Without a doubt: West Ham fans want Fernandes to be given chance to shine next season

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A number of West Ham United fans want forgotten man Edimilson Fernandes to be given the chance to impress for the Hammers during the 2019-20 season.

Fernandes moved to England from Sion in 2016 and has made 48 appearances for his Premier League club in all competitions.

The midfielder was deemed surplus to requirements ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, however, ultimately being sent on loan to Fiorentina.

The Switzerland international has been in good form this term – scoring twice and contributing two assists in 28 Serie A appearances.

As it stands, the 23-year-old will return to the London Stadium this summer with the view to battling for a spot in the XI next season.

And it would be fair to say that the majority of West Ham fans are keen for Fernandes to be given the chance to prove his worth under Manuel Pellegrini.

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A selection of the Twitter reaction in relation to the 6 ft 3 midfielder’s future can be seen below:

Opinion: Redmond would be mad to leave Southampton despite Hasenhuttl’s big club claim

Under Ralph Hasenhuttl, Nathan Redmond is finally fulfilling his potential at Southampton.

With the Austrian at the helm, the 25-year-old has gone from strength to strength and is now being tipped for a big move by his manager.

“I think when you look at the last games a few players showed up that they can be an option for a bigger club. You never know,” Hasenhuttl was recently quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.

“At the moment I am not afraid somebody is knocking on my door and saying they want to leave. If this moment will come everybody knows they have a good value and they cost a lot of money but so far we have nothing to hurry.”

As good as Redmond has been since Hasenhuttl took the reins at St. Mary’s, though, a move to one of the Premier League big boys now is still a bit premature.

The England international probably has the tools to play in a top team in the future. You could definitely see him doing well in a side like Tottenham under Mauricio Pochettino or making an impact off the bench for an outfit such as Liverpool.

But before even thinking about making such a jump, Redmond needs to find more consistency and better his end product.

And at Southampton, under Hasenhuttl’s tutelage, the former Norwich City man has the opportunity to do just that.

No, rather than take a massive career gamble, Redmond should stay at St. Mary’s for the time being and continue to improve his game under a coach who is finally getting the best out of him.

Southampton fans, do you expect the club to keep hold of Redmond? Join the discussion by commenting below.

Look at him now: Uwe Rosler and Leeds United

Since Simon Grayson left in 2012 Leeds United have gorged through ten different managers. Some were average, some were downright awful. Uwe Rosler falls neatly in the latter of the two.

Uwe Rosler learned his trade in the Norwegian first division. Not exactly the most prestigious of competitions, but a fairly firm basis from which he could build a career in the lower tiers of English football. Brentford came calling first, and after two prosperous years, the German managed to haul them into the Championship. Rumours were spreading: Uwe Rosler was ‘the man’.

Wigan were the next to enjoy the fruits of his tactical ‘genius’. After dropping from the Premier League the year before with an FA Cup title in the bag – thanks to Ben Watson, hopes were high that Rosler could swoop in and guide them to European and domestic glory. But it was not to be. The Tics were dumped out of Europe by Slovenian powerhouses NK Maribor and failed secure promotion later that year. He was sacked the following season. Cracks were showing.

So, how you might ask, did he land the Leeds United job? One of the most iconic clubs in the land, who were in desperate need of someone really special to lift them from their doldrums. Indeed, anyone with a brain may have looked at Rosler’s record and thought better of it. But that is the thing. Massimo Cellino did not have one of those.

The Italian made Rosler his fifth head coach appointment in a year when he recruited him in July 2015, replacing the outbound Neil Redfearn. Bizarre numbers, they really are.

It did not take long for Rosler to sprinkle some of his trademark mediocrity on the side. A draw against Burnley on matchday one was quickly followed by a 5-3 pasting at the hands of Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup. Leeds United managed just one win in the proceeding five matches, losing three and drawing another. They needed a boost. Anything to get them playing again. Rosler sprung into action, and in one huge morale-crushing blow he announced to the world that promotion was not on his agenda and he did not see any chance of securing it that season – he simply wanted top ten (as per BBC Sport).

Rosler was sacked a game later.

Uwe Rosler spent time managing Fleetwood after his time in West Yorkshire, and though things improved (they were hard not to) he met the same sticky end in February 2018 after leading the club on a seven-game losing streak.

He now manages Malmo in Sweden. Though, with the club winless in 2019, we doubt he will be there for long.

Leeds fans, what are some of your standout memories? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

أرتيتا يهاجم الفار بعد عدم احتساب ركلة جزاء لـ آرسنال أمام مانشستر سيتي

انتقد مايكل أرتيتا مدرب آرسنال تقنية الفيديو لعدم احتساب ركلة جزاء لصالحهم في مباراة الأمس أمام مانشستر سيتي بسبب تصرف كايل ووكر.

واستضاف ملعب الاتحاد مباراة الفريقين في الجولة الخامسة، والتي انتهت لصالح مانشستر سيتي بهدف دون رد. هدف فوز مانشستر سيتي أمام آرسنال

وطالب آرسنال قبل نهاية الشوط الأول بالحصول على ركلة جزاء، بعد قيام ووكر لاعب الخصم برفع قدمه في وجه اللاعب جابرييل، في تحدٍ قوي بينهما.

وكان أرتيتا غاضبًا طوال الوقت بعد أن اختارت تقنية الفيديو عدم مراجعة الواقعة.

وقال أرتيتا في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ديلي ميل” الإنجليزية: “كان على تقنية الفيديو التحقق من ما حدث”.

وأضاف: “أخبروني إنهم فحصوا الواقعة، ولكني تسائلت كيف بحق الجحيم استغرق الأمر ثانيتين فقط؟!”.

وواصل: “من الواضح أن هناك شيئًا ما”.

وبعد ذلك قيل لـ أرتيتا أن شبكة “سكاي سبورتس” العالمية أكدت أن تقنية الفيديو قررت عدم النظر في الأمر، وهنا رد المدرب: “نعم، أعتقد أن هذا ما حدث بالفعل”.

Forgot he existed: Birmingham fans discuss out of favour Kuszczak

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It’s easy for a goalkeeper down the pecking order at a club to be forgotten about and that seems to be exactly the case with Birmingham stopper Tomasz Kuszczak.

The 37-year-old hasn’t played a single game this term and only managed ten appearances in 2017/18 too. As a result, supporters of the Blues responded to the club’s tweet wishing him a happy birthday on Wednesday by questioning where he’d actually got to.

Some of the response was extremely sarcastic as one fan said he’d had a great season whilst another asked whether he was still locked in a cupboard.

Many fans claimed they weren’t even aware he was still at St Andrews, forgetting he existed altogether.

One supporter was rather more brutal, thankful that the 6 foot 3 shot-stopper’s contract is up at the end of the season.

But there was at least one positive response for Kuszczak with an individual saying he was better than Lee Camp, the current number one.

Here’s the best of the reaction.

Arsenal fans are all probably feeling the same way as Torreira ahead of Round 2 with Rennes

Away from home, Arsenal have put in some very shameful performances this season with their last Europa League outing being one example.

However, at the Emirates, it has been another story. And midfielder Lucas Torreira is now banking on his side to make that home advantage count when the Gunners look to mount a comeback against Rennes tomorrow.

The Breakdown

“I think we were in control of the match and we’d obviously taken an early lead, but the red card did change things and Rennes were able to take advantage of things,” Torreira told Arsenal’s official club website when speaking about the north London club’s 3-1 loss at Roazhon Park.

“With that being said, we do have confidence that we’re going to give a very big performance and go through to the next round.”

While it would be dangerous to underestimate the task at hand, especially considering what happened first time round, it is not hard to understand why Torreira and supporters are so confident heading into the game.

The Roazhon Park encounter was a close one up until Sokratis Papastathopoulos’ sending off and, as already alluded to, Arsenal can be a different animal when it comes to playing at home.

This season, under Unai Emery, the Gunners have claimed impressive victories against Tottenham, Chelsea and most recently Manchester United.

If Torreira and co can play anywhere close to how they did in those fixtures, then a comeback could truly be on the cards for Emery’s men.

Arsenal fans, how confident are you feeling ahead of Thursday’s game? Join the discussion by commenting below.

Middlesbrough fans react to John Obi Mikel’s performance against Blackburn

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Middlesbrough fans have taken to Twitter to heap praise on John Obi Mikel’s performance against Blackburn on Sunday, as they ran out 1-0 winners thanks to Britt Assombalonga’s goal.

Tony Pulis’ men snatched their goal in the first-half thanks to a predatory finish from the Congolese forward, before defending their lead professionally to see the game out at Ewood Park.

Boro were helped by Rovers left-back Derrick Williams’ red card right on the stroke of half-time, although they had one of their own players to thank for ensuring that their lead never looked like being pegged back – January arrival Obi Mikel.

The former Chelsea midfielder arrived at the Riverside Stadium last month on a deal until the end of the season, having been a free agent after leaving Chinese side Tianjin Teda.

The Nigerian international may only have made four appearances for his new side, but Boro fans on Twitter are already hugely impressed with the 31-year-old…

Rangers in danger of Ianis Hagi mistake

Ross Wilson’s dealings shouldn’t particularly encourage Rangers. The Director of Football had a shoddy record at Southampton, often overpaying for players who didn’t cut the mustard.

Yet, since arriving to aid Steven Gerrard’s hand at Ibrox, he hasn’t had too much work to do. One of a few recruits since arriving in Glasgow was Ianis Hagi.

The Romanian, son of legend Gheorge, has been a hit in Scotland, contributing to five goals in his short time on loan with the Light Blues.

He hasn’t been remarkably eye-catching but he’s certainly played a vital hand in what has been a desperately poor 2020 for the Gers. Most notably, the youngster bagged twice against Braga to turn the tide in the Europa League. Why he hasn’t often started since is quite incredible.

Though, the fact it’s now been reported that Gerrard doesn’t want him in his team next term could be telling. Via the Daily Record, Corriere dello Sport suggest that he won’t be returning to Ibrox in the summer of 2020.

At present, Rangers have an option to buy the tricky midfielder for a measly fee of £4m. For everything Wilson has got wrong in the past, this is surely a no brainer for a player with mass potential.

The 21-year-old featured against Liverpool and Napoli when he was playing for Genk in the Champions League this term and now another Italian outfit, Lazio, are hot on his tail. With competition high, it’s bizarre that Rangers aren’t looking to land him on a permanent deal, especially when one considers the inconsistencies of Ryan Kent too.

The £7m arrival has been berated by fans for his performances, scoring just three times in 2020. Hagi is equally talented and may well have a higher ceiling too.

Refusing to sign him when they have such an easy option makes little sense from Gerrard, a man who has been keen to hand youngsters a chance at Ibrox – take the likes of Sheyi Ojo and George Edmundson for example.

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Add the fact that he seemingly wants to stay and it makes it all the more alarming. It was reported last week that Hagi was willing to remain in Glasgow and gleefully revealed his love for Ibrox after the win versus Braga.

This is a player ready to give blood, sweat and tears to Rangers – it would be a huge mistake to point-blank refuse to pay £4m for him. After all, that’s the price that could see James Tavernier leave too.

In other news, Rangers may already have their Billy Gilmour replacement…

Sunderland fans respond to Billy Sharp rumours

Sunderland’s hopes of promotion under Phil Parkinson have been slim since he arrived at the Stadium of Light.

The former Bolton boss has led his side to just four wins in 17 matches, scoring 20 goals in the process.

It’s a record that sees the Black Cats sit in ninth place, rather than towards the top of the table where they’d favour. Remarkably, they sit just a point off the playoffs but they are in dire need of adding extra firepower to their ranks.

Chris Maguire is still their top scorer with seven but the likes of Charlie Wyke and Will Grigg have three strikes between them.

It’s no surprise, therefore, that links to Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp has got some fans excited.

The 33-year-old has 104 League One goals throughout his career, while making the division’s Team of the Year on three separate occasions.

As far as signings go, this could be vital. He has a wonderful record at this level and could add a considerable threat to a side who are missing something in the final third.

However, some Sunderland fans failed to get excited by the move on Twitter, instead deciding to play down the chances of him arriving at the Stadium of the Light in January.

The Premier League striker has already been touted with a move to Leeds so to think he’d move down two divisions seems far fetched, especially when he faces interest from teams of greater quality.

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Murmurs of a potential switch to the north-east originated in The Chronicle on Thursday evening as they suggested the Mackems were monitoring his situation.

Parkinson even commented on the situation in his press conference but acknowledged they are also in the hunt for Liam Boyce and Kyle Lafferty.

Bringing in someone from the Premier League would drastically improve Sunderland’s chances of promotion. Such is Sharp’s record at this level that a move would be quite the coup.

Whether it does happen, however, only time will tell.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are in the market for a player who could prove to be another disruptive influence…

Mauricio Pochettino’s comment on Oliver Skipp suggest he won’t be signing a midfielder

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After Oliver Skipp made his full Premier League debut against Burnley last weekend, Mauricio Pochettino was full of praise for the youngster as he slotted seamlessly into the midfield at Wembley.

What did Pochettino say?

The former Southampton boss was speaking after the teenager bossed the midfield against Sean Dyche’s struggling Clarets side, showing composure and assurance beyond his years to make the Tottenham fans forgot all about Eric Dier’s absence through injury.

Pochettino told the Evening Standard: “I think he played like a 30-year-old man. So relaxed, trying to play forward and trying to give the team what the team needs, plenty of energy, full energy, I am so proud of him. I think everyone is proud of him. He is only 18-years-old and I think it was fantastic.

“I remember when it was my first game and I said to him ‘you look so relaxed. When I was 17, going to play I was so nervous’. I said ‘that is the difference between a player going to be a top player and a player who was going to be normal player like me.'”

What’s the significance of the comments?

Well, aside from the fact that the Spurs’ academy looks to have produced another gem, Pochettino’s comments also seem to rule out a possible new signing in January.

With Mousa Dembele and Victor Wanyama struggling for form and fitness these days, a potential dip into the transfer market for a new centre midfielder looked to be on the cards, but Skipp’s emergence looks to have plugged that gap without spending a penny.

Alongside Harry Winks, Skipp is another gem off the Spurs academy production line who is fitting straight into the style of play that Pochettino prefers to tutor to his players; Tottenham is a club that is going places with a sustainable youth academy who will be encouraged by seeing the likes of Skipp play and perform so well.

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