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A career-best T20 score from Ben Duckett has powered Northants into the NatWest Blast T20 final for the third time in four years.

Report by George Dobell20-Aug-2016
ScorecardA career-best T20 score from Ben Duckett powered Northants into the NatWest Blast T20 final for the third time in four years.Despite their well-documented financial troubles and the loss of Seekkuge Prasanna to international duty and Richard Gleeson to injury, Northants overcame a Nottinghamshire side that came into finals day having won their last nine T20 matches and containing nine international players and to win by eight runs.Northants looked unlikely victors when, 14 balls into the game, they had subsided to 15 for 3. And, had either of two inside edges from Duckett’s bat hit the stumps rather than skidded to the fine leg boundary, it is quite possible this match could have ended as a contest almost before it had begun.But in partnership with captain Alex Wakely, Duckett helped add 132 in 82 balls showed once again why he is one of the highest-rated young batsmen in county cricket.Demonstrating an outrageous range of scoops, reverse pulls and drives, Duckett thrashed 84 from 47 balls – only two short of the record individual score on Finals Day – to take Northants to a competitive total.While some batsman might have been forgiven for consolidating after such a poor start, Duckett reasoned there was little sense in attempting to eke out a modest total on what looks to be an excellent surface and instead counter-attacked from the start.Stuart Broad was laced through mid-off and nudged off his hips for boundaries before Samit Patel was reverse-pulled for six. At one stage he took three boundaries in succession off Steven Mullaney – a reverse sweep, a scoop and a drive – while one Patel over was punished for 20, including a six crunched over long-on.Duckett’s success does raise questions, though. Would he have won an opportunity to play in an eight-team city-based competition? As a 21-year-old developing at one of the smaller counties, would he have been given an opportunity ahead of more experienced players at more fashionable counties?He is the latest in an impressive array of talent to emerge from Northants in recent years. He recently scored 650 List A runs in the space of two weeks, including a double-century against Sri Lanka A, and was probably unfortunate to miss out on a place in the England ODI squad.Whether the club can keep him remains unclear. He is not out of contract but, like David Willey and Olly Stone before him, he is sure to attract interest from counties with deeper pockets.The value of the Wakley-Duckett partnership was highlighted once Duckett was dismissed, attempting to slog-sweep. Northants only managed one boundary in the last 25 balls of their innings, with nobody except Duckett and Wakely making more than 7.Andre Russell, despite struggling with a sore knee that forced him off the pitch at one stage, came to bowl his final over and claimed two wickets – Rory Kleinveldt and Steven Crook – to catches on the midwicket boundary and conceded just three runs in the process.Nottinghamshire were soon 15 for 3 in reply. After Michael Lumb edged to third man and Alex Hales was bowled by one that nipped back, Dan Christian was hurried by a short ball and top-edged to fine leg.But Russell plundered 20 – three fours, two of which were delicately played through or over point and one six, which was thrashed over midwicket – from one Azharullah over to put his side back on track. While Riki Wessels was caught on the point boundary, attempting to clear the field with a reverse sweep, Patel helped Russell add 45 in just 25 balls.But an outstanding piece of athleticism on the midwicket boundary – Rob Keogh throwing himself full length to cling on to an outstanding catch – ended Russell’s innings and, with Patel falling to a sharp return catch and Mullaney pulling to midwicket, it seemed Nottinghamshire would fall well short.Northants put down three chances – none of them easy – in seven balls, though, to allow Notts back into the game. Chris Read, the fortune batsman on two occasions, thrashed a quick 30 to leave Northants – struggling to bowl their overs within the permitted time and risking a six-run penalty as a result – a little rattled. But when Read was caught at long-on, Notts’ chances disappeared with him and left Northants into the final once more.”We saved our worst performance of the season for the semi-final,” Notts captain Dan Christian admitted.

Anil Kumble remained coy about Ravi Shastri being overlooked, but was more comfortable talking about his own role in his first press conference as India’s head coach

Sidharth Monga in Bangalore29-Jun-2016The last time Anil Kumble was part of an India camp was at his home ground, M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, in 2008. Two men were under immense pressure to keep their places in the side: Captain Kumble and former captain Sourav Ganguly. Just before the series both had struggled in Sri Lanka: Ganguly had scored 96 runs in six innings, and Kumble had taken eight wickets for 400 runs in three Tests. Just before the home series against Australia, Kumble answered in the negative when asked about retirements. A few days later, Ganguly announced this series was to be his last, and an injured Kumble ended his career even before Ganguly.Eight years later, Kumble and Ganguly have emerged as an unlikely duo shepherding the Indian team from the management perspective. Unlike Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, Ganguly has turned out to be pretty hands-on as a state association president and a member of the cricket advisory committee. Kumble, too, has had a stint as a state association president, actually winning an election, willing to put his reputation on the line by entering the contest. Now Ganguly is believed to have played a key role in getting Kumble as the coach of Indian team.Sitting in the same spot that Ganguly had been in when he uttered words that still resonate – “just one last thing lads, before I leave, I just want to say that this is going to be my last series,” Kumble was asked for his opinion on the way Shastri had been overlooked. Shastri had alleged Ganguly was not even present to interview him when he made his presentation. The underlying suggestion being that the decision had already been made before the interview process.Kumble was a relentless bowler, always at the batsman, but here he did a good impression of leaving this swinging ball alone outside off. “I was the first one to call Ravi after I was chosen as head coach,” Kumble said. “He did a wonderful job with the Indian team. It is not about Anil or Ravi, it is not about the head coach. It is about the players, it is about the team. And from my point of view, whether it is me or Ravi or any Indian, we all want the Indian team to do well. We all want the Indian team to perform at its best. We all believe that there is potential for the Indian team to be the best in all three formats.”And If I’m part of the journey, that’s all I have to say. He congratulated me. I told him it’s a fantastic team, a young team that we have. It could be someone else tomorrow [in place of me]. I’m not permanent in this role. I have an opportunity to make a difference. I have an opportunity to be part of the journey and if I can be part of the journey where we see Indian cricket rise to where we all want it to be, then I think it’s wonderful. I feel privileged, like I already mentioned. And an honour again to be a part of the team.”Kumble was more comfortable and open talking about his own role. At the outset he repeated that he and his support staff were going to be in the background, that his legendary status as a cricketer himself was not going to overpower his team. About his preferred support staff – Sanjay Bangar and Abhay Sharma as batting and fielding coach are temporary appointments for the upcoming West Indies tour – Kumble didn’t reveal much except that he was keen to work with the bowlers himself. A fast-bowling coach couldn’t be ruled out, though.”At this point in time, I thought I can get close to the bowlers, for a start,” Kumble said. “Yes, we are considering options, I don’t want to say what because this is my first trip as coach with the team and I’d like to observe and try and see how the team is shaping up. At this point in time, I thought that with the bowlers, it is the strategy that I can certainly play a part of and that’s something which I am looking at, trying to get closer to the bowlers, understanding what their needs are and then looking at probably bringing in, if you are looking at a fast bowling coach I think is what you are trying to say. There are considerations that I am thinking of but at this point, I don’t know if it will be possible to take someone to the West Indies. If that doesn’t happen, then certainly I am keen to look at the bowlers. I feel that that is certainly an area where I can contribute a lot more.”Kumble was asked what he, as a player, used to look for in a coach. The answer to this was the most definitive in his 20-minute press conference. “As a coach, all I sought was organised preparations for the team and informed inputs to the captain and the team to strategise better. Inclusive of every player. You have to include every player. It’s not about just the 11 who are to play. Also abut the six or seven who are not going to play.”That’s something I sought as a player because it was not always that I played in every team that played for India during my time. I was dropped, I was not chosen for tours. So I understand [what it means to] be the most important member in the team to being dropped. I understand all of that, I understand that communication at such times is very critical. For the coach to pick up the phone and send the message, ‘Don’t worry you are still part of the team.’ That’s what I will look to do. Hopefully I will be able to succeed in telling people who are part of the system that they will always be part of it.”Kumble had earlier remarked it felt a little odd being interviewed by three of his long-time team-mates. Having stepped into the team atmosphere, though, Kumble doesn’t feel odd at all. “Obviously you know the roles and boundaries as a coach,” Kumble said. “Other than that it’s no different. All of us want Indian cricket to be doing really well, and these are exciting times. I feel privileged to be a part of that journey, and in whatever way I can help Indian cricket achieve that. It was no different walking into a meeting room with the entire team, although the faces were different. I’ve played with some of them; I’ve mentored a couple of them in various capacities. To be back in the changing room is always special.”

Chelsea had previously considered bringing Mauricio Pochettino to Stamford Bridge as he closes in on being officially unveiled as the Blues' new manager, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest news involving Mauricio Pochettino?

As per 90min, Chelsea are said to be 'inching closer' to appointing Pochettino as their new manager and the two parties only have 'minor details' to iron out before the Argentinian is announced as Graham Potter's permanent successor.

The report also states that Pochettino will be given the freedom to shape his squad appropriately and will have a major say in who is allowed to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

Sky Sports revealed last week that Chelsea have been 'admirers' of the 51-year-old manager in the past and 'enquired about his availability' following their decision to part ways with Thomas Tuchel in 2022.

Pochettino has been out of work since the end of the 2021/22 season after he left Paris Saint-Germain despite leading them to the Ligue 1 title.

Football Insider claims that the former Spurs boss is already getting to work scoping out potential additions for the Blues, with Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane thought to be one of his transfer targets.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Sheth thinks that Pochettino will have been given 'reassurances' by the Chelsea hierarchy that will have given him encouragement as he closes in on returning to management at Stamford Bridge.

Sheth said: “I think he was considered a couple of times before by Chelsea, particularly when they appointed Graham Potter. At the time, it wasn't right for Pochettino.

“Something has changed, and in the discussions that he will have had with the Chelsea owners, he would have probably got the reassurances that he wanted, not only about issues like his backroom staff but also about how he's going to need to trim the squad.

“We know that Pochettino likes to work with a squad that's not inflated.”

What happens now for Chelsea?

In all honestly, Chelsea could do with some positive news in the near future, especially given their current woeful run of form in recent weeks.

Caretaker boss Frank Lampard hasn't been able to get a tune out of his squad, losing six from six since being brought in to steady the ship in west London.

Incredibly, despite their enormous spending power, the Blues lie 12th in the Premier League table with five games left to play and sit nine points above the relegation zone, signifying that they are still not mathematically safe from the drop.

Of course, it is extremely unlikely that Chelsea will suffer such a fate come the end of this term; however, it's an indication of how underwhelming this season has been at Stamford Bridge for all involved.

Pochettino will be keen to establish his vision early on in pre-season at the club to avoid a repeat scenario in 2023/24.

The implications of relegation to the Championship could be disastrous for Leeds United, as it could see a number of their most promising players depart for pastures new.

Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Leicester City has left the Yorkshire outfit dangling just above the relegation places and with fixtures against the likes of Manchester City and Newcastle United still to come, Javi Gracia's side look to be in real danger.

Naturally, the club's most promising prospects will be targeted by other clubs should Leeds find themselves in the second tier next season and a recent report has suggested that the influential Tyler Adams could be one to leave.

Leeds fans may well expect the USA international to move on should they go down, but the reported asking price will certainly leave them concerned, as it could see Victor Orta repeat the nightmare that saw fellow fan favourite Luciano Becchio depart for a cut-price swap deal in 2013.

Could Tyler Adams leave Leeds this summer?

According to reports from Italy, AC Milan are interested in signing the 24-year-old this summer and Leeds could be forced to let him leave for less than the £15m they paid last summer.

Since signing from RB Leipzig in 2022, Adams has gone on to make 24 appearances in the Premier League for Leeds, averaging a strong 6.74 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranks him as the fourth-best player in Gracia's squad, while no player has contributed more tackles per game, which saw him labelled a "tackling machine" by Kevin Campbell, so it is clear just how important he is in Leeds' midfield.

His absence through injury has also been sorely felt in recent weeks, with the midfield duo of Weston McKennie and Marc Roca proving far too easy to play through, with the Yorkshire outfit picking up just one point from a possible 12, conceding 14 goals in that time.

Few could complain if Adams were to swap Championship football for Champions League football this summer but if Orta negotiates a deal of less than £15m for a player Football Transfers values at €39.6m (£35m), then it would surely join Becchio in the history books as one of the worst deals in Leeds' history.

What happened to Luciano Becchio?

Becchio was well and truly a fan favourite at Elland Road, crashing in 87 goals in 221 appearances for Leeds before he was inexplicably sold to Norwich City by Neil Warnock.

He had contributed 16 goals and four assists in 26 Championship appearances in the first half of the 2012/13 campaign but Warnock opted to sell him to Norwich for an undisclosed fee – believed to be a measly £203k – with Steve Morison heading in the opposite direction.

Given Morison would manage just five goals in 42 appearances for Leeds, fans certainly felt short-changed by his exit.

Indeed, they would no doubt react similarly if Orta sells Adams for a similarly insulting price this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have a squad inundated with players that need offloading, with almost the whole of English football aware of that.

However, it seems that the man who has allowed such mediocrity to fester, Daniel Levy, is the only one oblivious to such a fact.

For someone so frugal and seemingly petrified of spending big, the 61-year-old has certainly invested heavily in recent years in a desperate pursuit of silverware; a search that continues to go amiss.

Whilst there are plenty of depreciating duds that do need selling, perhaps the savvy CEO could first seek to capitalise on the few who have seen their value rise in preparation for the transfer war chest he will have to promise to the new boss.

One such name that springs to mind is Japhet Tanganga, who truly burst onto the scene during the 2019/20 season under Jose Mourinho.

The legendary manager saw immense potential in the 24-year-old, claiming after his first league start came against Liverpool: “I thought he did well. I think the kid has reason to be happy with his level.”

However, injuries and a sharp loss of form would see his reputation plummet, with the academy graduate falling way down in the pecking order. Therefore, he must be one of the first to go.

How much is Japhet Tanganga worth now?

Across his first six Premier League appearances, Tanganga maintained a 6.95 average rating that encouraged many. Journalist Charlie Eccleshare even branded him a “great prospect for the future."

Having burst onto the scene as a physical yet classy presence all across the back line, this figure would unfortunately decrease with each passing season.

With just three appearances to his name this campaign and a 6.3 rating to show for them, his downfall is truly exacerbated.

Pundit Jamie O’Hara even took to talkSPORT (5:38 pm, February 11, 2023) earlier this year to claim: “Tanganga, how he is still playing for Tottenham, I don’t know. It looks like he has got ice skates on him every time he is defending. It’s embarrassing.”

However, with increased prominence in and around the senior squad, no matter how poor the form, the £25k-per-week dud has still seen a valuation increase.

Transfermarkt has overseen this rise, suggesting that in September 2019 he was worth just €800k (£702k). However, despite the aforementioned underperformance, that has grown to €9m (£7.9m) as of November 2022. This marks a 1,025% rise across a three-year period.

With numerous poor performers culminating in what is set to be another year without a trophy, Tanganga could be an unfortunate but wholly necessary casualty of the impending revolution this summer should bring.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in welcoming back Kalvin Phillips to Elland Road this summer, with the England international having endured a miserable debut campaign at Manchester City thus far.

What's the latest on Kalvin Phillips to Leeds?

According to the Daily Star, the Whites are seemingly said to be plotting to re-sign the 27-year-old at the end of the season, despite having only allowed the midfielder to depart on a £42m deal back in July.

The report outlines that while the 26-cap machine is also attracting interest from West Ham United, the Yorkshire outfit are keen to bring their former asset back to the club, having reportedly seen a loan approach rejected by the Premier League champions in January.

The Leeds native is facing an uncertain future at the Etihad having failed to make a single top-flight start this season, with that fact said to have put other clubs in the division 'on alert'.

Should Leeds re-sign Phillips?

There is no doubt that it has been a grim last few months for the £150k-per-week man in his new surroundings, with Phillips having been restricted to just two starts in all competitions this term, having also struggled for form and fitness for much of the campaign.

Branded "overweight" by City boss Pep Guardiola following his return from World Cup duty, the 5 foot 10 maestro has failed to truly earn the faith of the serial-winning Spaniard, having simply been unable to dislodge fellow midfielder, Rodri, from his deep-lying berth.

Despite those woes, the experienced ace was selected by Gareth Southgate for England's win over Italy on Thursday evening, going on to produce a solid, albeit unspectacular display in the centre of the park, doing the 'selfless dirty work' in order to allow both Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice to thrive, as per 90min's Tom Gott.

That rare outing may have had obvious signs of rust – as Phillips lost possession on ten occasions – although it will have showcased to Javi Gracia and co that there is undoubtedly still a quality player in there who is simply in need of a regular run of games.

Hailed as a "monster" by ex-Premier League star Yannick Bolasie in the recent past, the local hero could seemingly aim to pick up where he left off with the Whites were he to make a summer move, having previously racked up 234 appearances in all competitions for the club.

The signing of the academy graduate could allow Gracia to move on compatriot Marc Roca at the end of the season, with the former Bayern Munich man – who only arrived at the start of the campaign – having failed to truly impress so far.

The 26-year-old has been described as not a "Premier League footballer" by talkSPORT pundit Adrian Durham as a marker of his struggles, with it potentially an ideal opportunity to ditch the former Espanyol man were Phillips to return.

That difference in quality between the pair is illustrated by the fact that last season the latter man averaged a standout 2.7 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, as well as enjoying an 82% pass accuracy rate to showcase his ball-winning prowess and composure in possession, while Roca has so far averaged just two tackles and 0.9 interceptions this term, while also recording an 80% pass accuracy rate.

Equally, Phillips also ranks in the top 1% for blocks, the top 3% for tackles and the top 9% for interceptions among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues to further indicate his relentless work ethic, while the current Leeds man ranks in just the top 45%, the top 23% and the top 41% for those same three metrics, respectively.

With the Englishman likely to be able to make a smooth transition back into the side if he is to return in the near future, that reunion would likely prove far more rewarding than sticking by a player such as Roca who is hardly pulling up any trees at present.

Podcaster Dan Cook believes Crystal Palace are ‘playing with fire’ by offering Wilfried Zaha such a hefty wage.

The Lowdown: Zaha offered bumper deal

Despite previous reports claiming that Zaha was all set to become a free agent in the summer when his current Crystal Palace contract expires, it is now being reported that the Eagles have made a last-ditch attempt to keep the Ivory Coast international.

The latest reports are suggesting that Palace have offered Zaha the chance to become the highest-paid player ever at Palace by some margin, with a £200,000-per-week contract said to be on the table for him.

It goes to show just how valued and respected Zaha still is at Selhurst Park despite now being on the wrong side of 30, however, Cook believes the touted wages for someone in the twilight years of his career could be seen as dangerous.

The Latest: Palace playing a risky game with Zaha contract offer

Cook made his claim on the HLTCO podcast when discussing the risks involved with Palace offering Zaha such a huge salary when he may not have many years left in his career at the top of his game.

He said: “I dare say, it’s not a topic that’s ever going to get universal agreement from across the board in terms of Crystal Palace fans, because whenever you’re throwing a potential contract of £200,000 a week at a 30-year-old, you end up in a situation where you’re going to be playing with fire as far as some people are concerned.

“I love Wilf with all of my heart and there is a huge part of me which would do anything to keep Wilfried Zaha at the football club for the rest of his career.

“That said, you look at a player over the age of 30 now, and who’s to say he’s not going to get one or a string of long-term injuries and become a pretty sizeable millstone around our neck in terms of his financial drain on the club?”

The Verdict: Huge offer may still not be sensible

While the natural reaction when Palace found out Zaha was looking to leave as a free agent may have been to cave into his demands and offer him whatever he wants, if you take away the emotional connection between the player and the club, this looks like a potentially poor move from Steve Parish.

Zaha is on the wrong side of 30 and has already missed five league games this season, which is the same amount he missed in the entirety of the previous campaign, which could be a sign of his body starting to take longer to recover from knocks and strains.

Therefore, it would probably make more sense to cut their ties with Zaha and allow him to leave as a free agent after being a top servant for the club – and start looking for his replacement.

Everton reporter for The Liverpool Echo Joe Thomas was shocked by Idrissa Gueye’s mistake in the build-up to Arsenal’s second goal on Wednesday night.

The Lowdown: Heavy defeat

Everton were made to suffer against the Premier League leaders in the end as two goals from Gabriel Martinelli and one each from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were enough to give the home side all three points at the Emirates Stadium.

The visitors seemed to be going well for the first 40 minutes, but two goals shortly before the half-time whistle effectively killed the game off.

The Latest: Gueye mistake

Taking to Twitter, Thomas was critical of Gueye in the build-up to Martinelli’s first goal in first-half stoppage time, as he dwelled on the ball for far too long in a dangerous area before Saka pounced on him and fed Martinelli to score:

“Gueye is jogging towards his own goal, I think he thinks the ref has blown for a foul further up the pitch. Saka plays on and nips the ball from Gueye’s toes and it falls to Martinelli, who pokes beyond Pickford. From the sublime to the stunningly ridiculous.”

The Verdict: Really poor…

The mistake itself from Gueye was really poor, but what made matters worse was that it came just before the half-time whistle. The Toffees then went into the break 2-0 down instead of 1-0, and gave themselves a mountain to climb in the second half.

This is not the first time that Gueye has been criticised for his performances under Sean Dyche, and there have even been calls for him to be replaced for next season.

Nonetheless, the midfielder must step up his performances if he wants to keep his starting place for the next crucial run of matches.

Arsenal are preparing a monstrous offer to bring Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund to the Premier League, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Reinforcement needed

Mikel Arteta has been playing Eddie Nketiah up top in the absence of Gabriel Jesus, but as well as the young Englishman has performed, a more senior attacking reinforcement is needed if the Gunners are to challenge at the top table long-term.

The Denmark international’s contract at the Gewiss Stadium isn’t set to expire until 2027, but being Gian Piero Gasperini’s second top-performing offensive player, has caught the eye of the hierarchy at the Emirates Stadium.

The Latest: Arsenal readying bid

According to Italian outlet La Repubblica (via Sport Witness), Arsenal are ‘closely monitoring’ Hojlund but are set to face stiff competition from Real Madrid.

The Gunners and their rivals are reportedly both readying a ‘monstrous offer’, with his price tag potentially having been revealed.

Calciomercato state that the Serie A outfit ‘will not make any discounts for anyone’ and are not expected to let him go for ‘less than €50m’ (£44m).

The Verdict: No-brainer

Hojlund has been dubbed a ‘beast’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and should the opportunity to sign him arise, Arsenal have a no-brainer of a decision to make.

The left-footed ace has netted seven goals and recorded two assists in 21 appearances since joining Atalanta last summer, with two man-of-the-match awards to his name.

The centre-forward also ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive passes received which highlights that he’s constantly getting himself into the right areas in the final third.

Standing at 6 foot 3, Hojlund would add a different dimension up top with his height for Arteta and be just as much a threat in the air as he is on the ground.

Leeds United remain managerless and are deep in relegation trouble after they were beaten by Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.

Whilst it was the second strong showing against the Red Devils this week, the Yorkshire outfit desperately need to pick up points or risk going back to the Championship after just three years back in the big time.

Late goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho extended the Whites’ winless run to nine straight matches in the Premier League. It also means that Leeds have scored just three goals in five outings too.

Patrick Bamford’s struggles since making a permanent comeback from injury have certainly continued…

How did Patrick Bamford do against Man Utd?

It was only one-and-a-half seasons ago that the Englishman had completed a prolific campaign in front of goal as he helped Marcelo Bielsa’s side to a ninth-placed finish with his 17 goals and seven assists.

Since then, injuries have wrecked his time in west Yorkshire and he’s returned as a shadow of himself post-surgery as this latest blank has made it four straight without a goal, via Transfermarkt.

This wretched record is doing Leeds more harm than good and with a club-record signing waiting in the wings, it could be an easy switch for any new manager to make.

Against United, Bamford mustered up fewer touches of the ball (16) than even goalkeeper Illan Meslier (31) – hardly a surprise given he was hooked before the hour mark but a rather damning indictment of just how ineffective he’s been.

Indeed, the 29-year-old – who earns a reported £74k-per-week at Elland Road – missed one big chance at 0-0 and had that fallen to him during the 2020/21 season, then you’d imagine it would be buried, without fail.

The former Chelsea youth graduate also managed just four accurate passes from his 16 touches, which was the same number as his replacement managed in half the time, whilst just one effort was on target, via Sofascore.

If Leeds’ next manager is to turn the tide at Elland Road, then he’ll quickly need to find a solution in the final third, with Bamford misfiring once again. It’s been a frequent occurrence since his return, so perhaps it’s finally time to see what Georginio Rutter can offer.

AND in other news, Marsch downgrade: Orta could put the final nail in Leeds’ coffin with “clueless” 55y/o…