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With Lee Johnson’s Sunderland side heading into Tuesday night’s League One clash on a run of seven games without defeat in all competitions, the 40-year-old Black Cats boss would have undoubtedly been hoping for yet another dominant display against a mid-table Cheltenham Town side.

And, with goals from Bailey Wright, Luke O’Nien, Leon Dajaku and a brace from Ross Stewart sealing a 5-0 win at the Stadium of Light, it would be difficult to argue that a dominant performance is not exactly what the Sunderland side provided their manager.

Indeed, as is to be expected after such a result, a number of Johnson’s players turned in extremely impressive displays against the Robins, with Aiden McGeady, Carl Winchester and Bailey Wright all receiving SofaScore match ratings of 8.0 or higher, however, it was undeniably centre-forward Stewart who ran the show against the Robins.

Won 100% duels

Having already been one of Sunderland’s best performers in the league prior to Tuesday evening’s fixture, scoring five goals over his eight League One appearances, Stewart once again demonstrated exactly why Johnson put so much faith in the 25-year-old’s ability to replace the Mackems’ top goalscorer of last season, Charlie Wyke.

Indeed, over his 74 minutes on the pitch against Cheltenham, the £450k-rated man scored two goals, took a total of six shots, made two key passes and created one big chance for his teammates.

The player Chris Strain dubbed an “athletic” striker also won all eight of his duels – a 100% success rate – drew three fouls for his side and completed both his one attempted long ball and his one attempted dribble.

These returns saw the Scot receive a SofaScore match rating of 8.6 on the night, with no player from either side earning a higher rating for their efforts.

As such, should Stewart be able to keep up this goalscoring form, as well as his overall level of performance, for Sunderland going forwards, he will undoubtedly play an influential role in the club’s promotion push – something which, at present, appears to be in extremely good shape, with the Black Cats topping the League One table.

In other news: Alan Nixon drops Sunderland claim on “exciting” 21 y/o, Lee Johnson would be buzzing

Andrew Symonds and Brett Lee have been included in Australia’s 15-man squad for the World Twenty20 beginning on June 5 in England

Alex Brown05-May-2009Australia’s chairman of selectors, Andrew Hilditch, admits the selection of Brett Lee in the 15-man World Twenty20 squad represents a sizeable gamble, but was hopeful the fast bowler’s forthcoming stint in the IPL will go some way to improving his match fitness. Lee, Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds were all named in Australia’s streamlined squad despite limited preparations, and are likely to use the IPL as a springboard into the World Twenty20.Lee has not played a match at any level since hobbling from the field during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa, but is poised to make his return in Thursday’s 20-over match against Pakistan in Dubai. With his surgically-repaired foot now able to withstand the rigours of net training, Hilditch said Lee was a risk worth taking ahead of the World Twenty20.”There is no doubt we spent a lot of time thinking about what the best way would be for Brett to come back,” Hilditch told Cricinfo. “We did not want to take any chances with the key objective, which is getting him ready for the Ashes. He has looked extremely fit and has been training now for a few months. He has obviously missed a fair bit of bowling, but he will start with Dubai and then probably need a few more Twenty20 games to get himself going. There is still a month to go before [the World Twenty20], so there is time.”It is somewhat of a risk. One of the big advantages in getting him over to the UAE was so we could have a good look at him in training and gauge how far he has progressed. He probably isn’t quite ready, but with a few more games he will get there. I understand that he will go from the Pakistan series to the IPL, and from there to our player camp.”Lee is one of five pacemen named in Australia’s 15-man squad along with Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Bracken, Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle. That left no room for Twenty20 specialist Shaun Tait, who is recovering from hamstring tendonitis and had hoped to make a late selection charge.”By the time the tournament starts there is a possibility that he could be fully fit,” Hilditch said of Tait. “At the moment he is about 80% and bowling in the indoor nets. He tried to put his name forward for consideration for the Twenty20 squad, but there was some concern that with Brett Lee already representing somewhat of an injury risk, we could not afford to have two fast bowlers in that sort of situation. It was too big a risk.”Like Lee, Watson is scheduled to make his return to competitive bowling in the series finale against Pakistan on Thursday. Watson averaged 90.33 in his batsman-only role in the five ODI series, and is likely to resume all-round duties with Rajasthan Royals in the coming weeks.Despite a series of behavioural infractions, Symonds retained the backing of selectors and his captain, Ricky Ponting, and will figure prominently in Australia’s planning for the World Twenty20. He is set to join Deccan Chargers at the conclusion of Australia’s limited overs tour of the UAE. “Andrew Symonds is one of the best Twenty20 players in the world when he is at his best,” Hilditch said.Michael Hussey retained his place in the side despite indifferent form of late, and along with his brother David, squeezed the impressive Callum Ferguson out of the World Twenty20 squad. James Hopes successfully retained the third allrounder’s berth, while Nathan Hauritz was preferred as the team’s specialist spinner over Cameron White.”That was probably the hardest selection of them all, if I’m to be quite frank,” Hilditch said of Ferguson. “He is a young kid who has taken all the opportunities that have come his way and done exceptionally well. He is desperately unlucky not to be in the squad. In reality, this is the first time in some months that, with the exception of Shaun Marsh, we’ve been back at full-strength.”[Hauritz] has made great progress in limited-overs cricket to become a regular member of the side during series’ in South Africa and the UAE. Spin is having a significant impact on T20 cricket worldwide and Nathan is well placed to play a significant role in this tournament.”David Warner, meanwhile, retained his place at the top of the order and will hope for more game time with the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL to sharpen his skills ahead of the World Twenty20.Squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Nathan Bracken, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Andrew Symonds, David Warner, Shane Watson.

West Ham United return to Premier League action this weekend and they’ll be looking to continue their fine start to the 2021/22 campaign.

David Moyes’ side remain unbeaten after the opening three matches, having thrashed Newcastle United and Leicester City before picking up a point against Crystal Palace at the London Stadium last time out.

They now face Southampton at St Mary’s and the 58-year-old has plenty to mull over heading into kick-off, not least because they signed three more players before deadline day.

One of those was quite a considerable coup…

On the Chalkboard

The Irons managed to seal a £29.8m move for Premier League and Champions League winner Kurt Zouma from Chelsea in the final week of the transfer window and he represents an instant upgrade to the defence.

Moyes should not wait to see him in action either, despite a lack of time with the squad on the training pitch. He’ll be fresh and ready to go after featuring for France in their recent World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Finland this week, where he picked up his seventh and eighth caps.

Zouma, who was once described as a “beast of a player” by Premier League legend John Terry, must replace Craig Dawson in the starting XI, taking up a spot alongside Angelo Ogbonna in the heart of the Hammers’ backline.

It was perhaps a little confusing to see Thomas Tuchel willing to part ways with the 26-year-old centre-back, as he performed to a very high level whenever selected last season.

Indeed, the 6 foot 3 Frenchman was graded as Chelsea’s second-best player, as per WhoScored figures, whilst he topped the charts for aerial duels won (3.6) and clearances (3.8) per game in the top-flight, proving to be a solid no-nonsense defender. In addition to that, the £28.8m-rated colossus was one of their best with the ball at his feet, averaging a passing accuracy of 90.9% across the season.

By comparison, that ball-playing ability would’ve exceeded every single West Ham player last season and the rest of his numbers are a sheer upgrade on Dawson, who averaged one fewer aerial duel won as well as fewer tackles per game, via WhoScored.

On the above evidence, this selection change should be a very easy one to make, and considering that the Irons have leaked five goals in three games, therefore it should be one that Moyes does not hesitate over.

Zouma must be unleashed against the Saints. He could be a massive game-changer for the east London outfit.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops major claim on £60k-p/w West Ham star, fans will be ecstatic…

Many West Ham United supporters have been left drooling over Armstrong Okoflex after the prodigious talent scored the winner against Ipswich Town in the EFL Trophy.

Okoflex, 19, joined the club on a two-year deal from Scottish Premiership side Celtic, where he made two senior appearances last season after impressing on trial at the Academy of Football.

He made an instant impact on the West Ham under-23s with a hat-trick on his debut against Arsenal in a 6-1 win.

The young Hammers travelled to Portman Road looking to get off to a winning start in the EFL Trophy this week, but were immediately behind after only two minutes when James Norwood scored to put the League One side ahead.

Keenan Appiah-Forson levelled the scoring 12 minutes in though, before Okoflex tucked a penalty away in the 89th minute to hand the Hammers the win against the struggling Tractor Boys.

West Ham fans buzzing with youngster goal

These Hammers fans have taken to Twitter to react to their young striker scoring the winner at Ipswich, with one supporter calling Okoflex ‘incredibly talented’.

“We’ve come a long way under GSB. Thankyou.”

Credit: @RJournoThompson

“The lad is incredibly talented!”

Credit: @WestHamViews_

“my starboy”

Credit: @0koflex

“Hope to see him in the cup game next week”

Credit: @westhamtransfer

“Armstrong stocks never felt so good”

Credit: @jackcoyi1

“Who else would it have been”

Credit: @SamHemstedt_

In other news, David Moyes has been praised by one of his former players. Find out more here.

Former Premier League star Dean Windass thinks that Jesse Lingard could leave Manchester United in the January transfer window.

The attacking midfielder was heavily linked with a return to West Ham United in the summer window, having spent the second half of last season on loan at the London Stadium.

However, the Hammers were not able to strike a deal with United to bring him into the London Stadium and ultimately signed Nikola Vlasic from CSKA Moscow instead.

Lingard could see his opportunities at United further limited by the sensational signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus, with the Portugal international likely to hit the ground running given his status as one of the best players of all time.

And Windass thinks that United and Lingard will reassess the situation in the January transfer window.

Thus far this term, the England international has played just four minutes of Premier League football, as he came off the bench in the draw with Southampton.

Windass told Football FanCast: “I think that’s what the discussions will be, ‘let’s wait until January, see what your attitude’s like, if you get in the team then go and prove me wrong, come off the bench’.”

Plans by the Hong Kong board to borrow more than US$125,000 to help build a more professional organisation by hiring a full-time chief executive may proceed despite the international economic crisis

Cricinfo staff19-Feb-2009Plans by the Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) to borrow more than US$125,000 to help build a more professional organisation by hiring a full-time chief executive may proceed despite the international economic crisis.Although several members of the HKCA board have expressed concerns at taking on such a liability at the present time, chairman Darren Tucker has said he is keen to press ahead.”There has been a concern with the economy and that will be a valid point for discussion,” Tucker told AFP. “However, there is an overriding belief that we have to take a tough path to achieve goals.”The highlight of the local season is the Hong Kong Sixes, staged each November and usually featuring an array of club and international players. However, the event is believed to have lost money this year after organisers failed to find a major sponsor.”This idea should be put on hold,” an unnamed source told the South China Morning Post , claiming that almost half the board opposed the scheme. “The timing of this proposal is our concern,” he said. “We are not saying Hong Kong cricket shouldn’t have a CEO, all we are saying is that we should get one when the economic conditions are better.”

Many West Ham United fans are delighted after it was revealed by reliable club insider ExWHUemployee that the Hammers have held talks with Lille winger Jonathan Bamba.

Despite a fantastic start to the season which has seen the Irons win both of their opening Premier League matches (whufc.com), time is of the essence for the London Stadium outfit. So far this summer, they have made just one new signing in Alphonse Areola, and they have a busy schedule ahead with their Europa League commitments. As such, they could do with some new arrivals to their squad.

It seems they may have something up their sleeve before the window slams shut next week. As per ExWHUemployee, the Irons have held talks with 25-year-old Bamba, who was part of Lille’s Ligue 1 title triumph last season.

The news was shared on Twitter by @central_louis, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Bamba update

“I AM ON MY KNEES”

Credit: @xFredzzz

“yes pls”

Credit: @bradydannny

“If we actually pull this off…”

Credit: @AllstarLDN_

“PPPLLLLEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEEEE”

Credit: @0koflex

“Be perfect”

Credit: @IanCulleyMorga2

“No way has Ex said that, that’s amazing!”

Credit: @VurtIVS

In other news, many West Ham fans want the club to sign this Champions League winner.

An update has emerged on Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma, regarding Manchester United’s interest in his services. 

What’s the talk?

According to The Express, Manchester United are interested in signing Brighton’s Bissouma this month.

The report claims that Liverpool have made an official enquiry to the Premier League side, with the player being valued at around £40m.

Fans would love him

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must seal a £40m deal for Bissouma as he could be a quality addition to the squad, who Manchester United fans would love as he is a quality, proven, option at this level.

The Mali international has proven himself in the Premier League for Brighton and could now deserve his chance to play for a top club in the division, whilst competing in the Champions League. He averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.98 for the Seagulls last term, a score Scott McTominay and Fred both failed to achieve for Manchester United in the top-flight.

This suggests that, if he is able to adapt to United’s set-up, Bissouma could be an upgrade on what Ole currently has at his disposal alongside Paul Pogba in the middle of the park. The Brighton man averaged 2.9 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game, whilst McTominay managed 1.6 and 0.9 and Fred chipped in with 2.7 and 1.5 per game for the Red Devils.

Ex-Brighton player Dale Stephens once claimed Bissouma has ‘bundles of ability’ whilst showering the midfielder with praise. He said:

“He’s got bundles of ability. He’s still a young boy and is still learning but I’m sure he’ll be a massive asset for this football club.

“He showed in glimpses (against Derby) what he’s about and he’s probably got the most ability in a young boy that I’ve played with.”He’s got the ability of perhaps a winger playing in central midfield with the way he can go past players. His feet are incredible and I’m sure he’s going to get better and better.”He’s got everything you need to be a top player. It’s all about getting experience and minutes and I’m sure he’ll get that here.”This means that United could be getting a talented midfielder who also has the defensive nous required to win possession back in transition. Given that he has been able to perform to a higher standard than Fred and McTominay whilst playing in the same division, he could be an excellent signing and one that improves the team – which is why fans would love to see him come through the door before Tuesday’s deadline.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops big MUFC transfer twist that will leave fans buzzing…

It would be silly for Aston Villa to sell defender Kortney Hause to West Ham this summer, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Hause, who was on the bench for Villa in their recent 3-2 defeat to Watford, has been linked with a move to the London Stadium.

According to Football Insider, West Ham have set their sights on the 26-year-old as they look to sign a new centre-back before the transfer window closes.

Hause is not a first-team regular, with Dean Smith once again going with a central defensive partnership of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa for that loss against Xisco Munoz’s men. Nevertheless, Hatfield believes selling the Englishman to the Hammers would be a bad idea.

“I think it’d be silly for Villa to sell someone like Hause,” Hatfield told FFC. “They have signed a centre-back in Axel Tuanzebe, but really their only left-sided cover for Tyrone Mings is Hause. He’s been a good servant for Villa.

“I’d be very surprised if Villa considered a sale.”

It is definitely one to keep an eye on. West Ham have struggled to sign their other centre-back targets, namely Kurt Zouma and Nikola Milenkovic.

Considering that, it probably would not be a surprise to see them make a serious push for someone like Hause.

Officials from both teams have confirmed that there has been an expression of interest over a swap between Mumbai fast bowler Ashish Nehra and Delhi batsman Shikhar Dhawan

Cricinfo staff17-Jan-2009The Delhi Daredevils and the Mumbai Indians have completed the first of five stages of the first-ever IPL transfer. Officials from both teams have confirmed that there has been an expression of interest over a swap between Mumbai fast bowler Ashish Nehra and Delhi batsman Shikhar Dhawan.The IPL transfer window opened on December 22 and Cricinfo had reported that Delhi were “looking specifically” for an Indian fast bowler. “We are pursuing the matter but it’s a long process,” Delhi’s chief operating officer Amrit Mathur told Cricinfo.The ‘expression of interest’ was only the first step of the process. The two franchises now have to reach a transfer agreement after which the players have to sign new contracts. The IPL has to then approve and register the change before the financial details of the deal are hammered out.Nehra played 14 matches for Mumbai during the inaugural season of the IPL and took 12 wickets at an average of 29 and economy-rate of 7.76. Dhawan scored 340 runs in 14 games for Delhi at a strike-rate of 115 with four fifties.