’No wonder he gets frustrated’: Shearer says Man United players make 26-year-old's job 'more difficult'

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 29, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Manchester United fans and Erik ten Hag would have been breathing a sigh of relief when Casemiro did his best Mark Robins impersonation at Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.

No-one needed this win more than the Manchester United manager and it now keeps him in the hunt to win the FA Cup.

But whilst Erik ten Hag is breathing easy, you feel Marcus Rashford is still frustrated and it’s something Alan Shearer understands.

The Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer was on commentary duty for Manchester United’s win at the City Ground and he admitted to ‘having a go’ at the player in the first-half, as he told BBC One.

But he feels that his own teammates, because of the ’slow’ nature of their play, make Marcus Rashford’s job ‘much more difficult’ than it should be.

Look, the player himself can’t complain because frustrated fans have the right to question his workrate and inability to create chances himself.

But, as the 26-year-old proved last season, if you feed him, and quickly enough, then he will punish you and score bundles of goals.

Marcus Rashford’s frustration

“I am getting more frustrated with the lack of forward play when Man United get into positions,” said Shearer.

“You have got the chance to hit them on the break and it’s slow, slow, slow. The movement, there is no intensity in their play.

“I had a go at Marcus in the first half, but when you have got players who aren’t prepared to move it or stretch teams, it doesn’t half make his job that much more difficult. No wonder he gets frustrated, at times. I know I would in that position.”

Pressure on Marcus Rashford

The issue with Rashford is that he has been here before and had a season off, under a previous manager and completely different tactics, so this isn’t just a ten Hag issue.

After 25 Premier League games this term, he only has five goals to his name, and aside from scoring in three games in a row, it has been another relatively quiet season for him in front of goal.

With Euro 2024 around the corner, many are rightfully questioning if he deserves that golden ticket to Germany because his form says otherwise.

Unless Rashford goes on a goalscoring madness, from now until the end of the season, and he still has a chance to do so, more than likely he will go into the summer in poor form and not deserving of playing in the European Championships.

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'West Ham offered £11m': Agent disappointed striker turned down Hammers move, says it's 'a shame'

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 29, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Fyodor Smolov made a mistake when he turned down a move to the Premier League with West Ham United before the 2018 Russia World Cup. 

That is according to Sekou Traore, an agent who was heavily involved in the discussions which might have taken the striker to the London Stadium six years ago. 

Fyodor Smolov, at the time, was one of the biggest stars in Russian football, expected to make quite the name for himself across the continent during that summer’s World Cup on home soil. 

But after losing his place in the Russia XI and missing a penalty during the quarter-final defeat to Croatia, the interest in the then-Krasnodar talisman quickly died down, Smolov living to regret his West Ham snub in the years since. 

West Ham United missed out on Fyodor Smolov

“Fyodor Smolov’s transfer to West Ham before the 2018 World Cup, I received an offer from an English club and discussed it with Fyodor’s agent, German Tkachenko,” Traore tells MatchTV. 

“At first, West Ham offered £10 million, but Krasnodar refused. The next offer was £11 million. Krasnodar again refused because they wanted to £14 or 15 million.

“Smolov, at this time, believed that he could receive an offer from a more eminent club from Europe. At that time, Fedor was 28 years old. The ideal age to leave at the peak of his form.

“But he refused – and I was offended. Later, in an interview, he admitted that he regretted refusing the offer from West Ham.”

Now 34, Smolov would never recapture that pre-World Cup form, struggling in Spain with Celta Vigo before returning to Russia with Dinamo Moscow. A potential move to Everton also failed to materialise after Pavel Kucherov – who was working as a scout at Goodison Park at the time – advised The Toffees against signing a man who won the Russian Premier League Golden Boot twice in both 2016 and 2017.

Now back in Russia aged 34

“Fyodor wanted to go to Europe after the World Cup. He thought that he prove show himself at the tournament and go to some top club. But we all know how the World Cup in Russia ended for him,” adds Traore. 

“When you get a chance in football, you have to take it. Today, there is an offer. Tomorrow, it may no longer exist. It’s a shame that Fyodor didn’t move to West Ham then.” 

West Ham could dip into the striker market again this summer with Michail Antonio no longer the force of old. HITC Football understands there is also interest in a number of wide players, including Fiorentina starlet Michael Kayode and Juventus’ England under-21 international Samuel Iling-Junior. 

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31 goals, 12 assists; Former Newcastle flop is firing his club to the league title

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 29, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Former Newcastle United and Premier League misfit Luuk de Jong now has two hat-tricks this season as the veteran striker takes his tally to 31 for runaway Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven. 

In an age where centre-forwards tend to age like a fine wine – Robert Lewandowski, Edinson Cavani, Ciro Immobile, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and co arguably playing the best football of their careers on supposedly the ‘wrong’ side of 30 – Luuk de Jong is also proving that age is but a number. 

Ivan Toney is certainly not the only former Newcastle United frontman who has gone on to achieve some rather spectacular things away from St James’ Park. 

Luuk de Jong, who made 12 goalless appearances for The Magpies a decade ago, has almost scored a goal for every one of his 33 years on planet earth this season. 

Former Newcastle flop inspiring PSV’s Eredivisie charge

“He is doing great. He now scores three again, but is also the driving force in putting pressure (on the defence). And he gave an assist today,” PSV coach Peter Bosz beams, speaking to ESPN after De Jong hit his second treble of 2023/24 in the weekend’s 7-1 shellacking of PEC Zwolle. 

“He played fantastic.”

This is actually the fourth time – and the third in PSV colours – that De Jong has broken the 30-goal barrier in a season. A career-best tally of 32 is now in reach, and the veteran Dutchman can make personal history if he hits a brace against reigning (and soon to be former) Eredivisie champions Feyenoord next time out. 

Magpies eye Viktor Gyokeres

HITC Football, meanwhile, understands that De Jong’s former employers Newcastle United may look to add another centre-forward to their current squad in the summer. Eddie Howe has had to do with Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson at times recently, with a lack of a clinical edge very nearly costing them against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup on Tuesday. 

HITC understands that Newcastle are watching Sporting Lisbon talisman Viktor Gyokeres. Like De Jong, the former Coventry City talisman has broken the 30-goal barrier this term. 

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‘He fits in’: Pundit urges Arsenal to sign ‘left-footed' 24-year-old instead of Toney or Osimhen

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 29, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen are expected to be hot property in the summer transfer market when Arsenal go in search of a striker. 

Regardless of whether Mikel Arteta guides the team to the Premier League title or not during these coming months, the forward line is expected to be boosted.

HITC have already been told that Arsenal are keen on Victor Osimhen, who will leave Napoli in the summer, whilst there has also been strong talk of Brentford hitman, Ivan Toney.

But Janusz Michallik has told the London club to forget about those two, and instead, sign Juventus forward, Dusan Vlahovic, as he told ESPN.

The former USMNT international feels that the left-footed superstar would ‘fit in nicely’ at the Emirates.

The Serbian star being touted for a move to the Premier League or to join Arsenal isn’t anything new, this has been well-documented before. 

But Janusz Michallik thinks it’s high time the Gunners now pushed forward with that and brought Dusan Vlahovic to the club.

Dusan Vlahovic over Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen

“They didn’t score in Porto, maybe a one-off, but maybe that one player is missing when Saka and Martinelli are off,” said Michallik.

“That central forward, given the amount of goals they scored, you could say it’s not needed. I would have Dusan Vlahovic. He fits in that team before Ivan Toney and Osimhen. 

“Some of its money and some of its age. I like what I see there. A left-footed player that would fit nicely there.”

Arsenal scoring goals

A lot has been said about Arsenal’s forward line and its lack of goals, especially during the festive period.

But now that the heat is being turned up in the kitchen, the likes of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are stepping up.

Adding to that, with Arsenal already boasting the best defence in the Premier League, not only are Arsenal scoring for fun, but it’s difficult to get past William Saliba and Co.

But you just feel, somewhere down the line, that question will be asked, and whilst the team fell flat on their face last season, they simply can’t do the same again.

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‘He is back to his best’: Tim Sherwood says Arsenal duo’s form has returned

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 28, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

The goals are raining in for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta bids to secure the Premier League title.

That was proven during Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Newcastle United over the weekend, with three different scores, including the Sven Botman own goal.

Tim Sherwood thinks no-one in the Premier League is currently playing better than Arsenal, as he highlighted the return in form of Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard.

The former Tottenham and Aston Villa boss thinks Gabriel Martinelli is ‘back to his best’, whilst the club’s skipper, after ‘a little lull’, has also started to ‘really pick up his performances’, as he told Premier League Productions (26/02/24 at 2:35 pm).

Martin Odegaard didn’t score or assist in the last game, but he has provided three assists and scored once from his last three Premier League games.

Whilst it was Gabriel Martinelli’s determination that saw him provide a brilliant assist for Kai Havertz’s goal against Newcastle.

These are all very good signs for Arsenal because they are a team who don’t rely upon an individual for goals, but for the team to be in full flow.

Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli form

“I don’t think anyone in the Premier League is playing as well as Arsenal, at the moment,” said Sherwood. “They are rolling people over and sharing the goals around the team.

“Martinelli is back to his best. Odegaard had a little lull period and it looks like he is really picking up performances. Saka has been unbelievable. Jorginho has come into the side, he’s pushed Declan Rice on and he looked really better in the number eight position. But he has been outstanding.

“Gabriel and Saliba have given them that solid base. It’s all going well for them, at the moment.”

Arsenal’s trip to Sheffield United

Arteta has watched his team score for fun since returning from the winter break and they might just enjoy themselves against Sheffield United.

No team in Premier League history has conceded more goals (66) at this stage of the season and you fear what will happen to the bottom-of-the-table side on Monday night.

Arsenal have been boosting their goal difference in big ways in recent weeks, as of this moment, they are still ahead of their title rivals.

And you feel this is their opportunity to steamroll ahead and put more than a few goals past the Blades because, if they don’t score at least four, then they will probably be disappointed.

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Pundit says 'people have only started to appreciate' what one Arsenal player is all about

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 28, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Just like many transfers under Mikel Arteta, there were big question marks over Jorginho’s head when he first joined Arsenal from Chelsea.

The 32-year-old joined in 2023 during the January transfer window and was instantly thrust into the limelight, which ended up resulting in Arsenal losing the Premier League title.

Of course, it wasn’t all his own doing, but he played his part.

Fast forward to the present and it’s fair to say that a lot of things have changed for Jorginho, including how he has become a big game player for the team.

Leroy Rosenior feels that ‘people have started to appreciate what he is all about’ following Arsenal’s comfortable 4-1 win over Newcastle United over the weekend, as he told Premier League Productions (26/02/24 at 5:35 pm).

Before the winter break, the Italian wasn’t exactly a regular starter under Mikel Arteta, but he is now being deployed more during these pressure games.

That performance during the recent win over Liverpool was huge, especially in the context of the title race.

And you would imagine that when Arsenal visit the Etihad next month, Jorginho will be one of the first names on the team sheet. 

Jorginho appreciation

“He is fantastic, Jorginho,” said Rosenior. “I think people have started to appreciate what he is all about.”

Can Arsenal deal with the pressure?

The big, big moments are around the corner for Arsenal. When they were tested last season, the team collapsed and handed the Premier League title to Manchester City.

Perhaps, with three teams vying for the title this time around, it helps the club’s cause because it takes a little bit of pressure off them.

Not only that, 12 months ago, they were being chased whilst holding a pretty healthy lead at the top of the table.

Now they are chasing and, once again, it’s easier to do that than to hold your lead near the top, so that will probably help.

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‘He’s different': Michael Owen backs ‘world-class' player to join Arsenal despite Tottenham interest

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 28, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will be expected to fill their striker roles in the summer.

For Mikel Arteta’s side, it’s obvious that they will be playing Champions League football next season, so that helps their cause.

But the same can’t be said for Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur, who are currently sitting fifth in the Premier League table, five points off Aston Villa, although, they do have a game in hand. 

Sources have previously told HITC Football that Arsenal and Tottenham want to sign Brentford’s ‘world-class’ hitman Ivan Toney in the summer.

Michael Owen has backed the England international to make a transfer to Arsenal instead of Spurs by stating that he has to be a ‘starter’ for the title-chasers, as he told Premier League Productions (26/02/24 at 7:35 pm).

Many believe that the Gunners have missed a trick by not bringing in that number nine already, of course, signing Ivan Toney back in the summer was impossible because he was banned from playing.

But you can bet your bottom dollar that if Mikel Arteta doesn’t win the Premier League title this season, then that argument will be thrown straight back into his face. 

Either way, come the summer, you expect Ivan Toney to be hot property and Michael Owen discussed his future.

Ivan Toney’s transfer value

“It’s an expensive risk because he isn’t going to be cheap,” said Owen. “Is he a risk? He has scored all the goals for Brentford. Some would say he isn’t a risk.

“But to put someone, let’s say Arsenal, who everybody is saying needs a centre-forward, to have him at the club and not to start him. What’s he going to cost? £60, 70 or 80 million?

“He’s a starter really. He is going to have to start. Paying that money, you have to start him. I like him, don’t get me wrong. He can obviously score goals. He is very different. Not many would like to mark him. He has got a lot of different attributes. He’s not a target man that a lot of people would describe him as. He can bring people into play. He has a lot more to his game than just winning flick-ons.”

Ivan Toney set to move

Brentford and their manager Thomas Frank are accepting that they will have to move on from their star striker, but clearly, they aren’t going to make it easy.

He is their best player and their main source of goals, so they will be asking for top, top dollar for his talents, and rightly so.

The transfer market has been inflated for far too long now. You don’t need to have a trophy to your name, or even to have played in Europe and you are going for £100 million.

And Brentford will want their piece of the cake, so it will be interesting to see, if clubs like Arsenal and Spurs come knocking, if they are willing to go above the market value for a player like Toney.

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‘Not the same player’: Mauricio Pochettino shares disappointment regarding £52m Chelsea star

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 27, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has shared his disappointment regarding Christopher Nkunku.

Pochettino has noted how Nkunku has changed since he suffered an injury in pre-season.

So, what has Mauricio Pochettino said about Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku? Let’s take a look.

Mauricio Pochettino comments on Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku

Well, Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been speaking about Christopher Nkunku, and the former Tottenham Hotspur boss is disappointed.

Pochettino has raved about Nkunku and has outlined how good the forward was in pre-season.

The Chelsea boss has said that he had high expectations of the 26-year-old, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, but he has not looked the same player after his serious injury.

Pochettino is disappointed at the situation of the player Chelsea paid £52 million for to RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 (Sky Sports).

According to The Mirror, Nkunku will be out of action for three to four weeks after picking up yet another injury.

The report has noted that the France international only just returned to action for Chelsea, who have been urged to sack Mauricio Pochettino, in December after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Nkunku has made two starts and five substitute appearances in the Premier League for Chelsea this season. The forward has also made one substitute appearance in the FA Cup and two substitute appearances in the Carabao Cup for the Blues, who lost to Liverpool in the final of the Carabao Cup this past weekend.

Football.London quotes Pochettino as saying about Nkunku: “You make the reference to Nkunku, yes it is difficult for him. We were watching, because it is our job, when he arrived in the pre-season, he was flying on the pitch, in training in America, until he got the knee injury. 

“And now it is nearly eight months, even when he was ready to be involved again, he was never the same player as he was before.

“We have in our head, the potential, the best Nkunku that everyone knows from Germany, the Bundesliga, that is not the same player when we needed an impact, like in the final because of different circumstances. That is why it is unfair to judge, the situation is different but we need to respect opinions.”

My View: Christopher Nkunku could flourish next season

In my opinion, Christopher Nkunku could be a star for Chelsea next season. The forward is clearly a very good player, and I believe that he could flourish for the Blues once he has completely recovered from his injury problem.

It takes time for players to get into rhythm after a long-term injury. Chelsea fans should be optimistic about him.

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’They have really helped the balance’: Kieran Gibbs suggests Arsenal duo have changed the team

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 27, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Arsenal are currently in a positive frame of mind as this edge-of-your-seat Premier League title race moves closer to its final destiny.

Mikel Arteta is hoping he can finally lift English football’s main crown and end the club’s two-decade wait to become champions again.

Two players whom the Arsenal boss has introduced into the XI in recent times – Jorginho and Jakub Kiwior – have impressed Kieran Gibbs.

The former left-back thinks the duo provide ‘balance to the team’ after the title-chasers dispatched Newcastle United 4-1 on Saturday, as he told ESPN.

Jorginho is the experienced head in that midfield and he has been coming in for the big games this season, such as his performance against Liverpool recently.

On the other hand, Jakub Kiwior has started the last three Premier League matches, playing at left-back and showcasing versatility.

Kieran Gibbs was keen to give the duo their flowers and how they have helped the team’s overall balance.

Jorginho and Jakub Kiwior in Arsenal’s XI

“I don’t think they have changed too much their philosophy,” said Gibbs. “ I don’t think they have changed it at all. They are conceding fewer goals. 

“Rice and Odegaard next to each other, they provide more than enough for Jorginho to sit there and control the game from deeper up the pitch. He can do that by himself. He is that good when he is on form.

“The additions of Jorginho and Kiwior have really helped the balance of the team.”

The month of March

By the end of March, Arsenal fans will know exactly where they will be, in regards to the Champions League and the Premier League title.

Their season could be over by March 31, because lose to Porto and at the Etihad, then there might be no trophies heading to the Emirates in May.

But if Arteta can guide the team to win after win throughout March, then the dream of, at least, winning one trophy will still be on the cards.

This is it for Arsenal and this is where the players need to prove that they have learnt from the collapse of the previous campaign.

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’Accusation at Bruno Fernandes’: Richard Keys changes mind about Liverpool defender after cup win

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 26, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

More than 24 hours after winning the Carabao Cup, Liverpool fans will still be celebrating one of their best nights under Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds were hit with injuries throughout the squad, with a number of big-name players missing, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota, to name a few.

In these moments, you need your senior players to step up, stick their chests out and prove their worth. That’s what Virgil van Dijk did on the Wembley stage on Sunday and it left Jude Bellingham impressed.

The Liverpool captain led from the front by, not only scoring the winning goal in stoppage time but picking up the Man of the Match award for his defensive performance.

It even resulted in Richard Keys changing his mind about the defender and how he previously felt ‘he spent too much time thinking about himself’, as he told beIN SPORTS (25/02/24 at 5:50 pm).

The presenter added that accusation has also been levelled at Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, but he feels Liverpool’s man with the armband ‘led from the front’ against Chelsea.

The fact that the Reds had to play a number of their academy stars made this win that much sweeter for the boys from Merseyside.

Virgil van Dijk guides Liverpool to Carabao Cup trophy

“The kids didn’t win it,” said Keys. “The goalkeeper and the centre-backs won it.

“I think Klopp has previously described him as the best number two in the world. We have evidence of that. Fantastic.

“I didn’t think he (van Dijk) was a captain. I thought he spent too much time thinking about himself rather than the team. That’s an accusation levelled at Fernandes as well. But he was definitely leading from the front.”

One of Virgil van Dijk’s best performances

The 32-year-old has won the lot during his time at Anfield and put in some stellar performances in the biggest of games.

But given the circumstances, this was probably one of his best-ever performances because he had so much inexperience around him.

Not only that, Liverpool didn’t let up because they continued to push forward in numbers and van Dijk, alongside Ibrahima Konate, somehow managed to keep Chelsea at bay.

Yes, there was an element of luck involved, but at the end of the day, all that matters is the end result and that reads ‘Liverpool are 2024 Carabao Cup winners’.

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Tim Sherwood says Arsenal duo are just ‘cruising through games’ at the moment

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 26, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Those pressure-cooker moments are arriving as Arsenal bid to overcome the wrongs of last season and win the Premier League title.

If Mikel Arteta is to guide the team to glory, then two players within his squad need to remain fit from now until May.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have built an outstanding partnership at the back for Arsenal and they currently have the best defence in the Premier League.

Tim Sherwood highlighted the importance of the duo in the title race and how they are just ‘cruising through games’, as he told PL Productions (26/02/24 at 2:35 pm).

It shouldn’t be a surprise really because, since returning from the winter break, Mikel Arteta has watched his team score a staggering 18 goals in the Premier League.

All that striker talk has gone out of the window, with the likes of West Ham United, Burnley and Newcastle United being well and truly dispatched by the title-chasers in recent weeks.

This time last season, William Saliba suffered a season-ending injury and it crushed Arsenal’s title chances because they collapsed.

That was touched upon by Tim Sherwood when discussing Arsenal’s ice-cool duo at the back.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes

“Keeping the two centre-backs fit,” said Sherwood about Saliba and Gabriel being crucial in the title race. “Last year, they lost Saliba and it was a big blow for them.

“But they are cruising through games, at the moment.”

Premier League title battle

Only two points separate the top three as the Premier League title race is set to go to the final few weeks of the season.

If it does go to the final day, like it did two years ago, then there could be every chance that goal difference comes into the picture.

And, as of this moment, given the volume of goals Arsenal are scoring, they are leading that chart, including the fact that they have the best defence in the land.

All of these signs are positive for the Gunners, but everyone knows it just takes one result going against you and the whole mood around the club changes. 

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‘But he can’t’: Darren Bent has noted a problem with ‘fantastic’ £27m Manchester United player

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 25, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Darren Bent has given his verdict on Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw.

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker has noted a major problem with Shaw.

So, what has Darren Bent said about Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw? Let’s take a look.

Darren Bent comments on Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw

Well, Darren Bent has been speaking about Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw. The former Tottenham Hotspur striker and talkSPORT pundit rates the defender highly.

However, Bent has noted that Shaw cannot stay fit, saying that it is a major problem. The left-back is on the sidelines “for an extended period” due to a muscle injury and did not play against Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Bent said on PremierLeagueProductions: “Luke Shaw has been fantastic, but he can’t stay fit. When he is fit, he gives them width on the left.”

My View: Let’s stay optimistic about Luke Shaw

Yes, Luke Shaw has had injury problems in recent years, but I think that Manchester United fans should stay optimistic about him.

The England international, who is rated highly by Rio Ferdinand, is 28 now. He still has a fair few years left in him at the highest level.

True, Shaw’s absence due to injury is a problem, but the left-back does well when he plays. And United manager Erik ten Hag has also used him as a centre-back on occasions.

Shaw has made 251 appearances in the Premier League so far in his career. The £27 million (BBC Sport) left-back has scored three goals, given 17 assists and kept 69 clean sheets in those games.

So far this season, the 28-year-old has made 12 appearances in the Premier League, two in the UEFA Champions League and one in the FA Cup.

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‘World class’: Gary Neville says 25-year-old Liverpool player was ‘immaculate’ vs Chelsea

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 25, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Gary Neville gave his verdict on Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher while watching him in action against Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea in the final of the Carabao Cup.

The former Manchester United defender was hugely impressed by Kelleher.

So, what has Gary Neville said about Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher? Let’s take a look.

Praise for Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher vs Chelsea

Well, Liverpool took on Premier League rivals Chelsea in the final of the Carabao Cup on Sunday.

Alisson is injured at the moment, so Caoimhin Kelleher started in goal for the Reds.

Gary Neville was on co-commentary duty for the match on Sky Sports, and the former Manchester United defender was hugely impressed by Kelleher.

In the 21st minute, the 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international made a brilliant save to keep Cole Palmer’s effort from going in.

Neville said on Sky Sports Premier League (3:21 pm, February 25, 2024): “What a save, what a save from Kelleher! 

“Chelsea out of nowhere, Robertson for some reason goes charging into midfield, Van Dijk can’t get across, and Raheem Sterling, you would think, has got to hit that first time. Why has he not?

“But it falls to Cole Palmer, he just tries to sweep it into the near post, but Kelleher, well, it’s wonderful. He has got a world-class goalkeeper in front of him, but he has delivered a world-class moment there.”

The pundit added towards the end of the first half of extra time: “He has been immaculate, the goalkeeper, he really has.”

My View: Caoimhin Kelleher has to consider his Liverpool future

In my opinion, Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has to consider his future at the end of the season.

I am not saying that Kelleher should push for an exit in the summer transfer window, but the goalkeeper, who is rated highly by Virgil van Dijk, surely needs to look at his options.

Alisson is the number one goalkeeper at Liverpool at the moment. That is not going to change anytime soon. The Brazilian is world class.

I do not think that Kelleher, once praised by Steve McManaman, should just play second fiddle to Alisson. He has shown that he is good enough to play week in and week out for a top club in the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest reportedly wanted to sign the Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper in the January transfer window, so clubs are aware of how good he is.

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‘He is a world class player’: Kai Havertz blown away by Arsenal midfielder vs Newcastle

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 24, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has given his verdict on Jorginho after the match against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side eased past Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

So, what has Arsenal forward Kai Havertz said about his Gunners teammate Jorginho? Let’s take a look.

Kai Havertz praises Arsenal teammate Jorginho after Newcastle United match

Well, Arsenal hammered Newcastle United 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

Jorginho started the match for the Gunners. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta deployed him in the middle of a three-man midfield in a 4-3-3 formation.

After the match, Kai Havertz, who scored a goal and provided an assist, raved about Jorginho and described him as world class. The two played together at Chelsea.

Havertz told TNT Sports about Jorginho: “I know him a lot, so for me it is nice to play with him he knows me well. It makes life easy for me – he is a world class player.”

My View: Jorginho is a vital player for Arsenal

In my opinion, Jorginho is a very important player for Arsenal. I believe that the former Chelsea midfielder will play a big role for the Gunners in their quest to win the Premier League title this season.

Jorginho does not start each and every game for Arsenal, but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta uses him in the right matches and plays him to his strength.

The Italian star makes Arsenal more calm in the middle of the park and helps them take more control of matches.

Jorginho has made six starts and 10 substitute appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal so far this season. He has given one assist in those games.

Arsenal are third in the Premier League table at the moment with 58 points from 26 matches, just two points behind leaders Liverpool.

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‘More and more influential’: Piers Morgan can’t believe how good 24-year-old Arsenal player was vs Newcastle

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 24, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Piers Morgan has given his verdict on the performance of Arsenal star Kai Havertz against Newcastle United and taken a dig at Chelsea.

Arsenal beat Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

So, what has Piers Morgan said about Arsenal ace Kai Havertz? Let’s take a look.

Piers Morgan praises Arsenal star Kai Havertz… again

Well, Arsenal eased past Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

The Gunners beat the Magpies 4-1. Kai Havertz scored a goal and provided an assist.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta deployed Havertz down the middle in attack in a 4-3-3 formation.

As you can see below, Arsenal fan and TV personality Piers Morgan was impressed by the display produced by the 24-year-old.

Morgan has noted that the Germany international is becoming a very important player for Arsenal.

The Arsenal fan has also taken a dig at Chelsea, claiming that the Blues ruined Havertz.

The attacker joined Arsenal from London and Premier League rivals Chelsea in the summer of 2023.

Morgan had been a critic of Havertz, but in recent weeks, he has changed his tune and has been publicly praising him.

Arsenal send message to Liverpool and Manchester City

The emphatic win against Newcastle United shows that Arsenal mean business when it comes to the Premier League title race.

Arsenal slumped to a defeat to FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, but the North London club have bounced back with a big win in the Premier League.

Let us not forget that the Gunners recently hammered Burnley and West Ham United and also got the better of Liverpool in the Premier League.

Arsenal have sent a message to Liverpool and Manchester City – they are going to push for the title until the final week(s) of the season.

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Only five starts: Nightmare for £12m ace Aston Villa sold, now suffers season-ending injury

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 24, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Aaron Ramsey’s nightmare debut season at Burnley has come to a premature conclusion with Vincent Kompany confirming that the £12 million signing from Premier League giants Aston Villa will not play again in 2023/24. 

While Jacob Ramsey has bounced back from an injury which had kept him out for much of the current campaign, the Aston Villa star’s younger brother will not be gracing a top-flight pitch again for some time.

Aaron Ramsey, who joined Burnley in a £12 million deal from Villa Park in August, was stretchered off during last week’s 5-0 hammering by Arsenal. Quite literally, insult to injury. 

This was already shaping up to be a campaign both Burnley and Ramsey would be keen to forget, and things will get worse before they get better for the 21-year-old midfielder with Kompany now confirming that The Clarets’ worst fears have been realised. 

Another Burnley blow for Vincent Kompany

“Unfortunately for us, (the injury) was as bad as we thought,” the former Manchester City captain tells BBC Sport before Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. “Definitely, his season is over.” 

Ramsey’s ‘season’ may have come to an end but what about his year? Kompany adds that the ex-Middlesbrough loanee, who has only made five league starts for Burnley, will likely have to wait quite a while for number six to come around. 

Nightmare season after Aston Villa exit

“Maybe for the larger part of this year he won’t feature. I don’t want to go into specifics, but the main thing is he’ll recover fully,” Kompany sighs.

“It’s a blow for him but it’s part of a career. We will support him the best we can, he’ll be an important player for us in the future. It’s just unfortunate it’s come at the time he’s coming through.” 

At least, in elder sibling Jacob and Kompany himself, Ramsey should not be short of helpful advice from two men who have battled back from their own injury issues.

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‘Leeds could not handle’: £40m playmaker Arsenal are reportedly scouting ‘was so good’ at Elland Road

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 24, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have reportedly been scouting Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall this season, and I think that they would have been impressed by how the Leicester City playmaker did against Leeds United at Elland Road.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could not lead Leicester City to a win against Leeds United, but the Arsenal target did well in his role and was impressive.

Arsenal scouting Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

On January 30, 2024, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport that Arsenal, who could lose Aaron Ramsdale in the summer transfer window, have “sent some scouts multiple times to follow” Dewsbury-Hall “because they believe he is very talented”.

Romano added that Leicester wanted £40 million in transfer fees for Dewsbury-Hall, who plays as an attacking midfielder.

Leicester took on Leeds away from home at Elland Road in the Championship on Friday evening.

Dewsbury-Hall started the match for the Foxes. The 25-year-old Englishman was deployed as a central attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Praise for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Although Leicester lost the match 3-1, the local media was impressed by the display produced by the 25-year-old, who is on the radar of Brighton and Hove Albion.

LeicestershireLive marked Dewsbury-Hall 8 out of 10 and noted: “He made things happen throughout. Leeds could not handle his speed and directness on the ball, and his footwork was great too, winning him lots of free-kicks. He was so good that he quickly wound up the home fans.”

Dewsbury-Hall has made 31 starts and two substitute appearances in the Championship for Leicester this season. He has scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists in those games.

During the 2022-23 season, the playmaker scored two goals and gave two assists in 28 starts and three substitute appearances in the Premier League for Leicester last season.

Leicester are at the top of the Premier League table at the moment with 78 points from 34 matches, six points above second-placed Leeds.

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‘There is no doubt’: Stan Collymore tips 50-year-old to become new Manchester United manager, makes Chelsea point

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 23, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Stan Collymore thinks that Thomas Tuchel would love to replace Erik ten Hag as the Manchester United manager.

The former Liverpool striker has explained why Tuchel would want to return to the Premier League and has made a point about Chelsea.

So, what has Stan Collymore said about Thomas Tuchel and Manchester United? Let’s take a look.

Thomas Tuchel tipped to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United

Well, Stan Collymore has been speaking about Thomas Tuchel, and he seems to think that the former Chelsea manager would love to take charge of Manchester United.

The former Liverpool striker thinks that if United decided to part company with Erik ten Hag at the end of the season, then Tuchel could be in line to replace the Dutchman.

Collymore has also said that the former Chelsea manager could return to Stamford Bridge if the Blues’ hierarchy decided to get rid of Mauricio Pochettino, who has led the Blues to the final of the Carabao Cup final this season.

Pochettino was appointed the Chelsea manager in the summer of 2023, but it is unlikely that the London club will finish in the top four of the Premier League table this season.

As for United, they have won their last four Premier League matches and are back in the running for the UEFA Champions League places in the league table.

Collymore told CaughtOffSide: “Sticking with Bayern Munich, the German giants announced this week that they will part ways with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season and I for one can see the German coach returning to England.

“The 50-year-old liked his experience at Chelsea so it’s no surprise that he reportedly wants to return to the Premier League. The German coach was often praised during his time at Stamford Bridge and that is a total contrast to what is happening in Germany.

“He loved the attention and even got a buzz off of it. Ever since then, he has talked about the Premier League positively and it is clear that he would love to return someday.

“People may be asking ‘where can he go?’ and there is no doubt in my mind, that he will be targeting the manager’s role at Manchester United.

“Listening to Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently talking big about the future of Man United, I think there is a 50/50 chance that Erik ten Hag may not be the long-term solution for the Manchester club. If you are looking around and thinking ‘who could replace him’, Roberto De Zerbi would not be hard to get but with Tuchel being available, that could be the path they go down if the Premier League giants decide to move on from their current coach soon – which depends on their end to this campaign.

“Man City is not going to be available anytime soon and neither is Arsenal, Liverpool will be, an emotional return to Chelsea may be on the cards in the future if Pochettino is let go but the one that is the most viable for Tuchel is United.

“Nevertheless, if any of these big jobs in England become available, Tuchel will certainly be a frontrunner.”

My View: Thomas Tuchel would be a good managerial appointment for Manchester United

Bayern Munich have already announced that Thomas Tuchel will leave at the end of the season, so the former Chelsea manager will be available in a few months.

I believe that Tuchel would be a superb managerial appointment for Manchester United. I think that he has the big personality to manage a club like United.

Tuchel was a success at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. As unlikely as it may sound now, the 50-year-old could still lead Bayern to the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League triumph this campaign.

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‘Will have too much for them’: Dimitar Berbatov predicts who’ll win Arsenal vs Newcastle United

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 23, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Dimitar Berbatov has predicted how Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will fare against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United striker has predicted three goals in the Premier League match in North London.

So, what has Dimitar Berbatov said ahead of Arsenal against Newcastle United? Let’s take a look.

Arsenal backed to win vs Newcastle United

Well, Arsenal will take on Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in North London in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

The Gunners are third in the Premier League table at the moment with 55 points from 25 matches, five points behind leaders Liverpool, who have played 26 games. Peter Crouch thinks that Arsenal could win the title.

Newcastle are eighth with 37 points from 25 games, and former Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov has predicted them to lose to Arsenal.

Berbatov told Metro: “That’s a good, good game. It’s a big match for Arsenal, they’re on a great run and they will be full of confidence. 

“Newcastle will want to get back to winning ways, and this would be a great way to do it, but I think the home team will have too much for them. So, I’ll go with Arsenal to win. Prediction 2-1.”

My View: Arsenal will win against Newcastle United in North London

In my opinion, Arsenal will get the better of Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium. I do not expect the Gunners to find it very easy against Eddie Howe’s side, but I think that the North London club will eke out a win.

Yes, Newcastle have a good team and are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games, but the Magpies have won two of their last five league fixtures and have conceded 41 goals in 25 Premier League matches this season.

Arsenal have a better team and are in great form at the moment. The North London club have won their last five Premier League matches and have conceded only 22 goals in 25 league games this season.

True, Arsenal lost 1-0 to FC Porto in Portugal in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, but their last three Premier League games saw them hammer Burnley and West Ham United and beat Liverpool.

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'Raw talent': Aston Villa will face 29-goal ace Bruce wanted to sign in 2017 vs Ajax

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 23, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

The Ajax squad is one chock-full of players with Premier League collections. Aston Villa supporters will know the name of Steven Bergwijn, who spent a couple of years at Tottenham Hotspur before returning to the Netherlands in 2023. 

Jordan Henderson captained Liverpool to their first – and so far only – top-flight title. Carlos Forbs is a Manchester City academy graduate who nearly joined West Ham United last summer.  

Borna Sosa also had his fair share of English-based suitors. The much-maligned £20 million centre-back Josip Sutalo confirmed that Arsenal had shown an interest before he headed to the Johan Cruyff Arena. 

Aston Villa face Ajax in European clash

March’s meeting between the two sides in the Europa Conference League last-16, meanwhile, will see Aston Villa go up against a striker who cost Ajax a cool £13 million after winning the Championship’s Golden Boot award with Middlesbrough.  

A striker who, had Steve Bruce got his wish, might have found himself preparing for a meeting with his former employers next month.

According to the Daily Mail, Bruce wanted Villa to sign Chuba Akpom on loan from Arsenal in 2017. The London-born forward had enjoyed a productive spell under the veteran manager at Hull City that previous season. He netted seven times as Bruce led The Tigers to promotion.  

Akpom would join Villa’s then-Championship rivals Brighton instead (how far both clubs have come in the last seven years). It would take until 2022, meanwhile, for the well-travelled Akpom to finally plug into the potential that so intrigued Arsene Wenger at the Emirates. 

While Ajax will not look back in a pretty dismal season with much fondness, that £13 million move to Amsterdam will forever remain a source of pride for the late-blooming Akpom, earning himself that big break at one of Europe’s most historic clubs after plundering a club-record 29 goals for Boro under Michael Carrick. 

Steve Bruce wanted striker at Villa Park

Akpom has been far from prolific at Ajax, in contrast to his time in England’s north wet. Across nearly 30 games, he’s scored just ten times. But, as Bruce said after working with the one-time Aston Villa target on Humberside, Akpom’s ‘natural ability’ has never been in question. 

“Chuba has a chance, doesn’t he? Wow,” Bruce said at the time. “He still has a lot to do and a lot to learn. But, in terms of raw talent, you don’t have to watch him long to realise the natural ability that he has.  

“Only a few are blessed with that.”

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'I questioned him’: Thierry Henry says David Raya was 'upset' with Arsenal teammate v Porto

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 22, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Arsenal will now have to do it the hard way if they want to remain in the Champions League after their first-leg defeat to Porto on Wednesday night.

From start to finish, the performance from Arsenal just didn’t seem right, despite the team coming into the match on a high after scoring 11 goals in their last two Premier League games.

Before the match, Thierry Henry highlighted a weakness in William Saliba’s game and how he sometimes doesn’t attack the ball when he is inside the box.

Whilst Galeno ended up scoring the winning goal in stoppage time, in truth, he had a much easier chance in the first half, but somehow, both of his efforts didn’t hit the back of the net.

Thierry Henry brought that moment up and mentioned how ‘I questioned’ William Saliba before the game for not attacking the ball and he did it again, as he told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (21/02/24 at 8:50 pm).

The legendary Arsenal striker also noticed how David Raya was ‘upset’ with him because he allowed his counterpart to have not just one, but two efforts on goal from close range.

In the end, there were question marks over Arsenal’s number one himself and how he conceded Porto’s winning goal in stoppage time because he certainly should have done better in that moment. 

William Saliba and David Raya

“They Porto should have scored (in the first half),” said Henry. “We mentioned it before the game, I questioned how Saliba defends in the box.

“The cross you can see here is going to be deflected, it can happen. He doesn’t attack the ball as you can see here, lets the striker come in and attack the ball. It should have gone in. I don’t know how it didn’t go in. Saliba should have attacked that ball, but he doesn’t and nobody knows why.

“You can see David Raya after that being upset with him.”

Bad night for Arsenal

The players need to quickly forget about this and get it out of their system because there is a quick turnaround for their next game.

On Saturday night, Arsenal will host European-chasing Newcastle United knowing they are five points behind Liverpool after they beat Luton Town on the same night they were getting beat in Portugal.

The Reds now have the points on the board, so they have put the pressure back on their title rivals.

What adds to the pressure even more is that Manchester City’s game against Bournemouth would have already finished by the time Arsenal kick-off on Saturday, so their fans will know about it if that result goes against them.

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'Tottenham is interested': £10m ace appears to confirm that Spurs want to sign him

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 22, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Sevilla’s Loic Bade might have just confirmed reports linking the former Nottingham Forest loanee with a Premier League return as he opens up on Tottenham Hotspur’s interest. 

Who could blame Loic Bade if he feels he has unfinished business in English football? 

The former France Under-21 international did not make a single Premier League appearance during a few very forgettable months on loan at Nottingham Forest in the first half of last season, after all, stuck behind a host of other new faces in Steve Cooper’s pecking order.

Opportunities have certainly been a lot more forthcoming in Spain, Bade joining Sevilla from Rennes to the tune of just £10 million. And while this has been another difficult campaign for the perennial Europa League champions, Bade’s performances appear to have caught the eye of a Tottenham Hotspur side planning further defensive reinforcements following the arrivals of Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin.

Tottenham Hotspur ‘interested’ in Sevilla’s Loic Bade

“There is a little satisfaction. When a big club like Tottenham is interested, it’s because you do good things,” Bade now tells Estadio Deportivo.  

The 6ft 3ins colossus is in no rush to bring an early end to his Sevilla career, however. There are still three years remaining on his current deal at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. 

“I like the city. I feel very good here,” Bade adds. “If I have to stay here for twenty years, I will. Yes of course (I can envisage staying in Seville), because I’m fine.

“I’m very comfortable.” 

Spurs like Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly

Bade, like Dragusin and Cristian Romero, is a centre-half who prefers to play on the right.

Tottenham appear to be prioritising a left-footer to provide competition for Van de Ven as things stand, HITC Football having been informed that Ange Postecoglou’s side are ready to rival Liverpool and Newcastle United for AFC Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly. 

Kelly will be a free-agent in the summer.

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