Kotian leads India A's fightback after Hermann brothers hit fifties

South Africa A finished the day on 299 for 9 despite a 100-run partnership between Hamza and Jordan Hermann

Shashank Kishore30-Oct-2025Rishabh Pant spent an entire day on the field, seemingly untroubled by his foot, as he returned to action after more than two months in rehab for a foot injury sustained while batting during the fourth Test in Manchester.N Jagadeesan wasn’t as lucky, after B Sai Sudharsan’s spikes got stuck into his right hand during a training session on match eve. The selectors were forced to summon Ishan Kishan as cover. Jagadeesan’s injury meant an opportunity at the top of the order for Ayush Mhatre, the Mumbai opener, who was originally set to play only the second four-day fixture.All eyes were on Pant when he arrived early and began the day with warm-ups, timed sprints and a batting hit prior to the toss, which he won to put South Africa A in to bat. On a green surface at the Centre of Excellence, which offered plenty of seam movement and swing, the decision seemed justifiable. But gritty efforts from Jordan Hermann and Zubayr Hamza drove South Africa A to 299 for 9 at stumps. Nonetheless, they will be disappointed with the total, because there was the promise of a lot more earlier in the day.India A’s efforts in the field were led by Tanush Kotian, the offspinning allrounder, who picked up four wickets. He wheeled away for much of the second and third session, and was complemented by Manav Suthar, who was unlucky to have only two wickets next to his name at the end of a day where he got the odd ball to turn sharply, and jump up at the batters, whenever they seemed indecisive.Jordan Hermann used sweeps to great effect•PTI

Among the fast bowlers, Gurnoor Brar was potent but had just one wicket to show after 15 overs of toil himself. But the wicket he prised out – of Hamza for 66 – exhibited the virtues he’s been picked for. Gurnoor can hit hard lengths, hustle batters for pace, and have them hopping. This was exactly how Hamza fell, when he tried to evade a well-directed short ball to break a 130-run second-wicket stand.But Hamza had several moments he will look back on fondly from his innings. His manner of tackling spin against Tanush Kotian and Manav Suthar will stand him in good stead, if he gets an opportunity to feature in the two Tests that follow later this month. He didn’t let Kotian settle down, and used his feet superbly to hit him over mid-off repeatedly in his first two overs.Then, Hamza drove Kotian against the turn through extra cover, with Pant keen on leaving cover open to try and trap him into a false stroke. Against Suthar’s left-arm spin, he used his feet well to step out and cover the line to flick him against the turn through midwicket. One such stroke brought up his half-century.Hermann was more sedate after a fiery start. He began with square drive off Khaleel Ahmed, and was quick to pounce on anything short. Once Hamza took charge, however, Jordan slipped back into a more tempered pace, playing himself into the innings. Along the way, he was challenged by Brar’s pace and late movement.India A attacked with close-in fielders before stumps•PTI

Once spin came on, Jordan eased himself against Suthar by playing the lap sweeps and paddles, one of which had him fall over in a manner reminiscent of Pant’s red-ball pyrotechnics. He also played the shot of the afternoon – a sumptuous flick through midwicket, off Khaleel, in the first over after lunch. But he was eventually dismissed on 71, lbw while stuck on the crease to play Kotian against the turn.Shortly prior to his wicket, captain Marques Ackermann perished to Kotian when he tried to step out and flick, unable to get to the pitch and chipping one straight to Suthar. This dismissal briefly brought together Jordan and his older brother, Rubin Hermann, to the crease.The latter did a fine job, after it looked at one point as if India A would run through the lower middle-order, when Rivaldo Moonsamy fell just after tea to leave them 197 for 5. Ruben drove through the line fearlessly as Khaleel went searching for some reverse in the final session, and had a slice of luck when Sai Sudharsan put him down at deep backward square leg on 38.But it didn’t cost India A much as he was out soon after. He was bowled by Kotian for 54, to a delivery that kept low after he was too early into a pull shot. Shortly after, Kotian scalped up a classic offspinner’s dismissal, when he bowled Prenelan Subrayen through the gate, to claim his fourth towards the end of the day’s play.As stumps approached, Pant employed as many as six fielders around the bat, with South Africa A’s lower order at the crease. The tactic worked when Tiaan van Vuren’s top-edge off a slog sweep was lapped up by Devdutt Padikkal. India A then enjoyed the perfect finish to the day, when Khaleel trapped Lutho Sipamla lbw, to help them take the honours on the opening day.

Slumping Cubs Star Kyle Tucker Has Played Through Hairline Fracture Since June

For months now, Cubs fans have been wondering who No. 30 is and what he's done with right fielder and designated hitter Kyle Tucker.

Tucker, whose gaudy early-season numbers helped turn Chicago into one of the most exciting teams in baseball, slashed just .218/.380/.295 in July. He has been even worse in August, posting a .148/.233/.148 slashline in 15 games. His last extra-base hit came on July 30.

On Wednesday, Cubs fans received a reported explanation for Tucker's struggles. According to a report from ESPN's Jesse Rogers, Tucker has been playing through a hairline fracture in his right hand suffered June 1 against the Reds.

"Tucker, 28, wanted to keep playing for the then-first-place Cubs, choosing against an (injured-list) stint as he compiled a .982 OPS that month. But his numbers have tanked since the beginning of July, leading to him getting several days off this week for a reset," Rogers wrote.

Even with the reported injury, Tucker is 10th in the National League among position players with a bWAR of 4.1. If Chicago can get him remotely healthy by the end of the season, its prize offseason acquisition could turn into a dangerous October wild card.

Chandimal takes on No. 3 challenge 'for the future of Sri Lankan cricket'

A late-career promotion has provided a fresh challenge for Chandimal, while also giving a boost to new star on the block, Kamindu Mendis

Andrew Fidel Fernando02-Dec-2024Thirteen years and more than 80 Tests into his international career, Dinesh Chandimal is in the throes of something brand new, in the same country he had debuted in.At his best, Chandimal is a free spirit – the kind of batter who goes out looking for run-scoring opportunities, then throws his entire body behind the aggressive shots.The lofted hits down the ground struck so vigorously his helmet shifts on his head, the back arched as he spanks a ball through the covers, the big slog sweeps in which he almost loses his balance – these are all hallmarks of his greatest innings.Related

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SL show up with the bat, but there's no forgiving 42 all out

Chandimal rises to the occasion with a 'bit of luck'

Kamindu adds another banger to his growing list of hits

But now there is need for him to be a different sort of player entirely. The rocket-fuelled arrival of Kamindu Mendis means someone had to move up the order to No. 3. Chandimal was thriving at No. 5, a position in which he averages 50.29 and from where he had scored seven of his 15 centuries, and a double-century.But Sri Lanka needed Kamindu to move up, and Chandimal made way.”When the selectors and coach asked me to move up to No. 3, it was a new thing for me as well, because I’d only ever batted one innings at No. 3,” Chandimal told ESPNcricinfo. “I told them to give me a day to think about it. So I thought, well, I’m nearing the end of my career, and we need to groom youngsters. No. 3 is a big challenge, and that you face the new ball and fresh bowlers.”Batting No. 3 is notoriously difficult in a place such as South Africa. The first Test of this series was a case in point: Sri Lanka were guilty of playing too many aggressive strokes in their nosedive to 42 all out. “Batting at No. 3, you have to leave a lot of balls, and your forward defence has to be solid. Those are the things to tighten, and those are the biggest challenges for me.”Beyond this, on this particular tour, Sri Lanka are facing an exceptionally tall seam attack. Marco Jansen is a little taller than two metres. Kagiso Rabada stands a shade higher than 1.9 metres. Sri Lanka were perhaps guilty of not leaving as many balls on length as they could have, but they are also dealing with unusual trajectories.

“They gave me a lot of confidence that as long as they’re around, they will back me, whether or not the runs were coming at No. 3. It’s when there’s trust inside the team like that, that we are able to take decisions without being afraid”Dinesh Chandimal on the team management

“In Sri Lanka, we don’t have fast bowlers like that – with this kind of height,” Chandimal said. “So there’s no way to train against those kinds of release points. They get a foot or a foot-and-a-half of extra bounce. That is why it’s tough for us to judge.”It’s on length that you have to leave the ball, often. With a normal bowler, the ball has to pitch a little shorter for us to be able to leave on length. But with these bowlers, even if they pitch a couple of feet fuller than that, you can probably leave it based on length. If we get better at judging that length, we will be able to handle these bowlers much better.”Of Sri Lanka’s batters in Durban, Chandimal was the best at negotiating that bounce. Though he was out for a duck to a spectacular inseaming delivery from Jansen in the first innings, Chandimal was Sri Lanka’s best batter in the second dig. Arriving at the crease in the fifth over, he struck 83 off 174 deliveries.”When you play here, it’s not good to be tentative,” Chandimal said. “If you play a forward defence, you have to commit to it. If you play a shot you have to commit. And if you leave it, it’s the same. It’s that tentativeness that can get you.Dinesh Chandimal, who scored 83, was Sri Lanka’s best batter in the second innings in Durban•Associated Press”In the second innings, I just had it in my mind to be positive with every shot. If you’re in that mindset, you’re in a better place to pounce on the loose balls when they come also.”Part of that commitment will have flowed down from the management. When they asked him to bat No. 3, Sri Lanka coach Sanath Jayasuriya, the selectors, and captain Dhananjaya de Silva had assured him they would not abandon him if the experiment went badly.”They gave me a lot of confidence that as long as they’re around, they will back me, whether or not the runs were coming at No. 3,” Chandimal said. “It’s when there’s trust inside the team like that, that we are able to take decisions without being afraid.”In any case, If there is some spice in the Gqeberha pitch, as there is likely to be, Sri Lanka will be desperate for more such innings from their new No. 3. “There are some things you have to do for the team and for the future of Sri Lankan cricket, rather than thinking of yourself. I think I’ve always thought about Sri Lankan cricket first. I won’t complain about batting at No. 3. I’ll just take it as a challenge.”

Weatherald's opening gambit inspires Australia fightback

After Travis Head had hogged the attention in the build-up, fellow opener Jake Weatherald emerged from his shadow with a rollicking maiden Test half-century as Australia capitalised on a ragged England bowling and fielding effort in the day-night second Ashes Test.Australia ended day two well on top after half-centuries from Weatherald, Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. It was the first time in a decade that Australia put on 50-plus stands for the first four wickets in a Test innings but no batter has yet been able to kick on for a big score.Just a fortnight ago, England hustled Australia for 132 in Perth with hostile pace bowling that evoked peak West Indies but they have been undisciplined since and conceded 5.17 runs an over so far in this innings.Related

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On the back of Weatherald setting the tone with 72 off 78 balls, including 59 in the first session, Australia moved into a powerful position at 291 for 3 and just 43 runs behind England’s first innings.Under major pressure after their first-Test humiliation, England appeared to be wilting amid a totally lacklustre bowling effort until Cameron Green and Smith succumbed in the same over to a short-ball ploy from Brydon Carse, who had been very expensive to that point.Leeds-born Josh Inglis was later clean bowled by indefatigable skipper Ben Stokes as England mounted an unexpected fightback after a totally underwhelming day. But Alex Carey and Michael Neser benefited from sloppy fielding – amid five dropped catches by England so far in the innings – as they finished with an unbroken 49-run partnership to steady Australia.After England were dismissed for 334 in their first innings early on day two, with Joe Root finishing unbeaten on 138, the focus immediately turned to Head following his extraordinary century in Perth as a makeshift opener.

With veteran Usman Khawaja ruled out due to a back injury, Head is playing this match as a specialist opener – a role he had only occupied previously in South Asia.There was intrigue over how he would approach the situation on a ground where he bagged a king pair in the day-night Test against West Indies in January 2024.Head had no troubles negotiating the first delivery, with Jofra Archer spraying down the leg side in a sign of things to come for England’s attack. Archer could not find the right length but Head and Weatherald were circumspect as the innings started with three maidens.Weatherald was unruffled and smacked a boundary in the fourth over to open Australia’s account and the runs soon flowed. Crouching very low, watching intently and talking to himself as the bowler approached, Weatherald was compact early before growing in confidence with a trio of boundaries off seamer Gus Atkinson.Head, meanwhile, made a watchful start and did not score until his 15th delivery. He had only made 3 of Australia’s 30 runs when Archer finally got his length right and produced a cracking back-of-a-length delivery that angled in and nipped away to catch the outside edge.But wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, playing his first day-night match, was wrongfooted and dropped a straightforward chance much to the delight of an increasingly rowdy contingent of Australian fans in the terraces.Head crawled to 4 off 29 balls before finally scoring his first boundary in the 10th over, followed by a six off the wayward Carse. It ignited Head whose trademark cavalier style returned and he was matched by Weatherald as they knocked England’s quicks off their lengths. England were either too short or full with Weatherald punishing modest bumpers with several belligerent uppercuts.Jofra Archer reacts to a dropped catch•Gareth Copley/Getty Images

The wheels were quickly falling for England, reminiscent of many horror shows at this graveyard site for them, but they had a brief respite when Head on 33 threw away his wicket, holing out to mid-on in a rare bright spot for Carse.Head’s wicket did not slow down the momentum of Weatherald, who notched his half-century off 45 balls – the fastest in a Test at the Gabba in a decade.Stokes resorted to spinning allrounder Will Jacks before the 40-minute tea break but his solitary over went for nine runs. After some soul searching, England’s quicks bowled better on resumption and were rewarded when Archer trapped Weatherald plumb lbw with a fierce full delivery that hit flush on the toe.Lacking support, Archer pushed through with a seven-over spell but could not produce another breakthrough as Labuschagne and Smith built a formidable partnership.Both reached their half-centuries in 67 balls with Labuschagne judging the length superbly and unfurling the pull shot when required as he became the first batter to reach 1000 runs in day-night Tests. But he fell tamely to Stokes when he feathered an attempted cut close to the body, ending his bid for a first Test century since the 2023 Ashes.Smith, sporting black adhesive stickers on his cheekbones, looked in control and combined in another half-century stand with Green, who batted one spot higher at No. 5 than in Perth.England hoped to rally under the lights but wickets looked unlikely until Carse, who sported macabre figures of 1 for 92 from 12 overs to this point, bluffed Green by bowling a full delivery that rattled the stumps after the batter had been backing away against the short ball.Carse then delivered a brute of a delivery that hit Carey on the glove but was dropped at gully by Ben Duckett. England’s spirits quickly lifted when Smith on the next delivery was brilliantly caught at deep backward square by Jacks as Stokes threw his cap in the air in celebration.But England’s momentum was halted by sloppy fielding and they appear to be staring down the barrel.England had started the day’s play in considerably better shape after a momentum-swinging last-wicket partnership between Root and Archer. Making Australia’s weary bowlers back up amid stifling humidity, England hoped to add more invaluable runs to their overnight total of 325 for 9.With his century jinx on Australian soil over, Root looked to cross 150 but was content in taking singles and there was no need for anything outlandish like his reverse scoop off Scott Boland that registered his first ever Test six in the country.In a madcap final stretch of play on day one, Archer zoomed past his highest Test score of 30 and his bid for a maiden Test half-century started well when he cracked a superb drive through the covers off Mitchell Starc. But Archer fell on 38 when a diving Labuschagne took a blinder of a one-handed catch at deep backward square to end the 70-run stand – the highest 10th wicket partnership for England on an Ashes tour since 1951.

Man Utd and INEOS progress in bid to sign £40m+ star who gives "everything"

Manchester United find themselves fighting to climb into the Champions League slots and now appear to be closing in on the signing of a midfielder to help their aspirations of competing with their rivals.

The Red Devils have taken time to get going this season, and Ruben Amorim has needed to face his fair share of criticism amid scrutiny when results haven’t gone in the favour of the Old Trafford outfit.

Still, a run of five Premier League matches unbeaten before the international break has been enough to restore confidence among an expectant fanbase, who appreciate that the former Sporting boss is trying to implement a complex system that will take time to fully perfect.

With Lisandro Martinez nearing a return to full fitness, Amorim was asked before his side’s clash with Everton whether the Argentinian defender could be an unlikely solution to step into the breach. However, he moved to play down any notion that he could fill the vacant hole in the engine room.

He said: “A smart, intelligent football player can play in a lot of positions, but it is not the right position for him. I feel Licha is becoming close to be ready able to play. We need to be careful, but he is clearly in a better position.”

Come January, it feels likely that Manchester United will look to find a long-term solution with Casemiro coming towards the twilight years of his career.

Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba is a long-term Red Devils’ target, albeit his £115 million valuation is likely to put their pursuit of the Cameroon international to bed.

That being said, Manchester United and INEOS could now be willing to go in a different direction as they close in on the arrival of another talent from the English top-flight.

Man Utd in advanced talks to sign Joao Gomes from Wolves

According to Trivela, Manchester United’s discussions to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes have progressed to advance stages in recent days as they look to complete a deal in January that could be worth in the region of £44 million.

The Brazilian star could put the cat among the pigeons regarding Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term future at the club if he were to come in after registering a solitary assist in 15 appearances this campaign.

Five similar players to Joao Gomes (FBRef)

Djaoui Cisse

Rennes

Thomas Partey

Villarreal

Ilaix Moriba

Celta Vigo

Junior Mwanga

Nantes

Kevin Danois

Auxerre

Rob Edwards is keen for the 24-year-old to stay in the West Midlands despite Wolves staring down the barrel at relegation to the Championship, something that a move to Old Trafford could alleviate if he were to seek a new career challenge.

Dubbed as someone who gives “everything” by Vitor Pereira, he would represent a younger upgrade on some of Amorim’s current crop in midfield, albeit it remains to be seen whether they can push a deal over the line once the window opens.

Man Utd now make approach to sign exciting gem who shone at U17 World Cup

تقييم محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وسندرلاند بالدوري الإنجليزي

شارك المصري محمد صلاح كبديل في مباراة فريقه ليفربول أمام سندرلاند ببطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، التي جمعت الفريقين مساء الأربعاء.

واستقبل ليفربول خصمه سندرلاند على ملعب “آنفيلد” في مواجهة ضمن مباريات الجولة الرابعة عشر للدوري الإنجليزي “البريميرليج”.

ودفع المدرب الهولندي آرني سلوت بمحمد صلاح كبديل مع بداية الشوط الثاني، وقد شارك بدلاً من كودي جاكبو، وحسمت المباراة بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لمثله.

وحصل محمد صلاح على تقييم 6.6 من 10 بحسب شبكة “سوفا سكور”، وسدد تسديدتين، ومرر 4 تمريرات مفتاحية، ولعب كرة عرضية دقيقة من أصل 5.

ولعب محمد صلاح 25 تمريرة دقيقة من أصل 30 بنسبة بلغت 83%، ولمس الكرة 48 مرة، وفقد الاستحواذ 16 مرة، ولم ينجح في 3 محاولات للمراوغة، وخسر 4 التحامات للكرات الأرضية.

وتعد تلك المرة الثانية على التوالي التي لا يشارك فيها صلاح أساسيًا مع ليفربول بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز في الموسم الجاري، عقب المواجهة الماضية أمام وست هام.

وأصبح رصيد ليفربول 22 نقطة في المركز الثامن بجدول الترتيب، وسندرلاند يملك 23 نقطة في المركز السادس، ويتصدر آرسنال بـ 33 نقطة.

سبورت تكشف خطة برشلونة للتعاقد مع هاري كين الصيف المقبل

كشفت تقارير صحفية تطورات برشلونة من أجل التعاقد مع الدولي الإنجليزي هاري كين، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي بايرن ميونخ.

ويريد النادي الإسباني التعاقد مع هاري كين خلال الفترة المقبلة لتدعيم خط هجوم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بعد رحيل البولندي روبرت ليفاندوفسكي.

وكشفت تقارير صحفية مختلفة في الآونة الأخيرة أن برشلونة لديه رغبة قوية في الحصول على خدمات هاري كين لتدعيم الهجوم، خاصة مع احتمالية رحيل روبرت ليفاندوفسكي مجانًا الصيف القادم.

وكشفت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية أن إدارة برشلونة تعلم بكل التفاصيل المتعلقة بالمهاجم الدولي الإنجليزي مع بايرن ميونخ وسيخوضوا ملف التعاقد معه بدءً من شهر يناير.

اقرأ أيضًا | هاري كين يوجه ضربة قاسية لـ برشلونة

وأفادت أن كين لديه وقت حتى 31 من شهر نوفمبر الجاري لتفعيل بند خروجه في الصيف مقابل 65 مليون يورو، برغم من ثقة إدارة بايرن في استمرار كين إلا أن برشلونة لن يستسلم لأن اللاعب يبحث عن عقد طويل الأمد وحتى الآن لم يقُم بايرن بأي خطوة.

كين الآن يعطي الأولوية لاستمراريته في بايرن لكن وكلاء لاعب توتنهام هوتسبير السابق يبحثون عن عروض مناسبة له في المستقبل تحسبًا لأي تغير في الأمور، ويعبتر برشلونة هو أبرز نادي يلبي طموحات كين من حيث الفوز بالألقاب.

وأكدت الصحيفة الإسبانية أن المفتاح الرئيسي للمسألة كلها يكمن في مدة العقد إذ أن كين يبلغ من العمر 32 عامًا ويبحث عن الاستقرار، لن يرضَ بعقد أقل من عامين أي حتى عام 2029.

إذا لم يفعل كين بند عقده برشلونة سيحذف اسمه من القائمة وسيتم العمل على خيارات أخرى ولعل أبرز تلك الخيارات هو الأرجنتيني جوليان ألفاريز مهاجم أتلتيكو مدريد.

The new Son: Spurs prepared to pay £65m to sign “world-class” talent

Tottenham Hotspur’s attack in 2025/26 has massively failed to deliver at present, as seen by the measly figures produced by those in such an area of the pitch.

Richarlison is currently the Lilywhites’ top scorer in the Premier League this campaign, but the Brazilian has only managed to score five times in his 14 appearances to date.

Micky van de Ven is the only other player within Thomas Frank’s squad to net more than two goals in England’s top-flight, further showcasing the lack of talent in the final third.

Fellow centre-back Cristian Romero also netted a double in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on Tuesday night, with the Argentine rescuing a point at St James’ Park.

However, the January window presents an opportunity for Frank and the hierarchy to add needed quality to the attacking department to aid their chance of success.

Spurs looking to bolster their forward line

In an attempt to improve the options within the final third, Spurs have identified Porto striker Samu Aghehowa as a potential option ahead of the January window.

The 21-year-old has been in tremendous form during the 2025/26 season, as seen by his tally of 12 goals in his 20 appearances for the Portuguese giants.

However, such a deal would certainly be a hefty one for Frank’s men, with his current employers demanding a fee in the region of €80m (£70m) to part ways with their talisman.

Samu isn’t the only attacker currently being considered by the Lilywhites hierarchy ahead of the winter window, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo also another target.

According to Sky Sports, Frank’s men have started to intensify their efforts to land the 25-year-old winger, who has already registered nine combined goals and assists this campaign.

They also state that Liverpool are also in the race for his signature, but Fabio Paratici’s early efforts have seen the Lilywhites take the lead in the hunt for his services.

Why Semenyo could be Spurs' new Heung-min Son

Heung-min Son is a player who massively exceeded expectations during his decade in North London, with the South Korean international one of the best to wear the Spurs shirt.

He joined as an unknown quantity to many supporters back in the summer of 2015, but after a decade at the club, it’s safe to say he cemented himself as one of their best-ever attackers.

The winger racked up a staggering total of 173 goals in his 454 appearances for the club, even racking up 101 assists – often being to the go-to man alongside Harry Kane.

However, Frank was unable to rely upon the 33-year-old after taking the reins, with the attacker departing in a £20m deal to join LAFC during the summer window.

Son, who was capable of impressing with both feet, has left a huge hole on the left-hand side of the Lilywhites’ attack, something which has been a huge issue for the Dane.

That could be about to change in the coming months, especially if the hierarchy are able to secure a move for Semenyo in the upcoming transfer window

The Ghanaian international, who has demonstrated his two-footed ability this campaign, has also produced numerous impressive figures – with his underlying figures showcasing his qualities in possession.

Semenyo, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by teammate Justin Kluivert, has managed 0.69 goals and assists per 90, a tally higher than any player in the Spurs squad.

Such a tally ranks him in the 97th percentile of all other attackers in the division, showcasing his incredible ability to produce the goods in front of goal.

Games played

13

Goals & assists

9

Goals & assists (per 90)

0.69

Shots on target

1.1

Take-ons completed

1.8

Carries into opposition box

1.4

Aerials won

2.3

Progressive passes

3.8

He’s also registered 1.1 shots on target and 2.3 aerials won per 90, with both figures also ranking him higher than 95% of other wingers in the Premier League.

Semenyo is an all-round talent who can either go alone or provide the goods for those around him, with £65m potentially being an excellent price for a player of his quality.

Other stats, such as 1.8 take-ons and 1.4 carries into the final third per 90, further highlight his talent in possession, which could hand Frank the talent he craves in attacking areas.

It’s unclear if the board will manage to get a deal over the line in the coming months, but if they want to reach the next level, a move for Semenyo is an absolute must.

His skillset is scarily close to that of Son, with the Ghanaian having the chance to emulate the South Korean and make his own history should he move to North London.

Saved by Romero: Frank must bin Spurs flop who had fewer touches than Vicario

Tottenham Hotspur were fortunate to walk away with a point against Newcastle United last night.

2 ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

A's Unveil 'Sacramento' Alternate Uniforms to Honor Temporary Home

The Athletics will complete their first season in their temporary home of Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, Calif., against the Royals on Sunday.

Between their departure from their longtime home in Oakland and the move into their new stadium in Las Vegas expected by 2028, Sacramento is home. It may not feel that way, though, as they became known simply as the "Athletics" this season. The franchise's stopgap home is set to feel a bit more natural next season as they unveiled new alternate uniforms Sunday that proudly read Sacramento across the chest.

The new jerseys will seemingly replace the team's current gold alternates with the "A's" logo on the left chest. According to MLB.com's Martín Gallegos, the A's plan to wear their new Sacramento gold uniforms for every home Saturday game next season.

Just one of two MLB franchises without a City Connect uniform, the new jerseys are a no-brainer to further relate to their new city even if they will only be there for a couple more years. The Athletics' '25 campaign will come to a close Sunday as they finish the regular season near the bottom of the AL West with the Angels. There's plenty to be excited about, though, with strong rookie campaigns from Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson, plus the deadline deal where they acquired top prospect Leo De Vries by sending Mason Miller and JP Sears to the Padres.

MLB Playoff Clinching Scenarios: What's at Stake for Each Team on Final Day

One-hundred and sixty-one games later, it all comes down to this.

After a drama-filled week of heartbreaking eliminations and champagne-popping celebrations, there is still plenty to be decided on Sunday, the final day of the 2025 MLB regular season.

In the National League, two teams remain jockeying for one final playoff spot. Over in the American League, the AL Central and AL East divisions have yet to crown a champion, and there is playoff seeding up for grabs throughout the bracket.

Here's a breakdown of everything each team is playing for on the final day of the 2025 regular season:

American LeagueToronto Blue Jays (93-68)

The Blue Jays are one win away from an AL East championship. / Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

What's at stake: AL East title; No. 1 seed
The skinny: Toronto owns the tiebreaker over the Yankees, so the Blue Jays will be crowned AL East champs on Sunday (and secure the No. 1 seed in the AL) with either a win over the Rays or a New York loss to the Orioles. If Sunday doesn't go their way, the Blue Jays will be the top wild-card team in the AL as the No. 4 seed.

Seattle Mariners (90-71)

What's at stake: Nothing.
The skinny: Seattle clinched its first division title since 2001 earlier this week, so there's nothing to play for on Sunday. The Mariners will be the No. 2 seed in the AL no matter what happens. It is worth watching to see if Cal Raleigh—sitting with 60 homers on the year—tries to chase Aaron Judge's AL record of 62 homers on the final day of the regular season.

Cleveland Guardians (87-74)

The Guardians celebrated clinching a playoff berth on Saturday night. / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

What's at stake: AL Central title
The skinny: The Guardians clinched a postseason berth Saturday in the ultimate "Guards Ball" way—on a walk-off hit by pitch in the ninth inning. Cleveland, which owns the tiebreaker over the Tigers, can claim its third AL Central title in the last four years on Sunday with either a win over the Rangers or a Detroit loss to the Red Sox. If Cleveland loses out on the division title, the Guardians would be locked into the final wild-card spot (No. 6 seed) because they lost the tiebreaker to Boston.

New York Yankees (93-69)

What's at stake: AL East title; No. 1 seed
The skinny: New York will be chasing a division title and a chance for home-field advantage and a first-round bye on the final day of the regular season. To do so, the Yankees will need to beat the Orioles combined with the Blue Jays falling to the Rays.

Boston Red Sox (88-73)

What's at stake: Wild-card seeding
The skinny: Boston, already having clinched a wild-card spot earlier this week, is postseason bound. But the Red Sox could either grab the No. 5 or No. 6 seed based on Sunday's results. The Red Sox own the tiebreaker over the Guardians but would lose the tiebreaker to Detroit. If Boston loses to the Tigers on Sunday and the Guardians beat the Rangers, the Red Sox would slide to the No. 6 seed. If any other scenario happens, the Red Sox will be the No. 5 seed in the AL.

Detroit Tigers (87-74)

The Tigers could be celebrating an AL Central title on Sunday if things go their way. / Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

What's at stake: AL Central title
The skinny: Take a sigh of relief, Detroit. The Tigers were on the brink of a historic collapse all week before clinching a postseason berth on Saturday. They could win the AL Central on Sunday with a win over the Red Sox combined with the Guardians losing to Texas. If Detroit beats the Red Sox and the Guardians take down the Rangers, the Tigers would be the No. 5 seed. If the Tigers lose on Sunday, they'll claim the No. 6 seed and final wild-card spot in the AL.

National LeagueMilwaukee Brewers (96-65)

What's at stake: Nada.
The skinny: Fire up the tailgate grill and relax, Brewers fans. For the first time since 1982, Milwaukee will finish the season with the best record in the big leagues, meaning the Brewers will have home-field advantage at American Family Field through the World Series. Milwaukee can play spoiler on Sunday, however, if they'd like to send the division rival Reds packing.

Philadelphia Phillies (95-66)

The Phillies are the No. 2 seed in the NL. / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

What's at stake: Not a thing.
The skinny: The Phillies had a chance at the NL's top seed before losing to the lowly Twins on Saturday night. That loss locked Philadelphia into the No. 2 seed, which also comes with a first-round bye. We'll see you in the NLDS, Phillie Phanatic.

Los Angeles Dodgers (92-69)

What's at stake: Nothing.
The skinny: Like the Brewers and Phillies, the Dodgers don't have anything to play for on Sunday. The NL West champs will be the No. 3 seed in the postseason and will be preparing to host a wild-card round at Dodger Stadium. There is some interesting baseball to watch for Dodgers fans on Sunday, however, to see if either the Reds or Mets will claim the final wild-card spot for a chance to play Los Angeles.

Chicago Cubs (91-70)

What's at stake: Nothing.
The skinny: The Cubs clinched the top NL wild-card spot on Saturday, so they'll host the Padres in the best-of-three first round of the playoffs at Wrigley Field. Aside from the postseason tilt in 2020 that had no fans in attendance, the last playoff game hosted at the "Friendly Confines" was the Cubs' 2-1 loss to the Rockies in the 2018 wild-card game. Should be fun.

San Diego Padres (89-72)

The Padres are going back to the playoffs for the fourth time in the last six years. / Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

What's at stake: Nothing.
The skinny: As mentioned above, the Padres will be catching a flight to Chicago to open up the wild-card round at Wrigley Field on Tuesday.

Cincinnati Reds (83-78)

What's at stake: Playoff spot.
The skinny: The Reds control their own destiny. A win over the rival Brewers, and Cincinnati is heading to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. It's that simple. If they lose to the Brewers, the Reds will still get in if the Mets lose to the Marlins. But if the Reds lose to Milwaukee and the Mets beat Miami, Cincinnati will be packing its bags for Cancún.

New York Mets (83-78)

The Mets need some help from the Brewers in order to clinch a playoff spot on Sunday. / Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

What's at stake: Playoff spot.
The skinny: Missing the playoffs would be a disaster for Steve Cohen's $341 million payroll. But that has a decent chance of happening Sunday. The only way the Mets get into the playoffs is with a win over the Marlins combined with the Reds losing to the Brewers. Gulp.

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