Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma has been suspended by the club after a video emerged of him inhaling laughing gas, manager Ange Postecoglou said.
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USMNT star Tim Weah endured a mixed start to the 2024-25 campaign, with an incredible goal for Juventus countered by an unfortunate injury setback.
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St James' Park has become a venue that Tottenham Hotspur will now dread attending, with last year's 6-1 defeat being followed by a 4-0 loss this weekend to Newcastle United.
Ange Postecoglou’s side were completely off the pace from minute one, with each away player just an actor in the Anthony Gordon show.
In truth, it was an afternoon to completely forget for the Lilywhites, with defensive mistakes and the blunt attack combining to create an embarrassing outcome.
A handful of Spurs players have been given plenty of criticism for their performances, including Pedro Porro, but there was one individual who was just as bad.
The Spanish right-back has been a reliable performer this season for the Australian, showing defensive security and taking on attacking responsibility, as shown by his seven league assists.
However, his performance against the Magpies was one to forget, with The Evening Standard's Dom Smith handing him a 4/10 rating for his struggles.
The former Sporting star unfortunately played a huge role in Newcastle’s second goal, with an under-hit back pass playing Gordon through on goal, and he was often out of position defensively.
To top off his performance, Porro was substituted just after the break with a hamstring injury, but it’s currently unknown quite how long he’ll be out for.
Rodrigo Bentancur has had to wait patiently for minutes this season, with the midfield duo of Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma often being the first-choice pairing for Postecoglou.
The former Juventus ace’s terrible injury history will not have helped his chances of securing himself a spot in the side, with the midfielder missing 49 games over the last two seasons.
Therefore, the Uruguayan has only started nine Premier League games this campaign, which means that it was important for him to impress against Eddie Howe’s side on Saturday.
However, that unfortunately wasn’t the case, with The Evening Standard also rating Bentancur a 4/10 for his performance, and his statistics certainly suggest he found it difficult to perform, ultimately leaving the field of play with fewer touches than goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicaro (42 vs 51).
|
Bentancur vs Newcastle |
|
|---|---|
|
Stats |
Bentancur |
|
Pass accuracy |
83% |
|
Passes completed |
25 |
|
Possession lost |
7 |
|
Duels won |
5/13 |
|
Dribbled past |
3 |
|
Via Sofascore |
|
From the first minute to the last, Tottenham dominated the tie from a possession perspective, which in theory should have made Bentancur’s afternoon much easier, particularly when on the ball.
But that wasn’t the case, as the number 30 was rather complacent throughout, having a pass accuracy of 83% and losing the ball seven times.
Furthermore, Bentancur also struggled with the intensity of the Newcastle attack and midfield, losing eight duels and being dribbled past on three occasions.
The fact that he was subbed off just before the hour mark highlighted just how little impact the 26-year-old had on his side, and after that performance, it’s difficult to see him keeping his place in the starting side over the next few weeks.
In truth, Bentancur is still clearly rusty after dealing with his numerous injury setbacks, and his second-half performance against Nottingham Forest also underlined that yesterday's showing wasn't a one-off, as he lost six duels and had a pass accuracy of 84%.
Spurs were let down by 3/10 star who was even worse than Van de Ven
Ange’s side squandered the chance to create some space in the race for top four.
By
Angus Sinclair
Apr 13, 2024
Sky Sports have shared their own update on Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim and West Ham after pictures surfaced of his flight to England.
Widespread reports revealed yesterday that West Ham have held talks with Amorim in an ambitious managerial move as they make contingency plans to succeed David Moyes.
Title-winning manager considering offer to replace David Moyes at West Ham
He’s quite decorated.
By
Emilio Galantini
Apr 21, 2024
The Scotsman's contract is expiring at the end of 2023/2024, and after a few memorable years in the Hammers hot seat, it is reliably believed that Moyes is more likely than not to be leaving West Ham with no extension in sight.
During his second stint, Moyes guided West Ham to European qualification in each of his previous full seasons in charge, and even helped the east Londoners clinch a first piece of major silverware since the 1980s with their Conference League triumph in Prague last year.
However, fans have grown discontented with their league form lately, and West Ham's 5-2 loss to Crystal Palace last weekend hasn't exactly helped Moyes' case to remain past this campaign.
|
West Ham's league finishes under Moyes |
Season |
|---|---|
|
14th |
2022/2023 |
|
7th |
2021/2022 |
|
6th |
2020/2021 |
|
16th |
2019/2020 |
West Ham are now making managerial contingency plans for next term, with reliable journalist David Ornstein sharing news that West Ham held talks with Amorim yesterday. Pedro Sepulveda also posted images of Amorim boarding a plane to London to meet with West Ham chiefs, in what was an exciting few developments.
The jet has since returned to Portugal after those negotiations with the Irons, as explained by renowned reporter Fabrizio Romano on X this morning.
"Ruben Amorim returned to Portugal after meeting West Ham board in London on Monday," wrote Romano.
"West Ham presented their project and will insist for Amorim; nothing done yet, while discussions with Liverpool are on stand-by. Amorim will discuss his future steps with his agents."
Amorim has also been linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, so if West Ham beat the Reds to his signature, it's safe to say it would be quite the coup.
Amid this flurry of reports, Sky Sports have shared an update on Amorim and his potential West Ham move.
For their part, the club are remaining coy about their interest in Amorim: "West Ham are not commenting on report suggesting that they're planning to hold talks with Sporting Lisbon's head coach, Ruben Amorim," explained the broadcaster.
"Now, we've been told the club are doing due-diligence on a number of managers with the current boss David Moyes yet to make a decision on his future".
Amorim has won multiple trophies during his time in Portugal and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young managers in Europe, so there may well be a growing clamor for his services.
Leicester could face another PSR charge after winning their appeal over alleged breaches of the Premier League's rules.
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Aston Villa are chasing a Premier League talent who ranks similarly to midfielder Boubacar Kamara ahead of a potential summer move, it has been reported.
Though Unai Emery's side are having an excellent Premier League season, it could have been even better had their midfield lynchpin not picked up a serious knee injury.
Signed on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, Boubacar Kamara has gone on to become one of the first names on the Aston Villa teamsheet when fit, so much so that captain John McGinn has been forced to play out wide in order to accommodate him.
However, Villa have had to play the last 15 games without the Frenchman after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a game against Manchester United.
His absence has coincided with a drop-off in Villa's form. With Kamara not in the side, they are conceding more, winning less and picking up fewer points on average.
|
Boubacar Kamara's importance to Aston Villa |
||
|---|---|---|
|
2023/24 Premier League |
With Kamara |
Without Kamara |
|
Games |
20 |
15 |
|
Wins |
13 |
7 |
|
Win% |
65% |
46% |
|
Goals conceded per game |
1.05 |
1.87 |
|
Points per game |
2.05 |
1.73 |
All of Douglas Luiz, Youri Tielemans and McGinn himself have been trialled in his position during his absence, but the lack of a true replacement for the Frenchman has undoubtedly had a damaging effect on Villa's season.
It will likely be trivial come the end of the campaign, with Villa seemingly set for Champions League football next season, but they will need to find a way to replace Kamara in the first part of next season, with the midfielder not expected back until September at the earliest, and likely not fully up to speed until later.
Latest Aston Villa injury news, return dates and suspensions
FFC keeps you up to date with all the latest Aston Villa news involving injuries.
By
Jack Salveson Holmes
Apr 26, 2024
Now, they may have found a man to help share the role.
That comes in the form of young Sheffield United midfielder Ollie Arblaster, who has shone for the relegated side since making his debut against Arsenal in March – a game that his side lost 6-0.
The 19-year-old only signed a new contract earlier this year, but is believed to earn just £760 a week at Bramall Lane.
Now, he is wanted by Villa, with The Telegraph reporting that the Midlands outfit are among those "circling" for the England youth international amid hopes that he could be a cheap addition following the Blades dropping into the second tier.
They add that "Sheffield United are determined to keep him", with the club captaincy not beyond him already, but a bid for his services against the backdrop of relegation may test that resolve.
£150k-p/w Aston Villa figure Emery dubbed "amazing" now set to leave
His departure this summer is looking increasingly likely.
By
Ben Browning
Apr 30, 2024
He has already come in for plenty of praise from his manager, with Chris Wilder recently dubbing him "the best on the park" against Chelsea, who fielded their two record signings against him.
“His performances have been incredibly consistent at the highest level – against Liverpool the way they press,” Wilder said.
“He was the best on the park against £200m of talent against Chelsea. He was good at Brentford and that was a different challenge.
“He was [the best] against Burnley and [against United], pound for pound against [Christian] Eriksen, and Man United have got a special kid in there as well [in Kobbie Mainoo], he was going to the end and making really good decisions with and without the ball.”
It is easy to see why Villa are keen, with data site FBref statistically ranking him as similar to Kamara, with Arblaster particularly excelling in defensive work. Should he be available, he could be a very savvy signing to provide cover and competition where Villa need it most.
The ratings for Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi are out now
EA Sports FC 25 has hit our screens, with the new game set for a worldwide release on September 27, 2024.
Shop EA FC 25 on Amazon USBuy nowShop EA FC 25 on Amazon UKBuy now
EA Sports whetted appetites with a series of deep dives into the newest features and different game modes, but the most eagerly anticipated news each year is the player ratings.
READ MORE:The best young players on EA Sports FC 25
Of the men's players, Kylian Mbappe, Rodri and Erling Haaland share the podium with a top rating of 91, with four players being given a 90 rating. Lionel Messi is a little off the top nowadays, but the Inter Miami star remains among the best in the game, while Cristiano Ronaldo is now deemed outside of the elite crop in the game.
Here, GOAL takes a look at the best players in the game according to their official EA Sports FC 25 ratings.
Liverpool dropped points again in the race for the Premier League title as they were held to a 2-2 draw by West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday.
The Reds had lost to Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night at Goodison Park and followed that up with a disappointing result in the capital.
Jurgen Klopp will be moving on from Liverpool after almost nine years at the club in the summer and was involved in an argument with one of the stars of his tenure – Mohamed Salah – against the Hammers.
The pair engaged in a verbal tussle on the touchline just before Michail Antonio's equaliser, and teammates Joe Gomez and Darwin Nunez had to push him away from the boss.
Salah, who came on with 11 minutes left to play, told reporters after the match: "If I speak today there will be fire."
Dutch manager Arne Slot, who Fabrizio Romano has reported will be Klopp's replacement, may now have a difficult situation to manage with the star forward in the summer, and could brutally ditch the winger by securing a deal for one of the club's reported targets.
It was reported in February that the Premier League giants have their eyes on Bayern Munich wizard and former Manchester City star Leroy Sane.
Bild reporter Christian Falk, as relayed by Football365, claimed in February that the Germany international is one of the players on Liverpool's shortlist of targets ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
The journalist added that the left-footed magician is aware of the interest from the English outfit but has not made his feelings clear on a possible move to Anfield, to join the club he once competed against with Pep Guardiola's side.
Falk also claimed that Salah could be on his way to Saudi Arabia, after the club rejected an offer from a Pro League team last summer, but a final decision has yet to be made on that front.
TalkSPORT recently reported that teams from Saudi Arabia are expected to go back in for the left-footed ace ahead of next season, with offers in excess of £70m expected to come in for his services.
Meanwhile, Sane's current contract with Bayern Munich expires in the summer of 2025 and Liverpool could swoop to take advantage of that situation this summer, unless he puts pen to paper on an extension with the Bavarian outfit before then.
This suggests that Slot could potentially ditch Salah, by selling him to a team from the Saudi Pro League amid the interest in his services, by making an early move to sign the Bayern titan to replace him on the right flank.
The 31-year-old forward, who turns 32 in June, has not enjoyed his best form in front of goal for the Reds so far in the Premier League this season.
His finishing has left a bit to be desired with a return of 17 goals from an xG (Expected Goals) of 18.91, with 14 'big chances' missed in total.
Salah's form in the final third has been particularly worrying in recent weeks. He has produced zero goals from open play and zero assists in his last eight appearances in all competitions, with two goals from the penalty spot in that time.
His last non-penalty goal came against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on the 31st of March, a game in which the attacker took a staggering 12 shots and missed two 'big chances'.
His recent struggles at the top end of the pitch may have contributed to the frustration that led to his exchange with Klopp at the London Stadium.
Ex-Reds defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher claimed that Salah was "frustrated" and "angry" that he was not starting, and added that the attacker's words to the media – about there being fire if he spoke – were "daft".
There could now be a natural parting of the ways in the summer, with Slot's arrival from Feyenoord signalling the start of a new era at Anfield.
Salah was a colossal part of Klopp's reign, with 210 goals in 346 matches for the club in all competitions to date, but the German's exit, his recent form, and the interest from Saudi Arabia means that it could make sense to brutally move on from him.
A departure for the 31-year-old phenom would leave a gaping hole in the Liverpool attack on the right of the front three and it is one that could be filled by Sane.
Not only has the German been in phenomenal form for Bayern Munich in recent seasons, but he is also a proven Premier League performer who would not need time to adapt to England or the division.
The talented whiz, who is also a left-footed attacker who plays on the right wing, spent four years with Manchester City between 2016 and 2020.
In that time, Sane racked up 39 goals and 43 assists in 135 appearances in all competitions – more than one goal contribution every other match on average – and won two Premier League titles.
This shows that the winger knows what it takes to be successful in this country, both in terms of winning trophies and producing high-quality end product in the final third on a regular basis.
|
23/24 season |
Leroy Sane (Bundesliga) |
Mo Salah (Premier League) |
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
26 |
29 |
|
xG |
10.94 |
17 |
|
Goals |
8 |
18.91 |
|
xA |
9.51 |
6.92 |
|
Assists |
11 |
9 |
|
Key passes per game |
2.8 |
2.2 |
|
Dribbles completed per game |
3.6 |
0.8 |
|
Stats via Sofascore |
||
As you can see in the table above, Sane has also been in fantastic form for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
Salah has the edge on him when it comes to goals, with nine more strikes, but has also had far more quality chances created for him by his teammates.
Whereas, the £331k-per-week star has been better when it comes to splitting open opposition defences to create opportunities for others, with more xA and more assists despite playing three fewer league games, to go along with more key passes and dribbles per game.
Liverpool now want to offer "outstanding" VVD heir long-term deal for Slot
The Reds are planning the succession of their legendary defender.
By
Tom Cunningham
Apr 28, 2024
The 28-year-old dynamo, who was hailed as "dangerous" by Thomas Muller earlier this season, has the quality to be a constant threat down the right wing, as Salah has been for Liverpool over the years, based on his form for Bayern and City.
Therefore, Slot could brutally move on from the Egypt international – who could be sold to Saudi Arabia – by making an early move to sign Sane as one of his first acts in charge of the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been told that he needs a “best mate” to push him into retirement and avoid the fate of scoring “six goals in the Saudi League”.
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Ex-Chelsea man Conor Gallagher says he feels "wanted and appreciated" at Atletico Madrid, while insisting he has made a step forward in his career.
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