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Ireland batsman dents own pride in matchwinning 82 from 37 balls

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Aug-2020Kevin O’Brien left himself a hefty bill for repairs in a hard-hitting onslaught for Leinster Lightning against North West Warriors in Dublin, after smashing his own car windscreen while hitting a six.In a match reduced to 12 overs a side due to rain interruptions, O’Brien’s bruising innings of 82 from 37 balls was more than enough to secure a 24-run DLS win.However, it later transpired that one of his eight sixes had sailed into the car park at Pembroke Cricket Club, and wrecked the rear window of his Toyota.Kevin O’Brien smashed his own windscreen while hitting a six•Cricket Ireland

It had been a typically belligerent onslaught from the 36-year-old O’Brien, whose greatest claim to fame was the 50-ball hundred against England at the 2011 World Cup in Bengaluru, but who was also at the crease at the Ageas Bowl last month while Ireland once again chased down 329 to beat England.For Leinster, O’Brien struck his second ball for six and didn’t let up, despite the risk of his momentum being interrupted by a mid-innings rain break.Leinster finished with 124 for 4 from 12 overs, leaving the visiting Warriors a near-impossible task of chasing down the massive target in dull, damp conditions.They lost wickets early in the response, and apart from William Porterfield’s 50 from 30 balls, never looked like coming close.

da fazobetai： Sporting director Edu and Arsenal have now been offered the chance to sign a £17 million midfielder who's drawn comparison with Gunners legend Santi Cazorla.

Arsenal seeking to sign new midfielder for Arteta this summer

da 888： A new midfielder is one of four key signings which Arsenal are looking to make when the transfer window reopens on June 14 (Simon Collings).

Related Arsenal table formal bid to sign £52 million man who's "perfect" for Arteta

The Gunners are moving quickly pre-summer.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 15, 2024

As well as in the middle of the park, it is believed that a new goalkeeper, defender and forward are also on the agenda – but a potential opening in Mikel Arteta's midfield has seen a host of big names linked with a move to the Emirates lately.

Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for Thomas Partey(GiveMeSport), and with the Ghanaian entering the final 12 months of his contract, Premier League stars like Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes are being targeted by Edu.

Arsenal have apparently held discussions with Guimaraes and his entourage already, with the Brazilian's contract set to include a £100 million release clause from the end of May to the last week of June (Fabrizio Romano), though they will have to fend off rival interest from Manchester City.

He is by no means the only midfielder linked with a move to north London, though, as reports have also surrounded Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi. Tuttosport boldly claimed this week that Arsenal have already made a formal bid to sign Zubimendi, with the Spaniard's contract including a far more affordable exit clause of around £52 million.

£50-£60 million Everton ace Amadou Onana is believed to be on Arsenal's transfer shortlist as well, but former defender Mikael Silvestre believes he isn't quite ready to step up to that level.

"He’s (Onana) improved a lot," said Silvestre. "I’m not sure he’s at the level to improve the current squad. If you’re chasing the Premier League title with City and with Liverpool, I don’t think he’s fully ready to improve the midfield. He still has some work to do. Number one would be concentration.

Amadou Onana's best league games for Everton this season

Match Rating (via WhoScored)

Burnley 0-2 Everton

8.52

Everton 1-0 Sheffield United

7.71

Everton 3-0 Bournemouth

7.69

Brentford 1-3 Everton

7.42

Everton 1-2 Luton Town

7.33

"Sometimes he loses the ball too easily and his decision-making is not 100% there yet. It’s a bit too early for him to be a contender in midfield for Arsenal."

All of the aforementioned players have one thing in common – they're all valued at around £50 million-plus. As Edu looks to strengthen multiple areas of the squad, he'll be looking to save money where possible, and it appears he's been presented with a potential bargain opportunity.

Arsenal offered chance to sign PSG midfielder Carlos Soler

According to HITC, Arsenal have been offered £17 million Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Carlos Soler.

The Spaniard, who's struggled for consistent chances in Luis Enrique's starting elevens this season, is available to sign for Arsenal and other interested sides. He's been likened to former fan favourite Cazorla, which may endear him to the Gunners faithful immediately.

Arsenal also have a historic link to Soler, as it is believed Arteta was keen on signing the 27-year-old all the way back in 2020 (Lyall Thomas, Sky Sports).

Glamorgan batsman digs in to rescue team from prospect of follow-on

ECB Reporters Network10-Aug-2020Centurion Billy Root was the inspiration behind a stirring Glamorgan fightback after Worcestershire captain Joe Leach had plunged them into deep trouble with an early burst with the ball in the Bob Willis Trophy encounter at Blackfinch New Road.Root, unbeaten on 53 overnight, had seen his side nosedive from 185 for 2 to 203 for 6 after Leach’s spell brought the remarkable figures of 7-5-3-4.At that juncture, the visitors were still 53 runs away from avoiding the possibility of being asked to follow on. But Root showed great application and determination in enabling his side to recover to the extent that their first-innings deficit was only 81 as they totalled 374 all out from 116.3 overs.He went onto make 118 and it needed a stunning catch from Worcestershire keeper Ben Cox to bring his fine knock, containing 12 fours and spanning 258 balls, to an end.Worcestershire openers Daryl Mitchell (48 not out) and Jake Libby (44) then extended their side’s advantage in solid fashion during an opening stand of 97 before the latter and Leach (0) departed shortly before the close.Root had received excellent support from Graham Wagg (54) in a seventh wicket partnership of 118 in 34 overs. The former Nottinghamshire batsman gave only one sharp chance when on 74 – to slip off spinner Brett D’Oliveira.Then a last wicket stand of 41 between Timm van der Gugten (23 not out) and Michael Hogan (17) further helped Glamorgan’s cause before they were dismissed on the stroke of tea.Leach’s initial spell wreaked havoc to the Glamorgan batting line-up. Kiran Carlson added only three runs to his overnight 76 when he pushed forward to a delivery which left him and Daryl Mitchell held a sharp low catch at second slip.It ended a partnership of 141 in 47 overs with Root, and Leach struck again in his next over when Glamorgan captain Chris Cooke (0) went for a square drive and picked out Ed Barnard who excelled in clinging onto a low chance at pointTom Cullen (1) was next to perish to a ball which moved away just enough to find the edge as he pushed forward – and Mitchell made no mistake with a chest high catch.It became 203 for 6 with the last ball of the same over as Dan Douthwaite hooked at Leach and succumbed to a tumbling catch by Brett D’Oliveira running in from the mid-wicket boundary.Only when Wagg joined Root did some much needed solidity return to the batting. A square cut for four off Leach – his 12th boundary – took Root to three figures from 258 balls.Wagg’s half century came up soon afterwards from 79 deliveries with seven fours before Root’s spectacular dismissal. He nicked a delivery from Charlie Morris and saw Cox take a stunning one-handed catch in mid air away to his left.The same combination accounted for Kieran Butt (7) in more straightforward fashion and then Wagg (54) top edged Ed Barnard to provide a simple catch to the keeper.Dillon Pennington finally received some tangible reward to end the innings when Hogan was pouched by Barnard in another fine catch at point, as Leach finished with 4 for 67 from 26 overs, Barnard 3 for 54 and Morris 2 for 86.Mitchell and first-innings century-maker Libby were initially watchful against some accurate Glamorgan new ball bowling from Hogan and van der Gugten.But they gradually flourished with the 50 partnership coming up in 23 overs after successive boundaries by Libby off van der Gugten on his return to the attack.Libby also hit Douthwaite for a trio of boundaries in one over but fell to the same bowler – caught behind – shortly before the close. Leach promoted himself but the move backfired when he was caught at slip by Charlie Hemphrey off spinner Kieran Bull.

da roleta： Well, that was all a bit more stressful than it needed to be, wasn't it? Arsenal were coasting, flying towards a precious three points on the road against their fiercest of rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.

da fezbet： Mikel Arteta's men have been so good at eradicating jeopardy from their games this season but on this occasion, that certainly wasn't the case.

An own goal from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg opened the scoring before Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz sent the Gunners in at half-time 3-0 ahead.

This was dreamland for Arsenal who were about to hold on to top spot in the Premier League. They duly did, but not without an almighty scare from the hosts.

David Raya's abysmal error gave Ange Postecoglou's men a lifeline. The Spaniard was under no pressure but playing out from the back, gave it straight to Cristian Romero who was left with a simple finish. Declan Rice's clumsy challenge on Ben Davies then allowed for Heung-min Son to score a penalty.

Raya redeemed himself with some superb claims in the dying embers, as Arsenal held on to prevail 3-2. The Spaniard will no doubt take some flack, even if there were a number of notable performers in red and white. One of which was Havertz, yet again.

Kai Havertz's performance in numbers

£65m down the drain? We think not. Arteta hasn't got a lot wrong in the transfer market yet just months into the campaign the German was being branded with the tag of a flop. Understandably so, really.

It took until November for the former Chelsea man to score from open play but he's been nothing short of exceptional since the turn of the year, swiftly becoming one of Arsenal's most important players.

Havertz now has eight goals in his last 11 games, a run where he's also supplied five assists. The key change? More freedom as a false 9 in Arteta's system.

He was sublime against his former employers during the 5-0 win in midweek, scoring twice, and he was equally as good in the north London derby.

The summer arrival played a "Xhaka-esque" ball in behind – as the Telegraph's Sam Dean called it – for Saka to score the visitors' second goal before leaping like a salmon from Rice's corner to head home late in the first half.

It was a sensational display from the 24-year-old who left the field at the close of play having won a whopping 11 duels, drawn two fouls and supplied two key passes. There was even room for a haul of four clearances, a stat that showcases his desire to track back and help the team.

That said, he wasn't the only star of the show.

Thomas Partey's performances in numbers

This has been a long and arduous campaign for the £45m signing. Thomas Partey has missed 26 matches through injury in 2023/24 but has returned to the starting lineup over the last few days with some aplomb.

He was part of the midfield that dominated former Arsenal target Moises Caicedo last week on what was his first start of 2024 and as such was rewarded with another starting berth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

The result? A "Rolls-Royce" performance as Arsenal reporter Connor Humm put it on social media.

Yes, there were moments where the Ghanaian was caught in possession in dangerous areas but the overall sum of his game was excellent. Capable of breaking the lines with sumptuous passing, breaking up the play with consummate ease and being an all-round nuisance, he has more than proven his worth at a time when it potentially looked as though he could be sold.

Instead, Partey has revived his career. The performance at Spurs made it easy to see why he's in the side. Completing 93% of his passes, the best tally of any Arsenal starter, he also completed 100% of his dribble attempts and won five ground duels.

It wasn't a perfect performance but it led to a total domination of Tottenham's midfield. Rodrigo Bentancur was hauled off at half-time and then Hojbjerg was substituted just after the hour mark. Why? Because of how good Partey and Rice were in the centre of the field.

Thomas Partey vs Spurs

Minutes played

90

Touches

53

Accurate passes

37/40 (93%)

Long balls

3/4

Dribble attempts

2/2

Duels won

5/10

Tackles

2

Interceptions

1

Clearances

1

Stats via Sofascore.

The former Atletico Madrid man has returned at just the right time, although whether his impact can bring the title to the Emirates Stadium remains to be seen. Manchester City just keep on winning and there is nothing Arsenal can do to stop that now.

Related Spurs 2-3 Arsenal: Player ratings & match recap

Arsenal took on Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Posts ByMatt Dawson Apr 28, 2024

da cassino： As Jurgen Klopp battles to secure the perfect farewell against the odds at Anfield, Liverpool's injuries have quickly controlled the narrative in a season that may end in what could have been, with their latest blow hardly helping.

Liverpool injury news

da blaze casino： Liverpool's EFL Cup final victory over Chelsea, which relied on inexperience and academy graduates for the most part, both sums up the powers of Klopp and the Reds' season. It's been rare that they've had a full squad to choose from, with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker all missing significant parts of the campaign.

Related Report: Liverpool now preparing to bid for £50m+ Real Madrid target

Michael Edwards isn’t messing around.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Apr 16, 2024

Klopp at least has all three options back among his squad to choose from, but it comes at a time when his side looks mentally and physically exhausted after suffering back-to-back defeats against Atalanta and then Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Handing themselves an impossible task of reaching the Europa League's last four following a shock 3-0 defeat against Atalanta at Anfield, and then losing any advantage in the title race courtesy of Palace, the Reds were also handed a blow on the injury front with Conor Bradley limping off against Oliver Glasner's side last Sunday.

Now, according to James Pearce, Bradley will miss the next two to three weeks of action in a major blow for Liverpool, given how much of a revelation the youngster has been since coming into the side.

Klopp can at least feel relieved that Alexander-Arnold is now back fit at the perfect time to step back into his right-back role, but it once again delays the chances of the England international appearing in midfield for the Reds in what could play a part in turning their current form around.

Liverpool games that "fantastic" Bradley could miss

Potentially missing three weeks, Bradley will likely return around the first week of May to hand Liverpool a boost in their final two games against Aston Villa and then Wolverhampton Wanderers. Before then, however, the Northern Ireland international could miss five games in total for the Reds.

Games Conor Bradley could miss

Date

Atalanta vs Liverpool

18/04/2024

Fulham vs Liverpool

21/04/2024

Everton vs Liverpool

24/04/2024

West Ham vs Liverpool

27/04/2024

Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur

05/05/2024

Klopp will be well aware of the talent that his side will be missing too, having praised Bradley back in January. The Liverpool boss said: "I'm not sure if Conor Bradley makes it home. He might fall asleep in the dressing room, exceptional. What a boy, a fantastic character, with intelligence, top potential.

"I was waiting for the moment we could give him an opportunity. Today was intense for him. Someone has to drive him home hopefully. He gave absolutely everything. It's really nice to see. He could show how good he already is. So much more to come."

da blaze casino： Newcastle United are now eyeing a move to sign an “incredible” £75,000-a-week midfielder who is set to become a free agent this summer.

Newcastle transfer news

da fazobetai： Eddie Howe is expected to once again be backed in the transfer market in the summer window, and they have been linked with some impressive players in recent weeks despite the potential issues surrounding FFP.

Wolves centre-back Max Kilman has emerged as a target for Newcastle, as they look to tackle their defensive injury crisis, with the 26-year-old making 4.7 clearances and averaging 2.5 aerial duel wins per game across 31 Premier League appearances this season.

Interest in Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has seemingly returned, too, with the England international likely to leave the Emirates at the end of this season. He is seen as someone who will provide strong competition for Nick Pope between the sticks, and potentially even be an upgrade over time.

Another Three Lions ace, Mark Guehi, is also an option to come in at St James' Park in the summer, with the central defender possibly moving on from Crystal Palace once the current campaign comes to an end and Newcastle in desperate need of centre-back additions.

Then there's Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, who has been compared to Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich legend Xabi Alonso in terms of style, with the 20-year-old seen as a player who could add quality and long-term depth to Newcastle's midfield.

Newcastle eyeing "incredible" free agent

According to HITC, Newcastle are interested in signing Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi at the end of the season, with PIF "keeping tabs" on his situation as his contract ticks down.

They are far from the only club who are keen on snapping up the 27-year-old, however, with Tottenham, Aston Villa, Brighton and Wolves all "monitoring his situation".

Ndidi has spent this season in the Championship with Leicester, helping them reach the top of the table with a handful of matches remaining, but the truth is that he is too good to be playing in the second tier of English football.

The Nigerian has two goals and five assists in the league this season, across 26 appearances, while Brendan Rodgers once waxed lyrical over him back in 2019: "He is an incredible player. The offensive players get the credit but he does the dirty work.

"He has this brain for the game, where he can smell danger and always finds himself there. The timing of his challenge is very good and he's up there with the top players at winning the ball back. When you play a pressing game you need someone like Wilf. His passing is good too, he's always smiling."

Related Newcastle must sell a player who's worth £77.5m less than Bruno Guimaraes

He’s been injured since early February.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Apr 9, 2024

The level of Premier League interest in Ndidi shows what a formidable midfielder he is, and with Bruno Guimaraes potentially leaving St James' Park to balance the books, he could help fill the void, combining defensive nous (1.4 tackles per game in the Championship this season) with quality on the ball.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe will want to start his Manchester United rebuild off with a statement signing.

However, that doesn't mean that the Red Devils will overpay for players, as they have done over the last decade.

The first major signing of the INEOS era could be a right winger, with Erik ten Hag keen to improve the balance in attack.

3 dream signings Berrada could make at Man Utd including his next Haaland

Omar Berrada is to enter Manchester United as their new CEO.

By
Matt Dawson

Jan 23, 2024

Man United set their sights on new forward

This week, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Man United target Michael Olise can be acquired for less than his £60m release clause.

Speaking to The United Stand with Mark Goldbridge, the reputable transfer insider said: "I think it's less than this (£60m release clause). There are many clubs interested in this boy. Chelsea will still be there and for Man United, it's an opportunity they will consider.

"It's a big opportunity when a player like this has a release clause. Arsenal have been scouting the player many times so it could be quite an open race. It won't be decided now."

Despite Chelsea's interest in the winger, his preference according to prior reports in January would be a move to Old Trafford.

A move for the France gem would occur in the summer due to United's financial fair play restrictions.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

How Michael Olise compares to Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka's rise to the top has been fantastic to witness, with the Arsenal academy graduate now being classified as the best winger in the world by ESPN for the 2022/23 campaign.

The 22-year-old is continuing to thrive this campaign under Mikel Arteta, with the forward netting ten goals and providing 13 assists in 29 games across all competitions.

Man United's interest in Olise means they could sign their own version of Saka, as the duo have plenty of similarities according to FBref's similar player model.

Just like the England star, the Palace dynamo has been excellent this season, scoring six goals and picking up three assists in just ten Premier League starts. However, his season has been heavily impacted by an injury picked up during the summer.

Nonetheless, let's look at a handful of statistics from this Premier League season that prove Olise would thrive at United, while also comparing him to Saka.

Olise has proven to be one of the most "dangerous" attackers in the Premier League, as per analyst Ben Mattinson, with his output being the main talking point of his game. As you can see, the French forward ranks extremely high for both goals and assists, with only the most elite being able to produce both, the Arsenal star being one of those.

Both left-footed, they can also shift the ball onto their right to find a teammate in the box. Olise has a deadly cross, and both players love to cut inside to shoot or provide balls to the back post. Another aspect of their game that makes them among the best is their relentless work off the ball for their team in the press or tracking back to make tackles.

Overall, Olise would stroll into the United starting XI and replace Antony, who scored his only goal of the season against Newport County last weekend. The Palace artist could just transform United's attack.

da bet sport： It's the same old story for Chelsea this season as they continue to bounce erratically between victories and defeats.

da dobrowin： Mauricio Pochettino's side fell to a painful defeat against Liverpool in the League Cup Final last weekend and looked like they would follow it up with an embarrassing home defeat to Leeds United during the week.

However, the west Londoners dug in and came back to win the game 3-2 thanks to a last-minute winner from Conor Gallagher.

The team's season now ultimately hangs on their progression in the FA Cup, but before they can even think about the quarter-finals, they'll have to go through some league opponents first.

Tomorrow's trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to take on Brentford offers them a chance to get revenge on the side that beat them 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in October.

With that, let's take a look at the side that could enact that sweet revenge for the West Londoners, with Pochettino likely to make up to five changes to the team that scraped past Leeds during the week.

1 GK – Đorđe Petrović

So the first position of the XI brings with it the first change, as Đorđe Petrović comes in for Robert Sanchez.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper must be feeling pretty annoyed at the moment, as after being dropped at his former club, it looks like he's been demoted at Chelsea as well.

Petrović, while not perfect himself, has looked more assured between the sticks than his older teammate ever did before injuring his knee against Everton.

This is also borne out in the numbers, with the Serbian boasting a save percentage of 71.2% in the league to Sanchez's 70.5%, per FBref.

Moreover, the fact that Pochettino opted to start the senior keeper against Leeds in the FA Cup suggests that he isn't the number one anymore.

2 RB – Malo Gusto

Right-back is a position that picks itself at the moment, as the injury to Reece James has allowed Malo Gusto to show the league just how good he is.

Now, there have been a few errors from the Frenchman here and there – the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers springs to mind – but at just 20 years old, that's going to be the case.

In all, the former Lyon gem has, as journalist Ben Jacobs puts it, "been outstanding for Chelsea."

3 CB – Axel Disasi

With Benoît Badiashile still out injured and Thiago Silva's status unknown, Axel Disasi will be set to keep his place in the backline for the trip to Brentford.

The Frenchman had a mediocre game against Leeds on Wednesday and received a 6/10 from the Standard's Dan Kilpatrick for his troubles, but just a couple of weeks ago, he put in a mammoth performance away to Manchester City and received a 9/10 from Nizaar Kinsella.

He'll need to play more like the latter tomorrow as while the Bees are currently struggling, Ivan Toney has still been scoring and has four goals in seven games this season.

4 CB – Levi Colwill

The second change of the night comes at left-centre-back as Levi Colwill comes in to replace Trevoh Chalobah.

Colwill has started 76% of Chelsea's league games this season, and that number would have been higher had he not missed a handful of games through a hamstring problem.

5 LB – Ben Chilwell

The third change comes at left-back as Ben Chilwell comes in for the youngster Alfie Gilchrist.

The former Leicester City man has only started 32% of the team's league games this season, primarily due to a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined between September and January.

Moreover, he has started the last four league games on the bounce, so seeing him on the bench this time around would be a surprise.

6 DM – Moises Caicedo

Keeping his place in the middle of the park will be Moises Caicedo.

Now, while his performance against Leeds on Wednesday was far from his best, he was still impressive and provided the assist for Nicolas Jackson's leveller in the first half.

In addition, he has started 83% of the team's league games this season.

7 DM – Enzo Fernández

Starting alongside Caicedo will be the man who has for most of the season, Enzo Fernández.

The World Cup winner was one of the best players for the Blues against Leeds, picking up a 7/10 from Kilpatrick and providing the assist for Conor Gallagher's late winner.

With 33 games under his belt already this season, it's practically a certainty that the Argentine starts at the Gtech.

8 RM – Cole Palmer

The right of the midfield brings the next change as Cole Palmer comes in for Noni Madueke.

The "absolutely sensational" Palmer, as described by Alan Shearer, has been one of the few bright spots in Chelsea's otherwise disappointing campaign this season, and while he was rested against Leeds, he'll surely start tomorrow.

The 21-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in just 31 games for the Blues so far and will be looking to add to that tally against the Bees.

9 CAM – Conor Gallagher

Speaking of bright spots, boyhood Chelsea fan Gallagher is undoubtedly another.

The Epsom-born dynamo has been described as "the heart" of the team by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and based on his performances this season, it would be hard to disagree.

The 24-year-old has scored four goals and provided six assists in 35 games for the Pensioners this year, and while Mykhailo Mudryk did reasonably well in the ten against Leeds, Gallagher should be back there for a league game.

10 LM – Raheem Sterling

The left-wing berth could be taken up by Raheem Sterling, as even with how the Englishman performed on Wednesday and the fact he was booed off the pitch at Stamford Bridge, it might be wiser to drop Mykhaylo Mudryk instead.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk gem scored against Leeds, although he was far from stellar in midweek, having notably 'faded' despite his strike against the Whites – as per The Standard's Dan Kilpatrick.

Ruben Amorim has been told to drop a Manchester United player after his "absolutely useless" performances this season.

• Amorim urged to drop Man Utd man
• Criticises his "useless" performances
• Replacement signed this summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former Chelsea star Craig Burley believes head coach Amorim "can't play" goalkeeper Altay Bayindir again this season after a shaky start to the campaign. The ex-midfielder also laid into Bayindir's United team-mate Andre Onana for being a big let-down since joining from Inter Milan for just over £47 million ($63.5m).

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT BURLEY SAID

  He told ESPN, via ESPN: "Altay Bayindir, they can’t play him. He might be okay at shot-stopping, which is what goalkeepers are paid for, but he’s absolutely useless at dealing with balls in from set-pieces.

  "[Onana] is another player who’s gone to Manchester United and got worse. He cost a lot of money but he wasn’t able to marshal a back four. I thought Onana would be the real deal, it looked that way in Italy. I thought he might have a Peter Schmeichel-esque aura about him and boss about players but it hasn’t happened. If this new, youngish lad comes in and starts flapping about all over the place, it’s going to be a mess."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United recognised the need for a new keeper when they signed Senne Lammens from Antwerp on transfer deadline day. Some believe this is a "panic buy" and Burley thinks the 23-year-old has a huge task on his hands.

  He added, "This new lad [Lammens] needs to be able to marshal a back four, make saves and have an authority and make a statement at set-pieces. That’s what every team is going to do against United now, they’re going to launch balls into the box and the goalkeeper needs to be able to deal with it. He’s either going to sink or swim. We don’t really know how he’s going to handle this scenario."

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  All eyes will be on who will start in goal for United when they face bitter rivals Manchester City as the Premier League returns next weekend. Will Amorim stick with Bayindir, trust the more experienced Onana, or give Lammens his first taste of English football?

Aston Villa's 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Friday night was their second goalless scoreline in back-to-back games.

The Villans have tallied up 29 shots across the two games, but that clinical edge has clearly been lacking.

With that in mind, Unai Emery could well look to secure an exciting prospect to bolster his attack before the transfer window closes next Thursday.

Aston Villa's search for an attacker continues

According to reports from Turkey this week, Villa are believed to be closely watching Semih Kilicsoy.

The Besiktas prospect is a target for numerous other clubs, however, with Spurs being another Premier League side that is interested.

Villa do have funds available to spend, as shown by their interest in Morgan Rogers, so a move this month isn't impossible. It was reported last week that they were set to lodge a new bid for the Middlesbrough star although that deal is looking tougher to complete than first anticipated.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

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ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024 How Semih Kilicsoy would fit into the Villa team

Fans of Villa and the Premier League know just how dangerous Ollie Watkins has been this season, with it almost being inevitable that the forward will either score or provide a goal in every game.

The former Brentford ace has netted nine goals and registered eight assists so far in the league, making him the joint third-highest contributor in the competition.

However, the 28-year-old has now gone six matches without a goal, with his teammates struggling to get him into the game. Yet, the potential signing of Kilicsoy could create a deadly strike partnership that would get the best out of Watkins and make Villa much more dangerous.

Besiktas' 18-year-old has been described as a "hidden gem" by football writer Ben Mattinson, and he is experiencing his breakthrough campaign, impressing enough to be trusted with a spot in the starting XI as of late.

The Turkish star has started the last seven Super Lig matches as a left winger, and the table below shows a handful of statistics that prove he would work extremely well alongside Watkins.

Goals

0.80

xG

0.46

Assists

0.32

Shots

4.01

Successful dribbles

2.57

Touches (Att pen)

6.26

The first attribute that stands out about Kilicsoy is his ability to score goals. Based on his xG to goals ratio, it is clear that he is an extremely clinical forward who has composure way beyond his years.

Despite only playing ten matches with an average of 57 minutes per game, the 5 foot 10 attacker is already Besiktas' top scorer in the league with five, which would also make him Villa's joint-fourth-highest scorer in the Premier League for this season.

Therefore, having another goal-scoring outlet other than Watkins would make Emery's side far less predictable while also boosting their output.

Furthermore, an assist rate per 90 minutes of 0.32 shows that he could be an added source of creativity for Watkins, and the fact that he has a high number of touches in the opposition box means that the duo would be able to combine and interchange roles.

Kilicsoy is also extremely confident in his own abilities, as highlighted by his high shot and successful dribble statistic, he's simply a player that makes things happen. Mattinson has also labelled him as "powerful," and that is apparent while he's on the ball, as he rarely gets bullied, unlike other young players who are yet to develop physically.

Having him operate in the second striker position where he can drift out wide into the channels would get the best out of him, Watkins, and make Villa a much more frightening side.