Tag Futebol

The likes of Pooran, Morgan and Chahal have also failed to set the stage on fire

Vishal Dikshit03-May-2021Nicholas Pooran, Punjab Kings (Innings: six, runs: 28, average: 4.66, SR: 85)
One of the top T20 names in the world, Pooran has been going through a rut he wouldn’t have thought even existed. Four ducks in six innings, one of them without facing a ball, and a strike rate of under 85.Nicholas Pooran has four ducks in six matches so far in IPL 2021•ESPNcricinfo LtdApart from the run-out against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Pooran has been out to the short ball a couple of times and thrown away his wicket the other times, to be dismissed by fast bowlers four out of five times.Pooran has been given a new role this season to bat at No. 5 behind Deepak Hooda, who has made useful contributions as the Punjab Kings’ new No. 4. The move was probably to stretch some muscle down the order after the departure of Glenn Maxwell, but it hasn’t worked at all, and Pooran was finally dropped to make way for Dawid Malan against the Delhi Capitals on Sunday.Related

Hardik Pandya 'is bowling and it is a very good sign' – Suryakumar Yadav

The IPL 2021 team of the tournament (so far)

How have India's T20 World Cup hopefuls done so far in the IPL?

Tempo troubles and the Morgan question

IPL 2021 orange cap: Ruturaj Gaikwad, purple cap: Harshal Patel

Eoin Morgan, Kolkata Knight Riders (Innings: seven, runs: 92, average: 15, SR: 112)
Being an overseas captain is always tricky in the IPL as it adds a layer of scrutiny on the player for blocking one of the four foreign spots. Eoin Morgan was the Kolkata Knight Riders’ second-highest scorer last season but this time he has managed under 100 runs after seven innings. Barring an unbeaten 47 that took his team home against the Kings, Morgan has also bagged two ducks, and only one other double-digit score.Morgan has shuffled between Nos. 4 and 5 so far and failed to provide the impetus the Knight Riders seek in the middle overs, whether batting first or second.As a result, the Knight Riders have failed to chase totals in the range of 150-170 and managed to score only 133 and 154 while batting first in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, where other teams have put up much higher totals.Shubman Gill, Kolkata Knight Riders (Innings: seven, runs: 132, average: 19, SR: 118)
As an opener in T20s, you would be expected to either go hard at the top or play anchor if wickets fall around you. And Shubman Gill has failed to do either of those jobs this season. It’s possible he has been asked to drop anchor while his partner Nitish Rana goes for the boundaries, but Gill has crossed 25 only twice.Shubman Gill has had a disappointing run so far in IPL 2021•ESPNcricinfo LtdAmong batters who have opened at least five times this IPL, Gill’s average is the lowest (18.85) and his strike rate among the bottom three, only higher than David Warner and Quinton de Kock.The Knight Riders, as a result, hardly get a strong start if Rana falls early. Gill’s crawling strike rate has often been compared with KL Rahul’s for the last two seasons. In Rahul’s case the argument is his middle order hasn’t been firing as much, but in the Knight Riders’ case Gill has Morgan, Dinesh Karthik and Andre Russell for the fireworks which shouldn’t be holding the opener back.Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians (Innings: six, runs: 52, average: 9, SR: 118)
The way Hardik Pandya was dispatching bowlers last season as a specialist batter with a strike rate of 179, his lean patch this time around has come as a surprise.Pandya has looked scratchy with his six-hitting exploits, facing a total of 44 balls across six innings. He went 40 balls without a six this season, and when he struck two in the tall chase against the Chennai Super Kings on Saturday, it looked like Pandya had regained his prowess, but he holed out to long-off while going for a third six. Barring the opening game in which he was trapped lbw, Pandya has been dismissed while going for the big shots, mostly in the ‘V’ down the ground.Pandya has been doing what he usually does in the death overs – go deep and across in the crease and swing down the ground – but it’s either the slower Chennai pitches or the slower deliveries from quick bowlers that have not allowed him to middle the ball.Suresh Raina, Chennai Super Kings (Innings: six, runs: 123, average: 25, SR: 127)
When the Chennai Super Kings finished second last in the 2020 IPL without Suresh Raina, it was thought that his return would be a big reason behind their turnaround this season. Their fortunes have turned, but it’s not because of Raina.After a cracking 54 at a strike rate of 150 in the Super Kings’ opening game, Raina’s form has dipped even though they have played all their matches in Mumbai and Delhi so far. A prolific batter against spin, Raina has fallen to pace all four times since that half-century, once to Mohammed Shami’s short ball and later to the lack of pace offered by clever bowlers like Harshal Patel and Chetan Sakariya.The Super Kings haven’t been hit hard by the lack of runs from Raina, who has batted mostly at No. 4 this time, because of the contributions from their openers, Moeen Ali at No. 3, and Ravindra Jadeja and Ambati Rayudu down the order. Placed second at the halfway stage, the Super Kings can rise even further if Raina regains his touch.Yuzvendra Chahal, Royal Challengers Bangalore (Innings: seven, wickets: four, average: 47.50, economy rate: 8.26)
Yuzvendra Chahal has been the Royal Challengers’ prime spinner for years, but neither has his attacking bowling earned him wickets so far nor has he been able to contain the runs. He would have licked his lips at the prospect of playing the first three games in Chennai but he went wicketless in two of those and leaked 41 runs against the Mumbai Indians.One of the reasons Chahal hasn’t clicked is that his legbreak – his stock delivery – has not fetched him wickets this time. His legbreaks got him 12 of his 18 wickets (67%) in 2019 and 16 of his 21 scalps (76%) last season. But so far in this season, Chahal has picked only four wickets in 23 overs, and only two of those off his legbreaks.Chahal also wasn’t able to hit the perfect lengths against the Kings in Ahmedabad, where Harpreet Brar and Bishnoi snared five wickets for a combined 36 runs from their eight overs. Chahal, on the other hand, bowled fuller and leaked 34 on his own, which included three sixes.

Major League Baseball presents a full slate of Saturday baseball on June 29th, and we are sticking with some tried and true sluggers. 

The best hitter in baseball, Aaron Judge, has already hit 30 home runs before July, and Saturday is a great opportunity to jump on this prop. Judge will hit indoors against the Blue Jays in Toronto, who have an inconsistent Chris Bassitt on the mound, setting up nicely for him to go deep in this divisional showdown. 

Find out how I’m attacking the home run prop bet market on Saturday. 

Best MLB Home Run Prop Bets for Saturday, June 29thAaron Judge (+260)Jake Cronenworth (+630)Royce Lewis (+370)Aaron Judge

I know, it’s chalky, but Judge is a threat to go yard against any pitcher at any time, and the price is right for a homer on Saturday. 

Judge, who leads the big leagues with 30 big flys already this season, draws a favorable matchup against Chris Bassitt and a lackluster Blue Jays bullpen. 

Bassitt isn’t getting many chases by batters this season, 17th percentile, but has done a good job of limiting hard contact, especially by right handed hitters. Lefties usually do better against Bassitt, he has allowed seven homers against southpaws and only one against right handers, but that’s giving us a better price than usual on Judge. 

This season, the AL MVP favorite has hit 23 of his 30 homers against righties with a .700 slugging percentage.

Jump on this price for Judge to crack one yet again. 

Jake Cronenworth

While Red Sox starter Tanner Houck has thrown himself in the Cy Young race with his fine play, Cronenworth presents a tough test. 

The Padres first baseman is a monster against right handers, hitting .286 with a slugging percentage of .521 while hitting 11 of his 12 homers. 

Houck has been fantastic this season, predominantly a groundball pitcher, but that’s generating some value on Cronenworth to go deep with the wind blowing out at 14 miles per hour. 

Royce Lewis

Lewis has quickly emerged as one of the best hitters in baseball, crushing 10 home runs in less than 100 at bats this season while hitting .289 with a slugging percentage of .699. 

He has eight of his 10 home runs against righty pitchers, and now will face Bryce Miller, who is due for a serious step back as the season wares on. Miller has an xERA of 4.34, far higher than 3.90 with a fifth percentile barrel percentage. Lewis has been on a tear all season, finding the sweet spot often in at bats, and with Miller’s looming regression, I’ll grab the slugger to go deep. 

Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett will debut for Australia in the first Ashes Test at Perth Stadium, with Beau Webster losing his place in the XI.Cameron Green’s successful return to bowling had been a key final piece to the jigsaw. There had been a thought that the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood could still make the selectors consider additional bowling resources, but they have backed four frontline options supported by Green who got through 16 overs in the last Sheffield Shield round.The latest batting reshuffle sees Green drop back down to No. 6 where he began his Test career, having batted No. 3 in West Indies and at No. 4 before the back injury that ruled him out of last season.Related

• Smith: If the result doesn't go our way, we can turn it around

• Doggett awaits his day as Perth Test debut looms into view

• Australia expects as Golden boy Green aims for Ashes peak

• Ashes FAQ: Do England really have a chance?

“I think we’re pretty versatile with our order and the way we can go about it,” Smith told reporters. “And Greeny obviously played exceptionally well at three in some tough conditions in the West Indies.”But with him bowling and taking that load, we feel that six is a good position for him right now. It doesn’t mean in the future that he’s not going to slide up the order but, for right now, number six suits this team.”Marnus Labuschagne will return to the side in his favoured No. 3 position after a prolific start to the season with Queensland while Nathan Lyon is also recalled having been left out in Jamaica when Australia fielded an all-pace attack in the day-night Test.”Marnus, when he’s batting at his best at No. 3, makes us a very, very good cricket side,” Smith said of Labuschagne, who has hit five hundreds for Queensland across formats so far this domestic season.Jake Weatherald prepares himself for his Test debut•Getty Images

“We couldn’t really leave him out after he came back and did exactly what was told of him. The way he’s batted in Shield and one-day cricket for Queensland in the last couple of weeks has been amazing.”When he’s batting well it’s tough to leave him out and hopefully he can bring that to the Test arena now.”It will mark the first time since 2019, when Kurtis Patterson and Jhye Richardson made their debuts against Sri Lanka at the Gabba, that Australia will hand out two new caps in the same Test and the first time in an Ashes encounter since Usman Khawaja and Michael Beer debuted at the SCG in the 2010-11 series.Doggett’s debut, as a replacement for the injured Hazlewood, means that Australia will field two Indigenous players in a Test XI for the first time. Doggett, 31, has been in excellent form for South Australia since returning from a hamstring injury earlier in the season with 13 wickets at 14.69Smith vaguely recalled batting against Doggett in a Shield match some time ago, but has faced him in the fast and bouncy Perth Stadium nets in recent days. He did not reveal whether Doggett or Scott Boland would share the new ball with Mitchell Starc.”He gets the ball down at nice pace, stands the seam up,” Smith said. “His lengths are really good, everything you need for a surface like that out there. Hopefully he can get the ball in the areas we know that he can and if he does that then I’m sure he’s going to create plenty of chances.”Weatherald, meanwhile, becomes Khawaja’s sixth opening partner since the retirement of David Warner in early 2024. On Thursday morning, Weatherald did some visualisation and shadow batting in the middle of Perth Stadium then had another hit during Australia’s final optional training session.”I watched him batting in the nets pretty closely the last few days,” Smith said of Weatherald. “They were pretty tricky nets, fast, bouncy and a lot of seam. He’s got a lot of courage, he just goes in there. I don’t think he faces any of the sidearms or anything. He wants to face bowlers the entire time.Cameron Green slips back down to No. 6 as the allrounder•Getty Images

“The guys were charging in bowling fast, he took it on. He was getting in really good positions and he goes about it a certain way. He’s been selected for his performances over the last 18 months, hopefully he can bring that to the Test arena. I think he’s going to compliment Uzi [Khawaja] pretty well up top.”Weatherald has never played international cricket in any format before, ensuring plenty of scouting for England’s hierarchy. “When you’ve not played against someone before, you’ve got a vague idea of strengths, maybe potential areas you can expose them,” captain Ben Stokes said.”We’ve got all the info on Weatherald so we’ll just have to see how it goes and hopefully he’s another Australian batter we can keep quiet throughout the tour.”Webster, a team-mate of Weatherald with Tasmania, can count himself unlucky to lose his spot after making four half-centuries in seven Tests since his debut against India at the SCG earlier this year, all coming in tricky batting conditions. He had two lean outings in the Sheffield Shield but claimed eight wickets against South Australia last week.”Very tricky,” Smith said of the decision to leave out Webster. “I think he’s come into international cricket and lit it up immediately. It’s a really tough one on him.”Josh Inglis, will play for the CA XI against England Lions while the first Test is taking place, and Michael Neser are the other two players left out from Australia’s 14-player squad.

Australia XI for first Ashes Test

Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (capt), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians está na decisão da Copa do Brasil. Neste domingo (14), o clube alvinegro eliminou o Cruzeiro nas penalidades, na Neo Química Arena, e garantiu vaga na final do torneio. É a quinta final da competição de Dorival Júnior.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCruzeiroEstratégia de Jardim dá errado em decisão por pênaltis de Corinthians x CruzeiroCruzeiro14/12/2025Futebol FemininoGabi Zanotti cobra evolução após temporada de títulos: ‘O Corinthians precisa de mais’Futebol Feminino14/12/2025CorinthiansDorival sai em defesa dos treinadores brasileiros após vitória do CorinthiansCorinthians14/12/2025

O técnico conquistou o título três vezes, com Santos, em 2010, Flamengo, em 2022, e São Paulo, em 2023. Além disso, foi vice-campeão em 2015, com o Alvinegro Praiano. Após a vitória sobre o Cruzeiro de Leonardo Jardim, Dorival Júnior pediu mais respeito aos treinadores brasileiros.

– Acho que esses números para mim são muito importantes, eu quero aqui só fazer uma ligação com o que vem acontecendo com os profissionais da minha área nesse país. Há um tempo nós estamos sendo desrespeitados em todos os aspectos, e mais uma vez finalizamos o ano com o Filipe Luiz, treinador do Flamengo, campeão da Libertadores e do Brasileirão, e no mínimo um treinador brasileiro nas finais da Copa do Brasil. Eu prefiro chamar atenção para esse lado, nos respeitem um pouco mais, que os treinadores sejam mais observados, avaliados, pois temos muita qualidade, os profissionais que aqui estão – disse o treinador do Timão em entrevista coletiva na Neo Química Arena.

continua após a publicidade

Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

Sem comparação

Na última década, o futebol brasileiro se consolidou como um polo de atração para treinadores estrangeiros. Um exemplo é o atual treinador da Seleção, o italiano Carlo Ancelotti. Em sua defesa dos técnicos locais, Dorival Júnior ressaltou que a intenção não é criar comparações, mas pedir que os profissionais brasileiros sejam mais respeitados, especialmente pela imprensa.

– Não quero comparação, de forma nenhuma, tenho muito respeito pelos treinadores estrangeiros, a integração é importante, mas espero um respeito maior da imprensa brasileira de forma geral. Há um processo de desrespeito muito grande na nossa área, e isso é lamentável, estamos perdendo muitos profissionais, estão ficando no meio do caminho desnecessariamente, são pessoas que estão buscando espaço. Espero que acreditem mais no profissional brasileiro. Sempre tem um culpado no futebol, sempre é apontado o treinador, e nem sempre é assim que acontece, nós temos interessados, buscando melhorar, mas precisamos que avaliem melhor o contexto, comecem a ler futebol de uma outra forma, não são todos, mas uma boa parte tem feito desta forma, é lamentável o que tem acontecido – falou o treinador.

continua após a publicidade

Tudo sobre

CorinthiansDorival JúniorFutebol Nacional

Barcelona have confirmed a fresh injury setback as midfielder Fermin Lopez has been ruled out for around two weeks with a soleus problem in his right leg. The midfielder, who has been key for Hansi Flick this season, will now miss crucial La Liga and Champions League clashes. His absence arrives just as Pedri nears his return, reshaping the midfield picture during a demanding run of fixtures.

Barcelona lose midfield mainstay

Barca have confirmed that midfielder Lopez will miss the next two weeks after suffering a minor injury to the soleus muscle in his right leg during Thursday’s training session. It is a major setback for Hansi Flick, who had only just received good news with Pedri cleared for a return against Alaves. 

The club explained in a statement that the midfielder "has a small injury to the soleus muscle in his right leg, and his estimated recovery time is around two weeks.”

The timing is damaging for Flick, as this lay-off rules Fermin out of key La Liga and Champions League fixtures after a heavy 3-0 defeat against Chelsea. And, now the midfielder is expected to miss matches against Alaves, Atletico Madrid, Betis and Eintracht Frankfurt, and it remains uncertain whether he will recover in time to face Osasuna on December 13, only two days after the predicted recovery window ends.

AdvertisementAFPInjury sustained in Athletic Club clash

Fermín had been enjoying a strong season and recently reached 100 appearances for the first team. While highlighting his contribution. His availability had been particularly valuable at a moment when Barca are visibly struggling in the midfield marked with injuries, making this injury even more disruptive for Flick’s squad planning.

Beyond the medical report, the context of Fermin’s injury offers insight into why his absence could weigh heavily on the team. reported that the midfielder is still dealing with the effects of a forceful challenge suffered against Athletic Club, a tackle from Oihan Sancet that resulted in a red card for the Bilbao player. Despite continued discomfort, Fermin pushed himself to start Barca’s Champions League match at Stamford Bridge, where the team suffered a heavy defeat.

He played just over an hour before being substituted, and the accumulated strain appears to have contributed to Thursday’s setback in training. This latest issue marks his second injury of the season and arrives at a time when Barca’s injury list had finally begun to shrink, with only long-term absentees Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Gavi still out.

Pedri returns but midfield still a challenge for Flick

While the loss of Fermin is a concern, Barca did receive a boost in the form of Pedri’s recovery. The midfielder trained normally on Thursday and is expected to be available for the Alaves clash. His return offers Flick more options and could allow the club to manage workloads more carefully, particularly after the intense calendar that has carried the squad into physical fatigue.

Pedri’s return also opens the door for Dani Olmo to reclaim a starting role in attacking midfield, especially with Flick keen to rotate and protect key players. Fermin’s absence had already influenced Tuesday’s lineup in London, where Barcelona struggled without midfield balance and control.

This period demands careful squad management, with Barca chasing ground in La Liga following their Champions League setback. Flick must now rely on the depth of his midfield, including Pedri, Olmo and Frenkie de Jong to navigate the next two weeks.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWhat next?

Fermin is expected to miss at least four matches, most importantly a key matchup when Atletico Madrid visit Camp Nou, and the crucial Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt. 

Should recovery go as planned, the midfielder could return around December 13, which places Osasuna at home as his earliest realistic comeback match. However, Barcelona will not rush him, especially given the recurring nature of soleus injuries. But, the club will hope the setback lasts no longer than the two-week window and that the young midfielder returns in time for a crucial December period.

Chelsea could now hijack some ‘very advanced’ talks for a Real Madrid sensation who’s destined to be on the move in January, according to a new report.

With persistent injury concerns in key positions this season, Enzo Maresca’s squad may require strategic reinforcement across three critical areas as the Blues navigate a challenging campaign.

Maresca has repeatedly found himself short, especially in defence, with Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto, Enzo Fernández, Pedro Neto, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos and Josh Acheampong all missing at some point through injury or suspension.

Despite spending close to £300 million in the summer, it is also believed that Maresca still isn’t entirely happy with his Chelsea squad, coming after he publicly requested a centre-back in the summer.

Rank

Club

Gross Spend

Sales

Net Spend

20.

Bournemouth

£136.7m

£202.5m

+£65.8m

19.

Brighton

£67.7m

£127.5m

+£59.8m

18.

Brentford

£92.8m

£152m

+£59.2m

17.

Wolves

£105.6m

£126.5m

+£20.9m

16.

Chelsea

£296.5m

£314.4m

+£17.9m

Chelsea are reportedly exploring goalkeeping options, with uncertainty surrounding Robert Sanchez, whose inconsistent performances divided the fanbase last season.

The club are extremely keen on AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, whose contract expires in 2026, and could move to offer the France number one a pre-contract in January. Chelsea had passed up the opportunity to sign Maignan in the summer as they weren’t prepared to meet Milan’s asking price, as per multiple reports, but a move is now back on the cards.

Chelsea also want a new centre-back in January, following reports that the club view it as a priority position, and there are claims that the west Londoners could even bring in another number nine.

BlueCo have reportedly been offered Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović, whose contract is winding down, meaning they could sign the Serbian for a bargain fee this winter.

Liam Delap has returned from a hamstring injury which kept him out for the majority of Chelsea’s early-season, and Joao Pedro is currently in excellent form as well. However, as we’ve already seen this term, Maresca’s bad luck with injuries and suspensions could well push them back into the market.

Chelsea are reportedly planning to raid Real Madrid for talent as we approach January, with star winger Rodrygo available for a cut-price fee as Maresca’s side closely monitor the situation (TEAMtalk).

However, Rodrygo isn’t the only Real star on their radar, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Chelsea ready to hijack 'very advanced' Lyon talks for Endrick

Lyon are in ‘very advanced’ talks over a loan deal for Endrick and an agreement is believed to be imminent, but Bailey reports that Chelsea could still swoop for the Brazilian striker.

As per the reporter, Chelsea are ready to offer Endrick game time in England ahead of next year’s World Cup, and he could ‘very well arrive’ at Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old, who’s still considered one of Brazil’s brightest young talents, hasn’t found room to feature for Xabi Alonso – playing just 11 minutes all season.

Endrick did fire Real to a Copa del Rey final last term, scoring five goals in the competition before their loss to Barcelona, but minutes in La Liga and Europe were much harder to come by.

The South American is now vying for an exit as he aims to get more game time and work his way into Ancelotti’s Brazil squad, with the prospect of a Premier League move potentially enough to make him change his mind about joining Lyon.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have “spoken” to representatives of Erik ten Hag regarding their vacant managerial role and his stance on the position has now been made clear.

After 10 games in the Premier League this season, Wolves have acquired two points from an available 30. Without a win in those matches, Vitor Pereira was sacked following a 3-0 loss to Fulham, despite the Portuguese having signed a new contract just weeks earlier.

Wolves will, no doubt, hope to make a swift appointment to replace Pereira. The Old Gold have an interim manager in place for their game against Chelsea in the shape of James Collins, as they consider a wide range of options who could succeed Pereira.

Middlesbrough head coach Rob Edwards appears to be the top target for Wolves, even though Boro are reluctant to let Edwards, who only joined in the summer, depart for Molineux, where he has spent time as both a coach and player.

According to Football Insider, however, the club are seemingly interested in bringing one particular manager back to the Premier League.

Erik ten Hag open to Wolves role

Recent reports have indicated that not only have Wolves spoken with ten Hag’s representatives, but that the Dutchman would be “interested in speaking to Wolves about the job”.

No stranger to the Premier League, ten Hag moved from Ajax to Manchester United in 2022. Across the following two years, he won an EFL Cup and FA Cup, but struggled to enjoy much consistent success in both domestic and European football.

Sacked in 2024, ten Hag spent almost a year without a job until being hired by Bayer Leverkusen to replace Xabi Alonso in the summer of 2025. After taking charge of just three matches for the German side, however, ten Hag was sacked and remains a free agent.

Though recent seasons have not been the kindest for ten Hag, he remains a well-thought of coach. Thierry Henry, as per Manchester Evening News, has spoken positively of the Dutchman in the past.

The next Wolves manager must have a quick start at Molineux, due to the club’s current predicament in the league. As somebody who is “firmly in the running,” ten Hag would certainly be a bold appointment, given the misfortunes he suffered both at the end of his tenure at Man United and with Leverkusen.

"One of the best men" in football considered by Wolves

Mikel Arteta has revisited memories of Son Heung-min's miss for Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester City in May 2024 to explain the fine "margins" that determine the title race, with Arsenal looking to end a 22-year wait for the Premier League crown. The second of three successive seasons in which the Gunners finished as runners-up saw them nearly come top.

The miss that changed everything

In May 2024, Tottenham were facing Pep Guardiola’s relentless Manchester City, and Arsenal’s title hopes hinged on their rivals – if Spurs at least drew, the Gunners would go into the final day of that season top of the table. With City leading 1-0 in the dying minutes, Son raced clear on goal, one-on-one with substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who had replaced Ederson. A goal would’ve made it 1-1 and surely kept Arsenal in first place, but Ortega stood tall, made himself big, and parried the effort away. City went on to win the match 2-0 and the Premier League title on the next matchday by just two points. Arsenal's hopes were dashed and after that painful miss, Son admitted to the profound emotional toll it took on him.

"I’m also human," Son told the later in an interview. "But I take the responsibility not to score that big chance for the team, because the team was working really hard and trying to get a good result."

That miss from Son reshaped the landscape of English football in ways no one could’ve imagined. Tottenham were licking their wounds from missing out on the top four, but later embarked on a remarkable run through Europe and went on to win the Europa League, ending a 17-year trophy drought. Aston Villa, who finished fourth thanks to City’s win, secured Champions League football for the first time since 1983. But for Arsenal and Arteta, it was nothing short of agony.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportArteta talks about 'margins' that determine a title race

As Arsenal once again find themselves top of the table, four points clear of second-placed Bournemouth, Arteta reflected on that defining night when asked if this could finally be the season they go all the way.

"At the end, you learn that the margins at the end to achieve it or not are multiple," he said. "So it can be that an opposition player is one against one against the keeper, he scores that goal, you are champion. The other keeper saves it you are not champion. It can be other injuries, it can be other decisions, it can be a mistake of mine, it can be that many factors that we cannot control that outcome or we can control it while we can do the best. That's it."

Arteta learnt through heartbreak that perfection isn’t always rewarded. However, this season, the Gunners have been in fine form and look perfectly in control of their destiny, at least for now. But he refuses to get carried away.

"So it's a lot of factors that have a lot of factors that have to go your way. You can do a lot of great things, and still a lot of things have to go your way, and the injuries and the players that you have to play, and they have to be there, and the personal lives have to be perfect because if not, it can unbalance," he went on a rant. "It's so many things guys, and it's still so so long, and we've seen already the turnaround in the league and going to the Champions League is the same. All the leagues are the same. We are not really in a specific context at the moment, and let's focus day by day."

Arteta vows to keep away all distractions

Arsenal have come close to being crowned champions but have always fallen short in the last lap. When Arteta was asked, when does the title race start for him, he fired back: "In pre-season. So, for me it's the first day in pre-season just trying to prepare the team and individuals in the best possible way and go with them back in because this is it's going to be so long.

"We have to focus on the journey and what we have to do every single day. Fixing the outcome, of course, we want to win it, and the preparation is towards that. Great. And now we have set all the protocols, processes, ambitions, everything and now you have to focus on what you have to do. If not, you get distracted with the rest, and I don't want any of that in and around the team."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWill Arsenal's 22-year-wait finally end in 2026?

It’s been more than two decades since Arsenal’s Invincibles stormed to an unbeaten league title under Arsene Wenger. Since then, the north London giants have endured countless false dawns, near-misses, and seasons that promised so much but fell apart under pressure. However, there is a renewed belief in the squad as they appear determined to right those wrongs and finally bring back the Premier League trophy to the Emirates.

What’s better than betting on a few players to hit a long ball for the MLB action each day?

That’s the goal of our Daily Dinger column at SI Betting, as we attempt to pick a few players that will go yard, hopefully netting a solid payout in the process. 

On Tuesday, I’m focusing on two third basemen to go deep, as one of them has been arguably the hottest hitter in baseball after smacking two more long balls on Sunday night. 

Best MLB Home Run Picks Today, Tuesday, July 9

• Jose Ramirez to Hit a Home Run (+475)
• Rafael Devers to Hit a Home Run (+190)

Jose Ramirez to Hit a Home Run (+475)

Jose Ramirez has a great matchup against the Detroit Tigers and veteran starter Kenta Maeda on Tuesday night. 

Maeda was rocked in his last start – allowing nine runs – and he’s given up 13 home runs in 15 outings in 2024. His ERA is now 6.71, and I wouldn't be shocked to see him struggle against the Cleveland Guardians and their solid offense – 10th in homers and 12th in OPS. 

Ramirez has nearly hit his home run total from last season (24) already this season, smacking 23 homers, including 15 against right-handed pitching. 

I’ll gladly back him at this price against a struggling righty on Tuesday. 

Rafael Devers to Hit a Home Run (+190)

There may not be a hotter hitter than Rafael Devers, who came through for us in the Daily Dinger column on Sunday night against the New York Yankees. 

The Boston Red Sox star is hitting .405 with a .976 slugging percentage over his last 10 games, smacking seven homers over that stretch. 

He’s now up to 21 homers on the season, and he has a favorable matchup on Tuesday against Joey Estes, who has allowed seven homers in 10 games for the Oakland A’s. 

Estes did pitch a complete game shutout in his last start, but he had allowed five homers in his previous four outings. I’ll take a shot on Devers to stay red hot tonight. 

Wayne Rooney is backing Harry Maguire for a World Cup recall with England after seeing the Manchester United defender come through “bullying” that saw him become a “meme” at one stage. The commanding centre-half has not enjoyed the easiest of times at Old Trafford, but he was given plenty to smile about when netting a dramatic winner against Liverpool last time out.

• Stripped of captaincy & benched: Maguire's challenges

  Maguire, who became the most expensive defender in world football when joining the Red Devils in 2019, appeared to have little future with United after being stripped of captaincy duties and demoted to the bench. He has, however, played his way back into favour.

  The 32-year-old has never been the type to back down from a challenge and has taken on an important role for Ruben Amorim during more struggles for consistency under the Portuguese coach. A position in the Red Devils’ much-maligned back three was found for Maguire for the high-stakes trip to Anfield.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Crucial contribution in dramatic victory at Anfield

  Rooney admits to being concerned about Amorim’s selection for that clash, with the likes of Leny Yoro and Benjamin Sesko being dropped to the bench. He did, however, see Maguire head home an 84th-minute winner on Merseyside.

  United’s all-time leading goal-scorer said on podcast: “I was worried, to be honest. But you know what? I thought fair play to the manager because I think he got his tactics absolutely spot on. And I think bringing Harry Maguire in, I don’t know whether that was through injury or he had to, and I said a few weeks ago on here he’s such an important player for Manchester United.”

• Figure of fun: How Maguire reacted to 'bullying'

  Rooney went on to say of the troubles that Maguire has had to work his way through, with the experienced defender becoming a figure of fun at times: “I think with Harry, I would really struggle to have dealt with what he’s been through. You know, he was a meme for years. I think I’ve seen him in parliament, over in Africa somewhere where he’s getting brought up in that and they’re laughing at him. So for him to have dealt with so much of what he’s dealt with, he’s incredibly strong-minded to have gone through that.

  “Then, getting the armband taken off him and people laughing at him and you’re like, this guy has been in World Cup teams of the tournament and been incredible for England, been really good for Man Utd and it’s completely unfair, and it was bullying. He was getting bullied from all over the place and for him to have dealt with that and got through it and stuck with it, you’d have to say ‘you know what, that’s a strong human being’. And for him to get through that and his family to get through that and come out the other side and show his ability, quality and strength, I couldn’t be happier for him.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  England recall & new contract: What does 2026 hold for Maguire?

  Rooney is now of the opinion that Maguire should be recalled by England ahead of the 2026 World Cup, having failed to make any of the squads pieced together by Thomas Tuchel so far. Ex-Three Lions skipper Rooney added: “Harry Maguire for me shows why he should be in the World Cup squad and I really mean that I think he’s so important. I heard Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink speaking about him in that England squad and how much of a leader he is and players look up to him and it’s the same at Man Utd.

  “He could have completely downed tools and wanted to leave the football club when he had the armband taken off him and that’s not easy for any player. Your self pride takes a massive hit when that happens and he’s having to stick there and support Bruno [Fernandes] as captain and not play every game and come on for the last 10 minutes of games. [Against Liverpool] coming in and playing really well again and showing that leadership and he’s a threat as well, set-pieces are so important.”

  Maguire has 64 England caps to his name, having made his senior international debut in 2017. He will be hoping to play his way into Tuchel’s thoughts, while also staking a claim to a contract extension at Old Trafford – with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2026.