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Leicestershire close in on victory that would sign off their Division Two title triumph in style

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay26-Sep-2025

Northamptonshire 189 and 120 for 5 (Keogh 42, Trevaskis 3-31) need a further 381 runs to beat Leicestershire 429 and 260 for 5 dec (Patel 76, Cox 51*, Budinger 50)Liam Trevaskis and Chris Wright sliced through Northamptonshire’s top order as Leicestershire closed in on a victory that would sign off their Rothesay County Championship Division Two title triumph in style.The Foxes, already confirmed as champions last week, declared and set Northamptonshire an improbable 501 to win at Wantage Road following Rishi Patel’s 76 and an unbeaten 30-ball half-century by Ben Cox.Left-arm spinner Trevaskis took three wickets, with seamer Wright – playing his final game prior to retirement – capturing the other two to reduce the home side to 120 for 5 before bad light halted play.Northamptonshire’s Rob Keogh top-scored with 42, passing 10,000 runs across all formats in the process, but his side’s slim hopes of staving off defeat largely rest on Saif Zaib, unbeaten on 20 at stumps.Leicestershire resumed with an overall lead of 326 and eight wickets in hand, but they were initially stifled by a tight spell from George Scrimshaw, who found some movement in both directions.However, it was a straight delivery from the seamer that removed Lewis Hill, leg-before for 38 and Patel then took command, punching a series of boundaries and bringing up his half-century with a straight drive off Stuart van der Merwe.Van der Merwe was also slog-swept for six by the Foxes opener, but there was success for his fellow rookie Nirvan Ramesh when Stephen Eskinazi reverse-swept the off-spinner and deflected onto his stumps.Although Patel’s hopes of another century to back up his 114 against Kent last week were dashed shortly before lunch when he nicked Zaib behind, the champions chose to bat on into the afternoon session.Yet Cox’s lightning half-century ensured that the innings continued for only five more overs – enough time for Leicestershire to pile up another 53 runs and extend their advantage to exactly 500.Cox bludgeoned the vast majority of those, scooping Scrimshaw for six and then flicking Ben Whitehouse over square leg and out of the ground before a booming four over the bowler’s head signalled both his 50 and the declaration.Logan van Beek and Wright gave away very little at the start of Northamptonshire’s second innings, with the ball rolling across the boundary rope just once during the first 11 attritional overs.Wright, bringing down the curtain on a 22-year professional career, dismissed both openers as Arush Buchake was caught behind pushing at a ball that left him before Lewis McManus drove straight to gully.Having edged Wright to the third boundary to reach his career landmark, Keogh gained a life soon afterwards when he nudged Josh Hull through the slips for four more, but settled down as he and James Sales steered their side to tea.The partnership progressed to 67, but Keogh’s good fortune ran out soon after the restart as he aimed an ambitious drive at Trevaskis and this time Patel safely pouched the chance at slip.Sales departed in the left-armer’s next over, caught behind off a bottom edge and Trevaskis then trapped Justin Broad lbw in a prolonged spell – partly enforced by the darkening clouds which restricted Leicestershire to slower bowling.Patel came on to deliver a single over of leg-breaks before the deteriorating light brought an end to proceedings, with Leicestershire needing five more wickets to wrap up victory on the final day of the season.

Liverpool aren’t doing so well this season. Last year’s indomitable air is a far cry from the tepid and toothless performances of the new campaign, with five defeats inflicted on Arne Slot’s side from six recent Premier League matches.

There is no way to sugarcoat it: that is so far below Anfield’s expectations that it beggars belief. Slot was so pained last season by that sole home defeat to Nottingham Forest, so frustrated by that stain on his copybook, even against the backdrop of a title-winning campaign.

But so many losses have become the norm for Liverpool this season, whose title defence is in tatters and whose focus is currently on establishing enough form and focus to recover a place in the Premier League’s top four.

Slot has got a lot to chew on before the November international break winds up and Liverpool host Forest in the top flight, a game they simply cannot afford to lose – again.

Aside from the lack of intensity and physicality in key areas and fragilities in defence, Liverpool’s widths have been well out of sorts this season, and this is something that needs fixing quickly.

Liverpool's struggles out wide

Mohamed Salah’s startling drop-off this season has been among the biggest concerns for Liverpool, but the Egyptian King has done it all before, and he will surely recover his potency in front of goal before his £400k-per-week contract expires in 2027.

More concerning, perhaps, is the form of Florian Wirtz, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m this summer but has yet to prove FSG have got bang for their buck.

The 22-year-old is clearly an incredible talent, but it hasn’t happened so far, with Liverpool’s wider tactical imbalances making it difficult for the playmaker to find a secure place in Slot’s line-up, flitting between the left flank and a creative berth from the centre.

Likewise, Cody Gakpo has struggled to impress. The left-sided forward has four goals and three assists across all competitions this term, but he’s lacked nuance in his expression.

It’s proving a tough ask for Slot to find a solution that will synergise this struggling frontline and restore Liverpool to their former level.

However, one Redman has enjoyed quite the impressive display for his nation in a World Cup qualifier this week, and in a position which could reshape his role at Liverpool over the coming months.

Slot may have his left wing solution

So much has gone wrong at Liverpool this season, but the form of Hugo Ekitike since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69m this summer cannot be counted among the negatives.

Ekitike is a striker, and was signed as such, but he played out on the left wing for France on Thursday evening as Didier Deschamps’ side defeated Ukraine 4-0 in their penultimate World Cup qualifier, with reporter Bence Bocsak praising his “very impressive” effort, having earlier noted that the star’s slickness and skill on the ball “reminds me of Bobby Firmino”.

Could it be that Liverpool have their left wing solution right here? This is hardly revelatory, but the dynamic forward has proved he has what it takes to produce a show-stopping performance from out wide here, and there’s a case to be made that he offers more than Gakpo does when in the role.

Indeed, were Ekitike to play from the left with regularity, it would only impede Gakpo in his hopes of stringing many minutes together across the season and beyond, especially as he will be competing with Wirtz.

But the one-time PSG prospect’s display demonstrated his potential in the position, a menace throughout after coming off the bench in the first half due to an injury to Bradley Barcola.

It was a spectacular goal, the 23-year-old collecting and driving forward from inside his own half, skating past defenders and entering the danger area before playing a neat connection with Kylian Mbappe and then striking true.

Hugo Ekitike’s Performance vs Ukraine

Match Stats

#

Minutes played

67′

Goals

1

Touches

22

Shots (on target)

4 (2)

Accurate passes

6/9 (67%)

Unsuccessful touches

3

Dribbles

2/2

Recoveries

1

Ground duels

4/5

Data via Sofascore

Ekitike might not have enjoyed much success by way of passing, but he demonstrated how effective he can be with limited opportunities in possession. Not only accurate when carrying the ball forward, but he was fierce in the duel and clinical besides.

This economical approach showed something that has been lacking on Merseyside this season: an ability to make chances count even when presented intermittently.

That is, of course, barring one Liverpool forward. Ekitike. The Les Bleus star has scored six goals and posted an assist since joining the club this summer.

Development is never linear for those entering the Premier League from overseas, but the way in which Ekitike has slipped into life in Liverpool is remarkable, given the circumstances around the club right now.

Should Slot take note of the striker’s performance against Ukraine and begin to hand him more chances out wide, it could help Isak settle in after his record-breaking summer move while easing the fears that Isak and Ekitke cannot cohabit in Liverpool’s starting line-up.

Slot has already followed this train of thought, suggesting several weeks ago that Ekitike’s technical and physical qualities make him apt for a prolific role on the flank, and now it can be put into practice, albeit at Gakpo’s expense.

Without question, Liverpool’s head coach will have been attentive to Ekitike’s performance on the world stage, perhaps more inclined forward to trial Ekitike in a wider role going forward, thus opening the door to a partnership with Isak and a new dimension that could help restore the side’s attacking strength.

If this proves an effective and long-term solution, it may well come at the expense of Gakpo’s stay at Liverpool for the long run, but, as the opening months of the campaign have told us, it is crucial that Slot identifies a way of playing that matches the incredible amount of quality teeming across Anfield.

Related The new Diaz: FSG enter race to sign "world-class" £79m star for Liverpool

Liverpool’s forwards have flattered to deceive this season, and plans are being drawn.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Nov 13, 2025

Saif Zaib passes 1000 runs for season but Northants wobble again after conceding 364 deficit

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay24-Jul-2025

Northamptonshire 261 (Zaib 82, Higgins 4-51) and 64 for 3 trail Middlesex 625 for 8 dec by 300 runsRyan Higgins moved to the top of Middlesex’s wicket-taking chart for the season as his side closed in on a Rothesay County Championship victory over Northamptonshire at Merchant Taylors’ School.Higgins finished with 4 for 51, with Noah Cornwell taking 3 for 48 as the visitors were made to follow on 364 behind – and the medium-pacer then grabbed two quick top-order wickets second time around to further improve his season’s tally to 32.Northamptonshire stumbled to 64 for 3 at stumps and their plight would have been deeper but for rain stoppages and Saif Zaib’s first-innings 82, which made him the county’s first player to register 1000 first-class runs in a season since Ben Duckett in 2016.Zaib was almost the fastest to that landmark across the Championship circuit, but the 27-year-old narrowly missed out to Surrey’s Dom Sibley, who got there just 15 minutes earlier at Scarborough.Middlesex rotated their seam quartet when the visitors resumed on 126 for 4, but their spin options were limited after Zafar Gohar, tumbling to deal with George Bartlett’s cover drive, landed awkwardly on his shoulder and had to leave the field.Bartlett, having steered Tom Helm neatly through gully for four, repeated the stroke later in the over and picked out the fielder this time, but Zaib continued to progress steadily as he built a partnership with Rob Keogh.Keogh, who had injured a finger while fielding on day one, did well to withstand a couple of Helm deliveries that rose sharply down the slope and helped Zaib to add 55 before Cornwell had him caught down the leg side.The left-hander went on to pass 50 for the ninth time in this season’s Championship, ushering Northamptonshire’s total beyond 200 before rain arrived to send the players off for an early lunch.Dom Leech provided spirited support, finding the boundary four times in his knock of 22 while Zaib capitalised on successive short balls from Leus du Plooy, pulling the slow left-armer for six and four. Higgins broke the seventh-wicket stand of 64 with two dismissals in as many deliveries, with Leech caught top-edging a hook before Ben Sanderson was lbw without scoring to leave the visitors eight down.A more persistent spell of rain held up play for the next hour and a half – but it took just three balls for Cornwell to wrap up Northamptonshire’s first innings, knocking out Zaib’s off stump with one that seamed back before cleaning up Yuzvendra Chahal with a yorker.After another weather-induced delay, Higgins reclaimed centre stage, winning what looked like a borderline lbw decision against Ricardo Vasconcelos and castling Aadi Sharma next ball to leave the visitors reeling at 10 for 2. James Sales began redressing the balance with a series of positive shots in his knock of 26, but he attempted one too many and lost his middle stump to Toby Roland-Jones.Stand-in skipper Lewis McManus remained defiant, punching Helm off the back foot to the fence to reach 21 not out before the light deteriorated sufficiently for the umpires to bring play to a close.

Over recent years, Tottenham Hotspur’s work in the transfer window has often left a lot to be desired, with numerous additions often failing to meet expectations.

The hierarchy has started to splash some serious cash on new talent over the past few seasons, but not all of them have managed to win over the supporters in North London.

Tanguy Ndombele is arguably the biggest example of their failures in the transfer market, with the board paying £63m for his signature back in the summer of 2019.

The French international arrived with huge expectations given the fee, but ultimately struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League – racking up just over 90 appearances before being released in 2024.

In the present day, Thomas Frank could have his own version of the midfielder, especially if one first-team member is unable to match his own expectations with the Lilywhites.

Xavi Simons’ dismal start to life at Tottenham

During the summer window, new boss Frank made it clear he wanted a new attacking midfielder to help bolster his Spurs first-team squad for the 2025/26 campaign.

Morgan Gibbs-White was just one name constantly touted with a switch to North London, with Eberechi yet another player who was firmly on their radar during the off-season.

The former of the duo stayed at Nottingham Forest, while the latter rejected the Lilywhites in favour of a fairytale return to join boyhood club outfit Arsenal – a move that no doubt stung the Spurs faithful.

As a result, a £52m fee was forked out for the signature of Xavi Simons from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, with the 22-year-old the man chosen to provide the goods for Frank’s men.

Two months on from his big-money switch to England, the Dutchman has so far failed to live up to expectations – as seen by his tally of just one goal or assist in his first 12 outings.

His lack of form saw Frank even bench him against Chelsea, but he was quickly introduced into the game after Lucas Bergvall was forced off with a head injury.

However, his start to life in North London was summed up in the 73rd minute, after the substitute was substituted – further highlighting his lack of talent at present.

No doubt he will need time to flourish in the Premier League, but rapid impact is what has been needed from Simons, but ultimately, he’s struggled to match the expectations placed on his shoulders.

The Spurs player who’s becoming one of their worst signings

Given the European triumph at the back end of 2024/25, there was a real sense of urgency for Spurs to build on their success and rise up the table under Frank’s guidance.

However, after three home league defeats in just five matches this season, there are numerous cracks starting to appear during the early months of the Dane’s tenure.

Djed Spence and Micky Van de Ven were both pictured ignoring the manager after the final whistle, even storming off the pitch without applauding the supporters in North London.

Their frustration will no doubt have been caused by the defeat against their city rivals, with the Lilywhites looking toothless in their attempts to secure bragging rights.

Frank’s men achieved a measly total of just 0.05 expected goals during the contest, with striker Randal Kolo Muani unable to have the desired impact in the final third.

The Frenchman joined the club on a season-long loan from PSG on deadline day last summer, even paying a reported £5m to take him on a temporary basis in 2025/26.

After he netted 10 goals in just 22 appearances at Juventus last season, such a move generated huge excitement – like Simons – but like the midfielder, he’s massively struggled in England to date.

His start against Enzo Maresca’s side was just his second for the club, but his performance showcased why the manager has chosen other options over him at the top of the pitch.

The 26-year-old featured for 73 minutes before being withdrawn from the contest, only achieving a total of 16 touches in that time frame – showcasing his lack of impact on proceedings.

Randal Kolo Muani – stats against Chelsea

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

73

Touches

16

Passes completed

5

Possession lost

7x

Shots taken

0

Dribbles completed

0

Duels lost

50%

Touches in opposition box

0

Stats via FotMob

Kolo Muani also only registered a total of five passes completed, even failing to register a single shot on goal and losing possession seven times – a tally over 50% of his total touches in the defeat.

Other figures, such as 100% dribbles incomplete and 50% aerial duels lost, further showcase his lack of positive impact, with his substitution certainly justified on Saturday.

It’s evident that the player is yet to get to grips with the demands of the Premier League, with frustration already being shown by the supporters towards him, alongside Simons.

The pair have so far failed to deliver, potentially bringing the club’s spending spree into question once again, given their recent failures under Frank’s guidance.

They still have time to turn things around in North London, but if they continue in the same vein, there’s little doubt that they will go down as some of the worst additions in the club’s history.

Related As bad as Simons: Frank must drop Spurs dud who lost the ball 23 times

Tottenham Hotspur laboured to a dismal 1-0 defeat against Chelsea.

Posts 3 ByMatt Dawson Nov 2, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta terça-feira (05), os clubes 20 do Brasileirão aprovaram, durante evento do Conselho Técnico da CBF, o regulamento de competições para a temporada 2024. Em votação unânime por 20 votos a 0, ficou decidido que o limite de estrangeiros, por partida, será aumentado de sete para nove.

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Em 2023, os clubes já haviam votado uma expansão na utilização de estrangeiros, que havia passado de cinco para sete. Apesar da unanimidade na votação, a proposta de expansão não é vista com positividade de maneira absoluta. A Federação Nacional dos Atletas Profissionais de Futebol (Fenapaf), se manifestou de forma contrária à decisão.

O Presidente do Internacional, Alessandro Barcellos, comemorou a decisão tomada no evento da CBF: “É importante o aumento de estrangeiros, nós trabalhamos fortemente nisso. E a questão do gramado sintético, ficou definido que o Conselho Nacional de Clubes fará estudos para definir melhor a padronização dos gramados”.

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Além disso, outro assunto fortemente debatido foi o uso de gramados sintéticos. A expectativa é que durante a temporada, o Conselho Nacional de Clubes aumente os estudos sobre o uso dos sintéticos e estabeleça um padrão de qualidade para os gramados. O objetivo é minimizar as reclamações de outros clubes que entendem que esse tipo de gramado proporciona desnível técnico à competição.

Apesar disso, foi autorizado que os clubes que atuam em gramados sintéticos poderão passar a utilizar esse tipo de gramado em seus Centros de Treinamento. O evento contou com a participação de alguns atletas de clubes do Brasileirão, dentre eles, o lateral Tinga (Fortaleza),

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BrasileirãoCBFEstrangeiros

حسمت وزارة الشباب والرياضة الجدل الدائر في الساعات الأخيرة بشأن ما تردد عن تقدّم مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك باستقالته، نظرًا للظروف المالية الصعبة التي يمر بها النادي.

وأكدت الوزارة أن كل ما تم تداوله بهذا الشأن لا يمت للحقيقة بصلة، وأن المجلس يواصل مهامه بصورة طبيعية دون أي تغييرات إدارية.

وأوضح محمد الشاذلي المتحدث الرسمي باسم الوزارة، في تصريحات إعلامية، أن الجهة الحكومية لم تستقبل أي طلبات أو مراسلات رسمية تتضمن نية رئيس النادي حسين لبيب أو أي عضو من مجلسه التقدم بالاستقالة.

وشدد على أن ما انتشر عبر بعض المواقع وصفحات التواصل الاجتماعي، يدخل ضمن إطار الشائعات التي تهدف لإثارة البلبلة داخل الوسط الرياضي.

طالع أيضًا | “مش هنضرب الأرض تطلع فلوس”.. تصريحات مُثيرة من داخل إدارة الزمالك وحقيقة التقدم بالاستقالة

وأكد الشاذلي أن وزارة الشباب والرياضة تتابع عن قرب أوضاع الهيئات الرياضية، وتحرص على ضمان استقرارها الإداري والفني، مشيرًا إلى ضرورة تحري الدقة قبل تداول أخبار تمس المؤسسات الرياضية الكبرى.

كما لفت إلى أن الوزارة تعتمد الشفافية في التعامل مع الجمهور ووسائل الإعلام، وأن أي تطورات تخص مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك سيتم إعلانها بشكل رسمي فور حدوثها، داعيًا الجماهير إلى عدم الانسياق وراء الأخبار غير الموثوقة وانتظار البيانات الرسمية فقط.