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There is still a long way to go, but this season really is shaping up to be a spectacular one for Arsenal.

Thanks to their wins over Bournemouth and Aston Villa and Manchester City’s draws with Sunderland and Chelsea, Mikel Arteta’s side are now six points clear in the Premier League.

Moreover, with players returning from injury, there is an expectation that the Gunners will only get better as the campaign progresses.

As if that wasn’t enough for Arsenal fans, the club could also have the chance to sign a longterm target in the summer, someone who’d be an upgrade on the inform Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal handed chance to sign Trossard upgrade

While there are a few players who have underwhelmed for Arsenal so far this season, there are more who have seriously impressed.

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The likes of Declan Rice, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Bukayo Saka, for example, are playing like men possessed, but perhaps the most improved player of all has been Trossard.

The Belgian wasn’t bad last year, but he has been playing at an unbelievable level so far this season, constantly popping up with goals and assists when the team need him most.

However, he could still find his game time reduced somewhat next season as the Gunners may soon be handed the chance to sign a long-term target who’d be an upgrade on the 31-year-old.

At least that is according to reports from France, which claim that Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola could be on the move in the summer.

Speaking on Ici, L’Équipe journalist Loic Tanzi said, “I think that Barcola will be a real topic next summer, to leave Paris Saint-Germain.”

This could be music to Arsenal’s ears, as just last month the North Londoners were credited with strong interest in the game-changing winger.

It could be a hugely expensive deal to get done, though, with reports from last summer stating that the Parisian side value their star at around €100m, which is about £86m.

Even so, if there is any chance Arsenal can sign Barcola this year, they should take it, as he could be a game-changing addition and a serious upgrade on Trossard.

How Barcola compares to Trossard

Now, one of Barcola’s many strengths is the ability to play on both flanks if needed.

However, like Trossard, his primary position is on the left, and based on current form, the Belgian would be his primary competitor for game time at Arsenal.

So, which winger comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when looking at their raw output from the start of last season to today, it’s the Frenchman who comes out ahead.

For example, in this period, he has scored 26 goals and provided 24 assists in 86 appearances, totalling 5301 minutes.

This comes out to an incredible average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 106.02 minutes, which lends plenty of credence to analyst Ben Mattinson’s claim that he’s “one of the best left-wingers in Europe.”

In contrast, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star has scored 17 goals and provided 16 assists in 79 appearances, totalling 4783 minutes.

This comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.39 games, or every 144.93 minutes.

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Okay, what about their underlying numbers? Who comes out looking better when we take a look under the hood?

Barcola vs Trossard

Statistics per 90

Barcola

Trossard

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.65

0.52

Progressive Passes

4.22

4.12

Progressive Carries

4.56

3.19

Shots on Target

1.90

0.76

Passing Accuracy

83.9%

71.8%

Key Passes

2.11

1.76

Shot-Creating Actions

4.35

3.71

Goal-Creating Actions

0.67

0.34

Tackles Won

0.78

0.76

Successful Take-Ons

2.11

0.76

All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season

Well, rather unsurprisingly, it’s once again the PSG gem.

The 23-year-old does better in almost every single metric, including things like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key passes, passing accuracy, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Trossard is a great player and has been nothing short of brilliant so far this season.

However, Barcola would clearly be an upgrade, and therefore, if Arsenal have the chance to sign him this year, they should take it.

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Manchester United have enjoyed a mixed campaign in the Premier League this term and have now identified a potential replacement for Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

Manchester United's stalemate with Wolves shows need for signings

Despite keeping pace in the race for European football, Manchester United’s draw with Wolves earlier in the week was a stark reminder that arrivals are necessary for Amorim to succeed at Old Trafford.

Admittedly, the Red Devils were depleted to some extent. Still, Gary Neville blasted the former Sporting boss for taking off goalscorer Joshua Zirkzee at half-time after his effort opened the scoring on another night that left more questions than answers for many.

He said: “He’ll point to injuries and AFCON. But every team is in a similar situation. I’m not sure what happened with Zirkzee. If he’s not injured, it’s a bizarre substitution to make.”

Now, Manchester United will prepare for quickfire fixtures against Leeds United and Burnley. However, there is a patent obviousness that new arrivals are needed to address squad depth issues now that the January window is open.

England international Conor Gallagher may arrive from Atletico Madrid to bolster the Red Devils’ dwindling midfield options. Manuel Ugarte could be the one to make way, while Al-Hilal star Ruben Neves is another option to explore this month.

Finances are likely to be available as INEOS aim to bring Manchester United back into a cycle of regular continental qualification. Nevertheless, there is work to do if they are to stay on course amid a tightly packed schedule over the coming months.

Either way, Amorim hasn’t enjoyed a linear ascent in the Old Trafford dugout and could eventually be replaced, according to reports.

Andoni Iraola could swap Bournemouth for Manchester United

According to CaughtOffside, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola could replace Amorim at Manchester United should the latter decide to make a change in the dugout after being identified as a candidate on a three-man shortlist.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and former Barcelona man Xavi are also in the mix if the Red Devils choose to act, illustrating that there is a plan in place should results take a downward turn over the months to come.

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Described as “one of the best in the league” by scout Ben Mattinson, he’s been earning plaudits for his success within a 4-2-3-1 system. Iraola has claimed an average of 1.34 points per Premier League match since arriving at the Cherries, winning 33, drawing 28 and losing 34 of his 95 clashes in the hotseat.

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Performing above expectations, his footballing philosophy has been picked up on within the corridors of power at Old Trafford. However, it remains to be seen how long Amorim will be given to convince his doubters.

Manchester United are a club adamant on moving forward as they continue to follow Amorim’s process. Albeit, you get the feeling some inside the building want to get back where they belong sooner rather than later.

South Africa’s ODI squad has been strengthened by the inclusion of Albie Morkel © Getty Images

After an attritional Test series – with sub-standard pitches and sweltering conditions being assigned majority of the blame – Pakistan and South Africa embark upon a five-match ODI series beginning in Lahore. Expect a lot of changes in the middle, bar the weather, as the teams swap their whites for the traditional greens. There will be a marked increase in crowd figures as the Lahore pitch is expected to be a nightmare for the bowlers.Brimming with confidence after a salutary performance at the ICC World Twenty20, Pakistan will go into the series hoping to have shrugged aside their Test defeat. It is their first 50-over series since May and Shoaib Malik, whose captaincy was found lacking in decision-making and strategy during the Tests has impressed in the shorter format.”We need to put the Test series loss behind us and I know all the players are professional and know their responsibilities, so I am confident of a good show,” Malik said.Although Mohammad Asif remains doubtful for the match, Pakistan will hope to avail of the Afridi-factor that was sorely missed in the Tests. Having opted out of the matches due to religious commitments, Shahid Afridi returns to the squad and along with Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s hero in the ICC World Twenty20, will form a destructive partnership in the final overs. Mohammad Yousuf will also hope to make his comeback after being dropped from the tournament in South Africa and add firepower to the middle order.Iftikhar Anjum is set to be used first-change behind Umar Gul and Sohail Tanvir, Pakistan’s surprise package in South Africa, if Asif fails the fitness test before the match. With the home side relying on the spin of Afridi and Malik, Abdur Rehman, who had a successful Test series, was likely to miss out.South Africa, meanwhile, have sent back Paul Harris, the highest wicket-taker in the Tests, but their line-up now includes Justin Kemp and Albie Morkel, two powerful hitters who also pitch in with the ball. Graeme Smith, who’s wary of Pakistan’s success at Twenty20, is confident of a good show.

Mohammad Yousuf’s return will bolster the Pakistan middle order © Getty Images

“Pakistan’s confidence will be high after their recent success in the Twenty20 tournament. But obviously it’s another challenge for their captain and we will try to put them under pressure,” Smith said.Barring an injury to Vernon Philander, who replaced the injured Morne Morkel half-way through the first Test, the rest of the squad looks in good shape especially after thrashing the PCB XI in their only tour-match before the ODI series. Although there were complaints of a congested itinerary, mainly due to security concerns on the tourists’ part, Smith feels the Test victory has helped his side.”We are pretty confident after the rush start to the tour. It was nice tohave a good rest and we are going into the one-day series knowing we havethe potential to do well.”Potential is one word that South Africa somehow manages to defy at crucialmoments and, although, history favours the tourists – who’ve won seven of thelast 10 ODIs between these two teams – Pakistan were victorious in the two encounters at Lahore when South Africa last visited.TeamsPakistan (probable): 1 Imran Nazir, 2 Salman Butt, 3 Younis Khan, 4 Mohammad Yousuf, 5 Shoaib Malik (capt), 6 Shahid Afridi, 7 Misbah-ul-Haq, 8 Kamran Akmal (wk), 9 Sohail Tanvir, 10 Iftikhar Anjum, 11 Umar Gul.South Africa (probable): 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Herschelle Gibbs,3 Jacques Kallis, 4 AB de Villiers, 5 Justin Kemp, 6 Albie Morkel, 7 Mark Boucher(wk), 8 Shaun Pollock, 9 Andre Nel, 10 Johan Botha, 11 Makhaya Ntini.

In a curious incident of the missing match-referee, the Delhi v Uttar Pradesh match at the Feroz Shah Kotla was abandoned on the final day. The match referee and one of the umpires were missing from the ground for close to 90 minutes even as the players waited for them to start play.The two umpires – I Shivaram of Hyderabad and Sameer Bandekar of Mumbai – decided at 9:15 am that the light was not good for play to begin. The light improved around 11 am and the players prepared to take the field but there was no sign of the match referee, Sambran Banerjee, and umpire Bandekar.The two coaches – Chetan Chauhan of Delhi and Rajinder Singh Hans of Uttar Pradesh – were stumped at the turn of events: “We are ready to play, but we have no idea why they (officials) are not starting,” he was quoted in . Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) general secretary Sneh Bansal agreed that the conditions were perfect for cricket, and was left wondering why play did not start.The two officials reappeared at 11.45am and Bannerjee hid behind the excuse of being in the toilet. Yet, that was no way of excusing a delay of 90 minutes. The same newspaper also reported that Bandekar and Banerjee had gone to St. Stephens ground to watch a Bengal-Punjab Under-22 match. The match was then called off just after lunch, when light was not indeed good for play. “They decided to call it off at lunch,” said one of the players involved, “and didn’t wait a little longer to see if the light improves.”The DDCA Sports Secretary Sunil Dev was furious. “The irresponsible conduct of the two officials has denied Delhi batting practice and also robbed Aakash Chopra of the chance to complete his second century of the match,” he said. “I will request the DDCA to file a complaint with the BCCI.”

Anil Kumble – Blood, sweat and lots of wickets © Getty Images

Working his way back to form and fitness, Anil Kumble, the legspinner with the tally of 465wickets, is upbeat about touching the magical 500-wicket mark this season starting with the three-Test series against Sri Lanka next month.Kumble, who was left out of the one-day squad for the home series against Sri Lanka and South Africa on fitness grounds, is now fit and raring to make a comeback to competitive cricket. “I had a slight niggle in the back but I am fine now,” said Kumble. ” I have been practising with the Karnataka team. In fact I am looking forward to Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy match against Railways so that I can test myself in a match situation.”Kumble’s decision to play in the Ranji match, starting on November 23 in Delhi, may have something to do with the Indian Board’s directive that injured players must prove their fitness in a domestic game before making themselves available for selection to the national team. Kumble, 35 wickets short of joining the elite 500 club, said the series against Sri lanka would provide him an opportunity to get closer. “Thirty five wickets from three Tests is a little tight, but yes, 500 is a realistic target. I am looking forward to that feat and starting my season on a good note.”Kumble said the 6-1 one-day series victory over Sri Lanka would help India go in to the Test series with confidence. “The series victory over them will give us the confidence as we play the Tests which nevertheless would be a different ball game altogether,” he added. “Our track record in Tests has been good, so we hope to have a good game against them.”He did not think that public interest in the Test series would be on the wane given that the two teams had played a one-day series earlier. “I do not think the interest level will come down. Test cricket has its own charm, the match against England and Pakistan which ended yesterday was a close game. It was as thrilling as it gets.”Kumble said he was very happy to see the recent resurgence of the Indian team and the performance of the youngsters. “It [the performance of the team] has been really good. It is a healthy sign indeed but we have to continue the good show, this is what is most important.”Asked about the team management’s various experiments with the batting order and going into matches with as many as five bowlers, he said, “…as far as experimentations are concerned, the results are there for everyone to see, results do matter and if the results are good, the process must be good as well. It is good to see youngsters coming through. It is still early days but obviously the talent is there. It is important that we continue to do well.”Kumble said he had not seen much of upcoming spinner Piyush Chawla who is being spoken highly of by cricket pundits, especially ever since he scalped Sachin Tendulkar in the Challenger Series in Mohali. He was all praise for Greg Chappell, the coach, although he admitted he has not had too much interaction with him. “It is certainly a big help to have someone with so much experience around.”

The threat of a vote of no confidence in Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) which was widely expected at the special meeting of the Mashonaland Cricket Association never materialised – mainly because of internal discontent which led to the resignation of the entire MCA board.The meeting, attended by 60 or so members, was a heated affair, and the anger with the board’s behaviour soon became clear. Stephen Mangongo, the former head of national selectors, proposed a vote of no confidence in the MCA board. Such was the overwhelming feeling of the floor that a vote was never taken – the board resigned on the spot.Of the eight board members, only Crispen Mandenge, the new chairman, Elvis Sembezeya and Claudius Mukandiwa survived. They were joined byLance Malloch-Brown, the former Mashonaland wicketkeeper, Jeremiah Matibiri, Rory Mcwade, Clarence Musamba and Mike Temhiwa.Tavengwa Mukuhlani, the outgoing chairman, automatically lost his post on Zimbabwe Cricket’s board as he was only there in his capacity as Mashonaland’s chairman.Sembezeya said the new MCA board is expected to carry the mandate of the clubs who elected them into power. “The previous board had people who did not represent any clubs, people like Mukuhlani, just sold themselves to the clubs, they promised to secure sponsorship for the small clubs and that is how they were voted into power. But they have done nothing … all they do is oppress the same clubs who voted them in."One eyewitness said it was now a question of wait-and-see regarding the new board’s approach to Zimbabwe Cricket. "But the mood suggested that those present wanted a committee that would take a tougher linewith ZC," he added.

Dennis Lillee has reacted sharply to Sunil Gavaskar’s criticism of Australia’s sledging tactics, saying that sledging would never leave the game completely.”Sledging has gone on since W.G. Grace and it will go on as long as any sport is played, not just cricket,” Lillee was quoted as saying in . “If they think it’s too bad, the authorities are there to stop it.””I think it’s funny coming from someone who took his bat and went home when an umpire’s decision went against him,” said Lillee, referring to the Melbourne Test between Australia and India in 1981. Gavaskar, adjudged lbw to Lillee, was so incensed at the decision, that he dragged his partner Chetan Chauhan off the field, and was placated only on the sidelines by Col. Hemu Adhikari.Lillee also responded to Gavaskar’s charge that bowlers in school games anywhere in the world are verbally abusing batsmen after seeing their heroes do it on TV. “I don’t know how much junior cricket he has watched in Australia. That’s not right.”

The selection puzzle became a little clearer for NSW cricket coach SteveRixon after NSW Country romped to a 76-run one-day win over the Cityteam on Sunday.The match was a final trial before NSW starts its interstate limitedovers campaign against Victoria on October 7 and many embraced a chanceto impress in the absence of Australian regulars Steve and Mark Waugh,Michael Slater, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken and Glenn McGrath.Mark Higgs hit 40 to dominate a 55-run fourth wicket stand with captainShane Lee (61 not out) and help Country reach 7-251 off its 50 overs.The 25-year-old Higgs then claimed 2-36 off seven overs of off-spin asCity was dismissed for 175, despite a fighting 51 by opener Brett VanDeinsen.City’s tail was mopped up by allrounder Shawn Bradstreet, who bagged 3-3off just four overs.Discarded Test leg spinner Stuart MacGill also impressed with 4-59 off10 overs for City but it wasn’t enough to stop an impressive Countryvictory.”I’m looking to put the pieces into the big jigsaw for further down thetrack,” Rixon said after the match which completed a two-day camp in theHunter Valley.”Every time you play a game of cricket you look at different things.”The big thing has been that the senior players have controlled themajor strings in the trial games [in Coffs Harbour and Maitland] andthat’s a good sign.”The rookies’ time will be there but they’ve got a bit of work to bedone before being part of the No.1 side.”Besides Lee and Higgs, Country’s innings was sparked by Phil Jaques (34)and opening partner Brad Haddin (41).Australian one-day specialist Michael Bevan was run out for 21 butCountry’s innings was boosted by late hitting from Albury’s DominicThornley (27).In reply, City was reduced to 1-11 when opener Greg Mail was run out forfive and never recovered.

Ravi Shastri, the India team director, has highlighted the need for patience to be successful against South Africa. The two teams square off in a four-Test series, in addition to playing five ODIs and three T20s. India are a strong force on home turf, but have occasionally shown fatigue on such long assignments.Most of them were away from home though. India posed a significant threat to a 364-run target in Adelaide, but slipped away thereafter to lose the series 2-0. A similar theme was seen in England when India lost control of a 1-0 lead and in South Africa when they were noticeably drained in the second Test in Durban after a nail-biting draw in Johannesburg.Recently though, India came from behind to win a three-Test series in Sri Lanka, where several batsmen came up with innings of substance and perhaps more vitally, the bowlers showed they could build and maintain pressure for long periods of time. A continuation of those good habits will be necessary to beat the top-ranked Test team in the world, one which has lost only two Test series away from home in the last decade.”South Africa are the No. 1 team in the world,” Shastri told . “We have to play consistent cricket for long periods of time to put them under pressure. That will be the endeavour. Our style of play will not change. If you reflect on our performances in Australia and Sri Lanka, you will see that consistency was the difference between defeat and victory. Sustained brilliance will be the key against the Proteas.”And that – not letting the opposition off the hook after having them under pressure – demands a lot of patience. We weren’t patient enough both in Australia and during the first Test in Sri Lanka. Once the patience and discipline came, in the next two Tests, we saw the results.”India will have to accomplish that without Ishant Sharma, their premier fast bowler. He claimed 13 victims at 23.23 and became the fourth Indian seamer to 200 wickets, but was also in the spotlight for the send-offs he gave the opposition batsmen as a result of which he was copped a one-match suspension.”I know he has copped a lot of flak over the aggression and he will learn where to draw a line,” Shastri said. “But let me assure you, he has the backing of the entire team. I want him to be aggressive and I will be the first one to push him in that direction. But I will also mark the line. We will miss him for the first Test. He is our most experienced fast bowler.”The composition of the Indian batting line-up has been a topic of interest. But Shastri felt credit was due to the players for putting their hands up when the team needed it.”Cheteshwar [Pujara] had to sit out a long time and then was asked to open the innings. Not for a moment did he complain or give any excuses, and the reward was there for everyone to see. Ajinkya Rahane was asked to go at 3 when we needed more stability after Shikhar’s injury. Rohit [Sharma] was asked to drop back. They both did it in the interest of the team and they scored runs. It is a case of doing things willingly for the team. These guys don’t think, ‘What if’? They say, ‘Why not?'”When you have everyone fit and ready, the guys will be back in their normal positions. All the chop and change happened because we were encountered with so many injuries right through the series. What do you do then? You have to be flexible and people have to be prepared to do that.”

West Ham United and midfielder Tomas Soucek are reportedly progressing with talks regarding an extension of the Czech Republic international’s contract with the Hammers.

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider, the east London outfit are confident that a deal will be reached between both parties to extend Soucek’s contract at West Ham after talks were opened last week, with the 26-year-old’s deal set to expire in 2024.

Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds goalkeeper and pundit Paddy Kenny said:” It would be massive statement for West Ham to tie him down. It would be a statement of intent as well after they didn’t sign anyone in January.

“Let’s see if they get this one done because you never know with things like this.

“West Ham will want it done quickly I’m sure. It would be a boost for the whole club.”

Since joining the Hammers from Slavia Prague in July 2020, the Czech has been a revelation in the middle of the park for David Moyes’ side and therefore it’s no surprise that West Ham want to tie the midfielder down to a new deal.

After a stellar debut campaign in claret and blue last season, it was reported by The Athletic that Manchester United were already planning a swoop for the 26-year-old last summer, however, nothing serious materialised.

Although, you wouldn’t put it past United or another elite club to attempt a swoop for Soucek this summer, hence why the Hammers are keen to extend the midfielder’s deal.

West Ham must extend Soucek’s contract

With West Ham still in the hunt for Champions League football, it’s vital that Moyes has as many players fit and focused as possible, with Soucek certainly one of the Scotsman’s key assets.

The Hammers are sat in fifth and are just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United. However, games in hand won’t be doing them any favours.

United have one game in hand on the east Londoners whilst city rivals Arsenal in sixth are level on points (42) and have three games in hand, meaning that a top-four finish is currently well out of their hands.

As well as the Premier League, Moyes’ side are still in the FA Cup and Europa League, with the final months of the season set to be hectic.

The turnaround at the London Stadium since Tomas Soucek’s arrival is certainly remarkable. Just days prior to his move to the capital, the midfielder’s current employers had secured Premier League survival on the final day of the season after a turbulent campaign.

Within the space of one season, the Hammers had gone from relegation fodder to pushing for Champions League qualification, eventually settling for a sixth-place finish last season.

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During that campaign, the former Slavia man didn’t miss a single minute of Premier League football, scoring ten goals in the process, making him a kingpin in Moyes’ bid to secure a European spot.

This season has been a similar story, with the 26-year-old having missed just two league games through injury. Moreover, Soucek’s significance was highlighted during his absence particularly with the Hammers losing 3-2 to struggling Leeds at home.

The Czech’s rise at the London Stadium has been meteoric and West Ham will want to ensure that the midfielder plans to stay put for the coming seasons.

In other news: Moyes can finally axe “terrible” £40k-p/w flop as West Ham plot bid for £8.5m “animal”