The Philadelphia Phillies, winners of 95 games and the champions of the NL East, had their season come to an abrupt end Wednesday with a 4-1 loss to the New York Mets in Game 4 of their NLDS.

The Phillies jumped out to a 1-0 lead before the Mets scored all of their runs on Francisco Lindor's grand slam in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Phillies lost in seven games in the NLCS last season and fell to the Astros in the 2022 World Series. They haven't won a title since 2008 when they beat the Rays.

A local Philadelphia news station interviewed fans after the game and one woman had a priceless take on her emotions following the loss.

"There’s a couple of low points in my life—my dog passing away and them getting a grand slam," Courtney O’Neill said. "The grand slam took the cake."

She added: "I feel like I might either check into AA, therapy, or an institute of some sort because this is crap. It's full of crap."

You gotta love sports.

The mood around Arsenal at the moment is a brilliant one.

Mikel Arteta’s side closed the gap on Liverpool atop the Premier League to just two points with their win over Newcastle United last weekend.

Then during the week, they picked up another three points in the Champions League thanks to a steady 2-0 win against Olympiacos.

This weekend brings a fresh challenge as Nuno Espírito Santo’s West Ham United make their way to the Emirates for a game that Arteta can win by boldly dropping Gabriel Martinelli.

Arteta's record against Nuno

This afternoon’s game against West Ham will be the eighth time Arteta has faced off against Nuno since becoming a head coach, and as things stand, the Spaniard has a good record against him.

Chalkboard

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

Of the seven games they’ve already managed, the Gunners’ boss has won four, lost two and drawn one.

Interestingly, all seven games have been in the league, with three against Wolverhampton Wanderers, one against Tottenham Hotspur, and three against Nottingham Forest.

24/25

Forest

0-0

24/25

Forest

3-0 (Arsenal)

23/24

Forest

2-1 (Arsenal)

21/22

Spurs

3-1 (Arsenal)

20/21

Wolves

2-1 (Wolves)

20/21

Wolves

2-1 (Wolves)

19/20

Wolves

2-0 (Arsenal)

The most recent match between the two managers was a 0-0 draw at the City Ground back in February – a result emblematic of the North Londoners’ title challenge fizzling out.

Unsurprisingly, given the record, the Spaniard’s side has a healthy goal difference against the former Sao Tome-born boss, scoring 12 goals across the seven games and only conceding six.

However, while Arteta has generally gotten the better of Nuno, it would be fair to say that their most notable meeting was a 2-1 Wolves win in February 2021, as both Bernd Leno and David Luiz managed to get themselves sent off.

The Brazilian was handed his marching orders for a foul in the penalty area, and the German for handling the ball outside of it.

Arteta will be hoping for an altogether more straightforward win this afternoon, and one way he can do that is by dropping Martinelli for another attacking star.

The Arsenal star Arteta should start in place of Martinelli

Now, it might seem harsh to drop Martinelli after he scored against Olympiacos during the week, but there are a few reasons why Arteta should do it anyway and start Eberechi Eze in his place.

The first is that, under Nuno, there is a very good chance that West Ham will come to the Emirates and sit back for most of the game, looking to hit the Gunners on the counterattack.

So, to deal with what will likely be a low block, Arteta needs to get as many technicians on the pitch as possible, meaning Eze’s intricate dribbling and ability to play a pinpoint pass will be far more useful than Martinelli’s speed.

This then leads to the second argument, which is that, should the North Londoners find themselves a goal or two up by some point in the second half, the East Londoners will be forced to come out of their shape and stretch the game.

At this point, the speed and directness of the Brazilian will be far more helpful to the manager, and therefore, he could come on for the Englishman.

Now the club have a proper squad and a strong bench, it makes sense for the Spaniard to pick his starting line-ups based on how games are likely to play out, to maximise the team’s effectiveness and ensure players have the chance to play in situations most favourable to their skill set.

Finally, the reason the former Crystal Palace “magician,” as dubbed by Micah Richards, couldn’t just start in the middle of the park is that, over the last two games, Martin Odegaard has shown a level fans haven’t seen for well over a year.

He helped change the game at St James’ Park and was the Man of the Match on Wednesday, so dropping him now would be illogical and potentially damaging.

Ultimately, Martinelli deserves to play more, but given the sort of game it’s likely to be this afternoon and the need to keep Odegaard in midfield, Arteta should start Eze on the left.

Arsenal planning new deal for "one of the best in the world" after Saliba and Saka

Contract extensions are a key priority for Andrea Berta.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 3, 2025

With their striker troubles not going away anytime soon, Everton are now reportedly serious about making a January move to sign a big-money star in January.

Moyes has say on Beto after Man City miss

It was far from a disastrous summer for The Friedkin Group. In fact, it was actually fairly positive. They signed Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyler Dibling among others in an impressive spending spree. Yet, one problem persists. Everton need a consistent, clinical striker.

The Toffees thought they got that in Thierno Barry in the summer, but the former Villarreal man is yet to make his mark and may need at least a season to find his feet in English football. As a result, David Moyes has been forced to turn towards Beto, who has scored just one Premier League goal in eight appearances so far this season.

The towering forward struggled once again last weekend as Everton were made to pay for not taking their chances by a clinical Man City and Erling Haaland. As the best striker in the world dominated at one end, Beto failed to impress at the other in a glaring contrast.

It’s something that Everton must look to solve when January arrives and Moyes will know that more than most.

The experienced manager had his say on Beto’s missed chances against Man City, saying: “I think the one he doesn’t get to, he should get to. The one that was given offside was onside, I think, and ultimately we get a VAR decision if it goes in. The first chance – we’re studs away from getting a goal.”

Not Keane: Moyes can fix Branthwaite blow by unleashing Everton "revelation"

Everton’s star centre-back has suffered a complication in his injury recovery.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 21, 2025

It seems as though Friedkin are also aware of the Toffees’ striker troubles, with those at the Hill Dickinson now reportedly serious about signing a big-money star.

Everton now serious about Ivan Toney move

According to Football Insider, Everton are now seriously interested in signing Ivan Toney in the January transfer window. The Al-Ahli forward reportedly believes that a return to the Premier League is his best chance to earn a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup and particularly wants to work under Moyes.

Toney’s camp reportedly favour a move to Merseyside rather than West Ham United, handing Everton a major advantage ahead of the winter window. The deal, even if on loan, is unlikely to come cheap, however.

The 29-year-old earns a staggering £22m-a-year in the Saudi Pro League, which would instantly make him Everton’s highest earner by more than £10m. It simply looks like an impossible deal unless Al-Ahli pay a percentage of the forward’s wages in a loan deal or Toney takes a pay-cut in a permanent switch.

Hailed as “intelligent” by former manager Thomas Frank, Toney is the type of player who could solve Everton’s striker problem. Whether they can find a way past his big-money salary is another question entirely, though. If the forward wants a World Cup place then he may have to compromise in January.

Big picture: South Africa missing their big guns

South Africa posted a 328-run win in the first Test against Zimbabwe, but they will be depleted in the second Test by the absence of Keshav Maharaj, who has been ruled out with a groin strain.As a result, Wiaan Mulder will take over the captaincy even though he has no prior experience of leading a side in first-class cricket. Having played 20 Tests, Mulder is the second-most experienced player in this South Africa squad behind Kyle Verreynne, who has played 26. They are without many of their main players, including regular captain Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada.Related

• Stats – Pretorius, youngest to score 150 in men's Tests

• Maharaj ruled out of second Zimbabwe Test

In total, South Africa have 93 caps, including Zubayr Hamza, who didn’t play the first Test. Lesogo Senokwane and Prenelan Subrayen, meanwhile, are still uncapped at this level.But South Africa have some exciting players in their ranks. Lhuan-dre Pretorius struck a barnstorming 153 in the first Test, while Corbin Bosch struck a century and took a five-wicket haul. As for Mulder, he scored 147 and had a four-wicket haul. After having impressed in IPL 2025 and the T20 Blast, Dewald Brevis hit 51 off 41 in his maiden Test innings.In contrast, Zimbabwe will be banking on experience. Sean Williams struck a sublime 137 in the first Test and has an average of 68.22 since 2020. Wellington Masakadza made a fourth-innings fifty in the first Test. But Zimbabwe will need more from their captain Craig Ervine, who scored 36 and 49 in that match.Blessing Muzarabani will lead the bowling attack with Tanaka Chivanga bubbling with confidence after taking a match haul of 6 for 159 in the first Test. Legspinner Vincent Masekesa produced some magic deliveries, too, but he will have to provide more control if Zimbabwe are to turn the tables on South Africa.

Form guide

Zimbabwe LLLWL
South AfricaWWWWWSean Williams has been Zimbabwe’s standout batter in Test cricket over the past five years•Zimbabwe Cricket

In the spotlight: Sean Williams and Corbin Bosch

Sean Williams has been Zimbabwe’s best Test batter in the last five years. In the first Test, he once again bailed his team out of trouble with his simple but effective technique. Williams’ short back-lift allows him to drive comfortably and he is arguably Zimbabwe’s best player of spin, thanks to his variety of sweeps.Corbin Bosch‘s double of five wickets and a century in the first Test was the first for South Africa in 23 years. Bosch is a hit-the-deck bowler who is capable of hitting 140kph. He usually bowls with the old ball and his century batting at No. 8 was a throwback to South Africa’s heydays of Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusener.

Team news: Muthusamy may get a game

Brian Bennett, who suffered a concussion during the first Test, could miss this Test, and Prince Masvaure, who was his concussion replacement, could keep his place in the XI. Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Kundai Matigimu and Newman Nyamhuri are the other options on the bench for Zimbabwe.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Prince Masvaure, 2 Takudzwanashe Kaitano, 3 Nick Welch, 4 Sean Williams, 5 Craig Ervine (capt), 6 Wessly Madhevere, 7 Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), 8 Wellington Masakadza, 9 Vincent Masekesa, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Tanaka ChivangaMaharaj’s injury opens up a place for Senuran Muthusamy. They also have Hamza, Senokwane and Subrayen as options in the squad.South Africa (probable): 1 Matthew Breetzke, 2 Tony de Zorzi, 3 Wiaan Mulder (capt), 4 David Bedingham, 5 Lhuan-dre Pretorius, 6 Dewald Brevis, 7 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 8 Corbin Bosch, 9 Senuran Muthusamy, 10 Codi Yusuf, 11 Kwena Maphaka

Pitch and conditions: A lively surface on the cards

For a change, pace dominated spin in the first Test at the Queens’ Sports Club. The scoring rate, too, was higher than usual from both sides, though the pitch slowed down considerably later in the Test. The weather remains chilly, at times slipping to around 13-degrees Celsius.

Stats and trivia: Williams second only to Andy Flower

• At 19 years and 93 days, Pretorius became the youngest to hit 150 in men’s Tests.
• Williams, who began his international career 13 months before Pretorius was born, also made a century in the first Test in Bulawayo. It got him level with Grant Flower and Brendan Taylor on the centuriion’ table for Zimbabwe in Test cricket. Only Andy Flower is ahead of Williams now.
• This will only be the third Test since September 2017 where South Africa will be without Rabada, Bavuma, Maharaj and Markram.

The New York Yankees lost Game 5 and the 2024 World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night. The loss may weigh most heavily on Aaron Judge, the pinstripes superstar whose intense struggles in the Fall Classic were capped off by a game-changing error in the fifth inning on a routine fly ball. The rally the Dodgers put forth in that inning would change the course of the game and lead to the Yankees' elimination.

It will be a long offseason for Judge and even longer if he (for some reason) tunes into sports talk radio at any point, because Yankees fans are going to be airing their grievances for the next few months. The airwaves received a fine example of that on Thursday morning, when a disgusted caller demanded the Yankees strip Judge of his captaincy and ship him to Queens to play for the New York Mets after his brutal showing.

This is Pat from East Islip:

"All this talk all morning has been about how Gerrit Cole didn't cover first base. This entire World Series comes down to Aaron Judge. He didn't hit, and in the game he did hit, he dropped a fly ball any Little Leaguer would have caught. He's a disgrace to the Yankee uniform, he should be stripped of his captaincy, and as far as I'm concerned, we should trade him to the Mets."

It's about what you'd expect. Sports fans are never more irrational than after a big loss and this was the biggest loss for the Yankees in over a decade. Judge had a majestic season and will likely end up with another MVP award for his efforts, but many New York fans will only remember his regrettable October performances.

The Yankees will not trade him to the Mets, nor will they strip him of his captaincy after he became the first player in pinstripes to earn the honor since Derek Jeter. But, Judge has a long road ahead of him in proving to the fans that his October slump will be a footnote in his venerable career rather than a legacy-defining stretch.

يستعد نادي مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي، للتخلي عن أحد لاعبيه خلال سوق الانتقالات الشتوي في شهر يناير القادم، مع تأهب عدة أندية أوروبية للتفاوض.

وتغلب مانشستر سيتي على ليفربول أمس الأحد ضمن مباريات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”، بثلاثية دون مقابل، ويحتل المركز الثاني برصيد 22 نقطة خلف آرسنال المتصدر والذي يملك 26 نقطة.

وبحسب ما ذكرت شبكة “سكاي سبورتس”، قد يكون ناثان آكي أول المغادرين لصفوف مانشستر سيتي في انتقالات الشتاء بشهر يناير القادم.

اقرأ أيضًا | نيفيل: لاعب ليفربول بدا طفلًا صغيرًا أمام مانشستر سيتي.. والفريق قدم أسوأ أداء

ويذكر التقرير أن أندية إنتر ميلان ويوفنتوس وكريستال بالاس مستعدون بالفعل للتفاوض مع مانشستر سيتي، للتعاقد مع آكي خلال انتقالات يناير.

ويشير التقرير إلى أن آكي لم يعد ضمن خطط المدير الفني بيب جوارديولا، وقد شارك في عدد محدود من المباريات، حيث لعب خمس مباريات فقط هذا الموسم في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وأفاد التقرير أن مانشستر سيتي مستعد للتخلي عن خدمات آكي مقابل مبلغ قيمته 35 مليون يورو.

Tottenham Hotspur are finding their feet in the Premier League this season and there is a swell of internal belief surrounding one of their most promising stars.

Tottenham's resilience leaves Frank delighted

Over the years, external narratives involving Spurs have questioned their mentality to grind out results when the pressure is on, but Thomas Frank appears to be in a position to reverse that trend.

Speaking after Tottenham’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Leeds United last weekend, the Danish boss made it clear that his side have the dig needed to secure momentous victories even in testing circumstances.

He stated: “I think if you want to build any successful team you need mentality and character and cohesion and togetherness. No matter if you play like Inter or Barcelona or whatever style of play, you need that willingness to do everything to win, and I think we are building that more and more in the team.”

Of course, stiffer tests are to come and Frank’s men will need to show they have the mettle to claim a regular stream of points. Regardless, one loss in seven Premier League fixtures is a marked improvement on last term.

Ambition inside the building will lead that charge, and Spurs’ reported move for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is a sign that they aren’t willing to settle for just being part of the chasing pack.

Agbonlahor says Frank should be worried about Tottenham star who gives "zero"

The pundit claims he can’t be relied upon.

By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 4, 2025

Putting that aside, Frank will need to focus on the talent he has at his disposal for now, even if the January window offers an opportunity to add new faces to his collective.

Listening to that advice, the Spurs manager now believes he has a player that can rival some of the world’s best in his position over the coming years.

Frank makes exciting Archie Gray prediction

Profiling his role, Frank believes Archie Gray could one day be as good as Declan Rice or Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, and has urged the former Leeds United man to take his game to the next level under his stewardship.

He stated: “I see him as a midfielder who can play six or eight. That is his position and these days midfielders need to be more complete.

“You need to be a little bit of a six, a little bit of eight and 10 and two of the best in the world right now are probably Rodri and Declan Rice. They can do a little bit of everything. I see Archie, and they are big names to compare him to, but I see he has got the same potential.”

Making 51 appearances for a club of Tottenham’s standing at 19 years of age is a commendable achievement, though it remains to be seen if the England Under-21 international can one day rival two of the Premier League’s most established midfielders.

MatériaMais Notícias

A Seleção Brasileira está em Cuiabá-MT se preparando para dois jogos das Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo de 2026. O primeiro contra a Venezuela, nesta quinta-feira (12), e depois diante do Uruguai, fora de casa, na terça (17). Quem deve pintar entre os titulares nessa Data Fifa é Gabriel Jesus, que agradou ao técnico Fernando Diniz nas últimas duas partidas. E o atacante já sabe bem o que fazer para se manter nas graças do treinador: fazer o que fazia no Palmeiras e no Manchester City-ING.

RelacionadasSeleção BrasileiraGuilherme Arana brinca sobre sua impressão de Diniz antes da Seleção: ‘Escuto bastante ele xingar’Seleção Brasileira09/10/2023Seleção BrasileiraQuase completa, Seleção Brasileira se apresenta em Cuiabá de olho nas EliminatóriasSeleção Brasileira09/10/2023Seleção BrasileiraCalendário da Seleção Brasileira: saiba os próximos jogos, onde assistir, datas e horáriosSeleção Brasileira13/10/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Na convocação anterior, a primeira de Diniz, Jesus ficou fora da lista inicial, mas acabou sendo chamado no lugar de Antony, que foi cortado por conta de problemas particulares. Os treinos e o dia a dia com o jogador acabaram sendo essenciais para ele voltar a ser escolhido nessa segunda chamada do comandante. Ele sabe que vai sair bastante da função de centroavante, que é onde gostaria de jogar, e pode até atuar vindo mais do meio.

– No Palmeiras, eu fazia bastante (o movimento de fora para dentro), acho que foi o clube que mais fiz, quando comecei a jogar mais centralizado. Joguei como centroavante, jogava muito solto e fazendo o “facão”. Foi onde fiz mais. A primeira coisa que o Diniz falou quando vim na outra convocação foi que ele queria ver o Gabriel do Palmeiras, do Manchester City.

+ Calendário da Seleção Brasileira: saiba os próximos jogos, onde assistir, datas e horários

A movimentação mais “diferente” de Diniz acaba fazendo com que Jesus dê mais um passo abrindo mão daquilo que se propôs quando deixou o City. O brasileiro queria atuar mais como um centroavante fixo, algo que ele não teria chances por lá com a chegada de Haaland. Por isso, ao ir para o Arsenal, ele queria que seu desejo fosse atendido, mas as circunstância o fizeram ser mais flexível, como era antes.

– Eu venho fazendo muitas funções no Arsenal, óbvio que quando optei por me transferir do City para o Arsenal, o Edu (Gaspar, executivo de futebol) e o Arteta conversaram comigo, e eu deixei claro que gostaria de jogar de 9. A ideia do Arsenal era essa, eu jogar de 9, solto.

– Essa temporada está sendo diferente, tivemos lesões, e nos últimos jogos eu joguei três vezes de ponta e uma vez de centroavante. Por algum tempo, pensei em ficar nessa de falar que quero jogar de 9, mas estou aqui para ajudar o time. Sou abençoado por Deus por ter esse talento e a versatilidade de jogar nas três posições da frente. Prefiro não escolher.

+ Guilherme Arana brinca sobre sua impressão de Diniz antes da Seleção: ‘Escuto bastante ele xingar’

O recado, evidentemente, foi também para o “chefe” Diniz, que por conta de toda essa versatilidade e adaptação às diferentes funções no ataque, deve ter Jesus como uma peça fundamental na construção dos esquemas nessa sua passagem pela Seleção.

The Cleveland Guardians' 2024 season was inching closer to ending during Game 4 of the ALDS vs. the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, until pinch hitter David Fry entered in the seventh inning.

Fry entered the game for Kyle Manzardo in the seventh inning, and it paid off for the Guardians. During Fry's first at-bat, he fired off a 382-foot two-run home run to give Cleveland a 4–3 lead. It was exactly the spark they needed.

Fry's clutch homer was the first go-ahead pinch hit home run in franchise history, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

Fry's heroics didn't stop there. During his next at-bat in the ninth inning, he laid down a sacrifice bunt in order to bring shortstop Brayan Rocchio home to score. His bunt traveled just far enough to give Rocchio a shot to score at the plate. This put the Guardians up 5–3 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning.

Fry spoke with TNT after the game and was pretty excited to have the bunt work out in their favor.

"The only bunt I've had this year was a double play, so I didn't think I was going to do it again, but they told me to. Luckily it worked," Fry said.

The Tigers scored one run in the ninth as they attempted to mount a late comeback, but the Guardians held on and won to force a Game 5 on Saturday.

It was arguably the biggest game of Fry's career. He was called up to MLB during the 2023 season, and this is his first postseason appearance. He made quite a mark.

Ibrahima Konate has revealed that a final decision on his future at Liverpool will be made soon amid strong interest from Real Madrid. The French centre-back has entered the final part of his five-year contract with the English champions that he signed in 2021. The Reds are yet to agree a new deal with the defender, with only weeks left before he can initiate pre-contract talks with foreign clubs.

• Defender's five-year spell at Liverpool so far

  Konate joined Liverpool in 2021 from RB Leipzig when Jurgen Klopp was still their manager. The French defender slowly established himself as a key figure in the Reds' backline, first under Klopp and then under Arne Slot. He played a key role in helping the Merseyside club win their record-equalling 20th English top-flight title last season. He has regularly featured for the club at the heart of their defence alongside Virgil van Dijk.

  Despite being a key member of Slot's side, Konate is yet to commit his future to the club beyond 2026, while the Merseyside giants are also yet to offer a new deal to the player. The Frenchman can formally hold pre-contract talks with clubs outside England from January. Real Madrid continue to remain interested in the player and want to convince him not to sign a new deal and then join them as a free agent next summer. Madrid are also joined by Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, who are also in search of a quality centre-back option. 

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• Getty Images
  

  Konate to decide on his future soon

  Ahead of France's dead-rubber World Cup qualifying game against Azerbaijan in Baku on Sunday, Konate addressed questions on his future as he told reporters: "My agents continue to discuss with Liverpool. I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it."

  The defender rubbished rumours which claimed that Liverpool have already approached with a new contract, as he added: "I don’t know where that’s coming from."

• Madrid using Mbappe to convince Konate

  In a chat with , Konate also revealed that he gets constant phone calls from his France team-mate and captain Kylian Mbappe, as he said that the 26-year-old Real Madrid star "calls me every two hours to sign for Real Madrid." Mbappe is determined to convince the Reds defender to join him at the Spanish capital next summer. 

  There is no urgency in the Madrid camp when it comes to Konate's transfer, as Liverpool have only a few weeks to convince the player and make him sign a new deal before he starts to negotiate new offers. The La Liga side would want Konate to reject a new contract offer from the Premier League champions and then join them in the summer for free, quite similar to the way they landed Trent Alexander-Arnold this season.

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  Liverpool are not dependent on Konate

  Earlier this month, Reds legend and pundit Jamie Carragher claimed that while he would love to see Konate stay back and continue at Anfield, if he leaves for Madrid next summer, the Merseyside club won't miss the centre-back much. 

  Carragher told the : "I’d like him [Konate] to stay but if he doesn’t stay, Liverpool will sign someone else. Liverpool won’t fall apart if Konate leaves. He's not Virgil van Dijk. He's a good centre-back who you hope will sign, but if he doesn’t want to sign, Liverpool will be absolutely fine. He's a very good centre-back, he's a title winner at Liverpool, he's played in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. He's obviously a quality centre-back. It's not poor management [if he goes for free]. You can't physically make somebody sign a contract. Then it's your decision, do you keep him to the length of his contract or do you sell him?"