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Carlos Corberan will be fearing the worst ahead of West Bromwich Albion's trip to Rotherham United tonight, losing to the Millers at the New York Stadium would be the Baggies' third defeat on the spin with injuries stacking up for the West Midlanders at present.

The playoff-chasers will be without Matt Phillips and Jed Wallace in midfield for the game in South Yorkshire, whilst Josh Maja was substituted off in the 2-1 loss to Sunderland last match owing to a knock and looks as if he too will be absent for the contest.

West Brom man out on loan could resolve Corberan's injury problems

Injury issues at West Brom just keep piling up, with Carlos Corberan tempted to recall this loanee to fix them.

By
Kelan Sarson

Dec 11, 2023

Corberan will be scrambling around to decide what starting team he should field for the game tonight, with this predicted XI on the cards as one Baggies dud looks as if he will miss out…

1

GK – Alex Palmer

Alex Palmer will be retained in this starting line-up by Corberan for the trip to Yorkshire, yet to miss a game this season under the Spanish boss.

Palmer was credited with three saves away from conceding twice in the 2-1 defeat to Sunderland as per Sofascore, helping to keep the scoreline respectable at the Stadium of Light.

2

RB – Darnell Furlong

Darnell Furlong is a well-respected figure at the Hawthorns in defence, amassing 172 appearances for the Baggies to date.

This season, he's been largely everpresent under Corberan but wasn't at his best versus the Black Cats – losing possession a grand total of 20 times to consistently put his team under unnecessary pressure.

Still, with two goals and one assist from right-back this campaign, Corberan will hope he can be a creative force against Rotherham United to expose a leaky Millers defence whilst also competently completing his standard defensive duties.

3

CB – Kyle Bartley

Kyle Bartley will also likely start away at Rotherham tonight, the tough centre-back helping his well-oiled side keep seven clean sheets when playing this season.

Still, even the most experienced players have off days as was evident in the 32-year-old's individual performance against Sunderland – substituted off on the 75th minute mark after losing all of his duels.

Despite this poor display, Bartley will be trusted at the back for the trip to Rotherham.

4

CB – Cedric Kipre

Cedric Kipre exited the field of play at the Stadium of Light with his head held high despite the final score, the Ivorian centre-back doing his utmost to thwart Sunderland advancing forward.

Kipre would win six of his nine duels in the 2-1 defeat whilst also winning a combined five interceptions and tackles against the Black Cats.

5

LB – Conor Townsend

Conor Townsend didn't quite cover himself in glory however compared to Kipre's valiant efforts, the Baggies captain putting in an unconvincing shift versus Sunderland.

The 30-year-old was ineffective going forward with one failed cross attempt, whilst Patrick Roberts for the hosts routinely had him on toast with Roberts completing three successful dribble attempts.

He will however start owing to a lack of other options at left-back being readily available, the Baggies skipper eager to show what's truly capable of again at the New York Stadium.

6

CM – Okay Yokuşlu

Okay Yokuşlu will walk back into Corberan's starting lineup for the game at Rotherham tonight after serving a suspension, the Turkish midfielder's stand-in Jayson Molumby was poor throughout the slim Sunderland defeat when gifted a rare first-team appearance.

Molumby failed to impose himself onto the contest with zero tackles registered, whilst further being wasteful venturing forward with two off-target efforts attempted in a dire 60-minute spell on the pitch.

It led to Birmingham Live journalist Joseph Chapman giving Molumby a 5/10 rating for his performance at the Stadium of Light, singling out the midfielder for his "erratic" passing.

Yokuşlu will start ahead of Molumby and make that position his own again, hoping to be a forceful and disruptive presence that can easily nullify Rotherham and help his team get back to winning ways.

7

CM – Alex Mowatt

Alex Mowatt shined where Molumby failed against Sunderland, the former Leeds United man was calm and controlled on the ball with three key passes registered in a bright 90 minutes for the midfielder.

He was also a presence that Sunderland had to keep tabs on defensively, notching up two efforts on Anthony Patterson's goal with one effort having to be blocked.

Mowatt will hope he can be a creative spark again when his team face off against Rotherham United, keen to add another goal or assist to his season tally versus the Millers from a holding role – the 28-year-old credited with a solitary goal and two assists so far after 18 games played.

8

RM – Grady Diangana

Grady Diangana has played in a whole host of positions in attack for the Baggies recently, filling in where needed in the absence of star men Phillips and Wallace in the team.

The ex West Ham United forward has been played recently through the centre as an attacking midfield option on top of playing as a lone striker, but he underwhelmed reverting back to his natural right wing spot against Sunderland.

But, despite failing to hit a single shot on target against the Black Cats in a torrid 60-minute display, Corberan will continue to persist with his out-of-form attacker praying that he flickers back into life soon.

With Rotherham conceding 39 goals this campaign to date – the leakiest defence in the division this season – Diangana could cause the Millers all sorts of havoc at the back if he is firing on all cylinders again.

9

CAM – John Swift

Likewise, John Swift on his day can terrorise Championship defences but the former Chelsea midfielder was nowhere near his best versus Sunderland.

Labelled by Birmingham Live journalist Joseph Chapman as looking "rusty" – an understandable description considering he is just back from a long-term injury lay-off – Swift will need to get back up to speed soon to help his team going forward in crunch matches to come.

Much like Diangana, Corberan will just hope starting Swift against a poor Rotherham side can give him a boost and get him back on the scoresheet after a blistering start to the second-tier season – scoring six times for the Baggies before an injury cruelly intervened.

10

LM – Jeremy Sarmiento

West Brom's on-loan winger has shown flashes of his brilliance this campaign since making the temporary switch from Brighton, his long-range strike against Cardiff City recently a standout moment from his short time with the club.

He was quiet in stark contrast away at the Stadium of Light last time out but showed glimpses again of his immense quality in patches.

Firing three efforts at Patterson's goal in the game, with just one being dangerous enough to require a block, Corberan will hope his loaned-in winger can find the back of the net again in spectacular fashion versus Rotherham to help his team pick up three points.

Aston Villa travel to Bosnia to face Zrinjski in their final Europa Conference League clash this evening and a point will guarantee them top spot in the group.

Following two wonderful Premier League wins over Manchester City and Arsenal recently, Villa are certainly in contention for a top four spot and a Champions League berth.

Unai Emery may make a few changes to his starting XI against the Bosnian outfit this evening, resting some players in order to keep them fresh for the league clash against Brentford this weekend.

Leon Bailey could be one who gets benched, especially as he was substituted against the Gunners with what looked like an injury at the time.

Leon Bailey injury news

The winger was replaced after the first half during the victory over the North Londoners and many supporters were fearing for the worst.

Emery provided an update during his post-match press conference, however, saying: “He was tired, completely tired!”

“Hopefully he’s not injured but I don’t know exactly.”

The former Bayer Leverkusen starlet has enjoyed a wonderful start to the season for the Midlands side, registering 15 goal contributions – eight goals and seven assists – across 22 matches and this form has helped the club reach the heady heights of the top four in the league table.

These statistics show that he has made a significant impact at the top end of the pitch as the ex-Bundesliga ace has contributed with goals and assists on a regular basis.

The impressive Spaniard may choose to rest the 26-year-old whiz for the European clash this evening, however, and this will open the door for Moussa Diaby to make his long-awaited return to the starting XI.

Moussa Diaby’s season in numbers

The talented Frenchman has had to resort to appearances from the bench during the previous three Premier League matches, and it is time he was back in the starting XI.

The 5 foot 7 maestro was dubbed as a “joy to watch” by writer Jack Grimse last month following some spellbinding performances and there is no doubt he could unlock the Zrinjski defence.

Diaby ranks fourth across the Villa squad for goals and assists (seven) in the top flight this season, while also ranking second for shots on target per game (0.7), first for big chances created (seven), and second for key passes per game (1.6), clearly indicating how important he has been to the team with his impressive creativity.

Across four European matches so far this season, the winger has scored only once, yet he could certainly add to this tally tonight if unleashed in the starting XI.

Latest Aston Villa transfer news: Unai eyes £40m deal; Saudi club want star

It’s a huge summer for Aston Villa and Unai Emery as they prepare for the Champions League.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 11, 2024

It may not be a must-win tie, but the former Arsenal boss won't be taking Zrinsjki lightly, especially as Villa only managed to sneak a 1-0 win back in October.

A hectic spell is fast approaching which will see Emery’s men taking on Brentford, Sheffield United, Manchester United, and Burnley before the end of 2023.

The club should look to target 12 points from 12 during these matches and if they remain injury free along with continuing their wonderful performances of late, they could enter 2024 as title contenders.

While Bailey may have avoided injury against the Gunners, Diaby should be given the nod tonight and a goal or two could see his confidence restored whilst also providing the Jamaica international with a rest.

USWNT star Sophia Smith has taken a NWSL goal record off of current Chelsea forward Sam Kerr.

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• United States international in fine form
• Reached 50 goal contributions in NWSL
• Aussie icon knocked down pecking order

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Smith continues to see her stock soar, with the Portland Thorns striker making impressive contributions for club and country in 2024. She is now a W Gold Cup and SheBelieves Cup winner, with the United States getting back on the trophy trail.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Smith has been starring on the senior international stage, taking her goal tally to 18 through 46 appearances. That fine form has been mirrored domestically, with the 23-year-old making a flying start to the 2024 campaign.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Portland Thorns crushed the Houston Dash 4-1 in their latest outing, with Smith on target once again. She has now reached 50 goal contributions in the NWSL (40 goals and 10 assists) and has become the youngest player to hit that mark – knocking Aussie icon Kerr, who has spent time with Sky Blue FC and the Chicago Red Stars, down the pecking order.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SMITH?

  Smith will be hoping to maintain high standards through the rest of the calendar year, with there plenty for her to play for. While looking to chase down NWSL honours, she is also expected to make Emma Hayes’ squad for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Philippe Clement has enjoyed a terrific start to life in Scotland with six wins from his opening seven matches in charge.

The Belgian tactician, who replaced Michael Beale at the helm last month, is yet to taste defeat for the Light Blues since his move to the club.

It has been an impressive run of form from the ex-AS Monaco manager's side as he has not had the opportunity, yet, to sign his own players.

Clement has not had a transfer window to shape his squad in order to have the players that he wants to perfectly execute the style of play that he and his coaches would like to deploy.

With this in mind, the upcoming January transfer window will be the first chance for him to make a signing and the Gers boss has already been touted with interest in a Premier League player.

Rangers transfer news – Ben Godfrey

Earlier this month, 90min reported that the Light Blues are one of a number of teams interested in a possible move to sign Ben Godfrey from Everton at the start of next year.

The outlet claimed that Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are both keeping tabs on his current situation at Goodison Park as they have been long-term admirers of the former Norwich City star.

It was also stated that Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Rangers are also keen on a swoop to secure his services, which shows that there is plenty of competition for the Scottish giants to beat off.

Everton are said to be open to offers for the central defender, who has fallen down the pecking order under Sean Dyche and found minutes difficult to come by, although there is no mention of how much it would cost, or if they would be prepared to send him out on loan.

The Toffees signed the former England international from Norwich for a reported fee of £20m in the summer of 2020, after they failed to snap up Fikayo Tomori – now of AC Milan.

Rangers may not be able to compete for a permanent deal if Everton want to recoup that fee, particularly if the likes of Newcastle and Spurs are involved in a bidding war. However, a loan move to Ibrox to build up his confidence before a permanent exit next summer could suit all parties involved.

In that scenario, Clement could secure a dream upgrade on his current left-sided centre-back option Ben Davies, who arrived from Liverpool at the start of last season.

Ben Davies' performance for Rangers

The English defender was signed by Giovanni van Bronckhorst to bolster his team ahead of their 2022/23 campaign, in the Scottish Premiership and the Champions League.

However, Davies did not prove himself to be an outstanding option at either level. Domestically, the former Preston North End star made 27 league appearances and averaged 0.8 interceptions and 0.9 tackles per game for his side, which ranked him seventh and 16th within the squad.

He also struggled in Europe with a dismal Sofascore rating of 6.23 across three Champions League appearances, in which time his passing left a lot to be desired.

Davies did not rank higher than the top 52% of his positional peers in the competition for progressive passes (3.12) or progressive carries (0.69) per 90.

The central defender also, alarmingly, ranked with the bottom 8% of players in his position for his pass success rate of 79.6%, which shows that he gave the ball away far too often and did not retain possession well for the team.

He has done relatively little to improve that aspect of his performances in the Europa League, a lower standard of European football, so far this season.

Davies does not rank higher than the top 41% of his positional peers for progressive passes (four) per 90 and has not completed a single progressive carry in four appearances.

These statistics show that the left-footed enforcer has struggled to progress the team up the pitch, whether that be through his passing or dribbling, on a consistent basis.

This can be harmful to Rangers from an offensive and defensive perspective as his lack of progression could stagnate attacks and cause turnovers, from which their opponents can counter from to create opportunities of their own.

The statistics that show why Godfrey could be an upgrade on Davies

Godfrey has endured a rough couple of seasons at Everton and it would be harsh to judge him on his recent performances as the versatile ace has been played out of his natural position and had others preferred ahead of him at centre-back.

He played the majority of his minutes throughout the 2022/23 campaign as a left or right-back, instead of at the heart of the defence, which did not allow him to display the best of his abilities.

However, his form for Carlo Ancelotti, who signed him in 2020, during the 2020/21 season suggests that there is an impressive defender to be unearthed there.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.03 across 31 appearances and made 1.8 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per match for the Toffees, which immediately indicates that Godfrey could provide more defensive interventions than Davies at the back to cut out opposition attacks.

That season, the English brute showcased his progressive quality with 1.02 progressive carries per 90, which placed him in the top 23% of his positional peers at Premier League level.

Appearances

31

Sofascore rating

7.03

Goals

Four

Pass accuracy

90%

Clearances

109

All the way back in the 2018/19 Championship season, Godfrey was able to display his ball-playing abilities in a dominant team as he won the title with Norwich and ranked within the top 21% of his peers for progressive passes (3.35) per 90 and the top 13% for progressive carries (1.17) per 90.

These statistics show that the £75k-per-week titan is very capable of being able to consistently progress the ball up the pitch for his team, particularly by carrying it forward with his pace, strength, and dribbling qualities.

Couple that with his aforementioned defensive capabilities and the potential is there for the "immense" – as he was dubbed by famous Everton fan and boxer Tony Bellew – colossus to be a dream upgrade on Davies for Clement in January if he can recapture his best form in Scotland.

New Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl is looking to make his mark at the club, and he wants a new addition to boost his backroom team, according to an update from reliable journalist Joe Crann.

Watford 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday

The Owls have come crashing back down to reality this season after their memorable League One campaign last time around, which saw them promoted to the Championship after a dramatic win over Barnsley in the playoff final.

Xisco Munoz came in as manager during the summer, following the surprise exit of Darren Moore after overseeing a great season, but his time in charge proved to be disastrous, failing to pick up a single win.

He was recently sacked and replaced by Danny Rohl, who is an exciting young manager most well-known for being assistant manager for Germany and Bayern Munich in the past. The 34-year-old's first game in charge of Wednesday came away to Watford on Saturday afternoon, but despite battling bravely at Vicarage Road, they were beaten 1-0 late in the day, meaning they continue to be rooted to the bottom of the Championship table.

It is clear that Rohl will need to be able to bring in the players he wants, in order to do the best possible job, and exactly the same applies to his backroom team away from the playing squad.

Danny Rohl wants Sheff Wed signing

Taking to X on Monday morning, Crann dropped a new Sheffield Wednesday update, claiming that Rohl is keen on bringing in a goalkeeping coach of his choice, even though Nicky Weaver is impressing in the role:

"Danny Rohl is very happy with the work done by Nicky Weaver with SWFC's goalkeepers, but has confirmed that he is looking to bring in his own man for the role."

Rohl has clearly hinted at a new Sheffield Wednesday signing as well, saying:

“I’m trying, but we’ll speak about this position also in the next few days. At the moment we have Nicky and he is doing very well. But I have to decide in the next few days about this position.”

While this may sound harsh on Weaver, football is a ruthless business and Rohl will have his own ideas on exactly who he wants in a department that has caused plenty of fuss at Middlewood Road – let's not forget the club had just one 'keeper on the books in Cameron Dawson earlier this year.

In order for the Owls to battle their way out of the Championship relegation zone, they need everyone at the club to be pulling in the same direction, which is why Rohl being trusted to make the right appointments is the only way forward.

Last 10 Sheff Wed managers	Year
Danny Rohl	2023-
Xisco Munoz	2023-2023
Darren Moore	2021-2023
Tony Pulis	2020-2020
Garry Monk	2019-2020
Steve Bruce	2019-2019
Jos Luhukay	2018-2018
Carlos Carvalhal	2015-2017
Stuart Gray	2013-2015
Dave Jones	2012-2013

Wednesday have a huge battle on their hands to avoid a quickfire return to League One – they are already nine points adrift of Plymouth Argyle in 21st place – but Rohl does feel like an exciting appointment who will bring fresh ideas to the team.

Even if results aren't good to begin with, patience is required with him, and that may even still apply if the Owls are relegated at the end of this season.

England boss Gareth Southgate has revealed he is learning German and admitted a pet peeve of his.

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Southgate in quick-fire interviewReveals least favourite questionAlso learning GermanWHAT HAPPENED?

The England boss is busy preparing for the upcoming European Championship in Germany this summer, but has found time to talk to reporters in order to tell England supporters more about himself.

During the interview with , the 53-year-old answers a series of questions about himself, which includes the one question he hates being asked, what he would tell his 16-year-old self and one thing about him that may surprise people – along with many others.

AdvertisementGetty WHAT SOUTHGATE SAID

Speaking to , Southgate opened up on the one question he hates being asked, where he said: "(Laughs) It’s being asked for a selfie when you’re in the middle of an airport and you’re trying to keep your head down, with the cap on, and trying to avoid it.

"Normally, I’m trying to get through somewhere without any attention. Of course you always want to help people out if they want a picture, but you’re trying to stay incognito and not create a fuss, really."

The England boss was then questioned about one thing that may surprise readers to learn, where he added: "The only thing I am doing at the moment is trying to learn German for the summer.

"I was conscious when we went on the recces (reconnaissance trips) and to the draws, I actually hadn’t got a clue. I wasn’t very proud of that. So I’m trying to at least be able to have some interaction with people there."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Southgate has been England boss since 2016 and Euro 2024 will be his fourth major tournament in charge of the Three Lions. His current contract with the national team is set to expire in December and he is yet to agree on an extension.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR SOUTHGATE?

For now, his concentration remains on getting the best out of the talented England squad he currently has at his disposal. England are scheduled to face Brazil and Belgium in friendlies in the coming days, as the preparation for the summer continues.

Murray was taken ill at Lord’s on Tuesday, after Middlesex’s victory over Warwickshire

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jul-2018John Murray, the former Middlesex and England wicketkeeper, has died at the age of 83. Murray was taken ill at Lord’s on Tuesday, after Middlesex’s victory over Warwickshire, and passed away later that evening.Acknowledged as one of the game’s finest keepers – his record of 1527 first-class dismissals remains second on the all-time list – Murray played 21 times for England during the 1960s. He made his only Test hundred against West Indies at The Oval in 1966.A stylist with the bat and gloves, he played more than 650 times for Middlesex, scoring 17,519 runs during a 24-year career.”Losing JT is a devastating blow to Middlesex Cricket,” John Emburey, the club’s president, said. “He is undoubtedly the finest wicketkeeper in the history of the club and would be one of the first names on any team sheet when picking an all-time Middlesex XI. What he achieved is unlikely to be repeated.”He was not only a very fine cricketer, but was a fine man – loyal and committed to Middlesex Cricket. He was a Middlesex man through and through and he continued to serve the club magnificently after retirement as a Committee man, confidant and, most of all supporter. In many ways, it was fitting that his last day was spent at Lord’s enjoying a Middlesex victory.”He will be sorely missed by all at Middlesex, in particular those players that he formed such a close relationship with in the early years of his career.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone associated with Middlesex go out to his family and friends at this desperately sad time.”

As their search for a John Eustace replacement goes on, Blackburn Rovers are now reportedly set to open talks with a former Premier League midfielder as an alternative to the heavily linked Gary O’Neil.

Blackburn Rovers' manager search

In the second half of the season with his side on course to finish inside the Championship play-off places, it seemed an absurd suggestion that Eustace would even consider swapping Blackburn for relegation-battling Derby County for even a second. Yet, here the Rams are, having welcomed their former player-turned-manager back with open arms.

Those at Ewood Park, meanwhile, have been left stranded and left to ponder exactly how they’re without a manager at such an important stage of the campaign. It’s a reality that they have at least realised quickly, however, springing into action on the hunt for a swift replacement.

One name on their list is O’Neil, who was sacked by Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in December and has been out of a job ever since. Reportedly set to hold talks with the former Bournemouth and Wolves boss this week, there’s little doubt that Blackburn would be making a shrewd appointment.

If it’s not to be O’Neil, however, then the Lancashire club seem destined to turn towards another former Premier League man. According to The Sun, Blackburn are now set to open talks with Luis Boa Morte over their vacant managerial role.

The former Arsenal and Southampton midfielder is reportedly keen on the job, despite the fact that he’s currently in charge of Guinea-Bissau after leaving his role as Marco Silva’s assistant manager at Fulham last season.

Blackburn learn compensation fee to appoint 44 y/o as Eustace's replacement

Blackburn could be close to finding a replacement for John Eustace.

ByBrett Worthington Feb 16, 2025

The Blackburn job would be just the third of his managerial career, having been in charge of Sintrense in Portugal for a short period in 2017 before he took his latest aforementioned position. So, to say that those at Ewood Park would be taking a gamble would be quite the understatement.

Hiring Boa Morte would be a major gamble

There’s a time and a place to take a gamble and Ewood Park is certainly not bearing the look of Vegas as of late. The Lancashire club must simply take caution with their next appointment. With just 13 games remaining, Blackburn are in touching distance of sealing a play-off place, so the task must be getting over the line with a safer choice than Boa Morte.

As much as the former Arsenal midfielder enjoyed success as Silva’s Fulham assistant, Blackburn cannot afford to take the risk of handing a manager his first role in English football at such an important stage of their campaign.

Talks with O’Neil will certainly hand Blackburn chiefs a clearer idea of their next move and securing the former Wolves boss should be their priority. But if it’s not to be him, then they should turn their attention towards a candidate with equal experience.

As the managerial merry-go-round rumbles on in the Championship, season-defining decisions are about to be made.

Steven Mullaney’s hundred and a brisk innings from Ross Taylor set Hampshire a daunting target then the Notts bowlers chipped away

George Dobell at Trent Bridge06-May-2018

Stuart Broad sets off in celebration•Getty Images

ScorecardStuart Broad may have inflicted a serious blow to James Vince’s chances of retaining his Test place by exploiting a familiar fault in the Championship match at Trent Bridge.Vince, who played throughout the Ashes series despite only twice passing 25, returned to the Test side for the final Test in New Zealand and responded with a typically elegant 76.But, despite some promising innings, Vince averages just 24.90 after 13 Tests. And, while concerns over his fragility around off stump remain, he cannot be assured of retaining his place when the squad for the Test series against Pakistan is named in a couple of weeks’ time.It was that weakness that Broad exploited here. An entertaining final half-four saw Broad, charging in from the Pavilion End, using all his skill and experience against a team-mate he had seen batting at close quarters for several months over the winter.Having been beaten by one that bounced and left him early in Broad’s spell, Vince was naturally reluctant to play at anything outside off stump. But with Broad persuading one to tail back in just a fraction, Vince’s decision to pad up left the umpire with a simple leg before decision to make. For selectors undecided over Vince’s future, it may prove a telling blow.To be fair to Vince, Broad will trouble many batsmen in this form. He generated decent pace despite a surface that is now funereal and, having tinkered with his action ahead of the New Zealand tour, is gaining just a little more movement and bounce than has been the case for a year or so.”He’s really charged in,” Nottinghamshire’s captain Steven Mullaney told ESPNcricinfo after stumps. “He’s shown his class and been magnificent.”You have to pinch yourself sometimes to realise you’re not watching it on TV; you have to actually catch it if it comes your way.”He changed his action a little to get the ball moving away from the right-hander more and I think it’s helped him get a bit more bounce, too. He’s looking magnificent to the right-handers and that makes his inswinger all the more dangerous. He’s bowling with really good pace and control.”That Nottinghamshire had an opening was largely due to the persistence of Harry Gurney and the inexperience of 21-year-oldJoe Weatherley who had batted with admirable composure in demanding circumstances. Despite a match situation that demanded he try and bat for the best part of four sessions – Hampshire had been set an improbable 469 to win in a minimum of 140 overs – the former England Under-19 captain had just recorded his maiden Championship half-century and, in batting for 34 overs, given his side an outside chance of saving the game.But a momentary lapse of concentration cost him. Lured into a drive by Samit Patel’s teasing spin, Weatherley lofted a simple catch to mid-on. For all Patel’s skill – and this was a slightly quicker ball delivered with a rounder arm – it was an unnecessary stroke. It may console Weatherley a little that a batsman as experienced as Hashim Amla made a similar mistake on the previous day. But the manner in which he walked off – head in his hands, aghast at his error – suggested it may take some time for any consolation to sink in. He shaped up very nicely before that, though, and is probably one to keep an eye upon.Gurney helped Nottinghamshire build on those foundations. Delivering an outstanding 13-over spell from the Pavilion End, he showed again the vast improvements he has made to his bowling over the last few years. Where once he was a raw and pretty unsophisticated left-arm quick bowler, he now operates off a short run, moves the ball both ways and retains the ability to deliver a sharp effort ball when required. Despite the emergence of Luke Wood and the return of Mark Footitt (who is currently on loan at Derbyshire and not guaranteed to come back), he remains the best left-arm seamer on the staff and retains a place in Nottinghamshire’s best XI.He was rewarded for his persistence with the wicket of Jimmy Adams. Having seen the batsman dropped at slip from the previous delivery, Gurney bowled another one in the same channel outside off stump and was delighted to see Mullaney, the culprit the previous ball, hold on.Earlier Mullaney had become Nottinghamshire’s first centurion of the campaign as he helped set an imposing total. With help from the wonderfully aggressive and selfless Ross Taylor (who made 83 from 69 balls), Mullaney took full advantage of easing batting conditions to stretch the lead well beyond 400. Liam Dawson, who only a year ago was being talked about as England’s No. 1 spinner, bore the brunt of the assault in conceding 123 from his 24 overs. Patel, who has barely conceded a run an over throughout this match, could be forgiven for wondering what more he has to do to warrant a recall.Vince had finished the Nottinghamshire innings as their stand-in wicket-keeper after Lewis McManus was obliged to leave the field having sustained a hand injury. Hampshire are awaiting the results of a scan, but confirmed that he will bat on the final day if required. Vince’s late departure rendered that requirement almost inevitable.

Arsenal look to be on the journey to something special, as Mikel Arteta continues to grow as a manager alongside his budding squad full of exciting talent.

The Gunners underwent some difficult times at the start of the Spaniard’s reign, at a time when many doubted the limits of his capabilities as a coach as his first two seasons resulted in consecutive 8th-place Premier League finishes.

As time went by and the former Arsenal midfielder was able to fully sculpt the squad to his liking, improvement began to be noticeable, as he took the team to 5th place in the 2021/22 campaign, agonisingly shy of a top-four finish.

2018/19

Unai Emery

5th

2019/20

Mikel Arteta

8th

2020/21

Mikel Arteta

8th

2021/22

Mikel Arteta

5th

2022/23

Mikel Arteta

2nd

It seemed as though the squad took missing out on the top four to their north London rivals personally, as the 2022/23 season began the start of the club’s revolution, as they challenged for the title for the majority of the term.

Manchester City swept the prizes last year, winning the domestic treble, however, Arteta restored the hope at the Emirates for years to come.

During his reign, the former Everton whiz has recruited strongly, welcoming a host of talent through the doors in north London with each new arrival having a significant role to play in his master plan.

One area that needed attention was the defence, which was strengthened by the arrivals of Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and Oleksandr Zinchenko, paired with the return of William Saliba from his loan spells.

How much did Arsenal sign Gabriel Magalhaes for?

Signed from French outfit Lille in 2020 for £27m, Gabriel arrived in the bid for Arteta to rebuild the foundations of his back four.

The manager lauded his new arrival as a player who could strengthen his squad as a “defensive unit and as a team”, branding him an “outstanding” defender based on his form in France.

It was revealed at the time of the deal being complete that Manchester United were also eyeing a potential move for the Brazilian, with Everton and Napoli also named as clubs that held interest.

Around the time of his move from Ligue 1 to the Premier League, the centre-back had an expected transfer value (xTV) of €15.5m (£13.4m), which has significantly risen since his journey to fame in north London, via Football Transfers.

What is Gabriel Magalhaes’ market value now?

Currently, the Sao Paulo-born ace has a market value of €80m (£69m), as per CIES Football Observatory, showcasing just how much his game has developed, as well as how good of a deal Arsenal struck to acquire him.

In three years, the defender’s value has risen by almost €65m, with his good form and personal development rewarded with an improved contract from the club in 2022, where his deal was extended to 2027.

At the time of his renewed deal, Arteta dubbed his star defender as a “hugely important” part of the squad after establishing himself as one of the Emirates’ first-choice centre-backs.

How much does Gabriel Magalhaes earn?

Along with his stay being extended, the Brazilian saw his wages rise as a result of his revised contract.

The 25-year-old saw his hard work pay off as his salary doubled in value last year, taking his weekly wage from £50k to £100k by putting pen to paper.

From earning £291k-per-year at the point of signing for Lille, the defender’s rise at Arsenal has resulted in him earning £5.2m-per-year, suggesting just how highly he is regarded in north London.

Why is he worth that much?

Praised as being “solid as a rock” by talent scout Jacek Kulig in his debut season, Gabriel’s form has transformed over the years, with it seeming as though the Brazil international has found sanctuary in playing alongside Saliba.

In the 2020/21 campaign, the Brazilian averaged a pass completion rate of 85.4% per 90, as well as making 1.13 tackles and 2.57 aerial wins per 90, via FBref.

The most prominent improvement to his game has been his distribution, recording an average pass completion rate of 89.4% per 90, as well as making 1.27 tackles and 2.64 aerial wins per 90 in the 2022/23 season.

Working alongside Saliba seems to complement the former Lille star, with the Frenchman being an extremely competent ball player himself as highlighted by his average pass completion rate of 91.0% per 90 last term.

When reviewing Arsenal’s defence, the combination of Gabriel and Saliba has assisted in balancing the back four, with both showing their strengths in orchestrating the play ahead of them as well as the task at hand.

Twitter X figure Eduardo Hagn was full of praise for the partnership after the Gunners’ emphatic win against PSV on their Champions League return, calling them a “world-class” duo.

What does the future hold for Gabriel?

With 124 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions under his belt, the 25-year-old has all the tools to write himself into history as part of a squad that is destined for glory sooner rather than later.

The Gunners struggled for years to unearth the next capable defensive duo, with the combination of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny arguably the last pairing that consistently succeeded in red and white.

Last season was the first term that Saliba and Gabriel were combined in the heart of the back line, and with such performances marking their first experiences with each other, Arteta’s defence is in safe hands for years to come.

Arsenal are back in the Champions League and among the top side’s in the Premier League, with the Brazilian being an integral part of the journey in the capital.

Away from domestic football, the future looks bright for the former Ligue 1 gem’s international prognosis, as he earned his first cap for his country earlier this month after the disappointment of not being selected for the 2022 World Cup.

Emerging as a top talent in England with Arsenal, and a player recognised at international level for Fernando Diniz’s squad, the Gunners machine is in for an exciting new chapter of his career if his form can continue to flourish.

In signing Gabriel for just £27m, Arteta and Edu struck gold on another Brazilian talent whose value continues to soar in the capital.