All posts by z3u9t.icu

Pep Guardiola has been dealt a blow at Manchester City as Aymeric Laporte has picked up an injury on international duty with Spain.

What’s the word?

The 27-year-old centre-back, who has enjoyed a fine start to the season with the Citizens, was forced off at half-time with an adductor injury in Spain’s 4-0 win against Georgia at the weekend, which will put him in doubt for City’s trip to face Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.

The former Athletic Bilbao man has impressed in each of City’s last two games, which resulted in 5-0 victories against Norwich City and Arsenal, with his 7.61 average rating from WhoScored ranking him as the fifth-best performer in Guardiola’s side so far this season.

A big blow for Guardiola?

There were some suggestions that Laporte could leave during the summer transfer window after he spent much of last season playing second fiddle to Ruben Dias and John Stones, who formed a superb partnership in the heart of City’s defence.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936”]

However, he remained at the Etihad and his impressive performances thus far have reinforced his immense quality, and he is sure to play a regular part in Guardiola’s side throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

The Spanish manager certainly rates Laporte highly, as he sang his praises following the game against Norwich, saying:

“Aymeric Laporte is the best left-footed centre-back for build-up in the world.”

Unfortunately for Laporte, with Stones surely now close to full fitness, it seems likely that he will resume his partnership with Dias at the back for City’s game at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, and it may be tough for the Spaniard to re-establish his place in the starting lineup following his recovery from injury.

Therefore, it is undoubtedly a blow that the £40.5m-rated man could be set for a spell on the sidelines and City fans will be gutted that he has picked up this injury after such a solid start to the season.

And, in other news… Guardiola set for huge Man City boost with “incredibly talented” star

Some Everton fans have been left fuming as a transfer update emerged on Tom Davies.

As per The Athletic, the central midfield player was made available for transfer by the Goodison Park faithful in the summer window, but he preferred to stay and fight for his place.

Davies picked up form toward the end of the 2020/21 term, after often finding himself criticised by some supporters of the Merseyside club earlier on in the season.

Being a local boy, it would have been a real shame for Rafa Benitez’s team to have decided to let him go, and his attitude in terms of wanting to fight for his place has to be admired.

Thus, it is not a surprise at all to see so many Toffees raging over the news.

Everton fans on Davies transfer update

These Blues fumed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one EFC fan even going as far as to claim that it was ‘appalling’:

“Rafa out”

Credit: @efcdoyley

“Never understand this me, had his best season since he broke through. Low wages, versatile and great squad player”

Credit: @Haydfie96

“No. Sell the crabs and let our Tom blossom.”

Credit: @wilmotoffee

“Literally the perfect squad player makes no sense selling him”

Credit: @thatguysjokes

“If this is true it’s absolutely appalling. Had some great games last season. Lives and breathes Everton. Yet we are willing to put him up for sale while we still employ Delph, Gylfi, Tosun etc. Disgusting.”Credit: @Shanetaylor_”Pointless selling him. Smallish wages and a squad player. We’re at the bare bones already.”Credit: @Stu17666455In other news, find out what transfer update has Evertonians raging here!

Manchester City extended their winning run to three matches in the Premier League as they beat Leicester 1-0 in a closely-contested clash at the King Power Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s side went into the international break having won two of their first three league matches – beating Norwich and Arsenal 5-0. They are now one point off the top of the table after overcoming Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes.

Bernardo Silva scored the only goal of the game, in the second half, as both sides wasted chances and Jamie Vardy saw a goal chalked off for offside.

Whilst the Portuguese international will take the plaudits for scoring the winning goal, another City player stole the show with a sublime performance in midfield; Ilkay Gundogan.

The former Borussia Dortmund maestro was exceptional for City as he ran the game in the middle of the park, leading to SofaScore handing him the highest rating (8.3) out of the 22 starters on the pitch.

Defensively, Gundogan stuck to his task well and was solid. Per SofaScore, he won an impressive 71% of his duels against Leicester players, winning three of his five battles on the ground and both of his duels in the air. He also made one interception and one tackle, whilst only committing one foul all game.

These are not statistics that suggest that he was running about the pitch like N’Golo Kante making tackles here, there, and everywhere, but they do show that he was effective when he did challenge for the ball. It also highlights that he was strong in 50/50 battles, which meant that Leicester were not able to bully him into ceding possession.

Offensively, Gundogan stood out above the rest. Per SofaScore, the German completed 82% of his passes and 100% of his long pass attempts. He was also successful with both of his attempted dribbles and created an eye-catching four chances – including one ‘big chance’ – from central midfield. Gundogan used his technical ability and vision to unlock the Leicester defence, although his teammates ultimately let him down as he ended the match with zero assists.

He was solid defensively and excellent going forward, helping contribute to City’s eventual win by putting pressure on the Leicester defence. Guardiola will surely be delighted by the dynamo’s impact at both ends of the pitch and hope that the rest of his players can start taking the chances that the German is creating from midfield.

Tottenham Hotspur have been mooted with interest in Jarrod Bowen this week…

What’s the word?

According to the Independent’s Melissa Reddy, the north Londoners are one of several Premier League teams scouting the West Ham attacker extensively, with Liverpool and Leicester City also mentioned.

The 24-year-old winger joined the Irons in a £20m-plus move back in January 2020 and has been a standout performer for David Moyes ever since, so it’s no wonder some of the bigger teams are taking a keen eye on potentially swooping for him in the future.

It still very much remains to be seen how much Bowen would command in the current market, although he is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, having signed a £60k-per-week deal at the London Stadium.

Paratici masterclass

Interest in the versatile dynamo should hardly come as a surprise given his recent form, even during their defeat to Manchester United at the weekend, he stood out amongst his peers, creating four key chances and being a tireless presence out of position up top.

Not only would he meet the homegrown quota but he could also meet one of Nuno Santo’s previous desires – if reports are to be believed.

During the summer window, the Telegraph’s Matt Law claimed that the Portuguese was keen to convert Spurs’ system to a two-man attack and that he wanted to find a Premier League experienced player to play alongside Harry Kane.

That did not come to fruition, which may have left the Spurs boss rather frustrated, especially given their struggles in front of goal this term. They haven’t scored in their last two league outings and before then, they won three games by a 1-0 scoreline.

Bowen isn’t an out-and-out striker but he fits the mould of what Nuno likes – think of Adama Traore at Wolves as he often was deployed up top, more so in the absence of Raul Jimenez.

Just like the former Hull City hotshot when Michail Antonio is out of the side.

The uncapped Englishman has delivered nine goals and 11 assists in 59 appearances for the Hammers, contributing once every 200 minutes, via Transfermarkt.

Whilst he’s only been able to provide one assist so far in 2021/22, Bowen tops the charts for creativity, averaging 2.4 key passes per game, which is better than every single member of Spurs’ current squad, which suggests he could well fix another issue in N17.

It’s no wonder he was once lauded as “unplayable” by his former Tigers head coach Grant McCann, whilst talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan once described him as a “world-beater.”

In Bowen, Paratici could well deliver an absolute masterclass of a signing. He can help fix their creative issues, be the perfect foil for Kane and be a Traore-like presence up top for Nuno.

If a deal can be done, then Spurs must sanction it.

AND in other news, Nuno set for Spurs boost as major Hotspur Way development emerges, fans surely buzzing…

Celtic striker Albian Ajeti has ‘bought into’ the philosophy of new manager Ange Postecoglou, sources close to the club have told The Athletic. 

The lowdown

Celtic sold Odsonne Edouard to Crystal Palace at the end of the summer transfer window and brought in Giorgos Giakoumakis as a replacement.

But Giakoumakis has yet to play a single minute for his new club. He’s had to build up his fitness after undergoing only ‘the bare minimum of a pre-season’ with his former side VVV-Venlo.

He was in line to make his debut off the bench in Thursday’s Scottish League Cup tie against Raith Rovers, only to sustain an injury in the warm-up (via The Times).

It’s been Ajeti leading the line for Celtic following Edouard’s departure, and he’s bagged three goals, first a brace against Ross County and then the opener in the thrilling 4-3 defeat away to Real Betis.

The latest

Ajeti has enthusiastically looked to adapt to Postecoglou’s ‘high-octane’ brand of football.

Sources say he looks ‘sharper’ in training than he did last season, while Kieran Devlin notes that he appears ‘leaner, and fitter as a consequence’.

The verdict

Ajeti’s first season at Celtic Park was unconvincing, but clearly he saw the arrival of Postecoglou as an opportunity to boost his prospects.

Will Giakoumakis struggle to dislodge him when he does eventually get fit? Maybe not, but Ajeti may now be viewed more as a competitor for the Greek international than a mere back-up.

That’s not say he still doesn’t have his critics. Ex-Celtic man Frank McAvennie, for instance, claimed he could have covered more ground at the age of 61 than Ajeti did against Livington last weekend.

The Swiss international ‘never broke any kind of sweat’, McAvennie added.

In other news, read this injury expert’s insight on Kyogo Furuhashi.  

Nottingham Forest ran out 3-0 winners against Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon.

Forest posted images of manager Steve Cooper celebrating the result on their official Twitter channel shortly after the victory, which led to a number of fans sharing their love for the imagery on social media.

The 41-year-old continued his unbeaten start to life as manager at the City Ground, with two wins and a draw from his opening three games as the post-Chris Hughton revival continues.

Lewis Grabban opened the scoring early on at St Andrew’s, with Ryan Yates doubling the lead before the interval. Djed Spence then put an end to any hopes of a Birmingham comeback eight minutes into the second half with a fine strike to cap off a brilliant afternoon’s work for the Reds.

The win lifts Forest up into 17th place on 11 points, with Forest sharing three images of Cooper celebrating with the travelling support at the full-time whistle.

Forest fans react

Here is what these Forest fans had to say in response to the club’s post, with one labelling it as ‘beautiful’.

“Just what we need from our manager, a bit of passion for a change, just keep doing what you are doing Steve.”

Credit: @richardson_glyn

“Unbelievable Jeff”

Credit: @77Riches

“Things like this go a long way with the fans, super Cooper”

Credit: @roryjlomax

“Beautiful man”

Credit: @_FERNEY10

“I’m already in love with this man”

Credit: @JfAllan98

“My gaffer”

Credit: @MichelNffc4

Everton have been linked with a move for Real Betis midfielder Nabil Fekir as new manager Rafael Benitez looks to replace the departed James Rodriguez.

What’s the story?

According to reports in Spain, the Toffees are one of three Premier League clubs interested in securing the 28-year-old’s signature, with West Ham United and Arsenal also listed as potential suitors.

Claims state that: “His excellent form has sparked the interest of several Premier League clubs. Nabil Fekir is in advanced negotiations to close his renewal with Real Betis.

“The Franco-Algerian player is very happy in Andalusia and has a lot of confidence in the Verdiblanco sports project. However, a powerful financial offer, both for him and for the club, could change the plans.”

New James Rodriguez

Fekir has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents in recent years after rising through the ranks at former club Lyon.

During his time with the Ligue 1 giants, he scored 69 goals and provided a further 46 assists in 193 appearances, earning the praise of several pundits, teammates and rivals alike.

One of his admirers was former Barcelona winger Malcom. The Brazilian lauded Fekir’s ability in the final third ahead of a Champions League clash between the Blaugrana and Lyon back in 2019.

“Fekir is a big player, and when I was in France, he scored incredible goals,” Malcom told Telefoot (as relayed by Goal). “It will be more difficult with him (in the Lyon team).”

Since then, the stocky attacker has made the switch to Spanish football, becoming a pivotal part of Real Betis’s recent success, bagging 14 goals and laying on a further 15 assists in 81 outings.

However, Fekir’s current contract expires in the summer of 2023, and although he’s believed to be happy at Betis, a move could be on the horizon for creative talent if a substantial offer is incoming.

The £22.5m-rated gem would be the ideal replacement for Rodriguez, who departed Goodison Park after just 12 months over the summer.

The Colombian was the Toffees’ chief creator last term with 1.7 key passes per game, a number Everton’s French target has bettered this season with 2.5 per game. As a result, he could provide Benitez with the midfield playmaker his first-team squad is currently lacking.

And, in other news…Forget Townsend: Everton powerhouse who won 8 duels was Rafa’s unsung hero vs MUFC 

Harrison Ashby may not be a name familiar with many West Ham fans but he could well be the next name to emerge from their Chadwell Heath academy base in the next few years.

The 19-year-old right-back has impressed David Moyes since the Scotsman returned to the dugout for a second time and could be in line for more opportunities throughout the season, having made his debut in last season’s Carabao Cup win over Charlton Athletic.

He was later named in the starting line-up against Hull City in the very same competition, featuring alongside Aji Alese and Ben Johnson in a youthful backline.

That fact that he was selected over many more youngsters, some of whom only made the bench, was rather telling and only goes to show how much Moyes thinks of the Scottish gem.

Just like Declan Rice, Ashby found his feet at the Irons after being released prematurely by local rivals Chelsea, so he could well follow in the England international’s footsteps in the near future.

West Ham have been blessed with plenty of young defensive talents over the years, with Glen Johnson being a notable name and he went on to have a glistening career, playing for the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool.

If Ashby can break into the first team, then he certainly has the potential to become the new Johnson around these parts.

The word “fearless” is something that has stuck with the promising full-back throughout his short career to date. It’s how his father, Barry, described him to The Athletic, and he was a former defender himself, featuring for Watford and Gillingham.

Whilst U Irons podcaster Sam Delaney echoed such sentiments after his senior debut, he said:

“He’s big as well. He’s like a big unit. He’s only young, but he’s like a giant. Usually, you’re used to seeing smaller players in those wing-back positions, but he looked big, strong, he was very fearless, decent on the ball.”

With more games in the Europa League and Carabao Cup to come, on top of the FA Cup in the New Year, and of course, the remainder of the Premier League season, the teenage sensation could be handed another opportunity to impress at some stage this term.

Ashby could well become the Hammers’ next Johnson, only this time, they’ll hope he stays and has a long career at the London Stadium.

AND in other news, Moyes could repeat his Bowen masterclass in West Ham swoop for £12m “special talent”…

Sheffield Wednesday are back in action this weekend with a clash against AFC Wimbledon following their 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers in their previous League One outing.

Speaking ahead of the match against Wimbledon in his latest press conference to the club’s media, Owls manager Darren Moore revealed that Sam Hutchinson, Lewis Gibson, George Byers and Massimo Luongo will not be available for the clash.

However, one player that will be available for selection at the weekend that we feel should be in Wednesday’s starting XI against Wimbledon is Jack Hunt.

On the chalkboard

In the match against Bolton, Hunt was incredibly influential for his side.

During the 51 touches he took across 90 minutes, not only did Hunt manage to assist Lee Gregory’s winning goal in the second half, but he also managed to make two key passes and two accurate crosses during an eye-catching offensive display.

However, the wing-back was also exceptional from a defensive point of view, winning three interceptions, one tackle and one clearance, ultimately earning himself an overall match rating of 7.4/10, making him Wednesday’s joint-second highest rated player on the day according to SofaScore.

These statistics from the match prove how valuable Hunt was in all phases of play, which is why we feel he could be a great asset for the team in their next match against Wimbledon.

Wednesday originally signed Hunt on a loan deal from Premier League side Crystal Palace in 2015 before securing him on a permanent deal in the 2016 January transfer window. Hunt then joined Bristol City in the 2018 summer transfer window before returning to Hillsborough on a free transfer over the recent summer window.

Overall, the 30-year-old, who is currently valued at £1.35m according to Transfermarkt, has made a total of 119 appearances for the Yorkshire club, providing ten assists along the way and demonstrating just how much experience he can offer Moore’s side this season as they look to win promotion back to the Championship.

Looking ahead to the match against Wimbledon, we feel that Hunt should definitely be in the starting XI to see if he can not only help the team going forward again but also aid their cause in keeping another clean sheet as they did in the clash with Bolton.

In other news: Forget Gregory: 30 y/o Sheff Wed ace stole the show v Bolton after “solid” display – opinion

Paulo Fonseca isn’t as close to the Newcastle United job as has been made out in some quarters, The Athletic’s George Caulkin has warned. 

The lowdown

Newcastle are looking to appoint a new manager after parting company with Steve Bruce and leaving assistant Graeme Jones in temporary charge.

There had been ‘a suggestion’ that Fonseca was ‘on the verge’ of taking over at St James’ Park prior to Newcastle’s weekend clash with Crystal Palace after he held talks with the new owners (via The Daily Mail).

Fonseca has been out of work since the end of last season when he left Serie A outfit AS Roma on the expiry of his contract.

The latest

In a tweet which seems to have gone unnoticed, Caulkin reiterated that talks had indeed taken place between the consortium and the Portuguese.

But he also said that, according to his information, the move isn’t in its final stages.

“Well, they’ve spoken to him a couple of times, we know that,” he wrote. “But I was also told today that nothing is as far advanced as has been said. Let’s see.”

The update has gone under the radar due to it being a reply to a fan as part of a long thread – it has just two retweets despite Caulkin having 90,000+ followers.

The verdict

How much longer can Newcastle afford to wait? Well, the international break is approaching and that might be a sensible juncture for transition.

Even if a new boss was to be installed this week, you could argue he’d have little hope of getting a result against league leaders Chelsea.

But Newcastle also face Brighton and Hove Albion before the domestic season pauses, and they’re in desperate need of points after failing to win any of their first nine games.

In other news, Erik ten Hag has been given this advice.