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Unlike some of their Premier League rivals, Arsenal’s summer signings are looking better with every passing gameweek.

For example, he might’ve started slowly, but Viktor Gyokeres already has six goals to his name this season, and Noni Madueke was just starting to pick up steam before his injury.

Moreover, with Gabriel Magalhães’ recent injury, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie are looking like incredible buys.

With all that said, an argument could be made that Martin Zubimendi has been Arsenal’s best signing of all, so fans should be excited about reports linking the club to someone who could be an heir to the Spaniard and has been compared to Rodri.

Arsenal target their next Martin Zubimendi

With reports coming out about Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal as early as January, the excitement for the move wasn’t quite as intense as it perhaps should’ve been when it finally came to pass in the summer.

However, since then, the Spaniard has more than proven himself to be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

Whether it’s putting in a perfectly timed tackle to shield the back four, or driving with the ball and delivering a pinpoint accurate pass to a forward, the former Real Sociedad star really does it all.

Therefore, it makes sense that the club would already be looking for a younger gem who, over the next five to six years, can be moulded into his long-term heir.

According to a recent report from Spain, one of the young prospects that could sign for this purpose is Chema Andrés.

The story has revealed that, alongside Manchester City, Arsenal are already making moves to sign the VfB Stuttgart gem, who has had an excellent start to the season.

However, a potential roadblock for Andrea Berta and Co is that he’s a former Real Madrid prospect, and the Spanish giants have a buy-back clause worth around €13.5m for 2026, which is approximately £12m.

If Arsenal want to sign the young Spaniard, they’ll almost certainly have to pay significantly more than that, but even so, Andrés would be worth it as a future Zubimendi heir.

Why Chema Andrés could be Arsenal's future Zubimendi

So what is it that makes Zubimendi such an incredible footballer and has seen him so quickly become essential to Arsenal’s midfield?

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Well, to put it simply, it’s his impressive combination of defensive nous and sensational ability on the ball, which has seen him already amass a tally of three goal involvements in 11 league games from the six position.

The good news is that, while it’s still very early on in his career, Chema Andrés appears to share this ability to heavily influence play in both halves.

For example, just last month, respected u23 scout Antonio Mango described his defensive abilities as “Rodri-like,” noting that he “simplifies the game and makes the basics look effortless.”

Then, when it comes to going the other way, Mango has praised him for his “expansive passing range”, and fellow talent scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed him an “orchestrator” thanks to his incredible “vision” and “football IQ.”

Unsurprisingly, the 20-year-old “supernova” of a talent, as dubbed by one analyst, also has some incredible underlying numbers to more than justify the hype.

Andrés’ Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Interceptions

2.11

Top 1%

Clearances

3.65

Top 1%

Dispossessed

0.14

Top 1%

Aerials Won

3.93

Top 1%

Tkl+Int

4.49

Top 4%

Ball Recoveries

6.74

Top 4%

Shots on Target

0.70

Top 5%

SCA (Shot)

0.28

Top 6%

Successful Take-On %

66.7%

Top 6%

Blocks

1.83

Top 7%

Average Shot Distance

14.40

Top 8%

Shots Blocked

0.56

Top 9%

% of Dribblers Tackled

63.6%

Top 10%

npxG: Non-Penalty xG

0.15

Top 11%

Progressive Passes

7.16

Top 11%

Passes Blocked

1.26

Top 11%

% of Aerials Won

62.2%

Top 11%

SCA (Live-ball Pass)

2.53

Top 14%

xG: Expected Goals

0.15

Top 15%

All Stats via FBref

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for interceptions, clearances, aerials won, the top 4% for tackles plus interceptions and ball recoveries, the top 5% for shots on target, the top 11% for progressive passes and more, all per 90.

Finally, on top of doing business at the club level, the youngster is also making waves on the international scene.

After making ten appearances for Spain’s u19s, he skipped the u20s altogether and has now made four appearances for the u21s, with the last coming on Tuesday night.

Ultimately, Zubimendi should be Arsenal’s starting six for quite some time, but if they can, they should do what they can to sign Andrés, as at just 20 years old, he could be the long-term heir.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 20, 2025

It hasn’t quite been a case of having too much of a good thing, but a key plank of Australia’s build towards their ODI World Cup title defence in India and Sri Lanka has been instilling the belief to make the most of their enviable depth.No team has gone back-to-back in the women’s ODI World Cup since Australia’s hat-trick of titles between 1978 and 1988, but few would be surprised if this side achieved the feat. They have lost just three matches in the format since defeating England in Christchurch in the 2022 World Cup final to complete their redemption arc from the semi-final exit of 2017.But two of those losses came in the 2023 Ashes when Australia were exposed across both white-ball formats. While not as seismic as what happened in the 2017 semi-final against India, coupled with their semi-final exit at last year’s T20 World Cup it was a moment when the team challenged itself to remain ahead of the pack.Related

• Australia ready to embrace 'little bit of unknowns' at ODI World Cup

• Sri Lanka select Prabodhani, Dulani for Women's World Cup

• Molineux to make return from injury in ODI World Cup

• Gardner picks up cues and tips on oppositions in Hundred

• Gardner: India a 'huge threat' in World Cup

“We’re really conscious of the fact that we’re incredibly fortunate to have some huge depth in our side, both batting and bowling,” Ellyse Perry, who will be playing her fifth ODI World Cup, said at a sponsorship announcement for Chemist Warehouse ahead of the team’s departure to India.”So, from that aspect, I think we’ve made a really conscious shift towards wanting to take the game on from the very start and probably keep our foot down for as long as we can. Obviously, you’ve got to adapt to conditions and certain circumstances, but it just feels like there’s a real ethos within the group to make sure that we can utilise everyone’s talent on the day.”It’s going to be one person’s day most of the time, not everyone’s, but if we can kind of really be consistent with that, we’ve got a good chance of being successful more often than not. I think that’s been a big shift for us.”Staying ahead of the chasing pack is not just focused on batting and bowling, either. “The development of the women’s game has been really incredible in the last couple of years,” Perry said. “From an athletic point of view, we’re very conscious of making sure that we’re dominant in that space. We want to run hard between the wickets, be really good in the field, and I think looking at some of our bowling options, [we have] some of the quicker bowlers in the world as well. Hopefully we’re a dynamic side and hopefully that’s successful for us.”Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield have emerged as fulcrums in the batting order•Sportsfile/Getty Images

Three major names from the side that emerged from the heartache of 2017 into one of the most dominant sporting teams in history – with a record winning run of 26 ODIs – won’t be in India: Meg Lanning and Rachael Haynes have retired, while Jess Jonassen has not been able to regain the spot she lost nearly two years ago, an example of the riches available to Australia.”[There’s been] some fairly big changes to our group over the last four years,” Perry said. “But in the last particularly 12 months, we’ve had a fairly stable group and some really amazing young talent emerge as mainstays as well, contributing consistently in every match. From that perspective, [it’s] definitely a slightly different-looking team, but I think still a really stable and established team.”The likes of Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland have emerged as fulcrums in the batting order, while Georgia Voll had a breakout first year in international cricket. Voll may struggle to start the World Cup but will keep the incumbents on their toes. Perhaps the slight unknown, and potentially a factor at last year’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, is the pressure of knockout cricket.Speaking last week when the squad was named, captain Alyssa Healy said, “I had to watch something on the 2022 World Cup and just how much our team support staff and our squad has changed in that period of time, I think no one’s probably noticed that as much simply because of the way that players have had opportunity over the last couple of years.”1:24

Gardner on using the Hundred to gauge the opposition

Last season, there was a subtle shift in the batting order with Sutherland promoted to No. 5 and Tahlia McGrath moved to a finishing role at No. 7. Sutherland’s development into a world-class allrounder had almost demanded the move but it felt a significant nod to the next generation; she responded with back-to-back centuries against India and New Zealand. Nothing in elite sport is certain, but she’s the type of player who could shine at this World Cup.”Annabel’s been absolutely superb for the last 12 months, probably before that,” Perry said. “And to think that she’s only still so young is quite incredible. Obviously, she won the Belinda Clark Medal last year, and she’s been such a big contributor to our team in the last little bit.”I think her coupled with Phoebe Litchfield, the way that she’s been playing, Georgia Voll as well, since she’s had an opportunity at an international level… there’s some really, really special young players that we’ve got in the group. I think they balance out the experience that we have as well.”I’m sure Annabel’s going to have a wonderful tournament. She works exceptionally hard at her game. She’s never standing still.”Australia fly out to India on Wednesday ahead of their three-match series with the hosts before the World Cup. “It feels like with the women’s game, every World Cup just gets a little bit bigger, more competitive, and there’s more on the line,” Perry said.

There were also call-ups for legspinner Shariz Ahmed and left-arm pacer Ben Fletcher

Mohammad Isam20-Aug-2025Vikramjit Singh is one of three players poised to make a return into the Netherlands squad for their three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, to be held later this month. The left-handed opener wasn’t in the side during their T20 World Cup qualifiers at home, having last played in the tri-series in Glasgow in June.Apart from Vikramjit, there were call-ups for legspinner Shariz Ahmed and left-arm pacer Ben Fletcher, who also last played in the Glasgow tri-series. Shariz returns after his last international in Muscat last year.Left-arm quick Fred Klaassen and left-arm spinner Tim Pringle have also been included in the squad, with both having last appeared for Netherlands in the format in 2024.Netherlands will be without experienced allrounders Bas de Leede and Roelof van der Merwe, both having excelled with the ball during the World Cup qualifiers. Batter Michael Levitt misses out, as do Zach Lion-Cachet and Hidde Overdijk.Netherlands, however, have most of their squad members from the previous assignment. Captain Scott Edwards is their batting lynchpin, along with Max O’Dowd, who top-scored for Netherlands in the T20 World Cup qualifier.Pacer Kyle Klein, who took seven wickets in the qualifiers, is in the squad alongside Paul van Meekeren and Aryan Dutt. Shariz is also an interesting choice, if he can master the conditions in Sylhet, where the three T20Is will be played on August 30, and September 1 and 3.IN: Vikramjit Singh, Shariz Ahmed, Ben Fletcher, Fred Klaassen, Tim PringleOUT: Bas de Leede, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Hidde Overdijk, Roelof van der MerweNetherlands squad: Scott Edwards (capt, wk), Noah Croes, Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Teja Nidamanuru, Saqib Zulfiqar, Ryan Klein, Kyle Klein, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren, Shariz Ahmad, Ben Fletcher, Daniel Doram, Fred Klaassen, Tim Pringle

خاض الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد مباراة قوية أمام نظيره مانشسر سيتي ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وواجه ريال مدريد نظيره مانشستر سيتي مساء الأربعاء في إطار منافسات الجولة السادسة من مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة ريال مدريد ومانشستر سيتي في مباراة كانت مثيرة وممتعة لجمهور كلا الناديين.

وفاز مانشستر سيتي بقيادة بيب جوارديولا على ريال مدريد بقيادة تشابي ألونسو بهدفين مقابل هدف.

وجاء الهدف الأول عن طريق رودريجو لاعب ريال مدريد في الدقيقة 28، بعدما استلم تمريرة رائعة على الجهة اليُمنى ليخترق منطقة الجزاء وسدد الكرة على يمين الحارس الإيطالي دوناروما.

وتعادل مانشستر سيتي سريعًا من ركلة ركنية عن طريق نيكو أوريلي بعد متابعة رأسية جوسكو جفارديول، حيث سقطت الكرة من يد كورتوا ليتابعها في شباك ريال مدريد في الدقيقة 35.

اقرأ أيضًا | خبير تحكيمي يوضح مدى صحة ركلة جزاء مانشستر سيتي أمام ريال مدريد

وتقدم إيرلينج هالاند بالهدف الثاني لصالح مانشستر سيتي من ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة 43 بعدما عرقله روديجر برعونة شديدة.

وشهدت المباراة نزول عمر مرموش بديلًا في الدقيقة 70 بدلًا من فيل فودين وشارك بأداء جيد على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.

ريال مدريد بدأ اللقاء بسيطرة تامة في كافة أرجاء الملعب حتى سجل مانشستر سيتي هدفه الأول من ركلة ركنية وسط ارتباك دفاعي كبير.

وسدد رجال ألونسو 15 تسديدة على المرمى منها تسديدتين على المرمى، فيما سدد مانشستر سيتي 8 تسديدات منها 7 على المرمى.

وكالعادة بيب جوارديولا لم يخسر نسبة الاستحواذ، حيث استحوذ فريقه على الكرة بنسبة 54% فيما استحوذ ريال مدريد على الكرة بنسبة 46%. أهداف مباراة ريال مدريد ومانشستر سيتي اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا

The USWNT opened its final camp of 2025 with a strong start, fueled by another Moultrie goal and two second-half strikes from Macario.

It took the U.S. women’s national team only 90 seconds to put its stamp on Italy in a 3-0 win, powered by Olivia Moultrie and Cat Macario. 

In the first of two friendlies between the USWNT and Italy, manager Emma Hayes went with a starting lineup that leaned heavily on experience, with only three players entering the match with fewer than 10 caps. Her side appeared to capitalize early, with Rose Lavelle sparking a sharp sequence of one-two passes that freed Moultrie on a delayed run into the box. The 20-year-old finished to make it 1-0 within just 90 seconds, her fifth international goal. 

Moultrie mentioned Hayes had her group focused on seizing the moment early in the contest, which ultimately played a role in the quick start.

"Honestly, we just talked about starting fast and starting strong, and I think, like, the energy momentum, just carry that, and we had a really good week of training, so I feel like we just kind of flowed into the first minutes of the game," she said at halftime to Turner Sports. 

After the opener, the U.S. settled into the match with stretches of control and a few hiccups in transition, moments that required returning center back Naomi Girma to step up – and she showed why she's largely considered to be the best center back in the world. It had been over 150 days since the defender's last appearance and the Chelsea star acknowledged the challenges to get back to her best. 

"I think there's been a lot of ups and downs this year, but I just feel grateful to be back here with this team closing out in the final camp of the year, and it's always to be called in, so I'm excited for this game and I'm excited to see how the team does," Girma said to Turner Sports prior to the match. 

The second half belonged to Macario, who scored in the 64th and 76th minutes to remind everyone of her scoring pedigree and effectively seal the win for the Americans. The forward now has six goals in 2025.

"It's always a pleasure being with this team. I feel so happy to be in this environment. I feel like it really allows you to be the best version of yourself, and I'm lucky enough that Emma knows me very well and she knows what I can bring to the team," Macario said to Turner Sports. "It was a good year in which I personally have just been trying to find some consistency. I'm just trying to be available for every practice, every game." 

Hayes also introduced new faces, handing first caps to Jameese Joseph and Kate Wiesner. From Macario’s clinical edge to the team’s ninth clean sheet in 14 matches, Hayes’ squad looks strong heading into the new year.

GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Inter&Co Stadium…

• Imagn
  

  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Claudia Dickey (7/10):

  Dickey didn't have too much action, but she made the necessary saves and was composed when the ball was at her feet, playing out pressure and making her passes. 

  Naomi Girma (9/10):

  It didn't take Girma long to remind everyone that she's one of the best defenders in the world. In the first half, Girma, who started at center back alongside Emily Sonnet, made a series of smart tackles and consistent combination play in the back. Her key moment of the match came in the first 45 minutes when she hunted down the ball, making a long sprint to stop a clear-cut goal-scoring opportunity. 

  Emily Sonnett (7/10): 

  Sonnett looked right back at home next to Girma, working flawlessly with her to keep the backline condensed when defending and up and wide on the attack. 

  Lilly Reale (7/10): 

  Reale and Sonnett both started in the backline after winning the NWSL Championship last Saturday with Gotham. Reale looked fresh and solid. 

  Emily Fox (8/10): A class defender whose speed, accuracy, and ability to go forward were instrumental in the USWNT's win. When she took players on, she often got past them and looked in lock step with the other three defenders.

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• Imagn
  

  Midfield

  Olivia Moultrie (9/10):

  Moultrie didn't just score, but she also took several chances and was one of the most dangerous attacking players on the field on the night. Moultrie took risks in front of the box and was constantly active in her runs, finding a way to be involved even when not on the ball. 

  Claire Hutton (7/10):

  It was a quiet game for Hutton, who got on the ball a fair amount but wasn't able to find as many holes in the attack like she usually does.

  Sam Coffey (6/10): 

  This wasn't Coffey's best performance, and not because she didn't score. While she's usually the pace maker in the midfield, Friday night, her passing wasn't as crisp as usual. It took her most of the match to get into her rhythm with the other three midfielders.

  Alyssa Thompson (8/10): 

  Thompson didn't score, but she was involved in almost every play out wide. Her runs were strong and created all kinds of space for players like Moultrie and Lavelle to fill in gaps. In the moments when she could run at the Italy backline, she did. 

• Imagn
  

  Attack

  Rose Lavelle (9/10): 

  Lavelle was all over the pitch on Friday night, not looking fatigued at all from her MVP performance less than a week ago. Lavelle was pivotal in the first goal of the game with her cheeky combination play. 

  Cat Macario (9/10): 

  Goals don't lie, and Macario chipped in a brace against Italy to make her mark known. This is Macario's sixth goal on the year.

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• Getty Images
  

  Subs & Manager

  Emily Sams (7/10): 

  The applause may have been the loudest for Sams, who got called into the match in the second half and was able to represent the local Orlando Pride on her home turf. 

  Lily Yohannes (7/10): 

  Yohannes was a solid addition in the midfield, taking care of the ball and doing what she does best: creating chances that look well beyond her years.

  Jaedyn Shaw (6/10): 

  Shaw was quiet when she eventually entered the game, but had some strong moments holding the ball up and making runs off the ball when it counted.

  Jameese Joseph (6/10): 

  What a moment for the Chicago Stars player who earned her first cap. 

  Kate Wiesner (6/10):

  In a similar vein to Joseph, a special moment for Wiesner, who entered the match in the second half and earned her first cap. 

  Emma Hayes (8/10): 

  Hayes kicked off her Florida trip in good spirits, and her team didn't look like they had too much Turkey on Thursday, putting on a solid performance against a good Italy team.

After finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, it was vital that Tottenham Hotspur bounced back and rose up the table in the ongoing campaign.

Thomas Frank was handed the responsibility of leading the charge, after Ange Postecoglou was handed his marching orders despite winning the Europa League.

The Dane was appointed on a three-year deal in North London, but it was crucial that the supporters gave him time to make the changes he desired to the first-team squad.

He’s now 11 games into the 2025/26 campaign, with the Lilywhites currently occupying fifth place going into the third international break of the current season.

However, there are still improvements to be made across the squad, that’s despite Frank massively changing the fortunes of the squad in one area during his opening months at the helm.

Spurs’ biggest improvement since the 2024/25 campaign

During the 2024/25 Premier League campaign under Postecoglou, Spurs certainly had a year to forget, as they finished just one place above the relegation zone.

The Lilywhites conceded a staggering 65 goals in their 38 league outings, an average of 1.7 per 90, subsequently resulting in a total of 22 league defeats.

Such a tally was the highest of any side who have survived in England’s top-flight, with the club lucky not to have dropped into the Championship under Postecoglou.

However, Frank’s arrival has stemmed the flow of goals at the back, with his men only conceding 10 goals in the first 11 outings – the fourth best record of any side in the division.

They have also kept a total of four clean sheets in the process, with the likes of Micky van de Ven certainly deserving credit for his part in the defensive solidity.

The Dutch international has started every league game to date, registering a total of 1.2 tackles won per 90, along with 1.1 interceptions per 90 – with the latter ranking him in the top 20% of all players in the league.

He’s also thrived in playing out from the back, as seen by his tally of 92% passes completed, arguably being one of the best centre-backs in the division at present.

Van de Ven has been joined at the heart of the backline by Cristian Romero, with the Argentine international striking up an excellent partnership with the Dutchman.

The pair have operated together in eight of the 11 outings – but have only suffered defeat once in that time, with the loss coming against Bournemouth back in August.

The 27-year-old has ranked in the top 4% of all players in England’s top-flight for tackles won, whilst also placing in the top 15% for duels won per 90.

Given their partnership together, they are undoubtedly one of the best duos in Europe’s top-five leagues, with the defensive improvement under Frank certainly down to their performances.

The Spurs player who’s now becoming one of the best in the world

Alongside Van de Ven and Romero, Spurs have had numerous players who have managed to catch the eye and contribute to their impressive start to 2025/26.

Central midfielder Lucas Bergvall has shown qualities way beyond his tender teenage years, even cementing his place at the heart of Frank’s side in recent months.

The Swedish international has featured in nine league outings this season, even registering his first Premier League goal in the 3-0 victory over West Ham United.

He’s ranked in the 97th percentile for successful dribbles to date, whilst also winning 2.8 tackles per 90 – showcasing his ability to operate in a box-to-box role in North London.

However, he’s not the only player to have cemented his place within the starting eleven, with full-back Djed Spence resurrecting his career with the Lilywhites.

He joined the club in a £20m deal from Middlesbrough back in the summer of 2022, but had to massively bide his time in making an impact in the first team.

The 25-year-old endured three unsuccessful loan spells at Leeds United, Rennes and Genoa, with many supporters undoubtedly expecting a cut-price transfer away from North London last summer.

However, the injury crisis within the squad last campaign handed the Englishman a rare opportunity to stake his claim for a regular spot in the first-team ranks.

He racked up a total of 35 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, even scoring his first Premier League goal against Ipswich Town – ending the year on a total of five goal contributions.

A little over a year on, it’s evident that Spence has taken full advantage of the chance pushed in his direction, with the full-back now one of Frank’s most important players.

He’s featured in all but one league outing in 2025/26, with his underlying stats highlighting how pivotal he’s been to the Lilywhites’ impressive defensive numbers.

Games played

10

Minutes played

761

Pass accuracy

82%

Tackles made

1.5

Duels won

3.8

Aerials won

47%

Recoveries made

3.4

Dribbles completed

1.8

Spence has made an average of 1.5 tackles per 90 this season, whilst also coming out on top of 3.8 duels per 90 – often posing as a real solid defensive full-back.

The 25-year-old has also come out on top in 47% of the aerial battles he’s entered, whilst also making 3.4 recoveries per 90 – with his pace allowing him to get back and prevent the opposition from creating clear-cut opportunities.

In possession, the defender has been just as impressive, subsequently ranking in the top 20% of all defenders for dribbles completed – with one analyst labelling him as one of the “best in the world”.

As a result, he’s now a full England international, with Thomas Tuchel trusting him to be a key member of the squad ahead of the World Cup in the USA next summer.

His rise in North London over the last 12 months has been nothing short of remarkable, with the player deserving huge credit for his ability to get himself off the canvas.

Alongside Van de Ven and Romero, he certainly is part of one of the division’s best back fours, with the fans needing to enjoy every moment the trio spend together in North London.

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ByEthan Lamb Nov 13, 2025

علق أسامة نبيه لاعب الزمالك السابق، على أداء وفوز الفريق على زيسكو الزامبي، في المباراة التي جمعت الفريقين، مساء أمس الأحد، ضمن منافسات كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

وفاز الزمالك على زيسكو، بهدف دون رد، في إطار الجولة الأولى من مواجهات المجموعة الرابعة لمنافسات كأس الكونفدرالية، في المباراة التي أقيمت في القاهرة.

وقال نبيه خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “الفوز على زيسكو مهم، بداية المشوار في الكونفدرالية، الفريق يمر بظروف صعبة ولكن المكسب يدفعك للتقدم ويضعك في موقع أفضل، بغض النظر عن الأداء والشكل”.

طالع | ترتيب مجموعة الزمالك في الكونفدرالية بعد الفوز على زيسكو الزامبي

وأضاف: “ثلاثة نقاط، وفريق المصري أيضًا ثلاثة نقاط، نتمنى إن شاء الله إن هذه المجموعة يتأهل منها الزمالك والمصري، ويصلان إلي المباراة النهائية من كأس الكونفدرالية”.

وتابع: “الزمالك يعاني مشاكل فنية، بجانب المشاكل الإدارية والمالية، نتمنى إن شاء الله أن نصل لحل في النواحي الإدارية ونتداركها، وعلى النواحي الفنية نتداركها، وعلى النواحي المالية نتداركها”.

وأتم: “كل هذا يحتاج إلي تكاتف وعمل كبير وقوي من كل أفراد المنظومة، وأنا آسف، نرغب في تدخل من الدولة، إن شاء الله تساعد نادي الزمالك في أزماته التي يمر بها”.

Joshua Kimmich was not too impressed by the style of play imprinted by Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta into his team after Bayern Munich slumped to a 3-1 defeat against the Gunners in the Champions League on Wednesday. The German international explained that Bayern simply couldn't deal with the "sheer number of corners" they conceded, playing right into Arsenal's set-piece supremacy.

Arsenal outclass Bayern in the Champions League

Arsenal proved they mean serious business this season after defeating Bayern 3-1 in the Champions League at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, with the defeat bringing an end to the German heavyweights' 18-game unbeaten run across all competitions in the ongoing campaign. 

Jurrien Timber broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, but wonderkid Lennart Karl made it all square 10 minutes later. The two teams matched each other in intensity in the first 45 minutes, although the hosts seemed to be in better control of the proceedings. 

However, Bayern were all over the place in the second half. Hampered by an attack that failed to impose their influence on the game, Bayern could only muster six shots in the 90 minutes, only two of those on target. Harry Kane's return to north London didn't go as planned, as he cut a frustrating figure against his former rivals. 

Arteta's men tightened the screws in the second half, thanks to their dominance in midfield and immaculate pressing structure. Bayern finally succumbed to the pressure after keeping the hosts at bay for the first 23 minutes of the second half, with substitute Noni Madueke converting Riccardo Calafiori's brilliant delivery in the 69th minute. Gabriel Martinelli put the tie to bed eight minutes later and will be thankful to Manuel Neuer for making a mess just outside the Bayern box.

The result not only cemented the Gunners’ status as the only team in this season’s Champions League with a perfect record, but also strengthened their reputation as arguably the favourites to go all the way.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportKimmich undermines Arsenal's victory

Speaking to reporters after the game, Kimmich admitted that Bayern deserved to lose, but also claimed that Arsenal weren't their toughest opponents yet. 

“It was definitely a deserved defeat. I thought we didn't do well at all with the ball. We weren't brave enough, we weren't active enough, we didn't give ourselves enough options," said Kimmich.

"We weren't physically up to par against the ball, although it was clear what kind of game it would be. It was clear that it wouldn't be a game like the one against Chelsea, where it's mostly about playing football. It was clear that it would be a lot about fighting, lots of long balls. Arsenal then naturally made every ball dangerous.

"I think the main problem today was the sheer number of corners we conceded. At some point, it simply becomes difficult to defend against that over and over again.

"This is an extremely important game for us. I'm convinced that we'll take a lot away from it, that we'll learn a lot from it. There were many aspects that we need to improve. Last season we had a few games, like the Barca game [from last season], which also weren't good, but we learned a lot from those as well."

Having beaten Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain already in the competition, Kimmich was asked if the London club have been the toughest opponents so far.

"No, I don't think so! PSG was our most difficult opponent… Arsenal is completely different. They rely a lot on set pieces. Against Paris, it was more of a football match," he said.

Arteta 'extremely proud' of Arsenal's display

Arteta was thoroughly delighted with what he saw from his players on Wednesday. The win stretched their unbeaten streak to 16 games across competitions.

"Well, I'm extremely proud to what I've seen tonight. I think, we've seen a team that, in my opinion, playing against the best team in Europe has behaved with a real presence, authority, determination, and belief, and that's what I wanted," Arteta explained. "You need some huge performance individually. We certainly had that. We took our moments, and I think overall, we just have to win the game.” His summary highlighted not only the collective strength on display but the individual excellence that fueled the win.

Arteta also spoke about the impact of his substitutes, who played an important role in the win. He added: “Yes. I mean, everybody's ready. Whether it's a starter and a finisher, the impact that the boys are having is tremendous because we have dealt with a lot of injuries, this season already. But, the fact that everybody's raising the level is hiding a lot of those issues, and I'm very pleased because, everybody's important. We're gonna need them, and I'm happy that the ones that even given the chance, they're constantly taking it."

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Getty Images SportBayern's next opponents – St. Pauli

While the defeat to Arsenal is sure to raise several questions, Bayern can nullify the external noise by returning to winning ways this weekend. The Bundesliga table-toppers will welcome St. Pauli at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.

The Polar Bear is reportedly headed to a warmer climate.

Longtime Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is joining the Orioles on a five-year contract worth $155 million, according to a Wednesday afternoon report from Jeff Passan of ESPN. Alonso, 31, has spent his entire seven-year career with New York.

Debuting in 2019, the first baseman immediately established himself as a superstar with a MLB-best 53 home runs. In a career that has seen him make five All-Star teams (and memorably win two Home Run Derbies), he has also led the National League in RBIs (131 in 2022) and doubles (41 in 2025).

Per Passan, Alonso's deal is the most lucrative ever for a first baseman on an average annual value basis.

Baltimore—which won 101 games as recently as 2023—is looking to put a disappointing '25 behind it. Much of the Orioles' lineup underachieved a year ago, and the team dismissed manager Brandon Hyde after 43 games.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, Alonso will debut for Baltimore on March 26 against the Twins.

How those in charge of the global Test game made a crucial mistake in their planning

Alan Gardner15-Jun-2025After the excitement of the IPL final (you’re welcome for the reverse jinx, Virat), the cricket world was due a change of pace. Cue a jump cut to dear old England – birds tweeting in hedgerows, football louts desecrating village greens – and the return of red balls, white flannels and traditional manly virtues like leaving in the channel outside off.And this week was all about a proper heavyweight battle. Two teams familiarising themselves with alien conditions. Two touring parties trying to get to grips with the London transport system (tricky even when no one is particularly interested – just ask West Indies). The hype, the intrigue, the social media buzz. The weight of history bearing down.We are, of course, referring to India’s intra-squad warm-up match ahead of the first Test against England. What did you think we meant?Related

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Stokes blames media 'agenda' for pre-match pressure on Pope

Mathews becomes the first to be dismissed timed out in international cricket

Oh sure, the World Test Championship final was going on, too. That looked like fun and all. But it was missing a certain ingredient, dontchathink? A reason for a billion pairs of eyeballs to swivel devotionally on Lord’s. An incentive for the news crews, influencers and celebrity spotters to give cricket their patronage. Heck, only one of the Big Three was involved, and certainly not the one whose milkshake brings all the marketing boys to the yard.Cricket, as we all know, is a numbers game – and the numbers here just didn’t add up. If we’re really invested in saving the Test format, the ICC needs to avoid making such elementary mistakes.

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Don’t worry, though, Test cricket does still have some big hitters in its corner. No sooner had Virat Kohli ended 18 years of hurt by lifting his first IPL title, than he was declaring it ranked “five levels under Test cricket”. And this after Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans turned up to an earlier game at the Chinnaswammy wearing white to mark news of his Test retirement. Ouch. “If you want to earn respect in world cricket all over, take up Test cricket, give your heart and soul to it and earn the respect from legends,” Kohli added. Hopefully those wastrels plying their trade in piddly T20 leagues around the world were paying attention. And the administrators scheduling two-Test series left, right and centre, too. Respect from legends, guys. It’s right there on the table. What do you mean “Will it pay the bills?”

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The second World Cricket Connects conference brought together the game’s powerbrokers for a weekend of behind-closed-doors schmoozing – but singularly failed to get the most-powerful broker of them all in the room (despite said broker, Jay Shah, being appointed to the World Cricket Connects advisory board at the start of the year). Still, everyone had a nice time. Sourav Ganguly was quoted describing it as “a lovely event” in a typically flowery MCC press release. Kumar Sangakkara said it was “wonderful”. Mark Nicholas hailed the “massive growth and innovation” experienced by cricket in recent times, adding that there was “an overwhelming desire for this to continue”. Actual recommendations seem to have been less abundant than pats on the back, but still. The game is clearly in good hands!

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Ben Stokes has shown little appetite for obeying convention in his time as England’s Test captain, and so it should perhaps come as no surprise that he takes a similarly maverick approach to other disciplines. Take the field of mathematics, which has been wedded to the same fusty old principles since Pythagoras started noodling around with numbers 2500 years ago. Stokes won’t be hidebound by such traditions – thus, when asked about Jacob Bethell potentially coming straight back from the IPL and into the Test side at No. 3, he said: “If you’re smart enough, the series that Beth had out in New Zealand, obviously he’s going to be back in the UK for that India series. So, I think you put two and two together, you probably know what’s going to happen.” Or not, apparently, as everyone in attendance came up with 2 + 2 = 4, leading Stokes to rail at the media for having an “agenda” against the incumbent, Ollie Pope. They don’t teach Bazball in school textbooks, people.

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Angelo Mathews has called time on his Test career. The clock is now ticking towards his final appearance, against Bangladesh in Galle next week. Much has happened on his watch, and history will always remember his contribution to the game. They say the best cricketers have more time than the rest – but those minutes and seconds catch up with us all in the end. Hopefully someone at the BCB has the foresight to bring over a commemorative timepiece to mark the occasion. Did we mention he had brilliant timing? ()