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Arsenal will seek to maintain their unbeaten start to the season with another important Premier League victory today, but face a true hurdle as they travel to AFC Bournemouth.

As the side who very nearly curtailed their title hopes early last campaign, Mikel Arteta will want little fanfare in this clash, hoping to simply blow them away.

Who is injured for Arsenal's game vs AFC Bournemouth?

However, he will go into the match with what seems like a severely depleted side, as they are nursing numerous knocks accumulated over the past few weeks.

The Spaniard would tell reporters in his pre-match press conference:

"Declan hasn’t trained yet, we have a session in an hour, we’ll get more news about him. Gabi [Martinelli] hasn’t trained, Leo same situation, Saka, same. They are all in the same pool, Willy [Saliba] had a knock, and Fabio [Viera] wasn’t involved. We have to assess them today."

Given those mentioned are some of his most important stars, what was already a tough task on the road has devolved into a true battle to claim any points at all, with their squad depth set to be truly tested. However, a spirited midweek win against Brentford in the EFL Cup should offer hope that a victory remains possible, especially since none of those noted started that game.

However, one such star who they simply must recall is Martin Odegaard, who boasts more than enough quality to claim all three points on his own, even with a depleted squad.

How good is Martin Odegaard?

Having joined from Real Madrid for £30m, the Norwegian maestro has speedily developed into one of the division's finest midfield creators.

Last term saw him notch an outstanding 15 goals, adding eight assists to a figure that saw him finish the campaign as the club's joint-top scorer.

It must also be noted that two of those strikes actually came against the Cherries, having tapped in the opener away from home from close range before lashing home a curling effort just inside the area to make it 2-0. A professional away trip as the Gunners kickstarted what would be a wonderful season, Arteta will be praying for a similar performance today.

Fortunately, Odegaard has started the new term in blistering form too, suggesting there is every chance the 24-year-old could replicate such a showing. His 7.30 average rating in the league is impressive, and buoyed by his two goals, 1.3 key passes and two tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Writer Declan Carr would seek to laud the progression of a man who has a high chance of being the match-winner this weekend, claiming back in January:

"Martin Odegaard has developed into the world-class player that he was once touted to be.. and he’s a real leader now for Arsenal."

Although the potential absences of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will be felt heavily, who posted 25 and 20 goal contributions last campaign in the league respectively, Arteta will arguably be most relieved that his captain remains fit.

If there is just a shred of quality in front of him, he can provide the chances. And if not, he clearly has the goalscoring know-how to do it on his own. Lightning could be set to strike twice at the Vitality Stadium.

Tom Westley, an England debutant last summer, has been a Championship struggler this, but all that changed at the start of the limited-overs season

ECB Reporters Network17-May-2018
ScorecardTom Westley struck his first century of the season to secure a winning start to Essex’s Royal London One-Day Cup campaign as they thrashed Middlesex by six wickets at Radlett.Westley, who has struggled for form in the County Championship, hit 134 and shared a second-wicket stand of 153 with Varun Chopra as last year’s semi-finalists cruised home with 7.2 overs to spare.Middlesex, who tasted defeat at Radlett for only the second time, were left to rue dropping Westley twice – the first of those when he had made only 12.Stand-in captain Steven Finn’s decision to bat after winning the toss looked a sound one, with Jamie Porter sending the first delivery of the innings for four wides and Nick Gubbins quickly getting into his stride.The in-form Gubbins (50) savaged Porter as he whipped three boundaries through the gully and guided the Middlesex total past 50 in only the eighth over.He and Stevie Eskinazi looked comfortable in their opening-wicket partnership of 79 – but the picture changed when Eskinazi miscued a hook off Neil Wagner to long-leg.Wagner induced Paul Stirling to chip to mid-wicket in his next over and, when Simon Harmer found a way through Gubbins’ defences, the hosts were on the slide at 86 for 3.Their hopes of posting a sizeable score rested largely on Eoin Morgan, who swept Dan Lawrence for the only six of the innings and kept the scoreboard ticking over as he added 57 for the fourth wicket with Hilton Cartwright.But, while of most of Middlesex’s batsmen got started, none were able to take the next step – with John Simpson looking well set before he perished to a smart midwicket catch by Chopra.Harmer trapped Morgan lbw for 45 soon afterwards and, although James Franklin and Tom Helm played sensibly to haul Middlesex to exactly 250, Ravi Bopara polished them off nine balls short of their allotted overs.Essex’s reply got off to an inauspicious start when Adam Wheater was caught behind in Helm’s first over – but Westley and Chopra soon got on top of the bowling.Westley had made just 12 when he flicked Finn to backward square, but Tom Barber put down the catch and the home side paid heavily for that let-off.With Chopra content to drop anchor, Westley pierced the gaps in the field and motored on to reach his half-century with a crashing cover drive off Cartwright.He was given his second life on 78 when Stirling failed to hang onto a chance at mid-wicket – but by then the visitors were well on their way to a resounding win.Chopra eventually departed for 59, stumped off Ravi Patel, who also claimed the late wickets of Westley and Dan Lawrence before Essex sealed victory.

The Golden Boy Award was established by Italian newspaper Tuttosport in 2003 and is considered one of the most prestigious accolades a young footballer can win.

The prize is awarded to the best under-21 player based on the continent. Most players have gone on to have illustrious careers, while others have underwhelmed.

Football FanCast has taken a trip down memory lane to revisit the previous 20 winners of the illustrious accolade, which crowns Europe’s most promising talent, in the hope of foreshadowing the next Ballon d’Or winner.

There are a few surprises…

Rafael van der Vaart – 2003

Admittedly, we raised our eyebrows at this one…

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Rafael van der Vaart, was a fantastic player but who knew he was held in such high regard as a youngster?

The then-20-year-old became the inaugural award winner in 2003 following a stellar campaign with Ajax, which saw him net 22 goals across 30 appearances – a truly astounding goal return from a midfielder.

Whilst the Dutchman didn’t quite reach the level many expected of him, he still racked up a remarkable 109 caps for his nation and enjoyed a fruitful two-year spell in the Premier League.

It’s also important to note, that Van der Vaart made 73 appearances for Real Madrid, which is arguably the pinnacle of a footballer’s career.

So he didn’t do too badly…

Wayne Rooney – 2004

No surprises with this one…

We all knew Wayne Rooney was once tipped to become a legend of the game, and he achieved virtually everything asked of him, becoming the Three Lions and Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer.

But, there will always be some who question; did he underachieve in his career? Many expected the former Everton and United forward to become the best player in the world, winning accolades such as the Ballon d’Or, but he never quite reached those heights, at least not for a sustained period.

Notwithstanding that, for what it’s worth, we think he’s England’s greatest-ever player.

Lionel Messi – 2005

Needless to say, Lionel Messi achieved everything expected of him and beyond.

The Argentinian is widely considered as the greatest footballer of all time and that mantle only solidified after guiding his nation to a World Cup triumph last year, winning the Golden Ball award in the process.

The 36-year-old now plies his trade in MLS with David Beckham’s newly formed Inter Miami.

Cesc Fàbregas – 2006

Cesc Fabregas wouldn’t be too far off an all-time Premier League XI…

The Spaniard was just 19 years old when he collected the Golden Boy award, but quite remarkably, was already approaching 100 appearances in England’s top flight.

Read more: Cesc Fabregas’ greatest moments – ranked

The classy midfielder proceeded to enjoy a marvellous, trophy-laden career at the highest level, reaching the pinnacle of football by winning the World Cup in 2010.

Having surpassed over 100 caps for his nation, and won nearly every trophy imaginable – other than the elusive Champions League – it’s fair to say, that Fábregas lived up to his early promise.

Sergio Agüero – 2007

Argentine forward Sergio Aguero won the prestigious accolade after winning the Under-20 World Cup, where he was crowned as top scorer with six goals.

His prolific goal record continued at club level with Atletico Madrid, scoring a whopping 27 goals across the 2007/08 season.

July 2011 saw him depart the Spanish giants in favour of a move to Manchester City, where he established himself as one the greatest players of his generation.

Agüero certainly fulfilled the Golden Boy mantle.

Anderson – 2008

Anderson joined Manchester United in a mega-money move from Porto in 2007 and enjoyed a fruitful debut season, winning the Premier League.

However, having won the Golden Boy Award in 2008, it never really propelled his career and he began to slip down a steady decline, despite being so young.

2019 saw the Brazillian retire and hang his boots up for good, aged just 31, after spells back in his home nation and Turkey following his 2015 United exit.

Despite failing to live up to initial expectations, Anderson enjoyed a trophy-laden career, which many would be envious of.

Alexandre Pato – 2009

Alexandre Pato was tipped to become the world’s best player when he emerged as a promising centre-forward at Milan. And winning the Golden Boy award only solidified those hopes, but after four successive seasons as one of Milan’s leading goalscorers, his form plummeted.

Pato, speaking to the Players’ Tribune earlier this year, spoke candidly about why he underachieved: “Man … those were the days I thought I’d make it to the very top. The expectations were so great, you know? I was the super talent, the sure thing.

“I was already playing for Brazil. The press writes about you, the fans talk about you, even other players hype you up. PATO WILL BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD. PATO WILL WIN THE BALLON D’OR. I loved the attention. I wanted to be talked about.

“But you know what happened? I began dreaming too much. Even though I was still working hard, my imagination was taking me all kinds of places. In my head, I was already holding the Ballon d’Or. You can’t help it, man. It’s very hard not to get affected.

“Also, I had suffered like hell to get there. Why should I not enjoy it? When I became the Golden Boy as the best young player in Europe, in 2009, I didn’t think about the Ballon d’Or. I was just having fun and OPA! — a prize. I was unstoppable when I was living in the present. But my head got stuck in the future.”

Mario Balotelli – 2010

Italian forward Mario Balotelli was a chaotic character to say the least, notwithstanding that, he was also a highly regarded youngster who was tipped to claim the Ballon d’Or.

2010 saw the then-Manchester City striker collect the Golden Boy award but his early promise was never really fulfilled and he now plies his trade in Turkey with Adana Demirspor, aged 33.

Speaking on the Muschio Selvaggio Podcast, Balotelli claimed that ‘too often’ he played at 20% of his capabilities.

Mario Götze – 2011

Mario Götze is another who struggled to reach the lofty heights expected of him, though, injuries amongst other factors certainly played a part in his unfulfilled potential.

Now aged 31, the German is back in his home nation with Eintracht Frankfurt after a two-year spell at PSV, where he netted 18 times in 77 appearances.

Götze’s career highlight will certainly live long in the memories of German fans, as he netted the winner in the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina.

Isco – 2012

Isco played a pivotal role in Malaga’s 2011/12 Champions League quarter-final campaign and was the jewel of Spain’s Under-21 side leading up to the prestigious award ceremony.

The Spaniard would earn a £23m switch to LaLiga giants Real Madrid a year later, where he continued to establish himself as one of Europe’s brightest prospects.

Whilst he did enjoy a glittering nine-year stay in Madrid, many would argue he didn’t maximise his full potential.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has said that one Arsenal player has left him totally "surprised" in a recent sit-down with Gunners legend Ian Wright.

Latest Arsenal news

Mikel Arteta's side remain unbeaten in the Premier League and clinched an EFL Cup Round of 16 tie against West Ham in midweek after a 1-0 win over Brentford. Top flight victories over Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Man United and Everton ensure they're keeping chase with the league's high-flyers, but were halted by north London rivals Tottenham last weekend.

Arteta and Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou came head-to-head on Sunday boasting a similar run of imperious form, but it was the latter coach's side who arguably impressed more in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Tottenham captain Son Heung-min equalised twice and his team appeared to match Arsenal toe-for-toe at times, with Arteta admitting it felt like a missed opportunity.

"We feel like we lost two points," said the Spaniard. "It's true there was a lot of change in the dominance of the game, but especially when we had more control and more dominance in the game, and we score the goal, they score straight away. We started quite good, we scored the goal, but straight away we concede.

"So, emotionally, that was a difficult one to take. I thought we struggled for a period of 10 or 15 minutes later, we lacked a lot of composure with the ball and we made it a basketball game. But I think in the end we pushed, pushed and pushed, but couldn't get the win.

"The hardest thing to do is put the ball in the net. We've done it twice but I think we conceded two really poor goals. At this level, they're going to punish you because they've got top players."

Next up, Arsenal travel to Bournemouth for a clash on the south coast and Arteta will be expecting a sharp response from their draw at home to Spurs.

Arsenal player ratings

There have been a fair few top performers from Arsenal's opening few games, namely the likes of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice among others. One position in the squad to make recent headlines is the goalkeeping spot, as summer signing David Raya managed to usurp long-reigning number one Aaron Ramsdale in the past few weeks.

The Englishman previously held his place between the sticks for a long time, specifically since March 2022, with Arteta even being critisiced for his "dangerous" call to drop Ramsdale by pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor. The former Cherries shot-stopper, who's also been called underrated, could feel hard done by given he hadn't really set a foot wrong.

However, Sky pundit Neville, in a conversation, reserved praise for Ramsdale in a one-to-one with Wright on an episode of "Stick to Football". Indeed, the Man United legend said Ramsdale is a player who's seriously "surprised" him with decent form in the last few seasons.

“When you look at Ramsdale’s journey into Arsenal, when we were signing him, people were laughing at us," said Wright. Neville then replied: “He’s surprised me.”

It will be interesting to see who ultimately becomes the favoured keeper between Raya and Ramsdale this season.

An x-ray revealed that Lewis Hill’s arm was not broken after he was struck by Marchant de Lange, but that was about as far as the good news went for Leicestershire

ECB Reporters Network11-May-2018
ScorecardTim der Gugten was in the wickets•Getty ImagesGlamorgan’s seamers ensured they ended the first day in control of their Specsavers County Championship match against Leicestershire at the Fischer County Ground.Timm van der Gugten picked up two wickets in two balls before Michael Hogan and Marchant de Lange each took three wickets after Leicestershire captain Michael Carberry won the toss and chose to bat first.It looked the right decision on a biscuit-coloured pitch – Glamorgan opted for a toss in the hope of batting first themselves – but Van Der Gugten and Hogan both found just enough movement through the air and off the seam to trouble the Foxes’ top order.Van der Gugten, who came into the match having picked up 12 championship wickets this season at an average of just 11, was first to strike, having Paul Horton leg before to a delivery which came back in to the right-hander.The Australian-born Dutch international then made it two in two, Colin Ackermann pushing hard at his first ball and lofting a simple catch to Hogan at wide mid-off.No further runs had been added when Hogan had Carberry caught behind, a thin edge off a ball he could have left, and it might have been 9 for 4 had Mark Cosgrove been run out before scoring: the left-hander had given up his attempt to complete an unlikely single when Aneurin Donald’s throw missed the stumps.Cosgrove was unable to make the most of his good fortune though: having gone to 14, he was trapped leg before by a full, inswinging delivery which umpire Mike Burns decided had hit pad before bat.Ateeq Javid battled his way into double figures, only to push at and edge behind a wide delivery from David Lloyd he could have safely left alone.There was more trouble for Leicestershire when Lewis Hill took his eyes off a short ball from de Lange that didn’t get up as much as he expected it to, and was hit above the elbow. With one ball remaining before lunch he left the field for treatment and the umpires took the players off early.The procession continued after the break, when Hogan bowled Ben Raine off the inside edge, before Neil Dexter led something of a recovery, reaching his second half-century of the season off 97 ballsDexter and Callum Parkinson added 80 for the seventh wicket, but Parkinson edged Hogan to third slip, and Hill – an x-ray having confirmed his arm to be unbroken – was unable to provide Dexter with extended support, de Lange bowling him with a quick delivery which came back in to the right-hander.Dexter was last to go, an attempt to loft the off-spin of Andrew Salter for a straight six ending in the hands of long-on.Glamorgan openers Nick Selman and Jack Murphy then put the Leicestershire innings in to some sort of context by putting on an unbroken partnership of 82 off 24 overs.

Full coverage of the ball-tampering incident and its aftermath during Australia tour of South Africa 2017-18

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Mar-2018April 5
Video – No talk of cultural issues when Australia won the Ashes – Ponting
Video – Chappell: Gillespie will be the right choice to replace Lehmann
News – Criticism of Australia team culture out of proportion – Ponting
News – Warner accepts CA sanctions for ball-tampering
News – Sanctions will restore cricket’s ‘battered’ image – Morgan
April 4
News – Steven Smith accepts CA sanctions, will not appeal
Comment – Sidharth Monga: What do broadcasters have to do with ball-tampering?
Video – ICYMI: Ball-tampering
April 3
News – ACA calls for reduction of ‘disproportionate’ sanctions for ball-tamperingApril 2
News – I feel like it’s all my fault and it’s killing me – Candice WarnerApril 1
News – Smith, Warner to push for domestic clearanceMarch 31
News – Warner ‘resigned’ to the fact he may never play for Australia again
March 30
News – Paine redefines Australia and captaincy
Comment – Osman Samiuddin: What’s with the sanctimony, Mr Waugh
Video – The sandpaper storm that rocked Australian cricket
News – Mailey to Murray Mints: Seven ball-tampering confessions from the past
News – Six before Paine: Surprise captains
Video – There’s been a steady decline – Former coach John Buchanan
March 29
News analysis – Daniel Brettig: Sutherland flies home into mounting chaos
Video – I’m not resigning – Sutherland
News – Lehmann steps down as Australia coach
Video – Lehmann’s long history of confrontations
Video – ‘Saying goodbye to the players the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do’ – Lehmann
News – I hope I can earn forgiveness in time – Smith
Video – Smith breaks down as he says sorry
Reactions – DEVASTATING! – Michael Clarke on Smith’s press conference
News – I’ve given up my spot for free – Bancroft
Video – I’ll regret this for the rest of my life – Bancroft
News – Warner apologises for ‘stain on the game’
Video – Warner touches down to chaotic scenes
News – Somerset pull Bancroft deal after ball-tampering outcry
News Analysis – Mark Nicholas: This is another wake-up call for cricket
News – Australian Cricketers’ Association questions severity of CA’s sanctions
News – ‘Team culture is to blame’ – Mickey Arthur on Smith, Warner, Bancroft
Video – Butcher: Didn’t for a minute expect one-year bans
News – ‘Warner’s not a bad person’ – Williamson
News – Williamson announced Sunrisers captain
March 28
News – ‘A reality check for every team in the world’ – Amla
News – Humbled Lehmann looks to New Zealand culture
News – The six words that put Lehmann in the clear
Interview – Sutherland: Sanctions for ‘damage to game’, not tampering
News – Warner, Smith banned for one year, Bancroft nine months
News – CA says sandpaper was used to tamper, not sticky tape
Video – Chappell: ‘Don’t see Smith captaining Australia again’
Video – Manjrekar: ‘Zero tolerance for cheating in sport’
Video – Bal: CA’s decision a reaction to public outrage
Video – What does sandpaper do to a ball?
Video – Smith mobbed by media as he departs for Australia
News – Warner and Smith axed from IPL 2018
News – Warner steps down as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain
Video – Brettig: Struggle to see Warner play for Australia again
Podcast – Kimber and Zaltzman on ball-tampering
News – Lehmann is one of the good guys – Allan Border
March 27
News Analysis – Brettig: Lehmann at heart of cultural contradiction
News – Smith, Warner and Bancroft to leave South Africa
Video – ‘We are contemplating significant sanctions’ – Sutherland
News – ‘Teams have been waiting for Australia to stuff up,’ says Bayliss
News – ‘I would hope this never happens under my watch’ – Gibson
News – Warner and CA headed for Pietersen-ECB parting
News – Matt Renshaw added to Australia’s Test squad
March 26
News – FICA chief calls for ‘honour code’ among players
News – Smith, Warner, Lehmann in sights as Sutherland flies to South Africa
News – Smith steps down as Rajasthan Royals captain
News analysis – Coverdale: Why is Australia so outraged at Steven Smith’s team?
March 25
Comment – Sambit Bal: This is Australia’s moment of truth
News – Smith, Warner could face life ban from CA
Video – Du Plessis: ‘Ball shining v ball tampering? One is much more serious’
Video – Voges: We will see changes to Australia’s hierarchy
News – Australia must forge new identity – Paine
Video – ‘Reality of the situation has sunk in for Australia’ – Paine
News – Broad pours scorn on Australian double-standards
Video – Brettig: Lehmann’s position close to untenable
News – Steven Smith banned for one Test, Bancroft given three demerit points
News – Steven Smith and Warner stood down as captain and vice-captain
News – Australian government calls for Smith to be removed
Video – A very sad day for Australian cricket – Sutherland
March 24
News analysis – Brettig: Australia’s ‘line’ becomes their noose
News analysis – Moonda: South Africa back on the moral high ground
Video – Voges: Australia’s reputation comes in question now
Video – The leadership group knew about the tampering – Smith
News – Desperation drove Australia to cheat, says Smith
Video – ‘Panicked once I was sighted on the screen’ – Bancroft
News – Bancroft, Smith admit to ball tampering
Reactions – Tell me this is a bad dream – Michael Clarke
News – Cameron Bancroft at centre of alleged ball-tampering row

Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of greatness has taken them on an almighty rollercoaster of a journey, with it seemingly set to hit its peak under the new leadership of Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian has brought some feel-good spirit back to north London after years without, cultivating an expressive and attacking philosophy that has garnered results in the Premier League too. Although fans are likely aware that the good times will not last forever, they can be forgiven for relishing in such delight for a moment longer.

Especially given the emotional wringer they have been put through by the ownership, who saw such an aggressive shift in the direction they sought to take the club just four years ago.

Seemingly content with Mauricio Pochettino's slow and steady tenure, which had returned them to the top of English football even if he had failed to win a trophy, Daniel Levy's mindset suddenly switched. No longer was he willing to trust the process, and by sacking the Argentine he kickstarted a chain of events that would set the club back years. Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte all cut forlorn figures on the sidelines before their eventual dismissals, having failed to progress a side that starred in the Champions League final not too long ago.

Jose Mourinho at Spurs, via Transfermarkt

Nuno Espirito Santo at Spurs, via Transfermarkt

Antonio Conte at Spurs, via Transfermarkt

Games Managed

86

17

76

Games Won

45

9

41

Points-per-game average

1.77

1.65

1.78

Trophies Won

0

0

0

Although many will rush to lambast the Italian's tenure, given its recency and explosive nature, it was the legendary Portuguese boss who was the first to fail in N17.

The Chelsea legend tried and failed to turn the Lilywhites into a title-winning outfit, but that was the least of the issues he faced.

How did Jose Mourinho get on at Spurs?

Having been appointed in November 2019, the acquisition of a proven winner such as him marked a coup for Levy, who clearly was prioritising silverware over everything else.

After all, who better to bring trophies to the club than Mourinho, whose trophy cabinet consists of three Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and various other domestic honours across Spain, Italy and Portugal. Before Spurs, the 60-year-old had won a trophy at every club he managed.

However, his failure was not solely attached to an inability to achieve that goal, although he did lead them to an EFL Cup final which he did not get to oversee.

Turgid, defensive football was a stark contrast from Pochettino's high-octane style, and when it fails to bring results, fans are always bound to become frustrated.

However, in typical Mourinho fashion, he would fall out with a number of his players who clearly did not comply with his teachings. This unsurprisingly raised tensions at the club, making it far from an environment for success.

With the current AS Roma tactician having been dismissed before he was allowed to take them to Wembley in that aforementioned final, it is understandable that he would harbour some distaste towards the outfit that sullied his trophy-winning reputation. He would aim digs at both the club and its chairman in an interview back in May: "I hope the Tottenham fans don't get me wrong but the only club in my career where I don't have still a deep feeling for is Tottenham.

"Probably because the stadium was empty, COVID time. Probably because Mr Levy [Spurs chairman Daniel Levy] didn't let me win a final and win a trophy. But it's the only one, so after that — Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Manchester United — all the clubs I feel a connection."

However, although it might seem incomparable given all that has been mentioned regarding the struggles faced during his reign, the decision to sell Kyle Walker-Peters is one which goes painfully under the radar given how he has shone since leaving.

How much was Kyle Walker-Peters worth at Spurs?

Having emerged through their academy as a diminutive youngster, his quality never really seemed appreciated in north London despite the maturity he showcased that belied his youth.

Transfermarkt may have documented his steady rise in value that mirrors his growth in prominence, but even then it barely scratches the surface of just how good the 26-year-old was.

Starting at a mere €250k (£214k) in 2017, this rose over a year to a more admirable €3m (£2.6m) before reaching his peak at Spurs when he hit €10m (£8.6m) in the months before his sale. Despite that upward trajectory, the fee they would receive was pitiful looking back on it.

How much did Southampton sign Kyle Walker-Peters for?

Although it might seem like overpaying when viewing the aforementioned valuations, but the £12m that Southampton had to pay for Walker-Peters has marked a terrible piece of business for the selling club.

After all, despite still being so young and already boasting top-flight experience, Mourinho seemed completely uninterested in furthering his development that could have either seen him grow into a mainstay under his tutelage or leave for far more money.

When seeing how the 5 foot 8 ace has grown since moving to St Mary's Stadium, this failure is exacerbated.

What is Kyle Walker-Peters worth now?

Having been an imperative figure for the South Coast club for years now, his value was bound to rise as his exposure to the top level grew.

Even with dropping into the Championship, this marks the pinnacle of his value thus far in an impressive career, suggesting that should he help instigate their instant promotion, it could rise even higher.

Despite that, the €25m (£21.4m) attached to his name still marks an impressive figure, and when comparing it to his final value before leaving Spurs, he has actually seen a sharp 75% increase since departing, in relation to that £12m figure. Walker-Peters' form is only set to make such a fee even worse too, as he only goes from strength to strength.

Why is Kyle Walker-Peters worth that much?

Although he may have fallen to relegation with his current club, Walker-Peters remains a true stalwart and the full package, with tactical intelligence, dynamism and technical prowess in abundance.

Having made 125 appearances for the Saints now, the peak of his powers arguably came during the 2021/22 Premier League term, although he is currently shining in the Championship of late too.

Maintaining a 6.85 average rating during the former season, he would create five big chances, maintain an 81% pass accuracy and record 1.8 tackles per game as his side finished 15th in the table, via Sofascore.

During this current campaign however, his 7.32 average rating is far more indicative of his importance to the side even after just five games, with a 91% pass accuracy feeding into his one key pass, 1.6 tackles and 4.8 ball recoveries per game.

A creative threat from full-back, it was no surprise to see him lauded by former boss Ruben Selles, even as they cruised to relegation: "I think Kyle is an extraordinary player. His ability in positions, but also to understand the system we are playing has big value for us. He came from Tottenham in the final of the Champions League that season and played games in it. He’s a player that is very important for us.”

Had Mourinho spared a thought before pulling the trigger on his sale, he could still be starring in north London today.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared an important update on the future of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga amid his current loan spell at Real Madrid.

Who has left Chelsea?

Mauricio Pochettino perhaps oversaw one of the biggest transfer overhauls in the Premier League this summer, with a plethora of players both arriving and departing Stamford Bridge.

Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Nicolas Jackson, Lesley Ugochukwu, Robert Sanchez, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer all put pen to paper on moves to west London before September 1.

Meanwhile, Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Arrizabalaga, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi all sealed moves the other way.

Chelsea are taking a bit of time to get going under Pochettino, though; winning just one top flight match and drawing another whilst suffering defeats at the hands of West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

Defender Ben Chilwell, speaking after his side's latest 1-0 defeat to Forest, said Chelsea have much to improve upon ahead of a long season.

"Very frustrating result and everyone is very disappointed in the changing room right now," explained Chilwell post-match.

"If you look at the stats we dominated the game, had the possession, but the most important stat is the goals. We lost in that department and lost the game, that is the black and white of it and we need to improve."

There is still work to be done to Bridge, but one player who won't be a part of the project is Arrizabalaga.

The Spaniard, currently on a temporary stint at La Liga giants Real Madrid, is apparently eyeing up a permanent move away from Chelsea next year.

Arrizabalaga has seemingly been replaced by summer signing Sanchez from Brighton, with renowned transfer source Romano sharing a fresh update latest on the former's future.

“Kepa mentioned that his dream is to continue at Real Madrid, and this is the reality," said Romano on his YouTube channel.

“From what I am told, Kepa’s priority is to find another opportunity in 2024. Real Madrid, or another club. He feels that, with Chelsea, something is now broken. This is why the expectation between Chelsea and Kepa is to part ways.”

What happened to Kepa Arrizabalaga?

The 28-year-old signed for Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, a transfer which broke the world record for most money spent on a goalkeeper.

Arrizabalaga arrived for £71.6 million, but fast-forward half a decade later, supporters will be looking back on his Chelsea career as a real mixed bag.

The shot-stopper has performed well in parts, though; even earning praise from Blues legend Petr Cech.

“I must touch on Kepa, too," wrote Cech in a column for Chelsea's official website last term (via The Standard).

"He had to fill those big boots while Edou has been away, and he has been brilliant in all those games under even more scrutiny than usual.

“You need a strong team and every person ready to help. The goalkeeping group work so hard together to make sure they are all ready for when the moment comes, so Kepa deserves credit too.”

Nepal scrape to four-wicket win after felling UAE for 114; Canada pick up third straight win after Gunasekera’s gritty half-century

The Report by Peter Della Penna11-Feb-2018Gerhard Erasmus’ resilient half-century resurrected a faltering Namibia chase, lifting them from 65 for 7 to a thrilling two-wicket win in their pursuit of 166 against Oman at the Wanderers Sports Club.Oman seemed well on course to victory as Bilal Khan cut through Namibia’s batting order with his maiden List A five-for. But Erasmus and JJ Smit survived the left-armer’s spell of swing bowling, and constructed a 92-run eighth-wicket stand to pump life back into Namibia’s hopes of promotion into the World Cup Qualifier.Oman had been under pressure when they batted as well, falling to 10 for 3 in the fifth over after being sent in in seam-friendly conditions. As he did a day earlier, when Namibia bowled out Kenya for 83, captain Sarel Burger had a minimum of two slips in place for nearly the entire innings.Jatinder Singh ground out a top-score of 29 off 71 balls – one of five 20-plus scores in the innings – to settle Oman’s early nerves, before a late flurry from the lower order hauled them to a modest total.Oman’s fielding was sloppy early on – and it cost them later as well – as several chances went down, allowing Namibia to reach 44 for 1. Lohan Louwrens had been driving Namibia’s chase early, but should have been out for 23 when he was spilled over the third man rope off Bilal for six. Bilal persisted with a short-ball plan until Louwrens was cramped for room and fended a catch behind to end the 12th over. Bilal struck for the second time in the 14th, beating JP Kotze for pace to send his off stump cartwheeling back.Erasmus entered after Nico Davin fell lbw to offspinner Jay Odedra in the 15th over, with the score on 61 for 4, but could only watch helplessly from the non-striker’s end as Bilal took three more wickets in the space of five balls in the 16th over. Craig Williams flashed an edge through to wicketkeeper-captain Sultan Ahmed, Jan Frylinck was beaten for pace to be trapped leg before, and Sarel Burger edged a drive low to first slip.With storm clouds hovering overhead, Namibia were well behind on Duckworth-Lewis, but Erasmus and Smit calmly blocked out the rest of Bilal’s initial eight-over spell. The pitch slowed down as the innings wore on, offering little to Oman’s spinners as Erasmus resurrected the chase with ones and twos. As the target whittled down to less than 50 in the 39th over, Sultan tossed the ball to Aqib Ilyas for his part-time legspin, but Erasmus swept him for four as the 300 fans in attendance sensed a home victory.A crunching pull from Erasmus off Fayyaz Butt in the 47th over brought up his fifty off 95 balls, and brought the equation down to 12 off 21 balls. Kaleemullah conceded just two in the 48th over, before Smit finally buckled in the 49th, pulling Butt to mid-on and leaving Erasmus to get nine off 10 balls with the tail.Three singles put Erasmus on strike with six to get off the final over. Pacer Mohammad Nadeem was tasked with defending it, bowling with the wind at his back. Erasmus then premeditated a scoop to clear fine leg inside the circle, but he didn’t get the desired elevation. The fielder reached up for the chance, but the ball burst through his hands, and had enough momentum to go for four. Another single to fine leg leveled the scores, before No. 10 Bernard Scholtz slapped a single through cover for the winning run.Sompal Kami’s 4 for 30 helped decimate UAE for 114 as Nepal scraped to a four-wicket win in a weather-affected match at United Cricket Field. Following a two-and-a-half-hour delayed start due to a wet outfield from overnight rain, Nepal won a crucial toss with play reduced to 34 overs a side and sent UAE in on a pitch that has heavily favored early seam movement throughout the tournament.Sunday was no different as UAE were behind the eight-ball throughout the match following Sompal’s opening spell. The short but whippy fast bowler struck with the third ball of the match, bowling Ashfaq Ahmed for a golden duck. Two more strikes by Sompal and Karan KC had UAE 25 for 3 in the eighth over before teenage legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane and captain Paras Khadka tore through the middle order to take 3 for 30 and 2 for 20 respectively. Sompal then returned to finish off the tail as UAE were bowled out in 31 overs.Nepal, who had struggled to chase Namibia’s 138 on day one before creeping over the line by one wicket, needed a half-century from Khadka after another top-order collapse saw them slip to 20 for 3 in the seventh over. Khadka counterattacked with five sixes in his 51 off 48 balls. Sompal then helped out with the bat too, smashing a six off his third ball before ending the match with a three to finish unbeaten on 10 off five balls.Opening batsman Ruvindu Gunasekera overcame a thumb injury to produce a gritty 83 off 99 balls and set up Canada’s third straight win of Division Two with a 59-run victory over Kenya at Affies Park.Canada had been coasting early at 58 for 1 after being sent in with Gunasekera leading the way on 38 off 28 balls when he received a blow to the left thumb from medium-pacer Nelson Odhiambo that caused his fingernail to nearly come off. After leaving the field for treatment, he returned at 90 for 3 in the 23rd over and proceeded to anchor the rest of the innings, lasting until the third ball of the 49th over before he was eighth out to a rare hit-wicket dismissal trying to swat Nehemiah Odhiambo.Gunasekera’s innings ensured Canada had plenty to defend against a brittle Kenya batting line-up, who crossed 100 for the first time in three attempts at Division Two but still fell well short of the target. Captain Rakep Patel kept hope alive for a comeback with his 32 off 76 balls, but he was run out attempting to steal a single to short third man off Nikhil Dutta’s offspin; he couldn’t beat Navneet Dhaliwal’s relay to Hamza Tariq behind the stumps, and Kenya were 123 for 8. Dhaliwal also took 3 for 15 in eight overs of part-time medium pace to hasten victory.

Sam Curran has been called up by England and that could complete a memorable 12 months for the Surrey pair

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jan-2018Sam Curran could follow his older brother Tom into the England side after winning a call-up for the T20 squad for the triangular tournament against Australia and New Zealand.Curran steps in as a replacement after Joe Root was rested out of the tournament and Ben Stokes announced his arrival in New Zealand would be delayed because of a court appearance in Bristol on February 13 to answer a charge of affray. The T20 triangular takes place from February 3-21.Tom Curran, two years older and a team-mate at Surrey, made his T20I debut against South Africa at Taunton in June and has since gained honours across all three formats. He is also a member of England’s T20 party, inviting the possibility that they could even play in the same England side.Brother Sam, a diminutive, brisk left-armer with the ability to swing the ball, spent the turn of the year developing his T20 game while playing for Auckland in the Burger King Super Smash, and was a permanent fixture in a side that was beaten at the semi-final stage.At 19, he had a reasonable, if not strikingly productive season, claiming nine wickets in as many matches at 32.55 each and conceding 9.15 runs per over. But there were runs, too, 157 of them at 26.16 and an excellent strike rate of 161.85. Nevertheless, his combative qualities as well as his precocious skills have been enough to tempt England to take a look.