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For the first time in quite a while, there are reasons for West Ham United fans to be optimistic.

Nuno Espírito Santo appears to have found a system that not only gets the best out of his players but has already delivered two Premier League wins in a row.

Moreover, some of the stars who were looking a little lacklustre earlier in the season are now starting to pick up some form.

One of those is Lucas Paqueta, although there is a former West Ham player sold by former Sporting Director Tim Steidten who is still outperforming the Brazilian.

The latest on Lucas Paqueta

It would be fair to say that last season was not Paqueta’s finest for West Ham.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

After all, in 36 appearances across all competitions, the former Lyon star was only able to chalk up a rather underwhelming tally of five goals and no assists.

It looked like it would be much of the same for a period at the start of this season, as aside from a thunderous effort against Chelsea and a penalty against Nottingham Forest, the 28-year-old looked like he was simply coasting through games.

Then, just to make the situation worse, stories emerged of him wanting to leave the club as soon as the winter window.

However, the Paqueta-born dynamo quickly responded by posting a picture of himself and his family at the London Stadium, which, given the timing, certainly felt like a statement.

With all that said, this could still be his last season, with transfers expert Fabrizio Romano making it clear that a departure in the summer is still very much on the cards.

If this really is to be his last season in Claret and Blue, at least the mercurial midfielder is starting to show his best again, scoring a goal against Newcastle United and playing well against Burnley last week.

Yet, even with this uptick, Paqueta is being outperformed by another midfielder sold by West Ham last year.

The former West Ham star outperforming Paqueta

There has been plenty of player churn at West Ham in recent years, but one of the most talented to leave was undoubtedly Pablo Fornals.

The 29-year-old joined the Hammers from Villarreal in the summer of 2019, and over the following four and a half years made 203 appearances, in which he scored 23 goals, provided 19 assists and won the Conference League.

However, by the 23/24 season, he was more of a bit-part player, and so when Real Betis came knocking in the January window, the Hammers were happy to let him leave for around £6.8m.

Since then, the Spaniard has already made 69 appearances for the Seville outfit and even started in the Conference League Final against Chelsea last year.

However, this season has been his best in a very long time, to the extent that he’s been called up to the Spanish national team for the first time in four years.

It’s a thoroughly deserved call-up, as in 16 appearances, totalling 1131 minutes this season, he has scored twice and provided four assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.66 games, or every 188.5 minutes.

For comparison’s sake, Paqueta’s tally of four goals in 12 appearances, totalling 1051 minutes, comes out to a worse average of a goal involvement every three games, or every 262.75 minutes.

The comparison is even more weighted in the Spaniard’s favour when examining their underlying numbers.

For example, the “unbelievable” midfielder, as dubbed by journalist Karl Matchett, comes out on top in most crucial metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, passing accuracy, key passes and shot-creating actions.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.26

0.20

Progressive Passes

8.45

6.70

Progressive Carries

1.64

0.57

Passing Accuracy

84.3%

75.1%

Key Passes

1.91

1.32

Passes into the Final Third

7.27

4.25

Live Passes

60.5

48.0

Shot-Creating Actions

4.71

2.35

Goal-Creating Actions

0.63

0.09

Overall, while he might not be as good a player as Paqueta, Fornals is certainly outperforming him this season, and is someone Nuno would surely love to have in his squad.

Better than Potts: West Ham must rue losing "the best academy player in Europe"

The former West Ham academy gem is going to be a bigger star than Freddie Potts.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 13, 2025

Baseball is back, as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs have officially opened up the 2025 season in Japan with the Tokyo Series on Tuesday. But one notable player, Dodgers star first baseman Freddie Freeman, was absent from the lineup as the contest got underway.

Why is Freddie Freeman not playing in Tokyo Series vs. Cubs?

Freeman was scratched from the lineup due to left rib discomfort, the Dodgers announced. While it's not clear what caused the injury, Freeman was able to participate in batting practice before the game, so it's possible he tweaked something in his pregame preparations for the contest. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is likely to provide further updates on Freeman after the game.

In 147 games in '24, Freeman posted a .282/.378/.476 slash line with 22 home runs, 89 RBI and 81 runs scored. He was named World Series MVP in the Dodgers' championship triumph over the New York Yankees.

In addition to the absence of the '24 World Series MVP, the Dodgers are also without eight-time All Star Mookie Betts, who will miss each of the two games in the Tokyo Series as he deals with an illness.

The Dodgers currently lead 3-1 at the Tokyo Dome.

West Ham are braced for an all-important January transfer window that may well define Nuno Espírito Santo’s first season in charge, with David Sullivan, Karren Brady and the Hammers board poised to back their new manager.

Following back-to-back Premier League wins and the first time they’ve won two straight home games since 2024, things are finally starting to click into gear for Nuno.

The Portuguese tinkered heavily with his first West Ham starting line-ups before finally discovering a winning formula against both Newcastle and Burnley, with Nuno naming an unchanged side for both matches as the east Londoners secured vital victories.

However, West Ham reportedly have no intention of resting on their laurels, and credible reports suggest that Nuno has been told they have a transfer budget to spend in the winter (Sky Sports).

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Niclas Füllkrug’s damning injury record and lacklustre spell at the London Stadium is paving the way for him to leave in January, and it is believed that West Ham are actively targeting a striker to potentially replace the German.

While Callum Wilson has done well in West Ham’s last two games, even getting on the scoresheet against Burnley, Nuno won’t be too comfortable relying on the 33-year-old given his own torrid fitness record.

West Ham also want a new defender, and potentially a midfielder if they can manage it (Sky Sports), but it is worth noting that they won’t have a bottomless pit of cash for January either, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The potential sales of Fullkrug, Guido Rodriguez and James Ward-Prowse could be crucial when it comes to raising funds, with all three players linked to the West Ham exit door and seemingly not part of Nuno’s long-term plans.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, in an interview with Hammers News, they could also make the surprise decision to sell another squad member who’s only just arrived.

West Ham now ready to sell summer signing Mads Hermansen

Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen swapped Leicester for the London Stadium in a £20 million deal last summer, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal in August, but the Dane has since lost his place in the starting eleven to Alphonse Areola.

He started West Ham’s first four games of the season, conceding 11 league goals in total, with Areola seizing the number one spot back and West Ham now pondering a shock January call.

According to Bailey, West Ham are ready to cash in on Hermansen if the opportunity arises, but could also send him out on loan to get minutes elsewhere before returning.

If the 25-year-old were to leave permanently already, it would mark one of the shortest stints of any new West Ham player in recent memory, but would it be the right move?

Hermansen’s had just four games to showcase his worth in a turbulent side who seem likely to be battling relegation, and the shot-stopper is still very young in goalkeeping years. His prime is still to come, and goalkeeping coaches like Casper Ankergren have revered the former Leicester star as a serious talent between the sticks.

Alexander Isak's torrid start to life on Merseyside continued, as he logged just 15 touches in 67 minutes of action in Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. The Swedish striker is the first player to lose his first four league starts for the club in over 100 years. Isak now shares the unwanted record with Percy Saul, who turned for the Reds all the way back in 1906.

Isak takes unwanted Liverpool record

This mind-bending stat was shared to BlueSky earlier today by Opta's Football Data Editor Michael Reid. It brings the £125m man's woeful form since joining from Newcastle into stark relief.  

Isak cut a dejected figure when he was given the hook shortly after the hour in Liverpool's latest abject display. GOAL gave Isak a 2/10 grade for his showing against Forest.  

The 26-year-old's first league start came in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat away to Crystal Palace back in September. That loss kicked off the Reds' capitulation after winning their first five games of the league season. Further starts against Chelsea and Manchester United resulted in two more 2-1 losses for the club. 

Saul joined Liverpool at the start of the 1906/07 season after making 94 appearances for Plymouth Argyle. The defender's inauspicious run saw the Reds lose against Sunderland, Birmingham, Everton and Arsenal in the early stages of that First Division campaign. Liverpool would eventually finish 15th. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportProtracted transfer saga leaves Isak scrabbling for form and fitness

The 26-year-old's poor form is likely a result of the protracted transfer saga that rumbled on during the summer. 

Isak forced his former employer Newcastle into negotiating with Liverpool as he downed tools during the Magpies' pre-season preparations. Isak did not report for duty on the club's pre-season tour of Asia before announcing he would never play for the club again if they did not sanction his switch to Merseyside. 

Newcastle's eventual capture of German striker Nick Woltemade facilitated a British record £125m deal ($164m) for the ex-Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad man.   

A lack of fitness restricted Isak to bit part appearances for the Reds in the following weeks, while an adductor injury sustained in Liverpool's 5-1 win away at Eintracht Frankfurt in October stymied his progress further. 

Isak has bagged one goal and one assist in nine appearances for Liverpool. His sole effort came in the club's 2-1 win over Championship outfit Southampton in the Carabao Cup. 

Isak's personal struggles since Liverpool move

Further to his struggles for fitness, the fallout of his move is clearly having an impact on Isak's personal well-being. 

The fractious nature of his departure from Tyneside prompted the striker to invest £30,000 in guard dogs for his new home, as he revealed he received death threats in the aftermath of his transfer.   

After appearing as a second-half substitute in Sweden's 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Switzerland earlier this week, Isak opened up on his frustrations at his current predicament. However, he stopped short of giving himself a free pass for his performances on the pitch. 

Isak said: "It’s always frustrating when you’re injured. Regardless of whether it’s one match or more. It’s always worse for the player himself.

"It hasn’t been optimal. But when I’m on the field, I don’t give myself any excuses. I always want to play my game and perform. But yes, it’s hard to be away and not be able to help and contribute. Now I’m back and I’m positive. There’s not much that’s easy in football. But with experience, you learn to deal with things. That’s how it is with injuries and all that. You learn to deal with it and get back on track the right way."

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Getty Images SportWill Isak retain his starting spot for Liverpool?

Isak's recruitment was supposed to be the final purchase of a summer spending spree that would deliver back-to-back Premier League titles for the Reds. However, with Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez all struggling with form and fitness since joining Arne Slot's side, the vaunted class of the summer window has failed to live up to the hype.  

Only Hugo Ekitike has emerged with his reputation enhanced. The Frenchman had been moved aside to make space for Isak after his arrival. Given Isak's repeated poor showings, will Slot put his faith in the 23-year-old as the Reds look to turn their season around? 

Pakistan lost six wickets for 40 runs late in the chase to lose the match by 25 runs

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Sep-2025With 11 days to go for the World Cup, Pakistan and South Africa played out a high-scoring thriller in Lahore. There were three centuries: Tazmin Brits posted her career-best 171 not out, Laura Wolvaardt brought up her ninth ODI hundred, and Sidra Amin hit 122. After over 90 overs and a rain break, South Africa won the match and took a 2-0 unassailable lead in the series with a match to spare.Chasing a revised target of 313 in 46 overs due to rain, Pakistan lost their first three wickets for 101, with Omaima Sohail making a brisk 43 and laying a solid platform. From there, Amin and Natalia Pervaiz stitched a momentum-changing 146-run stand off just 111 deliveries to lift Pakistan to a strong position. When Amin was cleaned up by Chloe Tryon, attempting to slog to the midwicket region, Pakistan needed 66 from 49 balls, with Pervaiz batting on 55 off 46. However, South Africa struck again, thanks to Tryon, and that shifted the momentum in their favour.Pakistan lost captain Fatima Sana, Natalia Pervaiz (73 off 60), and Diana Baig in a span of just nine balls, as South Africa seized control late in the chase. The hosts eventually folded for 287 in 44.4 overs, losing their final seven wickets for just 40 runs. Nadine de Klerk led the bowling effort with 3 for 45.South Africa posted 292 for 3 after being asked to bat first, but were sloppy in the field. Sidra Amin, who went on to register her sixth ODI hundred, was dropped several times during her innings.Earlier, Brits and Wolvaardt got off to a steady start and converted it to a 260-run opening stand. Brits was the aggressor in the stand and reached her sixth ODI ton a few overs before rain interrupted play. After 41 overs, South Africa were 238 for no loss, with Wolvaardt unbeaten on 95. Once play resumed and the contest was reduced to 46 overs per side, Wolvaardt reached her ninth hundred in ODIs, and South Africa added 54 runs in the last five overs. Brits, who scored 101 not out in the series opener, remained unbeaten on Friday, scoring 20 fours and four sixes.

The Seattle Mariners have shut down starting pitcher George Kirby in spring training due to right shoulder inflammation. He will begin the season on the injured list, according to a report from Ryan Divish of

Kirby underwent an MRI and there is no structural damage. He wanted to continue throwing and ramping up but was overruled by Seattle's medical staff.

Kirby, a one-time All-Star in 2023, is entering his fourth season in the big leagues. He has made 89 career starts for Seattle, where in 511.2 innings pitched he's amassed a 35–26 record with a 3.43 ERA and 179 strikeouts.

The Los Angeles Dodgers' dugout felt the wrath of starting pitcher Walker Buehler on Tuesday night. Buehler, making just his eighth start since returning from a rehab assignment in August, cruised through a blemish-free first inning before hitting a big speed bump in the second frame.

After surrendering a leadoff single to Padres third baseman Manny Machado, Buehler got outfielder Jackson Merrill to hit a grounder to first in what looked like a surefire double play for the Dodgers. But first baseman Freddie Freeman’s throw hit Machado in the helmet after Machado appeared to intentionally angle his running lane to make the throw difficult, and everyone was safe.

In the next at-bat, another ground ball, this time to shortstop Miguel Rojas, failed to result in a double play, and the tying run scored. A two-run double, an infield single, a sacrifice fly and a two-run homer later, the Padres had spotted six runs on the scoreboard, and a frustrated Buehler took out his anger on the dugout.

It's hard to blame Buehler, given how the inning went. Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez belted a grand slam in the top of the third inning to cut the San Diego lead to just one run, but that proved not to be enough in San Diego’s 6–5 win. Buehler took the loss after exiting the game with five innings pitched and seven hits, six earned runs and a walk on his ledger.

Maphaka, the highest wicket-taker of the T20I series, was added to the squad on Monday

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Aug-2025South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of action for the entirety of the three-match ODI series against Australia on the morning of the first ODI.Rabada, 30, underwent a scan on Monday, which confirmed the extent of his ankle injury. He will remain in Australia and undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the South Africa medical staff. Kwena Maphaka, who was the highest wicket-taker in the T20I series that preceded the ODIs, has been added to the South Africa squad.Related

Rabada excited by the new generation of South African players

Australia's six-hitters to challenge South Africa's depth

Road to 2027: Questions for Australia and South Africa

With Rabada not available and Marco Jansen still recovering from surgery to his left thumb, the fast bowlers in the squad are Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi and Maphaka. They also have seam-bowling allrounders Corbin Bosch and Wiaan Mulder on the tour. Their spin options are Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayen.The first of three ODIs is being played at the Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns, after which the teams move to Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena for the next two matches. Australia won the hard-fought T20I series 2-1.

Aitor Karanka, sporting director of the Spanish football federation (RFEF), assured that there were no tensions between the organisation and Barcelona following Lamine Yamal's shock exit from the Spain squad on Tuesday. Karanka quashed any speculation suggesting further bad blood between the two entities, claiming that the communication with the Catalans is "fantastic."

Spain and Luis de la Fuente shocked by Yamal exit

The Spanish national team and head coach Luis de la Fuente, were handed a hammer blow on Tuesday morning following the release of Yamal from the Spain squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey on November 15 and 18. The Barcelona superstar underwent invasive radiofrequency therapy to battle with his ongoing struggles due to pubalgia. He is set to be out for the next seven to 10 days. 

The medical procedure Yamal underwent left the Spanish football federation (RFEF) "surprised", claiming in their official statement that the "procedure was performed without prior notification to the national team's medical staff, who only became aware of the details through a report received at 10:40 p.m. last night."

On Tuesday, De la Fuente shared his thoughts and was perplexed because of the situation. “There are procedures that take place outside the Federation's control," he told . "That's what happens, we have to accept it. I've never experienced a situation like this before. I don't think it's very normal. It has surprised us all. You don't have any news, you don't know any details, and on top of that, it's a health issue, so you're left surprised.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSpanish FA director confirms there's no anger over Yamal's release

Karanka, who serves as the sporting director of the RFEF, downplayed the noise surrounding Yamal's shock withdrawal from the Spain squad. He assured that the communication between the federation and all the clubs was top-notch, adding that it was in Yamal's best interests to focus on his recovery.

“Discomfort? That’s no longer my concern, it’s a matter for the doctors," he said. "I’ve always said, even yesterday, that communication with all the clubs has been fantastic. I was in contact with Deco until this morning, when the decision was made. And it was done for the boy’s benefit, so that he recovers as soon as possible. The better he is at his club, the better he’ll be for the national team. The national team coach was with him last night and this morning, before he was dropped from the squad.”

“We were happy because Lamine was getting back to his best; he played a great game against Club Brugge and scored in Vigo the other day. We were eager to see him again, but he has these niggles and what we want, both the national team and Barça, is for him to return to being the player who dazzled us not long ago.”

Karanka addresses Hansi Flick's words

Flick was infuriated after Yamal suffered a knock in the September international break and publicly voiced his frustrations over the national team and De la Fuente's handling of the player. "Lamine Yamal will not be available. He went with the national team in pain and did not train," Flick said at the time. "They gave him painkillers to play. They had at least a three-goal lead in every match, and he played 73 minutes and 79, and between matches he couldn't train. That is not taking care of the player. I am very sad about this."

Later, in October, he defended his comments from earlier, adding: "I want to protect my player, support him, this is what it is. A lot of things happened. This is, for me, done. I have no bad things about this situation. I know it from the other side. It's not easy for me. It's not easy for [De la Fuente]. I must protect my player; this is the reason I made it a little louder than normally I want to do it. I don't regret this. Now, the important thing is managing this together. The players, the clubs and the Spanish Federation [RFEF]. We have to manage it together."

Karanka, however, was not too keen on adding fuel to the fire, opting to be diplomatic instead. When asked to address Flick's statements, the former Real Madrid defender said: “That's already happened. Today's situation demonstrates that the national team takes care not only of Lamine, but of all its players. When a medical report indicates a potential risk of injury, the player is sent back to his club.”

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AFPWhen is Yamal expected to play again?

The 2025 Ballon d’Or runner-up will dedicate the international break to recovery work, as persistent pubalgia threatens to prolong his battle for full fitness. However, it is likely that he will be available for the league clash against Athletic Club on November 22.

Vitor Pereira had penned a new contract at Wolverhampton Wanderers back in September.

Yet, as we now enter November, the Portuguese boss is no longer occupying the Molineux hot-seat, with the Old Gold yet to collect a Premier League win this season from ten matches.

It is going to be a huge task for whoever takes on the reins after Pereira to try and turn around Wolves’ miserable season, with a surprise return for Gary O’Neil reportedly once on the cards.

However, despite allegedly entering talks about coming back to the top-flight’s basement club, the ex-Wolves manager pulled out of a shock reunion.

This could be a blessing in disguise in the West Midlands, with O’Neil enduring a tough end to his previous Old Gold spell…

Where things went wrong for O'Neil at Wolves

Going back in for a previous manager to try and turn around a sinking ship very rarely works out.

O’Neil did manage to keep Wolves up during his first campaign in charge during the 2022/23 season, as a depleted Old Gold side that no longer had the likes of Ruben Neves and Raul Jimenez on their books soared to 14th in the league standings.

It’s the woeful start to his second campaign in charge that would likely have not made this an appointment to go down well with the already disgruntled Molineux masses.

Indeed, Wolves only managed to collect a dire two wins from 16 games before he was given his marching orders, having also conceded a calamitous 40 goals along the way.

Games managed

100

Wins

31

Draws

17

Losses

52

Goals scored

135

Goals conceded

178

Points accumulated

110

Therefore, expecting O’Neil to return and be a transformative appointment would have been viewed as far-fetched, with Wolves chairman Jeff Shi even admitting when he got rid of the 42-year-old that he had “cut ties too late.”

Thankfully, Pereira worked out in the short term. But, now, Wolves need another fresh set of ideas to get them out of a similar mess, as a former Old Gold player turned successful manager continues to be linked with the vacancy.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

Wolves' outstanding O'Neil alternative

Wolves have been linked with a whole host of different and unique names, with ex-Molineux goal machine Robbie Keane even throwing his hat into the ring.

But, it appears now that current Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards is high up on the priority list to replace Pereira, with talkSPORT naming Edwards as a ‘strong contender’ to get the job.

It’s noted that former Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, is also on their radar, although Edwards is currently ahead of the Dutchman to get the job.

The current Boro boss has a release clause in his contract at the Riverside and could soon make a return to the Premier League.

Immediately, with his previous connections to the club as a player and as a former U21 coach, it could be a good fit.

That’s before you even take into account the admirable job he did at Luton Town, who were rooted towards the foot of the Premier League division throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

Against all the odds, the much-loved Edwards nearly kept Luton afloat in the Premier League, as the Boro boss made the Hatters a stern team to try and break down.

That led to the minnows picking up a 1-1 draw against Liverpool that season, and saw them compete with Arsenal all the way at Kenilworth Road in a 4-3 defeat. Remarkably, that is the last time the Gunners have shipped three goals in any game of football.

Mikel Arteta even commended Edwards for how “difficult” he had made Luton to beat, with Wolves in some dire need of the same grit and application to try and get them out of their horrible hole.

It wasn’t all just attritional performances, though, as Edwards also managed to turn Carlton Morris into an 11-goal hero in the top-flight. That will be music to the ears of a misfiring Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has only one league strike next to his name this season.

But, as can be seen watching the highlight reel above, the imposing Norwegian did manage to fire home 14 goals last campaign, as he attempts to become Edwards’ next focal point, if the ex-Luton manager is handed the reins.

Described as an opportunity that will be “hard for him to say no to” by journalist Graeme Bailey, it will be intriguing to see if Edwards does end up swapping a top-of-the-table position in the EFL for another basement battle in the league above.

With a bit between his teeth now at the Riverside Stadium, it could be time for Edwards to mount a Premier League return, having also previously been lauded as “one of English football’s brightest and best young coaches.”

Doesn’t that sound good, Wolves fans?

Robbie Keane in talks with Wolves as Steven Gerrard gives clarity on future

The Old Gold are looking for a new successor and one of their former players has put their hat in the ring.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 4, 2025