Alex Hepburn, the former Worcestershire allrounder, has been suspended from playing in ECB competitions for 10 years by the Cricket Discipline Commission, three years after serving a prison sentence for rape.Earlier this year, Hepburn was charged by the Cricket Regulator with two breaches of ECB Directive 3.3. The first related to his conviction in 2019, for which he was released in October 2021 after serving two years of a five-year sentence, while the second related to his participation in a misogynistic Whatsapp group during his playing days with Worcestershire in 2017.Hepburn, now 28, has not played professionally since the details of his arrest in April 2017 were made public. In the course of his four-day trial, it was heard how Hepburn had “dehumanised” women, rating them in text messages to his team-mates in a “sexual conquest competition”.He was subsequently found guilty on one count of oral rape, after an attack that took place in the flat that he shared with his then team-mate, Joe Clarke, with whom the victim had initially believed she was having sex. He appealed against the conviction, but the appeal was dismissed in September 2020.Given Hepburn’s time in prison, the Cricket Regulator was only able to serve him notification of the charge earlier this year, but his suspension has been backdated to the date of his release, on October 30, 2021. The suspension relating on the second charge, for a period of two years, is deemed to have been already served.A statement from the Cricket Regulator added: “Mr Hepburn failed to respond to the charge letter and related communication. As such, the CDC panel reached its decision in his absence. Mr Hepburn has not appealed the CDC panel’s decision.”Hepburn will also have to undertake “appropriate professional treatment” for the issues which led to his criminal conviction, and undertake appropriate training and education courses before he will be permitted to play, coach or undertake any cricket-related activity which falls under the authority of the ECB.He has also been placed on the sex offenders register for life as part of his conviction.

Birmingham City co-owners Tom Wagner and Tom Brady are now in very advanced talks to sign a £10m+ star for Chris Davies, according to a new transfer report.

Birmingham City seal Demarai Gray return

It has been a busy summer transfer window so far for the Blues ahead of their Championship return, with a number of new players arriving at St Andrew’s ahead of the 2025/26 season.

One of the latest additions is former academy star Demarai Gray, who has returned to Birmingham nine years on after leaving for Leicester City. The winger joins from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq and has penned a three-year deal with the Blues.

Talking after returning to the club, Gray said: “To be back here now means a lot and having tasted success a bit throughout my career, I’m hungry and I really want to do it here with Birmingham and try and help the team get back to where we belong.

“It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time. Seeing some old faces is always nice, to be back around the stadium brought back a lot of feelings and I can’t wait to get going now, get back in front of the fans and see where this season can take us.”

Birmingham City enter race to sign £6m "monster" ahead of Sheffield United

The Blues have joined the race to sign a defender from a Premier League club.

2

By
Brett Worthington

Jul 2, 2025

Wagner and Brady aren’t showing any signs of stopping, though, and there has been a promising development in the club’s pursuit of Rennes forward Kyogo Furuhashi.

Birmingham City in “very advanced” talks for £10m+ Kyogo Furuhashi

According to reliable French outlet L’Équipe, Birmingham City are now in “very advanced” talks to sign Furuhashi from Rennes.

A deal is ‘close to being concluded’ and it may be worth a total of €12m (£10.3m), the same figure Rennes paid Celtic for the Japan international earlier this year.

Furuhashi has struggled in France after leaving Glasgow, however, he certainly enjoyed his time in the UK, scoring on a regular basis and winning numerous honours with the Scottish giants.

Kyogo Furuhashi’s Celtic stats
Games	165
Goals	85
Assists	19
Minutes played	10,741
Trophies won	9

Called an “elite striker” by Brendan Rodgers during his time at Celtic, whereas Ange Postecoglou also waxed lyrical of the forward when he was Hoops manager.

Now, it looks as if Davies could have the hard-working striker at St Andrew’s potentially lining up alongside Gray and Jay Stansfield in the Championship.

Arsenal chiefs are still working to back manager Mikel Arteta with just weeks remaining of the summer transfer window.

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The Gunners also have just over a fortnight remaining before their opening game of the new Premier League season, with Arteta’s side set to face off against Man United at Old Trafford.

In an ideal world, sporting director Andrea Berta would have concluded the majority of Arsenal’s transfer business by that point, but regardless, the Italian has still made a sensational start to life in his new role at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£208m

Berta has splashed north of £200 million on deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and headline-dominating number nine, Viktor Gyokeres, in that order, and these moves could be key to Arsenal ending their two-decade-long wait for a league title.

Gyokeres made his first ever cameo in red and white during a pre-season friendly defeat to Tottenham earlier this week, with Arteta praising the energy he brought alongside fellow new arrival Mosquera.

“I’m really happy to have them here,” said Arteta in a post-match press conference.

“I think they are going to add a lot of value. You see straight away the energy and the quality they are going to bring. It was a short one, but at least that one is over now and when they play against Villareal now, I’m sure it will be different.”

Despite their priority to sell players right now, Arsenal are still pursuing Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.

The 27-year-old is regarded as a different-style number 10 to that of club captain Martin Odegaard, and one who can provide a more direct threat in terms of goals compared to the Norwegian (Sky Sports).

Eze can also fill in on either wing, with his versatility and proven record in the final third (14 goals and 11 assists last season) coming as other major attractions for Arteta’s side.

Arsenal reach "agreement" on first payment for Eberechi Eze

Reliable reports now claim that Eze’s £60 million release clause, which could rise to £68 million with bonuses, actually expires tonight at 11:59pm – giving Berta and co mere hours to activate it.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal take the plunge, or opt to negotiate with Palace after the deadline, but Football Transfers claim that some progress has been made on a deal for the England international.

The outlet states that Arsenal have reached an agreement over the first down payment for Eze, which they state will be around £30 million, with the north Londoners expected to eventually pay a total of £68m – which is a similar fee to his clause.

FT believe that the main issue holding up Eze’s switch is Palace’s search for a replacement, with Oliver Glasner’s side looking to secure a suitable heir before they green-light the former QPR star’s exit.

Arteta, meanwhile, is believed to be “prioritising” Eze deal and thinks his signing is nearly as important as their deal for Gyokeres.

According to Sky Switzerland’s Sacha Tavolieri, Palace are eyeing Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss as one option, but it hasn’t stretched beyond interest just yet.

Not much can often be taken away from pre-season friendlies, but Sunderland’s winless streak continued this summer against Hull City last time out.

The Tigers hosting the pre-season affair would come away from the contest as slim 2-1 victors, with Simon Adingra’s opener for the Black Cats not enough to sway the tie in their favour.

The alarm bells aren’t being sounded just yet, however, as it’s to be expected that Regis Le Bris’ troops will look somewhat disjointed, especially as the barrage of new signings through the door attempt to become more and more used to each other on the pitch.

More fresh buys will soon be chucked into the mix, as well, as Sunderland’s flash summer spending shows no sign of stopping.

Sunderland consider deal for £26m star

Reports are now even suggesting that the Premier League newcomers are closing in on an Anthony Patterson replacement in goal.

Indeed, NEC Nijmegen goalkeeper Robin Roefs is set to leave the Netherlands behind for pastures new on Wearside, following in the footsteps of Granit Xhaka, who has finally sealed a switch from Bayer Leverkusen to Le Bris and Co. after tonnes of rampant speculation.

Sunderland could soon make it a hat-trick of exciting purchases by landing Galatasaray star Barış Alper Yılmaz, with a development by Turkish outlet Sabah Spor via X revealing that the Black Cats have made contact regarding a move, having been knocking on the Super Lig outfit’s door over a potential £26m deal.

Gabriel Sara is also allegedly on the Premier League side’s radar from the Turkish giants, but if Sunderland were to press on and snap up Yilmaz’s signature, they might well be about to pick up their next version of Amad Diallo, as another direct and entertaining attacker, like the Ivorian, calls the Stadium of Light home.

Why Yilmaz can be Sunderland's next Amad

Of course, Sunderland would be able to win Yilmaz outright, with Amad slipping through their fingers, unfortunately, after a breakneck loan stint at the club.

In total for the Black Cats, during the 2022/23 season, the now Manchester United first-teamer would collect a sublime 14 goals and four assists from 42 appearances, as his short-term heroics nearly saw promotion to the Premier League become a reality.

Often, the goals put away by Amad during his loan spell on Wearside were audacious, with Yilmaz also prone to an eye-catching strike himself, if this link-up play above with the aforementioned Sara is anything to go by, alongside the skilful effort being hammered home.

Last season in Super Lig action, the Galatasaray number 53 would chip in with similar numbers to Amad’s Sunderland stay down the Ivorian’s trusty right flank, with 12 goals and three assists registered just in the league, as well as showing off his class in the Europa League with a further goal and two assists tallied up.

Shots

3.70

2.34

Shot-creating actions

4.86

4.61

Progressive passes

2.43

2.81

Progressive carries

5.09

5.44

Successful take-ons

1.50

1.98

Touches in attacking penalty area

6.71

6.16

Progressive passes received

14.11

10.31

This blistering form in Turkey means he’s on the same pedestal as Amad in the here and now, too, with more shots and shot-creating actions managed by Yilmaz over the last year, when weighed up next to his Red Devils counterpart.

Moreover, it’s clear from the table above that both players get a buzz out of being gung-ho attackers, with progressive carries a particular standout aspect of both of their enthusiastic games.

His impressive skillset when marauding forward has even seen Turkish journalist Uğur Karakullukçu label the 25-year-old as an “animal”, alongside being donned as a “very special” talent ready for the Premier League by ex-coach Selçuk İnan.

There is a risk involved, considering £26m is a lot to fork out on an attacker not used to the Premier League. But, Sunderland’s gamble on Amad once upon a time paid off tremendously, with the hope that this deal is similarly golden in helping the Black Cats comfortably avoid relegation.

Finally replace Jobe: Sunderland make contact over "incredible" £26m star

Sunderland could be about to replace Jobe Bellingham by signing this entertaining £26m ace.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 30, 2025

Manchester United are in a race with Liverpool to sign an “outstanding” £30 million midfielder, according to a new report.

Man Utd make contact for Martinez as INEOS ramp up summer plans

As the transfer window hits the midway point of July, the Red Devils will be disappointed that they have just got one senior signing through the door. The next arrival at Old Trafford appears likely to be Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, despite the fact that the Premier League giants are struggling to agree a fee with the London side.

Man Utd now in formal talks with Aston Villa to sign "world-class" £40m ace

Man Utd have finally begun official talks.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 16, 2025

After that, United are still in the market to strengthen their midfield and forward line, and despite Andre Onana still being at the club, they could now be targeting a new goalkeeper. That is because, according to journalist Gaston Edul, United are in talks with Aston Villa over signing Emiliano Martinez.

The Red Devils are said to have advanced their interest in the Argentina goalkeeper but have yet to make a formal offer, with the Villans looking to get around £40 million for their shot-stopper, while United are hoping they can agree a deal in the region of £33 million.

Interest in Martinez comes as questions about the form and fitness of Onana have come into focus. The Cameroon international had a very turbulent 2024/25, and he could be missing at the start of the 2025/26 season after picking up a hamstring injury.

Man Utd join race for Wolves star Andre

As the Red Devils begin talks to sign Martinez, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, relayed by TEAMtalk, Man United have registered their interest in signing Andre from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The report states that as well as United, arch-rivals Liverpool are also interested in signing the Brazilian and, like United, have approached Wolves to make their interest known. It goes on to add that even though Wolves only signed Andre last summer, they would be willing to sell should they receive a fee of £30 million.

The 24-year-old, who has been dubbed “outstanding” by former Wolves player Andy Thompson, joined the Midlands side for a fee of £21 million last summer, meaning the Premier League side would be making a small return should he leave for £30 million in this transfer window.

Apps

33

Starts

31

Passing accuracy per game

37.7 (93%)

Touches

52.2

Big chances created

1

Key passes per game

0.5

Interceptions per game

1.1

Tackles per game

2.8

Clearances per game

0.9

Andre, who has been capped 12 times by Brazil, played 33 times for Wolves in the Premier League last season, 31 of which he started. The midfielder operated at the base of Wolves’ midfield, and his potential arrival at Old Trafford would likely see him replace Casemiro, who looks set to stay at United but may not feature regularly.

Andre is under contract until 2029, so Wolves are under no pressure to sell the midfielder, which makes the reported asking price somewhat of a question mark.

South Africa 307 for 2 (De Zorzi 141*, Stubbs 106, Bedingham 18*) vs Bangladesh It was a coming of age day for two of South Africa’s top three as Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs both scored their first Test centuries in Chattogram. De Zorzi and Stubbs, with eight and five Test caps to their names respectively, shared South Africa’s third-highest second-wicket stand in Asia of 201 to put South Africa in a strong position to push for a series sweep.They made the most of batter-friendly conditions with little seam movement, swing or steep bounce and only hints of turn to assist the home attack. Bangladesh’s bowlers had little to work with and the best they managed was to keep South Africa quiet in patches. Their tall seamer Nahid Rana was the most impressive of the five-man attack and reached speeds of up to 148kph but went wicketless. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam picked up from where he left off after a five-for in Mirpur and was the only bowler to take wickets, although Hasan Mahmud will feel hard done by. De Zorzi was dropped off him twice, on 6 and 69, on his way to an unbeaten 141.South Africa started the day strongly as stand-in captain Aiden Markram and de Zorzi motored at 4.6 runs an over in the first hour. They hit four fours and a six between them as South Africa reached morning drinks on 60 without loss. The only threat came from Hasan, who took de Zorzi’s edge with the first ball of his fourth over but debutant wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam could not hold on. Bangladesh turned to spin from both ends after that and it brought success for Taijul. Markram advanced down the track to a ball that was not as short as he anticipated and chipped it to Mominul Haque at mid-on.Related

• Sweeping success – Stubbs takes the cue from de Zorzi to put the heat on Bangladesh

• WTC final scenarios – What do SA need to do?

• Jaker Ali ruled out of second Test with concussion

• Cricket and chaos – Bangladesh are used to it, but Shanto wants out

Markram’s dismissal allowed Bangladesh to pull the scoring rate back. They did not concede a boundary for 21 deliveries as Stubbs played himself in. He found his first four when he reverse-swept Mehidy Hasan Miraz behind point but then Bangladesh reapplied the squeeze. Another 28 balls were bowled for just 14 runs before de Zorzi brought up South Africa’s hundred with a sumptuous cover drive. De Zorzi went to lunch one away from a third Test fifty and got there in the over after the break.The opening exchanges of the afternoon session were difficult for South Africa and they went 91 deliveries between boundaries as they navigated Rana’s pace and small amounts of proper turn from Taijul. Nahid’s lengths were improved from the fuller ones he employed in the morning and he stuck to back-of-a-length balls which proved difficult to get away. But he did not come close to a wicket. Instead it was Mahmud who should have had something to show for his efforts. He drew de Zorzi forward again and took the edge but the chance slipped through the hands of Shadman Islam at first slip, de Zorzi and South Africa survived a period in which they scored only 34 runs in 13 overs after lunch and then things opened up a bit for them.The next eight overs brought 32 runs at a healthier scoring rate and Stubbs brought up his second Test fifty. Stubbs grew in confidence when he hit Mehidy over the sightscreen for six and de Zorzi followed suit by entering the nineties by sending Taijul over long-on. De Zorzi reached his hundred with a sweep shot off Mehidy through square leg and celebrated his achievement to warm applause from the dug out, which included injured captain Temba Bavuma. De Zorzi is only the second black African batter from South Africa to score a Test hundred, after Bavuma.2:12

‘You can’t buy that pace’ – Phil Simmons impressed with Nahid Rana

As de Zorzi struggled with cramps, Stubbs faced 25 of the first 30 deliveries after tea and showed good intent. He was particularly severe on Mehidy, charging him twice for six and reverse-sweeping him for four to near the nineties and knuckle down. De Zorzi struggled to run between the wickets so the pair quietened down and Stubbs spent 39 balls getting from 88 to 100. He did it with a single to deep point and a standing ovation from everyone in the South African camp.Stubbs was bowled in the next over by a ball that kept low from Taijul with about half an hour left of play in the day. South Africa saw that as a license to attack. De Zorzi and David Bedingham played with freedom and scored 34 runs in the six overs that followed as Bangladesh awaited the second new ball. They were also without their captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for that period after he left the field with what seemed like illness. Taijul led in his absence and took the second new ball as soon as it became available. Mehidy bowled one over with it before the players came off for bad light, with the day’s accolades going to de Zorzi.South Africa went into this series with only two specialist batters in their squad with playing experience in the subcontinent and only one, Markram, with a century in Asia. The other, Bavuma, was ruled out of the series with injury, which left them further bereft of experience. A Test and a day into the series they have four batters in the playing XI who have scored centuries in the subcontinent.

Arsenal have already seen a few big names depart the club this summer, but more squad members face Mikel Arteta’s swinging axe before deadline day on September 1.

Arsenal could also terminate 23-year-old's contract after Takehiro Tomiyasu

He’s ready to accept an offer to leave.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 16, 2025

The Gunners could have a completely different look to them by the time they face Man United in their first Premier League game of the season next month, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera joining the club this summer.

Madueke put pen to paper on his contract to become a new Arsenal player on Wednesday (Fabrizio Romano), while Mosquera is set to sign his own long-term deal with Arteta’s side this week too.

The five new arrivals replace Jorginho, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Marquinhos, Nuno Tavares and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who’ve all departed N5 for pastures new, with more surplus players in line to follow them.

According to The Athletic, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira and Oleksandr Zinchenko could all leave Arsenal, with uncertainty also surrounding both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

It is a similar case for winger Reiss Nelson, who spent half of last season on loan at Fulham before it was cut short by a hamstring injury.

The 25-year-old has been hailed by Arteta in previous campaigns, but given the abundance of quality wingers in their squad, not to mention Arsenal’s ongoing pursuit of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, there is simply no space for Nelson.

“We think the potential is there and we think we’ve seen something in Reiss that is special,” said Arteta about Nelson in 2023.

“He’s been a part of our academy system and now he’s going to have an opportunity. He’s been out for almost three months with an injury, he’s back now, he’s fully fit, and he’s ready to play. He just needs minutes now.

“His attitude and the way he’s matured and evolved over the past year or so has been really impressive, I think everybody is talking about it, and now he needs to do it on the pitch.”

Fulham in talks to re-sign Reiss Nelson from Arsenal

Now, according to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel, it appears Fulham are ready to make Nelson their first deal of the summer.

Fulham have entered talks with Arsenal over re-signing Nelson, again on loan, and all parties are working towards finding a solution which would allow the Englishman to return to Craven Cottage for another spell.

Nelson has been on a succession of loan moves away from Arsenal since making his senior debut all the way back in 2017.

Over the last eight years, he’s donned the jerseys of Hoffenheim, Feyenoord and Fulham whilst failing to work his way into becoming a regular starter for his boyhood club – despite Arteta’s praise and some key moments in flashes.

Now is surely the time to try and seal a permanent exit for him, with Nelson’s contract also expiring in just two years.

MatériaMais Notícias

Apresentador do “Seleção Sportv”, André Rizek comentou, durante o programa da última terça-feira, sobre a “Operação Penalidade Máxima”, que investiga a manipulação de resultados de jogos do futebol brasileiro. O jornalista lamentou um novo escândalo envolvendo interferências externas na modalidade e cobrou rapidez do Governo Federal no processo de regulamentação das casas de apostas.

Rizek foi um dos jornalistas da revista “Veja” a ajudar a revelar o caso da “Máfia dos Apitos”, em 2005. Esquema onde árbitros estavam manipulando resultados de partidas dos principais torneios nacionais para ajudar apostadores a lucrarem com os placares encomendados.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoSaiba quais são os jogos da Série A do Brasileirão investigados por manipulaçãoFora de Campo19/04/2023Fora de CampoJogador confessa ter participado de esquema de manipulação de jogo entre Palmeiras e Juventude, diz MPFora de Campo19/04/2023Fora de CampoClubes de jogadores investigados por manipulação de resultados se posicionam; vejaFora de Campo18/04/2023

+Vitor Roque na mira de gigante inglês, zagueiro do Corinthians cobiçado por clubes brasileiros… O Dia do Mercado!

Ele relembrou a reportagem que participou e citou também o esquema da “Máfia das Loterias”, na década de 1980, primeiro grande caso de manipulação de resultado no futebol brasileiro. O esquema, que fraudava resultados em favor de um grupo de apostadores do principal jogo de azar da época, foi revelado pelo jornalista Sérgio Martins, da revista “Placar”.

– Sobre a “Operação Penalidade Máxima”, é o terceiro grande escândalo de manipulação de resultados na história do futebol brasileiro, pelo menos os que foram revelados. E podem ter outros que a gente até hoje não sabe.É um escândalo que tem tudo a ver com o que a gente vive atualmente com a quantidade de sites de apostas, onde você não aposta somente nos resultados. Se pode apostar em diversos fatores da partida. O esquema de hoje envolve muito mais dinheiro – iniciou.

continua após a publicidade

+Jogador confessa ter participado de esquema de manipulação de jogo entre Palmeiras e Juventude, diz MP

Na sequência, Rizek cobrou medidas do Governo Federal nas casas de apostas e uma regulamentação da prática.

-O Governo Federal precisa criar mecanismos que estes sites possam avisar as autoridades quando houver um volume de apostas em determinado evento. E ela (a regulamentação) talvez não seja suficiente. Porque é um mercado, gostem ou não, que já chegou e veio para ficar. Ele está presente em todos os grandes times do futebol brasileiro em alguma forma de patrocínio. Então o mercado chegou e com ele os riscos que envolvem as apostas. Vivemos um momento muito delicado no esporte – completou.

ENTENDA O CASO

Na última terça-feira, o Ministério Público de Goiás (MP-GO) iniciou a Operação Penalidade Máxima II, que visa investigar a atuação de uma organização criminosa na manipulação de resultados de jogos de futebol, inclusive da Série A do Brasileirão. O órgão informou que já foram cumpridos três mandados de prisão preventiva e 20 de busca e apreensão em 16 municípios de seis estados brasileiros. Um destes mandados foi contra o zagueiro Victor Ramos, da Chapecoense, conforme publicado pelo portal “ND Mais”, filiado à “Record TV”.

Segundo o MP-GO, há suspeitas de que o grupo criminoso tenha atuado em pelo menos cinco jogos do Brasileirão de 2022, além de cinco partidas de Campeonatos Estaduais deste ano. A investigação descobriu que os criminosos tentavam cooptar jogadores de futebol com ofertas entre R$50 mil e R$100 mil para que interferissem em eventos dos jogos. A interferência beneficiaria os apostadores em detrimento das casas de apostas, que estariam sendo lesadas pelas manipulações.

A nova investigação é um desdobramento da Operação Penalidade Máxima, que identificou suspeita de manipulação em jogos da Série B do Brasileirão no ano passado.

continua após a publicidade

أثنى تشابي ألونسو، المدير الفني لنادي ريال مدريد، على لاعبي فريقه، وذلك عقب الانتصار على ليفانتي يوم أمس الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

ريال مدريد استمر في صدارته لبطولة الدوري الإسباني، وذلك عقب انتصاره العريض على ليفانتي بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف واحد، ضمن الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

ووجه ألونسو في مؤتمره الصحفي عقب نهاية المباراة والذي نقلته صحيفة الموندو ديبورتيفو، التحية بشكل خاص إلى فينيسيوس جونيور، موضحًا أن الأخير كان حاسمًا ضد ليفانتي.

فينيسيوس سجل هدفًا ولعب مباراة رائعة ضد ليفانتي، حيث حصل ابن ال24 عامًا على جائزة رجل المباراة.

وقال ألونسو: ”انتهينا للتو من المباراة وكنت أفكر فقط في مباراة اليوم، ابتداءً من الغد سنركز على الديربي (ضد أتلتيكو مدريد يوم السبت المقبل)، أعتقد أنها كانت مباراة متكاملة وأعتقد أن فينيسيوس قدم أداءًا حاسمًا”.

أقرأ أيضًا .. فينيسيوس: اعتدت التسجيل أمام ليفانتي.. ومودريتش له الفضل في هدفي اليوم

وأضاف ألونسو في حديثه: “نعمل منذ 51 يومًا فقط ونحن في مرحلة البناء، نبني أساسًا متينًا ويشعر العديد من لاعبي الفريق بالترابط وهذا مهم ليس فقط للنتائج بل لأسلوب عملنا”.

وأوضح المدرب الإسباني: “وجود لاعبين متميزين يسهل الأمر كثيرًا علينا في تغيير خطة اللعب، نريد لاعبين مرنين لا لاعبين ثابتين على أسلوب معين، واليوم كنا نعتقد أن هذا هو الخيار الصحيح بالدفع بتلك التشكيلة، مع ذلك لا ينبغي أن نتهاون كثيرًا ونحن على الطريق الصحيح وعلينا المواصلة”.

وعن مشاركة إدواردو كامافينجا اليوم، واصل ألونسو: “أنا سعيد جدًا لأنني لم أتمكن من العمل معه منذ انضمامي إلى النادي وسنرى إن كان سيلعب معي كلاعب رقم 8 أو كلاعب وسط مدافع، لكن الحقيقة هي أنه لاعب متعدد المهارات”.

واختتم: “كان بإمكاننا اليوم تسجيل الهدفين الثالث والرابع قبل نهاية الشوط الأول، لكننا لم ننجح في ذلك، لا أعرف كم انتظرنا لنجعل النتيجة 3-1 لكن ليفانتي لم يظهر أي رد فعل يذكر”.

The defending champions were 18 for 4 in their small chase before Hilton Cartwright and the in-form Josh Inglis guided them home

Tristan Lavalette23-Oct-2024Cameron Bancroft’s bid for a Test recall took another hit after a fourth consecutive failure to start the Sheffield Shield season. But Josh Inglis continued to press his case while Hilton Cartwright capped a whirlwind few days to guide Western Australia to a six-wicket victory over Tasmania at the WACA.With WA chasing just 83 runs under sunny conditions early on the final day, Bancroft had a golden opportunity for a confidence boosting innings having scored just eight runs in his first three Shield innings.Related

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But he looked uncomfortable from the get go against probing new ball bowling from quicks Riley Meredith and Kieran Elliott. With the pressure building having scored just two runs from his first 15 deliveries, Bancroft decided to attack but miscued a pull shot off Meredith to fine leg and trudged off with his Test hopes to fill the vacant opener’s slot having seemingly nosedived.”He’s pretty good to be honest…keeping things really simple,” WA captain Sam Whiteman said of Bancroft. “I think it’s a matter of time. Each fail…he’s one closer to a big score. He’s a pretty positive guy.”The low target proved tricky for WA and the tension heightened among the sprinkling of fans when they slumped to 18 for 4 after Whiteman, Mitchell Marsh and Aaron Hardie fell to Elliott, who conjured movement from the grassy wicket.It was a quiet match for Marsh, who had scores of 9 and 6 as a specialist batter at No. 4. He had stated ahead of the match that he would build up his bowling loads, but a return with the ball has been put on hold.There appeared to be some tense scenes between Hilton Cartwright and Tasmania•Getty ImagesInglis and Cartwright steadied the ship with a quick half-century partnership to guide WA over the line. Having scored two game-changing centuries to start the season, Inglis again looked at ease to finish 26 not out from 36 balls.Cartwright remained unbeaten on 39 from 50 balls to cap a remarkable match after he had to dash from the ground at tea on day two when his wife went into labour. He returned on day three to resume his innings on 52 after the birth of his second child in the early hours. Cartwright needed Tasmania to agree for him to return to the crease.There appeared to be tension on the field on day four with Cartwright engaged in a war of words with Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald. They had a lengthy exchange while shaking hands after the match.Tasmania started day four in a forlorn position with a lead of just 80 runs and one wicket in hand. They only added two runs before quick Brody Couch claimed his fourth wicket of the innings after trapping Meredith in front of the creaseAfter a patchy performance in his WA debut against Queensland, Couch was outstanding throughout to finish with match figures of 7 for 83 and touching speeds of 143kph.