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Manchester United’s need for a new striker has become even more evident after the last few outings, none more so than the meeting with Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday evening.

Although the Red Devils managed to get through on penalties in the clash at the Emirates, their lack of threat in the final third was notable, only managing to register four shots on target in 120 minutes of football.

Rasmus Hojlund was the man chosen to lead the line but failed to register a single effort on goal, also losing 100% of his duels, before being replaced in the 80th minute.

The Dane has now failed to score a single goal in seven matches across all competitions, undoubtedly contributing to the club’s lowly tally of just 23 goals in the first 20 matches of the Premier League campaign.

His subsequent run could see the hierarchy delve into the transfer market to try and improve the current situation, including one player who could prove to be a bargain down the line.

Man Utd target move for £30m star this January

According to one Spanish outlet, United have been credited with an interest in landing Sporting CP striker Conrad Harder before the end of the January window.

The 19-year-old only joined the Portuguese side in September but has wasted no time in impressing, scoring seven times in 23 appearances since his move.

The report states that the Liga Portugal side don’t want to lose the youngster, but could entertain offers in the region of €35m (£30m), potentially opening the door to a move to Old Trafford.

It would be a surprise to see Ruben Amorim raid his former club after his comments upon taking the reins at United, but Harder could provide an option in the short and long term in forward areas.

He would also provide an upgrade on another player who’s been touted with a move to the club in recent days, with the hierarchy needing to chase the Dane over a move for a big-money talent.

How Harder compares to Kolo Muani

PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani has been a name constantly touted with a move to join United this month, but the Old Trafford side face serious competition from the likes of Juventus and Spurs for his signature.

The Frenchman, who cost the Parisians £76m in the summer of 2023, has only started two Ligue 1 outings during the ongoing campaign, opening the door for a potential exit.

Amorim’s side have constantly been linked, but given the recent rumours over a move for youngster Harder, the club should put their focus into a move for the Sporting ace, who would be a better fit, whilst also having the potential to improve further.

Games played

19

10

Goals & assists

10

3

Progressive carries

2.1

2

Progressive passes

1.7

1.2

Shots taken

4.6

3.8

Carries into the final third

1.7

1

Goals per shot-on-target

0.4

0.2

The Danish international, who’s already been dubbed “the new Gyokeres” by one analyst, has outscored the PSG man, whilst also averaging a higher goal per shot on target rate – demonstrating his clinical edge in the final third.

Harder has also managed more progressive carries and passes per 90 in 2024/25, having the all-round attributes to star as a superb leading talisman for Amorim for many years to come.

£30m may seem like a hefty sum for a player who’s in the very early stages of his professional career, but his talent is there for all to see, already outperforming one of France’s leading attackers.

It would be a shrewd investment for the present and the future, handing the new boss with all of the tools to build on his impressive start to life as manager in Manchester.

Huge upgrade on Zirkzee: Man Utd actively chasing £50m "future superstar"

Man Utd need to back Ruben Amorim in the transfer market this month.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 14, 2025

Dani Olmo and Pau Victor will be registered to play for the rest of the season after Spain's High Sports Committee (CSD) ruled in Barcelona's favour.

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Olmo & Victor in registration issueLa Liga complained about duoBarcelona win registration caseFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to AS, both Barcelona players are free to play in the remainder of the season after CSD ruled in their favour. La Liga had argued the Blaugrana did not have the means to do so but the report states they didn't have the 'authority to cancel the licences of the players'.

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Barcelona's financial troubles are well known at this point and while this ruling is a temporary boost, the registration issues may merely be put on hold. This is because La Liga have put a salary limit on the Catalan outfit, ergo they will have to find a way of registering both again in the summer.

DID YOU KNOW?

Barcelona had hoped this registration issue would be a thing of the past after agreeing a deal to lease out 475 VIP seats at Camp Nou for 30 years in exchange for €100 million on December 31, 2024. Although they have recieved €57m (£47m/$61m) of the amount, La Liga decided not to count it in Barcelona’s salary cap calculations.

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Aside from off the pitch matters, table-topping Barcelona host Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday.

West Brom are now reportedly interested in hiring an “unbelievable” manager to come in and replace Carlos Corberan in The Hawthorns hot seat.

West Brom eyeing Corberan successor

The Corberan era with the Baggies has officially come to an end, with the Spaniard opting to take charge of La Liga side Valencia instead, in a job he ultimately found too difficult to turn down.

Now, it’s a case of West Brom finding the right person to come in and replace their former boss, ensuring that they remain right in the Championship promotion mix until the end of the season.

Plenty of names have already been mooted as potential options for the Baggies, with Liverpool first-team coach Johnny Heitinga a leading candidate to take charge and guide them to future successes. Whether the Dutchman is willing to leave Anfield so soon after coming in alongside Arne Slot remains to be seen, though.

Meanwhile, a reunion with Tony Mowbray has also been mooted, with the veteran manager out of work since leaving Birmingham City due to health reasons. It would be a decision that may divide the supporters, with some seeing him as a safe pair of hands and others maybe wanting a younger boss brought in.

West Brom keen on "unbelievable" manager

According to The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, West Brom are interested in making Mark Robins their next manager, following his surprise recent sacking by Coventry City.

He is “ready to return to management” and the Baggies are in the mix to hire him, as they look to ensure that they nail their next appointment. He has been described by a fellow contemporary as “the best manager in this league”.

Robins stands out as a good option for West Brom, with many left shocked at his recent firing, considering the job he did at Coventry, guiding them into the Championship and then the playoff final in the 2022/23 season.

Only a penalty shootout defeat to Luton Town prevented him from inspiring his side into the Premier League, and Shaun Derry has waxed lyrical over the job he did in the past, saying:

“You look at some of the teams in and around the top six, you know, there’s a lot of pressure on them teams, of course, to get into the Premier League, the promised land, it’s massive. But if you think about the job that Mark Robins has done, it’s absolutely unbelievable. Complete safe pair of hands at that football club, but now he’s got some brilliant players, young players, really aggressive plays in the final third, and that was a massive win today.”

Attacking 4-3-3 coach leading candidate to replace Corberan at West Brom

West Brom are on the hunt for a new manager.

ByBarney Lane Dec 27, 2024

Robins has caused West Brom problems in the past, picking up two wins in nine appearances against them, and his preferred 3-4-1-2 formation could get the best out of wing-backs and be an awkward system to come up against. He could soon be seen as a front-runner to take charge at The Hawthorns.

Niroshan Dickwella’s counter-attacking half-century and Ramesh Mendis’ double-strike keep Sri Lanka in the contest

Alex Malcolm29-Jun-2022Stumps Nathan Lyon roared again in Galle, returning to the site where it all began for him in 2011, to claim his 20th Test five-wicket haul and give Australia a slight edge on a chaotic first day of the first Test against Sri Lanka.Lyon claimed 5 for 90 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 212 after winning a crucial toss on a surface that spun sharply and had balls going through the top within the first hour of play. Usman Khawaja then made a fortuitous unbeaten 47 to guide Australia to stumps three down in a frantic final hour where Ramesh Mendis claimed two wickets and Steven Smith was run out after a mix-up.Niroshan Dickwella earlier made a pulsating 58 to top-score for Sri Lanka but missed two difficult stumping chances later on, including one off Khawaja.Mitchell Swepson also took his best figures in Test cricket, claiming 3 for 55, and was on a hat-trick at one stage, proving his worth as Australia’s second spinner after his place was in doubt in the lead-in to the Test match.Much like the impact Lyon made with his first ball in Test cricket in 2011, his first ball of the morning gave a clear indication of what was to follow. Called into the attack in just the sixth over of the match, Lyon’s first ball drifted into middle and leg from around the wicket, brought up a puff of dust after pitching, spun sharply past the edge, and bounced so prodigiously that it hit wicketkeeper Alex Carey in the grill of his helmet before he had a chance to get his gloves up. Carey had to do a mandatory concussion test despite having a wry smile on his face.Niroshan Dickwella brought out the sweep shot a number of times during his knock•AFP/Getty ImagesLyon bowled unchanged from that point until the 48th over despite being treated for back spasms from the Australian team physio several times during the morning. He went wicketless in the first session, but the pressure he created helped Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc make the only two breakthroughs before lunch with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis both edging behind playing loose strokes.Lyon’s reward came after lunch when he got the better of Dimuth Karunaratne after the Sri Lanka skipper had guided the team to the break at 68 for 2. Lyon got one to slide on and catch a thick inside edge, which ballooned off Karunaratne’s pad in front of square on the off side. David Warner, ever alert, dived forward from second slip at full stretch to catch it in his left hand.Swepson then produced two gems to double his Test tally. Having bowled 544 balls in Pakistan for just two wickets, he produced two legbreaks in two balls to leave Sri Lanka rattled.The first was at 87kph, drifting into middle and leg, and spinning sharply across Dhananjaya de Silva to catch his outside edge. The next ball was slower at 82kph, drifting into leg stump and spinning even more to catch a thicker edge off Dinesh Chandimal’s bat. It bounced off the outside of Carey’s gloves this time and ricocheted to Warner at second slip – Warner juggled it multiple times as he rolled on to his back, but eventually clutched the ball to his arm before it touched the ground.Dickwella then produced his counterattack to prevent Australia’s spinners from getting a run on. He walked out to face the hat-trick ball with Sri Lanka teetering at 97 for 5. But he decided attack was the best form of defence for him, unfurling a raft of high-quality sweeps, reverse sweeps and slog sweeps to reach an unbeaten half-century in just 42 balls. He took 14 from one Lyon over and never faced more than four dots in a row.He got good support initially from Angelo Mathews. But Lyon was able to eventually force a mistake with Warner taking a third superb catch at leg slip to dismiss Mathews for 39. Dickwella and Ramesh Mendis then added 54 for the seventh wicket. Sri Lanka reached tea at 191 for 6 having scored 123 runs in a rollicking second session.Steven Smith’s stay at the crease ended with a chaotic run-out•AFP/Getty ImagesBut the break halted Dickwella’s momentum. Save for an outrageous scoop over the keeper for four off Cummins, Dickwella faced eight dots in 12 balls as Lyon took control again. Lyon trapped Ramesh plumb in front, although he needed a review to overturn umpire Kumar Dharmasena’s not-out decision.Dickwella fell sweeping when Lyon changed the angle to over the wicket and Carey held a neat catch off a little bottom edge. Lyon’s fifth came via a stunning catch at mid-on from Khawaja, when he flew across to hold on to a well-struck swipe from Lasith Embuldeniya. Sri Lanka lost their last four wickets for 19 runs as debutant Jeffrey Vandersay holed out off Swepson to end the innings.Australia made a blistering start in reply with Warner pumping five boundaries in 24 balls. Sri Lanka had picked three specialist spinners but opened the bowling with their one quick and the part-time offspin of de Silva. Warner crunched back-to-back boundaries off Asitha Fernando to take him out of the attack after one over. He did the same to the left-arm orthodox of Embuldeniya before Karunaratne finally brought on his only specialist offspinner, Ramesh, in the fourth over to the two left-handers and the game changed. Khawaja was given out lbw to a ball that spun from outside leg but was able to overturn it on review. Warner wasn’t so fortunate, pinned in front by one that didn’t turn and beat his inside edge.Marnus Labuschagne tried to emulate Dickwella with sweeps and reverse sweeps but picked out the only man between mid-off and the keeper with an uncontrolled reverse to fall for 13.Labuschagne’s disbelief was only bettered by Smith’s when he fell. After a loud lbw shout against him off Ramesh was turned down, the ball rolled to the offside, and Khawaja and Smith started to run. But Khawaja sent Smith back very late and he was caught well short and left no one in any doubt as to his feelings about the dismissal. That should have been compounded had Dickwella taken either stumping chance off Khawaja or Head. But Ramesh produced two deliveries that bounced sharply above his gloves, as Lyon had done with his first ball of the day.

MLS NEXT made the groundbreaking announcement on Wednesday, as they look to promote development at the youth levels

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MLS NEXT unveils new quality of play rankingsAimed to promote youth developmentImplemented at U13, U14 levelsGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?

MLS NEXT has unveiled Quality of Play rankings for the U13 and U14 age groups for the first time, with an aim to focus on complete performance results of individuals and teams. The pilot program marks the first time both age groups will be ranked on this metric, rather than traditional rankings od win-draw-loss.

The Quality of Play rankings will be calculated via Taka's analytical formula that elevates gameplay, focusing on a club's offensive and defensive actions during a match.

“At Major League Soccer, one of our core objectives is to develop the next generation of talent to positively impact the professional game,” said MLS NEXT Technical Director Luis Robles. “For younger age groups, we prioritize their individual development over competition, though we acknowledge competition’s role in personal growth. This pilot program allows us to evaluate both team and individual performance, helping us track progress while providing more support for players to achieve their goals.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The implementation of the rankings is designed to promote development among younger age groups, rather than placing focus and emphasis on certain athletic traits and strict results that can disproportionately impact games at these age groups.

Taka itself is a platform for played and coaches that utilizes technology and professional analysts to elevate the youth game. Taka provides athletes with personalized highlights and exposure, while – for coaches- streamlines elevated analysis. The platform currently has over 50,000 athlete profiles, 20,000 analyzed games and 6 million individual highlights.

The updated rankings can be found here.

DID YOU KNOW?

MLS NEXT released a groundbreaking new competition tier in 2025, that is slated to kickoff in September, 2025. The tier will also allow players to play High School Soccer.

WHAT NEXT?

MLS NEXT's premier youth tournament, the Generation Adidas Cup, begins in less than a months time. It will feature 80 teams, representing 14 countries and four continents. International clubs like FC Bayern, Inter Milan and Palmeiras will be among those competing against MLS academies at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida from April 12-20.

The wicketkeeper-batter was capped 199 at international level

ESPNcricinfo staff17-May-2022New Zealand wicketkeeper Katey Martin has announced her retirement, bringing to a close a 21-year career.Martin made her international debut in what would be her only Test, against India in 2003, then went on to play 103 ODIs and 95 T20Is, finishing at the recent home ODI World Cup. Her 169 domestic one-day appearances is a record across the men’s and women’s game in New Zealand.”It’s been an incredible experience,” Martin said. “To all my team-mates, coaches, opposition, fans and friends I’ve met along the way, I want to thank you for making my time in cricket so memorable.”Cricket really has given me my life – from leaving Dunedin as a youngster to attend the NZC Academy in Christchurch, to traveling the world as a White Fern and representing my country – it’s been a dream come true.”Martin had been visibly emotional during New Zealand’s final World Cup match against Pakistan in March and said that she had all-but made her decision to retire.”I knew heading into that match it could be my last time playing for New Zealand, hence why I was quite emotional. I took some time after the tournament to talk to family and friends to solidify my decision before making it official today.Former New Zealand coach Bob Carter, who ended his tenure after the recent World Cup, paid tribute to Martin’s career.”Katey Martin is one of a kind,” he said. “The White Ferns environment is richer for having her around. She brought energy, excitement and fun to the group and her presence will be missed I’m sure.”Martin has already made a name for herself in the commentary box and will now look to explore more opportunities there in retirement as well as coaching the next generation.”I’m passionate about leaving the game in a better place and would be very keen to help coach and develop our next generation of keepers,” she said. “It’s definitely somewhere I feel I can give back to a game that has given me so much.”

Arsenal are now working on a deal to sign a new face for Mikel Arteta in January, it has been reported, as they look to add more creativity to their ranks.

Arsenal struggling to create chances

Currently six points off the pace in the Premier League title race, Arsenal have had a consistent problem creating chances from open play this season. Though they reign supreme from set pieces across the top flight, the absence of Martin Ødegaard rammed home just how much Arteta’s side rely upon their captain to provide the spark to their games, and with him off the boil against Everton it was a tepid Arsenal that only managed to grab a draw against Sean Dyche’s side.

One of their biggest issues has been in wide areas; Bukayo Saka has excelled, but neither Gabriel Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard have impressed on the opposite flank, and fullback has been a major problem area for the Gunners.

All of Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko have missed games so far this season with injury, with White expected to miss the remainder of the year through injury and Tomiyasu having managed just a single cameo appearance in the Premier League to date.

Riccardo Calafiori

7

Jurrien Timber

2

Oleksandr Zinchenko

6

Takehiro Tomiyasu

15

Ben White

7

Kieran Tierney

12

It has meant that Arsenal’s backline has often had a makeshift look to it, with Thomas Partey asked to fill in at right back and Myles Lewis-Skelly handed his debut at left back in the clash with Everton. Now, they could be set to address that, and their creativity problems, with a new arrival in January.

Arsenal working on deal to sign creative defender

That is according to a fresh report from TBR football, who claim that the Gunners are now “doing work on Maxim De Cuyper ahead of a potential January deal”, though they face competition from Manchester City, who are also thought to be keen.

A Belgian defender, De Cuyper has impressed in the Pro League so far this season, with one scout describing him as having a “monster” season. Still just 23-year-old, the defender has created the most chances in the Pro League to date, and is described as an “attacking fullback that can play both sides, excellent crossing, great overlapping/progressive fullback”.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 16, 2024

As per the report, Arsenal sent scouts to watch him during his side’s most recent outing, a 2-0 win over Genk in which he created three chances for teammates.

It is added that a January deal for the defender “could happen”, though there is no mention of a fee for the youngster. Arsenal have already got plenty of defenders at the club, but with Tomiyasu regularly sidelined and neither Zinchenko nor Tierney in Arteta’s strongest first XI, the Arsenal boss may see this as an area which he could upgrade on in January.

Meanwhile, De Cuypers natural attacking instincts could allow more flexibility with team selection, and help take the burden off Ødegaard when it comes to creating chances for the Gunners. Though ostensibly a defender, his arrival could provide a much needed attacking spark in north London.

Thomas Tuchel says it makes "no sense" to call up Cole Palmer for England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers due to a muscular injury.

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Palmer suffers muscle injuryWon't play in England gamesTuchel issues verdict on Chelsea manFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Palmer was left out of Chelsea's squad for the 1-0 loss to Arsenal last weekend due to illness, and head coach Enzo Maresca later revealed the 22-year-old had picked up a "muscle problem" in training. Despite being named in new England boss Tuchel's first Three Lions squad last week, the German has made it clear the attacking midfielder won't feature in their World Cup qualifiers over the next few days.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT THOMAS TUCHEL SAID

He told reporters on Thursday: "Cole will not be with us. We waited a while for feedback. But he is not on the pitch and it makes no sense to call him up now."

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Palmer is struggling for form and goals at present, with the Chelsea man last scoring more than two months ago. The ex-Manchester City ace will need time to rediscover his form and playing while injured will not help towards that goal. Even Maresca admitted the England international is "human", so some time off may do him good.

AFPWHAT NEXT?

Tuchel's first England games are against Albania on Friday and Latvia on Monday as they begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo was basking after winning "another battle" as the Al-Nassr forward starred in comfortable Saudi Pro League win against Al-Kholood.

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Al-Nassr beat AL-Kholood 3-1 at homeRonaldo opened the scoring on the nightCelebrated the victory with a social media postFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Portuguese superstar opened the scoring just four minutes into the match, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Sadio Mane and Jhon Duran added to the tally, ensuring that Al-Nassr had a comfortable cushion heading into the second half.

AdvertisementWHAT RONALDO SAID

Following the match, Ronaldo took to social media to share his excitement about the result. Posting a series of photos from the game, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner captioned his post: "Another battle won. Let’s go".

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While Ronaldo’s early goal and performance were impressive, his early departure in the second half raised concerns among fans. Some speculated that he might have been unhappy with head coach Stefano Pioli's early substitution, though he was seen shaking hands and having a brief exchange with the Italian manager before heading down the tunnel.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s squad for their upcoming Nations League quarter-final fixtures. The Selecao will face Denmark in a two-legged tie on March 20 and 23, with a place in the Nations League semi-finals at stake.

Abbas and James Fuller share seven wickets to set up emphatic result inside three days

ECB Reporters Network09-Apr-2022Mohammad Abbas claimed four wickets as LV= Insurance County Championship hopefuls Hampshire thumped Somerset by an innings and 113 runs inside three days. James Fuller had torn through the top order with a trio of quickfire wickets in a brutal morning spell, before Pakistan international Abbas dispatched the middle-order for figures of 4 for 22.Hampshire missed out on only a single batting bonus point to claim 23 points as they secured only their second innings victory over Somerset – who received a single point from the match after being bowled out for 180 and 135 – since 1957.Hampshire have only won two Championships in their history – in 1961 and 1973 – with the closest they’ve come to red-ball silverware since upping sticks to the Ageas Bowl a second-placed finish under the late Shane Warne’s captaincy in 2005.The famed commentator and journalist John Arlott wrote that the ’61 team was “deep in run-making power, soundly equipped at all points of attack and in which every man was worth his place – a true Championship side”. Those words look like they could equally be applied to their modern counterparts, at least on the early evidence of three perfect days.A menacing bowling attack, led by the highly experienced Test duo of Abbas and Kyle Abbott coupled with a batting line-up which feasibly has centuries down to No. 10, gives the county their best chance of a title in many a generation.”From the very first ball we dominated the game,” Hampshire’s captain, James Vince, said. “I’m not sure there is [an area to improve]. I left at lunch on day one and I believe we lost our lines and lengths for a bit but quickly rectified it to bowl them out for 180. You aren’t going to get every ball in the match right but I think we dominated every session.”It is an outstanding start and gives us an extra day off to prepare for the Oval. It is a great confidence booster. It is only early doors but if we can get close to replicating that performance then after the first chunk of the season, we’ll be sitting pretty.”Realistically they knew 10 wickets would likely be enough to taste victory on day three, but a solid opening hour between Ben Green and Tom Lammonby suggested a tough day’s graft was in order. The opening pair put on 50 in considered style, on a pitch proved placid by Hampshire’s 428, before Fuller entered the attack to take three wickets in 22 balls.Green was bowled through the gate, skipper Tom Abell was trapped in front trying to work to the leg side and Lammonby turned a short ball behind – having twice looked uncomfortable against bouncers.Abbott returned for his second spell of the day, only to be flayed for 12 runs in an over by Lewis Goldsworthy, before starting the next over with a James Hildreth boundary. The South African therefore celebrated with a predictable send-off when he pegged the first-innings half-century maker’s off stump back.Post-lunch, Hampshire ran rampant and with little restraint. Abbas was Somerset’s main punisher as Steven Davies edged to second slip to the first ball on resumption, Roelof van der Merwe was castled attempting to drive and Peter Siddle steered into the cordon.Keith Barker had Goldsworthy squared up and deflecting to first slip before the left-arm seamer turned catcher at short third man as Ned Leonard aimed an impatient slog at Liam Dawson’s spin.Abbas returned again to send Marchant de Lange’s off stump for a tumble and secure the victory at 2.40pm – the first side in the country to win in 2022.”It is very disappointing,” Abell said. “Coming here we were in a pretty optimistic mood, particularly with how pre-season had gone. We expect more from ourselves, particularly with the bat where we haven’t given a good account of ourselves. They are a world-class attack and we didn’t have the answers. The most disappointing thing is that we haven’t shown enough backbone or fight.”Somerset’s performance must be put in some context. Seven players were already made unavailable before travelling to Southampton, then George Bartlett succumbed to a shoulder injury the day before the game and Jack Brooks woke up with an illness.Their inexperience showed in the bowling of Ned Leonard and Kasey Aldridge, 19 and 21 respectively, with some quick, exciting stuff beset by an understandable lack of consistency. The batting also largely struggled against the trio of Abbas, Abbott and Barker.The good news is the majority of their absentees are set to return against Essex next week, including Craig Overton, Jack Leach and Jack Davey – who featured for the Second XI against Cornwall on Saturday.