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On Saturday evening, the Los Angeles Angels squeaked by the Seattle Mariners, 5-4, thanks to a walk-off home run by Mickey Moniak. While the desired end result was achieved, the process left something to be desired by the home side.

They may not have needed the Moniak walk-off if the bottom of the eighth hadn't gone so poorly. L.A.'s Taylor Ward smacked a leadoff double to begin the frame with the score tied 4-4, then reached third on a wild pitch. With No. 2 hitter Jack Lopez at the plate it seemed all but assured the Angels would find a way to get a run across the plate.

But, for some reason, a suicide squeeze was called. And it went catastrophically wrong.

Lopez laid down the bunt, but the ball barely rolled an inch past home plate. Lopez, assuming it would roll foul, stayed in the batter's box. But Ward was already on his way. It led to a bizarre visual in which Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh easily tagged out the runner from third, who nearly slid into his own teammate, and then Raleigh tossed it to the first baseman to tag Lopez out just as easily.

Just a mess.

The Angels went from a runner on third with nobody out and the middle of the order coming up in a tie game to two outs and no men on. Truly impressive to go from an ideal situation to an utter disaster with merely one decision.

Los Angeles got away with it this time.

Chelsea returned to action following the international break with a 2-0 win over London City Lionesses in the Women's Super League on Saturday. Australia internationals Ellie Carpenter and Sam Kerr netted for the Blues, who maintained their one-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table with a victory over their big-spending opponents that kept their long unbeaten league run under Sonia Bompastor going.

Erin Cuthbert was handed a gilt-edged chance to break the deadlock in the opening throes, but had her goal-bound effort blocked on the line by Wassa Sangare. However, Chelsea didn't need to wait long to open the scoring, as Carpenter got on the end of fellow wing-back Sandy Baltimore's cross to net her first goal for the Blues in the sixth minute.

Sjoeke Nusken should have doubled the lead after 20 minutes when she headed over from close range, and the Germany midfielder almost compounded her error when she lost possession on the edge of her own box later in the first half, only for Izzy Goodwin to fire over the crossbar under little pressure.

Bompastor's decision to deploy a 3-5-2 formation following the return to the line-up of Lucy Bronze meant numerous Chelsea players were getting used to new roles, and it showed in what was a sluggish display at times. Cuthbert, Aggie Beever-Jones and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd came close to doubling their advantage in the second half, before substitute Kerr made the points safe in stoppage time with a delightful chipped finish.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Hannah Hampton (7/10):

  Came into the match under scrutiny following recent headlines but wasn't overly stretched. Did well to come off her line and sweep up on more than occasion, most notably when denying Goodwin a chance inside the final 20 minutes.

  Lucy Bronze (6/10):

  Deployed as a right-sided centre-back which limited her attacking output, but she did a good job in keeping former Lyon team-mate Nikita Parris quiet.

  Nathalie Bjorn (8/10):

  Made numerous blocks and won plenty of headers inside her own penalty area. A commanding presence at the heart of the backline.

  Millie Bright (6/10):

  Dragged out of position on more than one occasion as she got to grips with playing in a back three. Did use her physicality to her advantage to diffuse attacks, too, though.

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• Midfield

  Ellie Carpenter (8/10):

  Got herself on the end of Baltimore's cross to score her first Chelsea goal and was always an option in attack. Tracked back to do her defensive work as well.

  Erin Cuthbert (7/10):

  Will be wondering how she didn't open the scoring with the goal gaping but didn't let it affect her as she was constantly on the move in midfield. A pressing monster, though that did lead to her picking up a booking.

  Keira Walsh (7/10):

  Controlled things effectively at the base of the midfield. Always an option for the defence to pass into and very rarely gave the ball away.

  Sjoeke Nusken (5/10):

  Showed off her passing range when given time in midfield. Wasted a big opportunity to make it 2-0 with a header before gifting Goodwin a huge chance to equalise. Replaced early in the second half.

  Sandy Baltimore (6/10):

  Showed good patience and skill to lay on the opening goal and delivered some more good balls into the box. However, could have done more tracking back to deal with Asllani, and that perhaps led to her half-time substitution.

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  Attack

  Aggie Beever-Jones (6/10):

  Did well with her back to goal and when carrying the ball forward. Couldn't get a clear sight of goal until midway through the second half when she fired wide, but an effective outlet up front nevertheless.

  Guro Reiten (6/10):

  Excellent movement and vision opened things up for Chelsea to break the deadlock, but that was her biggest impact on the game before her substitution early in the second period.

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  Subs & Manager

  Niamh Charles (6/10):

  Gave the Blues more defensive solidity after replacing Baltimore at half-time, even if her output in the final third was lacking.

  Oriane Jean-Francois (6/10):

  Replaced Nusken and was solid without being spectacular in midfield.

  Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (7/10):

  Gave the hosts a useful attacking outlet with her willingness to run in behind.

  Sam Kerr (7/10):

  Still working her way back to full fitness but showed she still has an eye for goal with a supreme chipped finish in added time.

  Wieke Kaptein (N/A):

  On for Beever-Jones in the 85th minute.

  Sonia Bompastor (6/10):

  Will have been thrilled to see one wing-back provide for the other to score following her formation switch, but it's clear her new system needs work given how open Chelsea were in transition at times. Second-half changes did tighten things up, to be fair, though they also led to less attacking edge.

It looks as though chairman Andrew Cavenagh was fully invested in hiring Danny Rohl as Rangers’ next manager when everyone thought Kevin Muscat would take charge at Ibrox.

Rangers make Rohl their new manager

Things have moved quickly over the past 24 hours or so, with Muscat’s talks with the Gers falling through when it looked as though he was the front-runner to come in as Russell Martin’s successor at Ibrox.

Rohl has been confirmed as Rangers’ next boss instead, with the German most recently in charge at Sheffield Wednesday, and once enjoying a coaching spell at Bayern Munich, working under legendary boss Hansi Flick.

The 36-year-old has constantly been mentioned as one of the favourites to take charge of the Gers, alongside Muscat and Steven Gerrard, with the latter another who decided not to take the job and enjoy a second stint at Ibrox.

After a dire start to the Scottish Premiership season, Rangers fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that Rohl is the right choice, and it looks as though he may have been the leading option for the Scottish giants all along, following a fresh claim.

Cavenagh held secret talks with Rohl during Muscat saga

According to reports, Cavenagh held talks with Rohl last week about becoming Rangers’ next manager, amid constant claims suggesting Muscat would be the man to come in. They did then back away from the discussions when the Australian became the leading target again, prior to his move collapsing.

Only time will tell whether the former Wednesday boss is the right choice for the Gers, but there is plenty to like about him from the off, as he likely prepares to take charge of his first game away to Brann in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

At just 36 years of age, he represents a young and long-term option for Rangers, rather than going with the safer bet of an older manager who knows about getting teams out of trouble rather than adopting an attractive playing style.

As mentioned, Rohl excelled at Wednesday, coming in when the Owls looked destined for relegation from the Championship in October 2023, only to turn their fortunes around and finish the 2023/24 campaign in 20th place.

Rohl won't like him: Rangers must drop Ibrox star with "big potential"

It’s unlikely Smith will persist with this Rangers underperformer.

By
Ben Gray

Oct 20, 2025

Interestingly, it does look as though Muscat’s arrival at Rangers was never as concrete as reported by some, hence Cavenagh’s talks with Rohl last week, and hopefully, the German ends up being an inspired choice who gradually brings the glory days back to Ibrox as the months and years pass.

Seven MLS teams are searching for a new coach, and more jobs could open after the playoffs – GOAL ranks the openings

Major League Soccer clubs have been criticized in the past for being overly patient with their coaches. That's clearly no longer the case. Last season there was a record 12 head coach openings across the league, and if current trends hold, that number could be matched – or even surpassed – by the end of the playoffs.

So far, eight teams have already made managerial changes, and a ninth, LAFC, has announced that Steve Cherundolo will depart following the postseason. Two of those positions have been filled, with D.C. United hiring René Weiler and CF Montreal promoting Marco Donadel from interim status.

But with several other clubs expected to make changes, this offseason promises to be one of the busiest – and most intriguing – in recent MLS history. Of course, not all coaching vacancies are created equal. This year’s openings range from some of the league’s most ambitious projects to some of its most chaotic situations.

GOAL ranks the vacancies based on their appeal to prospective managers.

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  7St. Louis CITY SC

  2025 record: 8W-18L-8T

  2025 payroll (via Sportrac): $17.1 million (17th in MLS)

  Change: Olof Mellberg was dismissed on May 28, becoming the third manager to lose his job in the 2025 season. 

  Pros: Energizer Park is one of the best, if not the best, venues in MLS, and the team's training facilities are also state-of-the-art. St. Louis is also backed by a loyal and boisterous fan base. The city is still bitter over losing the NFL's Rams to Los Angeles, and they seemingly show up in droves to support their soccer club. 

  Cons: It has gone downhill from a strong first season, in which they topped the Western Conference standings heading to the 2023 postseason. Since the club was shocked by rivals Sporting KC, they have been rudderless. St. Louis' ownership hasn't made the right choices when it comes to leadership. The team moved on too quickly from Bradley Carnell as manager, who could win Coach of the Year this season. They then hired Olof Mellberg seemingly out of nowhere. This is a team that desperately needs an sure hand in both the front office and at head coach. 

  In addition, St. Louis – the city itself – doesn't have free agency appeal as some of the other vacancies.

  Current star player: Roman Bürki. The former Dortmund goalkeeper is the face of the franchise and just re-upped with the club, becoming a rare Designated Player.

  Ideal candidate: Someone who can build a proactive identity and a strong culture. Gio Savarese and Peter Vermes would fill that bill. Until the last two seasons, Sporting KC were consistently successful despite being a small-market team. They developed promising young talents year after year, and St. Louis needs that foundation – especially considering the city's penchant for producing USMNT talent. 

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  6Colorado Rapids

  2025 record: 11W-15L-8T

  2025 payroll (via Sportrac): $14.2million (26th in MLS)

  Change: Chris Armas and the Rapids mutually parted ways on Oct. 27 after the team missed the 2025 playoffs.

  Pros: The Denver metro area may not be a magnet for global stars, but its mountains and quality of life remain selling points – especially for American players abroad. Over the years, the club has attracted names such as Tim Howard, Zack Steffen, Djordje Mihailovic, and now Paxten Aaronson.

  At the center of it all is general manager Padraig Smith, who has maximized limited resources. One of MLS’s most respected executives, Smith  built value through savvy trades and modest transfers (see: Rafa Navarro). After years of searching for an identity, he appears to have bet on a USMNT-centric recruitment strategy that gives Colorado a clear direction.

  Cons: It’s easy to forget the Rapids topped the Western Conference in 2021 under Robin Fraser – with an even smaller payroll. Since then, they’ve reached the postseason only once and finished near the bottom two years ago. Their last three full-time managers – Anthony Hudson, Fraser, and Armas – all arrived with optimism (and flashes of success) but left citing frustrations around roster building and internal challenges.

  The team’s biggest issue remains proactive investment. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, once a league showcase, now feels dated, and players reportedly filed a complaint about inadequate training facilities two years ago. If Smith can secure spending closer to league average, the Rapids could quickly climb back into contention.

  Current star player: Paxten Aaronson. His arrival was a statement signing. The 2024 Eredivisie Young Player of the Year runner-up brings creativity and energy to become a top-10 MLS player. Like his brother Brenden, he’s a tweener, neither an attacking midfielder or a deep-lying playmaker. Finding the right role for him will be crucial,

  Ideal candidate: Colorado’s next coach needs to be its version of Minnesota United’s Eric Ramsay – someone who prioritizes tactics and finds inventive ways to win despite payroll limitations. The Rapids have some quality pieces worth building around, gut need a manager who can make them fit.

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  5New England Revolution

  2025 record: 9W-16L-9T

  2025 payroll (via Sportrac): $17.2million (16th in MLS)

  Change: The Revs moved on from Caleb Porter after a disappointing two-year tenure on Sept. 15. 

  Pros: After years of being perceived as frugal, the Kraft family – owners of the successful New England Patriots in the NFL – opened the checkbook. They might not be in the top 10 in spending, but moves such as signing Luca Langoni and Dor Turgeman show this group is willing to make bets on this team.

  Former USMNT No. 1 Matt Turner is on board for another season and should be motivated in a World Cup year. New England has some of the most passionate sports fans in the country. And the team has a relatively new training center, which cost $35M. 

  Cons: Biggest question of the 2025 season: Was it poor coaching or poor roster management? While Porter ultimately flamed out at both the Timbers and Crew, he usually sees success in his first two years – which made his struggles at New England so alarming. This team has been on a tailspin since Bruce Arena's departure in 2023. The 2026 season is going to answer a lot of questions about the young core. 

  The stadium is another challenge. Gillette Stadium is iconic for the NFL, but it's a cavernous ground for soccer. The Revs regularly draw 24,777 fans a game – seventh in MLS – but optically the home support looks sparse.

  Current star player: Carles Gil. Luca Langoni has a ton of potential, but remains unproven, so Gil is the answer. Last year he had a strong 10-goal, 14-assist season.

  Ideal candidate: After betting big on two matter-of-fact former MLS Cup-winning coaches, Arena and Porter, it might be time for the club to seek a manager who is a strong man manager. Former Union boss Jim Curtin would have been perfect, but he reportedly turned down the job. It has also been reported that former Austin FC coach Josh Wolff is interested.

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  4Sporting Kansas City

  2025 record: 7W-20L-7T

  2025 payroll (via Sportrac): $17.7 million (15th in MLS)

  Change: Vermes was the second manager fired in the 2025 season, with the club severing ties after he guided the club for almost 16 years. 

  Pros: Children's Mercy Park, built in 2011, remains one of MLS's best venues with a fanbase that brings it every match – regardless of where the team sits in the standings. The team's academy continually produces promising young players who step into the first team. This is also one of the league's more progressive ownership groups, willing to take risks – remember, they reportedly tried to recruit Cristiano Ronaldo to the Midwest. They also ambitiously signed executive David Lee from NYCFC. 

  Cons: Kansas City shares similar challenges with St. Louis in recruiting free agents. Outside of Dejan Joveljic and Jake Davis, this is a team that  needs an injection of talent. Lee has shown he can build young, successful teams, but it's easier to sell emerging international talent on the Big Apple than the BBQ Capital of the World. 

  Current star player: Dejan Joveljic. SKC went big in its move forJoveljic, prying the star striker away from the LA Galaxy in Vermes's attempt to bring the team back to contention. Questions were raised over whether the Serbian's success last year was a part of playing within the champions' deep squad. This year, he proved he is a star on his own, with 18 goals. 

  Ideal candidate: Lee traditionally hired foreign managers from Europe at NYCFC, so expect that to continue. One name to watch could be Patrick Vieria, especially if Genoa continue to sit 20th in Serie A. Lee and Vieria worked together at NYCFC. 

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has now personally requested the board sign a “special” star, with a £105m opening offer now in the works.

Man City looking to sign successor to Rodri

After spending the majority of the 2024-25 campaign sidelined due to an ACL injury, 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is starting to show signs he is getting back to his best, most notably impressing in the 2-0 Champions League victory over Napoli.

The Spaniard received an 8.3 SofaScore match rating against the Italian side, the second-highest of any City player, after making a number of key contributions and touching the ball 109 times, more than anyone else on the pitch.

Esteemed Kompany’s Steven McInerney also sung the central midfielder’s praises after his display against the Serie A champions, but it has since emerged that Guardiola is now running the rule over potential long-term successors.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Pep is keen on Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlovic as an heir to Rodri, and the manager has now set his sights on a different young midfielder.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Pep has personally requested the Man City board sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Joao Neves, with the manager said to be a keen admirer of the midfielder.

Such is City’s level of interest, they are already preparing a massive initial offer of €120m (£105m) for Neves, but it could be difficult to tempt the French club into a sale.

Man City in race to sign "generational" £70m Man Utd star, Pep's a big fan

The City boss is an admirer of a Premier League player, with a shock move now on the cards.

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 18, 2025

The 20-year-old is regarded as an essential part of PSG’s project, given that the youngster has already established himself as one of the best players in the world in his position, so his current employers are extremely hesitant to sanction a departure.

"Special" Neves would be statement signing for Man City

It seems like it will be very difficult to get a deal done, but the Portuguese maestro could be a statement signing for the Blues, with scout Ben Mattinson suggesting he is destined for the very top.

Much like Rodri, the PSG star is an incredibly well-rounded midfielder, placing in the 96th percentile for tackles per 90, the 97th percentile for pass-completion rate, and the 92nd percentile for non-penalty goals over the past year, compared to other midfielders.

Despite his age, the starlet is already vastly experienced at the highest level, making 17 Champions League appearances en-route to PSG’s maiden triumph last season, which suggests he could be a top signing for Man City.

That said, given that Neves remains under contract until 2029, PSG should be in a strong negotiating position, and it remains to be seen whether he would even be willing to leave the reigning European champions.

Santos have reportedly paused contract renewal talks with Neymar amid growing concerns over his fitness and high wages. The 33-year-old forward has missed significant time through injury this year. Despite the excellent relationship between Neymar and the club, officials want to reassess the situation before committing to an extension as his current contract runs until December.

• Santos hit pause on Neymar's renewal

  Santos are delaying negotiations over a new deal for Neymar as they continue to fight against relegation in the Brazilian Serie A. ESPN reports that the club’s board is in no rush to finalise a renewal, with doubts emerging over the star’s physical condition and the financial burden of maintaining his high salary. Neymar’s current contract expires in December 2025, and talks are expected to resume only after a full internal review.

  The veteran forward’s return to Santos was initially seen as a fairytale homecoming when he rejoined from Al-Hilal in January. However, injuries have marred his comeback season, limiting him to just 21 appearances, in which he scored six goals and provided three assists. His latest setback, a rectus femoris muscle injury in his right thigh, has sidelined him since September 19.

  Santos officials insist that no rift exists between the parties, despite the pause in talks. They believe Neymar must first regain full fitness before discussions over a long-term extension can continue. Behind the scenes, expectations are that he could return to action in November, giving him a final chance to prove his value before the season ends.

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  Neymar's wages a burden for Santos

  The situation marks a stark contrast from earlier in the year when Santos proudly announced a short-term renewal with Neymar. Back in June, the 33-year-old was in better form, attracting interest from European clubs and bringing renewed optimism to Vila Belmiro. Now, persistent injuries and inconsistent displays have shifted the club’s priorities as they focus on survival rather than star power.

  Santos’ board must weigh the financial implications of keeping their marquee player while struggling in the league. Neymar’s salary is among the highest in South America, and his absences have amplified questions about whether he remains a sustainable investment for a club facing financial and sporting instability. With limited resources, Santos cannot afford to carry an injured talisman indefinitely.

  Still, Neymar’s return to his boyhood club has provided commercial benefits. Shirt sales, attendances, and global attention surged after his signing, reinforcing his off-field influence. Yet, those gains now appear insufficient to offset the uncertainty surrounding his fitness — an all-too-familiar theme throughout his post-Barcelona career.

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  Neymar's decline puts question marks on World Cup 2026 availability

  Neymar’s physical decline has been a major storyline in recent years. After leaving Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 for Al-Hilal, the Brazilian suffered a devastating ACL injury that derailed his Saudi Pro League campaign, limiting him to just seven appearances. Since returning to Brazil, he has endured three more injuries, continuing a frustrating cycle that has haunted him since his European days.

  His struggles have also affected his international career. Neymar hasn’t featured for Brazil since October 2023, when he played in a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay during World Cup qualifying. However, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that the forward remains in contention for the 2026 tournament — provided he proves his fitness.

  “Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems,” Ancelotti told reporters. “When he is in good physical condition, he has the quality to play not only in Brazil but in any team in the world because of his talent.” The Italian added that teamwork and movement off the ball will be crucial if Neymar is to adapt to Brazil’s evolving system.

  Competition for attacking places has intensified in Neymar’s absence. Ancelotti’s latest squad featured Richarlison, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Joao Pedro, Luiz Henrique, and Estevao — a youthful, dynamic group redefining Brazil’s frontline. If Neymar hopes to return to the national team setup, he must prove that his experience outweighs concerns about his durability.

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• Contract talks will be held in 2026

  For now, Santos’ focus remains squarely on avoiding relegation and managing Neymar’s recovery carefully. The forward is expected to resume training in November, though the club will monitor him closely before clearing him for full competition. Any decision on his future will hinge on whether he can demonstrate lasting fitness and consistent form before the end of the campaign.

  If his performances improve, Santos could reopen contract talks before the year concludes. However, if injuries persist, the club may choose to let his deal expire, allowing him to explore free transfers abroad. Reports suggest that European clubs such as Inter Milan and Napoli are keeping tabs but share similar reservations about his medical history.

There is a lot to be happy about as an Arsenal fan at the moment.

While the games against Liverpool and Manchester United weren’t great, Mikel Arteta has got his team playing a more entertaining brand of football this season, which has seen them score 11 goals in five games so far.

Moreover, the attacking additions to the team seem to be adapting well, with Eberechi Eze getting an assist on his first start, Viktor Gyokeres already scoring three, and Noni Madueke looking like a serious threat on the right.

On top of all of that, Hale End seems to have produced another superstar in Max Dowman, although there is another youngster in the squad who could have just as high a ceiling.

Max Dowman's incredible rise

While those with a real knowledge of academy football would have been aware of Dowman for some time, most fans started to hear about him last season.

In just 23 appearances across a number of youth teams, totalling 1945 minutes, he put the ball in the back of the net 19 times and provided five assists for good measure.

In other words, the Chelmsford-born gem averaged 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes, which is utterly unreal and lends credence to talent scout Jacek Kulig’s bold claim that he is the “most exciting prospect” he has seen “since Lamine Yamal.”

The club itself clearly view him as a future star as well, as he was soon training with the first team, and while he wasn’t able to make any senior appearances last year due to rules over his age, no such barriers exist this season.

He made an instant impact on the pre-season tour, winning a penalty in the match against Newcastle United and then impressing against Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal.

The strong performances have carried on into the season proper now, with him winning another penalty against Leeds United and then being trusted to come off the bench away to Liverpool.

In all, it feels like the sky is the limit with Dowman, which could also be said for another of the club’s new young stars.

Arsenal's youngster with as much potential as Dowman

What’s so amazing for Arsenal is that, at the moment, you could argue there are a number of players with ceilings as high as Dowman, from Ethan Nwaneri to Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Chalkboard

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

However, in this instance, the player in question is a summer signing: Cristhian Mosquera.

The young Spaniard cost the club just £13m back in July, and it would be fair to say he has since made that fee look utterly absurd.

Already described as a “backline leader” last October by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, the towering defender looked pretty good during pre-season, but it was against Liverpool where folk began to take notice.

He was forced on in the fifth minute to replace the injured William Saliba, and while most youngsters would wilt under such intense pressure, he played the next 85 minutes as if he was a seasoned professional with a decade of experience, making three clearances, blocking two shots, and making four tackles.

He was even more impressive against Nottingham Forest, as on top of displaying his defensive nous, the level of opposition allowed him to show fans his ability on the ball and passing range.

In 94 minutes of action, the game-breaking “monster,” as dubbed by one analyst, took 92 touches, completed 75 passes, won 100% of his ground duels and completed eight defensive actions.

Then again, despite it being his Champions League debut, the former Valencia gem was utterly unfazed by the game on Tuesday night, not giving Bilbao even a sniff of a goal.

Ultimately, just as Dowman looks like he could be a generational attacking talent, Mosquera looks like he has everything needed to become a world-class defender, and it might not take long at all.

"This fella" – Keown blown away by Arsenal star who outshone Martinelli

There’s another member of the team who’s perhaps not getting enough credit.

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 17, 2025

Liverpool versus Everton is always a tasty affair at Anfield in the Premier League.

Today’s lunchtime Merseyside Derby was no different as Arne Slot’s Reds raced into a two-goal lead, before the Toffees fought back courtesy of an Idrissa Gueye screamer beating Alisson.

In the end, Everton just didn’t have enough to equalise in the 2-1 defeat, with Beto struggling severely in the first half, before David Moyes put him out of his misery at the half-time mark.

Beto's struggles at Anfield in numbers

Everton were always going to struggle to impose themselves on the contest, coming up against a hostile Anfield atmosphere.

Indeed, looking at the overall match numbers, Slot’s Reds would dominate the possession with 58% of the ball, as Beto ended up being very much of a bystander in a first half that saw Liverpool accelerate into a two-goal advantage.

While Hugo Ekitike was confidently adding to his early Premier League goal tally with this instinctive finish, Beto was attempting to scrap his way into the fierce contest, but the 27-year-old was ultimately far too passive.

Beto would only complete two accurate passes all match, as per Sofascore, while only successfully winning two aerial duels as an isolated figure in Moyes’ attack.

In matches to come, Moyes could potentially have a rethink as to who he starts as the leading man in the Toffees attack, with Thierno Barry also fading in and out of the hotly-contested affair when coming on for the Portuguese striker.

It wasn’t just the attack that would receive pelters at the final whistle, though, with an experienced Everton defender now looking to be on borrowed time under the Scotman after suffering a 2-1 loss to their arch rivals.

The 6/10 star on borrowed time under Moyes

Everton were dealt a two-goal sucker punch in the first half as Liverpool’s fast-paced play on the ball constantly caught out a slow Toffees defence.

Michael Keane definitely struggled in this regard throughout, with the former Burnley man failing to keep tight to Ekitike before he sealed the win for the Reds deep into the first half.

As noted above, Keane would only win 50% of his six duels during the hotly contested clash, with the experienced centre-back also only winning two tackles to try and keep a free-flowing Liverpool attack at bay.

It does only feel like a matter of time before the 6-foot-3 stalwart is out of Moyes’ starting XIs for good, with Jarrad Branthwaite nearly back up to full fitness, further troubling the 32-year-old’s long-term minutes in the main lineup.

After all, Moyes will see that he’s upgraded and progressed his side in the forward department, with faces such as Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall undoubtedly offering up plenty of quality, even if Beto disappeared at Anfield.

Moreover, it appears that the Toffees already have an experienced head in the heart of defence that still has the legs to perform at the highest level in James Tarkowski, with the Everton captain winning eight duels when giving his all, despite the devastating final outcome.

While Keane would be gifted a 6/10 post-match rating by Liverpool World’s Will Rooney, it is now nine seasons and down for the 32-year-old in an Everton shirt, with a permanent change in defence perhaps now needed.

After failing to close down some seriously threatening Liverpool attackers and be authorative in the Merseyside Derby, his long-term minutes in the Toffees main XI week in week out must soon be up, especially when Branthwaite returns.

Moyes' own Richarlison: Everton are brewing a "menacing" new forward

Everton are redefining their attacking quality with David Moyes back at the helm.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 19, 2025

Romelu Lukaku’s agent has revealed that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti once considered signing the Belgian striker before the club turned their focus to Kylian Mbappe. The Napoli forward was seen as a short-term option, but Madrid opted to wait – a decision that eventually brought the French superstar to the Bernabeu on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

• The untold story behind Real Madrid’s striker search

  In an interview with , renowned agent Federico Pastorello lifted the lid on a surprising twist in recent transfer history – Lukaku’s brief link with Madrid. The Belgian striker, now at Napoli, was apparently on Ancelotti’s radar in 2023 when Los Blancos were evaluating options to strengthen their forward line.

  At that point, Madrid were still waiting for their long-term target, Mbappe. According to Pastorello, the club were unwilling to commit funds for a loan move while anticipating the Frenchman’s arrival. Madrid then made the pragmatic choice of bringing back academy product Joselu, a move that ultimately paid off. The Spaniard proved instrumental in helping them win both La Liga and the Champions League, turning a low-cost gamble into a success story.

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  Agent reveals Ancelotti’s admiration for Lukaku

  "Well, don't let any club get mad at me, but I think Real Madrid is the best club in the world for many reasons," he said. "I must be honest and say there was an opportunity, at a time when it wasn't clear where Romelu was going and with Ancelotti as coach."

  The agent admitted that Lukaku’s move to Spain never go through due to Madrid’s long-term vision: "They were thinking of reinforcing the forward line, but they were already focused on the big signing of Mbappe for the following year and didn't want to spend money on a loan. So let's say there was an opportunity because Ancelotti would have liked it; he always held Lukaku in high regard, but unfortunately it didn't materialise."

  The revelation adds another layer to the story of Madrid’s patient pursuit of Mbappe, a saga that dominated European football for years. While Lukaku’s name was quietly floated around in the background, the club stayed loyal to their dream of bringing the French superstar to the Bernabeu, a decision that would later reshape their attacking future.

• Madrid’s patience and Mbappe’s arrival

  Madrid’s strategy paid off handsomely. After years of pursuit and multiple rejections, Florentino Perez finally landed Mbappe on a free transfer, one of the most dramatic moments in modern football history. The move underscored the club's financial discipline and long-term planning, avoiding costly short-term fixes while waiting for their marquee signing.

  The 26-year-old's debut season brought promise despite falling short of major trophies. He still netted 44 goals across competitions, proving why Madrid were right to wait. Under new boss Xabi Alonso, the Frenchman has been unstoppable, scoring 14 goals in 10 matches this season before suffering a minor injury while on international duty with France.

  Meanwhile, Lukaku’s journey took him to Italy, where he played a key role in Napoli’s title-winning campaign last season, contributing 14 goals and 10 assists. However, a thigh injury has sidelined him until early 2026, halting his momentum just as he appeared to rediscover his best form.

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  What’s next for Mbappe, Lukaku, and Real Madrid

  Los Blancos' upcoming fixtures will test both Mbappe’s recovery and Alonso’s tactical setup. The Spanish giants face Getafe on October 19, followed by a Champions League clash with Juventus three days later, before locking horns with Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season on October 26. Mbappe’s fitness remains a key storyline as fans eagerly await his return to full strength. His form could define Madrid’s ambitions this season, especially in Europe, where expectations are sky-high.

  As for Lukaku, his focus remains on rehabilitation and returning to action for Napoli in 2026. Off the pitch, he continues to mourn the loss of his father, Roger, who passed away last month at 58, a tragedy that led the Belgian striker to remove all his social media posts except one heartfelt tribute.

Ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s opening Champions League game of the season against Villarreal later this month, Spurs boss Thomas Frank has now decided his A-list squad for the league phase, and it includes some notable absentees.

After clinching their first major trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League in May, Spurs secured themselves passage to Europe’s most prestigious competition, and Frank’s side have a solid chance of battling their way to the knockouts.

The league phase draw was favourable indeed, barring current European champions PSG, who the Lilywhites already know all too well from their unlucky UEFA Super Cup final loss on penalties.

Tottenham are set for a reunion with Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt, months after beating them in the Europa League semi-finals, as well as Eintracht Frankfurt, who they also knocked out of Europe en route to their historic night in Bilbao.

In preparation for their first campaign back in the Champions League since Antonio Conte’s era in charge, Frank has been forced to make a few key decisions over who makes their A-list side for the league phase encounters.

Over the summer window, Tottenham had a complication over a lack of players to fill their ‘locally trained’ quota, which presented the threat of having to register a lesser number of players overall and even prompted Spurs to consider re-signing Kyle Walker-Peters at one stage (Alasdair Gold).

Despite some reports suggesting Tottenham were favourites for Walker-Peters as a viable candidate to be one of their locally trained options in Europe, the right-back ended up joining West Ham on a free transfer instead.

UEFA rules state: “If a club has fewer than eight locally trained players on its List A, the maximum number of players that can be registered on this list is reduced accordingly.”

Their lack of locally trained assets means that Frank was forced to omit a noteworthy number of players, including some big names.

Tottenham omit Takai, Tel and Bissouma from Champions League squad

Tottenham’s squad for the Champions League is now in and confirmed, with Frank deciding to snub two summer signings and exit-linked midfielder Yves Bissouma, with the Mali international tipped to leave for Saudi Arabia or Turkey in the coming days (GiveMeSport).

Indeed, Kota Takai joined Spurs for a J-League record £5 million during the window, but he misses out, as does Mathys Tel, who signed for the north Londoners in a cut-price £30 million move from Bayern Munich.

Injured trio James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin, who are all a long time away from the grass as they recover from their respective problems, were also left out by Frank.

Here is the squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Guglielmo Vicario, Antonin Kinsky, Brandon Austin.

Defenders: Kevin Danso, Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Ben Davies, Micky van de Ven.

Midfielders: Joao Palhinha, Xavi Simons, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur.

Strikers: Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani.