All posts by h716a5.icu

Having played every minute of Crystal Palace’s opening 16 league games, Vicente Guaita has featured just twice in the Eagles’ last four games, with regular understudy Jack Butland starting to receive a few opportunities between the sticks.

The Spaniard was on the bench for Palace’s 2-2 draw at home to Southampton before Christmas and was absent entirely from the squad which lost 3-0 at Spurs on Boxing Day.

After returning between the sticks for the 3-0 win over Norwich and 3-2 defeat to West Ham, it was assumed that the 35-year-old had reclaimed his status as first-choice. However, Butland was once again preferred in the 2-1 FA Cup win at Millwall and the 1-1 derby stalemate at Brighton last weekend.

However, it is now time for Palace manager Patrick Vieira to reacquire the services of his former first-choice and keep Guaita in between the sticks for the remainder of the season, injury permitting.

In his cameo appearances, Butland hasn’t offered much to the Palace setup other than saving what was, in truth, a terrible penalty against Brighton last time out.

The 28-year-old made a howler against Millwall which had given the Championship outfit the lead before the Englishman’s blushes were spared in the second half as Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta turned the tie around for the visitors at The Den.

Whilst being in goal for the Eagles this season, Butland has conceded an average of 1.6 goals per game, whilst Guaita has let in 1.39 goals per game. Moreover, the Englishman is yet to keep a clean sheet this season, whilst the Spaniard has managed five.

According to SofaScore, Guaita is also superior when it comes to ball distribution, with a 78% passing accuracy per game compared to Butland’s 64%. Granted, the 28-year-old averages slightly more saves per game with three compared to the 35-year-old’s 2.8, but he has saved 60% of shots faced as opposed to his older team-mate’s 67%.

It is vital for teams to have a familiar face in between the sticks, especially for defenders so that they feel comfortable when they need to pass to their goalkeeper.

It’s no surprise that the only game Palace have won with Butland in goal was an FA Cup tie against a Championship side, whereas with Guaita on the pitch, the Eagles went on an impressive seven-game unbeaten run in the league during the autumn.

Indeed, last season the Spaniard was the subject of high praise from pundit Jermaine Beckford after an impressive performance against Everton. He stated that, with Guaita in their side, “Crystal Palace will pick up a lot more points”.

Former Palace manager Roy Hodgson was also a big fan of the Spanish ‘keeper, labelling him as “excellent” on one occasion.

The £57k-p/w veteran has made 114 appearances for the south London club since his move from Getafe in summer 2018, and he has now been the Eagles’ first choice between the sticks for the best part of four years.

There is little evidence as to why that should change for the remainder of the campaign.

In other news: This Palace ace returned to training ahead of the Liverpool clash

Aston Villa confirmed on Monday that young forward Cameron Archer has joined Championship club Preston North End for the second half of the season. 

Consequently, a number of Villa supporters have weighed in with their thoughts on the update via social media.

Archer has impressed in claret and blue this season for both the senior and under-23 sides, scoring 12 goals in as many games. The 20-year-old scored four times in two Carabao Cup games against Barrow and Chelsea and has also made three Premier League appearances this season from the bench under former Villa manager Dean Smith.

He’ll now join up with Ryan Lowe, Steven Gerrard’s good friend, in the second tier until the end of the current campaign. Archer, who signed a new contract at Villa Park last month, could make his debut for Preston on Wednesday night against West Brom.

Villa fans react

Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to the club’s official Twitter post on Archer’s loan move, with one labelling it as ‘elite’.

“Feel sorry for him”

Credit: @andrewbradley47

“Great move, go tear it up son”

Credit: @Lrd_30

“What an acquisition for Preston. Up there with Tammy and Mings as elite loans to Championship”

Credit: @TheVillaPodcast

“He’s gonna be unreal”

Credit: @Sheaflatley09

“Another big move for one of the youngsters. Big step up, see if he can keep bagging”

Credit: @Reece_AV

“Stevie G helping his mate Lowe at Preston. Hope Archer tears it up there”

Credit: @Richard_Meakin

In other news: ‘Some breaking transfer news’ – Sky Sports drop live TV update on Aston Villa and 9-trophy beast

It was fitting that after 15 years in the game James Kirtley should bow out on the ground that has been his home since boyhood

Sahil Dutta04-Sep-2010It was fitting that after 15 years in the game James Kirtley should bow out on the ground that has been his home since boyhood.Born in Eastbourne, Kirtley is very much a son of Sussex and after making his first-class debut for the county against Glamorgan in 1995 he has taken 614 first-class wickets and 395 one-day scalps – the last being Kevin Pietersen in the Clydesdale Bank 40 game against Surrey on Saturday. Still good enough to hold a place in Sussex’s limited-overs teams, Kirtley has decided to call time on a memorable career.”It is a bit emotional and a bit nerve-wracking, but there have been lots of well-wishers and people saying kind things,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “There were a combination of factors that led to me making the decision but ultimately my body is probably telling me it’s time. I’d far rather people saying ‘can’t you stay another year’ than going ‘he probably bowled a year too long’.”It’s a body that has been put through some of the stiffest possible tests as Kirtley had to overcome murmurs over the legality of his action. Despite being cleared by an ECB panel ahead of his ODI debut in 2001 in Harare, doubts were raised by the ICC match referee for that series, Colonel Naushad Ali, and he was twice reported mid-match in 2005. It was a bitter episode and Kirtley thinks it could have been handled far better.”I felt a lot anger and a lot of resentment with the way things were done. I don’t think the protocols were particularly observed – there was secret filming that went about, there was a lot of guesswork without much detail, it felt like a bit of a witch-hunt at times. I’ve probably been the most scrutinised and analysed bowler in England but what else can you do but try and get through it.”It’s because of that intense pressure that Kirtley rates his Man-of-the-Match winning performance in the 2006 C&G final at Lord’s, when his 5 for 27 secured a tense 15-run win over Lancashire, as the highlight of his career, above even his matchwinning Test debut against South Africa three years before.”That C&G final in 2006 was my career highlight,” he said. “What I went through with rebuilding my action over the winter and then going out on the biggest domestic stage and winning a game we were being written off in, was the most satisfying moment in my career.”After bursting on to the Test scene with 6 for 34 in the second innings at Trent Bridge to skittle South Africa for 131 and record Michael Vaughan’s first Test win as captain, Kirtley only went on to play three times more at Test level. If the crumbling pitch at Trent Bridge was perhaps too friendly a start to judge his potential his final two Tests were equally misleading – played on two of the world’s most unforgiving pitches for fast bowlers – Colombo and Kandy. Though hardly disgracing himself, Kirtley was quietly nudged off the team-sheet for the next series against West Indies as England landed upon the ‘fab-four’ that went on to deliver the 2005 Ashes.”I don’t know if you can judge a bowler on four Test matches. That would be my main question. But I came at time between Gough and Caddick and the group of bowlers that won the Ashes – I was a stopgap for want of a better expression. I’m just thankful I had my opportunity and took it in the first couple of games before the flat ones in Colombo and Kandy but I’ll never begrudge playing for England on anything.”The swing-bowling, fourth-seamer role was reclaimed by Matthew Hoggard – who himself revealed in his autobiography that Kirtley could easily have had the role ahead of him – but Kirtley is clear that England went with the right option. “I think Hoggy was probably a better bowler, certainly in English conditions. While I can see the comparison I think our skills are probably a bit different.”One area that Kirtley undoubtedly edged over Hoggard was in limited-overs cricket. While Hoggard confessed to being ‘allergic’ to the white ball, Kirtley revelled in the shorter formats, excelling enough to end his career as a one-day specialist for Sussex. Despite the well-founded concerns over the bloated one-day fixture list in domestic cricket, Kirtley believes that they have helped push the standards up to a level higher than at any point in his career.”One-day cricket has really improved the skills in the English game. The number of different deliveries bowlers have is huge and batsmen have also adapted to them as well. Cricket has bigger profile too nowadays. The Twenty20 Cup here, the IPL and the also Ashes success at home recently has meant cricket is in a bigger and better state than it has probably ever been.”It’s fitting for a man that has devoted his life to the county game that he should end his career with it stronger and more competitive than when he first set out.

England’s Twenty20 cricketers were barely forced to break sweat as they sauntered to a crushing six-wicket victory in Cardiff, against a Pakistan side whose off-field woes appeared to have seeped out into the middle with them

The Bulletin by Andrew Miller in Cardiff07-Sep-2010England 90 for 4 (Collingwood 21) beat Pakistan 89 (Bresnan 3-10) by six wickets
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsPakistan were dismissed for their lowest total in Twenty20 internationals•PA PhotosEngland’s Twenty20 cricketers were barely forced to break a sweat as they sauntered to a crushing six-wicket victory in Cardiff against a Pakistan side whose off-field woes appeared to have seeped out into the middle with them. Despite another slight wobble with the bat as England closed in on a record-equalling seventh T20I victory in a row, a dismal target of 90 never looked like being a challenge, as Eoin Morgan and Michael Yardy once again eased them over the line with six overs to spare.The victory wrapped up a 2-0 clean sweep of the Twenty20 series, and completed a subdued sojourn in South Wales for Pakistan, which started with further newspaper allegations ahead of Sunday’s opening fixture, and concluded this evening with their lowest ever total in the format, as Tim Bresnan led an excellent attacking bowling performance with 3 for 10 in 3.4 overs. In front of a county-standard attendance of 5,821, it was an anticlimactic spectacle in every sense. But at least the sunset was pretty.Although Pakistan this time batted first of their own volition, their innings started in an uncannily familiar fashion to Sunday’s first fixture. A loose first over from Ryan Sidebottom was swatted for 11 useful runs (one fewer than had been the case two days earlier), before Bresnan dismissed Kamran Akmal via a rash pull for the second game running. He struck with his second ball on Sunday, and his fourth today, but at 11 for 1, Pakistan’s innings had once again been robbed of its early momentum.The situation got steadily worse for Pakistan. Bresnan claimed his second wicket in five balls when Mohammad Yousuf flapped a well-directed bouncer to Bopara at deep square leg, and six balls later, Shahzaib Hasan was also suckered by the short ball, this time courtesy of Stuart Broad, who beat him for pace as he swished airily and snicked the thinnest of edges through to the keeper, Steven Davies.Broad then made it two in an over, as an anxious Shahid Afridi poked nervously at his first ball before top-edging his fourth to Morgan at midwicket. At 22 for 4 after five overs, Pakistan were already dealing with damage limitation.Mohammad Hafeez’s response was to drop anchor as if he was battling to save a Test match. He faced 19 of the next 21 deliveries of the innings, picking off five singles while Umar Akmal ticked impatiently at the other end of the pitch, and it came as little surprise when Umar beat that tally in one blow by mowing Graeme Swann straight back over his head for the first six of the series. He produced an identical blow in Swann’s next over, only to fall one delivery later, as Swann gave the ball extra air outside off stump, and a clueless Umar threw back his head to be bowled through the gate for 17.Hafeez’s torturous innings was ended by a sharp run-out as Sidebottom shied at the non-striker’s end from short fine leg, and two balls and a single later, Fawad Alam’s grim series was concluded by a first-ball duck, as he attempted to cut Swann off the back foot and edged instead to the keeper.Umar Gul produced the shot of the innings when he lifted a Broad slower ball over the fine leg boundary for six, but Razzaq was unable to find his range in a fitful performance. He finally struck his first boundary from his 19th delivery, as Sidebottom offered too much width from a low-toss, only for both men to fall from his next two deliveries. First to go was Razzaq, who top-edged a slower-ball bouncer to Yardy at slip, before Gul pumped a similar delivery to Bopara, running in from deep square leg.Shoaib Akhtar creamed Bresnan through the covers for a handsome four, but before the over was out, Bresnan had been rewarded for an impressive performance with his third and final wicket of the innings. A well-directed yorker took out the base of middle stump to leave England chasing a meagre 90 for victory.Their desire for a swift kill was showcased by Craig Kieswetter, who unfurled an audacious back-foot drive over extra cover for six as Umar Gul’s first over was clattered for 19. However, both he and Steven Davies fell in consecutive deliveries in Shoaib’s subsequent over, and thereafter England opted for a safety-first approach to their run-chase.The spin of Saeed Ajmal and Afridi claimed a wicket apiece after Paul Collingwood and Bopara had knocked off a third of the target in seven overs, but it was once again Morgan’s matchless repertoire that put the contest beyond doubt. Three fours in 14 balls, all of them from the spinners, injected some late oomph to the innings, before Yardy sealed the deal with an all-run four to deep cover

Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a stunning deadline day swoop for Yannick Carrasco…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, who claims that Spurs are in discussions with his agent Pini Zahavi after submitting an enquiry to LaLiga outfit Atletico Madrid.

It’s believed that Spurs are prepared to pay his release clause of €60m before tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline, a move that would surpass the club-record fee paid for Tanguy Ndombele, who appears to be close to leaving the club on loan today, too.

Saudi-backed top-flight rivals Newcastle United are also said to be keen.

Antonio Conte’s dream deadline day signing

This would be something of Conte’s dream signing on deadline day. He’s nearing the addition of two Juventus players in Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski, who would add much-needed depth and quality to his midfield and attack.

But Carrasco’s versatility to play in multiple roles makes him a very intriguing option indeed. It’s believed that the Italian wanted a new right wing-back as he has a lack of faith in summer signing Emerson Royal and former Wolves man Matt Doherty.

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Over in Spain, the Belgian international has been deployed in this very role, albeit on the other side, by Diego Simeone and he’s also capable of featuring in a natural left-wing position and through the middle.

As per WhoScored, the 28-year-old utility man rates out as Atleti’s top-rated performer, averaging a rating of 7.10.

He leads the way for assists (five) and has also averaged 2.8 dribbles and 1.7 key passes per game, making him a very attack-minded wide man – something that is doubtful with Emerson, who has struggled to deliver in the final third since joining from Barcelona.

Valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, sporting director Fabio Paratici may be about to overpay for the 54-time Belgian international but he’s someone that would undoubtedly make Spurs a stronger outfit as they look to push on for a top-four finish.

It’s an exciting signing that fans should be hugely encouraged about. Conte would love him, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Sky Sports drop big Spurs transfer claim ahead of 11pm deadline…

Sussex put themselves in a great position to win promotion with a game to spare by dominating Northamptonshire on day one of their match at Hove

07-Sep-2010
ScorecardSussex put themselves in a great position to win promotion with a game to spare by dominating Northamptonshire on day one of their County Championship Division Two match at Hove. Needing eight points to secure an immediate return to Division One, they bowled out their visitors for 125 after winning the toss this morning.Sussex openers Chris Nash and Michael Thornely had no such trouble with the pitch, however, as they launched the reply with a 228-run partnership in 44 overs. Thornely, dropped at second slip on 24, made the most of his reprieve to hit 11 fours and a six as he compiled a career-best 89 before he was bowled by Jack Brooks, who also picked up nightwatchman James Anyon just before stumps.Nash was utterly dominant as he scored his third century in five games. He got to the milestone with his 12th boundary and at the same time established a new county record for the first wicket against Northamptonshire, beating the 193 by Ted Bowley and Maurice Tate at Hastings in 1985. Nash ended the day unbeaten on 122 with Sussex already 111 in front on 236 for 2.The visitors had produced some pitiful batting earlier in the day with only wicketkeeper David Murphy, who top scored with 47, providing any real resistance as they were dismissed in 46 overs. Extras was the next highest score with 16.There was some seam movement with the new ball which was expertly harnessed by Pakistan paceman Yasir Arafat, who bowled three of his four victims. But too many batsmen got out to loose shots and it took Murphy and David Lucas, who added 56 in 14 overs for the ninth wicket, to show what could be achieved with a modicum of application.Arafat struck in successive overs after Corey Collymore had made the breakthrough when Mal Loye was caught low down by Andy Hodd – one of three wicketkeepers in the Sussex side – driving outside off stump.Seam movement accounted for both Stephen Peters and Alex Wakeley and, although David Sales and Rob Newton effected a recovery of sorts by taking the score to 43 for 3, four more wickets fell in 12 overs before lunch.Three of them were claimed by seamer Anyon, who extracted extra lift in a hostile eight-over spell down the slope. Newton gloved Anyon’s first ball to Hodd and James Middlebrook fell in similar fashion after captain Andrew Hall had become Anyon’s second victim courtesy of a fine slip catch by Ollie Rayner.Monty Panesar got in on the act against his former county when he picked up Sales in his first over with an arm ball, but Murphy and Lucas made batting look a lot easier either side of lunch with Murphy pulling Collymore for six.A 20-minute rain stoppage seemed to fire up Sussex again and they took the last three wickets in 23 balls as Arafat yorked Lucas and Brooks while Lee Daggett offered a simple bat-pad catch to give Panesar his second success.

Tottenham have been in contact with the agents of Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, according to Calciomercato.

The Lowdown: Christensen’s contract situation

The Dane has been on the books at Stamford Bridge since 2015 and has made 153 appearances for the Blues during that time.

The 25-year-old has won six senior trophies under numerous managers in west London but is actually out of contract at the end of June.

Once described as a ‘special talent’ by Simon Phillips, the Denmark international made his first Premier League appearance of 2022 last weekend, and come the summer, it seems as if he could head across the capital.

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The Latest: Concrete contact

As reported by Calciomercato, Spurs have had ‘concrete contact’ with Christensen’s agents in the last few hours.

The report also name-checks Bayern Munich with speaking with the player’s representatives, while Barcelona are also thought to be keen on the defender.

The Verdict: No-brainer for Spurs

Antonio Conte tends to use three central defenders and seemingly wants reinforcements at the back over the summer, with left-back Ben Davies regularly used in a central role following the Italian’s arrival in N17.

Therefore, bringing in the £31.5m-valued Christensen for nothing appears to be a no-brainer for Spurs, with Daniel Levy possibly looking to get Conte back on side after reported crunch talks on Thursday. The Dane has plenty of experience in the Premier League, in Europe and on the international stage, so securing a free transfer could be a shrewd piece of business from Tottenham in the long run.

However, Spurs may have to qualify for Europe in order to lure players like Christensen to the club over the summer, making the next three months crucial for Conte and his side.

In other news: ‘Concerned…’ – Spurs insider now drops off-field claim; he’s hoping for ‘announcements soon’

Gloucestershire has lost the services of William Porterfield, the Ireland opening batsman

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Oct-2010William Porterfield, the Ireland opening batsman, has left Gloucestershire after signing a three-year deal with Warwickshire. Gloucester have also lost medium-pacer Gemaal Hussain who too is likely to move up to Division One if he joins county champions Nottinghamshire.Gloucester had a disappointing 2009 season, being placed fifth in Division Two after losing nine and winning only six of their matches. Porterfield and Hussain’s departures come in the wake of Steve Kirby and Anthony Ireland’s exits from the county.The county were unhappy with Hussain’s decision but the bowler said he had to make the move if he wanted to improve his chances of playing for England. “I feel I need to challenge myself by playing Division One cricket,” Hussain told the county’s website. Tom Richardson, Gloucestershire’s chief executive, said he didn’t agree with Hussain’s view. “It’s very disappointing as you’ve got this guy who came to us last year from nowhere,” Richardson told . Hussain was the division’s leading wicket-taker with 67 at 22.34 from 15 matches.Porterfield will join his Ireland team-mate Boyd Rankin at Warwickshire. Ashley Giles, Warwickshire’s director of cricket, was pleased with the season’s signings which include Pakistan batsman Younis Khan. “Will has proved his potential at international and domestic level and I believe he has a great deal more to offer.”

As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, a promising Tottenham Hotspur transfer update has come to light involving Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

The Lowdown: McKennie eyed by Conte…

The USA international is absolutely no stranger to Spurs supporters.

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Links to McKennie were prevalent before the January transfer window, mainly focused on Conte’s fondness for the player and how he was, at one point, pushing Spurs chief Fabio Paratici to sign him.

Eventually signing Uruguay international Rodrigo Bentancur from Juve instead, who has since gone on to be a success at Spurs, it appeared the north Londoners subsequently dropped their interest in the 23-year-old.

Now, however, Conte has firmly registered his summer interest and is even set for backing from Tottenham in his attempts, according to reports.

The Latest: Conte green-lights move…

As per La Gazzetta (via SW), Tottenham’s head coach has given the green-light to move for McKennie, even personally requesting his signing at Hotspur Way.

Paratici, it is believed, aims to ‘satisfy’ Conte in his wish to bring the American to north London – but they’ll face a tough task given Juve’s stance over selling in the next market.

The Verdict: Knock on the door?

The Old Lady may need some convincing, but if Tottenham and Paratici can somehow get it done, it may take more than McKennie’s estimated £22.5 million market valuation.

However, there is a debate to be had that the midfield dynamo could be worth it, with coaches in the states noticing his potential immediately and branding the ex-Schalke ace a ‘little tank’.

Elsewhere, MLS correspondent and USA national team critic Chris Smith of 90min has drawn attention to his superb displays outside of club level – branding McKennie a ‘pressing machine’ and ‘supremely underrated’ attacking threat for his nation (Twitter).

Still only young, he still has room for improvement, leaving little wonder Conte is keen on a move.

In other news: Spurs officials sent to club as Paratici now eyes ‘imperious’ ex-Man City man! Find out more here.

Everton will host Leicester City at Goodison Park this evening following a ten-day break to continue their pursuit for safety in the Premier League this season.

Frank Lampard will surely be hoping the much-needed rest for his team ahead of their remaining fixtures will give his team an advantage against their opponents this evening, and taking all three points from the game would put them even further ahead in their relegation battle.

The squad has seen another huge boost as two players will return from injury issues, with the Toffees boss confirming that Donny Van de Beek and Yerry Mina will be in contention to feature in the clash with the Foxes this evening.

With that being said, Lampard must unleash Van de Beek, putting the midfielder straight back into the starting line-up following his absence, to put pressure on Leicester’s defence.

The £22.5m-rated star who was hailed “unselfish” by Owen Hargreaves, sustained a small grade thigh injury in the warm-up in the game against West Ham last month and was also ineligible to play in the victory over his parent club Manchester United last weekend, so he has had a lengthy break to get back to fitness ahead of tonight’s game.

There is no doubt that the Dutch midfielder will be up for the challenge at Goodison Park, especially with the news that his former manager Erik ten Hag will be imminently announced as the new manager at Old Trafford this summer, so he will likely want to take the opportunity to impress to ensure when he returns to Manchester he will be in with a better chance of game-time.

Lampard can deploy Van de Beek in the attacking midfield role he once thrived in for Ajax thanks to the return of Fabian Delph, who could be part of the defensive partnership with Allan in tonight’s game, allowing the 25-year-old more freedom to be creative and focus on imposing a threat on Leicester, where he can terrify their defence.

Playing a huge part in Everton’s potential survival in the Premier League this season will be a great boost in the midfielder’s opportunities when his loan ends and ultimately can hugely benefit his current club, who are just three points clear of the relegation zone with eight games to go.

AND in other news: Patrick Boyland relays huge Everton injury boost, it’s great news for Lampard