Chelsea were able to put their poor run of form behind them and secured a huge three points in the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Maresca’s men had previously failed to win their last four games, but got back on track with their first victory of the festive period.

On his return to action at Stamford Bridge, it took Cole Palmer just 21 minutes before he found the back of the net. Teed up by Malo Gusto, the England star made a well-timed run between the Everton centre-back and left-back before firing past international teammate Jordan Pickford.

Gusto got in on the action himself just moments before half-time to double Chelsea’s lead. The Frenchman finished off a clinical counterattack from the Blues, with Pedro Neto putting the ball on a plate in the penalty area. Gusto obliged and doubled their lead.

It was a professional performance from the West Londoners, who saw off the Toffees in a controlled manner. Chelsea dominated the ball, with 58% possession, and had 17 shots, five of which found the target.

As well as the Blues played, there were a couple of players who struggled, however. Alejandro Garnacho was one of those.

Garnacho’s game in numbers vs Everton

Since his summer move from Manchester United, things have been up and down for Garnacho in a Chelsea shirt. The Argentina international has only managed two goals and two assists in 16 appearances for the London outfit.

Well, his performance against Everton was certainly one of his more disappointing ones for Chelsea.

The 21-year-old had three huge chances to give Maresca’s side a comfortable lead, but squandered them. That included this opportunity in the first half.

Indeed, his stats from the game show just how poor he was against David Moyes’ side. Aside from the three big chances he missed, Garnacho lost the ball seven times and failed to win either of his attempted duels.

His showing against the Toffees was enough to earn him a rating of just 6/10 from Goal journalist Richie Mills. He explained that the Chelsea 49 can take on a defender well in one-vs-one scenarios, but ‘his shooting needs work’.

As disappointing as Garnacho was on Saturday afternoon, there was a Chelsea attacker who was worse.

Chelsea’s most disappointing player vs. Everton

It was certainly a tough day at the office for another Blues summer signing, Joao Pedro.

The Chelsea number 20 led the line in Liam Delap’s absence, but was isolated and struggled to have any sort of impact on the game.

That was perhaps personified in his stats at full-time. The Brazilian had just 37 touches, fewer than Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s 48.

He lost the ball ten times, could only manage one shot on goal and won just seven out of 17 duels.

Touches

37

Number of times ball lost

10

Passes completed

17/21

Duels won

7/17

Chances created

1

Shots

1

Expected goals

0.07xG

Indeed, his poor showing up front stood out to Mills, who gave him a lower rating than Garnacho, a 5/10. The journalist said Pedro is ‘going through a difficult spell’ at the moment and ‘things are not falling into place for him’ like they did at the beginning of his Blues career.

It might well be the case that Maresca decides to drop Pedro from the side ahead of Chelsea’s next game in the Premier League, away to Newcastle United next weekend. That will be a tough assignment for the Brazilian, coming up against the in-form Malick Thiaw.

There are options for Maresca, too, even with Delap sidelined. Pedro Neto has played up front at times this season, doing so against Barcelona in the Champions League. He could also play youngster Marc Guiu from the start.

Chelsea travel to Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup next midweek, which could give the Spaniard an opportunity to stake his claim in the league if he gets the nod in the Welsh capital.

Either way, it would not be a surprise to see Pedro out of the side following his poor performance against Everton.

Chelsea's next star: BlueCo have signed a talent who's like Estevao & Caicedo

The hugely exciting wonderkid has been compared to two of Chelsea’s best players.

ByJack Salveson Holmes 3 days ago

It would be fair to say that the last week or so hasn’t been ideal for Arsenal.

Yes, Mikel Arteta’s side are still top of the Premier League, but a draw away to Chelsea and then a defeat at the hands of Aston Villa have diminished their lead to just two points.

Moreover, while they certainly weren’t terrible against the Villans, they failed to make the most of their chances.

One player who has received quite a bit of criticism from the fan base in the aftermath is Martin Odegaard, and if reports are to be believed, the club could be looking to bring someone in who could be bad news for his place in the team.

Arsenal target Odegaard upgrade

With the transfer window now less than a month away from reopening, Arsenal have a chance to reinforce their squad, and the good news is that they’ve already been linked with a host of brilliant players.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has once again been touted for a £70m move to the Emirates, as has Nottingham Forest’s £79m Murillo.

However, while both Brazilians would undoubtedly have an impact on Arteta’s side, neither one could be described as a potential rival, upgrade or replacement for Odegaard, unlike Kenan Yıldız.

Yes, according to recent reports from Italy, Arsenal have reignited their interest in the Turkish wonderkid.

In fact, the report goes further than that, revealing that the Gunners have once more made contact to find out what would be needed to make this deal happen.

However, while a potential price is not mentioned in the story, other reports from last month claim that a fee of around £88m could be enough to tempt Juventus into selling.

It would therefore be a costly and potentially complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Yıldız’s ability and potential, Arsenal should fight for him, especially as he could provide real competition for Odegaard, if not outright replace him.

How Yıldız compares to Odegaard

So, the first thing to point out is that while Yıldız is primarily viewed as a winger, he could easily become more of a ten over time.

After all, while he has spent plenty of time out wide, his most-played position is second striker, and given his third-most-played position is attacking midfield, the idea of him dropping a little deeper does not feel far-fetched.

Moreover, the youngster already possesses one of the key characteristics of the best tens: the ability to both score and assist goals with relative ease. There is a reason European football writer Danny Corcoran has suggested the youngster has “Mbappe-like ability.”

For example, in 52 appearances last season, totalling 3520 minutes, he scored 12 goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to a goal involvement on average every 2.47 games, or every 167.61 minutes.

He has somehow become even more dangerous this season, scoring six goals and providing five assists in 19 appearances, totalling 1533 minutes, which is a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 139.36 minutes.

Yıldız’s vs Odegaard
24/25	Yıldız	Odegaard
Appearances	52	45
Minutes	3520′	3447′
Goals	12	6
Assists	9	12
25/26	Yıldız	Odegaard
Appearances	18	11
Minutes	1457′	516′
Goals	5	0
Assists	5	2
All Stats via Transfermarkt

For comparison’s sake, Odegaard scored six goals and provided 12 assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3447 minutes, last season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.5 games, or every 191.5 minutes.

This season, in the period he has been available, the Norwegian international has provided two assists in 11 appearances, totalling 516 minutes, which is an average of one every 5.5 games, or every 258 minutes.

With it clear that the Turkish gem is more of an attacking threat than the Gunners’ captain, what else makes him a player that Andrea Berta and Co cannot miss out on?

Well, as his output would suggest, he is, in the words of content creator Alex Moneypenny, someone “capable of the spectacular.”

Whether that’s a goal from distance, a mazy run that ends in a chance or just some tidy footwork that gets his team on their way, the Regensburg-born talent is an attacker who can seemingly do it all.

This is unsurprisingly reflected in his underlying numbers as well.

Yıldız’s Scout Report
Statistics	Per 90	Percentile
Goal-Creating Actions	1.22	Top 6%
Shot-Creating Actions	6.10	Top 8%
xAG: Exp. Assisted Goals	0.46	Top 9%
Carries into Penalty Area	3.41	Top 11%
Shots on Target	1.46	Top 12%
Successful Take-Ons	3.17	Top 12%
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 UCL

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Champions League for goal-creating actions, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 9% for expected assisted goals, the top 11% for carries into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it would be an expensive transfer to get over the line, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Yıldız, as he’s got the ability and potential to replace Odegaard and become a world-class ten.

Sterling 2.0: Berta flop already looks like he'll never make it at Arsenal

It is not looking good for the Arsenal star so far this season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Dec 6, 2025

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has offered his thoughts on Xavi Simons and his performances in training, while addressing the decision to bench him in Spurs’ last four matches.

Thomas Frank set for Brentford reunion amid poor Spurs run

Spurs welcome Brentford to north London on Saturday, desperately needing to end a dismal run that has seen them plummet to 11th in the Premier League table with just 19 points from 14 games.

Frank’s side approach this clash winless in their last five league outings, including three defeats.

Cristian Romero’s dramatic late overhead kick salvaged a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in their last match, with a controversial VAR penalty to Newcastle denying them all three points.

Their home form has completely collapsed too, with the club now going six consecutive league matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without a single victory.

Premier League home form table

Team

Wins

Draws

Losses

Points

GD

16. Burnley

2

1

4

7

-2

17. Nottingham Forest

2

1

4

7

-5

18. West Ham

2

0

5

6

-9

19. Tottenham

1

2

4

5

-1

20. Wolves

0

1

6

1

-11

That shocking run includes 10 home defeats throughout the entire calendar year of 2025, matching the club’s worst-ever records for home losses in a single year.

Most concerning was their last appearance on home soil, where Fulham raced into a two-goal lead within the opening six minutes before securing a 2-1 victory.

The final whistle brought a cacophony of boos ringing around the stadium, aimed squarely at Frank and his struggling squad.

The ghosts of their 4-1 capitulation at Arsenal last month continue to haunt the team. During that humbling derby defeat, Tottenham managed an expected goals figure of just 0.07, one of their lowest outputs this season, highlighting their serious lack of creativity which has become a concern.

Injury problems compound Frank’s difficulties.

Related Player reveals Daniel Levy blocked his dream transfer to Chelsea from Tottenham

The ex-Lilywhites chairman held him hostage.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Dec 4, 2025

Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski remain sidelined, robbing Spurs of crucial attacking impetus, with James Maddison not expected back until the new year. Meanwhile, Yves Bissouma also has no set return date yet.

The Lilywhites really need Simons to step up right now after his marquee £55 million move from RB Leipzig, but the Dutchman has scarcely been given a chance lately.

Simons’ highlights in a Spurs jersey are few and far between, with the ex-PSG sensation putting in a Player of the Match display against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League and notching an assist against West Ham way back in September.

That is, however, the sum of his contribution this season, with the ex-Eredivisie starlet attracting criticism.

Thomas Frank makes Xavi Simons training claim in response to Tottenham snubs

Simons could end up costing the club £125 million when factoring in wages, agent’s fees and other add-ons over a potential seven-year contract, but to be fair to him, it’s hard to justify that price with limited game time.

Speaking in his latest press conference, Frank addressed why he hasn’t been starting for Simons for Tottenham lately — claiming it is down to a matter of form with alternatives and different personnel for contrasting matches.

The Dane also shared how Simons has been impressing in Tottenham training lately, so it is absolutely not a question of work ethic.

With the pressure on Simons to perform, Saturday sets the perfect stage, and he could become a hero by helping to arrest the club’s barren home form through a convincing display against Frank’s former club.

Liverpool have reportedly opened talks this week to sign a key reinforcement who Arne Slot loves ahead of Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2026.

Slot urges Liverpool to "remain humble"

Sunday’s 2-0 victory against West Ham United simply cannot be a false dawn for Liverpool or record signing Alexander Isak. After a disastrous run of form, the Reds must make it back-to-back victories by defeating Sunderland this evening.

Anything but three points would only spark further concerns about Slot’s tenure, as reports continue to suggest potential managerial candidates such as Ange Postecoglou.

Ahead of Liverpool’s clash against the Black Cats, Slot told reporters: “The challenge now will be to build on this win. We do not get to believe that a corner has been turned or that a recovery is under way.

“We have to remain humble, work hard and continue to fight. If we do this then maybe we can continue taking the small steps forward that are very much required.

“I would like to welcome Regis Le Bris, his players and staff as well as the supporters and directors of Sunderland to Anfield for tonight’s game. What they have done in the Premier League already this season reflects incredibly well on all at the club having earned promotion back in May.”

FSG could see £75m bid accepted to sign Liverpool their best LW since Mane

Liverpool are in the market for a left-sided winger this winter.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Dec 3, 2025

It’s been the type of run that sparks serious questions about the January transfer window and the need for reinforcements – particularly on the defensive front. As things stand, Liverpool have just two senior centre-backs available, but have been linked with moves for the likes of Castello Lukeba and, of course, Marc Guehi.

Liverpool open talks to sign Marc Guehi

According to TeamTalk, Liverpool have now opened talks to sign Guehi this week in an attempt to get their deal back on track and land their No.1 defensive target ahead of Real Madrid.

The Reds came within hours of signing the Crystal Palace star in the summer, only for the Eagles to pull the plug on the deal at the death. Now, they’re attempting to jump ahead of the chasing pack by making their move as early as the January transfer window.

Those at Anfield are reportedly willing to offer a deal worth around £30m next month, whilst others wait in line to secure Guehi’s signature as a free agent in the summer.

Not even Slot could hide Liverpool’s admiration for Guehi when they missed out on his signature in the summer, telling reporters: “It would be ridiculous if I were to deny we were close to signing him.

“That is so out in the open. These things happen in football. We would have liked to have signed him, of course. If we feel we can strengthen the team, we never hesitate to do so.”

Whether Crystal Palace willingly part with their defender, who was described as a “monster in defence” by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, remains to be seen, however.

Liverpool star is now very quickly becoming "the next Diaz" at Anfield

ظهر المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، آرني سلوت، في مؤتمر صحفي منذ قليل للحديث عن مباراة يوم الثلاثاء المرتقبة في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا ضد إنتر ميلان.

ويستعد ليفربول لخوض مباراة مساء يوم الثلاثاء، في معقل إنتر ميلان، في الجولة السادسة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، موسم 2025/26.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ذا أثلتيك: 3 أطراف وراء استبعاد محمد صلاح من مباراة إنتر ميلان.. وهذا موقف ليفربول من تأديبه

وكان التركيز بطبيعة الحال على أزمة محمد صلاح التي تفجرت بسبب تصريحاته النارية التي أدلى بها يوم السبت ضد إدارة ليفربول وسلوت، بسبب تهميشه مؤخرًا، مما أدى إلى استبعاده من مباراة إنتر ميلان غدًا.

وقال سلوت، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “ليفربول إيكو” الإنجليزية: “لقد أبلغنا محمد صلاح أنه لن يسافر معنا، كان هذا هو التواصل الوحيد بيننا وبينه، قبل يوم السبت تحدثنا كثيرًا، أحيانًا لفترة أطول وأحيان أقصر”.

وواصل: “انهيار العلاقة بيننا؟ لم أشعر بذلك إطلاقًا، كان يُظهر احترامًا كبيرًا لزملائه في الفريق وأعضاء الجهاز الفني، لقد فوجئت بتصريحاته، كما قلت، ليس هذا ما أشعر به، لكن من حقه أن يشعر بما يشعر به، لم أشعر بذلك على الإطلاق حتى مساء السبت بالتأكيد”.

وأردف: “عادة ما لا يعجب اللاعبون بالمدرب كثيرًا عندما لا يشاركون، لكنه كان يكن احترامًا كبيرًا لأعضاء الجهاز الفني وزملائه، وقد تدرب بجد، لذا كان من المفاجئ بعض الشيء أن أسمع أنه أدلى بهذه التعليقات”.

وأضاف: “هل قصده محمد صلاح بالتحديد في انتقاداته خلال التصريحات؟ الشخص الوحيد الذي يستطيع الإجابة على هذا السؤال هو محمد صلاح نفسه، أستطيع التخمين، لكنني لا أعتقد أن هذا هو التصرف الصحيح في هذه اللحظة، بصراحة، يصعب عليّ تحديد من يقصد في هذا الموقف”.

واسترسل: “هذه ليست المرة الأولى التي يغيب فيها لاعب، حسنًا، رد فعلي على ذلك واضح كذلك، لهذا السبب هو غائب عن قائمة الفريق لمباراة الغد”.

وفيما يخص إمكانية مشاركته ضد برايتون، قاللأ: “نجلس هنا في المساء قبل مباراة كبيرة، مباراة حاسمة لنا، ربما لم يكن هناك سوى 48 ساعة بين نتيجة المباراة 3-3 (ضد ليدز يونايتد يوم السبت) وجلستنا هنا الآن، بعد غد، سننظر في الوضع مجددًا”.

واستكمل: “إمكانية عودته للمشاركة؟ أنا أؤمن إيمانًا راسخًا بأن لكل لاعب عودة، رد فعله عندما أُبلغ بأنه لن يذهب اليوم (إلى إيطاليا)؟ كان ردًا قصيرًا”.

وعن سبب غياب محمد صلاح المتكرر عن تشكيل ليفربول، قال: “لقد عانينا كفريق أكثر فأكثر هذا الموسم بسبب خطط اللعب التي تتبعها الفرق ضدنا، لا أتحدث فقط عن الكرات الطويلة، فالفرق غالبًا ما تلعب ضدنا هكذا، لقد جربت العديد من الحلول، وهذا عملي، كنا عرضة للخطر ضد نوتينجهام وآيندهوفن، لذلك قررت إشراك لاعب وسط آخر ضد وست هام، وفزنا”.

واستطرد: “لقد أشركت محمد صلاح بين شوطي مباراة سندرلاند، ثم قررت اللعب بتشكيلة مثالية ضد ليدز، كان بإمكاني إشراك محمد صلاح على الجهة اليمنى بدلًا من إيكتيكي، هل لعب آخر مباراة له مع ليفربول؟ لا أعرف، لا أستطيع الإجابة على هذا السؤال حاليًا”.

وأفاد: “لا أشعر أن سلطتي تعرضت للتقويض، هل ما حدث يصعب حياتي؟ الأمر لا يتعلق بي، بل يتعلق بصعوبة الأمر على الفريق والنادي، لا أحد يحب أن يكون في هذا الوضع، من الصعب أن نرى أعضاء الجهاز الفني الذين يعملون بجد يوميًا يتأثرون بهذا، وخاصة النتائج، غالبًا ما أفكر في ذلك، أنا مهم فيما يخص اختيار الفريق، ولكن تركيزي منصب على الفريق وليس عليً”.

وعن رده فيما قاله محمد صلاح بكونه يشعر بأن النادي قد تخلى عنه وهل يفهم ما يقصده، قال: “يجب أن أفهم ما يقصده بذلك، عادةً ما أكون هادئًا ومهذبًا، لكن هذا لا يعني أنني ضعيف، عندما يقول لاعب أشياءً كهذه، علينا أن نتفاعل كنادي، وكما ترى، فهو ليس هنا”.

وشدد: “له كل الحق في التعبير عما يشعر به، ولكن إذا كان له الحق في مشاركة مشاعره مع وسائل الإعلام، فعلينا أن نتفاعل معها، هل كنا نتحدث معه؟ نعم، كنا كذلك، لكن هذا لا يعني أننا كنا دائمًا متفقين على الأمور، تحدثت معه مرتين في اليومين اللذين سبقا مباراة ليدز، لقد سبق أن قلت عدة مرات إنني لم أتحدث معه مطولًا بعد مباراة ليدز”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo encaminhou a venda do zagueiro Fabrício Bruno ao West Ham, da Inglaterra. A equipe londrina ofereceu cerca de 15 milhões de euros (R$ 83,6 milhões, na cotação atual) pelo jogador de 28 anos. As informações foram divulgadas pelo portal “Ge”.

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Aposte R$100 no Lance! Betting e garanta R$288 se o Flamengo vencer o Amazonas nos dois tempos pela Copa do Brasil

O zagueiro, que foi convocado por Dorival júnior para defender a Seleção Brasileira nos amistosos contra Inglaterra e Espanha, está relacionado para o duelo desta quarta-feira (22), contra o Amazonas, pela partida de volta da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil, e iniciará a partida ao lado de Léo Ortiz.

Em fevereiro deste ano, o Flamengo renovou o contrato de Fabrício Bruno, que passou a ser válido até dezembro de 2028.

Contratado junto ao RB Bragantino em 2022, por aproximadamente R$ 15 milhões, o jogador permaneceu no banco de reservas a maior parte da temporada. No ano seguinte, porém, aproveitou as brechas deixadas no setor e se transformou em titular absoluto.

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Caso o jogador acerte sua ida aos Hammers, ele terá a companhia dos brasileiros Lucas Paquetá e Emerson Palmieri. Ao todo, Fabrício Bruno disputou 113 jogos pelo Flamengo, marcou cinco gols e conquistou três títulos, incluindo a Copa Libertadores (2022).

Tudo sobre

FlamengoFutebol NacionalWest Ham

Chelsea no longer look like a frightening Premier League title challenger.

Indeed, after beating Barcelona with ease 3-0 in the Champions League at the end of November, and then battling well with league leaders Arsenal 1-1 to close out the month, Enzo Maresca’s Blues came across as credible rivals to the Gunners.

However, fast forward just a few weeks, and the West Londoners have now lost on the road at Leeds United and were made to settle for an unsatisfactory stalemate away at AFC Bournemouth.

If Antoine Semenyo hadn’t fallen victim to a VAR check early on, too, it might well have been back-to-back defeats.

There’s nowhere to hide, either, for Maresca and Co. as the fixtures come thick and fast in December. Thankfully, the January transfer window is also just around the corner, as Chelsea begin to eye up some reinforcements…

Chelsea looking to sign another South American talent

After only scoring one meagre goal against the Whites and the Cherries, Chelsea will surely look to January to fix their striker woes.

As per reports from Germany, the goal-shy Blues are keen on a deal for Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy, with current options at Maresca’s disposal in Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, not “of the level” to steer the faltering Premier League side to a title, as per the harsh words of Sky Sports’ Gary Neville.

That said, the Blues could also look to bolster their side in defensive areas.

Indeed, according to Caught Offside, Chelsea could put their connections with RC Strasbourg, another club owned by BlueCo, to good use once more by going after Valentin Barco in January, with it being stated that the Blues are still closely monitoring the versatile 21-year-old, who can fill in at left-back, after holding interest in his services in the summer.

Yet, it’s his varied ability to be able to line up as a central midfield talent, away from his energetic defensive duties, that has also attracted the likes of Bayern Munich to his services.

Chelsea will hope they can come out on top in any battle that pops up, as the Stamford Bridge titans potentially win their next Estevao by landing another South American treasure who can instantly burst into life in the Premier League.

How Barco could be Chelsea's next Estevao

Like Barco, Estevao was on the radar of many an elite club before Chelsea swooped in, with both Real Madrid and Paris St Germain once eyeing up the exhilarating Brazilian.

Maresca and Co will be over the moon that they snapped up the teenage winger when they did, with the “utterly brilliant” forward – as pundit Pat Nevin labelled him after his outrageous solo effort versus Barcelona – already up to five goals and one assist from just 20 Chelsea appearances.

The expectation will be that Barco would arrive on English soil and be as impactful as instantly, considering the 21-year-old already has plenty of European experience under his belt with Strasbourg, away from also undergoing his early football education in South America.

Games played

13

Goals scored

1

Assists

4

Touches*

69.8

Accurate passes*

42.8 (84%)

Big chances created

7

Ball recoveries*

5.3

Total duels won*

6.8

Noted as being one of “South America’s biggest jewels” when on the books of River Plate by scout Jacek Kulig, with Estevao, of course, also heralded as “world-class” when just 17 years of age in Brazil by the aforementioned Kulig, Barco has come into his own even more in Ligue 1 with Liam Rosenior’s men, as shown in the table above.

With one goal and four assists for the season in the French top-flight, Barco looks more than ready to leap into the Premier League shortly, with the likes of Marc Cucurella no doubt scared for his starting spot at left-back, as the much-talked-about 21-year-old has created seven big chances and won 6.8 duels per game this campaign as a full-throttle force.

On the flip side, Chelsea’s number three only has only created three big chances and won 4.1 duels par match from his collection of league appearances to date, with Barco keen to shake up the Stamford Bridge first team ranks, much like Estevao did instantly on his arrival from Palmeiras.

Capable of also offering Maresca another body centrally, this does really feel as if it has all the makings of being a top-drawer acquisition from South America, much like Estevao was.

0 dribbles, 0 tackles: Maresca must now bench Mudryk-esque Chelsea star

Chelsea dropped points yet again in the Premier League after a draw against Bournemouth on the south coast.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 7, 2025

He was not informed of the decision to drop Shamim, and said he has been told he would have little say in squad selection

Mohammad Isam26-Nov-2025

Litton Das: “I don’t see any reason behind Shamim getting dropped”•AFP/Getty Images

T20I captain Litton Das has expressed his unhappiness with the Bangladesh selectors’ decision of dropping Shamim Hossain from the squad for the first two T20Is against Ireland. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain said last Friday that they were dropping Shamim to give Mahidul Islam Ankon a chance in the middle order.Litton, however, said that the selectors didn’t inform him or coach Phil Simmons about such a decision.”I think it would have been better if [Shamim] was in the team. But this is not my call, [it is] totally the selectors’ call,” Litton said. “I don’t know why, but the selector dropped Shamim without giving us notice. I have known that a captain would know which player would be in the team, and which player would be out of the team. I don’t see any reason behind Shamim getting dropped. It would have been better if he was in the team.”Related

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Litton also said that he has received a directive that he would have little say in squad selection. Litton, however, did not say where the instructions came from or when he got them.”The selection panel and board has told me that I have to totally work with whatever team they have selected,” Litton said. “I can’t have a say about which player I want or don’t want. I have known for a long time that a captain has a planning for organising the team. Recently, I have been informed that my job is to deliver something good from the field with [the] team that I have been given.”Litton, however, said that he will continue leading the side despite such conditions given to his leadership. “I won’t say it is insulting, but I think the captain and coach must be informed. We don’t know anything about [the selection]. If the same thing happens during the World Cup, I will try to implement with the team to the best of my ability.””Why not Shamim [Hossain]? He performed extraordinarily in some of the series” – Litton Das•AFP/Getty Images

Litton also said “sorry” to Shamim, calling it a disappointment for the player.”It won’t disturb the team but [the situation] is disappointing,” Litton said. “You can’t expect the same performance in every series from every player. We have been trying to build a team for a long time. Why not Shamim? He performed extraordinarily in some of the series. Getting dropped from there, it is disappointing for Shamim.”As a captain, I can’t say anything more than sorry to Shamim. I don’t expect all 15 players in my squad to perform at the same level. We have to back a player when he doesn’t perform in two or three series. I am really sorry that I couldn’t back him.”Shamim has had only single-digit scores in his last three T20I outings for Bangladesh, which may have prompted the selectors to drop him. Shamim, however, has made some important contributions in Bangladesh’s T20I revival this year. He made 48 against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in July. That innings took Bangladesh to a massive win, which is now considered as a turning point for them.Shamim also contributed against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the Asia Cup. His 22-ball 33 against Afghanistan in early October was the last time he reached double figures, before his run of three successive single-digit scores in T20Is.Meanwhile, chief selector Gazi made a statement after Litton’s comments on the non-selection of Shamim.”Our focus should be on the Ireland series that’s coming up, but because of what our captain Litton Das said at a press meet, I wanted to say a few things,” Gazi said. “We held a brief meeting with the captain and coach before the Bangladesh squad for the Ireland T20Is was announced. When we asked about his opinion about Shamim Hossain, Litton Das told us that he wants Shamim in the team against Ireland. He also informed us that he spoke to the coach [Simmons], who said he also wants the same batters who played against West Indies, in the next T20I squad.”After discussing with Hasibul Hossain [another selector], we decided to leave out Shamim from the squad. We thought that we will announce the squad for the first two matches so that if we win the series by then, we can do some experiment in the third T20I. We announced the team following the rules, after going through cricket operations and the board. The selectors don’t always have to agree with the captain and coach when making selection calls. We don’t have to take any permission. We are accountable to the board.”

He became only the third batter in first-class history to hit six sixes in an over, after Garry Sobers and Ravi Shastri

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Nov-2025Meghalaya’s Akash Choudhary made history on Sunday, becoming only the third player in first-class cricket to smash six sixes in an over and scoring the fastest fifty in the format. He did so by hitting an unprecedented eight sixes in a row, en route to his 11-ball fifty.Primarily a seamer, Choudhary achieved the feat on the second day of the Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh in Surat. Coming in at No. 8 with Meghalaya 576 for 6, he began his innings with a dot and two singles before smashing six sixes off left-arm spinner Limar Dabi in the 126th over of the innings. Thus, he joined an elite club that previously included only Garry Sobers and Ravi Shastri. Mike Procter had also hit six consecutive sixes but across two overs.Choudhary continued his onslaught in the next over as well, hitting offspinner TNR Mohith for two back-to-back sixes to bring up his fifty. He broke the previous record – off 12 balls by Leicestershire’s Wayne White against Essex in 2012 – by one ball. Choudhary’s was also the second-fastest fifty in first-class cricket in terms of time taken (where data is available). He took nine minutes. The record belongs to Clive Inman, who took eight minutes for his 13-ball half-century for Leicestershire against Nottinghamshire in 1965.

Record Alert

First player to hit eight consecutive sixes in first-class cricket

Fastest fifty, off just 11 balls, in first-class cricket

Meghalaya's Akash Kumar etched his name in the record books with a blistering knock of 50*(14) in the Plate Group match against… pic.twitter.com/dJbu8BVhb1

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) November 9, 2025