One of the biggest issues for Manchester United this season has been their ability in front of goal. The Red Devils have been incredibly underwhelming in that sense, managing just 29 goals in 26 games in the Premier League so far this term.

As per FBref, their underlying numbers are quite disappointing. They have an expected goals tally of 35.7xG, which is a disappointing -6.7 difference from their actual tally of 29 goals this term.

The number of goals they score per shot on target is the joint-worst in the English top flight, with 0.23. The club level with United at the bottom of the list is Southampton, rock bottom of the division and destined for relegation.

One player United will be turning toward for inspiration in front of goal is Rasmus Hojlund.

Hojlund’s 2024/25 season so far

The 2024/25 campaign has been a really disappointing one for Hojlund so far. He has scored just seven goals and has one assist to his name in 33 appearances, and is currently on a goal drought that goes back to the 12th of December.

In the Premier League, the Dane’s form has been even more disappointing. He has featured 21 times in the top flight this season, playing 1276 minutes in that time, the equivalent of 14 full 90-minute games. However, he has managed just two goals and hasn’t scored in 11 games.

This isn’t to say Hojlund can’t become a lethal goalcorer. He showed last season that is the case. In six Premier League games between December and February, the United number nine scored seven goals, becoming the youngest player to score in six Premier League‬ games in a row.

With that being said, his form has been disappointing. Although he is young and should not have expectations piled upon him, the youngster would surely have wanted more goals at this stage of the season.

Perhaps, for United’s next game against Ipswich, manager Ruben Amorim will decide to make a change at centre-forward.

Man United’s alternative to Hojlund

There are not many options for Amorim should he decide to rotate Hojlund out of the side against the Tractor Boys. Joshua Zirkzee would be one candidate but given the shortage at number ten, it seems he might slot into a deeper role.

That leaves 17-year-old Chido Obi as the Red Devils’ best option as an alternative to Hojlund. The former Arsenal academy man has made two first-team appearances since making the move to United over the summer.

Described as a “homegrown” Osimhen during his time at Arsenal by academy expert Will Balsam, Obi’s first appearance for the club was a fleeting three-minute cameo in stoppage time against Tottenham Hotspur away from home.

He then came on for 20 minutes against Everton last weekend, and actually replaced Hojlund, further hinting that he could start ahead of the Dane against Ipswich.

For United’s academy sides this term, Obi has been in sensational form. In 12 appearances across all competitions for the academy, he has 12 goals and two assists.

That includes a phenomenal seven goals in three FA Youth Cup games, dismantling Chelsea along the way with four goals.

Obi’s record in 2024/25 FA Youth Cup

Opposition

Scoreline

Minutes played

Goals

Coventry under-18s

5-0

72

2

Preston North End under-19s

5-2

90

2

Chelsea under-18s

5-1

82

3

Stats from Transfermarkt

The young Danish striker could become United’s own Liam Delap, a young striker who is ripping it up for Ipswich this season. The England under-21 international has scored ten times in 25 Premier League games in 2024/25, in a side who have scored just 23 goals collectively.

One similarity between the pair relates to their first-team debut. Delap, a former Manchester City academy star, made his debut for Pep Guardiola’s side, after honing his craft in the Citizens academy. That is similar to Obi, whose professional debut came in a United shirt after impressing for the academy.

Amorim would be making a bold move to unleash Obi against Ipswich, but perhaps it is the right decision. United are short of goals, but here is a player who knows how to find the back of the net, and is an “outstanding” player, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Having already been exposed to first-team football, the visit of Kieran McKenna’s men at Old Trafford on Wednesday night could be the perfect time for Obi to start his first professional game.

Related 6 of the worst things Sir Jim Ratcliffe has done at Man Utd

Ratcliffe has been ruling with an iron fist.

Posts ByBarney Lane Feb 26, 2025

Jamie Vardy signed off on his Leicester career in style by netting his 200th goal on his 500th appearance for the Foxes.

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• Vardy played final game for Leicester
• Signed off with trademark goal
• Will leave relegated Foxes as free agent

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  It was announced that Vardy will not play in Leicester's final game of the season with the club wanting to end his time on home turf at the King Power Stadium. And the veteran striker only went and scored a trademark 200th goal on his 500th appearance, running in behind the Ipswich defence and slotting home into the far corner.

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• WHAT VARDY SAID

  The former England international spent some time with the media after the game, reflecting on his tenure in the Midlands. He said: "I missed a couple before that but once JJ [James Justin] put me through there I was never going to miss it. Obviously getting the dogs' abuse from the away fans up there, there was only one place I was going.

  "It's been amazing, it's been a rollercoaster, it really has," he said after Leicester's 2-0 home win. "But the good thing is there's been way, way, way more highs [than lows] and I thank everyone. I never thought we'd be in the Champions League, we'd win the league, and we've all been there for a reason."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Vardy was a central part of Leicester's golden era, winning the Premier League and guiding the Foxes into the Champions League. He will forever remain a legend at the club who gave him a chance so late into his career.

They combined for an unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership of 199 to power Australia to a commanding position

Tristan Lavalette08-Dec-2022Marnus Labuschagne and hometown hero Travis Head struck near-flawless centuries to dominate the pink ball, as Australia put a struggling West Indies attack to the sword on day one of the second Test in Adelaide.After stand-in captain Steven Smith elected to bat, Labuschagne and Head combined for an unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership of 199 to power Australia to a commanding position at stumps. Labuschagne hit his 10th Test century on the back of his double-century and hundred in Australia’s 164-run series opening win in Perth.While his good fortune has been widely noted, rearing again after riding his luck in the first Test, Labuschagne produced a chanceless innings as he became the first Australian batter to notch three straight Test tons since Adam Voges in 2015-16.He completed the feat with a boundary through point under lights in the final session and raised his arms aloft to strong applause from the 24,449 crowd at the Adelaide Oval. Labuschagne’s 235-ball knock was marked by unwavering concentration and patience in tricky early conditions before he toyed with West Indies’ flagging bowlers.He was well supported by Head, who scored his fifth Test ton and first on his home ground with a brilliant drive to the boundary much to the delight of the Adelaide Oval faithful. Head’s aggressive mood continued after making 99 in his sole innings in Perth, targeting the short square boundaries and continually plundering West Indies’ increasingly ragged bowling through point.The pair flattened West Indies’ attempts at a comeback after the quick wickets in the middle session of opener Usman Khawaja and Smith, who fell for just his fifth duck in Tests in Australia. But sloppy bowling and fielding left West Indies frustrated as their hopes of ending a 25-year Test drought in Australia with a series-levelling victory already appearing forlorn.Much like in Perth, where they claimed only six wickets in 190 overs across two innings, West indies’ bowlers were inconsistent and failed to penetrate on a surface with occasional bounce and movement. Without injured frontline quicks Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales, West Indies speedster Alzarri Joseph unsuccessfully targeted a short-ball strategy and resisted trying to conjure swing with the new ball.Steven Smith bagged his eighth duck in Tests•Associated PressBut he did dismiss opener David Warner, who was caught behind for 21 in a rash dismissal in another missed opportunity to end a near three-year Test century drought.Briefly attempting a rally, West Indies bowled with more discipline in the second session through seamers Jason Holder and Anderson Phillip, who impressed with accuracy in just his second Test match.But it was debutant Devon Thomas who broke through by trapping Khawaja lbw for 62 with his handy seamers providing a surprise option.It was a much-needed tonic for an injury-hit West Indies, whose woes deepened when debutant quick Marquino Mindley left the field in the first session with a suspected hamstring injury after bowling just two overs. Mindley had arrived in Adelaide on Monday from the Caribbean as injury cover.Captain Kraigg Brathwaite scrambled for inspiration throughout the day’s play and used seven bowlers. He unsuccessfully reverted to spinner Roston Chase as the first change bowler in a baffling move. He again unwisely used Chase and his own part-time spin before the tea break to release the pressure on new batter Head, who counterattacked with ease.It paved the way for a sub-par final session for West Indies under lights with the second new ball failing to do the trick as the beleaguered tourists stare down the barrel of conceding another massive first-innings total to Australia.Both teams made a host of changes, with Australia’s regular captain Pat Cummins failing to overcome a quad strain he picked up during the first Test, while quick Josh Hazlewood was ruled out with a side strain.Seamers Scott Boland and Michael Neser added to Test matches they played last summer against England, while former captain Smith took the reins from Cummins like he did in last year’s Ashes Test in Adelaide.Even though he endured an uncharacteristic failure with the bat, falling to Holder in a return catch, Smith should be well pleased with Australia making a strong start in their bid for an 11th straight day-night Test victory.

MatériaMais Notícias

Más notícias para o Botafogo. O clube informou na tarde desta quinta-feira que Kayque sofreu uma entorse no joelho direito na vitória sobre o Red Bull Bragantino, na última segunda-feira. Após exame de imagem, foi constatado lesão de ligamento cruzado anterior.

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Kayque levou a pior em uma dividida com Artur ainda no começo do jogo. Ele até tentou continuar em campo, mas não conseguiu e deixou o gramado aos prantos, ainda com 12 minutos de partida.

O clube não informou tempo de recuperação previsto, mas o prazo de retorno para esse tipo de lesão é de, geralmente, seis a oito meses. É muito provável que o camisa 62 não atue mais pelo Glorioso na temporada 2022.

O volante iniciou o processo para diminuir a inflamação na região e será submetido a uma cirurgia nos próximos dias. Ele é o nono jogador lesionado no Botafogo – Lucas Piazon, que também consta nesta lista, vale ressaltar, tem chances de retornar contra o Cuiabá.

Kayque vinha sendo titular com Luís Castro e chegou a ser comprado em definitivo pelo Botafogo, assinando um contrato até 2025. Ele marcou o gol da vitória contra o São Paulo.

NOTA DO BOTAFOGO:
“O atleta Kayque sofreu uma entorse no joelho direito em lance de disputa com o atleta do Red Bull Bragantino. Foi realizado exame de imagem que confirmou a lesão de ligamento cruzado anterior.

O volante iniciou o tratamento para redução de processo inflamatório e será submetido a cirurgia nos próximos dias.”

يخوض منتخب البرازيل مباراة أمام باراجواي، ضمن منافسات مباريات التصفيات المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

وتأتي مباراة البرازيل وباراجواي، في الجولة السادسة عشر لـ تصفيات أمريكا الجنوبية المؤهلة لمونديال 2026.

وتخوض البرازيل مباراتها الثانية بقيادة المدرب الإيطالي كارلو أنشيلوتي، عقب المواجهة أمام الإكوادور بالجولة الماضية.

تحتل البرازيل المركز الرابع في التصفيات برصيد 22 نقطة، في حين أن باراجواي تتواجد بالمركز الثالث بـ 24 نقطة.

كانت البرازيل تعادلت سلبيًا أمام الإكوادور بالمباراة السابقة، وباراجواي تغلبت على أوروجواي بهدفين دون رد. موعد مباراة البرازيل وباراجواي في تصفيات كأس العالم

تلعب المباراة في الساعات الأولى ليوم الأربعاء، وتحديدًا في الرابعة إلا ربع فجرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة البرازيل وباراجواي في تصفيات كأس العالم

تذاع المباراة عبر القناة الرياضية السعودية، SSC EXTRA 1. معلق مباراة البرازيل وباراجواي في تصفيات كأس العالم

يعلق على المباراة، سعد يحيى.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا.

Nottingham Forest host Arsenal at the City Ground this evening, looking to return to winning ways after two defeats in a row against Newcastle United and Fulham in the Premier League.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side still sit on 47 points before the clash against the Gunners, looking to close the gap to Mikel Arteta’s men, who sit six points ahead of them at present.

The Reds are unbeaten in the last six league clashes at the City Ground, looking to extend such a record tonight as they aim to bolster their Champions League qualification hopes.

The visitors currently have a whole host of injury issues heading into the meeting in the East Midlands, with both outfits desperately needing to get back on track after losing last weekend.

However, if Nuno is to claim three needed points tonight, he simply must drop one player after his poor showing against the Magpies at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Nicolas Dominguez’s stats against Newcastle United

Elliot Anderson was partnered at the heart of the midfield by Nicolas Dominguez for the trip to Newcastle after Danilo was left out of the side as he continues his injury comeback.

However, the Argentine was unable to impress on Tyneside, struggling to impose himself on the clash, with Eddie Howe’s side scoring four times in just 12 first half minutes.

The 26-year-old featured for 76-minutes before his eventual substitution, with his withdrawal warranted given the fact he was dribbled past four times during the contest.

Dominguez also committed two fouls and receiving yet another booking, moving him onto seven yellow cards in 2024/25 – the joint-most of any player in the squad.

As a result of his disappointing afternoon in the North East, Nuno should look to replace him for the clash against Arteta’s side, allowing one player to regain his place in the starting lineup.

The player who should replace Dominguez against Arsenal

Midfielder Ryan Yates hasn’t started a league game for Forest since the 5-0 thrashing against Bournemouth at the end of January, dropping down the order as a result.

However, despite not starting against the Magpies, the 27-year-old came off the bench with just 14 minutes remaining, but he still managed to make an impact on proceedings.

The Reds academy graduate found himself on the scoresheet, providing a nervy finish, and almost completing a comeback after being 4-1 down heading into the break.

Yates, who’s previously been dubbed “superb” by commentator Jamie Martin, won 100% of ground duels after coming off the bench against Howe’s side, also completing 100% of his attempted dribbles.

The £50k-per-week midfielder managed to register two efforts on goal along with two defensive recoveries, having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch as the Reds pushed for an equaliser.

Minutes played

14

Touches

13

Goals scored

1

Ground duels won

1/1 (100%)

Dribbles completed

1/1 (100%)

Shots taken

2

Recoveries made

2

His work rate and effort levels have often impressed the fanbase – that, coupled with his academy background, makes it feel like he truly is one of their own.

After such an impact off the substitutes’ bench, he deserves the opportunity to showcase his talents in the centre of the park, with his relentless nature perfect for the clash against a fellow top four side.

The meeting at the City Ground will likely be a nervy affair with both sides needing vital points to secure their place in the top four, with Nuno needing to start Yates if his side are to claim the win tonight.

Nottingham Forest battling to sign "special" new £20m rising star for Nuno

He’s enjoyed another impressive season…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 25, 2025

Jake Doran played a superb innings on a tricky MCG pitch to earn Tasmania a vital lead

AAP25-Nov-2022

Jackson Bird continued his outstanding match•Getty Images

Former Test quicks Jackson Bird and Peter Siddle have again ripped through Victoria’s top order to put Tasmania firmly in control of their Sheffield Shield contest.The veteran pair shared seven first-innings wickets and backed up with figures of 4 for 19 and 2 for 33 respectively in Victoria’s second innings at the MCG on Friday, limiting the hosts to 7 for 162.Victoria had a lead of 63 at stumps on day two, after Jake Doran (85) had earlier dug in with the bat to steer Tasmania into a strong position.”The wicket did suit our bowling attack really well but give [Bird and Siddle] credit, they’re two world-class bowlers,” Doran said. “Those two coming in and opening the bowling…it was very good.”\Bird has been outstanding with match figures of 8 for 32 from 31 overs, including 16 maidens.”He’s bowled very well and it’s good to see,” Doran said. “He puts in a lot of work and trains very hard and does it every season. He comes back and produces for us and [in this match] he’s reaped the rewards.”Victoria face a monumental task to fight back on Saturday as they chase their first win of the Shield season.Sam Harper (24 not out) will resume at the crease with debutant Sam Elliott after Will Sutherland (44) threw his wicket away late on day two.”You want to get to [a lead of] triple figures. Anything under that and it’s pretty challenging,” stand-in captain Nic Maddinson said. “But with the wicket still moving around, especially with the new ball, so if we can get to 100 [we’re a chance].”We’ve got two guys in that can bat and can score quickly once they’re in. If we can get to triple figures, at least then we can attack with the new ball and keep catchers in and you just never know.”Doran defied bowler-friendly conditions on a green deck to be the only batsman in the match to pass 50 but fell short of what would have been his fourth first-class century.The left-hander was the last man out in Tasmania’s first innings of 220, in reply to Victoria’s paltry 121.Right-arm quick Elliott, the son of former Test batsman Matthew Elliot, has impressed on debut for Victoria and claimed 3 for 45

Chelsea crashed out of the FA Cup fourth round after a 2-1 away defeat at the hands of Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion. Enzo Maresca’s side put in a lacklustre performance to end their hopes of a domestic trophy.

The Blues are still in the hunt for the Conference League, but a domestic trophy is now effectively off the table.

It was Chelsea who took the lead on the south coast, with the visitors scoring five minutes into the game thanks to an own goal from Bart Verbruggen, as the Brighton goalkeeper spilt Cole Palmer’s cross into the back of the net under no pressure.

However, the Dutchman’s blushes were spared just seven minutes later. Seagulls attacker Georginio Rutter found himself unmarked in the Chelsea box and rose highest to meet a cross from Joel Veltman, which he headed home.

Brighton’s winner came through a deft touch from the boot of Kaoru Mitoma. Rutter was involved again, getting on the end of a loose ball and clipping the pass through to the Japan star. He brought it down well on his chest before lifting it over former Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

It was a poor night at the office for the Blues, with disappointing performances throughout. However, Christopher Nkunku was someone who played particularly poorly.

Nkunku's stats v Brighton

The Frenchman has not had an easy time of things during his Stamford Bridge career so far. Competing against the likes of Palmer and Nicolas Jackson for a spot in the team has not been straightforward, and Saturday night’s clash was a chance to make an impact from the start.

However, the former Paris Saint-Germain academy star did not impress at centre-forward. Chelsea social media presence Felix Johnston pointed out that the Frenchman was the “deepest player in build-up” for the Blues. That is certainly an issue for Maresca’s side given they played without a focal point at times.

This was also something noticed by Football.london journalist Bobby Vincent. In his post-match ratings, he gave Nkunku a 4/10 for his night’s work, also noting that the Frenchman “drops too deep” at times.

It was certainly a missed opportunity for Nkunku, who might well be disappointed he did not manage to have a great impact on the game. However, even though he performed badly, there was perhaps a Chelsea player who was even worse. That man was Malo Gusto.

Gusto's stats v Brighton

Just as his fellow Frenchman struggled on the south coast, it was a tough night for right-back Gusto. Chelsea podcaster Pys said he was “one of our best players last season”, but the 21-year-old put in a disappointing performance on Saturday night.

Defensively, coming directly up against Mitoma, the defender looked all at sea, and could not really keep the electric winger quiet. He left him in acres of space for his goal, which meant Mitoma had time to bring the pass down before his goal.

Gusto’s stats on Sofascore show just how tough of a night it was for him. The Frenchman lost the ball an outrageous 21 times, and won just 2 duels from 12 attempted. He also failed to complete any of the three dribbles he attempted.

Gusto stats v Brighton
Stat	Total
Touches	82
Pass accuracy	86%
Passes completed	49/57
Possession lost	21
Ground duels won	1/10
Aerial duels won	1/2
Dribbles completed	0/3
Stats from Sofascore

Vincent was just as critical of Gusto as he was of Nkunku, and also gave the Chelsea right-back a 4/10 for his display at the Amex Stadium. He explained that the Frenchman has been “below-par for most of the campaign”. That view was backed up by another Blues content creator on Twitter who was perhaps a little harsher, noting that the full-back has been “shocking this season.”

Gusto and his side will be hoping to put this disappointment behind them and bounce back quickly. Next up for Chelsea is another trip to Brighton, this time in the Premier League.

Everything you need to know about Ismael Saibari's salary details playing for PSV

Barcelona-born attacking midfielder Ismael Saibari has adapted well to life in the Netherlands, joining PSV in 2020 after playing for various youth teams in Belgium before.

He showcased his talent with Jong PSV and was handed his first-team debut in 2020.

Saibari has since become a key figure in PSV’s midfield, operating both on the wings and in the attacking midfield role. The Morocco international extended his contract with PSV in 2024, committing to the club for five more years. However, compared to some of the top earners in the squad, his wages remain relatively modest.

So, how much does he earn?

GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!

*

Ismael Saibari's wages at PSV in numbers

Under Saibari's current five-year contract with PSV, he receives a weekly salary of €19,615, totaling €1.02 million annually. Compared to other players, Saibari's salary is relatively low on PSV's wage list.

Player

Nationality

Weekly wages in Euros

Annual wages in Euros

Ismael Saibari

Moroccan

€19,615

€1,020,000

AdvertisementAFPTop earners at PSV

Sergino Dest is the top earner at PSV, with Ricardo Pepi in third place. Rick Karsdorp, Tyrell Malacia, and Luuk de Jong are in second, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively.

Player

Nationality

Weekly wages in Euros

Annual wages in Euros

Sergino Dest

American

€75,385

€3,920,000

Rick Karsdorp

Dutch

€56,731

€2,950,000

Ricardo Pepi

American

€45,192

€2,350,000

Tyrell Malacia

Dutch

€45,192

€2,350,000

Luuk de Jong

Dutch

€38,077

€1,980,000

Top earners in Eredivisie

Jordan Henderson, previously with Liverpool, earns the highest salary in the Eredivisie. Sergino Dest from PSV follows. Daniele Rugani, an Italian player, ranks third, with Ajax's Brian Brobbey and Steven Berghuis in fourth and fifth.

Player

Club

Weekly wages in Euros

Annual wages in Euros

Jordan Henderson

Ajax

€90,000

€4,680,000

Sergino Dest

PSV

€75,385

€3,920,000

Daniele Rugani

Ajax

€75,385

€3,920,000

Brian Brobbey

Ajax

€57,692

€3,000,000

Steven Berghuis

Ajax

€56,731

€2,950,000

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AFPHighest paid players in the world

Eredivisie player salaries are notable but lower than those of top global footballers, with none in the highest ranks.

The top five earners are in the Saudi Pro League, with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr having the highest salary.

Karim Benzema, formerly of Real Madrid, is second, followed by Riyad Mahrez, previously with Manchester City and now at Al-Ahli, in third.

Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly, both from Senegal, are in fourth and fifth places, respectively.

Player

Club

Weekly wages Euros

Annual wages Euros

Cristiano Ronaldo

Al Nassr

€3,846,154

€200,000,000

Karim Benzema

Al Ittihad

€1,923,077

€100,000,000

Riyad Mahrez

Al Ahli

€1,003,846

€52,200,000

Sadio Mane

Al Nassr

€769,231

€40,000,000

Kalidou Koulibaly

Al Hilal

€667,308

€34,700,000

Newcastle have been knocked out of the FA Cup with their hopes now of a potential cup double seeping away.

They look a 1-0 lead against Brighton, only to be beaten 2-1 after 120 minutes played, with the Seagulls fighting back against the Magpies to send the game to extra-time.

Alexander Isak scored in the 22nd minute from the penalty spot, but goals from former Magpie Yankuba Minteh and Danny Welbeck secured the victory for Brighton.

Eddie Howe’s side held 48% possession, taking 15 shots in the game and creating three big chances. Meanwhile, Brighton held more of the ball with 52% possession, taking more shots with 21 in the game, but creating fewer big chances, only having two in the match.

The game also included two red cards, one for Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon and one for Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey, making for an interesting conclusion to the fixture.

Many Newcastle players dug deep after going down to ten men, but there were still a few poor performances on the day from certain individuals.

Newcastle's main underperformers against Brighton

Joelinton was one of Newcastle’s poorest performers on the day but has been a huge asset for Howe’s side this season, making 29 appearances, scoring four goals, providing one assist and totalling 2,344 minutes played.

The 28-year-old had been out with a knee injury for the past few weeks, but made his return against Brighton, playing 56 minutes, winning just three of his eight ground duels, making four fouls and getting himself a yellow card.

Joelinton also had an error leading to a shot and was dribbled past once, showing the midfield maestro perhaps wasn’t quite at his full sharpness just yet.

The Brazilian’s performance was not the worst for the Magpies. indeed, it was Tino Livramento who played Welbeck onside his extra-time winner. Harvey Barnes, meanwhile, trudged from the field of the play just before the hour mark having not managed a single shot.

That said, it was another Newcastle star – someone who was given a 3/10 match rating by the Northern Echo – after a poor moment of judgement that truly cost Howe’s side the game.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

How Anthony Gordon was outclassed by Yankuba Minteh

Brighton’s goalscorer was only sold by Newcastle this summer, with Minteh joining Brighton for a fee of around £33m.

Since joining the Seagulls, the 20-year-old winger has made 26 appearances for the club, scoring six goals and providing four assists.

Funnily enough, it was the ex-Newcastle star who had the better of current Newcastle star, Gordon, who was sent off in the 83rd minute of the game and will now miss the Carabao Cup final due to a three-game suspension.

In the words of Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, it was a “stupid” and “really petulant” error from the winger.

When you compare the two players’ performances on Sunday, both made big mistakes for their side, with Gordon being sent off in the game and Minteh giving away the penalty for Isak to convert in the 22nd minute.

Minutes

83

69

Goals

0

1

Touches

50

32

Shots

1

1

Accurate Passes

19/26

12/18

Key Passes

1

2

Successful Dribbles

0/4

1/2

Ground Duels Won

3/10

4/7

Aerial duels won

0/1

0/0

Tackles

1

2

However, in truth, it was the Brighton star who looked more fit to wear the shirt today with Minteh responded by finding the back of the net himself. He also won more ground duels, made more tackles and provided more key passes for his team. Gordon struggled to get involved too much at all, ultimately completing fewer passes than Martin Dubravka (23) with a performance that really let the Toon Army down.

The Everton academy graduate has had the better season of the attacking pair, with the England international making 34 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing six assists so far. However, with Minteh only 20 years old, many will wonder what he could become in the next few years, considering the level he is already demonstrating.

In an ideal world, Newcastle could have kept Minteh in the summer, deploying a front three of Gordon, Minteh and Isak.

But the Magpies, of course, were unable to keep hold of the youngster due to PSR, which has now seen him come back to bite them, playing his part in knocking them out of the FA Cup.

Howe struck gold on Newcastle ace whose value's risen 780% since his debut

Newcastle and Howe will be pretty happy with this teenage talent.

1 ByRoss Kilvington Mar 1, 2025