ GUEDES.

> SUL-AMERICANOS DO AMÉRICA LEVAM O JOGO PARA OS PÊNALTIS. Quatro minutos após o Corinthians fazer o segundo gol, Benítez diminuiu, empatando no agregado, com Benítez, que havia saído do banco de reservas, recebeu sozinho na entrada da área, girou com liberdade e acertou um lindo chute no canto esquerdo do goleiro Cássio.E quando o jogo estava 3 a 1 para o Timão, foi uma jogada entre os ‘gringos’ que colcou novamente o empate no placar agregado. O argentino Benítez passou com facilidade por dois marcadores, tabelou com liberdade com o seu compatriota, Emmanuel Martínez, e deixou o uruguaio Gonzalo Mastriani sozinho, na entrada da pequena área, para que o atacante só escorasse para o fundo do gol.

> CÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁSSIOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Róger Guedes marcou pela 30ª vez na Neo Química Arena, igualando Jô como maior artilheiro da história da arena corintiana com a camisa alvinegra. Ele aproveitou um toque de cabeça do zagueiro Gil, no meio da área, após escanteio batido por Rojas, pelo lado esquerdo.

continua após a publicidade

COMO FOI O PRIMEIRO TEMPO?

O primeiro tempo foi ótimo. Precisando do resultado, o Corinthians foi para cima e teve boa chance de abrir o placar logo no primeiro minuto, obrigando o goleiro Mateus Pasinato a fazer boa defesa. E, ainda que o jogo tenha entrado em um limbo entre os 10 e 20 minutos, o Timão empilhou oportunidades desde então. E a maioria passou pelos pés do estreando Matías Rojas. Que finalizou com perigo de fora da área, deu passe de três dedos para Róger Guedes cabecear na trave. O América-MG, por sua vez, levou perigo quando teve a chance na frente. A primeira foi no início do jogo, com Emmanuel Martínez cobrando falta e obrigando Cássio a fazer boa defesa. Na segunda, já no fim da etapa inicial, Mastriani saiu na cara do gol, mas foi fechado pelo goleiro corintiano.

E A ETAPA FINAL?

E se o primeiro tempo terminou sem gols, o segundo já começou com bola na rede. Logo aos dois minutos, Fagner cruzou na cabeça de Renato Augusto, que subiu mais que toda a defesa americana e abriu o placar. E o segundo gol corintiano saiu aos 20 minutos, com Yuri Alberto desencantando após quatro jogos sem marcar. A trama começou com Matías Rojas, que encontrou Róger Guedes. O atacante serviu Ruan Oliveira, que cruzou por baixo e achou Yuri, para escorar com o gol vazio. Porém, quatro minutos depois, o América-MG descontou com Benítez. O argentino recebeu com liberdade na entrada da área, girou com mais liberdade ainda e acertou um belo chute no canto alto de Cássio do lado esquerdo. Mas também foram quatro minutos que separaram o gol do Coelho do terceiro corintiano, que foi marcado por Guedes. Rojas bateu escanteio, Gil escorou de cabeça no meio da área, e o camisa 10 entrou sozinho no segundo pau. Mas quando o jogo se desenhava para uma classificação corintiana, a defesa do Timão marcou touca. Benítez passou com muita facilidade por dois marcadores, tabelou com Martínez, e serviu Mastriani, que fechou sozinho na entrada da pequena área e só tocou no fundo das redes, levando a decisão para os pênaltis.

DISPUTA POR PÊNALTIS

O Corinthians converteu três das quatro cobranças na disputa por pênaltis. O principal deles com Yuri Alberto, que converteu o definitivo. Fábio Santos e Giuliano também marcaram. Somente Adson perdeu, parando no goleiro Mateus Pasinato. Mas foi na meta abençoada pelo goleiro Cássio que o Timão avançou de fase. O capitão corintiano defendeu duas cobranças: a primeira, praticamente recuada pelo atacante Paulinho Bóia, já a segunda com os pés, batida por Benítez.

continua após a publicidade

+ CONFIRA MAIS DETALHES DA PARTIDA

OS NÚMEROS DA PARTIDA

O QUE VEM POR AÍ?

O Corinthians volta a campo na próxima terça-feira (18), quando encara o Universitario, do Peru, no estádio Monumental, em Lima, pela Copa Sul-Americana. O Timão venceu o jogo de ida, válido pela fase de playoffs, por 1 a 0, nesta semana. Já no próximo sábado (22), a equipe alvinegra enfrenta o Bahia, em Salvador, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro.

FICHA TÉCNICA
CORINTHIANS 3 (3) X 2 (1) AMÉRICA-MG
COPA DO BRASIL – QUARTAS DE FINAL – JOGO DE VOLTA

Local:Neo Química Arena, São Paulo (SP)
Data e hora:15 de julho de 2023, às 16h30 (de Brasília)
Árbitro:Ramon Abatti Abel (FIFA-/C)
Assistentes:Bruno Boschilia (FIFA/PR) e Victor Hugo Imazu dos Santos (PR)
Árbitro de vídeo:Rodolpho Toski Marques (FIFA/PR)
Público e renda: 45.006 (44.655 pagantes) / R$ 2.613.772
Cartões amarelos: Fagner, Gabriel Moscardo, Róger Guedes e Yuri Alberto (Corinthians); Benítez (América-MG)
Cartões vermelhos:

GOLS: 1-0 Renato Augusto (2’/2T); 2-0 Yuri Alberto (20’/2T); 2-1 Benítez (24’/2T); 3-1 Róger Guedes (28’/2T); 3-2 Mastriano (37’/2T)

CORINTHIANS
Cássio; Fagner (Bruno Méndez, 10’/2T), Gil, Murillo e Fábio Santos; Gabriel Moscardo (Matheus Araújo, 44’/2T), Fausto Vera (Ruan Oliveira, 10’/2T), Renato Augusto (Giuliano, 37’/2T) e Matías Rojas (Adson, 37’/2T); Róger Guedes e Yuri Alberto. Técnico: Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

AMÉRICA-MG
Mateus Pasinato; Marlon (Marcinho, 30’/2T), Iago Maidana, Éder e Danilo Avelar (Nicolas, 4’/1T); Lucas Kal (Paulinho Bóia, 30’/2T), Juninho (Breno, 30’/2T) e Emmanuel Martínez; Pedrinho, Gonzalo Mastriani e Everaldo (Benítez, 8’/2T). Técnico: Vagner Mancini.

Gujarat Giants vs RCB to kick off WPL 2025 on February 14 in Vadodara; final in Mumbai

Bengaluru and Lucknow are the other two venues for the five-team tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jan-2025

RCB players celebrate their maiden WPL title win•BCCI

WPL 2025 will begin on February 14, a week later than earlier planned, with Gujarat Giants hosting defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the newly built BCA stadium in Vadodara. As ESPNcricinfo had reported earlier, Lucknow is the other new venue for the upcoming season, with Mumbai and Bengaluru to host matches as well.After the first six games in Vadodara, the tournament will move to Bengaluru for the next eight matches. Lucknow will then host four games before the last leg in Mumbai. Mumbai will also stage four games, including the Eliminator on March 13 and the final on March 15 – all at the CCI stadium.RCB will play four games at their home venue, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which drew boisterous crowds last season. As for the UP Warriorz, they will play three games at their home base, Lucknow. Delhi Capitals are the only team who don’t have home games in the five-team tournament.Related

Aggression, clarity, fearlessness – coach Edwards reveals MI's mantra for WPL 2025

WPL 2025: Chinelle Henry replaces injured Alyssa Healy at UP Warriorz

Charlie Dean replaces the injured Sophie Molineux at RCB

WPL 2025 auction: Uncapped Indians make a splash

A Sunday to savour for Kamalini: runs, a trophy and a big payday

Just like the previous season, all matches will be single-headers.In the new women’s FTP, a separate window has been allocated for the WPL, the most lucrative women’s franchise league.The WPL 2025 auction, which was held in December last year, turned out to be a big deal for uncapped Indian players, with Simran Shaikh, the Mumbai allrounder, fetching the highest bid of NR 1.9 crore (USD 223,000 approx).RCB had clinched their first WPL title in 2024 after beating Capitals by eight wickets in Delhi.

Mumbai Indians owners win bid for 49% stake in Oval Invincibles

Surrey-based team become first to be sold off in ECB equity sale, as giants of IPL secure winning bid

Matt Roller and Nagraj Gollapudi30-Jan-2025

First out of the blocks: Oval Invincibles are the first team to have been sold in the ECB’s equity sale•ECB/Getty Images

Mumbai Indians owners Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) are set to buy a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles after winning a virtual auction on Thursday afternoon. RIL will enter into a period of exclusivity which will see them negotiate agreements with Surrey, the ECB and their financial advisors before completing the purchase.Reports on Thursday night suggested that Knighthead Capital, the US-based hedge fund, were the successful bidders in the process for Birmingham Phoenix. Knighthead, who bought Birmingham City Football Club in 2023, are investing heavily in the city, including the development of a new ‘sports quarter’. This would be their first foray into the cricketing world.RIL’s winning bid for the Invincibles was understood to value 100% of the franchise at £123 million, implying they will pay just over £60m for its 49% stake. The ECB declined to comment and are not expected to confirm successful bidders – or valuations – until next week. Both Surrey and Warwickshire declined to comment.ESPNcricinfo understands that RIL saw off competition from a Silicon Valley tech consortium (involving the chief executives of Google, Microsoft and Adobe), and private equity firm CVC. The Invincibles, two-time defending champions in the men’s Hundred and two-time women’s champions, are the first team to be sold in the final round of the ECB’s sales process.The deal will see two heavyweights of their respective markets coming together: Mumbai Indians are widely seen as the most powerful IPL franchise, while Surrey are the richest English county club. The Invincibles will become the sixth team run by RIL, after Mumbai Indians (in both the IPL and WPL), MI New York (MLC), MI Cape Town (SA20) and MI Emirates (ILT20).RIL, owned by the Ambani family, were widely linked with buying a stake in London Spirit, the Hundred team based at Lord’s, but moved their focus towards the Invincibles as the sales process went on. Host venues were given the option to sell some of the 51% stake that they will be gifted by the ECB as part of the privatisation process, but ESPNcricinfo understands that Surrey have held firm on their stance that they will retain their controlling shares.Related

Sun Group secures 100% stake in Northern Superchargers

Investors face live auction for in-demand Hundred franchises

Hundred investors express frustration at ECB's 'pure financial' motives

Chairman Oli Slipper told the Surrey’s members last month that the club “must and will retain the controlling stake” in the Invincibles, and that they had been “totally transparent” with prospective investors that this represented a “clear red line” for them. Slipper has previously proposed renaming the team as ‘Surrey Invincibles’ though RIL will likely have a say in any future rebranding.CVC, who own Gujarat Titans in the IPL, were also believed to be in the sale process for a stake in Birmingham Phoenix but appear to have missed out on both of the first two teams sold. The tech consortium, meanwhile, will be in the mix for a 49% stake in London Spirit on Friday but face competition from Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG (the owners of Lucknow Super Giants), Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer, and Cain International. A minority stake in Welsh Fire will also be sold on the same day.ESPNcricinfo revealed details of the final-round process on Monday, which sees prospective investors enter a sealed bidding process (if two bidders remain) or a live auction (if three or more remain). Stakes in Manchester Originals, Northern Superchargers and Trent Rockets will be available next week, with Southern Brave – who are being treated as a unique case by the ECB, since hosts Hampshire are privately owned by GMR – the final team up for grabs.The ECB believes that funds raised from the sale of stakes in the eight Hundred teams will “future-proof” county cricket for the next 20-25 years. The revenue from the sale will be split between the 18 first-class counties, MCC and the recreational game in England and Wales.The Hundred’s fifth season is likely to look similar to the previous four, with the ECB treating 2025 as a transitional year. The tournament’s fixtures were announced on Wednesday, with the season due to run from August 5-31 and thereby avoiding a clash with Major League Cricket.

A better signing than Savinho: Spurs preparing offer for £68m "superstar"

It’s been a roller coaster of a summer for Tottenham Hotspur this year.

The North Londoners started the transfer window in an understated manner, completing the permanent signing of Mathys Tel and bringing in the exciting but still young Kota Takai.

Then, Daniel Levy and Co completed the capture of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United before trying and ultimately failing to sign Morgan Gibbs-White.

However, unlike previous summers, the Europa League champions appear determined to bring in more potential game-changers before the window slams shut.

One of the players they’ve been heavily linked with in recent days has been Savinho, although if reports are to be believed, the club could now be plotting a move for someone who’d be an even better signing.

Spurs target Savinho upgrade

Reports of Spurs’ interest in Savinho first began popping up towards the end of last week. However, it’s been over the last day or so that the links have started heating up.

Transfer Focus

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

According to some sources, the North Londoners have already progressed from internal talks to making their first offer for the 21-year-old gem.

However, while the Brazilian would be a tremendously exciting addition to the Lilywhites’ squad, it now looks like the club are also looking at another Premier League star, someone who’d be an even better signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which has revealed that Spurs are still very interested in Eberechi Eze this summer.

In fact, the report goes much further than that, claiming that the Lilywhites are now preparing an offer for the Crystal Palace star, whose £68m release clause reportedly expires at the end of the week.

It could end up being a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but Eze has more than proven he’d be worth the effort and, for our money, he’d be a better signing than Savinho.

Why Eze would be a better signing than Savinho

Now, it should be said that Spurs would do well to sign either Savinho or Eze this summer, as both players are undeniably talented and would bring something fresh to Frank’s attack.

Still, there are several reasons why the latter would be a better addition than the former.

The first is simply their output from last season, as in 48 appearances for Manchester City, totalling 3087 minutes, the Brazilian ace scored three goals and provided 13 assists.

That means he maintained a reasonably impressive average of a goal involvement every three games, or every 192.93 minutes, and while that’s certainly not bad, it pales in comparison to the Palace star.

In his 43 appearances for the Eagles, totalling just 3303 minutes, the 27-year-old “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists.

Eze vs Savinho in 24/25

Season

Eze

Savinho

Appearances

43

48

Minutes

3303′

3087′

Goals

14

3

Assists

11

13

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

192.93′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In other words, the Greenwich-born dynamo managed to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, for a team that finished in mid-table.

The second reason the Englishman would be a better signing for the Lilywhites is down to his versatility, as while the former Girona ace can play on either flank, he can play in the ten as well as off the left.

Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup

This ability to play in the middle of the park is now even more important for the North Londoners as James Maddison is expected to miss almost the entire season due to his ACL injury.

Finally, on top of the output and positional versatility, the former QPR gem is simply more of a sure thing when it comes to the Premier League, as so far, he’s made 146 appearances in the competition, in which he’s scored 34 goals and provided 23 assists.

In contrast, the City ace has made just 29, in which he’s scored one goal and provided ten assists, and therefore it’s far harder to make a concrete prediction about how he’ll fare in the coming seasons.

Ultimately, while Savinho is a very talented player and someone who could develop into a star, Spurs would be better off going out and signing someone who is already a superstar, such as Eze.

Spurs prepared to pay £40m to sign "special" James Maddison replacement

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly not concerned by the price tag of a star who could be a dream replacement for James Maddison.

ByDan Emery Aug 11, 2025

Unofficial Chelsea swap deal possible as club open talks for Maresca outcast

Chelsea could potentially strike an exchange of players pretty soon, as one club open talks over signing a “clinical” Blues ace who’s not thought to be in Enzo Maresca’s long-term plans.

Bayern believe they can sign Chelsea star who Maresca 'loves' for just £35m

The Bavarians sense an opportunity.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 23, 2025

Given Maresca’s desire to continue reinforcing the squad in key areas, combined with Chelsea’s need to sell surplus squad members, there are credible reports that exchanges could be a key transfer method at Stamford Bridge over the coming weeks.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea are under pressure from UEFA to balance out the squad with exits after they were fined for breaking FFP rules recently (Kaveh Solhekol), but Maresca is believed to want another major attacking signing following his side’s struggles against teams in the low block last season (Simon Phillips).

Therefore, ‘unofficial swap deals’ are something to watch out for, as it would allow Chelsea to accomplish both of those feats simultaneously.

Stamford Bridge – Chelsea

“Unofficial swap deals are something Chelsea and other clubs have done a lot of lately to help balance the books of both clubs and keep within PSR rules,” wrote journalist Simon Phillips, vis his Substack, recently.

“They make sense, really, and help both clubs get deals done. They aren’t swap deals as such, more like favour for a favour separate deals. Chelsea are still weighing up some opportunities for this.”

Earlier in the window, it was believed that this could happen with Christopher Nkunku heading to Man United and Alejandro Garnacho going the other way (Daily Telegraph), but it is now much more likely that another exchange materialises.

Xavi Simons celebrates

Chelsea are in active pursuit of RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, and it is believed that talks have been held with all sides as BlueCo attempt to make the Dutchman their fourth major signing of the summer after Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro.

Now, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Leipzig’s serious emerging interest in midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka could present an opportunity for Maresca’s side to add Simons whilst trimming their bloated books.

RB Leipzig pushing to sign Carney Chukwuemeka with Chelsea talks opened

Plettenberg, taking to X, states that Leipzig are now “pushing” to sign Chukwuemeka and have opened talks with Chelsea, so it could soon be a case of one in, one out at Cobham.

The former Aston Villa gem spent the second half of 2024/2025 impressing on loan at Borussia Dortmund, with their sporting director, Sebastien Kehl, recently confirming their intention to bring him back for next season.

However, Dortmund now face being hijacked by their Bundesliga rivals, and dealing with Leipzig over Chukwuemeka instead will suit Chelsea down to the ground, especially amid the Premier League side’s attempts to sign their highty-rated forward.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Called a “clinical” player by Marcel Desailly, Chukwuemeka appears destined for a return to the German top flight either way.

Reports have suggested that Chelsea want as much as £40 million for the Englishman, but there’s plenty of reason for BlueCo to ease up on their financial demands in an attempt to sweeten ‘separate’ talks for Simons.

خاص | حقيقة اجتماع "زووم" بين الأهلي وفرناندو سانتوس.. وإشادة رائعة من البرتغالي

تتواصل الأنباء حول اهتمام النادي الأهلي بالتعاقد مع المدرب البرتغالي المخضرم، فرناندو سانتوس، لتولي منصب المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم.

ويأتي ذلك في ظل سعي الأهلي للتعاقد مع مدرب صاحب خبرة بعد رحيل الإسباني خوسيه ريبيرو، ومواصلة البحث عن قيادة قادرة على إعادة الفريق إلى منصات التتويج القارية والمحلية.

اقرأ أيضًا.. خاص | بعد اهتمام الأهلي.. موقف مارك أوفرمارس من الرحيل عن أنتويرب البلجيكي

وأكد أونوفري كوستا، مدير الإعلام للبرتغالي فرناندو سانتوس، في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات أنه كان هناك بالفعل اجتماعًا عبر “زووم” بين الطرفين، لكنه لم يوضح أي تفاصيل إضافية حول المفاوضات.

وتابع كوستا: “سانتوس يكن كل التقدير والاحترام للنادي الأهلي، ويعتبره واحدًا من أكبر الأندية في العالم”.

وقال كوستا: “قرار المدرب بشأن خطوته المقبلة سيكون على أسس محددة وعوامل كثيرة”.

وبالتالي، يظل اسم فرناندو سانتوس مرتبطًا بالعديد من التكهنات حول الأهلي، وسط ترقب جماهيري واسع لأي أخبار رسمية قد تظهر في الفترة المقبلة.

Jordan, Rashid and Buttler lead England's charge into the semis

Jordan became the first England player to take a men’s T20I hat-trick, as USA slipped from 115 for 5 to 115 all out

Vithushan Ehantharajah23-Jun-20241:17

What makes Adil Rashid so hard to get away at his best?

England have booked their place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 with a commanding 10-wicket win over USA in their final Super Eight match. Using just 9.4 overs to chase down 116, thanks to Jos Buttler’s 83 not out from 38 deliveries, the defending champions have boosted their net run rate (NRR) to 1.992 for good measure.Such a dominant win was set-up by Chris Jordan, who became the first England player to take a men’s T20I hat-trick. Jordan, brought back into the XI for Mark Wood, took four wickets from his final five deliveries – joining Ireland’s Curtis Campher as the only other bowler to achieve that feat at a T20 World Cup – as the USA collapsed from 115 for 5 to 115 all out.The co-hosts had started well enough in Bridgetown, reaching 48 for 2 in their first six overs. But Adil Rashid continued a stellar campaign with a miserly 2 for 13 from his four overs. Aaron Jones, one of the USA’s stronger players of spin, and top-scorer Nitish Kumar were bowled by Rashid, who equalled Stuart Broad’s tally of 30 dismissals in T20 World Cups. Both Rashid and Livingstone ensured only 25 runs were scored in the six overs after the powerplay.The target of 116 needed to be chased down in 18.4 overs to ensure England’s NRR would go ahead of South Africa’s and ensure they had a firm grasp on second-place in the group. Buttler, however, was aiming higher.After a quiet start, Buttler raced to 44 from 26 deliveries at the end of the powerplay – in which England scored 60 – which included cracking a solar panel with the first of two consecutive sixes off Saurabh Netravalkar.He saved his most brutal assault for Harmeet Singh’s second over – the ninth – getting the strike for the second ball and striking five sixes. The first took him to his first half-century of the tournament, from 32 deliveries. An over later, Buttler’s late cut took England over the line with 62 balls to spare.It means England will finish top of the group if West Indies beat South Africa in Group 2’s final fixture by a margin fewer than 52 runs. A South Africa win, taking them to six points, will see England finish second.Jordan gets his momentChris Jordan did not expect to be at this World Cup. A back injury to Jamie Overton handed him what is probably one last shot on the biggest stage. Today in Barbados, he seized it with both hands with that hat-trick and overall figures of 4 for 10 that took him to 105 T20I wickets.The crescendo of the hat-trick was dripping with emotion. Jordan is not exactly the biggest celebrator, but who could begrudge him this moment? The Bajan-born cricketer grew up watching plenty of cricket at the Kensington Oval before making the move to the UK on a scholarship to Dulwich College. The locals in the stadium cheered him as one of their own.Chris Jordan is welcomed back into the dressing room after his four-wicket 19th over•ICC/Getty ImagesJordan was actually at home in Barbados when he heard of his call-up to the provisional squad at the end of April. Later that day, he was training in the nets with Jofra Archer, who initially put the session live on Instagram before taking it down.Having started in the XI for the washout against Scotland and loss to Australia – both in Bridgetown – Jordan returned for the final Group B match against Namibia before sitting back on the bench for the start of the Super Eights.Even after this display, he may find himself sidelined once more if Buttler opts for Mark Wood’s extra pace, depending on England’s opponents and semi-final venue. Either way, Jordan’s place in history has been secured.Rashid’s wrong ‘un so rightLike Lionel Messi shifting onto his left foot and Steph Curry pulling up from long range, everyone knows Adil Rashid has a googly. The problem with all three is doing something about it.Aaron Jones and Nitish Kumar were both felled by the legspinner’s delivery that goes the other way. The former tried to combat it with his trusty slog sweep. The latter opted to blaze up and over extra cover. Both had their stumps rearranged.That’s now five of Rashid’s nine wickets that have come from googlies at this World Cup. Their menace is disguised by full lengths and outside-off-stump lines, similar to where he looks to land his leggies.Rashid has been England’s standout white-ball bowler for some time, and, aged 36, has been at his best throughout this tournament despite coming into the summer with little competitive cricket.Here in Bridgetown, he was unplayable, with just 10 runs conceded from his four boundary-less overs. It was hard not to feel sorry for USA’s batting line-up as he tied them in knots. If it’s any comfort, more seasoned batters, with plenty more exposure to Rashid, have been made to look just as clueless.Underwhelming Corey AndersonA lot was expected from Corey Anderson. Having made his debut for the USA in April, the former New Zealand international was meant to bring nous and X-factor to the team after 93 caps and three World Cups as a Blackcap. Things have not panned out as such.It is as much a credit to the rest of the squad that their highest-profile cricketer coming into this tournament has been a footnote on a valiant campaign.Anderson was averaging 13 coming into this final fixture. With six overs to go, he looked relatively set on 24, especially after breaking a boundary-less run of 34 deliveries in the previous by heaving Liam Livingstone for six over gully with a reverse-sweep. Now was his time to show why he was once one of the most sort-after allrounders on the circuit.While there was a hurry-up, it came at the end other end as Harmeet Singh struck 21 in a 27-run stand between them, with a couple of fours and a six of his own.Corey Anderson could not find his rhythm on the day•Getty ImagesSingh would fall at the end of the 18th over, leaving Anderson on strike for the penultimate over. Jordan bowled a full toss, and Anderson swung for the hills. Alas, he could only find Harry Brook, who did not have to move an inch from his position a good 10 yards in front of the sponge at long-on.Off he walked for 29, his highest score of the competition, taking his overall tally to 66 from 72 deliveries. A tournament to remember for the USA is perhaps one to forget for Anderson.Buttler peaking at the right time for England?It has been an odd tournament for the England captain. Barring one or two tactical errors – the costliest being his gut decision to bowl Will Jacks in the second over against Australia – his captaincy has been sound. Behind the stumps, he has been immaculate. In front of them, however, he hadn’t quite launched.A 28-ball 42 in the defeat to Australia and 24 off eight deliveries in the shellacking of Oman was tempered by a duck against Namibia. Across the first Super Eight matches against West Indies and South Africa, he managed just 42 from as many balls.1:18

Buttler’s innings will give England faith in this team combination – Dasgupta

As such, you could attribute this unbeaten 83 – Buttler’s second-highest score in T20 World Cups – to a release of frustration. That’s certainly how it seemed by the end, even if Buttler attributed the boundary bloodlust as merely the pursuit of a surer path to the knockout stages. His takedown of Harmeet Singh saw him become the second player in a T20I World Cup to strike five sixes in an over after Yuvraj Singh lit up the Durban skies against Stuart Broad in 2007.Having started the month in a foul mood, fed up of addressing the 50-over shambles in India last winter, Buttler looks far more at ease. And why not – after a few bumps, this title defence remains on track.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus