Six franchises that dominated the game in different periods, from the Trinidad and Tobago side of the early 2010s to the current Mumbai Indians team
Matt Roller and Gaurav Sundararaman19-Apr-2020These six franchises have all had dominant periods, but which run do you think is the most impressive?
Giants second baseman Casey Schmitt was one of the few batters to get a hit off of Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Sunday, but he was also one of his seven strikeout victims. Schmitt was the final batter Yamamoto faced and he struck out looking on a ball up in the zone.
While home plate umpire John Bacon rang him up in an animated fashion, Schmitt spun around to argue the call, throwing his arms up in disbelief. To Bacon's credit, he heard Schmitt out while he tossed a ball out towards the mound and let him walk away without tossing him.
Bacon was obviously confident that he had the call right this time and with good reason. Schmitt was probably just frustrated with how effectively Yamamoto moved the ball around the zone in this at-bat and left him watching a strike go by after he just chased one low out and outside.
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the All-Star break with the second best record in baseball at 58–39. Yamamoto is 8–7 on the season after his latest no-decision despite the fact that he scattered three hits over seven scoreless innings on Sunday.
Chicaog Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg died on Monday. He was 65.
The Hall of Fame second baseman played 16 seasons in the majors, 15 of them in Chicago. Throughout the course of his career, Sandberg won nine Gold Gloves, seven Silver Slugger awards, and was named NL MVP of the 1984 season.
Tributes poured in for Sandberg from across the baseball world. MLB Network put together a video package celebrating the life and playing career of Sandberg, highlighting some of the brightest moments of his career. You can watch that below.
The Cubs will wear a patch in honor of Sandberg on their uniforms for the remainder of the season.
RIP to a Cubs legend.
GOAL’s writers found no shortage of drama in the Conference semis, highlighted by Messi’s Miami rolling on and Son Heung-min’s LAFC crashing out in dramatic fashion.
And then there were four. After a month of playoff chaos – interrupted by that odd two-week break due to international duty – MLS finally has its Conference finalists: Inter Miami, NYCFC, San Diego FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps. All four got here after a wild weekend. Miami went on the road to their biggest Eastern Conference rivals and dismantled them behind another dose of Lionel Messi brilliance. NYCFC followed by taking down the Philadelphia Union on their own pitch — a result that somehow feels both surprising and strangely predictable.
Out West, things were a little more intriguing. Vancouver and LAFC played out what was, without a doubt, one of the best MLS games in history. Tied 3-3 before extra time, and pens needed to win it? Yes please. Had Son Heung-Min's penalty kissed the inside of the post rather than slamming off it, we'd have a totally different story here. And then, a word for San Diego, who managed the ugliest of 1-0 wins over a predictably resolute Minnesota United.
What we’re left with is genuinely compelling. It was a chaotic weekend, and the picture is suddenly much clearer – so what does it all mean now? Are Miami truly unstoppable? And what’s been the standout element of these predictably unpredictable playoffs? With the conference finals now set, GOAL U.S.’s writers break down the MLS postseason so far.
Manchester United are now reportedly racing Arsenal to sign Serhou Guirassy from Borussia Dortmund amid rumours that he has a release clause worth just £45m for selected clubs.
The Reds Devils successfully overhauled their frontline last summer, but could now be aiming to add that extra bit of quality now that Ruben Amorim’s side have found form. Before the international break, they stretched their unbeaten run to five games and will be desperate to continue that run when they play host to David Moyes and Everton on Monday night.
Despite their cost-cutting measures elsewhere, INEOS have shown a willingness to spend big on improving Amorim’s side and 2026 is unlikely to be any different. Those at Old Trafford are already reportedly eyeing a move to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and after his recent rise, no one’s doubting that he’d be an excellent addition.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has also been full of praise for the Man United target during the November international break, telling reporters: “Anderson is a key player for us at the moment. He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League – that’s why he is with us and starting for us.
“He deserves it because he has been nothing but impressive. He has to keep on going now though. He is a very complete and mobile midfielder, and that’s what he keeps showing me.”
It would be an incredibly positive sign if United managed to welcome such a promising player next year, before then potentially shifting their focus towards signing yet another attacker. Having already welcomed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig and the Bundesliga last year, reports are claiming that INEOS could be heading back to Germany.
Man Utd racing to sign Guirassy
As reported by Caught Offside, Man United are now racing to sign Guirassy from Borussia Dortmund alongside PSG and Premier League rivals Arsenal. The forward has been a late bloomer, but is now one of Europe’s most clinical strikers. And with reports claiming that his release clause is worth just €50m (£45m) to a selection of clubs, the Red Devils should go all out.
Minutes
788
621
Goals
5
2
Assists
1
1
Expected Goals
5.6
2.1
Although Sesko is very much the future of United’s attack, Guirassy could quickly ease the pressure on the forward’s shoulders in 2026. The 29-year-old could guarantee Amorim goals in the here and now, with five to his name already in the Bundesliga this season.
Casemiro 2.0: Man Utd make £79m bid for "one of the best DMs on the planet"
Man Utd’s midfield could be improved grealty with this signing
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Just how stubborn Dortmund will be amid interest in Guirassy is the question. Former German international went as far as to dub the forward one of the “most complete” he’s ever seen in incredibly high praise. For Dortmund to lose that would be a major blow, but as January approaches their star man could be one to watch.
Man Utd now considering January Antoine Semenyo move as release clause emerges
Danny Rohl has wasted no time before making some changes at Rangers and has already welcomed one player back into the fold to reverse one of Russell Martin’s decisions.
After nothing short of a disastrous season so far, Rangers enter their game against Brann in the Europa League in desperate need of victory on Danny Rohl’s debut.
The former Sheffield Wednesday boss has replaced Russell Martin to end the 49ers’ search for a manager, which saw both Steven Gerrard and Kevin Muscat lead the race before Rohl took the job.
Rohl already gets January promise from Rangers board as Cavenagh eyes two moves
The new Rangers boss could welcome some key upgrades…
By
Tom Cunningham
Oct 23, 2025
It’s been a big week for the young manager as he prepares for his first game in charge, but he admitted that his players already have a “clear” idea of what he wants.
That said, there’s no denying that it won’t be an easy fix at Ibrox this season and several changes are undoubtedly needed. Alas, for the time being, Rohl will have no choice but to make those changes using the current squad and that has already seen one player make his return to the fold.
In his first big change, Rohl has recalled Clinton Nsiala to first-team training for the first time since Martin told the France youth international he could leave the club in the summer.
Nsiala’s re-call represents the clean slate that the Gers are now operating with under Rohl and one that several stars should use to make their mark for the first time in Scotland.
It would certainly be quite the move if Nsiala came in for his first appearance of the season in the Europa League and his first game since the quarter-final of the competition in the last campaign, but it’s one that Rohl could make.
The return of the defender could prove to be an early masterstroke, too. Whilst he didn’t feature under Martin, he started nine games in the Scottish Premiership last season and lost just once. Given Rangers’ defensive problems in the current campaign and how he’s taken previous opportunities, it’s only right that a return is on the cards.
With Brann tonight and Kilmarnock at the weekend, it’s the type of week which may steer Rangers in the right direction for the first time this season.
Leeds United need to pick up wins in the Premier League, and fast.
The Whites’ clash with Nottingham Forest this weekend already feels like a pivotal clash when judging their campaign’s narrative so far, with another defeat pushing them closer to the relegation zone, after stumbling to a horrible 3-0 loss against Brighton and Hove Albion.
If the defeats keep piling up, Leeds could dismiss Daniel Farke, even after all his promotion heroics, with Liam Rosenior allegedly already being looked at as one possible replacement.
He can save his skin for another day if he steers Leeds to a victory at the City Ground, with the German surely tempted to drop Brenden Aaronson for this vital showdown, who is struggling to hit consistent form in the Premier League.
Aaronson's ongoing Premier League struggles
If you sat someone down and played them Aaronson’s highlight reel from Leeds’ recent 2-1 home success against West Ham United in isolation, they would surely think the American was a well-established Premier League star.
Indeed, Aaronson put in a man-of-the-match-worthy showing against Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, as a rare top-flight goal came his way.
On top of that, he also won eight ground duels, completed all three of his dribbles, and notched up two key passes for his troubles. Safe to say, he was a thorn in West Ham’s side all night long.
That’s what makes his no-show performance against Brighton the match directly after his West Ham display so much more bewildering, as Aaronson receded into his shell with zero shots or zero dribbles registered.
However, to the hardened Leeds regulars, this isn’t the greatest shock to see such a notable dip in form, with ex-Leeds player Jon Newsome once calling out Aaronson for being “lightweight” when occasionally ducking away from challenges and tussles.
Also said to not be “good enough” to be a regular at the top level by Newsome, which is backed up by that meagre one goal being his only meaningful goal contribution so far this season, he could be dropped for Leeds’ next crunch tie against Sean Dyche’s Tricky Trees.
Games played
46
Minutes played
3024 mins
Goals scored
3
Assists
2
Regularly falling victim to goalless displays in the EFL, too, Aaronson now looks to be on borrowed time as a Premier League must for Farke.
He isn’t the only figure who massively underwhelmed at the Amex, though.
Once "indispensable" Leeds star is also on borrowed time
Unfortunately, the cruel beast of the top division is sometimes a hard one to adjust to.
Thankfully, Joe Rodon has taken to his new, daunting environment well, after being in Farke’s XI week in, week out in the Championship, with two goals already collected. Fellow Welshman, Ethan Ampadu, on the other hand, has been up and down so far since promotion was sealed.
The Leeds captain is, arguably, a victim of his own success in Farke’s current set-up, with Ampadu judged as an “indispensable” part of Leeds’ midfield when promotion was being eyed up, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.
His numbers back that up, too, with the Wales international making 4.4 ball recoveries and winning 5.1 duels on average last season, when injuries weren’t stopping him in his tracks. Rodon would manage just 4.0 and 4.3, on the contrary.
Yet, even such a well-recognised part of the German’s lineup is prone to an off-display here and there, too, as the former Chelsea man experienced away at the Seagulls.
Ampadu would only win 50% of his duels against Fabian Hurzeler’s men, with the Brighton boss perhaps even enraged that Ampadu wasn’t sent off when taking out two-goal sensation Diego Gomez in the second half, as the usually assured presence of the number four was nowhere to be seen.
With Anton Stach now at the ex-Norwich City manager’s disposal, who has won 4.7 duels this season in the Premier League – which trumps Ampadu’s own count of 4.4 – Farke might be prepared to drop Ampadu here and there for other midfield stars to shine.
After all, with his poor injury record also seeing him miss three games this season already, it’s clear that this depth will need to be utilised, with Ampadu arguably not one of the first names on the teamsheet, like he used to be.
Rarely-seen Leeds talent could be a surprise Aaronson replacement
Daniel Farke could soon surprisingly throw this Leeds United academy gem into the first team.
1 ByKelan Sarson Nov 4, 2025
Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro is in no doubt: Florian Wirtz "definitely" would have joined Real Madrid rather than Liverpool during the summer had he been offered the chance to follow Xabi Alonso to Santiago Bernabeu. "But Xabi has less say at Madrid than he did with us," Carro pointed out in an interview with Sport1. "One of Alonso's greatest strengths was his ability to work with our scouting department to define who needed to be in our team, but Florentino Perez decides the transfers at Madrid – not Xabi Alonso."
Consequently, Wirtz was left with three serious suitors to choose from: Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Liverpool. After careful consideration, he went with the latter.
However, as Wirtz wonders – just like the rest of us – whether he'll start for Liverpool in Sunday's massive Premier League showdown with City, it is worth asking if he made a mistake moving to Anfield? And might he actually have been better off at the Etihad instead?
Getty'Wanted to be a part of this team'
There were many reasons why Wirtz picked Liverpool over City and Bayern. He was struck by both the quality of Arne Slot's side – and the club’s facilities – after Leverkusen were routed by the Reds in last season's Champions League. He was also blown away by the stunning scenes of celebration on Merseyside that followed Liverpool's record-equalling 20th English title triumph in May. "I just wanted to be a part of this team," he told the club's official website.
What really won Wirtz over, though, was the promise of not just becoming a part of Slot's side, but being absolutely integral to it. According to Liverpool sources, it was the Dutchman's detailed plan for Wirtz that effectively sealed the deal.
Whereas Wirtz reportedly had doubts over whether he would play regularly as a No.10 at Bayern because of the presence of Jamal Musiala at the Allianz Arena, he would literally be central to attacking strategy at Anfield, deployed in his preferred position just behind the centre-forward. However, Slot's plan for Wirtz appears to have already been scrapped – or at least shelved – because of Liverpool's incredibly erratic form.
AdvertisementGetty Images'Damages' Liverpool's balance
Wirtz started Liverpool's first four games of their 2025-26 Premier League campaign – and in his familiar attacking midfield role. However, he wasn't involved in a single goal during that winning run, which inevitably led to online mockery and intense media scrutiny of his transfer fee.
So, when the Reds' results took a serious turn for the worse, Wirtz became something of a scapegoat, even though his obvious struggles with the pace of the Premier League had absolutely nothing to do with his team's far more costly inability to deal with set-pieces.
"I think Wirtz actually damages the balance of Liverpool and how they play," former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney said on his podcast. "He's a top player and I'm sure he will get better – but he's had a slow start and I think there's no denying that. I've seen players come into this league and it takes time.
"But it's not the price tag. It's not the player or his ability. I just don't see where he fits into what Liverpool do in that [4-3-3] system. Is he a third midfield player? For me, no, he's more of an attacking player. So, if I have to choose between him and [Dominik] Szoboszlai, then I choose Szoboszlai."
Worryingly for Wirtz, Slot is now favouring the Hungarian too.
Getty Images SportUpstaged
Amid all of the excitement surrounding Liverpool's unprecedented summer of spending, Szoboszlai became something of an after-thought. The versatile No.8 may have played a major role in last season's title triumph with his remarkable work-rate, but the presumption was that Wirtz would take his spot in Slot's starting line-up.
The German was widely regarded as a massive – and necessary – upgrade on Szoboszlai, whose end product has been repeatedly criticised by the likes of Jamie Carragher. Even Slot stated earlier this year that he wanted more goals and assists from Szoboszlai.
In that context, Liverpool's willingness to push the boat out to sign Wirtz made perfect sense. He was the most coveted No.10 on the market, a young man who had already proven himself highly adept at both scoring and creating goals.
However, while Wirtz has yet to get off the mark for his new club, Szoboszlai has already scored twice, including a fantastic free-kick winner against Arsenal. Even more surprisingly, Szoboszlai, Liverpool's undisputed player of the season so far, also has twice as many assists (four) as Wirtz in all competitions.
When one also considers that the Hungary captain played a starring role in last season's win over City at the Etihad, there appears little doubt that Slot will field his trusted title-winning trio of Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister on Sunday – particularly as they laid the foundation for the wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid that arrested the Reds' recent slide.
So, is Rooney right, then? Is there no room for Wirtz in Liverpool's strongest side? And if so, should he have pushed to join City despite his alleged doubts over Pep Guardiola's long-term future at the club?
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AFPCity a better fit?
It's been widely reported that Guardiola identified Wirtz as the ideal replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract expired at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, and it would be easy to understand why. Wirtz, with his mix of industry and innovation, fits the profile for Pep’s perfect 10. So, why didn't the German end up at the Etihad?
Well, that very much depends on who you talk to, because there are those that claim that City felt that Wirtz was overpriced at £100 million ($130m), while others insist that the player walked away from the deal because Guardiola could offer no guarantee that he'd extend his stay in Manchester beyond 2027.
If Wirtz really did reject City, it is possible that he's regretting that decision now, given he probably would have immediately settled into one of the two attacking midfield roles in Guardiola's 4-1-4-1 formation. After all, Rayan Cherki is already enjoying a more productive start to his Premier League career than Wirtz. Despite being hindered by a thigh problem that ruled him out of action for more than a month, the Frenchman has already racked up eight direct goal involvements since signing for City just before the Club World Cup.
As plenty of critics have been quick to point out, Liverpool were also considering signing Cherki if their audacious move for Wirtz failed to come off – and it would certainly be hard to argue against the £30m ($42m) signing from Lyon looking like a better-value buy right now.
Former Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann has urged the Bundesliga champions to reconsider a reported early contract extension for Harry Kane, labelling the idea "madness" despite the star striker's incredible form. The club legend warned that Kane's age and defensive workload pose a risk, and he fears Bayern could suffer a mid-season collapse.
Hamann slams timing of proposed new contract
Despite the England captain's phenomenal goalscoring form, Hamann believes offering a new deal to the 32-year-old would be a serious misstep, citing concerns over his age and long-term impact.
He strongly advised against the club's apparent plan to extend Kane's contract, which is not due to expire until June 2027. Hamann was unequivocal in his assessment of the situation, questioning the logic of renegotiating with more than a year and a half still remaining on the current agreement.
"That would be madness. He'll be 34 when the contract expires," Hamann said on . "You can't extend a contract that still has 20 months to run. It would be madness."
The former Liverpool player also cast doubt on Kane's ability to consistently deliver against the very best opposition. "At the European Championship, England won their games when Kane came off," he said. "Whether he scores against the best teams like Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal remains to be seen."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportConcerns raised over Kane's defensive workload
Kane's incredible start to life in Bavaria has been built on more than just goals. His all-round contribution and work rate have been widely praised, particularly his defensive efforts in the crucial 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. However, Hamann sees this as a potential negative, warning that it could detract from the striker's primary role.
"It shouldn't become common practice for Kane to slide tackle 20 meters from his own goal," the 52-year-old warned. "The first thing that could suffer is that he stops scoring goals." This concern comes despite Kane opening the scoring in the 22nd minute of that very match, a result which sent Bayern seven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
Bayern's perfect start not enough to convince Hamann
While Vincent Kompany's side have enjoyed a flawless start to the season, winning all eleven of their competitive matches, Hamann remains cautious. He pointed to last season's dip in form after a strong start as a reason to temper expectations and warned that the team's high-energy style may not be sustainable with a small squad.
"They're still the team that runs the most in the Bundesliga. That has little to do with efficiency," said Hamann. "We'll see whether they can keep it up with the small squad they have… The awards will be handed out in April and May. They played good football last fall as well, but after that, it became less and less. That's why I'm cautious with superlatives." He even claimed that Bayern were "standing knocked out" during the final 25 minutes against Dortmund.
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Kane the best?
Kane’s career statistics highlight his status as one of the most prolific strikers of his generation. The vast majority of his career was spent at Tottenham, where he became the club's all-time top scorer with 280 goals in 435 appearances, 213 of which came in the Premier League. Since transferring to Bayern Munich in 2023, Kane has maintained a phenomenal strike rate, netting 104 goals in just 107 games. His dominance in Germany includes 74 goals in 70 Bundesliga matches. In the Champions League, he holds a combined 44 goals across 59 appearances for both clubs. For England, Kane is his nation's all-time top scorer, finding the net 76 times in 110 caps.
The clock is ticking and Celtic have minutes rather than hours to rescue their summer transfer window by landing the attacking reinforcements that they need.
Adam Idah was allowed to complete a permanent transfer to Swansea City earlier today, leaving Shin Yamada and Johnny Kenny as the only ‘senior’ strikers in the building.
Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claims that Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana has turned down the chance to join the Hoops in order to sign for English side Charlton Athletic in the Championship on loan.
Celtic make late bid for new striker
The Scottish Premiership champions are still pushing to the wire to bring in a new forward before the deadline passes to improve their options up front.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to the Scottish Sun, Celtic have made a last-gasp bid to sign Sevilla centre-forward Kelechi Iheanacho to reunite him with Brendan Rodgers.
The report claims that the Nigeria international has emerged as a deadline-busting transfer target for the Hoops, after they failed to land Kasper Dolberg and Datro Fofana.
It adds that Sevilla will not stand in his way if he wishes to make the move to Scotland before the deadline, but it remains to be seen what the £52k-per-week marksman wants to do.
What Kelechi Iheanacho could bring to Celtic
The left-footed forward is a vastly experienced number nine who could come in as an even better option than Datro Fofana in the number nine position for the Scottish giants.
Datro Fofana has only scored five goals in Europe’s top five leagues in his playing career and has not scored more than four league goals for a club in a season since the 2022 campaign for Molde, per Sofascore.
Kelechi, who was once hailed as “incredible” by Rodgers, scored a respectable 43 goals in 143 matches for the Celtic manager during their time together at Leicester, per Transfermarkt, which shows that the Northern Irish boss can get the best out of him.
22/23 (28)
5
5
21/22 (26)
4
5
20/21 (25)
12
2
19/20 (20)
5
5
18/19 (30)
1
3
17/18 (21)
3
3
16/17 (20)
4
3
15/16 (26)
8
1
As you can see in the table above, Kelechi has plenty of experience in the Premier League and consistently showed that he could deliver goals and assists, at a decent, if not spectacular, rate.
His best season, with 12 goals in the 2020/21 campaign, also came with Rodgers in the Foxes dugout, which, again, shows that they have a relationship that could bring him success at Parkhead.
Kelechi has significantly more experience and more goals in a major European league than Datro Fofana has and outscored (four) the Chelsea youngster (two) in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore.
This suggests that the 28-year-old marksman, who still has plenty left to give at that age, could be a shrewd addition to the squad when you consider his relationship with Rodgers and his goal return at Premier League level under the current Hoops boss.
Worse than Nygren: Rodgers must drop Celtic flop who "offered little"
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ByDan Emery Aug 31, 2025
It may not be a glamorous, big-money, signing that supporters may have wanted, but if they can get this deadline-busting move over the line, Celtic will have a potentially lethal striker on their hands.