Clayton Kershaw Shared Sweet Moment With Family After Dodgers’ World Series Win

It was an emotional night all around for Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw.

Not only did he capture his second World Series title, but his MLB career officially came to an end as he’s set to retire from baseball after the season. What a way to go out.

As the Dodgers were celebrating their World Series title on the field at Rogers Centre, Kershaw’s family ran out to tackle him with hugs. Kershaw’s wife Ellen and their four children all shared hugs with the 37-year-old pitcher, and they celebrated by jumping up and down and clapping for him. The sweet moment is now going viral on social media, understandably.

The celebrations continued for the three-time Cy Young award winner after this moment as he got to lead his team of 18 seasons in their champagne celebration in the locker room.

“It’s an absolute honor to be in this clubhouse with you guys,” Kershaw said. “I love every single one of you. I can’t imagine a better way to go out than to pop bottles with this group of guys. We’re back-to-back champs!”

The entire postseason was emotional for Kershaw. He said goodbye to his Dodger Stadium after Game 5 of the World Series, which the Dodgers lost 6-1. He had a heartwarming moment with his family on the field then, too. It’s clear Kershaw’s family means a lot to him.

Kershaw only pitched in 2.1 innings during the Dodgers’ postseason run this year. He appeared briefly in one inning during the marathon Game 3 of the World Series that went to 18 innings. In his two playoff game appearances, he gave up six hits, four earned runs and two home runs.

How Mets Can Replace Pete Alonso at First Base

The Mets were dealt a major blow to their offseason plans after slugging first baseman Pete Alonso agreed to spurn New York and sign a five-year contract with the Orioles in free agency.

The contract will pay Alonso $155 million, $31 million per season, and runs through the 2030 campaign. It’s the second time in as many days that the Mets lost out on one of their own free agents, following Edwin Díaz’s decision to join the Dodgers instead of returning to Queens.

There’s no way to sugarcoat it. If you’re a Mets fan, losing Alonso stings. Badly.

But that’s baseball, and now Steve Cohen & Co. will need to scour the market for a replacement, whether it be via a free agency signing of their own or potentially swinging a trade to find a new everyday first baseman. With that in mind, let’s explore some potential fits for the Mets at first base following Alonso’s departure.

Pete Alonso replacements for Mets this offseasonSign Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger could be a free agent option for the Mets. / Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Bellinger has played more outfield than first base in his career, but he’s still played 350 games at first in his career. And in terms of prowess at the plate, he may be the closest available option to Alonso that the Mets can realistically pursue. He doesn’t boast the same power stroke, but he’s an excellent hitter who is more than capable of handling first base duties.

Last year with the Yankees, Bellinger slashed .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs. Could he be the next player to shed his pinstripes and make the cross-city move to Queens?

Trade for Yandy Díaz

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz could be a Mets trade target this offseason. / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

If the Rays opt to move on from Yandy Díaz, the Mets could suddenly find themselves as a logical destination. Díaz and Alonso are pretty different in terms of what they provide. While Alonso swings for the fences, Díaz excels at getting on base and hitting for contact. He slashed .300/.386/.482 last season and launched a career-high 25 home runs to go with 83 RBIs. Díaz has recorded a bWAR of 3.4 or higher in three of the last four seasons.

Díaz, 34, is due $12 million in 2026 and has a conditional club option worth $10 million for the 2027 season. It’s an inexpensive deal, considering his production, and if New York is willing to move some pieces to land him, they’d have another quality hitter in the lineup.

Sign Munetaka Murakami

Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami is heading to MLB / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Munetaka Murakami, 25, is heading to MLB from the NPB, and he could be an intriguing option for teams looking to beef up their lineup with some power. He plays third base and first base primarily, and is coming off a strong season for the Yakult Swallows in which he had an OPS of 1.051 and 25 home runs in 69 games.

It’s unclear how he’ll fare against the superior pitching in MLB, but if he’s able to provide even half of that power at the plate in the U.S., he would be a great addition for any team. After losing out on Alonso, Murakami could be a viable fit in Queens.

Sign Ryan O’Hearn

Ryan O’Hearn is a free agent after making his first-ever All-Star Game last year. / Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

O’Hearn had a solid season last year, splitting time between the Padres and Orioles. In 144 games, he had 17 home runs and a .803 OPS, doing enough to make his first-ever trip to the All-Star Game. O’Hearn, 32, is a talented left-handed hitter who can shuffle between right field and first base. While he’s not as gifted a power hitter as Alonso, he’s a good all-around batter who’s recorded a batting average of .280 or higher in two of the last three seasons.

Trade for Christian Walker

Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker has two years and $40 million left on his contract. / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Christian Walker’s first year with the Astros was not too successful. He recorded a career-low batting average (.238) and had his second-worst OPS (.717), despite hitting 27 home runs and driving in 88 RBIs. His 0.2 bWAR was the worst mark of his career in any season in which he played more than 57 games, and his strikeout rate went way up to 27.7%.

In the three previous seasons before ‘25, Walker had a .813 OPS with 95 home runs and 281 RBIs across 447 games. The talent is there, even if he didn’t put his best foot forward in Houston. Could the Mets swing a trade for the remaining two years and $40 million left on his contract? A change of scenery could be exactly what Walker needs to return to form, and if he can produce like he did from 2022 to ‘24, he’d be a great addition to the Mets’ lineup.

Sign Paul Goldschmidt

Veteran first base Paul Goldschmidt has been linked to the Mets in free agency. / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Another player—and former Yankee—the Mets could potentially entertain signing as a replacement for Alonso would be the veteran Paul Goldschmidt. The 38-year-old is back on the open market after a one-year stint in the Bronx, during which he logged a .731 OPS and hit 10 home runs across 146 games.

Goldschmidt, at this stage of his career, wouldn’t be the flashiest addition. He plays about league-average defense and no longer possesses the same power at the plate he previously did, but he’s as experienced as they come and could still be a regular contributor in the back-end of the Mets’ lineup. The team has reportedly looked into Goldschmidt as a potential replacement for Alonso, though he’d certainly be a stopgap option at best, considering he’s at the tail end of his career.

Is Vaibhav Suryavanshi the youngest player to appear in the IPL?

And has the tournament ever seen another hat-trick of run outs before last week?

Steven Lynch22-Apr-2025Is Vaibhav Suryavanshi the youngest player to appear in the IPL? asked Mehmet Ahmet from India

Vaibhav Suryavanshi made his IPL debut last week for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur. And he made an explosive start: he drove his first ball, from the Test seamer Shardul Thakur, for six. In the next over, bowled by another Indian international, Avesh Khan, he lofted another six from the third ball he faced.If his published birth date (March 27, 2011) is correct, Suryavanshi would easily be the youngest IPL player so far, at 14 years 23 days. However, in an interview in 2023, he said he’d be celebrating his 14th birthday on September 27, 2023, which would make him 18 months older. That would still give him the record: the previous youngest IPL player was Prayas Ray Barman, who was 16 years 157 days old when he appeared for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Sunrisers in Hyderabad in 2019. Ray Barman’s debut was rather less stellar: his four overs cost 56, then he was out for 19 – and he hasn’t played in the IPL again.There was a hat-trick of run outs at the end of a recent IPL match. Has this happened before? asked Hussain Mahmoud from India

This unusual hat-trick came during the 19th over of Delhi Capitals’ chase against Mumbai Indians in Delhi last week. From 192 for 7, needing 14 to win off nine balls, Capitals lost Ashutosh Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohit Sharma off successive deliveries from Jasprit Bumrah, and the match was over. The first two were hairline decisions confirmed by TV replays, while the last was a direct hit by Mitchell Santner from mid-on.A hat-trick of run outs was a first for the IPL, but there are four previous known instances in other T20 matches (note that we don’t have full details for some games). The first came during Faisalabad Wolves’ innings against Multan Tigers in Karachi in 2011; there were four run outs in the last over. This was followed by Assam against Tripura in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Kolkata in 2014, Amo Sharks against Speen Ghar Tigers in Kabul in 2019, and Barisal against Khulna in Sylhet in Bangladesh in 2024 (the last three balls of the match, to give Khulna a one-run win).Has the captain in a Test ever been the youngest member of the team? asked Derek Johnstone from England

This happened for the first time in Bridgetown in 1962, when 21-year-old Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi was the youngest member of India’s side against West Indies. He’d taken over after an injury to the tour captain, Nari Contractor. In all, Pataudi captained in five Tests in which he was the youngest player in the team, a record later broken by Sachin Tendulkar, who did it six times.The others to have been the youngest player in a Test XI they captained are Javed Miandad (twice), Kapil Dev (once), Hansie Cronje (four times) and Graeme Smith (three). Smith’s total includes leading the World XI in the one-off Super Series Test against Australia in Sydney in 2005.If Sam Curran is called up by England for the forthcoming Test against Zimbabwe, he will probably line up against his brother Ben. Have brothers ever been on opposite sides in a Test before? asked Jeremy West from England

Sam Curran last played a Test match nearly four years ago, against India at Headingley in August 2021. It therefore seems unlikely – but obviously not impossible – that Sam will line up opposite his older brother Ben Curran in England’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe, which is due to start at Trent Bridge on May 22.There’s only one previous instance of brothers facing each other in a Test match: in Cape Town in 1892, Alec and George Hearne played for England, while their brother Frank represented South Africa. England also included their cousin, Jack Hearne.Two other pairs of brothers appeared for different countries in Tests, but not against each other: Harry Trott played for Australia, and his brother Albert for both England and Australia, while more recently Darren Pattinson won one cap for England and his brother James played 21 Tests for Australia.When Jofra Archer went for 76 in the opening game of the IPL, he managed only one dot ball. Has anyone ever bowled four overs without any dots at all? asked Bam Bahadur Chaudhary from Nepal

The misfortunes of Jofra Archer were examined in this column a couple of weeks ago, after he conceded an IPL-record 76 runs in his four overs for Rajasthan Royals against Sunrisers in Hyderabad in the opening round of this year’s competition.You’re right that he sent down only one dot ball during that expensive spell. That turns out to equal the IPL record: no one has yet managed no dots at all in the full four overs. There had been four previous instances of just one dot out of 24: by slow left-armer Jamaluddin Syed Mohammad for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Mumbai Indians in Mumbai in 2013, Brad Hogg for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Daredevils in Delhi in 2016, R Ashwin for Kings XI Punjab vs Sunrisers in Mohali in 2018, and Pat Cummins for Sunrisers vs RCB in Hyderabad in 2024.Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team helped with some of the above answers.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski Gets Surprise All-Star Nod After Cubs Pitcher Bows Out

Almost as soon as pitcher Jacob Misiorowski debuted, Milwaukee Brewers fans presumably began thinking ahead to the fireballer's first All-Star Game.

Turns out they didn't have to wait long. Misiorowski has been named to the National League All-Star team as a replacement for Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd, Major League Baseball announced in a Friday night shocker.

Misiorowski, 23, is the fastest player ever to make an MLB All-Star Game by number of games played. That designation was previously held by Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, who made the All-Star team after just 11 games in 2024.

In five career starts, Misiorowski is 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings.

He's coming off a blockbuster outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who he beat 3–1 Tuesday with 12 srikeouts across six innings of one-run ball. He is also not scheduled to pitch again before the All-Star break.

Boyd, scheduled to pitch Saturday, would've been making his first All-Star appearance at the age of 34.

IPL 2026: Full list of player trades

Find out which player has moved to what team

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Nov-2025

Sanju Samson is headed to Chennai Super Kings•BCCI

Sanju Samson: Traded to Chennai Super Kings from Rajasthan Royals in exchange of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam CurranShardul Thakur: Traded to Mumbai Indians from Lucknow Super Giants for INR 2 croreSherfane Rutherford: Traded to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans for INR 2.6 croreArjun Tendulkar: Traded to Lucknow Super Giants from Mumbai Indians for INR 30 lakhMohammed Shami: Traded to Lucknow Super Giants from Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 10 croreMayank Markande: Traded to Mumbai Indians from Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 30 lakhNitish Rana: Traded to Delhi Capitals from Rajasthan Royals for INR 4.2 croreDonovan Ferreira: Traded to Rajasthan Royals from Delhi Capitals for INR 1 crore

All-round Gardner sparks Sixers to another win

Both Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars are currently on 11 points, only behind Hobart Hurricanes

AAP03-Dec-2025

Ash Gardner starred with three wickets after scoring a fifty•Getty Images

Less than a fortnight after Sydney Sixers were mauled by Melbourne Stars, they have won the return bout to continue their late-season WBBL surge.Ash Gardner starred with her highest score in the league for more than two years, as well as taking three wickets, in the 16-run win on Wednesday at Drummoyne Oval. The Sixers improved to equal-second in the standings with Stars, and have a game in hand.On November 20, Stars great Meg Lanning unleashed a batting masterclass against Sixers, and her 135 remains the top score of the season. But since that heavy loss, Sixers are on a three-game winning streak, with one no-result. By contrast, Stars have lost their past two matches to fall three points behind top side Hobart Hurricanes.After Sixers won the toss on Wednesday, Gardner headlined their innings with a quickfire 50 from 31 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes. It was her highest WBBL score since October 2023.Maia Bouchier’s 67 went in a losing cause•Getty Images

Opener Sophia Dunkley contributed 41 and Sixers reached a healthy 164 for 5.Stars looked shot when Gardner trapped Lanning lbw for just eight, leaving them 30 for 4.Enter Maia Bouchier, playing her first game of the WBBL season as a replacement for Marizanne Kapp. Bouchier combined with Kim Garth for a fifth-wicket stand of 82 that put Stars back in the hunt.After Gardner dismissed Garth for 17, Dani Gibson immediately hit three fours and suddenly the pressure was on Sixers.Stars were 131 for 5 in the 18th over when Bouchier rifled a low drive off Mady Villiers and Lauren Cheatle took an outstanding catch at cover. With Bouchier out for a match-high 67 from 40 balls, and Gibson dismissed in the next over for 17, Sixers could breathe again.Stars reached 148 for 8 as Gardner snared 3 for 31 from four overs.Sixers will close out the regular season against Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers, while Stars will play Sydney Thunder.

Harry Kane to partner Erling Haaland?! Bayern Munich striker urged to snub Barcelona for Man City transfer if he leaves Allianz Arena in 2026

Former Manchester City forward Shaun Wright-Phillips has urged Harry Kane to team up with Erling Haaland at Manchester City next season, should he decide to call curtains on his Bayern Munich career. The talismanic English striker's contract with the Bavarians runs until June 2027, but reports have claimed that he could depart Allianz Arena at the end of this season.

Kane and Haaland vying for the 2025-26 European Golden Shoe

The duo have made a blistering start to the 2025-26 season, scoring crucial – and plenty of – goals for their respective sides. Kane has beautifully led Bayern Munich's charge in the opening three months of the ongoing campaign, having already netted a staggering 24 goals in just 18 games for Die Roten across all competitions.   

In September, he became the quickest man in the history of Europe's top five leagues to reach the milestone of a century of goals for a single club, taking 104 games to achieve the feat. In the process, he toppled Cristiano Ronaldo and Haaland, both taking 105 games for Real Madrid and Manchester City, respectively.  

Kane's ridiculous form in front of goal has played a big part in Vincent Kompany's side breaking AC Milan's record of 13 consecutive wins at the start of the 1992-93 season, as Bayern went on to win 16 in a row before being halted by Union Berlin following a 2-2 draw.  

On the other hand, Haaland's importance to this City side cannot be understated. The Norwegian has already breached the 30-goal mark for both club and country, 19 of those coming under the orders of Pep Guardiola in the sky blue of City. His absence was sorely felt against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, as the German outfit pulled off a shock 2-0 win against a City side that didn't have the services of Haaland and several other regulars from the beginning. 

That said, the form of both Kane and Haaland has been imperious since the season kicked off. They, along with Kylian Mbappe, have become the early frontrunners in the race for the 2025-26 European Golden Shoe, scoring 14 league goals each. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportKane urged to team-up with Haaland

Former Premier League winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, who spent nine years with City, believes that Kane and Haaland could coexist at the Etihad Stadium next season and beyond, thus urging the former to return to the Premier League instead of the speculated move to Barcelona in Spain.   

"If you were Harry Kane you could win more silverware at Barcelona, or Real Madrid, why would you turn that down?" he told

"But if he wants that record in the Premier League, then I think Manchester City would welcome him with open arms. I think even if they only play with one striker, they can rotate with Erling Haaland. I think both players would accept that as long as they were winning trophies.   

"More than that, I think they can play together, because Kane is an exceptional No.10 too, and it would free Haaland up. As soon as Kane has the ball and turns. Haaland would be running in behind and Kane would find him." 

Kane has no interest in leaving Bayern Munich

Earlier this season, dropped a bombshell by claiming that Kane has a 'secret' €65 million (£57m/$76m) release clause inserted into his Bayern contract, which runs until June 2027. For the clause to take effect, though, the 32-year-old is required to inform the club’s executives at Sabener Straße of his desire to depart by the end of January 2026.

Despite the reports, Kane seems to be pretty relaxed, even admitting that he is open to considering extending his stay at the Allianz Arena beyond 2027. "I have almost two years left. It’s not like I’m in the final year of my contract and anyone is panicking," he told reporters in September. "I’m fine. The club is fine. I think they’re happy with me, and I’m happy with them. Those discussions can take place.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPBarcelona consider Kane to be the ideal Lewandowski replacement

Barcelona are set to undergo a big summer of squad changes at the end of the season. Robert Lewandowski, whose contract with the Catalans will end next summer, has one foot out of the Camp Nou as things stand. 

The prevailing speculation, then, is that the reigning La Liga champions are determined to pull out all the stops in their pursuit of Kane, whom they view as the ideal successor to the ageing Pole. Moreover, his €65m release clause is believed to fall within the financial reach of a club carrying one of the largest debt burdens in world football. 

As for Kane, he isn't entertaining any suggestions of a potential move to Barcelona or elsewhere. "I haven't had any contact with anyone, nobody has contacted me," he told recently. "I feel very comfortable in the current situation, even though we haven't yet discussed my situation with Bayern. 

"There's no rush. I'm really happy in Munich. You can see that in the way I'm playing. If there's contact, then we'll see. But I'm not thinking about the new season yet. First up is the World Cup in the summer. And it's very unlikely that anything will change after this season."

On whether Bayern fans should be worried about his future at the club, he responded: "I don't think so."

Kuldeep takes four as India skittle UAE for 57

India began their Asia Cup title defence by making short work of UAE’s batting, bowling the hosts out for 57 in just 13.1 overs. UAE came into this match on the back of encouraging displays against Pakistan and Afghanistan in the tri-series they recently hosted, but all that promise came to nothing against the relentless quality of India’s bowling.Related

  • Gill and Abhishek begin new chapter in old bromance

UAE began well enough, all things considered, scoring 41 for 2 in their powerplay with openers Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem hitting six fours and a six between them. They fell apart thereafter, losing their last eight wickets for the addition of just ten runs.Jasprit Bumrah – India’s only specialist quick – and Varun Chakravarthy took the first two wickets, but the bulk of the damage thereafter came courtesy two bowlers who had looked less than certain to play in the lead-up to this match. Kuldeep Yadav picked up 4 for 7, including three wickets in his second over, and Shivam Dube ran through the lower order to bag 3 for 4, his best T20I figures.To their credit, UAE did not let the loss of two powerplay wickets curb their intent, but on this day they kept losing wickets to low-percentage shots. Rahul Chopra took on the large outfield at the Dubai International Stadium and the protected long-on boundary and holed out off Kuldeep. Waseem followed him to the dressing room three balls later, missing a sweep against a bowler whose stock ball, straightening into the right-hander from left-arm over, is stump-to-stump by design. Kuldeep finished the over with a trademark wrong’un to bowl the left-handed Harshit Kaushik through the gate, and UAE were already five down.India used six bowlers, and five of them ended up on the wickets column, with Bumrah – who bowled three overs in the powerplay, a rarity for him – Varun and Axar Patel taking one each. Dube, playing ahead of a second frontline quick to give India batting depth until No. 8, couldn’t help but take wickets with his medium-pace, even when India gave them back. No. 10 Junaid Siddique was given out stumped when Sanju Samson caught him wandering out of his crease, a la Jonny Bairstow, but India withdrew their appeal. Next ball, Junaid swung at a slower ball and skewed it to India captain Suryakumar Yadav, the man who had made that call.

Rew brothers steer Somerset to victory with century stand

James Rew scores unbeaten ton batting with younger brother, Thomas, for first time in senior match

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay06-Aug-2025

Brothers James Rew and Thomas Rew staged a century stand•Getty Images

Somerset brothers James and Thomas Rew combined in a dominant century partnership to steer Somerset to a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Middlesex at Radlett and get their county’s Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign off to a winning start.Batting together for the first time in senior cricket, James struck a magnificent unbeaten 106 from 90 balls (15 fours), while younger brother Thomas displayed his big-hitting form from the recent England Under 19s series. His 51 from 54 balls with three fours and three sixes was his first senior half-century. But while he fell with 58 runs still required, his brother was there to steer the side home with 15 balls to spare.For Middlesex, Josh de Caires hit a fine 71 in 86 balls, his maiden List A half-century to lay the foundation for Middlesex’s total of 289 for 7.While he shared an opening stand of 63 with Joe Cracknell (23), wickets fell at crucial times as Middlesex’s run rate slowed against tight Somerset bowling. It was new skipper Ben Geddes (40) who wrestled back the initiative before Jack Davies blazed a brilliant 64 during a fifth-wicket stand of 61 with Luke Hollman, 98 runs coming in the final 10 overs.Jake Ball, who also had two catches dropped off his bowling, finished with figures of 3 for 43, while Jack Leach took 3 for 47.Earlier, de Caires started confidently against Alfie Ogborne, cutting and pulling consecutive short balls and was strong on the drive too.Ball bowled a consistent probing line but was left frustrated during an excellent first over when two chances went down behind the wicket. Ben Green at wide first slip failed to hold a low chance offered by de Caires on 25, while keeper James Rew put down a regulation catch off Cracknell on 15.Ball and Green kept things tight, challenging the stumps with the scoring rate slowing significantly, just 23 runs coming in nine overs. Feeling the pressure, Cracknell flashed outside off-stump to Ball, Green making no mistake as he took a slip catch above his head.Finally, de Caires got one away, driving through midwicket, the first boundary for seven overs. Shackles released, he came down the pitch to dispatch Green for six before reaching his fourth consecutive half-century after three Championship fiftiesIt was Leach who made a double breakthrough. First, he got one to grip and turn to take the edge of Sam Robson’s bat, then, while the sweep had proved effective for de Caires, the reverse sweep proved his undoing. The Middlesex opener was adjudged lbw, leaving him frustrated as replays suggested the ball struck glove rather than pad.Geddes picked up the mantle, cutting and pulling dismissively. He picked a delivery from Ball off his hip for six as Middlesex’s rate climbed back above five but was caught attempting a big shot against Leach.Davies was soon on the charge, collecting two sixes as he slog-swept Archie Vaughan and hooked Green into the pavilion before smashing three boundaries over the covers.Ball broke the partnership, castling Hollman (21) as he dragged on and having Davies excellently caught by a diving Vaughan at long-on. Toby Roland-Jones was last to go, caught in the deep in the final over off Green.Middlesex strayed in line and length as Somerset openers Tom Lammonby (38) and Vaughan accumulated steadily, Lammonby clipping three boundaries stylishly off his legs.Noah Cornwell separated the pair, pushing one across Vaughan who edged to a diving Cracknell before Josh Little built steady pressure, finding consistent bounce and movement, eventually drawing Lammonby into the edge.Lewis Goldsworthy (38) took consecutive boundaries off wide deliveries from Little, while James Rew got off the mark swinging a Little free hit over the slips before stroking through midwicket. He cut a rare bad ball from Hollman to bring up the 50-partnership before Henry Brookes removed Goldsworthy as he deflected onto his stumps.The Rews settled into their work adding 107 in 16 overs, James showing beautiful timing as he gloriously drove Brookes before pulling Roland-Jones through midwicket. His brother drove nicely too but also dispatched Roland Jones for a big six.James cut Roland-Jones for consecutive boundaries and with Somerset passing 200 in the 36th over, Thomas audaciously reverse slog swept de Caires for six.Thomas pulled Hollman for another maximum to bring up the 100 partnership but with 60 needed off the last 10, he was caught pulling a short ball from Cornwell straight to midwicket.James though continued in the same vein before hitting two boundaries off Brookes to go to three figures and win the match.Josh Thomas (24) proved good support, winning a reprieve when he was dropped in the deep off Cornwell with 19 needed.

Thomas Frank may have just found Spurs’ new Mousa Dembele vs Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur responded in stoppage time to cancel out Newcastle United’s controversial late penalty at St. James’ Park and arrest their losing run.

It was more of the same in the first half, with Spurs unable to test the goalkeeper for the fourth successive game before the break. But as in Paris last week, Thomas Frank’s side showed fight after the break, and this was typified by Cristian Romero as he scored twice to secure a point.

Bruno Guimaraes opened the scoring, but Anthony Gordon’s spot kick was a contentious call, and Arsenal correspondent Charles Watt even commented on the “madness” in seeing it given.

But the captain’s contribution also saw Tottenham end a run of four losses to the Magpies, and it gives Frank a foundation to build on throughout December.

Cristian Romero leads the Spurs' fightback

Romero is among the most aggressive and tenacious players in the Premier League. He led by example on Tyneside, scoring both goals with a brave header and dramatic bicycle kick in the dying embers.

On his return from suspension, Romero reminded the fans of the dimension he adds when on the field and wearing the armband.

Defensively, the Argentina international was something of a mixed bag, though, only winning six of 13 contested duels across the evening and being skinned by Harvey Barnes for the winger’s chance.

However, the 27-year-old made five ball recoveries and five clearances, also blocking two shots. He led by example.

Romero’s heroics will secure the headlines this morning, but there was arguably a Spurs man in front of him who played an even more impressive game, point-sealing strikes aside.

Frank has found Spurs' new Mousa Dembele

In testing times this season, 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall has stepped up and looked like one of Tottenham’s most promising players, purposeful on the ball and combative in the challenge.

He’s still so young, but the teenager’s maturity and natural technical flair indicate a certain likeness to former Lilywhites star Mousa Dembele.

His heart and passion are clear to see, and as he polishes his natural skillset, he could emulate Dembele’s all-controlling role in Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield, earning him so many plaudits.

Newcastle were on the front foot for much of the game, but Bergvall helped repel the hosts throughout.

One Spurs podcast host even remarked that the Swedish talent was “a class above the rest in the first half”, effortless on the ball and tenacious in a way which hasn’t been matched by his teammates (barring Romero).

How often was this the case with Dembele? his elegance and physicality made him a unique midfielder, and it was his effortless dribbling that led Belgian teammate Kevin De Bruyne to call him “the best in the world” during his heyday.

Bergvall isn’t there yet, but he’s shining in a Tottenham team which, at times, appears allergic to positive attacking play, inviting pressure on themselves with poor passing.

However, the club’s never-say-die attitude was embodied by players like the skipper and Bergvall, with the Scandinavian star showing off both sides of his game by winning his tackle and succeeding with both attempts to carry the ball forward.

Minutes played

77′

Touches

28

Accurate passes

13/17 (76%)

Unsuccessful touches

3

Dribbles

2/2

Recoveries

2

Tackles

1/1

Clearances

1

Duels won

3/4

Football.london gave him a 7/10 post-match rating and acknowledged Bergvall’s intensity in pressing against the Newcastle engine room and providing plenty of energy to keep the spirited fightback focused.

Bergvall has some way to go before he could say he is on a level with Dembele at his Tottenham best, but this is the kind of profile and the kind of performance that Frank needs from his team to start playing with an exciting identity.

Richarlison upgrade: Spurs line up bid for "one of the best STs in Europe"

Tottenham have left plenty to be desired in the final third this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 2, 2025

Game
Register
Service
Bonus