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Being the massive club they are, Arsenal have had some genuinely world-class players represent them.

From the likes of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp in the Invincibles era, to Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and their backline today.

However, the Gunners also have more than their fair share of cult heroes, such as Sunderland’s current captain, Granit Xhaka.

The Swiss international left Arsenal in the summer of 2023, but it looks like Mikel Arteta might have someone in his squad today who could be the club’s next Xhaka.

Xhaka's turbulent Arsenal career

It’s summer 2016, and after a reasonably impressive Euros with Switzerland, Arsenal opt to splash around £34m on Xhaka.

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Unfortunately, while he certainly wasn’t one of the team’s worst players, the former Borussia Mönchengladbach ace was fairly underwhelming over the following few years.

However, given his experience, combative nature, and general personality, he was chosen by his teammates to become the club’s captain in September 2019, under Unai Emery.

It was a decision that would cataclysmically backfire just a month later, when, during a game against Crystal Palace, he was substituted off to a jeering crowd, to which he responded by throwing the shirt and armband to the floor and swearing.

At that point, it looked like his Arsenal career was well and truly over, but once he was appointed manager, Arteta was able to convince the fiery midfielder to stay and fight for his place.

Over the next two years or so, that is exactly what the Basel-born titan did, and finally, against all the odds, away to Brentford in September 2022, the fans began to sing his name once more.

The tough-tackling, all-action international had his best campaign in red and white that season, ending it with nine goals and seven assists in 47 games as the club launched a surprising title charge.

16/17

46

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3

17/18

48

3

8

18/19

40

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19/20

41

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20/21

45

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21/22

30

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It would prove to be his final year with the club, but instead of leaving in disgrace like so many thought he would, the Swiss icon was serenaded by an adoring Emirates crowd as he grabbed a brace and said his goodbyes.

Now, two and a half years later, it looks like Arteta could have his own Xhaka-type player in his Arsenal squad.

Arsenal's new Xhaka

Now, arguments could certainly be made for either Declan Rice or Martin Zubimendi becoming the next Xhaka for Arsenal, but instead, it’s actually Myles Lewis-Skelly.

It might sound a little out there at first, but there are a few reasons, such as the youngster’s natural position.

Yes, the teenager has played at left-back for the first team, but spent most of his time in the academy playing as either a defensive or central midfielder.

Moreover, when you watch him play, it is so apparent that he’s more of a central player, as not only does he have the spatial awareness and range of passing to thrive there, but he also has the carrying ability.

In fact, it was his incredible drive and assist for Gabriel Martinelli against Atletico Madrid that led one content creator to label him as one of the best in “world football” when it comes to carrying.

Furthermore, the 19-year-old has already shown the physical and mental strength Xhaka possess, and as Rice has pointed out, he seems utterly “fearless” on the pitch, regardless of the opposition.

Finally, in addition to the fiery attitude, the Hale End gem also has a wand of a left foot, and has already chalked up a few assists thanks to his weight of pass.

Ultimately, it is still so early in his career, but it’s clear that Lewis-Skelly shares some of Xhaka’s best traits and could become Arsenal’s new version of the Swiss monster.

Forget Dowman: Arsenal's "explosive" Hale Ender looks like another Saka

The impressive youngster could be the next Saka and the next talent off the block for Arsenal after Dowman.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 7, 2025

Set pieces in the Premier League are back in fashion, with teams looking to exploit corners, free kicks and long throw ins once again after a period of tiki-taka football inspired by Pep Guardiola.

Now, plenty of the 20 top-flight clubs have set-piece coaches, with title contenders Arsenal arguably the best in the world at dead-ball situations, led by Nicolas Jover.

If used correctly, teams can cause havoc from corners, throw-ins and free kicks, leaving no stone unturned. Here you can find a live ranking of every Premier League club in the 2025/2026 season, with every goal scored from set-pieces updated weekly.

20

Man City

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 0

Surprisingly, Man City are rock bottom of the set-piece goal table and are yet to register from a corner, free-kick or throw in.

Pep Guardiola’s side were awarded their first penalty of the season against Liverpool, however, Erling Haaland failed to convert. That hasn’t stopped the striker leading the way in the goalscoring charts, though.

19

Wolves

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 2

Rock bottom of the league table, Wolves don’t fare much better in the set-piece table, registering two goals from dead-ball situations.

Vitor Pereira lost his job after 10 games without a win, with those at Molineux facing a huge task to remain in the Premier League in 2026.

18

Liverpool

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 2

Defending champions Liverpool haven’t been at their best so far this season, and are also struggling at set-pieces, netting just twice from dead-ball situations.

Excluding penalties, the Reds only scored five times from corners, free-kicks and throw-ins last season, showing a side of the game Arne Slot’s side could do with improving.

17

Fulham

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 2

Now an established Premier League team, Fulham, under Marco Silva, have the likes of Rodrigo Muniz and Raul Jimenez in attack looking to get on the end of any set piece.

The Cottagers have also benefited more from own goals than any other side in the top flight so far with three.

16

Aston Villa

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 2

Aston Villa netted 14 times from set pieces in 2024/25, however, Unai Emery’s side have only registered two goals from dead-ball scenarios so far this season.

On the up after a poor start, Villa will be looking to increase their set-piece tally while also balancing Europa League football at Villa Park.

15

Nottingham Forest

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 3

Nottingham Forest, who netted 12 times from corners, free-kicks and throw-ins in 2024/25 under Nuno Espirito Santo, are on three set-piece goals.

After sacking Nuno and his replacement Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche is the man in charge at the City Ground, so Forest’s set-piece record could quickly improve.

14

Burnley

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 3

Burnley have so far scored six Premier League goals, three of which have come from dead-ball situations.

The Clarets under Scott Parker, could rely heavily on set pieces if they are to avoid the drop back to the Championship.

13

West Ham

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 4

Struggling at the bottom of both tables are West Ham. The Hammers were among first to make a managerial change, with Nuno replacing Graham Potter at the London Stadium.

He’s improved on the Irons’ poor record from set pieces with four goals, which has helped them record some crucial wins.

12

Everton

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 4

Everton, under David Moyes, appear to be settling in to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium and will be looking to avoid another relegation battle.

Iliman Ndiaye scored the first penalty at Everton’s new stadium in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, and the Toffees have scored three more from corners, free-kicks or throw-ins.

11

Newcastle

Set-Piece Goals Scored – 4

With Champions League football back on offer at St James’ Park, Newcastle have struggled by their recent standards in the Premier League.

The Magpies have managed to score three goals from corners, free-kicks and throw-ins, with the other among from the spot, so they are on track to surpass their 24/25 tally of nine excluding penalties.

Marnus Labuschagne will captain Queensland as he continues his push for a Test recall to face England

Alex Malcolm30-Sep-2025

Test opener Usman Khawaja has been named to play in Queensland’s Sheffield Shield opener against Tasmania alongside Marnus Labuschagne who begins his quest to regain his Test place in the Ashes.Khawaja is likely to open alongside with another former Test batter in Matthew Renshaw at Allan Border Field on Saturday, with Queensland captain Labsuchagne likely to bat at No. 3 despite being one of the candidates to open with Khawaja in the Ashes.Related

Australia's Ashes 'bat-off' begins: Who could open against England?

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Elsewhere, fast bowler Brendan Doggett, another Ashes contender, will miss South Australia’s opening round clash with Victoria in Adelaide due to a slight hamstring niggle. They are hopeful he will be available for the second round which starts on October 15. Australia quick Scott Boland is a certain starter for Victoria.Khawaja, 38, has not played any cricket since the third Test of the Caribbean tour in early July. He has a top score of 47 in his last ten Test innings. Heading into last summer he played club cricket for Valley as well as three One-Day Cup matches for Queensland and three Shield games before the first Test.It remains to be seen whether Khawaja plays two or three Shield matches before the first Test in Perth but he is unlikely to play all four. Following the drama of last summer when Khawaja and Queensland high performance manager Joe Dawes traded public barbs late in the season over his hamstring issue and unavailability in the final round of the season, Queensland Cricket stated on Tuesday that they “will work with Cricket Australia and support their plans for Khawaja’s individual playing preparations between now and the opening Test of the Ashes series on 21 November.”Queensland have also named exciting former Australia Under-19 World Cup winning captain Hugh Weibgen in their squad and he looks likely to make his first-class debut following a superb start to the season in the Dean Jones Trophy where he made a stunning 115 not out from 94 balls to chase down 322 against Western Australia.Former New South Wales allrounder Hayden Kerr is also in line to play his first Shield game for his new state having not played first-class cricket since October 2023.Queensland are without Xavier Bartlett who is in New Zealand with Australia’s T20I squad while Tom Staker and Lachlan Hearne are unavailable due to Australia A duty in India. Callum Vidler (back) and Mark Steketee (hamstring) are also unavailable.Queensland squad: Marnus Labuschagne (capt), Hugo Burdon, Jack Clayton, Benji Floros, Hayden Kerr, Usman Khawaja, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Gurinder Sandhu, Mitchell Swepson, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth

MatériaMais Notícias

O Raposa irá reencontrar o Corinthians nesta quarta-feira (10), às 21h30 (de Brasília), pela primeira partida da semifinal da Copa do Brasil. O jogo marcará também outro duelo entre o Cruzeiro e Dorival Júnior, embate que já aconteceu 25 vezes.

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Em mais de 20 de anos de encontros, os jogos entre as duas partes tem muito equilíbrio, mas o técnico leva ligeira vantagem. Até o momento, ele venceu nove duelos, os mineiros venceram sete e em nove oportunidades os jogos ficaram empatados.

➡️Tudo sobre o Cabuloso agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Cruzeiro

Entretanto, em seu trabalho no Corinthians, o Cruzeiro ainda não foi batido por Dorival Júnior. Os clubes se enfrentaram duas vezes, com um empate em 0 a 0 na Neo Química Arena, e um atropelo que resultou no placar de 3 a 0 para a Raposa no Mineirão.

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Um dado curioso sobre o duelo é que, apesar da vantagem de vitórias do treinador do Corinthians, o saldo de gols é zero. Nos 25 confrontos, o Cabuloso marcou 33 gols e sofreu o mesmo número. Esta será também a primeira vez que o técnico enfrenta o clube mineiro pela Copa do Brasil.

Estatísticas do Cruzeiro contra Dorival Júnior7 vitórias do Cruzeiro9 vitórias dos times de Dorival Júnior9 empates33 gols marcados pelo Cruzeiro33 gols sofridos pelo CruzeirCruzeiro x Corinthians

Cruzeiro e Corinthians irão se enfrentar nesta quarta-feira (10), às 21h30 (de Brasília), no Mineirão, pela partida de ida da semifinal da Copa do Brasil.

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No fim de semana, a Raposa conseguiu confirmar uma posição importante no Campeonato Brasileiro ao voltar a ficar entre os três primeiros colocados. Antes disso, a melhor colocação celeste havia sido no título brasileiro de 2014.

Além disso, o retrospecto é positivo para o Cruzeiro. Nos últimos cinco jogos contra o Timão, o Cabuloso perdeu apenas um, por 2 a 1, no segundo turno do Brasileirão de 2024. Antes, havia vencido por 3 a 0 em casa e empatado em 1 a 1 em 2023. Nesta temporada, empatou em 0 a 0 na Neo Química Arena e passeou no Mineirão com um 3 a 0.

Tudo sobre

Copa do BrasilCruzeiroFutebol Nacional

Defending one-day champions South Australia claimed a nine-wicket win over Queensland, banking a bonus point in their rain-marred victory.As rain restricted the match to a maximum 25 overs each, Queensland were bowled out for 128 in 23.5 overs at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide. The hosts were set 120 to win under the DLS method and won with with 47 balls to spare.Related

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SA, the holders of the Dean Jones Trophy, now have two wins from four games – the same as Queensland.Their run chase was given early impetus by Jake Fraser-McGurk, who blasted six fours in making 27 from 14 balls. Fraser-McGurk’s cameo ended when bowled by a superb off-cutter from James Bazley.But opener Mackenzie Harvey and captain Nathan McSweeney then set about the chase with the bonus point in mind.South Australia needed to win inside 20 overs and Harvey and McSweeney easily reached that goal with an unbroken 80-run partnership.Earlier, Queensland slipped to 13 for 2 inside five overs before a lengthy rain delay. On return, only veteran Jimmy Peirson managed an innings of substance, smacking three sixes and three fours in making 42 from 83 ballsThe only other Queenslanders to reach double-figures were Bazley, Hugh Weibgen and Max Bryant. The visitors failed to bat out their 25 overs as SA skipper McSweeney claimed 3 for 12 from 3.1 overs with his offspinners. McSweeney had initially brought himself on when Wes Agar couldn’t complete his second over.Liam Scott and Lloyd Pope also enjoyed multiple success and paceman Nathan McAndrew returned figures of 1 for 7 from four overs.

Borussia Dortmund have set their sights on Quinten Timber, the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien, after the midfielder’s impressive run of form under Robin van Persie at Feyenoord. The 24-year-old, who joined the Dutch club in 2022, continues to attract interest across Europe as his future in Rotterdam remains uncertain.

Dortmund scout Timber amid contract stand-off

According to , the Dortmund scouts were present during Feyenoord’s Europa League clash against Stuttgart to watch the 24-year-old midfielder closely. Timber's strong form has kept him on the radar of several top clubs, while the Dutch club remains locked in talks to extend his contract beyond 2026. Meanwhile, the Bundesliga club will be hoping to catch the Dutchman’s attention after an up-and-down transfer window this summer. Dortmund missed out on several key targets, including Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri and Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte, who is now on loan to Chelsea. The club was also keen to bring in Manchester City’s Claudio Echeverri on loan with an option to buy, but Bayer Leverkusen beat them to it and secured a straight loan deal instead.

AdvertisementAFPWest Ham reignite interest amid Dortmund's chase

Dortmund, however, are not alone in the chase. Premier League club West Ham United have also reignited their interest in Timber after manager Nuno Espirito Santo approved the move. Nuno had been keen on signing Timber during his time at Nottingham Forest and continues to rate him highly.

Despite the speculation, Timber remains an important figure at Feyenoord. He lost the captain’s armband this summer to Sem Steijn, with Van Persie explaining that the decision was linked to the midfielder's ongoing contract talks. Still, the Dutch international has been a regular in the starting XI, making 14 appearances this season with two goals and one assist.

It’s either extend or sell for Feyenoord

Quinten’s twin brother, Arsenal defender Jurrien, had spoken earlier about his brother’s situation during the Netherlands camp in September, stating that another year with the Dutch club would be good for his brother. 

"Another year at Feyenoord would be nice, wouldn’t it?"

However, it isn't for the Dutch side. If Timber plays another season without signing a new deal, he could leave for free, something the club will want to avoid at any cost. The Dutch club already turned down a bid from Bayer Leverkusen earlier this summer, but interest in him has only grown since. 

"There was very serious interest in him," club CEO Dennis te Kloese told in September.

“It didn’t happen, but not because we didn’t want to cooperate. Now, the question remains whether we’ll extend the contract or not. Well, we have time to have a cup of coffee now. We have very good contact with him; we don’t notice anything wrong with him. He’s very professional,” he added.

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Getty Images SportWhat's next for Timber and Feyenoord?

Despite Timber’s strong performances, Feyenoord’s season has been inconsistent. They sit second in the Eredivisie with nine wins from 12 games, trailing leaders PSV, but their Europa League campaign has been disappointing, with just one win in four matches, leaving them in the bottom half of their group. With Van Persie backing his midfield star and major clubs keeping a close watch, Timber could be the next big name to leave De Kuip, and Dortmund will be hoping this time, the deal goes their way.

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois de cinco anos de espera, o Ceará volta ser campeão do Campeonato Cearense. Após um empate por 1 a 1 no tempo normal, a taça foi decidida nos pênaltis e teve Richard, goleiro do Vozão, como herói da conquista. Nas penalidades, deu Vozão por 3 a 2.

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⚽ COMO FOI A PARTIDA?
O jogo começou com tudo. Equilibrado, o duelo reunia a vontade do Ceará de vencer a qualquer custo e o empenho tático do Fortaleza, que esperava um erro do rival para sair na frente. Mesmo assim, o primeiro tempo ficou marcado por poucas chances dos dois lados, com os destaques sendo Saulo Mineiro, pelo Ceará, e Lucas Sasha, pelo Fortaleza.

No segundo tempo, Saulo Mineiro seguiu se destacando, e acabou premiado com um golaço na segunda etapa. Animado, o Ceará segurou até o momento que pode, mas o artilheiro Lucero, com sua classe de sempre, empatou de cabeça. Após isso, o equilíbrio voltou, mas o Fortaleza perdeu Bruno Pacheco, expulso da partida. Com o empate, tudo acabou decidido nos pênaltis.

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Nos pênaltis, a parada só foi decidida após cinco cobranças, com o Ceará vencendo por 3 a 2 e o goleiro Richard sendo o herói.

➡️ O QUE VEM POR AÍ?

O Ceará volta a campo nesta quarta-feira (10), às 21h30, contra o Sport, pela Copa do Nordeste. O Fortaleza recebe o Nacional Potosí, às 19h, também na quarta-feira (10), pela Copa Sul-americana. Os dois jogos acontecem no Castelão.

Tudo sobre

Campeonato CearenseCearáFortaleza

LOS ANGELES — Sometimes, a Dodgers player will check the news and find his name in it, alongside his manager’s. Dave Roberts has told the media—and through them, the fans—that he finds something about the player’s performance unacceptable. The player is rarely surprised. 

This week, it has been star shortstop Mookie Betts: “I think he’s pressing,” was Roberts’s diagnosis after Betts went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Game 5 of the World Series to bring his series batting average to .130. “You can see there’s a little anxiousness there.”

This is an unusual approach for a modern manager. This October, Padres skipper Mike Shildt praised right fielder Fernando Tatís’s at-bat quality all the way through his 1-for-12 National League wild-card series. Cubs manager Craig Counsell discounted the idea that Pete Crow-Armstrong was trying to do too much even as the center fielder swung at breaking balls in the dirt. Yankees skipper Aaron Boone spent much of the summer insisting that shortstop Anthony Volpe, who over a two-week stretch in August had more errors (two) than hits (one), had just been unlucky. Six days after the Blue Jays bounced the Yankees from the playoffs, Volpe underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. 

Meanwhile, last week, Roberts told the assembled media that the Dodgers would not win the World Series if two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s at-bats did not improve. 

PHILLIPS: Inside the Numbers of the Dodgers’ Postseason Offensive Collapse

You might expect that sort of public criticism to rankle his players. They say it does the opposite. 

“I’ve always loved it,” says third baseman Max Muncy. “When he comes out and says things in statements to the media, it’s not anything he hasn’t told the player before. So the player is never being caught off guard. And sometimes as players, you need to feel that pressure. If he’s just talking to you and he says it, that’s one thing, but if he talks to you and says it, and then you see it on MLB Network, then it’s like, ”

Roberts sees that level of candor as part of his job. 

“I think it’s important for them, for the fans and the media to know that I have certain standards and expectations, and it’s not an embarrassment [thing], it's a transparency [thing],” he says. “And I think that they know that I root for them as hard as anyone else, and so when I’m honest with the media, I think that’s why it lands. I am also the first to support them and back them when things aren’t going well, but I do feel that there’s times where I feel like I gotta be honest with what everyone’s seeing, and I just think that I’ve built enough equity with our guys that they know that I’m not just trying to embarrass them.”

Manchester United are now about to sign a South American wonderkid, according to reports, who is “on his way” to seal his move.

Man Utd have "no excuses", says Amorim

After a frustrating defeat against Everton at Old Trafford on Monday, the last thing that Man United need is a trip to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Those are the cards they’ve been dealt, however, and Ruben Amorim’s side now have the task of getting back to winning ways at one of the toughest grounds in the Premier League.

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The Red Devils have a keen eye for talent overseas and could be about to rock the South American market in their latest pursuit.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Nov 29, 2025

The Man United boss has no time for excuses this season, though – telling reporters in the build-up: “In our club it’s the same thing because last year we had to win every game all the time and we took a lot of things, a lot of criticism because we were not winning.

“So, in our club, there is no excuses. About Europe, I already talked about Europe, and I said the same thing last year when we were in Europe and I say the same thing this year, the advantage and the disadvantage of not being in Europe. So, there is no excuses. Last year or this year, we have always to win games.”

Victory could take the Red Devils to as high as fourth if other results go their way in what would be a major boost after 13 games. Defeat, meanwhile, could see them drop down to as low as 14th in familiar territory to last season.

INEOS and Amorim will know just how important Champions League qualification is on and off the pitch. Away from the action, it would allow them to attract the likes of Elliot Anderson, who now also has the interest of Manchester City.

It would also make them an attractive option for more young players, having already agreed a deal to sign South American youngster Cristian Orozco.

Cristian Orozco now "on his way" to sign for Man Utd

According to Fabrizio Romano, Orozco is now “on his way” to sign for Man United and travelling with lead scout Giuseppe Antonaccio after INEOS completed a deal worth $1m (£750,000) with Fortaleza.

Those at Old Trafford have signed the 17-year-old in the hope that he follows the same path that others have done so many times before in South America.

The Premier League is littered with several stars who launched careers in South America before reaching stardom in English football. Usually, it’s been the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion taking full advantage, but Chelsea and now Man United are beginning to take full advantage.

The Blues now have one of the best teenagers in the world in Estevao Willian and if Orozco is anywhere near as talented as the winger then United have hit the jackpot.

Man Utd eye move for £80m star who Man City would "love" to buy in January

With everything on the line, here's how Gotham FC can top the Spirit for the 2025 NWSL Championship.

For the second time in three years, Gotham have charged into the NWSL Championship after delivering upsets to higher-ranked teams. Jaedyn Shaw disagrees that they’re underdogs, per se (see: “underdog, my ass” comment after they downed Kansas City), but they’ve been the surprise story of the postseason. Saturday night, they could take their Cinderella run all the way to the title. Here’s a few reasons why they might:

• Getty Images
  

  Reason 1: Defensive strength

  Simply put, Gotham is hard to score on. In part, that’s because they have one of the best goalkeepers in the league (more on that shortly). But notably, they also don’t allow their opposition many chances to score. With a team that defends from the front, a midfield that’s hard to cut through, and a solid defensive line waiting behind, Gotham finished the 2025 season having allowed just 76 shots on target. That’s an average of 3 per game and is tied with the first-place Shield winners, Kansas City, for fewest shots on goal allowed in NWSL. 

  There’s a number of reasons they’re dynamic defensively, and it involves players across all of their lines. Emily Sonnett is in top form as a leader in their backline. Rookie of the Year Lilly Reale awaits her opportunity at left back to thwart Rose Kouassi creating from the right. Jaelin Howell, who just earned her first USWNT callup since 2022, could have a massive match as she jockeys for control of the midfield. 

  As a team that likes to have possession, they’re also effective at limiting the opposition by reducing their opportunities to get on the ball. The Spirit are also hard to score on, but they allowed 107 shots on target throughout the season, averaging four per game. They also conceded 33 total throughout the year, compared to Gotham’s 25. In a game of margins, that could matter.

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• Getty Images
  

  Reason 2: Ann-Katrin Berger

  Gotham may have the Rookie of the Year (Lilly Reale), but they’re also stocked with veteran talent. One of Gotham’s most essential veterans is 35-year-old German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. 

  Berger was named Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024 and was nominated in 2025 after another strong season cleaning up the few shots that Gotham does allow. Berger’s steady presence has been pivotal for club and country the past few years. The German keeper helped see her team to an Olympic bronze medal in 2024 and a semi-final finish at Euro ‘25 with clutch penalty heroics and massive saves. 

  This postseason, Berger has come through for Gotham multiple times. She made seven essential saves in their upset of Kansas City, and was called on to make a few key ones against Orlando to see them to the final. Saturday in San Jose, she could be a difference maker.

• Getty Images
  

  Reason 3: Peaking at the right time

  The Washington Spirit finished the season in a comfortable second-place position and have been the more consistently strong team throughout the year. But Gotham is glistening at the moment, with multiple players hitting their top form at just the right time. 

  That includes USWNT midfielder Rose Lavelle, who was out with injury in the first half of the year but has five goals and two assists in 16 games since returning. That also includes 20-year-old Jaedyn Shaw, who joined Gotham in early September and has looked like a unique talent finally in the right spot with the move. 

  Shaw has been electric for Gotham in the postseason, scoring in both of their playoff tests, including the stoppage-time match-winner against Orlando. The team’s top scorer, Spanish striker Esther Gonzalez, is just returning from injury and hasn’t scored in five games, isn’t in her top form of the season. But Esther has scored game-deciding goals for Gotham in two previous trophy matches. If she catches fire Saturday night, it’ll be hard to discount this ‘underdog’ team that’s hitting its collective stride at precisely the right moment.

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  Championship

  Gotham FC will face the Spirit on Saturday, November 22 at 5pm ET on CBS and Paramount+.