All posts by z3u9t.icu

As West Ham United fell to a 1-0 defeat at Manchester United, coming as a potential bump in the race for a Champions League qualifying spot, many Hammers fans weren’t impressed with the performance of striker Michail Antonio – with one supporter going as far as to label him a ‘donkey’.

The Englishman debatably looked isolated up front and failed to have any meaningful impact on the game going forward as some West Ham fans refused to shy away from the critiquing their usual favourite.

Craig Dawson’s own goal cemented defeat for David Moyes’ men, and despite still having a game in hand on fourth-placed Chelsea, they next host London rivals Arsenal in what could be a difficult encounter.

Antonio’s performance in particular left these supporters unimpressed, with SofaScore revealing that he lost the ball 19 times and was among the lowest rated players in the squad. Just 13 of his 25 passes found a team-mate, while his only shot all night was blocked down.

Making their feelings known on social media, here’s what these Hammers fans had to say.

West Ham fans blast Antonio

“Antonio is the worst footballer I’ve ever seen play. West ham fans who think he’s slightly good don’t know anything about football”

Credit: @Zayd_Beitar

“Antonio thinking he’s Messi dropping deep to pick the ball up and do nothing with.

Confidence of CR7 ability of a donkey”

Credit: @Aaron_Parris

“I hope Maguire lets Antonio out of his pocket to get on the bus home”

Credit: @paulf6466

“Antonio hasn’t had a good game since the Villa away game! His work rate has been non existent, his hold up play been rubbish! He just hasn’t been a threat to anyone lately”

Credit: @joegreene2

“He’s had a terrible game. Agreed.”

Credit: @goose_jz

“Michail Antonio is not a good football player”

Credit: @DavidMoyes__

“Antonio’s hold up is terrible”

Credit: @westhamtransfer

“Antonio has been poor for a while, his performances at the start of the season seem to of made him invincible”

Credit: @ParlourPD

In other news: West Ham are eyeing this 19-goal ‘phenomenon’, find out more here.

Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their efforts to sign Jadon Sancho after Borussia Dortmund ‘drastically’ reduced their demands in an attempt to bring Ed Woodward back to the negotiating table.

What’s the story?

The Sancho to Old Trafford saga has shown no signs of going away anytime soon. The 20-year-old is currently plying his trade at Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and has done so since 2017, in which time the right winger has accumulated a number of awards including the German Super Cup.

His rapid rise since switching the Etihad for the Signal Iduna Arena has been nothing short of meteoric, with 42 goals and 57 assists in 124 games across all competitions per Transfermarkt.

Solskjaer’s United, as well as Chelsea and Liverpool, are reportedly still interested in the £190k-a-week earning Sancho, and recent reports suggest that it will cost them a cool £88m to persuade Dortmund to part ways with the attacking midfielder.

That’s according to SportBILD, via The Mirror, who claim that they would be willing to accept a lower fee than previously expected.

Woodward must act now

If that is indeed the case, then Ed Woodward must act without hesitation. When it comes to goals and assists, Sancho is Mr Reliable. A return of seven assists so far this season sees him ranked fifth in the Bundesliga bettered only by the likes of Joshua Kimmich and Thomas Muller.

He’s still averaged 1.5 shots and 2.3 key passes across all competitions per 90 – this despite not being at his best. For context, that’s more than Solskjaer’s current options in Daniel James (1.3) and Juan Mata (0.6) respectively.

If Woodward is brave enough to pull the trigger and bring Sancho to Old Trafford, they would add a potent threat in attack. United have scored 46 goals in 22 games in the Premier League but only Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford have been able to reach double figures.

Defensively, Solskjaer’s side have been fairly solid, conceding 27 goals this season thus far. But if they had a more reliable right winger, they may be able to mount a successful title challenge. It really is that simple.

Sancho could be the man to make a difference. On the right, he hugs the line and brings the ball forward to put his side on the front foot, which is clear from his impressive 3.4 dribbles per match in the Bundesliga – a stat that ranks him top among all players in the entire division.

He could light up Old Trafford and prove to be a game-changer with his dynamism.

AND in other news, Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard produced a superb display for West Ham vs Aston Villa…

David Moyes must urge West Ham United to purchase Watford loanee Craig Dawson at the end of the season, even if Danny Mills expects the arrival of a defensive upgrade this summer.

What’s the word?

While speaking with Football Insider, Mills expressed that he fully expects the Hammers to work on a deal to retain Dawson beyond his temporary terms.

But the former England defender does not expect Moyes and David Sullivan’s business in the transfer market to stop at signing the 30-year-old, who they have held a £2m option to buy since his arrival at the London Stadium in October.

Dawson had to wait until December to make his Irons debut but has since featured in 13 of the club’s 14 fixtures across all competitions, only sitting out January’s FA Cup fourth round win over Doncaster Rovers, and frequently impressing with his displays in claret and blue.

Insiders of the east London outfit have suggested that West Ham are 99 per cent certain of striking a deal to retain the Rochdale-born enforcer, and Mills believes Dawson would be a bargain if kept.

“He’s done very, very well for them up until now,” he said. “It’s a bargain, isn’t it? Let’s be honest, if you’re paying a loan fee, it will be more than that for a centre-half.

“Even if they bring in other players, why wouldn’t you keep him as a back-up to keep doing what he’s doing?

“David Moyes would have an honest conversation with him and say: ‘You’re maybe not going to play every single week, but I still want you around.’

“He seems like the sort of character that could accept that.”

Should West Ham retain Dawson?

Dawson made an instant impact once introduced to the West Ham backline, with his leadership helping Moyes’ men to keep five clean sheets in 11 Premier League outings.

The £3.5m-rated titan also scored the Irons’ vital third in January’s 3-2 win away to London rivals Crystal Palace, before netting his side’s sole effort in a 3-1 defeat to defending champions Liverpool.

Even if Moyes and Sullivan are to look at bringing another option in come the summer, like Mills expects and has been suggested, having a player of Dawson’s calibre could prove vastly beneficial in the event that the Hammers boss ever has to look deeper in his pecking order.

Dawson is proving his credentials as a West Ham player almost every week, despite being signed on the back of Watford’s relegation to the Championship, and is proving more incisive and aggressive in breaking up opposition play than Angelo Ogbonna.

Moyes lauds Ogbonna as a “magnificent” and “really important” player, yet the Italian offers fewer interceptions per game (1) than Dawson (1.5) – only Fabian Balbuena (1.8), who has not featured in the top-flight since December, offers more among West Ham’s current centre-backs, per WhoScored.

Dawson also blocks more shots (0.7) than Ogbonna (0.4) – only Issa Diop (1.3) stands in the way of a higher volume of strikes – and wins more aerial duels (2.6) than the 32-year-old (2.2) with the most among Moyes’ current centre-halves.

It is often hard to find a fault in Dawson’s performances, so if West Ham can keep the £42,000-per-week ace long-term for around just £2m, Sullivan and Moyes must get the deal done.

AND in other news, West Ham have been given a potential boost in hopes to sign a 19-goal striker this summer…

Leeds United have had a rather topsy-turvy festive period where they’ve been both praised and criticised in equal measure.

Thus, a transfer window could be exactly what they need to settle themselves down a little.

What’s the word?

Leeds’ 1-0 win over Burnley was a resolute display that demonstrated the enormous character within Marcelo Bielsa’s side. They bounced back from a 6-2 thumping against Manchester United with that victory before they demolished West Brom 5-0.

However, their insistence on playing attacking football against the big boys meant they tasted defeat once more against Spurs.

Perhaps they could do with a striker who can make things stick and hold the play up to make that work? Well, in their latest transfer target they could find exactly that.

According to Football Insider, Leeds are interested in signing towering Mainz striker Jean-Philippe-Mateta.

Victor Orta and his recruitment team are said to be tracking the Frenchman who is valued at £13.5m via Transfermarkt.

He has appeared on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs so United will need to pounce quickly if they want him at Elland Road.

Disaster for Orta

Mateta is certainly an eye-catching player. Standing at a colossal 6 foot 4, he knows how to win a header and put himself about. He also knows how to score goals.

The 23-year-old has netted seven times in 14 Bundesliga outings this term but that doesn’t necessarily bode well.

After all, a number of strikers have come to English football from Germany in recent years and really failed to make the grade.

You only need to look at the impact Sebastien Haller has had since joining West Ham from Frankfurt for £45m. The fellow Frenchman has found the net on just 14 occasions in 53 outings.

An ever better example can be found with Joelinton. Signed for £40m, he has beaten a Premier League goalkeeper on only three occasions.

They both came to England after impressive campaigns where they both scored double figures but they have clearly found life over here far more challenging.

Of course, Mateta may have better adaptability but in terms of being a physical presence, he is very similar to Haller and Joelinton.

Radrizzani will have every right to be fuming if his money is spent on the Mainz attacker. Leeds can surely do better.

AND in other news, Leeds eye swoop for £16k-p/w flop, Orta could repeat their Jean-Kevin Augustin howler…

Many Wolves fans have been talking about the news linking them with a move for Douglas Costa.

Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport have recently reported that Juventus could be ready to cut short Douglas Costa’s ongoing loan spell at Bayern Munich. And there is a chance of the Brazilian heading to the Premier League or La Liga once his temporary stint at Bayern is cut short.

The report mentions interest from Manchester United, but Wolves are also said to be interested in the Brazilian winger. It credits Wolves with a previous interest in the former Shakhtar Donetsk man and talks about their interest in signing him this month.

In the Bundesliga, Costa has played only 281 minutes of league football for Bayern. While he did play six Champions League games for them, he got only 226 minutes of action in the competition. He has contributed to three goals in all competitions for the reigning European champions (as per Transfermarkt). He is currently valued at £18.00m.

As things stand, Wolves have only three out-and-out wingers – Pedro Neto, Daniel Podence and Adama Traore. So they might need some extra players for that position, with Diogo Jota having left already.

The update about Douglas Costa was relayed on Twitter by Talking Wolves and it drew the attention of many fans, with multiple supporters having simply one word to respond: “Please.”

What did Wolves fans make of the links with Douglas Costa?

“Got more chance of Jeff shi knocking on my door and wanting a cuppa than this happening.”

Credit: @brutaljimbo

“He might have come to us when we were challenging for champions league but ain’t no chance he coming now.”

Credit: @Brittain112″He ain’t coming to us while we’re in this mess.”Credit: @MichaelrlLucas”I’d take anyone.”Credit: @wwfc2020″Please.”

Credit: @LukeBasy

“Please.”

Credit: @adenwwfc_ In other news, Wolves have rejected a move for a young defender – read more here.

Whilst multi-million pound signings and marquee transfers are all well and good, nothing quite beats an academy talent coming through and making his mark on the first-team.

And in Wolves’ case, the next young starlet to really make his breakthrough under Nuno Espirito Santo could well be Theo Corbeanu.

The 18-year-old has been a regular for the club’s U23s at Premier League 2 level, and has shown off his versatility this season by playing through the middle and out wide on the right.

Such is his skilful nature and ability to drive forward with pace and purpose, The Athletic journalist Tim Spiers even suggested that there are some shades of former Wolves star Diogo Jota about him in that he has that deceptive speed and strength to his game.

And Corbeanu himself has made it clear how much he’s learning from Nuno, saying: “It’s great working with Nuno, he’s a very good manager, he has a clear identity, you know how to play, it’s the Wolves way. He came in and changed so much and the club has been on an uprise for the past three years. It’s great to learn from him. I’m a young player and I have a lot of things to work on. There’s no one better than to work with him.”

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With his ability to play off both feet like a Kevin De Bruyne, he could add a sense of unpredictability to Wolves’ attacks. Spiers further added that “he’s skilful, can take players on, score and create goals and is decent in the air (at 6ft 2in)”.

That level of potential is surely worth taking a look in the first-team, certainly not as a starter anytime soon, but as a potential impact sub. Corbeanu is just waiting to take his chance.

Meanwhile, Wolves could ease their Raul Jimenez worry with this Championship striker.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans are reacting to the latest comments from Steven Gerrard as he revealed that Ryan Jack has still not returned to fitness.

Gerrard was speaking in his press conference earlier today, previewing the League Cup game against St.Mirren. He said: ‘Still no Ryan Jack, he is moving along but not ready. Everyone else is available except Katic.’

This has annoyed a lot of the fan base, with one supporter even saying Jack is the ‘new Rossiter’. Jordan Rossiter was known for being injury prone at Ibrox and missed 94 games due to injury with the Gers (Transfermarkt).

It will be frustrating for all associated with the club, as Jack has started 12 games this season in the Scottish Premiership, but has not featured due to injury since November (Transfermarkt).

While there is no questioning the Scotland international’s talent, this is an issue Gerrard might look to sort out as the player has missed 48 games since May 2018 with various issues. With the Gers progressing well in all competitions, squad depth is massively important, and it looks like they can’t rely on Jack.

Here is what Rangers fans had to say following the news on Ryan Jack:

In other news, Rangers fans are delighted with their latest Europa League draw.

Wolves striker Raul Jimenez has been linked with an exit from Molineux again this month, though that shouldn’t come as a surprise to many in the Midlands as it’s merely an unfortunate by-product of their own and his recent success.

According to The Sun, the Mexican talisman, who has bagged four goals in seven appearances this season, is a ‘more realistic’ option for Manchester United in January than Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland.

Whilst Red Devils legend Paul Ince slammed the club’s decision to bring in Edinson Cavani over the Wolves frontman, he said: “What was that about? Go and spend £40 million on Jimenez. He’s a proven striker, a scorer. You know, and then they go and get Edinson Cavani who will hardly play.”

Nuno Santo isn’t completely best-equipped if that ever did come to fruition despite the club splashing a club-record £35m on young Portuguese wonderkid Fabio Silva in the summer.

But could they already have his long-term heir at the club in Rafa Mir? The 23-year-old has finally found his feet after a dismal spell in the Championship with Nottingham Forest.

This season whilst on loan to La Liga outfit SD Huesca, he has contributed to three goals from seven starts, averaging 2.6 shots per game, via WhoScored. Only Jimenez himself manages more amongst the Wolf Pack squad.

It means he has bagged 11 goals in 26 matches for the club since joining them on a one-and-a-half-year loan deal in January.

His form has sparked the interest of Spanish giants Real Madrid once more, as per AS (via Sport Witness). They have failed to clinch his signature four times and Wolves ought to make sure they make it a fifth chance failed.

Perhaps these claims shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as Mir ran rings around €70m-rated (£64m) Madrid centre-back Eder Militao recently – fans claimed that the 6 foot 3 forward was “threatening all match” and “bullied” the Brazilian beast.

One match report added, ‘Rafa Mir was creating the most dangerous chances of either team’ too.

Mir is earning just £20k-per-week, so he could be a viable and cheap heir to Jimenez’s throne should he depart Molineux anytime soon. It could save Jeff Shi millions in the transfer market.

AND in other news, Wolves must secure £10m sensation with “enormous ability”…

Eberechi Eze starred as Crystal Palace crushed Leeds United in a comprehensive 4-1 win at Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Palace went ahead after Scott Dann headed in Eze’s corner before the 22-year-old scored his first goal in just his fourth league start for the club with an exquisite free kick to extend their lead over Leeds.

An unfortunate own goal from Helder Costa saw the Eagles take a two-goal lead, until Jordan Ayew secured the victory with Palace’s fourth from a pass from Wilfried Zaha.

Whilst Zaha was back to his very best, Eze just made everything look easy from start to finish. As we’ve mentioned before, we found the Palace boss’ latest comments rather baffling, which is perhaps why it’s hardly surprising that his unpredictability gave Hodgson’s side a significant advantage. In fact, the England U21 international was the most vital cog in the win over the Whites.

Speaking after the game, Hodgson heaped praise on his new charge for his performance. He told the club’s website: “I think apart from the free-kick, I thought his whole performance was very good.

“I don’t think you could fault him in any way; I don’t think you could fault his defensive work – certainly couldn’t fault anything he did on the ball, and of course the goal for me was the icing on the cake.”

Per SofaScore, the 22-year-old received a super high statistical rating of 8.8 – he scored a goal and supplied an assist, produced two key passes, created one big chance, and completed 28 out of 33 passes (85%), whilst he won eight out of twelve duels overall (66%), was fouled three times, and made five tackles, four interceptions and wasn’t dribbled past at all, which just goes to show that he contributed defensively as well.

90Min gave him a grade of 8/10, claiming “it was an inch perfect free-kick, but more broadly, his movement caused all sorts of problems all afternoon”, whilst football.london gave him a similar score, saying he provided “a beautiful corner whipped in for Dann to grab the opener, and he followed it up with an absolutely stunning free-kick to make it 2-0” with “some nice passing in the first half as well.” Quite some showing by anyone’s standards.

Once hailed as an “exciting” talent by journalist Taylor Rockwell, Eze made 46 appearances for Queens Park Rangers in the Championship, scored 14 goals and supplied 8 assists, whilst he averaged 2.2 shots, 1.8 key passes and 3 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

Given his age, the speedster, who currently earns wages worth £30,000-per-week, could become a regular first-team starter for Hodgson’s side in the years to come, as he has shown he is more than capable of hitting the ground running in the top flight. It’s about time he was given the time to shine, which is something that the 73-year-old has struggled to give him so far.

AND in other news, Tyrick Mitchell’s injury is a timely boost for Patrick van Aanholt’s Crystal Palace career…

Former Preston player Chris Humphrey says that Glasgow Rangers target Daniel Johnson is one of the best players he has played with, and that he could be the difference for the Gers in their attempts to win their first Premiership title since 2011.

The Gers have been heavily linked with Johnson, with reports even saying that they had agreed a deal with the English side – that now appears not to be the case. The 27-year-old scored 12 goals and created a further eight last season in the Championship, and Humphrey believes he would be a fantastic addition to the Ibrox outfit.

He said: “I would put DJ up there as one of the best number 10s or attacking midfielders I have played with – and I’ve played with some really good players.

“He is unbelievable and in that league he would be unreal. He’d be good for Rangers in Europe as well. He is excellent technically, scores goals and has pace. He drives forward with the ball and can play a pass.

“His all-round game is phenomenal. I’d say he’s probably got the best left foot of any player I’ve played with. Above all else DJ loves his football and is a very good professional.

“If a deal went through then he would love the challenge of the Old Firm. He would thrive in that atmosphere when the fans are allowed back in.

“He can also play in the centre of midfield because he has the fitness. And if Daniel gives the ball away I’m wondering ‘what’s happened there?’. He very rarely gives the ball away.”

When asked if he could be the difference for the Gers this term, Humphrey, who is now the manager of Kendal Town said: “Yes, 100 per cent. Rangers have one hell of a manager to learn from if you are a midfielder that likes to attack.

“Who better to learn off for DJ? He is only 27, he looks about 50! But it’s a great age and he can still learn. Gerrard would take his game to another level.”

High praise indeed from a player who was able to not only play with him, but also got to see him in training every single day. As Brian Laudrup has said, the Gers could do with another creative player in the middle of the park, and Johnson looks like he could be that man.

It has been said that Preston would demand more than £4m for his services, but by the sounds of it, that would be a snip for the Jamaican.

Let us know what you think below!