Author: WTX Sports Team

Cliff Notes – Premier League takeaways: Could Palace dethrone Liverpool? Crystal Palace’s impressive unbeaten run of 19 matches, including a victory over Liverpool, positions them as potential title challengers, reminiscent of Leicester City’s historic win. Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in their recent loss to Palace, raising concerns about their ability to compete at the top level despite a strong start to the season. The performances of promoted clubs, particularly Sunderland, and the struggles of…

Cliff Notes – Celtic fans call off Braga protest as board invites talks Celtic fans have suspended their planned protest following an invitation from the club’s board to discuss ongoing concerns about club management. The protest, which included a silent period during matches, was initiated due to frustrations over the board’s perceived lack of support for the manager during the summer transfer window. The Celtic Fans Collective remains committed to advocating for change, regardless of…

Cliff Notes – Postecoglou defiant despite Forest fans’ ‘sacked’ chants Nottingham Forest’s Ange Postecoglou acknowledged fan unrest following a 3-2 Europa League defeat to Midtjylland, marking his winless start as manager. Despite the boos and chants for his dismissal, Postecoglou expressed confidence in his ability to turn the team’s fortunes around. The defeat left Forest without a win in six matches, making Postecoglou the first permanent boss in a century to achieve such a record.…

Cliff Notes – Jamieson: ‘Screws and wire doesn’t make you bulletproof’ Kyle Jamieson emphasises that while surgery can aid recovery, it does not eliminate the need to address underlying physical issues that may lead to injury. His return to competitive cricket has been cautious, focusing on gradual load management and biomechanics to prevent further setbacks. Jamieson: ‘Screws and wire doesn’t make you bulletproof’ As Australia allrounder Cameron Green takes his first tentative steps back to…

Norris: Verstappen Still a Title Contender Ahead of Singapore GP As Formula 1 gears up for the Singapore Grand Prix, Lando Norris has firmly stated that Max Verstappen remains a “genuine” contender for the world championship. Despite the back-and-forth nature of the current season, Norris remains confident that Mclaren will not impose a team order prioritising teammate Oscar Piastri. Verstappen’s Recent Form Following back-to-back victories, Verstappen has placed himself in a competitive position as he…

Cliff Notes – FIFA Council takes no action against Israel, urges peace FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasised the organisation’s role in promoting peace and unity, stating that it cannot resolve geopolitical issues. Despite calls from European soccer leaders to suspend Israeli teams, FIFA’s ruling council did not address the matter during their recent meeting. FIFA Council takes no action against Israel, urges peace Facing growing global calls to suspend Israeli teams from soccer, FIFA president…

Cliff Notes – Arteta confident goals will come for ‘exceptional’ Gyökeres Mikel Arteta believes Viktor Gyökeres will soon find his scoring form, despite the striker’s five-match goal drought. Gyökeres contributed to Arsenal’s recent 2-0 Champions League victory by assisting in the opener and showcasing strong performance, according to Arteta. The Gunners are set to face West Ham, with Arteta expressing hope that Gyökeres will score in the upcoming match. Arteta confident goals will come for…

Cliff Notes – R Ashwin to play entire season of BBL with Sydney Thunder R Ashwin has signed with Sydney Thunder for the entire BBL season after going unsold at the ILT20 auction, marking him as the first capped Indian player in the league. Despite a verbal agreement with ILT20, Ashwin opted for the BBL due to low franchise offers, committing to play at least three matches for Thunder. cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg highlighted…

Verstappen Pauses GT3 Outings Until 2026: F1 Regulations Influence Decision Max Verstappen has announced a temporary halt to his participation in GT3 racing for the remainder of 2023, as he shifts his focus to the complexities of the Formula 1 regulations set to be introduced in 2026. The Red Bull Racing star has expressed a desire to compete in next year’s Nurburgring 24 Hours but acknowledges that his plans will be largely dictated by upcoming…

Cliff Notes – Heather Knight: Hamstrung no longer after slow road to recovery Heather Knight faced a significant setback with a right hamstring tendon tear, jeopardising her participation in the upcoming Women’s World Cup just 17 weeks away. Opting for a conservative recovery approach, Knight and her medical team focused on gradual rehabilitation rather than surgery, allowing her to return to form in time for the tournament. Heather Knight: Hamstrung no longer after slow road…

Cliff Notes – UCL talking points: Liverpool in trouble Mbappé rescuing Real Liverpool’s recent performances raise concerns, with a lack of balance in the squad and underwhelming displays from key players like Salah and Wirtz, leading to a troubling defeat against Galatasaray. Kylian Mbappé’s scoring prowess continues to shine for Real Madrid, masking underlying issues in the team’s overall performance, while Xabi Alonso faces challenges in adapting his system to the squad. Paris Saint-Germain’s impressive…

Cliff Notes – Sheffield Shield preview: Ashes selection race adds intrigue The Sheffield Shield season begins on October 4, with South Australia defending their title and selectors indicating that performances will influence Ashes squad selections. Key players to watch include Jack Edwards, Marnus Labuschagne, and Jake Weatherald, all vying for spots in the upcoming Ashes series against England. Sheffield Shield preview: Ashes selection race adds intrigue Alex MalcolmAndrew McGlashanCloseAndrew McGlashanDeputy editor, ESPNcricinfoDeputy Editor Andrew arrived…

Alonso Would Be in Title Fight at Mclaren or Red Bull, Says Briatore Fernando Alonso is poised to make a significant impact in the 2024 Formula 1 season, with his long-time associate Flavio Briatore claiming the veteran driver would be in contention for the championship if he were to race for McLaren or Red Bull this year. Alonso’s Potential with McLaren and Red Bull Flavio Briatore, who played a pivotal role in Alonso’s early career,…

Cliff Notes – Monaco 2-2 Man City Game Analysis Erling Haaland scored twice for Manchester City, but they were unable to secure a win, conceding a late penalty to AS Monaco. A controversial VAR decision led to Eric Dier converting a 90th-minute penalty, equalising the match after Jordan Teze’s earlier strike. City hit the crossbar twice and failed to capitalise on their chances, leaving them questioning their inability to secure a third goal. Monaco 2-2…

Cliff Notes – Galatasaray trolls Liverpool after huge Champions League win Galatasaray secured a surprising 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, with Victor Osimhen scoring from the penalty spot. Following the match, Galatasaray mocked Liverpool on social media, referencing their famous anthem with the caption: “You’ll never walk alone, but sometimes you walk out without points.” This defeat marked Liverpool’s second consecutive loss, as they prepare to face Chelsea in the upcoming…

Formula 1: A Season of Identity and Presentation for Teams and Drivers As the Formula 1 season heats up, the importance of team identity and branding has never been clearer. This week, James Allen explores how F1 teams and drivers curate their public personas, revealing insights stemming from the recent season launch at the O2 in London. While some teams have mastered the art of presentation, others continue to struggle with their brand identity, raising…

Cliff Notes – Rock & Roll It podcast Asia Cup 2025 review The Asia Cup 2025 concluded with a historic India vs Pakistan final, marking the first time these rivals faced off in the tournament’s championship match. India secured their ninth title by defeating Pakistan in a thrilling last-over finish, winning by five wickets with two balls remaining. The latest episode of the Rock & Roll It podcast features insights from Dustin Silgardo, Shashank Kishore,…

Cliff Notes – Mbappé keeps climbing Champions League all-time goal-scoring list Kylian Mbappé has scored five goals in two UEFA Champions League matches this season, including a hat trick against Kairat Almaty, bringing his total to 60 goals in the competition. He currently ranks sixth on the all-time Champions League scoring chart and is just 11 goals away from entering the top five, trailing Real Madrid legend Raúl. The top of the scoring list features…

Cliff Notes – Kylian Mbappé left wanting despite Real Madrid hat trick Kylian Mbappé scored a hat trick in Real Madrid’s 5-0 victory over Kairat Almaty but expressed he could have netted more goals. The win marked Madrid’s second consecutive Champions League victory, helping them recover from a recent LaLiga defeat to Atletico Madrid. Mbappé highlighted the importance of capitalising on scoring opportunities and praised Thibaut Courtois for his assist on the second goal. Kylian…

Cliff Notes – India’s selection headache: Two slots, multiple contenders India’s first Test against West Indies may see two key positions (X and Y) filled based on pitch conditions, with a grass-covered surface favouring seamers over spinners. The selection dilemma involves choosing between Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel for the spin-bowling roles, while Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kumar Reddy compete for the third seamer spot. India’s selection headache: Two slots, multiple contenders Barring last-minute injury…

Lewis Hamilton Mourns Loss of Beloved Dog Roscoe Lewis Hamilton, the most successful driver in Formula One history, recently shared a heart-wrenching moment with his fans as he mourned the loss of his cherished bulldog, Roscoe, who passed away at the age of 12 following a bout with pneumonia. The seven-time world champion’s emotional farewell resonated with many, showcasing a deeper, more relatable side of the celebrated athlete. Hamilton’s Unique Connection with Fans Hamilton’s love…

Cliff Notes – Chelsea’s Maresca: No concern despite 3rd red card in 4 games Enzo Maresca dismissed claims of a discipline problem at Chelsea, despite the team receiving their third red card in four matches during a win over Benfica. João Pedro was sent off late in the game for a second yellow card, following previous dismissals for Robert Sánchez and Trevoh Chalobah. Maresca noted that the red cards stemmed from specific game situations rather…

Cliff Notes – Devine wants New Zealand to ‘hiss and roar’ past Australia Sophie Devine emphasised the importance of starting strong against Australia, despite New Zealand’s historical struggles, stating that past records do not matter in World Cup matches. Devine dismissed questions about her retirement status, asserting her commitment to the team while expressing confidence in the middle order’s performance. Both captains acknowledged the significance of the opening match, with Devine focusing on executing their…

Mclaren’s Oscar Piastri Faces Criticism After Azerbaijan Misstep Oscar Piastri’s troubled weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has drawn criticism, with some suggesting the Australian driver “bottled it” during an eventful race. This scrutiny highlights how even the most talented drivers can experience misfortune on the F1 stage. Yet history has shown that even legends of the sport have encountered their own embarrassing moments behind the wheel. When F1 Greats Suffered Embarrassing Crashes The Unthinkable:…

Cliff Notes – Jürgen Klopp on job obsession: ‘Been to two weddings in 25 yrs’ Jürgen Klopp expressed surprise at Pep Guardiola’s ability to play golf, highlighting the intense demands of elite coaching that left him with little personal time. After stepping down from Liverpool in May 2024 due to burnout, Klopp is now the head of soccer for the Red Bull group and unlikely to return to coaching soon. Reflecting on his coaching career,…