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Babar Azam was the closest to a century, falling one short in the end

Bharath Seervi18-Oct-20183- Number of Pakistan batsmen who were dismissed in the nineties in this Test: Fakhar Zaman (94) and Sarfaraz Ahmed (94) in the first innings and Babar Azam (99) in the second. It was the first time that three Pakistan players were out in the nineties in a Test and only the fourth such instance for any team. The last such instance was for Australia against India in Nagpur in October 2004 when Michael Clarke, Simon Katich and Damien Martyn missed their hundreds.

10- Number of Pakistan players to be dismissed on 99 in Tests, including Babar. Before Babar, Misbah was the last Pakistan batsman to be dismissed for 99 in 2011 and 2017. Babar became the first batsman to fall on 99 in the UAE.4 –Number of batsmen to have scored a duck and 99 in the same Test. Babar had bagged a duck in the first innings before getting out for 99 in the second. Three of the four players who have scored 99 and 0 in the same Test are Pakistan batsmen: Mushtaq Mohamad and Misbah apart from Babar. Pankaj Roy is the other player in this list. Babar has seven fifties in his Test career, but is yet to score a hundred.3- Instances of Pakistan batsmen scoring six or more fifties in a Test without getting to a hundred. They had two fifties in the first innings in Abu Dhabi and four more in the second but no hundred. Their last such instance was against New Zealand in Wellington in 2010-11.5- Wicketkeeper-captains to have scored fifty or more runs in both innings of a Test. Sarfaraz became the fifth such player to the landmark. He is the first Pakistan wicketkeeper-captain to do so. Andy Flower, Tatenda Taibu, MS Dhoni and Mushfiqur Rahim are the others to have achieved this feat. Dhoni did it four times and Taibu twice.4- Number of wicketkeepers to have scored 80 or more runs in both innings of a Test. Safaraz joined Alan Knott, Andy Flower and Taibu in this list. It was the third time Sarfaraz had scored fifty or more runs in both innings of a Test.8- Wickets for Nathan Lyon in this Test; four wickets in each innings. In three Tests in UAE before this, he had picked up only seven wickets at average of 84.85.

There was doubt whether he could fill the shoes of Vernon Philander. By tea on Boxing Day, when the 26-year old had taken six wickets, it all but disappeared

Danyal Rasool in Centurion26-Dec-2018We may all agree there’s almost no limit to what Dale Steyn can do. The second wicket of the day, his 422nd, was simply a reminder that South Africa’s greatest fast bowler could suffer a broken arm – a death knell for most fast bowlers – come back aged 35, maintain that pace, and overtake Shaun Pollock at the top of his country’s wickets list. Steyn bowls fast at the guy at the other end, and sends him away quicker than just about any other fast bowler does. That’s just one of the things he does.On Monday, he was putting his omnipotence to another use, predicting with eerie detail how the Boxing Day Test might pan out. At the press conference, where most of the attention lay on the Pollock record, there was a question about whether he was worried that, in the absence of Lungi Ngidi and Vernon Philander, he might be forced to take on more of the bowling responsibility.For a moment, it almost appeared Steyn was annoyed by the sheer impudence of the question. “Do you know who’s in our squad?” he shot back. “We’ve drafted in another bowler, we’re fine.”That “other bowler” was Duanne Olivier. Consider what he went on to say about the 26-year old, and compare it to what happened out there on Boxing Day. “I do think the onus will be on our bigger players like KG [Kagiso Rabada] and myself but I think Duane’s been bowling beautifully. He’s the highest wicket-taker in the MSL. He got four or five wickets in the warm-up game so if he goes under the radar and takes wickets and we win, I’m not complaining.” On a day that ended with Olivier taking six wickets and wrapping Pakistan up before tea, how’s that for prescient?Olivier had come in as first change after nine overs that had served as an extended celebratory party for Steyn, the atmosphere more than merry enough for this time of year. Following Rabada and Steyn is rarely a flattering experience, and Olivier did indeed look off the pace for his first three overs. Even the first wicket he took, an ordinary delivery down legside that Shan Masood somehow conspired to drag onto his stumps, had little of the elegance normally associated with the man he had replaced in the XI – Philander.”I was a bit disappointed in my first two overs,” Olivier said. “I think my lines were a bit too short and I gave a bit of width. I think I was a bit nervous as well. My main focus was just to commit every ball 100% and it just seemed to work. The wicket’s bounce helped, and that’s one of my strengths.”It was the next one that made everyone sit up and take notice. Asad Shafiq shaped up to play one he expected to hold its line on off stump, but just as it approached his bat, it changed course, heading for his front pad. It was trademark Philander.In the fourth over after lunch, when Babar Azam and Azhar Ali would barely have digested what they had consumed, Olivier came up with an over that made Pakistan feel sick. The first ball was a perfectly directed bouncer – he bowled that well all day, forcing Pakistan’s batsman into all manner of undignified positions – which Azhar gloved into the air. Theunis de Bruyn, who only passed a fitness test two days ago, scampered to his right, and at full stretch, plucked the ball inches before it kissed the ground. Call it Steyn’s stardust or good old unrelenting work ethic, but this is a bowling unit that has begun to take for granted world-class support from its fielders.Babar Azam avoids a bouncer while batting•Getty ImagesSpeaking of fitness, it is worth noting the particular circumstances in which Olivier had prepared for this Test. He was, as Steyn pointed out, the leading wicket-taker in the MSL, but perhaps more impressively, the only one of the seamers not allowed the luxury of a rest ahead of this match; the depleted bowling ranks of the Knights, his domestic franchise, meant it just wasn’t possible.Olivier had bowled with impeccable rhythm in the game against the Titans last week, and taken seven wickets in the match, ultimately in a losing cause. The short ball tactic that got him three of his wickets on Wednesday was so expertly deployed against the Titans that it had left both openers requiring treatment from the physio. The openers in question? Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram.”The four-day game was good preparation for me,” he said. “The wicket played a little bit similar, not as much bounce, but it was going around nicely. So for me, it was just going back to basics and to showcase my strengths here.”If the unassuming nature of Olivier’s run-up might remind you of Philander, not much about the actual deliveries did. He banged in 66% of them short of a good length, and according to Cricviz, was the fastest of the bowlers on show. Much of the magic happens after he plants his foot and goes through the delivery stride, a wickedly swift front-on action culminating in a snap of both shoulder and wrist giving it much of the unlikely pace it carries. The bounce these pitches offer, of course, lends him another layer of potency.In five Tests prior, though, he had never taken more than three wickets in an innings, and hadn’t played one since October 2017. It is an uncanny thing South Africa do, arguably better than anyone else in the world: prepare their players for international cricket, reared completely on the domestic circuit. Upon readmission in 1990, there was never an easing-in period, with South Africa simply claiming their place around the top of world cricket, where they’ve stayed ever since.After all, Olivier is at best the home side’s fifth-choice fast bowler, but here he was, being passionately defended by Steyn and earmarked as the potential match-winner in just his sixth Test, and first in 14 months. The confidence in the system, rather than just the squad that most often puts on the Test whites, is understandable. No side in the world is bled dry of quality talent year in, year out, as South Africa is, whether they leave for reasons related to Kolpak or the transformation policy, or the desire to pursue more lucrative T20 careers elsewhere. Olivier, remember, got his own chance only after Kyle Abbott walked away in 2016.Now, on a day when the focus was all on Steyn, one couldn’t help but think about his pre-match press conference and that impassioned defence of his junior partner. Steyn’s faith, as well as Olivier’s place in the side, have been more than justified.

The unwillingness to bowl Mehidy Hasan’s offspin against England’s right-handers left Mashrafe Mortaza short on options

Mohammad Isam in Cardiff08-Jun-2019By the end of 15 overs, Shakib Al Hasan had completed seven of his quota. He was economical but England had moved to 101 for no loss. His three remaining overs therefore had to be rationed heavily, leaving Mashrafe Mortaza without his banker for a vast spread of the innings. But that’s where Mashrafe, despite being Bangladesh’s most successful captain, operates like his predecessors.There’s a long-held tradition in the Bangladesh team that an orthodox offspinner is best used against left-handers, while left-arm spinners are deemed most effective against right-handed batsmen. While it is technically fine, the captains have always focused on the reverse side of it. They sweat over not using left-arm spinners against left-handers, and offspinners against right-handers.Mehidy Hasan was held back by his captain but claimed 2 for 67•AFPEven on a big stage like the World Cup, against tournament favourites England who bat at a higher gear than most other teams, Mashrafe let a questionable tradition restrict his bowling changes. Only because Bangladesh don’t use offspinners against right-handers, he used Shakib for too long.It had a chain effect on the rest of his bowling changes.Bangladesh finally introduced Mehidy Hasan in the 17th over. He held his own in the four-over spell, and while the England scoring rate caught up with all the Bangladesh bowlers, Mehidy didn’t really have a bad day. He was facing serious danger against Jason Roy, after being hit for three sixes from the first three balls of his sixth over, but a subtle change of line brought about Roy’s wicket.Watch on Hotstar: Shakib Al Hasan’s hard-fought hundred (India only)With Eoin Morgan, a left-hander, out next, Mashrafe then turned to Mosaddek Hossain, his other offspinner, who was heavily used in both games at The Oval in the middle part of the innings.Mehidy finished his spell without conceding a boundary in the 47th over and while the irony won’t be lost as he bowled only to left-handers Morgan and Ben Stokes, the bottom line is that he is a good bowler, and has trained himself to be equally skilled against right and left-handers (he was the only Bangladeshi to keep Jos Buttler to less than a run a ball). The same is obviously true for Shakib.Even the initial thinking of opening the bowling with Shakib was, at best, a popular choice. Roy is perceived to be weak against spin with the new ball; both South Africa and Pakistan tried it with wristspinners in England’s previous games, with mixed results. But Roy bats at a strike rate of 113.69 against spin in the first Powerplay, which suggests it is a high-risk move if he doesn’t get out.What also didn’t help Mashrafe was Mohammad Saifuddin and Mustafizur Rahman having off-days. Because of his decision not to use Mosaddek in the middle overs, Mohammad Saifuddin was given four spells. Even when Saifuddin was hit for 16 off his first over, Mashrafe gave him two more overs just to make up for not using anyone else from that end.ALSO READ: Stats – England’s record streak of 300-plus scoresIt is often said that when Bangladesh started to win some games around the 2009 mark, Jamie Siddons, the former head coach credited for ushering in a new generation of cricketers, had introduced them this concept, among several things he taught them. While Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal and Mashrafe have fallen back on plenty of Siddons’ tactical nous over the years, it is this one that has irked many.The most famous occasion when a captain’s rigidness when using the two types of spinners came forth was during an ODI five years ago in Chittagong. Sri Lanka were reduced to 67 for 8 in the 22nd over; Mushfiqur refused to use Shakib against Thisara Perera, who eventually remained unbeaten on 80. They dropped Thisara three times to boot, once off left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny early on, but it was clear that Mushfiqur wasn’t interested in using Shakib, his best bowler.These regressive mindsets haven’t left Bangladesh cricket, and it is sometimes bemusing to find Mashrafe, regarded as a progressive captain, sticking to such thinking. It wouldn’t have been a huge risk to use Mehidy in the first Powerplay, and it is unlikely he would have made a huge difference -but it was this long-held notion that shut down one side of the captain’s thinking process.

On Shane Warne’s 50th birthday, here are 10 questions to test your knowledge on his celebrated cricketing career

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Sep-2019Quiz will appear below. Please give it a few moments to load. If it doesn’t load, try refreshing or click here.

Stats highlights from an unbelievable run-chase at Headingley as England levelled the series

S Rajesh25-Aug-20191 – Partnership of more than 76 for the 10th wicket in a fourth-innings Test win. The only other instance of more runs being scored was also in 2019, when Kusal Perera and Vishwa Fernando put together 78 as Sri Lanka recovered from 226 for 9 to reach the victory target of 304 against South Africa in Durban in February this year.359 – The target that England chased down was their highest ever in Test history. Their previous best was 332, way back in 1928 in Melbourne. It’s the joint ninth-highest by any team, and the second-best at Headingley, next only to Australia’s 404 in 1948.ESPNcricinfo Ltd6 – Instances of Australia losing by one wicket, which is nearly 50% of the 14 such results in Test history. No other team has been at the receiving end of such a narrow defeat more than three times. Since 1990, Australia have suffered four one-wicket defeats – the previous three were to Pakistan in 1994, to West Indies in 1999, and to India in 2010. This is England’s fourth such win.67 – England’s first-innings total. There are only three instances of teams scoring fewer runs in an innings, in a Test match they ended up winning, and they were all in the 1880s.2 – Higher scores than Ben Stokes’ unbeaten 135 in fourth-innings wins for England: Mark Butcher scored an unbeaten 173 at the same ground against the same opponents in 2001, and Jack Brown’s 140 in 1895. This is the fourth-highest by a No. 5 batsman in a fourth-innings win, and in three of those four innings, the team eventually won by one wicket.ESPNcricinfo Ltd74 – Runs scored by Stokes after the fall of the ninth England wicket, out of the 76 runs that were scored in the partnership. Jack Leach’s contribution was one run. In terms of balls faced, Stokes played 45 to Leach’s 17.8 – Sixes struck by Stokes, which is the third-highest ever by a batsman in the fourth innings of a Test. Only Nathan Astle (11) and Tim Southee (9) have hit more, but both were in defeats. In a win, the next best is six.

From being taken apart by Sunil Narine to bowling alongside him, the mystery spinner’s career has come full circle

Deivarayan Muthu20-Dec-2019Who writes your scripts, Varun Chakravarthy? The 28-year old Tamil Nadu mystery spinner hit paydirt in the IPL auction for a second successive year, emerging as the highest-paid uncapped Indian, with Kolkata Knight Riders shelling out INR 4 crore (USD 563,000 approx.) for his seven variations. At last year’s auction, he was the joint-highest-paid player overall, earning INR 8.4 crore, 42 times his base price of INR 20 lakh.Varun played a solitary game for Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2019, before a finger fracture sidelined him for a lengthy period. Varun hasn’t played competitive cricket since; he had only resumed training “two-three months back.”It would not have been surprising if nobody wanted him for IPL 2020. However, Knight Riders outbid Royal Challengers Bangalore and got him on board. In fact, Varun himself didn’t see that coming, although he had bowled at the Knight Riders nets last year and had the franchise furiously bidding for him even in 2018.ALSO READ – Decoding the mystery: Who is Varun Chakravarthy“I didn’t expect to be picked at all this year,” Varun tells ESPNcricinfo a day after the auction. “I was just watching the auction alone yesterday in Chennai (in contrast to watching the madness unfold with his entire family in his hometown Thanjavur last year). My parents were in my hometown this time.”I was watching the auction with a little bit of hope that I’ll be picked and I’m thankful to DK [Dinesh Karthik] and Abhishek Nayar [Knight Riders mentor] for showing confidence in me. [I’m happy]. I’ve spoken to my parents and sister, and they’re pleased for me too.”Varun Chakravarthy was the highest-paid uncapped Indian at the IPL 2020 auction•ESPNcricinfo LtdThings weren’t as rosy for Varun during his IPL debut, against Knight Riders in Kolkata. He had a harsh initiation, leaking 25 runs in his first over, the worst start for an IPL debutant. Varun then hurt his finger and was ruled out of IPL 2019.In IPL 2020, he will return to Eden Gardens as a Knight Rider. He could potentially bowl in tandem with Sunil Narine, who had whacked Varun for three sixes and a four in that 25-run over. A few months before that match-up, Varun had been bowling with Narine at the Knight Riders nets and had even impressed Narine’s spin coach Carl Crowe, who is also part of the franchise’s support staff.Varun’s career has had more twists and turns than a whodunit. He was a wicketkeeper-batsman until 17. Then, after being rejected multiple times in age-group cricket, he took up an architecture degree and then worked as a freelancer. But he got bored of it and turned into a mystery spinner.More fun facts: before he burst into the 20-over Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), Varun had made a brief appearance in a Tamil movie called , starring actor Vishnu Vishal, who was R Ashwin’s first club captain.In his first IPL season, Varun got to play alongside Ashwin. Now he has a chance to exchange notes with mystery spinner, Narine. After Knight Riders scooped up Varun, their CEO Venky Mysore said he “kind of reminds” the franchise of a young Narine, when they’d first picked him for IPL 2012.”Personally, I’d learnt a lot from R Ashwin at Punjab,” Varun says. “Working with Narine, I just want to learn whatever I can from him. I’m just like a student in front of somebody like Narine.”Sunil Narine took 25 runs off Varun Chakravarthy’s first over in the IPL•BCCIVarun had attracted the attention of the IPL talents scouts during TNPL 2018, when Michael Hussey, one of the TV commentators, singled him out as an exciting talent. All told, Varun bowled 40 overs in TNPL 2018, of which 125 balls were dots. His economy rate of 4.7 was the best among bowlers who bowled at least 15 overs.Varun was slated to make his return from injury in TNPL 2019, but things didn’t go according to plan. He was merely part of the Madurai Panthers squad earlier this year, but didn’t get to play a game. Since then Varun has enrolled himself into Primal Patterns, where most of the top-tier Tamil Nadu cricketers work out under Shanker Basu, the former India trainer.”I’ve been working hard on my fitness with Basu sir,” Varun says. “For the past two-three months, I’ve had one session a day. We’ve been working on gymming and strengthening. I’ve also started playing a few low-key games and I’m confident of bowling the googlies and carrom balls again. I’m still training and preparing to come back.”Varun also reckons that he’s in a better space to deal with the immense pressure that the IPL brings, having had a brief crack at it before.”I’ve lost hope many times over the last few months, but I’ve managed to train and get better,” he says. “The previous experience [with Kings XI] has helped me grow as a player and person, but now I need to focus on what’s in hand. I’m preparing for the next IPL and I hope it’ll be a fresh start for me at KKR.”

Arsenal have now received the green light to sign their “number one striker target” for a fee of just over £60m this summer, with talks now advancing, according to transfer expert Pete O’Rourke.

Gunners ramping up striker pursuit

In many ways, Mikel Merino has done an impressive job since being forced to fill in as a makeshift striker, scoring at Anfield in the recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool, while also assisting both goals in the 2-1 victory against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

However, with the Spaniard more accustomed to being a midfielder, it is looking increasingly likely the Gunners will bring in a new striker this summer, and there are signs that £75m-rated RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko could be a huge upgrade on Kai Havertz.

Sesko is believed to be one of the north Londoners’ top targets, alongside Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with sporting director Andrea Berta understood to be a huge fan of the Swede, who recently led his side to Liga Portugal title glory.

There has since been a new update on Arsenal and Berta’s pursuit of Gyokeres, with O’Rourke telling Football Insider: “For Gyokeres, talks are advancing between Arsenal and his representatives,“

“[Gyokeres] is emerging as the number one choice for Arsenal, and it seems there’s a willingness from all parties to get the deal done.

“The player is happy to come and Sporting CP are happy to sell for just over £60million.”

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In the same report, it is revealed that Mikel Arteta isn’t totally sold on the idea of signing the 26-year-old, which indicates that Berta is driving the move.

Despite the manager’s concerns, however, it appears as though the deal is edging closer to completion, having received the green light from Sporting.

"Sensational" Gyokeres could be final piece of the jigsaw

Arsenal’s reluctance to sign a new striker in recent transfer windows has been much-maligned, with the decision arguably costing Arteta’s side in their Premier League title pursuit this season, considering they have had to make do without an out-and-out striker since February.

Havertz being ruled out for the rest of the season was a major blow for the Gunners, particularly considering he is not the only player to spend a long period of time on the sidelines, with Bukayo Saka also missing large parts of the season.

As such, Arsenal should undoubtedly be looking to bring in a new striker this summer, and it is exciting news that a deal for Gyokeres, who was once lauded as “sensational”, is now edging closer to completion.

The Sporting star has been simply incredible in front of goal this season, netting 39 goals in 33 Liga Portugal games, while also scoring six times in the Champions League, indicating that he could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Arteta.

Three more points in the bag. Newcastle United might just claim a top-four spot in the Premier League, you know, to make an incredible season even more special.

Leicester City were tired and weary against a Newcastle side that pulled no punches. The Foxes limped through the contest, picked at by the swooping Magpies.

Eddie Howe has worked wonders at the club, reaching such heights this year off the back of a disappointing 2023/24 campaign and a frustrating 2024 summer transfer window.

But he needs a big push this summer, should United rise to the next level in 2025/26. Holding onto Alexander Isak will be key, but that’s not to say Howe’s squad won’t need a new centre-forward anyway.

Newcastle make contact with striker

As per Calcio Mercato over in Italy, Newcastle have made contact with Moise Kean’s agent as they prepare to chase down his signature this summer, though caution is needed with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also eager to sign him.

Kean, who flopped during his younger years at Everton, has bloomed into one of Serie A’s leading strikers over the past few years, currently enjoying a prolific campaign with Fiorentina.

With a release clause in his contract worth £45m, the 25-year-old could be on the move this summer and St. James’ Park would be the perfect new stomping ground.

What Moise Kean would bring to Newcastle

PIF will hope that their valuation of Isak, north of £150m, will deter interested parties this summer. In any event, Howe needs new forwards, with Callum Wilson’s contract expiring this summer and William Osula as yet unproven as a reliable option.

If Newcastle are to sign a new number nine, they might be wise to target one in the same vein as their Swedish sensation. Kean is that man.

The Italy striker, who has scored 22 goals for Fiorentina this term, so strong and assured of himself, so “fearless” and “courageous,” as has been noted by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.

Reviving his career after a rocky start – a bit like Isak at Real Sociedad, before his £63m transfer to St. James’ Park – Kean has the athletic skill set to succeed in the Premier League.

He boasted such quality before, but was felled by a lack of composure and frustrations concerning being an up-and-coming talent in a turbulent Everton team.

Now, he’s enjoying the apotheosis of his career (thus far), with his clinical nature marrying into an aggressive approach to the final third, actually ranking among the top 9% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

This is a further illustration of how he could slot right in as Isak’s partner, mirroring the superstar while bringing something new to the table too.

Last month, BBC Sport’s Mina Rzouki remarked that Kean “made the best decision of his career to go to Fiorentina and leave Juventus.”

Newcastle could provide a similar hothouse for development, and he should emulate his international teammate Sandro Tonali in making the move to Tyneside.

As good as Murphy: Newcastle star just proved he's as undroppable as Isak

The Newcastle United star showed why he is as undroppable as Alexander Isak.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 8, 2025

On Wednesday evening, it was the bright lights of the colossal arena that is the Bernabeu for Arsenal. On Sunday afternoon, it was a more intimate stage. This time it was Portman Road.

The scene was less glamorous, less dramatic, but it was another impressive win for Mikel Arteta’s side nonetheless.

Although Liverpool are the runaway leaders in the Premier League, the Gunners do still have something to play for.

Lose on Sunday, and the Reds would have wrapped up the title. Lose on Sunday, and the chasing pack in the race for the Champions League would have caught up.

Well, they did not suffer defeat. Instead, Arsenal were in a rampant mood, seeing off Ipswich 4-0 to cement their place as the division’s second-best team.

Arsenal's biggest statement makers on Sunday

Arteta’s men may well be in the semi-finals of the Champions League and second in the league but it’s safe to say this hasn’t been the rosiest of seasons for those at the Emirates Stadium.

Ever since Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury in December, their league form has deteriorated and hasn’t been consistent whatsoever.

Well, Saka is back and he’s already making inroads into the most difficult campaign of his senior career.

A goal in Madrid on Wednesday was followed up by another dazzling display in Suffolk this weekend, registering the pre-assist for the opening two goals, scored by Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Saka was also on the end of a horrible tackle from Ipswich left-back Leif Davis, one that saw him receive a red card.

While Arsenal’s no.7 was able to carry on, he was substituted in the second half and was seen on the bench with strapping and ice wrapped around his ankle. Let’s hope that’s not a nasty injury.

Saka was certainly at his best, as too were the aforementioned Trossard and Martinelli.

The former was the scorer of two well-taken goals while the latter made it two in two, darting onto the end of Mikel Merino’s clever flick to find the net.

There was even time for a late Ethan Nwaneri deflected goal, putting the icing on top of the cake.

In truth, it was a perfect all-round display from the team but one key performer in red and white rather went under the radar.

Chalkboard

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

Arsenal may have finally replaced Granit Xhaka

Back in 2023, Arsenal decided to cash in on their enigmatic midfielder Granit Xhaka.

The Swiss came off the back of a career-best haul of nine goals and seven assists in all competitions so losing him was a bitter blow.

Unsurprisingly, his departure turned out to be key, even if Edu and Co did decide to sign Declan Rice that summer.

Xhaka was a vital component of the team that came so close to winning the league and his departure harmed the left-hand side of Arsenal’s attack.

No longer was Martinelli – a man who registered his own career best figures of 15 goals – being fed by his partner in crime. It left him to look rather average out on that left wing.

Well, in 2025, it looks as though Arteta has finally found the club’s new Xhaka in Merino.

The Spaniard had a pretty mediocre and troubled start to his career in the capital. Within days of his arrival, he sustained a shoulder injury, ruining his integration period at Colney.

While he did find the net in games against Liverpool and Brentford, we were not seeing the best of the former Real Sociedad man.

It’s remarkable, therefore, that it took a change in position for Merino to be unlocked fully. The game was that one against Leicester. Kai Havertz was out for the season and Arsenal needed a hero. On came Arsenal’s summer signing, having never played as a centre forward, to score twice.

Since then, he’s been exceptional in that striker berth, notably scoring against Chelsea and finding the net in that incredible 3-0 win over Real Madrid at the Emirates a few weeks ago.

Not just content with scoring goals, Merino has been a creative force too, demonstrating the type of traits Arteta has been crying out for since Xhaka left London behind.

While much of the Spain international’s good work has come as a striker, he’s also making an impact in midfield now, registering a cracking assist for Martinelli’s goal at Portman Road and supplying both of Arsenal’s goals in Spain a few days ago.

It’s that ability to ghost into the box that made Xhaka such a hit in his final campaign at Arsenal and is consequently the same attribute now making Merino a firm fan favourite.

In the words of Arsenal writer Charles Watts, the first half was a “45 minute clinic from Merino” who was “outstanding”.

Well, over the course of his 57 minutes on the field, he had 33 touches, won a whopping ten duels and completed six tackles, more than living up to a rather specific tag he was given upon arriving last summer.

Indeed, he was hailed as a “duel monster” by Gunners content creator Adam Keys, having been the only player in Europe’s top seven leagues to win over 300 duels last season.

So, it may have taken Merino several months to get up to speed after his £31.6m move but he’s now showing exactly why Arteta was so keen to sign him. At long, long last, it would appear Arsenal have someone capable of filling the Xhaka-shaped hole in the team.

Not just Trossard: 8/10 Arsenal ace produced his best game all season

Arsenal secured a convincing 4-0 win over Ipswich Town earlier on this afternoon.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 20, 2025

Over the last couple of years, Chelsea have been known to splash the cash in the transfer market, with Enzo Maresca the beneficiary of the investment from the hierarchy.

Since the takeover in May 2022, the board has invested over £1.3b into players to improve the first-team squad, whilst also keeping one eye on the future with the funds spent on youngsters.

Given the previous history in the window, it would be no surprise to anyone if the Blues spent heavily once again this summer as they look to provide the manager with added reinforcements.

With Champions League football potentially on the cards in 2025/26, added squad depth is also needed to compete, opening the door to further summer arrivals.

One position in particular is in serious need of investment this summer, with Maresca still yet to land any targets he desires after taking the reins last year.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker

Ever since the Italian took over from Mauricio Pochettino, he’s been demanding a new talisman at the top end of the pitch to help him in his quest to fight at the top end of the Premier League table.

Benjamin Sesko is one player who’s been largely touted with a move to Stamford Bridge over the last 12 months, with his name emerging on the list once again ahead of this summer.

The RB Leipzig star was named on a shortlist of strikers who the club are targeting in the coming months, a decision which is understandable given his record of 20 goals in 41 appearances this season.

However, he’s not alone on that list, with Ipswich Town centre forward Liam Delap also a name mentioned with a big-money transfer to West London.

According to Graeme Bailey, the Blues are leading the race for the 22-year-old’s signature, with the hierarchy willing to trigger his £30m release clause to reunite the pair after their time together at Manchester City.

Why a £30m PL star would be better than Sesko for Chelsea

Senegalese international Nicolas Jackson has been Chelsea’s number one striker over the last couple of seasons, but injuries have massively restricted him throughout 2024/25.

He’s only made 27 league appearances, scoring just nine goals, with Maresca desperately needing a new talisman in forward areas to catapult them to success in the near future.

Such form has led to links to Sesko, but if they are to complete any deal for the 21-year-old sensation, it would set them back at least £60m given his tender age and goalscoring record.

However, the recent emergence of a move for Delap could provide a cheaper alternative for the hierarchy, but it would also hand Maresca a better option in forward areas.

The fact the pair have previously worked together is a huge advantage in their pursuit, but when also comparing his figures to those of Sesko, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – showcasing how much of a superb addition he would be for the Blues.

The Ipswich ace, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has matched the Slovenian for goals scored, showcasing the attacking threat he possesses – offering that clinical edge the side have lacked.

He’s also managed to achieve a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, whilst registering more shot-creating actions, further offering Maresca an added threat should he move to the Bridge.

Delap has proven his all-round nature in the Premier League this season, attempting more take-ons and also completing more carries into the final third than Sesko – with the Englishman undoubtedly a better option.

There’s no denying that both players would improve the current centre-forward department in West London, further bolstering the ranks ahead of a potential title charge in 2025/26.

However, if they are to have the greatest chance of edging closer to such a feat, it’s evident from the figures produced that the Tractor Boys star is the man whom the hierarchy need to pursue a move in the coming months.

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By
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