A shock battle is brewing at Borussia Dortmund, as €22.5 million signing Fabio Silva aims to usurp star striker Serhou Guirassy in the starting XI. Nico Kovac has praised the ex-Wolves man as "accurate and clean" after his goal in the Champions League in midweek while Guirassy struggles with a thigh injury and a dip in form. With Silva pushing for a start against Koln, it comes as Guirassy's release clause puts Barcelona on alert.

• Kovac praises 'clean and accurate' Silva

  Guirassy is facing an unexpected challenge for his starting place from new signing Silva, according to a report from . While Guirassy battles a persistent injury and a rare goal drought, the €22.5m (£19m/$26m) summer acquisition has earned high praise from manager Kovac for his impressive substitute appearances.

  The 29-year-old Guirassy, who has been nominated for the 2025 African Player of the Year, is reportedly in danger of being benched for the first time this season for Dortmund's upcoming Bundesliga match against Koln.

  Kovac has been deeply impressed by Silva, 23, who has brought a new dynamic in his five substitute appearances, culminating in his first goal for the club during the 4-2 Champions League victory in Copenhagen on Tuesday.

  notes Silva is seen as the "exact opposite" of the struggling Guirassy, describing the Portuguese as "lively, hard-working, and technically strong." Kovac's praise highlighted Silva's tactical suitability and ball retention.

  "He's been very diligent in training," Kovac said. "Very accurate, very clean in his execution, very team-oriented. Fabio is coming in more and more. I'm trying to give him more and more minutes because he deserves them."

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  Guirassy struggling with persistent thigh injury

  Silva's emergence coincides with a difficult period for Guirassy. The Guinea international has scored just once in his last six matches across all competitions, a significant drought for a player of his calibre. According to , the slump is not merely tactical but physical. Guirassy is reportedly struggling with persistent thigh problems that have hampered him for weeks, an issue that flared up just before the recent international break.

  This injury is visibly affecting his performance, with reports noting he "can barely control the ball and appears insecure." This is a sharp downturn for the striker, who started the 2025-26 campaign in strong form with four goals in six Bundesliga appearances, on top of goals in the DFB Cup and Champions League. It pales in comparison to his explosive 2024-25 season, where he hit 21 top-tier goals and finished as joint-top scorer in the Champions League with 13 goals.

• Kovac backs 'insurance policy' Guirassy despite form

  Despite the internal pressure from Silva and Guirassy's physical struggles, Kovac recently offered his star striker a public vote of confidence. Speaking to , Kovac dismissed concerns over the temporary drought and insisted the 29-year-old remains central to his plans.

  "For me, Serhou is very, very important. He remains our insurance policy because he is a key part of this team," Kovac stated. The manager attributed the slump to increased defensive attention following his prolific scoring. "They are clearly trying to take our top striker out of the game. That’s why it’s not so easy for him. But I know that in the coming weeks, he will again give us what we need: his goals."

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• Guirassy’s contract situation attracts Barcelona

  The competition for the starting role comes amid fresh speculation over Guirassy's long-term future. According to Sky Germany, the striker's contract, which runs until 2028, contains a release clause that progressively decreases. After a clause valued around €75m (£65m/$87m) went un-triggered last summer, a new, lower figure will reportedly become active in 2S026.

  This has reportedly put clubs like Barcelona on high alert as they seek long-term striking options. Guirassy's record justifies the interest, with the forward scoring 44 goals in all competitions. In that period, only Harry Kane, with 59, Kylian Mbappe (58), Erling Haaland (46) and Robert Lewandowski (46) have scored more across Europe's top five leagues.

In an early blow for the next Rangers manager, one Ibrox star has been handed an exit route to a major European club as soon as the January transfer window opens.

Rangers take key step in manager hunt

It’s been a busy week for Rangers. The Gers brought an end to Russell Martin’s tenure after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership and the full focus has been on their next manager ever since.

A number of names have been mentioned, including Hearts boss Derek McInnes, but Steven Gerrard has remained the favourite. Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, positive talks have been held with the Liverpool legend about a return to Ibrox for the first time since he left for Aston Villa in 2021.

If Rio Ferdinand’s verdict is anything to go by then Gerrard will be delighted to have received the call from the 49ers. The Manchester United legend, who recently interviewed his former rival, told talkSPORT: “I have to say when I interviewed him, he left me in no uncertain terms that he wants to be a manager and he’s got full confidence in doing that.

“He’s itching to get back in now. He never said this to me, but I personally think just the energy that I felt in that room, that if Rangers came calling he’d go or at least have that conversation.”

That said, as excited as he may be to potentially step back into the Ibrox technical area, there’s no doubt that Gerrard will have quite the task on his hands if he takes the job, especially if one player decides to leave.

Besiktas ready to offer Raskin Rangers exit route

As reported by Turkish outlet Aspor and relayed by Sport Witness, Besiktas are now ready to sign Nicolas Raskin as soon as Gerrard potentially arrives. The Belgian rarely saw eye-to-eye with Russell Martin and failed to get his move in the summer, but could now get his way when the winter window arrives.

Ryan Jack thrilled as Fabrizio Romano shares Rangers manager talks from Ibrox

The Gers are making moves at Ibrox.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 9, 2025

What sums up the relationship that Raskin had with Martin are the words of his father, who said that the former Rangers boss has an “oversized ego” in a scathing review earlier this season.

Those at Ibrox will hope that the start of a new era will change Raskin’s mind. There’s no doubt that the midfielder has the quality to play an important part in Scotland, having been dubbed “clever” by former Rangers manager Neil McCann last month.

MatériaMais Notícias

A Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) divulgou a súmula de Santos 4 x 1 Vasco pela 25ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. A partida foi marcada por uma grande confusão no segundo tempo, quando três jogadores foram expulsos e outros três receberam cartões amarelos. Tudo começou quando Soteldo, do Peixe, subiu com os dois pés sobre a bola aos nove minutos da segunda etapa, quando o time da casa já vencia por 3 a 1. O jogador do Santos recebeu um cartão amarelo após o tumulto, mas não por causa da “acrobacia”. O árbitro Anderson Daronco puniu o jogador por outro motivo.

RelacionadasFora de CampoInfluenciador botafoguense sai em defesa de Soteldo, do Santos, contra o Vasco: ‘Usou um recurso’Fora de Campo02/10/2023FinançasCBF vai pagar ‘premiação retroativa’ na Copa do Brasil 2023? ChecamosFinanças02/10/2023Fora de CampoComentarista critica atitude de Soteldo em Santos x Vasco: ‘Tola e infantil’Fora de Campo02/10/2023

– Por discutir com seu adversário com a bola fora de jogo ( atitude antidesportiva) – justificou Daronco na súmula.

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

Daronco expulsou Lucas Lima e Rodrigo Fernández, do Santos, e Medel, do Vasco. Confira os motivos dos cartões vermelhos apontados pelo árbitro.

– Lucas Lima – Expulso por empurrar e pisar no pé de seu adversário de n° 99 o sr Pablo Ezequiel Vegetti com o jogo paralisado

– Rodrigo Fernández – Expulso por tentar dar uma cabeçada em seu adversário de n° 17 o sr Gary Alexis Medel Soto com o jogo paralisado.

– Medel – Expulso por empurrar os seus adversários de n° 14 o sr Rodrigo Fernandes Cedres e o de n° 23 Lucas Rafael Araujo lima com o jogo paralisado.

+ Transforme sua paixão pelo futebol em profissão. Descubra o caminho com o curso Gestor de Futebol!

Punido com o cartão amarelo, Soteldo desfalca o Santos no próximo jogo da equipe, no clássico contra o Palmeiras, pelo Brasileirão.

+ Veja as odds para Fortaleza x Corinthians valendo vaga na final da Sul-Americana

Vinicius Junior has addressed the events of an intense El Clasico on Sunday, which saw Real Madrid beat Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. But the Brazilian himself stormed off when substituted, and was involved in a post-match brawl that was sparked by Los Blancos players Dani Carvajal and Thibaut Courtois angrily confronting Lamine Yamal.

Vini Jr reacts to early substitution

Vinicius Jr didn't react well to being withdrawn by coach Xabi Alonso with just under 20 minutes, plus stoppage time, left of the Clasico – being replaced by Rodrygo when it was all still to play for. Instead of taking a place on the bench with his team-mates, the furious 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up exited altogether and made for the dressing room. Eventually, he did return to watch the rest of the contest unfold. When others went to confront Yamal over his pre-match jibes, Vinicius clashed with Alejandro Balde as pushing and shoving ensued between both sets of players. But the winger later sought to defend his actions, suggesting that "passion" and the heat of the moment were ultimately responsible for his lack of self-control.

AdvertisementGetty'This is how the Clasico is'

Vinicius openly addressed Real Madrid fans in comments made afterwards. "I have a message to all Madridistas, especially those who came to Bernabeu and supported us passionately," he said. "This is how the Clasico is; there are many things happening on and off the pitch. We try to maintain balance, but that's not always possible. We didn't want to offend anyone, neither the young players nor the fans. We know that when we step onto the pitch, we have to play our role, and that's how it was today. Hala Madrid."

During the game, Vinicius is alleged to have goaded Yamal, with whom he was sharing a side of the pitch, about Barcelona's limited creativity, supposedly asking the teenage superstar why so many of his passes were having to go backwards.

Alonso defends Vini Jr's behaviour

When unsurprisingly asked to respond to Vinicius Jr.'s actions, Alonso chose to focus on what the player had done well and showed understanding.

"The only thing Vinicius was missing was a goal," he told reporters. "It's true that he came off the pitch when he was feeling best and I could have waited a bit to replace him, but I understood that we needed fresh players to maintain control. Vinicius wanted to stay on because he was feeling good.

"Franco [Mastantuono] wanted to carry on playing too. He said to me, 'Are you taking me off?' And I said, 'Yes'. Something similar happened with Vini. He wasn't very happy, but neither was Franco. It happens to everyone, but I'm very happy with Vinicius's performance. The schedule is demanding and we have to keep going."

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AFPWhat comes next?

The good work that went into beating Barcelona will be undone if Real Madrid don't also follow it up with another victory to further consolidate at the top of the table. Alonso's side put five points between themselves and the reigning champions and are now due to face Valencia next up on November 1. Anything less than three points from that game would be a shock, given that Los Che are struggling in the relegation zone so far this season.

The greater test for Real Madrid will be the subsequent visit to Liverpool in the Champions League on November 4. That match has particular significance for Trent Alexander-Arnold as it means a swift reunion with the club he spent 20 years with until a split in June that saw some Liverpool fans accuse the England international of betraying his boyhood team.

Alexander-Arnold has been in a race against time to be fit after suffering a hamstring injury just five minutes into an earlier Champions League clash with Marseille. Plenty of eyes will also be on Vinicius Junior to see how he handles the intensity of a famously hostile atmosphere at Anfield. It perhaps helps that Liverpool have been a dreadful run of form in recent weeks.

Third win of the season keeps Surrey firmly in line for a fourth straight Division One title

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 24-Jun-2025Nathan Smith’s exceptional six-wicket haul inspired Surrey to a dominant Rothesay County Championship win inside three days, as the reigning champions made light work of lowly Worcestershire.Surrey dismantled Worcestershire for just 125 in their second innings, taking the home side’s final five-wickets for just thirteen runs, as Matt Fisher continued to impress with 4 for 47.Requiring just 49 to win at Visit Worcestershire New Road, Surrey just needed 15 overs to secure an emphatic nine-wicket victory.A third win of the season keeps the Kia-Oval based outfit firmly in the hunt for a fourth straight Division One title, as Worcestershire’s relegation woes deepen.After surviving the late Surrey barrage on day two, Worcestershire pair Adam Hose and Ben Allison started the morning in buoyant fashion, adding 66 for the fifth wicket.Smith continued his memorable return to New Road, picking up the wickets of both Allison, 27, and Hose, 40, in consecutive overs, as Surrey strengthened their grip on the match.When Matt Fisher feathered the top of Ethan Brookes’ off-stump and trapped Tom Taylor lbw 11 balls later, Worcestershire were floundering at 133 for 7 with a lead of just 36.Smith made light work of the final two Worcestershire wickets, as his ruthless performance saw him finish with exceptional figures of 11-2-38-6.Ably supported by Fisher, who helped himself to seven wickets in the match, Surrey’s seam duo swept aside Worcestershire.Surrey lost Dom Sibley during the chase, but Ryan Patel and Rory Burns led their side to a dominant win, collecting 20 points in the process.

Sunderland looks to have a tricky few clashes in store as they continue their return to the Premier League.

Thankfully, the Black Cats haven’t been paralysed by the challenges in front of them just yet, with Regis Le Bris’ men sitting in a pretty ninth spot in the early standings, after picking up an impressive three wins from their opening seven fixtures.

Still, a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United last time out will be a worry for Le Bris, considering Chelsea, Everton, and Arsenal are on his team’s fixture list heading into the rest of October and then November, who are all above Ruben Amorim’s underperforming Red Devils in the division.

Further down the line, the Frenchman will also need to make some cutthroat decisions about who he keeps on past their contracts expiring, with many of his reserve personnel perhaps walking away next summer.

The Sunderland players now in danger of leaving

As a direct consequence of Sunderland splashing out over £160m on transfers in the busy transfer window just gone, many of Le Bris’ camp have now had to make do with limited gametime, despite once being important cogs in the Black Cats’ machine.

Indeed, despite only missing two Championship games last season during the regular campaign, Dan Neil looks to be running out of time now as his deal expires next June, with only one minute of Premier League action afforded to him so far.

Patrick Roberts was even sent out on loan to Birmingham City in the summer, as another figure that has dramatically tumbled down the Stadium of Light pecking order.

With a goal and assist already next to his name at St. Andrew’s, it’s clear that the 28-year-old still has more to give in the second tier, even if he has been deemed surplus to requirements back at his parent employers.

There is also reserve goalkeeper figure Simon Moore, who will surely be moved on soon, with Robin Roefs eating up all his potential minutes even more.

Before the Dutchman’s inspired arrival, the ex-Brentford stopper had only ever made six first-team appearances on Wearside, with his exit from the club presumably in the offing.

There is another figure who hasn’t been mentioned yet, who will also find it hard to make a pressing case to stay put, despite consistently shining when selected by Le Bris.

Why Dennis Cirkin is now on borrowed time

While Sunderland did break the bank this summer to prepare for their Premier League voyage, several of Sunderland’s promotion heroes have also stepped up to the mark, away from the disappointing tales of Neil and Roberts.

Wilson Isidor – who fired home a respectable 13 goals during their promotion heroics – already has three league goals to shout about, whilst Trai Hume’s fiery character in the Championship has been front and centre of his game in the top-flight, too, with the Northern Irishman winning a mammoth six duels on average across his seven outings in the demanding league, as per Sofascore.

One of Hume’s reliable teammates at the back in the EFL’s elite division in Dennis Cirkin, has failed to make the step-up look effortless, though, with the number three’s ongoing journey on Wearside marred by injuries once more.

Since entering the club as a wide-eyed prospect from Tottenham Hotspur in 2021, Cirkin has collected a standout haul of eight goals and six assists from 116 appearances, with his ability to break up the pitch with speed, matched by his Hume-like tenacity in defence, seeing him earn rave reviews in the past.

Indeed, he seemingly has “the potential to be a Premier League player”, according to ex-boss Tony Mowbray, who also noted that “Jose Mourinho really liked him” back at Spurs, amid his rise up the Lilywhites youth ranks.

25/26

0

5

24/25

39

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36

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He is yet to live up to Mowbray’s – and Mourinho’s – praise and grace the Stadium of Light turf in the Premier League, owing to more injury difficulties mounting up, with a concerning 67 games missed in total over the five seasons he’s been at the top-flight newcomers.

With a £20m price tag once above his head when at his Black Cats peak, it does look far-fetched that any club would want to fork out that lavish amount on such an injury-prone individual in January, even if he does have a bilstering strike up his sleeve when free from his demons.

Sunderland could, therefore, be staring down the barrel at Cirkin leaving for nothing when his contract ceases to be next year, with it a risk to keep such an injury-ravaged star around, in what would be a very sad end to the 23-year-old’s long-established Wearside affiliation.

Not just O'Nien: Sunderland's "proper leader" is now on borrowed time

Another leader in Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland group could now be on borrowed time.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 14, 2025

Sarah Glenn takes three as West Indies limp to 106 for 8 either side of a five-hour delay

Valkerie Baynes07-Jun-2025

Another experimental England side, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt’s half-century and three wickets to Sarah Glenn, romped to victory at a rain-hit Taunton and a 3-0 sweep of their ODI series against West Indies, leaving the visitors winless from six matches all tour.Having swept the T20 leg 3-0 and won the first two ODIs by more than 100 runs each, England mixed up their batting order, elevating captain Sciver-Brunt and Sophia Dunkley to open while Amy Jones, who had reprised her opening role with Tammy Beaumont for the first time in five years earlier in the series with great success, dropped back to the middle order and Beaumont sat out.Dunkley took the lead initially, easing to 26 off 21 balls as she consistently punished any bad balls to the boundary. Sciver-Brunt, meanwhile, reached 2 off seven before her first boundary, smashing a short one from Jannillea Glasgow wide of midwicket in the fourth over. The pair put on 40 runs together before Dunkley was trapped lbw by Karishma Ramharack.From there, Sciver-Brunt switched gears, powering to an unbeaten 57 off 33 balls to take England to victory by nine runs with 10.1 overs to spare.Alice Capsey, promoted to No.3 in place of Emma Lamb, who scored a quick-fire half-century in that position during the second ODI, finished on 20 not out off 11 as England reached 109 for 1, easily passing their target of 106, set under the DLS method.Play had resumed after a five-hour rain delay with West Indies 43 for 3 off 12.3 overs and the match reduced to a maximum of 21 overs per side. Qiana Joseph top-scored for the tourists with 34 while a late flourish from Aaliyah Alleyne with 27 off 18 pushed West Indies to 106 for 8 at the end of their innings.Glenn cleaned up three wickets after the restart to keep a lid on West Indies’ scoring after Em Arlott had made early inroads, reducing them to 4 for 3 inside four overs.England won the toss and chose to bowl first under heavy skies and predictions of imminent rain, which arrived as the players ran onto the field.They managed to start on time, and it was quite the beginning for England as Kate Cross removed youngster Realeanna Grimmond with the second ball of the match.There was to be no repeat of Grimmond’s fifty on ODI debut in the previous game when, standing in for injured captain Hayley Matthews at the top of the order for the second time in a row, she nicked through to the keeper while chasing one that moved away.Two wickets in two overs from seamer Arlott had West Indies floundering. The first was full and straight, moving back in a touch as Zaida James played all around it and had her middle stump rattled. The second, an inswinger that rapped Stafanie Taylor on the front knee roll as she strode forward was given out on umpire’s call despite Taylor’s attempts to overturn Sue Redfern’s lbw decision.Arlott was back in the side after sitting out the second ODI in Leicester as England continued to rotate players through their XI. In addition to changing their batting line-up, England also rested seamer Lauren Bell and left-arm spinner Linsey Smith, making way for spinners Charlie Dean and Glenn.West Indies, who confirmed on the eve of the match that Matthews would miss the game with the shoulder injury which kept her out of the second ODI, welcomed back Joseph at the top of the order after illness had kept her out of the previous game.Joseph was unbeaten on 21 from 24 balls when the rain properly set in with just shy of an hour’s play done, prompting the long stoppage.Cross and Arlott were bowled out by the restart, given the reduction in overs, but when Dean resumed her second over, which had been interrupted by the rain delay, she struck first ball back as Shemaine Campbelle advanced on a fuller delivery which slid under the bat an into Jones’ gloves to see West Indies’ stand-in captain stumped for a sluggish 18 off 35 balls.Glenn followed up next over by bowling Shabika Gajnabi and Alice Davidson-Richards plucked a sharp one-handed catch out of the air at mid-off to remove Jannillea Glasgow off Lauren Filer.West Indies needed Joesph to swing the bat as she had to devastating effect at the T20 World Cup. She added 13 more runs to her tally before holing out to deep midwicket off Glenn, but it was Aaliyah Alleyne who produced the finish needed, striking five consecutive fours off Filer before she fell off the last ball, caught by Dunkley at point to give Glenn her third.

انتقد الإعلامي أحمد شوبير أداء لجنة الحكام في الفترة الأخيرة، مشيرًا إلى أن مستوى التحكيم في الدوري المصري شهد تراجعًا واضحًا بعد بداية مبشرة هذا الموسم.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الأربعاء: “أنا هنا كنت أول من أشاد بعمل أوسكار، لقد ذهبت إلى المران وشاهدت التدريبات مرة، ثم شاهدتها مرة أخرى، ورأيت ما يفعله هذا الرجل، إنه يقدم عملًا جيدًا جدًا، ويبذل مجهودًا كبيرًا، ويعمل بجد واجتهاد، فقلت: الحمد لله، يبدو أن هذه السنة ستكون سنة خير في التحكيم”.

وأضاف: “لكن بعد فترة حدث اهتزاز واضح وأخطاء كارثية، وهذا أمر قد يحدث، طبيعي جدًا أن تقع أخطاء أو يحدث اهتزاز في المستوى، ولكن عندما يحدث ذلك، يجب معاقبة المخطئ حتى يتعلم ولا يكرر الخطأ مرة أخرى”.

طالع أيضًا | أحمد دياب يوضح حقيقة تشفير الدوري المصري.. ويؤكد: إلغاء الهبوط أمر استثنائي

وتابع: “للأسف الشديد، الآن لم تعد هناك عقوبة للمخطئ، بل أصبحت هناك مكافأة له! نعم، أصبحت هناك مكافأة للمخطئ، أرجو ألا يغضب مني أحد، لأنني أتحدث من منطلق حبي للتحكيم وحبي للعدل، ومن فضل الله سبحانه وتعالى أنني أحب الإنصاف، لكن ما يحدث الآن خطأ كبير جدًا، وأصبحت الأمور تفلت تمامًا”.

واستطرد: “هناك حكام أصبحوا يعلمون أنه مهما فعلوا، حتى لو كانت الكرة خارج منطقة الجزاء ولمسوها باليد واحتسبوها ركلة جزاء، فسيُمنحون التقدير والثناء، وهناك آخرون، حتى لو أداروا مباريات صعبة جدًا وقدموا أداءً متميزًا، فإن ما في الأذهان لا يتغير، هذا يشكل خطرًا كبيرًا على التحكيم في الفترة القادمة، خصوصًا أنها فترة مهمة وصعبة، لأنها ستحسم بطولة الدوري والكأس، وتشهد مواجهات قوية ينتظرها الجميع”.

واختتم: “كما قلت لك، والله كنت في البداية سعيدًا جدًا ومتفائلًا، وشعرت أن لدينا فرصة جيدة لأن نقدم موسمًا تحكيميًا أكثر من رائع وممتاز، وأتمنى أن يعود الرجل إلى سابق عهده، وأن نعود إلى المبدأ الصحيح: من يجتهد ويؤدي عمله جيدًا نقول له (برافو)، ومن يخطئ نقول له تعلم من أخطائك وراجع نفسك مرة أخرى، حتى تسير الأمور بالشكل الصحيح”.

Being the massive club they are, Arsenal have had some genuine world-class stars play for them over the years.

Most fans will go straight to the likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pirès, but there is another who perhaps deserves more respect: Cesc Fàbregas.

The Spaniard certainly tarnished his reputation in the way he left and then joined Chelsea, but during his time in North London, he was utterly incredible, racking up a tally of 57 goals and 95 assists in 303 appearances.

Arsenal have had their fair share of unreal midfielders since, but there is one player in Mikel Arteta’s current squad who could be on his way to emulating Fabregas at his very best this season.

Ranking Arsenal's best midfielders since Fabregas

A name that springs to mind when thinking about some of the best offensive midfielders Arsenal have had since Fabregas left is Aaron Ramsey.

The Welsh international was never on the same level as the Spaniard, but there were points in his tenure at the club when he was near enough unplayable.

For example, in the 13/14 season, the Cardiff-born monster scored 16 goals and provided nine assists in 34 appearances, and while he left for free in 2019, he did so with three FA Cups to his name, and as something of an Emiratés icon.

Another icon of the Emirartes era and one who arguably was as talented as the Como manager, but supremely unlucky with injuries, was Santi Cazorla.

The 40-year-old magician joined the club for under £15m in the summer of 2012 and went on to score 29 goals and provide 44 assists in 180 games before leaving in 2018.

However, the numbers alone don’t do the Lugo de Llanera-born star justice, as, at his best, watching him play football was breathtaking. He could use both feet with ease, could spot a pass way before anyone else and had sensational close control.

The firm fan favourite is perhaps one of the best examples of a ‘what if’ player, as at his best, he could do whatever he wanted.

Finally, when it comes to superstar midfielders in the years after Fabregas, you cannot ignore Mesut Ozil.

Yes, his last couple of years at the club were nothing short of a disaster, but for a significant period of his time in North London, he had a fair chance of being the best ten in the Premier League.

By the time he left the club, the former Real Madrid star had made 254 appearances, in which he scored 44 goals, provided 77 assists and won four FA Cups.

And now, it looks like one of Arteta’s signings could reach the levels Fabregas did this season.

The Arsenal star who could reach Fabregas levels

There is plenty of excitement around the potential of Ethan Nwaneri, and the arrival of Eberechi Eze has bolstered Arteta’s midfield options.

Chalkboard

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

However, in this instance, the player who could potentially reach the level of a prime Fabregas this season is Martin Odegaard.

Now, it’s undoubtedly true that last season was the Norwegian’s worst in an Arsenal shirt, and led many to consider whether he was good enough to lead the club.

However, it’s essential to remember that he suffered an ankle injury early on, and in the two previous campaigns, the “world-class” talent, as dubbed by ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson, was named the club’s Player of the Year.

Moreover, based on his performance in the last two games, he looks to be getting back to his very best, if not surpassing it.

For example, once he came off the bench against Newcastle United, his passing was perfect, and he got the ball to Declan Rice for him to cross to Mikel Merino for the equaliser.

Then, on Wednesday night, he started against Olympiacos and delivered what might be his most impressive performance in years, living up to the billing that he is “more complete than Bergkamp and Ozil” in the words of fellow Norwegian John Arne Riise.

The manager seemed to give him more license to roam, and so, instead of sticking to the right-hand side, he was popping up here, there and everywhere, and it was difficult to keep track of every brilliant pass through the Greek side’s backline he played.

While he did finally get his assist courtesy of a Bukayo Saka finish towards the end, on another night, he could have ended up with two or three.

Now, when you combine this renewed “sensational” passing ability, as one content creator put it, with the fact he’s being allowed to play more of a central midfield role and roam, it doesn’t feel absurd to suggest he could start putting in the sort of performances Fabregas once did at his prime.

Ultimately, there is still so much of the season to go, so if this is just the start of a fully fit Odegaard, then Arteta and Arsenal could have an incredible campaign with him pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

Arsenal have signed a "powerhouse" who looks like a new Saka-type player

Arsenal may have found a new talisman, akin to Bukayo Saka.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 2, 2025

Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has claimed he was happy to have only given up five shots to Manchester United during their 2-2 draw in the Premier League on Saturday due to the visitors' attacking strength. The Red Devils led for much of the game before Spurs scored twice in quick succession late on, only for Matthijs de Ligt to head in a 96th-minute equaliser to ensure the spoils were shared.

De Ligt comes up with last-gasp equaliser

United took the lead midway through the first half through £71 million ($93m) summer signing Bryan Mbeumo, who rose highest to meet an Amad Diallo cross. Mathys Tel came off the bench to bring Tottenham level on 84 minutes, and then Richarlison thought he had won it with a deft header to redirect Wilson Odobert's shot from distance. However, one last United corner saw Bruno Fernandes plant the ball atop the head of De Ligt, whose effort crept over the line to salvage a point for the visitors.

De Ligt's header was only United's fifth attempt of the game, with both of their shots on target going in. They accumulated 0.63 expected goals, compared to the 0.96 tally of Tottenham, who had 10 shots with four on target.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFrank pleased with stifling United

Much of the buildup to this fixture centred on United's run of four straight defeats to Tottenham across all competitions, including in the Europa League final in May. But Frank denied that match or this record had any bearing on his plans, claiming Ruben Amorim has done well to make the Red Devils a more threatening outfit.

Frank told GOAL: "I think I saw this game as one game ahead of us, to try to do everything we could to try to win it. That was the aim of the game. I spoke before the game about it's clear they have improved this season. They look, how can you say, more in sync together. But I think especially going forward they look like a big threat. That's why I actually think, I know we conceded two goals, but if you said to me before the game concede five shots in the game, I would take that. So we're all happy."

Mbeumo comes back to haunt Frank

The Spurs boss also came up against a familiar face in Mbeumo, who was signed by the Dane at Brentford in 2019. Mbeumo scored 70 goals in 242 matches under Frank before completing a mega-money move to United this summer, despite interest from Tottenham and his former manager.

Though the Cameroonian has been a revelation from his favoured right-wing position this season, Amorim shifted him to the left to face Spurs, pushing Amad into the front three and dropping striker Benjamin Sesko to the bench. Nevertheless, Frank said this was a wrinkle he wasn't totally stunned by.

"I think it's not the first time Ruben has, how can you say, played around with the front three," he added. "I think no matter where Bryan plays he's a threat, which he showed again today."

Regarding the game in general, Frank said: "Of course, the emotions inside me are high but I take the positives out of this game. That’s what I believe and how I believe in building a good team and keep adding layers to it.

"Overall, a fine/good performance against a good Man United team which is definitely in flow. We are talking a bit about our, how can you say, level of defensive/attacking threats and to play against a Man Utd side that play with confidence with [Matheus] Cunha, Mbeumo, Amad and Sesko coming on and we kept them to five shots. It's just another example on the other way around that it's not that easy to create in the Premier League even though they had all their big boys out there.

"Second half, I was extremely happy with our response. We are playing at home and of course we all want to win and don't talk too much about (Tottenham's bad) home form and all that. I know we need to win before we don't talk about it. The way we turned it around to stay in the game, kept doing the right thing throughout the second half very happy with that. So close to winning it. On any other day, we win it."

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