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Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have been warned they won't be able to negotiate television deals with Netflix.

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• Duo built Wrexham success off documentary
• Hit TV series has raked in millions
• But club told why Netflix deal won't happen

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  McElhenney and Reynolds have enjoyed success at Wrexham since taking over the Welsh club and launching their famous 'Welcome to Wrexham' documentary that has been watched by fans all over the globe. The Hollywood duo have taken the club out of the National League and into League One and harbour dreams of one day playing in the Premier League.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  More investment will be needed if Wrexham are to continue their meteoric rise and ultimately play their way into the English top flight. Yet football finance expert Dr Rob Wilson, a professor of economics at Sheffield Hallam University, has explained why the duo won't be able to negotiate another lucrative television deal with popular streaming service Netflix.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Wilson told Slingo: "TV rights are collectively bargained on behalf of the division and then distributed accordingly. So clubs aren't allowed to go out and sign their own individual rights deals currently. It will be interesting to see how that changes, particularly with streaming services, use of social media, digital platforms and so on. But it's not something I think the league organisers want to give away just now and that's right, in my opinion, that's right from a competitive integrity perspective."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM

  Wrexham's promotion hopes have been hit in recent weeks after Phil Parkinson's team dropped points against Stevenage, Shrewsbury Town and Birmingham City. The Red Dragons are back in League One action on Saturday against struggling Shrewsbury.

Let’s cast your mind back to January 2024. Arsenal were in a rut and it was a run of form that likely ultimately cost them the league title.

The goals were not flowing with a run around the New Year period where they scored just once across three games meaning a new striker was a priority.

Ivan Toney was one option but he came and went, before penning terms in Saudi Arabia over the summer. By that point, however, a new centre-forward was not at the top of the bucket list anymore.

RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko may have been a target but he signed a new contract in Germany and is perhaps one for the future.

For now, however, the Gunners are more than happy with a certain Kai Havertz who has been nothing short of remarkable since being employed as the club’s no.9.

Kai Havertz's season in numbers so far

This time last year Havertz was handed a charity penalty by Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard away at Bournemouth.

It was late September and the controversial £65m signing from Chelsea had been anything but a success, failing to score up to that point.

He opened his account on that sunny afternoon at the Vitality Stadium and since then hasn’t looked back. The German scored a late winner against Brentford and after that moment, he’s become a cult hero at the Emirates Stadium.

Havertz has started the current campaign like a house on fire, scoring six goals in ten games. He’s also emulating a fellow left-footer in Robin van Persie, having now scored in seven successive home matches. Not bad indeed.

As a striker in Arsenal colours, he is up there with the very best in the world, having registered 20 goal involvements in 20 games (12 goals and 8 assists), averaging one every 83 minutes.

The turnaround from a year ago is quite incredible. The former Leverkusen star is now one of the first names on the team sheet. Football is a funny old game sometimes, isn’t it?

Speaking of remarkable rises, Mika Biereth has had quite the last year in front of goal. He’s also now outscoring Havertz…

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

How Biereth is performing after leaving Arsenal

When Biereth signed for Arsenal as a teenager from Fulham in July 2021 there were great hopes for a young centre-forward who was a pretty relentless goalscorer at youth level.

It never quite happened for him, although he’s finally getting his flowers in the senior game now.

The 21-year-old starred out on loan last season, scoring 15 goals in 37 matches for Motherwell in Scotland then Sturm Graz in Austria.

He helped them to win the league title and was scoring goals in the Europa Conference League. It was a breakout year but it wasn’t enough to earn him a place back in the Arsenal first-team.

Like Flo Balogun a year before, Edu and Co decided to sell while he was in form. Sturm Graz came calling again and agreed upon a £4m transfer fee. It’s peanuts for a club like Arsenal but represents fine business for an academy product regardless.

So, how’s he performed since? Well, the London-born striker who qualifies for Denmark, has scored seven goals in nine league matches, one more than the red-hot Havertz. In all competitions, he’s got eight across 13 outings.

That tally was greatly helped by a hat-trick over the weekend as Biereth knocked three goals past RB Salzburg in an incredible 5-0 rout.

There is unlikely to be too much regret on Arsenal’s end but they have lost a unique player here, someone who was described as a ‘Haaland-Kane hybrid’ last season after an interview with British newspaper, the Independent.

Speaking to the publication, the striker self-confessed that he had similar elements to his game.

He clearly rates himself, which is obviously good, and it’s that attitude which has taken Biereth to a new level out in Austria over the last ten months or so.

It would not be a surprise to see the young Dane end up in one of Europe’s top five leagues over the coming years. He is a man on fire.

Arsenal have an amazing Hale End gem who could be even better than Nwaneri

Ethan Nwaneri has been a breakout star of the 2024/25 campaign to date.

By
Matt Dawson

Sep 30, 2024

The Merseysiders are in the running for four trophies again, and while they have fallen short in previous seasons, they look ready this time

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It feels like every February, Liverpool find themselves in the crossfires of 'quadruple' talk. Long gone are the days of the Reds overlooking domestic cup competitions – now they are a team who want it all.

Jurgen Klopp laid the foundation for a whole new wave of success even after his exit. Arne Slot has done such a spectacular job so far that eyebrows will be raised off faces if his men fall short in any competition.

Once more, Liverpool have four trophies in their sights, starting with the defence of their Carabao Cup, the last piece of silverware won by Klopp and potentially the first for Slot. If they are to retain the trophy, they will need to overturn a one-goal deficit against Tottenham in the second leg of their semi-final on Thursday.

They are heavily favoured to do just that, and if they do knock out Spurs, then discourse will come back around to the quadruple. In truth, this is Liverpool's best chance of a clean sweep, as this is the best and most complete side they've assembled in the 21st century.

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  Setting the standard

  It's worth noting that, prior to Klopp's appointment back in 2015, Liverpool's modern cup triumphs were few and far between. After the miracle of Istanbul to win the 2005 Champions League, the Reds won only two trophies for the next decade – the 2006 FA Cup and the 2012 League Cup.

  Even when the German rocked up on Merseyside, tangible success took a while to follow. Even despite reaching the 2018 Champions League final and nurturing a young team punching above its weight, questions were asked of Klopp and whether he could deliver glory. Which, you know, seemed utterly ridiculous then, but even more so with the benefit of hindsight.

  The 2018-19 campaign proved pivotal to changing that narrative for good. Liverpool would end the season as champions of Europe again, while they recorded the highest-ever Premier League points tally for a team finishing second (97). Their only defeat came away at eventual table-toppers Manchester City, and if that result had been flipped, then Klopp's men would have won the title undefeated and having reached 100 points.

  Something special was brewing at Anfield. Over the next five years of Klopp's reign, Liverpool would add six further trophies to their cabinet, and arguably that undersells just how good those teams were.

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  Previous failures

  Liverpool first flirted with the quadruple in 2021-22. To this point, Klopp had been accused of showing the domestic cups a lack of respect. In typical fashion for a legend of the game, he shut everyone up by winning both in the same season.

  Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea fell twice to the Reds in Wembley finals on penalties, though Liverpool were not so fortunate in their pursuits of the Premier League and Champions League, again losing out to City by a point in the former before falling once more to Real Madrid in the latter.

  Klopp's rock-and-roll style meant that for all of Liverpool's attacking brilliance, they were usually exposed going the other way. That Tuchel's Blues lost both cup finals in 2021-22 didn't seem a fair reflection on how well they attacked across over 240 minutes of football, only failing to score due to a string of gaffes and errors in front of goal.

  After Klopp announced his plans to step down in January 2024, it appeared to give his squad a new lease of life, despite an extensive injury list combined with an exhausting schedule. When a youthful side ousted Chelsea, at this point now managed by Mauricio Pochettino, in the Carabao Cup final, it seemed for all the world the German's farewell tour would end with multiple trophies.

  Alas, Liverpool ran out of steam. Their Premier League title charge fell apart with a run of one win in five through April, while Atalanta dumped them out of the Europa League on their own journey to the trophy. The red half of Merseyside have, meanwhile, done their best to ensure everyone's memories of their FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester United have been wiped in 'Men In Black' style.

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  Slot's streetwise side

  Slot's crowning achievement to this point is his Liverpool team have taken on a natural evolution from Klopp's final iteration. There has been no transition period, no need to bed in. He's come in, got to work and is likely to reap the rewards for it with silverware.

  The differences between the sides of 2023-24 and 2024-25 have been analysed aplenty, but it'll be a whole different proposition once we get to the business end of the season. Theoretically, Slot's Liverpool ought to have the tactical flexibility and consistency needed to take home at least one or two honours, let alone the possibility of going all the way with the quadruple.

  There is a methodical-ness about this team that simply couldn't exist in the frantic and frenzied Klopp ones. When manager of Swansea, Carlos Carvalhal proclaimed his tactic to slow down Liverpool was to ensure that their Formula 1 car couldn't speed through traffic. It takes more than a deep block to stump Slot and Co this year.

  All three starting midfielders signed in Klopp's final summer transfer window – Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch – have improved this season, each providing the perfect complement for another. There is now much-needed depth all across the pitch. They also aren't completely liable to quick transitions, which was a major hindrance under Klopp. This is before you even factor in what their star man has been doing.

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  Salah's Ballon d'Or charge

  Though Liverpool are more well-rounded as a collective, you can't overlook the leading contributions of Mohamed Salah, the frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or and on course for his most prolific campaign ever. He's added that extra gloss atop an already shining season.

  The Egyptian's fierce determination could well be the difference between Liverpool and Premier League title rivals Arsenal, between Liverpool and Champions League contenders Barcelona, between Liverpool and their domestic cup opponents. There hasn't been an African Ballon d'Or winner since 1995 when George Weah took home the Golden Ball, but on this trajectory, Salah will follow in his footsteps.

  Salah has also been propelled into 'best Premier League player ever' conversations alongside Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo. But he'll know that triumphs beyond the title alone is needed to help his cause.

  You also get the sense that everyone knows their place in Liverpool's attack. Salah is constantly good value for goals and assists, with Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and the maligned Federico Chiesa able to fit in around him. It's proven a fine recipe for success.

  "We need to get goals from many positions," Slot said of his attackers on Wednesday. "Including them [and] including centre-backs that can score from set-pieces also. So, that's what I just said, we are trying to work on the training ground and with the feedback we give them after the game to make the team better and better and better and in the end, the No.9 should be a facilitator, like a winger, but a winger and a No.9 should also score goals."

The Black & Gold secured a 2-1 victory against the LIGA MX champions, with the Frenchman stunning in the match

• LAFC defeats Club America 2-1 in final preseason match off of Lloris' heroics
• Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz scored for the
• LAFC open their 2025 MLS against Minnesota United FC

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  WHAT HAPPENED

  With Los Angeles FC enjoying their pre-season tour, the fans have had a lot to cheer for as the club has been in fine form, winning all but one of their pre-season games so far. That includes a thrilling 2-1 win over Liga MX giants Club America in a fixture that had something for everyone. The MLS side walked away victorious on the night thanks to two second half goals but that wasn’t the standout play.

  That prize goes to Hugo Lloris and his defense as they denied Club America a crucial equaliser in a sequence that included a double save from the Frenchman and a goal-line clearance.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  LAFC struggled to completely overwhelm Club America and just about kept the reigning Liga MX champions at bay in the first half, with the Mexican side putting them under pressure fast. However, they eventually found the breakthrough via Denis Bouanga before Lloris’ heroics in goal.

  That seemed to ease the pressure off the Black and Gold, and onto the Liga MX side who conceded again, this time via Nathan Ordaz. While Club America did manage to snag one back, Ordaz’s goal ended up being the winner for Steve Cherundolo’s side.

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  WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR LAFC?

  LAFC's MLS season kicks off on Feb. 22, but the club plays its first official match of the season a few days earlier. That comes via the CONCACAF Champions Cup as LAFC go on the road on Feb. 18 to face Colorado Rapids in Round 1, with the second leg taking place on Feb. 25.

Hoping to add some much-needed attacking depth, Newcastle United sporting director Paul Mitchell is now reportedly plotting a move to beat Premier League rivals Arsenal to sign one particular forward.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have already shown signs that they didn’t add enough depth in the summer transfer window, having put all their eggs in one basket in pursuit of Marc Guehi, only for the Crystal Palace defender to stay put at Selhurst Park.

As a result, Newcastle have been forced to field makeshift backlines without the injured Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, particularly when Fabian Schar was suspended.

Left in 2014: Goal-shy Newcastle flop is now outperforming Isak & Gordon

One former Magpies striker is now delivering the goods away from St James’ Park.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 11, 2024

Mitchell spoke about Newcastle’s summer failures earlier this season. Facing the criticism and questions over his relationship with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, he told reporters (as per Chronicle Live): “Did I read anything into [what Howe said in Germany] physically, no. But we were interacting all the way through that period and beyond 100%.

“In every relationship I’ve had with coaches, and I’ve been doing this a long time with a lot of different coaches from a lot of different cultures, they ebb and flow. The core foundation is the respect part, but you’re going to have points in contact because it’s a stressful industry we work in where you might have to have a strong debate, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”

In a desperate need to shift the narrative into a positive one, the Magpies have now reportedly turned their attention towards making up for the summer’s shortcomings.

According to reports in Spain, Mitchell is plotting a move to beat Arsenal to the signature of Igor Jesus from Botafogo. The Brazilian forward has attracted the interest of both Premier League sides, with Edu and Mitchell now set to do battle alongside the likes of Brighton and Chelsea for his arrival in the new year.

The deal won’t come cheap, though. Brazilian side Botafogo reportedly value their 23-year-old striker at €35-40m (£29-34m) – a price that Newcastle will have no choice but to pay if they want to welcome such a reinforcement, particularly with other rich clubs like Arsenal lurking.

"Great" Jesus can replace Wilson at Newcastle

With Callum Wilson currently heading for the exit door at the end of his Newcastle deal next summer, those at St James’ Park must welcome a backup for Alexander Isak to replace the former Bournemouth ace – and that’s where Jesus should come in.

The 23-year-old is a rising star who could push Isak all the way to hand Howe some vital questions regarding his best side amid healthy competition for places.

Having scored 24 goals in 44 games in the 2023/24 campaign for Botafogo and former club Shabab Al-Ahli in Dubai, Jesus is more than ready for a big move, and as a result of that form, earned high praise from analyst Ben Mattinson, who dubbed the forward “great” after he scored on his recent Brazil debut.

A player in top form, Newcastle should act as soon as possible to sign Jesus for a £34m fee that may well turn into a bargain if he continues his recent rise. The Brazilian is certainly one to watch.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has lambasted Real Madrid over their refereeing complaints earlier this month and labelled Los Blancos 'a crying club'.

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• Real Madrid continue referee criticism
• Tebas fires back at 'crying' Real Madrid
• La Liga president fires shots at Perez

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Attempting to pressure referees before matches has become a sort of pre-match tradition at Real Madrid over the last season as their official channel, Real Madrid TV, has been highlighting any calls that did not favour their club to criticise the referee for their upcoming match. However, their worst moments have come over the last month

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Real Madrid drew 1-1 to Osasuna earlier in February as Jude Bellingham was sent off by referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero after the Englishman told the official to 'f*ck off'. Real Madrid then took aim at refereeing standards in La Liga and complained about a supposed conspiracy against Los Blancos. However, league chief Tebas has now labelled Los Blancos 'a crying club' and took shots at Florentino Perez for his 'oligarchic' presidency at Real Madrid.

• WHAT TEBAS SAID

  In an interview with The Objective, Tebas said (as quoted by ): “We have had a lot of refereeing controversy in recent weeks. From Real Madrid TV, Real Madrid puts the controversy and writes a false story and questioning all football. It is a verbally aggressive and manipulated story. I know a lot of Madridistas who don’t agree with Real Madrid, who are a crying club – they’re crying all day. They cry for the weekend, they will cry for the following weekend and it is all the fault of a conspiracy.

  “It makes an excessive one of the VAR. From the ‘OK Jose Luis’, Florentino called the president of the Federation, Rubiales, and since then it has been used excessively. We want to change the refereeing system. If you do a survey of other clubs they will say that Real Madrid and Barcelona are the most benefited, but they don’t have television to say it. RMTV is the only media that is with this story.

  “Florentino’s football deceives people. It represents oligarch football, it represents only football for the rich. He wants to decide everything, the money that is distributed. My Madridismo is hibernating, but from time to time I get blown up. A part of Real Madrid is having the mistake of venerating everything that Florentino does, of saying that everything is fine. Real Madrid should have an independent opinion. I’m happy when Real Madrid wins. I was very happy when Real Madrid won the Champions League. I’m a Madridista, not a Florentinista.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Amid their meltdown over the standard of refereeing, Real Madrid's inconsistent form has dropped them out of the lead in La Liga as Barcelona now sit top. Los Blancos will next be in action when they take on Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly one of the clubs preparing an offer to sign a new midfielder in 2025, according to a fresh report.

Nottingham Forest continue strong Premier League start

A 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at the City Ground continued Nuno Espírito Santo’s side’s strong start to the Premier League season.

After just avoiding relegation last season (albeit with points deductions for breaching financial fair play regulations), Forest have lost just once so far this season, and currently sit in the top half of the table. Their run of form includes a historic win over Liverpool and Anfield, as well as draws with European contenders Chelsea and Brighton, both of whom have started the season very strongly.

They did suffer shootout heartbreak in the EFL Cup as they were knocked out on penalties by Newcastle United, but their early form in the Premier League has left that disappointment a distant memory in the Midlands.

Nuno’s side now have a run of favourable fixtures ahead as they take on Premier League new boys Leicester City and Ipswich Town in their next five games looking to continue their early form and translate a good start into the Garibaldi’s best Premier League season since 1995/96, when they finished 9th. Now, a fresh report has linked them with a move for an impressive midfielder next summer.

Forest want £16m+ French midfielder

That is according to reports coming out of Turkey, which claim that Nottingham Forest are one of several sides preparing a move to sign French midfielder Batista Mendy next summer.

The 24-year-old joined Trabzonspor from French side Angers in the summer of 2023, and has gone on to become a key man in the Turkish side’s midfield. He started 31 games in the Turkish top flight last season, and has already started seven times this campaign, albeit largely at centre-back rather than in his normal central midfield berth.

He was considered something of a gem for the future during his time in Ligue 1, with football analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a “strong ball-winning midfielder” and a “a technically secure anchor with good passing” on X.

Forget Elanga: Forest can ruin Cooper reunion by unleashing £6m "machine"

Nottingham Forest are looking to make it two Premier League wins in a row.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 25, 2024

As per the report, clubs in Europe have taken notice of Mendy’s form in Turkey, and it is claimed that “Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace” are among those most interested, while it is suggested that the interested parties are “preparing offers” for the 24-year-old midfielder.

Palace have a long-term interest in the midfielder, but he will not be allowed to leave in January even if offers do come in, with Trapzonspor only willing to let him leave next summer and having slapped a 20m euros (£16.6m) price tag on his head as they look to turn a profit on the Frenchman.

The Premier League duo will face competition from an unnamed Russian club, but their interest is thought to be concrete and should Mendy continue to impress, there could be a fight for his signature come next summer, with Forest firmly in the mix.

Wrexham have confirmed that midfielder Andy Cannon has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and faces a 'significant' time on the sidelines.

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• Cannon stretchered off against Mansfield
• Wrexham confirm he's ruptured his ACL
• Faces 'significant' time on the sidelines

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wrexham posted on their website that Cannon, 28, has met with a specialist and will undergo surgery on his knee next week. This follows after he was stretchered off during the Red Dragons' 2-1 win against Mansfield Town on Sunday. A club statement read: "Wrexham AFC can confirm midfielder Andy Cannon suffered a ruptured ACL in the match against Mansfield Town on Sunday (February 23). The midfielder was stretchered off in the first half, and following a scan the serious extent of his injury is now known. The 28-year-old has met with a specialist this evening and will undergo surgery next week, and faces a significant period of rehabilitation time post-surgery."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Cannon has played 28 times for Wrexham, scoring four goals in all competitions. The Red Dragons are pushing for a third-straight promotion and they will need every player in their squad to achieve that lofty goal, so losing Cannon is a big blow.

• WHAT PHIL PARKINSON SAID

  He told the club's website: "Our thoughts are with Andy at this time. Rest assured, we’ll get him the best possible treatment and he’ll come back better than ever.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While Cannon awaits his surgery, Wrexham are in semi-final Football League Trophy action on Wednesday at home to Peterborough United.

Wolverhampton Wanderers really could do with a victory to turn around their appalling start to the season. The Old Gold are struggling for any kind of consistency this term, and currently find themselves in 20th place in the Premier League.

Although they have two draws in their last two games, which is a positive sign in many ways, Gary O’Neil’s side have yet to win a game this term. In fact, they haven’t won a league game since the 27th of April against Luton Town.

It has certainly been a frustrating start to the campaign for the Midlands club, who will surely be desperate to turn around their poor form.

Wolves’ underlying stats in 2024/25

Worryingly for the Old Gold, their underlying stats do not make for great reading. Not only have they been in poor form, without a win for several months now, but they are not really getting unlucky in games, either.

As the numbers from Understat suggest, Wolves are comfortably one of the worst defensive sides in the Premier League this term, something that has massively let them down. They have the leakiest defence, conceding 27 goals, and have also got one of the worst expected goals against totals, with 20.71xGA.

Concerningly, 14 of these have come at Molineux. They have conceded the most goals at home amongst Premier League sides this term, and are one of only two teams to be in double figures for that particular stat.

On the attacking side of things, it has been slightly more positive for the Molineux side than might be expected. They have scored 14 goals this term, the joint-sixth best in the competition along with three other sides.

Worryingly, they are overachieving in their expected goals by a lot, and actually have the worst in the Premier League. O’Neil’s men have currently mustered 10.89xG this term, which is also the highest overachievement in the top flight, with a 3.11 difference.

There is no doubt that something needs to change for the Old Gold soon enough. O’Neil will surely shake things up this weekend, as they face a Southampton team in 19th place and just one point better off. One player who could start is attacker Goncalo Guedes.

Why Guedes could start vs. Southampton

It has been a slow season so far for Portuguese winger Guedes. He has played seven times in the top flight but is yet to start a game, featuring for just 105 minutes in total. However, he has performed well in the Carabao Cup, scoring twice against Burnley in round two and once against Brighton in round three.

The former Paris Saint-Germain attacker’s most recent Premier League outing against Crystal Palace in the 2-2 draw at Molineux.

He featured for 28 minutes, the most he has played in the top flight this term, and had a great impact, grabbing an assist which gave the Old Gold the lead.

He had a fantastic impact off the bench that day, as his stats on Sofascore from the game reflect. The 27-year-old had 20 touches and created one chance, that led to his assist. He was superb off the ball, winning five from six duels and four out of four tackles.

The Wolves number 29, who was described as “tricky” by football scout Antonio Mango, could terrorise the Southampton defence. Guedes’ pace and direct nature in behind could be a real threat to a frail Saints defence, who have conceded 19 times this term.

He could also form a perfect partnership with Wolves’ star attacker, Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian has been starved of chances this season and has four goals in ten top flight games. However, with Guedes’s creative nature, he could be a perfect partner as a number 10 for the former Atletico Madrid man.

It is perhaps no coincidence that the Old Gold scored when the pair were on the pitch at the same time against Palace. That duo could be a rich source of goals for O’Neil, which is largely an untapped pairing.

The Portuguese international is in great form despite so few minutes and is surely full of confidence after his assist against the Eagles. It could be a brilliant selection from O’Neil as he looks to turn their form around this season.

Wolves targeted “Europe's most wanted” manager, they got Lopetegui & O'Neil

Wolves almost appointed a leading manager in 2022

By
Joe Nuttall

Nov 7, 2024

Aston Villa have been blessed with some top attackers over recent years, notably in the striker department, with Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran sticking out of course in Unai Emery’s current camp.

Between them this season – looking at Premier League numbers alone – the electric duo have amassed nine goals as leading men for their side, as the Spaniard hopes they can get back to their best after the international break is up.

There are plenty of other examples away from the here and now too, with Christian Benteke one name that will bring up waves of nostalgia for Villa fans as a sharp shooter from years gone by.

Christian Benteke's numbers at Villa

Benteke is now seeing out his playing days like many waning players of his ilk do, strutting their stuff in the MLS before retirement begins to loom ever closer.

But, before he was a confident goal machine on the books of DC United – who he has bagged an impressive 25 goals for from his last 33 games – the Belgian was a reliable goalscorer for the Villans too, after the Premier League club’s punt on the ex-KRC Genk man more than paid off.

In total, Benteke – who cost £7m to get in through the door in 2012 from his native country – would fire home 49 goals from 101 games in the West Midlands, going down as a modern-day great at Villa Park in the process.

Unfortunately, Benteke would be snapped up by Liverpool after finding the back of the net 13 times during his swansong Villa campaign, costing the Reds a bumper £32.5m to pick up in the summer of 2015.

Regardless of the development that the former Villa number 20 would go on to be an expensive waste at Anfield, his former employers still failed to adequately fill the void left behind by the Belgian in that same transfer window, with one eventual flop meant to soften the almighty blow.

The striker signed to replace Benteke

Rudy Gestede would join the top-flight titans a month after Benteke’s exit to the Reds, costing just £6m, as Villa were made to regret not splashing their newly obtained millions on replacing their former hero with a star of a similar quality.

The former Blackburn Rovers man’s ‘physical presence brings comparisons to Christian Benteke’ – as the Daily Mail noted at the time – while then-boss Tim Sherwood described his new signing as “better than anything I’ve seen around in English football”, with regard to his “immense” aerial presence.

As it was, Gestede – who “terrorises defenders”, according to Sherwood – very much struggled to cope with the demands of the league above after being fished out of the Championship, scoring just five times in the Premier League during his debut season which ended in his new employers suffering relegation.

Looking at the notable ins and outs from that fateful summer, it’s no real shock that Villa struggled in the manner they did, with Fabian Delph’s exit also hitting the Villans hard centrally, on top of both Andreas Weimann and Darren Bent leaving depleting the firepower even more.

Still, Gestede should have gone on to shine in his new location after relegation, considering he had been snapped up after helping himself to 20 goals for Blackburn in the second tier.

Yet, the goals just weren’t forthcoming here either, as the now-retired 6 foot 4 forward only mustered up ten strikes in total for the West Midlands side, before being sold to Middlesbrough for £6m.

That means Gestede was sold for around £26m less than what Villa managed to get out of Liverpool for Benteke, as he never went on to become a hero in a similar manner to the Belgian, now arguably ranking among the worst Villa signings of modern memory, considering the expectation levels when he signed.

It’s clear now that the former Benin international just couldn’t handle the bright lights of the Premier League after making such a big move, nor the unhelpful label put above him that he could replace such an icon immediately.

Aston Villa had a gem who wanted to be Grealish 2.0, now he's in League One

The former Aston Villa starlet had hopes of being the next Jack Grealish.

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By
Dan Emery

Nov 12, 2024