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There might have been a nervy ten-minute spell in the second half, but last night’s game went about as well as it could have for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side went into the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie against AZ Alkmaar a goal down and in the knowledge that should they fail to overturn the deficit, their season was over.

Fortunately, the North Londoners came out flying and, on another night, could have easily won by an even greater margin.

There were stand-out performances across the pitch for the hosts, including Wilson Odobert and another youngster who looks set to reach the very top.

Tottenham's stand-out players vs AZ

Odobert moved over to the right in the starting lineup in place of Brennan Johnson last night, and to say he took his chance would be a massive understatement.

The French winger found himself in the perfect place to put away Dominic Solanke’s pass across the box in the first half to give his side the lead and then positioned himself brilliantly to do the same again in the second half, which restored their aggregate lead.

It wasn’t just his goals, though, as the former Burnley gem was a constant threat throughout his time on the pitch and didn’t give the Dutch backline a moment’s rest.

The watching press were just as impressed, with football.london’s Alasdair Gold giving him a 9/10 match rating at full-time for his match-defining efforts.

Unsurprisingly, his statistics make for great reading, as in 78 minutes of action, he amassed an expected goals figure of 1.03, scored two goals, took two shots on target, completed three of four dribbles, took 50 touches and even made one interception and two tackles.

Odobert’s game in numbers

Minutes

78′

Expected Goals

1.03

Goals

2

Shots on Target

2

Dribbles (Completed)

4 (3)

Touches

50

Interceptions

1

Tackles

2

All Stats via Sofascore

In all, it was the sort of performance that means he must now be simply undroppable for the next game, which could also be said for one of the other teenagers who started last night, a youngster who could be something truly special.

Spurs have found an undroppable star

The good news for Postecoglou is that you could make a compelling argument that the majority of last night’s starters put in performances that would make them undroppable.

However, in this instance, it was 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall who started at the base of midfield and put in what might just be his best display since moving to the club in the summer – even if he was somewhat involved in AZ’s goal.

The young Swede was absolutely everywhere on the pitch, putting out fires at one end and then popping up at the other to help progress the ball or play a lovely pass.

Gold was seriously impressed with the youngster, giving him an 8/10 on the night and describing his showing as ‘superb.’

At the same time, journalist Mitch Fretton went a step further, describing it as “generational.”

Bergvall’s game in numbers

Minutes

84′

Passing Accuracy

44/48 (92%)

Key Passes

1

Dribbles (Completed)

3 (3)

Touches

66

Duels (Won)

7 (7)

Interceptions

5

Tackles

2

All Stats via Sofascore

Such strong praise is more than backed up by the midfielder’s statistics, as in 84 brilliant minutes, he took 66 touches, completed 92% of his passes, played one key pass, completed 100% of his dribbles, won 100% of his duels and made five interceptions and two tackles.

Ultimately, it was a simply sublime game from the former Djurgården star and, just as with Odobert’s, one that has surely made him undroppable for the foreseeable future.

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Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 13, 2025

Jason Roy’s resurgent century had threatened to cancel out Rassie van der Dussen’s ton

Vithushan Ehantharajah27-Jan-2023Just when the ODI format was back to being maligned for its lack of entertainment, South Africa and England showed there was plenty of life in 50-over cricket with a belter in Bloemfontein. An undulating encounter was eventually taken by the Proteas, who rallied in the second half of the first of this three-match series to triumph by 27 runs.Having posted 298 for 7 batting first, they found themselves almost out of the game when England’s openers put on 146 for the first wicket in 19.2 overs. Jason Roy’s 113 looked to have cancelled out Rassie van der Dussen’s 111 earlier in the piece. But Sisanda Magala’s 3 for 46 reeled the visitors back before speed demon Anrich Nortje’s 4 for 62 knocked them down to claim a famous victory.Nortje could have had a maiden five-wicket haul had he not overstepped when Adil Rashid flapped a short ball to first slip. Nevertheless, victory puts South Africa that little bit closer to this year’s 50-over World Cup, with one out of five must-wins to confirm their place in the competition sealed in emphatic fashion.Roy’s hundred in pursuit of a target of 299 had nourishing qualities beyond what looked to be a certain result in his team’s favour. The Surrey opener’s form had been waning, across a lean spell in both limited-overs codes, which led to an axing on the eve of England’s successful T20 World Cup campaign.Coming into this series and his 111th ODI, the previous 14 white-ball innings for his country had produced an average of 16.9. Mixed in with averages of 8.50 for Oval Invincibles and 12.50 for Paarl Royals in The Hundred and SA20 respectively, the conversation had shifted from poor form to wondering if the 32-year-old was a spent force.Therefore you could understand the outpouring of emotion – part relief, part fury – when he swivel-pulled Nortje for four to move to three figures, becoming only the fourth to register 11 one-day hundreds. The 14 boundaries up to then – three of them sixes – reflected a return to the form that made him such a key part of England’s white-ball revolution leading into the 2019 World Cup success.Jason Roy lets out a roar after reaching a 79-ball hundred•Getty ImagesAlas, it was from Roy’s demise that things began to turn back the way of the Proteas. England required 104 from 20.5 overs, with skipper Jos Buttler set at the crease. But when he fell to a sharp leg cutter for 36 and David Willey was caught off a top edge – both to Nortje – the game had flipped. Sam Curran was nicked off by Kagiso Rabada before Nortje returned to remove Jofra Archer for his final wicket.It was left to Tabraiz Shamsi to complete the victory with a caught-and-bowled two deliveries into his sixth over. That in itself typified the turnaround – the left-arm wrist spinner had been destroyed for 55 in his first five.South Africa’s 298 for 7 looked a par score at the time, and just about proved as much. A second century against England for van der Dussen, supplemented by 53 from David Miller seemed to have them well set at the halfway stage. Yet the innings had a whiff of failing to launch at points.An opening stand of 61 between Quinton de Kock and skipper Temba Bavuma, who had won the toss, contributed to a Powerplay of 75 for 1 – higher than England’s 56 in the first 10 overs of their chase. They were then 171 for 3 in the 31st over with Heinrich Klassen looking to make hay, only to fall leg-before to Adil Rashid.Even with the twin spin threats of Rashid and Moeen Ali applying the brakes with pace off the ball, van der Dussen and Miller found themselves with license to swing in the final throes. However, after Archer’s ninth over, the 47th overall, was carted for 20, only 18 were managed from as many deliveries to the end, thanks to some exemplary death bowling from Curran who accounted for both established batters.Any jeopardy as far as the result was concerned had almost halved by the time Malan skied a delivery off seamer Magala, playing just his fourth ODI and first since January 2022. England’s openers had already picked off 146 in the 20th over, with 153 remaining from 30.3 when No. 3 Ben Duckett arrived to the crease in his first appearance in the format since November 2016.Tension ramped up once Duckett was caught behind for 3 – Nortje’s first – and Harry Brook bagged a duck on ODI debut for Magala’s second. All in, the top-order collapse was 3 for 6 across 12 balls.Sisanda Magala dented England’s progress with key wickets•Getty ImagesBy that stage, Roy had 85 from 64: what tentativeness there was at the start of his knock, with skews and the odd reach, had been replaced by towering heaves and crisp drives. Liberated by the comfort brought by a first half-century in eight innings since his unbeaten 101 against Netherlands last June, he continued to assert himself.It should have been a match-winning knock, but South Africa’s bowlers rallied superbly, particularly Magala who had the unenviable task of starting his spell in the 18th over, during the height of the opening carnage. Along with his accuracy which produced an economy rate of 5.11, his slippery bouncer proved incisive for his return.By contrast, it was a chastening return for Archer after 678 days out of the international fray. England’s 2019 Super Over hero conceded 81 from his 10 overs, but did at least pick up a dismissal when Wayne Parnell struck him to backward point.Archer’s participation after two years of battling stress fractures of the elbow and back was a boost in itself. That England threw away victory is far more of a concern for Buttler and head coach Matthew Mott to consider.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth yesterday demonstrated their determination to come back from a losing position after being two goals down with half an hour to go.

Pape Sarr and Heung-min Son managed to get themselves on the scoresheet in North London, potentially setting them up for Thursday’s Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar.

Ange Postecoglou has been a man under fire over the last few months given the current Premier League standing, which sees them occupy a place in the bottom half of the table.

Injuries have played their part, but the Aussie hasn’t helped himself in certain situations, even in yesterday’s showing, which saw them trail by two goals after some inexcusable defending.

However, there was a positive response after going behind to the Cherries, with numerous players impressing despite the struggles the Lilywhites faced before the comeback.

Spurs’ impressive performers against Bournemouth

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has returned from injury in recent weeks, providing that quality which has been greatly missed in his absence – with his showing against the Cherries one of the best since his comeback.

The Italian made six saves during his 90-minute performance, making three saves in the first couple of minutes of the encounter and handing Ange’s side the platform to get themselves a point late on.

Full-back Djed Spence has been a player who has been the beneficiary of the injury crisis, allowing for regular minutes and staking his claim for a key role under the Aussie.

Yesterday was no different for the 24-year-old, who completed 94% of the passes he attempted, whilst winning 100% of the tackles that he entered – having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch.

Such a display is evidence of the level he is capable of, needing regular minutes to continue his development in North London, which could see one player sold in the summer – with his latest showing not doing himself any favours.

The Spurs player who needs to be sold after 3/10 display

Given the disappointing campaign, it’s no surprise to see players fail to live up to the high levels of expectations they have set themselves during their time at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

One of those is full-back Pedro Porro, with the Spaniard registering four goals and seven assists in his first full campaign in North London during 2023/24.

However, despite notching two goals and seven assists in the ongoing campaign, questions have been asked about his long-term future at the club, especially with Spence’s form in the first team.

The 25-year-old has struggled in recent matches, with the draw against Bournemouth no different, misplacing the pass for the visitor’s opener and subsequently being caught out of position in the process.

Porro also failed to complete any of his three attempted dribbles, finding a teammate with just 44% of his crosses – looking wasteful when finding himself in forward areas.

Minutes played

87

Touches

79

Passes completed

32/46 (70%)

Dribbles completed

0/3 (0%)

Crosses completed

4/9 (44%)

Ground duels won

3/7 (43%)

Fouls committed

1

Possession lost

27x

The full-back, who was labelled “absolutely terrible” by one Spurs podcaster, also only came out on top in 43% of his ground duels – struggling to contain opposition winger Antoine Semenyo.

As a result of his showing, he was handed a 3/10 match rating by Daily Express journalist Tom Parsons – highlighting how disappointing he was for Ange’s side, with Spence managing to outshine him during the draw.

Given his lack of positive impact, coupled with Spence’s emergence over the last few weeks, Postecoglou may want to cash in on Porro’s services – especially if Real Madrid still want a move for him.

The Englishman is a younger option for Spurs, whilst also being a more effective one if recent form is to go by, allowing for the Aussie to potentially invest money into other areas of the first team squad.

Fewer touches than Vicario: Ange must drop 3/10 Spurs dud after Bournemouth

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ByEthan Lamb Mar 9, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Estamos perto de completar cinco meses de competições oficiais no futebol brasileiro neste ano e dificilmente vamos colocar algum clube que tenha sido melhor do que o Palmeiras até aqui. Testado nos mais diversos níveis nacionais, continentais e mundiais, o time de Abel Ferreira sobra no país e assume a liderança do Brasileirão com méritos, mas tem faltado ressalvas para tentar desmerecer.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasVídeoVÍDEO: Abel diz que Palmeiras entrará em campo ‘sobrecarregado’ nos próximos jogosVídeo12/06/2022PalmeirasGustavo Scarpa entra em Top-10 de jogadores que mais venceram pelo Palmeiras no séculoPalmeiras12/06/2022PalmeirasAbel Ferreira utilizou pelo menos uma ‘Cria da Academia’ nos últimos oito jogos do PalmeirasPalmeiras12/06/2022

GALERIA
> Confira os públicos do Palmeiras no Allianz Parque em 2022

TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2022 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

Aliás, tem faltado, mas há quem ainda tente buscar argumentos para não reconhecer o que o Verdão tem feito em 2022 e nas últimas temporadas. A questão não é elogiar o clube a qualquer custo, nem impedir que seja criticado. O bom debate permite que se faça pontuações a favor e contra determinados assuntos, é assim que as discussões têm potencial para enriquecer o conhecimento por aqui.

O problema é que os argumentos utilizados para colocar os pontos negativos no Palmeiras deste ano estão sendo cada vez mais vazios. Parece até que as ponderações são feitas pela necessidade de não ter apenas elogios. “Vamos criticar aqui para fazer uma média”, ou “não é interessante levantar tanto esse feito”. Me parece raso demais, para não dizer que sentimos um certo teor de clubismo no tema.

Algo que foi falado em algumas oportunidades após a vitória sobre o Coritiba, no último domingo, foi a “falta do futebol vistoso”, ou seja, por mais que tenha feito tudo o que já fez, ainda falta apresentar o futebol bonito, que absolutamente nenhuma equipe tem mostrado. Classificar o futebol de 2022 do Verdão como “eficiente” é de uma pobreza atroz, esse patamar já foi superado há algum tempo.

Em algumas entrevistas coletivas, Abel Ferreira costuma usar o termo “professores de Deus” para se referir aos críticos e àqueles que parecem saber de tudo, mais do que qualquer outra pessoa. Me parece ser esse o caso de quem lança a “carta” do “mas o Palmeiras não joga bonito”, é o toque do especialista sobre o tema em voga. Anteriormente, os mesmos já falaram em sorte e falta de repertório.

A liderança do Verdão no Brasileirão é conquistada com o melhor ataque, a melhor defesa e o melhor saldo de gols. Embora tenha somente um ponto de diferença para o Corinthians, o nível de apresentação de cada um é incomparável, com uma distância de qualidade e trabalho que não cabe em uma página para explicar.

No entanto, o campeonato no Brasil tem suas particularidades, que por vezes impedem que resultado e desempenho caminhem juntos na tabela. O Timão joga mal e vem somando pontos, o Alviverde demorou um pouco mais para juntar os dois fatores e atinge o topo com mais méritos do que qualquer outro time que já esteve lá nesta edição, pois já vem jogando bem desde o início da competição.

Isso tudo não quer dizer que o Palmeiras não tenha defeitos, pelo contrário, tem sim. Há questões que precisam ser aperfeiçoadas, como a conclusão das jogadas, que já tiraram pelo menos quatro pontos em casa da equipe: contra Fluminense e Atlético-MG. Apesar do volume grande no ataque, ainda falta um capricho final para que a eficiência seja ainda maior, mas nada a ver com futebol vistoso.

A opinião aqui é em relação ao vazio que se imprime em um debate que poderia ser muito mais rico, mas é empobrecido por motivações que ficam difíceis de entender. Quando um clube, sua gestão, seu treinador e elenco fazem quase tudo certo, por que a gente coloca uma ressalva tão subjetiva? O que estamos contribuindo para a discussão? Brigar com o óbvio fica feio demais. Pensemos melhor.

Números do Palmeiras na temporada 2022
37 jogos
27 vitórias
8 empates
2 derrotas
80,2% de aproveitamento
78 gols marcados (2,11 por jogo)
19 gols sofridos (0,51 por jogo)
Saldo de 59 gols

– Melhor mandante do ano: 88,33%
– 2º Melhor visitante do ano: 70,59% (Ceará é o melhor com 72,55%)
– Melhor campanha geral e título Paulista
– Campeão da Recopa Sul-Americana
– Melhor campanha da história da fase de grupos da Libertadores
– Líder do Brasileirão, melhor ataque e melhor defesa

Chelsea have been known to conduct numerous high-profile deals through January transfer windows in the past, not being afraid to splash the cash in the winter months.

Rewind just a couple of years, Enzo Fernández joined the Blues in a £106.8m deal from Benfica – a deal which at the time broke their club-record transfer fee.

Mykhailo Mudryk also arrived during the same transfer window from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee in the region of £88m, looking to provide added quality in wide areas under then-boss Graham Potter.

However, the Ukrainian has been unable to make any form of positive impact at Stamford Bridge since his big-money move, scoring just ten times in his 73 appearances.

Such form has led to the club dipping into the transfer market this month to try and improve the options available at Enzo Maresca’s disposal for the rest of the Premier League season and beyond.

Chelsea’s hunt for a new winger in January

Alejandro Garnacho has been one name that has been mentioned over a move to West London in recent weeks, with current side Manchester United open to parting ways with the Argentine this month.

The 20-year-old has made 32 appearances throughout 2024/25, scoring eight times, leading to interest from the Blues and Napoli, with the Red Devils demanding a fee in the region of £55m to sell their star youngster.

Another name that has been thrown into the mix is Borussia Dortmund’s English attacker Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, but Maresca’s side would face huge competition from Liverpool for his signature.

Both sides have sent scouts to watch the talented youngster, but neither have yet made an offer to prise the former Manchester City academy star away from the Bundesliga outfit.

With no progress yet to be made on either of the two deals, time is ticking with the window having less than two weeks left until it slams shut, which could see the club target alternative options.

Transfer Focus

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

Chelsea could land winger who’s better than Gittens

Given the nature of the targets which have regularly cropped up in recent weeks, it’s evident that Maresca and the hierarchy feel as though a winger is needed between now and the end of the month.

Garnacho and Gittens have emerged as two of the leading candidates to fulfil the positions in wide areas, but with time running out in the window, other players may need to be considered over a move to West London.

The Blues have been the home to numerous attacking stars and could land themselves another one in the form of Atlético Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has previously been of interest to Maresca.

The Spaniard was linked with a move to the Bridge at the start of January, but no progress has been made in a deal to land the 22-year-old who currently has a £50m release clause in his contract.

However, when delving into his figures from the ongoing campaign, Williams has produced numerous stats that are better than Gittens highlighting what a phenomenal addition he would be to the Blues in their hunt for a top-four spot.

The Bilbao star, who’s been dubbed “one of the best wingers” by analyst Ben Mattinson, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but he’s certainly a complete package when it comes to beating a player and producing a high volume of scoring opportunities. He has registered more progressive passes and more carries into the final third per 90 – highlighting his attacking threat.

Williams has also managed to achieve more shot-creating actions, along with a higher tally of crosses completed per 90, handing other players in the squad the ammunition needed to succeed in the final third.

Given his impressive form for Bilbao in recent times, the youngster would be a superb player for Maresca’s squad, offering the added threat he’s so desperately been hunting for in recent weeks.

His release clause could be a potential bargain – particularly as Gittens has reportedly been valued at £85m – and if he is to carry over his superb form from LaLiga to the Premier League, it could be a wonderful piece of business.

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2

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Jan 22, 2025

Worcestershire 87 for 0 (Libby 42*, Pollock 36*) trail Sussex 220 (Carson 58, Coles 54, Hudson-Prentice 51, Leach 4-37) by 133 runsJoe Leach took his 400th first-class wicket as Worcestershire dominated Sussex on day one at Hove to keep their slim promotion hopes alive in the LV= Insurance County Championship.The Pears realistically need to win all three remaining Division Two games and put themselves in a strong position after dismissing Sussex for 220, with Leach claiming four for 37.That modest total represented a recovery by Sussex who had been 23 for five before half-centuries by Fynn Hudson-Prentice, James Coles and Jack Carson revived them.But the pitch held few terrors for Worcestershire’s openers Ed Pollock and Jake Libby who posted 87 without loss before bad light ended play six overs early.After the teams observed a minute’s silence in memory of Queen Elizabeth II, Leach settled into a probing line to the four left-handers at the top of the Sussex innings, taking three for 16 in his seven-over new-ball spell to leave Sussex in tatters after they had won the toss.Ali Orr played on to his Leach’s fifth ball and he pinned Tom Alsop lbw with the second delivery of his second over, a fullish delivery that swung back just enough. A similar length accounted for Tom Clark in Leach’s fourth over as the batsman played across the line.Dillon Pennington struck with his first ball when he extracted some extra bounce and Oli Carter touched it tamely to the wicketkeeper. Tom Haines, returning from a broken hand, faced 36 balls and batted for 63 minutes for his two runs but the Sussex captain played on to Ben Gibbon’s second ball.But as is so often the case at Hove, batting gets easier once the new ball loses its hardness and Hudson-Prentice, Coles and Carson led the recovery.Hudson-Prentice was dropped at second slip by Jack Haynes on 36 but added 76 with Coles, counterattacking effectively until Pennington found just enough seam movement to have him caught behind for 51 (64 balls, 7 fours) just after lunch.Leach returned and reached his milestone courtesy of a smart low catch by Hayes off Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who has joined Sussex for their last three Championship matches of the season. His side were back in trouble at 106 for seven.But Sussex’s last three wickets more than doubled the score, the fightback led by Coles and Carson, who was playing his first match of the season after recovering from knee surgery.Coles progressed to his second half-century of the season, made in a shade under three hours. At the other end Carson was more aggressive as they added 87 in 18 overs. Coles had just reached his second half-century of the season when Pennington dropped short, and he picked out Azhar Ali on the deep backward square boundary for 54 (132 balls, 9 fours).After Henry Crocombe holed out to mid-off, Carson was last out for 58 (74 balls, 9 fours) when he was run out by Libby’s direct hit coming back for a second run.Ashraf has been brought in to bolster a seam attack without Ari Karvelas and Steve Finn, who are out for the rest of the season but both he and the rest of the Sussex seamers struggled to break through.Pollock gave one chance on 34 but was dropped at slip by Tom Alsop off Haines to confirm it was Worcestershire’s day.