Josh Sargent is becoming a “big problem” for the USMNT and Norwich, with it revealed that he has not taken in a full week of training for months.
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Striker enjoying rich vein of formForced out of latest USMNT squadNo risks being taken on fitnessWHAT HAPPENED?
The 24-year-old striker missed 20 games for his domestic employers early in the 2023-24 campaign through injury. He has returned with a bang, taking his goal tally for the season to 13 with a flurry of efforts in 2024.
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Sargent has matched his personal best return for a single season and had been hoping to figure prominently for club and country over the coming weeks – with Norwich chasing a play-off spot in the Championship, while the United States are readying themselves for CONCACAF Nations League finals and Copa America quests.
WHAT WAGNER SAID ABOUT SARGENT
Sargent has, however, picked up another knock and dropped out of the latest USMNT squad. Norwich boss David Wagner has said when asked for an update on the latest fitness concern: “Since he has been back with us, he did not have one week of full team training. This is a big issue, a big problem. He is a super fit guy in general, his whole body shape is top, and this is why he can tolerate it. But we have to come to a solution where we can continue to invest until the end of the season. But first and foremost we must assess him from this game.”
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR SARGENT?
No risks will be taken on Sargent from here, with Norwich aware of how important he has become to their cause. There has been talk of the in-form frontman securing a transfer to the Premier League if the Canaries were to miss out on promotion.
Sheffield Wednesday could be set to lose one of their squad members in January, with a fresh report revealing that he is keen to start a new adventure elsewhere in 2024.
Who has left Sheffield Wednesday?
Over the summer, the Owls sanctioned the permanent sales of Dennis Adeniran, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Jack Hunt, Jaden Brown and David Stockdale, whilst also releasing Ben Heneghan, and even though the previous window has now closed, there could be another handful heading for the exit door at the start of next year.
New manager Danny Rohl has 16 players who will reach the conclusion of their deals at the end of the season, including five who are only on a season-long loan (Sheffield Wednesday contracts), and one of those in particular looks like he is keen to move onto new pastures when he's given the opportunity to do so.
In the Championship, Ciaran Brennan has made zero appearances since the start of the campaign because he wasn’t included in the club’s squad that was submitted to the EFL in September meaning that he’s not eligible to feature (Yorkshire Live).
The Republic of Ireland’s youth centre-back has previously been sent out on three loans to Gainsborough, Notts County and Swindon Town in order to increase his game time (Transfermarkt – Brennan statistics), and there’s a chance that the 23-year-old could be set to do the same once again, or even complete a departure for good.
Ciaran Brennan transfer update
According to Yorkshire Live who have offered a transfer update on Ciaran Brennan, Sheffield Wednesday are expected to allow the defender to leave in January, with the player understandably unhappy with his current situation at the Hillsborough Stadium.
"Sheffield Wednesday's forgotten man Ciaran Brennan will consider his future in the New Year and is open to a move elsewhere, Yorkshire Live understands. Brennan could potentially move out on loan in the meantime, but only to a National League side.
"Whilst such a move would give him much-needed senior game time, it is understood he would prefer to wait until the New Year when the transfer window re-opens. That would give him scope at moving elsewhere within the EFL or further afield if the opportunity arises."
Sheffield Wednesday defender Ciaran Brennan.
How good is Ciaran Brennan?
Whilst Brennan is significantly out of favour at Sheffield Wednesday, he is still more than capable of delivering an “accomplished” performance, as hailed by the club’s former manager Darren Moore, so chiefs should have a change of heart regarding his future and actually give him a chance to prove what he’s capable of.
Standing at 6 foot 2, the colossus was averaging 2.5 clearances and 1.2 aerial wins per game in League Two whilst at Swindon last season (WhoScored – Brennan statistics), so he can be an absolute rock at the heart of a backline, but perhaps not with Wednesday going forward.
Leeds United moved a whopping seven points clear of Burnley in third place in the Championship after they produced another impressive comeback to beat Sheffield United 3-1 at Bramall Lane.
The Whites found themselves 1-0 down at half-time, due to an own goal from Illan Meslier, but battled back to score three goals in the second half, two of which came within the last few minutes of normal time.
Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka, and Joel Piroe stepped up to win the match for the West Yorkshire outfit, as they took another step towards automatic promotion to the Premier League this season.
Daniel Farke’s side completed the league double over the Blades, having beaten them 2-0 at Elland Road earlier this season, and are now five points clear at the top, as the German head coach goes in search of his third title at this level.
Leeds United's match-winners against Sheffield United
After Firpo planted a sublime header into the back of the net to make the game 1-1 in the 72nd minute, there was still plenty of time for either side to go on and find a winner.
Instead of, as you may expect, the home team using the crowd to push them on top in the match, Leeds controlled the game and continued to create chances, eventually taking the lead in the 88th minute.
Firpo, who had scored the equaliser, flicked the ball on and found Tanaka, whose fantastic header evaded the Sheffield United defenders attempting to make a clearance on the line – creating incredible scenes in the away end behind the goal.
A minute after the restart, the Whites found themselves 3-1 up after Piroe fired a fierce effort towards goal from 20 yards, which beat Michael Cooper, who may feel he should have done more to keep the shot out.
Championship top scorers (25/02/2025)
Player
Appearances
Goals
Joel Piroe (Leeds)
34
15
Borja Sainz (Norwich)
29
15
Josh Maja (West Brom)
26
12
Wilson Isidor (Sunderland)
31
12
Josh Sargent (Norwich)
20
11
Stats via BBC
As you can see in the table above, the Dutch marksman is now level on goals with Norwich City winger Borja Sainz as the top scorer in the Championship this season, which illustrates how impressive he has been in front of goal for the Whites.
Whilst there were plenty of positives for Farke and Leeds, with Firpo, Piroe, and Tanaka’s heroics, there were also some disappointing individual displays, including Meslier’s.
Illan Meslier's performance against Sheffield United
The French goalkeeper did not cover himself in glory in the first half against the Blades as his shaky moments in the opening 25 minutes or so set the tone for the rest of the team in the opening 45 minutes.
He fumbled multiple crosses into his penalty box and one cross that he failed to get to had to be cleared off the line by Ilia Gruev, who brilliantly got down to head the ball before it crossed the line to make it 1-0.
The former Lorient man was not so lucky a few minutes later, however, as Vinicius Souza’s header came back off the post and was diverted into his own net by Meslier, who palmed the ball back into the goal as it was bouncing back across the box.
Leeds United’s number one did, however, go on to make four saves in the match and won all three of his aerial battles, despite fumbling a couple of crosses in the first-half, which shows that it was not a completely dismal display by the shot-stopper.
24/25 Championship
Illan Meslier
Appearances
34
Clean sheets
20
Save percentage
72%
Goals prevented
-0.68
Error led to goal
2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Meslier’s individual statistics are far from impressive, despite keeping 20 clean sheets, as he has slightly underperformed as a shot-stopper overall.
The Leeds star who should be dropped after Sheffield United
The French giant was not the worst performer on the pitch for the Whites, though, as Brenden Aaronson failed to step up to the mark in the number ten position.
Whilst the USA international may not be immediately dropped from the starting line-up, as the Whites do not have another natural attacking midfielder to slot into his role, Leeds may have to bin him from the team upon any potential promotion to the Premier League.
Chalkboard
Aaronson was ranked as the worst-performing player in the Premier League by Sofascore when he was relegated with the club in the 2022/23 campaign and displays like his one against Sheffield United on Monday night do little to suggest he will fare any better next time around.
TEAMtalk writer James Marshment described the midfielder’s performance as “anonymous” and his statistics suggest that it was a fair description by the reporter.
The former Union Berlin loanee did not create any ‘big chances’ for his teammates and did not register a single shot on goal in his 58 minutes on the pitch, whilst he also lost five of his seven duels. He was even worse than Meslier, who at least made some saves to help the team out and only let in one goal, and did not do enough to justify his inclusion as a starter.
This shows that Aaronson was saved by Piroe and Tanaka’s late heroics after his uneventful showing left the Whites chasing the game heading into the final 30 minutes, as they were 1-0 down when he was substituted.
Form against the Championship top six
Brenden Aaronson vs
Goals
Assists
West Brom (A)
0
0
Burnley (H)
0
0
Sunderland (A)
0
0
Sheffield United (H)
0
0
Blackburn (A)
0
0
Blackburn (H)
0
0
Burnley (A)
0
0
Sunderland (H)
0
0
Sheffield United (A)
0
0
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old flop has struggled badly against the top sides in the Championship this season, with zero goal contributions in nine matches against the other teams in the current top six.
This suggests that Aaronson is not cut out to make the step up to the Premier League, despite his return of eight goals and two assists in the second tier, because he has lacked quality against top-quality opposition, which is what he would be up against in the top-flight.
Therefore, Leeds and Farke must bin the American lightweight, who has already failed once in the Premier League, if they earn promotion this season, as it does not appear as though he is ready to make the jump.
"Unplayable" Leeds summer target is now available for between £10m and £15m
Leeds are keen on signing the forward in the summer and their chances of doing so have just been boosted.
Everton are back in action this afternoon, as the Blues welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Goodison Park on match day 11 of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
It has been a week of highs for Sean Dyche’s side, who secured a 1-0 away win against West Ham United last time out in the league, with their form added to midweek in knocking Burnley out of the Carabao Cup thanks to a 3-0 victory at Goodison.
An even bigger challenge awaits this afternoon in the form of Roberto De Zerbi’s Seagulls, who will be desperate to win after hitting a sticky patch of form.
Everton team news vs Brighton
Having won three of their previous five fixtures, Everton will be hopeful to continue their impressive run, and prolong Brighton’s woes in the league.
After an electrifying start to the campaign, De Zerbi’s side are without a win in their last four Premier League games, giving Dyche added motivation to keep his squad pushing up the table.
With reference to team news, there are no new injuries to report, with the only change in the squad expected to be the return of Ashley Young following his one-match suspension.
Dyche also relayed in his pre-match press conference that Seamus Coleman is edging closer to fitness after his horrific knee injury sustained six months ago, while Dele and Andre Gomes remain a distance away from being match fit.
Following the comprehensive win against Burnley on Wednesday night, Dyche may opt to make some changes, with one name a must-pick for the starting XI after being benched against the Clarets.
The stats that suggest Abdoulaye Doucoure must start against Brighton
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure started on the bench in midweek, giving Arnaut Danjuma a chance to show his worth away from the Premier League.
While the Villarreal loanee provides an encouraging threat in the final third, he is almost certainly in line to be restored to the bench this afternoon to allow the 30-year-old to reclaim his spot.
Danjuma played 68 minutes against Burnley and failed to register a single effort on goal, to go along with 17 touches and one key pass, as he was unable to make a significant impact on the match, which is why he could be instantly ditched.
In playing behind the striker, Doucoure has shown how vital he is to the Toffees this term, showcasing his playmaking and goal scoring qualities, as well as his ability to eliminate danger in midfield.
With three Premier League goals so far, the Mali international is Dyche’s joint-top scorer, level with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, highlighting his proficiency in front of goal.
The former Watford ace also averages an impressive 1.6 key passes per game this term, as well as portraying his combative side with 1.7 tackles averaged in the midfield, via WhoScored.
Abdoulaye Doucoure 2023/24 Premier League
Statistic
Average
Pass completion %
82.4%
Goals
3
Key passes per game
1.6
Tackles per game
1.7
Shots per game
1.8
Figures via WhoScored
These statistics suggest that Doucoure has the potential to break down the Seagulls with his attacking prowess, as a scorer and a creator, in a way that Danjuma was unable to against Burnley.
Considering the threat that Brighton can exert when at their best, Dyche must restore the Malian to the starting XI, as the Dutch forward continues to find his feet in England.
Once lauded as Everton’s “catalyst” by the manager, Doucoure will hope to cap off an already memorable week with a result this afternoon, after signing a contract extension to 2025 on Friday.
USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter revealed postgame that USA hero Haji Wright nearly missed out on Nations League camp due to a family vacation.
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USA defeat Jamaica 3-1
Wright scores extra-time brace
Berhalter shares story on striker's inclusion
WHAT HAPPENED?
After an injury to Josh Sargent forced him to exit the U.S. camp, Haji Wright was called in as his replacement, but only by a matter of minutes.
After the USMNT's come-from-behind CONCACAF Nations League semifinal victory Thursday evening, where Wright netted both strikes in extra-time to secure victory, Berhalter revealed just how close the U.S. was to missing out on securing the Coventry City striker for the tournament.
Indeed, the U.S. boss caught Wright at the airport with his family, just as he was about to board a plane and head out on holiday.
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WHAT GREGG BERHALTER SAID POSTGAME
"He actually got Coach's Man of the Match, and for good reason," Berhalter said. "You have to shake off the disappointment of not getting selected in the first place and then you come into the group and it's always a tough feeling because you feel like you're second choice. When I called him and told him he wasn't in the team, the message was, 'You're doing everything right, you can't do anything more so just be patient'. I told him that this camp, we opted for this but when we called him to come in, and I'll share this with you, he was getting on a plane to go to Dubai. He had a family vacation planned for the International break.
"So I call him and he was like, 'Well, I'm at the airport and my whole family's here, my agent's already there, my girlfriend, she planned the whole thing'. This really happened! What do you do, right? I said, 'Haji, I'm going to give you 10 minutes', I didn't give him a timer but I said, 'Let's hang up and you just think about it, process it. I know it's a lot of information right now for you to handle and I know you have your parents, the bags are packed, and you're at the airport, but just think about it for 10 minutes and give me a call back'.
"He called me back and he said, 'I'm in', and, when I heard that, it really shows what type of guy he is and what his character is."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Wright doubled his USMNT goalscoring tally Thursday evening, building on his effort in the 2022 World Cup knockout round loss against the Netherlands. His stupendous second-half cameo, alongside Gio Reyna – who assisted both of his goals – singlehandedly carried the USMNT into Sunday's final.
He wasn't even supposed to be a part of this tournament, but an injury to Sargent gave him the opportunity, and Wright took it. With 15 goals and six assists across all competitions in the English Championship with Coventry City, he was a worthy replacement, but his performance Thursday put him in concrete contention for a role in the XI going forward.
Now the biggest question ahead of the championship game involves Wright: does he start on Sunday?
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WHAT NEXT FOR WRIGHT AND THE USMNT?
The U.S. will take on Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League final Sunday, following their win over Panama in the other semifinal. With a victory, it will be a third-straight title for the U.S., as Berhalter's squad looks for their first trophy of the calendar year.
Germany women coach Horst Hrubesch has suggested that Chelsea goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has a "few problems" with Blues coach Emma Hayes.
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Berger has fallen out of favour at ChelseaGermany manager hinted at issue with HayesBlues sit top of WSL on goal differenceWHAT HAPPENED?
Despite taking on a key role for the Blues after joining the club from Birmingham in 2019, Berger has fallen out of favour this season, being reduced to just five Women's Super League appearances. She has not featured in the league since the 4-1 loss to Arsenal in early December.
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Despite seeing Hannah Hampton replace her in the Chelsea starting XI, the 33-year-old was called up to the Germany squad for the upcoming European Championship qualification matches against Austria and Iceland. Merle Frohms is expected to be given the nod ahead of Berger, but Hrubesch has expressed his confidence in the Chelsea shot stopper.
WHAT HRUBESCH SAID
He told reporters: "Ann-Katrin Berger is a very experienced player who has proven herself for many years. In my eyes she is the type that's very valuable for the team. At the moment she's playing in England and – as far as I can tell – has a few problems with her coach over there. But I know her qualities. That's why it was important for me, to have two experienced keepers at the position, plus a young one from Frankfurt. With those three we're very well off."
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BERGER?
Berger will likely watch on from the sidelines as Chelsea take on Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday and then visit Arsenal in the FA Women's League Cup on Sunday before she joins up with the Germany squad.
O São Paulo perdeu uma grande chance de chegar mais perto da liderança do Campeonato Brasileiro ao empatar por 1 a 1 com o Ceará, em Fortaleza. Isso porque a equipe dominou as ações na maior parte do jogo e desperdiçou boas chances para sair vencedor do confronto.
Para se ter uma ideia, o Tricolor teve ao todo 69% de posse de bola, sendo 67% no primeiro tempo e 70% na segunda etapa. Se contarmos as finalizações, o São Paulo chutou 18 vezes, contra 11 do Ceará. Porém, faltou acertar a pontaria, já que somente quatro acertaram o gol cearense.
E nessa estatística que podemos ver o primeiro vacilo. Com tantas chances criadas, os comandados de Fernando Diniz poderiam ter tido mais capricho e acertado as finalizações para terem uma chance maior de ganhar o jogo. Segundo o ‘SofaScore’, somente Luciano e Vitor Bueno, que entrou no segundo tempo, acertaram o gol do Ceará entre os homens de frente. Vale lembrar que o gol do São Paulo foi feito pelo zagueiro Diego Costa.
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Outro fator foi chave para o empate foi a desatenção na saída de bola, algo que vem sendo recorrente nos jogos do clube. No empate de ontem, Pablo saiu jogando de forma errada, começando o lance que terminou em gol de empate do Ceará, logo no primeiro minuto da segunda etapa. De 659 passes, o São Paulo acertou 587, uma precisão de 89%, de acordo com o ‘SofaScore’.
Portanto, com tantos vacilos e desatenções, o clube perdeu uma grande chance de embalar na competição, deixando mais uma vez a oportunidade da liderança escapar. Resta saber se os erros serão corrigidos para as próximas rodadas.
Each time the Tottenham Hotspur team takes to the pitch this season, a pregnant silence falls over the swathes of rival supporters awaiting their demise. But it's a fall that is just not materialising.
After performing at such a substandard level last season, finishing in eighth place in the Premier League, Spurs are back in business with Ange Postecoglou now at the helm, the Australian manager transforming the previously struggling squad.
Indeed, Tottenham are currently flying high at the top of the table, ensconced in pole position with eight victories and two draws from the opening ten matches of the campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
The fact that the London club needn't worry about European competition is perhaps a good thing for in the present, with the progress on the pitch evidencing this, but attention will soon need to drift onto the transfer front following the increased competition that success on the domestic stage brings.
As such, it would be wise to deepen the ranks across the park, though if recent transfer murmurings are anything to go by, this is what the club appear to be doing.
Tottenham transfer news – Brais Méndez
According to Spanish sources, Tottenham are interested in signing in-form Real Sociedad midfielder Brais Méndez, with the prolific midfielder performing admirably since joining his current club from Celta Vigo in 2022.
Believed to be valued at around €30m (£26m), Méndez would offer some reliable depth to the Spurs ranks and could be a custom-made replacement for Giovani Lo Celso, who Levy is willing to part with on a permanent basis after Barcelona saw a loan approach rejected in August.
Real Sociedad midfielder Brais Mendez
Football Transfers have alluded that Méndez, aged 26, could be a target for German giants Bayern Munich, though Postecoglou will be confident that a compelling package can be put together to convince the player to make the move to London.
The stats that show why Brais Méndez would thrive at Tottenham
Méndez would be a valuable addition to a thriving Tottenham team and would add the depth in midfield that is requisite for lasting success across multiple tournaments – which is where Postecoglou will hope to get his team to in the long term.
The £37k-per-week machine has been in sensational form this season, plundering five goals and assists apiece from just 14 appearances across all competitions.
Within that tally includes three strikes in the Champions League from three matches – his first in Europe's elite club competition; Real Sociedad have scored four goals and clinched seven points from an available nine thus far, so it's fair to say that his contribution has been enormous.
Characteristic
– Excels with through balls
– Consistent key passes
– Set-piece specialist
– Alert and perceptive
What's perhaps most pleasing is the evidence of growth, with Méndez already halfway toward surpassing last term's direct goal contribution tally of 19, where he played a pivotal part in guiding the Basque side back into the Champions League.
As per Sofascore, the midfield machine has completed 83% of his passes in LaLiga this season, averaging 1.5 key passes, 1.4 tackles and 5.2 ball recoveries per game and succeeding with 58% of his frequent attempted dribbles, with the defensive statistics illustrating his all-action presence that would serve him well in the Premier League.
The four-cap Spain international would undoubtedly offer a new dimension to Tottenham's thriving team, but whether he would be able to cement a regular starting berth remains another question, with Spurs performing at a frightening level right now.
Regardless, he's a fantastic footballer, and has performed at a standard that warrants attention from the biggest outfits on the Premier League scene, with journalist Josh Bunting among those to take note of his displays.
Bunting said: "Brais Méndez stunning season continues at Real Sociedad. Another goal in the Champions League, just can’t stop scoring right now. Three in three in the Champions League. The profit that they will get off him will be a huge benefit, teams bound to be sniffing around already."
As per FBref, the dynamo ranks among the top 3% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 15% for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes received per 90.
Such superlative offensive metrics put the Spaniard on the same pedestal as Martin Odegaard, who could find a player of similar ilk staking a claim for the starring spot as north London's No. 1 goalscoring midfielder.
How Brais Méndez compares to Martin Odegaard
Should Tottenham sign Méndez, they would secure the services of an absolute force who has the set of skills at his disposal to emulate and rival the success of Odegaard, who if the lifeforce of Arsenal's own aspirations of the No. 1 spot in English football.
Some might feel that James Maddison already stands as Spurs' answer to a midfielder such as Odegaard, but the £40m summer signing, as incredible as he may be, offers a very different, more creative threat.
Méndez still has creativity in his locker, sure, but he finds his greatest success in bursting into the danger area and unleashing his goalscoring threat in net-bulging fashion.
Similarly, Odegaard relies on his striking efficacy to earn a place among the foremost attacking midfielders across Europe, having scored 15 goals in the Premier League last season.
The Norway star ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 21% for assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions, the top 12% for progressive carries and the top 4% for touches in the attacking box per 90 – considered a similar player to Mendez by the statistics-based site.
This season, the Gunners captain has posted four goals and an assist from 14 matches, very much at the heart of Mikel Arteta's side's continuing pursuit of gleaning the Premier League title – a task that looks very much attainable.
However, Tottenham are hoping to spoil the party and mount their own pathway to the trophy, and should Postecoglou get his hands on Méndez, he will have the midfield component to perhaps sway the odds further in his favour.
Méndez is an “outstanding” – as claimed by one analyst – midfielder with his best days ahead of him, and at Tottenham, he would be an important member of a compelling project.
The absence of India’s captain will give Pakistan the edge in the Asia Cup, the fast bowler has said
Umar Farooq06-Sep-20181:57
Kohli’s absence gives Pakistan the edge – Hasan Ali
In just under two weeks’ time, Pakistan will face India for the first time since last year’s Champions Trophy final. Hasan Ali picked up three wickets in Pakistan’s 180-run win in that match, but he didn’t get to bowl to Virat Kohli, who fell early to Mohammad Amir. Hasan won’t get to bowl to Kohli during the Asia Cup either, with India resting their regular captain for the tournament. Hasan is a little disappointed that Kohli won’t be lining up against him on September 19.”Virat Kohli is a very good player. Everybody knows that he is a match-winner,” Hasan said, speaking to the media during Pakistan’s pre-tournament camp at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. “Despite his absence from the squad, India still have a very good team. They have many more players. The advantage to us is that the way Virat Kohli can handle the pressure, someone else who comes in his place might not be able to.”As a youngster, everybody wants to take Virat Kohli’s wicket but unfortunately he isn’t coming. The next time we compete, I will definitely try to take his wicket.”Like Kohli, Hasan is growing a reputation for his fitness standards. His recent fitness test made headlines back home, when he achieved a score of 19.8 in the yo-yo test, well above the benchmark of 17.4 that Pakistan’s team management has set for players to be eligible for selection.Getty ImagesHasan said he was working hard on his fitness with a view to performing consistently in all three formats.”As a youngster, you want to keep yourself fit and look after yourself,” he said. “I have played all three formats and playing all three formats is a burden on the body. On top of that, you need to perform as well.”Looking at all three formats, you need to increase the level of your fitness which is why I have focused more on my fitness. There is no need for comparison with Virat Kohli. He is my senior. He is a legend. He himself is fit. I focus on my fitness because that brings me consistency.”Pakistan will face India at least twice in the Asia Cup, and three times if both reach the final. Hasan believes India will be under more pressure because of their defeat in the Champions Trophy final, and that playing in the UAE will give Pakistan ‘home’ advantage. He also said he wanted “all ten wickets” to give his fans the pleasure of watching his trademark celebration multiple times.”We are on top right now. They [India] are under pressure from the previous defeat,” Hassan said. “In UAE, these are our conditions, we have the home advantage as we have been playing here for long, and are aware of how to use the conditions. India are a good side and I wish to take all ten wickets rather than a five-for, and make my fans across the world happy with my celebration style. There is definitely pressure but I feel good when pressure mounts on me because that is where I try to perform and help my side win.”
ScorecardYorkshire just shaded a bowler-friendly opening day against Yorkshire as 15 wickets fell at the start of their Specsavers County Championship clash at Emerald Headingley.Morning rain prevented any play until 12.40pm, with Hampshire opting for an uncontested toss before bowling Yorkshire out for 184.Medium pacers Gareth Berg and Ian Holland struck twice apiece before tea as Yorkshire slipped to 110 for 6, but Fidel Edwards was their standout overall with four for 83 from 16 overs.The visitors later responded with 79 for five from 23 overs, including two wickets each for Jack Brooks and Tim Bresnan.Both sides came into this penultimate round clash not mathematically clear of relegation danger.But bottom side Worcestershire’s perilous position in their clash with Essex at Chelmsford has eased their fears, particularly Hampshire’s.If Worcester go on to lose at Essex, they will be relegated, leaving Hampshire safe and Lancashire as Yorkshire’s remaining target. It needs nine points to eliminate them.Tim Bresnan drives through the covers•Getty Images
The afternoon session here was a helter-skelter affair which saw Yorkshire score at 4.4 runs per over in the first 15 (66 for two), two catches put down and a flurry of wickets.Yorkshire were hurt by losing three wickets for two runs as they slipped from 70 for 2 in the 20th over to 72 for 5 in the 23rd, with Berg claiming two of them in breezy conditions.Gary Ballance was trapped lbw playing to leg to end a fluent 30, an innings high-score.The left-hander passed the 10,000 runs in his first-class career in the process.Jeet Raval and Harry Brook were bowled by new ball pair Kyle Abbott and Edwards as Yorkshire slipped to 22 for two in the eighth over before Ballance and Adam Lyth (23) steadied with a stand of 48.Brook’s first ball had seen him dropped at first slip by Holland off Abbott, with the same happening to Bresnan later on off Holland’s bowling as Tom Alsop failed to cling on behind the stumps.Ballance was the first of those aforementioned three wickets in a mini collapse.Berg also had Tom Kohler-Cadmore bowled for two via an under-edge as he attempted to leave alone before Holland had Lyth caught at gully as he miscued a drive.Then, in the final over of the afternoon, the 36th, Holland bowled Jonny Tattersall as the score slipped to 110 for six.Edwards then added three more wickets in the first half of the evening as Yorkshire slipped to 160 for nine in the 50th over.He had Matthew Waite caught behind, Bresnan (25) yorked with a pacy outswinger and Steve Patterson also bowled. Abbott wrapped up the innings by bowling Brooks.Brooks then impressed with the ball to drag Yorkshire back into the game as Hampshire slipped to 68 for 5 in the 20th over of their reply.Either side of Coad getting Oliver Soames caught behind, Brooks trapped Joe Weatherley lbw and Jimmy Adams superbly caught at third slip by Brook.Brook later claimed a second catch after Bresnan found the edge off Sam Northeast’s bat, leaving Hampshire at 63 for four in the 16th. That became 68 for five four overs later when Bresnan trapped James Vince lbw.Meanwhile, Yorkshire handed a first-team cap to new ball seamer Coad prior to play, with Coad having taken 91 Championship wickets in the first 20 appearances of his fledgling career prior to this fixture.