Manchester United fans slam Lingard display vs West Ham

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Loads of Manchester United fans have been running the rule over their victory against West Ham, and they’re not too happy with Jesse Lingard.

Just like their win against Watford, the Red Devils put in an underwhelming performance at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Hammers, who were coming off the back of some woeful performances of their own, looked the better team in the opening stages, and were unlucky to see a Felipe Anderson goal incorrectly ruled out for offside.

Watch the video below to find out what Jesse Lingard is like off the pitch in the latest Match Of The Bae with Emma Conybeare…

Paul Pogba then scored from the spot after a dubious decision from the referee, but Anderson did get his goal in the second half, sneaking in at the back post to equalise.

And although Pogba’s second penalty of the day gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side all three points, fans aren’t happy with their performance, particularly from Lingard.

When playing mid-table sides at home, attacking players like the English international need to be involved and making things happen. He completed zero dribbles, zero key passes and registered zero shots, per Whoscored.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, look away now Jesse…

Crystal Palace fans love links to Che Adams

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Loads of Crystal Palace fans have been judging their latest striker target, as reports claim they are chasing Che Adams.

According to The Telegraph, three Premier League teams will go head to head this summer to sign Adams, who has bagged 22 goals in 39 Championship starts this season.

The report claims Palace, Southampton and Burnley all want to sign the Blues ace, and that he is expected to leave St. Andrew’s this summer.

The report also states that the Eagles will not be able to afford to land Michy Batshuayi on a permanent deal despite the Belgian impressing during his loan spell, hence the interest in Adams.

Plenty of fans have been giving their verdict on the links, and the reaction is overwhelmingly positive.

Adams is 22, English, works absolutely tirelessly week in week out for 90 minutes, and most importantly he knows how to stick the ball in the net.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where the £6.3m-rated ace is sending fans berserk…

Player Zone: Is Calvert-Lewin the man to fire Everton into top six?

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Since Romelu Lukaku exited Goodison Park in the summer of 2017, taking with him an impressive strike-rate, Everton have brought in five forwards plus Wayne Rooney. Those forwards collectively have bagged 34 Premier League goals across the last two seasons; just eight more than the Belgian managed single-handedly in his final year on Merseyside.

That is not to suggest that too much criticism is due to the five new recruits and indeed a case can be made for most, particularly in the instance of Richarlison who has largely been terrific for the Blues this term under Marco Silva. The former Watford star is not an out-and-out goal-scorer nor is he someone expected to lead the line rather an explosion of creativity across the final third.

Football Soccer – Everton v Chelsea – FA Cup Quarter Final – Goodison Park – 12/3/16 Everton’s Romelu Lukaku with manager Roberto Martinez after being substituted Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account represen

Even so, the fact remains that the Toffees have greatly missed Lukaku, or rather his goals. That’s what it boils down to. They are yet to come anywhere close to replacing him, a problem that has plagued Ronald Koeman, David Unsworth, Sam Allardyce and now Silva.

Enter Dominic Calvert-Lewin though of course the 22-year-old has already been on the scene for some time, having been snapped up as an emerging young talent from Sheffield United in 2016. A period of development followed during which Calvert-Lewin saw his reputation soar by helping England’s U20s win the World Cup and he has since won the Three Lions’ U21 Player of the Year award in 2018. At Everton meanwhile he has quietly, progressively established himself as a first team regular making 36 starts and 30 cameos from the bench in the last two campaigns.

His rise to prominence has accelerated of late with a series of impactful displays none more so than at West Ham at the tail-end of March when Calvert-Lewin was widely praised for putting in a complete centre-forward’s performance. There he harried the Hammers back-line remorselessly and was influential in both of his side’s goals.

Soccer Football – Premier League – Cardiff City v Everton – Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Britain – February 26, 2019 Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates scoring their third goal Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please c

Later Glenn Hoddle stated in his punditry role for BT Sport that Everton might have finally found their missing link up front: “They don’t need to go out and buy a foreign player. He’s getting better and better. If he can add to his goal tally, he can hold the ball up for them, don’t go out and buy a foreign player”.

Ex-Everton manager Allardyce also believes his former charge could prove key in helping his team take the next step and challenge for a top six spot saying recently via talkSPORT:

“Calvert-Lewin has improved immensely this season and next season he might even improve yet again. I think he’s a quality player, but he’s still a little short on his goal tally to command that centre forward position on a regular basis”.

As for the player himself confidence is clearly sky high, as demonstrated in his recent assertion that he could soon be competing on the same plateau as Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane.

You may notice however that both Hoddle and Allardyce’s words contain a similar caveat and that is the young hit-man’s lack of hits. Calvert-Lewin may well be excellent at holding up play and putting in the yards but 17 goals in 92 appearances is hardly prolific. This season he has scored once every 281 minutes – that will be a concern for Silva, who has been charged with making Everton truly competitive against the Premier League’s sextet elite.

A significant increase in sharpness – and selfishness – in front of goal is needed if the Yorkshireman wishes to become the long-term successor to Graeme Sharp, Rooney and Lukaku in Everton’s striking half of fame. If not then the search will continue for the 20-goal-a-season man Everton so desperately crave and Silva so desperately needs.

لاعبان يغيبان عن تدريبات ليفربول قبل مباراة أتالانتا في دوري أبطال أوروبا

شهدت تدريبات نادي ليفربول الإنجليزي، مساء اليوم الاثنين، غياب لاعبين عن المشاركة، قبل مباراة أتالانتا الإيطالي في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ليفربول يحل ضيفًا على أتالانتا مساء غدًا الثلاثاء، على ملعب “أتليتي أزوري إيطاليا”، ضمن لقاءات الجولة الثالثة من دور المجموعات لمباريات المجموعة الرابعة بدوري الأبطال.

وكان قد تواجد في تدريبات الريدز اليوم ثلاثي الفريق كونستانتينوس تسيميكاس ونابي كيتا، إلى جانب جويل ماتيب (طالع المزيد من التفاصيل).

وذكرت صحيفة “ليفربول إيكو” البريطانية، أنّ تياجو ألكانتارا متوسط ميدان الريدز، لم يتواجد في التدريبات الجماعية.

وأوضحت الصحيفة أنّ النجم الإسباني تدرب بشكل منفرد من أجل التعافي من المشاكل التي يُعاني منها في الركبة.

وقالت الصحيفة إن جيمس ملينر لم يتواجد كذلك في التدريبات اليوم الاثنين، ولكن من المتوقع أنّ يُسافر بشكل طبيعي مع الفريق.

West Ham United: Ryan Fredericks’ heroics means Pablo Zabaleta will absolutely not be missed

Despite boasting a woeful defensive record this season, some pieces of the puzzle are coming together for West Ham United.

Indeed, it doesn’t take a genius to assume Manuel Pellegrini may be looking to upgrade over many positions in his side, yet the right-back spot is one he surely isn’t touching anytime soon.

While Pablo Zabaleta’s ageing nature might’ve caused some headaches, Ryan Fredericks is working wonders to consolidate the role as his. The 26-year-old’s given some inspired performances in recent weeks, proving himself as a vital cog to keep the Hammers defence in check.

Granted that West Ham haven’t kept many clean-sheets with him playing, but the 26-year-old’s insane work-rate has helped keep his side in games. Amazingly, he’s rarely allowed wingers to outsmart him and quickly adapted to life in the Premier League. The right-back’s averaged 2.7 tackles, 2.8 clearances per game(stats via WhoScored), being a diligent figure hunting down the ball whenever necessary.

Not only have his defensive solidity bloomed over in recent weeks, his heroics against Southampton probably sealed the right-back slot. Fredericks put in his best performance in a Hammers shirt, being absolutely everyone to avert danger. The 26-year-old made 4 clearances, won 10 aerial challenges, made 4 tackles and successfully completed 4 dribbles (stats via Fotmob) in an amazing display.

To top off his insane performance, he proved his attacking prowess by scoring his first Premier League goal in a special way. By dancing past half of Southampton’s defence, Fredericks netted a majestic goal, attaining fan-favourite status among fans and solidifying his regular role under Pellegrini next season.

West Ham fans, do you think Fredericks deserves a starting spot next season? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Spurs fans unhappy as Sissoko departure rumours circulate

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Tottenham fans on Twitter are miffed after the London Evening Standard reported that Moussa Sissoko would be one of 12 players allowed to leave the club this summer.

Sissoko has enjoyed a good season at Tottenham which has made him somewhat of a fan favourite at Spurs after a shaky start to his career in north London.

Sissoko has made 26 appearances in the league for Tottenham this term, cementing himself as a key player in Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

Tottenham have already allowed Moussa Dembele to leave the club this season and the departure of Sissoko in the summer would leave the squad incredibly light in midfield unless signings were made.

The Frenchman was signed for £30million from Newcastle in 2016 but was widely considered a flop after his first season at the club.

His form has picked up this campaign and Spurs fans want to see him stay at the club next season.

Here’s what Spurs fans have been saying on Twitter…

Sherwood picks key Spurs man who can send them to Champions League final

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Tim Sherwood believes that Son Heung-Min can make the difference when Tottenham Hotspur face Ajax in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, per Sky Sports’ The Debate.

What’s he said?

Spurs fell to a 1-0 defeat against the Dutch giants at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Donny van de Beek scored the only goal of the game, crowning a dazzling passing move with an ice-cool finish in the first half.

The result means that Spurs will have to win in Amsterdam to have any chance of qualifying for the final, where they could face either Liverpool or Barcelona.

But Mauricio Pochettino’s men will be boosted by the return of Son next week, with the South Korea international having missed the first leg through suspension.

And Sherwood feels that the 26-year-old could hold the keys to any potential success in the Netherlands, with his directness likely to provoke panic in Ajax’s backline, such is the club’s desire to keep the ball.

Speaking to The Debate (03:45), he said: “Son’s going to be a massive plus for them in the return leg, hopefully, he gets through the next game in the Premier League, which is a vital game as well, they need to keep winning and getting maximum points in their league campaign.

“But there is space in behind, he can use his pace to get in behind. He’ll be looking at that game there, we saw him in the stand, he’ll be licking his lips, thinking they’re a fantastic side on the ball, out of possession they do give you chances and I think that he will capitalise on that.

“It’s not dead, the game is certainly not dead, Tottenham can go over there and they can score.”

Ace in the pack

Next week’s game is going to be a completely different kettle of fish.

One feels that Spurs did well to escape the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with only a one-goal deficit, such was the dominance of the Dutch side in the first half.

But with both Moussa Sissoko and Son fit to start next week, Pochettino has far more attacking weapons at his disposal than he had on Tuesday.

Son has been in excellent form this season, too, and has scored 20 goals in all competitions.

With the club likely to set up to play on the counter next week, his pace going forward will be vital and will offer a completely different threat to the one posed by Fernando Llorente, the lumbering striker who huffed and puffed his way through the first leg.

Ajax, then, dare not underestimate the Premier League giants.

Manchester United ready to swoop for Manolas

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Reports in Italy claim Manchester United are ready to swoop for Roma centre back Kostas Manolas.

What’s the story?

Earlier this week, Sport Witness translated a report from Leggo that claimed the Red Devils ‘ready to pay’ the Greece international’s release clause of €36m (£31m).

Now, TuttoMercatoWeb have thrown their hat in the ring, also claiming that United will trigger his release clause at the end of the season.

Milan Skriniar of Inter Milan was another target, the report claims, but he will seemingly be too expensive to pry away from the San Siro.

A perfect partnership?

Manolas is 6 ft 2, incredibly fast for such a big, physical threat, and loves throwing his body on the line – as you would expect from a man who has spent his career in Greece and Rome, two places that require gladiatorial bravery from every player.

This bravery is something that has maybe been missing at Old Trafford too, so the 39-cap Greek ace could well be the commanding leader the Red Devils have been missing at the back.

In fact, he could the perfect partner for the ever-improving Victor Lindelof, as the one aspect of the modern game Manolas struggles with is when he has the ball at his feet, an area where Lindelof just so happens to excel.

The young Swedish international needs an experienced head next to him, and what could be better than pairing a ball-playing viking with a fearless gladiator?

With the release clause currently standing at just £31m, Ed Woodward and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be fools not to make this happen.

تقارير: الاتحاد البلجيكي يشكك في إصابة هازارد بـ كورونا مع ريال مدريد

يشعر بعض الأشخاص داخل الاتحاد البلجيكي لكرة القدم بالشك بشأن الأخبار الواردة من ريال مدريد بشأن إصابة جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، إدين هازارد، بوباء فيروس كورونا المستجد، كوفيد 19.

وأعلن ريال مدريد أمس، السبت، إصابة هازارد وزميله كاسيميرو بالفيروس قبل ساعات من مواجهة فالنسيا في الجولة التاسعة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني. (طالع التفاصيل)

وأفادت صحيفة “HLN” البلجيكية بأن الشعور بالشك داخل الاتحاد أمر مفهوم خاصة وأن نتيجة التحاليل تظهر قبل أيام فقط من بداية معسكر المنتخب، وبالتالي، إصابة هازارد ستبعده عن الشياطين الحمر بسبب البروتوكول الطبي في إسبانيا.

وينص البروتوكول الطبي في إسبانيا على عزل اللاعب لمدة 10 أيام من أجل التعافي من فيروس كورونا، ولذلك سيغيب عن 3 مباريات ستُقام في الشهر الحالي أمام سويسرا، إنجلترا والدنمارك.

الجدير بالذكر أن هازارد كان قد عاد للتو إلى مباريات ريال مدريد بعد غياب بسبب إصابة عضلية وتألق في مباراة هويسكا وسجل هدفًا رائعًا في الدوري الإسباني.

Liverpool plotting yet another raid for Piotr Zielinski

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Liverpool have been linked with Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski again, who Jurgen Klopp tried to sign way back in 2016 and was linked with again last year.

What’s the story?

According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness and CalcioNapoli24, Liverpool are ready to go all in on trying to sign Zielinski this time.

Klopp is clearly a huge fan. The Reds had a bid rejected for the Polish midfielder when he was at Udinese in 2016, per BBC, and he eventually joined Napoli instead, where he has been exceptional.

After links cropped up again last summer, the Italian press are claiming Liverpool are preparing a whopping €60m (£51.8m) offer to secure his services this time.

Is he good enough?

Zielinski was a player with great potential when he took pictures wearing a Liverpool shirt way back in 2016 in the hopes of securing his dream move to Anfield.

Who has the loudest fans in Europe? PSG certainly state their claim in the video below…

He is no longer just “potential” now though, and has blossomed into one of the most technically gifted and intelligent players in Europe.

Known for his ability to weave in and out of tight spaces and find passes between the defensive lines, the 24 year-old has completed 90 per cent of his passes across 30 league showings this season, averaging one dribble and 1.6 key passes per game as well as 1.1 tackles per game (Whoscored).

Having played plenty of times on the left side of midfield this campaign and displaying excellent dribbling, acceleration and vision from midfield, he could be Klopp’s replacement for the creativity that walked out the door with Philippe Coutinho.

Should they pull the trigger?

Quite simply, if Jurgen Klopp thinks Zielinski is a good fit for his style and system, then the Reds should waste no time in making this deal happen.

There were doubts over Andy Robertson. There were doubts of Georginio Wijnaldum. There were even doubts around the price tags of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

The Reds boss has shown time and time again that he and his transfer team are very specific in picking targets who suit their exact specifications, and if Zielinski is the man they see filling the Coutinho-shaped hole in the squad then it feels foolish to suggest otherwise.

Liverpool fans, do you think Zielinski would be a good signing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

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