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When we look back at the 2024/25 campaign, it won’t be remembered for Liverpool’s premature exit from the Champions League.
After such indomitable success in the group phase, Liverpool were rewarded for their first-place finish with an unsavoury meeting against Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16, arguably the toughest opponent possible.
But you’ve got to beat the best to be the best, as the maxim goes, and Liverpool can issue little complaint over their shootout agony, for PSG were well worth their victory over the two legs.
Anyhoo. Liverpool’s first campaign with Arne Slot at the helm will be remembered for winning the Premier League (fingers crossed). With nine matches to play, the Reds are 15 points clear at the top of the table. It’s turning into a procession.
However, Slot’s not one to forget a defeat and Liverpool’s Champions League defeat will rankle for some time.
It will also have confirmed in the Dutch coach’s mind – were it not already sealed – that Liverpool need a new striker. But will it be Alexander Isak?
Will Liverpool sign Alexander Isak?
Back in December, Jamie Carragher hailed Isak for being “the best striker in the Premier League right now,” with his goalscoring quality, powerful running and intelligent movements proving too much for the division’s defences.
Premier League 24/25 – Top Scorers
#
Player
Apps
Goals
1.
Mohamed Salah
29
27
2.
Erling Haaland
27
20
3.
Alexander Isak
24
19
4.
Chris Wood
28
18
5.
Bryan Mbeumo
28
15
Stats via Premier League
As you can see, Isak is indeed one of the best forwards across English football, though that man Mohamed Salah still stands mightily above him in the charts.
Though Isak would be a brilliant addition to Liverpool’s ranks, certainly an upgrade on the misfiring Darwin Nunez, it’s been reported Newcastle will demand in excess of £150m for his signature this summer, with further Tyneside reports revealing Eddie Howe hasn’t received any inkling his talisman wants to leave.
Liverpool will be there, but their options stretch beyond that of one man, evidenced when the pursuit of Jude Bellingham was abandoned and an amalgamation of midfield talent was signed instead (Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo).
Whatever FSG do this summer, it’s clear a striker needs to be signed. With Nunez reportedly set to depart, Liverpool should have funds to invest, however sporting director Richard Hughes may want to think about selling Diogo Jota too.
Liverpool need to cash in on Diogo Jota
Liverpool may lift some silverware by the end of the season, but there’s going to be plenty going on this summer, especially with Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk’s contract quandaries still unresolved.
Market Movers
Although selling both Nunez and Jota would be something of a bold move, opening space for not one but two new centre-forwards, it might be worth the hassle. Both stars have flattered to deceive for much of the campaign and Slot needs to stamp his design on Liverpool’s first team.
Jota, typically regarded as one of the most clinical players in the Premier League, has cut a frustrated figure in recent weeks, going eight games without a goal after suffering more injury misfortune. His interminable fitness problems finally appear to be wearing him down.
With only eight goals all season, the one-time Wolverhampton Wanderers talent admitted “I don’t feel my best” at the moment, toiling to little avail.
And anyway, the Portugal international is entering the penultimate year of his £140k-per-week deal. He’s still worth a hefty figure at 28, but if his fitness problems and loss of potency in front of goal persist, Liverpool might find themselves taking a far more minimal fee.
According to Football Transfers, Jota has actually been deduced to be worth about £50m in the current market, which makes an interesting comment on his underlying quality, even if he’s out of sorts at the moment.
Indeed, across the past 365 days, he ranks among the top 19% for shot-creating actions, the top 15% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 17% for assists per 90, as per FBref.
There’s a real player in there, evidenced by Jota currently boasting a worth higher than Salah (£25m) and Alexander-Arnold (£45m).
Of course, both stars are out of contract at the end of the season but this still highlights the high regard Jota is held in from a financial standpoint, with all but a select few Redmen towering above the £50m-rated Iberian, it may indeed be worth cashing in now that signs of regression are starting to show.
In fact, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg revealed at the beginning of the week that “a reshaping of the squad is planned,” with Jota among the potential sales.
He’s been a terrific servant for the club, scoring 64 goals and providing 22 further assists across 173 outings, winning the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup twice, maybe making that thrice after the weekend. Of course, Liverpool are also 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League, all but set to lift the title in May.
Liverpool signed him from Wolves for £45m in September 2020 and he’s more than paid his due since, but Jota’s time may be coming to an end, with Slot set to welcome some fresh faces to freshen the ranks and continue the pursuit of glory.
BBC analyst Raj Chohan hailed him for his “deadly” goalscoring instinct in the past, but with that trait beginning to desert him, Liverpool indeed need to act before his lofty value starts to depreciate.
Liverpool need to prepare for the summer ahead, and if Hughes and co fail to tie down the likes of Salah and Trent to new deals, it may well be that Liverpool need to cash in on Jota as well as Nunez, for a spree of spending will be required to revamp the squad.
A homegrown Isak: Liverpool teen is already "a better finisher than Nunez"
Liverpool need to address their striking problem.
ByAngus Sinclair Mar 14, 2025
The short-term aim for Manchester United will be fighting their way to Europa League glory, but in the long-term, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be seeking far more lofty honours, as the Red Devils bid to return back to the top of the domestic and European game.
INEOS’ ‘Mission 21’ has outlined a goal to secure a 21st league title by 2028. The new ownership regime are also planning to move into a new 100,000-seater stadium ahead of the 2030/31 campaign.
Plans are being put in place to revive this fallen giant, with manager Ruben Amorim having already begun to look to the future himself, after handing opportunities to a raft of young talents in recent weeks.
The 40-year-old coach has handed a string of substitute cameos to ex-Arsenal man Chido Obi of late, while academy graduate Toby Collyer – a player Erik ten Hag was said to ‘really like’ – has also now made 13 appearances this season, ten of which have come under Amorim.
The recent triumph over Leicester City saw that duo introduced off the bench, while the teenage pairing of Ayden Heaven and Harry Amass also featured, with it looking as if both have a real chance of securing a permanent place in Amorim’s ranks ahead of next season.
Amass and Heaven's performance vs Leicester
Starting with Heaven, the 18-year-old had initially looked so at ease on what was his first Premier League start against the Foxes, notably denying Patson Daka with a perfectly timed, last-ditch tackle in the first half.
While the far more experienced Victor Lindelof endured a rough ride up against Jamie Vardy, it was the teenager who looked like the senior man at the back, with club legend Wayne Rooney hailing the £1.5m signing as so “calm” and “composed”.
Also lauded as a “real coup” for the club by Rooney, the youngster – who had also started against Real Sociedad on Thursday night – saw his fine outing cruelly cut short, as he was eventually stretchered off just after the break.
While it is not yet known how long Heaven will be out for, either way, it looks like being the start of a fruitful journey at Old Trafford for the promising centre-back, with that potentially also the case for fellow teenager, Amass.
Introduced off the bench late on his 18th birthday, the attacking full-back slotted into a left wing-back berth for the final 20 minutes against Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s side, making what was his first competitive senior outing for the Red Devils.
The former Watford starlet had been tipped for a loan move in January, although amid the lack of genuine cover for Patrick Dorgu on that left flank, it now looks like the Englishman could earn further minutes for himself before the season is out.
For all the positives that the rise of Heaven and Amass will bring, however, it could well have a negative impact on a far more senior member of the side, in Luke Shaw.
How Amass and Heaven can impact Man Utd's first-team stars
With the summer looming, it looks like yet another squad overhaul could be on the cards, with the defensive ranks, in particular, looking set for change with both Lindelof and Jonny Evans out of contract at the end of the season.
Heaven’s emergence has ensured that Amorim’s options at centre-back are now bolstered even amid those departures, while the recent promotion of Amass has strengthened a youthful left side alongside the January signing of Dorgu.
Quite where this leaves the aforementioned Shaw remains to be seen, with the long-serving defender still waiting to make his return from injury, having last started a game for the club back in February 2024.
Season
Games
Minutes
Goals & Assists
2024/25
2
68
0
2023/24
12
963
0
2022/23
31
2556
3
2021/22
20
1604
3
2020/21
32
2655
6
2019/20
24
1735
0
2018/19
29
2592
5
2017/18
11
788
0
2016/17
11
691
1
2015/16
5
450
1
2014/15
16
1127
0
The England international – who did feature for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 – did make three substitute appearances under Amorim back in December, although the 29-year-old hasn’t been seen since, with time running out to make a return before the season reaches its climax.
On the face of it, the former Southampton man looks like a perfect fit for the new manager’s 3-4-3 set-up, having played as a left wing-back during his time with England, notably scoring in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
With Shaw also lining up as a centre-back in Ten Hag’s first season in charge, it appeared he could comfortably slot in as a left-sided centre-back for Amorim, thus taking on two roles in the 3-4-3.
Unfortunately, the £150k-per-week asset – who did suffer a brutal double leg break back in 2015 – has frustratingly been hampered by injury far too often, and while he does still have two years left to run on his existing contract, it might be time for United to cut their losses.
Indeed, with Heaven able to take on that left centre-back berth, and with “Shaw’s successor” in Amass a perfect replacement at wing-back – as described by journalist Alex Turk – it may well have seen Shaw nudged even further down the pecking order.
The experienced asset, it must be said, will arguably be more disappointed than most at his repeated injury setbacks, yet with availability arguably the best ability, he is falling short in that department.
That is best emphasised by the fact that he will soon be eclipsed for appearances for United by Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese only one behind the full-back’s tally of 278 games. Shaw arrived in the summer of 2014, while Fernandes signed in January 2020.
That stark statistic illustrates the extent of Shaw’s struggles for fitness, and with Amass and Heaven now in the picture, it might be the ideal time for a changing of the guard this summer.
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“You’ve got to remember I’ve played a lot of cricket in England before” Aussie batter says
Vithushan Ehantharajah02-May-2023Steven Smith has landed.At another time, the arrival of an Australian of such stock – vice-captain, no less – ahead of an Ashes summer might have had more fanfare. Press greeting him off the plane, photographers snapping him as he pushes a trolley through immigration, bleary-eyed in national team garb.Instead, the 33-year-old arrived in the UK over the weekend with little fuss ahead of a three-game stint with Sussex. Australia are coming, but not just yet and certainly not all at the same time. Nevertheless, as Smith was officially unveiled in the Pavilion at Hove, decked in the club’s disarming baby blue-trimmed stash while the pigeons fed on the freshly laid seed on the outfield, the Ashes cogs finally began turning.This will be his first taste of the County Championship. A previous dalliance in the shires came in 2010 via a short stint for Worcestershire in the T20 Blast. As it happens, they will be his first opponents before taking on Leicestershire and then Glamorgan, his only match at “home”.Older and wiser, he is willing to make himself as useful as possible to a young squad slowly turning their fortunes around, with runs on the field and advice off it. Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace believes as much, going further to state the county and the domestic system as a whole will benefit from Smith’s time in the system. The latter carried particular emphasis.Related
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Farbrace certainly does not subscribe to the view that giving a rival batter valuable preparation ahead of the Ashes is akin to professional treason. “I’ve got good friends who think that we’re helping Australia to win the Ashes,” he said with a smile “We’re not at all.”Nor does he resent some of the talk that he, chief executive Rob Andrew and Sussex are hurting English cricket. That there is talk at all is only a good thing.”Sport’s all about opinions,” said Farbrace. “That’s what we love about the game. I’ve got very strong views on Chelsea. The fact that people are talking about Championship cricket is only good for the game.”It was down to Smith to respectfully cut through the noise. “I’ve seen a lot of talk about getting used to conditions,” he said. “But you’ve got to remember I’ve played a lot of cricket in England before. So conditions aren’t really new to me, if that makes sense.” It certainly does: a record of 16 Tests, six centuries and an average of 59.55 over here suggests he is overly familiar with these conditions.Having chosen to skip the IPL by not entering the auction, Smith has spent the last few weeks resting in Australia. That downtime has meant plenty of time to keep across bold proclamations on the other side of the world.Following Cricket Australia’s reposting of Stuart Broad’s quotes that he’d enjoy seeing Smith attempt to mimic England’s attacking style of play and “sky one to mid off early doors”, the England quick took to the comments section to make a clarification. “To be fair I love it any time we get him out, in any variety, cause he averages 60,” wrote Broad. Smith, thumbs idle, saw an opportunity and replied: “hopefully 65 by the end of the summer”.”I had some friendly banter with Broady as you’ve probably all see the other day,” Smith said of the exchange. What, then, did he make of Broad’s assertion that the 2021-22 series, which England lost 4-0, was a “void series” because of the Covid restrictions in place?”I mean, it was a little odd,” said Smith. “We were all there and playing so it was a little bit odd, you know? He’s a nice guy and loves throwing out some good banter so it’s all part of it.”It certainly wasn’t ideal scenarios. But the whole world was going through it and we were in the middle of a pandemic, so we couldn’t really complain too much. We were actually out there being able to do what we love, so I don’t really have much more to add to it.”Steve Smith checks out his home away from home at Hove•Getty ImagesNo doubt there will be more talk to come. For now, Smith is gearing towards a return to competitive action, which began on Monday with a session with the 2nd XI before batting with the first team on Tuesday morning.He did so in a net alongside Cheteshwar Pujara, his captain for these three matches before becoming an opponent for the WTC Final in a month’s time at The Oval. With Pujara batting three, Smith will slot in at five. “I haven’t been that low for a while,” he said. “I’ve played a lot against Pujara, watched him churn out plenty of runs. So it’d be nice to spend some time in the middle with him and put a few good partnerships together.”Another intriguing team-mate dynamic to negotiate will be lining up alongside England seamer Ollie Robinson. Robinson has been bullish about the hosts’ giving Australia “a good hiding”. He also flipped the narrative that Smith at Sussex is to the detriment to the national side by suggesting it could be good to “get a better look at him in the nets”. Robinson even suggested he might choose not to bowl at Smith to keep his cards close to his chest. He ended up doing so on Monday, to good effect.”Ollie bowled to me yesterday actually,” revealed Smith. “I left one third ball and he knocked me over. So that wasn’t ideal.”But I was impressed with him actually when he was out in Australia. I thought he had some really good skills. He’s quite tall, he hit some good areas and looks like he’s got better since then. So I’m looking forward to playing with him this week.”Smith stated it also allows him to run the rule over Robinson, which touches on an aspect lost in framing all this. Despite all Smith has achieved so far, this summer is one of huge opportunityBecoming a World Test Champion carries a modern-day gravitas. The traditional pull of the Ashes is a little greater this time given it will be Smith’s fourth tour of England and he has yet to win one. Australia’s last victory on these shores came in 2001.
“This will be my fourth (Ashes) tour. Could this be my last? Potentially.”Steve Smith
They were close in 2019, losing the last Test at the Oval to draw two-all. Retaining the urn made not winning four years ago academic to a point, though Smith’s exploits in that series lifted him to legendary status.He struck 774 runs at an average of 110.57 from just four matches after missing the Headingley Test after he was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s. As much as that series was cathartic for Smith after returning from a year-long ban for his part in 2018’s sandpaper controversy, the result is something he is keen to rectify. Ideally, while posting similar numbers.”It would be a huge one to tick off the bucket list, I suppose,” said Smith of the prospect of winning in England. “We haven’t been able to do it but we got close last time and were unable to get over the line. It’s certainly something that would be high up on my bucket list and everyone else in the team as well.””I’ve got a lot of fond memories from 2019 and the way I played and I’d love to replicate that and do something similar.”All being well, Smith’s 100th cap will come in the third Test at Headingley. Fitting given it was on his first trip to England in 2013 that he struck the first of 30 centuries, the start of that transformation from awkward leg-spinner to peerless modern batting great. Could this be his final tour?”This will be my fourth (Ashes) tour. Could this be my last? Potentially. I mean, I’m 34 in just under a month. I’m not sure I’ll be back. We’ll see.”
Moving stadiums can give a football team a fresh lease of life.
Whether it means allowing thousands more fans to watch games each week, reimagining the design so seats feel closer to the pitch, or providing state-of-the-art facilities for players, a new stadium can also transform a club’s fortunes.
It can enhance the matchday atmosphere, boost revenue and attract top talent, all while giving supporters a modern and exciting place to cheer on their team.
Since the Premier League began in 1992, 19 teams have played football at a new home stadium. Some have left behind historic venues, while others have embraced modern masterpieces, but not every move has been a success.
Here, we have ranked all 19 of these new stadiums based on their design, atmosphere and the memorable moments they’ve seen since the move.
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ByBarney Lane Mar 6, 2025 19 Brick Community Stadium (Wigan Athletic) Opened: 1999
Wigan Athletic moved to the Brick Community Stadium in 1999, leaving Springfield Park. Formerly known as the JJB Stadium and then the DW Stadium, the ground has a capacity of 25,138 and features modern amenities, catering to football and rugby league events.
Wigan spent eight seasons playing Premier League football at the stadium, lifting the FA Cup in 2013.
18 MKM Stadium (Hull City) Opened: 2002
A bit like the Brick Community Stadium, Hull City’s MKM Stadium caters for football and rugby league, serving as the home of the Tigers and Hull F.C. of the Super League.
Previously known as the KCOM Stadium, Hull City moved there in 2002 from Boothferry Park. Six years later, they achieved a historic milestone, earning promotion to the Premier League for the first time while playing at their new home.
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ByLuke Randall Mar 11, 2024 17 Swansea.com Stadium (Swansea City) Opened: 2005
Another club whose ground hosts football and rugby – this time with rugby union side Ospreys – Swansea City moved to the then-named Liberty Stadium in 2005, leaving behind Vetch Field.
Now known as the Swansea.com Stadium, it has a capacity of 21,088. While undeniably a step up from their former home in terms of facilities, it’s a little bland.
16 Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff City) Opened: 2009
The Cardiff City Stadium opened in 2009, replacing Ninian Park as the Welsh club’s home. Cardiff City secured promotion to the Premier League in 2013, with the stadium witnessing the celebratory 0-0 draw against Charlton Athletic that secured top-flight status.
It’s not a bad stadium, but is somewhat overshadowed by the much more impressive Millennium Stadium just down the road.
15 Gtech Community Stadium (Brentford) Opened: 2020
Built with their Premier League ambitions in mind, Brentford moved to the Gtech Community Stadium in 2020, departing from their long-term home at Griffin Park.
Though the Bees have enjoyed remarkable success at the ground, it simply doesn’t rank highly here because of its tiny capacity of just 17,250 – which is far too small for the Premier League and a club of its stature.
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ByJamie Rooke Sep 2, 2023 14 Madejski Stadium (Reading) Opened: 1998
Reading transitioned to the Madejski Stadium in 1998, leaving Elm Park behind. The Royals soon went on to enjoy two of the most successful seasons in their history at the ground – winning the Championship in 2005/06 before finishing eighth in the Premier League in their first top-flight season.
The stadium itself is decent, but it doesn’t particularly stand out from the crowd.
13 St Mary's Stadium (Southampton) Opened: 2001
Southampton moved to St Mary’s Stadium in 2001 from their historic home at The Dell.
Although much larger, with a capacity of 32,384, St Mary’s lacks the unique atmosphere that made The Dell so special. Additionally, its location on the outskirts of Southampton can make it feel somewhat detached from the heart of the city, affecting the matchday experience.
12 Pride Park (Derby County) Opened: 1997
Derby County moved to Pride Park in 1997 from the Baseball Ground.
Strangely enough, it was actually designed to resemble the Riverside Stadium, which opened a couple of years prior – and it has turned out to be quite similar: a large, modern and tidy-looking stadium that often lacks a strong atmosphere, and aesthetically speaking, doesn’t leave a particularly lasting impression.
11 Riverside Stadium (Middlesbrough) Opened: 1995
With a capacity of 34,742, Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium, which the club moved to in 1995 from Ayresome Park, is currently one of the biggest in the United Kingdom outside the Premier League.
However, big isn’t always better, as the stadium can sometimes feel a bit too vast, especially when not full. Still, it looks quite nice and was home to Boro’s historic run to the UEFA Cup final in 2006.
10 Toughsheet Community Stadium (Bolton Wanderers) Opened: 1997
Once home to legendary players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Youri Djorkaeff and Ivan Campo, the Toughsheet Community Stadium, formerly the Reebok Stadium, became Bolton Wanderers’ home in 1997 after their move from Burnden Park.
During the club’s peak years in the Premier League, the ground was often regarded as a fortress, with Bolton regularly finishing in mid-table and competing in European competitions.
They might not have won anything, but Mauricio Pochettino’s peak Tottenham Hotspur team was packed with talent.
The North Londoners were blessed with some truly sensational players from front to back during that period.
Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dele Alli were scoring for fun, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld created one of the best defensive pairings in Europe, and Hugo Lloris was, more often than not, a rock at the back.
However, perhaps the most underrated player – among non-Spurs fans – of them all from that period was the incredible Mousa Dembélé, and it looks as if Ange Postecoglou may have just uncovered his own version of the Belgian.
Mousa Dembélé's Spurs career
In the summer of 2012, after spending just over two seasons with West London side Fulham, Dembélé completed a £15m move to Spurs.
The former AZ Alkmaar star made an instant impact in North London, scoring on his debut – against Norwich City – and ending his first campaign at the club with 42 appearances across all competitions.
Already an established part of the first team, the Belgian “monster,” as dubbed by Eric Dier, took yet another step forward when Pochettino joined the club in May 2014.
Under the Argentine’s leadership, the Antwerp-born dynamo turned into one of the very best central midfielders in the Premier League, someone capable of winning the ball in his own half and carrying it all the way up the pitch for someone else to finish.
His immense abilities weren’t lost on his teammates or manager either, with Kyle Walker describing him as “the best player I’ve ever seen play football” and Pochettino claiming that he was a footballing “genius.”
In all, the 37-year-old made 249 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring ten goals and providing ten assists, before moving to the Chinese Super League in January 2019 and retiring four years later.
Dembélé was an utterly sublime footballer, and while the club haven’t been able to replace him, Postecoglou may have just stumbled upon the club’s next version of the Belgian.
Appearances
249
Starts
181
Minutes
16115′
Goals
10
Assists
10
Goal Involvements per Match
0.08
Minutes per Goal Involvement
805.75
Spurs' next Dembélé
Now, we are aware that such a label can be both a blessing and a curse for players, but we reckon Lucas Bergvall has more than enough talent to make good on it.
The young midfielder was signed from Swedish outfit Djurgårdens for around £8.5m last winter but didn’t officially join the squad until last summer, and while it took him some time to get up to speed in the first team, he has recently been one of the club’s most impressive players.
Like Dembélé, the young Swede is seemingly a natural in a few positions in midfield, making 34 appearances in central midfield, 16 in attacking midfield and 13 in defensive midfield.
Moreover, while each role requires something a little different from the 19-year-old, be that a dangerous final ball from the ten position or a brilliant interception at the base of midfield, he’s shown one quality that the Belgian star was known for: ball-carrying.
According to FBref, the “generational” talent, as dubbed by journalist Mitch Fretton, sits in the top 3% of midfielders in the Premier League this season for total carrying distance, the top 5% for successful take-ons, the top 7% for progressive carrying distance, the top 10% for carries and more, all per 90.
Finally, while the “uber-complete” teenage phenom, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, certainly has what it takes to play in the number ten position in the future, it does seem like Postecoglu and Co will be able to get more out of his incredible skillset by playing him in the middle of the park, where Dembélé used to boss games.
Ultimately, while he’s still incredibly young, and a lot could happen over the coming years, it looks like Spurs might just have their next genuinely great central midfielder in Bergvall.
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ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 19, 2025
Lucknow Super Giants 257 for 5 (Stoinis 72, Mayers 54, Pooran 45, Badoni 43, Rabada 2-52) beat Punjab Kings 201 (Taide 66, Thakur 4-37, Naveen 3-30, Bishnoi 2-41) by 56 runsMarcus Stoinis: 72 off 40 balls. Kyle Mayers: 54 from 24. Nicholas Pooran: 45 off 19. Ayush Badoni: 43 from 24. Their contributions led Lucknow Super Giants to 257 for 5, the highest total this IPL season, and the second highest in the tournament’s history.Punjab Kings fought hard to get past 200 themselves, with Atharva Taide slamming a 36-ball 66, but they were never really in contention to reach an improbable target. Super Giants won by 56 runs in the end, and their net-run-rate boost lifted them from fourth to second on the points table.LSG’s hitting was awe-inspiring: their batters combined to hit 27 fours and 14 sixes, ensuring the statisticians had a busy night.Marcus Stoinis goes one-handed•Associated Press
The entertainment began when Mayers clubbed Arshdeep Singh for four fours in the second over. Next over, he deposited a free hit from debutant Gurnoor Brar for six over midwicket. When PBKS introduced spin, Mayers went 6, 4, 6 off Sikandar Raza in the fifth over. He was dismissed with one ball left in the powerplay, but by then he’d already scored 54 – the most by a batter in the first six overs this season. LSG ended that phase at 72 for 2.
In seven previous innings this season, Stoinis had been dismissed for 21 or less five times, including a duck in his last game against Chennai Super Kings. But when he’s got into his groove, LSG have prospered. He’d slammed 65 off 30 in a successful chase of 213 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, and here in Mohali Stoinis was similarly brutal.It began with a free-hit off the second legal ball of the eighth over, which Stoinis flicked for six off Gurnoor. The next ball was driven for four, and Stoinis was away. In the tenth over, he guided Sam Curran for four behind point; and when the bowler tried a slower delivery, he put him away with a short-arm pull.There was a life in the 13th over when Liam Livingstone’s left foot tickled the rope while he caught Stoinis on the long-off boundary, off Rahul Chahar. Stoinis soon reached fifty from 31 balls, his innings of 72 eventually featuring five sixes.
The bowlers had no respite when Stoinis was off strike. Badoni put on 89 for the third wicket with Stoinisk and struck three fours and three sixes while rushing along at a strike rate close to 180. His dismissal in the 14th over brought Pooran to the crease, and he immediately hit Liam Livingstone for three successive fours.Pooran’s 45 off 19 featured just a solitary six, a swivel-pull that sailed high over fine leg, but there were seven fours, most of them timed beautifully through gaps in the outfield, with a late squeeze behind point of Arshdeep standing out.Atharva Taide attempts to ramp the ball•Associated Press
Sent in at No. 3 after Shikhar Dhawan departed in the first over, Taide kept ticking along as his partners came and went. Taide made 31 of the 47 runs PBKS scored in the first five overs, including five boundaries, including a leg-side hoick, a drive past mid-off, and a slap through point off one Avesh Khan over, and he followed up with a big six off Amit Mishra soon after the powerplay.Taide got to his half-century from 26 deliveries to start the tenth over, but by then PBKS’ required rate was already threatening to touch 16 an over. And when Taide departed after miscuing a slog-sweep off Ravi Bishnoi, PBKS needed a near-impossible 131 from seven overs, with six wickets in hand.Livingstone, Curran and Jitesh Sharma kept the boundary count rising – there were 67 in all, eventually, the joint second-most in an IPL game – but the contest was done and dusted by then.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in talks to sign a “very quick” defender in free transfer ahead of Bayern Munich.
Levy eyeing new managers and players for Tottenham ahead of summer
It could be a busy few months behind the scenes in north London for Daniel Levy and co, with manager Ange Postecoglou seemingly under big pressure.
Spurs and Postecoglou have lost 19 games in all competitions this season, with the latest defeat coming at Fulham prior to the international break.
That resulted in a number of managers being linked with replacing Postecoglou at Tottenham, including Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, Fulham manager Marco Silva and ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Talking to Sky Sports recently, the USA manager said about a return to Tottenham: “Look, when I left the club I always remember one interview I said I would like one day to come back to Tottenham and that is of course.
“I am in the USA, I am not going to no, I’m not going to talk about that, but what I said then still after six years or five years, I still feel in my heart that, yes, I would like one day to come back. We see the timing, like Daniel said.”
Spurs doing groundwork to sign "exceptional" £55m winger; he's a key target
Tottenham are looking to make a splash in the summer transfer window.
ByDominic Lund Mar 25, 2025
In the transfer market, Tottenham are also starting to make early moves ahead of the summer, with an opening bid worth £38m submitted by Spurs to sign Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg.
At the back, Tottenham have seemingly started discussions over a cheaper move to sign an international defender, amid concerns Cristian Romero is interested in a move to Real Madrid.
Tottenham make contact to sign Jonathan Tah for free
According to a report from Spain, Tottenham have been in contact over a move to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah. The Germany international is out of contract with Leverkusen at the end of the season and has decided to leave the Bundesliga champions in the summer.
Spurs ‘have already initiated contacts to learn about the terms of his potential transfer’, as have Liverpool, whereas Bayern Munich are also eyeing a move for the 29-year-old.
Tah has been with Leverkusen since 2015 and looks set to depart after 10 years. During that time, the centre-back has made close to 400 appearances, scored 16 goals and won his first two major honours with Leverkusen last season.
He’s been linked with Chelsea and West Ham in the past and was previously hailed by former Leverkusen boss Gerardo Seoane, who said: “Jonathan has a great history here. He’s an international player. He’s ambitious. He is held in high regard by his teammates. We expect him to take the next step personality-wise.
Elsewhere, former Germany manager Joachim Low praised Tah’s physicality and speed, saying: “He’s a young player with a lot of potential. He’s physically strong and very quick. Everything is possible.”
MatériaMais Notícias
O Fluminense de Fernando Diniz, que não perde há 13 jogos na temporada, ganhou elogios do técnico da Seleção Brasileira. Em entrevista à ESPN, Tite foi questionado sobrequal time joga o melhor futebol no Brasil. Assim, dentre as equipes eleitas, ele citou o Tricolor e deu destaque para o trabalho feito por Diniz.
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>Eleições: veja o cenário atual da política do Fluminense
-Qual o melhor futebol? O que é mais bonito? É muito abrangente. Quem é o mais vencedor? O mais efetivo? Qual o momento? Tenho acompanhado mais o futebol carioca presencialmente, e o Flamengo e o Fluminense, pelo (Dorival) Júnior e pelo Diniz, têm tido a plasticidade junto com a eficiência, com resultado e consistência. Em São Paulo, Palmeiras tem sido consistente. Atlético-MG tem a condição de retomar agora o melhor padrão com Cuca, não estava antes – disse Tite.
Sob o comando de Fernando Diniz, como já citado acima, o Flu está invicto há 13 partidas. Além disso, está a um empate de avançar à semifinal da Copa do Brasil e no terceiro lugar do Brasileirão, com 38 pontos conquistados.
Em tempo: de olho no título do Brasileirão, o Fluminense volta a campo no domingo, às 19h, para enfrentar o Internacional no Beira-Rio. A partida é válida pela 22ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro e terá transmissão em tempo real do LANCE!.
India captain Rohit Sharma is disappointed at the process followed by third umpire Richard Kettleborough in deciding to rule Shubman Gill out in the final innings of the WTC final on Saturday. Rohit feels the third umpire could have taken more time and looked at more angles before arriving at his decision.”I just felt disappointed. I mean, the third umpire should have seen a little more replays, a little more of, you know, how the catch has been held,” Rohit said after India’s 209-run loss early on Sunday. “I think it was three or four times he saw, and he was convinced with it. It’s not about whether it was given out or not out, you need to have a proper and clear information about anything. It’s just not about the catch, it can be about anything.”Related
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Gill caught by Green: clean or not?
Gill facepalms TV umpire's decision in Green's favour
Gill was out jabbing to gully where Cameron Green took a low catch diving to his left to end a threatening opening stand of 41 in India’s chase of 444. The decision was referred upstairs, and in the absence of a soft signal, which has now been done away with, Kettleborough went through a number of replays before ruling in Australia’s favour.”That was, that is something that I was a little disappointed with – the decision was made quite quickly,” Rohit said. “When a catch like that has been taken, you need to be more than 100% sure because it’s a final and we were at that important stage of the game as well. So that was to me a little disappointing.”Rohit Sharma feels the third umpire should have watched more replays, from more angles, before coming to his decision on Green’s catch•Getty Images
The replays on the broadcast seemed to lose a bit of action between frames, between Green catching the ball with his fingers underneath it, as he fell to the turf, and then throwing it up in celebration. The big question at the time was whether the ball touched the ground when his hand hit the turf.”More camera angles should have been shown,” Rohit went on. “There was only one or two camera angles that were shown. We’ve got more angles in IPL. We’ve got 10 different angles in IPL. I don’t know why in a world event like this, there was no ultra motion that was seen or any kind of zoomed image was seen. That is what I was a little disappointed with.”Australia captain Pat Cummins, though, was more than satisfied with the process followed, and suggested that Kettleborough was the best umpire in the world, when asked his thoughts on the catch. He was also asked about Green being booed by a section of the Indian fans.”Passionate fans,” Cummins said. “But I thought it was a fair catch. Green was an absolute screamer and obviously we’re just players, we’re out on the field so we leave it in the umpire’s hands and personally, probably the best umpire in the world, he knows the rule books, he’s seen every angle. I’d probably back his decision more so than emotional, passionate fans that are looking on a big screen from 100 meters away.”Cummins in a way echoed former Australia captain Ricky Ponting’s views. “When I saw it live, I knew it had carried to him on the full, but I wasn’t sure what the action was after that from all replays we have seen,” he told the ICC. “I actually think some part of the ball did touch the ground and it is the interpretation of the umpire that as long as the fielder has complete control of the ball before the ball hits the ground then it is out. That must have been what the umpires’ interpretation was and I think that is exactly what happened. It carried probably six or eight inches off the ground then there was another action after that.”