Manchester City are now circling to sign a £70m Premier League forward, who has made a fantastic start to the new season.

Haaland setting the pace in the goal-scoring charts

Erling Haaland will have his sights set on winning the Premier League Golden Boot for the third time, after finishing top of the goal-scoring charts in each of his first two seasons, and the Man City star is setting the pace in the early stages of the campaign.

Remarkably, the Norway international is averaging 1.42 goals per 90, having found the back of the net eight times in his opening six games, which places the centre-forward way out in front as the leading goalscorer.

Pep Guardiola has a number of top-quality attacking options to choose from, with Phil Foden proving he may be getting back to his best by picking up two goals and two assists in all competitions this season, while Jeremy Doku also has four goal contributions to his name.

However, according to a report from The Boot Room, Pep could now look to enhance his forward options even further, with Man City circling to sign AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, after the winger’s fantastic start to the campaign.

Previously, Semenyo has been valued at £70m by the Cherries, and the forward’s stock is only likely to have risen after amassing six goal contributions in his opening six Premier League games this season.

In light of his performances, the Ghana international has now attracted the attention of a number of English clubs, namely Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, with Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Atlético Madrid also keen.

The 25-year-old has admitted that his dream is to play for a Champions League club, which means a move to the Etihad Stadium should appeal, although Bournemouth are reluctant to sanction a winter departure.

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BySean Markus Clifford Sep 29, 2025 "Unbelievable" Semenyo could excel at the Etihad

Lauded as “unbelievable” by reporter Lewis Cox, the Bournemouth star has established himself as one of the best forwards in the Premier League over the past three seasons, having shown consistent signs of improvement.

Season

PL appearances

Goal contributions

2023-24

33

11

2024-25

37

17

2025-26

6

6

Perhaps the former Bristol City man’s most impressive individual performance this term came against Liverpool, scoring a brace to claw his side back into the game, although they did eventually go on to lose the game 4-2.

The Ghanaian is clearly a talented player, given his exploits across the past three seasons, but there are doubts whether he would be a necessary signing for Man City, with Savinho in line for a new contract.

Pep already has plenty of options in wide areas, with Doku and Omar Marmoush also on the books, so it may not be wise to shell out around £70m on Semenyo.

Leeds United splashed the cash during the summer transfer window to bolster their squad with a host of new signings to make them competitive in the Premier League.

A return of eight points from the first seven matches of the top-flight season suggests that it has been money well spent so far, particularly given that they have already played Arsenal, Spurs, and Newcastle.

Daniel Farke has created a team that has a good blend of players who were instrumental to the club’s success in the Championship last season and the signings brought in during the summer window.

The midfield is a good example of that because it has recently consisted of Ethan Ampadu, in his third season at Elland Road, alongside new signings Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff.

This shows that Leeds have not been overly reliant on their Championship team, but they also have not completely ripped up what worked for them in the 2024/25 campaign.

One position on the pitch that is still up for debate is centre-forward, though, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin has yet to fully convince since his move to West Yorkshire.

Why Leeds more from Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The 11-cap England international was brought in on a free transfer during the summer transfer window after he was released by Everton at the end of last season.

Calvert-Lewin is a vastly experienced Premier League campaigner, as this is his tenth year in the division, which made him seem like a sensible signing on paper, particularly on a free transfer.

His experience in the top-flight has been evident early on in his career at Elland Road in the way that he duels with opposition centre-backs, having won 4.6 duels per game and 41% of his aerial duels, per Sofascore.

The 28-year-old striker, who scored his first goal for the club against Wolves, has shown that he can compete with defenders and provide a physical presence in the number nine role.

However, Leeds need more from Calvert-Lewin in front of goal in the box, because he has scored one goal and missed five ‘big chances’ in the Premier League this season, per Sofascore, which shows that he has been wasteful with the opportunities that have come his way.

25/26

1.08

1

24/25

8.58

3

23/24

13.63

7

22/23

6.50

2

21/22

6.22

5

20/21

18.21

16

19/20

16.11

12

18/19

6.17

6

17/18

5.44

4

16/18

1.25

1

As you can see in the table above, the English forward’s career in the top-flight does not suggest that he is likely to improve his efficiency in the final third, which is a concern.

However, if his physical and hold-up play does enough to help the Whites win enough points to avoid relegation, irrespective of his goal return, then the Whites will surely deem him to have been a successful signing by the end of the season.

Calvert-Lewin’s arrival at Elland Road, and subsequent emergence as the first-choice striker at Elland Road, has led to one of last season’s stars now looking like he is on borrowed time in the Premier League.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

Joel Piroe played a pivotal role on the pitch for the West Yorkshire outfit in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns in the Championship, but now faces an uncertain future at the club.

Why Joel Piroe has an uncertain future at Leeds

In the summer of 2023, Leeds swooped to sign the Dutch centre-forward from Championship rivals Swansea City for a fee of £10m, in a move that was described as a “statement transfer” by journalist Phil Hay.

The reporter hailed the shift in mood within the fanbase and around the club in general that the signing caused, as they had signed a proven goalscorer at the level. Piroe’s return of 46 goals in 96 games for Swansea, per Transfermarkt, made him an exciting addition.

Proven goalscorers are hard to find at any level, as evidenced by Calvert-Lewin’s current struggles in front of goal, but that is exactly what Leeds found in the Championship with Piroe.

The left-footed star scored 14 goals in his first Championship season with the Whites, before winning the Golden Boot with a 19-goal haul last term to help his side win the title.

A return of 33 goals in two league seasons in the second tier shows that Leeds made a great decision when they signed him from Swansea in 2023 as a statement transfer, as he brought the guaranteed goals that his form for the Welsh side promised.

Promotion to the Premier League, though, was always going to mean that some of the club’s stars from the promotion-winning season may find it difficult to get game time in the top-flight, as not every player is able to make the step up.

Piroe, on current evidence, already looks like he is on borrowed time at Elland Road after a difficult start to the 2025/26 campaign, having fallen behind Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in the pecking order.

Duels won

1.22

Bottom 3%

Duel success rate

15.4%

Bottom 3%

Aerial duels won

1.22

Bottom 17%

Aerial duel success rate

22.2%

Bottom 3%

Fouls committed

0.61

Bottom 14%

Successful dribbles

0.00

Bottom 3%

Dribble success rate

0%

Bottom 3%

As you can see in the table above, the Dutchman has failed to deal with the step up in intensity and physicality in the Premier League, ranking among the worst strikers in the division in a host of physical metrics.

So far, Piroe has made three appearances, started two games, and been an unused substitute on three occasions, per Sofascore. All three of those minuteless matches on the bench came after his two starts, which suggests that Farke was not too impressed by his performances.

The Dutchman failed to score a goal, missing one ‘big chance’, and did not create a single chance for his teammates in those three appearances, to go along with his struggles off the ball.

Therefore, the former Swansea star may be on borrowed time at Elland Road unless there is a significant change to his performance level, as he may have to reconsider his future if it gets to January and he is rarely getting minutes on the pitch.

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This Leeds flop who earns more than Ao Tanaka is on borrowed time at Elland Road.

ByDan Emery Oct 10, 2025

There is no doubt that Piroe has been a success at Leeds, because he was signed in the Championship to score goals and did exactly that, but he may be coming to the end of his journey in West Yorkshire, unfortunately.

Manchester United have now joined the race for a “sensational” Champions League midfielder, with manager Ruben Amorim personally an admirer.

Man Utd eyeing new midfielder amid Mainoo issues

After scoring in the shock 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in 2024, few would’ve predicted Kobbie Mainoo’s Man United career would pan out the way it has, with the midfielder falling down the pecking order considerably.

Former striker Teddy Sheringham has made it clear he doesn’t believe Amorim is a fan of the youngster, saying: “He’s [Mainoo] obviously not Amorim’s type of player. He’s very casual on the ball, but obviously plays the game in his own way. I’m not saying that in a derogatory manner; I’m saying that he has a certain style that Amorim obviously doesn’t appreciate.

The 20-year-old has featured for just 113 minutes in the Premier League this season, and it has now been suggested he could be the next player to leave United and go on to flourish elsewhere.

With Mainoo’s future up in the air, the Red Devils are now looking to sign a new young English midfielder, according to a report from BILD (via Sports View), which names Borussia Dortmund’s Jobe Bellingham as a target.

Amorim is said to be a fan of Bellingham’s robustness and physicality, with Man United now plotting a move for the former Sunderland man, who is a few months younger than Mainoo. There is set to be competition for his signature, with Crystal Palace also named as potential suitors.

The 20-year-old only arrived at Dortmund in the summer, joining in a package widely reported to be worth £31m, but his start to life in Germany has been far from ideal, with his dad causing controversy after entering the dressing room after a draw against St. Pauli in August.

"Sensational" Bellingham would be risky signing for Amorim

Given that Jude Bellingham has already established himself as one of the world’s best midfielders at just 22, the Dortmund youngster is likely to be feeling the pressure, although it is important to remember he is still just 20-years-old.

Related Fabrizio Romano shares what he's heard from Man Utd on £190k-p/w star's Old Trafford future

The Red Devils hold him in high regard and he would be a big loss…

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Oct 13, 2025

Much like his brother, the starlet has been impressing at senior level since a very young age, with journalist Josh Bunting hailing him for a top display for Sunderland just over two years ago.

That said, Bellingham would be a risky signing for Man United, given that he is yet to establish himself at the top level, making two Champions League appearances, and it may be a better idea to bring in a midfielder who has more experience.

تقدم فريق الأهلي بالهدف الأول أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا، في المباراة التي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس السوبر المصري.

وتقام المباراة بين الأهلي ومنافسه سيراميكا كليوباترا، على أرضية استاد هزاع بن زايد، ضمن لقاءات نصف نهائي السوبر المصري.

طالع | تشكيل الأهلي أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا في السوبر المصري.. توروب يدفع بـ القوة الضاربة

وجاء الهدف في الدقيقة 18 عن طريق محمود حسن تريزيجيه بعد عرضية مميزة من أحمد سيد زيزو قابلها تريزيجيه برأسه في الشباك.

وتقام بطولة السوبر المصري خلال الفترة من 6 إلى 9 نوفمبر المقبل، بمشاركة أربعة فرق هي: الأهلي (بطل الدوري)، الزمالك (بطل كأس مصر)، سيراميكا كليوباترا (بطل كأس الرابطة)، وبيراميدز الذي يشارك بدعوة من اللجنة المنظمة.

الأهلي هو حامل لقب النسخة الماضية من كأس السوبر المصري، بعد فوزه على الزمالك بركلات الترجيح في أبو ظبي. هدف الأهلي الأول أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا اليوم 

Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer, 39, has cheekily avoided questions about his future, joking he has to "take care of my bones" after a major 4-0 win in the Champions League. Major reports state that the German giants are planning December talks for a new deal, which could force Alexander Nubel's exit and add fuel to speculation of a possible 2026 World Cup return with Germany.

• Neuer’s cheeky response on contract timing

  Neuer humorously deflected questions regarding his future following his side's dominant 4-0 Champions League victory against Club Brugge. The veteran goalkeeper, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has been in imperious form, prompting increasing debate over a potential extension.

  The victory at the Allianz Arena was Bayern's 12th win in their 12th competitive match of the season. Goals from Lennart Karl, Harry Kane, Luis Diaz and Nicolas Jackson secured their third consecutive Champions League win.

  When asked directly about the timing of a possible contract extension on Thursday night, Neuer joked about his advancing age and the physical toll of his career.

  "I have to take care of my bones. It's getting late, and I'm already feeling it again," the 39-year-old said with a mischievous smile. "Let's see how it is when I get up."

  Pressed on his morning routine, Neuer continued the joke: "Yes, the doctor's just passing by. I have to wait a moment." He then added: "There are good days – and better days."

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• Bayern planning December talks for post-40 extension

  While Neuer remains coy, Bayern Munich are preparing to open formal contract negotiations in December, according to reports in Germany. The discussions will focus on a new deal that could see the legendary shot-stopper remain the club's No. 1 beyond his 40th birthday and into the 2026-27 campaign.

  Neuer, who joined Bayern in 2011 and kept a clean sheet against Bruges, has been in outstanding form this season, reinforcing his status as the undisputed first choice for manager Vincent Kompany.

• New contract spells 'highly likely' exit for Nubel

  A new contract for Neuer would have significant consequences for the future of his heir apparent, Nubel. The report states that should Neuer extend his stay, a "permanent sale" of Nubel next summer is considered "highly likely".

  Nubel, 29, is currently on a long-term loan at Stuttgart but remains under contract with Bayern until 2029. Another loan move is reportedly "out of the question" for the club. Stuttgart, however, are believed to lack the financial means to secure Nubel on a permanent transfer, opening the door for other suitors.

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• Ter Stegen injury fuels World Cup 2026 return speculation

  Neuer's exceptional club performances have also reignited a public debate over a sensational return to the German national team for the 2026 World Cup, despite his retirement from international duty.

  This speculation has intensified following news that Germany's current No. 1, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, is still out injured and is expected to be stuck on the bench at Barcelona after his recover if he decides against leaving in January.

  Former Bayern and German Football Association (DFB) director Matthias Sammer added fuel to the fire when asked about a possible Neuer return, telling : "If we can afford to do without our best players, then we shouldn't throw away the World Cup title."

MatériaMais Notícias

A nova terceira camisa do Corinthians, predominantemente em amarelo, já está à venda no site oficial da Nike. O clube e a patrocinadora escolheram o amarelo em alusão à cor usada por líderes da Democracia Corinthiana, como Sócrates e Casagrande, no histórico comício que ocorreu no centro de São Paulo, em 1984, pedindo a volta de eleições diretas no Brasil.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Tricolor com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

O modelo oficial utilizado pelos jogadores está sendo vendido por R$ 699,99 no site oficial da Nike. Já as versões para torcedores estão sendo comercializadas por R$ 299,99, tanto nas versões masculinas quanto femininas. O modelo para crianças está R$ 249,99.

Além da nova terceira camisa, o Corinthians também lançou duas jaquetas, um blusão e uma calça inspirada no novo uniforme. A jaqueta toda amarela, composta de poliéster com o interior felpudo, está R$ 799,99. Já a jaqueta impermeável, com detalhes pretos, está R$ 599,99.

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O blusão sem zíper da nova linha corintiana, que conta com a data e local do comício inscrito na região do bolso, está sendo vendido a R$ 599,99. A calça com tecido fleece está sendo vendido por R$ 349,99.

+ Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades

A estreia da nova terceira camisa está programada para acontecer na sexta-feira (22), quando o Corinthians enfrenta o líder Botafogo, na Neo Química Arena, pelo Brasileirão.

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Klaasen quit “to focus fully on his responsibilities as a batter,” to be replaced by Sikandar Raza

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jun-2025

Seattle Orcas had a new man directing traffic on the field – Sikandar Raza•Sportzpics for MLC

Seattle Orcas have gone through major leadership changes in the second half of MLC 2025, with captain Heinrich Klaasen stepping down from his role and the franchise removing their head coach Matthew Mott. The moves come after defeats in each of their first five games of the ongoing season which had consigned them to the bottom of the points table. A statement from MLC said Klaasen took the decision “to focus fully on his responsibilities as a batter”. Sikandar Raza has been named captain for the remaining games.The release was issued on June 27, not long before the start of their sixth league game, against MI New York in Dallas, which Orcas managed to win on the last ball. The team confirmed what they called “strategic mid-season leadership changes” and explained that Mott’s exit was down to “differences in coaching and management strategies”.”This is a moment of reflection and renewal for the Seattle Orcas,” Hemant Dua, Orcas chief executive, said in a statement. “This has been a tough run for the team, and with it, some difficult decisions had to be made. We are grateful to Matthew for his commitment and professionalism during his time with us, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”Mott had taken charge prior to the ongoing season. No replacement has been named for him yet. Rishi Bhardwaj is the team’s assistant coach, while Ian Bell and Munaf Patel are batting and bowling coaches respectively.In what has largely been a high-scoring tournament, Orcas have scored 149 for 5, 200 for 5 and 177 for 6 batting first, and folded for 60 and 144 the two times they chased. Klaasen has been one of the underperformers with the bat for them, aggregating 55 runs at a strike rate of 144.73 in his five innings. Raza, whose “extensive international experience and cricketing intelligence” Orcas mentioned as reasons for being the “unanimous choice” to lead the team, has had a rough time with the bat, too: 35 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 85.36.”We respect Heinrich’s decision to step down voluntarily as captain to focus on his batting,” Dua said. “This reflects his character and team-first mindset. Sikandar was our unanimous choice once we heard from Klaasen about his decision. We believe these changes set the stage for a strong second half of the season.”Orcas had finished bottom of the table in MLC 2024, too, after topping the table and making the final – where they lost to MINY – in the inaugural season in 2023. Wayne Parnell had led them that season, before Klaasen took over in 2024.Orcas are co-owned, among others, by GMR Group and JSW Sports, who are also co-owners of Delhi Capitals in the IPL and WPL, and their entities in SA20 (Pretoria Capitals) and UAE’s ILT20 (Dubai Capitals). Munaf and Venugopal Rao (general manager – cricket operations) are among the back room members Orcas share with the IPL team.

Luke Wells, Josh Bohannon and Ashton Turner all scored tons against Kent

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 24-Jun-2025Centuries by Luke Wells, Josh Bohannon and Ashton Turner on debut have given Lancashire a chance of defeating Kent on the final day of the Rothesay County Championship match at Blackpool and thereby securing their first red-ball victory of the season.Replying to the visitors’ 374, Lancashire were 639 for 9 at the close after a day in which their batters savaged Daniel Bell-Drummond’s attack.Wells made 152, Bohannon 124 and Turner a career-best 154 on a day when their county amassed the highest total in matches between the sides.Lancashire will go into the final day with a lead of 265 and the decision facing stand-in skipper James Anderson is whether to declare overnight or club a few more runs before trying to force a win on a docile surface. The latter seems unlikely.In a first session slightly curtailed by a light shower, Lancashire added 105 runs in 30.5 overs for the loss of nightwatcher Tom Bailey, who had made 25 untroubled runs before he was lbw on the front foot to Joey Evison.Otherwise, the highlight of the morning was Wells reaching his third first-class century for Lancashire against Kent when he reverse-swept Jack Leaning to the third boundary. The Red Rose opener had faced 195 balls and hit twelve fours and a six.However, the first session proved to be merely the prelude to an even more severe assault on the Kent bowling in the next two sessions. After taking 24 balls to get off the mark, Josh Bohannon reached his fifty off a further 78 deliveries with an on-drive off Evison. In the next over Wells lost the ball when he walloped Matt Parkinson for a six over the wall at the South End to bring up his own 150.Next ball, however, the former Lancashire leg-spinner applied to balm to his wounded pride when Wells tried to repeat his previous stroke and was well caught by Wes Agar at long off for 152. That dismissal ended the opener’s enterprising 136-run stand with Bohannon and it left his side still 71 runs shy of Kent’s first innings total.Despite having made his runs in a minute short of six hours during which he hit 17 fours and three sixes, Wells’ dejection at his dismissal clearly suggested he thought he had missed a big opportunity to make an even bigger contribution. The cricket that followed supported that judgement.Ashton Turner joined Bohannon and the pair put on a further 174 runs either side of tea, with Turner making an immediate impact in his first innings for Lancashire, reaching his hundred off 117 balls with six fours and four sixes.Bohannon had earlier reached his century off 191 balls with a square cut off his old team mate Parkinson, having hit nine fours and three sixes but he was eventually caught by Agar off Jack Leaning’s off-spin for 124, having hit ten fours and four sixes in his 210-ball innings.Late in the day, Matty Hurst was bowled for 21 by Evison, who took his third wicket and finished with 3 for 61 from 21 overs on a day when he had plainly been the pick of the Kent attack.Eight overs before the close Turner was caught at long off by Leaning off Parkinson and Michael Jones fell to the same combination for 41, leaving the leg-spinner with figures 3 for 188 from 35 overs. Jaydn Denly took two late wickets.The problem now for Anderson and his bowlers is that this Stanley Park pitch still looks very flat and it will take all of Anderson’s wiles and a shrewd rotation of his bowlers to take ten wickets in one day, given that only 19 have fallen in the first three, five of today’s dismissed batsmen perishing to catches in the deep.

Surrey gained revenge for last month’s County T20 Cup final defeat to Lancashire Thunder as they won a weather-shortened Vitality Blast clash at Emirates Old Trafford by two runs on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern.In an 11-overs per side game, visiting spinners Kalea Moore and Tilly Corteen-Coleman struck twice apiece to restrict Lancashire to 85 for 6 following a 3.15pm start due to rain. Fi Morris top-scored with 29 off 25 balls for the home side.Surrey’s third successive win at the start of this competition was then confirmed as, when rain returned at 62 for 4 after eight overs of their chase, they were ahead of the DLS target.At Taunton late last month, Thunder won the first title of the new county-led era of women’s professional cricket thanks to a 32-run success. But Thunder are under early pressure in the Blast having now lost three from four so far.After a two-and-a-quarter-hour delay here, Surrey, who elected to bowl, made the perfect start as Moore’s offspin had Tilly Kesteven stumped by Kira Chathli off the first ball of the match on a used pitch.In that aforementioned County Cup final, Kesteven had been named player-of-the-match following a superb 77 off 60 balls, her maiden senior fifty.Ryana MacDonald-Gay trapped her England team-mate Seren Smale lbw in the next over – 10 for 2 – to leave Thunder up against it early on.They reached 24 for 2 after 3.2 overs of powerplay. Morris and captain Ellie Threlkeld united to steady Lancashire’s ship through a mix of power and invention. Threlkeld drilled Dani Gregory’s legspin down the ground for four and Morris scooped Phoebe Franklin’s seam to the long-leg fence.They shared 50 for the third wicket before Threlkeld was bowled pulling at Gregory for 24 in the eighth over amidst the late and unsuccessful scramble for runs.Moore and wicketkeeper Chathli combined again for another stumping, this time Ailsa Lister departing, and Lancashire were never able to cut loose.When Corteen-Coleman’s left-arm spin bowled Morris and Danni Collins in the 10th over, the hosts were 75 for 6.Surrey’s chase started positively as captain Bryony Smith twice clubbed Grace Johnson’s seam down the ground for boundaries in the second over, taking the score to 17 without loss.Either side of that, Danni Wyatt-Hodge twice pierced the gap at deep midwicket off Sophie Morris’s spin, and at 34 without loss after 20 balls of powerplay Surrey were motoring.The loss of three wickets in 10 balls changed that. Smith skewed Tara Norris’s left-arm seam to point shortly afterwards, ending a 38-run opening partnership with Wyatt-Hodge, before Grace Harris got a leading edge to cover later in the fifth over.When Wyatt-Hodge, on 25, hoisted Darcey Carter’s off-spin to long-on in the next, Surrey were 46 for 3. Australian legspinner Alana King, on debut, then bowled Chathli – 53 for 4 in the seventh.With the rain now falling and the DLS equation tightening up, Paige Scholfield hit Carter for six over wide long-off to seal the win given the umpires took the players off four balls later. She finished 16 not out off 14 balls.

Bukayo Saka revealed a pre-match message from Thierry Henry helped make sure Arsenal did not allow history to repeat itself at home to West Ham.

Saka’s second-half penalty ensured the Gunners downed London rivals West Ham by a 2-0 score on Saturday in Mikel Arteta’s 300th match in charge of the club.

It was a milestone occasion with Saka able to mark his 200th appearance in the Premier League with a goal, which Henry had previously achieved. It brought up 100 goal involvements in the division for the England attacker. Asked about those stats and Henry, Saka told broadcasters:

“I’m really happy on these records. I’m just going to keep pushing and try and get some team trophies, which is what we have been searching for.”

Arsenal should have scored after 13 minutes but Viktor Gyokeres could not finish off Saka’s dangerous delivery and Eberechi Eze blazed the rebound over.

The deadlock was broken seven minutes before half-time when Eze had a shot saved by Alphonse Areola and Declan Rice made no mistake against his old club.

West Ham remained in the contest until Jurrien Timber was bundled over in the penalty area by El Hadji Malick Diouf and Saka tucked away the spot-kick for his first goal of the campaign after 68 minutes to seal a comfortable victory at Emirates Stadium.

It was Saka’s 55th goal in the Premier League to go with 45 assists. “I don’t really like to linger on these things, but you said it – it’s a beautiful achievement and I’m really proud of it,” Saka, 24, said.

“Obviously 200 games for Arsenal in the Premier League is a really big moment. I’m going to enjoy it and it was nice to get the goal as well and the win.”

Arteta talked up Saka’s “really impressive” numbers, saying: “When you look at those numbers, 200 games, 100 goal involvements, I mean it’s unbelievable.

“His age, what he’s doing, the manner that he’s doing it as well, really impressive. That’s the kind of players that we need to achieve what we want.”

Nuno Espirito Santo handed a debut to West Ham academy graduate Callum Marshall over experienced forward Callum Wilson.

“First of all, let’s be correct and I said it, it’s not easy to play a young lad in front of Callum Wilson, but I think it’s important for us that

we all understand that we need as soon as possible to have total knowledge of what we have in the squad,” Nuno said.

“It’s good on that aspect but this is the issue and the main reason behind that is we are going to need all of them. We have hopes that the young lads bring new things.”