Manchester City issued a sobering reality check to Arne Slot’s Liverpool before the November international break. The Reds were thrashed at the Etihad, and the good work of previous matches unravelled.

Did it? Liverpool might have lost five of their past six outings in the Premier League, but there have been signs of improvement over the past several weeks, and now there is optimism that the club can kick on and rediscover the fluency that has been stripped away since the summer.

So many issues. One of which is that last season’s Premier League champions are struggling in the final third. Here is one of the biggest concerns that Slot needs to get rid of quickly.

Why Liverpools forwards are struggling

Mohamed Salah has not been himself this season. There are many different reasons why this might be. He has turned 33, but the all-powerful Egyptian should still be performing at a higher level than he has languished this term, too often drifting through matches, missing big chances and lacking the requisite defensive work rate.

There has been a lot of upheaval. The sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich having had a more detrimental effect than had been anticipated, but such a loss of electric pace and dynamic attacking play was always going to be hard to compensate for, even with the likes of Florian Wirtz added to the fold.

Wirtz has flattered to deceive, but he is a world-class player and will surely come good. Likewise, Alexander Isak has not clicked into gear after his British-record £125m transfer from Newcastle United on deadline day. The Sweden striker, 26, hasn’t had a pre-season, and injuries have limited him to a bit-part role thus far.

Liverpool’s wider creative problems and the overarching lack of coherence have made it all rather difficult, but Slot has a shrewd tactical mind and will surely unearth a solution sooner rather than later.

As a collective, Liverpool’s frontline need to do better. However, Slot must look to open up different attacking dimensions too, with one of his Red midfielders having emerged as the most accurate finisher in the Premier League this season.

Liverpool's best finisher

Liverpool have got many talented goalscorers in their ranks, but the fact that, statistically, Ryan Gravenberch is the cream of the crop in that regard underscores the need to unleash him in attacking phases with greater regularity.

Signed from Bayern Munich by Jurgen Klopp for £34m in 2023, Gravenberch put the final strokes on a much-anticipated midfield rebuild which has defined the Anfield side’s illustrious success of the past few terms.

However, after languishing on the fringes for his first year, Slot’s advent came to redefine the Netherlands international’s time on Merseyside, dropped deeper into a number six role last season and becoming indispensable en route to the Premier League title. Gravenberch was named the PFA Young Player of the Year.

Matches (starts)

37 (37)

9 (9)

Goals

0

3

Assists

4

1

Touches*

66.5

74.0

Shots (on target)*

1.3 (0.6)

Pass completion

89%

88%

Key passes*

0.7

0.8

Dribbles*

1.0

0.9

Ball recoveries*

5.2

3.6

Tackles + interceptions*

3.5

2.5

Total duels (won)*

5.0 (57%)

4.9 (61%)

However, the 23-year-old didn’t score across any competition last year, and since the summer he has been modified in his deployment, not less regimented in his deep-lying berth, and given the license to strike on goal if and when the opportunity arises.

But Gravenberch has not been shaped into a free-flowing attacking midfielder, with xG (expected goals) metrics showing that the Dutchman is statistically “the best finisher in the league this season”, having struck three strikes past the keeper from just 0.36 xG.

To put that in perspective, Salah has accumulated 3.62 xG this season, and he has four goals to his name. Gravenberch achieved a 1.12 total in last year’s top-flight season, and that yielded not one successful return.

While Liverpool appear to lack physicality and fluency in midfield this season, they have a robust and highly talented crop of players, and as Slot looks to rewrite his side’s tactical coding and escape from the current rut, this is a sign that those in the engine room must be allowed greater offensive freedom at times, thus unburdening the forwards when they are not firing on all cylinders.

Liverpool need to prove that they are worthy champions and ready to return to their former level under Slot’s wing. Too many are looking from outside and criticising Slot’s papier mâché empire, but this is a falsehood, and with an all-embracing midfielder like Gravenberch at the heart of the team, it’s only a matter of time before things click again.

Bad for Wirtz: Liverpool plan serious bid to sign future big-money superstar

Liverpool are looking for ways to add creativity to Arne Slot’s team.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 18, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta could be ready to open his cheque book once again, with the Gunners eyeing a highly-rated winger for January.

Mikel Arteta’s league leaders, despite conceding a dramatic late equaliser away to Sunderland last weekend, are still the team to beat this season.

Before their trip to the Stadium of Light, Arsenal enjoyed a staggering run of eight consecutive clean sheets across all competitions — equalling their own club record set in 1903. During this historic period, they went 12 hours and 56 minutes without conceding a single goal, with Nick Woltemade coming as the last player to score against them all the way back in September.

Olympiacos, West Ham, Fulham, Atlético Madrid, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Burnley and Slavia Prague all failed to find a way past Arsenal until Dan Ballard, who once plied his trade in the Hale End academy, and Brian Brobbey finally ended their incredible defensive streak.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Arteta has built Arsenal’s rock-solid title challenge off their imperious defence and exceptional threat from set pieces, with the north Londoners bagging 12 from dead ball situations so far this campaign — more than any other club in the top flight (12).

This also comes after Berta gave Arteta his full backing in the summer transfer window,

Arsenal ended last summer as one of England’s most lavish spenders, investing nearly £270 million into the squad and registering the highest net spend of any Premier League side. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres were all brought in to bolster Arsenal’s title challenge, and Arteta is hoping to have the latter two back from injury to face Tottenham right after the international break.

While Eze can play on the left-wing, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard also standing out as key options, reports suggest that Berta could look to bring in another star man for that area of the squad in 2026.

Martinelli and Trossard face uncertain long-term futures at Arsenal with both of their deals expiring in 2027, and the club have been linked with AC Milan’s Rafael Leao as one of many potential targets for the left-wing.

According to the latest reports from Spain, they also maintain a serious interest in Lyon star Malick Fofana.

Arsenal preparing January move for Malick Fofana

The 20-year-old, who scored 11 goals and racked up six assists in all competitions for Lyon last term, commands a price tag of around £52 million with both Liverpool and Barcelona seriously considering a move as well.

Hansi Flick’s La Liga champions have already held talks with his representatives ahead of January, according to one Spanish media source, with it also being reported that Arsenal are preparing to battle Barca and Liverpool for Fofana’s signature in January.

Called a “magnificent” up-and-coming talent by members of the media, the Belgium international enjoyed a fine start to this campaign as well before suffering a recent ankle sprain.

Kevin De Bruyne even compared Fofana with star Man City winger Jeremy Doku, which is high praise considering the latter’s exceptional form this season, having just put Liverpool to the sword in a 3-0 rout at Eastlands.

His pace and directness is complemented only by his versatility, which will seriously appeal to Arteta, with Fofana able to play on the right-wing and at centre-forward when required.

The former Gent sensation would be a stellar option, but it would surely require one of Martinelli or Trossard to leave and free up space — giving Arteta a key decision to make given both of the super subs contributions this term.

Football goalkeepers arguably have one of the most important roles on the pitch and can go down as the hero or the villain in one moment.

The role of a goalkeeper has evolved over time, and now, being a world-class shot-stopper isn’t enough. Having a ‘keeper with ability on the ball is just as crucial for the top sides, which starts with their No. 1.

There have been some great ‘keepers throughout history, with Man City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma regarded as the current best in the world.

Here is a look at 20 of the greatest goalkeepers in footballing history, factoring in their longevity, consistency at the highest level, while also highlighting team and personal accolades.

20

Thibaut Courtois

If club trophies are what you’re after when looking for a goalkeeper, then Thibaut Courtois’s cabinet is full from his time in Spain and England.

A regular for Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Real Madrid since 2011, Courtois, who stands at 6ft 7, also has more than 100 caps for Belgium.

He has multiple Champions League, La Liga and Premier League crowns to his name and has been a dependable shot-stopper on the biggest stage.

19

David Seaman

Known best for his time as Arsenal’s number one, David Seaman made over 500 appearances for the Gunners and was hailed by Arsene Wenger during his time at Highbury.

Also England’s first choice for 11 years, Seaman was a consistent performer and made some world-class saves. He will be remembered for his iconic FA Cup save against Sheffield United and, unfortunately, being lobbed by Ronaldinho at the 2002 World Cup.

18

Amadeo Carrizo

One of the first goalkeepers to make the decision to wear gloves was Argentine legend Amadeo Carrizo, who played until the age of 44.

A River Plate icon was one of the first shot-stoppers to venture out of the area and play as a sweeper keeper, something which would catch on in time. Carrizo was recognised a year after his death in 2021 by being named in IFFHS Argentina All Times Dream Team.

17

Alisson Becker

One of the best modern day goalkeepers in recent times has been Alisson Becker, who helped transform Liverpool back into Premier League and Champions League winners.

The second most expensive ‘keeper of all time at £67m, Alisson has proven to be worth every penny for the Reds, with his commanding presence and incredible shot-saving ability seeing him become a regular for Brazil.

16

Dida

Arguably the greatest Brazilian goalkeeper, Dida was a star in an iconic AC Milan team in the 2000s and won 93 caps for his country.

Named FIFPro Goalkeeper of the Year in 2005 and IFFHS Best Brazilian Goalkeeper of the 21st Century, Dida won two Champions League titles.

15

Andoni Zubizarreta

Before Iker Casillas became Spain’s most recognised goalkeeper, they had Andoni Zubizarreta, who played more than 1,000 games during his career.

A club career with Athletic Club, Barcelona and Valencia, Zubizarreta won back-to-back La Liga titles with Athletic Club in the 1980s and four in a row in the 1990s with Barcelona, starring in Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’.

14

Frantisek Planicka

One of the first ‘keepers who made themselves a superstar was Frantisek Planicka, who captained Czechoslovakia at the World Cup in 1934 and 1938, making the final in the former.

Interestingly, Planicka never picked up a card in his career and was a vital member for club and country, winning eight titles with Slavia Prague.

13

Peter Shilton

Making his debut just before England’s 1966 World Cup triumph, Peter Shilton remains England’s most capped player of all time with 125 appearances for the Three Lions.

In his prime, Shilton was one of the best, and his 31-year career, starred in Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest side that won back-to-back European Cups.

Diego Maradona scored the famous ‘Hand of God’ goal against Shilton, and the goalkeeper was named in the World XI on six separate occasions.

12

Pat Jennings

Loved by supporters of both Tottenham and Arsenal, Pat Jennings spent there majority of his club career in north London while also enjoying a 22-year international stint with Northern Ireland.

Winning the FA Cup with Spurs and the Gunners, Jennings made more than 1,000 top level appearances and was even nominated for the Ballon d’Or on three occasions across 13 years.

11

Sepp Maier

The early 1970s was dominated by Bayern Munich and West Germany, with Sepp Maier the top goalkeeper during that era.

Maier, named German Footballer of the Year on three occasions, helped Bayern to three straight European Cups between 1974 and 1976 while also winning Euro 1972 and the 1974 World Cup.

Top reflexes and quick for a ‘keeper, Maier had a crazy personality alongside his ability over an 18-year career.

تحدد قوام المجموعة الأولى من بطولة كأس العرب 2025، بعدما حسم منتخبي سوريا وفلسطين موقفهما من التأهل إلى المسابقة الدولية.

ويشارك في بطولة كأس العرب، والمقرر إقامتها في دولة قطر في الفترة من 1 إلى 18 ديسمبر المقبل، 16 فريقًا بداية من دور المجموعات للبطولة.

طالع|مجموعات كأس العرب 2025 (محدث باستمرار)

ومن المنتظر أن تحظى المجموعة الأولى بمنافسات قوية وندية بين المنتخبات، في ظل سعي كل فريق لحصد بطاقة التأهل للدور التالي ومواصلة المشوار نحو اللقب العربي.

وستقام مباريات بطولة كأس العرب، على 6 ملاعب وهي البيت ولوسيل واستاد خليفة الدولي وأحمد بن علي واستاد 974، والمدينة التعليمية.

وتمكن منتخبي سوريا وفلسطين من حسم بطاقتي التأهل إلى نهائيات كأس العرب بعد تخطفي عقبتي جنوب السودان وليبيا. المجموعة الأولى في كأس العرب 2025

-قطر

-تونس

-سوريا

-فلسطين

Leeds United are looking like they will have a huge fight on their hands to avoid relegation this season. Their first campaign back in the Premier League is not going to plan, with Daniel Farke’s side just one point clear of the drop zone at the moment.

The underlying numbers do not make for good reading if you are a Leeds fan, either. The West Yorkshire outfit have massively underachieved according to their expected points, which is 15.49xPTS, over four more than they actually have.

In attack, they’ve only scored ten goals, although Farke has continued to pick a similar front three across the season. That means Brenden Aaronson has kept his place in the side.

Aaronson’s disappointing form this season

As an attacking unit, Farke’s Leeds side have certainly left a lot to be desired. The Whites’ lack of form in front of goal has been an issue, as has the fact that they are struggling to create a substantial number of chances.

Aaronson is certainly someone who has underperformed. The USA international only has one goal and one assist this season, but has been one of Farke’s most trusted lieutenants.

He’s played all 11 games in the top flight this season, and has started all of the last eight.

In terms of output for the 54-cap American international, he’s only managed one goal and one assist so far this term.

Perhaps that is because he is playing on the right wing despite being a number ten by trade, but Leeds fans must surely be expecting better numbers.

As far back as last season, there have been question marks surrounding Aaronson’s ability.

Former Leeds defender Jon Newsome said, “I don’t think he’s at the level in my honest opinion,” implying the Whites could do better in that area of the pitch.

They might have the perfect Aaronson replacement already at the club, in a player who is thriving out on loan.

The on-loan Leeds star who could break into the first team

Perhaps Leeds can make better use of their talent in and around the first team squad, if not this season, then in years to come. Farke has shown trust in up-and-coming youngsters in the past, with Archie Gray a prime example a few seasons ago.

Another player who could fit that bill next season, when he returns to the club, is on-loan star Joe Gelhardt. The 23-year-old attacker is excelling in the Championship for Leeds’ Yorkshire rivals Hull City this term.

The versatile attacker, who can play on the right, as a number ten or at centre-forward, has seven goals and two assists in the second tier for the Tigers this season.

His form in recent weeks has been particularly impressive, with Gelhardt racking up seven goal involvements in just six games.

The Liverpool-born forward has certainly received lots of praise for his excellent form in a Hull shirt this season. Their boss, Sergej Jakirovic, described him as a “special” footballer and said that “he can reach the Premier League” one day.

It is easy to see how he could end Aaronson’s Leeds career next season, if he is given the chance to shine in a Leeds shirt. His underlying numbers this term are superior to the American’s. For example, he averages 0.8 goals and assists per 90 minutes compared to just 0.4 for Aaronson.

Goals and assists

0.8

0.4

Chances created

1.1

1.4

Take-ons completed

1.7

1.2

Ground duel success rate

54.55%

52.08%

Ball recoveries

5

4.6

Gelhardt – previously lauded as a “human wrecking ball” by Marcelo Bielsa – has never really been given a consistent chance at first-team level for the Whites. He’s only played 57 games across five seasons, with ten goals and assists in that time.

However, his performances this season will surely make Farke sit up and take notice.

Aaronson simply has not cut it in the Premier League, and with a talent like Gelhardt on their books, perhaps it is time Leeds give the 23-year-old a chance to shine next season.

Worse than Perri: Leeds dud is one of their worst signings in PL history

Leeds United have dropped some transfer clangers when looking back at their summer business.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 11, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Athletico-PR e Grêmio se enfrentam nesta terça-feira (16), às 21h, pelas oitavas de final da Copinha 2024. A partida eliminatória será disputada no Estádio Doutor Lancha Filho, em Franca. A partida terá transmissão do SporTV.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasOnde AssistirOnde assistir aos jogos de hoje (16/01/2024)Onde Assistir16/01/2024CruzeiroGoleiro falha e Cruzeiro elimina a Portuguesa da Copinha 2024Cruzeiro15/01/2024SantosEm jogo de seis gols, Santos bate o Água Santa e se classifica na Copinha 2024Santos15/01/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

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Athletico-PR x Grêmio
Oitavas de final – Copinha

🗓️ Data e horário: Terça-feira, 16 de janeiro de 2024, às 21h (de Brasília)
📍 Local: Estádio Doutor Lancha Filho, em Franca (SP)
📺 Onde assistir: SporTV

POSSÍVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

Athletico-PR
Filipe; Ataíde, Fábio Lucas, Marcos André e Leo Derik; Biro, Lucca, Chiqueti e Dudu; Sorriso e Walace. Técnico: Caco Espinoza

Grêmio
Cássio; Igor, João Lima, Karele (Viery) e Wesley; João Araújo e Caio; Alysson, Cheron e Gustavo Nunes; Jardiel. Técnico: Airton Fagundes

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GrêmioOnde assistir

Eberechi Eze has revealed his reaction to receiving an England call-up just moments after suffering a serious Achilles injury in training. Speaking exclusively to Adebayo Akinfenwa on GOAL's Beast Mode On podcast, the Arsenal star admitted he was in tears when he saw a message that stated he was part of the initial pool of players that can be selected for international duty.

Getty Images SportAchilles heartbreak for Eze in 2021

Back in May 2021 and then at Crystal Palace, the attacker was informed that he'd been selected as part of a pool of players to potentially represent England, having shone throughout his debut season at Selhurst Park.

However, Eze didn't receive the message until after a training session in which the 27-year-old suffered a serious Achilles injury that ruled him out of action until November that same year. "It is devastating, particularly for him," Then-Palace boss Roy Hodgson told TNT Sport. "He has had a good season and such a good start to his Premier League career, getting better and better and is such a good guy as well."

That injury meant Eze didn't win his first England cap until 2023, though he has since gone on to become a mainstay in the national team setup, and recently scored in the 2-0 home win over Serbia in World Cup qualifying. 

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'I can't believe this'

Asked about getting his first provisional England call-up on the same day he ruptured his Achilles tendon in 2021, Eze said exclusively to GOAL'sBeast Mode On podcast: "So at that point I was in a good little period where I’d been playing well and doing my thing so I felt comfortable – this is my first year at Palace.

"I didn't get the message [about a potential England call up] until after the training session. So I went out for training, went to just push off and felt my Achilles pop. [I was] looking around and no one's there, you're thinking someone's kicked you but no.

"I've then gone in. They've taken me in, doctors, they've said, ‘yeah, it's ruptured’. I’ve gone to check my phone to call my wife, to tell her what's happened, and I see a message from the England guys. It was the provisional message that you get.

"You get a message that says that you've been part of a pool of players who can be selected for this international camp. So I could have been one of however many players to get that message. So not selected but in the conversation. But for me at that point, that would have been enough. I've never been in that situation, with the first team it’s different.

"In that moment, before I saw the message, tears – this is pain. I can’t believe this. Right when I'm in my stride and I'm feeling myself right now."

'It felt like God was speaking to me'

Eze, though, believes that the timing of the message meant a higher power was calling to him, continuing: "To get that message, though, in that moment, it felt like God was speaking to me and telling me ‘you're good, you're good’.

"I honestly believe if I was meant to go to that camp then I would’ve went to it. So no matter what position my foot was in or whatever, if I wasn't supposed to have that injury that day, I wouldn't have had it. But I did, and I saw the message at that time. 

"Why didn’t I do my Achilles the day before and get the message the next day? Why did it have to be that way? So it happened that way and I believe because God wanted it to happen that way. 

"The sooner I started to let go of my processing of why and this and that… this is God's thing. God is the orchestrate of all of this. And he's working this thing out how he wants to work out. For me, I’ve just found so much more peace from that moment. It was a big shift in my faith."

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GOAL’s writers break down a solid USMNT showing as Mauricio Pochettino looks to build momentum ahead of the World Cup.

There you have it: a win. The USMNT are not, once again, at full strength. They're missing a few faces, falling short of a few pieces. This is probably half, generously, of what a starting XI might look like in seven months. But the results are good. They beat a pretty good Paraguay side, 2-1, at home. Winning is nice. It fuels momentum. It gives Mauricio Pochettino reasons to praise rather than a need to rant. 

Gio Reyna was the headline, of course, handed a surprise start, and got himself on the scoresheet. This wasn't him at his best, but he did show that there's still a player there. Leading striker Folarin Balogun grabbed another goal – and he looks in good form for his country. There were mistakes here and there, but this was otherwise an agreeable Saturday night.]

So, what do we make of all of this? Are there sweeping conclusions to be drawn about Reyna? Is Joe Scally now the center back of the future? And who might have played their way of the squad next summer? GOAL's writers get far too reactionary in the latest edition of… . 

• Imagn
  

  How significant was Gio Reyna's performance?

  Tom Hindle: Immensely. It has long been said in this space that Reyna is the U.S.'s most talented player whose last name is not "Pulisic." He has struggled immensely for three clubs over the past few years now, and needed a forum to show that he can still contribute. He wasn't exactly spellbinding against Paraguay, but there were glimpses of what he can be. If Reyna's fit, he should start at the World Cup. But that is a pretty significant "if".

  Ryan Tolmich: Very. It showed that, even when he isn’t at his best, he can make a difference. Does that translate to a starting gig? Unlikely given the other options. Does that give him a really strong case to make a 26-man roster? You bet, even if that means coming off the bench as an emergency option. There’s a caveat, of course, with his fitness but, as long as that goes in the right direction, Reyna has his chance.

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• Getty
  

  If Reyna were to make it to the World Cup, who would he replace?

  TH: Well, if we run off the assumption that Alejandro Zendejas isn't sniffing it, then it's one of Brenden Aaronson or Diego Luna. Pochettino seems to like Luna a lot, so it'll probably mean Aaronson gets left at home – unless he shows something special for Leeds over the next few months. 

  RT: In terms of attacking midfielders, Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman, and Weston McKennie are locked in. Then there’s that second group of Reyna, Brenden Aaronson, Diego Luna, and Alejandro Zendejas. Only so many of those players can be on a World Cup roster, which means it’ll come down to form and fit when Pochettino ultimately has to balance it out.

• Getty Images
  

  Joe Scally made his long-awaited return, what did you make of him as a third CB?

  TH: Uhhhh sure? Scally isn't a starting-level center back in this side, but he's highly rated in Germany, and really should be a part of the U.S. setup. Sometimes you need a guy who can offer cover, and Scally can play in multiple positions. Whether that makes him a starter is up for debate, but there's a strong case to be made that he should be in the squad next summer.

  RT: Seems feasible! At the very least, Scally is a good utility guy, which is always welcome in a World Cup squad. He can either start in three positions or be your defensive stopper off the bench in place of the more attack-minded wingbacks. He needs another good performance or two, but, again, there’s a walkable path there.

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  Based on current form, what are your expectations for the USMNT at the World Cup?

  TH: Please do not be deceived by wins against Australia and Paraguay. Round of 16 exit, as per usual. Sure, you can make the argument about "kind draws" and say the U.S. could imitate a, say, Morocco in Qatar 2022, but the dirty little secret is that Morocco side was really very good. Keep expectations level, and anything else feels like a bonus.

  RT: It hasn’t changed much, largely because we still haven’t seen this team in the way it will likely be assembled. Maybe the floor is a bit higher than it was a few months ago, but we still don’t really know this team’s ceiling. As always with a World Cup, though, get out of a group and see what happens.

Essex 325 for 5 (Allison 98, Pepper 54*) drew with WarwickshireEssex virtually secured their Rothesay County Championship Division One status as their match with Warwickshire ended in a rain-ruined draw at Edgbaston. No play was possible due to rain on the final day, meaning that three of the four days were completely blank.Essex collected ten points from the draw, putting them pretty much safe from relegation as two of the teams below them – Yorkshire and Durham – meet in next week’s final round of games. It would now take an extraordinary combination of results and bonus points to drag Essex through the trapdoor with Worcestershire.It was a sodden and sorry scene at Edgbaston as Warwickshire’s home season came to an anti-climatic close. After high winds prevented play on the first day and rain did so on the third, persistent drizzle overnight and on the fourth morning again left conditions unplayable. Essex were denied the chance to resume from the 325 for 5 that they build on the second day.Tom Westley’s side at least took a solid ten points from the draw – a more productive return than from the drawn encounter between these teams in their inaugural Championship meeting at Edgbaston in 1895. After three days of hard work and effort, the points gained from that game, in which, incidentally 21 players made their Championship debuts, were Warwickshire 0 Essex 0.

Stead has previously coached New Zealand to the WTC title and three limited-overs finals in global events

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Sep-2025Gary Stead has replaced Tinu Yohannan as Andhra’s head coach for the 2025-26 domestic season. Stead was the head coach of the New Zealand men’s team from 2018 to June 2025 and oversaw them to the World Test Championship title in 2021. Yohannan moved to the MRF Pace Foundation earlier this year.”Andhra cricket enters a new era under his guidance, aiming for bigger milestones and top-tier performances this season,” the Andhra Cricket Association wrote on social media.Stead, 53, is New Zealand’s most successful coach with three global limited-overs final appearances (2019 ODI World Cup, 2021 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy) and a historic 3-0 Test series win in India. Before that, he had coached New Zealand Women to the final of the 2009 ODI World Cup and the 2010 T20 World Cup. He also coached Canterbury to three titles and a final in the Plunket Shield, New Zealand’s domestic red-ball competition, from 2013 to 2017.Related

Stead signs back with NZC as high-performance coach

Stead calls time on seven-year tenure as New Zealand coach

Not too high, not too low: Gary Stead did it his steady way

As a player, he made five Test appearances for New Zealand and made 278 runs at an average of 34.75. He also played 101 first-class games and 103 List A games, where he made 4984 and 2173 runs respectively.Andhra had finished sixth in their group in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy with just one outright win from seven games. They failed to qualify for the knockouts in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy too, and lost in the preliminary quarter-final in the 20-over Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.Andhra will begin the 2025-26 season with a Ranji Trophy game against Uttar Pradesh on October 15.