Big picture: Sri Lanka need to up their game

If there were even the faintest doubt about who the favourites for the 2025 Women’s World Cup were, they were put to bed as swiftly as an Ashleigh Gardner blade swing after Australia’s dominant win over New Zealand in their tournament opener.In Indore, Australia started fast and stumbled, but like an unrelenting force, they just kept coming. In the end, their victory was less about outplaying New Zealand and more about brute-forcing the result. As far as early tournament markers go, it was an impressive one.Against India in their opener, Sri Lanka too set an early marker of the sort of side they are. They had India reeling at 124 for 6 but then proceeded to drop each of the next four chances that came their way to let the hosts claw themselves back into the contest and register a fairly comprehensive win eventually. Discipline followed by indiscipline; bad undoing the good.Related

• 'Good to start with best teams' – Sri Lanka's Athapaththu ready for Australia after India

Sri Lanka have not played an ODI against Australia since 2019, but they know what they need to do. Resilience has been a buzzword for Chamari Athapaththu, and in that sense it’s clear that any lingering hang-ups from that opening defeat will be well behind them come Saturday. But execution might be the more pertinent declaration if they’re to show their best selves against the defending champions.With free entry being granted to the stadium, Sri Lanka will also be hoping for substantial home support. They’re also very familiar with the Khettarama surface, as the high-performance centre where the national players train is located there. So while Sri Lanka have never beaten Australia in an ODI, the conditions for an upset are nevertheless in place.

Form guide

Australia WWLWW (last five ODIs most recent first)
Sri Lanka LLLWWVishmi Gunaratne’s form is a concern for Sri Lanka•ACC

In the spotlight: Ashleigh Gardner and Vishmi Gunaratne

Like the surprise manifestation of a final boss’ second health bar after you think you’ve finally got them beat, Ashleigh Gardner sits spearheading Australia’s lower middle order. Her 115 off 83 against New Zealand served to highlight not just the resilience of this Australian outfit, but their entire aura. While her role is a challenging one, it’s invaluable in that it affords the licence for those above her to play with freedom, while allowing her to provide guidance to those below her. And it means that while she is at the crease, Australia are never beat.In August 2024, Vishmi Gunaratne struck her maiden ODI hundred against Ireland. Her three innings in the lead-up to that read 40, 50, 44. But in ten innings since then, she has not been able to cross 36. While Athapaththu would be the obvious pick for this section, if Sri Lanka are to challenge Australia, they need the rest of their batting to chip in in a big way. Gunaratne has been out of sorts, but Sri Lanka will be banking on her rediscovering her groove even though it’s her first ODI against Australia.

Team news: Brown or Schutt?

Australia are unlikely to make any changes to the batting, though it remains to be seen if Darcie Brown continues in place of Megan Schutt.Australia (probable): 1 Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), 2 Phoebe Litchfield, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Beth Mooney, 5 Annabel Sutherland, 6 Ashleigh Gardner, 7 Tahlia McGrath, 8 Sophie Molineux, 9 Kim Garth, 10 Alana King, 11 Darcie BrownSri Lanka played their first-choice XI against India, and it’s unlikely there will be any changes.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Hasini Perera, 2 Chamari Athapaththu (capt), 3 Harshitha Samarawickrama, 4 Vishmi Gunaratne, 5 Kavisha Dilhari, 6 Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), 7 Nilakshika Silva, 8 Sugandika Kumari, 9 Inoka Ranaweera, 10 Achini Kulasuriya, 11 Udeshika PrabodhaniAshleigh Gardner scored a brilliant hundred against New Zealand•Getty Images

Pitch and conditions: Rain could play spoilsport

The pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium has traditionally offered up an even contest between bat and ball. However, efforts have been made recently to make it more batting-friendly, so there may not be as much in it for the spinners as usual. As for the weather, there is a distinct chance of rain in Colombo throughout the afternoon.

Stats and trivia: Australia 11-0 Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka have lost each of their 11 ODIs against Australia.
• Athapaththu is 80 runs away from 4000 ODI runs.
• Gardner’s 51 wickets are the most by an Australian since the 2022 World Cup. They are the joint-third-most in that period among all players.

Quotes

“The beauty of a World Cup is you play every different side and you have to prepare. You don’t really get time to learn. You’ve got to come out firing. But I think our group’s got some awesome heads on our shoulders and we are able to assess conditions and adapt to whatever’s thrown at us.”
“We’re playing against the best team. The world champions. But if we can execute the right plan at the right time, I know we can beat any team. But execution is the most important thing, rather than the skill and the mindset. So we’ll have to play our best game tomorrow.”

Juan Soto would like to see Pete Alonso back in a Mets uniform next season.

Speaking with reporters at the MLB Awards in Las Vegas, Soto addressed the fact that Alonso is hitting free agency this offseason after opting out of a one-year, $24 million contract option with the Mets.

“I hope nothing but the best and I’m excited to see where he’s going to end up,” Soto said [via the Mike Puma]. “He’s one of the best power hitters in this generation. I really enjoyed my moment with him in a Mets uniform and I hope we can have more times to come.

“We can have fun together.”

Soto and Alonso did indeed have fun in the lineup in their first season together in New York. Soto shook off a slow start to the 2025 campaign and finished the year batting .263/.396/.525 with 43 homers, 105 RBIs and a career-high 38 stolen bases.

Alonso played all 162 games for a second straight year and batted .272/.347/.524 with a career-high 41 doubles and 38 home runs. He ranked in the top five percent of all MLB hitters in average exit velocity, barrel percentage and hard-hit percentage.

Alonso was also a free agent last offseason. When he didn’t find the long-term contract he was looking for on the open market, he signed a two-year, $54 million contract to return to the Mets with the aim to perform well, opt out of ‘25 and hit free agency again. One year later, MLB Trade Rumors predicts he’ll sign a four-year contract worth $110 million this offseason.

RELATED: Pete Alonso Destinations: Best Landing Spots for Mets Star in Free Agency

The Mets and their $342 million payroll missed out on a playoff berth by one game this past season thanks in large part to an eight-game losing streak in September. Soto is looking to right that wrong in 2026, and he’s hoping Alonso will be back in the heart of the Mets’ order along with him.

MatériaMais Notícias

Jorginho analisou o desempenho do Flamengo na vitória por 2 a 1 sobre o Cruz Azul, nesta quarta-feira (10), no Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, e destacou a dificuldade do confronto e a necessidade de adaptação para garantir a classificação às semifinais da Copa Intercontinental. O jogador afirmou, ainda, que o elenco ainda não projeta um eventual duelo contra o PSG, e tem o foco voltado para o Pyramids, do Egito.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFlamengoBruno Henrique analisa confronto com Cruz Azul e projeta próximo jogo: ‘Mundial sempre é difícil’Flamengo10/12/2025FlamengoAutor dos gols na vitória do Flamengo no Mundial, Arrascaeta celebra ano: ‘Não posso pedir mais nada’Flamengo10/12/2025Fora de CampoAtitude de árbitro em Flamengo x Cruz Azul chama atenção: ‘Quase desmaio’Fora de Campo10/12/2025

➡️ Rossi destaca problemas do Flamengo contra Cruz Azul: ‘Difícil mesmo’

O Mais Querido encontrou dificuldades na etapa inicial, quando o time mexicano controlou mais ações ofensivas e impôs intensidade. Jorginho ressaltou que não há partidas simples no Mundial, e o time precisou corrigir posicionamentos para melhorar o desempenho no segundo tempo.

— Você chega nesse nível, e nesse nível não tem jogo fácil. Quem acha que vai chegar e ganhar fácil, futebol hoje em dia não tem mais essa de entrar e saber quem vai ganhar. Mais uma vez hoje um jogo bem difícil, com uma equipe muito boa, bem preparada, que nos colocou em dificuldade no primeiro tempo e depois conseguimos ajustar algumas coisas e acredito que fomos melhores no segundo tempo. Encontramos um gol, e é importante quando você não está no seu melhor dia, quando o outro time está um pouco melhor, você encontrar a maneira de marcar, de ganhar o jogo. No fim das contas, acredito que a gente mereceu a vitória, mas foi um bom jogo — declarou ao Grupo Globo.

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Questionado sobre uma possível expectativa para enfrentar o PSG na final, o ítalo-brasileiro afirmou que o foco imediato é o duelo de sábado (13) contra o Pyramids.

— Acredito que não, porque hoje foi mais uma prova que quem está aqui merece, e com certeza todos são equipes qualificadas. A gente precisa conhecer bem o Pyramids e que com certeza vai ser um jogo difícil. E a gente precisa estar preparado para, sim, depois pensar no próximo — disse.

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➡️Jogadores do Flamengo estão pendurados na Copa Intercontinental? Entenda regulamento

Jorginho também comentou o nível físico da equipe, destacando que o grupo tem conseguido manter intensidade mesmo na reta final da temporada.

— Claro que você sente, mas acredito que a gente está bem preparado. E demonstrou. No segundo tempo, acredito eu, correndo mais que eles, que eles também correm muito, colocam muita intensidade, então acredito que a gente subiu, conseguiu subir de nível, a essa altura do ano no segundo tempo — então é porque a equipe está bem, encaixando as coisas que a gente prepara, que a gente modifica durante o jogo, acredito que foi um bom jogo da nossa parte — concluiu.

➡️Tudo sobre o Mengão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Flamengo

O Flamengo volta a treinar nesta quinta-feira (11), em Doha, com preparação voltada para a semifinal de sábado (13), novamente no Ahmad bin Ali. A equipe busca vaga na decisão contra o Paris Saint-Germain, campeão europeu, na próxima quarta-feira (17).

Para acompanhar asnotícias do Flamengo, acompanhe o Lance! Todas as informações e acontecimentos atualizados em tempo real.

Tudo sobre

Copa IntercontinentalFlamengoJorginho Frellomundial

أدلى النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند، مهاجم مانشستر سيتي، بتصريحات أعقبت الفوز أمام ريال مدريد في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، مساء الأربعاء.

وتغلب مانشستر سيتي على ريال مدريد بهدفين مقابل هدف، وسجل هالاند لصالح فريقه من ضربة جزاء، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

وقال هالاند في حديثه مع قناة “TNT Sports” عقب المباراة: “كان من الصعب المجيء إلى هنا، إنه ملعب صعب، كانت المباراة فوضوية بعض الشيء، ولم نتمكن من السيطرة عليها، لكننا حققنا الفوز في النهاية، وأنا سعيد للغاية”.

وأضاف: “هذا ملعبٌ تتمنى اللعب فيه، وهذه مباريات تتمنى خوضها، مع هذا النظام الجديد لدوري أبطال أوروبا، ستلعب مباريات أكثر، وهذا أمر رائع، أنا معجب به”.

وأردف: “كان من الممكن أن يكون الوضع مختلفًا تمامًا اليوم لو لم نفز بسبب هزيمتنا أمام باير ليفركوزن، هذا الفوز مهم للغاية، تبقى مباراتان، علينا أن ننهي الموسم بقوة، ونأمل أن نكون ضمن الثمانية الأوائل، لأننا بذلك سنتأهل”.

اقرأ أيضًا | رجل مباراة ريال مدريد ومانشستر سيتي في دوري أبطال أوروبا

وإذا كان غياب كيليان مبابي عن ريال مدريد منح مانشستر سيتي دفعة معنوية، رد هالاند: “نعلم بإصاباتهم، لدينا بعض الإصابات أيضًا، لكن إصاباتهم كثيرة، لا أحد يرغب في إصابة أي لاعب، لكننا توقعنا مشاركته”.

وأكمل: “كنت أتوقع مواجهة كيليان اليوم، لكن عندما يغيب لاعب مثله، لا تشعر بالسعادة لأنك تريد إشراك الأفضل، لكن هذا يمنحك دفعة معنوية”.

وأكد: “نريد إشراك أفضل اللاعبين، وبعد دقيقة واحدة حاول راؤول أسينسيو دفعي وافتعال مشكلة معي، وهو أمر يعجبني شخصيًا، لا أمانع فيه، خضنا أيضًا بعض المواجهات الرائعة مع أنطونيو روديجر، لكنه اليوم بالغ في رغبته وحصلنا على ركلة الجزاء”.

وعن إمكانية اللحاق بآرسنال المتصدر في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، أفاد هالاند: “لا أحب الخوض في هذا الموضوع كثيرًا لأننا يجب أن نركز على أنفسنا، وقد برع السيتي في ذلك طوال عشر سنوات، لا نفكر في الآخرين ونركز على أنفسنا”.

وأتم: “الآن علينا التركيز على مباراة الأحد، من سيواجهنا؟ كريستال بالاس يوم الأحد، والمباريات تتوالى بسرعة، انظر إلى الجدول، إنه مذهل، والأمر يتعلق بالحفاظ على اللياقة البدنية والتركيز على كل مباراة على حدة، ونأمل أن نفوز يوم الأحد”.

Trey Yesavage made history during the Blue Jays’ win in Game 5 of the World Series against the Dodgers. The rookie, who only made his first MLB start in September and started the year at Single-A, dominated on the road in Los Angeles, striking out 12 batters across a seven-inning outing.

No one was more fired up for the 22-year-old than veteran starting pitcher Max Scherzer. After a big double play got Toronto out of the seventh inning, Scherzer could be seen on the bench going ballistic. The 41-year-old was smacking the railing inside the dugout and proceeded to throw his sunflower seeds in excitement.

Have a look:

Scherzer could then be seen speaking to Yesavage in the dugout, clearly still amped by his impressive performance.

When you have a three-time Cy Young winner and two-time World Series champion acting like that in the dugout, you know you’re putting on a show. And that’s exactly what Yesavage did on the mound Wednesday night.

The rookie had all three of his signature pitches working to perfection. His combination of his fastball, slider and splitter, mixed with his unique release point, was a puzzle the Dodgers’ lineup was simply unable to solve.

Scherzer was loving every minute of it from his viewing point in the dugout, and he couldn’t contain his excitement after the inning-ending double play.

They have had issues handling high-pressure situations and the improvements they’ve made via the WPL will be put to the test against New Zealand

S Sudarshanan20-Oct-20253:53

‘India’s botched chases feel like déjà vu’

When India fell agonisingly short of a world title twice in three years – the ODI World Cup 2017 and the T20 World Cup in 2020 – the failure to cross the line was attributed to an inability to handle pressure. Specifically, the kind that comes with a trophy on the line.The Women’s Premier League (WPL) came in to help the players do better in that regard. It is three seasons old, and the fourth is just months away, yet India’s old habits of stumbling with victory in sight have continued.Mumbai 2023. Perth 2024. Even Delhi 2025 though they were up against a target of 412. And most gallingly, Indore 2025.This is the list of ODI chases that India, in the Amol Muzumdar-Harmanpreet Kaur regime, were in full control of and then let go. Their latest one, the four-run defeat against England on Sunday, has left them facing a difficult path forward in the Women’s World Cup 2025. There is only one semi-final spot left and four teams are vying for it.Harmanpreet Kaur reacts as things just don’t go to plan•ICC/Getty ImagesIt is no surprise that Australia were India’s opponents in three of these four occasions. Each of them followed a pattern of India losing wickets in a heap and losing from a fairly comfortable position. Take the Perth ODI, for example. India were 184 for 3 after 35 overs in their chase of 299. Smriti Mandhana had just completed her century, Jemimah Rodrigues was off to a fluent start and India needed 115 off 90 balls. Mandhana fell in the next over, a collapse of 7 for 26 ensued, and India were bowled out for 215.Two years ago, at Wankhede Stadium, India squandered an ask of 41 off 38 balls with a target only 259. Once Richa Ghosh was dismissed for 96, India lost 4 for 25 and did not get the final kick, falling short by three runs.In Delhi, India gave an almighty go at a world-record target. Mandhana hit the second-fastest ODI hundred and kept the challenge alive. Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana’s eighth-wicket partnership raised unlikely hopes. Then India lost 3 for 15 to end on 369. No team should be pulled up for being unable to chase 413 but the significance of that chase is that, just like on Sunday, they were without Rodrigues. They were a batter short, having to paper over other concerns.5:13

‘Fans need to temper expectations with India’

In cases like this – when resources have run dry – experience matters more than training. The BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE, earlier the National Cricket Academy) has world-class facilities, which has helped a lot of players work on particular aspects of the game. India’s domestic system is also vast and robust. All of their players have come up through the ranks showing a great deal of ability. But a domestic game – or upskilling sessions – cannot be compared to a stage as big as a World Cup. Here, nerves can get the better of even the most hardened people.Related

New Zealand in must-win territory with rain in the Navi Mumbai air

'The emotions took over' – Mandhana takes blame for Sunday heartbreak

India's cracks threaten to bring down their whole World Cup

So, clearly there is work to do but some of it is already done. The WPL’s emergence has, to an extent, helped condition players to the spotlight, and increased stakes. It is held at major Indian venues, and matches are often played in front of packed houses and for prime-time television audiences. Crucially, it has even yielded two key players who are part of this World Cup – fast bowler Kranti Gaud and left-arm spinner N Shree Charani.Gaud has been rising steadily over the years in domestic cricket and picked up 4 for 25 in last year’s Senior Women’s T20 Trophy final against Bengal. Charani impressed with her defensive skills during the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy in 2022. These performances were noticed thanks to the scouts from various WPL teams being present at tournaments that often go largely unnoticed. Both of them got picked for WPL 2025 by UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals respectively, and now have played all of India’s five World Cup matches. This, from not being in the national radar until six-seven months ago.Kranti Gaud is proof of how the WPL is helping bring more players to the Indian team•ICC via Getty ImagesIn the not-so-distant past, Gaud and Charani might have been toiling away at the lower levels, waiting for their big break like many others. Like Kashvee Gautam, who has been grabbing headlines since 2020 when she picked up all 10 wickets in an innings in an Under-19 one-day game. She finally got to play for India this year after a stint with Gujarat Giants helped boost her profile. Domestic performances have visibility now because of the WPL.Despite all of this, India have been found wanting under pressure, which means other areas need to be explored.Just before the T20 World Cup in the UAE last year, the Indian players had sessions with sports psychologist Mughda Bavare, who had also worked with the team during the 2022 ODI World Cup. At the time Harmanpreet spoke glowingly of the impact these sessions had on her.In an interview with ESPNcricinfo earlier this year, Pratika Rawal, a psychology student, also touched upon the powers of the mind: “Studying psychology helped me understand myself. It taught me why a certain human behaves in a certain way in a certain situation. How you think will show in how you walk. If someone is nervous, other teams can know that and will use it against you. If they can take advantage, why can’t you?”4:09

‘Losses will raise questions about India’s mindset’

Rodrigues also toed a similar line in a chat with : “When you’re playing sport at such a high level, the pressure is immense. Many can’t understand what we go through. And sometimes we ourselves don’t understand why we feel the way we feel. But it’s so nice that we get professional help where we can talk these things out. It’s like you can train your mind also. If you can retrain your mind to think in the right direction, maybe that will change your performance, the way you are, [bring about] the outcomes you desire also.”Skills wise, India have been challenging the likes of Australia and England like no other team ever has. But when it comes to the battle of the mind and the nerves, they still have a bit of work to do. That was the case in Indore on Sunday, when they moved away from a trusted combination of six batters and five bowlers. They could once again tweak personnel in order to rebalance the XI ahead of next high-profile clash against New Zealand.The only positive for them is that they will play all the remaining games at the World Cup, including the knockouts if they qualify, at the DY Patil Stadium, a venue they are very familiar with. If they do that, Navi Mumbai 2025 may not need to be added to the list.

In a statement, Smriti Mandhana says “it’s time to move forward”

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Dec-2025India batter Smriti Mandhana has confirmed that her wedding has been “called off”. She and music composer Palash Muchhal were scheduled to marry on November 23, but it was initially postponed after Mandhana’s father was hospitalised.Mandhana appealed for privacy in her statement on Instagram. “Over the past few weeks there has been plenty of speculation around my life and I feel it is important for me to speak out at this time,” she wrote in her post. “I am a very private person and I would like to keep it that way but I need to clarify that the wedding is called off.”I would like to close this matter here and implore all of you to do the same. I request you to please respect the privacy of both families at this time and allow us the space to process and move on at our own pace.”I believe there is a higher purpose driving us all and for me that has always been representing my country at the highest level,” she wrote. “I hope to continue to play and win trophies for India for as long as possible and that is where my focus will forever be.”She concluded her statement by saying, “It’s time to move forward.”Mandhana was the second-highest run-scorer during India’s successful campaign in the recent women’s ODI World Cup, with 434 runs at an average of 54.25.Her next assignment is the five-T20I series against Sri Lanka at home from December 21 to 30, after which she will lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2026 WPL from January 9. RCB play the opening game of the season against Mumbai Indians in Navi Mumbai.

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has sent a heartfelt message of support to his "brother" Ronald Araujo, insisting that the squad is desperate for the defender to return from his "spiritual journey" in Israel. The Spain international also urged the Uruguayan to look past his recent errors as he battles to recover from the emotional issues that have kept him on the sidelines.

• Araujo heads to Israel while Barca compete in the Champions League

  The situation surrounding Araujo has dominated the headlines in Catalonia over the past week. While Hansi Flick's side have been performing admirably on the pitch – staging a dramatic comeback against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Tuesday evening – the absence of a key defensive figure has left a void in the dressing room.

  It recently emerged that Araujo has been granted special permission by the club to travel to Tel Aviv. This was not a standard holiday, but rather a "spiritual journey" designed to help the centre-back disconnect from the relentless pressure of life at Barcelona and reset his mental state. Reports have suggested the player has been left "emotionally shaken" by a combination of injury setbacks and fierce criticism, prompting him to seek solace in the Holy Land.

  Speaking to the media, Pedri broke his silence on his team-mate's absence, offering a touching tribute to the bond they share and making it clear that the players are waiting with open arms for his return.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Pedri in touch with 'brother' Araujo

  When asked about Araujo’s current situation, the Spanish international revealed the personal connection he has with Araujo.

  "It is not an easy topic," Pedri admitted to . "I want to give him all the encouragement in the world, I already spoke with him in private. He is one more of the family, we love him very much and we need him both on and off the pitch."

  Araujo has faced intense scrutiny this season, often being made the scapegoat for defensive frailties. The pressure reached a boiling point recently, contributing to his decision to step away, but Pedri urged his friend to let go of any guilt he might be carrying, insisting that imperfection is part of the game and life.

  "These are things that happen; there are errors inside and outside the pitch," Pedri explained. "We all make mistakes and we need him because, for me, he is a brother. I love him very much and I wish for him to be with us as soon as possible, when he is well."

• Echoing Pique's defence

  Pedri’s emotional plea comes just days after Pique launched a fierce defence of Araujo. The former captain applauded the Uruguayan for "raising his hand and saying enough" regarding the abuse he receives. Pique criticised the "open bar" culture of insults in Spanish football, where players are expected to endure relentless toxicity without complaint.

  Pique noted that players often have to build an "armour" to survive, something he admitted was "not healthy." Araujo’s trip to Tel Aviv is an attempt to heal without becoming hardened or cynical. By taking a "spiritual" break, he is prioritising his long-term mental health over the short-term demands of the fixture list.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What comes next?

  Barcelona face Osasuna in La Liga this weekend with the aim of at least maintaining their four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table, a match Araujo will miss as he continues his time away. The club have put no pressure on his return date, allowing the "spiritual journey" to take its natural course as Hansi Flick's men target a fifth consecutive win in all competitions this weekend.

  Araujo, 26, has featured in 15 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League this season. He was suspended for Tuesday's win at Camp Nou due to a red card he received against Chelsea last month and has missed the Catalan club's last three matches in La Liga.

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy got off to the worst possible start with a 2-1 defeat to Hearts at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership in his first match in charge.

The Hoops head coach was thrown in at the deep end, after Martin O’Neill’s interim tenure, and failed to oversee a positive result in his debut in the dugout.

A late goal from Kieran Tierney in stoppage time was too little too late for the hosts, who created three ‘big chances’ in the match (Sofascore), as the Jam Tarts held out for all three points.

Nancy will have learned a lot about his squad in his 3-4-2-1 shape, which was immediately implemented, and one thing that he should have learned is that Daizen Maeda should not play as the striker.

Why Daizen Maeda should not play up front

The Japan international was selected to lead the line for the Scottish giants with Hyun-jun Yang and Sebastian Tounekti as the wing-backs, with Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren as the two attacking midfielders.

Maeda missed two ‘big chances’ early on in the game, per Sofascore, scuffing both efforts in presentable situations, and then struggled with the physicality of the match.

Per Sofascore, the Japanese attacker lost all five of his ground duels and three of his four duels in the air, which shows that it was too easy for the Hearts defenders to get the better of him more often than not.

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However, to his credit, it was his challenged header at the end of the game that created Kieran Tierney’s goal, so some good did come from his physical output.

His overall struggles physically, though, are why the new Celtic boss should use Kelechi Iheanacho or Johnny Kenny, natural number nines, in that position moving forward, with Maeda in one of the roles behind the striker to take some of the physical burden off him.

Maeda was not the only poor performer on the day for the Scottish giants, though, as Arne Engels is the first player who should be ruthlessly dropped from the starting XI by Nancy.

Why Nancy must drop Engels for Celtic

The new Celtic boss must drop the Belgium international from the starting line-up because he was even worse than Maeda in the defeat to Hearts on Sunday.

Like the Japanese striker in the first half, Engels was guilty of missing a huge opportunity in front of goal in the game, as he could only guide his close-range header straight at Alexander Schwolow.

The £11m signing from Augsburg was also incredibly sloppy with his use of the ball throughout the game. Per Sofascore, the central midfielder lost possession a staggering 23 times, whilst Maeda only gave the ball away seven times in total.

Engels was criticised for his “wayward” passes by Sky Sports pundit Chris Sutton during the live coverage of the first half, after a couple of sloppy balls forward that went straight back to the away side.

Vs Hearts

Engels

Maeda

Minutes

90

90

Touches

86

31

Possession lost

23x

7x

Key passes

2

3

Assists

0

1

Shots

3

2

Big chances missed

1

2

Pass accuracy

76%

85%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Engels had 55 more touches and gave the ball away 16 more times than Maeda across the 90 minutes, yet created fewer chances for the team than the Japan international.

These statistics illustrate just how sloppy the Belgian flop was in the middle of the park for the Scottish giants, and why he should be the first player who is ruthlessly dropped from the team by the manager.

Their respective performances tie into how Nancy could drop him because Maeda moving back into one of the attacking midfield positions would allow Reo Hatate to drop deeper into midfield, with Iheanacho or Kenny essentially replacing Engels in the line-up.

The former Bundesliga talent should not be completely written off under Nancy already, of course, but this period of matches is about the new manager learning about his squad, which means that he needs to look at other players and see who is best suited to his style of play.

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Engels was not good enough against Hearts on Sunday, unfortunately, but he will get more chances to prove himself to the French tactician in the future.

This is not the finest version of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, but there’s no question that the Magpies have made a measure of headway after a tough summer transfer window and a tough start to the season.

It’s been a strange old season for the Premier League so far. Spoils are there for all, but there is also the threat of sunken expectations for many outfits across the division. We are approaching Christmas, and Newcastle are 12th in the standings, yet trail Crystal Palace in the top four by only four points.

Say what you will about United’s lack of eloquence on the field at times – they toiled through the opening half-hour against Burnley at the weekend, and came under the cosh late on against the ten-man relegation contenders – but there remains a spirit and resourcefulness about this team that few rivals can match.

However, improvements are needed, and no mistake, with Anthony Elanga in particular still yet to repay the faith invested in him this summer.

Elanga's start to life at Newcastle

Elanga enjoyed a bright cameo off the bench during Newcastle’s recent draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, but it was a case of one step forward and two steps back when he flattered to deceive from the opening whistle against Burnley.

The 24-year-old has yet to score for the Toon, having filled a long-running gap on ther right wing at St. James Park this summer when signing from Nottingham Forest for £55m.

Perhaps what’s most frustrating is that Elanga was profiled extensively ahead of the ultimate acquisition; indeed, Newcastle tried and failed to sign the pacy winger in 2024.

He is talented enough and has enough Premier League experience to turn things around, but this is becoming something of a problem for Howe’s side, who need his speed and creativity and fluency down the right flank.

Analyst Raj Chohan said the £100k-per-week talent has been “a massive overpay”, and on the basis of the evidence over the past few months, this may be on the money, as it were.

Matches (starts)

38 (31)

15 (6)

Goals

6

0

Assists

11

1

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.6)

0.5 (0.2)

Pass completion

78%

81%

Key passes*

1.3

0.5

Big chances created

9

1

Dribbles*

0.7

0.3

Tackles + interceptions*

0.7

0.5

Duels (won)*

3.0 (45%)

1.7 (36%)

Sadly, Elanga wasn’t the addition the Magpies seem to have blundered on, with another making the Sweden international shine in comparison.

Newcastle "wasted their bag" on summer signing

Since Howe and PIF changed the narrative on Tyneside, Newcastle have been widely praised for their shrewd and calculated transfer business.

However, that reputation was knocked askew this summer, with Alexander Isak forcing his way over to Liverpool and a multitude of targets rejecting the Toon.

Howe did end up packaging his squad with a range of players, but Jacob Ramsey might be shaping into the worst of the lot, having arrived from Aston Villa for a £40m fee in August.

Like Elanga, Ramsey played from the opening whistle against the Clarets, and though Elanga left something to be desired, the former Villan star struggled to provide even a measure of his quality on an afternoon that demanded a big performance, such is the competitive nature of Howe’s squad.

The aforementioned Chohan remarked that Newcastle “wasted their bag” on the English playmaker this summer, who has already endured a continuation of the injury problems that had plagued him at Aston Villa, limiting him to just two starting appearances, the second of which may lead to a return to the bench, overshadowed by Joe Willock against a Burnley side who were afforded too much time and space.

Chronicle Live were quick to draw attention to Ramsey’s poor performance, branding the 24-year-old with a 5/10 match rating and criticising the needless concession of a late penalty which set up a nervy finish.

Minutes played

89′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

73

Shots (on target

1 (0)

Accurate passes

56/60 (93%)

Chances created

1

Dribbles

1/2

Recoveries

8

Tackles

1/2

Duels won

4/5

He was tidy enough and resilient in defence, notably winning four of five contested duels against Burnley and showcasing his athleticism with eight ball recoveries, but Ramsey was purchased for his flair and initiative on the ball, and it was a fine representation of neither.

While there’s a sense at the club that Joelinton is winding down after a long and tireless career of service, there have been more than a few murmurs pertaining to Howe’s desire to bring Elliot Anderson back home, and a move such as that would only hinder Ramsey in his hopes of nailing down a starting berth, especially given that he is contesting with Willock already for minutes.

While both Elanga and Ramsey have what it takes to raise their level at St. James’ Park, Howe will be determined to kick on after a testing start to the season and match, maybe even eclipse, last season’s trophy-winning success, qualifying for the Champions League too.

The importance of achieving their goals mean that Newcastle can take no prisoners, and must be ruthless in upgrading the squad to a level that sits comfortably alongside the game’s heavyweights both in England and across Europe.

Given that technical director Ross Wilson has suggested that Newcastle have money to burn heading into 2026, should they decide that signings are needed, someone like Ramsey must be a bit concerned for his role in the outfit, having completed a start that has left much to be desired.

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