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West Ham United’s return to Premier League football didn’t entirely go to plan on Saturday afternoon.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side looked on course to win their third game on the bounce when Callum Wilson made it 2-0 against Bournemouth in the 35th minute. However, the Cherries fought back, and thanks to a penalty and a goal from Enes Unal, came away with a point.

With that said, in the context of the season at large, it’s still a good point for the Hammers, especially as they had to make do without dynamic Crysencio Summerville and Lucas Paqueta.

Unfortunately, the Dutchman won’t be fit for the Liverpool game, but Nuno might have the perfect solution, one that involves dropping Luis Guilherme.

Guilherme's game vs Bournemouth

Now, the first thing to say is that Guilherme is still a promising talent and someone who could develop into a real star for West Ham.

Chalkboard

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

However, what is equally true is that he failed to make a case for why he should be in the starting lineup in place of the injured Summerville next time out.

The young Brazilian wasn’t terrible on Saturday, but he was almost entirely ineffective, looking unable to create chances for his teammates or get himself into positions where chances could be supplied to him.

Moreover, the 19-year-old still looks as slight as ever and lacks any real power or pace, which are two traits becoming increasingly important for attackers in the Premier League.

Unsurprisingly, the manager decided to take him off at the break, which only made his dire statistics even more pitiful.

In his 45 minutes of inaction, the Brazilian registered an expected assists figure of 0.01, failed to take a single shot, took just 21 touches, failed in 66% of his dribbles, lost the ball nine times, completed ten passes, was dribbled past and lost seven of eight duels.

In short, Guilherme proved he cannot come in for Summerville again, so Nuno has to bring in one of the club’s most exciting prospects instead.

West Ham's Summerville solution

The player Nuno should bring into the squad to replace Guilherme and help solve the blow of Summerville’s injury is George Earthy.

Now, that might sound bold, and perhaps it is, but the academy gem has long been talked about as one of the club’s next stars, and his time at youth level and out on loan suggests as much.

For example, in 60 appearances for the u18s, totalling 4804 minutes, he scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.39 games, or every 111.72 minutes.

Then, during his time with the u21s, he scored 18 goals and provided 14 assists in 55 appearances, totalling 3618 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 113.06 minutes.

In other words, the Havering-born gem is a dual threat: a goalscorer and a creator.

Moreover, with 40 appearances for Bristol City last season, during which he was named young player of the year, he has plenty of genuine first-team experience under his belt already.

With all of that said, the “priceless” youngster, as dubbed by coach Steve Potts, is primarily an attacking midfielder, and so it would make sense to play him there against Liverpool, which means the man who’d actually outright replace Guilherme is actually Paqueta.

Yes, the Brazilian is also primarily a central player, but has made 36 club appearances on the left-hand side in his career, as well as six for the Brazilian national team.

Anyway, having the former Lyon gem further forward could help make the team more dangerous in attack, while also allowing the 21-year-old to get up to speed in a more familiar position.

Ultimately, it is not ideal, but Guilherme made it clear against Bournemouth that he cannot start games at the moment. Therefore, bringing the incredibly talented Earthy into the middle and allowing Paqueta to play on the left could be the answer to Summerville’s absence – at least for now.

West Ham dealt Jarrod Bowen blow as Nuno faces fresh concern about star winger

The England international is their most crucial man by some distance.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 21, 2025

An ex-Fulham women's manager has claimed female players were 'protected' from then-owner Mohamed Al Fayed amid allegations of rape against him.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Female players 'were not allowed to be left alone' with Al-Fayed
• Egyptian owned Fulham between 1997 and 2013
• Al-Fayed passed away in August 2023 aged 94

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In a BBC documentary, several women accused Al-Fayed of raping them during their time working for high-end London department store Harrods, which the billionaire owned.

  Gaute Haugenes, who managed the Fulham's women's team between 2001 and 2003, revealed that staff were aware that Al-Fayed "liked young blonde girls", leading to precautions being taken to protect the club's female players.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Al-Fayed spent 16 years as Fulham owner before selling the club in 2013, with the Egyptian-born businessman passing away last year at the age of 94. Allegations had surrounded Al-Fayed over his conduct as far back as 1997, however no charges were pressed while he was alive despite questioning from the police.

• WHAT HAUGENES SAID

  "I read all the newspapers yesterday of course and to be honest it's not the biggest surprise," Haugenes said. "We were aware he liked young, blonde girls. So we just made sure that situations couldn't occur. We protected the players."

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR FULHAM AND AL-FAYED ALLEGATIONS?

  Lawyers representing Al Fayed's accusers told a news conference on Friday it was 'unlikely' there were not more alleged victims. Fulham said they were trying to establish whether anyone at the club had been affected and encouraged people to come forward to its safeguarding department or the police.

His all-out-attack approach has yielded dividends in white-ball cricket, but it may not work the same way in Tests

Ian Chappell06-Oct-2024Talk of Travis Head opening the batting for Australia in Test cricket indicates the uncertain nature of the position rather than being a reflection of the player’s suitability to handle the new ball.If Australia possessed an obvious opening replacement for David Warner then Steven Smith wouldn’t have occupied the position last season. Smith is a very capable No. 4 and that is his best position, so an opponent should welcome him facing the new ball.Head opening in Test cricket is based on his unbridled success facing the new ball in both 50-over and T20 cricket. There’s no doubt Head, with his ultra-aggressive style, is the ideal player to open in the two short forms of the game. However, Test cricket is an entirely different proposition.Head’s promotion to open in Test cricket should be seen as either an extremely desperate ploy or an extraordinarily adventurous move. The desperation involves Head’s penchant for adopting an all-out-attack approach, which can unravel in a Test match. The adventurous part involves his aggression unsettling the opposition field placings and thus creating an advantage for his own team.Related

• Stats: Travis Head's dream year in T20s

• If not Steven Smith, then who? Australia's opening debate

• Travis Head, Test opener? 'Keep the chatter: it makes it interesting'

The difference between the short forms of the game and Test cricket apply with both field placings and use of the bowlers. The fielding side employing extra catching fielders and being able to unleash a preferred bowler for longer periods makes opening much tougher in Test cricket.The other important aspect is Head’s approach to batting. His decision to mount a full-blown attack is in part to camouflage any weakness in his batting. If the opposing bowlers are bluffed into countering with an economical rather than a wicket-taking plan, then Head’s ploy is successful.If Head is satisfied that an all-out attack is the way for him to bat, that boosts his confidence. However, a few cheap dismissals can see a player’s confidence dwindle quickly.One big flaw in the argument for Head to open in Test cricket is the opposition he’ll face. If it were a lesser opponent it might have some merit but a strong Indian attack will be hard to bluff.Any move to open with Head that is designed to unsettle Jasprit Bumrah is asking a lot of the batter. Bumrah, and to a lesser extent Mohammad Siraj, are unlikely to be battered into altering their attacking mentality.

Head’s promotion to open in Test cricket should be seen as either an extremely desperate ploy or an extraordinarily adventurous move

As well as fine fast bowlers, Head is also vulnerable against good offspin bowling. The wily R Ashwin is unlikely to be panicked by an opponent’s ultra-aggressive approach.
The argument could be mounted that opening with Head means he’d be more settled facing Ashwin with some runs on the board. On the other hand, a smart opposing captain can utilise the offspinner with a newish ball.Amongst any argument to use Head as a Test match opener, there’s a compelling counterpoint.Former Australian captain Tim Paine was asked about Smith as an opener. He replied candidly: “As an opposition player I want him at the top of the order because that gives me the best chance of getting him out.” The same logic applies to Head as an opener in Test cricket.In choosing an opening pair for the Test series, Australia need to be acutely aware of India’s attacking intentions under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. It was made abundantly clear in the second Test against Bangladesh that India will seek victory at every opportunity under Rohit.That makes a good start in Tests against India a priority for Australia.Another issue clouding Australia’s choice of opener against India is the concern over Cameron Green’s back injury. The idea behind Smith opening last season was to fit both allrounders, Green and Mitch Marsh, into the team.If Green can only bat because of his back issue and Marsh continues to be questionable as a bowler because of potential injury, then it severely diminishes their allrounder status.There’s no doubt Australia desperately needs to find a capable Test opener, but Head is not the solution to the problem.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 0-0 draw with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco last night will likely have highlighted the issues currently within Thomas Frank’s first-team squad.

The Dane may have spent upwards of £100m on new attacking talent, but his side’s tally of just two shots on target showcases their lack of quality in the final third.

During their first three Champions League outings of the 2025/26 campaign, centre-back Micky van de Ven is the only player in the current ranks to find the back of the net, with the other two strikes being own goals.

The likes of Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison were both named in the starting eleven for the meeting with Sebastien Pocognoli’s side, but neither managed to get themselves on the scoresheet.

The latter in particular produced yet another performance to forget, which could see his starting role in the first team come under huge questioning in the coming weeks.

Richarlison’s dismal display against Monaco

The Brazilian has mainly been utilised as Spurs’ number one centre-forward option in the opening weeks of 2025/26, with Dominic Solanke out injured after having surgery on an ankle issue.

It appeared as though the Dane’s arrival handed him a new lease of life after scoring twice on the Premier League’s opening day in the 3-0 triumph over Burnley.

However, he’s massively struggled to match such a performance in recent months, subsequently scoring just once in his last 12 outings across all competitions.

The 28-year-old did start the clash in France last night, but was unable to make a huge impact – as seen by his measly tally of just six passes completed in his 70-minute showing.

Other figures, such as no shots on target, no dribbles completed, and a 0.10 xG produced further indicate how little of a bearing he had on proceedings for Frank’s men.

As a result of his poor form of late, it has led to calls from the fanbase for him to be dropped to the bench, with other players like Randal Kolo Muani and Dane Scarlett deserving of a chance to showcase their talents.

However, Richarlison certainly hasn’t been alone in that category in recent weeks, with one other player being criticised for his inability to impress when handed the chance.

The Spurs star who was like Richarlison but now looks undroppable

There’s no denying that the arrival of a new manager brings about a period of change and bedding in – with Frank needing time to work with his Spurs players to understand his best eleven.

Since taking the reins back during the off-season, the Dane has utilised countless players, whilst even testing various four and five-back formations in North London.

As the winter months approach, it’s safe to say the 51-year-old has started to find out who he can rely on to provide the goods in his quest for success with the Lilywhites.

Wilson Odobert came under fire at the weekend for his lack of impact against Aston Villa, but the manager decided to stick with him for the clash against Monaco last night.

Many questioned the decision to keep the forward within the starting eleven, with the youngster yet to register a goal or assist this campaign and struggling just like Richarlison.

However, the Frenchman took full advantage of the chance handed his way by Frank, with such a performance one of the positives during the disappointing Champions League showing.

The 20-year-old featured for 70 minutes against the French side, subsequently completing 95% of the passes he attempted – the most of any player who featured for 45 minutes or more.

He also created three chances for his teammates whilst completing two of his three attempted dribbles – highlighting his tremendous ability with the ball at his feet.

Odobert’s incredible showing was further reflected in his tally of two crosses completed and four touches in the opposition area – undoubtedly being the Lilywhites’ most threatening option throughout the stalemate.

As a result of his showing, he was handed an 8/10 match rating by The Standard’s Matt Verri, with the journalist praising his direct nature and end product.

After such a display, there’s no way Frank can drop him from his starting eleven, with Odobert arguably being a player who’s now undroppable and deserving of a consistent run in the first-team.

It’s clear he’s a player who possesses a lot of quality, and he’s only going to get better as he gains more experience in Frank’s system and in the Premier League.

However, the same can’t be said for Richarlison, with the Brazilian now certainly on borrowed time after his inability to produce the goods in front of goal for the sixth game in a row.

Fewer touches than Vicario: Frank must instantly drop Spurs' 4/10 UCL flop

Tottenham Hotspur were only able to secure a 0-0 draw against Monaco in the Champions League last night.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 23, 2025

Quetta have picked Zahir Khan to fill in for Ben Cutting, while Islamabad have chosen not to replace the unavailable Janneman Malan

Umar Farooq22-May-2021Multan Sultans have picked the West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer to replace Bangladesh batter Mahmudullah in the platinum category for the remainder of the PSL 2021, which begins in the first week of June in Abu Dhabi. Several players are set to miss the remaining 20 games of the season for multiple reasons, including logistical challenges. In order to allow teams to replace their absentees, the PCB carried out a mini replacement draft on Saturday.Rashid Khan, meanwhile, will be back with the Lahore Qalandars. The franchise had signed the Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan in his place during last month’s replacement draft. Shakib has now pulled out of the remainder of the season, but Lahore have announced Rashid is available once again. Related

• How the PSL teams stack up ahead of the second leg of the 2021 season

• Coconut water, ice collars, lighter kits: How the PSL plans to beat the Abu Dhabi heat

• PSL 2021: Quetta Gladiators' Anwar Ali tests positive for Covid-19, to miss flight to Abu Dhabi

• Lahore Qalandars bag Shakib Al Hasan, Quetta Gladiators sign Andre Russell

• PSL gets green light from Abu Dhabi authorities for June resumption

All six franchises were also allowed to pick two additional players in their original squads, with at least one overseas player, increasing squad sizes from 18 to 20. Teams originally had to feature at least three overseas players in their XIs, but given the growing challenges around the Covid-19 pandemic, the PCB has reduced the number to two for each team.The draft is the third overall since the start of the season, which was suspended after 14 matches following a spate of Covid-19 cases among players and support staffers.The Quetta Gladiators have picked the Afghanistan left-arm wristspinner Zahir Khan to replace the Australian allrounder Ben Cutting, while Lahore have chosen the Singaporean batter Tim David, who plays for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL, and boasts an overall T20 strike rate of 154.07, to replace the Australian batter Joe Burns.Meanwhile, Hammad Azam, once talked of as a exciting all-round prospect for Pakistan, is back in the limelight, with Multan picking him as an additional option in the silver category.The Singaporean batter Tim David replaces Joe Burns in the Lahore Qalandars squad•Getty Images

UAE’s Waseem Muhammad, who made his name with his blazing knocks for the Northern Warriors in the Abu Dhabi T10, has found a place in the Multan roster. His career highlight so far is an unbeaten 13-ball 56 in the T10, which helped the Warriors chase down 98 in just 4.3 overs against the Pune Devils. The Qalandars snapped up another UAE player in Sultan Ahmed, a left-arm spinner who originally hails from Pakistan.During last month’s replacement draft, Islamabad United had picked Janneman Malan in place of Alex Hales. Now, with Malan also unavailable, Islamabad did not pick a replacement, citing a lack of equivalent options.Islamabad, Lahore and the Karachi Kings haven’t yet picked a 20th player, but can do so if required.

Final squads

Karachi Kings Imad Wasim (capt), Abbas Afridi, Aamer Yamin, Arshad Iqbal, Babar Azam, Chadwick Walton, Danish Aziz, Martin Guptill, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Haris, Thisara Perera, Najibullah Zadran, Noor Ahmad, Qasim Akram, Sharjeel Khan, Waqas Maqsood, Zeeshan Malik.Lahore Qalandars Sohail Akhtar (capt), Ahmed Danyal, Ben Dunk, Callum Ferguson, Dilbar Hussain, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, James Faulkner, Maaz Khan, Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Hafeez, Rashid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Seekkuge Prasana, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sultan Ahmed, Tim David, Zaid Alam and Zeeshan Ashraf.Multan Sultans Mohammad Rizwan (capt), Hammad Azam, Imran Tahir, Imran Khan Snr, Johnson Charles, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Umar, Obed McCoy, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rilee Rossouw, Shahid Afridi, Shahnawaz Dhani, Shan Masood, Shimron Hetmyer (partially available), Sohaib Maqsood, Sohaibullah, Sohail Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Usman Qadir, Waseem Muhammad.Islamabad United Shadab Khan (capt), Ahmed Saifi Abdullah, Ali Khan, Akif Javed, Asif Ali, Colin Munro, Fawad Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Akhlaq, Musa Khan, Rohail Nazir, Usman Khawaja, Zafar Gohar, Zeeshan Zameer.Peshawar Zalmi Wahab Riaz (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Amad Butt, Bismillah Khan, David Miller (partially available), Fabian Allen (partially available), Fidel Edwards (partially available), Haider Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Amir Khan, Mohammad Irfan Snr, Mohammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Rovman Powell, Waqar Salamkheil, Sherfane Rutherford, Shoaib Malik, Umaid Asif.Quetta Gladiators Sarfaraz Ahmed (capt), Abdul Nasir, Andre Russell (partially available), Anwar Ali, Arish Ali Khan, Azam Khan, Cameron Delport, Faf du Plessis, Hassan Khan, Jack Wildermuth, Jake Weatherald, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Usman Shinwari, Zahid Mahmood, Zahir Khan.

There were half-centuries from Shaun Marsh and Josh Inglis but the home side never threatened a huge chase

Andrew McGlashan06-Apr-2021There was no miracle chase from Western Australia. They were bowled out midway through the final session of the last day having never seriously threatened to haul in a mammoth 480. When Cameron Gannon was caught at mid-on it confirmed that Queensland would play New South Wales for the title.Tasmania’s success was shared around to secure their second consecutive victory and suggest that, with some more home advantage next season if all goes well, they could be a title contender.Sam Rainbird, the left-armer who is not always a first-choice pick, produced some beautiful late inswing during the second innings to add the key middle-order scalps of Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh – both clipping to well-placed midwickets – to his dismissal of Cameron Bancroft the previous evening.As he had been all season, Jackson Bird was impressive and added three more wickets to his tally including Josh Inglis who was brilliantly caught by Tim Paine after an entertaining 54 off 38 balls to cap a fine season for the wicketkeeper.Western Australia’s slimmest of hopes rested on the perfect day – two sessions of brisk accumulation with, perhaps, just three wickets lost to set up a final-session dash for the line with the middle-order power in their side.Partnerships threatened to build but never developed. Sam Whiteman was caught behind early and Shaun Marsh fell shortly before lunch for a well-made half-century.During the afternoon Green hinted that he could produce something significant and briefly put the foot down, but was undone by some smart captaincy from Matthew Wade when he picked out the squarer of two midwickets placed exactly for the strong clip he played off the pads against Rainbird.However, during the course of his 40 he had passed 900 runs for the season and will finish as the leading run-scorer of the competition. There are many more runs to come from that bat.Two overs later Mitchell Marsh fell in almost identical fashion as he picked out the straighter of the two leg-side catchers and it was only a question of how long it would take Tasmania.Ashton Agar, edging to slip, and Inglis both fell before tea then a 48-run stand between the injured Joel Paris and Matt Kelly briefly delayed the end.Jarrod Freeman broke through shortly before the new ball when Paris shouldered arms and had his off stump taken before the quicks returned to wrap it up.

Crystal Palace are now considering a move for an “incredible” defender as a replacement for Marc Guehi, with the England international expected to leave on a free transfer.

Palace looking to sign Guehi replacement

Guehi came very close to signing for Liverpool at the end of the summer transfer window, but the move fell through at the last minute, with talkSPORT’s Alex Crook revealing that Oliver Glasner played a major role in preventing the deal going ahead.

Despite the centre-back’s move to the reigning Premier League champions breaking down, he hasn’t kicked up a fuss, which led to high praise from England manager Thomas Tuchel, who said: “He looks absolutely fine and impressive on the field. He has had a good couple of weeks behind him on the performance side.

“He has continued like that in camp and he handles it [the transfer situation] with respect and with a brilliant attitude.”

More recently, the 25-year-old once again underlined his importance to the Three Lions by putting in a very impressive performance against Wales, keeping a clean sheet and assisting his side’s opening two goals, which helped secure a 8.2 SofaScore match rating.

The Palace captain, who is regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, continues to attract interest ahead of next summer, with Real Madrid recently being named as potential suitors.

According to a report from We Are Palace, Guehi is expected to leave on a free next summer, with Crystal Palace not even attempting to convince him to stay anymore, and a Ligue 1 defender has been identified as a potential replacement.

Indeed, Toulouse’s Charlie Cresswell is now being considered as an option, having impressed Palace scouts with his performances in Ligue 1 last season, making 31 appearances as his side went on to secure a 10th-placed finish.

Cresswell is accustomed to playing in a three-at-the-back formation, which means he could be an ideal fit in Glasner’s system, and he is thought to have significant potential.

"Incredible" Cresswell could be solid Guehi replacement

At just 23-years-old, the Toulouse defender is at a good age to be a long-term replacement for Guehi, and he evidently has the talent to be a success at Selhurst Park, having put in some very impressive performances for Toulouse over the past year.

Once lauded as “incredible” by football scout Jacek Kulig, the Englishman was also a key player for the Three Lions as they went on to win the Under 21 European Championships in the summer, starting all six games.

Crystal Palace in touch with "unsettled" England international as January deal possible

The Eagles could seal a winter transfer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 10, 2025

Cresswell could be a fantastic signing for Palace, with it looking almost certain that Guehi will leave on a free transfer, but he is not the only exciting option on the shortlist, with West Ham United’s Max Kilman also recently being identified as a target.

Chelsea have reportedly reopened talks to sign Mike Maignan from Serie A giants AC Milan when his contract expires at the end of the season. However, the Blues must first free up some space in the squad and are considering offloading Filip Jorgensen. The 23-year-old is yet to make a single Premier League start for Enzo Maresca's side and could be on his way at the end of the season.

• Maignan ready to move on from Milan

  Maignan is expected to move on next summer as he will not sign a new contract with AC Milan, as reported by . Chelsea are aware of Maignan's intentions and are therefore ready to step up their interest in the stopper. Jorgensen may be sacrificed to make room for Maignan, with the Blues "seriously" considering trying to find an exit for the Denmark international. Maignan would be keen to head to the Premier League and is open to talking to Chelsea. Turin giants Juventus are also believed to be keen on the goalkeeper and are also in the running for his signature.

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  Jorgensen sent warning about Chelsea future

  Jorgensen arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2024 on a seven-year contract in a deal worth €24.5m (£20m). Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City were also linked with a move for the goalkeeper but he ended up heading to Stamford Bridge instead. Yet he has only made one appearance for the Blues so far this season and has been warned he needs to be playing more regularly if he is to be No.1 for Denmark at World Cup 2026. Denmark missed out on automatic qualification for next summer's tournament in North America but are in the play-offs and will take on North Macedona in March. Victory in that game would bring up a final against Czechia or Ireland.

• Why do Chelsea want Maignan?

  Maignan has emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe during his time in Milan. He's also the No.1 for France and wore the captain's armband back in October in the absence of injured skipper Kylian Mbappe. France boss Didier Deschamps explained why he went with his goalkeeper. He said: "Mike is a leader. Against Azerbaijan, when Kylian came off, Mike took over the armband. The fact that he has been able to play so many matches means that he is solid. He is a great competitor, even in training. He is a workaholic, sometimes a little too much in my opinion. But that's how he is."

  The stopper also does not lack for confidence. When asked if he is the best goalkeeper in the world, he told GQ Italia: "I’m not going to say, no. There are a lot of great goalkeepers around. I only focus on myself. I know my potential. I believe in myself. I’ve worked really hard to get where I am. I don’t feel I’m a spectacular keeper. I try to do things in the simplest way possible.”

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• Maignan to take over from Sanchez?

  If Maignan does arrive at Chelsea, then he would be expected to take over from current No.1 Robert Sanchez. The 28-year-old signed from Brighton in August 2023 but has come in for plenty of criticism during his time at Stamford Bridge. This season has also brought more scrutiny on the stopper. He was heavily criticised after being caught out by Lucas Paqueta's long-range strike for West Ham at the start of the season and then made unwanted history when he was sent off against Manchester United. Sanchez's red card was Chelsea’s earliest in the Premier League era and also the third-fastest dismissal for a goalkeeper in the history of the competition.

He has also equalled Kumble’s record of 35 five-wicket hauls, the most by any India bowler

Sampath Bandarupalli25-Feb-20241:11

Manjrekar: Ashwin’s artistry on show once again

354 Wickets in Test cricket for R Ashwin in India, the most by any bowler, surpassing Anil Kumble’s tally of 350. Ashwin is ranked fourth in the list of most Test wickets by a bowler at home.35 Five-wicket hauls in Test cricket for Ashwin, the joint-most by an Indian, alongside Kumble. Only three bowlers have bagged more five-fors in Tests – Muthiah Muralidaran (67), Shane Warne (37) and Richard Hadlee (36).27 Five-wicket hauls for Ashwin in home Tests, the second-most for any bowler, going ahead of Herath’s 26. Ashwin is now only behind Muralidaran, who tops the list with 45 five-wicket hauls at home.ESPNcricinfo Ltd16 Five-wicket hauls for Ashwin while opening the bowling in Tests. He has picked up 170 wickets at an average of 19.09 in the 51 innings where he opened the bowling. Thirteen out of those 16 opening-the-bowling five-fors have come in home Tests.91 Test wickets for Ashwin at home against England, the most for an Indian bowler against any opponent. Ashwin went past Harbhajan Singh’s 86 strikes against Australia in 14 Tests played in India.12 Five-wicket hauls for Ashwin in the third innings of a Test match, the joint-second most for any bowler. Muralidaran has the most third-innings five-fors in Tests with 21, while Kumble and Warne also have 12. Four of Ashwin’s 12 five-fors in the third innings have come after India conceded a first-innings lead.37y 159d Ashwin’s age coming into the Ranchi Test. He is now the second-oldest Indian to claim a five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Vinoo Mankad remains the oldest having got one aged 37 years and 306 days, against Pakistan in Peshawar in 1955.12 Venues where Ashwin has taken a five-wicket haul in India, out of the 16 grounds he has played Test cricket. Ranchi is now the 19th Test venue where Ashwin has bagged a five-wicket haul. Only three bowlers have five-fors at more venues than Ashwin – Muralidaran (25), Warne (20) and Wasim Akram (20).

The Mexican-American playmaker survived injury, contract issues, and free agency across 13 clubs, and is finally ready to walk away from the game

Rodrigo Lopez was sleeping in a closet. 

He was in his late 20s, and one of thousands of footballers who every year get syphoned out of the professional game. He had tried everywhere: MLS, PDL, USL, before it was properly USL. And after his final contract ended at Los Angeles Blues – and no deal imminent – he had, in effect, given up. 

Things were bleak. He had a girlfriend and a kid to look after. His bedroom was, quite literally, a tiny room, usually used for storage, in a house shared with his now-former teammates. 

“There was a big, big master bedroom. It was in Orange, California, and the closet was kind of big, to be honest,” Lopez told GOAL.

So, he made it his home. Soccer, it seemed, was out of the picture. 

Then, against all odds, a phone call came. It was Sacramento Republic, a new franchise with big goals. They wanted veteran experience in their team. Lopez had been around the block, and figured to add the kind of leadership they craved. He took a while to accept. But he was eventually swayed, put pen to paper, and moved a couple of hundred miles north. 

And that is how the USL’s greatest player’s career took off.

• Sacramento Republic FC
  

  The epitome of greatness

  “Greatness” is worth defining here. There are a few out there who can lay a claim to that title. Didier Drogba played in USL. So did Tim Howard. Diego Luna, Tyler Adams, Alphonso Davies, Ricardo Pepi and Joe Cole all – at some point – suited up for a USL Championship club. 

  But if greatness is about longevity, work ethic, and a resistance against father time, then Lopez’s career stacks up against pretty much anyone out there. He played for six USL clubs, amassed over 400 appearances, and spent seven seasons at Sacramento Republic. His success there from 2014-2015 helped him achieve a career-defining Liga MX stint – and the fulfillment of his childhood dream. 

  And more broadly, Lopez’s career speaks to the unpredictability of American soccer. He took pay cuts, wasn’t paid at all sometimes, played through pain, recovered from at least two potentially career-ending injuries, and worked other jobs to help supplement his growth. There were 13-hour days to keep himself sharp, and training sessions were forced through to avoid benching due to knocks. And by the end of it all, now, 38 years old, Lopez knows it’s time to go. 

  “It's time. I didn't want to risk any more injuries and I didn't want to go play anywhere else, and have to come back later on. I just wanted to settle with my family now,” he said.

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• Sacramento Republic FC
  

  'How hard can it be?'

  It really should have ended in 2014, though. The American soccer system had picked Lopez up, thrown him from club to club, and spat him out. He flirted with the academy of then-MLS’s Chivas, and had a brief cameo in MLS itself, but he was otherwise the prototype of the USL journeyman. Lopez was nearly 30, living in someone else’s house, and supporting a family. That really should have been it. 

  In the meantime, he worked construction. His father was a professional soccer player in Mexico, who moved the family to Southern California to work on a farm when Lopez was 11 months old. It’s a cliche, but Lopez knew the definition of sacrifice. 

  That didn’t mean it suited him, though. Lopez’s first day working on a site wasn’t the best. For one, he didn’t really look the part. He pulled up in a BMW, complete with fresh sneakers, nice jeans, and a clean tee, ready for what he believed would be a calm day on his new job. His friend immediately told him to get changed – and sent him home. 

  “He was like, ‘Hey, get your ass in the car. Go home, get your worst pair of jeans, go buy some boots, get the dirtiest shirt you have, and come back,’” Lopez recalled. 

  Lopez spent all day wheeling dirt around from one place to another. How difficult could this be? He thought before his first shift. Well, 12 hours later, he had an answer. 

  “I was like ‘wow this is hard’,” he said. 

  Still, it paid the bills. There was still room for soccer, too, in the form of a Sunday league not too far from home. 

  But then, the kid from Santa Barbara, California, was offered a lifeline. Graham Smith, who was building a new franchise in Sacramento, rang Lopez up. His team was getting off the ground, and he needed Lopez to bring some valuable experience. 

  Lopez hesitated. The new coach, two-time MLS MVP winner “Preki”, had cut him in a previous life. The money wasn’t great. He would walk into a new locker room, making less, with a coach who, historically, didn’t rate him. Lopez thought Preki’s criticism was harsh back in the day. The Serbian-born coach questioned his defensive work rate. Lopez disagreed. Going back would require work – and swallowing a fair bit of pride. 

  Those around him told him to wake up. 

  “I was talking to my family, my wife, and my parents. They were like, ‘They're offering you the chance of a lifetime, you'd be the first player signed, this could change your life, if you really put the work into it, and you go in there focused, you could prove everyone wrong, ’” Lopez said. 

  What followed was something out of a movie montage. Lopez put in 13-hour days to make it all happen. It was a taxing routine: gym in the morning, work all day, run on the beach or in the mountains at night. Toss in soccer on the weekends, and Lopez showed up to his new side feeling invincible – sharp and ready to perform. 

  “It was crazy how strong I felt, how good I felt. The last month or two that I was preparing to go to preseason with Sacramento, I was flying, man, and I showed up to preseason and I killed it,” Lopez said. 

  The Republic were excellent in year one. And Lopez was the architect. He was an MVP finalist and an all-league selection. He made the team of the week four times and captured the playoff MVP. They also won the USL Championship – just for good measure. 

  “And,” he paused. “The story changes there.”

• Sacramento Republic FC
  

  Liga MX offers a new dawn

  That might have been it. Lopez was the star for Sacramento, the best player in the league. He was in a successful setup that could offer him good soccer for, in theory, years to follow. He also lived in his native state and close enough to familiar territory. 

  But other options beckoned. The San Jose Earthquakes were so impressed by one of his U.S. Open Cup games against them that they offered to buy him just two days later. They also promised him that he would start for the club week in, week out. Sacramento offered to let him go. Lopez declined the offer. 

  That’s because he had always wanted to play in Liga MX. It was not only a childhood dream but also a nice story. His Dad had played pro in Mexico in the 80s and 90s. He grew up watching Mexican soccer. Lopez remembered the roar of the crowds and smells of the stadium from visits to watch Mexican club teams play during his formative years. A Liga MX move would complete the cycle, son following father.

  “I grew up watching Mexican soccer. My dad played with a lot of the players that played for the national team and stuff like that. So every time they went to LA, we would always go and see them and visit them. So I was kind of around them a lot,” he said. 

  He had represented the U.S. at youth levels, but he felt like he belonged in a league south of the border. 

  And the paycheck wasn’t bad either. 

  “The money was just life-changing,” Lopez joked.

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• Sacramento Republic FC
  

  A mixed Mexican career

  So, the options came in. He had a chance to renew with Sacramento in 2015, but he declined it on the understanding that a Mexican side would make an offer. The Chicago Fire also enquired, and an NASL team was willing to spend big. By the end, he had to choose between two Mexican clubs. 

  The first was Atlas, an established power, in the first division, whom most of his family had rooted for. The other was Celaya, a club with a fine history but stuck in the second tier. Atlas couldn’t promise minutes. Celaya could, and with Mexican soccer still in a promotion-relegation system, they offered the same cash and a chance to make it at the big time. 

  He performed well there, and a year later, two more offers came in – both from first division sides. Lopez didn’t necessarily want to leave, but the offer to play top-flight soccer immediately was hard to turn down. 

  Once again, he was left with a choice. Toluca and Queretaro both wanted him. The latter would have given him immediate playing time. But Toluca appealed more – mostly because of family ties. 

  “I remember every Sunday waking up and watching them play. My wife's dad is a Toluca fan. So I don't know, something reeled me into Toluca,” he said. 

  Lopez penned the deal, and had one of the best preseasons of his life. Sure, he was 30 – basically an unheard of age to debut in the Mexican top flight – but everything was clicking. There was competition for spots, but Lopez was right in the mix. 

  And then, in the penultimate preseason friendly in the United States, disaster struck. He felt a sharp pain in his heel and could barely walk after the match. Lopez hobbled to the plane, convinced that something was wrong. He prepared for a spell out and was already accepting the likelihood that his debut had to wait. 

  But then, when they landed back in Mexico, the GM and owner met him on the tarmac, and told him that he had done enough to start the season opener against his boyhood club, Chivas. 

  “I got goosebumps. I started getting kind of nervous, but I was like, How am I going to play if I can't even move? I couldn't walk,” he said. 

  He went to see the club doctor the next day and was told, definitively, not to train. Lopez needed an MRI. Playing would be a massive risk. But the assistant coach ran in and implored him to lace up. They had injuries at the position. Never mind the fact that this was also the opportunity of a lifetime. 

  It helped, too, that Lopez had played through pain before. As a teenager, he broke his nose during a Rondo. Back then, the assistant checked that he wasn’t bleeding and sent him back into the drill. 

  “I had the gauze in my nose, the whole thing, purple eye. People probably thought I was in a fight or whatever. The next day I had to be back in training,” he said. 

  In that spirit, Lopez just jogged around the pitch, ignoring the sharp pain in his foot. 

  “I put on my runners. I go out there. I'm, like, barely jogging in pain,” he recalled. 

  The injury got worse, day by day. He needed injections to get through a scrimmage. But he somehow managed to start the first game of the season. His whole family was there, delighted for him. 

  But Lopez couldn’t even pass the ball. He labored through 30 minutes and was hooked. 

  “I did what I could,” he admitted. 

  Lopez enjoyed 10 games of glory before fizzling out. In most games, he was the first sub. He knew he wasn’t anywhere close to his lofty potential. And by that time, other players had recovered. Lopez was on the bench. The dream – at least in Mexico – was over. There was one other stop, a brief cameo with Veracruz. But they were in dire financial trouble. Lopez didn’t get paid for seven months. He still hasn’t been fully compensated. The club folded in 2019.