Taylor, Charlesworth, Shaw keep Gloucestershire revival on track

Jack Taylor’s second fifty in three matches made it three wins in a row for Gloucestershire to spark hopes of retaining the Men’s Vitality Blast.Gloucestershire had begun their defence with five straight defeats but victories over Kent Spitfires, Hampshire Hawks and now Essex have given hope they can sneak back to finals day via the back door.Captain Taylor had dragged his side to a par score of 184 with 50, to go with Ben Charlesworth’s 47 not out, before Josh Shaw’s three for 29 made sure the Eagles fell 13 runs short.The 2019 champions Essex remain winless, with their only points coming from a wash-out. They can now only get a maximum of 22 points with fourth placed Glamorgan already on 20 points.For the third home match in a row, Simon Harmer chose to bowl first but it was Gloucestershire who edged the powerplay.They managed 58 runs, par for the first six overs at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, but lost Miles Hammond just about caught at slip by a juggling Paul Walter and Cam Bancroft attempting back-to-back sixes.But Essex demonstrably won the middle overs by holding the visitors to just four boundaries from the end of the seventh over to the start of the 16th.Darcy Short failing to kick on from reaching 33 and Ollie Price barbequing himself didn’t help their cause, but tight bowling closed off their scoring options.Taylor’s hard running dragged Gloucestershire back into the innings before his hard-hitting got them closer to a defendable score.Firstly, he took Matt Critchley for three fours in an over and then he carted Luc Benkenstein for two huge sixes – one of which smashed a press box window.It helped the Gloucestershire skipper reach his seventh T20 fifty in 34 balls.A wicket in each of the last three overs kept the away side to 184, with Mohammad Amir taking two of them to return three for 33, while Charlesworth’s useful 31-ball cameo left him unbeaten on 47.In the two previous games at Chelmsford, Essex had been set targets of 221 and 220 and it had quickly been apparent the chase would be above them.On this occasion, they stayed in the fight despite losing regular wickets. Michael Pepper and Jordan Cox each went big then got out in the powerplay, while Dean Elgar suffered a tortured nine balls in a half-hour spell in the middle.Paul Walter threatened to be the man to put Essex in complete control with a spritely 39 but he and Benkenstein fell in the same Charlesworth over leaving the hosts needing 82 in eight overs.Critchley and Charlie Allison clubbed 21 and 17 off the 14th and 15th overs, but then Critchley was bowled by Shaw as the momentum swung like a Newton’s cradle.But Harmer clothed to point, Allison holed out, Noah Thain picked on long on, and Amir was run out as the game fell out of Essex’s grasp as Gloucestershire squeezed at the death.

'Don't get too caught up in every innings' – Cummins urges Konstas to look at the big picture

Australia look set to be unchanged again in Jamaica despite Konstas’ struggles at the top of the order

Andrew McGlashan06-Jul-20251:36

Cummins heaps praise on ‘warrior’ Starc and ‘prolific’ Carey

Pat Cummins has urged Sam Konstas not to evaluate his own performances on an innings-by-innings basis as he tries to find his feet in Test cricket. But the 19-year-old needs a strong finish to the tour of the West Indies to avoid Australia’s opening role being clouded in uncertainty for the months ahead.Konstas followed scores of 3 and 5 in Barbados with 25 and 0 in Grenada. He had given himself a platform in the first innings before edging a drive. In the second, he dragged on against Jayden Seales when Australia’s openers only had a short period to bat at the end of the second day.He now averages 18.25 from four Tests and hasn’t passed 25 since his debut innings of 60 against India at the MCG. He is all-but assured of playing the final Test at Sabina Park in Jamaica – which as a day-night encounter will bring another set of challenges – but without a substantial score will be back among a pack of opening contenders for the Ashes during the early stages of the Australian domestic season.Related

Ashes Slashes: Broad gives 'muddled' Australia top three the thumbs down

'Small step forward' for Konstas but 'great opportunity' beckons for domestic batters

Starc, Hazlewood make quick work of West Indies to help Australia retain Frank Worrell Trophy

Carey keeps on keeping on as Australia's quiet achiever

Lights for Sabina Park day-night Test need final approval

“I think for anyone who’s starting out their Test career, you are kind of picked for a reason and you at your best we know is good enough,” Cummins said. “It’s just about concentrating on what makes you a really good player. For someone like a batter, it might be where you score, what tempo do you normally operate at [when at] your best. And just don’t get too caught up in every innings [feeling] like [it’s] the biggest thing in the world.”I think the stat is, even the best batters in the world don’t hit their average three out of four times or something like that. You’re going to fail more often than you’re going to succeed. So just as long as you’re a quick learner, as long as you’re moving well… and judge yourself after a series or so, not innings by innings.”

“I can’t fathom playing 100 games and keeping that kind of speed. He’s just a warrior. Turns up every week and wants to play no matter what”Pat Cummins on Mitchell Starc

Konstas does have a little experience playing pink-ball cricket, having scored a century for the Prime Minister’s XI against the Indians last season. But the Test at Sabina Park will bring elements of the unknown for everyone as it’s the first to be staged at the ground and will be played using a Dukes ball, which the teams have yet to get their hands on for practice.The new lights at the ground will only get ICC sign-off in the next couple of days and preparations for the match are running very tight to the start of the game. But all indications are that it will take place as planned.”We’ve been trying to get our hands on some [of the pink balls] but we haven’t got some yet. Hopefully they’re waiting for us in Jamaica,” Cummins said. “My experience in pink-ball [Tests] in Australia is you never quite know what you’re going to get. We’ve played a lot, but things can change really quickly so even when you feel like you’re on top things can change quite fast.”Sam Konstas fell for a four-ball duck•Associated PressCummins said he expected the incumbent fast bowlers to be good to back up in Jamaica given workloads have not been huge in the series. Mitchell Starc is set for his 100th Test.”He’s bowling 145kph at the end of that game,” Cummins said. “I can’t fathom playing 100 games and keeping that kind of speed. He’s just a warrior. Turns up every week and wants to play no matter what. Such a low fuss kind of guy. So all things going well it’ll be a great week for him.”The World Test Championship means there are no dead matches for those in the tournament, so despite having gone 2-0 up and retaining the Frank Worrell Trophy, it remains an important outing for Australia. But Cummins was able to reflect on securing the series by a convincing margin, although across the first two days of both Tests his team were challenged before pulling away.”Dream start really,” Cummins said. “Two from two, gets us into the cycle. Really pumped with how we bounced back after Lord’s a couple of weeks ago. It’s been a good couple of weeks.”

Pant bats with broken foot as India battle testing conditions

Archer dismissed Jadeja early on the second day before Washington and Thakur resisted

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jul-2025

Rishabh Pant walks out to bat despite his injured foot•Getty Images

Lunch Rishabh Pant batted with a broken foot as India put a premium on first-innings runs, pushing their total up to 321 for 6 at lunch on the second day in Manchester.England were upbeat when their captain Ben Stokes struck in the 102nd over to remove Shardul Thakur, who played a good hand, making 41 off 88. They would have thought they had a way into the tail. But it was Pant who came down the stairs, grabbing onto the railing, every step taken with extreme care. He had arrived at the ground in a moonboot. His courage was celebrated with applause ringing around Old Trafford.Jofra Archer had provided the perfect start to the day’s play for England when he dismissed Ravindra Jadeja in his first over. With the second new ball in hand, he and Chris Woakes created 12 wicket-taking opportunities in 12 overs but the ball would either just zip past the edge or take it and fall short of the cordon.Thakur and Washington Sundar did well to weather those close calls, putting the one that caused them trouble out of their mind to focus on the next. They built a 48-run partnership for the sixth wicket as India continued to show lower-order resilience, having bulked up that part of their game since the first Test at Headingley.A largely uneventful session was heading to a close until Pant decided to liven things up a bit. He looked in obvious discomfort, merely walking, and when he was hurried, hopping, through for his singles. A few minutes after he made the long walk out there, he had to make the long walk back as well with rain forcing an early lunch.

Every American League Playoff Contender's Biggest Weakness

In a season where no teams are on pace to finish with 100 wins, the playoff picture feels quite muddled considering there are just 11 days left in the regular season.

That's especially true in the American League, as none of the three division titles have been clinched yet and the three wild-card spots are still up for grabs. We've witnessed Aaron Judge steer the New York Yankees to the top of the AL East once again, the Seattle Mariners fumble away a big lead to their AL West bullies in the Houston Astros, and the Cleveland Guardians pull away in the AL Central under the leadership of new manager Stephen Vogt.

There will be a new team representing the American League in the World Series this year, as the defending champion Texas Rangers are all but officially eliminated from playoff contention. So, what could prevent each contender from emerging from the AL bracket? Let's dive into each contender's biggest weakness.

New York Yankees

Current playoff spot: AL East leader
Biggest weakness: Bullpen

Holmes’s penchant for blowing leads has left the Yankees bullpen in flux. / Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images

The Yankees' high-leverage bullpen arms have been a big concern all season. Former closer Clay Holmes was demoted from his ninth-inning role earlier this month and has blown a league-high 11 saves—including two since his transition to a setup role.

Luke Weaver, Tommy Kahnle, Ian Hamilton and Marcus Stroman have combined for five saves since Holmes's demotion, but the Yankees don't really have a go-to reliever to set the table for whoever gets the ninth inning. And they certainly can't trust Holmes at this point.

Cleveland Guardians

Current playoff spot: AL Central leader
Biggest weakness: Starting rotation

Cobb has only pitched three games since being acquired at the trade deadline, but he could play an important role in a diminished rotation. / Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images

The Guardians arguably boast the best bullpen in all of baseball thanks to another dominant season from All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, but the guys trying to get the game to the arm barn leave much to be desired. Cleveland's rotation ranks 24th in ERA (4.49) and 23rd in WHIP (1.32) this season, having scuffled amid injuries, poor performances, or both, from Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, Logan Allen and Carlos Carrasco.

Tanner Bibee should start the first game of a playoff series, but after that? Veterans Matthew Boyd and Alex Cobb, who last pitched on Sept. 1 and is still dealing with a right hand blister, have combined for 10 starts for Cleveland and yet are probably the best options.

Houston Astros

Current playoff spot: AL West leader
Biggest weakness: The Justin Verlander situation

Verlander has finally been showing his age this year. / Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Remember in May when everyone thought the Astros' dynasty was over? Houston is playing its best baseball at the right time, much to the chagrin of the rival Mariners.

The Astros are still a team nobody wants to face in the playoffs and could easily make their eighth straight ALCS appearance this fall. But a big question lingering in Houston is around three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander. Is there a spot for him in the playoff rotation?

Framber Valdez should start the opening game of any playoff series, and Hunter Brown has been fantastic since the All-Star break (2.33 ERA). The Astros also have won all eight games Yusei Kikuchi has pitched since he was acquired from Toronto at the trade deadline. Meanwhile, Verlander owns a 5.20 ERA in 15 starts this season and hasn't posted a single quality start since May.

Does first-year Astros manager Joe Espada roll with the hot hands in his rotation? Or does he give the ball to a future Hall of Famer and two-time World Series champion who consistently shows up in the spotlight?

Baltimore Orioles

Current playoff spot: First AL wild card
Biggest weakness: Slumping offense

Rutschman is one of many Orioles struggling at the plate as of late. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

An old baseball adage rings true for Baltimore: It's not who you play, it's when you play them. And right now, anyone playing the Orioles is having a pretty good time.

The O's have lost seven of their last 10 games and have failed to score more than three runs in all seven losses. Over the last 30 days, Baltimore ranks 29th in batting average (.204) and 28th in OPS (.624). The club's young, exciting core has struggled of late, as Adley Rutschman owns a .190/.289/.250 slash line over the last month and Jackson Holliday hasn't exactly secured himself a spot on the playoff roster.

Kansas City Royals

Current playoff spot: Second AL wild card
Biggest weakness: Bullpen

Erceg will likely be asked to carry K.C.’s bullpen in October. / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Bobby Witt Jr. is a problem. And he'll be a problem for whoever the Royals face in the wild-card round. But the bullpen is a problem for those employed at 1 Royal Way in Kansas City.

The Royals' relievers rank 23rd in ERA (4.42) and 25th in WHIP (1.38) this season. Trade-deadline acquisition Lucas Erceg has been mostly steady since being promoted to the ninth-inning role, converting eight of 10 save opportunities, but former closer James McArthur is the latest reliever to hit the injured list, following veterans Hunter Harvey, Will Smith and Chris Stratton. Manager Matt Quatraro is running out of reliable options to work with in the late innings.

Minnesota Twins

Current playoff spot: Tied for third AL wild card
Biggest weakness: Starting pitching

Richardson (78) is one of several youngsters Minnesota could tab for a playoff start. / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Twins' ownership followed up its most successful season in two decades last year by significantly slashing payroll—and now the club is paying for it.

There's really no trustworthy option in the rotation behind ace Pablo Lopez. Joe Ryan is out for the season, Bailey Ober has been inconsistent after a fantastic start to the year, and the Twins' trio of youngsters—David Festa, Simeon Woods Richardson and Zebby Matthews—are so hot and cold it's tough to predict which one they'll call upon for a Game 3 start.

The bullpen hasn't been good, either, over Minnesota's current 10–19 slump since Aug. 18. Add that to lingering injuries for stars Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa, and a lot has to go right for the Twins to even match last year's playoff success.

Detroit Tigers

Current playoff spot: Tied for third AL wild card
Biggest weakness: Inexperience

Riley Greene leads Tigers regulars with a 136 OPS+. / Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

To even be on this list in late September is quite the accomplishment for Detroit, which hasn't made the playoffs since 2014 or finished a season over .500 since '16. The Tigers find themselves in the mix after winning the most games (33) in the American League since the All-Star break.

Detroit, however, is a young team—the third-youngest roster in MLB. Just one of their nine regular starting hitters has more than two years of MLB service time, and Matt Vierling represents the most playoff experience among Tigers batters with 15 postseason plate appearances for Philadelphia in 2022.

The Tigers are likely still a year away. But if they surpass the Twins or Royals, the pitching staff—namely, AL Cy Young front-runner Tarik Skubal—could make some noise in the postseason.

Seattle Mariners

Current playoff spot: 2.5 GB of third AL wild card
Biggest weakness: Offense

Rodríguez’s struggles this season have been emblematic of Seattle’s lineup. / Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

The Mariners built a World Series-caliber rotation, as Luis Castillo, George Kirby and Logan Gilbert are about as good as it gets for a trio of starters. Unfortunately, their offense isn’t of the same pedigree.

Entering Thursday's game, the Mariners rank dead last in baseball in batting average (.221) and 25th in slugging percentage (.373). Julio Rodriguez, a preseason favorite to take home the AL MVP, is finally finding his swing in September, batting .310 with seven extra-base hits in 16 games. But will it be enough?

'It's so annoying!' – Andreas Christensen bites back at constant questions around fitness as Barcelona defender insists he's been fit all season

Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen lashed out at being constantly asked about his fitness as the Denmark international claimed that he has been fit all season. After spending the majority of the 2024-25 campaign on the sidelines due to serious concerns, Christensen has managed to accumulate just 342 minutes on the in the 10 matches he has played for the Catalan giants this season.

  • Christensen's injury crisis

    Until the 2024-25 season, Christensen was a key member of the Barcelona starting lineup, however, an Achilles tendon injury and muscle issues forced him to remain sidelined for the majority of the last campaign.  In the current campaign, the Danish defender has fallen down the pecking order behind Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo under Hansi Flick. He was ruled out for four games due to gastroenteritis but has otherwise been available for the Spanish champions.

  • Advertisement

  • Getty Images Sport

    Christensen frustrated with fitness queries

    Speaking to reporters, the 29-year-old said: "Before last season, there were hardly any questions about my fitness. But since then, there have been many. Now I'm back in competition, without getting injured. In fact, apart from illnesses I've been fit all season. So it's annoying, but I have to accept it. I'll keep my head held high and play, as I always have, except when I've been sick."

    He further claimed that he constantly keeps track of whatever is said about him in the media, as the centre-back added: "I think it's more difficult if you're a player and you follow a lot of news. But since I don't use social media and I almost never read the news in Denmark, luckily I don't see them. So for me it's not that difficult. But I imagine it must be incredibly stimulating and at the same time totally exhausting. Luckily, I don't mind staying out of it."

  • Ex-Chelsea defender wants new Barcelona deal

    Speaking to earlier this month, Christensen admitted that Barcelona had not yet approached him about an extension, as he said: "No, not really. I don't think so. I think we're in a good situation, and there's not really anything that can change anything I do in my everyday life. Of course, you want to have it in place and know what's happening. But it's not something that changes our mood during the days, or something we talk about 

    "Of course, we have desires, we all do, but it's not something I think about in my everyday life. I try to do what I can do on the pitch, and hopefully that's enough for me to stay there." Christensen also admitted that his agent will remain involved over future decisions. If there is something that needs to be done, he will, of course, do it. Of course, I would like to know what is happening, but I would rather focus on what I can do, and that is to do what I can do."

    He added: "Oh, no, I have no idea. Not yet. I'm just choosing to focus on being part of the team and playing as much as I possibly can. Hopefully that's how it ends up, but I'll have to take it as it comes, right now. Not at all. No plan B."

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

  • Getty Images Sport

    Will Barcelona offer a new deal to Christensen?

    As of now, there has been no indication that the Spanish champions would offer Christensen a new contract and with his limited role in the current campaign, it is possible that Barcelona could let him leave for free at the end of the season. Last month, Barca sporting director Deco had told : "We’re taking Andreas step by step. He had a spectacular first year. Then injuries have affected him quite a bit. We’ll see how he does this season and we’ll talk. He’s a great player. We don’t have to renew all the players in October either."

    Flick's men will be back in action after the international break on November 22 when they take on Athletic Club in a La Liga fixture at home. 

Leicestershire announce signings of Josh Davey and Jonny Tattersall

Seamer Davey and wicketkeeper Tattersall to join from Somerset and Yorkshire respectively

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Aug-2025

Davey had a brief loan spell at Leicestershire in 2023•Getty Images

Leicestershire have confirmed the double signing of Josh Davey and Jonny Tattersall on three-year deals.Davey, who will depart Somerset, and Yorkshire’s Tattersall will officially join the club on November 1 following the expiry of their current contracts. ESPNcricinfo understands allrounder Ben Green will also be joining his county team-mate Davey in swapping Taunton for Grace Road, having spent time on loan there over the last two summers. Both Davey and Green turned down extensions to remain at Somerset.The acquisitions of Davey, 35, and Tattersall, 30, will add experience to an exciting young Leicestershire squad that are on the verge of a return to Division One for the first time since the club’s relegation in 2003.Related

Flying Foxes end Lord's drought to extend lead at the top

Singh Dale signs for Lancashire, Milnes heading back to Kent

Gloucestershire bring in Will Williams from Lancashire

Durham sign Aldridge and Bailey as Killeen heads to Essex

An international seamer with 62 caps for Scotland and appearances at two T20 World Cups, Davey has 214 first-class wickets at 24.25, along with 128 at 25.90 in List A cricket and 116 at 21.77 in T20. He has also spent this summer moonlighting as an opening batter for Somerset, and is familiar with Grace Road after a brief loan stint during the 2023 season.”I spoke to Fons [Alfonso Thomas] and Claude [Henderson], and it was clear they’ve got a collective vision for elevating the club to the next level,” Davey said in a statement via the Leicestershire website. “It’s going to be a very exciting place to be over the next three years.”I think it’s starting to shape into a competitive team. There’s a lot of talent in the squad and I hope to supplement that with the experience I’ve gained across all three formats over the last 15 years.”I met a lot of the guys during my loan here in 2023, and I loved the environment. Since then, the likes of Ben Green, Lewis Goldsworthy and Josh Thomas have all been and they have only come back saying positive things, which obviously helped steer my decision. Hopefully I can help to establish Leicestershire in the first division and look to push for some silverware. I believe we can become a real force in all three competitions over the next few years.”Jonny Tattersall captained Yorkshire to promotion last year•Getty Images

The addition of Tattersall, a keeper-batter, covers for the loss of Harry Swindells, who was forced to retire through injury last month.After debuting for Yorkshire in 2013, Tattersall went on to make 155 appearances for the club. His proudest moment came last season when he captained the county to a return to Division One, an ever-present throughout the 2024 summer, averaging 40.18 and affecting 29 dismissals.One of his two centuries last term came away at Leicestershire in September, leading to an innings victory that took Yorkshire into the promotion spots with two rounds to play. However, it was announced by Yorkshire earlier this month that he would be leaving at the end of the season.”Leicestershire is a club that has some great history behind it and has built a team that seems to be going places,” Tattersall said. “I can see a real purpose and a focus within the group with what they’re looking to achieve over the next few years, so it’s incredibly exciting to be asked to play a part in that journey.”Hopefully, I can bring experience of first division cricket and help guide a few younger lads in what that experience is like, as well as produce quality performances myself.”I’ll put in everything I’ve got to take my game to the next level and help Leicestershire win matches. Hopefully that will result in some more trophies.”Speaking on both signings, director of cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “Josh is a high-calibre operator that will offer a lot to the team in both red-ball and white-ball cricket. We know his character well and have no doubt he will be a great fit for Leicestershire. As a senior player with extensive Division One experience, his voice and all-round abilities will be a great addition to our changing room.”Jonny’s character, leadership skills and all-round cricket abilities are hugely impressive. He will bring vast experience to our changing room and further depth to our batting department, which will make him a significant asset to our squad.”

Aline Milene lamenta derrota do São Paulo na final do Paulistão, mas enaltece campanha: 'Linda trajetória'

MatériaMais Notícias

A meia Aline Milene lamentou a derrota do São Paulo por 4 a 1 diante do Corinthians na final do Paulistão Feminino. As Soberanas venceram o duelo de ida por 2 a 1, mas forram superadas na Neo Química Arena e ficaram com o vice-campeonato estadual. A camisa 7, no entanto, enalteceu a campanha do Tricolor e reafirmou o desejo em continuar fazendo parte da história do clube.

RelacionadasCorinthiansCorinthians goleia o São Paulo e é campeão do Paulistão FemininoCorinthians26/11/2023São PauloTranquilo no Brasileirão? São Paulo ainda luta por bolada milionária no campeonatoSão Paulo26/11/2023São PauloSão Paulo x Cuiabá: onde assistir ao vivo, horário e prováveis escalações do jogo pelo BrasileirãoSão Paulo25/11/2023

+ Corinthians goleia o São Paulo e é campeão do Paulistão Feminino

– É difícil jogar contra o Corinthians, todo mundo sabe disso, é uma grande equipe com um projeto muito vencedor. Mas o que fica é a linda trajetória que a gente criou. Estou triste, é fato, difícil falar… Agora é colocar a cabeça no lugar – disse Aline.

– Ser vice, chegar na final vale muito também, precisamos ter noção de tudo que a gente superou. Fico feliz e triste ao mesmo tempo. Estou feliz em ver que o São Paulo está chegando e quero continuar fazendo parte dessa história – acrescentou.

Apesar do ano sem títulos, a meia-campista tricolor pregou confiança no novo trabalho do técnico Thiago Viana. A atleta confirmou que fica no elenco para o ano que vem e projetou a disputa por títulos na próxima temporada.

– A gente vem crescendo, é um trabalho novo e com certeza terá frutos. Devem manter a base da equipe, eu continuo (para o ano que vem). Vamos lutar tanto no Brasileiro quanto no Paulista – concluiu.

+ Tranquilo no Brasileirão? São Paulo ainda luta por bolada milionária no campeonato

Com a derrota, as Soberanas seguem sem conquistar nenhum título desde 2019, quando a diretoria são-paulina retomou as atividades do futebol feminino do clube. Vice-campeão, a premiação do Tricolor será de R$ 500 mil.

Freddie Freeman's Backup Plan If Baseball Didn't Work Out Will Make You Laugh

Freddie Freeman definitely chose the right career path. He is now a two-time World Series winner, a World Series MVP and a NL MVP, just to name a few of his accomplishments.

But, before baseball, Freeman had another career dream: working as a CPA.

The Los Angeles Dodgers star told Jason and Travis Kelce this secret past dream of his when speaking on recently. The elder Kelce brother didn't believe him.

"Time out, nobody wants to be a CPA. What are you talking about? You wanted to do taxes?" Jason Kelce said.

Freeman explained that this career idea was sparked by the fact that his dad and uncle ran a CPA business together.

"I wanted to be a CPA. I know it sounds crazy, but I was going to be doing your taxes, you guys," Freeman said, although he admitted he doesn't do his own taxes now.

MLB fans are glad he didn't go down this path and instead stuck with baseball.

Spurs have signed a frightening young talent who can end Kolo Muani's stay

Tottenham Hotspur have some painful attacking teething problems under Thomas Frank. Everything is relative, and there are variables at play, but the struggle to impress on the playmaking front is becoming an unwelcome narrative for the club this season.

But that aside, there is also the sense that purses may need to be pulled out for a new centre-forward in 2026. It feels like Richarlison’s days are numbered at number nine, and Dominic Solanke hasn’t fared all that well since his £55m move from Bournemouth last year, too often injured and too often unconvincing.

Both strikers are 28 years old, and while service has proved thin in recent months, Tottenham will need to consider their options in January.

There is another solution, of course. Randal Kolo Muani appears to have replaced Richarlison as Frank’s first-choice frontman, having started two games in a row in the Premier League.

But, unless a formula is discovered to support him, the Frenchman’s season-long loan spell is going to be a forgettable one.

Randal Kolo Muani's opportunity to shine

Tottenham have more than their share of issues at the moment. It’s an interesting one. They are more stable with Frank at the helm, competitive at the upper end of the Premier League and unbeaten on their return to the Champions League, three games in.

But we cannot ignore the depletion of creativity that has left things feeling rather pedestrian, and even with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined since the start of the campaign and a distance away from returning, there is much to improve upon down N17.

Kolo Muani has not scored or assisted across his six outings in a Spurs shirt so far, and the 26-year-old may well feel somewhat aggrieved by the lack of service that came his way against Chelsea, taking only 16 touches across 76 minutes of action, creating a chance and getting stuck in but failing to unleash a single shot (as per Sofascore).

One content creator acknowledged the Les Bleus star for his exciting, progressive efforts when on the ball. However, such efforts were, as stated, few and far between, and he said it “must be absolutely horrible playing up front for this team”.

Premier League 25/26 – xG Leaders

Club

Goals Scored

xG

(1) Crystal Palace

13

18.2

(2) Man City

18

17.8

(3) Man United

15

17.5

(4) Chelsea

18

17.1

(5) Arsenal

18

16.9

(=5) Liverpool

18

16.9

(15) Tottenham

16

10.1

Data via FBref

Tottenham don’t create enough chances, and this is impeding Kolo Muani in his desire to get going in white. However, given that he’s only here for the season, it’s unlikely a permanent deal would be explored if things continue as they are.

Especially when the Lilywhites have an exciting up-and-comer making his way toward the surface.

The Spurs talent who could end Kolo Muani's stay

Tottenham have long boasted one of the most efficient production lines in Europe, and Mason Melia is set to make his way as the latest in this long line of hopefuls.

However, while the pathway from youth to professional football is long and treacherous, Melia is regarded as a rising star with the potential to nail down a place under Frank’s wing, with The Athletic’s Connor O’Neill saying he’s “easily the best young talent I have seen in the League of Ireland”.

The 18-year-old striker has already played 98 senior matches for St. Patrick’s Athletic, scoring 25 goals and registering eight assists. Across the 2024/25 campaign, he posted 14 goals and four assists. As a Republic of Ireland U21 international, he has bagged three goals from just four caps so far.

Both confident in front of goal and athletic enough to drive into the danger area himself, not reliant on his creative teammates, Melia could provide a tonic to Spurs’ current tactical pecadillos, lacking as they are in attack.

He is very young, of course, and could hardly be expected to waltz in and prove an instant upgrade on an established European star like Kolo Muani, but Harry Kane proved in the past that a young striker stands a chance of succeeding where senior peers fail.

Tottenham signed the teenager earlier in 2025 for a record-breaking £3m fee, making him the most expensive footballer to leave Ireland’s top flight. However, he has yet to wear the Spurs shirt in a professional capacity, having agreed to leave his homeland in January 2026.

St. Pat’s’ Young Player of the Year last season, he is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in Irish football, with his touch and speed and awareness in the final third all suggesting he has the bearing of a Premier League-level striker.

Given the paucity of reliable options in the final third at Tottenham right now, and with Richarlison among those slated to leave next year, Melia could find himself fast-tracked under Frank’s wing, earning regular opportunities in the first team and potentially even outperforming someone like Kolo Muani, who must continue adapting to the English game himself.

Tottenham might need to play the waiting game for now, but with Melia set to arrive in just a few months, he may find himself earning a string of opportunities before the end of the campaign.

And should he impress as if talent suggests is within his capacity, then it’s hardly out of the question to imagine that Melia could be leading the line in the not-too-distant future.

Not just Simons: Spurs dud is becoming one of their worst-ever signings

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have got it all wrong with the addition of one first-team member.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 3, 2025

Leeds have another Ampadu brewing & Farke thinks he's "very talented"

It has not been the start to the season that Leeds United might have hoped for. Daniel Farke’s side picked up some points early on, but they have soon been sucked into a relegation battle.

The Whites have won just one of their last five games.

Despite the poor form, the Leeds head coach has seemingly settled on his first-choice midfield. Sean Longstaff has been one of their key creative components and is currently creating an average of 2.3 chances per 90 minutes. Summer signing Anton Stach has featured in all ten Premier League games, too.

However, it is Ethan Ampadu who has arguably been the key man in midfield

What makes Ampadu so important for Leeds

Since moving to Elland Road back in 2023, Wales international Ampadu has become a key player for Leeds. There is certainly a strong argument to suggest that he is Farke’s most trusted player in their squad.

Indeed, the Chelsea academy star has played eight times in the Premier League this season, missing two games at the beginning of the campaign due to injury. Of those eight appearances, he’s played 90 minutes six times.

The 25-year-old has operated at the base of the midfield this season, forming that trio with Stach and Longstaff. However, part of what makes him so crucial for the Whites is his versatility.

Ampadu can also play at centre-back, offering excellent flexibility to Farke should he wish to change shape during a game.

It is not just versatility that makes Ampadu so important to this Leeds side, but also his leadership, which has previously been described as “impressive” by the manager.

As club captain, Ampadu guided Leeds to promotion last season and has skippered them in all eight top-flight games he’s played in 2025/26.

Interestingly, Leeds might have their homegrown version of Ampadu shining in the academy.

Leeds could have a homegrown Ampadu

Not only is Ampadu an exceptional footballer, but the versatility he possesses and the leadership qualities he brings to the squad make him a huge part of the Leeds project under Farke.

In The Pipeline

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

Well, it is exciting that the Whites could be replicating that, in the form of Alfie Cresswell. The 18-year-old has shone for the academy side at Elland Road this season and is certainly showing similarities to Ampadu.

One of those is the versatility he offers to the Leeds under-23s. This term, Cresswell has operated as a number six more often than not. He’s impressed in that role, too, scoring four times in nine appearances.

However, like the Leeds first-team skipper, Cresswell can operate in defence, too.

In fact, that is a role he’s played more often than not for Leeds’ academy sides, 26 of his appearances coming from centre-back.

Cresswell stats by position for Leeds academy

Position

Games

G/A

Centre-back

26

3

Defensive midfield

22

7

Right-back

6

1

Central midfield

2

0

Right midfield

1

0

Stats from Transfermarkt

It is already easy to see the comparison between Ampadu and Cresswell. Having that level of versatility certainly increases his chances of a first-team opportunity, because Farke can rely on him in different positions. In fact, the youngster has already trained with the senior side at Leeds.

The similarities between Ampadu and Cresswell, whose brother Charlie and dad Richard have played for the club, do not stop there. The 18-year-old has also captained Leeds’ academy side, doing so six times this term.

His leadership is something that has stood out to arguably the most important person, Farke. The Leeds manager has complimented Cresswell for having “brilliant character,” which is certainly something you need to become a successful skipper, while suggesting he could be an example of saving the club from having to dip into the market.

It really does feel like the Whites are brewing the heir to Amapadu’s thrown in the academy. His profile is identical to Leeds’ number four, being a versatile defender who has played as a number six this term and captained the side.

It will be fascinating to see how Cresswell’s career develops from here, and if there are going to be any first-team opportunities in a matchday squad this season.

Farke can unearth his next Okafor by unleashing "explosive" Leeds star

Leeds United may have their next version of Noah Okafor in this rarely-seen star.

ByDan Emery Nov 7, 2025

Game
Register
Service
Bonus