From Fernando Diniz's potentially game-changing tactics to exciting Premier League transfer targets – the game at the Maracana is not to be missed
During his illustrious playing career, Romario was renowned for speaking his mind. Seemingly, nothing has changed since his subsequent move into the world of politics. Speaking to ahead of Saturday's Copa Libertadores final, the Brazil legend said, "Fluminense should be the team to take home the trophy. As for the Argentines, f*ck those sons of b*tches!" Fair to say that if Boca Juniors boss Jorge Almiron needed any inspiration for his pre-match team talk, Romario has unintentionally provided plenty.
But it's not as if Boca were short on motivation anyway. Winning this tournament always offers 'Eternal Glory', but another victory really would be special for the Buenos Aires outfit, as it would see them equal Independiente's long-standing record of Libertadores triumphs.
For Fluminense and their players, though, this is also a shot at immortality, as the Rio de Janeiro-based outfit have never before lifted the trophy. Even more incredibly, they have a chance to do so in their own stadium – the mythical Maracana.
History, then, beckons for both, but as GOAL outlines, this final is attracting attention all across the world for a myriad of reasons…
Boca's shootout specialist
Sergio Romero knew little other than frustration at Manchester United. The goalkeeper spent the majority of his six years at Old Trafford sitting on the bench, featuring just six times in total in the Premier League.
However, Romero is certainly enjoying his football again, having quickly attained hero status since joining Boca last year – primarily because of his penalty-saving prowess, which is the main reason why the Argentines are in the Libertadores final.
Indeed, Boca haven't won a single knockout game, drawing all six of their outings in the last 16, quarters and semis. However, they've now won three shootouts in a row thanks to Romero, who has saved six spot-kicks so far, while at the same time keeping five clean sheets – no other goalkeeper has more.
As a result, the former Argentina international now rather understandably believes that Boca are destined to triumph at the Maracana. "I have faith that things are going to work out for us," Romero says, "that we're going to win it."
If Boca manage to make it to penalties yet again, you certainly wouldn't back against them – or their shootout specialist.
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Two very different veterans
There's no denying that Edinson Cavani will be the most high-profile attacker on the field at the Maracana. The Uruguayan is undoubtedly one of the finest forwards of his generation, having scored goals at club level in Italy, France, England and Spain, and won a Copa America with his country.
Cavani hasn't quite caught fire since joining Boca at the end of July, but his pedigree cannot be questioned, and it's worth pointing out that one of his three goals to date did come in the second leg of the semi-final against Palmeiras.
Nonetheless, it is Fluminense's veteran striker who is being touted as the likely match-winner on Saturday – even though many football fans outside of South America are unlikely to have ever heard of him.
German Cano is the quintessential journeyman, having spent the majority of his career moving from one club to another, often on loan. He never represented Argentina at any age group and, truth be told, many thought he was finished after suffering a serious knee injury at Pachuca in 2015.
However, Cano says now that "It helped me gain experience, become a better player, work much harder. You learn from those experiences. I’ve enjoyed everything I've been through. I’m older now and, today, I’m in very good form." That's putting it mildly.
Cano is the Libertadores' top-scorer, having scored as many goals (12) as the entire Boca team – and in fewer games (11). One could also argue that, right now, there is no better first-time finisher in world football, given 25 of his 36 goals in all competitions this season have come without the need for a second touch.
Cano, then, is buzzing with self-belief going into what is, by some distance, the biggest game of his life. "We know that victory would go down in Fluminense’s history," he said. "It would be really beautiful because it has taken us a long time to get there." It's taken him longer than most, though, and many neutrals are hoping that his inspirational perseverance pays off on Saturday.
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Liverpool or Arsenal's next No.6?
Despite long dreaming of a move to Europe, midfielder Andre promised Fernando Diniz in January that he would stay at Fluminense until the end of the 2023 season. Nonetheless, he was sorely tempted to leave when an almost "irrefutable proposal" arrived during the summer from a "club that plays in a big league".
Andre ultimately stayed put, partly because Fluminense were still in the Copa Libertadores, and partly because it was the "right thing" to do in the circumstances. However, the midfield playmaker also trusted Diniz when the coach told him that if he stayed, his value would increase – and it most certainly has, along with the interest in the 22-year-old's services.
Indeed, according to the latest reports, Arsenal have now overtaken Liverpool – the club believed to have submitted that big summer bid – in the race to sign Andre during the January transfer window. It's not yet known where he will end up, of course, particularly as other members of Europe's elite are said to have joined the chase. What is clear, though, is that the man that makes Diniz's team tick is almost certain to move on during the winter window.
Helping Fluminense win a first Libertadores would mean departing with the best wishes and gratitude of everyone connected with the club for agreeing to stay for those extra few months.
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Marcelo's Fluminense fairy tale
They say everything happens for a reason – Marcelo would likely agree. After leaving Real Madrid a legend last year, the left-back endured such a difficult spell with Olympiacos that he felt compelled to cancel his contract after just five months in Greece.
However, in February, he was given the chance to go home. "It's difficult to express what this moment means to me," he said after rejoining Fluminense 16 years after leaving. "I've been dreaming of returning to my origins, to the team that trained me and taught me what I know about football."
Since then, Marcelo has been teaching his team-mates everything he knows about winning major trophies, with the Brazilian now on the verge of becoming only the 15th man in history to win both the Champions League and the Copa Libertadores.
"I don't think of myself as a renowned player who has lots of titles," he insisted. "What I did in the past has been and gone. I just always think about the now, and now I’m enjoying one of the best moments of my life, playing a final with Fluminense."
Marcelo may already have plenty of silverware in his trophy cabinet, but few football fans would begrudge one of the modern game's greatest defenders a fairy-tale finish at Fluminense.
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsFile photo – Asghar Stanikzai struck a belligerent century•ICC/Helge Schutz
Win the toss? Check. Score 350-plus? Check. Secure first-innings lead? Afghanistan appeared to be heading toward another affirmative tick mark on that front, too, after a commanding performance on the opening day of their Intercontinental Cup clash with Ireland.Captain Asghar Stanikzai’s third I-Cup century set the pace to give the hosts their best chance at claiming not just the six points on offer for securing a first-innings advantage but 14 more for an outright win that would catapult them past Ireland into top spot on the table. His innings seized on the platform laid by Mohammad Shahzad in the opening session on a day where Ireland’s bowlers posed little threat.In the 33 overs of the morning session, Ireland’s bowlers beat the outside edge just three times on a docile pitch. They did their best to prevent Shahzad from running amok, holding the run rate to 2.5 over the first 20 overs as Andy McBrine’s first three overs after replacing new-ball seamer Peter Chase resulted in two maidens and the wicket of Shabir Noori, defending down the wrong line to be trapped in front for 15.Shahzad, who had been batting with a hat on since the 13th over, called for his helmet again in anticipation of a barrage of sweeps to McBrine’s offspin. The first attempt in the 21st over produced a boundary that served the dual purpose of unshackling Afghanistan from a tentative start and unsettling Ireland’s disciplined early lengths. Two more sweeps off George Dockrell in the 24th and Ireland overcorrected further as Shahzad began to pounce on a series of short balls, slamming John Anderson’s occasional legspin for six over midwicket to bring up his fifty in 68 balls.The Afghanistan opener looked primed for a century after reaching lunch on 69 with the score 112 for 1, but resumed his innings in a lethargic state after the interval and paid the price for a lazy flick to a rank half-tracker from Anderson. It was the bowler’s first delivery of a new spell and one that Shahzad would have rocked back in aggressive fashion to swat over the leg side earlier in his innings but a lack of footwork led to his downfall.Though Ireland applied little pressure with the ball beyond the opening hour of play, Afghanistan’s batsmen to that point matched them by operating in first gear. Perhaps sensing the lull that had set in prior to Shahzad’s downfall, Stanikzai seemed intent on making a statement by pushing the pace.After watching Rahmat Shah play out a maiden to Dockrell in the 45th, including an edge spilled by Niall O’Brien at the start of the over, Stanikzai began to twitch and a wild heave against Anderson nearly brought about his downfall but he managed to keep his back foot in the crease after overbalancing. In Anderson’s next over, he was gifted a pair of full tosses that were heaved for six and four before a charge down the pitch produced another six in a 16-run over.Rahmat tried to replicate Stanikzai’s aggression but perished in Anderson’s next over, edging behind to O’Brien for 46. Nasir Jamal joined Stanikzai and was content to play second fiddle to the captain through the early stages of their 144-run partnership as the captain shifted his attention to Chase. In his first over coming back on for Anderson, Chase was disdainfully flicked for six over midwicket and Stanikzai repeated the stroke a few overs later to bring a run-a-ball half-century.Like Shahzad earlier in the day, Stanikzai began the post-tea session in a sleepy state, scoring just seven singles off his first 32 deliveries. Jamal happily took charge, smiting Dockrell for three fours and a six in a four-over stretch as the competition’s leading wicket-taker continued to struggle with his control. Another boundary over midwicket by Jamal in the 76th over was followed two balls later by a six from Stanikzai to send Dockrell out of the attack.Ireland took the second new ball straight away and Chase nearly got them the desired breakthrough, Stanikzai driving loosely toward substitute fielder Jacob Mulder at cover – on for Paul Stirling who was off since the 55th over after injuring his left hand attempting a diving stop – but the chance burst through his fingertips on the way to the rope. Chase finally broke the stand in his next over though, getting Jamal for 73 chasing a wide ball for a toe edge behind.The visitors managed to claim two more wickets by the end of play. McBrine was rewarded for hard toil against the right-handers by getting a crack at the first left-hander to come to the crease, turning one enough to catch Hashmatullah Shahidi’s outside edge on a forward prod that carried nicely to Gary Wilson at slip for 2. A silver lining to Dockrell’s underwhelming day came courtesy of Mohammad Nabi, who drove to Chase at mid-off for 11, giving the left-armer figures of 1 for 91.But Ireland could not conquer Stanikzai before stumps. He fittingly brought up his century in 137 balls via a boundary against Chase, the bowler he profited from most. At that stage, Stanikzai had scored 31 runs off just 22 balls he faced from Chase, including three of his seven boundaries and two of his five sixes. Afghanistan scored at four an over with Stanikzai at the crease and with a robust tail behind him, 500 by lunch on day two is realistically achievable before Ireland begin their response.
Everton have been strongly linked with a move for Wilfried Gnonto this summer and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player.
What's the latest on Everton's interest in Wilfried Gnonto?
According to Italian news outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Everton have made a concrete move for the Leeds United winger.
As per the report, the Toffees are the first to make a serious move for the player alongside Freiburg and the club have already made contact with the recently-relegated West Yorkshire outfit to confirm their interest in Gnonto.
It is claimed that Leeds will demand up to €20m (£17m) to part ways with their young forward this summer as they are attempting to keep together as much of their Premier League squad as possible.
Will Everton sign Wilfried Gnonto this summer?
Improving the quality of the attacking threat at Goodison Park will be the top priority for Sean Dyche this summer as he aims to stabilise Everton's situation in the Premier League after the club suffered two consecutive relegation scraps.
Whilst the midfield and defensive personnel have been refreshed with quality as the likes of James Tarkowski, Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana have become key players for the Merseysiders, the presence in the final third has been significantly weakened over the last 12 months.
Anthony Gordon followed Richarlison out of the door in January, leaving the wide attacking options limited to Dwight McNeil and Demarai Gray for the remainder of the campaign and whilst the Toffees were saved with two points to spare at the end of the 38-game campaign it came a little too close for comfort.
Now Dyche could significantly improve the forward line with opportunities presented to him in the summer transfer window and by signing Gnonto could provide McNeil with a partner on the opposite flank who can work alongside him to offer more creativity and goal-scoring opportunities next season.
Only McNeil offered more goal contributions (10) than the Italian sensation (8) in all competitions last season, which is a testament to just how poor the threat was in front of goal last season for the Toffees and how valuable the signing of Gnonto could be for Dyche.
As per FBref, the teenage sensation – hailed "special" by Michael Skubala – already ranks in the top 20% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for blocks, tackles and progressive carries, proving that not only does he have an eye for goal but is also a consistent ball-winner who can comfortably progress into dangerous positions. The thought of two lively wingers, therefore, is a mouthwatering one for those at Goodison.
With that being said, the signing of Gnonto would be a major coup for Everton as his Premier League experience and potential to develop into a really valuable threat in front of goal could set up the future of their forward line for many years to come.
Kane Williamson, playing his first match of the season, made an imperious 89 off 51 balls and propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to their fourth win in four home matches
The Report by Deivarayan Muthu19-Apr-2017 Scorecard and ball-by-ball details3:16
Hogg: Dehi should have batted Morris higher up
Kane Williamson, playing his first match of the season, made an imperious 89 off 51 balls and propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to their fourth win in four home matches.Williamson was named New Zealand’s T20 international player of the year last month and yet he could not break into Sunrisers’ XI until their sixth game. This was probably because his record in the IPL doesn’t match up to his usual standards. Before today, Williamson had only one six in eight IPL innings. On Wednesday, he hit five times as many on a used pitch to lead Sunrisers to 191 for 4.Delhi Daredevils put up a good fight, led by Shreyas Iyer ‘s riveting 50 off 31 balls with five fours and two sixes. But even he could do little against an equation that eventually read 24 off the last over. Siddharth Kaul was asked to finish the match off but he was smacked for six second ball. The seamer recovered by bowling two dots and getting rid of Angelo Mathews to secure a 15-run win.Dealing with a two-paced pitch On a track where some balls stopped on the batsmen while others skidded on, run-scoring was not easy. David Warner was dismissed for his first single-digit score in 19 T20 innings as a bouncer from Chris Morris came on slower than he expected. Jayant Yadav’s accurate non-turning offbreaks gave Sunrisers no breathing space at the other end. They managed only 39 for 1 in the first six overs.The enforcer Williamson, coming in place of Mohammad Nabi, became handy for Sunrisers. After getting set, he smashed back-to-back sixes off Mathews and began changing the pace of the game. Suddenly, Sunrisers had hustled 52 in five overs between the seventh and the 11th.Williamson raised his second IPL fifty off 33 balls and surged into top gear. He took legspinner Amit Mishra for 21 runs off nine balls. He exploited any gap the Daredevils left unprotected. In the ninth over, seeing Zaheer Khan posting his boundary riders on the off side and leaving fine leg up, he walked across his stumps and scooped the ball away.The anchor Shikhar Dhawan, having hit the first ball of the match for four, was happy in Williamson’s slipstream. Together they put on Sunrisers’ 10th century partnership and the first not involving Warner. Only after the stand was broken did he try something fancy. A full delivery from Mathews in the 18th over was almost helicoptered over the midwicket boundary. Just as he looked set to bat through the innings, Morris dismissed him for 70 off 50 balls. It was Dhawan’s third-highest score for Sunrisers in the IPL.Kane Williamson led the way for Sunrisers Hyderabad•ESPNcricinfo LtdSamson, Nair set Delhi up Mohammed Siraj, playing his first IPL match, got lucky when Sam Billings chipped a leg-stump half-volley straight to short midwicket. Sanju Samson and Karun Nair, however, showed him no such mercy. Samson picked up a length ball and flicked it with the angle over the long-on boundary, while Nair drove a wide half-volley through the covers. He then reached his first 30-plus score in 15 innings across all formats, since the triple-century in Chennai, when he launched Moises Henriques over long-off for a six. By then, Daredevils were 80 for 1 in nine overs.The slowdown Sunrisers then prised out two wickets from nowhere. Vijay Shankar, the substitute fielder, speared a flat throw from long-on to run Nair out for 33. Rishabh Pant then wasted his promotion to No. 4, hoicking a Yuvraj Singh full ball from outside off to long-on. Only 18 runs came off the next three overs as the asking rate ballooned past 12. Samson attempted to prick the balloon, but only skewed a slower ball from Siraj to cover.Iyer’s late rearguard Daredevils’ hope rested in Iyer now and he fanned them with two sixes off legspinner Rashid Khan who ended with 0 for 33 in four overs. Mathews, sent ahead of the in-form Morris, however, laboured to 31 off 23 balls. Ultimately, Morris, who has a strike-rate of 238.7 this season, did not face a single ball.Sunrisers, though, might have been worried when Kaul conceded 13 off the 18th over and later when Iyer carved a reverse-swinging yorker from Bhuvneshwar for a four. But Kaul bounced back in the final over to hand Daredevils their third defeat.
Kolkata Knight Riders v Gujarat Lions Kolkata, April 21, 2017Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)
Head to head
This season: Kolkata Knight Riders thumped Gujarat Lions with 10 wickets and 31 balls to spare, chasing a target of 184.Overall: Lions still lead 2-1
Form guide
Kolkata Knight Riders (Second): beat Delhi Daredevils by four wickets, beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 17 runs, beat Kings XI Punjab by eight wickets
Gujarat Lions (Eighth): lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore by 21 runs, lost to Mumbai Indians by six wickets, beat Rising Pune Supergiant by seven wickets
In the news
This is the mismatch of the season. Kolkata Knight Riders have overcome the loss of one of their biggest players – Andre Russell – so well that another of their biggest players – Shakib Al Hasan – is struggling to break into the XI.Lions are so badly reeling from the absence of Dwayne Bravo that they have tried all but one of their 14 players with international caps. The West Indian allrounder said he was still a “couple of games” away from fully recovering from a hamstring injury so his team has to find a way to cope.
There is evidence to suggest Andrew Tye should try bowling more often in the Powerplay. He has given up only one boundary from 18 deliveries in this phase at the IPL. In his last T20 tournament as well – the Big Bash League – he had an economy rate of 4.66 in the first six overs.
Left-arm spin could be a very useful weapon to have in this match. Brendon McCullum has been dismissed by it 20 times – the most among all IPL batsmen – closely followed by Robin Uthappa on 19. Dinesh Karthik and Manish Pandey have also suffered, with 15 and 14 dismissals respectively. All of these batsmen, barring Karthik, hit left-arm spin at a strike-rate under 115. So could there be a case for Shakib to be drafted in for KKR? Could Jadeja hope to bounce back from his worst IPL figures in the last match?
Stats that matter
Knight Riders have made a conscious move to be more attacking in the Powerplay. Their average run rate in the first six overs has been 9.90 – the highest among all teams this season. In 2016, the corresponding number was 7.96
The captain appears fully committed to this plan. Gautam Gambhir hit a boundary every 6.9 balls on average in the Powerplay last year, but in 2017, he smacks them every 3.6 balls. His strike-rate during this stage of the innings is 148.75, a significant rise from the 110.94 in 2016.
Lions’ bowlers appear ripe for the picking as well. They have taken only four wickets in the Powerplay in IPL 2017. One of their best sources for early strikes, Dhawal Kulkarni, has had an awful time. He took 14 wickets in the first six overs in 2016 – the highest among all bowlers. In 2017, he is yet to pick up one in the Powerplays and has instead recorded his worst economy rate in this phase of the innings across nine years – 10.20.
Manish Pandey, who is among the top-five run-scorers this year, has only made one run from two innings against Lions. He averages 0.5 against them.
U.S. Soccer announced Monday that the USWNT will pay tribute to Ali Krieger on December 5 in a match vs China PR.
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USWNT to host international friendly vs China PR
Match dedicated to retiring Ali Krieger
Defender won 2023 NWSL title with Gotham FC
WHAT HAPPENED?
USSF made the announcement Monday, saying they would honor her legendary career. The two-time World Cup winner was a key member of the 2015 title, playing all but 10 minutes of the entire tournament – in which the USWNT recorded five shutouts en-route to lifting the trophy. Krieger's success was also noted on the club level, most recently winning the 2023 NWSL title with Gotham FC.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Krieger was a change-maker for women's soccer, becoming one of the first USWNT stars to go abroad and have a successful European career. The defender played six seasons with German side FFC Frankfurt before returning to the NWSL, where she eventually landed with Gotham – winning them their first-ever NWSL championship. In addition to her performances on the pitch, Krieger was an active voice for pay-equity for the USWNT and is still an advocate who uses her platform to represent and speak for the LGBTQ+ community.
WHAT KRIEGER SAID
“The end of my playing career was rewarding and emotional, but through everything, I just want to express my gratitude for everyone who has been on this journey with me,” said Krieger. “Playing for the National Team was a very special part of my career, and those experiences helped shape me as a professional. I’m honored that I get to say goodbye to the Women’s National Team and our amazing fans one last time and watch all the talented players who are continuing to carry the torch for this program. I’m super excited about my future off the field and the future of this game on the field in the NWSL and with the National Team.”
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WHAT NEXT FOR USWNT
The USWNT return to action on December 5 when they host China PR in an international friendly. The squad, which was the first hand-picked by Hayes, features a younger group of up-and-coming stars. For Krieger, however, it's a moment to say goodbye to a part of her life that she will never forget.
David Warner has said his game plan was to attack KKR, especially their spinners, and it is always important to have game plans against quality attacks
ESPNcricinfo staff01-May-20172:01
Had a game plan to commit to my shots – Warner
When Sunil Narine was introduced in the fifth over of Sunday’s game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, David Warner was busy razing the visitors. If anyone thought Narine’s arrival would herald a period of watchfulness from Warner, he dismissed such thoughts first ball, switch-hitting a six over short third man to register a fifty off 20 balls, halfway to what would become the fifth-fastest hundred in IPL cricket. After Sunrisers completed their 48-run thumping of KKR, Warner said his assault was planned.”It was great that I went out there and had a clear game plan,” Warner said at the post-match press conference. “I just said to the guys ‘commit to your shots’.”Speaking to the IPL website later, he elaborated on this plan to apply pressure on KKR, especially their spinners. “When you got a quality spin-bowling unit bowling against you, you always have to have a game plan. I try and take that risk out by backing my strengths. The reverse-sweep is one of my strengths.”I thought, tonight, I had to have that clear plan while playing and I did. I wanted to try and mix it up by coming down the wicket and putting a bit more pressure on them. I tried to make them bowl faster into the wicket. They bowled faster on a few occasions and didn’t at times. But that is the kind of game plan you’ve got to have.”Warner finished with 78 runs off 30 balls against the spinners, and Sunrisers’ opening stand amounted to 139 in 12.4 overs. However, Warner’s partner Shikhar Dhawan accounted for just 29 off those, off 30 balls. Warner said that was the kind of batting required of Dhawan at that stage.”I have to make a special mention of Shikhar Dhawan – the role that he played tonight,” Warner said. “I had to play that role [at the start of] last game when he was going all guns blazing. And Kane Williamson is unbelievable, he just comes and knocks it and gets a 40. It just sums it up for us.”Warner also praised 23-year-old fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who made the first breakthrough for Sunrisers in their defence of 209, and then claimed a well-set and threatening Robin Uthappa. “Siraj is learning on the go and that is what we expect. It is fantastic. That is the quality of this Sunrisers unit. We are not harsh critics, but we allow the guys to get chances, and the way he has come out and taken his chances is fantastic.”And it is great to have Bhuvneshwar Kumar there always talking to him. An experienced bowler like Bhuvi is of great help.”
Manchester City and England star Chloe Kelly has quoted Drake lyrics in a savage post mocking Manchester United after a derby win at Old Trafford.
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Eagerly-anticipated WSL clash in ManchesterBlues took the spoils in 3-1 winEngland star revels in memorable successWHAT HAPPENED?
The Lionesses forward, who famously netted the winning goal for her country in the Euro 2022 final, helped City to a memorable victory at the home of their fiercest rivals on Sunday. The visitors were comfortable in the end at the so-called ‘Theatre of Dreams’ as Jill Roord, Lauren Hemp and Bunny Shaw found the target in a 3-1 win.
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Kelly has taken great delight in picking up three points in a derby encounter that saw England team-mate Mary Earps endure an afternoon to forget between the sticks for United – with the experienced goalkeeper making an uncharacteristic error for Shaw’s second-half goal.
DID YOU KNOW?
Unsurprisingly, City were not given the warmest of receptions at Old Trafford – with Kelly posting on social media afterwards: “Never much love when we go OT”. That message, which was accompanied by an image of the 25-year-old shushing the home support, offers a nod to the lyrics from the platinum-selling Drake track ‘One Dance’.
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WHAT NEXT?
City have now risen above United to sit third in the WSL standings – six points adrift of leaders Chelsea – and will be back in action on Wednesday when playing host to Leicester in the Women’s League Cup.
Leicester City's Harvey Barnes and Leeds United's Jack Harrison would "do good things" at West Ham United, believes journalist Paul Brown.
The Hammers, fresh from winning the Europa Conference League, could target the relegated stars this summer.
West Ham transfer news – Jack Harrison and Harvey Barnes
According to Matt Law of The Telegraph, West Ham are in pole position to sign Leicester City winger Barnes this summer.
The London club will have plenty of money to spend with the reportedly incoming sale of Declan Rice, and will use some of that budget on bringing in Barnes, as per Law.
Meanwhile, according to TalkSport, West Ham are also in the race to secure the services of Leeds United's Harrison this summer, with Aston Villa also interested in the winger.
What did Paul Brown say about West Ham, Jack Harrison and Harvey Barnes?
Speaking to Football FanCast when asked about Harrison and Barnes' potential moves to West Ham this summer, Brown said: "I would like to see West Ham buy another winger. Harrison is one of the guys they’ve looked at, Harvey Barnes is another.
"I think either of those two players would do good things at West Ham. They have Jarrod Bowen there, it’s always felt to me like they need one more really playing on the other side, and then they’d have a fully functioning squad.
"So, I like that they’re looking at that kind of player. They clearly struggled to score goals at times this season and be creative enough, and I do think either Harrison or Barnes would be an upgrade on what they have and give them something a little bit different. So, yes, I think they’d do well at West Ham."
Are West Ham signing Jack Harrison and Harvey Barnes
Leicester City's Harvey Barnes
Although reports have seemingly cooled when it comes to Harrison and West Ham, Barnes reportedly remains a firm target for the Hammers.
Given the fact that Bowen is still front and centre as one of the main men at the London Stadium, too, it would be a surprise if David Moyes wanted to welcome two more players in a similar position.
With the Europa League to contend with next season, West Ham will need depth. But, perhaps their budget is better spent across the pitch rather than two players of the same ilk in Harrison and Barnes.
As the summer goes on, the deals will only continue to unfold.
Everton will be one of the Premier League clubs in desperate need of reinforcements this summer after another disappointing and difficult campaign last season.
The Toffees finished just two points clear of relegation on the final day of the season when Abdoulaye Doucoure netted the winner against Bournemouth at Goodison Park, but now Sean Dyche is tasked with his first full transfer window at the club to turn around their fortunes and improve their chances of competing more comfortably next season.
The former Burnley boss will have assessed the weakest areas of the squad ahead of the transfer window, with the attacking threat the biggest concern due to the quality of players being significantly weakened following the departure of Richarlison and Anthony Gordon.
Indeed, Everton have had numerous opportunities to repair their uninspiring and inconsistent goal threat but now after scoring the second-fewest goals over the entire 38-game campaign, it could never be more glaringly obvious that the club's hierarchy must invest to keep the Merseysiders inside the top-flight beyond next season.
Whilst investment is much-needed, Everton are experiencing their fair share of financial problems and will likely have to offload players to be able to recruit well this summer.
As a result, Dyche could now cash in on Dele Alli – who is returning from his tumultuous loan spell with Besiktas and eligible to start next season – and instead make a concrete move for Leeds United forward Rodrigo.
Would Rodrigo be a good signing for Everton?
Rodrigo has been continuously linked with a move to Goodison Park over the last month since being relegated with the West Yorkshire outfit and this week journalist Paul Brown told GIVEMESPORT that a deal could be very much possible financially for the Toffees:
"Rodrigo, clearly, is the kind of signing that Everton could currently fund.
"Until new investment comes in and the board is properly reshuffled, it's difficult for Everton to commit huge funding to any kind of transfer at the moment."
"That is an interesting one. He does have a pretty good goalscoring record in the Premier League, particularly if you compare him to Everton's current strikers."
Despite Leeds' struggles in the Premier League last season, the Spaniard – dubbed a "livewire" by former striker Aaron McLean – has been a constant standout performer in the team especially in front of goal – scoring an impressive 13 league goals and registering one assist with a goal contribution every 138 minutes played which is an impressive output for a side in trouble.
In fact, his output completely wipes the floor with the entire Everton squad as he out-scored every single player and when comparing his goal contributions in all competitions, Rodrigo delivered seven more (17) than their top contributor Dwight McNeil (10).
Not only that, the 30-year-old – hailed "class" by BBC commentator Pat Nevin – is an extremely versatile player with a wealth of experience behind the striker.
Thus, replacing Alli, a player also adept at playing as a 'second striker' should be an easy task for the Spaniard. Equally comfortable in the centre-forward role, Dyche could kill two birds with one stone for Dyche. He needs more creativity and he needs more goals; for a reported fee of only €3.5m (£3m), this would be a no-brainer.
With that being said, it is crucial Everton sign Rodrigo this summer as he would not only be a steal for a Premier League-proven player but would also be a hugely valuable asset to the attacking threat next season.