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He has more than a few skills to be transferred in either direction, from the shortest format to the longest

Andrew Miller07-Feb-20212:30

What makes Jofra Archer special?

It’s a sign of the strange times that we live in, that two fast bowlers whose records and reputations precede them in India are only right now playing in their first Test match in the country – and on opposing teams as well.The Indian Premier League may be the stage on which both men have honed their crafts, but in their contrasting but complementary styles, first Jasprit Bumrah and now Jofra Archer have demonstrated an abiding truth about high-class fast bowling. It transcends time, place, formats and conditions – and it remains the most compelling factor in the game. Pace is pace, no matter where and how you use it, and pace with skill can be unplayable.Bumrah’s efforts ended up being rather buried beneath the mountains of runs that England piled up over the first two-and-a-bit days of this match. However, his ability to take the pitch out of the equation, unmatched in the contemporary game, was showcased by his three lbws on each day of the match – full, fast, inswinging and startling, as well as by arguably the single best ball of the match so far, a sensational late-dipping yorker that should by rights have unseated Ben Stokes before his vital 82 had got underway.On the third day, on the other hand, Archer’s efforts were front and centre of England’s surge into the ascendancy, and what’s more, they seized on the exact opposite approach to Bumrah, not to mention the exact same methods that earned him the accolade of MVP at the last IPL that finished in November. Aggression to the fore, accuracy unwavering, and most importantly for England’s burgeoning hopes in this campaign, a determination not only to embrace the uncompromising nature of the wicket, but to factor it actively into his methods.To be fair to England’s planning for this series, he’s hardly been alone in that. For the third match running, a different England new-ball bowler has nailed his methods in his first spell of the winter – but whereas Stuart Broad and James Anderson, in consecutive Tests against Sri Lanka, created their opportunities through relentless dot-ball pressure, Archer was more content to duke it out in his favourite T20 fashion, relishing the cut and thrust of the encounter, and encouraging errors through the batsman’s adrenaline as much as his own.Archer’s first five-over burst went for 25 runs but yielded two priceless wickets – Rohit Sharma scalped by a fast cutter that kicked off the deck as if was a Dukes ball in May, before kissing the edge through to the keeper. The other was burgled with pure IPL trickery, as Archer ripped his fingers down the side of the ball, luring a pumped-up Shubman Gill into a fatefully early push through the line to a diving Anderson at mid-on.Jofra Archer vs Rohit Sharma•ESPNcricinfo LtdFrom the outset, Archer’s blood was pumping, to a more visible degree than had ever been the case during his undeniably subdued performances during England’s summer series – epitomised by his comments during the Old Trafford Test against Pakistan, when he claimed that the wicket was not one on which to “bend your back”.It’s arguable that Archer’s point in that contest was misconstrued – it certainly seems that way after witnessing the ferocity of his approach both here and at the IPL – given that English conditions, even flatter pitches, tend to offer just enough assistance to reward the virtues of conventional line and length. Without ever slipping the handbrake in that Old Trafford game, he still contributed four wickets at 21.5 to England’s series-deciding win. And in the long term, if Archer can develop the versatility to thrive without going full throttle, he’ll be all the better set for a long and fruitful Test career, in all conditions.In the early years of the IPL, it was regularly stated that the best Test players were equipped to thrive in T20 cricket, but not vice versa – and for a time this was true, because the longer game still rewarded the sort of technical discipline for which white-ball cricket (as it wasn’t then called) was liable to cut corners. Test cricket is where you “build the brand”, as Kevin Pietersen infamously put it at the height of his stand-off with the ECB.But that attitude is palpably wrongheaded now – a decade has passed since David Warner broke the mould, and India have just ended Australia’s three-decade-long unbeaten run at the Gabba with a victory that was siphoned directly from the vim and optimism of regular T20 combat. And, as Archer showed in bucking every conceivable fast-bowling trend at the latest IPL, he has more than a few skills to be transferred in either direction.All told, Archer claimed 20 wickets at 18.25 in Rajasthan Royals’ campaign, but half of those came with the new ball in his Powerplay overs, at a stunning economy rate of 4.34 that was a testament, as much as anything, to his sheer unplayability. It was widely noted at the time, in fact, that he was adapting a Test-match attitude to his white-ball game, consistently targeting the top of off with judicious use of the bouncer – a weapon so ferocious, even in the UAE, that it actually improved his economy rate (to a remarkable 3.54) – while keeping even his more confident opponents guessing with his cunning armoury of cutters and knuckle-balls.And so it showed today, in a thrilling but short-lived joust with India’s openers. Over the course of the past three IPLs, Gill and Sharma had faced 18 balls from Archer, with a palpable lack of success. Each had been dismissed twice, for a grand total of 11 runs, and Sharma’s head-to-head on home soil is now particularly bleak – he had been dismissed by two of the first four balls that Archer had bowled to him in India, and he made it three out of eight in total today, as he flinched at a perfect pacey cutter, one ball after flicking a rare loose ball off his toes.As for Gill, there can’t have been many more scintillating sub-30 innings in recent Test history, as he too showed how transferable his short-form skills can be, not least against one of England’s established Test masters – his checked on-drive for four off Anderson was nothing less than a come-and-get-me plea from his as-yet unsponsored bat. But for India’s purposes, it proved too short and sweet. A blend of methods might yet be required in the second innings, if India are to back up their Australia heroics with another extraordinary turnaround in this contest.

It all comes down to this.

The Dodgers and Blue Jays have both punched their tickets to the 2025 World Series and will compete to take home the championship. The Dodgers are looking to defend their title after beating the Yankees in 2024, when they snagged their second title this decade and eighth overall. Now, they'll get the chance to add another trophy to the collection, and perhaps become a dynasty in the process.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays arrived to the World Series in much more dramatic fashion. After defeating the Yankees in the American League Division Series, the Blue Jays went down 0-2 to the Mariners in the ALCS. They eventually forced a Game 7, and despite trailing 3-1 after six innings, grabbed the lead after George Springer hit a three-run home run. They now head back to the World Series for the first time in over 30 years.

Before the World Series begins later this week, here's a look at the schedule.

When does the World Series start?

The 2025 World Series begins on Friday, Oct. 24, in Toronto, Canada. It will run from at least Oct. 24 to Oct. 28, but could go until the start of November if needed.

Full 2025 World Series schedule

The Dodgers and Blue Jays have faced off in one series this year, with Los Angeles edging Toronto 2-1 over those three games in August. The Dodgers also head into the championship with more rest, since they swept the Brewers in four games. They will go a week between games by the time the World Series begins.

The Blue Jays do get homefield advantage in this series, meaning they get to host the first two games and will also host Games 6 and 7 if the series goes that long. Toronto earned homefield advantage after finishing the regular season with a better record than the Dodgers, 94-68 to the Dodgers' 93-69.

Minus Zian Flemming’s late penalty for Burnley at St James’ Park, Newcastle United’s 2-1 win over the relegation-threatened Clarets on Saturday was rather straightforward.

Scott Parker’s men never gave in, but after Anthony Gordon stroked home his fourth penalty of the season, there was a sense of inevitability that the Magpies were going to secure a sixth Premier League victory of the campaign, especially as the away side had to play all of the second half with just ten men.

It was far from vintage, but Newcastle will be pleased that they now enter into the upcoming Tyne-Wear Derby with a confidence-boosting win under their belt.

Then, it’s a tough encounter with Chelsea in league action, before more and more clashes come their way across the bumper Christmas period.

Before you know it, Eddie Howe’s men will be concerning themselves with matters in the January transfer window, as plenty of new signings are tipped to move to Tyneside.

Newcastle's transfer latest

Away from any new arrivals, though, Yoane Wissa lining up for Howe and Co against Burnley would have felt like a fresh signing in itself, as the injury-plagued striker finally pulled on Toon black and white, after exiting Brentford in the summer.

Still, even with Wissa’s return, Newcastle have been credited as being interested in the services of Bees goal machine Igor Thiago, as Keith Andrews fears another Magpies swoop could be forthcoming.

Of course, there is also constant talk bubbling away that Elliot Anderson might well seal a Tyneside return from Nottingham Forest.

Yet, with a ludicrous £100m price tag above the England international’s head, Newcastle might well be better placed to seek out cheaper alternatives, as Hungarian sensation Alex Tóth is allegedly catching the Premier League side’s eye.

Already garnering a lot of hype in his native country for Robbie Keane’s Ferencváros TC, Football Insider has now revealed that a £13m bid could be accepted down the line for the 20-year-old’s services, with Newcastle and Bundesliga clubs eyeing up the emerging talent.

Newcastle could be tempted to land such a promising midfield gem if he is available at such a cut-price fee, with the lingering disappointment of letting Anderson go prematurely, softened somewhat by the Budapest-born star’s arrival.

How Toth could be Anderson 2.0

Newcastle must still have restless nights about the decision to sell Anderson to Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2024, after the homegrown Toon prodigy had made 55 promising appearances in the first team ranks.

He was only just getting started at St James’ Park, though, with hindsight on side, as the 23-year-old is now a regular in Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up, and for good reason.

He’s made a mind-blowing 8.4 ball recoveries per game this season in Premier League action, and won 7.8 duels per match, gifting him the label of being an “elite” performer at the very top by analyst and social media personality Statman Dave.

Likewise, journalist Bence Bocsak has tipped the Ferencváros number 64 to go to “the top” too, with a new Anderson-style project potentially on Newcastle’s hands if they land Tóth this January.

Winning four duels per fixture his season in Fizz Liga action, Tóth isn’t a million miles off the high-octane approach Anderson is known for. He even regularly lines up for Hungary, alongside Liverpool faces Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai, off the back of these well-drilled showings, with three ground duels successfully won against the Republic of Ireland, just last month.

But, as per analyst page Football Wonderkids, it’s also his well-rounded ability to chip in with goals and assists and tidily play the ball about the pitch that makes him a “special talent” worthy of a Premier League switch, with a standout 11 goal contributions tallied up across his last two league seasons. Like Anderson, therefore, he’s got a goal involvement from the middle of the park in him too.

This has further led to the aforementioned Bocsak hailing the £13m asset as a “modern day midfielder” who is capable of everything, much like Anderson, who has three goals and seven assists for the Tricky Trees in total, yet is also known as a “warrior” for his defensive grit by Como scout Ben Mattinson.

Of course, if Tóth were to make the move to England, he wouldn’t become an Anderson-like talent overnight in his new, intimidating surroundings.

But, for just £13m, it’s surely worth the gamble that he could morph into Newcastle’s second coming of their departed midfielder in time.

He once cost £38.5m: Newcastle plot concrete move to sign "brilliant" PL star

He desperately needs a move.

By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 7, 2025

Leeds United pulled off an impressive victory to get back to winning ways in the Premier League on Wednesday night. Daniel Farke’s side beat Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road to pick up a huge three points.

It was the perfect start for the Whites in front of a packed-out home crowd. After an intense first five minutes or so where they dominated, Leeds broke the deadlock.

It came from a corner, with defender Jaka Bijol making a brilliant run to the front post and emphatically heading home.

Chelsea didn’t really threaten much and eventually paid the price. Leeds doubled their lead right on the stroke of half-time, through a brilliant strike by Ao Tanaka.

The Whites won the ball back on the edge of the visitors’ penalty area, with Jayden Bogle finding Tanaka in space. The Japanese international fired home a strike from range to put them 2-0 up.

Chelsea did pull one back with just 50 minutes on the clock, thanks to substitute Pedro Neto at the back post. Yet, Leeds managed to keep them at bay, and with 18 minutes to go, capitalised on a defensive error to secure all three points.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored their third, a goal which capped off a brilliant performance.

Calvert-Lewin’s stats vs. Chelsea

Calvert-Lewin’s goalscoring form has begun to improve in recent games. He bagged against Manchester City last weekend, and again against Chelsea on Wednesday night, although that strike was certainly easier.

It was a mistake from Blues defender Tosin Adarabioyo which led to the goal, with the centre-back playing a sloppy pass to Robert Sanchez.

The Spaniard was immediately under pressure, with the ball crocheting off his body and into the path of Calvert-Lewin, who tapped home from two yards out.

However, it was not just his goal which impressed about the former Everton striker’s performance.

He was a nuisance throughout for the Chelsea defence, with Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post awarding him a 9/10 rating, explaining that he ‘brought others into play’ superbly.

Indeed, the statistics back up what was a superb showing from Calvert-Lewin. He only had 37 touches but made an impact with most of those, winning an impressive 11 duels, managing three shots and, of course, bagging Leeds’ third goal.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, the Whites’ number nine was not the only one of their players to stand out against Chelsea.

Leeds’ other standout player vs. Chelsea

It was a huge win for Leeds on Wednesday night, which took a huge effort across the board. One of the best players was midfielder Anton Stach, who ran the game in midfield and was impressive defensively, too.

The numbers from the game reflect a controlled midfield performance from Leeds’ summer signing. He had 50 touches and completed 19 out of 24 passes, creating a superb four chances, one of which teed up Tanaka for his goal.

Off the ball, Stach made four recoveries and won three duels.

Touches

50

Passes completed

19/24

Chances created

4

Ball recoveries

4

Duels won

3

Clearances

3

Assists

1

The 27-year-old German was a “revelation” in the centre of the park, according to journalist Adonis Storr. That is something Smyth seemed to agree with, also giving him a 9/10 rating post-match, calling that showing his ‘best Leeds performance’.

Indeed, it is easy to see why Smyth is of that opinion. For the German to put in a showing like that against a side competing in the Champions League and that are pushing Arsenal at the top of the Premier League is a colossal effort.

He was everywhere against one of the strongest sides in the top flight, and the chances he created added that creative spark in the final third. He played a huge role in Leeds’ attacking play, which ultimately helped get them over the line.

Stach proved why he could be considered an undroppable member of this Leeds side. This was a much-needed win, and he was right at the heart of it.

Calvert-Lewin’s goals recently have been key, but Stach’s performance in midfield is exactly what is needed for them to beat the drop.

Leeds summer signing has been their biggest waste of time since Augustin

This summer signing has been Leeds United’s biggest waste of time since the signing of Jean-Kevin Augustin.

ByDan Emery Dec 1, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been given a boost in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper, amid claims of an offer being made by Fosun.

Wolves’ search for new goalkeeper after Sa and Johnstone struggles

No club has conceded more Premier League goals than the Old Gold this season, with both Sam Johnstone and Jose Sa being used by former manager Vitor Pereira.

In the 11 top flight fixtures to date, Johnstone has made seven appearances, conceding 14 goals, whereas Sa has turned out four times, letting in 11 goals.

New manager Rob Edwards will have a decision to make ahead of his first game in charge against Crystal Palace on Saturday, but looking further down the line, it looks as if he is after a new first choice shot-stopper.

Two names have been mentioned since Edwards arrived from Middlesbrough, one of which is Manchester City’s James Trafford.

Down the pecking order just months after returning to the Etihad from Burnley, Wolves are one of numerous clubs keen on signing the £30m Englishman.

City are open to a loan with an obligation to buy or a permanent exit in the New Year, with one Wolves insider telling TEAMtalk: “We need a keeper who can grow with the team. Trafford fits the profile perfectly.”

An enquiry has even been made by the Old Gold, although Trafford has his eyes on a move to Newcastle in 2026.

Meanwhile, Lazio’s Christos Mandas is another option for Wolves and Fosun as they look for a new ‘keeper, with Wolves ‘offering an initial loan deal with an option to buy’ for the Greece international which could be worth up to £8m.

Now, a new update has emerged regarding Mandas’ future, which looks likely to be away from Lazio if he gets his wish.

Wolves given boost in pursuit of Christos Mandas

According to a report from La Lazio Siamo Noi, Mandas is becoming a man in demand and has actually asked to leave Lazio in 2026.

La Liga side Getafe are in the race for the shot-stopper, alongside Wolves and their Premier League rivals West Ham and Bournemouth.

Mandas is expected to leave in search of more game time as he is yet to make an appearance in 2025/26 after featuring 18 times last season, nine of which came in the Europa League.

His agent Diego Tavano heaped praise on Mandas last year, calling him a “strong” and “great player”.

“Mandas is a strong player who had several suitors in Italy. Lazio were the fastest to act and he believed it was the right choice. Initially, the club considered sending him back to OFI Crete on loan, but then Sarri decided to keep him. He is a great player who has now established himself and I’m happy because it was not easy to fit in – he has been great this season.”

Wolves could be the club to offer him regular first-team football given Johnstone and Sa’s struggles and the fact Trafford doesn’t fancy a move to the Midlands.

Wolves now in advanced talks to sign maestro who could be Edwards' first signing

For much of this offseason, the Chicago Cubs have been connected to free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman—a staple of the Houston Astros' glory years.

However, should the Cubs come up short in the still-unresolved Bregman sweepstakes, it appears they have a backup plan.

Chicago has kicked around signing veteran first baseman and designated hitter Justin Turner, according to a Monday afternoon report from Patrick Mooney and Ken Rosenthal of .

"The Cubs remain in the mix for both free agents, whose markets overlap to a degree," Mooney and Rosenthal wrote. "Turner is drawing interest from some teams that are also tracking Bregman."

Turner, 40, has played for six different franchises over his 16-year career. He is best known for his years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, with whom he hit .296 and made a pair of All-Star Games.

In 2024, the Long Beach, Calif. native played 91 games for the Toronto Blue Jays and 48 for the Seattle Mariners. He slashed .259/.354/.383 with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca lavished praise on a fringe member of his squad ahead of their Champions League clash with Ajax on Wednesday.

Chelsea back to winning ways after straight victories

Chelsea’s resurgence in form since their tepid loss at home to Brighton has been a welcome boost for the club amid their real injury woes.

Despite major concerns over defensive depth, the Blues have managed to steady the ship and produce encouraging results that suggest they are finding some rhythm under Maresca.

A key storyline behind this revival has been Chelsea’s ability to cope with a severely depleted backline.

Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill, two important players, are sidelined with injuries, leaving the squad very thin at the back, with youngster Josh Acheampong repaying Maresca’s faith so far.

Chelsea injury worries

Problem

Potential return date

Enzo Fernández

Knee

Ajax

Cole Palmer

Groin

December

Dario Essugo

Thigh

Early 2026

Benoit Badiashile

Muscle

December

Liam Delap

Hamstring

November/December

Levi Colwill

ACL

Spring 2026

Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana only recently returned to fitness after their own spells out, meaning Chelsea had to navigate a tricky period with very limited defensive options, with the latter not even selected for Maresca’s last matchday squad at Nottingham Forest.

Trevoh Chalobah was also available once again after his suspension and immediately returned to the starting line-up against Forest.

While Chelsea looked far from resolute — giving the ball away carelessly in their own half on three separate occasions in the first 45 at the City Ground — Maresca’s tinkering at half-time shored his side up as the west Londoners eventually secured all three points, a clean sheet and Ange Postecoglou’s sacking in the process.

This vital win followed a statement 2-1 victory at home to Premier League champions Liverpool and all three points against José Mourinho’s Benfica in Europe, with Chelsea expected to continue this trend against Ajax.

As Maresca turns to Acheampong to provide cover for his backline, summer signing Jorrel Hato will perhaps feel quite hard done by.

The Netherlands international could face-off against his former club this evening, but has hardly been given a full game by Maresca since arriving at Stamford Bridge from the Eredivisie.

Primarily viewed as a left-back to cover Marc Cucurella, a role he shone in last season for Ajax, Hato can also operate as a centre-back when required and attracted long-term interest from Arsenal before his move to the other side of London.

The 19-year-old finished Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup but is yet to make a single Champions League appearance, starting just two of Chelsea’s eight Premier League games so far as well.

Enzo Maresca praises Jorrel Hato after Chelsea performances behind-the-scenes

According to Maresca, via his pre-Ajax press conference, Hato struggled at Chelsea initially, mainly due to the physicality of English football.

However, since then, Hato has got “better and better” behind-the-scenes and Maresca is thrilled with the teenager’s steady progress.

This is echoed by Tosin, who told reporters that Hato is impressing in Cobham training and working tirelessly every day.

The Dutchman, regardless of his very young age, was given the captain’s armband on occasion during his time at Ajax, and Maresca could well gift Hato his first European appearance for Chelsea against the club who nurtured him.

Coming to England with a stellar reputation as one of Europe’s rising defensive stars, he’s found it hard to battle his way into the first team so far, but according to Maresca, he’s doing all the right things.

Liverpool have reportedly identified a new centre-back target following the injury of summer signing Giovanni Leoni. The Reds are short of defensive options after the 18-year-old suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury, leading to links with Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. However, another player is said to have come on their radar ahead of the January transfer window.

• Liverpool suffer Leoni blow

  While there was a huge sense of relief that captain Virgil van Dijk signed a new two-year deal with Liverpool earlier this year, Arne Slot's team are not blessed with centre-back options. Ibrahima Konate has yet to sign a new deal, with his current terms set to expire in 2026 amid links with Real Madrid. In mid-August, the Merseyside outfit forked out around £30 million ($41m) on teenage Parma talent Leoni as a potential star of the future. This season would have been about bedding in the youngster and giving him game time here and there, while still being behind Van Dijk and Konate in the pecking order. But just over a month after his Anfield switch, the Italy Under-19 international suffered a serious injury against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, meaning Liverpool were somewhat short defensively. 

  Soon after the injury in late September, Slot told reporters: "He is not in a good place, of course, because he tore his ACL and it means he will be out for a year. Being so young and coming to a new country and playing so well in your first game… it's very hard to take the positive side. There's never a positive side – but you always try to look at a positive side and that is that he is still so young, so he has so many years still to go after he recovers from a terrible injury like that."

  Their inability to sign Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi seemed to be coming back to bite them here. 

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  Liverpool cool Schlotterbeck interest?

  In October, Liverpool were linked with 25-year-old Dortmund talisman Schlotterbeck, with an eye as a possible replacement for Konate, should he leave for pastures new. The 22-time capped German international has impressed in the Bundesliga and his performances is said to have attracted admiring glances from the Premier League and La Liga. But it seems the Reds will not be pursuing the 6ft 3in defender, who is so far reluctant to sign a new deal at the German giants.

  On that topic, he said in October: "BVB will be my first point of contact, and then we'll have to see how the next few months go. It makes a difference whether you're in 11th place in March or playing in the Champions League again. All I can say is: I feel good."

• Liverpool look to Sporting CP star

  According to DaveOCKOP, Liverpool are keeping tabs on Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande. The report adds that Crystal Palace pursued the 21-year-old for much of the summer as a potential Guehi replacement but with the England international staying put, that chase was put on hold. The Eagles entered 'advanced' negotiations with Sporting over a deal between £40-50m ($53-66m) for the Ivory Coast international but the Reds' interest is not as 'aggressive'. In fact, DaveOCKOP claims Schlotterbeck is more of an 'ideal' option for Slot. 

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  What comes next for Liverpool?

  In the meantime, Liverpool are hoping that Van Dijk and Konate stay fit, although Joe Gomez is a backup option should they be sidelined. Slot's team spent hundreds of millions this summer on big-money signings such as Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak but it seems it was a mistake not to strengthen their defence as that part of the field has looked shaky – not helped by an injury to goalkeeper Allison. The defending Premier League champions are already seven points behind table-toppers Arsenal after just 10 games and next up they travel to a rejuvenated Manchester City side at the Etihad on Sunday. If they lose that, and Arsenal win this weekend, they could be kissing their title defence goodbye already.