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In the other match, Diana Baig set up Pakistan’s win against Ireland

Firdose Moonda09-Apr-2025

Scotland pulled off the first upset of the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers by denying Hayley Matthews, who single-handedly kept West Indies in the game despite leaving the field twice with severe cramps, and beating the side by 11 runs.Matthews became only the fourth player to take four wickets and score a century in an ODI but West Indies’ over-reliance on her cost them. She took four of the first five Scotland wickets and forced herself to return to the crease twice – once off a stretcher to keep batting when West Indies were nine wickets down – but it was not enough. Scotland were the side that rallied around Sarah Bryce’s 55 (off 56 balls) and her 82-run fifth wicket stand with Megan McColl and then their spinners. Offpinners Katherine Fraser and Darcy Carter and legspinner Abtaha Maqsood took six wickets between them to defend 244 and get their first points on the board.Temperatures were close to 40 degrees Celcius with humidity at around 60% and conditions took their toll across both games in Lahore. West Indies used cooling collars made of ice packs during drinks breaks, Scotland took shelter under umbrellas and Ireland’s Gaby Lewis received treatment on field three times for cramps during her 96 minutes of batting against hosts Pakistan.Related

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West Indies chose to bowl first on a green top at the LCCA Ground but Scotland were up to the task. Abbi Aitken-Drummond and Carter put on 48 inside 12 overs, in an innings laced with three boundaries each. Matthews brought herself on in the 12th over and had Aitken-Drummond and Kathryn Bryce caught behind in successive overs and Carter dismissed in her third and suddenly, Scotland were 69 for 3. When Chinelle Henry’s direct hit ran out Ailsa Lister West Indies finally looked like they had another player on the field and could run through Scotland.Sarah Bryce held the innings together but when she edged to slip, Scotland went into freefall. They lost 6 for 62 and were bowled out in 45 overs, as both Aaliyah Alleynne and Karishma Ramharack took two wickets each.The chase started poorly when Qiana Joseph gifted a caught-and-bowled to Carter. Zaida James was in at No.3 in the second over. She batted slowly but carefully and shared a 113-run stand with Matthews, which put West Indies well on track. They were 120 for 2 in the 27th over when James tried to hit Chloe Abel over fine leg but found the fielder at 45 and then chaos ensued.West Indies lost Shemaine Campbell, Stafanie Taylor and Henry in the space of 23 deliveries and of those, Taylor’s run-out was key but the required run-rate still manageable. West Indies needed 53 runs off 72 balls and Matthews was still batting, but only just.When Shabika Gajnabi was caught behind, Mathews was on 95 and hobbling. Cherry-Ann Fraser was out in the next over and it was clear Matthews was forcing herself to keep going but couldn’t. She left the field. Afy Fletcher lasted six balls and was dismissed for duck so Matthews came back on and hit four off the next ball she faced. She was on 99 and running out of partners. She fell to the ground wailing and then was stretchered off the field.Ramharack gave Fraser another caught and bowled to leave West Indies nine down when Matthews rolled herself off the stretcher and returned to bat. She brought a century and kept West Indies in the hunt but Alleynne couldn’t stay with her. She was out lbw in the 47th over, with West Indies 11 runs short. They have a day’s break before playing Ireland on Friday.File photo: Diana Baig picked up four wickets•Getty Images

In the day’s other match, hosts Pakistan had their bowlers, led by senior seamer Diana Baig, to thank for securing them a 38 run win over Ireland. Pakistan trudged through their innings to score 217 and Ireland were bossing the chase on 96 for 1 in side 24 overs. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu took three wickets in four overs to leave Ireland’s middle-order exposed before Baig took care of the tail. She finished with figures of 4 for 35 in her first appearance for the team since their opening match of last year’s T20 World Cup and got Pakistan’s campaign off to a winning start.Ireland will have the same amount of recovery time – physically and emotionally – after believing they had done enough against Pakistan. Jane Maguire removed Gull Feroza early and Sidra Amin found run-scoring tough which meant the dot ball mounted up. Muneeba Ali tried to keep the scoreboard moving but Pakistan were 79 for 1 after 20 overs and going nowhere. Sidra was on 29 off 61 balls. Muneeba fell trying to get things going and was replaced by Aliya Riaz.Aliya showed more initiative and was scoring at a run-a-ball when Amin finally got to 50 off 110 balls and was then dismissed at the end of the 36th over. Pakistan were 153 for 3 after 36 overs and a score over 200 looked some distance away. Natalia Pervaiz came in ahead of captain Fatima Sana but was runmout for 12, by which time Aliya was also dismissed. Pakistan did not have the batters for a last ten-over push and lost 6 wickets for 42 runs from Aliya’s dismissal. They were bowled out with an over to spare for 217.That total didn’t look enough despite Baig’s new-ball breakthrough. She had Sarah Forbes given out lbw in the ninth over but a 69-run second wicket stand between Lewis and Amy Hunter started to take the game away. Ireland were 96 for 1 when Sandhu trapped Lewis on the back pad and dragged Pakistan into the game. Both Hunter and Delany played on, leaving Ireland 119 for 4 and Pakistan had the opportunity to burst through.Sadia Iqbal got rid of Leah Paul before Baig was brought back and removed Christina Coulter Reilly, Louise Little and Arelen Kelley in three overs. Cara Murray’s run-out confirmed Pakistan’s win. They will take on Scotland on Friday.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League return could not have been scripted better, with Lucas Bergvall delivering a standout debut under the lights and earning plaudits from legends of the game. Ange Postecoglou’s groundwork from last season is now paying dividends, with the teenager stepping up on Europe’s biggest stage under new boss Thomas Frank.

AFPBergvall helps Spurs to UCL win on debut

Bergvall was handed his first Champions League start by Frank in Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Villarreal. The teenager made an immediate impact, forcing an early own goal from goalkeeper Luiz Junior. Spurs rode that breakthrough to secure three points in their opening league phase match.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBergvall's performance holds Postecoglou's handprint

While Frank is the man steering Spurs now, much of the credit for Bergvall’s maturity is being directed towards Postecoglou. The Australian gave Bergvall crucial minutes last season, helping him adapt to Premier League demands. That faith laid the foundation for Tuesday’s dream debut, with Bergvall himself saying: “A dream come true. First Champions League game, at home in front of you and a win. Something I've dreamed of since I was a kid.”

Additionally, he also said on Tottenham's official channels: “Yeah, [playing in the Champions League] has been a dream since I was a young kid to play here and in front of the supporters at home, and a win could not be better.”

Getty Images SportRonney praises 'fantastic' Bergvall

Wayne Rooney was among those to heap praise on the Swedish midfielder after his performance. The Manchester United legend told Amazon Prime Video: "Sometimes you forget how young he is because he played a lot of games last season, and the maturity with which he plays is fantastic."

He continued: "So he shows different sides to his game this season, last season he played a bit deeper, and to play as a number ten is not easy, it's not easy to get on the ball and be in the right positions, but I thought today he showed the different side to his game, which will only improve him in the future."

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Bergvall the shining star for Spurs' future

Tottenham will look to build momentum from their winning start as they continue their Champions League journey. Frank will hope Bergvall’s form adds creativity to his squad while keeping him grounded in a long season. With the foundation laid by Postecoglou and the guidance of Frank, Spurs may finally have a star ready to shine on Europe’s grand stage.

Athletic Club remain determined to bring Aymeric Laporte back despite FIFA blocking his transfer, and are ready to appeal to CAS if needed.

Athletic await FIFA ruling on Laporte’s failed transferLa Liga side ready to take case to CAS if rejectedBesiktas also in talks over loan move for defenderFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Athletic Club remain determined to bring Laporte back to San Mames despite FIFA blocking his transfer last week. The Basque side expects a ruling from FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber this week after the deal collapsed due to paperwork issues with Saudi club Al-Nassr. If the verdict goes against them, Athletic are prepared to bring the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

But while Athletic wait for answers, Turkish giants Besiktas have already stepped forward, reportedly reaching an agreement with Laporte and submitting a loan proposal to Al-Nassr. The Saudi giants are reportedly open to the deal, meaning Besiktas could wrap up the move if Athletic’s appeal fails.

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Laporte has been left in limbo since FIFA denied his €10m switch back to Athletic at the end of the transfer window. The Spanish club had already agreed terms with the 31-year-old on a three-year deal, but the move was rejected after the Saudi federation failed to upload Al-Nassr’s paperwork on time. Athletic argue that all parties were in agreement and that it is unfair for the player and the buying club to suffer because of an administrative error.

Until FIFA intervenes, though, Laporte technically remains an Al-Nassr player. He still has one year left on his contract in Saudi Arabia, while the agreement with Athletic has been voided. As things stand, the defender cannot be registered in La Liga until at least the winter window. 

DID YOU KNOW?

FIFA’s transfer rules include a 'validation exception,' which allows a late registration if the delay was caused by another party’s mistake, like missing paperwork. But such appeals are rarely successful. In 2019, Bulgarian club Lokomotiv Plovdiv tried to register Sylvain Deslandes and Jordan Graham after Bulgaria’s transfer deadline, but FIFA’s Players’ Status Committee rejected the request.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LAPORTE?

Athletic will wait for FIFA’s decision, while Besiktas will also be keeping an eye on the proceedings as they push their loan offer. With the Saudi transfer window now shut, Laporte’s options are running out, and his future now hinges on FIFA and CAS. For now, the Spaniard remains in Bilbao. 

Looking to continue their summer spending, PIF and Newcastle United are now reportedly readying a £61m raid to sign a Real Madrid attacker in a shock move.

Newcastle pushing to sign Hugo Ekitike

For the first time in over a year, PIF are in a position to spend at Newcastle and they’re wasting no time as a result. With Anthony Elanga already signed and delivered, those at St James’ Park have instantly turned their focus towards Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. Fabrizio Romano has even gone as far as to report that Newcastle have launched a bid worth over £60m as they push to sign the forward in another headline deal.

Jumping ahead of Liverpool and Chelsea in the race to sign the Frenchman, Newcastle could be about to make quite the statement this summer. Contrary to some belief too, Ekitike would be arriving to partner Alexander Isak rather than replace the Swede in what could see Eddie Howe form one of the deadliest duos in the Premier League.

After securing their Champions League return last season, Newcastle are now pushing on in pursuit of keeping hold of their European status. They have already found out the hard way what a lack of squad depth can do to a side when competing on all fronts in the past, and it’s not a mistake that they’re about to make twice.

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Even if it’s not Ekitike who eventually arrives, the plan seems to be to welcome another attacking addition no matter what, amid reports that the Magpies already have their sights set on a potential alternative.

Newcastle readying shock Endrick move

According to reports in Spain, PIF are now readying a fresh raid to sign Endrick for Newcastle in a move worth as much as €70m (£61m) this summer. The young Brazilian remains one of Europe’s top prospects, but may struggle to break into Xabi Alonso’s side next season to leave the door ajar for the Magpies to make their move.

At 18 years old, Endrick would be less ready for a starting role than Ekitike, but his potential may eventually make up for that. The young winger was showered with praise by former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti last season, who told reporters he is “spectacular”.

“He has these amazing characteristics he has shown whenever he has a chance. His accuracy is off the charts, he’s quick and he still has a lot to improve with the ball.

“But, wow, his dribbling, his runs… the shot he has… he could even score a second goal easily with that great strike off the post… He is just spectacular. Very young, but a very fast learner.”

At £61m, Endrick’s arrival would be another statement by Newcastle and their biggest yet this summer. Although, as things stand, Ekitike remains their top target.

Newcastle United have sent scouts to watch an “electric” versatile attacker in action, according to an encouraging new transfer update.

Newcastle stand strong in Isak battle

The Magpies may be focusing on new signings currently, but keeping hold of Alexander Isak is more important than any incoming business during the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old was left out of Newcastle’s squad for their 4-0 defeat to Celtic in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, and while it led to some concern among the fanbase about him leaving, Eddie Howe allayed any fears about his omission.

Even if Isak stays, though, Newcastle could do with adding more depth and quality to their attack, and a new update suggests that that could well be the case.

Newcastle have scouted "electric" attacker

According to NUFC Blog, Newcastle have been scouting OGC Nice attacker Evann Guessand and could now make their move having failed in other pursuits.

It is stated that a move for the 24-year-old “could be explored” if the Magpies’ search for a new attacking player moves “to the European market” in the coming weeks. He is also described as a “similar profile” to former Brighton striker Joao Pedro, who is now at Chelsea, in terms of “being able to play anywhere across the front line or as a second striker”.

Statistically speaking, it is actually Liverpool star Cody Gakpo he compares to, with FBRef profiling both players very highly in terms of both goal threat and defensive contriubtion from a winger/forward hybrid role.

Guessand is however a relative unknown compared to some of the big-name players linked with Newcastle of late, but that’s not to say he wouldn’t be an excellent addition. The Frenchman bagged 12 goals and eight assists in Ligue 1 last season, coming in 30 starts, and journalist Antonio Mango has described him as an “electric” player.

As stated, Guessand isn’t dissimilar to Pedro or Gakpo in terms of style, with the Nice star capable of shining as an attacking midfielder, centre forward or winger, drifting into those half spaces and providing end product.

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At 24, he is also still learning as a footballer, with further gears to find, and if the worst-case scenario does happen with Isak, he could be a strong long-term successor. Hopefully though, he comes in and thrives alongside the Swedish superstar.

Burns, Curran make half-centuries but 183-run target is hunted down with over to spare

ECB Reporters Network12-Jul-2024

Tom Kohler-Cadmore powered his way to a match-winning half-century as Somerset beat Vitality Blast South Group leaders Surrey by six wickets beneath the floodlights at Taunton.Set 183 to win, Somerset chased down their target with six balls to spare thanks to a forthright knock of 51 in 32 balls from Kohler-Cadmore, who hit three sixes and a trio of fours and shared in a crucial stand of 67 for the third wicket with Tom Abell.Academy product George Thomas impressed on his debut, raising an eye-catching 25-ball 40, while Sean Dickson scored a nerveless unbeaten 20 at the death to see Somerset home in front of a sell-out crowd at the Cooper Associates Ground.Surrey’s innings of 182 for 5 was built around a partnership of 107 in 12.2 overs between Sam Curran and Rory Burns. Returning from England duty, Curran raised 59 from 42 balls, Burns top-scored with 62 off 44 deliveries and Jamie Overton smashed a quickfire unbeaten 30 at the death.Somerset made light work of the chase to achieve an inside-the-distance victory that cemented their position in the top four and kept them on track for a place in the quarter-finals. Despite losing for only the second time this season, Surrey remain top of the table and on course to reach the knockout stages.Surrey won the toss, elected to bat and quickly plummeted to 24-3 inside four overs. Making his first T20 appearance at Taunton, Jack Leach saw off Dom Sibley, persuading him to hole out to Dickson on the mid-wicket boundary. Dickson again demonstrated safe hands when Will Jacks hoisted the next ball, sent down by Riley Meredith, to deep third man, while Laurie Evans miss-cued high to cover as Craig Overton made further in-roads.Curran and Burns made a decent fist of repairing the damage, advancing the score to 44 by the end of the powerplay, achieving a 50 partnership in 36 balls and lifting Surrey to 77 for 3 at halfway. Although boundaries were in relatively short supply by Taunton standards, the fourth wicket pair ran hard and Curran suggested a change in tempo when depositing Jake Ball over the long-on boundary for six and hoisting a Ben Green full toss high over square.With the innings still in the balance at 105 for 3 at the end of the thirteenth, Curran attempted to force the issue, going to 50 from 34 balls, guiding Meredith behind square to attain the landmark with his fourth four. Although less expansive in his approach, Burns nevertheless proved mightily effective, the former England man raising his 50 from 38 balls.Somerset badly needed a breakthrough and skipper Lewis Gregory obliged at the start of the seventeenth over, Curran finding Overton at long-on with the score on 131, having dominated a revitalising partnership. Burns departed in the penultimate over, offering a return catch to Ball, but former Somerset all-rounder Jamie Overton ensured there was no respite for the home side, mustering 2 sixes and a brace of fours in a hard-hit innings of 30 not out from 13 balls.Somerset needed to win to be sure of preserving their place in the top four and Tom Banton plundered three boundaries in one Tom Lawes over to set the tone. Encouraged by his partner’s example, debutant Thomas made a mockery of his rookie status by taking Dan Worrall for a six and 3 fours in an opening stand that yielded 42 in 3.2 overs.Surrey responded, Jordan Clark having Banton caught at mid-on for 17, but Thomas continued to take a liking to Worrall, harvesting another six and a further two fours off the Australian as Somerset advanced to 61 for 1 at the end of the powerplay.Chancing his arm once too often, Thomas hit Cameron Steel high to mid-on and departed for a 24-ball 40, having announced himself on the Blast stage in style. Tom Kohler-Cadmore now took up the cudgels, greeting the advent of Chris Jordan by hoisting the England man high over backward square for six as the home side continued to exert pressure. The Yorkshireman smashed a straight six and two fours off Lawes, whose first two overs went for 35, as Somerset moved menacingly to 104 for 2, requiring a further 79 off 10 overs.Kohler-Cadmore went to his half century via 28 deliveries and he and Abel raised a 50 partnership from 31 balls to bring the required rate down below eight an over for the first time. But Surrey refused to lie down, Jordan and Jacks removing Kohler-Cadmore and Abell in quick succession to ask questions of the home side.Casting all doubt aside, Dickson struck an authoritative 20 off 12 balls with two fours in partnership with Gregory, who contributed 12 off seven deliveries in an unbroken partnership of 34.

Saha has will turn out for Rashmi Medinipur Wizards in the Bengal T20 league which starts on June 11

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jun-2024

Wriddhiman Saha is all set to return to Bengal for the upcoming Indian domestic season, and will also feature in the inaugural Bengal Pro T20 league that gets underway on Tuesday at the Eden Gardens.Saha, who represented Bengal for close to 15 years since making his first-class debut in 2007, moved to Tripura ahead of the 2022-23 domestic season as a player-cum-mentor. He had asked for his NOC after being hurt by comments by a senior administrator before the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy quarter-finals. After two years at Tripura, Saha is now back at Bengal.He wasn’t on the initial draft list of the Bengal Pro T20 league but has been picked by the Rashmi Medinipur Wizards team as a replacement for the injured Abhimanyu Easwaran. Wizards will be led by Sudip Chatterjee in the league and also have former India U-19 fast bowler Ishan Porel in their ranks.There are a total of eight teams taking part in the Pro T20 league. Each team will play seven league-stage matches, followed by the semi-finals and the final on June 28 at the Eden Gardens.”We are very happy to have Wriddhiman back in Bengal. Also, his interest in playing at the Bengal Pro T20 League will add more glamour to the League,” Snehasish Ganguly, the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal, said.Saha, 39, has played 136 first-class matches, scoring 7013 runs at an average of 41.99. So far, he has hit 14 centuries and 43 half-centuries. This includes 1353 Test runs in 40 matches at an average of 29.41.Saha was picked up by Gujarat Titans at the IPL 2022 auction and was part of the side that won the title in its inaugural season. He had an underwhelming IPL 2024, though, where he could only manage 136 runs in nine innings while averaging 15.11. His loss of form coincided with Titans’ slide as they finished eighth in the season.

Aston Villa must win their remaining two Premier League matches if they are to secure qualification for the Champions League next term.

Depending on other results, it might still not be enough. But if Unai Emery is to continue signing world-class players, playing in the competition is imperative.

It will be a busy summer for the club in the transfer market, with plenty of ins and outs looking likely.

With Ollie Watkins’ future unclear, Villa will be in the hunt for a new striker.

Aston Villa’s chase for a new striker

Watkins has played second fiddle to Marcus Rashford since he arrived on loan in the winter window.

The striker claimed he was “fuming” after playing just 20 minutes against PSG I each of the quarter-final ties. Could this see him leave in the summer? Especially with Arsenal interested.

According to Caught Offside, Villa are showing strong interest in Atlético Madrid centre-forward Alexander Sorloth this summer, as they push to land the former Crystal Palace attacker.

Newcastle United also have the striker in their sights, and surely only a club that will be playing Champions League football next season stands a chance of signing him.

No transfer fee has been mentioned as of yet, as it appears Sorloth isn’t seeking a move away from Spain.

Should Villa submit a bid too good to ignore, however, things could change quickly indeed.

Alexander Sorloth could replace Ollie Watkins

“Ollie Watkins is very fantastic.” Said Emery after Watkins became the club’s highest ever Premier League goalscorer after netting against Bournemouth.

Not something he would say if Watkins was planning on being sold, but if a big offer arrives when the window opens, Emery might just strike when the iron is hot, especially with them needing to make a big sale.

A total of 87 goals across 221 games for the club will be difficult to replace, but in Sorloth, Villa had the ideal man to take over the mantle.

He has been in stunning form for Atlético this season. In 33 La Liga games, the Norwegian has netted 17 goals, with 21 his overall tally this term.

He was dubbed “legendary” after scoring the earliest hat-trick in La Liga history during a recent victory over Real Sociedad, netting three times in the first 11 minutes. Indeed, he finished the game with four goals.

When compared with his positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues, Sorloth ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (0.96) and in the top 3% for total shots (4.24) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

This suggests he would make for a dream replacement for Watkins should the Englishman be keen on moving away from the Midlands this summer, which is further evidenced by his strong form in LaLiga this term.

Facing profit and sustainability (PSR) issues this summer, if they don’t make a big sale, Emery might be forced to cash in on one of his prized assets.

Given his age, Watkins might be the chosen candidate. If so, a move for Sorloth must be given the go-ahead because he has showcased his finishing quality and ability to find the back of the net consistently in one of Europe’s major leagues.

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A number of top clubs are said to be taking “concrete steps” to complete the signing of a Manchester United attacker in the summer transfer window.

Man Utd's attack unconvincing all season

While the Red Devils can still win the Europa League this season, which would save their campaign and see them qualify for the Champions League, it has still been a bitterly disappointing past nine months or so.

United have struggled to convince all over the pitch, and in attack, far too many players have flattered to deceive, either lacking consistency or simply not offering anywhere near enough quality.

Bruno Fernandes has been a star performer, in fairness, but the fact that the Portuguese is his side’s top scorer in the Premier League with just eight goals highlights the issues they have had in the final third. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have netted just four and three times in the competition this season, which is particularly poor.

For that reason, it is vital that significant attacking reinforcements arrive at Old Trafford when this season comes to an end, with additions needed both centrally and out wide. Now, an exit rumour has emerged regarding one under-fire player.

Juventus pushing to sign Hojlund from Man Utd

According to Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo [via Sport Witness], Juventus are taking “concrete steps” to sign Manchester United striker Hojlund in a quick exit this summer. The report states that contact has already been made with the £85,000-a-week Dane over an immediate switch to the European giants, having previously reportedly had an agreement in place with Zirkzee.

At just 22, Hojlund is still such a young player, so selling him now would bring with it some risk for United, but there is an increasing feeling that he isn’t at the level required, following a tough campaign. This is despite former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner lauding him as “top class” and scout Jacek Kulig calling him a “Danish beast”.

United simply must put a lot of their focus on signing an elite striker in the summer window, from Victor Osimhen to Viktor Gyokeres, and in truth, it makes sense to move on either Hojlund or Zirkzee. While the latter has hardly set the world alight this season, he has arguably offered more than the former, and the fact that the Red Devils could still receive good money for Hojlund means now could be the logical time to move him on.

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His passion and commitment cannot be called into question, and the idea of him staying this summer is far from a disaster, but there is plenty of sense in bringing an end to his time at the club.

Tottenham Hotspur lost for the 19th time in the Premier League this season when they were hammered 5-1 by champions Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Spurs took a shock lead on Merseyside when Dominic Solanke found the back of the net with a brilliant header from James Maddison’s corner, but it was not a sign of things to come for Ange Postecoglou’s side in the game.

Defensive frailties were on display yet again for the Whites on a dismal afternoon at Anfield, as Liverpool had 25 shots on goal and seven efforts on target.

The Daily Mail recently reported that Postecoglou is ‘likely’ to move on from the club at the end of the season, and results like this will not do his chances of keeping his job any favours.

Tottenham’s manager cannot be spared any blame for the team’s poor form this term, because they have lost 19 matches in the division, but he has not been helped by the performances of some of the players on the pitch.

Spurs have an incredibly youthful squad, with the hope that they will develop and improve over time, and that was on display at Anfield, as Archie Gray struggled.

Why Archie Gray has struggled this season

Tottenham reportedly splashed out a fee of £30m to sign the 19-year-old midfielder from Leeds United last summer, and it has been a difficult year for the teenager.

Gray made his 24th appearance and 15th start of the Premier League season against Liverpool on Sunday, and he is still trying to establish where his best position on the pitch is.

It was his fourth start as a defensive midfielder, to go along with five starts at left-back, eight starts at right-back, and 19 starts at centre-back due to the injury issues Spurs have had in that area of the park.

Chalkboard

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Gray, who played as a right-back typically for Leeds last season, has not had a settled position that he could make his own and deliver consistent performances in, which may be why his campaign has been fairly unimpressive on paper.

As you can see in the table above, the England U21 international has failed to deliver much in the way of quality on or off the ball, with zero goal contributions and a below-average success rate in duels.

His first-half display against Liverpool before being withdrawn at the break was more of the same. Gray did not create any chances or register a shot on goal, and he only won one duel, whilst completing 80% of his attempted passes.

As you can see in the clip above, Ryan Gravenberch found it far too easy to hold off the midfielder to allow Alexis Mac Allister to fire in from range to put Liverpool 2-1 up.

It was a disappointing display from Gray, who is still learning and adjusting to Premier League football at the age of 19, but his fellow 19-year-old Lucas Bergval was even worse than him.

Why Lucas Bergval was even worse than Archie Gray

The teenage talent was selected alongside the Englishman for the trip to Anfield, leaving Spurs with a very young midfield despite having Yves Bissouma available and on the bench.

It was a difficult match for both Gray and Bergval, and that is reflected in their statistics, as the Swedish flop was even worse than the former Leeds man, notably taking fewer touches (43) than even goalkeeper Vicario (49).

As you can see in the table above, the Sweden international was far more wasteful with the ball at his feet, completing a lower percentage of his passes, failing with his only attempted dribble, and losing the ball almost three times as much.

Bergval did win more duels than Gray but had a worse success rate and was dribbled past once, in what was a disappointing overall display from the youngster.

Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville went as far as to say that his efforts to clear the ball from a corner for Cody Gakpo’s goal were “appalling”, as his weak headed clearance fell straight to the Dutch forward inside the box.

Going to Anfield to face the champions is never an easy task, and it was a big ask from Postecoglou to put Gray and Bergval in midfield together without an experienced midfielder alongside them, as they only had James Maddison, who is an attacking player by nature, around them.

That resulted in a poor evening for both players and Spurs, who now have to prepare for a first-leg clash with Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals of the Europa League on Thursday.

Tottenham cannot afford for their midfield to be as below-par as it was against Liverpool, as this is their last chance to win a trophy this season, and that is why Postecoglou must ruthlessly ditch Bergval from the starting XI for the clash with the Norwegian outfit.

Bissouma was an unused substitute against Liverpool on Sunday and may, now, be in contention to come back into the side after Gray and Bergval’s disappointing performances in the middle of the park.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion man has averaged 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game and won 61% of his duels in the Europa League so far this term, which suggests that he could provide some steel at the heart of the midfield on Thursday night.

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Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 25, 2025

It is now down to Postecoglou to drop Bergval from the starting line-up in order to make room for Bissouma to come back into the team against Bodo/Glimt.