Liverpool progressed into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a victory over Bournemouth in midweek as Jurgen Klopp’s hunt for silverware began to gather pace.

Following a disastrous 2022/23 campaign which saw the club undergo a transitional period, the Reds had returned to their relentless best, especially in the Premier League.

Four successive wins under their belt had come until a trip to Luton Town on Sunday afternoon, where Klopp’s side went a goal down, only to be rescued at the death by Luis Diaz in a surprising 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road.

Liverpool team news

Unlike last term where Liverpool suffered from a major injury crisis that curtailed their season, this time around Klopp has been able to call on the majority of his squad, aside from a few absentees.

The Merseyside giants are still without first-choice left back Andy Robertson with the Scotland captain having undergone successful surgery on a shoulder injury.

Kostas Tsimikas has continued to deputise in that position, however, Liverpool's biggest problem is in midfield as Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic remain sidelined for the foreseeable future.

While Klopp should continue to field Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch in the two advanced midfield positions, the German has a big decision to make at the base of midfield with Alexis Mac Allister picking up a yellow card against the Hatters.

That eventuality means he has accumulated five yellow cards this term and will now miss the clash with Brentford this weekend.

Alexis Mac Allister’s season in numbers

Mac Allister has been a revelation for Liverpool, especially in recent weeks, since making the switch from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer.

The World Cup-winning Argentine has been at the heart of their well-oiled pressing machine, displaying the energy and tenacity required to play in the German’s midfield.

Despite being deployed in the deeper role, Mac Allister’s defensive metrics paint the picture of someone who is thriving as the Reds destroyer, channelling his inner South American roots by throwing himself into challenges.

According to FBref, the 24-year-old has been one of the league’s best defensive midfielders this term, ranking in the top 14% against his positional peers for tackles, top 12% for ball recoveries, top 14% for interceptions and top 3% for blocks.

Mac Allister was originally signed as a box-to-box midfielder, but his tough tackling displays and tactical flexibility have seen him become a vital player in Klopp’s system, acting as a screen in front of the Liverpool back line.

The 21-cap Argentine was even lauded as a “superstar” by TNT Sports pundit and former Red Joe Cole for how he’s transitioned into his role as a six, but also praising his ability to play in any role across midfield.

He said: "I like him in any role. I've been a massive fan of him. I think he can play anywhere in the midfield."

Alexis Mac Allister’s stats vs Luton

That said, he didn't particularly have the greatest of games against Luton, notably being handed a dismal 4/10 rating by the Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle, who said of his display: "Gave away possession cheaply too often first half and bypassed far too easily. Slight improvement after break. Booked."

The stats didn't make for fantastic reading either, with the summer signing ceding possession on 15 occasions, the third-highest of any Red on the day while also winning just 30% of his defensive duels. Clearly, this time around, he was lacking the physicality to cope with Luton.

Alexis Mac Allister v Luton in numbers

Touches

98

Accurate Passes

74/87 (85%)

Key Passes

1

Duels Won

3/10

Possession Lost

15x

Fouls

2

Tackles

1

Dribble Past

3x

Stats via Sofascore.

What made matters worse was that he was dribbled past three times, largely looking isolated in the middle of the park.

Fortunately, a decision on whether Mac Allister keeps his place next weekend is out of the manager's hands, with Wataru Endo potentially set to earn a rare league start in his place.

Wataru Endo’s season in numbers

Endo has struggled to nail down a starting spot in Klopp’s plans since arriving from Stuttgart in the summer.

The Japanese international has mainly been utilised in the cup competitions, featuring from the off in all three of their Europa League matches and two Carabao Cup ties.

In the Premier League, the 30-year-old has been restricted to only one start and five substitute appearances, with the statistics suggesting he’s struggled to acclimatise to his new surroundings.

Having arrived as a tough-tackling midfield destroyer, 5 foot 10 Endo has been anything but in the top flight, averaging only 0.2 interceptions, 0.5 tackles, 1.2 balls recovered per game and only winning 39% of his duels, as per Sofascore.

Although his above metrics are slightly better in the Europa League, posting one tackle per game, 2.3 interceptions, 3.7 balls recovered and 61% of his duels won, it is likely that Klopp will now consider his "monster" for a starting berth.

With Mac Allister out, it could well be the making of a career in Anfield if the Japanese sensation can shine.

A European club chief is now considering the termination of one player's contract so he can sign a "precocious talent" from Tottenham.

Tottenham's form under Ange

Ange Postecoglou is currently leading Spurs through their best-ever start to a Premier League season, and best overall since they won a domestic double in 1960/1961. The high-flying north Londoners are yet to suffer a single defeat in the top flight this season, winning six out of a possible eight league games. The likes of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr have found a new lease of life under Postecoglou after being largely ignored by former Spurs boss Antonio Conte. The pair now start nearly every game as Tottenham's dual midfield pivot in front of the back four, while the likes of Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski are back to their best and thriving as well.

Micky van de Ven, after signing from Wolfsburg in the summer, has also formed a solid partnership with Cristian Romero at the heart of Tottenham's backline. The likes of James Maddison, Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie have impressed, too, with many of Spurs' starting XI playing their part. Speaking after a recent 2-2 draw away to title contenders and north London rivals Arsenal, Postecoglou hailed the will and desire of his players to improve as a team.

"There's a real will and desire to become the team we want to be, which includes making sure that you're disciplined and you're buying into the team ethos and we had a really young team out there. Vic, that's his first derby, Destiny, van de Ven, Pape Matar Sarr, Brennan, they're all in their early twenties, Porro, even Kulusevski is only 23, so it was a young team but just super proud of the experienced players we did have in there.

"Romero was outstanding, Bissouma has been brilliant all year, Maddison, and Sonny was just on a different level, not just his goals, although they were outstanding, but his work rate, his work ethic was incredible."

Who could leave Spurs?

While Spurs' starters are seriously doing a job for Postecoglou, the same cannot be said for some unfortunate casualties of the Australian's tenure in charge. The likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Eric Dier, despite being favoured by Conte, are now on the periphery of Spurs' first team. As a result, they've been linked with moves away recently, with a report by Quotidiano Sportivo sharing a transfer update on Hojbjerg.

It is believed that Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is very keen on the Denmark international, so much so that he's willing to cancel Paul Pogba's contract – amid his doping scandal – and replace him with Hojbjerg. The outlet calls Tottenham's midfielder a "precocious talent", having risen through the ranks at various clubs in Germany before making a name for himself on the British Isles.

Spurs' asking price for Hojbjerg will be around the £26 million mark, and given Giuntoli is willing to terminate Pogba's deal to fund a possible move, it would appear that Juventus are serious about their interest in the Tottenham man.

Manchester United’s recent 3-0 loss to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup means that their start to the 2023/24 campaign – which has included eight losses in 15 matches – is their worst since the 1962/63 season.

The result on Wednesday ensures they will not be defending the League Cup they won back in February and with just one win in three Champions League ties along with just five wins in the Premier League, there may not be any silverware adorning the United trophy cabinet this season.

Erik ten Hag is a man coming under severe pressure and unless results perk up immediately, starting with a tie against Fulham on Saturday, then his reign at the club could be short-lived.

The Dutchman has not been helped with a plethora of injuries disrupting his squad as the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have been missing for large spells of the current season and a failure to field a first-choice defence has hindered the club.

The players he has been able to call upon however have not delivered consistent performances which match his ambitions and this has led the Old Trafford side down a slippery slope.

It is evident that his business in the summer transfer market was far from ideal, with Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat struggling to settle in and stamp their authority on the team.

If the Dutchman is still in the United hotseat come January, then he could use the winter window to add some much-needed quality to his squad as his attacking option have left a lot to be desired so far this season.

Indeed, Rasmus Hojlund, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Bruno Fernandes have scored just seven goals between them throughout the whole campaign.

Could this tempt Ten Hag to delve into the transfer market in a few months for another centre-forward? A previously linked striker, Benjamin Sesko, is reportedly going to be available in January for a potential move.

Man Utd transfer news – Benjamin Sesko

The Red Devils had a chance to sign the young striker from Domzale back in 2019 according to The Athletic, yet it was during the summer of 2022 when United really stepped up their interest in the youngster as Ten Hag wanted to bolster his options.

However, the Dutch boss missed out on signing him as Sesko ended up joining RB Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg for a fee in the region of £55m.

Fast-forward nearly 18 months, however, and it appears as though the 20-year-old ace may be ready to move on from the German side already having failed to really settle at the Bundesliga outfit.

That’s according to 90min, who claim that United and Newcastle will be on high alert having been notified of Sesko’s soon-to-be availability.

Having signed another one of Europe’s most promising strikers in Hojlund during the summer, it looks as though Ten Hag is building a team which could challenge for honours in the future. Will he be here to see the fruits of his labour, however?

As mentioned, the United boss has been let down by the lack of goals from his attacking players this term, with Martial in particular once again failing to show the Dutchman any signs of quality.

Anthony Martial’s season in numbers

The Frenchman has just a few months remaining on his current contract at United, and It is safe to say that he has hardly done anything of note to deserve a new and improved deal.

Across the whole squad in the Premier League, the former AS Monaco striker ranks tenth for shots on target per match (0.3) along with ranking 19th for successful dribbles per game (0.1) while scoring no goals in the competition at all.

6

0

2

0

0.6

0.3

2

0

8

0

The 27-year-old dud has netted just once all season, in an EFL Cup match against Crystal Palace, and he does not appear to have enjoyed playing under Ten Hag, scoring a total of ten goals during the Dutchman’s spell at United so far.

With players such as Martial underperforming, alongside Rashford and Fernandes, it shows how little United have going forward, which is why they could make a splash in January.

Making a move for Sesko may not solve every problem they currently have, but his vast potential and clinical nature would surely ensure he is an upgrade on Martial.

Benjamin Sesko would be better than Anthony Martial

The £58k-per-week striker has scored more than Martial since the start of last season (24 vs ten) and he has been making his mark on the continent over the previous 12 months.

The Slovenian forward is already outshining the current United player for domestic performances this term, indicating exactly why he would be a wonderful signing for Ten Hag.

According to FBref, Sesko has registered more shots on target per 90 (2.1 vs 0.8) than Martial, along with registering more shot-creating actions per 90 (2.51 vs 2) and higher successful take-on percentage (62.5% vs 50%) clearly demonstrating his vast potential as a threat at the top end of the pitch this term.

With 57 goals across just 136 professional matches, Sesko has displayed a ruthlessness nature which could get better the more he develops and learns his trade.

He was lauded as a “machine man” by talent scout Jacek Kulig back in 2021 as he was bursting onto the scene with FC Liefering, and he continued that scoring streak with Salzburg before sealing his move to Germany.

Ten Hag will be buoyed by the fact he could be available in the January transfer window and making a move for the young starlet should be a priority, especially considering there are other clubs interested in securing his signature.

Martial has failed to live up to the enormous hype that was generated following his move from Monaco in 2015 and while he has shown flashes of his talent during his eight-year stint at Old Trafford, it simply has not been good enough – as his aforementioned statistics under the current boss prove.

Alongside Hojlund, Sesko could be a future star and the Red Devils will know that if they lure him to Manchester, he could develop into a fantastic option for them at the top end of the pitch, which is not what their current French marksman is.

SLC delegation meets with ICC, in part to ease any concerns over undue government interference in board affairs

Madushka Balasuriya30-Aug-2018Sri Lanka Cricket will hold its board elections by February 9 next year at the latest. SLC confirmed this after a delegation, including Sri Lanka’s sports minister Faiszer Mustapha, petitioned the ICC for more time.Others members in the delegation, which met ICC chairman Shashank Manohar and CEO David Richardson, were SLC competent authority Kamal Pathmasiri, senior deputy solicitor general of the attorney general department Sumathi Dharmawardena, and SLC CEO Ashley de Silva.A four-member management committee is also to be appointed to run SLC affairs alongside the sports ministry-appointed competent authority, which has been running day-to-day operations since May 31.The SLC elections have been delayed indefinitely since May 31 after a court of appeal, adjudicating on a petition filed against then SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala by SLC presidential candidate Nishantha Ranatunga, found that the election protocol had been flouted.The petition itself had sought to disqualify Sumathipala’s candidacy on grounds of his familial relations to Sri Lanka’s gaming industry. While refusing that request, the court found constitutional discrepancies in election procedure during their deliberations, and subsequently suspended the elections.Since then, the court has lifted the ban, but the ongoing court case against Sumathipala has meant elections have failed to materialise. This has drawn the ire of the ICC, which has been critical of undue government interference in SLC affairs in the past as well.Mustapha’s meeting with the ICC was in part to ease any concerns on the part of the governing body, as well as to avoid any possible sanctions against SLC.Mustapha has provided assurances to the ICC that a fresh election committee would be appointed by the SLC general body at least a month prior to elections. That committee would then vet and finalise the voters’ list.There will be a one-week period allocated for all parties to challenge the selections made for the election committee with an appellate body consisting of three retired Supreme Court judges.

Derby County's fall from grace has been an agonising watch for those at the club who have seen the Rams go from play-off hopefuls in the Championship to League One stagnation. Off-field issues certainly haven't helped, but Paul Warne's time in charge has so far not been up to the standard of a club that is in desperate need of a return to England's second tier.

The manager may have bought himself some time with Derby's 4-0 thrashing of Northampton, but with the Midlands club still sitting outside the play-off places, another manager is reportedly being targeted to step in if needed.

Paul Warne's Derby record

Having spent over a year in charge at the club, Warne's Derby record looked on course to reflect well on the manager, but recent results have left his job at risk. As things stand, he has won 28 of his 62 games in charge, drawn 15 and lost 19. During his last five games, though, Derby have won three times and suffered defeats against Shrewsbury and Stevenage.

Derby are yet to act, but if they do then they reportedly have a plan in place and a manager in mind to replace Warne. According to Football Insider, Derby are interested in John Eustace to replace Warne, should they make the decision to sack their current boss.

The former Birmingham City manager recently left his old club in harsh fashion, as they opted to welcome Manchester United legend and ex-Derby boss Wayne Rooney, and could now get an instant chance to step into the technical area again. The Rams could also be boosted by the fact that Eustace played for the club as a player. As of right now, however, Warne remains in a job with a crucial few weeks ahead for Derby's decision makers.

John Eustace would be a "great appointment"

Eustace would be a solid option to turn to if Derby dismiss Warne. The former Birmingham boss took his old side from relegation fears to play-off hopefuls in the Championship, before his shock exit from the club. Birmingham's loss could be Derby's gain, however, as they look to work their way back to England's second tier this season.

Eustace has earned deserved praise in recent months, including from EFL pundit Gabriel Sutton, who posted on X: "John Eustace is 7+/10 on every attribute: man management, media & fan relations, developing a style, nurturing individuals, quality of coaching. Can lead a wafer-thin squad away from trouble, or with resources, build a side to challenge. Great appointment."

If Derby are to make the decision to sack Warne, then it will have to come sooner or later, given how in demand Eustace is likely to be in the coming months. With the festive fixtures coming thick and fast, too, those in the Midlands will be well aware of the need for a settling in period if they are to turn to a new manager with fresh ideas. It will now be all eyes on Warne and his side's next game against Crewe Alexandra.

As the Manchester United team sheet was announced ahead of Wednesday's Champions League tussle with FC Copenhagen, there was yet another notable absentee from the starting lineup, with manager Erik ten Hag overlooking a certain summer signing.

Just a matter of months on from joining from rivals Chelsea on an initial £55m deal, England international Mason Mount has already become something of an afterthought both for the Dutchman and for supporters, with it yet to be seen what the benefits were of prising the 24-year-old from Stamford Bridge.

As pundit Chris Sutton only recently quipped, the playmaker "looks like he's fallen into the biggest black hole the world's ever seen", such has been his lack of impact, with it looking as if he could join the long list of players who have simply wilted upon entering the Theatre of Dreams.

Time is certainly on Mount's side, yet burdened with the club's famed number seven shirt, the former Blues star needs to start delivering sharpish, with the player that previously won the Champions League – and was coveted by Liverpool this summer – now nowhere to be seen.

Mason Mount's season by numbers

Perhaps such a drab start to life in Manchester should have been expected following the versatile midfielder's performances last term, as the 5 foot 11 maestro scored just three goals and contributed only six assists in all competitions for a dismal Chelsea side.

Prior to that, however, the Portsmouth native had remarkably contributed 29 goals and assists across all fronts during the 2021/22 season, while also providing a crucial assist in the Champions League showpiece victory over Manchester City the year prior.

United's new man had also previously caught Ten Hag's eye during a stunning loan spell in Holland back in 2017/18, registering 24 goal involvements in just 39 games for Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem.

Speaking at the time of his arrival at Old Trafford, Ten Hag even suggested that Mount was a "complete midfield player" who "suits Manchester United", with the incoming addition set to offer a new sense of energy and dynamism in that number eight berth.

Talk was rife that the former Ajax boss had finally stumbled upon his answer to long-term target, Frenkie de Jong in that midfield role alongside Casemiro, yet fast forward a few months and it is the ageing Christian Eriksen who remains the go-to pick, with Mount merely an interested bystander.

Although injury has not helped his cause, when the underwhelming asset has featured he has hardly set the world alight, registering just one assist and failing to score in 11 appearances to date, having started only four Premier League games thus far.

As writer Casey Evans suggested on Twitter amid the eventual defeat to Copenhagen earlier this week, the Englishman has arguably become the "new Donny van de Beek" such is his dwindling status, with it already looking as if United have made another ill-fitting, midfield signing.

How Mason Mount compares to Donny van de Beek

It may perhaps seem too soon to liken Mount to a player whose stock is so low that he hasn't even been included in United's squad for their European adventure, yet the early signs are that the club could have made a costly transfer blunder on a figure who simply doesn't suit the system – no matter what Ten Hag has previously said.

In the case of Van de Beek, the Netherlands international was signed back in 2020 on a £40m deal during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time at the helm, with the Ajax ace having been the marquee acquisition in an underwhelming window for the Premier League giants.

Having done his best work in Amsterdam as an attack-minded midfielder with a knack for arriving late in the box – with 41 goals and 34 assists in 175 games for the Eredivisie outfit – the Dutchman was then shifted into more of a deep-lying berth, with Bruno Fernandes the undisputed first-choice pick behind the striker.

Unable to dislodge the Portuguese magician, Van de Beek has meakly tumbled down the pecking order over the past three years or so, with even the arrival of his compatriot in the dugout not aiding his fortunes, while he was cruelly struck down by a season-ending injury last term.

Amid claims that Solskjaer never actually wanted to sign the player – favouring instead a move for Jack Grealish – it begs the question as to why the deal was ever done, with the hope being that history hasn't repeated itself in the case of Mount.

The latter man, like his current teammate, is also perhaps at his best in a playmaking berth, although the £250k-per-week enigma will have a tough ride attempting to dislodge his skipper, Fernandes, any time soon, with the 29-year-old still delivering the goods on a largely consistent basis – notably scoring the winner against Fulham last week.

19

7

4

4

1

0

1

0

0.2

0.6

1

0

86%

85%

1.1

2.1

6.67

6.74

If not deployed as a number ten, can Mount really be trusted in a deeper role? As was evident against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening weekend, his partnership with Casemiro leaves a lot to be desired, with the pair having formed part of a "non-existent" midfield on the day, according to club legend Gary Neville.

The fear will be that he goes the same way as Van de Beek – who has just two goals and two assists to his name in 62 appearances – with former title winner Louis Saha already describing it as "strange" at how swiftly Mount has lost his confidence.

How Ten Hag could get the best out of Mount

Now behind the likes of Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat in the midfield pecking order – with Hannibal Mejbri also in contention for a starting berth in recent weeks – it appears a long way back for Mount if he is to cement a place in the centre of the park.

Fearing a repeat of the Van de Beek scenario, Ten Hag, and United, should do what they can to find a home for Mount somewhere in the starting lineup, with it perhaps worth giving him a run in the side on the right flank, particularly amid Antony's longstanding woes.

The Brazilian has failed to score or assist in all competitions this season and was dropped for the midweek trip to Denmark, with Marcus Rashford taking his place on that side prior to his early dismissal.

Utilising Rashford in that right-sided berth does not seem to be the best use of his talents, however, having scored 30 goals last term while typically operating off the left, hence the need to find a different solution.

Mount could well be the man for the job having previously been deployed on the flanks during his time in the capital, as well as for his country on occasion, with it worth giving the forgotten man an extended run in the side in order to showcase his talents.

On current evidence, however, the one-time Derby County loanee may find himself watching on far more frequently as Ten Hag seeks to rely on his tried and trusted assets to get the club out of their current rut, with Mount's addition – like that of Van de Beek – looking like nothing more than a £55m gamble that has not paid off.

Balls are the future as the ECB’s new format undergoes an open day of testing at Trent Bridge

Alan Gardner at Trent Bridge17-Sep-20182:14

The Hundred trialled: What did the players think?

As part of a series of pilot matches for the ECB’s proposed new format, The Hundred, access was granted to a day of testing at Trent Bridge. ESPNcricinfo went along to observe the actionDespite various theories about the rules and playing conditions, the action in the middle resembled reasonably closely the game of cricket as we know it – 11 fielders, two batsmen, fours and sixes, wickets falling. But the devil is in the detail, with many questions to be finalised ahead of the competition’s launch in 2020. Two games were played on Monday, between teams of county players designated as ‘North’ and ‘South’. Here are a selection of talking points that the trials, which will be concluded on September 27 with a women’s elite match at Loughborough, have so far thrown up.The end of the over
The arrival of The Hundred will almost certainly see the six-ball over done away with, in favour of 20 sets of five balls – although Trent Woodhill, one of the ECB’s consultants for the project, suggested the idea of 15 traditional overs and a 10-ball Super Over to finish had not been completely ruled out. Both of the games played on Monday featured 10 balls being delivered in a row before a change of ends, with the umpire indicating “that’s five” halfway through (can’t call “over” anymore).This is all part of simplifying the game for outsiders. “I think the emphasis on the ball is really interesting and really important,” said Kevin Shine, ECB lead bowling coach and part of the South team management. “We’re not thinking of overs, we’re not thinking of an innings. It’s that old cliché, every ball is an event – and it is. And I think with that level of detail, it’s made it very exciting.”A fresh tactical dimension
The option of keeping a bowler on for ten deliveries in a row – ie two sets of five – had been widely floated as an alternative to a mandatory 10-ball over, which Daryl Mitchell, the Worcestershire batsman and PCA chairman, said had “sent shivers down seam bowlers’ spines”.Here, any bowler could deliver a maximum of ten balls consecutively, even if that involved changing ends; they could not then bowl for another set of five. But that could mean theoretically unleashing, say, your best spinner for their full allocation of 20 balls out of 25. Tactical timeouts called by the fielding team were also allowed, with the coach entering the field.In the first game, such an intervention resulted in the North storming back to bowl out the South for 128, after they had been 66 for 0 from 25 balls – Leicestershire offspinner Rob Sayer, who opened up by bowling the first ten deliveries and conceding 21, finished with 4 for 25 from his 20 balls.While the game remained recognisably “a contest between bat and ball”, Woodhill was enthusiastic about the options for captains. “There’s been an element of strategy that’s brought in and I think that’s good for cricket.”Trials for the ECB’s new Hundred format took place at Trent Bridge•Getty ImagesAdvantage bowlers?
One of the more eye-catching tweaks to the playing conditions in operation – and one which Mitchell suggested could be something for MCC to address in the Laws – was the decision to have the new batsman taking strike even when a wicket fell to a catch and the batsmen had crossed while running.”The bowler has created an advantage by taking a wicket,” Woodhill said. “There’s got to be a reward for that, and he gets to take advantage by being able to bowl at the new batsman.”In the second game, an option was introduced for a fast bowler to send down two bouncers in their second set of five – ie if they chose to stay on and bowl ten deliveries in a row. Players were also fitted with GPS tracking vests, to investigate whether expending less energy switching over in the field would allow quicks to maintain a higher level of pace overall.Speeding up the game
The consensus among those involved was that games were quicker and more fluid than a standard T20 – although the time-saving is not dramatic. In the first match, the North scored 137 for 7 from their 100 balls, which took 1hr 5min and included a two-and-a-half minute strategic timeout; the whole game, with a 15-minute gap between innings, took around 2hr 20min (with three balls left unbowled).”The flow of the game is better than I thought,” Mitchell said. “It’s a little bit odd changing bowlers and not changing ends to start with but after two sets of ten you got used to it.” In pilots played on some of the previous days, not involving timeouts, the length of an innings was reduced to less than an hour.The scoreboard
Talk had been of a radical new scoreboard, centring on a countdown clock for the number of deliveries left in an innings. However, the display at Trent Bridge was more along traditional lines, with both batsmen listed (along with runs, balls, fours and sixes) and the current bowler (ball, runs, wickets, dots), as well as two smaller numbers indicating both deliveries bowled and the number remaining – which somehow had the effect of becoming confusing.Patel suggested afterwards that this was an area that needed sharpening up. “I think from a visualisation from the crowd perspective, they need the balls remaining to be bigger on the screen because I reckon that you need to get that message across that there is a ‘wow factor’ of balls left,” he said. “You need an area where a board is up saying ‘this is how many balls left’.”Simpler… or not?
These pilot matches are seemingly all about experimentation, with the format far from finalised – so drawing firm conclusions is about as simple as nailing jelly to the wall. In both games on Monday, substitute fielders were allowed, but there seemed some confusion as to whether this was a rolling system or one in which only a couple of designated players could be brought on (but not bowl).”The substitution thing needs looking at closely if they are going to implement it,” Mitchell said. “It got a bit messy at times.”Powerplays with fielding restrictions seem likely to remain (they have trialled them after 20, 25 and 30 balls), which are never easy to explain to a casual fan. Then there is the matter of sending down ten deliveries from one end. Should the umpire signal to say that a five-ball set has been completed? How is it best to make clear that a bowler is now bowling ten in a row (and what if he is switching ends, too)?Perhaps one of the reassuring aspects about seeing the format being tested was how familiar it appeared – quirky rules included. But it remains to be seen if The Hundred, in whatever its final guise, can bring new crowds flocking to the game.

Wrexham have been told that the “deep pockets” of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney give them “every chance” of signing Arthur Okonkwo.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Keeper enjoying loan spell with Red DragonsLooking to help them into League OneWill hit free agency when Gunners deal expiresWHAT HAPPENED?

The 22-year-old goalkeeper joined the Red Dragons on loan from Premier League giants Arsenal in September 2023. An unfortunate jaw injury ruled him out of action at one stage, but the towering shot-stopper has kept 11 clean sheets through 28 appearances this season.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Okonkwo is set to hit free agency in the summer, when his contract at Emirates Stadium expires, and is expected to attract plenty of interest. Wrexham will be eager to keep him at SToK Racecourse, particularly if they step up into League One, and the ambition of Hollywood co-owners in North Wales is expected to work in their favour.

WHAT PALMER SAID ABOUT OKONKWO

Carlton Palmer, who has spent time as manager with Wrexham’s League Two rivals Mansfield and Stockport, told of the clamour for Okonkwo’s signature: "He’s had a fantastic season and he’s still only 22. He’s kept 11 clean sheets in 28 matches this term, and he has been exceptional. Wrexham is an exciting project, they’re on the up and Okonkwo is getting regular game time. He’s been very good, very consistent and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.

"With the owners of Wrexham having deep pockets and plenty of ambition, I think they have every chance to sign him permanently. Of course, there will be other EFL clubs interested in him, but if you’re a player at Wrexham it must be an exciting time as they see how far they can go. They’re on the cusp of getting back-to-back promotions which would be incredible and for a young keeper this is perfect for him. I’m sure Wrexham can entice the keeper to sign a contract with them and to continue on that journey."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Wrexham have eight games left this season in which to try and wrap up a top-three finish and secure automatic promotion. They will be back in League Two action on Saturday when taking in a trip to Grimsby.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em meio à pandemia global de coronavírus, o Botafogo e a marca Centrum, do laboratório GSK, vão lançar nesta terça, às 14h, um movimento inédito de conscientização sobre a importância dos métodos de prevenção à doença, que assola o mundo e virou o planeta do avesso. Diante disso, o projeto será apresentadona Botafogo TV, canal no Youtube.

+Confira a classificação do Campeonato Brasileiro

A apresentação do projeto contará com a participação de Juan Katz, diretor de Marketing Wellness da GSK Consumer Healthcare Brasil; Rafael Jones, head de mídia, digital e agências da GSK Consumer Healthcare Brasil; Ricardo Rotenberg, Vice-Presidente Comercial e Marketing do Botafogo, e Caio Araujo, Gerente Comercial e de Gestão do Botafogo.

Além da quantidade de óbitos pelo mundo e dos problemas de saneamento básico no Brasil, a pandemia afetou diretamente o esporte com o cancelamento e adiamento de vários eventos. Com a aproximação de uma segunda onda, vários jogadores, treinadores e dirigentes brasileiros testaram positivo para a doença, como foi o caso do técnico do Botafogo, Eduardo Barroca, que não poderá dirigir a equipe nos próximos 10 dias.

RelacionadasBotafogoContra o Flamengo, Botafogo tentará evitar a pior sequência sem vitórias no Brasileirão desde 2010Botafogo30/11/2020BotafogoEduardo Barroca testa positivo para Covid-19 e desfalca o Botafogo no clássico contra o FlamengoBotafogo30/11/2020BotafogoEm busca de melhora para o clube e pessoal: como Eduardo Barroca chega ao BotafogoBotafogo29/11/2020

Manchester United have reportedly made an offer for a "special" new manager to potentially replace Erik ten Hag.

Man Utd news; Erik ten Hag’s future

The Red Devils have had their struggles both on and off the pitch this year, however, Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford was a successful one, winning the EFL Cup and guiding the club back into the Champions League. An ongoing takeover saga involving the Glazers has been playing out in the background, but after splashing the cash on the likes of Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund over the summer, things haven’t gone to plan during the current campaign.

So far, Ten Hag’s side have lost their opening two Champions League group games and half of their eight Premier League fixtures, resulting in speculation regarding his future. The latest on Ten Hag’s future earlier this month claimed that United had no plans to sack the Dutchman as he has plenty of credit in the bank, but by the looks of things, the club, and by extension majority owners the Glazers, have put the feelers out to a new manager.

Sport Witness relayed a Carlo Ancelotti update in the last 48 hours, claiming the Italian has had an offer from Man Utd, with his Real Madrid contract set to expire at the end of the season. The report claims that pressure is growing on Ten Hag and the Red Devils have made a verbal offer to his agent, although a return to the Premier League doesn’t look likely.

“He has three offers, not only the one from Brazil. One is to manager the Canadian National Team, which appeals sentimentally. He has a house in Vancouver and his wife is Canadian so he would be delighted with that. He would finish his career there and has an offer in writing, but he prefers Brazil.

“The last is not an offer in writing but has been sent to him verbally through his agent, it’s from the Premier League and Manchester United. They would take him tomorrow. However, he doesn’t want to return to the Premier League and coach any club. He would be willing to coach Brazil but what he really wants is to stay in Madrid. That can happen if things go well this season.”

How many Champions League titles has Carlo Ancelotti won?

Ancelotti, hailed as “special” by Xabi Alonso, actually shares the same agency as Raphael Varane and has plenty of experience at the highest level in a number of countries.

One competition he has enjoyed over the years is the Champions League, with the 64-year-old lifting the trophy on four separate occasions with AC Milan and Real Madrid in 2003, 2007, 2014 and 2022 – more than any other manager. (Carlo Ancelotti UCL stats)

He’ll be looking to make it five this season with Madrid, but by the looks of things, a move back to England isn’t looking likely, despite Man Utd’s alleged recent attempts to make that happen in 2024.