All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool restored their winning form after edging out Sheffield United in a 2-1 win at Anfield on Saturday. The Reds put in an inspired performance off the back of their Ajax victory and gave themselves a huge boost in getting back on track in the Premier League.

With Naby Keita and Thiago injured and Fabinho now the club’s new centre-back, Jurgen Klopp was forced to change things up slightly. New boy Diogo Jota started the match, completing a newly formed front four that the manager may be tempted to deploy for the rest of the season.

Roberto Firmino played a deeper role to his usual No.9 position, with Mohamed Salah becoming the focus of the strike force. Sure enough, the Reds managed to bank all three points, with goals from the unlikely sealing the deal.

Klopp could be onto something

It was Jota and Firmino who were on song for Liverpool last night. The new recruit filled Salah’s usual role on the right and Firmino was given a more creative role, which clearly suits him. The Brazilian has attracted a lot of criticism for his quiet performances in attack, but those were clearly only being judged at face value.

Whilst the 29-year-old has just one goal in eight appearances so far this season, his work ethic is more than meets the eye. Operating as a playmaker rather than the team’s focal point in attack should be the way Klopp chooses to select his lineups from now on. Salah boasts the natural predator’s instinct in front of goal, whilst Firmino quietly carves open defences and sets up the play that leads to the goal.

With Jota adjusting to a new role on the right too, this could already have the legs to be a winning formula for the reigning champions. Fans certainly seem to think so and are excited to see more of this new formation. The support of Jordan Henderson just behind the front four will help create chances but also protect the defence, which is what the Reds skipper does very well.

Salah’s central role also gives him the chance to free roam in front of goal, which leaves space for Firmino to drive forwards if he so wishes. Something that proved to be successful against Sheffield United, with the Brazilian bagging his first goal of the season.

Liverpool are keen to keep hold of the Premier League title and this new found formation could play a huge part in their quest to do so.

In other news, Michael Edwards may have started something exciting with Harvey Elliott loan move…

Flocking to ExWHUemployee’s tweet after West Ham’s last gasp 1-0 victory over Fulham last night, plenty of Hammers heaped praise on defensive star Aaron Cresswell for his showing against their London neighbours – with the player seemingly reborn as part of a back three under David Moyes. 

Cresswell, who played the full 90 minutes and helped Moyes’ side to keep a clean sheet, has now attracted plaudits for his most recent display combined with the upturn in form since converting to centre-back.

Indeed, in reply to ExWHUemployee’s take, plenty of supporters heralded the Englishman as ‘unreal’ and ‘top class’ – going on to say they’re ‘so glad’ he has found a role which suits him and the Irons.

Some fans also think dropping him for the next game would be ‘utter madness’ from Moyes’ perspective, find all of their best verdicts from Twitter here.

Hammers lavish Cresswell with praise

In other news: West Ham fans didn’t feel the same about this ‘clown’, find out more here. 

Football Insider recently revealed that Glasgow Rangers winger Ryan Kent has changed his agent in what will be a big blow to talks over a new contract with the club, but the 54-time Scottish champions simply can’t afford to lose their midfield dynamo.

What’s the word?

Former Rangers manager Alex McLeish believes his decision to switch agents could lead to a departure in the not too distant future.

The one-time Liverpool player has been on Leeds United’s radar for several months as Marcelo Bielsa is looking to bolster his firepower.

Both Ezgjan Alioski and Jack Harrison have been in fine form in recent weeks, whilst Raphinha has emerged as a real talent after his arrival at Elland Road in the summer, but it’s believed that Bielsa is still looking to bring in other options.

When asked about the 24-year-old changing agents, McLeish told Ibrox News:  “Well, I think there will be alarm bells ringing there after that news.

“However, at the moment you don’t see any disruption in his game. He’s playing at a fantastic level and he just has to keep showing what he can do. Listen, we’ve said many times that there comes a time when you can’t stop the sale of a certain player. I couldn’t do it back in the day when Lorenzo Amoruso went to Blackburn, it was money the club needed at the time and you have to do what the money guys tell you to.”

But from Steven Gerrard’s perspective, Kent is definitely one of his first-team regular starters he must keep at all costs.

Keep him at all costs!

Despite his age, it goes without saying that the winger is an integral part of Gerrard’s side. Admittedly, the Gers have scored 64 goals in 24 games, but Kent has contributed thirteen times in total.

Whilst this may not seem like a lot, when you consider the fact that he has contributed more assists than any other outfield player besides Ianis Hagi in all competitions so far this season, his impact cannot be ignored.

Apart from Kent, Brandon Barker, Jordan Jones and Glenn Middleton are the only out-and-out wide options on the left wing, but there the similarities end.

Simply put, the Oldham-born diamond in the rough is a class above his closest rivals, whilst Jones is currently suspended after being handed a seven-match ban by the SFA for breaking coronavirus protocols.

It was only last week that Tam McManus insisted he is the best player in Scotland. He told PLZ Soccer, as quoted by Glasgow Live: “I think he’s the best player in Scotland, I think he’s, without doubt, the best player in Scotland, at the minute.”

If for whatever reason Kent does leave the club, Gerrard would find it incredibly hard to find a player to replace him in the starting line-up who operates at a similar level.

AND in other news, Steven Gerrard may regret his decision to axe Jermain Defoe from the Europa League squad…

Glasgow Rangers return to Europa League action after cruising to a comfortable win over Ross County in the Scottish Premiership at the weekend when they take on Lech Poznan in Poland on Thursday night.

Rangers have been in such fine form since the start of the season as they remain unbeaten across all competitions, although they will be aware that their actions have consequences, as their performances this season have led to interest in some of their star men, with the winter transfer market set to open in under a month’s time.

George Edmundson, Jordan Jones and Nathan Patterson are currently self-isolating for various reasons, but there’s no doubt that any moves for their best players would be a much more significant dent to their title-winning ambitions than a couple of short-term absentees.

Reports in recent times revealed that Benfica are keeping tabs on Glen Kamara, amid interest from Crystal Palace, Everton, Newcastle, Sheffield United and Southampton, whilst former Rangers chairman Dave King has claimed that it is essential that the 54-time Scottish champions sell their key players to cover the costs of the pandemic.

The Gers signed Kamara from Dundee FC on a four-year pre-contract deal in 2019, which means that they could, in theory, make a tidy profit if they cash in on the Finnish central midfielder in January, as his market value is estimated at £1.08m, via Transfermarkt.

However, that’s a move that sporting director and board member Ross Wilson must avoid at all costs.

Kamara has been an integral part of Steven Gerrard’s side so far this season as they have stormed to the top of the table and reached the knockout stages of the Europa League.

The Ibrox boss made no secret of his desire to sign another central midfielder in the summer, but the Finland international has cemented his place in the starting line-up, and for very good reason.

Per WhoScored, the 25-year-old has scored one goal in five games in the Europa League, meaning he has been a useful attacking threat, whilst he is averaging 2 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game.

Gerrard could call upon any number of combinations in his absence, as there’s plenty of options in the midfield, including Scott Arfield, Joe Aribo, Steven Davis, Ryan Jack and Bongani Zungu, but given the fact that he has started every single game in the European competition thus far, it just goes to show just how much Gerrard trusts him to get the job done.

Currently, the Gers are on course to regain the title for the first time since the 2010-11 campaign based on their performances so far this season. Once hailed as an “excellent” colossus by former Rangers star Neil Murray, Kamara has played a key part in their recent success and it’s fair to say that he is simply irreplaceable, regardless of the financial rewards.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers captain James Tavernier produced a near-perfect performance against Ross County…

Peter Lawwell would be living in a dreamland if the Celtic CEO were to bring Henrik Larsson back to Parkhead to replace Neil Lennon.

What’s the word?

According to the Glasgow Times, Larsson is among the candidates in the running to replace Lennon should Lawwell and majority owner Dermot Desmond call time on the Irishman’s Lennoxtown tenure.

The Hoops sit a mammoth 13 points behind Old Firm rivals Rangers in the Premiership standings as their drab run of results continued with a 1-1 draw at home to St. Johnstone on Sunday, dealing further damage to any lingering hopes of claiming their tenth title in a row.

Lennon was given fresh assurances that his position is secure on Sunday night, despite now boasting just two wins in Celtic’s last 12 games across all competitions, having begged the board for more time after fans again descended on Parkhead to let make sure their voices could be heard.

Desmond also spoke with Lennon last week and vowed the under-pressure gaffer will be given the chance to save Celtic’s season before further crunch talks were held on Sunday.

But managers are being touted left, right and centre to eventually replace Lennon if he cannot stop the rot, with Larsson among those should Lawwell be able to lure the Hoops hero away from FC Barcelona.

Larsson is currently Ronald Koeman’s right-hand man at the Camp Nou following his own ill-fated managerial spells in his native Sweden with Landskrona Bols, Falkenbergs FF and Helsingborgs IF over the years.

Heading for disaster

While Larsson returning to Parkhead – the scene of four Premiership triumphs for the former Barcelona, Manchester United and Celtic striker – would be a romantic notion for supporters to clutch to at a time of crisis, Lawwell would be setting the Hoops up for further disaster by appointing the 49-year-old.

Larsson has not held a managerial role since his second spell in charge of Helsingborgs came to a swift end in August 2019, just two months into his tenure, after guiding the club to a mere two wins in nine games that saw the Olympia natives keep only two clean sheets.

Koeman’s number two did not enjoy even a modicum of success during his first spell with Helsingborgs between 2015 and 2017, either, having been in charge as Di Roe were relegated from the Allsvenskan.

Lawwell appointing Larsson to take charge of Celtic would only serve to see the Hoops’ CEO throw a club legend onto the fire, let alone offer him a baptism of fire, in a similar way to Alan Shearer’s time in charge at Newcastle United in 2009 when his eight-game reign failed to prevent relegation from the Premier League.

Filippo Inzaghi flopped in charge of AC Milan, too, with the Rossoneri’s iconic striker winning just 14 of his 40 games in charge on route to a 10th-placed Serie A finish – their worst in 17 years – and he now resides with Benevento Calcio in the second-tier of Italian football.

A similar future would likely be on the cards for Larsson if he were to return to Parkhead this winter, so if he has any sense at all, he would reject the chance of a Lennoxtown homecoming if Lawwell is naïve enough to offer one.

AND in other news, Peter Lawwell can invoke shades of Scott Sinclair by signing a “phenomenal” £20m wonder for Celtic.

Glasgow Rangers weren’t exactly quiet by their standards in the summer, but perhaps they missed out on a potential replacement for Alfredo Morelos, and sporting director Ross Wilson can make amends in January.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, Rangers have reached an agreement in principle with Colombian wonderkid Juan Alegria ahead of the winter transfer window, which is set to open in just under a few weeks’ time.

It’s claimed that he will accept the offer on the table before moving to Ibrox in January, although the Gers could face several obstacles to secure his services as his transfer could be disrupted by the government’s ongoing negotiations with the European Union over Brexit.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Rangers full-back Alan Hutton has tipped the 18-year-old for the very top. He said: “I’ve heard little bits, not too much, I think they’ve stopped because of the Coronavirus. I don’t think he’s played so much, it’s more of an impact off the bench but he’s obviously a talented player.

“I think we all know that the scouting system has worked well at Rangers so they obviously see a promising, big talent and he’s only 18, so it’s going to be one to bring in and develop within the squad.

“He sounds a decent prospect and I trust the Rangers scouting team because they’ve done so well in the past. It’s not been bad so far so we’ll have to back them.”

High praise indeed from someone who won the league title with the Gers during his time at Ibrox. There hasn’t been much talk in the press since the news first broke, so Ross Wilson must act swiftly to wrap up a deal at all costs by any means necessary.

Bye Stewart

Two backup strikers were signed in Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe on four-year deals for undisclosed fees as Morelos was heavily linked with the Ibrox exit.

Jermain Defoe, Itten, Morelos and Roofe are all vying for a place up front, while Greg Stewart is considered surplus to requirements.

Reports in recent times revealed that Rangers are set to cash in on Stewart in January as he has fallen down the pecking order under Gerrard, having made just four appearances across all competitions so far this season.

Morelos himself is currently serving a two-game suspension after he was charged by the SFA for bringing the game into disrepute on the grounds of violent conduct.

It means that Gerrard only has three viable options for the centre-forward role for the time being at least, with Defoe, Itten and Roofe battling it out for their chance to lead the line, which is precisely why he is lining up a move for the teenager, who was recently described as ‘Alfredo Morelos Mk II’ by The Daily Record.

In ten appearances for the Finnish outfit FC Honka this season, the Colombian has scored four goals so far, via Transfermarkt.

Given his age, it looks like the highly-rated striker could be one for the future, although he has made no secret of his desire to move to Ibrox, as he told The Daily Record: “Together with my family, we are studying and finalising details to transfer me to Rangers – a great team who are the best in Scotland and highly recognised in European football.”

The fact that Alegria has made it clear he wants to play for the club should fill Rangers fans with confidence, especially when you consider the fact that Morelos continues to be linked with a move abroad.

Now it’s up to Wilson to get the deal over the line before it’s too late.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must cash in on Greg Stewart in January…

It seems Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to fix Manchester United’s defensive issues in the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to CalcioMercato, the Red Devils are among a host of clubs eyeing a move for Fiorentina versatile defender Nikola Milenkovic next month and the Serie A outfit are open to offloading him if they receive an offer in the region of €35m-40m (£35m).

It’s claimed they could become embroiled in a bidding war for the centre-half as he has also attracted interest from AC Milan, Inter and Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Milenkovic has established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe, providing two goals and one assist in Serie A this season so far, via WhoScored.

Bye-bye Victor Lindelof

With United linked with a move for the Serbia international, Victor Lindelof could find himself heading for the Old Trafford exit.

The Swede has become somewhat of a marmite figure amongst the fan base as he has suffered from an inconsistent run of form in recent years.

Harry Maguire is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-choice at the back but questions still remain over who should partner him in the heart of the defence.

Lindelof has assumed the role as part of Solskjaer’s preferred defensive pairing, having played 12  games in the Premier League so far this season, via Transfermarkt.

But that’s primarily due to a lack of other options rather than anything else as his performances at the back have been shaky at best to say the least.

Bringing in Milenkovic, who plays in a similar position, would undoubtedly push him one step closer to the exit.

Diehard United fans may be well acquainted with the Serbian after he kept Cristiano Ronaldo in his back pocket during the 3-0 victory over Juventus before the Christmas break. As per SofaScore, he blocked two shots, made two clearances and two interceptions to ensure Fiorentina kept their first clean sheet in Serie A since the draw with Parma at the Ennio Tardini Stadium.

Per WhoScored, he is averaging 1.6 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 3.1 clearances per game in the Italian top flight so far this season, so perhaps he could fill the void United have arguably failed to fill ever since Rio Ferdinand left the club.

He has also been likened to club legend and his fellow countryman Nemanja Vidic, which is certainly high praise indeed, and suggests he is exactly the calibre of player United need to shore up their leaky defence, having conceded more goals than Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea this season so far.

AND in other news, former Hull City striker Dean Windass has told Solskjaer to sell a Manchester United “liability”…

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Everton are not actively pursuing a deal for SSC Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

While speaking with Give Me Sport, Romano has claimed Napoli are pricing Milik out of a move in the mid-season window as no side is willing to pay what the Serie A outfit are currently demanding.

Milik is yet to kick a ball in any competition this season after seeing a route out of Naples blocked last summer, and had been claimed to be pushing for a move away in January in order to protect his place in the Poland national side for this year’s  rearranged Euro 2020.

Everton were believed to be a potential destination for the 26-year-old after failing to seal a deal in the previous transfer window, though they had been expected to face competition from AS Roma after the Giallorossi appeared to seduce Milik.

Romano does not see either side moving to sign the £80,000-per-week forward any time soon, while Napoli’s demands are pricing Olympique de Marseille and Atletico Madrid out of the market.

“[Milik] has been linked because it was true that Everton were interested in Milik before the end of the last window, but Napoli want €15m [£13.5m] to sell Arkadiusz Milik right now. So, Marseille and also Atletico Madrid were interested, but at the moment, the situation is that no one is offering €15m, so the race is open,” Romano told Give Me Sport.

“There is also the possibility that Milik is staying at Napoli, not playing, but joining another club as free agent in the summer. At the moment, from Everton, there is nothing advanced yet, so they are not going for Milik right now.

“Let’s see, in the last days of the window, you know, I expect some surprises just because these players that now are not moving and are not receiving any right bids, in the last week, might receive something interesting and the club need to sell players so they can accept also different conditions.”

Work cut out

Everton’s Director of Football Marcel Brands will have his work cut out, it would seem, should the Dutchman present Goodison Park as a potential destination for Milik later in the January transfer window.

Carlo Ancelotti, who worked with Milik at Napoli, has struggled to see Everton share the burden of scoring so far this season, with top-scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the charts by some margin with 11 goals in 16 Premier League games, eight more than next-best man James Rodriguez and the clutch of players who have scored twice.

Calvert-Lewin is enduring a tricky patch, too, with the 23-year-old failing to find the back of the net in his last six appearances across all competitions and taking just seven shots over his last five top-flight outings.

Cenk Tosun only opened his account for the campaign during Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie with Championship strugglers Rotherham United, too, having failed to score in his previous six appearances.

Ancelotti, then, could seemingly do with a new centre-forward to help carry the load at Goodison Park, but whether Milik – who hit home 14 goals in 35 games last season – is the one for Everton clearly remains to be seen.

AND in other news, Marcel Brands must sign “quick” Everton target who “makes football look easy”.

Many Sunderland fans have been left slamming the display of Aiden McGeady versus AFC Wimbledon in their EFL League One fixture this afternoon.

The Republic of Ireland international did not have the best of games for the Stadium of Light faithful, losing possession of the ball no fewer than 15 times in the game, which was among the highest out of his teammates (Sofascore).

He also lost out on seven of his duels, and failed to record a single shot on target, successful dribble, key pass, cross or long ball, earning him a very measly 6.2 overall rating on Sofascore.

The 34-year-old will surely need to put in better performances than this one today if he is stay in the team for the next few matches, as SAFC chase automatic promotion to the Championship for the 2021/22 term.

Sunderland fan reaction to McGeady display

These Sunderland fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far to say as the winger is ‘finished’ as a starter:

“McGeady needs to come off. Brilliant footballer but he’s finished as a starter”

Credit: @b3nxf

“Would bring Winchester on & Diamond on, seem to be on top of the game perfect time to give him a debut see what he’s about. McGeady not done a lot being diamond on to finish it off”

Credit: @AdrianMagson

“Losing it too easy! Was that McGeady’s first touch?”

Credit: @TMilesB

“We’re carrying too many players. Embleton and McGeady are offering nothing”

Credit: @MKA97FTM

“McGeady’s done nowt today, mind”

Credit: @_JordanSimpson

“McGeady doing nowt but giving it away yet again but stays on the pitch ahead of Diamond and Embleton?!”

Credit: @JustBrowsingTa

In other news, find out who many Sunderland fans want to leave here!

Southampton were linked with a move for Werder Bremen forward Milot Rashica in the summer and given their current injury problems, the versatile Kosovan would’ve been an excellent man to have in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad.

It was suggested ahead of the summer transfer window that the Saints were interested in signing the 24-year-old, alongside Liverpool and RB Leizpig.

However, he ended up staying with the Bundesliga side after helping them stave off relegation to the Bundesliga 2.

Considering Southampton’s current injury concerns, that see the likes of Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond ruled out, it seems as if the club made a big mistake by not bringing him to the South Coast club.

Saturday’s game against Leicester City saw Hasenhuttl deploy 21-year-old central-midfielder Will Smallbone as a left-midfielder, highlighting the lack of squad depth at the South Coast club at this moment in time.

Hasenhuttl’s side have struggled for goals in recent matches too, with just one goal scored in their past five Premier League games, which emphasises that they are low on attacking quality at times, especially when Danny Ings has been missing.

Therefore, signing someone such as Rashica, who contributed eight goals and five assists in 28 Bundesliga appearances last season, would’ve been smart business from Southampton.

Whilst he has been injured for much of this season, the fact he averaged 2.6 shots per game last season in the German top-flight emphasises that he could’ve added a goal threat in this Southampton team, as that is more than any Saints player has averaged so far this campaign.

A report from Bild suggested that Bremen were hoping to receive just €20 million (£18 million) for the 24-year-old during the summer, suggesting that it would have been a fairly affordable transfer for Southampton to complete.

Bremen manager Florian Kohfeldt was full of praise for the Kosovan last season, saying:

“Milot’s taken a massive leap in the last year or so. He’s got more confidence in himself and makes scoring look so easy.”

Therefore, it seems clear that Rashica would have been an excellent addition in Hasenhuttl’s squad, and would have been very useful to have in the current injury crisis, considering he can play on the wing and up front, so they should massively regret not signing him.

And, in other news… Lost possession 25x: Sloppy Southampton ace was nowhere near his best vs Leicester