All posts by h716a5.icu

Leeds United’s Illan Meslier is widely regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in the Premier League.

The Frenchman has been lauded for his ability on the ball and shot-stopping skills, with pundits, players and fans alike all pointing towards his excellent potential long-term potential as a reason to stick by him when he makes mistakes.

Jesse Marsch said: “First of all I think Illan’s talent is massive. He is a young goalkeeper that is as good as any young goalkeeper I have ever seen. That’s really exciting.”

At 23, the ‘keeper became the youngest player in top-flight history to reach 100 appearances, yet it could be argued that Leeds fans are still seeing the same skinny, baby-faced player who first came into the side during the Championship title-winning season.

With the Yorkshire side now officially boasting the worst defensive record in the division after shipping 11 goals in the recent home defeats against Crystal Palace and Liverpool, questions must now surely be asked of Meslier.

Has Meslier progressed or regressed in his time at Leeds?

Meslier would make his first Leeds appearances in the 2019/20 campaign, featuring ten times in the second tier for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, keeping an impressive seven clean sheets and conceding just four times in that run, so it was easy to see why the Argentine manager was happy to make him his number one following promotion.

This helped him earn a superb 6.95 rating from WhoScored and he followed that up with an inspired debut season in the top flight, earning a 6.91 average rating across his 35 outings, keeping 11 clean sheets and conceding 52 goals.

Leeds were often criticised for being too open defensively under Bielsa but Meslier’s record has only got worse since the legendary manager’s departure, with the Frenchman remarkably conceding 138 times across the last two Premier League seasons.

The 60 shipped by the goalkeeper so far this campaign could easily surpass the 78 he conceded in the 2021/22 season, especially if Javi Gracia’s side continues their woeful recent form.

Unsurprisingly, so many goals conceded and so few clean sheets, with just ten in his last 69 top-flight appearances, have meant that Meslier’s average rating from WhoScored has fallen off a cliff in the last two seasons.

The Frenchman’s shocking 6.49 rating so far this term ranks him as the 17th-best performer in Gracia’s squad, and yet it has never really been suggested that he could be dropped, perhaps due to the lack of options available to the Spaniard at Elland Road.

Leeds have Joel Robles and youngster Kristoffer Klaesson waiting in the wings, but the former has just two appearances in cup competitions to his name so far this season, which suggests that Meslier is always going to be the first choice.

The lack of depth available to Gracia in between the sticks could prove costly, as Meslier perhaps knows that he is guaranteed to start and has seen his standards drop as a result.

Should Meslier be dropped by Leeds?

Worryingly, Leeds have been expected to concede just 53.84 goals according to Understat this season, which suggests that Meslier is underperforming by 6.16 xG, the fourth-worst in the division behind Leicester City, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.

A more reliable goalkeeper might have kept those six extra goals out, which could prove vital at the end of the season, as the competitiveness at the bottom of the league suggests that goal difference could easily be decisive.

Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back in his criticism of the shot-stopper following the heavy defeat against Liverpool recently, describing him as a “kid” with “no presence.”

Meslier could hardly be considered commanding in between the sticks and considering how shaky Leeds’ defence has looked in recent weeks, sticking with the youngster could prove disastrous for the club.

Relegation is thought to cost Premier League sides around £50m and Leeds would also undoubtedly lose some of their top talents should they sink back to the Championship this season.

Indeed, the former FC Lorient man has been one touted with an Elland Road exit, with top sides reportedly interested amid the possibility of relegation, with Leeds likely to demand around £40m.

Again, it seems as if interested sides are also gambling on Meslier’s potential, as his performances this season certainly wouldn’t justify that price tag.

If Garcia continues to put his faith in the £30k-per-week shot-stopper, then it could just cost Leeds their spot in the Premier League next season.

Manchester United have sent a scout to watch FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Costa to United?

David De Gea will be out of contract at the end of the season and is facing an uncertain future having not yet put pen to paper on fresh terms, so should he depart in the summer, the 23-year-old has been identified as his potential successor.

The Portugal international’s deal at Porto isn’t set to expire for another four years, but his performances at the 2022 World Cup and at the Estadio do Dragao since returning from Qatar have caught the eye, and not for the first time.

Record report that the Red Devils have been closely monitoring the shot-stopper for over a year, but since Erik Ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford, it’s stated that the new manager appreciates his abilities with his feet, so the club have now ramped up their initial interest.

According to A Bola (via Sport Witness), Manchester United “had an official” at FC Porto’s 2-0 victory over Pacos De Ferreira on Saturday night to watch Costa. The 6 foot 2 colossus has emerged as a “clear target” for the top-flight giants and is seen as one of the “obvious options” to replace De Gea in the summer. The Rothrist native’s name is frequently the one being “pushed forward”, and it’s worth noting that he has a €75m (£66m) release clause included in his contract.

Would Costa be a good successor to De Gea?

Costa has been dubbed a “superman” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his consistent high standard of performances between the sticks, and looking at his numbers this season, he would be an outstanding bit of business for United.

The Adidas-sponsored titan has kept a remarkable 70 clean sheets from 182 appearances throughout his career, including 17 in 36 outings across all competitions this term, via Transfermarkt, as he’s made 51 saves from 68 shots on target, giving him a success rate of 76.5%.

The Gestifute client also likes to experiment with his range of passing and is successful in doing so, having completed 121 of 122 short passes and 447 of 453 medium passes since the start of the term, as per FBRef.

Finally, Costa knows what it takes to be successful having secured nine trophies at both club and international level, and has been recognised for his individual impact twice being the recipient of the Goalkeeper of the Season award, so this really is a no-brainer of a deal to complete.

Liverpool will host Nottingham Forest in their Premier League clash at Anfield this afternoon, and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that his team can finally find some consistency in their performances after their huge victory last time out.

The Reds are currently eighth in the top-flight table after a struggle to maintain their high standards this season, and are nine points adrift of a Champions League qualifying spot inside the top four with just eight games remaining. Therefore, taking all three points will be absolutely essential in front of the home support today.

In terms of injuries, Stefan Bajcetic and Calvin Ramsay remain ruled out alongside Naby Keita, who is struggling for fitness due to a muscle injury. However, another player has become unavailable for selection this week, which will be a huge blow for Klopp.

The Liverpool boss took to his pre-match press conference to reveal that Roberto Firmino had picked up an injury that will see him sidelined for at least the next three fixtures:

"Unfortunately Bobby picked up a muscle issue a little bit.

"We will see how long that takes. It’s not too serious but he is definitely out for tomorrow and next week we have two more games. I would say they are impossible as well and then we will see. We have to take it day by day."

How could Liverpool line up vs Nottingham Forest?

Alisson Becker (GK), Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB), Ibrahima Konate (CB), Virgil van Dijk (CB), Andrew Robertson (LB), Jordan Henderson (CM), Thiago Alcantara (CM), Curtis Jones (CM), Darwin Nunez (LW), Cody Gakpo (ST), Mohammed Salah (RW)

Football FanCast predicts that Klopp could make two changes to his team that beat Leeds 6-1 last week, maintaining his preferred 4-3-3 formation.

The first change we expect to see is Thiago Alcantara reprising his role in the starting XI as he returns from injury alongside an otherwise unchanged midfield of Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones, with the club captain replacing Fabinho in his more defensive role.

The second and final tweak we predict that the German coach will make is in the forward line, with Darwin Nunez replacing Diogo Jota on the left flank alongside Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah.

Indeed, Jota finally broke his goal drought with a brace in West Yorkshire this week, but with games coming thick and fast for the Reds with West Ham United away on Wednesday and Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, it could be a great opportunity for Klopp to freshen up his squad this afternoon.

The 6 foot 2 Uruguayan ace – hailed "dangerous" by Klopp – made an explosive 9-minute cameo against Leeds, scoring the sixth goal to put the cherry on top of a fantastic attacking performance for the Reds, and Klopp could now reward his fiery forward with a spot in the starting lineup today.

That said, if Liverpool are to take their outside chances of Champions League football next season by the scruff of the neck, there will be no room for error at Anfield today, so taking nothing but all three points will be imperative.

Chelsea could feasibly build their team around Mason Mount under Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

What's the latest news involving Mason Mount and Mauricio Pochettino?

As per Football Insider, Chelsea now have a growing 'confidence' that Mount will agree a new contract in west London despite interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool in his services.

The report states that the prospective appointment of Pochettino is said to be a major factor in their increasing optimism over Mount, while the 24-year-old is also believed to have been promised a 'key role' in the side in fresh negotiations surrounding his future at Stamford Bridge.

According to The Daily Mail, Mount has also become a 'key target' for Arsenal in the summer in light of an impasse in talks regarding his contract at Chelsea; however, negotiations between the England international and the Blues will continue as they attempt to lock him down to an extension.

In terms of when Pochettino could officially arrive at Chelsea, 90min have claimed that both parties only have 'minor details left to iron out in negotiations.'

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist O'Rourke believes Mount could have a similar impact under Pochettino to Dele Alli's notable impression at Tottenham Hotspur when the Argentinian manager coached him.

When asked about Pochettino potentially viewing Mount as a key player at Chelsea, O'Rourke told FFC: "There's a real possibility. Mason Mount is a top player for Chelsea. In the last couple of seasons, he's been vital for them. He was key in their Champions League success a couple of years ago under Thomas Tuchel. He's an England international and was a regular at Chelsea until probably this season, where maybe it hasn't worked out for him as well.

"I'm sure Mauricio Pochettino would want to keep Mason Mount around and help build his team around Mason Mount going forward and have a similar impact that he had with Dele Alli at Tottenham when Dele Alli and Harry Kane were the two main players during his time at the club. I'm sure Pochettino will be confident that he could be the man to get the best out of Mason Mount if he does end up staying at Stamford Bridge."

What have Mason Mount's stats been like this season?

Mount has flickered in and out of consistency at Chelsea this season, registering three goals and six assists in 35 appearances in total for the Blues, as per Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, the 24-year-old has still been a creative spark for his current employers this term despite a difficult campaign at Stamford Bridge, successfully performing 83 shot-creating actions during his time on the field, according to FBRef.

Unsurprisingly, his contract wrangle has piqued the interest of several high-profile sides, which has been a source of frustration for Chelsea as they look to ward off keen suitors and tie him down for the long term.

Despite this, if Mount is to commit his future to Chelsea, there is no reason to say that Pochettino couldn't be the man to get him back firing if both end up crossing paths in west London.

Ross Taylor led Sussex to their highest T20 score as they began their NatWest T20 Blast season with victory over Gloucestershire by a single run on Duckworth Lewis

ECB Reporters Network20-May-2016
ScorecardRoss Taylor led Sussex to a rain-assisted win•Getty ImagesSussex Sharks kicked off their NatWest T20 Blast season with victory over Gloucestershire at the Brightside Ground, Bristol, by a single run on Duckworth Lewis.Ross Taylor’s unbeaten 93, off just 48 balls, helped Sussex to their highest ever T20 total, beating the 239 for 5 scored against Glamorgan in 2010.However, the Sharks needed a little help from the rain to achieve their opening night success in the west country.Chasing 240 to win, Gloucestershire looked well on course to at least take the game to the wire when the rains came. It was an agonising end for the host county whose 83 for 1, off 7.3 overs, left them just one short of their required target on the D/L method.Having been asked to bat first, Sussex made a decent first of things with the bat. Chris Nash and Phil Salt put the host county under genuine pressure with 48 for the first wicket inside five overs.When Nash was eventually bowled by Craig Miles for 30, Salt and Ben Brown added 14 for the second wicket in quickfire time before the former was caught by Miles off former Sussex left arm spinner Tom Smith, for 24.Salt’s ill advised attempted reverse sweep, brought Taylor to the wicket and the Kiwi looked in decent touch from the first ball he faced. He and Brown added 88 for the third wicket inside eight overs with Taylor particularly harsh on anything full outside the off stump.When Brown was stumped by Cameron Bancroft, off the bowling of Benny Howell in the 14th over, for 43, Sussex were 150 for 3 with Taylor having already passed his half century off 28 balls.Gloucestershire found it difficult to defend the short boundary to one side of the Bristol wicket and with Taylor and Matt Machan increasing the run rate, Sussex piled on the agony in the closing overs.Machan perished, in the 18th over, but not before hitting 31 off just a dozen deliveries. Wicket keeper Craig Cachopa was caught by Hamish Marshall off the bowling of Miles, for 0, with the bowler rounding off a decent spell of 2 for 29 from four overs.Still, Taylor was not to be undone and with Payne going for 27 in one over, the New Zealander closed in on his century. Unfortunately, for him, he fell seven runs short. He struck just four fours in his stay at the crease, but helped himself to eight sixes.The innings included six penalty runs for slow over rate. By the time the rains came later on, those runs would prove valuable, for Sussex.Gloucestershire lost Hamish Marshall for 12 at 14 for 1 in the second over of their response before captain Michael Klinger and Ian Cockbain struck the ball with great accuracy, to all four corners. At one stage, they were ahead of the D/L rate and looked in a decent position to at least challenge for maximum spoils.Sadly, for the home supporters, umpires Nick Cook and Rob Bailey took the sides off midway through the eighth over with Sussex ahead on the D/L method, by one run. With no further play possible, the victory points went back to Hove, if only just.

Celtic are concerned that they could lose manager Ange Postecoglou to Leeds United this summer, according to a fresh rumour regarding the Whites' future.

Is Postecoglou shining at Celtic?

The Australian is excelling in charge of the Hoops currently, arguably proving to be one of their best managers over the past decade or two. He has achieved great success since arriving at Parkhead in 2021, winning back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles, as well as two Scottish League Cups and one Scottish Cup.

Postecoglou has only been signing one-year extensions at Celtic, so his current deal is set to expire at the end of this season, which will no doubt lead to speculation surrounding his future. This is where Leeds come into play, with their managerial situation still up in the air.

Sam Allardyce is currently in charge until the summer, as he looks to inspire them to Premier League survival, but it remains to be seen if his services will be retained beyond this season.

Could Postecoglou be Leeds' next manager?

According to Football Insider, Celtic are worried that Postecoglou "has already made up his mind on joining an elite Premier League side this summer". He has overseen an "incredible transformation" at Parkhead, according to the report, and he is on the "wanted list" of both Tottenham and Leeds.

One of the things that has potentially attracted the Whites is his "superb knowledge of the Japanese and Asian markets", turning Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda into "fan favourites" at Celtic.

Postecoglou could be an inspired appointment by Leeds if they stay in the Premier League this season, with the 57-year-old surely unlikely to want to manage in the Championship next term. He has got the Hoops playing an exciting brand of attacking football since coming in, while his aforementioned trophy count is proof that he can instill a winning mentality in his players.

Granted, the Premier League is a different challenge entirely, but he has the experience in management to not be daunted by it, and the general classy manner in which he conducts himself could make him an enormously popular figure at Elland Road, much in the way Marcelo Bielsa was.

Postecoglou should be viewed as an upgrade on Allardyce, even if the 68-year-old keeps Leeds in the Premier League, with the Englishman viewed as a short-term fix rather than someone who can be a long-term success story at Elland Road. Australia head coach Graham Arnold has lauded him as "fantastic" recently, further outlining his reputation.

Alex Hales is getting closer to a treasured maiden Test hundred, but he will have to wait a while yet. He was on 94, only six runs short, when he fell only 10 minutes before tea at Lord’s

The Report by David Hopps12-Jun-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsEngland would have had two main ambitions on a bedraggled fourth day at Lord’s. The first would have been to make incursions into Sri Lanka’s second innings to prepare a route to victory and a 3-0 clean sweep in the series; the second, a maiden Test hundred for Alex Hales. Neither eventuated as Sri Lanka continued to resist gamely in the final Test.Left with 12 overs to see out at the end of the day, Sri Lanka’s openers clipped 32 from the 362 needed for victory. Alastair Cook’s declaration at 233 for 7 was well judged, a touch more generous perhaps than if the series had been level. The pitch is a little uneven, but nothing excessive and, judging by the sober way Dimuth Karunaratne and Kaushal Silva went about their work, Sri Lanka look in the mood to scrap every inch of the way.Hales is getting closer to a treasured first Test hundred, but he will have to wait a while yet. He was on 94, only six runs short, when he fell lbw only 10 minutes before tea, trying to turn Angelo Mathews quietly on the leg side. He reviewed umpire Rod Tucker’s decision, but it was with a wan expression from a man fearing the worst. Ball-tracking technology held that the ball would have struck the top of leg stump.Smart stats

3 – 80-plus scores for Alex Hales in five innings in this series; his highest in eight innings in South Africa was 60

7 – England batsmen who have been dismissed in the 90s more often than Hales in all international cricket

7054 – Balls between sixes for Alastair Cook in Tests; his last one before the second innings at Lord’s was versus India in Kolkata in 2012

2009 – The last time, before the second innings of this match, that James Anderson didn’t bowl the first over of an innings: he bowled first change versus West Indies at Lord’s in 2009

2 – Instances, in the last 30 years, of teams scoring more than 310 in the fourth innings of a Lord’s Test – by Australia (406 in 2009) and India (397 in 2002)

With two 80s to his name in the series, Hales could at least console himself that he had done much to implant himself at the top of the order, his composed, if occasionally fortunate, innings providing more evidence that he can successfully adjust to the demands of the five-day game. Without repeated self-destruction against Sri Lanka’s spinners earlier in the series, he could have been basking in something even better.Rain had prevented a start until 2.40pm, but England held an overnight lead of 237 and, despite several more pesky showers, the day yielded 45 overs, enough to keep the Test meaningful.Hales’ composure held England’s second innings together, even if he was not without fortune. On 58, he suffered a replica of Joe Root’s dismissal the previous day – his off stump hit by a shooter from Nuwan Pradeep – only for umpire Tucker to call no-ball. TV replays suggested that Pradeep’s heel was behind the line on first impact, the umpire perhaps being fooled by the bowler’s foot slipping forward on landing.Understandable complaints that international umpires were ignoring repeated no-balls so that they could concentrate on events at the business end of the pitch seem to have caused a recent reassessment of that approach, but Tucker’s no-ball call for such a borderline delivery – a wrong call as it turned out – will not allay concerns that the system has become outdated in a TV age..With no chance under current regulations to use TV evidence to reverse the decision, Sri Lanka were understandably aggrieved. Those regulations were already due to be examined at the ICC annual meeting in Edinburgh later this month.Undiplomatically, Sri Lanka responded by hanging the national flag from the Lord’s balcony, which could either be regarded as a plucky statement to their players that they would fight on regardless of their mounting ill luck or, conversely, as an infantile gesture carrying the implication of umpiring bias. The request soon came through for them to take it down: Lord’s does not allow flags of any description, certainly not from dressing room balconies.Thilanga Sumathipala, SLC’s president, called the decision “unacceptable” and said: “It will be reported to the ICC. The flag is a symbol. It is a mark to say we are not happy with the decision. To show solidarity and fight back.”Sri Lanka also thought they might have had Hales on 45 when Shaminda Eranga brought one back to strike him on the top of the pad but umpire S Ravi’s not-out decision was upheld by virtue of “umpire’s call” on review.The breaks in Hales’ favour were fast adding up. In reaching 41 by Saturday’s close, he might have fallen on 19, if Karunaratne had clung on to a low chance to his left at second slip and again on 39, shortly before the close, when he glanced Pradeep down the leg side only for Dinesh Chandimal to grass the chance. There were no reports of draped flags then.Nevertheless, Hales had some dominant moments, too, none better than when he conquered Rangana Herath’s over-the-wicket attack into the rough by hoisting the left-arm spinner straight for six, then sweeping his next delivery for four.England did lose the nightwatchman Steven Finn, lbw to Eranga, clearing the way for Cook. His place at No. 7 was purely happenstance, and not due to regulations limiting a player’s place in the batting order after injury, explained by the fact that his mishap while fielding at silly point was regarded as an external injury.Cook showed no ill effects although he, too, flirted with the vagaries of the review system. On 6, Herath spun one back to hit his thigh, playing back, but replays showed the ball had struck him outside the line. Then, in Herath’s very next over, he was struck in line of off stump by another sharp spinner, but this Sri Lanka erroneously chose not to appeal the original not-out decision. Hawk-Eye would have sent the England captain on his way for 11.Cook’s unbeaten 49, batting at No. 7, including a deep midwicket six into the Mound Stand off Eranga – he had hit 10 previously in Tests – and surely his first attempted ramp shot. The latter felt a bit like tipsy dad on the dancefloor. Probably judging that was enough tomfoolery for one day, he then declared, no doubt returning to a dressing room where he commands so much respect that players can happily giggle at his adventure.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has defended Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford against claims that he can't perform under pressure.

What's the latest on Leeds and Patrick Bamford?

It certainly wasn't a good day for the £70k-p/w striker when coming up against Newcastle United in the club's latest Premier League outing.

Indeed, having already taken the lead through Luke Ayling, Bamford had the chance to make it 2-0 inside the first half an hour but missed from the spot kick.

To make things worse, the Magpies scored their own penalty just minutes later as Callum Wilson finished the day having netted twice from the spot while Rasmus Kristensen at least rescued a point in the 2-2 draw.

The English forward was slammed in the Daily Mail player ratings, getting a 3/10 with journalist Jason Mellor writing: "You can't miss penalties, especially in Leeds' predicament. Bamford's latest costly gaffe helped turn the tide Newcastle's way."

While adding of NUFC's Wilson: "Twice held his nerve to make it seven goals in the last five games to show the hapless Bamford exactly how to take penalties under pressure."

This is the second time Bamford has missed from 12 yards this season, having also missed against Arsenal and it seems some supporters simply feel he can't cope with the pressure.

Indeed, while talking about a fan theory that claims as much on BBC Radio Show 606, Sutton actually came to the striker's defence, saying it was "unfair".

The pundit explained (1:01:39): "There is this theory from Leeds fans that the season which Bamford scored all those goals was the [virus] season. And he doesn't necessarily handle pressure very well.

"I mean, where are you on that? I think that's slightly unfair. I think he scores the goals anyway.”

How many big chances has Bamford missed this season?

When you look at the fact that Bamford's best-ever goalscoring season in the Premier League did come when games were mostly played behind closed doors – as he netted 17 times in 2020/21 – it's easy to come to one conclusion.

However, that doesn't take into account the fact that it's also the only campaign where he's been fit enough to play every game – as he featured just nine times the season after and has been in and out of the team with injury issues this term too.

What's more, he seemed to handle the pressure comfortably enough when helping the club get promoted from the Championship, netting 16 times in the league.

With all that in mind, it probably is a bit unfair to completely dismiss the striker as a bottle job but at the same time, he's not done much to help his cause in recent times.

In fact, when you look across the division, he ranks eighth for the most 'big chances missed' (with 38) but has far fewer goals than any of the strikers above him with only four to his name in the league.

Referee Peter Bankes and Michael Salisbury on VAR may have made a big mistake as Lucas Paqueta appeared to be offside in the build-up to the final West Ham goal against Leeds United.

What’s the latest on Leeds and VAR?

The Whites are in a dire situation with just one final game left to play in the Premier League after tasting defeat at the London Stadium this weekend.

Sam Allardyce and co actually got off to a great start as they took the lead through Rodrigo – and the manager even found a £5 note on the side of the pitch.

However, things quickly soured in East London as West Ham equalised thanks to Declan Rice. Jarrod Bowen then scored in the second half before Manuel Lanzini sealed the result in the 94th minute.

This means Leeds will now go into the final day of the season in the relegation zone and will have to rely on results elsewhere going their way to even give them a hope of avoiding the drop.

However, as this image shared on Twitter shows, there is a case to be made that the last goal should not have stood.

Was Paqueta offside against Leeds?

While you can see just how tight the call is, it does look as though the West Ham midfielder’s trailing foot is offside.

Of course, we should be able to put out faith in VAR to come to the correct conclusion even when the margins are as small as this but sadly the technology hasn’t always got these calls right this season.

For instance, on the same weekend of action back in February, Mason and Neil Swarbrick made a mess of things as they incorrectly allowed Brentford’s goal at Arsenal to stand despite an obvious offside, while the lines were also drawn from the wrong place to rule out a goal scored by Pervis Estupinan as Brighton drew with Crystal Palace.

With those errors in mind, it’s hard to feel totally confident in the right decision being made at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

And with this particular decision being so tight, it does seem possible that Paqueta was marginally offside. After all, even Hammers’ writer for football.london Jonty Colman admitted: “That looked a fraction offside.”

So Leeds fans may have more than one reason to feel disappointed this morning.

Carlos Brathwaite has said adapting to spin in home conditions that aren’t too different from India, will be key for a young side that is looking to build from their gains in Australia

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jul-2016West Indies allrounder Carlos Brathwaite has said adapting to spin in home conditions that aren’t too different from those in India will be key for a young side that is looking to build from their gains in Australia.West Indies lost that series 2-0 but showed signs of improvement, mainly in their batting, as the tour progressed. Brathwaite made his debut in Melbourne by scoring 59 and followed it with an attacking 69 in Sydney.”As a team, we ended that tour on a high note, but transforming it now from Australia to West Indies will be a challenge,” he said after a training session in Jamaica. “The pitches are slow here and the Indians will attack with spin, unlike Australia who went with pace. So it’s about being patient for us.”Brathwaite said Phil Simmons, the head coach, has been working with the batsmen over a period of time to get them spin ready ahead of the four-Test series that starts in Antigua on July 21. “Spin has plotted our downfall over the last two years, but I think we’ve gotten better,” Brathwaite said. “The coach has done a good job by getting a few batters in even during the off season, and the focus has been on playing spin better. It’s a matter of us having a few options to each delivery, being patient and playing the waiting game.”With Jerome Taylor having ended his Test career and Kemar Roach searching for match fitness after recovering from an injury following a poor tour of Australia, Brathwaite is part of an inexperienced pace attack alongside Jason Holder, the captain, Shannon Gabriel and uncapped Miguel Cummins, who have a combined experience of 31 Tests.Brathwaite said the challenge as a bowling group would be to remain persistent against a quality batting line-up. “Bowling plans are important because India, undoubtedly, are one of the more strong batting line-ups in the world both home and away. Unfortunately or fortunately, conditions here aren’t too different from India now, but we have our plans for each batsman. It’s about executing the plans and keeping at it even if things don’t go our way.”It’s a lot tougher challenge than our regional first-class cricket. It’s about being patient and understanding momentum. When you’re on top, you stay on top. If the other team is on top, it takes just one good hour to wrest the momentum. Once we understand ebbs and flows of the game, we should do well to put smiles on the faces of the West Indies fans.”