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Speaking exclusively to FootballFanCast, ex-Newcastle United ace Steve Howey has demanded more from midfielder Jonjo Shelvey this season.

The 28-year-old, described as being a ‘liability’ by The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards in 2019, has been one of the first names on the team-sheet for Steve Bruce’s side this season. He has started in every single Premier League game, including taking the captain’s armband for the clash against Burnley.

However, his performances for the Magpies have come under some severe criticism, with fans of the Tyneside club ripping into his display against Tottenham late last month.

Now, Howey has weighed in on the six-cap England international, insisting that whilst he’s got the ability, he simply has to do a lot more for the team.

Speaking to FFC’s James Beavis, Howey said: “I think he’s a very talented player. I think he just needs to grab the game by the scruff of the neck a bit more given his ability. He’s an experienced pro now, he’s been about a bit and been with some top teams. He’s got the ability to spray passes left, right and centre and he’s very, very good at it.

“But obviously, it’s what does he do off the ball. That’s why you’ve got maybe Isaac Hayden in there, who breaks play up and gives it to Shelvey to pass it. Even though he has a very good range of passing, he just has to make sure he finds his men. If you lose the ball, you’ve got to quickly go back on the defensive.

“I’ve got no doubt in my mind that he’s a very good player, but when you’ve got that ability, you’ve got to do the rubbish stuff that players don’t like to do. The hunting, the tackling and getting in there and trying to win the ball back. I’m not saying he doesn’t do it, but everybody’s got to be in the same pot together.”

Given that Shelvey has now been at the club for a number of years now, and has made 146 appearances in total, it’s quite telling that Magpies fans aren’t still unanimously in love with the midfielder.

The 28-year-old has produced some magic in his time at St James’ Park – his screamer against Manchester City last season was just one of those iconic moments – but it’s just far too inconsistent.

It’s up to Shelvey alone to try and answer his critics.

Despite producing a resilient display last weekend – particularly in the first-half – West Brom opened up their return to the Premier League with a 3-0 defeat at home to Leicester.

The Baggies held firm for 56 minutes before Timothy Castagne fired Brendan Rodgers’ side in front, and a couple of penalties from Jamie Vardy late on sealed the deal.

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A mid-week Carabao Cup win over Harrogate Town would surely have boosted the confidence inside the camp, and Slaven Bilic may already be contemplating making some important changes from the line-up that started against Leicester.

Below is a look how West Brom could play against Everton on early Saturday afternoon.

Sam Johnstone is sure to resume his duties as first-choice goalkeeper at Goodison Park, with David Button dropping to the bench following his involvement in the Carabao Cup in mid-week.

Tactically, Bilic may look to ditch the five-man defence that he employed against Leicester, and instead go with a regular back-four – a switch that saw them clinch a 3-0 win over Harrogate.

If that’s the case, Semi Ajayi could be the man to make way and lose his starting spot from last weekend, with the Baggies boss favouring Darnell Furlong, Kyle Bartley, Dara O’Shea and Kieran Gibbs.

In midfield, Romaine Sawyers was arguably the worst of the bunch in the defeat to Leicester, with West Brom fans making their frustrations clear on Twitter after the game.

Bilic could make a real statement by dropping him to the bench, replacing him in the starting line-up with starlet Rekeem Harper, who scored on Wednesday.

And whilst Callum Robinson may have not netted on the opening day, Bilic is likely to retain his confidence in the former Sheffield United man, and could help him out immeasurably by choosing to play Hal Robson-Kanu alongside him – another who scored in that victory over Harrogate.

Momentum will undoubtedly be key, and choosing to go more attacking and adventurous in his team selection could see West Brom pick up their first league points of the season on Saturday.

Predicted XI: Johnstone; Furlong, Bartley, O’Shea, Gibbs; Pereira, Livermore, Harper, Diangana; Robinson, Robson-Kanu.

After 30 years of ups and downs, nearly’s and maybe’s – Liverpool have finally achieved their long-awaited desire to win the Premier League title.

It is safe to say the Red’s did it in style as well, winning the trophy with a staggering 18 point lead over second-place Manchester City – but what happened in that time for the club to achieve such an impossible feat? From incredible goals to surprise standouts, we’ll be looking at the highlights of Klopp’s team this season, from their player of the season to the defining moment, all the way down to their signing of the season.

This campaign has been jam-packed with high’s and low’s, and even a three-month sabbatical due to COVID-19, but this didn’t stop one of the clubs best seasons in their history. Now sit down and enjoy, as we give Liverpool’s title-winning campaign a FootballFanCast review for the ages…

Player of the Season – Sadio Mané

The Senegalese starlet has been incredible since joining the club in 2016, and marked the beginning of Klopp’s tenure at the club, having developed into one of the best players in the world.

With 18 goals and 7 assists this season, Mané has been incredibly important in Liverpool’s surge for the title, coming up with some important goals in the clubs run.

It would be easy to nominate Mohamed Salah or Jordan Henderson as Liverpool’s player of the season, but Mané has proven this year he is just as important as any in this Liverpool team.

Goal of the Season – Mo Salah vs Newcastle, Nov 10th ’19

With 85 incredible goals to choose from this season, it has proved difficult to name just one as the Reds’ goal of the season – but these decisions have to be made, and Mo Salah’s effort against Newcastle at home back in November has just nipped it for me.

Fabinho’s pass to Salah, who plays it into Firmino – in which the Brazilian shows of his samba and produces one of the most tantalising flicks you’ll ever see in a 1-2 back to the Egyptian, who drives forward into the box and makes the most acute finish across Dubravka into the bottom right corner.

Simply put, wow.

Breakthrough Player – Curtis Jones

This seemed an easy decision overall. The young scouser has been introduced to the best team in the league, and it was obvious that an opportunity to play was going to be difficult given the caliber of players at Liverpool’s disposal.

Despite this, Jones has proven he is a talented young player, and many Reds fans will be willing him on to become an important part of the team in years to come.

With a cracking goal against rivals Everton in the FA Cup in January, as well as scoring his first Premier League goal vs Aston Villa at the beginning of July – Jones has proven to be the club’s breakthrough player of this campaign.

Flop of the Season – Divock Origi

Before we break this one down, it is key to point out that not really any of the players at Liverpool have been a flop this season given it has been their best ever in the club’s history, totaling a club record 99 points and winning their first league title in 30 years – but a decision has to be made, and given the Belgian producing some big goals in big games, he’s been rather poor overall.

With just 4 goals in 28 league appearances, Origi has never quite met the expectations that many fans have expected of him, hence his inclusion as the club’s flop of the season.

Defining Moment – 2-1 win vs Aston Villa, Nov 2nd ’19

Liverpool’s comeback against the Villans back in November of last year proved Klopp’s men meant business, and their fight for the title was far from over.

The win saw the Reds move to six points clear from second place Man City after just 11 games, and in previous seasons Liverpool probably would have gone on to lose games such as that, but this season was different. The squad had a hunger and desire, having cruelly missed out on the title last season by one point.

This late comeback showed a side to Klopp’s team that proved they were destined to win the title this year and was my defining moment for the club this campaign.

Signing of the Season – Adrian

There had been a lack of arrivals at the beginning of the season for Liverpool, with just Harvey Elliott and Sepp van den Berg looking like the only signings during the summer transfer window – this was until the departure of Simon Mignolet at the beginning of August, which saw the former West Ham goalkeeper join the Reds on a free transfer.

The Spaniard’s arrival proved to be as important as any, with Alisson coming off in Liverpool’s first game of the season after just 40 minutes against Norwich – which saw Adrian go on to play the next seven league games, winning all seven and keeping two clean sheets.

Hit Expectations? YES

Overall, Klopp and his players have been astronomical this season, and have more than hit any expectations of themselves this season.

It was clear that the club’s aim was to win the title this year, but they went above and beyond in the way in which they did so.

An 18 point lead with 99 points in total, winning 32 out of their 38 league games, winning the title with seven games still to play – the city of Liverpool will forever be indebted to the German and what he has done for the club, and all eyes will be looking toward next season, and the clubs attempt at retaining the coveted Premier League title.

Crystal Palace have seen some incredible talent come through their ranks over the years with the likes of Jon Bostock and Victor Moses springing to mind and although the latter is only one that has come close to fulfilling their undoubted potential; neither have the mercurial talents of Wilfried Zaha.

Despite a brief stint at Manchester United, Zaha has been Palace’s best player for the past decade without question and every transfer window he is subject to multiple transfer bids. None of them ever meet Steve Parish’s asking price; therefore the Ivory Coast international forever remains at Selhurst Park.

So how much do Palace fans know about Wilfried Zaha’s career at Palace? This will test even the most knowledgeable of supporters.

Football stadiums hold a certain level of importance in football culture.

These days we’re seeing more and more modern arenas being built to coincide with the influx of significant financial investment and rapidly developing global technology, but only a handful of clubs are able to go down that route.

Others have to make do with their old fashioned stadiums, and they’re the ones many fans will claim to be the best. While Tottenham’s new stadium is impressive, nothing beats a classic looking football ground.

So we’ve taken it upon ourselves to rank the Premier League stadiums from worst to best.

A lot of fans won’t agree with the result, but take a look and see where your club’s stadium is ranked…

20. Crystal Palace

Selhurst Park can create an electric atmosphere when Crystal Palace are on song, but the ground is in desperate need of an improvement to the facilities.

For some away fans, there is a pole in-between themselves and the action, so even watching the action unfold can be tricky. The stadium is in need of refurbishing.

19. Burnley

Turf Moor is an old-fashioned ground, but an electric atmosphere is rare.

Often a vast viewing of empty seats, there is no intimidation factor and is somewhat becoming outdated as a ground.

There is no special element to the ground which entices you in. Many stadiums are better in the Premier League and would be more suited to a Championship club.

18. AFC Bournemouth

The Vitality Stadium has the smallest capacity in the Premier League at just 11,329. A trip down to the south-coast for away fans can be an enjoyable day out, but as a stadium, it does not impress.

Another example of a ground that needs improving and increasing capacity could help.

17. Watford

Vicarage Road has endured recent renovations but still struggles to impress spectators.

The Graham Taylor stand has a massive flaw where the first few rows cannot be used, as they divert into the ground and you are too low down for the action.

This leaves many empty seats and dissolves any potential atmosphere that could be created from that stand.

16. Southampton

There is nothing unique about St Mary’s Stadium. Has the potential, but lack of attendance brings the rating down.

They need to find a way to fill the stands. It is good for away fans, packed out behind the goal, but the home support lets it down.

The design is generic and does not capture the ordinary spectator if they don’t have an attachment to the club.

15. Brighton & Hove Albion

It is a unique design with the arch of the Amex Stadium. The modern facilities are impressive and is a very aesthetically pleasing ground.

However, the lack of atmosphere again brings this stadium ranking down. It has potential but needs improvements to generate atmosphere.

14. West Ham United

London Stadium is often mocked for not being a “football” stadium, but fans still manage to create an atmosphere – more often than not.

People often criticise the design for away fans with a large gap between upper and lower tiers.

If West Ham’s owners purchased the stadium, they could potentially make adjustments to change it into more of a “football” stadium.

Not close to the best, but still not the worst.

13. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Molineux Stadium is a great example of an old-fashioned ground. The stands are close to the pitch, it’s intimidating to visit as an away fan, and overall, it is a good stadium.

However, away fans are packed on the lower tier, making it very difficult to connect and generate an away atmosphere. Moving the positioning of the away fans would significantly improve the ranking for this stadium.

12. Everton

Goodison Park is filled with emotion, sentimental value and history. It has been an excellent stadium over the years, but it is in desperate need of refurbishment.

Everton should keep in touch with the old, iconic look, but improve the facilities generally and renovate the stands to gain a higher ranking.

11. Norwich City

Carrow Road. A 27,00-seater with excellent traditions and values.

A great trip for the traveling fans, but the use of clappers to generate an atmosphere somewhat tarnishes the reputation. The stands are tight to the pitch and old-fashioned, and overall it is a good stadium.

Liverpool fans can only be cursing their bad luck that a worldwide pandemic would come when their first league title in 30 years was all but inevitable.

The Reds are currently top of the Premier League table by a huge 25 points – the biggest such margin in the division’s history. That means they are just six points and two wins away from confirming their status as champions – yet the current situation has thrown that into doubt.

There may be some good news for match-going fans, at least. On Monday, the Anfield outfit announced that season ticket renewals have been suspended, and that the price for tickets next season will be frozen. They have also said that if the games need to be played behind closed doors, all tickets will be refunded.

It seems the supporters are very happy with this update. They have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts, and you can see some of the best comments from the social media platform below.

Let us know what you think in the comments?

Leeds United fans on Twitter have been heaping praise upon Ryan Edmondson after he scored again for the U23 side on Monday afternoon.

The Whites’ U23 outfit fired back after their 7-1 loss to Derby County last week in impressive fashion as they beat their Yorkshire rivals Barnsley 2-0, and it was Edmondson who opened the scoring for the youth side.

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The striker netted 20 goals last term, and he’s carried his form into this campaign.

These impressive performances have understandably led to a number of supporters calling for him to get a chance in the first-team.

United haven’t been brilliant in front of goal this season as the xG table shows that they should have scored at least nine goals more than they already have this term.

It’s clear to see that Edmondson’s finishing ability could help the first team, and fans have been full of praise for the teenager after he netted against Barnsley.

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on social media.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

West Bromwich Albion return to league action this weekend as they host Sheffield Wednesday at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon.

The Championship has been off for two weeks due to the international break but now it’s back as we enter a very hectic festive period, where Slaven Bilic’s men will be looking to enter the New Year still atop the league’s summit.

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This weekend presents a very difficult test for a couple of reasons, the Owls are chasing promotion too even despite their EFL charge, and the Baggies will be without two of their most influential players – captain Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers.

Both will serve a one-match suspension after accumulating five yellow cards this season, leaving the Croatian chief with a tough decision on who will replace them.

On the Chalkboard

Sawyers, who returned to his boyhood club in the summer, has played every single minute of every single Championship game this campaign so his presence is sure to be harshly felt considering the Midlands club have lost just once to date.

This is reinforced when delving into his numbers for the season – the 28-year-old has a 91.8% passing accuracy rate while averaging a huge 69.9 passes per game, which is the most of any non-defender in the division, via WhoScored.

The midfield department at the Hawthorns is probably the weakest of all positions, but there is one man, in particular, that is an ideal like-for-like replacement, at least for this sole game.

Filip Krovinovic is usually a number ten, but having lost his place to Matheus Pereira, he may find life as a number eight in the engine room of midfield.

He certainly possesses similar qualities having joined on loan from Primeira Liga giants Benfica – across his career to date, the Croatian playmaker averages a passing success rate of 88.1%, which stands him in good stead for this role.

The Express & Star claim the 24-year-old stunned during pre-season with an impressive range of passing while his manager believes he has the ability to get supporters off their seats.

This certainly the £4.5m-rated midfielder (Transfermarkt valuation) seem like the perfect replacement for a short-term fix, and who knows, if he impresses, then he could well regain his starting spot back.

He’ll be hungry to do so.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Santi Cazorla has insisted that Arsenal can thrive under Unai Emery while speaking about his former club to The Independent.

What did he say?

Cazorla, who won Arsenal’s Player of the Year for the 2006/07 season, was discussing the fortunes of his former club which he has come to “miss everything about”.

The Spaniard played a total of 180 games for the Gunners, scoring 29 goals and adding 45 assists throughout his career in red and white.

Now, looking at the club from the outside in, having moved to Villarreal in 2018, Santi Cazorla has insisted they can thrive under their current manager, as reported by The Independent.

“Unai Emery is a good coach and it’s a very good team, I watch them play often, but he needs time, it’s a new generation and it’s very difficult to compete against teams like Man City and Liverpool.

“It’s difficult to know [why the club has stalled]. They have the players, they have the fans, the stadium, they have everything to do it but they have to believe it.”

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Overcoming struggles

This message comes while Arsenal are enduring a run of five games without a win in all competitions, which includes draws against Crystal Palace and Vitoria de Guimaraes.

It is also a time where Emery is under severe pressure, with plenty of fans, and even some former players, claiming it is time for the Spaniard to go.

However, it seems as though the former Sevilla boss will be staying firmly put, which angered fans, so he will likely be thankful for the support of a popular figure like Cazorla.

With fans now able to put high levels of pressure on figures at Arsenal, Emery can use all the support available to him.

Arsenal’s next four Premier League games come against Southampton, Brighton & Hove Albion, Norwich City and West Ham United, who are all in the bottom half of the table, so this is arguably Emery’s best possible chance to turn things around.

Despite Arsenal currently experiencing their worst start to a league season for over 30 years, a tweet from the club celebrating former goalkeeper Jens Lehmann’s birthday has proven to be a source of some positivity amongst a number of fans; despite the difficult predicament that Unai Emery’s side currently find themselves in.

Lehmann, who made 148 Premier League appearances for the Gunners across a five-year spell, won the league title and the FA Cup during his time in north London – accolades that the club’s fanbase could seemingly only dream of under the current regime and with Emery in charge of the side.

Although Lehmann’s time with the club and the present-day display a clear disparity, there can be no doubting that these fans were quick to celebrate their former man’s birthday.

Following an official club tweet, here are some of the best reactions to Arsenal’s birthday post for their former shot-stopper.