Top-order batter Sadaf Shamas returns to the squad; Gull Feroza and Najiha Alvi are left out but named among the non-traveling reserves
ESPNcricinfo staff25-Aug-2025
Fatima Sana will lead Pakistan for the first time in an ODI World Cup•ICC/Getty Images
Pakistan have picked uncapped 20-year-old batter Eyman Fatima in their 15-member squad, led by Fatima Sana, for the upcoming women’s ODI World Cup. The same squad will also play the three home ODIs against South Africa starting September 16, which will act as preparation for the World Cup starting September 30.This will be the first time Sana will be leading her side in an ODI World Cup. She had also led Pakistan at the World Cup qualifiers held in Lahore earlier this year.Eyman Fatima was not part of the squad for the qualifiers but comes into the new squad along with Sadaf Shamas, in place of Gull Feroza and Najiha Alvi, who are among the five non-travelling reserves alongside Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar.Getty Images
Eyman Fatima made her T20I debut earlier this month, against Ireland in Dublin, but got to bat only twice in three games for scores of 23 and 4.The main squad of 15 and the five reserve players will take part in a 14-day camp before the South Africa series, starting August 29 under the coaching staff led by Muhammad Wasim. South Africa are set to arrive in Lahore on September 12.Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign on October 2 against Bangladesh before taking on India on October 5. Pakistan will play all their seven league games in Colombo and the semi-final as well, if they make it to the knockouts. The second semi-final will be played in Navi Mumbai. The final will be held either in Colombo or Navi Mumbai on November 2, depending on whether Pakistan make it or not.Pakistan Women squad for ODI World Cup and South Africa ODIsFatima Sana (capt), Muneeba Ali (vice-capt), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Syeda Aroob Shah Non-traveling reserves: Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar
“We can pick a side capable of winning in most conditions,” says Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott ahead of game against Bangladesh
Shashank Kishore15-Sep-2025
“Just because the ball is spinning, it doesn’t automatically mean we’re going to win games”•Getty Images
Jonathan Trott believes Afghanistan will start as “slight favourites” against Bangladesh, who face a must-win situation, in their Asia Cup Group B fixture in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. And going by recent history, there’s merit in that confidence.”Since I’ve been with the side, we’ve had some memorable moments,” Trott said. “I think back to when we beat Bangladesh in a 50-over series in Bangladesh for the first time [in 2023]. It had never been done before, and given how strong Bangladesh have been at home, to go there and do that gave us a lot of confidence and positivity.”Then there was the win in St Vincent at the [2024] T20 World Cup, which helped us qualify for the semi-final. That was such a tight, historic game, and it gave us great belief. This group I’m currently working with is not shy about achieving new things or breaking new ground.Related
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Afghanistan get the win they needed, but Trott wants more
“Whenever there’s something that hasn’t been done before, like a big obstacle or a big challenge, this Afghan side rises to the occasion. They’re not only setting new standards for themselves but also paving the way for future players to keep pushing those boundaries.”Since opening their Asia Cup with a convincing win over Hong Kong on September 9, Afghanistan have had six days off. The break, in Trott’s opinion, has helped refresh them “mentally and physically” after the gruelling pre-Asia Cup tri-series against UAE and Pakistan, where they played five games in ten days.”I’m actually quite happy with the break,” he said. “Playing in the extreme heat here in the UAE takes a lot out of you. It’s been a good chance to recharge the batteries, take stock of where we are, and get ready to go again. Hopefully, with a win and qualification into the next round, we know there will be quite a few games in a short space of time.”At the opening press conference in Dubai, barely a few hours prior to their Asia Cup opener in Abu Dhabi, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan had spoken of the short turnaround – less than 48 hours – between the tri-series final and the game against Hong Kong. He had also said that it wasn’t ideal to be staying in Dubai and having all their group games in Abu Dhabi, leaving them with an added commute of three hours on match days.Looking at the schedule and putting that break into context, Trott felt it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. “I think our schedule has actually played into our hands, as long as we play well tomorrow and do the job in Abu Dhabi,” he said. “Playing there is very different to Dubai. It looks like it’s been spinning a little more here and in Sharjah. Abu Dhabi is a very different type of pitch – the make-up of the soil is different too.1:36
Mukund: Dropped catches a concern for Afghanistan
“That’s the challenge of playing in these tournaments: you’re constantly adapting to a variety of conditions. I certainly feel that with our squad and the options we have, we can pick a side capable of winning in most conditions.”Trott, expectedly, talked up Afghanistan’s spin stocks, joking that they were good enough to field an XI of spinners if needed. There’s Rashid and Noor Ahmad as their frontline options, along with Mohammad Nabi. They have also got Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar and Sharafuddin Ashraf in the squad. That said, he felt that it wasn’t a given that Afghanistan would do well just because they had competent spinners.”We saw during the triangular series that just because the ball is spinning, it doesn’t automatically mean we’re going to win games,” Trott said. “We still have to do everything else well, and I stress that. Yes, our spinners have played a lot of franchise cricket and plenty of international T20 and ODI cricket, but we’ve got to be consistent across all departments. That’s why we work so hard as a side.”Right now, we have a great opportunity with the Asia Cup. Looking a bit further ahead, with the World Cup coming up in February, we have good memories of playing in the subcontinent – in Sri Lanka and India. It can be tempting to look too far ahead, but for now, Bangladesh is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, and we’re focused on winning that game.”
Com a lesão de Gustavo Gómez, o Palmeiras pode relacionar o jovem Vitor Reis para a partida deste sábado (24), contra o Mirassol, pelo Paulistão.
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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte
Sem o defensor paraguaio, o técnico Abel Ferreira conta com apenas três jogadores na posição, e o treinador vem montando a equipe em um esquema tático com três zagueiros. Assim, Vitor Reis seria o reserva imediato de Murilo, Luan ou Naves na partida deste sábado. O garoto de 18 anos foi integrado e treinou com o elenco profissional nos últimos dias.
Campeão em todas as categorias da base do Palmeiras, Vitor Reis foi eleito pelo jornal britânico “The Guardian” um dos 60 jovens jogadores do mundo nascido em 2006 com maior potencial. Endrick e Luís Guilherme também apareceram na lista representando o Verdão.
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➡️ Veja os grupos e datas dos confrontos no Paulistão
A jovem promessa alviverde assinou na quarta-feira (21) sua renovação de seu contrato com o Verdão. O novo vínculo vai até fevereiro de 2027 – o anterior terminaria em novembro de 2025.c
يستعد فريق آرسنال، بقيادة المدرب ميكيل أرتيتا، لخوض مباراة مهمة مساء يوم الأحد في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ضد خصمه توتنهام.
ويستضيف ملعب “الإمارات” مباراة فريقي آرسنال وتوتنهام في قمة منافسات الجولة الثانية عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2025/26.
ويحتل آرسنال صدارة الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 26 نقطة، في حين أن توتنهام لديه 18 نقطة ويحتل المركز الثامن في الوقت الحالي.
ويسعى آرسنال إلى تحقيق الفوز في مباراة اليوم من أجل تعزيز صدارته لجدول الدوري، خاصة بعدما خسر مانشستر سيتي بهدفين لهدف أمام نيوكاسل يونايتد في الجولة نفسها أمس. موعد مباراة آرسنال وتوتنهام اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي
تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 6:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 7:30 بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة آرسنال وتوتنهام اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي
تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة BEIN SPORTS HD 1 معلق مباراة آرسنال وتوتنهام اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي
سيعلق عامر الخوذيري على أحداث مباراة اليوم.
ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا
Newcastle United are now reportedly ready to launch their offer to sign Palmeiras midfielder Allan Elias, who has a release clause worth as much as £88m.
Newcastle are in desperate need of an attacking spark not named Nick Woltemade. The German simply cannot do it on his own and needs fellow big-money signing Anthony Elanga to finally find some form.
Despite being one of Newcastle’s most-expensive ever signings, the former Nottingham Forest star is yet to score in the 17 games that he’s played for the Magpies. As a result, he’s gradually lost his place to Jacob Murphy as Eddie Howe looks to find a solution to his side’s attacking problems.
Having his say on his recent struggles and subsequent place on Newcastle’s bench, Elanga chose to take an optimistic approach whilst on international duty with Sweden.
It would undoubtedly provide the Magpies with a major boost if Elanga found form after the international break. Only Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer Premier League goals than Newcastle’s 11 so far this season and something must change.
With the January transfer window less than two months away, new sporting director Ross Wilson has already set his sights on much-needed reinforcements to get Howe’s side firing once more.
Newcastle ready to launch Allan Elias move
According to reports in Brazil, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now ready to launch their move to sign Allan from Palmeiras. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has impressed the Magpies as well as Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion, and may now be on his way to the Premier League in 2026.
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The deal may not come cheap, however. Palmeiras are in a strong negotiating position thanks to the Brazilian’s €100m (£88m) release clause and could demand that in full to sell their young talent.
That being said, it is believed that Newcastle are extremely keen and want to strike an ‘immediate’ deal.
Praised by South American expert Nathan Joyes for his “impressive” cameos at the Club World Cup last summer, Allan has since kicked on in Brazil. The attacking midfielder has scored twice and assisted another eight goals in the current campaign, with one of those assists coming at the Club World Cup against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami side.
Several clubs have benefited from investing in South American talents in the Premier League and now Newcastle could be next in line to welcome a rising star.
One of "Newcastle's best signings" under Howe is now on borrowed time
Sometimes a win is just that, other times it’s a statement, and Wednesday night felt like the latter for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side had the incredibly tough task of hosting Bayern Munich in the Champions League, in what many saw as a clash between the two best teams in Europe this season.
The first half played out that way, with a goal each, but in the second 45, the Gunners blew the visitors away.
There were sensational performances across the pitch from the hosts, but two players really stood out above the rest, one of whom was Declan Rice.
Rice's performance against Bayern Munich
Arsenal needed their leaders to step up on Wednesday night, and that is precisely what Rice did.
The former West Ham United captain was here, there and everywhere from the first minute to the last, especially in the second half, so much so, in fact, that he had Ally McCoist waxing lyrical about him nonstop towards the end of the game.
For good reason, though, as one minute he was clamping down on a Bayern player to stop an attack, and the next he was marauding up the pitch to create a chance for the Gunners.
It was the sort of display that led content creator Jamie Kent to describe the Englishman as “the best midfielder in Europe” and the Express’ Tom Parsons to award him a 9/10 match rating at full-time.
It might sound like hyperbole, but it’s really not, and his statistics prove as much.
For example, in his 94 minutes of action, the all-action monster produced a combined expected goal and assists figure of 0.61, played three key passes, took one shot on target, won 100% of his tackles, made one interception, took 66 touches, made one clearance, blocked one shot and recovered the ball five times.
In all, it was one of Rice’s best performances since moving to Arsenal, and just like one of his teammates, he proved he’s one of the best in the world in his position.
The Arsenal star who is one of the best in the world
What’s so great for Arteta and Arsenal is that there are plenty of other players you could single out for their performances against Bayern.
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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Eberechi Eze, for example, was incredible in the ten; Mikel Merino was unreal as a false nine, and Martin Zubimendi gave Rice the platform to thrive.
However, when it really came down to it, Jurrien Timber was the starter who really stood out alongside the former Hammer.
The Dutch international has been one of the team’s best players all season, but against the German behemoths, he really stepped it up a level.
On top of his usual incredible defensive performance, the former Ajax star was once again a dangerous outlet going forward.
For example, in addition to scoring the opening goal, he was constantly getting forward and helping make the right-hand side a real threat alongside Bukayo Saka.
Unsurprisingly, the 24-year-old left quite the impression on the watching press, with Parsons also awarding him a 9/10 match rating and The Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid dubbing him “the best right-back in the world at the minute.”
Once again, while it sounds like hyperbole, the full-back’s statistics prove otherwise.
In 81 minutes, he scored a goal, won 100% of his tackles, made one interception, won seven of eight duels, recovered the ball four times, wasn’t dribbled past once, completed 100% of his long balls and dribbles and won one foul.
Timber’s game vs Bayern
Minutes
81′
Expected Goals
0.52
Goals
1
Tackles (Won)
2 (2)
Interceptions
1
Recoveries
4
Ground Duels (Won)
5 (4)
Aerial Duels (Won)
3 (3)
Long Balls
1/1
Dribbles
1/1
All Stats via Sofascore
Ultimately, there is a long way to go this season, but Arsenal made a serious case for being the best team in Europe with their win over Bayern, and both Rice and Timber were key components of that.
A dream for Eze: Arsenal enter race to sign "one of the best STs in Europe"
The incredible goalscorer would make Arsenal far more dangerous and be a dream teammate for Eberechi Eze.
تفاعلت جماهير فريق مانشستر سيتي مع أداء المحترف المصري عمر مرموش في مباراة يوم الثلاثاء ضد خصمه فريق باير ليفركوزن، في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
واستضاف ملعب “الاتحاد” مباراة فريقي مانشستر سيتي وباير ليفركوزن، في الجولة الخامسة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، 2025/26، مرحلة الدوري.
وتعرض مانشستر سيتي للهزيمة بهدفين دون رد، وشارك عمر مرموش في تلك المباراة كأساسي وتم استبداله في الدقيقة 65.
وكعادتها، تفاعلت جماهير مانشستر سيتي مع أداء عمر مرموش، عبر موقع إكس، على النحو التالي:
“كان يجب خروج سافينيو بدلًا من عمر مرموش”.
Savinho should be the one to go instead of Marmoush what is baldy doing — Bibek Adhikari (@adhikarb3) November 25, 2025
“مرموش تم استبداله لكن سافينيو يظل في الملعب! جوارديولا فقد عقله”.
Marmoush off but savio stays on, pep man your heads gone 😂 — zk (@reshadeabusing) November 25, 2025
“استبدال مرموش! هذا المدرب ليس حقيقيًا!”.
Subbing off marmoush this manager ain’t real😭 — ¹⁷ (@KdbEnthusiasm) November 25, 2025
“استمرار ريندرز وسافينيو على حساب مرموش عندما نحتاج إلى أهداف؟ انتهى الأمر، ولن يثبتوا خطأي”.
Keeping reijnders and Savinho on over marmoush when we need goals? Its over they won’t prove me wrong — OllieF (@its_ollix) November 25, 2025
“كان ينبغي أن يتم استبدال سافينيو والإبقاء على مرموش”.
Should have subbed off savio and kept Marmoush. — Miro (@GodlyRH) November 25, 2025
“لماذا تريد أن تخرج مرموش وتبقي سافينيو؟”.
Why tf would u take Marmoush off and keep savinho on — CW (@mcfccw) November 25, 2025
“أريد أن يبدأ مرموش إلى جانب هالاند”.
I just want to marmoush start alongside Haaland. — Lorna (@Lornamcmanus9) November 25, 2025
“الطريقة الوحيدة لنجاح مرموش هي اللعب إلى جانب هالاند في الهجوم أو كجناح مقلوب مع ظهير جناح، فهو ليس جيدًا بما يكفي ليكون مهاجمًا منفردًا أو جناحًا، نحن لا نلعب به بكامل قوته”.
The only way Marmoush will thrive is by playing alongside Haaland upfront or as an Inverted winger with wide wingback. He is not good enough to be a lone striker or a touchline winger. We are not playing him to his strength. — Outis (@CtyOutis) November 25, 2025
O Palmeiras venceu o Santos por 2 a 0 neste domingo (7), virou o placar agregado e conquistou o tricampeonato consecutivo do Paulistão. A partida aconteceu no Allianz Parque, e os gols foram marcados por Raphael Veiga e Aníbal Moreno.
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➡️ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!
O Verdão chegou ao 26º título estadual e está atrás somente do Corinthians em número de taças da competição. O Peixe mantém o jejum de oito anos sem levantar um troféu.
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➡️ Tudo sobre o Peixe agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Santos
⚽ COMO FOI A PARTIDA?
O Santos começou melhor do que o Palmeiras, aproveitando contra-ataques e anulando a tentativa de pressão do rival. Ambos tiveram boas oportunidades para abrir o placar, até que Weverton achou Endrick em belo lançamento, e João Paulo cometeu pênalti. Veiga cobrou e converteu. Depois, o Verdão cresceu e “asfixiou” o Peixe no campo de defesa, ficando próximo de ampliar o marcador.
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O clássico seguiu “lá e cá”, com os rivais empilhando chances. O Palmeiras era ligeiramente melhor e ampliou: Endrick tomou a bola no campo de ataque, Piquerez fez jogadaça pela esquerda e cruzou. Flaco López ajeitou de cabeça, e Aníbal completou para o fundo das redes. Verdão e Peixe ainda assustaram muito os respectivos goleiros, mas o placar se manteve em 2 a 0.
➡️O QUE VEM POR AÍ?
O Palmeiras joga na quinta-feira (11), contra o Liverpool, do Uruguai, pela segunda rodada da Libertadores. Enquanto isso, o Santos estreia na Série B na sexta-feira (19).
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✅FICHA TÉCNICA Palmeiras 2 x 0 Santos Campeonato Paulista – Final (volta)
🗓️ Data e horário: domingo, 7 de abril de 2024, às 18h (de Brasília) 📍 Local: Allianz Parque, em São Paulo (SP) 🟨 Arbitragem: Raphael Claus (Árbitro); Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis e Neuza Ines Back (Assistentes); Rodrigo Guarizo Ferreira do Amaral (VAR) 🟨 Cartões amarelos: Zé Rafael, Mayke e Endrick (Palmeiras); Morelos, Gil e Aderlan (Santos) 🟥 Cartões vermelhos: –
⚽ Gols: Raphael Veiga e Aníbal Moreno (Palmeiras)
⚽ESCALAÇÕES
PALMEIRAS Weverton; Mayke, Gustavo Gómez (Luan), Murilo e Piquerez; Aníbal Moreno, Zé Rafael (Richard Ríos) e Raphael Veiga; Lázaro (Luis Guilherme), Endrick (Marcos Rocha) e Flaco López (Rony). Técnico: Abel Ferreira.
SANTOS João Paulo; Aderlan (JP Chermont), Joaquim, Gil e Felipe Jonatan (Hayner); João Schmidt, Diego Pituca (Patati), Giuliano, Otero (Pedrinho) e Guilherme; Morelos (Furch). Técnico: Fábio Carille.
The visitors were still behind when they lost their sixth wicket but hauled themselves out of trouble
AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff07-Oct-2025
Nikhil Chaudhary put together an impressive first-class debut•Getty Images
Tasmania 379 (Silk 104, Hope 76, Weatherald 67, Doran 66, Neser 4-75) and 317 for 7 (Chaudhary 76*, Jewell 67, Weatherald 57) drew with Queensland 612 (Labuschagne 160, Renshaw 128, Khawaja 69, Clayton 59, Chaudhary 5-108)Test aspirant Jake Weatherald posted his second fifty for the match as Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield run-fest against Queensland ended in a draw.Trailing Queensland by 233 runs after the first innings, Tasmania batted their way to safety at Allan Border Field on Tuesday. They finished on 317 for 7 in their second innings when the captains shook hands about 45 minutes before the scheduled stumps time.Related
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In-form opener Weatherald, one of many in contention to partner Usman Khawaja at the top for the start of this summer’s Ashes, followed up a 67 in the first innings with 57.Tasmania No. 4 Caleb Jewell faced 147 balls for his 67 before falling to tireless quick Michael Neser. Queensland thought they were still an outside chance of securing a win when Jewell departed which followed a brilliant catch at slip by Usman Khawaja to remove Bradley Hope.But Tasmania’s Indian-born Shield debutant Nikhil Chaudhary took them clear of being in any danger.Chaudhary, who claimed 5 for 108 as Queensland piled on 612 in their first innings, struck an unbeaten 76 from 80 balls at No. 8.The match will be remembered for centuries from Queensland Test hopefuls Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne.Renshaw, opening the batting with Khawaja, compiled 128 to enhance his chances of adding to his 14 Tests for Australia. During the day he had been confirmed for an ODI recall.Labuschagne, dropped for Australia’s most recent Tests against the West Indies in the Caribbean, compiled 160 in an important return to form.National selector George Bailey was present in Brisbane to watch Labuschagne grow in confidence after he took 12 balls to get off the mark.
Winning the Premier League title is easier said than done, but defending that crown is then another challenge entirely. It makes Pep Guardiola’s and Sir Alex Ferguson’s consecutive title wins in Manchester that much more impressive and exposes the level that Arne Slot looks incredibly unlikely to reach at Liverpool this season.
The Reds spent over £400m in the summer, breaking their transfer record twice. It seemed as though the Premier League title could only be destined for Merseyside, but the reality is that Liverpool are on course to endure one of the worst defences in Premier League history.
Although others have recovered to end the season strongly in the past, the Reds look destined to enter the history books among nine other previous champions.
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Ranking factors:
League finish – how far the champions fell after securing the title the season prior. Club context – The context of the champions’ situation, such as injury issues and other deciding factors. 10 Arsenal 2004/05
From invincible to 12 points behind winners Chelsea, Arsenal failed to follow up their historic campaign a season prior in the 2004/05 season, as Jose Mourinho arrived in style at Stamford Bridge. Whilst it was always going to be difficult to follow the Invincibles, the Gunners would have been disappointed with their blunt title fight.
Defeat against Manchester United ended their unbeaten run and from there, their cloak of invincibility evaporated. Arsene Wenger’s side won one of their next five games, leaving Chelsea to take full advantage.
9 Man Utd 2003/04
Man Utd can be forgiven for being up against the Invincibles in the 2003/04 campaign, but it’s still a season that didn’t meet the incredibly high expectations set by Ferguson. The Red Devils slipped to third place, despite leading the title race in early January.
After defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers, United didn’t recover and allowed Arsenal to take full control on their way to a historic title win. To make matters worse, those at Old Trafford also fell behind Chelsea in the same season.
8 Liverpool 2020/21
The 2020/21 season saw Liverpool’s Anfield superpower handed its very own Kryptonite, as the world came to a standstill courtesy of the Covid-19 pandemic. There were fears that the Reds wouldn’t even get the chance to end a dominant title win the season before, but football soon resumed and they ended their wait for glory, albeit in an empty stadium.
A season later, anything that could go wrong did for Jurgen Klopp as injuries piled up and Liverpool were left with a centre-back partnership of Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips. It was touch and go whether they’d secure a top four finish, but Alisson Becker’s stunning header against West Bromwich Albion ensured that Liverpool ended a nightmare campaign in glorious fashion.
7 Chelsea 2017/18
The first season under Antonio Conte is one to remember for most clubs, but what tends to happen next is anything but memorable. The Italian arrived at Stamford Bridge in the 2016/17 campaign and secured the English crown after changing to a back three and reviving Victor Moses into an excellent wing-back.
One season later, however, and a public fall-out with Diego Costa sparked the start of Chelsea’s downfall. The Blues looked a shadow of the champions that they became a season prior and were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth and 4-1 by Watford, before Conte lost his job at the end of the campaign.
6 Man Utd 2013/14
Over 10 years ago, Man United last entered a Premier League campaign as defending champions. And that’s where their problems commenced. In their first campaign without Ferguson, the Red Devils finished as low as seventh as David Moyes lasted until April before facing the sack.
At the time, the Scot took much of the blame, but United’s problems didn’t end when they sacked him. In fact, in the last decade, things have only become worse and worse for the Red Devils, who finished as low as 15th under Ruben Amorim last season.
5 Blackburn Rovers 1995/96
Like Man United in 2013, Blackburn Rovers went from lifting the Premier League title in the 95/96 campaign to finishing as low as seventh one season later. Blackburn, again like United, lost their manager at the end of their title-winning campaign, with Sir Kenny Dalglish choosing to resign off the back of success.
As a result, the champions struggled under Ray Harford and dropped to as low as 17th at one stage, before a revival in the second-half of the season took them up to seventh. It was a season to forget and not enough to keep hold of Alan Shearer, who netted 31 goals before heading to Newcastle United.
4 Leicester City 2016/17
It was back to reality for Leicester City in the 2016/17 season after they pulled off the miracle of all miracles one year prior. From shock champions, the Foxes found themselves attempting to avoid relegation, as Claudio Ranieri lost his job and the late Craig Shakespeare was left to pick up the pieces.
The champions still sat 17th by the time that February arrived, before Shakespeare picked up five straight wins to take Leicester to a 12th-place finish. Statistically, it is the worst title defence in Premier League history, but the context of their squad and just how great a shock their title win was in itself matters here.
3 Leeds United 92/93
Although Leeds United were technically not defending the Premier League title, the 1992/93 season was the first campaign of the rebranding and they entered it as English champions. After winning three of their first 10 games, the Whites’ title defence was all but over and the departure of Eric Cantona to Man United in January all but confirmed that.
By the end of the campaign, a Leeds side who lost their best player finished as low as 17th, with United taking full advantage to begin an incredible run under Ferguson.
2 Liverpool 2025/26
No one could have predicted the season that Liverpool are having. The Reds won their opening five games, albeit by utilising stoppage-time in dramatic fashion more than once, and looked on course to defend their crown when it all clicked. But then it never did click.
After breaking their transfer record twice to sign Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, Liverpool have been a shadow of the champions that they became. Truth be told, they’ve looked like a squad still in mourning for their teammate, Diogo Jota.
Mentally, Liverpool look entirely drained. Physically, they’ve been outmatched. The effect of Jota’s passing is undeniable, but Slot must find a tactical solution to steady the ship before his side, who sit 12th after 12 games, make unwanted history.
1 Chelsea 2015/16
The return of Jose Mourinho restored Chelsea’s glory in the 2014/15 season, but things were far from special one season later. The legendary manager started the season by arguing with physio Eva Carneiro, who eventually won a £5m settlement, and things only got worse from there.
After nine losses in 16 games, Mournho was sacked by the Blues and replaced by Guus Hiddink. The caretaker manager finally got Eden Hazard firing on all cylinders again to win the famous ‘Battle of the Bridge’ and end Tottenham Hotspur’s title hopes, yet it was not enough to restore Chelsea’s pride. They ended the campaign in 10th.
Who is to blame for Alexander Isak's form at Liverpool?