All posts by h716a5.icu

Yorkshire’s NatWest Blast hopes still hang by a thread – and the margins are getting tighter -victory by one run in a match that was Derbyshire’s for the taking

David Hopps at Derby10-Jul-2016
ScorecardAdil Rashid had a key role to play on his return from England duty•Getty ImagesYorkshire’s NatWest Blast hopes still hang by a thread – and the margins are getting tighter. Five runs in a feverish Roses match against Lancashire, two runs – and a few doubts about that – against Warwickshire on Friday night and now the closest of all: victory by one run in a match that was Derbyshire’s for the taking.Twenty-five off the last three overs with six wickets intact made Derbyshire favourites, even allowing for a sluggish Derby pitch and slow outfield, but they contrived to lose four wickets in 10 balls for eight runs and, by the time Matt Critchley swung the last ball from Azeem Rafiq for six, the match was settled. Yorkshire go fifth, the return from England ODI duty of Adil Rashid, David Willey and Liam Plunkett reviving their optimism. Derbyshire, by losing by one run for the third time this season, are now as good as eliminated.Kane Williamson is fighting fatigue, according to Yorkshire’s director of cricket Martyn Moxon, but one of cricket’s consummate professionals is not the sort to wear his responsibilities lightly. There are few greater loads to bear than energising Yorkshire’s Twenty20 cricket, but he stood up to the challenge, his 65 from 45 balls the guiding force in Yorkshire’s 166 for 6.It has been a difficult season for all of Yorkshire’s T20 batsmen with only Joe Root having passed 50 before Williamson’s intervention. Alex Lees’ own contribution on this occasion was a first-baller, caught at the wicket driving at Shiv Thakor, but his first season as Yorkshire’s T20 captain remains alive and he will take sustenance from that.Williamson will soon depart; the Australian Travis Head has just landed in England. In the NatWest Blast, players come and go so often the county grounds should have their own runway: another alternative perhaps to Heathrow expansion. Thanks to this victory, Head’s involvement will at least have some relevance to it.That Williamson’s efforts almost came to naught owed much to a second-wicket stand of 73 in 49 balls for Derbyshire between two New Zealand compatriots, Hamish Rutherford and Neil Broom. Rutherford’s six over extra cover against Willey, who is now contending with shin splints after only just recovering from a side strain, was as good as it got, and with Broom taking a fancy to Plunkett, Derbyshire were 76 for 1 off nine.Rashid intervened in the nick of time, having Rutherford stumped attempting a slog sweep in his first over, and trapping Broom lbw at the start of his third. His return from England one-day duties will also steel Yorkshire’s challenge and his control never wavered, Wayne Madsen outfoxed as he came down the wicket, a second stumping for Andrew Hodd delivering figures of 3 for 20.Only briefly did Yorkshire feel confident. Two towering sixes by Chesney Hughes, with 17 off an over from Tim Bresnan, should have made it Derbyshire’s game but when an outstanding catch at deep midwicket by Plunkett intercepted Jimmy Neesham’s fast, flat pick-up, they still needed 13 off the last over.That over was bowled by Rafiq – and thereby hung a tale. It was Derbyshire who almost signed him after he was released by Yorkshire, only for his action to waver ahead of the season while contractual negotiations were underway. His nerve held here – a yorker off his penultimate ball engineering a drive back by Critchley and the run out of Thakor – and Yorkshire look a better T20 side for having the option of bowling Rashid and Rafiq in tandem.Gillespie was full of praise for Rafiq, who conceded only 28 from four overs. “It takes some nerve from a finger spinner to bowl in the powerplay and the last over of the innings,” he said. “It shows how far he’s come in such a short time. He’s very relaxed, he’s happy in his own skin and I can’t tell you how happy I am to see him have that success after a challenging period for him.”Some will contend that Yorkshire were fortunate to enter the match still with hopes of a quarter-final place. Adam Lyth’s acrobatic last-ball stop at long-on to complete an unexpected victory against Warwickshire at Headingley on Friday night was perilously near to the boundary according to some spectators with a close view. Yorkshire’s supporters celebrated victory, but their reaction might have been more critical if the situation had been reversed.Willey is another man Yorkshire are relying upon to bring fresh impetus to their last-eight challenge. Fourteen in three balls over long-on against Neesham, and 21 off in all off the over, gave Yorkshire’s innings early stimulus, but even he was relatively restrained apart from that, finally dismissed for 33 from 28 balls when he lofted Wes Durston’s offspin to long off.From 42 for 0 off four overs, Yorkshire struggled to make headway, their batting strength undermined by a groin injury to Ballance which has made him doubtful for the first Test against Pakistan at Lord’s on Thursday. Lyth was first out, helping a short ball from Andy Carter to third man, and Jack Leaning and Will Rhodes succumbing quickly.Williamson’s innings ended seven balls early, bowled around his legs by his fellow New Zealander Neesham. His seventh-wicket stand of 48 in 27 balls with Bresnan rallied Yorkshire, although as successful as it was, it seems wasteful for a side which struggles to hit long not to find a way to get the potentially destructive hitting of Plunkett into the action earlier.So for the second season in a row, the group stages of the NatWest Blast had reached the final stages with every county still in contention. That will be used as evidence by those dismissive of Twenty20 that it is such a short game that the result becomes more random and therefore is of less value.But it can be perceived in different ways. Those seeking comfort will view it as evidence of the depth, not always recognised in England’s professional game. Those committed to radical change will insist that it is the withdrawal of England players which levels the standards and only their introduction would lead to a tournament of real value. And some, this being England, just blame the whole thing on the rain which has caused 12 No Results and when matches have been played consigned them too often to sluggish surfaces where quality does not always out.Whatever the cause, only a fool would suggest with confidence who might win it.

Aston Villa could target Arsenal full-back Kieran Tierney this summer as Unai Emery looks to bolster their squad ahead of next season, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Kieran Tierney?

As per The Telegraph, Aston Villa boss Emery is keen to bring in Tierney this summer and reunite with the left-back he previously purchased from Celtic for £25 million in 2019 when he was in charge of Arsenal.

The Daily Mail report that the Scotland international has also attracted attention from Manchester City and Newcastle United recently following a campaign mainly featuring as an understudy to Oleksandr Zinchenko at the Emirates.

It would cost over £30 million to entice the 25-year-old away from north London, according to The Sun, who also claim that Tierney completing a move to Newcastle United in the forthcoming transfer window is said to be 'increasingly likely'.

Tierney has made 33 appearances for Arsenal this term in all competitions, netting one goal and two assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Capology understand that the former Celtic man earns around £110,000 per week at the Gunners on a contract that runs until June 2026.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that there could be 'an element of truth' to the Villans' pursuit of Tierney this summer.

Jones said: "It's a really interesting story and I think that's probably one that there will be an element of truth to it, so it'll be interesting to see why that's coming about."

Should Aston Villa look to sign Kieran Tierney from Arsenal this summer?

Tierney has become a fan favourite at Arsenal due to his industrious displays in north London and would be an excellent signing for Aston Villa if Emery was able to entice him to the West Midlands.

The 25-year-old has excelled in the art of progressive carries at the Gunners and shown his ability to provide an offensive threat from the left flank, performing an average of 3.17 per 90 minutes across the last 365 days, as per FBRef.

In the Premier League, Tierney has also come out on top in 30 duels as well as completing 38 ball recoveries this season, illustrating that he is a more than able deputy to step in for Zinchenko and be a reliable presence in the Arsenal backline when called upon.

Looking ahead to the summer, the Scot would be a sensible addition by Emery as he aims to continue the Villans' upward trajectory on the field come 2023/24.

The BCCI has announced that Rajkot, Visakhapatnam, Pune, Dharamsala, Ranchi and Indore will debut as Test venues in India’s 2016-17 home season, which will include series against New Zealand, England, Australia and Bangladesh

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jun-20161:26

India set for bumper home season in 2016-17

The BCCI has announced that Rajkot, Visakhapatnam, Pune, Dharamsala, Ranchi and Indore will debut as Test venues in India’s 2016-17 home season, which will include series against New Zealand, England, Australia and Bangladesh. The announcement was made after the BCCI’s Tour Programme and Fixtures Committee met in Mumbai.Facts and trivia

India last hosted a five-Test series in 1986-87

The previous time Chennai hosted a Test match was in February 2013

Delhi and Nagpur are the only active Test venues to miss out on long-format games in 2016-17 (Ahmedabad’s stadium is being rebuilt); Delhi has had administrative issues, while Nagpur’s pitch was rated poor after the previous Test it hosted

There was no mention of a day-night Test in India for 2016-17

Bangladesh will visit for a one-off Test during the season, their first Test in India since they were given Full Member status in 2000. India are the last of the Full Members to host Bangladesh for Test cricket.In all, India’s home season will include 13 Tests, eight ODIs and three T20Is; 13 Tests equals the record for the highest number of home Tests in a season for India; the only other instance was in 1979-80. It is also a world record for the number of Tests in a home season.New Zealand will visit first and play three Tests and five ODIs from September 23 to October 30, before England arrive towards the end of the year for five Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is between November and January. The Australia series is scheduled for February-March 2017; they will play four Tests. The BCCI said the Bangladesh Test will be held in Hyderabad, but did not mention a date for it.Indore, Kanpur and Kolkata will host New Zealand for their three Tests, before they move to Dharamsala, Delhi, Mohali, Ranchi and Visakhapatnam for the ODIs.England’s Tests are scheduled for Mohali, Rajkot, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Chennai, while the ODIs are at Pune, Cuttack and Kolkata. The three T20Is will be played in Bangalore, Nagpur and Kanpur.Australia’s Tests will be in Bangalore, Dharamsala, Ranchi and Pune.How 2016-17 will compare to previous seasons in India (only bilateral series)•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Sky Sports News reporter Peter Stevenson has noted that opponent fans were already chanting "you're getting sacked in the morning" at new Leeds United manager Sam Allardyce.

What's the latest on Sam Allardyce and Leeds?

The 68-year-old has made his return to Premier League football with a rather big job on his hands as he looks to keep the Whites from relegation.

Indeed, after Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia have failed to deliver any sort of consistency over the course of the season, Leeds now look to 'Big Sam' as their third managerial appointment of the campaign.

Unfortunately for the Englishman, he arrived at the club with just four games left in the season and his first outing was a trip to the Etihad to play Manchester City.

Unsurprisingly, the league leaders didn't take long to find their stride against Leeds and were 2-0 up inside the first half an hour thanks to a brace from Ilkay Gundogan.

As noted by Stevenson on Sky Sports, with the game already looking out of reach for Allardyce and co before half time, the home fans aimed a brutal dig at the 68-year-old.

The journalist said: "Gundogan had far too much time. It's far too easy for Man City.

"The Leeds defence is starting to look so vulnerable.

"The home fans taunt Sam Allardyce with chants of 'you're getting sacked in the morning'."

What did Allardyce say about Guardiola?

Speaking ahead of the game, Allardyce suggested that his footballing brain was on par with Pep Guardiola, telling the press (via BBC Sport): "I'm 68 but there's nobody ahead of me in football terms. Not Pep, not Klopp, not [Mikel] Arteta," he said.

Well, he certainly has plenty of Premier League experience under his belt – having coached the likes of Bolton, Newcastle United, West Ham and many others over the years – but it didn't help much as City raced to that early lead.

Of course, having only just arrived at Elland Road, Allardyce hadn't had much time to work on his tactics ahead of the trip to the Etihad and he has admitted there is much work to do in not very much time, explaining in that the aforementioned press conference: "It's probably my biggest challenge because of the shortness of games that are left and the difficulty of those fixtures."

Of course, City fans may have been jumping the gun with their comments about him getting the sack so soon, but it's unlikely Allardyce will be at Leeds next season if he can't pick up some vital points in the club's final three games.

Newcastle United are on course to secure Champions League football as they currently sit third in the table and nine points clear of fifth, with five games left to play.

The Magpies were able to avoid the drop down to the Championship after PIF completed their takeover and provided Eddie Howe with the funds to sign the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn, and Kieran Trippier.

Last summer, Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, and Nick Pope were among those added to the group to push on, and they have played key roles in the club's European charge.

However, their success this season has not all been down to recent funding from PIF and one of Howe's crucial players is a player who cost the club nothing – Sean Longstaff.

The local lad came through the academy system at St. James' Park and was handed his first-team opportunity by former Magpies boss Rafa Benitez, who saw the potential in him.

Newcastle gave the academy graduate a four-year professional deal in 2018 with the Spanish coach saying that the Englishman has "great potential" and is "keen to learn".

Since then, the midfielder has made 135 first-team appearances for the Toon Army and contributed with eight goals and nine assists from the middle of the park.

How much is Sean Longstaff worth?

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie recently told GIVEMESPORT that Longstaff should be valued in the region of £50m. That merely illustrates the ace's meteoric rise since coming into the senior team in 2018.

This season, the 25-year-old has made 32 Premier League outings and has been a reliable operator in midfield – completing 83% of his attempted passes.

Ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson praised his "outstanding" play and the role the dynamo has in the Magpies team, saying: "He's probably one of the first names on the team sheet. People might raise and eyebrow there and say 'don't be silly.' He's got the legs in midfield, he's an unsung hero.

"He does a lot of the hard graft for them and that's why they are where they are. Defensively, when Southampton really asked the questions they were solid as a rock."

Longstaff's rise to prominence in a team on course to secure Champions League football this season is vindication for Benitez and the faith that the Spanish boss had in the youngster five years ago.

The former Liverpool coach believed in the maestro's potential and Eddie Howe, who replaced Steve Bruce in the dugout, has been able to unlock his quality in the top flight this term.

Hopefully, there is more development to come from the Englishman, and he can continue to be a key player for Newcastle moving forward.

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier might “want to leave” this summer should the club get relegated from the Premier League, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

What's the latest on Meslier's future?

The Frenchman permanently arrived at Elland Road from FC Lorient back in July 2020 and has firmly established himself as number one in his 123 appearances to date, and despite his contract not expiring for another three years, is facing an uncertain future given the dangerous position that Javi Gracia and his side find themselves in.

Football Insider report that the Whites shot-stopper has emerged as a target for Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur with a £30m price tag having been set, though Fabrizio Romano has since claimed that the Yorkshire outfit aren’t open to negotiations at this particular moment in time.

Speaking to Football FanCast, O’Rourke delivered an update on Meslier’s stance regarding staying at Leeds beyond the summer and revealed where he thinks his future will lie. He said:

“There has been previous interest before from some Premier League clubs. So I'm sure Meslier will be keeping his options open this summer. If Leeds were to go down, I'm sure he would want to leave and Leeds might be forced to cash in on him as well.”

Should Leeds keep or sell Meslier?

Since Leeds gained promotion back to the Premier League in 2019/20 thanks to the services of Meslier, who earns £30k per week, during his loan season between the sticks, he’s become a key member of the squad so the hierarchy should do everything they can to fend off interest and keep hold of him beyond the summer window.

The 6 foot 5 colossus has kept 30 clean sheets during his time at Elland Road with his form this season in particular having seen him receive three man-of-the-match awards, highlighting the individual importance he has on the side.

The Lorient native has also made 84 saves from 143 shots on target against and ranks in the 93rd percentile for defensive actions outside of his area, as per FBRef, showing that he’s not afraid to come out, get himself behind the ball and clear the danger from the opposition.

Finally, Meslier has a fantastic range of passing having completed 135 of 139 short passes and 315 of 320 medium passes this season, giving him a success rate of 98.4% for the latter, so even the thought of losing him will no doubt be a huge blow to Gracia.

Manchester United’s second-half collapse against Sevilla on Thursday evening was remarkable.

The Red Devils were 2-0 up and cruising at half time thanks to two goals from loanee Marcel Sabitzer, but after spurning a succession of chances, were made to pay by the Spanish side.

The eventual scoreline was 2-2 with Erik ten Hag’s men having fallen to sleep late on, leaving their chances of reaching the next round of the Europa League in doubt.

What happened in Man United vs Sevilla?

It was a torrid night for the Manchester club who saw Bruno Fernandes suspended ahead of the second leg, Lisandro Martinez leave the pitch in tears after an injury and Tyrell Malacia fall asleep for Sevilla’s opener.

It was dreadful defending from the Dutchman who inexplicably switched off at the back post and allowed former Manchester City man Jesus Navas to steel in.

The right-back attempted to play the ball into the box but it cannoned off Malacia, then off David De Gea, before ending up in the back of the net.

The evening then became even worse after substitute Harry Maguire’s own goal. If anything typified his stint at Old Trafford this was it.

Youssef En-Nesyri leapt the highest for a late header in the box and with the ball not goalbound in the slightest, it came off Maguire’s head who was completely oblivious to what was happening, before it beat a hapless De Gea.

What was the reaction to Maguire’s own goal?

The reaction to the own goal was one of jest with plenty taking to social media to aim criticism at the centre-half, even if he couldn’t do anything about the end result.

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared a Tottenham Hotspur manager update involving Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.

What's the latest on Kompany to Spurs?

The 37-year-old, as reported recently, appears to be quite high on chairman Daniel Levy's agenda with some news outlets even suggesting he is their top target. Indeed, The Sun recently claimed that Kompany has impressed Levy and Spurs chiefs, with the Belgian himself open to a possible approach.

Tottenham are still without a permanent replacement for ex-manager Antonio Conte, who parted company with the north Londoners last month, with Kompany seen as a very viable candidate.

The Man City legend has joined other high profile names who are being considered for the role, like former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique and the recently fired Julian Nagelsmann.

Kompany in particular could be deemed one of Europe's most exciting young coaches, having guided Burnley back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

His Clarets side have played thoroughly entertaining football in doing so – scoring more goals and conceding fewer than any other Championship team. They also reign superior in terms of games won and could yet become one of the few second tier sides to reach 100 points in a single season (Sky Sports).

As such, the prospect of Kompany's appointment at Spurs could be an enticing one for some supporters, with Romano now sharing an update on the matter.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, the authorative journalist claimed Levy is working on Tottenham's manager appointment in the background, and they do indeed appreciate Kompany's work.

He explained:

“I can confirm that Tottenham appreciate Vincent Kompany, I’ve said in the last few weeks that Vincent is one of the managers they like after his impressive work at Burnley.

“But the feeling inside the club is that nothing has been decided yet on the new head coach. It will take time to decide the new manager with Daniel Levy on it.”

Should Spurs consider him?

As previously mentioned, the former Anderlecht boss has been shining at Turf Moor, yet we believe he is an option who should remain on the outside.

Kompany is both a brilliant coach and leader, having achieved cult status at City as their former captain, but his lack of experience in the English top flight as a manager could count against him.

Tottenham is an absolutely huge job to undertake with serial winners like Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte ultimately failing to transform their fortunes, even if the latter did take them to a top four finish last season.

Conte's tenure ended very unceremoniously and Kompany will not want to follow in the Italian's footsteps.

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has shared a funny picture of new manager Roy Hodgson amid the club's recent upturn in form.

What's the latest on Roy Hodgson and Crystal Palace?

It wasn't that long ago that the Eagles looked to be in real trouble. Indeed, amid a run of 12 games without a win, the club opted to part ways with Patrick Vieira.

Consequently, Hodgson was brought in to help Palace in what looked to be a tight fight to avoid Premier League relegation. However, the 75-year-old has since delivered two wins from two, putting the Eagles now six points above the bottom three.

In their latest outing, Hodgson's side were at their very best as they stunned relegation rivals Leeds United. Indeed, despite initially falling behind, goals from Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze, Odsonne Edouard, and a brace from Jordan Ayew saw Palace win 5-1 at Elland Road.

After the game, winger Zaha took to Instagram to share a picture which likely sums up the feeling towards the new/old boss right now.

How many games has Zaha played for Hodgson?

Indeed, the picture shows Hodgson looking sharp, donning a pair of sunglasses and it's fair to say the veteran manager seemed pretty cool after the game.

Indeed, after masterminding this superb shock trouncing of Leeds, the 75-year-old explained to the press how he hoped to continue getting the best out of his attacking players such as Eze and Michael Olise.

He told The Independent: “All we (coaches) are, we’re orchestra leaders. We know the music, we know all the notes, but they have to play the tune.”

He will no doubt be hoping to have Zaha back soon too. The winger is out for an unknown amount of time, with Hodgson confirming before the game: “It’s a groin strain, there’s no question about that. We’re looking after him, he’s having treatment. The doctors and physios won’t put a time stamp on it."

Seeing as the Ivorian has played 135 times for his current boss, scoring 34 goals and providing 21 assists – the most he's managed under any coach across his career – it's safe to say he knows how good things can be under Hodgson.

With that in mind, it's no shock that Zaha was quick to take to social media with this playful message that certainly suggests he's enjoying life under the 75-year-old once more, even if he's not fit to feature right now.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in making a move for Athletico Paranaense attacker Vitor Roque during the summer transfer window.

Is Roque a wanted man this summer?

The 18-year-old looks like a player of enormous promise, having already made such an impression at his current club despite being so young. He has scored 10 goals in 40 appearances for Paranaense, as well as chipping in with three assists.

Such has been the meteoric rise of the one-cap Brazil international, there has been plenty of interest in Roque from European clubs ahead of a potential move this summer.

Barcelona are believed to be his preference currently, as is so often the case for players from his country – the likes of Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho have all starred at Camp Nou in the past, among others – but there could be a strong battle for his signature.

It remains to be seen whether the La Liga giants will have the finances to sanction a move for the youngster, so other clubs would perhaps be wise to pounce if there are any second thoughts in Catalonia.

That's where United come into play, following the emergence of a fresh transfer rumour.

Could United snap up the teenager?

According to Globo Esporte [via Sport Witness], Roque's entourage has been in Europe looking at possible moves for the player, with United one of the clubs who they have spoken to over a potential summer switch. It is noted that two other Premier League clubs are planning to submit bids for the forward at the end of the season.

Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and West Ham are all mentioned as being in the conversation to sign the teenager, whose current deal at Paranaense doesn't expire until 2027, meaning a hefty bid may be required to sign him.

Roque appears to carry a lot of promise given his age and the stature of clubs interested in him. He has also been described as "one of the greatest players we have ahead of us" by former Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, which is a huge statement to make.

For that reason, United should do all they can to beat others to his signature this summer, with Roque coming in as a raw player who can develop in England over time, potentially becoming a superstar and ensuring the Red Devils remain a force long into the future, assuming he reaches what looks like his absolutely huge potential.