Throughout the years, Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been truly blessed with the chance to watch numerous elite-level attackers feature for the club.

Players such as Heung-min Son, Teddy Sheringham and Harry Kane all managed to make themselves club-legends in North London, with the latter breaking nearly every record in sight.

The 32-year-old currently sits at the top of the Lilywhites’ all-time scoring charts on 280, which saw 208 of his efforts come in the Premier League – with only Alan Shearer scoring more.

However, Spurs’ lack of success on the pitch ultimately led to his departure in 2023, which has left boss Thomas Frank unable to have the chance to work alongside the talisman.

He will no doubt want his own elite-level talent within the final third, potentially landing a player of that calibre during the upcoming January transfer window.

Spurs’ hunt for new attackers in January

Over the last couple of months, Spurs have been just one Premier League side linked with a potential deal for Porto star Sami Aghehowa in the winter window.

The Spaniard has been in tremendous goalscoring form during the early stages of 2025/26, as seen by his remarkable tally of 13 goals in his first 22 appearances across all competitions.

However, the Portuguese outfit don’t want to lose their star man anytime soon, subsequently slapping an €80m (£70m) asking price onto the 21-year-old’s head.

He’s not the only centre-forward in their sights ahead of the upcoming window, with Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta another player being considered by Fabio Paratici.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Lilywhites are seriously considering tabling a bid for the Frenchman in January, as his contract talks at Selhurst Park look to have stalled in recent weeks.

It also states that the Eagles may be forced to offload the 28-year-old in the near future to avoid losing him for nothing, with his current deal set to expire in June 2027.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s next Mbeumo

During Frank’s time in charge at Brentford before taking the Spurs job, he often had numerous top-level attackers at his disposal, which helped make the Bees an established top-flight club.

The Dane mainly relied on forward Bryan Mbeumo during the latter years of his spell at the GTEC, with the Cameroonian international providing a constant source of goals in the Premier League.

During the 2024/25 season, the 26-year-old netted a career-best 20 league goals, ending the campaign as just one of five players to achieve the feat in the division.

He no doubt thrived under the 52-year-old across the capital, so much so that the manager made a fierce attempt to land his signature after taking the reins in North London.

However, a reunion just wasn’t meant to be, as Mbeumo opted for a move to join Manchester United during the summer, subsequently leading Frank to hunt for a new talisman.

The likes of Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison have often provided the goods in attacking areas for Spurs this campaign, but Frank could get his new star forward with a move for Mateta this winter.

The Palace star has registered 30 goals in the last two full seasons in England’s top-flight, whilst already making huge waves during the first 15 games of the new campaign.

Mateta already has seven goals in 2025/26, but it’s his underlying stats from his outings at Selhurst Park that would make him Frank’s next star attacker in the capital.

The French international, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, has registered 1.6 shots on target per 90 this season, which such a tally ranking him in the top 7% of all players in the league.

Games played

15

Goals scored

7

Shots on target

1.6

Dribbles completed

53%

Crosses completed

75%

Aerials won

2.5

Touches in opposition box

4.1

Recoveries made

3.5

Such a figure showcases his relentless nature in front of goal, handing the Spurs side the constant nuisance and goal threat they have lacked since Kane’s departure.

He’s also completed 53% of his attempted dribbles to date, whilst achieving a 75% cross completion rate – highlighting his all-round nature within the final third.

His biggest asset is his hold-up play, which could allow the Lilywhites to have the needed focal point they’ve craved, with the striker winning 2.5 aerials per 90 so far this season.

It could hand Frank the aerial presence needed to dominate in the 18-yard box, but also an option to help link the play and create intricate moves off a direct ball into the striker.

Whilst he operates in a different role to Mbeumo, the pair have both demonstrated their goalscoring prowess in recent times, with clinical goalscorers often hard to come by in the modern game.

Mateta could provide Frank with exactly what he wants in the January window, with such a move handing the Dane the perfect attacking option to kickstart his career in charge of the Lilywhites.

Their new Son: Spurs have held advanced talks to sign a future £100m player

Tottenham are looking to add fresh quality to their attacking flanks in 2026.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Dec 8, 2025

Liam Scott made his maiden first-class century and Jake Lehmann also made a ton as South Australia dominate Tasmania

AAP06-Dec-2025

Liam Scott had the finest day of his cricket career, scoring a maiden first-class century and helping South Australia to a commanding position over Tasmania.After team-mate Jake Lehmann also made a ton, Scott plundered 147 as the home side surged to 426 and a first-innings lead of 231 at Adelaide Oval.Tasmania then went to stumps at 73 for 3 in reply, still trailing by 158 runs at the end of day two after being all out for 195 on Friday.A win would be vital for South Australia, who entered this round in fourth spot on the ladder, just behind Tasmania.And their dominance was best summed up by Scott’s innings, with the bowling allrounder having shown talent with the bat since his debut in 2019-20.The 24-year-old fired from the moment he arrived at the crease, attacking Billy Stanlake and cutting him for five separate boundaries. He also took to the spinners, bringing up his century and pumping the air in joy after one of two slog-sweeps that went for six off Ruwantha Kellepotha.Another six came when he used his feet and hit Nivethan Radhakrishnan back down the ground, before he later took Jackson Bird and Gabe Bell over the legside boundary.Scott’s innings came with Lloyd Pope (36) offering support in a 76-run ninth-wicket stand that completely took the game away from Tasmania.It came after Lehmann reached his second century of the summer, continuing on a late-career resurgence that began at the end of last season.He reached 100 from 96 deliveries, before being bowled next ball when chopping onto his own stumps off Brad Hope.After being put to the sword in the field Tasmania then slumped to 42 for 3 early in their second innings, with Jordan Buckingham removing both Radhakrishnan and Hope.

After beating Barcelona and drawing with Arsenal, Chelsea’s good week of results came grinding to a halt away to Leeds United.

Enzo Maresca’s side were defeated 3-1 at Elland Road, with two strikes in the first half and a late goal enough to sink them.

They did, of course, get on the scoresheet themselves. Pedro Neto was the man who found the back of the net, converting a Jamie Gittens cross at the back post just after half-time.

However, it proved to be too little, with Chelsea putting in a lacklustre performance overall.

It was a night to forget for the West Londoners, and in particular, Tosin Adarabioyo.

Tosin’s struggles vs. Leeds

At 2-1 down with 15 minutes or so to go, Chelsea were still in the game. However, it was an error from Tosin which gifted the home side the chance to score their third and seal an impressive victory.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the man who tapped home from two yards out. It came after Tosin played a risky backpass to Robert Sanchez, putting the Spaniard under immediate pressure in his six-yard box.

Leeds pounced, won the ball back, and it was a simple tap-in for their number nine.

The former Manchester City academy player has been a bit-part player under Maresca this term. Tosin has only played 13 games across all competitions, amassing 872 minutes. That is the equivalent of just nine full 90-minute games.

It will be interesting to see what his role is going forward after an error like that. Former Blues midfielder John Obi Mikel said in the summer that Tosin is “not a Chelsea standard defender.”

Well, after an error like that, it is easy to see why Mikel is of that opinion.

There is a defender waiting in the wings who Maresca could unleash to effectively end Tosin’s time at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea star ready to overtake Tosin

Chelsea’s depth at centre-back took a hit in August when Levi Colwill suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The full extent of Maresca’s squad at centre-back has been tested this season, including Tosin.

One man who has impressed and could leapfrog the 28-year-old in the pecking order is academy graduate Josh Acheampong. At 19 years of age, he has been described as the “future of Chelsea” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Acheampong has certainly had his minutes managed by the Italian. He’s played nine times, but has impressed on each of those occasions, playing more than an hour four times in the Premier League.

He even got his first senior goal away to Nottingham Forest in the 3-0 win at the City Ground in October.

One of the standout attributes in Acheampong’s game is his ability on the ball. Kulig noted that he has “excellent technical capacity and range of passing,” which would serve him well in a Chelsea side that likes to dominate the ball.

In the Premier League this season, they average 58.7% possession, the third highest in the top flight.

In The Pipeline

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

Indeed, his underlying numbers reinforce the fact that Acheampong is such a good ball-playing defender.

The England under-21 star ranks in the top 9% of centre-backs in Europe for average passes completed per game, with 67.34.

Passes completed

67.34

91st

Pass accuracy

90.8%

80th

Carries

61.91

99th

Tackles won

1.09

76th

Interceptions

1.24

71st

Chelsea’s whole club philosophy at the moment is about investing in youth and looking towards the future.

Being a Cobham graduate, Acheampong certainly puts a big tick in that box and has already shown his quality at first-team level.

Tosin’s bad form could well be enough for Maresca to ditch him from the starting lineup. With injuries being an issue and such a need to rotate the squad, it might provide Acheampong with the perfect opportunity to stake his claim and lock down a permanent starting spot.

As bad as Tosin: Maresca's 4/10 flop must never start for Chelsea again

Chelsea’s title hopes seemingly went up in smoke away at Leeds United.

ByRobbie Walls Dec 4, 2025

تحدث ليونيل سكالوني، المدير الفني لمنتخب الأرجنتين الأول لكرة القدم، عن قرعة كأس العالم 2026 التي أجريت أمس، الجمعة.

وتستضيف الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، كندا والمكسيك نهائيات النسخة المقبلة من بطولة كأس العالم والتي ستنطلق في الفترة بين 11 يونيو و19 يوليو.

وتعتبر تلك هي النسخة الأولى من بطولة كأس العالم، بعد استحداث نظامها، حيث سيشارك فيها 48 منتخبًا، سيتم تقسيمهم على 12 مجموعة، ويتأهل متصدر ووصيف كل مجموعة إلى دور الـ32، بالإضافة إلى أفضل 8 منتخبات في مركز ثالث.

ويقع منتخب الأرجنتين في المجموعة العاشرة رفقة كلًا من الجزائر، النمسا والأردن.

وقال سكالوني بعد قرعة دور المجموعات التي أُجريت في واشنطن: “مواجهة إسبانيا أو أوروجواي؟ علينا أولًا التأهل، ثم سنرى”.

وأضاف: “كما قلنا في عام 2022، نقول الآن، لا يوجد منافس سهل، علينا خوض المباريات أولًا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | مدرب منتخب إسبانيا: شيء واحد يقلقني في كأس العالم.. ولن نضعف بإشادات المنافسين

وأردف: “يجب أن تقام المباريات ومن الناحية النظرية، إنها مجموعة يتعين علينا أن نبذل فيها كل ما في وسعنا حتى نتمكن من التأهل إلى الدور التالي”.

وأكمل: “النمسا قدمت أداءً رائعًا في التصفيات وسيكون خصمًا صعبًا، الجزائر فريق جيد ويضم لاعبين رائعين، ويضم عددًا كبيرًا جدًا من المواهب يغذي أيضًا فرنسا ودولًا أخرى، كما أن مدربهم بيتكوفتيش كان مدربي عندما كنت لاعبًا في لاتسيو، إنه مدرب عظيم”.

وفيما يتعلق بالأردن أتم: “لا أعرفهم جيدًا لكن إذا وصلوا إلى كأس العالم فذلك لأنهم فريق جيد”.

Mitchell Starc can take some of the credit as Shaheen Shah Afridi arrives in Australia as part of a star-studded Pakistan contingent to lead Brisbane Heat’s depleted attack in the BBL.Afridi, the towering left-arm quick, is a hardened three-format international at just 25, and was taken with the first pick by Heat in June’s draft. A season-ending injury to Spencer Johnson and Michael Neser’s Test duties mean Johan Botha’s side will be leaning heavily on the man who recently took over as Pakistan’s ODI captain.”They [Johnson and Neser] are experienced bowlers for this team and I hope I play my role, that’s why I’m here,” Afridi said on Wednesday. “In all three [disciplines]… fielding, and if I need, chipping in batting as well, I’ll give my best. It’s not a small league and [is] well-renowned as the best league and… the best cricket with the best players.”Related

• Maddinson eyes comeback with Sydney Thunder in BBL

• Knee surgery rules R Ashwin out of BBL 2025-26

Afridi will line up against Melbourne Renegades on his BBL debut on Monday, and will be pitted against the man he replaced as Pakistan’s white-ball skipper, Mohammad Rizwan.Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers), Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars) and Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder) will also feature in the tournament, which begins on Sunday.”First game against Rizzy… a world-quality player. And Babar’s here as well,” Afridi said. “They know me, I know them. Hopefully we play some good cricket here. And we’re really hopeful we get the Pakistani support, and the Asian community as a whole.”Afridi has taken 126 wickets and gone for less than eight runs an over in 96 T20Is, while his Test average (27) and strike rate (52) are up there among the best in the current game.Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are among the many Pakistan players in the BBL this year•AFP/Getty Images

Starc’s 414th Test wicket at the Gabba last week saw him overtake Afridi’s compatriot Wasim Akram as the most lethal left-arm fast bowler in Test history.”The greats are always great,” Afridi said of Akram, but also talked about the exposure to Starc, ten years his senior, on his first international tour as a 16-year-old, which he said had played a huge part in his own story.Afridi, whose older brother Riaz had already played Test cricket for Pakistan, was plucked from the country’s popular tape-ball circuit for a development tour of Australia, and played Test cricket himself barely three years later.”He [Starc] is a legend and last time when we chatted, I told him I watched his 2015 [World Cup] bowling spell and that’s why I bowled fuller to the batsman,” Afridi said. “I can say he’s a role model for any youngster… he’s been the best for Australia for many years.”

Williamson, who is recovering from a groin injury, was not considered for the ODI series and will focus on preparing for the Test series

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Nov-2025Matt Henry is set to return to action for New Zealand’s the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies, starting November 16 at the Hagley Oval.Henry, who missed the final two ODIs against England due to a calf strain, has been undergoing a “planned conditioning and rehabilitation block” to prepare for the ODI series, as well as the subsequent three-Test series in December.Blair Tickner, who was an injury replacement for Kyle Jamieson for the England series, has also retained his spot despite Jamieson’s return to action. Tickner took eight wickets in two matches against England.Related

Batting in focus for deflated West Indies as they come up against red-hot New Zealand

'Boult-ish' Foulkes is adding breadth to New Zealand's pace depth

The pace bowling group also includes Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith, while captain Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Rachin Ravindra will handle spin duties.Several players remain unavailable due to injury, including Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring). The NZC stated in a release that Kane Williamson, who is recovering from a groin injury, has not been considered for the ODI series and will focus on preparing for the Test series, which begins on December 2.Blair Tickner was impressive against England•Getty Images”Matt is a vital member of this group and the senior leader of our pace attack, so it’ll be great to have him back for both the ODIs and Tests,” New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said of Henry. “He will be fresh and fit after a good rest, and we know he will be raring to go ahead of what promises to be a big five weeks with both the white and red ball.”Walter also praised Tickner’s recent form, saying, “Ticks was outstanding against England, and we’re pleased to keep rewarding players who step up when called upon.”Looking ahead to the West Indies challenge, Walter said: “They’re always a dangerous side, with players who can turn a game in an instant. It’s an important series for us as we continue to develop and grow in the format.”The New Zealand squad will gather in Christchurch on November 14. The team will be keen to extend their streak of ten consecutive home ODI series wins, following last month’s 3-0 clean sweep over England.Meanwhile, the ongoing five-match T20I series between New Zealand and West Indies is currently tied 1-1 after two games.New Zealand squad for West Indies ODIMitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young

MatériaMais Notícias

A troca de farpas entre Palmeiras e Flamengo em torno do gramado sintético ganhou um novo capítulo e reacendeu o debate sobre o uso de campos artificiais no futebol brasileiro. Depois de encabeçar um movimento político contra os gramados sintéticos, o Flamengo protocolou na CBF uma proposta de padronização e melhoria das condições dos campos no país, incluindo o pedido para que o uso do piso artificial seja banido das competições nacionais.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol InternacionalFlamengo, Palmeiras e Messi: veja lista de indicados ao Rei da América 2025Futebol Internacional11/12/2025Futebol NacionalPalmeiras e clubes da Série A rebatem críticas do Flamengo ao sintético: ‘Distorcem a realidade’Futebol Nacional11/12/2025Fora de CampoLeila Pereira, do Palmeiras, alfineta Flamengo e web reage: ‘Bravinha’Fora de Campo08/12/2025

Leila Pereira rebate críticas do Flamengo sobre gramado e ironiza: ‘Quando tiver estádio’

A qualidade dos gramados é um problema crônico, influenciado pela falta de padronização, pela sobrecarga de jogos e por questões de arquitetura: em algumas arenas, a pouca incidência de sol dificulta a recuperação do campo e provoca falhas constantes. Essa realidade contrasta com regulamentos mais rígidos na Europa, onde, por exemplo, na Champions League os gramados não podem ultrapassar 30 milímetros de altura, com possibilidade de redução a critério do árbitro, e na Premier League, embora o limite seja o mesmo, há controle mais apurado inclusive sobre a irrigação. No Brasil, a CBF se limita a exigir que os clubes ofereçam “condições adequadas” de gramado.

A discussão sobre grama sintética ou natural vai muito além da rivalidade entre clubes e se apoia em uma série de estudos científicos sobre desempenho e segurança. Enquanto os defensores do piso artificial destacam a durabilidade, a regularidade do campo e o custo de manutenção mais baixo, críticos questionam os impactos na incidência e no tipo de lesões.

continua após a publicidade

Flamengo envia à CBF proposta de padronização dos gramados no país

Uma meta-análise publicada em 2023 na revista The Lancet revisou 1.447 estudos e selecionou 22 trabalhos dentro dos critérios de inclusão, concluindo que a incidência geral de lesões no futebol é menor na grama sintética do que na natural e que o risco de contusões, de forma ampla, não pode ser usado como argumento definitivo contra o gramado artificial.

Ancelotti diz que Neymar estará na Copa ‘se estiver bem’

Na Major League Soccer (MLS), levantamento realizado entre 2013 e 2016 apontou taxas médias de lesões muito semelhantes entre as duas superfícies, com 1,54 lesão por jogo em campos sintéticos e 1,49 em gramados naturais, embora tenha identificado maior incidência de problemas no tornozelo e no tendão de Aquiles no piso artificial, sem diferenças relevantes nas demais categorias de lesões.

continua após a publicidade

No futebol universitário dos Estados Unidos, dados do Sistema de Vigilância de Lesões da NCAA entre 2004 e 2014 indicaram que jogadores que treinavam em grama natural apresentaram risco 26% maior de ruptura de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) em comparação com atletas que treinavam em campos sintéticos, enquanto nas partidas oficiais a diferença entre as superfícies não foi estatisticamente significativa.

Outro trabalho, conduzido por Jan Ekstrand para a Aspetar, um dos principais centros de medicina esportiva do mundo, analisou lesões musculares de coxa em jogadores de elite e concluiu que a superfície de jogo influencia o tipo de contusão, embora o risco global se mantenha semelhante. Os dados sugerem um risco menor de distensões musculares na nova geração de gramados artificiais, mas apontam, em contrapartida, possível aumento de entorses de tornozelo nesses campos.

Já um estudo com futebol americano e futebol masculino e feminino em nível colegial, entre 2007 e 2019, mostrou que lesões de LCA foram mais comuns em gramado sintético do que em grama natural no futebol americano e no futebol feminino; no masculino, porém, essa associação não atingiu significância estatística, ainda que o LCA tenha aparecido com maior probabilidade no piso artificial entre as lesões de membros inferiores.

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Enquanto a ciência tenta refinar a leitura sobre riscos e benefícios, a adoção do gramado sintético avança em arenas modernas e polariza cada vez mais o ambiente do futebol. Atualmente, três estádios da Série A utilizam o piso artificial: o Allianz Parque, do Palmeiras, o Estádio Nilton Santos, do Botafogo, e a Arena MRV, do Atlético-MG. A partir do próximo ano, a Ligga Arena, do Athletico-PR, a Arena Condá, em Chapecó, e a Mercado Livre Arena Pacaembu, em São Paulo, também passarão a contar com superfície sintética, ampliando a presença dessa tecnologia nas principais competições nacionais.

A Fifa, por sua vez, classifica oficialmente três tipos de gramado: natural, híbrido (que combina grama natural com reforços sintéticos) e sintético, este subdividido em três certificações distintas — Quality Pro, destinada ao futebol profissional, Quality, voltada ao uso comunitário, e Básica, que estabelece requisitos mínimos de segurança e desempenho. Essa categorização acompanha a evolução tecnológica do setor e abre espaço para soluções intermediárias, como o sistema híbrido da Neo Química Arena, do Corinthians, que utiliza fibras sintéticas integradas ao solo em profundidade de 20 centímetros para aumentar a resistência do gramado natural.

Na Europa, o avanço tecnológico também aparece em projetos de engenharia mais sofisticados para reduzir o desgaste dos gramados e ampliar a versatilidade das arenas. Um dos exemplos mais emblemáticos é o Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, na Inglaterra, que conta com um sistema de gramado retrátil capaz de alternar entre superfície natural e sintética de acordo com o evento, permitindo que o clube mantenha um campo de alta qualidade para o futebol e, ao mesmo tempo, receba jogos da NFL e outros espetáculos sem comprometer o piso principal.

No Brasil, a escolha entre grama natural e sintética envolve variáveis que vão além da performance esportiva e da medicina, como custos de manutenção e agenda de uso do estádio. Para conservar um campo natural em condições ideais, o gasto mensal gira em torno de R$ 150 mil, enquanto o gramado artificial demanda algo entre R$ 30 mil e R$ 40 mil por mês, além de suportar uma intensidade de utilização muito maior: um campo natural aguenta, em média, até três partidas por semana, e o sintético pode ser usado praticamente 24 horas por dia, sete dias por semana, sem necessidade de longos períodos de regeneração.

Mesmo com a expansão do piso artificial, a maioria das arenas brasileiras ainda mantém gramados naturais, que sofrem com desafios sazonais e estruturais. Durante o verão, a espécie Bermuda Celebration, aprovada pela Fifa e amplamente utilizada desde 2014, é a mais comum, enquanto no inverno muitos clubes adotam o Ryegrass, mais resistente ao frio — caso da própria Neo Química Arena, único estádio do país a usar esse tipo de grama de forma exclusiva.

Tudo sobre

FlamengoFutebol NacionalPalmeiras

Stina Blackstenius came to the rescue as a beleaguered Arsenal limped to a nervy 2-1 win over Women's Super League basement side Liverpool on Saturday. Former Reds star Olivia Smith banged in a sublime individual goal before Beata Olsson levelled up for a well-earned first-half equaliser. The Gunners were poor for lengthy spells but substitute Blackstenius' quality finish gave the home fans a huge sigh of relief.

Much of the build-up to the game centred on Canada international Smith facing her old side, and, sure enough, the livewire forward gave Arsenal the lead with a 25-yard strike after beating three defenders in the 16th minute. But an all too familiar story played out on the pitch for the Gunners as they failed to grab a second and were punished on the half-hour mark when Olsson tucked the ball home for a relatively soft equaliser. The Swedish forward, who became the first WSL player to score in four of her first five starts, was the home side's tormentor-in-chief as the north London team were second-best for sustained periods. 

England forward Alessia Russo spurned some good opportunities in front of goal as Arsenal regrouped in the second half, and then substitute Stina Blackstenius was denied by some heroic, last-gasp defending by Gemma Evans. But the Swede grabbed the winner three minutes from time when she emphatically whacked a terrific finish into the top corner in front of nearly 35,000 fans. The result sees Arsenal climb up to third in the WSL for the time being, whereas Liverpool are rock bottom.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Emirates Stadium…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Anneke Borbe (4/10):

  The pressure was on the keeper on her Arsenal debut but she didn't look convincing in between the sticks. She was flat-footed and didn't get a strong enough hand on the ball to keep out Olsson's goal. Not a good first outing.

  Emily Fox (5/10):

  Got into some dangerous positions but some of her decision-making at important moments wasn't quite good enough.

  Lotte Wubben-Moy (6/10):

  Probably should have given Arsenal an early lead but her header from two yards out somehow hit the post. However, she did make some good recovery tackles.

  Steph Catley (5/10):

  Was undone by Mia Enderby's through ball, but she was well out of position anyway. Her place could now be under threat.

  Taylor Hinds (6/10):

  Fired in some nice crosses into the box against her old team and didn't do much wrong before being taken off.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Frida Maanum (5/10):

  The experienced campaigner didn't do a great deal on and off the ball and was hooked before the hour mark.

  Mariona Caldentey (6/10):

  The Spaniard was one of Arsenal's few lively players in the first half as her creativity and crosses into the box caused problems. But even some of her passing was downright sloppy.

  Kyra Cooney-Cross (5/10):

  Even though she isn't a defender, Cooney-Cross' slack marking allowed Liverpool to draw level – an opportunity they duly took. Not the Aussie's best day.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Beth Mead (5/10):

  The England stalwart provided some dangerous deliveries into the box but was part of an attack that was too cumbersome.

  Alessia Russo (5/10):

  Played with her back to goal on a number of occasions but when she did get into good positions, she wasted some big chances. 

  Olivia Smith (7/10):

  Was able to conjure something out of nothing as Arsenal's lukewarm attack uninspiringly huffed and puffed. Faded as the game wore on.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Caitlin Foord (4/10):

  Initially added a bit more dynamism off the bench but made a right meal out of a golden chance after the hour mark and some of her passing was very shoddy.

  Katie McCabe (6/10):

  Didn't really have much to deal with as Arsenal turned the screw in the second half.

  Stina Blackstenius (7/10):

  The striker was caught offside on too many occasions, with the Swede not needing to make her runs so early. She should have made it 2-1 but wasn't clinical enough when one-on-one with the keeper, but spectacularly took her goal at the end.

  Kim Little (6/10):

  The captain was competent enough when she was introduced. 

  Laia Codina (N/A):

  Had no time to make an impact.

  Renee Slegers (6/10):

  Her second-half substitutes helped wrestle the game's momentum back to Arsenal but she will be worried how her players don't put away teams and have lengthy lulls. 

Juventus legend Claudio Marchisio has explained why he would always urge youngsters to follow the “example” of Cristiano Ronaldo over that of Lionel Messi. The two all-time greats have reached the very top of their chosen profession, but took different paths en route to the summit. Portuguese icon Ronaldo has always been about hard work, while Argentine GOAT Messi is more naturally gifted.

All-time greats: Ronaldo and Messi have raised the bar

With 13 Ballons d’Or between them and countless entries in the record books, Ronaldo and Messi remain sources of inspiration to millions around the world. They have raised bars of individual brilliance to heights that few can ever dream of reaching.

Players of said ilk may never be seen again, especially in the same generation, with global audiences intending to maximise the time that two icons of the game have left. CR7 is now 40 years of age, but still going strong in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, while 38-year-old Messi has signed a three-year contract extension at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALGOAT debate: Why Ronaldo ranks above Messi for some

They are proven winners on domestic and international stages and are showing that age is no longer a barrier to those that keep themselves in the best possible condition. Both men are expected to grace the 2026 World Cup.

Marchisio is among those looking forward to a potential ‘Last Dance’ in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but has revealed why he is a bigger fan of what Ronaldo has achieved than Messi’s historic haul of honours – which now stands at 47 and counting.

Ex-Italy international Marchisio told : “Follow Cristiano Ronaldo's example. If you have to find something in a player to become great champions, follow an example like his and not like Messi's. Why? He was already a star, but he had to build himself even more. He worked very hard to get where he is, the other [Messi] was a talent blessed by the Lord, who hardly even needed to train.”

What makes Ronaldo special? Former team-mates explain

Marchisio knows all about Ronaldo from their time together in Turin with Serie A giants Juventus. He added on the excitement that CR7’s transfer from Real Madrid generated in the Bianconeri camp: “There was a lot of pressure, but also a lot of excitement in the air, in the whole environment. You think you're from Juventus, that you're used to the arrival of great champions. However, that atmosphere in the locker room… I still remember that day, when I walked in there. [Andrea] Barzagli and I were there and we had already seen names like [Carlos] Tevez, other great champions. But Cristiano Ronaldo made everyone think 'a superstar is really about to arrive'.”

It is that standing among his peers which helps to make Ronaldo special. Another of his former colleagues, ex-Manchester United team-mate Danny Simpson, told GOAL recently of why CR7 will always rank above Messi in his eyes: “The best thing about Ronaldo, he adapts. He adapted at 18/19, he adapted at Real Madrid, he adapted at Juve. He’s always adapting. He’s adapting now in Saudi, he’s adapted with Portugal. That’s why, for me, he is the best player in the world.

“I don’t think – no offence to Messi, he’s an unbelievable talent, but he’s never really had to adapt all these different parts of his game. Ronaldo, when he first came [to United], couldn’t head the ball! Now he’s probably the best header in the world – up there as a No.9. Honestly, it was a joy to be around him for a few years and see what he’s gone on to do.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWhen will Ronaldo retire? Another contract being mooted

Ronaldo is now tied to a contract in the Middle East through to the summer of 2027. It has been suggested that – with 1,000 career goals and the opportunity to play alongside eldest son Cristiano Jr forming part of his future plans – the evergreen Portuguese could play on beyond the expiration of his current deal and into his mid 40s.

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is making his seventh All-Star Game appearance on Tuesday night in Atlanta, and he showed up rocking quite the dazzling accessory.

When the American League starters were announced at Truist Park on Tuesday, Judge was seen wearing a diamond chain of a gavel, paying homage to his last name. Turns out, this chain was a gift from his Yankees teammate Giancarlo Stanton. And, it cost a whopping $20,000, according to the .

The piece of jewelry isn't just of a plain gavel. The chain includes 14-karat white gold, 12 carats of diamonds and three bands of amethyst. Additionally, the chain has details of Judge's daughter's name Nora, and her birthday on it, his wife Sam's name and the names of his two dogs Gus and Penny. It also has "2x" written on it to honor Judge's two MVP awards. What an extremely generous gift.

When Judge first revealed the present Stanton gave to him in June, he shared that he's been wearing it every day. Showing off the chain at the All-Star Game was no different.

Let's see if the gavel brings Judge good luck during the All-Star Game.