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Liverpool have turned a corner, now five matches unbeaten in all competitions and with two wins on the trot after dispatching Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield.

Arne Slot’s team have climbed up to sixth place in the Premier League, still a distance behind table-toppers Arsenal, who sit ten points ahead of the champions, whose brace of own goals against Wolves later in the day retightened their grip on top spot. .

Some would say that that is an unassailable lead over the Merseysiders, but Liverpool do have a squad capable of competing and beating Mikel Arteta’s side – again – with the trip to the Emirates in less than a month one to watch, for sure.

Of course, after such abject results and performances, Slot’s side have so much work still to do, and if Saturday’s win told us anything, it’s that they would be worse off if they were to lose Mohamed Salah after the African Cup of Nations.

Salah's return to Liverpool action

To say it’s been a turbulent week for Salah at Liverpool would be an understatement. Last weekend, the Egyptian’s inflammatory outburst at Elland Road cast his future at the club into doubt.

The 33-year-old had been dropped to the bench for three successive matches, and after being kept on the sidelines as Liverpool capitulated against Leeds United, he paused at the mixer and unleashed an incredible series of comments concerning a broken relationship with the head coach.

He was dropped from the squad that beat Inter Milan entirely, and he started from the bench once again at Anfield, coming into the fray before half an hour against the Seagulls and whipping in the corner that Hugo Ekitike headed home for his second brace in a row.

This has created an intense air of doubt over Salah’s future at the club, with suitors from the Saudi Pro League circling.

But Liverpool simply cannot let their talisman leave. Even though he’s been so far out of sorts, Salah has still maintained a degree of prolificness in the final third, only trumped by Ekitike.

Hugo Ekitike

23

10 (1)

Mohamed Salah

20

5 (4)

Cody Gakpo

21

5 (4)

Federico Chiesa

16

2 (3)

Alexander Isak

15

2 (1)

Florian Wirtz

21

0 (5)

Rio Ngumoha

8

1 (0)

That’s a marker of Liverpool’s woes, the lack of balance and fluency across Slot’s frontline, but it also shows how important it is that the legendary winger is not cast aside at the campaign’s midpoint.

However, whether that is the same for another attacker is another question.

Liverpool's fringe forward must be pushing to leave

barring Ekitike, Liverpool’s new forwards have struggled to gel together this season. Salah too. However, who can argue against Federico Chiesa’s impact and tenacity when brought off the bench throughout the campaign?

The 27-year-old forward has yet to start in the Premier League or the Champions League this season, but he scored the winner in his side’s season opener against Bournemouth and scoring and assisting again in defeats against Crystal Palace and Manchester United. In the Carabao Cup, he claimed two assists against Southampton in a Man of the Match display.

But the £150k-per-week star must be reaching the end of his tether, having been used sparingly right since joining the Anfield side from Juventus for a cut-price £12.5m deal in August 2024.

Like Salah, the Italy international may be looking for the exit door, and it would be hard to blame him if it were so. Though Salah’s own case – and confirmed absence over the next month due to AFCON – suggests Chiesa will earn further chances to showcase his skills, Jeremie Frimpong is soon to return from injury, Liverpool may well be active in the transfer market.

One side of the argument would draw attention to Salah’s potential departure in January, or maybe at the end of the season. Regardless, the £400k-per-week superstar is playing through his penultimate year on Merseyside at the latest.

However, FSG have a vested interest in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, and his arrival would only knock Chiesa further down the pecking order.

On one side of the fence, Chiesa’s mentality and attitude have been impeccable despite his limited match action this season, but Chiesa surely can’t brook many more oversights from Slot. He needs to play, and with the January transfer window right around the corner, the Italian might just look for an exit.

He'd revive Van Dijk: "World-class" talent wants to join Liverpool

Liverpool may need to make a winter signing or two as Arne Slot’s side struggle through the 2025/26 campaign.

ByAngus Sinclair 3 days ago

Real Madrid have now informed Liverpool about their final decision on Ibrahima Konate as 2026 approaches.

Arne Slot reveals "conversation" with Liverpool hierarchy

Arne Slot’s dream Anfield move commenced with a Premier League title in his debut season, but since then he’s endured the ultimate nightmare. The Reds are in historically bad form, losing nine of their last 12 games in all competitions, and serious questions are beginning to be asked about the Dutchman’s tenure.

Gakpo upgrade: Liverpool could see bid accepted to sign £80m "superstar"

Liverpool are planning to enter the market for a new left-sided forward.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 27, 2025

Liverpool have never been a sacking club, but recent reports have dropped names like Ange Postecoglou and Andoni Iraola as the pressure continues to grow on Slot. Whether Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes decide to pull the trigger on either of those names remains to be seen, however.

Slot’s had his say on the matter, revealing conversations with Liverpool’s hierarchy and telling his squad to “fight on” in the face of their disastrous run.

Up next, the Premier League champions travel to West Ham United in desperate need of three points. It is simply a must-win game for Slot, who will only have the backing of the club’s hierarchy for so long.

Ahead of their trip to the London Stadium, fixing their defensive issues should be Liverpool’s priority – starting with solving Konate’s form just days after he’s been informed about Real Madrid’s final transfer decision.

Real Madrid inform Liverpool about final Konate decision

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Real Madrid have now told Liverpool that they have no interest in signing Konate, despite rumours that they were set to pursue the Frenchman at the end of his contract next summer.

The Reds looked destined for a Trent Alexander-Arnold repeat, but Konate has seemingly played himself out of a move to the Bernabeu next summer – leaving the ball firmly in Liverpool’s court.

Whether both parties can now strike an agreement over a new contract is the big question. Konate’s recent form has left him in a weaker negotiating position, but there’s no doubt that he’s an important member of Slot’s backline at his best.

Dubbed “tremendous” by former Manchester City star Micah Richards last season, the Frenchman simply has to get back to his best if Liverpool are to turn their torrid run of form around.

He’s one of just two fully fit central defenders, with Joe Gomez not yet ready to step in, so has no choice but to play himself into form – especially if he’s after a pay rise up from his current £70,000-a-week deal.

"Oh my god", "Sackable" – Carragher rips into Liverpool star in behind-scenes footage

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

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.

ESPNcricinfo understands he suffered the injury while training in the gym on Sunday

Nagraj Gollapudi and Shashank Kishore20-Jul-20251:12

Manjrekar: Reddy looked like India’s best seamer

India allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the remainder of the tour of England after suffering an injury in his left knee. ESPNcricinfo had reported on Sunday that Reddy had picked up the injury while training in the gym, and a BCCI update on Monday morning confirmed he was out of the series and would fly back home.*The same BCCI release also stated left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh had been ruled out of the fourth Test after sustaining an impact injury to his left thumb while bowling in the nets in Beckenham. He is being monitored by the BCCI medical team and the selectors have added Haryana seam bowler Anshul Kamboj to the squad.The development is another blow to India’s preparations for the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in Manchester, which starts on July 23, with fast bowler Akash Deep also nursing an injury that could keep him out of the match.Related

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India 'leaning towards' playing Bumrah at Old Trafford

India weigh up option of Jurel as keeper, Pant as batter

All this comes in addition to workload-management concerns limiting Jasprit Bumrah to just three out of the five Tests of the series. Bumrah played the first and third Tests, and India have indicated that they are “leaning towards” including him at Old Trafford, with the players getting an eight-day break between the third and fourth Tests.After sitting out the series-opener in Leeds, Reddy played the second and third Tests. He did not make much of an impact in Birmingham, with just two runs and six wicketless overs. He, however, took crucial top-order wickets at Lord’s, sending back openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley in the same over in the first innings, and dismissing Crawley again in the second, while scoring 30 and 13 with the bat.Reddy would have fancied his chances of playing the fourth Test, though he may have potentially contested for a spot with Dhruv Jurel, who could be in contention to play as wicketkeeper at Old Trafford in case Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from a finger injury, has to play as a specialist batter.India have played a seam-bowling allrounder in all three Tests so far, with Shardul Thakur playing the first Test before Reddy replaced him in Birmingham. Thakur could return at Old Trafford if India want to keep the same combination as Reddy is now unavailable.England lead the series 2-1 going into the fourth Test.*0630 GMT: The story was updated after the BCCI issued a release

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was spotted close to a trophy-laden manager recently, and the tactician is now reportedly open to talks over replacing Ange Postecoglou at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest consider Ange Postecoglou replacements after poor start

Postecoglou’s tenure at Forest has been nothing short of a nightmare so far, putting the Australian’s future at the club under intense scrutiny.

Appointed with the aim of instilling a vibrant, attacking style, Postecoglou instead finds himself navigating a storm of poor results, mounting criticism, and growing fan unrest just weeks into his reign.

Since taking charge, Postecoglou has become the first permanent Forest manager in over a century to go six games without a win. His side have struggled to translate his high-intensity, possession-based philosophy into results, often appearing disjointed and lacking cohesion on the pitch.

Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Nottingham Forest so far

Competition

Arsenal 3-0 Forest

Premier League

Swansea 3-2 Forest

Carabao Cup

Burnley 1-1 Forest

Premier League

Real Betis 2-2 Forest

Europa League

Forest 0-1 Sunderland

Premier League

Forest 2-3 FC Midtjylland

Europa League

Newcastle 2-0 Forest

Premier League

Defensive frailties have been brutally exposed, and the team has conceded goals at an alarming rate, compounding the pressure on a manager desperate to turn things around.

Fans openly chanted for his dismissal when Forest fell to a shock 3-2 defeat at home to FC Midtjylland in the Europa League, with many questioning the club’s decision to appoint him.

Postecoglou, if he is sacked inside the next 10 days, could become the shortest-reigning manager in Premier League history — breaking former Charlton Athletic boss Les Reed’s record — who was shown his P45 after just 41 days in the 2006/2007 season.

It may not be during this international break after all, according to reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano, but Sky Sports have reported that Marinakis isn’t afraid to be ruthless and pull the trigger if Postecoglou doesn’t turn things around quickly.

Should the club decide to part ways with Postecoglou, a shortlist of replacement candidates is already emerging in the media.

Leading the pack among rumored successors is Fulham’s Marco Silva. The Portuguese is respected for his experience navigating the Premier League with limited resources, and Silva also boasts a good relationship with Marinakis following their successful period at Olympiacos together.

Silva is a long-term target for Forest, so this is apparently one to keep an eye on, while Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is also a “prime candidate” to replace Postecoglou, according to TEAMtalk.

There is another option too — former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

Rafael Benitez open to Nottingham Forest managerial talks

The Spaniard, who guided Liverpool to a Champions League title in 2005, also won La Liga twice at Valencia and led Chelsea to a Europa League triumph 12 years ago.

Benitez also boasts a Coppa Italia, Italian Super Cup, FA Cup, UEFA Cup, Club World Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup on his illustrious CV, with the 65-year-old’s last job in management coming at Celta Vigo in 2024.

He hasn’t coached in England since leaving his lacklustre spell at Everton in 2022, but the tactician’s undoubted experience could be appealing to the Tricky Trees.

Benitez was spotted in “close proximity” to Marinakis during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League last week, and a report from GiveMeSport has now shared an update on the prospect of his potential move to Forest.

Rafa Benítez’s managerial career

Clubs

Tenure

Matches in charge

Titles/achievements

Real Valladolid

1995-96

25

Osasuna

1996

9

Extremadura

1997-99

92

Segunda promotion

Tenerife

2000-01

46

Segunda promotion

Valencia

2001-04

162

La Liga X2

UEFA Cup

Liverpool

2004-12

350

Champions League

FA Cup

UEFA Super Cup

Internazionale

2010

25

FIFA Club World Cup

Supercoppa Italiana

Chelsea

2012-13

48

Europa League

Napoli

2013-15

112

Coppa Italia

Supercoppa Italiana

Real Madrid

2015-16

25

Newcastle United

2016-19

146

EFL Championship

Dalian Professional

2019-21

38

Everton

2021-22

22

Celta de Vigo

2023-24

33

All statistics and information courtesy of Transfermarkt

GMS report that Benitez would entertain an approach to manage Forest, as he’s keen to manage in the Premier League again, and the former Newcastle boss is under genuine consideration as an option.

Known for his tactical discipline and ability to organize teams defensively, Benitez could help to stabilize a struggling Forest side. His proven track record of guiding teams through relegation battles and achieving promotion — like he did during his spell at Newcastle — shows that he can thrive under pressure.

However, his inactivity lately is perhaps a cause for concern, especially given the increasing demands and pressure on managers to succeed.

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has been a curious player since joining from Real Sociedad in 2024, and it is now believed he could depart the Gunners just two years after his arrival.

The Spain international’s best performances under Mikel Arteta have arguably come up front, with Merino doing extremely well in an emergency striker role last season in the absence of both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

His match-winning goals against Chelsea and Leicester City, alongside a late equaliser against Liverpool in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Anfield, were crucial in helping the Gunners comfortably secure Champions League qualification.

The Premier League title race was out of sight by that point, but Merino’s fantastic contribution amid their dire lack of striking options will always be remembered fondly by supporters .

However, since dropping back into midfield, the 29-year-old hasn’t quite been as effective at times.

During Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League earlier this week, Merino struggled in what was an ‘Odegaard-style’ role — seeing the ball even less than goalkeeper David Raya in what was a 4/10 display.

Minutes played

90

Touches

40

Accurate passes

21/28 (75%)

Key passes

1

Accurate crosses

0

Shots

1

Dribbles

0

Ground duels won

2/6

Aerial duels won

3/7

Possession lost

11x

Fouls

3

Both Rice and Merino lost the ball combined 25 times against Bilbao too, and proved ineffective creatively against Liverpool prior to the international break.

This all being said, it is only the very start of 2025/2026, and Merino’s started just three games in all competitions, making this latest claim on his future come as quite a surprise.

Arsenal preparing £70m Oihan Sancet bid as Mikel Merino could leave

According to a Spanish media source, Merino could leave Arsenal next summer, and sporting director Andrea Berta is already preparing a bid to sign Athletic Bilbao sensation Oihan Sancet to come in his place.

Interestingly, the 25-year-old attacking midfielder was one of the Bilbao players to seriously impress against Arteta’s side on Tuesday, following a dazzling 2024/2025 campaign where he netted 17 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions.

Arsenal are believed to already be preparing a £70m bid for Sancet as they look to seal his signing in 2026, despite having just spent over £250 million on new recruits, including a deal for England playmaker Eberechi Eze.

Oihan Sancet would be another statement signing for Arsenal

The fact he only has four Spain international caps is testament to the abundance of quality in Luis de la Fuente’s squad, and signing Sancet would come as yet another statement deal by Berta.

His goal return from midfield last term was up there with the very best in Europe, with teammate Yeray Alvarez calling him a “game-changer”.

Liverpool have opened the 2024/25 season in perfect fashion, sitting top of the Premier League with four wins from four.

Under Arne Slot, they’ve quickly shown resilience and attacking flair, but the journey has not been without its flaws.

Three times already this season – against Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Atlético Madrid – the Reds have let two-goal leads slip, only to be rescued by late winners. The most special of all perhaps being Rio Ngumoha’s strike at St James’ Park.

That ability to find decisive moments in the dying stages has become a hallmark.

The 93rd-minute strike against Atlético was Liverpool’s fourth goal scored in stoppage time across all competitions this season, underlining the winning mentality that carried them to their second Premier League crown last season.

While Dominik Szoboszlai has been central to the team’s fluid play, it is a different player who increasingly embodies the leadership once associated with the great Steven Gerrard.

Szoboszlai: A creative hub and tactical fix

Szoboszlai’s start to the season didn’t go smoothly.

Slot publicly criticised him for his role in Bournemouth’s opening goal during the 4-2 win at Anfield on the opening weekend.

Since then, however, the 24-year-old has responded with consistent excellence and versatility.

Last season, the Hungarian produced 12 goal involvements this campaign, a reminder of his value in the final third. His numbers reflect a midfielder who drives play forward relentlessly:

Szoboszlai – Season 2024/25

Progressive Carries per 90

2.60

Progressive Passes per 90

4.73

Shot-Creating Actions per 90

4.30

Pass Completion Rate

84.3%

Progressive Passing Distance per 90

131.4m

Source: FBRef

These metrics paint a picture of a player who not only initiates attacking moves but sustains them with precision passing and clever movement.

His decisive 30-yard free-kick against Arsenal was the standout moment of Liverpool’s season so far, sealing a 1-0 win that kept their perfect record intact.

What makes Szoboszlai even more valuable is his tactical adaptability.

Against Newcastle, with Liverpool stretched at St James’ Park, he filled in at right-back and barely put a foot wrong all evening. He did the same when Arsenal came to town a few weeks ago.

This flexibility makes him a manager’s dream – a midfielder capable of influencing games both with creativity and discipline.

It’s tempting to compare Szoboszlai to Gerrard, as many pundits have, but this season he is functioning as Liverpool’s alternative to Florian Wirtz.

While Wirtz has struggled to adapt since his high-profile Premier League arrival, Szoboszlai has thrived in high-pressure situations, reinforcing why Liverpool chose him as a centrepiece in midfield.

That said, the Hungary international isn’t quite as iconic as Gerrard just yet.

Liverpool's new Gerrard

If Szoboszlai is Liverpool’s creator, Virgil van Dijk is their leader.

At 34, the Dutchman remains a colossal presence at the back, but this season he has added moments of attacking inspiration too.

His stoppage-time winner against Atlético epitomised a player taking responsibility in decisive moments.

Football analyst Josh Williams has described Van Dijk as “outrageous” this season, adding that he “takes responsibility like Gerrard used to.”

It is rare for a centre-back to be compared with Liverpool’s most iconic midfielder, but the parallels are clear.

Just as Gerrard dragged teams through games with moments of inspiration, Van Dijk is now doing the same from defence.

Statistically, his influence remains elite and he showcased that against Atletico.

To illuminate his qualities, Van Dijk ranks in the 86th percentile among his fellow central defenders for pass completion (91.5%) over the last year, ensuring that Liverpool can build calmly from the back.

He is also in the 90th percentile for progressive passes (5.24 per 90), showing how often he breaks lines with distribution from deep.

Defensively, he dominates in the air, winning 3.02 aerial duels per 90, placing him again in the 86th percentile among centre-backs.

Statistical comparisons with Ronald Araújo and Gabriel Magalhães highlight his profile: a defender who combines physical dominance with elite ball progression.

But Van Dijk’s role extends beyond numbers. As club captain, with a contract running until 2027, he is the figure setting standards in this rejuvenating side.

Liverpool’s start has not been flawless. Throwing away leads three times already is a warning sign for a team with ambitions of another title.

Yet those setbacks have been countered by players willing to step up in decisive phases.

Szoboszlai has driven the creative rhythm with his passing and chance creation, while Van Dijk has shown the authority and timing to decide contests late on.

Together, they have shaped Liverpool’s early-season identity: a side capable of brilliance, but reliant on its big leaders to seize the big moments.

Related Not Salah or Van Dijk: Liverpool star is now "one of the best in the world"

Liverpool left it late once more to collect a Champions League victory at Anfield over Atletico Madrid.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Sep 18, 2025

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has named a “complete” star as the greatest player in the club’s history.

Odegaard vying to become first Arsenal captain since Vieira to lift Premier League title

It has been far too long since the Gunners lifted the Premier League title, with Patrick Vieira the last captain to do so, way back in 2004, but Odegaard is looking to end the soon-to-be 22-year wait this season.

Barring the disappointing 1-0 defeat at Liverpool, the Gunners have otherwise made an ideal start to the season, having introduced some star quality into the squad during the summer transfer window.

Perhaps most importantly, Mikel Arteta finally got a new striker through the door, with Viktor Gyokeres joining from Sporting CP, and the Sweden international has gotten off to an impressive start, scoring three goals in two games at the Emirates Stadium.

Related Arsenal intensify interest in signing "special" gem ahead of Liverpool

He’s a future star…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Sep 13, 2025

Following Thomas Partey’s departure, it was also vital to get another top central midfielder through the door, and Martin Zubimendi is looking like he could be exactly that, bagging a brace in the 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The entire squad has the opportunity to write their names into the history books by ending the long wait for a league title this season, potentially placing themselves alongside the likes of Vieira Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Sol Campbell as club legends.

However, in an interview with Sky Sports earlier this year, Odegaard has named a different former Gunner as the club’s greatest-ever player.

When asked whether Thierry Henry is the best player in Arsenal’s history, the Norwegian said:

Henry one of the best in Premier League history

Not only is the Frenchman Arsenal’s greatest-ever player, but he is also one of the best in Premier League history, having been inducted into the Hall of Fame back in 2021.

The 48-year-old is a four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner, while he also holds the joint-record for number of assists in a Premier League season, chipping in with 20 during the 2002-03 campaign.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

1999/00

31

17

2000/01

35

17

2001/02

33

24

2002/03

37

24

2003/04

37

30

2004/05

32

25

2005/06

32

27

2006/07

17

10

The 123-cap France international also scored some remarkable goals during his time with the Gunners, and played a vital role in his side winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups, in an era where Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United were dominant.

It will be a tall order for any Arsenal player to eclipse Henry’s achievements in north London, but Arteta will be hoping his side can finally end the long wait for the Premier League title this season, having spent heavily once again in the summer.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam have all been slapped with fines and a demerit point each for separate Level 1 breaches of the ICC’s code of conduct, after their tri-series game against South Africa in Karachi on Wednesday.Afridi was fined 25% of his match fee for breaching Article 2.12 of the code of conduct, which pertains to “inappropriate physical contact” with a player or someone else during a match.Related

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In the 28th over of South Africa’s innings, Afridi was seen stepping into the path of batter Matthew Breetzke as he attempted a run. This, as the ICC put it, led to “physical contact and a heated exchange between the two players”.That was off the last ball of the over. Just the ball before, Breetzke, after defending the ball, made a gesture with his bat, which Afridi reacted to by walking down the pitch and saying something. Breetzke didn’t back down, and the umpires were quickly at the scene.

Off the last ball, Breetzke took off for a run after playing the ball away to the leg side and Afridi moved towards the batter. Breetzke bumped into him before completing his run.Shakeel and Ghulam, the substitute fielder, were fined 10% of their match fees for “celebrating too closely to batter Temba Bavuma following his run-out in the 29th over”.That was a breach of Article 2.5 of the code, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter”.None of the three had any prior demerit points.Pakistan won the match, chasing down South Africa’s 352 for 5 with one over left – it was their first successful chase of 350-plus runs in ODIs, and got them into the final of tri-series, where they will take on New Zealand on Friday before the action shifts to the Champions Trophy.