Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was in full flow for Rajasthan Royals in a 230-run chase against Gujarat Titans. The teenager slammed a six off Mohammed Siraj on the first ball he faced, and then went on to hit two sixes off Kagiso Rabada. Then, in the third over, Sooryavanshi unleashed three fours off Siraj. It looked like Sooryavanshi was having a cakewalk against the experienced Siraj, but the veteran India pacer struck back. It was a bouncer at 146.6 kph as Sooryavanshi rushed onto his shot. The ball took the top edge and flew to the right of short fine leg, where it was caught by Arshad Khan. Before the delivery, GT coach Ashish Nehra could be seen gesturing to Siraj about playing smart and implementing the plan. After the wicket, Siraj roared with fury.
Masterstroke from Ashish Nehra and Mohammed Siraj nails the execution under pressure
Rajasthan Royals (RR) 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scripted history in men’s T20 history, shattering records by becoming the fastest and youngest player to reach 100 sixes, in just 29 innings. He also set a record for the fastest player to reach the milestone in terms of balls faced, getting there in just 514 deliveries.
RR’s young batting sensation achieved this feat in his side’s Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Jaipur on Saturday night.
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Facing Mohammed Siraj, Sooryavanshi began aggressively, launching the very first delivery he faced for a massive six over long-on.
He maintained his attacking intent throughout the powerplay, racing to 36 off just 16 balls with three fours and three sixes in a blistering cameo at the top of the order. However, Siraj eventually struck back to have the final word in an entertaining duel.
Sooryavanshi has been the leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals in the 2026 IPL season, amassing 440 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 40.00 and a blistering strike rate of 236.55. His tally includes one century and two half-centuries.
Coming to the match, fluent fifties from captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, along with a late flourish from Washington Sundar, guided GT to a massive 229/4 in 20 overs against RR at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday.
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Put in to bat by RR’s stand-in captain Yashasvi Jaiswal, stepping in for the injured Riyan Parag, the Titans were propelled to a 200+ total by fifties from captain Gill (84 off 44 balls), Sudharsan (55 off 36 balls) and a late cameo of 37* off 20 balls from Sundar.
With ANI inputs
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Compared to their second-half showing against England, where they bagged two late tries for a bonus-point, Wales could muster very little after the break in Belfast.
Ireland were utterly dominant with possession and territory, with last year’s player of the championship Aoife Wafer leading the charge.
Travelling fans’ only consolation was a 78th minute Jasmine Joyce try but it was not enough to prevent Wales from leaving empty handed.
“We’re ranked 12th in the world, we played the team ranked 5th in the world and you can clearly see when you’re away from home, you’ve got to be a lot more clinical,” said Wales head coach Sean Lynn.
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“We said in the huddle at the end of the game, we’ve got to be better with our composure and accuracy.
“I wouldn’t have said the girls dropped their heads. They stuck at it, stuck to their processes, but Ireland kept the ball really well.
“The girls give everything out there and when you see them upset after the game it’s because they care, they want to be winning, so it is tough.”
The Cryptic Deadeye in Far Far West is a mythic-rarity enemy, and it is naturally quite annoying to deal with them. Gifted with rare intelligence, these foes can dish out some serious damage if you’re not careful around them, and don’t take the necessary steps needed to put them down.
In this article, we will explore some of the ways you can easily deal with the Cryptic Deadeye in Far Far West. Read below to know more.
Exploring different ways to deal with the Cryptic Deadeye in Far Far West
The Cryptic Deadeye has quite low HP, around 70, and this enemy only shows up when you’re playing Far Far West in Hard difficulty, or above. Though this enemy only deals 10 damage per hit, the issue that people come across is its consistency. The Cryptic Deadeye, true to its name, does not miss a single shot. This makes it incredibly frustrating to go up against it in-game.
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That said, here are some ways you can deal with them in Far Far West:
1) Using Corruption
Corruption has a short cooldown, and it is one of the best ways to counter the Cryptic Deadeye in Far Far West. Once corrupted, the enemy will fight for you, and upon the conclusion of the spell, it will take 100 damage and then die. It is one of the most convenient ways to deal with this enemy.
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The Corruption Spell (Image via Fireshine Games || YouTube/@BullsGuidebook)
The Crpytic Deadeye in Far Far West first locks onto you before they shoot their gun. Now, a great way to not get shot by them is to simply disrupt their lock-on mechanism by shooting at them.When you shoot them, their lock-on will get interrupted, and you can then proceed to shoot them down using the weapons of your choice.
Keep in mind that a singular bullet can disrupt their lock-on, i.e., you can use this mechanic even when you’re running a shotgun. Aim in their general direction when they’re hard-scoping you, and you will be able to evade their attack using this mechanic.
Cryptic Deadeye will lock-on before shooting you (Image via Fireshine Games || YouTube/@BullsGuidebook)
May 9, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Inter Miami CF midfielder Lionel Messi (10) battles for the ball with Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan Osorio (21) during the first half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suarez, Sergio Reguilon and Lionel Messi each scored to lead visiting Inter Miami to a 4-2 win over Toronto FC on Saturday.
Messi also had two assists as Miami (6-2-4, 22 points) made sure it wouldn’t repeat last week’s stunning 4-3 home loss against Orlando City when it surrendered a 3-0 lead.
With his offensive output on the day, Messi added another accomplishment to his already long list, becoming the fastest MLS player to reach 100 goal contributions. He did so in just 64 games, besting the record previously held by Toronto legend Sebastian Giovinco, who needed 95 games to reach the feat.
Messi has 59 goals and 41 assists since joining Inter Miami late in the 2023 season.
Emilio Aristizabal scored a brace for Toronto (3-4-5, 14 points).
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The Herons took a 1-0 lead when De Paul’s free kick from 25 yards out in the 44th minute ricocheted off the wall and his one-time right-footed shot hit the post and went in.
Suarez gave Miami a 2-0 advantage when he finished Messi’s pass with his left foot in the 56th minute. The Herons took advantage of the space created when Toronto forward Raheem Edwards remained down on the pitch.
In the 73rd minute, Miami went up 3-0 when Messi returned a pass to Reguilon who scored his first MLS goal.
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Miami poured it on at 4-0 when De Paul connected with Messi in the middle of the box in the 75th minute.
Aristizabal trimmed Miami’s lead to 4-1 in the 82nd minute. Toronto trailed 4-2 on Aristizabal’s header on a Kobe Franklin pass in the 90th minute.
Early in the match, Toronto had its chances. Alonso Coello’s free kick from outside the box in the eighth minute skipped through the Miami wall, but Dayne St. Clair made the save.
In the next few minutes, Toronto continued to press as Malik Henry, Markus Cimermancic and Deandre Kerr had shots go wide of the target.
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Miami’s offense started to build late in the first half when a Messi shot sizzled beyond the near post in the 38th minute.
Moments later, St. Clair made a diving punch save of a Daniel Salloi shot to preserve Miami’s 1-0 lead at halftime.
The 47th minute featured Luis Suarez forcing a turnover at midfield which set Messi up for a 2-on-1 run. Messi drew in both defenders and slipped a pass to Suarez on the wing, whose shot from inside the box was off target.
Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) signs a fans jersey against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The NFL Draft is in the rearview by two weeks, a couple of free agents have signed here and there, and rookie minicamps are blooming around the country. That means it’s time for power rankings, courtesy of VikingsTerritory.
The draft and free agency reshuffled the league, but Minnesota still lands in the middle tier.
We’ll publish one more batch before Week 1, but here’s our pecking order in May.
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Minnesota Checks in behind the NFL’s Clear Contenders
Who’s your No. 1?
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) walks off the field after a game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sep. 15, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Harrison quickly became one of the NFL’s most closely watched young receivers because of his polished route-running and immediate offensive impact. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images.
32. Arizona Cardinals
Heading into a regular season with Jacoby Brissett and Carson Beck as proposed quarterback solutions is wild — and screams “We want Arch Manning, please.”
31. Cleveland Browns
Heading into a regular season with hasn’t-been-good-since-2020 Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green as proposed quarterback solutions is wild — and screams “We want Arch Manning, please.”
30. New York Jets
The roster talent is there, but Aaron Glenn just overhauled his entire coaching staff. In the end, we don’t trust the Jets to be any different than last year. Geno Smith as the fix-all is lunacy.
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29. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins’ roster just doesn’t have the firepower to hang with its peers. Not yet, anyway. Go look at the wide receivers here. The group could be the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad, and that’s not an exaggeration.
28. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders will stabilize, mainly because Klint Kubiak has the mind to be an effective head coach. It just won’t happen as soon as 2026, especially when Las Vegas will play Los Angeles, Kansas City, and Denver six times.
27. Tennessee Titans
The Titans have the perk of living in a division that isn’t gangbusters. But Cam Ward quietly had worse efficiency metrics than J.J. McCarthy in 2025, and nobody cared. This feels like a year where the Titans go 6-11, and that’s considered a step forward.
26. Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa will split starts, which has all the makings of a 7-10 finish.
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25. New Orleans Saints
This may be too low; we’ll admit it. But we have to see Tyler Shough turn the corner into a stable QB1 to believe it. Thankfully, the Saints finally removed themselves from salary cap hell.
24. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts started the season hot, but when they faced serious opponents in 2025, they began losing. We believe the true Colts identity came to light last December — not September.
23. Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) stands on the field during first-quarter action on Jan. 7, 2024, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Horn later emerged as one of the NFL’s most respected young defensive backs when healthy, showcasing physical coverage skills and versatility in Carolina’s secondary. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.
Carolina reached the postseason in 2025. Its defense ranked 22nd in the NFL per DVOA. Our perception is that the Panthers were lucky to wiggle into the postseason.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike McCarthy will make sure these boys will finish 9-8. Is that good? That’s up to Steelers fans to decide.
21. New York Giants
If Dart develops in Year No. 2, the Giants can finish 10-7 and reach the playoffs. Versus the Vikings, though, he played an imbecile, and we just can’t shake that lasting memory.
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20. Washington Commanders
If Jayden Daniels stays healthy, this will be a 9-8 club at worst. Somehow, Dan Quinn coached the NFL’s fifth-worst defense in 2025. That’s scary, and it keeps them out of the Top 15 of power rankings.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Another one that’s probably too low — the Buccaneers have the perk of an “easy” division, where each team is about the same caliber. They’ll be 8-9, 9-8, or 10-7, and keep their current status: not a serious Super Bowl contender.
18. Chicago Bears
In 2022, we watched as the Vikings won nearly every close game, convincing the fan base that they were a “team of destiny.” The 2025 Bears did the same thing. Like Minnesota in 2023, Chicago’s close-game luck will return to this solar system, and the Bears will finish in last place in the NFC North at 8-9 or so.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
It’s all about the defense, baby. Every year, folks wonder if the defense will catch up to the offense and if Joe Burrow will stay healthy. Here we are again.
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16. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings finished 2025 with a winning record, despite the NFL’s fifth-worst quarterback performance per EPA/Play. Now, they have Kyler Murray. With Brian Flores’s No. 3-ranked defense, Murray and the Vikings will finish the season with an 11-6 or 12-5 record.
15. Green Bay Packers
If the Packers didn’t have Micah Parsons, Minnesota would leapfrog them in these power rankings. It remains mind-boggling that of all 31 NFL teams Jerry Jones could’ve shipped Parsons, it just had to be the Packers.
14. New England Patriots
The Patriots had a strength-of-schedule oddity that analysts will study for years. A book may be written about it. New England will face the real world in 2026 without a cakewalk schedule.
13. Dallas Cowboys
Speaking of Jerry Jones, he rebuilt the defense in a single offseason. Dallas will reach the postseason.
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12. Denver Broncos
We’re still not on board with Bo Nix as a franchise quarterback. At some point, not being able to drive the ball downfield will mean something. The rest of the team is in great shape, though.
11. Los Angeles Chargers
Trusting Jim Harbaugh is wise, but one must ask if it will ever net a Super Bowl. Is Justin Herbert cut out for that? He seems to have eternal Matthew Stafford-like sympathy around the league.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville’s defense ranked sixth-best in the NFL last year per DVOA, and Trevor Lawrence is figuring it out in real-time. Look out.
9. Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) waves to fans after a 34-27 victory over the New York Giants on Nov. 23, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Hutchinson continued building his reputation as one of the NFL’s premier young edge rushers during Detroit’s successful 2025 campaign. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
The Lions’ roster is too complete for another crummy season. Their Super Bowl window closed the day they coughed up the NFC Championship to the San Francisco 49ers, but Detroit will win the NFC North with a 12-5 record and lose in Round 1 or 2.
8. Houston Texans
This team’s defense is deadly. Utterly deadly. If C.J. Stroud does not rebound, DeMeco Ryans can toss Davis Mills in the lineup, and the Texans will still finish 11-6.
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7. Kansas City Chiefs
You’re going to find out that Kansas City’s woes in 2025 were a one-year pause. The dynasty can resume. There is no rule against it.
6. Baltimore Ravens
Like the Lions, the Ravens’ roster is wonderful. Just in case Lamar Jackson suffers a Cam Newton-like slowdown — the abrupt kind — Baltimore must try to win it all this year.
5. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers added Mike Evans, Osa Odighizuwa, and Christian Kirk this offseason. That will matter. 12-5 at worst.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
This is usually about the time on the Nick Sirianni lunar cycle when the Eagles start winning, and the weird strife behind the scenes vanishes. Howie Roseman’s roster construction keeps Philadelphia in the Top 4.
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3. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Darnold completed one of the NFL’s most surprising turnaround stories by guiding Seattle to a championship victory. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Tip of the cap to Sam Darnold for winning the Super Bowl and making the Vikings look like damn buffoons. Now, he has to stay consistent year by year to prove his staying power as a Top 12 quarterback.
2. Buffalo Bills
Is this the year?
1. Los Angeles Rams
There isn’t a single aspect of the Rams’ roster, coaching staff — or anything — to dislike. They have everything. They could even get away with reaching for a rookie quarterback (Ty Simpson) just for kicks and giggles.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings entered the offseason with a good deal of uncertainty surrounding the center position. Ryan Kelly was a star when on the field last season, but the veteran continued to suffer concussions, and with them mounting over the course of his career, it was wisely time to call it quits.
That left Kevin O’Connell and company with quite the conundrum. Minnesota simply couldn’t move forward without replacing its starting center. With the dust all but settled on the offseason, though, that’s exactly what they opted to do.
Minnesota Is Banking on an Unproven Center Plan
Center is not typically a premium draft position. With multiple talents in the middle rounds, it seemed likely that Minnesota could grab a capable starter with one of its nine picks. They opted against taking anyone early, though, and it wasn’t until the 235th overall pick that they grabbed Gavin Gerhardt.
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Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Blake Brandel (64) goes through warmups at Paul Brown Stadium on September 12, 2021, in Cincinnati, Ohio, prior to a matchup with the Bengals. The young lineman prepared for his role on special teams and depth duties, working through pregame drills as teammates joined him on the field in the early afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports.
The Cincinnati product is clearly someone that the Vikings liked. Pre-draft, they put him through a full install and basically gave him the keys to their offense. It stands to reason that eventually Gerhardt could be the one manning the offensive line. Assuming, even with their interest in his skillset, rookie starts aren’t going to be a thing, Gerhardt will be more of a slow burn.
That means it’s the Blake Brandel show for the Minnesota Vikings. He has bounced around the line for the majority of his Vikings tenure, but it wasn’t until playing center last season that it was suggested his best position had been found. Brandel was something of a mixed bag there, but it was also a reflection of him simply getting his feet wet.
Jul 8, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Cincinnati offensive lineman Gavin Gerhardt answers questions from the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Minnesota will need depth at guard and tackle if Brandel is going to be the starting center. Should that be where he is penciled in, though, he’ll have real runway to get up to speed and be comfortable taking over the starting spot before being thrust into action.
Ultimately, it’s unlikely that Brandel profiles anywhere near what Kelly was at his peak, or even what he was last season. That said, given the reins for real run for the first time in his career, it could be a situation in which he thrives.
Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler
Indian Premier League side Gujarat Titans produced a complete performance against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, and skipper Shubman Gill made sure the celebrations continued online after the emphatic victory. Soon after Gujarat’s crushing 77-run triumph in Jaipur, Gill shared a picture with star spinner Rashid Khan, with both players recreating the fingers-in-ear celebration.
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Why Suryakumar Yadav is set to lose India T20I captaincy: All you need to know
“Pink city, blue result. Khamma Ghani,” Gill posted on social media, taking a playful dig at the Royals in their own backyard. The Titans had dominated the contest from the outset after posting a massive 229/4 in 20 overs. Gill led by example with a stylish 84, while opener Sai Sudharsan continued his superb form with a composed 55. The pair stitched together a commanding 118-run opening stand that laid the foundation for Gujarat’s highest total of the season. Gill brought up his fourth half-century of the campaign in just 30 balls as Gujarat tore into Rajasthan’s bowling attack during the powerplay. Sudharsan, who has already registered a century this season, once again looked fluent before falling to youngster Yash Raj Punja. Late fireworks from Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia ensured Gujarat crossed the 200-run mark comfortably. Sundar remained unbeaten on 37 off 20 balls, smashing three sixes, while Tewatia finished strongly with two maximums in the final over. Rajasthan’s chase began aggressively thanks to 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who hammered 36 off just 16 deliveries. But once the teenager departed, Gujarat’s bowlers tightened their grip. Rashid Khan turned the game decisively with a brilliant spell of 4/33, slicing through Rajasthan’s middle order with his variations and control. Kagiso Rabada struck twice, while Jason Holder wrapped up the innings with three late wickets as Rajasthan were bowled out for 152. The convincing win lifted Gujarat to second place on the table and marked their biggest victory by runs in IPL history.
Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden celebrate after the Englishman scored City’s 5th goal in the 6-1 spanking of Bournemouth
Manchester City F.C. moved within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal F.C. after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Brentford F.C. at the Etihad Stadium.
The match was difficult for City in the first half as Brentford defended strongly and limited clear chances. Striker Erling Haaland missed a few opportunities, while home supporters also showed frustration with some decisions from the referee.
City finally broke the deadlock in the second half through Jérémy Doku, who scored with a fine curling effort.
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Haaland later doubled the lead after finishing from close range to give Pep Guardiola’s side full control of the game.
Substitute Omar Marmoush added the third goal late in the match after receiving a neat pass from Haaland and calmly finishing into the far corner.
The important victory keeps the pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
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Arsenal will now face West Ham United F.C. in their next match knowing they cannot afford to drop points as Manchester City continue their chase for another league title.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Allisha Gray scored 16 of her 24 points in the second half, Angel Reese had 11 points and 14 rebounds in her debut for Atlanta and the Dream beat the Minnesota Lynx 91-90 on Saturday night in the season opener for both teams.
Reese, acquired from Chicago on April 6 in exchange for first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028, has 50 career double-doubles in just 65 games, the fastest to reach the mark in WNBA history.
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Olivia Miles, the No. 2 selection in the 2026 draft, had 21 points, eight assists, two steals and two blocks for Minnesota in her WNBA debut.
Jordin Canada got into the lane for a basket and Te-Hina Paopao hit a pull-up jumper that gave the Dream their first lead of the game at 91-90 with 12 seconds remaining. Gray and Reese each blocked a shot from there to seal it for Atlanta.
Naz Hillmon and Rhyne Howard scored 15 points apiece for Atlanta and Canada finished with 12.
The Lynx missed nine consecutive field-goal attempts as Atlanta used an 18-4 run to trim its deficit to 58-57 with 2:51 left in the third quarter, but Cechova answered with a layup and Miles followed with a 3-pointer.
Manchester City beat Brentford 3-0 in the Premier League to ensure that the title race goes into the final week of the season
Manchester City overcame a stubborn Brentford side to keep their Premier League title hopes alive. The race with Arsenal will go into the final week of the season with Pep Guardiola’s side just two points off top spot with three games to go.
City had to wait more than an hour to break the deadlock against Keith Andrews’s side and there was frustration building before Jeremy Doku took the roof off with a stunning effort curling into the top corner. With a double attacking change having already been made, City pushed on and Erling Haaland added a second.
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Phil Foden nearly added a third before Omar Marmoush did to make a good afternoon even better for the Blues as they got back to winning ways after drawing at Everton on Monday. Arsenal travel to West Ham on Sunday looking to go five points clear again. Here are the player ratings from the Manchester Evening News.
Click here to find out the latest Manchester City news in our daily newsletter
Donnarumma: An uncomfortable flap from an early throw helped nobody’s confidence but he made a few decent stops 7
Nunes: Survived two almighty scares when he was the last man but got what he deserved and kept his cool. 7
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Guehi: A few nervous moments when he was on the ball after Monday but he won basically everything in the air with Thiago. 7
Ake: Stepped in for Khusanov with no worries, reading the game perfectly to keep the Brentford attack quiet. 8
O’Reilly: Didn’t always make the best decisions in attack but got in the box regularly and was game in his defending. 7
Silva: Tried to get in a scrap while lying on the floor and his finishing was wild. but otherwise sensed every bit of danger and reacted to it. 8
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Reijnders: Brought more energy and drive than Gonzalez had but maintained his habit of too many shots without thinking. 6
Cherki: A few potshots that went close to the posts but otherwise he struggled to find the right moments to shine. 6
Semenyo: He ran and ran at the Brentford defence but needed more invention once he got to the final third. Did well for the second goal. 7
Doku: Went at Brentford from the first minute with pace and intent and stepped up again with a decisive goal. 9
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Haaland: Kept quiet in a predictably physical contest but found the space to score the second and his workrate was excellent. 8
Substitutes
Foden (for Cherki, 61) Nearly scored a beauty. Guardiola turned to his bench and pointed to say that is exactly what is needed. 7
Marmoush (for Reijnders, 61) Worked well up top with Haaland and won some decent free-kicks then took his goal very well. 7
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Savinho (for Doku, 90): No time
Not used: Trafford, Dias, Stones, Ait-Nouri, Kovacic, Gonzalez
If the Denver Nuggets don’t complete a franchise-elevating trade this summer, it’ll be safe to say they aren’t all-in on winning another championship.
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Things have gotten stale since their 2023 title (second-round exit in 2023-24, second-round exit in 2024-25, and first-round exit this season), and with the Nuggets having several high-value trade assets on their roster, they shouldn’t find it challenging to make a move or two that’ll get them back on track in 2026-27.
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Regarding Denver’s willingness to consider trading star center Nikola Jokic, Nuggets president and governor Josh Kroenke has already decided whether to entertain the possibility.
“I don’t want to be masked in my frustration for how the season ended,” Kroenke said Friday. “I think that anybody who was a fan of the Denver Nuggets should be frustrated. And anything that a fan feels, I probably feel a thousand X. So I think everything is gonna be on the table, outside of trading Nikola.”
Jokic, on the other hand, is 99.9% staying put in Denver, but the three-time MVP must make a pivotal contract decision this summer. Jokic is eligible for a monumental four-year, $293 million extension. Failing to sign it would create heavy speculation about the 31-year-old’s future with the organization.
After all, Jokic has previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of the Nuggets, citing that Denver is ‘far’ from title contention after its season-ending loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Apr. 30.
In all likelihood, though, Jokic will sign a long-term deal with the Nuggets and remain the face of the franchise.
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