All posts by h716a5.icu

Joe Root has the chance to win his first Test series as captain against a side who are known as strong tourists

The Preview by Andrew McGlashan03-Aug-2017Match factsAugust 4-8, 2017
Start time 11.00am local (1000 GMT)Big PictureSouth Africa have fought back once in this series and now they need to do it again to avoid ending their tour of England – which also encompassed a poor Champions Trophy – without any reward. The ODI and T20 series were both lost 2-1 and now the best they can earn from the Tests is a share of the spoils after being comprehensively turned over at The Oval. Throw in the group stage exit from the Champions Trophy and it’s been a difficult couple of months.They also have a proud record in England to maintain: not since 1998, the series that included the famous tussle between Michael Atherton and Allan Donald plus the deciding Test at Headingley marred by poor umpiring, have they lost a series on these shores. England have already retained the Basil D’Oliveira Trophy, but a series win would be a notable first feather in the cap for new captain Joe Root who has experienced a full range of emotions at the start of his reign.It is difficult to know what to expect. Logic would suggest that England are the favourites, but that was the case before Trent Bridge as well after they had taken the lead at Lord’s. And that quickly came tumbling down around Root. England need to show they can follow a highly impressive performance (and The Oval wasn’t too far off being faultless) with another.South Africa will be crossing their fingers they can have a first-choice attack on the park. Their win at Trent Bridge came without Kagiso Rabada. Then at The Oval, Vernon Philander started the match ill and got worse. Now on the eve of this match, Philander was suffering from back spasms. If that pair, along with the impressive and sometimes unplayable Morne Morkel, can fire together, taking 20 wickets is well within their graspThe batting remains a big issue. Dean Elgar’s gusty hundred at The Oval was just South Africa’s second in their last six Tests (Elgar has scored them both) while Quinton de Kock’s move to No. 4 has brought one good score and three failures. A few pieces of England’s batting jigsaw came together at The Oval – Alastair Cook showing the virtues of defence, Ben Stokes’ maturing as Test batsman and Tom Westley’s promising debut – but they need to back it up this week otherwise progress will remain stilted.England have struggled for consistency over the last two years•ESPNcricinfoForm guide(last five matches, most recent first)
England WLWLL
South Africa LWLDWIn the spotlightKeaton Jennings may well have reached a make-or-break Test. His 48 in the second innings at The Oval was unconvincing – dropped in the slips, saved by a review and regularly using his inside edge – and with the wind in his favour he really needed to cash in with a century, but instead edged to gully. With three Tests against West Indies to follow ahead of the Ashes, the selectors will need to decide whether to stick or twist should Jennings not make a significant score at Old Trafford or risk getting to Australia no nearer finding a long-term partner for Cook.A series tally of 13 wickets at 28.30 looks solid for Morne Morkel but they do not show how well he has bowled. His burst on the third day at The Oval, when he removed Cook with an unplayable delivery from round the wicket, was regarded by some commentators as one of the great spells. Pushing the ball a touch further up to the bat than his natural length has increased his threat and a significant haul feels around the corner. For bowlers to have taken more than 200 Test wickets, only Andrew Flintoff and Jacques Kallis – allrounders – have fewer five-wicket bags than Morkel’s six.Teams newsThe damp weather in the lead-up to the Test could persuade England to stick with the same balance of side, despite Trevor Bayliss’ view that eight batsmen is too many. That would mean a second cap for Dawid Malan.England (probable) 1 Alastair Cook, 2 Keaton Jennings, 3 Tom Westley, 4 Joe Root (capt), 5 Dawid Malan, 6 Ben Stokes, 7 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 8 Moeen Ali, 9 Toby Roland-Jones, 10 Stuart Broad, 11 James AndersonPhilander will have a fitness test on his back and he may not be risked if there is a fear of him breaking down. If he comes through with no issues, South Africa may consider playing the extra batsman at the expense of Chris Morris. However, if Philander continues to experience problems – which may reduce the overs he can bowl – Morris’ bowling will be needed. Heino Kuhn has been backed by coach and captain and so will retain his place.South Africa (probable) 1 Dean Elgar, 2 Heino Kuhn, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Quinton de Kock (wk), 5 Faf du Plessis, 6 Temba Bavuma, 7 Vernon Philander, 8 Chris Morris, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Morne MorkelPitch and conditionsThere has been significant rain in Manchester over recent days and, not for the first time, heat lamps have been used to help dry areas of the outfield. Further heavy rain on Thursday morning left large puddles on the outfield. Alongside the stating of pop concerts – something the ground is used to dealing with – teams means the outfield is unlikely to be ideal. It will be interesting to see how much pace and bounce – qualities Old Trafford is known for – the groundsman can get into the surface.Stats and triviaA series defeat for South Africa would be Faf du Plessis’ first as captain (although he did miss the first Test here) following victories over Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.South Africa have not played a Test at Old Trafford since 1998 when they were denied by England’s last-wicket pair of Robert Croft and Angus FraserNeither of these sides have won a home series against each other in series which have started this millennium – South Africa’s 2-1 win the 1999-2000 meeting was the last home success.Joe Root has made at least one half-century in his last nine consecutive Tests – a 10th would equal the England record held by John Edrich.Quotes”There’s been a lot of chat about the outfield and the surface and the weather around, but most importantly all we need to focus on is making sure we look to win this game.”
“We’ll do everything we can to win this last one. England are also an attacking side, so the way they play they put pressure on you as the opposition but they also create opportunity because they can speed the game up a bit. I think this Test match, once again the bat will decide what will happen. Both teams are strong bowling units and the difference is in the batting.”

Arsenal play host to Steve Coopers Nottingham Forest in the team's opening fixture of the new Premier League season.

Mikel Arteta's men will be hoping to get their new campaign off to a winning start should they want to mount another challenge for the league title.

Whereas Cooper's side will be looking to avoid another late-season relegation scrap.

Here is Football FanCast's official preview for the game…

When is the match, and is it on UK TV?

The match is set to be played on Saturday 12th August at 12.30pm GMT, the first early kick-off of the season.

UK viewers can watch the clash on TNT Sports, formerly known as BT Sport.

The last meeting between the sides resulted in a serious contrast in emotions between the teams.

The 1-0 victory for Forest meant they were guaranteed another year of Premier League football, whereas, for Arsenal, the loss meant that Manchester City were crowned champions without having to kick a ball.

Premier League: Every Opening Day Fixture

Who is Arsenal's key player?

The Gunners are currently blessed with an abundance of quality players, who could all be the deciding factor in a game like this.

However, it's their young captain, Martin Odegaard, who will be the deciding factor against Nottingham Forest.

The Norwegian has just had a fantastic year for the north London outfit and shows no sign of slowing down, quite the opposite in fact.

With an impressive 15 goals in the league last year, the midfield maestro will be looking to get off the mark early at home.

Who is Nottingham Forest's key player?

The end of last season saw a number of players step up for Cooper, but the man most synonymous with their uptick in form is Morgan Gibbs-White.

Notching up five goals and an impressive eight assists in the league last season proved vital in their battle against the drop.

The ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers man will be their key player going into next season, and an opening fixture at the Emirates Stadium is certainly a great platform to showcase his skills.

How will Arsenal line up?

The home side's lineup is likely to be quite different from the one that faced Forest in May if the rumoured transfers are to happen.

The big one looks to be the departure of Granit Xhaka and the arrival of Declan Rice.

Another player likely to feature is defender William Saliba. Arsenal were without their outstanding centre-half during the recent meeting between the two clubs due to injury, but it looks like he will be fit to return.

At this stage, the lineup for the Gunners will probably be:

Arron Ramsdale; Oleksandr Zinchenko – William Saliba – Gabriel – Ben White; Thomas Partey – Declan Rice – Martin Odegaard; Gabriel Martinelli – Gabriel Jesus – Bukayo Saka

How will Nottingham Forest line up?

Whilst there will undoubtedly be changes to the Forest lineup going into their season opener, it won't be anywhere near as drastic as the changes going into last season's opener.

The club have already announced that loanee Chris Wood has been made a permeant addition to the club, but a few players have also been released.

The most notable names to depart the club are Jesse Lingard, Jack Colback and Andre Ayew.

At this stage, the lineup for the Reds is likely to be:

Keylor Navas; Joe Worrall, Moussa Niakhate, Felipe; Serge Aurier, Ryan Yates, Danilo, Orel Mangala, Renan Lodi; Morgan Gibbs-White, Taiwo Awoniyi.

What were the last five Premier League meetings between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest? Nottingham Forest 1 – 0 Arsenal Arsenal 5 – 0 Nottingham Forest Nottingham Forest 0 – 1 Arsenal Arsenal 2 – 1 Nottingham Forest Arsenal 2 – 0 Nottingham Forest

Looking at their last five Premier League meetings paints a picture of domination for the Gunners, with their only loss coming in their most recent match away at Forest.

However, due to Forest's long absence from England's topflight, these five results are perhaps not the best way of judging how the teams have performed against one another.

Before the game at the Emirates, which Arsenal won 5-0, the sides had played two FA Cup games and a League Cup game since January 2018.

In those three games, the Midlands outfit has come out on top, beating the Gunners twice.

So with that added context, the last five games in all competitions see Forest as the most dominant.

Who is going to win?

Despite Arsenal's campaign completely falling apart towards the back end of last season and Nottingham Forest pulling off a great escape, the Gunners should have enough to claim all three points at home.

That home advantage, plus the addition of Rice, will prove to be just too much for Steve Cooper's side in their first game of the season.

It won't be a walk in the park for Arsenal, though. Expect this to be a tightly contested affair with hopefully a few goals to boot.

FFC predicts: Arsenal Win

The England midfielder scored another two goals to ensure Pep Guardiola's side came from behind to see off their local rivals

Manchester City might not be playing at their scintillating best at present, but they remain just one point off Premier League leaders Liverpool after Phil Foden inspired the defending champions to come from behind and beat local rivals Manchester United 3-1 on Sunday.

City dominated the early proceedings, but found themselves behind at half-time after Marcus Rashford's stunning eighth-minute strike was followed by an impressive rearguard from the visitors, as well as an incredible close-range miss from Erling Haaland.

But just as he has so many times already this season, it was Foden to the rescue, as he first cut inside to lash a left-footed drive into the top corner from 20 yards, before netting the winner after trading passes with Julian Alvarez. Haaland then added gloss to the scoreline in stoppage-time after United gave the ball away on the edge of their own penalty area.

The win keeps Pep Guardiola's side within touching distance of Liverpool, whom they visit next Sunday in what may now prove to be a title-decider at Anfield.

GOAL rates City's players from the Etihad Stadium…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Ederson (6/10):

Had no chance with Rashford's stunning strike. Largely a spectator thereafter, but did rush out to challenge Garnacho well shortly before Foden made it 2-1.

Kyle Walker (7/10):

Did well to track back against Rashford and snuff out counter-attacks on a couple of occasions. Otherwise offered himself as the spare man in attacks on numerous occasions.

Ruben Dias (5/10):

Potentially could have done better up against Fernandes in the build-up to Rashford's goal, but otherwise his game was limited to keeping the ball ticking over as City built from the back.

Nathan Ake (4/10):

Played Fernandes onside for the opening goal and never looked wholly comfortable from a defensive point of view.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

John Stones (6/10):

Took up his now usual position in central midfield and kept City ticking over while getting involved physically on the rare occasion the ball was turned over.

Rodri (7/10):

At the heart of City's best attacks, with Stones' positioning meaning the Spaniard could move further up the pitch for the most part. Tested Onana with a volleyed effort in the first half and got the assist for Haaland's late goal.

Bernardo Silva (5/10):

Couldn't control the game in the same way he did at Old Trafford earlier in the season. Lacked any real cutting edge to his passing on the edge of the box.

Kevin De Bruyne (4/10):

Probably his most disappointing performance since returning from injury. United crowded him out for the most part, while to say his finishing was wayward would be kind.

Getty ImagesAttack

Phil Foden (10/10):

City's best player throughout, and by some distance. Always dangerous in attack, and after twice being denied by Onana in the first half, found the equaliser with a stunning strike after the break. Superb give-and-go with Alvarez then settled it. In the form of his career right now.

Erling Haaland (5/10):

Not for the first time in recent weeks, the Norwegian missed the target when it looked easier to score from Foden's headed cross late in the first half. Struggled to get fully into the game throughout, but did get his goal in stoppage-time with a well-taken finish.

Jeremy Doku (4/10):

A box of tricks as usual, but the Belgium winger's final product left a lot to be desired. Replaced by Alvarez before the hour-mark.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Julian Alvarez (7/10):

Gave City's attack a different dimension after replacing Doku, and provided the all-important assist for Foden's winner.

Oscar Bobb (N/A):

On for Foden in stoppage-time.

Pep Guardiola (7/10):

Can't be blamed for some of the missed chances in the first half, and the introduction of Alvarez meant Bernardo and Foden could then switch flanks and cause confusion. It was Foden popping up on the left that ended up settling the game.

Amy Jones and Heather Knight hit half-centuries to set up England’s innings and then Georgia Elwiss and Nat Sciver ran through New Zealand’s top order

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jul-2018
ScorecardHeather Knight plays the reverse sweep•Getty ImagesAmid cheers for England’s two goals that went in against Sweden, England’s women took the opening one-day international against New Zealand with a commanding 142-run victory at Headingley.A brace of 63s from Amy Jones and Heather Knight were the main features of a solid batting display as England made 290 for 5. None of the top seven made fewer than Sarah Taylor’s 26.New Zealand made a promising start to the chase, but not for the first time on this tour there was no support for Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine. When the opening stand was broken – and with the attention of many in the stands elsewhere – New Zealand lost 4 for 5 in 17 balls against Georgia Elwiss and Nat Sciver.After Knight opted to bat, England’s openers produced the ideal start as Jones and Tammy Beaumont added 111 in 22.3 overs. The only time New Zealand really had any hold on the game was while Amelia Kerr was producing an impressive 10-over spell which included the wickets of Jones, defeated by an excellent googly, and Taylor.However, Knight and Sciver ensured the innings didn’t lose its way. They initially consolidated while Kerr completed her spell and then pressed the accelerator with around 15 overs to go. Sciver was just starting to go through the gears – and her full range of shots – when she was pinned lbw by a sharp yorker for Lea Tahuhu.Knight went to her fifty off 49 balls with consecutive boundaries off Tahuhu, the first a strong lofted drive down the ground, and collection two further boundaries before falling in the 48th over to end a stand of 54 in seven overs with Katherine Brunt. It left New Zealand needing their highest successful chase in ODIs.There was some swing with the new ball for Brunt and debutant Katie George, but Bates and Devine were able to move along at five-an-over to lay a hopeful platform. Devine was given a life when Sciver dropped a simple chance at midwicket (although she was alert enough to nearly run out Bates at the non-striker’s end) and it was just getting to the stage where England were twitchy for a breakthrough.Elwiss did the trick when Devine was caught attempted to go over the top and the wheels quickly came off New Zealand’s innings. Sciver recovered from the dropped catch to claim two wickets in her first over – including the key scalp of Bates – and when Elwiss trapped Amy Satterthwaite lbw the score had gone from 70 without loss to 75 for 4.From there England’s win was inevitable. There was considerable turn on offer and Laura Marsh ran through the lower order to finish with 3 for 24. Shortly after the final whistle went in Russia, the supporters who had been huddled inside around televisions made their way back into the stands to see another England victory secured when George claimed he maiden ODI wicket to finish the match.

The captain and her understudy hit fifties to lead Australia’s comeback after they were reduced to 4 for 45 in a chase of 163

The Report by Daniel Brettig29-Sep-20182:29

Keen to change poor T20I record against New Zealand – Lanning

Australia’s captain Meg Lanning and her leadership understudy Rachael Haynes took command of a steep chase to fire the hosts to victory over New Zealand in the opening Twenty20 international, in front of an enthusiastic North Sydney Oval crowd and a prime time television audience on the new free-to-air broadcaster, Seven.This match was the first televised international on Australian soil not broadcast by Channel Nine in almost 40 years, signalling the start of a new era for the game in Australia, and Lanning and Haynes ensured that it would be marked with a winning result for the home side. Katey Martin and Sophie Devine had led New Zealand to 162, a total that had not appeared likely when the tourists were 5 for 120 with fewer than four overs remaining.However Martin’s clean hitting, with help from Bernadine Bezuidenhout, presented the Australians with a more challenging task, and early wickets in the pursuit did not aid their cause. Alyssa Healy and Elyse Villani fell in the space of a single Devine over, while Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner also fell swiftly. At 4 for 45, New Zealand appeared very much the more likely winner.But Australia’s women have never lost a T20 international at North Sydney, and Lanning’s team consider the ground their most valued home advantage. A fierce intent to protect that record was write large across the partnership that subsequently developed between Lanning, who missed last year’s Ashes series due to shoulder surgery, and Haynes, who had successfully deputised for the captain.It was actually Haynes who played the more dominant role in the stand, unusually given Lanning’s pre-eminence as a power hitter and stroke maker in the women’s game. This dynamic flummoxed New Zealand and their captain Amy Satterthwaite, who was unable to summon any bowling combination to limit the Australian pair.Having initially allowed the required run rate to drift out, Haynes and Lanning reeled it in steadily, before ultimately cruising past the total with 14 balls to spare with a flurry of boundaries towards the end of the chase. Devine’s 2 for 31 was the only analysis that sufficiently contained the Australians, with victory arriving as the stand swelled to an unbeaten 119 for the fifth wicket – Australia’s star allrounder Ellyse Perry was not even required to bat.She had bowled with notable economy in New Zealand’s innings, a trait also shared by the spell of Sophie Molineux. While Martin and Devine were able to find the boundary regularly against the rest of the Australian attack, they were unable to climb high enough to prevent Lanning’s collective from preserving their proud North Sydney record as a new era began.

Chelsea chiefs are believed to be over the moon with one signing they've made, and feel as if he's already an "absolute bargain".

Chelsea form under Pochettino

In the last fornight, Mauricio Pochettino's side have slowly turned a corner after what was an unideal start to the Premier League campaign. At one point, the west Londoners went from mid-August to early October without even scoring a league goal, a torrid run which ended after Chelsea's 2-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Pochettino's men, since that much-needed win, have gone on to beat both Brighton in the EFL Cup and Burnley 4-1 at Turf Moor before the international break.

Those results have seemingly instilled positivity back at Stamford Bridge after a very regrettable 2023 overall, with Pochettino heaping praise on his players after their most recent demolition of the Clarets.

“Always when you concede first and you need to break down the opponent always you feel proud when you achieve that,” Pochettino said after their Burnley 1-4 Chelsea at Turf Moor.

“The team were playing well and with the chances conceded in a situation that was completely unfair, but the team were really good, solid, the whole team. We want to improve players and try to recover the players that were injured. The next two weeks we’re going to spend working on the training ground with a different mood from the last months. After two victories it is much better but I think we will keep pushing, working hard to be better in the next months.”

Kendry Paez transfer update

Supporters will be hoping their near £400 million spent over the summer transfer window will eventually result in an imperious run of form, and one which could hopefully have Chelsea challenging at the very top again. They made some signings for the future as well, though, including Ecuadorian wonderkid Kendry Paez.

The 16-year-old, who's already doing excellently for the Ecuador national team despite his tender age, will move to Chelsea in 2025, but despite not even playing for them yet, club chiefs already believe they've signed an "absolute bargain". That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who shared the Paez update in his Daily Briefing.

"It’s becoming clearer all the time that Chelsea have signed a fantastic talent," wrote Romano.

"Paez will move to Stamford Bridge in 2025, with Chelsea winning the race for his signature earlier this year when other big clubs like Manchester United and Bayern Munich were also interested in him. The Blues also increasingly feel that they got an absolute bargain for the teenage midfielder, whose value has probably already shot up since they agreed the package for him.

"It was not easy for Chelsea to arrive there ahead of other clubs, so it’s a great job by their recruitment team, and a smart deal. Chelsea feel he’s probably already worth double what they paid for him, so who knows where he’ll be by the time he joins the club when he turns 18."

Paez is currently plying his trade at Independiente Del Valle in Ecuador, where he is eagerly anticipating his switch to the Premier League.

The England coach accepted that progress “was taking longer than we would have liked” after a sixth defeat in eight Tests

George Dobell at Lord's27-May-20181:52

England outplayed in all three departments – Root

Trevor Bayliss has admitted England were “nowhere near good enough for Test level” in subsiding to a nine-wicket defeat against Pakistan at Lord’s.Bayliss, the England coach, accepted that progress “was taking longer than we would have liked” after England’s sixth defeat in eight Tests (the other two have been drawn) and third defeat in four at Lord’s and questioned whether playing in the County Championship at this time of year provided any benefit for aspiring batsmen.And, while he reiterated his desire to see out his contract as coach in all formats of the game, Bayliss shrugged off the prospect of being sacked from the Test role by saying he was “looking forward to a bit more time gardening” if the axe should fall.He was particularly scathing of England’s batting, accepting that their failures at Lord’s were far from unique and suggesting they needed to take “a good, hard look at themselves.” And he defended Joe Root’s decision not to insert Pakistan on a green, first-day surface by stating that, had England batted better, the tactic might have been justified.”It’s very disappointing,” Bayliss told . “Especially from a batting point of view. It was nowhere near good enough for Test level. Pakistan bowled well but we have to be better.”To be bowled out for 180 and 240 is simply not good enough. Usually when we lose one or two quick wickets, it usually follows with another two or three so that’s something we have sit down – we’ve done it in the past which may make things worse – and continue to work on.”It’s not as though we haven’t talked about that before. They are working hard on it but we keep making the same mistakes. The batters have to have a good hard long look at themselves.”Jos Buttler and Dom Bess showed the approach early on his very important: let the ball come, play it under your eyes, get yourself in and give yourself a chance.”I was 50-50 on the toss decision. Joe really wanted to put the pressure on Pakistan in the fourth innings and we saw even today there were some balls keeping low. We simply didn’t bat well enough. Even though the ball was doing a bit we have to be better and get the match into the fifth day if that’s the decision the captain makes.”Asked whether more players should have been involved in the County Championship ahead of the Tests – Buttler and Ben Stokes joined the squad straight from the IPL – Bayliss questioned the value of the competition as a learning ground. He also stated that England felt they could help Mark Stoneman more with his firm in the nets than allowing him to play a one-day match with Surrey.”Only two guys missed those county matches with IPL,” he said. “When it comes to four-day cricket we have to make the decision if it’s worth playing on those little seaming green-tops where slow medium pacers take all the wickets.”We felt it was better to do some hard work with Stoneman in the nets. The other thing we need is some putting pressure on from the outside and making plenty of runs and that’s not necessarily happening either.”Bayliss also insisted that he and his coaching staff were on the right track and reiterated his desire to see out his contract, which ends in September 2019. But he did make the intriguing suggestion that a new seamer could be drafted into the team if it was concluded they required someone to “bowl fuller more often.””James Anderson and Stuart Broad have 900 Test wickets between them and should know how to bowl on these wickets. From a swing bowler’s point of view, Jimmy’s mode of operation is a bit different to others. He likes to starve the batter of a lot of full balls and when the full one comes they throw their hands at it straightaway. He’s taken 500 Test wickets, it’s a bit hard to say that’s the wrong approach.”If we want someone to bowl fuller more often it means we maybe have to put someone in the term that’s their mode. Those two boys, with 400 and 500 Test wickets, I don’t think they’ve done a lot wrong.”I’ve committed to September 2019 in both forms of the game. If that’s a decision someone higher up makes, then I’m looking forward to a bit more gardening.”Personally I think the things myself and the coaching staff are working on are the right things, it’s taking a little longer than we would have liked and we have to keeper hammering away. I believe it will be the right way and these are the best players we’ve got.”

West Ham United won the Europa Conference League last season after keeping the faith in manager David Moyes, who was struggling to replicate his past success in the Premier League.

The Hammers currently top their Europa League group after two matches, having qualified for continental competition despite finishing 16th in the league last season after winning the Conference League.

The return to Thursday night football also means that the east London outfit are now enjoying their fourth successive term on the European scene, and will undoubtedly be targetting further silverware after getting a taste in June.

They are doing so without Declan Rice, with the coveted England international joining Arsenal in a £105m transfer in the summer having risen from the Irons academy to a position as one of the game's finest midfielders.

His development will have been galvanising for the club's latest crop of youthful talent to witness, who know that they too could tread the path that the 24-year-old was walked.

Moyes might want to make use of such players to fill the gaps, with a host of first-teamers, including Aaron Cresswell, set to depart at the end of the season.

Is Aaron Cresswell going to leave West Ham?

With multiple aces currently enjoying their final term at West Ham, Moyes and his transfer team will indeed be discussing internally the options possible to continue the rich vein of form that has stretched, by and large, across four campaigns now.

Of course, this will arrive in a blend of new additions, youth players and the inevitable extensions for one or two possible departees.

Player

Age

Tomas Soucek*

28

Pablo Fornals

27

Ben Johnson

23

Vladimir Coufal*

31

Michail Antonio*

33

Conor Coventry

23

Aaron Cresswell

33

Lukasz Fabianski

38

Angelo Ogbonna

35

Divin Mubama

18

Joseph Anang

23

*Club option to extend for another year

One player on the list who likely will be headed for the exit is Cresswell, who would complete a decade of service to United upon his contract's expiry, having joined from Ipswich Town for around £2m in 2014.

Having made 332 appearances, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers were both interested in his signature over the summer but he ultimately remained in London.

Despite his ageing years, Cresswell still maintains his fantastic ball-playing ability, with FBref ranking him among the top 11% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 19% for passes attempted and the top 10% for progressive passes per 90.

The £50k-per-week ace has been a solid and significant stalwart in West Ham's progress over recent years, with his role at the club leading talkSPORT's Tony Cascarino to hail him as an "unsung hero" for the club.

But given that he is out of contract at the end of the campaign, his journey might now be set to reach its culmination, especially given his dwindling presence on the pitch over the past few years.

Because of this, the time might be right to start providing youngster Regan Clayton with added responsibility, with the academy starlet boasting all the attributes to succeed at West Ham and serve as Cresswell's heir.

Who is Regan Clayton?

Clayton has been at West Ham's academy since he was ten, having shone during his formative years and now moves within reach of a senior debut in the not-too-distant future.

Citing Bayern Munich phenom Alphonso Davies as his inspiration, the 18-year-old is electric, unflinching and eager to contribute to offensive passages of play whenever he can, with such dynamic qualities custom-made for a place in a Moyes team.

The club's Scottish manager is perhaps known for his conservative, disciplined philosophy, but would certainly scoff at the 'defensive football' tag at the London Stadium, having scored more goals than Chelsea and Manchester United this season and led West Ham to new, silver-laden heights since his appointment.

A more accurate description is that he instils resilience and solidity and in return breeds fluidity in transition, with overlapping full-backs opening pockets for offensive focal points to work laterally across the frontline.

Clayton would be a fantastic addition to this system, and the teenage talent actually benefits from the rich resources the club currently offers at left-back.

Emerson is considered the Irons' first-choice option, while Ben Johnson offers flexibility across both full-back positions; Cresswell is now a veteran but still brings his creative, rounded skill set to the table.

Davies might be Clayton's idol but it is his senior teammate who is the role model, remarking at the 33-year-old's protean ability across the spectrum of a defender's game.

What is Regan Clayton's style of play?

Now a seasoned veteran at youth level, Clayton has chalked up 90 appearances for the Irons' development squads, posting five goals and assists apiece.

Last season, the prodigy even earned a place on the bench on two occasions in the Conference League for the Hammers – meaning he received a winners medal – emphasising the trust already placed in his ability.

Robson said: “Regan Clayton came in from the U18s and I thought he did excellent when he came on and added some quality, and it’s great we get that level from these lads coming into the U23s.”

One scout was particularly impressed by his displays in a less-favoured centre-back role, claiming that he "has anticipated and defended transitions excellently. Using his intelligence to negate his lack of height at the back."

Such intellect and understanding on the pitch will be crucial in taking the steps towards first-team involvement, but based on the current evidence, he truly is well on the way to realising this.

While Clayton will likely need to build some minutes at U21 level before Moyes decides that he is ready for the senior side, he is set for a big role under Robson this season and could find himself on Premier League soil in no time.

The fact that Emerson, Johnson and co ply their trade at the club should really be viewed as a positive; Clayton can develop and absorb the fruits of his peers' labour, and steadily work his way to the top – a position very much attainable for so talented a prospect.

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has come under fire by rival fans for defending Michael Oliver's decision not to award Liverpool a penalty.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Liverpool drew with City in fierce battleLate penalty decision went Cityzens' wayWalker slammed after backing referee for showing "character"(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The two Premier League titans came head-to-head in a fiercely contested battle that went to the wire on Sunday evening, with goals from John Stones and Alexis Mac Allister setting up a tense finale. It was Liverpool that pushed for a winner and they appeared to have done enough to win a penalty in the last minute. However, Jeremy Doku's high challenge on Mac Allister was somehow deemed a fair challenge by referee Oliver, leading to natural uproar from the Reds fanbase.

And those supporters have been angered again after City defender Walker doubled down on praise for the match official in a recent interview, lauding Oliver for not "crumbling" under the Anfield pressure.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT WALKER SAID

Asked by for his thoughts on the late decision that went in City's favour, Walker said: "My view is the referee and the VAR have made a decision on what it is. I feel that the ref reffed it really, really well, I feel once you have Anfield and the crowd behind him, he [Oliver] could've crumbled. But that shows his experience and his character, and is why he's regarded as probably one of the best referees in this country and in the world at the minute."

Pressed on whether he thought it should've been a penalty, the full-back added: "Listen, it's probably not up [to] me to say if I do think it's a pen, if I say it's not a pen [there'd be] headlines, if I say it is a pen then [there'd be] headlines. So the VAR's checked it, the ref's done it, that's all I'm going to say on that."

WATCH THE CLIPENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

After such frank comments about a questionable performance from Oliver – who also allowed Stones' goal to stand despite Nathan Ake potentially affecting play from an offside position – Liverpool supporters haven't held back in their abuse at Walker.

X user @Khaya_LFC labelled it a "weird interview" and trolled Walker for getting "cooked by [Luis] Diaz" in said match. Another user, @LFC92, pointed out the Oliver did cave to the pressure, writing that "he literally crumbled and made the incorrect decision". Another more brutal comment pointed towards Walker's infidelity allegations, with @RadiantL1ght11 saying "A cheater praises cheating what a surprise". Lastly, City's reported Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches were inevitably brought up, with @connelpounds writing “115 charges loading” and @PHPetosquare stating "City ain't beating the allegations".

Legendary Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes appeared to weigh in on the latest sexism storm surrounding Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Rodgers criticised for "good girl" commentCeltic boss branded a "dinosaur" over remarkScholes tells world to "f*ck off" in apparent response(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Hoops boss has come under fire for saying "good girl" to reporter Jane Lewis after his side's late victory over Motherwell on Sunday. Rodgers has been urged to apologise to Lewis by women's organisations in Scotland, who have branded the Northern Irishman a "dinosaur" for his remarks. It was that news, presented by , that Scholes appeared to be reacting to while sitting in the bathtub.

AdvertisementWHAT SCHOLES POSTED

The Red Devils legend gave a blunt response, seemingly in reference to the Rodgers sexism storm, writing in an Instagram story that has since been deleted: "This world needs to f*ck right off… bye!"

IG: paulscholesaaaTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The incident in question came after Celtic's 3-1 over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday. That victory took the Hoops to within two points of arch rivals Rangers at the top, although Rodgers strangely claimed that the title race story "has already been written about this group, but we will write our own story”. Lewis then pressed that cryptic answer but was met with a cold "You know exactly what I mean" and a repeated "No, no no", before Rodgers shut down the interview. It is these words that have drawn most ire from women's groups, as the Celtic boss said condescendingly: "Okay, done. Good girl. Well done, cheers.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAS BEEN SAID

Both Lewis and Rodgers have since spoken out about the incident, with the BBC reporter quoted on as saying: "Clearly, the interview on Sunday has become a talking point. I don't believe there was any offence meant by Brendan Rodgers – and for my part, there was none taken."

Rodgers pointed to a wider problem in society and echoed Lewis' thoughts of no offence being meant, saying on Tuesday (via ): "I will address it because I have been obviously aware of it. Sadly for me in society now we are either looking to offend or find something that is offensive to try to pin onto people. I have spoken to Jane, she wasn't offended, we had a laugh about it, she will continue to ask me awkward questions. But I see here every week and we have good relations, like I have with most people in my life, whether that is professional or social."