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Glasgow Rangers returned to the summit of the Premiership table for the first time since 2022 following their professional 3-0 victory over St Johnstone last weekend and it represents a stunning turnaround.

Philippe Clement has certainly rejuvenated a squad which was clearly stagnating under Michael Beale and losing 3-1 to Aberdeen back in September has proven to be a major blessing in disguise.

All that matters between now and the end of the season is wins, and they can deliver a major psychological blow to Celtic by defeating Hearts this afternoon and extending their advantage – temporarily at least – to five points.

The previous three games against the Jambos this season have all ended up in victories for the Light Blues and Clement will be aiming for more of the same today.

The key question is, will the Belgian make any changes to his starting XI from the win last weekend?

While the majority of players performed well, there were still a few who may be benched for the home clash today, with Scott Wright being one of the most notable players who delivered yet another dismal display for the Gers.

Scott Wright’s performance against St Johnstone in numbers

Given the club had played four games across the first 18 days of February prior to the trip to McDiarmid Park last week, it was evident Clement was going to freshen up things.

This meant Ross McCausland dropped to the bench in order to be given a rest, and he was replaced by Wright, who was making only his seventh start of the campaign.

With the side under pressure to win the game in order to move top of the table, it was certainly a big gamble to start the winger, especially as he had scored just twice all season.

In the end, he was only given 45 minutes to showcase his talents before he was hooked for Dujon Sterling at half-time.

In the first half, Wright failed to really get involved in the game, taking just 21 touches, making one key pass and winning only two of his seven contested duels in what was a rather underwhelming performance.

Sterling certainly offered more in an attacking sense, and he is a natural full-back, which goes to show just how poor Wright had been against the Saints.

Scott Wright’s season in numbers

It is not Clement’s fault that he is still having to rely on Wright, as Beale failed to add anyone of value to the right-wing area during the summer transfer window.

Under the former Club Brugge coach, the Scot has started only four matches, and it is clear he favours McCausland as his main choice on the right flank.

Among the rest of the squad, Wright currently ranks in a lowly 17th spot for shots on target per game (0.2), while ranking 21st for big chances created (one), 17th for key passes per game (0.6) and 15th for successful dribbles per game (0.4), and these figures clearly suggest he has failed to have any sort of positive influence when given a chance in the team.

Against Hearts, Clement must ditch Wright and unleash McCausland, as the Northern Irishman will be fresh and ready for the challenge.

Ross McCausland’s statistics this season for Rangers

The youngster has come on leaps and bounds since being given an opportunity by interim manager Steven Davis following Beale’s sacking in October.

He enjoyed a brief cameo in the defeat to Aris Limassol, before enjoying a 49-minute spell against St Mirren as he came on for fellow academy gem Zak Lovelace in a win over St Mirren just a few days later, and he has been part of the senior side ever since.

Indeed, the winger has failed to play in just two games since the clash in Paisley and there is no doubt he can be a key player for the future if he maintains his current level.

Two goals and three assists across 25 matches is a solid, if unspectacular return, but the talent is clearly there.

He was hailed by journalist Josh Bunting in 2022, who said: “Ross McCausland looks like a superb talent for Rangers and Northern Ireland, that’s a stunning strike to equalise against Celtic B in the Glasgow Cup, such a nice technique to even hit the target, so good at picking up the little pockets of space to get shots in on goal.”

Premiership statistics this season

Scott Wright

Ross McCausland

Goals

0

1

Assists

0

2

Key passes per game

0.6

1.7

Big chances created

1

2

Successful dribbles per game

0.4

0.9

Against Hearts in December, McCausland delivered a decent performance as he made two key passes, succeeded with two of his four dribble attempts, and won over half of his ground duels, proving he is no lightweight despite his slender frame.

Another display like this against the same opposition today could see plenty of chances being created as they chase another league victory.

Among his teammates in the top flight this season, McCausland has impressed. Not only does he rank fourth for key passes per game (1.7), but he is also seventh for successful dribbles per game (0.9) and this shows that he can be a key attacking threat.

It is clear that after his performance last weekend, Wright should no longer be starting matches for the Gers, especially with the club in a title race with Celtic.

Every point will need to be earned with good performances, but the Scot is currently the weak link whenever he starts and there could be a time when this will come back to haunt Clement.

From now on, it should be McCausland and Sterling who are the main contenders for a spot on the right flank and this will surely be an area in which the manager seeks to improve once the summer transfer window comes around.

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Unfortunately, he does not have that luxury and the moment and must work with what he has, but the 20-year-old talent should have enough in his locker to terrorise the Hearts defence.

The clash against the high-flying Jambos today will be as tricky a match as the Gers have faced in recent weeks, but if the starting XI can step up and perform well, then all three points should be secured.

أعدت شبكة “anfieldindex” الإنجليزية تقريرًا مطولًا عن المحترف المصري عمر مرموش، لاعب فريق آينتراخت فرانكفورت، في ظل ارتباطه مؤخرًا بإمكانية الانتقال إلى صفوف ليفربول الموسم المقبل.

ويقدم عمر مرموش أداءً مذهلًا مع آينتراخت فرانكفورت، في الموسم الحالي، حيث يتصدر قائمة هدافي الدوري الألماني برصيد 8 أهداف.

وذكرت تقارير مختلفة في الفترة الأخيرة أن مرموش مطلوب بقوة في الدوري الإنجليزي، من جانب عدة أندية، على رأسها ليفربول، آرسنال، مانشستر يونايتد وغيرهم.

وتحدثت شبكة “anfieldindex” الإنجليزية عن ذلك الاهتمام ومدى حاجة ليفربول إلى خدمات عمر مرموش.

وقالت الشبكة في تقريرها: “حقق ليفربول بداية رائعة للموسم تحت قيادة مدربه الجديد، آرني سلوت، ومع ذلك لم يكن كل شيء مثاليًا، ومن غير المتوقع أن تكون الأمور هكذا، حيث لا يزال الهولندي يبدأ مهامه، إنه يبني فريقه الخاص بينما يستخدم إلى حد كبير العناصر المتبقية من عصر يورجن كلوب”.

وأضافت: “أحد المجالات التي يجب أن يتطلع فيها سلوت إلى تعزيز الفريق هو عندما يتعلق الأمر بفعالية ليفربول أمام المرمى، حيث خلق الفريق 28 فرصة كبيرة في الدوري الإنجليزي هذا الموسم، لكنهم أضاعوا 17 من تلك الفرص الكبيرة وسجلوا 11 فقط، وهذا معدل نجاح يبلغ 39٪”.

وواصلت: “من ناحية أخرى خلق مانشستر سيتي 20 فرصة كبيرة وسجل 10 منها وبالتالي لديه معدل نجاح بنسبة 50٪، هذه الفجوة بنسبة 11٪ بين مانشستر سيتي وليفربول هي الفجوة التي سيحتاج سلوت إلى سدها إذا أراد أن يكون فريقه فائزًا بالدوري الإنجليزي”.

وهنا طرحت الشبكة تساؤلًا: “لماذا يمكن لـ عمر مرموش مساعدة ليفربول في سد الفجوة بنسبة 11٪؟”.

وأوضحت: “كانت هذه الفجوة واضحة في الموسم الماضي أيضًا، حيث حقق ليفربول أعلى معدل أهداف متوقعة في الدوري الإنجليزي (87.8) لكنه لم يحقق الأهداف المتوقعة واحتل المركز الثالث فقط من حيث إجمالي الأهداف المسجلة (86)، الفارق إذا هو أنه في حين تجاوز كل من آرسنال ومانشستر سيتي بشكل كبير معدل أهدافهما المتوقعة، كان أداء ليفربول أقل من المتوقع”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رسميًا | عمر مرموش لاعب شهر سبتمبر في آينتراخت فرانكفورت

واستكملت: “إذا أراد ليفربول أن يكون في نفس مستوى منافسيه في صدارة الدوري، فسوف يحتاج إلى أن يكون أفضل من حيث القدرة على إنهاء الفرص، ولهذا قد يحتاج سلوت فقط إلى مهاجم فعال يمكنه الاعتماد عليه وإحداث تأثير ثابت أمام المرمى”.

وقدمت الشبكة إجابتها قائلة: “اللاعب الوحيد الذي قد يكون قادرًا على القيام بذلك هو عمر مرموش، كان المهاجم المصري على رادار ليفربول منذ الموسم الماضي، والسبب في ذلك له علاقة كبيرة بحقيقة أن الأرقام تشير إلى أنه مهاجم فوق المتوسط”.

واستدلت الشبكة بإحصائيات شبكة “FBref” المتخصصة، حيث قالت: “في العام التقويمي الماضي، تجاوز مرموش معدل أهدافه المتوقعة بمقدار 0.11 لكل 90 دقيقة في جميع المسابقات مع آينتراخت فرانكفورت، كما احتل المرتبة العاشرة بين أفضل المهاجمين وفقًا لـ Wyscout في تحويل الفرص إلى أهداف بنسبة 17.64٪ – أعلى من متوسط ​​صلاح في الدوري الإنجليزي، والذي كان 15.65٪، فقط جوتا حقق معدل تحويل أعلى (25.64٪) من مهاجمي ليفربول في الموسم الماضي، مع العلم إنه لعب حوالي 1200 دقيقة أقل من مرموش”.

وتابعت: “هذا الموسم أصبحت كفاءة مرموش أمام المرمى أفضل، حيث يبلغ متوسط قدرته على تحويل الفرص إلى أهداف حاليًا 30.76٪، مما يجعله أفضل هداف في الدوري الألماني هذا الموسم، هو ببساطة جيد جدًا في وضع نفسه في مواقف تسجيل الأهداف ثم فعال أيضًا في تسجيل هذه الفرص”.

وطالبت الشبكة بإلقاء نظرة على خريطة تسديدات عمر مرموش، حيث قالت: “ستجد مهاجمًا يسدد في الغالب من مناطق خطيرة”.

وتساءلت الشبكة من جديد: “لماذا يعتبر مرموش أكثر من مجرد لاعب هداف (قادر على إنهاء الهجمات)؟”.

وأجابت قائلة: “إن كونك هدافًا رائعًا أمر جيد، ولكن لكي تتناسب مع نظام ليفربول، فأنت بحاجة إلى أن تكون أكثر من ذلك، يفرض سلوت طلبًا كبيرًا على مهاجميه ليكونوا قادرين على الضغط على مدافعي الخصم بشكل فعال من الأمام، يجب أن يكون عمل مهاجم ليفربول بدون الكرة بنفس فعالية ما يقدمه عندما تكون الكرة معه”.

وأكدت: “لا يقتصر الأمر على أن مرموش يركض بسرعة قصوى تبلغ 35 كم/ساعة هذا الموسم فحسب، بل إنه يغطي أيضًا مساحة كبيرة ولا يخشى المشاركة في عدد كبير من المواجهات الثنائية، ويحتل حاليًا المركز الخامس بين أفضل المهاجمين في المواجهات الثنائية الدفاعية لكل 90 دقيقة (2.83)”.

وأردفت: “كما أنه يحقق متوسط ​​ثالث أعلى عدد من الركض السريع في الهجمات المرتدة لكل 90 دقيقة (20.87) خلف ثنائي لايبزيج بنيامين سيسكو (21.28) ولويس أوبيندا (22.37)، ومن ثم فإنه من حيث المقاييس البدنية، فإن مرموش مجهز بالتأكيد للعب بأسلوب سلوت في كرة القدم”.

وأثنت الشبكة على مرموش، قائلة: “بالإضافة إلى كونه لاعبًا بارعًا في إنهاء الهجمات، فإنه يساهم بأكثر من ذلك، فهو يشارك في بناء الهجمة وينتقل إلى العمق ويحاول أيضًا التغلب على اللاعبين، حيث بلغ متوسط ​​مراوغاته 5.83 مراوغة كل 90 دقيقة، هذا الموسم، أي أكثر من لويس دياز (5.57 مراوغة في المدة نفسها)”.

هل هذا فقط ما يقدمه مرموش؟ لا، حيث قالت: “كما أنه لديه أعلى عدد من التمريرات المتوقعة (0.56 تمريرة كل 90 دقيقة) في الدوري بأكمله متفوقًا على مايكل أوليس (0.49 تمريرة في المدة نفسها)، في الموسم الماضي بلغ متوسط ​​تمريراته 0.18 تمريرة كل 90 دقيقة، وهو ما يجعله لا يزال ضمن أفضل 10 مهاجمين”.

وشددت: “الشيء الجيد فيه هو أن مرموش يتمتع بقدر وافر من الطاقة والسرعة، لذا يمكن أن يلعب على الأطراف بشكل أساسي من الجناح الأيسر لأنه يلعب بالقدم اليمنى، لكنه لعب أيضًا على الجناح الأيمن في الماضي، ولا شك أنه سيتناسب مع دور المهاجم رقم 9 تحت قيادة سلوت، التواصل مع أجنحة ليفربول وإيجاد مساحة داخل منطقة الجزاء من أجل إنتاج فرص لليفربول، وهو المكان الذي يحتاج إليه أكثر في الوقت الحالي”.

واقترحت: “لكن من المفيد أن نعرف أنه في حالة الحاجة إلى ذلك، يمكن لـ سلوت الاعتماد على مرموش من أجل لعب أدوار أخرى أيضًا، حيث بالنظر إلى جميع البيانات، من تعدد استخداماته إلى سماته البدنية وقدرته على إنهاء الهجمات، هناك عدد قليل من اللاعبين في السوق الذين يناسبون فريق ليفربول تحت قيادة سلوت”.

واختتمت: “سيتعين على ليفربول إيجاد مساحة لـ مرموش بين خيارات الهجوم في الفريق، وقد يحتاج حتى إلى التضحية بشخص آخر من أجل ضم المصري، ومع ذلك، قد يكون هذا هو الثمن المطلوب لدفعه لسد الفجوة مع مانشستر سيتي”.

It means the country’s prime minister has no power to dissolve the board or remove the chairman, with that clause being removed completely

Umar Farooq21-Aug-2019

Imran Khan wants provincial teams to form the core of domestic cricket in Pakistan•Getty Images

The government of Pakistan formally notified the new PCB constitution with certain amendments, toning down the powers of its own patron-in-chief. This is the fourth time in the last 12 years that the PCB constitution has been redrafted. This latest change means the patron-in-chief, who is also the country’s prime minister, has no power to dissolve the board or remove the chairman, with that clause being removed completely, effectively making the PCB an independent body.According to the new constitution, the prime minister of the country is still a patron of the board, but his power to dictate to it has been curbed. Earlier, his general policy directions were compulsory to implement, but will now, constitutionally at least, only be up for consideration. “The Patron may, from time to time, give to the Board general policy directions for its consideration,” clause 5.3 reads.The patron earlier had the power to dissolve the PCB, with this once igniting an embarrassing crisis for the board when former patron Nawaz Shariff dismissed the then-chairman Zaka Ashraf and dissolved the board of governors. Sharif formed a management committee to pick the new PCB chairman from among its eight members, which ultimately brought Najam Sethi to power.Changes of government have always rung changes at the PCB because the prime minister has held absolute power with the board. This has hindered the PCB’s ability to push through a long-term vision, with the board beholden to the desires of its incoming patron every few years. But the new constitution makes a significant tweak that eradicates the ability of the patron to dissolve the board of governors altogether.When Imran Khan won a general election in 2018, Sethi’s future became the subject of intense speculation, with the two of them having a famously poor relationship. With the prime minister allowed – according to the then PCB constitution – to change the PCB chairman if he so desired, it seemed unlikely Sethi would be able to stay on beyond Imran formally taking charge. In what was widely seen as an anticipation of his impending removal once Imran became prime minister, Sethi tendered his resignation just before Imran was due to take office, leading to Ehsan Mani being ushered in.Until now, chairmen had the authority to act as executives of the board who tried to implement policy they had proposed themselves, which according to Mani was a conflict of interest. The new constitution tackled governance loopholes related to the administration of cricket and the functioning of its governing body, bringing it in line with the best practices of corporate governance.The patron’s role is now more narrowly worded in Clause 32.5, giving them only oversight authority and the ability to launch an audit if they believed financial mismanagement may have taken place at the board. “Notwithstanding anything contained in this clause, the Patron in his exclusive discretion to be exercised, for reasons to be recorded in writing, after being reasonably satisfied that there is sufficient evidence of financial mismanagement within the Board, may direct conducting of a special audit of the Board’s accounts. The audit report shall only be submitted to the Patron for his consideration,” the clause reads.To many, this change might seem a calculated political ploy by the current patron-in-chief, with Imran already having made one intervention which resulted in Mani becoming chairman of the PCB. But whether the constitution, and indeed the institution that is the PCB, is sturdy enough to withstand a future patron-in-chief looking to shake things up at the PCB once more, only time will tell.

MatériaMais Notícias

O zagueiro Ricardo Graça não esconde que o trabalho do técnico Marcelo Cabo tem feito mudanças gradativas no Vasco. Em entrevista coletiva após a vitória cruz-maltina sobre o Resende, por 3 a 1, o defensor apontou onde a equipe evoluiu.

– Acho que mudamos nossa forma de jogar. Somos um time que além de propor o jogo, tem um contra-ataque muito bom – e, em seguida, destacou:

– Chegaram as contratações, que estão indo muito bem, estão fazendo a diferença. O elenco e chegada do novo treinador, com certeza, mudaram nosso estilo de jogo. Temos tudo para crescer nesse ano – completou.

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O camisa 36 também valorizou Germán Cano, que se tornou o artilheiro estrangeiro do Vasco no século XXI.

– Ele é um cara excepcional, que trabalha muito. Sou um dos primeiros que chegam, mas ele já tá trabalhando. É um cara diferenciado, com um toque na bola decide uma partida. Fico feliz de estar do lado dele, jogando junto. Com ele fazendo os gols, ajuda a gente lá na defesa.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após o empate por 1 a 1 contra o Mirassol, fora de casa, o São Paulo encerrou a primeira fase do Campeonato Paulista como líder geral do torneio. Classificado para a próxima fase, o Tricolor tem direito a realizar quatro trocas entre seus atletas inscritos e, assim, ter novos jogadores à disposição para o mata-mata.

Na coletiva de imprensa depois do jogo, o treinador Hernán Crespo comentou sobre as mudanças que o clube deve fazer.

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CONFIRA COMO TERMINOU A FASE DE GRUPOS DO CAMPEONATO PAULISTA!

Da lista inicial de inscritos, o Tricolor tem dois jogadores que deixaram o clube ainda durante a fase de grupos: o meia Tchê Tchê e o atacante Toró. Os dois devem ser alvos de troca.

Para as vagas deixadas pelos dois, o clube já tem definidos, e garantidos por Crespo, os substitutos. O volante William e o lateral Orejuela, novos reforços da equipe, ficaram de fora da lista da primeira fase e, portanto, tomarão o lugar de Tchê Tchê e Toró.

Na entrevista coletiva, Crespo confirmou essa troca, mas alertou para uma possibilidade amedrontadora para o torcedor de que Luciano e Daniel Alves percam a reta final do campeonato estadual por suas lesões recentes.

– Seguramente William e Orejuela vão entrar no lugar de Tchê Tchê e Toró. Depois, devemos ver como estão os machucados, Dani e Luciano. Depois de ter essa notícia, vou decidir.

Na partida da última quarta-feira (5), os dois jogadores tiveram a mesma lesão, um estiramento na coxa. e deixaram o campo contundidos. Ainda não é certo quando os jogadores voltarão e, assim, ambos passarão por observações.

O Tricolor volta a campo na quarta-feira (12), para enfrentar o Rentistas, do Uruguai. O duelo é válido pela quarta rodada da Libertadores e a bola rola a partir das 19h (de Brasília).

Já no Paulistão, o São Paulo ainda não sabe quando jogará as quartas de final, contra a Ferroviária. A data e o horário do confronto devem ser anunciadas nesta segunda-feira (10), pela Federação Paulista de Futebol.

قدّم إنزو ماريسكا المدير الفني لتشيلسي الإنجليزي، أنباء إيجابية بشأن فريقه قبل المباراة المرتقبة أمام ليفربول.

ويلتقي تشيلسي وليفربول ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، في مباراة تقام بين الفريقين يوم الأحد القادم.

وقال ماريسكا في مؤتمره الصحفي اليوم الجمعة: “أخيرًا أصبحنا جميعًا متاحين، لدينا فريق جاهز تمامًا متاح للاختيار، باستثناء اللاعبين الموقوفين (كوكوريلا وفوفانا)”.

ولم يشارك ريس جيمس في أي مباراة تنافسية خلال موسم 2024/25 بعد إصابته خلال فترة ما قبل الموسم، وقد أعلن ماريسكا عودته.

وأضاف: “ريس جيمس متاح، لقد عاد، عمل معنا طوال فترة التوقف الدولي، لقد عاد أخيرًا، جسد ريس لا يستطيع اللعب مرتين في الأسبوع على سبيل المثال، لذا فإن أحد الحلول هو أن نحاول إدارته بنفس الطريقة التي نتعامل بها مع روميو لافيا”.

وأكمل: “في الوقت الحالي أعتقد أن هذا يمكن أن يكون الحل إشراكه مرة واحدة في الأسبوع، في المستقبل؟ لا أعرف، الحل هو اللعب ببطء شديد، في المستقبل قد نتمكن من تغيير الأمر، ولكن في الوقت الحالي نحتاج إلى إشراكه مرة واحدة في الأسبوع”.

اقرأ أيضًا | سلوت يوضح إصابات لاعبي ليفربول قبل مواجهة تشيلسي.. ويصرح: ضربة لنا

وعن تعيين توماس توخيل مدربًا للمنتخب الإنجليزي، والانتقادات حول تولي مدرب غير إنجليزي تدريب الفريق أفاد: “كل التوفيق لتوماس ولا شيء أكثر من ذلك”.

وواصل: “إذا قرر المسؤولون ذك، أعتقد أن ذلك لأنهم مقتنعون ولست أنا من يحكم على ما إذا كان ذلك صحيحًا أم خطأ، كل التوفيق له، الأمر صعب”.

وعن ما إذا كان توخيل قد اتصل بأحد أعضاء طاقمه الفني، أوضح: “لقد اتصل بأحد أعضاء طاقمي الفني ونحن منفتحون تمامًا على الأشخاص الذين يريدون الرحيل وإجراء التغييرات إذا أرادوا ذلك، نحن منفتحون ويسعدنا أن يرغب الناس في البقاء، إذا أرادوا الرحيل، فيمكنهم الرحيل”.

Allrounder provides the evidence that Taunton surface is difficult, but hardly unplayable during crucial last-wicket stand with Jack Leach

George Dobell in Taunton24-Sep-2019

Roelof van der Merwe brings out the reverse-sweep•Getty Images

As John Cleese ate his lunch at the County Ground on Tuesday, he could have been forgiven for concluding that Somerset’s title hopes were no more; ceased to be; expired and gone to meet their maker.Around that time, Somerset had subsided to 144 for 9. On this dry surface offering substantial assistance to the bowlers that was not, perhaps, quite as bad as it may seem at first glance. But neither was it a commanding position in a game they must win if they are to overhaul Essex. As a lifelong Somerset supporter, it may have been enough to put Cleese (and Jeffrey Archer, who has also had a long affiliation with the club and has been at this match) off his Colditz salad.But if we have learned anything from this summer, it is that Jack Leach is not a man to be underestimated.And here, once again, he batted as if nailed to the crease in helping his side add 59 crucial runs or the final wicket. It was easily the highest stand of the Somerset innings and one of only two that extended beyond 30. And while it would be an exaggeration to suggest it has put Somerset on top in this contest – the weather is probably winning so far and every gamble has to come off if Somerset are defeat it and Essex – it has, at least, extended their hopes of a maiden Championship title into the penultimate day of the season.Leach is becoming something of an expert in such last-wicket heroics. He was given a rousing reception by proud supporters as he made his way to the crease and rapturous applause after he hit – guided might be a more appropriate word – his first two deliveries for four through third-man off the previously frugal Sam Cook. From then on, however, he adopted a more familiar holding role – leech-like, if you will – with just two more scoring strokes from the other 34 balls of his innings.To see Roelof van der Merwe as low as No. 10 is surprising, though. This is a man with a first-class double-century to his name, after all, who has batted at No. 3 in both first-class and limited-overs cricket. But, reasoning that attack may be the best form of defence on such a pitch, he registered his first first-class 50 since 2017 slog-sweeping his first ball for six and following it, moments later, with a reverse-sweep for six more. In all there were four sixes and three fours.Simon Harmer bore the brunt of the punishment. Until that point, Somerset had struggled to negate his turn and control as he claimed the tenth five-wicket haul of a wonderful campaign that has now brought him 83 wickets. But van der Merwe took him for 45 runs from 35 balls and took Somerset to a total that may well prove somewhat better than par by the time this match ends. He later rated it both a “good score” on such a surface and a “good wicket” which may well be a somewhat contradictory stance.It was a stand which may carry significance beyond its numbers. For by demonstrating the pitch was not as unplayable as one or two Somerset batsmen had made it appear, Leach and van der Merwe have also earned their side a decent chance of avoiding serious sanction.Somerset have walked a narrow path in this area for some time. Just over a year ago, they escaped a penalty for their surface in a Championship match against Lancashire which finished in two days and was found to have “demonstrated excessive turn”. But while the ECB’s Cricket Discipline Commission did not penalise Somerset, they did warn that “the club should expect any proven breach of ECB’s pitch regulations in future to result in a points deduction”.The key point here is that game just over a year ago. And the ECB’s regulations state that “penalties can only be applied if a pitch has been marked poor or unfit, or is a second case, in the same competition, of a below-average pitch for that county in a 12-month period.And with ECB regulations deeming a pitch unfit “only if it is dangerous” and poor only if there is “excessive unevenness of bounce” or “excessive seam movement” there seems little scope for either conclusion. There is turn here, certainly, and there is some uneven bounce. But it really does seem as if Somerset have studied the regulations and taken a calculated gamble. If it comes off and they win the Championship, they will brush off the indignity of another ‘below average’ condemnation with a cheery smile. It would be a remarkable effort for a club currently searching for a new chairman, chief executive, chief operating officer and groundsman.There are also various extenuating factors the ECB’s pitch liaison officer, Phil Whitticase, will take into consideration. It is, for example, a televised game. And that means it has to be played close to the centre of the square in line with the position of the camera gantries. And, at the end of a long summer, all such surfaces have been used – this one for both the Ashes Test and the Afghanistan v New Zealand World Cup match.Either way, nobody wants this thrilling title race to be decided in a meeting room in the weeks after the season has been completed. So while the Essex coach, Anthony McGrath, did suggest “the pitch has turned from ball one and some deliveries have gone through the surface” he also conceded such matters were “nothing to do with me” and urged his side to “play the conditions in front of them.”For a moment, as van der Merwe counterattacked, Essex did seem a little rattled. Harmer appeared irritated when Jamie Porter, on the deep point boundary, came off the rope only to see a six pass just over where he had been and, with Ryan ten Doeschate pushing men out to protect the boundaries, the gaps for singles increased. Aron Nijjar, the left-arm spinner, was also largely ineffective.But Essex’s nerves were calmed with the relative ease with which Alastair Cook and Nick Browne negotiated the new ball. They were beaten occasionally, but they also established a decent platform and arrested whatever momentum shift may have been achieved in the latter stages of the Somerset innings. And with just 27.5 overs possible on day one and 45.5 on day two, time is running out for Somerset.The forecast for the third day, at least, is better. And while Somerset have a great deal of work ahead of them to claim 20 Essex wickets and squeeze in a second innings of their own, they have a huge amount of faith in the ability of Leach to exploit a pitch that really might have been tailor-made for him.Their Championship bid hasn’t kicked the bucket and shuffled off its mortal coil just yet.

Chelsea have already begun their planning for this summer transfer window and have lined up a pair of French midfielders, according to recent reports.

Pochettino under pressure at Chelsea

With silverware now looking unlikely for another season, Chelsea fans have had enough of Mauricio Pochettino. Chants against the Argentine rang around Stamford Bridge during their 2-2 Premier League draw with Brentford, and with the club sitting in 11th place there is little faith that the ex-Spurs man is the one to turn it around in west London.

The games to save Pochettino's job?

Monday 11th March

Newcastle United (H)

Sunday 17th March

Leicester City – FA Cup quarter final (H)

Saturday 30th March

Burnley (H)

Thursday 4th April

Manchester United (H)

Saturday 7th April

Sheffield United (A)

However, he appears to still have the trust of the new Blues owners for now, and a strong end to the season could see him still in charge come the start of the 2024/25 season. However, he will need an upturn in results, including a likely FA Cup run, where they face Leicester City in the quarter-finals later in March.

No matter who is in charge in west London come the new season though, it appears that transfer plans are already being made to help them succeed for the new campaign.

French pair on the radar at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea's ability to spend this summer depends heavily on their ability to sell players, with their latest accounts showing a £90m loss from last year amid fears that they must generate significant funds before June 30th in order to comply with the Premier League's financial fair play regulations.

The likes of Lewis Hall, Ian Maatsen, Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and Omari Hutchinson could all find themselves on the chopping block and all have suitors, which could make raising the cash for this summer relatively straightforward for the Blues.

Related Sky journalist makes Tuchel to Chelsea claim as return grows more possible

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Mar 8, 2024

Should they do so, they will then look to bolster their current squad further, regardless of who is in the Stamford Bridge technical area.

To that end, HITC report that they are keen on landing French duo Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram, both of whom have previously been strongly linked to Premier League clubs. Though they have spent over £200m on Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, there is a feeling that neither are a natural defensive midfielder, something that would be addressed by signing either Frenchman, which could help bring out the best in the south American pair.

Standing at 6 foto 4 inches tall, Thuram would certainly bring physicality to the Blues engine room, with the OGC Nice star one of the best in Europe at carrying the ball up the pitch and breaking through midfield lines.

Kone is no slouch either – the Borussia Monchengladbach star has been described as a "one man army" by Talent Scout Jacek Kulig and it is easy to see why. The 22-year-old has one goal and two assists from midfield this season, but boasts impressive numbers when it comes to blocks (1.5 per game), take-ons (2.06 per game) and tackles (over 2 per game), all while maintaining an 87% pass accuracy.

With Romeo Lavia waiting in the wings at Stamford Bridge too, should either Frenchman be added to the midfield armoury in west London alkong with a striker, the Blues could begin looking like a serious side once more.

أدلى المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر سيتي، بيب جوارديولا، بتصريحات صحفية بعد فوز فريقه على ساوثهامبتون في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وفاز مانشستر سيتي على نظيره ساوثهامبتون بنتيجة 1/0، ضمن منافسات الجولة التاسعة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، على ملعب “الاتحاد”.

وبهذه النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد مانشستر سيتي إلى النقطة 23 في صدارة ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي بشكل مؤقت، بينما تجمد رصيد ساوثهامبتون بنقطة واحدة في المركز الأخير.

اقرأ ايضاً.. فيديو | هالاند يقود مانشستر سيتي لتخطي ساوثهامبتون وتصدر الدوري الإنجليزي

وقال بيب جوارديولا في تصريحات لـ”MOTD”: “الطريقة التي لعب بها ساوثهامبتون تجعلهم متطلبين للغاية، إنهم يدافعون بالكرة، يمكنك الدفاع بالكرة وهم جيدون حقًا، هم أحد أفضل الفرق في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز”.

وأضاف جوارديولا: “ساوثهامبتون لم يخلقوا الكثير من الفرص، لكننا خلقنا الكثير ولكن لسوء الحظ لم نتمكن من تسجيل الهدف الثاني. لهم الفضل الكبير، لم يكن ذلك لأننا كنا غير موفقين، ليس لدي هذا الشعور، أعتقد أننا كنا هناك وأحيانًا يكونون جيدين، علينا أن نقبل ذلك”.

وعن إيرلينج هالاند: “الأمر ليس سهلاً بالنسبة له لأن كل عرضية هي ركلة جزاء لإيرلينج، الطريقة التي يسحبونه بها، لقد خلقنا المزيد من الفرص لكننا لم نتمكن من تسجيل الهدف الثاني، لكن هالاند هو الضمان لنا”.

عن سافينيو وماتيوس نونيس: “جيدان حقًا، سافينيو خلق كل الفرص من اليمين إلى اليسار، أستطيع أن أقول إنهما جيدان حقًا، وماتيوس ليس في مركز غير مركزه الطبيعي مرة أخرى، لذا فهو يقدم تمريرة حاسمة أخرى هجوميًا ودفاعيًا، لقد لعب بشكل جيد حقًا”.

وعن ماتيو كوفاسيتش: “إنه رجل ولاعب رائع، نفتقد رودري كثيرًا هذا الموسم، إنه لاعب مهم للغاية، وفي الوقت نفسه، يتعين علينا الاستمرار في ذلك”.

وعن إمكانية عودة أي لاعب مصاب أمام توتنهام: “لا أعتقد ذلك، سنرى ما سيحدث، في هذا التقويم، كأس كاراباو مخصصة فقط للعب مع اللاعبين الشباب، سنرى ما إذا كنا سنلعب مع لاعبي الأكاديمية أو نرى كيف سيعودون حديثًا من ذلك”.

Manchester United have struggled on every front this season, with a lack of squad depth costing the side.

Erik ten Hag’s side failed to acquire any new additions in the January transfer window, which may turn out to be the wrong decision.

However, the Red Devils were active in regards to letting players leave the club, with multiple moving elsewhere in Europe on loan deals.

That said, not all of them are enjoying their time away from their parent club, failing to make an impression in different surroundings, with one player in particular finding it difficult to adjust to La Liga while earning more than Kobbie Mainoo in the process.

What Kobbie Mainoo earns at Man Utd

The rise of Mainoo this season has been absolutely fantastic, from suffering an injury in pre-season to becoming one of the players that Ten Hag can rely on the most.

At just 18 years old, the versatile midfielder has started Man United’s last 12 Premier League games, making 14 starts in total.

Having just graduated from the United Academy, Mainoo’s wage is among the lowest in the squad, earning £10k-per-week. This equates to £520k per year over the four years remaining on his contract.

However, it has been reported by Fabrizio Romano that United are already in talks to improve Mainoo’s contract, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe viewing him as a vital player in the Red Devils project, which would then see him earn more than one of his struggling colleagues.

Related Man Utd now already have their best midfielder since Paul Scholes

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Posts ByTom Lever Mar 10, 2024 Hannibal Mejbri’s salary and time at Sevilla

Hannibal Mejbri began the 23/24 campaign with Man United’s first team, where he made five appearances in the Premier League and also made his first Champions League start against Galatasaray.

However, his most memorable moment in a United shirt this campaign must be his absolutely stunning strike against Brighton & Hove Albion after replacing Casemiro as a second-half substitute.

Since the 5 foot 10 midfielder's small spell of game time at the start of the campaign, he’s struggled to get minutes, often sitting on the bench for the full game or coming on with moments to go.

Therefore, Mejbri was sent on loan to Sevilla in January in an attempt to get experience and vital minutes under his belt. But that hasn’t exactly gone to plan, as he’s made four appearances, with two yellow cards being all he can show for his performances.

At the Spanish club, the Tunisian is earning just over £15k-per-week, as per Capology, which is more than what Mainoo is currently earning at Man United, despite it still being among the lowest wage per week in the United squad, as you can see by the table below.

Man United's Lowest Earners

Player

Weekly wage

Amad Diallo

£28.8k

Hannibal Mejbri

£15k

Kobbie Mainoo

£10k

Willy Kambwala

£7.5k

Shola Shoretire

£5k

Via Capology

The difference between the two is clear in terms of quality and what they can offer Man United, but at one point, Mejbri was even compared to Luka Modric by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig in regards to his technique, vision, and playmaking ability, which seems like the perfect description for Mainoo rather than the Sevilla loanee.

Overall, the loan move to Spain for Mejbri has been somewhat of a disaster, with the player struggling to impress, and based on Mainoo’s showings, it’s crazy to think the 21-year-old is earning a higher wage. That surely won't be the case for long, though, with Ratcliffe potentially using the Tunisian midfielder to gather precious funds in the summer.