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Halfway-line goals are a rarity in football. Not many players possess the vision, technique and execution to pull off such an audacious strike.

But every now and then, someone across the globe pops up with a moment of magic from long range, catching a goalkeeper unawares with a mischievous effort.

That has led Football FanCast to take a trip down memory lane and revisit what we consider to be the top 10 best goals scored from inside the opposite half. We’ll be ranking the strikes on the difficulty of execution, from ‘easiest’ to hardest.

Without further ado, here’s our selections:

11 Xabi Alonso v Newcastle

21st September 2006: Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle United

Xabi Alonso netted a wondergoal from inside his own half as the Reds eased past Glenn Roeder’s Newcastle United side in the 2006/07 campaign.

Alonso’s effort was struck from a colossal 70 yards out, and it’s not the only time the Spaniard has scored from his own half, having netted a similar strike a season earlier against Luton Town in the third round of the FA Cup.

Though, we’ve been harsh adjudicators and left that goal out of our list.

Champions League

2005, 2014

UEFA Super Cup

2006, 2014

FA Cup

2006

Community Shield

2006, 2007

European Championship

2008, 2012

World Cup

2010

Copa del Rey

2011, 2014

LaLiga

2012

Supercopa de España

2013

Bundesliga

2015, 2016, 2017

DFB-Pokal

2016

DFL-Supercup

2017

10 Maynor Figueroa v Stoke City

12th December 2009: Stoke City 2-2 Wigan Athletic

Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa put the visiting Latics back in front after striking a quickly taken free kick from inside his own half, catching out Stoke City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.

The effort wasn’t hit with much height, but rather a driven effort, leaving Sorensen with little chance to get back in time to make a stop.

Even more spectacularly, the long-distance strike found the top corner, making it that bit more pleasing to the eyes of football purists.

The goal came ahead of the January transfer window, with Manchester United and Sunderland both said to be interested in acquiring his services.

Though, the Honduras international remained at the Latics and was later awarded Goal of the Season by the BBC’s Match of the Day programme.

Every MOTD Goal of the Season since 2000

Honduras

181

5

3

0

Wigan Athletic

87

5

2

1

Houston Dynamo

63

2

3

0

Hull City

43

0

1

0

Colorado Rapids

10

1

0

0

9 Wayne Rooney v West Ham United

22nd March 2014: West Ham United 0-2 Manchester United

Spoiler alert, Wayne Rooney features twice on our list, which is quite incredible. The Manchester United forward was at the double against West Ham back in 2014, with his first strike, although from slightly inside the opponents’ half, particularly memorable.

Rooney used his physicality to roll Hammers defender James Tomkins before unleashing a sensational half-volley which looped over Adrián and bounced in.

David Beckham was in attendance at the ground and was seen applauding Rooney’s astounding strike, which was similar to his own marvellous effort against Wimbledon in 1996.

Read more: 10 memorable David Beckham moments

“Everybody probably flashbacked to Beckham’s goal and there was a bit of similarity in it tonight. I was saying to Wayne, ‘it bounced before it went in and we were worried the bounce was going to go over the bar’. He’s a top player and he’s scored a great goal,” David Moyes said post-match.

Premier League

29

17

12

Champions League

9

2

8

EFL Cup

2

0

2

8 Charlie Adam v Chelsea

4th April 2015: Chelsea 2-1 Stoke City.

Stoke City’s Charlie Adam levelled against the soon-to-be Premier League champions Chelsea just before the break with a 65-yarder, lobbing a true world-class goalkeeper in Thibaut Courtois.

“I never knew I had that much power, to beat a quality goalkeeper like that is something special. One that I will always remember. It was one of them that sat up nicely and I saw the goalie off his line. I was lucky enough that it went in.

“Once in a lifetime this can happen to you, it’s great on an individual level – a great way to get my 50th goal in English football – but the team lost and that is the disappointing thing,” Adam said.

Chelsea boss José Mourinho was full of praise for the strike, despite being on the receiving end of it: “It was a fantastic goal, every player in the world would like to score a goal like that. Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi to all these brilliant players. Not all of them did score that goal in their careers.

“Charlie Adam has condition for a 50-metre shot, so normally he would anticipate the moment we lost the ball, but it’s a great goal.”

Adam’s technique should be marvelled at for years to come, as the former Liverpool midfielder demonstrated a masterclass in long-distance shooting. He even managed to swerve the ball, making matters more complicated for Courtois. Simply brilliant.

Team

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Trophies

Scotland

26

0

7

0

Stoke City

179

22

17

0

Blackpool

98

35

22

0

Rangers

81

15

11

1

Dundee FC

65

12

19

0

Liverpool

37

2

9

1

Reading

27

2

4

0

St Mirren

2

0

0

0

7 Harry Kane v Darmstadt 98

28th October 2023: Bayern Munich 8-0 Darmstadt 98

Harry Kane settled in quickly to his new Bayern Munich surroundings, having completed a £100m move from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023

The England skipper netted 44 times in 45 outings in his debut campaign, whilst laying on 12 assists, though, one goal stood out more than any other.

As Bayern notably secured a thumping 8-0 victory against Darmstadt 98, Kane continued his prolific goalscoring fortunes – netting a hat-trick.

The 30-year-old’s second goal saw him lob the backtracking Marcel Schuhen from inside his own half, Beckham-style. The superbly executed strike didn’t even bounce, as it soared straight into the centre of the goal.

Bundesliga

32

36

8

Champions League

12

8

4

DFL-Supercup

1

0

0

6 David Beckham v Wimbledon

17th August 1996: Wimbledon 0-3 Manchester United

Perhaps the most iconic halfway-line goal, certainly in Premier League history…

David Beckham’s spectacular effort against Wimbledon catapulted his profile to superstardom. It had fans in complete amazement and Becks recalled Sir Alex Ferguson shielding him from the public spotlight following the game – aware that the flock of media attention could affect him.

“I went up to the boss. I thought he was going to say, ‘Great goal’ and put his arms around me. He said, ‘Straight on the bus — and don’t talk to anyone.’ But that was his way of protecting me. He didn’t want me speaking to any media because he knew what that goal was going to do.”

England

115

17

42

0

Manchester United

394

85

120

14

Real Madrid

159

20

52

2

Los Angeles Galaxy

124

20

42

2

AC Milan

33

2

9

0

Paris Saint-Germain

14

0

2

1

5 Ismaïla Sarr v West Bromwich Albion

8th August 2022: West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Watford

Ismaïla Sarr broke the deadlock in quite brilliant fashion, executing a beautifully struck chip from inside his own half to put the visitors ahead at The Hawthorns.

His initial touch is worth noting, too, as he brought down a looping ball elegantly before pivoting and pulling off the extraordinary – a strike that was later crowned EFL Goal of the Season.

Though, the Senegal international would’ve left the field disappointed by his performance, despite scoring perhaps the best goal of his career.

With the score one apiece, Sarr stepped up to take a penalty in the 73rd minute but saw his effort saved by David Button. A contrasting day of emotions for the former Stade Rennais winger.

4 Nayim v Arsenal

10th May 1995: Real Zaragoza 2-1 Arsenal

The Parc des Princes staged the 1995 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final, as Spanish outfit Real Zaragoza met reigning champions Arsenal.

The cagey affair burst into life when Juan Esnáider’s volley beat David Seaman in the 67th minute before John Hartson found the leveller just eight minutes later.

As the encounter ticked into the final minute of extra-time and with penalties looming, Nayim produced a moment of genius, looping a 45-yard volley over Seaman’s head to win the cup in quite extraordinary fashion.

“I had played against Arsenal for five years with Tottenham and remembered they always played with a high defensive line, with the goalkeeper acting like a sweeper, so before the game, I told my team-mates and our coach that we should try and shoot from the halfway line,” Nayim said.

“I was going to pass to a team-mate but I looked up and I saw Seaman coming out so I just kicked it. I was very lucky. It’s my first goal against Arsenal after playing against them half a dozen times. For me, it’s something special as a former Tottenham player.”

Supercopa de España

1986

Copa del Rey

1988, 1994

FA Cup

1991

Community Shield

1991

UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup

1995

3 Wayne Rooney v West Ham United

29th November 2017: Everton 4-1 West Ham United

Wayne Rooney completed a hat-trick with a remarkable first-time effort from 59 yards out, as Everton cruised past the visiting Hammers back in 2017.

The strike perfectly soared over two leaping West Ham defenders and shot-stopper Joe Hart – who could only watch on helplessly.

It just edged his previous goal in our rankings due to the distance from where it was hit and the difficulty of taking it on first-time. Most players would’ve either hesitated and taken a touch or shanked it – which is completely understandable, by the way.

The difficulty rating is off the charts…

2 Kemar Roofe v Standard Liège

22nd October 2020: Standard Liège 0-2 Rangers

Not only did Kemar Roofe find the net from inside his own half, which is remarkable in itself, but he also used nimble footwork to skip past two players to make room for the shot which sealed a Europa League victory for Rangers in 2020.

The Gers forward struck from 54.6 yards out, lobbing it over backtracking ‘keeper Arnaud Bodart, who ended up being nowhere near it, in all honesty.

Roofe’s marvellous effort broke the record for the longest-distance goal ever scored in the UEFA Europa League.

Genius innovation from the former Leeds United forward.

Premiership

24

14

4

Europa League

7

2

0

SFA Cup

3

2

0

Europa League Qualifying

1

0

0

League Cup

1

0

0

The full text of Angelo Mathews’ letter to SLC CEO Ashley de Silva, following his removal as captain

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Sep-2018Dear CEO,I write to you pursuant to the meeting held on Friday the 21st of September 2018 at SLC premises, which was attended by all the selectors along with the National Cricket Coach Mr. Chandika Hathurusinghe. At this meeting the selection committee and the coach informed me to step down as Sri Lanka’s captain of the ODI and T20 team. Though I was initially surprised, it was immediately felt that I have been made the scapegoat in this entire saga of Sri Lanka’s dismal performances against Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the Asia Cup. I’m willing to take part of the blame but at the same time, feel betrayed and let down if the blame is solely put on me. As you know all decisions are taken through a mutual understanding with the Selectors and the Head Coach. And though I do not agree with the reasoning that the losses should be accrued single handed to the Captaincy, I however eagerly and wholeheartedly respect the request of the selection committee and the head coach in asking me to step down and do so with immediate effect.You would recall that I relinquished my captaincy in all formats in July 2017, pursuant to captaining Sri Lanka continuously for a period of 5 years in all formats. During this tenure under my captaincy series wins were recorded against England, we whitewashed Australia 3-0 and winning the Asia Cup in 2014 were some memorable occasions. However in the team’s best interest having felt that the time had come for new leadership I voluntarily resigned as Captain from all formats of the game in July 2017.Thereafter, pursuant to Sri Lanka suffering heavy defeats in all formats and having several appointed Captains, namely Upul Tharanga, Thisara Perera, Chamara Kapugedara, Lasith Malinga and Dinesh Chandimal during the tenure between July 2017 and December 2017 in the ODI and T20 formats, Mr Chandika Hathurusinghe immediately having been appointed as Head coach met with me in person, requested me to reconsider taking up the Captaincy until the World Cup in 2019. Though myself, my family and close friends discouraged me in taking up the mantle, being confident in Hathurusinghe and his plans to elevate the performances of the Sri Lankan team and in the best interest of my country I agreed to do so until the World Cup.I wish to put it on record that though Sri Lanka suffered these heavy defeats in the Asia Cup, which is shocking to say the least, especially in the backdrop where we had a reasonable series against South Africa, I had no intention to quitting and running way from the issues at hand especially owing to the World Cup being only a dozen games away. Furthermore as an obligation of a player I will keep working hard in all aspects of the game and will be available to represent Sri Lanka at any given time with my fullest. I also believe that if the selectors and coach are of the view that I am unfit to play ODI and T20 cricket and thus not entitled for my place in the team, I would also consider retiring from the ODI and T20 formats as I never want to be a burden to the team. I have played the game true to my conscience and have given my best at all times and have felt that I am fit enough to play the formats and also have performed adequately over a period of time to hold my place in the team. You will know that I was also the overall highest run scorer in the South Africa series from both teams.In the given circumstances I thus resign as the Captain of the Sri Lankan ODI and T20 team with immediate effect in considering the request of the selection committee and the coach to resign. I thank the selectors and the National Coach for speaking to me in person and conveying your thoughts in respect of the Asia Cup and giving me the opportunity to step down in this manner.I wish all the successes to our National Cricket team and all of you.Best wishes,Angelo Mathews

Flamengo and Brazil striker Gabriel Barbosa has been sentenced to a two-year ban from football for committing anti-doping fraud.

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Gabigol found guilty of anti-doping fraudHanded two-year ban from footballSuspension ends in 2025 after 'starting' in 2023WHAT HAPPENED?

The 27-year-old forward, who has 18 caps for Brazil, was handed a two-year ban from football after a court's ruling on Monday, per . Barbosa, more commonly known as Gabigol, was found to have committed "fraud or attempted fraud of any part of the control process" of doping. This means that the striker was found to have made it difficult to carry out anti-doping tests, even if those were found to be negative.

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Those deliberate efforts to evade testing were revealed in Monday's ruling. notes that Gabigol was the only player to delay taking an anti-doping test on April 8, 2023. When he eventually took said examination, he was found to ignore procedures and instructions, treating the team involved with disrespect. Seven witnesses gave testimony in Monday's trial, as well as Gabigol, with the eventual vote going 5:4 against the Flamengo star.

WHAT FLAMENGO SAID

A statement released on Monday by Gabigol's employers read as follows: "Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, taking note of the result of the trial of its athlete Gabriel Barbosa, in the sense of applying a 2-year suspension sentence, until April 2025, by 5 votes for conviction and 4 for acquittal, goes public to say that it received the aforementioned decision with surprise and that it will assist the athlete in presenting an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), as it understands that there was no type of fraud, not even an attempt, to justify the punishment applied."

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As Flamengo's statement alludes to, Gabigol plans to appeal the decision. However, he could have been handed a harsher sentence, as notes a conviction for anti-doping fraud carries a maximum punishment of a four-year ban.

Manchester United are considering a move to bring an exciting right-back to the Premier League, according to a report that has emerged.

Man Utd's current right-backs

The Red Devils have Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot in that particular position as it stands, but there’s a chance that the former could be set to leave at some stage next year for at least one of two main reasons. The Old Trafford defender has missed the last five top-flight outings with a hamstring injury, showing he’s prone to spending time on the sidelines, and with his deal set to expire at the end of the season, Erik ten Hag could decide to cash in over the next few months so he doesn’t lose him for free next summer (Man Utd contracts).

Should he depart, Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries appears to have been highlighted as a potential replacement, but it’s not the first time that he’s been linked with a switch to the club having been a name that was mentioned as a target over the summer. The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell previously confirmed that the Netherlands international was being considered by Man Utd chiefs who initially viewed him as an upgrade to Wan-Bissaka, and if the following update is to be believed, the 27-year-old could be the subject of a second approach in January.

Man Utd interested in Denzel Dumfries

According to Calciomercato.it (via Sport Witness), Man Utd are keen on Denzel Dumfries. Inter Milan should “pay attention” to Ten Hag who knows his target “very well” from during his time in the Eredivisie, but he is set to face stiff competition for his signature from both Liverpool and Chelsea.

Dumfries has a current market value of €40m (£34m), but should he end up signing a new contract at the San Siro Stadium, it’s stated that his price tag could end up being even higher.

Denzel Dumfries' style of play

Whilst Dumfries is naturally a full-back, he’s much stronger in the offensive aspect of his game having posted five contributions, three assists and two goals, in nine appearances so far this season in the Serie A (Transfermarkt – Dumfries statistics).

The Rotterdam-born talent also currently ranks in the 99th percentile for attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area, which shows his ability to burst down the flank and dribble past his marker to create chances for himself and his fellow teammates in the final third (FBRef – Dumfries statistics).

Furthermore, Ten Hag’s target knows what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level having secured five trophies since the start of his career, so he could bring a much-needed winning mentality to the current squad who are already in M16.

Finally, Dumfries, who has been dubbed a “monster” by journalist Alan Rzepa, has the versatility to operate everywhere across the backline and even in two roles in the midfield, so overall, he could be a fantastic player for the manager to have at his disposal should he decide to pursue a deal in January.

Anderson admitted it had been a “long road” back to international colours following another back injury while Phillips fills the shoes of Martin Guptill

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Oct-2018Allrounder Corey Anderson and wicketkeeper-batsman Glenn Phillips have been added to New Zealand’s T20I squad for the series against Pakistan.The pair are currently part of the New Zealand A squad in the UAE and will play the two remaining one-day matches against Pakistan A before linking up with the main squad.Positions in the New Zealand squad had been left vacant when it was initially announced with a view to filling the roles based on performances for the A side.Phillips, who has played eight T20Is, gets his chance after injury ruled Martin Guptill out of the series. He scored two half-centuries in the T20 series against Pakistan A last week.New Zealand T20I squad

Kane Williamson (capt), Corey Anderson, Mark Chapman, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips, Seth Rance, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor

Anderson’s call-up means he is closing in on his first international appearance since last year’s Champions Trophy having had to recover from further back problems. He recently confirmed he would be focusing purely on white-ball cricket in a bid to be selected for next year’s World Cup and is starting to increase his bowling workloads with 8.3 overs in the first one-day game against Pakistan A.Anderson impressed with Somerset during his spell at the T20 Blast earlier this year scoring 514 runs although his returns for New Zealand A across the T20s and first one-day against Pakistan have been a less prolific 16, 0, 22 and 38.”It’s obviously been a long road back and after the surgery there were some long tedious days,” Anderson said. “But this is what the rehab is for and to be picked again is a great feeling.”It’s the first time I’ve bowled close to 10 overs in about three years and touch wood it all went well. It’s nice to be back bowling, feeling no pain and doing everything again.”New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said: “Corey and Glenn are in good form and have performed well in the local conditions over the past couple of weeks. They obviously bring plenty of firepower, but their versatility will also give the squad the desired balance.”Despite Martin Guptill being ruled out, we’ve decided to name just two rather than three additional players, taking the squad to 13. We’re confident that, with the As on the ground over there, we have adequate cover.”Additions to New Zealand’s ODI squad will be confirmed following the conclusion of the Pakistan A series on Friday.Meanwhile, Central Stags wicketkeeper Dane Cleaver has been called into the New Zealand A squad as cover for Tom Blundell who has suffered a groin strain. Blundell is part of the Test squad for the series against Pakistan in November and it is hoped he will have recovered in time for the second first-class match against Pakistan A.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United is pending, and it looks as if the Ineos founder could make big changes at Old Trafford, with two club officials at risk of losing their job.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe update at Man Utd

Ratcliffe appears to have won the race ahead of Sheikh Jassim when it comes to a Man Utd takeover saga, with the British businessman set to take a 25 per cent stake in the club in a deal worth £1.25bn. Recent reports have claimed that Ratcliffe will then personally invest £245m into the club, although those funds will go towards physical infrastructure rather than being invested in playing staff.

Key Man Utd takeover updates

Date

Glazers put club up for sale

November 2022

Ratcliffe and Jassim make bids

February 2023

Glazers split on a sale

February 2023

Ratcliffe and Jassim make second bids

March 2023

Ratcliffe and Jassim make third bids

April 2023

Ratcliffe and Jassim make fourth bids

May 2023

Jassim makes fifth bid

June 2023

Jassim withdraws from process

October 2023

Ratcliffe set to take 25 per cent stake

October 2023

When it comes to sporting decisions, it has been claimed that Ratcliffe has plans to sack Erik ten Hag and replace him with Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi. However, Ten Hag may not be the only person whose job is at risk following the pending arrival of Ratcliffe, with a significant update now emerging from Old Trafford.

According to chief writer for The Manchester Evening News, Samuel Luckhurst, Ratcliffe has held new extensive talks with Joel Glazer on a video call ahead of the deal to invest in the club. He said that “potential changes to United's structure, including possible personnel changes”, were discussed, with the futures of chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough thought to be at risk.

Richard Arnold and John Murtough

Arnold first joined Man Utd back in 2007 as a group commercial director and has gone on to climb the Old Trafford ladder since. He landed a seat on the Red Devils board, overseeing sponsorship contracts such as the one with Adidas and then took over from Ed Woodward as chief executive officer last year. (Richard Arnold Man Utd profile – The Sun)

Meanwhile, Murtough has also held various roles at Old Trafford, the first of which was academy manager back in 2013. He then went on to director of development before taking over as director of football in 2021. Recently, Paul Mitchell has been linked as the top Man Utd target to come in and take over from Murtough, with the latter and Arnold looking to convince Ratcliffe over their roles just last month.

However, it looks as if that may not succeed, and it appears as if Ratcliffe will pull no punches when it comes to making some bold off-field decisions, potentially making a real statement of intent by axing two long-term figures in Manchester.

Alisha Lehmann reported for Switzerland duty ahead of their upcoming Euro 2025 qualifying games in a 4×4 and wearing a fresh beige and white outfit.

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Lehmann arrives for international dutySwitzerland to play two gamesForward set for 50th capWHAT HAPPENED?

Footage captured by Swiss outlet included Lehmann arriving at the team hotel alongside Amira Arfaoui, long-time friend and former team-mate in the youth ranks at BSC YB Frauen.

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With 2023-24 proving to be a tough challenge for Aston Villa in the WSL, Lehmann had already shared her excitement ahead of linking up with the Switzerland squad for this month's internationals against Turkey and Azerbaijan. Switzerland are confusingly taking part in the Euro 2025 qualifying process despite already being guaranteed a place at the tournament as hosts. However, that is because it also serves a purpose in determining the make-up of the various leagues for the next edition of the Women's Nations League in 2025-26.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LEHMANN?

Lehmann is one game away from her 50th appearance for Switzerland and should achieve it against either Turkey or Azerbaijan. After this international break, the 25-year-old will then return to Villa in the hope of a strong end to the season. The club sit seventh in the WSL table but face an uphill battle to move into the top half before the campaign finishes, with title challengers Chelsea and Manchester City still to face in the final four games. She remains under contract with Villa until 2026.

Sunderland are aiming for a return to the Premier League, the Black Cats hopeful of completing this mission after a positive start in the Championship this season after 16 games played.

Winning eight of their 16 contests so far, Tony Mowbray's youthful side have the ability in their ranks to brush aside opponents with relative ease – beating Birmingham City 3-1 in their last match at home, 18-year-old midfield sensation Jobe Bellingham leading from the front with a goal against his former boyhood club.

In that same win at the weekend just gone, a cameo appearance from another exciting young talent off the bench helped the Black Cats get over the line and secure a convincing three points at the expense of Wayne Rooney's dire Blues.

Adil Aouchiche wowed home supporters with his electric 16-minute spell on the Stadium of Light turf when introduced into the contest, the young French midfielder now pushing for more immediate first-team opportunities subsequently.

Adil Aouchiche's game vs Birmingham in numbers

Substituted onto the pitch by Mowbray to replace the flagging midfield presence of Bellingham who was exhausted after running himself into the ground for the Black Cats, Aouchiche was just the injection of freshness Sunderland needed to ensure Birmingham didn't get back into the contest and instead romped home to a 3-1 victory.

With just 14 touches on the ball as per Sofascore, Aouchiche was levels above the hapless Birmingham defenders trying to contain him – the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder taking the Blues backline by surprise, especially when he scored just two minutes after being afforded a chance to positively impact the game with the clock ticking down.

Getting on the end of a Jack Clarke driven pass into the area after Sunderland's star-man had got the better of the opposing full-back, the ex-PSG midfielder tapped home into an empty net to consolidate the three points for his new employers and excite the home supporters with his short but sweet cameo appearance.

Aouchiche could be an effective calling card from off the bench by Mowbray in these crunch contests when the opposition are tiring, Sunderland's new number 22 an instant hero with this game-clinching contribution which saw the Durham-based club enter the playoff picture as a result – climbing up to sixth spot on goal difference off the back of the win, with West Brom and Hull City lingering just below.

This wasn't just a promising performance in isolation however for Aouchiche, with the 21-year-old equally as impressive off the bench this campaign in other Championship encounters for his promotion-chasing side.

Adil Aouchiche's season in numbers

Only averaging 22 minutes per game according to Sofascore this campaign having not started a single game, Aouchiche is the very definition of an impact player for Sunderland and has even been labelled as a "special talent" by football journalist Josh Bunting despite not cementing himself into the first team fold just yet.

Up against Stoke City before the victory at the Stadium of Light against Birmingham, the Frenchman nearly played the role of saviour again for his team but to no avail.

The Black Cats would lose out to the Potters 2-1, but Aouchiche would attempt three shots on Mark Travers' goal from just 15 minutes on the pitch via Sofascore – amassing an overall 7.3 Sofascore rating as a result, the new Black Cats recruit then bettering this display with a goal versus the Blues.

His midfield teammates in Alex Pritchard and Pierre Ekwah will be sweating about their first-team futures if the 21-year-old keeps this up with Sunderland striking gold by signing this 21-year-old brimming full of swagger and confidence.

Manchester United dropped points yet again, however, Erik ten Hag praised Harry Maguire for having played through despite a first-half injury.

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Man Utd draw 2-2 against BournemouthMaguire picked up injury in first halfTen Hag reveals defender decided to play onGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils' trip to the Vitality Stadium failed to bear fruit as they travelled back with just a solitary point after having fallen behind twice during the proceedings. After the match, Ten Hag revealed that Maguire had picked up an injury in the first half but decided to play through the pain barrier amid a major injury crisis in defence for the Red Devils.

AdvertisementWHAT TEN HAG SAID

Speaking after the match to the media, Ten Hag said [via ManUtd.com]: "One thing was Harry Maguire had an issue in the first half and for us, he overcame [it].

"During the game, he recovered from it and you see in the second half, he was up there and then he can express his leadership, he can express his defending qualities and his [ability] on the ball.

"We needed that in this back four, we lost some balls in areas we shouldn’t lose them. For instance, the first goal, the setup was good, but in that area, you should never lose the ball."

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The 2-2 draw against Bournemouth was yet another calamitous showing from Manchester United's defensive setup as they conceded a total of 20 shots at Andre Onana's goal. They have now faced a shocking 20 or more shots in nine of their last 10 matches in the Premier League as per Squawka, and have also conceded a total of 565 shots this season. Part of the blame can be shifted on the fact that Ten Hag has not had a stable backline through the last few months due to his defenders' injury issues. He currently has Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans unavailable for selection.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MAGUIRE?

Ten Hag's comments about Maguire's apparent injury would have forced some tension onto Man Utd fans, however, the Dutchman also revealed that Maguire had recovered from the knock in the second half and will likely be available for their FA Cup semi-final clash against Coventry City on April 21.

A torrential downpour on the Gold Coast dampened the mood before South Africa inflicted Australia’s third loss in four matches

The Report by Alex Malcolm17-Nov-2018A torrential downpour on the Gold Coast dampened the mood before South Africa inflicted Australia’s third loss in four matches to leave the home side down right miserable.Australia have now lost their last four T20Is and five of the last six on top of losing a one-day and Test series in between times.The rain reduced the game to a 10 overs-a-side on a surface at Metricon Stadium that was hosting international cricket for the first time.South Africa coped with the unknowns of the conditions and the pitch better than their opponents, piling on 108 in 10 overs thanks to a power-packed Powerplay from Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks.Australia’s chase drowned under the scoreboard pressure. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi built the pressure before Chris Morris delivered the knock-out blow in the third over removing D’Arcy Short and Chris Lynn and Australia never recovered.Rain, rain go awayMetricon Stadium on the Gold Coast had set itself for its first international cricket match, just seven months after hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games. But a deluge of rain pre-game, 18 millimetres in total, nearly ensured the match never started. Fortunately, the heavy rain cell passed due to strong winds. The game did start after a delay of nearly two hours, with the playing conditions changing to 10 overs per side, two overs maximum for each bowler, with a three over Powerplay.Pace gets burntAustralia opted for an all specialist pace attack, leaving out Adam Zampa and relying on the part-time spin of Glenn Maxwell and Short. They paid a price in the three-over Powerplay. Jason Behrendorff, Billy Stanlake and Nathan Coulter-Nile were clubbed for 42 in three overs. de Kock and Hendricks feasted on the shorter lengths and inconsistent lines that were offered before Hendricks holed out from the second last ball of the Powerplay. Finch turned to spin post Powerplay and it put the brakes on. Maxwell and Short bowled the next three overs for 28 runs and it could have been far less with a bit of luck. Maxwell had de Kock stumped and should have had du Plessis stumped as well and numerous mis-hits fell safely into the gaps.Chris Morris cleaned up Chris Lynn with a superb yorker•Getty ImagesMaxwell’s catchThe innings changed with du Plessis’ dismissal. With 3.1 overs left South Africa had a score of 120 on offer. Du Plessis hammered Stanlake to deep midwicket. Very few fielders in the world could have saved six let alone completed the catch. Maxwell leapt high and took the catch at full stretch above his head while momentum carried him over the rope. He threw the ball up just before his left foot hit the ground over the rope, he balanced, got back inside the rope and made the end result look exceptionally simple despite the incredible degree of difficulty. Coulter-Nile and Andrew Tye then closed the innings brilliantly conceding just 24 runs from the last 18 balls and claiming three wickets with some well-executed slower balls.The old-fashioned yorkerLynn opened the innings in the shortened chase and held the key. He was missed fourth ball of the innings at deep square when Hendricks misjudged a catch that sailed over his head and landed inside the rope. Finch was tied down by some strategic straight bowling and was clean bowled by Ngidi. Short fell first ball picking out cover off Morris. But Lynn is capable of anything. Morris, in his first match of the tour, delivered the perfect yorker. It was fast and straight, tailing in a touch, it slid under Lynn’s bat and crashed into middle. Australia slumped to 3 for 27 at the end of the Powerplay and never recovered. Morris was magnificent taking 2 for 12 from two overs with almost flawless execution throughout. Tabraiz Shamsi bowled very well claiming 1 for 12 from his two overs of left-arm wrist spin and earned the Man of the Match award. Maxwell tried in vain to chase the target down making 38 from 23 balls, which was remarkable in itself as he faced three consecutive dots from Morris while he struggled to keep his shape trying to clear the rope.