Michael Dawson says what Ange Postecoglou is doing with Tottenham duo is 'brave'

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

Ange Postecoglou watched his Tottenham side pick up a much-needed three points against Brentford at the weekend.

The Tottenham boss has come under fire, especially after their defeat to Arsenal in the north London derby, but sometimes you need that bit of luck.

They got that when they were fortunate to beat Championship side Coventry City in the League Cup, with two late goals from the London club.

That seems to have helped them because, despite Brentford scoring inside a minute on Saturday, Tottenham still secured a 3-1 win.

Before Postecoglou arrived, there was a lot of noise around the negative style that was played by the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

It’s fair to say all of that has changed on its head, regardless of the results Spurs are producing.

Postecoglou’s all-action style has lifted fans from their seats once more and resulted in Tottenham playing in their old-school way.

That is also shown by the starting XI the former Celtic manager is putting out because, as Michael Dawson pointed out, it’s very attack-minded.

This isn’t just against Coventry, but in the big games also, even if Spurs find themselves on the losing side against Arsenal.

Dawson highlighted the roles of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski and how their manager is ‘brave’ to play them together in the middle of the park, as he told Sky Sports News (24/09/24 at 10:25 am).

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski under Ange Postecoglou

“It was a good performance against Brentford at the weekend,” said Dawson. “You look at the week before and they should have got more out of the game, then you go to Coventry and I thought it was a really, really poor performance.

“The performance against Brentford was top draw. You talk about keeping calm. That’s what Spurs did. Going one down after 23 seconds – and you talk about a reaction. But they stuck at it and they got numerous chances.

“Then the best player on the park, for me, was James Maddison. I thought he was magnificent, creating chances and threading balls. He was all over the pitch and he took his goals really well to clinch the three points, which they deserved – the credit that Ange deserves is that he went very attacking again. He went attacking against Arsenal where you went ‘this is brave’. Maddison and Kulusevski. Son on one side and Johnson on the other, then Solanke through the middle. He (Maddison) would drop into midfield. Kulusevski would go into the ten. They would rotate. Really, really good performance and plenty of positives from that game.”

James Maddison needs to find his form

One man who is under huge pressure and in the spotlight is Maddison because his form has been indifferent after he joined from Leicester City last summer.

The 27-year-old started like a house on fire and after ten Premier League games, he was one of the best players in the league.

READ MORE: Jamie O’Hara reacts to England international possibly replacing Son Heung-min at Tottenham 

But injury and a drop in form resulted in Maddison missing the cut for England’s Euro 2024 squad, hence why many are looking forward to how he reacts to that all.

It hasn’t been a blistering start from the playmaker, but Maddison’s performance against Brentford was one of his best in a long while.

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Exclusive: Wolves consider two free-agents after Mosquera ACL blow, 440 Prem appearances combined

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

Wolves are considering moves for former Newcastle United stalwart Paul Dummett and ex-Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins after losing Yerson Mosquera to an ACL injury.

• Exclusive from Graeme Bailey

Manchester City superstar Rodri was not the only player who saw his Premier League season end before it really began this weekend.

24 hours before the Spain midfielder was forced into an early exit in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, Yerson Mosquera was stretchered off as Wolverhampton Wanderers lost 3-1 to Midland neighbours Aston Villa.

Manager Gary O’Neil tipped Mosquera for a breakout season at Wolves over the summer, and following the sale of captain Max Kilman to West Ham. The youngster had been one of the success stories of the 2024/25 campaign in the opening weeks too.

But the Colombia international is unlikely to be seen again until deep into 2025, now, with Wolves’ Head of High Performance confirming the club’s worst fears.

Gary O’Neil’s Wolves lose defender Yerson Mosquera to ACL blow

“Yerson has now had all of the various assessments and scans which unfortunately confirm injuries to the medial collateral ligament [MCL] and the anterior cruciate ligament [ACL],” Phil Hayword tells the Wolves website.

“We will be visiting specialists in the coming days to finalise the plan for surgery; this will take place in the next two weeks.

“Clearly there is a long recovery period ahead for Yerson, and the club will be providing all the support he needs to ensure a successful rehabilitation and a return to competition in due course.

“It is highly unlikely he will feature again this season.”

Given that the January transfer window is still months away, Wolverhampton Wanderers will have to dip into the free-agent market if they are to offset Mosquera’s long-term absence with a replacement.

HITC understands that Wolves considered Oumar Solet after Red Bull Salzburg terminated his contract. Former Liverpool veteran Joel Matip – still without a club despite leaving Anfield three months ago – is another they had looked at.

But with no space left in O’Neil’s 25-man squad for any non-homegrown players, Wolves will be limited to English-born players if they want to pursue a short-term solution.

James Tomkins and Paul Dummett under consideration by Wolves

HITC can confirm that James Tomkins is an option. At the age of 35, former West Ham ace Tomkins left Crystal Palace in the summer.

Paul Dummett, three years the former’s junior, is another option. The Wales international had spent the entirety of his career at Newcastle United. Dummett’s ability to provide cover at left-back as well as centre-half may appeal to O’Neil.

Then again, given that Mosquera is a right-footer, Tomkins may be a better tactical fit over southpaw Dummett.

Between them, the veteran duo have made 440 Premier League appearances. Neither Tomkins nor Dummett would be likely to feature regularly if they were to join, of course, with Wolves more likely to give Santiago Bueno a bigger role in Mosquera’s absence.

It was Bueno who replaced the former Villarreal loanee late on as Aston Villa secured another dramatic late win last time out.

“It just doesn’t look good at this moment,” Wolves boss O’Neil told a press conference at full-time, before the full extent of Mosquera’s injury had become clear.

“It was obviously a big blow in the game for us with the time it came. And it would be a big blow for us to lose him for a significant amount of time.

“He plays in an area of the pitch that we are already short in, and he was performing at a very high level for us in that area. Off the back of the back of the transfer window closing, it’s not an area that we could afford to lose someone in.

“Hopefully it’s not as bad as feared, but it’s not good at this moment.”

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'A drifter’: Jamie O’Hara reacts to England international possibly replacing Son Heung-min at Tottenham

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

Son Heung-min has been an unbelievable servant for Tottenham Hotspur.

The 32-year-old was signed in 2015 when Mauricio Pochettino was in charge and is now entering his tenth year at the club.

From Son producing a record-breaking partnership with Harry Kane to working under five different permanent managers, he has been on some journey and is still going.

But the discussion started about Tottenham possibly needing to replace Son because of his age and the suggestion that he is past his peak. 

First of all, Son was made captain last summer when Hugo Lloris departed, so he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Ange Postecoglou’s all-action style requires a certain type of player for his system, with speed and the want to press high up. 

Tottenham fan Abi Summers suggested her team signs Eberechi Eze and then you will ’see the difference’ in quality.

Eze watched Michael Olise join Bayern Munich in the summer and many felt that the London club would go on to lose his partner in crime.

Tottenham were keen on Eze, but nothing materialised and he is now hoping to take his game to higher levels under Oliver Glasner.

But Jamie O’Hara wasn’t so sure, nor keen on his former club possibly bringing Eze to the other side of London, as he told talkSPORT.

Eberechi Eze tipped to replace Son Heung-min at Tottenham 

“Without a doubt (we have to look for a Son replacement), that’s why I said earlier about Eze, someone like that comes in and then you are seeing the difference in the two players,” said Summers.

“That’s not saying Son hasn’t been an unbelievable servant, but that’s just calling it for what it is where someone is at in their career.”

O’Hara responded: “I am not sure about Eze, you know. No, (I don’t think he will make Spurs better). I think he’s a drifter.”

Eberechi Eze would thrive under Ange Postecoglou 

James Maddison is tasked with bringing the X-Factor for Spurs, but his performances have been mixed, even though he produced a Man of the Match display against Brentford at the weekend.

A player like Eze would provide that and even challenge Maddison for a starting birth, which is what he probably needs. 

READ MORE: Morgan Rogers and Tosin Adarabioyo blown away by Tottenham star after win over Brentford

Added to that, Postecoglou needs depth in quality, especially with the team in Europe this term and that playmaker role is one that’s lacking.

That is another reason to bring a player of Eze’s quality to Hotspur Way because he would help take the team to higher levels.

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Exclusive: Contract update amid Liverpool and Man City's interest in Harry Kane's teammate

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

• Exclusive from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Bayern Munich are working hard to convince Joshua Kimmich to sign a new deal before January, with interest from Manchester City, Liverpool and Barcelona.

The two English giants are expected to battle it out for the Premier League title this season, with Pep Guardiola’s side pushing to win a historical five-in-a-row.

Manchester City recorded an action-packed 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday, but it came at a cost because Rodri is now expected to miss the rest of the season through a knee injury.

That leaves the champions short in midfield, with Kalvin Phillips on loan at Ipswich Town and Mateo Kovacic playing that role whilst Rodri has been absent this term.

Joshua Kimmich under new Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany

Kimmich is out of contract with Bayern next summer. He has previously turned down contracts due to being unsettled under then-head coach Thomas Tuchel.

He agreed to not push for a move last summer, despite strong interest from Barcelona and Manchester City, and give new boss Vincent Kompany time to impress him.

HITC is told that Kimmich has been pleased with how things have gone so far under Kompany and he has confirmed he is willing to consider signing a new deal.

Bayer Leverkusen stormed to the Bundesliga title last season and it meant that Bayern, not only failed to win the title, but went trophyless for the first time in a decade.

But they have started the new campaign in a storming fashion, scoring nine goals in their opening Champions League game, including winning four out of four league matches, scoring 16 and conceding only three.

England captain Harry Kane already has ten goals and five assists to his name.

Bayern are pushing for a deal to be in place before January for Kimmich, at which point he could sign a pre-contract with another club.

Manchester City, Liverpool and Barcelona interested in Joshua Kimmich

Hansi Flick has made it clear to his Barcelona bosses that he would love to bring Kimmich to the Catalan capital, but they are not alone with Man City continuing to show their interest in the 29-year-old – who Guardiola is a huge fan of.

Barcelona have made it six wins from six La Liga matches, including putting five past Villarreal on the road at the weekend.

HITC is also told that Liverpool are also showing an interest in Kimmich, should he opt to leave Munich.

The Reds failed to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer, with Kimmich able to operate as a number six, as well as a right-back.

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Exclusive: Ex-Bluebirds ace keen on Cardiff job, former women's boss also in contention

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

Former Wales boss Rob Page and ex-Stoke City coach Steven Schumacher would both be keen on becoming Cardiff City’s new manager with Freyr Alexandersson also in contention for the Championship strugglers.

• Exclusive from Graeme Bailey

After a home defeat by Leeds United on Saturday left The Bluebirds glued to the bottom of the table – albeit Daniel Farke’s side were aided by a contentious early red card for Joel Bagan – the under-fire Erol Bulut was finally put out of his misery.

Cardiff City have made their worst start to a season in 94 years.

A campaign which begun with a 5-0 thumping at Burnley has shown few signs of getting better, with Cardiff’s only point coming in the South Wales derby with Swansea.

They were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Southampton – shipping another five goals in the process – and have not found the net themselves in any of their last three outings.

So whoever comes in to replace Bulut at the Cardiff City Stadium will be under pressure to turn things around pretty quickly if they are to succeed in peeling a club whose confidence has hit rock bottom off the canvas.

HITC have been told that, despite a daunting task potentially facing them, both Rob Page and Steven Schumacher would be keen on the role.

Rob Page and Steven Schumacher eye up Cardiff City job

Page, a former Wales international, actually played for Cardiff briefly in the 2004/05 season. He also served as the National Team boss until June.

Page led Wales to the 2022 World Cup but things unraveled pretty quickly after that. A disappointing group-stage exit in Qatar was followed by Wales’ relegation from the top division of the UEFA Nations League.

The Dragons then failed to fire in Euro 2024 qualification. They were knocked out on penalties by Poland in the play-offs.

Page’s relationship with two key players currently at Cardiff City could stand him in good stead, however, should the Llwynypia-born 50-year-old make a return to club management. Veteran Aaron Ramsey and Ruben Colwill both played under Page in the red of Wales.

HITC have been told that Steven Schumacher is another who would be tempted by the chance to replace Erol Bulut.

A decade younger than Page, Schumacher left Stoke City only last week after a poor start to 2024/25. Albeit not quite as poor as Cardiff’s.

His reputation was relatively glittering in the EFL not so long ago, however. A case in point; Schumacher was linked with Leicester after guiding Plymouth Argyle to promotion.

He secured the League One Manager of the Year award in 2023 after Plymouth accumulated 101 points on route to the title. One of many Argyle players who produced the best football of their career under his watch, Plymouth’s Bali Mumba labelled Schumacher an ‘unbelievable’ coach.

Schumacher would not be the first talented young head tactician to bounce back from a difficult spell at a perennially underachieving Stoke outfit either.

Nathan Jones and Gary Rowett would then pull up trees at Luton Town and Millwall respectively, while Alex Neil’s 32 percent win rate in The Potters remains a rare blot on his own copybook.

Freyr Alexadersson could swap Kortrijk for Vincent Tan’s Cardiff

HITC have been told that another, more left-field name, under consideration by Cardiff is that of Freyr Alexadersson.

Formerly the manager of the Iceland Women’s team from 2013 to 2018, Alexandersson recently made the shift over to the men’s game.

The Reykjavik-born 41-year-old also appears to have a knack of helping struggling teams avoid relegation. He took over current employers KV Kortrijk when they were bottom of the Belgian league and kept them in the top flight.

Alexandersson also secured Lyngby Boldklub’s top-flight status after guiding them to promotion from Denmark’s second tier.

Interestingly, Cardiff owner Vincent Tan is also a majority shareholder at Kortrijk. Bluebirds striker Isaak Davies spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan under Alexandersson, scoring 12 goals in the process.

Striker Roko Simic chose Cardiff over Sunderland in the summer, meanwhile, and is now also following in Davies’ footsteps with Alexandersson’s Kortrijk outfit.

And, speaking to Icelandic publication Footbolti a few months ago, Alexandersson admitted he would relish the chance to move from one Tan-controlled club to another.

“Vincent Tan and (Cardiff chief executive) Ken Choo look after both clubs,” Alexandersson said.

“It’s no secret when I spoke to Kortrijk I also had a conversation with the management of Cardiff [about potentially becoming] a manager in the Championship or Premier League.

“There are big dreams and I realise that. It would be great if it was Cardiff. I would love to coach Cardiff at some point.”

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'I jumped on the bandwagon': Chris Sutton changes his mind on 'incredible' Arsenal player

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

David Raya is growing and growing in Arsenal colours after his latest performance against Manchester City on Sunday at the Etihad.

Arsenal and Manchester City played out an enthralling 2-2 draw, with the London club down to ten men for the entirety of the second half and then proceeding to concede a 98th-minute equaliser.

John Stones was the man to break Arsenal’s hearts and Raya’s heroics towards the end weren’t rewarded after Jack Grealish’s quick-thinking from a corner.

This time last season, Aaron Ramsdale was losing his number-one spot and Raya was coming into the XI to the surprise of many.

The argument was that Ramsdale didn’t need replacing and that money, plus effort, should have been used elsewhere.

But fast forward to the present and Ramsdale is now at Southampton, with the Spaniard thriving as the main guy in between the sticks for Mikel Arteta.

Chris Sutton was pretty honest to admit that he ‘jumped on the bandwagon’ by thinking Ramsdale should have stayed as number one and how he was hard done by.

But now, the former striker thinks Raya has been ‘incredible’, judging by his latest performance in Arsenal colours, as he told BBC 606.

It’s been a pretty good week for the Arsenal man because he was the reason why they picked up a point against Atalanta in the Champions League.

David Raya’s performance for Arsenal

“What about your goalkeeper because I was one who jumped on the bandwagon with Ramsdale thinking he was hard done by,” said Sutton.

“But blimey, he (Raya) was incredible (against Manchester City).”

Mikel Arteta’s big calls

This has been the norm for Arteta ever since he took the job in 2019, and most of the time, he is always being questioned before being proven right.

From keeping Granit Xhaka at the club, before he transformed into a key player for Arsenal, and now he is winning the big trophies at Bayer Leverkusen.

READ MORE: Ian Wright doubts Michael Owen’s claim about Pep Guardiola amid Manchester City-Arsenal controversy

Also, booting out Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, even though they were senior figures in the dressing room.

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'Fair play': Jamie O’Hara applauds Tottenham star for ’sticking middle finger’ to Spurs fans

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

Tottenham shut out the outside noise by coming from behind to beat Brentford on Saturday.

Ange Postecoglou has been coming under fire for recent results and these three points were very much needed.

It didn’t help matters that Tottenham were a goal down inside a minute when Bryan Mbeumo fired home a spectacular half-volley.

But the home team showcased their attacking might, and after half an hour, they were leading 2-1, with goals from Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson.

That was significant because Solanke scored his first goal for the club and Johnson has now netted twice within a week.

Given Brentford’s strength going forward, and they were causing problems, another goal was needed and James Maddison provided that towards the end.

Once again, he is another player who has needed something in the final third given his poor start to the new season.

Several Spurs players have come under fire during these early parts, and in some cases, their price tag doesn’t help matters.

The London club paid close to £50 million for Johnson’s talents from Nottingham Forest last summer, but his final third play simply hasn’t been good enough.

It has been building and building, going back to last season, with Tottenham’s defeat to Arsenal in the north London derby being the final straw.

Johnson proceeded to deactivate his Instagram account, with Jamie O’Hara claiming that it has worked because he scored the winner against Coventry in the League Cup and now the goal against Brentford.

O’Hara wanted to point out that the Wales international has to ‘expect stick’ as a footballer because of the price tag he signed for.

But admitted that if he does ’stick the middle finger to the Spurs fans’, then he has every right to and ‘fair play’ to him, as he told talkSPORT.

Brennan Johnson scores again for Tottenham

“You pay £50 million for someone, you have got to expect stick,” said O’Hara. “You can’t be weak mentally as a football player. You have to be strong. It’s a tough one. You play for Spurs, you have to produce week in and week out. If you don’t, then you are going to get stick. Every footballer takes stick. It’s part and parcel of playing at the top. You are on a lot of money. You are ready to get shot at. 

“So, Brennan Johnson has to be thicker skinned. He’s a good player and we signed him for £50 million. He hasn’t quite done the business yet. When you come at that price tag, you have to do the business, especially at Tottenham.

“When he has deactivated his Instagram account, you know what, good because he doesn’t need it. He isn’t an influencer. He is a professional football player. Concentrate on your game and score goals. No coincidence that he has deactivated his Instagram and scored two goals. You go ‘you know what, I am going to show you and I am going to do the business’. If he sticks the middle finger up to the fans, great. Fair play, son. I have no problem with that.”

Tottenham in the Europa League

The team finished fifth last term, narrowly missing out on Champions League football, but they didn’t have any midweek games to deal with.

Now, they have the difficulty of trying to juggle Europa League matches and you wonder what effect this will have on the squad.

READ MORE: Jamie O’Hara explains why ‘proper’ Tottenham fans are ‘finished’ with Son Heung-min

Postecoglou’s all-action style is going to be tested because his teams don’t sit back, but have a very high line, play with so much energy and their defensive players have to make a lot of recovery runs.

Tottenham’s bench strength needs to prove itself here, or else, more stick will be coming the players’ way.

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Guardiola hails five Arsenal stars, says one did something 'exceptional' against Man City

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

If it wasn’t for the very mutual admiration between the two coaches, Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City would have felt like a game straight out of yesteryear.

A scrap akin to those iconic, blood-thirsty Manchester United vs Arsenal battles. A throwback to the bitter Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez rivalry, perhaps. It had it all.

Four goals, a 98th-minute equaliser, a contentious red card, countless flash points. Of course, given their past together, Pep Guardiola was never going to go in two-footed – metaphorically, of course – on his old right-hand man Mikel Arteta at full-time.

Rather than bemoan that deepest of deep blocks – Arteta parking not one bus but a whole fleet of them in front of David Raya’s goal after Leandro Trossard suffered the same fate as Declan Rice at Brighton when picking up a needless second yellow – Guardiola was instead gracious in his praise for the Premier League’s finest defensive set-up.

Guardiola lauded the ‘incredible’ William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes pre-match.

Saliba and Gabriel were labelled Europe’s best by Rio Ferdinand too. And the Arsenal giants certainly lived up to that billing with a pair of typically imperious displays.

Man City spent the second 45 minutes plus stoppage time banging their heads against Arsenal’s brick wall backline until John Stones popped up at the death.

Pep Guardiola hails William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes as Arsenal frustate Manchester City

Gabriel, just like in last week’s 1-0 win at North London neighbours Tottenham Hotspur, also showcased his game-changing talents at the other end of the pitch.

A trademark Bukayo Saka corner, and a trademark thumping header by a man who continues to blossom into arguably the greatest set-piece threat in the division.

“The second goal, we didn’t defend well. We have to do better with Gabriel,” Guardiola said during his post-match press conference, also highlighting the contributions of Riccardo Calafiori, Thomas Partey and half-time substitute Ben White.

“But give credit to them. Incredible, they are so strong, they block a lot of plays. Gabriel is so strong in that position. Give credit to them.

“With a game of 10 against 11, it’s different. Of course, they defend so, so deep. You can cross, yeah, but with Calafiori, Saliba, Gabriel, White, Partey, it’s not easy.

“But give credit to Arsenal. They defend, block, defend crosses, they defend altogether.”

Guardiola also lauds Riccardo Calafiori’s maiden Arsenal goal

Calafiori, starting a Premier League game for the first time and lining up at left-back, also showed that a defender in Arteta’s team is not only there to keep the ball out of the net.

The £33 million signing from Bologna curled home a stunning strike from the edge of the box after Arsenal’s quickly-taken free-kick left Man City stunned.

Calafiori is starting to show why he has been labelled ‘a great footballer’ as well as a great defender.

And while the City players were left incensed as referee Michael Oliver allowed Arsenal to take the dead-ball quickly, Guardiola had no such complaints.

Or, at least, he was not willing to air those grievances publicly. Opting instead to focus on his City side switching off and the quality of Calafiori’s eventual finish.

“We have to re-organise better because we know that Arsenal, every time there [is a] free-kick, they are really quick with [Gabriel] Martinelli and Saka,” Guardiola said at his post-match press conference.

“Calafiori made an exceptional goal.”

Two of only four unbeaten teams in the Premier League at this stage, Stones’ last-gasp leveller ensures that Man City remain top. Two points clear of Arsenal.

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'He was blaming': Ian Wright doubts Michael Owen's claim about Pep Guardiola amid Arsenal controversy

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

After Manchester City and Arsenal’s enthralling Premier League showdown on Sunday, you already can’t wait for round two.

This growing rivalry has been getting more and more intense, but the Etihad witnessed its most drama-filled encounter between Manchester City and Arsenal yet.

You don’t know where to begin because, on both sides, there is an argument to be made that they got done over by on-field referee, Michael Oliver.

From Leandro Trossard’s red card to Arsenal’s opening goal which annoyed Kyle Walker, it was all going off and the drama lasted to the very end.

Ian Wright and Michael Owen were somewhat in disagreement with one of the incidents and Pep Guardiola‘s reaction to it all.

Walker is the Manchester City captain and he was summoned by the on-field referee near the centre circle, he then proceeded to jog back towards his position, whilst also giving out instructions to his teammates, after talking to Michael Oliver.

But Arsenal, and Thomas Partey in particular, proceeded to play a quick free kick, with Gabriel Martinelli in acres of space on the left flank because Walker was still getting back.

Martinelli laid the ball into the path of Riccardo Calafiori and he curled a stunning effort into the top corner to the annoyance of the Manchester City players.

They protested at the referee, but he waved it all away, with Ian Wright admitting that he ‘sympathises’ with Walker and how he wouldn’t have liked a goal like that to be scored against him.

Whilst Michael Owen agreed that the official didn’t help himself and he should have ‘delayed’ the restart, he pointed towards Guardiola’s actions instead.

The former Real Madrid player claimed that the Manchester City boss was ‘blaming’ Walker for the goal and not the referee.

But Wright questioned if that was really the case by asking ‘are we definitely sure Pep was upset with Kyle, though’, as he told Premier League Productions (22/09/24 at 19:00 pm).

Kyle Walker’s role in Riccardo Calafiori’s goal for Arsenal against Manchester City

“I agree, I think he (referee) could have delayed it just another couple of seconds,” said Owen. “I don’t think Kyle Walker sprinted to get back into position. I think he was walking, he was jogging and he was talking to people.”

Wright then interrupted: “Maybe he thought that the referee would give him the opportunity to get back into position – you should also be standing in and around the ball. That’s why them things that happen just naturally. I think, even when Kyle is running away and pointing, he might have been saying to somebody ‘get on the ball’ because it’s something you naturally do. In the end, it was great play from Partey to get it in there. I wouldn’t want that goal scored against me, especially with the referee. I do sympathise, because if you are going to do that, and we are going to go to the letter of law, in respect of what you are doing. Surely, if you are calling the captains in, you have to give them both the opportunity, whilst the game is dead, to get back into position and then you blow the whistle. That just seems very, very logical to me.”

Owen added: “We saw Pep Guardiola. At the outset, he was blaming Kyle Walker. He was like ‘Kyle get back in’. Screaming at him to get back in – I made the point that I thought Kyle Walker was a little bit sleepy himself. Yes, it was unfortunate.”

Wright then asks ‘Are we definitely sure Pep was upset with Kyle, though?”, with Owen responding: “Yeah, he was screaming at Kyle.”

Manchester City and Arsenal tensions

Guardiola and Arteta know each other very well and you aren’t going to see them falling out on the touchline, even if it would make for great drama.

But you sense the tension between the Arsenal and Manchester City players is really growing and this stems back from a few years.

READ MORE: Arsenal and Chelsea snubbed as £55m striker becomes Barcelona’s Erling Haaland alternative

Gabriel Magalhaes scored a huge goal for Arsenal and he was in the thick of the action when the two teams kept clashing.

Either way, you can’t wait for the reverse fixture in February because Martin Odegaard will be back from injury and Kevin de Bruyne should also be available after missing out.

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‘We know’: John Stones controversially claims what 'Arsenal have brought into the game' in recent years

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

John Stones rescued a possible Premier League title-defining point for Manchester City against Arsenal on Sunday at the Etihad. 

With seconds left on the clock, it wasn’t Erling Haaland scoring the equalising goal for Manchester City, but their new chief poacher, Stones.

With ten-man Arsenal defending for their lives, Pep Guardiola brought on Stones for Kyle Walker with 12 minutes left on the clock and he bundled home the equaliser in a game full of drama and talking points.

From Leandro Trossard’s red card to Arsenal’s opening goal, which infuriated Walker, because he was out of position talking to the referee in the lead-up to Riccardo Calafiori’s stunning left-footed effort from the edge of the box.

Just like in the north London derby against Tottenham, Gabriel Magalhaes was causing problems again from corners, and because Arsenal were down to ten and leading, they came out with a clear plan in the second half.

They defended as deep as they could, protected their penalty area like it was made of pure gold and even stopped play as many times as they could.

When David Raya claimed a high ball from a corner in stoppage-time, Arsenal fans would have thought that was it and they were taking home an incredible three points.

But that’s when Stones broke their hearts and he had some interesting comments to make after the match.

The England defender shared how Guardiola told him to play ‘as a number ten’, so his team could ‘get more crosses’ into the box.

But Stones controversially claimed that, in recent years, Arsenal have brought into the game where there are ‘a lot of stoppages’, as he told Premier League Productions (22/09/24 at 7:10 pm).

John Stones rescues a draw for Manchester City against Arsenal

“The manager told me to go and play in front of Erling (Haaland) as a number ten,” said Stones. “Try to get more crosses.

“As you said, emotionally, I felt we dealt with it really well. A lot of changes in the game. A lot of stoppages which we know of the past few years Arsenal have brought into the game and make it difficult. Stop the flow. 

“Obviously, the sending-off is a big thing as well when they go even deeper on the edge of the box. Emotionally, to stick with it and not lose your heads and get frustrated with shooting from outside of the box. Being more patient around that. They made it difficult for us, obviously. It’s never easy to find spaces when they have got a back six, with a few in front. We had to change up – and luckily enough, the quick corner from Jack (Grealish) paid off.”

Who is happier Manchester City or Arsenal?

Manchester City won the Premier League title on the final day of last season. There is every chance that will happen again, in regards to it being decided on the last day.

From Arsenal’s perspective, they will see it as being down to ten men for so long, yet they came out of it with a point.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola hails two ‘incredible’ Arsenal players and reacts to Raheem Sterling signing

But, on the other hand, Stones has been involved in these big moments before – go back to his goalline clearance against Liverpool many years ago – and that proved to be title-defining.

You suspect that their showdown at the Emirates in the reverse fixture could now be the ultimate changer, unless one of these sides drops unnecessary points from now until then.

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'You are too good': Declan Rice and Vinicius Jr seriously impressed by Arsenal star v Man City

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

Arsenal and Manchester City played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad on Sunday to share the spoils in a controversial game.

In recent years, it has been the master – Pep Guardiola – against his student – Mikel Arteta – and every time, there has only been one winner.

One thing is for sure, Arsenal are getting ever so closer and their Premier League title rivals are fully aware of it and feel it.

Usually, these types of matches are tactical and more related to a game of chess, but it was far from that, with drama from the very off to the very end.

From Leandro Trossard’s red card to John Stones’ 98th-minute equalising goal, it was edge-of-your-seat action and many talking points.

Arsenal’s defence was surprisingly opened up early on, with Erling Haaland duly obliging and opening the scoring, before summer signing Riccardo Calafiori scored a goal of a lifetime to equalise.

Then Rodri went off with a knee injury and that was a psychological boost for the away team, before Gabriel Magalhaes showcased his bullying qualities again from a corner to put his side ahead.

Then disaster struck, Trossard saw a second yellow for kicking the ball away just before the break, it was the Declan Rice red card all over again, with Arteta putting his jumper over his face and reacting in disgust at the call.

It became attack v defence after that, before Manchester City finally blew the house down, but the Arsenal players were still positive after the match.

Gabriel was lauded and applauded in the comments section of his Instagram post and he stated that it was a ‘massive effort from the boys’.

Gabriel Magalhaes helps ten-man Arsenal draw at Manchester City

Rice wrote in the comments section ‘you are too good’, with Vinicius Jr adding ‘mad’ and William Saliba calling his centre-back partner ‘boss’.

Gabriel’s partner Gabrielle labelled him ‘the king of Brazil’ and Jurrien Timber stated that he was ‘diffrr (different)’.

Arsenal v Manchester City Premier League title race

The London club have to move on and see this as a point gained, or else, it will end up affecting them for the rest of the season.

Arsenal will know to remain in touching distance, or even be slightly ahead, of their title rivals by the time they visit the Emirates for the reverse fixture.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola hails two ‘incredible’ Arsenal players and reacts to Raheem Sterling signing

And whilst the Gunners have been criticised for accepting draws at the Etihad, you just know that they will go for the win on their home ground against Manchester City.

Arsenal are getting closer to the Premier League title and they deserve huge credit for recent results and performances, especially with Martin Odegaard being injured.

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'Interesting player': Peter Schmeichel says Liverpool star was 'lucky' against Bournemouth

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

Liverpool bounced back from their previous Anfield disappointment by beating Bournemouth 3-0 on Saturday.

It has been a great week for Arne Slot because he picked up his first Champions League win over AC Milan and now three points against the Cherries.

The Nottingham Forest defeat was deserved and the team’s performance was flat, but you can’t have such arguments for the most recent showing.

Luis Diaz has been one of the best players for Liverpool this season and he netted a brace against Bournemouth to take his tally to five Premier League goals.

The top players punish any small mistake and Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga certainly had a game to forget.

Kepa rushed off his line like a kid being given too much fizzy drink, ended up in no man’s land and then allowed the on-rushing Diaz to put the ball into an empty net.

Before Kepa could pick himself up, Liverpool were firing in a second goal when Trent Alexander-Arnold fed a lovely weighted ball for Diaz to fire in between the goalkeeper’s legs.

Peter Schmeichel acknowledged that Kepa should have done better for Liverpool’s opening goal and it was a ‘crazy moment’ from the player.

But the legendary goalkeeper also thinks Diaz was ‘lucky’ for his second goal when he fired it through Kepa’s legs because players usually would chip the keeper, at that moment.

Schmeichel also praised the Colombia star for how he has started the campaign, labelling him an ‘interesting’ player, as he told Premier League Productions (21/09/24 at 8:10 pm).

Luiz Diaz nets brace for Liverpool against Bournemouth

“The first one, for sure (Kepa makes it easy for Diaz), it’s one of those, we call them crazy moments where you make a decision and halfway through, and you can’t recover from that,” said Schmeichel.

“The second one. We talked about Diaz not being a great goalscorer and having the chances. We saw the two chances that he missed. Only if he had a finish on him, then he scores two in two minutes.

“The second goal, I wouldn’t say it was a great finish, he is a bit lucky in that. If you look, I think a lot of strikers would have chipped him (Kepa). There is a little gap between his legs there and it goes through there. Today, everything came good for him. He’s such an interesting player because there is so much energy, he works hard for the team, he doesn’t score enough goals, but he scored two today and five in total for the whole season, that’s good going for him.”

Premier League title challenge

When Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp, many, including Liverpool fans, weren’t sure what to expect from their new manager.

For certain, the majority were backing the Reds to retain their Champions League status, but they were unsure about the rest.

READ MORE: Legends critical of Liverpool transfer as Euro giants sell ‘the only champion they had’

Liverpool blew their chances to win the Premier League title in Klopp’s final season. You wonder if there weren’t so many injuries and drops in form to key players, then perhaps it would have been the perfect ending for the German.

Mohamed Salah is looking like his old self again, but he isn’t the only one because Trent Alexander-Arnold is thriving for club and country.

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Morgan Rogers and Tosin Adarabioyo blown away by Tottenham star after win over Brentford

By: Muhammad Saeed on September 21, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Normal service resumed for Tottenham on Saturday in the Premier League.

After just one minute, when Bryan Mbeumo fired a stunning rocket into the top corner to open the scoring for Brentford, the same negative feelings would have been filtering around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

From Ange Postecoglou watching his side lose to Arsenal to fearing the same was about to happen again, perhaps Mbeumo’s 22-second volley was a blessing in disguise because the home team didn’t seem phased by it.

The Europa League side pushed and pushed for a goal, with Dominic Solanke scoring his first Tottenham goal after eight minutes.

There had been a lot of pressure on Solanke leading up to the game, but he reacted quickest to a rebound and there was lift-off.

After that, Spurs pushed and pushed, with the rejuvenated Brennan Johnson and James Maddison scoring the crucial goals that sealed their team’s points.

After the match, one of the main talking points was Solanke’s first goal for Tottenham and removing that weight off his shoulders.

The 27-year-old posted on Instagram ‘we keep moving’ with the former Bournemouth man lauded and applauded in the comments section.

After several pundits overreacted to him not scoring after hardly playing, his football teammates now feel this is the start of his goalscoring spree.

Dominic Solanke scores his first goal for Tottenham

James Maddison wrote: ‘First of a helluva lot of goals for you this season, my boy’, added with a heart and praying hands emoji.

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers stated: ‘He’s off’, including a fire emoji, with Alex Scott saying ‘here they come’.

Ex-Spurs star Kyle Walker-Peters wrote ‘Off the mark’, added with a raised hands emoji and Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo said ‘May the floodgates open!’, including a fire emoji.

Overreaction to Dominic Solanke’s start at Tottenham

Unfortunately, there has been an overreaction to Solanke’s start to life at Spurs, with the player hardly playing, yet being judged like it was the end of the season already.

Postecoglou’s style is pretty clear and you can guarantee the team will score goals, goals, and goals galore in these coming months.

READ MORE: Ex-Tottenham misfit labelled ‘world-class’ in first Champions League game since 2016

It is just a case of improving on their defence because that is a weak point, especially their lack of depth and inability to defend from corners.

What is also going to be interesting is how Spurs cope with Europe because those trips and then playing at the weekend won’t be easy.

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Exclusive - Manchester United hunting 'new' Jude Bellingham who club think could be their 'next' Roy Keane

By: Muhammad Saeed on September 21, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

HITC is told that Manchester United scouts firmly believe that the club need to succeed in bringing Chris Rigg to the club after failing to land Jude Bellingham.

United publicly made a big play for Bellingham to try and convince him to move to Old Trafford when he was leaving Birmingham City in 2020.

However, Bellingham opted to join Borussia Dortmund instead of United and he has since moved to Real Madrid and become one of the most talked about players in world football and now United want to make sure they don’t miss out on Rigg too.

• READ MORE – Legend says Liverpool star is showing why he can be ‘better than Jude Bellingham’

Man United planning to win Chris Rigg battle

HITC is told that United believe Rigg could have a similar ceiling to Bellingham and they are already looking at making sure they land the Football League’s top talent – unlike in 2020.

United have been hot on Rigg’s trail since he was 15, and have continued closely monitoring him since his breakthrough into Sunderland’s first-team. Indeed, HITC has been informed that United’s scouts feel Rigg has the potential to be their next Bryan Robson or Roy Keane, they feel that strongly about him.

United were one of a number of clubs looking to land him this summer before he signed his first professional contract at the Stadium of Light, but the young midfielder wanted to stay with Sunderland to continue his first-team education.

However, HITC is told that United’s hierarchy are looking closely at a deal for Rigg and Sunderland are bracing themselves up for offers, and sources believing a deal could be agreed in January which would then see the teenager move next summer.

Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid amongst Rigg admirers

United, though, are not alone in their admiration as Newcastle United would love to bring in Rigg, who is a Geordie, but his family are insisting he does not just choose his local side.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are also keen on Rigg and have spoken to his camp, but like with Bellingham the main danger could come from abroad and ironically it could be Borussia Dortmund again.

HITC can confirm that Dortmund, along with Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are huge admirers. Real Madrid and Barcelona are also aware of Rigg’s progress.

• READ MORE – £2m ace admits he was ‘close’ to joining Sunderland instead of Championship rivals

Rigg was the hero for Sunderland on the weekend as he scored a brilliant back-heel flick to give his side a 1-0 win over local rivals Middlesbrough and HITC can confirm a number of his suitors were present at the Stadium of Light to see his performance.

After the game Rigg was delighted to have got the winner, and told Sky Sports: “My first goal of the season and hopefully many more, I didn’t have enough numbers last year and I am trying to improve on that.”

Teammate Luke O’Nien also spoke after the game and he was full of praise for Rigg: “He is unbelievable, the things he does in training, it is a pleasure to watch, it is memorising. One of our best players and he is doing what he does.”

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Revealed - Everton make huge David Moyes decision

By: Muhammad Saeed on September 21, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

HITC understands that David Moyes has emerged as Everton’s first choice to succeed Sean Dyche if, and when, they decide to make a change.

Everton have endured their worst start to a Premier League season, which was compounded by a league cup exit at the hands of Southampton.

Whilst embroiled in takeover talks with Americans John Textor and Dan Friedkin looking to takeover, the main issue is currently their form and whether Dyche should remain in charge.

• READ MORE – Ian Wright blasts Everton star as a ‘liability’ amid criticism aimed at Michael Keane

Everton ready to turn to David Moyes

HITC can confirm that the Goodison Park hierarchy are hugely concerned by the club’s start to the new season and the fact they are already deep in relegation trouble, and talks have been ongoing over what to do.

Sources have told HITC that the club’s hierarchy are publicly backing Dyche, but we can confirm that due diligence has been ongoing over who could come in to take charge.

Graham Potter is one name that has been discussed, but HITC can confirm that former boss Moyes is the man who they are ready to turn to.

Former Everton boss Moyes is a free agent after leaving West Ham United earlier this summer and now his former club are gearing up to bring him back to Goodison Park, where he spent 11-years before joining Manchester United in 2011.

Everton were ready to wait until the next international break next month before deciding Dyche’s future, but HITC understands that the former Burnley boss’ tenure at the club may not last until then.

Toffees working hard to turn things around

Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside this week, director of football Kevin Thelwell insisted that the club are working hard with Dyche to try and put things right.

“Sean and I work very closely together, our offices are across the road from each other and are literally a meter apart so we’re talking regularly in the mornings, regularly in the afternoons and regularly in the evenings, talking consistently about what things we can do and how we can use the resources that we have got available to try and making things better going forward.

“We’ve still got an ownership issue to resolve, we’ve still got financial situations to resolve and so that makes it very difficult for a manager when we want to try and take that next step.”

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Exclusive - Man Utd paying close interest as Real Madrid circle Mason Greenwood

By: Muhammad Saeed on September 20, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Mason Greenwood decided to leave English football 12-months ago to try and rebuild his career and things could not be going better for former Manchester United starlet.

The 22-year-old completed a move to Marseille in the summer, which came after he spent the previous season on-loan at Getafe.

Now, he has wasted little time into settling into life on the Cote d’Azur.

• READ MORE – Peter Schmeichel on what it was like sitting next to Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United lost to Liverpool

Real Madrid and Barcelona maintain Greenwood interest

Greenwood has bagged five goals in his first four league games playing off the right for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

And HITC understands that Greenwood is already attracting strong interest after the hugely impressive start to his career in France.

HITC can reveal that Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have all been watching Greenwood closely since his arrival in the South of France.

We can reveal that Florentino Perez’ Real and Joan Laporta’s Barca both considered moving for Greenwood in the summer after his excellent campaign with Getafe, but they had other priorities. However, they both have huge admiration for Greenwood as a player.

Manchester United keeping tabs on Greenwood progress

Marseille believed they were getting one of the world’s top young attackers even though they paid less than £30million for him in the summer – although the deal included major clauses that could benefit former club Manchester United.

HITC is told that United have no plans to utilise their buy back within the deal as they are happy with their significant sell-on percentage clause, understood to be around 50% of any future profit, which they anticipate will earn them a ‘significant sum’ at some point in the not so distant future.

• READ MORE – Every incoming and outgoing deal Manchester United completed on transfer deadline day

His current boss De Zerbi played a huge role in luring him to Marseille and he is delighted with how he is looking.

“Greenwood is simply exceptional. He is an excellent player, and it shows. I am happy to see him score to put an end to all the controversy in the media,” he said of the England striker last month.

“How far can Mason Greenwood go with me? I don’t know. He has to keep training like he does. Mason Greenwood is a serious boy, and we are all satisfied with him as a player, and as a person. He has a huge margin of improvement.”

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