After being released from LSG, the India batter is prioritising a “balanced” team environment over his captaincy aspirations

Shashank Kishore12-Nov-20242:55

Rahul: Bangalore is home, will be nice to go back to RCB

KL Rahul is looking forward to playing with “freedom” in a “much more balanced” environment as he enters the mega auction ahead of the new IPL cycle. Rahul was released by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) following their seventh-place finish at IPL 2024.At the time, franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka spoke of their keenness to hold on to “players who have a mindset to win” and those that “put the team before their personal goals and aspirations”. Did that in any way prompt Rahul’s keenness to enter the auction?Related

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“No, I mean, I think the decision was made already and I don’t know what the comments are, but they must have come after the announcement,” Rahul told in an interview aired on November 12. “I just felt like I wanted to start fresh, I wanted to explore my options and I wanted to go and play where I could find some freedom and the team atmosphere would be something much more balanced.”The pressure is already there in the IPL, it’s so high. You see teams like Gujarat [Titans] and CSK [Chennai Super Kings] and all of these teams, and you see when they win or lose, they seem really balanced and the dressing room is really calm. That’s something that’s very important for me as a player. I feel like if that happens, it gives all the players the best chance to perform.”We tried that at LSG with Andy Flower [head coach] and GG [Gautam Gambhir, mentor] first and then last year with [new head coach, Justin] Langer, we tried to create that in the change room. I think it was a brilliant atmosphere in the change room. I think sometimes you just need to move away and find something good for yourself.”Rahul led LSG into the playoffs in their first two seasons, in 2022 and 2023. Asked to look back on IPL 2024, Rahul suggested that external pressure may have contributed to their drop in results. After starting with a loss to Rajasthan Royals, they won three matches on the bounce before stuttering mid-season. And then, they went on a downward spiral, even as Rahul topped their charts with 520 runs at a strike rate of 136.12.1:30

Rahul: I want to play where I can find some freedom

Despite those runs, there had been considerable speculation over Rahul’s future at the franchise ever since visuals surfaced of an animated chat between him and Goenka following LSG’s defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad towards the end of the league phase.”There’s always ups and downs,” he said. “You need to be able to hold your nerves and be able to keep and you need to be able to keep putting up good performances after good performances. All the travel, all the drama outside, the pressure – all of it is there every year. But somehow this season, it felt like there was a lot more and somehow I think that affected the team and we couldn’t put in performances when it really mattered.”Looking ahead, Rahul said IPL captaincy wasn’t the most important thing for him at this stage, but playing in a “good environment” was. “I would never go and ask someone for it,” Rahul said when asked how important IPL captaincy was to him. “If you feel that my leadership skills are good enough, and you find something good in the way I play my cricket and in the way I handle myself, the way that I handle the team that I’ve captained in the last four to five years, and if you find it worthy, then of course I’m happy to do it.”But it’s not something that is a make or break for me. I just want to be part of a team that has a good environment. You feel loved, cared for and respected in that environment and everyone on that franchise has one single goal to win the idea. there then that’s a perfect fit.”Even as social media chatter of a potential reunion with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, his hometown team, gathers steam, Rahul was pragmatic about the possibility of playing anywhere. But it’s no secret which team he has a soft corner for. “I most enjoyed playing at RCB. It’s also home,” he said. “You get to spend a lot of time at home, and I know the Chinnaswamy [Stadium] really well. I’ve grown up playing on that ground. So yeah, I really enjoyed my time in RCB.”Would he love to go back to RCB?”Yeah, of course like I said, it’s kind of home and the people there know me as a local Kannada boy, and it would be nice to go back there and get an opportunity again. But yeah, it’s an auction year so you can go anywhere.”

Having already welcomed Anthony Elanga, Newcastle United are now reportedly “pushing” to sign Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth over £60m this summer.

Securing their second signing of the summer and their biggest so far following Antonio Cordero’s initial arrival, Newcastle will be glad to have got Elanga over the line. The Swede enjoyed an excellent campaign with Nottingham Forest last time out – scoring six goals as well as assisting a further 12 in all competitions – and will now form one of the Premier League’s deadliest trios alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Speaking for the first time since welcoming Elanga, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe told the club website: “I’m delighted to welcome Anthony to Newcastle United. He has been a key target for us so I’m delighted to secure him at this early part of pre-season.

“He is an exciting talent with attributes that make him a unique attacking threat. His pace, energy and ability to create and score goals will strengthen us and complement the way we want to play. Anthony is hungry to develop even further with us and to achieve success here, and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”

However, after spending around £55m to reinforce Newcastle’s frontline, PIF still reportedly have unfinished business in the summer transfer window. Recent reports have linked the Magpies with moves for the likes of Giorgio Scalvini, who would be an impressive defensive addition, while a move for James Trafford has been on the cards for some time.

What’s more, fresh reports are now claiming that those at St James’ Park are “pushing” to welcome another talented attacking option.

Downie: What Hugo Ekitike bid means for Alexander Isak

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are now “pushing” to sign Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt after submitting a bid worth over €70m (£61m). Jumping ahead of the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea in the race to sign the Frenchman, the Magpies could be about to form quite the strike partnership between Ekitike and Isak.

Keith Downie has since added comment on the concerns around Isak’s future, speaking to Sky Sports live from outside St James’ Park on Tuesday morning.

While the reporter does confirm the Magpies want the Sweden superstar to sign a new contract and hope to begin talks soon, he claims the club will be in a “completely different scenario” next summer if a new deal is not signed and may well be getting their ducks in a row for Isak to leave in 2026.

There will be some concerns over how Ekitike underperformed his expected goals total last season, but keeping hold of the clinical Isak – at least for now – would instantly nullify those concerns.

The forward’s rise is one that former Reims manager Oscar Garcia saw coming from the start of his career, having told reporters: “There is something very special about him. He’s young, and he has the quality to become a very good player. He’s a young man with a lot of quality but also a lot to improve on, but he works hard in training.”

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Now, that “special” player could be on his way to Newcastle to stand next to Isak in one of the best attacks that the Premier League has to offer.

Aston Villa are now racing to sign an “aggressive” midfielder, who is open to a move to the Premier League this summer, according to a report.

Villa looking to bolster midfield options

Villa brought Marco Asensio in on loan during the January transfer window, and the Spaniard went on to have an impressive second half of the season, picking up eight goals and one assist in 21 outings across all competitions.

With the summer transfer window now entering its final month, however, Unai Emery is yet to bring in a replacement for Asensio, having made very few additions to his squad, and there have been suggestions that the former loanee could be brought back.

Fenerbahce have also been named as potential suitors for the Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder, but the Turkish club are yet to make a breakthrough in negotiations, which could open the door for a move to Villa Park.

However, the 29-year-old is not the only option on the shortlist, with a report from A Bola (via Sport Witness) revealing Aston Villa are now interested in signing Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes, but there could be stiff competition for his signature.

Leeds United and Atletico Madrid are also in the race for Fernandes, who is open to making a return to the Premier League this summer, having suffered relegation from the top flight with the Saints last season.

The Villans may have to shell out a relatively large amount to get a deal over the line, with Southampton setting an asking price of more than €35m (£30m) two months ago, although it is unclear whether a transfer fee in that region is realistic.

Fernandes deserves another chance in Premier League

The Saints endured one of the worst campaigns in Premier League history last season, collecting just 12 points, but their young midfielder still managed to impress at times, collecting two goals and four assists in 36 outings.

Former manager Vasco Seabra has also lauded the 20-year-old for his physical attributes in the past, describing him as a “very strong and aggressive player with a great ability to cover a lot of ground”.

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The Villans desperately need to get moving this summer.

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Fernandes was a shining light in a poor Southampton side last season, and the starlet is also impressive defensively, placing in the top 2% for tackles per 90 over the past year, and in the top 4% for interceptions, when compared to other attacking midfielders.

However, with a Europa League campaign on the horizon, it may be a savvy move for Villa to bring in an attacking midfielder with more top-level experience, meaning Asensio could be a better addition to the squad, having played for some of Europe’s top clubs.

It’s no secret that Chelsea have spent a lot of money on a lot of seriously talented players over the last few years.

However, arguably one of the most exciting signings the club have made in recent years was when they spent £29m on then-17-year-old Estevao Willian, who is finally set to join up with Enzo Maresca’s squad ahead of next season.

The teenage Brazilian, nicknamed Messinho, is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in world football and, with 42 goal involvements in 83 senior club games already, it’s easy to see why analyst Ben Mattinson describes him as a “future Ballon d’Or winner.”

So, Chelsea fans should be delighted with reports linking the club to another incredible gem who could be as big a talent as Estevao.

Chelsea target brilliant wonderkid

It would be fair to say that this summer has been a largely positive one for Chelsea so far, as, on top of their exploits on the pitch, the club have conducted some brilliant business off of it.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, they made a tidy profit on Noni Madueke and managed to finally offload Kepa Arrizabalaga, with both making the increasingly common move from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates.

Then, in terms of incomings, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro are all surely going to improve Maresca’s attack, and it looks like they are closing in on RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons as well.

However, the Blues don’t appear to be done there, as it also looks like they will be getting their hands on an even younger prospect, someone who could be as big a talent as Estevao.

At least that’s according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has reaffirmed Chelsea’s intense interest in Jorrel Hato.

The Italian journalist goes a step further, revealing that a deal to sign the Ajax ace is “now very close” as negotiations between the two clubs are at the “final stages.”

A price is not mentioned in Romano’s report, but stories from earlier this month claimed that a fee of around £40m would be enough to get this deal over the line.

While that might seem like a lot of money, it might end up being fair value if Hato can fulfil the potential so many believe him to have, similarly to Estevao.

Why Hato is as big a talent as Estevao

So, the first thing to point out is that, with Estevao primarily playing as a right-winger and being tasked with scoring and creating goals, he is almost always going to receive more attention and more plaudits than someone who plays in defence, like Hato.

However, that does not mean the Dutchman does not possess the same level of talent as the Brazilian, nor the potential to be a genuinely great player one day – you only need to look at his record to see that.

Since making his debut back in February 2023, at just 16 years old, the “exceptional athlete,” as dubbed by Mattinson, has become an integral part of Ajax’s first team.

Appearances

111

Starts

102

Minutes

9121′

Goals

4

Assists

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.11

Minutes per Goal Involvement

701.61′

Points per Game

1.86

The Rotterdam-born monster has already amassed a staggering 111 appearances for the Dutch giants, of which 102 have been starts, and even though he primarily played at left-back, he has also been able to amass a reasonable tally in which he’s scored four goals and provided nine assists.

If that wasn’t enough to convince you that the 19-year-old wonderkid was something genuinely special, then perhaps the fact he’s already captained the Amsterdam outfit on multiple occasions will.

Finally, he’s not just seen as the next big thing by his club.

For example, the “immense” prospect, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has also already won six senior caps for the Netherlands, in which he’s provided one assist, since making his debut in November 2023, at just 17 years old.

Ultimately, Estevao will always generate more excitement as he’s someone who could be a massive source of goals and assists in the future.

Still, from everything we’ve seen over the last few years and what those in the know are saying, there is every chance Hato could be as immense a talent, and therefore, someone Chelsea fans should be very excited about.

Even better than Hato: Chelsea preparing bid to sign "aggressive" £51m star

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After news emerged earlier this week that Nicolas Raskin’s agent has offered his signature to Real Betis, Glasgow Rangers now face the threat of losing another star man amid reports that Besiktas are preparing a second bid.

Real Betis offered Raskin move

It’s been a busy summer for Rangers so far. Having kicked things off by welcoming new ownership in the form of the 49ers before welcoming Russell Martin in the technical area, the Gers have since been busy with incomings on the pitch. So far, a total of seven fresh faces have arrived, while Oscar Cortes has also made his loan move permanent.

But it’s not all good news. As arrivals begin to settle in, Rangers could yet suffer some frustrating exit news. Already, Martin has seen the likes of Hamza Igamane flirt with the exit door at Ibrox, before his proposed move to LOSC Lille broke down, and now the new manager faces the threat of losing Raskin.

According to recent reports, the midfielder’s agent has now offered his signature to La Liga side Real Betis in a worrying sign for Rangers. As things stand, the main obstacle in the way of the Belgian’s exit remains his £8.6m valuation – one that Betis are reluctant to pay – but it seems unlikely that other potential suitors will take the same stance.

With that said, Martin is keen to keep hold of Raskin and has already shared how he wants to get the best out of his midfield star, saying: “We can get more end product out of Nico by doing a bit less.

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“He has big character, he wants to take the ball but I think he’s had to do a lot in the previous season, whereas now we’re going to ask him to do a bit less, and when he does have to stuff, to do it with real quality, intensity and aggression. So, hopefully, we’ll be able to bring out a more impactful Nico.”

Alas, Rangers’ exit concern doesn’t end there. Reports are now claiming that the Gers could yet lose another midfielder this summer.

Rangers braced for imminent Diomande offer

According to Turkish outlet Fotomac, Besiktas are now set to submit an improved offer to sign Mohamed Diomande after Rangers rejected their opening bid worth just over £6.5m. The Turkish club are keen to complete a quickfire deal, but must first find a way to reach an agreement with the stubborn 49ers.

Losing both Raskin and Diomande would be a major blow no matter how impressive Rangers have been in the transfer market this summer.

Both played a “brilliant” role in the Gers’ 3-2 win over Celtic in March, according to Rangers Review’s Joshua Barrie, and both should be built around at the heart of Martin’s side.

Marcus Harris added 52 to his first-innings century to continue to build his case for a Test match recall but both sides bemoaned a lifeless Junction Oval surface as Victoria and Tasmania dawdled to a draw on day four in Melbourne.Harris made 52 off 70 balls in the second innings, after scoring 143 in the first, as Victoria cruised to 120 for 2 off 52 overs in their second innings on the fourth day after Tasmania had declared overnight with a 99-run lead. But given the surface had so little life in it, there was no prospect of Tasmania taking 10 wickets with time left to chase a target and the captains agreed to call the game off just before tea on the final day.Related

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Harris played with similar fluency to his first innings, striking eight boundaries in his 52 before nicking a very full delivery from Kieran Elliott to potentially cost himself a chance at twin hundreds in the match.Ash Chandrasinghe was challenged by left-arm orthodox of Matt Kuhnemann, who tried to extract something from the footmarks outside the left-hander’s off stump. Chandrasinghe made 44 from 128 before Kuhnemann finally got one to bite from the dust to bowl him through the gate.Campbell Kellaway and Peter Handscomb blunted the bowling thereafter to thwart any chance of a collapse. Jordan Silk even tried himself for an over before the game was called off.Despite the flat nature of the pitch, player of the match Harris was pleased with his return. He had a brief conversation with Australia selector Tony Dodemaide on the ground after the match and revealed he looks set to play for Australia A against India A in a few weeks time.”He asked if I wanted to bat six and bowl seam up in the Test side,” Harris joked. “He was just talking about the Aussie A stuff. I think that’ll come out the next few days.”Australia A play two four-day matches against India A in Mackay and Melbourne before the Test season. Cameron Green’s likely absence from the XI opens the door for Harris to win a place in the side through performance, especially if Steven Smith moves back to No. 4 as expected.”It probably wouldn’t hurt if you made runs in it,” Harris said. “I’ve been in the situation a few times now where I’ve played those games. It’s not like it’s going to be the first time I’ve ever played for Australia A before a Test series. There’s obviously always a bit of attention around those games. Pressure wise, I’m not going to be trying to put the same pressure on myself as I had before. It will just be a great opportunity.”Victoria coach Chris Rogers and Tasmania coach Jeff Vaughan were left frustrated that a result was not possible. Silk and Handscomb had held discussions on the third day about trying to manufacture a result but could not find common ground, which both coaches stated was understandable given it was the first game of the season.There was no blame placed on the curator at the Junction Oval given the weather in the lead-in, but Rogers did not sugarcoat the result.”That’s not great for cricket and anyone involved,” he said. “We have a bit of a history here early on in the season of just having wickets that we we try different things, but we can’t seem to get anything out of it. So it’s frustrating.”Vaughan did not have an answer as to how to avoid these early season results, particularly in the two most southern states of Victoria and Tasmania.”I’ll feel for curators in that regards, because it is darn hard at this time of year to get high-quality result wickets,” Vaughan said.

There will be a 10-day period after both finals where clubs can sign players under certain conditions

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Nov-2024The BBL and WBBL have introduced a new trade window which will allow clubs to sign players and swap draft picks for a brief period after the conclusion of both competitions.There has also been a change to the contracting embargo period – where no players can be signed – which will now begin after the home-and-away part of each tournament rather than after the final. The new 10-day trade period, dubbed the player movement window, will be the only time where clubs can make changes to their list once the embargo begins.For the WBBL, the new trade period will be from December 2 to December 11 and in the BBL it will run from January 28 to February 6. During the two windows, clubs cannot extend contracts of existing players which can only be done before the embargo begins or after it is lifted which is expected to be mid-March.During the new trade window, clubs can: Trade a player with another club, although this does not need to be reciprocal Sign a player from another club who is in the final year of their current contract. Trade overseas draft positions as part or independent of player trades.Previously, there could be no player signings outside the embargo window although non-binding agreements could be reached. One example of where the new model could have had an impact recently is Melbourne Stars’ interest in Matt Kuhnemann only for Brisbane Heat to be able to persuade him to stay before the contracting embargo period lifted.Clubs will also have to work within squad sizes: for the WBBL, there can be eight players on a list before the trade window and a maximum 10 afterwards and in the BBL the corresponding numbers are 10 and 12.Overseas players signed on multi-year deals count towards those squad sizes. Across both tournaments, that includes Marizanne Kapp, Amelia Kerr, Chamari Athapaththu, Lizelle Lee, Nadine de Klerk, Sophie Devine, Sam Billings, Colin Munro, Tim Seifert, Chris Jordan, Tom Curran and Finn Allen.The ability to trade players has been available in the BBL since 2013 although has been used in a limited capacity. Ahead of this season, Wes Agar was traded from Adelaide Strikers to Sydney Thunder as part of a draft pick exchange between the clubs. In 2023, Adam Zampa and Sam Harper were traded between Melbourne Stars and Renegades.”The introduction of Player Movement Windows immediately following the WBBL|10 and BBL|14 seasons will add another strategic dimension to our Leagues,” Alistair Dobson, the executive general manager of Big Bash Leagues, said. “The windows will add certainty and stability for players and clubs at a crucial period in the list management cycle.”

رد بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي بسخرية على تشبيهه بجوزيه مورينيو عقب تعادل مانشستر سيتي ضد آرسنال، بهدف لمثله، في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على ملعب الإمارات.

وتلقى جوارديولا اتهامًا باللجوء إلى أسلوب “ركن الأتوبيس” لمحاولة تحقيق الفوز، بعد أن سجل إيرلينج هالاند الهدف الافتتاحي لمانشستر سيتي مبكرًا.

ووصلت نسبة استحواذ مانشستر سيتي على الكرة إلى 33% خلال مباراة الأحد الماضي في الدوري الإنجليزي على ملعب الإمارات، ونجح آرسنال في العودة بفضل هدف جابرييل مارتينيلي في الوقت القاتل.

وادعى العديد من الخبراء أن بيب جوارديولا قام بتقليد تكتيكات مورينيو مدرب بنفيكا الحالي، لتحقيق الفوز، بدلاً من الالتزام بفلسفته المرنة المعتادة.

اقرأ أيضاً.. جوارديولا مشيدًا بمدافع مانشستر سيتي: يذكرني بـ ووكر كثيرًا

وتلقى بيب جوارديولا انتقاداً من روي كين أسطورة مانشستر يونايتد أيضًا لاختلاقه عذر الإرهاق لتبرير أداء مانشستر سيتي المخيب للآمال.

ورد جوارديولا على منتقديه ومقارنته بمورينيو بسخرية في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “جول” العالمية: “عندما فزنا بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز كنا فريقاً مملاً، أليس كذلك؟”.

وأضاف: “ربما يمكن للاعبين في المستقبل التحدث عن مدى تغيري هذا الموسم، ربما هم من يستحقون أكبر قدر من الثناء إذا غيرت نهجي لاحقاً، لأنهم حاضرون في كل اجتماع وكل مباراة، يمكنكم سؤالهم”.

وواصل: “أعتقد أنه الأمر نفسه تماماً، هل غيرنا طريقة لعبنا ضد نابولي؟ لا، بعد 3 أيام غيرنا طريقة لعبنا؟ تباً، أنا جيد جداً، لقد غيرت كل شيء في 3 أيام!”.

وتابع: “لا بد أنني مدرب جيد جدًا، حتى اعتزالي أود اللعب بالطريقة التي أريدها، من حيث المبدأ، أفضل أن نستعيد الكرة في منطقة متقدمة من الملعب وأن نستحوذ على الكرة كثيراً لإرباك دفاع الخصوم ومحاولة معاقبتهم، لطالما كان الأمر هكذا وسأظل كذلك دائماً”.

Arsenal's out-of-favour forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard sent a timely reminder to manager Mikel Arteta on Tuesday night, coming off the bench against Athletic Club to ensure the Gunners started their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 win. The north Londoners' expensively-assembled attack struggled to break down the hosts' defence, but the two players who have been linked with an Emirates exit delivered in style late on.

The north London team eased past Athletic Club 3-0 in a pre-season friendly last month but this was a much tougher test this time out. Arsenal spent more than £170 million ($232m) on a new attack comprising of Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke, but it was Martinelli who unlocked the Basque outfit's staunch backline.

A little more than 30 seconds after emerging from the bench with 20 minutes left on the clock, the Brazilian made a 40-yard run and showed excellent composure to slot a finish underneath the onrushing goalkeeper.

The 24-year-old, who – like Trossard – has been linked with an Arsenal departure, then set up his fellow substitute to put the game to bed three minutes from time, securing the three points for Arsenal in what was a tricky away trip to begin their league phase in the Champions League.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the San Mames…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (7/10):

Arsenal's number one was rarely troubled but when he was tested, he stood up to what the Spanish outfit had to throw at him.

Jurrien Timber (8/10):

Was coollness personified at times. His decision-making was top notch, he was firm in the tackle, and the hosts got very little tune out of him.

Cristian Mosquera (8/10):

Continues to impress in William Saliba's absence. The summer signing is unlikely to keep the Frenchman out of the starting line-up when he returns from injury but he is proving his worth so far.

Gabriel (8/10):

The Brazilian is a commanding presence at the back and still offers an aerial threat in attack. The captain is just a class operator these days.

Riccardo Calafiori (8/10):

He is still keeping Myles Lewis-Skelly out of the team, and with solid displays like this, it is easy to understand why. May not offer as much as the teenager going forward, though.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Declan Rice (6/10)

Seemed half a step slow compared to Athletic Club's midfield, particularly in the first half, and had to be careful after picking up an early yellow card. Did play a part in his team's first goal.

Martin Zubimendi (6/10):

Wasn't able to reproduce his heroics from Arsenal's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Mikel Merino (6/10):

Was part of a midfield that was a bit slack and didn't keep the ball well enough. Improved a bit as the game wore on.

AFPAttack

Noni Madueke (6/10):

Got plenty of chances to run at Athletic Club's defence but he was often well marshalled by Adam Boiro out on the right wing.

Viktor Gyokeres (5/10):

Had some half chances but this was a bit of a frustrating night for the Swedish striker. Was hooked just after the hour mark after suffering a head injury and not getting much service.

Eberechi Eze (5/10):

The England international did not look completely comfortable as a left-winger. It is early days but there is room for improvement, or perhaps a position switch is in order.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Leandro Trossard (8/10):

Produced a lovely flick over the top to release Martinelli for Arsenal's opener. Then got on the scoresheet as well late on.

Gabriel Martinelli (9/10):

Showed great speed, quick feet to set himself, and a calmness in front of goal to put Arsenal one up. Brilliantly set up Trossard for Arsenal's second.

Christian Norgaard (6/10):

Brought on when the game was won and helped to see things out well.

Piero Hincapie (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Mikel Arteta (8/10):

His players are so well organised out of possession but they did not create enough clear-cut chances when trying to get forward. His substitutes had an instant impact to provide the necessary spark. Job done.

Manchester United loanee Andre Onana's Trabzonspor debut got off to the worst possible start after the Cameroonian produced yet another howler to hand Fenerbahce the opening goal. While the goalkeeper was able to impress through the game, his mistake allowed Youssef En-Nesyri's goal to stand as the match winner, handing Trabzonspor their first loss of the season.

• Onana makes his debut for Trabzonspor

  Onana moved to Trabzonspor from Manchester United last week in a straight loan deal with no options to make the transfer permanent next summer. The Cameroonian made his official debut for the Turkish side against Ederson's Fenerbahce on Sunday. While he had a wonderful game, the Red Devils loanee reminded everyone that even when he performs well, he has an error in his back pocket, as he handed Fenerbahce a win on the night.

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• Onana's howler costs Trabzonspor the game

  Trabzonspor had a tough task at their hand when they went down to 10 men after Okay Yokuslu was sent off in the 20th minute of the clash for 'violent conduct'. Onana had managed to keep all Fenerbahce attempts away; however, in the 45th minute, he spilt a rather tame long shot from his former teammate Fred into the path of Sebastian Szymanski. The Cameroon international managed to save the shot from the Pole, but the ball fell to En-Nesyri, who tapped the ball into an open net.

• Onana wins Man of the Match despite his error

  Apart from the mistake, Onana showed everyone exactly why he was so highly rated at Inter Milan. The Manchester United loanee made a total of eight saves in the game, as he prevented 1.76 Expected Goals (xG) in the process. Onana ended up being awarded the Man of the Match award, however, ultimately, it was his mistake that handed Trabzonspor their first loss of the season.

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  Onana will now look forward to his home debut

  Trabzonspor are set to take on Gaziantep in their next league fixture in what will be Onana's home debut at Akyazi Stadium. The Cameroon international will hope not to be as involved in that clash, but will know that he needs to bring the errors out of his game if he wants to succeed with his side this season.