All posts by h716a5.icu

Liverpool and Crystal Palace played out an exciting 4-3 Premier League encounter at Anfield over the weekend with Jurgen Klopp’s men running out as the eventual winners despite going a goal down and not performing at their usual level.

All things considered, it was a game where the visitors probably deserved something and might have gotten just that on another day, a day without goalkeeper Julian Speroni being between the sticks to make a host of costly mistakes.

In the end, it was still a good performance by Crystal Palace, though Wilfried Zaha still had some strong words for his team-mates after the game.

The Breakdown

“You can’t come to Anfield and score three goals but still lose,” Zaha told Crystal Palace’s official club website following the defeat.

“We need to tighten up because some of the goals we conceded today are just not good enough so it’s not a case of we performed well but were unlucky, we just need to be better, a lot better.”

While Liverpool are a team capable of scoring four goals at Anfield against most teams, Zaha is right to air his frustration with the manner in which his side conceded, rightly describing it as being “not good enough”.

Looking at the season as a whole, though, defensively, Crystal Palace have been good, especially at home and compared to a lot of the teams around them.

But if they are an outfit who do want to go to that next level and not get caught up in a relegation battle every season, then they need to take Zaha’s words on board.

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Celtic fans are split down the middle over news that Scott Brown is close to agreeing a new two-year contract, as The Daily Record reported on Wednesday morning.

The Hoops skipper is out of contract at the end of this season with serious interest recorded from new A-League outfit Western Melbourne.

Brown has been the biggest on-field influence on Celtic’s current title winning run but some fans are unsure of his value going forward as he celebrates his 34th birthday in June.

Last season Brown swept the board for the Player of the Year awards, with Celtic appearing unable to function without his input in the centre of the park.

Alongside Olivier Ntcham he dominated the September Glasgow derby but there is no denying that Celtic’s best form of the season came when their captain was on the treatment table.

When Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie were paired up in the centre of the park in the Betfred Cup semi-final against Hearts, Celtic seemed transformed as the ball was quickly fed through to players in the attacking positions.

His days as an automatic first pick may be over but if his new deal is completed Brown is certain to remain a key influence for another two seasons.

Here’s a look at how Celtic fans have been reacting to the news on Twitter…

A late goal against Newcastle helped Tottenham stay in the Premier League title race last weekend.

Son Heung-Min capitalised on Martin Dubravka’s error in the 83rd minute to score the only goal of the game against the Magpies and hand Mauricio Pochettino a massive three points. Just like against Fulham and Watford, Tottenham’s persistence paid off late on and kept the pressure on the league leaders. Their refusal to draw is remarkable and victory means Spurs set a Premier League record of 29 matches in a row without drawing.

Considering Spurs haven’t signed a single player in the last two transfer windows, their progress this season has been magnificent. Pochettino’s men remain in the title race and could take advantage of both Liverpool and Manchester City dropping points in recent weeks. Even if they fall short, the building blocks are in place for another strong campaign next year.

One man who could help take them to the next level is Bournemouth sensation – David Brooks. Valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, the Welshman burst on to the scene at Sheffield United last season – impressing in the derby against Sheffield Wednesday on his debut. His fantastic showings did not go unnoticed with Bournemouth paying £10m to prise him to the Vitality Stadium in the summer.

Brooks has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water and has been brilliant during his 22 appearances so far. The 21-year-old has netted six goals and registered four assists for his team-mates, highlighting the threat he poses in the final third of the field. Still developing and improving, Brooks has been tipped for a move to one of the Premier League top four in the near future.

Pochettino has a reputation for giving youth a chance and could be the perfect mentor for the Wales international in the summer.

Tottenham fans, thoughts?

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Sunderland fans were not too happy with their showing in the 1-1 draw against Blackpool, yet another setback in the title race, and the Black Cats’ recent run of draws has revealed a major transfer market mistake.

On the chalkboard

Sunderland have scored in every league fixture they have played this season, and they are the only side in the top four divisions of English football to do so.

However, the departure of Josh Maja has badly affected the side’s ability to find the back of the net, as four of the last six games have now ended in 1-1 draws after Wednesday’s clash with Blackpool.

Put simply, Jack Ross has no plan B at the moment, which is exactly why he should have signed a target man in the January window.

Will Grigg was signed at the last second to replace Maja’s goals, but the Wearside outfit were also linked with Kieffer Moore throughout the month, and it’s looking more and more like a mistake that they did not pursue him all the way.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

Something different

Ross has been forced to defend himself in recent weeks, as many fans feel the boss should be deploying two strikers with the side struggling so much in front of goal.

However, the boss simply doesn’t have the flexibility to do this, as Grigg and fellow front-man Charlie Wyke are too similar, and the latter has found the net just once in 12 league appearances this campaign anyway.

Then there is Tottenham loanee Kazaiah Sterling, who is simply not ready to play senior football week in week out.

This is why a move for Moore would have made more sense than signing the Sterling, as although it would have obviously cost more money (around £2m), the Barnsley number 19 is a ready-made goalscorer, not a youngster with no senior experience.

Right now, Ross simply has no one to turn to when his starters aren’t firing in the goals, and the Black Cats must add a different type of striker to their squad this summer whether they escape back into the Championship or not.

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Tottenham Hotspur face a tough challenge on Saturday, as they travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley.

Sean Dyche’s side have been in fine form recently and are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League outings. Former Liverpool defender and BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson believes that the Clarets will extend their run this weekend, despite being up against Mauricio Pochettino’s third-placed outfit.

What he said

In his regular predictions column for the BBC, Lawrenson has predicted a 1-1 draw between these two sides on Saturday. Speaking of Burnley’s much improved recent form, Lawrenson says that “a big improvement in the Clarets’ defence has played a big part in that and I don’t think they will give much away on Saturday either.”

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

Whilst a draw away to Burnley, where Dyche’s side can be notoriously tough to beat, isn’t a terrible result in itself, it would be disastrous for Tottenham’s title hopes.

A chance to make history

The north London club are currently outsiders for the Premier League title. If Liverpool were to be beaten by the in-form Manchester United on Sunday – which is eminently possible – then three points would take Spurs to within just two of top spot.

At that stage, Pochettino’s side would have to be considered very much in the race. A first Premier League title triumph would be a historic moment for the club, and this season offers them a great opportunity to really push for that dream.

However, failure to win at Turf Moor would likely extinguish their chances altogether, potentially leaving them eight points off the top if Liverpool beat their bitter rivals.

If they really want to do something incredible this year then they cannot afford to slip up on Saturday.

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West Ham are lining up a summer move for Manchester United right-back Antonio Valencia, according to The Sun.

The Hammers could see Pablo Zabaleta leave the club and Valencia has been identified as a potential replacement, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

What’s the word?

The Sun claim that Zabaleta could retire from professional football in the summer and seal a return to Manchester City to take up a role behind the scenes and Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini is subsequently seeking replacements.

Valencia has yet to discuss a new contract at United, despite being at the club for a decade.

The 33-year-old has found himself out of favour under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, playing just once in the Premier League during his reign, as he captained the side in the 2-0 win over Newcastle United.

By comparison, Zabaleta has made 19 Premier League appearances this term.

Valencia earns around £100,000-per-week but, The Sun report, a free transfer would bring those wages within the Irons’ budget.

Never learn

West Ham have long been seen as a retirement home for ageing veterans.

Zabaleta has been an excellent servant to the club since his move from City in 2017 but he is not the most dynamic of full-backs.

Repeating the same trick twice by trying to bring in Valencia does not appear to be the smartest move, particularly when there a number of hungry young full-backs currently on the market.

Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka may be beyond the Irons’ budget but Max Aarons, at Norwich City, has made a breakthrough this season and could well take to the Premier League like a duck to water.

Aarons, at just 19, has made 30 appearances in all competitions this season and would show the Hammers are looking to the future instead of turning to the past.

Valencia is clearly a very good footballer and remains United captain but he is not the man the Irons need to take them forward.

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Tottenham fans have taken to Twitter to react after Son Heung-Min won the ‘Player of the Year’ award at the London Football Awards on Thursday night.

The South Korean international has hit 16 goals and recorded six assists in all competitions this season, despite missing the start of the campaign and almost the entirety of January as a result of international commitments.

Son has emerged as one of Spurs’ most important players this term, stepping up and leading the way when the squad was rocked by injuries to Harry Kane and Dele Alli.

The 26-year-old beat off competition from Kane, Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend, and Chelsea star Eden Hazard to win the award.

It was Son’s teammate Kane who won it last year, so the north London-based side will be proud to keep the trophy within the squad.

Let’s see how Spurs fans on Twitter reacted to the news…

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Loads of Tottenham fans have been running the rule over Saturday’s derby draw, and they’re not too happy with a decision that Mauricio Pochettino keeps making during recent games.

Tottenham kept a safe distance between themselves and Arsenal on Saturday, rescuing a point from a dramatic affair at Wembley.

The Gunners took the lead in the first half through a superb finish from Aaron Ramsey, and Bernd Leno made an excellent double save to deny both Christian Eriksen and Moussa Sissoko.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he would have snubbed Tottenham for Arsenal if they’d come knocking in 2005…

Harry Kane then levelled the scores from the penalty spot, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang couldn’t match the Englishman’s accomplishment, as his late spot kick was saved by Hugo Lloris.

While Lloris and Jan Vertonghen, who cleared off the line after the Frenchman’s penalty save, were the heroes, fans aren’t too happy with Pochettino for using Erik Lamela off the bench instead of Lucas Moura, something he has done in three games straight.

Lucas started the season in scintillating form, producing one of the performances of the season at Old Trafford, but the Brazilian speedster has played just 12 total minutes across the last three matches.

Fans would match rather see Lucas introduced for a late spark than the walking yellow card that is Lamela, as you can see from the Twitter reactions down below…

Could winning a trophy actually be possible this season? Well if Mauricio Pochettino, the God amongst the Tottenham faithful has anything to do with it, the Champions League dream is certainly alive and well.

Yes, that is a farfetched dream for some. Although, now into the last eight, anything is possible. Clearly, Tottenham also need to remain focused on assuring their top four status but all in all, that wouldn’t be a bad season, would it? Just imagine the faces of Arsenal fans…

Still, surely Daniel Levy knows they need to refresh their squad at the earliest opportunity, having gone the whole year without signing a player.

Although what they have out on the pitch is also good, signing some new stars who are thirsty to help improve Tottenham’s silverware chances is the option they need to take. Yes, it’s a tired debate, but it doesn’t make it any less relevant.

A back-up striker is something Tottenham badly need to source in order to have quality to turn to if Harry Kane was to get injured. With that in mind, it may be a risky move in some people’s eyes, but 21-year-old Brazilian striker Pedro has all the attributes to succeed at a club like Spurs.

Pedro, (who is valued at £8.1 million on Transfermarkt) may be the next young Brazilian player to breakthrough and Tottenham would be mad to pass up an opportunity to sign him.

Having come through the ranks at Fluminense, Pedro has now asserted himself as the main man for their side, as he’s scored 15 goals so far this season.

It’s highly unlikely Pedro will be ahead of Harry Kane in starting for Tottenham but if he continues growing as a player, like his potential suggests it should, the London side could have another serious player on their hands. Considering Pochettino’s track record when it comes to working with young players, it’s surely worth a shot.

Tottenham fans, do you like the sound of signing a South American wonderkid? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

What a few weeks it has been for English clubs in Europe.

From Manchester United overcoming a 2-0 deficit to gun down French giants PSG in a stunning 3-1 win to Liverpool claiming the same scoreline away to Bayern Munich to Spurs not Spursing it up against Borussia Dortmund, it’s been an unusually good set of results for English teams on the continental stage.

As well as teams in the Champions Leagues, the Premier League teams in the Europa League have been doing the business too. Chelsea eased past Dynamo Kiev 8-0 on aggregate, and late last night Arsenal overturned a 3-1 first-leg loss against Ligue 1 outlet Stade Rennais to win 3-0 at the Emirates and to complete six-for-six in English teams in European quarter-finals.

It was an inspiring Arsenal performance. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and new fan favourite Ainsley Maitland-Niles put the Gunners ahead after just 15 minutes, and Auba rounded off the result with a second-half tap in.

The atmosphere was electric at the Emirates. Fans were chanting and signing from the first minute to the last, and the players were eager to go out there and overturn a result.

Passion isn’t something you normally associate with Arsenal Football Club, but last night they showed it and was ultimately a key factor on Unai Emery’s side getting the vital 3-0 win. But this alone won’t lead to Europa League glory.

The passion for the badge last night was a complete contrast to what happened in France last week. Arsenal last time out unmotivated, hopeless and frankly lucky to have only escaped Rennes with only three goals conceded.

Sokratis’ sending off clearly played a major role in the final result, but from the first whistle to the last Arsenal always looked the second best team.

Arsenal’s mentality has always been a talking point about the club for years. Arsene Wenger’s sides of years gone by, particularly at the end of his tenure, were often criticised for their lack of a strong mindset in games that mattered most, but this season has been different.

Sure, we have seen Arsenal completely collapse in a handful of games this season, Liverpool and Manchester City away being good examples, but this season it has been clear that Emery has got this side playing with passion when it matters most, but there needs to be more in order to get more and bigger results.

Even though Arsenal came away as 3-0 winners last night, there were a few moments to cause mild heart attacks for the Gunners faithful. Shkodran Mustafi’s pass to a Rennes attacker in the second-half almost resulted in the French side grabbing the sole away goal they would have needed to progress at 2-0 down, and Cech’s post was tested moments after the restart.

The lack of Sokratis, again, resulted in another shaky Arsenal defensive display, and if the Gunners are to go all the way in the Europa League and also claim a top-four finish in the league, the defence must remain calm and consistent and avoid trying to be smart in dangerous situations.

Arsenal has a great opportunity to win their first piece of European silverware since 1994, but if they are to achieve this they must be defensively sound in these big games, and being passionate on and off the pitch will only fuel this level of security.

Arsenal fans, will the Gunners get Champions League football this season?