All posts by z3u9t.icu

A number of Liverpool supporters have slammed James Milner’s ineffective performance in the Reds’ 0-0 draw at home to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were in semi-final first leg action on Thursday evening, hosting a Gunners side that had just been dumped out of the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest.

It proved to be an extremely frustrating night for Liverpool, who performed badly throughout, failing to break down an Arsenal side who had Granit Xhaka sent-off in the first half.

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The Reds mustered a single attempt on target and now have plenty of work to do in the second leg at the Emirates next Thursday if they want to make it into next month’s final against Chelsea.

One player who struggled more than most was Milner, who offered little in the middle of the park, losing possession 13 times and playing no key passes, according to Sofascore, with that lack of creativity summing up the team’s overall display.

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Liverpool fans slaughter Milner performance

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to criticise the veteran’s display, with one supporter calling it a ‘disgrace’.

“I’m sorry but Milner and Henderson in the same midfield actually breaks me”

Credit: @ilab1612

“Honestly, I’ve had enough of Milner. He’s washed, it’s a bit of a disgrace he still gets minutes for us”

Credit: @TDJS_92

“Milner and Hendo were woeful yet again”

Credit: @_umairg

“Love Milner done lots for us but surely he has to go”

Credit: @sam76803802

“Milner is one of the worst players in the Prem”

Credit: @UnbiasedLiverp1

“Announce Milner as part of the coaching staff @LFC”

Credit: @KingAfo

In other news, some Liverpool fans have flocked to one transfer update. Read more here.

According to reports by Voetbal24 (via SportWitness), West Ham are a ‘serious candidate’ for Club Brugge star Hans Vanaken, who is expected to make a Premier League move if he wins the Belgian Golden Shoe.

The Lowdown: Vanaken having a fantastic season

Attacking-midfielder Vanaken signed for Brugge in 2015, having already spent five seasons playing in Belgium – first at Lommel United, then at KSC Lokeren.

The Belgium international is currently having a fantastic campaign in the Jupiler Pro League, having scored five goals and producing two assists.

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He has also performed on the European stage, scoring three times and assisting once in six Champions League games this season – drawing international attention.

The Latest: Vanaken linked with the Hammers

The Hammers have long been linked with the midfielder, having previously been rejected by the player following a £15 million bid. Vanaken cited that if he were to move to the Premier League, he would want only want to do so to win trophies.

However, according to a report by Voetbal24 (via SportWitness), if Vanaken is able to bring home the Belgian Golden Shoe, it is expected that he will move to the Premier League, with West Ham now once again considered a serious candidate.

This arises after a previous report Voetbal24 (via SportWitness) claimed that the move was no longer out of the question despite the previous rejection.

The Verdict: A fine addition for David Moyes

The attacking-midfielder could prove to be a fantastic addition to David Moyes’ side, who have struggled for goals recently, with Michail Antonio failing to score in his last seven Premier League games.

Former teammate Onur Kaya has said that Vanaken has the technique of a much smaller player – he is 6 foot 5 – and believes that his friend ‘has his place at 16 of the 20 Premier League clubs’.

Current teammate and former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has even claimed that Vanaken is a better finisher ‘than Roberto Firmino’ and that he is of a ‘comparable level to Mo [Salah]’.

It seems that the Belgian beast could be the perfect fit for West Ham as an alternative goalscoring option playing off Antonio, so fans will surely hope to see this deal cross the line.

As per club insider Claret & Hugh, West Ham United and manager David Moyes may have been gifted a possible boost with their sources sharing a ‘remarkable’ behind-scenes development.

The Lowdown: Injury worries…

Moyes and his West Ham side have had to cope with mounting injury problems over the last month with the biggest absentees by far being Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna.

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The defensive duo were mainstays before being sidelined, prompting Moyes to look to the transfer market in search for emergency cover as many links to centre-backs emerge.

Supporters will be anxious to know the timeframe of Zouma’s return with Ogbonna set to miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery.

ExWHUemployee recently claimed that the Frenchman is ‘ahead of schedule’ with another insider C&H now sharing more good news.

The Latest: Insider shares ‘remarkable’ Zouma development…

According to their information, Zouma has now started walking on grass for the first time since picking up his injury and ‘hopes are now high’ for a ‘much quicker’ return.

C&H go on to state, barring any setbacks which are possible, that he could even be back in action ‘as soon as mid February’.

Sharing what they’ve heard from an inside source, as quoted in the piece, Zouma’s progress behind-the-scenes is apparently ‘remarkable’.

The Verdict: Big boost…

This update should come as music to the ears of Irons supporters given Zouma’s impressive start to life at Rush Green. The France international, labelled a ‘colossus’ by Moyes, has made more clearances per 90 than any West Ham first teamer whilst proving to be a very reliable presence at the back (WhoScored).

Winning the fourth-most aerial duels out of their entire squad also (WhoScored), the 27-year-old’s return could not come sooner enough given Moyes’ lack of defensive cover.

While West Ham may well still sign a centre-half going by reports, having Zouma back as soon by mid-February would certainly come as a big boost for Moyes as the Scotsman aims to guide his side to Champions League qualification.

In other news: £45m star likened to Suarez now keen to join West Ham, find out more here.

An update has emerged regarding interest from Newcastle United in RC Lens beast Seko Fofana.

What’s the talk?

According to Foot Mercato, via Get French Football News, the Magpies are showing an interest in the Ivorian as they consider their options ahead of the January transfer window.

The report claims AC Milan and Marseille are among the other clubs keen on the midfielder, whilst Lens will only cash in on him if they receive a huge offer.

Sissoko 2.0

Eddie Howe could land Moussa Sissoko 2.0 for Newcastle by securing a deal for Fofana, whilst solving a major issue for the club.

Isaac Hayden’s average WhoScored rating of 6.53 is the highest out of all of Newcastle’s midfielders in the Premier League this season, whilst Jonjoe Shelvey topped the list with 6.80 last term. This suggests that the Magpies are desperately lacking in quality options in the middle of the park, and Howe could solve that problem by signing Fofana as he has shown his class for Lens.

Foot Mercato claims that he is fourth in Ligue 1 for distance covered this season, on 143.5 kilometres; whilst it was revealed in 2015 that Sissoko was the fastest player in the Premier League for Newcastle, clocking in at 35.3 kilometres per hour as his top speed.

The 6 foot 1 Sissoko averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 7.04 in his final season on Tyneside, playing 37 of their 38 league matches in 2015/16. Fofana, who stands at 6 foot tall, is a rangey midfielder in a similar style to the 32-year-old and has averaged a sublime rating of 7.22 for Lens in Ligue 1 this term.

Fofana previously admitted that Manchester City legend Yaya Toure inspired him, admitting that the Ivory Coast legend was one of his role models whilst at the Etihad Stadium.

The 26-year-old said: “He inspired me a lot. When we went on tour, we spoke about everything and nothing. I had some times that I will never forget. And on the pitch, he was a role model for me, with his long runs forward, his assists, his goals. He was able to do almost everything, he was complete.”

Fofana’s form for Lens this season shows that he has the quality to impress at the top level, averaging 3.9 key passes and dribbles per game, along with 1.7 tackles and interceptions. Much like Sissoko was for Newcastle, he has proven that he can make an impact as a box-to-box midfielder and perform consistently, which is why Howe must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for him in January.

AND in other news, Offer on the table: PIF working to land NUFC deal for beast which will leave fans buzzing…

Celtic are closing in on a deal to bring Daizen Maeda to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Yahoo! Japan, who claim that Ange Postecoglou’s side have come to an agreement with Yokohama F. Marinos regarding the transfer of the 24-year-old centre-forward, with the Bhoys looking set to take the Japan international on loan for the second half of the season, before completing an obligatory ¥200m (£1.3m) purchase of the striker next summer.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Maeda has been in Japan this season, the news that Celtic look to be extremely close to completing a deal for the centre-forward is sure to have left the Parkhead faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 36 J League appearances this term, the £990k-rated man scored a whopping 23 goals, registered three assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.6 shots and making 0.9 key passes per game.

These returns saw the forward who Kevin Muscat dubbed a “dream” for a manager average a SofaScore match rating of 7.09, ranking him as his club’s joint sixth-best performer in the top flight of Japanese football.

As such, considering the amount of success Postecoglou has achieved with the signing of Maeda’s compatriot, Kyogo Furuhashi, already this season – with the 26-year-old having bagged 14 goals and five assists over 23 appearances for the Bhoys – the potential of the two international teammates linking up at Parkhead is certainly an extremely exciting one for all involved with the Hoops.

Furthermore, with it appearing as if the signing of Maeda has only cost Celtic a little over a million pounds, should the 24-year-old indeed go on to replicate the form of Kyogo in the second half of the current campaign, the striker would undoubtedly prove to be a contender for signing of the season.

In other news: Forget Rogic: “Brilliant” Celtic gem who won 78% duels made the “world of difference”

Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest on Newcastle United’s search for a new manager, including the latest on Paulo Fonseca.

What’s the story?

Having finally come to terms with the removal of Steve Bruce, the Magpies can now firmly turn their attentions towards hiring a new boss, and Romano has indicated that the race is still very much open at the moment.

Writing on Twitter on Wednesday lunch-time, he initially said: “Paulo Fonseca and Lucien Favre are still among ‘options’ on Newcastle list for manager role. No talks with Antonio Conte as things stand now. Fonseca, open to discuss. #NUFC Talks opened few days ago with Fonseca, Favre is waiting too. Nothing agreed yet. Race still open.”

Then, on early Thursday morning, he added: “Newcastle decision on new manager will take some days. Paulo Fonseca would be open to accept and excited for this opportunity after Spurs job chance collapsed at final stages last summer – but Newcastle are in talks with many candidates. #NUFC Race still open for Magpies job.”

A new era at Newcastle United

Perhaps the most exciting thing for Newcastle United fans – aside from the obvious of Bruce being out – is the sheer calibre of managers being linked with the top job at St James’ Park.

Both Fonseca and Lucien Favre have won big trophies at their previous clubs, while Antonio Conte is arguably the biggest of the lot.

He led Inter to the Serie A title last season, and has already of course won the Premier League and FA Cup in his previous stint as manager at Chelsea. His experience of the English game could also be a major drawing point for PIF.

While Amanda Staveley and co will be looking for a rebuild, targeting proven European managers with considerable experience managing in the top leagues and competing in the Champions League too, is something that will surely delight Magpies supporters.

Meanwhile, Craig Hope has delivered his own Newcastle United manager update…

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is interested in taking over at Aston Villa, according to The Telegraph.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the update on social media.

Villa are on the hunt for a new manager after parting ways with Dean Smith on Sunday, and it seems as if the next man in the Villa Park dugout could well be Gerrard.

The Telegraph shared a story on Tuesday evening, suggesting that Villa are now set to make an official approach to Rangers for the 41-year-old, who is reportedly keen to move to the Midlands.

Christian Purslow reportedly addressed the Villa players who have not gone away on international duty on Monday, stating a new boss would be in place in seven days.

The recent report also adds that Villa look set to move for Gerrard’s assistants Gary McAllister and Michael Beale, should discussions with the Scottish giants prove to be successful. Ashley Preece has since claimed that Gerrard to Villa is all but done.

As such, there has been a debate among AVFC supporters over whether Gerrard would be a good appointment, having taken the Scottish Premiership title off of the hands of Celtic last season, but with no prior experience in senior management.

Villa fans react

Well-known Villa fan page @villareport shared The Telegraph’s claim on Twitter on Tuesday evening. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with some sharing their positive and negative thoughts and one labelling it as ‘ludicrous’.

“I don’t get it. Sack a man who’s got years of experience including the Premier League and well thought of as a coach. Have someone who’s managing a team in a second rate league has limited experience of coaching. Villa need to set their sights higher.”

Credit: @mickstan63

“Yeah I might as well just deactivate again”

Credit: @MasonUTFV

“Oh no”

Credit: @Jannetts_

“This is absolutely ludicrous. We’ll be going down if this happens.”

Credit: @thepostmaterial

“GET INNNNNNN”

Credit: @DG_Villa1

“High ceiling. Let’s do this. UTV”

Credit: @myburneraccou11

“SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON WE’RE GOING FOR THE TITLE CHARGE”

Credit: @catrinavfc

In other news: Reps of 9-honour boss now contact Villa in late-night update; Ranieri called him ‘intelligent’. 

Paddy Kenny thinks Everton have a chance of pulling off ‘an unbelievable deal’ for Real Madrid’s Isco. 

The former Sheffield United and Leeds United goalkeeper was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo last week, Isco is facing an ‘untenable situation’ at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid are keen to sell him in January in order to prevent him walking away for nothing when he reaches the end of his contract come June.

And so it’s down to the player to decide whether he’ll leave mid-season, with Everton one of his ‘more likely’ destinations.

Isco was limited to just eight La Liga starts last season in Zinedine Zidane’s final season at the helm, and new boss Carlo Ancelotti has only picked him for two of the first eight top-flight fixtures (via WhoScored).

The 29-year-old, who’s valued at £16.2million by Transfermarkt, has made 342 appearances for Los Blancos, scored 52 goals and provided 56 assists.

The latest

Kenny was effusive in his praise of Isco despite his struggles for gametime in the Spanish capital.

He thinks the player’s previous experience of working with Rafael Benitez could give Everton an ‘edge’ if there proves to be a battle for his signature.

“I think if this one comes off, it would be an unbelievable deal,” he said.

“You don’t play all those games for Real Madrid over the last ten years without being an absolute superstar.

“He is a talented player, someone I’ve always looked up to as a fantastic midfielder. What a player.

“If there is an opportunity to sign him, he’s someone the fans would like to see play for them.

“Benitez managed him when he was at Real Madrid too, which could give them a bit of an edge.”

The verdict

The parallels with the James Rodriguez are hard to ignore.

James was also 29 when he swapped Madrid for Merseyside, having fallen down the pecking order.

The Colombian did show his quality on the pitch, but his wages soon become a real problem for Everton.

Isco’s £225,000 pay packet should force the Toffees to think twice, especially when they compare his extensive injury history to that of Rodriguez.

In other news, Greg O’Keeffe offers his insight on reported Donny van de Beek interest.

Everton have been linked with a move for Inter forward Alexis Sanchez as they look to sign a replacement for the departed James Rodriguez.

What’s the story?

According to InterLive.it (as relayed by the Liverpool ECHO), the Toffees are interested in signing the highly-rated 32-year-old in the January window, with Rafa Benitez keen to add further attacking reinforcements to his first-team squad.

The report states that Sanchez is becoming frustrated with his lack of opportunities under new manager Simone Inzaghi and Everton could offer a potential swap deal for the versatile forward’s signature.

It’s claimed that the Premier League outfit would be willing to offer unwanted striker Cenk Tosun in the opposite direction to sweeten the deal, but that the Nerazzurri are only interested in a cash deal for the South American’s services.

Everton could replace Rodriguez

After former Real Madrid playmaker Rodriguez departed Goodison Park over the summer, Benitez was left extremely lightweight in the final third of the pitch.

Injuries to the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have exposed the Spaniard’s threadbare forward line, with back-to-back defeats now increasing the pressure for director of football Marcel Brands to address the issue in the winter transfer window.

Therefore, Sanchez’s apparent availability could be the ideal solution to Everton’s current issues and the player’s own concerns over his game time.

During his three-and-a-half-year stay at Arsenal, the Chile international bagged 80 goals and provided 45 assists in 166 appearances for the Gunners, winning the FA Cup twice along the way as he became one of English football’s most revered stars.

His outstanding performances at the Emirates Stadium caught the eye of several impressed onlookers, including Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

“He is a player that can play in several positions: left, right, central. He is a fighter with character and spirit, and he is a winner,” said Guardiola back in 2016. “He is a class, class player, but now I think he is playing really well. With Chile he has won two South American cups, that shows what a good player he is.”

But things have not quite worked out for Sanchez since leaving north London. Spells at Manchester United and Inter have failed to bring out the best in the £4.5m-rated beast, but Merseyside could be the ideal destination to revive his career.

And, in other news…Forget Pickford: Everton liability who lost 73% of his duels let Rafa down v Watford 

It’s time for David Moyes to unleash Alphonse Areola as his first-choice West Ham goalkeeper ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United.

According to Football Insider earlier this month, the Scotsman is planning to phase the Paris Saint-Germain loanee into his starting XI to make him the new number one over the coming weeks.

That is yet to come to fruition, though, as the 28-year-old summer signing is yet to make his debut for the Irons.

Lukasz Fabianski, 36, has started every single game so far this season and has pretty much been untouchable between the sticks for several years now, but Moyes must think about the long-term future, and handing Areola a start at Old Trafford would be a good test on whether or not the Frenchman is ready.

Areola was a regular for Fulham last season as they were relegated to the Championship but he still impressed.

As per SofaScore, he kept nine clean sheets and made an average of 3.2 saves per game, stopping 116 attempts across his 36 appearances. Standing at 6 foot 5 in stature, he could be a more physically commanding option for the Hammers.

He actually bettered Fabianksi’s average rating (6.84) for the 2020/21 campaign, with the PSG man earning a 6.94 on SofaScore.

Current Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel had him in his ranks during his time at Les Parcs des Princes and went as far as callin him “exceptional” and “amazing” for sharing the workload with Gigi Buffon, as per PSG’s official website.

If the £15.3m-rated shot-stopper is to truly become the new no.1, then he must be given a run in the side, particularly as he’s only on loan – if he struggles, then it would make the decision to not sanction a permanent move an easy one, for example.

Ex-Cottagers boss Scott Parker has previously waxed lyrical about his skillset to reporters (via BT), saying: “[He is] a very aggressive keeper, a front-foot keeper who wants to come and command his box, come and collect.

“Physically very very big, agile. They were all the areas we looked at and they were the areas he ticked those boxes, and that was exactly what we need and we’ve not been shocked in any way by that.”

It’s time for Moyes to bite the bullet and start the three-time France international. It could be huge for their entire season, not just for their chances of pulling off a result tonight.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee reveals behind-the-scenes West Ham claim…