A Comissão de Arbitragem da Confederação Brasiliera de Futebol (CBF) quer dar mais transparência para as decisões dos árbitros durante as partidas. Na final da Supercopa do Brasil entre Palmeiras e São Paulo, Bráulio da Silva Machado vai explicar ao público as revisões do VAR. A informação foi publicada primeiramente pelo jornalista André Hernan
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoFraude em ingressos da Supercopa: veja cuidados que torcedores devem tomar para evitar golpeFora de Campo01/02/2024PalmeirasPalmeiras se reapresenta, e zagueiro comenta o privilégio em fazer parte do atual elenco: ‘Evoluir e mostrar meu potencial’Palmeiras01/02/2024Fora de CampoJogo entre Corinthians e São Paulo rompe recorde de final da Copa do MundoFora de Campo01/02/2024
Os anúncios das decisões serão feitos pelo microfone que o árbitro já usa. A Comissão de Arbitragem da CBF recebeu a aprovação da Fifa para o uso.
➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte
Palmeiras e São Paulo se enfrentam neste domingo (4), às 16h, no Mineirão. O Palmeiras defende o título e entra em campo pelo bicampeonato, enquanto o São Paulo busca a conquista inédita.
“We have to take responsibility,” Charith Asalanka says of Dasun Shanaka and himself after they fell off back-to-back deliveries at a crucial stage of the game
Andrew Fidel Fernando24-Sep-20251:39
What went wrong for Sri Lanka’s batters?
The back-to-back wickets in the eighth over of Sri Lanka’s innings swung this Asia Cup Super Four match towards Pakistan – this was how Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka, who was the first of the two batters to be dismissed in that passage, saw it.Sri Lanka had been 58 for 3 after 7.1 overs, when Asalanka was caught at deep square-leg off the bowling of Hussain Talat. Next ball, Dasun Shanaka poked at a delivery in the channel and sent a thin edge to the wicketkeeper. Sri Lanka were suddenly five down with more than 60% of the overs remaining. The limped to 133 for 8 in the end.”Although we didn’t get a great start from the openers, at the end of the powerplay we still had 53 runs. We’d lost three wickets, but we were still in a good place, because it’s not easy to score that many in the powerplay,” Asalanka said. “But then myself and Dasun got out off successive deliveries, and that was when the biggest damage was done.Related
Abrarcadabra – the four-over spell that left Sri Lanka stupefied
Talat: Middle-order batting the hardest job in T20s
Nawaz and Talat trump Sri Lanka in nervy chase
“Neither Dasun or I were going for big shots when we got out. I was trying to put the ball into a gap, but ended up top-edging it. Dasun also played a normal shot first up. But we have to take responsibility.”That Sri Lanka managed to have something to bowl at was down to Kamindu Mendis, who hit 50 off 44 balls, with support from Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamika Karunaratne.”We lost five wickets in the first half of our innings, and against these kinds of teams it’s really hard to come back from that,” Asalanka said. “Kamindu and the others fought hard, but Wanindu also got out at a bad time, when it had felt like we could get to 150. In the end it was not enough.”Sri Lanka are very nearly out of the tournament now, having suffered two big losses in the Super Four stage. They had strengthened their bowling for this match, dropping Kamil Mishara for Karunaratne. Asalanka identified balancing his team as perhaps the primary problem facing Sri Lanka ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.”We’ve had lots of issues with our combinations, and that’s something we have to get right ahead of the World Cup,” he said. “We tried going with an extra bowler today, but we lost a specialist batsman because of that, and didn’t score the runs we needed. Other times we’ve played an extra batsman and couldn’t defend a score with the ball.”We need to figure out how to consistently score 180 to 200, and also how to use the part-time bowlers – myself, Dasun, Kamindu Mendis – better. Those are things we need to improve in the future.”
Toni Kroos admits he understands the criticism over his former Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Jr’s behaviour on the pitch, saying the forward’s hot-headed antics can be “annoying”. The Germany icon has weighed in on the conversation surrounding the winger, who issued an apology to Los Blancos’ supporters after reacting angrily to being substituted in last month’s El Clasico with Barcelona.
Vinicius criticised for angry reaction to Clasico substitution
Brazil star Vinicius was seething after being taken off in the first Clasico of the 2025-26 season on 26 October. The 25-year-old shouted “always me” towards Real manager Xabi Alonso following his withdrawal after 72 minutes, before adding “I'm leaving the team, it's better if I leave, I'm leaving.”
Vinicius expressed his frustration by going straight past Alonso and down the tunnel, only to return to the bench to watch his side secure a 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Barcelona. He then attempted to confront Blaugrana winger Lamine Yamal in ugly post-match scenes at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Advertisement
Getty Images Sport
Brazil superstar apologised to Los Blancos faithful three days later
However, Vinicius was full of remorse for his actions, taking to social media to issue an apology to Real supporters. Three days after the match, he wrote on X: “Today I want to apologise to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clasico.
"Just as I have already done in person during today's training, I also want to apologise again to my team-mates, the club, and the president.
“Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents.”
However, Vinicius’ apology did not mention Real boss Alonso, whom he is reported to have a strained relationship with.
Getty Images Sport
Former Real midfielder Kroos reveals he tried to keep Vinicius in check
While the debate continues to swirl regarding Vinicius’ behaviour against Barcelona, former Real midfielder Kroos has since revealed he tried to keep the former Flamengo ace in check when they were team-mates, owing to a feeling that his conduct was causing the club to “suffer”.
In quotes carried by Spanish publication the 35-year-old said at The Icon League, a Germany-based five-a-side football tournament he co-founded: “At that time, I told him many times that he’d had enough, because you get the feeling that, due to his behaviour, the team ends up suffering. It's understandable that he might annoy an opponent, a referee, or the crowd.
“As a team, you get the impression that everything is working against the group because of what's happening around him. I've tried many times to calm him down on the pitch, especially so he wouldn't lose his composure, because sometimes that happened. I always told him, 'You're so good you don't need all that’.”
In a legendary 10-year spell with Real, Kroos lifted 22 trophies including five Champions League titles with the Spanish heavyweights, making 465 appearances in all competitions. He retired from professional football after representing Germany – with whom he won the World Cup in 2014 – at Euro 2024, with Julian Nagelsmann’s side losing to eventual winners Spain in the quarter-finals.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images Sport
Up next for Vini Jr: Real return to La Liga action against Elche
Despite the criticism being levelled at Vinicius, he has continued to perform well for Real this season. The Rio de Janeiro-born attacker has scored five goals and recorded four assists in La Liga this term.
Vinicius also featured in both friendlies as Brazil continued their preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Senegal, before drawing 1-1 with Tunisia. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have already qualified for next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Meanwhile, Real return to La Liga action this weekend following the conclusion of the international break. Alonso’s side – who have won 10 of their 12 league games this season – are looking to maintain their position at the top of the table when they travel to 11th-placed Elche on Sunday. Second-placed Barcelona will be looking to apply pressure when they entertain Athletic Club on Saturday, with Hansi Flick’s men just three points behind.
McGrath confident of Australia’s “settled squad” with “so much depth” to defend the ODI title despite the unfamiliar conditions
Andrew McGlashan12-Sep-2025For many overseas cricketers, India is becoming something of a second home these days but despite the increasing familiarity with the country, Australia are preparing to embrace the unknowns at the upcoming women’s ODI World Cup.It’s a situation that will confront all the teams in the competition – even to a degree joint-hosts India – given the mix of venues. The Holkar Stadium in Indore has never hosted women’s internationals, Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium hasn’t staged women’s ODIs and its last women’s T20Is were in 2019, and Visakhapatnam’s previous ODIs were in 2014. Navi Mumbai, the late replacement for Bengaluru, while having staged Tests and T20Is, hasn’t yet been used for the 50-over format in women’s cricket.Then there’s the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo to throw in the mix. The venue has hosted seven women’s ODIs this year featuring Sri Lanka, India and South Africa but Australia, who will face Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the ground, last played there in 2016 when only five of the current squad were on the tour.Related
All-woman panel to officiate at 2025 women's World Cup
Perry backs 'huge depth' to see Australia through in ODI World Cup defence
Head coach Shelley Nitschke said last week that she had reached out to the men’s set-up for help gathering data, specifically referencing Colombo where Australia played two spin-dominated ODIs earlier this year, and the players are aware they will need to be adaptable throughout the tournament.”We have been quite lucky, we feel like we’re travelling to India every second month almost,” vice-captain Tahlia McGrath said ahead of Australia’s three-match ODI series against India which starts on Sunday in New Chandigarh. “Spent a lot of time over here, played in these conditions a lot, but we’re playing in some parts that we’re not very familiar with.”[We are] in New Chandigarh at the moment, never been here before, [and] lots of the World Cup venues never been to before. So it’s about learning the conditions, adapting to the conditions, being flexible and communicating really well as a group because it is a little bit foreign to us.”No matter where you are in India, you can get thrown up very different conditions from day to day, so excited about the challenge, [we have] a little bit of experience, but a little bit of unknowns.”
“It’s about learning the conditions, adapting to the conditions, being flexible and communicating really well as a group because it is a little bit foreign to us.”Tahlia McGrath
The series against India will be Australia’s first internationals since the Ashes finished in early February but McGrath was confident the stability of the squad will serve them well.”We’ve been pretty settled with our squad for quite a while now, so we’ve been pretty lucky with that,” she said. “The only thing is, though, we’re over here for a very long time and I think we’ve got 15 in the World Cup squad and 17 over here at the moment, so it’s a really good opportunity to play a few players, play some different roles.”Not sure what Shell’s got in mind, but we’ve got so much talent, so much depth over here that it doesn’t really matter what team we throw out or what batting order, all that sort of thing, we’re in pretty good hands.”Left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux is not expected to feature in the India series as she completes the final stages of recovery from knee surgery but is expected to be ready for the World Cup. The uncapped pair of wicketkeeper Nicole Faltum and allrounder Charli Knott have been included for the bilateral series although, barring injuries, may not feature in what is a chance to gain further experience around the squad.Once the World Cup begins, Australia will be aiming to become the first side since 1988 to defend the ODI title while the memories of their semi-final defeat in last year’s T20 World Cup still linger.”An ODI World Cup is special, they’re probably the pinnacle,” McGrath said. “For the players that were in Dubai it adds that bit of motivation, not a nice feeling the way we exited. And then the extra little bit of motivation as well that we want to be the first team in a while to go back-to-back [in the] ODI World Cup.”
Norwich City have held talks with one manager who has a 100% win record over the recently sacked Liam Manning.
When Norwich City could appoint Manning’s replacement
The Canaries finally parted ways with Manning after a seventh straight Carrow Road defeat prior to the international break.
The 2-1 loss to Leicester City was Norwich’s 10th defeat from 15 Championship games, leaving them in 23rd place and four points off safety.
Sporting director Ben Knapper said in a statement that he understood criticism from supporters and is looking to “repair the relationship” with fans.
“We have tried absolutely everything possible to work through this incredibly challenging period but, unfortunately, given the recent run of results and performances, we have been left with no choice other than to make a change at this stage.
“Liam and his staff worked tirelessly to move our football club forward. They are all fundamentally good people and we wish them the very best in whatever comes next.
“We very much understand the frustration and criticism from our supporters at this stage. So far, results and performances on the pitch haven’t been good enough.
“We accept that responsibility, but it’s now imperative that we start to repair the relationship with our supporters and do everything we can to give them something to get behind.”
Norwich City’s next 5 Championship fixtures
Date
Birmingham City vs Norwich City
22nd November
Norwich City vs Oxford United
25th November
Norwich City vs QPR
29th November
Watford vs Norwich City
6th December
Sheffield United vs Norwich City
9th December
Something that will get supporters back on side will be to appoint a winning manager, with former midfielder Gary O’Neil linked with the vacancy.
Norwich, according to reliable reporter John Percy, have interviewed O’Neil and want to appoint a new manager by November 22, the day club football returns and the Canaries travel to Birmingham City.
Norwich City hold talks with Will Still
Sky Sports reporters Zinny Boswell, Lyall Thomas and Anthony Joseph shared a Norwich City manager update on Wednesday morning, naming the three bosses who the Canaries have spoken with.
As well as former player O’Neil, Norwich have also held talks with Jon Dahl Tomasson and Will Still, with the former Southampton manager available following his St Mary’s departure earlier this month.
Still, who plays a 3-4-1-2 system, struggled to turn the Saints around, winning two of his 13 Championship games which resulted in his sacking a week prior to Manning.
He did defeat Manning and Norwich 3-0 at Carrow Road in an EFL Cup second round tie, though, which began a terrible spell at home for the former Canaries boss.
Still has a 100% win record vs Manning, and he was impressing over in France with Lens before his move to England, being linked with numerous jobs.
The 33-year-old is still inexperienced in English football, though, and after his spell on the south coast, taking a chance on Still would be a gamble by the Norwich board as they look to climb out of the relegation zone.
It could be a risk worth taking, although O’Neil and Tomasson have more experience in English football than Still.
Ballpark food is an event in and of itself—even if there weren't a game happening right in front of you, you could easily busy yourself (and your stomach) for hours, experiencing different cuisines, trying new and exciting drinks and enjoying genuinely quality meals that aren't the typical hot dog and popcorn combo.
But you'll also find some pretty wacky concoctions, too. Things like sandwiches layered in condiments and proteins you'd never think to mix together; savory-sweet combinations that will clog your arteries, but also wow your taste buds; and strange-colored desserts that look radioactive, but are really just delicious.
Indeed, stadiums find new ways to wow each year, which is why we've sought out some of the weirdest, wackiest and just generally delicious-looking ballpark food debuting in the 2025 season to showcase below. To be clear, this isn't new food in stadium, but just some select highlights that, to us, look like either gastronomical home runs or somehow still-delectable culinary fouls.
The TLDR? Goodbye peanuts and cracker jacks, hello cotton candy fries.
Let's dive in:
Chicago White Sox:
The Celebration Cake Shake:
The Celebration Cake shake. / Chicago White Sox
Following the success of last season's campfire milkshake, the Chicago White Sox this year are debuting a new "Celebration Cake Shake," which constitutes birthday cake ice cream, pieces of confetti cake, a pinwheel cookie and a maraschino cherry on top. With any luck, it wil encourage the Sox to do something worth celebrating … like winning a game or two.
Colorado Rockies:
Dessert Nachos:
Dessert Nachos. / Aramark Sports
Have you ever asked yourself, "What if these cheesy, gooey nachos I'm eating were sweet instead of savory?" If so, today is your lucky day.
Colorado Rockies fans can this year treat themselves to "dessert nachos," fried flour tortillas that have been tossed in cinnamon sugar and topped with powdered sugar and caramel, then served with fresh berries and a side of whipped cream. Curious, but seemingly delightful. Per Aramark Sports, this new add is a "fresh twist" on a "classic favorite" at Coors Field.
Houston Astros:
Daddy Mac Dog:
Daddy Mac Dog. / Aramark Sports
As far as heartburn in a hot dog goes, the Houston Astros seem to have things covered with the new Daddy Mac Dog, a footlong angus beef hot dog topped with chopped brisket, mac and cheese, barbecue sauce and crispy dill pickles. Holy clogged arteries.
Kansas City Royals:
The Kansas City Royals are bringing out a few new and wacky-looking ballpark foods this season, offering fans yet another reason to visit Kauffman Stadium after the team's ALDS appearance last year. And there were two dishes in particular that caught our eye:
Blue Velvet Whoopie Pie:
Blue Velvet whoopie pie. / Aramark Sports
First, the Blue Velvet whoopie pie, an odd choice for a ballpark but perhaps a practical one, given the ease with which you can snack on it. Bright blue velvet cakes and vanilla filling comprise this off-putting but surely delicious dessert.
The Slugger Dog:
The Slugger Dog. / Aramark Sports
A corn dog in and of itself isn't exactly crazy, but you have to admit—the Slugger doesn't look like your average frank on a stick. Indeed, this beauty is made of chorizo and Manchego cheese that is then dipped in batter and a Cool Ranch Dorito crust and drizzled with avocado aioli.
New York Yankees:
A tiramisu helmet. / MLB, New York Yankees
Start spreading the news … you can get tiramisu in a helmet.
In case you weren't feeling "New York" enough, the Pinstripes will be debuting a quintessentially New York dessert in the Bronx this season: a Yankees helmet filled to the brim with sumptuous tiramisu. Eating an Italian treat out of regalia for the city's most famous team? Yeah, that's got "I Heart N.Y." vibes all over it.
Philadelphia Phillies:
S'mores Quesadilla:
A s’mores quesadilla. / Aramark Sports
Similar to the Rockies' dessert nachos, Phillies fans can this year try out a s'mores quesadilla, a decadent-looking sweet treat that yet again marries two of the best flavors in the world (chocolate and marshmallow).
Regarding composition, there are no big surprises here, outside of the tortilla: Nutella, mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumble inside, with chocolate dipping sauce drizzled on top.
Pittsburgh Pirates:
In addition to the team's new 98-oz popcorn bats, two new dishes had us looking up tickets to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.
Polish Cannonball:
Three “Polish Cannonballs.” / Aramark Sports.
First were the "Polish Cannonballs," fried bites of deliciousness that combine three building blocks of Polish food—egg noodles, kielbasa and cabbage— with bacon and cheddar cheese. The perfect concession-style nod to Pittsburgh's Polish scene.
Chipped Ham Empanadas:
A chipped ham empanada. / Aramark Sports
No Pittsburgh table is complete without some chipped ham, so the gastronomical geniuses at Aramark Sports created the chipped ham empanada, a dough pocket filled with barbecue ham, cheddar cheese and pickles. Yinz are gonna love this.
San Francisco Giants:
Miso Ramen and Shoyu Ramen:
Miso Ramen and Shoyu Ramen. / Aramark Sports
Now, Ramen isn't a crazy meal by any means, but it a somewhat crazy choice for a ballpark. Even so, the San Francisco Giants will be offering two delicious-looking new noodle bowls at Oracle Park this year: the miso ramen bowl—egg noodles, seared tofu, marinated bamboo, roasted corn, carrot, scallion, wood ear mushroom and bean sprouts in a miso broth—and the shoyu ramen bowl—egg noodle, roasted pork, bamboo, bean sprouts, scallion, wood ear mushroom and soy sauce tare.
Both sound truly delectable, if not just slightly difficult to eat from the stands.
Seattle Mariners:
Ichi Wings:
Ichi Wings. / Jack Ellis/Seattle Mariners
Wings are certainly not a wacky food, but given the latest group of slugger inducted into Cooperstown, these particular bites deserved a shoutout.
Meet the "Ichi Wings," developed to honor Mariners legend and 2025 Hall of Fame inductee Ichiro Suzuki. Each piece will be drenched in a sesame glaze that the clubhouse kitchen formulated for the baseball legend specifically.
Lil' Dumpers:
Lil’ Dumpers. / Jack Ellis/Seattle Mariners
Dumplings at the ballpark? Well, why not? These yummy-looking steamed pork soup dumplings come with sesame and hoisin sauce, and will be served at the Mariners' Walk-Off Market. And yes, the "Lil' Dumpers" name is a reference to Cal Raleigh's "Big Dumper" moniker.
"What Up" Corn Dog:
What Up Corn Dog. / Jack Ellis/Seattle Mariners
No, this corn dog is not radioactive; it's just Mariners blue. The "What Up" corn dog is a new Seattle delicacy that's honey-battered with a spicy crunch and served with nacho cheese. Given the color, this is definitely a wacky ballpark food if we've ever seen one.
Texas Rangers:
Boomstick Burrito:
The Boomstick Burrito. / MLB, Texas Rangers.
Behold, the Boomstick Burrito, a new delicacy for Texas Rangers fans eager to answer the question, "What if I want a burrito I can split with ?" This gargantuan roll-up boasts a 26-inch tortilla that's been filled with rice, beans, taco meat, nacho cheese, pico de gallo, lettuce and sour cream. It's just the latest entrant in the Rangers' "Boomstick" concession series, which has also featured a 24-inch loaded hot dog, a burger, and the "Boomstick Triple-Play," which combines a hot dog, hamburger and nachos.
Toronto Blue Jays:
Cotton Candy Fries:
Cotton Candy Fries. / Toronto Blue Jays
Name two things that don't go together, we'll start: Cotton candy and french fri—oh, wait.
The Toronto Blue Jays have defied the laws of gastronomy with a new creation in which cotton candy sits atop fries that have been drizzled with some sort of blue sauce. Despite our best efforts, we cannot get an accurate report on what that sauce actually is, so someone will just need to try this out and let us know ASAP.
And now that Opening Day 2025 has arrived, you can get right on that. All this and more is waiting at a ballpark near you.
The Los Angeles Dodgers suddenly don't look so invincible.
The reigning World Series champs were dealt their first loss of the MLB season Friday night against the Philadelphia Phillies, suffering a 3-2 defeat on a dramatic game-ending call.
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, usually one to step up in big moments, stepped just a little too late during a risky base-running decision in the eighth inning. Ohtani, who recorded a stunning 93.7% stolen base success rate last year, was looking to steal second with two outs and Mookie Betts at the plate.
Ohtani had so far racked up 30 straight steals without getting caught, but that streak ended against Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto, who was on top of his game Friday night.
Not the wisest decision there from the three-time MVP.
It was a 1.81 pop time for Realmuto, who underwent knee surgery last season but clearly still boasts a powerful and accurate arm.
"The Ohtani one surprised me a little bit just because Mookie was hitting," Realmuto told reporters after the win.
Realmuto would help the Phillies clinch the win with another clutch throw to shortstop Trea Turner to gun down Dodgers pinch-runner Chris Taylor trying to steal second base in the ninth.
Sunderland’s extremely impressive start to life back in the Premier League has been built on a very strong defensive spine.
Indeed, the well-drilled Black Cats have only given up 11 goals across the 12 games they’ve played since dramatically returning to the big time, with five wins also coming their way.
Robin Roefs, in particular, has stood out as a top-drawer summer recruit in between the sticks, while Daniel Ballard has made the jump to the top-flight look routine, too, winning a commanding 6.3 duels per match across his seven Premier League starts.
This defensive doggedness is very unlike-Sunderland, when you look back at the woes they are used to experiencing at the foot of the top-flight table.
Still, even when times were consistently tough and bleak, previous club captain John O’Shea managed to stand out as a commanding force.
O'Shea's hero status at Sunderland
The Black Cats would have felt they’d won themselves a coup when O’Shea arrived through the door in 2011, having picked up 394 appearances for Manchester United during Sir Alex Ferguson’s heyday as a manager, before coming to the Stadium of Light.
The revered manager would even hail him as a “great professional”, despite his importance to the Red Devils’ cause sometimes slipping under the radar, with the Wearside outfit managing to win the five-time Premier League winner for just a reported £3m.
He would turn into a relegation fighter quickly, though, in his new surroundings, with his determined displays, matched by his knack of being in the right place at the right time to pop up with a big goal, making him a fan favourite from the get-go.
One of his former Sunderland bosses in Martin O’Neill, would go as far as to say he had “enormous” respect for the veteran defender, with the Irishman only absent from 18 league contests during his first four seasons at the club, all of which ended up in Sunderland surviving.
Unfortunately, the latter years of his Black Cats journey would culminate in a relegation down to the Championship, but he is still fondly remembered to his day for being a dependable giant.
In the current Sunderland ranks, it could be argued that the forceful Ballard – coming in at a 6-foot-2 frame – is most similar to O’Shea in his Stadium of Light prime, with two important goals already next to his name this season.
However, a different member of Le Bris’ rigid backline has caught the eye in this regard…
Sunderland's new John O'Shea
Sunderland might not be struggling against the drop this season, but that doesn’t mean certain members of Le Bris’ camp don’t still evoke similarities to heroes of the Black Cats’ recent past.
Like O’Shea, Nordi Mukiele would have been viewed as a statement deal for Sunderland to secure this summer when leaving Paris St Germain behind, having accumulated a hefty 200 appearances in both the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, before embarking on a fresh Premier League challenge.
For just £12m, too, Mukiele has now gone down as a steal similar to O’Shea, only costing £3m, with the Frenchman visibly at the peak of his career, donning Sunderland red and white.
The £100k-per-week fighter has jaw-droppingly beaten Ballard in the duels won count total so far for the season, with a mighty 7.6 duels won on average to date, among other impressive numbers, making him a regular from minute one of his Stadium of Light stay.
Mukiele’s league numbers in 25/26
Stat (* = per 90 mins)
Mukiele
Games played
10
Goals scored
1
Assists
1
Touches*
63.7
Accurate passes*
29.9 (79%)
Clearances*
6.6
Total duels won*
7.6
Clean sheets
3
Stats by Sofascore
With a goal and assist also next to his name, alongside collecting three clean sheets, Mukiele has managed to stand out as a well-rounded performer for Le Bris and Co. so far, away from just being seen as a “colossus” in physical duels, as per the words of Sky Sports’ journalist Andy Sixsmith.
Mukiele will be aiming for a long career in the Premier League now, past just a standout debut season, to become even more like O’Shea, with his levels never dropping for the Black Cats so far, already putting him on the same pedestal as the “always solid” Irishman, as both Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves labelled him recently.
It could also be argued, like O’Shea, Mukiele’s determined performances have gone somewhat unnoticed to the neutral, next to Granit Xhaka stealing the spotlight for his equally combative showings.
But, if he were to be a vital part of the defence that saw Sunderland pick up a mid-table finish, or even higher, right after promotion, he would surely be handed his flowers, as a new batch of heroes begin to emerge on Wearside.
Le Bris can end £7m star's Sunderland career by signing Guendouzi
This Sunderland leader will surely be shown the exit door if Matteo Guendouzi does join Regis Le Bris’ ranks.
The word coming from FSG’s camp is that Arne Slot’s position as Liverpool’s head coach is not immediately under threat.
However, the owners who watched as Liverpool dominantly conquered the Premier League last season are now staring down the barrel of a gun regarding the Dutchman’s future at the helm, with nine losses from 12 matches in all competitions an inexplicable slide in form.
Liverpool’s crisis of confidence has left their title defence in tatters, and Slot is now facing a fight to save his position at Anfield, with the upcoming run of league fixtures – West Ham United, Sunderland, Leeds United – over the next week sure to shape the narrative and whether this rut deepens.
FSG might feel that Liverpool’s title-winning boss still has some credit in the bank, but that will change if things don’t improve, and sporting director Richard Hughes has already compiled a list of potential replacements.
Hughes begins search for Slot successor
While Liverpool are not ready to pull the trigger, they would be remiss not to sound out a few options in the event that things continue to deteriorate on Merseyside.
Earlier this week, Spanish sources suggested Jurgen Klopp is back in the mix as Hughes looks for solutions, but this would not be the right path to travel back down. The legendary German departed Liverpool in 2024 after admitting he was tired from so many taxing years at the top.
However, the Reds might choose to move for another manager who is established as one of the best in the business, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique emerging as a contender.
Enrique, 55, was the man behind PSG’s incredible quadruple-winning 2024/25 season, previously reaping riches with Barcelona, and reports – via The Mirror – believe Liverpool have made him their long-term priority in the event of Slot’s dismissal.
The suggestion is that conversations have been held at boardroom level at Anfield, amid fears over whether Slot has lost the dressing room, hence why Enrique could be lined up as a potential successor.
Why Enrique could be perfect for Liverpool
Some critical observers would suggest that Liverpool started foundering after PSG knocked Slot out of the Champions League in the last 16. Certainly, the English side petered out as the season entered the business stretch.
An experienced and decorated manager, Enrique has been hailed as “the best manager in the world” by French journalist Julien Laurens for reaching unprecedented heights with PSG, creating a stable and multi-faceted attacking outfit that was practically invincible last season.
His fluid philosophy could be attracting Hughes’ interest. Enrique employs a 4-3-3 formation, but he’s experimental with his ideas, utilising full-back width and clever passing patterns in the build-up.
This could give rise to the qualities of Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, but Alexander Isak might benefit most from this potential managerial switch.
Enrique’s teams score goals. Moreover, they do so with style. Ousmane Dembele would certainly attest to that.
The current crisis makes it easy to forget that Isak is one of the deadliest strikers of his generation, and Enrique’s acumen would surely see a system wrought to accommodate the 26-year-old’s qualities.
Isak looks a world away from that world-class striker who tore English football apart at St. James’ Park, but, as with several other summer recruits, he has struggled to adapt in a dysfunctional team.
Liverpool are hardly a hothouse for player growth at the moment, but that is why Enrique could be such an interesting pick.
They are hardly carbon copies, but Isak and Dembele share a likeness, and, considering this, Enrique could reshape the Swedish striker into a free-scoring superstar.
Dembele vs Isak (past 12 months)
Stats (per 90)
Dembele
Isak
Goals scored
1.08
0.72
Assists
0.32
0.19
Shots taken
4.69
2.91
Touches (att pen)
7.94
5.93
Shot-creating actions
6.02
2.91
Pass completion
80.2
74.7
Progressive passes
7.46
3.25
Progressive carries
5.94
2.72
Successful take-ons
1.80
1.44
Ball recoveries
1.36
1.81
Tackles + interceptions
0.68
0.57
Data via FBref
While it might look like Isak pales in comparison to the 2025 Ballon d’Or recipient, different factors need to be considered. Isak plays in an ostensibly tougher league and was considered to be “the best striker” in England last season, as was said by pundit Jamie Carragher.
If anything, this bears testament to Enrique’s tactical prowess, and given the natural stylistic similarities, it could be the perfect move to finally unlock the latent qualities of Liverpool’s star striker.
He's like Semenyo: Liverpool to bid £105m for "world-class" Gakpo upgrade
Liverpool are gearing up to sign a left-sided forward in the transfer market this winter.
Rangers manager Danny Rohl revealed he has a clear picture of what is missing from his squad after a goalless home draw with Falkirk, as we approach the opening of the January transfer window.
Rohl sends message to his squad after dropped points against Falkirk
Rohl saw his impressive start to life at Ibrox come to an end in his fifth Premiership game in charge on Sunday. Scott Bain made an excellent one-handed stop from Djeidi Gassama on a Rangers counter-attack midway through the second half, but the Falkirk goalkeeper was largely untested outside of that.
The Bairns had some chances of their own and were more than worth their second point of the season against the Light Blues.
Rohl must bin Rangers flop who was even worse than Aarons vs Falkirk
Danny Rohl must replace this Glasgow Rangers flop in January to solve a glaring issue in the squad.
ByDan Emery Dec 1, 2025
Rohl agreed with a comment in his post-match media conference that his squad needed help in January.
“The group we have at the moment, it’s my job and my responsibility to bring the best out of them,” he said.
“You see too many up and downs. With some players you feel they are making the step, and in the next game they take a step back. We are not consistently on the highest point again and again.
“We have too much of a roller coaster. The job when I arrived was about finding a way to win games. This is the first draw. We are disappointed with this performance but for me it’s now week six or seven.”
In a clear warning to his current crop of players, the 36 year-old held back nothing as his side fell seven points behind Celtic, suggesting he will upgrade on certain members of his squad in the transfer window.
Who Rangers could sign in January
The first step to Rangers’ business ahead of the new year will of course be finding replacements for Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell, with a recent report suggesting the Gers could turn to Chief Financial Officer James Taylor in the CEO role.
In terms of targets on the pitch, it is clear more quality is needed in midfield and in attacking areas, and those at Ibrox have reportedly already entered discussions for winger Galymzhan Kenzhebek.
The 22 year-old is reportedly also wanted by Dundee United, Aberdeen and a whole host of clubs on the continent, being praised for his direct style of play and instincts in front of goal.
David Watson is the other name on everyone’s lips, with the 20 year-old midfielder out of contract at Kilmarnock next summer and sure to attract interest from a whole host of sides in January.