Ever since his rabona goal back in 2014, Erik Lamela has been a bit of a fan favourite in the white half of North London. The tricky winger enjoyed some of the best form of his career last season but has been in and out of the team this season for various reasons.
The Argentine has missed several games for personal reasons, but also picked up a hip injury, which meant his season only really got going in February. There were no signs of rust on Wednesday though, as Lamela played the full 90 minutes for Pochettino’s men and looked back to his old self.
Having found the net recently against Newport, Lamela started the match against Juventus last month, but hasn’t really forced himself back in as a consistent starter.
His performance at a snowy Wembley should go some way to fixing that, as the 25-year-old grabbed two assists in his side’s 6-1 demolition job of League One Rochdale.
Valued at £22.5 million on Transfermarkt, Lamela caused trouble for the visitors all night as he completed five dribbles, registered five shots and created plenty of chances for the likes of Fernando Llorente and Heung-min Son. Lamela offers different qualities to the likes of Son and Dele Alli, and could be a key figure for Spurs as they try to gather momentum towards the end of the season.
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Son certainly staked his claim to keep his starting spot with two goals on Wednesday, and Lucas Moura has impressed since arriving, but Lamela’s directness and ability to pick a cross may be necessary as more teams batten down the hatches and fight to avoid relegation.
So, Spurs fans, should Lamela start against Huddersfield this weekend? Let us know by voting below…
Footballers earning bags of money seem to attract pretty women… we can’t quite work out the link, can you? Even though Leeds have been away from the top tier for a while, but their players are still bagging themselves some beauties off of the pitch.Here are FIVE of the Whites’ more glamorous followers for your viewing pleasure…[ffc-gallery]
CLICK ON JADE & BILLY SHARP TO REVEAL THE FIVE
SPT_GCK_110712_Football feature, Southampton, Picture Graham Chadwick. Billy Sharp with his girlfriend Jade at their home in Southampton. (they are wearing the blue bands for the Luey Jacob Sharp Fondation, and the t-shirt.)
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Charlotte Pearce (James Pearce)
Leeds’ captain may not have had much silverware through his career, but he certainly has a trophy wife off of the pitch.
Eleonora Cellino (Massimo Cellino’s daughter)
Not strictly a WAG, the lovely Eleonora arrived alongside her father Massimo when he took over at Leeds. A racy pic at Elland Road caught some attention!
Jade Sharp (Billy Sharp)
Hot shot on the pitch, pretty decent at scoring off of it, too. Billy Sharp’s wife Jade is certainly the envy of many men.
SPT_GCK_110712_Football feature, Southampton, Picture Graham Chadwick. Billy Sharp with his girlfriend Jade at their home in Southampton. (they are wearing the blue bands for the Luey Jacob Sharp Fondation, and the t-shirt.)
Alana Hunt (Noel Hunt)
Noel Hunt has, arguably, the most attractive other half at Leeds. Well, that’s what we think.
Courtney St John (Ross McCormack)
Okay, Ross McCormack may not be at Leeds any more, but we can enjoy Courtney St John, right? After all, she was spotted at Elland Road a few times…
Manchester City club captain Vincent Kompany has ruled out the possibility of City feeling sorry for themselves after they were knocked out of the Champions League in midweek.
City were beaten in Dortmund on Tuesday night and failed to even qualify for the Europa League putting pressure on the players and boss Roberto Mancini.
Arch rivals Manchester United visit the Etihad today in the first Manchester derby of the season and last season’s champions will be looking to leapfrog their opponents and regain top spot in the Premier League.
Kompany is pleased that their first game after such disappointment is against their rivals as it gives them a chance to instantly pick themselves up and restore some faith from the fans.
The Belgian also believes that neither side will go into the game as favourites despite City holding home advantage and that he expects every player to be at the top of their game.
“The best way for us to react is to perform on the pitch, and we’ve done it time and time again in the past so I’m sure we’ll do it again,” Kompany exclusively told talkSPORT.
“It’s the kind of game where you expect yourself to perform well. You expect yourself to have a good game because you know that the challenge is huge.
“The passion that goes into that game is quite special so it’s probably a good game to pick yourself up but there is always a risk attached to a game like this.
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“It’s probably very difficult to call a favourite in these kind of games whether you play at home or away.”
Cenk Tosun was bought in the January transfer window with the hope of solving Everton’s problems up front.
Ever since Romelu Lukaku left Goodison Park to join Manchester United in the summer, the Merseyside outfit have missed a commanding presence up front.
Last season, the Belgian international scored 25 Premier League goals, which is just eight fewer than the entire team’s tally in the current campaign.
Tosun’s arrival from Besiktas was met with plenty of excitement, particularly as manager Sam Allardyce signed him alongside Theo Walcott from Arsenal.
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However, the Turkish international has struggled for game time on Merseyside having started just three league matches and making a further two appearances off the substitutes’ bench.
At the weekend, the forward played 68 minutes of the Toffees’ 2-1 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor, and even though the result was less than desirable, Tosun managed to score his first Everton goal.
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After the match, the 26-year-old opened up about his initial difficulties following the January transfer.
Fans have since been tweeting their reaction to Tosun’s comments, with many taking aim at Allardyce, who has come under fire lately.
Earlier this week, Celtic fans said goodbye to goalkeeper Fraser Forster, as the England international moved to Southampton following a plethora of interest from the Premier League and yonder in his services.The England international will undoubtedly leave a gap behind in the Bhoys starting line up but his departure has seen the Scottish champions collect a cool £10million.That’s big money for the Parkhead club, and the best way to spend it would be on a talismanic entity who could bring Celtic’s performances to a whole new level – especially in the Champions League.Thus, here’s FIVE signings, all relatively expensive but all high quality, that Celtic should consider spending the Forster fund on.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON THE FORMER CELTIC NO.1 TO REVEAL
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DAVID MARSHALL
Football – Cardiff City v Crystal Palace – Barclays Premier League – Cardiff City Stadium – 13/14 – 5/4/14David Marshall – Cardiff CityMandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee MillsEDITORIAL 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 representative for further details.
In regards to a direct replacement for Fraser Forster who can match the now-Southampton goalkeeper’s immense quality, I suggest Celtic turn their attentions to Cardiff City’s David Marshall.
The 29 year-old former Bhoy, who rose through the Parkhead youth ranks and made 35 league appearances before leaving for Norwich in 2007, made more saves than any Premier League keeper last season, as detailed below:
Talismanic performances from the Scotland international, such as the one below, became common practice last term as the Bluebirds failed to stave off relegation:
Resultantly, Marshall was expected be snapped up by one of his many top flight suitors this summer, namely Arsenal, Tottenham and Southampton.
But all have sought alternatives to the Scot, making him potentially available to the SPL champions, and Champions League football is certainly a challenge that would appeal to the eleven-cap international.
Price-tag could still be an issue however despite the robust Forster fund. Rumour has it that Cardiff have struck their No.1 with an outrageous valuation to warn off suitors:
CALLUM MCMANAMAN
Football – Wigan Athletic v Milton Keynes Dons – FA Cup Third Round – DW Stadium – 4/1/14Callum McManaman celebrates after scoring the third goal for WiganMandatory Credit: Action Images / John CliftonLivepicEDITORIAL 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 represe
Celtic have already been eying Callum McManaman this summer and the Wigan winger would certainly be a strong addition to Ronny Deila’s starting XI.
The 23 year-old burst onto the scene at the end of the 2012/13 campaign, netting three times in the FA Cup as the Latics went on to beat Manchester City in the Wembley final.
Last season saw the former Everton youngster struggle for fitness and form, but he’s bounced back this year with a goal and a strong performance against Reading at the weekend:
McManaman is best known for his mixture of industrious and eye for goal, which should put him in good stead in the Scottish top flight. Here’s a look at the Englishman’s career highlights:
//www.youtube.com/embed/PePGi9nGxr8?rel=0
But it appears the Parkhead outfit will have to make a huge offer, with Wigan boss Uwe Rosler claiming “There’s no chance that Callum will go anywhere”.
TOM CAIRNEY
Another Championship star Celtic should be looking at, especially whilst Kris Commons’ contract situation remains unresolved, is Blackburn Rovers midfielder Tom Cairney.
The 23 year-old’s stock is rising all the time, in no small part due to an impressive return of five goals and six assists in 37 appearances last season, earning him the Player of the Year award at Ewood Park. Here’s a look at some of his highlights from last term:
//www.youtube.com/embed/fAgcMqnLufY?rel=0
He also recorded the second-best pass success rate in the Championship:
And the midfielder will have done his profile no harm with a Man of the Match performance against Cardiff City last friday, typified by this sensational strike:
Rovers only signed the former Hull City star permanently last January after an impressive loan spell and will be understandably reluctant to sell – Cairney plays a big part in their promotion hopes.
But he’s a former Scotland U21 who has desires to play for the senior team – Celtic could certainly help him achieve that aim whilst offering the added incentive of Champions League football.
DARREN FLETCHER
Now 30 years of age and having missed the peak of his career after being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, Darren Fletcher’s Manchester United tenure is undoubtedly coming to a close.
The Scotland international hasn’t been included in Louis van Gaal’s expected cull, but he looked disturbingly out of his depth at times last season and is hardly integral to the club’s immediate future.
A well known Celtic fan and a 62-cap Scot, Parkhead would be an ideal location for the industrious midfielder to see out his twilight years whilst still enjoying competitive football.
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Fletcher may not be the player he once was but there’s no doubting his pedigree. Just take a look at the five-time Premier League winner’s career highlights:
//www.youtube.com/embed/geBA0Pg1XUU?rel=0
How much United would want for the midfielder remains to be seen, but £5million would be a sensible estimate.
NICK POWELL
Another Manchester United star known to have caught Celtic’s transfer attention before is youngster Nick Powell.
The highly-rated Crewe product impressed in the Championship last year during a term-long stay with Wigan, as viewable below:
He also netted three times in six Europa League outings. Here’s a collection of the 20 year-old’s career highlights thus far:
//www.youtube.com/embed/ZfclynD35gY?rel=0
And the 20 year-old, who can feature in attacking and central midfield or as a striker, doesn’t appear to be in Louis van Gaal’s plans, having been left out of the Red Devils’ pre-season tour squad.
No doubt, the England U21 would be a major coup for the Bhoys, but Wigan are keen on his services permanently and Premier League side Leicester City have also been linked:
Sometimes the media bandwagon gets a little too much to stomach, and lets pull no punches, the reaction to Joe Hart’s poor performance against Sweden is about as strong a shout for ‘over reaction of the year’ as Ibra’s sublime fourth goal will be for ‘best goal ever.’ A shoo in.
All day long whilst perusing the papers and internet forums I have come across varying opinions, and some have been very valid. Howard Hockin wrote for this very site about how the lack of competition for the number one shirt is a problem for Hart and keeping him on his toes. I doubt anyone would argue with that. Look at Ronaldo and Messi – each competing with the other to be the best in the world (although I think ego-himavich may have something to say now after the zlat-trick and fourth goal) push each other to new levels. This is seen in clubs too and can only be a good thing. Hart does not profit from this and yet somehow the lack of competition is his fault? Bizarre but then again this is the British public and media.
The allegation Roy Keane made however of Hart being now too ‘cocky’ is something Hart has refuted on yes you’ve guessed it the fountain of all that is pure in the world – twitter – and even took the time to do a Q and A session with fans perhaps to prove his head is not too big to fit through the door after all.
That was bad enough but of course the Daily Mail had to weigh in, with Neil Ashton going one further from calling the keeper cocky and went as far as to conclude his ‘article’ by stating that England should look to other options for the game against Brazil in February. One wonders who exactly he is referring to – yes Celtic keeper Forster had a sublime couple of games against Barcelona but to replace Hart? Really? I can only assume Ashton fancies a flutter on a Neymar rout.
Hart himself will testify to the fact that his last few games have not been up to the standard he set for himself – in fact since the game against Spanish Champions Real Madrid he has looked a little off the pace, but all players go through dips in form and as a goalie it is more noticeable than any other position on the field.
Wonder striker Ramadel Falcao has now gone two games without scoring – very poor by his standards, but he gets away with the mistakes and misses by being a forward. Imagine if an England keeper suddenly exhibited the form Torres shows week in week out – there would be a national enquiry.
Whilst we can all agree on the fact that Hart better return to form and quickly, the fact that we are one step away from mocking up his face on wanted posters shows just how quickly England fans do jump on the bandwagon and seem to live to criticise sometimes.
Hart may need to develop a very thick layer of skin if he wants to be our number one for the next 10 years although it could be worse. He could be team mate Scot Sinclair who must be looking for a transfer to any country that ‘I’m A Celeb’ isn’t screened given the stick he has been taking since his Wag Helen entered the jungle. Chin up Joe, there’s always someone worse off than you!
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West Bromwich Albion should try their luck and move for Tottenham Hotspur striker Fernando Llorente if they lose Jay Rodriguez this summer.
What’s the word?
Darren Moore is need of players who can help the Baggies return to the promised land following their relegation to the Championship last season.
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Rumours have been circling that Jay Rodriguez is attracting attention from his former club Burnley, and if the forward does leave, West Brom need a replacement.
Fernando Llorente currently plies his trade at Spurs, but he had a miserable season with regards to game time.
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The 33-year-old was handed just one start in the Premier League, and he only managed to score five goals and create one assists in 31 outings in all competitions.
The return is not ideal, but he was rarely given the nod by manager Mauricio Pochettino, whereas at West Brom he would get regular minutes on the pitch.
Could a deal happen?
Llorente recently told Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo that he is happy with life at Tottenham, despite the fact that he plays a bit-part role.
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The former Swansea City forward gave no indication that he was thinking about leaving the North London outfit, which would make it tricky for West Brom to get a deal over the line.
In addition, even though Tottenham have one of the more modest wage structures, the Baggies will be struggle to match what Llorente is already earning.
On top of that, the striker will be sacrificing top-flight football for Championship, but given his situation at Spurs, it is worth West Brom making an enquiry.
As reported by The Sun, Real Madrid are lining up a surprising summer bid for midfielder Paul Pogba this summer, just two years after the Frenchman arrived at the club.
What’s the story?
We’re still months away from the summer transfer window opening but already the big headline grabbing stories are emerging and a potential Paul Pogba move away from Man United is sure to raise some eyebrows.
The Sun report that Real Madrid are plotting to bring him to La Liga at the end of the season despite both Man United and Pogba himself not being receptive to such a move.
The paper reckon that the Spanish side are keeping tabs on his happiness in Manchester due to his dip in form and the fact Mourinho has either substituted him off or dropped him completely in recent matches.
However, any bid would need to be well over £120m if business is to be done, says the report.
Should they sell?
Given United’s investment in Paul Pogba and the fact that Jose Mourinho is looking to build a team around him in years to come, it would be silly for the Manchester side to consider any move for the French international in the summer, regardless of what money is offered.
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He may be struggling to find his most effective role in the Red Devils first team, but he has a quality that can be priceless when he is on top form and rather than give up on him, United need to find the best way to utilise him.
Selling him to a potential UEFA Champions League rival makes even less sense and despite Madrid’s reported desire to land him, this is one transfer rumour that the Old Trafford side should shut down.
Fifa have hit Liverpool and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez with a four-month ban from all ‘football-related activity’ as a result of his heinous bite on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini in their World Cup tie.With it being the third time the striker has committed such an offence, he has been slapped with the biggest ban in Fifa’s history, as well as an additional ban of nine international games and a fine of 100,000 Swiss Francs.Following a record-breaking season from Suarez, he was believed to have become a ‘reformed character’, but his regression towards childish stupidity has landed him with a hefty suspension, of which he will doubtless appeal.Surprisingly enough, with the issue being the largest debate in sport over the past 48 hours, Twitter has been out in force giving their reaction.Here is the general gist of public reaction to Suarez’s ban.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who sympathises with Suarez, with most opinions ranging from congratulatory praise for Fifa, to those who believe the ban was too lenient. Either way, he has few supporters outside of Uruguay.
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Tottenham bounced back from a disappointing draw in the Europe League on Thursday night to inflict more pain on lowly Southampton whose defensive errors are costing them badly.
Just seconds after Jermain Defoe missed a sitter for the visitors, former Saints winger Gareth Bale headed a Tom Huddlestone cross back across goal and into the far corner to end a fantastic week for him personally after becoming a father.
Clint Dempsey then doubled Spurs’ lead before half time as Defoe’s shot was blocked on the line before the American strolled in to tap the ball home as Southampton’s leaky defence continues to struggle in the top flight.
Spurs dominated the first half of the game and despite only having one striker in their 18 man squad; they looked very dangerous going forward with the pace of Aaron Lennon a notable worry for the hosts.
Southampton however did try and get back into the game in the second half with Rickie Lambert recalled to the starting line-up causing problems with his physicality and heading.
It was Lambert’s strike partner Jay Rodriguez who poked home a consolation goal for the hosts though after Jose Fonte’s header was saved by the recalled Brad Friedel from a corner.
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Spurs did manage to hold on for the vital three points after a late onslaught and Andre Villas-Boas’ team are now in the top four with Southampton still second bottom with just four points.