Michael

Last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev dies at 91 - BBC News RIP Gorbachev

Yes and an 18 million euro transfer fee, does seem a little low for a striker that has been spoken highly of for a while and where there have been several top clubs after his signature for a while. Either way, I am sure he will find success at Wolves, as I think the Premier League will suit his style of play.

Yep, that was always the question that we were all asking in the 1st fight. We knew that Usyk was an excellent technical boxer, but would Joshua's size and power just be too much for him? I think he answered that question for everyone, as he beat Joshua convincingly in Tottenham. This past Sunday's fight in Jeddah, Usyk proved he was the better fighter again, even though it was a much tougher fight for him this time around. At the end of the day, I just think that Usyk has Joshua's number. Jushua should just move on, as he has the ability to find success against other top heavyweights. If he beats Wilder for example, everyone will be singing his praises again and he will be the darling of the British boxing faithful once more.

Well people are all going to have their own opinions on this. But I'd have had it even or Usyk leading after round 9. Then as we all know, Usyk won the last 3 rounds. Usyk threw and landed an incredible amount of punches. I do think that Joshua fought a much better fight than the 1st fight in Tottenham which I went to see. But Usyk was still the clear winner in my opinion. But I don't agree with those who have been slating Joshua. It is uncalled for, Joshua is an excellent boxer who has proven himself. He lost to the best pound for pound boxer in the world, there's no shame in that. I also agree about Andy Lee, he is excellent in his analysis. Moreover, Laura Woods is very level headed in her assessment of this fight and she shut that idiot Jamie O'Hara up, when he was coming out with his nonsense as regards to Joshua.

Well Joshua landed a big punch on Usyk's chin in the 10th round, but Usyk proved that he has a chin made of granite. Usyk was simply too slick, quick and too talented for Joshua. Usyk threw 712 punches against Joshua, which is unheard of in the heavyweight division. That's enough punches thrown to make any opponent tire. Usually heavyweights at best, throw around 350 punches in a 12 round fight. Joshua though gave his best in this fight, he was very aggressive against Usyk early. He even executed what looked like a couple of low blows against Usyk. In the end, it wasn't to be though, as Usyk was just too quick, smart and resilient for him. Joshua though, should find much more success against a boxer like Wilder though. Where he will be able to land much more punches and not get hit so much. Oleksandr Usyk’s incredible reaction to taking massive Anthony Joshua punch (givemesport.com) Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk punch stats highlight Ukrainian’s masterclass – GiveMeSport Usyk Says "More Low Blows" Was The Main Joshua Difference In Rematch (boxing-social.com)

I'd like to see fights between all of AJ, Fury, Wilder and Usyk. They are the top 4 heavyweights in the world and they all bring different styles and attributes to the table. Fury and Usyk are the two best, but AJ and Wilder are still real heavyweights to be reckoned with. The next heavyweight fights that should happen are Usyk v Fury and AJ v Wilder, both mouth watering fights in my opinion.

I completely agree as regards to AJ. Usyk has just got his number, there's no shame in losing to the best pound for pound boxer in the world. Usyk's quick and relentless movement, was just too much for AJ. Moreover, the amount of punches that Usyk threw and landed was incredible. It's enough to tire any heavyweight boxer, not just AJ. AJ gave it his all, tried to use aggressive tactics and it almost paid off in the 9th round, but ultimately Usyk was just too good and showed his skills and power right to the end. I do believe that AJ would be a real match for Wilder. Wilder might be the hardest puncher in the world, but I think that AJ is the better overall boxer. They both have power, but I think that fight would probably be a 50/50 and it would be an excellent fight to watch. I also don't believe that Fury would find it easy against AJ, that would be another tough fight, but I think that Fury would ultimately win. He has more skills and better movement than AJ, so he would be my slight favourite for that potential fight. Fury's height and weight advantage, would also make him a slight favourite in a potential Usyk v Fury fight in my view. As concerning AJ and his loss to Usyk. He was wrong to get into the ring at the end of the fight and behave the way he did. But that was clearly his frustration showing. Having months of intense training and wanting to prove that he can get revenge over his convincing loss in Tottenham against Usyk a year ago, meant that losing to Usyk again, was a very hard pill to swallow. He just has to accept that Usyk is too skilled for him to beat. But the world is still his oyster. There are so many other top fighters out there who he could fight and beat. Wilder, Joyce, Hunter, Helenius, Bakole etc. Even a potential fight with Fury would be huge and even though he'd be the underdog in that fight in my opinion, he'd still have a decent chance of winning. We mustn't forget that Joshua has beaten top 10 fighters like Joseph Parker, Andy Ruiz and Dilian Whyte, in addition to some of the best Eastern European fighters in Klitschko, Pulev and Povetkin. AJ just needs to move on from the Usyk fights and try and redeem himself against other top heavyweight boxers, which he is very much capable of doing. As for Usyk, I think that he would convincingly defeat every other heavyweight out there, except for Fury. Fury is like a larger version of Usyk. Usyk is slightly quicker and has a bit more skills, but Fury has the weight and height advantage, which could prove critical. Fury is also not scared to mix it up and use dirty tactics. Fury would try to rough Usyk up right from the start of any potential fight between them I think. He would try to bully Usyk, but again that's easier said than done. That's why such a fight between them would be an excellent watch.

The starting 11 look pretty solid and would be a match for most Premier League sides. But many of the reserves look significantly less impressive in my opinion. Everton should finish above the relegation places once again this season, despite them losing their first 2 Premier League matches. Especially if they manage to bring in 1 or 2 more top players. Ben Brereton-Diaz, Che Adams, Serhou Guirassy, Ludovic Ajorque, Armando Broja, Neal Maupay, Ross Barkley and Billy Gilmour have all been linked with Everton. If just two of these players join, it would add much needed depth and extra quality to the team.

Well that was a convincing win, but Everton were essentially playing Dynamo Kyiv's reserves. Dynamo Kyiv clearly resting their best 11 for the crucial upcoming Champions League Third round qualifying match against Sturm Graz on the 3rd of August. It was great to see 30,000 turn up for this friendly though, as it is a sign of the strong and dedicated support that Everton can call on. From Everton's perspective, I thought McNeil had a great game, coming on as a sub and scoring 2 goals, his first goal in particular was an excellent strike. Calvert-Lewin took his goal well also, with his opportunistic header. Calvert-Lewin played well all round upfront, which is positive news for Everton, since they've lost the services of Richarlison. Other players who impressed, were Mykolenko, Tarkowski and Iwobi. It's also great that the proceeds from this game, will go towards humanitarian charities supporting those suffering in Ukraine. It was a very positive step from both Everton and Dynamo Kyiv to arrange this friendly and to help the cause in Ukraine.

I have to concur with a lot of what you have said. 14th place or thereabouts is probably as high as Everton will realistically seek to finish, under the current circumstances and with the current team. However, my view could change of course, depending on what players Everton sign over the next months. But you are also right about Everton's defence looking really strong. Pickford, Mykolenko,Tarkowski, Mina and Patterson all form a very solid defensive unit. However, the midfield seems to need strengthening to me and I do believe some new recruits will be brought to strengthen this area of the team. While a lot of pressure will be on the shoulders of Dominic Calvert-Lewin up-front next season, as I don't believe that Lampard is planning to bring in any noteworthy strikers this summer. We will have to watch this space to see what changes are made over the next few weeks. Hopefully Lampard will be able to attract a couple of desirable players to the club.

I think that joining Everton and playing in the Premier League is the best decision he has made. It's the best league to improve as a player. Granted it's not easy playing for a club that was struggling like Everton were last season, but nonetheless, the high standard of play in the Prem, usually gets the most out of players. I am sure that Mykolenko will continue to improve at Everton, under the guidance of Lampard. He is a quality swashbuckling left-back, who still has his best years ahead of him. What are your feelings regarding Everton's prospects this season? Do you think they'll do better than last season or do you think it will be another season trying to avoid relegation? Tarkowski was an excellent signing for your defence, but the loss of Richarlison is bound to be felt upfront. But apart from Tarkowski, no one knew has been bought yet. Dendoncker, Billy Gilmour, Maxwel Cornet and Januzaj are all players that Everton have been linked with though and they are players that they are looking to sign. However, it remains to be seen who they will eventually get.

Great all round performance from all the Everton players really, with Mykolenko, Patterson, Alli and Tarkowski standing out in particular. But Pickford really should have done better for Blackpool's first goal. Generally speaking though, it was an excellent and dominant display by Everton. https://www.liverpoolworld.uk/sport/football/everton/everton-player-ratings-dele-alli-among-four-players-to-get-810-in-blackpool-pre-season-win-3779973?page=1

Touted as the new king of clay, Carlos Alcaraz has just lost the first set at the ATP Hamburg final against Lorenzo Musetti. Lets see if Alcaraz can win this now and prove that he is the real deal.

Apparently Rangers have been offered Cutrone from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Cutrone was a flop at Wolves, but perhaps playing for a club like Rangers is just what his career needs right now. He's still a young player and he is bound to score many goals in Scotland should he join Rangers. It could turn out to be a very good move for him if it goes through.

I am sure Richarlison will adapt and come good. He's a real quality player and I am sure that he will thrive at Tottenham. Spurs are on an upwards trajectory in terms of how they are improving as a squad. I expect them to have another impressive season.

Well Igor Tudor is Sampaoli's replacement as Marseille manager. Tudor has never managed in France before, he's never even been the main manager of a club as big as Marseille before, so it remains to be seen how well he will do with them. Marseille have taken a bit of a risk with this appointment in my opinion, but I wish them the best.

It's sad to hear this news. RIP

It's a shame that the Kounde to Chelsea deal doesn't seem like it will go ahead now, with Barcelona seemingly tempting the player to join them instead. I think that Kounde would have been a great addition to the Chelsea team.

I have to admit, I've never seen this lad play. But he must be a really top prospect if Bayern are splashing that kind of money for a 17 year old. The French always seem to produce many young talents that find their way to the Bundesliga. Joining Bayern and playing with the big name players at the club, should really help him reach his potential.

Tarkowski is a much better defender than Keane. I've never rated Keane that highly as a defender.

Losing Richarlison to Spurs is a huge loss as he was their best player. Everton really need to bring in some decent players to strengthen their team, otherwise they could be great danger of being relegated this upcoming season.

I've not seen Copenhagen play too much over the past 2 years, but he's probably a decent player. Werder will be hoping he's as good as Delaney was. Jens Stage has one cap for a very strong Danish team, hopefully he turns out to be a very competent player for Werder.

So it seems like Oliver Burke is returning to the Bundesliga. It seems like only yesterday when Scotsman Burke was impressing as a teenager at RB Leipzig several years ago. He went on to have spells at other clubs such as West Bromwich, Celtic, Alaves, Sheffield United and Millwall. Burke has a lot of experience despite still only being 25 years of age. I think he should be a good addition to the Werder Bremen squad.

It doesn't get more embarrassing for a goalkeeper than that.

Congrats on the win @Bluewolf