MatériaMais Notícias

América-MG e Palmeiras se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira (30) na Arena Independência, às 21h30 (horário de Brasília), pela partida de volta das semifinais da Copa do Brasil. No primeiro jogo, houve empate por 1 a 1, no Allianz Parque.

>>Pedro Rocha saiu do Fla: confira jogadores que ficaram encostados em 2020 e poderiam reforçar o seu clube em 2021
>> Confira a tabela atualizada do Brasileirão 2020 e faça sua simulação

RelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras tem ano com menos derrotas e mais empates no Allianz ParquePalmeiras29/12/2020PalmeirasBoletim do Palmeiras: lesão de Veron, empréstimo de Borja e venda de atacantePalmeiras28/12/2020PalmeirasVÍDEO: Com Valdívia, William e Prass, LANCE!NP vota e elege sua seleção do Palmeiras na décadaPalmeiras28/12/2020

Um empate por qualquer resultado leva a decisão para os pênaltis, enquanto quem vencer avança até a decisão. Os mineiros buscam uma final inédita e o Verdão tenta decidir a competição nacional pela quinta vez. São três títulos (1998, 2012 e 2015) e um vice-campeonato (1996).

GABRIEL VERON LESIONADO E VOLTA DE RONY E MAYKE NO PALMEIRAS

O Palmeiras não terá o atacante Gabriel Veron, com uma lesão muscular na coxa esquerda. O jovem de 18 anos se machucou na vitória sobre o Red Bull Bragantino, no último domingo (27) pelo Brasileirão. Em contrapartida, Rony e Mayke, que foram poupados da última partida por desgaste e um edema na coxa, respectivamente, treinaram sem restrições durante a semana e estão à disposição do técnico Abel Ferreira.

ZÉ RAFAEL FORA

Com uma inflamação no pé esquerdo, Zé Rafael está fora do confronto em Belo Horizonte. O camisa 8 está fora da semifinal da competição nacional.

RETORNOS DE MATHEUS CAVICHIOLI E FELIPE AZEVEDO NO AMÉRICA-MG

Já o América-MG, contará com os retornos do goleiro Matheus Cavichioli e do atacante Felipe Azevedo, poupados na vitória sobre o CRB por 1 a 0, pela Série B. Ambos estavam com desconforto muscular, mas estarão à disposição de Lisca para o confronto decisivo em Belo Horizonte.

Horário, transmissão, arbitragem, prováveis escalações: os dados de América-MG x Palmeiras

Data: 30 de Dezembro de 2020 (quarta-feira)
Horário: 21h30 (de Brasília)
Local: Arena Independência, em Belo Horizonte-MG
Árbitro: Wilton Pereira Sampaio (Fifa/GO)
Assistentes: Fabrício Vilarinho da Silva (GO) e Bruno Raphael Pires (GO)
VAR: Elmo Alves Resende Cunha (GO)

Transmissão:
– Rede Globo (só para Minas Gerais)
– SporTV (para todo o Brasil)
– Premiere (pay-per-view)

O assinante poderá assistir ao jogo online pelo PREMIERE PLAY.

AMÉRICA-MG: Matheus Cavichioli, Daniel Borges, Messias, Anderson Jesus e Sávio (João Paulo); Flávio, Juninho, Geovane(Alê); Ademir, Felipe Azevedo e Rodolfo. Técnico: Lisca

Suspensos: ninguém
Pendurado: Ademir

PALMEIRAS: Weverton, Marcos Rocha, Luan, Gustavo Gómez e Matías Viña; Danilo, Patrick de Paula (Marcos Rocha) e Gabriel Menino; Raphael Veiga, Gustavo Scarpa, Rony e Luiz Adriano. Técnico: Abel Ferreira

Desfalques: Gabriel Veron, Felipe Melo, Wesley, Luan Silva, Henri e Zé Rafael* (lesionados)
Suspensos: ninguém
Pendurados: ninguém

Arsenal are enjoying a strong start to the 2023/24 campaign under Mikel Arteta, after concluding the previous season on a high note following their Premier League title charge.

The Gunners will feel some disappointment in not winning the league after leading for so long last term, however what was evident was the progression that the squad has experienced during the manager’s tenure.

Despite sitting in fourth and only three points off the summit of the table, there have already been glaring comparisons to the club’s weaknesses last campaign, as lack of squad depth has hit Arsenal early.

From injury woes to lack of performance, Arteta has some questions to answer with reference to the Gunners’ recent dip in form, which has entailed some rotation to the favoured XI.

Luckily for the Spaniard, the January transfer window is looming, and with the chance to welcome reinforcements in the winter, the north Londoners could finally identify the personnel needed to help them close in on their first league title in almost 20 years.

Arsenal's January transfer targets

Placing the recurring theme of a need for a clinical striker aside, another area that is likely to be bolstered in January is the midfield.

Despite signing Declan Rice for a club-record fee of £105m in the summer, Arteta and Edu could look to strengthen the engine room further, particularly as rumours regarding Thomas Partey’s future circulate.

One player that was audaciously identified as a potential target is Real Madrid enforcer Aurelien Tchouameni, who Football Transfers claim is the Gunners’ primary target for 2024.

With a market value of €100m (£87m), the Frenchman would be a blockbuster signing for Arteta to acquire, however, the probability of a move of that stature coming in January could prove to be financially difficult.

Fortunately, the 23-year-old isn’t the only midfielder said to be on Arsenal’s radar, as Brazilian sensation Andre Trindade has been identified as a point of interest for January.

The 22-year-old was said to be a target for the north Londoners by 90min last month, after Liverpool failed to sign the Fluminense star in the summer.

Latest news from Brazil, relayed on Twitter X by an Arsenal source, has named the Gunners as one of the clubs that sent scouts to watch the midfielder in action in the Copa Libertadores final last week.

It’s added that representatives from Liverpool and Fulham were also in attendance, with the stance there that Fluminense 'have an agreement' to sell the 22-year-old in January for a price believed to be in the region of €35m (£30m).

Considering that Jurgen Klopp’s side padded their squad out with four new midfielders in the summer window, Arsenal could be in good stead to capture Andre, if the club act fast in paying the fee desired by Fluminense.

Andre’s playing style

In Andre, Arteta could discover the missing piece to his puzzle in the engine room in a player capable of being silky in possession and distribution, as well as having the combative edge to defend the back line.

Dubbed an “unbelievable” talent backed to “flourish in the Premier League” by South American football expert, Nathan Joyes, £30m could prevail to be a steal for the magnitude of player that the Gunners could capture.

As for his playing style, the nimble 5 foot 9 extraordinaire has been identified by scouting site Breaking the Lines as the 'modern-day defensive midfielder that almost any club in world football would want'.

Why? Well, Andre is noted as a 'dynamic and mobile' ball carrier by Breaking the Lines, with his favoured strength being his ability to be seen 'waltzing forward' from deeper areas to progress play into advanced areas.

The site describes his role in the engine room as Fluminense 'recycling play through him', with reference to his tireless movement in the middle channels to ensure the game ticks on both defensively and offensively.

Due to his tidiness when deployed as in the ‘number six’ role, U23 scout Antonio Mango handed the Brazilian the title of “the orchestrator” for his no-nonsense approach to controlling the midfield.

How Andre compares to Premier League midfielders

While the praise surrounding the 22-year-old paints an encouraging picture for Arsenal, his impressive statistics are another thing to be hailed.

On paper, the Brazil international is a robust and precise asset in the midfield, however as many players find, the Premier League can pose a challenge for new arrivals which can halt progression while one adapts.

When comparing Andre to a selected midfielder from each of the Premier League’s current top four clubs, it’s clear to see why Joyes expects the promising maestro to fit into the English top flight with ease.

Andre vs selected Premier League midfielders 23/24
Statistic	Andre	Yves Bissouma	Rodri	Declan Rice	Dominik Szoboszlai
Pass completion %	94.2%	91.1%	94.1%	91.5%	84.8%
Progressive passes	6.71	7.45	10.48	7.05	7.27
Progressive carries	1.97	3.00	2.47	1.55	2.70
Successful take-ons	1.43	2.23	1.36	0.58	1.21
Key passes	0.80	0.56	0.99	0.77	2.42
Tackles	2.01	3.56	2.22	2.22	1.31
Interceptions	1.17	1.89	0.74	1.45	0.65
Dribblers tackled %	56.8%	78.3%	58.3%	47.4%	24.1%
Per 90 figures via FBref

The Fluminense star records the highest pass completion rate from the pack, as well as showing promising signs in both his ball-carrying and defensive attributes, reinforcing that he could be well sculpted to play in England.

For Arsenal, there are a host of reasons as to why the 2001-born gem would be a strong acquisition, with his potential partnership with Rice the driving force behind his most capture-worthy strengths.

The stats that show that Andre would be a good signing for Arsenal

As documented by Breaking the Lines, Andre thrives in assuming the ‘number six’ role, with him working primarily in a double-pivot within a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formation.

Arteta lines Arsenal up in identical fashion, with the likes of Rice and Partey protecting both the defence behind them, and Martin Odegaard in front of them to act as a metronome in the Gunners’ favoured XI.

Expelling Partey from the picture, Andre could be the ideal partner for the north Londoners’ £105m man, based on his opposing strengths to the 6 foot 1 commander that arrived in the summer.

As portrayed in the table above, the duo showcase exemplary passing qualities with an eye for progressive play, however the Brazilian is a strong ball carrier, attributable to his smaller frame and fluid movements between the lines.

Once lauded as one of the “biggest jewels” in South America by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Arteta could unearth the perfect combination in Arsenal’s midfield, in a move that could bolster both the squad and Rice’s role in the engine room.

With both players boasting the ability to hold their own, the pair could rotate in who assumes the role of the anchor, with the former West Ham United captain showing his recent form in the final third at the Emirates.

For just £30m, Arteta could banish the uncertainty in Arsenal’s midfield by capturing the signature of Andre, who could prevail to be one of the next top talents to grace the Premier League.

Arsenal have been given a boost after learning that one of their sidelined players is set to return from injury on international duty, according to a reliable journalist.

Arsenal injury news

The Gunners currently have Ben White, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Jurrien Timber out on the sidelines with their own respective problems as it stands, but the club have recently received an encouraging update on the fitness of Martin Odegaard. The Emirates Stadium captain is expected to be available for selection again upon the return of domestic action, and if the following update is to be believed, he might not be the only one who is ready to stage his comeback in the Premier League.

During October’s 2-1 victory over Sevilla in the Champions League, Gabriel Jesus sustained a serious hamstring problem and he’s been out ever since, but the striker was still surprisingly called up to represent his country, Brazil, over the international break.

Mikel Arteta’s centre-forward reported for duty despite knowingly missing the first fixture of the fortnight, though ahead of his nation’s second game vs Argentina on Wednesday, the 26-year-old has returned to the grass and is set to be at the disposal of his manager.

Gabriel Jesus expected to stage comeback

Taking to X, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Jesus has returned to training and is expected to be in the matchday squad for Brazil's midweek encounter, which of course will be music to the ears of Arteta and Arsenal.

On Sunday, he wrote: "Gabriel Jesus in full training today for Brazil and ready to be part of Diniz's squad for the upcoming game. Positive news for #AFC as he’s set to be back with Arteta’s squad soon."

Arsenal have a "sensational" striker in Jesus

During his time at Arsenal, Jesus has racked up 24 involvements, 15 goals and nine assists, in 44 appearances since putting pen to paper (Transfermarkt – Jesus statistics), so the fact that he will soon be back in the starting line-up will be a huge boost for Arteta.

Sponsored by Adidas, Sao Paulo’s native ranks in the 96th percentile for most attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area (FBRef – Jesus statistics), highlighting his desire to create as many chances as possible for himself and his peers in the final third.

Gabriel Jesus' Main Strengths

Passing

Key passes

Dribbling

Finishing

Headed attempts

Defensive contribution (Data via WhoScored)

Furthermore, Edu’s talisman is even capable of operating out wide on both the left and right flanks alongside his usual role when leading the line through the middle, with his versatility making it easier for the manager to alter his team selection or formation should he want to have several of his best stars on the pitch at the same time.

As per journalist Josh Bunting, Jesus is a “sensational” player and the positive impact he's had on the side since joining last summer is clear to see, so his imminent return to top-flight action will be massively welcomed by everyone at the Emirates Stadium.

The Australia coach has met with Warner and Smith in recent days but knows their return will need to be carefully handled

Daniel Brettig29-Nov-20182:04

Australian cricket’s house of cards

Australia’s coach Justin Langer admits the four months that remain for Steven Smith and David Warner to serve their Cricket Australia-imposed bans may be necessary time to rebuild relationships and ensure that the former leaders, alongside Cameron Bancroft, can be properly integrated members of the national team.Langer has made a point of including Warner and Smith in the Australian team’s activities in Sydney this week, having them tested out by Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in the SCG nets on Sunday and Monday respectively, while he also met for breakfast with Smith in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, having already caught up with Warner in person prior to the UAE tour.While Langer denied that it was a deliberate move on his part to meet with Smith and Warner separately, he stated that it would take plenty of time – now both players know that their bans will be upheld in full – to reintegrate them. Smith and Warner have met at least once to share a meal in Sydney in recent months, but it is clear that their relationship needs more time and effort to mend in the wake of the Newlands scandal.”There’s going to be a process for the boys to come back and it is really important we start working on that process from now,” Langer told reporters in Sydney ahead of the annual Bradman Foundation dinner. “We can’t get to the point and just say ‘right they’re back’. It’s not fair on them, it’s not fair on the team, it’s not fair on everyone. It’s nice to have Davey in and Steve had a hit yesterday, I had breakfast with him on Monday morning and I caught up with Davey for a couple of hours that afternoon as well.”I didn’t deliberately catch up with them separately. I caught up with Davey in Brisbane before we went to the UAE because I wanted to see him face to face. It’s one thing exchanging text messages and emails, you have to talk face to face. We had a great catch-up. It was the first time I’d seen Steven the other day. I wanted it to be between us because there’s lots to be spoken about and then over time we’ll bring the brotherhood together and everything will be okay. It was great.”I speak to Cameron Bancroft a bit, they’ve been through a tough 12 months, they’ve been penalised for making a really big mistake, no doubt about that, but we’ve got to get them into the group and every opportunity we get is a positive one.”Having been national team coach since May, Langer this week told his mentor Alan Jones in a radio interview that the early passages of his four-year contract have been like “navigating through a fire”. He reiterated a message also delivered on his first day as coach that he paralleled Australian cricket now with where Western Australia was at when he took over a fractious team, state association and wider cricket community in late 2012, before bringing the disparate groups together over time.”I think we have all got to get together,” Langer said. “When I first took over Western Australian cricket it was like a dysfunctional family and what I meant by that then the media hated the team, the team hated them back, club cricket hated the WACA, the WACA hated them back, the past players hated the WACA, the WACA hated them back.”There was a lot of angst. I’m probably feeling that a bit now in Australian cricket, there’s a lot of angst and for someone who is passionate about Australian cricket and now the coach I like harmony. I like family. A lot’s gone on, let’s not shy away from that, the closer we can bring the family back together, you would say a dysfunctional family, I know that’s a headline for you, but that’s what I felt back then.”If you think about the ACA and CA, the public and the team, the media and the team, it’s a bit disjointed at the moment, the more we can bring it back, the more harmony you get the happier environment for everyone. That includes the boys.”Langer was inducted as an honouree of the Bradman Foundation alongside his former opening partner Matthew Hayden on Tuesday night, having written to Sir Donald Bradman for advice as a young player in the early 1990s. Some catch-up time with Hayden, the other half of an opening combination that broke all manner of records between 2001 and 2007, allowed Langer’s mind some rest from the struggles of the moment.”I went out for dinner with Haydos last night, it was the first time I’ve laughed for about six months I reckon. It was a good night and it puts things in perspective,” he said. “I know what you need in the dressing room, I’ve been in great dressing rooms, I’ve been in poor ones too, you have to create it and it takes some time but when you do get it, it’s a special place. They were like my brothers, that’s what it ends up being in a great team, it’s a bit cheesy but it’s true.”

The Premier League is perhaps the most entertaining league in the world, showcasing a perfect blend of tribalism, rivalry and high-octane action.

Throughout its 31-year existence, the division has become the most-watched across the globe as fans cherish its unpredictable nature.

Indeed, be it through polarising VAR decisions, referee mistakes or reckless challenges, the top-flight is arguably at its best when things get a little heated.

With that in mind, Football FanCast take a look back through the history books at the most controversial Premier League games of all time.

13 Man United given penalty after the full-time whistle

26th September 2020: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-3 Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s Manchester United side secured a last-gasp victory at the Amex Stadium as Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot in stoppage time.

Referee Chris Kavanagh had actually blown for full-time seconds prior, but VAR recommended him to the screen after spotting Neal Maupay’s handball.

After a brief look at the monitor, Kavanagh pointed to the spot, leaving Brighton players incensed – nothing like this had ever happened before in the Premier League.

And if that wasn’t frustrating enough for the Seagulls, they hit the woodwork five times and had two goals chalked off in the incident-packed affair.

Premier League

37

18

11

Europa League

9

5

4

Champions League

6

4

1

FA Cup

3

1

0

EFL Cup

3

0

1

12 Sparks fly at the Battle of Old Trafford

21st September 2003: Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal

Perhaps the most iconic game in Premier League history, although funnily enough, it was a pretty dull affair for much of it until the blue touchpaper was lit with 10 minutes remaining.

Patrick Vieira’s petulant kick-out at Ruud van Nistelrooy saw the towering French midfielder sent off for a second bookable offence which sparked a mass squabble between the two sets of players as several Gunners felt the Dutchman’s over-the-top reaction played a part.

Tempers were still flared when Martin Keown hauled down Diego Forlan in the penalty area, prompting referee Steve Bennett to controversially point to the spot.

Already unpopular among the travelling Arsenal supporters, van Nistelrooy stepped up to rub salt in the wounds of the Gunners and secure victory in the dying embers of the intense encounter to put his side top of the table.

But incredibly, the prolific Dutch forward lashed his effort onto the bar and Keown was quick to let him know about it…

The referee’s full-time whistle sounded swiftly after and the Arsenal players began to gloat in front of the dejected van Nistelrooy, provoking another row between the two sides.

Player

Team

Goals

Thierry Henry

Arsenal

30

Alan Shearer

Newcastle United

22

Louis Saha

Fulham/Manchester United

20

Ruud van Nistelrooy

Manchester United

20

Nicolas Anelka

Manchester City

17

11 Chelsea defeat nine-man Spurs in chaotic tie

6th November 2023: Tottenham Hotspur 1-4 Chelsea

One of the craziest games of football you will ever see. Littered with controversial decisions throughout, the London derby certainly delivered for the neutrals – not so much for Spurs fans, though.

Here are the timeline of events that unfolded at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:

6

Kulusevski: GOAL

14

Son goal disallowed

18

Udogie booked (VAR check for possible red)

21

Sterling goal disallowed

21

Romero VAR check for red card

33

Caicedo goal disallowed

34

Romero red card & penalty

35

Palmer: GOAL

38

Jackson goal disallowed

41

Postecoglou booked

45+1

Maddison & van de Ven forced off through injury

45+10

Sarr, Jackson & Colwill all booked

55

Udogie second yellow card and red

74

Jackson: GOAL

78

Dier goal disallowed

90+4

Jackson: GOAL

90+7

Jackson: GOAL

So it was quite the evening in north London, to say the least, with shades of the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ – the game that crowned Leicester City Premier League champions in 2016.

Perhaps most controversially, however, was VAR’s decision not to award Destiny Udogie a red card for his challenge on Raheem Sterling in the 18th minute and then just a few minutes later, Cristian Romero’s kick out at Levi Colwill which went unpunished.

Ranking the Premier League’s worst VAR decisions

10 Pickford's horror tackle on Van Dijk mars Merseyside derby

17th October 2020: Everton 2-2 Liverpool

The Toffees came from behind twice to remain at the summit of the Premier League table, three points above their second-placed opposition.

But the electrifying Merseyside derby was overshadowed by a horrible lunging challenge by Jordan Pickford on Virgil van Dijk, which left the towering Dutch defender in agony.

Scans later found that he sustained serious ACL damage in his right knee that required surgery, keeping him sidelined for nine months.

Incredibly, Pickford’s horror tackle inside the penalty area went unpunished. Whilst van Dijk was offside, VAR still should have intervened and red-carded the England No. 1.

The Premier League table, as it stood:

Everton

5

7

13

Liverpool

5

0

10

Aston Villa

3

9

9

Leicester City

4

5

9

9 Feisty 'Battle of the Bridge' sees Leicester crowned as champions

2nd May 2016: Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

The visitors raced away into a two-goal lead after prolific duo Harry Kane and Son Heung-min both netted to stun Stamford Bridge heading into the half-time interval.

Gary Cahill pulled one back shortly after the break before Eden Hazard curled home a marvellous leveller in the 83rd minute to send the home support into raptures.

Leicester City fans, too, would’ve celebrated Hazard’s goal like their own, as the Foxes inched closer to a truly extraordinary title triumph.

As referee Mark Clattenberg blew for full time, with Leicester crowned champions, tempers began to spill over on the touchline.

The game was later labelled ‘Battle of the Bridge’, due to the tough tackles, yellow cards and touchline melees.

Spurs received nine yellow cards – the most by a single team in Premier League history – and if the game had VAR, Moussa Dembele would’ve likely seen red for his eye gauge on Diego Costa and Erik Lamela for his lunging challenge and stamp on Cesc Fàbregas.

2015/16 Premier League table, the top 10:

Leicester City

38

23

12

3

32

81

Arsenal

38

20

11

7

29

71

Tottenham Hotspur

38

19

13

6

34

70

Manchester City

38

19

9

10

30

66

Manchester United

38

19

9

10

14

66

Southampton

38

18

9

11

18

63

West Ham United

38

16

14

8

14

62

Liverpool

38

16

12

10

13

60

Stoke City

38

14

9

15

-14

51

Chelsea

38

12

14

12

6

50

8 Invincibles' unbeaten run ended by Mike Riley and Pizzagate

24th October 2004: Manchester United 2-0 Arsenal

United ended Arsenal’s 49-game unbeaten run in the Premier League as van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney both netted in the tough-tackling encounter.

The game was pre-VAR of course but had it not been, the hosts may well have had van Nistelrooy sent off for his raking challenge on Ashley Cole.

Gary Neville was also fortunate to escape a red card after his two mistimed tackles on José Antonio Reyes, while Fredrik Ljungberg was taken out by Rio Ferdinand when bearing down on the United goal.

Typically, Van Nistelrooy went on to net the opener from the penalty spot – something he failed to do 13 months earlier in the fixture – after a hugely contentious decision, as Sol Campbell was harshly adjudged to have felled Wayne Rooney.

Rooney then stroked home Alan Smith’s cross to make sure of the victory on his 19th birthday, and the full-time whistle sounded shortly after.

But it didn’t end there, as a bust-up ensued in the tunnel before Fàbregas launched a pizza slice which struck Sir Alex Ferguson in the face, prompting the fierce game to be remembered as ‘Pizzagate’.

Read more: 10 memorable Cesc Fabregas moments

“This slice of pizza came flying over my head and hit Fergie straight in the mush. The slap echoed down the tunnel and everything stopped, the fighting, the yelling, everything. All eyes turned…to see this pizza slip off that famous puce face and roll down his nice black suit,” Cole recalled in his autobiography.

2004/05 Premier League top scorers:

Thierry Henry

Arsenal

25

Andy Johnson

Crystal Palace

21

Robert Pirès

Arsenal

14

Frank Lampard

Chelsea

13

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Middlesbrough

13

7 Mistaken identity sees Kieran Gibbs wrongly dismissed

22nd March 2014: Chelsea 6-0 Arsenal

Arsene Wenger’s 1,000th game in charge of the Gunners was a day to forget, as the 10-man visitors were hit for six.

José Mourinho’s side found themselves 2-0 up inside seven minutes, and matters were only made worse when Kieran Gibbs was sent off. However, it was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who should’ve walked following his goal-line handball, which resulted in a penalty.

Referee Andre Marriner later apologised for the mistake and Gibbs’ red card was rescinded, whilst the guilty Oxlade-Chamberlain was also cleared as an independent regulatory commission found that Eden Hazard’s shot was going wide before being handled by the former Southampton midfielder.

The fact neither should’ve been sent off made matters worse for Marriner, who compounded Arsenal’s miseries as they shipped a further three goals after the subsequent penalty was converted.

The Premier League table, as it stood:

Chelsea

31

39

69

Liverpool

30

44

65

Manchester City

28

49

63

Arsenal

30

19

62

6 Liverpool beaten by beach ball goal at Sunderland

17th October 2009: Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool

Sunderland leapfrogged above the visitors into seventh with victory, though the 1-0 affair produced perhaps the most bizarre goal ever scored in the Premier League.

Darren Bent opened the scoring in the fifth minute after his right-footed shot struck a beach ball and deflected in past Pepe Reina, who looked bewildered.

Even Bent appeared to glance at the referee – fearing that his effort may be chalked off – as he began to wheel away in celebration.

The goal was awarded by referee Mike Jones despite the laws of the game noting that he should have instead opted for a drop ball.

The starting lineups, that afternoon:

Craig Gordon

Pepe Reina

Phil Bardsley

Glen Johnson

George McCartney

Daniel Agger

Michael Turner

Jamie Carragher

Anton Ferdinand

Martin Škrtel

Steed Malbranque

Fábio Aurélio

Lorik Cana

Yossi Benayoun

Andy Reid

Ryan Babel

Lee Cattermole

Lucas Leiva

Darren Bent

Jay Spearing

Kenwyne Jones

Dirk Kuyt

5 Full-time whistle goes as Everton score

21st April 2000: Everton 0-0 Liverpool

Goodison Park staged the rainy Merseyside derby as Everton and Liverpool couldn’t be separated, with the game ending goalless. However, perhaps it shouldn’t have…

In the dying embers of the affair, Liverpool keeper Sander Westerveld struck the back of Don Hutchison from a goal kick and the ball deflected back into his own net.

But the referee had already blown his full-time whistle and Everton players began to fiercely remonstrate the decision. Toffees boss Walter Smith suggested that Graham Poll blew early before the scheduled two minutes of added time had been played.

Poll denied the suggestions: “I looked at my watch and saw that it was the last kick of the game. We had had the correct amount of time for stoppages so I blew. I blew for time as he kicked the ball but some of the Everton players got excited as happens in derby games. But I was very clear in my own mind.”

4 Drogba's offside goal swings title race

3rd April 2010: Manchester United 1-2 Chelsea

United were dealt a major late blow in the title decider when substitute Didier Drogba netted a winner with just 11 minutes of normal time remaining.

However, replays showed that Drogba was in an offside position when Salomon Kalou put him through on goal, but the linesman adjudged him to be onside.

The Blues leapfrogged the reigning champions to move top with five games remaining, and they would go on to win the title for the first time since 2006.

United finished second, a point behind the west Londoners.

The final Premier League table:

Chelsea

38

71

86

Manchester United

38

58

85

Arsenal

38

42

75

Tottenham Hotspur

38

26

70

With England on top in Rangana Herath’s final Test, Piyal Wijetunge admitted that Sri Lanka’s spinners had been outbowled by the visitors

Andrew Fidel Fernando in Galle08-Nov-2018Thus far in the Test, Sri Lanka’s spinners have possibly been outperformed by England’s. That is suggested by the statistics – England’s spinners have taken their wickets at 18.5 apiece, while Sri Lanka’s average 42.25 in the Test. But it is also the opinion of Sri Lanka’s own spin bowling coach, Piyal Wijetunge.The reason, he feels, is that Sri Lanka’s slow bowlers did not adapt well to their own surface. England’s spinners, meanwhile, were more disciplined and patient.Asked if England’s slow bowlers had bowled better, Wijetunge replied: “You can’t say they didn’t. What we are used to here in Galle was to come and take a lot of wickets, so that was the mindset. But what we saw from the England spinners is that they bowled to one pattern right through. They let the batsmen make the mistake.”In this match that worked for them. But what we are used to in Sri Lanka is to get wickets, because the conditions support us. In looking for those wickets, rather than doing a holding job, maybe there were errors. We didn’t move from that attacking mindset.”One bowler who attacked and did so fruitlessly for large chunks of the first and second innings was Akila Dananjaya, whose returns from the Test were 2 for 183. What’s worse for Sri Lanka is that he went at more than 4.7 runs an over. These are worrying figures for a bowler who will be expected to take a greater share of the bowling burden in Pallekele, with Rangana Herath now having hung up his bowling spikes.”We see some X-factor in Akila, and that’s the reason for bringing him into the side and playing him alongside another offspinner – Akila is not just an offspinner for us,” Wijetunge said. “Credit to the English batsmen they handled the spinners well. Akila had one of his off days, and he didn’t bowl that well. I’m sure he’s going to come back well in the next game.”Rangana Herath leaves the field after his final spell as a Test bowler•Getty ImagesOn who else might comprise the Sri Lanka spin attack in that next match, Wijetunge also dropped a hint. If the hosts play three spinners again – though they may feel two seamers are preferable on a Pallekele surface that generally aids quick bowling – left-arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara is first in line to take Herath’s place in the side.A prolific wicket-taker at first-class level, Pushpakumara is reputed as a crafty line-and-length left-arm orthodox operator in the mould of Herath. But he had not impressed in his two Test outing so far, averaging 47.5 against India last year.He is preferred, though, to left-arm wristspinner Lakshan Sandakan, who has frequently been expensive in Tests.”Dilruwan Perera is going to take the lead in the spin attack going forward, but from the next game onwards we might go with Malinda Pushpakumara to take Rangana’s place,” Wijetunge said.”At the moment, Sandakan is in a particular stage, and we’re doing some developments with him. If we need to bring him into this series, he’s at a place where we can do that. But to improve his quality as a spinner, we’re doing some adjustments with him. After we do that, I think we should be able to regularly bring him into the XI.”

West Bromwich Albion's promotion credentials will be under the microscope this coming Saturday when Carlos Corberan's playoff-chasing Baggies face off against Kieran McKenna's Ipswich Town, the Tractor Boys loving life back in the Championship with the Suffolk club in second spot currently.

Corberan's men are way off Ipswich in terms of points in the division, but West Brom's focus will be fixed on trying to make it into the playoff positions this season – outside of the playoff picture at the time of writing owing to goal difference, Sunderland above the Baggies in sixth nervously looking over their shoulder to see what the West Midlands club does next.

West Brom's manager will have a number of selection calls to ponder over for the upcoming game at the Hawthorns, selecting the very best lineup he thinks can go toe-to-toe with the confident visitors in what is an exciting match-up on paper.

With that in mind, here is how Corberan could set his side up this weekend – with two possible alterations from the latest defeat to Southampton.

1 GK – Alex Palmer

Everpresent in all of West Brom's 16 Championship games so far, Palmer starting against Ipswich Town will be one of the simpler decisions when it comes to team selection from Corberan's perspective.

Keeping seven clean sheets this season, only conceding 17 goals when he has been unfortunately beaten, the 27-year-old's position in the starting lineup is surely set in stone for Saturday.

2 RB – Darnell Furlong

Darnell Furlong will also be retained in Corberan's first-team plans for the clash against Ipswich, very rarely missing a game for the Baggies whether that be at the back or played slightly more forward in a right midfield spot.

He's featured in all 16 second-tier games for West Brom much like his teammate Palmer, a shoo-in for a starting position against the Tractor Boys.

3 CB – Kyle Bartley

Scoring against the Saints last time out – Bartley bundling the ball into the back of the net after a Brandon Thomas-Asante effort clattered the crossbar – the 32-year-old could be key at the back up against Ipswich's high-energy attacking line of Nathan Broadhead and George Hirst by successfully marshalling them out of the contest.

Averaging 3.8 ball recoveries per 90 minutes this season, according to Sofascore, Bartley will hope he can act as a Baggies brick wall when swarms of Ipswich attackers do come his way.

4 CB – Cedric Kipre

Missing from the West Brom starting eleven only once this campaign so far – benched when the Baggies played Millwall at the Hawthorns – Kipre should start this Saturday to take his season tally to 16 appearances.

Kipre has been a colossus in many of his performances, the Ivory Coast defender standing out in West Brom's 2-0 win over Coventry recently – blocking three shots to foil the Sky Blues and clearing the ball away seven times to consolidate a clean sheet, as per Sofascore.

5 LB – Conor Townsend

Corberan shouldn't have to make any changes in his defence, with Conor Townsend another trusted member of the backline at the Baggies.

Performing below his usual high standards in a West Brom strip away at St Mary's – the 30-year-old losing all six of his attempted ground duels – West Brom's Spanish manager will still stick by his full-back for the visit of Ipswich in the hope that he raises his performance level in such a high-octane contest.

6 RM – Grady Diangana

Once on West Ham United's books as a youngster developing at the Hammers, Grady Diangana has since become a key player at West Brom with the 25-year-old entering his fifth successive season with the club this campaign.

Often blowing hot and cold as many exciting maverick-style players tend to do, West Brom's number 11 has two goals and three assists from 11 games played this season.

Two of those assists were notched up in just one game, Diangana a nuisance for the Hull City defenders all night in a 3-1 win at the Hawthorns over the Tigers.

7 CM – Okay Yokuşlu

West Brom's defensively sound Turkish midfielder should start again for the West Midlanders for the evening kick-off, Okay Yokuşlu solid in recent contests for Corberan's playoff-aspiring team.

In a 2-0 home win over QPR back in mid-October, the 29-year-old was no-nonsense in approach.

Tough into the tackle by winning three of his four ground duels, West Brom's number 35 excels at doing the dirty work in the centre of the park allowing other midfield options the freedom to get forward subsequently.

8 CM – Alex Mowatt

The first change Corberan could look to make for the game at the weekend could be starting Alex Mowatt over Nathaniel Chalobah, the former Leeds United man standing out when substituted on against Southampton.

Mowatt was a far more effective attacking presence than Chalobah when introduced, pushing his team further forward to attempt an unlikely comeback.

As per Sofascore, the 28-year-old had 44 touches from just 34 minutes on the pitch in a bid to leave his mark on the contest. Unfortunately for Mowatt and the rest of the team, he couldn't quite be the difference-maker but this individual display could see him start against Ipswich.

9 LM – Matt Phillips

Playing for Blackpool, Sheffield United and QPR before finding a settled home in the West Midlands with West Brom in 2016, Phillips continues to be a talented winger despite the twilight of his career fast approaching him now at 32 years of age.

Starting all 16 games for Corberan's Baggies this season – even with youngster Tom Fellows pushing Phillips and Diangana all the way for a starting spot – Phillips has registered three goals and two assists to show he's still a reliable creator going forward and why his manager keeps picking him.

10 ST – Josh Maja

Once on loan with Fulham in the Premier League from then parent club FC Girondins de Bordeaux, West Brom snapped up Maja on a free transfer deal this summer after the Ligue 1 outfit released their former EFL hot-shot.

Bursting onto the scene in English football with Sunderland as a teenage sensation up top, the "rare" talent – as hailed by former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe – hasn't really got going yet for the Baggies, but he could be pushing for a starting spot this weekend if fit.

With Thomas-Asante having not been in rich goalscoring form recently – failing to find the net in his last two displays – it could open the door for a surprise Maja start.

Newcastle United have already dusted off one of England's great sides this week, dispatching Manchester United with ease on Wednesday night, winning 3-0.

No disrespect to the Toon, but that should not have been the scoreline with Eddie Howe fielding the likes of Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett in the centre of his defence.

However, it was a testament to the cohesive machine that the boss has built at St James' Park. It doesn't matter the team selection, nor does it matter the team, the Magpies are well-oiled and on the up.

They have the chance on Saturday to rock the apple cart again when they face title challengers Arsenal who like United, tasted defeat in the Carabao Cup last time out.

Howe may have engineered a tremendous win but he is expected to make plenty of changes this weekend, eight of them in fact. Here's the predicted lineup for their clash with the Gunners in the Premier League.

1 GK – Nick Pope

Howe's number 1 between the sticks was given the night off in Manchester a few days ago as Martin Dubravka started against his former loan side and kept a clean sheet. That won't, however, be enough for the Slovakian to keep his place as Nick Pope returns.

2 RB – Kieran Trippier

Tino Livarmento was in top form against United in midweek, notably being described as a "top talent" by scout Jacek Kulig for his scintillating showing at right-back. The time will eventually come for the summer signing to earn an extended run in the team but that time isn't now. Instead, Kieran Trippier, who has posted seven assists this term, will be back in the starting XI.

3 CB – Jamal Lascelles

With Sven Botman missing through injury, Howe couldn't afford another of his main central defenders to pick up an injury in the Carabao Cup so Krafth and Dummett started the game, remarkably keeping a clean sheet. Like Dubravka, however, they will be back on the bench against the Gunners with Jamal Lascelles preferred.

4 CB – Fabian Schar

Newcastle's other centre-half in Fabian Schar has been the man for the big occasion this term, notably scoring against PSG in the Champions League. Could we see another magic moment from the Swiss on Saturday? Time will tell. His first job will be to deal with the threat of Bukayo Saka in the left channel. No easy task.

5 LB – Dan Burn

Lewis Hall scored a delightful arrowed finish during the visit to Old Trafford but a day like this calls for the resilient and colossal figure of hometown hero Dan Burn.

6 CM – Sean Longstaff

The academy graduate proudly captained the side a few days ago and has been an immovable object in the Magpies' midfield this season. Sean Longstaff will have a big job to do on Saturday against the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

7 CM – Bruno Guimaraes

The Brazilian had initially been rested in the EFL Cup but was forced into joining the action after just five minutes when Matt Targett limped off with an injury. With Sandro Tonali banned, Bruno Guimaraes is now even more irreplaceable in the middle of the park, even if Joe Willock is back and scoring again.

8 CM – Joelinton

Hailed as a "monster", notably by Toon journalist Aaron Stokes, for his displays in the last few years, the £85k-per-week midfielder's battle against Rice could be one that decides the game this weekend. Joelinton has all of the tools to cause a stir against the Premier League's second-best side this season.

9 RW – Miguel Almiron

Livramento featured on the right wing during the dying embers of the game against United but Miguel Almiron won't be moved from his starting berth after scoring that night himself. Already scoring against PSG this season, he will be a huge threat to Oleksandr Zinchenko or Takehiro Tomiyasu on the left side of Arsenal's defence.

10 LW – Anthony Gordon

Anthony Gordon has come of age this term with three goals and two assists so far and has the pace and trickery to frighten Arsenal this weekend, not to mention the relentless desire to be a complete nuisance should any scuffles occur.

Newcastle United are still eyeing up a Sandro Tonali replacement in January, and are keen on signing an "absolutely incredible" player, according to a transfer update.

Newcastle eye Tonali replacement

The Magpies have been rocked by the news that Tonali has been banned from football for 10 months, having breached betting rules while an AC Milan player.

That being said, there are even reports now emerging that the Newcastle hero may even have been betting after joining the club, which could lead to further punishments.

It is a major setback for Eddie Howe's plans this season, with Tonali clearly seen as an undisputed key player after his summer move to St James' Park, and work is now underway to look for a potential replacement for him during the January transfer window.

A host of names have been thrown into the hat in recent days and weeks, with Newcastle linked with moves for Kalvin Phillips, as well as Ruben Neves and N'Golo Kante, while Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay is also a Magpies target.

It is vital that someone comes in to fill the void left by Tonali, who won't be available to feature again for the remainder of the season, and a new update suggests that another name has been added to the list of potential signings.

Newcastle want Milinkovic-Savic

According to a report from Spain (as per Football365), Newcastle see Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as a strong option to sign in January, with the 28-year-old currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal.

It is stated that PIF has given the Magpies the green light to make January signings in order to make up for the loss of Tonali, and the former Lazio man has emerged as a primary target.

Milinkovic-Savic made the surprise move to head to the Saudi Pro League during the summer, and considering he is in and around his peak, it looks as though he is keen on making a return to one of Europe's top five leagues in the near future.

The Serbian could be a fantastic signing for Newcastle, providing a combination of technical quality and physical prowess, with Milinkovic-Savic's statistics showing what a formidable footballer he is. In 341 appearances for Lazio, he scored 69 goals and registered 59 assists, showing the end product he could bring from midfield, while he also has 47 caps for Serbia, making his mark at international level.

Meanwhile, journalist Maxi Angelo has lauded the brilliance of the midfielder in the past, saying of him:

"There are few players I have seen in my days who are as athletic as Sergej Milinković-Savić. He has size, strength and endurance that sets him apart from the majority, and then add great technique, intelligence/anticipation and movement to that. Absolutely incredible player."

Milinkovic-Savic strengths	Milinkovic-Savic weaknesses
Aerial duels	Crossing
Passing	Tackling
Set-piece threat	Temperament

At 28, Milinkovic-Savic is at a great age to come in and make Newcastle not miss Tonali too much, and with a loan move until the end of the season arguably looking most likely, he could be a wonderful short-term option.

Having challenged his players to play “bold, courageous cricket” on their tour of Sri Lanka, England’s captain Joe Root said that he would take immense pride in the manner in which his players backed up their words with deeds to secure their first series win in Asia for six years.Root himself was named Man of the Match for his superb second-innings 124, a performance that epitomised his team’s positive approach to batting in challenging conditions, and he admitted that it was especially pleasing to have been able to lead from the front in precisely the manner that he had called for.”I’m really pleased to back up everything I’ve spoken about and the way that I did it,” Root told Sky Sports. “It’s nice to make a big contribution but the thing that sits well with me is the manner in which I did it. I asked the guys to play a certain way, and I went out and backed it up myself.”However, Root was quick to praise his entire squad for the manner in which they bought into the challenge of taking on Sri Lanka in their own conditions – not just the 11 players who have so far taken the field in the two Tests, but the full 17-man squad, not least the likes of Stuart Broad and Jonny Bairstow, two hugely experienced players who have been surplus to requirements given the specific balance of this team.”Look at the guys we’ve got on the sidelines,” he said. “We’ve got some very exciting young players and a lot of experience, and for Stuart Broad [and Bairstow] to have no played a part in this series shows the strength of the squad, and the adaptability as well. Around the world we could have played a very different side with a similar well-balanced look to it.”It’s nice to be in a position where all 17 guys could walk into the team and it wouldn’t look any less balanced, or out of place in these conditions.”If England’s set-up allowed them to do without some of their most senior campaigners out in the middle, then Root was quick to praise the contributions of two of his most trusted lieutenants, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes. Both are integral members of England’s world-class white-ball squad, and after a match in which England’s fielding standards, particularly the close catching, had made the difference between the two teams, Root insisted that their contributions had been instrumental in raising the overall standards of the squad.”The guys have worked really hard on their close catching, we know how important it is in this part of the world,” said Root. “When you’ve got Jos and Ben in the outfield, the standard does rise, it drags people with them.”They are the sort of characters we have, two senior players who command respect in the way they go about things. Not verbally, but with their actions on the field and the way they train. They set the standard, and when people see that and the success they have on the field, they are very quick to follow suit.”Getty Images

The final morning of the match had dawned with England needing a further three wickets, and Sri Lanka 75 runs, but Root insisted that he and his players had been pretty calm when play resumed, thanks to a belief in the plans that had already carried them to the brink of victory.”We were pretty confident,” he said. “We knew we’d be able to create three chances on that surface, but we also recognised that when partnerships developed it became quite difficult. We tried to stay as calm as possible, trust all the plans we had, and follow through on that, and thankfully it paid off.”That’s not to say there had not been one or two nervous moments in the field as Sri Lanka set off in pursuit of a victory target of 300, and Root conceded that the extended sessions on day four had not helped his team, in the wake of the heavy rainfall that interrupted their own second innings.”The extra 15 minutes in both sessions didn’t help,” he said. “[Sri Lanka’s] two significant partnerships were towards the back of those sessions and they got away from us a little bit. It’s a nice learner for me as captain to do things differently, but ultimately we reassessed things very well and very quickly and put things right.”The credit for the victory ultimately went to England’s trio of spinners who claimed 19 of Sri Lanka’s 20 wickets in the match, with Jack Leach and Moeen Ali sharing nine out of ten in the second innings,”They dealt with the pressure pretty well, and to do it in these conditions as well,” said Root. “To do it in England on pitches you’re familiar with is one thing, but we have guys like Mo who are very good at beating the bat on both sides when there’s more consistent spin. It’s about finding different ways of getting the most out of your skill and expand your game.”You’ve seen a big improvement and development in all three of them to harness and shoulder that pressure. It was really pleasing.”Root’s captaincy also encountered a steep learning curve out in the field, part of which revolved around him unlearning some of the lessons that became apparent to him while batting.AFP

“It’s difficult, you see the ball spin when you’re batting and it’s really hard work,” he said. “There is that expectation on yourselves at times to go and take clusters of wickets and put them under huge amounts of pressure. But if you over-attack, it can be difficult, you can leak runs, and then the pressure is back on yourselves.”More than anything, you have to get that balance of attack and defence, defend with the field but attack with the ball in hand, that is sometimes a bit more useful.”Root also praised his team’s batting, not merely for producing three centuries in the two Tests to Sri Lanka’s none, but for the intent and the depth that they were able to dredge out of the entire line-up – right down to the contributions of James Anderson at No.11, who helped add 101 runs for the last wicket across two innings.”We’ve made some really crucial partnerships at key times,” he said. “Going back to the start of the second innings, going back to Keaton [Jennings] and Rory [Burns], they kept the scoreboard moving very quickly, and kept them under pressure from the start, and in a calm and controlled manner. That set the innings up beautifully and gave the guys a huge amount of confidence to play their own way and keep the runs coming.”The beauty of this team is the depth of batting,” he added. “Guys like Rashid coming in at No.10 at times, he’s more than capable of big scores in Test cricket, and has more than 10 first-class hundreds. It’s nice to know that the depth is there, but one thing we’ve seen is there is no attitude of ‘leave it to someone else’. The guys have stood up and shouldered that responsibility really well.”Ben Foakes, England’s rookie wicketkeeper, was also singled out for special praise after another match in which his impeccable glovework was matched by a vital performance with the bat.”Foakes has made it look a lot easier than it should look, both keepers have,” said Root. “Both stood back and up, with the ball not carrying at times. It’s been spitting, keeping low, but he’s done phenomenally well, and makes it look a lot easier than it is which is fantastic to have as a wicketkeeper.”His runs have been fantastic as well. His demeanour out in the middle is one of someone who has played a lot more than he has. He has a great attitude towards learning and improving himself.”