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Liverpool claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over local rivals Everton last night, moving themselves one step closer to claiming the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first campaign.

Diogo Jota’s second-half strike claimed all three points for the Reds, handing them a 12-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal with just eight games remaining.

Controversy struck in the first half with James Tarkowski only receiving a yellow card for an awful tackle on Alexis Mac Allister which was described as a “leg breaker” by Gary Neville.

It wasn’t a vintage display from Slot’s men, but ultimately, it was what was needed after the previous Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park back in February.

However, that being said, numerous players failed to deliver against the Toffees, potentially putting their starting role at risk ahead of the weekend’s clash.

Liverpool’s poor performers against Everton

Virgil van Dijk has been pivotal in Liverpool’s success over the last few months but struggled against the club’s local rivals last night in one of his worst displays of the campaign.

The Dutchman made a mistake in the first half which allowed opposition forward Beto to get one-on-one, with the post bailing the centre-back from an embarrassing mistake.

As for the reliable Mohamed Salah, the winger endured a very quiet night compared to his other outings this season, often with the Egyptian unable to provide the magic he has so often this season.

He lost 11 duels during the encounter – the most of any player in the match – whilst also missing a big chance in front of goal and failing to complete a single dribble of the five he attempted.

However, despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other starter failed to deliver, with the manager needing to take action before Sunday’s trip to Fulham.

The Liverpool player who needs to be dropped by Slot

This Premier League season has undoubtedly been a successful one for Liverpool, with the transition phase under Slot being seamless – enabling them to achieve their success.

The Dutchman and his side have excelled beyond all imagination, but that doesn’t mean that numerous players have failed to deliver in recent matches.

Dominik Szoboszlai is one player who’s hit the heights in recent months, notching 12 combined goals and assists across all competitions in 2024/25 to date.

However, his showing last night was certainly one to forget, unable to reach the expectations he’s set for himself given his showings under Slot at Anfield.

The Hungarian international featured for the entirety of the contest, but only managed to win two of the seven duels he entered – often being dominated at the heart of the side.

He managed a total of 67 touches, losing the ball 12 times, and giving the ball away once every five times he had possession – highlighting his wasteful nature when having the opportunity to impress.

Minutes played

90

Touches

67

Possession lost

12x

Duels won

2/7

Shots taken

1

Crosses completed

0/2

Dribbles completed

0

Szoboszlai also only managed one effort on goal and failed to complete any of the crosses he attempted, showcasing the lack of impact he had in the final third.

As a result of his showing on Merseyside, the midfielder was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by The Express’ Alex Turk – further showcasing how poor he was against the Toffees.

Given his display, Slot must drop him from his starting eleven, handing another player the opportunity to showcase their talents in the first-team.

The Reds will look to move one step closer to title glory at the weekend, but if they are to claim another victory, the manager will have a brutal call to make with his selection.

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“We can’t afford injuries in that big tournament which involves practice matches and lots of travel,” says Bangladesh captain

Mohammad Isam10-Sep-2023Shakib Al Hasan feels Bangladesh should rest their ODI World Cup-bound players during the home series against New Zealand later this month to ensure that they are “fit and healthy.” The three-match ODI series begins on September 21 and concludes on 26 in Dhaka, with both teams set to travel to India the following day. Both New Zealand and Bangladesh have two warm-up matches each on September 29 and October 2, respectively.Shakib conceded that one of the reasons to ask for this short period of rest is because of “lots of travel” that the team would have during the tournament in India. Bangladesh’s home series against New Zealand could also be an opportunity to test their bench strength. They are yet to name the squad for the World Cup.”We will try a few things in the three ODIs against New Zealand,” Shakib said. “If we can get one or two players from there who can fit into the team [later], it will be better for the team. Everyone has a chance [to play]. I personally believe that those who played in the Asia Cup could be rested from the New Zealand series, especially those who are confirmed for the World Cup.Related

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“We cannot afford injuries in that big tournament which involves practice matches and lots of travel. We don’t have a lot of bench strength. It is very important for us that players are fit and healthy for the World Cup. I want all four of our fast bowlers to remain fit, now that Ebadot [Hossain] is out.”Bangladesh’s opponents, New Zealand, have picked a second-string squad led by Lockie Ferguson with Tom Latham among a group of senior players given a break before the World Cup.Meanwhile, Shakib suggested that the question about Mahmudullah’s return was “irrelevant” now, although BCB president Nazmul Hassan had stated twice since May that he was in contention. Mahmudullah has not played an ODI since March.”I don’t know if you mentioned Riyad [Mahmudullah] when he was missing from the last three series. Now you are saying it (laughs). I think it is very irrelevant. You have again asked the wrong question. Towhid Hridoy replaced Riyad .”

Shreyas Iyer will be available for only the last two games

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Nov-2023

With Hardik Pandya yet to recover from his ankle injury, Suryakumar Yadav will lead India in the five-match T20I series against Australia, starting November 23. Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the vice-captain for the first three games before handing over the responsibility to Shreyas Iyer who will join the squad for the last two matches.The series starts just four days after India lost to Australia in the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad. But with the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA roughly six months away, the focus will now shift to T20Is.From the ODI World Cup squad, Suryakumar, Ishan Kishan and Prasidh Krishna are the only ones named for the whole series, while Axar Patel, who was ruled out of the World Cup with quadriceps strain, is back.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

However, there was no room for Sanju Samson and Shahbaz Ahmed, who were part of the squad for the Ireland T20Is in August. Riyan Parag, who almost single-handedly carried Assam to the semi-final of the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Abhishek Sharma, the Player of the Tournament, could not find a place either.Apart from Axar, Washington Sundar is the other allrounder. Shivam Dube, too, is in the mix, but he has bowled only sporadically of late, sending down just four overs in eight games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Ravi Bishnoi is the only wristspinner in the squad.This is the first time Suryakumar will be leading India. Previously, he has led Mumbai in 36 matches across formats in domestic cricket. Earlier this year, he also captained Mumbai Indians against Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.Related

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VVS Laxman, who had coached the India men’s team to the gold medal at the Asian Games, will be in charge of the team for the five T20Is. The first match will be played in Visakhapatnam before the caravan moves to Thiruvananthapuram (November 26), Guwahati (November 28), Raipur (December 1), and Bengaluru (December 3).India’s squad for Australia T20Is: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vice-capt), Ishan Kishan (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Shreyas Iyer (vice-capt, available only for last two T20Is)

MatériaMais Notícias

da dobrowin： A polêmica da vez no mundo do futebol é entre Arrascaeta e Carlos Alberto. Os últimos dias vêm sendo de provocações desde que o meia do Flamengo deu uma caneta no ex-jogador. Hoje comentarista, o ex-atleta de Corinthians, Botafogo e Vasco, entre outros clubes, disse que “só respeita quem jogou em alto nível na Europa”. Pensando nisso, o LANCE! recorda, brevemente, a carreira de Carlos Alberto, passando pelas suas principais conquistas.

Revelado pelo Fluminense, o ex-meia ganhou destaque rapidamente e foi aproveitado no profissional do Tricolor em 2002 e 2003 até ter seus direitos adquiridos pelo Porto (POR). Foi no clube europeu que o atleta viveu o auge de sua carreira. Lá, ele conquistou uma Champions League, inclusive fazendo gol na decisão contra o Monaco, um Mundial de Clubes, um Campeonato Português e uma Supercopa de Portugal.

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da betway： Apesar do sucesso inicial com a camisa do Porto, Carlos Alberto perdeu espaço no elenco e voltou ao Brasil em 2005 para defender o Corinthians. Ao lado de Tévez, ajudou o Timão a conquistar o Campeonato Brasileiro daquele ano. Ele deixou o clube em 2006 após desentendimento com o então técnico Emerson Leão.

Carlos Alberto voltou ao Fluminense, por empréstimo, em 2007, quando teve uma rápida passagem, mas com a conquista de um título: a Copa do Brasil daquele ano. No meio da temporada foi vendido pelo Corinthians aoWerder Bremen por 7,8 milhões de euros, na época a contratação mais cara da história do clube alemão. Apesar da grande expectativa, a passagem do jogador pela Alemanha foi apagada.

O meia voltou ao Brasil em 2008 por empréstimo, quando foi cedido ao São Paulo. Ele teve uma passagem relâmpago com pouco destaque pelo clube, onde ficou cerca de cinco meses. Carlos Alberto migrou então para o Botafogo, onde teve boas atuações, mas novamente se envolveu em polêmicas internas e deixou o clube antes do término do contrato cobrando salários atrasados.

Em 2009, Carlos Alberto acertou com o Vasco para a disputa da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. O meia teve boa passagem pelo Cruz-Maltino, onde foi protagonista na volta à elite do futebol brasileiro. Identificado com o clube, o meia criou boa relação com a torcida. No entanto, deixou o Vasco em 2011, por empréstimo, após polêmicas internas. Ele teve passagens curtas e apagadas por Grêmio e Bahia ainda naquele ano.

O meia voltou ao Vasco em 2012 e permaneceu no clube em 2013, mas muito distante do brilho da primeira passagem. Carlos Alberto acertou com o Goiás no início de 2014, mas teve uma passagem relâmpago pelo clube, com polêmicas, e teve o contrato rescindido pelo Esmeraldino. Naquele mesmo ano, ainda atuou novamente pelo Botafogo, mas não conseguiu ajudar o time na luta contra o rebaixamento para a Série B.

Por fim, Carlos Alberto teve passagens por Figueirense, entre 2015 e 2016, Athletico, em 2017, e Boavista-RJ, em 2019.

Principais títulos de Carlos Alberto:

– Campeonato Carioca 2002 (Fluminense)
– Campeonato Português 2003/2004 (Porto)
– Champions League 2003/2004 (Porto)
– Mundial de Clubes 2004 (Porto)
– Supercopa de Portugal 2004 (Portugal)
– Campeonato Brasileiro 2005 (Corinthians)
– Copa do Brasil 2007 (Fluminense)
– Campeonato Brasileiro Série B 2009 (Vasco)

Maharaj was set to be in the XI for the first ODI against Pakistan but limped off just before the toss

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Dec-2024

South Africa have been left sweating over the fitness of Keshav Maharaj ahead of their last two Tests of the ongoing World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. Maharaj was seen limping off during warm-ups ahead of the first ODI against Pakistan on Tuesday because of a groin strain. It is understood that Maharaj was in the XI before he sustained the injury right before the toss and was replaced by Andile Phehlukwayo. He will have a scan on Wednesday.After the three-match ODI series, South Africa face Pakistan in two Tests, needing just one more win to be assured of a top-two finish to qualify for the WTC final next year. Maharaj is a key component of South Africa’s Test side, often their lone specialist spinner in the XI, with Aiden Markram offering support with his part-time offspin. Maharaj bowled them to a win against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha earlier this month, returning 5 for 76 on the last day to trigger a collapse.Related

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While the severity of Maharaj’s injury is yet to be ascertained, this adds to the long list of injured South Africa bowlers. Anrich Nortje was ruled out with a fractured toe ahead of the T20Is against Pakistan; Gerald Coetzee and Lungi Ngidi are out until January with groin and hip issues respectively; Nandre Burger has been ruled out of the summer with a stress fracture of the lower back; Wiaan Mulder is in a race to be fit for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan after breaking a finger against Sri Lanka.Dane Piedt and Senuran Muthusamy are the spinners in contention for the Boxing Day Test, if Maharaj is ruled out. Batting allrounder Neil Brand, who bowls left-arm spin, and legspinner Shaun von Berg also made Test appearances this year for South Africa. Left-arm wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who last played first-class cricket in 2021, could be in with an outside chance.

Arsenal know their hunt for a striker will define the type of campaign they enjoy under Mikel Arteta and there has now been a significant development on that front, according to reports.

Arsenal look to finalise move for Cristhian Mosquera

Undoubtedly, Mikel Arteta has become an admirer of solid foundations when analysing his recruitment strategy this summer, which may explain why he has focused primarily on defensive-minded arrivals early in the window.

Martin Zubimendi is set to join the Gunners from Real Sociedad. At the same time, Kepa Arrizabalaga will become David Raya’s deputy between the sticks following a solid loan spell at Bournemouth last campaign.

Furthermore, Arsenal are set to sign Brentford captain Christian Norgaard for a fee of £15 million including add-ons. With Thomas Partey and Jorginho now no longer in the building, making two smart additions in the engine room will ensure a balance in squad depth.

Nevertheless, there could be more in the way of solidity soon to enter the frame amid news that Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera could soon be on his way to North London.

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While that is all well and good, Arsenal will be judged this window on what they do to strengthen their frontline amid Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus’ injury struggles last term, so fans may want to take note of the latest update emerging from the Emirates.

Viktor Gyokeres demands meeting to force Arsenal move

According to reports in Portugal via Sport Witness, Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres has demanded a meeting with Sporting president Frederico Varandas in relation to broken promises over a potential move away from the Primeira Liga champions this summer.

The Sweden international has an £85 million release clause in place. Still, there is a disagreement over how much he will be allowed to depart for as the club prepares to return to pre-season, with Varandas publicly stating Sporting won’t be held to ransom.

Viktor Gyokeres’ incredible record in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

52

Goals

54

Assists

13

Talks are set to act as a move to push Sporting into a sale, while the report names Berta and Arsenal as the team now in the front seat to land Gyokeres after a summer transfer saga that has dominated headlines across the globe.

Manchester United have also been heavily mentioned. However, the Gunners are believed to be the only contender in line for Gyokeres, who has been labelled the “hottest striker in the world” by talkSPORT pundit Flex.

Potentially, this development could bring the curtain down on a nerve-shredding summer episode for everyone involved with the North London giants, though supporters won’t be getting too excited until he is paraded at the Emirates Stadium.

Goals, goals and more goals; if there was a thing Arsenal missed this season, it was goals.

Mikel Arteta’s side managed to secure a third successive second-placed finish in the Premier League this season, but unlike the last two campaigns, it was a truly distant second place.

Liverpool ended up finishing ten points ahead of the Gunners, and arguably worse than that, they scored a whopping 17 more goals than the North Londoners.

So, with this in mind, it’s hardly been a surprise to see Arsenal linked with a host of incredible strikers in recent weeks, including one who’s supposedly better than Erling Haaland and would be an upgrade on Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal's striker search

Given their struggles in attack this season, Arsenal have been linked with a plethora of outstanding strikers in recent weeks and months, from Sporting CPs free-scoring Viktor Gyokeres to Aston Villa’s brilliant Ollie Watkins and even Newcastle United’s likely unattainable Alexander Isak.

However, over the last week or so, a frontrunner to come in and lead the line for the Gunners next season has emerged in Sesko.

The Slovenian forward has been a target for the club since last summer, but according to reports last week, talks between his representatives and the two teams seem to be progressing well.

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Yet, another goalscorer has now entered the picture, someone who’d be an upgrade on the RB Leipzig star and who’d hold his own against Haaland: Victor Osimhen.

Yes, according to a recent report from Italian publication Tuttosport, Arsenal are one of several teams now interested in the on-loan Napoli ace.

The report claims that the Nigerian international turned down the opportunity to move to the Saudi Pro League because teams like the Gunners and Manchester United are now keen to sign him.

However, on top of dealing with the competition, the North Londoners will also have to cough up around £63m to activate the release clause in his current contract open to teams outside of Serie A.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Osimhen’s immense ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a big upgrade on Sesko.

How Osimhen compares to Sesko and Haaland

So, if Osimhen is currently one of the options for Arsenal this summer, it’s worth seeing how he stacks up with Sesko, who might be his biggest competition at the moment.

Yet, with the Nigerian international being described as “even better than Haaland” by Italian agent Andrea D’Amico, it’s also worth including the Manchester City star in the comparisons, as should the Napoli star move to North London, the Norwegian will be leading the line for one of his biggest title rivals.

With that said, when it comes to their pure output this season, it looks like D’Amico is correct, as it’s the Lagos-born “superhuman,” as dubbed by journalist Paolo Esposito, who comes out on top.

In 41 appearances, totalling 3236 minutes, he was able to score 37 goals and provide eight assists for Galatasaray, which comes out to an average of 1.09 goal involvements every game, or one every 71.91 minutes.

For his efforts, the City star scored 31 goals and provided four assists in 44 appearances, totalling 3786 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.25 games, or one every 108.17 minutes.

Finally, the Leipzig star was the worst of the three, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which translates to a goal involvement every 1.66 games or every 120.66 minutes.

Moreover, while the former Salzburg gem is the youngest and, therefore, might make the most sense in the long term, Arteta and Co are at a point in the project at which winning here and now has to take precedence over what might be best for a few years down the line.

Therefore, it makes sense to sign someone who massively outperformed both Sesko and Haaland this summer, which is why Arsenal should be going all in on Osimhen.

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Warwickshire debutant’s 3 for 29 offers reassurance amid autumnal gloom

Paul Edwards28-Sep-202112-6 looks more like an old-style price tag than a cricket score. Change the dash for a forward slash and knock off two bob and you have the label on the Mad Hatter’s topper. Such thoughts seemed only fitting on an unhinged morning at Lord’s, where Lancashire’s collapse to Warwickshire’s excellent new-ball bowlers looked something of a judgement on the decision to extend a five-day game into October. Those who called this match “a showpiece occasion” were stretching things a bit and those who referred to the Bob Willis Trophy should have consulted a dictionary.None of which is intended to criticise the late Bob Willis or the charities that will benefit as a result of this game taking place. It is merely to observe that the fixture seems something that has been tacked onto the end of a very long season.For many cricket lovers the curtain should have been brought down on Friday, when Warwickshire’s players piled on top of each other at Edgbaston after they had clinched the County Championship. Instead of which, we have an enormous encore which no one in the stalls has demanded. So as the number of wickets lurked menacingly just behind the number of runs one was grateful for Panzer’s, the St John’s Wood delicatessen whose almond croissants could even brighten any morning; even one on which the Jubilee Line had gone kaput because of signal failure at Baker St. I’d like to have seen Gerry Rafferty write a song about that.Related

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At which point Manraj Johal came on to bowl at the Pavilion End. Lancashire were already neck-deep in the Grimpen Mire when Will Rhodes threw the ball to his 19-year-old rookie but I doubt Johal cared too much that the scoreboard read 26 for 6. This was his first-class debut and it was taking place at Lord’s. Beat that with a stick.At first the nerves showed a little. They may even have been evident in the third over when Johal bowled a short ball only to see Josh Bohannon pull it straight to Dom Sibley at midwicket. Two overs later Tom Bailey was leg-before to one that nipped back and then Jack Blatherwick obligingly held his bat out and edged a catch to Sam Hain at second slip. When Lancashire were finally dismissed for 78 in 27.5 overs, Johal’s figures read 8-3-29-3.It is a lovely story for the last week of the season and one made all the richer when you know the circumstances behind it. Johal is 19 and opens the bowling for West Bromwich Dartmouth in the Birmingham League. He first played for a Warwickshire age-group side when he was 11; he has been a Bear since he was a cub.Five years ago, though, Johal was deselected from the county’s Emerging Player Programme (EPP), a decision he greeted with a courteous refusal to be dissuaded from his chosen profession. Last October, after a year in Warwickshire’s Academy and two further years on the EPP he signed his first professional contract.Manraj Johal celebrates his maiden first-class wicket•PA Photos/Getty Images”During his time in the pathway, Manraj has shown how determined he is to reach the top and he has also proved that he could overcome notable setbacks along the way,” Paul Greetham, Warwickshire’s high performance manager, said. “During lockdown he got stronger and fitter than ever by getting out running along the canals and by working on his skills by bowling to his dad in his garden.”He was deselected from the EPP but reacted by winning his place back the following year by having an excellent season in the county age groups and in the additional skill-set groups. Manraj has worked very hard to get to earn this rookie contract and it’s for him now to grasp this opportunity and to prove that he can make it in the professional game.”VVS Laxman used to give this advice to young cricketers; indeed, he probably still does. “Knock on the door. If you get no answer, knock louder. If there is still no answer, knock the door down.”To watch a young player make his debut in the last game of the season is one of cricket’s most encouraging sights. In its way it is rather moving for it offers reassurance that there will be another season, another spring. Manraj Johal will not give a fig that this game hardly stirs most people’s blood. It stirs his blood alright and for no other reason than that it is the next step on the way to the full realisation of his ambition.He has helped the Bears bowl out Lancashire for 78 and he has watched as his side’s opening batters make 120 without loss in reply. I might be risking things a shade here but I reckon Warwickshire have their noses in front.

Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis had given Sri Lanka hope but the home side lost late wickets to finish on the brink

Tristan Lavalette08-Feb-2025Sri Lanka’s hopes of setting a tricky chase faded late on day three as Beau Webster provided key contributions with the ball and in the field to inch Australia close to a series victory.Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis had breathed life into the second Test with an outstanding 70-run partnership as Sri Lanka’s lead grew to 41 runs. But less than 30 minutes before stumps, Mathews lost his concentration on 76 and swept Nathan Lyon to fine leg, where a diving Webster completed a terrific catch.Related

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In another masterstroke from stand-in captain Steven Smith, Webster was handed the ball and unfurled his offspin – instead of seam – to dismiss Ramesh Mendis for a duck.Webster almost had Prabath Jayasuriya caught and bowled first ball, while Mendis survived a huge lbw shout off Lyon that was given not out by umpire Joel Wilson. Australia unsuccessfully reviewed in an umpire’s call, but Smith’s gut instincts again proved correct when left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann was tasked with bowling the final over and he promptly dismissed Jayasuriya.Sri Lanka lead by just 54 runs with two wickets in hand having lost 3 for 13 in the last five overs. Their chances of victory have effectively evaporated unless Mendis, who finished unbeaten on 48 having been left stranded on 85 in Sri Lanka’s first innings, can produce a miracle.Sri Lanka had earlier appeared headed for a defeat within three days. Trailing by 157 runs on the first innings, they stared down the barrel of a quick demise at 39 for 3 when Lyon claimed his 550th Test wicket after dismissing Dinesh Chandimal for 12.Highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asia•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Retiring Dimuth Karunaratne had fallen for 14, caught behind off Kuhnemann, bringing down the curtain on his 100-Test career. After prolonging his last moments at the crease with a review in vain, Karunaratne received an embrace from Lyon and Chandimal before walking off to a big ovation from those at the ground, including the Australians.It was Kuhnemann’s second wicket after he bowled opener Pathum Nissanka with a good length delivery that slid on.Chandimal had scored a couple of 70s in this series, but needed an even bigger contribution if Sri Lanka were to turn around their dire situation. But after being pinned down, Chandimal lost his patience against Lyon and hit to mid-off, where Webster moved nimbly to take a sharp catch low down.Mathews and Kamindu Mendis provided some resistance with a 42-run partnership having both received reprieves after missed chances by Alex Carey with the gloves.Entering the series averaging over 70, Kamindu’s tame series ended when he chipped Lyon to mid-off but skipper Dhananjaya de Silva batted crisply in a 47-run partnership with Mathews.Steve Smith took a spectacular slip catch to dismiss Dhananjaya de Silva•Getty Images

They moved along with relative ease to chip away at the deficit and Mathews reached his half-century in style with a six over cover off debutant Cooper Connolly, who was used for a couple of overs.Just when Sri Lanka’s hopes were raised, Smith seemingly dealt them a crushing blow when he completed a sensational one-handed, diving catch at slip after de Silva edged Kuhnemann.But Mendis came out with an aggressive mindset to rattle a tiring Australia attack amid the humidity. He levelled the scores with a slog sweep off Lyon that sailed into the crowd before lifting Sri Lanka into the lead on the next ball.Sri Lanka were having arguably their best period with the bat in the series before Mathews’ rush of blood. It was a disappointment for Sri Lanka after their best day of the series ended on a sour note.Sri Lanka’s attempts at a fightback started when they claimed seven wickets in the morning session to bowl out Australia for 414. Jayasuriya found venomous bite with the second new ball to pick up four of his five wickets in the session.Smith and Carey’s magnificent partnership of 259 ended less than 20 minutes into the day’s play. In another batting record for Australia in this series, it was the highest fourth-wicket partnership by a visiting pair in Sri Lanka in Tests, bettering the 258-stand between Michael Hussey and Shaun Marsh in Pallekele in 2011.Australia resumed in a powerful position at 330 for 3, but they knew there was work to do in their bid to only bat once in this match. Carey overtook his highest first-class score of 143 in style with a firm sweep that rocketed to the boundary and he also moved past Adam Gilchrist’s 144 as the highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asia.Dimuth Karunaratne walks off a Test arena for the final time•Getty Images

Jayasuriya was rewarded for his attacking line and lengths when Smith’s stout defence was finally breached on 131 by a brilliant delivery that pitched on off stump and gripped off the surface. Smith walked off immediately after feathering an edge and he received a rousing ovation, but his dismissal reinvigorated Sri Lanka and brought a different complexion to the game.Josh Inglis made his way to the crease one spot lower in the batting-order after spending time off the field during Sri Lanka’s first innings because of a back spasm. After scoring a memorable debut ton in the first Test, Inglis’ stumps were rattled on his second delivery when he played back to a full delivery that skidded on.Carey on 156 finally succumbed to the sweep, a stroke he had been almost faultless through the innings, when he played over the top of a Jayasuriya delivery and was clean bowled.All eyes were on Connolly, who boasted a first-class average of 61.80 from four matches but three of those was at the pace-friendly WACA ground.Connolly has proven to be a big-game performer in his fledgling career, backing his aggressive instincts, and he got off the mark in trademark cavalier fashion with a boundary albeit off a top-edge from a full-blooded sweep.But Connolly didn’t add to his tally and was too ambitious when he skipped down to Peiris only to slice to backward point in an ugly dismissal. Webster provided a steadying 31 and he was to have a bigger impact later in the day’s play.

MatériaMais Notícias

da esoccer bet： O Corinthians empatou em 1 a 1 com o lanterna América-MG na “bacia das almas” e viu seu objetivo no Campeonato Brasileiro ser escancarado aos olhos dos mais de 37 mil torcedores que acompanharam o duelo na Neo Química Arena: evitar o descenso à Série B.

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Buscando vencer ao menos um título em 2023, a equipe focou os esforços na disputa das Copas e abdicou em alguns momentos do Brasileirão. Com o relativo sucesso nos mata-matas – semifinal da Copa do Brasil e da Sul-Americana – a atual diretoria conseguiu mascarar o desempenho irregular na competição nacional e a instabilidade administrativa. Porém, o tropeço em casa fez a Fiel ligar o sinal de alerta.

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Com o resultado, a equipe do Parque São Jorge perdeu a oportunidade de subir na tabela de classificação e se distanciar da zona de rebaixamento. Hoje, o Timão ocupa a décima quinta posição, com 33 pontos conquistados, apenas três à frente do Vasco, que abre o Z4.

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EMPATES E MAIS EMPATES

Com 11 empates em 28 rodadas disputadas até o momento no Brasileirão, o Corinthians é a única equipe da competição com mais empates do que vitórias ou derrotas. Claro que alguns deles são bem-vindos, como o conquistado no último lance diante do Coelho no domingo (22). Porém, a falta de poder decisão do Timão fez com que o clube deixasse pontos valiosos pelo caminho, que poderão custar caro em dezembro.

DESMONTE

Ao todo, o Timão negociou oito atletas da equipe principal em 2023: Lucas Piton (Vasco), Du Queiroz (Zenit), Robert Renan (Zenit), Pedro (Zenit), Gustavo Mantuan (Zenit), Adson (Nantes), Róger Guedes (Al-Rayyan) e Murillo (Nottingham Forest).

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Apesar de bater a meta de vendas de jogadores da temporada (R$ 90,1 milhões), a diretoria não contratou peças de reposição à altura, principalmente no setor ofensivo, e viu a equipe sofrer sem os gols de Róger Guedes.

CAMPANHA NO RETURNO DO BRASILEIRÃO

Com apenas uma vitória em nove jogos, o Corinthians é a segunda pior equipe do returno do Brasileirão. O único triunfo foi justamente contra o Botafogo, líder da competição. Os 33% de aproveitamento do Timão superam apenas o Coritiba, que totaliza 22%. Ainda sim, a equipe paranaense venceu duas partidas no segundo turno.

Números no período: uma vitória, seis empates e duas derrotas, com 10 gols marcados e 11 sofridos.

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INSTABILIDADE ADMINISTRATIVA

A falta de convicção da direção fez com que o Corinthians mudasse de rota algumas vezes na temporada. Após a saída conturbada de Vítor Pereira, que levou a equipe à final da Copa do Brasil, o Timão contou com quatro treinadores diferentes: Fernando Lázaro, Cuca, Luxemburgo e Mano Menezes, atual comandante.

As trocas evidenciaram um antigo problema que assombra o clube desde a saída de Fábio Carrille, em 2019: a inexistência de um estilo de jogo definido. Cabe ao novo presidente, que será conhecido em dezembro, definir o estilo, para a partir desta decisão, escolher o nome que melhor se encaixe nos pré-requisitos determinados.

ENVELHECIMENTO DO ELENCO

Embora o Corinthians tenha apenas o nono elenco mais envelhecido do Brasileirão (média de 26.3 anos), as lideranças técnicas da equipe se encontram no estágio final de suas carreiras. Cássio, Fagner, Gil, Fábio Santos, Renato Augusto são considerados titulares e pilares do time, mas já passaram dos 30 anos de idade e não conseguem atuar em todas as partidas.

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