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Yash Rathod’s career-best 194, Saransh Jain’s 69 with the bat in the first innings and a match haul of 8 for 179 with the ball, and Rajat Patidar’s quick 101 headlined Central Zone’s first Duleep Trophy win in close to 11 years. Chasing just 65 on the final morning, Central lost four wickets, but Akshay Wadkar and Rathod held their composure to give their side a six-wicket win over South Zone at BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.There was plenty of grip and bounce for left-arm spinner Ankit Sharma on the fifth morning, while fast bowler Gurjapneet Singh also found enough movement to keep South interested. They both picked up two wickets, but the 65-run target was never going to be daunting.Danish Malewar got off the mark with a clip through midwicket for two but fell soon after edging Ankit behind. It was a gently tossed up delivery from Ankit that pitched and turned sharply away from Malewar, who was drawn into a tentative drive.Shubham Sharma got away two streaky fours off Gurjapneet. He first edged the fast bowler to the right of wicketkeeper Mohammed Azharuddeen, who was wrong-footed, and then got a thickish outside edge that flew past gully. However, Shubham’s luck ran out the very next ball when he went after a fuller-length outswinger from Gurjapneet, but could only get an outside edge to Azharuddeen.Jain, promoted to No. 4, flashed Gurjapneet over point first up but fell the next ball, getting a thick inside edge on to his pad with short leg taking a simple catch as Central slipped to 24 for 3.Patidar played and missed a number of times early, but Central kept taking the aggressive route, even as Wadkar pumped Ankit through midwicket off the back foot, and then square drove Gurjapneet.Patidar survived a stumping chance, and once the early morning moisture dried out, he played a few more shots, notably two lovely on-the-up drives to the left of mid-off against Ankit. But he fell with Central 16 runs away, toe-ending a sweep off Ankit straight up, with the fielder at mid-on doing the rest.Wadkar, eamwhile, got the target down to single figures before Rathod fittingly hit the winning runs, punching V Koushik through covers to end the game in 20.3 overs. It was Central’s seventh Duleep Trophy title (including one shared), and their first since the 2014-15 season, where also they beat South.

The United States saw their FIFA U17 World Cup run end in the Round of 32 after a dramatic 1-1 draw and a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Morocco. Jude Terry’s early strike had the Americans in control for much of the match, but Abdellah Ouazane’s 90th-minute equalizer forced the shootout that ultimately sealed their exit.

• Getty
  

  Early advantage squandered by late Moroccan equalizer

  The United States appeared to be in control after Jude Terry's well-taken goal in the 21st minute gave them a deserved lead. The Philadelphia Union academy product finished clinically after connecting with a precise pass from Cavan Sullivan, continuing his impressive tournament form. The Americans maintained their advantage through most of the match, creating several opportunities to extend their lead while limiting Morocco's attacking threats.

  The match took a dramatic turn in the 74th minute when the United States was awarded a penalty kick that could have sealed their advancement. Mathis Albert, who had been effective throughout the tournament, stepped up to take the spot kick but saw his effort saved.

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• Penalty shootout heartbreak

  In the ensuing penalty shootout, both teams displayed nerves under the intense pressure. Morocco's Ahmed Mouhoub missed his attempt, briefly giving the Americans an advantage. However, the United States couldn't capitalize as both Maximo Carrizo and Cooper Sanchez failed to convert their spot kicks, allowing Morocco to claim a 4-3 shootout victory and advance to the Round of 16.

• Another defeat to Morocco…

  The defeat represents a significant disappointment for coach Gonzalo Segares and his team, who had shown tremendous potential throughout the competition. The U.S. squad, featuring talented prospects like Sullivan, Terry, and Nimfasha Berchimas, had impressed observers with their tactical discipline and attacking flair during the group stage, where they conceded just one goal while scoring four.

  This also represents the third-straight youth tournament elimination for the U.S. at the hands of Morocco. The U.S. previously lost in the Olympics to the les Lions de l'Atlas in 2024 and then lost again to the Morocco U20s in the U20 World Cup earlier this year. 

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• Morocco advance to face Japan

  With the victory, Morocco advances to face Japan in the Round of 16, continuing their remarkable turnaround after a difficult group stage. They had finished third in Group B behind Japan and Portugal, qualifying for the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams despite losing two of their three group matches.

Cricket Australia said he is due to resume bowling next week but it will impact his timeline for a Test return

Alex Malcolm05-Dec-2025Josh Hazlewood’s hopes of playing a part in the Ashes series have suffered another setback after he reported Achilles soreness during the early stages of his return from a hamstring injury.Hazlewood had been due to join the Test squad in Brisbane to continue his recovery but that trip has been shelved. He had returned to bowling off a few paces in Sydney last week having been ruled out of the start of the series after picking up the hamstring injury against Victoria last month.”Josh Hazlewood reported achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation from recent hamstring injury,” a Cricket Australia statement said. “It is a low-grade issue and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week.”Related

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Hazlewood was never a realistic prospect of featuring in Adelaide but now could face a race to feature in Melbourne or Sydney.It continues a running theme with Hazlewood in recent years of other injuries flaring in the immediate aftermath of a significant injury, and a continuation of calf and Achilles issues.In 2022-23 he suffered a side strain in the first home Test of the summer and missed three Tests before returning. He then suffered ongoing Achilles soreness after his first Test back in early January and missed the entire tour of India in early 2023 and was not selected in the World Test Championship final in June as he was slightly underdone in his recovery.Last summer, Hazlewood suffered a side strain in the opening Test against India and missed the second Test in Adelaide. But after rushing back for the third Test in Brisbane he strained a calf and missed the final two matches of the summer, the tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy before finally returning midway through the IPL.He had an uninterrupted run from there playing in the IPL, the WTC final, three Tests in the Caribbean and the five white-ball series, including different formats, against South Africa, New Zealand and India, until his only Sheffield Shield game of the summer in the lead-in to the Ashes.He strained his hamstring playing for New South Wales against Victoria, which a scan did not initially detect, and there were concerns about a tendon issue. However, Australia coach Andrew McDonald was confident he could still play a part later in the series. But a delay in his running and bowling loads due to Achilles soreness will narrow his chances to appear in either of those Tests.Australia’s pace-bowling depth has been tested in the early stages of the Ashes with Sean Abbott also sidelined by a hamstring injury. Pat Cummins was close to a return at the Gabba but has been held back until Adelaide.

The 49ers and Rangers are now reportedly considering an approach to hire a 42-year-old replacement for Patrick Stewart, who they recently sacked.

Rangers sack Thelwell and Stewart

Despite a recent turnaround on the pitch courtesy of Danny Rohl’s arrival, the 49ers have remained in ruthless mood and recently sacked chief executive Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell. It follows a disastrous summer of decisions, which instantly failed to get fans at Ibrox onside.

Explaining the decision, Andrew Cavenagh said: “Paraag and I have analysed the club’s needs, and as we reflect on what the club needs today, and where Kevin and Patrick are, we think we need something different.

“Our focus the first part of this season, the first part of our ownership period, has been on the sporting side and that’s where all of our attention went to for obvious reasons.

“With Danny coming in, he has started to improve the on-pitch performance, and that has created the space to allow Paraag and I to look at other parts of the club with new eyes and assess what we need going forward.

“I think responsible change has to be measured. I don’t think you can come in and tear something completely apart all at once. You’re likely to get something wrong.”

It’s certainly a big decision from the 49ers, but one that will please Rangers fans who particularly aired their frustrations at Thelwell in recent months.

Just who they turn to now is the big question. Potential candidates are already being mentioned, and that includes James Taylor who reportedly has internal support at the club amid a potential promotion.

Rangers considering James Taylor approach

According to the Scottish Sun, Rangers are now considering an approach to hire Taylor in the CEO role. The 42-year-old has already impressed as their Chief Financial Officer and played a huge part in recording a record revenue of £94m for the year. Now, he could get the chance to step up to the CEO role.

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Whilst he’s not the only name on the list, Ibrox chiefs are reportedly fans of Taylor and that will undoubtedly help him along the way in the interview process.

It almost goes without saying that it would be a big step up for the current Rangers chief, but he has more than proven his worth at the club in the last year.

Whether the Gers decide to make a decision as soon as possible or remain patient for the right candidate is the question. In a season of so much change, they desperately need to get things in order ahead of the January transfer window both on and off the pitch.

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Celtic took on FC Midtjylland on Thursday evening. One of these clubs is a former European champion; a UEFA Cup finalist as recently as 2003. You wouldn’t have thought it was the team in green and white.

Yes, the trip to Denmark saw the Hoops’ season reach yet another low following a dismal 3-1 defeat in the Europa League, with a late Reo Hatate consolation doing little to help lift the mood among Martin O’Neill’s side.

It was men against boys stuff at the MCH Arena, in truth, evoking memories of last season’s humiliation at the hands of Borussia Dortmund, with the home side scoring three times in an eight-minute first-half blitz.

From the highs of Sunday’s extra-time triumph over rivals Rangers, the Parkhead outfit were very much brought crashing back down to earth, with such a display only heightening the need to wrap up this ongoing managerial search sooner rather than later.

It was a night in which anything that could go wrong did go wrong, a fact epitomised by the sight of Hampden hero Callum Osmand being stretchered off late on, cruelly cutting short what had been a lively cameo from the teenage striker.

Until that abrupt withdrawal, Osmand had been perhaps the only positive for O’Neill and co, coming amid a string of otherwise dour performances – including from a certain Anthony Ralston.

Ralston's game in numbers vs Midtjylland

The unfortunate blow of losing the ex-Fulham forward has further emphasised just how depleted Celtic are right now, with the Scottish champions faced with a raft of key absentees to add to their growing woes.

Indeed, there remains no Cameron Carter-Vickers, nor Jota. No Kelechi Iheanacho or Alistair Johnston. On the evidence of Ralston’s Danish display, the return of the latter man can’t come soon enough.

That may appear a harsh assessment for a player who has been a solid servant since his surprise rise under Ange Postecoglou, although the right-back’s shortcomings were brutally exposed amid the first-half onslaught last night.

The Scotland international was notably at fault for the home side’s second of the night, having almost watched as the impressive Mikel Gorgoza skipped past him, before curling a delightful effort into the far corner.

On the receiving end of an undoubtedly debatable handball call at the weekend, Ralston’s luck doesn’t seem to be in right now, with his woes also evident as he lost the ball on nine occasions from his 55 touches, while boasting a limp 79% pass accuracy, as per Sofascore.

While the typically committed full-back did win four of his five tackles, there was little in the way of any attacking impetus, having failed to even provide a single key pass or cross on the night, nor attempt a single dribble.

Limited would be the word to describe the 26-year-old, unfortunately, with the Glasgow giants desperately in need of Johnston’s return before too long.

That’s not to say Ralston was the only villain in Denmark, however, with issues cropping up all across the park.

How Celtic were let down by experienced faces

Scrutiny over the club’s new faces or emerging talents, be it Benjamin Nygren or Johnny Kenny, is no doubt justified following the limp showing of the pair in midweek, although much of the criticism should be centred around O’Neill’s core of experienced figures.

Indeed, while having had little chance with any of the three goals, Kasper Schmeichel was again somewhat erratic when playing out from the back, with that also the word to use for summer returnee, Kieran Tierney, as the struggling star notably lost the ball on 14 occasions from his left-back berth.

Long-serving hero, James Forrest, meanwhile, was hooked at the break having repeatedly run into trouble when cutting in from the right flank, albeit with perhaps the biggest frustration having been the performance of skipper Callum McGregor at the base of the midfield.

So often the shining light for Celtic, as he was at Hampden just a matter of days ago, McGregor at his best is central to everything good about the team, pulling the strings in metronomic fashion from his deep-lying berth.

Unfortunately, this latest outing was far from the captain in his pomp, with much of the away side’s woes stemming from the Scotsman’s inability to dictate proceedings, having been no match for the physicality of the towering opposition.

Up against the likes of ex-Bournemouth star Philip Billing, McGregor simply couldn’t get a foothold in the game, failing to make a single tackle or win any of his five attempted duels, while being dribbled past twice.

In an attacking sense too, the 32-year-old was also found wanting, having failed to successfully complete a single dribble or cross, while losing the ball on ten occasions from just 41 touches.

Minutes

90

Touches

41

Pass accuracy

78%

Key passes

0

Crosses

0

Dribbles

0

Possession lost

10

Tackles

0

Total duels won

0/5

Dribbled past

2

For a man who has averaged 81.8 touches per game in the Premiership this season, as per Sofascore, such a drop off only serves to emphasise his struggles, with the typically reliable midfielder enduring a real off night in truth.

At a time of so much chaos and uncertainty surrounding the club, O’Neill – or his permanent successor – are in need of figures like McGregor to step up to the plate.

As Thursday’s outing showcased, however, he is currently the captain of something of a sinking ship.

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Arsenal are now reportedly tracking one of Europe’s leading young talents in an attempt to hijack Chelsea’s move and deal their Premier League rivals a frustrating blow.

Whilst Arsenal will have been disappointed to see their clean sheet streak go against Sunderland as well as their recent winning run in a last-gasp 2-2 draw, they have plenty of reason to be positive.

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Heading into the November international break, the Gunners sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League and on course to end their wait for glory under Mikel Arteta.

They’re doing it their way, too. Arteta is no longer simply a disciple to Pep Guardiola. His Arsenal side are far more pragmatic and could have one of the best defensive records that English football has ever seen come May. Meanwhile, in what is a reflection of Premier League football in 2025, Arsenal are benefitting from their position as set piece kings.

When you’re on top, however, it’s all about staying there and it’s no surprise that Andrea Berta is already eyeing potential incomings as a result. The champions-elect are reportedly interested in signing Malick Fofana from Lyon in an attempt to strengthen their left-hand side.

Both Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have competed for the role this season but with the former becoming inconsistent and the latter now 30 years old, there’s certainly room for another option to arrive.

Reports have even claimed that Arsenal are leading the race to sign Fofana ahead of 2026 in what would be another intelligent move from new sporting director Berta.

After Fofana, he may still welcome other options too. The Gunners have also been linked with a move to sign an impressive attacking midfielder ahead of Chelsea.

Arsenal eyeing Nico Paz hijack

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are now tracking Nico Paz in what could see them hijack Chelsea’s move in unexpected fashion. The Como attacker is one of the best young players in European football and has attracted interest from the Premier League as well as Inter Milan as a result.

So long as Real Madrid don’t trigger their bargain buy-back options worth less than £10m in the next two years then the race to sign the 21-year-old will swing wide open. And that’s when Arsenal could swoop in.

If the Gunners are looking to find out more about the Argentine, meanwhile, then all they have to do is ask Cesc Fabregas. The former Arsenal midfielder is currently the manager of Como and has benefitted more than most from Paz’s brilliance.

With four goals and four assists in 12 games this season, the former Real Madrid star is undoubtedly the standout player under Fabregas, who could now make up for his transfer antics as a player by answering Arsenal’s potential call about his midfield sensation.

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Newcastle United have not been at the races this season. Wheeling off quickly at times – mostly at St. James’ Park – but suffering from dismal away form that is pulling Eddie Howe’s squad away from their potential.

We all know this, and Howe most of all. However, identifying solutions and then finding the right answers can be two wholly different things in football.

Newcastle’s Form in 2025/26 (all comps)

Home

Stat

Away

11

Games

8

8

Wins

1

0

Draws

3

3

Losses

4

16

Goals scored

8

8

Goals conceded

10

2.18

PPG

0.75

But the English tactician has done so countless times across his four years on Tyneside, adapting and overcoming obstacles that fall into his path.

Take, for example, the fumbled signing of Chris Wood from Burnley in 2022. One of the first to establish this new PIF era, the Kiwi striker flattered to deceive.

Remembering Chris Wood's time at Newcastle

Wood is one of the most consistent Premier League strikers of his time. Something of a journeyman, he has nonetheless enjoyed success throughout his career, truly coming into his own over the past several years with Nottingham Forest.

However, a brief stint at Newcastle stands as a blot on the copybook. Howe purchased the New Zealand star from Burnley for £25m in January 2022, right at the start of this new era.

Sometimes, it’s just not your day. And Wood simply didn’t click in black and white. The veteran goalscorer only scored five times across 39 appearances before leaving for Forest on loan and then making the move permanent.

Pundit Tam McManus said that he looked “a bit lost” at St. James’ Park, and the one bit of solace from the misfire of a signing was that Newcastle were otherwise going from strength to strength, and they signed Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad after realising Wood wasn’t going to make the grade.

Of course, no one would deny that Wood is a top-class Premier League striker. He was one of the most prolific in the division last season, after all.

Premier League 24/25 – Top Scorers

Player

Apps

Goals

Mohamed Salah

38

29

Alexander Isak

34

23

Erling Haaland

31

22

Bryan Mbeumo

38

20

Chris Wood

36

20

Stats via BBC Sport

But this only emphasises the blunder on Newcastle’s part, one they would not wish to repeat.

For the most part, they haven’t. Newcastle’s success under Howe’s wing has been a product of care and accuracy in the market. But they don’t always get it right, having signed the new Wood this summer.

Newcastle's biggest disaster since Chris Wood

Maybe there’s just something that isn’t working for ex-Forest stars moving to Newcastle.

Anthony Elanga has not been a success since joining the club from the City Ground for £55m this summer, yet to score or assist across 16 appearances.

Renowned for his “special ability” on the ball, as said by Nuno Espirito Santo, the Swedish winger simply hasn’t succeeded in translating his physical strengths over to St. James’ Park.

It’s not just his output causing concern. As per Sofascore, Elanga has succeeded with only 17% of his attempted dribbles in the Premier League this season. For a player whose standout skill is his fleet-footedness on the ball, this isn’t good enough.

Elanga, 23, must be afforded more time, but given the desperate need for an efficient right winger in recent years at the club, his woes have been a concern, salvaged only by the ever-industrious Jacob Murphy’s consistency.

He’s still relatively young, and he has proven himself capable in the Premier League across the past two terms with the Tricky Trees.

But the early readings are not all that promising, with analyst Raj Chohan picking up on the winger’s poor form and claiming that the deal was a “massive overpay” on PIF’s part.

While he is young and with much potential still untapped – unlike Wood – Newcastle expected bang for their buck when filling a hole on the right wing.

If Elanga doesn’t improve quickly, the Toon are going to need to dig back into their pockets.

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