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Hampshire’s bowlers held their nerve to complete a nine-run win over Sussex at Hove and keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Royal London Cup

ECB Reporters Network27-Jul-2016
ScorecardJimmy Adams’ 92 helped lay the platform for Hampshire•Getty Images

Hampshire’s bowlers held their nerve to complete a nine-run win over Sussex at Hove and keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Royal London Cup.Chasing 269 to win, a fifth wicket stand of 125 in 17.3 overs between Chris Nash and Ben Brown gave Sussex hope after they had been 109 for 4 from 29. But Brown was superbly caught by wicketkeeper Lewis McManus diving to his right after making a List A best of 62 from 56 balls midway through the 47th over.The 48th over began with 31 needed but Brad Wheal conceded just three runs from it and Sussex’s race was run when Chris Jordan, who had just driven the second ball of the 49th over for six over extra cover, was bowled off the next delivery by Ryan McLaren. Sussex required 17 from the final over but Wheal restricted them to seven runs as they finished on 259 for 6 with Nash undefeated on 68 from 74 balls.Hampshire had earlier been indebted to a stylish 92 from opener Jimmy Adams and some late-order hitting by South African allrounder McLaren after they had been put in under overcast skies with the floodlights on from the start.Adams scored his runs from 97 balls with ten fours, and a six off Harry Finch in the same over that he reached his half-century. The opener shared a second-wicket stand of 87 in 15.2 overs with Adam Wheater (42) who was superbly run out by Jordan’s throw on the run from extra cover with only one stump to aim at.Hampshire struggled for momentum for a while after Wheater’s dismissal. Adams was fourth out in the 34th over, one of three victims for left-armer George Garton who surprised Adams with a bouncer which he could only touch to wicket keeper Brown.Garton, fresh from taking four wickets for England Lions on Tuesday, bowled with good pace in three spells down the slope to finish with 3 for 40 and also pulled off a stunning catch at square leg to remove Tom Alsop.In the absence of Bangladesh left-armer Mustafizur Rahman, who is unlikely to play for the county again because of a shoulder injury, Jofra Archer impressed on his first List A appearance at Hove with 1 for 46, occasionally finding some steepling bounce on a good pitch. It needed some robust hitting from McLaren to get Hampshire to a competitive score. He made an unbeaten 46 from 39 balls from No.6 and those runs were to prove crucial.Sussex were 81 for 3 after 22 overs of their reply with Ed Joyce, Phil Salt and Finch all unable to capitalise on starts but their chase was given impetus by Luke Wright, who made 45 from 60 balls. The Sussex skipper looked in the mood until he drove a full toss from Wheal to mid-on and departed mortified by his misjudgement.Brown and Nash took responsibility but fell short and a fifth defeat out of six has left Sussex with virtually no chance of reaching the last eight.

Tottenham Hotspur fans, and those from other clubs, were understandably baffled when the news came to light regarding their interest in Julian Nagelsmann. Or rather, the lack of.

Many viewed the German as the outstanding option to take over their managerial vacancy, as a young out-of-work tactician already boasting fine pedigree, and all the fresh and innovative ideas to lead a struggling outfit into a brighter future.

However, as of last week, Daniel Levy reportedly boasted no intention of meeting the 35-year-old and did not consider him a contender for the job. Meanwhile, Chelsea move ever closer to appointing Spurs' former touchline hero Mauricio Pochettino, denoting a truly sad state of affairs for the long-suffering fans of the north London club.

Seeing the leading candidate revealed to be nothing more than a concept dreamt up by the media, it has left many confused as to the direction the chairman seeks to take.

Whilst journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke had revealed an alternative four-man shortlist boasting "Arne Slot, Roberto De Zerbi, Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim", fresh news has since come to light regarding a new candidate that has entered the race.

As reported by FCInternews, Spurs have reportedly already opened talks with the agent of Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi.

How does Simone Inzaghi set up?

Enjoying just his second job in senior management, the Italian coach has earned widespread success for his work first with Lazio and now the Nerazzurri.

Having already begun to fill his trophy cabinet with various pieces of Italian silverware, the 47-year-old is seeking the ultimate prize this season and is set to lead his team to an unprecedented Champions League final barring a colossal collapse in their second-leg tie with AC Milan.

He has earned such success with a brand of football shrouded in his 3-5-2 system that promotes aggressive attacking from the wing-backs. Given this was a system Antonio Conte aimed to employ, the squad should take little time to adapt to his methods.

With those similarities, it could be argued that the former striker even boasts a smarter alternative to Nagelsmann, who would likely have endured a long transitional period to uproot a squad that has solely played three-at-the-back, over various transfer windows.

It was brutally showcased in their 6-1 loss at St James' Park just how hopeless this squad would be with just four defenders, which again merits distancing the 4-2-3-1 boss away from the job.

Not only this, but across the two teams he has overseen, Inzaghi has enjoyed a fine return of 258 wins from 442 matches, having scored a remarkable 906 times across this period. He will seemingly not repeat the failures of his compatriot, but instead hopefully find a balance that makes them a potent attacking threat once more.

After all, he is viewed as "one of the best coaches in Europe" by his brother Filippo Inzaghi.

Having spent time at such a prestigious club and impressed, perhaps Levy might be onto something should he prefer the Inter boss over Nagelsmann.

TalkSport pundit Carlton Palmer has claimed that transfer target Declan Rice may join Manchester United if the Red Devils sign Harry Kane.

What's the latest Manchester United transfer news?

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for the Tottenham Hotspur and England striker in recent times.

After all, when Man Utd played Spurs in the week, their travelling United supporters were even heard singing: “Harry Kane, we’ll see you in June.”

While Kane refused to be drawn on making any major comments when quizzed about the rumours after the game – saying "I heard what they were saying but I'm just focused on this team and trying to finish strongly" – there appears to be the feeling that he may well be on his way to Old Trafford in the summer.

At the same time, West Ham United captain Rice may also be on the move at the end of the campaign – as he holds the ambition of playing in the Champions League.

United may well be able to offer the £60k-per-week England international that level of European football and so could be an enticing prospect to consider.

What's more, Palmer seems to think Rice could follow Kane through the door this summer.

Indeed, while discussing transfers on TalkSport, the pundit said: “If Harry Kane does end up at Manchester United, I think there's a chance that Declan [Rice] might go to Manchester United, and that would be fantastic.”

Would Declan Rice and Harry Kane join Man Utd?

Although the Red Devils do already have Casemiro in the middle of the park, there's potentially plenty of room for Rice too.

After all, Scott McTominay has been heavily linked with an exit; Marcel Sabitzer is only on loan; and 31-year-old Christian Eriksen may not be viewed as a long-term option due to his age.

With that being the case, United may be keen on landing Rice but it remains to be seen if he would opt to join Erik ten Hag and co.

No doubt, what could help persuade him to be more on board with the project would be a move for Kane. After all, Rice is a key member of the England set-up – having starred regularly at the last two major tournaments – and will no doubt appreciate the quality of the Three Lions' all-time record goalscorer.

There's a long way to go before either of these deals are sorted, but it could be an exciting summer for United if the duo are indeed wanted in the upcoming transfer window.

A number of fans online have reacted to the worrying times at Chelsea after Kepa Arrizabalaga was spotted giving out tactics mid-game against Brighton.

What’s the latest on Kepa Arrizabalaga and Chelsea?

It’s safe to say this weekend’s efforts were disappointing but not surprising as the Blues sunk to another Premier League defeat.

Goals from Danny Welbeck and Julio Enciso were enough to see the Seagulls pick up a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge despite Conor Gallaghers’ opener.

Chelsea came into the game with Frank Lampard as interim manager after sacking former Brighton boss Graham Potter but the club legend hasn’t helped improve form in his short spell back so far.

Indeed, this defeat follows up a 2-0 away loss in the Champions League against Real Madrid, as well as another league defeat against relegation-threatened Wolves the weekend prior.

All in all, it feels as though no one really has a clue what’s going on right now at Chelsea with co-owner Todd Boehly even confronted by some angry fans at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Perhaps summing the mess up, footage has since emerged showing goalkeeper Kepa desperately trying to organise the players in front of him as his defence battled to hold onto a lead.

Whatever he said certainly didn’t seem to work with Brighton going on to level the scores before half time, and then netting a winner later on in that match.

And it seems as though a number of fans think it’s worrying and rather funny (depending on who you support) that the £150k-per-week Chelsea shot-stopper was trying to do manager Lampard’s job for him mid-game.

Here are some of the best reactions…

Some even joked that Kepa should be the next coach…

Arsenal are a club in a fortunate position, where seemingly nothing will go wrong. Everything they touch turns to gold, both on and off the pitch, and they finally have a team they can be proud of fighting for the top honours.

Even if they were to fail in securing the Premier League title, few expected a season like this after the disappointment at the end of last year.

It feels like everything has clicked, with a solid defence backing up a free-flowing front line which arguably could not get much stronger. Even their depth is admirable, with plenty more young prospects fighting alongside their teammates for those first-team spots.

However, in a moment of brief frustration for the north London giants, just yesterday ESPN published their top 39 youngsters aged 21 and under and it made for disappointing reading.

For the two stars they had on it, the inclusion of Yunus Musah outlined one of the Gunners' biggest blunders in recent years; to allow him to leave for free.

Who is Yunus Musah?

With Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka cracking the top ten of the aforementioned list, down in 35 is that lesser-known gem who has been silently starring for Valencia this season.

Beside his name they also wrote a glowing endorsement for his inclusion: "Often a victim of his own versatility, Musah has been assigned a more suitable No. 8 role in the centre of midfield for Valencia.

"His speed of dribbling with the ball and eagerness to press opponents are other attributes that keep Premier League clubs alert to his availability."

The 20-year-old has featured 23 times in La Liga and has shone for an underperforming outfit battling to stay in the division. His 6.66 average rating perhaps belies his influence, as his all-around qualities are outlined through his 1.6 tackles, 0.6 key passes and 0.7 shots per game, via Sofascore.

Such was his pedigree, the youngster was taken with the USMNT to the latest World Cup where he starred. Joey Barton even singled him out for praise as they battled to a draw against England, as he wrote: "Best young prospect at this @FIFAWorldCup is @ussoccer Yunus Musah. He’s going to be a top player. He absolutely dusted Jude Bellingham in England game. 20 years of age. Some player."

To suggest he bested the Borussia Dortmund maestro, who actually topped ESPN's list, is high praise indeed.

Compounding Arsenal's misery, Musah has understandably seen his value soar due to his emergence at the senior level. CIES Football Observatory even rate him as highly as €30m (£26m), only further exacerbating what an error to allow him to depart was.

Although the club have made few blunders of late, the recent interest in this midfield general's displays has made it so they are feeling the heat for an old decision now.

Two years ago, Newcastle United's focus was on preserving Premier League status and hoping to craft a team capable of treading water above danger at the bottom of the division.

Now, fortunes have changed drastically, and the Magpies currently compete for a place in next season's Champions League, one point behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and with a game in hand.

The influence of the opulent new owners has been profound, but not so much so as the appointment of manager Eddie Howe, who has meticulously set about crafting a team capable of competing against the supposed 'big six' of English football, evidenced by the sustained growth in the league and the club's endeavour in reaching this year's Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.

In order to continue the meteoric rise, Howe and co must throw the kitchen sink at a deal for Napoli prodigy Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has been linked with a move to St. James's Park, according to Football Insider.

The outlet states that the Georgian attacker demands that any new contract with his Serie A outfit must include a release clause, with the Magpies indeed poised to swoop.

How would Kvaratskhelia perform at Newcastle?

Kvaratskhelia is currently valued at £100m, according to 90min, despite signing for Napoli for roughly only €10m (£9m) last summer.

From 29 appearances across all competitions, the 19-cap phenom has scored 13 goals and supplied 15 assists, integral in his outfit's remarkable title-chasing campaign – 18 points clear in the league – and progression into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers throughout Europe's major leagues for goals, the top 1% for assists, the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, illustrating his all-encompassing forward skill set and the "magic" behind his craft, as lauded by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

His partnership with team-mate Victor Osimhen has been particularly remarkable, with the Nigerian sharpshooter within the upper echelon of strikers in European football, scoring 23 goals from 28 matches.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti recently praised the pair as "very efficient", also heralding Kvaratskhelia as a "great player", with one source also calling the dynamic duo a "match made in heaven".

Should Newcastle succeed in what would certainly be the biggest transfer in the club's modern history, Howe could look to emulate the partnership by deploying the Napoli whiz alongside £63m summer signing Alexander Isak.

The Swede has struggled for fitness since arriving from Real Sociedad, missing 13 matches, but the 23-year-old has scored six times already in the Premier League, despite only starting on seven occasions.

With Isak starting to grow into his boots to complement a multi-faceted arsenal, Kvaratskhelia could indeed find a home next to the gem, the duo respectively flourishing in one of Europe's rising powerhouses.

The £120k-per-week machine ranks among the top 13% of forwards across Europe's big five leagues for progressive carries and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90 himself, so the transitional nature of both footballers would only enhance the robustness of Howe's system.

Kvaratskhelia won't come cheap, but with Newcastle on the rise, a deal might just ascend the outfit to the forefront of European football.

Manchester United have had some special young talent emerge from their academy over the previous 30 years, with some being remembered more fondly than others.

The likes of David Beckham and Paul Scholes defined United’s era under Sir Alex Ferguson, while Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay could go a long way to defining a new dynasty under Erik ten Hag.

Certain youngsters, however, only produce one or two moments of magic before disappearing in a cloud of mystery and without much fuss, with Federico Macheda one of those whom United were wise to release when they did.

Where is Federico Macheda now?

With their Premier League title ambitions hanging in the balance, United found themselves drawing 2-2 with Aston Villa heading into the third minute of stoppage time, with three points all that mattered.

With one excellent turn, Macheda fired the ball into the Villa net and into United folklore at the same time. The 17-year-old’s goal gave the Red Devils momentum to claim their third title in a row and he even scored the week after against Sunderland.

Fergie even declared the youngster had “something special” about him and the future looked bright, especially with what had just happened, yet the next few years at the Old Trafford outfit featured just another three goals, totalling only five goals for the club.

A variety of loan spells to clubs such as Sampdoria and Birmingham City failed to generate quite the same excitement as he showed during April 2009 and Man United released him from his contract at the end of the 2013/2014 campaign.

He signed for Cardiff City that summer, scoring eight goals in 33 appearances before spells at Novara and Panathinaikos proved that he wasn’t quite the same player who had emerged on the scene at United bursting with talent.

40 goals for the Greek side was a solid enough return, but the 31-year-old now finds himself playing for Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia, scoring just once so far.

It marks a vast downfall from playing an integral part in United’s title triumph in 2008/09 to struggling in Cyprus and it proves the club released him at the right time.

What might have been for the Italian who impressed Fergie, even if it was just for a short space of time.

Chelsea ‘have to consider’ re-appointing Jose Mourinho should they decide to relieve Graham Potter of his duties at Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Mourinho keen to return

The Premier League hierarchy have been sounding out potential successors for the Blues boss, who is under pressure having secured just one victory throughout the whole of 2023, and a couple of names have already been doing the rounds.

Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly turned down an approach from SW6, with Zinedine Zidane the latest free agent to have been linked, the latter being a figure the board are ‘keen’ on.

The AS Roma boss, however, is claimed to have been the subject of an offer from the capital, with Simon Phillips revealing that he would be keen to stage a comeback.

The Latest: Jones’ verdict

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones insisted that Chelsea need to target a manager who’s been around the block a few times and name-checked Mourinho as a potential candidate. He said:

“So, I think a squad like this needs to be managed by someone with big experience, but also someone who’s got some ego.

“I think you have to be looking at and considering people from the very top of the trade here like Luis Enrique, Jose Mourinho. I know it sounds stupid, but yes, you have to consider him.”

The Verdict: Risk worth taking

Chelsea or any club for that matter bringing back one of their former managers is always a huge risk, but Mourinho being put back at the helm would surely be one worth taking.

The Portuguese maverick had an excellent record during his stints at the Bridge, winning 204, drawing 65 and losing just 51 of 320 total games in charge, averaging 2.12 points per match (Transfermarkt).

The Roma coach also knows what it takes to be successful at the highest level having got his hands on an astonishing 39 trophies throughout his career, so would definitely be able to manager the major expectations associated with Chelsea’s spending.

Mourinho has been dubbed a ‘legend’ of the game by talent scout Jacek Kulig so he could well be someone that the Blues think about should Potter be sent packing.

A key feature of Newcastle United’s rise over the last 12 months or so during the PIF regime has been the club’s astute dealings in the transfer market, with the Magpies taking a more measured approach to signings, rather than targeting high-profile, marquee additions.

That was no doubt evident last year as the experienced figures of Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier – among others – were brought in to aid in the bid for survival, before the northeast side again acted wisely over the summer to secure the services of Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak.

That knack for clever business was seemingly again continued in the recent January window, with the Tynesiders securing possible figures for the long-term in the form of Harrison Ashby and Anthony Gordon from West Ham United and Everton, respectively.

Although there may be concerns over the £45m fee that was splashed out on the latter man, that was seemingly an indication of the club’s faith in a player who can thrive at St James’ Park for years to come, with sporting director Dan Ashworth having also managed to secure a reduction on the Toffees’ previous £60m valuation.

With the inexperienced Ashby – who has made just seven senior appearances for the Hammers – coming through the door for a knock-down price of just £3m, it does appear that PIF have again avoided the temptation of unnecessarily splashing the cash.

That being said, however, Newcastle’s ownership may well have made a rare mistake in not strengthening a key area in the winter window, with deadline day having come and gone without the signing of a new central midfielder.

That need for a fresh face in the centre of the park was only heightened by the loss of long-serving playmaker Jonjo Shelvey to Nottingham Forest, with manager Eddie Howe subsequently admitting that his squad may be “light in a couple of areas”.

There had been reports throughout the month that the top-four hopefuls were eyeing a deal for long-term target Conor Gallagher, with the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards (Live feed, 31/01/2023, 14:32) revealing that a last-ditch loan attempt had been made for the Englishman, albeit with Chelsea reluctant to part ways – particularly on a temporary deal.

With no other suitable alternatives having seemingly come available – with Gallagher’s teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek previously mooted as a possible option – Howe has now been left with limited options in the midfield ranks.

Outside of the regular trio of Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes, there is seemingly little quality depth, with resurgent Brazilian, Joelinton – who has featured on the left flank of late – arguably the only other senior option in that position.

While the Magpies do have promising youngster Elliott Anderson as a regular fixture in the first-team, the 20-year-old is still rather untested at Premier League level, having spent last season on loan in League Two with Bristol Rovers.

The fear will be that any injuries or suspensions – including Guimaraes’ recent dismissal against Southampton – in the coming months could derail the club’s top-four charge, with the northeast side potentially set to be left to rue the failure to secure a midfield acquisition on deadline day.

While there is wisdom in not turning to a late, ill-fitting panic buy, Newcastle had seemingly been crying out for a new recruit for months.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now showing an interest in the Udinese forward Gerard Deulofeu as a potential option in this month’s window.

What’s the latest?

It is believed there is interest in the former Everton man this month coming from the Premier League with the likes of Aston Villa believed to be interested in the Spaniard.

The Wanderers have already added to their attacking line this month with the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid in the early stages of the window and are set to add the likes of Joao Gomes and Pablo Sarabia.

But it seems as if Julen Lopetegui is still looking to improve his options following what has been an underwhelming start to the 2022/23 campaign before his arrival at Molineux.

And speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has suggested the Wolves boss, Lopetegui, is a big fan of the 79-goal forward:

“I think it’s about Udinese wanting to keep Deulofeu. For example, I’m told that also Wolves’ manager, Lopetegui, is [a] big fan of Deulofeu. So it’s true that Aston Villa like him, but also Wolves have been tracking him.”

Not settling for safety

Aforementioned, it has been a pretty poor start to the campaign from Wolves which has seen them among the bottom three for large periods of the season.

However, the arrival of Lopetegui has seen that change and the Wanderers are now beginning to climb their way up the Premier League table.

But it seems as if the Spaniard is not looking to settle for the improved results of late.

Wolves’ attack has been their weak link this season with the Wanderers having scored the fewest number of goals of any side in the top flight (12).

To try and change that, Wolves have signed Cunha, a young Brazilian who has shown plenty of promise during his time in the Bundesliga.

But he has not yet proven himself to be a prolific striker that could score 20 goals in a league campaign and drag Wolves out of the relegation picture.

With this in mind, it seems as if Lopetegui could be looking to improve his options as a whole rather than focusing on one single player to turn around their form.

And in Deulofeu, Wolves could potentially add a player who has impressed massively over the last season and a half in Italy with 15 league goals and 11 assists to his name since the start of the 2021/22 campaign (via Transfermarkt).

However, going off Romano’s comments, it does sound as if Wolves could find it tricky to prise him away from Serie A where he is enjoying his success.