Who is Liverpool’s star forward? Is it still Mohamed Salah?

Only in May was the 33-year-old handed many individual awards to surmount his team triumph with Liverpool. For his defining role in Arne Slot’s triumphant debut campaign, Salah has put to rest any doubts that he is one of the greatest players in Premier League history.

But even Salah will one day retire, and his start to the 2025/26 campaign has brought to mind the concerns that he has passed his prime and is part of the problem Slot is wrestling with, Liverpool having lost three in a row this season and lacking any of the fluency and zip on show for most of last season.

Given that the Egyptian King signed a new two-year contract on Merseyside in April, it’s clear that he and FSG feel that this story is not yet over, but sporting director Richard Hughes has nonetheless added quality to Liverpool’s attacking ranks, with Alexander Isak the showpiece.

Why Liverpool signed Alexander Isak

For nine years, Liverpool have boasted Salah as their star goalscorer, but the record-breaking addition of Isak from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day underscores a shifting of the plates at Anfield. The balance of offensive power has swung.

Last season, Isak scored 27 goals across all competitions for Newcastle. He scored what proved the decisive second strike in a 2-1 win over Slot’s Reds at Wembley in March. It was there that he lifted the Carabao Cup.

Many attacking departures this summer led to FSG deciding to break the bank for a striker already established as one of the best in the business. Isak, now, will be expected to produce the goods over many years to spearhead a trophy-laden chapter.

Salah, Liverpool’s adopted son. But he’s getting old, and should he recover that same giddy level of 2024/25, it is sure to be a short-lived thing when viewed against the potential of some of his Liverpool teammates.

Like Isak. The Sweden international is 26 years old and fully settled into his Premier League career. Already, he has been described by pundit Ally McCoist as being “the best all-round centre-forward” in England.

However, he’s not Salah. Instead, Liverpool might find another within their ranks to look more like the natural replacement for the £400k-per-week superstar, albeit not quite positionally.

Slot's own Salah-type signing

When Salah first arrived at Liverpool, he arrived under scrutiny. Scroll through the archives and you will find plenty of criticism when Jurgen Klopp oversaw a £34m purchase of Roma winger Salah, formerly of Chelsea, where he failed to impress.

But nine years later, he is a Liverpool legend, having won more than his share of silverware and scored more than his share of goals.

With Salah now winding down, Hugo Ekitike could step up as the new version of the talisman, with some interesting parallels between the two.

Having joined the club from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer for an initial £69m fee, Liverpool felt they had signed one of the finest young forwards in the business. Indeed, talent scout Jacek Kulig said of the Frenchman during his days with Eintracht Frankfurt: “He could definitely reach world-class striker levels.”

But that’s a big some for a 23-year-old who had previously struggled at a big club. Before moving to Germany, Ekitike had swapped Reims in his homeland for the Paris Saint-Germain superpower, arriving in July 2022 for a €35m (about £30.5m) fee.

But, described as a “goal machine” by Liverpool correspondent David Lynch, Liverpool have landed themselves a far more complete and primed verison.

Four goals were all he scored in the French capital, having played 33 matches. This is somewhat similar to Salah’s return at Chelsea, posting two goals and three assists for the Blues before being sold to Roma.

Liverpool’s scouting team have long known their stuff, though, and Ekitike’s underlying data is a thing to behold. In fact, looking at his performance across the past year, it’s hard to distinguish the up-and-comer from the mighty Isak, which is a towering testament to his quality.

Alexander Isak vs Hugo Ekitike (past 12 months)

Stats (per 90)

Isak

Ekitike

Goals scored

0.76

0.50

Assists

0.21

0.24

Shots taken

3.13

3.65

Shot-creating actions

2.96

3.15

Touches (att pen)

6.16

6.46

Pass completion (%)

75.4

75.0

Progressive passes

3.23

1.96

Progressive carries

2.65

2.78

Successful take-ons

1.38

1.61

Ball recoveries

1.93

2.38

Aerials won

0.89

1.83

Data via FBref

There’s not a lot to separate the two. Isak is the more refined and effective goalscorer, but Ekitike is more complete and aggressive when on the ball, and better with his head besides.

These are rare breeds of centre-forward, and Liverpool now have frontmen with the quality to take the reins from Salah over the next couple of years and lead Slot’s side to more glory. Isak is a product of several years of successful development in the Premier League, but Ekitike knows what it’s like to fall by the wayside at one of the continent’s biggest hitters, and he shares that with Salah.

With five goals and an assist across his first ten matches as a Liverpool striker, Ekitike has started life as a Red on strong footing. Salah did too, breaking the record for goals in a 38-game Premier League campaign when he first returned to English shores.

Whether Ekitike will quite achieve the same degree of success is debatable, to be sure, but the fact remains that Liverpool have pulled off some exceptional business this summer, and while FSG must turn toward identifying a successor on the right wing in the coming windows, Salah’s proverbial heir has been located and welcomed in the form of Ekitike.

He is set for the top.

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أعلن الموقع الرسمي لبطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، عن اسم اللاعب الأكثر حصولاً على أصوات كأفضل لاعب في الجولة العاشرة من المسابقة.

وعبر الموقع الرسمي للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، تصدر لاعب خط الوسط الدولي الإكوادوري، كايسيدو، استطلاع الرأي كأفضل لاعب في الجولة العاشرة.

وأصبح كايسيدو أول من يتم اختياره كأفضل لاعب في الجولة مرتين هذا الموسم، بعد فوزه بالجائزة في الجولة السابعة.

وقدم الدولي الإكوادوري كايسيدو نجم خط وسط تشيلسي، أداءً قويًا ومميزًا في فوز البلوز بهدف نظيف، على حساب توتنهام هوتسبير.

اقرأ أيضًا.. على رأسها ليفربول وبرشلونة.. ريال مدريد ينافس 10 أندية على موهبة جديدة

وحصل كايسيدو على 30% من أصوات الجماهير في الجولة العاشرة، بينما حصل إيرلينج هالاند أقرب منافسيه على 23% من الأصوات.

فيما حصل ديكلان رايس على 16% من الأصوات، وفريدي بوتس على 14% من الأصوات، ودومينيك سوبوسلاي على 12% من الأصوات، وحصل دييجو جوميز وريان سيسينيون على 2% وحصل جيفرسون ليرما على 1%.

The team will drive to the chief minister’s office for a short felicitation before arriving at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium shortly after 5pm

Shashank Kishore04-Jun-20252:28

Aaron: Kohli has been king of the castle for 18 years

The celebrations following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s long-awaited IPL triumph are set to reach a crescendo on Wednesday afternoon, as the franchise prepares to honour its beloved champions at home.Even as the franchise announced grand plans of an open-bus parade along a 2km stretch from Vidhana Soudha to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the evening, the city’s traffic police had already begun working overtime to manage crowds and traffic movements around the city’s CBD.As early as 10am, hundreds of fans had already begun descending at the Kempegowda International Airport to welcome the team. But the long commute from there towards central Bengaluru has forced a change of plan, with the team set to now touch down at the old HAL Airport then drive to the chief minister’s office for a short felicitation before arriving at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium shortly after 5pm.Related

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The city’s police are in close coordination with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), who are likely to throw open a number of stands for the victory lap that is now expected to take place inside the stadium’s premises. The KSCA is preparing for at least 10,000 fans to flock to the ground, but that number is likely to be a lot higher.On Wednesday afternoon, the city police had briefed various traffic units on elaborate plans to manage the weekday traffic, with the franchise and the government agencies making a plea to fans to use public transport and the metro service to prevent major traffic disruptions.The public had also been advised to avoid the CBD from 3pm to 8pm, around the time the team is expected to zip through the city for their engagements and post-IPL celebration. However, by noon, fans had queued up along the periphery of the stadium to get a glimpse of the team.Virat Kohli will expectedly be the centre of attention. Soon after winning the IPL, Kohli professed his love for Bengaluru and the franchise that “stood behind me”. It’s likely Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers, who celebrated with the team into the early hours on Wednesday in Ahmedabad, will be part of the celebration.”I think I’m going to feel the real side of it when we get to Bengaluru,” he told RCB Bold Diaries. “And celebrate it with the city and fans who’ve stood by us through thick and thin. I’m just relieved. This is far more special than winning it with anyone else, because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore. As I said, this is the team I’m going to play for till the last day I play the IPL. So, this one is absolutely right up there.”

Nottingham Forest are now plotting the statement signing of a £30m forward, who is also being targeted by La Liga giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Forest looking to win race for Barca and Atletico target

It is a clear indication of how far Forest have come that they are now shopping in the same talent pool as the likes of Barcelona and Atletico, but it has been far from an ideal start to the new Premier League campaign.

The Tricky Trees have won just one of their first five league games, and suffered a shock defeat against Swansea City in the third round of the EFL Cup, which was an early setback for new manager Ange Postecoglou.

Under the helm of former manager Nuno, the Europa League side strengthened considerably in the summer transfer window, particularly in attacking areas, and Dan Ndoye has made a promising start, with two goal contributions to his name in the Premier League.

However, Evangelos Marinakis was unable to secure deals for all of his major targets, missing out on former SC Braga winger Roger Fernandes on deadline day, despite entering advanced talks.

There has since been an encouraging new update on Nottingham Forest’s interest in Fernandes, however, with a report from TEAMtalk reporting they are still plotting a statement signing of the winger, despite his £30m move to Al-Ittihad.

The 19-year-old is attracting serious interest, even though he only recently moved to Saudi Arabia, with the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also thought to be keen, although neither of the La Liga giants have made an approach thus far.

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Interest from the Premier League is particularly strong, with the Tricky Trees constantly observing the youngster, even since Ange’s appointment, as there is a belief he could boost their chances of qualifying for Europe once again.

"1v1 specialist" Fernandes could be difference-maker for Forest

It has to be said, it would be very strange if the Portuguese winger were to leave Al-Ittihad so soon after joining, having not even made his debut, but the starlet clearly has the ability to succeed at Forest, given his exploits in a Braga shirt.

Speaking just under two years ago, scout Ben Mattinson said: “Roger Fernandes is another player I love at Braga. 1v1 specialist with great whipped cross on him. A creative, unselfish winger. Also his maturity for only 17 is crazy, you can tell why he’s played so much already.”

The ex-Braga star amassed 12 goals and 16 assists in 91 appearances for the Portuguese club, which is an impressive return for a teenager, and indicates he could be capable of making the step-up to the Premier League.

Forest appear to be well-stocked in attacking areas, having signed Omari Hutchinson, Dilane Bakwa and Ndoye in the summer, but Fernandes is an exciting young player, and the rival interest from Barcelona and Atletico speaks volumes.

After fielding a group of teenagers in their Champions League clash against Ajax earlier this week, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is now seemingly set to hand a 15-year-old youth player his senior debut. Resting most of their first-team stars in the European clash, Maresca banked on the youth and they did not disappoint the coach as the Blues registered a thumping 5-1 win over the Dutch giants.

The new kid on the block

Per The Sun, 15-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli is being considered for his Stamford Bridge debut by manager Maresca. The wonderkid is widely considered as the best player in the world in his age category and has already attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe. So high is the hype around Nicoll-Jazuli that he is being tipped to become the next Jude Bellingham because of the striking similarities between the Real Madrid star and the youngster's playing style.

The report adds that Chelsea head coach Maresca is known to be an admirer of the youngster and the Italian recently invited the player to train with the first team ahead of their Champions League fixture against Ajax. Nicoll-Jazuli does not turn 16 until January but Maresca is already planning to hand him his senior debut in the near future. The midfielder has already represented England at the U-17 level, although he is just 15 at the moment.  

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'He will be the next big thing'

Hyping the young Blue, a source told : "You have to keep an eye on Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, he will be the next big thing to come out of Cobham and plays like Jude Bellingham. You only have to see him play once to realise he’s a different kind of talent. The manager is so impressed with him that he plans to hand him his first-team debut soon."

Chelsea youth created Champions League history

The Blues, like many other Premier League clubs, are amid a hectic fixture crunch which prompted Maresca to rest a host of first team stars and field a bunch of young players to take on Ajax in the Champions League this week. The youngsters repaid the faith shown by their manager as the English giants marched to a thumping 5-1 over the Eredivisie side. In the process, Chelsea also scripted a Champions League record as they became the first team ever in the competition to have three different teenagers – Marc Guiu (19), Estevao Willian (18), and Tyrique George (19) – on the scoresheet in the same match. 

The head coach also handed a European debut to Reggie Walsh, who, at just 17, became the youngest player in Chelsea’s Champions League history and the second youngest Englishman to ever play in the competition after Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere. Overall, ten Chelsea players aged 21 or younger featured in the match, a staggering testament to the club’s youth-driven strategy.

After the game, Maresca had heaped praise on his young guns, as he said: "It's the strategy of the club. We have so many young players. I think already last season we were the youngest squad in the history of the Premier League, so this season we continue in the same way. I work with them every day, I know what they can do. I know also that we're going to have moments where we struggle a little bit more, for sure. But I think the good thing about them is that they want to learn, they want to improve and I think it's good."

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Getty Images SportNicoll-Jazuli better than Arsenal's Dowman?

Arsenal recently proved that age is just a number as Mikel Arteta handed their wonderkid Max Dowman his senior debut against Leeds United in the Premier League before he turned 16. The Sun report further adds that the Blues consider Nicoll-Jazuli even more talented than Dowman. The youngster's passing is crisp, his vision is outstanding and his eye for the goal makes him a complete package. The teenager recently became the youngest Chelsea player to start in a UEFA Youth League match.

Maresca's men will be back in action on Saturday as they host Sunderland in a crucial Premier League fixture.

Paul Pogba is edging closer to his first game for Monaco, but head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has called for realistic expectations for the former Manchester United and Juventus star. The French midfielder has returned to full training after multiple injury setbacks since his arrival in June and is nearing his Ligue 1 debut in the coming weeks.

• Pogba getting closer to Monaco debut

  The midfielder joined the club in June after leaving Juventus, determined to restart his career following a long spell out through doping suspension, which was cut from four years to 18 months. However, injuries have made the long-awaited return longer than anticipated. A slight thigh injury delayed his planned debut against Angers earlier this month, but the 32-year-old has since recovered and continues to build fitness, having trained fully over the past week. 

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• Getty Images
  

  Monaco boss provides optimistic update on Pogba

  Ahead of Monaco’s trip to Nantes on Wednesday, Pocognoli said Pogba has been steadily recovering and could be part of the matchday squad in the coming weeks. However, he called for fans to have realistic expectations about his performances, given he has not played for over two years and his glory days at United and Juventus are behind him.

  "I said this week would be used to answer some questions about him [Pogba]. Things are going well, and I expect him to be back in the squad in the short term," Pocognoli said.

  “I think we'll have to do a process together around Paul. We have to judge him on the player he is now. The Paul of Manchester United or his first era at Juventus, and this is true for any player, that was a few years ago.

  “Every player evolves; we'll have to judge him on what he is now, given his background and his age. He still has the technique we know he has, and the pace of matches will give us some insight. His background is different from 10 years ago. It's up to me to stimulate his qualities and the potential he has right now. And I hope to get the most out of it.”

• Pogba stays patient as long wait continues

  Meanwhile, the Frenchman, despite frustrating delays, is willing to wait for his return to the field. He admitted that when he joined the club, he was aware it would take time to get ready for competitive action again.

  "I am a determined person, who wants to come back and who wants to enjoy myself on the pitch again especially, because that is what I miss the most," he said. "The objective is therefore to make my return to the highest level while taking the time necessary, and being patient… Whenever I traveled, I would take my fitness coach with me to stay fit and miss as few sessions as possible. Because I always had this positive thought in mind, that I could return to the field at any time. Of course, there were moments of doubt, but I always wanted to look forward and towards the future. And looking at my kids, I told myself that I wanted them to see me play on the field! I dream of them celebrating one of my goals with a dab [celebration]. That’s what pushed me to train, to maintain this discipline. Today I am very happy to be at Monaco and to return to the job I love!"

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• AFP
  

  What’s next for Pogba and Monaco?

  Pogba’s first game in Monaco colours is getting closer. It would be his first competitive appearance since August 2023. The club’s medical staff is working hard on his fitness, while Pocognoli continues to ease him back into full sessions with the first team. Monaco will face Nantes in Ligue 1 on Wednesday and then Paris FC before returning to Champions League action with a match against Bodo/Glimt. They currently sit sixth in the Ligue 1 standings. The upcoming games might come too soon for Pogba, but the November international break could be the time we see him back in competitive football.

Chelsea have by no means made a perfect start to the 2025/26 season, but their dramatic victory over Liverpool before the October international break ensured they stayed within a distance of the Premier League leaders.

Eyebrows were raised when BlueCo parted with Mauricio Pochettino in 2024 and replaced him with Enzo Maresca, a ‘Pep Protege’ and newbie on the scene, albeit excelling in the Championship with Leicester City. But Maresca has taken Chelsea back into the Champions League, and he won the Conference League and Club World Cup last year.

Now, sights are set on the next level, and while the Londoners hope to hit their targets and surpass them this season, with talents such as Estevao Willian cutting their teeth at Stamford Bridge, there’s more than a little cause for optimism.

Estevao is Chelsea's new star

Sometimes, you can just tell. When Cole Palmer clicked into gear two years ago, after joining from Manchester City, you could just tell. And now, the same is true for Estevao.

Described as having the potential to be a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Brazil international, still only 18, has already scored and assisted in the Premier League this season, averaging 1.8 dribbles per game, as per Sofascore.

His goal against Liverpool rubber-stamped his reputation as a high-level talent, but Estevao has long been regarded as a one-of-a-kind sort of up-and-comer. To put that another way, Chelsea feel they have signed a player who will dominate across England and Europe for many years to come.

A versatile and fleet-footed winger, he joined Chelsea from Palmeiras this summer after an initial £29m deal was put in place in May 2024. Estevao is representative of an impetus on signing the finest youth prospects across the globe.

Chelsea’s prudence isn’t restricted to just teenagers, though. Potential stars are found and signed ahead of time; this is a common theme in west London.

And, with Maresca still questing for a highest-class striker, fans might get excited over the reminder that such a talent has indeed been tied to Chelsea’s future, and he’s showing shades of one Didier Drogba.

Chelsea's new version of Drogba

Drogba is one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history, and the talisman throughout the richest period of sustained success in modern times at Chelsea.

The club have been dealt a mixed bag at number nine since the Ivorian left London, but in centre-forward Emmanuel Emegha, they might just find the second coming.

The 6 foot 5 Emegha, 22, will join Chelsea from partner club Strasbourg in 2026, with the Ligue 1 side’s captain rejecting interest from other top clubs to move to Stamford Bridge.

As per FBref, the Netherlands native ranks among the top 14% of strikers across Europe for goals scored, the top 3% for pass completion and the top 14% for carries into the penalty area per 90, highlighting his natural striking ability and indeed a mobility and technical skill beyond most of his positional peers.

Emegha, in fact, has been hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his “simply phenomenal” finishing, and after scoring 14 goals and providing three assists across the 2024/25 campaign, he has already notched six contributions from as many matches this year.

Given that he is sharpening his tools in the French top flight and boasts a strong and dynamic physical profile, he may well arrive at Chelsea and draw comparisons to Drogba, who left Marseille for London in 2004 for a £24m fee.

Frank Lampard

648

211

Bobby Tambling

362

194

Didier Drogba

381

164

Kerry Dixon

363

157

Roy Bentley

352

144

Drogba is one of Chelsea’s all-time record scorers, and his big-game mentality was an iconic thing. Across nine seasons and two stints as a Blue, the 47-year-old won the full gamut. His tenacity and consistency once led an awed Jose Mourinho to describe him as a “remarkable” footballer.

Chelsea are building for the future, alright. But there’s also a sense that this new crop of acquisitions has been made with an eye on the past formulas too. Estevao evokes that X-factor emotion that the likes of Eden Hazard and more before him provided to the club’s doting fanbase.

With a towering and commanding talisman like Emegha in the centre, and Estevao running riot across the flanks, there’s no telling how dangerous Chelsea’s frontline will look in a few years time.

The likes of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, who is nursing a muscular injury, both joined Maresca’s side this summer, and the former in particular looks a real threat.

But strength in depth has always been Chelsea’s way, and Emegha has the completeness of style in the final third to make a real difference in the fight for prizes in the Premier League and Champions League.

A pacy runner who has not quite mastered the aerial game that his long frame should enable him to flourish within, Emegha remains a work in progress. Last season in Ligue 1, for example, his 14-goal haul was also met with 25 missed big chances, emphasising the work still to be done in front of goal.

Alongside Estevao, though, he would surely find his shooting boots and maintain a fearsome presence in front of goal. After all, alongside his electric pace, the youngster also ranks among the top 8% of positional peers for shot-creating actions per 90 (FBref).

The jury will remain out until Emegha gets going in the Premier League; many a talented prospect has fallen by the wayside when arriving in England.

But there’s such quality there, and Emegha’s physical robustness and quality on the ball suggest he might just have the skills to replace the legendary Drogba and lead Chelsea to illustrious success.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 10, 2025

This was the first time any men’s professional match – T20 or List A – had gone into a third Super Over

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jun-2025

Michael Levitt and Max O’Dowd were in action all the way through•ICC via Getty Images

Historic scenes unfolded in Glasgow as the Netherlands-Nepal game went into a third Super Over, with Netherlands prevailing in a thrilling contest. This was the first time any men’s professional match – T20 or List A – had gone into a third Super Over, and it was Netherlands who eventually came on top in a topsy-turvy encounter.With Nepal requiring 16 to win the match in the final over of regular time, Nandan Yadav hit fast bowler Kyle Klein for 4, 2, 2, 4 and took the game into the first Super Over.Left-arm spinner Daniel Doram was tasked with bowling the over, and he went for 19 with Kushal Bhurtel smashing him for two sixes and a four. Doram had conceded just 14 in his four overs and picked up three wickets during regular time. Michael Levitt then launched a six the first ball and Max O’Dowd went 6 and 4 off the final two balls to take the game into a second Super Over.Lalit Rajbanshi was then smashed for two sixes off his first three balls but came back well as Netherlands were kept to 17 in Super Over No. 2. Rohit Paudel crashed a six first ball while Dipendra Singh Airee hit a four as the equation came down to seven off the final ball. Airee then smashed Klein over cow corner to take the game into a third Super Over for the first time.Offspinner Zach Lion-Cachet started the third Super Over, and grabbed the wickets of Paudel and debutant Rupesh Singh as Nepal failed to score a run. Levitt then held his cool and thumped Sandeep Lamichhane for a six over long-on to finally end a thrilling contest.Earlier defending 152, left-arm pacer Ben Fletcher had a dream start to his T20I career, getting Lokesh Bam caught behind with a full and wide delivery. Klein then had Anil Sah caught at mid-on as Nepal slipped to 9 for 2 in 2.1 overs. But Bhurtel and Paudel took the attack to Netherlands.Nepal raced to 52 for 2 in five overs before Doram ended Bhurtel’s brisk stay on 34. The runs dried up after the powerplay, with Doram taking charge. He got rid of Airee and then Kiran Thagunna as Nepal could only reach 97 for 5 after 15 overs. With 56 required off the last five overs, it was Rupesh who got Nepal going with a four and six but fell soon after. Paudel and Karan KC kept Nepal in it before the game ran into overtime.In the first innings, seamer Nandan took the new ball for Nepal and was taken for two back-to-back fours by O’Dowd before the opener planted fast bowler Karan over the ropes. But the introduction of spin changed the narrative.Rajbanshi struck with his first ball, sending O’Dowd back. Lamichhane was introduced into the attack after six overs and made an immediate impact. He first flattened Levitt’s middle stump with his second ball and four balls later had Netherlands captain Scott Edwards caught at deep backward square leg.Lamichhane then struck for a third time to dismiss Noah Croes. Saqib Zulfiqar’s late blows, however, took Netherlands past 150.

Manchester City haven’t been at their rip-roaring best so far this season, but there are certainly signs from Pep Guardiola’s side that they are reshaping into a force to be reckoned with.

Arsenal and Liverpool are possibly both ahead of the Citizens in the Premier League title power rankings. But the campaign is young, and Man City no a thing or two about constructing an incredible run of winning form.

There are still issues to be ironed out, but Guardiola looks to have rebuilt the core of his squad at the Etihad Stadium, and he’s also got Erling Haaland leading the line.

And Haaland, unto himself, is a title-winning machine.

Haaland's incredible start to the season

With eight goals scored across six Premier League matches so far this season, Haaland has endured his joint-worst start to a term in the English top flight.

He really is remarkable. Sure to retire as one of the game’s greatest goalscorers, the Norwegian has been a monstrous attacking focal point for City over the past three years, and he continues to be the driving force for his side as they look to add some silverware to the cabinet.

The 25-year-old only took seven touches during the first half of Man City’s 2-2 draw against Monaco. That was all that he needed to have added another brace to his swollen collection.

Some player, and it’s remarkable that he has maintained his god-like scoring record in spite of Kevin De Bruyne leaving at the end of his contract last summer, the legendary playmaker signing for Napoli as he steers toward the sunset of his illustrious career.

Replacing the Belgian is going to be a tough task indeed. He is truly one of a kind. However, City did have such a player who looks like he’s up to the task, now that De Bruyne has left the English scene.

But Cole Palmer was sold before he could spread his wings for the Sky Blues.

Man City must regret selling Cole Palmer

In August 2023, Chelsea announced they had signed Palmer from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £42.5m. It was met with a mixed response, with the young playmaker regarded as an exciting talent but maybe also lacking experience at the highest level.

What followed was incredible. Palmer scored 25 goals and supplied 15 assists across a ridiculous breakout campaign at Stamford Bridge, swiftly rivalling the biggest hitters on English shores for being the face of the division.

He has now notched 74 goal involvements across 101 matches for the Blues, and across the past year, he ranks among the top 8% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe for progressive passes and the top 5% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Though injuries have impeded the opening weeks of the Three Lions star’s campaign under Enzo Maresca, he remains a source of strength in west London, with his return to full form and fitness sure to coincide with an upswing of results for Chelsea too.

How City must be reeling. CIES Football Observatory have estimated that the 23-year-old boasts a market value in the ballpark of £145m, which it a pretty penny above what Chelsea paid for him.

Outscored only by the three top strikers of this Premier League generation since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, Chelsea’s talisman continues to inspire awe, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher even going as far as to name him “the best player in the Premier League” about one year ago.

Premier League Top Scorers (23/24 – 25/26)
Player	Apps	Goals
Erling Haaland	68	57
Mohamed Salah	76	49
Alexander Isak	66	44
Cole Palmer	74	38
Ollie Watkins	81	36
Data via Transfermarkt

Haaland, of course, tops that list, and comfortably at that.

Palmer might actually be Man City’s talisman over the Norwegian sensation, had he been allowed to develop in Manchester. Goals and assists are dished out aplenty, and Palmer also won 56% of his ground duels in the Premier League last term, emphasising his underrated combative side.

That and he has been the all-inspiring leader for an up-and-down Chelsea side too, instrumental in winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup last year, thus establishing himself among the best players in the world at last month’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in France.

Indeed, Palmer placed eighth on the list, whereas Haaland will perhaps feel somewhat aggrieved after coming in at 26th.

To think that the Chelsea attacking midfielder achieved this without having played Champions League football (the first person to record a top-ten finish without that mark since Neymar Jr. 14 years ago) says much about Palmer’s quality, influence and the respect and admiration he is held in by journalists across the world.

If Haaland maintains his current form across the span of the season and wins a few trophies besides, the Norway international may fancy his chances of leaping well up the rankings during next year’s award ceremony, but Palmer, too, will look to bounce back from his current injury problems and push for a place at the very forefront of the list.

One thing’s for sure, Man City made a big mistake when signing off the cheque for Palmer’s sale to a divisional rival. He has only gone from strength to strength since departing and is now one of the best in the business.

Just imagine the Englishman feeding passes through to Haaland in the box, creating an almighty and unstoppable attacking partnership.

Given that De Bruyne is with City no longer, it really is frustrating to think the perfect replacement has already been sold.

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By
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Oct 2, 2025

Matthijs de Ligt scored a 96th-minute equaliser as Manchester United managed to snag a 2-2 draw from their trip to Tottenham, snapping a run of four successive losses to Spurs. Thomas Frank's side trailed for much of the game but a late turnaround saw them close in on three points, only for Ruben Amorim's men to claw back at the very last and enact at least some sort of revenge after losing last season's Europa League final.

United went in front just after the half-hour mark. Spurs failed to clear their lines when playing inside their own box, and when the ball came back in courtesy of an Amad Diallo cross, Bryan Mbeumo slipped behind Pedro Porro to head in at the far post.

Tottenham nearly pulled level on the other side of half-time when Cristian Romero flicked on a Wilson Odobert cross, only for Senne Lammens made a fine save with his feet. Moments later, the Belgian threw up a strong hand to bat away a half-volley from Joao Palhinha.

Spurs had the ball in the net through Brennan Johnson but the flag was quickly raised for an obvious offside as the hosts continued to push for an equaliser. With only six minutes to go, United finally caved in. Odobert skipped past Manuel Ugarte with ease before teeing up Destiny Udogie to put in a low cross, which was received by Mathys Tel and finished on the swivel by the Frenchman.

What became a manic end to the game opened up for Benjamin Sesko to find a winner when slipped through by Mason Mount, but the Slovenian dawdled on the ball too long and was tackled at the last by Micky van de Ven. Sesko walked away from this challenge injured and had to hobble off, but as United had used all their substitutes, they had to finish the match with 10 players.

Entering six minutes of added time, Tottenham turned the game around completely. United couldn't clear from a Spurs corner, with the ball falling to Odobert on the edge of the box. The Frenchman curled an effort back in, which was flicked on by Richarlison and past a helpless Lammens.

Yet there was still time for one final twist. United won a corner, which sailed to the back post for De Ligt to nod over the line by a matter of inches and save a point. The result means both sides missed the chance to climb to second in the Premier League table before Manchester City's meeting with Liverpool on Sunday.

GOAL rates United's players from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…

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Senne Lammens (7/10):

Started off nervily by letting a pass from De Ligt roll under his foot and out for a corner but recovered well with a series of saves.

Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):

Had some early trouble watching Richarlison's marauding runs from the left, though the Dutchman quickly figured the Brazilian out in that regard. Saved the day with one of the most important headers of his United career.

Harry Maguire (7/10):

A rock at the back. Stifled Randal Kolo Muani before his half-time substitution and did the same to Richarlison afterwards. Withdrawn with a minor injury for Yoro. No surprise it all went to pot after his substitution.

Luke Shaw (6/10):

Protected by Dorgu so well that there was little on Shaw's plate to clean up, even despite Spurs seeing more of the ball.

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Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

Didn't need to worry too much about Spurs' threats on his flanks given how inverted they were on that side. Substituted for Sesko.

Casemiro (7/10):

Didn't offer a lot in possession but swept up well when needed. Replaced by the fresh legs of Ugarte, whose introduction effectively cost United two points.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

One of few players on the entire pitch who enjoyed getting the ball on the floor and spreading play. Grabbed the assist for De Ligt's leveller, with his menacing playmaking rewarded at the very end.

Patrick Dorgu (7/10): 

One of his better outings since joining United in January. Nullified Spurs' threats coming down his side and stretched play when in possession. Subbed for Dalot with United protecting the lead.

AFPAttack

Amad Diallo (7/10):

Bumped up into the frontline from the off after rescuing a point in last week's draw at Nottingham Forest. Came up with the cross for Mbeumo's goal before moving to wing-back after Sesko's introduction.

Bryan Mbeumo (7/10):

Began on the left to accommodate Amad on the right. Was the subject of interest from Tottenham and former boss Frank over the summer, but only wanted United and it's a decision that is already paying dividends. Peeled away from Porro to break the deadlock and extend his fine run of form.

Matheus Cunha (6/10):

Started as the false nine, dropping into midfield to try and link midfield and attack. Showed flashes of his brilliance though that was about it. Taken off for Mount.

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Benjamin Sesko (3/10):

Still adjusting to the pace of the Premier League, which became almost too obvious when he was both thwarted and injured by Van de Ven when in on goal. Walked back down the tunnel as United ended with 10 men.

Leny Yoro (5/10):

Didn't provide nearly as much authority and confidence as Maguire.

Manuel Ugarte (2/10):

Walked past by Odobert for the equaliser, played Richarlison on for Spurs' second. A cameo to forget.

Mason Mount (6/10):

Played in Sesko for United's chance to win the game.

Diogo Dalot (N/A):

The usual United scapegoat but the collapse was hardly his fault.

Ruben Amorim (6/10):

A real mixed bag. The starting XI did their job, but Amorim's substitutions nearly cost United any sort of result.