Wolverhampton Wanderers have picked up two wins and two clean sheets on the bounce in all competitions after a polished 2-0 win away over Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup.

The Championship hosts did have a goal dubiously ruled out for offside early on, but once the Old Gold took the lead courtesy of a Joao Gomes strike trickling in just after the half-an-hour mark, the victory ended up being rather routine to collect.

In fact, it would be only moments after Gomes’ opener that Wolves would have their game-clinching second, with Matheus Cunha showing off his Premier League class with an emphatic finish on another standout day at the office from the Brazilian.

Matheus Cunha's performance in numbers

From that point onwards, it was relatively straightforward for the top-flight outfit to secure their passage through to the next round of the esteemed competition, but Cunha would still be on the hunt for more goals.

Across the course of the 90 minutes, the ex-Atletico Madrid attacker would spurn two big chances as a constant livewire for his side, which included one fantastic solo run in the second half that was unfortunately not finished off.

But, nobody could take the priceless effort away from him come the full-time whistle, with Cunha also a brave battler for his team in a game that was played at a fast pace, resulting in an impressive nine ground duels being won.

Indeed, Blackburn did have brief moments in the contest where they could have gained a momentary foothold and mounted a comeback, only to be met by a stern Wolves defender standing firm time after time.

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

The Wolves star who was as good as Cunha

Whilst Cunha’s star quality certainly helped his team get over the line at Ewood Park, there were occasions in the contest where Wolves needed to remain staunch at the back to ensure John Eustace’s men didn’t win a goal back.

That’s where Toti Gomes thankfully came to the rescue for Vitor Pereira’s visitors, with the two-time Portugal international managing to impressively win seven out of eight duels on the day among other glowing defensive numbers.

Minutes played

90

Touches

70

Accurate passes

55/59 (93%)

Successful dribbles

3/3

Clearances

2

Interceptions

2

Tackles

3

Total duels won

7/8

Looking at his numbers in depth from the win in Lancashire, it was an extremely well-rounded display from the defensive titan, with his ability on the ball there for all to see with his 93% pass accuracy and 100% successful dribble completion rate come full-time, on top of his hefty combined total of seven clearances, interceptions and tackles.

This isn’t a one-off from the 26-year-old either, with six duels also won last time out in the Premier League when Wolves picked up another 2-0 victory versus Aston Villa, before showing off his defensive prowess once more against the Riversiders. In fact, he’s been really rather good since Pereira came in with the defender keeping four clean sheets in a row since he was introduced into the starting lineup.

The £25k-per-week centre-back will hope he can keep his first-team spot as more and more league fixtures come his relegation-threatened side’s way this February, with this showing on the road against Blackburn more than helping his cause.

Since Pereira’s arrival into the building, the Portuguese manager has managed to strike a finer balance between exciting attacking displays and dogged defensive showings than his predecessor in Gary O’Neil, with Cunha still at the peak of his powers whilst stars at the back such as Gomes come to the surface.

Only time will tell if enough of these displays will keep Wolves up in the Premier League, with Pereira’s side needing all the luck they can get when travelling to table-topping Liverpool up next.

Wolves have unearthed their next Diogo Jota in "sensational" £60k-p/w star

Wolverhampton Wanderers already have their next Diogo Jota with this impressive ace.

ByDan Emery Feb 7, 2025

The first reaction of most Australian cricket fans to the news that Michael Hogan retires this week is likely to be, ‘I didn’t know he was still playing’, but half a world away a very good career is finally coming to a close.Hogan last played in Australia in 2016, seven years after he made an improbable debut for Western Australia at the age of 28 – improbable because he was still playing for a pub XI in his early twenties in between installing telephone cables.He is now 41 and has been playing for Welsh club Glamorgan in English domestic cricket since 2013. In that time he has become embedded in the county, achieving cult status and taking hundreds of wickets.On Tuesday he took his 653rd for the county. The victim was Sussex opener Ali Orr, trapped in front as Hogan sought to sign-off by bowling Glamorgan to a promotion-sealing victory.That Orr was lbw was ironically appropriate as Hogan had completed an extraordinary career record in Glamorgan’s first innings of 9 for 533 declared.Batting No. 11 he did not come to the crease, which meant he maintained his record of never being dismissed leg before in 380 matches. This, as Nick Friend of the magazine noted in a profile this week, is a world record.However, not batting did mean he fell one innings short of a century of not outs – this is assuming Hogan does not bat again.With Sussex 445 behind with nine wickets left in a rain-affected match in which two days remain that seems probable, unless rain or victory for promotion rivals Middlesex turn it into a dead rubber, Glamorgan bat again, and Hogan is jokily promoted for one last hurrah.Hogan came to Wales by dint of a British passport, forgoing his chance of playing for Australia as a result. It might have happened, he was good enough for Justin Langer to use him as an overseas player for Western Australia in 2013-14, and took 36 wickets at 25.86.But he has been very content in Wales. His Australian-born children talk with a Welsh accent – and can speak the Welsh language.He took the winning wicket when Glamorgan won the domestic one-day cup in 2021 and being summoned for a stint with Southern Brave in the Hundred, at 40, was an unexpected bonus.Hogan began to take cricket seriously after his brother was killed in a car crash. He decided it was time to stop ‘wasting your talent’. He has gone on to achieve 930 career dismissals, which is an impressive body of work. He didn’t waste his talent.

Travis Head and Alex Carey will provide an early-season boost as the team look to build on a drought-breaking win late last summer

Andrew McGlashan05-Oct-2022

Henry Hunt is one of the emerging batters in Australia•Getty Images

Captain Travis Head
Coach Jason GillespieSquad
R=Rookie, CA=Australia contract
Wes Agar, Jordan Buckingham, Kyle Brazell (R), Aiden Cahill (R), Alex Carey (CA), Bailey Capel (R), Jake Carder, Harry Conway, Brendan Doggett, Daniel Drew, David Grant, Travis Head (CA), Isaac Higgins (R), Henry Hunt, Spencer Johnson, Thomas Kelly, Ryan King (R), Jake Lehmann, Nathan McAndrew, Nathan McSweeney, Ben Manenti, Harry Mathias (R), Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Liam Scott, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald, Nick WinterWinter moves
Harry Conway has some big shoes to fill, effectively replacing Dan Worrall who now plays for Surrey as a local and won’t return to Australian state cricket. Sam Kerber, Corey Kelly and Ryan Gibson were released. It will be interesting to watch Henry Thornton who earned a contract after impressing for Adelaide Strikers in the BBL then in a handful of Marsh Cup outings for Victoria while Ben Manenti started well in the Marsh Cup.Related

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Last season
At last. The final game of the competition saw South Australia win their first Shield match in over two years when they chased down 326 on the final day against New South Wales. Until then it had been a season of small games amid defeats against Western Australia and Queensland. After making 492 in the opening match – a high-scoring draw against WA – they only crossed 300 once in their remaining first innings.South Australia Shield fixtures

October 6-9: vs Victoria, Karen Rolton Oval
October 16-19: vs Tasmania, Adelaide Oval
October 31-November 3: vs New South Wales, Wollongong
November 11-14: vs Western Australia, WACA
November 20-23: vs Queensland, Adelaide Oval
December 1-4: vs Tasmania, Hobart
February 10-13: vs Western Australia, Adelaide Oval
February 20-23: vs Victoria, Junction Oval
March 2-5: vs Queensland, Gabba
March 14-17: vs New South Wales, Karen Rolton Oval

Player to watch
Henry Hunt marked himself out as one of rising stars in Australian batting with 610 runs at 42.92 including three centuries last season, which he followed with another hundred for Australia A in Sri Lanka. It won’t be too long before the Test sides needs at least one new opener and another strong summer should keep Hunt firmly in the frame. Two years after his Shield debut, Daniel Drew earned another opportunity and marked it with a maiden century against Victoria. Liam Scott continues to have the makings of a promising allrounder: the batting is yet to kick on, but he took 13 wickets at 20.15 last season.Australia radar
Travis Head and Alex Carey should be available until at least mid-November which will add significant strength to the batting line-up. However, both will be in India when the competition resumes in February, unless Head’s poor returns in Sri Lanka cost him a spot but falling out of the squad entirely seems unlikely. Head averaged 44.00 in his six matches last season, but Carey only managed 19.88 in his six appearances. South Australia are unlikely to have anyone else pushing for international contention unless a batting-injury crisis strikes and brings Hunt further into the equation or Nathan McAndrew is elevated further from Australia A.

Wrexham star James McClean's brother Patrick is under investigation by his club after being spotted at a New IRA parade, per reports.

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McClean's brother plays for GlentoranClub aware of footage Investigation has been launchedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Patrick McClean plays for Glentoran and the Northern Irish club have confirmed that they have launched an investigation into a video that has circulated online over the weekend. In it, Patrick McClean seems to walk in the same direction as a masked colour party moved from Creggan to Free Derry Corner. During the march, per the , petrol bombs were thrown at police, as were fireworks. Two people were arrested.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

There is an Easter parade every year in Derry, marking the Easter Rising against British rule in 1916. The wearing of paramilitary clothing was prohibited by law enforcement, but a large portion of attendees ignored that plea. Glentoran have now confirmed they are investigating the conduct of McClean's sibling.

WHAT GLENTORAN SAID

In a statement, Glentoran said: "Glentoran Football Club is aware of footage involving one of our players currently circulating online.

"The club is fully committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment for all players, staff, supporters and the wider community.

"The matter is being reviewed internally in line with club policies and no further comment will be made at this time."

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

McClean will next be in action for Wrexham against Charlton this weekend. Glentoran, by comparison, face an NIFL Premiership play-off against Larne this weekend, and it remains to be seen if Patrick McClean will be involved.

The visitors had a wobble in the morning but ended up comfortable winners

AAP19-Oct-2022Caleb Jewell inspired Tasmania to a seven-wicket victory in their Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia at Adelaide Oval.Tasmania started the final day at 0 for 104 in their pursuit of 235, but the loss of Tim Ward, Jake Doran and Ben McDermott during the morning session on Wednesday saw the visitors slip to 3 for 164.Jewell kept his cool to guide Tasmania over the line, with Jordan Silk there in support.Related

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Ward fell on the sixth ball of day four when he edged Wes Agar behind. Jake Carder took an excellent diving catch while running with the flight of the ball to remove Doran, and McDermott fell a short time before lunch.Jewell dug in to ensure there would be no late wobbles, with the 25-year-old notching his century in fine style by pulling Agar for six.Veteran paceman Peter Siddle was crucial in Tasmania’s victory, returning the excellent figures of 4 for 51 and 4 for 45.Tasmania’s win marked a huge turn around from their season-opening flop, when they lost to Queensland by an innings and 172 runs.

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is open to a summer transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, a report says.

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• Ederson to be sold by Man City this summer
• Al-Ittihad in talks to sign the goalkeeper
• Fenerbahce also linked with Brazilian

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The goalkeeper has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer, with Fenerbahce said to be interested in signing him, and City are reportedly prepared to let him leave.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad have already opened talks with the Brazil international as he has been deemed a top priority by coach Laurent Blanc as they aim to fight for domestic and continental success next season, reports.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, Ederson is one of the established stars City are prepared to offload as they look to recover from a dismal season. The 31-year-old joined the club in 2017 and has made 365 appearances in all competitions.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

  City are said to be eyeing Porto and Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa as his replacement, although Manchester United have also been monitoring him.

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.

How Williams compares to Gittens in 2024/25 so far
Statistics (per 90)	Williams	Gittens
Games played	18	18
Goals & assists	4	10
Progressive passes	3.2	1.8
Shot-creating actions	5.2	3.1
Carries into the final third	2.8	2.7
Crosses completed	5	2.8
Aerials won	0.5	0.2
Stats via FBref

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.

He's a dream for Palmer: Chelsea hold talks to sign £67m "menace"

Chelsea have made contact over a deal to sign the £67m-rated centre-forward.

2

By
Dan Emery

Jan 22, 2025

Chelsea have been alerted to the availability of a “wonderful” midfielder, who has now been cleared to leave his club for £25m this summer, according to a report.

Blues planning summer transfer business

Although the winter transfer window has only just ended, the Blues have already started to work on their summer transfer business, with Enzo Maresca planning to make additions in a number of different positions.

One area in which Maresca is keen to strengthen is centre-back, and there is a belief that Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi will opt to move to Stamford Bridge this summer despite interest from a number of the Premier League’s top clubs.

The west Londoners have also been chasing a striker for quite some time, and they remain in pole position to sign Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap at the end of the season, with the former Manchester City man believed to be keen on the move.

Not only are Chelsea keen to strengthen in defence and attack, but they could also bring in some new faces in the middle of the park, having recently made the decision to sell Andrey Santos if they are able to make a significant profit.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Feb 8, 2025

According to a report from CaughtOffside, the Blues have been alerted to the availability of young Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg, who has now been cleared to leave the Black Cats for £25m in the summer.

However, given that Rigg is regarded as one of the top young prospects in England, there may be stiff competition for his signature, with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United also being named as potential suitors.

Sunderland are now resigned to losing the midfielder, despite previously being unwilling to sell him, with the Championship side looking to cash in for a big fee.

Rigg could be a future star

Although he is just 17 years old, the teenager has already made 54 first-team appearances for Sunderland, including 27 in the Championship this season, aiding his side’s promotion push by chiming in with four goals and one assist.

Former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray has also previously lauded the youngster, saying: “He knows where the goal is and wants to run forward, he’s got energy to burn and can keep running all day.

“Rigg is doing really well and is a real positive for our football club. I’m eulogising about him there, we shouldn’t overly build him up. He’s still a young boy but he has wonderful qualities and wonderful attributes.”

£25m is a large fee for such a young player, but the Sunderland ace’s emergence as a first-team player at such a young age indicates he is destined for great things.

As such, Chelsea should make an approach to sign Rigg this summer, but it may be difficult to win the race for his signature if they don’t secure Champions League football amid the fierce competition for the European places this term.

In a transfer window full of positives, Aston Villa still found themselves on the end of a surprise rejection from a rising star who has now explained his January decision.

Aston Villa transfer news

Into the Champions League last 16 and battling for the chance to qualify among Europe’s elite for a second season in a row, Aston Villa are a difficult club to turn down these days. It’s an offer that Marcus Rashford couldn’t refuse amid several interested parties. It’s even one that three-time Champions League winner Marco Asensio didn’t refuse and rightly so.

Those in the Midlands are no longer left to escape relegation courtesy of a goal-line technology malfunction or final day battle. Those days are long behind them. Instead, they’re a side to be reckoned with at their best under Unai Emery, having earned a point against Juventus and even defeated Bayern Munich earlier in the current campaign.

So, to reject the Midlands club in their current impressive state seems as strange decision, but teenage forward Kparobo Arierhi has explained why he did exactly that during the January transfer window.

The 18-year-old told Africa Foot, as relayed by Sport Witness: “I wanted the opportunity to play in the first team. That’s why I chose to sign with Lillestrøm, despite interest from Aston Villa and Lyon.

“Signing my first professional contract with Lillestrøm is an incredible feeling, I’m making my dream come true. My goal is to establish myself in the first team, score a lot of goals and help the team win matches.”

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ByTom Cunningham Feb 6, 2025

Choosing to join Norweigian side Lillestrom instead after leaving the Beyong Limits acedemy in Nigeria, Arierhi may yet pop up Aston Villa’s radar once again when he’s ready for his next move, having take his first step into European football recently.

"Robust" Arierhi made intelligent decision

Whilst turning down the interest of a Champions League club may seem an absurd choice, it was the right one for Arierhi. Making his first move into European football, the last thing that the 18-year-old needed was for his game time to become limited, which would have been the case in the Midlands. The young forward needs senior minutes which should arrive in Norway.

Described as “robust” by Youth Scouting, Arierhi remains one to watch at 18 years old and if his move to Lillestrom goes to plan then Villa’s January interest won’t be the final time that a top club come calling.

As Aston Villa’s rise under Emery continues, their transfer activity could yet take them to Norway and back to a young gem in Arierhi.

Manchester United are now preparing a fresh offer to sign a “special” wide player, as they look to have a busy end to the transfer window, according to a reliable journalist.

Man Utd transfer news

Given how the season has gone and how the Red Devils have played since Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford, it is no surprise to see the Portuguese pushing the hierarchy to bring in at least one new player this month.

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ByTom Cunningham Jan 23, 2025

In what was expected to be a quiet month for United, it could turn out to be a busy end to the transfer window, as a few players appear close to an exit while the Premier League side have their eye on one or two new arrivals. One player the club are keeping a close eye on is Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras, as United look to strengthen the left wingback role.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that he is one option United are considering, as they have an €18 million (£15 million) buy-back clause in the agreement that saw him join Benfica in the summer.

As well as looking to strengthen in defence, United are keeping an eye on potential new attackers as Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho continue to be linked with a move away. It has been reported that the Red Devils are willing to submit a significant offer to sign Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid, perhaps depending on the futures of their current duo.

Man Utd preparing fresh offer for "special" wing-back

A new left wing-back is a priority for the Red Devils, and Carreras is not their only option, as Romano reports that Man United are preparing a new offer for Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu.

It was reported earlier this week that United had begun talks with Lecce over the signing of Dorgu. An offer worth €27m (£22.8m) plus add-ons was made, but it was turned down as it is short of what Lecce want for the defender. Romano now states that United are planning to make a new offer, and while they are not expected to reach the €40 million price tag, United will try to advance the deal.

The Italian goes on to add that Dorgu is keen on the move to Old Trafford and there would be no issues with agreeing personal terms. It is down to United now to agree a deal with Lecce for the youngster, who has been praised for his extreme physical prowess along with versatility and dribbling skills.

Apps

20

Starts

20

Goals

3

xG

3.19

Assists

1

Big chances created

1

Key passes per game

0.9

Clean sheets

3

Interceptions per game

0.8

Tackles per game

2.0

Balls recovered per game

4.7

Clearances per game

1.8

Dorgu has come in for praise in recent times, as he’s impressed his Denmark under-21 manager, Steffen Hojer, who called him special: “What’s special about him (Dorgu) is that he’s a quiet and calm guy, but things just come incredibly naturally to him on a football pitch.

“When he is put on the field, and it doesn’t matter which team, he just fits in, and he just makes an incredible number of good choices for such a young player.”