How embarrassing: Liverpool fans mock Man City’s flat title celebrations

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Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to mock Manchester City’s title celebrations, and it must be said that they were pretty flat considering the weight of their achievement.

The Cityzens secured their second successive Premier League title with a 4-1 victory over Brighton on the final day, much to Liverpool’s dismay – the Reds finished just one point behind City.

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Surely recording back-to-back titles would be a good enough reason for you and your teammates to go absolutely crazy, right?

Well, if you’re going off City’s title celebrations, the atmosphere was more like they’d won their Sunday League instead of one of the hardest competitions in Europe; in fact, that would be harsh on Sunday League teams.

And where’s the music? The unenthusiastic chanting from the supporters, the players not looking like they know what to do with themselves, just the quietness in general; City’s title celebrations were strangely muted.

Given how desperate they were to secure a maiden Premier League crown themselves, the Liverpool supporters on Twitter have mocked City for their drab title celebrations…

Manchester United: Time for Paul Pogba to prove world-class status against Barcelona

Ever since his blazing start under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign, Paul Pogba’s been the centre of attention at Manchester United.

Indeed, such is the size of his personality, he’s now expected to score or deliver each and every game, something he’s not really been doing since the Norwegian’s reign was made permanent.

As a matter of fact, the Frenchman’s been unable to score or assist for the past five games in all competitions. In the Champions League – a competition he has failed to deliver in since helping take Juventus to the final in 2015 – his record is even worse. After scoring a brace and assisting against BSC Young Boys, Pogba’s been unable to contribute in his last six Champions League matches.

Having cost a world record fee at the time of his arrival in 2016, it’s not good enough.

While he’s still having his personal best season at Old Trafford, having scored 11 and assisted 9 in the league, Solskjaer needs him at his best as Barcelona await on Wednesday night. Pogba’s been flirting with rivals Real Madrid over recent weeks and needs to prove his world-class mettle against the very best.

The Frenchman has a daunting task ahead, with a daunting midfield of Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic and Arthur lying await to overpower him. Things will be even more difficult than the Paris Saint Germain game, as Pogba cannot let emotions get the better of him again.

He impressed during the final in Berlin against the Blaugrana four years ago and needs another big performance to save his dwindling reputation when it comes to the biggest club games in the world.

Being under pressure to perform, Pogba needs to deliver something special to inspire the Red Devils. The future might be uncertain, but he has to make the best of the present.

By utilizing his swagger in getting United playing incisive attacking football, the special Frenchman needs to keep his side’s Champions League dreams alive by outwitting Messi and co.

United fans, do you think Pogba can make the difference against Barcelona? Join the discussion by commenting below…

The Verdict: Would Che Adams be an upgrade on Danny Ings at Southampton?

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Southampton are edging closer towards securing their Premier League safety after opening up a five point gap on 18th-place Cardiff City.

With Ralph Hasenhuttl at the helm it seems like the Saints should have enough to remain in the division this season, but they cannot afford to spend another season treading water following two thoroughly underwhelming campaigns.

The summer transfer window will be key to providing Hasenhuttl with the tools he needs to transform Southampton into the top-ten side they once were.

A recent report from The Sun earlier this week suggests that the club have already identified a summer target in the shape of Birmingham City hitman Che Adams, although Everton, Burnley and Norwich City are also interested.

And the rumour has sparked plenty of debate at Football FanCast towers regarding Adams’ potential to thrive in the top-flight and whether he would actually represent an upgrade on Danny Ings.

Take a look at what our writers have said about Southampton’s link to the Championship goal-machine…

James Beavis

“He wouldn’t be an upgrade on Ings, but I would be interested to see him playing alongside Ings next season. Ralph Hasenhuttl has preferred a 4-2-2-2 system in his previous jobs, and the duo could form a strong partnership together. Ings is undoubtedly a penalty-box striker and given his consistent injury issues, he could do with someone alongside him to do the running for him. Step forward, Adams. The impressive striker is something of an all-round centre-forward given his pace, strength and work rate. In my opinion, they’d be Saints’ best striker partnership since Pelle and Mane.”

Matt Dawson

“Undoubtedly. Adams has been a revelation for Birmingham this season and definitely deserves a Premier League move. It’s unlikely there will be a shortage of suitors this summer and it would be extremely exciting to see how he’d fare under Ralph Hasenhuttl. He’s an extremely progressive coach and Adams would suit Southampton perfectly.”

Jack Saville

“I’m a huge fan of Adams and it could prove to be a stroke of genius if Southampton sign him for the £15 million which Birmingham are believed to be demanding for his signature. While Ings has the potential to be a fantastic top-flight striker, his torrid record with injuries proves that he cannot be relied upon for more than a few weeks never mind a full season. Bringing Adams in to the club would give the Saints a talisman for the fans to worship and he certainly has the potential to establish himself ahead of Ings in the pecking order.”

Harry Elnaugh

“I think he could be an upgrade on Ings. Southampton’s front line has been plagued by injuries this season and, while Ings is a fantastic finisher who could score 15 goals a season under Hasenhuttl, he isn’t guaranteed to stay fit, so relying on him so heavily for goals could be a mistake. Adams, meanwhile, has played 40 games in the league for Birmingham this season and epitomises the never-say-die attitude that Hasenhuttl has instilled at St Mary’s. He’s got raw pace, power and an incredible engine, all of which are attributes that make him the perfect man to lead a high-intensity front line.”

The Chalkboard: Pellegrini should axe Arnautovic after lifeless display vs Huddersfield

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West Ham came from behind to win an absolute blockbuster of a match against Huddersfield on Saturday, and Manuel Pellegrini will surely have learned some valuable lessons about his front men.

On the chalkboard

The Hammers were stunned by Huddersfield on Saturday, as the Terriers took a 3-1 lead despite Mark Noble scoring an early penalty.

Juninho Bacuna levelled for the visitors at the London Stadium before Karlan Grant struck twice to give them that comfortable lead, or so they thought.

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The Irons stormed back into the match after some smart substitutions by Pellegrini, and the boss must now recognise that Marko Arnautovic simply doesn’t want to be out there anymore. The difference after the Austrian left the pitch was night and day.

Time to move on

Arnautovic came about as close to leaving the club as he possibly could have come in January, as his brother and agent pleaded with the Irons to allow him clear passage to the riches of Chinese football.

The 29 year-old has not scored since an FA Cup strike at the beginning of January, and he appeared to be booed off the pitch by some sections of the London Stadium on Saturday, and deservedly so.

His replacement, Lucas Perez, is hardly the most talented player on the pitch but he at least showed full commitment to the cause once he entered the fray.

Pellegrini is trying to build a culture of intense, fluid, attacking football, and having a player in the side who would rather sulk than take part is simply not going to cut it – “Arnie” touched the ball just 39 times before being substituted.

With a squad growing in confidence but not much left to play for this season, the boss will surely be plotting out his plans for the next campaign, and it bears no benefit to keep playing a player who is looking more and more likely to try and force an exit again this summer.

It’s time to move on and start looking towards the future.

Oddly enough, a Champions League exit would usher in return of Manchester United way

Can Manchester United pull off something special? That’s the talk in everyone’s mouth as the Red Devils head into the Parc des Princes staring at an impossible mission ahead. Well, if one club is going to do it… 

However, they’ve made the impossible possible so many times over the few years and this is also Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s biggest opportunity to prove himself as Sir Alex Ferguson’s worthy successor.

That being said, even if United can’t pull off the win, not all is lost for them. They headed into the fixture as heavy underdogs due to Paris Saint Germain’s firepower and are not properly equipped to oust them.

While being knocked out of the Champions League really and truly stings, the Red Devils’ schedule will be cleared up.

They’ll be able to focus completely on reaching a top-four finish in the Premier League and with rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Arsenal being busy with European commitment, United could surge ahead.

Indeed, with all the mounting injuries, a lighter schedule also helps ease the fatigue of players, allowing them to continue playing “The United way” without repercussions.

The Red Devils can also focus on winning the FA Cup, where they face Wolves later this month. Considering their disastrous start under Jose Mourinho, a top-four finish and winning the FA Cup would be considered as a successful campaign by many.

Knowing their mentality, United will give their all to defeat PSG even with an injury-depleted team.  However, they shouldn’t be heart-broken if progression isn’t attained, as there’s still much to play for in the coming months.

Manchester United fans, do you think getting knocked out will help the top-four charge? Join the discussion by commenting below. 

Sunderland fans react as Honeyman is cleared to play at Wembley

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Loads of Sunderland fans have been reacting to a hugely significant club update, as captain George Honeyman will be allowed to play in the Checkatrade Trophy final at Wembley.

Duncan Watmore scored four minutes into stoppage time to rescue a point for Sunderland at Wycombe on Saturday, but it was what took place after the goal that has really got people talking.

A bench-clearing brawl resulted in red cards for Honeyman and the Chairboys’ Nathan Tyson, while Marcus Bean was dismissed a couple of minutes later for picking up a second yellow card.

Honeyman was handed a three-game ban for the incident, which was originally set to rule him out of the Checkatrade final vs Portsmouth, but he will now be allowed to play at Wembley.

The Black Cats appealed the ban, and while the appeal was unsuccessful, the ban will now only apply to league games, a club statement confirmed.

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Honeyman is a hugely popular figure at the Stadium of Light for obvious reasons, and fans are over the moon at this massive announcement from the club.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Between The Lines: Gary Bowyer reveals key plans for Bradford

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New Bradford City boss Gary Bowyer is set to take charge of his first match on Saturday, when Peterborough United travel to Valley Parade.

Bowyer could do with a winning start as the Bantams are currently in relegation trouble and he doesn’t have long to get their season back on track and steer them clear of danger. Posh, though, arrive in good form, having beaten Wycombe Wanderers 4-2 last time out.

Bowyer is aware that he faces a tough task and that changes need to be made at Bradford. He has already been clear that fans can expect to see something different from his side this weekend.

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What he said

As quoted by the Bantams’ official website, Bowyer said: “I want the team to be playing and passing with a bit of style on the ball while working hard off of it. The football needs to be easy on the eye and we want to make the fans proud to support this team. 

The 47-year-old continued, explaining that he has already begun the process of introducing his ideas to the squad:

“We have had meetings with every player, individually, emphasising what we want from them but also what they can expect from me. They need to know the door is always open because we are here to help. We have to ensure we do the basics well. There is no secret formula to success, other than working very, very hard.”

Recipe for success

The football at Valley Parade has been stale for far too long, so fans will be delighted to hear that Bowyer is committed to bringing attractive, stylish play to the fore. With these words, the manager has sent a message to the supporters in an attempt inspire some much-needed passion and atmosphere in the stadium on Saturday.

Bowyer has also sent a message to his players. Given the tough time Bradford have had this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he arrived to a dressing room desperately low on confidence and morale. By being open, and taking the time to speak to each player individually, the coach may have succeeded in giving them a welcome boost.

On top of that, he has revealed the central pillars of his plan to revitalise the Bantams: a back to basics approach, aiming to instil an attacking, attractive footballing philosophy, based on hard work and communication. 

Fans will be hoping it’s a recipe for success.

Spurs fans fume at report on Premier League return

Tottenham Hotspur fans on Twitter have been fuming over a recent report regarding the return of Premier League football.

Elite level sport has been placed on hold across the planet in recent weeks amid the rise of the global pandemic.

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In the midst of a national lock down the prospect of football returning seems like nothing more than a mere pipe dream, but recent news suggests that the powers that be are working hard on a solution.

According to an exclusive report from the Daily Mirror, the Premier League are at an advanced stage in talks with the UK government regarding an agreement that would see the top-flight resume behind closed doors in June.

With government officials hopeful of a virus peak in the next few weeks, fixtures could be sanctioned under strict guidelines.

It’s the type of news that could give football-starved fans hope, but the Spurs supporters on Twitter are looking at the situation through a more holistic, humanitarian lens.

Indeed, the Lilywhites faithful are far from impressed with the report and have suggested the endeavour to sanction football’s return is greedy and unrealistic during a period of time in which sport should not be a matter of priority.

Here’s how the Spurs fans reacted to the news…

Nixon says Tottenham want big loan fee for Walker-Peters

Tottenham Hotspur are demanding ‘big money for a loan fee’ before allowing Kyle Walker-Peters to leave the club, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The 22-year-old has allegedly decided that he wants to join Crystal Palace this month.

The Englishman started his team’s first three matches of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Newcastle United.

He has not been involved in the league since, though, and has not even made the squad for a top-flight outing since Jose Mourinho’s arrival as head coach.

According to Nixon, any switch for Walker-Peters is currently being held up due to Tottenham wanting ‘big money’ before sanctioning a loan exit.

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Spurs are not exactly full of options at right-back having allowed Kieran Trippier to leave over the summer without signing a replacement, but it does not appear that Walker-Peters is anywhere near Mourinho’s plans in the league.

Nixon’s tweet on the subject is available to view below:

Meanwhile, journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the future of another unsettled player at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham fans beg for new Eriksen contract after Burnley winner

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Loads of Tottenham fans have been running the rule over their win against Burnley, and they are desperate for the club to extend Christian Eriksen’s contract.

Tottenham grabbed another three points by the skin of their teeth on Saturday afternoon, maintaining their place as the only side in the Premier League yet to register a draw this season.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side were sluggish in the first half, but created plenty of chances after the break, most of which were missed by a misfiring Erik Lamela.

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Eriksen replaced Lucas Moura shortly after the hour mark, and the 26 year-old found the game’s only goal deep into stoppage time, arriving at the back post to slam home the winner.

The Danish international is perhaps Tottenham’s most influential player, and the links to Real Madrid are worrying to say the least.

His contract expires in the summer of 2020, and fans are desperate to get him tied down to a long-term deal.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

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