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Tottenham opened their Champions League account for the campaign with a 1-0 win over La Liga side Villarreal in north London on Tuesday night, with a calamitous own goal from goalkeeper Luiz Junior gifting Thomas Frank’s side a precious three points.

It was a tight, cagey affair, and Villarreal had chances of their own to level, including a late free-kick in a dangerous area, but former Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe blazed it over the bar.

Micky van de Ven

7.4

Djed Spence

7.3

Rodrigo Bentancur

7.3

Mohammed Kudus

7.2

Santiago Mourino

7.1

via WhoScored

Pape Sarr also forced a low, outstretched save from Luiz on 30 minutes to keep the score at 1-0, and that’s how it stayed, with there being precious few highlights from the fairly uneventful victory — not that Frank is complaining too much as Spurs make it four wins from five in all competitions.

Midfielder Lucas Bergvall also continued his fine start to the season with a Man of the Match display against Villarreal, outshining the likes of Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus in what was another excellent performance.

It’s been an excellent start to life under the Dane, but Tottenham’s restructured boardroom – headed by CEO Vinai Vinkatesham and minus ex-chair Daniel Levy – will bear in mind that Ange Postecoglou made the best start by any other manager in Premier League history when he first joined the club in 2023.

However, with the form on display by some of his key men, especially defensively, the early signs are extremely promising.

Frank’s side have conceded just three goals in six games this season, including the UEFA Super Cup final, with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero proving imperious at the back for Tottenham.

Jamie O'Hara says Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero "walk" into Real Madrid

Speaking on talkSPORT, pundit Jamie O’Hara has claimed that Romero and van de Ven are the best centre-back partnership in the world right now, going on to claim that both of them stroll into Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid side.

The duo have been vital for Frank since he took over from Postecoglou, and the numbers speak for themselves.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero shining for Tottenham

Van de Ven complements Romero by offering strong aerial ability, searing pace and consistency in clearances and interceptions.

The Dutchman’s clean-sheet rate when fit and his ability to handle one-on-one duels have become key for Spurs. Romero, meanwhile, brings aggression, leadership, and experience, especially in big games.

In Postecoglou’s final season, they featured in 18 matches together, during which Tottenham conceded just 20 goals.

Together, what van de Ven lacks in experience, Romero makes up for with leadership and composure; and while the latter’s aggressive defending sometimes invites risk, the former helps cover for him. Their strengths balance each other out, and it is clear that the pair remaining fit will be crucial to Tottenham’s prospects this season.

Chelsea fans will be relieved to hear their talismanic forward Cole Palmer faces weeks, not months, on the touchline as he recovers from a groin injury. But fears persist Palmer may need surgery to avoid the injury becoming chronic and hampering him for the long-term, with England manager Thomas Tuchel admitting his concern after the player missed out on another of his squads.

Painful time for Palmer

Palmer was ruled out of Chelsea's match against West Ham in August after aggravating the injury during the warm-up. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca stated that his key man had been experiencing a groin problem for several days and the decision was made not to risk him worsening it. This was considered a precautionary measure at the time, but further concerns were raised when he was forced off after only 20 minutes in the Blues’ defeat by Manchester United last month. Initial scans were positive, but fears are growing that it could become a chronic problem. Adding to the worry, during celebrations after Chelsea's victory against Liverpool, team-mate Jorrel Hato playfully jumped into the attacker. Palmer appeared to react with discomfort, clutching his groin. While the incident has not worsened his injury, it highlighted his ongoing pain and fuelled fan anxiety about his recovery timeline. However, it has now been reported in the that his absence will last weeks, not months.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEngland manager has his say

Ahead of the Wales friendly, England boss Thomas Tuchel said: "He was only in the June camp, that is concerning, of course. First of all, the most important thing is that he can play without pain, because the groin issue is a very dangerous one to become chronic. This is the most important thing. When he's fit and when he has rhythm and flow, he can decide matches on club level and, for sure, on international level. We know that. There is also with him no problem at all (for me). We clearly understand and see the potential and the quality, but there is also a reality that he was not available in five of the (last) seven camps, so right now there are two camps left before the World Cup." 

Chelsea’s first game back after the international break is away at Nottingham Forest on October 18th, but Tuchel is doubtful Palmer will be fit for that one. He added: "It would surprise me this time if he was able to play."

Palmer set for November return

The reports that Palmer is expected to be back to full fitness in early November, when Chelsea face Tottenham on the first day of the month. That means he is set to miss the upcoming games against Nottingham Forest, Ajax, Sunderland and Wolves, but he remains in contention for the England squad for the Three Lions' final two World Cup qualifiers in mid-November. That will be welcome news to both the player and his country, after Tuchel suggested his chances of being included in his World Cup squad have been affected by his fitness issues.

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AFPCashing in on 'Cold Palmer'

In the meantime, Palmer has moved to trademark to his 'Cold Palmer' nickname and celebration with the UK government's Intellectual Property Office, and that application was approved on Friday. It grants the England international the exclusive legal rights to the term 'Cold Palmer'. The registration lasts until November 25, 2034, when it can be renewed again for further 10-year periods. The 23-year-old's application includes an extensive list of products he intends to sell using the trademarked term. This includes: soaps, bath salts, snacks, razor blades, phone covers, drones, underwater vehicles, stationery, Christmas crackers and teddy bears.

Here’s how things look on the run-scorers’ and wicket-takers’ tables after Sunday’s double-header in IPL 2025

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Apr-20251:22

Jaffer: ‘Kohli has the game for every situation’

.Orange Cap leaderboardThere is no change in the top three on the run-scorers’ table but a few batters have gained places. Nicholas Pooran is still the No. 1, having accumulated 349 runs in six innings.It is followed by Gujarat Titans’ B Sai Sudharsan, who has 329 runs, and Mitchell Marsh, at No. 3 with 265 runs despite missing LSG’s last game.Beyond the top three, 11 other batters have crossed the 200-mark. Notably, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) Virat Kohli has advanced places to be fifth behind Shreyas Iyer (250 runs) after his 62 not out off 45 balls against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Sunday’s afternoon game. He is two runs shy of Shreyas. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav’s 28-ball 40 in Mumbai Indians’ 12-run win overs Delhi Capitals (DC) has taken his tally to 239.Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 2 for 17•Associated PressPurple Cap leaderboardNoor Ahmad and Shardul Thakur remain the top two in the list but there’s a new bowler at No. 3: Kuldeep Yadav.Kuldeep was DC’s best bowler on Sunday, picking up two wickets and leaking just 5.75 an over as MI posted 205 for 5. He now has ten wickets and an overall economy rate of 5.60, better than the other bowlers with same number of wickets in the list. Hardik Pandya, Prasidh Krishna, R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj and Khaleel Ahmed also stay on ten wickets.Hardik couldn’t move up after going wicketless for the first time in this IPL, against DC.Highest batting strike ratesBest bowling economy ratesMost sixesBest bowling figures in a match

Thomas Tuchel delivered a rousing team talk as England booked their place at the 2026 World Cup, saying he accomplished a “childhood dream” following the emphatic 5-0 victory over Latvia. The Three Lions will compete at next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States after powering through their qualifying group with two games to spare.

Captain Kane scores twice as England seal World Cup spot

England became the first team from Europe to seal their spot at the World Cup in North America after downing Latvia on Tuesday evening. Two goals from Harry Kane and strikes from Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze helped Tuchel’s men to victory on a dominant night which saw the travelling supporters play their part. The victory in Riga was England’s six win from as many qualifying games under Tuchel, having also defeated Albania, Andorra (twice), and Serbia, alongside an earlier triumph over Latvia in March.

AdvertisementTuchel and Kane deliver rousing team talks following Latvia victory

And after clinching their World Cup berth, Tuchel was full of praise for his England players, telling a delighted dressing room how competing in the biggest competition in world football was one of his lifelong ambitions.

In a behind-the-scenes video which has now been shared by England, Tuchel began with exuberant clapping and shouting “really nice” towards his charges, before formally addressing them by saying: “One minute, congratulations, six wins, six clean sheets, eighteen points, we are there in the summer, we are there, brilliant.

“My childhood dream to go to the World Cup, I could not be more proud than to go with you guys, we will rock this thing in America next year, okay, let’s go!”

Tuchel was then joined by captain Kane, who urged his team-mates to maintain their focus ahead of England’s remaining two qualifiers against Serbia and Albania in November, stressing the importance of building momentum ahead of the World Cup.

The Bayern Munich striker politely asked “Boys, can I add something?” and after his wish was granted by Tuchel, he continued by saying to the dressing room: “Boys, I think it’s easy to underestimate what we have achieved, you know, six wins, no goals (conceded), sometimes the outside noise will make it seem like 'oh, we just turn up in America and it’s easy', but I think the work we’ve done together, the relationships we’re building, it’s what makes a special team. You know, I said in the last camp, I feel like we’re getting a good momentum going forward and now we continue that, we’re qualified but we go full gas in November, everyone back, everyone ready to go and we carry on like we’re doing.”

Kane joins Ronaldo in elite goalscoring club after Latvia brace

After helping fire England to the World Cup with his brace against Latvia, Kane joined an elite goalscoring club featuring Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo. The 32-year-old is now the fifth top European scorer in international football, having recorded his 75th and 76th goals for England on his 110th appearance for his country. Kane sits behind Hungary legend Ferenc Puskas (84), Poland striker Robert Lewandowski (86), Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku (89) and Ronaldo, who has a whopping 143 goals for Portugal, on the list.

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Getty Images SportTuchel takes chants on the chin after criticising England support

Tuchel, meanwhile, was on the receiving end of pointed chants from the good-humoured England faithful at the Daugava Stadium. After criticising the level of support his players received in the 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley Stadium, chants of “Thomas Tuchel, we’ll sing when we want!” and “Thomas Tuchel, are we loud enough for you?” were aimed towards the German in Latvia.

However, Tuchel took the response from the England fans on the chin, saying after the game: "I got a bit of stick today, in the first half, pretty much in every song. So fair enough. Well done. I take it and good humour, good sense of humour. They had a reason today from my last comments and I guess that's fair enough. I got a bit of stick and I found it quite creative. It made me smile and this is how it has to be. It's British humour and I surely can take it. No harm done. It's so important. They are here and I said the support in Serbia was brilliant, and we are very sure the support in America will be absolutely brilliant.”

Just as Arsenal supporters wanted to bask in being top of the table for the duration of the international break, yet more bad news on the injury front comes their way.

On Saturday against West Ham, Martin Ødegaard set an unwanted record, becoming the first player in Premier League history to be substituted during the first half of three successive league starts.

Having seemingly recovered from a shoulder issue, putting in a sparkling display against Olympiacos in the Champions League, the captain suffered a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee, expected to spend at least a month on the sidelines.

Between this international break and the November window, Mikel Arteta’s team take on Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sunderland in the Premier League, also facing Atlético Madrid and Slavia Prague in the Champions League, as well as Brighton in an EFL Cup tie.

In most of those fixtures, especially when Diego Simeone’s Colchoneros visit North London, the Gunners will face their kryptonite, a low block, so Arteta simply must fill the creative void in Ødegaard’s absence with Arsenal’s new Mesut Özil.

Mesut Özil's impact at Arsenal

In a post-Fabrizio Romano era, it is hard to outline the excitement that Özil’s move to Arsenal brought, with this the peak of Sky Sports News deadline day, as the clip below demonstrates.

Once he arrived, the German had an enormous impact in North London, providing countless numbers of assists and scoring goals on a regular basis too.

2013/14

7

14

2014/15

5

8

2015/16

8

20

2016/17

12

15

2017/18

5

14

2018/19

6

3

2019/20

1

3

Total

44

77

Özil was at his absolute best in 2015/16 and 2016/17, with his tally of 19 Premier League assists in the former campaign only ever bettered by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

The German will forever be remembered as Arsenal’s assist king, a key figure in a trio of FA Cup triumphs, very much one of the best players the club have had in the Emirates era.

Who can forget that goal against Ludogorets in the Champions League? Or his trademark finish against Liverpool, bouncing the ball onto the turf and past a bewildered goalkeeper.

While the German’s work rate and body language were questioned towards the end of his career, few can dispute just how magical he was on his day.

So now, fast-forward to today, could one of Arsenal’s summer signings have a similar impact if unleashed by Arteta?

Arsenal's new creative star

Following Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat at Anfield in August, Arteta was widely criticised for deploying Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, misconstrued as him deploying three defensive midfielders, which isn’t strictly true, but they do lack creativity.

More recently though, Eberechi Eze was deployed centrally at Newcastle, before starting in tandem alongside Ødegaard at the weekend, albeit that experiment sadly didn’t last too long.

Chalkboard

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

So now, with Ødegaard set to spend an extended period on the sidelines, Eze has to be given the key to this team, deployed through the middle given the Gunners’ upcoming opponents, as he’s the only man who can solve their creativity issue.

Following the dramatic victory at St James’ Park, Arteta admitted that the England international is at his best when utilised centrally, stating “the more we put him in central positions, especially when there’s threat around him, we’re playing to his strengths”.

Meantime, upon his arrival, having hijacked Tottenham’s move, sporting director Andrea Berta labelled Eze a “creative and explosive talent with huge technical quality”, while Arteta noted that he will bring a “new dimension” to his team, given that he is a “powerful and exciting player”.

The 27-year-old has only made eight appearances for his new club but has showcased his quality already, scoring his first goal against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup, while also producing this sublime assist in stoppage time as Gabriel Martinelli rescued a draw against Manchester City.

Thus, as already outlined, Arsenal’s next seven matches are, predominantly, against teams who will sit deep and challenge the Gunners to break them down, so those in attendance should be prepared to endure plenty of horseshoe of doom when club football returns.

Thus, giving Eze the freedom to roam and create through the middle could be key to combating this, especially considering both left-winger options, Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, have been scoring goals of late.

Eze’s arrival was, possibly, the signing Arsenal supporters have been most excited about since Özil joined back in 2013 so, in a much better team than the German ever was, he could be the player that leads Arsenal to that elusive Premier League title.

Arsenal star who's the "best in the world" should be captain over Odegaard

As Martin Ødegaard continues to struggle with injury problems, Mikel Arteta should make “best in the world” Arsenal star his captain going forward.

ByBen Gray Oct 5, 2025

India Test squad for the five-match tour of England will be picked on Saturday

Nagraj Gollapudi23-May-202513:19

Will Shardul Thakur make it and Mohammed Shami miss out?

Fast bowler Mohammed Shami is unlikely to be picked in India’s squad for the five-Test tour of England starting on June 20.While Shami is fit to bowl for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the ongoing IPL, ESPNcricinfo has learned he has not built up the necessary workload for Test cricket. He has not played a Test match since the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.It is understood that a member of the BCCI medical staff travelled to Lucknow this week to assess Shami ahead of SRH’s game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 23. The selectors had wanted to include Shami as part of the India A squad. However, with no certainty on his fitness to bowl long spells, that option was struck off. While it could not be confirmed whether the selectors have made up their mind regarding the Test selection, it is likely they might play safe and not pick him unless there is a favourable report from the medical staff.Related

There's a 'serious question mark' over Shami – Aakash Chopra

Gill or Bumrah as captain? Sai Sudharsan at No. 3?

Shami, 34, had recovered successfully from the ankle surgery he had in February 2024 but started to experience pain in his right knee, for which he has been seeking treatment. It hasn’t prevented him from bowling, but it has hindered his plan to gradually increase his workloads toward Test-match levels, raising concerns in India’s selection panel about the viability of picking him for the tour of England.Before his ankle injury troubles, Shami was the leading wicket-taker at the 2023 ODI World Cup, playing through pain during India’s run to the final. He then missed all of India’s fixtures in 2024 due to his injury, recovery from surgery, and knee issues, and only made his international comeback during the limited-overs series against England in January this year.Shami had said he felt like a “toddler learning to walk” during his recovery from ankle surgery, and feared his career might have ended abruptly. However, he was the joint second-highest wicket-taker during India’s victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy.He hasn’t been in good bowling form for SRH during IPL 2025, though, playing only nine of their first 13 league games, and taking just six wickets at an average of 56.16 and economy rate of 11.23.If Shami is not picked, India’s selectors are likely to choose his replacement from a pool that includes Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Yash Dayal, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed and Harshit Rana.India’s selectors are expected to announce the squad for the five-Test series in England on Saturday afternoon.

Rio Ferdinand has tipped his former England team-mate Steven Gerrard to return for a second stint as Rangers manager.

The former Liverpool captain has swiftly emerged as the odds-on bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Russell Martin at Ibrox, who was sacked on Sunday evening.

Gerrard remains a hero to many Rangers supporters after leading them to the Scottish Premiership title in 2020-21, which remains the only time they have won the league since their financial implosion in 2012.

Gerrard and Rangers a "perfect match"

In an interview with the ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ podcast, released on Tuesday but conducted before Martin’s dismissal, the 45-year-old former Aston Villa boss revealed he had “a bit of unfinished business” in management and wanted “to be at a team that’s going to compete to win because I think that suits me better”.

Gerrard said he and Rangers had been “the perfect match” during his spell of just over three years in charge between 2018 and 2021 and Ferdinand senses the former England captain would be open to an Ibrox return almost four years after he left for Villa.

“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,” the ex-Manchester United defender told talkSPORT.

“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.

“What I felt, if I was an owner of a football club and Steven Gerrard was sat in front of me and I felt that energy in the room when I was interviewing him, he’s getting the job.

“Forget what’s gone on before, but also his time before at Rangers, he did great there. I’ve never had so many Rangers fans flood the comments of my social media or the podcast.

Rangers: Positive Ibrox talks held with 4-3-3 manager to replace Martin

The Gers have had positive discussions.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 7, 2025

“They’re all desperate for him to go up and at least have the conversation, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Steven Gerrard is managing again very soon and Rangers would be probably one of my big bets.”

Other names touted as potential successors to Martin over the past couple of days include Hearts boss Derek McInnes, former Rangers player Kevin Muscat and ex-Everton boss Sean Dyche.

United States-based chairman Andrew Cavenagh, who on Monday admitted culpability in appointing Martin, is reportedly flying to the UK this week to hold talks with other senior figures, including vice-chairman Paraag Marathe, about the next boss.

The Tottenham treatment room is at bursting point with a host of key players on the absentee list, including one star who has proven himself to be most vital to the club's success. Spurs' win stats fall off a cliff when he isn’t playing, they also face a huge jump in shots faced and he will be needed back ASAP to help the north Londoners get their season back on track.

Early season struggles for Spurs

Spurs have endured a mixed start to the season under new manager Frank. Despite winning the Europa League last season, a significant injury crisis has carried over and hampered progress, with key players like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remaining long-term absentees, though recent signings like Joao Palhinha and Xavi Simons have been integrated. Frank's side has performed better away from home, including impressive wins at Manchester City and West Ham. Whereas, their home form has been inconsistent, highlighted by league losses to Aston Villa and Bournemouth. And there have been uninspiring draws in the Champions League, where they remain unbeaten but not convincing.

AdvertisementAFPAway-day worries for Frank

The player that Frank relies on so heavily missed the recent 0-0 draw with Monaco in the Champions League and after the match, Spurs' Danish boss bemoaned his side's lack of energy. He said: "The intensity was not at the level we wanted to for whatever reason. I think it's something we've been very good to play with basically every game more or less. Today we couldn't go for whatever reason. That can be momentum, it can be a lot of things. Then I think on a general level we made too many mistakes. Decision-making and simple passes that didn't help on the day. It was a hard point won. I think it was a relatively even first half."

Frank added: "Second-half our performance was not good and Monaco were better than us. It demanded a lot to keep the clean sheet which we did in the end. I think Vicario was very good but we didn't hit the performance level we wanted to, especially in the second half. We're definitely learning [in the] Champions League. Playing away in the Champions League is always difficult. We still need to defend a lot but on the flip side, I think we created some chances, but of course I want more."

The numbers stack up for star

The statistics highlight that it’s captain Cristian Romero who is of vital importance to Tottenham's success. Since the beginning of the 23-24 season, Spurs' league win rate drops dramatically from 50 per cent when he starts to just over 23 per cent without him. In fact, across 26 league matches played without Romero, Tottenham have secured only six wins. His absence also has a clear defensive impact, as the team concedes an average of 16.3 shots per game, a notable increase from the 12.3 shots conceded when he is on the pitch.

Romero’s replacement is Austria international Kevin Danso, who has highlighted the importance of Romero’s passing game, he said: “Definitely, but also just try to fulfil the role as best as I can. Obviously, he’s a very important player for us. For me, it’s just doing the job, defending first and foremost and trying to replace him in that instance as best as I can. I think it was an okay game (on Sunday), unfortunately, we didn’t get the result we wanted, but the aim is to win here tomorrow.”

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Getty Images SportMis-firing Spurs face Mersey test

Romero is doubtful for the upcoming Everton match this weekend after suffering a minor groin strain in the warm-up before the defeat by Villa. Frank believes the injury is not severe, but the Argentina international’s return date remains uncertain. After Everton, Spurs face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on October 29.

India international scores 87 on debut, to go along with fifties from Patterson-White and Pennington

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 23-Jun-2025Half-centuries from Ishan Kishan, Liam Patterson-White and Dillon Pennington put Division One leaders Nottinghamshire in control as they totalled 487 on day two of their Rothesay County Championship match against Yorkshire.Indian wicketkeeper-batter Kishan’s 87 came in his debut innings for the county, Patterson-White posting the same score and fast-bowler Pennington entertaining the Trent Bridge crowd with a career-best 61.Left-arm spinner Dan Moriarty took four for 91 – but a poor innings in the field for the visitors was at least followed by a better performance with the bat, Yorkshire recovering from the loss of a wicket first ball to close on 154 for 3, with Finlay Bean 86 not out, albeit losing the experience of Dawid Malan in the penultimate over.Yorkshire would have seen a Nottinghamshire first-innings total below 350 as a half-decent outcome for their endeavours with the ball. In the event, they were unable even to keep them below 450 at lunch as Nottinghamshire piled 155 in the session on to their overnight 298 for 6 for the loss of only two more wickets.Kishan, dropped at midwicket off Jack White without addition to his 44 overnight – another costly error in the field after Ben Slater was put down on 11 on day one – advanced to 87 from 98 balls before being caught there off Dom Bess, having struck 12 fours and a six down the ground off George Hill in a thrilling first instalment of his two-match stay at Trent Bridge.Farhan Ahmed edged to first slip but if Yorkshire imagined things might get easier thereafter, they reckoned without Pennington, not a renowned batter, choosing the 80th first-class innings of his career to register his second fifty.The 26-year-old fast bowler had gone past 20 only nine times in his career yet was able to hammer 24 in a single over this time, and off Yorkshire’s overseas quick Will O’Rourke for good measure, the New Zealander finding his figures pounded by three exuberant carves for four and two mighty pulls for six, finishing with 2 for 113.Being dropped on 49 confirmed it was Pennington’s day as he went on to reach 50 from just 39 balls. The eighth of his nine boundaries took him past his previous best of 56 before he was caught and bowled by Moriarty.In 18.2 soul-destroying overs for Yorkshire, he and Patterson-White added 96 for the ninth wicket. Patterson-White, who had hammered two sixes down the ground off Bess, still had time for a couple more off Moriarty before top-edging to backward point, ending the Nottinghamshire 11 overs after lunch.It had been a chastening day for Yorkshire, whose mood would not have been helped by the sight of Mohammad Abbas removing their top run-scorer, Adam Lyth, with his first ball. The Test veteran found enough movement to clip the outside edge.Mercifully, from a Yorkshire point of view, the Pakistan international, who dismissed Lyth and Bean in his opening spell on the way to a first-innings 6 for 45 as Nottinghamshire defeated Yorkshire at Headingley in May, could not conjure a repeat.Indeed, Bean completed his first half-century of what has been a lean season to date soon after he and James Wharton had steered their side to 65 for 1 at tea, their cause helped to the tune of five penalty runs when Pennington, having fielded off his own bowling, was cautioned for throwing the ball aggressively in Wharton’s direction.In fairly benign conditions, the second-wicket pair were able to stretch their partnership to 99 before the home side made a second breakthrough, Pennington the bowler to induce it early in his second spell as Wharton failed to control his drive and was caught at mid-off.Bean and Malan chipped a further 55 off the deficit but Yorkshire suffered a setback they could have done without in the penultimate over when Malan, looking to drive Patterson-White’s left-arm spin, could only edge the ball behind, a deflection off Kishan dropping into the hands of slip Freddie McCann.

After winning an unprecedented Champions League title back in May, expectations were high for this Arsenal side coming into the 2025-26 season. Could the Gunners use their European success as a springboard and really challenge for the Women's Super League title this time around? Could they finally end Chelsea's incredible dominance which has now seen them claim each of the last six league crowns, as well as 13 of the last 18 domestic honours?

So far, the answers to those questions appear to be unchanged and, as such, negative. Before the international break, Arsenal endured a four-game winless run for the first time since January 2022, and although they were able to stop the rot with wins over Brighton and Benfica before players headed off on national-team duty, neither performance was particularly convincing. As they prepare to resume WSL action this weekend, the Gunners are five points behind leaders Chelsea, having won just three of their first six games, and sit fifth in standings, behind north London rivals Tottenham.

It was only five months ago that this Arsenal team, under new head coach Renee Slegers, stunned Barcelona in the Champions League final having enjoyed an historic comeback victory over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals before battering eight-time European champions Lyon in their own backyard in the semis. So why have they been unable to build on that at the start of this season and what can they do to reignite what has so far been a sluggish and disappointing campaign? 

Getty ImagesBe temporarily pragmatic

One of the most notable struggles Arsenal have had in the early stages of this season has come in the form of high-profile mistakes when playing out from the back. That's been a particular issue amid the absence of Leah Williamson, whose quality in possession is a big reason why the Gunners are usually so good in building out from the defence, and whose spell on the sidelines has certainly had a negative impact on that facet of the team's game thus far this season.

Encouragingly, Slegers took steps to address these errors, explaining after the win over Brighton: "We’ve been working on the build-up and, when the ball is in our own half, how we can have more forward intent so we don’t have to go backwards and teams can just go high and player for player and everyone is under pressure."

It has had an immediately positive impact, not just because Arsenal have won their last two games but because they've kept two clean sheets in them, at least in part due to the fact that they've not been putting themselves in precarious situations in possession.

A few days later, Slegers explained that she saw this as a "medium- or long-term" measure. "We want to find ways to beat that press but also not to invite the press and that is what we have been working on," she added.

It's vital that, despite turning things around a little in recent weeks, Slegers sticks with this for the time being and doesn't allow those errors to creep back into Arsenal's game, especially while Williamson remains sidelined. If those issues return, it would be seriously problematic. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesShow more positivity and urgency in the final third

Arsenal have been underwhelming in attack too, particularly with the lack of urgency shown in the opposition's half. Take the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, for example, where the Gunners were 1-0 up until a late, late equaliser from their visitors punished them for not finishing the game off.

"I just don’t think we have the intensity and urgency in and around the box to kill the game, because we get an early goal," Slegers noted after that result. "But as long as it’s 1-0, the opposition always feels like they’re still in the game. You only need one moment and that’s what happened today."

That felt like the case in the 1-0 win over Brighton, too, despite Arsenal's lead coming about as a result of a rather lucky own goal. Fortunately, the Seagulls were unable to make them pay for that lack of chance creation as the Gunners ended their winless run.

But Slegers' side should absolutely not be resting on their laurels in these games. If they want to really turn that form around and reel off the results that are needed to get them back into the WSL title race, while proving that they can put up a sturdy European title defence, they have to show more urgency and positivity in the final third and a greater will to get shots off when the space opens up, rather than passing up the opportunity to get a strike on goal, regardless of the scoreline.

Getty ImagesCreate chances for Russo

It's especially important for Arsenal to look more dangerous in the final third because Alessia Russo, who had her best goal-scoring season to date last term, has been starved of service. In the WSL, the England international ranks 16th for shots and 31st for shots on target, per 90 minutes, with her able to score just one goal from open play, and one penalty, in the competition as a result. That simply has to improve if the Gunners are to return to their best.

It's not really on Russo, either. To watch Arsenal is to watch some great build-up and some especially electric wide play, only for the final ball to disappoint. So often, the crosses from the wings are particularly poor, which has been frustrating given how great a lot of the work before that is. Russo's movement, positioning and awareness in the box has come on leaps and bounds, and her team-mates need to improve balls into the area for her to allow her to continue to showcase that and make Arsenal a more efficient and effective team going forward.

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Getty Images SportReignite Kelly's form

Factoring into the need for that service for Russo to improve is the form of Chloe Kelly, which Arsenal need to reignite to make themselves a more dangerous attacking prospect. The England star was outstanding after signing for the Gunners on loan back in January, providing a series of game-changing moments and performances during her four months back in north London, so much so that the club opted to make the move permanent in the summer.

Despite continuing that theme of being an elite difference-maker at the European Championship, where her heroics were key to England's second successive continental triumph, Kelly has struggled for form at the start of this new season. That is clearly down to fitness to some degree, with some heavy strapping on her knee visible earlier this month. If the Gunners can nurse her back to full health, though, she could provide a real boost to a team that has lacked attacking spark on more than one occasion, with her quick-thinking assist for Russo in the win over Benfica just before the international break a great reminder of as much.