Newcastle United are “looking” at a potential move for another attacking player hailed as a “pure baller” this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Ramsey completes move to Newcastle

The Magpies’ summer transfer window hasn’t been a happy one, with key targets choosing other clubs instead, and the Alexander Isak saga hanging over them.

On the plus side, Newcastle have now completed the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, with the Englishman looking forward to his new challenge at St James’ Park.

“I’m delighted to be here. It’s been a mad two or three days, but I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started. This is a big move for me, but as soon as I knew the gaffer was interested and really liked me, it didn’t take much time to decide. His track record of developing players, especially those who have gone on to become internationals here, speaks for itself.

“It was always a tough game playing for Villa against Newcastle – the team is full of energy, so athletic and the fans are so passionate. I feel my game will suit that and I’m excited to be on the other end of it now.”

Now, another gifted young player has also been mentioned as a target for Newcastle, with two weeks of the transfer window remaining.

Newcastle "looking" at move for "pure baller"

Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke claimed that Leicester City ace Bilal El Khannouss is a target for Newcastle this summer, with offers expected to arrive for him from clubs.

“He isn’t letting the speculation effect him at the moment, he started for Leicester in their opening game of the season and got a couple of assists as well. Newcastle have been looking at him while pursuing Jacob Ramsey. They could potentially sign both to strengthen the squad in that position.

“Eddie Howe needs a bigger squad this season with Champions League football to contend with. Leicester are open to selling him and they’ll face a real battle to convince him to stay in the Championship if he does have Premier League offers. It’s one to keep an eye on before the end of the window. I expect offers to come in for El Khannouss before the end of the window.”

El Khannouss is a huge talent with so many good years ahead of him, so he could be a superb long-term signing in attacking midfield areas.

The 21-year-old has already bagged two assists in as many games in the Championship this season, while analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as a “pure baller” because of his natural ability.

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Granted, El Khannouss plays in a similar position to Ramsey, so minutes could be hard to come by initially, especially given the quality already in Newcastle’s midfield. That said, he should still feature plenty, and has the potential to be a future star at St James’.

It was not the return to Premier League action that West Ham United fans were hoping for on Saturday afternoon.

However, while Graham Potter’s side were trounced 3-0 by Sunderland, there were at least a couple of positives to take from the game, like El Hadji Malick Diouf’s first competitive game for the club.

The Senegalese international certainly wasn’t spectacular against the Black Cats, but he was still one of the Hammers’ better players on the day and showed enough to suggest he could be a key player.

For example, he played two key passes, took one shot on target, was successful in 100% of his dribbles and even made three clearances.

So, fans should be excited about reports linking the club with an up-and-coming player who could be a perfect teammate for Diouf.

Minutes

97′

Touches

54

Expected Goals +Assists

0.23

Number of Sprints

10

Key Passes

2

Shots on Target

1

Dribbles (Successful)

1 (1)

Fouls Won

1

Clearances

3

West Ham target a dream teammate for Diouf

With just under two weeks to go until the transfer window slams shut, West Ham are still being linked with several players who could help keep them out of a relegation scrap this season.

Transfer Focus

One of those players touted for a move to the London Stadium has been AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, who could be available for free and would bring an abundance of top-flight experience with him.

However, while the Italian international would be an excellent addition to the squad, it now looks like the Irons are closing in on another midfield ace, someone who’d be a perfect teammate for Diouf.

At least that is according to a recent report, which has claimed West Ham United are still very interested in Mateus Fernandes.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Hammers are now preparing an offer for the Southampton star, which, according to other stories this month, might have to be worth around £50m to get the South Coast side to sell.

However, while that is an enormous sum of money, Fernandes might just be worth it, especially as he could help get even more out of Diouf.

Why Fernandes would be perfect for Diouf

There are two primary ways that Fernandes could help get more out of Diouf this season, and the first is down to his offensive qualities.

For example, despite playing in a terrible Southampton team last season that was in real danger of taking Derby County’s most unwanted of records at one point, the Portuguese ace was still able to amass a pretty decent tally of three goals and six assists in 42 games.

What makes that more impressive is the fact that he was tasked with playing all over, from defensive to attacking midfield and even in wide midfield at points.

So, just imagine how much more effective he could be playing alongside considerably more talented players at the London Stadium – his output would shoot up.

At the same time, Diouf would now have a central midfielder to his right who is more than capable of progressing the ball and laying on chances for him, in turn boosting his own goal and assist tally.

However, the former Sporting CP star is also more than capable of doing the defensive work, which is the second reason he could help get more out of the former Slavia Prague star.

For example, FBref ranked the “exceptional” talent, as dubbed by Mattinson, in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles in the defensive third, the top 2% for tackles plus interceptions and blocks, the top 4% for ball recoveries and more, all per 90.

With the Olhão-born monster able to do this in the middle of the park, Diouf may have more freedom to maraud forward and swing in a cross or take a shot on himself, thus bolstering the chance he gets himself an assist or goal.

Ultimately, Fernandes would be a great signing in his own right, but with the Senegalese international on the left, he could have an even more game-changing addition to this West Ham side.

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed Curtis Jones is expected to be fit for Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton. The midfielder is poised to return after picking up a knock in the Reds’ 1-0 Premier League victory over Arsenal before the international break.

Jones set to miss Atletico clash

Jones subsequently missed Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Burnley on Sunday afternoon and will also be absent when his side take on La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opener at Anfield on Wednesday evening.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfielder in line to return against rivals Everton

However Liverpool boss Slot is now hopeful Jones will return to the fold for the visit of fierce rivals Everton this weekend. Both teams have made strong starts to the season, with Slot’s side having won their opening four league games while David Moyes’ men have lost just once in the same number of games.

Slot confirms plan for recovering star

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Atletico, Slot said of Jones: "He will train with the squad tomorrow, hopefully he will be with the squad on Saturday."

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Jones emerges as key Liverpool figure under Slot's guidance

Jones has emerged as a key figure under Slot’s stewardship, featuring in Liverpool’s opening three league fixtures against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Arsenal in 2025-26. The 24-year-old also made 46 appearances in all competitions for the Merseysiders in 2024-25, scoring three goals.

With just two days until the transfer window slams shut, Manchester City have reportedly set their sights on an alternative option to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

Latest on Man City's transfer targets

Man City’s transfer window began with a flourish but has slowly petered out. Now, with deadline day approaching, there’s still a number of dominoes that must fall in order for them to get their main targets. One of those targets is of course Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper has already said goodbye to fans in France, but those at the Etihad are yet to get their deal done.

As things stand, City are still waiting on Ederson’s exit before they push ahead and secure Donnarumma. There’s no denying that time is running out for that move to happen, however, and Pep Guardiola could yet miss out.

Donnarumma isn’t the only top star to be linked with a move to Man City, either. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has also been on their radar this summer as he looks for a route out of the Bernabeu.

Just like Donnarumma, however, the Brazilian’s move likely relies on whether the Citizens sell one of their own first. For some time, it looked as though that could be Savinho, who didn’t feature in City’s first two Premier League games, but Tottenham Hotspur have since turned towards other targets.

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A better option than Rodrygo may yet also emerge. Reports are now suggesting that those at the Etihad have set their sights on an alternative superstar option for Guardiola.

Man City eyeing Olise

As reported by BILD’s Christian Falk, Man City are now eyeing a move to sign Michael Olise from Bayern Munich alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League rivals, Liverpool. The Frenchman has starred since swapping Crystal Palace for the Bundesliga champions, who are not currently willing to sell their star man.

The interest of the Citizens is certainly interesting, despite Bayern’s reported stance. Guardiola has struggled to find a winger as effective as Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane were during City’s peak under the Spaniard, but it hasn’t been for the want of trying. Jeremie Doku, Savinho, Grealish and others have all tried and failed to truly grab the same headlines. Olise, however, could be the man that Guardiola has been searching for.

League stats 24/25

Olise

Rodrygo

Minutes

2,334

1,928

Goals

12

6

Assists

15

5

Completed take-ons

72

49

Compared to Rodrygo, there’s a clear standout. Olise is on another level to the Real Madrid man, but Guardiola will already be well aware of the quality that the winger has in abundance.

Described as “unique” by former Man City man Owen Hargreaves last season, it wasn’t so long ago that Olise was silencing the Etihad with a last-minute penalty to salvage a draw for Crystal Palace.

MatériaMais Notícias

Os clubes da Liga do Futebol Brasileiro (Libra) têm uma nova alternativa para assinar com o Mubadala Capital, fundo árabe interessado em investir no futebol brasileiro.

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Destaques:

– Nova oferta prevê apenas a formação de um bloco comercial, sem participação do fundo na organização do Brasileirão;

– Operação seria de R$ 1,3 bilhão a R$ 2,3 bilhões – a depender do número de clubes – por 12,5% dos direitos;

– Caso o cenário de divisão se confirme, oferta é similar à do Serengeti ao Forte Futebol

O que muda em relação às últimas ofertas?

Em reunião virtual realizada na manhã desta segunda-feira com os membros da Libra, o Mubadala Capital apresentou mais uma alternativa aos 18 clubes que compõem o grupo: a formação de um bloco comercial apenas para negociação dos direitos de transmissão, sem a previsão de uma liga de fato.

Caso este seja o modelo escolhido, os clube receberiam um pagamento à vista em troca da cessão de 12,5% dos direitos de transmissão do bloco por 50 anos. O valor da proposta é 50% do cheque da oferta integral – de R$ 4,75 bilhões por 20% -, mas de forma proporcional ao novo percentual discutido.

Descontando o pagamento de comissões aos intermediários, os 18 membros atuais da Libra dividiriam um valor líquido de R$ 1,3 bilhão. Caso times do Forte Futebol se juntem ao grupo, o valor aumentaria até chegar ao máximo de R$ 2,3 bilhões, em um cenário improvável de bloco comercial com 40 clubes, mas sem formação da liga.

Cabe destacar que a novidade não altera as duas propostas apresentadas anteriormente – uma de R$ 4,75 bilhões por 20% de uma liga com mais de 33 clubes, outra de R$ 4 bilhões em um cenário intermediário, com 18 a 33 clubes.

Tentativa de atrair Vasco, Botafogo e Cruzeiro

Há uma explicação por trás da nova oferta do Mubadala Capital. Com divergências entre dirigentes da Libra e Forte Futebol, a fundação da liga está travada e o fundo árabe quer garantir, na pior das hipóteses, a participação acionária em um bloco comercial, segundo apurou o L!.

Além disso, há o entendimento que a novidade pode facilitar o acerto com Vasco, Cruzeiro e Botafogo, que fazem parte da Libra, mas não assinaram o novo MOU (memorando de entendimento). Uma das insatisfações do trio é justamente a a cláusula que condiciona o pagamento de R$ 4,75 bilhões ou R$ 4 bilhões à participação do Mubadala na organização do Brasileirão.

Quantos os clubes receberiam em cada bloco comercial?

Diante das últimas movimentações, a formação de dois blocos comerciais é o cenário mais provável a curto prazo. De um lado, o Mubadala Capital investiria R$ 1,3 bilhão por 12,5% dos direitos dos 18 clubes da Libra. Do outro, o Serengeti precisaria assinar com 22 clubes do Forte Futebol para validar a proposta intermediária de R$ 2,2 bilhões por 20% do bloco comercial.

Em termos proporcionais, as duas propostas têm valores parecidos. A diferença é que o valor oferecido pelo Serengeti é fixo para o cenário de 22 a 35 clubes, enquanto a proposta do Mubadala aumenta ou diminui de acordo com a entrada e saída de clubes.

Neste caso, cada grupo dividiria o dinheiro seguindo seus próprios critérios. Pelo lado do Forte Futebol, a distribuição entre os membros atuais está definida desde abril – clique aqui para ver mais detalhes.

O cálculo de divisão da nova oferta do Mubadala Capital é simples: cada clube da Libra receberia metade do montante destinado na proposta integral, de R$ 4,75 bilhões. O Flamengo, por exemplo, ganharia R$ 316 milhões pela venda de 20% dos direitos da eventual liga e ficaria com uma fatia de R$ 158 milhões por 12,5%.

E com um bloco comercial de 40 clubes?

Já em um possível cenário de bloco comercial com 40 clubes, a proposta do Serengeti aos clubes do Forte Futebol leva vantagem. A oferta integral do fundo americano é de R$ 4,76 bilhões líquidos por 20% dos direitos da eventual liga – com 36 ou mais times – e também considera a formação de um bloco comercial. De forma proporcional, o valor seria de R$ 2,97 bilhões por 12,5% – contra R$ 2,3 bilhões do Mubadala.

Neste caso, a vantagem principal da Libra em relação ao Forte Futebol seria o pagamento à vista – o que pode atrair clubes com problemas de fluxo de caixa. O pagamento da LFF, por outro lado, aconteceria em três parcelas.

Este cenário, no entanto, é improvável de acontecer. Se os clubes se unirem em um único bloco comercial, a tendência é a formação da liga para organizar o Brasileirão e a Série B como um todo. Neste caso, valeria a primeira proposta do Mubadala Capital, de R$ 4,75 bilhões por 20% dos direitos comerciais da liga.

* A matéria foi atualizada às 18h40 com a adição da tabela comparativa nos moldes atuais.

The Australia opener hit a 98-ball 116 but NSW’s chase fell short after a powerful display from the home side

AAP13-Feb-2025Sam Konstas overcame leg cramps to score his first domestic one-day century, but couldn’t prevent Queensland beating New South Wales.Despite Konstas’s impressive 116, NSW were dismissed for 256 chasing Queensland’s 310 for 9 on Thursday at Allan Border Field.Konstas was sent home early from the Sri Lanka tour without playing in either Test and only made 3 and 22 in the Sheffield Shield match earlier this week against Queensland. But the 19-year-old, whose Boxing Day Test debut was one of the highlights of the summer, reminded everyone of his vast potential as he anchored the NSW innings in his second domestic one dayer.While Konstas was still in, NSW had a glimmer of hope that they could pull off the win. Play was held up for five minutes after he cramped badly in his left hamstring and dropped to the turf, but after treatment he was able to keep batting.His 98-ball knock featured 13 fours and three sixes. He brought up the century with an outstanding square cut for six.But NSW, who started Thursday’s games as the top side in the one-day competition, paid dearly for a mid-innings collapse after Lachlan Hearne set up the sizeable Queensland total with his ton.After the start of play was delayed by rain and the match shortened to 45 overs per side, the bowler-friendly conditions meant it was a good toss for NSW to win. They reduced the home side to 54 for 4, before Hearne and Max Bryant steadied the innings with their 100-run stand from 78 balls.Lachlan Hearne celebrates his century•Getty ImagesOnce Bryant was dismissed for 34, Jack Wildermuth was the senior partner in his 120-run stand with Hearne as the conditions became much easier for batting.Wildermuth belted 83 from 56 balls with six fours and five sixes. Hearne also opened up, with four successive sixes to hit Moises Henriques out of the attack.He was dismissed at the end of the 42nd over for 107 from 91 balls, with four fours and seven sixes.Gurinder Sandhu scored a valuable, unbeaten 21 to take the score past 300, while opening bowler Jack Nisbet took 4 for 49 from his nine overs..NSW made a solid start, reaching 113 for 1 in the 18th over, before they crucially lost 3 for 5. After Mitch Swepson dismissed Matthew Gilkes for 34, Callum Vidler snared two wickets in three balls, with Henriques and Oliver Davies departing for ducks.That left NSW 118 for 4 at the end of the 19th over and they never quite recovered. A 50-run stand between Konstas and Hayden Kerr for the eighth wicket raised NSW hopes of chasing down the formidable Queensland total.But when Liam Guthrie snared Kerr for 14, NSW were 233 for 8 at the start of the 38th over. Sandhu claimed Konstas’ wicket in the 40th over to confirm Queensland would win and the only interest remained whether the home side could claim the bonus point, by dismissing NSW for less than 247. But the visitors passed that target and their last wicket fell at 42.2 overs.

A £20m Arsenal player who Mikel Arteta called “exceptional” now “wants to leave”, and a move across Europe is “very likely”.

Arteta praises his side after victory at Old Trafford

The fixture list handed the Gunners a tricky start to the 2025-26 campaign, as travelling to Old Trafford is always a daunting task, but Arteta’s side got the job done courtesy of a first-half header from Riccardo Calafiori, and the manager was pleased with the performance.

The Spaniard was particularly impressed with his side’s “phenomenal” display from a defensive standpoint, while he also praised the way in which they were able to handle the occasion, given the raucous atmosphere at Old Trafford.

William Saliba and Gabriel were, of course, at the heart of the defence, as the centre-back duo usually are if they are both fit, which means the north Londoners’ back-up options only receive limited game time.

That may not be too much of an issue for younger players, such as new signing Cristhian Mosquera, but defenders in the prime of their career are unlikely to want to play second fiddle.

As such, there is a feeling that Jakub Kiwior could now be heading for the exit door this summer, with Włodarczyk recently taking to X to reveal the Polish defender “wants to leave”, amid interest from FC Porto.

In fact, a move to the Liga Portugal club is deemed “very likely”, as they “haven’t given up”, after submitting an official offer back in July.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Gunners for £20m back in 2023, was left out of the squad that travelled to Old Trafford, and talks over an exit are currently “ongoing”.

Losing "exceptional" Kiwior could be blow for Arteta

Given that Saliba and Gabriel are almost nailed on to start in the Premier League if they are available, it is always going to be a difficult task for the Poland international to force his way into the side, but he has impressed when given the opportunity.

Indeed, with Gabriel sidelined due to injury, the former Spezia man was given the nod against Paris Saint-Germain the Champions League semi-final last season, and he certainly caught Arteta’s eye with his performance.

The Arsenal boss said: “He deserves a lot of credit because he hasn’t played too much throughout many months, and suddenly he’s been thrown into the most difficult context, at the highest level, playing against the best opponents, when you haven’t had the physical rhythm or the confidence to do it, and I think he’s been exceptional.”

Dependable back-up options are hard to come by, so it would be disappointing to lose Kiwior this summer, although not the end of the world, given Mosquera’s arrival.

كشفت تقارير صحفية مواجهة الاتحاد النرويجي لكرة القدم لعقوبات مشددة بسبب الأحداث التي نشبت قبل مباراة النرويج والكيان الصهيوني.

قدم نجم منتخب النرويج، إيرلينج هالاند، أداءً مثاليًا في مباراة اليوم ضد الكيان الصهيوني، في إطار التصفيات المؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس العالم نسخة 2026.

واستضاف منتخب النرويج نظيره الكيان الصهيوني في خضم تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى المونديال العام المقبل، حيث حقق أصحاب الأرض فوزًا كاسحًا بخمسة أهداف دون رد.

وفقًا لصحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” فإن الاتحاد النرويجي لكرة القدم يواجه عقوبة من الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” عقب ما حدث أمس.

قبل المباراة وخلالها، اندلعت احتجاجات خارج الملعب رافعين لافتات ضد الكيان الصهيوني وعند دخول الملعب، رفعت مجموعة من مشجعي المنتخب النرويجي لافتة كُتب عليها “دعوا الأطفال يعيشون”، كما قفز أحد المشجعين مرتديًا قميصًا كُتب عليه “حرروا غزة”.

اقرأ أيضًا | هالاند يتفوق على ميسي ورونالدو ومبابي بعد هاتريك النرويج في تصفيات كأس العالم

الحوادث التي يعاقب عليها قانون الانضباط للاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” الذي ينص بوضوح على أن الاتحادات الأعضاء والأندية المضيفة مسؤولة عن النظام والسلامة في الملاعب وخارجها قبل المباريات وبعد انتهائها أيضًا.

وأفادت أنه دون المساس بمسؤوليتها عن سوء سلوك مشجعيها، فإنها تتحمل مسؤولية أي حوادث ما لم تثبت عدم وجود إهمال من جانبها في تنظيم المباراة.

ومن بين الأفعال التي قد تخضع للعقوبات هو استخدام الإيماءات أو الكلمات أو الأشياء أو أي وسيلة أخرى لنقل رسائل غير لائقة في حدث رياضي، وخاصة الرسائل ذات الطبيعة السياسية أو الإيديولوجية أو الدينية أو المسيئة فضلًا عن أي خرق آخر للنظام أو الانضباط يتم ملاحظته في الملعب أو خارجه”.

وذكرت أيضًا أن اقتحام أو محاولة اقتحام الملعب جريمة وبالتالي الاتحاد النرويجي لكرة القدم سيتعرض لغرامة قد تشمل إنذارًا أو إغلاقًا جزئيًا للمدرجات.

Arsenal stole a massive comeback victory deep in stoppage time at St James' Park as Gabriel rose highest to head home a 96th minute winner and close the gap on leaders Liverpool, in a massive statement early on in this season's title race. The home side had led through a Nick Woltemade header with Gabriel at fault for the goal but the Gunners fought back, substitute Mikel Merino guiding home a fantastic header before Gabriel powered home the winner.

Arsenal came into the game buoyed by Liverpool's defeat at Crystal Palace yesterday and began at a sprint, the home side did well to deny an early Gunners onslaught. Eberechi Eze forced the best from Nick Pope with two great saves in the first half, one particular save down low a major early moment after just six minutes.

Pope almost went from hero to villain soon after, though, as Viktor Gyokeres went through on goal and appeared to be taken out by the goalkeeper with the goal gaping. Referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot. But a VAR check would prevent Arsenal from scoring from the spot, as a review revealed Pope got the smallest of touches on the ball before taking down Gyokeres. No penalty.

Bukayo Saka caused the home side problems down the right and Leandro Trossard struck the post, before the game changed in the 34th minute as Newcastle took the lead against the run of play. Both of Arsenal's starting centre-backs would ultimately play a role in their downfall. First, Cristhian Mosquera sliced the ball out for a corner when a pass-back appeared simple. Then Gabriel went down at the slightest nudge from Woltemade, allowing the 6ft 6in striker a free run to head the ball into the corner of the net. Gabriel counted on a soft free-kick decision which would not come, and the Gunners were behind.

The Gunners searched for an equaliser in the second half but Pope was in inspired form once again when he kept out Jurrien Timber. Similarly to last weekend against Manchester City, though, Arsenal would simply not accept defeat. Merino headed home an inch-perfect Declan Rice delivery before Gabriel went from villain to hero with the final say deep in stoppage time, at the end of an enthralling encounter.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from St James' Park…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (6/10):

Could do little about Woltemade's perfectly-placed header and did not look likely to concede again.

Jurrien Timber (7/10):

Remains a threat in both boxes and would have scored his third of the season had it not been for Pope. Anthony Gordon caused a few problems but Timber generally dealt with him well.

Cristhian Mosquera (5/10):

The 21-year-old was playing well up against Woltemade until he made a costly mistake in slicing a back-pass out for a corner. The German striker would go on to score from the resulting kick, though it was Mosquera's defensive partner who was majorly at fault for the goal. Replaced at half-time as Arteta brought regular starter Saliba on at the back.

Gabriel (7/10):

The true villain to hero arc. Let his side down when he went down far too easily for Woltemade's goal. But Gabriel rose highest to head home deep in stoppage time and steal the most unlikely of victories.

Riccardo Calafiori (6/10):

Continues to be a steady performer at left-back for the Gunners and largely kept Jacob Murphy quiet, while joining attacks at the other end.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Martin Zubimendi (6/10):

Had the tough role of attempting to control the midfield against an inspired Newcastle side and struggled to do so. 

Declan Rice (7/10):

Showed the very best of his delivery to set up the Gunners' crucial equaliser, having not taken enough risks to get forward in the first half. Great recovery run to prevent Murphy doubling Newcastle's lead.

Eberechi Eze (7/10):

Given the chance to start in his preferred position in attacking midfield. Eze forced Pope into a couple of outstanding saves and was certainly one of the Gunners' biggest threats on the day.

AFPAttack

Bukayo Saka (6/10):

Made a couple of bright runs in the first half but faded and was substituted in the second half. May not be back to full fitness just yet, though it was certainly a boost to have him back in the line-up from the start.

Leandro Trossard (6/10):

Chosen to start for a second successive league game and did little to impact the game for large parts. Hit the post in the first half, though, which was vastly unlucky after a rasping drive at 0-0.

Viktor Gyokeres (7/10):

He may not have scored but the threat of Gyokeres was certainly apparent. Multiple times he came awfully close to getting a decisive shot off in the box, finding himself challenged or losing balance at the vital moment. Unlucky with the overturned penalty, too. He will still need to improve and become the difference-maker in big games such as these.

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William Saliba (6/10):

Came on at half-time with his biggest contribution being a misguided challenge which led to Tino Livramento coming off on a stretcher.

Mikel Merino (8/10):

Brought on for a job and did exactly what he was asked to do. A fantastic header with just six minutes left. Always appeared more effective off the bench last season and so it proved again.

Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):

Was given 20 minutes to change the game but was not the decisive figure on this occasion.

Martin Odegaard (7/10):

Returned from injury late on and made a key impact with his perfect delivery from the match-winning corner.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (N/A):

Came on late on as he continues to be understudy to Calafiori so far this season.

Mikel Arteta (8/10):

His more attacking line-up worked well in the first half until his side went behind. The substitutions worked wonders, too, as Merino and Odegaard both played a role in Arsenal's victory.

Romelu Lukaku is in mourning after the passing of his father, Roger, at just 58. The Napoli striker, currently sidelined with injury, removed all Instagram posts and left a single tribute to his late father. Lukaku, who played a key role in Napoli’s title-winning campaign last season, now faces a period of personal grief alongside his road to recovery.

• A family tragedy for the Lukakus

  Lukaku has announced the death of his father Roger, who passed away at the age of 58. The Napoli striker, joined by his brother Jordan, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing: “Life will never be the same again.” 

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• Lukaku's emotional gesture on Instagram for his father

  As part of his mourning, the Belgian striker has since deleted all previous posts from his profile, leaving only a picture with his father. In it, he thanked Roger for protecting and guiding him, admitting the pain “flows like rivers.” The symbolic act underlines the depth of his grief during what is already a testing period due to injury. 

  Lukaku posted on his Instagram profile in memory of his father: "Thank you for teaching me everything I know. I will always be grateful and appreciate you. Life will never be the same again. You protected and guided me like no one else could have done. I will never be the same again. The pain and tears are flowing freely. But God will give me the strength to get back up. Thank you for everything."

• The man who shaped his sons’ careers

  Roger Lukaku, a former striker for Zaire who also played in Belgium and Turkey, had a complicated yet influential role in his sons’ lives. Though his relationship with Romelu and Jordan suffered following his divorce, Roger expressed his hopes of reconciliation in 2023, saying: "I hope this article reopens the floodgates. I feel like one day things will be okay again, because the current situation is hurting me so much." Despite past struggles, Romelu credited him for teaching him “everything I know.”

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  What lies ahead for Lukaku and Napoli

  Lukaku who delivered 14 goals and 10 assists in Serie A last season, is currently recovering from a thigh injury that could rule him out until early 2026. Napoli will hope he can return fully fit, but for now, football takes a back seat as their No.9 focuses on family, healing, and eventually finding strength to step back on the pitch.