Worse than Solanke: Tottenham star who lost the ball 13x dropped a 3/10

Well, that was not the response that Tottenham Hotspur fans had been hoping for.

Following a disappointing draw at home to Fulham over the weekend, Ange Postecoglou’s side fell further behind their rivals with a defeat away to Bournemouth last night.

The North Londoners’ looked utterly hopeless in the first half, and bar brief moments here and there, they didn’t look much better in the second either.

There were dismal displays all over the pitch from the Australian’s side, including Dominic Solanke.

Solanke's performace vs Bournemouth

It probably wasn’t the return that Solanke was hoping for last night, as in his first game back at the Vitality, he put in one of his worst Spurs performances to date.

The club record signing was practically anonymous for most of the encounter, and then in the rare moments he found himself in a goalscoring opportunity, he made the wrong decision or, as he did in the first half, completely missed with his shot.

Unsurprisingly, the England international did not impress the watching press, as the Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick gave him a 5/10 at full-time, which, as his statistics show, might’ve actually been quite generous.

Solanke’s game in numbers

Minutes

97′

Expected Goals

0.18

Expected Assists

0.04

Shots on Target

0

Touches

36

Passing Accuracy

12/16 (75%)

Aerial Duels (Won)

1 (0)

Lost Possession

13

Ground Duels (Won)

9 (4)

All Stats via Sofascore

In his 97 minutes of action, the former Cherries ace produced a combined expected goals and assists figure of just 0.22, failed to have a single shot on target, took just 36 touches, maintained a passing accuracy of just 75%, lost 100% of his aerial duels, lost the ball 13 times, and lost five of nine ground duels.

In all, it was an abject showing from the £65m man and one that his former fans certainly appreciated.

However, he wasn’t the worst attacker for Spurs last night, that dishonour goes to Brennan Johnson.

Johnson's performance vs Bournemouth

Yes, unfortunately for Johnson, his incredible run of form this season did not carry on into last night’s game.

Instead, like his teammate to the right, the Welshman put in what has to be one of his most lacklustre performances in a Spurs shirt to date.

The former Nottingham Forest ace was completely ineffectual off the left, and even when he moved back to his natural position for the final 30 minutes, he couldn’t do anything to stop the Lilywhites falling to their sixth league defeat of the season.

It might sound harsh, but it’s an opinion shared by Kilpatrick, who gave the winger a 3/10 on the night, writing that he seriously ‘struggled to get in dangerous areas’ all game.

Unfortunately for the 23-year-old, his statistics do not make for pretty reading either.

Johnson’s game in numbers

Minutes

97′

Expected Goals

0.00

Expected Assists

0.03

Shots

0

Passing Accuracy

30/39 (77%)

Crosses (Accurate)

2 (0)

Aerial Duels (Won)

1 (0)

Ground Duels (Won)

8 (4)

Lost Possession

13

Dribbled Past

13

Fouls

1

All Stats via Sofascore

In his 97 minutes on the pitch, he amassed a combined 0.03 expected goals plus assists, failed to take a single shot on or off target, maintained a passing accuracy of just 77%, was inaccurate with 100% of his crosses, lost 100% of aerial duels and 50% of ground duels, lost possession 13 times, was dribbled past once and committed one foul.

Ultimately, both Solanke and Johnson are incredibly talented footballers who have shown as much this season, but last night was a horror showing from the pair of them, as it was from the whole team.

He's similar to Dele: Tottenham could sign future £120m star to replace Son

The sensational attacker could play on the wing or in midfield for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 4, 2024

فيديو | عمر مرموش يفوز بثاني جوائزه مع مانشستر سيتي

واصل نجم فريق مانشستر سيتي، عمر مرموش، تألقه في النادي الإنجليزي حيث تمكن من الحصول على جائزة جديدة، حسب إعلان اليوم.

وسبق أن فاز عمر مرموش بجائزة أفضل هدف في مانشستر سيتي عن شهر فبراير.

وتكرر الأمر في شهر مارس، حيث حصل على جائزة أفضل هدف في مانشستر سيتي عن الشهر المنصرم، حسبما أعلن النادي منذ قليل.

وتواجد عمر مرموش ضمن المرشحين لجائزة هدف مارس في مانشستر سيتي بفضل الهدف الذي سجله ضد برايتون على ملعب “الاتحاد” الشهر الماضي.

وتلاقى الفريقان في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي حيث تعادلا بهدفين لمثليهما.

وتمكن مروش من تسجيل هدف عالمي لصالح مانشستر سيتي بتسديدة قوية للكرة من خارج المنطقة، ليمنح الفريق نقطة التعادل.

وتفوق مرموش على كل من هدف نيكو أوريلي ضد بليموث في كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، هدف أوبا فوجينو ضد توتنهام في الدوري الإنجليزي للشباب، وهدف خديجة شاو ضد أستون فيلا في دوري السيدات”.

وتعادل مانشستر سيتي في مباراة ديربي الأمس ضد مانشستر يونايتد في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث خاض عمر مرموش اللقاء بأكمله.

Alejandro Garnacho goes viral for appearing to ignore young Man Utd fan seeking autograph while scrolling through his phone in £120k Range Rover

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho appeared to ignore a young fan hunting an autograph while sitting in his Range Rover in an awkward viral clip.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Garnacho appears to ignore young fan
  • Departs Old Trafford in a Range Rover
  • Academy graduate enduring tough season
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Garnacho was approached by the supporter after Sunday's FA Cup exit to Fulham at Old Trafford. The United forward was seen scrolling on his phone in the front seat of his Range Rover, worth around £120,000, before driving off without acknowledging the autograph hunter – as per .

  • Advertisement

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Garnacho has divided opinion among United fans amid the club's dismal 2024-25 campaign, but has scored seven goals while creating another six in 41 appearances across all competitions. In January, there were several stories linking him with a move to Napoli and Chelsea, and it has been reported United could invite offers for the academy graduate again this summer.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Garnacho was invovled in a flashpoint with United fans in November, when he refused to celebrate his goal against Leicester at Old Trafford having been goaded by a fan before a game with PAOK days earlier. The fan said to Garnacho, "Pass better today, score a goal and work on your touch as well, yeah?" Garnacho walked away and replied, "Why are you not playing man?"

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

    United are next in action against Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday night before hosting Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, with Garnacho in line for a starting role in both matches.

Former Derby County academy starlet could join Leeds if they get promoted

Carlton Palmer believes a former Derby County academy starlet could join Leeds United but only if they are promoted to the Premier League, according to a recent report. The Whites head into this international break on the back of a win, beating QPR 2-0 after suffering a disappointing defeat to Millwall last week.

Leeds confirm partnership with company who caused chaos in $11bn industry

Alongside Nike, Fanatics caused a big fuss in MLB earlier this year.

By
Barney Lane

Nov 13, 2024

Leeds transfer news

The January transfer window is not that far away from opening now, and given that Leeds and Daniel Farke will have aims of reaching the Premier League, it may be a useful time for them to add to their squad.

Defence, especially left-back, looks to be a position that the Whites want to address, as they have been linked with a move for Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin this week. The Yorkshire side are keeping tabs on the defender ahead of January, as they weigh up the possibility of making a move for one of their promotion rivals’ best players.

As well as looking at Cirkin, it also emerged that Leeds are in the race to sign Archie Brown from KAA Gent. Again, the club is keeping an eye on the defender but have strong competition, as Premier League teams such as Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, Brentford, and Fulham are all interested in signing the former Derby County man.

Archie Brown could join Leeds if they get promoted

Speaking to Football League World, Palmer believes Archie Brown would join Leeds if they get promoted to the Premier League. The 22-year-old started his football career in Derby’s academy, playing for their under-18s and under-23s. In 2021, he left the Rams to join Lausanne-Sport, without playing a game in the first team, and from there he has since joined KAA Gent.

Archie Brown

Brown has impressed this season, scoring one goal and grabbing two assists in 14 Jupiler Pro League games, form that has put him on the radar of a host of clubs in England.

Palmer believes Leeds can sign Brown, but only as long as they win promotion to the top flight this season: “Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United are among the clubs reportedly interested in Gent defender Archie Brown. This is not the first time Leeds United have been interested in Archie Brown. The 22-year-old left England in 2021 after coming through the ranks at Derby County.

“He sought pastures new, starting in Switzerland with Lausanne-Sport. He swapped Switzerland for Belgium last year, joining Gent, and he’s seen his career go from strength-to-strength. He’s played that well, he’s been rewarded with an England youth debut in the summer, and he’s attracting a lot of attention.

Archie Brown’s KAA Gent stats

Apps

64

Goals

2

Assists

8

“The problem that Leeds United will have is that they’ll have to be in the Premier League to get him, so it’s unlikely that they’ll get him in the January transfer window, especially with the likes of Tottenham and West Ham credited with an interest, as well as Chelsea and Brentford. Leeds went after him in 2023 and were unable to get him, so they are big admirers of the defender, but it’s thought that they will have to be in the Premier League to get his signature.

“But, if the player is sensible, even if you want to go and play in a Premier League side, you look at the type of clubs interested in signing you, and you have to wonder whether you’ll go straight into the side and play, so Leeds could well be in the race.

“It would be a coup for them if they could pull it off, and the fact that they could offer him first-team football now and the way they’re going now, they will hopefully see it over the line and get promotion. He’ll have more chance of playing in Leeds United’s first team than he would with Tottenham, West Ham, and Chelsea. As a young player he’s already had that where he’s not playing regularly, and that’s why he went to Switzerland and Belgium, so it would be a massive coup for Leeds United, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

Man Utd willing to offer £105k-p/w ace plus cash in swap deal for Gyokeres

Manchester United are prepared to offer a £105,000-per-week ace in exchange for a £50 million “top striker,” according to a new report. The Red Devils appear to be getting their plans in order ahead of the January and summer transfer windows, as INEOS will be looking to back their new head coach as he tries to get the club back to the top of the table.

£120k-p/w Man Utd ace offered to new club before even playing under Amorim

A player who has been at Old Trafford for over five years could be on his way out.

ByBrett Worthington Nov 14, 2024 Man Utd transfer news

In the week when Ruben Amorim arrived in Manchester and got his role as United’s new head coach underway, the Premier League side have been linked with several new arrivals.

The left-back role at Old Trafford is an area that does need addressing, and in Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, it will become even more important that it is sorted, as Luke Shaw continues to have injury issues. United are exploring a deal to re-sign Alvaro Carreras, who they allowed to leave to join Benfica in the summer.

The Premier League side have a £16 million buy-back option in his contract, and he could be someone they can turn to if signing a left-back is a priority. Meanwhile, United are also interested in signing Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, keeping a close eye on him, and they are ready “to act fast” to sign the Hungarian international, as the Cherries are braced for approaches.

But a left back is not the only position United are looking to strengthen, as they are now prepared to sacrifice one of their own to sign a new striker.

Man Utd prepared to offer £105k-p/w ace in exchange for £50m striker

According to The Daily Briefing relayed by Caught Offside, Manchester United are prepared to offer Joshua Zirkzee in exchange for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres. Ever since Amorim was announced as United’s new head coach, Gyokeres has been someone constantly linked with a move to Old Trafford, as his impressive scoring rate in Portugal makes him a player in demand.

The Swedish international, who has been described as a “top striker,” has got 16 goals in 11 Liga Portugal games this season, form that has him on the radar of a number of clubs in the Premier League and abroad.

This report states that United are now preparing a transfer offer for Gyokeres, which will see them offer Zirkzee, who earns £105,000 a week at Old Trafford, in exchange for the Sporting striker, presumably with some cash heading to Portugal in the deal as well, albeit unclear how much. The Dutchman has struggled since joining the Red Devils, and his future at the club could already be in doubt.

Apps

68

Goals

66

Assists

19

If this deal is to happen for United, they will have to wait until the summer, as Amorim made it clear before leaving Sporting that he wouldn’t be returning to the Portuguese club for any of their players in January.

But signing Gyokeres at the end of the season may be too hard for Amorim to ignore, given the forward was exceptional under his management. It could be a cheaper deal for United than they may have expected, as while Gyokeres does have an £83 million release clause, it has been reported that he could be allowed to leave for £50 million in the summer, while including Zirkzee would take more of that figure off.

Liverpool must sell £160k-p/w star who’s one of Trent’s "closest friends"

Liverpool are flying. Of course, they were held to a draw against Newcastle United on Wednesday evening, dropping points in the Premier League after seven victories on the trot in all competitions, but the incredible start to the season remains intact.

It’s foolish to think that Arne Slot’s Reds will win every game they play, though it’s frustrating that Fabian Schar was able to restore parity late on.

Defensively, Liverpool have been solid this season, making improvements on last year’s efforts. The Anfield side top the Premier League and Champions League tables so far, but in order to achieve illustrious heights across many years under Slot’s wing, some areas do need some work.

The areas where Liverpool need to improve

Liverpool flattered to deceive in defence at St. James’ Park, lacking the robust and steely quality that Ibrahima Konate brings to the table, fusing his athletic skillset with Virgil van Dijk’s cultured style.

Of course, Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both out of contract at the end of the season, and though FSG are hoping to tie down both stalwarts to fresh deals, it’s gravely concerning all the same.

Losing two core parts of an imperious backline would be to Slot’s detriment, for both stars transcend their so-called defensive roles and operate at world-renowned levels.

Trent, Salah, Van Dijk

Liverpool could also add an extra element to the thriving midfield. Ryan Gravenberch has been in fine fettle this season but looked tired against Newcastle and needs some competition at number six. Martin Zubimendi, who is still believed to be of interest to Liverpool, could be the missing component there.

Elsewhere, though, there are one or two mainstays who could actually find themselves dislodged from their starting position. While he’s been an integral part over the years, Andy Robertson may be one of them.

Why Liverpool should replace Andy Robertson

Liverpool signed Robertson from Hull City in 2017, completing a £10m transfer that was met with derision from many pockets of the Premier League.

Andy Robertson in action for Liverpool.

This young and relatively unknown Scotsman was surely not the kind of player that Jurgen Klopp’s project needed to propel themselves to new heights. Liverpool, it seemed, were content with mediocrity, settling back into the familiarity of passableness.

How the detractors were silenced. Robertson is one of the greatest left-backs in Premier League history, conqueror of the biggest prizes and only trumped in creativity by his prodigious partner Alexander-Arnold.

1.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

61

2.

Andy Robertson

59

3.

Leighton Baines

53

4.

Graeme Le Saux

44

5.

Antonio Valencia

39

The thing is though, Robertson’s creeping toward his 31st year and has served tirelessly within Liverpool’s highly-charged system for many years, completing 316 appearances.

Described as a “Duracell Bunny” by Liverpool writer Leanne Prescott, Robertson has operated at full throttle for many years and indeed is starting to look like a lesser version of the superstar who was hailed as “the best left-back in the world” by Klopp about three years ago.

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson

There’s still a lot to like about the veteran, who ranks among the top 1% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 2% for progressive passes and the top 3% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

But then he’s found himself jockeying with Kostas Tsimikas for that first-choice spot this season, Slot seemingly unsatisfied with the £160k-per-week Robertson in phases.

Andy Robertson and Arne Slot

Though he’s regarded as one of Alexander-Arnold’s “closest friends” – as revealed below – the Tartan Army skipper cannot keep his place in the side over the coming years if it is going to hamper Slot’s system from hitting its apex.

Liverpool need to be ruthless, and though tying Alexander-Arnold down to a lucrative new contract is crucial, so too is the good of the collective team.

Former scout Mick Brown, recently speaking to Football Insider, believes that the Reds are getting ready to focus on strengthening the left-back position in 2025, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Antonee Robinson – who has been recently hailed as “one of the best left-backs in the world” by journalist Dougie Critchley for his exploits at Fulham – at the very top of the shopping list.

Compared to Robertson, it’s perhaps fair to say that both carry greater athletic and rounded qualities at present and that Liverpool might be wise to make the bold move.

Matches (starts)

13 (12)

14 (14)

14 (14)

Goals

0

0

1

Assists

0

4

2

Touches*

68.5

72.1

51.3

Pass completion

88%

82%

83%

Key passes*

1.5

0.9

1.0

Dribbles completed*

0.2 (33%)

1.4 (67%)

0.5 (70%)

Ball recoveries*

4.0

3.8

4.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

4.6

2.5

Ground duels (won)*

1.7 (51%)

4.6 (59%)

3.0 (65%)

This isn’t to say that Liverpool’s long-time servant needs to be sold, but a reduced role might be on the cards over the coming campaigns and this would only prove to elevate Slot’s exciting system higher.

Ultimately, Liverpool still have a reliable left-back in their mix, with elite ball-playing skills and a wealth of experience besides. The Redmen need to evolve over the coming years though, and Robertson might need to be axed at some point soon.

Ignored by Klopp: £32m Liverpool flop is now outscoring Salah in 2024

Klopp sold a star at the beginning of his Liverpool era, and now that very flop is outscoring Mohamed Salah in 2024.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 6, 2024

Howe must drop 5/10 star to unleash Newcastle hero who’s barely played

Back to the drawing board. In 2022/23, Newcastle United were in their heyday under Eddie Howe, but for a host of reasons, haven’t been able to kick on and find themselves needing more after yet another Premier League setback.

Crystal Palace were the better team at Selhurst Park, limiting Newcastle to one off-target shot and unleashing 16 of their own. xG (expected goals) is hardly the defining factor in assessing a contest’s flow, but the hosts produced 1.76 xG, whereas United mustered a measly 0.04 xG via Sofascore through Joelinton’s blocked shot.

Newcastle United

If a single match was a personification of Newcastle’s struggles, this one would be a fitting emblem. Goals are in short supply and creativity is more so. It was ironic that Marc Guehi, fiercely pursued by the Toon this summer, would turn into his own net to give Newcastle the lead, their sole attacking move of significance across the affair.

But irony’s a fickle thing, and Guehi put in a commanding defensive display and responded with an assist for Daniel Munoz’s last-gasp equaliser, meaning the Magpies are tenth and could be lower still before the day is up.

04/12/24

Premier League

Liverpool (H)

07/12/24

Premier League

Brentford (A)

14/12/24

Premier League

Leicester (H)

18/12/24

Carabao Cup

Brentford (H)

21/12/24

Premier League

Ipswich (A)

26/12/24

Premier League

Aston Villa (H)

30/12/24

Premier League

Man United (A)

Howe needs to tinker away to recentre his outfit’s fluency, and though changes are needed up front, Tino Livramento failed to bring it all together on the defensive right flank.

Tino Livramento's performance vs Palace

He wasn’t the worst player on the field, but Livramento didn’t enjoy his finest performance. The Shields Gazette acknowledged the right-back’s willingness to get forward but rebuked his lack of quality on the ball and fragility in several defensive moments.

He was handed a 5/10 match score, which is probably about right.

Newcastle signed Southampton’s talented prospect in a deal worth £40m, and while there have been ups and downs, Livramento is patently one of the prized young full-backs in English football and, recently 22, has a wide expanse of growth still to be crossed.

Tino Livramento battles with Marc Guehi

This was evident in south London, with Livramento being dribbled past twice and losing six of his 11 contested duels, as per Sofascore.

Pared down, neither of these metrics is particularly damning, but it’s telling that he failed to make a single key pass, hardly helping Newcastle in their desperate quest to restore some control in creative phases.

16th

Newcastle

13

16

16=

Leicester

13

16

18th

West Ham

13

18

19th

Everton

12

16

19=

Southampton

13

16

The Toon’s lack of playmaking success this season, compared to last, is rather damning, however, and very much indicative of Newcastle’s struggles.

Oh sure, Anthony Gordon needs to do more, playmaking is negligible in the centre of the field and the Magpies’ failure to sign a right winger is biting at them, but when Kieran Trippier is sat waiting in the wings, it’s perhaps time for Howe to unleash his veteran once again. It might bear dividends.

Howe must boldly unleash Kieran Trippier

Curiously, Newcastle ranked joint-second for big chances created (97) in the Premier League last term, level with champions Manchester City. The fact that Newcastle more-or-less have the same parts is more curious still but perhaps comments on the rust that is spreading across a squad crying out for some fresh inspiration.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe

Newcastle are bound to target impactful attacking additions in 2025, with recent reports even suggesting that Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is on the winter radar.

However, the intervening December period cannot be allowed to sprout rotten results; while Newcastle have been out of sorts, they are only four points behind third-placed Brighton & Hove Albion and could easily spring back into the ascendency with a winter purple patch.

Easier said than done. Fluidity simply isn’t there, and that’s why Trippier must start going forward. The 34-year-old was nearly sold in the summer but has remained at St. James’ Park. He has played just six minutes of Premier League football in two months, but having recovered from a hamstring injury will be desperate to make his mark.

Newcastle's Kieran Trippier

You have to say, his ball-playing skills could have been utilised against a resilient Eagles backline. As per FBref, the £120k-per-week veteran ranked among the top 1% of full-backs in the Premier League last season for assists, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 4% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90.

Given that not only has the Magpies’ creative wellspring dried up, but their possession has dropped from a 52.5% average to a 49.5% average, as per FBref, you could surmise that Trippier’s reintroduction could have an effect on United and their purchase in passing transitions.

Moreover, Trippier, who has been one of the harbingers of the new era upon joining from Atletico Madrid for a £12m fee in early January 2022, is not as defensively disastrous as he is depicted, for he succeeded with 56% of his ground duels last term and averaged two tackles per game, as per Sofascore.

Recent reports suggest that Newcastle are willing to accept offers for their skipper in January, with his high wages and reduced role not quite justifying his place in the first-team squad any longer.

Kieran Trippier

Why don’t we shelve that for the upcoming month, or perhaps even until the end of the campaign? Trippier is one of the finest playmakers in the Premier League – and don’t Newcastle need some inspiration in that regard?

New role: Howe can replicate Joelinton success with Newcastle sensation

Howe should unleash a rising Newcastle star in a new role to create Joelinton 2.0

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 29, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran are up and running! Al-Nassr's deadly duo get the job done despite red card as win over Al-Kholood boosts AFC Champions League hopes

Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran on target as Al-Nassr raced to a 3-1 win over Al-Kholood to boost their AFC Champions League hopes.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Al-Nassr had little trouble beating Al-Kholood
  • Ronaldo, Mane & Duran on the scoresheet
  • Nawaf's red card will see him miss Al-Hilal fixture
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • AFP

    TELL ME MORE

    Since Stefano Pioli took over the reins, Al-Nassr have shown flashes of brilliance but at the same time struggled for consistency. However, on Friday evening, the Riyadh club arguably played the most complete game of the Pioli era with their star-studded front three firing on all cylinders.

    Ronaldo took just four minutes to open the scoring and there was no looking back for Al-Nassr. Although Al-Kholood thought they had equalised in the ninth minute through Myziane Maolida, the goal was chalked off after a VAR check. In the 26th minute, the Portuguese forward sliced open Al-Kholood's defence and put through Salem Al-Najdi on the left flank. The left-back drilled in a low cross in the six-yard box and Mane made no mistake to double the lead.

    After Ronaldo and Mane got their names on the scoresheet, it was Duran's turn to join the party. Four minutes from half-time, Angelo rolled the ball into the Colombian's path and the former Aston Villa striker rifled in a shot from outside the box which beat Marcelo Grohe between the sticks.

    Just before the hour-mark, Nawaf Boushal was given his marching orders after the defender had his studs up during a tackle on Farah Al-Shamrani and the referee had no qualms flashing a red card to the right-back. Soon, Pioli decided to take off Ronaldo and the 40-year-old was seen fuming with his manager's decision. After a brief exchange of words with the Italian, Ronaldo headed straight down the tunnel.

    Al-Kholood saw a glimmer of hope when a massive deflection from Ali Lajami turned Maolida's shot past Bento but it was too little too late to salvage even a point for the visitors.

  • Advertisement

  • Getty Images Sport

    THE MVP

    Mane was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch. The Senegalese was a constant threat in attack, put in a massive work rate while chasing the ball, and Pioli had little doubt while taking off Ronaldo on the hour-mark instead of the former Liverpool star.

  • THE BIG LOSER

    Nawaf should have played it smarter. There was little need for a sliding challenge, especially with your team 3-0 up, and when you have your boots up, you are mostly inviting trouble. An unnecessary red card and now he will miss the crucial fixture against second-placed Al-Hilal in April.

  • WHAT COMES NEXT FOR RONALDO?

    Ronaldo will now head to Lisbon to join his Portugal team-mates as they face Denmark in the Nations League quarter-finals on March 20 and 23 respectively. After his international commitments, he will be back in action against Al-Hilal on April 4.

VIDEO: Furious Rangers & Italy legend Gennaro Gattuso confronts pundit during live interview after losing crucial game in Croatian title race

An angry Gennaro Gattuso confronted a pundit on live television in a spicy exchange after his Hajduk Split team lost a crucial game in the title race.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Gattuso's team loses crunch gameManager confronts pundit on live televisionPair engage in heated rowFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Gattuso is known for his hot temper and it was on show again after his Hajduk Split team lost a top-of-the-table clash with Rijeka. The World Cup winner appeared on Croatian television channel MAXSport1 after the game where he engaged in an ugly spat with pundit Josko Jelicic after clearly being annoyed by his previous comments.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT GATTUSO SAID

Gattuso said to Jelecic: "I won't give an answer to you, you speak too much. You used to play football, you should understand, you know very well the situation. But you always speak very bad. I don't have respect for you. You speak very bad. I don't want to speak with you."

Jelicic responded by saying in Spanish: "You played very bad!" which prompted another angry response from Gattuso who said: "You have to have respect for people."
A shouting match then ensued with Gattuso eventually signing off with: "This is the last time. If you are here, I won't talk to you anymore, because you are a bad person."

AFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Gattuso was known as a tenacious but talented midfielder during a stellar playing career that brought Serie A and Champions League titles with Milan as well as the World Cup with Italy. The Italian has since embarked on a managerial career and enjoyed spells at clubs including Marseille, Napoli, Valencia and Milan before arriving in Croatia in 2024. Gattuso's passion for the game clearly remains as strong as ever as he bids to win his first trophy with Hajduk Split.

Samiur Rahman, the former Bangladesh seamer, dies aged 68

He was was part of Bangladesh’s first two ODIs in 1986, in addition to featuring in the ICC Trophy in 1982 and 1986

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Apr-2022

After his playing career, Samiur Rahman served as an umpire and match referee•BCB

Samiur Rahman, the former Bangladesh fast bowler, has died aged 68 in Dhaka. He was suffering from brain tumor, which was diagnosed in January earlier this year.Samiur was part of Bangladesh’s first two ODIs in 1986, in addition to featuring in the ICC Trophy in 1982 and 1986. He enjoyed a more prolific career in the Dhaka Premier League, having played for Abahani, Mohammedan Sporting, Bangladesh Biman, Kalabagan Krira Chakra, Azad Boys and Brothers Union. He represented Barisal, too, in the National Cricket Championship. Notably, he also played basketball for Dhaka Spurs.After his playing career, Samiur served as an umpire and match referee. He is survived by his wife and two sons. His brother Yousuf Rahman, who is currently in the US, is also a former national cricketer.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus