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The India batter said she did not know until very late that she was going in at No. 3 in a high-pressure chase

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-2025

Jemimah Rodrigues was emotional after taking India to victory•ICC/Getty Images

On a historic night in Navi Mumbai, Jemimah Rodrigues said her match-winning hundred in a world-record chase to dethrone reigning champions Australia and secure India’s place in the World Cup final felt “like a dream” after enduring a difficult month filled with “a lot of anxiety”.”Today was not about my 50 or my 100, today was just about making India win,” an emotional Rodrigues said after accepting her Player of the Match award, having been dropped for India’s league game against England. “I knew I got a few chances, but I just felt God scripted everything. I believe if you do the right things, with right intentions, he always blesses. I feel everything that happened was just a set-up for this. It was really hard, this last whole month. It just feels like a dream and it hasn’t sunk in yet.”India chased down a target of 339, the highest successful chase in the women’s game, and Rodrigues was on the field for nearly all of it, having entered at No. 3 in the second over. She finished unbeaten on 127 off 134 balls as India won with five wickets in hand and nine balls to spare. Rodrigues revealed she didn’t know until very late that she was going to bat at No. 3.”I thought I was going to bat at No. 5,” she said. “I was taking a shower and when the discussion was happening, I told them ‘let me know.’ Just five minutes before entering I learnt I would be at No. 3.”But I didn’t think about me. It was not for me to prove a point, it was just to win the match for India because we have always lost in crunch situations. So I wanted to stay till the end to take us through.”Last time [in 2022], I was dropped from this World Cup. This year I came in, I thought ‘OK, I’ll try.’ But things back-to-back just happened and I couldn’t control anything. I had amazing people around me who believed in me. I almost cried every day through this tour. I was not doing well mentally, going through a lot of anxiety. Getting dropped [against England] was another challenge to me. All I wanted to do was show up and God took care of everything.”Rodrigues was seen talking to herself all through her hundred in a high-pressure chase in exhausting conditions: “Initially I was just playing, talking to myself. But towards the end, I was quoting a scripture from the Bible because I had lost energy and I was very tired. I was drained. But the scripture says ‘just stand still, and God will fight for you.’ And that’s what I did. He fought for me.”India lost both their openers in the powerplay but Rodrigues was joined by her captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the pair put on 167 off 156 balls for the third wicket. She credited Harmanpreet and her subsequent partners for keeping her going. “When Harry di [Harmanpreet] came, all we spoke about was one good partnership. We knew runs were coming. But towards the end, I told Deepti ‘keep talking to me’, she kept encouraging me. When Richa came, she lifted me up. I am so blessed that when I cannot carry on, my team-mates encourage me to carry on. I cannot take credit for this. I know I have not done anything.About the winning moment, Rodrigues said: “It was hard but I tried to stay calm till the ball finished. At the end, when I saw ‘India win by five wickets’ I couldn’t stop myself. Navi Mumbai has always been special for me. And I couldn’t ask for anything better. I want to thank every member who chanted and cheered even when we were down.”Harmanpreet said later that Rodrigues’ “calculations” helped India stay on course in the chase, with a required run-rate of nearly 6.80 at the start.”Jemimah is someone who always wants to do really well for the team because she is someone who is always very calculative and wants to take the responsibility,” Harmanpreet said. “We always have that trust on her and today was a very special knock from her. Both of us had a very good time on the pitch. Whenever we were batting, we were just complementing each other and calculating. She was doing all the calculations there for me.”She is someone, you know, before I go [up to her when batting together], she kept telling me ‘we got five runs [in this over] we got seven runs [in this over] or [we have] two more balls left [in the over]. Before I tell her anything, she is already saying it to me.”So I think that shows how involved she is. I was just so amazed to see what she was thinking and how she was even pushing myself. So I think we should give lots of credit to her – the way she kept her nerves and held her nerves to keep batting for the team.”India play South Africa in the World Cup final on Sunday, when a first-time champion will be crowned in Navi Mumbai.

Shanto, who has led Bangladesh in 14 Tests, had stepped down from captaincy in June but will now continue

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Nov-2025

Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue as Bangladesh Test captain until the conclusion of the ongoing 2025-2027 World Test Championship [WTC] cycle.Shanto, 27, had stepped down from Test captaincy following Bangladesh’s 1-0 series defeat to Sri Lanka in June, suggesting that “three separate captains will be difficult for the team to deal with.” He had been Bangladesh’s all-format captain but, earlier this year, quit the T20I role, which is now with Litton Das, and was then removed from ODI captaincy, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz given the role.The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), however, has reinstated Shanto into his old position ahead of the two-match Test series against Ireland, starting November 11 in Sylhet.Related

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“I feel truly honoured to continue leading the Bangladesh Test team and I am very grateful to the Board for the faith and trust they have shown in my captaincy,” Shanto was quoted via a BCB press release. “Captaining my country in Test cricket is the greatest pride of my life. I will do my utmost to repay the responsibility that has been entrusted to me.”It is a joy to lead a team that has so much talent and potential, and I believe we have an exciting and positive season ahead. We are looking forward to the upcoming series against Ireland later this month, which marks the start of a busy and important period for Bangladesh Test cricket.”Shanto, who first took over captaincy in 2023, has led Bangladesh in 14 Tests, out of which they have won four, lost nine and drawn one Test. The high point of Shanto’s captaincy came in August 2024, when Bangladesh registered a 2-0 series sweep in Pakistan.”Shanto has shown composure, commitment and a deep understanding of Test cricket,” BCB president Aminul Islam said. “Under his leadership, we have seen growth and belief in the team. The Board feels that continuity in leadership will serve us well as we move forward in this new Test Championship cycle.”Bangladesh are yet to register a win in the current WTC cycle, losing one and drawing one Test so far against Sri Lanka. They are seventh on the points table, with four points after two games. The Tests against Ireland are not part of the WTC.

He became the blueprint for every Indian cricketer, and changed not just results but mindsets

Greg Chappell12-May-20254:15

Kumble: Everyone knew if Kohli goes past 20, it’s going to be a big one

Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket marks the end of a thunderous era – a reign forged in grit, fire, and audacity. It closes the chapter on the most transformative figure in Indian cricket since Sachin Tendulkar; perhaps Kohli even eclipses him in terms of cultural influence and psychological impact on India’s cricketing identity.Kohli, the incandescent heart of Indian cricket for over a decade, did not just score runs. He redefined expectations, challenged conventions, and symbolised the self-assured, unapologetic India of the 21st century. His departure leaves not only a statistical void but a seismic shift in energy – for there has never been another quite like him.There was a time when Indian cricket, particularly overseas, bore an air of respectful submission – playing with technical skill, yes, but often with psychological inferiority. That changed in stages. Sourav Ganguly gave Indian cricket a new spine. MS Dhoni brought ice-cold leadership and white-ball dominance. But Kohli? Kohli lit the fire. He tore the script and authored a new one, where India was not just competitive abroad but expected to win.Related

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Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket

He was the most Australian non-Australian cricketer we’ve ever seen – a snarling warrior in whites, never giving an inch, always demanding more. Not just of his bowlers, his fielders or his opposition, but first and foremost, of himself.The two Test series that define Kohli’s legacy – and indeed his character – came in England and Australia, the most traditional arenas of cricketing greatness.In 2014, England exposed a glaring vulnerability. Anderson haunted him with late swing, and Kohli’s technique and mindset unravelled. But failure for Kohli was fertiliser. He didn’t complain. He rebuilt. He sought out his Under-19 coach Lalchand Rajput and worked obsessively to eliminate technical flaws. Tendulkar too lent advice. What emerged four years later was not just a better batter – it was a better man.His “>return to England in 2018 was the stuff of redemption mythology. In the opening Test, at Edgbaston, Kohli produced a sublime 149 – forged in defiance, patience, and mastery over conditions that once crippled him. The second-innings fifty was no less valuable. Across five Tests, he amassed 593 runs at 59.30, the leading run-scorer by a long stretch. The ghosts were not only exorcised, they were humiliated.If England was redemption, Australia in 2018-19 was a coronation. India had never won a Test series in Australia. Kohli, now captain, led a team that believed it could – and did. Though Cheteshwar Pujara was the hero statistically, Kohli’s 123 in Perth on a devilish pitch was an innings for the ages. It was Test cricket in its rawest form – discipline, fight, elegance, and grit. India won 2-1, and in doing so, buried decades of inferiority.

He trained not just his body but his imagination. Where others reacted, Kohli anticipated. He saw innings before they unfolded. He lived the pressure before it arrived

No Indian captain had ever marshalled a team to such commanding overseas dominance. And no batter since Tendulkar had so unequivocally ruled in every continent.Kohli’s greatest innings have been more than runs – they have been statements. His 141 in Adelaide in 2014, in his first Test as captain, chasing a monumental fourth-innings target, was an early blueprint. The 153 in Centurion (2018), the 200 in the West Indies in 2016, and the exquisite 254 not out at home against South Africa three years later, all told different stories of his abilities.He was a “feel” player, relying on immaculate timing rather than brute strength. Heavy bats didn’t interest him. Instead, he brought a two-handed, almost tennis-like aggression to slower pitches, making straight-batted drives look like power strokes from another dimension. He rarely needed innovation – no scoops or reverse sweeps. His genius lay in classical orthodoxy applied with gladiatorial will.2:10

Williamson: ‘Kohli had unrelenting drive to push the boundaries of Test cricket’

Kohli’s mental preparation was legendary. After every setback, whether personal or professional, he went away and returned harder, leaner, more complete. His father’s death during a Ranji match in 2006 remains a defining moment. He didn’t withdraw. He batted and scored 90 in a back-to-the-wall innings – because that’s what his father would have wanted.He spoke candidly in later years about visualising hostile conditions, hostile crowds and hostile spells before every overseas tour. He trained not just his body but his imagination. That is Kohli’s true superpower. Where others reacted, Kohli anticipated. He saw innings before they unfolded. He lived the pressure before it arrived.And in the cauldron of global scrutiny, with a billion people watching his every move, Kohli taught himself to breathe. As he once said: “If I focus on all that, I can’t breathe. I have to focus on what I can do.”Kohli burst onto the scene as a brash, chest-thumping U-19 World Cup-winning captain in 2008. Some wondered whether the strut outpaced the substance.The Australia series of 2014-15, Kohli first as captain, was one of his highest points. He made 692 runs at an average of over 86•Getty ImagesHe made mistakes, no doubt. But when the wake-up call came – particularly after a dip in discipline and lifestyle early in his career – he turned brutally honest with himself. He revamped everything: diet, training, mindset. In doing so, Kohli became the blueprint for the modern Indian cricketer – relentlessly professional, obsessively fit, and mentally ironclad.His evolution mirrored that of India itself – no longer content to play the supporting act. Confident, global, yet deeply connected to its roots. His global stardom ran parallel to the rise of the IPL, yet he never let the glitz distract from his Test ambitions. He made white-ball cricket his domain without sacrificing a drop of red-ball purity.Yes, Tendulkar was a genius. Yes, Dhoni was a master tactician and an ice-cold finisher. But in the grand reckoning of Indian cricket history, Kohli has been its most influential figure.Why? Because he changed not just results but mindsets.He demanded excellence. He made fast bowling India’s weapon. He brought the yo-yo test into the cultural lexicon. He backed his bowlers, he stood up to bullies, and he never played for second place. He wanted Test cricket to thrive and knew that for India to be respected, they needed to dominate the hardest format.With his emotions on display for the world to see, Kohli became an icon for an India that was not content to be a support act•Getty Images and Cricket AustraliaHis public defence of Steve Smith during the 2019 World Cup, when he urged Indian fans to stop booing, was a statesman’s act. The hot-headed kid had become cricket’s conscience.As Kohli exits the Test arena, he leaves behind not just a glittering record – over 9000 runs, 30 centuries, historic wins overseas – but a blueprint for how to play the game with heart, with hunger, and with unyielding pride.He was polarising, yes. But so is every revolutionary.He walked with a swagger, often spoke too loudly, always played too hard. And in doing so, he became the icon of an India no longer content to play supporting roles. He was a beacon to Indians everywhere, a cricketing colossus from the subcontinent striding across Lord’s, Adelaide, Centurion and Kolkata with the same fearless heartbeat.In every sense of the word, King Kohli reigned – and his influence will be felt long after the roar has faded.All hail the King. And thank you, Virat, for making us believe that domination and dignity could walk together.

Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa has suffered a setback in his injury recovery, with Eddie Howe ruling him out for a further period of time.

The 29-year-old sealed a £55m move to St James’ Park during the summer transfer window, coming in alongside Nick Woltemade to make up for the loss of Alexander Isak.

While Woltemade has hit the ground running at Newcastle, becoming a firm favourite and scoring four goals in six Premier League appearances, Wissa is still awaiting his debut for the club.

The Congo international suffered a posterior cruciate ligament when representing his country in September, almost immediately after sealing his move to the Magpies, and hasn’t made it onto the pitch since.

There has been hope that Wissa could potentially make his Newcastle bow before the November international break, but a new update has poured cold water on that dream.

Wissa out for further period for Newcastle

According to journalist Craig Hope on X, Wissa is likely to remain injured for Newcastle beyond the internationals, in a new setback for him.

“Yoane Wissa is ‘not close’ to a Newcastle return and looks set to miss his proposed comeback date this side of the November international break.”

Meanwhile, Howe provided more depth on the situation, saying: “It (his comeback) is definitely not West Ham (on Sunday). He’s working very hard. He’s on the grass. He’s getting the fitness work in that he needs. I’d say he’s not close to training with the group at the moment, not through injury but through fitness, and making sure we build his robustness. I’m not trying to be evasive. I don’t know when the moment will be when he’s back with the squad.”

It has been such a frustrating start to Wissa’s Newcastle career, with the former Brentford man no doubt desperate to hit the ground running, only to be struck down by injury.

Thankfully, Woltemade has thrived since coming in, making his teammate’s absence less of an issue, but he can be such a potent weapon for the Magpies when he returns to full fitness, with Thomas Frank lauding him as “incredible” during their time together at Brentford.

For Newcastle fans, it’s a case of being patient with Wissa and accepting that it may be a while before they see the best of him in a Magpies shirt.

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Eddie Howe could now possess his next Callum Wilson at Newcastle United in this dangerous attacker.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 1, 2025

Even when he does eventually make his debut, it is going to take time for him to find a full level of fitness, and he needs to be eased in with care by Howe, in order to not aggravate the issue further.

Woltemade 2.0: Wilson plots first Newcastle move for "phenomenal" £27m star

Mousa Dembélé is a star who exceeded all expectations during his time as a Tottenham Hotspur player, with the Belgian one of the most underrated players in their history.

He would go on to rack up a total of 249 appearances during his seven-year spell at the club, often catching the eye with his physicality and dazzling feet.

Despite his massive frame, you wouldn’t expect a player to easily get past the opposition, but Dembélé used to glide past his men in North London – with many of his former players singing his praises.

However, since his departure in 2019, the first-team have lacked the dominant and ball-playing option at the heart of the side, but that could be about to change in January.

With the window now on the horizon, Thomas Frank is starting to draw up a list of players who could improve the options at his disposal in the middle of the park.

Spurs’ hunt for a new midfielder in the January window

Over the last couple of days, Spurs have been one of the Premier League clubs linked with a potential winter deal to land Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.

Manchester United were massively touted with a deal to land the Cameroonian international in the summer, but were massively put off by his £100m valuation.

The same could be said for Frank’s side in January, with the Lilywhites wanting to land the 21-year-old, but are unwilling to fork out the current asking price for his signature.

However, he’s not the only midfielder in their sights at present, with Atlético Madrid talent Conor Gallagher once again appearing on their radar ahead of the upcoming window.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Englishman is available for a fee in the region of €60m (£52m) next month, with Fabio Paratici wanting to fork out such a fee for his services.

It also states that the player himself could be keen on a move back to the Premier League, but Diego Simeone’s side will only sanction a move if the asking price is met.

How Gallagher compares to Dembele

Spurs have often formed numerous rivalries in the Premier League over the years, with Chelsea just one of the sides in which they have had many fierce contests with.

Frank Lampard was a player who regularly starred against the Lilywhites, often leaving the fanbase wishing they had their own version of the English midfielder.

He featured against the club on 41 separate occasions, winning 22 of which and only losing eight times – often providing the difference in the London derby.

The now-retired star scored ten times within the aforementioned meetings, the third-best record against any time in his professional career – further showcasing his impact against Spurs.

Mixing a player of Lampard and Dembélé’s quality is always going to be a difficult ask, but it’s one that Gallagher has managed to do during recent months in Madrid.

He’s been a dominant player for Simeone’s men in LaLiga, with his underlying stats from the 2025/26 campaign showcasing his incredible ability at both ends of the pitch.

Gallagher has won 2.5 tackles and made 1.6 interceptions per 90 this season, with such numbers showcasing his dominant ball-winning presence that Dembélé possessed.

Games played

15

Goals & assists

1

Pass accuracy

88%

Shots taken

1.4

Progressive carries

2.7

Progressive passes

3.9

Tackles made

2.5

Interceptions made

1.6

Carries into opposition box

0.9

He’s also made 0.9 carries into the opposition box as part of his 2.7 progressive carries per 90, another component of his game that the Belgian demonstrated in North London.

However, his ability in possession has also caught the eye, with England U21 manager Lee Carsley previously stating that the midfielder is just “like Lampard”.

Gallagher has completed 88% of the passes he’s attempted to date, with 3.9 of which per 90 going into the final third – something which Lampard became known for with the Blues.

His crashing nature also handed the Spurs fans numerous moments of anguish, something which the Atletico star has demonstrated with his tally of one goal and 1.4 shots per 90.

£52m may appear to be a huge investment in the former Blues star, but his all-round stats in Spain’s top-flight this season showcase his elite-level output at both ends.

Should he merge the levels achieved by Dembélé and Lampard in the Premier League, it would be a stellar signing and one that can take Frank’s side to the next level.

Saved by Romero: Frank must bin Spurs flop who had fewer touches than Vicario

Tottenham Hotspur were fortunate to walk away with a point against Newcastle United last night.

2 ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

Everton know they will have to replace Idrissa Gueye in the near future and a new update has outlined their plans in the January transfer window.

The Blues could potentially be without Gueye for as many as six games in January, due to his involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.

Not only that, but Everton also need to plan for life without the 36-year-old, with the midfielder out of contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium at the end of this season.

Gueye signed a one-year extension during the summer, but given his age, there is every chance that the 2025/26 campaign will be his last in a Blues shirt.

Replacing him is going to be a tall order, with the Senegalese such an influential figure at the heart of Everton’s midfield across two different spells with the club, and it looks as though the Merseysiders are preparing for life without him.

Everton eyeing new midfielder in January

According to Football Insider, “both permanent and loan deals will be explored” by Everton in January, as they plan to fill the void left by Gueye with a new midfield signing.

The report also adds that the Blues “have no plans” to offer the popular midfielder a contract extension, as he gradually nears the end of his £120,000-a-week deal, which makes him Everton’s third-highest earner.

This feels like sensible thinking by Everton, with Gueye’s absence in the winter likely to leave a gap, given his ability to cover ground and bite into tackles, even at his current age.

The Blues need to be looking at a similar style of player to come in as his long-term successor, but whoever that is will have a lot to live up to, with James Garner heaping praise on him.

“He’s getting better the older he gets. He’s a calm, assuring head alongside me. I’m still pretty young and still learning the game, and he’s helped me massively.”

It remains to be seen who Everton’s choice of midfielder will be – Real Betis ace Sergi Altimira was reportedly the subject of a bid in the summer – but a permanent move makes more sense than a loan signing, in terms of bringing in a long-term option who is in and around his best years of his career.

Idrissa Gueye was "everywhere" for Everton vs Fulham, won 100% of his aerial duels

Sam Allardyce has named a Crystal Palace star in his Premier League Team of the Season so far, with an Arsenal counterpart snubbed.

Palace pushing for Europe once again

Off the back of winning the first major trophy in their history last season, Palace have started the current season in style, having taken 20 points from their opening 12 Premier League games, which leaves them just three points adrift of second-placed Chelsea.

Oliver Glasner has made his side very difficult to beat, with only Everton and Arsenal chalking up wins against the Eagles so far this season, and a solid defensive record has been the key to their success, keeping clean sheets in four out of the last five matches in all competitions.

Having managed to retain the services of Marc Guehi in the summer, despite deadline-day drama, Glasner’s side have shipped just nine goals in the Premier League this term, the second-fewest of any side, behind only league-leaders Arsenal.

However, Guehi hasn’t been the only player to catch the eye, with Allardyce recently naming another Crystal Palace star in his Premier League Team of the Season so far.

Speaking on the ‘No Tippy Tappy Football’ podcast, the former manager chose Dean Henderson ahead of David Raya between the sticks, while also adding: “He’s so confident in himself, he believes when someone’s got a penalty he’s gonna save it – you can see, it’s bordering on a bit arrogant.”

The 71-year-old justifies his decision by asserting that Raya doesn’t face enough shots to make it into the team, given the Gunners’ fantastic defensive record, most recently limiting Tottenham Hotspur to an xG of just 0.06 in the 4-1 North London derby thrashing.

Henderson must be in Tuchel's thoughts ahead of World Cup

Jordan Pickford has been England’s first-choice goalkeeper for quite some time, having now amassed 81 caps, and it is difficult to envisage Thomas Tuchel dropping him for the World Cup next summer, but the Palace shot-stopper is certainly pushing the Everton star all the way.

Player

Club

Premier League clean sheets

David Raya

Arsenal

7

Robert Sanchez

Chelsea

7

Dean Henderson

Crystal Palace

6

Nick Pope

Newcastle United

5

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Manchester City

4

Robin Roefs

Sunderland

4

Jordan Pickford

Everton

4

Guglielmo Vicario

Tottenham Hotspur

4

Djordje Petrovic

AFC Bournemouth

4

The 28-year-old has already picked up six clean sheets in the Premier League this season, two more than Pickford, while also saving two penalties in the shoot-out against Liverpool to help the Eagles clinch the Community Shield for the first time in their history.

Raya may have kept more clean sheets than the Englishman, but the Spaniard won’t be happy by Richarlison recently lobbing him from distance in the North London derby…

As such, Henderson’s selection is fully justified, and the goalkeeper has a huge part to play as Palace look to qualify for Europe for the second year running.

Crystal Palace star who "they don't want to lose" now has his agent testing an exit

The Eagles must look to keep hold of their star striker.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 25, 2025

Manager Enzo Maresca believes Chelsea’s loss of injured talisman Cole Palmer is equivalent to Manchester City and Liverpool facing life without star forwards Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah. The Blues have not been able to call upon their main man since September, with his return from injury having now been delayed following a freak accident at home.

• Palmer was set to resume first-team training before freak incident

  Chelsea have been forced to cope without Palmer after he sustained a groin injury in the 2-1 loss at Manchester United on 20 September. The England international was set to resume first-team training this week, but his long-awaited return has been pushed back by an extra seven days after he stubbed his toe on a door.

  Palmer will subsequently miss Chelsea’s next three games – Saturday's trip to Burnley in the Premier League, Tuesday's home fixture against Barcelona in the Champions League and next weekend's league match at home to leaders Arsenal.

  Confirming the incident in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Burnley game, Maresca said: “He [Palmer] is probably not available for Saturday for sure, Barcelona for sure or Arsenal for sure.

  “Unfortunately, he had an accident at home where he hit his toe. It is nothing important, but he won't be back in the next week. I wake up many times during the night – I hit my head, my legs, my everything – so it can happen.”

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Maresca compares Palmer to Haaland & Salah as injury woes continue

  Palmer has become Chelsea’s leader since his arrival from City in 2023. The 23-year-old has scored 45 goals in 101 appearances for the west Londoners, winning both the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

  And such is Palmer’s influence on Chelsea that head coach Maresca has compared his absence to rivals City and Liverpool trying to win games without Haaland and Salah, who are also among the league’s best players.

  The Italian told the club’s official website: “I’m very proud because for us Cole is like [Erling] Haaland for [Manchester] City, like [Mohamed] Salah for Liverpool. If Haaland doesn’t play for City or Salah doesn’t play for Liverpool, they are not the same team.

  “So I’m very proud, but especially very proud of the players, because it is a difficult moment without Cole. They showed they are good players and they all want the best for this club.”

• Chelsea head coach will be able to call upon fit-again striker Delap

  One player Maresca will be able to turn to against Burnley is Liam Delap, who recently made his return from a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 3-0 league win over struggling Wolves before the international break.

  Delap moved to Stamford Bridge from relegated Ipswich Town in the summer, scoring his first goal for his new side against Tunisian outfit Esperance Tunis in the Club World Cup in June. The 22-year-old is still looking for his first Chelsea goal in domestic football.

  “For sure Liam is part of our learning process,” Maresca said. “I know Liam very well from years ago and Liam is a fantastic player, especially when there are spaces to attack.

  “He struggles a little bit more when there is no space, in the way he is. So in games like Wolves and probably today, he is going to struggle a bit more because there is no space to attack.

  “Against teams that we can attack in behind with space he is a top player, he is fantastic. But in the same moment it is a learning process for him, how to play against these teams, how to be better, how we can help him to be better, to play against teams that wait for us and sit back.”

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  In-form Blues looking to close gap on leaders Arsenal in Burnley clash

  It remains to be seen whether Delap will start when Chelsea make the trip to Burnley on Saturday. Maresca’s side can move just three points behind Arsenal with a victory at Turf Moor, with Mikel Arteta’s Gunners set to renew hostilities with Tottenham in the north London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

  Chelsea have lost just once in their last five games in all competitions, against high-flying Sunderland on 25 October, having recorded wins over Tottenham and Wolves in the league. They also defeated Wolves in the Carabao Cup on 29 October, before drawing with Azerbaijani side Qarabag in the Champions League on 5 November.

Tottenham Hotspur ended their three-game losing run across all competitions last night with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Newcastle United away at St James’ Park.

The Lilywhites have often found games at St James’ Park hard to come by, as seen by their run of four losses in a row, but Thomas Frank managed to put an end to that on Tuesday night.

His men have often struggled to come back from losing positions in the Premier League in 2025/26, but they did manage to do so twice on Tyneside to secure a needed point.

It leaves the Lilywhites in 11th place ahead of the remainder of the midweek fixtures, a position lower than many expected after the Dane’s arrival during the off-season.

However, it may have been a lot worse against Eddie Howe’s men, especially if it wasn’t for the vital contributions of one of the players during the contest.

How Cristian Romero saved Frank vs Newcastle

Since Frank’s arrival before the start of the ongoing campaign, he named centre-back Cristian Romero as part of his leadership group at Spurs – with the defender often wearing the captain’s armband.

In the league so far this season, the Argentine has now featured in 11 of the 14 outings, with his display against the Magpies last night undoubtedly his best to date.

He returned to the starting eleven after suspension, subsequently managing to find the back of the net twice and securing Frank’s men an unlikely point after Anthony Gordon’s penalty.

Romero’s second goal, which was a beautiful bicycle kick, was no doubt the pick of the bunch, with such a finish, one you would expect off an elite-level attacker.

His underlying stats further showcase his impressive display, with the defender managing to win 100% of the tackles he entered, whilst also winning 50% of his aerial battles.

Other tallies, such as five clearances made and five recoveries made, showcase his impact within the defensive third – with Romero evidently having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch.

Spurs star was saved by Romero against Newcastle

Despite Romero’s successes against Newcastle last night, not every player managed to impress, with many of Frank’s starting seven being unable to make a huge impact on proceedings.

Rodrigo Bentancur was once again selected after being benched against Fulham, but his return to the starting eleven was an unsuccessful one at St James’.

The Uruguayan international failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles, and was only able to register two passes into the final third – subsequently showcasing his struggles in possession.

He was also responsible for pulling down Dan Burn in the penalty area, which resulted in Gordon’s late penalty, with his rash nature once again on full show on Tyneside.

However, he wasn’t alone in failing to deliver against the Magpies, with winger Brennan Johnson failing to take advantage after his own recall to the squad after multiple substitute appearances.

The Welshman was handed the chance to start in a somewhat unfamiliar left-wing position last night, but it certainly was a performance to forget for the attacker.

He featured for 77 minutes against Howe’s side before being withdrawn, with his substitution warranted after his lack of impact throughout his time on the pitch.

Minutes played

77

Touches

29

Passes completed

12/21 (57%)

Dribbles completed

0

Possession lost

12x

Crosses completed

1

Duels won

20%

Passes into final third

1

The 24-year-old only managed to complete 57% of the passes he attempted, subsequently losing possession on 12 occasions and even registering just 29 touches – a tally fewer than goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who notched 44.

Johnson also failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles, whilst only completing one cross into the box – often being unable to create any chances for the Lilywhites.

He was massively dominated out of possession, as seen by his tally of five duels entered, but he only managed to come out on top in just 20% of the battles with the opposition backline.

As a result, he was handed a measly 6/10 match rating by Football London journalist Alasdair Gold, further reflecting his lack of quality in the draw last night.

After such a showing, Frank must surely be left with no choice but to drop the winger ahead of their return to action at the weekend, with a win desperately needed to end the barren spell.

The clash on Tyneside certainly could have been a lot worse had it not been for Romero’s brilliance at the top end of the pitch – with Johnson certainly being bailed out by his teammate.

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