Arsenal finally ended their long search for a prolific number nine with the signing of Viktor Gyokeres in the summer, and Mikel Arteta is silently hoping the Swede can replicate his heroics from Portugal.

Over two sensational campaigns for Sporting CP, Gyokeres scored 97 goals in 102 appearances — firing Rui Borges’ side to a domestic double last season and motivating sporting director Andrea Berta to splash a potential £64 million on him.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

£5m

Martin Zubimendi

£60m

Christian Norgaard

£15m

Noni Madueke

£52m

Cristhian Mosquera

£13m

Viktor Gyokeres

£55m

Eberechi Eze

£67.5m

Piero Hincapie

Loan

The Gunners agreed to pay a guaranteed £55 million, plus a further £9 million in potential add-ons for the 27-year-old, and you can make a serious case that this comes as a bargain fee.

Gyokeres’ proven goalscoring consistency in one of Europe’s top five leagues, not to mention the fact he’s currently in the prime of his career, emphasise how Berta potentially secured one of the signings of the summer.

The former Coventry City and Swansea City star also has some experience in England already, with Berta reportedly persuading Arsenal to move for Gyokeres over fellow long-time striker target Benjamin Sesko (The Athletic).

Arsenal made proposals for Sesko in the summer of 2024 and in January this year, making multiple attempts to sign the Slovenian, but Berta’s arrival prompted the north Londoners to shift focus towards Gyokeres instead.

Thus far, despite barely having a sniff against tough opposition in Man United and Liverpool, Gyokeres did net a Premier League brace during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds United, with the player still arguably finding his feet in Europe’s toughest, most competitive division.

That being said, some critics already have doubts, like Rio Ferdinand, with the pundit telling his YouTube channel that he’s yet to be convinced by Gyokeres after his performance at Anfield just prior to the international break.

Now, ex-Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy has explained his own doubts about the centre-forward in an interview with The Metro.

Gael Clichy explains why Arsenal could regret signing Viktor Gyokeres

The Frenchman says that Gyokeres lacks the link-up play to help Arsenal, insisting that now-Liverpool star Alexander Isak was far more suited to Arteta’s system.

Football is often very reactionary at the best of times, and perhaps Gyokeres has come in for some unfair criticism since his arrival from Sporting due to the heavy expectations on his shoulders.

Arsenal are desperate to end their two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title, with Gyokeres widely seen as one of the potentially game-changing signings to help them do just that.

Arteta’s side take on Nottingham Forest in the early kick-off on Saturday following the return from internationals, and Gyokeres can take advantage of the visitors settling under new manager Ange Postecoglou.

A convincing display against Forest in a must-win game will do wonders to restore faith in Gyokeres, with Postecoglou’s brand of open, high-pressing football potentially playing right into the number nine’s hands.

Four Glamorgan batters passed 50 to put the hosts in a dominant position for a three-day finish against Northamptonshire at Sophia Gardens.A 141-run partnership between in-form Ben Kellaway and Sam Northeast, scoring 95 and 67 respectively, asserted the lead for the hosts to go with Kiran Carlson’s 54 and Timm van der Gugten’s 61 either side of lunch in a ruthless performance to get the hosts to 424.Andy Gorvin took two wickets in the penultimate over of the day to rue Northants’ chances of a sustaining final 14 overs, leaving the visitors 49 for 3 and trailing by 190 runs.Glamorgan resumed on the morning of day two at 82 for 3, recovering from a wobble of three wickets for two runs the previous evening with Northeast and Carlson carrying on from their day one foundations. Carlson the stroke player of the two reached his 50 in no time, flicking a short ball from Julian Broad for 4, a rare loose delivery for the 3-fer taking bowler, rectifying his mistakes from day one.Carlson frustrated he couldn’t kick on however as he flicked a leg-stump directed delivery directly to square-leg who had been positioned there before the dismissal delivery.The 96-run partnership ending didn’t stop Glamorgan’s momentum however. Kellaway, on the back of three progressively improving career-best scores in three consecutive matches showed deft touch with late cuts off both seam and spin, combined with destructive hitting over long on to come close to catching his skipper up before lunch.A 134-run first session completed with a gritty third 50 of the season for Northeast assured Glamorgan’s dominance in the all-important first couple of hours.Northing would change after lunch unlike on day one. The hosts carrying on their fast-scoring momentum, Kellaway passing 50 with a quick single off loanee, Calvin Harrison, only introduced into the attack in the 58th over.Kellaway’s second consecutive century looked imminent, the only slight of giving his wicket away coming on 89 when Lewis McManus sparingly diving full stretched off a top-edged-hook, that until Harrison found one to rise on the youngster attempting to cut just short of his milestone.With Northeast falling shortly after for a frustrating season best, unable to kick on to three figures, it brought two new batters and seemingly momentum for Northants, still nothing changed.Chris Cooke and van der Gugten next to add a partnership just shy of 100 to the crease proved the pitch to be nullified for when the visitors would eventually get a chance to use it again. Cooke looked aggrieved to give his wicket away on 36 despite a valiant contribution and Northants continued to catch well when the chances did come to wrap up the Glamorgan innings before long, unfortunately the damage done.With a 239-run deficit heading into their second innings after winning the toss, Ricardo Vasconcelos went early. Just 14 overs to survive, James Harris in just his second over removing the opener. The Glamorgan veteran then allowed Luke Procter to settle and score freely until a double-change brought a mini-collapse before close, the Northants top order struggling once more, with the captain the exception.

Grace Potts’ 4 for 37 leads excellent bowling effort against The Blaze before Emma Lamb’s 74 anchors Lancashire pursuit

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-May-2025

Emma Lamb kept her run of form going•Peter Della Penna

Lancashire 226 for 6 (Lamb 74, Cross 38*, Threlkeld 35*, Gordon 3-33) beat The Blaze 222 (Claridge 63, Jones 52, Potts 4-37) by four wicketsA half century by Emma Lamb and List A best bowling by Grace Potts helped Lancashire Women complete a Metro Bank Women’s One-Day Cup double over leaders The Blaze at Emirates Old Trafford.Potts’ 4 for 37 led an excellent bowling effort by the Lancashire attack on a slow wicket that restricted the visitors to a below-par 222 all out from 48.2 overs with half-centuries by England wicketkeeper Amy Jones and Ella Claridge.Lamb, the leading run-scorer in the competition, boosted her chances of gaining international selection with an excellent 74 in front of the watching England Head Coach Charlotte Edwards but three wickets by The Blaze skipper Kirstie Gordon threatened to swing the game the way of the visitors with Lancashire 155 for 6 after 32 overs.It took a vital partnership of 71 runs in 15.2 overs between captain Ellie Threlkeld and England all-rounder Kate Cross for the seventh wicket to take Lancashire to a four-wicket victory with 16 balls to spare.Lancashire openers Lamb and Eve Jones came into this match averaging 105 for the first wicket in the competition this season and the pair progressed confidently to post their fifty from just 47 balls after taking advantage of some wayward early bowling by The Blaze.Both played some eye-catching drives and pulls with Lamb dancing down the wicket to drive Gordon for six, so it was something of a surprise when Jones tamely drove a return catch to The Blaze skipper for 33 to end the opening stand at 88 in the 15th over.Sarah Glenn trapped Katie Mack for a duck in the following over and Gordon, playing her first match of the campaign after returning from injury, dragged her side back into the game with two further wickets, Seren Smale stumped for six and Fi Morris caught at mid-off for 3 to peg Lancashire back to 111 for 4 midway through the 21st over.An unperturbed Lamb, who had reached her fifty off 55 balls, reined in her attacking instincts as Lancashire attempted to consolidate but The Blaze continued to squeeze with Ailsa Lister falling to an excellent diving catch at deep midwicket by Kathryn Bryce off Josie Groves for 15.The key of Lamb followed when she nicked behind down the leg side off Kathryn Bryce at the end of the 32nd over to offer The Blaze increasing hope with six wickets down and 67 runs still required.But some good steady batting by Threlkeld (35 not out) and Cross (38 not out) chipped away at the remaining runs, the pair posting their 50 stand off 73 balls, before Cross sealed victory with the winning runs in the 48th over.Early pressure applied by Cross and Mahika Gaur after Lancashire had won the toss brought reward with the wicket of Tammy Beaumont for 11 well caught at mid-on by Fi Morris off Cross.Kathryn Bryce upped the tempo hitting four fours, but that good intent also proved to be her downfall when she drove Sophie Morris to Cross at mid-on for 22 and the left arm spinner was celebrating a double success four deliveries later when Sarah Bryce edged behind down the leg side for 2.A crucial double-strike by Potts increased the pressure with Georgia Elwiss playing on for 19 and Georgie Boyce clipping to Fi Morris at midwicket for 4 with The Blaze struggling at 97 for 5 in the 23rd over.Jones found excellent support from Claridge as the pair rebuilt the innings with a 44-run partnership in ten overs, Jones pulling Gaur for six to reach her half century from 74 balls but caught at fine leg for 52 three balls later when repeating the shot.Glenn sliced Lamb to Gaur at backward point for 12 and Potts, having limped off earlier with a knee problem, returned to trap Gordon lbw for a duck.Groves and Claridge then added a useful 32 runs for the ninth wicket with Claridge progressing to a gritty half century from 68 balls with some nice footwork before she was the last wicket to fall in the 49th over after making 63 of the visitor’s 222 all out.

Setting lofty ambitions for 2026, Tottenham Hotspur have now reportedly launched their opening move to sign a Barcelona star who earns over £14m a year in Spain.

Tottenham's ambitious transfer plans

When Tottenham Hotspur dismissed Daniel Levy, they set their sights on turning Tottenham into an ambitious club rather than just sustainable. Vinai Venkatesham, chief executive, told reporters when Levy left the club: “We’ve got a massive global fanbase. We saw in May in Bilbao what that next step is. That is competing for and ultimately winning trophies.

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“We’ve had a taste of that, and it’s even better than you imagined. You realise the club is even bigger than you thought it was, and you’re hungry for more. That’s what everyone associated with this club is hungry for, more nights like that.”

Since then, Thomas Frank has enjoyed mixed results in all competitions but has managed to stay unbeaten in the Premier League after edging past Leeds United. The Lilywhites sealed victory thanks to Mohammed Kudus’ first Premier League goal for the club, as his strong start continues after his summer move.

It’s the type of successful transfer window that those in North London will be keen to repeat in 2026 and reports are already suggesting that their ambitions are high.

Some have even gone as far as to suggest that Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde is a summer target. The impressive midfielder would be an undeniable game-changer in Frank’s side, but it remains to be seen whether the Lilywhites can lure him to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the famous El Clasico, Tottenham have reportedly made their first move for a Barcelona star.

Tottenham launch first Ter Stegen move

According to Sport in Spain, Tottenham have now launched their first enquiry to sign Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the winter window. The Barcelona shot-stopper is currently out injured with a ruptured patellar tendon and is not expected to return until around January time, but that hasn’t stopped Spurs from making their first move.

In the meantime, the 33-year-old will have just two years remaining on his current deal when the summer arrives, which certainly leaves the door ajar for a potential exit. The big question for those in North London will be whether Ter Stegen still has the quality to step into the Premier League.

For all his experience and place as one of Barcelona’s biggest earners at around €16m (£14m) every year, this is still a player coming back from a major injury in his 30s. Tottenham must take that into account.

Although Barcelona chief Deco recently dubbed the German “great”, the Spanish giants and any on-watching interested parties will only receive a glimpse of the goalkeeper’s current level when he returns from injury. Until then, Tottenham would be wise to proceed with caution.

The Nuno Espírito Santo era has well and truly begun at West Ham United.

Granted, the Portuguese coach didn’t win his first game in charge, but a spirited fightback saw his side share the points with Everton.

More importantly, there were several impressive performances from his new players, suggesting that better results could be around the corner.

One of the standouts was, of course, Jarrod Bowen, but another was someone who could be West Ham’s best signing since the Englishman.

Bowen's game vs Everton

Even when the rest of the team were flattering to deceive under Graham Potter last season and at the start of this one, Bowen was still putting in good performances.

Appearances

36

Minutes

3148′

Goals

14

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

1.5

Minutes per Goal Involvement

131.16′

The Englishman ended last season with a tally of 14 goals and ten assists in 36 appearances, and has already racked up a tally of three goals and an assist this season.

In fact, it was the former Hull City gem who got the Hammers back in the game on Monday, as he fired off a brilliant shot from the right of the penalty area that flew past Jordan Pickford.

Moreover, even though it wasn’t his best performance for the Irons, it was an overall strong showing from the 28-year-old.

Like Crysencio Summerville on the left, he was a threat throughout the game, getting up and down the pitch and causing problems for the Toffees.

However, there was another starter that night who was even more impressive than Bowen, someone who could end up being the club’s best signing since the Englishman.

The West Ham star who could be their best signing since Bowen

Encouragingly for Nuno, several players put in strong showings against Everton, including Summerville, Max Kilman, and even Soungoutou Magassa.

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However, when it comes to someone who has the potential to become West Ham’s best signing since Bowen, it’s impossible to ignore El Hadji Malick Diouf.

The former Slavia Prague gem played like a man possessed against the Toffees, fulfilling his defensive duties while also surging up and down the pitch with “explosive acceleration,” as one analyst put it.

More than that, though, he kept on firing incredible cross after incredible cross into extremely dangerous areas, and it was one of these that led to Bowen’s goal.

On another night, the 20-year-old could have racked up two or three assists, and from what he’s shown earlier this season, he’s going to end up getting plenty.

For example, in the five games leading up to Monday night, the Ziguinchor-born dynamo had already racked up three assists: one against Chelsea, one against Nottingham Forest, and one against Crystal Palace.

There is still plenty of the campaign to come, but the Senegalese ace is already making waves in England, so much so that one analyst has already made the bold claim that he’s “one of the best fullbacks in the league.”

With this in mind, it doesn’t feel too absurd to suggest that the incredibly exciting summer arrival could end up being the club’s best signing since Bowen.

After all, the others who could have that crown include Lucas Paqueta, who can be unreal when he’s on his day, and that’s not every game, or Mohammed Kudus, but he struggled in his second campaign and then ruined his reputation by joining Tottenham Hotspur.

Ultimately, things seem to be on the up for West Ham, and it looks like Diouf could end up being one of the signings of the season.

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will not have been pleased with the lack of ruthlessness in his side in the 0-0 draw with Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership last weekend.

The Hoops failed to convert any of the seven ‘big chances’ that they created at Parkhead, and the goalless draw meant that they dropped to second in the table.

Celtic have now had four 0-0 draws in all competitions, if you include the second leg that they lost on penalties to Kairat, and it is clear that they have an issue in the centre-forward position that needs to be addressed.

Why Celtic have an issue in the centre-forward position

Kelechi Iheanacho was signed on a free transfer to replace Adam Idah the day after deadline day, and his start to life at Parkhead has been a mixed bag.

The Nigerian marksman, as shown in the clip above, scored an excellent goal against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League, after scoring on his debut against Kilmarnock in the Premiership.

However, Iheanacho missed two other ‘big chances’ in the 1-1 draw with Red Star and two ‘big chances’ in the 0-0 draw with Hibernian, per Sofascore, firing over from close range in the first half and missing a header at the back post in the second half of the latter game.

Unfortunately, Johnny Kenny came off the bench against Hibs and also missed two ‘big chances’ to find the back of the net, without completing a single pass in 16 minutes, per Sofascore.

Celtic clearly have an efficiency issue in the number nine position, and the solution could be to look to summer signing Callum Osmand in the coming weeks.

Why Celtic should unleash Callum Osmand

The Scottish giants swooped to sign the Welsh forward from Premier League side Fulham in the summer, and he has started his career in Scotland with the B team.

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Osmand has already scored two goals in two games in the Challenge Cup for the B team, including one last week in a 2-1 defeat to Edinburgh.

He has made a fast start to life in the academy system at Parkhead with those two goals, and Brendan Rodgers should take notice of that and look to bring him into the first-team set-up.

Osmand, who was hailed as “lightning quick” by Fulham expert Jack Kelly, is not part of the squad for the Europa League, which means that he is unable to be selected for the clash with Braga on Thursday, but he could be used against Motherwell on Sunday.

Kenny and Iheanacho have missed six ‘big chances’ and scored one goal in the last two matches combined, which suggests that the Hoops need a centre-forward who offers more of a clinical edge in front of goal.

Callum Osmand’s U18 & U21 form for Fulham

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

24/25

22

11

4

23/24

29

21

6

22/23

21

11

2

21/22

1

0

0

Total

73

43

12

Stats via Transfermarkt

Osmand, as you can see in the table above, is a prolific number nine who has consistently scored goals at an impressive rate throughout his youth career, which has been extended by two goals in two games for the B team in Glasgow.

Including his brief spell with the Hoops so far, the Welsh striker has scored 45 goals and provided 12 assists in his last 75 matches at youth level, which is a terrific return for the 19-year-old star.

These statistics suggest that the teenage forward may have the clinical edge that the Hoops are currently lacking in front of goal, which is why it may be worth unleashing him in the first-team, even if that is off the bench to start with, to see if he can translate his form into the first-team.

Celtic, certainly in the Premiership, are a dominant team that create chances at will, as evidenced by the seven ‘big chances’ that they created against Hibernian. This means that, in the league, they need more of a clinical finisher than an all-round centre-forward.

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That is why unleashing Osmand, who appears to be a natural goalscorer, over Kenny and Iheanacho may make a lot of sense if the team continues to struggle for goals.

Mikel Arteta laid down a stern "pressure" warning to Viktor Gyokeres as the Arsenal boss claimed he isn't concerned by a six-game goal drought. The Swedish striker enjoyed a prolific spell at Sporting Lisbon, but is enduring a nightmare run in front of goal since his summer move to North London. Now, Arteta has made it clear that wearing Arsenal’s No.9 shirt comes with heavy expectations and an unrelenting level of pressure.

• Gyokeres feeling the heat of the Premier League

  After bagging an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting, Gyokeres’ transition to English football has been far from smooth. The 28-year-old has found the net only three times in 14 matches for club and country this season and hasn’t scored in eight straight games, a streak stretching back to September 13, when Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 3-0. Now, as Arsenal gear up for their clash with Fulham on Saturday after the international break, Arteta has drawn a line in the sand as he warned that a striker who crumbles under pressure won’t survive at this club.

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• Getty Images
  

  Arteta defends his star but sends a clear message

  In a brutally honest assessment, Arteta revealed to the media what he told Gyokeres the moment he signed for Arsenal.

  "I told him before the first meeting, I said, ‘the nine that I want is a nine that when he doesn’t score for six or eight games, he can handle that. If not, you have to go somewhere else because the expectation is going to be there’," he said.

  “So, if you put on a nine shirt for Arsenal, you have to be able to say, ‘OK, six games, if I don’t score, I’m a different player? I start to act in a different way?’. No, I want much more of the same of what he’s doing."

  Arteta then asked the media to take a walk down memory lane and added, "Going back in his history as well with Viktor, it's a very different one. The beginning, when he wasn't even playing much, and then how he evolved his career. Then in the last year, it was very difficult to find a gap of that because I think he scored in every single match, almost. But just preparing something. The context is going to change. It's part of football. 

  "You see the history of the number nines. You’re going to have moments like this. He brings so much to the team. He creates space and solutions to a lot of the players around him. And with the talent that we have in the team, I’m sure that everybody, him included, will benefit from that.”

  While the numbers look grim, Arteta is adamant that Gyokeres’ contribution goes far beyond goals. The Spaniard believes fans will soon appreciate the tactical sacrifices the Swede makes for the team.

  "The first thing is that. That's going to give you something extra. Victor has so many things that probably are not noticeable," he said. "But as well, he creates environment and space and solutions to a lot of the players around him. And with the talent that we have in the team, I'm sure that everybody, him included, will benefit from that."

• Odegaard blow rocks Arsenal dressing room

  But it isn’t just Gyokeres who’s under the microscope. Arteta also confirmed a major setback with captain Martin Odegaard as the Norwegian has been ruled out for at least a month after suffering medial ligament damage in his left knee during Arsenal’s win over West Ham.

   “There is no definite date for Martin’s return, but he’s evolving well and he will be back in a few weeks," he said.

  “He’s in a really good place. He cannot afford to be in a different mindset. He’s the captain. He needs to drive the standard. He needs to be the example. When you don’t have an option, you are a dad, you have to look after your kids. You have to be there. And that is his responsibility in the team.”

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• Getty
  

  Arteta responds to Premier League title talk

  Despite the challenges, Arsenal find themselves sitting top of the Premier League, taking full advantage of Liverpool’s recent slump. A win over Fulham this weekend would stretch their lead at the summit to four points, putting pressure squarely on Liverpool, who host Manchester United on Sunday.

  Asked whether Arsenal can finally end their 22-year wait for the Premier League title, Arteta’s response was firm but measured. “It is possible. We will if we continue to win a lot of football matches. I’m sure we will be there.”

  And as Arsenal’s title push intensifies, all eyes will once again fall on Gyokeres. The pressure is enormous, but so is the faith his manager has placed in him.

The last time Manchester United won at Anfield, Great Britain was still in the European Union, Donald Trump was best known as the presenter of The Apprentice and Leicester City were top of the Premier League. Marcus Rashford had not yet played a first-team game, Arne Slot had not yet entered management and Ruben Amorim was seeing out his playing career in Qatar.

United fans probably thought they would have to wait a little longer for that run to end given their team's miserable opening to the season and Liverpool's imposing start to their title defence, but the Red Devils produced their best performance since the 2024 FA Cup final to win 2-1 on Sunday and remind themselves what it's like to win at the home of your biggest rivals.

Harry Maguire was the man responsible for United winning at Anfield for the first time since a Wayne Rooney strike sunk a Liverpool team in the infancy of Jurgen Klopp's tenure back in January 2016. The defender – who should have scored the decisive goal in last season's fixture – headed home to restore the lead United had established in the second minute through Bryan Mbeumo before Cody Gakpo equalised late in the second half.

Gakpo had hit the woodwork three times before scoring and really should have equalised again with a free header, but he was not the only Liverpool forward who underperformed as Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz all disappointed, be it by missing big chances or failing to create much danger in the first place.

While Slot was left cursing his side's profligacy and for falling behind so early in the game, meaning they played into United's hands, the visitors deserve credit for how they frustrated the champions and refused to let them play how they wanted. The result was also hugely significant for Amorim as it gave him the back-to-back Premier League wins he has craved in his 11 months in charge.

And while the United coach was not quite willing to bask in the glory of the victory and admitted his side had enjoyed some luck, he saw further signs that his team are willing to fight for him and for themselves: "It was a great win, not a very well played game from our part but a great spirit and that is the only thing I can ask."

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Anfield…

Getty Images SportWINNER: Ruben Amorim

United fans' continued backing for Amorim has been the source of much interest for pundits while their song dedicated to the manager, in which they claim 'He'll turn the Reds around', has been mocked by rival fans. But the 3,000 visiting supporters in the lower tier of the Anfield Road End, many of whom stayed long after the full-time whistle, could at last bellow out their tune in honour of their coach with pride.

Even if his reign ends prematurely without putting United back on their perch, Amorim will be remembered for being the manager to oversee a first win at Anfield in almost a decade, doing what Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag all failed to do. Yet as important is it always is to beat eternal rivals, the performance spoke even louder.

United were fully concentrated, they did not wilt when their backs were against the wall and they managed to retain their confidence and composure after conceding a goal that could have completely sunk them.

Amorim also got the big decisions right. The coach sprung a surprise by deploying Matheus Cunha as a false nine, but the move paid off as the Brazilian linked the play and made United more fluid in possession rather than trying to hit a target man. He was also rewarded for starting Maguire over Leny Yoro, something he was fiercely criticised for doing in the recent defeat at Brentford. 

The big question is whether United can seize the momentum of back-to-back wins and beat Brighton at home next time out having lost their last three matches against the Seagulls at Old Trafford. But that is also a question for next weekend; this was a day to savour and to drink it in.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLOSER: Liverpool's big-name forwards

Liverpool's starting front line featured the Premier League's most expensive player in Alexander Isak and one of its best players ever in Mohamed Salah. In the second half, they were able to bring on the second and the 10th-most expensive signings in the league's history in Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, worth a combined £200 million ($268m). But none of them could help the Reds avoid a first home league defeat in more than a year.

Liverpool have arguably the most spectacular attack in the world on paper, but their new cast of Galacticos is yet to click. Isak is still waiting for his first Premier League goal for the club following his £125m move from Newcastle, and he missed a good chance to score on Sunday when presented with a one-on-one with Senne Lammens, who thwarted the Swede with his right foot. Isak still seems to be lacking sharpness and fitness, a predictable consequence of forgoing pre-season training after going on strike at Newcastle, though he also seems to be lacking confidence.

He was by no means alone in not stepping up. Salah lives for this fixture normally, having scored 16 goals and setting up a further six against United in his eight previous seasons with the Reds. He missed a gilt-edged chance to equalise this time, though, firing wide from point-blank range with just Lammens to beat.

Ekitike did look a threat when he came on and he will rightly feel he deserved to start over Isak as he has already proven himself in his short time at the club, but the same could not be said for Wirtz, who made zero impact from the bench and has no goals or assists to show in any competitions since his £116m arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.

Getty Images SportWINNER: Harry Maguire

The last time Maguire played at Anfield he was left cursing the fact he had missed an open goal and passed up the chance to snatch that long-awaited win on enemy territory when he spooned a Joshua Zirkzee lay-off over the bar in stoppage time. But football often gives you second chances, and this time Maguire did not waste his, getting his forehead on Bruno Fernandes' cross to kick Liverpool just as their tails were up following Gakpo's equaliser.

It was Maguire's 17th goal in seven seasons at United and his fifth under Amorim. He continues to be a crucial weapon for the Portuguese, routinely popping up in the right place and the right time to save the coach's blushes. Late goals are his speciality, although by his standards his 85th-minute winner here was early. His recent cup goals against Leicester City and Grimsby Town came in added time, while his miraculous winner against Lyon arrived in added time of extra-time. The only time Maguire has scored under Amorim before the 85th minute was against Ipswich Town in February, when he helped 10-man United to victory.

It was fitting that Maguire should be the player to end United's seemingly eternal wait to win at Anfield as he is a symbol of endurance and of overcoming adversity. "Harry Maguire is really important for us and was today," said Amorim. "He is a great example, everything he has been through, a great example for every kid."

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Getty Images SportLOSER: Arne Slot

Slot was bullish after the defeat, claiming his side had performed much better than United and seemingly blamed his players for failing to take more than one of their many chances. But he cannot hide from the fact that his side have lost four successive matches for the first time in 11 years, when Brendan Rodgers was in charge.

Slot ultimately feels that his team are just lacking a bit of luck, but he is also aware of the fact that this run of negative results does not reflect well on how his team are playing. "If you lose four times in a row you have to have concerns, but we know if we keep bringing these types of performances then we will have a fair chance of winning more football games," he said. "If we do a few things better then we will have an even better chance, but you are never 100 per cent sure if in the next game you are again able to create eight, nine, 10 open chances."

But it is not just missed chances that should concern the Liverpool boss. The Reds have conceded five goals from set-pieces in eight Premier League games this season (they did not concede any in the first eight games of last season), and while it is true Liverpool had more and better chances on Sunday, they also gave United their share of opportunities in the first half, when Fernandes above all should have doubled the Red Devils' advantage.

"If you look at the signings Liverpool have brought in, the full-backs are quite small so there's no real great physical presence," said a worried Jamie Carragher on. "Set-piece wise, is the team big enough? It looks like they are not coping very well with set-pieces and are struggling with the style of the Premier League right now.

"I don't think it's one glaring problem, it's lots of things. Some of their best players from last season are not at the same levels and it's not quite happening for Liverpool now. They felt invincible last season, now as soon as someone beat them they have lost four in a row. With Liverpool sometimes there is a mindset of not wanting to do the dirty work."

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Contratação ligada há muito tempo ao Bahia, o nome do atacante Luciano Juba foi, enfim, anunciado em caráter oficial pelo Esquadrão na manhã desta sexta-feira (1). O acordo entre as partes tem validade até dezembro de 2027.

– Luciano Juba é um atleta jovem, com excelente potencial e números bem expressivos. Um jogador capaz de atuar em mais de uma função e vive uma grande temporada. Tenho certeza que nos ajudará durante o segundo turno do Brasileirão – afirmou o Diretor Executivo de Futebol, Carlos Santoro.

>Assista aos jogos do seu clube do coração com aquela gelada! Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00

O jogador de 24 anos de idade chega sem custos ao Tricolor já que, recentemente, seu vínculo junto ao Sport se encerrou e não houve acordo para renovação por conta de ofertas consideradas abaixo do que o atleta gostaria em valorização.

A situação, aliás, se tornou um verdadeiro ponto de discussão e até mesmo de revolta em relação ao apreço existente anteriormente por parte de torcedores do clube pernambucano para com Juba. Em muito, também, pelo fato do atleta ser cria das categorias de base (iniciou sua trajetória como lateral-esquerdo antes de ser colocado como atacante) e rumar para um dos históricos rivais do Sport.

Apesar do clima mais ‘pesado’, Luciano Juba teve seus melhores números na carreira nos oito meses deste ano. Foram 53 compromissos entre Campeonato Pernambucano, Copa do Nordeste, Copa do Brasil e Série B onde ele fez 20 gols e deu 18 assistências.

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While United will play Qualifier 1 against Gladiators, Kings will take on Qalandars in the Eliminator

Danyal Rasool19-May-2025Islamabad United produced a vintage performance to barnstorm into the top two, relegating Karachi Kings to the Eliminator in the process. Needing to beat Kings by about 49 runs to guarantee two bites at qualification for the final, they managed it with consummate ease as Sahibzada Farhan and Alex Hales combined for a 153-run opening stand in 69 balls to post 251 for 5. Kings’ response was restricted to a flash in the pan for the top two before United’s spinners triggered a collapse, Kings slumping from 80 for 1 to 114 for 8 as United sealed a 79-run win.United were put in to bat, and made their intentions plain from the outset. Farhan struck three fours in the opening over, with Hales going one better with two fours and a six off Khushdil Shah in the second. The two were in competition with each other more than they were with Kings’ bowlers, taking turns to flay them around the Pindi ground. The pair signed off the powerplay with 17 off Abbas Afridi to surge to 76, and if two quiet overs post powerplay gave Kings hope they were dragging the game back, the following three disabused them of that notion severely.Hales hoicked Hasan Ali over long-off for six before Farhan – having reached a 28-ball fifty – smeared him over square leg. The tenth over saw Aamer Jamal cop even worse punishment from Hales, who battered him for three sixes and a four in an over which fetched 24. United had reached 130 at the halfway mark, well on their way to the imposing total they required for a top two finish.There would be no respite as Khushdil’s third over went for a further 20 before a miscued lap from Farhan ballooned to short fine leg off Mir Hamza. He departed for 73 off 41, but Hales would motor along; by the time he ran down the stumps and yorked himself, he had blitzed his way to 88 off 35. United had enough wickets in the tank to keep slogging away, and benefitted from Kings’ largesse as they put down at least six chances amid one of the more egregious fielding displays of a tournament which has seen its fair share. Shadab Khan played the most active role in maximising United’s target towards the end, three fours and as many sixes decorating a 19-ball 42.Karachi needed 204 to secure a second place finish, and that’s what they seemed to be shaping up for at the outset. David Warner and Tim Seifert took an over to settle before they starting finding their shots, picking up a pair of boundaries each over to keep them on track. A whip off Tymal Mills at the end of the fifth over brought up the fifty stand, and though Salman Irshad yorked Seifert just before the end of the powerplay, James Vince and Warner tried to continue with the controlled aggression that marked their innings until then.But Imad Wasim, who had bowled a tight first over, dangled a carrot by dropping a quick long hop in front of Vince, who didn’t quite get the power on the heave to long-on. Salman Agha made no mistake, and thereafter the fall of wickets was a procession as Kings’ charge melted away in a wisp of smoke.A wild swing from Saad Baig brought United the third wicket before all realistic Kings hopes ended when Warner was cleaned up by Imad, who was growing into another superb spell. Shadab, meanwhile, would end up becoming the pick, taking two wickets each in two consecutive overs as he sliced through Kings’ middle order; Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Irfan Khan and Hasan Ali all neutralised within ten balls from the United captain.The victory could have been even more emphatic but United let their guard down, Shadab having his figures sullied as Abbas Afridi plundered an astonishing 24 off his final over. When Ben Dwarshuis was launched for another 15, there were brief fears United might throw away the top two finish, but they had built enough of a cushion. Irshad arrowed one into Jamal’s toes, bringing him to his knees as the umpire raised the finger. As a metaphor for how the night had gone, it was a fitting way to finish.