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Leeds United managed to rescue a draw in their latest Premier League game against Brentford at Elland Road thanks to a last-gasp injury-time goal from Patrick Bamford.

Tyler Roberts put Marcelo Bielsa’s side 1-0 up in the first half before the visitors managed to get back in front thanks to goals from Shandon Baptiste and Sergi Canos before Bamford saved the day from the substitutes bench.

One Leeds player that also came off the bench but failed to have anywhere near the same sort of impact that Bamford had on this occasion, despite playing a lot longer than the striker did was Jack Harrison, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £60k-per-week according to Salary Sport.

Bielsa chose to put Harrison on after defender Liam Cooper was forced off with an injury, giving the former Manchester City wide man 75 minutes of playing time under his belt this afternoon.

In those 75 minutes, Harrison had 81 touches of the ball but managed to lose possession of it on 28 occasions, completing just 36 of the 49 passes he attempted.

Having previously been labelled as an “important” player for Leeds by David Prutton, the winger also failed to accurately make any of the eight crosses and two long balls he attempted and lost 11 of the 21 duels he was involved in.

This performance ultimately earned Harrison an uninspiring overall match rating of 6.3/10, making him the lowest rated Leeds player on the day according to SofaScore which goes to show that he did not repay the faith put in him by Bielsa on this occasion.

Leeds Live also picked up on his lacklustre display by saying that it is “still not really happening for a prolonged period for Harrison in attack.”

Moving forward, given his poor display today, it’s hard to see Bielsa giving Harrison a place in the starting XI for their next league game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next weekend.

Looking at the season as a whole, since Leeds signed the Englishman on a permanent basis over the summer, Harrison has only managed to provide one assist in the league so far this season and earned himself a poor overall rating of 6.44/10, making him one of the lowest-rated Leeds players that have started more than one league game this season according to WhoScored.

With this in mind, it can be argued that the Yorkshire club made a mistake in signing Harrison permanently and that his performances this season have undoubtedly embarrassed their head of recruitment, Victor Orta.

In other news: Bielsa could repeat Gelhardt masterclass with Leeds swoop for 20 y/o “manager’s dream”…

Many West Ham fans were far from happy with Kortney Hause’s poor challenge on Pablo Fornals during the 4-1 victory against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Hammers enjoyed another fantastic afternoon against the Villans during what has been a fantastic season for David Moyes’ side. The comfortable victory, which came thanks to goals from Ben Johnson, Pablo Fornals, Jarrod Bowen and Declan Rice, sees them move three points clear of fifth place in the Premier League table (Sky Sports).

It was all sweetness and light for the Irons, however. Fornals was the subject of an incredibly strong challenge from Hause, who caught the Spanish midfielder in the face with a stray arm. The Villa defender was not sent off for the tackle, although it is hard to see why he did stay on the pitch, especially when Ezri Konsa was almost immediately dismissed for a less physical infraction.

A video of the “disgraceful” incident was shared on Twitter by @central_louis and it attracted plenty of attention from Irons supporters. These fans took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts on Hause taking out Fornals.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Hause’s challenge on Fornals

“GBH. Nasty. A Red all day long…”

Credit: @RycraftTim

“Mental this wasn’t a red card…”

Credit: @camwestham

“this needs addressing surely”

Credit: @JohnW50065546

“A brutal assault and should have been a red card!”

Credit: @William37729473

“Looks worse every time I see it. Should have gone as well”

Credit: @ajarv19

“He’s lucky not to be more seriously hurt. That was disgraceful.”

Credit: @KillerHeels_UK

In other news, Darren Lewis has made this big Daniel Kretinsky claim

The English domestic game may not include 50-over cricket from next year after the ECB unveiled plans for a revamped county structure involving three competitions. The 16-match four-day Championship has been retained alongside an expanded Twenty20 tournament, but the format for the third competition has yet to be decided and could involve some radical new concepts including two-innings 40-over matches”The ECB feel there is a worldwide desire to find a way of reinvigorating and revitalising the 50 over game,” a statement said. “The game has experimented with power plays and super subs and now ECB, along with other countries, have decided to explore new options. Research tells ECB this is something the spectators and counties want to see happen. One option being considered is a 40-over concept with two innings per side with no limitations on bowlers.”The new structure will also mean an end to Test matches being staged in May after a series poorly attended series, including this year’s two-Test series against West Indies at Lord’s and Chester-le-Street. “We all recognise that there is little appetite for Test match cricket in early May and this structure allows us to play Tests in June, July and August,” Giles Clarke, the ECB chairman, said.The three-tournament domestic structure had been expected, but not the potential scrapping of 50-over matches which is currently played under the Friends Provident Trophy banner. It creates the situation where England will continue to play one-day internationals but without a format to replicate that in the domestic game. It is often a criticism that England’s players are not well prepared for 50-over cricket. Now they will not be prepared at all, while those trying to force their way in won’t be able to impress in a competition that mirrors international cricket.”The ECB is committed to 50-over cricket at international level with a total of 13 ODIs against Bangladesh, Australia and Pakistan as well as an extended programme of England Lions 50-over games,” the statement added. “These matches, along with those played in Australia in the winter of 2010-11, will provide the practice required for the ICC World Cup in early 2011.”The ECB said this new tournament would revive the Sunday League which became a regular part of the fixture list during the 1970s, 80s and 90s and was popular with supporters as it guaranteed them weekend action.After suggestions that the Championship would be cut back to make way for more Twenty20 cricket the four-day tournament will remain intact, while Twenty20 – branded under the P20 name – will become two pools of nine teams split along north-south lines to retain the derby element.”We canvassed a wide range of opinion and everyone was behind the principle of the primacy of Test match and County Championship cricket,” Clarke said. “It is important that the County Championship structure is maintained to support the Test team.”We have also listened to the spectators and counties alike about the structure and the consensus was for Twenty20 cricket to be played in June and July with a final later in the season with the qualification matches primarily at weekends.”

Manchester United are still thinking whether or not to part ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Antonio Conte keen on the Old Trafford position, should it become available.

That’s according to reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano and, as to be expected, a number of United supporters have been reacting to the update on social media.

Solskjaer’s position as manager has been under major threat following the 5-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool on Sunday, which made it four defeats from seven in all competitions.

Romano has been providing the latest on the Norwegian’s future since the loss to Jurgen Klopp’s side and revealed that Conte now wants the Red Devils job.

The United hierarchy are still yet to make a decision on Solskjaer, though, who signed a new contract through to 2024 earlier this year.

United fans react

Romano’s late-night Twitter post on Monday had plenty of United fans talking. This is what some had to say in reply, with many hoping to see the back of Solskjaer and the arribval of Conte.

“Wow.. big news!”

Credit: @DesireMUFC

“Let me hear that sweet sweet phrase… Here we go”

Credit: @_chulat

“SIUUU GET OLE GAWNNN”

Credit: @LiamsUTD

“why is this so difficult for them just sack him already”

Credit: @itssofiiaaa

“Please get it over the line.”

Credit: @mufcfanzone4

“Wonderful NEWS, we’ll be waiting to hear from you Fab once they have made that decision”

Credit: @lincz45

A number of West Ham supporters have been hailing Declan Rice after he won the Man of the Match award in the Hammers’ win over Everton.

David Moyes’ side picked up a highly impressive 1-0 victory at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon, with Angelo Ogbonna scoring the only goal of the game.

West Hamers were more than deserving winners on the day, as numerous players shone against Rafa Benitez’s men.

One individual who stood out from the crowd was Rice, however, with the England international a dominant force in the middle of the park throughout the match, completing 91 per cent of his passes.

On Monday, West Ham’s official Twitter account confirmed that the 22-year-old was named Man of the Match, as he continues to go from strength to strength as a player.

West Ham fans laud Rice

Needless to say, there was plenty of love for Rice in reaction to the tweet, with these fans providing their thoughts.

“The new Duncan Edwards!”

Credit: @tunneydick

“Mr Consistent. World Class and the best CDM in the league idc”

Credit: @Lummix99

“Seriously how many players in the league have been as consistent as he has over the past two seasons? Genuinely one of the best players in the league”

Credit: @whubxn

“My Captain”

Credit: @abdu_mata

“This guy is different gravy”

Credit: @reefwhu

“22 years old, destined for the top”

Credit: @tomnash_

In other news, some West Ham fans have reacted to a horrible injury update. Read more here.

MatériaMais Notícias

De volta após um período de licença, Maurício Galiotte adotou tom sereno diante da eliminação do Palmeiras na Copa do Brasil. Para o presidente, o time segue no caminho certo, mesmo caindo para o Cruzeiro no Mineirão.

-O time se comportou de maneira valente, honramos a camisa, por alguns minutos não conseguimos a classificação, mas o trabalho é o mesmo, estamos no caminho certo. Vamos continuar da mesma maneira, trabalhando com seriedade, temos a Libertadores, nosso grande objetivo, o Brasileiro e vamos continuar – disse o dirigente, na saída do Mineirão.
​
​Maurício esteve em Belo Horizonte (MG) acompanhado de seu segundo vice-presidente, Antonino Jesse Ribeiro, além do casal patrocinador do clube, Leila Pereira e José Roberto Lamacchia. Foi sua primeira aparição desde que teve sua licença divulgada, há quase um mês. No período ele viajou com sua família, e segundo o clube ainda resolveu últimos detalhes do empréstimo de Vitinho para o Barcelona B.

O empate em 1 a 1 dessa quarta gerou a eliminação porque o Cruzeiro marcou mais vezes fora de casa. Sem a Copa do Brasil, o Verdão ainda tem o Brasileiro e a Libertadores a disputar, este o principal torneio para o clube. A partida de volta contra o Barcelona (EQU) será no dia 9 de agosto, e o time precisa reverter a derrota por 1 a 0 sofrida em Guayaquil.

-É um jogo muito importante, temos um foco grande na competição, desejamos muito a Libertadores, e vamos trabalhar para conseguir o máximo. O trabalho continua. Temos convicção de que o grupo é competente, o trabalho é sério – encerrou o dirigente.

continua após a publicidade

Sunderland have opened talks with Elliot Embleton regarding an extension to his current contract at the Stadium of Light.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sun (via Chronicle Live), who claim that the Black Cats are keen to tie the central midfielder down to a new deal, despite the fact the club have the option to extend the 22-year-old’s current contract, which expires at the end of the season, for a further year.

However, it is believed that, in order to best secure the academy product’s future on Wearside, Lee Johnson would much rather extend Embleton’s current contract for a number of years rather than simply activating the club’s clause.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Embleton has been for Sunderland so far this season, the fact that the club appear to be extremely keen to tie the midfielder down to a new deal is sure to have left fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his seven League One appearances this term, the £4.3k-per-week man has scored two goals, registered three assists and has created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.1 shots and making 2.7 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player Max Power dubbed a “nightmare” for defenders average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.14, ranking him as Johnson’s second-best performer in the third tier.

As such, it will hardly come as a surprise to Sunderland fans that the club are making moves to award the former England U20 international a new deal, as not only does Embleton appear to have the potential to be able to play a major role for the Black Cats in the years to come, the youngster could also be one of the main men in the club’s bid to finally end their spell in League One this season.

In other news: Sunderland handed major injury boost which will have Lee Johnson buzzing

Cricinfo staff08-Mar-2009South Australia 253 and 5 for 338 (Cosgrove 118, Harris 82) beat Tasmania 301 and 9 for 289 dec by 5 wickets
Scorecard
Points table

Mark Cosgrove continued his late-season flourish with 118 © Getty Images
Mark Cosgrove’s 118 drove South Australia to third place and ended Tasmania’s brave push to join Victoria in Friday’s final. The Tigers had fought back on the second and third days, but could not fulfil their last aim of ten wickets on Sunday, finishing with five as the Redbacks reached 338.Tasmania declared on their overnight score of 9 for 289 and were in with a chance until Cosgrove arrived. Cosgrove spent most of the season out of the side, but capped his recall with centuries in two of the final three games. He could have remained unbeaten but tried to clear the boundary with one run remaining and was out for 118.Daniel Harris steered the early stages of the chase, but when he left 18 short of a century the Redbacks were a nervous 4 for 189. Cosgrove played freely and Graham Manou, one of a host of in-form glovemen around the country, provided excellent assistance with 55 not out.James Smith started the pursuit aggressively with 31 off 29 before he slipped against Luke Butterworth, who completed a five-wicket haul and a half-century on Saturday. Klinger, who has a competition-high 1203 runs, went after lunch on 23 when he nicked Jason Krejza to Dan Marsh at slip and Callum Ferguson (11) edged to Tim Paine. However, the afternoon belonged to the Redbacks, who leaped over Tasmania after winning three matches in a row for the first time since 1994-95.

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in Nicolo Zaniolo, according to reports in Italy…

What’s the word?

Calciomercato claim that AS Roma are keen on tying down the 22-year-old attacking midfielder to a new contract at the Stadio Olimpico, as he current deal expires in 2024.

It’s thought that the Italian playmaker is keen to sign but Spurs are in the market to land him, having been linked to him in summer 2020. Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) even suggested that the north Londoners had a bid knocked back.

Zaniolo is currently valued at £36m by Transfermarkt.

Desperate need

Spurs must do all in their power to try and secure a move for the Roma star this January.

Nuno Santo’s side have been clearly lacking a creative influence since the start of the season – a Christian Eriksen-type player who can provide goals and assists in the final third.

Indeed, as per The Athletic, Spurs have recorded the lowest expected goals (4.42 xG) of any team in the Premier League, even those in the relegation zone. They have also only created two big chances and are second-bottom for total shots (46).

Only three teams have actually scored fewer goals than the Lilywhites, who possess a lethal frontline involving Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.

It’s an alarming issue which needs to be fixed in the transfer market and there won’t be many better candidates than Zaniolo.

Once described as a “modern mezzala” by former Inter Milan coach Stefano Vecchi, the young Italy international has been likened to Premier League greats Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, which bodes well for his potential fit in England, as well as the fact that they were both lethal in and around the opposition’s penalty box.

A serious injury ruled him out of featuring in 2020/21 but, during the previous campaign, the 22-year-old emerged as one of Roma’s attacking gems. He scored eight goals and provided four assists across Serie A and the Europa League, whilst also averaging 2.9 dribbles and 1.2 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

Zaniolo’s talent has also caught the eye of Roma’s record appearance maker, highest goalscorer and club legend Francesco Totti, who believes that the emerging talent “plays like a veteran” and “has explosive strength and technique, and everything it takes to become a truly great player.”

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp offer very little in the final third, whilst the likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Dele Alli and Giovani Lo Celso have struggled to step up in the past season or so.

It would make the world of sense for Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici to launch a move for Zaniolo at the turn of the year. He can play out wide or through the middle and is clearly someone who could solve Nuno’s creative problems.

Whatever the price, the Premier League outfit must pay it.

AND in other news, “They will..”: Romano reveals what Paratici is planning at Spurs, fans will be buzzing…

The ICC’s executive meeting in Perth at the end of the month will go ahead, but without Peter Chingoka, the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket

Cricinfo staff23-Jan-2009
Peter Chingoka: absent from Perth after refusing to submit a visa application © Getty Images
The ICC’s executive meeting in Perth at the end of the month will go ahead, but without Peter Chingoka, the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket.Chingoka was banned from entering Australia by the authorities earlier this month because of what it stated were his links to the Mugabe regime. The ICC, whose executive made clear last summer that it would not allow meetings to go ahead unless all its members were permitted to attend, had been lobbying the Australian Foreign Office to grant Chingoka a visa.However, Cricinfo has learned David Morgan, the ICC president, was told by Stephen Smith, Australia’s foreign minister, that a decision whether to issue the visa could only be made if Chingoka actually submitted an application. Chingoka refused, despite lobbying from senior ICC officials, insisting that he be guaranteed entry before he applied.Given that Chingoka has been in Bangladesh watching Zimbabwe play ODIs there over the last week and is now believed to be in India, it is clear that no application has been, or will be, made by him.With all executive members having booked flights to, and made hotel reservations in, Perth a decision was made in the last few days to proceed without Chingoka. It is possible he will contribute by means of a telephone link-up from Harare.Chingoka’s stubbornness has left some ICC members unimpressed. Morgan has been publicly pushing the Australian authorities, while behind the scenes it is understood that Sharad Pawar, the ICC vice-president and India’s agriculture minister, has also been trying to put pressure on them. It now seems that their efforts were pointless.This echoes what happened last year when the ICC moved its annual meeting because the UK authorities refused to make a decision whether to allow Chingoka in until he submitted a visa application, which he refused to do. On that occasion, Chingoka’s tactics paid off and the meeting was moved away from London for the first time in 99 years.He was subsequently barred from entering or transiting through the European Union, again because of links to the Mugabe government.