“If it’s there, then remove the rule – as simple as that. The ones who have a problem, good for them; it’s fine”
ESPNcricinfo staff25-Oct-2022
Hardik – “If I am walking out [of the crease], and someone runs me out – fair enough. It’s my mistake, not the bowler’s”•ICC/Getty Images
India allrounder Hardik Pandya is fine with bowlers running non-strikers out if they stray out of the crease. Speaking on , ahead of the start of the T20 World Cup in Australia, Hardik also said he isn’t fussed about spirit-of-cricket debates around the mode of dismissal.”We need to stop making a fuss about this. It’s a rule – [as] simple as that,” Hardik said. “To hell with the spirit of the game. If it’s there, [then] remove the rule – as simple as that. The ones who have a problem, good for them; it’s fine.Related
Hardik Pandya: unflustered, indifferent, and the gold standard for an allrounder
India not looking to rest players, says bowling coach Paras Mhambrey
Starc calls for short-run penalty if non-striker strays out of crease
MCC moves to de-stigmatise non-striker run-outs
Buttler queries 'wishy-washy' law
“Personally, I have no problem. If I am walking out [of the crease], and someone runs me out – fair enough. It’s my mistake, not the bowler’s. He is taking the rules to his advantage – [as] simple as that. That’ll not make a big deal.”The debate surrounding the spirit of cricket and fairness of such a dismissal was reignited last month when Deepti Sharma ran Charlie Dean out at Lord’s in the deciding ODI of the series between England and India. England were nine down and needed 17 off 39 balls before Deepti flicked the bails off to catch Dean short.Earlier this March, the MCC had de-stigmatised running non-strikers out by shifting the move of a player being run out by the bowler while backing up from Law 41 (which deals with unfair play) to Law 38 (which deals with run-outs) in its recent update. More recently Australia quick Mitchell Starc suggested umpires use on-ground cameras to make “short-run” calls if the non-striker tries to gain an advantage. Starc spoke after informally warning Jos Buttler about the England batter leaving the non-striker’s end before he released the ball. Starc felt that docking the batting side a run in such circumstances would leave “no grey area”.”Every time the batter leaves the crease before the front foot lands, dock them a run. There’s no grey area then,” he had said. “And in T20 cricket where runs are so handy at the back end and games can be decided by one, two, three runs all the time, if all of a sudden you get docked 20 runs because a batter’s leaving early, you’re going to stop doing it, aren’t you?”Bowlers like R Ashwin have been vocal about promoting the use of the dismissal, having run Buttler out the same way in an IPL game in 2019. Running a non-striker out has historically been one of cricket’s most controversial and opinion-dividing topics. In the past, bowlers who practiced running non-strikers out – like West Indies’ Keemo Paul, for example, at an Under-19 World Cup game – have taken a step back from doing so after receiving backlash over their decision.
A próxima quinta-feira será importante para o Sport, que tenta somar três pontos diante da Ponte Preta, na Arena de Pernambuco.
– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B
Dentro do G-4 da Série B, o time de Gilmar Dal Pozzo terá a missão de quebrar a maré negativa do sistema ofensivo.
Nos últimos dois confrontos, o Leão não balançou a rede contra Novorizontino e CRB e ligou o sinal de alerta.
Vale citar, que em nove jogos disputados até o momento, o Sport anotou seis gols.
RelacionadasSportSport quer se consolidar no G-4 da Série BSport31/05/2022FortalezaFortaleza tem desfalque e retorno para encarar o CearáFortaleza31/05/2022GrêmioElkeson fala sobre ‘ansiedade’ do Grêmio durante a má faseGrêmio31/05/2022
Três jogos em nove dias, sendo apenas um na Neo Química Arena. Essa é a sequência que o Corinthians irá fazer na próxima semana, com dois duelos pelo Brasileirão, e um na Libertadores.
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> GALERIA – Jogos do Corinthians na Neo Química Arena com a volta do público
O primeiro deles é neste sábado, às 19h, no Beira-Rio, contra o Internacional, pela sexta rodada do Brasileirão.
Se por um lado o Timão é dominante em casa com Vítor Pereira, o mesmo não pode ser dito quando a equipe joga longe da Neo Química Arena.
São cinco derrotas, dois empates e apenas três vitórias longe de casa com o treinador português, com um aproveitamento de 26%. O elenco sabe que precisa melhorar o desempenho longe de seus domínios, e Fábio Santos contou que o técnico cobra essa melhora dos atletas.
-Jogar fora de casa é uma das coisas que o Vítor preza bastante da gente, cobra bastante, tentar manter o mesmo rendimento que temos dentro da Arena. Sabemos que é difícil, jogar do lado do nosso torcedor faz uma grande diferença, mas temos tentado achar esse equilíbrio, conquistar pontos importantes fora de casa. Uma equipe que quer títulos, seguir nas três competições, tem que achar esse equilíbrio, jogar bem dentro e fora de casa – disse o lateral.
O camisa 26 também fez uma análise do confronto contra o Internacional, que vem de dois jogos seguidos com empates, e ocupa o9º lugar na tabela do Brasileirão.
-Se criou uma rivalidade muito grande nos últimos anos entre Inter e Corinthians. Sabemos que é um jogo duríssimo, jogar no Beira-Rio é sempre complicado. Queremos aproveitar o bom momento para nos mantermos na liderança – afirmou o atleta.
O Corinthians tem dois pontos de vantagem do vice-líder Santos, e quer aproveitar os tropeços dos postulantes ao título, Atlético-MG, Flamengo e Palmeiras, para seguir firme na ponta. Caso vença o Inter, será o segundo triunfo consecutivo fora de casa no campeonato.
> TABELA – Confira e simule os jogos do Corinthians no Brasileirão
-Dá para candidatar sim o Corinthians em uma briga por conquista. O elenco, camisa, grandeza do clube, pede isso. Campeonato de pontos corridos, o Corinthians na frente, sabemos que nas rodadas finais faz diferença. Uma equipe acostumada a brigar por títulos. Obviamente que é cedo, agora não muda tanto estar em 1 ou 6, porque a diferença é muito próxima dos jogos, mas queremos nos manter nas primeiras colocações, e na parte final do campeonato, ver o que realmente a gente vai brigar no campeonato – comentou Fábio Santos.
Após a partida em Porto Alegre, a delegação corintiana embarca direto para Buenos Aires, chegando no domingo (15). A situação no grupo é favorável aos brasileiros, e um empate contra o Boca Juniors deixaria uma das vagas no grupo praticamente garantida ao Timão.
Mas nada é simples quando o jogo é em La Bombonera, e o retrospecto do Corinthians jogando fora de casa nesta Libertadores não é positivo. O clube foi derrotado na altitude de La Paz contra o Always Ready-BOL, e empatou contra o Deportivo Cali na Colômbia.
-Classificar o quanto antes é o nosso objetivo, não deixar para a última rodada. Fazer um grande jogo na Argentina para voltar classificado.La Bombonera é um estádio conhecidíssimo, principalmente aqui na América. A gente fala, tem jogadores que sonham em jogar lá. É difícil contar ou passar experiência, tem que ser vivida. Os jovens estão ansiosos para viver esse momento, assim como eu de voltar lá. Só na terça-feira a gente vai matar essa ansiedade – concluiu Fábio Santos.
Após o duelo contra o Boca, o Timão volta a disputar uma partida na Neo Química Arena, mas a pressão será imensa, pois enfrenta o São Paulo no domingo (22), com a torcida pressionando pela primeira vitória em clássicos no ano.
With a tough test at home to a resurgent Newcastle United side on the horizon, Ruben Amorim’s already waning attacking options at Manchester United look set to be even more depleted.
The former Sporting CP boss will be without his captain, Bruno Fernandes, for the visit of the Magpies, following his compatriot’s red card at Molineux, while it would appear likely that Marcus Rashford’s exile will continue amid a four-game absence for the Englishman.
Bruno Fernandes
With Mason Mount having also broken down with injury in the Manchester Derby, Amorim will be left to pick between Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Amad Diallo to operate in those two number ten berths.
It was only a few weeks ago, however, that Garnacho was left out of the trip to the Etihad – having scored just once under the new boss against Bodo Glimt – while Antony, meanwhile, has only netted once all season.
The burden then falls on Amad to create some magic for the Red Devils, although the Ivorian wizard could certainly do with some help in the January window.
Amad's rise at Man Utd
Eyebrows were raised back in October 2020 as reports emerged that United were set to fork out a fee of as much as £37m to sign a raw teenager from Atalanta. This was a player who, at the time, had chalked up just five senior appearances for the Serie A side.
Upon his eventual arrival in Manchester in January 2021, it’s fair to say that it took time for Amad to make his mark, albeit while scoring his first goal for the club with a deft, flicked header against AC Milan toward the end of that campaign.
Comparisons to a certain Lionel Messi hung in the air from his days in Bergamo, although United pleaded patience, ultimately sending the winger out on loan to Rangers in January 2022, before a further temporary stint was secured at Sunderland the following season.
With injury then impacting much of the 2023/24 campaign for the 22-year-old under Erik ten Hag – aside from his notable FA Cup strike against Liverpool – it looked like it would simply never happen for Amad at Old Trafford. Fast forward a few months, however, and the diminutive talent is now the man of the moment.
A strong pre-season was followed by a rare run of games under Ten Hag, resulting in notable highs such as the opener against Brighton and Hove Albion, although it wasn’t until Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim appointment that Amad began to flourish, having scored twice and registered one assist in just four games under the Dutchman.
Amad’s Man Utd record by coach
Manager
Games
Goals
Assists
Minutes played
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
8
1
1
329
Michael Carrick
0
0
0
0
Ralf Rangnick
1
0
0
68
Erik ten Hag
24
3
2
1058
Ruud van Nistelrooy
4
2
1
217
Ruben Amorim
10
2
5
731
Total
47
8
9
2403
Stats via Transfermarkt
Such momentum has been maintained under Amorim’s watch, with it taking just over a minute for the silky left-footer to make his mark at Ipswich Town, surging down the right flank before picking out Rashford with a somewhat wayward cross. When your lucks in.
A further four assists and two goals have since followed – including that winner in the Derby – with Amad’s rising stock epitomised by his status in the pecking order ahead of both Rashford and Garnacho.
Seemingly a perfect fit for one of the two roles behind the striker, the 5 foot 8 sensation could do with a suitable partner next to him. Cue the January window.
Man Utd's search for a playmaker
Funds, it must be said, are likely to be tight at Old Trafford in the New Year, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s succession of rather miserly budget cuts pointing to a quiet window as far as incomings are concerned.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
That said, a potential bargain opportunity could arise before too long, with The Times reporting earlier this week that United are among the clubs on ‘red alert’ should Barcelona’s Dani Olmo become available.
The Catalan side’s own financial constraints mean that there is a chance the Spain international could depart on a free transfer in January, should the club prove unable to register him. Any exit would represent a swift one, considering the 26-year-old, La Masia product only returned to Camp Nou on a £51m deal over the summer.
With Manchester City and Arsenal also in the frame, getting a deal over the line for the ex-RB Leipzig man may be tricky, yet there’s every reason to suggest it would prove a worthwhile investment.
What Dani Olmo would bring to Man Utd
While injury and eligibility has been a factor in an at-times stop-start season for Olmo, the playmaker has still managed to make his mark for Hansi Flick’s side, scoring five goals in just 11 La Liga outings.
Dani Olmo at Euro 2024Dani Olmo at Euro 2024
In the Champions League, the one-time Dinamo Zagreb star has also chipped in with one goal and one assist in four appearances, with such fine form following his standout Euro 2024 campaign, in which he contributed three goals and two assists en route to La Roja’s glorious triumph.
Capable of operating in a number ten berth, or on the flanks, Olmo appears ready-made for Amorim’s 3-4-3 set-up, not least having also played in that system during his days in Germany under Julian Nagelsmann.
It could be said then that the Red Devils missed a trick by not snapping him up sooner, with former United star Louis Saha suggesting as much back in September, while insisting that the Barca man is in a “similar bracket to Bruno Fernandes”.
A playmaking, goalscoring presence like Fernandes – as shown by his 63 goals and assists in 148 games for Leipzig – Olmo could represent the perfect replacement or successor to the Portuguese, with the chance for United’s skipper to also drop deeper into the midfield two.
In essence, having Olmo operating behind the striker would be akin to utilising a right-footed Amad, with the pair deemed to be statistically similar players among those in their position across Europe’s top five leagues, according to FBref.
Indeed, Olmo averages 0.72 goals and assists per game in 2024/25 so far, while Amad is just behind, having averaged 0.68 in that regard. Equally, the pair are also alike in their work off the ball, with Olmo ranking in the top 17% across Europe for tackles made across the last 365 days, while his United counterpart is just ahead as he ranks in the top 3% in that regard.
That likeness can also be seen in their ability to beat a man down the flank, with Olmo averaging 1.4 successful dribbles per game in La Liga this season, while Amad averages 1.5 for that same metric in the Premier League. It certainly bodes well for what the Barcelona man could bring to the Theatre of Dreams to help bolster Amorim’s creative, attacking options.
Having previously snapped up that man Fernandes in the January window back in 2020, the Red Devils could repeat that trick with another statement signing in 2025.
Amorim wants him: Man Utd frontrunners to sign £58m Rashford upgrade
Man Utd are seeking to acquire a perfect replacement for Marcus Rashford
Crystal Palace have submitted a January bid as they attempt to lure an “explosive” player from an elite club, and Oliver Glasner’s side have been handed a response to their advances.
Oliver Glasner tipped to sign attacker for Crystal Palace in January
The Eagles are arguably well-stocked in defence, although you could definitely make a case that Tyrick Mitchell needs competition at left-back, or even a potential replacement if the Englishman opts to join another club after his contract expires at the end of this season.
Crystal Palace chiefs in talks to sign "exceptional" new target in January
He was recently called up by his country for the first-ever time.
ByBarney Lane Dec 23, 2024
The goalkeeping position is taken care of, while manager Oliver Glasner boasts two solid striker options in Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah.
Another area of the squad which arguably needs addressing, though, is in the attacking midfield. Eberechi Eze stands out as a star player, but the inconsistent Daichi Kamada and Ismaila Sarr require more competition, even if Justin Devenny has performed superbly at times.
Leicester City (away)
January 15
West Ham (away)
January 18
Brentford (home)
January 26
Man United (away)
February 2
Everton (home)
February 15
Glasner and chairman Steve Parish are reportedly attempting to reinforce their midfield this window, and there is a belief that Palace are targeting Sergi Altimira from Real Betis as an option in that regard.
According to Standard Sport, Palace also hold an interest in Man City winger James McAtee, and Lyon star Rayan Cherki is a transfer target for Glasner as well.
The latter could be available for as little as £25 million due to the French side’s financial problems and provisional relegation to Ligue 2, so Palace face serious competition from elite clubs.
Crystal Palace submit bid for Liverpool winger Ben Doak
According to The Daily Mail and other national media outlets, Palace also have Liverpool winger Ben Doak firmly in their sights. The Scotland international is performing impressively out on loan at Middlesbrough as Michael Carrick’s side push for promotion to the Premier League, so much so that Palace submitted a £15 million bid to sign Doak in January.
However, Glasner and co have been given a reply to their request, with Liverpool rejecting it out of hand. The Reds are holding out for around £25 million, using the summer transfer fees paid for ex-Championship stars Wilson Odobert (£30m) and Crysencio Summerville (£25m) as yardsticks for Doak’s valuation.
Following Palace’s snub, there is hope for the south Londoners, as it is believed they haven’t given up and could return for another swoop.
“He’s got a lot of confidence, he’s a good laugh and he’s fitted in well,” said international teammate John McGinn. “Think everyone’s aware of his ability and he’s certainly something different to what we’ve got. Hopefully we can see that on Thursday.
“Even in training, he’s so explosive. Sheer pace, power, strength. It’s certainly something we’ve been missing over the past couple of seasons. He’s definitely going to bring something different there and hopefully we can see. He’ll definitely get supporters off their seats.”
اختار هيثم فاروق، محلل قنوات “بي إن سبورتس” أفضل لاعب ومدرب، في مباراتي ذهاب دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
وتعادل الأهلي مع ماميلودي صن دوانز الجنوب إفريقي بدون أهداف، وبنفس النتيجة أنهى بيراميدز مباراته أمام أورلاندو بايراتس.
وقال هيثم فاروق: “أفضل لاعب في ذهاب نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أفريقيا؟ إمام عاشور كان جيدًا، وأضيف معه مصطفى فتحي الاثنان يتقاسمان الجائزة، ولو كنت سأختار لاعبًا واحدًا فقط، سأختار مصطفى فتحي، لأن الفارق الكبير الذي صنعه مع بيراميدز واضح، وهو يشكل خطورة كبيرة على مرمى الخصوم، إنه لاعب كبير ومؤثر”.
طالع.. مدرب أورلاندو يعلق على التعادل مع بيراميدز في ذهاب نصف نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا
وتابع: “سأختار كولر كأفضل مدرب في ذهاب نصف نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا، لأن الانتقادات كانت عنيفة جدًا عليه في الفترة الأخيرة، وكان تحت ضغط رهيب”.
واختتم: “أن تغيّر التكتيك ليس أمرًا سهلًا، وأن تُقنع به فريقك، وتقنع اللاعبين بشخصيتك، رغم أن كثيرين استغربوا من تشكيل الأهلي في بداية المباراة، فهذا يدل على الشخصية الكبيرة لهذا الرجل”.
Mason Greenwood's England future hangs on the balance as the Marseille star has been told that the "ball is in his court" over representing Jamaica.
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Greenwood is likely to switch allegianceJamaican federation yet to receive documentsMcClaren confident of Man Utd reunionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Football Association’s (FA) chief executive, Mark Bullingham, recently confirmed that Greenwood had expressed his intention to change allegiance to Jamaica, where he would link up with former England manager Steve McClaren. However, the Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) has yet to receive the necessary paperwork to complete the switch, raising doubts over whether Greenwood will follow through with his decision, reports.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The JFF had been hopeful that Greenwood’s eligibility would be settled before the nation's 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June and the forward was also seen as a potential key player for their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign. However, due to delays in documentation, his involvement in these competitions is no longer guaranteed.
WHAT MCCLAREN SAID
Despite the uncertainty, Jamaica manager McClaren remains optimistic that Greenwood is fully committed to representing the Caribbean nation.
"We are in contact all the time, with him and his family,” he said. "I am very confident he only wants to play for Jamaica. It is up to him when he moves forward with that. The ball is in his court."
DID YOU KNOW?
McClaren, who previously worked at Manchester United as an assistant coach, took charge of Jamaica’s national team last year. Under his leadership, the JFF has actively pursued dual-nationality players to strengthen the squad, with Greenwood viewed as a major addition.
Aston Villa have been great at producing young talent through their academy system over the years and current first-team star Jacob Ramsey is an example of that.
Stretching much further back, the likes of Marc Albrighton, Gabriel Agbonlahor, and Gareth Barry also came through the academy before emerging as first-team players at Villa Park.
The most famous product of the Villa youth set-up, however, is, arguably, Manchester City and England forward Jack Grealish, who left the club in 2021.
City swooped in to sign him for a then-British record transfer fee of £100m, after he had come through the academy and emerged as a first-team star for the Villans.
Jack Grealish's Aston Villa career in numbers
The Englishman joined the club in 2002, at the age of seven, and worked his way through the various age groups, scoring six goals in 43 matches at U21 level, before his emergence in the senior squad.
In total, Grealish racked up 32 goals and 41 assists in 213 appearances in all competitions for Villa, playing as a number ten or a winger, with his best performances coming in his final two seasons at the club.
Jack Grealish
19/20 Premier League
20/21 Premier League
Appearances
36
26
Goals
8
6
Big chances created
8
14
Key passes per game
2.5
3.2
Assists
5
10
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the England international contributed with goals and assists at Premier League level, with 22 ‘big chances’ created in two campaigns.
Grealish became the poster boy for young attackers wanting to follow in his footsteps at Villa, but not all of them were able to achieve their dream. Andre Green is one starlet who aimed to become a first-team star but just fell short.
Where Andre Green is now
The winger joined the club in 2006, at the age of eight, and by 2019, he told Aston Villa’s website that he was “trying” to emulate Grealish’s success in the senior squad.
During that season, Green made 18 appearances in the Championship for Villa but only contributed with one goal and one assist for the side, having managed one goal in six League One outings for Portsmouth on loan.
The English forward, who scored seven goals in 40 U21 games for the Villans, made 48 appearances in his career with the first-team in total and only managed two goals and one assist.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.
After his comments about wanting to follow in Grealish’s footsteps, Green was sent out on loan to Charlton for the 2019/20 campaign and only produced two goals in 13 third tier matches, where he was described as a “real handful” by Lyle Taylor, before being released in the summer of 2020.
He then had spells with Sheffield Wednesday and SK Slovan before a move to Rotherham United in the summer of 2023, where he has been for more than a year now.
To date, the 26-year-old attacker has failed to score in ten outings in all competitions for the League One club and his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
Unfortunately, Green was unable to fulfill his ambition of being the next Grealish at Villa Park and is now struggling for game time in the third tier of English football.
Emery pushing Aston Villa to sign £80k-p/w star who could replace Ramsey
Emery is keen for Villa to sign a midfielder who could replace the injured Jacob Ramsey.
The Red Devils only have the Europa League to fight for now after yet another disappointing display on Sunday
Manchester United's season went from bad to worse as they were sent crashing out of the FA Cup after losing a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw with Fulham at Old Trafford. Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee botched their spot-kicks as the visitors ran out 4-3 winners in the shootout, despite United winning the coin toss and kicking first in front of the Stretford End.
A brilliant Bruno Fernandes strike cancelled out Calvin Bassey's first-half header, but the teams couldn't be separated after extra-time. And despite winning their previous shootouts against Arsenal this season and in the semi-finals against both Brighton in 2023 and Coventry City in 2024, United could not keep their nerve from 12 yards.
The first half was even but uninspiring, and Fulham grabbed the lead right before the break when Bassey headed home from a corner, deepening United's woes from set-pieces. It was the 13th goal the Red Devils have conceded this season from corners, more than any other Premier League team.
Amorim threw on Alejandro Garnacho early in the second half and the Argentine gave the team some much needed spark, but it was Fernandes who made the difference, slotting into the bottom corner after Diogo Dalot, released by Garnacho, had rolled the ball across the box. Fulham continued to cause problems, though, and it took two fine saves from Andre Onana to prevent substitute Emile Smith Rowe from scoring.
Chido Obi's arrival from the bench brought a sense of chaos and he looked gloriously raw, terribly mis-controlling a Fernandes pass but still fashioning three chances, as he twice missed the target from close range before being denied by Bernd Leno. Onana made another good save in the extra-period to keep out Ryan Sessegnon, but couldn't reach any of the penalties while Leno saved twice.
It meant United lost their first FA Cup tie outside of the 2023 final since they were knocked out in the fourth round in 2022 on spot-kicks by Middlesbrough. And their only hope of getting back into Europe is to win the Europa League, which feels completely beyond them.
GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (6/10):
Had a near miss when he spilled Castagne's cross but recovered. Did well to repel two low drives from Smith Rowe and to thwart Sessegnon in extra-time, but couldn't get close to any of the penalties.
Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):
A loose pass was intercepted and led to Ugarte fouling Pereira to limit the damage. Got big cheers for a vital tackle on Pereira and an important clearance, while his meaty tackles in extra-time had fans on their feet.
Harry Maguire (5/10):
Looked a little leggy, slow to 50/50s and his passing was a bit off, such as when a sloppy ball risked a Fulham breakaway before Fernandes recovered. Helped De Ligt out by clearing the danger with Muniz lurking. Taken off injured at the end of normal time.
Leny Yoro (5/10):
Showed some ambitious passing but his defensive frailties were on display when he switched off for the opening goal.
AdvertisementAFPMidfield
Noussair Mazraoui (5/10):
Didn't look comfortable at wing-back, rarely causing any danger. He also lost Bassey for the goal.
Christian Eriksen (5/10):
His passing was hit and miss, although he seemed exasperated with his team-mates' inability to latch on to his balls. Taken off for Casemiro.
Manuel Ugarte (5/10):
Teed up Fernandes for an early chance. Put out a fire by fouling Pereira and took a booking for it, leading to him being taken off early in the second half.
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
Had a shaky start but grew into the game and linked up well with Garnacho on the left, setting up Fernandes' goal with a cut-back. Took his penalty well.
Getty Images SportAttack
Bruno Fernandes (7/10):
The only player to trouble Leno in the first half, and he always looked like being the one to dig United out of the hole before producing a splendid first-time finish to equaliser.
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10
His near-post miss underlined his lack of confidence amid a run of 18 games without a goal, as did the moment when he neglected to challenge Bassey for a loose ball, infuriating fans. His substitution for Obi was greeted by loud cheers. albeit mostly for the player who was coming on.
Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):
Fought hard to win the second balls and in his pressing while his link play was good. But loses a mark for his poorly-taken penalty.
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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Victor Lindelof (4/10):
Nearly got his side in trouble with a sloppy pass out and rarely looked comfortable. His penalty was poor, but given his form he shouldn't have been allowed to take one.
Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):
Gave United some much needed urgency and had a hand in the equaliser. His shooting, however, left a lot to be desired.
Chido Obi (6/10):
Created more danger than Hojlund has for much of the season. Troubled Bassey but miscued and could have scored right before the end of normal time. Denied by Leno in extra-time.
Casemiro (6/10):
Did a decent job blocking Fulham's path through the middle and played some nice passes over the top to attack.
Ayden Heaven (7/10):
An excellent debut in extra-time, dealing with everything Fulham threw at him.
Ruben Amorim (5/10):
Not starting Garnacho looks an error, although his substitutions largely worked well. Now the whole season rests on winning the Europa League.
Although Enzo Maresca appears to be building a promising squad at Chelsea which could see them challenge for trophies this season, how much would he love to call on several Stamford Bridge icons from years gone by.
José Mourinho’s squad from 2004-2007 is arguably one of the finest in the club’s history, featuring the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Ashley Cole to name just a few.
Two Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup were won during those three fantastic years. Yes, future teams have claimed the Champions League and countless other silverware, but it was Mourinho’s first team which proved to be the catalyst for future success.
Being able to call on players such as Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho, Maresca is forming a solid English contingent to have at his disposal.
In terms of attacking talent, the Italian has enough players to fill three teams. Defensively, however, there could be some improvements, especially considering the Blues have conceded 15 goals in all competitions this term.
Imagine if Maresca had someone of Cole’s ability at left-back for the Stamford Bridge side? As the former English defender was certainly one of the finest players in the club’s recent history.
Ashley Cole’s Chelsea statistics
The defender began to make waves with Arsenal around the turn of the century. Under Arsène Wenger, Cole made his senior debut during the 1999/00 season in the League Cup before establishing himself as a first-team star the following campaign.
Cole helped the Gunners win the Premier League in 2003/04, with the club going unbeaten in the process. In the summer of 2006, however, Chelsea were beginning to show interest, and it was clear the Englishman wanted to move.
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2013/14
26
0
2
2012/13
51
1
5
20111/12
48
0
9
2010/11
48
0
5
2009/10
35
4
6
2008/09
49
1
4
2007/08
41
1
2
2006/07
39
0
4
After 228 appearances for the North London side, Cole joined the Blues for £5m with William Gallas going the other way, not a bad deal.
Over the next eight seasons, Cole would win the Champions League, another Premier League title and a host of FA Cups during his time at Stamford Bridge. More than that, however, was that the defender firmly established himself as one of the best left-backs in the world due to his performances.
Known for his ability to bomb down the left flank with ease, Cole was an attacker’s dream, registering 37 assists during his time at the club. Overall, he made 337 appearances for Chelsea before leaving ahead of the 2014/15 campaign, but it was clear that the Blues managed to have the best years of Cole’s career.
Over the years, many youngsters were hailed as the ‘next Ashley Cole’, yet none of them ever proved they had what it took to succeed the defender.
One of those talents is currently a free agent, having never made the grade at Chelsea, despite spending seven years at the club, making only eight first-team appearances in that time.
Chelsea's next Ashley Cole
The Dutchman played twice for the Blues during the 2009/10 campaign under Carlo Ancelotti, before featuring another six times the following season, with the Italian manager giving the youngster some experience.
First Impressions
What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast's 'First Impressions' series has everything you need.
Before that, he spent time on loan with both Newcastle United and Coventry City, playing seven and 20 games respectively for the Championship sides.
He was hailed by Clinton Morrison during his time with the Sky Blues, who said that he could be “the next Ashley Cole” after he shone during a performance against Ipswich Town in 2009.
This should have been a confidence booster, but aside from those appearances under Ancelotti, Van Aanholt never played another first team game for the Blues again, spending time out on loan at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem.
Two and a half seasons back in his homeland saw the left-back make nearly 100 appearances, and it was clear he needed steady football to fulfil his potential.
Sunderland swooped in the summer of 2014, finally luring Van Aanholt away from Chelsea on a permanent deal for a fee of just £1.5m.
What Patrick Van Aanholt is doing now
Three seasons at Sunderland saw the former Chelsea starlet finally make some progress, missing just 32 Premier League matches across his three-year spell in the north-east.
While not exactly reaching the heights of Cole, Van Aanholt’s career did begin to blossom. First, he made the move to Crystal Palace, spending a total of four and a half seasons back in London for the Eagles, before making the move to Galatasaray in 2021.
Last term, he made 24 appearances for PSV Eindhoven as they claimed the Eredivisie title, yet he currently finds himself without a club three months into the new season having been released from his contract at the Dutch side.
Patrick Van Aanholt
Aged 34, the left-back is entering his final few years as a professional player and his next move might just be his last.
Once touted as the next Cole, it didn’t quite work out for the player at Chelsea, failing to live up to this earlier potential which had been placed on him by fellow players and supporters.
It is a testament to his character that Van Aanholt still made a solid career for himself, featuring over 200 times in the Premier League along with playing 19 times for the Netherlands at senior level, making the squad for Euro 2020.
In the current team, Levi Colwill appears to be the defender with the highest potential, especially with his current performances despite only joining in the summer.
There will never be another Ashley Cole, as the former England international was a generational talent.
Chelsea wasted £48m on Conte flop who earned 2x more than Madueke does
Chelsea certainly wasted a huge amount on the disappointing big-money transfer.