Harry Kane has been offered “is it the same” advice as a 2026 transfer for the prolific England international striker continues to be mooted. Ex-Tottenham star Stephen Carr has been discussing future plans for the Bayern Munich talisman, with GOAL being told why a stunning return to Spurs is unlikely but a switch to “somewhere else in Europe” could happen.

Transfer clause: Fee that will trigger exit talks

It has been revealed that Kane has a clause in his contract at the Allianz Arena which can be triggered in upcoming windows. If a bid of £57 million ($76m) is tabled, then the 32-year-old frontman will be allowed to enter into talks with interested parties.

Tottenham have the option of matching any offers, having stipulated as much when sanctioning the sale of their all-time leading goalscorer in 2023, and would love to welcome a home-grown icon back to familiar surroundings in north London after seeing him break his trophy duck in Germany.

AdvertisementGettySpurs return: Will Kane head home?

Kane is, however, happy at Bayern and has been linked with other heavyweight outfits such as Barcelona and Real Madrid. With that in mind, a retracing of steps to the Premier League is not considered to be a top priority.

Quizzed on whether Kane will ever don a Spurs jersey again, Carr – speaking with Casino.org, where you can review online gambling – told GOAL: “I’m not sure. He’s having unbelievable success in Germany. He’s a goalscorer and will score goals wherever he goes.

“I’m sure he will have other offers. He has the buyout and do Tottenham have first refusal? Is it ever the same when a player comes back again? Not really. The team he left, he had a great relationship with him and [Heung-min] Son playing together – that worked really well. It would be a completely different team that he came back to if that evolved. I think he will have offers from big clubs if he wants to move on. He has proven that he just scores goals. He’s phenomenal.”

Never go back: Kane remains a legend at Tottenham

Football folklore dictates that you should “never go back”, with Kane aware that a return to Tottenham – if things did not work out as planned – could lead to his legacy being tarnished somewhat. That will be factored into his thinking.

He will also be turning 33 next summer, with Spurs likely favouring more long-term solutions. Carr added on what happens next for a fan favourite at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: “He left and even the fans in the end understood that he needed to leave in order to win something. He deserved to win something, which he has now. I’m sure he will win more this year.

“He had unbelievable success there [Spurs], is a legend there, and I think he is still looked at like that. He scores goals regardless but whether he would have that same success, I don’t know. It would be great if he did go back, but I think he will be looking at it differently. After leaving Tottenham, giving up on the English goal record – he would have caught [Alan] Shearer the way he was going – he’s not going to get younger, he does adjust his game, but I get the feeling he will stay there or go somewhere else in Europe. He might want another challenge, rather than going back to Tottenham.”

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GettyKane contract: New challenge or extension at Bayern?

Kane has offered no indication that he is considering a change of scenery, having spoken on a regular basis of how happy he and his family – including wife Kate – are in Bavaria. He is tied to a contract through to 2027 that may yet be extended.

Bayern are understandably reluctant to part with their free-scoring No.9. They have seen Kane register 110 goals through 117 appearances – winning back-to-back Golden Boots. He became a Bundesliga title winner last season and is ready to chase down more major honours in 2026 – including the World Cup crown as captain and record-shattering all-time leading marksman of the England national team.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo enviou, nesta terça-feira (23), um ofício à CBF solicitando que o árbitro Raphael Claus não apite o clássico contra o Flamengo, no domingo (28), e ainda pediu para que ele fique de fora das escalas do Glorioso enquanto correr a CPI da Manipulação de Jogos e Apostas Esportivas.

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A Confederação Brasileira de Futebol designou uma equipe de arbitragem polêmica para a partida. Raphael Claus seria o principal, e Anderson Daronco atuaria como o quarto árbitro, algo que não acontece há anos.

O que ligou o alerta da diretoria foi o histórico de Claus nas últimas partidas que apitou do clube alvinegro. Em depoimento à CPI, John Textor citou supostos erros do árbitro, que também apitou Botafogo 1×2 Flamengo no Brasileiro 2023, clássico que ficou marcado por diversas polêmicas com a arbitragem, incluindo os dois gols rubro-negros, segundo o Glorioso.

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“O árbitro em questão não goza da necessária independência e imparcialidade – nem da confiança do público e demais atores envolvidos, incluindo o próprio CR Flamengo – para arbitrar partidas da SAF Botafogo, pelo menos não enquanto as investigações da CPI não forem concluídas”, diz documento enviado pelo Botafogo.

O documento também cita a árbitra de vídeo Daiane Caroline Muniz dos Santos. Após o depoimento do dono da SAF, o presidente da CPI, Jorge Kajuru (PSB-GO), pediu para que Claus e Daiane sejam convidados a depor, na condição de testemunha e em sessão secreta.

De acordo com o relatório, ambos os árbitros foram escalados juntos em 11 das 38 rodadas do Campeonato Brasileiro, causando estranheza, já outras duplas foram escaladas juntas em no máximo três rodadas. E que ambos, “infelizmente”, acabaram “se envolvendo em lances polêmicos”.

continua após a publicidadeConfira a equipe de arbitragem completa para Flamengo x Botafogo:

Árbitro: Raphael Claus (Fifa/SP)
Assistente 1: Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis (Fifa/SP)
Assistente 2: Evandro de Melo Lima (SP)
Quarto-árbitro: Anderson Daronco (Fifa/RS)
Assessor: Raimundo Nonato Lopo de Abreu (DF)
VAR: Rodolpho Toski Marques (VAR-Fifa/PR)
AVAR: Sidmar dos Santos Meurer (PR)
AVAR 2: Bruno Arleu de Araújo (Fifa/RJ)
Observador de VAR: Hilton Moutinho Rodrigues (RJ)

O Botafogo enfrenta o Flamengo, no próximo domingo, às 11h, no Maracanã, pela 4ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, em jogo que pode valer o topo da tabela. O Botafogo é o terceiro colocado com 6 pontos, enquanto o rival é o vice-líder com 7 pontos.

Tudo sobre

BotafogoBrasileirãoFlamengoJohn Textorraphael claus

Manchester United had a busy summer reshaping their attack to help cater to Ruben Amorim’s infamous 3-4-2-1 system. There were two major outgoings in forward areas, with two academy graduates departing.

Alejandro Garnacho moved on a permanent deal to Chelsea, and Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona on loan with an option to buy.

Of course, the Red Devils needed to sign replacements, with two big-money signings moving to Old Trafford. One of those was Bryan Mbeumo, who has hit the ground running since his move from Brentford.

Matheus Cunha has also shone after his summer transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, United appear not to be done there, with another attacking target lined up.

Latest on Man Utd's search for a forward

You cannot knock the signings of Mbeumo and Cunha, who have both performed well since moving to Old Trafford. Cameroon star Mbeumo has been particularly impressive, with seven goals and assists in just 12 games for the Red Devils.

Well, INEOS could now look to add to that firepower up front with a move for Borussia Dortmund and Germany forward Karim Adeyemi.

Sky Sports Germany are reporting that the 13-time Premier League champions are ‘in talks’ with his agent, Jorge Mendes, over a potential move for the attacker.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

23-year-old Adeyemi will be out of contract in June 2027, and at this stage, it is unclear whether he will extend his stay at the Signal Iduna Park.

This could give United, and other top European clubs, a chance to pounce.

A price is not confirmed should a move materialise, but there is a rumoured release clause of £70.5m in his potential new deal, a fee Dortmund could demand.

Why Man Utd could be targeting Garnacho 2.0

The 2025/26 campaign has been impressive from Adeyemi, who is performing well and putting up a good goals and assists output. Yet, he’s been an important player for Dortmund, showing great versatility by operating on both flanks and as a number nine.

This term, the 11-cap Germany international has found the back of the net three times and assisted three goals, in 14 appearances so far. On top of that, Seb Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic’s German football correspondent, says he thinks this is the “best football of his career.”

Perhaps this impressive form is a continuation of his 2024/25 campaign, by far his most productive in that famous Yellow shirt so far. In 41 appearances, he scored 12 goals and assisted 11, including a famous Champions League hat-trick against Celtic.

If United were to bring Adeyemi to the club, he could be the second coming of Garnacho, with the pair noted as statistically similar players among those in their position in Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref.

The Argentine is showing his former club what they’re missing out on by selling him this summer. For Chelsea, Garnacho already has two goals and two assists in ten games.

It may be a sale that will always leave Red Devils fans wondering what could have been. Their former number 17 showed flashes of brilliance for the club, but struggled when Amorim took over.

He managed ten goals and assists under the tutelage of the Portuguese manager, including this stunning strike against Brentford.

It is easy to see how the players are similar. The pair are quick, direct wingers who utilise their pace well, looking to drive at defenders. On top of that, their underlying numbers from this season are similar.

For example, Adeyemi – described as a “pace monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson – averages 1.43 key passes per 90 minutes, compared to Garnacho’s 1.58 key passes each game.

Goals and assists

0.54

0.79

Key passes

1.43

1.58

Shot-creating actions

4.47

3.15

Take-ons completed

2.32

1.32

Ball recoveries

2.86

2.89

Both attackers are versatile forwards who could play as a number 10 or even at wing-back under Amorim. They offer similar creativity in the final third and possess blistering pace, which can hurt defenders.

There is no doubt that £70.5m is a large fee for the German. Yet, Adeyemi could enhance the quality of United’s attack and be the second coming of one of their most exciting academy graduates in recent years.

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Akeal Hosein reached his hotel room in Dhaka at 4:00am on Tuesday. The West Indies selectors summoned him for the second ODI, following two injuries in the squad. Hosein joined the team in the bus to the Shere Bangla National Stadium around noon. By the end of the night, he was bowling the Super Over for West Indies, defending ten runs.Hosein had an unfavourable match-up with the left-handed Soumya Sarkar taking strike. He started off with a wide and then a no-ball. Bangladesh got four runs without facing a legal ball. Hosein somehow managed to salvage the over from there, avoiding getting hit for a boundary, even though he did concede one more wide with four needed off the last ball. So he had to go again and this time he kept his lines and gave up just one run.”I don’t think I have anything left in me again, buddy,” Hosein said after bringing West Indies back from the brink to level the series 1-1. “Got to the hotel at 4:00am. But it’s part of the job, and once you commit to something and once you give your word, you better be ready to turn up and give 100%. No excuses, and I almost messed it up, but thankfully, you know, I took the team home in the end.”Hosein is a world-class limited-overs performer but this was his first ODI in two years. Granted he was playing on an absolute, raging turner in Dhaka, he was still under pressure bowling the Super Over.Related

• Rage against the pitch – it's Bangladesh vs West Indies vs the surface in series decider

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• Hope conquers Dhaka as West Indies prevail in Super Over

Hosein managed to get the ball to turn into the left-hander’s body when Sarkar and Najmul Hossain Shanto were on strike. Against Saif Hassan, he bowled over the wicket, not allowing the right-hander to free his arms.”It’s a tricky pitch,” he said. “It’s not one that is turning at a fair pace. The ball is jumping a bit, so for me, to the left-hander, it was definitely to make him hit square. He’s [Sarkar] quite a powerful guy, so I think that if he has arms, he can hit through the line easily.”So, for me, it was just trying to spin the ball from as close as possible on a good length and force him to hit square, because that square boundary was quite big.”Hosein had faced a similar situation, in the Hundred last year. He didn’t have to bowl the Super Over back then, but did bowl the final set that pushed the game into overtime.”I have been in a situation like this,” Hosein said. “It was an Eliminator in the Hundred. And it started off quite similar. I bowled a no-ball. In the Hundred, a no-ball is two [runs]. And I had to defend nine [10] or something like that. And one ball [the no-ball] went for six, and then they needed two [three] off four [five] balls or something.”I remember Chris Jordan coming up to me, and he said, ‘don’t worry, you got this.’ and I said to myself, ‘if he can believe that I have this, with two [three] runs to go, Liam Livingstone, world-class hitter on strike, with four [five] balls to go, if Chris Jordan can believe, why can’t I believe?'”Hosein said that he was surprised not to see Rishad Hossain come out to bat in the Super Over on Tuesday. West Indies believed the lower-order batter who had confidently struck an unbeaten 39 off 14 balls earlier in the game, was the obvious choice for Bangladesh.”Yes, I was a bit surprised. I mean, the guy that seemed to do the most destruction in the match, 39 off about 14 deliveries not out, and he’s not in your Super Over, hitting to the short side where he struck two sixes.”We all were a bit surprised that he didn’t come out at all, and you know, it worked in our favor. He was one of the few guys who sort of packed that power and he had that reach because he’s quite a tall guy.”Sarkar, who was one of Bangladesh’s batters in the Super Over, said that the captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and coach Phil Simmons picked the batters for the Super Over.”The coach and captain took the decision,” Sarkar said. “We actually didn’t know Akeal Hosein would bowl. If two left-handers had gone in, and then an off-spinner came on, we would be in trouble. That’s why there was a lefty and a righty. You’ll see the same with their team; they also batted with a lefty [Sherfane Rutherford] and a righty [Shai Hope].”Hosein also shared the funny story about the unusually black coloured surface used for the first Bangladesh-West Indies ODI on Saturday.”I turned my TV on. The first thing that I did was check my TV, because I thought there was something wrong with it. I thought the color had gone or something like that. The pitch was black, and I was like, ‘surely something is wrong with my television'”, he said.

FIFA are all set to push ahead with a major VAR rule change for the 2026 World Cup despite facing initial rejection from stakeholders and members. The new changes in the law will be applicable for VAR checks on corner kicks during the flagship competition. The International Football Association Board convened a meeting in October, where they reached an agreement that VAR could be expanded.

• VAR to check corner-kicks

  According to , FIFA will aggressively push for VAR to check corner kicks at the upcoming 2026 World Cup, despite facing rejection from domestic leagues to implement across all competitions. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) – the body which determines the laws of the game – met in October, were an agreement was reached that VAR would check incorrectly given yellow cards, which could lead to a read, although the idea to review corner kicks was rejected. 

  The rejection means that IFAB will now have to conduct extensive trials across the globe before they can implement at the World Cup in North America next summer. 

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Collina open to new trials

  Legendary former referee Pierluigi Collina, who is now serving as FIFA's head of referees, is a supporter of the change as part of a wider review of VAR protocol. to support his argument, Collina has cited an incident from the Euro 2016 final, when Portugal were wrongly awarded a free-kick in extra time for handball on the edge of the area that almost led to a goal. The IFAB will convene their next meeting in January, where further discussions will be held. 

• League officials against expansion of usage of the VAR

  One major concern for the leagues across the world is that using excessive VAR would lead to more time wasting. The Football Association's chief executive Mark Bullingham, who is also on IFAB's board, had earlier told : "We don't think there's any need to extend the use of VAR. There are regular discussions in IFAB about what VAR should be, and how it should move forward. I think our position is that we're in a good place now. Of course, if someone brings an item forward for Ifab to consider, then as a group we'll consider it. But as a group we don't necessarily think that VAR needs to be extended at the moment. We think there's enough interruptions to the game in the current model."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Is expanding of VAR possible?

  An important aspect of the Laws of the Game that applies at all levels is that a referee cannot change a restart decision even if they realise it is incorrect after play is back underway. So, once the corner is taken and play is live, the game must continue. Thus if the new laws are implemented at the World Cup next year, every corner will have to be reviewed by the VAR – although in the majority of cases the decision will be obvious. 

  Fans will be eager to see if and when FIFA gets the nod to bring in the rule changes in VAR. Before that, they must extensively trial the methods to make sure their plan is foolproof. 

New York Mets slugger Juan Soto has been under quite the microscope this week.

Upon boos that rang in from the New York Yankees crowd in the Bronx this weekend, the $765 million man was criticized for not running out a grounder to second base. Then, on Monday night in Boston, he followed his lack of hustle up with a high fly ball to left field—one he clearly thought was gone—and decided to walk it out instead of running. The result? A clang off the Green Monster for a single that could have easily been a double.

Now, on Wednesday night—after being moved down the lineup by manager Carlos Mendoza—Soto struck out on three straight pitches in his first at bat against Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet. To make matters worse, he didn't swing at a single one.

Take a look:

in his at bat of the night, Soto again failed to swing—this time striking out on four pitches.

Perhaps he's boycotting his move down the lineup. Either way, it's not a good look.

The 26-year-old Soto is in the midst of a brutal 10+ day stretch in which he's failed to hit a home run or an extra base hit, and has also seen his batting average drop over 20 points. He's currently hitting .244 on the young 2025 season. The Mets are 29-20 though 49 games.

Mary Jung got a pretty amazing Mother's Day present on Sunday.

Her two sons, Josh and Jace, faced off in the Texas Rangers-Detroit Tigers game. This is a matchup that doesn't happen all that often, so for the Jungs to compete against each other on Mother's Day made the holiday even more special for their family.

Mary Jung delivered the game ball at Comerica Park in Detroit on Sunday as the announcer told the whole stadium about her two sons playing in the game. She and her husband sported split jerseys with one half representing the Rangers and the other half representing the Tigers.

She was interviewed during Sunday's game and shared how heartwarming the game was for her.

"My heart is just exploding," Jung said. "I mean, I couldn't ask for a better Mother's Day gift to watch them. We're all in the same place to begin with. But, to watch them live their dream, do what they love to do, I couldn't be more proud."

It really can't get much better than this.

Arsenal are believed to be after one club’s standout attacker, with his representative now confirming the Gunners’ interest in signing him.

Arsenal linked with new attackers heading into 2026

Despite having just signed Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and star striker Viktor Gyokeres in the summer — as part of their near-£270 million summer spending spree — links with new attacking options haven’t gone away.

Certain Arsenal forwards currently face an uncertain long-term future, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both out of contract in 2027 as things stand, so that could be a key reason why sporting director Andrea Berta is thinking about adding another forward to Mikel Arteta’s ranks next year.

According to some reports, Arsenal have held talks with representatives of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as the race intensifies for one of Europe’s most exciting teenage talents.

The 19-year-old Ivorian has enjoyed a sensational start to life in Germany, registering 11 goal contributions in his last 15 appearances across all competitions.

His explosive form has attracted elite suitors from across the continent, with Bayern Munich particularly aggressive in their pursuit of his signature, but Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, PSG, Liverpool and Chelsea are also taking an interest.

Related Arteta says "really special" Arsenal star has been so good in training lately

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However, given his seismic £88 million price tag, Berta may want to consider alternatives.

The north Londoners are believed to be keen on Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo too, with the Arsenal supporter (by his own admission) available for £65m through a release clause active in early January.

The Ghanaian has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, making him an enticing prospect for the Gunners.

Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz, meanwhile, has also attracted admiration from Arsenal amid his fantastic performances in Turin and ongoing contract uncertainty with the Italian giants.

The versatile Turkish forward represents another potential option as Berta continues exploring targets across multiple markets.

That being said, one player may arrive before any of the aforementioned crop.

According to Croatian media sources, Arsenal are ‘expected’ to strike a deal for HNK Rijeka star Toni Fruk, who will ‘soon sign’ for Arteta’s side with talks in ‘full swing’.

Agent confirms Arsenal interest in Toni Fruk

Now, as per his own agent, Andy Bara, that interest in the 24-year-old has now been confirmed.

Bara is quoted telling news outlet 24 Sata that Arsenal do indeed want to sign Fruk, but he also denies any concrete talks or negotiations happening behind-the-scenes right now.

The versatile forward, who can operate both as a number 10 and centre-forward, has been a revelation for Rijeka this season, bagging 10 goals in all competitions already.

Fruk’s performances have also impressed talent-spotters from the likes of AC Milan and Liverpool, with the ex-Fiorentina talent also out of contract in 2027 and potentially available for a bargain fee.

Fruk has also been described as the Croatian National League’s ‘best’ footballer and ‘most valuable’ player (Sport Klub), while others dubbed him a ‘new’ version of Luka Modrić.

Comparisons to the Real Madrid legend are a clear indicator of just how highly-rated he is in that part of Europe, with Rijeka’s talisman now turning heads in the Premier League.

Arsenal have been riding the crest of a wave under Mikel Arteta’s tutelage, but this is the season that needs to see silverware returned to the Emirates Stadium.

Not since 2020, when Arteta took the loose reins after Unai Emery’s dismissal, have the Gunners lifted a trophy, and for all the incredible improvements that have been made since this new era began, the cabinet could do with a fresh adornment – perhaps the Premier League title?

Sporting director Andrea Berta has dovetailed into Arteta’s project this year and strengthened the Gunners with some talented additions. However, a few stragglers have emerged in north London, and they may need to be shipped on next year to continue the development of this elite outfit.

The Arsenal players Arteta needs to move on

Arsenal’s diligence is reflected by their contractual situations: no first-team player will find their deal is up at the end of the season. However, there are several who need to be shipped on regardless in 2026.

Gabriel Jesus, for example, impressed on his return from injury in midweek, coming off the bench against Club Brugge. Into the penultimate year of his contract, the 28-year-old has recently attracted interest from AC Milan.

Though Arsenal have undergone an incredible defensive transformation in recent years, the frontline still leaves something to be desired. Viktor Gyokeres, who arrived last summer for £64m, was picked as the solution, but he’s yet to bring it all together.

Arteta, for what it’s worth, remains steadfast in his belief that Gyokeres, a signing fuelled by Berta’s vision, will hit his prolific stride in the Premier League, but as the Gunners continue to go from strength to strength and challenge for the biggest prizes.

However, there’s another prominent face in the squad who may be enduring more vocal criticism for his performances, and it’s a situation that offers shades of former midfielder Granit Xhaka’s departure from the Emirates.

Arsenal's new Granit Xhaka

Xhaka has been a revelation in Sunderland’s midfield this season. When Arsenal sold the Swiss international to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, few expected to see his face in the Premier League again, but he has been described as a “genius” buy for the Black Cats by Sky Sports’ Don Goodman.

The 33-year-old left Arsenal on a high, but his time in north London wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, having been stripped of the captaincy by Emery in 2019.

His perceived lack of discipline often led to him being scapegoated, and in a different scenario with a few similarities, the same could now be said of Martin Odegaard, who is Arteta’s proud £30m skipper but has come under fire for his performances.

Odegaard has been unlucky in recent years, missing chunks of the past few seasons, and some suggest he could be more positive on the ball, though statistics do rank favourably for the 26-year-old in that regard.

As per FBref, the Norwegian “wizard”, as dubbed by footballer Babayele Sodade, ranks among the top 5% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goal involvements, the top 3% for progressive passes, the top 2% for progressive carries, the top 2% for shot-creating actions and the top 1% for through balls per 90.

However, he’s not exempt from criticism. Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere said “it will be tough to choose between” Odegaard and Eberechi Eze going forward, with the skipper not guaranteed a spot just because he wears the armband.

Matches (starts)

14 (11)

9 (6)

Goals

4

0

Assists

2

1

Touches*

33.9

38.7

Shots (on target)*

2.2 (0.9)

0.9 (0.4)

Accurate passes*

19.2 (85%)

26.4 (84%)

Chances created*

0.6

1.2

Dribbles*

1.2

0.6

Recoveries*

2.8

2.6

Tackles + interceptions*

1.1

1.1

Duels won*

3.6 (53%)

1.8 (47%)

The former Crystal Palace talisman is growing into his skin since his summer move to the club, and should the £240k-per-week Odegaard begin to make trips to the bench, criticism is not going to disappear.

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Sunderland fans had waited a decade for this moment, as their beloved Black Cats finally faced off against their arch-rivals Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League.

The match didn’t disappoint, either, from a Sunderland perspective, as Regis Le Bris’ men secured the bragging rights when Nick Woltemade unexpectedly headed back Aaron Ramsdale, just as the second half got underway.

A real sickener for the Toon proved to be the fortuitous match-winner for the hosts, as the lofty German striker wanted the ground to swallow him up, after his connection from an inviting Sunderland delivery beat the ex-Arsenal goalkeeper.

While the ex-Stuttgart forward’s embarrassing lapse of judgment stole the headlines come the full-time whistle, many of Le Bris’ first teamers also stood out throughout, as Granit Xhaka cut an assured figure again, all across the 1-0 win.

Xhaka's performance in numbers

Come the end of the match, Sky Sports’ Micah Richards would rightly hail the Black Cats captain as an “absolute warrior”, as the ever-present midfield battler barely put a foot wrong again.

He did give away possession 16 times, but the Swiss would constantly recover and retrieve the ball, with all 100% of his tackles successfully won.

Le Bris would have known it was vital that Sunderland won the midfield battle to get the better of Eddie Howe’s visitors, as the likes of Sandro Tonali won no tackles, up against a far stronger Xhaka.

Moreover, the tenacious number 34 has the know-how of how to win these sorts of crunch affairs, having become well accustomed to the North London Derby at the Emirates, with Xhaka subsequently standing out from minute one. He would amass the most touches of any player in the first half at 50 touches, alongside calmly spraying the ball about at 43 passes.

Visibly cut at the full-time whistle, too, having given his all, it must be hard for Sunderland fans not to just constantly wax lyrical about their Swiss warrior. Yet, he wasn’t the only star showered with praise at the end.

Sunderland star was the "standout player"

Sunderland looked in control of the game from the minute Woltemade placed an effort past his own ‘keeper, as the rock-solid Black Cats defence stood firm once more this season, against a tired Magpies attack.

In particular, Reinildo shone down the left flank for Le Bris all match long, with Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley hailing him as Sunderland’s “standout player” in a lively first 45 minutes. Fellow journalist Andy Sixsmith also went out of his way to praise the ex-Atletico Madrid full-back by stating that he didn’t give a ropey Anthony Elanga a “sniff” when he was on the Stadium of Light turf.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

48

Accurate passes

27/32 (84%)

Successful dribbles

1/1

Tackles won

2/2

Interceptions

1

Clearances

4

Blocked shots

1

Ball recoveries

7

Total duels won

6/8

Away from completely nullifying the former Nottingham Forest attacker, Reinildo would also play with the same energy and determination that Xhaka displayed in spades, with the Brazilian even coming off at the end with the same amount of tackles won as the high-octane number 34.

He would even better Xhaka in terms of duels won, having won six compared to the ex-Arsenal man’s five, while also managing to complete all 100% of his dribbles as a force willing to push his side up the pitch, away from thwarting Newcastle forwards throughout.

Having arrived on a free transfer in the summer, Reinildo will surely now be seen as an unbelievable diamond that has been unearthed, with all 100% of his duels won against Liverpool, too, away at Anfield.

The celebrations at the end of the 1-0 victory will live long in the memory at Sunderland, as both Reinildo and Xhaka rightly jumped for joy, as their combined efforts ensured a tight three points were clinched.

Now sitting even prettier in seventh spot, five spots above their sworn enemy from Tyneside, it really was an all-round perfect day for Le Bris’ hosts, as Reinildo rubber-stamped why he should be the Frenchman’s starting left-back week in week out.

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