All posts by h716a5.icu

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Liverpool fans on Twitter have been busy discussing what position would be best for Trent Alexander-Arnold going forward.

The Reds’ first choice right-back has impressed hugely this season with his technical ability and end product, recording one goal and an eye-catching six assists from defence in the Premier League this season.

Mo Salah has been brutally mocked for his recent diving antics in a new video by 442oons. Check it out below…

At just 20 years of age, Alexander-Arnold has a wonderful range of passing and the confidence to attempt even the most outrageous of cross-field pings, whilst his one and only goal this term came via an excellent free-kick against Watford.

However, he does tend to get caught out defensively, most noticeably at the Etihad Stadium a few months ago, where Leroy Sane tore him to shreds and scored the winner down the young England international’s side.

As a result of that, some Liverpool supporters on Twitter have suggested that the academy graduate would be better served playing in central midfield, where he wouldn’t have as much responsibility from a defensive aspect.

Many, however, disagree on a matter that seems to have divided the fanbase…

It’s fair to say that Chelsea have had a few problems going forward this season. In the Premier League, none of their strikers have been able to make an impact, with Gonzalo Higuain, Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud falling short so far this term. 

This is a big problem, as the Blues have lacked goals, and despite them creating chances, if they don’t have someone to put them away, they’re never going to improve and get to an acceptable level.

That was painfully obvious against Everton, with forward Gonzalo Higuain stumbling against the Toffees – and not for the first time this season.

It’s clear, then, that Chelsea need a reliable forward, but could they find it closer to home than they think? In an interview with Sky Sports, Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham has revealed that he still dreams of playing for Chelsea.

He said: “As a young kid, I’ve always believed I will play for Chelsea. I always believe that. I think I have the ability to. I just have to, when I get the opportunity, grab it with two hands.”

Chelsea have, for too long, ignored their Academy. So many of their young players have impressed, yet time and time again they’ve been cast aside. That’s certainly been the case of Abraham, who has regressed back into the Championship this season after a mixed Premier League spell last season.

He’s certainly proven his talent yet again, though, with a whopping 21 league goals in the Championship this term.

It’s getting to a stage now that Chelsea can’t afford to ignore Abraham anymore. It’s clear that he’s outgrown the second tier, and he’s proven that he’s a natural scorer. Surely he deserves a chance? It can’t get any worse, can it?

Chelsea’s youth players, like Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ethan Ampadu, have done well when the Blues have needed them this term, and age must not be a barrier.

Abraham has the talent, and he clearly has the desire. Now Sarri must make it happen.

Thoughts?

It has been quite a start for Steve Bruce at Sheffield Wednesday.

After experiencing a dismal start to the season in charge of Aston Villa which eventually culminated in him being sacked in October, the 58-year-old must have questioned just when he would be able to make his managerial comeback.

Yet following the Owls’ sacking of Jos Luhukay in December, Bruce was chosen as the man to take over at Hillsborough by chairman Dejphon Chansiri, a decision which has seemingly paid off if recent results are anything to go by.

Since his first game in charge of the club at the start of February, Wednesday have experienced a resurgence in form in the Championship and are currently 10 games unbeaten. In what must have been seen by the club’s supporters as an implausible dream just three months ago, a top six finish this season is now a realistic possibility.

However, it can be argued that promotion this season for the club could come too early for Bruce’s side. Indeed, there is no denying that Premier League football would benefit the Owls financially but it could lure them into a summer of overspending, especially when you consider that their squad at the moment may not be good enough for the top tier.

Whereas purchasing players at premium rates used to almost always guarantee success, nowadays it comes with a risk of not paying off at all. Fulham’s promotion via the play-offs last season saw them spend £105.3m (via Sky Sports) on a number of imports who have failed to adapt to the Premier League which has resulted in them experiencing a terrible top-flight campaign.

Wednesday therefore would benefit from another season in the Championship as not only would it prevent them splurging extorniate amounts on players but it would also allow Bruce’s side more time to embrace their manager’s ideas, meaning that if they achieve promotion next season, they will be more suited to life in the top tier of English football.

What do you think Wednesday fans? Do you think that your club is ready to make the step up to the Premier League this season? Or would they benefit from another season in the Championship under the guidance of Bruce. Let us know below?

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Newcastle were swept aside by Arsenal at the Emirates on Monday night, and Andy Gray has slammed the Magpies’ performance.

Rafael Benitez’s side have made St. James’ Park a fortress in recent months, but they haven’t had the same luck away from home.

In fact, their last away win in the league came at Huddersfield back in December, and Arsenal made it look all too easy on Monday as goals from Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette locked up all three points for the Gunners.

Gray, who made his living as a target man, was not impressed by the Tyneside outfit, particularly in an attacking sense.

What did he say?

“Newcastle were disappointing. They were like they were at the start of the season – flat, and never offered a thing in attack,” he said.

“They were punchless. I felt for Salomon Rondon, I have played up there and I know what’s it like going to these grounds and not getting a kick. That’s what Rondon would feel like.

“Arsenal were never threatened. It was too easy for them.”

On-going issue

Gray is not exactly a popular figure on British television nowadays, having formed somewhat of a dream-team of ignorance with Richard Keys on BeIN Sports’ pundit team.

However, it’s quite hard to disagree with his verdict on Newcastle’s performance at Arsenal, and more worryingly it is a pretty apt analysis of nearly every Magpies away trip.

But Gray also highlighted Rondon as a player who was not involved enough, and while that is true, the 63 year-old has failed to recognise the true source of the problem.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

Rafael Benitez said his side requires another “£40m, £50m or £75m” on attacking players after the game, but the real issue is in midfield.

Miguel Almiron, Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez would get into most Premier League teams outside the top six, but how many would Mo Diame and Isaac Hayden get into?

Newcastle’s inability to mark their presence in away games and really threaten opponents is down to a lack of control in the middle of the park, and an experienced but dynamic partner for Sean Longstaff should be top priority this summer.

Whether or not Mike Ashley backs Benitez enough to fix this issue though is truly a question for another day.

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Tottenham Hotspur fans have urged Toby Alderweireld to stay at the club after their 1-0 win over Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

The Belgium international played the entire 90 minutes as Spurs secured a deserved lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The two clubs will play again at the Etihad Stadium next week before a clash in the Premier League.

City will need to score at least twice in the second leg in Manchester and that task will be all the harder with Alderweireld in such fine form in defence.

Doubts persist over his future, however, with his contract containing a £25 million release clause that can be activated by any interested party this summer.

And, following his solid display against the current Premier League champions, Alderweireld took to Twitter to express his delight at the result.

In response to the tweet, Spurs fans have urged the defender to commit to fresh terms as Spurs look to make a success of their first full season at their new stadium.

Take a look at the best of the reaction below!

What a fantastic run of form this is! Aston Villa are really looking good to secure their spot within the play-offs and could yet be promoted this season. Who’d have thought that a few months ago? Amazing how football works. Indeed, amazing how Dean Smith works. 

After an inconsistent start, Smith has made vital improvements in recent weeks that has now seen Villa register themselves as promotion contenders. At last, the project looks its working for the former Brentford manager at his boyhood club.

Still, the heartache of last years play-off final loss is still fresh in the memory but there is now no reason to suggest why the Villans can’t go all the way and make their long awaited top flight return. Players have improved which correlates to better results but the need for big changes in the summer is still of the highest importance.

Finances for Aston Villa are somewhat unknown meaning if they wanted to try and save money, giving a new contract and a chance in pre-season to defender Mitchell Clark, that wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Villans.

Mitchell Clark has enjoyed a very successful loan spell with Port Vale, albeit a lot lower level than Aston Villa.

The fact is though, he now has more experience to his name and within that timeframe, has suggested why it would be a ludicrous decision on Villa’s behalf to not reward him with a new contract.

With 42 appearances in all competitions thus far for Mitchell Clark, the versatile defender has helped keep 15 clean-sheets as he ranges from left to right back mostly. We know how bad the club’s defence can be at times, so affording him the chance to shine could be a masterstroke.

Clark has always been considered to be a promising youngster in the Villa system and it would be a shame to neglect that potential by not offering him a new contract when it expires this summer. He could save the club an awful lot of money, after all.

Do you agree Mitchell Clark should be given a chance at Aston Villa? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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Every single fan in Liverpool should want Tottenham Hotspur to pick up two victories this week.

Spurs face Manchester City in two successive games, in two different competitions. First, Spurs travel to the Etihad Stadium for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final – the first leg, of course, ended 1-0 with Son Heung-Min’s goal proving decisive. Then, this weekend, Spurs face City in the Premier League, again at the Etihad.

The harsh reality for Spurs fans here, then, is that they could well hand two titles to the Reds this week.

If Spurs beat City in the Champions League, the favourites are surely out. Barcelona showed in their first leg beating of Manchester United that their powers, even with Lionel Messi in their ranks, are on the wane. Liverpool’s electric front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane would fancy their chances against Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet both at Anfield and the Camp Nou.

Spurs, too, would be out for revenge against Juventus if they beat Ajax to progress after being knocked out by the Italian champions last season, while the Dutch side are the young upstarts in the competition, an aesthetically-pleasing unit who have yet to be truly tested when behind.

The signs, then, could well point towards a final between Spurs and Liverpool. That is only good news for one side; Mauricio Pochettino has beaten Jurgen Klopp once in nine meetings, drawing four and losing four. A coronation could await for the German if they meet at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in June.

As for the Premier League, the race is as tight as it has ever been.

City are second, currently, two points behind the Reds but they have a game in hand. Each side have won their last five outings. A win for Spurs this weekend, as Liverpool face Cardiff City on Sunday, would surely see the Reds pull five points clear.

The Reds then face Huddersfield Town – already relegated, and on track to be one of the worst Premier League teams of all time – Newcastle United and Wolves, two teams who could well be on the beach mentally by the time the Reds visit.

City, by comparison, face bitter rivals Manchester United, Burnley, Leicester City and Brighton & Hove Albion. The Tottenham game is key.

Pochettino has a markedly better record against Guardiola than against Klopp – he has won three and drawn four of the 15 meetings between them – and he could make that five this week.

Indeed, he took Espanyol to the Camp Nou in 2009 and recorded his first ever victory as a manager, winning 2-1. It is all the more remarkable when one considers that Espanyol were bottom of the league at the time and Barcelona were 10 clear at the top. It was Espanyol’s first victory at the stadium in 27 years.

Of course, Spurs are without Harry Kane and Harry Winks, while there remain doubts over Dele Alli, who may have broken his hand in the first leg.

Son and Lucas Moura are in electric form, however, and could be more suited to a counter-attacking gameplan against a City side that are sure to dominate possession.

Pochettino knows how to beat City. He has seen his side thump them 4-1 at White Hart Lane and took them to victory at the Etihad in 2016. Last week’s win was similar; Spurs executed their gameplan perfectly and now have a lead to protect.

Of course, they need to qualify for the Champions League too via a league finish – top four is a must, regardless of whether or not they lift the famous jug-eared trophy – and will not be thinking about the title race this weekend. They will instead be focused on their own ambitions, as Pochettino tries to pull his side clear of the chasing pack of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Liverpool will have a keen eye on both games, however. Indeed, Tottenham could hold the keys to their destiny both at home and in Europe.

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Charlton Athletic supporters have criticised striker Josh Parker after Friday’s defeat to Oxford United.

The Addicks lost 2-1 and sit in fifth in the League One table.

They are now six points behind Barnsley in second, with just three games of the season remaining.

Lee Bowyer’s men are guaranteed to finish in the play-offs, however, and will have the opportunity to win promotion to the Championship.

Charlton can still finish third, but Portsmouth and Sunderland both have a game in hand on them and have 83 points to their 79.

Fans have been left disappointed with Parker, who was brought on at half-time with the club already losing.

The 28-year-old has scored just four goals this season in 31 appearances in all competitions and many believe he is not the player that the club need in reserve up front as they attempt to win promotion back to the second-tier.

Parker joined the club on a permanent deal from Gillingham in January, but it appears he’s failed to win over most Addicks supporters.

Take a look at the best of the reaction below!

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Tottenham Hotspur fans on Twitter have been reacting to comments made by Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek about their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie.

The 22-year-old, in the run-up to the two teams clashing in the final four of Europe’s premier club competition, admitted his admiration for Mauricio Pochettino’s men and suggested that they are the favourites to progress to the final.

But supporters are seeing his comments as more than just respect for the opposition, articulating that it’s a call by the promising talent to be signed by Daniel Levy and expressing their own desires to see the player plying his trade in north London in the near future, alongside teammates Kasper Dolberg and David Neres.

The trio are key to the Dutch giants’ hopes of overcoming the Lilywhites and booking their place in the Champions League final, having helped them to defeat Juventus in the quarter-finals to set up a clash with Tottenham who saw off Manchester City.

Here’s the best Spurs replies to the quotation…

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Cardiff City’s defeat to Fulham on Saturday means that either they or Brighton and Hove Albion will take the final Premier League relegation spot this season, and Crystal Palace fans have been discussing the duo’s survival chances on the Holmesdale forum.

The Bluebirds actually host the Eagles in their penultimate match of the campaign this weekend, with the Welsh club lying four points behind the Seagulls with just six left to play for and a trip to Manchester United to come on the final day.

Of course, Palace have a huge rivalry with the south coast side and you would think that while some supporters would want them to stay up so they can play each other twice again next term, there will be others that hope they go down.

The Selhurst Park faithful have been talking about the battle to remain in the top flight.

What have they been saying? Interesting comments

They certainly are.

It appears as though many have accepted now that after Cardiff’s latest failure that they are going down, even if they could be just a point behind should they beat Palace and Brighton lose against Manchester City this weekend.

Others seem keen for the Bluebirds to go, and are hoping that Roy Hodgson can mastermind another away win in south Wales.

Rather intriguingly one individual also suggests the Seagulls could do a Huddersfield next term, while another believes giving them six points this season has ultimately kept Chris Hughton’s men up.