When it comes to flop signings, Chelsea have made more than their fair share over the last four or five years.

The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly, Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk are just some of the players who arrived for big money and failed to live up to expectations.

Another star who looked destined for greatness at Stamford Bridge, but ultimately left a flop, was German international Timo Werner.

Unfortunately for Enzo Maresca and Co, one of the players in his current squad looks like he could be on his way to becoming Chelsea’s new Werner.

Werner's failed Chelsea career

When Chelsea agreed to pay RB Leipzig £45m to activate Werner’s release clause in the summer of 2020, there was an understandable level of excitement among the Stamford Bridge faithful.

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At the time, the then-24-year-old forward was one of the most exciting players in the whole of Europe and had just spent the last two campaigns scoring for fun.

For example, across the 18/19 and 19/20 seasons, the Stuttgart-born sensation had scored 53 goals and provided 23 assists in 82 appearances, totalling 6692 minutes.

In other words, the German international was averaging a goal involvement every 1.07 games, or every 88.05 minutes, which was a truly world-class rate of return.

Unfortunately, while he was perhaps not as bad as some fans made out, the 29-year-old would never recreate that sort of form for the Blues.

Appearances

45

52

Minutes

3589′

3831′

Goals

34

12

Assists

13

15

Goal Involvements per Match

1.04

0.51

Minutes per Goal Involvement

76.36

141.88′

In fact, he wouldn’t even get close.

Across his two campaigns with the West Londoners, in which he made 89 appearances, the 57-capped international would score 23 goals and provide 21 assists, averaging a goal involvement every 2.02 games.

Now, that isn’t horrendous, but it wasn’t deemed enough to lead the line, and something the stats don’t really show is that he ended up getting quite the reputation for missing chances, especially following that game against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Chelsea decided to cut their losses in the summer of 2022, selling the rapid striker back to Leipzig for just £25m. Fast-forward to today, and it now looks like Maresca might have his own Werner in the squad.

Chelsea's new Werner

The unfortunate truth is that you could make the case that several of Chelsea’s summer signings have struggled this season, but the one who feels like he could become the new Werner is undoubtedly Jamie Gittens.

Now, the Englishman is still young and could therefore come good in the long run, but as things stand, it’s hard not to see the similarities between him and the German’s start to life in West London.

For example, like the former Leipzig star, the Reading-born gem joined the Pensioners after impressing in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund.

Despite being so young, the 21-year-old scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 49 appearances for the German giants, totalling 2803 minutes.

In fact, the winger was so impressive at points during the campaign, such as his performance away to Real Madrid, that Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley went as far as calling him “England’s best left winger.”

Unfortunately, as was the case with Werner, Chelsea fans are yet to see the dynamic winger at his best this year.

For example, while his tally of one goal and five assists in 18 appearances is already disappointing enough, it becomes more so when you take into account that three of his goal involvements came in the League Cup game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Appearances

18

Minutes

830′

Goals

1

Assists

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

138.33′

As things stand, the former Dortmund star is nowhere near good enough to start games for Maresca, nor does he seem to have much impact off the bench, so, while it’s harsh, it’s hard to disagree with one analyst who dubbed him a “pointless signing.”

Ultimately, there is still time for Gittens to come good at Chelsea, but at the moment, he looks destined to become another Werner.

Watch out Delap: Chelsea set sights on "one of Europe's most in-form CFs"

The free-scoring forward could spell the end of Liam Delap at Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes 6 days ago

West Ham have held loose talks to sign a striker who’s allegedly spoken with Thomas Frank about joining Tottenham, according to a report this week.

West Ham identify striker targets ahead of January

West Ham are accelerating their pursuit of centre-forwards ahead of the January transfer window, with Nuno Espírito Santo making the signing of a number nine one of his absolute priorities.

The Hammers currently languish in the relegation zone with just 13 points from 15 Premier League games, having scored a meagre 17 goals all season, even if they’ve enjoyed a recent mini-revival under Nuno.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Liverpool

Man United 1-1 West Ham

Brighton 1-1 West Ham

Niclas Füllkrug’s potentially imminent departure has intensified the need for another option upfront, with the German flop expected to complete a return to the Bundesliga after managing just three goals in 29 appearances since his £27 million arrival from Dortmund last year.

Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee is one option under consideration by West Ham.

The Dutch forward has struggled for opportunities under Ruben Amorim and was previously labeled a “future West Ham player” last year, and you can make a case that Zirkzee’s versatilitywould suit Nuno’s system far better than Fullkrug.

West Ham are also monitoring Midtjylland sensation Franculino Dju, who has scored a pretty incredible 21 goals in 30 total appearances this season.

The 21-year-old represents a younger, longer-term investment compared to more experienced alternatives, while Union Saint-Gilloise’s Promise David continues to attract West Ham interest after his impressive performances for the Belgian champions.

Related West Ham 'set to sign' prolific Tottenham starlet as Mark Noble seals 'coup' of a deal

The Hammers sporting director played a key transfer role.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Dec 6, 2025

A bigger name option who’s been repeatedly linked comes in the form of ex-Brentford star Ivan Toney.

The Al-Ahli striker, who’s been on fire in Saudi Arabia with 50 goal contributions (42 goals, eight assists) in 62 appearances, is reportedly under catching West Ham’s eye prior to January.

Toney has only managed to make one England squad since moving to the Middle East last year, and with the World Cup looming, reports suggest he could be tempted to move back to the Premier League.

West Ham hold 'informal' talks to sign Ivan Toney

According to some media sources, Toney has even spoken to Frank directly about a potential move to Tottenham next month.

However, as per journalist Graeme Bailey, both Spurs and the Irons could be set for disappointment.

Writing for TEAMtalk, Bailey says that West Ham have held ‘informal’ talks to sign Toney, but a move back to England for the 29-year-old hinges on Thomas Tuchel.

The Three Lions boss wasn’t impressed by Toney the last time he was called up in the summer, so the prospect of him playing his way into the World Cup squad is already slim at best.

Because of this, the forward and his camp aren’t anticipating a call-up, regardless of where he moves from now until the squad selection.

This lack of hope threatens to quash any hope of West Ham, or indeed Spurs, signing Toney, with a potentially huge financial bill also coming as a major roadblock.

If Toney returns to England under two years after his Saudi move, the attacker would be forced to pay massive taxes, but if he waits until the summer, the fees would be more kind in that regard.

It therefore makes more sense for the player to wait until later in 2026 to consider a move back to the UK, by which point Spurs or West Ham may have already signed their desired new target man.

Taking this into account, a potential move to the London Stadium for Toney is seen as a long shot.

Related Striker greenlights January exit with West Ham bid expected ahead of immediate move

He wants to leave.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini 4 days ago

وجه دانييل ستوريدج مهاجم ليفربول السابق رسالة للمدرب آرني سلوت بشأن التشكيلة التي سيعتمد عليها في مواجهة ليدز يونايتد غداً في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وكان ستوريدج قد أبدى تألمه لرؤية النجم المصري محمد صلاح يجلس على مقاعد البدلاء، في مباراتين متتاليتين أمام وست هام يونايتد وسندرلاند.

وقال ستوريدج لشبكة “سكاي سبورت”: “إذا كنتم ستتركون صلاح خارج التشكيل مرة أخرى، فقم بتجربة خيار مختلف، وألعب بفيرتز واعتمد عليه في مركز الرقم 10 خلف إيزاك وإيكتيكي معاً، لنرى ما إذا كان سيفتح بعض الأبواب ويساهم في صناعة بعض الفرص”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. سلوت: محمد صلاح لاعب استثنائي.. وطبيعي أن يتحدث الناس عنه إذا لم يشارك

ونفى ستوريدج ما يتردد عن رحيل صلاح في يناير على الرغم من عدم رضاه، وأشار لوجود مشاكل في جاهزية لاعبي ليفربول مثل فيرتز وإيزاك والذين يحاولون استعادة مستواهم.

واختتم: “بشكل جماعي يجد اللاعبون إيقاعهم لكن الفريق يجد إيقاعه أيضاً، من المرجح أن العديد من الأشخاص بمن فيهم المدرب يبحثون عن الثقة”.

West Ham are closing in on a deal for one highly-rated Tottenham youngster after sporting director Mark Noble played a key role in the transfer, according to a new report.

West Ham take on Brighton after Man United draw

On the pitch, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side can take real encouragement from their 1-1 draw with Man United at Old Trafford.

West Ham demonstrated admirable resilience at Old Trafford, battling back from Diogo Dalot’s 58th minute opener to salvage a point through Soungoutou Magassa’s late equaliser.

The Malian midfielder opened his Premier League account with a composed finish seven minutes from time after substitute Andy Irving’s corner caused chaos in United’s penalty area, silencing the Theatre of Dreams.

While earning a point at United represents a creditable result, West Ham’s relegation concerns are still very much there.

The Hammers remain stranded in 18th with just 12 points from 14 games, with Nuno’s men having now conceded 28 goals this season, managing just three victories and failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 attempts across all competitions.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Liverpool

Man United 1-1 West Ham

Brighton now pose a tough test for them too.

Lucas Paqueta has returned following a one-match suspension for his red card against Liverpool, offering Nuno crucial midfield reinforcement. However, his Brazilian compatriot Igor Julio cannot feature against his parent club, while Crysencio Summerville remains doubtful with a persistent knock.

Lukasz Fabianski and Oliver Scarles are confirmed absentees.

Brighton present formidable opposition despite their own recent setback. Fabian Hurzeler’s side suffered a dramatic 4-3 home defeat against Aston Villa on Wednesday, surrendering a two-goal advantage as Unai Emery’s men scored four unanswered goals before Jan Paul van Hecke’s late consolation.

The Seagulls sit seventh, just two adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, and maintain an exceptional home scoring record with at least two goals netted in each of their last six Amex Stadium fixtures.

Veteran striker Danny Welbeck should return after missing the Villa defeat, having scored six Premier League goals against West Ham throughout his career.

Away from the field, West Ham are believed to be eyeing a new striker in January, with Noble now also bolstering the club’s youth ranks with a rival sensation.

West Ham 'set to sign' Tottenham sensation Frankie Day

That is according to very reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, who has told his Patreon that West Ham are now ‘set to sign’ Tottenham starlet Frankie Day.

The 16-year-old, who plays as a striker, is said to be ‘prolific’ in his age group and Noble has personally been very involved in making the transfer happen.

Day is now poised to swap Tottenham for West Ham, with the deal seen as a ‘bit of a coup’ factoring in his potential.

As West Ham wait for the formalities to be completed, it will be very interesting to see what the future holds for Day in east London.

The Irons have been more focused on youthful recruitment these past few seasons, as evident by their recent signings of Mohamadou Kante, Mateus Fernandes and Magassa.

Their academy sides have shown great promise as well, with West Ham’s Under-23s completing a league and cup double in 2023 whilst finishing that campaign with 26 wins out of a possible 30 in all competitions.

Day could be at the perfect place to further his development, and there’s no doubt Noble will have emphasised that in talks with the teenager.

MatériaMais Notícias

O confronto entre Grêmio e Botafogo, válido pela nona rodada do Brasileirão, já tem estádio definido. Na manhã desta sexta-feira (7), o governador do Espírito Santo anunciou, por meio do “X”, que a partida acontecerá no dia 16/06, às 18h30, no Estádio Kleber Andrade, em Cariacica.

continua após a publicidade

➡️ Tudo sobre o Fogão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Botafogo

Anteriormente, a partida iria acontecer no Alfredo Jaconi, em Caxias do Sul, mas já tem mudança confirmada. No segundo turno, o jogo também será em campo neutro, já que as duas equipes fecharam um acordo.

Tudo sobre

BotafogoBrasileirãoGrêmio

The local boy got three wickets in an over as West Indies were bowled out for 140

Alagappan Muthu13-Nov-2025

Jacob Duffy picked up three wickets in an over at his home ground in Dunedin•Getty Images

“A beautiful summer’s day,” Jacob Duffy said as the tree tops and the cloud cover exchanged high-fives and the temperature just about strayed out of single digits. Dunedin was a picture postcard, provided you were a fast bowler.The West Indies players in the dugout were all bundled up. Those that ventured into the middle were just bundled out. Duffy finished with 4 for 35, and in the process became the third-fastest New Zealand bowler to 50 T20I wickets and the primary force that led his team to a 3-1 series win.Bang, bang, bangWest Indies were put in and bowled out for 140, having lost four wickets in 11 balls in the powerplay. A batting line-up that was focused on making the most of the field restrictions was undone on a pitch with live grass, so in addition to the overheads that almost ensured swing, there was pace and bounce.Duffy harnessed all that help in the third over when he dismissed Shai Hope (top-edging a pull), Ackeem Auguste (bowled by the ball moving in late) and Sherfane Rutherford (caught behind trying to charge him).The first of those wickets took Duffy’s T20I tally to 50. This was his 38th match. Only Trent Boult (36) and Lockie Ferguson (37) have got there quicker. One of the Southland’s own now sits among New Zealand’s elite.His spell on Thursday also left Duffy with a strike rate of 13.8, the very best among the 20 Black Caps bowlers with at least 20 T20I wickets, and an average of 17.05, the second-best of that same group.New Zealand beat West Indies 3-1 to win the T20I series•Getty Images

West Indies’ sinking feelingWest Indies have a long and powerful batting line-up. Over the course of this series, they’ve added 277 runs at a strike rate of 176 going six down. So emerging from the powerplay at 47 for 4 wasn’t exactly the end of the world.But there was a tipping point when Rovman Powell, who threatened an incredible rearguard just last week by helping his side recover from 93 for 6 to get within touching distance of a 208-run target, fell in the seventh over.Roston Chase and Jason Holder eventually conceded to discretion being the better part of valour, putting on a partnership of 42 in 34 balls. But both set batters fell within five balls of each other and Matthew Forde joined them soon enough, leaving the score 94 for 8 in the 14th over.West Indies tried. They tried to plug the leak but all they did – on land reclaimed from a lake in old Pelichet Bay – was sink.Tim Robinson again started in a hurry•AFP/Getty Images

Robinson evokes McCullumNew Zealand had their own trials as the ball kept jagging around all day. But with the target as modest as the boundaries either side square of the wicket – 63m each – the jeopardy was reduced.Tim Robinson came out and nailed his Brendon McCullum impression, right down to the cock of the wrist just as the bowler releases the ball and the addiction to hitting up in the air. He made 45 in 24 balls with five fours and three sixes, though the shot of the day belonged to Romario Shepherd, who first cleared long-on, then the stands, and almost what remains of the old Dunedin art gallery.Devon Conway was content to go at a slower pace, bringing up 1000 T20I runs at home, and eventually sealing victory with eight wickets and 26 balls to spare.

Ireland lost five wickets in their second dig after Bangladesh took a massive first-innings lead

Mohammad Isam13-Nov-2025Bangladesh are on course to take a 1-0 lead against Ireland after dominating the third day of the Sylhet Test. The visitors ended the day on 86 for 5, trailing by 215 runs after a century from Najmul Hossain Shanto, along with Litton Das’ 66-ball 60 helped Bangladesh amass on 587 for 8.Once they declared, Nahid Rana struck the first blow in the fourth over when he cleaned up Cade Carmichael for 5. It was a thundering inswinger that Carmichael couldn’t keep out, as Rana revved up the pace in his first spell.Ireland found a bit of consolidation for the next hour, with Harry Tector and Paul Stirling finding a bit of rhythm. Stirling struck seven fours as he raced towards a second fifty in the match. However, a bit of tardy thinking cost him dearly. After Litton missed a stumping off Taijul Islam, Stirling’s attempt for a single was ill-timed. He couldn’t turn back in time, as he was caught short of the crease, falling for 43 off 59 balls.Tector followed him back swiftly, lbw to Taijul for 18, before Shadman Islam took a brilliant catch at cover to get rid of Curtis Campher towards the end of the day. Murad took that wicket, before also trapping Lorcan Tucker lbw for 9.Earlier, Mahmudul Hasan Joy scored a career-best 171, which is the second-highest score by a Bangladeshi opener. Shanto’s century was his eighth in Tests, and fourth as captain.Mahmudul could add just two runs to his overnight score before Barry McCarthy had him edge behind with a late outswinger. Mominul Haque fell in McCarthy’s next over, undone by a lifter for 82. Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim put on a recovering act with a 79-run fourth-wicket stand.The acceleration came during the Shanto-Litton partnership, when they added 98 runs for the fifth wicket, at 5.49 per over. Litton smacked eight fours and a six, before Tector took a splendid catch running back from mid-on to dismiss him.Shanto, who struck 14 fours, fell to Andy McBrine on the second ball after reaching his century. He was very much leg-side dominant with his boundaries, along with a few straight drives for fours.The 23-year-old left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys was Ireland’s best bowler, taking his second five-wicket haul in his fourth Test. He finished with 5 for 170 while McCarthy picked up two wickets, both on the third morning.

Former Australia allrounder Shane Watson has been appointed assistant coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the IPL 2026 season, joining a team management that includes Abhishek Nayar (head coach) and Dwayne Bravo (mentor).ESPNcricinfo has learned that Watson and former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee are new additions to the KKR coaching staff, which has been overhauled after the team finished seventh in IPL 2025. Southee has been juggling playing commitments in franchise cricket with a consultant role with England over the past six months.”It’s a great honour to be part of a franchise as iconic as Kolkata Knight Riders,” Watson said in a statement issued by KKR. “I’ve always admired the passion of KKR fans and the team’s commitment to excellence. I’m eager to work closely with the coaching group and players to help bring another title to Kolkata.”KKR is Watson’s second assignment as a coach in the IPL, having been deputy to head coach Ricky Ponting at Delhi Capitals in IPL 2022 and 2023. He recently left his position as head coach of San Francisco Unicorns in the MLC, where he had worked for three seasons. They had wanted him to take on a year-long role but Watson did not want to give up his broadcast and other coaching commitments.A highly-acclaimed T20 player turned commentator, Watson has been part of title-winning teams in the IPL, BBL and PSL. An MVP during Rajasthan Royals’ run to the title in the inaugural season in 2008, Watson finished his IPL career with Chennai Super Kings. He played a key role as an opener in CSK’s run to the title in 2018, scoring 555 runs – the second highest for the team – in 15 innings, including a century in the final. Watson also played two seasons for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2016 and 2017.

Lionesses and Tottenham Women's star Jessica Naz has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a devastating ACL injury – the second of her career. The 25-year-old limped off during Spurs’ Women’s Super League victory over Aston Villa on Sunday, and scans confirmed a rupture in the anterior cruciate ligament of her right knee.

• A heartbreaking repeat of 2019 ordeal

  Tottenham announced on Tuesday that Naz will undergo surgery, ending what had been a standout campaign. Her absence adds to a growing list of ACL casualties across the Women’s Super League, sparking fresh concerns over player welfare in the women’s game. Naz’s injury follows the sidelining of England team-mate Michelle Agyemang, Liverpool pair Marie Hobinger and Sophie Roman Haug, Aston Villa’s Jill Baijings, Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger and Spurs midfielder Maite Oroz, all of whom suffered ACL tears in October. Arsenal teenager Katie Reid then sustained the same injury in November.

  For Naz, the news is especially cruel. Five years ago, she tore the ACL in her left knee during a pre-season camp in Spain, an injury that kept her out for around 18 months. Her return from that long rehabilitation was widely celebrated, and she has since become one of Tottenham’s most influential players. She has featured in all 10 of Spurs’ WSL matches this season, helping them to a strong fifth-place position just two points behind Chelsea in second.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Tottenham's statement on Naz

  Tottenham have said in an official statement: "We can confirm that Jessica Naz has suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury in her right knee. The England international forward sustained the injury during the second half of Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Super League match against Aston Villa at Brisbane Road, and will undergo surgery. Jess will then commence her rehabilitation process with our medical staff. Everyone at the Club gives Jess their full love and support on her recovery journey."

• WSL grapples with unprecedented spike in ACL injuries

  While ACL injuries have plagued the women’s game for years, the frequency this season has alarmed medical experts. Urgent studies are being undertaken, including FIFA-funded research into whether hormonal cycles, training load, pitch type and fixture congestion are contributing factors.

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• Getty
  

  Naz’s absence a huge blow as Spurs prepare for crucial fixtures

  Tottenham must now navigate the winter period without one of their most dynamic attackers. They face Manchester United in the WSL this weekend in a match that could shape the race for European qualification. The two sides will meet again shortly after in the League Cup quarter-finals before the season pauses for the winter break. Naz, who made her debut for the Lionesses in July 2024 and has since amassed six international caps, will play no part in any of those fixtures, and her road to recovery is expected to stretch well into next year. For a player who has already endured one long rehabilitation, the prospect of another gruelling recovery period is a harsh twist in a season that had promised so much.

Erling Haaland scored for the first time at the Bernabeu as Manchester City earned a priceless and fully deserved 2-1 win at Real Madrid in the Champions League. Pep Guardiola's side went behind to a brilliant strike from Rodrygo, but reacted perfectly, levelling through a Nico O'Reilly tap-in before Haaland earned a penalty and showed nerves of steel to calmly slot it home.

City looked nervous in the early stages and appeared to have conceded a penalty in the second minute when Matheus Nunes felled Vinicius Jr, only for the referee to overturn the decision because the contact was outside the box. They were punished, however, when Bernardo Silva lost the ball and Madrid broke quickly, leading to Rodrygo slamming the ball in to score his first goal after a 32-game drought.

City worked their way back into the game from a corner, Josko Gvardiol rising high to meet the delivery and O'Reilly reacting quickest after Thibaut Courtois spilled the effort to his feet. City also won the penalty via a corner, Antonio Rudiger grappling with Haaland and giving away a spot-kick after a VAR check.

Haaland won the psychological battle with Courtois to score for the first time in his third trip to the Spanish capital, and City kept their cool in the second half, grinding out only a second-ever away victory against the aristocrats of European football.

The victory took Guardiola's side into fourth in the league phase standings, and they are on track to secure a top-eight finish and a place in last 16, in contrast to their stuttering last campaign which led to them facing Madrid in the play-offs and being dumped out.

GOAL rates Man City's players from the Bernabeu…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):

His height and the angle made it very difficult for him to stop Rodrygo's brilliant strike. Didn't have many saves to make, but his footwork was spot-on.

Matheus Nunes (5/10):

His credentials as a converted full-back were really put to the test by Vinicius, who forced him into an early foul that looked to be a penalty before being overturned. Fortunate to not concede a spot-kick when Vinicius' shot hit his arm, too.

Ruben Dias (7/10):

Composed on the ball and combative off it, leading by example as City had to defend with their backs against the wall late on.

Josko Gvardiol (7/10):

Had a shaky start, struggling to handle Rodrygo and losing the ball in the build-up to the penalty scare. Settled into the game soon enough,  though, demonstrating his immense power in the air to force the equaliser. Made three timely interventions in the second half as City dug in to see out the win.

Nico O'Reilly (8/10):

An outstanding performance in his first game at the Bernabeu. Made a difficult start as he was too late to spot the danger before Rodrygo scored, but down the other end he was in the right place at the right time to level and then stormed forward to help set up the chance for Haaland. Made a brilliant defensive intervention in the second half to beat Rodrygo to the ball and took a sacrificial caution for pushing over Valverde.

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Bernardo Silva (4/10):

Looked like City's weak link, a shadow of the player who has performed so well in this fixture in the past. Lost the ball before the penalty scare while he was shoved off it by Carreras in the build-up to the opening goal. Too ponderous in possession, failing to play in Cherki when he was in a dangerous position. Booked late in the game and suspended for the trip to Bodo/Glimt, which might be a good thing for City.

Nico Gonzalez (6/10):

Took his time to get into the game as Madrid dominated the midfield at first, but he soon grew into things, breaking up play smoothly and starting counters immediately.

Phil Foden (5/10):

Didn't bring his A-game to the Spanish capital, failing to land a number of passes either due to lack of power or accuracy, sending one attempted through ball out for a throw. Taken off for Reijnders.

Getty Images SportAttack

Rayan Cherki (6/10):

Not as classy as against Sunderland but still had the nerve to nutmeg Rudiger while his inviting corner led to the equaliser. Teased Madrid's defenders in the second half after being thwarted from a tight angle by Courtois following up Haaland's effort. Taken off for Savinho.

Erling Haaland (7/10):

Finally got the better of Rudiger by winning the penalty leading to his first goal at the Bernabeu in his third visit. Denied a second goal by a good Courtois save after brilliant play by O'Reilly.

Jeremy Doku (7/10):

His trickery and pace stretched Madrid throughout the game, although he only had one moment of real quality, forcing a save from Courtois in the second half.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Savinho (6/10):

A useful weapon to keep Madrid on their toes thanks to his pace, although he didn't cause an actual threat, over-hitting a pass that would have played in Marmoush.

Omar Marmoush (6/10):

Didn't get many openings in hi 20 minutes on the pitch.

Tijjani Reijnders (6/10):

Tried an ambitious flick which just missed Marmoush.

Nathan Ake (N/A):

Brought on in the 88th minute and made a vital headed clearance in the dying seconds.

Pep Guardiola (7/10):

Picked the same starting XI as against Sunderland, and although City started badly, they were in control for most of the game and picked up a rare but fully deserved victory at the home of the Kings of Europe.