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The statistical highlights from a day that England dominated in Galle

S Rajesh15-Jan-2021168* – Joe Root’s score at the end of the second day in Galle. It is the highest by an England batsman in Sri Lanka, going past Kevin Pietersen’s 151 in Colombo in 2012. There are only three instances of an overseas captain scoring more runs in an innings in Sri Lanka: Stephen Fleming’s unbeaten knocks of 274 and 174, and Mushfiqur Rahim’s 200.ESPNcricinfo Ltd2 – Test hundreds for Root in Sri Lanka, making him the first England batsman to score more than one Test century in the country. Eleven England batsmen have a solitary hundred here.173 – The partnership between Root and Dan Lawrence, who made 73 on debut. It is England’s highest stand for any wicket in Sri Lanka, going past the Nasser Hussain-Graham Thorpe partnership of 167 for the third wicket in Kandy 20 years ago. It is also sixth-best for the fourth wicket by an overseas team in Sri Lanka.52.53 – Root’s average in Asia: he has scored 1366 runs in 15 Tests, with three hundreds. He is one of only three England batsmen to score more than 1000 runs at a 50-plus average in Asia; the other two are David Gower and Alastair Cook.ESPNcricinfo Ltd5 – Non-Asian batsmen who average more than 50 in Asia since 2010, with a 1000-run cut-off. Neither Steven Smith (1200 runs at 48) nor Kane Williamson (1545 runs at 46.81) are in this club.ESPNcricinfo Ltd73 – Lawrence’s score in his debut innings, which is exactly what Root scored on his Test debut in Nagpur eight years ago. In the last 69 years, only five England batsmen have made more runs when making their Test debut in Asia: Keaton Jennings (112 in Mumbai), Ben Foakes (107 in Galle), Cook (104* in Nagpur), Owais Shah (88 in Mumbai) and Haseeb Hameed (82 in Rajkot).

A school’s out vibe hung over England’s performance at The Oval but two players made events memorable

Vithushan Ehantharajah07-Sep-2024England’s farcical batting effort to start the day. Chris Woakes proving he is not perfect with some of the worst offspin for four-balls’ worth of bad light. The umpires telling Ollie Pope he could not use his quicks at the start of an extended evening session due for 43 overs but delivering just 17 of innocuous spin.Those were just three examples of a Friday that simply was not serious. And that’s before we get to Harry Brook’s innings. A bad day for the brand of Test cricket. An exception to the rule that this England are compelling viewing every time they step out the gate.There will be a temptation to say this second day of the final Test of the summer had an “end of term” feel. But those usually follow a whole lot of learning. And really, what did Saturday at The Oval teach you that you didn’t know about this series with Sri Lanka?Egging the head teacher’s car is a million times more enjoyable than watching the vastly superior of the two sides toss away their final seven first-innings wickets for 64 runs in exactly 100 deliveries. TP-ing the halls far more engrossing than witnessing an experienced seamer reduced to bowling off a few paces before sending down what Michael Atherton on commentary aptly described as “filth”. And the only thing the evening session had in common with the last day of school was everyone giving up less than halfway through.Related

Harry Brook approach in spotlight after Sri Lanka hit back

Dhananjaya, Kamindu fifties add to Sri Lanka fightback

More bad-light farce at The Oval as Chris Woakes is forced to bowl spin mid-over

Test cricket relies on jeopardy – and this had none. It also requires respect and, barring Sri Lanka’s attempts to ensure this remains a contest, there was little of that, too. There were, however, two lone rangers fighting the good fight for relevance and meaning. And perhaps unsurprisingly, it was two newbies at different stages of their careers who provided it.Olly Stone regarded last week’s Test at Lord’s, his first cap in three years, as something of a second debut. A variety of injuries and a couple of screws in his back have not dulled his incisiveness, with four wickets in that comeback earned through wanging it into a length on a dull surface. And it clearly has not affected his swooping as he responded perfectly to a tip-and-run from Pathum Nissanka by throwing down the stumps.That dismissal, the first of Sri Lanka’s response to England’s 325, lifted the ground. Run-outs usually do; the something-out-of-nothing quality, the visceral mess of the stumps, the wild on-field celebrations that ensue. All set against the disappointment of the batter caught short, which in this case was Dimuth Karunaratne continuing on his way towards the away dressing room.”It was a great feeling,” Stone said. “Maybe a point where it was better than taking a wicket myself!”The 30-year-old went on to take two of those, punhing a hole in the middle order that Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis worked hard to cover up. Angelo Mathews was drawn into playing away from his body. Dinesh Chandimal was blitzed by a full inswinger that registered 89mph. A day after Mark Wood was ruled out for the rest of the year, that delivery in isolation was a timely reminder of Stone’s merits as an out-and-out quick.Josh Hull had his first bowl on debut•ECB via Getty ImagesThey were also the first and third wickets to fall for just seven runs in a three-over stretch that at least contained some sincerity. And it was largely because the second in that sequence belonged to Josh Hull.He looked bashful when it arrived. Perhaps because of the deliveries of varying lengths and lines that came before. Maybe because of the exuberance of his team-mates at their 20-year-old large adult son not just getting his maiden Test wicket, but doing for a classy Nissanka.The opener had jived his way to a pristine 64, profiting from Hull’s looseness before attacking a ball that was better than he thought; sharp, arching late, pitching just short of a full length. Woakes’ catch at cover was on a par with Stone’s run out for outfield excellence, but it was very much Hull’s moment.England were not lying when they said there was a lot to work with. Brendon McCullum’s insistence that picking a left-arm skyscraper who shapes the ball into the right-handers “is not a huge gamble” looked to be about right as he operated at an average of 82.6mph and clocked a top speed of 87mph.And then tea came and with it more light-related nonsense that meant the two central figures to England’s time in the field were unable to continue their work. That led to Hull contributing to the farce of the day when he dropped a sitter at mid-on that cost Shoaib Bashir his first wicket of the match. Bashir consoled Hull, who knew that dropping Dhananjaya on 23 (who finished unbeaten overnight on 64) was costly. Again there was embarrassment across his face, like he wanted a hole to open up and swallow him. At 6ft 7in, it would have given the San Andreas Fault a run for its money.Nevertheless, Hull will remember this day for the rest of his career and Stone may rely upon it alongside Lord’s and what is to come in this match for a role in England’s future, starting with tours of Pakistan and New Zealand this winter. For everyone else, it was one of the more forgettable days in this England team’s recent history.

Bernard Julien, the former West Indies allrounder, died at the age of 75 on Saturday in Valsayn, a town in Northern Trinidad. He was part of the 1975 world champions and represented the region across 24 Tests and 12 ODIs.At the inaugural ODI World Cup, now 50 years ago, Julien produced a spell of 4 for 20 against Sri Lanka in the group stage and followed it up with 4 for 27 against New Zealand in the semi-final and a cameo of 26 off 37 balls against Australia in the final. The tournament encapsulated his reputation as a swashbuckling allrounder known for his left-arm seam bowling, his strokeplay and lively fielding.Clive Lloyd, the former West Indies captain, hailed Julien as a vital member of the 1975 champions. “He always gave you over 100 percent. He never shirked his duties, and I could always rely on him with bat and ball. He gave his all every time. What a fine cricketer,” Lloyd was quoted as saying by the Trinidad & Tobago Guardian.Julien enjoyed another high point at Lord’s, where he scored his first Test century, a match-winning 121 against England in 1973. He picked up a five-for against the same opposition the next year.”We all had total respect for him,” Lloyd said. “He enjoyed himself and was loved by everyone around. I remember we won the Test match at Lords and stood there and signed autographs for a long time, He was good for us and was held in high regard everywhere we went.”Julien also played for Kent between 1970 and 1977, but his career came to a halt when he joined a rebel West Indies side that toured South Africa during the apartheid era in 1982-83.”As we honour Bernard Julien, we also recognise the importance of reflection and inclusion. The time has come to view that chapter of our history not through exclusion but through understanding,” Dr Kishore Shallow, the President of Cricket West Indies, said in an official statement.”To the family, friends, and loved ones of Bernard Julien, we extend our deepest condolences. His passing reminds us that a life devoted to purpose never truly leaves us. Cricket West Indies stands with you in this moment of loss, and we hope Bernard knew he was valued and loved by the cricketing family he helped to shape, and that he found peace knowing his contribution will always endure.”

Sheffield Wednesday have reportedly responded to the chance to merge with Sheffield United by their most unexpected takeover candidates yet.

Kris Wigfield sends fresh Sheffield Wednesday warning

The Owls have set a soft deadline of December 5 and have received proof of funds from several candidates as they look to narrow their list down to those ready to launch worthwhile bids.

The gravity of their situation was slammed home by their defeat in the Steel City derby last weekend, with Sheffield United brushing them to one side in dominant fashion. Destined for League One after their points deduction, Sheffield Wednesday desperately need their takeover to go to plan.

Co-administrator Kris Wigfield admitted after that defeat that there may be more difficult news on the way, too. He told the club’s social media accounts: “It will not be like this forever.

“At the same time, I have to be honest: there may be more difficult news coming, including the possibility of a further points deduction. I want to be upfront about that because our supporters deserve transparency. But I also want to be clear: the period between now and January should be as tough as it gets.”

Reports have already mentioned a number of names among the takeover candidates, including former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley. The former Magpies chief is seemingly looking to get back into English football and could restore his reputation at Hillsborough. But he’s not the only candidate.

John McEvoy has also been mentioned since Sheffield Wednesday entered administration and it will be interesting to see if he’s among the final names. What is for sure is that he’s unlikely to be joined on the final list of names by those at Bramall Lane who reportedly offered a shock merger.

Owls respond to Sheffield United offer

As reported by the Telegraph, Sheffield United’s American owners were among the Sheffield Wednesday takeover candidates and were planning to merge the two clubs if their approach was successful. To no surprise, the Owls quickly shut that down and have been fortunate enough to have plenty of interest from elsewhere.

Not many at Hillsborough believed it could get worse than Dejphon Chansiri, but a merger with Sheffield United would be their nightmare scenario.

It would take their club from administration to the very end. It would end a historic rivalry and change the landscape of football in Sheffield. The Owls, thankfully, saw sense and shut down any idea of a merger or takeover by the Blades’ American owners.

Sheffield Wednesday now braced for imminent "concrete" takeover bid

Things are looking up for the Owls.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 14, 2025

Instead of seeing Barry Bannan in Sheffield United colours, Wednesday fans will be looking ahead to December 5 when they’re likely to find out much-needed information on their next owners.

Despite making only 160 for 7, Pakistan cruise to a 93-run win in their Asia Cup opener

Danyal Rasool12-Sep-20251:59

Jaffer: Looks like Haris has worked on his game

Mohammad Haris’ fifty and a bowling performance far too good for an outmatched Oman side helped Pakistan cruise to a 93-run win in their Asia Cup opener. Haris smashed 66 off 43 deliveries in an innings where none of his team-mates were quite able to match his power or timing with the bat as he helped Pakistan get up to 160.Oman received early encouragement when a ball that kept low trapped the dangerous Saim Ayub in front. Sahibzada Farhan’s off-colour form persisted in a scratchy innings as Pakistan stumbled along to 31 in the first five overs, and it was up to Haris to inject impetus into the innings.Related

'Confidence, backing is needed for any player' – Haris repays Hesson's faith

Sixteen came off the final powerplay over, and that was the start of the onslaught. Until then, Haris had 16 off 18. His next 25 balls produced 50 as Pakistan raced up close to eight runs per over, but once again, Oman pegged them back. Aamir Kaleem, the left-arm spinner, was the pick of the Oman bowlers as he had Haris drag on, before Salman Agha lapped a full toss off his first delivery to deep midwicket.It produced another barren spell for Pakistan and the boundaries dried up again. Fakhar Zaman struggled for timing and Hasan Nawaz, so often a hammer at the death, couldn’t get himself in and holed out off his 15th ball for nine runs. But a cameo from Mohammad Nawaz, who arrived in the 17th over, ensured Pakistan got past the 150-mark.Mohammad Nawaz contributed with both bat and ball•AFP/Getty Images

But Kaleem’s three wickets, and the overall assistance the Oman spinners got, suggested this might well end up being comfortably above par, especially in the face of Pakistan’s more accomplished spin options.And so it proved. A bright beginning for Oman’s batters was waylaid by a double strike from Saim Ayub in the powerplay. Nawaz and Pakistan’s two wristspinners Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed dried up the batters’ scoring options, and Oman began to bleed wickets. With the field spreading out and the asking rate rising, panic set in, and the innings began to capitulate. Oman slipped from 41 for 2 to 51 for 9 before being bowled out for 67; flashes of ability drowned under the gulf in quality Pakistan were able to bring to bear upon the contest.Haris takes chargeIt is knocks like these that keep Pakistan persisting with Haris through extended poor runs. He had scored just 54 runs in 11 innings before this game, but he was promoted up the order into the powerplay today. That is his strength, and having cut loose in the sixth over, he continued pumping the Oman bowlers, almost single-handedly maintaining Pakistan’s imposing run rate.2:11

Will Pakistan back this XI against India?

Farhan’s struggles at the other end threw Haris’ exploits into sharper relief. Even with the field spread out, Haris, having found his timing, continued to take on the boundary riders. His third six brought up just his second 50-plus score in the format, before a boundary the following ball saw him match his runs tally from the previous 11 innings. The 43 balls he faced for his 66 makes just this three deliveries short of his longest T20I innings in his 29-match career, and one that singlehandedly resurrected an innings that had begun to wobble.Pakistan spin lays waste to OmanSpecialist fast bowlers have dropped down the pecking order in T20I cricket under Mike Hesson, but playing just the one in Shaheen Shah Afridi still came as a bit of a surprise at the toss. Oman began the chase in a solid manner and were 32 for 2 by the end of the fifth over. But Saim Ayub had taken both those wickets, and Pakistan began to unleash the rest of their spinners on this line-up that may never had played against bowling of this quality.Abrar, Nawaz and Muqeem first asphyxiated them, and then the wickets began to fall. Muqeem took out Mohammad Nadeem to make it 41 for 3, and from thereon it was a procession. Nawaz got into the act before Muqeem doubled up the following over. Afridi and Faheem Ashraf helped themselves as Oman lost seven wickets for ten runs, imparting upon the scoreline a tinge of embarrassment Oman’s bowlers certainly did not deserve.

حدد الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”، عن موعد قرعة الملحق العالمي المؤهل لـ كأس العالم 2026، من أجل حسم آخر مقعدين للمنتخبات المتأهلة إلى المونديال.

ويشارك في الملحق العالمي 6 منتخبات من 5 قارات، ويتوزع نظام البطولة كالتالي: يتواجد منتخبان في المستوى الأول وفقاً لتصنيف الفيفا، فيما تخوض 4 منتخبات الأقل تصنيفًا مباريات نصف النهائي بنظام خروج المغلوب، على أن يتأهل الفائزان لملاقاة منتخبي التصنيف الأعلى في النهائي.

فيديو | العراق يخطف فوزًا مثيرًا من الإمارات ويتأهل إلى الملحق العالمي لـ كأس العالم 2026

ويتأهل المنتخبان الفائزان في النهائي مباشرة إلى نهائيات كأس العالم 2026، التي تُقام لأول مرة بمشاركة 48 منتخبًا، إذ يوفر الملحق العالمي مقعدين إضافيين فقط.

المحلق العالمي المؤهل إلى كأس العالم 2026، يقام بين 6 منتخبات، منتخب من قارة إفريقيا ومنتخب من قارة آسيا ومنتخبان من قارة أمريكا الشمالية ومنتخب من قارة أمريكا الجنوبية ومنتخب من قارة أوقيانوسيا. المنتخبات المشاركة في الملحق العالمي المؤهل إلى كأس العالم

منتخب واحد من آسيا (العراق) 

منتخب واحد من إفريقيا (الكونغو الديمقراطية) 

منتخب واحد من أمريكا الجنوبية (بوليفيا) 

منتخب واحد من أوقيانوسيا (كاليدونيا الجديدة) 

منتخبان من أمريكا الشمالية (وصيفا المجموعتين في تصفيات الكونكاكاف)

تجرى جميع مباريات الملحق بنظام خروج المغلوب في دولة المكسيك خلال شهر مارس 2026. موعد قرعة الملحق العالمي المؤهل لـ كأس العالم 2026

ومن المقرر أن تقام فعاليات القرعة، يوم الخميس 20 نوفمبر 2025، وذلك بمقر “فيفا” بمدينة زيورخ السويسرية، عند الساعة الثانية ظهرًا، بتوقيت مصر، الثالثة عصراً بتوقيت السعودية والعراق.

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has challenged Lucas Paqueta to lead the Hammers' revival after the FA formally closed its spot-fixing investigation into the Brazilian. Cleared of all major charges but sanctioned for non-cooperation, Paqueta is now being urged by his manager to embrace his No.10 role and help drag the Irons out of the relegation zone.

Paqueta cleared of all wrongdoing in spot-fixing case

Espirito Santo has set a clear target for Paqueta following the end of the Football Association’s lengthy spot-fixing investigation into the Brazilian midfielder. The 28-year-old was accused of deliberately picking up yellow cards in four Premier League games between 2022 and 2023 to manipulate betting markets, but an independent commission ruled the allegations “not proven,” after a 314-page review found no evidence of deliberate wrongdoing.

Paqueta was instead reprimanded for failing to cooperate fully with the FA’s inquiry, a sanction the commission described as the 'mildest possible' and imposed without suspension or fine. He had provided limited answers during questioning on legal advice, which the panel accepted was due to stress and language barriers. The FA was ordered to pay 90% of the costs after the case collapsed, ending a two-year saga that also saw Paqueta’s £85 million move to Manchester City collapse.

With the investigation finally over, the midfielder has publicly indicated he is committed to West Ham, despite reports linking him with a January exit. His social media post, a smiling picture in a Hammers shirt beside his children, came just hours after reports claimed he was pushing to leave. West Ham, who rejected summer offers from Aston Villa and Flamengo, are hoping Paqueta’s clearance will now spark a turnaround in form as they sit 19th in the Premier League table.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesEspirito Santo set plans for Paqueta as West Ham continue to struggle

Espirito Santo, speaking ahead of West Ham’s clash with Newcastle, admitted the off-field noise had affected Paqueta’s performances but insisted the Brazilian remains vital to the team. “The noise doesn’t help,” Nuno said. “Finally, it ends, but at the same time, there are rumours around. We have to protect ourselves and work in the best way. He’s going to play on Sunday and help his teammates.”

The Portuguese coach revealed he had a personal chat with Paqueta about the responsibility that comes with his position. “I’ve spoken to him about many things. We need Lucas. I told him personally and the squad that being a No.10 is more than a number. It’s a symbol,” Nuno explained, underlining his belief that Paqueta must now lead by example. “That’s what we need from Lucas. We need him to help his teammates because they trust him. We know there is more to come from him, and we need him as a No.10.”

Nuno also acknowledged the challenge ahead, particularly against Paqueta’s compatriots Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes. “It’s not only going to be in midfield — there are going to be battles everywhere,” he said. “But we’re going to face one of the best midfields in the Premier League. I think during the game they won’t be friends! After the game, they (Bruno and Lucas) can be friends again!”

Paqueta remains West Ham's best shot at redemption

The conclusion of the FA’s investigation represents a huge personal relief for Paqueta, who has endured over two years of uncertainty that derailed his career trajectory. The former Lyon playmaker was on the brink of joining Pep Guardiola’s City in August 2023 before the allegations surfaced, forcing the eight-time Premier League champions to withdraw their £85 million offer. Since then, Paqueta has remained one of West Ham’s most consistent performers, recording three goals in ten appearances this season despite the club’s poor form.

The midfielder’s creative output has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise dire campaign, with his vision, ball progression, and pressing helping to sustain West Ham’s attacking play. His ability to dictate tempo and find pockets between the lines remains unmatched in the squad, and Espirito Santo is banking on the Brazilian's rediscovered focus to reignite the team’s midfield engine. The new boss believes that, freed from external distractions, Paqueta can finally return to the dynamic form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after creators.

Transfer speculation, however, refuses to fade entirely. While Aston Villa made a late approach in the summer and Flamengo remain interested in bringing their academy graduate home, West Ham have held firm. The club sees Paqueta as essential to both their Premier League survival hopes and their long-term rebuild under Nuno, who is determined to build the team around him.

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GettyWest Ham's dreadful form could see them relegated

Paqueta is expected to start when West Ham travel to St. James’ Park this weekend to take on Newcastle United. With the investigation settled and his manager’s full backing, Paqueta’s task is simple — deliver on the pitch and inspire a team short on confidence and consistency.

Nuno has made clear that Paqueta’s leadership and creativity will be central to West Ham’s hopes of escaping the relegation zone. The Irons have lost seven of their first nine matches and sit four points from safety, their defence leaking 20 goals and morale at a low ebb. But with Paqueta back in focus and Nuno eager to establish discipline and clarity, the club will hope their Brazilian playmaker can transform resilience into results and begin the long climb away from the bottom three.

There are plenty of ways to bet on the Major League Baseball action on Sunday, but two of my favorite plays happen to be in the prop market on two starting pitchers.

Usually, I like to back some of the best pitchers in the league in the prop market, but this Sunday I’m actually fading two pitchers in different props. 

With Zack Wheeler and Corbin Burnes taking the mound in Baltimore, I have questions about one of their strikeout props, and there’s also a starter in the Kansas City Royals-Los Angeles Dodgers game that could be in a rough spot.

Here’s a breakdown of the two props I’m betting on Sunday.

Best MLB Prop Bets for Sunday, June 16Corbin Burnes UNDER 6.5 Strikeouts (-135)Brady Singer OVER 5.5 Hits Allowed (-160)

Corbin Burnes UNDER 6.5 Strikeouts (-135)

Baltimore ace Corbin Burnes has been great in 2024 – posting a 2.08 ERA in 14 starts, but the strikeout numbers haven't really been there compared to previous years.

Burnes has fallen under 6.5 punchouts – his line on Sunday – in 12 of his 14 starts this season, only clearing this prop one time since striking out 11 hitters on Opening Day. 

The Phillies average 8.24 strikeouts per game this season, but I’m not sold on Burnes cruising past this number. He ranks in just the 62nd percentile in strikeout percentage this season, and he has just 16 strikeouts over his last three starts (five, five and six) despite throwing seven innings in each of them. 

This number is simply too high to back since Burnes is 2-for-14 on it this season. 

Brady Singer OVER 5.5 Hits Allowed (-160)

Kansas City Royals starter Brady Singer is in for a tough matchup against the No. 1 team in OPS on Sunday. 

The Dodgers rank third in Major League Baseball in hits this season, and Singer has gotten off to an awful start in June, allowing 16 hits across two starts. 

Over his last five outings, he’s allowed nine, six, four, nine and seven hits in those games, pushing his season-long WHIP to 1.22. 

Singer is going to have a tough time with this Dodgers lineup, especially since he was tagged by another elite offense – the New York Yankees – for seven hits and seven runs in his last game. 

Take the OVER on this prop, even though you have to lay some juice.

MatériaMais Notícias

Quando o treinador aposta em dois jogadores durante o jogo e eles são os responsáveis pelo gol do seu time em um empate fora de casa no último minuto, a sensação é de que foi um grande acerto do comandante, não é?! Geralmente, mas não no caso do Corinthians de Vanderlei Luxemburgo, que ficou no 1 a 1 com o Cruzeiro, em Belo Horizonte, na noite deste sábado (19).

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Mais uma vez o Timão foi um deserto de ideias em relação ao nível técnico. Quando teve a bola, criou muito pouco, principalmente para um time que jogou todo o segundo tempo atrás do placar por um gol. Mesmo vencendo por 1 a 0, foi do Cruzeiro as grandes chances de marcar na etapa final, por exemplo.

É terra arrasada? Não. Porque são algumas individualidades observadas e exploradas pelo treinador corintiano que tem resolvido as paradas quase sempre.

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+ Olho no Brasileirão! Assine o Prime Video e acompanhe todos os jogos do TIMÃO

Contra os cruzeirenses, Gabriel Moscardo parecia um veterano ao roubar a bola do atacante Gilberto e sair jogando pelo Timão no último minuto da partida. E o jovem só estava lá por conta da ousadia de Luxemburgo em colocá-lo para jogo mesmo com pouquíssima experiência.

Durante a partida, o atacante Wesley foi a grande válvula de escape corintiana, pelo lado esquerdo, mas ficou sobrecarregado muitas vezes ao descer sem a aproximação dos seus companheiros. De toda forma, a escalação do garoto é totalmente responsabilidade de um Luxa que tem dado confiança para o garoto assumir cada vez mais um papel de destaque no Timão.

continua após a publicidade

No fim, futebol é resultado. Mas análise é desempenho. E não dá para dizer que o Corinthians joga bem quando o clube tem apresentado um futebol tão pobre, sem aproximação entre os atletas ou repertório, e, principalmente, com base no aleatório. Por outro lado, algo precisa explicar as seis partidas sem perder no Brasileirão e como o Timão tem conquistado uma sequência de bons placares. E isso se explica justamente em ações isoladas, individuais, de alguns atletas. E, nesse caso, os méritos precisam ser dados a Vanderlei Luxemburgo, que tem visto esses valores, garimpados e colocados para jogo.

The mood around West Ham United today could not be more different to the one around the club last week.

There are still plenty of issues that need to be addressed, but a thumping 3-0 Premier League win away to Nottingham Forest, combined with some brilliant signings, has given fans plenty to be optimistic about.

It’s been a pretty good summer for the Hammers so far, with the likes of Mateus Fernandes, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Soungoutou Magassa and Kyle Walker-Peters all quality additions.

Moreover, with the window closing at 7pm tonight, West Ham could be closing in on another top signing, someone who could be their own Marc Guehi.

West Ham target their own Guehi

According to a recent report from Jacob Steinberg, West Ham are interested in Axel Disasi.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

More than that, Steinberg has revealed that the Hammers have already contacted the Blues over a potential loan move for the player.

However, the journalist has also stated that it “remains to be seen” whether the two sides can come to an agreement on the finances of a deal for the £80k-per-week titan.

It might not be the most exciting signing the Irons could make this summer, but Disasi could be an excellent addition to Graham Potter’s defence, and their own Guehi.

Why Disasi could be West Ham's Guehi

So, given the reputation that Disasi has cultivated in recent seasons, the comparison to Guehi might sound absurd to some of you.

However, we aren’t really claiming that the Chelsea ace is on the same level as the soon-to-be Liverpool star, but there are some similarities between the pair, and who knows, with the proper coaching and mentoring, West Ham could be getting their hands on a gem of a player.

With that said, what are some of these similarities?

Well, first and foremost, the French defender is actually far more accomplished with the ball at his feet than people tend to give him credit for.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 5% of centre-backs across Europe’s top-five leagues for pass completion, the top 7% for successful take-on percentage, the top 10% for total carrying distance and the top 15% for live passes, all per 90.

In other words, while he might not show it as much as the Palace star, the 27-year-old is more than capable of playing out from the back, baiting the press and starting attacks.

Another key similarity he shares with the Englishman is his physicality.

At 6 foot 3, the Gonesse-born “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Rahman Osman, is not someone who is easily bullied off the ball, and he puts that height to good use in the air as well, with FBref ranking him in the top 5% of centre-backs for percentage of aerial duels won, per 90.

Finally, like the Abidjan-born star, should this deal go through, the former AS Monaco gem would be another centre-back discarded by Chelsea, which could be the perfect thing for his career at this point.

Ultimately, while Disasi is not on the same level as Guehi at the moment, there are some key similarities between the two, and on loan, there isn’t much risk in West Ham bringing him to the London Stadium.

West Ham in talks to hijack Crystal Palace for £15m "animal" to replace Aguerd

The Hammers are “exploring a move” for a new centre-back.

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 1, 2025