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The revolving door of transfers at Manchester United shows no sign of stopping as it has been revealed Ruben Amorim is chasing six potential targets when the coming windows open in January and in the summer. The focus will be on midfield signings with a number of high-profile stars potentially heading to Old Trafford as the club attempt to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title.

• United’s struggles under Amorim

  United’s Portuguese boss has endured a challenging time at Old Trafford since taking over from Erik ten Hag in November 2024, overseeing a dismal first season with the club. He has been unable to produce consistent results, with United recording their lowest ever Premier League points tally under his management, finishing 15th and failing to qualify for Europe. Amorim's inflexible adherence to his preferred 3-4-3 formation has come under scrutiny, with critics questioning its suitability for the current squad and players appearing to struggle within the system. The team's poor performances, including an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town, have also led to reports of low morale within the dressing room. But results have improved, as victory over Sunderland was followed by the morale-boosting win against heated rivals Liverpool.

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  Transfer trolley dash continues

  United have failed to land the Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013, but it hasn’t been due to the lack of investment in the playing squad. In the five-year period from the 2020-21 to the end of the 24-25 season, Man Utd spent well over £800 million ($930m) on transfers. Their net spend is one of the highest in world football and the investment peaked during the 2022-23 season under Ten Hag, with £207m ($275.6m) spent on players such as Antony and Casemiro. In recent transfer windows, the club has continued its substantial outlay, including £219m ($291.5m) this summer. And now boss Amorim plans spend big again to refresh his midfield options. 

• Six-man shortlist for Reds

  Amorim has ambitious wanted list, but there are major stumbling blocks for all of them, according to a report in talkSPORT. Brighton's Carlos Baleba remains a priority, although the South Coast have ruled out a January sale. United are also interested in the highly-rated Elliot Anderson, but the England international is reluctant to leave Nottingham Forest mid-season, despite Sean Dyche's team currently sitting in the relegation zone. 

  United are also monitoring Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace, though he recently signed an improved contract and has not pushed for a move, despite his stated ambition to play Champions League football. Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart is another potential option, reportedly open to a Premier League move. While United didn't bid for Stiller in the summer, they are tracking the 24-year-old, who has a £35 million ($46.5m) release clause that Stuttgart can remove. The most likely option is Conor Gallagher after a summer loan approach was rejected by Atletico Madrid in favour of a permanent deal, and Atleti want over £35 million. Gallagher has struggled for playing time at Atletico, making nine appearances but failing to complete a full match. And Chelsea's Andrey Santos is an ambitious target as the Blues have said the 21-year-old Brazilian is also not for sale.

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  How midfield redesign could take shape

  The next steps for United will depend on the future of the midfielders already at the club. Casemiro is heading into the final months of his contract and there are question marks over the future of Bruno Fernandes, who is wanted on a mega-money pay deal in Saudi Arabia. Kobbie Mainoo is also desperate for a move away from Old Trafford, but been blocked from leaving. If Amorim can clear some space, he can add at least two stars from his list… if he can convince them to come.

We are past the midway point of the season and the next tentpole event is the All-Star break, and after that the trade deadline.

It appears that the New York Yankees are going to be in need of reinforcements as the team's overall play has dropped over the last two weeks. Questions along the lineup and the pitching staff are becoming more clear and it'll be on display with Carlos Rodon on Wednesday.

Find out why I'm fading the Yankees on Wednesday with Rodon on the mound as well as my bets for game below!

White Sox vs. Guardians Prediction and Pick

Pick: White Sox (+155)

Chicago is a tough team to trust at 24-63 on the year, especially against the vaunted 53-30 Guardians, but I’ll take the big road underdog on Wednesday with Erick Fedde on the mound. 

Fedde is enjoying a strong season with the White Sox, striking out a career best 22% of batters while doing an excellent job of limiting hard contact (68th percentile). 

While the White Sox offense leaves a ton to be desired, I believe Fedde can hold down the Guardians lineup to give Chicago a puncher’s chance at this number. 

Red Sox vs. Marlins Prediction and Pick

Pick: Marlins (+125)

The Red Sox are a top 10 hitting offense against lefty pitching, but I’ll trust Trevor Rogers on Wednesday with the Marlins at home. 

The main component of this bet is a fade of Brayan Bello, who is struggling to limit hard contact and find much movement on his pitches (second in pitching run value). Bello ranks in the 33rd percentile in hard hit percentage, and an even limited Marlins offense may be able to string together runs against Bello.

Cardinals vs. Pirates Prediction and Pick

Pick: Pirates (-125)

Pittsburgh’s rookie Jared Jones is a bit volatile, but the talent is no doubt there, ranking in the 78th percentile in strikeout rate and has a ton of pop on his fastball (94th percentile). 

I believe Pittsburgh, who has a similar offense and an edge on the mound against righty Miles Mikolas, can get it done it home at a near coin flip price.

Mets vs. Nationals Prediction and Pick

Pick: Mets (-130)

The Mets continue to thrive against left handed pitching, and the Nationals keep on trotting them out there. 

The team is top five in OPS against southpaws, and while the streaking Mets have won each of the last two against the Nationals in extra innings, the Nats lowly bullpen is taxed and not equipped to handle the strong lineup late in games. 

New York should start fast and get another win. 

Reds vs. Yankees Prediction and Pick

Pick: Reds (+150)

In a battle of two left handed pitchers, I’ll take the big underdog. 

Both the Yankees and Reds are at the big league average in OPS against left handed pitching, so there is no significant edge there, and I’m interested in continuing to fade Carlos Rodon, who posted a 7.76 ERA in five June starts. 

Astros vs. Blue Jays Prediction and Pick

Pick: Blue Jays (-105)

I’ll take a stab on the small underdog Blue Jays on Wednesday given the Astros middling numbers against left handing pitching (12th in OPS). 

Further, I’m interested in fading Ronel Blanco, who has an xERA of 3.55 with a high walk rate that puts him in troublesome situations and can lead to some blowup outings eventually. 

Giants vs. Braves Prediction and Pick

Pick: Braves (-200)

I’ll back Cy Young candidate Chris Sale to take care of business against the Giants, who are middling against left handed pitching. 

Sale has found his punchout pitch with good health this season, striking out more than 32% of batters with an xBA of just .208. 

Atlanta has the edge on Wednesday and is rightfully a big favorite. 

Padres vs. Rangers Prediction and Pick

Pick: Padres (+120)

I’ll fade Jon Gray on Wednesday, who has an xERA far higher than his actual ERA (3.77 vs. 4.56) with a high hard-hit percentage, ranking in the 12th percentile. 

The Padres have plenty of power in the lineup with the likes of Manny Machado and promising rookie Jackson Merrill. Gray ranks in the fifth percentile in average exit velocity, which can lead to plenty of extra base hits and a small upset from the Padres. 

Phillies vs. Cubs  Prediction and Pick

Pick: Cubs (+110)

I’ll buy low on the Cubs with Shota Imanaga on the mound, who is due for a positive bounce after a poor month of June. 

Imanaga still has pinpoint control and doesn’t give any easy bases to opponents, which can keep the Cubs close against Cy Young favorite Zack Wheeler, who may be due for a minor set back (actual ERA: 2.73 vs. xERA of 2.98). 

Tigers vs. Twins Prediction and Pick

Pick: Tigers (+140)

I don’t believe David Festa can justify this price tag, the team’s highly touted prospect who only had two strikeouts in five innings in his big league debut. 

There’s simply too much variance on the mound to not take a stab on the Tigers at a big underdog price.

Rays vs. Royals Prediction and Pick

Pick: Royals (-110)

Tampa Bay pulled away on Tuesday, but I’ll go back to the well on the Royals, who is 30-17 at home this season. 

Brewers vs. Rockies Prediction and Pick

Pick: Rockies (+130)

The red flags are clear on Brewers starter Colin Rea, who has a 3.61 ERA but a 5.31 xERA. 

Rea has been lucky to avoid bad starts, ranking in the bottom 10 percentile in xERA, xBA and whiff percentage. 

In a hitter friendly Coors Field, I’ll back the Rockies as big home underdogs.

Angels vs. Athletics Prediction and Pick

Pick: Athletics (-105)

The Angels got a strong first start out of Davis Daniel last week, tossing eight innings of shutout baseball. 

I don’t figure that to continue for the 27-year-old, who didn’t dish out a walk in that first start. 

Give me the home underdog A’s in a regression spot for Daniel and the Halos.

Orioles vs. Mariners Prediction and Pick

Pick: Mariners (-120)

The Mariners couldn’t plate a run in the team’s opener against the Orioles, a sign of the team’s struggles on offense, but I’ll go back to the well with Logan Gilbert and Seattle at home. 

Dean Kremer will make his first start in more than a month, so he may be either erratic or limited to a pitch count, which can add more variance to the O’s side of things on the mound. 

Meanwhile, Gilbert should continue his All-Star form, ranking in the 99th percentile in pitching run value with a blistering fastball that ranks in the 83rd percentile in velocity. 

Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers Prediction and Pick

Pick: Diamondbacks (+175)

The D-Backs will start Cristian Mena in his big league debut, which is a tough ask against the loaded Dodgers lineup, but I’ll take the big underdog that has a loaded offense behind him. 

I think we can get paid on fading Gavin Stone also. He has a 2.74 ERA, but his xERA sits at 3.61 with a shaky punch out pitch (32nd percentile). 

Arizona is a top half offense that can knock around Stone and make this game more of a toss-up. 

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has a point to prove in what is a crucial week for the tactician, amid reports surrounding his future.

Enzo Maresca under some pressure at Chelsea

The Blues’ 3-1 loss to Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday, thanks largely to Trevoh Chalobah’s sending off just after half-time, has put more pressure on Maresca after a winless last few weeks in the top flight.

Chelsea haven’t picked up three points in the league since their 2-0 London derby win over Fulham in late August, with Maresca’s side just edging past Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup and losing convincingly to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Maresca hasn’t been helped by their lack of defensive options, and you can make a serious case that Chelsea really should’ve brought in a star centre-back in the summer as one of their top priorities.

Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill are all injured right now, with Chalobah also suspended for their crucial next league game against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Chelsea spent £285 million in the summer window, and were the division’s second-biggest spenders behind this weekend’s opponents. However, not a penny of that outlay went on a senior defender, and Maresca will undoubtedly be frustrated by that.

Reports suggest that Chelsea are backing Maresca for the time being, and this is echoed by the likes of Fabrizio Romano, who say that the Blues don’t plan to make any immediate changes.

However, while this is their public standing, another reliable journalist, Simon Phillips, has revealed that there is “definite tension” between Maresca and Chelsea’s board — so he is far from bulletproof.

What’s more, it is believed that two big-name Chelsea stars are not fully buying into Maresca’s philosophies.

Cole Palmer and Reece James not fully behind Enzo Maresca at Chelsea

Writing via his Substack, Phillips has named Cole Palmer and Reece James as the players who are not entirely convinced by Maresca, with the former sidelined after Chelsea’s decision to play him through a groin injury.

Phillips adds that sources close to Palmer are annoyed by the circumstances surrounding his groin problem, while the £130,000-per-week star himself is frustrated too, as he wants to be fit and firing in the build up to next year’s World Cup.

While Chelsea aren’t planning on sacking Maresca, Phillips suggests that the tactician could decide to walk of his own accord if things escalate any further, as it’s reported that he’s “not entirely happy” at Cobham about a “number of things”.

That being said, despite “many clubs lining up for him”, Maresca would seriously lose out financially if he did do that, so that scenario remains unlikely for now.

Just a few months ago, Pep Guardiola’s former pupil was celebrating back-to-back trophy wins with their triumphs in the Conference League and Club World Cup. We believe he should be given more time yet to turn things around, and Chelsea are planning to back Maresca with a much-needed centre-back signing in January.

That should go some way to alleviating the relationship between Maresca and Chelsea’s hierarchy, while a good run of games would also do wonders to change the mood.

Alisha Lehmann insists she "only drank non-alcoholic beer" when her and her Como team-mates headed to Oktoberfest in Germany. The entire squad were bedecked in traditional Bavarian clothing, and Lehmann was seen downing a huge stein, although she insists the liquid inside it was not liable to leave her tipsy.

• Lehmann's wild night out

  Lehmann headed with her Como team-mates to Oktoberfest in Munich, ahead of the start of the 2025/26 season. The former Aston Villa and Juventus star now plays for Como and she enjoyed some team bonding at the world-famous beer festival. She was even spotted downing a huge stein of amber liquid, although she has now insisted that it was not an alcoholic beverage. 

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  Lehmann's explanation

  Lehmann said at a press conference: "I only drank non-alcoholic beer! But it was really nice. I had never been to Oktoberfest."

  Earlier this month, Lehmann's new employers played her former employers, Juventus, and won 1-0. 

  She added: “Como will grow again in the coming years. The win against my old club, Juve, was amazing and really did me good. I'll never say anything wrong. I had a good year. I am now a regular starter (editor’s note, three times in the league since the beginning of the exercise), and playing is the main reason why we play football. Como also has a really interesting project in women’s football.”

  She added: “I feel good in Como. This is the perfect place for me and, certainly, the most beautiful place I have ever lived. I live right by the lake, and it's absolutely beautiful. I even met a few celebrities, because we go to the same restaurants. But it’s nice here, because everyone respects each other enormously.”

• Lehmann's off-pitch fun

  Como have allowed Lehmann to head out on multiple extracurricular activities and she even represented Como at Milan Fashion Week. 

  Como said in a social media post alongside images of Lehmann and Co modelling new threads: “F.C Como Women steps into Prada World at Milan Fashion Week. After a styling session at Nike’s headquarters, @alexckerr, @alishalehmann7, @ramona__ramirez stepped into the Prada event wearing pieces from our FC Como Women essentials line, our @art_of capsule collection and our 25/26 away jersey. We’d like to thank Prada and Nike for this incredible experience. A moment that highlighted women in football who feel free to express themselves on and off the pitch.”

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  What comes next?

  Como play Genoa on Saturday in Serie A. While they did beat Juventus, they have lost their other two league fixtures thus far this season, going down 2-1 to Lazio and 1-0 to Sassuolo. They will be out to get three more points on the board, and Lehmann will hope to prove her freshness with a fine performance.

The last week or so has been a good one for Arsenal.

First, Liverpool dropped points to Crystal Palace in the Premier League and then, thanks to a last-minute goal of their own, Mikel Arteta’s side capitalised by beating Newcastle United.

On top of that, the Gunners picked up another three points and a clean sheet in the Champions League, and while he didn’t score, it was another game in which Viktor Gyokeres looked more like the top-level striker so many hoped he’d be.

Finally, another important Arsenal player appears to have found some real form of late as well, someone who could potentially help the Swedish striker reach Erling Haaland-esque numbers by season’s end.

How Gyokeres compared to Haaland last season

The first thing to note is that this article isn’t suggesting Gyokeres will ever be on the same level as Haaland; that would be rather absurd.

However, there is no reason to think the Swede couldn’t find himself in a hot streak at some point this season and match his numbers-wise during that period.

After all, while he was playing in a far weaker league last season, the Stockholm-born star was a goalscoring monster for Sporting CP.

For example, in 52 appearances for the Portuguese outfit, totalling 4248 minutes, he was able to score a staggering 54 goals and provide 13 assists.

That comes out to a mind-blowing average of 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes, and if that isn’t a world-class rate of return, nothing is.

For his efforts, the Manchester City striker’s racked up a tally of 34 goals and five assists in 48 appearances, totalling 4042 minutes.

That comes out to a still outrageously impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.23 games, or one every 103.64 minutes.

Now, the level of opposition is a clear caveat with these numbers, but given his improvement over the last few games, his physicality, and incredible shot power, there is no reason why Gyokeres couldn’t rival Haaland with the right service.

Fortunately, someone who could be the chief provider of said service looks to be back in form.

The Arsenal star who could help Gyokeres reach Haaland numbers

The brilliant news for Arteta this season is that with Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke in the team, there is no shortage of players who could supply Gyokeres with chances.

Chalkboard

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

However, in this instance, the player who could be the most crucial in helping the Swede rival his fellow Scandinavian this season is Martin Odegaard.

Now, it’s undoubtedly true that the Gunners’ captain had a poor campaign last year, but it’s easy to forget that he was named the club’s Player of the Year for the two seasons prior.

Moreover, the Norwegian international was battling with an ankle injury that was clearly impacting his ability to play late into the season.

Regardless, the “world-class” midfielder, as dubbed by ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson, seems to be getting back to his mercurial best at the moment.

For example, his cameo off the bench against Newcastle United last week was incredibly impactful, with his persistent passes in behind leading to Declan Rice’s cross, which ultimately resulted in Mikel Merino’s equaliser.

Then, against Olympiacos, he was in from the start and put in what might’ve been his best performance for the club in quite some time.

The “sensational” international, as dubbed by content creator Connor Humm, was all over the pitch and supplied the attackers, specifically Gyokeres, with a constant stream of balls over the top and passes through the back line for them to latch onto.

In fact, during his 95 minutes of action, the 26-year-old produced an incredible expected assists figure of 0.93 and was finally rewarded when Bukayo Saka drilled a wonderful ball between the goalkeepers’ legs late on.

Ultimately, Gyokeres might not be quite as good a striker as Haaland, but with the players in this Arsenal team and Odegaard playing as well as he is at the moment, he might just be able to match his output for a period.

Arsenal planning new deal for "one of the best in the world" after Saliba and Saka

Contract extensions are a key priority for Andrea Berta.

By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 3, 2025

Preston North End attacker Milutin Osmajic has been handed a nine-game ban after being charged with racially abusing Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri. The incident took place during Preston's goalless draw with Burnley in February and now he will be out of action until late December. The forward denied the allegations but he has been fined £21,000.

• Ban meted out

  Last season's contest was delayed for several minutes in the second half when Tunisian Hannibal reacted furiously to something that appeared to be said to him by Osmajic. 

  Hannibal then took to social media to write, "I will not be silent about what happened today. I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it. That is the only way we change as a sport and a society. I am a strong person but nobody should have to experience this disgusting abuse on the pitch."

  Following the clash between the two players, Osmajic was charged by the Football Association in March, and a hearing took place in September. Now, an 'independent regulatory commission' has sanctioned the Montenegrin man, meaning he will miss fixtures up to and including Preston's Championship fixture with Stoke City on Boxing Day (December 26). 

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• Preston respond to Osmajic punishments

  Preston said they were "extremely disappointed" with the decision to ban their top scorer for more than a month. The club pointed out that the verdict fell under the "balance of probabilities" and not "beyond reasonable doubt", highlighting it wasn't an open and shut case.

  A club statement reads: "Preston North End are extremely disappointed at the decision made by an independent regulatory commission to sanction Milutin Osmajić and impose a nine-match suspension, following an incident which took place in a league fixture against Burnley on 15th February 2025. We note that the outcome was determined on the 'Balance of Probabilities' rather than one that is 'Beyond Reasonable Doubt'. We also note that The FA determined that this decision offers no moral judgement, was not premeditated nor any comment about his general character. Milutin has always pleaded his innocence of the charge and continues to do so. We continue to be fully supportive of our player. We are proud of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policies and practices, and we reaffirm our opposition to all forms of discrimination."

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  Osmajic in trouble again

  This nine-game ban comes 13 months after Osmajic was slapped with an eight-match suspension for biting Blackburn Rovers' Owen Beck. The forward, who joined the Lilywhites from Cadiz in September 2023, got into an altercation with the Liverpool loanee in September 2024, and in addition to the ban, he was fined £15,000. 

  Blackburn's manager at the time, John Eustace, said on the incident: "He's got a big bite mark on the back of his neck. He's shown all the lads. He's a little bit quiet, a little bit shook up."

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• What comes next for Preston?

  This is a big blow for promotion-chasing Preston. They currently sit fourth in the Championship and if they win this weekend, and results go their way, they could be in the automatic promotion spots. The first game of Osmajic's ban is a trip to play-off rivals Millwall on Saturday, before they prepare to face Blackburn, Watford, and Sheffield Wednesday later this month.

Anthony Volpe provided the New York Yankees with the offensive spark they'd been desperately seeking in Game 4 of the World Series.

After trailing 2–0 early, the Yankees scored a run in the bottom of the second before loading the bases for their shortstop in the third. On the first pitch he saw, Volpe laced a shot to left-center field and watched as it sailed over the wall to give New York a 5–2 lead with one thunderous swing of the bat.

No one was more elated than center fielder Aaron Judge, who awaited Volpe at home plate alongside his teammates with an absolutely massive grin on his face. Once Volpe crossed the plate, he and Judge leapt into the air and celebrated excitedly.

Judge's struggles have dominated headlines throughout the postseason, and although he wasn't the deliverer of the big moment on Tuesday night, he was overjoyed for his younger teammate who had just had stepped up in the biggest at-bat of his career.

The grand slam marked the first postseason home run of Volpe's career, and with the Yankees trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers 3–0 in the series, it couldn't have come at a better time.

Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to German giants Bayern Munich on a thrilling night at the Allianz Arena in an early blow to the holders' Champions League hopes. The Gunners dominated the first 45 minutes, and seemed comfortably on course for a vital three points, but they capitulated in the second half as Bayern turned the game on its head and will be left to rue three dropped points in Bavaria.

Arsenal came flying out the blocks from the start and were much the better of the two sides in the opening stages. The pressure told in the fifth minute as Emily Fox capitalised on an error from the keeper, following a shot from Beth Mead, to head home from close range. And the north Londoners doubled their lead midway through the first half after Bayern lost the ball on the edge of their own box. After a neat one-two, Mariona Caldentey did brilliantly to shift the ball out of her feet and fire past rooted Bayern keeper Mala Grohs and into the roof of the net.

But the hosts were much improved in the second period, and capitalised on their dominance with a goal back on the hour. Bayern broke with the Gunners high up the field and Klara Buhl squared to Alara Sehitler, who found herself in acres of space and clipped the ball past Daphne van Domselaar. The teams were all-square with 10 minutes remaining as substitute Pernille Harder was allowed space on the edge of the box to loop an unorthodox but brilliant shot over Van Domselaar. It was Harder's seventh strike against the Gunners following her time at Chelsea. 

And the turnaround was completed with four minutes remaining after Bayern captain Glodis Viggosdottir directed the ball home from close range following another assist from Buhl.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Allianz Arena…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Daphne van Domselaar (5/10): 

  Was a virtual spectator in the first-half as the hosts struggled to play through Arsenal's high press. But she was much busier in the second-half, called upon to make a number of important saves, was left woefully exposed for Bayern's first goal and there was nothing she could do for the equaliser or the winner. 

  Emily Fox (7/10): 

  Did brilliantly to capitalise on an error from the Bayern keeper to give Arsenal the lead, heading home a loose ball from close range. Was called-on to do much more defending in the second-half as Arsenal regressed towrds their own goal. 

  Stephanie Catley (5/10):

  Continued her partnership with Wubben-Moy and showed great pace in her recovery runs. But was caught out holding a very high line for Bayern's goal and stood off Harder for the equaliser. 

  Lottie Wubben-Moy (5/10): 

  Similar evening to her partner in defence Catley. Hardly put a foot wrong, but was caught flat-footed as Bayern broke quickly upfield to reduce the deficit in the 67th minute. Was too slow to close down Harder for Bayern's leveller. 

  Katie McCabe (6/10):

  Had a relatively quiet evening and was replaced in the 75th minute. 

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  Midfield

  Victoria Pelova (6/10):

  A busy evening and did huge amounts of running, was replaced in the 75th minute by Cooney-Cross. 

  Beth Mead (6/10):

  Credited with the assist for the first goal, her powerful low shot was only palmed down by the goalkeeper and into Fox's path. Was involved in the second goal, too Enjoyed a productive evening, seeing lots of the ball and will be pleased with her performance. Boss Slegers will be pleased to see her run off a very hefty challenge in the 50th minute. 

  Caitlin Foord (6/10):

  Enjoyed a productive evening, but was hooked in the 60th minute, replaced by Chloe Kelly. 

  Mariona Caldentey (7/10): 

  Capitalised on some dreadful defending on the edge of the Bayern box and thrashed home an unstoppable drive from 20 yards out to make it 2-0 in the 23rd minute. Was an excellent influence all evening, a creative spark whenever she was on the ball. 

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  Attack

  Alessia Russo (7/10):

  Saw plenty of the ball and will be disappointed to not get on the scoresheet. Saw a long-distance drive well-save by the keeper and deserved more for her efforts. 

  Stina Blackstenius (6/10):

  Almost scored a wonderful goal in the 23rd minute, but saw her fierce strike clatter off the top of the cross bar. A constant threat to the Bayern defence, but was taken off in the 60th minute. 

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  Subs & Manager

  Chloe Kelly (5/10):

  England Lionesses hero had to make do with a place on the bench and was brought into the action on the hour. But with the Gunners on the back foot, she found it hard to make any major impact at the other end of the field. 

  Frida Maanum (5/10):

  Squandered a wonderful opportunity with 10 minutes to go after some excellent work from Russo, will be disappointed to panic when given a great opportunity. 

  Kyra Cooney-Cross (5/10):

  Made little impact after coming on with 15 minutes to go. 

  Taylor Hinds (5/10):

  Struggled to influence the game after coming on, was on the back foot as Bayern attacked in their droves. 

  Renee Slegers (4/10):

  Will be shell-shocked by the scoreline after her team looked so good in the first-half. But failed to make the most of Russo's attacking intent and allowed the hosts to completely dominate after the break.

Newcastle United needed that. Though form in the Premier League continues to frustrate Eddie Howe and those of a Toon persuasion, there’s no denying his side on their return to the Champions League.

Jose Mourinho’s Benfica were defeated 3-0 at St. James’ Park on Tuesday evening, making it two wins on the bounce in Europe’s elite competition after that opening-day defeat at the hands of Barcelona.

This was the kind of display the Magpies need to harness and carry back over to their domestic efforts, struggling for consistency in the Premier League right now.

But if anything, it’s nights like these that remind the fanbase that this is a special group of players.

Newcastle's best performers vs Benfica

Howe was understandably chuffed with Newcastle’s winning display, now in good standing to continue the push and ascend to the next phase of the Champions League.

At the double was Harvey Barnes, whose clinical edge bore dividends on the evening. And how about that assist from Nick Pope, who continues to show why he deserves to be the number one between the sticks.

He didn’t score, but Nick Woltemade continues to dazzle. The “phenom”, as he was called by reporter Andy Sixsmith, was the connective tissue in attack, with the correspondent saying “his link-up play is mesmerising”.

Isak didn’t hit his stride in the European theatre for Newcastle; his triumph was found on the domestic stage. Alan Shearer remains the modern great in the Champions League for Newcastle, with seven goals from 14 matches for the Tynesiders.

Now, Howe has found his new version of the legendary goalscorer, and no, it’s not Woltemade.

Howe has found Newcastle's new Shearer

Shearer was brilliant at Newcastle, scoring 206 goals and supplying 58 assists across 405 matches.

Woltemade has the talent to rival the Premier League icon down the line, but it’s Anthony Gordon who was the star of the show against Benfica, and he’s proving he could emulate the one-time England international.

Indeed, the 24-year-old is now only two goals behind Shearer as Newcastle’s leading scorer in the Champions League proper, and he has four goals from three games this term alone.

Electric on the ball and ravenous for it back when against the opposition’s play, Gordon has ebbed and flowed this season, but he’s starting to find form at a crucial time, and must now transport it back to the domestic scene.

Shearer’s legacy is a peerless one, but Gordon, signed from Everton for £45m nearly three years ago, is becoming the face of his high-flying project, and his chase for Shearer’s European record is one piece of that evidence.

But Gordon’s actually gone one better in black and white: his goal against the Eagles means he is the first Newcastle player in history to net in three successive Champions League matches for the club.

It was a fantastic performance, a demonstration of Gordon’s elite talent and tenacity. The Chronicle Live gave the Three Lions star a flawless 10/10 match rating, praising his lightning speed and prolificness down the left wing, while Geordie content creators, Mouth of the Tyne, remarked that he was back to his “unplayable best.”

Talk about an all-encompassing performance. Gordon might not be an out-and-out striker, but he’s fighting hard to step up and succeed as Newcastle’s attacking talisman.

Alexander Isak may not play for the club anymore, but Newcastle have found a worthy successor in Woltemade, and Gordon is ready to raise his role too.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 21, 2025

The oft-used phrase, “go big or go home,” has perhaps never applied more to a deep-pocketed team like the New York Mets, especially since MLB is the only one of the four major American professional sports leagues without a salary cap.

The Mets clearly went “big” in their pursuit of superstar outfielder Juan Soto this offseason, locking him up to a massive 15-year, $765 million deal amid reported interest from the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, among other suitors. 

In what could be one of the most pivotal signings in Mets’ franchise history, owner Steve Cohen flexed his muscles, opened his wallet and just like that, the deal was done for the four-time All Star.

As a well-known big spender, Cohen previously discussed his willingness to splurge on high-profile stars for the Mets in his ongoing hunt for a World Series title.

“I don’t care about the cost side,” Cohen bluntly said in an interview last April.

When asked whether he saw his lavish spending as philanthropic, Cohen said “I do. That’s why I bought the team. That’s exactly why I bought the team. I said in my original press conference, ‘If I can make millions of people happy, how cool is that?’ And so I actually view it as a civic responsibility.”

The Mets were eliminated from the postseason earlier this fall in a six-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Cohen’s money is literally on Soto hoping he’ll take the Mets farther in 2025 and beyond.