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Jemma Barsby’s catch off Amanda-Jade Wellington to deny Mikayla Hinkley a match-winning six was the pivotal moment in a thrilling final

AAP03-Dec-2023

Amanda-Jade Wellington took 3 for 16 and was named player of the WBBL final•Getty Images

Adelaide Strikers spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington’s heart stopped. Brisbane Heat captain Jess Jonassen’s heart leapt. Strikers captain Tahlia McGrath’s heart was in her mouth.The entire WBBL season, all 59 games of it, and the cherished trophy – came down to this. Brisbane needed five runs from two balls to win Saturday night’s final at Adelaide Oval.Heat tailender Mikayla Hinkley had just smashed her first ball for six. Then she went for glory.Related

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Hinkley cracked a Wellington legspinner high and long, towards the long-off boundary where Jemma Barsby was stationed.Wellington: “My heart stopped.”Jonassen: “We all thought on the sidelines that she potentially got it.”McGrath: “I thought it was out. I thought it was six. I thought it was out.”Near the boundary rope, Barsby took a few steps, then stood still – as time seemingly did.Wellington: “I saw Jemma getting settled under it about two metres in front of the boundary. I was like, ‘Oh, come on, just hold it’.”Barsby held her nerve. And held the catch.Wellington: “I let out a big scream of relief and joy.”McGrath: “Pretty relieved … her foot wasn’t on the rope. Talk about high pressure, it doesn’t get much more than that. We all ran up to her and everyone’s just saying, ‘that’s clutch’.”Jonassen: “If her [Hinkley’s] second shot went for two more metres, that’s a Heat victory. T20 cricket – a game of margins.”The moment meant Brisbane required five runs from the last ball. They got one.Adelaide won by three runs, with Wellington winning player of the match for her 3 for 16.Wellington: “I have bowled a fair few last overs and a fair few super-overs as well. I love the crucial moments and the big moments.”McGrath: “She [Wellington] had this look in her eyes. She knew what she wanted to do and then she executed for us. It was very similar to last year.”Last year, Wellington also bowled the final over in Adelaide’s title win – but she had more breathing space.Then, the Sydney Sixers needed 23 from the ultimate over. Wellington conceded 12 and took a wicket on the last ball.

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Valorizando mais um dos guris captado e desenvolvido nas categorias de base do Grêmio, o clube firmou o primeiro contrato profissional com o jovem atacante Guga, de 16 anos. Nome esse que, apesar da pouca idade, é visto com enorme potencial.

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>L! mostra o time dos protagonistas da novela global Pantanal

Para se ter uma ideia do caráter de segurança que o Imortal se cercou no novo vínculo, além de larga extensão (acordo tem validade até 2025), o contrato prevê uma multa rescisória fixada em 30 milhões de euros. Algo que, na atual cotação, equivale a R$ 152 milhões.

Como era de se esperar, após a assinatura contratual, Guga não escondeu a felicidade em dar mais um passo importante na carreira além de falar no “dever” de retribuir a estrutura e processo de formação proporcionado pelo Imortal a ele:

-Cheguei ao Grêmio com este intuito: mostrar o meu melhor nos primeiros anos por aqui e, com isso, conseguir meu primeiro contrato profissional. Sei que ainda tenho muito a evoluir e a instituição sempre me deu todo este apoio. Foi aqui onde tudo começou e tenho o dever de recompensar o Grêmio dentro de campo.

Natural de Fortaleza (CE), Guga chegou ao Grêmio em 2019, após se destacar nas competições de futsal em sua cidade natal. Com a chegada ao Imortal e o destaque no Sub-15 do clube, o atacante foi chamado para um período de testes com a Seleção Brasileira da categoria, em 2021.

Na atual temporada, Guga atuou em 12 partidas pelo Grêmio, sendo três pela Brasil Soccer Cup e nove pelo Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17. No torneio nacional, inclusive, o atacante anotou dois gols nas duas primeiras rodadas da competição frente a São Paulo e Bragantino.

While they still have a chance in the Champions League, Arsenal’s domestic season is now all but over.

Mikel Arteta’s side crashed out of the FA Cup and League Cup and are a distant second to Liverpool in the Premier League.

Now, while the vast number of injuries the club have had to deal with this year have undoubtedly played their part in this disappointing situation, the lacklustre form of their attackers hasn’t helped either.

For example, neither Leandro Trossard nor Gabriel Martinelli have been anywhere near their best, and, based on recent reports, that could cost them their place in the side next season.

Arsenal's winger search

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in signing Feyenoord’s exciting Igor Paixão.

Transfer Focus

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In fact, alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that fellow Premier League sides Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Bournemouth have made contact and expressed their interest in signing the exciting winger.

While the level of competition is far from ideal, the good news is that it might not be a particularly expensive deal to complete, with the report claiming that the player is valued at around €30m by the Dutch side, which is about £25m.

In all, while it could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, Paixão’s immense quality makes it one well worth pursuing, especially as he could be the perfect upgrade on Martinelli and Trossard.

How Paixão compares to Trossard and Martinelli

The good news for Arsenal and Arteta is that with Bukayo Saka and now Ethan Nwaneri, the right-wing position could and probably should be covered for years to come.

Unfortunately, this season has proven that the same can not be said for the opposite flank, as Martinelli has carried over his underwhelming form from last year, and Trossard has taken a significant step back in terms of effectiveness as well.

This is where Paixão comes in, as so far this season, he has been superb for Feyenoord, both domestically and in Europe, so he could prove to be a real upgrade on Arteta’s options should he be signed this summer.

The best way to show how much better the Brazilian has been is to simply compare his output to that of his potential new teammates.

For example, in 38 appearances this season, totalling 3176 minutes, the “explosive” 24-year-old, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored 11 goals and provided 15 assists.

That means he has averaged a goal involvement every 1.46 games, or every 122.15 minutes so far this year, which is the sort of output Arteta could really do with.

In contrast, the former Ituano gem has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 38 appearances, totalling 2500 minutes, and the former Brighton & Hove Albion star has scored six goals and provided seven assists in 43 appearances, totalling 2665 minutes.

Appearances

38

38

43

Minutes

3176′

2500′

2665

Goals

11

7

6

Assists

15

4

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.68

0.28

0.30

Minutes per Goal Involvement

122.15′

227.27′

205′

So, that means the Brazilian ace is averaging a goal involvement every 3.45 games, or every 227.27 minutes, while the Belgian is doing marginally better and averaging a goal involvement every 3.3 games, or every 205 minutes, which still isn’t really enough.

Ultimately, Martinelli and Trossard are incredibly talented footballers who, at their very best, can be ruthlessly efficient, but it’s been some time since either was anywhere near their best, while Paixão seems to be going from strength to strength in Rotterdam.

Therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to bring the Feyenoord star to the Emirates this summer before someone else gets him first.

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Leeds United used to be a dominant force in English football with the Whites regularly competing near the top-end of the Premier League as opposed to the summit of the Championship.

Taking a brief trip down memory lane, the late 90s heading into the early noughties saw the West Yorkshire titans routinely compete in Europe, with the likes of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Mark Viduka and more all dazzling the Elland Road faithful with potent attacking displays.

Another gem that who grabbed the attention of the Leeds masses around this golden time was Alan Smith, with the versatile Yorkshire-born ace chipping in with many goals and assists of his own.

Alan Smith's time at Leeds

Much like modern day examples involving Georginio Rutter and Kalvin Phillips, Smith eventually broke Leeds hearts everywhere when joining arch-rivals Manchester United in 2004.

But, before that controversial switch to Old Trafford occurred, Smith was a regular in many a Whites side that challenged near the top of the Premier League.

Indeed, the much-loved Leeds number 17 would go on to notch up 54 goals and 18 assists from a bumper 225 appearances, with six of those goal contributions tallied up in the illustrious Champions League.

Whilst Smith will be predominantly remembered as a young hotshot striker to those in West Yorkshire, the now-retired attacker was also capable of lining up in the midfield spots when needed, with the latter stages of his long career seeing him regularly line up in the middle of the park.

That was something Sir Alex Ferguson brewed, once notably comparing him to a United legend: “He’s an outstanding person who has a strong character and a real determination. There are some of the characteristics which have led me to liken him to Roy Keane – and that is why we were prepared to try him in the midfield role.”

CM

128

2

5

SS

60

16

10

CF

54

12

8

AM

46

1

2

DM

8

0

0

RM

7

0

1

RW

4

1

1

LM

4

2

1

CB

1

0

0

His spell with the Red Devils saw him become a frequent midfield option, with one Leeds star now aiming to become his club’s next Smith.

Leeds' next Alan Smith

Although the Championship high-flyers are experiencing a crisis in confidence at the moment, Farke’s camp is undoubtedly brimming with some top talents for the division.

One of those talents was only picked up last summer in the form of Ao Tanaka, but the Japan international has managed to seamlessly fit into the Elland Road setup as a stylish and composed performer after signing for £3.5m.

Much like Smith, Tanaka is capable of firing home a crucial goal for Leeds at a moment’s notice, with the ex-Fortuna Dusseldorf man up to four goals and two assists for his promotion-chasing outfit from 36 league clashes.

But, as much as this output has caught the eye of the Leeds faithful, Tanaka’s often under-the-radar presence has also offered Farke’s men some calm in tense moments, with an unerring 90% pass accuracy averaged per Championship clash.

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

Smith was also a cool customer for Leeds during some jittery contests, with his longetivity in football – which resulted in 284 Premier League appearances being amassed – yet another aspect of his varied game Tanaka will aim to replicate, with the 26-year-old’s instant impact in England leading to him perhaps becoming an accomplished top-flight presence down the line.

While the Japanese is undoubtedly more defensive in nature, his ability to find the net suggests he could play behind the striker and venture into more forward areas, just as Smith did during his early days at Elland Road.

Already, the Whites number 22 is being hailed as “exceptional” according to Opta stat man Jonny Cooper, with the next step for both Tanaka and Leeds hopefully the Premier League, if the West Yorkshire giants are able to push through any upcoming hiccups.

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Arsenal could “make a move” for a “world-class” forward in the summer transfer window, having now identified him as a top target, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Gunners set their sights on new attackers

The Gunners are very keen on bringing in a top striker in the summer, having identified Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as two of their main targets, but there may also be a need to strengthen in wide areas.

The absence of Bukayo Saka, and more recently Gabriel Martinelli, has arguably played a big role in hindering Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League title race, with Liverpool now 12 points clear as we approach the business end of the season.

As such, Arteta may want to bring in reinforcements this summer, and a recent report has revealed the north Londoners are now ready to trigger the £49m release clause in Nico Williams’ Athletic Bilbao contract.

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Arteta is seemingly very keen on Williams, having instructed sporting director Andrea Berta to sign him, but there is also a potential alternative option, as revealed by former scout Brown in an interview with Football Insider.

Football Insider asserts that Leroy Sane is a top target for Arsenal, before going on to relay quotes from Brown, who says: “I don’t think Arsenal will be the only club interested if he’s available for free.

“But we know Mikel Arteta wants to add new wingers to his squad.

“It’s been a major blow for them this season, losing Saka and Martinelli, and they need a player who can come in and rotate with the two of them.

“His ability is proven and he’s got plenty of winning experience.

“So Arsenal’s scouts will have been watching him closely at Bayern and they’ll be keeping a close eye on his contract situation so they can make a move if he leaves for free.”

"World-class" Sane could be keen to play for Arteta

Sane has played under Arteta in the past, during the Arsenal manager’s spell as assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, and the German lauded his former boss for the improvements he helped him make to his game.

The 29-year-old is believed to have a close bond with the Spaniard, and he has since gone on to develop his game even further since signing for Bayern, with Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann now of the belief that he is in the “world-class” category.

With the winger’s £243k-per-week contract set to expire in the summer, he will be available on a free transfer, which is a bonus, and his attacking numbers during his previous spell in England indicate he could be capable of pushing for a starting spot at the Emirates Stadium.

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

2016/17

26

5

4

2017/18

32

10

15

2018/19

31

10

10

يبدو أن نادي الهلال السعودي بصدد خطوة مميزة في إدارته الرياضية، قد تعيد رسم ملامح سوق الانتقالات في المنطقة، بعدما اقترب من التعاقد مع أحد العقول التي صنعت أمجاد ليفربول في العصر الحديث، وكان له الفضل في واحدة من أكثر اللقطات تأثيرًا في مسيرة النجم المصري محمد صلاح.

فقد كشفت صحيفة “الرياضية” السعودية، أن شركة كرة القدم بنادي الهلال توصلت إلى اتفاق مبدئي مع الإنجليزي مايكل إدواردز لتولي منصب المدير الرياضي للنادي، بداية من الموسم الكروي المقبل 2025-2026، على أن يتم حسم العقود والتفاصيل النهائية خلال الفترة القريبة القادمة.

إدواردز ليس اسمًا عابرًا في عالم الإدارة الرياضية، فهو الرجل الذي كان خلف واحدة من أهم صفقات القرن بالنسبة للجماهير العربية، حين أقنع إدارة ليفربول الإنجليزي بضم محمد صلاح من روما في صيف 2017، الصفقة التي تحولت إلى نقطة فاصلة في مسيرة “الملك المصري”، وجعلته أسطورة في أنفيلد خلال سنوات قليلة.

طالع أيضًا | ضربة مؤلمة لـ ريال مدريد قبل مواجهة الهلال في كأس العالم للأندية

لم يكن صلاح وحده من جلبه إدواردز إلى ليفربول، بل كان خلف ضم الحارس البرازيلي أليسون بيكر والمدافع العملاق فيرجيل فان دايك، ما شكّل العمود الفقري لفريق يورجن كلوب الذي حصد دوري أبطال أوروبا والدوري الإنجليزي.

وعمل إدواردز داخل أسوار ليفربول بين عامي 2011 و2022، وتدرّج من رئيس لفريق التحليل الفني إلى مدير رياضي، ثم خرج من النادي رافضًا عدة عروض ضخمة من أندية مثل مانشستر يونايتد وتشيلسي، قبل أن يظهر الهلال في الصورة هذه الأيام بخطة طموحة لإقناعه بخوض تجربة جديدة في الشرق الأوسط.

ورغم تقدم المفاوضات مع إدواردز، إلا أن الصحيفة السعودية أكدت أن الهلال يحتفظ بخيارات بديلة، أبرزها الإسباني روبيرتو أولابي، المدير الرياضي السابق لريال سوسيداد، والذي أعلن رحيله عن النادي مع نهاية الموسم الحالي.

A new update has emerged regarding Philippe Clement’s long-term replacement at Rangers, and how Barry Ferguson can impress as he eys a permanent role at Ibrox.

Ferguson suffer first defeat in charge of Rangers

After the impressive 4-2 win away to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership in his first game in charge, Ferguson was sent crashing back down to reality on Saturday afternoon.

Rangers lost 2-1 at home to Motherwell, having trailed 2-0 at the break, and this time they were unable to stage a Kilmarnock-esque comeback, with the boss bemoaning the result after the game: “There’s obviously a clear problem in terms of playing at home and that’s something me as a manager and my staff and the players need to sit down and really get to the bottom of.”

The Gers’ defeat, coupled with Celtic winning 5-2 away to St Mirren, means that they now trail their rivals by 16 points in the title race, with their chances of a first league crown since 2020/21 all but over.

It’s now a case of Ferguson and his players focusing on going as far as they can in the Europa League, with the former Rangers captain looking to prove to potential new owners the 49ers Enterprises that he is the right man to take the job on a full-time basis after the sacking of Clement last weekend.

New permanent Rangers manager update on Ferguson emerges

According to a fresh update from Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, Ferguson “could be given” the Rangers job on a permanent basis this summer, should he impress in his interim role, despite various others being mentioned as options to come in.

The 47-year-old is “already well-backed by the Ibrox crowd thanks to his previous spell as Rangers’ club captain”, and the appointments of Neil McCann, Alan McGregor and Billy Dodds to the coaching staff have also “inspired praise” from the fanbase.

The report does state that likely incomings new owners 49ers Enterprises are “keen to take their time over the appointment to ensure they get the right man”, though, and getting a positive result against Celtic would “go a long way” towards Ferguson landing the job.

There does feel like a risk in making Ferguson’s temporary role permanent, considering he hasn’t been in management for three years, most recently taking charge of Alloa Athletic back in 2022.

Rangers and 49ers have to be careful that they don’t allow sentimentality to cloud their judgement, in terms of simply appointing a former legend on the pitch as their new manager, instead being ruthless and bringing in the right choice.

If Ferguson, who plays a 4-2-3-1 system, excels in the role between now and the end of the season, displaying tactical acumen, picking up positive results and improving the players, then he will have a genuine argument for taking on the role permanently.

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For now, though, Rangers need to keep their options open and looking at more experienced managers, whether it be Steven Gerrard or Kevin Muscat, to name just a few examples.

MatériaMais Notícias

O gol marcado por Patrick aos 33 minutos do primeiro tempo foi o mais rápido da carreira do jogador, que entrou na partida cinco minutos antes de ir às redes. O tento garantiu a vitória do São Paulo sobre o América-MG por 1 a 0, no Morumbi, na tarde deste domingo (12).

GALERIA
> ATUAÇÕES: Mesmo com pressão, Jandrei salva e Patrick garante vitória do São Paulo

TABELA
> Veja a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

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O meio-campista comentou que o técnico Rogério Ceni talvez o colocasse no segundo tempo, mas como Luan sentiu a coxa esquerda, a alteração foi antecipada.

– O jogo estava passando por um momento de turbulência, talvez ele estivesse pensando em fazer essa mudança tática no segundo tempo, só que o Luan sentiu um desconforto, e ele (Ceni) optou pela substituição no primeiro tempo. Deu certo. Entrei e consegui fazer o gol – disse Patrick.

O autor do gol também revelou que nunca fez um gol tão rápido em sua carreira. E se mostrou feliz por ajudar na vitória da equipe, que agora voltou para o G4 do Campeonato Brasileiro.

– Foi a primeira vez, eu nem me lembro, mas acho que tão rápido assim, eu nunca fiz. Ele (Ceni) pediu pra gente voltar a jogar no modelo antigo, como fizemos no Campeonato Paulista. Eu sabia que teríamos um pouco de dificuldade por não estarmos praticando, mas já tínhamos na cabeça – completou o jogador.

Chelsea's stance on signing Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho has been revealed as Manchester United look to offload homegrown players.

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Chelsea's transfer stance on Mainoo and GarnachoMan Utd looking to earn pure profitBlues face Everton on SaturdayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea have been interested in Mainoo and Garnacho since enquiring about the pair in the January transfer window. According to the , the Blues will once again chase the United duo if the players are available in the transfer market this summer. The report adds that the cash-strapped Red Devils might be forced to sell their homegrown players to earn pure profit, which will again help them make fresh signings without disrupting the Profit and Sustainability Rules.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ruben Amorim is looking to revamp his United squad after their dismal performance in the 2024-25 campaign. The Portuguese coach reportedly wants to bring in Matheus Cunha from Wolves, with United hoping to pay his £62.5 million ($83m) release clause in instalments. The Red Devils are also believed to be admirers of Ipswich star Liam Delap, whose release clause will drop to £30m ($40m) once the Tractor Boys are inevitably relegated from the Premier League.

DID YOU KNOW?

Cunha has 14 Premier League goals this season for Wolves, while Delap has scored 12 times in the top flight for Ipswich. In stark contrast, United's Hojlund has found the back of the net just three times.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Enzo Maresca's side will be back in action in the Premier League this Saturday as they host Everton at Stamford Bridge. Man Utd, meanwhile, visit Bournemouth as they desperately look to pick up some league points.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is personally very eager for the Gunners to go and attempt a deal for one very highly-rated forward this month, as his side continue to scour the market for a potential Bukayo Saka replacement.

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Arteta watched on from the Emirates Stadium sidelines as Newcastle United clinched a 2-0 semi-final first-leg win against his side, with goals from rumoured Arsenal transfer target Alexander Isak and England winger Anthony Gordon giving the north Londoners a real mountain to climb at St. James’ Park on February 5.

Arsenal are seriously missing star winger Saka’s output right now -who is expected to be out until March after undergoing surgery on his hamstring – and that is highlighted by Arteta’s men spurning a host of chances against Newcastle.

Tottenham (home)

January 15

Aston Villa (home)

January 18

Wolves (away)

January 25

Man City (home)

February 2

Leicester City (away)

February 15

“Nothing – try to improve,” said Arteta on what Arsenal can do to be more clinical.

“You know, there are things that we could have done better. We were unlucky in moments. You need a certain luck for the ball to bounce there. You need that intuition as well, and if not, we’re going to have to generate more. That’s the thing that we can do. Then the probability will be higher for us to win, but certainly against this team to produce what we have produced, and looking back at the last six games that I watched, I haven’t seen it. But the result says 0-2, unfortunately.

“I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar, and it’s tricky because this ball flies a lot, and we discussed that as well. So there are details that we can do better. But, in the end, that’s gone. You know, this is no way back. It’s about the next game, and that’s the reality of our world.”

Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams

Arsenal are believed to be scouring the market for a goalscoring winger to assist them in the final third, in place of the injured Saka, and you couldn’t do any better than Athletic Bilbao sensation Nico Williams in that respect.

The Spain international finished 23/24 with an impressive 19 assists and eight goals in all competitions, and Williams was a reported target for Arsenal in the summer window.

However, the £200,000-per-week winger appeared to decide on remaining at Bilbao, for this season at least, but that isn’t to say that a winter move is completely ruled out.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arteta personally wants Arsenal to sign Williams in January, with the 22-year-old’s contract also possessing a buy-out clause of around £50 million.

That being said, a summer transfer is deemed more plausible, considering the total finances involved when factoring in wages. Williams also isn’t agitating to leave Bilbao right now, so Arsenal would seemingly need to make an offer he can’t refuse.

The Euro 2024 star has completed more successful take-ons per 90 than any other Bilbao player in La Liga this season, and is tied with his brother Inaki for shots attempted per match (WhoScored).