All posts by h716a5.icu

The Aston Villa train just doesn’t seem like stopping anytime soon, does it?

Dean Smith’s side have started the new Premier League campaign like a house on fire, and after demolishing reigning champions Liverpool 7-2 in one of the most historic results of the modern era, they made it four wins from four against Leicester on Sunday.

The Foxes had made a good opening to the season as well, and the clash at the King Power Stadium would surely have been seen as an early marker of whether either side can be the team to break into the top six – Brendan Rodgers’ side, of course, did it last year.

With nothing to separate the two sides for the majority of the 90 minutes, up stepped new signing Ross Barkley to fire home the winner for Villa in injury-time, giving them all three points and sending them second in the table – only Everton sit above them, having played a game more.

But whilst Barkley proved to be the match-winner, it was Jack Grealish who once again led from the front. The Villa talisman may not have got himself on the score-sheet or be the man to set up the decisive goal – that fell to John McGinn – but he was the one who continually looked to create openings for his team, whether by his driving runs or superb vision.

As the England international has probably come to expect now, he was kicked from pillar to post, and it was no surprise to see that he was fouled a game-high of five times.

But despite the rough treatment, Grealish rolled up his socks – not literally of course – and took the game to Leicester more determined than ever, and in the remarkable 27 total duels that he contested over the 90 minutes, he won 17 of them.

He also provided four key passes and created one official big chance, and on another day, might have seen his teammates reward him with an assist through some better finishing.

In the end, Villa got their hard-earned three points, and no-one symbolised that resilient display more than their main man.

And in other news, this Villa transfer target is set for a move elsewhere.

Whilst Kevin De Bruyne’s missed penalty may be the biggest cause for frustration amongst Manchester City fans following their 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, Rodri’s performance was really disappointing.

As per SofaScore, the Spanish midfielder picked up a worrying 6.0 rating for his display against the 2019/20 champions, which was the joint-worst of any player on the pitch.

Whilst the defensive midfielder’s passing wasn’t too sloppy during the game, with him picking up a pass accuracy rate of 84%, with 56/67 of his passes finding their mark, he still managed to lose possession on 13 occasions during the game against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Of the six ground duels he was involved in, he managed to win just one, whilst he failed to win his one aerial duel during the game, suggesting that he certainly wasn’t at his sharpest against the Reds.

Since joining from Atletico Madrid for £56.43 million last summer, the 24-year-old has gone on to make 63 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, contributing four goals and two assists (per Transfermarkt).

Last season, the midfielder made 35 appearances in the Premier League, averaging a very strong 7.09 rating, whereas this season so far has seen him average a much less impressive 6.76 rating for his performances in the top-flight (per WhoScored).

This suggests that, so far this season at least, the £57.6 million-rated man has not been at his best for the Citizens and perhaps this is reflected across the whole team, with the Etihad Stadium outfit sitting in 11th position in the Premier League after their opening seven games (per BBC Sport).

Both Rodri and Manchester City will have to improve on their performances following the international break if they want to re-establish themselves as title hopefuls, although they face another tough game in their next Premier League fixture when they face Tottenham Hotspur away from home.

Newcastle’s summer transfer target, Moussa Marega, is in no rush to sign a new contract at Porto, and could leave the club on a free transfer in 2021.

What’s the story?

Reports over the summer transfer window suggested that the Mali international was on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, including Newcastle.

However, with his agent insisting that his client was happy in Portugal, a move away seemed to be put on hold. Now, Portuguese publication Record claim that Marega is once again attracting interest from elsewhere, and that he could potentially leave Porto when his contract expires next summer.

Though the new report doesn’t specifically mention which clubs are keen on the striker, there’s no questioning the Magpies could land themselves an absolute bargain by revisiting their interest in the 29-year-old.

Bargain for Steve Bruce

Whilst his start to the new season has been rather slow with just three goals in ten games, Marega has proven himself to be a prolific finisher in his time in Portugal.

Last season saw him bag 15 goals, whilst the two years before that saw him net 21 and 23 times respectively. Hailed as a “rough diamond” by one of his former managers, Marega’s rise from relative obscurity into playing for a Champions League-playing side has seen him draw comparisons with Leicester City star Jamie Vardy.

And as Vardy has shown, age is just a number, and if the quality is there, then clubs shouldn’t feel any problem at playing them week-in and week-out. With Marega also potentially available on a free transfer next summer, the Magpies would be making a smart decision by throwing their name into the hat once again.

Glasgow Rangers qualified for the Europa League knockout stages for the second successive season, with a game to spare, as Steven Gerrard’s side stunned Standard Liege in a thrilling 3-2 win at Ibrox on Thursday night.

Standard Liege took an early lead after Maxime Lestienne scored from close range before Connor Goldson met Borna Barisic’s corner with a towering header to tie the game.

The Belgian club struck back shortly before the break, but James Tavernier coolly slotted home his ninth penalty this season so far for the second, and Scott Arfield’s strike in the second half secured the victory.

Much of the focus will be on Arfield’s winning strike, but this doesn’t mean that one unsung hero’s performance should be totally forgotten about, either.

Goldson was momentarily caught off guard after Duje Cop beat him for pace before the Croatian fired a cross into the box for Lestienne to finish in front of Borna Barisic.

Whilst the 27-year-old toiled for large parts of the game, Gerrard will have been secretly pleased to see Leon Balogun shine in Filip Helander’s absence.

Balogun’s consistency has delighted the Ibrox boss, who described him as a “fantastic” example for the rest of the first team after he helped Rangers record a second straight victory in Group D back in October, and he did not disappoint against Standard Liege last night.

Per SofaScore, the 32-year-old was given a high grade of 7.6 for his efforts – he made five clearances, two tackles, one interception, and blocked four shots, which was more than any other Gers player on the pitch, whilst he won nine out of 12 duels overall (75%) and only lost possession of the ball twice.

By comparison, Goldson lost possession of the ball 12 times throughout the game and only blocked one shot, as per SofaScore.

Likewise, GlasgowLive gave the Nigerian international a 7/10 rating, claiming he ‘defended well and made a great tackle to stop Tapsoba getting through late on’, whilst The Daily Record went one better, insisting ‘the centre back was a standout when the pressure was on early in the game’ and adding he was the ‘best defender on the night.’

With Helander still self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, there’s no doubt that Gerrard will have been buoyed by Balogun’s defensive shift at the back, as his reliability will have gone some way towards softening the blow.

In the process, Rangers kept their unbeaten record intact and will travel to Victoria Park to take on Ross County in the Scottish Premiership at the weekend.

Maybe Calvin Bassey could return in a more central role after impressing against Falkirk in the Betfred Cup, but we’re backing Balogun to keep his place in the starting line-up after another impressive showing.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must get key star to sign a new deal amid links abroad…

Another former Tottenham Hotspur great could be about to re-join Gareth Bale back in north London next year…

What’s the word?

According to journalist Eduardo Inda on El Chiringuito TV, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has spoken to Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric in an attempt to lure him back to his old stomping ground.

The 35-year-old is out of contract in the summer but is in talks with the La Liga giants over a new two-year extension, so Daniel Levy and co may need to strike sooner rather than later.

Modric on a free at the end of the season may certainly set the pulses racing in N17.

Gareth Bale 2.0?

Mourinho was the man to prize the Croatian maestro away from Spurs in 2012 for just £30m, but only got to manage him for one season before receiving the sack, whilst the club weren’t afraid to bring back Bale this summer despite numerous doubts.

Back in 2018, Modric ended Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s decade-long dominance to clinch the Ballon d’Or after three successive UCL triumphs.

The World Cup runner-up was congratulated by Bale for also defeating the likes of Ivan Rakitic and Mohamed Salah to the award too, the Welshman tweeted:

“Congratulations my friend! An unbelievable player and an unbelievable season!”

Despite his advancing years, the veteran has still proven to be an influential player under Zinedine Zidane, averaging 1.6 key passes, 1.6 dribbles, 1.2 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game in La Liga this term, via WhoScored.

Modric has also made it no secret that he’s a big fan of Harry Kane’s too, claiming the England no.9 was “one of the world’s best forwards already.”

Whilst Kaka believes the Croatian playmaker makes the football look “easy to play”, adding: “He plays like it’s normal. It’s like a dance for him.”

You’d imagine the arrival of any new central midfielder in January would spell trouble for Moussa Sissoko or Harry Winks, though can Spurs really turn down someone of Modric’s illustrious calibre?

AND in other news, Daniel Levy was TOO “worried” to land “revelation” with 16 goals this season…

West Brom boss Slaven Bilic appears to be back on the hot seat once again amid speculation over his future in the Midlands…

What’s the word?

According to the ever-reliable John Percy at the Telegraph, the Croatian faces another battle to save his job at the Hawthorns following an embarrassing 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend.

He claims that Albion’s board remain seriously concerned over the team’s performances and results, dating back into their promotion-winning season too and now this Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United could be pivotal in deciding his future.

Another capitulation could spell the end for the 52-year-old.

The only firm name linked with potentially succeeding Bilic has been Charlton Athletic boss, Lee Bowyer, as per the Mirror.

Perhaps he’s truly worth considering.

A risk worth taking?

Despite going the opposite way of the Baggies last season, the 43-year-old has done a sterling job at The Valley throughout his two-and-a-half years at the helm.

Twice a winner of the League One Manager of the Month award, the former Leeds and Newcastle midfielder guided the Addicks to promotion in 2019 all whilst dealing with difficult circumstances with tumultuous owner Roland Duchatelet in control.

All under a shoe-string budget too, which makes his win percentage of 43% and 1.5 points-per-game record all that more impressive.

His assistant manager Jonnie Jackson has lauded his management style in an interview with The Athletic, he said:

“He’s very detailed in his approach, very diligent studying opposition, and loves the tactical side of it all — coming up with different formations for certain opponents. He’s a very good man-manager, knows the right time to put an arm round the player or give him a kick up the backside. He’s not afraid to do that — if it’s needed at half-time or full-time — but never to excess.”

But most interestingly is the fact that he’s gotten the best out of both Chelsea loan star Conor Gallagher and mega-money signing Karlan Grant – getting this duo in harmony could be the defining factor in turning around West Brom’s season, and there’s surely no one better than Bowyer.

It would bring back the good shades of Darren Moore after he took over permanently from the academy set-up; many of the Baggies’ younger players benefitted hugely from his influence.

Now where are they?

Under Bowyer, Gallagher delivered six goals and four assists in just 26 starts, via Transfermarkt, whilst Grant romped to 14 goals and seven assists in just 29 appearances under him at Charlton before earning a move to Huddersfield Town.

He may not have experience managing in the Premier League, but his history under a problematic owner as well as his proven track record with two of Albion’s current stars should be enough to take the gamble.

If they go down, then his credentials for another Championship push will only increase tenfold.

AND in other news, Albion made to pay over their failure to sign £16m magician this summer…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Tottenham Hotspur legend Gary Mabbutt has delivered his verdict to Serge Aurier walking straight down the tunnel after being substituted at the weekend.

Spurs were well-beaten by Leicester City in north London, and the Ivorian right-back endured a troublesome afternoon which resulted in him conceding a penalty for the visitors’ opener.

Right on the stroke of half-time, the 27-year-old needlessly shoved Foxes defender Wesley Fofana in the back.

Jamie Vardy converted from the spot before Toby Alderweireld’s own goal just before the hour mark doubled their advantage.

In a desperate attempt to spark a reaction, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho replaced Aurier with Harry Winks less than five minutes later, and the £23m man was seen heading straight down the tunnel in frustration.

Mabbutt believes it was more down to his own struggles rather than his manager’s decision…

He told FFC:

“To be honest, you get used to it. You know, you never want a player to be happy at being substituted, being brought off, you should be frustrated and angry. You’ve earned your place in the team, and now someone else is being brought on because the manager feels it’s not working.

“For me, a player goes off. He’s subbed. He’s not happy, most [players] will not be happy but still sit on the bench, some of them are totally cheesed off for whatever reason.

“Then, Serge, I’m sure was more frustrated with the penalty he gave away and with himself, more than anything else, so no that won’t affect any of the other players.

“It wouldn’t be an issue.”

Aurier has enjoyed a vast transformation under Mourinho this season, so much so that he’s managed to keep £15m summer arrival Matt Doherty at bay in the Premier League.

Indeed, the £120k-per-week Spurs man has started each of their last six outings in the top-flight, whilst he also scored and assisted a goal apiece during their 6-1 drubbing of Manchester United, per Transfermarkt.

Now valued at just £18m, it is thought that the former PSG star is in line for a new contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, according to Football Insider sources.

If Mabbutt is right, then Aurier’s reaction on Sunday should have no bearing on whether the club should still go ahead with those plans.

AND in other news, £30m Spurs calamity was utterly pathetic in their defeat to Leicester…

Liverpool are reportedly one of the sides interested in signing David Alaba from Bayern Munich in the summer when his contract with the Bundesliga side expires and if his recent performance against Mainz is anything to go by, he would be a superb signing for the Reds.

According to Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano in The Guardian, the Reds are pushing hard to sign the Austrian international this summer, although Real Madrid are currently leading the race, as they seek a replacement for the seemingly outgoing Sergio Ramos.

Whilst Romano suggests a January move is unlikely, which is a blow for Jurgen Klopp’s side due to their current injury crisis in defence, they should still be doing everything they can to sign the £58.5 million-rated centre-back on a Bosman transfer next summer.

Alaba’s superb ability on the ball was exemplified by his excellent performance in Bayern Munich’s 5-2 win against Mainz recently, with the 28-year-old helping to build attacks from the back with his world-class passing ability.

As per SofaScore, Alaba would have 108 touches of the ball against Mainz, completing an impressive 97 passes from the 105 he attempted, resulting in a pass accuracy rate of 92%.

He is also willing to take a risk with his long balls, something Liverpool have arguably been lacking in the absence of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, and eight of the 12 he attempted during the 90 minutes would find a Bayern Munich shirt.

Although Hans Dieter-Flick’s side found themselves 2-0 down at half-time, this was more to do with Jerome Boateng having a nightmare than Alaba being poor defensively, as they fought back to win 5-2 once Boateng was replaced by Niklas Sule at half-time.

During Pep Guardiola’s time managing the Austrian international, he was full of praise for him, saying:

“He’s an unbelievable talent. He can play anywhere. He’s quick, good in the build-up and always 100 per cent focused. Without doubt he can be one of the best centre-backs in the world. He’s a huge gift for Bayern.”

Therefore, with Alaba’s versatility and experience, he would be a world-class addition to Klopp’s side in the summer and would work superbly alongside the more physically dominating Van Dijk.

AND, in other news, Edwards can solve LFC crisis by signing £16.5m “leader” likened to Vidic…

Sam Allardyce will be hoping his West Brom side can build on Saturday’s Black Country derby victory with another result at West Ham United this evening, though he’ll have to do it without first-choice winger Grady Diangana.

According to BirminghamLive reporter Joseph Chapman, the 22-year-old attacker picked up a hamstring injury during training on Friday, which explains his absence against Wolves the following lunchtime.

He claims that he will not feature on his return to the London Stadium this evening and this will come as a huge blow to Big Sam, who also goes back to his old stomping ground in pursuit of back-to-back wins.

Indeed, the 3-2 victory over Wolves at the weekend was the Baggies’ first under the 66-year-old after taking over from Slaven Bilic in mid-December. However, it still leaves them four points from safety, making tonight’s encounter just as important as the derby.

Albion’s task will be even harder without Diangana as he’s a player that has started all four of their games since Allardyce was appointed until being forced out of the match at Molineux.

The £18m summer addition from the Hammers will have undoubtedly loved to feature tonight as he’d certainly have a point to prove to David Moyes, who was seemingly more than happy to sanction his exit.

He’s also started 14 of his 15 appearances in the top-flight this campaign, so clearly, the £37.5k-per-week man is an integral part of the West Brom side even if the young winger has only contributed towards one goal, via Transfermarkt.

Two of the Baggies’ three goals against Wolves came from the spot, the first of which being hugely dubious as initial contact looked outside the penalty box on the first, second and third viewing. They won’t always get the rub of the green.

Allardyce’s men struggled to create chances from out wide, between Kamil Grosicki, Robert Snodgrass and then Hal Robson-Kanu, they managed only one key pass between them throughout the 90 minutes.

By comparison, Matheus Pereira managed double that on his own, whilst Wolves’ Pedro Neto notched five key passes despite being on the losing team, that only further suggests that West Brom perhaps got away with it just three days ago.

Diangana is an “explosive” attacker who is a “total nightmare” to play against, according to Sky Sports duo Keith Andrews and Lee Hendrie. At the same time, the £13.5m-rated star has also been lauded as a “fantastic talent” by Baggies legend Carlton Palmer in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

West Brom are a much weaker proposition without the enigmatic sensation, who contributed towards 15 goals last term, bombing down that left-flank.

He’ll be a massive miss tonight.

AND in other news, Big Sam must unleash West Brom gem who Pulis once dubbed “gifted” tonight…

Southampton progressed through to the fifth round of the FA Cup after beating holders Arsenal 1-0 at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon.

The only goal of the game came courtesy of Gabriel’s first-half own-goal, although Kyle Walker-Peters did his best to claim it as his own.

It was not just his assist that marked him out as the best player on the pitch against Mikel Arteta’s side, however, as he produced another superb all-round display.

As per SofaScore, the 23-year-old would earn a 7.9 match rating for his display, which was the highest of any player on the pitch. James Ward-Prowse, who earned the man-of-the-match award on the BT Sport coverage of the game, would only earn a 7.5 by comparison.

During the 90 minutes, £23,000-a-week gem Walker-Peters would make four tackles, which was the most of any player from both sides on the pitch. This is also more than the 2.8 tackles per game he averages in the Premier League this season, emphasising that he was even better than his usual reliable self in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The former Spurs man would also make two interceptions, which is more than his average of 1.5 in the Premier League, whilst his direct opponent Gabriel Martinelli would earn a disappointing 6.3 match rating, which suggests that Walker-Peters had the better of him throughout the game at St Mary’s.

Southampton’s style of play means that Walker-Peters can push high up the pitch, with his energy and defensive ability meaning he can get back quickly to defend if required, and Saturday’s game against Arsenal was another example of how Ralph Hasenhuttl is starting to benefit from utilising the right-back as a key attacking threat.

The defender has registered one assist in the Premier League this season but added to his season tally against Arsenal today, whilst his attacking threat was perhaps best emphasised when his mazy run led to Southampton’s penalty in the win against Brighton earlier this season.

Hopefully, for Saints fans, the right-back will continue to produce performances such as the one against Arsenal throughout the season as he continues to impress following his permanent signing in the summer.

And, in other news… Forget Ings: £13.5m-rated Saints beast can get back to his best following injury boost