Nuno Espírito Santo’s Herculean task of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League this season could be about to get much harder.

On top of having to arrest the East Londoners’ terrible form, the Portuguese manager could be without the brilliant Lucas Paqueta once the winter window opens.

At least, that is according to recent reports claiming that the Brazilian wants to leave the London Stadium before the campaign is over.

However, it might not be all doom and gloom, as the academy could provide West Ham with the perfect replacement.

West Ham's Paqueta solutions

If Paqueta really is set to leave in January, then Nuno has to start looking at possible solutions as soon as possible, and the good news is that he might already have a few in his squad.

For example, while it would be a bold move, the manager could start giving the young Luis Guilherme more opportunities to play and start in attacking midfield over the next month.

After all, while he is looked at as more of a winger at the moment, he is no stranger to playing in the ten, having done so in Brazil and even for the Hammers before.

Moreover, even though he is nowhere near the finished product just yet, respected analyst Ben Mattinson has described the 19-year-old prospect as a player who “thrives on transitions” and can “turn past players with ease” thanks to his “elite ball manipulation.”

On top of that, while he’s not the most shot-happy player, when he does let one off in a dangerous area, it’s often of “high calibre.”

Like Guilherme, Nuno could also move summer signing Mateus Fernandes back into an attacking midfield role, which is an area of the pitch he spent plenty of time in during his time with Southampton.

With all that said, there is another young player, someone who might be the most exciting of all, who could be West Ham’s perfect Paqueta replacement.

West Ham's perfect Paqueta replacement

There are certainly other options when it comes to replacing Paqueta for West Ham, but perhaps the most exciting one would be to play George Earthy.

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Yes, it would undoubtedly be something of a gamble to hand the 21-year-old prospect far more game time than he’s ever had before, but he’s one of, if not the most exciting, players in the club’s academy.

Moreover, before his recent injury, his record in the youth sides was nothing short of incredible.

For example, in 60 appearances for the U18s, totalling 4804 minutes, he scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.39 games, or every 111.72 minutes.

Then, upon moving up to the U21s, he has scored 17 goals and provided 13 assists in 51 appearances, totalling 3444 minutes.

Appearances

60

51

Minutes

4804′

3444′

Goals

25

17

Assists

18

13

Goal Involvements per Match

0.71

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

111.72′

114.8′

In other words, he’s averaging a goal involvement every 1.7 games, or every 114.8 minutes, which is more impressive when taking into consideration the fact that he mainly plays in attacking midfield.

However, it’s not just the output that makes the young prospect so “priceless,” in the words of coach Steve Potts, but his overall game.

For example, according to Mattinson, he’s become a “creative left-footed #10 with good ball manipulation and retention” who “does well in tight spaces.”

On top of his efforts in the academy and the technical foundation, which should serve him well in the Premier League, the youngster also has a decent amount of senior experience.

For example, he spent last season on loan with Bristol City and ended up making 40 appearances across all competitions.

Ultimately, even though it would be something of a gamble, West Ham should look to play Earthy in place of Paqueta if he ends up leaving, as he could be a future superstar.

West Ham brewing Noble 2.0 who knows "what it means to wear the shirt"

The academy product might be able to add some much-needed fight and heart back into Nuno’s West Ham side.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 28, 2025

Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis continue their unbeaten Europa League run, powered by the resurgence of former Manchester United winger Antony. The Brazilian has been in exceptional form, scoring crucial goals and earning his manager’s full trust after their 2-0 win over Lyon. Pellegrini now sees Antony as undroppable, insisting his consistency and impact make rotation impossible as Betis eye the knockout stages.

Antony’s fairytale revival at Real Betis

Betis are quietly turning heads in Europe. Their 2-0 win over Lyon at La Cartuja kept them undefeated in the Europa League, placing them on eight points from four games and within touching distance of qualification. 

If there is one player symbolising Betis’ European charge, it’s Antony. Once a divisive figure at United, the Brazilian winger has found redemption in Seville. In just seven La Liga appearances this season, he has scored four goals and registered one assist, adding vital contributions in the Europa League as well with two goals and an assist in three games.

Pellegrini has been clear: Antony’s current form makes him undroppable.

“He and Abde [Ezzalzouli] are in great form, that’s why we rotate them less,” the Betis boss explained. “The players have no problem playing on Thursdays and Sundays. They're both inspired and scoring goals. I'm happy with the team's performance, because we can change six or seven players and the team stays the same.”

Antony’s recent brace against Mallorca, including a long-range strike and a deft curler into the far corner, showcased the confidence that once defined his early Ajax days. Also, the fact that Antony missed majority of the pre-season training with Betis and yet is able to fit right in and perform at this level, provide more reasons why the Pellegrini considers him a vital component of the starting XI.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBetis march on as Pellegrini’s plan delivers

For head coach Pellegrini, it was more than just another group-stage victory as it reflected the team's tactical balance, squad depth, and the emergence of Antony as Betis’ new attacking heartbeat as he clinched his second consecutive goal.

“We were very solid,” Pellegrini said in a post-match interview. “They had very few chances on our goal and were a team that had won three matches in Europe and hadn't conceded a goal. A very complete match overall.

"As a team we functioned very well, with many recoveries in the first half. We stole four very dangerous balls and rushed our finishing. With the two goals, we returned to our normal rhythm and the second half was calm, dominating the game and trying to find the third goal."

The Chilean manager’s trademark composure and structured approach have given Betis both resilience and rhythm, the kind of qualities that have eluded them in past European campaigns.

Betis thriving under Pellegrini's guidance

Under Pellegrini, Betis have embraced an identity rooted in patience and precision. Their Europa League campaign has featured strong results – a 2–2 draw against Nottingham Forest and a 2-0 win over Lyon – built on controlled possession and disciplined defending, with just two goals conceded in four matches.

Antony thrives in this setup. Operating on the right wing, he stretches defences, presses high, and links play with quick one-twos – the exact traits Pellegrini values. His 13 chances created underline a growing playmaking instinct, while his defensive contributions help maintain shape when Betis are out of possession.

With Betis targeting a top-eight finish to avoid February’s playoff round, Antony’s influence could be the difference between another respectable run and genuine contention. His chemistry with forward like Ceric Bakambu and winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli adds further fluidity to Betis’ evolving attack.

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AFPCan Betis win a trophy this season?

Antony’s loan spell at Betis is fast becoming one of the most successful redemption arcs in recent European football. After struggling to adapt at Old Trafford – where he managed just 12 goals across two Premier League seasons, the Brazilian has rediscovered both confidence and consistency in Spain.

For Betis, it’s a timely resurgence. Pellegrini’s men sit comfortably in the upper half of La Liga and are now among the dark horses in the Europa League. The coach’s trust in Antony has been repaid with end product, work rate, and professionalism – qualities that once came into question in England.

As the season progresses, Antony’s challenge will be sustaining this level, converting flashes of brilliance into long-term reliability and with last season's wound still fresh after defeat in the Conference League final against Chelsea, Pelligrini and Co. will leave no stone unturned into making this season a productive one clinching a few trophies on the way.  

أبدى محمد صلاح مدرب الزمالك الأسبق، استيائه من الفترة الصعبة التي يمر بها الفريق الأبيض، وتراجع المستوى، موضحًا رأيه في أداء أحمد عبد الرؤوف المدير الفني الحالي للفريق.

وقال محمد صلاح في تصريحات إذاعية عبر آثير ميجا اف ام: “غياب الاستمرارية في الفوز هو السبب الرئيسي وراء الأزمات التي يعيشها نادي الزمالك في الفترة الأخيرة، وهناك حالة من التشاؤم تسود بين جماهير النادي”.

وأردف: “الظروف التي يمر بها الزمالك أقوى من مجلس الإدارة الحالي، ومجلس حسين لبيب جاء في وقت صعب بسبب تراكم الأزمات منذ المجالس السابقة”.

وأوضح: “لا يصح أن ننتظر سنتين أو ثلاثًا من أجل نجاح تجربة جون إدوارد حتى يتوج الفريق بالبطولات، فالجماهير لن تحتمل ذلك”.

وأضاف: “في الفترة الماضية شاهدنا عددًا من لاعبي الزمالك السابقين يتقدمون بشكاوى للحصول على مستحقاتهم المتأخرة، لكن من أين يأتي النادي بالأموال في ظل هذه الظروف؟ وكأن البعض منهم (ماعندوش دم)”.

طالع أيضًا | إسلام الشاطر: أشعر بالضيق من أجل الزمالك.. وكفى حديثًا عن المعلق والحكم

وواصل: “جودة لاعبي الزمالك أقل من المستوى المطلوب، وأقول لهم (لو مش عارف قيمة الزمالك، أرحل)”.

وزاد: “الفترة القادمة ستكون صعبة جدًا على الزمالك بسبب كثرة الإصابات، وهناك مدربو أحمال لا يملكون أي فكرة، وهم السبب الرئيسي في تلك الإصابات”.

واختتم: “أحمد عبد الرؤوف قام بالتأليف في مباراة بيراميدز وربنا سترها، لكن مواجهة الأهلي لا تحتمل التأليف”.

Tottenham Hotspur have now reportedly joined the race to sign a Premier League star alongside interest from London rivals Chelsea.

Thomas Frank clarifies Sarr decision

It’s early days in the Thomas Frank era, but Tottenham have already shown marked improvement. The Lilywhites have already shown glimpses of their best form under the Dane, albeit whilst also slipping up more than once, and should look to hand him all the resources he needs to step things up in 2026.

It’s still a transitional period for the new manager, himself, who was questioned earlier this week for dropping Pape Matar Sarr in recent games just weeks after it seemed as though the midfielder would play a pivotal part.

The decision to drop the midfielder has been an interesting one given how he initially started, but one that represents how Frank is still attempting to find his best side.

Sunday’s clash against Everton is certainly a game that Spurs could do with winning, with or without Sarr. Coming in off the back of defeat against Aston Villa and then a midweek draw in Monaco, the Lilywhites should be desperate to avoid three games without victory.

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Meanwhile, away from the pitch, those in North London are also commencing a new era without Daniel Levy and already reportedly have one of their first signings in mind.

Tottenham join race to sign Konsa

Setting their sights on defensive reinforcements, Tottenham have joined the race to sign Ezri Konsa. According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, the Lilywhites have joined Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool in pursuit of the centre-back’s signature in 2026, with Aston Villa still facing PSR issues.

Considering the previous injury woes of Mick van de Ven and Cristian Romero, who is one of the best defenders in the Premier League when fit, signing an additional centre-back would be no bad idea. Konsa, as an experienced Premier League star, also stands out as a formidable option to target.

The £75,000-a-week England international has already earned praise from the likes of Jamie Redknapp too, with the former Tottenham star going as far as to describe the Villa star as “tremendous” last year.

It’s now up to a new-look board to secure what would be an excellent signing for Tottenham ahead of a number of Premier League rivals.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is in danger of repeating a fatal Ange Postecoglou mistake as new co-sporting director Fabio Paratici looks to spare his blushes.

Thomas Frank given clear Tottenham issues to solve as unbeaten streak ends

Last Sunday, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa stole all three points from a Spurs side who seriously lacked cutting edge in the final third.

The Lilywhites looked to be in dreamland when midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur opened the scoring with just five minutes on the clock, but they failed to press their advantage and allowed Villa a route back into the game.

Wonder strikes from Morgan Rogers, who is reportedly on Tottenham’s radar as a transfer target, and Emiliano Buendia ended Spurs’ brief unbeaten streak that was largely down to the grit and resilience of their defence.

It took two deflected efforts from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus to hand the north Londoners a scrappy 2-1 win at Leeds just prior to the international break, while Frank’s men only just managed to escape from Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League with a draw after late drama.

The same can be said for their previous Premier League home game against bottom side Wolves, with summer signing Joao Palhinha’s side-footed screamer in added time ultimately sparing their blushes against inferior opposition.

While there is a case to be made that Spurs have displayed a solidarity which was largely absent from Postecoglou’s final season in charge, concerns surround their lack of creative spark.

Thomas Frank’s managerial record at Tottenham so far

Stats

Matches

12

Wins

6

Draws

3

Losses

3

Points

18

Points per game

1.75

Summer signing Xavi Simons has also been criticised for his lack of goal involvement since joining from RB Leipzig, in a deal which could cost Tottenham a whopping £125 million if he stays for the length of his potential seven-year contract (Paul O’Keefe).

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain out for Spurs too, as Frank looks to solve their central creativity problem, but that is something new director Paratici could assist with.

Paratici, after months of reports linking him with a return to N17, was confirmed as the club’s co-sporting director last week, and he’ll be working alongside Johan Lange as the pair take on the same title with two different roles.

Lange is responsible for the data-driven recruitment side of things, including scouting, while Paratici is Tottenham’s ‘dealmaker’, who’ll be tasked with getting big-money signings over the line (Michael Bridge).

Paratici's new 'major priority' as Frank looks to avoid fatal Ange mistake at Tottenham

As relayed by TEAMtalk, signing a “difference-maker” in the engine room, one who can link defence to attack, is rapidly becoming a “major priority” for Paratici at Tottenham.

Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo, Rangers star Nicolas Raskin and Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton are apparently three options on their radar ahead of 2026, with Frank looking not to repeat one of his predecessors’ fatal errors.

So far, Bentancur and Joao Palhinha have impressed individually since the start of this season, especially the latter, who’s been their star man since joining from Bayern Munich on loan with a £26 million option to buy.

However, the pair arguably struggle to influence the creative side of things as deep-lying, tough-tackling anchors — even if they did link up for Tottenham’s opener against Villa.

Much like how Postecoglou often deployed one of Yves Bissouma or Pape Sarr with Bentancur last term, Frank appears to be replicating that ineffective mistake with Palhinha and the latter this time around.

It is a tough conundrum for Frank to solve, as Palhinha is essentially undroppable right now, and Bentancur has equally proved his worth at times. However, as a pairing, they may not offer enough going forward.

Raskin is in the final two years of his contract and reports suggest that Rangers could sell him for around £20-25 million in January, so the Belgian could be an option to partner Palhinha in Frank’s midfield.

Mainoo, whose deal also expires in 2027, could well entertain a January move considering his lack of game time under Ruben Amorim and the World Cup looming next year.

In any case, Paratici is growing increasingly keen on signing another creator for Tottenham’s midfield, and it will be interesting to see whether Frank himself tinkers the team in-house or urges the board to solve this problem through a winter transfer.

Following a second defeat in a matter of days, Arne Slot is set to hand one player his Premier League debut against Chelsea in a game that must feature an improved performance from Liverpool.

Carragher: Time for Slot to "earn his money"

It’s a slump that looked on the cards as each late goal found the back of the net against Bournemouth, Arsenal, Southampton in the Carabao Cup and against Atletico Madrid, but it’s now one that the Reds must deal with before a panic turns into a crisis.

Liverpool star who's "on par with Salah & VVD" had his worst game under Slot

Liverpool endured a night to forget as they were beaten by Galatasaray in the Champions League.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 1, 2025

After suffering back-to-back defeats for just the second time under Slot, all eyes will be on Liverpool when they travel to Stamford Bridge this Saturday. Defeat would signal plenty of questions for those at Anfield, who Jamie Carragher believes are playing more like a basketball team than the defending Premier League champions that they are.

The Liverpool legend then went on to say that it’s time for Slot to “really earn his money” after a smooth ride last season. Just what that means for a number of struggling stars is the big question.

The Dutchman has already proved that he’s not afraid to get ruthless at Anfield and that could be on show this weekend with one player in line to make his Premier League debut.

Slot set to hand out Premier League debut vs Chelsea

Liverpool’s night became worse when Alisson Becker went down after what appeared to be a muscle injury and Slot has already confirmed that the Brazilian will not feature against Chelsea. As such, Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to make his Premier League debut. The former Valencia man has been waiting for his chance and now he’s set to get it.

A lot of questions were asked about Mamardashvili’s game time when Alisson stayed put this season, but the 25-year-old wasn’t just signed to succeed the world-class shot-stopper. Alisson has an extensive injury history and one which has almost had an inevitability about it in recent seasons, making Mamardashvili’s arrival incredibly important.

Described as “magnificent” by scout Jacek Kulig in 2024, the summer arrival offers Liverpool the chance to replace the injured Alisson without losing much quality. Mamardashvili is more than ready to step up, particularly in the shot-stopping department.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Atlético-GO venceu a Ponte Preta por 2 a 0, neste domingo (15), no Estádio Moisés Lucarelli, em Campinas, em partida válida pela pela 32ª rodada da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. O gols da equipe visitante foram marcados por Alix Vinicius e Matheus Peixoto.

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O jogo ficou sonolento até o final. Com gol ajustado no início, o Dragão teve a bola na rede confimada pelo VAR e só administrou o resultado até o fim. Quando a Macaca foi para o desespero, pois precisava do resultado em casa para se afastar da zona de rebaixamento, acabou dando espaços e viu o Atlético-GO ampliar o placar praticamente no último lance da partida.

+ Veja a Tabela da Série B

A arbitragem rendeu polêmicas por conta da validação do gol de Alix Vinícius. Na saída do gramado, Elvis, camisa 10 da Ponte, pediu uma arbitragem mais justa e afirmou que a Ponte Preta não vai cair para a Série C.

G-4 É REALIDADE! O Dragão jogou bola, venceu a Ponte Preta por 2 a 0 e agora chega, finalmente, ao grupo dos quatro melhores da Série B. Gols de Alix e Matheus Peixoto. FOCO TOTAL! QUEREMOS O ACESSO! ???????????????????? #DragãoDoBrasil pic.twitter.com/pKug316WEJ

— Atlético Goianiense (@ACGOficial) October 15, 2023

+ Transforme sua paixão pelo futebol em profissão. Descubra o caminho com o curso Gestor de Futebol!

Com a vitória, o Atlético-GO se coloca na segunda colocação da Série B temporariamente, ficando a apenas dois pontos do líder, Vitória. A Ponte Preta vive situação complicada. Com apenas 34 pontos, a Macaca está uma posição acima da zona de rebaixamento.

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany is wary of the challenge posed by Paris Saint-Germain as his side prepare to face the French giants in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Belgian admitted that his team will need to play a "perfect game" in order to beat the defending champions. Meanwhile, PSG boss Luis Enrique is not too worried about Bayern's historic winning streak and remains confident in his team's ability.

• Bayern make record-breaking start to the 2025-26 season

  The Bavarian giants have been in red-hot form at the start of the 2025-26 season. After winning the DFL-Supercup in the curtain raiser, Kompany's men have been unstoppable, stitching a remarkable and historic 15-game winning streak, breaking AC Milan's long-standing record of 13 straight wins at the start of the 1992-93 season.

  Kompany’s Bayern are beginning to resemble the dominant sides of the club’s golden years – relentless, fluid, and ruthlessly efficient. They have already netted 55 goals this season, averaging just under four per game, a testament to their attacking cohesion. Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka look revitalised this season, providing both energy and balance, while the front line – spearheaded by the prolific Harry Kane, who has scored 22 goals in 15 appearances across all competitions, and ably supported by Luis Diaz and Michael Olise – has developed a level of understanding and precision that can unsettle even the most disciplined defences.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Kompany wants 'perfect game' from Bayern

  However, they face their toughest test of the season yet on Tuesday, as they take on PSG at the Parc des Princes. Speaking to reporters at the pre-match presser on Monday, Kompany said: “You have to believe you can do it. You also need a perfect game, we're playing against the Champions League winners and one of the favourites. It's an extra level of difficulty away from home. We have to believe we'll get our chances.

  “I'm really impressed by the team spirit, the ability to win the ball back and the individual quality. At PSG, it's not enough to focus on one player. PSG have always had world-class players. We also have these great qualities – that's why it's such an exciting game.

  “Luis Enrique said the same thing. We basically have similar prerequisites. It's not just about dominance. That's what people want to see tomorrow. We've already played each other twice, it was maximum intensity twice. If everyone is fit – which is almost everyone at PSG and us – then it will be a very interesting game.

  "For us, a win means a big step towards the top eight – the same goes for PSG. The rivalry arises when clubs meet frequently. What's more, the last few matches have been very exciting for spectators. Hopefully we'll have the game we want tomorrow. But it's difficult to predict because the individual quality of both teams is so high."

• Luis Enrique unfazed by Bayern's winning streak

  Although Bayern Munich seem like nothing can get in their way at the moment, PSG boss Luis Enrique isn't giving too much importance to numbers. Instead, the former Barcelona coach believes that it will be a game decided by details, a game which they will aim to win with the support of their fans at the Parc des Princes.

  "To know who the best team in Europe is, we have to wait until the end of the season," Enrique said on Monday. "We have to wait and see how many trophies the team wins. Right now, they are very strong, they always are. We know how difficult the match will be, but we are ready. There will be similar situations [as the Club World Cup game in July] with the same playing principles. It will be an exciting match.

  "Winning 15 games in a row is incredible. They deserve a lot of credit, but tomorrow, at the Parc des Princes, with our supporters and this atmosphere, we have the confidence to try to improve our performance and overcome their pressure. It will be a match similar to the one in the summer."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Ousmane Dembele's return a huge positive for PSG

  Dembele has spent the majority of the 2025-26 season so far on the sidelines. playing just eight games and 400 minutes in total. After suffering a hamstring injury on international duty with France in September, he missed seven straight games, before returning as a substitute against Bayer Leverkusen in October. He has since made two more appearances off the bench and has been named in the starting XI once. 

  "There's no risk with any player. But Ousmane is fit," Enrique revealed. "He's done all the training sessions these past few weeks, he's participated in the last two matches, and has improved his physical condition. He'll play tomorrow of course, I don't know how many minutes but he's ready for the competition. We'll decide how long."

Smriti Mandhana’s knowing smile said it before her words did. India’s return to Lord’s for the first time since Deepti Sharma ran out Charlie Dean backing up to sweep their ODI series here nearly three years ago would always pose the question and Mandhana knew it was coming.”Doesn’t happen, right? You come to Lord’s and that question is not asked?” Mandhana said. “We didn’t really think anything about all of that incident. Only today, there was one random appeal for Tammy Beaumont, when that happened. And again, Deepti was bowling.”That’s when we cracked a joke that Lord’s and Deepti has an, I don’t know how I term it in words, but we had a small joke around it.”The whole match last time, of course it was overshadowed quite a lot because of that one incident. But I would say the way we all actually played cricket in terms of that whole series, I mean, one incident cannot overshadow it, and the chat was only about how good we played and we have to just keep continuing that.”But if the venue, teams and individuals reconvening for the second of three ODIs in this series – which England won this time against the backdrop of two significant rain interruptions to draw level 1-1 – didn’t already promise some drama, a number of on-field incidents delivered.The first, which Mandhana referenced, came when India appealed for Beaumont to be dismissed obstructing the field.Beaumont had set England’s initial pursuit of 144 in 29 overs off to a flyer on 25 off 17 balls with England 36 without loss in the fifth over. She clipped a Deepti delivery towards midwicket and set off for a run but turned back as Jemimah Rodrigues pounced and fired the ball back to the striker’s end.Beaumont’s left foot was grounded inside her crease as she brought her right leg forward and the ball ricocheted off her pad as wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh threw her arms up in appeal. After an umpire review, Beaumont was adjudged not out.”I was not in a really good angle, to be fair, probably it was not visible at all,” Mandhana said. “Jemi definitely felt that maybe she kicked it or something. They referred it and it was not out, so I’m sure that they should have seen all the angles. That’s the only view I have on it.”But I was in no angle, to be fair, to see what happened. At mid-on you don’t see what exactly happened from that way. So not being diplomatic, but genuinely I did not see it.”Amy Jones, who top-scored for England with an unbeaten 46, was at the other end when it happened and spent a nervous few moments “talking it through” with Beaumont as they awaited the result of the review.”It was weird,” Jones said. “I’ve never been out there for one of those before, I don’t think. The umpires were happy that Tammy was in her crease, so she wasn’t trying to not get run out, but obviously they appealed for obstructing the field.”I learned that even if you’re in, you can still be out, but obviously Tammy had no intent of actually obstructing them. I think she was just trying to get back into her crease, so all okay in the end. She didn’t know if it could result in a wicket or not.”In Deepti’s next over, she pulled out of her delivery stride and Beaumont, who wasn’t backing up excessively, made it back into her crease safely at the non-striker’s end. Mandhana shrugged that off after the match, saying Deepti “actually pulls out quite a lot”.”I would say that every match she would’ve played maybe once or twice she has the habit,” Mandhana added. “Maybe she wants to watch the batter or she has her own strategy. But it was not discussed at all.”Why would we discuss all of those things? We came here to play good cricket and that was the only discussion which we had. She does that quite a lot. I think it’s more to do with seeing what the batter is doing.”Beaumont ultimately fell lbw to Sneh Rana for 34 off 35 balls after staging a 54-run opening stand with Jones.The match was reduced further by a heavy evening downpour with England 102 for 1 from 18.4 overs, eight balls shy of the 20 overs needed to constitute a match.Nat Sciver-Brunt, who had put on 48 runs with Jones, was bowled by Kranti Goud on the second ball after the resumption with a revised target of 115 off 24 overs.With England needing 13 more runs off the last five overs, India reviewed for caught behind off new batter Sophia Dunkley, despite the stump mic picking up Ghosh saying there was no bat involved, which was proved on the replays.Again, Jones found herself in conversation with her batting partner about keeping calm in the moment.”I thought they played that very well,” she said. “We tried not to get drawn into it. It was always going to happen. It’s part of the game. So we did acknowledge it when Dunks came out. I was like, ‘it’s a bit annoying out here’.”It’s what most teams would do. So I tried to leave that to the umpires. It is a part of the game.”With the series level, the final ODI in Durham on Tuesday has plenty at stake, lots of recent history behind it and promises to be entertaining.

In the thick of the Home Run Derby, the sheer volume of home runs players hit often gets all the attention. However, that approach sells a central part of the Derby's appeal short: Some of these home runs are absolute tape-measure shots.

Mythology surrounding baseball home-run distances are as old as the game itself. In 1953, New York Yankees center fielder Mickey Mantle is believed to have crushed a 565-foot home run against the Washington Senators at Griffith Stadium. A future Yankees outfielder, Babe Ruth of the Boston Red Sox, may have hit a 580-foot dinger in spring training in 1919. The list goes on and on.

Gradually, baseball-tracking technology has improved, and we are now able to piece together an accurate ranking of the longest home runs in Derby history. The following table is a combined ranking of the Derby's longest home runs before and after the game-changing advent of Statcast.

Who hit the longest home run in the history of the Home Run Derby?

It is believed that Chicago Cubs right fielder Sammy Sosa smashed a 524-foot home run at Miller Park in Milwaukee in 2002—the longest in the history of the competition. Sosa went on to hit 49 home runs in '02, the last of two years in which he led the National League in that category.

Since Statcast tracking began in 2016, Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto owns the record for longest officially tracked home run with a 520-foot shot in 2021 at Denver's Coors Field (four of the five longest Statcast-era home runs were hit at that Derby). Sosa also hit a 520-foot home run in '02, which would potentially give him two of the three longest round-trippers in the competition.

The rest of the top 10, combining estimates (noted with asterisks) and officially tracked dingers, can be seen here.

The longest home run in the 2024 Home Run Derby traveled 457 feet, well short of the combined top 10. The longest home run in the history of Truist Park—host of the 2025 event—traveled 495 feet; Acuna hit it on Sept. 25, 2020 during an 8–7 win over the Red Sox.