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Tottenham Hotspur secured their place in the semi-final of the Europa League last night, with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.

Dominic Solanke’s first-half penalty was enough for Ange Postecoglou’s side, securing a 2-1 aggregate win after the 1-1 draw in North London last Thursday.

The triumph sets up a last-four clash with Bodo Glimt, moving the Lilywhites one step closer to European glory and potentially putting a superb end to a dismal season.

It certainly was a night to remember, giving a generation of supporters a new high in their time supporting the club, aiming to reach a first European final since 2019.

However, despite the impressive victory, numerous players failed to deliver in Germany, potentially putting their place in the side at huge jeopardy going forward.

Spurs’ poor performers against Eintracht Frankfurt

Winger Mathys Tel has been an inconsistent player to say the least since his January loan move from Bayern Munich, with last night no different for the Frenchman.

The 19-year-old only completed one of the five dribbles he attempted, whilst finding a teammate on just 33% of the times he delivered the ball into the 18-yard box.

He wasn’t the only one who struggled, with Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur looking a shadow of his former self during the victory over Frankfurt.

He featured for the entirety of the contest, but only managed to win 17% of the ground duels he entered, along with getting dribbled past twice as he was unable to make a huge impact on proceedings.

Despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other player failed to impress, with boss Postecoglou desperately needing to drop him ahead of Monday’s game with Nottingham Forest.

The Spurs player who needs to be dropped after Frankfurt

Injuries at Spurs have left Postecoglou with limited options at numerous points of the season, undoubtedly having a huge impact on the club’s lowly league standing.

Such an occurrence has allowed numerous players to stake their claim for a regular starting role, taking advantage of an opportunity that often wouldn’t be thrown in their direction.

Lucas Bergvall is arguably the biggest example of the situation, now being a vital member of the side, featuring for the entirety of the win against Frankfurt last night.

However, despite his success, winger Brennan Johnson was unable to have a similar impact, once again struggling to provide a reason as to why the hierarchy paid £47.5m for his signature.

The Welshman featured for 85 minutes before being replaced by Kevin Danso, with Ange opting to see out the result and switch to a back five for the closing stages.

Such a change was inevitable, but the 23-year-old did himself no favours during his time on the pitch, completing just 69% of the passes he attempted, whilst losing possession six times.

He also lost 66% of the duels he entered against the German opposition, whilst managing just 22 touches – a tally less than that of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who registered 45.

As a result of his showing last night, Johnson was handed a measly 6/10 match rating by the London Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick – highlighting how disappointing he was in the triumph.

Given his display, Ange simply has to drop the winger ahead of the clash with his former side, needing to give other players an opportunity to demonstrate their quality.

He’s struggled massively in recent weeks once again, potentially needing to be taken out of the firing line to recapture his early season form in North London.

Bigger star than Bergvall & Moore: Spurs have struck gold on "monster" gem

Tottenham Hotspur already have a star who could surpass the levels achieved by Lucas Bergvall & Mikey Moore.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 17, 2025

Raw pace wasn’t on the agenda at Lord’s, but gritty determination was to the fore

Vithushan Ehantharajah01-Sep-2024It was back in March, following a 4-1 defeat away to India that brought the 2025-26 Ashes into stark focus, that Rob Key put the word out to the pace bowlers of English cricket that speed was more valuable than wickets.Six months on, with a four-man attack made up exclusively of right-armers – and no real tearaway among them – England turned over Sri Lanka in the second Test to seal their second series of the summer. With day five now for resting, it is likely this same quartet will line up once more at the Kia Oval on Friday. A foursome whose speeds rarely breached the mid-80s mph will be charged with preserving a 100 percent summer record for the first time in 20 years.This being Lord’s at the back end of a comically rammed schedule, the pitch was no friend to speed. England needed 66.4 overs on Sunday to force a 190-run win, and it did not look like a whole lot of fun. They’d been given just 55.4 overs of rest after bowling Sri Lanka out for 196 in the first innings, and that was starting to show in the joints of a full-hearted attack.You could throw a towel over England’s average speeds for this second innings. Olly Stone, drafted in as Mark Wood’s replacement – a comparison he downplayed before the match by warning that Wood’s mid-90s consistency was beyond him – clocked the highest at 83.6mph. Chris Woakes, the leader of the attack, brought up the rear with 80.1mph. Key has had the shotgun out for county bowlers operating at those numbers.Of course, average speeds by their nature do not give the full picture. Stone’s qualities as a difference-maker were clear to see when he persuaded a 47-over-old ball to catch the glove of Dimuth Karunaratne, with the opener on 55 and looking at ease in his partnership with Angelo Mathews. A bit of extra mayo – 87mph – found what remaining life there was on a length to end a 122-ball stand that was beginning to irk the hosts.As for Woakes, his operating speed suits his work. His manipulation of the seam and use of the crease – reflected in the fact he was the most economical quick across both teams – is all the more necessary in a post-James Anderson world. Sure, a gondola is never going to win the America’s Cup, but the canals of Venice require a precision that a speed boat does not possess.We can apply all that and more to Gus Atkinson. His latest inscription into the honours board came across 16 overs in which he averaged 83.3mph. Not that it showed.”He has pace,” Dhananjaya de Silva acknowledged at the close of play. Sri Lanka’s captain was on the wrong end of Atkinson’s extra oomph as he failed to manage sharp bounce effectively – despite having a half-century to his name – and played onto his own stumps. “He is able to move the ball both ways. He has troubled us. We knew what to expect from him when we came from Colombo. We haven’t done well against him.”Related

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Matthew Potts – just 0.2mph off Atkinson in a wicketless second innings – was a far more consistent version of himself compared to his outing in the first Test in Manchester. On Friday, his 2 for 19 from 11 overs – including a pearler that turned Mathews inside-out – spoke of a player steadily re-acclimatising to the rigours of Test cricket after a year out of the side. There is a sense he will be a truer version of himself at The Oval.Despite their unique traits – Woakes’ craft, Atkinson’s height, Stone’s catapult-like release and Potts’ relentlessness – there is an obvious similarity of angle and, to a degree, pace, that matches each of the England attacks that has been found wanting in three winless Ashes tours since 2010-11. But even against a poor visiting batting line-up, that homogeny felt like a strength.As a collective, they hammered the pitch just short of a good length, to the tune of 40.16 percent of their deliveries across 104.1 overs, thereby starving Sri Lanka’s batters of their favoured drives.When it came to England’s bumper routine, all the quicks pitched in. What was particularly instructive was how and when Ollie Pope cycled through each of the four when employing the tactic. Because while it was largely predicated on the red Dukes no longer playing ball, every man entrusted to administer the ploy did so with renewed enthusiasm. The job of injecting some extra thrill into proceedings was not limited to one man, and was relished by all.Chris Woakes claimed the first wicket of the fourth day•Getty Images”It’s amazing when you feel like the game’s just plodding along, then you go to that plan and give them a few,” Stone said when reflecting on his role in the barrage that accounted for Karunaratne. “How the game changes, and the atmosphere, and I feel like, yeah, to get that wicket there… was massive.”There is a level of fluidity here that did not exist in previous eras. Under Alastair Cook and Joe Root, there were times when bowlers other than Anderson and Stuart Broad were pigeonholed as bumper specialists (generally the fastest ones, like Wood, Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes) or older-ball containers (Woakes’ previous gig, which Stokes also filled).Perhaps, then, it is no surprise that this current shift in attitude was set in motion by Stokes. When he took over at the start of the 2022 summer, he instigated a unilateral decision that all bowlers must be capable – and willing – to do every possible job. It was something he convinced Anderson and Broad to buy into, and it has become even more evident in their absence. Even Stokes’ own absence, as Ollie Pope carried that over on the field here at Lord’s.Naturally, the likes of Wood, Archer, Stone and, perhaps down the line, Josh Hull – bowlers who fly closest to the sun – will have their own set of parameters. It would be foolish not to acknowledge scarce commodities and offer them a degree of protection from the thankless rigours of Test pitches such as this one. But even Wood this summer, and Stone in this match, have assumed many different guises.If Key’s message before the summer was the need for speed, the message as we enter the final week of the Test season is that it needs to be underpinned by the ability and willingness to perform any task, and every role with the ball.

It’s a tactic that the pacers have loved using in IPL 2022. Find out which bowlers have been the most successful, and which batters have struggled

ESPNcricinfo stats team, Illustration by Kshiraja K18-May-2022ESPNcricinfo Ltd

ICC and member boards confronted with difficult questions in coming months

Nagraj Gollapudi26-Mar-2020With the COVID-19 pandemic locking the world down, the ICC, like all global sports organisations, has been busy working on contingency plans for their events this year: the men’s T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted in Australia later this year, the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) and the new ODI League – the pathway for teams to qualify for the men’s 2023 ODI World Cup – which was scheduled to start from May.ESPNcricinfo understands the ICC has already started jotting down early back-up plans but these aren’t concrete yet, as the pandemic remains a fluid situation. But below are some of the options under consideration.Will the 2020 T20 World Cup be cancelled?As of now, the ICC is not considering what would be the worst-case scenario. But in the event that the tournament cannot take place this year, a more feasible option could be pushing the event to next year and defer the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled in India next October, to 2022.Cricket Australia’s chief executive Kevin Roberts sounded optimistic about the event going ahead as per schedule (in Australia in October-November), but in case it does not, the biggest challenge the organisers could face will be the absence of free space to accommodate the tournament later in the year in Australia. Immediately after the T20 World Cup, Australia are scheduled to host Afghanistan for a one-off Test in late November followed by a four-Test and three-match ODI series against India which is scheduled to stretch until January 2021.Another option the ICC might think of exploring is utilising the gap year that is 2022 which currently does not have an ICC global event. But for that alternative, the ICC along with Cricket Australia and BCCI, the hosting boards for the next two T20 World Cups, would need to sit down and carve out an alternate window which then would need to be synced with the larger Future Tours Programme (FTP).What happens to the WTC?India occupy the top slot on the WTC points table, but a 2-0 defeat in New Zealand recently has thrown the race wide open. But now, many series that form part of the WTC will need to be adjusted and deferred. Bear in mind the first cycle is due to end next March, with the final scheduled at Lord’s in June. What happens if there is not enough time to accommodate all the series each of the nine teams are supposed to play (six each)?Will the top two teams, in terms of WTC points table currently, play the final when cricket resumes? Or should the WTC model be reworked to restore parity? It will not be easy given several teams have barely played one series so far under the WTC. Should the WTC final then be deferred to allow all teams play equal number of series to stand an equal chance to make the summit? That would have implications for the second edition of the WTC which was meant to be played from 2021-23. More likely, the current FTP, which runs until 2023, will need to be re-looked at in its entirety.India and Australia are the top two sides on the World Test Championship table•Getty ImagesWhat about the Cricket World Cup Super League – scrap it?The ODI Super League is scheduled to be played between May 1 this year and March 31, 2022, serving as the qualification pathway for the 2023 World Cup. There are 13 teams, including the 12 Test-playing countries along with Netherlands, who will play eight series over a two-year cycle on a home-and-away basis against mutually-agreed opponents. The Super League was put in place to add context to ODI cricket. The administrators will need to decide if it should be postponed altogether, or reduce the number of series when cricket resumes.The most drastic step, which cannot be ruled out, is doing away with the Super League. In such a scenario the qualification process for the 2023 World Cup would need to be reworked.When will the ICC decide on these matters?There is no cut-off date yet chalked out by the ICC. The issue is listed on the agenda for the ICC quarterly meetings scheduled for May 8 to 10, potentially in Dubai based on government regulations, when the chief executives committee and the ICC board are scheduled to meet in person.

Mike Yastrzemski made a "catch of the year" quality snag in Wednesday's Giants game vs. the Pirates. About 24 hours later, the outfielder was dealt by the Giants to the Royals right at the buzzer for the MLB trade deadline on Thursday, league insider Mark Feinsand reported.

Yastrzemski will be a good addition for Kansas City, especially with his glove. The Royals are trying to stay alive in the playoff race with a 54–55 record, while the Giants also currently hold the same record.

Adding an outfielder was one of the Royals' biggest needs when approaching the trade deadline. The team was looking for a player with experience to help conduct some outs and provide some strong hitting, too. The Royals hope the veteran Yastrzemski will be the answer they were looking for.

The outfielder has spent his entire career with the Giants since his debut in 2019. Through 96 games for the Giants this season, Yastrzemski is averaging .231/.330/.255 with 74 hits, 38 runs, 28 RBIs and eight home runs.

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.”

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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.

Jurrien Timber says Harry Kane is one of the best players in the world but admits that Arsenal are relishing the chance to keep the Bayern Munich striker in check. The Gunners have had an outstanding start to their Champions League campaign, scoring 11 goals and conceding none in four games. That record has only been bettered by Bayern, who top the competition's league phase table on goals scored. Now, they are preparing to lock horns.

Getty Images SportArsenal host Bayern in heavyweight clash

On Wednesday night at Emirates Stadium, Premier League leaders Arsenal entertain Bundesliga table-toppers Bayern in a mouth-watering contest. Both teams have 12 points from a possible 12 in their Champions League campaigns so far and both have comfortable leads in their respective divisions. The German giants have scored a remarkable 41 goals in 11 Bundesliga matches, winning 10 of them, whereas the Gunners are six points clear ahead of second-placed Chelsea in the Premier League. Arguably for both sides, this is their biggest test of the season. Both teams are in strong positions to make it through to the knockout stages of the competition, and a defeat in north London will not be terminal. But bragging rights are on offer, likely sending a message to their European rivals. One man who has helped Bayern reach this point is England captain Kane, who has continued his prolific scoring form this season. If Mikel Arteta's side can stop him, they may come out on top.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportKane presents 'a nice challenge'

Arsenal defender Timber is well aware of Kane's quality. The 32-year-old has scored 26 goals in 19 appearances for club and country this term, but on the flip side, the Gunners have conceded just six times in all competitions. Either way, this is a clash of two juggernauts fighting for supremacy.

When asked about having a plan to combat Kane, he replied: "That is not going to be easy, of course. I think he is an amazing striker, everyone knows that. He has so many qualities. He has been doing it for such a long time already, and now at Bayern Munich he has been one of the best players in the world. So, it is going to be a nice challenge for us as a team, as defenders, to stop him tomorrow. I think when you face an opposition with Harry Kane as the striker, he is a topic and you discuss him as defenders, because he is one of the dangerous players. It is the same with any other game, we discuss their players and the way they play. For tomorrow, it is the same."

Timber also talked up how hard it is for teams to breach Arsenal's defence, with the players eager to be part of that collective effort.

"If you look at Ebs’ [Eberechi Eze] performance the other day against Tottenham, he scored three goals but defensively he was amazing as well," he said. "So, I think it is the whole team that is trying to step up and do a bit more also. You have the example of Gabriel, everybody knows he is out and at the same time we know as defenders, as a team, we have to step up when a big player like him goes out of the team. I think it is just everyone taking their responsibility in defending and also attacking."

Kane wary of Arsenal's threat

You don't have to go too far back for an Arsenal vs Bayern clash. Indeed, the two clubs faced off against one another in 2024, with the Bavarian outfit knocking out Arteta's side in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Kane himself had an excellent record against Arsenal while playing for Tottenham, with the striker finding the net on 11 occasions. But he thinks that won't have much bearing on Wednesday's fixture.

Ahead of the game, he said: "With Tottenham, it was always one of the biggest games of the season against Arsenal; I have friends who are fans of both teams. It's not quite the same with Bayern as we don't always play against each other – we got an important win against them in the quarter-finals two years ago. I've scored a lot of goals here in this stadium – but haven't won many games. I hope we can change that tomorrow. Obviously when I was at Tottenham, the North London derby was always a big moment. But it's not about me against Arsenal, it's about Bayern against Arsenal. I'm in good form and it's all about helping my team and scoring goals."

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Getty ImagesArteta ready for big Bayern test

While some sides may balk at a challenge such as facing Vincent Kompany's high-flyers, manager Arteta is chomping at the bit for this one.

He told reporters on Tuesday: "For sure, this is the kind of game in the competition that we want to face, and we've been very consistent in both competitions and as you mentioned they have as well. Tomorrow is a great test for us to see where we are."

Warwickshire succumb at Taunton to leave West Country eyes on Durham versus Surrey

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Sep-2025

Dani Gibson’s no-nonsense innings of 50 from 30 balls propelled Somerset to a bonus point four-wicket victory over Warwickshire in a one-sided Metro Bank One Day Cup contest at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.Back to her scintillating best after injury, the Bristolian smashed six fours and two sixes and dominated a match-winning stand of 78 from 57 balls with Fran Wilson as the West Country side chased down a victory target of 176 with 22.5 overs to spare. Wilson contributed a brisk 47 not out from 45 balls, while Niamh Holland and Bex Odgers weighed in with 38 and 35 respectively, staging an opening stand of 64 as Somerset won their final group game with something to spare. The pick of the Warwickshire bowlers, Hannah Baker returned figures of 3 for 44 in a losing cause.Struggling to find fluency with the bat, Warwickshire had earlier been dismissed for 175 in 41 overs after being put in on a green-tinged pitch, only Nat Wraith (39), Georgia Davis (36) and Amu Surenkumar (34) offering meaningful resistance. Seamer Ellie Anderson and spinners Olivia Barnes, Chloe Skelton and Amanda-Jade Wellington claimed two wickets apiece as Somerset produced a disciplined performance in the field.Somerset’s prospects of progressing to the last four depended upon them mustering a bonus point victory over Warwickshire and Durham defeating Surrey at Chester-le-Street without earning an additional point.Fulfilling their part in the equation, Somerset won the toss, put Warwickshire in and reduced them to 31 for 3 inside seven overs, new-ball bowlers Anderson and Mollie Robbins inflicting the early damage. Anderson took a return catch off her own bowling to send back Bethan Ellis and then had Sophie Beech caught behind in an impressive seven-over spell of 2 for 21, while Meg Austin, having flirted with danger in raising 21 from 25 balls, holed out to Anderson at mid-on in the act of driving Robbins as the home side assumed control.Dropped by Alex Griffiths at slip off the bowling of Barnes on 10, Surenkumar made good her escape to stage a recovery in partnership with the experienced Abbey Freeborn, these two adding 48 from 65 balls for the fourth wicket.Somerset skipper Sophie Luff called upon her spinners and Skelton and Barnes combined forces to put the skids under Warwickshire, claiming three wickets in five balls with the score on 79. Skelton terminated the fourth-wicket alliance, having Freeborn stumped by Odgers for 11, while Barnes bowled Surenkumar for a 39-ball 34 and then removed Issy Wong without scoring, held by Robbins at short fine leg as the home side reasserted their authority.Coming together with the score 79 for 6 in the 19th, Wraith and Davis acquitted themselves well under pressure, playing sensibly to reach 105 at halfway and then accelerating to establish a 50 partnership via 66 balls as a topsy-turvy contest see-sawed once more. Wraith had advanced to 39 from 47 balls and was looking to move up through the gears when she succumbed to temptation, attempting to drive Skelton and falling to a fine catch-on-the run by Robbins at mid-on with the score 157 for 7.Midlands resistance wilted thereafter, Luff running out the obdurate Davis for 36 and legspinner Wellington accounting for Hannah Hardwick and Hannah Baker in quick succession as the last three wickets fell in the space of 12 balls.Required to overhaul Warwickshire’s total inside 40 overs in order to secure the crucial bonus point, Somerset’s chase was afforded a solid start by Odgers and Holland, who posted 50 in just 7.2 overs against some wayward Bears bowling. Seizing the initiative from the outset, these two mustered 12 boundaries between them in a productive powerplay that yielded 59 and forced the visitors onto the back foot.The aggressor-in-chief, Holland’s fluent innings was characterised by some handsome cover drives, the former England Under-19 international accruing seven fours and contributing a 29-ball 38 to an opening stand of 64. But the introduction of Baker induced a mini-collapse, Somerset losing three wickets in 13 balls as they slipped to 78-3. Baker bowled Holland and removed Luff lbw without scoring, while Odgers, having raised 35 from 44 balls with a six and five fours, was caught at the wicket off the bowling of Phoebe Brett as Warwickshire threatened a fightback.Gibson and Wilson soon calmed any nerves in a forthright partnership that served to put the chase well and truly back on track as rain showers closed in on Taunton. Gibson proved keen to get the job done in quick time, the England international bludgeoning her way to a 29-ball half-century before offering a catch to fine leg off the bowling of Davis. But there was no moving Wilson, the former World Cup winner bringing her considerable experience to bear on the situation to see Somerset home.

England scored 153 runs in the 28 overs of the middle session to hurt India

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Aug-2025

Harry Brook made a 91-ball ton after coming in at 106 for 3•Getty Images

Tea A stunning partnership worth 195 between Harry Brook and Joe Root put England on the cusp of a series-sealing win at The Oval. India had taken control of the fifth Test when Brook walked out to bat at No. 5 with 268 runs still required, but he seized the moment with an audacious 91-ball hundred, his tenth in Tests and his first in the fourth innings of a match.Brook was given a life late in the morning session, picking out Mohammed Siraj at long leg with a miscued pull shot only for Siraj to tread on the advertising toblerone on the boundary rope. Rather than prompting a change in approach, the reprieve led Brook to double down, slapping India’s seamers around as he raced to 38 off 30 balls at lunch.If he rode his luck at times, his attacking intent worked in his favour: soon after lunch, Prasidh Krishna drew a thick outside edge which flew away between the solitary slip and gully, with the field spread to try and keep a lid on England’s scoring. He continued to bludgeon anything short through the leg side, but rotated the strike with ease through the afternoon.Brook’s celebrations are typically restrained but he showed his emotion when sprinting back for two to reach three figures, pumping his fists, swishing his bat and throwing his head back in relief. He was out seven balls later, losing his bat as he attempted to swipe Akash Deep for a third boundary in a row, but the damage had been done.Root, meanwhile, played in Brook’s slipstream, ticking over with few qualms and occasionally freeing his arms – including belting Ravindra Jadeja back over his head for four, and swinging a high full toss over midwicket. India could not dislodge him, reviewing unsuccessfully after Siraj trapped him on the pad on 88, and he responded with back-to-back boundaries to reach 98.India’s session was personified by the exhausted Akash Deep: he attempted to stop a boundary by sticking out his boot, only to divert the ball back over the rope, and then lost his footing when Jacob Bethell skewed a caught-and-bowled chance back to him. Siraj kept charging in, bowling 17.1 overs in the first two sessions, but could not conjure up another game-breaking moment.

Arsenal and Chelsea managers Renee Slegers and Sonia Bompastor called for the introduction of VAR in women's football after a nail-biting Women's Super League clash between the two London rivals on Saturday. The reigning champions took the lead through Alyssa Thompson's first half strike, while the Gunners staged a comeback in the second half as Alessia Russo scored a late equaliser.

London rivals play out exciting draw

Arsenal kept their fading title hopes alive as they came back from behind to hold reigning champions Chelsea to a 1-1 draw. The Blues dominated proceedings in the first half and took the lead through summer signing Thompson, who scored her maiden WSL goal. In the second half, the Gunners bounced back in style, putting the ball into the back of the net three times, but only one of those goals stood.

Gunners boss Slegers and Chelsea's Bompastor were furious with some of the refereeing calls as both head coaches called for the introduction of VAR in the WSL. With the result at Emirates Stadium, the Blues have now equalled the longest unbeaten streak in WSL history, having gone 33 league matches without a loss. In the current season, they have won six out of their first eight games and are at the top of the WSL table, two points clear of Manchester City.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSlegers and Bompastor slam refereeing decisions

Speaking to reporters after the match, Arsenal boss Slegers said: "At the moment, if you ask me I think in a game like this, we need just decisions. We need justice. That’s where I think VAR and technology can come in. There’s more and more at stake in the WSL, at the top but also in the relegation battle and everything in between. There’s more and more at stake. I think we have to look at how we grow the game in all aspects."

Bompastor, omeanwhile, said: "I think bringing the technology into the women’s game would be probably the best call we can make. This fixture is probably one of the most beautiful games in the world. Everyone wants to be involved in this game for many reasons. Two good teams. The atmosphere at the Emirates was great. So it’s really, really good publicity for the WSL. We should balance that with the refereeing."

Were the decisions wrong?

Arsenal's Stina Blackstenius saw her goal cancelled in the 53rd minute when she converted a brilliant long-range shot. The Gunners stars were ecstatic as they started celebrating the equaliser, only to realise later that referee Melissa Burgin had given a free-kick against Blackstenius for handling the ball earlier. 

Replays later showed that Blackstenius might not have handled the ball and rather moved her arm backwards while controlling with her midriff. Slegers was understandably furious as she added: "I had no idea [the goal had been disallowed]. The goal is scored, no one is calling for it, I turn around, the players are celebrating, the stadium goes crazy, it’s a fantastic moment, we celebrate shortly then connect with the tech staff on what do we do from here, what’s the plan going forward. Then all of a sudden I turn around and see somebody saying the goal is disallowed so I was very surprised."

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Getty Images SportWSL giants gear up for European action

After the high-intensity contest in north London, the two WSL giants will now prepare to face their European opponents in the Women's Champions League in midweek. The Blues face St Polten on Tuesday, while the Gunners take on Bayern Munich a day later. Next Sunday, in WSL, Chelsea are will take on Liverpool away from home and the Gunners will lock horns against arch-rivals Tottenham in the north London derby.