All posts by z3u9t.icu

Queens Park Rangers were unable to continue their rich vein of form on Saturday afternoon as they slumped to a home defeat to lowly Huddersfield Town, and one man badly let Mark Warburton down.

The Terriers were the better side throughout the encounter, but it may have been a different match had Todd Kane converted an absolute sitter with it still all-square before the break.

Ilias Chair teed up the right wing-back from seven yards out and he still missed – many will blame him for the result, but it was the Rs’ inability to control the match from midfield that ultimately proved to be their downfall.

Fulham loanee Stefan Johansen endured, perhaps, his worst game since joining the club in January – as described by West London Sport in their post-match ratings:

‘Probably his least impressive display since his arrival from Fulham. Loose in possession with too many over-hit passes and struggled to get on top against the excellent [Lewis] O’Brien and Jonathan Hogg.’

Indeed, he was graded as their worst starter and it’s easy to see why.

The Norweigan veteran played the full 90 minutes, and recorded the second-most touches of anyone on the pitch (95). Therefore, his influence in the match should’ve been far greater as he’s clearly meant to be pulling the strings from the engine room.

However, Warburton got very little in return.

Johansen also lost possession 17 times, meaning he handed the ball back to Huddersfield once every five minutes – or once every 5.5 touches, as per SofaScore.

The £1.8m-rated 30-year-old was also weak in his battles, winning only one of five duels (20%), which merely reinforces the view from WLS that he struggled to combat the energy and aggression from O’Brien and Hogg in the middle.

By comparison, midfield partner Sam Field only lost three of 11 duels in the middle, whilst no other Hoops player was as ineffective.

So, much of the fault may well lie at Kane’s feet but that was merely one chance in 90 minutes of football and thus, Johansen’s performance must be criticised just as much – if not more – especially given his vast experience.

Warburton would have surely wanted better from the £8k-per-week promotion winner.

Many fans of West Ham United have been reacting to a post on Twitter in which Hammers centre-forward Michail Antonio reflected on the Irons’ recent draw with Arsenal.

Following the 3-3 draw with Mikel Arteta’s Gunners – a game in which Antonio registered two assists, but also missed two big chances for David Moyes’ side – the 30-year-old took to Twitter, claiming that the result against the Gunners was “hard to take” for him and his team, before suggesting that he will use the international break to work towards “putting it right” with a win in the Hammers’ next Premier League fixture.

In reaction to his comments, numerous fans of West Ham flocked to have their say on the comments, with many offering messages of support for the £70,000-per-week striker. However, some took the opportunity to criticise Antonio for the chances he missed in the game, as well as for his dip in form in recent weeks, with just two goals across his last nine league appearances. One supporter even accused the striker of “sulking”.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to Michail Anotnio’s post-match comments?

“How about getting your finger out? Your game has dropped recently.”

@td67coyi

“Feels like a loss almost but least we didn’t lose. That could be a vital point for us during the run-in, so keep the faith man and you did a lot of good things yesterday.”

@RockyWhu

“Just make sure you don’t miss another tap in. Love you.”

@conor56747940

“A bootlace away from the winner. Still, a point gained in this unexpected season. Enjoy the rest and come back hungry for more.”

@greg10217

“The goals stopped coming when you said you were going to score 4 against Liverpool. Jinxed it.”

@PessimisticHam1

“Sulking when your teammate scores? Bad mentality.”

@JHHWHUFC

“Well played but the chance you missed gave me a heart attack.”

@JessseLingaard

“Unlucky mate, recharge your batteries – one big push.”

@Mexico20000

In other news: these West Ham fans slammed this club figure with “no ambition” after footage surfaced – find out more here!

Alex Iwobi has been left ‘shocked’ at the goal that James Rodriguez scored for Everton in their 1-1 home draw with Crystal Palace on Monday evening.

The former Real Madrid star placed a neat finish into the bottom corner with his weaker right foot to give the Merseyside club the lead at Goodison Park, only former Carlo Ancelotti’s team to be pegged back late on by a goal from Michy Batshuayi.

Nonetheless, Iwobi recently gave his thoughts to the BBC on his 29-year-old teammate:

“What shocked me was his right foot finish, I didn’t know he had that in him.

“Some of the passes he plays, I don’t know how he sees it. It’s not normal.”

Rodriguez fitting in at Everton

Rodriguez is seemingly fitting in very well in the Toffees side and has shown that in decisive moments he is a player that they can count on in front of goal.

The Colombia international, who currently earns £90,000 per week with the Blues, has now scored no fewer than six goals and made a further eight assists in 22 games in total over all competitions so far in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt), and will surely be hoping for plenty more goal contributions as the season comes to an end.

Nonetheless, it will no doubt be good to hear for fans that he is pleasing his teammates on the pitch, and is turning out to be a very shrewd signing by EFC.

In other news, find out what big Josh King transfer claim has been dropped here!

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he doesn’t believe Mikel Arteta is the right man to take Arsenal back in the Champions League.

The former Gunners captain won the FA Cup in his first season back at the Emirates, but his Arsenal side are some way behind the top-four places following 11 Premier League defeats already this term and are facing the prospect of their worst league finish since 1994-1995.

Arsenal have finished outside the Champions League places in each of the previous four seasons – and know their best route back into the competition is by winning the Europa League.

Arteta’s team have improved of late, and backed up their comeback win against Benfica by beating Leicester last Saturday in one of their best result of the campaign.

Despite those two impressive victories, Windass still isn’t convinced by Arteta.

He told Football FanCast:

“I don’t think he is for Arsenal. I think he’s turned a corner, but I don’t actually think he’s the right man for Arsenal to go on to be a Champions League or Premier League winner.

“I have always said that Brendon Rodgers is a great fit for Arsenal. He’s an English manager, knows the Premier League, I’m not saying Arteta doesn’t, but he’s just come from being Pep’s understudy and it’s his first job. 

“I don’t think he will go on and take Arsenal into the Champions League and push for the Premier League title.”

Arsenal might well go and win the Europa League which would mark their best season for some time, but their Premier League form under Arteta has been less than inspiring.

As a result, it’s no great surprise that Windass thinks the Gunners should look elsewhere.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former England international midfielder Carlton Palmer has been discussing the possibility of Crystal Palace signing Leicester City winger, Demarai Gray. 

This comes after the £10.8m-rated Leicester City man, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, has been linked with a move to Selhurst Park, while Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen are also said to be in the hunt for the 24-year-old’s signature, per the Daily Mail.

So, what has Palmer said about Crystal Palace potentially signing Gray?

Palmer has shared that he believes the Premier League-winning winger would be a good fit for the Eagles, explaining that while he’s not “overly a big fan” of Gray, he feels that Palace would be a good level for him to continue his career, with his time at the King Power Stadium potentially coming to an end. 

The pundit said: “I think he’s decent. Crystal Palace aren’t going to challenge at the top end of the table, are they? They’re always going to be mid-table or just above, so he would fit into the Crystal Palace scenario, as it were. I mean, I’m not overly a big fan of him. I think he does okay, he’s got good pace.” 

Transfer Tavern take

Gray hasn’t played a very significant role for the Foxes this term, making just two appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ side in all competitions. 

You could argue that Selhurst Park would be a good destination for the winger to move to if he is set to move on from the Foxes in either this window or the next, as Palace are potentially short on natural options on the wing.

Per Transfermarkt, Wilfried Zaha, Andros Townsend and Jeffrey Schlupp are the only players in the Eagles’ first-team squad who are natural to wide positions in the attacking third/middle third of the pitch. Schlupp is currently nursing an injury whilst Townsend will be out of contract in the summer.

Meanwhile, Gray has plenty of experience playing on either wing, so we agree with Palmer’s claim that he could be a good fit for Palace and it might make sense for the south London club to target him if he is set to leave Leicester, either this month or in the summer. 

In other news, Dominic Fifield has issued a claim on the possibility of Crystal Palace handing Christian Benteke a new deal.

David Moyes has delivered West Ham United a welcome boost after confirming that Arthur Masuaku has returned to light training sessions.

The DR Congo international has been out of action since mid-December having made the decision to have surgery for the sake of his career, after dealing with pain in his knee for the best part of two years.

West Ham refused to put a timescale on his return at the time but Moyes is now hopeful of seeing the 27-year-old be back available for selection in around a month.

Masuaku went under the knife following a strong run in the Hammers starting line-up following a move from Moyes to go five-at-the-back, with the £7m-rated dynamo opening 10 of the London Stadium natives’ first 11 games of the Premier League season.

There were slight concerns that Masuaku may need a second operation last month, but allegedly did not report back any discomfort in his knee since the initial surgery.

Moyes confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Fulham, that while the left-back remains West Ham’s only absentee through injury, his progress is heading in the right direction.

“We’ve only got Arthur Masuaku [out], who has started jogging for the first time on Thursday following his knee surgery, so it gives us a thought that Arthur is only possibly a month away from coming back,” the Irons boss said.

“Hopefully, we’re trying to keep as many people fit as we can. This is a really difficult period for us. The fixture list has not been easy for any of the clubs and we’re no different.

“We’ve a really important Premier League game and then an FA Cup tie in midweek as well, so it’s another really big week for us. That said, I’m not thinking about the cup tie tomorrow, that’s for sure, but I know it’s on the horizon because of the week we’ve got.”

Moyes confirming that Masuaku is nearing a return to action will come as a boost for West Ham, after the east London outfit opted against strengthening the left-back position during the mid-season transfer window.

The Hammers were linked with a myriad of potential options to add depth behind Aaron Cresswell and youth prospect Ben Johnson, with FC Barcelona’s Junior Firpo, Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri, Brentford’s Rico Henry, RB Leipzig’s Matthew Bondswell and Manchester United’s Brandon Williams all touted at some stage.

Yet Moyes and the Irons hierarchy ultimately opted against spending out on a short-term fix, which could now prove to be a masterstroke if Masuaku is able to come back into the fold and hit the ground running next month.

The 27-year-old’s efforts earlier in the Premier League campaign still remain at a high level compared to his positional rivals across the division, with Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell (1) and Sheffield United’s Max Lowe (0.8) the only left-backs blocking a higher number of crosses on average (0.7) per game in the top-flight this term, per WhoScored.

Masuaku additionally ranks fourth in the league for passes blocked (1.2) and fifth for accurate crosses (1.1) delivered by a left-back, and is the joint-most successful left-sided full-back for bringing possession out from the back with 2.2 successful dribbles a game, level with Brighton’s Solly March.

Cresswell, who took over honours at left-back following Masuaku’s operation, is also offering 1.1 accurate crosses a game but is misdirecting 1.7 more than his teammate, who only fails to find a West Ham shirt 2.6 times a game compared to 4.3.

Moyes may still persist with Cresswell in the role given the Irons’ form at present, but Masuaku’s return will be a big boost in adding adequate depth in the role in a potential European push.

AND in other news, David Moyes can give a £3.5m-rated outcast a new lease of life at West Ham with one decision…

Liverpool could be set to bolster their attacking options with the signing of PSV hitman Donyell Malen.

According to Calciomercato, the Reds are interested in the prospect of swooping for the Dutchman at some point in the near future in what would be an excellent transfer.

A product of the Arsenal youth set-up, Malen has thrived in his time back in his home country.

He has made 108 appearances in all competitions for the club since his arrival in 2017, netting 50 goals and providing a further 22 assists.

The 22-year-old is also in the midst of his most lethal season thus far, having struck 14 times in the Eredivisie.

His quality has also come to the fore on the European stage, too, hitting five goals in just eight UEFA Europa League appearances in 2020/21.

Should he presumably play second-fiddle to current first-choice Anfield forward Roberto Firmino, he will certainly be a better prospect than Divock Origi.

Throughout this season, Malen has averaged 3.4 shots per game, 0.8 key passes, and 1.3 dribbles per match according to WhoScored. The fact that he is confident enough to consistently try his luck and take players on only bodes well for a Liverpool side usually famed for its attacking style of football.

When compared to Malen, Origi’s number almost pale into insignificance. Albeit in limited opportunities this season under Jurgen Klopp, the Belgian is averaging just 0.7 shots, 0.3 key passes and 0.1 dribbles per game.

Last week, Neil Jones of Goal reported that Origi is for sale this summer and if he does leave, then Malan could be the ideal replacement.

The stats indicate that the Dutchman would certainly improve Liverpool’s squad and rated at just £22.5m, it is certainly an affordable and attractive deal.

After all, having signed the likes of Luis Suarez and cult hero Dirk Kuyt from Ajax and Feyenoord respectively, Malen could well become another Eredivisie success story on Merseyside.

AND in more news, read our evaluation of Mo Salah’s awful performance in the Reds’ 1-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham…

Any help will do in January is surely going to be the message from Neil Lennon to Nick Hammond.

Celtic are 19 points behind Rangers in the race for the title and are slowly sinking without a trace.

What’s the word?

The Hoops have a huge job on their hands to save their season but challenging for the SPFL this season looks completely impossible.

Some new faces could potentially do the trick but even then, they will face a mountain to climb. Mark McKenzie who plays his football in America has been linked but they’re also chasing a new winger.

That’s the word of the Daily Record who report that both Rangers and Celtic are interested in signing young Airdrie winger Thomas Robert. Son of Newcastle cult hero, Laurent Robert, he has caught the eye this season in League One.

According to quotes supplied by the same source, a bid could well be imminent from one of those clubs. Speaking about the 20-year-old, Airdrie Boss Ian Murray said:

“We’ve had loads of clubs looking at him, a few of them were pretty impressed. Were they impressed enough to make a bid, I’m not sure, but I think there are a couple who are not too far away from that.”

Football Insider later reported that Dundee had already made contact over his services but that hasn’t been confirmed by either party yet.

Christie 2.0

Last week the Hoops received worrying news that dynamic winger Ryan Christie could be on his way out of Parkhead.

Both Leeds and Arsenal have now been credited with an interest but it remains to be seen whether a bid is forthcoming for the Scot.

Fortunately, Celtic could sign their ideal replacement in Robert if he does indeed leave.

The Frenchman is capable of playing on either wing and since moving from Montpellier in the summer, has scored four goals and registered two assists in 13 outings.

It’s an eye-catching record but it’s the way he plays that gives us plenty of Christie vibes. A left-footed winger, Robert can dangerously cut inside from the right and either provide a defence-splitting pass or find the net.

The youngster needs to develop more consistency if he’s to make it at one of Scotland’s big boys but the future is bright for a young talent with football pedigree coursing through his veins.

Although it’s not a marquee signing, Robert would add valuable depth to a side that has been lacking options out wide in 2020/21. Nick Hammond must get a deal done.

AND in other news, Celtic must sign £39k-p/w gem in January, Rodgers thinks he’s “a David Silva type”…

Hugo Lloris continues to justify Jose Mourinho’s decision to sign Joe Hart this summer, with France legend Jean-Pierre Papin waxing lyrical over the Tottenham Hotspur shot-stopper for his form during the November international break.

What’s he said?

While speaking with L’Equipe, Papin praised Lloris for working miracles as he helped guide France to victory over Portugal in the UEFA Nations League last Friday.

The 33-year-old pulled off, what Papin feels to be, three top-drawer saves that played a key factor in determining the result, which moved Didier Deschamps’ France clear of their Group A3 rivals with Portugal left trailing by three points.

France ensured they stayed top of their group in the final fixture on Tuesday night with a 4-2 home win over Sweden, while Portugal edged Croatia 3-2 in a nervy affair decided in second-half stoppage-time by Manchester City’s Ruben Dias.

Papin believes Lloris’ superb ability between the posts safeguarded France from any troubles in victory over Portugal, while the Spurs and Les Bleus captain earned the 119th of his 120 international caps.

“I liked the mastery of this well-organised team,” Papin said. “They displayed seriousness and discipline, which is reassuring for the future. We could fear that Portugal would crush us with their mastery, it was not the case.

“France was sure of the football, well in place, with a great goalkeeper. Lloris had three balls to touch and he achieves three miracles.”

Justifying Hart’s arrival

Lloris’ form with France and in north London this season continues to justify Mourinho’s decision to bring Hart to Tottenham as a free agent, having stated how he felt the former England international’s arrival would help inspire the French shot-stopper to up his game.

Mourinho was clear that Hart was not being brought in to make up Spurs’ domestic quota but to offer competition between the sticks, feeling that Lloris was not challenged enough by Paulo Gazzaniga and Michael Vorm last term.

“Joe is one of the top ‘keepers of the last decade in this country. He started very early, playing in a big club like [Manchester] City and playing for the national team,” Mourinho said, via quotes by One Football.

“Now he has a chance to be back at a club like us. Of, course Hugo is our captain – he is world champion captain. He’s a phenomenal goalkeeper and is very important in our group, but I think Joe will give him the hard competition that we need.”

Lloris has since proven Mourinho’s belief – and commitment to pay Hart £2.6million in a £27,500-per-week, two-year contract – true, with the 33-year-old keeping his 54th international clean sheet against Portugal after two shut outs in eight Premier League games.

The £10.8m-rated veteran has also made more saves (17) than Manchester City’s Ederson (15), United’s David de Gea (13) and Liverpool’s Alisson Becker (9), plus a higher number of high claims (4) than the rival trio in the top-flight this term, per SofaScore.

A five out of 10 match rating from L’Equipe for his efforts against Sweden, having conceded twice from two shots on target, however, also goes to show Mourinho’s need for high-level competition, as Hart can keep Lloris on his toes once the goalkeeper returns to north London.

AND in other news, Tottenham have been urged to sell a “world-beater” who’s also a Jose Mourinho outcast this January.

Glasgow Rangers have received a major boost as Steven Gerrard revealed that both Filip Helander and Ryan Jack could return to action ahead of the Europa League clash with Lech Poznan on Thursday night.

Rangers defender Helander has been forced to self-isolate after testing positive, whilst Jack has been sidelined after he picked up a muscle injury in the Premiership win over Aberdeen.

In his most recent press conference, the Ibrox boss admitted that he is hopeful that both players will be available for selection, which will be welcome news for Rangers fans.

Gerrard said (via The Glasgow Times): “I need to do the right thing for the squad. So let’s see how we recover from here.

“I’m hoping to have Ryan Jack back and available, I’m hoping Filip Helander will be available again. I’m hoping they will both play some part.”

Huge injury boost for Rangers

Jack has been in great form so far this season, although he has suffered his fair share of injury problems, as he faced a race against time to feature in the first Old Firm derby of the season after pulling out of the Europa League squad in September with a calf injury.

The Rangers central midfielder then replaced Scott Arfield with 28 minutes left to spare as Gerrard’s side stunned Celtic in their own back yard.

The Scotland international has excelled for club and country and played his part as Steve Clarke’s side ended 22 years of hurt, before he sustained yet another injury against his former club.

Gerrard heaped praise on Jack after Scotland qualified for the European Championships, saying: “His consistency has been fantastic to see and it’s no surprise with the way he goes about his daily routine and business.”

Per WhoScored, in 13 appearances in the Premiership this season, Jack has made 1.1 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, whilst he is averaging 79.5 passes per game – the second-highest amount of passes of all the Rangers players behind Connor Goldson.

In his absence, Steven Davis has further cemented his place in the starting line-up, having started four of the past five games in a row.

However, Jack could be called into action should the Northern Ireland international suffer an injury or need a rest, and he is expected to start from the bench.

There’s no doubt the timing couldn’t be better for Gerrard as Rangers must match or better Benfica’s result against Standard Liege to be crowned Group D winners as his side boast a better head-to-head record against the Portuguese giants.

Jack’s display against Aberdeen in league action was further proof he adds some much-needed dynamism to the Gers midfield, as he took 64 touches of the ball, provided 52 out of 61 passes (85%), made one key pass and one tackle, as per SofaScore.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers forward Kemar Roofe was the man of the hour against Ross County…