All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United finally got their first win of the Premier League season with a 1-0 victory at home to Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

Callum Wilson pounced on some spillage from goalkeeper Nick Pope to calmly slot the ball into the back of the net and give his team all three points at St. James’ Park.

There were some spirited performances from Eddie Howe’s side on the day, but some may have been disappointed with their own individual displays.

As such, The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst players (to have played at least 45 minutes) for the Magpies were:

Fabian Schar

Schar may count himself unlucky to have been ranked third given that he got the assist for Wilson’s goal, but nonetheless SofaScore decided to give him a 6.6 overall rating.

The central defender lost out on 11 of his duels in total, the third-most out of any of his teammates, as he also failed to record a single interception or tackle in the game.

Schar was also guilty of giving the ball away on no fewer than on 20 separate occasions in the match, the most out of any Toon player.

Joe Willock

Willock was also given a 6.6 rating by SofaScore, but ranks in second here courtesy of Schar’s assist.

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The former Arsenal man lost five duels, and also never managed a shot on target, interception or tackle, while he lost possession a total of 11 times.

Allan Saint-Maximin

So often the bright spark in the North East, Saint-Maximin was lively as usual, but nothing really came off for him. As such, SofaScore decided to give him just a 6.1 rating.

The winger lost out on nine duels, and failed with three of his shots on goal, while he also failed to put in an accurate cross or long ball.

Saint-Maximin also gave the ball away on 18 different occasions, the joint-third most out of any of his teammates.

In other news, find out which Gazza-like technician NUFC now have ‘the opportunity’ to sign here!

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has been passed fit for his side’s Champions League clash with Benfica on Tuesday night, journalist Ian Doyle has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Liverpool face latest test

The Reds continue their quadruple charge with a trip to Portugal as they take on the Lisbon outfit in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

In truth, Jurgen Klopp’s men were handed a relatively kind draw in the grand scheme of things, with the Portuguese side surprise winners over Ajax in the last round.

Jones was a doubt for the game after he limped out of Saturday’s 2-0 win at home to Watford, but a positive update has now emerged.

The Latest: Jones passed fit

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Doyle confirmed via Klopp that the 21-year-old was in contention to start, having overcome his weekend problem.

The journalist tweeted: “Klopp on injuries: Full squad available for the game, absolutely. Curtis had a little swelling, disappeared overnight. Trent now, 4-5 days is ready as well.”

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The Verdict: Place on the bench

Prior to going off last weekend, Jones had disappointed against Watford, firing a couple of efforts wide of the target and struggling to get into the game, also losing possession 12 times.

For that reason, it would be a surprise if he starts tonight in what is another crucial match in Liverpool’s potentially legendary season, especially given his recent injury concern and his rarity of starts throughout the season in general.

Fabinho coming back into the number six role makes complete sense, while Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita could be the number eights, allowing Thiago to be managed carefully ahead of Sunday’s huge Premier League clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

In other news, a fresh update has emerged regarding Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool future. Read more here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Daniel Pinder, editor-in-chief at Get German Football News, believes Newcastle United’s future in the Premier League would not put off Jetro Willems wanting to join the club.

Willems was supposed to spend a season on-loan at Newcastle during the 2019/20 campaign, however a severe knee injury saw it cut short as his season was over during what was an impressive short spell on Tyneside.

Since returning to Eintracht Frankfurt, who look set to qualify for the Champions League, Willems has failed to win a place in the starting line-up as well as turning down a new contract with the Bundesliga outfit.

Speaking on why Newcastle’s potential relegation wouldn’t hold Willems back from joining the club and how they have a natural pull, Pinder told FFC:

“Newcastle is obviously a big club and they always have that pull, regardless of if they’re in the Premier League or Championship. 

“It’s evident that Willems enjoyed his time at Newcastle so if they go down, he could still potentially join.”

Since returning to Frankfurt, Willems has turned down a pre-contract offer from Greek side PAOK as he has his heart set on a return to Newcastle.

It was reported that the Magpies were looking into signing the full-back in January, however, nothing came of it with his recent injury and contract situation.

Aston Villa are unlikely to face competition from West Ham for Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car, according to a Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Villa interest in Caleta-Car

Steven Gerrard appears to be on the hunt for defensive reinforcements this summer, with the futures of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa seemingly in doubt.

Reports over the weekend name-checked Villa with an interest in Caleta-Car after Gerrard and the Villa ‘hierarchy’ watched the 25-year-old in action.

It could prove to be a double raid on the Ligue 1 club, with midfielder Boubacar Kamara also on the Midlanders’ radar.

The Latest: West Ham update

Football Insider shared an update regarding Caleta-Car on Monday morning after being informed by a West Ham source.

They claimed that the Hammers, who were heavily linked with the Croatia international in January, are unlikely to make a move in the summer.

The Verdict: Boost for Villa

The news from the London Stadium seems to be a boost for Johan Lange and co in their pursuit to sign Caleta-Car.

West Ham could have potentially caused a problem for Villa, should they have wanted to sign the defender in the summer. They have made their mark on the European stage this season and could have more European football on offer in 2022/23, which may have appealed to Caleta-Car.

Should Villa wish to bring the Marseille defender to the Midlands, they may now have a clear run at a transfer over the coming months as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of Gerrard’s first full season in charge.

In other news: Villa and Lange now want to sign ‘monstrous’ 7-trophy ace for Gerrard; talks underway

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.

Millwall will allow centre-forward Jon Dadi Bodvarsson to leave The Den this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by London News Online, who claim that Gary Rowett will listen to offers for the 29-year-old striker in the summer transfer window, as the 47-year-old looks to free up space in his squad in order to bring in his own attacking targets.

The report goes on to state that Bodvarsson is eager to play regular first-team football next season, suggesting that he too would be open to a move away from The Den this summer.

Bodvarsson must go

Having been a Neil Harris signing for Millwall from Reading in what was a £765k deal back in 2019, it would appear to be a fair statement to make that the Iceland international has not quite lived up to expectations for the Lions.

Indeed, having played a total of 75 games in all competitions for the club, Bodvarsson has so far managed just seven goals and six assists.

Over his 38 Championship appearances last season, only 13 of which came as starts, the £810k-rated striker scored one goal, registered two assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as managing an average of just 0.2 shots on target and 0.2 key passes per game.

These returns saw the 29-year-old earn a disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.64, ranking him as Rowett’s fifth-worst performer in the second tier of English football, out of all 27 Lions’ players to have featured in the competition.

As such, it would appear highly advisable for Rowett to move the centre-forward whom the Birmingham Live writer Ryan Leister dubbed a “powerful” player on to pastures new this summer, as Bodvarsson’s returns simply do not warrant the £10k-per-week wages he is reported to earn at The Den.

Furthermore, with the money generated from his potential sale, in addition to the money that would be saved on his salary, waving goodbye to the Icelandic hitman should afford Rowett a decent amount sum to bring in a more cost-effective attacking option this summer.

In other news: Millwall dealt huge blow over “fabulous” 18 y/o beast that will leave Rowett gutted

Rangers were heavily linked with signing Rhian Brewster in the summer of 2020 but considering he has scored zero goals since his switch to Sheffield United, it seems clear that Steven Gerrard dodged a bullet when he opted to move to Bramall Lane rather than Ibrox.

After an impressive loan spell with Swansea City in the Championship, there was plenty of interest in Brewster ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, including from Rangers, who were linked with a loan move for the former Liverpool youngster.

However, he would complete a £23.5m move to Sheffield United, who were unable to match their performances from their first campaign back in the top-flight and ended up finishing rock bottom of the Premier League last season, with Brewster’s performances a huge disappointment throughout the campaign.

In 27 Premier League appearances for the Blades, the 21-year-old would contribute no goals or assists, averaging a shocking 6.17 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

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It is no surprise that Gerrard was originally interested in bringing the young striker to Ibrox, as he will have managed him during his time working with the Liverpool academy, and was one of several experienced coaches at Anfield to sing his praises earlier in his career, saying:

“Everyone has seen it all over the world that Rhian is capable of scoring goals.

“You have to enjoy the plaudits but not get too high and not start believing in all the hype. You have to keep showing everyone what you are about.

“In football, people forget pretty quickly, both the good and the bad. You are only as good as your last game.

“We all know he has got the talent and the ability.”

Another former coach of Brewster’s, Dan Seymour, dubbed the youngster “exceptional” and suggested that he was one of the most talented players to ever come through his Shield academy, but unfortunately, the young Englishman was unable to live up to his praise last season and endured a nightmare campaign with the Blades.

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Whilst it is difficult to know whether he would have had more success in a title-winning side rather than a relegated side, his less than impressive performances at Bramall Lane suggest that Rangers dodged a bullet in not signing him last summer.

And, in other news… Rangers could be set for major blow with 25 y/o”Rolls Royce”, Gerrard surely gutted

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Frank McAvennie has been praising Eddie Howe, amid speculation linking him with the Celtic job.

Howe’s been out of work since leaving Bournemouth following their relegation from the Premier League on the final day of last season.

The 43-year-old took the Cherries from League Two to becoming an established top-flight club in the space of five seasons before they went down after a wretched post-lockdown run.

Howe’s only other previous managerial role was a brief stint at Burnley, but reports believe that he would be interested in the vacant job in Glasgow, with Celtic still searching hard for a replacement for Neil Lennon, who was sacked last month.

And McAvennie, who spent four seasons at Celtic Park across two separate spells, described Howe as a “great coach” but admitted that his former side need a complete clear out in their backroom staff department, including current caretaker manager John Kennedy.

He told Football FanCast: “I think Eddie’s got good pedigree. He’s a young coach. Unfortunately, I think today’s game, players are too soft. They don’t take to people shouting at them, and I think that’s what happened with Lenny.

“I think Eddie Howe is a great coach, he’s done wonderful at Bournemouth, but he would have to bring his own backroom staff. Celtic need a total clearance.

“John Kennedy is up there with one of the favourites, but I don’t think the fans will want John [Kennedy] to be the manager. He’s been there for four managers, but I think it’s time John went away and got a manager’s job. Celtic is too big a club for him to cut his teeth on.”

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit and Sky Sports regular Danny Mills has warned Tottenham Hotspur fans that they ‘won’t be happy’ if Rafael Benitez is appointed manager after Jose Mourinho’s dismissal.

The Lowdown: Levy eyeing Benitez

As revealed by the same outlet, Premier League and general top level experience is growing as a desirable trait for chairman Daniel Levy and co as the board eye Tottenham’s next manager.

This has led the club to set their sights on former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle boss Benitez (Football Insider), who is also said to be keen on joining Tottenham.

The Latest: Tottenham fans warned over Benitez

However, while he has a glowing CV and a proven track record at the top level, having won the Champions League with Liverpool and Europa League with Chelsea, Mills has warned Spurs fans that they would not be happy if he was appointed manager.

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“Spurs fans have been moaning about the style of play,” the pundit explained to Football Insider.

“Is Rafa’s style of play exciting? No, not really, it’s counter-attacking football. He will defend, as Mourinho did, and then play on the counter-attack using pace in the wide areas.

“People will say ‘Oh, he was great when he was at Liverpool!’ He was, but he was still defensive and played counter-attacking football. He had weapons called Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. Torres would run over the top and Gerrard would ping an eye of the needle pass 40 or 50 yards right onto his foot and allow him to finish.

“Yes, it’s a big name and you’d expect him to do well but Tottenham fans, if that happens don’t expect to play the ‘Tottenham way’ that we hear about. They won’t be happy about that.”

The Verdict: Mills bang on the money…

What we have heard consistently in the media is Tottenham’s desire to appoint an out-and-out attack-minded manager (The Guardian), with reports also suggesting they want someone young and dynamic.

Alasdair Gold says that the likes of Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter fit into this mould (football.london), but the same cannot be said of Benitez.

As explained by Mills, the 61-year-old’s counter-attacking style possibly wouldn’t draw favour with Spurs fans and is arguably more akin to Mourinho’s philosophy, with supporters possibly eager to avoid repeating the same mistake.

In other news: Tottenham favourites to appoint this ‘perfectionist’, find out more here.

A number of Liverpool fans are devastated after it was claimed that Michael Edwards will leave his role as the club’s sporting director at the end of the season.

The Reds have enjoyed a glorious period under Jurgen Klopp, winning both the Premier League and Champions League in the last two-and-a-bit years.

While Klopp has undoubtedly been the main reason for Liverpool’s great success, Edwards has also played a major role in his own right.

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The Reds’ transfer guru has been integral to the club making some magnificent signings, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk all coming in under his watch. He has also recouped substantial fees for bit-part players such as Jordon Ibe, Danny Ward and Dominic Solanke.

Unfortunately, it looks as though Edwards’ time at Anfield is nearing its conclusion, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein claiming on Twitter that he will depart next summer.

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Liverpool fans left gutted by Edwards’ mooted departure

It is a potentially “huge loss” for Liverpool if Edwards does indeed leave next summer, in the words of one Kopite, and these Reds fans have been reacting to the news via Twitter.

“He must’ve got tired working under huge restrictions, any top sporting director wouldn’t stay when you have to work with owners who just always do the bare minimum”

Credit: @_lfcjosh

“The worst thing that can happen now is that FSG appoint their puppet who’ll always agree to them”

Credit: @CallMeRyuk

“They can’t sign players and now letting Edwards go. Deadline day gift from FSG!! Enjoy Reds”

Credit: @stilunbearable

“NOT a good start to the Morning”

Credit: @charlielfc

“This is a huge loss for us regardless how people feel about him past two seasons.”

Credit: @Homes19LFC

“Hard to take Liverpool any further, especially when working under the current constraints. Definitely something worrying going on behind the scenes”

Credit: @RoryGreenfield

In other news, Liverpool could reportedly sign one player before the transfer window closes. Read more here.