West Ham United defender Aaron Cresswell is close to signing a contract extension at the London Stadium, according to reports.
What's the latest on Cresswell's future?
The Irons left-back first arrived in the Premier League from Ipswich Town back in 2014 and has since made 325 appearances to date, which is more than any other club throughout his career, making him the longest-serving player under David Moyes.
The Liverpool-born talent has yet again been a regular feature in E20 during the 2022/23 season, recording 21 starts and three substitute outings in the top-flight, as per WhoScored, but with his current deal set to expire at the end of the campaign, his future is very much up in the air.
According to Football Insider, however, Cresswell is "close" to securing a contract extension at West Ham, with the full-back "hopeful" of putting pen to paper on fresh terms should Moyes still be the manager in charge at the start of the new season in August. The Scottish boss reportedly has a "great relationship" with the 33-year-old and "values" the experience and leadership qualities that he brings to the dressing room.
The Irons coach is a "huge fan" of the £50k-per-week veteran and is happy to "green-light" a new deal being offered if the hierarchy decide to keep him in the dugout beyond the summer. Ben Johnson has recently been linked with a move to Everton, and should he depart, that "increases the likelihood" of Cresswell remaining in the capital even further.
West Ham United defender Aaron Cresswell.
Does Cresswell deserve a new contract at West Ham?
Cresswell is very strong in the defensive aspect of his game, where he's currently averaging 1.9 clearances and 1.6 key passes per game in the Premier League, via WhoScored, but he's also a "threat" bursting forward down the flank, as lauded by journalist and broadcaster Sam Delaney, so West Ham are absolutely making the right decision to extend his stay at the London Stadium.
He has clocked up 47 goal contributions (37 assists and ten goals) during his time at the club and is always looking to create chances for his teammates in the final third, having whipped 124 crosses into the area this season, which is the second-highest throughout the whole of the squad just behind Jarrod Bowen.
Finally, Cresswell adds excellent versatility to Moyes' squad with his ability to operate in four various positions across the pitch, including on both flanks in the midfield and at centre-back alongside his natural left-back position, so retaining his services beyond the upcoming transfer window is an absolute no-brainer of a decision.
Arsenal might have counted a draw at Anfield as a success, given their troubles at that ground in the past, but to relinquish another 2-0 lead at West Ham United is not quite as understandable.
David Moyes’ men had been hammered 5-1 in their last home encounter against Newcastle United, and when the Gunners scored twice inside ten minutes, the home fans must have feared another drubbing.
However, whether it be through complacency or a mentality issue, Mikel Arteta had to watch his team throw it all away, thus handing Manchester City a golden opportunity to reclaim the Premier League crown.
The contrast between the two games was mainly down to just how busy Aaron Ramsdale was in the clash on Merseyside compared to his return to the capital, as a draw arguably flattered the title-chasing outfit in the former.
Many rushed to laud the former Sheffield United shot-stopper as the sole reason for picking up a vital point after his stunning succession of saves from Mo Salah and Ibrahima Konate. However, as is always the way with players in such an important role, one mistake can so easily see your stock plummet.
From being their Anfield hero one week, the 24-year-old did not take long to be dragged down to a zero at the London Stadium.
How did Aaron Ramsdale play vs West Ham United?
With a 6.91 average rating this season, Ramsdale has held himself to impressively high standards across a campaign that could still end with the ultimate silverware.
It marks a meteoric rise from back-to-back relegation with the Blades and AFC Bournemouth. Despite that, at £24m Arteta saw value in the youngster, and he has been the number one at the Emirates ever since.
Upholding an average of 2.4 saves per match, whilst keeping 12 clean sheets in the league, few could question his dependability as the last line of defence. However, against the Hammers that was unfortunately not the case.
arsenal-west-ham-united-premier-league
Earning a 6.3 rating, of which only two others on the field recorded lower, the goalkeeper was surprisingly unconvincing at the back for his side. He would make just one save and one punch all game, and yet when truly called upon, the £60k-per-week ace went missing.
With Arsenal on the back foot as West Ham pushed for an equaliser, Jarrod Bowen’s volleyed snapshot should have been a comfortable effort for Ramsdale to push aside. However, it instead squirmed in at his near post, leaving him remonstrating with the linesman for respite that would never come.
Journalist Josh Bunting then suggested that: “Aaron Ramsdale has to do better there at his near post though.”
From last game’s four-save display, many of which were truly outstanding stops, yesterday marked a vicious downturn.
As aforementioned, the goalkeeping position will always remain as such, where one mistake can define a performance; no other role on the pitch warrants that kind of scrutiny.
However, when fighting for elite honours, everyone has to be faultless. They cannot afford to switch off, and given that Arteta’s number one clearly did at this moment, it cements his fall from hero to zero in the space of just one week.
Leeds United have been embroiled in their fair share of transfer sagas throughout the last couple of years.
Whether it's Michel Cuisance's alleged failed medical or Jean-Kevin Augustin's remarkable tail of woe, Victor Orta has often been left with egg on his face.
What happened with Leeds and Jean-Kevin Augustin?
The latter is perhaps the most notable saga, with the Frenchman arriving in the final days of the January window in 2020 on a loan deal.
The deal included an option to buy of £18m, but that would become an obligation if Leeds secured promotion from the Championship.
They duly did, but come the start of the new Premier League campaign, Augustin wasn't at the club.
The Whites had refused to cough up the sum required, a decision that left RB Leipzig enraged.
It caused a huge dispute among both clubs with Leeds losing a case in the court of arbitration with a £15m settlement being reached.
However, in fresh news, Leeds have now been ordered by FIFA to pay the player a whopping £24.5m for breach of contract.
Former Leeds United striker Jean-Kevin Augustin
The move ended up being somewhat of a farce, particularly when you consider that the striker only actually played 48 minutes of football for the Yorkshire club during an injury-hit spell.
That said, there has been poorer business since, notably the club-record purchase of Giorginio Rutter at a time when Leeds arguably needed experience, and the deal to sign Daniel James.
How much did Leeds sign Dan James for?
The saga surrounding James is arguably equally as crazy as Augustin's, with Marcelo Bielsa and co having chased the Welshman for a number of years.
Back in 2019, James famously nearly signed for the Elland Road outfit, as he was spotted at the stadium after embarking on media duties at what he thought was his new club.
It was the dying embers of the transfer window but as Leeds tried to wrap up the paperwork, his team at the time, Swansea City, never answered the phone.
Just a few months later, James remarkably ended up a Manchester United player but after scoring just nine times in 74 outings, was shipped away once more.
His destination this time was Leeds as Bielsa and co finally concluded a deal for a sum of £25m in the summer of 2021.
Leeds United star Daniel James
Clearly a player the famous Argentine admired greatly, it was a deal that simply hasn't worked out for either party, with James notably being dubbed "awful" by journalist Tom Dutton for his displays.
That is a rather apt assessment of the £50k-per-week speedster who has only found the net four times in 40 appearances for the club.
So poor has his spell been that he's now on loan at Fulham where his record is equally bad having beaten the 'keeper on two occasions in 18 outings.
As such, Leeds stand very little chance of recouping anywhere near the fee they paid in 2021, with this deal set to end poorly for everyone involved.
There was a sense of romanticism when the Wales international finally arrived at Thorp Arch but he will leave arguably as a flop. Considering the vast sum of money they shelled out, and the saga that had played out two years prior to his move, there is a case to suggest that this is up there, or even worse than the move for Augustin.
Indeed, it was certainly not worth two to three years' worth of work trying to bring him to west Yorkshire.
Aston Villa reporter Gregg Evans has slammed Fulham's performance and away fans after their "pitiful" display away at Villa Park on Tuesday night.
What's the latest on Fulham and Aston Villa?
In their mid-week Premier League outing, the Villans played host to the Cottagers as they continue their push to end the season with European football guaranteed next term.
Unai Emery's men came into the match in great form – in the midst of a nine-game unbeaten streak – and showed their confidence in the early stages. Inded, Villa dominated large sections of the first half and were good value for their lead at halftime, with Tyrone Mings heading in the opener from a corner.
All the while, Fulham failed to really look that bothered on and off the pitch, racking up just a measly 0.1 expected goals during the entire encounter. And that was certainly noted by journalist Evans who was at Villa Park and remarked on the underwhelming atmosphere.
Indeed, he wrote on Twitter: "Are Fulham just not bothered? Very little attacking intent. Pitiful away following. What’s going on…"
Why was it so quiet at Villa Park?
Comparatively, another game in the Premier League on the same night really showed how intense crowds can really be when two teams have something big on the line worth fighting for.
Indeed, Leeds United were coming up against relegation rivals Leicester City at Elland Road, and journalist Graham Smyth noted a "guttural a post-MOT roar" from the home fans, while Sky Sports' Sam Blitz called the atmosphere "raucous".
Leeds United manager Javi Gracia.
Of course, both those teams are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the division. Fulham, on the other hand, are comfortable in the middle of the table – which may explain their fans' apparent apathy towards this particular encounter.
Aston Villa failed to win their sixth Premier League match in a row after slipping to a 1-1 draw against Brentford last weekend, however, coming back to steal a point showcases the improved mentality throughout Unai Emery’s side recently.
Douglas Luiz slotted home an equaliser with just a few minutes remaining, and the point further enhances Villa’s European ambitions as they sit just two points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fifth spot.
It will be a quick turnaround for the Villa Park side as they prepare to face Fulham this evening and with the Cottagers enjoying a successful season of their own, it could prove to be an exciting clash.
Emery won’t be making many changes to his team ahead of the match as Emiliano Martinez should be available after being substituted during the draw against Brentford due to illness.
Following a relatively quiet afternoon in front of goal, the Spaniard could mix things up slightly by unleashing winger Bertrand Traore against Fulham in the hopes he can continue his recent form.
Will Bertrand Traore start against Fulham?
The winger was brought back to the club by Emery in January following a six-month loan spell at Turkish side Basaksehir FK, where he scored three times, as some added cover to the wide positions.
Since returning, he has played a part in five matches and has scored twice, including a vital late winner against Leicester City at the start of April which continued their momentum.
His 12-minute cameo against the Foxes meant he started the following encounter with Nottingham Forest, and he didn’t disappoint, receiving a 7.1 rating via Sofascore for his efforts.
The 27-year-old demonstrated his talents during his first start for the club since leaving Turkey as he took three shots, won half of his ground duels, completed 91% of his passes and was fouled twice, clearly giving opposition defenders a tough time on the wing.
Although Emery perhaps sees the £17m winger as a better option to have come on from the bench and utilise his skills on tired opponents than unleashing him from the start, his display against Forest proves that he can get involved from the very first whistle.
He is still capable of producing moments of magic, with the winner against the Foxes drawing massive praise from journalist Matt Maher, who said: "You can't help but like a player like Bertrand Traore. All the times he frustrates, are forgiven when he produces something as ridiculously brilliant as that winner. Nonchalance personified."
Will Traore be the most important player for Villa during this impressive run? No, but he pops up from nowhere and produces important moments. This is why Emery has to unleash him this evening.
أكد رومان سايس، قائد منتخب المغرب، على جاهزيته للقاء غد الأربعاء، أمام تنزانيا، في مُستهل مشوار أسود الأطلس بكأس أمم إفريقيا 2023.
ويبدأ منتخب المغرب أولى مواجهاته، غدًا أمام تنزانيا، بالجولة الأولى، من منافسات المجموعة السادسة، والتي تضم الكونغو الديمقراطية
وتواجد منتخب المغرب في المجموعة السادسة بجانب منتخبات الكونغو الديمقراطية وزامبيا وتنزانيا.
طالع أيضًا | الركراكي: تابعنا مفاجأة موزمبيق والرأس الأخضر في أمم إفريقيا.. ولا يجب أن نستخف بمنافسينا بعد كأس العالم
وقال سايس في تصريحاته خلال المؤتمر الصحفي: “أنا جاهز لمباراة غد، المواجهة الأولى دائمًا تكون هامة، لأن الفوز بها سيمنحنا الثقة فيما هو قادم”.
وتابع: “نحن مستعدون ومتشوقون لبدء بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا بمواجهة تنزانيا، والتي ستكون مختلفة عن آخر مباراة بيننا، استعدينا بشكل جيد هنا لمدة 15 يومًا، ونسعى لنيل النقاط الثلاث”.
واختتم: “سعيد بخوض منافسات أمم إفريقيا للمرة الرابعة، أكتسب الخبرة في هذه البطولة الصعبة، حيث تحتاج إلى الاستعداد الجيد بدنيًا وذهنيًا، لأنها تخلتف عن منافسة كأس العالم وعن اللعب في الدوريات الأوروبية”.
Newcastle United may well have claimed victory against Southampton yesterday, but it was far from a convincing result as they came back from 1-0 down at half time to win 3-1.
Inarguably though, it was a result that should have been put beyond all doubt even before the scoring was opened, as the Magpies cruised through the first half without any kind of cutting edge.
It became abundantly clear what difference a true finisher would make when Callum Wilson came on for the second half, as it was his brace that proved to be the difference. The casualty from that change was the profligate Anthony Gordon, who continues his miserable start to life in Tyneside.
Having joined for a mouth-watering £45m fee in January, PIF had been bold in their commitment towards acquiring the next generation of top English talent. However, with 11 appearances in the league for the £60k-per-week youngster, he is still yet to score or assist.
Yesterday marked yet another woeful display from a "shambolic" character – as per Ryan Taylor – outlined in his 6.3 rating. This was a figure upheld due to the fact he missed one big chance, striking the woodwork, whilst maintaining a disappointing 71% pass accuracy amidst 41 touches, via Sofascore.
Journalist Chris Waugh even singled him out on Twitter, writing: "Gordon has wasted a few chances."
Therefore, it draws questions as to whether this deal is worse than one of their big-money moves from that same window the year prior, when they signed Chris Wood from relegation rivals Burnley in a £25m move.
How did Chris Wood play for Newcastle?
As poor and often wasteful as the 31-year-old was in a black and white shirt, tempting him from the Clarets marked a huge tactical transfer that severely weakened another side battling for survival.
He would aid just two goals towards the cause, but it was his physical presence up front that actually did make him a useful asset to have in Callum Wilson's absence.
Many might rush to ridicule such a big fee for a player with just five goals across 39 appearances under Eddie Howe, yet they are already set to recoup £15m on him this summer as Nottingham Forest agreed to make his loan permanent.
Therefore, boasting a much smaller outlay and having had more impact on the team, Gordon stands out as a far worse deal than Wood at the time of writing.
The future remains bright with the 21-year-old; that much remains true. But with each passing game, that ridiculous fee PIF spent becomes more and more questionable. No matter his age, the wide man has to start performing sooner rather than later to avoid further scrutiny.
Chelsea's dressing room is reportedly absolutely buzzing over the potential appointment of Mauricio Pochettino.
What's happened to Chelsea this season?
The Blues' season has gone from bad to worse since the sacking of Graham Potter, avoiding defeat just twice in their last eight games and mustering only three victories in their last 17 fixtures. In fact, the Stamford Bridge outfit have had three different managers – including interim – in the time it's taken them to get from 38 to 39 points in the Premier League.
In brighter news however, it looks like Todd Boehly has found his long-term solution, with various reports suggesting the club are on the brink of appointing former Tottenham boss Pochettino. Indeed, according to Sky Sports, Boehly is "edging closer" to wrapping up a deal for the Argentine, who has been out of work since leaving PSG last summer.
What are the players saying about Pochettino?
According to Football Insider, sources in west London report the dressing room sees Pochettino as an "exciting appointment". The tactician is highly respected by the "big-name stars" at the club, and they believe he's a "top-class operator" with the ability to turn their fortunes around. The report also claims an annoucement confirming Pochettino's arrival could even come in the next few days.
This will of course come as a huge relief to Chelsea fans, who have watched their club essentially descend into an almost bizarre level of turmoil this season. The appointment of a young and attack-minded manager who clearly commands the respect of key figures in the squad is perhaps the only route back to normality and success.
Known for utilising an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation that relies heavily on high-pressing and aggressive play off the ball, Pochettino can reinstil the mean streak that for so long was a key part of the spine running through Chelsea's most decorated teams.