All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham United were dealt a frustrating setback in their quest to qualify for the Champions League this season after they were held by relegation-battling Burnley at Turf Moor.

And it was yet another game in which Michail Antonio struggled in the final third.

The Clarets, who have won just once all season, largely matched the fourth-placed Irons and were resolute enough to not hand them many chances. That said, the 31-year-old put in another lacklustre display and that would’ve undoubtedly contributed to their futile attempts up top.

Across the 90 minutes he had on the pitch, Antonio failed to register a single shot on target, with both his efforts going wide. Even central defenders Issa Diop and James Tarkowski managed to hit the target.

His lack of influence for the visiting east Londoners was reflected by the fact that he recorded the fewest touches of any Hammers starter (34). One less than even goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (35), as well as managing only ten accurate passes all game, too.

Elsewhere, the Jamaican international struggled to combat the physical threat on offer from the home side, losing possession a whopping 16 times, almost once every other touch of the ball, whilst he also won just 46% of his 15 battles, both on the ground and in the air, only further highlighting the way in which he was dominated by Sean Dyche’s towering backline.

‘Another Hammer who had a quiet game with the striker’s poor touch on a couple of occasions costing him the chance of a sight of goal,’ was how football.london reporter Tom Clark described Antonio’s performance after the match.

Indeed, that was the case and it has been that way for several games now. The former Nottingham Forest ace has scored just once in ten games and has now failed to surpass a 6.9 WhoScored rating in five of his last six matches.

His form has to be a major cause for concern to manager David Moyes and the club. He will certainly feel badly let down by his star man once again because if Antonio isn’t firing, West Ham often aren’t either.

The £70k-per-week forward must do better in the coming weeks, especially as he’s the only option in the role. He must do better.

AND in other news, Rob Newman can seal West Ham’s biggest signing since Payet in “complete” £24.3m-rated gem…

A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted negatively to a claim that Roberto Firmino hasn’t decided if he will stay put at Anfield or not.

The Brazilian has been a wonderful servant for the Reds, joining from Hoffenheim in 2015 and becoming one of the poster boys of the Jurgen Klopp era.

Firmino has made 311 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 94 goals and registering 73 assists, proving to be the perfect foil for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

At 30, the striker is not getting any younger, however, and his current Reds deal expires in the summer of 2023, with little sign of a new contract being agreed.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg on Twitter, Firmino will be the man to decide over whether or not he stays at Anfield, with talks taking place in the coming months.

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Liverpool fans react to Firmino claim

It suggests that a Liverpool exit isn’t out of the question and these fans reacted negatively to that possibility on Twitter.

“Never want to see Bobby leave, whatever his role in the squad becomes I hope he retires here”

Credit: @JoshuaKekana

“It will be a sad, sad day when Bobby moves on. He might not be quite what he was but the integral part he’s played can’t be overstated and his personality and selflessness has been invaluable to the culture and success of the side. One of my favourite ever #LFC players”

Credit: @reid1892

“I want Bobby to stay at Liverpool”

Credit: @JuniArga2

“Really hope we keep Bobby. Legend such a great player”

Credit: @MartinT_LFC75

“He’s a legend whatever decision he takes”

Credit: @supermanelfc

“HE CANNOT GO ANYWHERE”

Credit: @dantewillz

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited after a transfer claim emerged. Read more here.

Alan Nixon has dropped a hint on the chances of Rafael Benitez potentially joining Celtic on social media.

Benitez was first linked with taking over from Neil Lennon while the latter was still in charge at Parkhead back in January.

Reports then suggested that the Spaniard was set to become the Hoops’ new manager, however, as we know, a move never materialised.

The 61-year-old is still out of work after leaving Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional in January though, so we shouldn’t rule it out completely, and Nixon, who writes for The Sun, was asked by a Celtic fan on Wednesday if Benitez would be interested in a move to Glasgow, to which he simply replied:

“Always interested in cash…”

Transfer Tavern take

Nixon may well have dropped a big hint regarding Benitez, however, we can’t see a move to Glasgow gathering major pace over the coming weeks.

Benitez was on a £12m-a-year deal in China and a £6m-a-year salary before that with Newcastle, and another tweet from Nixon to the same Hoops fans revealed the Spaniard would be ‘not cheap’.

Compare that to former Celtic managers Lennon and Brendan Rodgers, who were reportedly on £2.4m-a-year and £2.3m-a-year respectively at Celtic Park.

He may well be interested if the cash is there, but we don’t think Celtic would be capable of offering him the finances required to tempt him to Parkhead.

In other news: Premier League club make enquiry over Kris Ajer, find out more here. 

Aston Villa have become one of the more active clubs when it comes to being busy in the transfer market over the past few years.

The previous January window saw the Midlands club bring in five new players on permanent or loan deals as well as moving some other players out in the other direction.

However, one player that the Villans were not able to secure over the winter was Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma.

After being mentioned with a potential £50m move away from the south coast club, Bissouma remained at Brighton and continues to play for Graham Potter’s side.

Once the window had closed, Steven Gerrard revealed that Villa had a bid of £25m rejected for the Mali international.

Since arriving at Brighton back in the 2018 summer transfer window from Lille in a deal worth a reported fee of £15m, the midfielder has become a pivotal figure for the Seagulls.

With 120 appearances under his belt for the club across all competitions, the 25-year-old has chipped in with five goals and two assists.

To highlight how important he is for his side, no other Brighton midfielder has been able to match the combined total of tackles and interceptions (115) he’s been able to rack up in this Premier League.

Labelled as an “exceptional” player in the past by Gary Lineker, Bissouma also showed during Brighton’s recent 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur just what he’s capable of on the pitch.

During the 90 minutes, the former Lille ace made four interceptions, three tackles, won seven of the nine duels he was involved in and completed all three dribbles he attempted.

This shows just how talented he is on and off the ball against an Antonio Conte team that, not long before, had put four goals past Gerrard’s side at Villa Park.

This also led to Potter describing his player as being at “Champions League level” in terms of his performances on the pitch.

Moving forward, it would be sensible for the Villans and Johan Lange to not only reignite their interest in Bissouma but to not consider giving Brighton the money that they would want for him.

In other news: “Gerrard wants..“: Journo drops teasing transfer claim, AVFC supporters surely buzzing

Many fans of Manchester City have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relayed Sam Lee’s article regarding the future of Erling Haaland.

In his article for The Athletic, Lee claims that City representatives have been in contact with Haaland’s father in recent weeks, meaning that the “wheels are in motion” regarding a move for the £141,000-per-week centre-forward this summer, in addition to the fact that the club have “sanctioned” the potential transfer.

So far this season, the £99m-rated 20-year-old has been in astonishing form for Borussia Dortmund, scoring 21 goals and providing four assists over his 21 Bundesliga appearances, as well as bagging 10 goals and one assist in just six Champions League fixtures.

After City Xtra relayed Lee’s report on Twitter, these fans of Manchester City flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing to be ecstatic at the prospect of Pep Guardiola’s side landing Haaland this summer.

So, what exactly did these Manchester City fans have to say in reaction to the report regarding Erling Haaland?

“This is genuinely happening.”

@OliverBoisen

“OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG.”

@SilkyCyrus_74

“Wow.”

@Vrishab05777495

“He’s coming home.”

@CityJoul

“SAM LEE? This is becoming serious man.”

@agboladephilip

“This is what we like to see.”

@alexpaolo9

“OHHHHHHHH.”

@Prince_Ederson

“IT’S HAPPENING! IT’S REALLY HAPPENING!!”

@Citizenani06

In other news: loads of Manchester City fans loved this news about a former Etihad hero – find out more here!

Glasgow Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos was left out of the Colombia squad altogether for their clash against Venezuela in the Copa America.

The Lowdown: Morelos selected for Copa America

Morelos has been selected as part of Colombia’s 28-man squad for the South American championship (fcf.com.co), which is being played in Brazil.

The 24-year-old Gers man has one goal in 10 caps for his country, and will be hoping to add to that this tournament.

The Latest: Morelos not selected

Morelos was an unused substitute in his country’s first match of the tournament, a 1-0 victory over Ecuador.

Against Venezuela, though, he was not even selected as part of the matchday squad.

Colombia could only manage a lacklustre 0-0 draw, so perhaps they could have utilised a bit of extra venom up front.

The Verdict: Plenty of depth

While Rangers fans will no doubt be surprised their man did not play a part against Venezuela, he does have plenty of competition for a spot in the starting line-up.

Both Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel have also been selected, and they managed 37 Serie A goals between them for Atalanta last term (infogol.net).

With just two games played, Morelos still has plenty of time to make an impression at the tournament. If Colombia continue to be so poor, boss Reinaldo Rueda may have no choice but to select the former HJK Helsinki man from the start.

In other news, Rangers fans were livid at this Euro 2020 news.

It seems like Graham Potter is now back in the frame for the vacant manager’s role at Tottenham Hotspur…

What’s the word?

According to talkSPORT reporter Ian Abrahams, Spurs’ managerial search is now a two-horse race, in which the Brighton and Hove Albion boss is being considered.

This has since been backed up by claims from The Athletic, where Jack Pitt-Brooke suggested the North London outfit could go back to their initial shortlist of options, which would see the 46-year-old come back in contention.

The Solihull-born coach, previously of Swansea and Ostersunds, has also been backed by ex-Lilywhites striker Darren Bent, who dubbed him “exceptional” to talkSPORT this week.

Pochettino V2

In Potter, chairman Daniel Levy could go back to what has worked for the club before as it would bear plenty of similarities to the time they poached Mauricio Pochettino from Southampton.

The Argentine wasn’t at St Mary’s Stadium for long as Spurs turned to him to replace Tim Sherwood in 2014 after he guided the Saints to their best finish since 2003.

“We were talking off-air about when Tottenham brought in Pochettino. He’d only been at Southampton for five minutes before they took him, so they could go down that route again,” claimed Danny Murphy on talkSPORT when Potter was first linked.

But the Seagulls coach also earns comparisons to the current Paris Saint-Germain boss for two more reasons.

His development of young talent – seen by the likes of Ben White, Tariq Lamptey and Yves Bissouma – and an attacking brand of football that The Athletic have described as possession-heavy and highly intense, with the side playing out from the back.

These are the criteria that Levy has always been looking for throughout this process, as per the Guardian. Effectively, he wants his next Pochettino. And he’ll get close to it in Potter.

On the face of it, a 16th place finish is nothing to shout home about but the Brighton supremo has earned glowing endorsements from some elite names in the managerial game.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp labelled him “exceptional” whilst Man City’s title-winning manager Pep Guardiola believes he’s “the best” English coach right now, also claiming that he would love to play in his system.

Perhaps most interestingly, it would be an appointment that the players would surely be pleased with after it was claimed by football.london’s Alasdair Gold that Potter had left a “lasting impression” on the current squad.

“Spurs certainly liked him and I know that a number of the players had been impressed by his Brighton team when they played them,” he added in a recent Q&A with fans.

Again, the Argentine was very popular with his team, so on the above evidence, the 46-year-old could well be Tottenham’s next Pochettino.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano reveals new candidate in Spurs’ managerial search… 

Leeds should look to move for Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa this summer amid Carlton Palmer’s transfer verdict.

What’s the story?

The Athletic’s Phil Hay recently suggested that the Cottagers ace should be the man Marcelo Bielsa goes for when the transfer window opens come the summer.

Speaking on The Phil Hay Show, the journalist said: “He’s a player I would go for, yeah, absolutely. I think they’ll try and find somebody potentially younger or somebody who is more willing to be a backstop to Phillips. But Anguissa, to me, looks extremely talented and a player I would have.”

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Palmer responded: “I think he could play the Leeds style because Bielsa has a very distinctive style that he plays, and the one thing you’ve got to do is be mobile. You’ve got to be able to get around the football pitch and he can do that.

“It’ll be interesting to see because I don’t think, obviously unless the player wants to leave, financially, I don’t think Fulham will need to let any of the players go should they get relegated.”

Perfect for Leeds

Like Palmer says, Anguissa seems like he would be a perfect fit for Leeds given his ability to be a presence in both boxes – he ranks top for tackles per game, third for interceptions and top for dribbles for Fulham in the Premier League this season.

Having a dynamic presence in the middle of the park who can do everything from breaking up opposition attacks to kick-starting the counter with a surging run forward will be a dream for Bielsa.

Joachim Andersen, Anguissa’s teammate at Craven Cottage, has also raved about about the £22.5m-rated midfielder, saying: “He’s a top player. He’s a machine in the midfield. He’s winning so many balls and driving forward with it.”

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Given his Premier League experience, and the comments from both Hay and Palmer about his style of play, it’s surely a no-brainer for Leeds’ transfer chief Victor Orta to be eyeing a summer move for Anguissa.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign an ideal partner for Kalvin Phillips in this star…

Manchester City fans are livid after it was revealed the Citizens are set to enter contract talks with winger Raheem Sterling.

Since signing for City from Liverpool in 2015, Sterling has been a fantastic servant for the Premier League champions. In 290 matches for the club, he has managed 114 goals and 86 assists (Transfermarkt), helping them win the title on three occasions. His performances have also seen him grow into one of England’s most important players.

However, this term has not been his best – the 10 Premier League strikes he has managed is the lowest in any of his last four seasons, and he has come in for criticism from the club’s supporters. Still, City remain eager to offer the £90m-valued 26-year-old (Transfermarkt) a new contract – news which has not gone down well with the fans.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Sterling news below

“Hope he doesn’t sign”

Credit: @iD7Mi1

“Please just sell him”

Credit: @kormzee_

“I wish that we sell him!!”

Credit: @IsaacDurn15

“No plz”

Credit: @Kevin57197624

“Bin the fraud Ferran is better”

Credit: @Ferrxn21

“It’s time to sell him whilst he’s still quite young and is a big name”

Credit: @SkinFadeGazza

In other news, Man City fans want to sign this superstar.

Leicester City’s summer transfer window was undoubtedly a success. Brendan Rodgers addressed all the major weaknesses in his squad without losing any star players, but one target who got away may give the Northern Irishman some sleepless nights.

What’s the story?

Following the departure of former loanee Cengiz Under, the Foxes were heavily linked with a new right-winger in recent months, with PSV Eindhoven’s Noni Madueke reportedly high up on their wish list.

However, despite extensive speculation that the highly-rated 19-year-old was set to return to his homeland, the England under-21 international signed a new long-term contract at the Philips Stadion, committing his future to the club.

Nevertheless, despite putting pen to paper on fresh terms, Madueke has admitted in a recent interview that he hopes to play in the Premier League in the future after being released by boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur aged 16.

Leicester City fans will be buzzing

When asked if he has ambitions to play in the Premier League (as relayed by the Leicester Mercury), Madueke said: “Yeah, definitely”.

He continued: “The Premier League is the best league in the world and every young English player wants to be there. But also, I am not someone who is afraid to venture elsewhere, so whatever is best for my development, whichever country, I am a person who won’t be scared to take the leap.

“When I was 16, I didn’t want to go into that under-21 system,” Madueke added. “I wanted to go out and play and be involved in a first-team as quickly as possible.

“I didn’t want to play under-23 football as a talented 16-year-old when I felt I was ready for the first team. I backed myself 100 per cent. I am very impatient.”

After bagging nine goals and providing eight assists in 32 appearances for Roger Schmidt’s charges last season, former PSV ace Tommie van de Leegte labelled Madueke “explosive” following his electric displays.

The youngster has started the new campaign in even more impressive fashion, contributing to seven goals in 10 matches in all competitions, highlighting his top-class potential.

Therefore, Leicester fans will surely be buzzing to learn that Madueke is eager to grace the Premier League in the near future, giving them hope that he could be tearing up the King Power Stadium soon if the Foxes maintain their apparent interest in him.

In other news… Report sheds light on Leicester’s deadline day development, Rodgers will be gutted