It’s one step forward and two steps back for Newcastle United, who were defeated on the road in the Champions League against Marseille, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the double.

Eddie Howe’s side responded with vim and vigour after the international break to beat Manchester City at St. James’ Park, but this served as a sobering reminder that there is much work to be done away from Tyneside, with the Toon having won only one game away from home all season.

Harvey Barnes’ fine form continued as he swept home from close range only minutes into the affair, but United failed to channel their counter-attacking approach and were ultimately overwhelmed by the French hosts.

It was a frustrating performance, epitomised by the woes of Nick Pope between the sticks.

Why Howe must consider dropping Nick Pope

Pope joined Newcastle from Burnley for about £10m in 2022, and he has since. This season, he has started all 12 of the Magpies’ Premier League fixtures, though he has failed to keep a clean sheet across five successive matches.

There have been tenuous calls to drop the 33-year-old all year, but these are rising in volume and intensity, and the veteran’s mistake in France will only fan those flames, with United losing clarity and conviction in their performance after the gaffe.

Given that Aaron Ramsdale is patiently waiting in the wings, having been signed on loan this summer, there’s justification for dropping Pope going forward, it may be that Howe needs to drop his mainstay between the sticks and start to rewire his defence, as has already started through the likes of Malick Thiaw and full-backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento.

Newcastle still have three wins from five in the Champions League this season, and may yet find the form to seal a place in the automatically-qualifying top eight.

But Howe does need to continue to chop and change, and Pope isn’t the only one whose starting berth is at risk.

Newcastle star is now relegated to the bench

At the end of the 2023/24 campaign, Anthony Gordon was awarded Newcastle’s Player of the Year. But last year was a testing one for the England international, in contrast with United’s resurgence, and he has fallen further into the mire since the summer.

Against Marseille, Gordon’s woes continued as he proved utterly ineffectual in a makeshift centre-forward role.

Writer Firdie Idris remarked that the decision to field Gordon, a pacy left winger, as a central striker “never works”, and his display against Marseille only corroborated that claim.

In his central berth, Gordon only created one chance and hit the target with only one shot. He didn’t even attempt a dribble and won only one of five duels, as per Sofascore. He also completed just 14 passes as an isolated figure in Howe’s offensive line.

Penning their post-match thoughts, The Shields Gazette could only hand the Three Lions star a 4/10 match rating, criticising him for being on the back foot throughout the contest.

Matches (starts)

7 (7)

5 (5)

Goals

0

4

Assists

0

1

Touches*

35.4

39.2

Shots (on target)*

2.0 (0.7)

2.2 (1.0)

Accurate passes*

14.7 (80%)

16.4 (77%)

Chances created*

1.0

0.4

Dribbles*

1.4

1.4

Ball recoveries*

2.6

3.2

Tackles + interceptions*

0.7

1.4

Duels (won)*

4.7 (49%)

4.0 (41%)

Truthfully, Gordon has been out of sorts all season. Prolific on the continent, he has yet to kindle any semblance of good form on the domestic front, and this was not a display to imbue within him a kind of confidence that will be needed ahead of Premier League clashes against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.

Given that Gordon is one of Newcastle’s most profitable players, there’s reasoning behind the call to cash in down the line. Certainly, given the need for further investment over the coming transfer windows, it’s something PIF might consider as Barnes continues to go from strength to strength.

In any case, Gordon needs to raise his level. He is one of the outfit’s most talented players and is horribly underperforming. Like Pope, Howe would be wise to drop him for the forthcoming fixtures and rekindle his will to win.

PIF can fund Anderson move by selling Newcastle star who's a "nightmare"

Newcastle are proving themselves to be a team in transition this season.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 25, 2025

Rajat Patidar, batting on 42, will be the key on the third day

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Oct-2025

Despite Abhimanyu Easwaran’s half-century, Vidarbha’s bowlers put their side on top on the second day in the Irani Cup match against Rest of India. At stumps, Rest of India were 142 for 5, trailing Vidarbha’s first-innings total of 342 by 200. Rajat Patidar, batting on 42, will be the key going into the third day.Vidarbha resumed the day on 280 for 5 with Atharva Taide batting on 118. But their innings did not last long. Yash Thakur and Harsh Dubey fell in successive overs to leave them on 295 for 7.Darshan Nalkande hung around with Taide and the two added a crucial 37 to take the side to 332. Gurnoor Brar broke the stand by having Nalkande caught behind for 20. The end was swift as Saransh Jain picked the remaining two wickets in one over. He bowled Taide for 143 and, two balls later, had Aditya Thakare caught off Ruturaj Gaikwad.Abhimanyu and Aryan Juyal gave Rest of India a steady start of 52 before Nalkande trapped Juyal lbw. Yash Dhull came out with an attacking intent and hit two fours off Dubey, the second of those via an outside edge. But it was Dubey who had the last laugh when he had Dhull stumped for 11.Abhimanyu and Patidar took the side past 100. Abhimanyu brought up a half-century via an inside-edged four off Parth Rekhade before getting lbw in the same over. That triggered a mini-collapse. Gaikwad hit Thakur for back-to-back fours but was caught at deep-backward point off the following delivery. Ishan Kishan did not last long either, Rekhade having him lbw for 1.That left Rest of India at 124 for 5. Patidar and Manav Suthar, though, ensured there were no more setbacks till stumps.

شن بيبي إسترادا، الصحفي الإسباني هجومًا كبيرًا على لامين يامال، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة بعد رد فعله على قرار تغييره أمام آينتراخت فرانكفورت ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستبدل هانز فليك اللاعب لامين يامال بـ روني باردجي في الدقيقة 89 وبدا الأول أنه غير سعيد بقرار المدرب وقد أظهر الاستياء عقب خروجه من أرض الملعب وأثناء توجهه لمقاعد البدلاء.

وقد غادر يامال الملعب بوجه غاضب واضح، وبحركات على مقاعد البدلاء أظهرت استياءه، بحسب ما ذكرت صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية.

وحول ذلك، قال إسترادا في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “سبورت”: “لقد فقدت حبي للامين، كنت مغرمًا به لكنني الآن لا أحب حتى طريقة تجوله في الملعب، يبدو وكأنه يطفو على الماء”.

وأكمل: “عندما يزول الحب، يتبعه خيبة الأمل وبما أنني فقدت حبي له تمامًا وأشعر بخيبة أمل، فأنا أنظر إلى لامين بعيون مختلفة تمامًا وأراه أقل شغفًا عما سبق”.

اقرأ أيضًا | فليك يعلق على تصرف لامين يامال بعد استبداله أمام فرانكفورت ووضع برشلونة في دوري الأبطال

وأضاف: “أرى ما يفعله والده في المدرجات، وهو يفعل الشيء نفسه على أرض الملعب”.

وأردف: “أرى أنه لم يعد لامين هو من كان يغادر، لم يعد لامين الخيالي، اللاعبين حفظوا طريقة لعبه وأسلوبه”.

واستطرد: “نعم لديه قدم يسرى رائعة، يقدم المساعدة لفريقه على فترات لكنه ليس جاهزًا بنسبة 100% وإذا لم يكن 100%، فليستريح”.

وأتم: “من المؤسف أنني كنت أحبه لكن في سن الثانية والعشرين لن يكون في برشلونة بعد الآن”.

MatériaMais NotíciasVer Resumo da matéria por IAO Atlético encerrou a temporada de 2025 no último domingo (8), com a goleada de 5 a 0 em cima do Vasco. Após a partida, os jogadores foram liberados para período de férias com retorno previsto após as datas comemorativas. Resumo supervisionado pelo jornalista!

O Atlético encerrou a temporada de 2025 no último domingo (8), com a goleada de 5 a 0 em cima do Vasco. Após a partida, os jogadores foram liberados para período de férias com retorno previsto após as datas comemorativas.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasAtlético MineiroQuem deve permanecer no Atlético-MG em 2026? confiraAtlético Mineiro09/12/2025Atlético MineiroSaídas? Atlético-MG tem lista encaminhada em busca de reformulaçãoAtlético Mineiro08/12/2025Atlético MineiroAtlético-MG cumpriu o planejamento orçamentário em 2025? Confira balanço da temporadaAtlético Mineiro08/12/2025

A equipe de Sampaoli terminou o Campeonato Brasileiro na 11° colocação com 48 pontos e não atingiu o principal objetivo esportivo: vaga na Libertadores. Novamente o Galo fica de fora da principal competição continental e jogará a Sul-Americana pelo segundo ano consecutivo.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Galo agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Atlético-MG

Programação do Atlético

A reapresentação do elenco será no dia 2 de janeiro, iniciando a pré-temporada. A preparação a princípio ocorrerá na Cidade do Galo, sem viagens ou torneios amistosos, diferentemente do ano passado, quando o alvinegro disputou a FC Series nos Estados Unidos.

continua após a publicidade

Com a mudança do calendário do futebol em 2026, os campeonatos iniciam mais cedo e menos de dez dias depois da reapresentação o Galo já tem sua estreia pelo Mineiro. No dia 11 de janeiro enfrenta o Betim às 16h na Arena MRV.

No entanto, nas primeiras partidas do estadual, o Galo entrará com uma equipe mesclada, com atletas das categorias de base e time profissional. No ano passado apenas jogadores do sub-20 atuaram nas primeiras rodadas.

continua após a publicidade

Segundo Sampaoli, a ideia para iniciar a temporada é ter três times. O primeiro como o principal que se prepare para o início do Campeonato Brasileiro, no final de janeiro. O segundo que inicie e compita no Campeonato Mineiro e o terceiro com jogadores de projeção, jovens que possam agregar ao Galo no futuro.

Além disso, o treinador explicou que em certos momentos esses times irão se misturar e competir entre si para ver quem entrará no primeiro time, o principal.

Tudo sobre

2026Atlético MineiroFutebol Nacionalprogramação

Former Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has died at the age of 79. A spokesperson for the American businessman confirmed he died in Dallas on Saturday, with his family at his side. Hicks owned the Reds for three-and-a-half years before selling the club in October 2010 and now tributes have been paid to the multi-millionaire.

Hicks has 'remarkable life'

On Sunday, Hicks' family said their "cherished" dad had passed away. They added he remains a "guiding force" for them and they want to continue his legacy.

"Of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks' most cherished title was, 'Dad'," his family said in a statement. "No matter the trials and tribulations he faced in life, he was constant in his generosity and love for his family. He remains a guiding force for our family, and we are deeply honoured to continue expanding his legacy. Although we are devastated by this loss, we are profoundly grateful to have been his children."

AdvertisementAFPLiverpool pay tribute to Hicks

The Reds sent their best wishes to Hicks' family and friends during this "difficult time".

A statement on the club's website reads: "Former Liverpool FC co-owner Tom Hicks has died at the age of 79. Hicks, who also had spells as owner of the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers US sports franchises in his home state, passed away on Saturday. He and fellow American businessman George Gillett completed an acquisition of the Reds in early 2007. The pair’s tenure at Anfield concluded in October 2010 when current owners Fenway Sports Group sealed a takeover. LFC sends its condolences to the Hicks family and Tom’s friends at this difficult time."

Before joining Liverpool, he owned American baseball team, the Texas Rangers, and the ice hockey side, the Dallas Stars.

Difficult Liverpool spell

Hicks' time at Anfield with fellow American investor George Gillett wasn't all that popular. During their spell in charge, the club's debts mounted amid a backdrop of division between former chief executive Rick Perry and manager Rafael Benitez. The Spaniard was replaced by Roy Hodgson in a short and unsuccessful spell, and during their time at the Merseyside outfit, they failed to win a trophy. They eventually sold Liverpool to Fenway Sports Group 15 years ago.

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AFPWhat comes next for Liverpool?

Following Liverpool's tribute to their former co-owner, they will now be focusing on trying to beat Inter Milan on Tuesday in the Champions League before taking on Brighton in the Premier League next weekend.

Apart from the opening game against England, whenever SA have been posed difficult questions, their players have made themselves count

Madushka Balasuriya17-Oct-20253:09

Review: SA one step closer to semis, SL further away

South Africa have one foot in the semi-finals, but of all the cricketing nations, they will be the least likely to get ahead of themselves. Though if anything were to prepare them for some unlikely hiccups it would be this World Cup campaign.Against England, their batting fell apart. Against New Zealand, this was rectified as the top order took charge of middling chase. But against India, the top-order once more struggled, before the lower-order and a magnificent Nadine de Klerk innings took them to a famous win. It was a similar story against Bangladesh as the lower order came to the rescue. But the common theme has been that at each time of asking, South Africa have been ready with the answers.Related

• 'Want to take it one step further' – Bosch on SA's push for maiden ODI World Cup final

• Wolvaardt, Brits fifties put SA closer to semi-final berth

“It’s been great. It’s sort of felt like the whole team has contributed in different parts of this tournament, which has been awesome,” South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt said after their 10-wicket win against Sri Lanka on Friday.”We definitely haven’t relied on one or two people. Whether it’s Nadine and Chloe [Tryon] getting us out of the hole, or, you know, me and Taz [Tazmin Brits] battling all today. The whole bowling unit has been amazing too, and I think our feeling has been pretty decent as well throughout the tournament. So, it’s just nice to see all those pieces of the puzzle sort of coming together.”Against Sri Lanka, Wolvaardt and her side had their hands full in finding the right puzzle pieces to navigate a heavily rain-curtailed game. There were five hours and 14 minutes between the the last ball of the first innings’ 11th over and the first ball of the 12th. In fact, the game was on the verge of being called off before the rains unexpectedly eased and a restart time was announced. In that moment, all previous strategies and plans went out the window.For Sri Lanka, it meant they had to switch gears instantly, from having 38 overs left in a 50-over game, to having eight left in a reduced 20-over affair. But with eight wickets in hand, it was a fairly straightforward equation in terms of what was required from them.

“I think we’re still searching for that perfect game as a team”Laura Wolvaardt

For South Africa however, it was trickier. For one, each bowler could now bowl only four overs each under the revised playing conditions. This meant that both Marizanne Kapp and Masabata Klaas, who had bowled five overs each prior to the rain interruption could not be used further.”That was a little bit tricky, especially because Kappy and Klaas are usually quite big for us in the death. So we had to sort of go to the left-arm spinners, which we don’t do too often, too late in the game. But I thought they bowled brilliantly.”Nonkululeko Mlaba finished with three wickets•Getty ImagesAdding to Wolvaardt and South Africa’s problems was that the amount of rain that fell meant that, even despite the entire ground being covered and the super sopper being used, the “ball was like a bar of soap.””Especially after that five hour break, I think we looked a bit nervy when we came back on the field, a couple of missed fields,” Wolvaardt said. “So I think we did a great job of sort of removing [that from our minds] and getting those wickets in the end.”Leading the way on this front was none other than Wolvaardt. On the seventh ball after the restart, a skier off a leading edge was dropped – a first hint at how difficult this wet ball would be to grip. But she ensured there would be no further stumbles with two otherwise straightforward catches held to dismiss both set batters at that point.While the catches in and of itself weren’t difficult, the message it sent across was clear – this is yet one more problem to be solved. Which meant that when Wolvaardt threw the ball to Nonkululeko Mlaba, and asked her to bowl four of the eight overs remaining, it was less a question and more of a challenge, to once more defy the odds.”Lefty [Mlaba] loves a challenge,” Wolvaardt said. “She was asked the other day what would be her favourite place to bowl and she said, ‘probably the death.'”She said she really likes it when the batter is coming at her, so it challenges her, and gets her into a very competitive zone. Yeah, I thought she bowled very well.”Mlaba’s figures at the end read 3 for 30 in four overs, but her final over brought three runs and three wickets. Along with de Klerk’s four-run penultimate over, it proved to the difference as the DLS-adjusted target was 121 and not closer to 150.Not that a higher target would have likely made a difference with how Wolvaardt and Brits approached their chase, ensuring minimal risks were taken as they knocked off the target with 31 deliveries left to spare.”It hasn’t been the best tournament for me overall, so very nice to hit a few,” Wolvaardt said. “Obviously a reduced game, so I just sort of thought of normal T20 plans. So Taz and I just went out as if it was a normal T20, and both got off to decent starts, and just kept going for the side.”Whisper it, but this was a display of potential champions. Sure, the juggernaut that is Australia awaits at some point, but South Africa, like their captain, just keep ticking along, and finding answers. For Wolvaardt though, the key is in ensuring that it all comes together at the right time.”I think we’re still searching for that perfect game as a team, where the top order fires and the middle order fires – which is exciting, because we’re still winning games even though certain things aren’t perfect,” she said. “Hopefully, if we do make those semifinals, it’ll all come together.”

Just 39 balls were possible in Nelson after New Zealand asked West Indies to bat under cloudy skies

Ekanth10-Nov-2025Match abandoned It seems the weather deities didn’t want New Zealand and West Indies to duke out two T20Is in successive days as rain in Nelson washed out the fourth game just 39 balls in. It means that New Zealand’s 2-1 series lead is now unassailable. West Indies can level the series in the fifth and final game in Dunedin on Thursday.Interruptions were expected at the start of the afternoon game as clouds hung low, and the weather forecast showed high chances of showers throughout the late afternoon and early evening. While the toss and start of play happened on time, the first interruption, of about 30 minutes, came five overs into the game. The second one came nine balls later, and resulted in the whole thing being called off.In the short period of play that did occur, Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy kept Alick Athanaze and Amir Jangoo in check with swing and seam. Both bowlers took advantage of the overhead conditions and hit disciplined lengths on a used pitch. A lot of swings and misses from West Indies made way for two fours and two sixes between overs two and five.James Neesham removed Athanaze in the sixth over. Jangoo finally got one off the middle to pick up a cover-driven boundary and end the 35-run powerplay. Soon after, the major weather interruption set in, and the game was eventually called off.