[ad_pod ]

Marko Arnautovic has not scored for West Ham United since netting a brace against Brighton & Hove Albion at the start of 2019.

The forward has played 10 Premier League games since then, drawing another blank against Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.

And the West Ham fans have been on social media heavily criticising the Austria international, who has not been the same since the January transfer window.

It was actually Arnautovic’s replacement who scored West Ham’s second against Leicester, with Lucas Perez coming off the bench to register in what proved to be a 2-2 draw at the London Stadium.

It has been some fall from grace for Arnautovic, who could well depart in this summer’s transfer window.

A number of the West Ham fans were frustrated with his performance against Leicester, whilst others were just simply upset at the 30-year-old in general.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

[ad_pod ]

Jay Rodriguez had a terrific season, there’s no doubting that. Alongside the mercurial Dwight Gayle, he scored 22 goals as West Brom came within five penalty kicks of a place at Wembley.

For Albion’s campaign to end on that note was extremely unfortunate, but when it mattered most, one of their clutch players failed to show up.

Rodriguez’s work rate was exemplary against Aston Villa last Tuesday night. However, barring that, he was incredibly poor.

Tasked with leading the line with both Gayle and Hal Robson-Kanu suspended, the club have arguably never needed him more.

On this occasion, the prolific frontman was anything but assured, failing to find the net from the two shots he had.

It may seem harsh to criticise the 29-year-old but it was a display far from his best and it proved costly. West Brom knew they needed goals but devoid of creativity, they couldn’t get over the line.

Rodriguez was arguably a victim of Albion’s lack of quality and absentees elsewhere.

Matt Phillips and Jacob Murphy struggled once more and they failed to find a spark capable of providing their striker with the chances he needed.

The former Southampton man was essentially a passenger throughout the match, boasting a quite frankly awful pass percentage and only touching the ball on 17 occasions throughout the 93 minutes he was on the pitch.

His inability to win aerial duels also laid a poor platform for his team. Against Tyrone Mings and Axel Tuanzebe he never really had a chance, such was their physicality.

Without Gayle next to him, Rodriguez looked lost, appearing isolated as he cut a frustrated figure.

For someone who has been so good all season, it was a bitterly disappointing display. On Tuesday, West Brom needed someone to stand up and grab the game by the scruff of the neck.

Technically, Rodriguez was their best hope. Instead, he failed to provide and as a result, another season in the Championship looms for the Baggies.

[ad_pod ]

Tottenham Hotspur will play Liverpool in the Champions League final after an astonishing week of results in Europe.

On the chalkboard

Spurs headed into their clash with Ajax with a 1-0 deficit to overturn but fell 2-0 behind in Amsterdam.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men, though, staged an astonishing comeback to win 3-2 away from home, with Lucas Moura scoring a hat-trick. Mauricio Pochettino cried at the full-time whistle, as did much of his coaching staff.

Liverpool were also 3-0 behind on aggregate against Barcelona but produced another exceptional European night at Anfield, winning 4-0 to dump out Lionel Messi and Co. James Milner, like Pochettino, cried on the full-time whistle; Jurgen Klopp swore in a television interview.

The final, then, will surely be one judged on emotion rather than tactical intuition.

Both managers are exceptional at putting their teams together and creating systems within which their players thrive.

But, at the end of the day, both Pochettino and Klopp are emotional men, they wear their hearts on their sleeves and they are completely unafraid to own their feelings in front of millions.

It is inspiring, really, in an era of toxic masculinity but it will be interesting to see how the final will be decided. Will Pochettino stick with the attacking players who have got the club this far? Will he drop Lucas? Will he restore Harry Kane to the XI if he is fit?

Will Klopp stick with Divock Origi? Will Mohamed Salah be back in the team? Will it be an excellent tactical decision that ultimately swings the final one way or the other?

Or will emotion be the overriding factor?

An all-English thriller

Both Liverpool and Spurs are attacking teams at heart and caution will surely be thrown to the wind; this is a final after all.

Klopp and Pochettino are often beaten with the ‘what has he won’ stick.

And yet their first trophies while managing English clubs could well be the Champions League.

Emotions, then, will surely be running high.

If Spurs win, an 11-year trophy drought will be ended and Spurs will win the competition in its current incarnation for the first time.

If Liverpool win, they will collect their sixth European trophy, outlining their elite credentials to millions around the globe.

Whatever happens, expect the tears to flow.

Spurs have once again had a fine season this year with Maurcio Pochettino’s men looking likely to clinch a Champions League spot once again.

The Londoners are now firmly settled in their new home and could well have a big summer ahead of them with regards to potential new signings.

However, keeping hold of some of their own star players could well be a big issue too for Pochettino to address, and with news emerging this weekend that Juventus could move for Toby Alderwiereld, it’s already clear Spurs have some big decisions on their hands.

The Belgian defender has long been courted by a number of top clubs across Europe, but he has remained integral to the cause for Spurs and he is the sort of player who they really don’t want to be losing.

Alderwiereld is a class act, and on his day can be one of the best defenders in the league, not to mention his threat going forward in terms of attacking set pieces.

Spurs need to be building for the future and making a run at the title now they have got their new stadium up and running, and they really need to be greeting Juventus with a firm no if the Italian giants do make their move.

With the promise of big signings along with a squad which is already full of potential, Alderwiereld might just consider this enough of a reason to stay put and make a sure Spurs finally see some success in terms of trophies under Pochettino.

Tottenham Hotspur fans are probably still yet to get over Wednesday night’s win over Manchester City as their side now find themselves in the semi-final of the Champions League. 

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have VAR to thank for a late check which ruled out Raheem Sterling’s last-gasp goal at the Etihad, but that shouldn’t take anything away from their fantastic performance.

Although, it looks as if the Argentine has made a rather debatable decision involving one of his current players, as according to Daily Mail, Spurs are expected to listen to offers for Victor Wanyama.

Of course, this may come as a surprise to many supporters as Victor Wanyama has been one of the shining lights for Spurs in Harry Winks’ absence in recent games.

The Kenya international showed that he can influence the game in the final third against Huddersfield Town recently and he’s been rock solid in the middle of midfield. He proved himself against Manchester City in both legs of their Champions League tie, so he surely must have done enough to warrant a future in North London.

Indeed, Spurs risk losing their perfect Dembele replacement as Wanyama is starting to fit into the Belgian’s role nicely, with his passing ability unlocking many doors for Spurs. He’s controlled the midfield at times and is almost impossible to get past, so he’s well on his way to replacing the former Spurs man. Also, the Kenyan offers that extra something special in the final third and is a constant threat from set-pieces.

Tottenham Hotspur fans, do you think Wanyama deserves to stay in North London? Join the discussion by commenting down below!

أعلن نادي الزمالك، عن موعد وصول المدرب البرتغالي جايمي باتشيكو، المدير الفني للفريق الكروي الأول إلى مصر من أجل استكمال مهمته مع الفريق.

وكشف الزمالك عبر موقعه الرسمي، أن باتشيكو سيصل إلى القاهرة السبت المقبل، قادمًا من البرتغال، بعد إنتهاء إجازته التي حصل عليها مؤخرًا.

طالع | أحمد مرتضى: سأتحمل وأحارب من أجل تحقيق دوري أبطال إفريقيا

ومن المقرر أن يقود باتشيكو تدريبات فريق الزمالك الجماعية، يوم الأحد المقبل بشكل طبيعي.

ويقود التدريبات الفترة الحالية مدحت عبدالهادي المدرب العام للفريق لحين عودة باتشيكو.

ويستعد الفريق للمباريات المقبلة سواء بطولة كأس مصر أو مواجهة النادي الأهلي بالمباراة النهائية لبطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا والمقرر لها يوم ٢٧ نوفمبر الجاري.

[ad_pod ]

Leeds United fans on Twitter are fearing the prospect of playing Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff semi-finals.

United fans are worried about a potential clash with the north-east outfit after Derby County’s draw against Swansea on Wednesday left the door open for Boro to finish sixth.

Marcelo Bielsa hasn’t had the best of luck against Tony Pulis’ side, with both meetings between the clubs this season finishing level.

Of all Leeds’ possible playoff opponents they have the worst record against Middlesbrough, so it is no surprise that fans are scared of playing them again.

Pulis’ defensive style has the potential to frustrate and grind down Leeds’ quick direct attacking play, and the worry is that they would be knocked out if they were to face Boro over two legs.

The Teesside outfit also have the experience of playing in the playoffs as they were eliminated by Aston Villa in the semi-finals last year.

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

[ad_pod ]

Hakim Ziyech is a man in high demand with Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City holding interest in the current Dutch Footballer of the Year while, according to the Guardian, Tottenham Hotspur hold a long-standing interest.

The Moroccan playmaker’s exploits with Ajax in the Champions League – that’s seen him score twice and provide two assists as de Godenzonen continue to enthral with a semi-final looming – has only seen his estimation grow further, both in reputation and value.

So, with a summer move looking plausible, we take a look at what those in the know have to say on the 26-year-old attacking midfielder.

Two at least are entirely complimentary.

Steven Pienaar – former Ajax star

If Ziyech impressed last term then this time out he has progressed to another level with an outstanding 17 goals and 14 assists for the Dutch giants as they seek a historic treble.

Suitably blown away the club’s former schemer, Steven Pienaar, insisted this week via Goal.com that the 23-cap international is a ‘complete’ footballer while intimating too that the praise he receives pales to that lavished on Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong due to each star’s nationalities.

“Ziyech is one of the players that has been playing really well all season, he’s the type of player that when you watch him in action, he makes you happy,”

“He’s a complete footballer, but underrated, you know if you’re not European, you are always underrated.”

Erik ten Hag – Ajax coach

It would be unrealistic to expect a manager of Ajax to speak too effusively on his players given how much the club values the need for their young talent to remain grounded. This is especially pertinent to Ziyech who hardly lacks self-belief.

Even so, the pragmatic coach – who has also seen his stock significantly rise of late – temporarily dropped his guard back in September and was content to eulogise on his ornate creator, via BBC:

“Ziyech is a piece of jewellery for Dutch football. I think he plays football in a nice team, with lots of good footballers around him and it runs smoothly, which gives him pleasure and motivation to achieve even more.”

Algemeen Dagblad – Dutch newspaper

So impactful has Ziyech been in the Netherlands since his progression through the Heerenveen ranks that it surprises many that he remains in the Eredivisie when so many of his contemporaries are being lured away elsewhere.

This can partly be explained by the player’s temperament off the pitch and inconsistency on it because make no mistake about it Ziyech is a special prospect; he is also mercurial though.

Last May the respected Dutch publication Algemeen Dagblad – via Reuters – perfectly summed up his hot and cold application.

“Ziyech is a player whom everyone is always talking about. It is because in a single game he can manage to be both absolutely brilliant and astonishingly sloppy.”

Verdict

When he’s on his game there are few better at influencing proceedings and carving out opportunities anywhere across the attacking third, but particularly down the right. His vision and anticipatory reading of openings is excellent and, crucially, he has the touch and technique to do that justice.

With Christian Eriksen struggling for form it is surely necessary for Spurs to ease their Dane’s creative burden this transfer window. They need look no further than Amsterdam and the city’s king of the assists.

[ad_pod ]

West Ham United are exploring the possibility of signing Aleksandar Mitrovic from Fulham this summer, sources have told Football FanCast.

Manuel Pellegrini is keen to revamp his striking options this summer as the Hammers prepare for something of a squad overhaul.

And the Serbia international has emerged as a major target, with the summer transfer window due to open later this week.

Fulham endured a difficult season in the Premier League and were relegated to the Championship in April.

The 24-year-old, though, scored 11 goals in the top-flight and has experience in the league, having previously played for Newcastle United.

The Hammers, who last summer signed Lukasz Fabianski from Swansea City after their relegation, are now attempting to find out if Mitrovic’s contract, which runs until 2023, contains a release clause.

Of course, if it does, the Hammers would be able to trigger it and enter into negotiations with the striker, who appeared for Serbia at last summer’s World Cup.

West Ham also remain interested in Celta Vigo’s Maxi Gomez, who first emerged as a target when Marko Arnautovic appeared set to leave for China in January.

He has scored 13 goals this term and his contract does contain a release clause, of £45million, though that drops to £22.5m if Celta are relegated.With one game of the Liga season to go, they are three points clear of the drop zone with a far superior goal difference to 18th-placed Girona.

It remains to be seen if the club would countenance the prospect of making Gomez their record signing this summer if, as appears likely, the Spanish side retain their top-flight status.

Elsewhere, sources have confirmed that Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll remain likely to leave the club this summer, while Javier Hernandez will also be allowed to depart if an acceptable bid is tabled.

The Mexico international scored seven goals in the Premier League in 2018-19 but completed the full 90 minutes just once. He was on the bench for the final three games of the campaign, against Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and Watford; West Ham won every game.

He is valued at £10m and it is unclear if any interested parties have registered an interest in signing him.

[ad_pod ]

Manchester City’s bank account might just be more discussed than their remarkable feats in the Premier League. While they certainly have been spending more than most as of late, The Daily Mail’s Martin Samuel suggests others are also at fault for this and the glaring difference might actually lie in a completely different matter altogether.

The word on the street

Manchester City have been under attack from rival fans quick to point out cash is certainly a big part of their success. And you can’t help but notice they truly have opened the warchest in the last decade or so.

Splashing the cash has been a powerful tool for many big clubs in the modern market as prices skyrocket with each passing year.

As a result, Manchester City were not shy to offer the big bucks for their superstars. However, Samuel points out that they are not the only ones but rather one of the few who actually invested their money sensibly:

“City haven’t got a defender as expensive as Virgil van Dijk, a midfielder as costly as Paul Pogba, even a striker in the range of what Arsenal paid for Alexandre Lacazette. So do not be fooled. Other clubs spend, too — but perhaps not as wisely.”

Dominating on and off the pitch

Ever since Pep Guardiola arrived in the Premier League, he has been wreaking havoc and setting the bar even higher each and every passing year. This season was no exception as City have taken the domestic treble in the most dominant fashion imaginable.

But apart from completely dominating the opposition on the pitch and with the ball at his team’s feet, the Catalan manager seems to be outfoxing his rivals off it as well.

Not many would say his spending is actually proof of a cunning strategy but Samuel’s words are as harsh as they are true – other clubs have spent big money as well but no one as wisely or as correctly as City have. And the difference is right there for everyone to see – in the results, the mentality and the accolades around their necks and the trophies in their hands.

The art of spending is maybe not something many would be proud of in this day and age, but saying Guardiola has mastered that as well would not be a far fetched declaration.