تلقى فريق ليفربول خبرًا سارًا بشأن النجم المصري محمد صلاح قبل مباراتهم المرتقبة ضد مانشستر يونايتد، بعد فترة التوقف الدولي الجارية حاليًا، والخاصة بشهر أكتوبر.
ويخوض ليفربول مباراته ضد نظيره مانشستر يونايتد في الجولة الثامنة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على ملعب “الأنفيلد” يوم الأحد 19 أكتوبر الجاري.
وسلطت شبكة “thisisanfield” الإنجليزية الضوء على قرار منتخب مصر، بقيادة حسام حسن، بإراحة محمد صلاح وعدم مشاركته في مباراة الأحد المقبل ضد غينيا بيساو.
جاء قرار حسام حسن بعدما تأهل منتخب مصر إلى بطولة كأس العالم 2026 عقب فوزهم على جيبوتي بثلاثة أهداف دون رد، أمس الأول، بفضل ثنائية محمد صلاح وهدف إبراهيم عادل.
اقرأ أيضًا.. شيرر: سلوت لا يثق بلاعبي ليفربول.. ومحمد صلاح سيعود لمستواه بعد “التوازن”
وسيتواجد محمد صلاح في ملعب مباراة مصر وغينيا بيساو من أجل الاحتفال بالتأهل رفقة الجماهير، ولكنه لن يشارك.
وأوضحت الشبكة أن محمد صلاح بتلك الطريقة سيتجنب الإصابة وسيعود بمستوى جيد إلى ليفربول، مع العلم أنه لن يكون في عجلة من أمره للعودة إلى ميرسيسايد للاجتماع مع الفريق الأول، حيث من المرجح حدوث ذلك يوم الخميس القادم.
وأشارت إلى أن الضغوط تتزايد على محمد صلاح ذلك الموسم بسبب تراجع مستواه وعدم تسجيله إلا هدفين فقط في الدوري الإنجليزي، بخلاف تغيير مركزه، ولكن هناك آمال بانتهاء ذلك الوضع قريبًا.
Liverpool starlet Rio Ngumoha has received a new contract that has quadrupled his wages after his breakthrough under Arne Slot, a new report claims. The forward, who scored a vital winner against Newcastle earlier this season, has seen a massive increase on his initial wages of £14,400-per-year.
Ngumoha's rise
Ngumoha has enjoyed an incredible rise in profile in the Liverpool ranks this season, as he has become more and more involved with Slot's first-team. He has made four appearances in all competitions, famously scoring a late, late winner against Newcastle in the league. And The Sun now reports that when that goal went in, the teenager was still earning just 14,400-per-year, as the club have a wage limit for young players. But upon turning 17, his salary has increased immensely.
AdvertisementHis new wage
The winger celebrated his birthday on August 29, and the Reds have almost immediately handed him fresh terms – confirming as much earlier this week – worth 52,000-per-year. That is a four-fold increase on what Ngumoha was earning previously, and goes some way to showing just how much faith the club have in the youngster. He already has 12 caps for England's Under-17s too, as he bids to make an impact on both the domestic and international game in the future.
What's been said about Ngumoha
Slot was full of praise for his newest star after his goal against Newcastle, telling reporters: “He’s a player that can finish really well for his age. How firm his shot was, you don’t see this often for a 16-year-old. I did hear someone afterwards in the dressing room, I won’t say who, said they would have taken that ball, have a first touch, then finish it off. But he is so confident. That’s what I like, because the first ball he got he wasn’t afraid. He immediately took someone on. When the second player came, he got across him, and for him to score that goal is not completely a coincidence because for his age he is an amazing finisher.”
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Getty Images SportNgumoha makes history
The winger's goal against the Magpies made him the Reds' youngest-ever scorer in a Premier League game, scoring at the age of 16 years and 361 days, and he expressed his amazement at writing himself into Merseyside folklore.
He said: “I’m buzzing! I’m so happy to score, especially the winner. A good moment, a special feeling, I’m definitely happy.
“You just have to come on and make an impact and thank God that I did that. It was just a proud moment.”
He added: “Normally, last season especially, the Academy coaches and even the first-team coaches are always saying, ‘Make the back post, make the back post.’
“The fact that I made the back post is just crazy… when I saw it with Mo [Salah] and then Dom [Szoboszlai] putting it through his legs, I was like one-v-one and I just smashed it. The fans, I heard them screaming my name and that’s a sensational moment I would say.
“But you can’t get too carried away with all the noise, like I said, because at the end of the day I probably do that finish 100 times on the training ground so it’s no different with the fans [here]. But obviously the fans backing you there, it’s just crazy.
“I’m 16 but I don’t want my age to show that I can’t play with the older players. I want to prove a point that I can play with not just people my age but many ages above.
“But like I said, there are people at the club who are always helping me and I’m always learning and improving, so I can’t complain.”
While Liverpool’s deal for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is going to dominate much of the transfer deadline day chatter, Tottenham Hotspur are knuckling down and preparing to pull off a few statement deals of their own.
Having won the race for attacking midfielder Xavi Simons earlier this week, Thomas Frank’s Tottenham are shaping up nicely, though a home defeat against Bournemouth after back-to-back wins to kick off the Premier League campaign have issued a reminder that there is much work to be done over the months and years ahead.
A lack of bite in that north London clash proved the crux of the club’s issues, and maybe it wouldn’t hurt for Daniel Levy to oversee an Isak-esque deal down N17 today.
Well, Spurs might just have such a move in the pipeline.
Spurs in talks to sign new striker
Let’s be frank, Tottenham’s new manager has his work cut out, though the early readings are promising to say the least.
But Dominic Solanke and Richarlison are the leading options at the front of the ship, and another star could work wonders in completing a frontline bearing such potential.
Well, according to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have opened talks with Paris Saint-Germain as they consider a bid for Randal Kolo Muani, who had looked set to join Juventus after a successful loan stint last year, but for the package to unravel at the negotiating table.
Anticipated to cost in excess of £50m, Kolo Muani has also attracted interest from Manchester United this month, but Spurs need a striker and offer the allure of Champions League football.
Keep a close eye on this one.
What Kolo Muani would bring to Spurs
Kolo Muani left Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany two years ago, signing for PSG in a £76m deal. So ended his prolific time in the Bundesliga, and kicked off a frustrating spell back in his homeland, having bagged only 11 goals across 54 matches.
Still, described as a “superstar” by German legend Lothar Matthaus, Kolo Muani has a deadly sense for goals and the athletic and mobile presence in and around the box to make a real difference to Tottenham’s attacking line, perhaps even proving the Londoners’ own version of Isak.
At Juventus, Kolo Muani proved that class is permanent, scoring ten goals and providing three assists across only 22 matches for the Turin-based outfit.
He also averaged 1.1 key passes per game, according to Sofascore, underscoring his dynamism and will to link up with teammates and deepen the lines of communication on the pitch.
This is something that Isak does (or, rather, did) with such aplomb across his years at St. James’ Park, keeping it crisp when on the ball but knowing exactly when to pick out a teammate or shuffle forward himself and strike on goal.
Kolo Muani might not have any Premier League experience under his belt, but he’s a seasoned forward both domestically and on the international stage, and has proven his worth when entrusted with a starring role.
Kolo Muani vs Isak (past 365 days)
Stats (per 90)
Kolo Muani
Isak
Goals scored
0.48
0.78
Assists
0.11
0.17
Shots taken
2.45
3.21
Touches (att pen)
6.28
6.31
Shot-creating actions
2.34
3.04
Pass completion
70.2%
75.3%
Progressive passes
1.49
2.94
Progressive carries
1.54
2.80
Successful take-ons
1.54
1.42
Ball recoveries
2.24
1.79
Tackles + interceptions
1.28
0.44
Data via FBref
Whether Tottenham manage to get this one over the line remains to be seen, but there’s no question that it would be a fantastic move for a side in transition, already showing that they have what it takes to hit some lofty heights with Frank at the helm.
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This season marks a new era for Tottenham Hotspur football club, as Thomas Frank leads the side into the 2025/26 campaign after his appointment from Brentford.
It’s already been the perfect start for the Dane, picking up three points in the Premier League opener against Burnley – with a Richarlison double and a strike from Brennan Johnson securing the win.
However, if the side are to continue their charge this campaign, the hierarchy will need to once again back the manager to make the changes he craves to his side.
Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha have made moves from West Ham United and Bayern Munich, respectively, whilst Mathys Tel also made his loan move permanent from the latter.
However, despite the £85m already splashed during this window, the Lilywhites could’ve forked out a much bigger sum, had they managed to complete a deal for another big-money talent.
Spurs’ failed move for Gibbs-White this summer
Earlier this summer, Spurs made a surprise move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, with a deal for his signature seemingly progressing rapidly at the time.
The Lilywhites had gone from being interested in a move for the 25-year-old, to agreeing a deal, and the player himself set for a medical with the North London outfit.
However, the deal wasn’t plain sailing, with the club’s decision to trigger his £60m release clause one that caused controversy with Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis.
The Greek businessman put a halt to the move, after claiming Frank’s side had made an illegal approach for his signature, subsequently threatening legal action against the club.
Morgan Gibbs-White 2024-25 stats (timeless)
A deal for Gibbs-White’s signature subsequently fell apart, leading to the England international signing a new three-year contract at the City Ground – becoming their highest paid player in their history.
After missing out on his signature, other options have been considered by the Lilywhites’ hierarchy, leading to numerous other options being considered in recent weeks.
Spurs’ hunt for a Gibbs-White alternative this summer
Eberechi Eze has been the biggest target for Spurs in recent weeks, with the Crystal Palace star seemingly set for a departure from Selhurst Park between now and the end of the window.
Talks have been held between the two clubs over the last few days, leading to claims that an agreement has been reached to sign the 27-year-old, with a £60m fee currently being mooted.
However, he’s not the only player in their sights this window, leading to Roma talent Lorenzo Pellegrini being labelled as the latest target, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport.
They claim that Spurs have made an enquiry to land the Italian midfielder, who made 34 appearances for the Serie A outfit throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
It also states that his current employers will be looking to offload him this window, opening the door to a switch to North London with just one year remaining in his current deal at the Stadio Olimpico.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Gibbs-White
After James Maddison’s ACL injury, it has left a huge hole in the number ten position at Spurs, highlighting the need for added reinforcements in such an area.
A move for Gibbs-White would’ve provided added competition for places in the side, but at present, Frank’s side don’t currently have a recognised attacking midfielder to fill the void.
However, after missing out on his signature earlier this window, the need for another talent in such an area is desperately needed before the window’s September 1st deadline.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match
Whilst Pellegrini won’t be many supporters’ first choice this window, at 29, he could be the perfect squad option, especially if Eze completes his own move to join the club.
To sweeten the deal for the Lilywhites faithful, he’s been labelled as a similar player to Gibbs-White by FBref, able to offer a cheaper alternative to the Englishman.
When delving into their respective stats from the 2024/25 season, the Italian managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’d be a superb addition to the current squad.
Pellegrini, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri, managed to complete more of the passes he attempted, with more of which per 90 being defined as key passes.
Games played
25
34
Goals & assists
3
15
Pass accuracy
80%
78%
Key passes made
1.7
1.6
Take-ons completed
41%
40%
Carries into final third
1.7
1.6
Crosses completed
2.7
1.4
Fouls drawn
1.5
1.2
Such figures highlight the quality he possesses with the ball at his feet, offering Frank’s side a more creative option to the Lilywhites within the final third.
He also completed more of the take-ons he attempted, whilst also completing more carries into the final third – subsequently being able to drive with the ball into dangerous areas, adding another dimension to the club’s attack.
The Italian has also completed more crosses per 90, whilst drawing more fouls per 90, showcasing the threat he carries when having the ball at his feet – with the opposition unable to contain his talents, as seen by the fouls drawn tally.
It’s unclear how much a deal for Pellegrini would cost this summer, but it’s evident that any move could be a shrewd piece of business that would aid the club in their hunt for success.
If he can match the levels produced by Gibbs-White in the Premier League, it would be an excellent deal, subsequently softening the blow of missing out on the Forest star.
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Tasmania had threatened to make a game of a tough chase but none of the batters could convert into a big score
AAP21-Feb-2025Lloyd Pope missed out on a hat-trick but played a crucial role as South Australia continued their quest for a drought-breaking Sheffield Shield title with an 87-run win over Tasmania.Set 381 runs for victory, Tasmania moved past 200 for the loss of three wickets as they sought to pull off an improbable run chase on Friday’s final day of play at Adelaide Oval.Related
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But legspinner Pope claimed three of the last seven wickets to steer table-topping SA to their fifth win of the season from eight matches. SA now have one foot in the door of the final as they chase their first Shield title since 1996.Fighting half-centuries from Nivethan Radhakrishnan, Jake Doran and Test allrounder Beau Webster weren’t enough for Tasmania, who were bowled out for 293 before tea.Webster belted five fours and a six in his 59-ball innings but was the last man out when he skied a catch to Jake Lehman off Nathan McAndrew.Lehman had dropped a couple of catches earlier in the match and almost spilled the last chance, before grabbing it at the second attempt.It brought down the curtain on a remarkable match, after 20 wickets fell on day one. It was the first time SA have won a Shield match after batting first and posting fewer than 100 runs in the first innings.They were skittled for 93 but responded by knocking over Tasmania for 101 on Tuesday, thanks largely to 6 for 40 from player of the match Brendan Doggett.Ben Manenti made the crucial breakthrough on the final day when he removed Radhakrishnan, and was busy in the field with four catches.Radhakrishnan, an Indian-born 22-year-old who can bowl spinners with right and left arms, put on 79 runs for the fourth wicket with Doran as Tasmania briefly eyed victory.Pope was on a hat-trick when he removed tailenders Kieran Elliott and Gabe Bell – both out for ducks and caught by Manenti.
A retomada dos treinos no Botafogo em meio ao período da Data Fifa ganhou contornos decisivos para Luis Henrique. Lançado com frequência em campo pelo técnico Luís Castro, o camisa 11 está em um bom momento e, caso seja acionado mais vezes, tem boas chances de continuar a defender o Alvinegro.
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Os direitos econômicos do atacante pertencem ao Olympique de Marselha (FRA). Porém, o contrato de Luis Henrique com o Botafogo inclui uma cláusula de opção de compra de cerca de 8 milhões de euros (estimado atualmente em R$ 42,2 milhões). Além disso, estão incluídos “gatilhos” que estabelecem um número de jogos disputados a partir do qual a sua compra passa a ser obrigatória.
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Após ter travado uma disputa acirrada com Victor Sá, Luis Henrique gradativamente retomou seu posto de titular e se tornou um dos responsáveis por municiar o centroavante Tiquinho Soares. Bem entrosado, o jogador de 21 anos disputou 30 partidas e marcou duas vezes.
O fôlego do atleta terá de ficar ainda mais revigorado. Afinal, além de Victor Sá, terá outro jogador para concorrer por sua vaga: em julho, Diego Hernández estará apto para atuar com a camisa do Botafogo. Em meio a muitos desafios, Luis Henrique se empenha para manter o foco e consolidar seu futebol.
Celtic are running out of time before the end of the summer transfer window, as they look to reinforce their attack before the deadline passes at 11 pm.
Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claims that the club have made a loan approach to sign David Datro Fofana from Chelsea to bolster their centre-forward options, with Adam Idah on his way to Swansea.
David Datro Fofana.
The journalist claims that the Ivorian marksman is one of two strikers wanted by the Hoops before the deadline, as Brendan Rodgers looks to find his new main number nine.
Celtic agree deal to sign winger
New strikers are not the only thing on the agenda for the Scottish Premiership champions, though, as they are also looking to bring in another wide player.
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According to the aforementioned Joseph, Celtic have agreed a fee with Hammarby IF to sign winger Sebastian Tounekti in a deal that is worth up to £5.2m.
The reporter claims that a deal has been agreed “in the last hour” after their first two offers for the attacker were turned down by the Swedish outfit.
Joseph adds that the Hoops are now in a “race against time” to complete all the documents, and that personal terms are not expected to be an issue, which suggests that the player is keen to make the switch to Glasgow before the window slams shut.
What Sebastien Tounekti could bring to Celtic
The Tunisia international is a versatile forward who mainly plays on the left, but can also play on the right, and he could be an exciting partner for Fofana if the club can get both of those deals over the line.
Fofana scored four goals in 15 Premier League matches for Burnley in the 2023/24 campaign, and ranked up 15 goals in 24 games or Molde in 2022 before his move to Chelsea, per Sofascore.
These achievements show that he does have the potential to score goals at the top level, and to score goals consistently when selected, and Tounekti is a player who could help him get back on the goal trail.
Goals
2
Top 37%
Chances created
22
Top 16%
Dribbles completed
41
Top 3%
Pass accuracy
85%
Top 15%
xA
4.53
Top 3%
Assists
5
Top 9%
As you can see in the table above, the Tunisian maestro has been one of the most creative wide players in the Allsvenskan in 2025, ranking very highly for xA and assists.
This suggests that he is the kind of winger who strikers love to play with because he is constantly looking to create high-quality opportunities for them in front of goal.
Now, imagine Tounekti supplying Fofana with chance after chance in front of goal at Parkhead. It may be better to watch than what Celtic supporters have been put through recently, with zero goals scored in three of the last four games in all competitions.
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However, nothing is done until it is done and Celtic still have plenty of work to do before they can start to seriously think about having both of these players in the XI to face Kilmarnock.
Whilst Newcastle United have completed some major deals with summer, the biggest transfer story surrounding the club has been the potential exit of Alexander Isak to Premier League holders Liverpool.
Until this week, the player had been quiet on the situation, but ahead of the PFA awards, the Swedish striker put out a statement to explain why he would not be in attendance.
Isak first acknowledged the award ceremony and then his silence on the transfer controversy before sharing his perspective on the matter: “The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”
After Isak’s post, the Magpies responded with a statement that denied the existence of any agreements and explained that they would be willing to sell Isak if their conditions are met, but at this stage, that has not happened, and they don’t foresee it happening this window. The statement concluded by saying that Isak would be welcomed to return to training once he accepts the situation.
Whilst the Isak transfer drama has captured the media’s attention, a different club has attempted to recruit another one of Newcastle’s players.
Ipswich approach Newcastle for Miley loan
Ipswich Town have approached Newcastle and inquired about signing 19-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley on a season-long loan.
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie has reported that this approach has been turned down as “Eddie Howe sees the teenager playing a key role” this season. Newcastle will once again be featuring in the Champions League, and it will be their first season playing it under the new format, meaning there’ll be guaranteed a higher level of European games than ever before.
These European fixtures, alongside the three domestic competitions, will require sufficient squad depth, and Miley is seen as a part of this. Downie shared that there has been interest in Miley from other clubs, but at this stage, Ipswich are the only ones to have made a formal approach.
Big season for "key player" Miley
This season is set to be an important one in Miley’s development. Over the last two seasons, he’s shown promise in brief cameos, but this season, with the heavy fixture schedule and Howe’s view of him as a “key player”, he will have more opportunities to prove himself and try and break his way into the team.
Becoming a starter for Newcastle is no easy task, especially in the midfield, as they currently have one of the most cemented midfield threes in the league with Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães. The club have also been linked to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, which would make the competition for places even tougher.
If, when Miley is given a chance this season, he produces performances of a similar quality to last season, he will be in with a chance of breaking into the first team. Last season, he ranked in the 99th percentile of similar players for tackles made per 90, and he was in the top 5% for tackle success rate.
It’s not just defensively where Miley shines, as he also scored in the league despite only playing in the competition for 300 minutes. With more game time, he will be able to demonstrate more of his attacking ability and prove himself as an all-round midfielder who can step in for any of the three starters when necessary.
Eric Dier admits that memories of breaking his trophy duck, while helping Harry Kane to lift his silverware curse, still gives him goosebumps. The versatile England international became a title winner alongside his close friend and fellow former Tottenham star when helping Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga crown in 2024-25. Memories of that success will live with Dier forever.
Getty
Trophy curse lifted in Bundesliga title triumph
Like Kane, Dier headed to Germany having experienced a number of near misses on the trophy front. He formed part of Spurs squads that finished as runners-up in two League Cup finals and a Champions League showpiece in 2019 – when domestic rivals Liverpool dashed continental dreams in Madrid. He also finished third with England in the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League.
A few eyebrows were raised when Dier followed Kane to the Allianz Arena, but he made 28 appearances across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign. Said season finished with Bayern getting their hands on the Bundesliga title – much to the relief of Dier and Kane.
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Dier left Kane when swapping Munich for Monaco
Kane was the first person that Dier turned to when that coronation was confirmed and he has told of emotional celebrations: "It’s giving me goosebumps even now. It was literally a second after we won it. It was one of the best moments of my life."
Dier was on the move again over the summer, as he swapped Munich for Monaco. He has previously spent time with Sporting in Lisbon and Tottenham in London. Stepping out of a professional comfort zone is nothing new for the combative centre-half. He said of his travels: "It would be impossible to sit down and map it all out perfectly, to decide when and where you want to go. For me, it’s like one of those pinball machines: the ball just drops and drops, you don’t know which way, all the way to the bottom. You never know what your journey is going to look like.
"I don’t really find moving difficult. The hardest thing is just the logistics, that’s a pain in the arse, the furniture, all that boring stuff. But for me, it’s always very enjoyable to come to a new country and to feel a new culture around football and life. To see how people work in different countries. All that stuff has always been just fun for me."
Getty Images
World Cup dream: Dier targets England recall
Dier is now 31 years of age, but claims to feel better than ever. He added: "I really believe I’m in the best footballing shape I’ve ever been in. Physically, I feel fantastic. And with experience, you feel better and better as a player and I’ve improved massively over the last two or three years. I feel at my best as a player right now."
He went on to say of chasing a World Cup dream with England in 2026: "I definitely still have hope, I really want to be back in the England squad. And it’s for other people to judge, but I think in the last year at Bayern and now here I’ve been playing my best football, so it’s frustrating not to be in the squad when you feel that about yourself and you already have a lot of caps. It’s a huge motivation for me, but I also know it’s about Monaco playing well and the rest will be a result of that."
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Bid for 50th England cap: Tuchel knows Dier well
Dier is one appearance short of reaching a half-century for England, having made his senior international bow back in 2015. He has not represented his country since 2022, but the Three Lions are not blessed with an abundance of in-form options at the heart of their defence.
That could bring Dier back into contention, especially as England are now working under a coach that knows all about his many qualities. Thomas Tuchel was the man that took Dier to Bayern Munich, with the German tactician clearly a fan of what he has to offer – with plenty of time having also been spent operating in a holding midfield role over the course of his career.
There’s an old Stewart Lee routine about the attractions (or otherwise) of moving out of London to live in the countryside, which in its mock juxtaposition of urban decay and rural tranquility riffs on the ludicrous notion that “visible otters” might be a guaranteed part of the estate agent’s package.County cricket can find itself viewed in similarly absurd terms. As a refuge from modernity it is still hard to beat but, with many counties now playing the majority of their cricket at increasingly developed stadiums, some of the prerequisites of the pastoral idyll are missing. If there isn’t a grass bank, a whitewashed pavilion and spectators allowed on the field at tea, is it really the throwback to a bygone era that was advertised?For “visible otters” you might well substitute “available deckchairs”. Luckily at Hove there are still plenty of those – although not many were still untenanted as a crowd of 1,500 sunned themselves on day one of Sussex’s first home fixture since returning to Division One of the Rothesay County Championship. A century stand between Dan Hughes and Tom Clark during the morning session bore the “Good Old Sussex By The Sea” stamp of approval, though a post-lunch collapse of 6 for 53 undid some of that hard work and it took the rustic ball-striking of No. 11 Sean Hunt to eventually secure a batting point.Even here, a short hit from the trendier postcodes of Brighton, there was proof that the game doesn’t exist in a time warp. The latest Sixes Social Cricket venue, where you can sink a few pints while taking aim at virtual bowlers in the indoor batting cages, has just opened at the 1st Central County Ground – replacing Tony Greig’s Café beneath the Sharks Stand. With schools on holiday for Easter, gaggles of children were in attendance, displaying their affiliations to Minecraft and Brighton & Hove Albion as well as Sussex. On the wooden benches by the dressing rooms were a set of tattoos and a man-bun that would not have looked out of place in a nearby hipster coffee joint.There were also a number of spectators wearing the Somerset dragon, perhaps keen to make the pilgrimage and see how The Sussex Cricketer has changed since their team last played a Championship match here in 2015. The local boozer by the entrance to the ground is now a glass-fronted bar beneath a multistorey residential development – but still a decent location to discuss the battles lost and won after Somerset had hauled themselves back into this contest by taking seven wickets during the afternoon session, then stumbled against the Sussex tail before wobbling to the close five down, Fynn Hudson-Prentice claiming 4 for 13 in a spell that included the dismissal of Tom Banton a week on from his record-breaking 371.Sussex, without the services of Ollie Robinson after he sustained a foot injury in the draw against Warwickshire, opted to bat first under blemish-free blue skies and the promise of runs in the sun. Despite losing Tom Haines in the sixth over, bowled through the gate aiming a drive at Lewis Gregory, the partnership between Hughes and Clark suggested that Sussex were in the mood to back up the big scoring of their opening-round trip to Edgbaston, with a dollop of luck and some wayward bowling helping them to 122 for 1 at lunch.Hughes, Sussex’s Australian opener, looks like a cricketer from another age with his clipped moustache and classical push-drives. He was dropped at second slip on 9 by Kasey Aldridge, the Somerset allrounder then adding to his lackadaisical start with a spell of three overs that cost 23. Clark rattled along to 40 off 38 balls but the reintroduction of Gregory and Josh Davey gradually saw the visitors get a handle on the scoring, before Migael Pretorius struck in consecutive overs after the interval to remove both Sussex 49ers – Clark fiddling behind, Hughes lbw shuffling across.With Tom Alsop nicking to slip in between, Sussex had lost three wickets in 10 balls; that became four in 32 when James Coles was caught behind aiming an expansive drive at Gregory. Hudson-Prentice rarely hinted at permanence while adding 38 in partnership with his captain, John Simpson, Aldridge eventually dispatching him with a jaffa that hit the top of off, having switched to the Cromwell Road End with good effect. Danny Lamb fell lbw three balls later as Somerset again strove to take the upper hand.They, too, were missing the services of an England seamer, with Craig Overton rested early in Somerset’s run of five matches in as many weeks. Only Davey maintained the required level of discipline on a surface that offered initial assistance before easing as the ball softened, and Sussex were able to bolster their position from 180 for 7 via half-century stands for the eighth and tenth wickets. Jack Carson looked in good touch before edging Jack Leach to slip, Simpson then falling straight after tea when spooning Davey to cover. Hunt neatly combined the benefits of old-fashioned and new-fangled by clumping 33 off as many balls before losing middle and off stumps to Gregory.Jayden Seales had looked a thoroughly modern tailender in helping Hunt to add 52, and he swiftly proved his worth with the ball, shaping one away from Archie Vaughan to find a low outside edge that was scooped up by the diving Coles at third slip. Coles was in action again when Hudson-Prentice drew Sean Dickson into a flirt with his opening delivery, and it was two in two when Tom Abell was squared up and hit on the back leg. Hudson-Prentice then made Hove feel like Shangri-La La Land as he had Banton caught behind and nightwatcher Davey lbw to cap an enthralling day.