All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Liverpool fans have slammed the performance of James Milner in their game at Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday evening.

The 35-year-old was run ragged at times in the middle of the park and it was no surprise to see him taken off for Naby Keita just shy of the 70-minute mark.

Milner lost out on five of his duels in total and also failed to record a single shot on goal or successful dribble, while his 65% pass accuracy was one of the worst out of any player on the pitch (SofaScore).

The veteran midfielder also failed to make any accurate crosses or long balls, while he was guilty of losing possession of the ball 10 times and had only 38 touches, 15 fewer than his own goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher (SofaScore), summarising his lack of positive impact on the match.

Liverpool fans slam Milner

These Liverpool supporters slammed Milner’s performance on Twitter, with one Kopite even going as far as to call him a ‘clown’:

“Clown Milner”

Credit: @DavidElliott720

“It’s painful to watch Henderson and Milner pretending to play football”

Credit: @Intrepide_

“Milner playing against us”

Credit: @davies_t_m

“Milner is making me cringe”

Credit: @EMxneyfella

“Hendo and Milner have been abysmal again”

Credit: @ewan_tc

“Watching Milner move is painful”

Credit: @fotballben1

In other news, find out what Mohamed Salah claim has left these LFC fans erupting

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has a gigantic task on his hands to pull the club out of the relegation zone in the Premier League this season.

The Magpies are rock bottom of the table and are yet to win a match in the top-flight, with the transfer window still a month away from opening.

With a number of games to be played before Howe can make any signings, he could look to change things up by offering a chance to some of the talented young players in the academy set-up.

Nolan 2.0

One player who could have the quality to come through and make an impact at senior level is attacking midfielder Elliot Anderson, who could be Kevin Nolan 2.0. He has already caught the eye of the new coaching set-up. Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall has pointed to his potential, saying:

“He’s certainly a bright talent from what we’ve seen on the training ground. He’s got very good potential.”

The 19-year-old has shown promise in the youth set-up on Tyneside for a number of years. He scored seven and assisted five in 22 under-18 games before moving onto the U23 side and finding his best goalscoring form with 16 strikes and three assists in 31 matches. This includes an impressive five goals in six league outings this term.

He has already played twice for the first team, having been handed his debut by Steve Bruce. The Ex-Magpies boss previously claimed that the midfielder has a big future, whilst gushing with praise of his talents. He said:

“A big positive. I thought the kid was very, very good. He’s been with us and knocking on the door for a while now so it was good to see the young lad making his way. He’s got a big future ahead of him hopefully.

“As soon as he comes onto the pitch, he accepts the ball, receives the ball. He’s got that lovely way of never looking like he’s rushed. It’s effortless to him and easy.

“So we hope he’s got a big future. He’ll remember his debut today, he could have scored in the last minute, couldn’t he. What a wonderful debut that would have been but I’m very pleased with his progress and he’s one that we hope can do us a good turn over the season.”

Anderson could be likened to ex-Newcastle midfielder Nolan, who was known for scoring from the middle of the park. The former West Ham man found the back of the net 30 times in 91 matches for the club and the fresh Magpies academy product could be the next goalscoring sensation from midfield if Howe offers him a chance in the first-team this season.

The 19-year-old wizard’s statistics for the club’s youth teams suggest that he has the potential to step up and be a goalscorer at senior level, but it is down to him to live up to his own hype and perform consistently. If he can do that then he could be Nolan 2.0.

AND in other news, Fewer touches than Dubravka: NUFC flop who lost 62.5% duels let Howe down badly…

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side head into Thursday evening’s fixture against Real Betis knowing that they can finish no higher or lower than their current third-place standing in Group G – something which will ultimately see the Bhoys drop into the UEFA Europa Conference League when European football starts up again in 2022.

As such, the 56-year-old manager knows that, with a number of extremely important fixtures ahead of the Hoops in the coming weeks, he can field a rotated side against the Spanish club, affording a number of his lesser-seen squad members some valuable first-team minutes against very decent opposition.

So, how many changes will the Greek-Australian boss make to the side which started the 3-0 win over Dundee United last weekend? Here’s how we think Celtic could line up against Real Betis, along with the latest team and injury news…

With Ange Postecoglou recently confirming that all four of Jota, Anthony Ralston, Giorgos Giakoumakis and James Forrest will miss the Real Betis fixture due to injury, we predict that the 56-year-old will make six changes to the team that started the game at Tannadice on Sunday.

The first of these changes comes between the Celtic sticks, with Joe Hart making way for 18-year-old Tobi Oluwayemi, who Celtic B coach Darren O’Dea dubbed a “really good” talent, as the youngster has highly impressed for the reserve side so far this season.

In the back four, 19-year-old left-back Adam Montgomery makes a return to the starting XI side after being left out of the club’s last two Europa League fixtures, while the “immense” Osaze Urhoghide is handed his Celtic debut alongside Carl Stafelt at centre-back.

In the middle of the park, James McCarthy replaces Tom Rogic in the central midfield three, while, in attack, Albian Ajeti is handed just his sixth start of the season up top, and Liel Abada returns on the right-wing in place of the injured James Forrest.

In other news: Sky Sports journalist drops 7-word Jota update that’ll leave Celtic fans fuming

An update has emerged in Ibrox chief Ross Wilson’s efforts to bring a new manager to Rangers this week…

What’s the talk?

Go Radio journalist Jo Hendry has claimed that the club’s search for Steven Gerrard is not going to drag on much longer, although they are in no rush to make an immediate appointment.

She has also ruled out the possibility of Ronald Koeman taking over in Glasgow, stating that he has never been in the running.

The Daily Record quote her as saying:

“Talks ongoing today [Tuesday] as Rangers continue the search for a new manager. Former Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman never under consideration. I’m told despite being in no rush to appoint, the process isn’t going to drag on too long.”

Pleasing

Whilst Rangers fans may not be over the moon with Koeman being out of the race to land the hot seat, they will surely be buzzing by the rest of Hendry’s claims.

For starters, talks are evidently still ongoing over a deal for someone to replace Gerrard, which means that Wilson is actively working hard to get a move over the line in the coming days.

He is not twiddling his thumbs and waiting for responses from candidates or for other options to become available. Consequently, this should delight fans who want to see the club being proactive and on the front foot in their pursuit of a new head coach.

They will also be buzzing with the comment ‘the process isn’t going to drag on too long’ as it indicates that Rangers may well have a manager in place sooner rather than later. This is a particularly important point given the club face a semi-final clash with Hibernian in the League Cup on Sunday.

The Gers have an opportunity to reach the final of the competition and Rangers fans would love to see a new head coach achieve that in their first game.

Imagine, for example, Gio van Bronckhorst ending his first match in charge of the club by sending them through to the final with a chance of winning their first trophy of the season. This is why supporters will be ecstatic with the news that the appointment will not drag on in the coming days/weeks. It’s pleasing to see Rangers acting so swiftly with proceedings.

AND in other news, Major twist emerges in Rangers manager hunt that should leave fans elated…

An encouraging West Ham transfer update has emerged ahead of the January transfer window this week…

What’s the word?

The Irons have money to spend following the recent multi-million-pound investment from Sparta Prague co-owner Daniel Kretinsky, who purchased a 27% stake in the club, and they are expected to act quickly in the market, according to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee.

“There are a lot of forward options out there that we might try to narrow down in January. We will have money to spend,” he revealed to ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast.

“I think they will spend it quite quickly, but [I’m unsure] whether it’ll be on them [a new striker] or [on Jesse] Lingard.”

Bucking the trend

In the past, the Hammers have been awfully slow to conduct their business, as seen as recently as the summer window, where the bulk of David Moyes’ additions were brought in with less than two weeks to go.

Alphonse Areola joined on loan from Paris Saint-Germain fairly early on but the likes of Kurt Zouma, Alex Kral and Nikola Vlasic were all with time running out on the clock.

It’s certainly an encouraging prospect to hear from one of the most trustworthy, when it comes to all things around the London Stadium, that they will look to do their dealings quickly, meaning the club and the manager knows what lies ahead.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-west-ham-news-transfer-updates-gsb-kretinsky-moyes” title=”Read the latest West Ham news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

Not only will they have further Europa League matches to contend with, having qualified for the knockout stages, but they too will also have the FA Cup getting underway and for much of January, they’ll be without the services of Said Benrahma, who is at the Africa Cup of Nations.

There is also the recent injury blow suffered to Angelo Ogbonna, meaning there could be a need for another central defensive signing, too.

That’s not to mention the fact that they are still yet to replace Sebastien Haller upfront, leaving an injury-prone Michail Antonio, 31, as the only senior centre-forward at Moyes’ disposal.

West Ham, who are currently sat in fourth place, have every chance of qualifying for Europe again this campaign and perhaps even going one better by making the Champions League, so reinforcements this winter could be key to such chances.

Therefore, the Irons faithful must be absolutely buzzing and delighted with this major development from Ex.

There aren’t many sources better when it comes to anything behind-the-scenes at the club and the fact that they will not only have financial firepower but will also act fast when the window opens is hugely encouraging.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee delivers David Moyes update at West Ham…

A number of Liverpool supporters are frustrated that Atletico Madrid will have more time to prepare for their Champions League clash with the Reds.

Jurgen Klopp’s side returned to Premier League action on Saturday lunchtime, making the trip to Watford in what was Claudio Ranieri’s first match in charge.

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The Reds now don’t have much time to rest after the game, however, with a testing trip to Atletico looming on Tuesday night.

Diego Simeone’s side will have a nice rest before the match, with it being confirmed [via Anfield Watch on Twitter] that their La Liga clash with Granada has been postponed, due to their players’ international commitments.

The reigning Spanish champions are in good form, winning three of their last four matches.

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Liverpool fans react to Atletico postponement

These Liverpool fans have reacted angrily to the news on Twitter, suggesting the Premier League could take a leaf out of La Liga’s book.

“Postpone should be banned”

Credit: @Supermarriott88

“They can postpone fixtures just because they got a UCL match??? The league is not serious”

Credit: @bruhstfu6969

“I don’t understand why the Premier league couldn’t do this”

Credit: @icy7_YNWA

“And us? Of course, it’s about money we’ll not get anything from the PL…”

Credit: @Seyjith

“JUST WOW!”

Credit: @zubinofficial

“Absolute farce scheduling when South American qualifiers finish early hours Friday morning & LFC given a 12:30 kick-off Saturday! Alisson & Fabinho probably missing, while over in Spain Real & Atletico Madrid have Sunday games postponed to help them with midweek UCL games…”

Credit: @SportsPaulH

In other news, some Liverpool fans flock to Fabrizio Romano update. Read more here.

According to The Sheffield Star, Leeds United are interested in signing John Swift from Reading.

The Lowdown: Leeds struggling

The Whites have not had a good start to the season in what is their second campaign back in the top flight following a 16-year absence.

As it stands, they are 17th in the table, having won just one of their first nine matches (Sky Sports). Up front, they have particularly struggled, scoring just eight times while the injury issues for Patrick Bamford have been a major setback.

The Latest: Leeds eye Swift

As per this latest report, the Whites are interested in signing Swift from Championship outfit Reading.

Brentford and Newcastle United are two other outfits also believed to be in pursuit of the 26-year-old.

The Verdict: The next step

After coming through the ranks at Chelsea, Swift has spent his career outside the Premier League – in fact, he has made just one appearance in the top flight (Transfermarkt).

Still, he has impressed for Reading during his time at the club, and is enjoying arguably the best campaign of his career to date. In 14 games in the second tier, he has managed eight goals and six assists, with Royals boss Veljko Paunovic calling him “super-talented”.

Given his solid displays over the years, you would believe he has earned the chance to show of his quality against the elite. Valued at just £3.6m (Transfermarkt), he would hardly cost the Whites a fortune – it remains to be seen whether they make a concrete move for the midfielder.

In other news, this man has been suggested as an eventual Marcelo Bielsa replacement.

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur ‘insider’ and club source John Wenham has made an exciting claim on young talent J’Neil Bennett.

The Lowdown: Barely seen at Spurs…

The 19-year-old, whilst currently shining out on loan at Crewe Alexandra, has only made one senior competitive appearance for Spurs.

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Indeed, Bennett even scored his first goal for The Railwaymen last weekend – marauding down their left hand-side and driving an arrowed shot into the far corner against Burton Albion.

Despite not amassing many chances at Tottenham, it appears the teenage talent is making plenty of impressions elsewhere on his temporary stint away, with Lilywhites insider Wenham now making an exciting claim.

The Latest: Spurs source makes Bennett claim…

Speaking to FI, the club source, who regularly breaks news on his Lilywhites Rose social media page, has been left blown away by Bennett and insists he is ‘very gifted’.

“J’Neil is a really interesting player,” he explained.

“He came onto my radar as a 15 or 16-year-old, he was playing up with the Under-18s. He is very, very gifted.

“I have been really impressed with him. He has a signature move where he runs down the left, cuts in and bends it into the far corner.

“He went on trial to Crewe earlier in the summer and clearly impressed them, which is why he joined. He has such an unpredictability about him.

“I’m really pleased for him, I hope next season he can come back and maybe get another loan into the Championship or maybe challenge in the squad.”

The Verdict: Exciting times for Spurs academy…

By the sounds of Wenham’s exciting claim, Bennett can be added to the long list of talents emerging from Spurs’ academy.

There have been no shortage of them, either, with Oliver Skipp, Dane Scarlett, Nile John, Joshua Oluwayemi all turning heads in recent times.

Given Tottenham’s struggles financially due to COVID, posting losses of around £63.9 million last year alone, they may be more reliant than ever when it comes to their starlets breaking through and saving millions in transfer fees.

In other news:  Spurs now want ‘outstanding’ 29 y/o who Pochettino wanted to make one of his highest earners, find out more here.

Liverpool must ‘blow up’ their wage bill to keep Mohamed Salah or risk losing their star man to a club like Manchester City, claims Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell.

The Lowdown: Terrific Salah

Salah’s time at Liverpool is nothing less than remarkable. Since joining from AS Roma in 2017, the winger has hit insane heights with 134 goals and 50 assists in 212 games, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup and Super Cup in Red.

He has started the current campaign in tremendous form, with six goals in seven Premier League games and three goals in Liverpool’s opening two Champions League games.

But with his contract expiring in 2023, there is fear they could lose their Egyptian King if they don’t offer an increase to the £200k-per-week he already earns, and it was reported by David Maddock that talks are ‘complicated’.

The Latest: ‘Blow up’ wage structure

Speaking to Football Insider after Maddock’s revelation, Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal striker Campbell has claimed Liverpool must do all they can do to keep Salah at the club.

“When you have a player who is doing what Mohamed Salah is doing, normally there are no questions about tying him up. Normally there are no questions about tying him up because that is a priority for the team.

“I don’t know what‘s going on inside Liverpool, but I know Salah is out-playing his present contract. 100 per cent he is.

“Whoever is dealing with the negotiations has a problem. Another club like Man City could probably double Mohamed Salah’s money. That is the problem Liverpool have.

“They work within a structure but that structure is going to get blown up because Salah is playing that well. This is the type of player he is.

“It would be crazy to lose him over this. They cannot allow it to leave, but we have seen it before. It would not be the first time.

“The finances are football are so important but with a player like Salah, you have to break the bank.”

The Verdict: Need to move fast

Salah’s importance to this Liverpool squad is unquestionable and offering the attacker a new and improved deal should not even be debated after his amazing period at the club.

Breaking their traditional plans when it comes to player contracts and wages is what is going to be needed, but losing Salah to City, or another Premier League or Champions League rival, would be devastating for Liverpool fans and far outweigh any negatives which come with ripping up the wage structure.

In other news, this Liverpool target’s ideal destination has been confirmed. Find out more here.

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports injury analyst Ben Dinnery has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur winger Steven Bergwijn after he was taken off for the Netherlands against Turkey on Tuesday night.

The Lowdown: Spurs in crisis mode?

Alongside the unavailability of Davinson Sanchez, Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso, who are undergoing a training camp in Croatia (Dan Kilpatrick), Spurs could be without several players due to injury.

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Son Heung-min, Ryan Sessegnon and Oliver Skipp are all at the centre of concerns following knocks picked up on international duty, with another worry having now emerged over Bergwijn.

The 23-year-old Dutchman, who has started all of Nuno Espirito Santo’s first three Premier League games in charge of Spurs, was hauled off against Turkey after appearing to pick up a knock.

He was also pictured with icing on his left ankle.

The Latest: Dinnery shares update…

Taking to social media, Dinney – an injury expert and contributor to Sky Sports – has shared an update on the situation surrounding Bergwijn’s fitness.

He claims that the Dutchman ‘will be assessed’ after appearing to pick up the knock, with Nuno now facing a nervous wait to see if Spurs’ exciting starlet can indeed feature against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Nuno’s men go to Selhurst Park with a 100% winning start to their Premier League season and the Portuguese head coach will not want to lose momentum now.

The Verdict: Nervous wait…

Bergwijn has been one of the new Spurs manager’s favoured players so far and it is safe to say that he will not want to be without the attacker for long.

According to WhoScored, only superstars Son and Harry Kane can boast better attacking numbers than Bergwijn so far in the English top flight out of Tottenham’s squad this season. Indeed, only the South Korea international has averaged more shots on goal per game than Bergwijn, whilst Kane is the only Spurs player to register a higher amount of key passes in the final third (WhoScored).

It has been quite the bright start for him this season and an injury to deter it is the last thing needed.

In other news: ‘Meetings with Tottenham’…Source close to ‘unstoppable’ player drops transfer reveal, find out more here.