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Sport Witness journalist Sean Lunt was left criticising Alex Iwobi for his role in the lead-up to the penalty given against Everton on Saturday evening.

The Lowdown: Game thrown away

The Toffees threw the game away when Jordan Pickford made an error by fumbling the ball, which led to him being adjudged to have taken down Harry Kane in the penalty box, before the England captain tucked away the spot kick to give Tottenham the lead in the second half.

The visitors missed two big chances in the first half through Demarai Gray and Amadou Onana, and ultimately paid the price as Tottenham Hotspur ran out 2-0 winners in the end thanks to a late strike from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

The Latest: Iwobi criticised

Taking to Twitter, Lunt was highly critical of Iwobi in the build-up to the penalty being given, claiming that the Everton forward made a ‘lack of effort’ to block the original cross coming in and saying that the Nigerian looked ‘completely uninterested’ all evening.

The journalist stated: “Alex Iwobi is completely uninterested in this game. The lack of effort to block the original cross before the penalty decision was shocking.”

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The Verdict: Uncharacteristic

Iwobi did look out of sorts compared to his previous impressive performances this season, during which he has been rewarded with talks over a new and improved contract at Everton.

The Nigeria international lost out on three of his duels against Spurs and also made no clearances or interceptions, giving the ball away unnecessarily on five separate occasions (SofaScore).

The Toffees will be hoping that he can bounce back quickly from this unusual slump ahead of their next match away to Newcastle United in midweek.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore has admitted that he is ‘worried’ and ‘concerned’ by Ben Heneghan’s injury, according to journalist Joe Crann.

The Lowdown: Enforced change

The Owls earned a 1-1 League One draw against Lincoln on Saturday, but spirits were dampened when the centre-back was forced off the pitch inside the final 20 minutes.

The 29-year-old has established himself as an integral member of Darren Moore’s starting XI since his arrival over the summer, but it now sounds like the boss will have to cope without him.

The Latest: Heneghan injury update

Taking to Twitter after the game, Crann relayed Moore’s injury update on Heneghan, though it doesn’t appear to be the news that supporters were hoping for. He wrote:

“Darren Moore admits that he’s worried about Ben Heneghan… It was his knee, and he’s currently got ice on it in the changing room. They’re hoping it’s not a bad one, but are concerned.”

The Verdict: Blow for Moore

If Heneghan does end up facing a spell on the sidelines, this will be a huge blow to the Wednesday boss whose defender has been a rock at the heart of his backline.

The 6 foot 2 colossus currently averages 6.1 successful aerial duels alongside 5.3 clearances per league game (WhoScored), and has contributed to his side keeping eight clean sheets in their opening 15 games.

The Owls have a very strong squad so they should be able to continue their impressive run of form without Heneghan if needs be, though Moore will undoubtedly be hoping to have him back as soon as possible.

Manchester City could try and attempt an audacious move for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Mbappe exit mooted

Having finished sixth in the 2022 Ballon D’Or rankings, the 23-year-old is undoubtedly one of the world’s best footballers right now, producing endlessly influential performances for a star-studded PSG team and being hailed as ‘unstoppable’ by the club’s former manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Mbappe has already scored 17 goals in as many games for the Ligue 1 giants this season but he has also been linked with a move away from Paris, reportedly keen to find a new club.

Few clubs will be able to afford the £413,000-per-week France international but City are arguably one of those, leading to speculation that they could snap him up.

The Latest: O’Rourke talks up Mbappe-Man City prospects

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that he could envisage a scenario where Pep Guardiola tries to sign Mbappe, in what would likely be a record-breaking deal for the Premier League champions.

The reporter stated:

“Manchester City have shown that they want to sign the world’s best players, so there’s no doubt that they would be looking at it to see if there’s a deal to be done there for him as well.

“I’m sure the idea of having Mbappe and Haaland will be a really exciting prospect for Pep Guardiola as well.”

The Verdict: Would be incredible to watch

Just how much City would need to pay to get Mbappe remains to be seen, with some reports claiming that PSG could demand as much as £300m for him, but it would be a transfer which would send shockwaves throughout the footballing world.

The idea of him and Erling Haaland partnering with one another in Guardiola’s attack is almost too exciting to imagine, considering they are arguably the two leading players of their generation, and it would make for spectacular viewing for the Etihad Stadium faithful.

In truth, it feels unlikely that even City would be able to afford the money that PSG want for Mbappe, but the mere suggestion of it happening is further proof of how powerful the Manchester club’s standing has become in world football.

An early piece of Newcastle United team news has emerged over the availability of first-team stars Callum Wilson and Fabian Schar…

What’s the latest?

Shields Gazette reporter Miles Starforth has revealed that both players are in contention to play against Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday after overcoming their respective issues.

He tweeted:

“Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson have recovered from a hamstring problem and illness respectively and will be available for the Southampton game. #nufc.”

Speaking on The Footballer’s Football Podcast earlier this week, Wilson claimed that he was not feeling 100% in the build-up to the match:

“I feel a little run down this week, so I need to make sure no illness kicks in fully, clear that out.”

Big boost for Howe

Having both of these players available to face Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side at St. Mary’s on Sunday is a big boost to Eddie Howe as they are key players for the manager.

They have been two of Newcastle’s top performers in the Premier League so far this season and have been crucial to what they have achieved on the pitch, at both ends of the pitch.

At the back, Schar has been a rock for the Magpies and has played a huge role in the club having the best defence in the division after 13 matches – conceding 10 goals.

The Swiss international has started 12 of the 13 games and averaged a terrific SofaScore rating of 7.29, making 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game and winning 64% of his individual duels, which shows that he has dominated opposition attackers.

Only Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes have averaged higher ratings than Schar this season and this proves that he has been one of Howe’s best players so far, with the defender consistently delivering quality displays at the back.

Wilson, meanwhile, has been lethal at the top end of the field. The England international has plundered six goals and two assists in nine appearances, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.12.

He scored eight goals in 18 outings last season and now appears to have found his best form as he is consistently providing goals and assists for the team. The gem has been clinical in front of goal and is bringing his teammates into the game, linking up with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Miguel Almiron, by producing 1.1 key passes per match.

Therefore, having both players fit and in contention to start is a big boost for Howe as they both have the quality to win matches for Newcastle, whether that is by making a goal-saving interception or by scoring the match-winning goal.

Manchester City have been dealt a potential injury blow ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash against Sevilla. 

The Lowdown: City vs Sevilla

Following on from their 1-0 win over Leicester City in the Premier League last weekend, the Manchester club take on Sevilla for their final group game of the Champions League at the Etihad Stadium.

Having kept four clean sheets in the five group games they’ve played in the competition so far this season, it’s safe to suggest that Pep Guardiola would want to see his side keep another one this time around.

However, it appears as though the City manager may be without one figure in his squad who has played a big part in their Champions League journey this season.

The Latest: Akanji missing from City training

According to a recent Twitter post from journalist Simon Bajkowski, Erling Haaland isn’t the only notable absentee at training, as City defender Manuel Akanji was not spotted in Tuesday’s session either.

Bajkowski also added that Kyle Walker was not there, with the full-back still recovering from surgery.

The Verdict: A potential worry for Guardiola

Bearing in mind how City have kept three clean sheets in the four Champions League games that Akanji has played in, it’s safe to say that he has been a prominent and useful figure for the team in this competition.

In fact, the 27-year-old is in the top three at City for the number of clearances (8), blocks (4) and successful tackles (5) he has made in Europe this season.

This highlights how much of an effective figure the £180k-per-week unit is at the back and why he could be a big miss for his side this evening.

Moving forward, if the Blues do have to get through tonight’s game without Akanji, everyone at the club will undoubtedly be hoping that he won’t be missing any other games or else it could be a big worry for Guardiola.

Liverpool still have a chance of signing Jude Bellingham even though Real Madrid look like the favourites to snap him up, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Bellingham a wanted man

The 19-year-old is one of the most prized assets in world football currently, already blossoming into a key player for Borussia Dortmund and England.

Liverpool have been endlessly linked with a move for Bellingham but so have numerous other top clubs, with his exit from Dortmund expected next summer.

It feels like it could be the most high-profile transfer saga of 2023 as the teenager weighs up his options.

The Latest: Liverpool move still alive

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones admitted that Madrid looks like Bellingham’s most likely destination, but he feels that Liverpool could still have the stature to land him if they make a convincing enough sales pitch and hasn’t ruled out the possibility of the teenager coming to Anfield.

The journalist said:

“It’s going to take the sales pitch of the year to stop Jude Bellingham from joining Real Madrid, but Liverpool are a massive club, they’ve got the pull to do that. So until those forms are signed, you can never say never.”

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The Verdict: Top-four finish will be crucial

For Liverpool to have any chance of signing Bellingham, there is surely no doubt that they need to secure Champions League football for next season, something which appears to be in the balance this season.

The Englishman will demand to be playing in Europe’s top club competition, having already done so with Dortmund, and if the Reds can’t promise him that, many other prospective suitors surely could.

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Whether or not Liverpool can even afford the £130m-rated Bellingham remains to be seen – a possible new ownership situation could change that – but if they manage to get a deal over the line, it could be a signing which is eventually as important as the arrivals of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

The long-term potential and all-round brilliance of the Dortmund gem make him a truly special prospect, and whoever signs him could be getting one of the best players of his generation.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a terrible start to their Premier League season, however, there is still time to turn it around with the January transfer window approaching.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Wolves could make up to “three signings” during the upcoming transfer window.

Romano told GIVEMESPORT:

“So, it means one, two, three signings, it depends, as always, on the opportunities.

“But Lopetegui signed for Wolves because he knows that they will invest in January, he knows that they need new players, fresh energy. And so, I think both Aston Villa and Wolves will be busy in the market in January, yes.”

Lopetegui could save Wolves’ season

There is no doubt that Wolves are in a troubling position in terms of retaining their Premier League status, however, there is no reason why acquiring the right players in the new year can’t be season-changing for the club.

Wolves are now rock bottom in the league table after collecting just ten points out of a possible 45 in their first 15 outings in the top flight but they are only four points adrift from safety, so there is certainly everything to play for in the second half of the season and survival could be in sight with the right recruitment.

Indeed, there have been many problems at Molineux over the current campaign ultimately leading to the sacking of Bruno Lage at the beginning of October and now the supporters will be hoping that new manager Julen Lopetegui can save their season with a much-needed fresh start.

The new head coach has echoed Romano’s comments on Monday in his first press conference since signing his three-year deal with Wolves, revealing that there will be moves made in the winter transfer window:

“I agree because my responsibility is to try and improve. When the market opens we have this possibility and I think we are going to do that. I am not going to speak about names out of respect for our platers.

“We have to play the next four matches with this squad. We believe in this squad and we believe we can improve their performance.”

With that being said, despite the relegation woes there is a lot to look forward to at Wolves and if they invest well in January there is no reason why Lopetegui can’t turn the season around with 23 league games remaining.

Indeed, he has already shown what a capable manager he is throughout Europe. Arming him with the right players, therefore, could be game-changing.

Newcastle United notably strengthened key areas over the summer – bringing in the likes of Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak – to help strengthen the spine of the team, although one area that perhaps still needs addressing is in the centre of the park.

Journalist Craig Hope has suggested that despite the Magpies having signed Bruno Guimaraes in January earlier this year, a new midfield addition seemingly remains a “priority” for manager Eddie Howe, as the Englishman looks to guide his side towards Champions League qualification.

As the winter window approaches, the Tynesiders could well be best served reviving their interest in previous target, Adrien Rabiot, with the silky Frenchman having been in sparkling form since being linked with a move to St James’ Park in the summer.

That recent window saw the 27-year-old also come close to a move to Manchester United amid his ongoing contract uncertainty at the Allianz Stadium, with the former Paris Saint-Germain machine having just a matter of months left on his existing deal.

With an extension still yet to be reached despite the playmaker’s hot streak – having scored five goals and laid on two assists for the Serie A side this season – the northeast side could well capitalise on that fact and try and make a move in January, with the potential to secure a pre-contract agreement or seal a cut-price move.

Having been “having a good season in a bad Juve team” – in the words of journalist Samuel Luckhurst – the 6 foot 3 ace has carried that form onto the international stage, having made a fine start to life at the World Cup in Qatar to further showcase his quality to Howe and co.

Four years on from refusing to be named on the standby list for the tournament in Russia, the polarising asset somewhat completed his redemption after playing a vital role in Les Bleus’ victory over Australia in their opening group game, as Didier Deschamps’ men survived an early scare to run out comfortable 4-1 winners.

It was Rabiot who had dragged the holders back into the match after conceding early on, the £151k-per-week magician heading home in fine fashion to draw his side level, before teeing up Olivier Giroud to tap home soon after with a fine pullback, following a deft flick from the ever-impressive Kylian Mbappe.

As journalist Mark Jones stated, the towering midfielder was simply “everywhere” on the night, notably winning seven of his 12 duels and recording five tackles, while also illustrating his brilliance in possession after recording a 90% pass accuracy rate.

That impactful showing saw the former Manchester City youth product record a stunning match rating of 8.5, as per SofaScore, with that figure only bettered by teammate Antoine Griezmann for the European giants.

With injuries to the likes of N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba having seen Rabiot take on a more prominent role in the side, it looks as if he is taking that chance with both hands, with Newcastle now needing to act quickly to beat what one would expect to be a lengthy list of suitors to secure his signature.

Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly is striving to put the onus on young, promising prospects at Stamford Bridge, targeting touted starlets with a high ceiling, capable of forging their path toward prominence in West London. 

What’s the word?

One player that appears to be edging toward a move to Chelsea is Andrey Santos, a teenage sensation playing for Vasco de Gama in the Brazilian second tier, with a €15m (£13m) move set to be secured in the coming months. 

This is according to French outlet Le10 Sport, who claim that the Blues have warded off interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United to lure the player into the fray. 

One pivotal factor behind this was the Blues project being ‘more consistent with the player’s expectations than that of other clubs, such as PSG’ – with Potter’s philosophy and emphasis on youth likely a definitive argument in the bid. 

The next Makelele

Santos has earned plaudits for his refined, ubiquitous presence on the pitch, and at just 18 years old, he evidently has all the ingredients to become a major player at the top of the game.

Earning the nickname “the Brazilian Busquets”, Santos possesses the whole gamut of ability required to serve as a successful pivot in European football, boasting defensive prowess and a desire to instigate forward transitions when appropriate. 

Despite semblance to FC Barcelona’s Busquets, Santos can absorb the style of Chelsea’s iconic former engine Claude Makelele, nurturing his own ability and looking to emulate the approach that served Chelsea’s No. 4 so well during his illustrious spell at the club.

In 2022, the £4.3m-rated starlet has featured in 36 matches for Vasco, scoring eight goals in the process. 

Occupying the box-to-box role for his team, Santos has excelled due to his dynamic, tenacious performances in South America, carrying the ball with aplomb and providing defensive support with resounding success.

As per Sofascore, the teenager has produced an average rating of 7.13 in his division, recording a passing accuracy of 78%, making 2.9 tackles per match and succeeding with 60% (8.4) of his total duels, rounding off with an average of 1.4 shots per fixture. 

These are traits that will serve him well in the modern European game, and open the door to a shining spell at Chelsea, who are in need of a midfielder with the whole host of skills necessary to cement their standing at the forefront of the domestic and continental game. 

At just 18 years old, he might not slot right into the starting XI, instead slowly integrating into the churning machine that Potter is tinkering away at, but should his development be handled with care and attention, Chelsea could soon have a brilliant, industrious player on their hands – and perhaps even their next Makelele.

Everton should consider making a move for USA and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie in the near future, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Impressive World Cup for McKennie

The 24-year-old has been on World Cup duty with America in Qatar, and while his country exited after defeat to Netherlands on Saturday, he enjoyed an impressive tournament.

McKennie has been a key member of an energetic USA midfield throughout the competition, starting all four matches and averaging 1.3 clearances per game.

A move away from Juventus could be on the cards and a Premier League switch is possible, with Everton one of the clubs linked with signing him in recent weeks.

The Latest: McKennie would suit Everton

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Phillips talked up the idea of Everton snapping up McKennie, believing that club and player would be a perfect fit.

He said of the American:

“He’s a very good player, I think he could bring a lot to Everton, I don’t think he’s good enough for Chelsea and I don’t want Chelsea to sign him but I think for a club like Everton, he’s much better suited to that move.”

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The Verdict: Brilliant midfield option

Everton’s midfield arguably looks too one-paced at times under Frank Lampard, and McKennie is somebody who could be ideal in solving that issue.

At 24, he is at an ideal age to come in and strengthen the Toffees in the middle of the park, with 91 appearances for Juventus and 40 caps for the USA highlighting his pedigree.

McKennie could take up a box-to-box role which gives Frank Lampard’s side an extra attacking dimension – he has been described as a ‘dangerous’ player by Clint Dempsey – and while his current Juventus deal doesn’t expire until 2025, a January bid could turn the Serie A club’s heads.