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The October international break hasn’t quite slammed shut, but Liverpool fans are already looking with anticipation toward the return of Premier League action.

Arne Slot’s Premier League champions have been well below their best for most of the campaign, demonstrating much tenacity to find late winners across the opening weeks of the campaign but lacking balance and control.

They could only ride this wave for so long, with the tide turning in recent weeks and the Reds falling in successive top-flight outings, defeat in the Champions League at Galatasaray sandwiched in between.

Many high-profile signings have been made, but Liverpool need to rediscover their swagger and style. With names like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak added to the fold, welcoming another forward seems ludicrous, but it might be the answer to the Anfield side’s troubles in the long run.

Liverpool need another forward

Sporting director Richard Hughes and the senior figures at Liverpool remain confident that it will all come together. For Liverpool not to return to top-class form at some stage seems ludicrous, given the existing squad’s pedigree, the money spent this summer, and the calibre of signings brought in.

But Mohamed Salah’s form has been one of the big negative talking points this term. The 33-year-old has less than two years remaining on his £400k-per-week deal, and it’s well-known that Liverpool must spend big to secure a replacement.

According to Caught Offside, Hughes has already compiled a list of names he’s eager to pursue as Salah enters the final stretch of his Premier League career, and though talks were held in recent months for Lyon’s Malick Fofana and Bournemouth sensation Antoine Semenyo is being considered, it is Bayern Munich star Michael Olise who must be signed.

The France international is very much on Liverpool’s shortlist, with previous reports this month claiming the Merseysiders are even preparing an offer for the £86m-rated winger.

The 23-year-old joined Bayern from Crystal Palace for £50m in 2024, but Liverpool feel a deal could be struck given their good relationship with the Bundesliga champions.

What Michael Olise would bring to Liverpool

Olise thrived at Crystal Palace, joining from Reading and helping lift them toward their modern peak. Under Oliver Glasner, the Eagles are flying, and the French winger was crucial in getting the system up and running.

But his move to Germany has placed his name on the world atlas.

Last season was one of great success for Olise and his outfit, and he’s carried that form into the new campaign and fashioned something even greater, having notched five goals and six assists from just ten matches in all competitions.

There’s a sense that the best is still to come, and it’s for this reason Liverpool must chase his signature over Semenyo’s, as talented and dangerous as the Bournemouth star may be.

Comparing the two, we can see that Olise is the more clinical player and also the more explosive – though if Semenyo maintains his 2025/26 form across the duration of the year, that one may edge considerably closer.

Goals scored

0.39

0.39

Assists

0.20

0.50

Shots taken

3.07

3.47

Shot-creating actions

3.88

6.56

Touches (att pen)

5.13

6.32

Pass completion (%)

72.7

80.7

Progressive passes

3.832

7.50

Progressive carries

3.88

5.02

Successful take-ons

2.01

2.48

Ball recoveries

4.46

3.81

Semenyo is likely a bit more physical and active throughout the different phases of play, but Salah’s success over the past nine years would tell you that a pick-and-choose approach bears just as many dividends, if not more. And it’s not as if Olise isn’t one of the silkiest and most fleet-footed wingers in the game.

Disregarding the players’ clinical starts to the campaign, their underlying metrics are evidence of their elite athleticism, with Sofascore also showing Olise has created 1.8 chances and won 4.3 duels per game in the German top flight this season, completing 83% of his passes.

Liverpool did manage to bag all three points in a frenzied match against Bournemouth on the opening day of the season, but Semenyo was electric throughout, bagging two special goals.

Make no mistake, Liverpool would not fumble if they were to sign the Ghana international next summer, but Olise is simply a level higher, with podcaster Henry Swain even describing him as “one of the best wingers in the world”.

Moreover, he’s younger than Semenyo, almost two years his junior, and has not yet been modelled into the final shape that could place him in conversations not too dissimilar to those which have followed Salah throughout his Liverpool journey.

The Cherries star, 25, has been in inspired form at the start of the season, it must be said. He has scored six goals and assisted three more in the Premier League this season, and Salah has paled in comparison on Liverpool’s right flank.

Both Olise and Semenyo would fall into similar financial ballparks, and so Liverpool must simply pick which player they believe stands a better chance of replacing the Egyptian King effectively, across many years.

We know he can do it in the Premier League, and the rise in prolific quality since moving to the Allianz Arena has been exciting to witness. Olise is the real deal and would be the perfect profile to ease Salah’s departure when that fateful day comes.

For now, he will continue to develop and improve in the Bundesliga, but it’s hard to imagine Olise being anything other than a triumph if he returned to the Premier League and took a place on Liverpool’s right wing.

FSG sold "world-class" Liverpool star, now he's outperforming Salah & Isak

Liverpool have lacked balance and fluency in the final third this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 12, 2025

Barcelona’s legal troubles have deepened after a Spanish court ordered the club to produce the original contracts tied to €8 million in payments made to former refereeing official Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. The directive comes amid growing scrutiny over missing documents, with investigators seeking clarity on whether the payments were legitimate or intended to influence officiating.

Barcelona face fresh scrutiny as court escalates Negreira probe

The “Negreira Case,” already one of Spanish football’s most explosive legal sagas has entered a critical new phase. A Barcelona court has issued a formal order compelling the Catalan giants to present all contracts and supporting documents related to the €8 million paid to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira and his associated companies between 2001 and 2018.

According to , investigators have found no trace of the original contracts or any written documentation in Barca’s archives to justify the payments, which were allegedly made for “refereeing advisory” services. The lack of paper trail has intensified suspicions surrounding the nature of the relationship between Barcelona and the former vice-president of Spain’s Referees Committee (CTA).

The court’s order extends beyond administrative paperwork, summoning Barcelona as a legal entity to testify as part of the investigation. The statements of former coaches Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde, along with that of current club president Laporta, are scheduled for November 25, where they will appear as witnesses.

AdvertisementAFPAlleged corruption and missing documentation

The judicial order underlines the court’s determination to uncover the truth behind nearly two decades of payments to Negreira. The investigation is centred on whether these transactions were legitimate consulting fees or part of a wider attempt to influence refereeing decisions in Barcelona’s favour, an accusation that could constitute sports corruption.

The court has requested “any type of material” that might justify Negreira’s invoicing, including written reports, service records, or communications between the club and the former referee. So far, no physical evidence has emerged to corroborate Barcelona’s long-standing claim that the payments were for lawful technical advice on officiating and scouting young players.

In prior testimony, both Bartomeu and Rosell defended the arrangement, stating that Negreira’s consulting services were limited to providing tactical reports and evaluations of refereeing standards. However, contradictions in witness statements and the continued absence of verifiable contracts have prompted deeper judicial intervention adding to the mounting legal pressure on the club’s leadership.

Other figures drawn into the investigation

The court has also called upon several key figures for questioning in the coming months, expanding the scope of the inquiry. Club representative Elena Fort is expected to testify on January 27 and former president Joan Gaspart on February 6.

Additionally, former referee Ricardo Segura, who has been employed by the Catalan giants since 2021 to provide “refereeing advisory services” has been summoned to explain his current role and whether it mirrors Negreira’s prior engagement. The inclusion of Segura highlights concerns that Barca may have continued similar arrangements even after the scandal became public.

This development underscores how deeply the controversy has permeated the club’s operations, reviving questions over Barcelona’s governance and transparency practices during a period already marked by financial strain and boardroom instability.

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Getty Images SportPressure mounts as Barcelona brace for decisive hearing

The next phase of the investigation will centre around the November 25 hearing, when Laporta, Enrique, and Valverde testify before the court. Their accounts could prove pivotal in determining whether the €8m paid to Negreira’s companies was for legitimate consulting services or represented a breach of trust and fair play regulations.

The court will also review any documentation Barcelona provides in response to its order – a decisive factor in shaping the future course of the case. Should the club fail to produce adequate records, suspicions of financial and sporting misconduct may deepen further.

As legal scrutiny intensifies, the Blaugrana club find themselves balancing courtroom battles with on-pitch ambitions, all while facing the prospect of extended judicial proceedings that could stretch well into 2026. The outcome of the November testimonies may finally signal whether the club can begin to move past one of the most damaging scandals in its modern history.

Derbyshire never get going in run chase, slipping to 28 for 4 to go down by 58 runs

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay08-Jun-2025Birmingham Bears completed back-to-back home wins with a 58-run victory over struggling Derbyshire Falcons at Edgbaston.The Bears piled up 199 for 6 against the injury-hit Falcons. Opening pair Tom Latham (58 off 42 balls) and Alex Davies (49 off 29) provided a strong launchpad before the visitors reined the scoring in a little, Pat Brown taking 3 for 40.It was more than enough though as the Falcons replied with 141 all out in 19.1 overs. There was no way back from the dire start of 29 for 4 and their fourth defeat in four duly followed. Ross Whiteley hit 50 off 37 and Wayne Madsen 46 off 32 but Hasan Ali added four late wickets, including a hat-trick, to his two early ones to finish with 6 for 23 while George Garton equalled the T20 world record of five catches by a non-wicketkeeper.With Samit Patel failing a fitness test on a calf injury, Falcons’ squad was at full stretch. Fynn Hudson-Prentice came into the side, signed on a four-game loan from Sussex, but Warwickshire made a flying start after they were put in.Davies and Latham followed their opening stand of 103 against Yorkshire on Friday with 79 from 54 balls. Davies hit three sixes and five fours before departing clearly unhappy at being deemed to have gloved an attempted pull at Brown to wicketkeeper Aneurin Donald.The Falcons fought back well as former Bears spinner Alex Thomson bowled Dan Mousley through a sweep. Latham was adroitly caught by David Lloyd on the long leg boundary, when the fielder threw the ball up to ensure he didn’t carry it over the rope, then stepped forward to catch it again.Sam Hain swung Hudson-Prentice into the Hollies Stand then tried to do so again but didn’t clear the fielder. Brown cleaned up Ed Barnard and Kai Smith with successive deliveries before important late impetus came from Moeen Ali and Garton who took 12 from the three balls he faced.Garton was then heavily involved as the Falcons plummeted to 28 for 4 after four overs. He took a return catch to remove Caleb Jewell with the fifth ball of the innings and took stinging catches at cover from Donald and Lloyd off Barnard and Hasan respectively. Martin Andersson became the third batter in 18 balls to pick out a fielder when he belted Hasan to point.The top-order implosion left Madsen and Whiteley needing to retrench and, while they did, the required rate escalated as the Falcons entered the last ten overs needing 129. Madsen and Whiteley each hit three sixes but perished in pursuit of a fourth, caught in the deep. The latter perished at the start of Hasan’s hat-trick – Whiteley caught at long-off, Thomson at mid-on and Ben Aitchson, bowled middle stump.Warwickshire, with successive wins, are on a bit of a roll. Derbyshire’s campaign could not have started worse.

Liverpool supporters have erupted online after Federico Chiesa was named the club’s Player of the Month for September, despite the Italian not starting a single Premier League game during that stretch. Chiesa’s recognition has reignited anger towards head coach Arne Slot, with fans questioning his team selections and labelling the forward "Liverpool’s best player" who continues to be unfairly benched.

Chiesa voted Player of the Month by Liverpool fans

Chiesa has been voted Liverpool’s Standard Chartered Men’s Player of the Month for September, securing 34% of fan votes in the official club poll. Alisson Becker and Ryan Gravenberch tied for second place with 18% each, but Chiesa’s impact in limited minutes proved decisive. Despite starting just one Carabao Cup fixture all month, the Italian’s three goal involvements across three appearances captured the admiration of supporters.

Chiesa was at his creative best during the Reds’ 2-1 Carabao Cup third-round win over Southampton at Anfield, providing an assist for Alexander Isak while earning the Player of the Match award. Days later, he came off the bench to score in Liverpool’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace, though the result overshadowed his personal contribution. The 27-year-old’s spark and energy in cameo appearances have prompted many fans to demand he play a more central role in Slot’s plans.

Collecting the award at the AXA Training Centre, Chiesa expressed his gratitude to supporters, saying: "Of course, I'm glad I won this prize. Thank you to the fans for the support and for voting for me. I would rather not get it in the future and win more games. But thank you again.

"The support always has been amazing. I try to give my best on the pitch for the fans and for Liverpool. I love to see that the fans actually appreciate what I'm doing."

AdvertisementSupporters split on award

On social media, Liverpool fan @luciruoc questioned: "Is this a joke! Fede is brilliant but how can you win PotM being a bench player than rarely gets more than 15 mins a match."

@MartinEra_ joked: "Spent 500M and 13M Chiesa is your best player."

@tsk58cc wrote: "Imagine – bench player winning it. Shows how poor the team has been and also strange that Fede doesn't get more starts."

@eramiegbami said: "My kind of player. Head down. No complaints. Gets his chance and plays like it’s a Champions League final."

@briggsisgreat added: "Man’s been running like he’s got rent due every week, give that guy two trophies — one for performance and one for pure chaos energy on the pitch."

@Akmathurx concluded: "Player of the month from the bench. I can't believe he's still not starting any games. So happy for him, our most hardworking player."

Chiesa barely getting a start under Slot

Chiesa’s award comes amid growing tension within the fanbase over Slot’s squad management and player rotation choices. The former Juventus winger, who joined Liverpool last year, has often been seen as a game-changer from the bench yet continues to be overlooked for a regular starting berth. His performances this season have reignited calls for him to start ahead of several underperforming attackers, particularly with Liverpool struggling for consistency in the Premier League.

His direct involvement in three of Liverpool’s goals this month despite limited game time underscores his effectiveness and sharpness in the final third. As frustration builds, many fans have taken to social media questioning whether Slot’s tactical setup is holding back one of Liverpool’s most dynamic attacking talents.

Chiesa himself has maintained professionalism amid the debate, insisting that he remains focused on contributing whenever called upon. "Whatever the minutes are that I’m playing, I try to give my best, I try to help the team, stay positive and make an impact," he said. "That’s what I’m here for. I hope I keep on pushing and giving something back to the fans."

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Getty Images SportCould Chiesa become a Liverpool starter?

Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures offer Chiesa another chance to stake his claim for a regular starting role, especially as they face a mini-injury crisis with five games staring them down in the next 15 days.

With the Reds aiming to end a stuttering domestic run and maintain momentum in Europe, Slot will be under pressure to reassess his lineup and reward form over reputation. Chiesa’s creative influence and eye for goal have become too evident to ignore, and fan sentiment could soon make his inclusion a necessity rather than an option.

The international break is finally over. Just one month until the next one. Still, Newcastle United made progress in the weeks before the October pause, and Eddie Howe’s side have a somewhat favourable run of Premier League fixtures ahead of them.

Convincing wins in the Champions League and top flight the other week have put the Magpies in good stead for the harsh winter months to come. It was winter last season when Newcastle found their groove and mounted a winning run of form and set the paving which led to European qualification and triumph in the Carabao Cup.

And with leaders like Anthony Gordon beginning to play themselves into form, there’s a sense that the St. James’ Park side might rediscover a similar vein of form and use it to knock on the door of the favourites in the Premier League.

Tyneside felt the curtain closing on an era when Alexander Isak was sold to Liverpool for £125m this summer, but, as always, United have adapted and overcome their adversity.

And Gordon has the talent and experience to lead them to even loftier heights, with his recent performances for the Three Lions showcasing his quality.

Gordon's England performances

Gordon has been in fine fettle for Thomas Tuchel’s England over the past week, and it’s becoming clear the German tactician fancies the 24-year-old as his first-choice option on the left wing.

On Tuesday evening, in Latvia, Gordon scored a curling strike after good footwork to open the scoring, consolidating his position.

Gordon’s pace and energy and enterprise down the left wing allow Harry Kane to operate at full capacity in the middle. For Nick Woltemade at Newcastle, who has been described as “similar” to the England captain by Gordon himself, this is promising as he continues to bed into life in the Premier League.

It’s been a testing start to the season for Gordon, who was shoehorned in as a makeshift centre-forward during the early weeks and got himself sent off against Liverpool.

He’s yet to break his seasonal duck in the Premier League but boasts three strikes from two matches on the continent.

Minutes played

90′

71′

Goals

0

1

Assists

0

0

Touches

51

56

Shots (on target)

3 (1)

4 (1)

Accurate passes

30/34 (88%)

31/35 (89%)

Chances created

1

2

Crosses

0/3

1/8

Dribbles

2/3

1/1

Recoveries

2

1

Tackles

1/1

0/0

Ground duels won

4/7

2/5

And now, he has been rekindled for his nation. If the one-time Everton prospect carries that form back over to the domestic scene, there’s every chance he will go from strength to strength and lead Newcastle forward.

His is a desirable profile, after all, and one Newcastle looked to place at the front of their pre-PIF project (if the Mike Ashley era can be so kindly defined as a project). But that Gordon-esque profile fell by the wayside in England’s north east, even though he’s since built a solid career for himself.

Newcastle flop is now playing like Gordon

Gordon wasn’t the only Newcastle man, past or present, to have scored in Europe during the October international break. Woltemade scored his first goal in a Germany shirt as his side defeated Northern Ireland on Monday evening.

However, a former Magpie also found his way onto the scoresheet for Didier Deschamps’ France, scoring as the imperious outfit defeated Azerbaijan 3-0 in their World Cup qualifier on Friday.

The man in question is Florian Thauvin, who, aged 32, was recalled for Les Bleus selection for the first time since 2019 after an impressive start to the campaign in France with RC Lens, and he took his opportunity clinically.

Thauvin arrived in Newcastle with a weight of expectation in 2015, welcoming the 22-year-old from Marseille for a £13m fee after prolific returns in his homeland.

The 2015/16 season we’re sorry to dredge up, as this was the year Steve McClaren oversaw a plummet into the second tier. Thauvin was always up against it in such hostile conditions, and he featured only 13 times in the Premier League, neither scoring nor assisting, before heading back to Marseille on loan in January and again the following summer.

He’s been something of a journeyman, with career ups and downs, but at the autumn age of 32, the winger was named the Ligue 1 Player of the Month for September, having scored a goal and created ten chances across three matches that month, as per Sofascore.

Age is just a number in football, and Thauvin is proving he’s still got it. Data from FBref even reveals he ranks among the top 4% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 3% for both progressive passes and progressive carries per 90.

Winning over four duels per match in the French top flight this term too, Thauvin embodies the completeness of style that Gordon produces for Newcastle. In fact, FBref’s data reveals that Gordon is one of the Lens star’s most tactically comparable players, both fleet-footed and combative besides.

Given that Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior is also listed as a player of a similar style to the Frenchman, there’s little question that Newcastle were on the money when bringing him over the Channel. In another world, had Thauvin’s arrival aligned with the early days of the Howe era, he might have achieved much more.

While Newcastle would hardly consider a return for the veteran forward, it’s pleasing to see that they have finally struck gold on such a profile through the performances of Gordon, who, even having performed below his best of late, remains one of the most talented and respected wingers in the Premier League.

Newcastle star who's becoming a "fan favourite" could be Howe's new Joelinton

Newcastle have recruited wisely since Eddie Howe arrived four years ago.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 15, 2025

Cummins’ 6 for 28 is also the best figures by a captain at Lord’s

Andrew McGlashan12-Jun-20251:53

‘Once the ball gets older, Cummins puts his hand up’

Australia captain Pat Cummins became the eighth from his country to 300 Test wickets as his 6 for 28, the best by a captain at Lord’s, dismantled South Africa on the second day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final.It meant that, for the first time in Test history, a bowling attack had three players with 300 or more wickets: Cummins joined Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon in the group. Josh Hazlewood sits on 280.”It’s great, and I’ve got some family here, which is nice,” Cummins told the host broadcast at the innings break. “It’s way, more than I could have asked for. For any fast bowler 300 is a big number, means you’ve battled a few injuries and niggles, got through it and played well in different conditions.”Related

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Speaking again after the day’s play, Cummins reflected on his journey, which saw him miss six years of Test cricket after a memorable debut against South Africa in 2011.Carefully nursed through the intervening period by the Cricket Australia medical team, he has been almost ever-present since returning in 2017. Cummins missed a couple of Tests against Pakistan in 2018 owing to a back injury, one against West Indies in 2022 with a quad strain, and may have missed the Sri Lanka series earlier this year with an ankle problem if he hadn’t already been on paternity leave.”I’ve had a really good run the last half-a-dozen years or so of not missing too many games,” he said. “For the first few years, I didn’t know where my second Test was coming, so I still feel like I’ve got lots of miles in the legs.2:38

Cummins: Reaching 300 wickets a sign of durability and resilience

“Back in the day, 300 [wickets] felt like you’re close to the end. [Starc], he’s almost [at] 400. So hopefully I don’t feel like I’m going to end any time soon. The medical staff, I really need to thank, the way they looked after me in the early years and continually to get through a Test match, the way they manage the fast bowlers, a lot of that is a nod to them as well.”Cummins, who had removed Wiaan Mulder on the first evening, claimed all five South Africa wickets to fall to bowlers on the second day, the other being the run out of Keshav Maharaj. He broke South Africa’s fightback in the morning session when Temba Bavuma drove to cover. After lunch, he was magnificent in a spell that finished 4.1-1-4-4.There was the lbw to remove Kyle Verreynne after the pair clattered mid-pitch, a leading edge gathered off Marco Jansen, the outside edge off David Bedingham, and finally, Kagiso Rabada brilliant caught at deep square-leg to bring up the 300th.At that moment, he held the fourth-best strike rate for a bowler with 300 Test wickets, behind Rabada, Dale Steyn and Waqar Younis. Overall, it gave him 79 wickets at 23.03 for this WTC cycle.

Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has praised Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany for showing the courage to bench stars Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz in Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen. The World Cup winner believes Kompany’s rotation policy has not only helped manage the players’ workload but also shown his trust in the entire squad, keeping morale high.

Bayern stroll to victory without Kane or Olise

Kompany made seven changes to his starting lineup from the win against Koln as Bayern cruised to a 3-0 Bundesliga victory over Leverkusen on Saturday. The Bayern manager opted to rest key players such as Kane, Diaz and Olise, giving several squad members the opportunity to impress. Nicolas Jackson, Serge Gnabry and Tom Bischoff were among those who came into the starting XI, and all three played crucial roles in Bayern’s dominant performance.

The changes paid off handsomely as Bayern maintained their perfect start to the season. Gnabry opened the scoring with a composed finish following a swift counter-attack, before Jackson doubled the lead with a well-timed header between two defenders. The victory was sealed when Raphael Guerreiro’s dangerous cross was deflected into his own net by Leverkusen defender Loic Bade. 

At his post-match press conference, Kompany said he felt the game against Leverkusen was the ideal moment to rotate the squad, given that Bayern face Paris Saint-Germain in a crucial Champions League fixture on Tuesday. “Of course we’re always better when Harry plays and is in top form," he said. "But today it felt like the other guys were also ready – and now we have a rested Harry. Everyone always asks me: When does Harry get a break? When does Lucho [Diaz] get a break? Today just felt like the ideal moment.

“Many thought something could go wrong today. The opponent probably thought that too. But for me, the important thing was to attack it with fire. It’s sometimes dangerous, but at some point, you have to do it, otherwise you don’t need to build a squad.”

The courage to make these changes was lauded by former Germany midfielder Matthaus, who applauded Kompany for the bravery he showed.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMatthaus praises Kompany's selections

In his column for , Matthaus praised the courage shown by Kompany to rest his star players and show faith in the rest of the squad to get the job done. He wrote: "Kompany showed courage. Kane, Diaz and Olise might have liked to play from the start, but it's also about the atmosphere in the team and the trust that the manager shows in the other players."

He added that rotating the squad not only helps with workload management but also boosts team morale, as Kompany chose to play the reserve players against a strong Leverkusen side. "After the exhausting cup match in Koln, the changes to the starting line-up were important, and not just for managing fatigue.

"He showed his trust in them by playing them against a Leverkusen side that had recently been in good form, rather than against a relegation candidate."

Recipe for Bayern's success

Bayern have made a perfect start to the season, winning all 15 matches across the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, DFL-Supercup, and Champions League. Their flawless form has led Koln coach Lukas Kwasniok to label them strong contenders for the treble. Their success can be attributed to manager Kompany, who has introduced a tactical system built on perseverance and sacrifice. The approach has brought the best out of his squad, particularly Kane and Konrad Laimer, who was recently labelled "world-class" by Austria teammate David Alaba.

Matthaus believes that continuing the winning streak is entirely up to the players themselves, noting that their recipe for success has been hard work, speed, and intensity.

"It is entirely up to Bayern themselves to extend their winning streak. They are not arrogant, but remain humble. Their work rate is outstanding," he added.

“Everything is executed by every player in every position at top speed and with maximum intensity.“

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Getty Images SportBayern face big test against PSG

Kompany and Bayern will look to make it 16 wins in 16 games when they face PSG in the group stage of the Champions League on Tuesday. Kompany will hope that the rest given to his three star players will provide them with renewed energy to help Bayern secure a win over PSG.

Manchester United are continuing to build under Ruben Amorim, and they will look to move in the right direction over the coming weeks, even if the Portuguese boss has shared a little bit of frustration over one matter at Old Trafford.

Roy Keane drops verdict on Ruben Amorim's Man Utd future

Undoubtedly, the future of Amorim has been the main talking point at Manchester United this season, a topic that has gained attention after Sir Jim Ratcliffe made it clear he will have three years to build a legacy at Old Trafford.

In years gone by, the Red Devils have changed managers, but it hasn’t necessarily brought long-term success or stability to the club in their Premier League finishes. For some, it would be only fair for the Portuguese boss to get an extended crack of the whip to craft his system.

Nevertheless, Roy Keane has cast doubt on whether three years will be afforded to Amorim, claiming in the build-up before Manchester United’s win at Liverpool that results will ultimately determine his fate.

He said on Sky Sports: “I’m not so sure about that. It’s all well and good getting the backing off the board, but results have to improve. You hope, of course, any manager is given time. Whether he will get three years to play with depends how they do over the next few months. They have picked up a little bit – with the new attacking players they look more of a goal threat.”

While Manchester United continue to invest in young talent for the future, the here and now is what is important and the stars that are in the building are the ones in control of building consistency on the pitch.

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Despite this, Amorim has let out a little bit of frustration regarding one of his players’ recent exploits, even if his comments come in good faith.

Ruben Amorim opens up on Bruno Fernandes' penalty duties

In comments relayed by GOAL before the win at Liverpool, Amorim expressed frustration at Bruno Fernandes missing penalties for Manchester United against Fulham and Brentford, though confirmed he will remain on duties regardless.

Ultimately, £300,000 per week earner Fernandes has been a big game player for Manchester United over the years and never shirks responsibility, setting up Harry Maguire’s winner at Anfield, and unfortunate events will happen from time to time, given that he is their go-to man.

Nevertheless, nobody will argue that his contribution at Old Trafford isn’t absolutely pivotal to the cause, which is why Amorim retains full trust in his captain to deliver when called upon.

Jaiswal hit the only six of the session and found a way past Archer, who dismissed him in both innings of the Lord’s Test

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jul-2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal showed off his flexibility – with his body and his batting style – to stay unbeaten in the opening session•Getty Images

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal batted through the morning unscathed in Manchester to provide supporting evidence to Shubman Gill’s belief that this was “a good toss to lose”.Ben Stokes asked India to bat first after winning his fourth consecutive toss of the series, citing the gloomy overhead conditions, but his seamers failed to make inroads. Jaiswal rode his luck early on, with Chris Woakes repeatedly beating him on the outside edge, but there were no genuine chances in the first two hours of the match.Rahul continued his impressive form, going past 400 runs in the series and becoming the fifth Indian batter to score 1,000 Test runs in England. He played the ball as late as possible and was happy to play senior partner: after Jofra Archer dismissed Jaiswal in both innings at Lord’s, Rahul soaked up 25 balls in Archer’s initial five-over spell.Jaiswal – who had to replace a broken bat early in the session – largely played within himself, prompting Alastair Cook to suggest on the BBC’s Test Match Special that he must have been reminded of his responsibilities by India coach Gautam Gambhir between Tests. But he did hit the only six of the morning shortly before lunch, throwing his hands at a back-cut when Stokes dropped short and wide.No team has ever chosen to bowl first at Old Trafford and gone on to win a Test match, and Stokes’ belief that his team can defy that trend will be tested after a wicketless first session. The morning started with the stands half-empty and long queues outside, which Lancashire said were prompted by strict bag searches.

England maintained their perfect record in World Cup qualifying with a 2-0 win at home to Serbia on Thursday. Goals in either half from Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze ensured Thomas Tuchel's men emerged victorious, while the visitors' faint hopes of securing a play-off spot were put to bed on a rainy evening in north London.

England broke the deadlock with 28 minutes on the clock. Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic inexplicably decided to punch Declan Rice's free-kick which was crossed into his six-yard box, and though debutant Nico O'Reilly's effort from this clearance was blocked, the ball sat up sweetly for Saka to volley in with impressive poise at the back post.

Harry Kane ought to have doubled the advantage shortly before half-time when he ghosted away from his marker to meet Rice's whipped corner, but the England captain somehow fluffed his lines and headed wide. The visitors' best opening to find an equaliser, meanwhile, came when Filip Kostic broke free down the left and cut a delicious ball back for Dusan Vlahovic, but the Juventus striker's deft flick bobbled wide of Jordan Pickford's post.

Tuchel made four substitutions midway through the second half to freshen the pack, leading to Jude Bellingham seeing a low cross blocked after linking up with starter Reece James and Phil Foden heading narrowly wide from a Jordan Henderson cross.

The flag went up for a late offside when Lazar Samardzic hit a volley not too dissimilar to Saka's wide as England scrambled to preserve their clean sheet, while Eze had a strike deflected onto the crossbar by Rajkovic after Bellingham made another purposeful run into the final third, and Ezri Konsa's recovery pace stopped another Serbia breakaway dead in its tracks.

An open feel to the game saw England add their second goal of the game in the final minute of normal time, with Foden teeing up Eze to sweep a shot from 18 yards into the top corner and seal the three points.

GOAL rates England's players from Wembley…

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Jordan Pickford (6/10):

Guilty of playing an under-hit pass to Anderson on the edge of his own box in the first half but otherwise kept himself and England out of trouble.

Reece James (6/10):

Like several England players was keen to show off his immense passing range, often switching play from one flank to the other. Tested for pace by Kostic but this wasn't really to the hosts' detriment or danger.

Ezri Konsa (7/10):

Covered for James when England were indeed stretched a tad in transition. Given another chance to impress with Guehi still injured.

John Stones (6/10):

Still clearly the country's best ball-playing defender when fit and healthy. Didn't delve too deep into his bag of tricks on this occasion as he didn't really need to, however.

Nico O'Reilly (6/10):

Looked right at home on his senior England debut, galloping down the left to support Rice and Rashford whenever possible.

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Elliot Anderson (7/10):

Already a favourite of Tuchel's and carries himself like a seasoned veteran too. Kept play ticking with his quick passing before opening the game up with longer and more ambitious balls. Subbed for Wharton for the final few minutes.

Declan Rice (6/10):

Asked questions of Serbia with his wicked set-piece delivery even if he was unable to register an assist for himself before being subbed for Henderson.

Morgan Rogers (6/10):

Made several runs in behind the Serbia backline that went unnoticed by his England team-mates. Was crucially given the nod ahead of Bellingham and was then replaced by the Real Madrid midfielder in the second half.

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Bukayo Saka (8/10):

Arsenal's top scorer for the England men's team extended his streak with a sumptuous volley. Attacked with intent, coming inside onto his left foot and trying to figure an angle to shoot whenever he was within 30 yards of goal.

Harry Kane (6/10):

Little in way of goal-mouth action, dropping deep to allow his team-mates to try and exploit that space. Made a superb sliding challenge just outside his own box before he was afforded a rest, with Foden replacing him.

Marcus Rashford (6/10):

Got into threatening positions with his pace and trickery but will have been disappointed not to have taken advantage of this by scoring. Came off for Eze.

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Phil Foden (6/10):

Played as a false nine after coming on for Kane. Grabbed an assist for Eze.

Jude Bellingham (6/10):

Subbed on for positional rival Rogers. Motored into the final third after linking up with James soon after coming on, with his cross bound for Eze cleared.

Eberechi Eze (8/10):

Shifted to the left, coming on for Rashford. Appeared fresh and was keen to get on the ball, so was deserving enough for his late goal.

Jordan Henderson (5/10):

Subbed on for Rice presumably to gain more control, though this also coincided with Serbia growing in confidence and gaining yards in territory.

Adam Wharton (N/A):

A late sub, coming on for Anderson.

Thomas Tuchel (6/10):

The win mattered very little for England given they have already qualified, but this was an opportunity for him to see which players were hungry and wanted to prove a point. The Three Lions do at least feel more like a cohesive unit, though this wasn't their most entertaining of displays.