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Keacy Carty makes history as the first St Maarten player to be selected for West Indies

ESPNcricinfo staff09-May-2022New white-ball captain Nicholas Pooran will be without Jason Holder, Shimron Hetmyer and Evin Lewis during West Indies’ ODI tours of Netherlands and Pakistan starting May 31. Instead, Jayden Seales, Shermon Lewis and specialist batter Keacy Carty have been included as new faces in the 15-member squad that will play the six ODIs that are part of the ODI Super League championship.While Hetmyer has been given a break so he can be home for the birth of his first child, a statement from Cricket West Indies said Evin Lewis was not considered since he failed to meet CWI’s fitness criteria. Holder has been rested, with workload management cited as the key reason. All three are part of the ongoing IPL season even though Hetmyer recently left the tournament bubble to be with his family.Fast bowlers Seales and Shermon Lewis have been selected for ODIs for the first time. The other new face, Carty, is a 25-year-old batter who averages 25.05 in List A cricket after 23 games. In March, he scored 57 and 49 against the England Test squad in a warm-up game representing a CWI President’s XI. His selection also makes history as he is the first player from St. Maarten to have received a West Indies call up.Tour details

In Netherlands: May 31, June 2 and 4 – VRA Stadium, Amstelveen
In Pakistan: June 8, 10 and 12 – Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi

“We were impressed with Carty and the way he goes about his innings, we saw several glimpses of his ability the way he played against England earlier this year for the CWI President’s XI,” lead selector Desmond Haynes said in the release. “We hope that giving him this opportunity he will recognize the importance of representing West Indies. We think he is a young batsman with great promise, and this is the kind of tour he can show he fits in.”We also have a very good group of young fast bowlers who have demonstrated their ability and we want to use these two tours to give them opportunities in the 50-over format. We have a week in The Netherlands and another week in Pakistan and this should provide them with quality opposition to bowl against as we build towards the Cricket World Cup in 2023. Phillip has been around for some time, and we know what he can offer, Seales has been very good in Test cricket and Lewis is making a return to the West Indies set-up following some good performances.”West Indies are currently not among the spots for direct qualification into the ODI World Cup in India next year. They are tenth on the Super League points table, having lost each of their three most recent ODI series, including an unexpected 2-1 defeat to Ireland at home.After this tour, West Indies will have only three remaining games in the Super League – a postponed home series against New Zealand. If they fail to achieve direct qualification, they will have to enter the competition via a qualifier tournament, a route the side used to reach the 2019 World Cup in England.Full squad: Nicholas Pooran (capt), Shai Hope (vice-capt), Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Shermon Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.

It all went a bit pear-shaped after Chelsea conquered Europe for the second time, with Todd Boehly’s scattergun spending strategy yielding rotten results until signs of stability surfaced last year, under Mauricio Pochettino.

Now, with Enzo Maresca at the wheel, the Blues are thriving as one of the Premier League’s standout sides. It’s never a given, but it’d be a brave fan to bet against Chelsea lifting the Conference League trophy in May 2025.

It’s all coming together, a confluence of individual parts that have finally, finally, restored Chelsea to a position of genuine strength among Europe’s elite outfits.

We talk about the high-priced deals that the new regime have engineered, but what about the shrewder signings under American ownership?

Todd Boehly's shrewdest Chelsea signings

You can’t really call the £42.5m deal to bring Cole Palmer to Stamford Bridge shrewd, but Chelsea’s scouts saw something that was worth forking out such a sum on a largely untested prospect, even though his high quality was clear.

The decision to sign Jadon Sancho on loan this summer was also a well-built deal, with the hitherto struggling winger completing a season-long loan move with the option for a sharp £25m permanent fee.

Elsewhere, the £12m Renato Veiga, 21, looks like a real talent in Chelsea’s Conference League squad, leaving Basel for the west London project this year and being praised as a “hidden gem” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Then, of course, this week’s man of the moment: Marc Guiu. The 18-year-old, purchased from Barcelona for only £5m in July, bagged a hat-trick against Shamrock Rovers on Thursday and looks to be a high-class striking in the making, indeed perched as the Conference League’s top scorer this season.

He’s perhaps the finest teenage forward in Chelsea’s ranks right now, and that £5m figure might come to look like the shrewdest deal of them all in a few years time.

However, one of the Blues stars this season was actually welcomed for even less. Tosin Adarabioyo is starting to prove that he’s one of Chelsea’s most fundamental parts.

Chelsea have hit the jackpot on Tosin Adarabioyo

Like Palmer, Tosin emerged from Man City’s youth system, though he completed a string of loan moves and then signed for Fulham before finding a home at Stamford Bridge.

Fulham

132

5

2

West Brom

36

0

2

Blackburn

35

3

1

Chelsea

13

1

0

Man City

8

0

0

The 27-year-old centre-back signed on a free transfer in July after his Cottagers contract expired, and though he’s not yet been a mainstay in the Premier League, Tosin has completed two of the past three top-flight matches.

While the bulk of Tosin’s Chelsea career so far has been played out on the continental stage, there’s a noticeable shift toward the ostensibly superior Premier League squad, and given that he didn’t play against Shamrock, it would seem that Maresca is gearing up to start him once again at Everton this weekend.

He has everything and more to become a nailed-down starter, ranking among the top 1% of defenders in the Conference League this year for passes attempted and pass completion, the top 7% for shot-creating actions and the top 20% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

It’s made all the more impressive by his £120k-per-week salary, which is by no means a pittance but not all that exorbitant for a player joining an affluent club such as Chelsea on a free transfer.

As per Transfermarkt, the titan’s market value has already shot up to about £17m too, so even if he doesn’t fit into the club’s long-term vision, a tidy profit is sure to be turned.

Not that that eventuality will be in the pipeline any time soon, since Tosin has been described as “one of the leaders in the dressing room” by Maresca, who continued to reveal that he has been “delighted” with the new recruit’s progress.

This makes a telling comment on Tosin’s demeanour, tenacity and leadership qualities, something that is vital if the second-placed Premier League side are to remain in contention for an unlikely title triumph.

Those of a Chelsea persuasion have been understandably coy when quizzed on the excellent position that they have forged at this festive stage, but the plain truth is that it is a real possibility for this talented bunch, for Liverpool have shown themselves to be flawed in instances this season and Arsenal and Manchester City are dropping shedloads of points.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Maresca, for sure, has been coy on the subject – and why wouldn’t he? However, the Italian coach’s seeming decision to bring Tosin into Premier League contention on a regular basis bespeaks his thought process in placing the central defender on a higher rung on Chelsea’s ladder.

Tosin is a leader and a “special player” – as has been said by Fulham boss Marco Silva – and his communication and spirit will be crucial in keeping the squad together as a whole across the coming months.

After several years of suffering, Chelsea should afford themselves that belief that great things might be achieved this year. Tosin is definitely not the flashiest player in Maresca’s first team, but his leadership ability might prove to be the difference-maker as the business end starts to draw nearer and nearer.

Luckily for him, he’s also a wonderful player, and very much in contention for the mantle of Chelsea’s shrewdest signing of the Boehly era.

Outscoring Guiu & Jackson: Chelsea pushing to sign "new Aguero" for £25m

Chelsea are interested in the ‘new Aguero’ who is currently outscoring Jackson and Guiu

1 ByGeorge Light Dec 20, 2024

The Hollywood icon delivered a show-stopping performance before the CONCACAF Nations League finals

Smith performed hits including 'Men in Black'The actor's appearance added extra excitementMexico went on to win the tournament for the first timeGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

Will Smith, the multi-talented actor and musician, took center stage at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Sunday ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League finals. The actor, best known for his role on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, delivered a high-energy performance, including his classic hits to warm up more than 68,000 fans in attendance.

The show took place before the CONCACAF Nations League final between Mexico and Panama.

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In the CONCACAF Nations League final, Mexico beat Panama 2-1 in a thrilling match. Raúl Jiménez scored both goals for Mexico, including a stoppage-time penalty, to secure their first Nations League title.

The victory marked a successful return for coach Javier Aguirre and ends the United States' three-year reign as champions. In the third place match, Canada beat Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT squad 2-1, with Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi cancelling out Patrick Agyemang's goal.

Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

Following their first Nations League win, Mexico will be preparing for the Gold Cup 2025, which will take place from June 14 to July 6.

Liverpool are reportedly in for Jeremie Frimpong and have opened talks with the Bayer Leverkusen star as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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Liverpool hunting for Alexander-Arnold replacementHave sights set on Leverkusen star FrimpongCould face competition from City, United, & ChelseaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to the Frimpong has emerged as a serious target for the Premier League giants, although negotiations remain in the early stages. His performances in the Bundesliga have caught the attention of multiple elite clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, but Liverpool appear to be positioning themselves at the front of the queue.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Born in the Netherlands, Frimpong spent his early development years at Manchester City’s academy before moving to Celtic in 2019. His time in Scotland showcased his potential, leading to a switch to Bayer Leverkusen in 2021. Since arriving in Germany, he has flourished under Xabi Alonso, helping his side to Bundesliga glory last season while also playing a pivotal role in their Europa League campaign.

DID YOU KNOW?

While Real Madrid appear set to secure Alexander-Arnold’s services, reports indicate that their fierce rivals Barcelona had made an attempt to lure the Liverpool right-back to the Camp Nou earlier this season. However, due to Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles, a deal was never financially viable. This left Real Madrid as the only realistic destination for the Liverpool vice-captain, who is now on the brink of completing his switch to the Spanish capital.

AFPWHAT NEXT?

As the summer transfer window approaches, Liverpool’s pursuit of Frimpong could gain momentum. For now, the discussions remain in the preliminary phase, but the prospect of a major defensive reshuffle at Anfield is becoming increasingly likely with Virgil van Dijk also nearing the end of his current deal.

Tottenham Hotspur will want to approach the new year with a clean slate, having fallen by the wayside in recent weeks.

Ange Postecoglou’s stubborn implementation of his free-flowing, attack-focused brand has unmoored the fanbase’s collective belief and devotion to the cause. Spurs have been buffeted by injuries but a refusal to tweak things has compounded the struggle.

This is the case, but the Australian coach must be frustrated that Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been sidelined together for successive winters down N17.

The spare parts haven’t upheld Postecoglou’s tactical virtues, and it’s all become rather messy, 11th in the Premier League and 11 points off fourth-placed Chelsea. The frontline is firing but the balance is wonky.

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Tottenham must reinforce a talented group of players with more quality, more depth, more dynamism. The polarising Daniel Levy appears to have an ambitious name in mind.

Spurs eyeing new centre-back

As per The Mail on Sunday – via TEAMtalk – Tottenham are interested in pursuing a deal for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and have held internal talks to work out the possibility of a bid.

Branthwaite is one of the best up-and-coming defenders in Europe and was the centre of vested attention from Manchester United last summer, but Everton stood firm with their lofty valuation.

Indeed, Branthwaite, 22, has been appraised at about £80m by the Merseysiders, meaning that Levy would need to break Tottenham’s transfer record to bring him to the capital.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

What Jarrad Branthwaite would bring to Spurs

Branthwaite enjoyed his first season of sustained Premier League football under Sean Dyche’s wing last year and was hailed as an “absolute monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig after his… well, monstrous performances.

He’s not the complete defender. Not yet. However, Branthwaite’s accuracy and destructive defensive skill make it clear that he’s got the minerals to be a first-class player in a first-class team.

Tottenham aren’t yet a top-class team under Postecoglou despite sporadic bits of brilliance, but this player-club marriage could bear dividends for a side capable of achieving great things over the coming years.

It’s no coincidence that Everton’s dismal start to the 2024/25 campaign played out with Branthwaite in the infirmary and that Dyche’s defensive grit has been rekindled in recent months, the hulking ace having returned and kept five clean sheets across just 11 Premier League appearances.

He’s won 81% of his ground duels, ludicrously high, and could be the difference-maker as Everton seek to preserve their Premier League status with confidence over the coming months.

With some work and care, he could become a superstar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, potentially becoming even better than Romero and Van de Ven.

Branthwaite's potential to be better than Romero & Van de Ven

Tottenham’s preferred defensive axis are formidable and versatile when on their a-game, but the London club’s inconsistencies have disrupted what could be sheer brilliance, injuries compounding their woes further.

With Romero and Van de Ven in the team this season, Spurs have conceded eight goals from nine Premier League fixtures; without them, Ange has watched his patchwork defence leak 18 goals from just eight games.

They have their foibles, to be sure, but Van de Ven’s incredible athleticism and Romero’s fearsome aggression have fused together to plant the seed of something special. Of course, they share a mutual technical ability that matches the finest of their positional peers across Europe.

For Branthwaite to enter the fray at Tottenham and insinuate himself in the starting line-up would be quite a feat, but Tottenham have indeed suffered regular absences from both of their titans in recent years and could do with another presence to add some more steel.

Who knows, Branthwaite may even find himself dethroning one of the starting members as he improves under Ange’s guidance.

Matches (starts)

11 (9)

12 (12)

9 (9)

Goals

0

1

0

Assists

0

0

2

Clean sheets

5

2

1

Touches*

42.5

84.3

81.4

Pass completion

85%

90%

91%

Ball recoveries*

3.2

5.3

6.0

Dribbles (completed)*

0.2 (67%)

0.1 (50%)

0.4 (67%)

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

3.4

1.9

Clearances*

3.6

2.4

3.1

Total duels (won)*

3.5 (60%)

5.3 (61%)

3.8 (49%)

There’s a lot to unpack. Something curious that’s worthy of discussion, however, is Branthwaite’s 85% pass success rate despite being at the core of an Everton side that, as a rule, stray away from holding possession.

It’s important to remember that the English centre-half performs in a system that actively promotes counter-attacking football. To put it another way, Branthwaite exists in a realm that minimises ball-playing for someone of his duty, instead tasked with protecting the Everton goal and clearing danger with haste.

Everton rank 19th for possession in the Premier League this term with a 40.1% average (FBref), Tottenham, conversely, are third with a 57.9% retention rate.

It’s only natural that Spurs’ defenders would be allowed to let their range of passing flourish, and that Branthwaite has been unable, as yet, to demonstrate that side of his game with regularity in a befitting and consistent system.

Given that Branthwaite is already such a redoubtable defensive presence, with statistics that back up his authority at the rear, there’s a case to be made that he could eclipse both of Tottenham’s star centre-backs under Ange’s tutelage, honing new talents and fostering the deep-rooted combativeness that has alerted the best outfits around to his quality.

4 players who could leave Tottenham Hotspur this January

Could there be activity through the exit door in N17 this winter?

ByDominic Lund Dec 31, 2024

Six-wicket victory ends Northern Diamonds’ campaign, despite Sciver, Armitage efforts

ECB Reporters Network04-Jun-2022Sweet hitting from Danni Wyatt and Georgia Adams made sure Southern Vipers completed the Charlotte Edwards Cup group stage with a 100 percent record, ending Northern Diamonds’ campaign in the process.England opener Wyatt thrashed an exhilarating 35 off 16 balls before Adams all but finished off the job with 47 – with Vipers already qualified for next Saturday’s final at Wantage Road in Northampton.Nat Sciver scored a classy fifty in her first match since her marriage to England and Diamonds team-mate Katherine Brunt as Diamonds set a target of 142 in a game they needed to win to hold any hope of progressing.But Wyatt and Adams knocked off the runs with 10 balls to spare to celebrate a six-wicket victory and gain atonement for losing out to the Diamonds in last year’s Eliminator.Wyatt was ostentatious. First ball: cut forcefully. Second ball: driven square with power. Fourth ball: advance and splice over point. Sixth ball: smashed over cover. Seventh ball: guided down to the third ropes. All five balls went to the boundary as the experienced batter rushed to 21 in seven balls.She used Sciver’s pace to find fours on either side of the wicket, but her fun ended in the fourth over when she anticlimactically cut Katie Levick to point. But the damage had been done.Adams was given two lives – a steepling chance dropped and then a missed stumping – during a scratchy start to her innings, while Ella McCaughan was also twice put down.Adams struck herself into form with a straight six shadowed by three languid swings to the boundary in the following five balls. She was dropped again but made sure Vipers’ chase was in complete control.Her luck ran out when she was caught at square leg before Charlie Dean was caught and bowled two balls later. But McCaughan and Freya Kemp knocked off the final 16 runs in front of 2,400 spectators at the Ageas Bowl.Earlier, having been asked to bowl, Vipers’ Dean took her competition tally to 10 as she pinched the early wickets of Bess Heath and Stere Kalis. The off-spinner returned figures of 2 for 24.Sciver largely went under the radar as she nudged her score upwards. Her first three boundaries were all helped around the corner, before finally showing her more usual bombast by powering through midwicket.She unleashed back-to-back fours off England hopeful Lauren Bell – firstly straight and then freeing her arms through point. A superb scoop took her boundary count to seven as she reached a half-century in 37 balls before she was run out by Maia Bouchier’s direct hit.Hollie Armitage was also circumspect, punishing width and shortness with disdain during her 69-run stand with Sciver. She ended up unbeaten on 48 as Diamonds finished up on 141 for 4 – with 15 coming off the 20th over.

Manchester United icon Teddy Sheringham has warned Cristiano Ronaldo against buying a stake in his former club.

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Ronaldo tipped to invest in Red DevilsSheringham makes 'escalation' pointConcern over fan pressure against INEOSFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo does not seem to be slowing down on the pitch and is enjoying life with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, but the football legend will have one eye on life after his playing days. Some have suggested that the legendary forward could invest in a club after retiring, but Sheringham doesn't think he'll be back at Man Utd, where chaos continues to reign under new part-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.

AdvertisementWHAT SHERINGHAM SAID

Speaking to casinoapps.com, the ex-Man Utd and Tottenham star said: "I don't think Ronaldo will be getting involved in Manchester United, not as a first involvement as someone going into a football club. I think he'll be going to Portugal and getting a little club there to get some sort of experience. If that's what he wants to do with his money, who knows? It's just one thing after another with Man United and when results aren't going great for you as well, it all escalates tenfold, doesn't it?"

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Speculation about Ronaldo's future continues to grow after the Al-Nassr star turned 40 in February. Management is a possibility on the cards for the former Real Madrid man, but he will likely dip his toes in more than one business venture. For now, though, he continues to lead his side in Saudi Arabia and has his sights set on the World Cup with Portugal in 2026.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

Al-Nassr remain eight points off Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad heading into the final stretch of the season. Ronaldo has bagged 21 goals in 25 appearances this term and will be looking to lead his side to the highest possible finish, starting with a win against Al-Riyadh on Saturday.

Manchester City are now close to sealing a deal to sign a “wonderful” attacker, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Man City set for busy January window

After his side’s disappointing first half of the season, Pep Guardiola has wasted no time bringing in new reinforcements this month, with the manager keen to strengthen his squad in a number of different positions.

Man City have now submitted a £41m bid for Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, and they are now on the verge of getting a deal over the line, with the Uzbekistan international keen on a move to the Etihad Stadium.

City have also made an offer for Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis, with Guardiola clearly keen to bolster his options at centre-back. However, the Brazilian club have knocked back the initial proposal.

Man City now agree terms with £25,000-p/w top target over immediate move

He could be set to make his way to the Etihad shortly.

ByBen Browning Jan 10, 2025

Not only are the Sky Blues keen on strengthening in defence, but they are also chasing a new forward, and their top attacking target is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush, who has now agreed terms on a move to Manchester.

Fabrizio Romano has since dropped an even more promising update on City’s pursuit of Marmoush, revealing that a deal is almost done, following positive talks with Frankfurt.

The next step is for City to submit a formal bid, which could amount to as much as €80m (£67m), according to previous reports.

Should the offer be accepted by the German club, as expected, Man City are convinced they will be able to seal the deal for the Egyptian forward next week.

Marmoush could be a versatile option for City in attack

Although the 25-year-old has caught the eye with his performances as a striker this season, there is evidence he could be utilised in a number of different positions at the Etihad.

The Frankfurt star has also played on both wings a number of times throughout his career, while six of his last 50 appearances have been in an attacking midfield role, averaging a 7.5 Football Critic match rating in that area of the pitch.

Although it will be very difficult to displace Erling Haaland in the starting XI, there is evidence the “wonderful” Egypt international could give the Norwegian a run for his money, having picked up 14 goals and eight assists in 16 Bundesliga outings this season.

Man City’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Brentford (a)

January 15th

Ipswich Town (a)

January 20th

Chelsea (h)

January 26th

Arsenal (a)

February 3rd

Newcastle United (h)

February 16th

City are in the midst of a rebuild, with a number of star players, such as Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne, now in the latter stages of their career, and the former has made it clear he wants to leave this month.

Marmoush’s performances indicate he could be exactly the type of signing needed to help City reach their previous heights, so it is promising news that a deal is now close to being completed.

India international is first Sussex batter to make a double-hundred against Middlesex at Lord’s

ECB Reporters Network20-Jul-2022Cheteshwar Pujara’s third double-century of the season etched him deep into Sussex folklore on day two of their LV= Insurance County Championship clash with Middlesex at Lord’s.The Indian international became the first Sussex batter to make a double-century against Middlesex at Lord’s. The last Sussex batter to achieve 200 at the home of cricket was his countryman Colonel HH Shri Sir Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji II while playing against the MCC 125 years ago.Pujara, whose marathon effort had begun 24 hours earlier during London’s hottest day on record, batted almost nine hours before being last out, having steered his side to 523 – so eclipsing Sussex’s previous best score at Lord’s of 522 set in 2005.Tom Helm emerged from the carnage with five for 109, his fourth five-wicket haul in Middlesex colours.Against a largely inexperienced Sussex bowling attack, Middlesex made a positive start in reply, reaching 103 without loss at stumps, Mark Stoneman on 47 and Sam Robson 45.At a time where there is so much talk of ‘Bazball’, Pujara reminded us of the merits of a classical innings, demanding concentration, technique and a purity of stroke-play.His overnight partner Oli Carter soon departed lbw to Toby Roland-Jones and when Delray Rawlins fenced one from Helm into the hands of Luke Hollman at gully the visitors were 346 for 6.Perhaps fatigued by his efforts 24 hours earlier Pujara was subdued throughout the morning, twice chastening himself for loose strokes, but helped by youngster Danial Ibrahim, who showed maturity beyond his 17 years, he regathered himself and dug in once more. The pair added 68 either side of lunch before Roland Jones trapped Ibrahim for an invaluable 36.If Middlesex, who had put Sussex in on day one, thought their torture was over they were wrong as Pujara found another ally in debutant Aristides Karvelas.The 28-year-old, who became a Greek international only last week, blocked up an end allowing Pujara to reach 150 in 400 minutes after which the shackles came off. He greeted the return of Hollman by hoisting him into the Compton Stand. His one life on day two came on 175 when John Simpson, standing up to the stumps to Tim Murtagh, failed to hold on to a thin edgeThe escape allowed Pujara and Karvelas to add 50 before the latter gave Murtagh recompense by hooking him down the throat of deep square.There was a lovely ovation for former Middlesex man Finn, who allowed Pujara to forge on towards the double-century mark.There were no nervous 190s as he twice in an over drove Murtagh through mid-off for four before a single dropped into the on-side led to another ovation.Finn was finally stumped, but there was time for a third six before Pujara just failed to make red ink, perishing in the grand manner to give Helm his fifth scalp.After more than 160 overs in the field and needing 374 to save the follow-on, Robson was given a life on 15 when wicketkeeper Carter dropped a dolly which would have given Karvelas a first County Championship wicket. Scare survived, both he and Stoneman had individual half-centuries in sight at the close.

The hosts struggled for creativity and a cutting edge and were made to pay as they dropped more points in what's proving a futile chase of Liverpool

Mikel Arteta rolled the dice as he made multiple changes to his starting XI in an attempt to get the job done against Brentford, only to be held to a 1-1 draw that gives Liverpool the chance to move 13 points clear at the top.

The likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino were all named on the bench as Arteta attempted to keep his star names fresh and ready for Wednesday night's Champions League quarter-final second leg with Real Madrid, seemingly convinced the tie is far from over, despite holding a commanding 3-0 lead.

It took until the 21st minute for a slow burning first half to see some goalmouth action here as first Kristoffer Ajer forced David Raya into a save at his near post before Kieran Tierney headed home soon after, only for the new automated VAR system to correctly rule that the Scot was clearly offside.

Arsenal racked up 10 corners in the opening 45 minutes but failed to find a breakthrough, with Leandro Trossard stinging Mark Flekken's palms shortly before half-time – one of only two shots on target in the opening period for the hosts as the Brentford backline contained their opponents.

With the Gunners lacking inspiration in attack, it would take some urgency from goalkeeper David Raya to spark them into the life. The Spaniard caught Bryan Mbeumo's corner and quickly bowled the ball out to Declan Rice, with Tuesday night's free-kick hero galloping forward unopposed before laying off to Thomas Partey to finish the move off and find the corner of the net.

Brentford had rarely threatened Raya's goal but they would find the equaliser 17 minutes from time – Michael Kayode's lofted cross to the far post finding Nathan Collins, who headed back across to allow Yoane Wissa to swivel on the ball and divert it in for 1-1.

Arteta had already brought the likes of Saka and Odegaard on as substitutes before Brentford had found a way back into it, and although the former probably ought to have done better with a chance after rounding Flekken, there was no way through as the hosts dropped more points in what is proving a limp attempt at pushing Liverpool all the way in the Premier League title race.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates Stadium…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (7/10):

Made a decent save to stop Ajer giving Brentford a shock first-half lead and then his quick-thinking released Rice on the counter for Arsenal's opener. Could do little to stop Wissa's equaliser.

Thomas Partey (8/10):

Brought in at right-back and his forward bursts gave Arsenal an outlet throughout, including the lung-busting run that would end with him smashing home the opening goal.

William Saliba (7/10):

Had been completely dominant up against Schade and Wissa but was then beaten in the air by Collins which led to the goal. One delightful arrowed ball through should've seen him claim an assist but Martinelli wasted the chance.

Jakub Kiwior (6/10):

Another assured showing from the Pole although he'll be annoyed that a clean sheet slipped away.

Kieran Tierney (6/10):

Dealt well with the threat of Mbeumo before being taken off on the hour mark for Lewis-Skelly.

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Jorginho (6/10):

Played a game-high 68 passes to keep Arsenal ticking over but would've hoped to have made a few of them in more threatening areas. Taken off late on with an injury as Arsenal had to play finish with 10 men.

Declan Rice (7/10):

Was more onus on him to make things happen given Odegaard's absence from the XI and it was his driving run forward that created the opener. Might've done a bit better to prevent the cross that led to Brentford's leveller.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (5/10):

Forced Flekken into a decent save in the first half but was pretty quiet and eventually hooked for Odegaard as Arsenal tried to add more creativity.

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Ethan Nwaneri (5/10):

He looked the most likely to make something happen early doors but ultimately his jinking runs inside onto his left foot became a bit too predictable. Hooked for Saka after an hour.

Leandro Trossard (5/10):

Fired in a couple of shots that were easily dealt with by Flekken in what was an ineffective display from the Belgian.

Gabriel Martinelli (4/10):

Slipped onto his backside as Arsenal pushed for a winner, which summed up his day. Arsenal needed far more from him and he was wasteful.

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Bukayo Saka (5/10):

Might've won it late on but took too long to steady himself and the chance was gone.

Martin Odegaard (6/10):

Created a couple of chances after coming on for the final half hour but ultimately couldn't change the course of the game.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):

Not sure where he was for Brentford's goal, with Trossard left in a two v one situation for the cross that found Collins at the far post.

Jurrien Timber (5/10):

Will be disappointed not to have made life more difficult for Wissa for the goal.

Mikel Merino (N/A):

On for the last 15 but couldn't deliver the winner.

Mikel Arteta (4/10):

With Liverpool miles out in front he was always likely to prioritise Wednesday's trip to the Bernabeu but, rightly or wrongly, the decision to bench the likes of Saka, Odegaard and Merino backfired. Just three more wins needed for Arne Slot's men now.