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Chennai Super Kings allrounder picked up the injury while fielding against Royal Challengers Bangalore

Nagraj Gollapudi11-May-2022Ravindra Jadeja’s IPL has come to an abrupt end because of a rib injury. Jadeja picked up the injury while attempting a catch after running in from the deep against Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 4. While he continued playing that game, Jadeja sat out Chennai Super Kings’ last match, against Delhi Capitals.Kasi Viswanathan, Super Kings’ chief executive officer, confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that both franchise and Jadeja agreed it was best for him to recover outside of the IPL. “He has a bruised rib,” Viswanathan said. “The medical advice is he should not strain it, so we have decided that he should leave the IPL.”Super Kings are currently ninth on the points table with eight points from 11 games. To qualify for the playoffs, they need to win all their remaining games and hope other results go their way.Incidentally, the Capitals game was only the second time Jadeja had missed a match for Super Kings since the franchise bought him in 2012. The only other instance was in the 2019 season, when he missed a match against Mumbai Indians because of illness, a game that even MS Dhoni missed in another rare occurrence.Among the fittest players in cricket, Jadeja is going through one of the most challenging phases of his career. He was handed the captaincy two days before IPL 2022 began. At that time, Jadeja said he had “big boots” to fill, but he was confident as Dhoni was still around and would continue to be his “go-to man”. However, eight matches into Super Kings’ season, he stepped down, saying he wanted to focus more on his game. Super Kings had won two of those eight matches under Jadeja, before Dhoni took the reins back.Jadeja, 33, had never led a senior team full-time prior to being handed the Super Kings gig; his only prior experience as captain in top-level cricket was a tournament for India Under-19s in 2007. But Dhoni and Super Kings’ team management, as well as owner N Srinivasan, felt Jadeja’s immense experience along with his rich pedigree as a match-winner made him the best choice to succeed Dhoni. A couple of weeks before the IPL bagan, Jadeja had summited the ICC’s Test-allrounder rankings, and over the previous two IPLs, he had taken over the finisher’s mantle from Dhoni, scoring 459 runs at an average of 57.37 with a strike rate of 157.73.That form fell away with the added demands of captaincy: so far this season, he has 116 runs in ten innings, including two ducks, at an average of 19.33 and a strike rate of 118.36. With the ball, he has five wickets from 33 overs at an average of nearly 50. Also Jadeja, one of the best fielders in cricket, has dropped four catches.After his first match back as captain, against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 1, Dhoni had said that he looked to help Jadeja with his captaincy in the first two games this season as part of a “gradual transition” plan. “At the end of the fifth-sixth-seventh [game] or the full season you don’t want him to feel as if the captaincy was done by somebody else,” Dhoni told host broadcaster Star Sports. “So it was a gradual transition where I said, ‘Okay, this is what I will do. I will take care of the fielding angles and everything for the first game, second game. After that, you will have to decide on your own because that’s the only way you will learn what captaincy is.’ Spoon-feeding doesn’t really help the captain. On the field, you have to take those crucial decisions and you have to take responsibility for those decisions.”Asked whether Jadeja agreed with his reasoning, Dhoni said he tried to help him out as Super Kings wanted the allounder at his best across all three skillsets even while taking on the many other duties that come with captaining. “What is important is once you become the captain, you have to take care of many things. And that also includes taking care of your own game. And with him, his mind was working a lot.”It’s not easy to control your mind, it’s the strongest feature… body, physiques, all of those things are fine, but once your mind starts working and it wants to contribute more: okay, what’s the combination I can play with; okay, who can bowl at what point of time. It doesn’t really stop. So, what really happens is the individual is not able to relax – even when he closes his eyes and wants to sleep, the mind is still working.”So what I felt was, it was having an effect on his game also. When he was going in to bat, or when it comes to his preparation, is putting this [extra] burden affecting his game? Because I would love to have Jadeja as a bowler and batter and fielder. Captaincy, fair enough. Even if you relieve [him of] captaincy, and if he is at his best [as a player], that’s what we really want because we were also losing a great fielder. We were struggling [to find] a deep-midwicket fielder.”

Worcestershire sunk by seven wickets in 332-run chase despite dominating first half of match

ECB Reporters Network29-Jun-2022Billy Root was again the chief thorn in Worcestershire’s side in leading Glamorgan to a three-wicket win over Worcestershire in the LV=Insurance County Championship match at New Road.Two years ago Root had blunted Worcestershire’s victory hopes with a splendid century on the return to cricket after the pandemic in the Bob Willis Trophy.Today he was their match-winner with 99 not out after Colin Ingram’s hundred yesterday had laid the foundations in pursuit of a 332 target.Root struck 11 fours in his 172-ball knock to seal Glamorgan’s fourth win of the season in the Championship.All of them have involved successful run chases after victories over Nottinghamshire (seven wickets), Leicestershire (six wickets) and Sussex (five wickets).This latest triumph represented a splendid recovery after being bowled out for 139 in their first innings and conceding a lead of 132 and keeps them well in the hunt for promotion.But for Worcestershire it was a severe blow to their own hopes of finishing in the top two as a way of compensating for a dismal Vitality Blast campaign.The game was perfectly poised heading into the final day with Glamorgan needing 100 runs and Worcestershire five wickets for victory on a pitch still offering encouragement to the seamers.The second new ball was also immediately available with Joe Leach, who had taken a career best 6 for 44 in the first innings, and Charlie Morris sharing the attack.Root resumed on 46 and he brought up a 99-ball half century with the first of two cover drives for four in a Leach over.There were still the occasional balls climbing off a length and one such delivery flew past the outside edge of nightwatchman James Harris.He had survived 38 balls before driving at Leach and edging through to keeper Gareth Roderick.New batter, Tom Cullen, immediately looked in good touch and produced the shot of the day with a drive back down the ground off Leach to the boundary.Root looked in little trouble although on 74 he was relieved to inside-edge a delivery from Dillon Pennington just past his leg stump.Spin was introduced via Josh Baker and Root used his feet to loft him back down the ground and reduce the target needed below 40.But then Tom Fell, a concussion replacement for Taylor Cornall, produced a superb one-handed catch at third slip to dismiss Cullen after Leach returned to the attack.Michael Neser survived a one-handed caught-and-bowled chance on two after Ed Barnard came into the attack.It was the last throw of the dice for the home side and Root and Neser completed victory for the visitors with few alarms.

Donovan among many former USMNT players critical of Nation League efforts, saying "It was obvious in these games who cared"

Donovan expresses frustration over attitude and effortHe calls out lack of pride in representing the national teamUSMNT finished in fourth-place in Nations LeagueGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

The USMNT's recent struggles, including losses to Panama and Canada in the Nations League, have raised questions about the team's progress and competitiveness on the international stage. That includes Landon Donovan as the USMNT icon has delivered a scathing review of the team.

He accused many of the current squad members of not caring enough about representing their country, citing a perceived lack of effort and commitment in recent performances.

“There were just too many guys out there who were just going through the motions. When I watch games, sometimes it’s difficult to accurately judge someone’s ‘desire.’ But you also just see what your eyes tell you. It was obvious in these games who cared,” Donovan told the Athletic.

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“People used to hate playing against us,” said Donovan, the USMNT's all-time leader in goals and assists. “Even when we lost. We’d get beat 2-0 and you could tell the other team was still like 'F*ck, this game is going to be a f*cking nightmare.' Occasionally, though, we’d have a poor effort. And [Coach Bruce Arena] would say ‘Guys, a coach shouldn’t have to coach effort. That’s not my job.' Back then I thought that was ridiculous.

“But now I think about it and realize he was spot on. The last thing Mauricio Pochettino should have to worry about is whether these guys are going to leave it all on the field or not. Leaving it all on the field – that’s been a hallmark of the American player since the mid-'80s. If we lose that, we are in big, big trouble.

“We would not have let Canada or Panama beat us without it being an absolute bloodbath. I used to hate going into training camps, because I got the sh*t kicked out of me. The competition was real. We had real players who cared about the result and were always, without exception, willing to put themselves on the line to get a result. I can’t talk about who was more skilled or talented, but we were always responsible for the result. Right now, of course I’d take those teams over this current one.”

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Donovan's criticism comes at a crucial time for the sport in the country, with the 2026 World Cup approaching and expectations for the national team at an all-time high. That is especially after back-to-back losses against Panama and Canada, as the USMNT finished fourth in the Nations League.

Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

The USMNT will have upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland in early June. Their last bit of competitive action comes a week later as they co-host the 2025 Gold Cup alongside Canada.

Arsenal kicked 2025 off in perfect style last night.

Mikel Arteta’s side won their third Premier League game on the bounce by beating the inform Brentford 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium and looked significantly more dangerous than they did against Ipswich Town in the process.

Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Martinelli were on the scoresheet for the North Londoners, and even though that’s two goals in three games for the latter, he could be about to lose his place in the team.

Yes, recent reports have linked the Gunners with another brilliant attacker who could be an upgrade on the Brazilian winger, an attacker who has some shades of Ethan Nwaneri about him.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are one of several teams very interested in signing Barcelona’s Dani Olmo.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that fellow Premier League sides Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are all keen on the Spaniard, while Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen have also shown interest.

The report claims that the player has his heart set on staying in Barcelona, but should the club fail in their bid to register him by January 3rd, he’d be unable to play in Spain until next season and be available on a free, which could make a move away almost inevitable.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Olmo’s sensational ability and versatility, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he could be an ideal Martinelli upgrade and shares some similarities with Nwaneri.

How Olmo compares to Martinelli and Nwaneri

So, before we look at how Olmo stacks up against Martinelli, let’s first examine the similarities between him and Nwaneri.

The first is that, like the young Englishman, the Spaniard is more than capable of playing in multiple positions, and while he has played in attacking midfield more than anywhere else, he’s got plenty of experience playing off the right and left of a front three, akin to the teenager’s position last night.

The second similarity is that while both players are very technically gifted and brilliant passers of the ball, capable of setting up chances for their teammates, they’re both real goal threats.

For example, the Gunners’ Hale End gem has already scored four goals for the first team in just 432 minutes of action this season, while the Barça star has six goals to his name in 15 games this year, as well as an assist to boot.

This similarity is also one of the key reasons why the “outstanding” international, as dubbed by former boss Julian Nagelsmann, could be a dream upgrade on Martinelli, as even though the Brazilian has as many goals and one more assist under his belt this season, he’s made 25 appearances.

This means that the former Ituano gem is currently averaging a goal involvement every 3.12 games, while the former Leipzig star is averaging one every 2.14 games.

Moreover, when we look under the hood at their underlying numbers from this season, it’s the “incredible” 26-year-old, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola, who comes out way ahead.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.60

0.45

Actual Non-Penalty G+As

0.72

0.52

Progressive Passes

2.32

5.22

Progressive Carries

6.09

1.65

Shots

3.47

1.56

Shots on Target

1.16

0.87

Passing Accuracy

76.1%

70.5%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.32

2.43

Goal-Creating Actions

0.43

0.17

Successful Take-Ons

2.17

1.57

For example, the Terrassa-born dynamo comes out on top in practically every relevant metric, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected and actual goals plus assists, progressive passes, passing accuracy, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions and successful take-ons, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Martinelli can be a useful asset for Arsenal, Olmo appears to be the superior player in almost every regard, so the club should do all they can to bring him to N5 this month.

Arsenal want to sign "electric" £60m sensation who could be their own Isak

The incredible talent could fire Arsenal to the title.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 1, 2025

The narrative coming into this one was all about Alexander Isak. Perennially linked with Arsenal over recent transfer windows, the home fans inside the Emirates Stadium could only watch on longingly.

What if we had Isak in our ranks, they must have been thinking. Quite. The immense Swede was the difference between the two sides on Tuesday evening.

Since the draw was made for the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, Newcastle have been everything Mikel Arteta wants his side to be; solid and emphatic in attack.

Sadly, an injury to Bukayo Saka has curtailed any hopes the Gunners had of improving in the final third.

While they created chances in midweek, with Kai Havertz notably heading wide a glorious free header from just a matter of yards out in the second half, they could not take them and were left to bemoan an awful night against the Toon.

It was that man Isak who popped up with the goods and with Anthony Gordon alongside him, Eddie Howe’s men hold a 2-0 advantage heading into the second leg.

Given how tough it can be to play at St James’ Park, it’s likely Arsenal are dusted in this competition for another year.

What went wrong for Arsenal against Newcastle

In recent weeks it has been a lack of creativity to bemoan for Arteta’s men. Couple that with injuries and some dodgy officiating and they haven’t really had the rub of the green.

Well, they had no bad refereeing to blame this time around. Creativity wasn’t an issue either; they generated 3.76 expected goals to Newcastle’s 1.53 xG. Instead, it was a succession of chances missed, notably that second-half opportunity for Havertz.

How he didn’t find the net is beyond many fans watching on. The ball was swung and in with the goal at his mercy, the ball dropped off the German’s shoulder which ensured he didn’t meet the ball with his head properly.

Another glorious opportunity was spurned by Gabriel Martinelli, who on a bad night for Arsenal, to his credit put in a lively display. That said, he really should have scored in the opening 45 minutes.

The home side were able to play through the Newcastle press which led to a golden opportunity for the Brazilian forward.

He raced clear of the defence and with only goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to beat, went to the right of the goal but struck a placed effort off the post.

In the big moments, it was Howe’s side who reigned supreme and they largely had Isak to thank for that. What this Arsenal team would look like with him in is a salivating one.

Instead, they are left to plug away with the likes of Havertz and a certain Leandro Trossard who continues to underperform.

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Leandro Trossard's performance in numbers

Last season the Belgian was a vital player during Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League challenges.

Scoring 16 goals across all competitions, it meant that only the mercurial Saka (20) found the net more regularly in 2023/24.

Unfortunately this season he has not even been close to the same levels of performance with Trossard having beaten the ‘keeper on just four occasions in 28 matches. That simply isn’t good enough.

In truth, he has struggled to get going all campaign and there can be some excuses. It was the former Brighton man who Arteta initially turned to to fill the Odegaard void in the middle of the pitch when he was injured and on Tuesday, he played in an unfavoured role on the right wing.

Despite creating three key passes, the most of any Arsenal player barring Declan Rice, that didn’t tell the full story of a laboured performance that was given a 5/10 post-match player rating by Football.London’s Tom Canton. He wrote that Trossard ‘failed to make a meaningful impact on proceedings’.

Minutes played

59

Touches

41

Accurate passes

20/27 (74%)

Key passes

3

Accurate crosses

0/2

Duels won

3/4

Possession lost

11x

Shots on target

0

Shots blocked

2

Dribbles

0

Dragged off after just 59 minutes on the clock, he trudged to the bench having had only 41 touches of the ball, ultimately three fewer than goalkeeper David Raya. It also meant that he dismally gave away the ball every four touches, having lost possession 11 times.

The 30-year-old didn’t have a single shot on target, didn’t attempt any dribbles and was inaccurate with both of his crosses.

Putting it simply, the Belgium international isn’t good enough to start games and has to be replaced this January. He’s not fit to lace Isak’s boots, a player who Arsenal must throw the book at to bring to the Emirates in the summer.

Arsenal chasing dream Martinelli & Trossard upgrade all for just £46m

The exceptional talent would be an unreal signing for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 31, 2024

Australia conceded 21 runs in wides but their spinners did damage in the play possible

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jul-2022Legspinner Alana King took three wickets in an over but rain had the final say in the opening tri-series match against Pakistan in Bready with the game called off after eight overs.The contest had initially been trimmed to 19 overs per side due to a delayed start on a damp, grey day and after Pakistan made a promising start, reaching 29 without loss in three overs, wickets tumbled with spin doing most of the damage.Megan Schutt had made the first breakthrough, bending one back through Iram Javed, then Ashleigh Gardner twice skiddled deliveries through Bismah Maroof and Muneeba Ali.Related

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In what became the penultimate over of the match, King then earned three lbws in three legal balls, but they were broken up by a wide down the leg side. She removed Kainat Imtiaz, Ayesha Naseem and Aliya Riaz who could not combat King’s skiddy deliveries, although there appeared some doubt over the latter two decisions.All eight runs King conceded came from wides which was a pattern in Australia’s brief bowling display as they looked to shake off some rust in their first outing for more than three months. In all, Pakistan’s total of 56 included 21 from wides with Darcie Brown also struggling for line in her two overs.At the toss, Grace Harris had been named in Australia’s XI to fill in for the absent Jess Jonassen who tested positive for Covid before leaving for the tour. She is expected to be available for the latter two matches. Nicola Carey also found a place in the side but, as expected, Ellyse Perry was overlooked.The second game takes place on Sunday when Australia face hosts Ireland with the forecast looking a little more promising.

Weston McKennie is reportedly “closer than ever” to signing a new contract at Juventus, with the USMNT star ready to extend his spell in Turin.

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American moved to Turin in 2020Has 12 months left on current dealFresh terms will include pay riseFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international first linked up with the Bianconeri in 2020. He is now the longest-serving outfield player at the Allianz Stadium. Questions have been asked of his future across several transfer windows.

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A loan spell was taken in at Leeds in 2023, with a forgettable stint at Elland Road ending with relegation out of the Premier League being suffered. It was difficult at that point to see how he fitted back into the fold at Juventus.

DID YOU KNOW?

A succession of managers have, however, found a role for him. McKennie’s versatility has been put to good use, with the 26-year-old filling defensive and midfield berths. His value to the collective cause is now about to be recognised.

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According to , McKennie will agree an extension with the Serie A giants through to either 2028 or 2029. Said terms will include an improved salary. His current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2026.

Sri Lanka’s tremendous fightback unfolded against the backdrop of major anti-government protests in the country

Andrew McGlashan09-Jul-2022There needed to be no reminder of the bigger, and far more important, picture playing out in Sri Lanka but on a day of extraordinary scenes around the country the cricketers managed to focus on their task at hand and put together a tremendous fightback against Australia.It started by removing Australia’s last five wickets for 35 runs, left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya finishing with the second-best figures by a Sri Lankan on Test debut. Then captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis built a stand of 152 in 46 overs, Sri Lanka’s highest second-wicket partnership against Australia, before Karunaratne fell 14 runs short of a century to Mitchell Swepson. At the close, Kusal was within 16 of his second Test hundred against Australia.It all unfolded against the backdrop of major anti-government protests at the ongoing economic crisis in the country. Protesters in Galle were prevented from travelling to Colombo for the main rally as the government blocked public transport and fuel sales.Crowds quickly swelled and marched around the stadium before making their way to the iconic Galle Fort which had been closed to everyone following the forced removal of protesters during the opening Test. By the lunch interval, the protest had relocated outside the gates of the ground and during the afternoon session grew in size and noise.Australia have been very aware of the bigger picture throughout this tour and before play Pat Cummins posted a video on social media in association with UNICEF where he spoke to two young female cricketers about the impact of the crisis.On the field as the game continued, Sri Lanka turned the tables on Australia in a manner that had appeared unlikely. Taking the lottery out of the contest by producing a more even surface has, so far, worked although they will not want to concede a first-innings lead as batting last is still unlikely to be a comfortable task.Australia’s early breakthrough came courtesy of a brilliant catch in the gully by Cameron Green who leapt full-stretch to his left to grab Pathum Nissanka’s outside edge off Mitchell Starc. Karunaratne would have been run out on 18 if Starc’s throw from mid-on had hit and, in the final over before tea, was given a life when he toe-ended a full toss back towards Swepson who couldn’t get into position in his follow through.Prabath Jayasuriya continued his impressive debut•Getty ImagesBarring those moments, though, the stand was largely untroubled with Kusal especially serene. The first boundary of the innings had not come until the 15th over amid early pressure from Australia’s bowlers, but the pair were then quick to latch onto anything loose, of which there were a number of offerings from Swepson’s first spell and a slightly off-colour Nathan Lyon who struggled to consistently find the right length.There was much more work for the quicks (Green bowled for the first time in series) with Australia searching for the reverse swing which had been such a weapon in Pakistan but there wasn’t much on offer amid two ball changes. Cummins also went for a spell of short-pitched bowling, which would probably not have been Plan A or B for the captain after how the first Test played out.The half-centuries came at a comparable rate – Karunaratne 109 balls and Kusal 118 – and overall Sri Lanka scored at 3.61 during the final session as Australia struggled to replicate their early hold on the run rate. It was a return to Swepson that made the difference when, in his first over back, he skidded one into the pads of Karunaratne who knew he was gone but appeared to be talked into a wasted review. Karunaratne’s 86 was his best score against Australia, the country he has struggled most against, and just his third half-century in 19 innings.It was a much-changed scenario from the start of play. Australia had resumed on 298 for 5 and it appeared they were tracking well towards 400 as Steven Smith and Alex Carey extended their partnership to 77. However, after Carey top-edged a reverse sweep to be taken deep on the off side none of the lower order could stay with Smith for a substantial amount of time.That was soon followed by a superb catch at slip by Kusal to remove Starc, after an outside edge flew very quickly, which gave Jayasuriya his fifth wicket. In the end, Jayasuriya’s debut figures sat behind only fellow left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama’s 6 for 92 against Bangladesh last year.Smith largely tried to farm the strike with No. 11 Swepson for company but Sri Lanka were able to end things before it became too frustrating. The final wicket went to another debutant, Maheesh Theekshana, who opened his account by removing Swepson lbw when there was one ball of the over to survive, leaving Smith unbeaten on 145.

Former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling thinks the presence of Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could intimidate referees.

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Wrexham owners accused of intimidating refereesQuestions raised about match officials Welsh side face Wigan on SaturdayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Wrexham extended their lead over third-placed Wycombe to six points after registering a convincing 3-0 win over relegation-threatened Burton last weekend. The Brewers went a man down early in the game after Charlie Webster was shown a direct red card for a high tackle on George Dobson. Despite playing with 10 men, Burton successfully managed to keep a clean sheet until the 71st minute when Sam Smith was brought down by Burton goalkeeper Max Crocombe. Steven Fletcher converted the resulting spot-kick before Smith and Jack Marriott increased the team's tally.

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Ex-Soccer Saturday presenter Stelling, however, was not satisfied with the refereeing calls as he claimed that the match official might have been intimidated by the presence of Deadpool star and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds at the stadium.

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

Speaking on his show on , Stelling said: "Wrexham have strengthened their hold on second place, but I have to say, I wonder if when referees go to the Racecourse Ground, they are intimidated by the crowd and the fact that there are Hollywood stars everywhere.

"Burton Albion went there at the weekend, and Seb Stockbridge was the referee. He gave an early straight red to a Burton player that was never a red card. But worse, Burton then held on for 70 minutes, and he gave a penalty when the goalkeeper was collecting the ball, and a Wrexham forward clattered into him."

He added: "It was laughable and one of the worst decisions I've ever seen in football. I just wonder whether they get carried away with the whole environment."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

The Welsh club will be back in action in League One on Saturday as they take on Wigan Athletic in a crucial away fixture.

With Martin Dubravka reportedly on his way to Saudi Arabia, Newcastle United are reportedly keeping tabs on an instant replacement who is expected to leave his current club this year.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have burst into life at the perfect moment, leaving any early-season inconsistencies to push towards the Champions League places in the second half of what could yet prove to be a campaign full of success.

2025 could even be the year that they finally get their hands on silverware, having put one foot in the Carabao Cup final with a first-leg 2-0 defeat of Arsenal in their semi-final.

The January transfer window could yet boost their top-four chances even further, with names such as Antoine Semenyo once again mentioned among the transfer headlines in what may yet end with a move to St James’ Park this month.

Signing a partner for Alexander Isak and a replacement for Callum Wilson, who is set to leave as a free agent in the summer, would all but complete Eddie Howe’s frontline and leave the Magpies in their strongest position to fire on all cylinders. However, before attacking additions arrive, they must welcome a replacement for Dubravka.

3 in, 3 out? 6 players who could join or leave Newcastle United in January

Newcastle United will be looking to do some transfer business this month.

ByRoss Kilvington Jan 8, 2025

According to The Sun, Newcastle are keeping tabs on Aaron Ramsdale, who is expected to leave Southampton if they suffer relegation, despite the goalkeeper only arriving in the summer in a deal worth a reported £25m.

Given that the Saints currently sit as many as 10 points adrift of safety, Ramsdale’s departure is almost a certainty if he is indeed set on leaving in the event of relegation.

Newcastle could be an ideal move now that Nick Pope is 32 years old and arguably edging past the peak of his powers at St James’ Park.

"Phenomenal" Ramsdale must get back to best

It wasn’t so long ago that Ramsdale was Arsenal’s undisputed No 1 and part of a side hoping to seal Premier League glory. Two seasons later, he finds himself on the wrong end of a relegation battle likely to end in the drop.

Simply put, whilst Newcastle need to replace Dubravka, Ramsdale arguably needs the Magpies to swoop in more than ever.

At his best, the England international found himself at the centre of impressive praise from Arsenal legend David Seaman, who told reporters in 2023 (as relayed by One Football): “People forget he’s only 24. So that is amazing for me because I didn’t join Arsenal until I was 26 – what he’s doing now at 24 is just phenomenal. He’s making big saves all the time.

“There’s a confidence building in him and it is a calm confidence, because as a goalkeeper, you can’t be like flying here, there and everywhere and ranting and raving – although Peter Schmeichel made a good career doing that.”