Embora não tenha comemorado o empate por 1 a 1 com o Athletico-PR, na Arena da Baixada, em Curitiba, neste domingo (17), pela 30ª rodada do Brasileirão, o técnico do São Paulo, Fernando Diniz, avaliou positivamente o desempenho do seu time, no qual enxerga evolução.
Com o resultado diante do CAP, o Tricolor chegou ao seu terceiro jogo seguido sem vencer e, mesmo que siga líder do Brasileirão, agora com 57 pontos, vê o Internacional se aproximando, podendo reduzir a diferença para um ponto, caso vença o Fortaleza, no Beira Rio, em Porto Alegre, às 20h30, e com confronto direto entre as equipes marcado para esta quarta-feira (20), às 21h30, no estádio do Morumbi.
– Não é questão de comemorar, tem que comemorar a vitória. O Athletico vive o melhor momento na competição, jogar aqui, por conta das várias condições, a dificuldade do gramado, o time bem treinado, acostumado a jogar aqui… o Athletico, dos últimos cinco jogos, foi tomar gol hoje, tentou de tudo para garantir a vitória. Soubemos empatar e buscamos a vitória até o último minuto. Time mostrou evolução do que vinha fazendo. É seguir evoluindo para dar alegria ao torcedor – disse Diniz em coletiva virtual após a partida.
Ainda que tenha visto time bem contra o Furacão, Fernando acredita que o São Paulo foi melhor nos 45 minutos finais.
– O rendimento do time no segundo tempo melhorou. No primeiro tempo, jogamos abaixo, mas o jogo estava muito travado, tanto para nós, quanto para o Athletico. Time difícil de jogar aqui, tivemos a bola, mas eles tiveram duas linhas de quatro próximas dificultando o jogo – pontuou o treinador
– Segundo tempo, tanto na mudança tática, quanto de peças, a gente teve uma melhora, jogamos com linhas longas, inversão de jogo, time melhorou e foi melhor que o Athletico. Segundo tempo a gente teve mais próximo de ganhar do que o Athletico – acrescentou.
> Veja a classificação do Brasileirão e simule os próximos jogos
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Fernando Diniz admite que o São Paulo está longe do seu melhor momento, mas prefere avaliar o desempenho do time como um todo, além dos resultados.
– Não é terra arrasada, mas a gente avalia resultado, não jogo. Se a gente for analisar o jogo contra o Fluminense, no ano passado, a gente ganhou, mas não jogou bem, contra o Botafogo, contra o Sport a gente ganhou de 1 a 0, mas fomos bem, contra o Vasco, no momento de euforia, fomos mal, 0 a 0 em casa – comentou o técnico do São Paulo.
– Jogamos contra um time que há cinco jogos não tomava gol, time bem treinado, no segundo tempo jogamos bem, contra o Santos jogamos bem, e a equipe ficou mais perto de ganhar – completou.
Na liderança do Brasileirão, o São Paulo tem 57 pontos e busca voltar a levantar o caneco depois de 12 anos, já que a última conquista do Nacional pelo Tricolor foi em 2008. O Soberano também busca voltar a ganhar alguma competição depois de oito temporadas, já que o último título foi a Copa Sul-Americana de 2012.
Em meio a crise que os clubes atravessam na temporada 2020, o Athletico conseguiu uma boa notícia para o ano que vem. Através do site oficial, o Furacão comunicou a renovação do contrato de patrocínio com a Havan.
+ TABELA DE CLASSIFICAÇÃO DO CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO
Além da marca estampada na camisa de jogo, a empresa terá o nome exposto nos uniformes de treino e viagens do time paranaense.
Mario Petraglia, CEO do Athletico, não escondeu a sua satisfação pela permanência da Havan dentro do clube por mais um ano.
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‘A nossa parceria com a Havan é um sucesso. Mesmo neste ano atípico de 2020, a Havan esteve com o Athletico, acreditando no potencial e na seriedade dos trabalhos. Temos muito orgulho de sermos patrocinados pela gigante Havan’, afirma Mario Celso Petraglia.
Manchester City are believed to be keen on a mouthwatering transfer involving one of the brightest talents in all of world football, according to reports.
Man City news: Brighton victory, De Bruyne update, Phillips transfer news
On Saturday, City recorded a deserved 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium as goals from Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland cancelled out a reply from the visitors courtesy of Ansu Fati. Speaking in the aftermath of their triumph, Citizens boss Pep Guardiola afforded special praise to Belgian winger Jeremy Doku for his role in securing all three points, stating:
"After the West Ham game he didn’t play one or two (games) because of doubts he has to play game, game, game and he is not used to it. He is an exceptional winger.
"Jeremy is so smart in defensive areas and after, he has the quality. He got to the byline and got us the first goal and there were many actions. It’s the start of many years for him in this house."
In other news, a Kevin De Bruyne update from Football Insider claims that the midfielder could be made to wait for a new deal at the Etihad Stadium as concerns continue to mount regarding his injury record. The Belgium international is expected to be out until the New Year with a hamstring issue and there is reportedly "no urgency" from the Premier League champions to sit down for talks over a contract renewal, despite the fact that his current deal expires in the summer of 2025.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has issued a Kalvin Phillips update on the future of the midfielder, saying: "Understand both City and player side consider Kalvin Phillips’ January exit ‘very likely’ at this point. Kalvin will still fight to play as much as possible in the next two months but his plan is to be regular starter elsewhere in 2024."
Manchester City's next five fixtures – all competitions
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Man City transfer update – Jamal Musiala
According to a Man City transfer update from Football Insider, it is believed that the Citizens are now exploring a deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala, who also has interest in his services from Liverpool amid frustrations with his playing time under Thomas Tuchel.
One recruitment figure close to the situation has described the Germany international as a "potential world beater" to the outlet as his stock continues to rise at the Allianz Arena.
Champions League winner Musiala has managed to feature nine times in all competitions for Bayern Munich across all competitions this term, registering one goal and three assists in the process (Musiala statistics – Transfermarkt).
Maintaining an average WhoScored match rating of 7.06/10 for his exploits in the Bundesliga this campaign, Musiala is an extremely bright young player who could add another layer of elite quality to the Citizens' star-studded side.
Liverpool will inevitably target new additions in 2024, having impressed thus far during the 2023/24 season after an industrial midfield rebuild in the summer, though still not quite at full throttle.
Jurgen Klopp's side's midfield issues were exposed against Luton Town last weekend, with a lack of specialist defensive options inhibiting a possible title charge, while Andy Robertson's injury several weeks ago has underscored the need for left-sided reinforcements on the backline.
The frontline is in better shape, but could still welcome some exciting young talent to enrich the ranks and maintain Liverpool's attacking fluency across multiple fronts, and a rising star appears to have been earmarked.
Liverpool transfer news – Assane Diao
According to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, Real Betis winger Assane Diao is on Liverpool's radar after an impressive start to the season in LaLiga, though the Reds will face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The report mentions that the listed suitors have all made separate approaches over the past weeks, with Diao having 'dazzled' the Betis supporters with his electric displays.
Aged just 18, the Spain U21 international is reported to have a €30m (£26m) release clause embedded into his contract, with manager Manuel Pellegrini actively seeking to tie up fresh terms that will elevate that amount to €40m (£35m).
Assane Diao's style of play
Joining the Real Betis academy from Cadiz in 2021, Diao was originally slated for a central midfield role but maintained a level of attacking prowess that simply couldn't go unnoticed, prompting a move toward the left channel.
Having now scored four goals across his first ten professional appearances with his Spanish side, Diao is proving that decision right, possessing a natural eye for goal that has alerted the prestigious English clubs. Indeed, in total this term he has already found the net six times.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 23% for successful take-ons, the top 18% for tackles, the top 11% for interceptions, the top 1% for blocks and the top 6% for aerial wins per 90.
So what does this mean? Diao's natural predatory instinct is highlighted, striking at an age-belying rate so far, and while his goalscoring steals the headlines, he is progressive and tenacious in his application across the park.
Such skills could be a welcome addition to Liverpool's attacking options, with Luis Diaz certainly of a similar mould in his barrelling, breakneck motions toward the byline, having scored four goals from nine starts this term to emphasise his effectiveness.
With his shooting skills, Diao could benefit immensely from a dynamic centre-forward such as Darwin Nunez beside him in the frontline, with the Uruguayan striker hailed as an “agent of chaos” by journalist Theo Squires for the kaleidoscope of offensive tools he brings to the table.
Having posted seven goals and four assists already this season, Nunez ranks among the top 11% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 18% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for progressive carries per 90, emphasising his surging skills.
The £140k-per-week star is a dream for a rising talent of Diao's ilk to play alongside, and would only serve to enhance his skills on Merseyside.
Diao has been described as "sharp" and "intelligent" by journalist Josh Bunting and certainly looks to be a prospect worth investing in; given the riches Klopp possesses in an attacking regard already, he would find the perfect platform to continue his development at Anfield.
Manchester United are a club synonymous with transfer failures, with their desperation to return to the top often leading to misguided decisions in the market that have racked up over time.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson's 2012 retirement, the entire progression of the club has been around returning them to that level at any cost.
However, so many top managers have now been and gone at Old Trafford, with the likes of David Moyes, Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and many more all failing to make the Red Devils realistic challengers once again. It is worth noting that they surpassed the £1bn mark when it came to transfer spending since the legendary Scotsman's departure, and that was three years ago. That is a figure certain to be much higher now.
Erik ten Hag is the latest to take a swing at it, but even he seems to be struggling after an admirable first campaign in charge.
Whilst there are too many failed acquisitions to outline them all, with the likes of Paul Pogba and Angel Di Maria marking just a couple of the most lucrative, one of the biggest disappointments actually came with Eric Bailly, who promised much following his £30m move, but ultimately failed to deliver.
How good was Eric Bailly?
Given how dominant the Ivory Coast international had been for Villarreal despite his youth, many assumed that the centre-back would mark a fine investment set to star in the present and for the long-term future.
After all, he boasted all the necessary attributes to thrive in a modern-day defence, as a strong, powerful and aerially-dominant ace capable of playing out from the back with ease. As such, in his final year in La Liga, he would maintain a 77% pass accuracy and a 94% dribble success rate, partnered with 2.6 interceptions and 4.7 clearances per game.
He would then translate such form into a fine debut year, as his 7.25 average rating was facilitated by an 86% pass accuracy, 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game as well as five clearances per game, via Sofascore.
However, that was arguably his only impressive season with injuries then ravaging a promising career, taking away the speed that made him so useful, and the confidence that oozed through him when he first emerged onto the world stage.
Eric Bailly lines out for Manchester United as they play in the Europa League.
The 29-year-old would then fail to make more than 11 league starts in the five seasons that followed, emphasising such persisting ailments.
Bailly would endure seven torrid years with the Red Devils, overseen by four different permanent managers, and yet would only muster up an abysmal 113 total appearances. He has since joined Besiktas on a free transfer, but not before journalist Sam Tighe outlined just how bad a potential signing it could have been for Newcastle United: "Eric Bailly might genuinely be the worst signing they could possibly make. Just absolutely no case for it whatsoever."
One particularly woeful afternoon for the 49-cap flop came in 2021, as the talkSPORT team sought to dig him out for his role in helping Manchester City win yet another derby. Pundit Trevor Sinclair would first note: "What is Bailly doing? That is poor defending. If you can’t divert it away from goal, don’t touch the ball! See if you can let it run. We’re not surprised, are we? He’s a rash defender and he seems like he’s always got a mistake in him and he’s got it out the way early.
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"You can't teach an old dog new tricks and the ship has sailed for Bailly. He'll never be the composed defender Man United need."
Then, former United assistant Steve McClaren would pile on, claiming: "Bailly on both occasions is the culprit. Mistakes, bad bad defending."
If one performance could sum up Bailly's Manchester United career, then that was it. Mistake-prone and riddled with injuries, resulting in a costly waste of money.
What was said about Eric Bailly when he first signed?
However, as aforementioned, expectations were high after he had first signed, with many rushing to praise such business.
Mourinho, the man who tempted him to Manchester, would laud the potential and progression of his newest signing in 2016: "Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around. We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfil his potential. Eric is at the right club to continue his development."
However, it was a piece written by the Manchester Evening News that has truly aged poorly, as they suggested that the centre-back had all the attributes to be the club's new Nemanja Vidic.
Such a comparison was born from Bailly's claims after joining, as he had suggested: "I like John Terry, but, especially, Vidic. I watched them both on television when I was in Spain. They are very strong and powerful, like I try to be. Terry plays well and plays the ball well but Vidic was more hard and played really hard. He was my favourite player at Manchester United and in the Premier League. I want to be like him with my performances for United."
Having won all there was to win with United across his eight-year tenure there, it should come as no surprise that a young defender aspired to reach the level of a man who made it into four different PFA Team of the Years and kept 23 clean sheets during the 2008/09 season, conceding just 16 goals.
Football – Manchester United v Sunderland – Barclays Premier League – Old Trafford – 3/5/14 Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic (R) and Sunderland’s Connor Wickham in action Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason Cairnduff Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact y
He was a defensive rock and someone who earned huge praise from Ferguson for his warrior-like personality: "How many centre-halves can you name who actually like defending? Vidic liked it. He loved the challenge of sticking his head in there. You could tell that the thrill of contesting those 50-50 balls animated him".
Then, former teammate and partner Rio Ferdinand would supplement such a claim: "He became a defender that was feared. He could fight with the most physical, he crunched into tackles, he attacked the ball better than anyone I’ve ever seen. But as he will tell you with a smile, he could also play with the ball too, which made him complete and a great defender."
Ironically, whilst the Serbian destroyer remains a legend around Old Trafford, he too endured an injury-hit spell with Inter Milan before calling time on a glittering career. Perhaps, in the end, Bailly did turn out like the 41-year-old. Just not in the way he had hoped.
New Zealand booked their place in Sunday’s tri-series final, and brought England along with them in the process
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jun-20181:12
I’m just trying to keep up with Suzie Bates – Devine
New Zealand 151 for 2 (Devine 68*, Bates 62) beat South Africa 148 for 6 (Tryon 35) by eight wickets ScorecardNew Zealand booked their place in Sunday’s tri-series final, and brought England along with them in the process, as they eased to an eight-wicket victory over a lacklustre South Africa in the first of their T20 double-headers at Bristol.It was a must-win encounter for South Africa, who had always been up against it after a pair of record-breaking beatings in the opening round of tri-series fixtures in Taunton. And despite winning the toss and batting first, they struggled to make headway in a stodgy innings of 148 for 6, enlivened only in the latter stages by a breezy 15-ball 35 from Chloe Tryon.It was no sort of score to challenge New Zealand’s hard-hitting top-order, and Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine make sure there would be no recourse in an opening stand of 130 in 13.2 overs.Bates brought up her fifty from 39 balls and Devine from 31, and neither really needed to extend themselves in the process. There were a pair of late consolation wickets as Bates snicked a drive through to Lizelle Lee behind the stumps for 62 before Katey Martin was bowled by Zintle Mali for 10. But two more fours in as many balls from Devine, including a lofted flog over the covers, sealed the contest with 4.4 overs to spare.In the absence of Shabnim Ismail, who withdrew with injury before the toss, South Africa’s bowlers were lacking in its usual depth. With the bat, they had started with cautious intent, adding 40 for the first wicket before Lizelle Lee fell on the pull to square leg, whereupon Sune Luus was run out at the non-striker’s end without addition.Amelia Kerr, the talk of the women’s game after her record-smashing exploits in Ireland, added two wickets in two overs to account for South Africa’s middle order. And though Tryon tried her best, the result was hardly in doubt.
Leeds United former coach Jesse Marsch has been complimented by one of his former players in a recent interview regarding his impact on the youngster at Elland Road, as per latest reports.
What's the latest news involving Leeds United?
According to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay, who was speaking on the The Square Ball, Leeds United are likely to sell on-loan Roma defender Diego Llorente to the Serie A giants on a permanent basis.
Hay stated: "He’s gone to Roma and had a couple of loans out there, but Roma specifically didn’t activate the option that they had on him which I think was supposed to be the fee that Leeds had signed him for. Taking him on loan again I think there’s probably a high likelihood that he will go there permanently at some stage."
Meanwhile, Ilia Gruev, who was a late window signing for Leeds United from Werder Bremen, has revealed his preferred position after some appearances at centre-back on international duty, cited by The Yorkshire Evening Post, saying: "I feel much better in midfield. I play where the coach lets me."
As per Leeds Live, both Gruev and his new midfield counterpart Glen Kamara have picked up some valuable minutes during the international break with Bulgaria and Finland and will hope to be raring to go on Sunday when the Whites travel to face Millwall in a much-anticipated clash at The Den.
Transfer insider Ben Jacobs has revealed to GIVEMESPORT that Leeds United failed to add depth to their left-back department in the summer despite making an 'aggressive' approach for now-Sheffield United full-back Luke Thomas and also Burnley veteran Charlie Taylor.
What has Sam Greenwood said about Jesse Marsch?
Leeds United youngster Sam Greenwood joined Middlesbrough on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign late in the summer transfer window, and is capable of playing in either midfield or across the front line.
Greenwood has recently been speaking to The Northern Echo about his versatility and preferred position, and he also complimented former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch for making him a better player in a recent interview.
The 21-year-old stated: "My actual position is a striker or a 10. I like to shoot, anywhere around the box, I take set-pieces, I'm both footed and create opportunities to score. When I played midfield he (Marsch) saw something different with my passing range and said I was good at counter pressing, so that's why he put me there. But my main position is up-front and anywhere up-top. Playing in different positions can help, even if you don't think it at the time. It (playing midfield) made me a bit better on the ball I think, playing at such a high level out of position."
In his time at Leeds United, Greenwood has managed to chalk up 35 senior appearances in all competitions, registering one goal and five assists, as per Transfermarkt.
Now on loan at Middlesbrough, current Leeds United boss Daniel Farke will hope that he can gain some beneficial first-team experience before returning to Elland Road a more rounded player next summer.
If the draw in midweek against AC Milan in the Champions League was a sign of Newcastle United's resilience, Sunday's obliteration of wretched Sheffield United was evidence of the club's world-class firepower and ferocity.
Eddie Howe could not contain his delight, wearing a looping smile as he remarked that he could not even recall the goalscorers post-match, such was the brilliance of the Magpies' eight-goal destruction of Bramall Lane.
It was the second win on the trot for Newcastle after enduring a three-match skid in the Premier League, and there's now a real feeling that the cogs are combining to whir their season into life.
A display of remarkable attacking intent, Sheffield United were calamitous, yes, but the blade was more than dulled on Sunday evening, with Howe's side withstanding some early pressure before turning on the tap for a cascade of destructive football.
Eight different goalscorers. A testament to the collective quality on Tyneside, the manager ensured that there were multiple avenues to cause devastation – and havoc they did wreak.
How is Miguel Almiron performing this season?
There were so many pleasing performances in Yorkshire, and while he did not steal the show in Yorkshire, right-winger Miguel Almiron proved his worth after being benched against Brentford at St. James' Park the week before, scoring a well-taken goal after surging into the box in the second half.
Hailed for his 'pinpoint' finish and for 'bringing good balance' to the side by writer Jordan Cronin in his post-match ratings, the Paraguayan was lively and took 45 touches, completing 83% of his passes, succeeding with his one dribble, making two tackles and making one interception, as per Sofascore.
The forward had failed to open his account across six outings before the match, and while he has now staked his claim for a cemented starting berth once again – especially after Harvey Barnes was withdrawn with injury – it is centre-midfielder Elliot Anderson who was the unsung hero and another deserving of further minutes from the start of games.
How good is Elliot Anderson?
Having produced some "unbelievable" performances in pre-season – as Kieran Trippier proclaimed – Anderson was always likely to earn increased opportunities for Newcastle this season, and he certainly looks to be taking his chance.
Indeed, the 20-year-old was provided with a starting berth in the absence of the injured Joelinton and Joe Willock, with £55m summer signing Sandro Tonali also benched, and produced a calm, composed display to capture his manager's attention and declaim to the travelling fans his worth in this ambitious squad.
Having featured in every match this season and started the past two in the Premier League, the £30k-per-week machine was in fine fettle against Paul Heckingbottom's dismal side, earning a Sofascore rating of 7.6, completing 94% of his passes, making three key passes, winning seven duels and making three tackles.
Truly, it was some showing from the Toon academy graduate. And now there is evidence that Howe need not worry about the current injuries to key players – Anderson can fill the void and then some, "strutting" his stuff at the heart of such an incredible, galvanising victory, as was said by Cronin.
As per FBref, the 5 foot 10 star ranks among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 10% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for progressive carries, the top 6% for successful take-ons and the top 2% for blocks per 90.
While such superlative metrics have been skewed by his peripheral role over the past year, Anderson is clearly more than just an exciting prospect, and as the Magpies continue to soar, so shall he maintain an ascendency in tandem with his burgeoning outfit.
India’s spinners have taken 13 wickets in two matches. The alarm bells are ringing, but South Africa’s newly appointed stand-in captain is not ready to accept that in public yet
Sidharth Monga in Centurion04-Feb-20181:02
‘Kuldeep and I always look to bowl slow’ – Chahal
Aiden Markram knew what he was walking into when he accepted the captaincy of a depleted South Africa side in an ODI series against arguably the best team in the world. He is the second-youngest South Africa captain, his captaincy debut came in only his third ODI, and half way into the day he was sitting in a press conference trying to make sense of South Africa’s lowest score at home. Next to him sat the South Africa batting coach, Dale Benkenstein, as if to protect – where you can – the boy otherwise thrown to the wolves already.”Obviously, the guys are very upset and disappointed,” Markram said. “But the beauty of it is that everyone’s disappointed in themselves, and not in others in the team. That’s where the culture stands out, it stands strong. Each player will look to get better now going forward. It is a quick turnaround but it might fire the guys up going into the remaining four matches, which I think is a great thing for us.”India’s spinners have taken 13 South Africa wickets in two matches, with two of the remaining experienced batsmen in their middle order not looking good against spin. The alarm bells are ringing, but Markram is not ready to accept that in a press conference at least. Before the ODI, he said he saw no problem against spin, and after his side was bowled out for 118 he doesn’t call it a “danger”.”Look, obviously they are two quality bowlers in their own right,” Markram said of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, who bagged a five-for and a three-wicket haul respectively. “I don’t think we played them particularly well, and that’s where our downfall was today. Having said that, you are never going to come across a bad attack in international cricket, and you’re never going to come across a bad batting line-up in international cricket either. It’s just one of those things. I don’t think we played spin incredibly well, it’s obviously something we need to work on, but it’s not a massive danger for us, I don’t think.”In an ideal world, Markram would have played out most of the spin without taking too many risks. He would have liked to have taken the innings deep but he pulled a short ball straight to deep midwicket, one ball after Quinton de Kock had done that.”My general game plan is to try and take it quite deep, bat through the innings and let our attacking batsmen sort of play around me,” Markram said. “I obviously didn’t do that today, that’s what happens in cricket. I try to keep it as low-risk as possible, and then as soon as we get partnerships building, we’ll chat between players and identify which bowler we’d like to put some pressure on and which guy we think we should just going low-risk. It all depends on the day as well.”Aiden Markram looks to play a shot•Getty Images
It could be argued some of the batsmen that followed him didn’t really have much of a game plan. Markram was asked if the problem was not in the execution, but, in fact, in the absence of plans. “Look, I don’t think there’s too much of a lack of a game plan,” Markram said. “If you speak to each individual in our top six, top seven, each person has got a clear plan. So it obviously comes down to execution on the day. Like I said, they are two quality wristspinners and we give them credit. But I still think we can execute better, and that’s the nice thing. It’s not that something that’s drastic that has to change. The plans are in place, now we’ve just got to keep working hard to execute, that’s all.”Benkenstein was happy with the team’s intent – “230-240 wouldn’t have been a winning total anyway” – but he was more realistic about the challenge of facing these spinners. South Africa don’t come across such wicket-taking spinners every day, and it is not going to be easy to formulate plans with only two days between all ODIs.”It’s very difficult,” Benkenstein admitted. “Unless we can call them [Kuldeep and Chahal] into our nets for the practice. That’s the beauty of international cricket, you know. You’ve got to come up with a plan obviously. I guess everybody’s got the ability to do it. We’ve had two games and there are no excuses. We’ve got a few net bowlers who are a little bit slow. We saw Justin Ontong come and bowl those offspinners off his knee [to replicate Kedar Jadhav]. So, as management, we try and do everything possible, obviously.”But at the end of the day, the batters have got to work it out. They’ve got to execute their own game plan and obviously got to do their job out in the middle. So there isn’t much more that you can do in the nets. You’re not going to get them to come and bowl at you. That’s the tough thing about international cricket.”Benkenstein didn’t want his batsmen to give up attacking the spinners. “I’d much rather them playing that way than being too scared to hit the ball,” he said. “We can learn a lot a from the way Indian batters play spin. Any loose ball that our spinners bowl, they are looking to hit it for four or six. There is a bit of learning to be done there. The other tough thing is you are playing against two wristspinners, that a not a lot of players have played against. It does take time to get used to their change-ups, their variations.”
Arsenal have got their season underway with a strong start, as Mikel Arteta hopes to improve on the Gunners’ title challenging form of last campaign in 2023/24.
The Spaniard has led his side to two Premier League wins out of three so far, with the north Londoners dropping their first two points of the season last weekend at home to Fulham, in what was a dramatic affair at the Emirates.
It was far from the desired result for the Gunners, conceding in the opening minutes of the game for the third time this year at home, a feat that must be broken on Sunday as Arsenal host Manchester United in what promises to be a thriller.
What is the latest Arsenal team news against Manchester United?
After picking up a controversial red card against Crystal Palace on match week two, Takehiro Tomiyasu will now be back in contention to start after serving a one-match suspension.
On the injury front, Eddie Nketiah has emerged as a potential doubt after sustaining a knee injury against Fulham, however the Englishman may still be available to feature against United.
Gabriel Jesus made his return to action after missing the start of the season due to a knee problem in what is a huge boost for Arteta, who will have his first-choice striker available for the clash.
In terms of transfers, Kieran Tierney has departed on loan, while Rob Holding also bid farewell before the close of the transfer window, sparking rumours as to who could start at the back.
Will Gabriel Magalhaes start against Manchester United?
One area of confusion at the start of the campaign has been the absence of Gabriel Magalhaes from the starting line up, on the back of the 2022/23 season that saw the Brazilian feature in every Premier League fixture.
The 25-year-old has started on the bench for the opening games, in a shift of tactical options at the back that hasn’t worked perhaps as effectively as expected for Arteta.
Against Fulham, there was little cohesion in the shape at the back, with Thomas Partey starting at right-back, Ben White and William Saliba at centre-back and Jakub Kiwior on the left side.
One of the areas that made Arsenal tick last term was the combination of White and Oleksandr Zinchenko at full-back, with Saliba and Gabriel at the heart of defence, a dynamic that has been absent so far.
Against United, it’s not the time for the Spaniard to test the waters with unfamiliar set-ups, adding to the Brazilian’s claim to return to the starting eleven.
Lauded as a “monster” by journalist Jason Soutar, the 25-year-old earned a 7.1 Sofascore match rating last time the two sides faced competitively, winning 100% of his ground duels and contributing to dimming the noise of Marcus Rashford.
If deployed in his usual position on Sunday, the former Lille machine could repeat history at a time of need, with United’s lively Englishman hungry to open his scoring tally for the 2023/24 campaign.
In restoring the £27m man against the Red Devils, Arteta could also restore the cohesion and familiarity in defence for the Gunners, in a fixture that is a must-win for both teams considering their fierce rivalry.