Trent Alexander-Arnold has been handed a major boost in his bid to face former club Liverpool, with the Real Madrid defender’s recovery from a hamstring injury progressing ahead of schedule. The 27-year-old England international has returned to light training and could feature at Anfield on November 4, seven weeks after suffering an injury against Marseille.

Alexander-Arnold could mark return against Liverpool

Alexander-Arnold’s rehabilitation from his hamstring injury is reportedly progressing ahead of schedule, giving Real Madrid a glimmer of hope that he could make a sensational return to action against Liverpool in the Champions League. The England international suffered the injury only five minutes into Madrid’s European group-stage clash against Marseille on September 16, and initial reports suggested he would miss at least eight weeks of action

However, BBC Sport reports that medical staff at Valdebebas are encouraged by his recovery rate, with sources indicating he could rejoin full training within the next ten days. That timeline would put him on course for a potential return just in time for the trip to Anfield — a match that would mark his first appearance at the stadium since leaving Liverpool in June. The fixture itself adds a layer of poignancy to his comeback story, given his deep connection with his hometown club and the legacy he left behind.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAlexander-Arnold: Teenager to superstar

Alexander-Arnold’s potential return to fitness carries immense emotional and symbolic weight, not just for Real Madrid but for Liverpool supporters as well. During nearly a decade in Liverpool’s first team, the right-back evolved from a promising academy graduate into one of the defining players of the Jurgen Klopp era. His tactical reinvention of the full-back role — operating as both a playmaker and defender — saw him set new creative standards, while his local roots and leadership made him a beloved figure among supporters.

However, his decision to leave Anfield in the summer of 2025 sparked significant debate. After allowing his contract to expire, Alexander-Arnold signed a six-year deal with Real Madrid, with only a nominal compensation fee exchanged between the clubs to secure his Spain move before the Club World Cup

Many Liverpool fans felt betrayed by his exit, especially given his status as vice-captain. Over his nine full seasons with Liverpool, he made 354 appearances, scoring 23 goals and providing 86 assists, helping the Reds to two Premier League titles, one Champions League crown, two domestic cups, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Beyond the silverware, he was central to Klopp’s high-octane system and Arne Slot's debut season Premier League crown.

Getty Images SportSlow start to Real Madrid career for Alexander-Arnold

Since joining Los Blancos, however, Alexander-Arnold’s adaptation to life in Spain has been challenging. With only 156 minutes played across five appearances in all competitions, competition from Dani Carvajal and tactical experimentation under new manager Xabi Alonso limited his involvement early on. His hamstring injury in September further delayed progress, but those close to the club insist his commitment to recovery has been exemplary.

Alonso is said to be impressed by the defender’s discipline and professionalism, describing him privately as “the ultimate modern professional.” For Alexander-Arnold, a successful return at Anfield could mark not only a personal comeback but also the beginning of his establishment as a regular in Madrid’s starting XI.

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Real Madrid lacking a fit right-back

Real Madrid’s defensive situation remains a major concern ahead of their trip to Merseyside. With Carvajal sidelined for at least a month due to a calf injury — and suspended for the Liverpool game — the Spanish champions are facing a shortage of natural right-backs. Xabi Alonso has been forced to deploy Federico Valverde in the position temporarily; however, there is cautious optimism that Alexander-Arnold will be ready in time to reclaim his spot. His availability would be a significant boost to Madrid, especially given the tactical importance of width and creativity against a Liverpool side that remains lethal in transition.

For the player himself, the Anfield clash represents far more than just another European fixture. It’s an opportunity for reconciliation with his old fan base, who remain divided about his exit, and a chance to demonstrate that his controversial move was justified.

Being a goalkeeper may be the trickiest position on a football pitch, but in the Premier League, there’s nowhere to hide.

Whether you’re gunning for the title or hoping to stay up by the skin of your teeth, a top shot-stopper can make all the difference come the end of the season.

This year has once again highlighted the best and worst of those between the sticks, with Manchester City’s move for Gianluigi Donnarumma proving to be an eye-catching transfer.

Ranking factors

To help place every No 1 in the correct order from best to worst, we have considered the following criteria:

Current form – how well they have played over the last few months Club – whether their performances meet the required standards of their team Reliability – how trusted they can be to avoid errors Overperformance – whether they can make saves they would not be expected to

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

Gianluigi Donnarumma

26

Man City

Italy

Alisson

33

Liverpool

Brazil

David Raya

30

Arsenal

Spain

Emiliano Martinez

33

Aston Villa

Argentina

Jordan Pickford

31

Everton

England

Matz Sels

33

Nottingham Forest

Belgium

Dean Henderson

28

Crystal Palace

England

Nick Pope

33

Newcastle

England

Robin Roefs

22

Sunderland

Netherlands

Bernd Leno

33

Fulham

Germany

Guglielmo Vicario

29

Tottenham

Italy

Djordje Petrovic

26

Bournemouth

Serbia

Senne Lammens

23

Man Utd

Belgium

Bart Verbruggen

23

Brighton

Netherlands

Caoimhin Kelleher

26

Brentford

Ireland

Robert Sanchez

27

Chelsea

Spain

Lucas Perri

27

Leeds

Brazil

Alphonse Areola

32

West Ham

France

Jose Sa

32

Wolves

Portugal

Martin Dubravka

36

Burnley

Slovakia

12 20-16 Martin Dubravka, Jose Sa, Alphonse Areola, Lucas Perri, Robert Sanchez

Robin Roefs cost Sunderland around £9m following their return to the Premier League, and after replacing Anthony Patterson as first choice at the Stadium of Light, made an excellent start in England.

Should he continue his form, the 22-year-old’s value will only increase, and he could have a big part to play in the Black Cats’ attempts to remain in the top flight.

8 Nick Pope Newcastle

Nick Pope’s season last time out was affected by injury, but he has still proved himself as a solid goalkeeper for Newcastle United.

Now a Wembley winner following Carabao Cup success, the former Burnley shot-stopper has formed part of an impressive Toon outfit that looks primed to secure Champions League football.

While perhaps past his best, Pope remains a goalkeeper who seems at home in the Premier League, though compared to his counterparts, middle of the pack feels about right.

7 Dean Henderson Crystal Palace

Dean Henderson is by no means the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, but he has finally found a home at Crystal Palace, where he is now flourishing following his exit from Manchester United.

Henderson has marshalled a relatively tight defence and helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and Community Shield.

6 Matz Sels Nottingham Forest

Matz Sels has been a delight for Nottingham Forest, epitomising his team’s role as the division’s surprise package by becoming one of the Reds’ most important players.

He also received the Golden Glove award alongside Arsenal’s David Raya after keeping 13 clean sheets in 24/25. Simply put, Forest wouldn’t rather have anyone else in goal than the Belgian.

Years

Club

2010-2014

Lierse

2014-2016

Gent

2016-2018

Newcastle

2017-2018

Anderlecht (loan)

2018-2024

Strasbourg

2024-present

Nottingham Forest

5 Jordan Pickford Everton

Jordan Pickford has been Everton and England’s number one for some time now, and he has continued to shine following David Moyes’ return to Merseyside.

His highlights last season included shutouts against Arsenal and Chelsea, while his status as the undisputed Three Lions No 1 has to count for something.

4 Emiliano Martinez Aston Villa

A Yashin Trophy winner, it’s difficult to criticise Emiliano Martinez too much, as for all of his wind-up antics and dodgy dancing, the Argentinian has continued to be a useful blockade in front of the Aston Villa goal.

Now highly experienced following his exploits on the international stage and in the Champions League, Martinez has matured – loosely speaking – into one of the top goalkeepers in the world.

3 David Raya Arsenal

David Raya has arguably been one of Arsenal’s most consistent players in recent seasons. The Spaniard totally vindicated Mikel Arteta’s decision to install him as the Gunners No 1 last season, and has continued to shine in goal at the Emirates Stadium, excelling at the top level.

He comfortably sits in the top three and has been rewarded with a new Arsenal contract in 2025.

In the absence of Rabada, Jansen and Ngidi, the 19-year-old will spearhead South Africa in the first Test in Zimbabwe

Firdose Moonda27-Jun-2025

SA coach Shukri Conrad on Kwena Maphaka: ‘He’s a young buck that shows maturity way beyond his years’•AFP/Getty Images

At 19, left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka will be entrusted with leading South Africa’s pace attack in the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in a foreshadowing of things to come.Maphaka made his Test debut against Pakistan at Newlands earlier this year, as the fourth seamer in an attack that included Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder. He bowled 21.2 overs across the two innings, finished with 3 for 90 and was very much the baby of the pack, but with Rabada and Jansen rested for the series, Mulder concentrating on his role as a No.3 batter, and Lungi Ngidi only joining the squad for the second Test, South Africa coach Shukri Conrad has identified Maphaka, who bowls at 140-plus kph, as his spearhead.Related

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“With Lungi not being here for the first Test, Kwena’s going to lead the bowling attack,” Conrad said in the lead up to the first Test. “As a 19-year-old, when you get given that responsibility, it doesn’t only speak volumes for how highly you are rated, but also the calibre and the mentality that he possesses. He’s a young buck that shows maturity way beyond his years.”The two-match series in Zimbabwe is not part of the WTC and is sandwiched between South Africa’s 2023-25 campaign – which they won – and their next one, which starts with tough tours to Pakistan and India. As such, Conrad is using the Zimbabwe Tests to blood younger talent, with five uncapped players in the squad and three (Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis and Codi Yusuf) set to make their debuts on Saturday, and is also exposing newcomers like Maphaka.”We’ve obviously got to be very smart in identifying when we put him out in the shop window and I think this would be a great time for him,” Conrad said. “In Zimbabwe, in Test cricket specifically, he is not the third quick behind KG and Marco necessarily but he is the main dog. That responsibility will grow massively.”Maphaka will have Mulder, debutant Yusuf and Corbin Bosch – who has only one Test cap but also a decade of domestic experience – as fellow quicks in an attack that also includes Keshav Maharaj. And though Conrad has given Maphaka the job of setting the tone, he also issued a caution to those expecting to see only fireworks from the youngster. “It’s all about being patient. Just like you need to be patient with batters, you need to be patient with bowlers as well,” Conrad said. “We’re not going to see the best of Kwena in the next couple of months, but these are all the building blocks so that we can see the best of Kwena in say three or four years’ time.”To date, Maphaka has played four first-class matches including his first Test. He made his first-class debut in June 2023, under Conrad, in a South Africa A tour to Sri Lanka. He has subsequently played two matches for his domestic team, the Lions, with best match returns of 6 for 78 against the Warriors. Maphaka has also played in the SA20 and the IPL and will be part of South Africa’s T20I squad for the tri-series in Zimbabwe that follows the Tests.

Cristiano Ronaldo sent an emotional eight-word message to his Al-Nassr team-mates after they crashed out of the King's Cup with a 2-1 defeat to 10-man Al-Ittihad. The Portuguese icon has urged his colleagues to brush off the disappointment and prepare for future battles, as they still have the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League 2 to fight for.

Ronaldo's Al-Nassr beaten by Benzema brilliance

Although Al-Nassr started the game on the front foot, Karim Benzema, Ronaldo’s old Real Madrid team-mate turned rival, struck first in the 15th minute after latching onto a slick through-ball from Moussa Diaby. However, Ronaldo, unwilling to let the game slip, soon turned provider. He teed up Angelo Gabriel, who unleashed a thunderous shot into the top corner to make it 1–1 on the half-hour mark. The scales were evenly balanced until Houssem Aouar pounced on a defensive lapse to restore Al-Ittihad’s lead, just before the half-time break. Ronaldo & Co. came out of the tunnel like a team on a mission, and they were lent a helping hand when Al-Ittihad were reduced to 10 men after Ahmed Al Julaydan was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Aiman Yahya. 

Nonetheless, what followed was a storm of frustration. Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mane both squandered golden chances to equalise. Whereas Ronaldo, desperate for his 951st career strike, saw his looping header skim agonisingly over the crossbar. Al-Nassr fired 22 shots, with five on target, but couldn’t break down an Al-Ittihad defence that refused to buckle. When the final whistle blew, the dream of lifting the King’s Cup had slipped away once again. Yet moments later, the captain gathered his teammates, offering words not of blame, but of belief to motivate a crestfallen side. Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "We stand tall, learn, and move forward together."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGlory continues to elude the king of goals

Since his headline-grabbing move to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has delivered moments of brilliance, but major silverware remains painfully elusive. His lone triumph so far came in the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. But beyond that, heartbreak has followed as Al-Nassr have stumbled in multiple finals, including domestic cup defeats and early exits from continental tournaments. The club has yet to capture the Saudi Pro League, King’s Cup, or Super Cup under Ronaldo’s watch. For a player decorated with five Champions League titles, one with Manchester United and four with Real Madrid, such near-misses sting deeply.

A rare day off for Ronaldo

Even at 40, Ronaldo’s fire burns brighter than ever. He has been relentless in his pursuit of the 1000-goal mark, a personal milestone that he has set for himself to achieve. However, on Tuesday evening, he couldn't get his act together. He made five attempts to score, but only one of them tested the goalkeeper. His influence in the attacking third was minimal as he was able to create just one scoring opportunity, the assist to Gabriel and even failed to complete one successful dribble or cross. It was a rare off-day for a player who has been in prolific form this season, scoring six goals in six Saudi Pro League matches. He is hungry for more, and earlier this month, at the Portugal Football Globe Awards, Ronaldo made his ambitions clear after receiving the inaugural Prestige Award.

"I want to keep playing for a few years, not many, I have to be honest," he admitted. "I want to thank all my team-mates, for having learned from all of them – and even from this younger generation as well. For me, it's a privilege to be with you. People, especially my family, say, 'It's time for you to stop. You've done everything. Why do you want to score a thousand goals?' But I don't think so. I think I'm still producing good things, I'm helping my club and the national team, and why not keep going? I'm sure that when it's over, I'll leave feeling fulfilled, because I gave it my all. I know I don't have many more years, but I try to enjoy the few I have to the fullest."

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GettyAl-Nassr still leading the way in the Pro League

Despite the disappointment, Al-Nassr’s season is far from over. Under Jorge Jesus, the team has been dominant in the Saudi Pro League, sitting top of the table with 18 points. They are three clear of second-placed Al-Taawoun and a comfortable eight ahead of defending champions Al-Ittihad, the very side that knocked them out of the cup. Their next challenge comes this Saturday at home against Al Feiha, a chance to bounce back on the winning track and to set a reminder that their title chase remains firmly in motion.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a promising start to the campaign under Thomas Frank and could now be about to pursue a very familiar face to fans of the Premier League.

Tottenham look to build on solid start to Premier League campaign

The international break is always a frustrating time for supporters itching for their club to return. However, the Lilywhites will be positively reflecting on a fine start that has seen them climb to third in the top-flight standings.

Tactical tweaks and a renewed threat from set pieces have made Tottenham a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League, albeit they will need to be switched on to handle the challenge of facing Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Everton and Chelsea in the coming weeks.

While Tottenham have been at the centre of takeover interest from tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick, among other parties, it doesn’t appear they are for sale, and a £100 million cash injection from the Lewis family will offer greater financial flexibility moving forward.

Whether this investment could be put towards the January window remains to be seen. Reports suggest Spurs are preparing a £26 million bid for Vasco da Gama star Rayan, indicating they are scouring the world for talent to enhance their bid for Champions League qualification.

Chelsea, Barcelona and Aston Villa are among his lengthy list of admirers, though Tottenham’s project is as enticing as ever for potential new recruits.

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Truthfully, the sky is the limit for Frank if his side continue this excellent run of form, with Spurs averaging close to 2 points per game since the Dane took over from Ange Postecoglou.

Thomas Frank’s managerial record at Tottenham so far

Stats

Matches

11

Wins

5

Draws

3

Losses

2

Points

18

Points per game

1.91

Nevertheless, there is a long way to go, and help may be required to ensure the North Londoners are in pole position to capitalise, hence their interest in a favourite of the Danish coach.

Tottenham want to sign Kevin Schade

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Tottenham are monitoring Brentford attacker Kevin Schade and could look to make a play for his arrival, albeit the transfer may be more likely to occur in the summer of 2026.

Plettenberg says he is “one to watch” this season, with the winger’s contract expiring in under three years.

The Germany international has scored once in eight appearances this term, contributing to his overall total of 15 goals and five assists in 82 outings for the Bees

.

Labelled “top class” by Frank, he brought Schade to the Gtech Community Stadium from Freiburg in 2023 and his faith has been repaid, with the 23-year-old establishing himself as a force predominantly on the left flank.

This term, the Potsdam-born man has created five chances and completed three successful crosses in the Premier League, per Fotmob, shining in a Brentford side that have struggled for momentum under Keith Andrews.

Either way, he could now be set for a move across the capital, though Tottenham will need to fend off competition from the likes of Borussia Dortmund for his signature.

MatériaMais Notícias

Neste sábado (16), o Botafogo-SP recebe o Atlético-GO no estádio Santa Cruz. O duelo é pela 28ª rodada doBrasileirão Série B e a bola rola a partir das 17h (horário de Brasília). Vale destacar que são duas equipes do meio da tabela, onde os donos da casa ocupa a 12ª posição com 35 pontos, enquanto o Atlético Goianiense está na 8ª colocação somando 44 pontos.

+Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades

REENCONTRO COM A VITÓRIA

O Botafogo tenta quebrar uma sequência de nove jogos sem vencer na competiçãoe vem de uma derrota fora de casa para o Mirassol por 1 x 0. Para mudar esse retrospecto negativo, nos últimos compromissos a equipe de Ribeirão Preto tem tentado um modelo defensivo diferente com uma escalação de três defensores.

CONTINUAR SUBINDO NA TABELA

Já o Atlético-GO, vem de seis jogos sem perder no campeonato e joga a responsabilidade para a equipe da casa.No último jogo oDragãovenceu o Juventude por 3 x 0 jogando em casa com gols de Gustavo Lopes, Luiz Fernando e Gabriel Baralhas.

FICHA TÉCNICA
Botafogo-SP x Atlético-GO

Data: 16/09/2023
Local: Estádio Santa Cruz, Ribeirão Preto – SP
Onde assistir: Band e Premiere

PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

BOTAFOGO-SP (Técnico: Marcelo Chamusca)
Matheus Albino; Ericson, Diogo Silva e Marcio Silva; Thassio, Tárik, Guilherme Madruga, Ivonei e Patrick Brey; Lucas Cardoso e Édson Cariús.

Desfalques: Osman (Suspenso)

ATLÉTICO-GO (Técnico: Jair Ventura)
Ronaldo; Bruno Tubarão, Luiz Felipe, Heron e Lucas Esteves; Rhaldney, Matheus Sales, e Gabriel Baralhas; Shaylon, Gustavo Coutinho e Luiz Fernando.

Desfalques: Nenhum

كشفت تقارير صحفية حجم إصابة الدولي المغربي أشرف حكيمي، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي باريس سان جيرمان التي تعرض لها أمام بايرن ميونخ ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستضاف ملعب “حديقة الأمراء” مباراة باريس سان جيرمان وبايرن ميونخ، في إطار منافسات الجولة الرابعة من مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وحقق بايرن ميونخ فوزًا رائعًا أمام باريس سان جيرمان، بثنائية مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعتهما أمس، الثلاثاء.

وشهدت اللحظات الأخيرة من عمر الشوط الأول، في الوقت المحتسب بدلًا من الضائع، تعرض النجم المغربي أشرف حكيمي لإصابة خطيرة بعد تدخل عنيف من لاعب بايرن ميونخ، لويس دياز.

اقرأ أيضًا | بعد التسبب في إصابته.. لويس دياز يوجه رسالة إلى أشرف حكيمي

وتعتبر تلك الضربة هي الثانية لـ باريس سان جيرمان حيث اضطر عثمان ديمبلي إلى مغادرة الملعب، في الدقيقة 25، بسبب الإصابة.

ووفقًا لإذاعة Rmc، لم يتم اكتشاف أي كسر، لكن حكيمي يعاني من التواء شديد إذ تأثرت الأربطة الداخلية لكاحله الأيسر وهذا يشير إلى أنه سيغيب عن الملاعب لمدة تتراوح بين 6 و8 أسابيع.

وفي سياق متصل، من غير المرجح أن يلعب مرة أخرى مع باريس سان جيرمان في عام 2025 وتتوقف مشاركته مع منتخب المغرب في كأس أمم إفريقيا المقرر إقامتها في أواخر شهر ديسمبر المقبل على مدى تعافي اللاعب.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Russell Martin is in desperate need of a positive performance and result for the latest Scottish Premiership clash this afternoon.

The Light Blues have had their worst start to a league season in 47 years, with four draws and one defeat, and the manager is coming under plenty of pressure.

Martin, who arrived in the summer, has overseen four wins in 14 competitive matches in charge of the Scottish giants, which is simply not where the expectation level is.

The former Scotland international’s side were beaten 1-0 by Genk on Thursday night in their first match of the Europa League campaign, and it is safe to say that some supporters are not expecting him to be in post for much longer.

It is clear that Martin needs to win the fanbase back at Ibrox. To do that, his side needs to string together strong performances and results on the pitch to show the supporters that the team is heading in the right direction.

This afternoon’s clash with Livingston could be the first step on the path to winning the fans back, and that is why the manager must finally drop Mikey Moore from the starting line-up.

Why Mikey Moore must be dropped by Rangers

The 18-year-old forward has failed to impress since signing for the Scottish giants on a season-long loan from Europa League champions Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window.

Despite his lack of impressive performances on the pitch, the England youth international has started all four of the club’s last four matches in all competitions, either on the left or the right flank.

His form in the Premiership, starting two of his three appearances in the division, has been particularly disappointing since his move to Ibrox from Spurs, as the youngster has been unable to provide the spark that Martin’s team needs on the flank.

25/26 Premiership	Mikey Moore	Percentile rank vs wingers
xG	0.04	Bottom 10%
Goals	0.00	Bottom 3%
xA	0.10	Bottom 21%
Assists	0.00	Bottom 3%
Chances created	1	Bottom 3%
Dribble success rate	33.3%	Bottom 23%
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Moore ranks incredibly lowly among his positional peers in the Premiership in a host of attacking metrics as a winger, with no goals or assists and only one chance created in his three outings to date.

The young attacker, as heard in the clip above, claimed that he wants to be one of the best players in the world in the future, but he has yet to show such potential on the pitch for Rangers.

Against Genk, Moore was substituted at half-time after failing to register a single key pass or shot on target in 45 minutes, per Sofascore, in that loss to the Belgian outfit.

Chalkboard

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

Therefore, Martin must ruthlessly ditch the teenage talent from the starting line-up in order to unleash fellow summer signing Oliver Antman on the right flank against Livingston.

The former Southampton boss needs a positive result and performance to regain some faith amongst the fanbase, and the Finland international could contribute to both of those things.

Why Oliver Antman should start for Rangers

With Djeidi Gassama on the left flank and Bojan Miovski, potentially coming in for Youssef Chermiti, through the middle, Antman could line up on the right to create an exciting front three for the Gers.

The winger was signed from Go Ahead Eagles in the summer transfer window and has shown glimpses of the quality that he can provide out wide on the right flank.

Rangers supporters got an instant look at the kind of creative quality that he can offer on his debut against Viktoria Plzen in August, as he whipped in a fantastic cross for Gassama to score in a 3-0 win for the Gers at Ibrox.

Unfortunately, the right-footed attacker is yet to get off the mark, for goals or assists, in the Premiership for the Scottish giants, but his performances have shown signs of promise.

Whilst Moore’s displays have been overly underwhelming and lacking in redeeming features, Antman’s performances in the Premiership suggest that he is heading in the right direction.

25/26 Premiership	Oliver Antman per 90	Percentile rank vs wingers
xA	0.27	Top 16%
Pass accuracy	89.3%	Top 8%
Chances created	2.73	Top 14%
Successful crosses	0.45	Top 50%
Assists	0.00	Bottom 3%
Shots on target	1.36	Top 16%
Goals	0.00	Bottom 3%
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the Finland international is doing the right things. He is testing goalkeepers with shots on target and creating chances for his teammates at an impressive rate, but the goals and assists are not there yet.

The promising thing for Antman is that the input – shots on target and xA – are there, which suggests that the output – goals and assists – will eventually follow if he keeps it up in the final third.

The 24-year-old star, who reporter Chris Jack claimed has “feet like drumsticks”, delivered six goals and 15 assists in 32 appearances in the Eredivisie for his former club last season, per Sofascore, which shows that he can contribute with goals and assists on a consistent basis.

That suggests that his impressive input is not a flash in the pan and that Antman is likely to consistently do the right things in the final third, which is why it is just a matter of time before the goals and assists follow.

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With this in mind, Martin must brutally ditch Moore from the starting XI to play Antman on the right against Livingston, in the hope that today is the day that it all comes together for the Finnish maestro.

Arsenal’s wage bill for the 2025/26 season is certainly on the large side after the Gunners splashed the cash in the summer transfer window, bringing in the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze for Mikel Arteta.

In fact, the annual payroll for basic first team wages at the Emirates stands at a whopping £181,480,000, with the average playing pocketing more than £6.7m a season.

With that being said, Football FanCast has ranked every Arsenal player in the first-team squad in order from highest to lowest in terms of wages for the 2025/26 campaign, with the help of Capology.

1

Kai Havertz

£280,000

£14,560,000

2

Gabriel Jesus

£265,000

£13,780,000

=3

Declan Rice

£240,000

£12,480,000

=3

Martin Odegaard

£240,000

£12,480,000

5

Viktor Gyokeres

£200,000

£10,400,000

6

Bukayo Saka

£195,000

£10,140,000

7

William Saliba

£190,000

£9,880,000

=8

Gabriel Martinelli

£180,000

£9,360,000

=8

Eberechi Eze

£180,000

£9,360,000

=10

Ben White

£150,000

£7,800,000

=10

Noni Madueke

£150,000

£7,800,000

=10

Gabriel Magalhaes

£150,000

£7,800,000

13

Mikel Merino

£130,000

£6,760,000

14

Riccardo Calafiori

£120,000

£6,240,000

15

David Raya

£100,000

£5,200,000

=16

Jurrien Timber

£90,000

£4,680,000

=16

Leandro Trossard

£90,000

£4,680,000

18

Ethan Nwaneri

£80,000

£4,160,000

19

Martin Zubimendi

£75,000

£3,900,000

=20

Piero Hincapie

£65,000

£3,380,000

=20

Christian Norgaard

£65,000

£3,380,000

22

Kepa Arrizabalaga

£60,000

£3,120,000

23

Cristhian Mosquera

£55,000

£2,860,000

24

Myles Lewis-Skelly

£45,000

£2,340,000

25

Max Dowman

£35,000

£1,820,000

=26

Oleksandr Zinchenko

£30,000

£1,560,000

=26

Reiss Nelson

£30,000

£1,560,000

Here's a detailed look at Arsenal's top 10 earners… 10 Ben White £150,000 per week

Ben White has seen his weekly wage rise since joining Arsenal in 2021, with the defender thought to have been earning around £130,000 per week upon his arrival from Brighton.

Now in the top 10 of Arsenal earners, White is a regular starter at the Emirates Stadium, which goes some way to justify his pay packet, particularly with the Gunners becoming title challengers during his time at the club.

9 Eberechi Eze £180,000 per week

Hijacking Tottenham’s deal to sign Eberechi Eze, Arsenal landed the attacking star from Crystal Palace in a deal worth up to £67.5m and handed the Englishman a four-year contract.

Providing he stays at the Emirates until 2029 on this deal, Eze is in line to pick up a cool £37.4m in wages.

8 Gabriel Martinelli £180,000 per week

Another attacker on the list is Gabriel Martinelli, who has gone from strength to strength in recent years under Arteta after initially signing for the club back in 2019.

The Brazilian is now approaching 250 senior games in a Gunners shirt and is under contract until 2027.

7 William Saliba £190,000 per week

Since returning from a loan spell with Marseille in 2022, William Saliba has been a mainstay in Arteta’s side, forming a solid partnership at the back with Gabriel.

The France international signed a new four-year deal in 2023 but has been linked with a move to Real Madrid on numerous occasions.

6 Bukayo Saka £195,000 per week

Academy graduate Bukayo Saka is arguably one of Arsenal’s most important players, so it is a surprise to see him as the club’s sixth-highest-paid player.

The winger has been a constant provider of assists and goals for the Gunners and, like Saliba, signed his latest deal in 2023.

5 Viktor Gyokeres £200,000 per week

Ending Arsenal’s long-awaited search for a striker, Viktor Gyokeres is the man who has been tasked with firing the Gunners to Premier League glory.

Costing up to £63.5m if all add-ons are met, the Swede only wanted Arsenal and penned a five-year deal on £10.4m a season in wages.

4 Martin Odegaard £240,000 per week

Club captain Martin Odegaard is next on the list and signed his £240,000 per week contract in 2023 in what was a busy year for new deals.

The former Real Madrid ace has developed into a world-class player at the Emirates, contributing to more than 50 goals in over 150 games.

3 Declan Rice £240,000 per week

Like Odegaard, Declan Rice also picks up a reported £240,000 per week in north London following his big-money move from West Ham in 2023.

The England international has been a regular so far in the club’s push for silverware and looks set to be key over the next four years.

2 Gabriel Jesus £265,000 per week

Gabriel Jesus landed a huge deal when he swapped the Etihad for the Emirates in 2022 to reunite with Arteta. The Brazilian, who has the No.9 shirt, hasn’t been a regular starter and has fallen down the pecking order.

Jesus is currently averaging a goal just under every four games, and afetr the arrival of Gyokeres, his days as a Gunners player could be numbered.

1 Kai Havertz £280,000 per week

Top of the charts is Kai Havertz, who has proven to be an important member of Arteta’s squad. The German has grown into his role since joining from Chelsea in 2022, playing in various midfield and attacking roles.

He’s under contract until 2028.

Jamie Smith believes that opening the batting in England’s ODI series against West Indies has provided him with “great practice” for facing India’s Test-match quicks. Smith cracked a 25-ball half-century – his first in ODIs – in England’s seven-wicket win at The Oval on Tuesday and said facing “quality” new-ball bowlers has been beneficial to his wider game.”There’s an opportunity there to go and play, and experience opening when the ball is still swinging and nipping around against quality bowlers,” Smith said. “It’s definitely great practice [for the India series]. It feels like we’re close to it now, we’re almost there. It’s been great playing these three games and obviously the Zimbabwe Test leading up to it.”Smith struck at 180.35 across the three-match series, scoring 37, 0 and 64 as England swept West Indies 3-0. He has been ever-present in their ODI squads since last September, having made his international breakthrough in Test cricket last summer as Jonny Bairstow’s successor.Related

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Smith is not in England’s squad for the T20I series that starts on Friday, with Phil Salt returning from the IPL to replace him, and will have a short break before the first Test starts on June 20. “I feel good,” he said. “Hopefully, the next 10 days or so can go well, prep-wise, and we can head into [the] India [series] quite fresh, which is amazing.”He has never previously faced Jasprit Bumrah, India’s spearhead, in any format, but said he will not be spending much time watching footage of his bowling in the build-up to the series. “Hopefully, down at No. 7, I can watch other lads go and face him first,” Smith said. “[He is] certainly a challenge there.”Nor will Smith, who became a father in December, be watching the World Test Championship final next week. “I’ll have enough to do at home to keep me busy and entertained,” he said. “I’ll be trying to stay away and hopefully get myself mentally and physically in a good place for once the Test series starts, so come the last Test, I’m still feeling fresh and ready.”England’s next 10 Tests could be legacy-defining, with an Ashes series in Australia looming after the five-match India series. “We’re playing the two best nations,” Smith said. “It’s always going to be talked about, and the key for us and the group that we have at the moment is we’re focusing on one game at a time.”Everyone knows the magnitude of what you’ve got coming up, but if we can try and stay in the present then it’s a good time to test ourselves against the best. We feel in a really good place, and I think everyone’s really excited and in a great place to go and attack them.”