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Jack Grealish was punched in the head by a Birmingham supporter during the Second City derby but bounced back to score the only goal of the game as Aston Villa took the bragging rights.

Grealish labelled it the best day of his life as he also got to captain the side during the Villans’ win on Sunday.

Villa fans took to Twitter to praise the midfielder, not only for barely reacting to the incident which took place but also for going on to score the game’s only goal.

Their supporters seemed to have run out of superlatives for the 23-year-old, calling him an inspiration and hero.

Emotions often run high in derby games but Grealish was able to keep his in check, only to race into the crowd as he found the bottom right-hand corner with his low strike.

Villa’s number ten has four goals and four assists in 23 league outings this term.

Here’s how Villa fans reacted to the punch and his response.

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Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to react with joy after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain took part in training with the first-team out in Spain, as he steps up his return to full fitness.

The England international suffered a serious knee injury in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final tie against Roma at Anfield last season, which looked likely to rule him out for the entirety of the current campaign.

However, the 25-year-old midfielder has made a remarkable recovery and was able to take part in a session involving rondos, core exercises and ball-work drills with his teammates, who will be happy to have him back for the title run-in.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

The former Arsenal man has also been included in the Reds’ Champions League squad for the knockout phases as Jurgen Klopp hopes to have him back and available soon.

Understandably, fans of the Merseysiders on Twitter are overjoyed with the news…

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According to Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague, new Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane wants to bring Tottenham Hotspur attacker Christian Eriksen to the Bernabeu in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the word, then?

On Monday, it was announced that Zidane had been reappointed as Madrid head coach, just 10 months after leaving the same role.

It seems likely that Los Blancos will spend big this summer as they look to improve on what has been a turbulent and disappointing 2018-19 campaign.

According to Balague, who posted a video on his official Twitter account, Zidane is keen to bring Eriksen to the Spanish capital in this summer’s transfer window.

The Denmark international will see his current deal with Spurs expire at the end of next season.

The Tottenham fans have recently questioned whether the 27-year-old wants to still be at the club and it is shaping up to be a very interesting summer transfer window.

What would Tottenham be losing?

It would probably be fair to say that Eriksen has not been at his best in recent weeks.

The playmaker has still contributed seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season, though, and his overall record for Tottenham is excellent.

Indeed, the Dane has managed 63 goals and 81 assists in 264 appearances for his English club in all competitions since a 2013 switch from Ajax.

It would not be a surprise if the reported interest from Real Madrid had turned his head, with the reigning European champions sure to spend heavily this summer.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he often received racist abuse after North London Derbies – Check out the video below…

Spurs need to be careful that Eriksen’s exit – if it indeed happens – does not start a trend of key players moving on in search of pastures new.

Indeed, teams will be closely monitoring the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli, particularly if the north London outfit fail to progress past the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

What a season Raheem Sterling is having. Despite all the criticism he’s received over the years, he’s now establishing himself as one of the standout stars in world football and he’ll be key if Manchester City are to continue winning trophies.

His hat-trick on Saturday against Watford took his tally to 18 goals and 15 assists in all competitions this season, and there’s no sign of him slowing down. The importance of some of those goals, like the winner away at Schalke a couple of weeks ago, are vital to understanding his important in Pep Guardiola’s side too.

He’s been criticised for his finishing abilities in the past, along with a stupid amount of trivial off-pitch things too, but this season and last he’s arriving in the box at exactly the right moment to receive the ball. He’s also getting his head down and running at players with one intention, to get into the box and create a chance.

There are times when City’s possession can lead to a lack of chances created. The ball moves slowly from left to right as the opposition sit back, happy with City’s players in front of them. Sterling provides the spark that turns this into a direct threat within seconds, and he’s now consistent and up there as one of Pep Guardiola’s most reliable players.

In a season where Kevin De Bruyne has started just seven of City’s 30 games, the 24-year-old has stepped up, and if the Blues win the league he’s got a very strong claim to be the league’s player of the season, alongside Virgil Van Dijk.

He scored 18 goals in the Premier League last season, and he’s on 15 so far this campaign, so another season around the 20 mark will prove just how consistent the Englishman is.

If he keeps it up he’ll cement himself as one of the world’s top players, no matter what his haters say.

Who do you think should win the PFA Player of the Year so far? Join the discussion by commenting below….

Chelsea have a lot on their plate at present, and that’s likely to leave fans dreaming of better times. Unfortunately for them, though, there’s still no end in sight for the Blues’ struggles, and it seems as though one of their arch rivals is enjoying exactly what most Chelsea fans would love. 

Since the departure of Jose Mourinho, Man Utd have exploded into life, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer impressing at the helm at Old Trafford. That, on its own, is enough to frustrate fans. The Red Devils and Chelsea have been rivals for years, yet the Blues have, as of late, not been very competitive.

For Chelsea fans, however, the latest comments from Solskjaer are going to only make the mood at Stamford Bridge worse.

Discussing the Red Devils’ youth contingent, the Man Utd boss said: “Angel has been in that successful England U17 team, with (Jadon) Sancho and (Callum) Hudson-Odoi and (Phil) Foden, so he’s been a big part of that. I’m definitely sure that if he gets a chance he’ll do well. Jimmy Garner, he’s a Michael Carrick but 20 years younger, so I’m sure he’ll do well, and Chong, he’ll definitely be taking people on if he comes on.”

He added: “They’re ready, they’re kids”.

Chelsea have become infamous for their lack of focus on young talent in recent years, and that’s only worsened under Maurizio Sarri. Callum Hudson-Odoi is arguably one of the best young players in Europe, yet he’s not made a single Premier League start so far this season.

Meanwhile, Solskjaer is talking up the chances of three youngsters; and that just shows how different the two managers are. Sure, Man Utd have a few injury problems at present, but Chelsea’s form has been so poor lately that the manager has had more than enough chances to include a few youngsters. But he hasn’t.

He just doesn’t trust them, and Solskjaer clearly does.

Chelsea fans want to see young players make it at Chelsea, make no mistake, and if Sarri isn’t going to give them chances, that will only increase their desire to see change.

Thoughts?

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Newcastle United have a truly excellent striker in their ranks.

Elias Sorensen is just 19 and has been in quite brilliant form for the club’s youth teams. This season alone, he has scored 12 goals in 14 Premier League 2 games and has also netted four in five in the EFL Trophy, all of which came against senior sides – Doncaster Rovers, Notts County, Grimsby Town and Macclesfield.

His step up from the Under-18s to the Under-23s has been seamless. After netting 15 goals in 33 outings for the U18s, including six assists, Sorensen found a ruthless streak upon his age jump.

The same is true of his international career. Sorensen played for the Under-17s and the Under-18s for Denmark but did not score. But he has two in two for the Under-21s.

The Shields Gazette quote senior manager Rafael Benitez from November, when the Spaniard claimed that the teenager was knocking on the door of the first-team after training with them.

He said: “We’re lucky to have some young players coming sometimes to help the first team. He did well. He has energy and movement.

“We’re just talking about a couple of training sessions, but you could see the lad has the effort and desire to play in the first team.

“It depends on him. The players have to knock on the door by what they do on the pitch.”

His latest test came in January. Fresh from signing a new contract with the Magpies, he was loaned to Blackpool, in League One. He has made one appearance so far, managing just 32 minutes.

Chronicle Live report that Sorensen spoke to Sean Longstaff about his move, with the midfielder having played for the Seasiders before making his breakthrough at Newcastle. He has made six Premier League appearances this season.

He said: “You see Sean getting a few games in the Premier League now and he went away to Blackpool and Kilmarnock, so a few loan spells for him worked very well.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

“I spoke to him about it and he liked it when he was here. I thought it would be a great opportunity for me as well.

“I’m excited to see what it brings. Hopefully, I can get a few games in League One and show what I’m capable of.”

If his record in the youth teams is anything to go by, Sorensen will take the third-tier by storm.

Newcastle fans should keep an eye on him. If he can reach his potential, he could well be the club’s next great No.9.

رد المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم الجديد بالنادي الأهلي، بيتسو موسيماني، على رسالة وداع مهاجمه السابق بنادي صن داونز، ثيمبا زواني، بعد رحيله عن بطل الدوري الجنوب إفريقي.

وأشاد زواني كثيرًا بقدرات موسيماني التدريبية على مدار السنوات الماضية والتي جعلتهم يفوزون ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا على حساب الزمالك في عام 2016، وختم مشواره مع صن داونز بالتتويج بالثلاثية المحلية بالموسم الماضي. (طالع تصريحات زواني)

ورد موسيماني على تصريحات زواني عبر حسابه الرسمي على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “تويتر”، وكتب: “مشيكاشيكا!، شيكابالا!، سأفتقد رؤيتك تتزلج على أرض الملعب”.

وتابع: “سأفتقد مهاراتك وأهدافك الرائعة ورقصة الزومبي التي تشتهر بها!”.

ومن المعروف من تصريحات موسيماني الصحفية على مدار السنوات الماضية أنه يحب ويقدر قائد نادي الزمالك السابق، محمود عبد الرازق الشهير بـ”شيكابالا” وبالتالي، فهو يرى في زواني أنه يمتلك نفس مهارات النجم المصري.

الجدير بالذكر أن زواني يلعب بصفوف صن داونز منذ عام 2011، أي قبل عام من حصول موسيماني على مهمة تدريب صن داونز ولمدة 8 سنوات.

Mahikashika! Shikabala! I am going to miss seeing you skating on the pitch ! Amashibobo, Goals and the famous Zombie dance!😭😭 https://t.co/mUJncePAWh

— Pitso Mosimane (@TheRealPitso) October 1, 2020

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Luke Murphy has explained why he left Leeds United for Bolton Wanderers.

Murphy departed Elland Road last summer, moving to the Macron Stadium after terminating his contract with the Whites.

What’s the word?

Murphy joined Leeds in 2013, playing 111 times for the club.

However, he twice went on loan to Burton Albion, making a total of 61 appearances.

And he has explained that Leeds were ready to sign another player to replace him and that he was subsequently keen to leave for Bolton.

He told The Bolton News: “The season prior to leaving, I went out on loan twice and with one year left on my contract, they were looking in other directions and looking to bring in people from abroad.

“We ended on good terms and it was fine as I had the chance to come to another big club in Bolton.”

Landed on his feet

Murphy has landed on his feet with his move to Bolton.

The 29-year-old stayed in the Championship and, while has yet to truly make his mark at the club, he has been playing recently.

Murphy featured for 45 minutes against Birmingham City and also played the entire 90 minutes against Norwich City last time out, in a 4-0 loss.

He has handled his departure with genuine grace and good humour, and his exit is totally understandable.

Murphy remains an experienced Championship campaigner and has made a total of 168 appearances in the second-tier – he will remain an asset to Bolton in future weeks and months.

أعلن نادي لاتسيو الإيطالي توصله لاتفاق مع مانشستر يونايتد الإنجليزي للتعاقد مع أحد لاعبيه.

وتعاقد لاتسيو مع أندريس بيريرا على سبيل الإعارة من مانشستر يونايتد حتى نهاية الموسم الحالي، مع خيار شراء  بقيمة 27 مليون يورو.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بوروسيا دورتموند يعلن قراره النهائي بشأن انتقال سانشو لمانشستر يونايتد

بيريرا تواجد في لاتسيو صباح اليوم للخضوع للفحص الطبي وظهر بقميص نسور العاصمة بالفعل.

لعب بيريرا دورًا أساسيًا في فريق أولي جونار سولشاير في النصف الأول من موسم 2019-20، ومع قدوم برونو فيرنانديز ودوني فان دي بيك قلت مشاركته.

🏥 Visite mediche d’idoneità per @andrinhopereira in @ClinicaPaideia pic.twitter.com/lC6cpEq8vJ

— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) October 2, 2020

According to the reliable ExWHUemployee on Episode 124 of ‘The West Ham Way’ radio show, West Ham United attacker Andriy Yarmolenko is ahead of schedule in his injury return, and could feature earlier than expected at the end of the campaign.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Ukraine international injured an Achilles tendon during the defeat against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur back in October, and The Independent reported at the time that the big-money £17.5m signing could be out of action for six months after undergoing surgery.

ExWHUemployee suggests in his latest update that the 29-year-old was only expected to be available for maybe the final one or two Premier League fixtures of the season, but the forward could now be available for the last month of action, meaning he could potentially feature in the trip to Old Trafford on April 13.

Yarmolenko had started to find some form prior to the issue, scoring twice in the 3-1 win against Everton before following that up a fortnight later with an assist in the win against Manchester United by the same scoreline.

Big boost?

It certainly is.

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West Ham may have little to play for in terms of European qualification or domestic cup success, but they will still want to finish as the best of the rest outside of the top six in the top flight.

As things stand ahead of their fixture against Fulham at the London Stadium on Friday night, they are six points adrift of seventh-placed Wolves with a dozen matches left to play.

Potentially have Yarmonlenko back in action earlier on in their run-in will be a big boost for the Irons in the final third, with the Ukrainian having the ability and quality to make a real difference alongside the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Marko Arnautovic and fellow summer addition Felipe Anderson.