Jack McRae

Liverpool player ratings vs Newcastle: The Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz show! Summer signings fire Reds past Newcastle after Anthony Gordon opener | Goal.com UK Wirtz and Ekitike stepped up for Arne Slot as the big-money summer signings helped fire Liverpool to a comeback victory against Newcastle. When the Magpies took a deserved lead, the French forward too...

Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike stepped up for Arne Slot as the big-money summer signings helped fire Liverpool to a comeback victory against Newcastle.

Ibrahima Konate also impressed and got on the scoresheet in the 4-1 victory.

#LFC ratings here:
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

Harry Kane and Luis Diaz on target for Bayern but Vincent Kompany's side need goal-line clearance from Alphonso Davies to preserve point against Hamburg | Goal.com UK Bayern Munich dropped points in the Bundesliga for the second consecutive game as they struggled to a 2-2 draw against Hamburg in north Germany. Harry Kane and Luis Diaz had put the league leaders ahe...

Bayern Munich dropped points in the Bundesliga for the second consecutive game as they struggled to a 2-2 draw against Hamburg.

Goals from Fabio Vieira and Vuskovic ensured the hosts snatched a valuable point after Kane and Diaz had put Bayern ahead.
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

TWIW: There is more beneath the Americanised surface of ice hockey and Petr Cech is proof This week I watched ice hockey. The stand that runs alongside the rink at the Alexandra Palace was completely filled and there was little room as hundreds squeezed around the Perspex perimeter sepa…

This week I watched ice hockey. The Haringey Huskies won 6-5 against the Chelmsford Warriors.

The hosts had former #AFC and #CFC goalkeeper Petr Cech to thank for his efforts in goal as a strong home crowd cheered the Huskies on to victory.
jackimmcrae.com/2026/01/27/t...

Laura Holden: ‘I don’t want what happened to me to happen to anyone else’ The former Aberdeen midfielder, now with Swindon, opens up about the debilitating effect of suffering an ACL injury during her time in Scotland “People need to know what happened,” Laura Holden says as she reflects on her difficult two years at Aberdeen when injury changed the course of her life. “It’s not all sunshine and roses. There are demons that just get brushed under the carpet without having the light shone on them.” It has taken the Swindon Town midfielder time and a change of club to process everything that happened in Scotland. Holden joined the Dons in August 2023, determined to establish herself as a key player at one of the biggest clubs in the Scottish Women’s Premier League. But just six matches and 31 minutes into the first season, she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament away at Hibernian. This is an extract from our free email about women’s football, Moving the Goalposts. To get the full edition, visit this page and follow the instructions. Moving the Goalposts is delivered to your inboxes every Tuesday and Thursday. Continue reading...

Laura Holden: ‘I don’t want what happened to me to happen to anyone else’

Laura Holden: ‘I don’t want what happened to me to happen to anyone else’ The former Aberdeen midfielder, now with Swindon, opens up about the debilitating effect of suffering an ACL injury during her time in Scotland

After injuring her ACL, Laura Holden says she was neglected by Aberdeen.

She tells me her mental health was ‘destroyed’ and worries that others in women’s football may be facing similar.

For @sport.theguardian.com, Holden reflects on a difficult two years.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...

TWIW: Seats, not pockets, need to be filled first if British basketball is to explode This week I watched basketball. A shudder rippled down my spine as I entered the Copper Box Arena in Stratford for the Eurocup game between London Lions and Niners Chemnitz. Seeing the kaleidoscope…

This week I watched basketball. London Lions and Niners Chermitz entertained at the Copper Box arena, but it was far from a sell-out crowd.

The Lions are the capital’s only side and should be attracting far more support, even if it isn’t quite the NBA.
jackimmcrae.com/2026/01/14/t...

Man Utd women's player ratings vs Arsenal: Phallon Tullis-Joyce shuts out the Gunners! Ten-player Red Devils survive Jayde Riviere red card as USWNT goalkeeper earns valuable WSL point | Goal.com UK Manchester United women’s player ratings as goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce is the hero as the Red Devils clung on to steal a 0-0 draw away at Arsenal in the first WSL game of the new year

Phallon Tullis-Joyce frustrates and shuts out #AWFC as ten-player Red Devils survive Jayde Riviere red card.

USWNT goalkeeper earned a valuable WSL point for United who were dominated by wasteful Gunners.

Match ratings here: www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

TWIW: Van Veen grows from boy to man as darts continues to produce special moments and characters This week I watched darts. Yet the story begins ten years ago, when an awe-struck 13-year-old boy from the small Dutch village of Poederoijen watched his sporting hero, a 45-year-old former pub lan…

This week I watched darts. Gian van Veen has grown from boy to man to reach the world championship final.

Few sports can have such transformative impact in such a short space of time as darts.

And GvV’s opponent Luke Littler knows that more than most.
jackimmcrae.com/2026/01/03/t...

TWIW: Baller League, where the fun never stops. Even when it should. This week I watched Baller League. At 10.30pm on a Monday night I am in a weird sporting purgatory. There are at most a couple hundred spectators left in the Copper Box Arena. The raucous music bla…

This week I watched Baller League, where the fun never stops. Even when it should.

After six hours of forced entertainment, shoddy football and countless adverts, the thousands of empty seats do little to suggest this is truly a 'new era of football'.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/12/20/t...

Late Harry Kane penalty bails out blundering Bayern Munich against bottom-of-the-table Mainz as 17-year-old sensation Lennart Karl shines again | Goal.com UK Rock bottom Mainz were mightily close to shocking Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena before a late Harry Kane penalty rescued a fortunate point for the Bavarian giants. Vincent Kompany’s side were uni...

Harry Kane rescues a point for Bayern Munich against bottom-of-the-table Mainz.

Lennart Karl impressed again, but Vincent Kompany's rotated side were almost made to rue missed chances in 2-2 draw as Daniel Batz had the game of his life in the Mainz net.
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

TWIW: Fascinating tension grips the Emirates at London Chess Classic This week I watched chess. It is unusual to walk across the Ken Friar Bridge to a sporting event at the Emirates Stadium and not be among a sea of red, chanting in unison. On a blustery day in nort…

This week I watched chess. It was strange to go to the Emirates and not watch #AFC, but the sport played in silence was captivating.

Not able to truly understand the moves of elite players in the London Chess Classic, watching their emotions became my fascination.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/12/04/t...

Liverpool player ratings vs West Ham: Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz FINALLY turn up as Reds stop the rot while Mohamed Salah stews from the bench | Goal.com UK Mohamed Salah was left on the bench as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz helped Liverpool to a vital three points in Sunday's 2-0 win over West Ham

Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz look to finally be clicking as Liverpool win 2-0 at West Ham.

Mohamed Salah was left on the bench and may struggle to regain his place as the Reds secure a vital victory.

Liverpool ratings here:
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

TWIW: Kai Trump’s debut sends women’s golf into the rough President Donald Trump had claimed his granddaughter Kai was ‘really good’ at golf before she finished last in her LPGA debut. Photograph: Heute.at Creative Commons This week I watched …

This week I watched golf. The ANNIKA at Pelican is trying to be more than just an LPGA event & this year, invited the 461st best US junior and President Donald Trump's granddaughter to make her pro debut.

Unsurprisingly, Kai Trump was not good enough.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/11/18/t...

Barcelona player ratings vs Celta Vigo: Hat-trick hero Robert Lewandowski leads Blaugrana in cutting La Liga gap to Real Madrid as chief-assister Marcus Rashford again impresses | Goal.com UK Barcelona continued to play their role as La Liga’s entertainers as they beat Celta Vigo 4-2 to move within three points of leaders Real Madrid

Hat-trick hero Robert Lewandowski leads Barcelona in cutting La Liga gap to Real Madrid to three points.

Blaugrana defence was shaky, but Marcus Rashford again impresses for #FCB as he continues to make the left-wing his own.

Barca ratings here:
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

Man City women's player ratings vs Everton: Khadija Shaw and Vivianne Miedema on target while Ayaka Yamashita stands tall to secure top spot in WSL | Goal.com UK Manchester City capitalised on Chelsea's draw with Arsenal on Saturday to go top of the Women's Super League after a closely contested 2-1 victory over Everton

Manchester City capitalised on Chelsea's draw with Arsenal to go top of the WSL after closely contested victory over Everton.

Miedema and Shaw were on target, but Yamashita's shot-stopping was key to visitors taking all three points.

City's ratings here:
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

Procrastination to power: Zohran Mamdani offers refreshing political approach to sport Arsenal fan Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons / Bingjiefu He On 19 October 2013, five days after his 22nd birthday, a student at Bowdoin College tweet…

Gianni Infantino continues to cosy up to “close friend” Donald Trump and self-interested politicians who care little for football.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fan @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social has been elected New York mayor and poses a challenge to the game’s ruling authority.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/11/08/p...

TWIW: Henry Pollock adds necessary youthful verve to England and rugby As part of a new series for this blog, I will be watching and writing about a new sport every fortnight. This week I watched rugby. And you only need to be on the platform at Vauxhall Station for a…

As part of a new series, I will be watching and writing about a new sport every fortnight.

This week I watched rugby. I saw England beat Australia 25-7 and wrote about how Henry Pollock adds a necessary youthful verve to England and the sport.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/11/04/h...

'I was prepared to go to Tottenham' - New Arsenal man Eberechi Eze opens up on Spurs snub after dramatic transfer U-turn | Goal.com UK Arsenal's Eberechi Eze has shared that he was ready to sign for the Gunners' rivals Tottenham Hotspur before a call with Mikel Arteta sealed his move to the red side of north London. The former Crysta...

Eberechi Eze has shared that he was "prepared to go to Tottenham", before the Gunners dramatically hijacked the deal.

On Sunday, he plays against Crystal Palace for the first time since his move to #AFC, where his importance is already starting to shine.
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

The first, the old and the new Jack Wilshere Jack Wilshere spent most of his career at Arsenal and played alongside the current Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons / joshjdss Who is this Jack Wilshere? A question many wou…

Wrote something short on the “new Jack Wilshere” taking charge of his first game of Luton Town on Saturday.

Everyone already has their own idea of who Wilshere is, or was.

Now, the former #AFC star has a chance to reinvent himself as a coach at #LTFC.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/10/16/t...

Spain vs Turkey player ratings: Hat-trick hero Mikel Merino leads sensational La Roja to 6-0 victory as Lamine Yamal & Pedri also run riot in World Cup qualifying rout | Goal.com UK Mikel Merino was the hat-trick hero as a mesmerising Spain toyed with and then tore apart a helpless Turkey in a rampant 6-0 World Cup qualifying victory in Konya.

Spain were absolutely perfect tonight in a 6-0 midfield masterclass against Turkey.

Hattrick hero Mikel Merino continued extravagent goalscoring form alongside #AFC teammate Martin Zubimendi and the wonderful Pedri.

My full match ratings for @goal here: www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

Second again, again, again… and again? Pressure is on Mikel Arteta to deliver silverware this season. Photograph: WIkimedia Commons/Prime Video AU & NZ It is difficult to know how to feel about Arsenal. After being burned by three c…

Ahead of the return of the #PremierLeague tonight, I wrote this about Arsenal.

Three second-place finishes and #AFC fan hysteria had made me hesitant to get swept up by excitement.

But, as ever, I have succumbed to the horrible state of anguish: hope.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/08/15/s...

Lamine Yamal is unstoppable but Fermin Lopez steals the show as rampant Barcelona destroy Como in Joan Gamper Trophy | Goal.com UK Fermin Lopez showcased why he can take the next step up and become a key player at Barcelona as he inspired the Blaugrana to a 5-0 victory over Como.

Fermin Lopez steals the show as rampant Barcelona destroy Como 5-0 in Joan Gamper Trophy.

Yamal and Fermin score braces with Raphinha adding another as #FCB ease to victory.
www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

Former Journeyman Johnny Greaves Talks Career, Depression And Overcoming His Demons “When you wake up and the first thing on your mind is suicide, and before you go to bed, the last thing on your mind is suicide, it’s a problem,” Johnny

For Boxing News, I met with Johnny Greaves to discuss his 100-fight career and new book.

The former journeyman talks about his battles with mental health, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Yet, there is hope in the incredibly open and friendly Greaves.
boxingnewsonline.net/former-journ...

‘I planted my leg and it felt like it exploded’: Perth Glory and Wales’ Megan Wynne’s ACL Story For my ACL Archives series, I speak to Welsh international forward Megan Wynne about injuring her ACL injury on her final game of the season for Perth Glory, missing the Euros and her road to recov…

Three days before Perth Glory's final game, Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson asked Megan Wynne about her summer plans.

30 minutes into that game, Wynne injured her #ACL.

She talks to me about the injury, its mental challenges and her missed #WEURO2025 chance.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/06/30/p...

When a boxer marries another boxer: ‘We’re juggling chainsaws’ Husband-and-wife fighters Numan Hussain and Amy Andrew know that one mistake could prove costly to an already finite career

Tonight, Numan Hussain fights for the Southern Area title at York Hall.

For Boxing Scene, I spoke to him and his wife, fellow pro fighter Amy Andrew, about their careers, watching each other fight and being role models for women and the Bengali community.
www.boxingscene.com/articles/whe...

Portugal player ratings vs Spain: Ultimate poacher Cristiano Ronaldo delivers again as outstanding Nuno Mendes pockets Lamine Yamal before Diogo Costa heroics seal thrilling Nations League final shoot... After drawing 2-2 in normal time, Portugal were crowned Nations League champions for a second time after beating Spain 5-3 on penalties.

Nuno Mendes the star of the show as Portugal win the #NationsLeague on penalties.

Ronaldo is the man for the big occasion and led the line impressively.

Spain dominated but Portugal showed resilience. Credit must go to Martinez.

Ratings for Goal here: www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/...

Unbelievable from the Arsenal! Super Stina. #COYG #AWFC 🔴⚪️

Tyresö FF: The forgotten fallen giant Tonight, the Women’s Champions League final returns to Lisbon for the first time since Tyresö lost 4-2 to Wolfsburg. Amid this run to the final, the club was gripped by financial turmoil and teeter…

Tyresö's place at the top of women’s football was snuffed out as quickly as they had risen.

Once boasting Marta & Christen Press, Tyresö no longer dreams of the #UWCLfinal.

Lindberg says: "We play because we care about the club.”

This is their story.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/05/24/t...

Tyresö FF: The forgotten fallen giant Tonight, the Women’s Champions League final returns to Lisbon for the first time since Tyresö lost 4-2 to Wolfsburg. Amid this run to the final, the club was gripped by financial turmoil and teeter…

Madelaine Edlund & Tinja-Rikka Korpela speak about reaching #UWCL final amid financial turmoil - each win paying for players' rents.

Josefine Lindberg has seen it all. Now playing in Sweden's third-tier, she believes the club has returned to its values.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/05/24/t...

Tyresö FF: The forgotten fallen giant Tonight, the Women’s Champions League final returns to Lisbon for the first time since Tyresö lost 4-2 to Wolfsburg. Amid this run to the final, the club was gripped by financial turmoil and teeter…

In Lisbon tonight, #AWFC and #FCB play the #UWCLfinal.

In the last Lisbon final, star-studded Tyresö FF lost to Wolfsburg. A month later, they barely existed.

Speaking to its former players, this is the story of Tyresö FF: the forgotten fallen giant.
jackimmcrae.com/2025/05/24/t...