Man City player ratings vs Newcastle: Kalvin Phillips looks well short of a suitable Rodri replacement as midfield woes contribute to early Carabao Cup exit

Pep Guardiola's side limped out of the competition after dominating possession but doing little with it before being overpowered in the second half

Kalvin Phillips was given a golden opportunity to play his way back into Pep Guardiola's thoughts when Rodri got sent off against Nottingham Forest, but he did not make use of his first chance as Manchester City were outthought and outfought by Newcastle and sent crashing out of the Carabao Cup with a 1-0 defeat.

Phillips summed up City's first-half display, playing lots of nice passes and keeping control but without taking any risks or trying to genuinely put Eddie Howe's side under pressure. Newcastle finally came out of the blocks after the break and played with intensity and bravery and City, especially Phillips, had little response.

It was the first time Guardiola's side have lost a match in 90 minutes since May and arguably the first match that mattered since they were beaten by Tottenham in February. All good runs must come to an end at some point, however, and now City must make their peace with the fact that there is at least one competition they won't be winning this season.

GOAL rates Man City's players from St James' Park…

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Stefan Ortega (6/10):

Excellent on the ball, calmly passing out despite opponents breathing down his neck. Made the save of the first half to deny Murphy, could do little about Isak's goal.

Rico Lewis (5/10):

Culpable for the goal, not checking his surroundings when deciding to let Joelinton's cross go. Calm in possession in the first half but overpowered in the second. Came close to a late leveller with shot that just went wide.

Manuel Akanji (5/10):

Looked shaken just after Newcastle took the lead. Solid before then, and picked up the armband from Ake late on.

Josko Gvardiol (4/10):

Made a few sloppy passes, one which gifted Murphy his first-half chance, and didn't command the area well for the goal.

Nathan Ake (5/10):

Too passive in the second half.

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Mateo Kovacic (5/10):

Helped control the first half but rarely looked like making anything happen.

Kalvin Phillips (4/10):

Did not take the chance afforded to him by Rodri's suspension. His passing was imprecise and could not fight back Newcastle's waves of pressure after the break.

Sergio Gomez (5/10):

Too ponderous in possession and hardly got forward into good positions.

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Oscar Bobb (7/10):

An excellent full debut. Worked so hard off the ball and looked like one of few City players capable of doing something useful with it.

Julian Alvarez (5/10):

Not his day. Spurned City's best chance of the first half and barely threatened after that.

Jack Grealish (5/10):

His first start for a month and he looked rusty and uninspired. A shot down Pope's throat was his only attacking contribution.

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Jeremy Doku (6/10):

Didn't manage to make much use of his twisting runs and speedy dribbling.

Matheus Nunes (5/10):

Got pushed around when he came on.

Phil Foden (6/10):

Gave City more purpose when he came on but couldn't really help them.

Pep Guardiola (5/10):

Set a bad tone by complaining about City's travel options before the game. Still picked a strong team but didn't go all out to get back into the game, leaving Haaland and Walker on the bench.

‘It is OK to put yourself first’ – Gotham FC star Imani Dorsey opens up on mental health battle and explains stepping back from 2023 NWSL campaign

Gotham FC standout Imani Dorsey explains why she stepped back during the 2023 campaign, highlighting a mental health battle.

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Dorsey explains 2023 campaign absence from Gotham FCSays it was due to mental health battleNWSL CBA allowed her to be successful during absenceWHAT HAPPENED?

The 2018 NWSL Rookie of the Year – and one-time USWNT capped player – watched Gotham FC lift the 2023 NWSL championship trophy from the bench last weekend, just as she did all campaign. However, it was her choice, with the support of the club, staff and her teammates.

Dorsey shared via Instagram that during 2023 she stepped back from the game this past Spring due to a mental health battle. Her absence was also supported by the NWSL's collective bargaining agreement that was ratified in 2022; the agreement provides players with up to six months of paid leave to support their mental health.

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The 2022 NWSL CBA was ground-breaking for the league and the respective players who compete in it. For someone like Dorsey, who was in need of mental health support, she was able to rely on both the league and her team over the course of the campaign.

Over the course of the year, her social media post highlights different things she was able to do as a result of her break, describing it as 'unforgettable memories' and as a result of her choice, she walks away a 'CHAMPION.'

WHAT DORSEY SAID:

Her Instagram post reads in full: "My year looked a little different than my teammates. Back in April with the help of my family I made the really hard decision to step back from soccer to focus on my mental health. While I didn’t know where this journey would take me, the time I got to spend with friends and family, exploring aspects of myself I typically had little time or capacity to enjoy, helped me better understand who I am, what I love and what makes me, me – without soccer.

"When I took a step back in April I didn’t know if I would return, but I am grateful to say my time away helped me rediscover what I love about this sport – competing, being active, and being a part of a team – and am now so excited to continue playing. As grateful as I have always been to play as a pro, it often felt like a burden rather than the privilege and opportunity it most definitely is. I may not have known where I would be come November initially, but I am so happy to see where I have ended up – and how far I have come. I am so grateful to our CBA and all the work put in by players and our PA to advocate for mental health.

"Thank you to Gotham for supporting me every step of the way and welcoming me back with open arms. And thank you to my family, friends, and everyone who has shown me love and support this year – it is really hard to be vulnerable and with your help I was able to take care of myself in a way I didn’t know I needed.

"To everyone who is struggling, who doesn’t see an end in sight and doesn’t know what to do – know that it is ok to put yourself first. Lean on the people around you and confide in those you trust. Without my family and my faith, I don’t know where I’d be right now. It is really hard to do, but sometimes it’s ok and it’s the right choice to take a step back. It gave me the perspective and energy and confidence I needed. I would never trade this journey or my decision.

"Because of it, I walk away from this year a CHAMPION, incredibly proud of who I have become along the way, all the unforgettable memories I have made, and excited for what my future holds."

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WHAT NEXT FOR DORSEY AND GOTHAM?

The 27-year-old will now look to prepare for the 2024 campaign with the Bats, where she will hopefully make a return to the pitch. Coming off of their first-ever NWSL Championship, Gotham has high hopes for 2024 and now, they have the biggest offseason the in the history of their organization.

Coach claim threatens to knock USMNT stars Weston McKennie & Tim Weah back to square one at Juventus

Weston McKennie and Tim Weah may be heading back to square one at Juventus, with Massimiliano Allegri reportedly ready to quit his post.

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Allegri prepared to end Bianconeri contract earlyCould walk away in the summer of 2024American stars would need to prove themselves againWHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Allegri is mulling over an early end to his contract in Turin. His current deal is due to run through to the summer of 2025, but said agreement could be brought to a close in 2024 if the 56-year-old opts to walk away.

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Allegri is said to have attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, with teams in the Middle East ready to “cover him in gold”, while a well-earned break could also be taken in if the Serie A title-winning coach decides to wait on another challenge in Europe.

DID YOU KNOW?

Allegri is said to be growing disillusioned with life at Juve following the departure of former chairman Andre Agnelli – the man who re-hired him in 2021. He reportedly feels that the club are heading in a different direction to the one that he would favour, leading to questions being asked of his future.

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Any departure for Allegri could hit USMNT stars McKennie and Weah hard. The former has worked his way back into favour this season – seeing a new contract mooted along the way – but his situation could change were a new boss to be brought in. Weah was snapped up in the summer transfer window by Allegri and the versatile United States international is another that may have to prove himself all over again in 2024-25.

Newcastle not done yet as transfer insider reveals news he’s been "told"

Newcastle United have already made a few big money signings this summer and if reports are to be believed, they may not be done yet. Transfer insider Dean Jones has spoken to GIVEMESPORT about the centre-back situation at St James’ Park and what could transpire between now and the beginning of September.

What is the latest in Newcastle United’s centre-back hunt?

This time last year, Newcastle brought in Sven Botman from Lille, a man who helped the French side to a shocking Ligue 1 title.

The Dutchman was then a mainstay at the heart of the Magpies’ defence, amassing over 3,100 minutes in the Premier League. He appeared in 36 of the 38 fixtures and only once was he used as a substitute in that period.

Botman is just 23 and was primarily partnered with the more experienced Fabian Schar. As strong as that duo was under Eddie Howe last term, Newcastle may not be resting on their laurels with reports suggesting a new defender could soon arrive on Tyneside.

The Daily Mail have reported that Crystal Palace’s defensive rock Joachim Andersen is one of those admired by the Newcastle hierarchy and another is Benfica teenager Antonio Silva. The pair are thought to be worth too much in comparison to what Howe is wanting to spend on his defender.

This ties into what Dean Jones has said to GMS below, with the budgeting on this target being a sticking point at the time of writing.

What has Dean Jones got to say?

When speaking with GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Dean Jones indicated that the transfer exploits for Newcastle in the defensive third will depend largely on the prices of players.

“I’ve always been told that the centre of defence is something to look out for. Newcastle United aren’t finished in this transfer window is what I’m led to believe. It’s really always been a case, though, of what level of spending are they willing to go to here.

“Is it going to be that they want to find good value for money, and we find someone coming in between £10-£20m? Or are they going to go out and cement their case as proper Champions League contenders again by spending upwards of £30m? I wouldn’t rule it out at all. It’ll be very interesting to see what they do.”

Who are Newcastle trying to sign?

Having already acquired fullback Tino Livramento from Southampton for a sizable fee following their relegation to the Championship, Howe and co are reportedly interested in out of favour Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney.

It is currently said to be La Liga outfit Real Sociedad leading the charge to obtain the services of the Scotsman. The one issue that could make all the difference though is that Mikel Arteta wants to strike a permanent deal for Tierney whereas the Spaniards are keen to bring him in on loan.

This is clearly a position of interest for the Magpies’ as Chelsea and Spain’s Marc Cucurella has been linked with a season-long loan at St James’ Park as reported by Felix Johnston.

New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino seemingly favours Ben Chilwell and so Cucurella may go in search of game time, Champions League game-time at that, further north.

Damning UEFA report lists Man Utd as having the 'most expensive squad EVER' – worth eye-watering £1.21 billion – as staggering fees for Jadon Sancho & Antony take Red Devils past 2020 record set by Real Madrid

Antony and Jadon Sancho make up a Manchester United squad that was "the most expensive ever assembled" in football, according to a new UEFA report.

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Antony and Sancho signed for big feesUEFA reveals most expensive squad everDoesn't account for 2023-24 windowWHAT HAPPENED?

The report, taken by the European Club Finances and Investment Landscape, revealed Erik ten Hag's side to be worth £1.21bn ($1.52bn) by the end of the 2023 financial year. This beats the record in place since 2020 set by Real Madrid, whose illustrious team were worth an estimated £1.13bn ($1.42m) combined.

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The signings of Antony and Sancho contributed heavily to that final 2023 sum. The Brazilian is yet to fully take off since signing for £82m ($103m) in 2022, while the England winger was recently loaned back to Borussia Dortmund after failing to live up to his £73m ($92m) price tag. Other noteworthy costs include £80m ($100m)-man Harry Maguire, signed back in 2019, as well as veteran Casemiro, for whom United splashed out £70m ($88m) in 2022. Indeed, the figures are damning when lined up with United's fortunes on the pitch, with the Red Devils still a long way off being able to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League.

DID YOU KNOW?

However, that report does not take into account United's spending after the 2023 financial year, meaning £72m ($90m) Rasmus Hojlund, £55m ($69m) Mason Mount and £47m ($59m) Andre Onana are all omitted from that staggering total.

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UEFA's report adds that United's eye-watering sum is joined by Premier League rivals Manchester City, Chelsea, as well as European giants Real Madrid, who all topped £1bn ($1.26bn) in squad values for 2023. Todd Boehly's Blues were recently told they could spend up to another £350m ($439m) in the coming window, if the right player sales are sanctioned.

‘Gave me loads of titles & goals!’ – Casemiro forever in Cristiano Ronaldo’s debt after working with ‘all-time best’ at Real Madrid & Man Utd

Casemiro will forever be in Cristiano Ronaldo’s debt as his former Real Madrid and Manchester United team-mate gave him “loads of titles and goals”.

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Brazilian moved to Madrid in 2013Won several honours alongside PortugueseBriefly reunited at Old Trafford in 2022WHAT HAPPENED?

The Brazil international midfielder moved to Santiago Bernabeu in 2013, with CR7 very much the star attraction in the Spanish capital by that point. Casemiro would go on to savour La Liga, Champions League and Club World Cup glory alongside Ronaldo.

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The pair were briefly reunited at Old Trafford in 2022, prior to Ronaldo’s stunning release as a free agent, and they will always boast a close bond. Casemiro has told United’s of Ronaldo: “He gave me loads of titles and goals. So, it’s a pleasure to talk about Cris. In my generation, he was top three in the world. Without a doubt, he’s one of football’s all-time best.”

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Casemiro has also been discussing the midfield stars that influenced him growing up, with Red Devils legend Paul Scholes and ex-Real Madrid player and coach Zinedine Zidane among his favourites. The South American said: “Those two definitely marked an era, specifically Paul Scholes, who played here. I think he’s one of the best footballers to look up to. And Zidane due to his talent, especially.”

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Casemiro is still on United’s books, with his contract due to run until 2026, but questions have been asked of the 32-year-old’s future as he has less of an influence on Erik ten Hag’s side and the Red Devils prepare for a big summer of comings and goings now that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover of the club has been completed.

CBS reporter hints at transfer "to watch" at Chelsea

Journalist Ben Jacobs has provided an update on Chelsea's pursuit of an attacker at the end of this window.

The side recently missed out on Michael Olise, who signed a new deal at Crystal Palace.

What is the latest Chelsea transfer news?

The Blues have been sent back to square one in their forward pursuit after Olise signed a new four-year contract with Palace despite the Blues activating his £ 35 million release clause.

One player that the side are reportedly considering is Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson, with Chelsea having held initial talks with Forest after adding the Welsh attacker's name to their shortlist. Chelsea are reportedly willing to include players in the deal in order to bring down the £45m valuation that the Trent-based side has of their youngster who impressed in his first season in the Premier League, racking up eight goals and three assists across 38 appearances.

Brennan Johnson

The Blues reportedly tried to include English defender Trevoh Chalobah in talks regarding a potential swap deal, however, it is understood that the defender would reject a move to the City Ground as he wants to join a club competing at a higher level.

Chelsea aren't the only side to have an interest in the Welsh international, with Brentford having seen a club-record offer of £35m rejected earlier in the window, whilst Tottenham Hotspur also have an interest in the player, and could make a move following the departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.

It remains to be seen whether Forest would sell the player, who is contracted until 2026 and is a fan favourite at the City Ground, however, they could look to balance the books after they spent £150m on players last summer, and £45m would go a long way to doing that.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs stated that Chelsea "really like" Johnson, however their interest in the last 24 hours was simply "quite formative".

He said: "There is some interest in Brennan Johnson at Nottingham Forest. That might be one to watch between now and the end of the window. As of the last 24 hours or so, any kind of approach was quite formative. But let's see whether that picks up in the coming days, and between now and the close of the window. Chelsea really like the player, for sure. He's had excellent form of late as well, so you can understand why."

What is next in this window for Chelsea?

The focus for the Blues at this point will be on outgoings, after spending over £300m this window.

One player who is set to depart is young star Lewis Hall, who is close to sealing a loan move to Newcastle United. The deal would include an obligation to buy for a total package worth £35m. The London club were originally planning to send the youngster out on loan to Crystal Palace, however, with Newcastle's interest the side became more willing to complete a permanent deal. Hall also preferred a move to Tyneside due to being a boyhood Newcastle fan, as well as the fact that he gets the opportunity to play in the Champions League.

Hakim-Ziyech-Chelsea

Another player who looks set to depart is Hakim Ziyech. After a move to the Saudi Pro League fell through due to the Moroccan failing a medical, he now looks likely to join Turkish giants Galatasaray on a free transfer. Despite reports stating that he had failed a medical at the Turkish club, the vice-president of the club Erden Timur confirmed that he has not had a problem with his medical yet: “Medical tests are almost over. We did a very detailed check. A certain point has been reached in the transfer. So far, there has been no problem with a medical.”

'Kanye West, can I have my shirt back?' – Rapper bizarrely wears retro Portsmouth shirt with ex-Pompey No.1 Alan Knight poking fun at photo

A former Portsmouth goalkeeper has asked for his shirt back after Kanye West bizarrely wore a replica while launching his new product.

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Kanye West baffles fans with Portsmouth shirt photoRapper wore shirt while launching productPompey legend Alan Knight asks for shirt backWHAT HAPPENED?

On Thursday the controversial rapper launched his new Yeezy Pods socks with an Instagram post, in which he was wearing a 90s Pompey goalkeeper shirt. In response, the club's former number one Alan Knight took to Twitter to send a message to West.

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Knight tweeted West's official X account and said: "Can I have my shirt back please buddy? PUP [Play up Pompey]."

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This isn't the first time West has publicly shown off his love of vintage football gear. In the past he has been spotted donning Manchester United shirts and jackets, while in October he appeared to wear a Tottenham 2001/02 third shirt at the Tyson Fury v Francis Ngannou fight.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Eagle-eyed Portsmouth fans noticed that the Asics logo – the manufacturer of the shirt – looked different on West's shirt to the one Knight wore in the 90s. One supporter suggested that West was wearing a training version of the shirt rather than the match version.

Jordan Henderson's an Ajax record-breaker already! New No.6 shirt becomes Dutch club's fastest-selling jersey of all time

Jordan Henderson is already breaking records at Ajax, with his No.6 jersey becoming the fastest-selling in the club’s long and distinguished history.

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England international bid farewell to Saudi ArabiaFormer Liverpool captain now back in EuropeArrival in Amsterdam has caused quite a stirWHAT HAPPENED?

The England international midfielder finds himself in the Netherlands after bringing an unhappy six-month spell at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq to a close. The former Liverpool captain has returned to Europe and signed a two-and-a-half-year contract in Amsterdam.

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His arrival at Ajax has caused quite a stir, with fans scrambling to claim a piece of official merchandise. Henderson's new No.6 jersey tops that wish list, with previous sale records posted by Dusan Tadic and Daley Blind being smashed. Henderson has shifted more shirts in 24 hours than the aforementioned duo managed in a week.

DID YOU KNOW?

The only Ajax jersey that has outperformed Henderson’s is the Bob Marley special edition shirt from 2021-22. When it comes to an individual player, the latest recruit at the Johan Cruyff Arena now stands in a league of his own.

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WHAT NEXT FOR HENDERSON?

It is not only in the Netherlands that Henderson has proved popular, with his past ties to Premier League giants Liverpool ensuring that he is also a big draw in Asia. He has taken the No.6 vacated by Davy Klaassen and, if he is registered in time, will hope to make his debut in Sunday's Eredivisie clash with RKC Waalwijk.

Tushar Imran hits twin tons to star in round of draws

Hundreds were hit aplenty across the two games, with Mushfiqur Rahim amongst the top scorers

Mohammad Isam13-Apr-2018Tushar Imran struck twin hundreds in South Zone’s drawn BCL match against East Zone in Sylhet. He became the second batsman this season after Junaid Siddique and the 12th overall to achieve the feat in Bangladesh domestic first-class cricket – Tushar is also the leading run-scorer on this circuit.Tushar’s first-innings 130 came after South Zone had lost two early wickets on the opening morning. He added 165 runs for the third wicket with Fazle Mahmud, who made 89 off 161 balls with 11 fours and a six. Tushar scored his runs off 221 balls, and had 15 fours and a six. South Zone were 403 all out on the second day. Pace bowler Khaled Ahmed took four wickets while Abu Jayed and Mohammad Saifuddin took two each.In reply, East Zone were bowled out for 300 with Jaker Ali top scoring with 76 and Liton Das and Saifuddin making 75 each. Jaker and Saifuddin added 114 runs for the seventh wicket. Pace bowler Kamrul Islam Rabbi took four wickets while Abdur Razzak and Nayeem Hasan took three each.Tushar struck a second ton on the final day, having struck 12 fours and two sixes in his 145-ball knock. This was his third century in a row in the BCL, his fifth in the 2017-18 season and the 26th century of his career.Set 415 to win in the remaining four hours on the final day, East Zone’s Liton and Afif Hossain made the most of the opportunity. During their unbroken 205-run second-wicket stand, Liton made 113 off 129 balls with 11 fours and four sixes while Afif struck 10 fours and three sixes in his 100 off 131 balls.Four centuries dominated the runs-heavy draw between North Zone and Central Zone in Bogra.Mushfiqur Rahim scored only his second hundred in Bangladesh domestic first-class cricket while his North Zone team-mate Mizanur Rahman equalled Tushar Imran’s five hundreds in the 2017-18 season.Central Zone’s Shadman Islam also reached a hundred in the match during a 200-run opening stand with Saif Hassan who fell for 94. Shadman struck nine fours in his 107 off 239 balls while Saif struck 12 fours and a six in his 243-ball effort.Marshall Ayub then took over the baton on the second day, top scoring in the game with 132 off 210 balls with 14 fours and a six. He put together a 108 runs for the sixth wicket with Tanbir Hayder before adding a further 67 with Mosharraf Hossain whose unbeaten 83 took Central Zone to a formidable 529 all out spanning the first two days.North Zone were bowled out for exactly 300 runs in 93.1 overs. Mushfiqur top scored with 111, adding 83 runs for the sixth wicket with Ariful Haque. Mushfiqur struck eight fours and a six in his nearly six-hour stay at the crease.Pace bowler Ebadot Hossain took career-best figures of 4 for 61 while Abu Hider and Mosharraf took two each.Asked to follow on on the final day, North Zone reached 213 for 2 before the match was declared a draw. Mizanur was 100 not out, having struck four boundaries and a six in his 191-ball knock. He added 154 runs for the second wicket with Nazmul Hossain Shanto, who made 89 off 152 balls.

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