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A draw with ten men aside, this has been a phenomenal little period for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

Following an intense week in which they faced Spurs, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, they didn’t lose any of those fixtures. Subsequently, they top the Premier League and Champions League heading into the early stages of December.

They’ve managed to do so all with injuries plaguing the squad again. Ben White and Bukayo Saka were asked after the 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday if they have the best squad depth in the league.

White, ever the joker, simply replied, “I dunno.” Well, Ben, we’ll answer it for you. Arsenal’s depth is elite and it could well win them the league.

Andrea Berta worked hard to bolster the squad over the summer and it’s just as well considering the fitness issues that have ravaged Arteta’s team again throughout 2025/26.

At the moment they are missing their senior leaders at the back in Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.

Before last week they were also missing all three strikers. Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres are now back in the matchday squad but it means that emergency centre-forward, Mikel Merino, has had to lead the line again. He’s done it superbly well.

Mikel Merino: Arsenal's elite number 9

Nearly a year ago, all of the chatter as the January transfer window opened was about Arsenal’s need for a new striker.

While Kai Havertz’s importance was being elevated and Jesus had enjoyed a fabulous festive period, scoring that hat-trick against Crystal Palace, there was a sense that for the Gunners to win the league, they needed an elite goalscorer.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Jesus then suffered an ACL injury and Arsenal’s need for a new forward was exacerbated. They did not sign one. What happened next? Havertz suffered a hamstring injury. Of course, he did.

As a result, Arteta sought a solution that was outside of the box. Could Merino become the emergency number 9 that Arsenal craved?

Remarkably, he could. It all started with that brace against Leicester City. The Londoners were struggling to find a goal but the Spaniard appeared from the bench to rescue his side.

Since then, he’s not looked back. He ended 2024/25 with nine goals, scoring against Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool along the way. While we jest, he genuinely looks like an elite striker now.

The arrival of Gyokeres should have ensured Merino was never needed as a striker again but when the Swede hobbled off against Burnley last month, the former Real Sociedad was back in the limelight.

Well, is he now the number one option to lead the line? Quite possibly. Some of Arsenal’s best displays of the season, chiefly those wins over Spurs and Bayern, have come with Merino up top.

While he didn’t net in those contests, he’s knitted the play together beautifully, linking up with teammates and improving Arsenal’s all-around attacking play.

He has still been around the goals, scoring twice in Europe against Slavia Prague, while finding the net in back-to-back Premier League games, the wins over Chelsea and Brentford. Both of those goals were excellent headers.

So, with Gyokeres and Jesus back on the bench, who deserves the role as Arsenal’s leading man?

What Merino's form means for Gyokeres and Jesus

Arsenal’s big-money summer signing has been electric over the last two campaigns. During 2024/25, Gyokeres bagged 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting but hasn’t hit similar heights after his move back to England.

The Swede has been improving all the time and it was typical that he suffered an injury blow against Burnley, a game he actually scored in.

Gyokeres was beginning to find his feet in the top-flight but it would be a lie if we said Arsenal weren’t a better team at the moment with Merino in it.

So, for the time being, it’s likely the former Coventry City man will have to be patient as he searches for a way back into the side.

The same could be said for £45m man, Jesus, although his time in red and white sadly looks pretty bleak.

The Brazilian has been missing since picking up that ACL injury in the FA Cup 11 months ago and it’s a delight to see him back. Prior to that injury, he was arguably in the form of his Arsenal career, scoring six goals in six games across the festive period.

That injury meant that Arsenal simply had to strengthen in the summer. Gyokeres was a necessity. Jesus has been bumped down the picking order already because of that.

However, the emergence of Merino as a striker and the fact he’s now a genuine option in that position means that Jesus’ Arsenal career looks done.

Havertz is not miles away from returning to the fold and with Merino, Gyokeres and the German all set to battle it out for a place as the central forward, Jesus is unlikely to start another game for the club.

There are plenty of games to comes over the forthcoming weeks but such is the strength of Arsenal’s depth that the former Manchester City striker looks set to pay the ultimate price of leaving the Emirates Stadium.

It’s not the way he or the supporters will have wanted his career in England to end. He’s a cult hero, a joyful player to watch when he’s at his peak. However, Arsenal simply have better options now and options who are in form.

Merino’s impact has only rubbed further salt into the wounds. At the moment, he looks like Arsenal’s best centre-forward. How remarkable is that?

£50m Arsenal star who was becoming the new Zinchenko now looks undroppable

Arsenal’s £50m man has revived his career at the Emirates Stadium this week.

1

By
Matt Dawson

Dec 4, 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates are struggling yet again to kick off this MLB season, going 2-6 through the opening slate of games. As expected, Paul Skenes has been immaculate, allowing only two earned runs through his first two starts of the year. But the rest of the team has struggled to pick up the slack, and the lack of offense that doomed Pittsburgh more often than not in 2024 has reared its ugly head a few times already in 2025.

The Pirates opened this year with a seven-game road trip and dropped five of those contests. It didn't make for a very warm homecoming on Friday for the organization's home opener at PNC Park (which the Pirates also lost) as fans chanted for owner Bob Nutting to "sell the team." Speaking on the situation on Saturday ahead of Pittsburgh's matchup with the New York Yankees, Skenes delivered a strong message to those fans about who's really at fault for the poor start.

"Mr. Nutting and (manager Derek Shelton) aren't the ones playing," Skenes said, per ESPN. "We're the ones playing. If we were 8-0 through however many games we've played right now, the fans aren't booing. We've got to play better."

The Pirates have finished with a record above .500 exactly once since their last playoff season in 2015 and are generally consistent residents of the NL Central basement. The frustration of the fans has been boiling over for quite some time, regardless of the right party to blame. But Skenes wants everyone to remember it's still early days, and there's plenty of time to prove to the fanbase this season can be different.

"It's a long season," the reigning NL Rookie of the Year said. "I want to believe that it all evens out. But we aren't getting these games back. We will go on a stretch where we will go … 7-2 or wherever we are right now in an opposite way."

MatériaMais Notícias

A ausência de Pablo Maia no clássico do São Paulo contra o Palmeiras, que terminou na goleada por 5 a 0, mostrou um ponto importante para Dorival Júnior: a Cria de Cotia, mesmo com a pouca idade e pouco mais de um ano como profissional, é insubstituível no elenco.

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Inclusive, isso foi uma das grandes pautas da coletiva de imprensa dada pelo treinador após o vexame na casa do rival. Segundo as palavras do próprio treinador, a dificuldade de substituir o volante no Tricolor é justamente por não existir nenhum nome que apresente características parecidas.

Contra o Palmeiras, a tentativa foi Gabriel Neves. O uruguaio, por sua vez, atuando como primeiro volante, em uma função que não mostrou adaptação, tendo em vista que sempre se desenvolveu melhor no Tricolor como segundo volante (em um posicionamento parecido com o que Alisson exerce).

Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! São Paulo

O desempenho foi tão abaixo do esperado que chegou a ser substituído ainda no primeiro tempo, para a entrada de Rodrigo Nestor – um meia com características muito mais ofensivas.

Diferente do que Pablo Maia consegue mostrar, sabendo dominar as funções de marcação no meio de campo como primeiro volante e ter objetividade nos passes, o companheiro não conseguiu fornecer esta proteção na área, onde muitas das jogadas importantes do Palmeiras na goleada surgiram.

O impacto de Pablo Maia no elenco do São Paulo é tanto que Dorival Júnior revelou que, de todos os nomes disponíveis, é o mais difícil de ser substituído.

– Não tínhamos outro caminho. Quando a falta do Pablo Maia acontece, temos algumas dificuldades em relação à característica desse jogador que difere dos demais. Não são maus jogadores, espero que entendam, mas destoam das características. A estratégia depois é natural que não tenham sido positivas – explicou o treinador.

Assédio da Europa
Pablo Maia chama atenção pela pouca idade e pelo desempenho que mostra em campo desde seus primeiros momentos como profissional. Revelado em Cotia, começou a ser relacionado no elenco principal no começo do Campeonato Paulista de 2022, sob o comando de Rogério Ceni. Naquela edição, inclusive, chegou a receber um prêmio de ‘revelação do Paulistão’. Desde então, se tornou titular e chegou até mesmo a aparecer no radar de times da Europa nos últimos meses.

O volante chegou a ser muito bem visto por times da Inglaterra, principalmente na janela do meio do ano. Nomes como West Ham tiveram conversas com o jogador e o Tricolor.

Mas diferente do que acontecia no último ano, por exemplo, com nomes como Gabriel Sara, a postura do São Paulo quando se trata de joias agora é diferente. O Tricolor só negociaria por propostas muito boas, não precisando mais ‘vender por necessidade’.

Vale destacar que Pablo Maia teve seu contrato renovado em abril deste ano. O vínculo vai até dezembro de 2027.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim looks to be on thin ice as inconsistent results have sparked concern about whether he is capable of taking United to the next level, with the manager set to be forced into personnel changes this weekend.

After securing a surprising win against world champions Chelsea, it looked like United were going to record their first back-to-back Premier League wins under Amorim as they faced relegation candidates Brentford. However, two early goals from Igor Thiago shattered United’s hopes, and they went on to lose 3-1.

This defeat has reignited speculation that Amorim may be replaced, with names like former England boss Gareth Southgate being linked. United’s next fixture is against newly promoted Sunderland, who have made a strong start to the season…

Amorim forced into changes despite Wilcox and Berrada faith

Reports indicate that there is internal concern at United that Amorim’s position will become untenable if he doesn’t make a change and suffers defeat to the Black Cats.

Indeed, Teamtalk journalist Dean Jones has shared a scoop from inside Old Trafford that Amorim has to change his personnel in light of his refusal to alter his system, and that failure this weekend could be the nail in the coffin.

“There is no way he can go into the Sunderland game and just play the same old tape yet again. I have spoken to connections close to the club, and there seems to be an expectation that this time, something does change. Realistically, it probably will not be the system.

“Because they have worked so tirelessly on his formation, he will probably roll it out again – but one thing he can do this time is change the personnel. This is the area that people seem to feel is most likely to change.

“It’s a huge game for him! And it really could lead to a big decision over his future if it goes badly. So let’s see whether he is brave enough to make a bold call or two. I get the feeling he might finally do it – maybe in goal or midfield…or both.”

The internal pressure that Jones mentions is reportedly not coming from Jason Wilcox or Omar Berarda, who both want Amorim to have until the end of the season to give him a chance to turn things around. Part of the reason they want this may be down to United leading the league in a number of attacking metrics like chances created this season, and they may be sympathetic with the head coach that his players are failing to capitalise.

How Man Utd could line up against Sunderland

Jones highlighted the goal and midfield as two areas where Amorim could make a change, but there are other positions that could be modified as well.

So far this season, Altay Bayindir has been Amorim’s favoured goalkeeper, with the previous first choice, Andre Onana, being exiled on loan to Turkey. However, a number of mistakes have led to calls for deadline day signing Senne Lemmens to be given a chance in goal. The 23-year-old has reportedly impressed in training, and against newly promoted Sunderland, he may be given a chance to start.

In midfield, the lack of game time for Kobbie Mainoo has upset fans, as it looks like he may push for a move away from the club in January. Re-introducing the Carrington graduate to the starting lineup would likely carry some favour with the United faithful and may help them out on the pitch.

Another change Amorim could make is in the right wing-back position. Diogo Dalot was largely at fault for Brentford’s first goal, and if Amad is ready to play following his leave last week, then that is a positive change that Amorim could make.

Jones said Amorim is unlikely to change his system, and since it’s creating chances, that isn’t surprising. With these potential changes, Amorim could both shore up his defence and add players who can score, but these changes would likely be one of the last rolls of the dice for the manager.

علق محمد رشوان خبير اللوائح على قرارات اتحاد الكرة بشأن العقوبات ضد الأهلي والزمالك في بطولة كأس السوبر المصري، والتي تم إعلانها اليوم.

وقال محمد رشوان في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “صدى البلد”: “ما زلنا نلعب لعبة التوازنات، وأتمنى كمواطن مصري المشاركة في بطولة خارجية دون مشاكل، لكن للأسف كل مرة تحدث أزمة تُعكر الصفو، لأننا لا نملك تعريفًا واضحًا للوائح”.

وأكمل: “الجميع قالوا إنه لا توجد عقوبة محددة على زيزو وفق اللوائح، لكننا فوجئنا ببيان اتحاد الكرة ثم تعديله لاحقًا لإضافة عقوبة زيزو، السباب الجماعي يجب أن يُواجه بحزم، والغرامة البالغة 100 ألف جنيه ليست رادعة، فلا بد من مواقف أكثر قوة”.

وواصل: “المشكلة ليست فقط في زيزو، بل تتكرر مع دونجا وأزمة النقاط وغيرها، وطول ما التوازنات هي التي تتحكم، لن نستطيع تطبيق القانون، البيان ذكر تكرار السباب الجماعي، ومعناه أن العقوبة يجب أن تكون مضاعفة”.

طالع.. رسميًا | عقوبات السوبر المصري 2026/2025.. تغريم الأهلي والزمالك وموقف زيزو

وأشار: “هشام نصر قال إنه لم يكن سيسلم على اللاعب، كلام لا يصح، وهو نفسه يستحق الإيقاف، لأن الموقف لا يُدار بالعواطف، ولازم تكون المسطرة القانونية واضحة”.

وزاد: “زيزو سيتظلم على القرار، وسيستند إلى ما قاله هشام نصر بأنه لم يكن سيسلم عليه، وإلى أنه صافح أحمد عبد الرؤوف واللاعبين على الدكة، وسيطالب بإبراز النص في اللائحة الذي يعاقب اللاعب إذا لم يصافح أحدًا”.

وبسؤاله هل ممكن يتم معاقبة مسؤول وفقا للائحة؟، أجاب: “لا يوجد، لكن الأصل في القانون أن يطبق على الجميع وأي عنصر من عناصر اللعبة، لازم يكون ليك علاقة كعضو مجلس إدارة، والأصل في الطعن هي على العقوبات التي لا تستند إلى القانون، زيزو سيقول أريد النص في اللائحة الذي على أساسه إذا لم أصافح أحد توقع على عقوبة”.

وأتم: “الزمالك أيضًا من حقه أن يتقدم بتظلم على عقوبة بيزيرا، وأعتقد أن العقوبتين سيم رفعهما، لكن أهم شيء أن تكون اللوائح واضحة منعا للقيل والقال”.

Guglielmo Vicario was the Tottenham hero as the Italian goalkeeper produced a heroic individual display to earn his side a 0-0 draw in Monaco on Wednesday. Spurs remain unbeaten in the Champions League and that is largely down to Vicario, who saved four times from Folarin Balogun and produced his best stop of the night to keep out a close-range Jordan Teze header.

Spurs saw the home side take the ascendency from the early stages, as Maghnes Akliouche and Ansu Fati threatened to cause havoc in a couple of early openings. Akliouche was the home side's outstanding player throughout and created countless opportunities.

Vicario would show his worth as the first half progressed, saving from Balogun three times as the goalkeeper came out on top in a tense battle with the former Arsenal striker. Coming out to thwart the United States international in a one-on-one, he then got down sharply to keep out Balogun once again just before half-time.

Other than the occasional spark from Wilson Odobert, Spurs rarely threatened – a theme which only heightened in the second period as Monaco turned the needle with a series of attacking substitutions and Thomas Frank's side struggled to react.

Takumi Minamino was off target three times when he should have scored, while Vicario was at his very best to keep out Teze. There was still time for Tottenham to create one decisive opportunity at the other end, as Pape Matar Sarr squared for fellow substitute Brennan Johnson, but the Welshman did not catch it cleanly, and his shot was blocked.

GOAL rates Tottenham's players from Stade Louis-II…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Guglielmo Vicario (9/10):

A top performance by the goalkeeper. His three saves from Balogun in the first half prevented the home side being out of sight, while his point-blank reaction stop from Teze preserved a point.

Pedro Porro (6/10):

Played his part to ensure a point was earned, but had a tough evening as Monaco created chances from all angles.

Micky van de Ven (7/10):

Captain for the night, Van de Ven made a few crucial interventions to ensure his side left with a point. Came close with a header which flashed over at the other end.

Kevin Danso (7/10):

Put in a solid display at the back and has proven a worthy understudy for Romero. Vicario will get the headlines, but Spurs' entire defensive unit had a role to play in the shutout.

Archie Gray (8/10):

Making his first ever Champions League start, but you would never have been able to tell. Incredibly comfortable playing in several different positions, the teenager made several key interceptions and tackles, barely putting a foot wrong for his side.

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Joao Palhinha (7/10):

Did his job effectively and made some great tackles, though it was a tough assignment against the likes of Akliouche, who drifted across the attacking positions for Monaco.

Rodrigo Bentancur (5/10):

Struggled to exert any control in the middle of the park as Spurs were second-best for long periods. Taken off after an hour to be replaced by Sarr.

Lucas Bergvall (4/10):

Wasn't his finest showing. The Swede was dispossessed in his own half on a couple of occasions and twice bailed out by his goalkeeper with Balogun looking a certainty to score. Playing in a more attacking midfield area, he contributed little to chance creation at the other end and was withdrawn alongside Bentancur on the hour mark.

AFPAttack

Mohammed Kudus (6/10):

The Ghanaian's delivery continues to be impressive from the right, though he made less of a game-changing difference than in other recent fixtures and struggled to get into the match in the second half.

Richarlison (5/10):

Did not have as much service as he would have liked on his return to the side. One first-half opportunity was comfortably saved.

Wilson Odobert (7/10):

Showed a sign of things to come as he got in behind and flashed a ball across goal after just 15 seconds. The 20-year-old Frenchman justified his selection and was one of Spurs' biggest outlets, setting up chances for Richarlison and Van de Ven with great pieces of footwork. Faded slightly in the second half and was substituted after picking up a knock.

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Pape Matar Sarr (6/10):

Was not able to turn the tide in midfield but did his share defensively to keep out the home side, while his ball across led to arguably Spurs' best chance of the game for Johnson.

Xavi Simons (4/10):

Brought on to make something happen but appeared short on ideas. Content to slow down rare attacks rather than play a killer final ball, while a shooting chance from range flew well over the crossbar.

Randal Kolo Muani (5/10):

Struggled to get into the game following his introduction, but showed a willingness to run for his side as they held out for a point.

Brennan Johnson (5/10):

Could have been the hero late on, but it was not to be. Continues to suffer from a lack of minutes in recent weeks.

Djed Spence (6/10):

Replaced Kudus late on as Spurs looked to shore things up at the back.

Thomas Frank (6/10):

It was far from a vintage performance by his side, but they came away with a valuable point. Had it not been for Vicario's heroics and some wayward finishing by the hosts, though, Spurs would have had no complaints at returning to London with nothing.

Everton are showing themselves to be a real threat in the forward areas based on their blistering attacking performances so far in the Premier League.

Of course, it is only early days, but the Toffees have responded to a disappointing 1-0 loss on the opening day to Leeds by putting five strikes past Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Jack Grealish picking up a mightily impressive four assists along the way.

With Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also in on the goals and assists, alongside Iliman Ndiaye already running teams ragged with two efforts on the board, David Moyes’ men are now far removed from their previous attritional makeup under Sean Dyche.

This is before you even throw new recruit Tyler Dibling into the equation, with the 19-year-old a bold pick-up from Southampton who is also ready to take the Premier League by storm.

What Dibling can offer Everton

Everton has managed to produce many of their own special homegrown attackers over the years, with the likes of Ross Barkley and Wayne Rooney springing to mind.

With this example, however, they have poached the cream of the academy crop from the Saints in Dibling, with the teenager costing a whopping £40m to bring in this summer, even as his ex-side suffered relegation at the end of last campaign.

When watching the young forward in action, it’s clear to see why he has cost such an extortionate amount, despite still being inexperienced, with an impressive four goals and three assists next to his name in the St Mary’s senior ranks.

One particularly memorable display from the direct winger last season against Manchester United even saw former England legend turned commentator Stuart Pearce herald Dibling as a “devotee to Grealish”, with a hope now that the entertaining attacker can be as instantly successful on Merseyside – like the ex-Aston Villa midfielder – away from loose comparisons.

Amazingly, while the Toffees have invested significantly in the future with this £40m buy, they could well have their very own homegrown Grealish brewing in the background, too, in this 18-year-old ace.

Everton's own homegrown Grealish

As previously mentioned, the Merseyside outfit has often been viewed as a club that gives their very own chances in the first-team set-up when ready.

One up-and-coming youngster that has risen the ranks and looks destined for more senior minutes soon is 18-year-old Harrison Armstrong, who was named on the bench by Moyes for the action-packed victory at Wolves.

He has since moved on to Preston North End on a season-long loan, but the highlights package posted by the Lilywhites after his move was confirmed shows off the obvious talent the skilful midfielder possesses to be viewed in the same glowing light as the assist-heavy Grealish.

Indeed, from just eight senior appearances to date for the Toffees, Armstrong has a standout three assists next to his name.

CM

19

3 + 1

DM

11

2 + 2

LW

4

1 + 0

AM

3

0 + 1

CF

2

0

RW

1

0 + 1

LM

1

0

RM

1

0

With a further ten goal contributions also coming his way for the Everton U19s and U21s – when looking at the table above – it’s abundantly clear why he has been labelled a “phenomenal” youth talent by one of his former managers in John Eustace, when previously loaned out to Derby County.

His adaptability to play all across the midfield positions only strengthens the argument more that he could be a new Grealish in the making, with the Liverpool-born starlet more than a capable performer on the left flank – much like the new Everton number 18 – away from just lining up in a central midfield spot.

It could well be that Armstrong just needs more first-team experience under his belt before he’s regularly strutting his stuff in Moyes’ senior side, with another loan out to the second tier, no doubt toughening him up.

The EFL’s elite division made Grealish the stylish performer he is today, after all, with a sturdy 14 goals and 16 assists notched up in the Championship by the 29-year-old, before further cementing himself as a Premier League star on Merseyside.

Armstrong will hope he can live up to his own hype down the line, with both the 18-year-old and Dibling up Moyes’ sleeve, making the future look very rosy at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, away from the short-term heroics served up by man of the hour Grealish.

Everton on verge of £17m move for Doucoure-esque "difference-maker"

This could be a brilliant signing for the Blues.

ByHenry Jackson Sep 1, 2025

Once hailed as Lionel Messi's heir, Ansu Fati's promising career was derailed by injury setbacks and uncertain loan spells, but the Spanish prodigy has finally found his fire again at Monaco. His electrifying resurgence is cemented by breaking a decades-old Ligue 1 scoring record, as he became the fastest player to reach five goals.

• Fati shines in Monaco’s thrilling draw against Nice

  Monaco’s 2-2 draw against Nice turned into the Fati show. Trailing 2-0 after Sofiane Diop’s quick-fire goals, Monaco clawed their way through the 21-year-old forward’s composed brace from the penalty spot. Calm under pressure, Fati converted both chances to rescue a point for his side and earn the Player of the Match honour. With six goals in his first five appearances across competitions, Fati has quickly become an influential player for Monaco.

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• AFP
  

  Record-breaking debut in Ligue 1

  Fati’s rocking start has entered Ligue 1 history books. The Spaniard became the fastest player to reach five goals on debut in the league, achieving the milestone in just 126 minutes of play, breaking a record that had stood since 1948. He surpassed the marks of Johan Audel, who previously broke the record in 137 minutes while playing Valenciennes in 2007–08 season and Emmanuel Riviere, who shattered the record in 174 minutes also for Monaco in the 2013–14 season. Currently he is also the joint-top scorer in the league alongside Joaquin Panichelli of Strasbourg.

• From Barcelona prodigy to finding his stride at Monaco

  The ex-Barcelona star burst onto the scene as a teenager before suffering a devastating meniscus injury in 2019 that sidelined him for months and began a painful cycle of relapses. Over the next few years, hamstring and knee issues stunted his progress, limiting his minutes and confidence.

  Loaned to Brighton in 2023–24, he managed four goals in 27 appearances but never truly settled. Now, at Monaco, he finally looks liberated, fitter, freer, and more dangerous in front of goal. In 123 appearances for Barcelona, he scored 29 goals and registered nine assists, but his Monaco loan spell has already produced six goals and two assists, signalling a resurgence long awaited by fans. The club’s option to buy him outright could soon become a formality.

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  Are Monaco planning a change in management?

  Monaco’s board are reportedly considering a managerial change, with Adi Hutter under pressure following a string of winless games. The potential arrival of a new coach and the anticipated return of Paul Pogba after his doping suspension could create the perfect environment for Fati to flourish further. Monaco will next face Angers in the league on October 18.

Wrexham have endured a difficult start to the Championship campaign and could be set for a change in the dugout, with speculation over movement likely to be fueled further by a recent known face who has been spotted at the Racecourse Ground.

Wrexham hold Phil Parkinson talks after QPR defeat

After a run of three defeats in five league matches this term, the Red Dragons find themselves in the Championship relegation zone after a 3-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

Phil Parkinson is a man under pressure after recording a bigger net spend than the likes of Aston Villa, Celtic and Rangers during the summer, and talks have now taken place over the Wrexham manager possibly being replaced after a poor run of results, according to talkSPORT.

Internally, club chiefs could take a ruthless approach as they look to build on three successive promotions under the 57-year-old, and his job may now be under threat after four years in North Wales.

Speaking after his side fell to another damaging loss, Parkinson lamented his team’s contribution at both ends of the pitch, saying: “The previous home games, we looked like we can create chances and score. But the goals we conceded, one one hand, you’ll say they were clinical, but when we analyse them all, we’ll know we could have done better.

“The strikers are better (in the Championship). To be fair to Burrell and Kone, they were in League One last year.”

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Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have brought plenty of big names to the Racecourse during their tenure, and supporters may be intrigued to know that a former Premier League winner was in attendance at their latest encounter in the second tier.

Former Manchester United star Phil Jones spotted at Wrexham

Taking to social media platform X, Mailsport correspondent Nathan Salt shared a picture of former Manchester United star Phil Jones in the stands as Wrexham lost out to QPR.

The 33-year-old, who was once dubbed “phenomenal” by Sir Alex Ferguson due to his versatility, was at the Red Devils working voluntarily within their Under-18 set-up.

Salt later explained why Jones was invited to take in the action, stating: “Been one suggestion put to me by someone I respect in the game that Wrexham have been putting feelers out to add to the coaching staff. Jones was in with Utd’s U18s on a voluntary basis last season. Could fit the bill.”

Wrexham CEO Mike Williamson is the one who invited him to the match, per the reporter, suggesting that movement could be on the cards one way or another at the Welsh outfit.

With Parkinson’s future at the club uncertain, it remains to be seen where Jones, a Premier League winner with the Red Devils, may fit, albeit he would likely be ruled out of taking over himself due to a lack of senior coaching experience.

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson believes Paul Pogba struggled at Old Trafford because he “forgot about football” and cared more about his social media presence. The midfielder joined the Red Devils from Juventus for a then-world record fee of £89 million (€105m/$120m) in 2016 but found it difficult to live up to the fanfare which surrounded his eye-catching return to the Theatre of Dreams.

• Pogba was often accused of being distracted at United

  Pogba, who emerged through United’s youth system in 2011-12 before spending four trophy-laden years with Juventus, helped the club capture both the Europa League and the Carabao Cup in the 2016-17 season under then-manager Jose Mourinho. However, the France international was often accused of being distracted during his time at United, with both he and former team-mate Jesse Lingard coming under fire for their goal celebrations. Pogba also received regular criticism for his hairstyle choices at United.

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  United icon Robson the latest to claim Pogba took eye off the ball

  And now United icon Robson, who scored 100 goals in 465 appearances during his 13-year stay at the club, is the latest person to claim Pogba, now of Ligue 1 side Monaco, took his eye off the ball in Manchester.

• What Robson had to say about Pogba's time at United

  Speaking to OLBG, Robson said: “Paul Pogba had unbelievable talent, a great presence and he could score a goal. But for me, after a few years of real success at Man Utd, he and a few of the other lads got caught up with all the social media and forgot about football and how hard you've got to work.   

  “What they forgot was that they were getting all the money because they were great players and then they dipped off because it was all about clothes and image and dancing in the dressing room. I don't think there would have been dancing in the dressing room if I'd been captain at that time!” 

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• Pogba received 18-month doping ban at Juventus

  After scoring 39 goals in 226 appearances for United, Pogba ended his six-year spell at United by returning to Juventus in 2022. He endured a difficult second period with the Italian giants, first struggling with a knee injury before receiving a four-year ban for a doping offence. The ban was later reduced to 18 months in October 2024 following a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Pogba then reached an agreement to leave Juventus in November 2024 and joined Monaco on a free transfer in June after returning to football following his doping suspension.