All posts by z3u9t.icu

Rangers managed to reclaim their spot at the top of the Scottish Premiership table as they beat Hibernian 2-1 on Sunday.

Kevin Nisbet headed Hibs in front in the opening 10 minutes before Ryan Porteous was sent off in the 30th minute for a poor challenge on Joe Aribo.

The Gers were able to find the leveller in the 60th minute as Nathan Patterson put the ball on a plate for Kemar Roofe to nod home at the back post. Alfredo Morelos then won the match with his goal, assisted by Borna Barisic, in the 78th minute.

Roofe and Morelos may steal the headlines with their goals, but one player who was an unsung hero in the midfield was summer signing John Lundstram. He found a balance between defensive ballast and impressive play in possession to put in an all-around brilliant display.

Defensively, he was almost faultless for Rangers. Per SofaScore, he made four tackles, three interceptions and one block. He also won 62.5% of his duels on the pitch in the game, winning five of his eight 50/50 battles against Hibernian players.

This shows that he was able to snuff out Hibernian attacks with his defensive awareness and strength. He did not allow the opposition to pass by him easily, which allowed Rangers to dominate the game – contributing to the final result.

On the ball, he was composed and assured in possession to maintain the dominance. Per SofaScore, he had an eye-catching 118 touches of the ball – completing 99 of his 104 attempted passes (95%) and only giving the ball away six times from all of those touches.

Lundstram was efficient with his passing and did not give the ball away on a regular basis. Not only did this stop Hibernian from gaining the ball, but it also allowed Rangers to pile the pressure on the opposition goal and tire the midfield, which then created space for the Gers to work with.

Therefore, the midfield beast was Gerrard’s unsung hero in the match as he did the dirty work so that the forward players could shine in possession of the ball.

Hopefully, the summer arrival from Sheffield United will continue to perform to these standards and maintain his place in the starting XI to improve Gerrard’s side, which is – presumably – why he was brought to the club.

AND in other news, Gerrard masterclass: Rangers beast has seen his value soar 33.3% in less than 2 years…

Forza Italian Football editor Conor Clancy believes Cagliari defender Sebastian Walukiewicz is not ready for a move to Liverpool.

The 21-year-old centre-back made 21 appearances for Serie A side Cagliari last season and has already claimed three international caps with Poland.

According to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is monitoring Walukiewicz and mulling over whether to make a move before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

The report claims the Merseysiders’ Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the talented youngster.

Liverpool’s interest comes despite being handed the boost of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez returning to the fold following lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Dutchman van Dijk was on the treatment table for nine months after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage and Gomez was out of action for eight months thanks to sustaining a knee injury while on international duty with England.

Serie A expert Clancy believes a move to Liverpool would come too soon in Walukiewicz’s career.

He told Football FanCast: “Playing centre-back for Liverpool is obviously quite a specialised role. You saw last season that once van Dijk was out, it went to pot a little bit.

“Going from Cagliari to Liverpool is a big jump and I would be cautious about anybody who were to make that step. I wouldn’t be so sure.”

With Liverpool set to take on Arsenal when the Premier League returns this weekend, it seems as though the Reds could be without left-back Andy Robertson for the upcoming clash after journalist James Pearce revealed that there is a 50/50 chance the defender will be fit enough to play after picking up a hamstring issue while away with Scotland on international duty.

Taking this into account, if Robertson ends up not being fit enough to start against Mikel Arteta’s side, who are currently just two points below Liverpool in the league table, Liverpool have the ideal replacement for him at the ready that Klopp must turn to this weekend.

On the chalkboard

Even though Robertson has played 12 games across all competitions so far this season, providing two assists in the process, Kostas Tsimikas has shown that he is capable of filling in for Robertson when called upon by providing two assists in eight appearances this season.

Tsimikas’ previous appearance for Liverpool in their 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League saw the 25-year-old, who is currently valued at £9m according to Transfermarkt, put in an impressive display and show Klopp what he’s capable of.

From an attacking point of view, Tsimikas managed to make four key passes, create three big chances, complete four accurate crosses and one successful dribble.

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The full-back also didn’t shirk away from his defensive duties in the match against Diego Simeone’s side by making one tackle, one clearance and winning five of the ten duels he was involved in.

Overall, this performance earned Tsimikas, who Klopp has praised for the “quality” the defender has, a solid overall match rating of 8/10 according to SofaScore, showing that he has what it takes to step up to the plate when given the chance to do so.

Looking ahead to the Arsenal match, if Robertson doesn’t end up being 100% fit in time, then Klopp should have no issue in picking Tsimikas in his starting XI and the Liverpool fans should have no concerns that the Greek international won’t be able to put in a good shift for the Reds.

Either way, with Liverpool picking up their first defeat of the season in their previous league game in the 3-2 loss against West Ham United before the international break and the fact that Arsenal have the chance of leapfrogging Liverpool in the table if they manage to secure a win at Anfield, this will certainly be a big match for Klopp that they will not want to lose.

In other news: FSG could seal Klopp’s dream transfer with swoop for “undefendable” £27m-rated machine – opinion

After saying goodbye to Georginio Wijnaldum at the end of last season, Liverpool didn’t sign a replacement for the Dutchman who joined French club Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after making a total of 237 appearances across all competitions.

One midfield player, however, that has been linked with a move to the Merseyside club that could be a potential heir for Wijnaldum is LOSC Lille star Renato Sanches.

Recently, the Portuguese international has made a claim that could excite a lot of Liverpool fans that may be hoping to see him in a Reds shirt in the near future.

What’s the latest?

In a recent interview with French media outlet L’Equipe (via Liverpool Echo), Sanches revealed that he feels ready to join a big club again after admitting that he was too young to join Bayern Munich when he did back in 2016.

During his time in Germany, Sanches made 53 appearances for Bayern across all competitions in which he also had a loan spell at Swansea City where he made just 15 appearances before eventually arriving at Lille in 2019.

Since joining the French club, the 24-year-old, who is currently valued at £27m according to Transfermarkt, has managed to score five goal and provide six assists in 67 appearances in all competitions.

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In the recent Euro 2020 tournament over the summer, Sanches’ performance in Portugal’s 2-2 draw against France earned him a lot of praise from pundit Jermaine Jenas who said that the midfielder has got “a lot of character.”

That performance, in particular, highlighted just how impressive Sanches can be on the big stage as an all-round midfielder, a role Wijnladum thrived in at Anfield.

In the 88 minutes he was on the pitch for, Sanches managed to complete 69 of the 74 passes he attempted, had one shot on target, made one key pass, won nine ground duels, made three tackles and completed all of the three dribbles he attempted, ultimately earning himself a solid overall match rating of 7.1/10 according to SofaScore.

Consequently, this would be an excellent piece of business from the Merseyside club if they can sign him for a relatively low fee considering how his current contract at Lille is set to expire in the summer of 2023. Certainly, it would give them a potential long-term replacement for Wijnaldum given his age and ability in the middle of the pitch.

In other news: FSG may be heading for a big Liverpool disaster in January on “outstanding” 26 y/o ace – opinion

Leeds United are now said to be interested in former Chelsea starlet Jeremie Boga as they look to strengthen Marcelo Bielsa’s forward options.

What’s the story?

The Whites have only made two significant first-team signings this summer, bringing in Junior Firpo from Barcelona and finally securing Jack Harrison on a permanent deal from Manchester City.

Now, The Daily Mail claim that the Yorkshire club have shown an interest in signing Sassuolo forward Boga, who was previously on the books at Stamford Bridge.

The report adds that Serie A side Atalanta have made an offer for the Ivory Coast international, while Leeds’ fellow Premier League teams Everton and Crystal Palace are also said to be keen.

Bye-bye Helder Costa

Amid an impressive season for the club as a whole, one man who really struggled to live up to expectations, was Helder Costa.

The Portugal international just didn’t seem to find his feet at Premier League level, managing just three goals in 22 games in the competition.

That has seen reports now linking him with a move away, with claims that the Whites are ready to cash in on the winger in order to raise some funds for a new signing.

And, after reports emerged of his potential departure, Gabby Agbolahor said: “Costa did not do enough to stay at Leeds. They definitely need another winger. Costa’s had his chance and he’ll be definitely moved on.”

Well, in Boga, they could get that Costa replacement.

Speaking about him before, former Chelsea coach Michael Beale said: “The most unique talent and I’m talking in a window of being 13/14 and he just beat the other team possibly on his own is a young boy called Jeremie Boga.

“He just beat teams on his own, such a lovely boy. I thought wow, this boy is a supreme talent. he can stop and go and over three or four yards, he can just drift past you.”

As per WhoScored, last season saw Boga triple the number of dribbles the Portuguese made per game, while he also averaged more shots and made the exact amount of key passes too – an indication of the kind of directness and fearlessness with which the Sassuolo man plays.

Given that not only can he play on the left, but also on the right too, the Ivorian would add greater strength in depth and quality to the wide options that Bielsa has, and further push Costa down the pecking order.

The £18m-rated Boga’s arrival would surely spell the end for Costa at Elland Road.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have reignited their interest in this star…

Lawrie Sanchez believes that Everton will follow a recent trend and appoint another proven manager, with reports on Tuesday suggesting they are still talking to other managers despite Nuno Santo being the overwhelming leading contender to replace Carlo Ancelotti.

Aside from Roberto Martinez and Marco Silva, the two exceptions, the Toffees have always turned to an experienced face since David Moyes’ departure in 2013.

But only the Spaniard has taken charge of more than 100 games, with Everton’s next appointment their sixth in the space of just eight years since Moyes was hired by Manchester United.

Former Wolves boss  Santo appears the standout favourite to replacement Ancelotti in the Goodison Park dugout, although the Portuguese was also on the verge of becoming the new Crystal Palace manager recently before talks broke down.

The likes of Sam Allardyce and Ronald Koeman have both been hired in between Moyes and Ancelotti, with the Toffees hierarchy looking for instant success rather than investing into a longer-term project.

And Sanchez, who also took aim at Nuno, exclusively told Football FanCast that with Everton looking to close the gap on the top-six, that theme will continue:

“I think a club like Everton want someone proven at that level of what they want to achieve.

“They’ve gone for established names – Koeman, Ancelotti and Allardyce.

“From the outside, I think they will go for a solid name. Nuno, are there any other clubs in the Premier League he’s being tapped up by? They will have read their reports of Nuno at the end – he fell out with players.”

Arsenal have been linked with a shock move for Serge Aurier in recent days…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, the Gunners have been notified about the 28-year-old’s availability following his release from arch-rivals Spurs on deadline day.

It’s thought that the Ivory Coast right-back is keen to remain in the country after attracting offers from France, Turkey and Russia during the transfer window.

No suitable bid came forward and with Aurier having no future at the north London club, the two parties came to a mutual agreement to end his £120k-per-week contract a year early.

Disaster waiting to happen

Gunners chief Edu Gaspar is already facing mounting pressure at the Emirates Stadium following several poor transfer windows and a move for the calamitous defender could see the fanbase turn on him even more.

The Brazilian sporting director has endured a nightmare in recent seasons – under his tenure, Arsenal have spent around £300m but have only recouped £80m in return, per the Express.

In that time, they have recorded back-to-back eighth-place finishes in the Premier League and went from clinching the FA Cup to not qualifying for a European competition whatsoever.

To make matters worse, they have made no fewer than six additions this summer and Mikel Arteta’s side have lost all three of their top-flight matches.

“Get rid” and “fraud” are just two phrases that have been used to describe the Arsenal supremo in recent days, as relayed by HITC.

According to reports, the Gunners could line up another ex-player, Marc Overmars, as Edu’s replacement and the signing of Aurier would surely push him closer to the exit door.

There’s a reason that Nuno Santo was prepared to offload him and bring in another name in Emerson Royal.

Speaking after Spurs’ Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher described Aurier as “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football” and was a player that “would possibly put you off management with the amount of crazy decision he makes,” via talkSPORT.

That’s the last thing Arteta needs right now, especially after the arrival of Takehiro Tomiyasu, who can play both on the right and at centre-back.

Also dubbed an “absolute liability” by ex-Lilywhites midfielder Jamie O’Hara, the potential signing of the £18m-rated defender would be a recipe for disaster, given all the circumstances mentioned above.

Edu must not sign Aurier, otherwise he could well have to deal with the consequences from around the stadium.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Arsenal transfer update that’ll leave fans buzzing…

Former Nottingham Forest star Nigel Jemson insists that the club need new signings before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

The Championship club have struggled immensely at the start of the season.

Under the management of Chris Hughton, they are rooted to the bottom of the Championship table and did not win any of their opening four games of the season.

They have been active in the transfer window but have yet to actually invest in a player.

Loan deals for Watford’s Philip Zinckernagel, Arsenal’s Jordi Osei-Tutu, and Manchester United’s James Garner have been struck, as has a free transfer to sign goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.

Jemson insists that Forest will need to splash the cash before Tuesday if they are to ensure that they do not spend the season struggling at the base of the table, especially given the age profile of the current squad.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “For sure, there has to be new players coming in.

“I’ll be perfectly honest, I’ll be worried if we don’t get any more signings in, about how the season will pan out. It is imperative that we get new signings in, it relieves a little bit of pressure on other people, certainly the younger players because you get new signings and it gives everyone a lift.”

Jemson played for the club between 1988 and 1991.

Liverpool fans were delighted with the performance of Sadio Mane during the first half of their match with Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Reds are in a battle with Chelsea and Leicester City to qualify for the Champions League on the final day of the Premier League season. A win will be enough for them to reach Europe’s premier club competition, and the Reds are leading after the first 45 minutes thanks to Mane’s goal.

29-year-old Mane was selected by Jurgen Klopp to feature in the starting XI, and he looked back to his best against the Eagles. Although he has nine goals and eight assists this term (Transfermarkt), it has been one of his worst seasons at the club – with him at his best, it is hard to see Liverpool being in the position they are currently in. However, his goal could be vital for the Reds in making the Champions League.

The fans were happy with the Senegal international, and the fans took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Mane below

“Mane loving the supporters being back, he’s got his mojo back”

Credit: @busterkelly

“Missed seeing Mane like this, he’s actually back to his best”

Credit: @YJAMJ1

“Omo only Mane and Thiago has sense on this pitch”

Credit: @M_borlarjorko

“Mane been the best player on the pitch so far.”

Credit: @fate_champ

“As stressed out as I am I must say Mané is balling rn”

Credit: @Auxanooo

“Mane is playing so well, could have something to do with the fans return to the stadium.”

Credit: @Chuka_emordi

In other news, Liverpool fans don’t want to sign this man.

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford could be fit for the final two Premier League games of the season despite initial fears he would not return this campaign.

The Lowdown: Bamford’s torrid season

The 28-year-old was arguably the Whites’ star man last season, scoring 17 league goals, but things have panned out very differently this time around.

Bamford has been hampered by injury problems throughout the campaign, being limited to just seven league starts, which has played a part in the Whites’ struggles.

The striker is currently out with a foot injury which was initially expected to make him miss the rest of the campaign, but Jesse Marsch has revealed he could now miss just the next three weeks.

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The Latest: Hay shares good news

Providing his thoughts in a Q&A for The Athletic on Monday ahead of Leeds’ trip to Crystal Palace, Phil Hay claimed that Bamford could return for the last two league games of the season, which are at home to Brighton and away to Brentford.

The journalist shared a prospective return date from the Whites manager which essentially means missing the next three weeks, claiming:

“Still no Patrick Bamford [v Palace] but Jesse Marsch thinks he might make it back for the last two games of the season.”

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The Verdict: Could be massive for Leeds

This is a potentially huge boost for Leeds, as they find themselves in danger of getting sucked back into a relegation battle between themselves, Everton and Burnley.

Bamford’s finishing ability means that just one chance could be needed in one of those final two matches, should Marsch’s side still not be safe at that point.

In many ways, the hope is that Leeds have avoided relegation by then and Bamford doesn’t need to be risked, but having him in contention would feel significant, providing the Whites with proven Premier League firepower.

In other news, Hay has dropped a Leeds transfer claim. Read more here.