All posts by n8rngtd.top

And is Rahkeem Cornwall set to become the heaviest Test cricketer ever?

Steven Lynch13-Aug-2019If Rahkeem Cornwall plays against India, will he be the heaviest Test cricketer ever? asked Junior Williams from Trinidad

He’ll certainly be close: the latest estimates put Rahkeem Cornwall’s weight at around 140kgs, or 22 stone (he’s also about 6′ 6″ tall, so among the tallest Test cricketers too). The problem is, it’s not usual for players’ weights to be faithfully recorded, so it’s difficult to be precise.Just about the only contender for Test cricket’s heavyweight championship is the former Australian captain Warwick Armstrong, who was quite svelte when he first toured England, in 1902, but had expanded considerably by the time he led a very strong side immediately after the Great War, winning eight Tests in a row against England in 1920-21 and 1921. Describing the 1921 version of Armstrong, Ronald Mason wrote: “He was an enormous man, huge-shouldered and heavy-hipped; he stood well over six feet and by the year of this his last tour had a disproportionate middle-aged spread. Estimates of his weight vary agreeably from 18 to 22 stone [114-140kgs].” Gideon Haigh, in his excellent biography of “The Big Ship”, says the latter-day Armstrong was “as manoeuvrable in the field as a Pullman carriage”. I did see Armstrong’s shirt when it was displayed in the museum at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and it looked as if it might come in useful as an emergency sail.Since we can’t really be sure, I’d like to declare it a tie between Armstrong and Cornwall!Is it true that Don Bradman averaged 100 in Ashes Tests? Who’s in second place? asked Ricky Dooley from Scotland

Don Bradman didn’t quite manage to average 100 against England, but he still sits comfortably on top of the pile, with 89.78. Of those who had a dozen or more innings in Ashes Tests, the Australian opener Sidney Barnes comes next with 70.50, ahead of the England pair of Herbert Sutcliffe (66.85) and Ken Barrington (63.96). After the Edgbaston Test, Steve Smith had climbed to fifth place with 60.84.If you don’t impose a qualification, there is someone on the list with a three-figure average: Albert Trott made 205 runs in five innings for Australia in 1894-95. Three of them were not out, so he averaged 102.50.What’s the highest identical score by a batsman in both innings of a Test? asked Thanura Perera from Sri Lanka

You’ll probably be pleased to hear that a Sri Lankan holds this particular distinction: against India in Madras in 1982-83, Duleep Mendis hit 105 in the first innings, and followed that up with 105 in the second.The only other man to make an identical three-figure score in both innings of a Test was Misbah-ul-Haq with 101 and 101 not out for Pakistan against Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2014-15. Here’s the ever-expanding list of those who scored two centuries in the same Test.Anderson Cummins represented Canada in the 2007 World Cup, almost 15 years after he played for the West Indies in the 1992 edition•Getty ImagesLiam Plunkett played in the 2007 World Cup and then in the 2019 edition, after missing 2011 and 2015. Is this the longest gap between World Cup matches for any player? asked Gurdeep Singh from Malaysia

Liam Plunkett actually lies third on this particular list, a few days behind someone else who reappeared in the 2019 World Cup for the first time since 2007 – Shoaib Malik of Pakistan. Lameck Onyango of Kenya (1996 to 2007) and Carl Hooper of West Indies (1992-2003) also missed two World Cups, although the actual time gap between their matches was slightly shorter than for Shoaib and Plunkett.However, the overall leader missed three World Cups: fast bowler Anderson Cummins represented West Indies in the 1992 World Cup, and Canada in 2007, when he was 40. He went four days short of 15 years between World Cup match appearances.I know Sachin Tendulkar is the only man to play 200 Test matches. But who was first to 50, and 100, and 150? asked Pradeep Patel from India

Sachin Tendulkar did indeed become the only player to date to appear in 200 Tests, signing off against West Indies at home in Mumbai in November 2013.The first man to appear in 50 Tests was Syd Gregory, the Australian, who was born in 1870 on the Sydney Cricket Ground, where his father was a groundsman. Gregory reached a half-century of caps in 1909, during the seventh of his eight Test-playing tours of England.England’s Colin Cowdrey was the first to play 100 Tests: he marked the milestone, against Australia at Edgbaston in 1968, by scoring a century.And the first to 150 was Australia’s Allan Border, in the match against New Zealand in Brisbane in 1993-94: he marked the occasion by scoring 105, his 27th and last Test century. At the time, Kapil Dev came next with 127 caps.Finally there’s a clarification on one of last week’s questions:

A few people have queried the answer about only three pairs having bowled unchanged in the fourth innings of a Test, and winning. In trying to condense the question I managed to lose an important stipulation, which was that the bowlers had to have shared all ten wickets. The three shown last week are the only three of those. But there are five other instances (look at the fifth column) of a pair bowling unchanged in a final innings, without taking all ten wickets, usually because of run-outs.Use our feedback form or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

The opener isn’t blameless, and his indecisiveness against spin is a problem he must work on

Firdose Moonda29-Jan-2020Dean Elgar has a running joke about the number of opening partners he’s batted with, but the reality is not very funny: since succeeding Graeme Smith at the top of South Africa’s Test batting order almost six years ago, Elgar has had ten partners. That none of them have managed to stick around could well be the single-biggest factor affecting South Africa’s batting, which is at one of its lowest ebbs.Since their readmission, South Africa’s top seven have collectively averaged less only three times – all after 2014. On one hand, that tells you how much South Africa lost when Jacques Kallis and Smith retired in the space of three months; on the other, it’s the story of their struggle to find a stable top order, which is essential for batting success.In scrutinising South Africa’s under-performing line-up, the spotlight has been on the middle-order, where AB de Villiers left a Superman-sized hole when he took a sabbatical for most of 2017 and retired in mid-2018. Critics have noted the contrasting forms of Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis and Temba Bavuma and the inexperience of the players selected to bat around them. That has allowed Elgar to fly under the radar. But not anymore.Although Elgar has scored one hundred and one fifty in his last 14 innings, he has battled along with the rest of them. His average has more than halved from 53.71 in 2017 to 25.07 in 2019. While there are some mitigating circumstances for his flailing form, including conditions and circumstances, which we will consider, there also obvious alarm bells in terms of shot selection and his approach to spin, which cannot be ignored. Primarily, though, South Africa’s problems begin at the top, where the other opener has not been confirmed, something which has contributed to Elgar’s woes.Let’s start with the arguments in Elgar’s defence.

For too long, Elgar has had to be one opening batter acting on behalf of two, attempting to shield both South Africa’s No. 3 and No. 4 from fresh bowlers and a new ball, because his partner was too junior (in age or cricketing terms) to be expected to do the same. South Africa cannot keep expecting that from Elgar without also expecting to affect his game.

Of late, South Africa has been among the tougher places in the world to open the batting because pitches have been lively and the ball has jagged around. The recent numbers, and anecdotes, support that. From January 2018, when Ottis Gibson took over, South Africa concentrated on creating conditions in which fast bowlers would thrive. Gibson and Faf du Plessis spoke candidly about their requests to groundsmen to prepare spicy surfaces and their desire for difficult pitches, especially against subcontinent sides. South Africa hosted Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and aimed to target all of them with short-pitched bowling on green tops, even if it came at the expense of their own batting averages. It worked – sort of – because since January 2018, South Africa has been the fourth-toughest place to open the batting, better than Bangladesh, England and West Indies, but well below New Zealand and India.It’s hardly surprising then that England have been the other team that has struggled to settle on an opening pair, and ironic that their solution came in the recent series in South Africa. In this light, it makes sense that Elgar’s numbers have tapered off.He’s not been alone. Openers the world over have found it more difficult of late. And comparatively, Elgar has not been that bad since January 2018 (among openers to have played 15 innings or more).If 2019, a year in which South Africa won just two out of eight Tests, lost to Sri Lanka at home and India away, has been especially tough for Elgar, it is because it has highlighted his vulnerabilities against spin. Over the course of his career, Elgar has been particularly troubled by offspin, falling to R Ashwin six times in nine Tests he has played against him, five times in ten to Nathan Lyon, five times in eight to Moeen Ali, and to Dilruwan Perera five times in four. This quartet are the top four most regular wicket-takers when it comes to Elgar in Tests. He averages 31.48 against offspin since his debut and in this England series, dominated by pace, Elgar was out three times out of eight to spin, twice to Dom Bess’ offbreaks.Like many in the South African line-up, Elgar’s approach against spin is not always as decisive as it should be. He is often unsure whether he should take them on – and often does to detrimental effect – or bide his time. He is clearly uncomfortable with the ball turning away from him and if South Africa are serious about upskilling, as Mark Boucher has put it, this is one area that needs urgent attention because of the role Elgar has to play.Dean Elgar lunges forward to defend•Christiaan Kotze/AFP via GettyIn the absence of de Villiers and Hashim Amla, and given the responsibility du Plessis has to shoulder as captain, Elgar is now the senior-most member of South Africa’s line-up, senior enough so that some of his dismissals in this series have not best reflected that status. Playing shots like a whack to mid-off at Newlands, even after the importance of his 88, and the slice to point and lame pull at the Wanderers cannot be explained away with a shrug and a sharp turn of phrase. “Brainfarts” are funny occasionally but smelly most of the time and Elgar needs to start turning his nose up at them like the rest of us.It’s more likely he will be able to do that when he knows and trusts the person at the other end. Since Gibson, Aiden Markram has been seen as the preferred candidate for a long-term opener’s role. However, his failure to progress from a strong start means South Africa have had to, and should continue to, look elsewhere.Pieter Malan is their latest experiment and he made a promising start on his debut, before fading away. Malan has an excellent first-class record and probably deserves a longer run in the side. But with the way the results have panned out, you’d be forgiven for thinking he could go the way of Heino Kuhn, who played in one tour to England 2017 and then disappeared into a Kolpak-tinged sunset. Kuhn was 33 when he debuted, so Malan, at 30, may have more of a future, but South Africa could opt to change tack completely and promote a younger player.Should that happen, and South Africa cast their net wider, they could do worse than give an opportunity to Raynard van Tonder or Eddie Moore, who sit first and second on this season’s first-class run-chart. The former, who is 21, would be a long-term investment but even Moore, at 26, has several good years left to play. Selecting another opener may even make room for Markram in the middle-order, where so many top-order players, Elgar included, found their feet internationally.What’s important is that whichever route South Africa go, it is communicated to Elgar in a way that takes some of the pressure off him and convinces him that the load will be shared. For too long, Elgar has had to be one opening batter acting on behalf of two, attempting to shield both South Africa’s No. 3 and No. 4 from fresh bowlers and a new ball, because his partner was too junior (in age or cricketing terms) to be expected to do the same. South Africa cannot keep expecting that from Elgar without also expecting to affect his game. They also have to acknowledge that Elgar deserves more.He has been instrumental to the Test set-up since 2012 and, if du Plessis does not continue, could be the last link to the team that was No. 1 in the world. He will provide the experience the line-up needs to learn from and thrive. And he would probably like to do that with the certainty of one partner at the other end.

Manchester United are now making moves to sign an “incredible” playmaker, who is set to be available for a bargain fee this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd keen to add new creative midfielder

Bruno Fernandes has taken on much of the burden of creating chances for Man United this season, racking up 18 assists in all competitions, and Ruben Amorim is eager to provide the captain with more support in midfield.

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is among the more audacious targets for United, having recently launched a £70m move for the Englishman, but it could be difficult to get a deal done, with Unai Emery eager to keep hold of the attacking midfielder.

A bid is also being prepared for Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doue, who has caught the eye of Old Trafford chiefs with his fantastic performances for the French side this season, but once again a deal would be expensive.

Man Utd and INEOS now looking to hijack Newcastle deal for £25m wide player

Man Utd have now joined their Premier League rivals in the race to sign an exciting attacker.

By
Brett Worthington

Apr 14, 2025

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made it clear the Red Devils are dealing with serious financial difficulties, which means it could make sense to pursue a move for a low-cost attacking midfielder this summer.

According to a report from Spain, Man United are now making moves to sign Lyon star Rayan Cherki, who scored the equalising goal for the French side in the 2-2 draw in the Europa League last week.

There is a belief that Cherki would suit Amorim’s’s system, but his impressive performances for Lyon this season mean he is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League, with Chelsea also believed to be keen.

The Frenchman could be allowed to leave for just £20m this summer, given the difficult financial situation Lyon find themselves in, with the Ligue 1 side willing to negotiate a sale if they receive a convincing offer.

Cherki could be "incredible" signing for Man Utd

It is little wonder some top Premier League clubs are queuing up for the 21-year-old, given just how impressive he has been for Lyon this season, collecting 18 assists in all competitions, while also chipping in with 11 goals.

The “incredible” playmaker, as dubbed by journalist Julien Laurens, is showing signs he is now ready to make a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs, and it is exciting news that United are making moves to secure his signature.

While Fernandes has once again been impressive for the Red Devils this term, it is clear the Portugal international needs more help, given that the only other players to have registered more than one assist are Diogo Dalot and Amad.

Cherki’s performances this season, coupled with his availability for such a low fee, indicate he could be the perfect addition to a Man United squad clearly in need of more creativity.

Pundit Jamie O’Hara has given his approval as Tottenham Hotspur set their eyes on a new managerial target, with current head coach Ange Postecoglou growing more and more likely to be dismissed at the end of the season.

Tottenham shortlist to replace Ange Postecoglou as sack gains traction

As per reliable media sources, like The Telegraph, it is increasingly likely that Postecoglou will leave Spurs this summer, even if the Lilywhites end up winning the Europa League.

Levy set for "big decision" as Tottenham look at hiring "master" £8m manager

Ange Postecoglou is increasingly likely to leave at the end of 24/25.

3

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 23, 2025

Tottenham face Bodo/Glimt in the Europa semi-finals next Thursday, right after their tough journey to Anfield, where Liverpool could be officially crowned Premier League champions by defeating Postecoglou’s side.

Even a draw would be enough to clinch Liverpool this year’s domestic crown and begin their trophy celebrations, so Arne Slot’s men are likely to be in top form against a Spurs side who have suffered 18 defeats in the league this season.

A loss on Merseyside would also equal the record for most Premier League defeats in a single campaign for Tottenham, a record which Postecoglou will be extremely keen to avoid, but one which highlights why the 59-year-old could soon part company.

If Tottenham opt to hand the former Celtic boss his P45, there are a number of potential candidates linked with the hot seat.

Spurs’ rumoured managerial shortlist includes the likes of Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Brentford’s Thomas Frank – a list which underwhelms some critics given the four tacticians have just one major trophy between them.

Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi has admirers within Tottenham, after he guided the Serie A champions to a Champions League final in 2023 and is currently just in pole position to win a second consecutive Scudetto.

However, it is highly unlikely the Nerrazzuri would be willing to let their most successful manager in years go so easily, and Inzaghi will have watched fellow big-name managers like Antonio Conte and José Mourinho fall short in N17.

Jamie O'Hara thrilled as Tottenham eye Burnley boss Scott Parker

The Mail reported this week that Tottenham are also targeting Burnley boss Scott Parker, and while he isn’t exactly a name in the ilk of Inzaghi, pundit O’Hara told talkSPORT why the 44-year-old could be a great appointment.

“Now, this is interesting, it says Ange is set for a summer exit as Spurs keep tabs on Parker,” O’Hara said.

“I think I’d like Scott Parker. I think I’d like Scott Parker at Tottenham. There’s something about him, I’ve worked with Scott, I’ve been in the dressing room with Scott, he’s a top bloke, a brilliant captain, his football I like, his identity I like. Is it a step too far early doors? Maybe, but maybe he needs a platform like Tottenham.

“I think he’d be alright, I wouldn’t mind it.”

The Englishman clinched promotion to the Premier League with both Fulham and Burnley, with Pep Guardiola once endorsing him as one of England’s most exciting young coaches.

However, the jury is out on whether Parker is ready to manage a huge club like Spurs, regardless of his connection.

Today is the day that Celtic could be crowned champions of the Scottish Premiership if they manage to avoid a defeat to Dundee United at Tannadice Park.

The Hoops only need a point to claim the title for the fourth year running, beating their city rivals to the crown once again, in the early kick-off this afternoon.

Brendan Rodgers is looking to seal his second title in as many seasons since his return to Parkhead, and could be ruthless with his team selection by dropping Adam Idah to the bench.

Why Adam Idah could be dropped

The Ireland international was given the nod from the start to play as the number nine against St. Johnstone at Hampden Park, with Daizen Maeda and James Forrest on the wings.

Idah got on the end of a perfect cross from Reo Hatate to bundle the ball in from close range in the 5-0 win over the Saints in the SFA Cup semi-final.

However, the former Norwich City attacker has failed to provide a goal or an assist in his last seven appearances in the Premiership, which shows that he has not been good enough at league level in recent weeks.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

With this in mind, Rodgers could ruthlessly ditch the striker from the team, despite his goal against St. Johnstone, and that would open up space for Jota to come back into the side on the wing.

Why Celtic should unleash Jota

The Northern Irish head coach could move Maeda back into the number nine role and that would free up the Portuguese attacker to play on the left side of the front three.

Jota, who came off the bench to score the fifth goal against the Saints, re-joined the Scottish giants in the January transfer window when he signed from Rennes on a permanent deal.

Since his return to Parkhead, the 26-year-old wing wizard, who Michael Stewart claims “raises the bar” and is a “game-changer” for the club, has hit the ground running with a return of four goals, three ‘big chances’ created, and two assists in six starts in the league.

This shows that, unlike Idah, Jota has been in fine form in the Premiership of late, with his ability to score and create goals on a regular basis from a wide position.

As you can see in the table above, the former Al-Ittihad forward stacks up incredibly well against his positional peers in the Scottish top-flight, due to his impressive return of goals and assists.

These statistics show that Jota is an attacker who can make a big impact on a regular basis at the top end of the pitch, which is why Rodgers should bring him into the starting XI for this clash with Dundee United today.

Cost £4.3m, now worth less than Scales: Rodgers messed up with Celtic star

Rodgers messed up with this Celtic star who cost £4.3m but is now worth less than Liam Scales.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 23, 2025

He has the game-changing quality that Celtic could need to get the point that will seal the Premiership title, which would be the Portuguese star’s third in his Hoops career.

Newcastle United are “keen on signing” a £70 million “tank” this summer as Eddie Howe looks to further strengthen his EFL Cup-winning squad, according to a new report.

Newcastle pushing for Champions League

Newcastle have had quite the season. Wow fans across the Premier League with their relentless, electrifying performances? Check. Turn Alexander Isak into one of the most feared strikers in Europe? Check. Win the EFL Cup – their first major silverware in 70 years? Double check.

Now, it’s time to add the icing on the cake by qualifying for next season’s Champions League. And by the looks of it, Howe and the Magpies are in a good position to do so.

Currently sitting third in the Premier League with just four games to go, the Magpies kept their Champions League destiny firmly in their own hands on Saturday with a resounding 3-0 win over Ipswich Town — a result that also confirmed the Tractor Boys’ immediate return to the Championship after a tough season back in the top flight.

Isak, Dan Burn, and 21-year-old William Osula all got on the scoresheet at St. James’ Park, with Howe particularly pleased for Osula. Speaking after the match, he said: “He is a player of rich potential and hopefully that is a real confidence lift for him.”

Howe also reflected on the race for the top four, adding: “It will go down to the wire. The important thing today was that we bounced back from last week. We have been very consistent and now we have four huge games.”

Newcastle remain keen on signing Marc Guehi

Whether Newcastle make the Champions League or not, Howe is still planning to strengthen his squad this summer — aiming to keep the momentum going rather than risk stagnation.

And among the club’s top transfer targets is, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi — a player they have been chasing for some time now.

The Magpies had four bids rejected for the England international last summer, the highest being £65 million. However, according to Romano, Newcastle remain “keen” and are ready to go back in for him again when the window opens.

Romano also reports that Tottenham Hotspur, who had a £70 million ($89 million) bid turned down last summer, are still very much interested, while Guehi’s boyhood club Chelsea are also in the race.

Guehi, who has the same agency as Anthony Gordon, has established himself as one of the Premier League’s outstanding defenders over the past three seasons and has shone on the international stage too, making the Team of the Tournament at Euro 2024 as England reached the final.

Josef Bursik, Guehi’s former youth teammate, once described him perfectly.

“He’s an absolute tank,” he said. “It’s like having a brick wall in front of you — he’s massive.”

It seemed like forever that Arsenal had been away from the Champions League before their return to the competition in 2023, allowing them to make more memories in the famous competition.

From squeezing through the group stages to making the final in dramatic circumstances, the north Londoners have had plenty of memorable moments under the lights since making their debut in 1998.

Football FanCast has ranked 25 of the Gunners’ best Champions League moments.

Every Arsenal Champions League campaign

Arsenal are back as Champions League contenders – here’s how their overall record stands.

By
Stephan Georgiou

May 15, 2025

25

2005/06: Arsenal 2-1 FC Thun

Bergkamp rescues Arsenal late on

Champions League minnows FC Thun were plying their trade in non-league eight years prior to this fixture and were expected to be rolled over with ease. But it certainly didn’t pan out like that.

Arsenal had to play with 10 men for much of the match after Robin van Persie received a straight red card for catching Alen Orman in the face with his boot.

The Gunners found themselves frustrated by the Swiss outfit and appeared to be heading towards a shock draw before Dennis Bergkamp struck home a dramatic stoppage-time winner to spare his side’s blushes.

24

2000/01: Arsenal 2-1 Valencia

Parlour screamer downs Valencia

Arsenal came back from 1-0 down against La Liga giants Valencia to secure a 2-1 victory in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Thierry Henry levelled the score in the 58th minute before Ray Parlour netted a thunderous strike from distance two minutes later to put the north Londoners ahead.

Unfortunately, the second leg saw the Spanish side advance on away goals after winning 1-0 at the Mestalla.

Valencia went on to reach the final before suffering a heartbreaking defeat to Bayern Munich on penalties.

23

2003/04: Arsenal 1-0 Dynamo Kyiv

Ashley Cole keeps Gunners alive

Bonfire Night in 2003 produced an electrifying atmosphere at Highbury after Ashley Cole netted an 88th-minute winner to clinch a 1-0 victory against Dynamo Kyiv.

The all-important result kept Arsenal’s Champions League dreams afloat as they went on to win their final two group games to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.

The Gunners reached the quarter-finals before suffering a late 3-2 aggregate defeat to London rivals Chelsea.

22

2005/06: Arsenal 1-0 Villarreal

Highbury bids farewell to CL nights

Kolo Toure’s first-half strike was enough to seal a 1-0 win against Villarreal in the semi-finals of the Champions League, in a game that saw a squirrel famously invade the field of play.

It was also Arsenal’s final European fixture at Highbury, so the victory was a fitting farewell to the historic stadium.

Wenger’s men went on to reach the Champions League final after holding the Spaniards to a goalless draw in the second leg at El Madrigal.

21

2002/03: PSV 0-4 Arsenal

Gilberto and Arsenal thrash PSV

Arsenal secured a thumping 4-0 away victory against PSV in the group stages of the 2002/03 competition. Gilberto Silva broke the record for the fastest Champions League goal after netting inside 21 seconds.

Thierry Henry scored a late brace and Freddie Ljungberg also found himself on the scoresheet to complete the demolition job in the Netherlands.

Dennis Bergkamp also played in his first European away game in two years.

20

2013/14: Arsenal 2-0 Napoli

Mesut Özil truly arrives

The summer of 2013 saw Arsenal obliterate their transfer record to sign Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Özil for a whopping £42.4m.

The German’s first goal in Arsenal colours came in their Champions League opener against Napoli as he beautifully caressed home a side-footed effort from just inside the box.

Özil scored seven goals whilst laying on 14 assists in his debut campaign in north London, so not bad going…

19

2024/25: PSV 1-7 Arsenal

Gunners enjoy another great night in Eindhoven

Arsenal’s placing in the revamped Champions League group phase meant a last-16 tie against PSV, who had beaten Liverpool and Juventus on their way to sealing their own knockout stage berth.

But those hoping for a close game were quickly disappointed, as the Gunners raced out of the blocks to lead 3-0 inside 31 minutes.

Arsenal didn’t take their foot off the gas in the second half, putting another four past their opponents to make the second leg a formality. It was their biggest away victory in the Champions League.

The 11 biggest wins in the knockout stages of the Champions League

Arsenal recently joined a list of the best team performances in Champions League history after their 7-1 win against PSV.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Mar 5, 2025

18

2001/02: Arsenal 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen

Eventual finalists played off the park

Arsenal played the would-be runners-up Bayer Leverkusen off the park as the French trio of Robert Pires, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira all got themselves on the scoresheet.

But it was the Dutchman Bergkamp who scored the pick of the goals as he turned his man on the edge of the area and cheekily dinked the ball over the helpless Hans-Jörg Butt.

Despite a dazzling display by the Gunners, they were dumped out of the competition in the second group phase after finishing third.

17

2007/08: Arsenal 7-0 Slavia Prague

Gunners turn on style against Slavia

Wenger’s men completely dominated their Czech opponents as they recorded the club’s biggest-ever Champions League victory. The fluidity of the play was a joy to watch, and some of the goals scored were out of this world.

The Gunners came second to Sevilla in their group that year and reached the last eight of the competition before suffering a 5-3 aggregate defeat by Liverpool. A cruel exit for the north Londoners.

Football purists will certainly enjoy watching this highlight reel below.

16

2005/06: Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid

Gunners hold Real at Highbury to complete epic victory

After sealing a historic 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu, Arsenal still had to fend off Real Madrid on their own patch to seal a quarter-final place back in 2006.

In an even game, the Gunners held their own against their fancied opponents once again, with Thierry Henry mesmeric as ever as Arsene Wenger’s side held on.

Madrid came closest when Raul was extraordinarily denied by Jens Lehmann with the goal at his mercy.

Aston Villa have eyes on the Champions League once again next season, especially after their thrilling run to the quarter-finals this season.

To do this, they need to win their last Premier League clash this afternoon and hope other results go their way.

Unai Emery is already looking at bolstering his squad for the challenges ahead. Could he be set to raid a team who were relegated from the top flight this season?

Aston Villa eye move for Southampton midfielder

While Emery has an excellent starting XI, adding some depth to his first-team squad is certainly a priority this summer.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Villa now appear to have entered the race to sign midfielder Mateus Fernandes when the transfer window opens.

He is also being courted by Leeds United and Crystal Palace, meaning Emery must act swiftly if he wishes to sign the youngster ahead of next season.

The player would likely cost Villa around £30m should they wish to bring him in this summer.

The Portuguese starlet would be a solid addition to the current squad at Villa Park, and he could turn out to be John McGinn 2.0 for the manager, especially with the pair sharing a similar style of play.

Mateus Fernandes could be a great signing for Aston Villa

McGinn has been with the Villans since the summer of 2018, helping take the club from the Championship back into the top flight and then into the Champions League.

The Scot has made nearly 300 appearances for the Midlands side, becoming an integral part of their progression in recent years under Emery, since his move to the club in the Championship.

With the club interested in signing Fernandes from the recently-relegated side, the Spaniard might well be signing a like-for-like player in the Saints’ starlet.

According to FBref, McGinn is the seventh-most comparable player to Fernandes in Europe’s top five leagues, which speaks to how similar they are in the middle of the park, particularly at Premier League level.

Furthermore, the pair have registered similar statistics over a range of metrics this season, including goals and assists (both five), shots per 90 (1.33 vs 1.21), shot-creating actions (both 76), percentage of dribblers challenged (50% vs 41.9%) and successful take-on percentage (45% vs 42.6%) domestically.

As you can see in the table above, the Portuguese ace has, actually, scored more goals and created as many ‘big chances’ in the Premier League, despite playing in a dismal Southampton team.

Despite the Saints suffering relegation after a torrid season in the top flight, football talent scout Jacek Kulig was quick to praise Fernandes for his individual excellence, saying:

“20 years of age. Big talent. One of Southampton’s players who could definitely stay in the EPL.”

With Villa, Leeds, and Palace all eyeing up a move for the youngster, he won’t remain on the south coast for long. That much is certain.

According to WhoScored, both McGinn and Fernandes count dribbling as a major strength, which means they often end up in the final third and tend to get fouled more often than other players.

Emery could do with another midfielder who loves bombing into dangerous areas, allowing the likes of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana to do the dirty work.

On paper, he looks like a wise investment indeed.

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Manchester United appear to be at risk of losing their captain, Bruno Fernandes, in the upcoming summer transfer window, amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

Daily Mail journalist Chris Wheeler claims that his agent has held face-to-face talks with Al Hilal over a deal to move to the Pro League, in a move that would see him earn £200m over three seasons.

The reporter adds that Manchester United would earn a fee of £100m for the 30-year-old star, who delivered 19 goals and 18 assists in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign.

It now remains to be seen what is going to happen with the Portugal international, but he is not the only Red Devils player in another team’s crosshairs, as one of their attackers is in talks to move on.

Man Utd attacker in talks to leave

After failing to qualify for any European competition for next season, Manchester United may have to find other ways to raise funds to bring in new players to bolster Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad.

Transfer Focus

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

There is a deal that was put in place last summer, however, that could provide them with a cash injection, as one of their players is in talks to move on from Old Trafford.

According to Sky Sports, Jadon Sancho’s representatives are in talks with Chelsea over a move to sign for the club on a permanent basis in the summer transfer window.

The Blues want to keep the England international by going through with the £25m obligation to sign him permanently, but they are not looking to keep him on the £300k-per-week that he earns at Old Trafford.

This is why the two parties are currently locked in talks to reach an agreement on a contract that would fit the wage structure at Stamford Bridge, as they would otherwise have to pay £5m to send him back to United.

Selling Sancho, albeit it was a decision that was made last summer, could be a repeat of the howler that United had with Scott McTominay.

Why Jadon Sancho could be a Scott McTominay repeat

The Red Devils sold the Scotland international to Napoli last year and had to watch on as he scored a career-high 13 goals and won the Serie A title for Antonio Conte’s side this season.

United may now wonder whether or not they utilised McTominay’s talents effectively enough, given his career-high in goals for Napoli, and that could also be the case with Sancho.

The 25-year-old whiz, dubbed “special” by Enzo Maresca, delivered five goals and eight assists (13 contributions) in all competitions for Chelsea, which is better than his best tally of seven goals and three assists (ten contributions) in his first three seasons at United.

This shows that the English playmaker has had his best season in senior English football with the Blues, after struggling at Old Trafford for three years, and it is another case of a player thriving elsewhere.

As you can see in the table above, Sancho’s performances at the top end of the pitch for Chelsea rank well against the current United squad, sitting in third behind Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo in creative metrics.

These statistics suggest that the England international is set to be another star who goes on to thrive elsewhere after leaving Old Trafford once this £25m transfer is official, provided the contract talks go smoothly, as he has already taken his game to another level at Stamford Bridge.

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Therefore, the Premier League giants are on course for a McTominay repeat with this deal for Sancho, which was sanctioned last summer before Ruben Amorim’s arrival.

Selling well has never been Arsenal’s strong point. Their club-record departure currently stands at £35m, a move that saw Folarin Balogun head to Monaco.

In that instance, they did sell well. Balogun had only ever played ten times for the senior team, scoring two goals.

However, beyond that, there really isn’t much to write home about. Mika Biereth, a player who scored 27 goals this term was only sold for £4m, just rubberstamping the ideology that the Gunners don’t sell their assets for very much cash.

Given Arsenal’s need for a centre forward, there may well be a tinge of regret that he’s gone on to perform so well after leaving.

Yet, who will depart this summer? Well, Thomas Partey is one player whose future is still up in the air.

The latest on Thomas Partey's future at Arsenal

News broke on Sunday afternoon that Barcelona are reportedly in talks to sign Partey on a free transfer.

The midfielder’s contract expires in a month’s time and although Arsenal would allegedly like to extend, the Ghanaian has been free to discuss his options with other clubs since January.

It did look as though the former Atletico Madrid star would almost certainly be exiting the Emirates Stadium but Mikel Arteta has only had positives for him in recent months.

Indeed, the Spaniard said late last month: “In terms of consistency, this has been Thomas’s best season. His performances, his availability, it’s all been exceptional.”

Now, that doesn’t particularly sound like the words of someone who’s too keen on seeing Partey depart, does it?

Either way, with Martin Zubimendi allegedly on his way to Arsenal, it wouldn’t be too big a blow if Barcelona did prise him away from the Emirates Stadium.

Another Arsenal star wanted by Barcelona

It’s unlikely too many other senior players will leave the Emirates Stadium behind this summer but Arsenal’s transfer kitty isn’t unlimited and if they are to strengthen out wide and at centre forward, someone may have to leave.

Could that player be Gabriel Martinelli? Given his status as a bit of a fan favourite, it’s unlikely you’d see too many Arsenal fans vote in favour of the Brazilian leaving but that is a distinct possibility with one of Europe’s top clubs eyeing him up.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, according to Spanish outlet, SPORT, Barcelona are weighing up a move for the left winger if they cannot conclude a deal for Liverpool star Luis Diaz.

Diaz appears to be their number one priority in attack but Martinelli is another option, much to the frustration of those at Arsenal.

Described as a “talent of the century” once upon a time by ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, Martinelli’s form has faltered since that 15-goal campaign of 2022/23, but he demonstrated towards the back end of this season why he’s so loved in north London.

The Brazil international most notably scored inside the Bernabeu against Barca’s rivals, Real Madrid, while he also bagged against Ipswich and then in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

Still aged 23, there is so much potential left to extract in the forward and Arsenal fans will pray that isn’t at Barcelona.

It’s certainly a different situation to Partey. The Ghana international is beyond his best years, but Martinelli has them in front of them. It would be a huge blow to lose the latter but not so much the former.

Of course, the Gunners have been linked with the likes of Rafael Leao and Nico Williams but Martinelli already knows the Premier League like the back of his hand and you’d be hard pressed to find another winger who works quite as hard as he does.

His end product needs refining, for sure, but much like Saka, he’s always tracking back. He’s the definition of a team player.

Martinelli is simply ready to explode and you can just envisage him doing that in a Barcelona shirt. Just look at Raphinha’s impact after trading the Premier League for LaLiga.

His fellow Brazilian cemented himself as one of the best players in the world this season. Now five years older than Arsenal’s number 11, he scored a ridiculous 34 goals.

It’s unlikely Martinelli will get to that sort of level but it shows the stunning numbers a forward player can reach in that Barca frontline.

Selling him this summer, regardless of any future improvements to the team, is certainly not a good idea. If the Gunners are going to sell any of their wide players, it should probably be Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal beware, you cannot afford to lose such a key component of the team. Partey, on the other hand, feel free to take him, Barca.

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