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O “São Bento” salvou o Corinthians na Neo Química Arena, e o Timão venceu o Athletico-PR por 1 a 0, com gol de Yuri Alberto no segundo tempo, em duelo válido pela 31ª rodada do Brasileirão. O atacante contou com frango histórico do goleiro do Furacão.

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Com o resultado, o Corinthians chega aos 40 pontos e salta da 15ª para a 11ª posição. Já o Athletico-PR estaciona nos 49 pontos e permanece fora do G6 na tabela do Brasileirão.

+ Veja tabela e simule as próximas rodadas do Brasieirão

Cinco lances que marcaram a partida

> O QUE FOI ISSO, BIDU? Bidu se atrapalhou após cruzamento do Athletico, caiu dentro da área e tentou levantar, mas a bola acabou batendo no braço do lateral corintiano. A sorte dele é que o VAR não chamou para revisar o lance…

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> !AI NÃO, GIULIANO!Fagner recuperou no ataque e achou Giuliano livre na área. Ao invés de bater, o meia deu um passe horrível para Yuri Alberto, que se atrapalhou e chutou por cima do gol.

> !ERICK SALVA O FURACÃO!No final do primeiro tempo, Yuri Alberto dividiu com o goleiro Bento e a bola sobrou para Romero dentro da área. O paraguaio limpou a marcação e chutou para o gol vazio, mas Erick apareceu e fez corte providencial em cima da linha.

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> !ME AJUDA A TE AJUDAR, YURI!Aos 7 minutos do segundo tempo, Renato Augusto deu lançamento na medida para Yuri Alberto invadir a área, mas o atacante não chegou firme para a bola e foi desarmado por Thiago Heleno.

> !FRANGO HISTÓRICO DE BENTO! Só São Jorge explica o gol de Yuri Alberto. O atacante brigou na área após cruzamento errado de Bidu e conseguiu o cabeceio. O goleiro Bento saiu para fazer a defesa, mas deixou a bola passar entre as mãos e tomou um frango histórico.

Como foi o primeiro tempo?

Corinthians e Athletico fizeram um primeiro tempo truncado e sonolento. O Timão esboçou uma pressão nos minutos iniciais, mas o Furacão conseguiu retomar o controle da partida, porém não ameaçou Cássio com uma grande chance de perigo. O Timão ficou perto de abrir o placar nos minutos finais, mas Erick salvou chute de Romero em cima da linha.

E a etapa final?

Corinthians e Athletico-PR voltaram com mais ímpeto ofensivo para o segundo tempo, e ambas equipes conseguiram explorar os espaços pelos lados. O sistema defensivo do Timão conseguiu neutralizar as chegadas do Furacão, que saiu de Itaquera derrotado graças à um frango inexplicável do goleiro Bento. Os visitantes esboçaram uma pressão nos minutos finais, mas o Corinthians conseguiu segurar a vitória.

+ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

O que vem por aí?

O próximo compromisso do Corinthians é no domingo (5), contra o RB Bragantino, às 16h, pela 32ª rodada do Brasileirão, em Bragança Paulista. Um dia antes, o Athletico-PR segue em São Paulo para enfrentar o Palmeiras, no Allianz Parque.

CORINTHIANS 1 X 0 ATHLETICO-PR
31ª RODADA DO BRASILEIRÃO

Local: Neo Química Arena, São Paulo (SP)
Data e hora: quarta-feira, 1 de outubro de 2023, às 19h (horário de Brasília)
Árbitro: Leandro Pedro Vuaden (RS)
Assistentes: Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa (FIFA-RJ) e Michael Stanislau (RS)
Árbitro de vídeo: Daniel Nobre Bins (FIFA-RS)
Público e renda: 29.870 / R$ 1.701.823,00

Cartões amarelos: Yuri Alberto (COR); Vitor Bueno, Cuello (CAP)
Cartões vermelhos: –

GOLS: Yuri Alberto (1-0, aos 18′ do 2ºT)

CORINTHIANS

Cássio; Fagner, Gil, Lucas Veríssimo e Bidu (Caetano, aos 27′ do 2ºT); Moscardo (Rojas, aos 15′ do 2ºT), Maycon, Giuliano e Renato Augusto (Roni, aos 40′ do 2ºT); Romero (Wesley, aos 15′ do 2ºT) e Yuri Alberto (Felipe Augusto, aos 41′ do 2ºT). Técnico: Mano Menezes

ATHLETICO-PR

Bento; Cacá, Thiago Heleno e Lucas Esquivel; Canobbio, Fernandinho, Erick (Alex Santana, aos 22′ do 2ºT), Zapelli, Vitor Bueno (Willian, aos 22′ do 2ºT) e Cuello (Rômulo, aos 39′ do 2ºT); Pablo Técnico: Wesley Caravalho

Allrounder’s century lifted Derbyshire from ruin after the Indian leg spinner took 3 in 11 balls

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay29-Jul-2025Derbyshire 348 for 8 (Andersson 105, Chahal 4-116) vs Northamptonshire Martin Andersson led a Derbyshire fightback with a spirited 105, his third century of the summer, as his side rallied to 348 for 8 on day one of this Rothesay County Championship match against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.It came after Indian legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal struck three times in 11 balls to tip the morning session firmly in Northamptonshire’s favour; the visitors ruing their decision to bat as they slipped to 98 for 5 at lunch, despite 39 from Luis Reece.But Andersson (148 balls, 14 fours) then dominated a 102 run-partnership with Aneurin Donald (37) during the afternoon, before sharing a further stand worth 61 with all-rounder Zak Chappell (32).Chahal, who found turn and bounce on a pitch previously used for the Vitality Blast Women Tier Two Finals Day on Saturday, later removed Chappell to finish with figures of four for 116.Earlier Derbyshire had a tough opening hour against some tight Northamptonshire bowling, the bulk of early runs coming through fine leg, their first wicket falling when Caleb Jewell (16) was undone by a George Scrimshaw delivery that jagged back and kept low, trapping him lbw.It brought Reece together with Harry Came (17) who combined in a confident 48-run stand off 69 deliveries, Reece unfurling a handsome cover drive against Scrimshaw to bring up Derbyshire’s 50 in the fifteenth over, before using his feet against Chahal to collect three boundaries over the infield.With Came taking on the seamers, momentum was running in Derbyshire’s direction, before Chahal intervened. First, he turned one across Came to trap him lbw and then picked up Reece who flicked straight to short leg. Brooke Guest’s stay was short, Chahal getting one to grip and turn to take the edge through to the keeper.Justin Broad capped the perfect morning for Northamptonshire, putting a dampener on Wayne Madsen’s 250th first-class game, when he was caught behind playing a lazy shot down the legside.After lunch Andersson and Donald came out fighting, bringing their 50 partnership up off 60 balls, Andersson sweeping and cutting Chahal and pulling seamer Liam Guthrie to the ropes.With 40 runs coming in the first 20 minutes of the session, Chahal then applied the brakes. Racing through his overs, he pushed the ball through quicker too, keeping both batters in check, despite bowling occasional short balls and legside deliveries. And, with fellow spinner Rob Keogh finding some drift at the other end, the scoring rate slowed markedly for a time.Finally though, Andersson got one away, sweeping Chahal for four before playing the same shot against Keogh to reach his 50 from 66 deliveries. Donald meanwhile, managed just two boundaries in his 37 but deployed the reverse sweep to keep the scoreboard ticking over against Chahal as the pair’s stand reached three figures.Keogh made the breakthrough, flighting the ball up and turning it back in sharply to bowl Donald between bat and pad. It brought Chappell to the crease, who began in typically positive fashion. He had advanced to 22 when Scrimshaw put down a straightforward chance at backward point and Derbyshire went into tea on 237 for 6, having added 139 for the loss of just one wicket in the afternoon.Chappell’s reprieve was short lived. After tea he clubbed Chahal down the ground to bring up Derbyshire’s 250 but then edged an attempted reverse sweep straight to slip.Andersson took two boundaries off Chahal through extra cover to reach his century, but the new ball brought immediate rewards when he came down the track to Procter and edged behind.New batter, teenage debutant Joe Wilkins showed no nerves though, looking highly impressive as he drove confidently. With Ben Aitchison also playing some stylish shots the pair put on an excellent unbeaten 48 for the ninth wicket.

Surrey continued their Metro Bank Women’s One-Day Cup charge with a three-wicket win over Warwickshire at the Edgbaston Community Sports Ground.Warwickshire were lifted to 239 all out by a dazzling maiden professional century by Davina Perrin (113 from 125 balls). Supported by Natasha Wraith (47, 49), Perrin salvaged her side from 32 for five after early damage done by Ryana MacDonald-Gay (four for 47) and Alice Monaghan (three for 48)Surrey then reached 240 for seven with 20 balls to spare as Alice Capsey’s sparkling 79 (73) underpinned the chase and Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s composed 43 not out (43) saw it to a comfortable conclusion.Surrey chose to bowl and did so very effectively in the opening overs as four batters had their furniture rearranged in the first 40 balls. Monaghan bowled Meg Austin through a pull and Abi Freeborn through the gate. MacDonald-Gay bowled Bethan Ellis behind her legs and induced Amu Surenkumar to play on. When Sophie Beech, on her debut, tucked her first ball to leg and was called for a quick single by Perrin and run out by Phoebe Franklin’s throw, it was 32 for five.Perrin and Wraith skilfully excavated their side from the hole with a partnership of 118 in 19 overs. Perrin posted the century stand in the grand manner with a straight six off Danielle Gregory before Monaghan returned to hit the stumps for a third time, Wraith’s as she tried to lift to leg.Issy Wong (21, 27) continued the recovery in a stand of 55 in nine overs with Perrin whose superb innings finally ended when she she lifted a Gregory full toss to long off. She walked off to a huge ovation and with her team right back in a game they seemed to have lost in the opening overs.Surrey’s reply took an early hit when Wong trapped Kira Chathli lbw. Bryony Smith (38, 31) and Capsey added 75 from 62 balls but when Smith launched Phoebe Brett over long off for six she immediately signalled for treatment and soon had to retire hurt having aggravated a side strain.Surrey shrugged off the blow as assertive cameos from Paige Schofield and Grace Harris kept the scoring rate high. Schofield fell lbw when she missed a sweep at Georgia Davis and Harris, match-winner in the final three days earlier, was bowled by Wong.Capsey was lured down the track by Brett and stumped and Millie Taylor kept Warwickshire in contention by removing Monaghan and Franklin in an over, but Wyatt-Hodge, with plenty of time on her side, eased Surrey calmly to their target.

The good times keep rolling on for Arsenal this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side continued their winning run against Burnley on the weekend and remain seven points clear of Liverpool atop the Premier League.

It was another convincing performance from the North Londoners, and one in which Declan Rice once again proved that he is one of, if not the best, midfielders in the league.

However, the former West Ham United captain was not the only standout performer, as another of Arteta’s men continued the Ballon d’Or-level campaign he’s having this year.

Rice's sensational season

When Arsenal spent a club-record £105m on Rice in the summer of 2023, there was an awful lot of pressure on the Englishman.

Everyone knew that he was a sensational footballer at the time, but it’s a rare thing for someone to justify being worth more than £100m.

Fortunately for Arteta and Co, he has achieved that and more over the last two and a bit years, first shining as an out-and-out six and then transitioning more into a marauding eight.

His first two campaigns in North London were brilliant, with him producing 17 goal involvements in the first and 19 in the second, but this year, he has taken another massive step forward.

With Martin Zubimendi now in the side, Arteta has once again modified the 26-year-old’s role in the team, with him telling the press on international duty that the manager has “adjusted my position at Arsenal a bit this year to give me a bit more freedom to drop deeper but to also get in the box when I can.”

This has seen the “world-class” international, as dubbed by journalist Tom Marshall-Bailey, spend more time in the middle of the park breaking up opposition attacks, but also then bursting forward to help create opportunities for the team.

For example, according to FBref, he ranks in the top 13% of midfielders in the league for touches in the middle third, and also in the top 1% for progressive carries, the top 4% for expected assists, and more per 90.

Rice’s Scout Report
Statistics	Per 90	Percentile
Progressive Carries	2.80	Top 1%
Inswinging Corner Kicks	2.69	Top 1%
Total Passing Distance	1104.63	Top 4%
xA: Expected Assists	0.22	Top 4%
Dead-ball Passes	7.84	Top 4%
Crosses	5.82	Top 4%
Corner Kicks	4.03	Top 4%
Total Carrying Distance	304.48	Top 4%
Progressive Carrying Distance	143.28	Top 4%
Carries into Final Third	2.57	Top 4%
Shots from Free Kicks	0.22	Top 6%
Passes Completed	61.34	Top 6%
Passes Attempted	72.54	Top 6%
Progressive Passing Distance	281.08	Top 6%
SCA (Dead-ball Pass)	1.23	Top 6%
GCA (Dead-ball Pass)	0.22	Top 6%
Touches	80.93	Top 6%
Touches (Att 3rd)	22.28	Top 6%
% of Aerials Won	68.4%	Top 7%
Passes Completed (Long)	5.93	Top 8%
Live-ball Passes	64.48	Top 8%
Switches	0.67	Top 8%
Carries	48.69	Top 8%
All Stats via FBref

In other words, the Gunners’ monstrous number 41 is, in the words of Ashley Williams, an utterly “complete midfielder.”

Finally, on top of everything he does during open play, Rice has a shout for being the best setpiece specialist in the world, as whether it’s a corner or a free kick, he can and will drop the ball exactly where his teammates want it – just as he did against Burnley.

With all that said, there is another Arsenal star who is performing at a Ballon d’Or level this season.

The Arsenal star at a world-class level

With Arsenal doing so well this season, there are several players who could be described as playing at a Ballon d’Or level.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

For example, Zubimendi has hit the ground running, Jurrien Timber has been sensational in attack and defence, and Riccardo Calafiori is a joy to watch.

However, when it comes to picking Arsenal’s best player so far this year, it’s impossible to look past Gabriel Magalhães.

The Brazilian has almost entirely rid his game of the mistakes that led to some questioning him in the past, and has instead become one of the most reliable defenders in the league.

Whether the ball is in the air or on the ground, the former LOSC Lille ace always seems to know how to deal with it, and perhaps the most complimentary thing you can say about him is that William Saliba looks that little bit less assured without him in the backline.

Moreover, the 6 foot 3 “colossus,” as dubbed by Adam Keys, has made the Gunners a far more physically imposing team, as few, if any, opposition players can cope with his physicality.

So far this season, he has made 15 appearances for the North Londoners, 13 of which have been starts, playing a massive role in the side, conceding just three goals and standing a chance of beating Chelsea’s record of conceding just 15 in a league campaign.

Finally, it’s not just his defensive brilliance that makes the Brazilian a world-class talent, but also his offensive prowess.

For example, his assist for Viktor Gyokeres means no other defender in the Premier League has been involved in more goals than him since his arrival in 2020.

Moreover, just this season alone, the 27-year-old has been able to score twice and provide three assists, which would be a great return for a top-quality ten, let alone a centre-back.

Ultimately, due to his outstanding defending and exceptional attacking qualities, it has become increasingly clear that Gabriel is currently performing at a Ballon d’Or level this season.

Arsenal's "signing of the summer" has turned Rice into the best in the PL

Arsenal have hit the jackpot with one of Mikel Arteta’s latest additions at the Emirates.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 3, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now willing to pay £70m to sign AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, as they believe he would be perfect for Thomas Frank.

It is little wonder Tottenham are looking to bring in a new forward, given that some of their current attacking options have been far from impressive so far this season, with Jamie O’Hara left fuming by Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani after the Chelsea defeat.

Mathys Tel has also found it difficult to adapt to life in the Premier League, with the 20-year-old being dropped to the bench in recent weeks, having now scored just one goal in his opening 10 matches in all competitions.

Spurs’ attacking woes were particularly apparent in the 1-0 defeat against their London rivals on Saturday, failing to craft a single big chance, while also having just three shots in the entire match.

Tottenham willing to make offer for Antoine Semenyo

Having struggled in front of goal, Tottenham are now willing to make their club-record signing in one of the stars of the Premier League this season, with a report from Spain revealing they are prepared to make a bid of around €80m (£70m) for Semenyo.

There is a belief the Bournemouth forward would be ideal for Frank, given that he is fast, powerful and clinical, but there could be competition for the Ghanaian’s signature, as several unnamed European clubs are also keen.

The Cherries value the 25-year-old highly, but they may be willing to cash-in for the right price this winter, with a £80m fee being touted.

The Bournemouth star has shown signs of year-on-year development since first emerging as a regular starter in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season, and he is already over half-way to matching his goal and assist tally from the previous campaign.

Season

Premier League appearances

Goal contributions

2023-24

33

11

2024-25

37

17

2025-26

10

9

Scout Ben Mattinson has also been left impressed by the Ghana international in the past, urging Arsenal to sign him back in February.

Semenyo has earned a move to a top club, with his performances this season indicating he is ready to make the step-up, and it would be a real statement of intent from ENIC if they were able to get a deal done.

Tottenham now leading race for Samu Aghehowa Tottenham leading race for Samu Aghehowa with FC Porto now willing to sell

Spurs have set out to sign a new striker.

ByDominic Lund Nov 2, 2025

Manchester United’s fans have been hugely disappointed over the last 12 years, with the club unable to reach the heights that were set under the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

The Scotsman led the Red Devils to a staggering 13 Premier League titles, but since his retirement in 2013, the first-team have only been able to muster multiple second-place finishes.

Ruben Amorim will no doubt want to end such a drought, but the 2024/25 campaign was the polar opposite of what he would have had in mind after taking the reins in November.

The 15th-place finish was unacceptable, especially given the expectations of the fanbase, but the recent run of three wins in a row has highlighted glimpses of a turnaround in form.

However, the upcoming January transfer window will present a new opportunity for the manager to further invest in the squad and bolster the options at his disposal.

United’s hunt for added additions in January

Over the past couple of days, United have been named as one of the sides interested in a move for Borussia Dortmund star Jobe Bellingham in the January window.

The Englishman only moved to the Bundesliga during the summer, but after just two starts in 2025/26, he could be set for a quick exit to gain valuable minutes to aid his progression.

A £42m price tag has been mooted as a result, but other teams such as Crystal Palace and Sunderland are also in the race for his signature at present.

However, he’s not the only player in their sights, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao another top-level star who’s reportedly being scouted by the Red Devils hierarchy.

According to TEAMtalk, the Portuguese international would be “very keen” on a Premier League switch, with Arsenal and Chelsea just two other sides in contention for his services.

Their report also states that the 26-year-old does have a €150m (£132m) release clause in his contract, but it remains unclear if the Italian side would be willing to negotiate a cut-price deal.

Why United’s £132m target is even better than Mbeumo

The summer gave Amorim and United the perfect chance to improve the first-team squad, with the hierarchy forking out a fee in the region of £71m for attacker Bryan Mbeumo.

The Cameroonian international was a key target for multiple sides in the division, but ultimately, it was the Red Devils who came out on top to win the race for his services.

Many people raised eyebrows at the mammoth fee, especially after one solid year in the top-flight with 20 goals, but it’s safe to say the money spent looks worthwhile just a handful of games into his spell.

The 26-year-old has already found the net on five occasions within his first ten outings for the club, already sitting as the club’s top goalscorer at present.

Mbeumo has nailed his starting role down in Amorim’s system, but that could be about to change beyond January – especially if a deal is agreed for Leao.

There’s no denying it would be a hefty investment given the recent spending at Old Trafford, yet it could be one that takes the current first-team squad to the next level.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the current season, the Portuguese star has managed to outperform the current United star in countless key areas.

How Leao & Mbeumo compare in 2025/26

Statistics (per 90)

Leao

Mbeumo

Games played

5

9

Goals scored

3

5

Minutes per goal

91

193

Progressive carries

4.1

3.1

Progressive passes

3.3

2.3

Take-ons completed

2.3

0.8

Pass accuracy

75%

74%

Key passes completed

1.9

1.8

Passes into the 18-yard box

1.5

0.8

Stats via FBref

Leao may have scored slightly fewer goals in 2025/26, but he has posted a better minute per goal ratio – showcasing his clinical nature within the final third.

With the ball at his feet, the Milan star has dominated Mbeumo, posting a higher tally of take-ons per 90 and subsequently achieving a higher success rate.

Finding a teammate is also another strong point of his game, as seen by his higher tallies of key passes and passes into the opposition box per 90 in 2025/26.

Such numbers would allow the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha to also hit the ground running in Manchester after their own big-money transfers this summer.

To top off his dominance over the current Red Devils star, Leao has produced more progressive passes and progressive carries per 90 – highlighting his ability to get the ball into forward areas at any given opportunity.

£132m is an absurd amount of money, with United having to break the current English transfer record to secure his signature if the Serie A side are unwilling to negotiate.

However, it’s evidently clear that the 26-year-old is a phenomenal talent, levels above Mbeumo, with the hierarchy needing to jump at the chance of landing him in January.

Related Not Cunha or Mbeumo: Man Utd gem is becoming one of the "best in the world"

Manchester United have yet another world-class star on their hands under Ruben Amorim.

Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Oct 30, 2025

The Liga MX Apertura 2025 regular season ended in thrilling fashion, with Toluca finishing top of the table and six teams booking direct spots in the quarterfinals. Tijuana, Juárez, Pachuca, and Pumas will now fight through the Play-In for the final two Liguilla berths, setting the stage for an intense postseason full of heavyweight clashes and fresh title hopes.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Toluca finishes first

  The Liga MX Apertura 2025 regular season concluded with high drama and decisive results that shaped both the Liguilla and the Play-In stage. Toluca, led by Antonio Mohamed, capped off a remarkable campaign with a 2-0 victory over Club América thanks to goals from Paulinho and Helinho. The win lifted to first place with 37 points from 11 wins, four draws, and just two losses.

  Meanwhile, André Jardine’s Club América suffered a painful defeat that will test their resilience heading into the playoffs. The reigning champions must now regroup and prepare to challenge Toluca – the current leader, title holder, and clear favorite to go back-to-back. The upcoming FIFA international break could prove crucial for América, offering time to recover key players Henry Martín and José Raúl Zúñiga, both sidelined through injury.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Tigres, Cruz Azul, América, Monterrey, and Chivas also advance

  Tigres UANL finished second with 36 points after defeating Atlético San Luis 3–1, while Cruz Azul – despite a 3–2 loss to Pumas – secured third place with 35 points. América, Monterrey, and Chivas rounded out the top six, earning direct qualification to the quarterfinals.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Play-In: Tijuana vs Juárez; Pachuca vs Pumas for the last two Liguilla spots

  The new Play-In format once again adds intrigue to the Mexican playoffs. Tijuana, FC Juárez, Pachuca, and Pumas – who sneaked in on the final day thanks to their win over Cruz Azul – will fight for the last two Liguilla spots. The winner of Series A (Tijuana vs. Juárez) advances directly to the quarterfinals, while the loser will face the winner of Series B (Pachuca vs. Pumas) for the remaining berth.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Quarterfinals set to begin Nov. 26

  The quarterfinals will kick off on November 26 and 27, with the return legs set for December 6 and 7. The confirmed matchups include:

  Cruz Azul vs Chivas

  América vs Monterrey

  Tigres vs Winner of Tijuana vs Juárez

  Toluca vs Winner of final Play-In series

  With the postseason bracket now set, this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting title races in recent years. Teams like Toluca, Tigres, Cruz Azul, América, and even Chivas are hitting top form at the right time, setting up a series of high-level, tightly contested clashes to decide the Apertura 2025 champion.

There is a squad depth at Arsenal that hasn’t been witnessed in years, with Mikel Arteta also boasting the meanest defence in the division – one which will look to emulate the great days of Adams, Campbell, Keown and the like.

For all the desire to try and replicate the heroics of Arsene Wenger’s glittering stars of the late 90’s and early 2000s, however, the question remains as to whether the Gunners truly have the firepower to end their Premier League barren run.

The defensive solidity is there – emphasised by having conceded just three times in seven top-flight outings this season – but a settled attacking unit is yet to be configured, not least on the left flank.

Even through the middle, the merits of Viktor Gyokeres’ marquee £63.5m capture are still being debated, with the Sweden star scoring just three goals in north London to date, after previously plundering 97 goals in just 102 outings for Sporting CP.

With a rich history of forwards to try and live up to, be it Thierry Henry or Dennis Bergkamp, the 27-year-old has plenty of work to do – just how can Arteta get the best out of him?

How Arteta can take Gyokeres to 'Invincibles' levels

The combination of Bergkamp and Henry is perhaps an unfair benchmark for any modern-day Arsenal forward line to try and live up to, with the dynamic duo having been the centre-piece of Wenger’s glorious side all those years ago.

While they may have actually only combined for 20 goals in their 216 matches together, as per Transfermarkt, the Henry-Bergkamp pairing was one of telepathy and genius, the pair dovetailing off each other beautifully to devastating effect.

The age of the strike partnership may have died a death, although with things having become far more direct this season in the top-flight, from set-piece reliance to repeated long throws, why not consider handing Gyokeres a centre-forward colleague moving forward?

With Martin Odegaard set to be out until mid-late November at least, there is a chance for Arteta to reconfigure his forward line in the Norwegian’s absence, partnering Gyokeres with a support act and leaving Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice to control the midfield.

In the case of Bergkamp and Henry, the pair fed off each other’s different strengths, with the Dutchman the technical, powerful presence, while his French colleague provided that electrifying pace and finishing prowess.

In the end, the former Ajax man evolved into just as much of a creator as a goal-getter for the Gunners, racking up 120 goals and 116 assists in all competitions.

Despite also contributing his own 108 assists, Henry’s brilliance was primarily as a finisher, as his record as the club’s all-time top scorer can attest to.

If Gyokeres – who showed in Lisbon just how devastating he can be – is to try and emulate such consistency in front of goal, he may well need his own Bergkamp figure alongside him.

Arsenal's new Dennis Bergkamp

As already stated, the loss of Odegaard – alongside the playmaker’s dwindling form – has opened up the possibility of a reshuffle in the weeks and months to come, with Arteta blessed with a wealth of options to choose from.

Games

315

Goals

87

Assists

94

Yellow cards

40

Red cards

1

Titles

3

The obvious pick would be to deploy Eberechi Eze in a number ten role, although the Englishman could look to make the left flank his own, amid the struggles for consistency regarding both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Instead, with Eze shuffled out wide, a central role behind Gyokeres could soon be taken up by Kai Havertz, with the German international tipped to return next month, having been absent since undergoing knee surgery at the start of the campaign.

The ex-Chelsea man was memorably signed in 2023 to operate in an unorthodox left-sided number eight role, before ultimately transitioning back into a striking berth, ending last term with 15 goals in all competitions, despite again being hampered by injury.

With Gyokeres now in tow, the languid left-footer is less certain to feature as the attacking spearhead – even if Jamie Carragher suggested he may still do so in the “biggest games” – ensuring his route to game time could well come as something of a second striker or advanced number ten.

Arteta, for his part, has already suggested that Havertz and Gyokeres could play together, with the left-footed Havertz likely to slip into the right channel, while Gyokeres typically favours the left, as evidenced in his solo goal against Leeds United earlier this season.

With Gyokeres stretching the play in that Henry-like manner, Havertz could then knit things together nicely more centrally, having previously been described by Paul Merson as a “Dennis Bergkamp kind of player” during his days at Stamford Bridge.

Not an out-and-out centre-forward, just like Bergkamp, the former Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid is capable of producing magic off the front, as shown in him ranking in the top 12% of European forwards for progressive passes made per 90, as per FBref.

While Arteta will have to wait to unleash such a tactic, as the 26-year-old steps up his return from injury, it would be intriguing to see if a new Bergkamp-Henry style pairing can take flight at the Emirates.

It’s certainly worth a try.

Arteta can fix Odegaard blow by unleashing "£100m" Arsenal star in new role

Arsenal could have a wildcard replacement for Martin Odegaard in their ranks…

ByRobbie Walls Oct 14, 2025

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, who on Thursday was named the unanimous American League MVP, told reporters during a Friday conference call that he has been giving Juan Soto, the top free agent on the market whom the Yankees hope to sign to a long-term contract, plenty of space.

And while Judge hasn't spoken to Soto since the Yankees' World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, he has been using his influence as the club's captain to speak with Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner about the Dominican slugger, as well as a myriad of other topics.

"Yeah we've been in talks," Judge said. "I went down to Tampa for about a week right after the season. I met with him [Steinbrenner] and we just discussed a lot of things from Juan to other guys that are kind of out there that could definitely help this team.

"I kind of just gave him my input on a couple things."

And if anyone was wondering what said input regarding Soto might sound like, Judge made it clear as to the impact the free agent slugger had on his own game while they were teammates in the Bronx in 2024.

"I think having the chance to have Juan hit in front of me … I get to see a lot of pitches," Judge said. "He's going to be a tough at-bat in front of me. He's going to wear down the pitcher right there in the first inning, within the first 15 pitches or so."

"Yeah I think that was a big impact having a guy like that in front of you. If I could have eight Juan Sotos in the lineup with me, I'd love that."

Enjoying the protection Soto provided in front of him, Judge authored one of the greatest power-hitting seasons by a right-handed hitter the game has ever seen. Meanwhile, Soto enjoyed a career year of his own, as the two produced at a level that a Yankees duo has not approached since the days of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

And now the 26-year-old Soto, on the heels of the stellar campaign and backed by Scott Boras, is expected to command a contract in the $600-700 million range.

Would Judge, who in December of 2022 inked a nine-year, $360 million contract with New York, be bothered if Soto makes more money than him?

"It ain't my money," Judge said. "I really don't care as long as we get the best players, we get the most that we can. I'm happy with whatever. That's never been something on my mind about who gets paid the most. It's just, whatever we can do to get the best players, I'll take it."

Soto on Monday met with the Yankees and has fielded meetings with the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies.

Millions of dollars. Your choice of multiple offers. Wining and dining. Swag. Perks. Private jets. A better version of the lottery. Such are the images we have come to associate with MLB free agency, especially after teams have just forked over $2.6 billion in the 49th go-round of the free-agent carousel that began with the 1976 Basic Agreement.

For Corbin Burnes, one of the top pitchers on the market, the reality of free agency was more prosaic. It included only three offers, lots of talk about day care and school commutes, five weeks that went by with nothing but crickets from his family’s preferred destination, advice from his agent, Scott Boras, about patience, just one in-person visit and only one piece of swag—the Toronto Blue Jays let him keep a tablet pre-loaded with recruiting material about the organization’s facilities and support staff.

“You don’t know what’s going to happen,” Burnes said about his first venture into free agency. “Every other [offseason] you know where you’re going to be and you’ve got your staff you’re working with, from the team phone calls, workouts, throwing programs, whatever.

“So, the biggest factor was the unknown. I think just even from the get-go, there’s just some nerves of, ‘What’s going to happen?’ That’s one of the things people don’t get. We get free agency, yes, but we really can’t control it. People go, ‘You finally get to pick the team you play for.’ It’s really not the case at all.”

In the last hour of Dec. 27, Burnes, 30, agreed to a six-year, $210 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a deal that seemed to come out of nowhere and pleased him immensely. Burnes lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., with his wife, Brooke, son Carter, 3, and twin daughters Charlotte and Harper, who were born in June. They will not have to switch homes to accommodate his work, not even for spring training.

“And when they start school,” Burnes says, “I can wake up in the morning, and take them to school. And I don’t have to worry about FaceTiming them in the morning and saying, ‘Have a good day at school.’ Like, something happens every day. You don’t have to worry about switching pediatricians in the middle of the season.

“I travel 83 or 84 days of the year and get to be home the rest of those days and not worry about traveling back and forth to be in different cities. I don’t have to split the family up.”

As free agency began, Burnes agreed to provide a peek behind the scenes of free agency—not so much the business side of it, but more about the personal side. This is his story. It is his personal timeline of his 57-day journey into free agency.