تحدث محمد الغزاوي سفير مصر في بوركينا فاسو، عن تذاكر مباراة منتخب مصر القادمة أمام بوركينا فاسو، التي ستجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026.
ويحل منتخب مصر ضيفاً على بوركينا فاسو، على ملعب الأخير، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الثامنة من عمر مباريات المجموعة الأولى لـ تصفيات كأس العالم.
وقال محمد الغزاوي في تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر”: “تذاكر مباراة مصر وبوركينا فاسو نفذت، ويحاولون طباعة تذاكر جديدة، الملعب سعته حوالي 28 ألف مُشجع، ويحاولون أن يزيدوا العدد لـ31 ألف، الحضور الجماهيري سيكون مكثفًا جدًا”.
طالع أيضاً.. تاريخ مواجهات مصر وبوركينا فاسو قبل موقعة الحسم في تصفيات كأس العالم
وأضاف: “تم اعتماد ملعب بوركينا فاسو، لأن المسؤولين هناك كان لديهم حرص على إصلاح الملعب واعتماده من فيفا قبل مواجهة مصر، بعد أن ضغطوا بقوة من أجل ذلك”.
وأتم: “المنتخب سيخوض تدريبًا غدًا الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، ونحن نتابع إجراءات التأمين لبعثة المنتخب الكامل، وسألنا الاتحاد حول توفير أمن خاص لـ محمد صلاح، لكن اللاعب نفسه يُفضل أن يتعامل مثل زملاءه ولا حاجة لتأمين خاص”.
Underestimate Birmingham City at your own peril next season.
Already, the ultra-ambitious Blues have welcomed in seven new faces to the St. Andrew’s camp with more surely expected as they go about continuing to construct a side ready to compete, and potentially soar, at Championship level.
The most high-profile signing of Birmingham’s hectic summer so far has come in the form of £10m attacker Kyogo Furuhashi leaving Rennes behind for pastures new in the West Midlands, with lots expected of the Japanese forward in his fresh second-tier surroundings.
Why Kyogo Furuhashi is an exciting signing
Whilst he has never got going in France with zero goals or assists next to his name from six Rennes appearances, Birmingham will feel they’ve made a worthwhile investment in the 30-year-old striker based on his blistering output at Celtic alone.
From 165 clashes donning the famous green and white jersey, Kyogo would tally up a stunning 85 strikes in total, alongside also chipping in with a healthy 19 assists for his troubles.
Everyone at St. Andrew’s will be praying he can get back to the clinical best he managed in Scotland when now plying his trade in nearby England, with his former Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou once even labelling the four-time Scottish Premiership winner as “outstanding” for his constant magic in Glasgow.
Kyogo will surely give the likes of Jay Stansfield and Alfie May a run for their money in the forward areas, but another exciting signing up top would be seen as even more of a coup than the 23-time Japan international’s arrival onto the scene.
Birmingham could sign an even bigger talent than Kyogo
Birmingham fans might well feel let down by the millions splashed out on Kyogo if he doesn’t instantly hit the ground running, fearful that another Rennes crisis of confidence has enveloped him.
Whilst it could take time for Kyogo to warm up to the challenges of the Championship, Danny Ings would surely feel instantly more comfortable dropping back down to the EFL, after finding his recent Premier League stints to be full of injuries.
Danny Ings for West Ham
As per a report earlier this summer from journalist Graeme Bailey, Birmingham have considered a move for Ings, knowing full well what he’s capable of in front of goal when injuries aren’t dominating his playing time.
All this talk might well have died down now – with Bailey further revealing that Wrexham and Burnley were even eyeing up the goalscoring veteran – but if Birmingham want another top-quality attacker to add to their glittering striker options, and a star who is an even bigger talent than Furuhashi for free, this is a move they should try to get back into motion.
Ings’ G/A record by club
Club played for
Games
Goals
Assists
Burnley
130
43
14
Southampton
100
46
10
West Ham
69
5
5
Aston Villa
52
14
8
AFC Bournemouth
30
8
3
Liverpool
25
4
1
Overall number
406
120
41
Sourced by Transfermarkt
After all, it’s clear from the table above – unlike Kyogo, who fired blanks in Ligue 1 – that Ings has shown off his goalscoring prowess all across his career, even when issues have arisen, with a hefty 120 career goals next to his name from 406 clashes. It was only four years ago that Aston Villa forked out £30m for his services.
43 of those strikes would come about on the books of Burnley, with the three-time England international chomping at the bit to return to the Championship where he first honed his potent craft, as seen in him bagging a healthy 21 strikes during the 2013/14 season to seal promotion for the Clarets.
From then on, it’s been a career mainly played at the pinnacle of English football, with Ings dropping back down to the Championship with Birmingham seen as a statement of intent on Davies and Co’s end of where they want to be in the very near future.
Once labelled as “clinical” by football journalist Leanne Prescott, Ings would be raring to go donning Birmingham blue if a move was sealed, with the experienced attacker perhaps pipping Kyogo to a starting spot in the process.
Birmingham City could sign "special" star who's even better than Doyle
Tommy Doyle could have competition in the midfield spots at Birmingham City if this star is also signed.
Smith maintains form as two wickets before close leave challengers in strife
ECB Reporters Network02-Jul-2024
Jamie Smith produced another vital innings before Ryan Patel provided the final flourish•Surrey CCC/Getty Images
A brilliant 107 from Ryan Patel, necessarily watchful at first but buccaneering by its end, built on Jamie Smith’s classy 70 and enabled Surrey to reach a second innings 278 and set Essex a formidable 361 to win the top-of-the-table clash at the Kia Oval.By stumps, they were 21 for two with Nick Browne edging Jordan Clark to keeper Ben Foakes – via a push-up from a diving Smith at third slip – to depart for nine, and nightwatchman Eathan Bosch bowled for one as he shouldered arms in Clark’s next over. Dean Elgar is 11 not out.Patel thumped paceman Shane Snater for two legside sixes in an over and soon afterwards hit Simon Harmer’s off spin into the Bedser Stand during a 125-ball knock that also featured 15 fours – the 14th of them a stunning straight drive off Matt Critchley to complete the 26-year-old’s fourth first-class hundred.Smith had earlier lit up a stop-start day as, for the second time in the match, he made sure Division One leaders Surrey stayed in control of a vital fixture against second-placed Essex.With 35 overs ultimately lost to bad light and rain, across an infuriating five separate interruptions in the first half of the day, Surrey stretched their 126-run overnight lead to 360 as first Smith and then a 65-run seventh wicket partnership between Patel and Clark denied Essex a way back into the game.Patel’s superb late hitting then saw him plunder the bulk of the 85 runs Surrey managed to score for their last two wickets. Overall, indeed, it was a great effort by Surrey, who began day three on 44 for three, and the only consolation for Essex was seamer Jamie Porter claiming his 500th first-class wicket by having Clark caught at third man, uppercutting, for 30.Leading Essex by 12 points coming into the match, Surrey would stretch that gap to 29 if they go on to secure victory on day four and – if that does happen – they would chiefly have Patel and 23-year-old Smith to thank for a sixth win from nine Vitality County Championship outings so far this season.Smith’s opening day 100 did much to take Surrey to 262 in their first innings and, resuming on 11, the player selected at the weekend to be England’s new Test wicketkeeper-batsman later this month again showed his sublime strokemaking skills even in such bowler-friendly conditions and with the need to keep starting again and again after each break for bad weather.After an initial 30-minute passage of play, in which Foakes was dropped on nine at first slip off Porter as Surrey edged to 63 for three, there were three mini-sessions of 10 balls, one ball, and then another 10 balls, either side of an early lunch.More rain then followed a 27-ball session, driving the players off yet again at 2.12pm, but after a fifth re-start of the day at 2.38pm there was at last a prolonged period of play – broken only by the tea interval – until stumps.By then Smith had moved smoothly past fifty, despite seeing Foakes fall for 13 when he edged Snater and was smartly held above his head at second slip by Harmer.Left-hander Sai Sudharsan, the India international, helped Smith to add 45 for the fifth wicket, taking Surrey’s overall lead beyond 200, but it was Smith who was the main aggressor with a booming extra cover drive off Snater and a gorgeous on-drive off Porter perhaps the pick of his eventual 11 fours.And Smith, who came in on 25 for two, had scored 70 of Surrey’s next 98 runs when he greeted left-arm seamer Paul Walter’s first ball by pulling it straight to deep square leg in the 38th over.When Sudharsan fell for 12 in the next over, thin-edging Bosch behind, Surrey were suddenly 127 for six and Essex knew they had probably their last chance to stay in the contest.Patel and Clark, however, both batted with grit and no little skill to defy the Essex seamers for almost 20 overs, and Surrey’s lead had reached 274 before Porter’s dismissal of Clark was quickly followed by Bosch bowling Tom Lawes for a first-ball duck.That was the signal for Patel, who had survived a caught and bowled chance to Bosch on 40, to press hard on the accelerator and although James Taylor (3) was bowled sweeping at Harmer he found in last man Dan Worrall a steady partner while a further 43 runs were added in, by now, bright sunshine and until Patel was bowled swinging at Critchley.
Tottenham Hotspur salvaged their season when they defeated Manchester United in the Europa League final last May, rolling out the carpet for Champions League football once more.
Having completed some housework already, finalising a shrewd £30m deal for Mathys Tel and sealing the permanent signing of Kevin Danso after his loan spell, new manager Thomas Frank has turned his attention to external solutions.
While the former Brentford boss would love nothing more than to reunite with Bryan Mbeumo, the Red Devils hold the lead in that race. As such, Spurs have turned their attention to Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, having made contact with Bournemouth but made it known they have no interest in meeting the £70m asking price; the same is true for other suitors.
Despite an abject Premier League campaign, the Lilywhites have an exciting project indeed, and that’s why they might want to turn to a Semenyo alternative who might even prove an upgrade.
Spurs lining up Semenyo alternative
As per L’Equipe, as relayed by GetFootballNewsFrance, Tottenham have received a huge boost in their bid to sign AS Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche, who has been informed he could leave the Ligue 1 club for the right price this summer.
AS Monaco's MaghnesAkliouche
That price is marked at €60m (£51m), so he wouldn’t come cheap. However, the 23-year-old ace is one of the most exciting talents in France and is also attracting interest from Nottingham Forest alongside Spurs, who are both chasing a deal for the starlet.
The Moroccan has yet to be the centre of an official bid, but if Bournemouth remain stubborn on their valuation of Semenyo, that could change very soon.
What Maghnes Akliouche would bring to Spurs
Akliouche has made headway at Monaco over the last few years, graduating from the academy to become one of the most influential members of the first team.
Maghnes Akliouche – Monaco Stats by Season (all comps)
Season
Apps (starts)
Goals
Assists
24/25
43 (38)
7
12
23/24
31 (19)
8
4
22/23
13 (6)
1
0
21/22
9 (1)
0
1
Stats via Transfermarkt
He’s just come off the back of his most productive campaign, and having demonstrated such interesting year-by-year growth, might just be the perfect option to add to a developing Tottenham side showing itself to be a hothouse for young stars.
Indeed, Akliouche ranked among the top 14% of attacking midfielders and wingers last season for assists, the top 11% for progressive passes, and the top 16% for tackles per 90, as per FBref, illustrating both his creative flair and a tenacious approach to his football.
Maghnes Akliouche for AS Monaco.
Typically playing off the right flank, Akliouche operates in a similar area to Semenyo, albeit he plays a different role. FBref have actually likened his style of play to that of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the legendary Heung-min Son.
He notched 15 goal contributions in Ligue 1 last season, averaging 4.5 successful duels per game. He also created 15 big chances, as per Sofascore.
No question, Semenyo’s the real deal, but is the 25-year-old worth £70m? He finished the 2024/25 campaign with 13 goals and seven assists across 42 matches in all competitions, very impressive for the Cherries, but perhaps not worth such a large sum.
Not when there’s a “magician” in Akliouche potentially available, demonstrating incredible playmaking potential, with his “wand of a left foot” singled out for praise by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Semenyo is an energetic and versatile forward himself, and he did average a greater amount of successful duels than Akliouche last term (6.1 per Premier League match), but Tottenham could do with some more creative ingenuity on the flanks to enhance Frank’s system, and they already have a goalscoring specialist on the right in Brennan Johnson.
Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo vs Wolves in the FA Cup.
Moreover, the Morocco star has converted 12 big chances in the French top flight across the past two years, only missing 13 big chances, which speaks of a clinical instinct that Frank will be sure to tweak and develop on the training pitch.
While Semenyo would be a fantastic buy for the Londoners, Akliouche has a higher ceiling and would come at a cheaper fee.
Dream Son heir: Spurs set to enter bidding war for "generational" £50m star
The talented youngster could be a superstar at Spurs.
Chelsea remain active in the transfer market after a busy window for the Blues so far, with Enzo Maresca’s side fully expected to add more star quality to their squad before the next summer deadline day on September 1.
Bigger talent than Delap: Chelsea enter race to re-sign "special" £51m star
Enzo Maresca is desperate to bring in young faces at Chelsea.
1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 16, 2025
BlueCo added both Mamadou Sarr and Liam Delap to their contingent of stars for the Club World Cup, taking advantage of the pre-CWC window which closed on June 10, only to reopen again on Monday.
Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season
Average match rating
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
This mini-window allowed clubs like Chelsea to bolster their sides in preparation for the tournament, with FIFA appearing determined to ensure that some of world football’s finest are on display over the next few weeks.
Chelsea kicked off their CWC campaign on Monday with a 2-0 win over MLS side Los Angeles FC, but showcased their skills in front of a largely empty Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with just 22,137 fans in attendance for the clash.
Delap made his debut and grabbed an assist, with goals from Pedro Neto and Nicolas Jackson making sure Chelsea got off to the perfect tournament start in Atlanta.
The CWC is rather controversial considering the complete absence of rest for these players. Pre-season for 2025/2026 is set to begin immediately after the competition ends, and given the 2026 World Cup is next year, Chelsea players won’t be resting much next summer either.
However, with £97 million worth of prize money on offer if Maresca’s side win the competition, it is no shock at all that Stamford Bridge chiefs are keen for them to take the CWC as seriously as possible.
To lighten the load, Chelsea could add new signings to their squad midway through, with a unique player registration window open from June 27 to July 3.
That being said, if you already play for a rival team in the CWC, you’re unable to swap clubs – so Chelsea wouldn’t be able to register top transfer target and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens.
Chelsea talks "to follow" for Jamie Gittens after player agreement
Chelsea had three bids rejected for Gittens before the CWC in a desperate attempt to get him over the line in time before 7pm on June 10 (Florian Plettenberg), ultimately failing to reach an agreement with Dortmund.
Jamie Gittens
Since then, it’s been reported that Chelsea are still expected to go back in for the 20-year-old, even if he can’t play a part for them during the CWC, with Fabrizio Romano sharing another update on the saga.
Romano writes via X that Chelsea are set for new talks to sign Gittens, who’s already agreed to join Maresca’s side.
While some reports have suggested that Dortmund value him at around £60 million, the reliable Ben Jacobs has now shared that he could leave for £47 million, in what is a boost for Chelsea.
“Eventually, this deal is expected to get done because Gittens wants to move, and they [Chelsea and BVB] are not actually far apart as some had suggested,” he told The Football Terrace.
“We heard €70m or more, but the number I’m told is €55m, up by €5m from what Chelsea originally thought would get the deal done. And it’s not just the number but the structure of that deal as well.”
Chelsea are convinced a marquee Brazilian would be a star for Enzo Maresca next season, and a move for the player is expected to happen “soon”.
Chelsea agree Liam Delap deal as BlueCo continue forward search
Earlier this week, Chelsea reached an agreement over the signing of Ipswich striker Liam Delap, with the Englishman, barring any unexpected surprises, looking set to become their first completed deal of the summer.
Chelsea submit bid to sign £42m Serie A star who's admitted he could leave
The west Londoners are in good spirits after their Conference League triumph.
1 ByEmilio Galantini May 29, 2025
The 22-year-old had alternative offers on the table, particularly from Man United, Newcastle and Everton, but Delap started to give his preference to Chelsea after they qualified for the Champions League (talkSPORT).
Race for Champions League qualification – Final standings
Rank
Team
Points
GD
3
Man City
71
+28
4
Chelsea
69
+21
5
Newcastle
66
+21
6
Aston Villa
66
+7
7
Nottingham Forest
65
+12
Reports then began emerging that Delap had fully agreed to join Chelsea after being convinced of the project, with Maresca now also said to have played a “crucial” role in convincing the ex-Man City starlet to choose a Stamford Bridge move.
Delap is now also set for a medical at Cobham ahead of a £30 million switch from Portman Road.
While Chelsea are closing in on the Englishman, this doesn’t appear to be the end of their search for new forwards. Now that they’ve qualified for the Champions League, and with many squad members potentially leaving to raise even more funds, there is a chance that Chelsea sign two strikers this summer.
As well as this, BlueCo are targeting a winger, as heavily reported, and one name high on their transfer shortlist is Real Madrid star Rodrygo.
The Brazil international is valued at £84 million by Real, following his 23 goal contributions over 50 appearances last season (13 goals, 10 assists), so Chelsea would need to invest significantly in his capture as they also “push” for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké (Florian Plettenberg).
Chelsea convinced Rodrygo would be a star for Enzo Maresca
Spanish newspaper Diario AS, and their reporter Eduardo Burgos, share some interesting details on Chelsea’s links to the 24-year-old.
Chelsea believe Rodrygo could be one of Maresca’s “crown jewels” next season, envisaging a key role in the squad for him. While London rivals Arsenal have already held informal discussions over the £202,000-per-week attacker, Chelsea are expected to do the same “soon”.
Burgos writes that Chelsea are intent on making a “statement” this summer and anticipate a very busy window, especially after confirming their spot in the Champions League, and Rodrygo “ticks all the boxes”.
“Rodrygo, so underrated,” said Jude Bellingham about his Real teammate.
“For me he’s probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad. The things he can do with the football — we’ll be messing around and he’ll flick the ball up somehow and you’re like, ‘How do you do that?’. I’m trying to do it, twisting up my ankles and everything like that. He’s a pleasure to play with.”
Rangers are reportedly in pole position to hire an “outstanding” manager as their next boss this summer, according to an interesting update on the situation.
Rangers continue search for next manager
The Gers drew 1-1 at home to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon in the final Old Firm derby of the season, as the 2024/25 season draws towards its conclusion. Rangers are continuing their search for a permanent new manager, with Barry Ferguson seemingly unlikely to be given the job after his current stint in an interim role, with various names mentioned as possible options to come in this summer.
Rangers interim managerBarryFergusonbefore the match
Marco Rose has been one of the names mentioned in recent weeks, having most recently managed RB Leipzig earlier in the season, also winning two Austrian Bundesliga titles during his time in charge of RB Salzburg.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard has continued to be talked about as a front-runner to return to Ibrox ahead of next season, having guided them to league title glory back in 2020/21. The Liverpool legend could potentially jump at the chance to have a second spell as manager, as the Gers look to narrow the current gap in quality between themselves and Celtic.
Dream XI Gerrard could build at Rangers: Tavernier stays & £12m star signs
Here is our dream Rangers lineup should Steven Gerrard return as manager this summer, featuring captain James Tavernier and some new signings.
ByBen Gray Apr 30, 2025 Rangers favourites to win Rose race
According to a new claim from Football Insider‘s Pete O’Rourke, 49ers Enterprises’ “links” with Red Bull means Rangers are the favourites to hire Rose as their new manager despite interest from elsewhere. The report adds that it puts them “above other clubs in the race to secure his services” in the coming weeks and months, with the appointment described as a “real possibility”.
RB Leipzig coachMarcoRosebefore the match
There is certainly plenty to like about Rose, in terms of Rangers picking him as their No.1 option to come in, not least his aforementioned two title wins with Salzburg. The German, who likes to adopt a 4-4-2 formation, has succeeded at the highest level, including managing one of Europe’s biggest clubs in Dortmund 46 times, and former Germany international Marco Reus has lauded him in the past.
“We have had a very open, good and close relationship built on trust right from the start. Marco Rose has done an outstanding job so far, and he will continue to do so in the future.”
The Red Bull connection can only be a good thing for Rangers, if it helps entice Rose to Ibrox, and it’s now a case of them deciding if he is a better option than Gerrard.
Marco Rose’s key managerial stats
Matches
Points per game
RB Leipzig
124
1.85
Borussia Dortmund
46
1.85
Borussa Monchengladbach
88
1.61
RB Salzburg
114
2.35
Opinion among Gers supporters will likely be split in that respect, but Rose’s record speaks for itself, and he could prove to be an inspired appointment.
It’s far from an ideal situation, but it has come to the stage in the season where Premier League action is more of a hindrance than anything else for Manchester United, with Ruben Amorim needing to find a way to keep his players motivated domestically.
With a crucial Europa League first-leg tie against Athletic Bilbao just a matter of days away, the Red Devils are faced with an unwanted trip to Bournemouth later today, having notably slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.
There is a sense that Amorim’s men have almost thrown in the towel on the Premier League front, following that 15th loss of the campaign, although the meeting with the Cherries could be another useful exercise to at least test out those on the fringes.
Man Utd’s remaining fixtures – all competitions
Date
Opponent
Competition
Sunday 27 April
Bournemouth (A)
Premier League
Thursday 1 May
Athletic Bilbao (A)
Europa League
Sunday 4 May
Brentford (A)
Premier League
Thursday 8 May
Athletic Bilbao (H)
Europa League
Sunday 11 May
West Ham (H)
Premier League
Friday 16 May
Chelsea (A)
Premier League
Sunday 25 May
Aston Villa (H)
Premier League
Equally, one form of motivation could be the current rumblings regarding potential transfer targets – namely Matheus Cunha – with the final weeks of the season providing a perfect audition period for a number of first-team and academy stars.
The changes Amorim could make vs Bournemouth
The trip to the south coast may also allow members of Amorim’s ranks to stake their claim for involvement in Thursday’s pivotal European encounter, with positions certainly up for grabs all across the park.
Indeed, there is now real competition in the defensive unit, not least with the academy duo of Tyler Fredricson and Harry Amass having caught the eye against the Old Gold a week ago.
That youthful pairing could again feature this time around, with Amorim likely not wanting to take a risk with the likes of Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro, particularly with Diogo Dalot the latest defender to be struck down by injury.
Meanwhile, following a rare rest against Vitor Pereira’s side, Bruno Fernandes may be called upon to try and ignite the Red Devils this afternoon, with the Portuguese skipper still leading the way for goals and assists this season at Old Trafford.
That pursuit of goals – and the absence of Joshua Zirkzee – could see Chido Obi handed a first senior start following his summer switch from Arsenal, with the 17-year-old a wise replacement for Rasmus Hojlund, considering that he is ineligible to feature on Thursday night.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The teenage Dane could well be joined in the attacking unit by another man who came off the bench last time out, with Mason Mount running out of time to stake his claim for one of the two number ten berths.
The Man Utd star who could soon be replaced by Cunha
The suggestion is that Cunha – should a deal progress – will be brought in to play in one of those two roles off the main centre-forward, with the Brazilian catching the eye with 26 league goals across the last two campaigns combined.
Matheus Cunha
If United are to fork out to meet his reported £62.5m release clause, such an outlay would suggest that the 25-year-old will then be a regular fixture in Amorim’s starting lineup next term, leaving the likes of Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and, of course, Mount to fight it out for the other playmaking berth.
With Fernandes dropping deeper of late, there has been something of a vacancy in the number ten role, although even then the returning Mount has still been restricted to a substitute berth, with that limited action set to be impacted even further if Cunha is to arrive.
Mason Mount – best PL season at Chelsea (21/22)
Stat (*per game)
Record
Games (starts)
32 (27)
Goals
11
Big chances missed
4
Assists
10
Big chances created
10
Key passes*
1.8
Pass accuracy*
85%
Tackles*
1.3
Interceptions*
0.4
Successful dribbles*
0.6
Stats via Sofascore
While it is evident that the Englishman is being gradually eased back into the action following his recent absence – having only returned last month following an almost four-month spell on the sidelines – now is the time for Amorim to finally unleash the former Chelsea man from the outset.
Indeed, following what has been an injury-hit two years at Old Trafford – which has yielded just one goal and one assist in total – Mount now needs a run of games to stake his claim and justify the public faith that his new boss has placed in him.
Since first walking in the door, Amorim has repeatedly singled out the £55m midfielder for praise, having hailed the England international as a “proper footballer” back in late November.
While Mount’s cruel injury blow in the early knockings of the December Manchester derby has since hampered his progress, his recent return to fitness has afforded him a month or so to now kick on and finally begin to justify his exorbitant price tag.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim gives instructions to Manchester United'sMasonMount
Currently looking like another victim of United’s infamous number seven curse, the 26-year-old “pressing monster” – as lauded by Statman Dave – needs to showcase why he could represent a potential partner to Cunha, and not the man whom the Brazilian will replace.
Changes are likely to be in store this afternoon, and Mount’s recall to the starting lineup needs to be one of them. It’s approaching now or never for his stop-start Manchester United career…
Best signing since Bruno: Man Utd pushing to land "best ST on the market"
Man Utd are in desperate need of a new centre-forward this summer
On Tuesday evening, the Emirates Stadium stood witness to perhaps its greatest result for a home team. Arsenal were the victors, defeating Real Madrid 3-0.
It was a remarkable display of football. The 15-time winners of Europe’s great competition, the Champions League, had been swept aside with relative ease.
Declan Rice was the hero, banging in two stupendous free-kicks to send north London into chaos.
Well, this time around, it was a rather more sedate affair. Brentford were the visitors to the Emirates and they were here to disrupt Mikel Arteta’s momentum.
The Gunners took the lead through makeshift right-back Thomas Partey, only for Yoanne Wissa to equalise. The game ended 1-1.
It marks a continuation of a poor run of form for Arsenal in the Premier League. The title race may have been done and dusted a few weeks ago but the run has still been a disappointing one, winning just two of their last seven league outings.
Still, they remain in Europe and are a game away from a semi-final spot.
Arteta will likely already know his team for the second leg in Madrid in Wednesday but did anyone stake their claim on Saturday evening?
Arsenal's best players against Brentford
This was a patched-together Arsenal side, make no mistake about it.
Despite the result, Arteta was right to rotate ahead of a trip to the Bernabeu but that did mean the likes of Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Mikel Merino dropped out.
As a result of those absentees, Leandro Trossard was handed a start as the central striker, Partey featured at right back, Kieran Tierney was on the left and Oleksandr Zinchenko came into the midfield.
Both full-backs very much caught the eye. Tierney, unfortunately, had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half but did well at the back. As for Partey, there was no denying his opening goal.
The man of the hour, Rice, broke from a Brentford corner, galloping forward like a racehorse beyond the halfway line. His pass had to be timed to perfection and indeed it was.
Partey was to his right and ran onto the ball, firing past Mark Flekken in the Bees net.
The Ghanaian enjoyed a fine evening at full-back, standing in for Timber and Ben White who picked up another injury in training. Rice was a machine in the middle again, but they weren’t the only two standouts from the draw on home soil.
Performance in Numbers
Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.
Arsenal defender is now undroppable
When Gabriel hobbled from the field during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham a few weeks ago, fear spread like wildfire through the fanbase. Rightly so, too.
The Brazilian has been one of, if not the best player at the club this season. He’s been a rock at the back and a menace from set plays, proving to be an asset in both boxes. He’d barely missed a minute of football either.
Yet, here was Arsenal’s third big hamstring injury of the season, following in the footsteps of Saka and Kai Havertz. The prognosis was that the centre-back would miss the rest of the season.
In his place has stood Jakub Kiwior, the Polish defender who hasn’t exactly set the world alight when handed rare opportunities this season.
Prone to a nervy moment, the former Spezia man now well and truly deserves his flowers. Indeed, across his last 19 starts in all competitions, Arsenal have not lost a single game, winning 13 matches and drawing six.
He saved his best performance for Madrid in midweek, putting a nervy error in the first half beyond him to deal with the threat of Kylian Mbappe and Co superbly well.
Kiwior’s last 19 starts for Arsenal
Wins
13
Draws
6
Defeats
0
Goals conceded
13
Clean sheets
9
Against Brentford, despite not keeping a clean sheet, he was also in top form.
It wasn’t the most eye-catching of displays but he came through the game ably, notably winning every single one of his four contested duels and completing 94% of his passes. It was a supremely composed display, building from the back and holding onto the ball well further up the field.
To sum up that influence in possession, only two players on the pitch registered more touches of the ball; William Saliba and Jorginho.
Handed a 7/10 match rating by Football.London at full time they wrote that “there is a sense of calm that previously was not there when he first came.” That sums things up rather nicely.
Previously, supporters didn’t want to see Kiwior anywhere near the starting lineup but he has very quickly become as undroppable as the likes of Rice and Saliba.
He will never be raved about from up on high but this is an underrated squad player who’s now played exceptionally well in recent weeks. The Pole will deserve his place in the starting lineup against Madrid in a few days’ time.
Arsenal preparing mega £129m offer to seal their best signing since Rice
The game-breaking star would fire Arsenal to domestic and European glory.
Newcastle United find themselves firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification and could use their position of strength to target a talented defender in the summer window, per reports.
Newcastle United's summer transfer plans begin to accelerate
The Magpies have put themselves in a commanding spot to secure a top-five Premier League finish and showed no sign of complacency in a ruthless 4-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.
With Nottingham Forest and Chelsea both dropping points, Newcastle have climbed to fourth in the table and have the chance to overtake Nottingham Forest in midweek should they inflict the same fate on Crystal Palace at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United manager EddieHoweand assistant manager Jason Tindall celebrate
Eddie Howe deserves major credit in a season where the Geordies have also managed to break a 56-year trophy drought. While he recovers from a recent illness, there is a heightened motivation among the group to cap a fantastic campaign ahead of the summer window.
Should Champions League qualification be achieved, exciting arrivals are expected on Tyneside to take matters to the next level in the North East. According to reports, Sevilla star Dodi Lukebakio is on Newcastle’s radar and may be attainable due to his current employers’ openness to a deal being done.
Worry for Le Bris as Newcastle eye possible move for £25m Sunderland star
This would be a massive blow for the Black Cats.
ByHenry Jackson Apr 13, 2025
Dominic Calvert-Lewin could join the Magpies on a free transfer should he opt not to stay at Everton, signifying that a striking addition could be high up on their wishlist to replace Callum Wilson.
Not having Europe to contend with this campaign has afforded Newcastle more time to recover, but that won’t be the case next term amid their guaranteed involvement on the continent. Now, they have turned their attention towards a potential reinforcement at the other end of the field.
Newcastle United eyeing deal for Facundo Medina
According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle want to sign RC Lens defender Facundo Medina, and he could see Tyneside as an attractive destination due to their involvement in European competition next season.
Crystal Palace, Everton, Aston Villa, AS Roma and Bayern Leverkusen are also in pursuit of the Argentina international. Due to severe financial problems at his Ligue 1 employers, he is set to be sold for just north of £30 million this summer.
Facundo Medina’s statistics in Ligue 1 – 2024/25
Duels won
95
Interceptions
30
Chances created
23
Recoveries
145
Aerial duels won
30
Pass accuracy
88.3%
Labelled a “defensive leader” by Arnaud Pouille, Medina has registered a solitary assist in 27 appearances across all competitions this season. Following interest from Marseille earlier in the year, it is suspected that the 25-year-old will leave for a new challenge, and Newcastle could now have a real opportunity to bring him to St James’ Park.
Jamaal Lascelles has been given an unannounced extension, and Fabian Schar will also stay on next campaign. Either way, Medina’s versatility would make him a smart addition to help cope with the strain of a congested fixture schedule, capable of playing centre-back or left-back.