All posts by h79snht.top

Aston Villa made it two wins from two at the start of the new Championship campaign when they recorded a 3-2 victory over Wigan Athletic at the weekend.

Steve Bruce’s side certainly had to ride their luck when it came to picking up all three points though, with Birkir Bjarnason’s 94th-minute strike securing a huge win.

Villa were impressive going forward, but it would be fair to say that they looked a little shaky at the back, with Mile Jedinak struggling to impress at centre-back.

Jedinak has long impressed in a midfield position, but the Australian had a difficult afternoon alongside James Chester in the heart of Villa’s back four.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”278881″ player=”12034″ title=”Rafa’s Pub Facts Kane’s Kryptonite & London’s Biggest Losers”]

It will certainly be interesting to see whether Bruce selects the 34-year-old in defence again, but the Villa fans are hopeful that is not the case.

Indeed, a number of the club’s supporters have taken to Twitter to criticise £50,000-a-week star Jedinak, and a selection of the reaction can be seen below:

According to a recent report from The Daily Mirror, Mohamed Elneny could be on his way out of Arsenal this summer. The Egypt international only made the move to the Emirates Stadium back in 2016 but hasn’t always been a regular at the North London giants, thus prompting interest in his services this summer from French side Marseille.

And reports suggest that the 26-year-old could well be set to move to the Ligue 1 giants, which could be Arsenal manager Unai Emery’s first big mistake since taking over from Arsene Wenger earlier in the summer.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, it wasn’t going to be an easy job for anybody to take over from Frenchman Wenger following his 22-year stint in charge of the club, but there was some optimism over the summer following the appointment of former Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain boss Emery, alongside some of the signings made during the close season.

The likes of Bernd Leno, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, and Stephan Lichtsteiner have all been seen as shrewd additions by some Gunners fans, and while the arrival of Torreira and Guendouzi is likely to add further competition for places in the centre of midfield, Arsenal would be making a mistake letting the talented Elneny leave.

Yes, the Egyptian star has suffered from some niggling injuries during his time at the Emirates Stadium, and as such hasn’t always been a regular in the starting eleven, but there have been glimpses from the 26-year-old that he could well give the Gunners that physical presence needed in the middle of the park.

Elneny was particularly impressive at the rear end of the 2015/16 campaign in starting nine of Arsenal’s last ten league games to usurp Tottenham in second place come the end of the season, with Wenger’s side remaining unbeaten during all nine of the matches the 26-year-old started.

Significantly, not only is Elneny a physical presence in the middle of the park, and thus able to dominate off the ball in making key tackles and interceptions, but he also possesses genuine quality on the ball in always showing for it in the middle, and seeking to get on it and move the Gunners forward.

Yes, Guendouzi may have got the nod against Manchester City at the weekend, and Torreira was the man Emery brought off the bench as opposed to Elneny, but having someone like the latter in the squad can only be beneficial to the new Gunners boss, as the midfield area has been something of a problem position for many a year now.

Thus, the Spaniard could be about to make his first big mistake as Arsenal manager by sanctioning the midfielder’s departure.

Arsenal fans… what do you think? Let us know!

West Ham have endured a tough start to the Premier League season, losing back-to-back matches against Liverpool and Bournemouth.

Manuel Pellegrini has been unable to solve the Hammers’ long-standing defensive woes, with the club now boasting the unwanted record of conceding a whopping 74 goals since the start of last season – far more than any other top-flight side.

The Chilean has selected Angelo Ogbonna and Fabian Balbuena as his defensive pairing for the opening two matches of the campaign but some fans are now calling for change, as they want Issa Diop to be handed his Premier League debut.

Signed for a whopping £22m in the summer, the 21-year-old has the capability to become a leader at the London Stadium after captaining former side Toulouse and some on social media want him named as a starter for this weekend’s clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”253217″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch The FM18 Two Minute Challenge Pellegrini at West Ham”]

We have rounded up the best reactions below.

[ad_pod ]

According to the Nottingham Post, Forest are one of the Championship clubs who are interested in taking Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham on loan, and Reds fans on Twitter were excited by the news.

The Nottingham Post reports that if young striker Ben Brereton completes his move from the City Ground to Blackburn before the loan deadline, then boss Aitor Karanka will look to bring in another attacking option.

Forest currently sit 13th in the Championship after five matches. Karanka’s side are still unbeaten but have only won one game, a 1-0 victory at home to Reading. Brereton is an England U19 international but has struggled for game time at Forest recently and is yet to play this season.

Abraham on the other hand is third choice striker at Chelsea behind Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud after spending last season on loan with Swansea and a loan move may be best for the 20-year-old’s development.

Check out some of the best tweets from Forest fans in response to the rumour below.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”280645″ player=”12034″ title=”Rafa’s Pub Facts Dodgy De Gea & Arsenal’s MiniRevolution”]

Newcastle are still searching for their first win of the season following a 2-1 defeat away to Manchester City.

Despite captain Jamaal Lascelles returning to the side, Newcastle were behind after just eight minutes when Raheem Sterling curled home to give his team the lead. The Magpies hit back through DeAndre Yedlin but were behind after the interval when Kyle Walker blasted home his first goal for the Citizens. Another defeat leaves Newcastle in the relegation zone after four games.

After being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Nottingham Forest, Newcastle again looked poor against Pep Guardiola’s men. The Magpies had just 21% of possession with new signing Solomon Rondon cutting an isolated figure in the attack. Rafael Benitez desperately needs a creative playmaker to help turn defence into offence and add goals to the side.

One man he could target is former Manchester City maestro – Samir Nasri. Valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt, Nasri is currently available on a free transfer after his contract was mutually terminated at Antalysapor after the Frenchman was given a ban for doping. Despite his ban being extended to 18 months, Nasri can begin training with a new club in November.

The former France international is no stranger to the Premier League having made over 150 appearances for both Arsenal and Manchester City. He lifted two Premier League titles during his time in Manchester and scored 36 goals as well as registering 42 assists in over 200 appearances in England. If he can hit the ground running at St. James Park, he could prove to be an inspired addition.

Despite his troubles, Nasri remains a top playmaker, and his arrival would be a massive boost to Newcastle’s attackers. With expert dribbling and an eye for a pass, he is exactly what Newcastle need to address their slump. The 31-year-old can be a massive success if he can prove his fitness; on a free transfer, Newcastle have nothing to lose.

Newcastle fans, thoughts?

[ad_pod ]

West Ham United have had three different managers across the last 11 months, and there are concerns that another change will be made come the turn of the year.

Manuel Pellegrini is currently the man in the hotseat after taking over from David Moyes, who replaced Slaven Bilic in November 2017.

Expectation rested on Pellegrini’s shoulders when he was appointed at the end of last season due to his record.

The Chilean won the Premier League title during his last stint in England, which was a three-year stretch at Manchester City between 2013 and 2016.

However, Pellegrini has had a horror start to his reign at the London Stadium having failed to win a single Premier League game this season.

The campaign may only be four games in, but West Ham are the only club in the division not to pick up a point so far.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”289180″ player=”12034″ title=”A Futsal Player Walks Into A Denmark Squad…”]

Instantly, questions will be asked about the Chilean’s future, so we asked you if Pellegrini is likely to survive come January, and the majority think that he is a dead-man walking.

Leeds United return to Championship action this weekend as they look to continue their fine start to the season but Marcelo Bielsa has been handed a huge blow.

The Peacocks will be without summer signing Patrick Bamford for the next four months following an injury sustained in action for Leeds’ U23 side last Friday, which severely limits Bielsa’s options up front.

Kemar Roofe is now left as the only senior recognised striker in the squad, with other options coming in the form of young duo Tyler Roberts and Ryan Edmondson – although the pair have just one league appearance between them, which was handed to 17-year-old Edmondson on the last day of last season.

The concern is that the injury could derail Leeds’ promotion charge and, as a result, some fans have called for the club to dip into the free agency market to land the services of Jerry Mbakogu – a player Leeds were heavily linked to earlier this year.

Available for nothing, some believe he could be the right man for the job. We have identified some of the best comments below.

[ad_pod ]

[ffc_insert title=”Check out the Big Interview with Ben Dinnery & Johnny Wilson” name=”Fixture In Focus Podcast Special” image_ link=”https://fixtureinfocus.podiant.co/e/369d9b4fb86294/” link_text=”Click here to play”]

Loads of Tottenham fans have been discussing the aftermath of their defeat at Inter Milan, and they can’t believe some of Mauricio Pochettino’s post-game comments.

Tottenham fell to their third consecutive defeat in all competitions on Tuesday, and it’s fair to say Pochettino is feeling the pressure.

The charming Spurs boss has a fantastic relationship with the fans in North London and has been a breathe of fresh air since arriving at the club.

However, like any other manager he has his weaknesses, and fans weren’t happy with his game management of substitutions last night.

They’re not exactly enjoying his post-match analysis either, as the charismatic Argentine launched a staunch defence of his team.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”297163″ player=”12034″ title=”Rafa’s Pub Facts MythBusting Rashford & Spurs Headache”]

“Why disrespect the players that are not on the pitch? You can blame me and say gaffer, you were so so rubbish in your selection of the starting eleven,” he said after questions about the players that were left out of the squad.

“But please do not disrespect the players who were playing, because it is my decision.

“Kieran Trippier, Toby Alderweireld, we have 25 players. And you ask me with your question, that you can play only 11 and the other 13 or 14 players are rubbish? Are s***?”

While it is quite noble of the boss to throw himself in front of the bus in defence of his players, fans are worried he is losing his cool after losing three matches in a row for the first time in his tenure, and one fans has even compared the outburst to Jose Mourinho.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, look away now Poch…

[ffc_insert title=”Check out the Big Interview with Ben Dinnery & Johnny Wilson” name=”Fixture In Focus Podcast Special” image_ link=”https://fixtureinfocus.podiant.co/e/369d9b4fb86294/” link_text=”Click here to play”]

Sunderland fans have been discussing some possible free agent signings after a devastating setback for Charlie Wyke, but fans don’t like any of the potential replacements.

Sunderland suffered their first defeat of the season at Burton Albion last week, and if truth be told if had been coming.

Jack Ross’ side have been starting games on the back foot, and it was only a matter of time before they got a wake up call.

What could be far more damaging than the result though is the injury to Wyke, who is expected to miss around eight weeks with a knee injury.

Fans have been looking at potential free agent signings to fill the void, and let’s just say they aren’t too appealing.

[ad_pod ]

Darren Bent and Gabby Agbonlahor have both appealed to Scottish sides in the last couple of weeks, while ex-Sunderland man Victor Anichebe is still without a club.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where fans are mortified by the possible Wyke replacements…

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”298475″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch The FPL Show GW6 affordable strikers”]

[ad_pod ]

FootballFanCast.com’s Fixture In Focus coverage is brought to you by 5p0rtz. Try 5p0rtz’s Beat the Streak Predictor and you could win £1million! Click here to play.

2017/18 was a world-class season for Mohamed Salah, but that doesn’t necessarily qualify the Liverpool forward as a world-class player.

There’s been something noticeably different about the Egyptian attacker this season; he’s still provided a decent supply of goals and a few flickers of genius, but we’ve rarely witnessed that chuffed celebratory smile which made Salah such an unassuming menace, and he’s yet to continuously carve open opposition defences with the audaciously irresistible dribbles that littered his debut campaign at Anfield.

Let’s not veer into hyperbole – it would be a stretch to declare that Salah’s out of form. He’s still contributed to four Premier League goals this season – three goals and one assist in six outings – the same rate as his front three accomplices Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. But in many ways, that’s precisely the point. While Firmino and Mane are top-class entities in their own right, Salah was a shade above them last season. He was Liverpool’s roaring talisman, but the Reds’ sustained potency this term has been much more of a collective effort.

Perhaps there are legitimate caveats for that. Salah certainly isn’t the only major Premier League star suffering something of a World Cup hangover, the most obvious example being his chief competitor in the Golden Boot race last season – Tottenham’s Harry Kane. And much like the Spurs star, it’s not just a question of physical fitness. Mental fatigue has been Kane’s ultimate downfall this season, but that arguably rings even truer with his Liverpool counter-part.

[ffc_insert title=”Try 5p0rtz’s Beat The Streak Predictor and you could win £1MILLION!” name=”Win £1MILLION with 5p0rtz” image_ link=”https://app.5p0rtz.com/?affiliate=FFCeditorialwidget” link_text=”Click here to play”]

Salah was rushed back to fitness to make the World Cup, a tournament in which he had the full weight of Egyptian hopes placed on his shoulders, and somewhere along the way he also fell out with the Egyptian FA over image rights. Harking back even further than that, he had the heartbreak of being forced off in last season’s Champions League final, before watching the Reds capitulate without him. That’s a whole host of turmoil and frustration, both on and on the pitch, to get over in a few weeks and be ready for the new Premier League season.

The other issue is how much attention teams are now paying Salah. Certainly at the start of last term he enjoyed the advantage of still being a relative unknown in the Premier League excepting that underwhelming short spell at Chelsea, which if anything only served as an additional smokescreen – there were plenty who thought Salah would flop for a second time in English football back at the start of 2017/18. This term though, there are no surprises. Everybody knows how dangerous Salah is and necessary precautions have been taken.

However, it’s important not to make excuses too readily; the very best players in the world belong to that calibre because they can filter everything out and still perform to the best of their abilities. Perhaps then, we should be questioning Salah’s mental resilience as well as his mental sharpness right now, but a far simpler explanation is that last season, one that saw him net an incredible 44 times across all competitions, was something of a freak occurrence. After all, that haul was more than double the African attacker’s previous career-best for a single campaign.

Statistically too, Salah’s performance levels are actually on par if not better than last season’s. Per match, he’s averaging the same amount of dribbles, 0.2 more shots and one more key pass. The only noticeable differences have been in his output – goals and assists combined, he’s contributing to 0.6 less goals per match so far this term.

If Salah were to maintain that current rate and make the same number of Premier League appearances as last season, 36, he’d be involved in around 22 less goals. Once again, that’s despite their being no significant statistical downturns between his performances over the last two campaigns.

That’s not to say, should his debut Anfield season prove to be something of a fluke, that Salah’s by any stretch of the imagination a spent force for Liverpool. Even if he never quite replicates a simply breathtaking campaign, he’s still a top-class talent who can score or create goals and cause huge problems when driving at the opposition.

His sheer presence alone has been a key asset for Liverpool this season – particularly in terms of drawing defenders towards him to create more space for Mane, the Reds’ top scorer in the Premier League, on the other side of the attack.

A one-season wonder then, certainly not. But a one-season world-class player? Perhaps. Salah could still be just warming up, and still recovering from a largely torturous summer, but the early signs suggest last term’s standards are simply too high for him to comfortably reproduce.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”301408″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Fixture in Focus Chelsea v Liverpool”]