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Tottenham Hotspur got their Premier League season and the Ange Postecoglou era underway today, earning a result away to Brentford where plenty of positives can be extracted…

Why was Brentford vs Tottenham delayed?

However, the clash was instantly marred by a delay, with Sky Sports citing on commentary that it was due to "sanitary issues", backed up in The Standard. Effectively, no water was coming into the stadium, making starting the game a health risk. Fans only had to wait mere minutes before the action commenced, but it remained a minor annoyance before a ball had even been kicked.

Once it did begin, viewers were treated to a first-half goal fest, with each side netting twice to set up a spectacular second half that never came. In the end, it finished 2-2, but with a fine defensive display in the final 45 minutes that suggested there will be an element of solidity amidst the organised chaos their new boss seeks to create.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Whilst there were plenty of standout performers within the Lilywhites' side, including many of the debutants, it was actually a familiar face that stole the show. Many might rush to laud James Maddison, but Yves Bissouma was the true hero today.

How did Yves Bissouma play vs Brentford?

Having claimed assists for both of their goals, it would be unfair to dismiss what a stellar first start the England international enjoyed. He was busy and constantly looking to create, enjoying 86 touches and completing six key passes. As such, his 8.2 rating was the highest of anyone on the pitch, via Sofascore.

And yet, it was his Malian midfield partner who arguably deserves more praise, even if Sky Sports did hand him their Man of the Match award.

This was more than merited, given how ever-present he was in both breaking up opposition attacks and dictating the play.

The £55k-per-week general touched the ball an astronomical 136 times, maintaining a 92% pass accuracy from the 112 he attempted and even recording a key pass, via Sofascore.

Having joined back in the summer of 2022, it felt like fans will finally be treated to the kind of player they thought they were getting when he first left Brighton and Hove Albion.

Hard-working, industrious and economical, he paired such proficiency in possession with a further three tackles, two clearances and two interceptions, even winning 11 of the 15 ground duels he competed in. This all culminated in his 8.0 rating, as the second-best performer behind his new teammate, via Sofascore.

The Bees endured a torrid afternoon trying to bypass the defensively exceptional titan, who earned a glowing review in Alasdair Gold's post-match player ratings: "Spurs' player of the match. He looks so confident in the Postecoglou system and was always in control throughout. Everything goes through him and he could be a real dictator of Tottenham's tempo this season."

Fellow journalist Charlie Eccleshare shared this sentiment, writing in his summation of the game:

"FT 2-2. Decent point, could have been three. Really fun, upbeat start to the Postecoglou era. Bissouma and Udogie standout performers. Maddison impressive. Plenty to build on."

His final point rings especially true, with the future of Postecoglou's reign, which promises to be an enthralling one for Spurs fans, likely to be built around Bissouma if he is to continue with performances of that ilk.

The hosts need another 105 runs, with eight wickets in hand, to beat Ireland A in the only unofficial Test

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Oct-2017
ScorecardSportsfile via Getty ImagesTwo late strikes by Andrew McBrine jolted Bangladesh A late on the third afternoon, leaving them with 105 runs to get on the final day to beat Ireland A in Sylhet. Depite the late stutter, the day belonged to the home side after Sunzamul Islam’s five-for sunk the visitors for 213 in the second innings.McBrine removed Zakir Hasan and Nazmul Hossain Shanto in the fourth over of Bangladesh A’s 132-run chase. Shadman Islam and Al-Amin remained unbeaten on 14 and 9 respectively, as the hosts finished on 27 for 2 in 11 overs.Ireland A were earlier bowled out for 213 runs in 60.2 overs after Bangladesh A stretched their first innings lead to 82. Bangladesh A began the day on 322 for 6 but lost their last four wickets for only seven runs in the morning.Ireland A then slipped to 100 for 4, with only James Shannon standing firm at the other end. He lasted till the 40th over – scoring 90 off 118 balls with seven fours and three sixes – and took Ireland past 150. Sunzamul, however, kept chipping away and had returns of 5 for 90. Mahedi Hasan took three wickets while Ebadot Hossain and Jubair Hossain took one each.

Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams is likely to sign for Chelsea this summer, according to Phil Hay.

Is Tyler Adams leaving Leeds?

The Whites, under Daniel Farke, began their Championship season on Sunday afternoon and came from behind against Cardiff City to draw 2-2 thanks to a late Crysencio Summerville equaliser at Elland Road.

One player who didn’t feature due to injury but was present at the ground was Adams, who was spotted giving instructions to 17-year-old midfielder Archie Gray on the pitch at half time.

Gray impressed on his senior Whites debut, and with Adams out with a hamstring issue, the youngster may become a regular under Farke in the coming weeks.

Adams’ Leeds future has been up in the air ever since the club were relegated from the Premier League last season, and by the looks of things, a move to Chelsea is firmly on the cards.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Reliable Leeds correspondent Hay took to X on Monday morning to share what he’s heard about Adams’ Elland Road future. He stated that it is likely the USA international ends up moving to Stamford Bridge, with the Blues set to step up their interest.

“Chelsea set to step up interest in Tyler Adams. Increasing likely that they will sign the Leeds United midfielder, who has a release clause in his deal.”

Who could replace Tyler Adams at Leeds?

Adams, hailed as an “exceptionally bright young footballer” by Gary Lineker at the World Cup last year, could be the latest to leave Elland Road, joining the likes of Diego Llorente, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Max Wober, Brenden Aaronson and Robin Koch, all of which have departed on loan.

Rodrigo and Tyler Roberts have also sealed permanent exits away, whereas Leeds have so far signed just goalkeeper Karl Darlow and midfielder Ethan Ampadu from Newcastle United and Chelsea respectively.

Should a move away materialise for Adams as Hay claims, then Farke will be left with just Gray, Ampadu, Darko Gybai, Sam Greenwood and Jamie Shackleton as young midfield options, highlighting the need for further reinforcements if the club are to push for an immediate return to the Premier League.

One player who has been linked with a move to Yorkshire is Rangers’ Glen Kamara, with the club thought to be eyeing up a move for the Finland international to replace Adams.

Kamara has been training on his own, with manager Michael Beale recently saying:

“He’s training in isolation just now, not with the group, trying to get himself up to speed. There’s a lot in the background with Glen as well, with different enquiries and him talking to different people.

“So it’s best that he's to the side of the group. I’ve got no issues with him on a personal level — it’s a conversation we had a good few months ago.”

Therefore, Kamara, who is experienced after making 193 appearances for Rangers, could be the player seen as Adams’ perfect replacement, and with time ticking until the deadline, Leeds may want to get a potential deal lined up ahead of Adams’ move to Chelsea.

Deandra Dottin’s second T20I century and Hayley Matthews four-for consigned Sri Lanka to a sixth straight loss on the tour

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Oct-2017
ScorecardAFPDeandra Dottin’s second T20I century – the most by an women’s cricketer in the format – and a four-for from allrounder Hayley Matthews helped West Indies women complete a 3-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka women, with a 31-run victory in the third T20I in Antigua on Sunday.En route to her 67-ball 112 – the same score as her maiden hundred in 2010 – Dottin clobbered nine fours and five sixes, taking 18 runs off Chamari Atapattu in the 16th over. Following an early wicket, Dottin and opener Matthews added 121 runs for the second wicket, with Matthews contributing a 40-ball 34. Having taken West Indies past 150, Dottin fell with two balls left in the innings, but West Indies lost wickets off both those deliveries and closed their innings at 159 for 6.Sri Lanka’s pursuit was wobbly as Matthews struck twice in the fourth over to dismiss Yasoda Mendis and Chamari Atapattu with the score on 14. With the side tottering at 42 for 3 in the ninth over, Shashikala Siriwardene and wicketkeeper-batsman Rebeca Vandort steadied the innings with a partnership of 84 runs. The duo struck identical scores of 50 each, before Matthews dealt another double-strike in the 20th over to consign the opposition to their sixth straight defeat on the tour. Offspin accounted for all five Sri Lanka wickets, with Matthews taking 4 for 18 and Stafanie Taylor taking one wicket. Shakera Selman, who had suffered an injury while fielding in the second T20I on Saturday, did not play this game and was replaced by Shamilia Connell.Dottin finished the series with a tally of 154 runs from the three games and was adjudged Player of the Match and the Series.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in making a swoop for Sevilla defender Gonzalo Montiel, as Unai Emery seeks further summer reinforcements ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Spaniard alongside Monchi has welcomed the signings of Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby to Villa Park, in three moves that pose as significant upgrades to the squad.

The four-time Europa League winner could now delve back into the market to once again steal some talent from LaLiga, just as he did with Torres.

Could Aston Villa sign Gonzalo Montiel?

As reported in Spain (as relayed by Sport Witness), Villa have made ‘simple contacts’ over Argentine full-back Montiel.

The report claims that the 26-year-old is unhappy at Sevilla, making a potential reunion with Monchi a possibility this summer.

After just two years in LaLiga, the right-back could be on the move again, with his value currently sitting close to €12m (£10m), as per FootballTransfers.

How good is Gonzalo Montiel?

Most notable for his World Cup-winning penalty in Qatar back in December, the defender lived out his dream to secure his country the greatest prize of them all at a moment where room for error was incredibly slim.

Aside from his World Cup heroics, the former River Plate full-back has been a solid presence at the back in Spain, making 28 league appearances for Sevilla last season, and becoming an integral member of the squad.

Deployed exclusively on the right side of the defence, the Argentine has been lauded as an “animal” by a figure well known in the Midlands, former boss and Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui.

A combative player, Montiel has been identified as a player known to be ‘active in transition’ by scouting site Target Scouting, who pinpointed such attributes when analysing the full-back’s performances at River Plate.

Such claims have been supported by his numbers last season in LaLiga, suggesting that he could be the perfect acquisition for Monchi to chase this summer.

As per FBref, the Argentine averaged 3.37 progressive passes and 2.01 progressive carries per 90 for Sevilla, showcasing his abilities going forward in support of offensive patterns of play.

Lining up as a defender, the former River Plate favourite made his defensive strengths clear through his averages in LaLiga last season, recording an average of 1.54 tackles and 1.12 interceptions per 90.

The potential arrival of Montiel could represent another reshuffle at the back from Emery, in a player whose arrival should be feared by some in his position.

While Matty Cash has been a reasonably solid signing for Villa since arriving at Villa Park from Nottingham Forest back in 2020, the Poland international could see his place taken if the opportunity arises for the Argentine target to occupy the area.

Last campaign, the former Forest defender had his place in the squad covered by veteran Ashley Young whilst he spent time on the sidelines nursing a calf injury.

Young was a valued yet ageing member of the squad in the Midlands for his duties representing the club over the years, but now missing additional game time with a backup of the calibre of Montiel could leave Cash with the problem of being usurped in the pecking order.

While contact is rumoured to have been made, no official bid has been reported yet, however with the start of the 2023/24 season around the corner, Emery should act quickly to get his squad into shape ready for the new calendar.

England are to use the limited-overs matches against West Indies to trial a few options as they look to fill Ottis Gibson’s position

George Dobell10-Sep-20173:14

Dobell: England still don’t know their best XI for Ashes tour

England are to use the limited-overs matches against West Indies to trial a few options as their new bowling coach.With Ottis Gibson having left his role as England bowling coach at the end of the Test series against West Indies, to take up his new role as head coach of South Africa, the ECB has advertised the position. Applications will remain open until the end of September and it may be that England do not appoint a permanent replacement until after the Test tours of Australia and New Zealand are completed.That means they could use an interim appointment – perhaps a specialist with experience of Australian conditions – during the Ashes series. “We are going to get some of the English guys who have expressed some interest in the job involved over the ODI series,” Trevor Bayliss, the England head coach, said. “That way we can see them and they can get a feel for it.”The position is very much open. No one has nailed it down and we have got a bit of time. There’s no point rushing.”Among those who could be involved during the limited-overs games are Chris Silverwood, who is on the brink of leading Essex to the County Championship title as head coach, and Glen Chapple, whose Lancashire side could well finish second in Division One. The options have not yet been finalised.Bayliss also revealed that, rather than looking to appoint a permanent replacement for Gibson before England leave for Australia at the end of October, they may make an interim appointment.”In the past, we’ve had consultants come in,” Bayliss said. “We have had Mahela Jayawardene and people like that, so the thought is that we might try and organise something along those lines just for the winter. We quite possibly won’t have a full-time replacement until next summer.”

Manchester United midfielder Donny Van De Beek is involved in "discussions" regarding a move away from Old Trafford this summer, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Dutchman is ready to end his three-year tenure at United this window.

What is the latest news about Van De Beek?

The Dutchman looks set to call time on his three-year spell in Manchester this window.

The former Ajax man joined the club in the summer of 2020 for a fee reported to potentially rise to £39m, and has made 60 appearances across his Old Trafford career, scoring two goals and providing two assists.

Many expected that following the arrival of the midfielders former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag to the 'Theatre of Dreams' that the Dutch international would finally be able to truly find his feet at United and showcase to everyone why he commanded such a large transfer fee, but that has never happened.

The midfielder has never managed to establish himself under three separate managers, whilst also failing to jump ahead of Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes in the United pecking order, whilst injury problems derailed any real chances for Van de Beek to build up form, with the player having missed 52 games for the Red Devils, including 38 last campaign after a devastating knee injury ended his campaign in January.

According to reports, Real Sociedad are in talks with Manchester United regarding the midfielder, with it resulting in a formal approach being made for the player by the side. However, they face competition from Van de Beek's former side Ajax, who are interested in bringing the player back to Amsterdam three years after his departure.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jacobs revealed that a move away from the Premier League is the most likely outcome for the midfielder this summer, and that the sale process should be much smoother compared to the one currently happening with teammate Harry Maguire.

He said: "It looks like he'll end up leaving the Premier League rather than staying in it, even though we have heard rumours from January onwards about another Premier League club coming in for van de Beek. It hasn't worked out how he would have liked at Manchester United, and it looks like Real Sociedad are the one to watch there. I believe that talks are ongoing to determine whether there's a viable package there, but that one looks like a much simpler and speedier outgoing compared to Harry Maguire, which has a few more moving parts."

What is next for Manchester United's midfield?

There could still be a lot of change in the Red Devils midfield before the window.

One midfielder who could follow Van de Beek out of Old Trafford this summer is Brazilian midfielder Fred. According to a report from 90min, Galatasaray have seen an offer rejected that fell below the asking price of £20m set by Man United, and have since switched their focus onto other targets according to Fabrizio Romano. Fulham could reignite the interest they showed earlier on in the summer, and the midfielder who is in the final 12 months of his contract with the Red Devils is also a potential target for Saudi Arabian sides.

The club are looking to bring in a midfield in the form of Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat.United have reportedly been long time admirers of Amrabat, having tried to bring in the midfielder back in the January window following his impressive performances during the World Cup that saw him get named in the World Cup Team of the Tournament, however a move never materialised and the player stayed with La Viola until the end of the season, where he missed out on both the Coppa Italia and Conference League trophies after losing both finals. According to Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder was the subject of a big money offer from Saudi Arabia side Al Ahli, however he turned it down with his priority being sealing a switch to Old Trafford to work under former boss Erik ten Hag

Arsenal have already undergone a summer of revolution, yet manager Mikel Arteta remains undeterred to continue adding should the right personnel become available.

Is Michael Olise leaving Crystal Palace?

Whilst Declan Rice's huge move likely swallowed up the bulk of their remaining budget, the Spanish manager likely remains open to the idea of further acquisitions, should they move on some of the deadwood.

Given this is a venture they are undergoing, perhaps the links suggesting they could move to Crystal Palace's Michael Olise might come to fruition after all, even if it had once seemed somewhat sceptical.

The wide man does fit the bill as someone who would thrive under the conditions handed to the forwards within the Emirates, with his silkiness and creativity sure to aid his teammates. Not least Gabriel Jesus, who will be hoping to chase down the Premier League's top scorers, should he maintain a clean bill of health for the season.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Given how he has grown into their main man at just 21 years old, the Eagles are demanding a fee of £50m to even begin discussions.

How good is Michael Olise?

The youngster has enjoyed a true standout year in England most recently, having completed his meteoric rise to the top that began humbly at Reading.

However, it is worth noting that the France U21 international did enjoy a one-year spell within the Gunners' academy, suggesting a reunion could be on the cards.

Especially if he is to bring his quality back to north London, as he is fresh from a campaign where he boasted two goals and 11 assists in the league. The latter figure would have seen his creativity ranked joint-first among Arsenal's squad last term, just to emphasise what he adds to a side even as good as Arteta's.

His 7.13 average rating outlined this further, with the wide man averaging 1.9 key passes per game too. Only Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka managed more in the league last term, making it no surprise at all to see him branded "magic" by The Athletic's Ed Malyon.

As aforementioned, Jesus would likely benefit more than most, given he endured a profligate and injury-hit season most recently. Despite scoring 11 league goals, this came despite racking up an expected goals tally of 14.16.

To compare these figures with Erling Haaland, the Norwegian record-breaker instead found the net on 36 occasions from an expected goals of just 28.66.

The two are miles apart when it comes to being clinical, but the inclusion of someone else so insanely creative will aid in bridging this gap.

It is also worth mentioning how Olise's work rate will factor into added goals for the Gunners, as he could spearhead a press on his own, forging chances without even being credited with an assist. When compared to other wingers across Europe, he ranks in the top 5% for tackles per 90, the top 3% for interceptions per 90, and the top 1% for blocks per 90, via FBref.

Whilst Saka and Odegaard are two creative leaders for the Premier League, supplementing their Brazilian marksman with one more can't hurt. Palace's creative genius could provide the spark that takes Jesus to those lofty goalscoring heights.

Matthew Wade’s return home to Tasmania has been officially confirmed after he was named in the state’s list of contracted players for 2017-18

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Aug-2017Matthew Wade’s return home to Tasmania has been officially confirmed after he was named in the state’s list of contracted players for 2017-18.Wade, who has captained Victoria for the past four seasons, grew up in Tasmania and played a single game for the Tigers before moving to Melbourne at the age of 19 for greater opportunities. But Wade, who now has a young daughter, was keen to return to his home state for extra family support.How much he turns out for Tasmania will depend on whether Wade remains Australia’s preferred gloveman in all formats throughout the summer. He and fast bowler Jackson Bird are the only two Cricket Australia-contracted players in a squad that will hope for significant improvement under new coach Adam Griffith after finishing last on the Sheffield Shield table in the past two seasons.Other additions to the list of full contracts include Nick Buchanan, Charlie Wakim and Tom Rogers, while Gabe Bell has been upgraded from a rookie deal. New rookies for this summer are Aaron Summers and Liam Devlin.Tasmania squad George Bailey (captain), Gabe Bell, Jackson Bird (Cricket Australia contract), Cameron Boyce, Nick Buchanan, Alex Doolan, Jake Doran, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Andrew Fekete, Jake Hancock, Ben McDermott, Simon Milenko, Tim Paine, Andrew Perrin, Sam Rainbird, Tom Rogers, Jordan Silk, Matthew Wade (CA), Charlie Wakim, Beau Webster, Cameron Stevenson. Rookies Caleb Jewell, Riley Meredith, Corey Murfet, Mac Wright, Aaron Summers, Liam Devlin.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to sell defender Davinson Sanchez to Spartak Moscow after accepting their bid, but they're waiting on his green-light.

Who will leave Spurs this summer?

As new manager Ange Postecoglou slowly but surely reshapes the team in his own image, bringing in three major signings since his appointment, certain Spurs squad members could be shown the door.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, playmaker James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon have all joined the club for a combined fee of over £60 million.

That's not even counting the fees to sign Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski on permanent deals after their loans, which would take Tottenham's total summer outlay to around £117 million.

The Lilywhites aren't done there, either, as reliable media sources claim they're chasing two senior centre-back signings this summer.

Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo, Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, Galatasary's Victor Nelsson and Juventus star Gleison Bremer have all been linked with moves to Spurs recently.

To fund these swoops, it's imperative Tottenham offload more fringe players after Harry Winks, who left to join Leicester City around the same time Spurs signed Maddison.

Of the players who could make way, Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Tanguy Ndombele have all been previously mentioned as candidates – depending on pre-season (The Telegraph).

Meanwhile, Denmark international Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is reliably believed to be nearing the exit door after agreeing personal terms with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid (The Times).

There have been claims this week that Sanchez, who is attracting serious interest from Spartak Moscow in Russia, is also "very close" to departing.

This is echoed by The Athletic and journalist Charlie Eccleshare, who say that Tottenham have indeed accepted Spartak's £12.9 million bid for the Colombian.

As Postecoglou's side agree to sell Sanchez, the issue isn't club-to-club, but rather the player himself – who is still yet to agree personal terms and hasn't yet decided whether he will make the move.

The 27-year-old apparently holds reservations over a move to the Russian Premier League, so there is currently scepticism as to whether he will join Spartak.

If Sanchez does give the green-light, it is believed that two other defenders could follow him out the door – namely Japhet Tanganga and Wales international Joe Rodon.

The latter duo have been made available for either a loan or permanent sale as Postecoglou continues to orchestrate an overhaul.

How good is Davinson Sanchez?

The former Ajax star came under fierce criticism from sections of the fanbase last season and hasn't quite lived up to his £40 million price tag.

That being said, he's had his bright moments, with former Spurs manager Antonio Conte even praising his reliability and attitude at one point over 2022/2023.

Conte claimed he is a "reliable player" to have in the Tottenham squad, namely because of his attitude and application despite not being selected regularly.

“I want also to tell Sanchez. He played his last game in the starting 11 two months ago. He worked very hard and very well. To see him tonight to have this performance, makes me and my staff very happy,” Conte said.

“When we have players like Sanchez and Joe Rodon. A reliable player who doesn’t play but works very hard, the staff are very happy.”