A Chapecoense é a lanterna do Campeonato Brasileiro. Neste domingo, o Verdão do Oeste foi até o Allianz Parque e acabou superado por 3 a 1 pelo Palmeiras.
Autor do único gol da Chape, Busanello afirmou que o time entrou ‘desligado’ e pagou o preço pelos erros.
‘Começamos desligados nos dois jogos. Foram dois gols no primeiro tempo do primeiro jogo e agora três. Fica difícil correr atrás. Tem muito campeonato pela frente e tenho certeza que vamos conseguir algo grande pela frente’, declarou.
Agora, a Chapecoense volta a campo no meio da semana pela Copa do Brasil, quando encara o ABC. No Brasileirão, o rival é o Ceará, na Arena Condá.
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With Wolverhampton Wanderers enjoying a successful maiden campaign under Gary O'Neil, it is clear that the club are eager to back their manager by giving him some much-needed reinforcements this summer.
Striker top of Wolves' shopping list
Despite being rarely shy to splash the cash on a number nine, it is clear that recent high-profile strikers to arrive at Molineux have failed to hit the ground running.
Wolves now eyeing move to sign "complete" new forward who's outscored Hwang
He’s enjoyed an impressive season.
ByTom Cunningham Mar 22, 2024
Despite spending a club record £35m fee to secure his services, Fabio Silva struggled in the Midlands and was eventually shipped off for a loan spell with Rangers. It was a similar story with the 2019 signing of Patrick Cutrone, with the £25m fee spent on the Italian forward yielding just two Premier League goals.
Fabio Silva
Wolves have had some success this season with the partnership of Hwang Hee-chan and Matheus Cunha yielding a combined 19 goals in the Premier League. However, it is still clear that the side is crying out for an out-and-out number nine.
Update on Wolves' Nketiah pursuit
As first reported by Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Wolves are now set to launch a bid to sign Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah. Sources have told the outlet that Crystal Palace and Brentford are also set to join Wolves in the race to secure the 24-year-old's services, giving the Midlands outfit competition for his signature.
It had previously been reported that Wolves expressed an interest in the striker, though this development sees O'Neil's men set to launch a formal bid in order to get their man. The Gunners have reportedly set a minimum price tag of £40m for Nketiah – something of a steal in the modern transfer market.
Sitting on the fringes of the Gunners' starting XI for most of his senior career, it is reported that Kai Havertz's return to form, as well as Arsenal's pursuit of Ivan Toney, is what has led to Nketiah pushing for a move away from north London.
2023/24
24
10
5
2022/23
30
9
4
2021/22
21
8
5
2020/21
17
4
2
2019/20
13
7
2
2018/19
5
0
1
2017/18
3
0
0
Whilst Nketiah's stats for Arsenal don't make for great reading, it has long been common knowledge that the 24-year-old is a quality striker starved of genuine game time. Nketiah stands as the all-time top scorer for England's under-21 side, breaking a record held by Alan Shearer for decades.
August 2023 saw Nketiah earn his first call-up to the senior side, and Three Lions' manager Gareth Southgate was quick to heap praise on the forward, telling the press:
“With Eddie coming in, it is an area where we want to have a look at him. Young player with a lot of pedigree, really good finisher, and the record goalscorer in the Under-21s.”
Club manager Mikel Arteta has been similarly complimentary of the striker, commending his "remarkable" performances earlier in the season.
Nketiah continued his good form at the start of this season by scoring his first career hat-trick in the Gunners' 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United back in October. A glimpse into the quality possessed by the forward, it is clear that under the stewardship of a manager like O'Neil, Nketiah could finally fulfil his potential as a genuine Premier League star.
USWNT sensation Jaedyn Shaw revealed that her childhood nickname was inspired by Brazil legend Neymar.
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Shaw idolised Neymar growing up
Wants to win Olympic gold medal like Brazil star
Has been named in Emma Hayes' USWNT squad for Paris event
WHAT HAPPENED?
The 19-year-old San Diego Wave forward is hoping to emulate her idol Neymar by winning the gold medal at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. Neymar, who helped Brazil win their first-ever gold medal in Olympic football in 2016, has been an inspiration for Shaw since her childhood as she revealed that her nickname in her younger days, 'Jaemar' – an amalgamation of Jaedyn and Neymar – was inspired by the Selecao star.
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Shaw has been named in Emma Hayes' 18-member squad that will travel to Paris later this month to compete at the Olympics. The United States women's national team last grabbed the gold medal in Beijing in 2008 and earned a third-place finish in the last edition in Japan.
WHAT JAEDYN SHAW SAID
In an interview with FIFA.com, Shaw expressed her admiration for the Al-Hilal star as she said: "Yeah, as a kid that was also my nickname [Jaemar] for a while! I actually still have a couple of friends who call me that. My eyes always were just always drawn to him.
"I loved how different he was from everyone else on the field. He made the game fun and I wanted to try all his tricks at home. The difference was he was doing it against world-class defenders, but I was doing it against… Well, literally nobody in my backyard!"
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WHAT NEXT FOR JAEDYN SHAW?
The teenager will be next seen in action on Tuesday as the USWNT play their final friendly game against Costa Rica before jetting off to the French capital.
Glasgow Rangers knew that a win against St Johnstone in the Premiership yesterday would mean they would overhaul Celtic and take top spot in the league table.
Philippe Clement needed no big team talk ahead of the game as every single player knew what was at stake, and they duly delivered on the pitch.
A Mohamed Diomande goal just before halftime settled the nerves that were beginning to build, and the Gers took a one-goal advantage into the interval.
Mohammed Diomande
All that mattered were the three points, but James Tavernier popped up to score two penalties in the final ten minutes to seal a solid 3-0 victory over the Saints.
The result ensured the Light Blues went to the summit, and they now lead their Old Firm rivals by two points, having played the same number of matches, while more crucially, the Ibrox side have a better goal difference.
Despite the positive performance, there were a few players who failed to take their chances during the clash and Cyriel Dessers was poor during his second-half cameo.
Cyriel Dessers was poor once again for Rangers
The 29-year-old striker scored his first brace for the club in the clash against Ross County last week, yet the player also missed four big chances and hit the woodwork as he could have easily scored five or six if he had been more clinical.
This has let him down during his spell in Glasgow and throughout the 2023/24 campaign thus far, Dessers has missed a staggering 20 big chances in the Premiership, indicating a lack of ruthlessness in the opposition penalty area.
Against the Saints, the former Feyenoord frontman came on for the final 21 minutes of the game in place of Fabio Silva, yet he received a Sofascore rating of just 4.8/10 for his cameo, which included hitting the woodwork, missing three big chances, and making only five passes.
Cyriel Dessers
It was yet another wasteful performance and if he had a more ruthless streak in him, Dessers could easily be on 25 goals for the season by now.
Thankfully, others have stepped up to the plate and contributed more effectively in front of goal, which has allowed the Gers to chip away at the goal difference and overhaul Celtic.
While the summer signing was dismal on the weekend, it was the inclusion of Scott Wright that looked like a strange call by the manager as he delivered a woeful display.
Scott Wright’s game in numbers against St Johnstone
The winger has not exactly been the most productive of players since joining the club over three years ago, scoring just ten goals and registering seven assists in over 100 appearances thus far.
These are hardly groundbreaking figures, and it is perplexing that various managers keep persisting with the player out wide.
Wright was given just his fifth Premiership start of the season against the Saints on Sunday and with the chance to go top of the table, it looked like Clement had presented him with an excellent opportunity to showcase his worth.
Rangers winger Scott Wright.
Fast-forward 45 minutes later, and it was yet another disappointing showing on the right flank by the former Aberdeen forward.
The former Aberdeen gem took just 21 touches during the first half along with completing just eight of his 13 passes, making just one key pass, and losing possession on nine occasions.
This shows that he was wasteful on the ball it returned to the opposition almost once every other touch throughout the game.
The winger also won just two of his seven contested duels before he was replaced at halftime by Dujon Sterling, who is a natural full-back.
22
2
34
0
37
7
13
1
The former Chelsea starlet performed much better than Wright despite his lack of experience in an advanced role, and it proves that the 26-year-old must be offered limited opportunities between now and the end of the season.
Overall, the Scottish winger was worse than Dessers as the Nigerian striker, at least, got himself into good positions and provided a threat in front of goal, even if it did not come off for him with the final action.
Whereas, the ex-Dons attacker did not cause many problems for the opposition's defence with his startling lack of impact in the final third, which made it relatively simple for them to defend against him, which was not the case with the former Cremonese whiz.
Scott Wright’s season in numbers
Clement’s squad only includes two natural right-wingers in Wright and Ross McCausland, hence why the Scot has played a few games of late, but it is clear he is not the answer going forward.
Across 14 Premiership matches this term, Wright has averaged just 0.2 shots on target per game, averaged 0.6 key passes per game, and created only one big chance.
Glasgow Rangers forward Scott Wright.
The player has also failed to score or provide an assist and has succeeded with just 0.4 of his attempted dribbles per game, clearly indicating that his performances have been far below the level required this term.
The players who should replace Scott Wright
McCausland is the obvious answer, but the youngster cannot be expected to perform to his talents in every single match, especially as he is still learning and developing.
The Northern Irishman has contributed a goal and three assists in the league, while creating two big chances and making 1.7 key passes, proving that he should be the first choice right-winger in the squad.
Rangers forward Ross McCausland.
Sterling could also be utilised there in case of an emergency, and he shone against the Saints on Sunday.
The defender-turned-midfielder missed a big chance, was successful with one of his two attempted dribbles, delivered an accurate cross, and also managed to win the team a penalty during the latter stages of the match, which sealed all three points.
His versatility is proving to be a very useful tool for Clement to utilise and, given that he is looking for gametime, no position appears to be off limits for the 24-year-old.
The summer transfer window cannot come soon enough for the Belgian coach, however, as there are several areas of his squad that need some more depth and quality added to them.
While Wright still has one more year on his current deal, the chances of him departing this summer appear fairly high, and it could bring in some decent funds for Clement to use on his squad.
His performance against the Perth outfit summed up his career at Ibrox, one that could have perhaps been better if he had taken the numerous opportunities presented to him by different managers.
Steven Gerrard, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Michael Beale and now Clement have all trusted him in matches, but he has failed to really demonstrate his true abilities on a consistent basis for the Gers.
Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez signed with Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah after ending a two-decade association with the Spanish giants.
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Nacho left Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia
Had undergone a medical in Germany
Was also linked with a move to Al-Ittihad
WHAT HAPPENED?
Nacho's departure from Real Madrid was announced on Tuesday, concluding a remarkable 23-year tenure with the club. The 34-year-old defender, who joined Madrid as a 10-year-old, will move to the newly promoted Saudi Pro League (SPL) side. He has already completed his medical in Germany where he is currently completing his commitments with Spain at Euro 2024.
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During his time at Madrid, Nacho became a pivotal figure in the squad, known for his versatility, leadership, and defensive prowess. He leaves the club with an impressive haul of 26 trophies, including six Champions League titles, making him the most decorated player in Madrid's storied history, along with Luka Modric.
WHAT NACHO SAID
"I'm so grateful to Real Madrid," Nacho told reporters at a Spain news conference on Thursday.
"Until a few days ago, I hadn't signed for my new club and Madrid told me they would be there if I changed my mind. I don't need a send-off like [Toni] Kroos had to realise how much I'm loved.
"I always had clear that if I didn't finish my career at Madrid, I wouldn't want to play against them. I want to experience something new, something different. My life is going to be turned upside down but that's what I want. I'm very happy."
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WHAT NEXT?
Nacho's legacy at Real Madrid is cemented by his loyalty, dedication, and numerous contributions to the club's success. Joining Madrid as a young boy and rising through the ranks to become captain, he has left an indelible mark on the club. His move to Al-Qadsiah represents a significant shift not only for him but also for the Saudi Pro League, which continues to attract high-profile players from around the world. His presence is expected to boost the league's profile and bring valuable experience to his new team.
West Ham United have completed their first piece of transfer business this month by securing midfielder Kalvin Phillips on loan until the end of the season.
The Englishman made just ten appearances for Manchester City this term and a move to London could reinvigorate him.
It is a wise move by David Moyes to bring him on board. Could Moyes perhaps make a move for another Premier League star in the coming days?
West Ham’s search for new signings
According to TalkSPORT, West Ham have been offered the chance to sign Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson this month as the Magpies look to ease their concerns over breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.
Callum Wilson.
Chelsea have also been offered the player and Newcastle are hoping for between £18m and £20m, which, on the surface, could be a solid deal for Moyes to make, especially with Wilson’s record in the top flight.
One thing that the Irons need is a reliable centre-forward if they hope to potentially claim another trophy under Moyes and Wilson could be an ideal candidate, especially as he is much better than Danny Ings.
The stats that show why Callum Wilson is better than Danny Ings
Throughout his career, Wilson has played 215 Premier League matches and scored 86 goals, while Ings has featured in 216 games in the top flight, but has netted 70 goals during those matches.
This means Wilson has netted once every 2.5 matches, while Ings scores once every three games and this ratio could tempt Moyes into making a concrete offer for the striker.
The current Irons' striker has not enjoyed the best of times since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, scoring only ten goals during the previous 18 months.
Callum Wilson's domestic stats since the start of last season
2022/23
2023/24
Goals
18
7
Assists
5
1
Shots on target per game
1.1
1.3
Big chances created
5
1
Goal frequency (minutes per goal)
105
104
Stats via Sofascore
In comparison, the Newcastle forward has netted 26 goals since the start of last season and while this term has not been as prolific, he has still outperformed Ings.
Indeed, during 2023/24 so far, the former Bournemouth star has not only registered more goal contributions (eight vs zero) but also more shots on target per 90 (1.86 vs 0.76), more shot-creating actions (15 vs 12) and more touches in the opposition penalty area (59 vs 13) and these figures clearly show who would be the better option for Moyes.
Wilson was hailed as “incredible” by Eddie Howe at the beginning of last season, and he played a vital role in the Magpies securing their first top four finish since the 2002/03 season.
This season has not been as impressive, yet the 31-year-old marksman has still bagged seven league goals despite missing 14 matches through a variety of injury issues.
If Moyes can get back fit and firing, then his goals could go a long way to leading West Ham to yet another top eight finish under the Scot.
The club are also into the last 16 of the Europa League and the former Manchester United boss lead his charges to another continental trophy with Wilson's help at the top end of the pitch.
The signing of Philipps is a big coup and a move for Wilson would also be a big statement of intent by the Irons as they chase glory and go in search of an upgrade on Ings.
Sepp van den Berg accused Liverpool of sabotaging his future as he looks to exit Anfield permanently this summer.
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Van den Berg hits out at LiverpoolSpent last season on loan at MainzMade only four senior appearances for the RedsWHAT HAPPENED?
The Dutch defender joined the Reds in 2019 from PEC Zwolle but in the last five years he made just foursenior appearances for the club and had three different loan spells at Preston North End, Schalke and most recently Mainz.
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The Reds are now looking to sell the player permanently in the upcoming summer transfer and have set a price at £20 million ($25.6m) amid interest from Premier League clubs Brentford and Southampton. Mainz too attempted to make his signing permanent for under £5m ($6m) but the Merseyside club are not ready to let him leave for such a small sum of money.
WHAT VAN DEN BERG SAID
In an explosive interview with , the 22-year-old claimed that the Premier League giants are trying to spoil his future as he said, "I knew that I couldn't get from PEC Zwolle [straight] to Liverpool's first team. I could have been at Liverpool for one or two more years, but I wanted to play with all my might. I demanded to be [loaned] out. Every time, because I felt that I was getting better and better. I also made great strides physically.
"Just the whole [first] season. On the one hand, that was great. Yes, how does that work, you're 17, 18 years old, you're central to the defence in training against the starting XI, you have to build up and then Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah come running towards you. It was tough, but I enjoyed it. But in all honesty, I wasn't looked after anymore. I also felt 'ready' [in 2021]. I had a good conversation with the management. He said he had received good reports. I understood that I wasn't going to play Van Dijk, Matip or Konate out [the team]. But I thought I could be right behind it. When I didn't get a chance again, I said: 'Figure it out, I want to leave."
He added, "You (Liverpool) didn't exude confidence in me all this time, but you do want to hinder my future. I want to keep playing every week and develop myself further. In Germany, I enjoy Dortmund away with 70,000 people, Bayern Munich away against Harry Kane, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Leverkusen, against clubs like that I am challenged every week."
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(C)GettyImagesWHAT NEXT?
The young defender who appeared in 36 games across all competitions this season for the German side, will aim to find an amicable solution with the Premier League giants to seal a move away from the club.
Pair of 22-year-olds dominate second day at Old Trafford while Keaton Jennings falls just shy of a century
Paul Edwards at Old Trafford15-May-2019 Nearly thirty years ago that fine writer Neville Scott collaborated with Geoff Cook on a book entitled . Subtitled “An Anatomy of Professional Cricket” it examined, among other things, the tests a player had to survive if he was to prosper in the county game. Despite the various revolutions and fandangos cricket has experienced since its publication Scott and Cook’s book retains its value. One has only to watch Rob Jones bat or Luke Wood bowl to be reminded of its wisdom and insight.Both Jones and Wood are finding their way in the game yet these 22-year-olds dominated much of this second day at Emirates Old Trafford. Jones’ 152-stand with Keaton Jennings had given Lancashire the opportunity to establish unassailable dominance until Wood, who had removed Joe Burns some five hours earlier, produced a couple of inswingers to account for Liam Livingstone, bowled for a third-ball duck, and Jones, who was leg before on the front foot for 67.But the wickets of Jones and Livingstone were no more than the filling in an unpalatable post-tea sandwich for Lancashire’s batsmen, four of whom fell to the second new ball. Their side’s collapse from 188 for 2 to 209 for 6 had begun Ben Sanderson produced a fine lifting delivery which brushed the shoulder of Jennings’ bat on the way to Ricardo Vasconcelos. Jennings had made 97 in over five hours and had shown typically firm resolve on a pitch which permits few liberties. Ten overs after his departure, Vasconcelos was called into action again when Steven Croft edged Jamie Overton wide to the keeper’s right.The flurry of wickets ceased when Tom Bailey joined Dane Vilas and this pair had shared an unbroken stand of 67 by the close. That gave Lancashire a first-innings lead of 46 with power to add on the third morning. But as spectators made their way home from Old Trafford this evening it would not be surprising if a few of them were reflecting on the technical excellence of Jones and Wood, two cricketers born three months apart who share a green and white dream.This is Jones’s 15th first-class match. He has been in and out of Lancashire’s team since making a brave century against Middlesex in only his third appearance in 2016. He won a regular place in the eleven about halfway through last summer but his place on the team-sheet is now secure. There is no case against selecting a player who makes a century and a 67 in successive games.Wood, who has a contract at Nottinghamshire, has played over twice as many top-level matches as Jones but has recently been loaned to both Worcestershire and Northamptonshire. His ability to swing the new ball testifies both to his ability and to the strength of seam bowling at Trent Bridge, whose coaches have given him the chance to play elsewhere. The ball which had Burns caught behind in the third over of the day was pushed across the Australian opener whereas that which bowled Livingstone curved in deliciously before plucking out the off pole.Jones also has the attributes of a formidable cricketer. His forward defensive is cricket’s equivalent of a government bond and his driving through the off side possesses the same technical accuracy as his less flashy strokes. Wood could have testified to the latter a few hours before he took his wicket. But this was a day on which batsmen had to wait for their opportunities against an accurate attack. Both Jennings and Jones did so during their 63-over stand and it was a particular shame that Jennings fell three runs short of his century. On the other hand, he would have been dismissed for five runs fewer had Sanderson accepted a simple chance at short fine leg off Rob Keogh just before tea.Jones still has much to learn. The coaches at Old Trafford will tell him as much and he will take it in. He was dropped on 47 when he failed to cover Overton’s bounce and Temba Bavuma grassed a two-handed slip chance many good club cricketers would describe as easy. Four overs later he reached his fifty off the same bowler with a scurried single which was immediately upgraded to a three by a couple of buzzers. And one wondered at tea whether Jones might make the most of his escape to score his second century in three championship innings.Wood put an end to such notions but the exploits of both these young players were a reminder there are times when we should set aside the easy allegiances of birth, upbringing or partiality. It is Maytime in England. Rob Jones and Luke Wood are attempting to cross the narrow line. The heart dances at the thought they might succeed.
Andre Russell and Nitish Rana plundered a barrage of boundaries in the death overs but fell short in the last over
The Report by Danyal Rasool19-Apr-20195:54
Dasgupta: It was way too much in the end for Rana and Russell
At the conclusion of the first quarter of the match, Kolkata Knight Riders had Royal Challengers Bangalore, the worst team in the tournament by some distance, plodding along at 70 for 2. From that position, they found themselves so thoroughly blitzed by the tournament’s basement dwellers for the next 20 overs they ended up losing by ten runs, despite another blitz from – who else? – Andre Russell. His 25-ball 65 took Knight Riders to within two lusty blows, but carnage in the final ten overs of Royal Challengers’ innings, which saw Virat Kohli’s side plunder 143 runs, meant too much damage had been done. A chase that never really got off the ground whimpered to what, in hindsight, was an inevitable conclusion, with the crucial blows struck before Russell had a realistic chance at scything down the required 214.Kohli’s timing metamorphised from that of an ancient hourglass to an atomic clock within the space of a half dozen overs as he broke out of his recent rusty spell to smash his first IPL century since 2016. In truth, poor bowling and fielding by Knight Riders, who simply couldn’t stem the tide that began with a 28-ball 66 from Moeen Ali, helped Royal Challengers along significantly. In the chase, Knight Riders lost three wickets in the Powerplay, and Nitish Rana and Robin Uthappa were nowhere near matching the required rate. Russell’s arrival galvanised them sensationally as Royal Challengers must have wondered if they would somehow lose again. But Kohli’s brilliance and Knight Riders’ lack of sparkle in the first 12 overs ensured it was a position so impregnable even Royal Challengers couldn’t squander it.Two halves of KohliHarry Gurney, Sunil Narine and Russell all looked on top of Kohli in the first nine overs. The captain nudged and nurdled at one end, looking a shadow of the player he usually is. Fortune played no small part in the fact he remained at the crease till the end of the innings, with many mistimed slogs and pulls landing just short of fielders, or just above them. Even when he reached a half-century, it came off 40 balls, and in modern T20 cricket, that sort of innings usually does more harm to one’s side than good.But, perhaps buoyed by Moeen’s free-flowing belligerence from the other end, Kohli found his own touch. Nineteen off the 17th over from Gurney and another 19 off the penultimate one took Kohli through to his nineties, and a boundary from the second-last ball of the innings moved him through to three figures. The second fifty had come in 17 balls, and no matter how modern the era, that is often match-winning.Virat Kohli paced his fifth IPL century to perfection•BCCI
Kuldeep’s shockerThis match had its fair share of excitement, but by the IPL’s high standards the quality of cricket was notably deficient in certain passages of play. Once Royal Challengers got going, Knight Riders’ plans seemed so rigid it appeared every other ball would go for six, and the over from Kuldeep Yadav to Moeen – the 16th over – was perhaps emblematic of this. He went for three sixes and two fours, bowling more or less the same delivery each time. The one occasion the long-on fielder was in the game, he came in and saw the ball sail over his head. It was the start of a horror little passage of play for Kuldeep, who conceded 59 in his four overs. In the final over, Kuldeep overran a ball that ended up going for four, and three balls later, was slow on the dive to see another ball reach the boundary, giving Kohli his century.Royal Challengers’ fielding wasn’t nearly up to the mark either, but Knight Riders had just about outdone them in that department.Knight Riders’ insipid responseChasing 214 needed a swift response, but the momentum was all with Royal Challengers by that point. They had managed just three wickets in the Powerplay overs all tournament, but with Dale Steyn playing his first IPL game in three years, they had Chris Lynn in the first over – but for a dropped catch it would have been first ball. By the end of the fourth over, Shubman Gill and Sunil Narine would also have departed. What followed in the next seven overs was perhaps even more damaging, as Rana and Uthappa stumbled along, accumulating just 46 off 41 balls in a partnership that would have had Russell fuming in the dugout. That they ended up taking it so close spoke of the need to get him in earlier.The blitzkriegFor all the magnificence of Russell, the fact that Knight Riders ended up losing this game by just 10 runs was as illustrative of his explosiveness as any game he has won for his side. With 113 required off the final six, Russell gave the visitors such a fright it almost sapped all the joy of the eventual victory out of Kohli’s team. There were nine towering sixes in 25 balls as it came down to Moeen and the final over before victory could at last be guaranteed for Royal Challengers. Rana had made amends at the other end and finished with an entirely creditable 85 off 46, but the game had come much too close for comfort as far as Royal Challengers were concerned.
Russell Martin didn't take long to find his feet at Southampton and could yet take the Saints back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
With Ipswich Town slipping up in recent weeks, drawing against rivals Norwich City and then suffering a 4-0 thrashing against Leeds United before drawing against Leicester City, Southampton could be primed to take charge in the race to go up. As the January transfer window swings open, Martin could look to secure a number of new faces who could go on to define Southampton's season. And among those potentially arriving may well be one particular Premier League player.
Southampton transfer news
Despite losing both James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia in the summer transfer window, Southampton did well to keep hold of a number of solid performers. The likes of Che Adams and Adam Armstrong stayed put to hand Martin an early boost in his tenure. Now, however, the manager can turn his attention back to reinforcements ahead of the winter window opening in a matter of days.
Reports suggest that the Saints are even eyeing a move to sign a player on loan from a rival club in the top flight. According to Alex Crook of talkSPORT, Southampton want to sign Bournemouth winger David Brooks on loan in January.
Facing competition from Leeds for Brooks' signature, if Bournemouth decide to sanction a January move, Southampton could land themselves a major advantage in the race for promotion over Daniel Farke's side. The Wales midfielder certainly has the quality to make all the difference and could have a big decision to make next month.
"Intelligent" Brooks could help Southampton seal promotion
After returning from a battle with long-term illness, Brooks has shown glimpses of nearing his best for Bournemouth this season so could help the club push for promotion. First, however, the 26-year-old needs consistent game time – something that may not come at the Vitality as Brooks' stats show.
The winger has started just twice in the Premier League this season and could look to a side like Southampton to gain first-team action. With three goal involvements in that time too, the Welshman may burst into life with more action, something which has been seen with another loanee in Ryan Fraser, who is growing into life at St Mary's.
David Brooks
Earning plenty of praise during his time at Bournemouth, former boss and current Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said back in 2018:
"It has typified his introduction to the club. He has played ever so well for us, he has got a creative flair, non-stop energy and he took his goals really well today. He is a player that can do a little bit of everything, he is very good offensively, is creative, turns well with the ball and is very intelligent. His first goal was sublime and his second was very clever because he was running at an angle and just directed it backwards behind him which was really impressive."