All posts by h716a5.icu

The summer transfer window may have closed in England, but one Newcastle United player looks to move to a foreign league, according to a new update from journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Will Newcastle still lose players?

The Magpies' incoming transfer business looks to be done for another year, following a productive time of things since the end of last season. There was a clear need to kick on after a year of major progress at St James' Park and they have done just that, signing the likes of Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes, among others.

In truth, it has been an underwhelming start to the new Premier League campaign for Newcastle, who have now lost three matches in a row in the competition, having started out with a stunning 5-1 victory at home to Aston Villa last month.

There is no need to panic, however, especially as the Magpies opening fixtures have been difficult, with the losses against Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton all representing real challenges.

In terms of potential outgoing business, there is still time for Newcastle to sell player who have been deemed surplus requirements, with some non-English transfer windows still open for the time being.

One player who has looked certain to move on throughout the summer is Isaac Hayden, who is now way down the midfield pecking and won't be playing a key part in Eddie Howe's plans moving forward.

Is Isaac Hayden set to leave Newcastle?

Taking to X on Sunday, Tavolieri claimed that Hayden is set to complete a loan move to Belgian side Standard Liege, with their transfer window still open until next week, with the agreement that has been reached not including an option to buy.

"DONE DEAL. It’s Isaac Hayden to Standard Liege Signing Day! NUFC midfielder will finally be loaned to #RSCL without an option to buy confirmed. Been told the Englishman already very committed to the contribution he can make to the team."

This makes complete sense for all parties, with Hayden a solid footballer who has done a decent job for Newcastle in the past, but no longer being of the required standard.

The Magpies are now a Champions League-playing side again, with the likes of Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in the middle of the park, so Hayden could see it hard to player regularly under Howe, instead heading to be a Liege player, where he could thrive.

Read the latest Newcastle transfer news HERE…

The 28-year-old should be remembered for being a dependable servant for Newcastle down the years, making 171 appearances in total and doing an understated job in the midfield, once being described as "brilliant" by former Arsenal striker and current pundit Ian Wright.

This is the perfect time for him to move on and enjoy a fresh challenge – he spent last season on loan at Norwich City, further showing how far down the pecking order he is – and the hope may well be that his loan move to Belgium will become a permanent switch next summer, should he do enough to earn a long-term transfer to Liege and officially leave the Magpies.

England opener has agreed a white-ball only contract with Nottinghamshire until the end of the 2019 season

George Dobell20-Feb-2018Alex Hales has become the latest England player to choose a future as a white-ball specialist.Just days after Adil Rashid announced he would play only white-ball cricket for Yorkshire this season, Hales has agreed a white-ball only contract with Nottinghamshire until the end of the 2019 season. A club statement clarifies: “He will not play red-ball cricket.”While Hales and Rashid had both lost their places in England’s Test team (Hales played the last of his 11 Tests against Pakistan in August 2016), a recall for either of them was far from impossible. Hales had been considered for a place in the Ashes squad and will have noted that none of his rivals took the opportunity to make that spot their own.But with the growth in T20 leagues promising a lucrative future for those with the talent – and Hales, as the first England player to make a T20I century and, until recently, the holder of the highest score by an England batsman in an ODI, clearly has the talent – he may have concluded that the benefits of improvement in red-ball cricket do not match the rewards for his continued success in white-ball cricket. He may also have reasoned that the ability to concentrate on white-ball skills without the complications or demands of red-ball cricket would allow him greater scope for improvement.It might also be relevant that Hales missed out on an IPL deal this year. If he can demonstrate improved T20 form – and assure potential bidders that he will not be required to leave the tournament early to report for county duty – he will surely make himself more attractive to potential suitors in future years.”Alex is entitled to make himself available for whatever format he wants to play, and we respect his decision,” Nottinghamshire’s director of cricket, Mick Newell, said. “He’s an outstanding white-ball player and we look forward to him helping us win more trophies in that format of the game.”Hales had previously vowed to reinvent himself as a middle-order batsman in first-class cricket. Having accepted that his game was just a little loose for the demands of opening, he had talked of moving back down the order – it had always been his preferred place to bat in first-class cricket – and aiming for a spot in England’s Test middle-order. The reality of that, however – long days in the field; long days working on technique and negotiating the moving ball in early-season conditions without any guarantee of success – has lost out to the possibilities presented by a future as a limited-overs specialist.”For the next 18 months I’m excited to focus entirely on limited-overs cricket,” Hales said in a post on his Twitter account. “The decision to focus on my white-ball game wasn’t taken lightly or on the spur of the moment; it’s one I’ve thought long and hard about. It’s also one I’ve discussed at length with the Notts management. I’d like to thank them for their continued support.”While Hales and Rashid have been at pains to state they have not retired from red-ball cricket, this news will reinforce the impression that the first-class game faces an uncertain future. Struggling to attract crowds (in many parts of the world, at least) and often more demanding of the participants, it is now clearly struggling to retain some of its more attractive players. The suspicion remains that, once the 2019 World Cup is finished, the 50-over game, may also struggle to retain the involvement of the best players.All of which leaves the obvious question: who is next? The attractions of specialising in limited-overs cricket, for fast bowlers in particular, are obvious.

“I get to 20 and I think I’m like Bradman, that’s the problem,” the fast bowler joked after he staged a significant fightback for England along with Jonny Bairstow on the opening day in Christchurch

Andrew McGlashan in Christchurch30-Mar-2018Mark Wood praised the role played by Jonny Bairstow in making batting “fun” as the pair staged a significant fightback for England on the opening day in Christchurch.Wood, recalled for this match in place of Craig Overton, joined Bairstow with England tottering on 164 for 7 with seemingly a longer tail having also dropped Chris Woakes. He proceeded to make his maiden Test fifty, dominating an eighth-wicket stand of 95 in 18 overs which, at the very least, have given England a foothold in a match that appeared to be slipping away.”I had loads of fun but the worrying thing is I’ve got a fifty before a five-for, so I’ve done that the wrong way round,” he said. “I loved batting with Jonny, a lad I’ve played with and against since I was about 11 years old. So nice to do it with him at the other end.”When I went out to bat we were in a bit of trouble. Jonny knows I like to have a bit of fun out there, so it made it easier – just having a laugh and seeing how it goes. It just put my mind at ease and you forget the situation you are in.”Wood’s first-class average of 21.10 shows he has some ability and he has previously given glimpses in his short Test career, but after this innings, he has made a strong case to be No. 8 ahead of Stuart Broad. However, Wood believes he should already have scored more runs than he has managed and has to remember not to get carried away.”I worked hard in the nets this week thinking I might play this game. I get to 20 and I think I’m like Bradman, that’s the problem, I try too many shots. It was nice having Jonny there, he kept it fun, kept it calm whereas sometimes I think I get a bit ahead of myself and try too much. [Neil] Wagner was bowling a lot of bouncers more often than not I knew where the ball was going to be. Me and Jonny talked about a plan and we could set up. When I first got in, [Tim] Southee had done a lot of the damage and was nipping it around so it was harder.”Wood defended England’s top order after another poor display, saying there was significantly more help for the bowlers in the first part of the day.”Maybe there was panic stations at one point but New Zealand bowled really well this morning…maybe it felt like we just changed the momentum a little bit and brought it back in our favour. We rotated the strike well, that’s one of things Jonny does – he runs well between the wickets.”Southee, who finished the day with 5 for 60 to move level with Chris Cairns at No. 4 in New Zealand’s all-time list on 218 scalps, conceded the day had taken a different turn after the post-lunch spell of 3 for 1 in nine balls by him and Trent Boult.”That little burst after lunch was good for us with three quick wickets then England dug deep and that partnership was a crucial one for then,” he said.”One thing to come out of it, it shows that once you get in and the ball gets a bit older the wicket is reasonably good. I think it’s pretty even, it would have been nice to finish them off this evening but credit has to go to the way the lower [order] of England stuck in. The way that Jonny has played all summer so we know he’s a big wicket and a dangerous player which he showed at the end.”

Tottenham Hotspur managed to maintain their unbeaten run in the Premier League in dramatic fashion yesterday, as the plaudits just keep soaring in for Ange Postecoglou…

How did Spurs play vs Sheffield United?

Having dominated the majority of the game, it should have come as no surprise to see the Lilywhites fall behind against a Sheffield United side with just one point after four games. It just seemed all too familiar, for a Spurs side to roll over at home for a side that, on paper, they should brush aside.

Their 70% possession, 28 shots and 2.12 expected goal tally, via Sofascore, could not break down the rigid and staunch defence of the visitors, who stormed into the lead after Gustavo Hamer's fine left-footed strike.

However, such is the positivity and unbridled energy that their new regime is already emanating, this team seemingly just don't know when they are beaten. A well-placed corner in the 98th minute was met by Richarlison, whose subdued celebrations likely hid a wealth of emotion just waiting to pour out after the Brazilian had admitted to the struggles he had been facing earlier in the week.

His day would get even better though, with his direct play and neat outside-of-the-foot pass finding Dejan Kulusevski, who rifled home a 100th-minute winner to send the home fans into raptures. It was the latest comeback in the history of the Premier League, and one which typifies this new attitude in north London.

Whilst the former Everton striker will steal the headlines for the way in which he overcame recent adversity to score and assist, it marked a similarly cathartic moment for the Sweden international too.

How did Dejan Kulusevski play?

Having signed for £25m back in 2022, his blistering start to life with Spurs set the bar impossibly high for him to follow in the future. His five goals and eight assists in just six months were outstanding, which made his two strikes last season in the league especially frustrating.

Everyone is well aware of the talent that the 23-year-old boasts, but for whatever reason that has been silenced in recent years, despite former Celtic star Chris Sutton branding him a "special player" during that stunning initial spell.

So, to see him pop up at a crucial moment would have been euphoric for Kulusevski, whose stellar display had deserved something from the clash.

After all, having played every minute of the gruelling encounter, his 8.5 Sofascore rating was only bettered by Richarlison of those on the home side. Such a figure was buoyed by his relentless creativity, as he managed to post five key passes and create two big chances.

On another day, the former Juventus flyer could have earned a host of assists, with the steadfast visitors holding firm for so long. However, in the end, quality told.

Although Richarlison has struggled over the last 12 months, with just one league goal in the entire last campaign drawing ridicule, Kulusevski has instead been more self-critical. He noted after the conclusion of their miserable last term: "It’s been a long season, when you think of when we started, it feels like about three years ago

"You have to think about a lot of things. I’m happy, I’m grateful, I think I’ve learned a lot. Of course, I’ve been disappointed personally. After the World Cup, I didn’t think I played well enough. Also, the team hasn’t been good enough, especially in the last few months where we tried everything, but it just wasn't to be.”

Clearly boasting an impressive mindset to push himself to new heights after setbacks, this winning goal could prove to be the catalyst that reignites the career of two of Postecoglou's struggling attackers. There seems to be little that the 58-year-old tactician cannot do of late.

We are just five games into the new Premier League season but we are already starting to see a new side to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard has always been a rather serious character, one who reached deep into the text book of Pep Guardiola's teachings.

Yet, the 2023/24 campaign has seen him morph into his professor more than ever. Arteta's press conference ramblings have been interesting and at times sarcastic, as if to mimic the great Pep.

We already know that Arteta has developed a similar philosophy on the pitch and in a bid to go toe to toe with Manchester City, is trying to build a squad full of options and versatility.

Oleksandr Zinchenko's switch from the Etihad to the Emirates was a pivotal part in the club's ongoing project. An attacking midfielder by trade, the Ukranian was moved to a left-back position by Guardiola and now plays the role of an inverted full-back to perfection.

Such a tactical ploy may well have been pioneered by Johan Cruyff all those years ago, but it has been brought back by the Spanish coach who has seen his ideas now replicated all throughout Europe.

Yet, Arteta may be on the verge of a philosophy never seen in football, one that challenges the perception of a role on the pitch that only ever had one player in it; the goalkeeping department.

Aaron Ramsdale quickly dislodged Bernd Leno as the club's number 1 early into Arteta's reign but now as things get serious, the Englishman finds himself at a crossroads after being dropped for David Raya on Sunday.

Why did Raya start against Everton?

There had been murmurings prior to the international break that Arteta was pondering a change between the sticks.

Raya, signed rather surprisingly on loan from Brentford during the summer window, had impressed in training and had been patiently waiting for his moment in the sun.

Displacing Ramsdale was going to be no easy task. This is a player hailed for his world-class saving abilities in the past. His double stop to deny Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate at Anfield last term was notably astonishing.

Indeed, very few can question the Englishman's shot-stopping. Very few could question his ability to distribute play from the back. However, his playful character and energy is hardly a calming influence.

This is where Raya excelled against Everton. He wasn't called upon much during his debut for the Gunners, cooly going under the radar instead on his way to a clean sheet.

During the clash, he completed an immense 94% of his passes, per Sofascore. That might not look too impressive for a player charged with playing the ball a couple of feet each time to his backline. Yet, when you consider Ramsdale's average pass completion rate of 77% this term and you get a feeling for why Arteta rates his new signing so highly.

What was also impressive was Raya's two high claims. Ramsdale is no mug inside the penalty area but his ability to come out from a cross often looks a little haphazard. The England star almost looks unsure of his positioning in those moments and opts to punch away. The fact he has only made one high claim in his four outings to date speaks volumes.

With the Brentford loanee, there appears to be no such problems in that regard. He is calm, dominating and oozes class. Of course, there will be bigger tests to come for Raya, potentially starting in the Champions League and the north London derby next Sunday, should he play but the initial signs are very promising.

What has Arteta said about Raya and Ramsdale?

The decision to start with Raya in goal against the Toffees sparked plenty of debate but as far as Arteta is concerned, he has always wanted two players in that position.

Speaking to Sky Sports prior to the game, he noted: "There will be rotations. I mentioned that we wanted to build a squad with two quality players in each position.

“We have got that now. And to maximise that they’ve to play games."

However, once the game was said and done, the Gunners head coach even hinted that he could be tempted to switch goalkeepers mid-game depending on the situation. Such a philosophy has never been seen in the game, with a clear number 1 always undisputed. Now, though, perceptions are changing.

Speaking at full-time, he commented: "I only have been three and a half years in the job and I have few regrets. One of them was that on two occasions I felt after 60 minutes and after 85 minutes, in two games in this period, to change the keeper at that moment and I didn’t do it. I didn’t have the courage to do it and I was so unhappy.

"Tell me why not do it. Why not. We have all the qualities in another goalkeeper to do something, something is happening and you want to change momentum. Do it. it is a regret that I had. And now my feeling is to get everyone engaged and in the team, they have to play regardless of the competition. That is my message."

if you take Arteta's comments at face value then both 'keepers will get their opportunities this term. Only time will tell.

Ramsdale isn't the only player to have been given what looks like a cold shoulder, though. Gabriel Martinelli was given a substantial period of time on the bench before he returned to the side following injury in 2021/22 while Emile Smith Rowe is going through a tough time at the moment too.

Why is Smith Rowe not playing?

Arteta has not been afraid to make surprising decisions during his time in north London. The move to omit Ramsdale is the latest high profile route the manager has gone down.

Whether or not he gets back in the side with regularity remains to be seen but it really does feel as though this could be the beginning of the end for the 25-year-old in Arsenal colours.

The same could well be said for Smith Rowe.

The Hale End graduate was on par with Bukayo Saka only a few years ago as he was given the number 10 shirt and made it his own.

Flash back to the 2021/22 campaign and the talented attacking midfielder scored ten goals in one Premier League season.

An England senior debut came but an injury at the start of last term has derailed his progress and development.

Since that breakthrough campaign, the 23-year-old has barely featured. In 2022/23 he only played 12 times in the league, amassing just 161 minutes of football.

Unsurprisngly, the £40k-per-week talent didn't register a single goal in that time. Then, this campaign, he is yet to feature at all in the top-flight.

That is remarkable for someone who was one of the first names on the teamsheet a matter of years ago.

Martin Odegaard's prominence, of course, has not helped, neither has Martinelli's down the left flank. Yet, there was an opening upon the departure of Granit Xhaka.

Kai Havertz, who is yet to score or assist, was given the change to succeed him first. Fabio Vieira has now started ahead of him too. Even Leandro Trossard was preferred in that role during pre-season.

What, therefore, can Smith Rowe do to get in the team? It is remarkable he hasn't even appeared from the substitutes bench yet. His ability to make things happen out of nowhere is a trait very few possess. Only in 2021 did reporter James Benge hail his "special" qualities.

He is now unfortunately joined by his countryman Ramsdale on the bench, hopefully not forever. If that is the case, though, it will be a sorry end for two of the club's most promising English talents.

Tanvir Islam and Anjum Ahmed shared seven wickets to help Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity to a six-wicket win over Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Mar-2018Salauddin Pappu’s maiden List-A century powered Legends of Rupganj to second place in the Dhaka Premier League after a 26-run win against Kalabagan Krira Chakra.Batting first at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Rupganj made 314 for 5 in 50 overs with Pappu smashing eight sixes and 12 fours in his 95-ball 125. He added 150 runs in 22.3 overs for the second wicket stand with Mohammad Naim, who made 45 himself. The captain Naeem Islam also chipped in with an unbeaten on 61 off 53 balls.Kalabagan got off to a fast start with Shreevats Goswami and Tasamul Haque adding 65 runs for the opening stand. Goswami (75) and Mohammad Ashraful (64) followed that up with another half-century stand once that was broken, the middle order couldn’t keep pace with the asking rate. Spinners Parvez Rasool and Asif Hasan took three wickets each while seamer Mohammad Shahid took two.Agrani Bank banked on half-centuries from Azmir Ahmed (65), Salman Hossain (63), Rishi Dhawan (70) and Jahid Javed (55) to beat Brothers Union by three wickets at Fatullah Cricket Stadium.Chasing 290 to win, Azmir and Salman added 88 runs for the second wicket before Salman and Dhiman Ghosh contributed 50 for the third wicket. While all of that set up the chase, it was finished by Dhawan and Javed, who batted at better than run-a-ball to ensure their team secured victory.Earlier in the day, Mizanur Rahman and Junaid Siddique recorded only the third 200-plus opening partnership in Bangladesh List A history. Mizanur made 102 off 120 balls with nine fours and three sixes. Junaid missed out on the century, making 92 off 103 balls with eight fours and a six. Shafiul Islam was the pick of Agrani’s bowlers, finishing with 4 for 48.Tanvir Islam and Anjum Ahmed shared seven wickets to help Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity to a six-wicket win over Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club.Batting first, Dhanmondi Club were bowled out for 167 runs in 48 overs. Tanvir took four wickets while Anjum claimed three, their combined figures reading 18-0-46-7. Tanbir Hayder top-scored with 52. Khelaghar wrapped up a straightforward chase with Ashok Menaria scoring 58 off 71 balls and Rafsan Al Mahmud giving good support with 49 off 82.

Fast bowler named as stand-in for Dawid Malan, who is expected to be on England duty

ESPNcricinfo staff08-May-2018Steven Finn is set to take charge of Middlesex’s Royal London campaign this summer, after being announced as Dawid Malan’s official stand-in for a tournament that clashes with the forthcoming two-Test series against Pakistan.Malan is a near-certainty to be named in England’s Test squad on May 15, the first to be convening by the new national selector Ed Smith, after impressing during England’s winter tours of Australia and New Zealand, and making his maiden Test hundred in the third Test at Perth in December.Finn himself could be an outside bet for a call-up, having been named as a replacement for Ben Stokes during the Ashes only to be forced to withdraw with a knee injury after the first day of training.He has, however, a wealth of white-ball experience under his belt, having made his List-A debut for Middlesex back in 2007 against Glamorgan.He has gone on to make 49 List A appearances for the county, as well as featuring in 69 ODIs, in which he has claimed 102 wickets at 29.67.”I am delighted to have been asked to captain the side in Dawid’s absence,” said Finn. “Having played at Middlesex since the age of 15, I am extremely proud to have been given this opportunity and we can hopefully move the side forward in white ball cricket and achieve success in this year’s competition.””Steven is at the stage in his career where he is very keen to take on greater responsibility,” said Angus Fraser, Middlesex’s director of cricket. “With the expected absence of Dawid Malan with England, he is highly likely to get the opportunity to guide the club through most of our Royal London One-Day Cup group games.John Simpson, the wicketkeeper-batsman, will be Finn’s vice-captain throughout the competition.”John is in a similar position to Steven and the pair will have the brain and experience of Eoin Morgan to help guide them,” said Fraser. “These opportunities are great for the development of both players and I look forward to watching them at work.”

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of a young talent after finalising a training compensation agreement to bring an exciting teenage midfielder to the West Midlands.

What's the latest news involving Aston Villa?

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are contemplating cutting ties with kit manufacturer Castore due to issues regarding the quality of the shirts provided and their tendency to weigh players down in-game.

Members of both the men's and women's teams have complained about the product and the outlet now indicate that the Villans could be willing to look elsewhere to secure a new kit deal, with their current one believed to be worth around £4 million per season. Premier League side Newcastle United and Scottish Premiership outfit Rangers have also had complications relating to the standard of their team wear.

In other news, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is in talks over signing a new long-term deal at his current employers as his current terms are set to expire in the summer of 2025, as per BBC Sport.

Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with a swoop for the England international over the last few weeks; nevertheless, discussions are believed to be 'progressing' and Villans' boss Unai Emery views the former Brentford ace as a key component of his plans moving forward at Villa Park.

Watkins has been a superb asset for Aston Villa since joining for a fee in the region of an initial £28 million back in 2020 and has gone on to deliver 47 goals and 15 assists in 126 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

His last outing came on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup for Aston Villa against Everton, though the visitors ran out 2-1 victors in a disappointing evening for Emery's men.

Who have Aston Villa signed?

Port Vale's official website has confirmed that youngster Freddie Lawrie is on his way to Aston Villa after the Premier League outfit reached a breakthrough over training compensation for the teen midfielder.

Speaking about his time at the Valiants, Lawrie stated: "I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I think I’ve improved a lot. It’s thanks to Danny Lloyd and the other coaching staff that I’ve had the opportunities I have, they have given me the chance to play the games and also play up an age group, and because of that, I’ve now got this chance."

Lawrie, who is a central midfielder by trade, has had interest from a number of clubs in his signature over the last few months; however, he has chosen to join Aston Villa and will hope to follow a similar trajectory to the likes of Jack Grealish, Carney Chukwumeka and Jacob Ramsey by securing a first-team breakthrough.

Cited by Birmingham Live, Port Vale's head of academy Will Ryder has given his best wishes to Lawrie, saying: "This is an unbelievable opportunity for Freddie, he is now going to get the opportunity to go to a category one club and be in and around an Premier League environment as he continues his development."

NSWE have involved themselves in trying to improve the structure of Aston Villa's academy since taking over and the addition of Lawrie could prove to be another step in the right direction for everyone connected with the club.

The 32-run win in Bloemfontein put the hosts one victory shy of another clean-sweep, having claimed the ODI series 5-0.

ESPNcricinfo staff19-May-2018Sune Luus struck a brisk 35 before being run-out•ICCHalf-centuries from allrounders Sune Luus and Dane van Niekerk helped South Africa take an unassailable 2-0 lead over Bangladesh in the three-match T20I series. The 32-run win in Bloemfontein put the hosts one victory shy of another clean-sweep, having claimed the ODI series 5-0.Bangladesh had started positively in this game with the wicket of the in-form opener Lizelle Lee off the second ball of the match. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter removed Lee for 4 – her lowest and only sub-30 score since the start of the ODI series – before medium-pacer Panna Ghosh dismissed Lee’s opening partner, debutant Tamzin Brits, for 10.Bangladesh’s early strikes, which reduced South Africa to 35 for 2 inside the Powerplay, were negated by a 96-run stand between Luus and Van Niekerk for the third wicket. The duo struck 20 fours and a six and helped propel South Africa to 169 for 4. Van Niekerk finished on 66 off 42 balls while Luus fell off the penultimate ball of the innings for a 57-ball 71 – her highest T20I score.Bangladesh were teetering on 21 for 2 after 3.5 overs of the chase. Marizanne Kapp struck with her fourth ball to dismiss opener Sanjida Islam for a duck; Shabnim Ismail, meanwhile, accounted for Rumana Ahmed. But halfway through the chase, Bangladesh were 74 for 2 and had reduced the equation to 96 needed from 60 balls.A 77-run stand between Shamima Sultana and Fargana Hoque for the third wicket anchored the innings, before Ismail dismissed Hoque. Sultana motored on to notch up Bangladesh’s maiden individual T20I fifty off only 39 balls, but she faced three more deliveries without scoring a run before being bowled. Of the 57 runs required off the last 18 balls, the visitors managed only 24. Bangladesh finished on 137 for 5 – their highest total in T20Is.

Arsenal have played host to some truly legendary strikers across their illustrious history, boasting a rich wealth of talented frontmen who have all come in, scored for fun and departed as heroes.

Whilst Thierry Henry stands out above all else, as the king of north London, his quality is supplemented by the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Ian Wright, Nicolas Anelka and many more. It seems that no matter how the side has been performing, whether challenging for titles or seeking a top-four finish, there has always been a quality marksman to spearhead their teams.

However, not all are remembered with fondness, as contentious moves and a search for silverware can often lead some stars astray.

With Robin van Persie, joining arch-rivals Manchester United was a transfer that any club captain simply could not make, but he did, and for a lowly £24m too.

Whilst the Dutchman quickly saw his move vindicated, it remains a deal that is still yet to be accepted around the Emirates, who lauded the 40-year-old like the hero he was, only to have him turn his back on them as he reached his prime years.

How good was Robin van Persie?

Signed as a youngster from Feyenoord, Arsene Wenger knew that the Gunners had snagged a true star in the making. "Robin is a great young talent and a fantastic signing for the club," he would tell the media after his announcement, which came the year after he had led his team to an unbeaten Premier League title.

As often was the case, the Frenchman was quickly proven correct with his sentiment, as the 102-cap superstar would go on to feature 278 times for his side, scoring 132 and assisting 58. He would enjoy some of the most proficient years of his career in north London, yet did still score 274 across his entire 18 years as a professional at the top level.

However, such blistering form was always going to command elite honours to match that level, and when Arsenal could not offer it, he was quick to look elsewhere.

Having hit 30 goals and assisted 13 in the league during the 2011/12 term, the allure of Old Trafford proved too much, and Van Persie would swoop with little hesitation, quickly firing Sir Alex Ferguson's side to the title the year following with another stellar campaign boasting 26 goals and 15 assists.

It is the capture of such silverware that capped off an outstanding tenure at the top, with the former Feyenoord man holding no regrets regarding the manner of his Emirates exit:

"For me, it is not an issue anymore, that’s life. That’s life at the top clubs, businesses make decisions and players as well in this case do as well. I’m perfectly happy with how it ended up, I went to Manchester United, we won the league, so it’s perfectly fine for me.

Career Appearances

756

595

Career Goals

462

274

Career Assists

258

102

Trophies Won

20

9

"I’m not angry with Ivan. I’m grateful to have worked with Arsene for eight years, he played such a crucial part in my career. I can honestly say that without his influence I would not have been the player I ended up becoming."

What could have eased the pain fans felt by Van Persie's departure was their reported 2013 interest in Luis Suarez though, in which Wenger seemingly came so close to securing an upgrade to his 2010 World Cup finalist.

Did Arsenal nearly sign Luis Suarez?

As the summer of 2013 came, with the Gunners having overseen the exits of numerous key players in the years leading up, Chief executive Ivan Gazidis had spoken in early June of the club’s growing “financial firepower" that could lead to them even pushing for a wantaway Wayne Rooney in his eyes.

However, whilst snubbing Gonzalo Higuain due to his exorbitant price tag, Wenger was instead alerted to the Uruguayan forward, who Pere Guardiola, his representative and brother of Pep, insisted had a £40m release clause written into his deal.

Dick Law, who was the club's transfer negotiator at the time, offered their misguided mindset throughout the saga, noting:

"Through the whole process, we were trying to figure out where the key to unlock the door was. The agent was claiming that with an offer of £40 million, Liverpool were obligated to talk. We quickly realised that was not the case — there was no obligation."

So, the infamous £40m and £1 bid was submitted, sparking fury on Merseyside that scuppered any chances of a deal. Liverpool owner John W Henry would take to Twitter to give his bitter thoughts on the situation.

Wenger would instead opt for Mesut Ozil during that fateful summer, placing his faith in a more proven talent with a cleaner image. Given how Suarez's career would pan out, it would be a fair argument to suggest that this was a somewhat thoughtless move.

How good was Luis Suarez?

The season following his failed transfer would mark the true standout for the 137-cap finisher, who overcame his ten-match ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic to score 31 and assist 17 in just 33 league games, coming so close to winning the title against all the odds.

A subsequent move to FC Barcelona would see Suarez continue his exceptional form, and he finished his time at the Nou Camp having made himself a true hero, finding the net on 195 occasions whilst weighing in with 113 assists across 283 appearances.

To align these figures with Van Persie's, it quickly becomes clear that the two are really incomparable.

Whilst the Netherlands legend was a truly lethal presence, his counterpart would score 188 more across his stunning career, which saw him amass five LaLiga titles and a Champions League, playing a vital role in their treble success too.

Had Wenger captured the polarising finisher back in 2013, he clearly boasts the quality that could have turned them into a superpower once again during a period where there was hardly one outstanding team like there is today.

The 6-foot aggravator will forever remain a "legend" in the eyes of journalist Felipe Cárdenas and many Liverpool and Barcelona fans, with his creative and clinical qualities far surpassing that of Van Persie.

Wenger may have endured a glittering career in north London, but his lackadaisical approach to acquiring Suarez must remain one of his greatest regrets.