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Just 21 wickets in four days at Trent Bridge as spinners struggle to exploit hybrid pitch

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 25-Jun-2025Pocketing 12 points for a draw was enough to keep Nottinghamshire top of the Rothesay County Championship table with eight of 14 matches played, although they now find defending champions Surrey breathing down their necks after the match against Yorkshire at Trent Bridge ended in stalemate.Nottinghamshire led Division One by 10 points going into this round but Surrey’s victory over Worcestershire at New Road has closed the gap to two ahead of next week’s second batch of fixtures with the Kookaburra ball, when Surrey meet Durham at the Kia Oval and Nottinghamshire travel to Somerset.Matthew Revis supplemented Finlay Bean’s superb double-hundred for with an unbeaten 93 but with Yorkshire’s first innings stretching to lunch on day four before Nottinghamshire could bowl them out for 510 on a generally benign pitch, the chances of a positive outcome were almost non-existent.Part-time off-spinner Freddie McCann finished with a career-best three for 53 before Nottinghamshire, who had made 487 in their first innings, reached 148 for one in their second innings, opener Ben Slater passing fifty for the sixth consecutive innings – four of them against Yorkshire – in making an unbeaten 74. The players shook hands on a draw at ten to five.All-rounder Liam Patterson-White, who was three for 129 from 52 overs of left-arm spin overnight, could not add to his wickets tally in Yorkshire’s first innings, but the additional 10 overs in his final analysis of three for 146 puts him 10th in Nottinghamshire’s table of bowling marathons.Not since 1929, when off-spinner Sam Staples sent down 408 deliveries – also against Yorkshire – to claim fourth spot in that list, has any bowler exceeded Patterson-White’s 372 bowled in a single first-class innings for the county.Farhan Ahmed, the 17-year-old off-spinner, bowled 50 overs for his one for 126, although it is not the first time he has hit that milestone despite this being only his 13th match. In the draw against Surrey here last year – also played with the Kookaburra ball – when he broke all manner of records in taking his career-best seven for 140 on his Championship debut, he was in his 51st over when he took his final wicket.With little help for the seam bowlers in using the Kookaburra ball, Nottinghamshire had hoped that a used, hybrid pitch in the prevailing dry conditions might provide significant assistance to the spinners. Yet though two thirds of the Yorkshire innings was against spin, there was never enough turn to unsettle the more capable batters hugely.McCann found some turn, bowling George Hill (30) and Jack White – the former via an inside edge – and having Dom Bess (26) stumped, but by then the Yorkshire innings was beginning to peter out. Will O’Rourke departed in a somewhat farcical run-out.Yorkshire’s left-armer, Dan Moriarty, bowled Haseeb Hameed, but Nottinghamshire were otherwise untroubled through the 48 overs that remained in the match – even when Yorkshire skipper Jonny Bairstow, having handed the wicketkeeping gloves to Bean for the final session, brought himself on to bowl in what turned out to be the last over of the match.His over of what appeared to be off-spin was only his second in professional cricket, the other – also wicketless – having been against Durham in 2014.

Rangers are looking towards a new manager target who could bring a traditional front two back to Ibrox.

It looked all but guaranteed to be Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool legend was telling Rio Ferdinand all about his desire to return to management and talks were held with Rangers, only for their managerial search to continue after his rejection. Back to square one, Kevin Thelwell’s miserable start to life at Ibrox doesn’t look like ending anytime soon and questions are already surrounding his position as sporting director.

Just where Rangers go from here is the big question. After their main candidate rejected them, the likes of Danny Rohl have already been mentioned as potential alternatives.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss performed miracles at times in his last role, with circumstances away from the pitch often limiting his resources and disrupting things. Now, in search of his next coaching position, Rangers could yet come calling.

Rangers: 58 y/o league-winner wanted to accept low salary offer from Ibrox

He practically begged his agent to join Rangers.

ByBen Goodwin Oct 13, 2025

The German was a candidate before Rangers chose to hire Martin in the summer, so they should know all about his expertise. Whether the Gers choose to turn towards a 36-year-old in their current circumstances remains to be seen, however.

The last thing that the 49ers need is for their second appointment to go as badly as the first. Whilst Rohl is a manager full of potential, Rangers must steady the ship first and foremost which may see them go in another direction. If that does prove to be the case, then a new name could yet take the vacant job.

Raphael Wicky joins Rangers shortlist

As reported by TeamTalk, Rangers are now considering a move for Raphael Wicky. The 48-year-old – 12 years Rohl’s senior – most recently took charge of Young Boys from 2022 to 2024 and maintained a points-per-game record of 1.97. It stands out as his most impressive role, given that he became a Swiss champion and cup winner during his time at the club.

A similar age to Gerrard and a league winner like the former Liverpool man, Wicky could make perfect sense, and according to Transfermarkt would bring a 4-4-2 formation to Ibrox, with the slight tweak of a diamond midfield.

There would be a sense of unknown, but it’s the same kind that Rangers arguably had when hiring an inexperienced Gerrard back in 2019, before he won the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox in 2021.

When it comes to Wicky’s system, Rangers can expect to start with two out and out strikers under the Swiss manager, which could see starts for both Bojan Miovski and Youssef Chermiti as the Gers aim to finally get their attack firing on all cylinders.

So, whilst Wicky doesn’t stand out as the most well-known option, he is certainly an interesting candidate. He is still developing his trade, but doesn’t lack experience as a title-winner and that should hand the 49ers something to consider.

Barcelona have confirmed they will host an open training session for 23,000 fans at the Camp Nou in a test run ahead of the renovated stadium's official reopening. After many lengthy delays to the team's return to the iconic ground, the event will serve as a test to help secure the necessary licence to begin playing games there again.

Barca confirm open training session test

Barcelona officially announced a first-team open training session at the Spotify Camp Nou on Friday, 7 November, which will double as a crucial operational test for the partially redeveloped stadium.

The session will be the first time fans can enter the stadium since its long-running construction began and will serve as a "technical and operational test" ahead of a full, competitive reopening.

A total of 23,000 fans will be allowed to attend as Barca take a vital step forward in the "gradual reopening process" as they work towards hosting an official La Liga fixture.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCamp Nou reopening nears

The first-team squad, led by manager Hansi Flick, will train at Camp Nou, with fans watching on from the Main Stand (Tribune) and Gol Sud (South Goal) areas. This corresponds to "Phase 1A" of the reopening, for which the club has confirmed it now "holds the first occupancy licence."

Ticket sales began on Friday and the club has confirmed all proceeds will go to the 'Polseres Blaugranes' (Blaugrana Bracelets) project, a Barca Foundation initiative supporting the emotional well-being of hospitalised children.

While the event allows fans a first glimpse of the new stadium, its primary purpose is technical. Barcelona confirmed the session will be used to verify the new infrastructure under live conditions.

In its official statement, the club described the event as a test "to ensure the proper functioning of systems, access points, and various aspects of the facility." This "general rehearsal" is a required step to gain final clearance for hosting competitive matches in the 23,000-capacity Phase 1A configuration.

A nightmare year of construction delays

This test event comes after a tumultuous year of setbacks for the Espai Barca project, which has been plagued by never-ending delays and controversy.

The original plan, stated by president Joan Laporta, was for the team to return to a partially opened Camp Nou for the club's 125th anniversary in November 2024. That deadline was missed by almost a full year, with the project reportedly running 317 days behind schedule as of mid-October 2025.

The project's delays have been scrutinised alongside a "bombshell report" concerning the selection of the Turkish construction firm, Limak.

According to the report, Barcelona's own technical experts rated Limak's €960 million bid as the worst option, scoring it below 50 out of 100. It was placed last behind rival bids from Ferrovial and FCC, with internal experts citing concerns over Limak's ability to justify its construction schedule and its demand for €200 million in initial financing, compared to just €12 million from competitors.

The club's management, led by Espai Barça director Joan Sentelles, allegedly overruled this "non-binding" technical report. The decision reportedly caused significant internal strife, leading to the resignation of board director Jordi Llaurado, who felt the process "lacked transparency."

The primary reason for selecting Limak, despite the damning internal review, was the firm's "aggressive timeline." Limak was the only bidder to guarantee a return to Camp Nou by the November 2024 deadline, a date competitors reportedly described to the club as "impossible."

With that "impossible" deadline now passed, the club is reportedly not enforcing contractual financial penalties for the delays. Officials have attributed the setbacks to external factors like material shortages, despite a reported contract clause stating that "any delay due to a lack or delay in the supply of materials" is the contractor's responsibility.

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Why Barca rejected an earlier 27,000-fan return

Adding to the complex situation, the city council had already granted Barcelona permission to reopen Camp Nou for 27,000 spectators under the Phase 1A licence.

However, the club's board opted to reject this immediate return, choosing to remain at Montjuic. Club sources stated the decision "comes down to finances." The larger capacity at Montjuic currently offers higher matchday revenue, and the club believes a return to a partially open Camp Nou does not make economic sense until the 47,000-seat approval for Phase 1B is secured.

Phase 1B, which includes the side stands, is also necessary to host UEFA Champions League matches.

The club are now focused on securing approval for Phase 1B. Vice president Elena Fort, who oversees the Espai Barca project, recently explained the club's strategy to .

"We hope that phase 1B, which would accommodate 47,000 spectators, will be approved soon, because the works are finished and it's a matter of permits and project validation, and it's simpler than the approved phase," Fort said.

She also identified a new target window for the official, competitive return. "Any date would be good, because what we want is to return, but the end of November, whether it's against Athletic or Getafe, which would coincide with the club's 126th anniversary, would be a great match."

Hearts strengthened their Scottish Premiership title credentials with an emphatic 3-1 victory over champions Celtic on Sunday afternoon. An own goal from defender Dane Murray and strikes from forwards Alexandros Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland helped Derek McInnes’ side record a statement victory which has sent shockwaves across Scottish football.

Hearts fans in dreamland thanks to goals from Kyziridis and Shankland

After making a flying start to the 2025-26 season, Hearts went into the game against Celtic knowing a win would show they had to be taken seriously in the title race. And after Murray’s own goal was cancelled out by a lovely strike from Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor, Hearts soon raced to victory thanks to second-half efforts from Kyziridis and Shankland, leaving the home supporters dreaming of what might be come the end of the season.

AdvertisementHulton ArchiveFerguson's Aberdeen were the last non-Old Firm club to win the league

While it remains too early to tell if Hearts truly have a strong chance of winning their first league title since 1960, their triumph over Celtic has captured the imagination of neutral football fans right across Scotland. The last team to win the Scottish league title – other than old firm duo Celtic and Rangers – was Aberdeen in 1985. The Dons, then managed by legendary former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, pipped second-placed Celtic to the title by seven points that year, with Rangers finishing fourth and 21 points adrift. Aberdeen’s victory in 1985 was all the more remarkable because it was their second consecutive title under Ferguson, having also won the league in 1984.

Former Man Utd boss guided Aberdeen to unprecedented success

In an eight-year spell in charge, Ferguson led Aberdeen to unprecedented success in what was a golden period in their history. The Pittodrie club won 10 major honours under Ferguson, including another league title in 1980, as well as the 1983 European Cup Winners’ Cup. Aberdeen defeated Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid 2-1 in the final in Sweden, with John Hewitt scoring the winner in extra time. Ferguson’s men later downed then-European champions Hamburg 2-0 to win the Super Cup in 1983.

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Getty Images SportHearts boss McInnes keeping calm in wake of momentous Celtic win

However, while early comparisons are being drawn with Ferguson’s famous Aberdeen side, Hearts manager McInnes is keeping his feet firmly on the ground following the win over Celtic.

Speaking to after the game, McInnes said: "We take the three points and we stick them in the pocket and we're pleased with that. But I think in terms of belief and confidence, I think it does us no harm.

"I don't think it's a statement win. It might be for others on the outside looking in. It might change opinions. It might validate opinions that there's a tightrope.

"I genuinely think that, and I'll stick to it, the fact that once you go round a couple of round of fixtures, I think it's far more sensible to have any real assumption of where teams are going to be.

"But let's not kid ourselves, we're really pleased with what the lads they've given us.

"I thought it was a strong performance we needed to be. I thought it was a polished performance, we needed to have a wee bit of polish on it.

"Technically, we look in a good place, and certainly physically we look in a good place, so long may that continue."

They may well be in the Premier League relegation zone, but things are starting to look up for West Ham United.

Importantly, Graham Potter is now ancient history, and Nuno Espírito Santo is already getting the team to play better.

For example, they managed to fight back from a goal down and claim a point away to Everton, and while they didn’t really lay a finger on Arsenal, they also were not blown away.

However, there are still, of course, problems to solve, such as the team’s dire strikeforce of Niclas Füllkrug and Callum Wilson, although that problem could potentially be addressed through the academy.

West Ham's Füllkrug & Wilson problem

Even though West Ham are undoubtedly better than where they currently sit in the table, there are a few areas of the team that desperately need attention, like the striker department.

Go back to last summer, and it looked like the East Londoners had gone some way towards doing just that when they signed Füllkrug from Borussia Dortmund.

The German international was just coming off a season in which he scored 15 goals and provided ten assists in 43 appearances for the Bundesliga side and featured at the Euros in his homeland.

Unfortunately, the player the Hammers got their hands on has looked nothing like that clinical striker, as so far, in 27 games for the club, the 32-year-old has scored just three goals and provided two assists.

Worse yet, all five of those goal involvements came last season, and so far this year, he has been less than effective up top.

Appearances

20

7

Minutes

877′

385′

Goals

3

0

Assists

2

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.25

0.00

Minutes per Goal Involvement

175.4′

N/A

Now, it might seem harsh to judge Wilson so early on in his West Ham career, but even as a free signing, he’s an underwhelming addition to the team at best.

So far, he has scored one goal in six appearances, which just isn’t good enough for a club of this size, and considering he scored just once in 22 games for Newcastle United last season, it seems unlikely he’s going to rediscover his form anytime soon.

In all, it is clear as can be that West Ham need a new striker, and while they could, and probably should, sign one in January, Nuno might already have a solution in the academy.

West Ham's Füllkrug & Wilson replacement

While the first team has been underwhelming at best for West Ham over the last couple of years, the academy continues to produce promising talent after promising talent like Emeka Adiele, Elisha Sowunmi and Chuk Obi.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Moreover, the academy could provide Nuno with a solution to his Füllkrug and Wilson problem in the shape of Callum Marshall.

The 20-year-old centre-forward is currently plying his trade with the club’s U21 side and has racked up a reasonably impressive tally of four goals and one assist in just three appearances, totalling 270 minutes, which is an average of 1.33 goal involvements per game, or one every 67.5 minutes.

However, what makes the Northern Irishman a prime candidate to come and start ahead of the more senior strikers at some point this season is that he’s already got a good amount of senior football under his belt.

For example, he was given 29 minutes against Arsenal on Saturday, but more importantly, he spent last season on loan with Huddersfield Town, where he made quite an impact.

In all, the Glengormley-born poacher made 46 appearances for the Terriers, totalling 2841 minutes, in which he scored ten goals and provided four assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.28 games, or every 202.92 minutes.

Now, that might not sound outrageously impressive, but it’s important to remember that it was the youngster’s first proper season of regular first-team football, and he clearly did something right as he was named the club’s Player of the Year.

Moreover, with 12 international caps already under his belt, the “natural goalscorer,” as dubbed by former Huddersfield boss Michael Duff, is unlikely to be fazed by the task of starting a league game or two in the coming months.

Ultimately, it might not be the perfect solution, but with neither Füllkrug nor Wilson being good enough to lead the line for West Ham, Nuno should turn to Marshall.

West Ham think signing £105k-a-week Man United player would be perfect for Nuno

They’re convinced he’d slot in seamlessly.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 8, 2025

Twin collapses and multiple drops in the field led to India’s downfall from a position of strength in Leeds

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jun-2025

Ben Duckett scored an attacking century•Getty Images

Shubman Gill rued India’s missed chances with the bat and in the field after England chased down 371 to claim a 1-0 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.Gill said that India were looking to set England a target in excess of 400, but a second lower-order collapse in the match limited them to 364 in their second innings. India weren’t sharp in the field either, dropping at least seven chances in the Test, including two in the final innings. Ben Duckett, who was dropped twice, made the most of those lives to score 149 off 170 balls, paving the way for England pulling off their second-highest chase in Test cricket.”I think yesterday we were thinking that we’re going to give [England a target of] around 430, 435 and then declare,” Gill said at the post-match presentation. “But, unfortunately, I think our last six wickets scored around 20-25 [31] runs, which is never a good sign. But even today, I thought after their brilliant opening partnership, we did have our chances and just didn’t go our way in this match.”Related

Stokes hails 'incredible' opening stand as England repeat history

Gambhir calls for patience as attack is left exposed

Gill must lay down the law after India lose the unlosable Test

Duckett lays the foundation as England hunt down 371

In their first innings, India had lost their last seven wickets for 41 runs and in the second, they lost their last six wickets for 31 runs. Gill said that India were looking to avoid such collapses and improve in the field in the remaining four Test matches.”Yes, that was something that we spoke about,” Gill said. “But when you are out there in the middle, it happens so quickly. And I think it would be one of those things that we have to rectify in the upcoming matches. Chances don’t come easy, especially on wickets like these, and we dropped quite a few catches. But I think we have got a young team, still a learning one, and hopefully, in the next matches, we’ll be able to improve on those aspects.”Ravindra Jadeja had some rough to work with on the final day, but could manage only one wicket, that of Ben Stokes, and ended with figures of 24-1-104-1. Duckett countered Jadeja with reverse-sweeps, picking him away for 38 off 38 balls, including five fours and a six. Gill felt that Jadeja had actually bowled well and suggested that the story might have been different had India held on to their chances.”He bowled brilliantly. I think he did produce some chances for us,” Gill said of Jadeja. “A few pop-ups, you know, that Rishabh [Pant] didn’t see. But that happens in a game of cricket. You kind of expect there would be some chances that wouldn’t go your way.”

Owen impressed on his T20I debut, taking a key wicket before clubbing 50 off 27 which included six sixes

Alex Malcolm20-Jul-2025A dream debut for Mitchell Owen with bat and ball alongside a stunning half-century from Cameron Green guided Australia to a three-wicket win over West Indies after a masterful death bowling display from Ben Dwarshuis and Nathan Ellis set the game up at Sabina Park.Owen took a key wicket before clubbing 50 off 27 to become the third Australian behind Ricky Ponting and David Warner to make a half-century on T20I debut and bag the Player-of-the-Match award. He smashed six sixes while Green thumped five and two boundaries in a 26-ball 51. The pair added 80 from 40 to rescue Australia from 78 for 4 and gun down the target of 190. Australia out-hit West Indies, smashing 17 sixes to just nine overall.Earlier, Dwarshuis took 4 for 36 including three in an over, as he and Ellis combined to take four wickets for just seven runs in the last 16 balls of West Indies innings to restrict them to 189 for 8 after half-centuries from Roston Chase and Shai Hope had threatened to set-up a huge total. Chase made 60 off 32 at No.3 while Hope made 55 from 39. Shimron Hetmyer also clubbed 38 from 19 but West Indies’ lower-order combined for 11 between them as they lost 6 for 30 in the final five overs.Chase-ing Hope earlyIn the absence of the injured Evin Lewis, West Indies new-look top three laid a superb platform. Brandon King made the switch from Test cricket to T20 mode look easy, thumping four boundaries in the first three overs as Australia’s quicks missed wide. The early introduction of spin halted momentum with Cooper Connolly bagging his first T20I wicket as King ran past one. Hope picked up the baton launching Connolly inside out over cover off the back foot.Roston Chase launches down the ground•Getty ImagesChase’s first 10 balls were very sluggish but he found his groove outside the powerplay. He launched Connolly and Adam Zampa in back-to-back overs before playing four superb strokes off Sean Abbott in the 10th to find the boundary four times. He first paddle-scooped fine, before showing power and touch to thread the same gap between short third and backward point before again paddling a predictable full and straight ball fine again. West Indies looked set for a huge score at 123 for 1 in the 13th over.Dwarshuis and Ellis death bowling masterclassDwarshuis started a West Indies collapse as Chase holed out to long-on trying to clear the rope again. Hope slowed down significantly before Owen made his first impact in T20I cricket with the ball, forcing a miscue from Hope with a wide slower ball. Either side of that though he conceded two sixes to Hetmyer.Ellis and Dwarshuis then put on a clinic. Hetmyer was threatening to push West Indies well over 200, smoking Ellis’ first two balls of the 18th over to the rope. But thereafter West Indies lost 4 for 7 off the last 16 balls of the innings. Ellis’ last four balls of the 18th over were a mixture of brilliant slower balls and yorkers. Dwarshuis took three wickets for one run in the 19th with three mishits caught in the deep. Ellis closed out the last thanks to some help from Green who denied Hetmyer a certain six at long-off with a stunning catch that no other Australian fielder could have caught at full stretch on the rope.Ben Dwarshuis bagged four wickets•Getty ImagesFraser-McGurk misfires yet againEyebrows were raised when Australia’s selectors recalled Fraser-McGurk in place of the injured Spencer Johnson as a reserve wicketkeeper for Josh Inglis, and they remained raised when he was selected in the XI to open in place of the injured Matt Short. But there was very little surprise when he struggled to 2 off 7 before miscuing Jason Holder to mid-off.Mitchell Marsh was in an all-or-nothing mood, mixing three monstrous sixes with seven dots in the powerplay before he got a thin edge to the extra pace of Alzarri Joseph. Green fought fire with fire. He got away with a top edge that flew for six over fine third before being pinned on the shoulder. He then deposited Joseph over fine leg twice to finish the powerplay.Australia looked in all sorts of trouble when Josh Inglis top-edged Akeal Hosein to short fine and Glenn Maxwell skied Motie straight up to end an indifferent innings of 11 off 10.Green and Owen power Australia home, justNeither man had much experience as middle-order finishers coming into the game but the pair showed extraordinary composure and power to rip the game away from West Indies. Owen was fearless, getting off the mark with a six off Andre Russell and launching another later in the over for good measure. He then deposited Hosein three times in the 12th over to dispel any concerns over his ability against spin in the middle overs. Green played really smartly at the other end knocking three twos to keep the board moving without risk after his fast start. He then took Holder and Motie down to blaze to 50 off 25 balls and get the target to just 32 off 31 balls. But he fell trying to hit Motie out of the ground again.Owen kept going, pounding Joseph into the stands to reach 50 off 26 but he too fell next ball trying to go again with Australia still needing 15 off 21. But Connolly, Dwarshuis and Abbott did just enough to steer the visitors home, but not without help from West Indies’ fielders. Substitute fielder Jewel Andrew dropped Abbott at fine leg off Holder with seven to win. He was almost run out too but they nurdled their way home with seven balls to spare.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca lavished praise on a fringe member of his squad ahead of their Champions League clash with Ajax on Wednesday.

Chelsea back to winning ways after straight victories

Chelsea’s resurgence in form since their tepid loss at home to Brighton has been a welcome boost for the club amid their real injury woes.

Despite major concerns over defensive depth, the Blues have managed to steady the ship and produce encouraging results that suggest they are finding some rhythm under Maresca.

A key storyline behind this revival has been Chelsea’s ability to cope with a severely depleted backline.

Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill, two important players, are sidelined with injuries, leaving the squad very thin at the back, with youngster Josh Acheampong repaying Maresca’s faith so far.

Enzo Fernández

Knee

Ajax

Cole Palmer

Groin

December

Dario Essugo

Thigh

Early 2026

Benoit Badiashile

Muscle

December

Liam Delap

Hamstring

November/December

Levi Colwill

ACL

Spring 2026

Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana only recently returned to fitness after their own spells out, meaning Chelsea had to navigate a tricky period with very limited defensive options, with the latter not even selected for Maresca’s last matchday squad at Nottingham Forest.

Trevoh Chalobah was also available once again after his suspension and immediately returned to the starting line-up against Forest.

While Chelsea looked far from resolute — giving the ball away carelessly in their own half on three separate occasions in the first 45 at the City Ground — Maresca’s tinkering at half-time shored his side up as the west Londoners eventually secured all three points, a clean sheet and Ange Postecoglou’s sacking in the process.

This vital win followed a statement 2-1 victory at home to Premier League champions Liverpool and all three points against José Mourinho’s Benfica in Europe, with Chelsea expected to continue this trend against Ajax.

As Maresca turns to Acheampong to provide cover for his backline, summer signing Jorrel Hato will perhaps feel quite hard done by.

The Netherlands international could face-off against his former club this evening, but has hardly been given a full game by Maresca since arriving at Stamford Bridge from the Eredivisie.

Primarily viewed as a left-back to cover Marc Cucurella, a role he shone in last season for Ajax, Hato can also operate as a centre-back when required and attracted long-term interest from Arsenal before his move to the other side of London.

The 19-year-old finished Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup but is yet to make a single Champions League appearance, starting just two of Chelsea’s eight Premier League games so far as well.

Enzo Maresca praises Jorrel Hato after Chelsea performances behind-the-scenes

According to Maresca, via his pre-Ajax press conference, Hato struggled at Chelsea initially, mainly due to the physicality of English football.

However, since then, Hato has got “better and better” behind-the-scenes and Maresca is thrilled with the teenager’s steady progress.

This is echoed by Tosin, who told reporters that Hato is impressing in Cobham training and working tirelessly every day.

The Dutchman, regardless of his very young age, was given the captain’s armband on occasion during his time at Ajax, and Maresca could well gift Hato his first European appearance for Chelsea against the club who nurtured him.

Coming to England with a stellar reputation as one of Europe’s rising defensive stars, he’s found it hard to battle his way into the first team so far, but according to Maresca, he’s doing all the right things.

Laura Harvey, who has coached the Seattle Reign since 2021, revealed that she used ChatGPT to help form her tactics this season. The English manager admitted that the AI system helped her lay out a defensive system, which she then put into place for her playoff-bound Reign ahead of the campaign. They are currently fourth in the NWSL after finishing 13th last season.

Using AI for soccer

Harvey conceded that AI was instrumental in her team's success this season – and in a very direct way, too. In an appearance on the , Harvey admitted that she asked ChatGPT to help her form her team ahead of the season. 

She typed in “What formation should you play to beat NWSL teams?” and it yielded suggestions for how to play against every other NWSL side. The technology recommended she play five at the back against two of them, she said, which served as the base for her tactics throughout the year. 

AdvertisementImagnA new formation

Harvey pointed out that the technology was instrumental in helping her think about her tactical setup in new ways. Despite being in managerial roles for nearly 20 years, she admitted hadn't played a five-at-the-back system before, but the analysis from ChatGPT gave her a nudge towards a different way of playing – one that has proved immensely successful this year. 

"I'd never really done a lot of research on it," she said. "I'd never really, like, invested into how it could be played in the women's game. I'd only ever really seen it from afar, you know, watching men's games really."

She found, for example, that a five-back system could be applied throughout a game, rather than to just hold onto late leads:

"It was always sort of talked about as a way to see games out. You know, [you go ahead] and get into a back five and stop people from scoring, was sort of how, like, a back five had been talked about for me," she said.

IMAGNA template, not a recommendation

Harvey was quick to emphasize, though, that she didn't derive her exact system from the technology. The recommendation sparked an idea, which she then encouraged her coaching staff to study, which yielded a new system altogether.

"We researched it, we did a deep dive on it, we thought about how we could play it,” she continued. “And we went for it, and we liked it. It worked. We won the game."

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Getty ImagesAn improvement this season

Whatever changes AI recommended have certainly worked. The Reign were among the worst teams in the league last season, and finished 13th out of 14 teams. This year, they are fourth, have won 10 out of their 25 games, and, depending on results elsewhere, could secure home field advantage for at least one round of the playoffs.

The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series the same year they spent big in the offseason by acquiring Shohei Ohtani as well as numerous other standout players in free agency. Mookie Betts is confident the team will continue its domination of MLB for the rest of the decade, if not longer.

While accepting his All-MLB outfield award at the 2024 MLB Awards on Thursday, Betts was asked about players who aspire to be like him. The 32-year-old has won three World Series titles in his 11-year career, making him one of the winningest active players in the league. As far as advice, Betts preached patience to his fellow ballplayers.

"I would say y'all just gotta wait the next seven years. After that, then y'all can win. But right now, nah. You just gotta wait," Betts joked.

Betts made clear that he and the Dodgers would have their feet on the gas for the next seven years, showing no signs of slowing down and letting other teams sniff a championship. With their loaded roster, it's not out of the realm of possibility either.

Since making the move to Los Angeles in 2020, Betts has now won two championships. He also won one with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. Come seven years, Betts will be 39 and approaching the end of his contract, at which point he concedes other teams may have a shot to win the Fall Classic.