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Tottenham Hotspur kick-started their Champions League 2025/26 campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over LaLiga outfit Villarreal in North London last night.

It wasn’t a vintage performance from Thomas Frank’s men, but it was a performance that got the job done and secured all three points in their opening encounter.

The Lilywhites will need to produce better displays going forward if they are to secure automatic qualification to the knockout stages of the competition.

There’s no doubt the Dane will ensure the side don’t replicate such a display, especially when the side travel to face Bodo Glimt in their next European outing at the end of the month.

However, if the side is to produce a better display in Norway, the manager will need to drop one player after his dismal showing against Marcelino Garcia’s men.

Why Richarlison needs to be dropped by Frank

While Richarlison has been a live wire for Spurs this campaign, netting two goals to date, his showing against Villarreal was arguably one of his worst in the new season.

The Brazilian was handed the responsibility of leading the line once again, but failed to produce a performance highlighting the trust put into him by boss Frank.

He only registered 23 touches during his 77-minute performance, completing just three passes in the process – subsequently failing to maintain possession for the Lilywhites.

The 28-year-old also failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles and failed to register a single effort on goal, further showcasing his lack of positive impact in the final third.

Richarlison’s dismal outing didn’t stop there, even picking up a yellow card for a late challenge on Juan Foyth – showing glimpses of his rash past, which has led to questions previously being asked about his attitude.

There’s no denying that the manager should drop him from his next starting eleven, but he shouldn’t be alone in being excluded after his recent showing in the Champions League.

The Spurs star who should be dropped alongside Richarlison

The start to the Frank reign at Spurs has been a positive one, with his side winning four of the first five competitive games he’s taken charge of in 2024/25.

Wins against Manchester City, Burnley and West Ham United were certainly more convincing, but the same can’t be said for the showing against the Spanish outfit last night.

The three points will be the most important aspect, but the manager will no doubt be concerned about his team’s lack of talent during the 1-0 triumph on home soil.

Richarlison was just one player who failed to deliver, but Djed Spence also fell into such a category despite his own recent rise to stardom in North London.

The full-back has started every game of Frank’s tenure, subsequently leading to the 25-year-old claiming his maiden England call-up during the recent international break.

However, his recent success is credit to the player, but his outing against Villarreal showed glimpses of arrogance – resulting in a debut Champions League performance to forget.

Spence featured for 69 minutes against the Spanish outfit, winning just one tackle and failing to make a single interception – falling way below the standards he’s set for himself.

Minutes played

69

Touches

52

Tackles won

1

Interceptions made

0

Possession lost

9x

Misplaced passes

6

Recoveries made

0

Match rating

5/10

He also lost possession nine times, misplacing six of his attempted passes, even registering just 52 touches of the ball – a tally fewer than that of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who managed 55.

As a result of his showing, Spence was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by Football London journalist Alasdair Gold – further highlighting his struggles in Europe’s biggest competition.

Such a showing will cast doubt over his position in the first-team squad, which could see Destiny Udogie handed a rare start in the Premier League this weekend.

The Englishman and Richarlison certainly endured evenings to forget last night, with Frank needing to try alternative solutions if he is to maintain the excellent start to life in the role.

He'll be Frank's own Bale: Spurs have hit gold on "phenomenal" £20m star

Tottenham Hotspur have unearthed themselves a new gem over the last couple of months.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 12, 2025

Newcastle United’s search for a new striker has intensified as the transfer window enters its decisive stages.

The club are locked in a complex situation involving Alexander Isak, who has made it clear he has no intention of reintegrating into Eddie Howe’s squad.

The Swede has not featured in either of Newcastle’s opening Premier League fixtures and has refused to train, citing broken promises and a desire for change.

Without a recognised number nine, the Magpies have looked blunt in attack.

Against Aston Villa and Liverpool, Newcastle created opportunities but lacked a clinical edge, with makeshift forward Anthony Gordon even seeing red in the latter fixture.

That dismissal leaves William Osula as the only available striker, underlining the urgency of the situation.

Newcastle line up move for new striker target

Eddie Howe’s men have moved for several targets already this summer.

Bids for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen have been rejected, while they’re also now tracking Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

With Liverpool circling around Isak, the club have turned to the continent for solutions.

According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, intermediaries are attempting to engineer a deal between Newcastle United and AS Roma for Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk.

The Magpies are said to have proposed a dry loan, though Roma are holding firm: they want either a permanent sale or guarantees that a deal will eventually be made permanent.

Villarreal are also interested in the forward. The Spanish side, having agreed a £26m deal to sell winger Yeremy Pino to Crystal Palace, have the funds available to pursue Dovbyk, though they too have only offered a loan arrangement.

Roma are demanding around €30m (£25m) for the 28-year-old, who joined from Girona last summer.

Why Dovbyk could be a better fit than Sørloth

Dovbyk scored 12 goals and registered three assists in 32 Serie A appearances during his debut season in Italy, following on from a remarkable final campaign in Spain where he fired Girona into the Champions League with 24 goals and eight assists.

The Ukrainian international has 36 caps and 11 goals for his country and has drawn praise from some high-profile figures.

Former Manchester City, Liverpool and Italy forward Mario Balotelli recently remarked: “In terms of style, I would say he is similar to Haaland.”

With Isak unwilling to return and Callum Wilson having left for West Ham after his contract expired, the Magpies are short of options.

Dovbyk is now seen as one of the most viable replacements to fill the void and give Howe the focal point his system demands.

The arrival of a new number nine at St James’ Park has been a pressing issue for months, and much of the conversation has centred on whether Newcastle should prioritise Dovbyk or another prominent target: Sørloth.

Sørloth, who enjoyed a prolific campaign with Atlético Madrid last season, netted 20 goals and supplied two assists across 35 La Liga appearances.

The 29-year-old Norwegian stands taller than Dovbyk’s 1.89 at 1.95m and has extensive international experience, with 63 caps and 24 goals for his country.

His form in Spain has reignited his reputation following a disappointing spell in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, where he failed to score in 16 appearances.

By comparison, Dovbyk is slightly younger at 28 and has demonstrated consistency in two of Europe’s top leagues.

His record for Girona marked him out as one of the most lethal strikers in La Liga, and his transition to Serie A saw him continue to contribute regularly.

For Newcastle, that track record of adaptation could be crucial in the Premier League. A statistical comparison between the two highlights the differences in their playing styles.

Matches Played

35

32

Goals

20

12

Assists

2

2

Progressive Carries

32

24

Progressive Passes

31

16

Sørloth’s numbers showcase his volume shooting and ability to dominate games as a target man.

According to FBref, he registered 4.48 shots per 90 last season with Atlético compared to Dovbyk’s 2.27, and scored 19 non-penalty goals compared to Dovbyk’s ten.

His shooting accuracy was also higher, with 51.3% of attempts hitting the target against Dovbyk’s 41%.

However, Dovbyk edges his rival in other areas. He is more efficient in possession, completing 74.1% of his passes compared to Sørloth’s 63.8%, and averages more shot-creating actions per 90 (1.94 to 1.73).

He is also less reliant on sheer volume, with his ten non-penalty goals last season coming from an expected goals figure of 10.3 – suggesting he converts chances at the rate they are expected, without overperforming.

Sørloth, by contrast, scored 19 from 16.0 expected goals, hinting at a potentially unsustainable level of finishing.

Stylistically, Dovbyk offers Newcastle a profile closer to Isak’s. He can link play, operate as a focal point, and combine technical quality with aerial presence. Sørloth, meanwhile, provides sheer firepower.

His 22 goal involvements outweigh Dovbyk’s 14, but his reliance on high shooting volume may raise concerns about sustainability in a league where space is harder to find.

For Newcastle, the decision could come down to balance. They require not just goals, but a striker who complements their pressing game and fluid attacking style. Dovbyk’s blend of technical skill, physicality, and adaptability suggests he may be the more suitable long-term option, particularly if Isak departs for Liverpool.

Gordon upgrade: Al-Rumayyan in talks to sign £65m "nuisance" for Newcastle

Newcastle are approaching crunch time in their drawn-out bid to sign a striker this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 26, 2025

The attacking department at Tottenham Hotspur has been subject to somewhat of an overhaul this summer, especially after the departure of fan favourite Heung-min Son.

The South Korean departed in a £20m move to join MLS outfit LAFC, ending his Lilywhites career on a high after claiming the Europa League title at the end of last season.

However, it was an emotional departure, bringing an end to his decade-long stint in North London – a period that saw him amass over 400 appearances and become the club’s fourth-highest goalscorer in their history.

At 33, it was undoubtedly the right call to allow him to move on to pastures new, but it’s left a void in the forward area – something which Thomas Frank will want to fill before the end of the summer window.

Whilst Mohammed Kudus has already been added to such a department, the new boss has made it abundantly clear that he wants added reinforcements to help him in his quest to rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

Spurs preparing another big move after Eze

A deal for Eberechi Eze has been in the pipeline for numerous weeks now, but a deal seems to be edging closer to completion, after key moves were made by Daniel Levy.

It was reported that the Spurs owner held face-to-face talks with Steve Parish over a move for the Englishman, which has seen a verbal agreement of £55m plus £5m in add-ons be reached in recent days.

A deal for the 27-year-old could see the Lilywhites’ pursuit of a new number ten finally come to an end, subsequently turning their attention to Monaco star Magnhes Akliouche in an attempt to further strengthen the squad.

According to The Independent, Frank’s men have identified the winger as the latest attacking target this window, potentially pursuing a move for the 23-year-old before the September 1st deadline.

Their report claims that the Frenchman is seen as an alternative to Manchester City’s Savinho after the lack of progress on a deal for the Brazilian, with Akliouche a cheaper option, currently available for around a bargain fee of £43.5m.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect alongside Eze

As previously mentioned, a deal for Eze appears to finally be edging towards its completion, in a deal that would be yet another excellent deal for Spurs this window.

The attacking midfielder was one of the most potent number 10s in the division last year, managing to register 26 combined goals and assists – subsequently firing the Eagles to FA Cup glory.

If he can replicate such numbers across the capital in 2025/26, it would be a signing that would go a long way to improving the options at Frank’s disposal – making the side a force to be reckoned with across all competitions.

Such a deal would also allow the Lilywhites to get one over their bitter North London rivals Arsenal, with the Gunners also previously interested in a move for the England international.

However, the prospect of Eze operating in Frank’s side is scary enough, not to mention the potential partnership he could strike up with Akliouche, should he too make the move to join the club.

He may be an unknown quantity to many, but the 23-year-old enjoyed a season to remember in his homeland last campaign, notching seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

His underlying stats were just as impressive, adding another dimension to the Lilywhites squad, offering another huge attacking threat in the hierarchy’s quest for added success in the near future.

Akliouche, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, ranked in the 93rd percentile for touches in the opposition box and passes into the 18-yard box last campaign – highlighting his ability to create or be on the end of chances.

Such numbers would fit perfectly into the hands of Eze, who registered 12 assists last season, with the pair able to link up and improve their respective tallies in North London.

Maghnes Akliouche’s stats for Monaco in Ligue 1 (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	32
Goals & assists	15
Pass accuracy	82%
Progressive passes	6.5
Progressive carries	4.8
Touches in opposition box	5.4
Passes into the opposition box	2.4
Carries into final third	1.8
Take-on success	49%
Key passes made	1.9
Stats via FBref

The Monaco youngster also ranked in the 94th percentile for carries into the final third, whilst posting a 49% take-on success rate, subsequently able to get the ball into dangerous areas at any given opportunity.

His talents are further reflected in his progressive passes per 90 rate, averaging 5.5 per 90, with such tools able to find Eze – who will be required to make third-man runs in behind the striker within Frank’s current system.

Whilst both players would set the club back over £100m, they are additions that need to be made if the club are to build on their recent European triumph in 2024/25.

Both players are extremely technical, having the talent to get out of tight spaces and create endless opportunities, with Akliouche in particular being an exciting addition for the immediate and long-term future in North London.

Romero will love him: Spurs chasing "one of the best defenders in the PL"

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to land another top defensive talent this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 19, 2025

Alexander Isak’s arrival at Liverpool will allow some goal-scoring responsibility to be shifted away from Mohamed Salah, but the Egyptian superstar has been told that the addition of another forward “won’t improve” his numbers. Salah has been a revelation for the Reds, but they have now splashed out £125 million ($170m) on adding Swedish striker Isak to their ranks.

Salah's record: Total number of Liverpool goals

Salah has registered 247 goals for Liverpool through 406 appearances, becoming a club legend at Anfield in the process. He has committed to a new contract that is set to keep him on Merseyside until 2027.

AdvertisementGettyIsak the most expensive signing in British football

Isak has now linked up with the reigning Premier League champions, becoming the most expensive player in British football history, and should help to make Liverpool an even more formidable proposition in the final third of the field.

Isak's impact? What ex-Reds star thinks

Quizzed on whether Isak’s presence could impact Salah’s output, former Reds midfielder Dietmar Hamann – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “Salah found it hard to score from open play in the second half of last season. Once you get past 30, and I think he’s 33 now, there aren’t an awful lot of players scoring on a consistent basis in the Premier League. You’ve got [Robert] Lewandowski who does it, you’ve got [Harry] Kane; in the Premier League, you don’t.

“Salah was a freak of nature, very rarely injured, the numbers he got. But I think everything will deteriorate at some stage, and I think we saw it at times last season. Again this year he hasn’t found it easier scoring goals, creating or getting chances. The dynamic has changed as well because in the past Salah was the guy they looked for. Now it might be [Florian] Wirtz, even though he’s had a very disappointing start to his Liverpool career, and now with Isak coming in, obviously there are two ways of seeing it.

“You can say there’s another guy taking attention and maybe taking balls away from Salah. On the other hand, you can say maybe it gives him a bit more space because they have to look after two or three top players. My gut feeling is that the arrival of Isak won’t improve Salah’s numbers.”

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Getty ImagesWill Wirtz come good for Liverpool?

Having hinted at Wirtz’s slow start to life in England, Hamann went on to say of his fellow German – who moved to Anfield in a £116m ($158m) transfer of his own – and what a successful debut campaign with Liverpool will look like: “Well, if they win the league and he contributes, I’d say he’s done his job. He’s a young player, but age doesn’t really come into it because he cost a lot of money.

“I wouldn’t like to quote you a number. But obviously it’s got to start at some stage, because he’s had a disappointing start to his career. It’s a different game, it’s more physical, it’s quicker, and free kicks aren’t given as easily as in Germany. This is something he has to learn.

“When you come to England, you have to mature quickly, because if he has another two or three disappointing performances, I don’t think [Arne] Slot will worry about it, but there might be a time where he says, ‘Maybe it’s better I leave him out for half an hour or 60 minutes’. And if the team does well, then you might have a problem. Then again, they’ve got so many games there’ll be time for everybody. But you want him to come good sooner rather than later.

“I’m not a big fan of assists because if you pass the ball three yards and somebody knocks it in the top corner from 40 yards, you get an assist for it, so I’m not a big assists man. I know how good he is and I’ve told everybody how good he is. I hope he does come good sooner rather than later. In all competitions, I’d be disappointed if he doesn’t get into double figures for goals.”

Arsenal have spent big in transfer windows in the past, but this summer is starting to feel like something else entirely.

At the back, Andrea Berta and Co have signed Kepa Arizabalaga and are soon to sign Christian Mosquera.

In midfield, they’ve made a significant investment in the £60m Martin Zubimendi, are being linked with Eberechi Eze, and have completed the shrewd signing of Christian Norgaard.

Then, in attack, the club are set to land Noni Madueke for around £52m and, perhaps most exciting of all, look set to make the statement signing of Viktor Gyokeres, and if reports are to be believed, they are now looking at someone who’d help him perform even better at the Emirates.

Arsenal target perfect teammate for Gyokeres

There was no doubt in the minds of most fans that, coming into this summer, Arsenal had to go all out for a new striker.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Mikel Arteta and Co must have felt the same way, as their hunt for a number nine has been one of the biggest sagas of the window thus far.

However, once it was clear that Benjamin Sesko was being priced out of a move by RB Leipzig, the Gunners promptly turned their attention to Gyokeres.

Despite Sporting CP’s president talking a big game, it now looks like the North Londoners have got their man, for an initial price said to be just £55m.

The good news doesn’t stop there, though, as it now appears that Berta and Co are looking to sign another attacker, someone who could help the Swede perform even better at the Emirates.

At least, that is according to a recent report from journalist Ben Jacobs, who has revealed that Arsenal are keen on Anthony Gordon.

Jacobs claims that the Premier League runners-up hold a ‘genuine interest’ in the Newcastle United star, although they’d likely have to make a sale before making an offer for him.

Moreover, while there is no mention of how much he might cost in the story, reports from earlier this month claim that the Magpies could demand as much as £100m for the Englishman.

While it would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, Gordon would undoubtedly be a level-raiser for Arsenal’s left-hand side, and someone who could help Gyokeres be even more effective.

Why Gordon would make Gyokeres even better

While there are undoubtedly a range of reasons Gordon could help Gyokeres perform at an even higher level at Arsenal next season, the most important of the lot is down to his output.

After all, if the Swedish international isn’t being supplied a steady stream of chances to convert, he’s not going to rack up the goals.

Additionally, with 13 assists to his name last season, the former Coventry City ace is reasonably creative, but if the man to his left isn’t a reliable finisher, then he won’t see his assist tally soar either.

Fortunately, over the last couple of years, the Newcastle star has proven himself to be a real threat on the wing, both as a creator and a goalscorer.

For example, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, he’s scored 21 goals and provided 23 assists in 90 appearances, totalling 6815 minutes.

In other words, the Liverpool-born “nightmare,” as he described himself, has averaged a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 154.88 minutes across the last two years.

In contrast, Gabriel Martinelli, who he’d likely replace, has scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists in 95 games, totalling 6204 minutes in the same period, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.27 games, or every 213.93 minutes.

Appearances

48

44

Minutes

3869′

2640′

Goals

12

8

Assists

16

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

138.17′

203.07′

Appearances

42

51

Minutes

2946′

3564′

Goals

9

10

Assists

7

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.38

0.31

Minutes per Goal Involvement

184.12′

222.75′

Finally, in addition to his output, the former Everton gem also ranked in the top 15% of attacking midfielders and wingers for passes into the penalty area last season, according to FBref.

This is important because, by looking at the Swedish goal machine’s heatmap from last season, it’s evident that he likes to spend as much time in the penalty area as possible.

Therefore, to get the most out of him, his teammates need to get the ball to him in dangerous areas, which is something the Toon star could do based on that metric.

Ultimately, Gyokeres has the potential to be a game-changing signing for Arsenal, and Arteta and Co. could get even more out of him by pairing him up with Gordon.

As exciting as Gyokeres: £80m "superstar" now open to signing for Arsenal

The international monster would be a game-changing signing for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 15, 2025

After confirming the arrival of 18-year-old Diego Leon, Manchester United chiefs are now reportedly discussing the chance to sign an impressive defender who is wanted by “half of the Premier League”.

Man Utd confirm Diego Leon arrival

In their second signing of the summer following the earlier arrival of Matheus Cunha, Manchester United have officially unveiled new man Leon. The left-back, who only turned 18 in April, is likely one for the future but certainly one to watch as he progresses under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford in the coming years.

Although the teenager won’t steal the same headlines as Cunha, his arrival could eventually prove to be just as important. With the South American confirmed too, Manchester United have officially continued their trend of welcoming young defenders in the last 12 months following Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven last season.

It’s not just young players that are on United’s radar, however. The Red Devils are still chasing a deal to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo with negotiations ongoing in pursuit of a deal worth over £60m this summer.

The winger is likely to cost around the same price as Cunha, who joined the club for £63m this summer, and would provide Amorim with yet another attacking upgrade.

Starts

38

29

Goals

20

15

Assists

7

6

Expected Goals

12.3

8.6

Last season’s numbers suggest that signing Mbeumo alongside Cunha would make it job done for Manchester United’s attacking rebuild, but they’re still reportedly targeting the likes of Victor Osimhen to truly round things off.

Meanwhile, those at Old Trafford are also reportedly discussing the chance to welcome a key defensive addition before the new Premier League season gets underway.

Man Utd discussing Bisseck deal

According to Caught Offside, Recruitment chiefs at Manchester United are now discussing signing Yann Bisseck from Inter Milan, but reportedly face competition from “half of the Premier League” for his signature. The central defender played his part as Inter reached the Champions League final last season and may yet bring that experience to English football.

Described as a “commanding” defender who is “dominant” in wide channels by analyst Ben Mattinson, Bisseck – like Mbeumo and Cunha – would hand Manchester United an instant upgrade on their current options.

Man Utd want midfield star who scores at exact same rate as Bruno Fernandes

He’s a wanted man…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 5, 2025

The Red Devils have already surprised many by taking charge of the race to sign Mbeumo and could yet do the same in pursuit of the Inter defender. Despite interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, the Manchester United name may remain strong enough to lure another reinforcement to Old Trafford.

Everton are now close to signing a “strong” £34 million player after agreeing personal terms, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Everton set to turn to alternative targets after missing out on Tete

Signing a new right-back has become one of David Moyes’ priorities in this transfer window, as the club decided to let Ashley Young leave, following the expiration of his contract. Seamus Coleman has signed a new one-year deal to remain, but Moyes wants more competition in that area of the team and earmarked Fulham’s Kenny Tete as a target.

Everton considering shock move to sign £40k-p/w ace likened to Messi

The Toffees could cause a shock…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 29, 2025

The Toffees were confident of landing the defender after discussing details over a contract, but instead, Tete decided to sign a new contract at Fulham and remain at Craven Cottage. The right-back has extended his stay until 2028 and believes Fulham is a “special club where he can develop”.

This news means Everton have to continue their search for a new right-back, and the BBC have reported that alternative targets for the Toffees could include Kyle Walker-Peters, who is a free agent after leaving Southampton, or Vladimir Coufal, who is also a free agent and knows Moyes well from their time at West Ham.

While they assess their options for a new right-back, the Premier League side appear to be closing in on their second signing of the summer.

Everton close to signing £34m Barry after agreeing personal terms

According to Romano, Everton are now close to signing striker Thierno Barry from Spanish side Villarreal.

The Italian states that the deal has advanced, as the Toffees and the player have now agreed personal terms; all that remains are the final details, and then this transfer is complete.

It’s been widely reported that Barry has a release clause worth £34 million, and Villarreal’s sporting director, Fernando Roig Nogueroles, has been clear that if the player is to leave, it will be for around that price.

He said: “We want the player, and if he were to leave, it would have to be, if not for the release clause, something very close to it. If not, he won’t leave.”

Apps

35

Starts

25

Goals

11

xG

12.41

Goals per game

0.3

Shots on target per game

0.7

Goal conversion

15%

Assists

4

xAG

1.95

Big chances created

7

The Toffees are said to be prepared to pay that sum of money but may look to pay in installments to reach that figure in total. The arrival of Barry, who has been dubbed a “strong physique”, has just got more important for Everton, as on Monday, Dominic Calvert-Lewin announced that he was leaving the club following the end of his contract, meaning options at the top end of the pitch have just become even lighter.

Barry’s expected arrival will likely see him become Moyes’ regular striker, as his physical presence and stature make him the perfect striker in a Moyes team.

Derbyshire 198 for 6 (Madsen 53, Stone 3-42) beat Nottinghamshire 102 (Dupavillon 3-15, Brown 3-17, Whiteley 3-23) by 96 runsDerbyshire Falcons celebrated a T20 victory over Notts Outlaws for the first time in nine years when they crushed their local rivals by 96 runs in the Vitality Blast North Group match at Derby.Superb batting from Wayne Madsen, who made 53 off 32 balls, and a destructive 46 off only 16 by Ross Whiteley lifted the Falcons from 76 for 4 after 10 overs to 198 for 6.Daryn Dupavillon then blew away the top order as Outlaws slumped to 36 for 4 and they never recovered as Whiteley followed up his batting fireworks by taking 3 for 23.Outlaws crumbled to 102 all out in 16.4 overs and have now lost their first four group games while Falcons recorded a second win.The game had started well for the visitors when Aneurin Donald skied the first ball he faced to deep square but David Llloyd got Falcons up and running by pulling Ollie Stone for six in the third over.New Zealander Cam Fletcher marked his debut with three off-side boundaries in Dillon Pennington’s second over before Lloyd dispatched Ben Lister for his second maximum. But Lloyd miscued a pull at Stone to midwicket and Fletcher edged behind to leave the Falcons on 47 for 3 at the end of the powerplay.That brought in Samit Patel who announced himself against his former club by whipping Lyndon James behind square for six but in the next over he pulled Calvin Harrison to Will Young at deep midwicket.Outlaws should have removed Brooke Guest on 9 in the 13th over but he was badly dropped at cover by Joe Clarke and the rest of the innings belonged to Madsen and Whiteley.Madsen drove Harrison for six and ramped Pennington for four on his way to a 29 ball 50 before he lifted James to long-off.That left the stage to Whiteley who demolished the bowling with a brutal exhibition of muscular strokeplay as 50 runs came off the last three overs. Stone was twice pulled for six and Lister received the same treatment in an over which cost 23 as Falcons took flight.Whiteley was caught at deep cover off the last ball but he had taken the game away from Outlaws who were facing a daunting chase.They needed their big guns to fire but Clarke was caught behind cutting at the first ball from Dupavillon and Alex Hales briefly threatened before becoming Dupavillon’s second victim. After dispatching the South African for two fours he miscued a big pull and was well caught at wide mid-on to put a big dent in Outlaws’ hopes.They were all but extinguished by the end of the powerplay with Young slicing Pat Brown to cover and Jack Haynes bowled making room to drive Dupavillon.Whiteley’s memorable evening continued when he pinned Tom Moores lbw with his first ball and then had Matt Montgomery caught at deep cover in his next over. Stone became Whiteley’s third victim when he drilled him to long-off and Falcons wrapped up a memorable victory with 20 balls to spare.

It seems like Chelsea will try and sign a new winger in the summer transfer window. With Jadon Sancho potentially returning to Manchester United, if they decide not to buy him permanently, they could well need reinforcements in wide areas.

Enzo Maresca’s current crop of wide men are certainly not uninspiring. Aside from Sancho, those permanently at the club include the likes of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke.

Those two wingers have six and 11 goals to their names across all competitions, respectively, this season. In recent weeks, Tyrique George has broken through, and Cole Palmer now plays a more central role.

However, they could well look to sign an additional player in wide areas, and are seemingly plotting an ambitious move this summer.

The latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of a winger

Chelsea have been linked with a number of options should they try and sign a new winger this summer. One of those players is another Red Devils star, Alejandro Garnacho. News broke on Thursday, courtesy of talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, that Chelsea are ‘interested’ in the 20-year-old.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Alternatives are also seemingly being considered, as the Blues could well be set to target Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to Caught Offside. The report suggests the West London outfit are ‘stepping up their pursuit’ of the Brazilian forward this summer.

According to the article, Chelsea are the side who ‘are currently leading the race’ to sign the Los Blancos superstar, but they are not the only team in the hunt.

Their Premier League rivals, Manchester City ‘are keeping a close eye on the situation’ and could also make a move. Whichever side win the race, Madrid could command a huge fee of £101m.

Why Rodrygo would be a good signing

Make no mistake about it, Chelsea would be signing a global superstar if they manage to bring Rodrygo to Stamford Bridge. Described as “terrifyingly good” by Sam Tighe, a football journalist and broadcaster, he has been fantastic for Madrid once again this term.

It has been a productive season again for the Brazilian this season. Across all competitions for the La Liga giants, he has found the back of the net 14 times and provided a further ten goals for his teammates in 51 games.

In fact, the 24-year-old’s underlying numbers from this season from Sofascore reinforce the fact that he has played well. For example, he has averaged 2.1 key passes and 2.1 successful dribbles in those 51 appearances this season.

Rodrygo’s key stats in 2024/25 season
Stat	Total	Per 90
Key passes	78	2.1
Big chances created	10	0.3
Dribbles completed	77	2.1
Tackles and interceptions	71	1.9
Expected goal involvements	12.12xGI	0.32xGI
Stats from Sofascore

If there is one competition that the winger thrives in, it is the Champions League. Rodrygo has a strong record in the competition, with 39 goals and assists in 64 games. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig rightly pointed out that he “loves the UCL”.

It is a competition that Chelsea are hoping to be in next term, and they will hope Rodrygo can turn up on the biggest stage again.

Should the West London side bring Rodrygo to the club, he could be the second coming of Diego Costa. Not in the sense of how he was as a player, of course, given the former Atletico Madrid star was a striker and Rodrygo is a winger.

Instead, the similarities between the two are the fact that they are both Brazil-born, high-profile La Liga stars, who were expensive, too. Sky Sports reported that the then-25-year-old striker cost Chelsea £32m, which in today’s money, according to The Transfer Index, would be £61.5m, a steep fee indeed.

Costa was sensational for the Blues. The Spain international, who has not yet retired but is currently without a club, scored 59 goals and registered 21 assists in 120 games.

Across three Premier League seasons, they won two titles, and Costa scored 20 league goals in both of those.

If Rodrygo can have anywhere near the impact at Chelsea that Costa managed, then it would be an excellent piece of business. Of course, the fee is expensive, but to acquire a player of his talent, you have to pay that kind of money.

Costa joined the Blues from La Liga and became a club legend, taking the West Londoners to astronomical heights. They will surely want Rodrygo to do the exact same thing if he moves to Stamford Bridge.

Could be another Sterling: Chelsea lead Arsenal in race for "superstar"

Chelsea are looking to add depth to their side this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

May 22, 2025

The Women’s FA Cup has just as much magic as its male equivalent, with the finale’s place at the end of the domestic calendar handing two teams the opportunity to finish the campaign on a high in front of a large capacity crowd.

That has only been heightened by the welcome rise in prominence within the women’s game of late, with the FA Cup final being held at Wembley Stadium since 2015.

While the national stadium has typically only been half full for such occasions in the past, the 2023 final between Chelsea and Manchester United saw over 77,000 witness the Blues secure a third straight triumph through Sam Kerr’s winner.

Large crowds like these are now the norm for showpiece women’s events, particularly at Wembley, with the FA Cup final and England internationals well in the habit of bringing in spectators en masse.

The 2024 final was further evidence of this, with United’s win over Tottenham Hotspur again drawing in over 75,000 supporters.

But who are the most successful clubs in the FA Cup’s history? Here is a look at the history of the competition and a detailed look at the most recent finals.

Women's FA Cup history timeline

1970: Following the lifting of a ban on women’s football, which had stood for nearly 50 years, the first FA Cup tournament is held by the Women’s Football Association (WFA). The National Sports Centre in Crystal Palace hosts the first final in 1971, won by Southampton Women’s FC.

1993: The Football Association takes administrative control of the competition, along with the rest of women’s football in England.

2015: The final is held at Wembley Stadium for the first time, as 30,000 spectators see Chelsea defeat Notts County 1-0.

2023: A world-record crowd attends a domestic cup final, nearly 12 months on from the Euro 2022 final at a sold-out Wembley.

2024/25 Women's FA Cup

The 2024/25 FA Cup takes place on Sunday, 18th May, one day after the men’s event. This year’s women’s final is between Chelsea and Manchester United, in what is a repeat of the 2023 final.

Chelsea are going for a treble after being crowned as unbeaten champions and having won the League Cup back in March, while holders United are defending their FA Cup crown, which was won through their 4-0 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in May 2024.

It has been an exceptional first year in charge for Sonia Bompastor since replacing Emma Hayes, with the Blues’ only defeats this term coming in the Champions League to Manchester City and Barcelona.

Manchester United are looking to end the season on a high after having to settle for third following their 4-3 defeat to Arsenal on the final day of the WSL season.

Women’s FA Cup past winners

18 different clubs have won the Women’s FA Cup, with Arsenal being the record winners, having won it 14 times.

Southampton Women’s FC is the next-most successful club, winning eight times, most recently in 1981.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s record is only bettered by Doncaster Belles, who appeared in 11 out of 12 finals between 1983 and 1994, winning six times. However, the Blues can draw level with them in 2025.

Club

Times won

Last won

Arsenal

14

2016

Southampton Women’s FC

8

1981

Doncaster Belles

6

1994

Chelsea

5

2023

Manchester City

3

2020

Charlton Athletic

3

2005

Everton

2

2010

Fulham

2

2003

Millwall Lionesses

2

1997

Manchester United

1

2024

Birmingham City

1

2012

Norwich City

1

1986

AFC Wimbledon Women

1

1985 (as Friends of Fulham)

Howbury Grange

1

1984

Lowestoft Ladies

1

1982

St Helens

1

1980

Queen’s Park Rangers

1

1977

Fodens

1

1974

Previous FA Cup finals 12th May 2024: Manchester United 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United sealed their first FA Cup triumph against first-time finalists Tottenham Hotspur in 2024 in a comprehensive victory at Wembley.

Ella Toone got the ball rolling just before the end of the first period, with her long-range rocket adding to her catalogue of big-game goals.

The second half saw Spurs tire and crumble under the wave of United attacks, with Rachel Williams’ header and Lucia Garcia’s double seeing the Red Devils run out deserved winners.

Beth England came closest for the runners-up when her header smashed the bar, but there could be no complaints about the final result as United claimed their first major trophy.

14th May 2023: Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United

Chelsea secured a league and cup double in 2023 after battling to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United. Marc Skinner’s side had most of the better chances, particularly in the first half when they had a goal ruled out for offside in the opening minute and forced Ann-Katrin Berger into a number of important saves.

Sam Kerr turned home Pernille Harder’s pinpoint cross in the second half, to which the Red Devils had no reply.

15th May 2022: Chelsea 3-2 Manchester City (aet)

The Blues edged a five-goal thriller against United’s closest rivals in 2022. Sam Kerr nodded Chelsea ahead before Lauren Hemp equalised just before half-time.

Erin Cuthbert’s screamer restored the Blues’ lead and had looked set to be the match-winner until Hayley Raso’s fine finish forced extra time.

Both sides had chances in the extra period, but Kerr took the crucial one in the 99th minute, with her deflected strike handing Chelsea another FA Cup.

5th December 2021: Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea

Postponed due to the pandemic, the 2021 finale took place nearly seven months later than usual. The date chosen for the final came a century after the FA’s ban on women’s football in 1921.

It was Chelsea who once again emerged victorious, as opponents Arsenal came up against an inspired Kerr, who scored twice after Fran Kirby’s early opener to seal a comfortable victory.

1st November 2020: Everton 1-3 Manchester City (aet)

Played in front of no fans during the pandemic-affected 2020/21 campaign, Man City won their third FA Cup in four seasons with an extra-time victory over Everton, who were in the first final in six years.

The 50th Women’s FA Cup final saw Sam Mewis’ header put Gareth Taylor’s team in front, before Valerie Gauvin’s equaliser from a corner took the sides to extra time.

Georgia Stanway’s poked finish left City with one hand on the cup, and she laid the ball on a plate for Janine Beckie to finally put the game to bed and secure a second successive cup triumph.