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Alex Wakely led the way with 83 as Northamptonshire defied the elements and sealed a dramatic two-wicket win with one ball left in the Specsavers County Championship match at Chester-le-Street

ECB Reporters Network05-Jun-2017
ScorecardSkipper Alex Wakely led the way with 83 as Northamptonshire defied the elements and sealed a dramatic two-wicket win with one ball left in the Specsavers County Championship match at Chester-le-Street.With the floodlights on for the last ten overs and steady rain falling in the final ten minutes, the visitors finished the task of scoring 100 in 17 overs by scampering a bye to the wicketkeeper.Needing 161 with nine wickets standing, no play was possible until 3.05 and tea was taken after 35 minutes when 56 had been added in nine overs. That meant a further 105 were required from 33 overs, but only one over was bowled after the break before the rain returned.The 5pm resumption favoured the NatWest T20 Blast holders against Durham’s inexperienced attack, who were bravely led by Paul Coughlin, who finished with match figures of 10 for 133.Rob Newton cut and pulled Gavin Main for two fours in the second over of the final chase to reach 50 but then miscued Coughlin to deep mid-on to end a stand of 123.Wakeley, who had begun the day on 18 and raced to a 58-ball half-century before the break, continued to score at the required rate and had the target down to 47 when he was narrowly run out attempting a second run to deep point.Rob Keogh skied a return catch to Coughlin and Rory Kleinveldt holed out at long-off. But Barry McCarthy was denied a second wicket when, with 26 needed off four, Josh Cobb was dropped at long-on by Michael Richardson.The last ball of the over soared over the same fielder for six and Cobb, the match-winner against Durham in last year’s T20 final, had all but finished the job when he was caught at third man in the final over.Alex Wakely did the job for Northants•Getty Images

Wakely said: “We tried our best to lose it at the end, but we had the upper hand from the first day and it’s a good feeling to come away with a win we really needed.”The weather threatened to deny us, but we were always holding on to a hope that there would be an opening and we felt 20 overs at the end was all we needed.”With his side even further adrift than at the start of the season, Durham coach Jon Lewis said: “We were well aware of the size of the points deduction, so that’s not an excuse. The loss of personnel is a bigger factor. We are a bit light on battle-hardened campaigners and need to work on maintaining standards over four days.”

Leeds United finally seem poised to appoint the man who will lead them into the future…

What's the latest on Daniel Farke to Leeds United?

That's according to the Daily Mail, who offer a slice of information regarding their manager search that bodes well for fans.

Despite the report focusing on their interest in Liverpool defender Nat Phillips, one line reads that they "are expected to finalise Daniel Farke as manager".

Having yet to spark up their transfer activity this summer, it seems that with this appointment the 49ers can now truly get to work in building a squad that can propel them towards instant promotion from the Championship.

Is Daniel Farke a good fit for Leeds United?

Given the German's history at this level, it could be argued that there are few active head coaches that could achieve what this new ownership will strive to attain with such precision.

The former Norwich City boss earned promotion on two separate occasions with the Norfolk outfit and boasts a stellar record in the second division. Across 138 games in the league, he has maintained a points-per-game average of 1.82, having lost only 29 times.

Although he may have struggled in the Premier League, the 49ers will likely look past that flaw given he is best placed to simply get them out of the Championship at the first time of asking.

However, it is not just his aforementioned fine record which will have earned him this post. The 46-year-old boasts a style of play that will likely resonate with the Elland Road crowd, as an all-action heavy metal philosophy that adds a little bit more structure to the similar outlook Marcelo Bielsa had.

If anything, Farke would draw more comparisons to Jurgen Klopp, given their shared nationality and alliance regarding the classic German Gegenpressing style.

The Liverpool boss has earned widespread success since his move to Anfield, curating a squad perfectly aligned with his disruptive game plan. As such, his tenure boasts a Premier League title, Champions League success and various domestic honours too without straying too far from these ideals.

In appointing their own German manager, the 49ers will hope that Farke can create a dynasty of his own in Yorkshire, spending many successful years there and slowly improving the club as a whole.

With a 4-2-3-1 brand that seeks to win the ball high up the pitch and forge chances from there, the tools would be in place to mimic the earlier years of the 56-year-old's impeccable Merseyside reign.

To emphasise these similarities further, it is clear that Klopp was a keen admirer of his compatriot's Canaries side back in 2021. He suggested that their manager was "world-class" for what he had done at Carrow Road before their clash.

Perhaps they could once again be set to lock horns in the near future, should Leeds earn that promotion they so desperately seek. If so, it will be interesting to see whether he can finally topple the legendary Reds coach, who has paved the way for many managers to follow in his ever-successful footsteps.

Aston Villa could “go in” for Borussia Monchengladbach star Manu Kone this summer, as Unai Emery bids to bolster his midfield.

Both Emery and Monchi will hope to take Villa to further heights next season, making this transfer window a crucial one for potential progression.

Villa have been linked to the 22-year-old previously in this window, with a fresh update regarding their stance given this week.

Journalist Dean Jones recently revealed to GIVEMESPORT that the Midlands club could “go in and make an offer” for the French midfielder, who is currently valued at £35m by Borussia.

Earlier this month, a report from the Daily Mail revealed Villa’s interest in the rising talent, with Jones telling GIVEMESPORT:

“There's been a lot of umming and ahhing over targets like Manu Kone, and I feel like at some point Villa are just going to go in there and start making offers for these players to really give them something to think about and see if those other clubs react."

What could Manu Kone offer to Aston Villa?

Emery has unlocked the talents of Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara in midfield, possessing two masters of the engine room at Villa who complement each other perfectly.

The Spaniard could take his midfield to the next level by signing Kone, who could be the missing ingredient to unearthing a monstrous trio to contest with opposing midfield combinations in the Premier League.

Dubbed a “one-man army” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman has similar and opposing strengths and weaknesses to the Brazilian and fellow Frenchman at Villa Park, suggesting that they could work efficiently as a trio.

When comparing the three dominating players via FBref based on their respective 2022/23 league campaigns, it’s clear to see their individual strengths and how they could complement one another.

Kamara tops the charts in terms of average number of tackles per 90, with 2.94 to Luiz’s 2.24 and Kone’s 2.55, as well as claiming the top spot for most blocks on average with 1.92 per 90.

Praised as “intelligent” by journalist Zach Lowy, Villa’s Brazilian was their highest-rated performer last season as per Sofascore, and could shine in terms of his reading of the game, scoring highest in terms of interceptions.

The 25-year-old warrior averaged 1.23 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League this term, tipping the Villa target who scored narrowly behind in the Bundesliga making 1.10 per 90, and Kamara who averaged 0.96.

Emery could add a creative spark to his defensive duo in Kone, who prevailed as the best progressive player out of the three last term, as well as averaging the highest pass completion rate with 86.2% per 90.

The Colombes-born midfielder recorded an average of 5.73 progressive passes and 2.04 progressive carries per 90, dominating the Villa duo in this area with Luiz averaging 4.55 passes and 1.48 carries, and Kamara just 0.81 carries and 4.25 progressive passes, as per FBref.

Indeed, this paints the picture that Villa would have every based covered should the big-money signing arrive. A player on the watch list of both Liverpool and Wolves as well as Villa, this would be a big statement of intent from Monchi and Co.

Lauren Winfield, the England opening batsman, has cut short her holiday in Australia to replace Deandra Dottin in Brisbane Heat’s WBBL squad.Dottin, the West Indies allrounder who helped to secure the Women’s World T20 title last year, suffered multiple cheekbone fractures after an on-field collision with team-mate Laura Harris during the Heat’s match against Melbourne Stars on December 28.She remains an outside bet to return to the competition at a later date, after insisting “all is going to be fine!” in a post on Facebook.”Eye socket and eyesight is fine, jaw and teeth fine,” Dottin wrote. “I am out of hospital now, recovering before a specialist appointment with a face surgeon Thursday. At this stage it is believed I will require titanium plates to fix the issues.”Winfield, who captains Yorkshire Diamonds in the Kia Super League and can also keep wicket, had been travelling in Australia when she received the call-up.She averages 23.76 in 18 Twenty20 international matches for England, at a strike rate of 112, but shot to prominence last summer with an ODI innings of 123 from 117 balls – and an opening stand of 235 with Tammy Beaumont – against Pakistan at Worcester.

Ellis Simms' return to parent club Everton in January was a huge blow in Sunderland's pursuit of a Premier League return, but they may just have found an adequate replacement.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, Benfica youngster Luis Semedo is very close to joining the Championship side after failing to agree new terms with the Primeira Liga heavyweights.

What impact did Ellis Simms have at Sunderland?

Simms made a huge impact in his half-season spell on loan at the Stadium of Light, scoring seven goals in 17 league matches to not only help Sunderland adapt to life back in the Championship, but also compete in the higher reaches of the division.

The 22-year-old may have departed with 31 league games of the campaign left to play, including the two-legged play-off semi-final, yet he still finished as the club's fourth-top scorer behind Jack Clarke (9), Ross Stewart (10) and Amad Diallo (13), the latter of whom also impressed on loan from a Premier League side.

With an average of a goal every 0.56 league games, only Stewart (0.86) was more effective in attack for Sunderland this past season than Simms, who also chipped in with a couple of assists.

Sunderland ultimately battled on to reach the play-offs without Simms, where they went on to lose 3-2 on aggregate to promoted Luton Town, but it remains to be seen what could have been with the Everton academy product in their ranks for the second half of the season – especially considering he started just two Premier League games for the Toffees after being recalled.

Could Luis Semedo replace Simms at Sunderland?

On the face of it, it is easy to see why Semedo is being touted as a like-for-like replacement for Simms. After all, both players are similar in stature, measuring in at roughly the same height at 6 foot 3.

Semedo, whose playing style has seen him described as "a big physical unit" by football reporter Josh Bunting, also has an eye for goal, as reflected by the four goals he scored in four games for Benfica in the 2022-23 UEFA Youth League.

However, whereas Simms arrived at Sunderland with some experience of first-team football under his belt following spells on loan with Blackpool and Hearts, Semedo has so far represented only Benfica B and Portugal U20.

Even before finding his scoring boots in European competition last season, Benfica clearly saw plenty in the youngster as they handed him a professional contract in August 2020 when he turned 18.

While his overall numbers at age-grade level are hardly much to shout about, having scored just twice in 18 Segunda Liga appearances last term, Sunderland have a habit of finding gems in need of fine-tuning – not least Stewart, who went from scoring two goals for Ross County in 2020-21 to 26 goals in his first full campaign with the Black Cats.

With Diallo also heading back to parent club Manchester United – though a possible loan return has been touted – Sunderland need to be smart with their transfer business to plug an obvious gap – or gaps.

As boss Tony Mowbray stated in January, any new signing "has to fit the criteria of what we need". If it is another talented young attacker in need of fine-tuning that Sunderland are indeed after, Semedo – who at a reported €600k (£518k) is a low-cost punt – might well be their man.

N’Golo Kante’s sudden departure from Stamford Bridge means Chelsea now have to act.

The World Cup winner had been close to an agreement to extend his stay in the English capital, but a €100m (£86m) a season deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad suddenly looks set to end his fruitful career in Europe.

His last year at the Blues was ravaged by injury, and he only made nine appearances in all competitions – this prolonged absence was one of the reasons for Chelsea’s spectacular decline into the bottom half of the table.

The 32-year-old must be replaced and Moises Caicedo is a player who can adopt a similar role.

What’s the latest on Moises Caicedo to Chelsea?

Having missed out on the signature of CP Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte, the West Londoners are expected to accelerate their efforts to tempt Caicedo to join.

Whilst it seemed that Chelsea were prioritising a deal for the Uruguayan, it’s been revealed that the 2021 Champions League winners have been equally interested in the Brighton star for around £80m.

This has been reaffirmed by reputable journalist Dean Jones, who told GIVEMESPORT: “I don’t think it’s even a case of getting back of the Caicedo trail, they’ve already been on it. The whole time the Ugarte thing has been going on, Caicedo is still the one I’ve been hearing more about. I’ve always expected that Chelsea would go for Caicedo.”

Can Caicedo replicate Kante’s exploits at Chelsea?

Across seven years at Chelsea, the former Leicester City star notched 269 appearances, 29 goal involvements, and six different trophies, winning everything available aside from the Carabao Cup.

The 53-cap international is renowned for his energetic and insufferable ability to break up opposition attacks and protect his backline.

Due to his unbelievable consistency, Cesc Fabregas has labelled Kante as “world-class”, a sentiment that was echoed by Ally McCoist, who described the player as “absolutely magic.”

The beautiful chapter of Kante’s tremendous story at Chelsea has rightfully ended, forging the pathway for Caicedo to possibly repeat the heroics of his positional peer.

Within his age bracket, the youngster has brilliantly excelled as the £60k-per-week star has won possession in the midfield third the most times (142) of any U21 player this season.

Across the continent, the 30-cap international has also emerged as a formidable asset, ranking within the top 26% in Europe’s top five leagues among other midfielders for progressive passes, as well as the highest 11% for interceptions per 90, according to FBref.

So far in his short, but equally dazzling career, Caicedo has demonstrated himself to be a phenomenal pivot with an uncoachable quality to read the game and sniff out danger.

South American Football expert Tim Vickery has described the Ecuadorian as “terrific” and whilst it would be foolish to suggest he can instantly fill Kante’s void if he continues on his currently frightening trajectory, he could be unstoppable.

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has shared an emotional message on social media after a mural was created in his honour.

Why did Zaha get a mural?

It’s been a pretty good last few months for the Eagles. Indeed, Roy Hodgson has come in as interim and helped the club play for exciting football.

For example, in the eight Premier League games, since he’s been back, they’ve scored 15 goals, winning five matches and ensuring their safety amid the now-distant threat of relegation.

However, there is one issue that will be a nagging thought in the back of most fans’ minds. Zaha’s contract is up in the summer and he may have played his last game for Palace as he has an injury that will stop him from featuring this weekend.

Regardless of what happens this summer, though, it seems as though the winger is still loved by plenty at the club and this has been proven with a recent bit of artwork.

Indeed, 13 years since his first-team debut – in which time he has scored 90 goals in 458, and won Player of the Season in three consecutive years – the club unveiled a new mural just outside Selhurst Park.

After seeing it, Zaha reacted on Twitter as he outlined just how emotional it all was for him.

He said: “Speechless! Words can’t exactly express or describe the joy I felt standing there and witnessing this painting with my family and friends honestly still hasn’t sunk in but all I can say is thank you.”

Where will Zaha end up this summer?

As mentioned before, the player’s £130k-p/w contract expires this summer and there has been much speculation about where he could go.

Indeed, the Daily Mail claim that Chelsea are keen on a deal while both Milan clubs and Napoli were also linked.

Adding to that, TalkSport have reported that there is interest from Marseille and Saudi Arabia. Though in better news, they also state that Zaha is “seriously considering staying” and has been offered a four-year deal worth around £200k-p/w to become their highest-paid player in their history.

Perhaps with this mural honouring him too, the 30-year-old will now opt to show further loyalty and stay with the club a little longer.

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has been urged to step away from footballing decisions at Goodison Park by talkSPORT's Simon Jordan.

Will Everton avoid the drop?

It has been yet another season which Everton will want to forget in a hurry over the summer with their Premier League status under serious threat.

This comes on the back of last season which offered up a similar story as Frank Lampard's men narrowly avoided the drop in the end.

However, it is apparent the Toffees have not learnt from their lessons last year with just three games remaining to save their top-flight status.

The victory over Brighton & Hove Albion has not only taken them out of the drop zone, but it has also allowed them to open up a two-point cushion on 18th place.

But their fortunes could all change by the end of the weekend with their cushion on the relegation spots so small.

Ahead of the new season, talkSPORT's Jordan has issued Moshiri with a warning to stand down from making footballing decisions on the back of their recent failures:

(0:40) "And the third thing is get Moshiri as far away from the football side of things as possible."

"£500m/£750m on players to achieve a side that's in absolute freefall, financial meltdown, sitting at the bottom of the table two seasons in a row for the football club, the size of Everton, with its neighbours across the road, constantly doing better and sneering at them. I think I'd say to myself, maybe, maybe it's better for me to take a back seat and put some people in place that are capable.

"Maybe I'd look at changing up the board with no disrespect to Denise [Barrett-Baxendale] and Bill [Kenwright] and look at the calibre of people that I've got there and where they are in the great scheme of things. And try and get this club back on the right track."

Can Everton return to their old self?

The reality is, Everton absolutely have to avoid relegation this season given the financial implications which could affect the club over the coming years if they were to go down.

Currently, the Toffees are funding the construction of their new state-of-the-art stadium which will could do without the revenue stream which Championship football would bring.

But perhaps just as importantly, they are currently under financial scrutiny for their losses over the last few years which will hinder their ability to spend in the summer.

If Everton are able to avoid the drop over the coming weeks, it will be intriguing to see whether Moshiri does look to make significant changes behind the scenes.

Although Everton fans will never accept their side being a relegation-battling side, a one-off season probably could have been accepted had this season offered up more.

However, it has almost been a carbon copy which is a serious indication that change is perhaps needed off the field if Everton are to return to playing top-half football.

This new stadium currently under construction will host more home fans but Moshiri will surely recognise he may struggle to maximise the stadium's profitability if the action on the pitch is not to improve.

Liverpool host Marco Silva's Fulham at Anfield this evening as they aim to continue their four-match winning run in the Premier League.

The Reds have beaten Leeds United, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, and West Ham in succession in recent weeks and can now move to within four points of the Champions League places with a fifth victory tonight.

Jurgen Klopp's men are heading into the game off the back of a stunning 4-3 win over Spurs on Sunday but could be without match-winner Diogo Jota after the manager revealed that the Portugal international is a minor doubt due to injury. Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita also remain sidelined with their respective injuries.

How will Liverpool line up against Fulham?

Despite potentially being without Jota, Firmino, and Keita, Klopp has plenty of options to rotate his side amid the busy Premier League schedule, with another match coming up on Saturday against Brentford.

Firstly, there could be two changes to the back four in front of number one goalkeeper Alisson with Kostas Tsimikas and Joel Matip potentially set to replace Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.

Klopp could make a change at left-back after the Scotland international endured a "horrific" spell against Spurs – as per Anfield Index's Dave Hendrick. FFC previously published an article explaining why the Greek defender should come in for him.

Konate, meanwhile, could be ditched after being exposed on several occasions against Tottenham. It was his poor positioning and lack of awareness that played a part in Harry Kane being left open for the first Spurs goal and then Son for the third, which could see him lose his place in the side.

The midfield could remain as it was on Sunday, particularly with Curtis Jones' goalscoring contribution, but Klopp may opt to alter his front three by bringing forward Darwin Nunez in from the start.

Luis Diaz only returned from his long-term knee injury last month and, with another game coming up on Saturday, the head coach could protect him by resting the winger to offer the "chaotic" – as described by journalist Dominic King – £140k-per-week ace an opportunity to impress.

Nunez has scored nine goals and provided three assists in 17 Premier League starts and could cause Fulham no-end of problems with his electric movement and energetic style of play.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas; Harvey Elliott, Fabinho, Curtis Jones; Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez.

Liverpool's dramatic 2-2 draw with rivals Arsenal on Sunday saw Reds midfielder Thiago Alcantara make his return off the bench, with the experienced Spaniard having been absent with a hip injury in recent months.

The former Bayern Munich man – who arrived at Anfield on a £20m deal back in 2020 – had been out of action since featuring against Wolverhampton Wanderers in early February, with the hope being that the 31-year-old's return can offer a real boost to Jurgen Klopp's side in the short-term.

In the long-term, however, it remains to be seen for just how long the midfield maestro will be a key first-team asset, with the ageing playmaker having just over a year remaining on his existing deal on Merseyside.

Despite the one-time Barcelona man's undoubted class – having been hailed as "sensational" last season by his manager – there may be concern as to his longevity in the side, amid the fitness woes which have plagued the 46-cap international's time at the club so far.

With that in mind, Klopp may be plotting to potentially freshen up his midfield ranks with a fresh injection of youth in order to eventually replace the likes of Thiago, with 19-year-old, Dominic Corness, seemingly a dream heir to the Italy-born dynamo.

Who is Liverpool's Dominic Corness?

The teenage maestro – who turns 20 next month – has enjoyed a standout campaign thus far at academy level, having showcased his creative prowess after registering five assists in 31 games in all competitions thus far, including four assists in just 21 Premier League outings.

While a chance at senior level has thus far proven elusive, the England U20 international is clearly a highly-rated talent among those on Merseyside, having been nicknamed 'The Wand' due to his silky ability with his left foot.

The £3.4k-per-week sensation has also received notable praise from youth coach Barry Lewtas, who stated last year: "Dom controls the game for us and helps us play the way we want to play. We want a midfielder who can break the game up in that position but who can also control it, and that's Dominic's standout quality, his ability to dictate the pace of the game.

"It's all down to his ability to pass. He has every pass in the locker, really. He showed that against Rangers. He can pass straight through the lines, he can switch the play. I have been really pleased with his performances so far."

That passing prowess is undoubtedly a trait that is shared by that man Thiago – who has been lauded as "like a quarterback" by ex-Reds man Michael Owen – with it unsurprising that young Corness has previously revealed his admiration for the classy midfielder:

"I love to watch Thiago really. I just try to base myself off some of the things he does. Obviously he plays for the first team and that's just the level you want to try to get to. I just try to get on the ball as much as I can. I've always liked the way Thiago played."

That likeness between the pair is also showcased by their ball-winning quality, with Thiago having averaged 2.9 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game in the Premier League this season, while Corness averaged 2.3 and 1.3 for the same two metrics, respectively, during his three EFL Trophy outings earlier in the campaign.

All the signs then seem to suggest that the 'cultured' youngster – as hailed by the club's official website – can be the ideal successor to the Spaniard in the near future, with Klopp seemingly having a real diamond on his hands who is just waiting for a chance to impress.