All posts by h716a5.icu

Everton tallied up their 14th defeat of the Premier League season in their clash with Arsenal at the Emirates and Sean Dyche will surely be frustrated with the nature in which his team suffered a 4-0 thrashing.

The result leaves the Toffees stuck in 18th and one point deep in the relegation zone ahead of their crucial meeting with Nottingham Forest at the formidable City Ground on Sunday and drastic improvements will be needed if they are to pick up crucial points for safety.

The visiting side only managed to have 27% possession of the ball with fewer shots on goal (8 v 15), fewer big chances created (2 v 5) and fewer accurate passes completed (181 v 652) – all damning statistics that set the scene for a humiliating defeat.

In the first half, it took both sides a while to warm into the game and despite Everton having more attempts on goal (4) it wasn’t long before Arsenal took control of the game with the inevitable Bukayo Saka netting the first in the 40th minute to give the home side the lead.

However, it was a huge mistake from Idrissa Gana Gueye that delivered the killer blow to give Arsenal the golden opportunity to double their lead before the half-time whistle. The midfielder was caught in possession by Saka close to the penalty area after a huge lapse in concentration from the Senegalese ace.

It was this mistake that saw Gueye hooked at half-time by Dyche in an effort to restore some control in the game, however, the substitution did not better Everton’s fortunes in the remaining 45 minutes as Martin Odegaard found the third goal for Arsenal in the 70th minute which was followed by the fourth and final comfortably converted finish from Gabriel Martinelli.

Indeed, Gueye’s blunder cost his team their initial opportunity to get back into the game but it was Amadou Onana who contributed heavily to Everton’s incredibly poor performance under the lights in north London last night.

How did Onana play against Arsenal?

Despite Everton’s struggles, Onana has been one of the few players who has been given affection for his contributions throughout a difficult season for the Merseysiders, however, he massively let down his manager against the Gunners.

Over his 90-minute performance, the 21-year-old completed just ten accurate passes and had 26 touches, four fewer than even goalkeeper Jordan Pickford managed, via Sofascore.

In constant battle with defender Gabriel, he looked to have the beating of the big Brazilian in the first half but his performance would only go downhill from there.

In total, Onana lost possession of the ball every 2.3 touches, and lost 100% of his ground duels, failing to win a single tackle and committing two fouls in a display that was out of touch with the brutish nature of his performances in England to date.

It wasn’t just Onana’s output that was completely off the mark, as the Belgian midfielder went down easily in the first half on two occasions which prompted frustration from Arsenal supporters and although it was potentially in an effort to disrupt play it clearly failed to make an impact on their opponents attacking threat who dominated the play throughout.

Dyche will be hoping it was just an off day for the midfielder who is usually a positive influence in the heart of the team as the fixtures are coming rapidly and every opportunity to secure safety that is squandered puts the club in an increasingly vulnerable position.

With that being said, the Everton boss will be hoping that Onana is back to his best in time for the Forest clash as taking all three points from the outing on Trentside is desperately needed.

Leeds United are thought to be keen on signing Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom, according to talkSPORT.

The Lowdown: Seven goals in 11

The Whites have struggled in front of goal in over recent months under both Jesse Marsch and now Javi Gracia, scoring just seven times in 11 Premier League games since the restart after the World Cup.

An ankle injury to top scorer Rodrigo hasn’t helped things at Elland Road, with the club once again involved in another battle to avoid relegation.

Akpom, meanwhile, is having a season to remember and has scored 21 Championship goals in 28 games at an average of a goal every 105 minutes.

The Latest: Leeds keen

TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook provided an update on Akpom in the last 48 hours, with Leeds receiving a mention.

The reporter said that the Whites, Crystal Palace and with Everton are ‘waiting to pounce’ for Akpom if Boro’s promotion push falls short, with the player out of contract at the end of the season.

The Verdict: A gamble?

Akpom is certainly having a brilliant campaign and has been hailed as a ‘fantastic’ striker by former Boro caretaker boss Leo Percovich.

However, this is the first time in his career that he has hit double figures for senior league goals in a season, so there is no guarantee he’d be able to continue his fine form in the top flight.

Leeds also tend to move for younger players in recent years, so it’ll be interesting to see if they look at a possible free transfer for Akpom, 27, providing they remain in the top flight over the coming months.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been left fuming with the news that Fulham boss Marco Silva could replace Antonio Conte as manager.

The Lowdown: Silva leading the race?

According to a recent report from The Sun, Silva has now emerged as the top contender for the manager’s job, amid the uncertainty surrounding Conte’s future at N17.

Football Insider correspondent Pete O’Rourke has reported that Fulham are accelerating talks with their manager regarding a new deal, in a bid to put the rumours linking him with a move away to bed.

It remains to be seen whether the 45-year-old is tempted by a move across the capital, but it is fair to say some fans have not reacted well to the news…

The Latest: Tottenham fans react

Taking to Twitter in the wake of the report, several Spurs fans expressed their frustration about the potential appointment.

They said:

“It would be the most Spursy thing to do to sack Conte and hire Marco Silva. Absolute criminal” – @HalfwayLino

“We’ve gone from Luis Enrique to Marco Silva in a week…” – @MagsDNK

“Are we really that desperate” – @ballie_lamin

“I’m usually open minded to new managers. No thanks.” – @CR1995THFC

“So spursy if we get him” – @F0rcedawg

“Didn’t he fail at Watford and Everton? Not an appointment anyone would be excited about.” – @Pabzevz

“Plays some of the most boring football in the league” – @ShayTHFC

The Verdict: Uninspiring appointment

Given that the Portuguese tactician has been sacked by the likes of Everton and Watford in his previous Premier League jobs, there is no doubting that Spurs could do a lot better.

Thomas Tuchel is one man who has been linked to the job, and he has a much better pedigree, having won the 2020-21 Champions League with Chelsea, also picking up the world’s best club coach award in the same year.

A move for former manager Mauricio Pochettino is also likely to get Spurs fans a lot more excited than Silva, given his previous history with the club, while Lille manager Paulo Fonseca is also being considered, with the Mozambique-born coach winning nine trophies in a glittering managerial career.

If Tottenham have a strong end to the Premier League season, they could also explore the possibility of offering Conte new terms, considering his previous success in both Italy and England.

One thing for certain is that Silva would be an uninspiring appointment for a club of Spurs’ size, and Daniel Levy should only swoop for the Fulham boss as a last resort.

Leeds United boast a rich and illustrious history within the English game, however, that was somewhat marred by the financial troubles that saw them relegated in 2004 just as they seemed on top of the world.

David O'Leary, with the help of his predecessor George Graham, had crafted a squad laden with talent, culminating in that famous run to the Champions League semi-final before Valencia cut their dreams short.

Regardless, it remains one of the club's most remarkable feats since the turn of the century, with many of those featuring around that period revered for their immense talent.

Having enjoyed the exploits of Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Mark Viduka and more, Olivier Dacourt is a name that could perhaps go under the radar given how he would leave the club acrimoniously after a short period.

However, it did not take long for this diminutive midfielder to announce himself as one of the silkiest players to grace Elland Road, with his exploits in the engine room proving imperative in their success around this period.

How good was Olivier Dacourt?

Signed for £8m in 2000, the Frenchman shattered the club's transfer record upon making his return to English football after a brief stint at Everton.

It was on Merseyside where he first showcased his combative yet classy assets, as he could beat a man, tackle and pick out a pass. These skills would have only been honed since then, as he quickly became an important figure in O'Leary's side.

Danny Mills even admitted that his teammate was tailor-made for the toughest games, in what seemed like a back-handed compliment fired at the midfielder: "We had Olivier Dacourt at Leeds. He was unbelievable in the Champions League, incredible against the top-six clubs.

"But when you played against the bottom six clubs, he went missing because he wasn't interested. He was a big-game player and some players are like that."

To have someone with that kind of enviable quality, but the mentality to tackle the very best in the game makes for a truly sensational player.

The Frenchman would certainly mark an upgrade on the current crop of midfielders at Elland Road, namely Marc Roca, who has underwhelmed since moving from Bayern Munich.

His 6.82 average rating perhaps covers up his recent poor form, of which his last two games have seen him handed a 6.4 rating or lower, via Sofascore.

The Spaniard is unspectacular across the board and thus does not excel in any particular role, averaging just a 77.6% pass accuracy whilst ranking in the bottom 16% for shot-creating actions and the top 41% for interceptions per 90 when compared to other midfielders in Europe, via FBref.

It is clear that the Whites need a classy presence to compliment the tough-tackling Tyler Adams, with Dacourt representing the perfect man for Javi Gracia's hypothetical spot.

Although he left amidst frustrations with Terry Venables, he will forever be remembered as a phenomenal player who lit up Yorkshire during his time there. Just imagine him in the current side; it's a mouth-watering thought.

Pundit Frank McAvennie has been reacting to news of a potential Manchester United exit for club captain Harry Maguire.

The Lowdown: Maguire news

Maguire has fallen out of favour under Erik ten Hag this season, making just five Premier League starts. The 30-year-old has featured more in cup competitions than in the top flight, but could be set to leave over the coming months.

Reports have suggested that Ten Hag has made it clear he wants to sell the defender this summer, however, he is on “insane” wages at the club thought to be in excess of £200,000-a-week, which could make a transfer tricky.

The Latest: McAvennie’s comments

McAvennie was talking to Football Insider regarding Maguire possibly leaving Old Trafford in the summer. He said ‘it is a weird one’ due to his ‘decent’ displays for England and said that a return to Leicester could be beneficial for all involved.

“He might go back to Leicester.

“They could do with him and they will get him at half price as well. He was a star there, he really shone.

“He has got to play. Sometimes at big clubs like Man United, the jersey is too big for players. That is no disrespect to Harry but if he goes back to Leicester he can see his career out. Leicester City.

“You see him for England and he is decent, so it is a weird one. He will need to leave because he is not getting a game. It is alright being the captain but not if you do not get any game time.

“I think going back to Leicester would be a good fit.”

The Verdict: One in one out?

Maguire appears to be one of the biggest earners at Old Trafford, so you could say that United aren’t getting their money’s worth with the defender this season.

Therefore, a sale could make sense for all involved, with Maguire admitting himself recently that he would like more game time following the Europa League clash with Real Betis. Things didn’t get much better for Maguire on Sunday, either, with a yellow card against Fulham ruling him out of an FA Cup semi-final with Brighton.

His departure could also help fund a move and free up space for Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae, with Ten Hag a big admirer of the player alongside teammate Victor Osimhen. Kim reportedly has a £43m release clause in his contract that will run for two weeks in July, so United may look at moving Maguire on before then.

Manchester United are reportedly one of a host of top Premier League clubs interested in signing Croatia and RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol in the summer transfer window.

What's the situation with Gvardiol?

There were many players who shone at the 2022 World Cup but few enhanced their reputations more the 21-year-old. Gvardiol featured in all seven of Croatia's matches in Qatar, standing out as one of the best defenders at the tournament and helping his country finish third overall, with his performances labelled "sensational" by journalist Zach Lowy.

It is no surprise to see that the youngster is one of Europe's most wanted young players currently, with numerous clubs linked with making a move for him at the end of the season.

United are one of those clubs who are believed to be in the mix, as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster this squad options during the upcoming transfer window. Gvardiol has a widely known £97m release clause which becomes active in 2024, so he will not come cheap either this summer or next.

Will he join Manchester United?

According to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, United are 'showing interest' in acquiring Gvardiol's signature, should Leipzig allow him to leave this summer. The Red Devils are far from alone in expressing an eagerness to sign the defender, however, with Tottenham, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Liverpool all mentioned in the report, too.

Gvardiol's current Leipzig deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2027, putting them in an extremely strong bargaining position and allowing them demand a huge fee for one of their most prized assets, or simply to refer suitors to the £97m clause.

There is no denying Gvardiol's talent as a player – he has been described as someone with "limitless" potential by pundit Alex Scott – and he has all the assets to be one of the standout centre-backs of his generation. At the World Cup, he averaged an incredible 5.3 clearances per game, while in this season's Champions League for Leipzig, he has an 89% pass completion rate.

He could be outstanding for United, but the one drawback is the fact that Ten Hag already has Lisandro Martinez in that left-sided centre-back role, and at 25, he is likely to remain a key figure for many years, meaning it would hard to fit both into the team.

Give the money that Gvardiol would likely cost, United could be wiser to use those funds in areas of the pitch that look weaker, such as in attack, where someone like Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen is needed as a world-class addition to lead the line.

West Ham United take on Southampton this afternoon in a game which could define the Hammers' season, as defeat would remarkably send David Moyes' side bottom of the Premier League table.

The east London outfit have been far too inconsistent in the top flight so far this campaign and it is something of a surprise that Moyes remains in the job, so he should reinstate some of the players he trusts to deliver on Sunday, with many of the summer signings flattering to deceive since making the move to the London Stadium.

Therefore, the Scottish manager should unleash Vladimir Coufal from the start against Ruben Selles' side today after he made his return from injury during the international break.

Should West Ham start Coufal against Southampton?

Coufal had picked up a heel injury in the Hammers' 4-0 win against Nottingham Forest in February and was ruled out for the entirety of March, which was a big loss for Moyes as his side failed to win any of their three domestic games against Aston Villa, Brighton and Manchester United.

However, he was fit enough to join Jaroslav Silhavy's side for the recent international break and impressed in their games against Poland and Moldova, earning 7.22 and 7.03 ratings from WhoScored, with an assist to his name in the 3-1 win over Poland.

There is no doubt that the right-back has regressed in recent seasons, failing to live up to the performances which saw him notch seven assists in his first campaign at the club, but the 30-year-old can always be relied upon to give his all, with the defender declaring himself a "psycho" after a win against Villa in 2021.

Mark Noble also sang his praises when appearing on the Peter Crouch podcast in 2021, labelling his former teammate a "machine" and it is these characteristics which could be vital for the Hammers' hopes of claiming victory in today's relegation six-pointer.

The alternatives for Moyes at right-back are Ben Johnson and Thilo Kehrer, neither of whom have impressed in a West Ham shirt so far this season, earning 6.47 and 6.40 average ratings from WhoScored for their performances, which sees them ranked as the 12th and 16th-best players in Moyes' squad.

Coufal may have struggled this season, but he still ranks third for tackles, third for interceptions and sixth for key passes per game in West Ham's squad this term, all of which are higher than Johnson and Kehrer.

Therefore, Moyes must start the former Slavia Prague man against Southampton as he could inspire the Hammers to a much-needed win.

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse has emerged as a serious target for Premier League rivals Manchester United, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

What's the latest on Ward-Prowse's future?

The Saints captain’s contract on the south coast isn’t set to expire until 2026, but being Ruben Selles’ top-performing player this season (as per WhoScored), he has caught the eye of several potential suitors in the English top flight.

Football Insider reports that the 28-year-old star is likely to move onto a new chapter in the summer should his side get relegated, with Tottenham Hotspur – who are claimed to be big admirers – already considering an approach for him at the end of the season.

The Three Lions international, according to the same outlet, is also being monitored by Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester United, who have sent scouts to assess him in action as they contemplate a move. The Red Devils, however, already seem to have made up their minds.

According to Football Insider once again, Ward-Prowse has emerged as a “summer target” for Erik ten Hag's side, with the latest claims reveals that the Dutchman is “hell-bent” on revamping his midfield during the upcoming window and has identified the Saints skipper as someone he’d like to bring up north.

Aston Villa are another potential suitor to have been name-checked in the report, and it’s stated that the Saints will “find it difficult” to keep hold of their prized asset if they drop down to the Championship.

Should Southampton keep or sell Ward-Prowse?

Ward-Prowse has been the standout performer and shining light in a struggling side this season, and whilst he deserves to achieve success at the highest level, Southampton need to do everything they can to keep hold of him.

The St Mary’s talisman has scored nine goals and provided three assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this season, whilst averaging 2.2 key passes per top-flight game, so is always looking to create chances as well as put them away.

The £100k-p/w talent has also fired an outstanding total of 206 crosses into the box and is currently the Premier League’s highest free-kick goalscorer, displaying the threat he provides when it comes to set pieces.

Ward-Prowse is a fantastic option to have in the building with his versatility and ability to operate in six different positions on the pitch, so losing him will surely be a massive blow to the Saints.

Arsenal will look to return to winning ways in the Premier League as they head to the London Stadium to face West Ham United this afternoon, and the pressure is back on Mikel Arteta's men after Saturday's results.

Defending champions and nearest challengers Manchester City put in a dominating performance against Leicester City to move to within three points of the league-leading Gunners and they will retain a game in hand after this weekend.

Last time out, the north Londoners threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield, so this afternoon's encounter will be a good test of character for the potential title-winners.

However, Arteta and the squad will need to gain a victory without the services of star centre-back William Saliba, who remains absent with an injury problem.

It means that Rob Holding could continue in the role alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, or there could be a rare start for January arrival Jakub Kiwior, though neither have looked consistently strong.

Perhaps the Spaniard should turn to a tried-and-tested formula, with versatile gem Benjamin White an option to fill the central void.

Who will start at centre-back against West Ham?

The £50m defender has played right-back in practically every league outing this term but last season, he was the Brazilian's usual partner, having started 34 of 37 appearances across all competitions at centre-back.

Of course, this season is looking far more significant on the pitch, challenging for the title instead of missing out on the top four but White being played centrally was certainly not a reason for their poor end to the campaign.

The 25-year-old machine was part of the side to defeat and keep a clean sheet against the Hammers in December 2021.

A lot of West Ham's starting XI that day still remains, so the likes of Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen are likely to start in attack once again, and on that day, White won 100% of his duels, made two tackles and was graded among Arteta's best performers, earning a 7.3 rating on Sofascore.

If Arsenal are to gain three points on the road, then Arteta ought to consider moving the £120k-per-week star back into his natural position in the middle. It could create some uncertainty out on the flank, though the Spaniard has the likes of Kieran Tierney and talented Hale End prospect Reuell Walters to call upon.

It could be a masterstroke from the Gunners boss to unleash the 6 foot 1 "Rolls-Royce" – as once hailed by his ex-Newport County boss Michael Flynn – in this new but very familiar role as they look to dominate the struggling east Londoners on their own turf this afternoon.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has expressed sympathy for Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper amid mounting pressure on his job.

What's the latest on Cooper and Forest?

Despite doing so well to get his team promoted from the Championship up to the Premier League last season, it seems as though the 43-year-old could be out of a job soon.

Indeed, his was worryingly given the dreaded vote of confidence by the Forest board recently. In a statement made by club owner Evangelos Marinakis, it was said that Cooper won't be sacked yet but form "must improve immediately".

The full message was: “No one denies that our Club is in a difficult position in the Premier League, but we wish to end the speculation and the false and disruptive reporting in the media to confirm that Steve Cooper remains our manager at Nottingham Forest.

“We have all been disappointed with recent performances and it is very clear that a lot of hard work needs to be done to address this urgently. Results and performances must improve immediately."

Worryingly then, NFFC lost at home this weekend against Manchester United in a 2-0 defeat which leaves the club 18th.

While talking about the pressure on Cooper on BBC Radio Show 606, Sutton claimed that Marinakis' public comments have put the manager in a tricky position.

The pundit said (28:57): “I think he's been hung out to dry, Steve Cooper.

"This backing, or so-called backing – which it clearly wasn't and because, you know, then he's told that he needs immediate results – that's put him in a hell of a position. You know, it really, really has.”

Will Steve Cooper be sacked soon?

It certainly won't be much help for Cooper or his players to know that the manager is essentially in line for the sack unless results can turn around swiftly.

That statement came out on April 5. Since then, have lost back-to-back league games against Aston Villa and Man United, meaning they haven't won in the division since February 5, ten games ago.

As a result, the club are stuck inside the bottom three, on 27 points, with only seven games left to play this term.

No doubt, with all this pressure, Cooper would have been hoping for a bit of luck on the weekend against the Red Devils but he certainly did not get that.

Indeed, Harry Maguire looked to have surely given away a first-half penalty but his handball was missed by the referee and VAR.

When talking to BBC Sport after the game, the exasperated Forest manager said: "I definitely think it was a penalty, and then a second yellow.

"I do not know how VAR did not spot it, at this level they should be doing better."

It seems as though the PGMOL may have hung Cooper out to dry, just like Marinakis…