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Should Liverpool go on to win the Premier League this season, it will be interesting to see quite how this title bid comes to be remembered.

History always has a knack of recalling things slightly differently; sometimes that is due to the benefits of hindsight, retrospect and new information, but often its our ingrained desire for simplified, romantic narratives taking precedent over the accuracy of the nitty gritty. Constant inconsistencies and permutations are just too inconvenient to digest and retell. It’s much easier to shape events and themes around basic stories we can all follow.

So there’s every chance this Liverpool team will come to be misremembered, because of our preconceptions of Klopp’s side going into this season. The Reds didn’t quite match Manchester City for goals last term but going forward – and especially in the Champions League – they were decisively rampant. Mohamed Salah set a new record for Premier League goals in a single season, Sadio Mane netted 20 times and Roberto Firmino seemed to be redefining the role of a centre-forward in a modern 4-3-3.

That’s how we like to think about this Liverpool side – an unrelenting attacking force spearheaded by a world-class front three, perhaps the best front three around in terms of quality and compatibility. But Liverpool’s season hasn’t been built around the supreme performances of their forwards; vast improvements at the other end of the pitch have taken them to the table’s summit with only 11 games left to go.

Klopp would argue that his teams defend from the front, and that Firmino particularly is as important out of possession as any of his centre-halves. But the numbers are telling – by this point last season, Liverpool had scored six more goals in the Premier League, and across all competitions the front three had netted 65 times. This term, their combined tally is just 44 (stats worked out via various pages on Transfermarkt).

Sunday’s Northwest derby seemed to capture the rebalancing of which players Liverpool are suddenly so dependent on in a microcosm. Manchester United – albeit a Manchester United drastically depleted by injuries within the first half an hour – could barely get past the industrious Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in midfield to test the back four. But at the other end of the pitch, the front three that were so fearsome last season couldn’t find a moment of individual brilliance between them.

Of course, there are important caveats. Firmino withdrew through injury early on, so this was by no means Liverpool’s attack at its best. Likewise, due to the gravity of the situation, Klopp picked his sturdiest midfield, which somewhat limited the flow of supply into Salah and Mane. Nonetheless, you feel that the front three of last season, or at least the Salah of last season, would have twisted a few defenders inside out to pop up with a winning goal. Instead, both of Liverpool’s widemen produced their worst performances of the campaign.

And it inevitably highlights the contradiction behind Liverpool’s title bid; rather than the scintillating attacking football of 2017/18, defensive resilience and a new-found grit has got them through games.

But that isn’t how we’d like to remember them – historically, both Liverpool and Klopp are synonymous with excitement, entertainment, ambition and flair. The resident result-grinders, at least in the context of the Premier League title, are Chelsea, a club Liverpool are supposed to be the antithesis of. The idea of Liverpool winning the title ugly just doesn’t fit into our preconceptions and historic assumptions.

Perhaps the phrase ugly is a little overzealous, but Liverpool have certainly been a less beautiful beast than last season – immovable rather than irresistible. History, however, will unlikely remember them in that way; the two campaigns will be fused together, a brush of romanticism will be applied and while the impact of Liverpool’s defensive recruits over the last year will of course be acknowledged – chiefly Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Alisson – the relentless nature of the front three will be in the forefront of our minds.

Thing is, they just haven’t been quite so relentless this time around, when history’s spotlight is firmly set on them. And history, eventually, will only recall what we want it to recall – a Liverpool side that always thrilled, rather than one that relied on being almost impenetrable.

Everton could make a move for Brentford centre-back Pontus Jansson in January, according to The Guardian’s Ed Aarons. 

The lowdown

Rafael Benitez is keen to strengthen his defence at the first opportunity after seeing his team concede 28 goals in their first 16 matches. Only Watford, Norwich City and Newcastle United have a poorer defensive record in the Premier League.

Everton already have Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate on their books as centre-back options, but Godfrey has had to move to full-back in recent games after Lucas Digne fell out with the manager, while Mina is struggling with injury.

Jansson’s £25,000-per-week contract is up at the end of the current campaign and his estimated market value has fallen to £4.5m (via Transfermarkt). Intriguingly, the Sweden international has been likened to a Bond ‘villain’ by his manager Thomas Frank, who also noted the 30-year-old’s “swagger and confidence”.

The latest

According to Aarons in The Guardian, Jansson is wanted by Everton when the transfer window opens in the new year. He has caught the eye with his ‘outstanding’ performances for the Bees, who are halfway to 40 points after just 16 matches in their first Premier League season.

Leicester City and Newcastle are also admirers of the Swede, and while Jansson’s contract situation theoretically puts Brentford in a weak position, they would most likely ask for a ‘hefty fee’ in January.

The verdict

Could Jansson help to shore up Everton’s defence? His individual stats are solid but unspectacular, averaging 4.8 clearances and 1.4 interceptions per game while winning 58% of his ground duels and 51% of his aerial battles (via SofaScore). To add some context to those figures, Mina has won 79% of his duels overall.

However, it should also be noted that Jansson is the captain of Brentford, so maybe Benitez would value his leadership in the heart of the backline.

Would this be a smart move? It all depends on the extent to which the Bees intend to play hardball in January. Everton should only look to sign the 30-year-old on a cut-price deal considering his age and his performance stats in relation to current options at the club.

In other news, many Everton fans were buzzing over this news from the club

As per reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, via The West Ham Way website, an update has dropped on the club’s links to Fulham star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Lowdown: Newman set for first January window…

Back in October, West Ham confirmed a new era of transfers at the London Stadium with the club appointing former chief Man City scout Rob Newman in their new head of recruitment role (whufc.com).

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The Hammers chief, set for his first transfer window in the capital, is tasked with helping manager David Moyes identify and bring in the perfect transfer targets to bolster his squad.

A striker has been on the agenda for quite some time, while more recently, West Ham have been tipped to swoop for a new centre-half after serious injuries to both Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna.

Sharing the latest on their forward hunt, Ex has some news on who Newman is now targeting ahead of next month.

The Latest: Ex shares Mitrovic update…

According to the insider’s information, West Ham, and by extension Newman, are now eyeing a move for Cottagers forward Mitrovic ahead of the January transfer window as he enjoys another fine season in the Championship.

The Serbia international is apparently back on the Irons’ transfer radar with the club having already watched him for many years.

The Verdict: Ideal candidate?

As West Ham fans eagerly await who could finally end their year-long search for an alternative centre-forward, we believe Mitrovic comes with pros and cons.

The 69-cap ace is currently standing out yet again in England’s second tier with a brilliant 22-goal haul in just 21 appearances so far (Transfermarkt), evidently demonstrating he is a prolific goal scorer.

Former Premier League boss Ian Holloway is certainly an admirer, telling EFL on Quest that Mitrovic can be ‘unplayable’, while ex-Norwich City manager Alex Neil labelled the player a ‘beast’.

His top-flight record is slightly more underwhelming, however, with the 27-year-old scoring just three over his last full season in the big time (WhoScored).

In other news: Insider claims club could sell their ‘top drawer’ mainstay to West Ham, he’s ‘very keen’ to join…find out more here.

Aston Villa continue to make moves in the January transfer window amid reports claiming they are closing in on the signing of Dundee United starlet Kerr Smith.

What’s the story?

Writing initially on Twitter, journalist Scott Burns said: “@dundeeunitedfc defender Kerr Smith heads south to finalise big-money move to @AVFCOfficial.”

Then, in a follow-up article for The Scottish Express Sport, he added: “Dundee United have agreed a deal to sell Kerr Smith to Aston Villa in a deal that could eventually net them close to £2 million. The English Premier League side have managed to negotiate a significant transfer fee up front along with a number of major add-ons for their in-demand academy graduate.

“Crystal Palace, Southampton, Everton and Chelsea were all interested in the 17-year-old but Steven Gerrard’s Villa have struck a deal with sporting director Tony Asghar. The teenager has now been given permission to travel south for a medical, to agree terms and finalise his dream move.

Gerrard will love him

While the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne will no doubt play a major part in Villa’s first team over the coming weeks and months, the arrival of Smith is one for the future.

Indeed, in that aforementioned article, Burns added: “Villa rate Smith as one of the best young defenders of his age in the United Kingdom and very much see him as one for the future. He will be integrated into their under-23 squad in the short-term.”

Already standing at 6 foot, the 17-year-old has had his taste of first-team football this season for United, playing five games in the Scottish Premiership, including playing the full 90 minutes of a 1-1 draw against Celtic.

Speaking in April of last year, fellow defender Mark Connolly said: “Kerr, who played beside me, was fantastic. He’s 16 years of age and it’s incredible.”

Given the kind of project Gerrard is embarking on at Villa Park, the signing of a hugely talented youngster like Smith is sure to have him buzzing.

With the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka and Jacob Ramsey seeing some game-time in recent weeks, it’s clear the new Villa boss is intent on giving young players the chance to shine if they deserve it.

It’s exactly why he will surely be loving the prospect of coaching someone like Smith at Villa.

Meanwhile, this Villa target could be joining their Premier League rivals…

West Ham United have opened talks with Tomas Soucek about extending his stay at the London Stadium.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that West Ham have started negotiations with the 26-year-old midfielder regarding a new four-year deal.

The report goes on to state that, despite the fact the Czech Republic international’s current contract runs until the summer of 2024, the club’s hierarchy are keen to tie him down to a new long-term deal.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how “important” a part of the West Ham side Soucek has become since his €21m (£17.5m) permanent signing back in the summer of 2020, the news that the club are hoping to extend the midfielder’s stay in East London is sure to have left fans buzzing.

Indeed, during his first full season with the club last term, the £42m-rated man was in remarkable form over his 38 Premier League appearances, scoring ten goals, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.7 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

The defensively-minded midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 2.7 clearances and winning 9.6 duels per fixture.

These returns saw the £67k-per-week dynamo earn a rather astonishing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.16, ranking him as Moyes’ second-best performer in the top flight last time out – as well as seeing the 26-year-old win the club’s Hammer of the Year award.

As such, while many will be disappointed that West Ham missed out on a £50m deal to sign Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the January transfer window, the news that the club are working on keeping Soucek a part of their squad for the foreseeable future – amid reported interest from both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain – is sure to have appeased the Hammers fanbase somewhat.

In other news: “Can confirm”: Ex drops big claim on failed deadline day move, WHU fans will be fuming

Celtic have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring John Souttar to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, who claim that Blackburn Rovers are leading the race to sign the Hearts centre-back ahead of the opening of the winter market, as the Championship club have opened pre-contract discussions with the 25-year-old in a bid to seal his signing on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The report goes on to state that all of Celtic, Rangers, Stoke City and Nottingham Forest are also keen on a move for the Scotland international, however, the English sides look to have an advantage over the Old Firm due to their ability to offer the defender pre-contract terms.

Postecoglou will be furious

Considering just how impressive Souttar has been for Hearts so far this season, the news that Celtic could miss out on the centre-back to Blackburn Rovers is sure to have left Ange Postecoglou furious.

Indeed, over his 18 Premiership appearances this term, the £720k-rated man has helped his side keep five clean sheets, scored three goals and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, 4.4 clearances, 44.9 passes and winning 71% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the player who Craig Levein dubbed an “exceptional” talent average a rather remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.43, ranking him as the fifth-best player in the entirety of the Scottish top flight.

As such, it is clear for all to see that the £3.1k-per-week Souttar would make a fantastic addition to Postecoglou’s current options in the heart of his defence, however, following the latest report regarding the centre-back’s future, it would appear that a deal for the 25-year-old will be incredibly difficult for Celtic to get over the line next month.

In other news: Ange can finally axe “stupid” £15k-p/w Celtic flop by sealing “extraordinary” £8m gem

Rafael Benitez won’t be able to call upon any returnees for Everton’s Merseyside derby clash with Liverpool on Wednesday night.

The Spaniard told the press on Tuesday afternoon that “the group of players are the same” that he had available for the defeat at Brentford on Sunday, which means that Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Yerry Mina, Tom Davies and Andre Gomes all remain sidelined.

The Toffees have scored just nine goals in the 10 matches since Calvert-Lewin, last season’s top scorer at Goodison Park, sustained a fractured toe.

There is some positive news, though, with the manager confirming that Gomes has returned to training. Richarlison will also be back from the yellow card suspension that kept him out last weekend.

Can Everton halt the slide against the Reds?

Everton are going in search of their first win since they beat Norwich City 2-0 towards the end of September. Liverpool, who are just two points off top spot, represent a daunting opponent, having scored 10 goals without reply in their three matches since the November international break.

The official Everton Twitter channel posted a clip of Benitez’s team news update ahead of the derby, and here’s how some Toffees fans reacted.

Many Everton fans bemoan Mersey derby team news

“If Rondon and iwobi start tomorrow I won’t go to another game this season. Period.”

Credit: @CraigJo02234279

“Mate how is Yerry still not fit??? He’s been back in training for about 3 weeks”

Credit: @Ginge_________

“No DCL or Mina… I hope this is another Rafa lie”

Credit: @MollyOHarrison

“Ah, so his plan to Torres the life out of DCL with an early return didn’t work then”

Credit: @ConnorBennet14

“We are doomed”

Credit: @Gwedlid

“Swear Mina is just a permanent injury”

Credit: @samgriffith001

In other news, many Everton fans have reacted to this link with a prospective successor to Benitez

Staying in the Premier League is fundamental for every side taking part in the division, with the financial implications of dropping down to the Championship potentially disastrous for clubs.

The Championship is a hugely competitive league, filled with superb teams but the Premier League is the undisputed holy grail and the battle for survival in 2021/22 is already starting to intensify.

Newly promoted sides often head up the market when it comes to predicting which sides will be relegated each season but in recent times, sides such as Leeds United, Wolves and Aston Villa defied the early season predictions to comfortably avoid the drop.

It has been a tough campaign for the likes of Burnley, Watford, Newcastle United and Norwich City, who have only managed to win 11 games between them this term – with the Clarets standing out with just one Premier League win so far.

Sean Dyche is a manager known for conjuring up the goods when it matters but he hasn’t been able to inspire Burnley to previous heights this term.

The departure of star striker Chris Wood to fellow strugglers Newcastle United in the January Transfer Window is an obvious moot point and the fact that Burnley have played as many as 5 fewer league games this season due to COVID 19 cannot go unnoticed.

However, at the halfway point in the campaign, their points haul of just 12 is concerning and they need to start putting points on the board very quickly.

The Clarets currently have a 4 point gap to Premier League safety above them and at 1.50, the bet365 clearly feel they are a serious relegation contender this season.

Elsewhere, Norwich City have seen results and performances perk up significantly since the arrival of Dean Smith before Christmas, however they are still immersed in relegation trouble.

The Canaries have 16 points from 22 games played, with back to back wins over Everton and Watford in their last two games certainly improving the mood at Carrow Road.

It is a big ask for them to stay up however, with their financial and pulling power incomparable to some of the teams around them and they are the favourites to go down at 1.20.

Watford’s pen champs for changing manager hasn’t notoriously worked out so much in recent seasons but that hasn’t deterred them from employing their third manager this term already.

Their poor early season form saw them decide to sack Xisco Munoz and replace him with former league winner Claudio Ranieri – who also got the boot after Christmas, to be replaced by Roy Hodgson.

It does feel too little, too late for the Hornets however – who are also heavily backed to drop back down into the Championship at 1.33.

Having the financial clout to get out of trouble is often as important as any managerial appointments and Newcastle United’s reported unlimited transfer budget could be a decisive factor.

Eddie Howe’s side have only won 2 games this season but with the likes of Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier coming in, they have been able to strengthen their squad significantly.

At 2.50, it would be somewhat of a shock to see Newcastle drop back into the Championship but with plenty of football to be played, anything can happen in the Premier League.

Image from: unsplash.com

As per Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via Inside Futbol, an update has come to light on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Torino defender Gleison Bremer.

The Lowdown: Centre-back eyed…

The signing of a central defender is reliably reported to be manager Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici’s top summer priority.

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Indeed, as backed by The Athletic, Tottenham are eager to bolster their options in that position, particularly on the left side of the three, with an array of transfer targets having already been shortlisted.

Bremer, who has been in fine form for Torino this season, is one of them as news from the continent emerges.

The Latest: Tottenham official dispatched…

According to Gazzetta (via IF), a Tottenham official was recently sent to run the rule over one of Serie A’s top defenders as Conte personally identifies him as a possible signing.

It is believed, however, that his club could demand around €50 million (£41m) for his services.

The Verdict: Worth the money?

The Brazilian, highly regarded by Italian football experts, is also attracting interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Leicester, Everton and Newcastle according to reports.

Amid the competition, his price could rise even further, but Bremer comes as a really promising target nonetheless and it’s no surprise to see him on Conte’s wanted list.

Averaging the second-highest match rating out of Torino’s squad on average, none of their players have made more clearances or interceptions per 90 in Serie A this season – backing his colossal defensive ability (WhoScored).

Ex-Forza Italian Football journalist Rajath Kumar has even described the 25-year-old as their ’emerging superstar’, and if Paratici opts to invest significantly in his signing, he could be a coup for Spurs.

In other news: Tottenham sources now believe they’re in pole position to seal ‘top signing’ for Conte! Find out more here.

Ian Doyle has been left ‘disappointed’ by the display of Curtis Jones as Liverpool hosted Watford in the Premier League at Saturday lunchtime.

The Lowdown: Given chance

Jones was given his chance to impress from the start by Jurgen Klopp, ahead of the likes of Fabinho and James Milner in the centre of midfield.

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It was only his ninth start in the top flight this season, but he did not seem to be able to make the most of his opportunity, despite the Reds moving top of the Premier League with a relatively tame 2-0 victory.

The Latest: Doyle reacts

Taking to Twitter, The Liverpool Echo journalist Doyle slammed Jones’ performance after he shot ‘well over’ the crossbar in the second half of the game:

“Jones has a run and although it opens up a little, he shoots well over. It has been a disappointing afternoon so far for the LFC midfielder.”

The Verdict: Not his day

It was clearly not Jones’ day, as that shot was one of two attempts that he put off target, while he was also wayward with three of his crosses (SofaScore).

Defensively, he lost out on five of his duels, and failed to make a single interception or clearance in the match, while he was also dribbled past and made a foul (SofaScore).

However, Jones was perhaps most ‘disappointing’ in possession, as he was guilty of losing the ball a total of 12 times, and given that he came off on the hour mark for Fabinho, statistically he gave the ball away every five minutes.

The 21-year-old Englishman will know that his starting spot is not guaranteed, and he will have to put in better performances if he is to be a mainstay in the side in the future.

In other news, find out what big transfer update Fabrizio Romano has dropped that affects the Reds here!