All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur produced a solid display to beat Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 knockout tie on Thursday night, although the Croatian side did cause some problems on their trip to north London.

Two goals from Harry Kane secured the win for Jose Mourinho’s side and some of the Spurs players who featured will be grateful for his brace, as there were a few too many passengers in the game for the Lilywhites.

One man in particular who disappointed with his performance was Dele Alli.

As per SofaScore, the 24-year-old earned a 6.5/10 rating for his performance on Thusday, which was the lowest of any Spurs player who started the game. The former MK Dons man struggled to get involved in Spurs’ attacking play during his time on the pitch and managed no shots, no successful dribbles and no key passes on the night.

In the Europa League so far this season, Alli has averaged 1.4 shots, 1.4 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per game, which demonstrates that he was nowhere near his best against Zagreb.

The England international, who is currently valued at £34.2m by Transfermarkt, also had just 49 touches of the ball and completed only 33 passes, which again is fewer than the 36.4 passes per game he has averaged in Europe this season.

It was no surprise, therefore, that Mourinho subbed Alli just after the hour mark and his replacement, Steven Bergwijn, managed one key pass and one shot on target, as well as a 100% pass accuracy, which suggests that the Dutch winger was able to do a lot more than Alli in the game, despite only being on the pitch for around 30 minutes, per Sofascore.

It was a really poor display from Alli and nowhere near the level he has shown in recent Europa League and Premier League fixtures, so Mourinho will be hoping that he doesn’t slump back into a poor run of form, as Spurs will need every player on song if they are to finish the season strongly and secure a top four finish.

And, in other news… Mourinho masterclass: Jose has revitalised Spurs beast with one simple change

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who scored 306 goals for Wolves, believes Nelson Semedo will become as good as Matt Doherty was at Molineux, especially once he gets this season out the way.

Both full-backs have struggled for consistency this season with Semedo not offering the same goal threat and assist potential as Doherty did for a number of years for Wolves, and the Republic of Ireland international has struggled for regular minutes at Tottenham Hotspur only starting 13 Premier League games.

In 302 games for Wolves, Doherty managed to get 28 goals and 41 assists as a wing-back, and he quickly became one of the most clinical defenders in the opposition box but has not settled into a full-back role under Jose Mourinho.

Speaking on Doherty leaving Molineux and his hopes for Semedo’s future, Bull told FFC exclusively:

“I’m not really surprised at his lack of matches because I think he’s been injured a few times, but he is a very good player and if you need an outlet player then he’ll push up on the right-hand side like a winger rather than a full back.

“It used to be as soon as Coady got the ball he would be looking for that 40-yard pass out wide to Doherty and he’d knock it into his path and all of sudden he’d be in a shooting position.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/exclusive-andreas-sondergaard-wolves-premier-league” title=”Exclusive! Andreas Sondergaard talks all things Wolves”]

“So, you know we were sad to see him go but Semedo has come in and I think if he can get this season out the way with, then I think he’ll be on the same level as what Doherty was.”

In 26 Premier League appearances, Semedo, who reportedly earns £77,000-a-week, has registered just one assist which could be down to the fact Raul Jimenez has been injured since November, but Wolves fans will be hoping for more next season.

The Portuguese international was seen as a good and equally player to replace Doherty when he joined Spurs, but the £37 million signing hasn’t proved his worth yet.

Celtic are still yet to announce a deal for Eddie Howe as their next manager, despite reports claiming he verbally agreed on a move to Glasgow last week.

And now, according to a report from Football Insider, the Hoops are fearing the 43-year-old is having second thoughts over a move to Parkhead.

Howe put off by Celtic pressure?

They have been informed by a Celtic source that Howe has received a ‘wonderful’ offer from the club, however, they have concerns he may be having second thoughts about the vacant post.

One reason mentioned is the demands of winning every game in Scotland, with Howe not used to that pressure during his previous stints at Bournemouth and Burnley.

Transfer Tavern take

Even though Football Insider are sharing the club’s fears over Howe’s stance on a move, we aren’t as concerned over a proposed deal falling through.

The Sun have suggested that both parties are reluctant to rush negotiations, which, in our view, is the right decision.

A potential start date, along with certain assurances may still need to be agreed between both Howe and Celtic, so as long as the two parties are on the same page throughout, we’re confident a move will still be finalised.

In other news: Premier League side set to bid for Celtic midfielder, find out more here. 

If you thought Olivier Ntcham had a future at Celtic then you are likely very much mistaken.

His season, very much like Celtic’s, has been utterly dreadful. The Frenchman has been tossed aside and is now on loan in his native country where he’s playing for Marseille.

The Hoops are now 18 points behind Rangers in the SPFL and if anything summed up their considerable slump, it would be Ntcham’s form.

Neil Lennon stopped picking him and you can hardly blame him based on his performances and attitude.

Ntcham started just seven games in the league for the Hoops this term, scoring a solitary goal in the process. For a player blessed with the ability to spring from box to box, his performances were lethargic and in January, they’d understandably had enough.

Newcastle were interested in his services but he ultimately went to Marseille.

Speaking about his displays in a Hoops shirt earlier this term, Alan Brazil told talkSPORT listeners: “Ntcham, he looks as if he’s tools down and not bothered.”

He was given a chance of turning around his season in France but it’s gone from bad to worse. Former Marseille boss Andre Villas-Boas resigned after the club signed Ntcham because he didn’t agree with the move.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-hunt-stories-wagner-marsch-martinez-lennon-news” title=”The last stories on Celtic’s hunt for a new manager!”]

Since signing, the central midfielder has been poor for the Ligue 1 side and his most recent game epitomises that. Ntcham was withdrawn at half-time in Marseille’s 2-0 defeat to Lille and was left to feel the wrath of French newspaper L’Equipe at full-time.

The outlet are known for being ruthless with their player ratings and dished out a 3/10 to the 25-year-old. It’s not hard to see why either; he completed just eight passes and won only 25% of his defensive duels.

Ntcham failed to make a single tackle while he offered very little in attack either. The Marseille enforcer didn’t manage to provide a key pass or shot on goal.

It was another rather forgettable night to add to a depressing campaign for the Celtic midfielder. Lennon is very quickly being proven right in his desire to move the £4.5m midfielder on.

His form hasn’t improved in France and with that in mind, they have to wield the axe on his Parkhead career once and for all in the summer.

AND in other news, Desmond may sway Edouard’s Celtic future by hiring 43 y/o with “a science to football”…

According to Football Insider, Leeds United have been offered the chance to sign Montpellier striker Andy Delort in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The Whites have had to rely on Patrick Bamford week-in and week-out for this entire Premier League campaign thus far, and to the 29-year-old’s credit, he’s done remarkably well on the whole – he’s already bagged ten goals in 18 games in the division.

But now, Football Insider claim that with French football feeling the pinch of the financial situation facing most clubs around the world, Montpellier are keen to raise some quick money by cashing in on Delort this month.

The report adds that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are one of a number of clubs to be offered the 6 foot Algeria international’s services, and that Leeds are on the look-out for a striker who can benefit from the amount of crosses they put into the box.

Shades of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

With Bamford Leeds’ sole saviour up front this season in the Premier League, Bielsa will no doubt be desperate to add to his striking ranks, and a move for the rapid Delort could go a long way to solving way.

How quick is Delort? Well, it was revealed that last season in Ligue 1, he was ranked as the fastest player in the division, even ahead of PSG flier Kylian Mbappe.

And, an analysis piece by French Football Weekly hailed Delort’s all-round game, saying: “What Delort lacks in height, he more than makes up for in terms of his use of physique when holding off defenders with his shoulders and he uses his excellent ball control to quickly move the ball out of his feet to release venomous shots from range.

“His strength also allows him to play with this back to goal and his placement of shots is extremely accurate. On his day, Delort is a technically-gifted player who makes the best use of his great first touch.”

A lot of Delort’s game resembles that of former Leeds striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, with the Dutchman of course possessing one of the fiercest strikes in the Premier League during his time and having great feet – that’s not to mention how much of a proven goal-scorer he was in the top-flight too, netting an impressive 129 times in the competition.

Delort has been in fine form this campaign for Montpellier, out-scoring PSG superstar Neymar with nine goals in 18 games. His previous experience in English football – 11 games with Wigan in the Championship back in the 2014/2015 season – saw him score none whatsoever.

But with a few years gone, Delort may be ready for a return to these shores.

Meanwhile, Leeds must try and sell this Radrizzani disaster…

Many Wolverhampton Wanderers fans have been reacting to a tweet that was recently posted by The Athletic’s Wolves reporter Tim Spiers which shared Old Gold manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s injury update on Daniel Podence and Willy Boly. 

The Portuguese manager has revealed that the Old Gold duo are set to be sidelined “for some time,” with both the attacker and the centre-back sitting out Wolves’ 0-0 draw with Leicester City this past weekend. 

After Spiers took to Twitter to share this news, lots of Wolves supporters replied to his post to react to this revelation.

So, how have these Wolves fans been reacting? 

Many Old Gold supporters have been devastated by this news, indicating that they think this is a significant blow for their side, who are already on a poor run of form, having won just one of their last 10 top-flight fixtures.

“Spain but the S is silent”

Credit: @matthewashaww

“Gutted”

Credit: @HeadInTheSkies

“Oh dear, oh dear”

Credit: @FW90

“Calls for a round of applause for the Wolves sport science and fitness team. Shambles !”

Credit: @MrR1g4t

“Not what we need!”

Credit: @EssexWolvess

“That’s disgusting Tim, clean up your tweets, there are children on here”

Credit: @metalliam

“Ouch”

Credit: @richwolves41

In other news, lots of Wolves fans were disappointed with Willian Jose’s display versus Leicester City.

Many Derby County fans have been left to slam the display of Lee Gregory in their 0-0 draw at Barnsley in the EFL Championship on Wednesday evening.

The striker, currently on loan from Stoke City, was guilty of missing a big chance to win the match, but instead the Pride Park faithful had to settle for a point to edge them ever closer to safety.

Gregory did not have the best of games by his standards, losing out on five of his duels, while also failing to record a single successful dribble and losing possession of the ball 11 times (Sofascore).

Aside from that one great chance, the 32-year-old struggled to make any sort of real impact on the fixture, recording fewer touches than his own goalkeeper Kelle Roos and a mere 25 in total, the fewest out of any Rams player to have started the clash (Sofascore).

Derby fan reaction to Gregory display

These DCFC supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one fan even going as far as to claim that the Englishman was ‘rubbish’:

“Gregory was rubbish send him back !!! #dcfc #dcfcfans”

Credit: @JillianW123

“Roos and Mengi really good today. Edmundson worked very well in midfield but lacks control with the ball at his feet. Gregory had an absolute stinker with an awful touch when he was through in the first half and missing the 1v1 in the second. Lucky not to give away a pen #dcfc”

Credit: @Joe43534774

“Must admit Lee Gregory is worse than I thought #dcfc”

Credit: @rooybears

“We let Marriott go on loan and we sign Lee Gregory no wonder we are in trouble #dcfc”

Credit: @Rammie007

“It’s the reason why Gregory allowed out on loan. Not good enough, doesn’t score enough. We need Derby players in the summer not loan players”Credit: @ijclarke72″Gregory has had the chance to win 3 games now, and fluffed them all. Not impressed.”Credit: @RamInSwedenIn other news, find out who was hammered for their display versus Cardiff City here!

Roy Hodgson has confirmed Crystal Palace will be without Gary Cahill as they play host to Premier League strugglers Sheffield United at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.

What’s the news?

Speaking ahead of this afternoon’s game, he told reporters, via football.london: “Gary Cahill is still suffering from the slight hamstring problem he picked up 10 days or so ago, but apart from that there’s nothing else to report other than long term injuries which have been well documented by now.”

Cahill has not featured since he suffered a knock during the 7-0 drubbing at the hands of champions Liverpool. This isn’t the first time the former Chelsea defender has had to face adversity, as he has battled his fair share of injury problems over the past couple of years and was forced to miss the start of this season due to injury.

Likely impact?

As the 35-year-old centre-back has started all five of his appearances in the Premier League this season – including the 5-1 win away at West Brom – the timing couldn’t be worse for the Eagles manager with games coming thick and fast over the next few weeks and months.

Cahill’s absence plays havoc with Hodgson’s already depleted selection options, as he joins a growing list of casualties that also includes new summer recruit Nathan Ferguson, Connor Wickham, Martin Kelly and Wayne Hennessey.

Hodgson’s side have so far failed to keep a clean sheet since the 1-0 win over Southampton at the start of the season and the Palace boss will be expected to take the opportunity to rotate his squad as he seeks to stop the rot from spreading further.

It seems the centre-back pairing is certainly up for grabs as Hodgson has switched between Cahill, Cheikhou Kouyate, Scott Dann, James Tomkins and to some extent Mamadou Sakho this season so far.

Ever the consummate professional, Cahill has established himself as an integral part of Hodgson’s side during his time at Selhurst Park, making over 30 appearances for Palace across all competitions so far, via Transfermarkt. When he’s fully fit and firing on all cylinders, he should slot into place alongside any one of the aforementioned quartet at the heart of the defence.

After all, the seasoned veteran has seen it all before in the beautiful game, having experienced the highs of the Champions League with Chelsea to the lows of the Football League.

Once hailed as a “fantastic” beast by the Palace boss, in 25 top-flight appearances last season, Cahill averaged a staggering 4.4 clearances per game, via WhoScored.

Therefore, there’s no doubt it’s a bitter blow for Hodgson not to be able to call upon the services of the vice-captain as Palace prepare to take on Chris Wilder’s side this afternoon.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace can sign their next Wilfried Zaha in Rabbi Matondo…

The Premier League may have breached confidentiality law by confirming their legal dispute with Newcastle United with regards to the failed takeover at St. James’ Park.

The Shields Gazette have reported that, according to sources, by confirming that the top flight are in a legal dispute with the Tyneside club, that represents an alleged breach of the confidentiality of the Magpies, with both said to be bound by privacy on the matter now that the case is actually running.

The confirmation by England’s highest division is also understood to have angered many close to the proposed £300m deal between Mike Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

The confirmation from the EPL was revealed in an official statement by the Newcastle Consortium Supporters Ltd (NCSL) that in turn was confirmed to The Shields Gazette.

When contacted by the news outlet, the Premier League refused to comment on the matter.

What does this mean for the Newcastle takeover?

Indeed, this means that the legal dispute between the Toon and the English top flight is likely to be taken to a court case if it cannot be settled by the two parties involved.

Ashley may possibly already have top lawyers Nick De Marco QC and Shaheed Fatima QC on standby to represent the chief executive of Sports Direct in court and it feels fair to predict the CEO of England’s highest division, Richard Masters, will already have his own army of lawyers at the ready too.

Nonetheless, the Premier League may have dug themselves a hole already if they are found to have breached the confidentiality law.

In other news, find out which key figure is concerned about one development in the takeover saga here!

Aston Villa striker Wesley Moraes is reportedly eying a return from his anterior cruciate ligament injury in the New Year but faces a mammoth struggle to prove himself all over again.

Supporters have not seen Wesley step foot on the pitch since New Year’s Day when carted off on a stretcher against Burnley, having appeared to twist his ankle in the follow-through of a robust challenge from Ben Mee.

Wesley had just begun to establish himself at Villa Park following a £22million transfer that summer, with the former Club Brugge hitman netting his fifth goal of the Premier League campaign at Turf Moor to open the scoring.

Aston Villa went on to win 2-1 against Burnley but were soon dealt the news that Wesley’s season was over alongside goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who similarly sustained a serious knee injury at Turf Moor.

But while 34-year-old shot-stopper Heaton returned to feature for the Villa Park natives’ Under 23s last month, Wesley continues his wait and is targeting his first taste of action in March – more than a year on from being carried off the field – according to BirminghamLive.

Barring any changes to Smith’s squad in the January window, Wesley’s return will be a huge boost to the Villans boss who has relied on summer signing Ollie Watkins to carry the burden in attack this season.

Watkins moved to the Birmingham-based outfit from Brentford for a club-record £33m in the off-season and has lit up the top-flight since with six goals in nine games, including a hat-trick over Liverpool and a brace at Arsenal in Man of the Match displays.

Smith is yet to hand starts to any other player at centre-forward this term, but will expect Wesley to challenge the 24-year-old once fit and prove himself to be worth the £35,000-per-week contract Villa are not currently benefiting from.

Though Wesley has a mountain to climb if he is to dethrone Watkins as all of his credit is spent, and he will return in March as if he is a new signing who must prove himself all over again.

Smith is already benefiting more from Watkins than he could with Wesley and in fewer games, too, as the Villans’ star of the season so far is averaging more shots (2.1) than the Brazilian achieved in 2019/20 (1.3), contributing more key passes (1.3 to 0.5), winning more aerial duels (4.1 to 3.3), taking more touches (37.9 to 29.5), winning more ground duels (3.4 to 2.0) and playing a higher number of accurate passes (15.1 to 12.5) per game in the Premier League, per SofaScore.

It will be up to Wesley to take the challenge to Watkins, but it will be Smith who decides if the Brazilian has a future at Villa Park beyond the season.

AND in other news, Dean Smith must demand more from his “erratic” £75,000-per-week Aston Villa favourite.