Cristiano Ronaldo's magic helped beat a ten-man Al-Khaleej to keep Al-Nassr's faltering Saudi Pro League title bid alive.

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Al-Nassr beat Al-Khaleej 3-1Endured frustrating first half with little creativityRonaldo's second-half brace inspired Pioli's men to victoryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE

When the cameras panned on Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic after the half-time whistle, the pair was engrossed in animated discussion while walking towards the tunnel. This was hardly surprising, as it was another frustrating 45 minutes for the Knights of Najd with little creativity and inspiration in attack. 

Just after the half-hour mark, the hosts were reduced to 10 men when Saeed Al-Hamsal was given the marching orders, and yet Al-Nassr showed little dominance. The defender handed the ball outside the penalty box but VAR deemed the intervention as a denial of a clear-cut goal scoring opportunity, which led to the expulsion. Al-Khaleej manager, Georgios Donis, lost his cool and furiously confronted the referee for the decision which saw him take a seat in the stands.

After a disastrous first half, Stefano Pioli decided to inject fresh blood into the middle and introduced Saad Hussain Haqawi and Salem Al-Najdi. However, the shake-up hardly made any difference as Al-Nassr continued to play at a snail's pace and the frustration was palpable on Ronaldo's face. The Portuguese frequently dropped deeper to get more touches on the ball and was persistently trying his luck from distance. He reaped his rewards in the 65th minute as he unleashed a low volley into the left corner of the net after Otavio set him up with a back flick.

But the lead was short-lived with Kostas Fortounis equalising from the spot after the ball struck Ali Lajami's hand. However, just a minute later, Nassr once again had their noses in front when Sultan Al-Ghannam rifled in a shot at goal after he was put through on goal by Brozovic. The Croatian again split open Al-Khaleej's defence deep in injury time to set up Haqaqi who unselfishly squared to Ronaldo to tap home into an empty net. The scoreline might be flattering but the performance was far from it. They struggled until the 80th minute and only a late surge against tired legs helped them get over the line. Their title hopes are hanging by a thread and Pioli must figure out a blueprint to improve his beleaguered squad.

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Al-Nassr were insipid in attack and when they were clamouring for individual brilliance from their talisman, Ronaldo did not disappoint. Amid a jungle of legs, He unleashed a shot with power and precision which left the shot-stopper, Ibrahim Sehic, rooted to his spot. He has done it time and again throughout his career in Lisbon, Manchester, Madrid, Turin and now continues his heroics in Riyadh.

THE BIG LOSER

It is always difficult to contain Al-Nassr for 90 minutes and with 10-men the task becomes even more herculean. Al-Hamsal's red card provided breathing space for Al-Nassr and up against exhausted bodies in the final quarter, Ronaldo and Co. went on a rampage to win by a healthy two-goal margin.

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WHAT COMES NEXT?

After returning to winning ways in the domestic league, Al-Nassr will be back in action against Al-Fateh on Sunday.

Durham thwarted by tenth-wicket pair as contest goes down to the wire

ECB Reporters' Network15-Sep-2021James Sales’ maiden first-class fifty helped Northamptonshire salvage a draw with Durham in their LV= Insurance County Championship Division Two clash at Wantage Road.All-rounder Sales, the 18-year-old son of former Northamptonshire batter David, struck a sublime 53 off 120 deliveries on his second red-ball appearance to lead a gritty final day rear-guard.Luke Procter scored 44, while unbeaten Simon Kerrigan ate up a heroic 135 balls as they edged into a lead with 10 overs to spare, to make sure their side avoided defeat.Durham had taken wickets throughout the day, with Matty Potts taking 4 for 48 – to return career-best match figures of 8 for 90 – but neither he nor his attack partners could find a complete set as Northamptonshire reached 231 for 9 at the close.After a washed-out day three, Durham required 10 wickets, Northamptonshire needed to bat out the day or wipe out a 217-run deficit and not leave enough time for any chase.Emilio Gay survived a spill at third slip and a strong lbw appeal but was snatched at second slip when trying to work Potts into the legside.Ricardo Vasconcelos edged behind to give Rushworth his 55th Championship wicket of the season – the sixth time he has reached that figure- before Rob Keogh was adjudged lbw to Ben Raine.Related

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The resumption from lunch saw a showcase of quick bowling from Potts and Rushworth on a largely unresponsive pitch as three wickets fell in 40 minutes.Potts secured a nick behind when he angled across the left-handed Saif Zaib and then produced a gem to kiss the surface and Adam Rossington’s outside edge, with David Bedingham clutching on at first slip.Harry Gouldstone was caught on the crease as Rushworth cannoned into the top of off stump – with 106 still needed to make Durham bat again.Throughout the quick succession of wickets Procter had stood firm, as he had for his 76 in the first innings. But after a half an hour lookout with Sales, he was plumb lbw to a full Raine delivery for 44.Sales and Simon Kerrigan set up camp and added 68, with a volley of boundaries off the former’s bat flying after tea, while equally importantly eating up 187 balls.Sales was dropped at mid-off where Raine shelled a dolly before reaching a maiden first-class fifty with a three through midwicket off 99 balls.Potts struck with his second delivery with the second new ball when Sales toed a pull to mid-on.Kerrigan and Sanderson took the hosts into the red but with 54 balls remaining the latter was leg before to Scott Borthwick but Kerrigan marshalled Jack White to a thrilling draw.

Manchester City are considering tabling a huge £83m+ offer for an “exceptional” new attacker, according to an eye-catching new transfer report.

Man City still top after Arsenal drama

Pep Guardiola’s side played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, as they just about managed to stay top of the Premier League table. Having taken the lead through a brilliant Erling Haaland goal, things unravelled for City when Rodri picked up what looked like a serious injury. Goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel turned the game on its head, but thankfully, John Stones equalised in the dying seconds after a painful second half.

It means the Cityzens top the pile by a point ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa, as well as retaining their two-point advantage over Arsenal, with Guardiola’s men still very much the team to beat in the title race this season.

Away from the on-pitch action, players continue to be linked with moves to the Etihad, with 17-year-old Sporting CP ace Geovany Quenda reportedly being eyed up as a long-term replacement for Bernardo Silva. Meanwhile, Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo has been backed to move to City in a swap deal involving Haaland, but it would surely be a shock if the striker left any time soon.

Man City considering £83m+ bid for Musiala

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester City are weighing up making an £83m+ bid for Bayern Munich superstar Jamal Musiala, having been linked with him during the summer transfer window.

The Premier League champions are said to be “firmly in the race” to snap up the Germany international, with Real Madrid providing stern competition. It is the Blues who are described as the “most informed” team in the report, however, suggesting Txiki Begiristain stands a good chance of getting his man.

Musiala is one of the world’s most exciting young players currently, so the idea of him joining Guardiola at City is so exciting. The 21-year-old already has three goals in four appearances in the Bundesliga this season, while Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund has heaped praise on him.

“Jamal Musiala is a world-class player, an exceptional player. Jamal is a player that spectators go to the stadium for because of the way he plays. He can decide games, he’s an absolute team player. He is an exceptional player. He can become one of the best players in the world. Both FC Bayern and Germany are lucky to have him.”

Meanwhile, Ilkay Gundogan is believed to want Musiala with him at City, following his return to the club on loan from Barca, and there really are few negatives to them snapping him up.

Worse than Dias: Pep must drop 3/10 Man City star who had a "stinker"

The Cityzens defender could find himself out of the team after that performance.

1

By
Dan Emery

Sep 22, 2024

Assuming he avoids serious injury, there is no reason why the Bayern maestro can’t go on to have a legendary career, and he would be an upgrade on the likes of Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish on the left wing, given his status as a truly world-class footballer with years ahead of him.

Following a solid start to the current Premier League campaign, Fulham are now reportedly monitoring one player who would finally replace Joao Palhinha after his summer departure to Bayern Munich.

Fulham transfer news

Having impressed at times last season, Fulham became a difficult side to predict when they lost Palhinha to Bayern Munich in the summer, only to since put any doubts to rest over their ability to compete for a place in the Premier League’s top half. The Cottagers even took champions Manchester City all the way last time out before eventually suffering a 3-2 defeat in a game that featured an early assist of the season from Raul Jimenez.

Sitting as high as eighth thanks to their strong start, Fulham deserve credit for how they invested the Palhinha money in the summer, with arrivals such as Emile Smith Rowe and Joachim Andersen quickly becoming important players under Marco Silva. However, what the Cottagers did fail to do is replace Palhinha in a problem that they must solve in 2025.

According to Caught Offside, Fulham are now monitoring Wataru Endo ahead of 2025 as he continues to struggle for minutes under new Liverpool boss Arne Slot. Open to an exit, the Reds reportedly value the Japan international at around €15-20m (£13-£17m) in a deal that could see them make back the £16m they paid for his signature just last summer.

Whilst on paper it may seem as though Endo has struggled at Anfield as of late, he’s simply fallen victim to the excellent form of Ryan Gravenberch and, as such, fallen into the bit-part role that many believed he’d play when he first arrived.

Surprising many at Anfield last season by becoming a key man under Jurgen Klopp, Endo would undoubtedly ease any blow caused by Palhinha’s exit at Fulham.

"Outstanding" Endo can match Palhinha's quality

Off the ball, Palhinha was one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League, making his move to Bayern no surprise in the summer, but it’s the type of quality that Endo is more than capable of replicating if Fulham make their move. At times, the former Stuttgart captain was the glue holding Liverpool’s midfield together. From what seemed like a panic buy, the Reds found the perfect short-term solution to their defensive midfield woes.

Premier League stats 23/24 (via FBref)

Wataru Endo

Joao Palhinha

Progressive Carries

10

8

Progressive Passes

101

97

Tackles Won

28

75

Ball Recoveries

108

195

Whilst Endo, like many others last season, fell short of Palhinha on the tackling front, he more than made up for that on the ball in a quality which would prove to be equally as valuable for Silva’s Fulham side.

The 32-year-old earned the praise of former manager Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea last season, with the German saying via Squawka: “He’s a machine. He is footballing-wise exceptional. His defensive brain is outstanding. He gives us a lot of freedom for a lot of things. Yeah, top development. Very helpful, very helpful.”

Marlon Samuels, the architect of West Indies’ twin T20 World Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2016, has been charged by the ICC’s anti-corruption unit on four counts of breaching the Emirates Cricket Board’s anti-corruption code. In a media statement on Wednesday, the ICC said the charges related to the T10 tournament conducted by the ECB.Related

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Samuels has been charged for the following breaches:

• Article 2.4.2 – Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the Participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute.
• Article 2.4.3 – Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official receipt of hospitality with a value of US $750 or more.
• Article 2.4.6 – Failing to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation.
• Article 2.4.7 – Obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation.

He has 14 days from September 21 to respond to the charges.The investigation concerns the 2019 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 where Samuels was picked by Karnataka Tuskers, but did not get to play a single game.CWI responded to the charges against Samuels, stating it was “firm in denouncing any such activities within the sport”.”Cricket West Indies (CWI) has been made aware of the charges which have been laid by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, involving former West Indies player Marlon Samuels,” the statement said. “Formal charges have been laid with breaching four counts of the Emirates Cricket Board’s Anti-Corruption Code for participants of the T10 League in Abu Dhabi in 2019.”While CWI has yet to receive detailed information relating to this ICC investigation, CWI remains firm in denouncing any such activities within the sport, and fully supports the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit in their efforts to rid the sport of all corruption.”Samuels, 40, announced his retirement last year after a career in which he played 71 Tests, 207 ODIs and 67 T20Is since his West Indies debut in 2000, and score over 11,000 international runs and 17 centuries. While his record suggested he never made the most of his sumptuous talent, his highs were spectacular, most notably when he top-scored in the T20 World Cup finals of 2012 and 2016.He was no stranger to controversy during his career, the lowest point of which was his two-year ban after being found guilty, in May 2008, of “receiving money, or benefit or other reward that could bring him or the game of cricket into disrepute”.Last month, Samuels became one of 19 Jamaican cricketers to feature on a mural unveiled at Sabina Park as part of a larger art project that aims to turn Kingston into a “destination city”.

After missing Saturday's match vs. Juventus in Serie A, the U.S. star could be held out midweek if he's not 100 percent

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• Christian Pulisic dealing with injury for AC Milan
• Rossoneri play in UCL on Wednesday
• American won't be "risked" if he is not ready to play

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Christian Pulisic could miss a second consecutive game for AC Milan, manager Sergio Conceicao said. The USMNT star missed Saturday's match against Juventus in Serie A, as the defeated the 2-0 thanks to a match-winning goal from fellow American Tim Weah.

  Last week, Pulisic suffered a muscle injury in Milan's victory over Como in Serie A, and was removed at halftime of the contest. He underwent a scan shortly after, and it revealed no serious injury. But the Italian club are not going to rush him back.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Conceicao said that no definitive decision has been made yet on Pulisic's status for Milan's Champions League match vs. Girona on Wednesday, but if he were to feature, it would be off the bench. However, he hinted that he might not play at all.

  "We have training tomorrow morning, let’s see how it goes," Conceicao said. "I don’t want to risk losing him for a month or two. If he’s 100 percent and can help, I’ll bring him to the bench – otherwise, I won’t."

  Pulisic leads Milan in both scoring and assists in 2024, with 10 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Girona have suffered two consecutive defeats in UCL competition heading into their clash with Milan, including a 4-0 hammering at the hands of PSV and U.S. internationals Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi.

  Milan, meanwhile, have won four-straight matches in the competition after losing their opener to Liverpool 1-0 in September. The highlight of their stretch was a 3-1 victory over reigning champions Real Madrid in November, as the stunned the Santiago Bernabeu.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MILAN AND PULISIC?

  The will search for a crucial three points in the European competition as they look to move up the standings ahead of the final stretch of the initial opening round in the new format. As things stand, they sit on 12 points in 12th place. A victory could potentially move them into the top eight of the competition, which would see them avoid the playoffs draw on Jan. 30.

Arsenal have been handed a January 16 deadline to complete the signing of a future star for just £21 million, with the player himself already agreeing personal terms in the summer window.

Arsenal's transfer plans for January explained

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is attempting to guide the north Londoners to their first Premier League title in 21 years, having sealed transfer deals for goalkeeper David Raya, defender Riccardo Calafiori, midfielder Mikel Merino, shot-stopper Neto and winger Raheem Sterling over the summer window.

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He’s a rising star of his country.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 17, 2024

The aforementioned five have reinforced Arsenal’s options in key areas all over the pitch, which is testament to Edu’s extensive work behind-the-scenes, but it is believed they could add to their ranks in January as well.

Martin Odegaard’s long-term ankle injury highlights just how vulnerable they can become at a moment’s notice, with star forward Kai Havertz withdrawing from international duty for Germany and Bukayo Saka sent home by England in what were real scares for Arteta recently.

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

Liverpool (home)

October 27

Newcastle United (away)

November 2

Chelsea (away)

November 10

Nottingham Forest (home)

November 23

Saka’s hamstring problem isn’t serious, as confirmed by Lee Carlsey, while Havertz is expected to be fit to take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium this weekend.

While scares around Havertz and Saka have been alleviated, their absences would’ve been a major cause for concern for Arteta, and reason to contemplate signing alternative options for the pair in January. Arsenal are believed to be targeting a new striker who can alternate with Havertz, as doubts surround Gabriel Jesus’ ability to lead the line right now.

“You have to credit Mikel Arteta because he’s brought this out of him [Havertz],” said former recruitment chief Mick Brown, who remains well-connected within the game.

“I’ve heard, though, that if there was the right option out there, Arsenal still want to buy somebody in that position. The problem is there’s not a long list of players who are good enough to play that role and are also available to come to the Premier League. Arsenal won’t want to waste any money they have on a player they don’t need. They’ll be prudent, but I know they’ll be looking for areas they can improve, and I think that will be one even with Havertz playing as well as he has been.”

As well as a new forward, Arteta and Edu are looking to shore up defensively, and it is believed they’re still after goalkeeper Joan Garcia after failing to sign him in the summer.

Garcia agreed personal terms to join Arsenal at the time, as reported by reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano, but they couldn’t quite agree on a fee with newly-promoted Espanyol.

Arsenal given till January 16 to sign Joan Garcia for just £21m

According to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Arsenal have been given until January 16 to sign Garcia for just £21 million, with his exit clause set to rise to around £26 million thereafter in the winter.

The story is a complicated one, as it is believed his release clause rose to £26 million in the summer after previously being £21 million. Mundo claim his Espanyol contract will implement a similar scenario in January, with Edu handed another opportunity to bring him in for £5 million less.

The Spaniard, who played a key role in helping Espanyol achieve promotion last season, has been tipped to become Spain’s number one goalkeeper as Arsenal eye up another move for the future star.

“I like the personality he has, the style he has,” said ex-Espanyol keeper Kiko Casilla.

“He is the future goalkeeper of Spain. He is the present of Espanyol and I hope he is also the future.”

Manchester United are considered to be one of the teams most interested in signing a prolific striker, according to a recent report. The lack of goals for the Red Devils so far this season has already cost them – only Southampton have less – and it now appears that despite adding Joshua Zirkzee during the summer, they could be looking to sign another striker come 2025.

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ByLuke Randall Sep 4, 2025 Man Utd transfer news

The January transfer window is still a few months away from opening, but already United are being linked with potential players they may look to sign in the New Year or next summer. It emerged earlier this week that Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is on the club’s radar, as they eye more defensive reinforcements.

Meanwhile, as well as looking to sign Guehi, United also have their eye on Fulham defender Antonee Robinson. The Red Devils have been watching the player for some time, and they are now looking to step up their interest in a bid to fend off the competition.

It isn’t just defence that United are looking to improve, as they are also looking to improve their midfield and have an interest in Adam Wharton of Palace. Christian Eriksen is coming to the end of his contract at Old Trafford, and United are looking to replace the Dane with a younger, more athletic player. The transfer stories don’t stop there for United, as they now are among the sides being credited with an interest in a striker who continues to shine in Europe.

Man Utd considered one of the most interested teams in £63m star

According to Bild journalist Sten Hornig speaking to Tutto Juve, relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester United are keeping a close eye on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. As well as the Red Devils being interested, Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester City are also keen on the forward.

Sesko was linked with a move away during the summer transfer window, with it being claimed that the Gunners made an important offer for the player, but he decided to remain in Germany and sign a new contract until 2029.

The striker, who has a market value of 75 million euros, which is roughly £63 million, has enjoyed a strong start to the season, which includes him netting a brace in Wednesday’s 3-2 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League. Ahead of that game, Hornig was asked about the chances of Sesko playing in Serie A, and the Bild journalist believes the Premier League could be where his future lies, as he praises his “extremely high development potential”.

Apps

49

Goals

22

Assists

5

Hornig said on Sesko’s future: “Given his age and still extremely high development potential, Šeško would probably help almost every team in Europe. However, I doubt that his path will take him to Italy next summer.

“In addition to the market value of over €75m, which is probably difficult to reach for an Italian club, the biggest difficulties will come from Premier League clubs that want to get serious next summer. I’m referring to Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal, who are among the teams that continue to monitor him the most.”

West Ham held more possession than the opposition for the third Premier League game this season, out of a possible seven, something Julen Lopetegui is trying to slowly integrate to his side.

The Hammers held 53% of the ball against Ipswich, but have averaged 45.4% possession this campaign so far, as the Spaniard has tried to implement a new style of football at the London Stadium.

Plenty of good performances could be picked out for the Hammers, but after scoring four goals having only scored ten all season, the attack deserves extra credit this week for finding their shooting boots and putting their chances away.

Jarrod Bowen and Mohamed Kudus were chief among their stars on Saturday afternoon,

Bowen and Kudus in 2024/25

Both Bowen and Kudus were on the scoresheet for the Hammers against Ipswich, after both having fairly slow starts by their standards this campaign.

Bowen has two goals and two assists in seven Premier League games now, following his goal and assist on Saturday.

Kudus, on the other hand, got his first goal contribution in the league this season, making seven appearances in the Premier League this and only scoring once in 579 minutes. Considering how good the latter, in particular, was last term, his form was a big cause for concern.

Indeed, the pair were heavily relied upon in 2023/24, having 50 goals and assists between them in all competitions, which shows how much of West Ham’s output comes from the attacking duo.

Can you imagine a world in which the Irons didn’t have Bowen or Kudus at their disposal? They may well have signed a different player instead of the latter last summer…

When West Ham wanted to sign Harvey Barnes

According to the Telegraph back in early June 2023, West Ham were leading the race to sign Harvey Barnes from Leicester with Tottenham, Newcastle and Aston Villa all also linked at the time.

In July, Newcastle ended up signing Barnes for around £39m, which then saw the Clarets sign Kudus in August for around £38m. West Ham’s earlier interest in the “efficient” winger, as he labelled by Statman Dave, could have seen the Hammers not sign the Ghanaian if they had got Barnes over the line.

So, was that a good piece of business? The stats help us to understand the difference between both players.

Barnes vs Kudus 23/24 comparison
Stats (per 90 mins)	Barnes	Kudus
Goals	0.52	0.37
Assists	0.31	0.17
xG	0.40	0.25
xAG	0.36	0.15
Progressive Carries	5.06	4.07
Progressive Passes	3.82	2.94
Shots Total	3.23	2.52
Key Passes	1.46	1.18
Shot-Creating Actions	3.26	3.62
Successful Take-Ons	0.79	4.04
Tackles	0.67	2.36
Stats taken from FBref

It is important to note when analysing these metrics from last season that Barnes only played 862 minutes, largely due to injury, whereas Kudus played 3,678 minutes. But you can see from these stats that when the Toon ace was available, he was performing at the top level.

One that got away

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Kudus had a great season, scoring eight goals and providing six assists in the Premier League last campaign, but it was his direct nature, and ability in 1v1s that really impressed, averaging 4.04 take-ons per 90, and even tracking back to win 2.36 tackles per 90, affecting the game on both sides of the ball.

Barnes started this season faster than Kudus with his output, already scoring three times and providing one assist in his seven Premier League appearances. The metrics analysed above and the output already in 2024/25 tell us Barnes is perhaps more precise with his final action (shot, pass etc), whereas Kudus has a more maverick in his approach to making things happen.

West Ham fans will be happy things panned out the way they did, as Kudus has quickly become a fan favourite, but imagine they had signed the Newcastle winger instead, lining up with him on the left (his preferred side) and Bowen on the right, two Englishman in their natural positions.

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By
Connor Holden

Oct 3, 2024

Celtic are back in action in the Champions League this evening as they travel to Bergamo to take on Atalanta in their third match of the League Phase.

The Hoops are on show in the teatime kick-off later today and have a chance to bounce back from their bitterly disappointing trip to Germany in their last game in the competition.

Brendan Rodgers’ side had beaten Slovakian side Slovan 5-1 at Parkhead in their first outing in the Champions League, thanks to goals from Kyogo Furuhashi, Liam Scales, Adam Idah, Daizen Maeda, and Arne Engels.

However, they were then humbled in their next clash as they were hammered 7-1 by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in Germany, going 5-1 down by half-time.

The Northern Irish head coach must ensure that his team give a better account of themselves in this match against Atalanta and he could look to make some changes to his starting XI in order to do so.

Celtic were held to a 2-2 draw by Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership last time out, after going in 2-0 ahead at the break, and one player who should be in danger of losing their place is Daizen Maeda.

Daizen Maeda's performance against Aberdeen

The Japan international lined up on the left flank and did not do enough to justify his selection, with a poor performance against the joint-league-leaders.

He was handed a dismal player rating of 4/10 by The Scotsman, who wrote that the attacker was ‘off the pace’ in attack and partially culpable for Aberdeen’s equaliser, by giving the ball away in the build-up to the goal.

Maeda was involved in the second goal for Celtic, scored by Kyogo Furuhashi, but it was far from a high-quality involvement. The winger was sent away down the left channel and scuffed a poor left-footed cross straight at the Aberdeen centre-back, who then produced a dreadful clearance straight to Reo Hatate, whose effort then deflected for the striker to score.

Outside of that, the 26-year-old dud endured a frustrating afternoon at Parkhead on Saturday and may have given Rodgers a decision to make ahead of tonight’s game.

Minutes played

65

Shots on target

0

Big chances created

0

Duels won

2/8

Successful crosses

0/2

As you can see in the table above, the Japanese dud did not make a big impact in the final third, with zero shots on target and zero ‘big chances’ created, and struggled out of possession.

He was dominated by opposition defenders, who came out on top against him in six of eight duels, and his performance against Aberdeen is one of the reasons why the winger should be brutally binned against Atalanta.

Why Daizen Maeda should be dropped

His dismal showing against the Dons was just the latest of a run of three poor performances in succession from the experienced Celtic forward.

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Before the international break, Maeda started in the 2-1 win over Ross County in Dingwall but was substituted in the 68th minute, with the Hoops 1-0 down, and that was one of the catalysts for the team’s comeback.

In that match, the attacker had three shots on goal and missed one ‘big chance’ to get his team level, as they were 1-0 down at the time, and failed with both of his attempted crosses.

The lightweight also lost five of his six duels throughout the game and this shows that, once again, opposition players found it too easy to get the better of him.

Maeda did score in the 7-1 defeat to Dortmund in the match before the trip to Ross County, but his all-round display in Germany was less than impressive.

Minutes played

90

Goals

1

Big chances created

0

Duels won

2/7

Dribbled past

3x

Error led to goal

1

As you can see in the table above, the Hoops dud was dominated physically by the Bundesliga giants and struggled defensively, making an error that directly led to a goal and being dribbled past three times.

Therefore, Rodgers must brutally ditch Maeda from the starting XI after three underwhelming performances in succession, which would open the door for James Forrest to be unleashed from the start.

What James Forrest could bring for Celtic

The veteran attacker has mainly been utilised as an impact substitute for the Scottish giants so far this season, but Maeda’s poor form could present him with a chance to come into the line-up.

He was an unused substitute in the 7-1 defeat to Dortmund, as the game was already gone at half-time at 5-1 down, but did come on to make an impact in the first Champions League game against Slovan.

The Scotland international came off the bench against the Slovakian outfit and produced a superb through ball to split open the defence and assist Adam Idah for the fifth goal on the night.

That was his fourth assist in six appearances in all competitions at the time but he has gone four matches without a goal contribution, only starting one of those.

Forrest has shown promise in his last two appearances as a substitute for Celtic, though, with strong cameos against Ross County and Aberdeen after coming on to replace Maeda in both of those Premiership games.

Minutes played

22

27

Pass accuracy

100%

87%

Shots

4

5

Key passes

0

1

Dribbles completed

2/4

0/1

As you can see in the table above, the Scottish ace made himself a constant threat at the top end of the pitch with nine shots taken and one chance created in just 49 minutes of action.

In short, Forrest – who was hailed as “brilliant” by Rodgers – makes an impact in the final third and causes constant problems for opposition defenders with his graceful play.

Given Maeda’s poor form in recent weeks, domestically and in Europe, the manager must unleash the experienced star from the start and brutally ditch the Japan international from the starting XI.

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