A win against Luton Town on Saturday means Manchester United have now picked up more points than any other side in the Premier League over the past five games, although performances on the pitch still leave a lot to be desired.

The Red Devils are struggling for consistency at the moment and a growing injury list certainly hasn't aided manager Erik ten Hag as he attempts to find the right balance within his side, particularly in the middle of the park.

However, injuries keep piling up at Old Trafford and Christian Eriksen is the latest to be added to the list, having limped off against Luton early in the first half.

Nevertheless, Eriksen's potential absence has a silver lining as Ten Hag may finally have to turn to one star whose game-time has been limited this term.

Mason Mount's stats this season

Mason Mount made a surprise move to Man United during the summer, leaving Stamford Bridge for the Theatre of Dreams and being handed the infamous number '7' shirt, previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo.

United were said to have paid a fee in the region of £55m, although this could rise to £60m with add-ons. The England international signed a five-year deal, with the option to extend his stay by a further year, worth a whopping £250k-per-week.

Mount was vital for Chelsea over the past four years when he played in London, with former Blues winger Joe Cole even labelling him as a "top, top, outstanding" player. Unfortunately, the 24-year-old has yet to really make an impact in a red shirt despite sporting the club's most iconic number on his back.

The midfielder has played just 577 minutes in all competitions for Manchester United this term, including merely 351 minutes in the top flight according to Transfermarkt. Content creator and United fan Casey Evans even claimed that Mount could be the "new Donny van de Beek". Damning words indeed.

This season alone, the Englishman's only goal contribution for the Red Devils across 11 appearances was an assist in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup back in September. Furthermore, his last start for the club came in a 2-1 win over Brentford prior to the international break.

Nevertheless, with Eriksen now injured, Mount could potentially be the man to fill the Dane's shoes on the Old Trafford turf.

Mount vs Eriksen stats comparison

Statistically, Mount and Eriksen are not too dissimilar this season. The latter has been more of a goal threat, perhaps surprisingly, and is averaging 0.15 goals per 90 and 0.15 assists per 90 while Mount is averaging 0.16 assists per 90, although he has yet to register a goal for United. Eriksen's xG per 90 (expected goals) of 0.06 and expected assists per 90 of 0.16 are much higher than Mount's 0.05 xG per 90 and 0.04 expected assists per 90, according to FBref.

The Denmark international is boasting 2.09 progressive carries per 90 this season and 4.78 progressive passes per 90 while his counterpart is averaging 1.36 progressive carries per 90 and 3.41 progressive passes per 90.

However, Mount does look for the ball in more advanced positions, averaging 5.91 progressive passes received per 90 this term to Eriksen's lowly 2.24. Mount also makes 1.19 passes to the penalty area per 90 to Eriksen's 1.14.

Where Mount has an edge over the former Tottenham Hotspur man is in the defensive phases, bringing a lot of energy to the team in comparison to his midfield competitor who can be quite sluggish at times.

Mount is attempting 3.64 tackles per 90 this season for Manchester United, while Eriksen has averaged just 1.49 per 90 in the middle of the park. In addition, Mount is averaging 2.73 tackles in the middle and final third per 90. Eriksen is managing just 1.2 per 90 in the same areas.

Mount can't replicate Eriksen's calmness on the ball but can offer a lot of quality and fresher legs in United's midfield should Ten Hag bring him back into the frame in the latter's absence.

James McClean has been up to his old tricks, with the Wrexham star taking aim at a “honkin” rival that “runs his mouth better than he defends”.

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• Red Dragons heading into League One
• Claimed another victory at Crewe
• Irish star aiming insult at opponent

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Republic of Ireland international has never been afraid to speak his mind, with great delight taken in winding up opposition players and fans. McClean has continued to indulge himself during the 2023-24 campaign, while helping Wrexham to promotion out of League Two.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  A top-three finish has already been wrapped up by Phil Parkinson’s side, but they still have to complete their fourth tier schedule. The Red Dragons’ latest outing saw them ease to a 3-0 victory at Crewe Alexandra – with the hosts reduced to 10 men in a game that saw Ollie Palmer, Paul Mullin and Andy Cannon among the goals.

• WHAT MCCLEAN SAID

  McClean was replaced at half-time in that contest, but has taken great delight in poking fun at Crewe defender Michael Williams and his inability to prevent Cannon from putting the finishing touches to a convincing win. McClean has posted on Instagram: “Big Andy Cannon. Their No.4 (Google his name later) runs his mouth better than he defends and that is saying something cause that was honkin.”

  Instagram

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• WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Wrexham have one more fixture to take in this season, against League Two champions Stockport, but attention is beginning to drift towards 2024-25 as Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney prepare to make more funds available for reinforcements in the transfer market.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is in a sticky situation at Old Trafford and has reportedly pushed chiefs at the club to take action in January due to Rasmus Hojlund's current fitness.

Rasmus Hojlund's unfortunate Manchester United start…

Much fanfare followed the £72 million addition of Hojlund in the summer as Manchester United finally looked to have found their long-term answer in the striker position; nevertheless, it is fair to say that things haven't exactly gone the way either the Denmark international or Red Devils would've liked.

At just 20 years of age, Hojlund undoubtedly possesses the raw ingredients to become a top-class centre forward, evidenced by his stunning start to Chmpions League competition. However, he is still yet to net his first Premier League goal for the club and has been starved of service at times since moving to Old Trafford, with those around him failing to lay enough chances on a plate for the ex-Atalanta man to get off the mark.

Man Utd could sign "terrifying" £75m Hojlund upgrade in 2024

The Belgian could carry the Red Devils back into the Champions League places.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 11, 2023

Club icon Rio Ferdinand has offered an unusual explanation as to why Hojlund hasn't yet hit the heights expected of him at Manchester United, stating on the FIVE YouTube channel: "If Man United had [Michael] Olise, Jack Harrison, [Dwight] McNeil at Everton, Jacob Murphy at Newcastle – any one of those four wingers, I reckon [Hojlund] would have five or six goals by now."

He then added: "Why? Because they cross the ball. All four of those boys, their first thought is get the ball, head down, either beat the full-back and cross or give me a yard and cross the ball."

In a way, the former England international has a point, given that Red Devils' winger Antony is yet to record a single goal or assist this term. Marcus Rashford has also endured his own inconsistencies in 2023/24; meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho has shown signs of real promise, though he will also go through ineffective spells as he develops under Ten Hag.

Now, new information has emerged detailing that Ten Hag has urged Manchester United chiefs into action regarding a problem that is haltering Hojlund's progress at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag concerned over Rasmus Hojlund's fitness

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United boss Ten Hag is concerned about Hojlund's fitness due to back issues the Denmark international sustained earlier in the year, and has personally urged the Red Devils' hierarchy to let him dip into the market for attacking reinforcements.

Rasmus Hojlund's Premier League statistics – Sofascore

Shots per game

1.3

Expected goals

2.55

Big chances missed

8

Balls recovered

1.9

Expected assists

0.34

The Red Devils are conscious of overworking Hojlund during the festive period and have given Anthony Martial opportunities over the last few games as a result.

New reinforcements in the attacking third have emerged as a priority for Ten Hag in January, with Brentford's Ivan Toney, Stuttgart poacher Serhou Guirassy and RB Leipzig man Timo Werned all deemed to be potential options to beef up their forward line in the New Year.

Rome wasn't built in a day and bringing in another striker would be a wise move from Manchester United to allow Hojlund to get himself fully fit and firing at Old Trafford.

After Harris gave the Renegades a usefully rapidfire start, Harper and Cooper needed only to keep their heads, something they did with the help of dropped catches by the Heat

The Report by Daniel Brettig10-Jan-2019

Melbourne Renegades administered a hiding to Brisbane Heat at a subdued Gabba, set on their path by excellent spells from Cameron Boyce and Usman Shinwari before Marcus Harris, Sam Harper and Tom Cooper shepherded the chase.The Heat were unable to build any momentum at the crease despite a long innings by Brendon McCullum, as Boyce found useful assistance from the surface and Shinwari shrugged off being struck for one telling six by Max Bryant to concede only 10 more runs from his four overs.After Harris gave the Renegades a usefully rapid-fire start, Harper and Cooper needed only to keep their heads, something they did with the help of dropped catches by the Heat, who now find themselves in some danger of missing out on the BBL finals.Boyce trumps McCullumSent in to bat, the Heat might have expected a rapid start on what looked a good and pacy pitch, but save for one box office drive over long-on by Bryant, their early overs were characterised by a struggle for timing and poise against diligent Renegades bowling. This all added up to that most rare of spectacles – a slow (for him) innings by McCullum.After Bryant departed and Chris Lynn was unable to get himself going, McCullum seemed to have set himself to bat through the innings, but was unable to impose himself upon the former Queensland spin bowler Boyce, whose legbreaks were also once favoured by Australia’s Twenty20 set-up. Gaining useful turn and bounce from the Gabba surface, Boyce coaxed numerous miscues before removing McCullum when the Heat opener picked out deep midwicket with an attempted slog sweep.Having already deceived Lynn, Boyce could be more than content with a return of 2 for 17 from four overs, playing a major role in limiting the horizons of the Heat innings.Cutting’s catchup exerciseOver recent seasons the Heat have had a couple of familiar threats for opponents, the “bash brothers” McCullum and Lynn up the top and then the heavy hitting of Ben Cutting in the lower middle order. While Cutting’s first ball from Boyce left him groping in the manner of McCullum before him, the tall allrounder was able to size up Joe Mennie and seemed capable of driving Brisbane into the 160s when he took 13 runs from the first five balls of the 18th over.However, Mennie was able to provoke a skywards pull shot from a wide, short delivery, and after Beau Webster held on in similar fashion to the catch he took to dismiss McCullum, the Heat innings petered out. Shinwari, on the receiving end of Bryant’s big driven six, completed an otherwise exemplary spell worth 3 for 16, while the recalled Test batsmen Matt Renshaw and Joe Burns could cobble a mere 10 off 10 balls between them.Harris goes after PattinsonIt was the Renegades who drew first blood, literally, when a Harris skier off James Pattinson burst through the hands of Cutting and he walked off for treatment to a bloody nose. There was some debate over whether Cutting had actually controlled the ball after it struck his nose and he fell to the ground, before the umpires eventually ruled it a non-catch.More definitive was Harris’ treatment of Pattinson in his second over. A full toss scythed through cover, a length ball heaved over wide mid-on, another length ball inside edged past the stumps to the boundary then an extraordinary launch inside out over cover for six made the over worth 19 and gave the Renegades a swift start to ease pressure on the rest of the batting order. Harris would only get as far as 28, but he had made his presence felt.Harper, Cooper keep composedThe value of Harris’ early acceleration was to be underlined by the way that Harper and Cooper were able to calmly close in on their target, even though at one point they allowed 20 balls to elapse without a boundary off the bat. Cooper had not previously passed 16 in six innings, and he was to be dropped twice in getting as far as 20. Harper was rather more fluent, teasing the Heat captain Lynn in his efforts to plug gaps.By their union, and the Heat’s obliging fielding, the Renegades were able to gallop to their target with no fewer than 26 balls to spare, going up to four wins while also improving their net run rate appreciably. The Heat, meanwhile, were left two games out of the BBL top four.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians recebeu uma presença ilustre na Neo Química Arena nesta quinta-feira, antes de enfrentar o Sport, pela 31ª rodada do Brasileirão-2020: a enfermeiraMônica Aparecida Calazans, que foi a primeira vacinada no país contra Covid-19 no último fim de semana em evento do Governo de São Paulo.

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TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão clicando aqui

GALERIA
> Saiba as 20 transações mais lucrativas da história do futebol

A profissional da saúde, que se declarou torcedora corintiana, realizou o sonho de conhecer o estádio em Itaquera, bairro em que reside. Mônica fez o tour pela Arena e ganhou uma camisa das mãos do presidente Duílio Monteiro Alves, que já havia prometido que a receberia desde o último domingo.

-Hoje recebi por aqui a primeira brasileira a ser vacinada contra a Covid-19 no nosso país! Mônica Aparecida Calazans, corintiana de Itaquera, está realizando um sonho em me conhecer nesta noite! – diz o tweet do perfil da Arena.

Hoje recebi por aqui a primeira brasileira a ser vacinada contra a Covid-19 no nosso país! Mônica Aparecida Calazans, corinthiana de Itaquera, está realizando um sonho em me conhecer nesta noite! 🥰🖤

📷 Rodrigo Coca e Felipe Szpak #NeoQuimicaArena pic.twitter.com/9MKamVpm0C

— Neo Química Arena (@NeoQuimicaArena) January 21, 2021

Aos 54 anos, Mònica trabalha em turnos de 12 horas, em dias alternados, na UTI do Hospital Emílio Ribas. A enfermeira recebeu a primeira dose da Coronovac, aprovada para uso emergencial pela Anvisa, e que foi feita em parceria com o Instituto Butantan. Mais de 50 mil pessoas já foram vacinadas no estado de São Paulo, número até o fechamento desta reportagem.

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Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to end their recent poor run of form as they play host to Newcastle United in the Premier League this afternoon.

Ange Postecoglou's side have failed to win any of their last five matches in the top-flight, despite taking a 1-0 lead in all five of them, and have set records in the process.

Spurs are the first side in Premier League history to pick up zero wins after going 1-0 up in five straight games, as well as being the first team to lose three successive home clashes after taking the lead in each of them.

It has been a woeful run of results for the club since they lost James Maddison and Micky van de Ven to their respective injuries against Chelsea, and Postecoglou must work to find a winning solution against the Magpies today.

Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by West Ham United last time out as the opening goal from Cristian Romero was followed up by second half goals from Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse to secure all three points for the away side.

Latest Spurs injury news

Ahead of today's clash with Newcastle, Postecoglou provided an injury update on his squad, which has been devastated by knocks in recent weeks.

Heung-min Son appeared in some discomfort after being substituted against the Hammers but the Australian tactician claimed that he was just a 'sore', which suggests that there is no major concern over his availability.

The former Celtic chief also revealed that Richarlison and Pape Matar Sarr, who have recently returned from injury, came through the game without any issues.

However, no players will be returning to the squad this afternoon and, in fact, none of the current crop of injured stars will be back in action this side of Christmas.

This means that the likes of van de Ven, Maddison, Manor Solomon, Ivan Perisic, and Ryan Sessegnon may not feature again for the club before 2024.

With all of this in mind, Postecoglou must bring Sarr, who came off the bench last time out, in from the start ahead of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, as the young gem – who has previously been compared to Yaya Toure – could improve the team in possession.

Why Sarr is similar to Yaya Toure

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig previously lauded the central midfielder as a player with 9/10 potential and named the former Manchester City and Ivory Coast star as a similar type of number eight.

Kulig listed pace, passing, long shots, and technique among some of the former Metz prospect's best attributes and claimed that he had an "exciting" future ahead.

Toure was a powerful midfielder who was able to drive forward from the middle of the park to influence games at the top end of the pitch. He managed 79 goals and 49 assists in 316 matches in all competitions during his time with Manchester City.

The impressive whiz averaged 1.1 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per game across his career as the ex-Barcelona man showcased his ability to consistently make things happen in possession.

Pape Matar Sarr's season in numbers

Postecoglou has placed his faith in Sarr so far this season and the Senegal international is starting to live up to Kulig's hype with Toure-esque, albeit he still has a long way to go to reach his levels on a consistent basis, performances.

The 21-year-old dynamo has averaged 3.01 shot-creating actions and 1.94 progressive carries per 90 during the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

This shows that, like Toure, Sarr is a midfielder who can create opportunities for his teammates through his passes whilst he is also able to drive forward by carrying the ball up the pitch in transition.

The Spurs youngster also ranks within the top 12% of his positional peers in the division for progressive passes (7.42) per 90 and is in the top 23% for assists (0.22) per 90.

Most similar Premier League players to Sarr in 23/24 (via FBref)

Player

Rank

Pascal Gross

5

Douglas Luiz

4

Joelinton

3

Rodri

2

Enzo Fernandez

1

These statistics suggest that the ex-Metz ace, who has completed 90% of his attempted passes across 13 top-flight matches, is a fantastic progressive option for Postecoglou in midfield.

Sarr – once dubbed a "wonderful" player by Kulig – has the quality to progress his team up the pitch, either through passes or carries, to create chances – directly or indirectly – for others to test the opposition goalkeeper.

Whereas, Hojbjerg is not as direct and creative in that position and, perhaps, limits what Tottenham are able to do in possession when he is in the team.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's season in numbers

The Denmark international is not as effective on the ball as his 21-year-old teammate and, therefore, is not able to influence games as regularly for Spurs.

He is a defensive-minded option who does not provide as much progression in his play, which is why Sarr should start ahead of him this afternoon.

Tottenham failed to press on and find a second goal against West Ham on Thursday night and they may have been able to create more with the Senegal international on the pitch before the 84th minute.

Hojbjerg had 109 touches of the ball and attempted 100 passes in midfield against the Hammers. Yet, the central midfielder did not create a single chance for his teammates.

This shows that the experienced battler did not use the ball well enough to get at the West Ham defence in order to go and finish the game off at 1-0.

Related Spurs now want to replace Hojbjerg by signing Brazil international

The Lilywhites are apparently still willing to offload.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Nov 15, 2023

The former Southampton ace has averaged 6.90 progressive passes and 1.46 progressive carries per 90 over the last 365 days in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions.

He has also averaged 0.1 key passes per game and is yet to record a single 'big chance' created or assist for his side in 14 Premier League appearances this term.

Whereas, Sarr has averaged 0.9 key passes per match and produced two assists in his 13 top-flight outings for Tottenham this season.

Postecoglou, therefore, must now unleash his own version of Yaya Toure by bringing the 6 foot 1 whiz into the starting line-up to provide quality and drive in possession, which Hojbjerg has been unable to offer.

Mauricio Pochettino is facing a battle to keep hold of his job after his Chelsea side were hammered 5-0 by Arsenal in the Premier League.

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• Chelsea enduring miserable season under Pochettino
• Arsenal defeat piles more pressuure on manager
• Blues yet to make decision on his future

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea suffered more misery on Tuesday after beating thrashed 5-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates. Pochettino admitted his team were "so bad" after the game, with a young fan at the match also calling on the players to "fight" for the shirt. The defeat has piled more pressure on Pochettino, who is not guaranteed a second season at the club yet, according to . No decision has yet been taken on his future, although he does still retain some support at Stamford Bridge despite a desperately poor season.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pochettino signed a two-year deal with the option for one more when he arrived in May 2023 but has overseen a poor campaign. The Blues will finish the season empty-handed and face a battle to secure a European spot. Other than the signing of Cole Palmer, there has been very little for Chelsea fans to cheer which has led to doubts over Pochettino's future. A big summer also awaits for the Blues who may have to offload players to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Arsenal recorded their biggest-ever victory against Chelsea across all competitions on Tuesday. This was also the Blues' heaviest defeat in a London derby since losing 6-0 to Queens Park Rangers in March 1986.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR POCHETTINO

  Pochettino has six more Premier League game to try to keep his job but faces some tricky fixtures before the end of the campaign. Chelsea head to high-flying Aston Villa next and also play Tottenham, West Ham and Brighton in the coming weeks. Pochettino will at least be hoping to welcome Palmer back next time out after the youngster missed the trip to Arsenal due to illness.

Antony has explained why he celebrated his first Premier League goal of the season for Manchester United with a Sonic the Hedgehog toy.

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Antony displayed Sonic toy at Old TraffordPlanned celebration for his sonFirst Premier League goal in 12 monthsWHAT HAPPENED?

The Brazil international opened his Premier League goal account for 2023-24 against Burnley on Saturday, latching on to a loose ball from Sander Berge and firing into the bottom corner to put United ahead. Antony was understandably very animated when he scored – having last found the net in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest on April 16, 2023 – and made sure to run towards the camera and display a Sonic the Hedgehog toy to the Old Trafford crowd, while also putting the ball under his shirt.

AdvertisementGettyTHE EXPLANATION

The 24-year-old revealed the celebration was a tribute to his young son, who loves the Sonic cartoons. Antony also wanted to show love for his unborn daughter and pregnant wife and did so by putting the ball under his shirt.

WHAT ANTONY SAID

As per Antony said after the game: "Sonic is my son Lorenzo’s favourite cartoon. He loves. He is growing up and is incredible, a little partner in my life, he makes me happy every day. And we are also very excited for the arrival of our little Lavinne. A baby who is already very loved by everyone.

"God has been very good to our family. I’m happy to score a goal, I was looking for that, to be able to pay homage to them, as they give me motivation to continue my work in the best possible way with the United shirt, which I respect and love so much."

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Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY AND MAN UTD?

Man Utd could still mathematically finish as high as fifth in the Premier League but will have to pick up maximum points from their final four games to have any hope of overtaking Tottenham. Antony has not lived up to his hefty price tag so far but will be hoping to have an impact in the remaining weeks, starting with the trip to Crystal Palace next Monday.

The 30-year-old fast bowler is just concentrating on what he needs to do to make sure New Zealand win

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Feb-2019It isn’t often that Tim Southee ends up on the sidelines, least of all in a World Cup year, while New Zealand are facing one of the favourites for that tournament. The 30-year old fast bowler has played only two of six limited-overs matches in the ongoing series against India but was quite excellent during the T20I on Wednesday, taking 3 for 17 and helping his team to victory by 80 runs.Watch New Zealand v India LIVE

Followers in the United States can watch the second T20I live on ESPN+

Southee said it was “tough” spending time out of the side but he understood the reasons. “A number of guys that needed game time and I know I haven’t been at my best with the white-ball for a while. It’s never nice missing out but just have to make the most of opportunities when you get them.”And he did, bouncing out the India captain Rohit Sharma in his second over in Wellington on Wednesday. Just as importantly, Southee showed signs of the swing that seemed to have gone out of his game, causing his ODI bowling average to shoot up to 45 since the end of the last World Cup.So, did it feel like he had a point to prove coming back into the XI? “Not at all. Any time you get a chance to play, you’re going out there to do your job and your role for the team. It was no different last night. Felt like I’ve been bowling really well in the nets and for me it was just about transforming that form from the nets to the game. Different when you’ve been sitting on the sidelines for a while and to go out there, there’s obviously excitement, few nerves, but obviously nice way to start the series.”Sometimes in T20 cricket, it can feel really nice and your figures can look really different. It was just a part of almost the perfect puzzle last night, the perfect team performance.When asked why he’s run into trouble in limited-overs cricket lately, Southee pointed to a “lack of wickets”, but was quick to add that there were mitigating circumstances.”There’s been times in the last year or so I’ve felt I’ve bowled extremely well at times and haven’t got wickets or supported [Trent] Boulty at the other end. So I guess you’re always looking at ways to get better, always looking at ways to try and improve as a cricketer. So it’s just always [about being] involved in the game and look in a different way so you can get better and looking back to when you were at your best and how you were operating then.”New Zealand handed India their worst T20I defeat, in Wellington, and were keen on sealing the series in Auckland, where Southee expects a full house.”Last night was a good atmosphere and I think tomorrow will be an amazing atmosphere too. I think it’ll probably be the first time Eden Park’s been sold out since the 2015 World Cup. Doesn’t happen too often when we play there. Will be a very noisy crowd and one the guys are very much looking forward to.”

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have apparently given the green-light for a player to leave the club for good, with a decision already being made.

Spurs exit candidates for 2024

Ange Postecoglou's arrival at Spurs has managed to reshape the careers of a good few squad members, perhaps most notably Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr, who were both largely ignored by former manager Antonio Conte last season.

However, some Tottenham stars have seen their careers take a nosedive after the Australian's appointment from Celtic in June. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who started 35 Premier League games under Conte last term, has largely been relegated to the bench – only becoming a regular in the eleven recently due to Spurs' current suspension and injury crisis.

The same can be said of long-serving defender Eric Dier, with the Englishman only playing his first league minutes of 23/24 in the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea around a fortnight ago. His contract expires at the end of the season, and like Hojbjerg, rumour has it Dier could leave Spurs as soon as January.

There is also the matter of Tottenham's surplus players currently out on loan at other clubs. Joe Rodon may be sold by Spurs next year, coming after his excellent start to life at Leeds, and the Lilywhites could be set to demand around £20 million for his signature.

It is unclear what the future holds for defensive trio Sergio Reguilon, Japhet Tanganga and Djed Spence, who are all also away on temporary stints, but an update has come to light on high-earning flop Tanguy Ndombele.

Spurs green-light Ndombele exit

The Frenchman, who is finding life difficult at loanee club Galatasaray, has played just 123 minutes in seven appearances across both the Super Lig and Champions League this season. (Tanguy Ndombele stats – Transfermarkt)

Signed by Tottenham for around £53.8 million, a club record fee at the time, things haven't gone quite to plan since with journalist Paul Brown claiming Spurs will now look to part company with Ndombele for good in 2024. He told GiveMeSport:

"Never say never and Ange Postecoglou is not the kind of manager who likes to freeze people out, but Tanguy Ndombele has had so many chances under so many managers and never been able to produce what he's capable of, that I think Spurs are only too willing to wash their hands of him, really. I think a decision has been made at the board level that he's free to leave and they will take as much as they can get for him, frankly. So I think it's unlikely on that basis that he ever plays for Tottenham again."

The Frenchman was a star at Lyon before putting pen to paper on a move to N17 in 2019, with Man City boss Pep Guardiola even calling him "amazingly calm" in possession (Liverpool Echo).

“Lyon are one of the best teams we’ve played against," said Guardiola in 2018 after a Champions League encounter with the Ligue 1 side.

"Aouar is unbelievable and Ndombele is amazingly calm.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal star Declan Rice branded Ndombele a "top player" just last year, but a series of failed loan spells and chances under many different Spurs bosses haven't managed to reignite his stuttering career.