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Journalist James Pearce has described Liverpool’s consistency as ‘extraordinary’, following their hard-earned 1-0 victory away to Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Yet another win for Liverpool

The Reds faced a testing trip to St James’ Park on Saturday lunchtime, coming quickly after their Champions League semi-final clash with Villarreal.

A much-changed Liverpool team battled their way to a narrow victory, with Naby Keita’s well-taken goal the difference between the two sides.

It kept the pressure on Manchester City in the Premier League title race, with both sides winning yet again over the weekend as another remarkable battle for domestic supremacy continues.

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The Latest: Pearce lauds Liverpool’s consistency

Taking to Twitter after the match, Pearce focused on Liverpool’s amazing consistency, having won a 13th league game out of their last 14 yesterday away to a Newcastle side who had been in fine form themselves. The journalist gushed:

“The quick turnaround, facing in-form opponents. That’s a massive win for #LFC. The consistency of this team is extraordinary. Absolutely relentless.”

The Verdict: Greatest Liverpool team ever?

This Liverpool side deserve every plaudit coming their way, with Jurgen Klopp’s men producing stunning levels of quality and consistency and still having a chance of winning a quadruple in 2021/22.

Regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season, this is arguably the strongest team in the Reds’ illustrious history, with Klopp creating something truly special as his side continue to rack up unprecedented points totals for a Liverpool team.

The manner in which they comprehensively outplayed a Newcastle team who had been in great form, with so many changes made, is a testament to their greatness, and the Reds deserve at least one more big trophy this season, if not more.

In other news, a pundit has dropped a worrying Liverpool claim regarding one player. Find out who it is here.

West Ham have three more Premier League fixtures left in order to secure seventh place and another tilt at European glory next season.

David Moyes will be hoping to put his team’s Europa League disappointment behind him when his side travel to Norwich today and focus on what matters, namely three more points.

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Some squad rotation will probably be required, and this gives Moyes the perfect opportunity to rejig the starting XI, with one prospective change potentially making all the difference.

Unleash Yarmolenko

Although not a Premier League regular, the 59-year-old should finally unleash “magical” right winger Andriy Yarmolenko against Norwich, as he can be a major threat.

His performances in Europe this season have proved that the Ukrainian still has the ability to cause all sorts of problems, with two goals and one assist in just eight Europa League matches, so the onus is for him to translate this form into domestic duties.

The 32-year-old signed for the Hammers from Borussia Dortmund in 2018 for a fee of £17.5m but has arguably struggled to display his talents across his four years at the east London club.

There is no doubt that he can be a nightmare to play against when he is on form, and Moyes could throw the cat among the pigeons by starting him against Norwich, particularly after only receiving piecemeal action off the bench against Arsenal and Eintracht Frankfurt in the last week.

As per FBRef, the winger ranks in the 90th percentile amongst positional peers in the big five leagues in Europe for touches in the opposition box (6.31 per 90 minutes) and the 88th percentile for non-penalty goals (0.40 per 90 minutes), so he has the ability to terrify the Canaries today.

This is despite playing just 24 matches, showing how impressive his attacking abilities have been. It would be a big decision for Moyes to start Yarmolenko, as he has yet to make a full 90-minute appearance in the Premier League this season, but it could be a wise move from the manager.

AND in other news, Forget Rice: Moyes now set for West Ham disaster on “remarkable” £125k-p/w giant

Liverpool have been heavily linked with Aurelien Tchouameni this year, and now Fabrizio Romano has given an update on the potential transfer.

What’s the latest?

The Italian journalist and transfer insider wrote a column for Anfield Watch, revealing more information on the Merseyside giants’ interest in the Monaco midfielder.

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Romano wrote: “Aurelien Tchouameni is certainly a player being monitored by Liverpool, who have had conversations with the agent of the Monaco midfielder. However, the €45 million price tag – set last summer – is no longer valid.”

“A far higher offer will be needed to prise Tchouameni away from France.”

“But the 22-year-old is planning for a different experience this summer and that is undoubtedly why Liverpool may be ready to make their move.”

Klopp would love him

There is no doubt that the powers at Liverpool would not pursue the signing of a player without Jurgen Klopp’s approval, especially since he signed a new contract extension and Tchouameni is a prospect the German coach would love to have in his team.

After Gini Wijnaldum left to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last summer, it was expected that FSG would work to replace him in the same transfer window given the Dutch midfielder’s consistency and impact in the team, however, there was no signing made in the centre of the pitch, but that could be about to change a year on if the transfer talk is true.

When you compare the £83m machine to Wijnaldum this season there is no doubt that Tchouameni would be a worthy upgrade in the centre of the pitch winning over twice as many aerial and ground duels, completing over 1000 more passes, more tackles and making more ball recoveries according to Squawka.

With Manchester United and Real Madrid also reportedly interested in signing the 22-year-old star who was hailed “extraordinary” by Paul Pogba, Liverpool and Klopp will need to work fast to secure his signature but can ultimately offer him a better experience in the Premier League than their Manchester rivals, with Champions League football confirmed for next season at the very least.

AND in other news: Forget Diaz: Klopp’s “wild animal” with 14 duels won rescued Liverpool last night

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte is now closing in on a ‘very likely’ major summer signing, according to a reliable source.

The Lowdown: Conte eyeing major rebuild…

The Italian has reportedly laid out his transfer demands as he gears up for an end-of-season meeting with chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Fabio Paratici (The Telegraph).

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It is believed that Conte has as many as six fresh faces on his wish list, including the signing of a right-wing-back, central defender, two midfielders, a forward and reserve goalkeeper.

Sharing an update on the latter position, reliable reporter Dan Kilpatrick now has his say on the club’s chances of landing West Bromwich Albion shot stopper Sam Johnstone on a free deal.

The Latest: Kilpatrick shares exciting update…

The journalist, taking to Twitter, shares his article that Tottenham are in pole position as Conte seemingly closes in on the signing of Johnstone.

It is also believed that the ‘deal’ to sign West Brom’s ace is rated as ‘very likely’.

The Verdict: Great news…

Landing the 29-year-old on a Bosman kills so many birds with one stone, not least signing a back-up and eventual heir to long-term mainstay Hugo Lloris.

At zero cost, Johnstone’s likely addition will go some way to solving Tottenham’s homegrown quota issue whilst also adding proven Premier League quality to Conte’s ranks.

Ex-Sheffield United and QPR keeper Paddy Kenny has called the Baggies ace ‘unreal’ and a potentially ‘top signing’ for Spurs and the pundit may well be right in more ways than one.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano: Conte could now lose ‘monster’ Spurs player who’s ‘expected to leave’…find out more here.

Crystal Palace are among the clubs interested in signing Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, according to a report from 90min journalist Toby Cudworth.

The lowdown: Nketiah set for summer move

Out of contract at the end of June (Transfermarkt), the Gunners ace has already rejected offers of a new deal to stay in north London.

Having come to the fore in recent weeks for Mikel Arteta’s side, the 22-year-old’s future is coming under increased scrutiny as the end of the season fast approaches.

It now appears that a move away from the Emirates Stadium as a free agent could be on the horizon…

The latest: Palace interested in Nketiah

Taking to Twitter to share the in-depth report from 90min, transfer expert Cudworth explained the current situation regarding the England youth starlet’s future.

The reporter outlined: “It’s increasingly unlikely Eddie Nketiah will stay at Arsenal – #WHUFC, #NUFC, #EFC and #CPFC all chasing. Liverpool and Chelsea also monitoring situation – 22 y/o could provide attractive squad depth option.”

Furthermore, within the report, it was claimed that Palace are ‘firmly interested’ in signing the youngster, who was hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by his manager following one match against Manchester City in June 2020.

The verdict: Make it happen

Whilst the progress at Selhurst Park since the arrival of Patrick Vieira has been superb, it does feel as if the Frenchman could do with strengthening Palace’s centre-forward options.

As things stand, Wilfried Zaha once again tops the Eagles’ scoring charts, with attacking midfielder Conor Gallagher in second. Strikers Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta are in the top five but neither have managed to reach double figures this season.

That is an area which needs to be addressed if Palace are to move on to the next level under Vieira, and the capture of Nketiah from the Gunners would go a long way to solving the issue.

Overall this season, the Londoner has scored nine goals and provided one assist in 26 outings across all competitions, starting to translate a remarkable record at youth level, scoring 16 times in 17 England under-21 appearances and 28 goals in 40 games for Arsenal’s under-23s.

With Nketiah soon to be a free agent, this move seems like a no-brainer for Crystal Palace.

In other news: Palace are now eyeing Championship star for summer transfer, read more here

Club are top of Division One heading into ‘Super September’ title run-in

Matt Roller24-Aug-2021Warwickshire have become the latest club to bolster their squad ahead of the County Championship’s ‘Super September’, signing the Barbados seamer Chemar Holder for their Division One run-in.Holder, who made his Test debut in New Zealand last December, will fly to London on Friday after the conclusion of West Indies’ Test series against Pakistan in Jamaica, and is due to be available for Warwickshire’s away fixture against Lancashire on August 30.Holder was the leading wicket-taker in the 2019-20 West Indies Championship, spearheading Barbados’ title-winning attack, and was part of the squad that toured England and New Zealand last year then made an ODI debut in Bangladesh at the start of 2021. He was not retained by St Lucia Kings in the CPL despite playing a part in their run to the final last season, opening up the opportunity to play county cricket.The decision to sign an overseas fast bowler is a change of strategy from Warwickshire, who employed top-order batters Pieter Malan and Hanuma Vihari as their international signings earlier in the summer. But with Dom Sibley set to be available after being dropped by England and fast bowlers Henry Brookes and Olly Stone both out for the season, they have opted to add depth to their seam-bowling stocks.Related

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Warwickshire start the final stage of the Championship top of Division One, carrying forward half the points they accumulated in their group games against Nottinghamshire. They finished seventh out of eight teams in the old Division One in 2019 and were winless in last summer’s Bob Willis Trophy, but have impressed in first-class cricket since Mark Robinson’s arrival as head coach.Paul Farbrace, Warwickshire’s director of cricket, said: “We’re delighted to add Chemar to our bowling unit ahead of what is an exciting four games in the LV= Insurance County Championship. Chemar is a young, tall, fast bowler who will offer us something different as we look to build on our impressive start.”In the red-ball game Chemar has impressed internationally and domestically and I know he’s extremely excited to wear the Bear and Ragged Staff. I’d like to thank batsmen Hanuma Vihari and Pieter Malan for their contributions, and we look forward to welcoming Chemar very soon.”Holder said: “Warwickshire is a fantastic club with a proud history of winning trophies and overseas stars. The Bears squad have a great opportunity to win a trophy this season and I can’t wait to contribute and help the team achieve their goals. I’m incredibly excited to test myself in such an illustrious competition.”

Spinner claims seven wickets for the match as Essex hold top spot in Division Two

ECB Reporters' Network07-Sep-2021Simon Harmer took his LV= Insurance County Championship wicket tally for the season to 49 as Essex maintained their top spot in Division Two with victory by an innings and three runs over Gloucestershire.Off-spinner Harmer returned 4 for 78 as Essex claimed the five wickets needed on day three before lunch – with Gloucestershire bowled out for 197.Essex have won both their Divisional stage matches by an innings, having previously thrashed Glamorgan.Essex’s initial pursuit of the final five wickets didn’t take long as three wickets fell for no runs.Sam Cook dragged Tom Lace outside off stump and caught an edge to the bucket hands of Harmer at second slip with the 11th ball of the morning. Ten balls later, Cook struck again with a fullish delivery to strike Graeme van Buuren on the pads.In the following over, Chris Dent bravely attempted to leave Harmer – who had been getting significant turn and bounce – only for that delivery to cannon into middle and off.Ryan Higgins and Zafar Khan wobbled Gloucestershire off 134 – with the former finding fluency with four fours and a six. Zafar also found the boundary four times on his way to 24 during a 78-minute partnership with Higgins, worth 54. But Harmer eventually ended the stand when he snared an outside edge off Zafar to Alastair Cook at first slip.Victory was wrapped up at 12:18pm when Higgins was run out attempting a second run by Shane Snater at square leg.

Fast bowler will be available for Championship and Blast fixtures until July

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Oct-2021Shaheen Shah Afridi, the Pakistan left-arm fast bowler, has signed for Middlesex for the 2022 season.Afridi, 21, will join up with the Middlesex squad for pre-season training in the spring, and will remain with the club until mid-July, when Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka is due to take place. In that time, he will be available for County Championship fixtures as well as the entirety of the Vitality Blast campaign, including the knockout stages of the tournament should Middlesex qualify.”I am very excited to be playing for Middlesex next season,” Afridi said. “I know from my time in England they are a great county and to play at the Home of Cricket really will be a dream come true. I am looking forward to being part of the team and helping create a wonderful season for the club.”Afridi has played 19 Tests for Pakistan, claiming 76 wickets at 25.25 including three five-wicket hauls, and a best match performance of 10 for 93, against West Indies at Sabina Park six weeks ago.He has also featured in 28 ODIs and 30 T20Is, and starred for Pakistan at Middlesex’s home ground of Lord’s during the 2019 World Cup, when he took 6 for 35 against Bangladesh.Afridi’s previous experience of county cricket came for Hampshire in 2020, when Middlesex were his victims in a stunning final outing of that season’s Vitality Blast, as he returned figures of 6 for 19 in his four overs, including four wickets in four balls to seal a 20-run victory.”We are absolutely delighted to have secured the services of one of international crickets’ most exciting talents,” Andrew Cornish, Middlesex’s chief executive, said. “Shaheen is a world-class pace bowler, and we are thrilled that he will be representing us in 2022.”His signature was highly sought-after, and the fact that he has chosen to join Middlesex is a massive coup for us as a Club and speaks volumes of our ambitions.”We need Middlesex to be competing at the top level and challenging for trophies. Signing players of Shaheen’s calibre, who can add quality and experience to our existing squad, is a significant step towards us getting there.”Shaheen is a genuine match winner and I’m sure all our members will be excited to welcome him to Middlesex and share in our delight that he will be wearing the three Seaxes of the Club on his chest next season.”

Heat lost their composure in the run chase against Scorchers spinners Lilly Mills and Alana King

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Oct-2021Sophie Devine struck two Super Over sixes as Perth Scorchers secured a come-from-behind victory over Brisbane Heat who will be left wondering how the game slipped away from them.Heat needed 51 off 62 balls with nine wickets in hand in the latter part of their chase having been set up by Grace Harris. But in the end, they were fortunate to scrape into the Super Over when Lilly Mills, who took 3 for 28, couldn’t gather the final ball of the innings at the stumps to make a run-out with the pressure telling on both sides.South Africa allrounder Anneke Bosch then struck two boundaries off Marizanne Kapp to leave Scorchers needing 13. Devine ended up doing it with two balls to spare against Jess Jonassen who sent down a huge full toss first delivery.Heat lost their composure badly in the chase, having reached 1 for 87 in the tenth over. Spinners Mills and Alana King, both playing their first matches for Scorchers, combined to take five wickets while Heather Graham went for just two in the penultimate over.King, who moved from Melbourne Stars, took a brilliant caught-and-bowled to remove the dangerous Laura Kimmince while Mills responded strongly after the first ball of the final over had gone for four.Earlier in the chase, Kapp had claimed the vital wicket of Harris, lbw trying to pull a delivery that was too full, after she had dominated the early stages. The scrambled thinking of Heat was summed up in the final over when Nadine de Klerk wandered out of her crease having completed a single and was run out.Scorchers had made a good start before Jonassen, in her first game back from injury, claimed Devine first ball. Beth Mooney anchored the innings but the rest of the order could not get going as they lost 4 for 30 in 7.2 overs. India legpsinner Poonam Yadav claimed Mooney as her first WBBL wicket.

Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kagiso Rabada and Washington Sundar join Rashid Khan to form a strong attack

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Mar-20253:04

Cricinformed: Can Gill up his intent in IPL 2025?

Shubman Gill is determined to use the learnings from his maiden season as IPL captain, where Gujarat Titans finished eighth in 2024, to raise his team’s performance in IPL 2025.”Last year was definitely a learning curve for me,” Gill said ahead of GT’s opening game against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. “Captaincy is such a thing – the more you do it, the more you learn about yourself, and the more you learn about the game. There were some aspects that I definitely learned and experienced last year which I think would be very helpful for me this year.”At the start of the new season, Gill is focused on understanding his new team-mates better. “It’s like an overall growth that I would want to have within myself as a captain,” he said. “Maybe it could be talking with the players off the field or it could be anything. Having those one-on-one conversations with them where they open up to you, where they tell you what are the areas that they want to improve, or what are the areas that I want them to be able to improve to help my team.”Gill also underlined the need to bat better in the powerplay, a phase where GT were the slowest scoring team last season with a run rate of 7.72. Key to that improvement will be his partnership with his new opening partner Jos Buttler.”Honestly, yes, we didn’t [bat well] in the powerplay, we weren’t the best team in the tournament last year, but before that we had some good opening partnerships with me and Sai [Sudharsan]. Having said that, Wriddhi [Wriddhiman Saha] got injured in between.”[Mohammed] Shami got injured. It’s not easy to have so many different combinations when your players are getting injured constantly. Leading up to that obviously someone like Hardik [Pandya] went to MI, so I think in overall sense it was a bit tough for us to find the perfect combination as a team.”At the mega auction in November, GT assembled a solid bowling group. Among the key players they signed were Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kagiso Rabada and Washington Sundar to complement Rashid Khan.”This year, we have a fantastic group. I feel we have covered all the bases, we have good depth in the batting, we have some very good bowlers, especially fast bowlers. IPL is a kind of a tournament where everybody really focuses on scoring 250-260-270, but it’s the bowlers that win you matches.”It’s the bowlers that would help you not concede those many runs. Doesn’t matter how many runs you score, if you are able to concede those then it doesn’t matter how many runs you are scoring. Especially for us, our philosophy is to have a really strong and stable bowling side.”We are hoping that we will be able to play the same bowling attack for the 14 games, but if anything happens we have good back-up as well. I think we have got Ishi [Ishant Sharma] . I don’t need to say much about him. He has been playing IPL since the inception of IPL and he has got great experience to him and I think we have got some really good young bowlers in our team as well.”