Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has confirmed that club captain Marc Guehi will not sign a new contract, and he will leave Selhurst Park next year. The 26 year-old's deal expires on June 30, 2026, when he can leave the Eagles on a free transfer. Many of Europe's elite clubs are interested, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona reportedly chasing him.

Guehi in high demand with Europe's elite clubs

The England international will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club when the January transfer window opens, giving teams on the continent a leg up over domestic suitors. That could prompt Liverpool to rekindle their interest and offer a fee for Guehi. Back in the summer transfer window, Guehi was close to joining the Reds for a fee of £35 million ($47m), however Palace chairman Steve Parish pulled the plug hours before the deadline as the Eagles could not find a suitable replacement. According to a report by , Palace are unlikely to allow Guehi to leave for a cut price deal in the winter window.

AdvertisementAFPGlasner: 'The club wanted Guehi to stay'

Glasner shared the news that Guehi will leave at a press conference on Friday. While the Austrian made it clear that he and the club's leadership wanted the 26-year-old to stay, they were not caught out by his desire to leave the club. 

"I think Marc has already told us that he doesn't sign a new contract, so he will leave next year," said Glasner. "The club wanted [him to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract. But he said, 'no, I want to make something different'. And that's normal.

"And for us, it's how we can deal with this situation? [What] is the best way to get this next step done? And that's all about how we are talking together."

Parish explains thinking behind Guehi saga

Parish's decision to block Guehi's Liverpool move at the last minute could be deemed short-sighted. By reneging on the deal, he basically allowed Guehi to walk away for free in 2026, with everyone at the club more or less aware that he would be unwilling to sign a new deal. The Eagles' chairman explained his decision-making in a recent interview with . 

"It's a difficult decision," he said. "It's as simple as that these things are never black and white. I decided in the end that, based on the advice that I got and also with what I think, that we would have a better season if we kept Marc. We don't guess about these things.

"If you look at it rationally, if you look at what is worth the place in the Premier League, the fact that we're in the Conference League for the first time in our history, this is a fairly unusual set of circumstances in which to keep a player. If we were fighting between the difference of 10th and 14th, if that was going to be the difference between keeping Marc and letting Marc go, then probably we would have said; 'Right, we should take the money'."

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Getty Images SportEuropean giants in the box seat for Guehi?

This news confirms what we knew all along, and Guehi is now the most sought-after defensive player available on the market. Every major European club will be interested in speaking to him over the coming months with a view to a free transfer.

Guehi's insistence on honouring his deal with Palace, and the club's reticence to let him go in a cut-rate transfer in January, could well have shunted Liverpool to the back of the pecking order, despite how close the two parties came to a deal.

Real Madrid have been savvy in snapping up out-of-contract stars over the past few years. Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all joined Los Blancos after their deals with their respective clubs were running out. With the Spanish giants expected to pursue a centre back in the near future, they could become a real player in Guehi's future. 

Liverpool's current defensive woes could pressure them into lodging another bid in January, however unlikely it is to come off, just to stave off the interest of Madrid, Bayern and Barcelona. The Reds have been fragile at the back, an issue that has been further compounded by the season-long injury to 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni. The Italian was supposed to provide additional cover for Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, however he has undergone surgery to rectify a serious knee problem. With Konate also out of contract in the summer, and a reported target of Real Madrid himself, how the Reds manage their defensive personnel going forward should be fascinating.

And so, Ruben Amorim lives to fight another day as Manchester United manager.

Depending on which reports are to be relieved, the Portuguese coach would have kept his job even if Saturday’s meeting with Sunderland had ended in defeat, although the 40-year-old has helped to quell the noise regardless, heading into the international break, following what was a vital 2-0 win at Old Trafford.

Following the limp display away at Brentford last weekend, the pressure had cranked up even further on United’s under-fire coach, with the visit of the Black Cats already looking make-or-break so soon into the new campaign.

Thankfully for Amorim’s sake, his side flew out of the traps against Regis Le Bris’ men, with Mason Mount – recalled to the starting lineup in place of Matheus Cunha – slotting home at the end of a fine sweeping move from the hosts.

A first Premier League goal for United on home soil for the Englishman was followed by Benjamin Sesko’s second in United colours, and first at the Theatre of Dreams, with the Slovenian prodding home at the end of Diogo Dalot’s long throw.

Had it not been for the efforts of Robin Roefs in the visiting net, that lead could well have been extended, with Amorim left to reflect on what was a largely – albeit not completely – positive display from his struggling side.

Senne Lammens catches the eye on United debut

Roefs may have impressed for the away side, notably keeping out Bruno Fernandes’ effort in the first half in sublime fashion, although the day’s major story was the debut showing of United’s summer signing, Senne Lammens.

Thrust into action for the first time this season, following Altay Bayindir’s latest errant showing away to the Bees, the Belgian was a calming presence in the sticks, steering the hosts to a rare clean sheet.

While there was an element of fortune as the 23-year-old avoided punishment amid a collision with Bertrand Traore after the break, he otherwise looked the part on Saturday, memorably keeping out Granit Xhaka’s fierce strike at the near post.

The sight of Lammens claiming the ball from the sky in the first half in comfortable fashion was met with audible cheers inside Old Trafford, with the United faithful willing their new man to succeed following so much turmoil in the goalkeeping department.

Tougher tests will lie ahead for the former Royal Antwerp man, yet with a clean sheet in the bag and three saves made, as per Sofascore, the young ‘keeper has begun on the right foot for the Red Devils.

And so, while Saturday marked the beginning of one United journey, one of Lammens’ new teammates should well be heading for the end of his time in Manchester.

The Man Utd star now on borrowed time under Amorim

On a day of such positives, it remains important to consider those who underwhelmed during that 2-0 victory, with Amorim still left with plenty to ponder over the next couple of weeks.

Chalkboard

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

One persistent area of concern is at wing-back, with Saturday’s outing seeing the ex-Sporting CP boss deploy Amad on the right flank, with the long-serving Dalot on the opposite side.

While the Ivorian was a constant threat throughout, having also drawn a save from Roefs in the first-half, his wing-back colleague was far less impressive off the left, even while factoring in that it is something of an unorthodox role for the right-footer.

Following his disappointing outing last week on the right flank, in which he looked ‘way off the pace’ according to journalist Katherine Walsh, the Portugal international fared little better this time around, replaced on the hour mark after failing to get involved in proceedings.

Indeed, the 26-year-old won just a solitary duel and failed to provide a single key pass, as per Sofascore, having also been particularly wasteful in possession after losing the ball on 11 occasions.

Minutes played

64

Touches

42

Pass accuracy

82%

Dribbles completed

0

Aerial duels won

0/1

Ground duels won

1/2

Possession lost

11x

Key passes

0

His tally of 42 touches, meanwhile, was even fewer than Lammens in the sticks (52) – hardly ideal considering the onus put on the wing-backs to get forward and create.

While it could be argued that he is merely fighting his way back to full fitness, having been struck down by injury during the previous international break, the full-back’s woes have become a far too familiar sight of late.

Even from the off, the one-time Porto man was caught napping, with Dalot failing to track the aforementioned Traore as he attempted to latch onto a cutback, leaving a sense of relief when the former Aston Villa forward was unable to convert.

Amorim can ill-afford such lapses of concentration at a time when his set-up appears to need to be perfect in order to flourish, with individual errors having thus far plagued his time in charge in Manchester.

After taking one problematic figure out of the firing line, in the form of Bayindir, the United boss may well now need to do the same with his compatriot, Dalot.

Amorim must finally axe Dorgu for Man Utd's 18-year-old "steam train"

Manchester United face Sunderland this afternoon with Ruben Amorim needing to make a huge change.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 4, 2025

It’s never straightforward with this Manchester United side, is it?

Entertaining might be a stretch, but what an all-encompassing game of football that was, with the Red Devils hanging on to secure a vital 2-1 win over rivals Chelsea amid freakish conditions at Old Trafford.

The rain lashed down in a fashion similar to what was seen at Grimsby Town a few weeks ago, although visiting goalkeeper Robert Sanchez can’t exactly blame the surface for his errant decision-making in the early exchanges, having brought down Bryan Mbeumo on the edge of his own area.

With the Spaniard sent for an early bath, it looked set to be a rare, serene win for Ruben Amorim’s men as the experienced pairing of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro converted against their ten-man opponents. And then.

Soft or brainless, take your pick, the typically rash Brazilian was then dismissed himself for a second yellow card just before the break, with a late Trevoh Chalobah header sparking a fraught, nervous finish for the home side.

Thankfully for Amorim, his struggling bunch rallied to claim all three points and surge up the Premier League table.

A positive result and a largely positive performance in parts, but there is a nagging sense that there are considerable problems still to be ironed out for the Red Devils.

Benjamin Sesko's display in numbers

With Casemiro hauling down compatriot Andrey Santos in needless fashion on the stroke of half-time, Amorim was forced to make a decision over how to plug that midfield void, with Manuel Ugarte ultimately selected as the man to enter the fray.

That switch saw marquee summer signing Benjamin Sesko withdrawn ahead of the second-half, with the Slovenian’s wait to get off the mark in Manchester continuing.

Six games, no goals, albeit with just three of those outings having come from the start, a fact that ensures that the ex-RB Leipzig man is the latest centre-forward addition to endure a stop-start beginning at the Theatre of Dreams.

There were signs of life on Saturday evening, having played a neat one-two with Fernandes at one stage, only for the Portuguese to uncharacteristically overhit his pass, yet once again the £74m signing was unable to fire.

One moment, in particular, appeared to signpost his dwindling confidence, with the 22-year-old taking the ball down beautifully before driving at the Chelsea goal, only to then slide in Amad, rather than taking on a shot himself from range.

While it was Sesko’s flick on that led to the early red card, United’s leading man was restricted to just eight touches in total, having slipped into Rasmus Hojlund territory as a player his teammates simply can’t get the best out of.

The lack of impact from the one-time Red Bull Salzburg man is of concern – as is Casemiro’s continued questionable decision making, amid his fourth United red card – although Amorim perhaps has an even bigger issue to ponder at wing-back.

Why Patrick Dorgu remains the biggest problem to solve

Much of the debate following the end of the summer window has centred on the decision not to plump for a first-choice, ready-made goalkeeper, alongside the failure to bolster the midfield ranks.

That latter scenario will be even more exposed with Casemiro now suspended, although one area of the park that was perhaps overlooked is at wing-back, with Amorim still lacking genuine, proven options in those two roles.

In the form of Amad, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, the Portuguese coach can make do on the right, although it is on the opposite side where a significant problem lies, with regard to young Patrick Dorgu.

The caveat, of course, is that the 20-year-old Dane is still a player for the future, having been at United for just over six months, following his January arrival from Lecce.

The plucky left-footer did also provide the assist for Fernandes’ opener, although that was the notable high point, having otherwise struggled with his decision-making down that left flank.

Indeed, he lost the ball on 18 occasions, as per Sofascore, with The Athletic’s Carl Anka noting that his “weight of pass needs work”.

Far too often did Dorgu seemingly make the wrong decision in the final third, with there a sense that Amorim’s system places far too much reliance on the youngster to provide a creative threat, having made more touches in the opposition box than any player during the Manchester derby (12).

The lack of genuine alternatives – with Luke Shaw now firmly fixed at left centre-back, and new man Diego Leon still an unknown quantity – has also ensured that there is too much of a reliance on Dorgu to feature week in, week out. Rarely is he even substituted due to the dearth of an obvious replacement.

Up against a dangerous figure in Reece James – whom he failed to track at one stage late on – United’s number 13 was up for the fight, albeit while winning just seven of his 16 duels, and failing to complete any of his three attempted dribbles.

Perhaps following a chaotic night, it is too harsh to judge any player, yet this is a theme that has dragged on ever since Dorgu’s arrival, having also been evident at the Etihad last week.

Sesko might catch fire, while there are replacements for Casemiro in both Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo, but it is difficult to see any change in the situation at left wing-back. This is a problem without an obvious solution right now.

And so, while three points may have finally been claimed, Amorim still has plenty to ponder.

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It was the Erling Haaland show at the Etihad, and whilst he put on an attacking masterclass, one Everton star struggled once again and received criticism from a former Toffee as a result.

Man City vs Everton: Haaland show goes on

You’ll do well to find a better striker than Haaland in world football as of right now.

The Man City star has gone from ruthless to simply inevitable under Pep Guardiola and Everton became his latest victim on a Saturday afternoon to forget.

Whilst City celebrated their towering forward, David Moyes was left to pick his side up after failing to return from the international break with what would have been a statement victory.

What will frustrate the Everton boss more than anything is the chances that Everton wasted. It was far from a vintage City display at times and the Toffees arguably should have taken the lead before Haaland showed them how it’s done.

The Norway international struck twice in the space of minutes, scoring his first in the 58th minute and his second in the 63rd. Just like that, Everton were down and out.

With Tottenham up next, those on Merseyside must hope to see improvement all round, but particularly in their frontline.

Summer signing Thierno Barry is yet to score a goal in the Premier League, whilst Beto has scored once in nine games in all competitions. That, simply put, must improve.

Pat Nevin slams Beto in Man City defeat

Although Barry won’t escape criticism, it was Beto who should have taken advantage of his start against Man City. The forward was guilty once again of missing from point-blank range and should have given Everton the lead in the first-half.

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A 1-0 lead could have changed the outcome for the Toffees, but Moyes’ side were ultimately made to pay for their chances, as former winger Pat Nevin took aim at the struggling forward.

As his poor form continues, questions will continue to be asked of Beto and whether he should be keeping hold of his place.

The Friedkin Group already proved that they are willing to spend big on improvements, but will be desperate to see Barry come good before they act again.

At the Etihad, it was simply a game between two strikers in contrasting form. Had Haaland received the same chance that Beto wasted in the first-half, then the outcome would have no doubt been different.

Steven Smith will take charge of Rangers against Dundee United on Saturday while the club look to confirm their new permanent boss.

Former Rangers player Kevin Muscat remains the frontrunner for the post vacated by Russell Martin following the 1-1 draw at Falkirk before the international break.

Rangers full coaching staff to face Dundee United confirmed

Rangers Under-19 coach Smith, 40, who had two spells as a player at Ibrox, is currently overseeing first-team training on an interim basis along with B team coach Brian Gilmour, goalkeeping coach Sal Bibbo and head of performance Rhys Owen.

With such an important game on the return to domestic football, and negotiations ongoing and reaching the final stages, Rangers are looking for some certainty for the weekend.

Muscat established himself as the outright favourite for the post on Wednesday when former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl took himself out of the running after reportedly impressing the Ibrox hierarchy in talks over the past week.

The former Australia international has guided Shanghai Port to top spot in the Chinese Super League, where they are two points clear with four games left. Their domestic season ends on November 22 and the Light Blues may have to wait for his services.

Steven Gerrard, who won the 2021 William Hill Premiership title with Rangers, had been an early bookmakers’ favourite but had also ruled himself out of a return to Ibrox.

Martin departed the club after securing just five wins in 17 fixtures and having to get a police escort out of the Falkirk stadium as fans attempted to block the team bus from leaving.

Ahead of the visit of the Tannadice side, Rangers sit eighth in the Premiership, 11 points behind leaders Hearts and nine behind Celtic.

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico Ramón Díaz, do Vasco, foi absolvido nesta quinta-feira (21) pelo STJD pela expulsão que aconteceu na partida contra o Red Bull Bragantino, na 19ª rodada do Brasileirão.. O treinador recebeu o cartão vermelho por reclamação.

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Na súmula da partida, o árbitro, Anderson Daronco, justificou a expulsão de Ramón: “Por entrar no campo de jogo para protestar contra as decisões da arbitragem, quando a bola encontrava-se em jogo.”

+No retorno da torcida, Vasco precisa fazer de São Januário um aliado na luta contra o rebaixamento

O treinador foi advertido pela 4ª Câmara Disciplinar, mas absolvido da denúncia. A defesa foi feita pela advogada Amanda Borer, que é sócia de Marcelo Jucá, ex-presidente do Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva do Rio de Janeiro, que atua na defesa do Vasco no STJD.

Ramón Díaz tinha sido denunciado no Artigo 258-B, do Código Brasileiro de Justiça Desportiva (CBJD). A suspensão poderia ter sido de até três partidas. Como a decisão foi tomada no mesmo dia do jogo contra o Coritiba, nesta quinta-feira (21), Ramón Díaz poderia comandar o time mesmo que condenado. A suspensão só passaria a contar no dia seguinte.

A Lance! Betting vai te colocar na boa com o Vascão: a odd é 5.30 para Vegetti abrir o placar e o Vasco vencer o jogo. Sua aposta de R$10 volta R$53!

Por ser réu primário, a tendência era de que o treinador fosse apenas advertido. E foi o que aconteceu.

O Vasco agora enfrenta o Cortiba, em São Januário, na quarta-feira (21), às 19h, pelo Brasileirão.

Going into the transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur had one clear objective under new boss Thomas Frank – improve the quality and depth across all areas of the pitch.

That was certainly achieved during the £100m+ spending spree, with the hierarchy completing a deal in the region of £55m for winger Mohammed Kudus.

Much was made around his transfer after joining from rivals West Ham United, but it’s safe to say the Ghanaian has already adhered himself to the supporters in North London.

The 25-year-old has already opened his account for the Lilywhites, scoring the winner in the last outing against Leeds United – subsequently adding to his tally of four assists in the Premier League.

However, Frank’s side could have looked a lot different had they completed a move for one of their other targets instead of landing Kudus during the off-season.

How close Spurs were to signing Mbeumo this summer

After appointing Frank from Brentford over the summer, there were always going to be rumours over which players he would bring with him – but one stuck out more than the rest in the form of Bryan Mbeumo.

The Cameroonian international scored 20 times in the Premier League last campaign, with such form making him one of the hottest properties during the recent transfer window.

At one stage, it appeared as though the Lilywhites had a genuine chance of landing the 26-year-old, even reportedly making an offer for his services after the Dane’s appointment.

The player himself spoke about the 51-year-old’s appointment, wishing him the best in North London, which only fuelled speculation over a potential switch to follow his former manager across the capital.

However, it wasn’t meant to be, as Manchester United completed a £71m transfer for Mbeumo, a figure that was way over the original offer that was supposedly made by the Lilywhites.

After joining the Red Devils, the Cameroonian claimed that he only had his heart set on a move to United during the summer – subsequently dismissing any interest in following Frank.

Missing out on his signature will no doubt have been a disappointment to the fanbase, but they shouldn’t have to worry, with one player already in their ranks already similar to Mbeumo.

The Spurs star who is Frank’s next Mbeumo

The return of Fabio Paratici this week will give the fanbase an added reason to be positive after their impressive start to the 2025/26 campaign under Frank’s guidance.

He spent a couple of years in the role between 2021 and 2023 before stepping down, but he’s now been brought back into the club to fill the Sporting Director role once again.

It will no doubt hand him the responsibility of recruiting new players to add to the Dane’s early success, whilst overseeing those who could be offloaded.

However, he’s already showcased his tremendous work within the transfer market, conducting phenomenal business to land Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus for just £25m.

The Swede would have been an unknown quantity to many in North London, but he’s made himself a fan-favourite with his incredible performances prior to his recent injury setback.

He registered 10 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last campaign – the best return of his career – and certainly playing a huge role in the club’s Europa League success.

Such is the level of his quality, he was labelled as a similar player to Mbeumo by FBref – a huge statement given the performances of the former Brentford star in 2024/25.

When comparing their respective stats during the same time period, the Lilywhites gem managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, with Kulusevski highlighting the quality he possesses when fit.

The former Juve star, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by Jay Harris, completed more progressive passes per 90 (4.7), subsequently registering more key passes per 90 (2.5).

Games played

32

38

Goals & assists

11

27

Progressive carries

4.5

3.4

Progressive passes

4.7

3.7

Pass accuracy

74%

66%

Key passes

2.5

1.8

Passes into final third

2.3

1.6

Take-ons completed

1.4

1.3

Carries into final third

2.5

1.8

Such figures highlight the creative nature the Swede possesses, with such a feature massively adding to Frank’s side when he returns from his latest injury.

He also completed more take-ons per 90 (1.4), whilst notching more carries into the final third per 90 (2.5) – highlighting his desire to transfer the ball into dangerous areas whenever possible.

There’s no denying that a deal for Mbeumo would have further strengthened the Spurs first-team squad, but ultimately it would have been a huge risk paying such a fee after one impressive season.

With Kulusevski, the club have one of the most underrated players in the division, with the forward able to take his career to the next level under Frank in the years ahead.

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This season feels like a do-or-die for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

The Spaniard has done a brilliant job of taking the club from mid-table mediocrity to perennial title challengers in five years, but he now needs to get the team over the finishing line.

Fortunately, even with the absurd number of injuries they’re already facing, the Gunners now have a squad full to bursting with brilliant players, like Eberechi Eze, who could help them win the Premier League or Champions League.

Interestingly, though, while Arsenal should be delighted to have the Crystal Palace star on the books, one of their former players is currently performing just like him.

The problems Eze solves for Arsenal

Now, while there are undoubtedly other things he brings to the table, there are two main ways Eze can help Arsenal, and they are somewhat interlinked.

Firstly, the Gunners ended last season with 17 fewer goals scored than champions Liverpool, and therefore needed to go out and sign a serious attacking threat in the summer, like the former Palace star.

For example, in 43 appearances last season, totalling 3,303 minutes, the England international scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists.

That means he averaged a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, and the fact that he was able to do so in a mid-table side is even more encouraging.

This links to the other main way in which the Greenwich-born star could help the Gunners: his positional versatility.

On top of being proven in the number ten role, the former QPR gem is more than capable of playing off the left.

Not only will this give Arteta more tactical flexibility in games, but it also means the 27-year-old will be able to provide genuine competition for Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard, two players who underperformed last year.

In all, Eze looks like an excellent signing for Arsenal, even though a player sold by the club years ago is starting to resemble the £68m man.

The former Arsenal star playing like Eze

It would be fair to say that Arsenal do not have the best track record when it comes to selling, often due to them selling a player for way less than their worth.

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That isn’t actually the case in this instance, as former Hale Ender Alex Iwobi was sold to Everton in 2019 for a hefty fee of around £35m.

The Nigerian wasn’t a bad player for the Gunners, far from it, but he wasn’t ever spectacular, and so when the Toffees made an offer like that for someone who’d amassed a tally of 39 goal involvements in 149 games, it was probably the right decision to let him go.

While he played a big role on Merseyside, the versatile international was eventually sold to Fulham for around £22m in the summer of 2023, and it would be accurate to say he’s been at his best with the Cottagers.

In fact, since moving to Craven Cottage, the former Gunners ace has scored 16 goals and provided ten assists in 83 appearances, totalling 6118 minutes.

Yet, despite putting in consistently good performances for the West Londoners and already racking up three goal involvements in five league games this season, some consider him to be overlooked, with journalist Daniel Storey going as far as calling him “one of the most underrated midfielders in the country.”

With that said, what makes him like Eze?

Well, the first similarity the Nigerian shares with the Gunners ace is his positional versatility, as he’s just as comfortable playing on the wing as he is in midfield.

Second, he is also becoming a greater goal threat for his side, racking up 15 goal involvements in the league last season and just seven the year before.

Finally, like the North Londoners’ new star, he is also capable of making things happen, both through his brilliant close control and ability to deliver a pinpoint-accurate cross into the penalty area.

Ultimately, Arsenal did the right thing in selling Iwobi when they did, but it’s also true that the Fulham star is playing incredibly well at the moment, and looking a bit like Eze in the process.

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In the battle of North Wales versus South Wales, Wrexham fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, with the latter advancing to the quarter-finals. A 71st-minute strike from former Manchester United defender Will Fish made the difference in the end, after Red Dragons substitute Kieffer Moore had earlier cancelled out Yousef Salech's opener for the Bluebirds.

• Cardiff dominate all-Welsh cup tie

  For the first time since 2000-01, Wrexham came into a season in a higher division than Cardiff. But with the Red Dragons treading water in the lower reaches of the Championship after seeing the momentum of recent years slow down and the Bluebirds a dominant big fish in League One so far, there was less between the teams than leagues alone suggest.

  With Wrexham struggling to create beyond a good Nathan Broadhead chance, Cardiff took a deserved early lead after winning the ball deep in home territory. Rubin Colwill picked up the loose pass from under pressure centre-back George Thomasen, with Callum Burton pulling off a save to initially deny Chelsea loanee Omari Kellyman but then powerless to prevent Salech gobbling up the close-range rebound. Colwill soon smacked the bar with a dipping free-kick and Wrexham had barely laid a glove on the visitors when the half-time whistle sounded.

  The half-time introduction of Moore, once of Cardiff, made a difference and the Wales international brought Wrexham back level seven minutes after the restart. Ryan Longman's deflected cross from the left looped into the six-yard box and Moore leapt highest to power in a header. Still, Cardiff continued to dominate and were good value for their go-ahead second goal from Fish, whose back post volley from a narrow angle squeezed its way past Burton.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  The MVP

  Credit goes to Will Fish, whose goal ultimately decided it and late block preserved the lead he had given his team, but Rubin Colwill was the player who really set the tone for the dominant nature of Cardiff's performance and win. The 23-year-old is south Wales through and through, a Cardiff player since the age of eight and a full international. He pulled the creative strings for the visiting Bluebirds, created chances for his team-mates and even struck the woodwork with a sweet knuckleball of a free-kick. Colwill is too good for League One, but he'll be hoping that it's Cardiff who can provide a higher level.

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  The big loser

  Wrexham had the first big sight of goal of the night when Nathan Broadhead missed the target from a promising position 12 minutes in. The £10 million ($13m) club-record summer signing was playing Premier League football for Ipswich Town last season and needed to be more clinical. Not long afterwards, Cardiff were ahead and he barely got another sniff. In 45 minutes, Broadhead touched the ball just 17 times and that miss was his sole attempt. Strike partner Sam Smith was no better. Kieffer Moore and Josh Windass replaced the pair at half-time and did much more in the second half.

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• Match rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-1 draw with Lorient on Wednesday evening was overshadowed by a devastating sight as Desire Doue had to be stretchered off the pitch in tears. The 20-year-old appeared to suffer a serious right thigh injury just after the hour mark, which has caused significant concern in the PSG camp as he is one of the key players in Luis Enrique's setup.

PSG’s night turns sour as Doue collapses in agony

It was supposed to be another routine night for the French champions after their commanding 3-0 win over Brest last weekend. Doue had been in dazzling form, scoring in back-to-back games and looking every inch the superstar PSG fans had been waiting for. The first half offered little drama, with chances at a premium at both ends. Joel Mvuka tested Lucas Chevalier in the PSG goal, while Yvon Mvogo denied Nuno Mendes and Ibrahim Mbaye at the other end. 

The best of the match was saved for the second half. Just four minutes after the restart, PSG struck first. Doue whipped in a precise cross from the right, which was met by Mendes’ header. Although Mvogo initially saved it, the Portuguese full-back slammed in the rebound. But their joy was short-lived. Barely two minutes later, Arsene Kouassi’s cross caused chaos in PSG’s box, with Chevalier unable to fully clear his lines. The rebound fell kindly to Igor Silva, who made no mistake to equalise. Then came the nightmare moment. Around the 60th minute, Doue went down clutching his hamstring and collapsing in agony. The young Frenchman pounded the turf in frustration as tears streamed down his face. PSG’s medical team rushed to his aid, but the injury was serious and he had to leave the pitch on a stretcher.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesLeaving on crutches spark fears of a long layoff

According to reports, Doue was seen leaving the Stade du Moustoir on crutches. It’s a gut-wrenching blow for a player who had only just returned from a calf injury suffered while on international duty with France in September. His manager, Luis Enrique, cut a sombre figure after the match.

"It's always bad news when there are injuries," said the PSG boss. "It's a strange injury; I don't know exactly his condition. I hope it's not a serious injury."

Doue’s rise over the past year has been nothing short of spectacular. Last season, the gifted winger scored 16 goals and registered 16 assists across 61 matches, playing a pivotal role in PSG’s historic treble when they clinched the Ligue 1 title, French Cup, and most importantly, the club’s first-ever Champions League trophy. He was unstoppable in the European final against Inter, scoring twice and providing an assist in a man-of-the-match display. After a promising start to this campaign, Doue seemed to be hitting top gear once again. Just last week, he scored two stunning goals in PSG’s 7-2 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, followed by another in the 3-0 win at Brest over the weekend. Everything was going in the right direction until Wednesday night’s cruel twist of fate.

Another injury crisis for PSG

This latest setback compounds PSG’s mounting injury concerns. Fellow French international Ousmane Dembele, fresh off his Ballon d’Or win, only recently returned from a hamstring injury himself, having been sidelined for several weeks. With Doue now facing an uncertain recovery timeline, Luis Enrique’s squad depth will once again be tested. It is believed that Doue could be facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines, potentially ruling him out of PSG’s next Ligue 1 clash against OGC Nice and their blockbuster Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich. Fortunately, the Parisians have a wealth of attacking options to call upon, with the mercurial Khvicha Kvaratskhelia likely to step into the left-wing role. 

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AFPPSG’s title race still alive

Despite the disappointment of dropping points against Lorient, PSG’s position at the top of Ligue 1 remains secure, thanks to a favourable result elsewhere. Marseille squandered the chance to go top, conceding a stoppage-time equaliser in a chaotic 2-2 draw with Angers. Teenage sensation Robinio Vaz had scored twice to give Marseille the lead, but Ousmane Camara’s 96th-minute strike stunned the Velodrome and allowed PSG to stay ahead in the standings. Meanwhile, Monaco leapfrogged Marseille into second after a wild 5-3 win at Nantes. For now, PSG breathe a sigh of relief, but the real test will come in Europe, where Bayern Munich await on November 4.