تعادل فيرمين لوبيز لاعب خط وسط برشلونة لصالح فريقه أمام ريال مدريد، على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو في الدوري الاسباني لكرة القدم.
ويحتل ريال مدريد صدارة ترتيب الدوري الاسباني برصيد 24 نقطة، بينما يحتل برشلونة الوصافة بـ22 نقطة.
ونجح فيرمين لوبيز في تسجيل هدف التعادل، بعد أن تم افتكاك الكرة من أردا جولر لتصل إلى ماركوس راشفورد الذي أهدى الكرة في منطقة الجزاء لزميله فيرمين الذي سدد في شباك كورتوا.
اقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | مبابي يسجل هدف ريال مدريد الأول أمام برشلونة
An injury to Fakhar Zaman hampered Pakistan’s chase from the outset as they stare at a difficult ask to stay in the Champions Trophy
Deivarayan Muthu19-Feb-20254:20
Watch: NZ’s secret to playing spin: It’s about scoring not just surviving
Pakistan had to wait for nearly three decades for a global tournament to return to their country, but New Zealand spoiled their party on the opening day of the Champions Trophy, handing the co-hosts a 60-run loss in Karachi. In a short, sharp tournament, where each team plays just three group-stage games, a defeat like this might jeopardise Pakistan’s chances of making the semi-finals. Will Young and Tom Latham were the architects of their team’s victory, both batters scoring outstanding hundreds to set up the dominance that followed but there was also a little bit of luck.Two balls into the game, Fakhar Zaman suffered an injury while chasing a cover drive from Young and was forced off the field for large parts of the first innings. As result of the time spent off the field, Fakhar, whose big hitting is exactly what was necessary for a big chase, could not open the batting in their pursuit of 321. And when he came out to bat at No. 4 – Pakistan were 22 for 2 in ten overs at the time – he was visibly hampered while running between the wickets. New Zealand’s offspinners, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips, kept hiding the ball away from his reach and made life even more difficult for him. Fakhar’s tortured stay eventually ended when Bracewell bowled him with a non-turner for 24 off 41 balls.Just like Fakhar, most of the Pakistan batters failed to get out first gear, including Babar Azam who needed 81 balls for his fifty. New Zealand’s attack was depleted by the injuries to Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears, but their spinners made up for that on a pitch that offered turn and variable bounce. The spinners were so good that New Zealand didn’t need Nathan Smith, their third seamer, until the 31st over. By then Pakistan’s asking rate had almost touched ten an over.New Zealand were also depleted by the injury-enforced absence of Rachin Ravindra, but Young and Latham scored tone-setting hundreds before Glenn Phillips provided an electric finish. In all, New Zealand plundered 113 off their last ten overs to finish with 320.That total, however, had looked so far away when New Zealand were reduced to 40 for 2 in the ninth over and then 73 for 3 in the 17th over. That’s when Young got together with Latham to repair the early damage and then boss the middle overs.Young has spent much of his international career on the fringes. He might not have played this game had Ravindra been fit and despite his maiden international hundred away from home, he might make way for Ravindra once the allrounder recovers. In Kane Williamson’s absence, Young had emerged as the Player of the Series in New Zealand’s historic 3-0 sweep of India in India but was left out for Williamson in New Zealand’s very next Test against England at home. However, whenever Young gets an opportunity, he’s ready to take it, like he demonstrated once again on Wednesday.After Devon Conway was undone by a carrom ball from mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed for 10 and Williamson fell for his first single-digit ODI score in six years, in the next over, Young reined himself in and saw off challenging spells from Abrar and Naseem Shah.Tom Latham and Will Young paced their centuries perfectly•Associated PressYoung brought up his third fifty-plus score in nine innings in Pakistan and converted it into a century. He got there in 107 balls in the 35th over, with Ravindra warmly applauding him from the dressing room.As for Latham, he rattled off his own hundred off 95 balls and remained unbeaten on 118 off 104 balls. It capped a remarkable turnaround for him after he had come into the tri-series final on the back of three ducks, stretching back to the Auckland ODI against Sri Lanka in January. After being assisted by multiple reprieves on his way to 56 in the tri-series final against Pakistan, Latham reminded the world of his full range. He played a variety of sweeps, including the reverse, off a variety of lengths to disrupt Pakistan’s spinners. Fifty-two of his 118 runs came square or behind square on the leg side.After Young holed out for 107, Latham forged 125-run partnership with Phillips for the fifth wicket off just 74 balls. Having been on 10 off 18 balls, Phillips surged to his fifty off his next 16 balls. He had launched Shaheen for back-to-back sixes and then when he shaped to ramp Haris Rauf over short third, he ended up toe-ending it to the fielder for 61 off 39.Phillips wasn’t done though. He produced the play of the day when he leapt to his left from point, stuck out one hand above his head and held onto a screamer to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan for 3 off 14 balls on the last ball of the first powerplay. Will O’Rourke had already dismissed Saud Shakeel, the makeshift opener in place of Fakhar, for 6 in the fourth over. Matt Henry, who had missed the tri-series final with a knee niggle, also kept it tight in the first powerplay, which yielded Pakistan only 22 for 2.It was Pakistan’s lowest score in the first ten overs since March 2019 and third lowest in the history of the Champions Trophy. There would be no way back for them, despite late blows from Khushdil Shah, who hit 69 off 49 balls, and the lower order. Pakistan were ultimately bowled out for 260 in the 48th over.In his first match at a global event as New Zealand captain, Santner came away with three wickets though he took some tap at the end. For the third time in a space of two weeks, New Zealand put Pakistan away with ruthless efficiency and embellished their status as title contenders.
McSweeney’s 199-ball innings ensured South Australia’s first innings deficit was just two runs
Alex Malcolm07-Mar-2025
Nathan McSweeney brings up a half-century•Getty Images
Nathan McSweeney showcased why he remains firmly in Test calculations with a gritty half-century in the face of some phenomenal seam bowling from Scott Boland and Fergus O’Neill who took nine wickets between them to leave Victoria and South Australia locked in a tight arm wrestle after two days at the Junction Oval.O’Neill took his fifth career five-wicket haul to maintain his outstanding Sheffield Shield record, while Boland claimed 4 for 53 with spells that were every bit the equal of the best he has shown at Test level, to bowl South Australia out for 283 and give Victoria a narrow two-run first innings lead. That advantage swelled to 48 as Campbell Kellaway and Marcus Harris batted impressively in the final hour of the day.Victory is crucial for Victoria if they are to maintain a realistic chance of making the Shield final.Related
South Australia target rare double after finding winning 'belief'
Kellaway holds firm amid Buckingham and Thornton four-wicket hauls
Their lead would have been more without McSweeney’s 199-ball 60 in very challenging batting conditions. He only struck six boundaries and had to defend and leave stoutly in the face of some high-quality bowling from O’Neill and Boland who delivered 38.4 of the 67.4 overs he was out there for.He began the day on 9 off 52 balls and was unable to gain any fluency early after Jason Sangha was adjudged lbw not offering a shot to O’Neill for 19.Jake Lehmann helped break the shackles with a breezy 40 off 43 balls that included two thunderous drives down the ground. O’Neill switched ends to break the 54-run stand, nipping one back from around the wicket to pin Lehmann lbw.McSweeney started to flow from there despite the loss of Liam Scott, who was also trapped plumb infront by an excellent Xavier Crone yorker. Scott’s front foot slid from under him to leave him on all fours as the finger was raised.McSweeney kept accumulating with the help of Harry Nielsen. But O’Neill’s accuracy was unrelenting. McSweeney eventually nicked a good length delivery on off stump to Blake Macdonald at slip who held the low chance.Nielsen and Ben Manenti then counterattacked against the old ball as Boland and O’Neill rested before the new one was due. The pair added 61 for the seventh wicket before Boland returned to remove them both in quick succession.Manenti flashed a drive against the second new ball and nicked to Macdonald at first slip. Boland then nipped one back through Nielsen’s gate from around the wicket to splay off stump in almost identical fashion to Conor McInerney’s dismissal on the first evening. But Nielsen’s 45 was vital in the context of the match.Brendan Doggett and Henry Thornton combined to frustrate Victoria, adding 34 for the ninth wicket before O’Neill switched ends again to take the final two wickets. He took a sharp return catch to remove Doggett for 19 before clean bowling Jordan Buckingham.It set up a tricky 16-over period in the evening session for Kellaway and Harris to negotiate. But the pair left and defended well against the new ball while rotating the strike impressively to give Victoria the chance to build a significant lead on day three.
Manchester United’s transfer window has already been a huge success, with Ruben Amorim making key additions to help him in his quest for success at Old Trafford.
He’s already landed Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, costing a staggering £62.5m but massively bolstering the number ten position within the first-team squad.
Bryan Mbeumo also made the move to join the Red Devils, also costing a pretty penny, with the hierarchy forking out a whopping £71m to lure him away from Brentford.
Whilst the pair have already set the club back over £130m this summer, they will offer that creative spark Amorim’s side have been missing, notching 35 combined Premier League goals between them last season.
However, their big-money window also looks set to continue with a couple of weeks remaining, targeting multiple talents who would further improve the club’s chance of success in the near future.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Benjamin Sesko looks to be United’s latest addition this summer, after the club made a £74m offer for the RB Leipzig striker in the last 24 hours – a figure that could be enough to land his signature.
Newcastle United have also submitted a bid for the Slovenian international, but the latest reports suggest that the player himself is favouring a move to Old Trafford over a switch to St James’ Park.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz a player appearing on their radar, according to Football Insider.
Their report claims that the Red Devils have entered talks with the Serie A side over a move for the Brazilian, who’s been allowed to depart the club less than 12 months after joining.
It also states that West Ham United, Everton and Nottingham Forest are also in the race for his signature, leading to a loan with an obligation to buy being mooted for the 27-year-old.
Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Mbeumo & Cunha
Given United’s measly Premier League tally of just 44 goals last season, it’s evident that the side desperately needed added reinforcements in the final third – something which the hierarchy have evidently done this window.
The aforementioned duo of Cunha and Mbeumo’s tally of 35 goals would’ve equated to 80% of the side’s tally, highlighting the added threat the Red Devils will possess in 2025/26.
However, they will need ammunition if they are to succeed in their first season at the club, with Bruno Fernandes likely to be the main candidate based on the previous campaign.
The Portuguese international notched 18 assists across all competitions last season, but he could be joined by Luiz in his quest to provide his teammates with chances in the final third.
Whilst he only managed 27 appearances for the Old Lady last season, the former Aston Villa star still managed to thrive with the ball at his feet, making him an excellent deep-lying option in Amorim’s system.
Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.
His talent on the ball could provide the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo with added chances for success in front of goal, whilst also being an excellent buy given his previous five-year spell at Aston Villa in England’s top-flight.
Luiz, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Adam Gilks, registered an 87% pass completion rate, whilst making 2.6 key passes per 90 – ranking him within the top 1% of all players in Serie A last campaign.
Douglas Luiz’s stats for Juventus in Serie A (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
19
Minutes played
516
Pass accuracy
87%
Progressive passes
6.1
Progressive carries
2.7
Key passes made
2.6
Passes into final third
3.2
Tackles won
1.4
% of tackles won
67%
Stats via FBref
Such tallies would be perfect for those ahead of him, with his figure of 6.1 progressive passes and 3.2 passes into the final third per 90 further highlighting his creative ability, which would massively aid the new additions in attacking areas.
Out of possession, the Brazilian has been just as impressive, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 at a success rate of 67%, handing the side the needed defensive talent at the heart of the side.
Any move for Luiz this summer would be an excellent piece of business, offering Amorim with the perfect box-to-box option in midfield, subsequently able to have the tools to impress at both ends of the pitch.
If he can carry his creativity over with him from Italy, he can help his fellow new additions to thrive during their first year in Manchester, which could allow the side to rise up the table throughout 2025/26.
The next Bruno: Man Utd readying bid for "outstanding" talent after Sesko
Manchester United’s activity this window is showing no signs after making their move for Benjamin Sesko.
على الرغم من أن فوز عثمان ديمبلي، نجم باريس سان جيرمان ومنتخب فرنسا، بالكرة الذهبية، قد لقى قبولًا واسعًا، إلا التفاصيل الدقيقة للتصويت أثارت جدلاً بين خبراء كرة القدم.
وقد أعرب واين روني أسطورة كرة القدم الإنجليزية، عن استيائه الشديد من احتلال رافينها لاعب برشلونة المركز الخامس في ترتيب البالون دور.
وقال روني في تصريحات نقلتها “فوت أفريقا”: “هل هذه مزحة حقاً؟ كيف يمكن لرافينها أن يكون خامساً وفيتينا ثالثاً؟، قاد رافينها فريقه في لحظات حاسمة ولعب بشغف وحماس، وقدم ليالي ساحرة، إن لم يكن يستحق الكرة الذهبية، فماذا يستحق؟ برأيي يستحق أن يكون الأول”.
ويعتقد روني أن البرازيلي رافينها كان المحفز الحقيقي لنجاح برشلونة، وأعرب المهاجم الإنجليزي عن استيائه من ترتيب جناح برشلونة بعد فيتينا لاعب خط وسط باريس سان جيرمان.
اقرأ أيضاً.. موعد مباراة ريال مدريد وبرشلونة في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني
وشكك قائد منتخب إنجلترا السابق في ترتيب لامين يامال أيضًا بين المرشحين المتنافسين على الكرة الذهبية، وأشار إلى أن رافينها قد يحتاج للانتقال لناد يقدر مساهماته بشكل أفضل.
وأضاف روني: “كيف يمكن لجماهير برشلونة الترويج للامين يامال، بينما رافينها هو المرشح الأنسب بلا شك؟ بصراحة، أعتقد أنه بحاجة لتغيير ناديه وإيجاد فريق يحترمه جمهوره، ولا يقلل من شأنه لمجرد أنه ليس إسبانياً”.
Celtic find themselves becoming very busy in the transfer window and could now move to add further solidity to their backline, according to reports.
Celtic begin to turn the screw on defensive reinforcements
Kieran Tierney agreed his emotional return to the Bhoys in January and confirmation of his arrival at Parkhead was hardly a surprise, even if supporters are delighted that he is back in the building.
However, Hayato Inamura’s arrival at Celtic from Albirex Niigata has also created headlines, with some fans expressing concern at his lack of experience in a top-flight environment before moving to Glasgow.
Celticmanager BrendanRodgerscelebrates with the trophy after winning the League Cup
Brendan Rodgers has since confirmed that he is part of a dual strategy to improve the first-team environment and to also invest in long-term assets who can come good in time: “No, he won’t be (part of the first-team). He’s, again, a part of the investment of the club.
“To bring a player in, we’ll assess and see where he’s at as a young player. And then it’s whether he stays with the squad or whether he has to go out on loan”.
With that in mind, Justin de Haas has been identified as a defensive reinforcement for Celtic that could form part of the senior picture after some solid displays for F.C. Famalicão in the Primeira Liga.
Bid made: Celtic submit formal offer less than half of "ridiculous" valuation
This could be a strong piece of business by the Hoops.
By
Henry Jackson
Jul 7, 2025
The Dutchman coming in could throw the cat among the pigeons regarding Auston Trusty and Liam Scales’ future at the heart of Rodgers’ backline. Either way, it is a sign the Irishman wants fresh faces to fuel another Scottish Premiership title challenge.
Now, another name has entered the mix as the Bhoys get to work on bolstering the ranks ahead of another exciting campaign for all involved.
Celtic enter race to sign Etienne Youte Kinkoue
According to L’Equipe, Celtic are keen to sign Le Havre defender Etienne Youte Kinkoue this summer alongside Besiktas and Anderlecht, while Burnley have also been mentioned as another suitor in the hunt for the 23-year-old.
Formerly of Inter and Olympiacos, the ex-France Under-21 international could be allowed to leave his homeland for a fee in the region of £4.3 million, though his current employers are yet to receive any formal approaches for his services.
Etienne Kinkoue in Ligue 1 – 2024/25 (Fotmob)
Total duels won
53
Aerial duels won
26
Interceptions
29
Recoveries
65
Pass accuracy
89.2%
Sheffield United and FC Köln are among Kinkoue’s other admirers, signalling that he is a highly sought-after option on the market this summer due to his affordable price-tag and robust attributes.
Last campaign, he made 28 appearances across all competitions as Le Havre managed to cling on to their top-flight status, though the fact he is out of contract in 2026 has contributed to his availability at a cut-price fee.
Celtic have allowed Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke to leave the club, while Stephen Welsh is on the periphery, so it makes sense that Kinkoue is now on their radar amid the need for another right-footed central defender within Rodgers’ squad.
Sunderland are thought to be in talks to sign a new £17m forward who Regis Le Bris already knows well, according to a new update.
Speakman in Sunderland transfer talks after Le Fee deal
The Black Cats have so far been patient when it comes to new signings, with Enzo Le Fee’s loan move becoming permanent the only incoming piece of business following promotion to the Premier League.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is working behind the scenes on deals, though, and admitted last week he was in three different countries in three days discussing transfers with targets.
By the looks of things, one player on Speakman’s list could now be Sassuolo forward Armand Lauriente, with a new update showing there has been a development.
Sunderland in talks for Sassuolo forward Armand Lauriente
According to reports in Italy relayed by Chronicle Live, Sunderland are thought to have begun talks over a ‘sensational swoop’ to sign Lauriente.
The Sassuolo forward has already worked under Le Bris, scoring one goal in four games under the Sunderland boss during their time at French side Lorient. He can also play anywhere across the front three, so would provide plenty of versatility in the final third, should a deal be struck.
The Black Cats are looking to provide competition to Wilson Isisdor and Eliezer Mayenda and seemingly see Lauriente as the man to do just that, with previous claims suggesting he could cost up to £17m.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a fine campaign in 2024/25, scoring 19 goals and registering six assists in 34 appearances in all competitions, mainly as a left winger.
Dan James
Leeds United
Borja Sainz
Norwich City
Wilfried Gnonto
Leeds United
Sontje Hansen
NEC Nijmegen
Liel Abada
Charlotte FC
As per FBref, Lauriente ranks in the top 1% for goals when compared to attacking midfielders and wingers, the top 2% for shots on target and the top 6% for expected goals.
As can be seen, Lauriente has been likened to a number of wingers playing their trade in England, so a move to the Stadium of Light could be one to keep an eye on.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are working in tandem on the club’s summer recruitment drive ahead of a vital 2025/2026 campaign, where the Gunners are under real pressure to deliver silverware.
Arsenal hold talks over key targets ahead of "big" summer window
After this brief interlude, the summer window will reopen on June 16, and remain open until September 1.
Arsenal confirm "very popular" 22-year-old has now joined another club
He’s officially left north London.
By
Emilio Galantini
Jun 11, 2025
In the background, Arsenal continue working on their top summer targets before they’re officially allowed to register any new signings once again, and it is believed they’re closing in on a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (David Ornstein).
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
It’s long been reported that Berta and co are keen to add a capable second-choice keeper to their ranks with Neto returning to Bournemouth, and Arsenal recently missed out on a deal for long-term target Joan Garcia, who is set to join Barcelona instead.
Given how long it is taking for Arsenal to officially sign Martin Zubimendi, with Fabrizio Romano recently assuring supporters that everything is indeed agreed for the Spaniard to join, Arrizabalaga could end up being the club’s first signing announcement of the summer.
Further forward, Arsenal want to sign a new winger as well, but are resigned to losing out on Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane after his agreement to join Galatasaray.
The Gunners will now need to turn to alternative wide targets, perhaps Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, and there is also the matter of moving forward in negotiations for their top striker target – RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.
Arsenal hold London talks over signing Benjamin Sesko
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal held London talks to sign Sesko in the last few days, with discussions taking place in the English capital.
This follows an agreement on personal terms with the 6 foot 5 centre-forward, who bagged 21 goals in all competitions last season, but both Leipzig and Arsenal remain in dispute over Sesko’s final price.
The Bundesliga side are holding out for around £67 million, the value of his release clause, while Arteta’s side are trying to negotitate a lower fee.
Arteta has apparently made it clear behind-the-scenes that Sesko must be their priority striker signing, and there is confidence on all sides that an agreement will eventually be struck.
Saudi sides have recently expressed an interest in the 22-year-old as well, but his focus is on remaining in Europe and competing at the very top level.
Crystal Palace now have Europa League football to look forward to next season, and already the club are planning for the summer as they eye up a move to sign a “superb” Bundesliga midfielder, according to a recent report.
Wharton’s Crystal Palace future in doubt despite FA Cup win
Adam Wharton has been a standout performer since his arrival in SE25, and his performances have caught the attention of teams at home and abroad. Despite missing a large chunk of this season through a groin injury, Wharton has played 20 times in the Premier League and was a huge part of the Eagles’ FA Cup glory.
Heading into the summer transfer window, he is now very much a wanted man, as teams start to circle with significant interest. Last week, it was reported that Man United boss Ruben Amorim is personally driving the Red Devils’ move to sign Wharton. It’s claimed that United are in the strongest position to sign the Englishman this summer, but they are not the only team chasing the midfielder.
Crystal Palace join Man Utd in race to sign £19m ace who could replace Eze
Crystal Palace are among the Premier League teams chasing a player who is leaving his club this summer.
ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025
Newcastle United have also been heavily linked with a move for the 21-year-old, while Arsenal are said to have joined the race to sign Wharton, as they plan to close the gap at the top of the table.
Liverpool are also interested in Wharton, and it’s been reported that they are planning to make a £60 million bid to sign the Palace man. However, given the Eagles have qualified for the Europa League, their stance has tightened, and it’s been claimed they wouldn’t consider any bid less than £80 million.
Crystal Palace eyeing move to sign "superb" £15m+ midfielder
And while the hope will of course be to convince the England starlet to stay put, according to Sky Germany, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Nadiem Amiri from Bundesliga side Mainz 05, making plans to buff up their midfield ranks just in case.
Sky Germany report that Amiri’s exit from Mainz is a possibility this summer, as Palace, Fulham and Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing the midfielder, as well as teams in Serie A.
The 28-year-old was asked about his future after Mainz’s final game of the season over the weekend against Bayer Leverkusen, which they drew 2-2, and the German didn’t give much away: “Go on holiday now; then we’ll see.”
Apps
30
Goals
7
Expected goals
5.47
Assists
5
Shots per game
2.1
Key passes per game
2.1
Interceptions per game
0.5
Tackles per game
1.7
Amiri, who has been dubbed “superb” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, doesn’t have a release clause in his contract, with this report claiming he could cost between 18 and 20 million euros, which is roughly £15-16 million.
The midfielder, who can operate as a number ten or more defensively, is under contract until 2028, and the fact that Mainz have qualified for Europe next season will toughen their stance, given Amiri has been an important player this season with seven goals and five assists in 30 Bundesliga games.
Leeds United fans would have entered Elland Road on Monday full of both nerves and excitement, knowing that one more win and Sheffield United failing to win in a showdown with Burnley in the Championship would clinch promotion.
Well, the Whites certainly kept to their end of the bargain in West Yorkshire with Daniel Farke’s hosts hammering a petrified Stoke City side 6-0 in front of their jubilant home masses and after the Blades later went on to lose against the Clarets, promotion to the Premier League was sealed in spectacular fashion at the second time of asking.
Joel Piroe – who has had his fair share of critics in recent weeks for his wasteful showings – staggeringly chipped in with four of the strikes, with the Dutchman a man possessed in front of goal as he became their promotion hero.
Piroe's remarkable performance vs Stoke City
Heading into this big clash against Mark Robins’ visitors earlier today, Piroe was deep in a barren patch of form, with nine Championship clashes passing him by without finding the net.
He more than made up for these lacklustre showings on Monday, however, as the deadly 25-year-old sucker-punched Stoke with two goals inside the first ten minutes.
Constantly in the right place at the right time to tap home, Piroe would go on to secure a memorable hat-trick inside a bonkers 20 minutes after his early brace, before further managing to fire home his fourth of the remarkable day four minutes before the half-time interval.
Now up to a league-high 19 strikes for the season in the second tier, the ex-Swansea City man will be hoping he can be equally as clinical for the Whites if Premier League football returns to Elland Road, with this whirlwind win pulling them ever closer back to the promised land.
But, whilst Piroe obviously delivered a display of the highest order, he wasn’t the only Whites performer against the Potters who was near faultless…
Performance in Numbers
Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.
10/10 Leeds star was as good as Piroe
Nobody in Leeds white exactly let the team down in all fairness, with every single player picked by Farke singing off the same hymn sheet to secure a huge three points.
While the attack were en song at Elland Road, the two full-backs were in fine fettle too, evoking memories of Ian Harte in his prime, charging forward to contribute in the final third with Junior Firpo finding the net and Jayden Bogle running the Stoke defence ragged.
Minutes played
90
Goals scored
0
Assists
1
Touches
63
Accurate passes
28/42 (67%)
Shots
2
Key passes
1
Successful dribbles
3/3
Interceptions
2
Tackles
4
Total duels won
10/12
He has had a fine season in West Yorkshire to date after dramatically leaving Sheffield United behind for Leeds last summer.
The gung-ho full-back would get in on the act when assisting Piroe’s second of the day, taking Bogle’s assist count for the season all the way up to a weighty four, on top of his stunning six strikes, while he also hit the post in the build-up to Piroe’s fourth.
Bogle would constantly maraud forward and leave Stoke shirts in the dust – seen in his 100% dribble completion rate – leading to Leeds reporter Graham Smyth to remark that the expansive 24-year-old “absolutely mullered” the Potters across a breathtaking first half.
But, the ex-Blades defender also looked strong defensively when infrequently called into action, with four tackles and ten duels won to preserve Leeds’ likely clean sheet.
Unsurprisingly, the aforementioned Smyth dished out a flawless 10/10 rating to Bogle post-match too, waxing lyrical further that he “tortured” Robins’ visitors who just had no answer to the home side’s persistent waves of attacks.
Come the full-time whistle, Leeds simply looked top-flight bound after brushing aside Stoke with ease, with both Bogle and Piroe ready for the challenge of Premier League football.
Farke can repeat Meslier trick by dropping "anonymous" Leeds flop
Daniel Farke can repeat the trick he played with Illan Meslier by dropping this Leeds United flop.