It’s not been the perfect start to the season for Arsenal, but it’s been pretty close.

With seven games played, Mikel Arteta’s side sit atop the Premier League table, one point ahead of Liverpool.

In the Champions League, the Gunners have won both of their opening games without conceding a goal, and eased through the Third Round of the League Cup with a heavily rotated side.

What makes this start all the more impressive is the fact that neither Bukayo Saka nor Viktor Gyokeres are firing on all cylinders just yet, and are actually being outperformed by a player sold by the club for next to nothing.

Saka & Gyokeres' starts to the season

Starting with Saka, it has already been an eventful season for the Englishman. As early as his second start of the season, at home to Leeds United, he was forced off with another hamstring injury.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Fortunately, it wasn’t anywhere near as severe as the injury that had seen him miss large parts of last season, and after missing the games against Athletic Club, Liverpool, and Nottingham Forest, he returned in the second half of the match against Manchester City.

Since then, the Hale Ender has clearly been trying to get back up to speed, and while they may well take a little longer, he’s still been an effective threat on the right-hand side.

For example, while he scored the penalty, he probably should have racked up a few assists against West Ham United, as he amassed an expected assists figure of 1.11, created one big chance and played two key passes.

Given his performances and output over the last few years, it’s surely just a matter of time before Saka is racking up goal involvements for fun this season.

However, when it comes to Gyokeres, rightly or wrongly, there are a few more doubts over how impactful he could be this year.

Now, to his credit, the former Sporting CP star has already found the back of the net three times in seven league appearances, but the last one of his goals came against Forest, which was six appearances ago.

Yet, while this isn’t ideal, the Swede has been slowly improving game by game, by making better runs, holding the ball better, and, crucially, pulling opposition defenders away from his teammates.

In all, while neither attacker is at their very best at the moment, they’re getting there, although they are being outperformed by a winger sold almost a decade ago.

The ex-Arsenal ace outperforming Saka & Gyokeres

Unfortunately, there are more than a few ex-Arsenal players who have gone on to thrive after leaving the club over the last decade or so, just like Serge Gnabry.

The German international joined the Gunners from Stuttgart in July 2011, but was sold to Werder Bremen for just £5m five years later, with just 18 first-team appearances and a failed loan to West Bromwich Albion to show for his time in England.

It took no time at all for the youngster to prove the North Londoners wrong, as he ended his first season back in Germany with 13 goal involvements in 27 appearances, which was enough to earn a move to Bayern Munich.

The German giants sent the dynamic winger on loan to Hoffenheim the following season, where he racked up 17 goal involvements in 26 appearances, which was enough to see him given a chance in Bavaria in 18/19.

The 30-year-old seized that chance with both hands, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists in 42 appearances, totalling 2544 minutes, which translates to a goal involvement every other game, or every 121.14 minutes.

Since then, the Stuttgart-born game-changer has produced 162 goal involvements in 295 games for FC Hollywood and earned 53 senior caps for Germany, in which he’s scored 23 goals and provided nine assists.

With numbers like this, and a trophy cabinet few in the game can match, it’s hard to disagree with talent scout Jacek Kulig’s assertion that he’s “one of the best wingers in World football.”

Games

10

7

10

Minutes

598

428′

752′

Goals

3

3

3

Assists

4

0

0

There is also no sign of him slowing down, as in ten appearances this season, he has scored three goals and provided four assists.

Ultimately, while hindsight is always 20-20, Arsenal must surely regret selling Gnabry, as he could still be a significant part of Arteta’s team today if they hadn’t.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 6, 2025

When Chelsea raced into a three-goal lead away at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night during a frantic first half, it looked as if Enzo Maresca’s men had the easiest passage through to the next round of the EFL Cup.

Nobody told Vitor Pereira’s hosts to just roll over in the second half, though, as a spirited fight-back from the bottom-of-the-table Premier League side shocked the complacent Blues, who just about got over the line in the end to reach the quarter finals with a surprisingly slim 4-3 victory.

It was very much a night where the attackers shone at Molineux for both sides, with Jamie Gittens sticking out as one of Chelsea’s brightest performers, as the ex-Borussia Dortmund attacker continues to show Maresca why he is deserving of more consistent first-team minutes.

Gittens' standout night versus Wolves

Indeed, the £48.5m summer recruit has just started just two Premier League games so far this season for the Italian.

Yet, he is definitely banging down the door now to be a common starter under the ex-Leicester City boss, with an assist picked up against Ajax in the Champions League earlier in the month, being followed up now by the exciting number 11 sealing a crucial fourth goal for the under-pressure Blues in the West Midlands.

Gittens wasn’t fazed by the strain of a Wolves comeback, though, as he rifled home this fierce effort to gift the under-the-cosh visitors a 4-2 lead, and himself his first ever Chelsea strike, which was well needed in both respects, considering David Møller Wolfe clinched a brace late on.

The 21-year-old’s creative flair was also on full display again in the EFL Cup, with two assists picked up right at the start of the match by the electric left winger, setting the tone for what would become an enthralling contest under the Molineux floodlights.

He will surely be retained in Maresca’s starting XI when Chelsea return to Premier League action, but one of Gittens’ teammates on the night won’t be so lucky, as his feeble defending – in particular – nearly cost his away side dear in their bid to lift the EFL Cup.

Maresca must now axe 5/10 Chelsea star

Heading into this mid-week clash against the Old Gold, the Chelsea manager will have been looking for a response from his troops after they slipped to a late defeat to Sunderland in the league.

Maresca would have been keeping a close eye on how Tosin Adarabioyo fared at the back, after the Chelsea number four was far too lax with Black Cats striker Brian Brobbey in the late stages of that 2-1 loss, which led to Chemsdine Talbi then hammering home a killer blow.

Adarabioyo vs Wolves

Stat

Adarabioyo

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

89

Accurate passes

66/73 (90%)

Tackles won

0/2

Interceptions

3

Clearances

6

Blocked shots

0

Ball recoveries

3

Total duels won

7/12

Stats by Sofascore

Safe to say, when looking at the table above, the 45-year-old would have been, once again, let down by his captain’s weak efforts, with the 6-foot-5 centre-back only managing to win three of his seven aerial duels during the 4-3 win.

Moreover, Adarabioyo would also struggle when going in for tackles, with zero tackles actually won – from two attempted – no doubt boosting the confidence of the hosts to go far more gung-ho in the second half to try and pull off a shock comeback.

Adarabioyo has also looked visibly shaky in the Premier League in recent matches, too, with possession being given away 19 times against Manchester United at the tail-end of September, resulting in the London-born centre-back being given limited minutes off the substitutes bench in the following league matches.

With Trevoh Chalobah also being scrutinised at the back as of late, it will be interesting to see who Maresca plays in the heart of defence as Chelsea clash with near-London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the start of November, with Adarabioyo no doubt targeted by Thomas Frank’s set-piece-heavy side, based on his unassertive showing at Molineux.

The leaky 28-year-old would, subsequently, be handed a low 5/10 rating post-match by Football London’s Bobby Vincent, who stated that the lofty number four looked very shoddy when ‘called into action a lot more’ in the second half.

Thankfully, as much as the match will be remembered for some ropey defending, it will also be remembered, rightly, for some top-drawer attacking prowess, with Gittens – who was gifted a 9/10 rating by Vincent – ready to become a Chelsea first-teamer now, while his ex-Fulham teammate prepares for a spot on the bench against Spurs.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Oct 29, 2025

Some of the best right-backs in today’s game are arguably even better going forward than they are at the back.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi and Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold are viewed as the greatest right-backs currently, however, in generations gone by, we have seen some unbelievable full-backs on the right-hand side.

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1 ByCharlie Smith Oct 8, 2025

Here is a look at 20 of the greatest right-backs in footballing history, factoring in their longevity and consistency at the highest level, while also looking at their team and personal accolades.

20 Maicon

Starting off the countdown is Maicon, one of numerous Brazilian right-backs to be included. Best known for his time at Inter Milan, Maicon looked like a centre-back but had all the power, athleticism and final third product to make him a world-class full-back.

He won the Champions League at Inter Milan as well as lifting four Serie A titles and three Italian Cups, starring under Jose Mourinho.

19 Eric Gerets​

Eric Gerets​ actually began his amateur career as a striker before turning professional with Standard Liege and would end his playing days as one of the best right-backs, recognised by being nominated for the Ballon d’Or on numerous occasions.

Regarded as one of the greatest players in Belgian football history, Gerets ended his career as part of a dominant PSV side, winning six Eredivisie titles in seven years during the 1980s and 1990s, as well as lifting the European Cup.

18 Claudio Gentile

A key part of Italy’s 1982 winning World Cup team, Claudio Gentile’s style of play was no-nonsense, something which saw him have a brilliant 17-year career.

Gentile was anything but gentle in the tackle and has gone down as a Juventus legend, being inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2025.

He was included in the Team of the Tournament in the 1980 Euros and 1982 World Cup, highlighting the impact he made.

17 Kyle Walker

In his prime, there was no getting past Kyle Walker, who is arguably one of the quickest right-backs of all time.

As well as his blistering pace, Walker was solid defensively and got forward regularly, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League at Man City. A key part of Pep Guardiola’s dominant side, Walker also has just under 100 England caps.

16 ​​​​​Dani Carvajal

Real Madrid icon Dani Carvajal may not be the most eye-catching right-back in history, however, his longevity and consistency earn him a place in the top 20.

Lifting an incredible six Champions League titles at the Bernabeu and the Euros with Spain, the Madrid captain is one of the most successful right-backs in history and will rightly go down as a Los Blancos legend.

15 Manfred Kaltz

German right-back and Hamburger SV legend Manfred Kaltz spent over 18 years across the 1970s and 1980s, winning two Bundesliga crowns, two DFB-Pokal titles and the European Cup during his club career.

He lifted the Euros in 1980 with Germany and was known for making an impact in the final third, scoring more than 100 goals in his career.

14 Manuel Amoros

Manuel Amoros won multiple league titles with Monaco and Marseille during his club career, while on the international stage with France, lifted the Euros in 1984.

His career lasted 17 years and his performances rarely dipped, resulting in his winning 82 caps for his country and making 500 club appearances.

13 Wim Suurbier

Dutch star Wim Suurbier helped Ajax dominate European football under Rinus Michels and Stefan Kovacs under the club’s famous Total Football philosophy.

A key member of the side that won three successive European Cups in the 1970s, Suurbier also helped the Netherlands to two World Cup finals and was known for his explosive pace and technical ability.

12 Gary Neville

Although he won’t admit it, Gary Neville was a key part of Man Utd’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson and spent his entire career at Old Trafford.

An excellent crosser, Neville was brilliant defensively, winning eight Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups and three League Cups. He made a whopping 600 appearances for United and was capped 85 times by England.

11 Mauro Tassotti

AC Milan legend Mauro Tassotti spent 17 years at the San Siro, winning 19 honours and making just under 600 appearances for the Italian giants.

A member of one of the world’s greatest defences alongside Franco Baresi and Filippo Galli, Tassotti helped transform the right-back role in the 1980s and 1990s, with his attacking qualities being an inspiration for others.

تحددت المنتخبات المتأهلة إلى دورالـ32 من بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا، والمقامة في قطر، إذ نجح منتخب مصر في تخطي دور المجموعات.

وتأهل متصدر ووصيف كل منتخب بدور المجموعات الـ12، إضافة إلى أفضل 8 من أصحاب المركز الثالث، إلى الدور الـ32 من كأس العالم تحت 17 عاما.

وحسم منتخب مصر للناشئين تأهله إلى دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا، ضمن أفضل 8 منتخبات احتلت المركز الثالث في المجموعات الـ12.

طالع|المنتخبات المتأهلة إلى دور الـ32 من كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

منتخب مصر كان قد حقق الفوز في لقاء الجولة الأولى على هايتي بنتيجة 4-1، وتعادل في مباراة الجولة الثانية مع فنزويلا 1-1، قبل أن يخسر من إنجلترا 0-3.

واحتل منتخب مصر المركز الثالث بالمجموعة الخامسة من كأس العالم للناشئين تحت 17 عامًا، برصيد 4 نقاط، من فوز وتعادل وخسارة.

وودع منتخب السعودية تحت 17 عاما، البطولة من دور المجموعات بعد الخسارة من مالي بهدفين دون رد، فيما تأهل منتخبان عربيان إلى جانب مصر، وهما تونس والمغرب. مواجهات دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عاما

1- مباراة الأرجنتين أمام المكسيك

2- مباراة البرتغال أمام بلجيكا

3- مباراة مصر أمام سويسرا

4- مباراة أيرلندا أمام كندا

5- مباراة المغرب أمام أمريكا

6- مباراة زامبيا أمام مالي

7- مباراة البرازيل أمام باراجواي

8- مباراة فرنسا أمام كولومبيا

9- مباراة تونس أمام النمسا

10- مباراة إنجلترا أمام كوريا الجنوبية

11- مباراة فنزويلا أمام كوريا الشمالية

12- مباراة اليابان أمام جنوب إفريقيا

13- مباراة إيطاليا أمام التشيك

14- مباراة كرواتيا أمام أوزبكستان

15- مباراة السنغال أمام أوغندا

16- مباراة ألمانيا أمام بوركينا فاسو

Lionel Messi has hinted that he will form part of Argentina’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, with the all-time great expecting that event to be “extraordinary”. Questions have been asked of whether Messi, who will turn 39 next summer, will grace another international tournament. He is, however, excited about what the United States, Canada and Mexico have to offer.

• Messi's international record: Caps & goals for Argentina

  Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi helped his country to global glory at Qatar 2022. He completed his medal collection there, with the most prestigious of trophies being hoisted aloft in the Middle East.

  Ever since that triumph, speculation has raged regarding how much longer the South American GOAT will make himself available to Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi has reached 195 international caps, scoring 114 goals along the way.

  He is considered to have taken in a final competitive outing on home soil, but is expected to remain in contention for selection through to next summer. That will allow him to lead the Albisceleste into a World Cup title defence as captain of his nation.

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• Getty
  

  World Cup hint? Messi excited about 2026 finals

  Messi has been playing cards close to his chest when it comes to potential involvement at that tournament, but he has now spoken of his excitement at seeing the World Cup head to America – where he is currently plying his club trade for MLS side Inter Miami.

  Speaking at the American Business Forum in Florida, Messi said: “I have very high expectations that the World Cup is going to be something extraordinary. There are going to be some great matches. Teams from all over the world are coming, and some of them are very big.”

  Having previously suggested that he would not make another appearance at FIFA’s flagship event, Messi said after bidding an emotional farewell to Argentina supporters during a qualification clash with Venezuela in September: “I said it at the time. I don't think I'll play in another World Cup. Due to my age, it's logical that I won't make it, but we're there and I'm excited. I'm taking it day by day, feeling the sensations. And what's clear is that today was the last game here.”

• Last dance: Messi urged to join Ronaldo at World Cup

  Messi has been urged to take in a last dance with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 finals, with both men entering the latter stages of their record-shattering careers. Cope journalist Tomas Guasch has said: “We were all very calm until Leo Messi appeared, questioning his presence at next year's World Cup. He says it's normal for him not to be there. But if that World Cup had any appeal, it was the final dance between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, in what would be one of the most tremendous and grandiose epics in the history of football and world sport. But Leo casts doubt on that.

  “I hope he plays in the World Cup even if he's embalmed. Because there are 48 teams playing, hundreds of players, and only Messi is missing? I think it would be a joke for football, and someone should intervene. You can't leave us alone.”

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  Inter Miami contract: Messi committed through 2028

  While international retirement appears to be imminent, Messi has extended his contract at Inter Miami through 2028. He is looking forward to helping the Herons move into a new stadium next year, with Sir David Beckham and Co drawing up ambitious plans for the future.

  Messi said of penning a new deal: “The fact of renewing goes hand in hand with how well we are doing, how well the family is doing and being able to continue helping in the growth of the club.”

  Messi and his wife Antonela have felt settled in South Florida since moving to the United States in 2023. Inter Miami have savoured Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield triumphs since then, with a crucial playoff decider with Nashville set to be taken in on Saturday as the Herons look to chase down ultimate MLS Cup glory in 2025.

MatériaMais Notícias

O centroavante Alfredo Morelos, do Santos, sentiu um incômodo durante treinamento no Centro de Treinamento Rei Pelé, nesta quinta-feira (12). Depois de exames, foi constatada uma lesão muscular na panturrilha direita.

+ Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro-2023 clicando aqui

O colombiano, que esteve entre os titulares na vitória contra o Palmeiras, desfalcará o Peixe contra o Bragantino, em jogo válido pelo Brasileirão que acontecerá no dia 19.

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

Morelos era opção para o ataque do Santos por conta do possível desfalque de Soteldo, que está com a seleção venezuelana e só deve voltar dos compromissos na véspera do confronto do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Apesar do clube não ter anunciado um prazo para a recuperação do atacante do Peixe, esse tipo de lesão costuma levar de três a seis semanas para a recuperação total, o que tiraria o jogador da maioria dos compromissos do clube até o fim da temporada.

MORELOS NO SANTOS

Adquirido de forma gratuita por estar livre no mercado, Morelos realizou duas partidas pelo Peixe. O atacante ainda não ajudou o Peixe com gols e assistências.

Visitors keep knock-out hopes alive with thrilling two-wicket win at Hove

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay09-Jul-2025

Kent 151 for 8 (Evison 48*, Bell-Drummond 47, Mills 3-21) beat Sussex 148 (Gilchrist 4-42) by two wicketsJoey Evison was Kent’s hero with a thumping 48 off 24 balls as the Spitfires kept their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Vitality Blast alive with a two-wicket win with three balls to spare over Sussex Sharks in a low-scoring thriller at Hove.Chasing 149, Kent were struggling on 112 for eight after Tymal Mills picked up two wickets in three balls in the 16th over. But Evison, who had already hit James Coles’ left-arm spin for successive sixes, helped Fred Klaassen take 17 off the 17th over from Ollie Robinson including another six before clearing the rope with a straight hit off Tymal Mills in the 18th.That left Kent needing 12 from the last two and five off the final over and it was fitting that Evison hit the winning runs when he drove Danny Lamb to the extra cover boundary.The hosts could have gone second but instead a second successive defeat at the 1st Central County Ground has left them with work to do to finish in the top four with Kent and Hampshire Hawks joining them on 22 points in a congested top half of the table.Kent did well to bowl Sussex out for 148 off the penultimate ball on a sluggish pitch which the Sharks’ batters struggled to master.Nathan Gilchrist led the way with a career-best 4 for 42 including two wickets off successive balls in the 10th over from which Sussex never recovered despite a cameo of 27 from 14 balls at the end by Robinson.Gilchrist had already picked up Daniel Hughes (14) to a catch at deep mid-wicket in his first over, one of two wickets to fall in a powerplay which ended with Sussex 38 for two.James Coles and Tom Clark led a recovery with 49 from 28 balls before Gilchrist struck his double blow. Coles lost his leg stump going too far across and Tom Alsop got a leading edge to cover first ball. Gilchrist nearly had a hat-trick but could only get fingertips to John Simpson’s straight drive.Kent turned the screw with only 17 runs coming in the next five overs, a fine effort by their attack considering opening bowler Tom Rogers could only bowl two overs before going off with a shoulder injury.From 109 for five Sussex lost their last five wickets in 25 balls and were indebted to Robinson’s unorthodox but highly effective hitting at the end, which included three boundaries in Gilchrist’s final over to at least give him and the rest of the Sussex attack something to defend.Kent lost three wickets in the power play and Robinson looked as if he had put Sussex in control, though not for once with the ball. He ran out Joe Denly with a direct hit on the run and Bell-Drummond, who was beaten by his accurate throw from the deep coming back for a risky second, after making 47 off 36 balls.Bell-Drummond’s departure left Kent 88 for six in the 14th over and when Mills plucked out Jack Leaning’s middle stump with a yorker and bowled Tom Rogers his side were in control – but Evison had other ideas.

American investment fund is first to conclude negotiations as it expands Birmingham sport portfolio

Matt Roller25-Jul-2025The American investment fund Knighthead Capital has completed a £40 million takeover of Birmingham Phoenix, marking the first finalised transaction in the Hundred’s sales process.Knighthead, the New York-based group, acquired a majority stake in Birmingham City FC two years ago and were successful bidders for a 49% interest in Birmingham Phoenix in late January. The sale transaction was completed on July 15, per paperwork filed to Companies House, and the franchise will be run in partnership with host county Warwickshire.Tom Wagner, Knighthead’s co-founder, has been appointed to the Phoenix board as a director along with colleagues Andrew Shannahan and Kyle Kneisly, both of whom are on Birmingham City FC’s board. The legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady has a small interest in Knighthead but will not serve as a director.Knighthead’s purchase forms part of wider plans to create a ‘Sports Quarter’ in Birmingham, which would include a new 62,000-seat football stadium. Wagner has already successfully lobbied for government funding for new transport links and said last month that he saw the Hundred as an opportunity to underline his commitment to the city.Related

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“We really, genuinely want to see Birmingham continue to develop and grow,” Wagner told the BBC. “The Phoenix is a great way to expand the exposure of the city to a broader, more global audience. It’s also a way for us to tie-in to the substantial south Asian community that is here in Birmingham.”Warwickshire and Knighthead will assume operational control of the Phoenix after the 2025 season of the Hundred, which runs from August 5-31. The county will retain four out of seven board seats as majority owners, with Mark McCafferty (chair), Stuart Cain (chief executive), Craig Flindall (strategy director) and Adam Lowe (commercial director) serving as directors.The ECB initially planned for all eight sales transactions to be signed off by early April but negotiations over paperwork have dragged on far longer than first anticipated. “It is about the ‘what ifs’,” ECB chief executive Richard Gould told ESPNcricinfo last month. “I hate to think how many sets of lawyers are in on this, but that’s what they’re paid to do.”ESPNcricinfo has learned that several other transactions are either finalised or close to completion, though it remains to be seen if all eight will be signed off before the 2025 season starts in 10 days’ time. Four of the seven other new investors are owners or co-owners of IPL franchises, while the other three are US-based like Knighthead.

Warwickshire 415 (Yates 93, Hain 87, Barnard 66, Crocombe 3-82) and 88 for 1 trail Sussex 533 (Hughes 151, Coles 150, Rocchiccioli 6-173) by 30 runsJames Coles made 150 and there were six wickets for Warwickshire offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli but despite their efforts Sussex’s Rothesay County Championship match against Warwickshire is heading for a draw.Coles’ second successive Championship hundred helped Sussex take a first-innings lead of 118 after their first innings ended on 433, 20 minutes after tea on day three.It left Warwickshire with 24 overs to get through to stumps and they closed on 88 for one, losing Rob Yates for 11 when he inside-edged a fine ball from Ollie Robinson onto his middle stump.Off-spinner Jack Carson nearly broke through late on but Daniel Ibrahim put down a tough chance at short leg to reprieve skipper Alex Davies, who has so far added 66 with Tom Latham as Warwickshire closed 30 runs in arrears. But the effects of a slow pitch and the Kookaburra ball are likely to ensure a stalemate, especially with some rain in the forecast on the final day.Coles, 21, made an unbeaten 148 against Durham last week and followed it up with his sixth first-class hundred, sharing stands of 73 with Dan Ibrahim (36), 59 with John Simpson (30) and 50 with Fynn Hudson-Prentice (45) before he was sixth out, caught behind via an inside edge off Ethan Bamber.He had to be patient for long periods. Even without Chris Rushworth, who injured his hamstring after sending down just three overs on the second day, Warwickshire bowled diligently and fielded well. Coles, unbeaten on 50 overnight, brought up his hundred with an edge to the third boundary just before lunch, but it was one of the few unconvincing shots he played in nearly six-and-a-half hours at the crease when he faced 294 balls, an outstanding effort on another day of sweltering heat at Hove. He hit 19 fours and pulled a six into the pavilion off Oliver Hannon-Dalby.Warwickshire’s hard work in the field was epitomised by Rocchiccioli, the Western Australian who arrived in England for his first taste of county cricket last month having taken 84 Sheffield Shield wickets since the 2023-4 season. Here he followed up his six wickets on debut against Somerset at Edgbaston last week with six more. Three came on the second day and he had to plug away from the sea end until his 18th over today for further reward when Carson (28) was smartly taken at leg slip.Rocchiccioli then polished off the innings by removing Gurinder Sandhu and Henry Crocombe with successive deliveries. The 328 balls he sent down was the most in an innings by a Warwickshire bowler since Ashley Giles bowled 68.3 overs against Yorkshire at Headingley in 1996. He just about had the strength to doff his cap to acknowledge the appreciative applause of the crowd after he’d sent down his 50th over.Bamber was the pick of Warwickshire’s seam attack, picking up Ibrahim who played around a straight one as well as Coles and there was a wicket apiece for Yates and Ed Barnard.

As Nuno Espirito Santo looks to solve their goalscoring problem, one striker has reportedly “definitely” emerged as a January transfer target for West Ham United.

West Ham's striker problem

It’s a problem that Michail Antonio covered for a number of years and one that Jarrod Bowen is desperately attempting to do without his former teammate, but one that is simply not going away. West Ham simply lack goals. Take away their captain’s output and the Hammers have scored just three goals in seven Premier League games, despite welcoming new striker Callum Wilson in the summer.

On Nuno’s list of priorities, a new striker must sit at the absolute top. Neither Niclas Fullkrug or Wilson are likely to take the role as talisman in years to come, given that they’re both in their 30s, and that should ring alarm bells about the summer transfer window that West Ham just endured.

As much as Graham Potter struggled, it’s clear that the Hammers should have signed a striker at the peak of their powers when they had the chance in the summer.

Just who arrives is the question. The likes of Joshua Zirkzee have already been linked with shock moves to the London Stadium in 2026 and there’s no doubt that he could return to his best away from Manchester United. Like Wilson and Fullkrug, however, Zirkzee has not shown the type of form in front of goal that the Hammers need.

Nuno was bought in to solve West Ham’s current problems, but he must be backed with an attacking addition when the winter window swings open. To do that, the Hammers could use the upcoming World Cup and one player’s desire to make Thomas Tuchel’s England squad to their full advantage.

West Ham "definitely" targeting Toney

According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, West Ham are “definitely” targeting Ivan Toney, who could leave Al-Ahli on loan in the hope of winning a World Cup place in January.

West Ham join race for "insane" £105k-a-week striker who "loves a Cruyff turn"

The Hammers are looking to sign a Premier League centre-forward, who is keen to leave his current club.

By
Dominic Lund

Oct 13, 2025

A loan deal would certainly suit West Ham too. It would likely mean a discount on the forward’s hefty £22m-a-year wages in Saudi Arabia and there’s no doubt that the 29-year-old is still capable of finding the back of the net in the Premier League.

After scoring eight goals in 10 games in all competitions this season, Toney would be an excellent addition for West Ham as they look to finally solve their striker problem. Whether the forward is granted a January exit remains to be seen, however.