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Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri insists that Portuguese forward Rafael Leao must learn to be ruthless. The former Juventus manager, who currently mentors the Rossoneri, was left frustrated after a 0-0 draw against the Bianconeri, where his team, along with Leao, missed numerous chances to secure a vital victory.

Allegri disappointed with just one point

Milan shared the spoils with Juventus when Allegri returned to the Allianz Stadium for the first time since 2024. The manager expressed his frustration with his team's profligacy in front of goal. Although the Milan boss was satisfied that they did not concede, he was disappointed about not killing the game. In the process, he spoke about Leao's performance too, offering some constructive criticism. 

AdvertisementAFPLeao and team need to be ruthless

The 58-year-old said after the match: "In the second half we grew physically, created chances, but when we had Juventus in our hands, we needed more ruthlessness. The positive is that we didn’t concede but at certain moments you have to kill the game."

Speaking on Leao, the manager claimed: "He’s been out for 45 days, so he’s still finding rhythm. Last week he came on out of necessity and did well. He’s worked hard this week – we need him back quickly. He and Nkunku are technical players who can solve matches. He played as a striker at Lille, so it’s not new to him. His movement on Modric’s pass was perfect but a player like him, with two chances like that, must score. He has genius, but now he must learn to determine matches – that’s what makes him decisive."

Milan continue unbeaten run

Although the Rossoneri failed to secure three points against Igor Tudor's Juventus, they were able to extend their unbeaten run. Since Allegri's return to the helm, Milan have lost only once, in their Serie A opener against Cremonese. Whether in the domestic league or the Coppa Italia, Allegri's team has been impressive so far. They have won both their cup games and sit third in the Serie A table, winning four games and drawing one, accumulating 13 points in six fixtures.

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AFPWhen are Milan playing next?

Milan, who are not part of European football this season, are dreaming of the Scudetto under Allegri. They will continue their quest for the same in their upcoming match against Fiorentina on October 19.

Crystal Palace manager Olivier Glasner has denied reports he has his heart set on taking over at Bayern Munich. The Austrian coach had previously been linked with Bayern in 2024 as the Bundesliga champions looked for Thomas Tuchel's replacement and claims he is still dreaming of sitting in the hot seat at Allianz Arena.

Glasner's links to Bayern

Bayern reportedly approached Glasner to replace Tuchel earlier in 2024, but a deal could not be reached with Crystal Palace, who reportedly demanded a compensation of €100 million (£86m/$125.5m) to release the Austrian coach, causing the move to collapse. According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Glasner still harbours ambitions of a future move to Bayern and had even pushed to include a release clause in his contract. The speculation prompted Glasner to respond to the media regarding the report

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCrystal Palace boss responds to rumours

Glasner responded to the rumours linking him to Bayern, saying: "Someone claimed I actually want to become Bayern Munich's coach. It amuses me when other people know what I want without having spoken to me.

"I follow the media relatively little. I've stopped following the media too much, regardless of victory or defeat, because I've noticed that a lot of nonsense is being written."

Glasner thriving at Palace after FA Cup success

Crystal Palace’s 2-1 defeat to Everton at the weekend ended their remarkable 19-game unbeaten run across all competitions which began last season. A highlight of that streak was Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph over Manchester City, securing the club’s first-ever major trophy. The run also saw Palace rise to sixth in the Premier League table, just eight points behind current leaders Arsenal. Since then, the coach has been linked with a move to Manchester United, but firmly denied those rumours.

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Getty Images SportGlasner and Palace's expectation this season

Glasner will look to remain at Crystal Palace, building on the solid foundations he established over the past season and aiming to secure Champions League qualification, which would further enhance his reputation.

While his time at the club didn’t end in the way many hoped it would, it’s impossible to overstate the impact Arsène Wenger had at Arsenal.

The Professor, as he was often referred to, helped turn the club into an international powerhouse during his 22 years at the helm, winning three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, and seven Community Shields.

He also brought some of the best international players the league had ever seen to North London, including Thierry Henry, Robert Pirès, and Cesc Fàbregas.

The young Spaniard was sensational during his time at the club, and it looks like Mikel Arteta could have found his own version, and we aren’t talking about Martin Zubimendi.

Fàbregas' early Arsenal career

Arsenal agreed to pay Barcelona around £2m to sign Fàbregas in the summer of 2003, and while that now looks like a bargain, you have to remember he was still just 16 years old at the time.

He made his full first-team debut just a few months later, starting a League Cup game against Rotherham United in October, although he would finish that season with just three appearances and a goal to his name.

The following campaign would be very different indeed, though, as he would go on to make 46 appearances for the side, with 33 coming in the league.

Moreover, despite not even being 20 years old, the tremendously exciting Spaniard played a key role in the Gunners’ FA Cup triumph that year, making six appearances, five of which were starts and playing 86 minutes of the final against Manchester United.

By this point, it was crystal clear that the North Londoners had got their hands on a truly world-class player, and talent scout Jacke Kulig would later put it, he was “one of the best U21s in Premier League history.”

The following season saw him help the club reach their first Champions League final, and while they lost 2-1 to his former club, the Arenys de Mar-born ace played 74 minutes, even though he was still just 19.

In recognition of his ability and importance to the team, the mercurial midfielder was named captain in November 2008.

Appearances

303

Starts

266

Minutes

23847′

Goals

57

Assists

95

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

Minutes per Goal Involvement

156.88

Points per Game

1.99

However, much to the disappointment of the Emirates faithful, he would eventually push for a move back to Barça in the summer of 2011, with a tally of 57 goals and 95 assists in 303 games for the club.

In all, Fàbregas remains one of the most exciting young players to have ever played for Arsenal, but there is someone in the current squad who could also be in line for similar praise a few years from now, and we aren’t talking about fellow Spaniard Zubimendi.

Arsenal's new Fàbregas

Now, there is certainly an argument to be made that Zubimendi could be looked upon as the ‘new’ Fàbregas due to his technical skill and the fact that he’s a midfielder.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, in this instance, the player is a little more left-field: Cristhian Mosquera.

Yes, we know that he plays in a totally different position and, therefore, style to the former Arsenal star, but there remain a few key similarities between the pair.

First and foremost, like the Gunners’ former midfield maestro, the impressive centre-back has moved to the North Londoners at a very young age.

Granted, at 19, he is three years older than Cesc was, but as centre-backs tend to hit their peak two years later than midfielders, they are at a fairly similar point development-wise.

Moreover, even though he’s made the move while still being just a teenager, the former Valencia ace already looks utterly at ease in the Premier League and Champions League.

For example, he didn’t look remotely out of place when he came on for the injured William Saliba at Anfield.

Then, in the games against Nottingham Forest and Athletic Bilbao, he helped to keep two clean sheets while completing a staggering 75 passes in both games.

In fact, the 6 foot 3 “monster,” as dubbed by one analyst, has adapted to life in North London so well that one Arsenal content creator has gone as far as labelling him the “signing of the summer.”

In other words, we expect the Alicante-born titan to become a key member of the squad very quickly despite his age, much in the same way that Fàbregas did when he joined over 20 years ago.

Then, there are also the other, more surface-level similarities, such as both being Spanish and making the move to England from La Liga sides.

Ultimately, Arsenal look like they have hit the jackpot with Mosquera, and we would not be surprised to see him develop into a player as important to the club as Fàbregas once was.

Arsenal fans gave £60m ace the Madueke treatment all summer, now he's set to star

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RCB’s spinners Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma gave away only 31 runs each in their respective four overs

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Apr-20251:28

Rayudu: ‘This is the exact template RCB would love Kohli to play’

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag believes his batters did not attack the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) spinners enough, which eventually cost them another close chase, by 11 runs in Bengaluru. RR needed 18 from the last 12 balls when Josh Hazlewood conceded just one run and dismissed a set Dhruv Jurel and Jofra Archer on consecutive deliveries before Yash Dayal defended 16 runs in the last over.It’s the third chase in a row that RR have lost after having victory within their sights. In their last two games, against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), they needed nine to win from the last over but fell short on both occasions.While all other RCB fast bowlers, apart from Hazlewood, leaked runs at at least 11 an over, their spinners put the brakes on RR in the middle overs, as Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma gave away 31 runs each in their respective four overs. Krunal also took the big wickets of Parag with his first ball and of Nitish Rana in his third over.Related

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Kohli and Hazlewood break RCB's home duck as RR botch another chase

“I think we did really well with the ball,” Parag said after the game. “It was probably like a 210 to 220 wicket. We held them back really well. With our batting halfway through our innings, we were in the driver’s seat. We needed probably eight and a half runs per over in the last 10-11 overs. I think we’ve got ourselves to blame, we didn’t show enough intent against the spinners. We could have executed our batting a little bit better.”On a pitch where fast bowlers appeared easier to score off, RR’s most economical bowler was also a spinner: Wanindu Hasaranga. Hasaranga finished with 1 for 30 after tying the RCB line-up down with his pace variations.In the chase, RR had smashed 87 in the first seven overs off the quick bowlers before Krunal and Suyash came on. Once Krunal struck with his first ball, the RR batters managed only two fours off five overs in a row against spin. That shot up RR’s asking rate from 8.72 at the start of the tenth over to 11 after 14 overs, and 11.50 by the time Krunal and Suyash finished their quota.When asked how much of it was a mental challenge, Parag said: “The support staff has given us a lot of freedom. The onus is on the players and ourselves that we need to go ahead and show that freedom and show performances with intent and play freely. It’s a tournament where if you make one slight mistake, you’re gonna pay for it. And that’s what happened today.”With their fifth loss in a row, RR continue to be eighth on the points table. They have only two wins from nine games and are in must-win territory going forward, although winning all five may also not guarantee a spot in the playoffs.

Paris Saint-Germain have been handed a major double boost ahead of their Champions League showdown against Bayer Leverkusen, with Ousmane Dembele and captain Marquinhos back in the squad after injury layoffs. The French champions travel to Germany with renewed confidence, although Luis Enrique will still be without midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves.

Dembele and Marquinhos back for Champions League fixture

PSG confirmed that Dembele and Marquinhos have both recovered from injury and will travel with the squad to face Leverkusen in the Champions League. Dembele has been out for more than six weeks with a severe hamstring injury he sustained on international duty with France in early September. Marquinhos, meanwhile, has not played since the Classique against Marseille on September 22 due to a thigh issue.

Dembele’s comeback comes at a pivotal moment. Before his injury, the Ballon d’Or winner was in outstanding form, scoring twice and assisting once in PSG’s 6-3 win over Toulouse on August 30. He has yet to feature in this season’s Champions League campaign, making his return particularly significant as PSG aim to make it three wins from three in the group stage.

Marquinhos’ return is equally important for stability in defence. However, head coach Luis Enrique will still be without key midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves, both of whom remain unavailable for the trip to Germany.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhy Dembele’s return changes everything for PSG

Les Parisiens have coped well domestically without their No. 10 but lacked his creativity and unpredictability in recent matches. The 28-year-old Ballon d'Or winner trains normally again and is expected to feature, though the club have stressed they will not “take any risks” with his recovery.

During his absence, PSG’s attack struggled for fluidity in certain matches. His return gives Enrique another dimension, pace on the flank, ability to beat defenders, and decisive contributions in the final third. During his rehabilitation, the Frenchman underwent treatment at a specialist clinic in Doha. Dembele then gradually returned to training last week. 

Marquinhos followed a separate recovery plan after suffering his thigh issue, with PSG choosing not to rush him to avoid a relapse. His return adds stability to a defence that has conceded goals in recent matches. The Brazilian restores leadership at the back, but it remains unclear whether either player will start or be eased in from the bench. PSG medical staff are taking a cautious approach due to the demanding fixtures ahead.

A Ballon d'Or winner back to inspire PSG

Dembele returns to action as the newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner, a landmark that adds even greater excitement to his comeback. PSG shared footage of him training normally at Camp des Loges, sparking hope among supporters that he will feature, even if only for limited minutes, against Leverkusen. Even during his absence, Dembele’s influence lingered. PSG have stayed competitive in Ligue 1 but missed his creativity and ability to open tight defences.

The club have repeatedly stressed that no risks will be taken with either Dembele or Marquinhos. Their long-term availability is considered more important than immediate impact. Still, their presence on the bench alone is a mental lift for both teammates and fans, especially ahead of a crunch match away from home in Europe. 

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AFPWhat comes next for Luis Enrique and PSG?

PSG enter one of the most demanding phases of their season, facing key fixtures domestically and in Europe. After Leverkusen, they return to Ligue 1 action against Brest and Lorient. With the team still managing injuries, Enrique will be tasked with rotating wisely while maintaining balance and intensity.

The timing of both players' return gives PSG a stronger foundation to build from. Their presence reduces pressure on younger players and stabilises the team both tactically and emotionally. 

For Dembele, this marks the beginning of a new chapter as a Ballon d’Or winner, now expected not only to entertain but to deliver consistently on the biggest stage. For Marquinhos, it is about restoring defensive leadership. For PSG, it’s about momentum, survival through injury setbacks, and pushing forward in the Champions League.

An “incredible” manager has now been shortlisted as a potential target to replace Ruben Amorim, with the Manchester United boss now under significant pressure.

Man Utd compile new manager shortlist amid Amorim uncertainty

Amorim would’ve been hoping the 2-1 victory over Chelsea could’ve been an early turning point in the season, but normal service was resumed in the trip to Brentford at the weekend, with his side falling to a 3-1 defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Having taken just seven points from their opening six games, there are very few signs of improvement from last season, with Man United sitting 14th in the Premier League table, and the manager now appears to be under real pressure.

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He’s previously won a top-flight title and enjoyed a distinguished playing career.

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The Red Devils are still yet to secure back-to-back Premier League wins under the helm of Amorim, and Wayne Rooney has made it clear he doesn’t back the former Sporting CP manager to turn things around.

The United legend said: “I honestly hope he can turn it round and he does. But…after everything I’ve seen, honestly, I’ve got no faith in it.”

Consequently, INEOS have now started to identify potential replacements for Amorim, compiling a four-man shortlist, according to The Boot Room, who reveal that Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has emerged as a target.

Difficult to see way back for Amorim at Man Utd

In all honesty, it is difficult to envisage Amorim putting a strong run together and saving his job, having failed to make an impact ever since his arrival, averaging just 1.35 points per match across 49 games in all competitions.

McKenna, who prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation, is clearly a talented young manager, having been lauded for the “incredible” job he’s done at Ipswich Town by Jermaine Jenas, leading the Tractor Boys from League One to the Premier League in back-to-back seasons.

That said, it would be another gamble from INEOS if they were to take a risk on a young manager, with limited top level experience, and some of the other options on the shortlist would make more sense. McKenna does already know Old Trafford well, though, after a spell as a first team coach under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

2025 FA Cup winner Glasner, in particular, could be a sensible appointment, given that the Austrian utilises a three-at-the-back system at Palace, meaning he may be able to simply tweak Amorim’s current system and get more of a tune out of the squad.

“I will have to give some time to my body and my bowling to get those speeds back,” the LSG quick said

ESPNcricinfo staff08-May-20251:48

Rayudu: ‘Maybe Mayank Yadav isn’t ready yet’

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav feels that the drop in his speeds after returning from a long injury layoff “is normal”, asserting that he needs to give his body time to return to the same match intensity and fitness standards.Mayank, who returned to professional cricket only late last month after a gap of close to six months due to multiple injuries, is far from the tearaway speedster that he was in his breakthrough IPL 2024 season. He consistently clocked speeds in excess of 150kph last year, touching a high of 156.7kph. This season, though, his pace has mostly been in the 130kph range, occasionally breaching the 140kph barrier. Mayank, however, is not bothered.”This is normal,” he said ahead of LSG’s crucial league game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Lucknow on Friday. “I had a major injury because of which I was out of cricket for five to six months. The body will adapt and take its own time. I will have to give some time to my body and my bowling to get those speeds back. There have been no changes in my bowling technique.”Related

Mayank Yadav returns from injury a slower bowler

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Mayank was one of the three players retained by LSG ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. He even made his India debut against Bangladesh in October last year, but has missed a chunk of IPL after missing the entire domestic season in 2024-25 with a back injury. His return was later pushed back by a toe injury.”There is no drastic change in my strategy,” Mayank, 22, said. “I will continue to do what I used to. My body is taking a little time. I have not seen the intensity, [and] the match pressure for a while now. So it is very normal that the body is responding a little differently after a major injury. I don’t have a different mindset or intent. That remains the same. But I need to read the wickets and the batsmen quicker.”Mayank has had a lukewarm time in the two games so far this season, picking 2 for 40 against Mumbai Indians, followed by 0 for 60 against Punjab Kings. He has also relied a lot on change of pace and slower balls, which he says is a part of the plan. Despite the slow start, Mayank also wants to be seen as LSG’s “strike bowler” and a “wicket-taking bowler”.”I have been doing this right from the start, the variations, the slower ones,” Mayank said. “I didn’t need it last season. The few matches that I played in the main demand was to bowl quick and hard length deliveries. This time the wickets, wherever I have played using variations have been important.1:30

Mayank Yadav’s variations impress Anil Kumble

“My mindset is to contribute as much as possible for the team. In the last match, my spell was a bit expensive. Whenever I bowl, the team should feel that I am a strike bowler and a wicket-taking bowler. I just try to be positive for my team.”Mayank accepted that LSG have made mistakes in the tournament so far, and find themselves in a must-win situation against RCB. It has not helped that their captain Rishabh Pant has had a poor tournament, where he has managed only 128 runs in 11 innings, and is averaging a mere 12.80. Mayank, however, is backing his captain to bounce back, and is also positive about his team’s playoffs chances.”I have known Rishabh for a while now because we play for the same club in Delhi,” he said. “Whenever I have spoken to him, I have not felt that he is under pressure. He is confidently talking to me about the game, about the situation, [and] about the opposition batsmen.””We have been a little late in assessing the grounds and the wickets. We have made mistakes there; I’ll accept that. But we have three matches, and if we win that, there might be a chance we can make the playoffs.”

West Ham United boss Nuno Espírito Santo is already having a major say on the club’s incomings and outgoings, with the tactician making his mark yet again following a key transfer decision.

Nuno set to spearhead West Ham overhaul in East London

Almost immediately after replacing Graham Potter in late September, Nuno wasted no time at all in dropping his predecessor’s vice-captain, James Ward-Prowse, from the Portuguese’s first ever Hammers matchday squad to face Everton.

Nuno’s decision to exclude Ward-Prowse from West Ham’s first-team raised eyebrows, but it was clear that the midfielder, despite being a mainstay figure in Potter’s engine room, wasn’t part of his long-term plans.

The 51-year-old had already axed Ward-Prowse once before, during the Englishman’s loan spell at Nottingham Forest last season, where he sent him back to Rush Green midway through the campaign.

While the exact reasons behind his exclusion remain a mystery, it’s claimed that Nuno wants to prioritise energetic midfielders who can get about the pitch more tenaciously, with summer arrival Soungoutou Magassa immediately jumping into Ward-Prowse’s place.

More key calls that Nuno will be forced to make surround the long-term future of Niclas Füllkrug and West Ham’s striker options.

Fullkrug’s recently sustained thigh problem is expected to keep him out for several weeks, and the German’s injury woes are nothing new.

Brentford (home)

October 20

Leeds United (away)

October 24

Newcastle United (home)

November 2

Burnley (home)

November 8

Since joining West Ham, he has struggled with recurring fitness problems — missing 28 games for West Ham and Germany combined last season alone. His return to the treatment table piles pressure on Nuno’s available attacking options, but January could come as a lifeline.

In light of Fullkrug’s latest absence, there is growing speculation that West Ham will look to bring in a new striker during the winter window, and it is believed that the Hammers are targeting Man United striker Joshua Zirkzee as a potential option.

Interestingly, it is reported that Nuno could even solve their centre-forward crisis before the window reopens.

West Ham have apparently been offered the chance to sign former Forest striker Emmanuel Dennis by representatives (Hammers News), and according to The Mail, there’s been tentative interest from their side too.

Nuno makes final decision on signing Emmanuel Dennis for West Ham

However, the outlet also reports that Nuno has blocked any West Ham move for Dennis, with the manager personally stepping in to stop the Nigerian from sealing a free transfer to the London Stadium.

The 27-year-old, who bagged 10 goals and six assists in 33 Premier League outings for Watford in 2021/2022, has failed to recapture that form ever since.

Dennis was on the books during Nuno’s tenure at Forest, but was never used — instead being sent out on loan to Istanbul Basaksehir, Watford and Blackburn Rovers until his contract was terminated by mutual consent in August.

Orel Mangala called his ex-City Ground teammate a “magician” during their time together at the City Ground, but this opinion definitely isn’t shared by Nuno, who’d rather wait until January to bring in a more elite-level number nine.

This is definitely the right call, and Irons supporters would arguably much rather see highly-promising young striker Callum Marshall get a good run out.

The Northern Irishman, who’s made just two senior appearances for West Ham, scored for fun at youth level and already boasts 13 senior caps for his country.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Huddersfield, where he bagged 10 goals in all competitions, and now could be Marshall’s baptism of fire.

Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association suspends the coach in question, says “we will want to investigate this as quickly as possible”

Mohammad Isam08-Jun-2025Sikandar Raza has lodged a complaint with the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association (HMCA), accusing a local coach – Blessing Mafuwa – of racial abuse during a Vigne Cup game on June 1.Raza was playing for Old Hararians against Rainbow Cricket Club at the Old Hararians Sports Club when the alleged incident took place. ESPNcricinfo has seen the complaint Raza has filed. He alleged that Mafuwa made derogatory comments towards him when he was walking off the field.While Raza didn’t name Mafuwa, HMCA chairperson Tafadzwa Madoro did*.Responding to a query on the matter from ESPNcricinfo, Madoro said on late Sunday night, “We received a report of racial abuse that our T20 captain [Raza] suffered, last week. We are in the process of investigating. Blessing Mafuwa will attend a hearing this coming Tuesday. He will answer charges from the report. In the interim, he is suspended from all activities in the HMCA.”We don’t take racism allegations lightly. We don’t condone any racial abuse in HMCA. We will want to investigate this as quickly as possible.”Speaking to ESPNcricinfo on Sunday evening, Raza had said he expected “a full investigation” of the incident. “If found guilty, an example should be made out of him so that stuff like this never happens again to this and future generations,” Raza said.During the match, Raza struck 78 off 56 balls as his club made 402 for 9 in 50 overs. In reply, Rainbow made 225 for 8 in 39 overs, losing the game by 142 runs via the DLS method.Raza recently won the PSL 2025 title with Lahore Qalandars, hitting the winning runs in a dramatic final in Lahore. This was Raza’s second T20 franchise trophy in 2025 after the ILT20.

In the battle of North Wales versus South Wales, Wrexham fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, with the latter advancing to the quarter-finals. A 71st-minute strike from former Manchester United defender Will Fish made the difference in the end, after Red Dragons substitute Kieffer Moore had earlier cancelled out Yousef Salech's opener for the Bluebirds.

Cardiff dominate all-Welsh cup tie

For the first time since 2000-01, Wrexham came into a season in a higher division than Cardiff. But with the Red Dragons treading water in the lower reaches of the Championship after seeing the momentum of recent years slow down and the Bluebirds a dominant big fish in League One so far, there was less between the teams than leagues alone suggest.

With Wrexham struggling to create beyond a good Nathan Broadhead chance, Cardiff took a deserved early lead after winning the ball deep in home territory. Rubin Colwill picked up the loose pass from under pressure centre-back George Thomasen, with Callum Burton pulling off a save to initially deny Chelsea loanee Omari Kellyman but then powerless to prevent Salech gobbling up the close-range rebound. Colwill soon smacked the bar with a dipping free-kick and Wrexham had barely laid a glove on the visitors when the half-time whistle sounded.

The half-time introduction of Moore, once of Cardiff, made a difference and the Wales international brought Wrexham back level seven minutes after the restart. Ryan Longman's deflected cross from the left looped into the six-yard box and Moore leapt highest to power in a header. Still, Cardiff continued to dominate and were good value for their go-ahead second goal from Fish, whose back post volley from a narrow angle squeezed its way past Burton.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe MVP

Credit goes to Will Fish, whose goal ultimately decided it and late block preserved the lead he had given his team, but Rubin Colwill was the player who really set the tone for the dominant nature of Cardiff's performance and win. The 23-year-old is south Wales through and through, a Cardiff player since the age of eight and a full international. He pulled the creative strings for the visiting Bluebirds, created chances for his team-mates and even struck the woodwork with a sweet knuckleball of a free-kick. Colwill is too good for League One, but he'll be hoping that it's Cardiff who can provide a higher level.

Getty Images SportThe big loser

Wrexham had the first big sight of goal of the night when Nathan Broadhead missed the target from a promising position 12 minutes in. The £10 million ($13m) club-record summer signing was playing Premier League football for Ipswich Town last season and needed to be more clinical. Not long afterwards, Cardiff were ahead and he barely got another sniff. In 45 minutes, Broadhead touched the ball just 17 times and that miss was his sole attempt. Strike partner Sam Smith was no better. Kieffer Moore and Josh Windass replaced the pair at half-time and did much more in the second half.

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Match rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐⭐