Manchester United may soon be on the search to replace manager Erik ten Hag, and one reporter has claimed the ‘hottest property in management’ could be a target.
Man Utd update – Erik ten Hag
Ten Hag enjoyed a productive first season in charge at Old Trafford, winning the EFL Cup, finishing in the Premier League top four and reaching the final of the FA Cup, however, he hasn’t had the same success so far this season. The Dutchman watched his side lose 3-0 to rivals Manchester City on Sunday and were dumped out of the EFL Cup by the same scoreline to Newcastle United. Prior to their cup exit in the week, there were reports claiming that both the Glazers and Ratcliffe were in agreement that Ten Hag’s position in charge was safe for now.
However, with the club now losing eight of their first 15 matches in all competitions, something they last suffered in the 1962/63 campaign, Ten Hag’s days could be numbered if he fails to turn things around quickly. As a result, talkSPORT reporter Callum Vurley shared a story following the defeat on Wednesday evening, looking at who could possibly replace Ten Hag as Man Utd manager. He identified a number of potential contenders, one of which being Brighton & Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi, saying:
“Arguably the hottest property in management right now, De Zerbi has turned Brighton into a force to be reckoned with despite regularly losing players and coaches. Their attractive style of football is easy on the eye and has taken them to the Europa League where fans have dreams of going far. Several clubs have already been keeping tabs on the Italian while some have even mentioned him as a potential Pep Guardiola replacement at Manchester City. If United could snap up the Brighton boss instead, it would be hailed as quite the coup.”
Roberto De Zerbi profiled
De Zerbi has made an eye-catching impact on the south coast after taking over from Graham Potter last year. In total, the Italian, formerly of Palermo, Benevento, Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk, has won 25 of his 53 games in charge of the Seagulls so far. (Roberto De Zerbi stats – Transfermarkt)
Roberto De Zerbi against Man Utd
Date
Brighton 0-0 Man Utd (6-7 on penalties)
April 2023
Brighton 1-0 Man Utd
May 2023
Man Utd 1-3 Brighton
September 2023
The 44-year-old guided Brighton to the semi-finals of the FA Cup against Man Utd and into the Europa League last season and recently came in for praise from Pep Guardiola, who admitted De Zerbi is one of the coaches that he admires the most in world football. There have even been discussions that the Brighton boss could go on to become the best manager in the world, so if Man Utd do decide to part ways with Ten Hag in the near future, it wouldn’t be a shock if someone like De Zerbi is on their radar.
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes criticised Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall after the pair clashed following the Gunners' win in the Conti Cup final on Sunday.
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Arsenal beat Chelsea to lift Conti Cup
Hayes pushes Eidevall after final whistle
Unhappy with Arsenal manager's behaviour
WHAT HAPPENED?
A last-gasp goal from Stina Blackstenius handed Arsenal victory in the Continental Cup on Sunday and ensured Hayes will not win the quadruple in her final season with Chelsea. There were fireworks after the game too, as Hayes and Eidevall clashed on the pitch and the Chelsea manager criticised her counterpart for his behaviour on the touchline.
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WHAT HAYES SAID
Hayes told reporters after the match: "I think there’s a way to conduct yourself on the touchline, I really do. I think it’s absolutely essential that we role model in the right way. I’m not down for male aggression on the touch line, I’m really not, and fronting up to players, for me, that’s unacceptable. I’m disappointed and I told Jonas that. I don’t think it’s okay to behave like that. He got a yellow card and he should have probably been sent off. I’m all for competing to win, I’ve never been booked in 12 years, my time here, I totally accept he’s a winner and wants to win but his behaviour on the touchline wasn’t acceptable.
The Chelsea boss also offered some more detail on her complaints and said she planned to talk to Eidevall after tempers had calmed.
She added: "Yeah so I think it was a couple, there was one with Ann [Katrin-Berger] trying to get the ball. The way he fronted up to Erin I didn’t think was acceptable. I’m sure when he’s calm we can have a conversation about it. I was clear with him, I did not think acceptable. It’s not the first time he’s been told about his behaviour on the touchline. I don’t think we need to make a massive story out of it, the problem is you’re going to. I want to say congratulations to Arsenal. They’ve won and I don’t want the talking point to be about that."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Hayes and Eidevall have enjoyed a longstanding rivalry ever since the Swede was appointed Arsenal boss in 2021. The Chelsea manager has won five trophies during that time and will surely not enjoy seeing Eidevall and his team get their hands on the Conti Cup this time around.
Yet Chelsea can still end the season on a high. The Blues remain in contention to win the Women's Super League, Champions League and FA Cup in what is Hayes's final season before she departs to take over the USWNT.
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WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA AND ARSENAL
The two teams will return to action after the international break. Chelsea play Manchester United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, while Arsenal play Bristol in the Women's Super League.
أشاد محمد الشاذلي المتحدث الرسمي لوزارة الشباب والرياضة، بأداء منتخب مصر الأولمبي، أمام إسبانيا، في المباراة التي أقيمت مساء الثلاثاء، في منافسات دورة الألعاب الأولمبية، المقامة في باريس.
منتخب مصر فاز على إسبانيا، بنتيجة 2-1، في مباراة الجولة الثالثة من عمر مواجهات دور المجموعات لمنافسات كرة القدم في أولمبياد باريس 2024.
وتأهل منتخب مصر إلي دور ربع النهائي متصدرًا لمجموعته في أولمبياد باريس، وسيواجه منتخب باراجواي، يوم الجمعة 2 أغسطس في تمام الساعة 8 مساءً.
وقال الشاذلي خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “الزمالك” لبرنامج “زملكاوي”: “فوز منتخب مصر على إسبانيا مستحق، ميكالي مدير فني على مستوى محترم جدًا”.
طالع | محمد بركات يشيد بلاعبي منتخب مصر بعد الفوز على إسبانيا بـ أولمبياد باريس: أبطال ورجال
وأضاف: “أحمد سيد زيزو ومحمد النني قدما توازنا كبيرا مع اللاعيبه ومتداخلين معهم بشكل كبير وصنعا الفارق مع المنتخب”.
وواصل: “اللاعبون لديهم إصرار وعزيمة على إسعاد الشعب المصري، يريدون حصد ميدالية في الأولمبياد، ووعدوا وزير الشباب والرياضة بذلك، نحتاج إلى دعم الجماهير المصرية بشكل كبير”.
وأتم: “كنا ندا كبيرا جدًا لمنتخب إسبانيا طوال المباراة وسيطرنا بشكل كبير على تفاصيل اللقاء، شاهدنا منتخبا كبيرا ويستحق التتويج بميدالية أولمبية، طريقنا صعب في البطولة ولكن المنتخب قادر على الاستمرار”.
Leeds United have enjoyed an impressive start to life back in the Championship this season under German head coach Daniel Farke, who replaced Sam Allardyce over the summer.
The Whites were relegated from the Premier League, after three years at the top table of English football, earlier this year and are now looking to bounce straight back up.
They are currently sitting in third place in the division and have only lost three of their opening 14 matches as the new manager has been able to get the feel-good factor back at Elland Road.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.
The summer transfer window was crucial for the Yorkshire-based outfit as they were able to bring in a host of fresh recruits to revitalise the squad.
Joel Piroe, Jaidon Anthony, Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu, Glen Kamara Ilia Gruev, Sam Byram, Joe Rodon, and Djed Spence were all brought in, either on loan or permanently.
However, if reports are to be believed, Leeds are already looking at ways to improve their group of players when the January transfer window opens for business.
Leeds transfer news – Jhon Arias
TEAMtalk have reported that the Whites are one of a number of clubs showing an interest in Fluminense forward Jhon Arias with just under two months to go before the next window.
The outlet has claimed that Premier League sides Crystal Palace, Wolves, Leicester, Burnley, and West Ham have all sent scouts to watch the talented gem, alongside Leeds.
Fluminense forward Jhon Arias.
Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers and fellow Championship outfit Leicester City are also named among the teams eyeing a possible January move for the 26-year-old whiz.
This shows that Farke and Leeds look set to face significant competition for his signature as they may have to convince him to turn down top-flight clubs who could offer him Premier League football, as well as the Foxes – who are top of the second tier and 14 points clear of the Whites.
It is stated that his current contract with the Brazilian side is due to expire in 2026 but he could be available for a transfer at the start of next year. Although, there is no mention of how much it would cost to secure his services.
Leeds transfer news – Wilfried Gnonto
Amid the club's interest in Arias, there has been a fresh report on Wilfried Gnonto and clubs eyeing him up ahead of the January transfer window.
TEAMtalk have claimed that Serie A sides Lazio and Roma are two of the latest teams to consider a move to sign the talented teenager at the start of next year.
It states that Everton have also retained an interest in the Italy international, who is now valued at £25m, after they failed to snap him up over the summer.
Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto.
Gnonto wants to play Premier League football and the outlet reports that he agreed a deal to join the Toffees before Leeds pulled the plug and opted against allowing him to move on.
The 19-year-old ace also went on strike in an attempt to force a transfer to Goodison Park but the Whites dug their heels in and were able to keep hold of the young gem.
However, the January window could provide the club with an opportunity to finally cash in on him after an underwhelming start to the season, and Arias could come in as a dream replacement for the ex-Inter prospect.
Gnonto's season in numbers
The drop down to the Championship provided Gnonto with a chance to hit his stride at Elland Road and showcase his quality on a consistent basis at a lower level, in comparison to the Premier League.
However, the versatile forward has not been able to do that as he has only contributed with one goal and one assist in eight league outings for the club this term – starting six of those games.
He has missed two 'big chances' in front of goal and has not created a single 'big chance' for his teammates in his time on the pitch so far this season.
Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.
This less-than-impressive form comes off the back of his return of two goals and four assists in 24 top-flight matches for the Whites throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
The Italian dynamo has not been able to provide goals and assists on a regular basis at Premier League or Championship level so far and Farke could improve his side in the present by cashing in on Gnonto and signing Arias.
The statistics that show why Arias could replace Gnonto
He is seven years older than the Leeds gem and is, therefore, more experienced and refined as a player, which means that there could be a greater short-term impact on the pitch, although the potential and room to improve may not be as big given the age gap.
Arias has the quality to provide goals and assists with regularity if he can translate his form in Brazil over to the Championship during the second half of this season.
Since the start of the 2022 campaign, the 26-year-old whiz has scored an impressive 12 goals and assisted 13 in 57 Serie A matches for Fluminense.
Sofascore rating
7.08
Appearances
24
Goals
Five
Assists
Three
During the 2022 season, Arias contributed with seven goals, ten assists, and 15 'big chances' created in 31 league matches, alongside 2.2 key passes per match.
Only Georgino Rutter (2.5) and Crysencio Summerville (2.6) have created more chances per game in the Championship for Leeds this season than the Colombia international managed last year.
The Fluminense ace has showcased his creativity on a regular basis in Brazil and has proven himself to be a fantastic attacking option at that level.
He is also a versatile player, like Gnonto, who can operate in any position across the frontline. However, the left flank is where the talented hotshot has played the majority of his football to date.
This suggests that, from a positional perspective, Arias would be a dream replacement for the Italian teenager as he can be deployed in a variety of roles in attack to cover where needed.
His aforementioned statistics in comparison to Gnonto's form this season also indicate that the Leeds target could be an upgrade for Farke's team if the 5 foot 6 magician can hit the ground running in England, which is why this could be a fantastic piece of business by the club.
Arsenal could already be weighing up their options within the squad for the remainder of the season ahead, as the January transfer window fast approaches.
Despite making a stellar start to the 2023/24 campaign, Mikel Arteta and Edu have been linked with a host of players that are rumoured to be targets in January, with plenty of work to be done on bolstering the current side.
From injuries, to form, to potential departures, the Spaniard could opt to delve back into the market after Christmas, even though the Gunners spent over £200m in the summer to welcome four new faces to the Emirates.
The majority of the summer spending was accumulated to pay West Ham United a fee of £105m to capture Declan Rice’s signature, and although the Englishman has made a magnificent start to life across the capital, rumours suggest that the midfield is an area targeted to be strengthened even more in January.
Arsenal January transfer targets
One name that has been mentioned as a potential target for the Gunners is Fluminense ace Andre, who rejected a move to Liverpool in the summer.
The Brazilian, who is said to be valued around the €35m (£30m) mark, is expected to be available in the January window, as the Brazilian footballing calendar concludes, with Arsenal reported to have sent scouts to watch the player in action.
Fluminense midfielder Andre.
At 22-years-old, Andre has been a top performer for Fluminense in defensive midfield, however the highly talented gem isn’t the only midfielder that Arteta’s side are claimed to admire.
Taking up a more advanced role than the Brazil international is fellow target, Georgiy Sudakov, who has risen through the ranks at Shakhtar Donetsk to find himself sitting on a pedestal for some of Europe’s biggest clubs to eye.
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal join Juventus, Manchester City, Chelsea and Brighton as those interested in the attacking midfielder, who has impressed over the past few years at his boyhood club.
Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov.
With a market value of €40m (£35m), the 21-year-old’s progression is identifiable in his rise in value, with his actual cost destined to vastly surpass such a figure if Shakhtar were to take a similar approach to how they sold Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Gunners will be hoping that their potential approach for Sudakov ends in a different light to their efforts to sign Mudryk, with the player’s talents in high demand ahead of the January window.
Why Georgiy Sudakov would be a strong signing for Arsenal
Lauded as “majestic” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Ukrainian is best fielded in the number ten role, a position that could certainly be bolstered in Arteta’s squad.
Although Martin Odegaard has made the position comfortably his own, aside from Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith-Rowe, who both range in reliability in terms of fitness and form, the north Londoners’ options wear thin.
The Norwegian could also benefit from some healthy competition for his position, in a move that could promote higher individual performance in the bid to fight for a place in the squad.
In Sudakov, the manager could add a “well-rounded” midfielder to his ranks, as described by Mango, with the 21-year-old showcasing his progression already this season in both the Premier Liga and the Champions League.
Earlier this season in the Champions League, the rumoured Arsenal target scored against Barcelona in the group stages, securing a 7.6 match rating, followed by a 7.1 match rating against the Catalan giants this week in the tournament.
7
2
1.9
1.42
85%
2.0
As portrayed in the table above, the 11-cap Ukraine international has flexed his playmaking ability in the Premier Liga so far this term, averaging a stellar 1.9 key passes per game for Shakhtar.
To put into perspective, Arsenal’s key creator Odegaard has averaged 1.7 key passes per game in the Premier League this season, reinforcing the levels of Sudakov’s creative side in the midfield.
The Gunners’ captain isn’t the only player that could be threatened by talks of the club’s interest in the Shakhtar whiz, with Kai Havertz’s claim to being among the favoured XI now on thin ice.
How Georgiy Sudakov compares to Kai Havertz
After arriving from Chelsea in the summer, the £65m fee Arsenal paid to acquire Havertz is yet to be justified, as the 24-year-old continues to struggle to show his worth in his fourth season in the Premier League.
Since arriving in England from Germany, the Champions League winner has failed to show his prowess in playing as a forward for the Blues, where he netted only 19 league goals in 91 appearances despite leading the line.
At the time of his arrival, there was hope that Arteta would field the German in a deeper role that he was so dangerous in when representing Bayer Leverkusen, seeing him contribute to 77 goals in 150 appearances.
Although the manager has handed the 6 foot 4 whiz a chance to excel in midfield, Havertz’s form has been far from impressive, averaging just 0.7 key passes per game in the Premier League and failing to create a single big chance in 11 appearances, via Sofascore.
In signing Sudakov, Arteta could add a clear upgrade to the former Chelsea dud to his ranks, with his numbers over the past year prevailing to be more appealing than the German’s, as highlighted in the table below.
Kai Havertz
Georgiy Sudakov
82.9%
84.8%
1.98
4.69
1.52
1.32
2.35
3.36
3.53
5.41
1.98
2.16
0.12
0.48
With Arsenal’s resources in midfield currently being limited, introducing a talent as promising as Sudakov to the squad could significantly bolster the depth and competition required in the side to take the Gunners back to the top.
Mikel Arteta is well on his way to the Arsenal history books after playing a central role in their transformation from top-six strugglers to Premier League title contenders. After last season's heartbreak, some may have expected the Gunners to drop off and lick their wounds, but that's been anything but the case. Instead, those in North London simply grew stronger, welcomed players such as Declan Rice, and prepared themselves to potentially go one better than the last campaign.
Their success on the pitch has played a major part in the equally as impressive success that goes on away from the Emirates and we could see the best example of that change in stature next summer when one La Liga star's contract comes to an end.
Arsenal transfer news
Gone are the days of disappointing Arsenal recruitment, it seems. Instead, they're in the era of new arrivals who may well go on to become club legends. One example of that is Rice. The England midfielder made the big-money switch in the summer and has not looked back, getting off to a flawless start under Arteta.
When looking at the Gunners squad there's not a lot that they lack, but they could possibly do with the experience offered their way by one midfielder's agent. According to Phil Thomas of The Sun, Arsenal will be offered the chance to sign Toni Kroos when his contract comes to an end at Real Madrid next summer, with his representatives set to sound out those at the Emirates.
The Gunners won't be the only club to be offered the chance to secure the German's signature, however, with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Manchester United all to be handed the same opportunity, according to reports. Kroos' wages reportedly sit at £310,000-a-week, but the contract may be worth it for Arsenal, who would certainly get a boost from his arrival.
Toni Kroos' Real Madrid stats
To say that Kroos has enjoyed great success at Real Madrid would be a great understatement. The World Cup winner has done it all at the Santiago Bernabeu, from winning the Champions League in three consecutive seasons to La Liga titles and even the Club World Cup. Now could be the right time for a new challenge, though, after the emergence of the likes of Jude Bellingham has left the veteran struggling for a starting place at times.
Looking at Kroos' stats, there's no doubt that he can still match some of the best midfielders that the world has to offer, including some of Arsenal's current options.
Player
Goals + Assists
Progressive Passes
Dispossessed
Toni Kroos
4
68
1
Martin Odegaard
4
46
17
Declan Rice
3
60
7
It's little surprise that the Madrid man has been praised so often throughout his career, including by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who previously said: "He’s been one of the biggest talents in German football for a long, long, long time. He’s been a great player since he was really young. He played incredible stuff for Bayern and then made a brave move to Real Madrid and there he has become one of the most successful club footballers in the world and a World Cup winner. Obviously it’s been quite a successful career so far! There’s still a lot to come from him as well.
"He’s a nice person, we don’t know each other really well but I appreciate him obviously and admire him because he’s just a wonderful football player. He’s really difficult to defend because he can change the game from deep areas. It’s a nice package, to be honest."
Frank Lampard has emerged as a surprise leading candidate to lead the Canadian national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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Lampard linked to Canada Returned to Chelsea last season Has been waiting for the 'right' move WHAT HAPPENED?
Canada, one of the co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup, have set their sights on Lampard to lead their bright, young side, . Lampard has been eyeing a return to management recently, but is said to be waiting for the 'right' job to arrive.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Lampard may well take his time pondering over the potential of becoming head coach of Canada in what would be his first foray into international management. The Chelsea legend has managed Derby, Everton and the Blues twice in a mixed start to his managerial career. The opportunity to coach a host nation at a World Cup could tempt him to return to the dugout.
DID YOU KNOW?
On his return to manage Chelsea for a second time, replacing Graham Potter, Lampard took just five points from a possible 15. Coupled with a poor spell in charge of Everton and Lampard's stock is not at its highest. Perhaps rebuilding his coaching career with Canada will give the former England international a new lease of life.
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR LAMPARD?
Lampard will weigh up what he considers to be the 'right' move. Canada may have the Blues legend on their shortlist, but convincing him to take charge for the World Cup may prove difficult if Lampard wishes to remain in club football.
É fato que a sequência recente do Red Bull Bragantino conquistando 12 dos últimos 18 pontos trouxe um grau considerável de esperança ao time na luta para se afastar das imediações da zona de rebaixamento. E, além disso, de se colocar em 11° com 31 pontos, posto que daria ao Massa Bruta uma vaga na Copa Sul-Americana de 2021 caso o Brasileirão estivesse encerrado.
Porém, a postura demonstrada pelo técnico Mauricio Barbieri ainda caminha estritamente na linha da cautela, afirmando que a boa fase não pode fazer a equipe esquecer do seu propósito.
Com essa ideia, além de preferir ainda não estabelecer uma meta mais concreta para o Massa Bruta no sentido de obter vaga nas competições continentais, o treinador fez questão, desde já, de elogiar o próximo adversário do Braga no Campeonato Brasileiro: o Athletico-PR no domingo (20) às 16h no Nabi Abi Chedid:
-A evolução é nítida. A equipe tem conseguido competir no melhor nível contra adversários em que num primeiro momento não conseguiu fazer. A diferença entre a vaga na Sul-Americana e o rebaixamento é de três vitórias e a margem de erro é pequena. Então esse não é momento para ser excessivamente otimista.
-O objetivo é sempre ganhar o próximo jogo. Sei que existe um planejamento de traçar metas mais amplas. No entanto, neste primeiro momento, pensamos em nos afastar da zona de rebaixamento e trabalhar o máximo para permanecer no pelotão de cima. Temos que manter os pés no chão, pois temos um longo caminho a percorrer até o fim do campeonato – disse o treinador, acrescentando:
-Mais um confronto difícil. Nós sabemos que o Athletico tem uma equipe qualificada, mas que não vive um bom momento em função de uma grande mudança no elenco. Eles ainda têm jogadores que foram campeões da Copa do Brasil. O que nos deixa com uma perspectiva otimista é que o nosso time teve atuações regulares nos últimos jogos e sabe que vai enfrentar um grande desafio.
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CoA member Diana Edulji is “very upset” because she believes the men’s team would not have been treated the same way
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Oct-2018The India women’s team has lost out on a day’s preparation ahead of the World T20 next month because of an ongoing tussle between the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and the BCCI, and Committee of Administrators (CoA) member Diana Edulji is “very upset” because she believes the men’s team would not have been treated the same way.The women’s team was scheduled to start a week-long preparatory camp at Wankhede Stadium from Tuesday, but the MCA refused to host them because of their disagreements with the BCCI. The BCCI confirmed the camp would begin at the Brabourne Stadium (CCI) from Wednesday.”I’m very upset that the Indian women’s team could not start the camp over the venue issue and I don’t think this treatment would ever be meted out to Virat Kohli’s men’s team. Why these different set of rules for men and women?” Edulji told the . “The camp should have started. It’s preparation for the World Cup, no less. Is this the way the women’s team are going to be treated? CoA has given clear directions that the camp should happen today (Tuesday). Why did this situation arise? Why didn’t GM [Operations Saba Karim] manage this? He gave us the assurance that he is working on it.”The MCA had expressed its disappointment with the BCCI after the CoA moved the fourth India-West Indies ODI from Wankhede to the Brabourne Stadium because of the absence of an authority to oversee the functioning of the state association. The MCA was being governed by its own CoA, but their term had ended on September 15 and CoA chief Vinod Rai explained that the MCA had subsequently not “legally authorised” a working group to oversee its functioning once its CoA vacated office.Unhappy with the shift of the ODI and claiming that the BCCI had not replied to queries on the same, the MCA challenged the board’s decision by moving the Bombay High Court, where a bench is likely to hear the matter on Wednesday.India will kick-off the World T20 with the opening match against New Zealand on November 9 in Guyana.
ScorecardCenturies from Simon Harmer and Tom Westley put Essex in complete command against Surrey at the Kia Oval, where the champions ended day two facing their first defeat of a triumphant season. At stumps, Surrey were 88 for 1 in their second innings – still 322 runs behind – after Harmer, Westley and Adam Wheater, with a punchy 68 from 105 balls, had swept Essex to 441 for 8 declared.Mark Stoneman, dropped on 5 off Matt Quinn by replacement keeper Michael Pepper – who dived across first slip but only succeeded in deflecting the edge into M Vijay’s left knee – moved confidently to 41 not out from 63 balls although Rory Burns gave Jamie Porter a simple return catch on 21 when Surrey’s captain attempted to flip a short ball to leg but got a leading edge instead.Harmer and Wheater added an unbroken 159 in 36 overs in the afternoon session, establishing a new seventh-wicket record for Essex against Surrey and piling on the agony for the runaway Specsavers County Championship winners after Westley’s dismissal in the last over before lunch.Wheater, however, had to retire hurt during the tea interval after failing to shake off a nasty blow to his right thumb, suffered four balls before the interval when former South Africa fast bowler Morne Morkel made one rear from a good length on a pitch that otherwise played much better than on the opening day.Harmer then saw Porter and Sam Cook both fall to the persevering Jade Dernbach, who finished with a creditable 4 for 95, before swiping off spinner Amar Virdi for six just over the head of the long-on fielder to reach only his second first-class century. The declaration came soon afterwards, with Harmer unbeaten on 102 from 156 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes – both off the suffering Virdi.Essex, the 2017 champions, were already in charge of the match when starting day two 130 runs in front at 197 for 2, but they continued to build a position of utter dominance after Westley quickly completed the 20th first-class hundred of his career.Resuming on 93, Westley took just 12 balls to go to three figures and went on to 134 before tickling a leg-side ball from Rikki Clarke to keeper Ben Foakes to leave Essex 282 for 6. But the afternoon session belonged to Wheater and Harmer as they crushed any realistic hopes of an unlikely Surrey fightback.Essex, who bowled out Surrey for a mere 67 in early bowler-friendly conditions, lost both Dan Lawrence and Ravi Bopara in the second day’s opening hour. Lawrence was leg-before to Clarke having battled through 77 balls to make 17, and Bopara had scored just 8 when he attempted a paddle-sweep against Virdi – in the last over before the second new ball was taken at 238 for 4 – and was bowled behind his pads.But Westley stood firm, joined in a fifth-wicket stand of 40 by Ryan ten Doeschate before the Essex captain edged Dernbach to gully to go for 27. When he was finally dismissed, Westley had batted for almost six and a half hours, facing 282 balls and hitting 21 fours.Wheater hit eight fours and a six over long-on off Virdi, but was replaced as keeper by substitute Pepper when Surrey batted again. And Essex needed another replacement when seamer Cook could not pass a concussion test – following a blow on his batting helmet during his brief innings, facing Dernbach – and so called up Matt Coles to deputise.