The Cincinnati Reds missed the postseason in 2024 for the fourth consecutive season and the 10th time in the last 11 years. The team dismissed manager David Bell on Monday as it looks to turn the corner and get back into contention.
It's been a frustrating past decade for the Reds and their fan base, and perhaps no one knows that better than longtime second baseman Jonathan India.
India has been with the franchise since making his MLB debut in 2021, and the former Rookie of the Year winner voiced his exasperation with the lack of improvement the team has made during his tenure. He also expressed his desire for the team to make the necessary adjustments in order to bring postseason baseball back to Cincinnati.
"We're tired of losing,” India said, via . "It's the same thing every year here. We just float around .500 and try to make the push but we just don’t have enough. We need to make a move. I know what it is, but I just want to say it to the media."
India signed a two-year, $8.8 million deal with the Reds to avoid arbitration during the offseason. He's due to be a free agent in 2027, as '26 is his final year of arbitration. Of his future with the organization, he said this upcoming offseason was a critical one, as he's not sure where he'll be after the '25 season.
"It's got to be (a big offseason). Who knows if I'll be here next year. Who knows if [Tyler] Stephenson will be here. We're running out of time. We were the young core. Then, we added Elly [De La Cruz] and so many guys. They need to make moves. I want to win."
India slashed .247/.353/.395 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs in 2024, featuring in 146 games throughout the year.
Former legspinner takes over from Rod Marsh, who is standing down after six years in the role
ESPNcricinfo staff24-Oct-20182:03
What’s it like to face an over from Shane Warne?
Shane Warne has been appointed to the MCC World Cricket committee.Warne, who claimed 708 Test wickets to cement his status as one of the game’s all-time greats, will take over from his fellow Australian, the former wicketkeeper Rod Marsh, who is standing down after six years in the role.”It is an honour to have been asked to be a member of the MCC World Cricket committee,” said Warne. “It is an extremely exciting time for cricket and I hope that I will have plenty to offer in discussion and debate. I look forward to contributing to the work of the committee.”The committee, which meets twice a year to discuss the important issues in the game, has forged a reputation as an independent voice in world cricket, and has tabled a number of recommendations that have gone on to be implemented by the ICC, including the development of pink balls for floodlit cricket, the mandatory use of DRS in international cricket, and a limit on bat sizes to improve the balance between bat and ball.One of the key outcomes of the committee’s last meeting, which was held at Lord’s in August, was the proposal that a “shot clock” should be introduced to help speed up play.Mike Gatting, Chairman of the MCC World Cricket committee, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Shane on to the committee. Obviously his profile in the world game is as big as they come and with his extensive experience, I am sure he will offer great insights into many different facets of the game.”I’d also like to pay tribute to Rod Marsh, who leaves the committee after six years. He has provided valuable contributions across a variety of areas and we thank him for his efforts.”Warne made his debut against India at Sydney in 1992 and bowed out 15 years later at the same venue, with a 5-0 Ashes series win in 2006-07. He also took 293 wickets in 194 ODIS, making him one of only two bowlers, alongside Muttiah Muralitharan, to have taken over 1,000 international wickets across all formats of the game.Warne spent five seasons in English county cricket with Hampshire, and captained the side between 2004 and 2007. He officially retired from all formats of the game in 2013 following stints in Australia’s Big Bash and the Indian Premier League, but returned to captain the Rest of the World XI against MCC at Lord’s to celebrate the Bicententary of the ground in 2014. He was made an Honorary Life Member of MCC in 2009.
West Bromwich Albion are struggling for consistency during this gruelling winter period. The side's narrow 1-0 win at home to Norwich City on Boxing Day was just their second in five Championship matches, having also lost twice and drawn once.
Additionally, the only goal of the game came through Brandon Thomas-Asante, who found the net for the eighth time this campaign and is leading the Baggies' goalscoring charts.
West Brom could sign £1m-rated "huge talent" to improve Thomas-Asante's fortunes
West Brom could get the best out of Thomas-Asante this winter by signing this £1m-rated “huge talent”.
ByAdam Scully Dec 20, 2023
The Midlands club have been quite reliant on the former Salford City man's goals this season but with the January transfer window quickly approaching, head coach Carlos Corberan could look to sign one player that West Brom have been previously linked with to bolster his side's attacking department.
West Bromwich Albion transfer news – Ben Brereton Diaz
One player that West Brom have been linked to in recent months is Ben Brereton Diaz, with TEAMtalk reporting that the Baggies are keeping tabs on his situation at Villarreal. The outlet are claiming that both Leicester City and Southampton are also eyeing up the Chile international ahead of the January transfer window.
Villarreal forward Ben Brereton Diaz.
Brereton Diaz spent the last few seasons at Ewood Park with Blackburn Rovers, scoring 47 goals and registering 16 assists in all competitions for the Lancashire club. However, 38 of these goals came in his final two campaigns with the Riversiders, with journalist Alan Nixon describing him as a "goal machine".
During the summer, the attacker moved to La Liga side Villarreal on a free transfer but has struggled for game-time since joining The Yellow Submarine on a £29k-per-week deal.
The Chilean has seen just 544 minutes of action for the Spanish outfit since the beginning of the campaign which has been spread across 19 appearances in total and he has failed to bag a single goal or assist in his time at the club. Now, a move back to England looks to be on the cards and West Brom should try to shove themselves to the front of the queue for his signature.
How Ben Brereton Diaz compares to Romelu Lukaku
West Brom have been starved of a consistent goalscorer for some time now. In fact, last season, Thomas Asante finished level with Daryl Dike on seven goals in the Championship as the duo shared the club's top goalscorer award.
This term, Thomas Asante is leading West Brom's charts once more for the club and has already beaten his tally from his debut season. However, Corberan's second-most prolific player has been midfielder John Swift.
West Brom's last prolific goalscorer, in truth, was Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian titan found the net 17 times in 35 appearances on a season-long loan at the Hawthorns during the 2012/13 campaign before eventually returning to Chelsea, having had a great career since. Nonetheless, Brereton Diaz's most potent season in English football was even better than Lukaku's record with West Brom, having converted 22 times from 37 league appearances throughout the 2021/22 campaign.
Additionally, that season, the ex-Nottingham Forest attacker massively outperformed Thomas Asante's numbers from this current term.
Goals
0.61
0.38
Expected Goals
0.36
0.59
Assists
0.11
0.08
Expected Assists
0.07
0.04
Shots
2.91
2.30
Shots On Target
1.25
1.04
Goals Per Shot
0.14
0.17
Progressive Passes Received
5.81
4.30
Key Passes
0.67
0.45
Stats via FBref
Corberan could also play the pair together. In his career, Brereton Diaz has been deployed all along the frontline, including from the flanks. In a wide position, he has bagged 27 goals and registered 13 assists in 122 appearances. The Spanish coach can potentially use Brereton Diaz off the left in the absence of Matt Phillips, who is out until near the end of the season, while keeping Thomas Asante up top.
This is a move that could revolutionise West Brom's forward line ahead of what will be a gruelling second half of the campaign and should certainly be considered by the coaching and recruitment staff.
Having been without a reliable presence through the middle over an extended period – stretching back to the days of Lukaku – snapping up the former Rovers man could prove a real statement signing for those at the Hawthorns.
Leeds United have had their fair share of impressive number nines over the years and current head coach Daniel Farke has two superb forward options at his disposal.
Georgino Rutter and Joel Piroe have combined for nine goals and six assists in the Championship so far this season as part of the club's dynamic front two.
The likes of Patrick Bamford and Chris Wood in relatively recent second division campaigns gone by have also been superb goalscorers for the Whites.
One excellent marksman who supporters may not immediately think of when they look back on the club's best strikers at this level is towering centre-forward Matt Smith.
Matt Smith's goal record at Leeds
The 6 foot 5 titan was signed from League One side Oldham ahead of the 2013/14 campaign after a return of six goals in 34 games in the third tier.
Leeds snapped him up and it turned out to be a fantastic piece of business as the giant finisher enjoyed a fantastic season in front of goal at Elland Road.
Smith racked up 12 goals and six assists in 39 Championship appearances as a star for the Whites, to go along with one goal and one assist in four cup matches.
His impressive performances for the Yorkshire-based side led to a £500k move to Fulham, who had just been relegated from the Premier League.
They loaned him straight out to Bristol City and the ex-Leeds man went on to score 13 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions for the Robins before a return of five goals and two assists in 15 games for the Cottagers during the second half of the season.
Matt Smith's goal record this season
After spells with Queens Park Rangers and Millwall at Championship level, Smith secured a transfer to Salford in January 2021 and he has gone on to be consistent scorer for his current club in recent years.
Appearances
102
102
Goals
23
21
Assists
12
Nine
The 34-year-old marksman has plundered an eye-catching 34 goals and five assists in 91 games for the League Two outfit, having dropped down from the second tier.
This season, Smith is enjoying a career-year as his 14-goal haul in just 18 league matches is already the best tally he has ever managed in a single league season at first-team level. His previous high was a return of 13 goals in 41 Championship outings for Millwall during the 2019/20 campaign.
The veteran striker, who Salford journalist Lewis Gray claimed is in "red hot" form, has also registered two assists and chipped in with one goal in two EFL Cup clashes.
This means that Smith has racked up 15 goals and two assists in all competitions this season, whilst no Leeds player has managed more than Crysencio Summerville and Piroe's respective tally of six goals each.
It is good to see that the experience centre-forward has been able to forge a strong career for himself, with respectable spells in the Championship at QPR and Millwall after his time with Bristol City and Fulham, following his exit from Leeds in 2014.
Glasgow Rangers are currently attempting to land their next head coach to take on the job at Ibrox after Michael Beale was relieved of his duties earlier this month.
The Scottish giants are in the market for a new manager after the English tactician failed to bring tangible success over the course of his tenure at the club.
Rangers are already seven points adrift of the top of the Scottish Premiership table and failed to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League under their former boss.
Matches
Five
Wins
Two
Draws
Two
Losses
One
Whoever chairman John Bennett and chief executive James Bisgrove decide to hire will arrive with an uphill task to get the Light Blues back on track in order to compete for major honours this season.
They will also have a job on their hands to unlock or get the best out of the numerous signings who have struggled so far; including Belgian striker Cyriel Dessers.
What's the latest on Philippe Clement to Rangers?
Nieuwsblad recently reported that the Gers have made a contract offer to former Club Brugge tactician Philippe Clement and he could rock Ibrox by unlocking the summer signing's goalscoring potential.
The Glasgow outfit are said to have sent their proposal to the out-of-contract manager and he is now in 'pole position' to become Beale's eventual replacement before the end of the international break.
The report from Nieuwsblad also claimed that the Belgian tinkerer is expected to turn down the opportunity to go to the Saudi Pro League with Al Shabab, despite talks with the team last week.
Would Clement be a good appointment?
On paper, the 49-year-old boss has the potential to be an excellent appointment by Bisgrove and Bennett if he can translate his success in Belgium over to Scottish football.
Clement won an impressive three league titles in three seasons between the 2018/19 and 2020/21 campaigns with Genk and Club Brugge and has lifted four Pro League trophies throughout his managerial career in total.
The former Monaco chief also has an impressive record in qualifying matches for European competitions, which is where Beale struggled earlier this season for the Gers.
Former Monaco boss Philippe Clement.
He has won nine and lost one of his 12 qualifiers, for the Champions League and the Europa League combined, and this shows that the Belgian mastermind knows what it takes to be successful at that level.
These statistics suggest that Clement could come in as a big upgrade on Beale, who has not won a single trophy throughout his managerial career to date and has no track record of being able to coach a winning side.
The 4-4-2 tactician has, on the other hand, showcased his ability to win league titles and achieve relative success in Europe at multiple clubs, with titles in charge of both Genk and Brugge.
Therefore, Clement could be a fantastic appoint by the Scottish giants if he accepts the offer that is reportedly on the table from the club.
Getting the best out of Dessers could be one of the first priorities for the 49-year-old boss if he does take charge of the Gers, as the striker has struggled this season.
How much did Rangers pay for Dessers?
The Scottish giants reportedly agreed a deal worth £4.5m to sign the Belgian centre-forward from Italian side Cremonese after they were relegated from the Serie A last season.
They brought him in off the back of a fairly underwhelming season in the top-flight of football in Italy as his side failed to avoid the drop-down to Serie B.
Former Cremonese striker Cyriel Dessers.
Dessers produced six goals and two assists in 26 league appearances for the club throughout the campaign and missed five 'big chances' in total.
The Nigeria international's lack of physicality was also a concern as opposition players got the better of him in 70% of his duels and 75% of his aerial contests, which suggests that the experienced forward was too weak for the Serie A.
How many goals has Dessers scored this season?
Dessers' lack of consistent quality at the top end of the pitch has carried over into the current campaign as he has only scored three goals in 15 appearances for the Gers.
His Scottish Premiership form has been a particular cause for concern. The 28-year-old marksman has produced one goal and zero assists in eight league outings for the Light Blues and lost a staggering 81% of his duels on the ground in that time, as per Sofascore.
Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers.
Three of his six goal contributions for the club came in his four Champions League qualifying appearances earlier this season, which included one goal and two assists.
What's next for Dessers?
Journalist Dean Jones claimed, in August, that Dessers could go on to become a "cult hero" for Rangers if he is able to turn his form around over the months or years to come.
Clement could, therefore, rock Ibrox and impress supporters by fulfilling this prediction and helping the ex-Genk striker find his feet at this level.
He favours a 4-4-2 system and this means that Dessers could play alongside another forward and thrive away from being the main focal point for the side, which the Nigerian flop has clearly struggled with as he does not have the physicality to consistently compete and win duels against defenders.
Playing as part of a front two could allow him to focus solely on his movement off the ball to find the space to score and create goals.
His form for Feyenoord during the 2021/22 campaign suggests that the quality is there for him to turn his fortunes around at Ibrox if Clement's system can get the best out of him.
Dessers produced a sensational ten goals and one assist in seven Europa Conference League starts and managed nine goals in nine Eredivisie starts for the Dutch side, as per Sofascore.
No Rangers striker managed more than 14 league goals for the Gers last term and the ex-Cremonese forward's goal record for Feyenoord suggests that the forward, who also scored 29 goals in 40 matches for NAC Breda earlier in his career, could be a lethal scorer for the Scottish giants if he can get back to those levels.
Therefore, Clement could get supporters at Ibrox rocking with joy if they start to see the 6 foot 1 finisher firing in the goals on a regular basis in a 4-4-2 set-up.
Liverpool could be on the prowl for additional reinforcements in their attack, with a host of talent linked with a move to Anfield ahead of the January transfer window.
The Reds have made a strong start to the 2023/24 campaign, however, with plenty of games left to play and further challenges ahead, Jurgen Klopp may look towards the market to bolster his side.
In the summer, the German welcomed four new faces to Merseyside, all taking up a similar position in the engine room, with Dominik Szobszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch arriving as part of a rebuild.
A midfield set of options that consisted of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner became a thing of the past at the end of last term, with changes left for Klopp to make as a new era began.
Players come and go in football, with innovation paving the way for continual progression within squads, as new targets to add to the front line emerge as potential arrivals at Liverpool in January.
Liverpool transfer targets
With pioneer forwards Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino now far from Merseyside, only Mohamed Salah remains from the trio that led Liverpool to the highs of the Champions League trophy and the Premier League title.
At the age of 31, the Egyptian isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, however, with lucrative links to Saudi Arabia emerging in the summer, the Reds could look towards finding an eventual heir to their star man.
nico-williams-athletic-bilbao
One name that has been rumoured to be on Klopp’s wishlist is Athletic Club forward Nico Williams, who 90min claim is a player admired by four clubs in the Premier League.
The 21-year-old has a release clause of €50m (£44m) in place at his boyhood club, a figure that is affordable for Aston Villa, Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool as the sides interested in his services.
A player more known to the Premier League is also rumoured to be of interest to the Reds, in what could mark a phenomenal return to the English top-flight for Leroy Sane.
As told by BILD journalist Christian Falk via CaughtOffside, Klopp’s side are 'interested' in the Germany international as a potential replacement for Salah, and as a backup option to their primary target, Jamal Musiala.
The former Manchester City whiz is said to be valued by Bayern in the region of €100m (£87m), a price worth paying for a player that has shown searing form of late.
The stats that show Leroy Sane would be a good signing for Liverpool
The two-time Premier League winner has already contributed to 10 goals in the Bundesliga this season, scoring eight and assisting two in only nine appearances for Bayern.
The 27-year-old ace has equalled his scoring tally from his 32 appearances in the Bundesliga last season, highlighting how his performances have improved under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel.
Leroy Sane
As well as being a certified performer within the German top tier, the Essen-born gem is traceable as being one of the best-performing wingers in Europe’s top five leagues and European competitions over the past year, as per FBref.
With his stellar average of 3.76 successful take-ons per 90, Sane places in the top 2% of wingers in this decimal, reinforcing how much of a threat he can be when in possession on the flanks.
For Liverpool, the £334k-per-week star epitomises what Klopp demands from his wingers, to be tirelessly direct and source attacking sequences with width.
Lauded as “dangerous” by teammate Thomas Muller for his form so far this term, the German offers a host of attributes that could be fundamental to Liverpool’s progression, with the added bonus of being proven in the Premier League.
During his three-year stay with City, the 27-year-old contributed to 57 league goals in 90 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, scoring 25 and assisting 32 in the top-flight as a reliable source of threat.
At the Etihad, Sane was deployed on the left flank, telling of his versatility and how good of a match he could be for Liverpool, who could not only sign the Bundesliga wing as competition for Salah, but as a first-choice option on the opposite side.
German journalist Christian Falk even likened the former City ace to Salah, claiming him to be “quick like Salah and just as flexible on offence”, which could pose an interesting perspective for the Reds.
How Leroy Sane compares to Mohamed Salah
Prior to his move to Manchester City, talent scout Jacek Kulig described the talents of Sane as an 18-year-old as being a ‘flamboyant’ wide player with ‘explosive speed’, attributes desired in a traditional winger.
Sane is similar to Salah for his silky movements in the box, with his ability in driving the ball forward paired with an innate skill in finishing and deceiving defenders at high speed.
Per 90 Statistic
Leroy Sane
Mohamed Salah
Non-penalty goals
0.93
0.52
Progressive carries
5.34
3.55
Successful take-ons
4.52
0.83
Successful take-on %
54.9%
25.8%
Key passes
2.90
2.29
Shot creating actions
7.07
4.38
Per 90 figures via FBref
As highlighted in the table above, the German has been a better performer than the Egyptian in most areas relatable to the typical game play of a wide player this term, portraying the skill set he could equip Klopp with.
While Salah looks set to stay at Liverpool after signing a renewed contract last summer, the rumours remain of the 31-year-old’s admiration from Saudi Arabia, with a magnitude of money on the table for the Reds should they ever opt to offload their star.
Speculation of a bid worth an eye-watering £200m in the summer presented an interesting scope for Liverpool, however, their goal was to always keep the forward with them for the campaign ahead.
In signing Sane, the Premier League outfit could both add to their options in the final third, and summon a potential heir to Salah, who at 31 years old, could one day in the near future see his career playing out elsewhere.
There is no denying the quality of the Germany international, as well as his ability to mimic Liverpool’s hero with his talent and playing style on the wing, however, only time will tell just how far the lengths are that Klopp is willing to go to sign his countryman.
The international break is now over, and Arsenal return to Premier League action against London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening, with sights set on extending their unbeaten run to the league season.
Last year, Mikel Arteta led the Emirates Stadium side to a second-placed finish in the English top-flight, ending five years outside of Champions League qualification.
But the late-season slump that saw an indomitable Manchester City side leapfrog the Gunners to win their third successive Premier League title and enable treble success left more than a bitter taste after such a gallant and inspiring effort.
This season, Arsenal have returned to emphatic form and currently hold six victories and two draws from eight matches, behind table-toppers Tottenham Hotspur only due to goals scored.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are 11th in the league after an ignominious 12th-place finish last season, though after appointing Mauricio Pochettino in the summer, they are now starting to show signs of improvement.
Having picked up successive away victories over Fulham and Burnley, there is now a golden chance for the Blues to make a statement of intent by handing their rivals their maiden loss of the league term.
Date & Ground
Result
02 May, 2023 – Emirates Stadium
AFC 2-0 CHE
06 Nov, 2022 – Stamford Bridge
CHE 0-1 AFC
20 Apr, 2022 – Stamford Bridge
CHE 2-4 AFC
22 Aug, 2021 – Emirates Stadium
AFC 0-2 CHE
12 May, 2021 – Stamford Bridge
CHE 0-1 AFC
26 Dec, 2020 – Emirates Stadium
AFC 3-1 CHE
Sourced via 11vs11
Such efforts, however, will require some doing, with Arsenal winning five of the last six Premier League encounters – including their previous three visits to Stamford Bridge.
There are concerns over the fitness of stalwart Bukayo Saka, but Arteta will know that his cohesive, free-flowing outfit boast enough quality to halt Chelsea's mini-revival and continue their own purple patch.
What's the Arsenal team news vs Chelsea?
Arteta admitted this week that he will have to assess the fitness levels of Saka, William Saliba and Leandro Trossard ahead of today's crucial contest, with the trio all pulling out of their respective international squads before the recent break.
Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard.
Thomas Partey is fit and could come in for Jorginho in the centre of the pitch to inject some power and physicality against a robust Chelsea midfield – likely consisting of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher.
In particular, the possible absence of Saka will be a major concern for Arteta, who will know of the England international's devastating ability to dismantle resolute defences such as Chelsea's.
Is Bukayo Saka fit to play vs Chelsea?
Saka ended an 87-match appearance streak in the Premier League against Manchester City, but his absence did not stop Arsenal from securing a galvanising victory.
The prodigious winger, aged 22, has posted five goals and assists apiece this term from just ten matches across all competitions – having scored 14 goals and supplying 11 assists in the Premier League last season.
The £195k-per-week sensation ranks among the top 11% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 7% for progressive carries, the top 3% for touches in the attacking box and the top 11% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.
He is one of the most dynamic and deadly of his position across Europe, and he would likely walk into the lion's share of European outfits, having been praised by podcaster and radio host Boyd Hilton, who said: "Saka must be one of the best players in the world right now. Unplayable."
Should he indeed be sidelined, Arteta will at least be boosted by the likely return of Gabriel Martinelli to the starting line-up, with the South American star proving his worth and then some last time out, bagging the late winner against Pep Guardiola's side.
Should Gabriel Martinelli start vs Chelsea?
Martinelli has been an integral member of Arteta's team and its noteworthy resurgence over the past several years, though he has spent much of the past month or so sidelined after injuring his hamstring against Everton.
Signing from Brazilian outfit Ituano Futebol Clube for a reported £6m fee in 2019 as an 18-year-old, Martinelli has now completed 137 matches for his London team, plundering 55 direct goal contributions despite his youth.
In 2021, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made some rather effusive remarks about the starlet, claiming that he was the "talent of the century", which, impressive as he may be, certainly appeared to be a little over the top.
Last season though, the 22-year-old started to strut his stuff with the panache of one of the division's best, and played a definitive role in the Gunners' enthralling title charge, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists across 36 matches in the top-flight.
Indeed, speaking to Football FanCast in April, journalist Pete O'Rourke claimed that Martinelli had taken his game to "another level" during the 2022/23 season, cementing his stature among the finest forwards that the Premier League has to offer.
The injury sustained against Everton in the first half at Goodison Park in September meant that he would miss the ensuing two Premier League fixtures, though he returned against Manchester City to score the winner off the bench.
Also dubbed "unbelievable" by a keen admirer in Klopp, Martinelli ranks among the top 11% of his positional peers for goals and the top 2% for touches in the attacking box per 90, and it's easy to see the kind of cutting-edge at his disposal that puts him in such high standing under Arteta's wing.
Martinelli only boasts one goal against today's opponents, but it is a strike that will last long in the memory of the Gunners faithful; he does, however, have four victories against the west London side from just six matches.
Having got off the mark in his latest Premier League appearance, the 5 foot 10 phenom will be confident that he can start making a marked impact on Arsenal's season.
And while Chelsea may be clicking into gear right now, they face a beast of a different magnitude in Arteta's men, who will look to extend their unbeaten streak and continue their convincing title charge with another big win.
Kylian Mbappe was on fire for Paris Saint-Germain as he scored three and set up another goal in a 6-2 annihilation of Montpellier on Sunday.
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PSG smash six past MontpellierMbappe involved in four goalsNow 12 points clear in Ligue 1GettyTELL ME MORE
The French forward's importance to the team was on show throughout the game as PSG, despite their dominance, let Montpellier back into the match in a shaky spell late in the first half.
It looked like it was going to be an easy day for PSG when they opened the scoring inside the first quarter of an hour. Mbappe worked the ball to Vitinha outside the box and he easily stepped beyond one Montpellier player before unleashing a strike from the edge of the area to send his team into the lead. PSG then hit Montpellier with a rapid counter attack that ended with Mbappe combining with Randal Kolo Muani before the former rolled into the net from a tight angle.
Montpellier managed to pull a goal back through Arnaud Nordin and Wahbi Khazri had a great chance to score an equaliser but his effort was cleared by Danilo. They did not have to wait much longer to get the equaliser, though, when Danilo's awful pass back put Gianluigi Donnarumma under pressure and he collided with Tanguy Coulibaly and the referee pointed to the penalty spot, which Teji Savanier blasted into the top corner.
Mbappe came to the rescue early in the second half when he received the ball outside the box, had a glance at goal and then smashed it over Dimitry Bertaud and in off the bar. Right after it, Lee Kang-in issued a challenge to Mbappe for the best goal of the game when he played a one-two with Kolo Muani and curled in a beauty from outside the box.
Outgoing talisman Mbappe took back the limelight from his Korean co-star, however, when he raced through to complete his hat-trick. After Montpellier were denied a penalty through VAR, Vitinha teed up Nuno Mendes for a fantastic goal to finish the game off at 6-2.
AdvertisementGettyTHE MVP
At his illustrious best, Mbappe showed the quality that PSG will sorely miss when he leaves on a free transfer. He was tremendous from start to finish and showed his individual brilliance in all three of his goals after helping spark the team into life with the assist for the opener.
GettyTHE BIG LOSER
PSG centre-back Pereira had a role in both of Montpellier's goals. He tried to meet a cross and ended up knocking it to Nordin for a simple header from close range. Despite his vital clearance to prevent Khazri from equalising, the Portuguese defender's awful pass to Donnarumma caused the penalty.
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WHAT COMES NEXT?
PSG are now 12 points clear of Brest at the top of Ligue 1 and will hope to protect that lead when they return to domestic action against Marseille on March 31.
Luis Reece reckoned he nearly ran out his runner, Ben Slater, about four times, but his unbeaten 92 was a triumphant end as he braved a swollen ankle
ECB Reporters Network23-May-2018 ScorecardLuis Reece overcame a damaged ankle to put Derbyshire on course for a victory over Durham in the Royal London One Day Cup match at Derby.Reece made his highest List A score of 92 from 107 balls despite batting with a runner – Ben Slater taking up the job – and although former Derbyshire seamer Nathan Rimmington took three quick wickets, it was not enough to save Durham from a third consecutive North Group defeat.The all-rounder also took two wickets and although Tom Latham top scored with 66, Durham’s 272 for 8 was not enough as Gary Wilson with 40 and an unbeaten 42 from Alex Hughes saw Derbyshire home in the final over.Reece said: “The foot’s a bit painful and a bit swollen but touch wood I can get it sorted in time for Friday and be ready to go again. It’s not much fun to bat with a runner, I think I nearly ran Ben out about four times but I wanted to get out there and have a bat.”Derbyshire’s bowlers settled after Ravi Rampaul went for 13 in the second over and Matt Critchley sent down three wides in his first to prevent Durham getting away on a flat pitch.A direct hit by Wayne Madsen from point ran out Cameron Steel in the 11th over and although Graham Clark and Michael Richardson passed 40, they both fell trying to force the pace.Clark was bowled by Critchley and Richardson under-edged a pull at Olivier before Reece’s consistent line forced Will Smith to edge a drive and Stuart Poynter to play across a full length ball.Derbyshire’s disciplined display restricted Latham to only three fours in a 67 ball 50 and although he pulled Olivier for six, Durham’s chance of a challenging total ended when he failed to clear deep midwicket.Chris Rushworth hit Critchley for consecutive sixes and Rimmington pulled Rampaul over the ropes but Durham’s total looked under par on a true pitch in sunny conditions.That was reinforced by the way Ben Slater and Godleman started before Matt Dixon bowled Slater for 24 although he stayed out as a runner for Reece who had been hit on the ankle bowling.Both should have been back in the pavilion before the end of the first powerplay but Poynter spilled an edge off Rushworth when Reece was on six which proved a big moment.Godleman scored a century in the first game at Edgbaston and he reached 50 from 79 balls before Reece completed his half century by sweeping George Harding for his sixth four.Durham sensed an opening when Godleman played around a good length ball from Rimmington who struck again in his next over when Madsen was caught behind and Critchley chopped on three balls later.Reece moved into the 90’s by straight-driving Rushworth for four but in the 40th over, he played on to Harding to leave the game in the balance with Derbyshire needing 81 from the last 10 overs.But Wilson and Hughes played positively to add 80 as Derbyshire sealed a second victory with two balls to spare.
The inaugural elections of the new board, initially slated for May 18, has gone through a series of delays
Peter Della Penna13-Jul-2018The inaugural USA Cricket elections, which were originally announced to be held on May 18, will now begin on July 20 according to an announcement from the board. The elections have gone through a series of delays, including being postponed indefinitely after a series of challenges were made during a peer-review process regarding the legitimacy of voting members.Full list of candidates
League director: Mark Demos, Shuja Khan, Sushil Nadkarni, Atul Rai Club director: John Aaron, Ajith Bhaskar, Jag Poosarla, Maq Qureshi, Aziz Savul Individual director (3 positions): Avinash Gaje, Ramesh Immadi, Ajay Jhamb, Jatin Patel, Venu Pisike, Shantha Suraweera, Suraj Viswanathan, Brian Walters Female player: Nadia Gruny, Erica Rendler Male player: Usman Shuja
Five of the original 25 candidates have also dropped out of the elections for the seven constituent board-member positions. Lesly Lowe, president of the Commonwealth Cricket League in New York – the largest league in the country with 81 clubs – has withdrawn from the race for the league director position. Biju Nair and Masaood Yunus have officially withdrawn their names as candidates for club director. Both roles are to be voted on by eligible leagues and clubs respectively.The other two candidates to drop out came from the individual director pool. Kiran Manchikanti and Ramu Parupalli are no longer in the running. The remaining eight candidates will be voted on by the approximately 5000 eligible USA Cricket members who registered by the April 24 voting-registration deadline. Three individual directors will be voted in through the electronic voting process, which will remain open until July 29.The other two candidates to be voted in will be the male and female elite athlete representatives on the board. There are no changes to the originally announced candidates in each category: Usman Shuja, who is running uncontested in the male elite athlete category, and a two-player race for the female representative between Nadia Gruny and Erica Rendler.After the seven constituent members have been elected, USA Cricket has announced that the final three independent director positions on the board will be appointed by the nomination and governance committee by mid-September. It is then expected that the full 10-person board will be presented to the ICC at the next board meeting in October.The delayed elections timeline also means that the current ICC Americas caretaker administration, known as Project USA, will remain in charge of the administrative process of organising and selecting USA squad for the World T20 Regional Qualifier to be hosted by USA from September 16-24, as well as a squad for ICC WCL Division Three, which is expected to be held in October or November of 2018.