All posts by n8rngtd.top

Tottenham Hotspur signing Matt Doherty for £15 million in the summer transfer window looked to be a bargain at the time but after a questionable first few months with the North London club, some Lilywhites fans may have been quick to write the defender off.

The Republic of Ireland international found himself behind Serge Aurier in the pecking order under Jose Mourinho, with the Ivory Coast international clearly benefitting from the added competition at right-back.

Whilst the number of fixtures Spurs have had to play this season has meant that Doherty hasn’t been short of game time, Aurier has often been preferred in the Premier League, whereas the Irish defender has featured more regularly in cup competitions, having made 11 starts in the Premier League, averaging a solid, if unspectacular, 6.72 rating.

Aurier, meanwhile, has made 14 starts in the top-flight, averaging an impressive 7.03 rating, and perhaps would have made more if it wasn’t for the minor injuries that have kept him out on several occasions this season.

However, just as Doherty’s arrival has encouraged an upturn in form from Aurier, the Ivorian’s recent injury problems have seemingly been a factor in the 29-year-old’s improved performances at right-back.

After a disappointing performance in the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in January, Doherty has bounced back and recorded impressive displays in recent weeks, with five out of six of his last performances in the Premier League seeing him rated above a 7/10 from WhoScored.

Although his assist for Harry Kane’s wonder goal against Crystal Palace on Sunday night was reminiscent of Tom Carroll’s assist for Gareth Bale in a 3-2 win against West Ham in 2013, it shows that Doherty is starting to get forward a lot more and replicate some of the form he regularly produced at Wolves.

As per SofaScore, against Roy Hodgson’s side, the right-back would register a 95% pass accuracy and impressively contribute three key passes, which shows that he is starting to become much more of an attacking threat in Mourinho’s side.

Considering he is now 29, it was something of a gamble for Levy to sign him on a four-year deal, but considering his recent performances, it looks like Spurs may actually have a real quality right-back on their hands, so that gamble looks to have paid off and it’s giving Mourinho a nice headache when choosing who to select between him and Aurier.

And, in other news… Forget Bale and Kane: Gem who had 99 touches had the best game of his Spurs career vs Palace

According to reports, Aston Villa are one of a number of Premier League sides interested in signing Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill in the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Despite signing Morgan Sanson back in January from Ligue 1 side Marseille, it appears Dean Smith isn’t done with reinforcing Villa’s midfield options ahead of next season.

Now, TEAMtalk claim that the Midlands club have got their sights set on Brownhill, with the likes of West Ham, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Wolves also having scouted him over the past few months.

The report adds that Burnley are facing a battle to keep hold of the 25-year-old after a “hugely impressive campaign”.

He silenced Jack Grealish

Having only joined Burnley last year, Brownhill has already established himself as a key part of Sean Dyche’s side, making 23 appearances in the Premier League already.

One of his best performances in a Clarets shirt came in a 0-0 draw against Villa back in December, with the 25-year-old just overpowering Jack Grealish on the day – the Villa talisman lined up in the number ten role, with Brownhill part of the Burnley engine room.

While Grealish still tried to work his magic, the Burnley man looked to get tight to him all the time, making the contest as physical as possible.

The £17m-rated Brownhill made a mammoth five interceptions, which was comfortably more than any other player on the pitch, and double that of his impressive season average of 2.4 per game in the Premier League.

As well as constantly trying to stop Grealish getting the ball in dangerous areas, Brownhill was also strong in the challenge, winning seven of his 11 total duels – he’s won 4.9 per match this season.

It was no surprise then that Grealish ended up losing the ball on 11 occasions, while none of his six attempts on goal found the target. Brownhill was an absolute machine in the middle of the park for Burnley and completely silenced Villa’s main man.

If Johan Lange was watching the midfielder, it’s no surprise that he appears to be interested in making a move for him in the summer.

Meanwhile, this Villa target delivered a masterclass at the weekend…

Numerous fans of Aston Villa have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relayed a report regarding the “brilliant” form of on-loan midfielder Conor Hourihane.

The report by Birmingham Live discusses the fact that, since joining Swansea on loan in the January transfer window, the 30-year-old has hugely impressed for the Championship promotion hopefuls, scoring five goals, providing one assist and averaging a WhoScored match rating of 6.98 over his 11 appearances for the Swans.

In comparison, Villa’s midfielders have contributed just one goal between them over the same period, a run which has seen Dean Smith’s side take just five points from a possible 18.

After Aston Villa News relayed the report on Twitter, many fans of the club flocked to have their say on the matter, with plenty urging the Villans to bring the £42,000 per week Hourihane back to Villa Park this summer, while others dubbed Smith’s decision to let Hourihane leave the club a “silly mistake”.

So, what exactly did these Aston Villa fans have to say in reaction to the report regarding Conor Hourihane’s fine form?

“Honestly, Barkley isn’t the upgrade on this fella that we thought.”

@EllTomVilla

“Don’t understand why he wasn’t playing, even stranger Villa let him go.”

@Gaz57600216

“Keep Hourihane Villa.”

@Trev_villaboy

“Get him back, give him game time. So good at set-pieces. Amazing at the edge of the box strategy.”

@europeancycle

“We are missing him big time. Silly mistake – get him back.”

@MTB_Jeff

“Keep him he’s a brilliant player.”

@straightedgeze2

“Just get him back.”

@dan54287301

“Keep Conor Hourihane this summer and do not offload. He has gone out on loan and smashed it. Definitely worth retaining his services.”

@nijp10

In other news: Villa learn asking price for in-demand PL midfielder – find out more here! 

West Brom seem destined to make an instant return to the Championship despite a small upturn in form since the January transfer window.

They sit ten points adrift of safety with only nine games left to play.

The Baggies have been above and beyond the worst defence in the Premier League this season, leaking a whopping 57 goals, which is six more than any other top-flight team.

However, their leaky backline has been far more resolute since Celta Vigo loanee Okay Yokuslu was deployed as an anchorman.

Indeed, Albion have conceded only three goals in their last six outings and it is no coincidence the Turkish powerhouse made his full debut in that time.

However, this has all come at a great cost as Sam Allardyce’s men have struggled to score goals and, when delving deeper into the issue, the 66-year-old seems to have been making the same sort of mistake that cost Slaven Bilic his job…

On the Chalkboard

The Baggies have stopped the rot defensively but in that six-game period, they have only managed to score two goals. In the 23 games prior to that, the Midlands outfit only found the net 18 times, so it’s been a frequent problem throughout the season.

Only rock-bottom Sheffield United have scored fewer Premier League goals (16) than West Brom.

But what is the problem?

Perhaps it is the creation of chances, more than anything else.

As per FBRef, Allardyce’s squad ranks last for shot-creating actions, managing only 12.24 per game. By comparison, fellow promotion winners Fulham are managing 19.14 per 90 minutes.

Similarly, Albion rank second-bottom for progressive distance – this being how many times they complete a pass towards the opposition goal, averaging 2,058 yards per game.

You’ll find the Cottagers (8,047 yards per 90) sitting in sixth, behind the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool. This tells a shocking story that it’s a ‘defend first’ mentality under Big Sam as West Brom aren’t willing to attack, nor are they managing to fire off enough shots to try and score.

This problem may lie in the fact that their most creative player is wasted out of position.

Matheus Pereira is clear at The Hawthorns for chances created, having averaged two key passes per 90 minutes – the next best for regular starters is left-back Conor Townsend with 0.9 key balls per game, as per WhoScored.

Similarly, the Brazilian playmaker is top for shot-creating actions, managing 3.26 per 90 – that’s nearly 30% on his own accord. He needs to be deployed in the number 10 role, the very position in which he thrived on their way to promotion last season.

Pereira has delivered 14 goals and 23 assists in 69 appearances since joining from Sporting Lisbon. Of his 37 goal contributions, 21 have come from attacking midfield rather than out on the wing, as per Transfermarkt.

It begs the question – just why is Allardyce persisting with him out on the flank? His last seven starts have all come out wide, and he’s failed to provide a goal or assist. In fact, his last contribution was against Fulham, when he was played directly behind the striker.

Under Bilic, Pereira played that role just three times before the Croatian received his marching orders – a run which saw him deliver just one goal and two assists, via Transfermarkt.

Big Sam is now repeating that very mistake, and as a result, is sleepwalking the Baggies back into the Championship. They aren’t going to score many goals if their main source of goals is playing in the wrong position.

It’s time to move the £11.7m-rated gem back into the middle, even if it’s a little too late. He’s their last hope of salvaging something from the season.

AND in other news, “West Brom may interest him” – Exclusive: Pundit names ideal Allardyce successor if Baggies go down…

Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has claimed Mohamed Salah won’t “get close” to Sergio Ramos in their upcoming Champions League meeting.

Liverpool and Madrid have been pitted against one another in the quarter-finals of Europe’s biggest club competition, in what promises to be a mouthwatering encounter.

The first leg takes place in Spain on April 6th, before the Reds entertain Zinedine Zidane’s star-studded side at Anfield on April 14th.

[freshpress-quiz id=“306736”]

It is a rematch of the 2018 final, when Liverpool suffered the heartache of a 3-1 defeat, with Salah famously injured after a tussle with Ramos.

Carlos aims dig at Salah ahead of Champions League tie

Someone who appears to have stoked the fires ahead of the much-anticipated clash is legendary former left-back Carlos.

Speaking to AS [via the Liverpool Echo], the Brazilian indicated that Salah will again be no match for Ramos, in what could be a duel to remember:

“Salah is not even going to get close to Sergio. It will be an action that is going to be talked about a lot.”

Transfer Tavern take

It is a strange thing for Carlos to come out with, almost tempting Salah to prove his worth and gain revenge for what happened in Kiev three years ago.

The Egyptian King is a fierce competitor and a born winner, and what happened in that final is likely to spur him on even more in the clash with Madrid.

 In other news, a former Man City star has defended one current Liverpool hero – read all about it here.

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that if Rangers sell striker Alfredo Morelos, he’ll be almost irreplaceable.

Since arriving at Ibrox from Finnish outfit HJK, the Colombian has been the Gers’ main source of goals, scoring at least 15 times in each of his four seasons in Glasgow.

The 24-year-old has continued his goalscoring form this season, striking 11 times in the Scottish Premiership to help Steven Gerrard’s men ended their 10-year wait for a major trophy and bring Champions League football back to Ibrox for the first time since 2011.

But Morelos’ outstanding form since joining Rangers has led to constant uncertainty surround his future.

He still has more than two years remaining on his current deal, and McAvennie believes that no Rangers fan would want to see the striker depart this summer.

He told Football FanCast:

“I don’t know if you can replace him, he’s such a talent. Since Defoe has gone there, he’s become a better player, he’s been a good inspiration for him. His temperament has got better, he’s still doing the odd thing but I don’t mind that.

“He’s a talent. Every year there has been people saying he’s moving to this one. He’s been all around the world, but he’s still here.

“I think Rangers will have a price, but if that price gets matched, he’ll be gone. I would like to see him leave, but that’s on a personal level.”

Morelos has previously been reported to have been on the radar of the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, but does the ex-Celtic frontman believe that Colombian is good enough to play in the Premier League?

McAvennie added:

“I think he would do well, I think he would score goals. Rangers play better when he’s playing. But I don’t think he’s the finished article, I think he can get better. If I was a Rangers fan I wouldn’t want him to leave, but everyone has got a price.”

Many Leicester City fans have been left to slam an update on the UEFA Champions League as The Times report that the new format has been approved.

As per the news outlet, there is a controversial idea of giving two spots to top clubs who have failed to qualify for the competition through traditional paths but have a strong historical record in Europe, which could have a negative impact on the East Midlands club.

If this format was in place in the 2019/20 term, Brendan Rodgers’ team would have gone into the UEFA Europa League as normal having finished in fifth place in the Premier League, but Tottenham Hotspur would have gone into the UCL despite finishing behind the Foxes in sixth, because of their much higher UEFA coefficient.

Those opposed to the idea have privately admitted defeat, which could be bad news for LCFC in the future.

Leicester fans on Champions League update

These Leicester supporters slammed the update on Twitter, with one fan even going as far as to claim that it was ‘shameful’:

“Quite possibly the most disgusting thing that ‘could’ happen in football. Favours only the elite. Shameful”

Credit: @DavidMarsbar

“It’s clearly a ploy to keep the UCL money pouring into the big clubs even if their quality has dropped. Very frustrating and unfair for the smaller clubs.”

Credit: @charmcityfoxes

“Bunch of idiots running European football is all I can say. Might as well just put the supposed “big6″ straight into Champions League and forget the rest… unbelievable!… no it’s not”

Credit: @WilsonBone

“Well, this stinks #LCFC #ECL”

Credit: @StevenLeefoste1

“They all hate to see new teams becoming good”

Credit: @lcfcbradd

“They all try to put us down, only cause they’re scared of us. A few wise buys in the summer and we are looking like a team of serial winners, nothing can stop the Leicester City big dogs!”

Credit: @aryan_makhecha

In other news, find out which ‘high level’ star Leicester have submitted an offer for here!

Gabby Agbonlahor has slammed Romain Saiss for his part in the goal that Jesse Lingard scored for West Ham United at Wolves on Monday night.

The man on loan from Manchester United opened the scoring for David Moyes’ team with a mazy run on the night as the Wanderers lost out 3-2 in the end at Molineux.

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor has slammed Saiss for not being able to defend well enough to stop the goal from Lingard, and was extremely critical of the whole defence in general:

“Saiss for the Lingard goal, if that was a defender I was playing with I’d be hammering him at half-time saying ‘You’ve not even made a challenge.’ It’s like he had Timberlands on.

“The defence have got to wake up and sort their defending out.”

Saiss did not cover himself in glory

Saiss in particular did not cover himself in much glory on the night, as he really struggled at times in a defence that shipped three goals on their own home turf before half-time.

The Morocco international lost out on four of his duels in total in the match and also failed to block any shots on his goal, while he also lost possession of the ball on no fewer than 13 separate occasions, the joint-second most out of any of his teammates to have set foot on the pitch (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, it was a night to forget for the 31-year-old, who will need to play better than that to cement his place in the starting eleven under Nuno Espirito Santo.

In other news, find out what Fosun update has been slammed by WWFC fans here!

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to the news that Raphael Varane is out of the Reds’ Champions League clash with Real Madrid, which is potentially a huge boost for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The Reds face a massive test on Tuesday night, as they lock horns with Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.

Klopp’s men are looking to get revenge on the La Liga giants, following the heartbreak they suffered in the 2018 final, losing 3-1 to Zinedine Zidane’s side.

Liverpool are without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for the game, and for the remainder of the season, with Nathaniel Phillips and Ozan Kabak again expected to start.

Madrid have centre-back problems of their own, however, with Sergio Ramos ruled out and now Raphael Varane also unavailable for the match in Spain.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the Frenchman has tested positive for the coronavirus, meaning he has to self-isolate.

Liverpool fans react to Varane news

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react to the update, understandably seeing the positive side of it for their team while wishing the France star all the best.

“Varane tests positive for COVID, obviously first thoughts are wishing him a speedy recovery but it’s a very nice break for us tonight”

Credit: @Tice_Mahoney

“Huge if Varane is out for tonight’s encounter”

Credit: @GrizzKhan

“Real still have Nacho and Eder Militao who are quality. it’s massive that an experienced duo in Varane and Ramos miss out. Interesting to see if both legs.”

Credit: @DaveD0106

“Real Madrid will be without both Ramos and Varane for both of the Champions League quarterfinal matches as it was announced Varane has tested positive for COVID. Wishing Varane a speedy recovery and all that but a big boost for #LFC.”

Credit: @AnfieldAgenda

“Huge blow for Real Madrid as Varane tests positive. Really changes the dynamics of the tie”

Credit: @menacesingh

“No Varane and Ramos, we have to take advantage of this tonight and try score as much as we can. Still got a 10/10 midfield they do so we need to take the game to them tonight, massive game for Jota/Salah tonight”

Credit: @ZaanQadri

“Madrid missing Ramos, Varane Liverpool missing Van Dijk, Matip, Gomez score = 10-10”

Credit: @tylersd7

In other news, Klopp has hinted about a key selection decision for the Real Madrid game. Read about it here.

Liverpool have reportedly made the decision to sign Ozan Kabak on a permanent deal this summer, having impressed during his spell on loan from Schalke.

The 21-year-old arrived back in January, with Jurgen Klopp viewing him as someone who could ease the Reds’ injury crisis in defence.

Kabak took a little time to settle – understandably so – but he has grown in recent weeks, proving to be one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers, starting ten matches.

The Premier League champions have the option of signing the Turkey international permanently at the end of the season and it looks as though they will trigger that clause.

Liverpool set to sign Kabak on permanent deal

That’s according to 90min, who claim Liverpool have been so ‘impressed’ with Kabak’s form that they will snap him up in the next transfer window for an expected £18million.

It is also mentioned that Klopp has been ‘delighted’ with the youngster’s impact at Anfield, having made 11 appearances for the Reds to date.

Transfer Tavern take

Kabak has definitely done enough to prove that he is worth persevering with, playing with real confidence and quality in the last month or so, in particular.

The defender is enjoying an 89.1 percent pass completion rate in the league this season, showing he has excelled in Klopp’s ball-playing style. He is also averaging 1.8 tackles per match, suggesting that he has done well in the more gritty aspects of his game.

At 21, he still has years ahead of him, too, meaning he has the potential to become a more formidable player for Liverpool over a long period.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been urging the Reds to sign a player with an incredible goalscoring record. Find out who it is here.