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It has not been easy for Everton to find a suitable replacement for Anthony Gordon. The former Toffees star was once the jewel in the crown on the Blue side of Merseyside, but after forcing through a move to Newcastle United in January 2023 for £45m, he burnt the bridges he’d built.

However, Gordon’s time at Goodison Park was a fruitful one, where he showed great promise before his move to the North East. He scored seven times and assisted eight in 78 appearances for his boyhood club, after properly breaking into the first team in 2019/20.

It took the Toffees a while to find a marquee replacement on the left wing, but in Jack Grealish, they may have landed on the perfect player.

Grealish’s stunning start at Everton

After falling out of favour at Manchester City in the last 12 months or so, it was time for Grealish to depart the club for pastures anew. His start to life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium has been simply exceptional.

The England international has only made four appearances in that famous Blue shirt, but you can already see the sort of impact he will have on the club. He’s assisted four goals already, with two each in Premier League games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Grealish played a huge part in the first competitive goal at the Toffees’ new stadium, when he set up Iliman Ndiaye to score against the Seagulls. It was a smart piece of skill from the new Everton number 18, who managed to create space for himself and whip in a pinpoint cross.

The reaction to Grealish’s start as an Everton player has been nothing but positive. Manager David Moyes said the forward is “he’s better than I thought he was”, highlighting the real impact Grealish has made already.

It is fair to say that the England international is finally proving to be the perfect replacement for Gordon after over two years. Yet, the Toffees may have sold someone long before, who is playing like both forwards.

Alex Iwobi is now shining away from Everton

So, with Gordon now plying his trade up in the North East, and Grealish enjoying his new lease of life on Merseyside, it seems like that issue is in the past. Yet, Toffees fans may look back on a player who could have slotted into their attack and wish they’d kept him.

Described as a “world-class” operator with the ball at his feet by Statman Dave, Alex Iwobi, once of Everton, is now thriving in West London for Fulham. The versatile attacker has shone under Marco Silva, just as he once did in that famous Blue shirt.

In total, the Nigerian international played 140 times for Everton, operating on both wings and as a number ten. He contributed to nine goals and 17 assists, with his final campaign on Merseyside yielding ten Premier League goal involvements.

Since his £22m move to Craven Cottage in 2023, the versatile attacker has played 81 times for the club. In that time, he’s bagged 15 goals and assisted nine, and produced an impressive 15 goals and assists last season.

The former Arsenal academy star was putting up similar numbers to Grealish and Gordon in 2024/25, while operating in that left channel, with the latter duo noted to be statistically similar players to him in the Premier League, as per FBref.

For example, Iwobi averaged 6.44 progressive passes each game. In comparison, Grealish averaged 6.5 progressive passes and Gordon far less, with just 3.63 per 90 minutes. There are several other standout numbers, too.

Goals and assists

0.45

0.25

0.41

Progressive passes

6.44

6.5

3.63

Goal-creating actions

0.48

0.25

0.44

Carries into final third

3.17

2.88

3.3

Ball recoveries

4.23

3.25

3.59

Last term’s efforts were certainly impressive from Iwobi, who has seemingly gone from strength to strength after his move back to London. It seems like, with those stats, the former Arsenal academy star could have been a key player under Moyes.

Although life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium is good for the moment, perhaps Toffees fans wish they had never lost a talent like Iwobi, who could have been a vital part of the side.

Silva sold "world-class" Everton star, now he's worth more than Grealish

Everton must rue letting this top star go, who is now worth more than new Toffees ace Jack Grealish.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 2, 2025

Barcelona’s decision to recall Diego Kochen, bringing him in as backup to Wojciech Szczęsny after No. 2 Joan García’s injury, prompted U.S. Soccer to make a late change to its FIFA U20 World Cup roster. The Blaugrana are also without Marc-André ter Stegen, who is dealing with a long-term injury. Brøndby’s Gavin Beavers has been called in as his replacement.

Missing major international opportunity

The 19-year-old Kochen, who has been developing with Barcelona's youth system since 2018, had initially been released by the Spanish giants to participate in the prestigious youth tournament. However, with the Catalan club facing an injury crisis at goalkeeper, it had no choice but the bring in its No. 3 keeper.

This represents a setback for Kochen, who would have been the presumed starter for the American side after establishing himself as one of the top goalkeeper prospects in the U.S. youth system.

AdvertisementFIFA regulations permit replacement

The switch was made possible through FIFA's tournament regulations, which specifically allow for player replacements when clubs withdraw previously granted releases. U.S. Soccer confirmed that while Kochen had initially received clearance to participate, FIFA approved the emergency roster change after Barcelona's recall decision.

Beavers recently made his first league appearance for Brøndby after previously playing for Real Salt Lake. The 20-year-old has made 40 league appearances between USL, MLS NEXT Pro, MLS and the Superliga. 

Updated U.S. roster

GOALKEEPERS (3): 1-Gavin Beavers, 12-Adam Beaudry, 21-Duran Ferree

DEFENDERS (7): 2-Reed Baker-Whiting, 18-Luca Bombino, 5-Noah Cobb, 16-Ethan Kohler, 3-Nolan Norris, 17-Francis Westfield, 4-Joshua Wynder

MIDFIELDERS (6): 19-Matthew Corcoran, 8-Benjamin Cremaschi, 14-Taha Habroune, 6-Brooklyn Raines, 15-Pedro Soma, 10-Niko Tsakiris

FORWARDS (5): 11-Luke Brennan, 7-Cole Campbell, 20-Zavier Gozo, 13-Peyton Miller, 9-Marcos Zambrano

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AFPImmediate challenge for adjusted squad

The U.S. open the 2025 U20 World Cup on Monday against New Caledonia, followed by matches against tournament favorites France on Oct. 2 and South Africa on Oct. 5. All three Group E matches will be played at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, Chile.

Jamie Carragher admits that Liverpool are missing Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Reds' class of 2025-26 yet to click into gear. Arne Slot spent heavily during the summer transfer window, with record-shattering deals being completed for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. They are yet to settle in new surroundings, with the Premier League title holders considered to be missing creative and attacking sparks.

Faultless start ended after huge summer spending spree

Slot’s side did open the 2025-26 season in faultless fashion, with a flurry of late goals allowing priceless points to be picked up at home and abroad. Liverpool were not entirely convincing, though, and they have now suffered back-to-back defeats against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray in domestic and Champions League competition.

Dutch coach Slot has taken to getting creative with his selections at times, delivering a mixed bag of results and performances, with the Reds still ironing out flaws in a new-look side. German playmaker Wirtz, who cost £116 million ($156m), is waiting on his first goal contribution – with the talented 22-year-old yet to deliver on lofty expectations. He is being charged with the task of picking holes in opposition defences and making Liverpool more fluid when operating on the front foot.

AdvertisementGettyHow much do Liverpool miss Alexander-Arnold?

Carragher believes Alexander-Arnold is proving to be a big miss in that process, with the Merseyside native having stepped out of his comfort zone when running his contract down and linking up with Real Madrid. Reds legend Carragher wrote in his column for : "It sounds odd to say it, but Wirtz was signed to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold – a No 10 to provide the passing range and creativity of a unique full-back. He is yet to add what Liverpool are missing without Alexander-Arnold, while at the same time the team has lost the intensity which made them so difficult to play against. It means Slot has a dilemma as he tries to defend the title going through a transitional phase that might take longer than many thought. He must decide whether to regroup and temporarily revert to the strategy of last season, accommodating Wirtz in a different role or leaving him out entirely until he is up to speed with English football.

"Or he might persist with his vision believing more short-term pain might be necessary until it clicks. The latter would be dangerous because even with all the credit in the bank from his title win, there is immense pressure to keep winning, especially when you have spent a combined £230m on two players who are supposed to be ready-made to take a championship-winning side to the next level. Slot excelled by moulding Klopp’s signings into a better team. Now he has to repeat the trick with his own recruits."

Why Liverpool wobble is a good thing

Carragher is not overly concerned about Liverpool’s recent wobble, with it important for them to come through some testing times in order to prove their worth as defending champions. He went on to say: "Part of me is worried by how Liverpool have played so far. Another part of me is excited and reassured. It is exciting because I am looking forward to seeing how Slot goes about making the necessary adjustments and improvements. It is reassuring because creating and maintaining a winning team has to require much more than signing huge cheques, otherwise the chasing pack might as well give up. You need to build connections, and dedicate hours on the training pitch to ensure everyone knows what is demanded with and without the ball so the balance is right.

"Liverpool spent nearly £450m on new players over the summer, regardless of how much they recouped via sales. For the greater good of English football, it would have been disheartening had that level of investment led to instant brilliance. Just like Chelsea have discovered after spending £1.5bn over the past three years, there should be no shortcuts to success."

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(C)GOALLiverpool fixtures: Chelsea test for the Reds

Liverpool, who have seen their lead at the top of the Premier League table cut to two points by Arsenal, will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to Chelsea. That contest will take them into the next international break, with the likes of Wirtz and Isak preparing to head off with their respective countries.

“…at CSK you can’t complain, it’s one franchise where they’ve been preparing pitches according to their strengths,” Pujara said

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Mar-20252:54

How did CSK lose a home game by such a big margin?

Cheteshwar Pujara, former Chennai Super Kings player, is “quite surprised” at Stephen Fleming’s remark that they’ve been offered “no home advantage” at Chepauk. That said, Pujara felt Friday’s surface for the game between CSK and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) offered more help for spinners in the second innings, while the ball “skidded on a bit more” in the first half while CSK bowled.”It is [surprising] because at CSK you can’t complain, it’s one franchise where they’ve been preparing pitches according to their strengths,” Pujara said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut after RCB handed CSK their biggest home defeat, by 50 runs, to make it two wins in two. “You should [use home advantage]; if he’s saying that [there is no home advantage] they don’t have a say, then I’m quite surprised.”If you speak about MI, CSK, KKR – I don’t think that’s the case [them not getting pitches they ask for]. Any other franchise, I can still understand. Those [three] franchises make sure they get what they want. Their strength has been when they play at home.”Related

Fleming: 'No home advantage at Chepauk'

Stats – RCB end 17-year Chennai jinx against CSK

Spellbinding Hazlewood and RCB conquer Chepauk and CSK

One of the big talking points in CSK’s chase was their tactic of batting Sam Curran ahead of Shivam Dube, and R Ashwin ahead of MS Dhoni, who came in at No. 9 with the chase seemingly dead, with CSK needing 98 off 28. Dhoni finished with 30 off 16, thanks mainly to the 16 runs (two sixes and a four) he hit off Krunal Pandya in the final over with CSK needing 67.”There is a lot of concern [in the batting line-up outside of Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad] because their middle order will have to click at some point,” Pujara said. “They will have to start scoring runs quickly. They rely heavily on their middle order.”Yes, their top order is their strength, but when they don’t perform well that’s the time the middle order has to step up, it doesn’t look like they’re completely ready for it. It looks like they’ll need better surfaces to get back into form and when they start playing at home again, they’ll be able to perform well.”Pujara felt more than the loss, it was CSK’s manner of defeat that was hurtful. “There’s a lot to learn for CSK,” he said. “I’ve been part of the franchise. If you’re a CSK fan, you’d really be disappointed today. You tend to lose, but the way they lost this game will put a lot of dents in the dressing room.”‘Conway for Curran and Dube batting higher’Nick Knight, the former England opener, felt CSK have tried to fix something that wasn’t broken by separating a “tried-and-tested” opening pair in Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway. Gaikwad has batted at No. 3 in the first two matches, with Rahul Tripathi opening with Rachin Ravindra. In both games so far, Gaikwad has come out to bat in the second over.2:12

Fleming: We haven’t been able to read the Chepauk pitches

“In my top order, I’d have Devon Conway. I’m surprised he’s not playing,” Knight said. “I’d play both of them [Conway and Rachin]. I’m going to leave Sam Curran out. I just feel that Gaikwad and Conway at the top is tried and tested. I’m not saying it’s right by any means, but when you look at it – Conway has a terrific record.”Rachin can bat at No. 3, more than capable. And you work down from there. The only thing about that is Dhoni may have to bat at No. 7, which he’s sometimes reluctant to do, sometimes wants to bat lower than that. He’s made 30 of 16, effected a brilliant stumping, I’d encourage them to get him to No. 7.”The other aspect to CSK’s batting Knight felt needed an immediate rethink was Dube’s role. On Friday, Dube came in at No. 6, below Curran and made 19 off 15. Dube has shown a propensity to takedown spin – he strikes at 169.71 against this variety since IPL 2023. This facet was one of their X factors during CSK’s run to the title in 2023.”Why was Dube not batting higher? I was stunned when he came out ahead of Curran,” Knight said. “They were so far behind the game at that point, they needed something to get them impetus, energy in their run chase and Dube was just held back. I saw him smash the England attack a couple of month ago [in a T20I series], coming in as a replacement player.”If that guy can’t do that in this tournament, I must be seeing things slightly different. For me, Dube could be the man to take this opportunity and boss the middle overs, and boss the middle section of that innings and take his game forward and take the team forward. If you go Conway, Gaikwad, Ravindra, Hooda, Dube, Jadeja, Dhoni – that’s a decent line-up.”

After a few years away, Chelsea are finally back in Champions League action tonight.

It won’t be an easy reintroduction to Europe’s premier competition, though, as Enzo Maresca’s Conference League winners will be taking on Bayern Munich.

The German champions are stacked with incredible players in every position, but the one the Blues have to be most wary of is undoubtedly Harry Kane.

The England captain has the ability to take games away from teams, although Chelsea have a superstar of their own, someone who could well outshine Kane.

Chelsea's record against Bayern Munich

Despite both Bayern and Chelsea being two of the biggest clubs in European football and consistently competing for the top prizes in recent decades, they’ve only played one another in five competitive games.

The first was back in the 2004/05 season, in which the Baverians travelled to West London for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, a game the hosts won 4-2, which was then followed by a 3-2 win for the German giants in the second leg.

However, the most famous meeting between the two institutions came just over 13 years ago, when Roberto Di Matteo’s side managed to beat the odds and claim their first Champions League title by beating Jupp Heynckes’ men 4-3 on penalties.

It was in that game that Didier Drogba scored his most famous goal for the Blues, and Petr Čech played a crucial role by saving a penalty from Arjen Robben in extra time.

Unfortunately, FC Hollywood have had the upper hand in the two games since that incredible final.

They demolished Frank Lampard’s side 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their round-of-16 clash in February 2020, and then completed the job with a 4-1 win when the competition resumed that August after the first lockdown.

In all, while Bayern have won most of their encounters, Chelsea fans wouldn’t swap their records thanks to that famous night in Munich. Although with that said, Maresca will be looking to improve that record tonight, and so long as he starts the player who could upstage Kane, then there is every chance he will.

Chelsea star could outshine Kane

While they’ve received plenty of criticism for their transfer strategy over the years, Chelsea now have a team packed with brilliant players.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The likes of Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernández could get into most top teams around Europe, but without a doubt, the Blues’ best player is Cole Palmer.

The former Manchester City gem is the definition of a game-changer, and should he be on song against Bayern, there is every chance he could outshine Kane.

While the England captain is that bit more prolific a goalscorer, almost everything good the West Londoners do goes through their dazzling number ten, so much so that GOAL’s Sean Walsh once suggested that he is “Lampard, Drogba & Hazard all in one”, combining the best attributes of three Stamford Bridge legends.

Rather unsurprising, Chelsea’s fortunes changed for the better when he came on at the weekend, entering the fray on Saturday in the 56th minute and just five minutes later scoring the equalising goal for his side.

It was hardly a surprise, though, as in 99 appearances for the Pensioners, totalling 7984 minutes, the “generational talent,” as dubbed by journalist Scott Bradley, has scored 44 goals and provided 29 assists.

In other words, the 23-year-old has maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.35 games, or every 109.36 minutes, which is frankly absurd.

Appearances

99

Minutes

7984′

Goals

44

Assists

29

Goal Involvements per Match

0.73

Minutes per Goal Involvements

109.36′

Moreover, he proved himself to be a big-game player at the Club World Cup, scoring two goals in the final against a heavily favoured Paris Saint-Germain.

Ultimately, while Bayern will be the favourites, Chelsea have every chance of coming away with all three points tomorrow night, especially if Palmer starts and is on song.

"It's on you" – Redknapp criticises £40m Chelsea star after Brentford draw

The Sky Sports presenter slammed one Chelsea player after the 2-2 draw against Brentford.

ByDominic Lund Sep 15, 2025

An assistant to the agent of striker Viktor Gyokeres has revealed that Manchester United agreed a higher fee than what Arsenal paid for the Swedish hitman. The Gunners won the race to sign Gyokeres earlier this year having been linked with the former Sporting striker and now-United star Benjamin Sesko. However, Sporting would have preferred to sell to United, who offered more for the player than Arsenal.

Getty Images SportGyokeres turned down Amorim reunion

Arsenal won the race for Gyokeres, who went on strike to force through a move to the Emirates in the summer transfer window. The Gunners agreed a reported £64 million fee with Sporting for the powerhouse Sweden international, who scored 39 league goals last season.

Many felt Gyokeres would opt for a move to Old Trafford, where he'd have reunited with former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim. The 27-year-old, though, favoured a move to the capital, turning down the opportunity to link up with the Portuguese boss once more and moving to the Gunners. 

Meanwhile, Manchester United ended up splashing out £74m to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig instead, adding the forward to the squad along with fellow new attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

Advertisement'United offered a higher transfer fee'

Jonathan Chalkias, an assistant to Gyokeres' agent Hasan Cetinkaya, has now claimed that Sporting would have preferred to sell the forward to United, claiming that the Premier League powerhouse had agreed to pay over the odds for the former Coventry man.

"There were crazy amounts offered from Saudi Arabia. We're supposed to act in our best interest," Chalkias told the Studio Allsvenskan podcast via the Daily Mail. "Do we have also have a percentage (of any fee)? Of course. It's a lot of money. Maybe Viktor should respond to that some day.

"I don't think we pressured him once to accept the offer. At the end of the day, money comes and goes and this move to Arsenal brings us a lot of marketing. They (Sporting) had concluded a deal with Manchester United behind our backs, that was a problem. United offered a higher transfer fee."

Getty Images SportGyokeres faced criticism from Sporting supremo Varandas

Gyokeres' efforts to force a move away from Sporting over the summer also drew criticism from Sporting President Frederico Varandas, who condemned the 'strategy' of the player and his entourage in order to secure a summer transfer. Varandas had threatened to hand Gyokeres a 'hefty fine' for his perceived lack of respect towards the defending Liga Portugal champions.

"If the geniuses who are devising this strategy think that this puts pressure on me to make it easier for him to leave, not only are they completely wrong, but they are also making it more complicated for the player to leave," Varandas said.

"No one is bigger than the club."

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Agent hits back at Sporting president

Chalkias, though, hit back at Varandas' criticism, stating: "If (Hugo) Viana were still at Sporting, the deal would have been done within an hour. Everything was written but we didn't have time to start a legal battle. I don't understand how a player who scored so many goals and won three trophies didn't deserve more respect.

"The industry is about trusting people. The sacrifices we made were probably the turning point in getting the deal done. They offered him to Real Madrid, made headlines with Madrid and even United, but from day one there was a commitment to Arsenal."

Gyokeres has made an indifferent start to life at Arsenal having scored just three league goals in his opening seven appearance for the Gunners, two of which came in a resounding home win over Leeds back in August.

Arsenal return to action after the international break against Fulham on Saturday, October 18th, while Manchester United face a huge clash at Anfield against bitter rivals and defending Premier League champions Liverpool.

Liverpool haven’t been at their best in the Premier League this season, and yet Arne Slot and his squad have claimed five wins from five, sitting pretty five points clear at the top.

However, Saturday presents a tough test, all right, with Crystal Palace awaiting the Reds at Selhurst Park. Under Oliver Glasner, Palace have been transformed, winning the Europa League and the Community Shield (against Liverpool) in 2025.

The Eagles have yet to click into gear in an attacking sense this term, but neither have they been leaking goals. No side have conceded fewer strikes than their two this term.

Marc Guehi has helped shape this successful start to the season, with his move to Anfield falling through on deadline day. To breach his backline, Liverpool’s frontline will need to be sharp and fluent, but they will have to do it without the in-form Hugo Ekitike.

Ekitike misses trip to Selhurst Park

Ekitike has been in fine fettle since signing for Liverpool this summer, having posted five goals and an assist for the Merseysiders, less than two months after making his debut.

The latest of which, sadly, saw him sent off, shown a second yellow after removing his shirt in celebration for scoring the winner against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

Ekitike will be missed, not least because record signing Alexander Isak is not yet considered to be totally match fit.

However, Federico Chiesa is enjoying a resurgence in his second season at the club, and Slot suggested in his pre-match presser that the Italian could play an important role at the weekend.

It’s unlikely that Chiesa would start the game over Isak, who scored his first goal for the club on Tuesday, but he is bound to see some second-half action.

And given Liverpool’s proclivity and need for last-minute winners this year, it’s likely he’ll be expected to contribute strongly. However, Slot may have an even more exciting super-sub he could call upon.

Slot's Liverpool super-sub

Chiesa came up trumps on the opening day of the Premier League season, putting Liverpool back in front as they snuffed out a brave Bournemouth comeback.

However, Rio Ngumoha’s winning goal at St. James’ Park one match later was more emphatic still, with the 16-year-old writing his name into the division’s record books and rubber-stamping his prodigious reputation.

Described as a “phenomenal talent” by his former youth coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, who also stressed he has the natural talent to challenge for the Ballon d’Or one day, Ngumoha’s rise has come at the expense of Liverpool signing a new left winger, having parted ways with Luis Diaz in August.

That bears testament to his skills, all right, having featured four times in total this term, starting against Saints in midweek.

With electric pace and a directness and drive that bespeaks his precocious qualities, Ngumoha will not be afraid to help steer Liverpool over the line against an undefeated Palace team who would relish causing another upset after lifting the Community Shield at Liverpool’s expense.

1

James Vaughan

16 yrs, 8 months, 27 days

2

James Milner

16 yrs, 11 months, 22 days

3

Wayne Rooney

16 yrs, 11 months, 25 days

4

Rio Ngumoha

16 yrs, 11 months, 26 days

5

Cesc Fabregas

17 yrs, 3 months, 21 days

He’s already got one Premier League strike to his name this season, and if Liverpool find themselves pressing against the Palace ramparts in the final stages, searching for another late winner, it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if Ngumoha enters the fray and finds the space and time to make something happen.

This kid is the real deal, after all.

Now worth more than Guehi: Liverpool lost "superstar” for less than Quansah

Liverpool must regret parting ways with this iconic Jurgen Klopp talent.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 26, 2025