All posts by h79snht.top

Everton are having a terrible season so far with numerous injury problems and poor performances all contributing to the difficult relegation battle they have found themselves in over the remaining weeks of the season.

Frank Lampard was brought in on Deadline Day to steady the ship after a series of shocking performances and lack of points on the board following a six and a half month stint with Rafa Benitez in charge at Goodison Park, but has struggled to inspire a run of good form since his arrival.

In the Premier League, the ex-Chelsea boss has managed eight, won two and lost six so far, as well as crashing out of the FA Cup to Crystal Palace last month missing out on a spot in the semi-final at Wembley, all of which is not ideal as Everton begin to run out of time to secure safety.

With that being said, the Blues boss should not take all the blame for the poor results he has racked up since he joined in January, as a number of players are failing to pull their weight, and one, in particular, has let the team down time and time again.

Michael Keane has scored two own goals that have led to defeat against Norwich City and Tottenham Hotspurs since the turn of the year, and most recently received his second yellow with a red card to follow in the defeat to West Ham United on Sunday afternoon. Surely this has to be the final nail in the coffin for the calamitous centre-back.

The £19.8m-rated defender who was dubbed a “liability” by Trevor Sinclair, has also been criticised for his negative impact on the Everton team, with Paul Robinson telling Football Insider that Keane is part of a problem that is “costing Everton dearly.”

At this point of the season Lampard really needs players he can rely on for the final push to make sure the Toffees stay inside the Premier League next season and when you look at Keane’s erratic behaviour on the pitch alongside his countless mistakes there is absolutely no reason why moving forward Lampard should put up with it and as a result, should sell the defender at his earliest convenience.

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The Toffees now have ten games left to save their season and ensure they are playing top flight football next season, but it won’t be easy as they have a number of difficult fixtures ahead of them with Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United and Chelsea left to play, so picking up points against Burnley tonight at Turf Moor is an absolute must.

In other news: Signed for £0, then became worth £35m: Everton struck gold over “king of blunders”

The optimism, the hope, the expectation. It only lasts about 90 minutes of the opening day for most…

Saturday’s last minute defeat to newly promoted Yeovil Town is of course not the best start to the season, but some fans are overreacting massively to the first game.

The game was not only Steve Lomas’ first competitive game in charge, but realistically no team wants to play a newly promoted side on the first game of the season. They are usually still on a high and have a winning mentality still, there an unknown package in this league.

Look when ‘Wall went to Bristol City first game they were promoted – they went and won 3-0 at Ashton Gate.

Lomas is a novice in management in English football, and he made a couple of mistakes with his line-up. Why start Richard Chaplow, an experienced, competent Championship midfielder on the wing, and play Jimmy Abdou and Josh Wright in the centre?

Wright is a midfielder who can’t tackle, but can’t pass a ball forward, there’s a myth that he’s a “passing midfielder”. On the other hand all Millwall supporters love Jimmy, but he can only do one thing and that’s to defend.

In reality, Nicky Bailey and Richard Chaplow should be our centre midfield pair. A half fit Bailey came on in the second half against Yeovil and was the best player on the pitch, that may show you how good Bailey is, but most likely shows how bad Wright and Jimmy were together.

And Danny Shittu, the man-mountain and hero of last season, looks even slower than last year, it may have been only one game but he looks like he has the turning pace of a cruise liner. Robbo might be a better option this year no fully fit.

Of course it’s not the best start to have to the season, but give the new signings time to gel into the team, we have decent players here now, we just need time for the jigsaw pieces all to fit.

Lomas picked up his first win as manager on Tuesday night after goals from Martyn Woolford and Andy Keogh secured a 2-1 win against AFC Wimbledon in the Capital One Cup. Lomas made seven changes to his team against Yeovil, it seems he stuck to his word after declaring he will give all players a chance.

It also gave the chance for players to shine, Nicky Bailey certainly took up the chance, his second man of the match performance in four days. He seems to be one of the only midfielders we have who seems comfortable on the ball, and seems to know what he’s going to do with the ball before he receives it.

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On a free transfer he seems to be a great signing, and hopefully he’ll be paired with Richard Chaplow in centre midfield. Can be a devastating partnership at this level.

COYL

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As per The Daily Mirror and reporter Darren Lewis, there has been a very interesting transfer update out of Newcastle United involving Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.

The Lowdown: Chelsea in turmoil…

On Thursday, a huge development in the footballing world broke as it was announced that the UK government placed sanctions on Roman Abramovich amid his nation’s invasion of Ukraine.

As a result, the billionaire oligarch’s assets were frozen, throwing Chelsea’s future into turmoil as reports even suggest the likes of Man United could poach their Champions League-winning manager.

The Premier League have now also confirmed he has been disqualified as a director with Newcastle, and by extension main club owners Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, now looking to seize an early opportunity for Rudiger amid the chaos.

The Latest: Newcastle exploring early Rudiger option…

According to Lewis and The Mirror, Newcastle are one of the ‘cheeky’ rival clubs checking to see if these sanctions allow them to sign Rudiger on a pre-contract now rather than waiting until summer.

Usually, English clubs can only open talks with Premier League free agents once their deal actually expires.

Indeed, only European sides are able to begin negotiations with soon-to-be top flight free agents during the season but PIF and the Magpies are apparently seeing if this law has changed since Chelsea can no longer offer new deals to players or staff.

The Verdict: Very interesting…

Depending on developments, signing the Germany international ahead of time would certainly be a ‘cheeky’ move by Newcastle as they aim to back Eddie Howe.

Described as the ‘real deal’ and a ‘nightmare’ by pundit Ally McCoist, Newcastle’s own striker Callum Wilson has called Rudiger ‘annoying’ and ‘frustrating’ to play against.

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Seeing if they can nip in ahead of the European competition may well be a clever move by PIF.

In other news: Staveley now working on another free deal for starlet with same agent as Fraser! Find out more here.

Everton’s hopes of luring Arouna Kone to Goodison Park have received a boost, with the Wigan striker admitting that he would like to remain in the Premier League.

The Ivorian was one of the Latics’ most impressive performers last term, netting regularly as the DW Stadium outfit secured The FA Cup.

However, he was unable to help them avoid relegation, and is now being linked with a summer move.

Roberto Martinez is keen for the 29-year-old to follow him to Everton, and may even activate the £6.5million release clause in his contract to force through a deal.

Although he is happy at Wigan, Kone has admitted that he would seriously consider a move to a Premier League side in the coming months.

“I have a contract until 2015 with Wigan and I settled very well there, it is a brilliant community football club. The chairman is fantastic,” he is quoted by The Mirror.

“Yes, I want to be playing in the Premier League, but it also depends on Wigan because I have a contract with them.

“Everton? Just because the gaffer is in charge makes the link stronger but, to be honest, I don’t know what will happen. After the international games I will know more.”

Kone only joined Wigan last summer from Levante, but has proved to be a capable Premier League forward.

He is also vastly experience, having played for sides in Holland, Spain, Germany, Belgium and the Ivory Coast.

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Can Arouna Kone score the goals to help Everton qualify for Europe?

Join the debate below!

[cat_link cat=”everton” type=”grid”]

Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side face a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday night, with the Italian manager undoubtedly hoping his side can quickly bounce back from their 3-2 defeat at Manchester United last Saturday.

However, despite Spurs’ hosts this evening being in an extremely poor run of form at present, the Seagulls are nevertheless a much better side than their last five defeats on the spin would suggest – with a win against Tottenham potentially seeing Graham Potter’s side go level on points with Aston Villa in ninth place.

As such, Conte must ensure that his team selection is spot on at the Amex if he wishes to give his side the best possible chance of returning to north London with all three points – a result that could see Spurs close the gap to fourth-placed Arsenal to just three points, with the Gunners facing Liverpool tonight.

So, will the 52-year-old make any changes to the side that started the defeat at Old Trafford last weekend? Here’s how we think Tottenham could line up against Brighton, as well as the latest team and injury news…

With Conte recently revealing that all three of Oliver Skipp, Japhet Tanganga and Ryan Sessegnon remain sidelined due to injury, we predict the Italian will make just two changes to the team that lined up against United on Saturday.

The back four remains untouched, with Hugo Lloris starting between the sticks, and Ben Davies, Eric Dier and Cristian Romero making up Spurs’ three-man defence.

At wing-back, Matt Doherty once again gets the nod ahead of Emerson Royal on the right, while the disappointing display of the £34m-rated Sergio Reguilon – who Alasdair Gold claimed “everyone loves” – sees the 25-year-old drop to the bench, with Steven Bergwijn – who appears a perfect candidate at left wing-back – being given a chance to impress in a new role.

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In the middle of the park, both Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur retain their starting berths, while, in the front three, Dejan Kulusevski makes way for Lucas Moura – a player dubbed a “nightmare” by Dier – while Son Heung-min and Harry Kane remain unchanged.

AND in other news: Sold at £47m, now worth £100m: Levy will “cry every night” over his worst THFC mistake

With things having turned around considerably for Newcastle United in recent weeks, some of the focus from those behind the scenes at the club will surely be focused on enjoying a summer overhaul in the transfer window.

The Magpies embarked on an impressive spending spree in January, bringing in the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier, among others, and there will be a genuine hope among the club’s fan-base that they can take that next step come the summer.

But while new signings will grab all the attention, Eddie Howe will also be keen to streamline his squad, and one player who he must finally permanently offload, is Dwight Gayle.

The striker has been very much a bit-part player for the Tyneside club this season both under Howe and predecessor Steve Bruce, playing just five games of Premier League football and totalling a measly 27 minutes of action.

Despite the lack of game-time, Howe has been quick to praise Gayle for his work off the pitch, and insisted he still has a big part to play in the remainder of this season.

Speaking just last month, the Magpies boss said: “Dwight is another player who has shown a great attitude behind the scenes, with his work. He has a big role to play in the team. He’s a very experienced player.

“You know if Dwight gets one chance, that could be the key moment in our season to keep us in the Premier League. Dwight could be that player who delivers in the crucial moment so he needs to be ready for his chance.”

While Howe does a fine job there of keeping one of his fringe players on side, Gayle certainly isn’t a player who the Magpies should be hanging their hat on as a front-line option going into next season.

The likes of Chris Wood and Callum Wilson are proven Premier League options, but you would feel the Tyneside club could offload Gayle and bring in a far more exciting, and younger, talent to supplement what they already have – talks of course were held with Stade Reims sensation Hugo Ekitike back in the January transfer window for example.

And, over his numerous years at the club – excluding his loan spell at West Brom – the £40k-a-week earning striker has cost Newcastle over £10m in wages.

When you then add in his £10m transfer fee, Gayle’s time at St James’ Park has been somewhat of an expensive nightmare, while eyebrows were raised last year when it was revealed the club had handed him a new three-year deal to keep him until 2024.

Former Leeds man Noel Whelan said: “I’m shocked to hear he’s been given a new deal, because I do not think Steve Bruce will be there until the end of the year.

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“Newcastle are deep in a relegation battle so to hand out contracts now, when everything is up in the air, I find that pretty bewildering. It is not as if he has been given much game time. How can you hand out a three-year contract to a player who has barely played, under a manager who might not be there?”

This summer has to be one where Newcastle try and bridge the gap to the Premier League’s elite, and getting rid of a wildly under-performing and rarely-used Gayle has to be on the agenda too.

AND in other news – Sold for £36.9m, now worth £720k: Newcastle enjoyed a blinder with “unplayable” flop

Celtic have been handed a huge boost in their bid to retain the services of Josip Juranovic beyond the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, the Hoops right-back all but confirmed that, despite being linked with a summer switch to Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City, he is not looking to secure a move away from Parkhead any time soon, also suggesting that he is loving his time in Glasgow.

When asked whether he is happy at Celtic Park, the right-back replied: “Yes, I am satisfied, but it can always be better. New training is a new chance, I do not want to waste a single part of my career.

“Celtic is a great club, I enjoy it from the first day. I go to training with a smile, I enjoy the club, the city, the fans.”

The Croatia international was then pushed on a future move away from the Bhoys, to which Juranovic said: “Transfer? There are always some stories, but I leave that to my manager. I am at Celtic with all my heart.”

Posecoglou will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Juranovic has been since his £2.5m move to Parkhead last summer, the 26-year-old’s apparent commitment to the Celtic cause is sure to have left Ange Postecoglou buzzing.

Indeed, over his 24 Premiership appearances this season, the £3.6m-rated full-back has been in breathtaking form, helping his side to keep 10 clean sheets, scoring two goals and creating four big chances for his team-mates. He has also averaged 1.3 key passes, 0.9 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and 1.4 clearances and won 3.1 duels per game.

These returns have seen the £42k-per-week defender, who Ally McCoist dubbed an “outstanding” talent, average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him as the 12th-best player in the Scottish top flight this term.

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As such, despite the reported interest of a Premier League club, the reports that Juranovic is more than happy to remain a Celtic player beyond the summer is sure to come as a huge boost to Postecoglou and his side. Another season of the 26-year-old lining up on the right of the Hoops’ backline should certainly do the club’s 2022/23 title hopes no harm whatsoever.

AND in other news: Celtic dealt big fitness concern ahead of Old Firm clash, supporters will be gutted

Are Liverpool going to complete a deal for Bournemouth’s high-flying talisman, Antoine Semenyo, this January?

Well, someone’s going to, with all the reliable sources confirming that the Ghana international is set to leave the Vitality Stadium having scored eight goals and supplied three assists across 16 Premier League appearances this season.

At this hectic Christmas stage, it looks as though he’s set to head to Manchester City with David Ornstein revealing on the 23rd that the player’s “preference is to join Man City.”

While many frustrated Reds fans would point toward central defence as a priority position this winter, Alexander Isak’s injury and the lingering uncertainty around Mohamed Salah may well have changed things for FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes.

How Liverpool can react to Isak's injury

Isak’s ice-cold finish to set Liverpool on their way against Tottenham was supposed to be the start of a bright spell for the British-record signing.

Having cost Liverpool £125m, to say the former Newcastle forward has been disappointing would be an understatement, and now, he faces a lengthy layoff after breaking his leg when cut down by Micky van de Ven in the act of scoring.

There are a number of routes Liverpool can head down as they try to find ways to replace the Sweden striker, but pushing ahead with a deal for Semenyo feels the most prudent.

But Semenyo is a wanted man, and Liverpool do have another option they could fall back on.

After all, Vinicius Junior is the better player. Reports from this month, as relayed by Football FanCast, outline Liverpool’s interest in Real Madrid’s wantaway winger. Talks have allegedly been held with the player’s representatives and there could be a price tag of around £131m.

Real would supposedly consider offers in the ballpark of £80m, and given Semenyo has a £65m release clause with Bournemouth, it may be worth pushing ahead with a deal for Vini Jr instead, should a deal truly be doable.

Why Vini Jr should be Liverpool's top pick

It’s worth drawing attention right off the bat to Vinicius Junior’s contractual situation: the Brazil “superstar”, as he has been labelled by former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric, is halfway through the penultimate year of his deal, thus limiting the parameters Florentino Perez can set at the negotiating table.

The £400k-per-week talent has yet to fall toward a particular eventuality as he creeps toward the exit at Santiago Bernabeu, but Liverpool might be the perfect location for him, with the 25-year-old comfortably established as one of the world’s best forwards and sure to become one of Slot’s main men, playing off the left flank.

He might even prove himself to be a bigger talent than Isak. Liverpool’s star striker is one of the sharpest finishers in the game, with elite movement and athleticism when fully fit. But Vini boasts a unique repetoire.

Vinicius Jr vs Alexander Isak (past 12 months)

Stats (per 90)

Vini Jr

Isak

Goals scored

0.28

0.59

Assists

0.28

0.12

Shots taken

3.29

2.83

Touches (att pen)

8.94

5.50

Shot-creating actions

5.25

2.20

Pass completion (%)

75.4

75.2

Progressive passes

3.42

2.52

Progressive carries

7.28

2.48

Successful take-ons

2.84

0.98

Ball recoveries

3.22

1.65

Tackles + interceptions

1.23

0.79

Data via FBref

While Vinicius Jr is more of a wide forward than a focal frontman like Isak, he has played plenty at number nine, and there’s no question that he has a wider breadth of quality to complement his ferocious killer instinct. The goals have dried up of late, but he’s scored bucketloads in his time.

Subscribe for deeper Liverpool transfer insight in our newsletter Get clearer verdicts—subscribe to the newsletter for expert transfer analysis on Liverpool’s striker options, data-led comparisons, and realistic takeaways that cut through the noise around Semenyo and Vinicius Jr. Subscribe Subscribe for deeper Liverpool transfer insight in our newsletter Get clearer verdicts—subscribe to the newsletter for expert transfer analysis on Liverpool’s striker options, data-led comparisons, and realistic takeaways that cut through the noise around Semenyo and Vinicius Jr.

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Even as he plods along through 2025/26, out of sorts and potentially feeling unloved in a team he has led to two Champions League titles, does Vincius Jr return solid numbers that would be hallmarks of lesser forwards’ careers. He has five goals and eight assists from 24 matches, having notched 22 goals and 19 assists across all competitions last year.

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Isak is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. One of the best in Europe. However, Vinicius Jr came within a whisker of Ballon d’Or gold, and he would arrive in Liverpool with a point to prove, taking control of an outfit that perhaps needs such a profile as Salah winds down.

Related Liverpool must drop £150k-p/w dud who's a bigger concern than Isak

Liverpool laboured to a narrow win over nine-man Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

Spurs have been handed a major boost in their quest to sign Nottingham Forest full-back Djed Spence in the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Writing on Twitter, journalist Jacque Talbot said: “Understand Djed Spence is a target for a number of Premier League clubs – Tottenham included. Their MD, Fabio Paratici, watched the youngster at City Ground during Nottingham’s 4-1 FA Cup win over Leicester in February.”

That was then followed up by news from Goal.com, who claimed that ahead of a number of other clubs, it’s Spurs who are leading the race to sign Spence come the summer transfer window and that they are considered the full-back’s most likely landing spot.

Fans will be buzzing

With him currently playing for a side sitting ninth in the Championship, it’s fair to say Spence may not have been a real household name earlier this season.

However, his superb performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup saw him catch the national eye, and it left former Gunners icon Ian Wright raving about him after.

He said: “But let me say, that was one of the best right-back performances I have seen for a very long time. A very long time. I have not seen a combative, technical, swashbuckling performance like that for a very long time.”

It’s no surprise then that clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are both said to be keeping an eye on him, while Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal have also been following him.

Goal’s update that it’s the Lilywhites who are at the head of the queue, especially in front of those Bundesliga juggernauts, is a very encouraging boost for Antonio Conte and his plans to rebuild this squad in his own image in the summer.

The north Londoners of course were linked with a move for Wolves flier Adama Traore amid suggestions they wanted to see him as a right wing-back, so making a move for Spence carries a lot of weight.

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The 6 foot star’s arrival at Spurs would be a superb signing for Conte, and it’s news that will have fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, a Dane Scarlett claim has been dropped…

A journalist for The Scottish Daily Express has been critical of the performance of Fashion Sakala for Glasgow Rangers in their 1-0 win at Ibrox on Saturday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Job done

It was certainly not pretty from Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team at times, but they managed to get the job done.

Kemar Roofe grabbed the winning goal against Aberdeen after coming off of the bench late on in the second half, as the home side drew level with Celtic at the top of the table overnight.

The Latest: Sakala slammed

Writing in his player ratings for The Scottish Daily Express, journalist Jonathon Moar gave Fashion Sakala a mere 4/10 rating for the game, the lowest out of any player who started for Rangers.

He claimed that the Zambia international had ‘very little’ end product, and ultimately ‘needs to do more’.

The Verdict: Wasteful

While fellow attacker Roofe grabbed all of the headlines with his goal, Sakala was left wondering just how he did not score. He had seven shots on goal in total, by far more than any other player on the pitch, and what was worse was that none of those were on target (SofaScore).

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Sakala also lost out on two of his duels, recorded no successful dribbles or accurate crosses and gave possession away 13 times (SofaScore) in what turned out to be a frustrating afternoon for him personally. Therefore, the critical assessment from Moar seems justified.

In other news, this 6 foot 3 colossus now wants to leave Ibrox