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Chappell, Benaud and Botham were among those who reacted strongly to the controversial no-ball call

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Apr-2020 #RetroLive This was the third time – all instances in Australia – that Muttiah Muralitharan was called during a live match for throwing. Things came to a head with Arjuna Ranatunga walking off with his team only to resume playing after a 15-minute interval during which many a discussion happened with the officials. A phone call was made back home to cricket board officials too. This is what the experts and the participants said about the incident at the time.

The observers

This was the first time Umpires Ross Emerson and Tony McQuillan stood in a game involving Murali since they last called him back in 1996. So there was anticipation even before the actual no-ball call was made.”Quite amazing. The two umpires out there know more than the International Cricket Council. I think it’s all rather pathetic. It is a decision that has been made by some very respected people who have played a lot of cricket at international level and first-class level. And yet two people who might make that decision have played no more than a bit of club cricket.””The English batsmen will be sick in the stomach. I feel a little bit upset myself. Regardless of whether his action is legal or not, that should be decided at the end of the series. This is a team standing behind its bowler who has been cleared by 40 umpires across the world, but here he is called in the middle of the series…”I am a bit lost and saddened by the decisions this afternoon. Murali will be feeling sick in the stomach. He will be very confused. He has got 200 Test wickets. He has bowled a lot of overs in this series so far. Then all of a sudden he has been called for having an illegal action at the Adelaide Oval.””I have been through three of these. The first one was Ian Meckiff in Brisbane in 1963, then the second time was Muralitharan when he was called at the MCG [by Umpire Darrell Hair, whom Sri Lanka got barred from standing in their games]. Today the third time has produced the exact same feeling, which is very empty at the pit of the stomach. The ICC, I think now, will be dragged kicking and screaming into the region of solving the mess.”Getty Images”How come he can’t make a decision on that one with the naked eye and yet he can call the flick of an elbow with the naked eye? Miles out of the ground, but he relies on the replay, which is what he should have been doing with respect to the no-ball.””The fact that this has been allowed to interrupt the day’s play the way it did is quite sad. The thing that you have got to ask of the officials is how come it is allowed to happen in the middle of the arena? This is the third time in Murali’s case that it is happening in the middle of the international arena. All three times in Australia. And you would think that if somebody’s got a doubtful action, they would stop before they get to international cricket.”

The official

Doug Insole was member of the ICC committee that cleared Murali, but he explained to Channel 9 the technicalities behind it, and that the on-field umpire had the right to call even a bowler cleared by them. That he said as someone who was called once for throwing, which shocked him too.”Of those that have been seen worldwide as it were, there are one or two who have got perfectly ordinary basic actions, but who stick a bit extra when they try to do a something bit extra. Then there are one or two who have a basic fault in their action. There is no way that ICC can say that that bloke is never going to throw again. You can’t say to an umpire that this bloke is cleared, and he must never be no-balled. What you can say is that as far as the panel is concerned, his basic action, as we have seen it, is okay.”It is a desperate thing to happen to a bowler. I feel sorry for the man himself. You’d be right in saying – and one has to be a bit cagey about this – on the basis of the videotape that we saw, and I can’t remember whether everyone was on the conference call or whether one two were missing or what, but certainly the general opinion at that time was that his action, as seen on that video, was legitimate.”PA Images via Getty Images

The participants

“The question of Umpire Hair standing had to do with him making some comments prior to the tour in a book that he was publishing. It wasn’t in anyway connected with him no-balling Muralitharan before. As for the other two umpires, there was no question that the Sri Lankan cricket board nor any of the players felt his action was unfair. He had been cleared by 40 umpires all over the world, and a committee that had been set up of eminent bowlers. And one might say, umpires in this tournament as well. So there was never a doubt as far as it was concerned.”Arjuna walked off with his team merely to get a clarification as to how they must proceed. It would have seemed they were leaving the ground, but the basic intention was to find how they should proceed. The point was that the Sri Lankan board would have at no stage wanted the match to be abandoned because after all cricket has to continue and the lofty ideals of the game has to continue. Also we didn’t in anyway want to embarrass the Australian cricket board.”That he is different is one of the problems that has created this illusion: the permanently bent arm of his and that rotation of the shoulder and also the profuse use of the wrists, which I think creates this illusion, which umpires and people find something different in it.””I never thought it will happen because he has bowled all over the world and we have never had a problem. Then suddenly one guy comes and calls, I think it is really unfortunate. I think it is really bad on Australian cricket’s part.”Murali has a really bad arm, everyone knows about it. The person who calls, he must be having a really really good eye. I think any batsman would love to have that eye… the batsman will get thousand runs in two months if that eye comes to a batsman. The way Murali bowls, if you can pick that, he must be really amazing [to be calling him with the naked eye].”We knew we had to win the game for Murali, and that’s what happened today. We have the same umpires in a game towards the end of the tour so we have to take a firm decision what to do. We have to consult with the board and then it is up to the board or the government. It is very important. Murali has been a key person for the country and for Sri Lankan cricket.”I think we never had a problem anywhere except Australia. I think most of the cricketers will try to avoid Australia the way it goes now. And the public has been really bad on Murai, and the media has been really bad. I think it is pathetic that a person who has got 200 Test wickets is only called in Australia. I don’t think he should suffer like this. Everyone likes to come to Australia and do well in Australia but it is totally different the image we have now.””I am not allowed to comment unfortunately due to ICC regulations but what I will say is we have been brought up, if an umpire makes a decision, that’s it, you accept it and get on with the game. Today that didn’t happen.””There you are but again it comes down to the umpire, how he sees things. It is the same with lbw decisions or run-outs or whatever.” RetroLive

Amite Hasan sets a new record; Ebadot Hossain makes comeback after 16 months out; Farhad Hossain finishes up after 161 matches

Mohammad Isam12-Nov-2024Amite Hasan’s maiden double-hundred kept Sylhet Division unbeaten in the NCL after they drew against Khulna Division at the academy ground in Cox’s Bazar. According to ESPNcricinfo’s records, Amite’s ten hours and 38 minutes at the crease is the third-longest individual innings in first-class cricket in Bangladesh.Amite struck 18 fours and a six in his 455-ball stay, as he continued on an impressive conversion rate in first-class cricket. He shared a 251-run fourth wicket stand with Asadulla Al Galib, who also scored his maiden century. The end of the partnership, however, became viral content.Late on the second evening, the ball slipped out of offspinner Mahedi Hasan’s grip. Galib advanced towards it as it parachuted down from well above the eyeline, but then he lost balance and mistimed the hit right down long-on’s throat, much to the amusement of the Khulna fielders. It was one of Mahedi’s four wickets. Zia ur Rahman took three.Khulna replied with 273 in their first innings, with captain Anamul Haque and Afif Hossain hitting fifties. After being asked to follow on, the veteran Mohammad Mithun struck his 16th century. Anamul, Imrul Kayes and Nurul Hasan also scored fifties to get Khulna to safety, as they finished the game on 296 for 3. This was also the match in which Ebadot Hossain returned to competitive cricket after July 2023, as he rehabilitated from a long-term injury.Rangpur Division beat Rajshahi Division by 101 runs to take themselves to second position on the points table.Farhad Hossain finishes his 161-match first-class career•BCB

Batting first, Rangpur were bowled out for 189 runs with Ariful Haque’s unbeaten 103 the top score. It was the allrounder’s ninth first-class century. Rajshahi’s Sabbir Hossain took a six-wicket haul. But Rangpur fought back by bowling out Rajshahi for the same score.Rangpur then posted 262 runs in their second innings with captain Akbar Ali making 77. Rajshahi, however, were bowled out for 161, with Ariful this time starring with the ball, taking three wickets.This was also Farhad Hossain’s final first-class match as he announced his retirement. The 161-match veteran made 26 and 9 in his final outing.Chattogram Division picked up their first win of this season when they beat Barishal Division by eight wickets at the main stadium in Cox’s Bazar. Nineteen-year old Ashraful Hasan Rohan took ten wickets in the match, becoming the youngest from the team to get a ten-for.Batting first, Barishal made 318 runs with fifties from Moin Khan and Tasamul Haque. Left-arm spinner Ashraful took four wickets while Enamul Hoque picked up three.In reply, Shahadat Hossain’s century got Chattogram within five runs of Barishal’s total, finishing on 313 all out. It was his third century, as he struck ten fours in his 249-ball stay. Chattogram could have had two centurions in the innings but Yasir Ali got out on 99. The pair added 176 runs for the fourth wicket.Ashraful Hasan took a ten-for against Barishal Division•BCB

Ashraful then took six wickets to complete his ten-for, as Barishal were bowled out for just 77 in their second innings. Chattogram took just 11.3 overs to complete the 83-run chase.Defending champions Dhaka Division salvaged a draw against Dhaka Metropolis in Sylhet. Dhaka Metro came within two wickets from a victory, but Ripon Mondol and Nazmul Islam survived at the end of the fourth day.Batting first, Dhaka Metro made 304 all out with fifties from Shamsur Rahman and wicketkeeper Tahjibul Islam. Anamul Haque and Shuvagata Hom took four wickets each.Dhaka took an 11-run lead as they reached 315. Hom and Rony Talukdar made fifties, while Abu Hider took three wickets.Dhaka Metro then were bowled out for 267 runs with Aminul Islam scoring 82. Anamul completed his ten-wicket haul with 6-81. Dhaka then just about survived after 43 overs. Left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan took four wickets while Abu Hider took three.

MatériaMais Notícias

da pixbet： Salvo algum negócio altamente surpreendente de última hora, o Palmeiras encerra a janela de transferências sem contratar jogadores. A situação irritou a torcida, principalmente por ver adversários se reforçando mesmo em situação financeira pior. Após fracassos da diretoria na busca pelo sonhado “camisa 5”, o que fica é a confiança em Abel Ferreira, que mais uma vez precisará tirar um plano da cartola para manter o Verdão forte.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPulou o muro! Palmeiras contrata joia da base do São PauloPalmeiras02/08/2023PalmeirasOLHAR DO PORCO: A gente sempre vai acreditar em você, Palmeiras!Palmeiras02/08/2023PalmeirasJogo do Palmeiras hoje: onde assistir: que horas vai e escalações da partida contra o Atlético-MGPalmeiras02/08/2023

da pinup bet： + Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

A partir desta quinta-feira (3), não mais será permitido reforçar os elencos brasileiros contratando jogadores junto a outros clubes. Ainda é possível fechar com atletas que ficaram livres no mercados antes do fim da janela de transferências. Portanto, ainda há esperanças para o Verdão e para outras agremiações que estejam buscando novas peças. Lembrando que as únicas contratações palestrinas neste ano são Artur, que veio do Bragantino, e Richard Ríos, que veio do Guarani.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

No caso do Alviverde, dificilmente haverá uma movimentação para trazer jogadores. Embora os dirigentes dizem estar sempre atentos a oportunidades de mercado, a maioria dos atletas que estão livres no mercado são mais veteranos, que não têm perfil para uma venda futura. Ou seja, algo que nem a comissão técnica, nem o departamento de futebol se atraem por negociar.

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Ainda que o Palmeiras tenha fechado essa janela sem conseguir contratações, não se pode dizer que o clube não tentou se reforçar. Não é novidade para ninguém que o principal alvo foi um “camisa 5” para a vaga de Danilo, vendido para o Nottingham Forest-ING no início de 2023, que segue sem uma reposição.

Depois de ir atrás e se “assustar com valores” pelos nomes de Matheus Henrique, do Sassuolo-ITA, Jean Lucas, do Monaco-FRA (hoje no Santos), Walace, da Udinese-ITA, e Wendel, do Zenit-RUS, o Verdão definiu como alvo o volante Aníbal Moreno, do Racing-ARG.

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+ Pulou o muro! Palmeiras contrata joia da base do São Paulo

O jogador foi aprovado pela comissão técnica e teria até conversado com Abel Ferreira. No entanto, os valores oferecidos pelo Alviverde não agradaram os argentinos, que ficaram irredutíveis na quantia pedida. Mesmo com Aníbal como aliado fazendo força para deixar a Argentina, não foi possível fechar o negócio.

Apesar de lamentar não ter conseguido entregar um reforço para essa janela, o departamento de futebol entende que o grupo palmeirense é qualificado o suficiente para seguir buscando títulos como favorito nesta temporada. Dentro desse entendimento, há também uma confiança no trabalho de Abel Ferreira, que tem se especializado em tirar coelhos da cartola para manter o time competitivo.

Em 2023, a “sacada” foi trazer Zé Rafael para a posição de “camisa 5” e adaptar o time a essa nova configuração, uma vez que janela do começo do ano também não foi possível reforçar esse setor. A ideia era que fosse uma solução temporária, mas diante do insucesso em mais uma janela, a aposta será novamente nesse improviso, ou seja, em um novo plano de Abel Ferreira na busca pelo tricampeonato continental.

Lions will now face Markhors in the second Eliminator on Friday

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Sep-2024

An all-round show from Ahmed Daniyal and a three-wicket haul from Khushdil Shah helped Lions keep their campaign alive, as they held on for a 12-run victory in the Champions One-Day Cup Eliminator against Stallions in Faisalabad. Lions will now face Markhors in the second Eliminator on Friday, with the winner facing Panthers in Sunday’s final.Opting to bat, Lions were in a spot of bother at 43 for 3, before Sharoon Siraj (38) and Mohammad Taha revived the innings with a 77-run partnership. However, Stallions kept chipping away, resulting in another slide for Lions, who went from 120 for 3 to 140 for 7 in the space of five overs. With Lions staring at the possibility of a sub-200 total, Daniyal and Aamer Yamin launched a counterattack, their 81-run eighth-wicket stand eventually guiding the team to 263 for 9. While Yamin was run out for 46, Daniyal remained unbeaten on 65 off 59 balls, with two fours and five sixes. For Stallions, seamer Ubaid Shah was the pick of the bowlers, ending with 3 for 46.Stallions began their 264 chase well, courtesy an opening stand of 64 between Yasir Khan (39) and Maaz Sadaqat (27). However, three wickets in successive overs saw the team stumble to 68 for 3, with Khushil accounting for both Sadaqat and Adil Amin. Another threatening partnership – 69 for the fourth wicket between Tayyab Tahir and Hussain Talat – appeared to give Stallions a way back into the game, but Daniyal broke through to halt their momentum in the 30th over.Stallions captain Mohammad Haris and Jahanad Khan provided a late surge, but Lions stayed ahead with regular wickets. Stallions needed 23 off the last two overs, but they only had two wickets in hand, and Lions finally bundled them out for 251. Khushdil finished with 3 for 40 while Daniyal took 3 for 59.

Germany came from behind to record a vital win over Denmark in the European Championship group stages, albeit in controversial circumstances.

Article continues below

Article continues below

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• Schuller scored winner
• Denmark appealed for a head injury stoppage
• Germany as good as through

• TELL ME MORE

  Germany all but secured their qualification for the European Championship knockout stages as they came from behind to beat Denmark 2-1 in a tense, entertaining game that was dominated by VAR on Tuesday evening.

  Christian Wuck's side thought they had the lead after 17 minutes, as Klara Buhl fired a low effort through a group of players, but VAR ruled that Sjoeke Nusken touched the ball from an offside position as it flew into the back of the net, and it was subsequently ruled out.

  And within eight minutes, Denmark left Germany reeling by taking the lead thanks to a brilliant strike from Amalie Vangsgaard; capitalising on a loose touch in the defensive third, she unleashed a rasping drive from the edge of the box that found the bottom corner.

  Amazingly, in the 39th minute, VAR again intervened, to deny Die Nationalelf a penalty. The referee had initially given it for a handball after a cross struck the hand of Frederikke Thogersen, but the replays showed that the contact took place outside of the box, and a free-kick was awarded instead.

  After the restart, Germany finally had VAR go their way, as Linda Dallmann went down in the box under a challenge from Katrine Veje. A review followed, and after sending the referee to the screen, a penalty was given. Nusken stepped up and finished from 12 yards.

  They kept their foot on the accelerator, and had the lead in the 66th minute. Denmark attempted to clear, but ended up firing the ball into the face of Emma Snerle, who went down with a head injury. Germany played on, and Jule Brand found Lea Schuller, who finished coolly to give her side a controversial lead.

  Germany stayed solid thereafter, limiting Denmark to a handful of attacks, as they saw out a vital victory.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE MVP

  Nusken was at the centre of absolutely everything good for Germany. She scored a pressure penalty, and ran her heart out in central midfield, all the while geeing up her team-mates and dragging them along when Denmark had the upper hand. A terrific midfield performance.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIG LOSER

  Snerle was so unfortunate to be struck by the ball as she was, given Denmark were attempting to clear their lines, but it directly led to Germany's winner. The referee should have stopped the game because it was a head injury, but because she didn't, it is the only selection we can make. She will hope to recover in time to play a role in the final group game but, without her injury, maybe the Danes take a vital point. Football really is a cruel sport.

• WHAT COMES NEXT?

  Germany are as good as though and will face Sweden in their final group game on Saturday. Denmark will face Poland on the same day, although they could be out by the time that game is played, if Sweden beat Poland in their fixture on Tuesday evening.

Lancashire bowled out for 204 with no one making fifty, Surrey reply at 83 without loss

ECB Reporters Network22-Aug-2024Rocky Flintoff made a creditable 32 on debut, as Lancashire’s youngest first-class cricketer at the age of 16 years and 137 days, but it was champions Surrey who ruthlessly took first-day honours at the Kia Oval.Put in, Lancashire were bowled out for 204 inside 59 overs, with no one making it to 50, and Surrey then replied with 83 for no wicket before bad light ended play 15.4 overs early. Skipper Rory Burns was 44 not out, including straight driving George Balderson’s medium pace for successive fours, and Dom Sibley unbeaten on 37.Jordan Clark (4 for 57) and Dan Worrall (3 for 31) continued their fine red-ball seasons by spearheading a five-pronged seam attack in which Conor McKerr also took two wickets and Sam Curran one in what was, for both, their first Vitality County Championship appearance of the summer.Matty Hurst, with 46 from 64 balls, played Lancashire’s best and most assertive innings, while Balderson’s 33 and Josh Bohannon’s 26 were other worthy efforts in seam-friendly overhead and pitch conditions.But most eyes were on Flintoff, who made 167 runs in seven Metro Bank One-Day Cup innings after becoming his county’s youngest player in any format last month, and who came in at 33 for 2 in the 11th over after both Luke Wells and Keaton Jennings had fallen to the new ball.Wells went in the fourth over for 9, dragging an attempted off drive into his stumps against Clark, while Jennings looked aggrieved to be given out leg-before for 12, pushing forward to an inswinger from Worrall.Off the mark first ball, clipping Worrall confidently for two off his pads, young Flintoff was soon living up to his reputation as one of the best players of his age to emerge in recent decades – on a day when most 16-year-olds around the country were more concerned about getting their GCSE results.Uncannily like his father Andrew in build and mannerisms – the former England captain and television celebrity was watching proudly from a hospitality box – the young Flintoff saw off Worrall’s fine opening spell of 7-3-9-1 and helped Bohannon to add 40 for Lancashire’s third wicket in tough, overcast conditions.He did have some moments of good fortune, being dropped at third slip on 13 when he edged Tom Lawes and later also flailing a returning Worrall just over the cordon for four as lunch approached, but otherwise he looked comfortable at the crease and mature beyond his years as Lancashire reached lunch on 98 for 3.Bohannon had gone by then, chopping on to McKerr for 26, and unfortunately for Flintoff he sliced a drive at the first ball after lunch, and his 64th – from Clark – and saw Sai Sudharsan dive forward at backward point to scoop up a brilliant catch.Jordan Clark celebrates a wicket•Getty Images for Surrey CCC

Hurst played some superb shots but was dropped by Clark from a skier on 45 before McKerr dived to his right to hold a magnificent low catch at leg slip in Curran’s next over and from 155 for 4 the Lancashire first innings fizzled out as Worrall, McKerr and Clark combined to overpower the tail.Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, on his Championship debut, played one memorable cover drive before optimistically jumping down the pitch to swing at Worrall and edge behind while Balderson, playing defensively, nicked the same bowler to first slip.McKerr’s pace and lift did for Tom Hartley, caught at the wicket for 5, and only some defiance from Tom Aspinwall – who hooked McKerr for six and extra cover drove him for four in a bright 23 not out – took Lancashire past 200 before they lost both Josh Boyden, who lifted a simple catch to mid off on 5, and Will Williams, caught behind, from successive deliveries from Clark.

da apostaganha： Manchester City want to sign an “exciting” £34 million winger ahead of fierce rivals Manchester United, according to a new report.

Man City chasing De Bruyne replacement

da spicy bet： Kevin De Bruyne has just a few Premier League games and an FA Cup final to play for the Blues before his time at the Etihad comes to an end. The Belgian has been a stellar performer for Man City and Pep Guardiola, and therefore, it will be very hard for them to find a player who can replicate the things De Bruyne has done.

Related Major Doku upgrade: Man City eye up move for £85m "world-class superstar"

With Manchester City expected to spend big this summer, could they sign a “special” winger valued at £85m who would be a Massive Jérémy Doku upgrade?

Posts ByBen Gray May 6, 2025

According to a recent report, Man City have submitted a £55 million bid to sign James Maddison from Tottenham Hotspur. Guardiola is a big fan of the Englishman, as his creative ability and style of play make him the perfect player to potentially replace De Bruyne. However, it is unknown if that offer is enough to convince Spurs to sell Maddison, but Tottenham missing out on European football could persuade them into a deal.

As well as looking at Maddison, Man City are also interested in signing Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are planning to advance on a deal for Gibbs-White, with personal terms not set to be an issue. However, Forest have placed a £100 million price tag on the English star, and City will have to negotiate with Forest chiefs to find an agreement.

Man City want to sign £34m Trincao ahead of Man Utd

As well as looking for a new number 10, Guardiola also wants to add to his wide options, and according to Caught Offside, Man City are keen on signing Francisco Trincao from Sporting Lisbon, as incoming sporting director Hugo Viana is a big fan of his.

The report states that Trincao has become one of the most sought-after players in European football, as Premier League teams such as City, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle United are all keeping a close eye on the winger. However, they all face competition from Europe, as Barcelona and Juventus are also tracking Trincao heading into the summer.

It goes on to state that City’s pursuit of Trincao has come from Viana, who is set to join the Blues as their new sporting director from Sporting CP. Viana is a long-term admirer of the winger, and he is believed to be behind this potential transfer that could end up costing €40 million, which is roughly £34 million.

Francisco Trincao’s 24/25 Liga Portugal stats

Apps

32

Starts

32

Goals

8

xG

8.89

Shots per game

3.2

Assists

14

xAG

7.13

Big chances created

17

Key passes

2.3

Successful dribbles

2.2 (53%)

Man Utd and Ruben Amorim are also eyeing Trincao, given he worked with the player in Portugal. But City may hope they have another advantage in this race, as Trincao, who has been dubbed “exciting” by former Wolves technical director Scott Sellars in the past, has the same agent as current Blues defender Ruben Dias.

MatériaMais Notícias

da pinnacle： O Santos conquistou a classificação para a próxima fase da Copa do Brasil diante de uma Vila Belmiro com apenas mulheres e crianças. Esse público especial foi permitido após o clube solicitar ao Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) reversão da pena de jogar sem torcida. Confira acima o agradecimento do técnico Odair Hellmann pela presença do público feminino no estádio:

+ATUAÇÕES: Lucas Lima dá assistência, e Messias garante classificação do Santos na Copa do Brasil

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSantosVÍDEO: os melhores momentos da vitória do Santos sobre o Botafogo-SP pela Copa do BrasilSantos26/04/2023SantosMessias, do Santos, revela cobrança de Odair Hellmann e elogia público feminino na Vila BelmiroSantos26/04/2023SantosATUAÇÕES: Lucas Lima dá assistência, e Messias garante classificação do Santos na Copa do BrasilSantos26/04/2023

Everton’s winless run against Manchester City continues as Pep Guardiola’s side scored twice in the final ten minutes to secure victory.

Not since a 4-0 victory during the 2016/17 season have the Toffees tasted success against the Etihad side, although they did come close to sealing a draw at Goodison this afternoon.

David Moyes’ men held out resolutely throughout the match, but in the end, City’s quality shone through as goals from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic stole the three points.

With Premier League survival sealed, Moyes can now experiment over the final few matches of the campaign.

Against City, several players starred, whereas others struggled to make much of an impact.

Everton’s best and worst players against Man City

Before coming off with an injury, James Tarkowski enjoyed a solid display. He won 100% of his total duels contested, along with losing possession just four times. Would Everton have lost if he had still been on the pitch? Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Elsewhere, Abdoulaye Doucoure looked solid after netting a late winner last week. He succeeded with all four of his dribble attempts while winning 50% of his total duels during the game.

These two were the standouts, but a few of the starting XI struggled to contribute much. Jack Harrison delivered yet another poor performance on the right wing. He failed to deliver a single accurate cross from five attempts, lost possession 13 times and made just one key pass.

Accurate passes

Ruben Dias (97)

Key passes

İlkay Gündoğan and Omar Marmoush (2)

Tackles

James Garner (6)

Ground duels won

James Garner (7)

Successful dribble attempts

Omar Marmoush (5)

Armando Broja was by far the worst performer in an Everton shirt at Goodison today, however, that’s for sure.

Why Armando Broja must be axed by David Moyes

The on-loan striker had made just nine Premier League appearances prior to the City clash as he has been hampered by injury issues.

Indeed, he was making only his third start for the Toffees at Goodison today, but he failed to offer much threat in the final third.

Throughout his 63 minutes on the pitch, Broja completed just four passes while taking 22 touches, 30 fewer than Jordan Pickford in goal. The Albanian even failed to register a single shot at goal while winning just a single ground duel and losing the ball 14 times.

Moyes must axe the striker, as he offers no major threat when chosen to start as a centre-forward.

Journalist Chris Beesley of the Liverpool Echo gave the striker a match rating of 5/10, stating that he ‘worked hard to try and make an impression but needed to be stronger as little stuck before he was hooked again’, yet this simply wasn’t good enough for Moyes.

His loan deal expires at the end of the current season, and given his current form, he will return to Chelsea ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Beto replaced him during the City clash, and going forward, he should be the one to start games under Moyes. That’s a certainty.

Moyes tells Everton to sign both Delap and a new "superstar" top target

Moyes wants both in the door.

2 BySean Markus Clifford Apr 18, 2025

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is personally keen on the potential signing of a high-earning star at N5, and the deal could also prove enticing for new sporting director Andrea Berta.

Arsenal play Chelsea after Champions League last 16 triumph

The games are coming thick and fast at Arsenal before the next international break, with Arteta’s side set to take on London rivals Chelsea this weekend after their Champions League last 16 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven over two legs.

Arsenal open talks to sign £50m player with Berta expected to launch bid

The new Gunners sporting director already has targets in place.

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 12, 2025

While the Gunners have everything to play for in Europe, as Real Madrid await them in the quarter-finals, both Chelsea and Arteta’s side are contending for Champions League qualification domestically, with Arsenal firmly out of the Premier League title race as Liverpool take a comfortable lead at the top of the table.

Arsenal were knocked out of the quarter-final stage last year by Bayern Munich, who beat the north Londoners 3-2 on aggregate, and Arteta has said that his team have taken plenty of lessons from that tie as they prepare for an equally tough test against Real.

“We want to win! And to win you’re going to have to go through the stages, and because the club needs it,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s Champions League campaign.

“We are a club, a team that wants to be the best and want to be competing with the best clubs in the world. In order to do that, you have to constantly be there, and it’s very difficult. But we’ve done it for two years in a row, and we have the capacity and the ability to do it even better.

“Last year we played Bayern, and with the history of those clubs and how consistently in the last 20-25 years being there, and we were riding there in the home game, we had them on the ropes. They escaped and when we were there we were a bit short to get to that final stage. So hopefully we will learn we are better than then, and we can make it happen.”

Meanwhile, off the field, Berta’s appointment as new Arsenal sporting director has brought plenty of anticipation ahead of a very important summer transfer window. There are claims that Arsenal could invest up to £300 million on an array of different signings throughout the squad.

Berta already has some targets in mind, and one of them is soon-to-be free agent Leroy Sane.

Arteta wants Leroy Sane with Arsenal deal "tempting" for Berta

That is according to CaughtOffside, who also report that Arteta is personally keen on a reunion with Sane at Arsenal, following the pair’s time together at Man City.

The Germany international earns around £327,000-per-week at Bayern Munich, as per this report, but it is believed that he could be willing to take a pay cut ahead of a free transfer away from the Allianz Arena when his deal expires.

This could apparently prove “tempting” for Berta and Arsenal, who are reported to be contemplating an alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side (GiveMeSport).

However, they’re by no means the only side contemplating a Bosman deal for the 28-year-old, with north London rivals Tottenham and others also rumoured to hold an interest in Sane.

The former Schalke and City star eight goals and four assists from 34 appearances in all competitions this season, adding to his total tally of 56 goals and 50 assists from 209 outings since joining Bayern in 2020.