‘His technique isn’t very good’: Ian Wright & Dwight Yorke blast Arsenal player v Liverpool today

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 04, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

When Mikel Arteta opted to bring in a new goalkeeper in the summer, it raised many eyebrows because Arsenal’s previous number one, Aaron Ramsdale was doing such a good job.

Even if you didn’t think the England international was outstanding, one thing is for sure, he wasn’t doing much wrong in between the sticks.

But that didn’t stop the Arsenal manager from signing David Raya on a loan deal from Brentford and he came under fire against Liverpool on Sunday at the Emirates despite his side’s crucial and valuable 3-1 win.

For large parts of the first half, Arsenal were dominating and they deserved the 1-0 lead, only for a moment of madness towards the end of the first half proved to be costly because it allowed the away team to equalise.

The goal went down as a Gabriel Magalhaes own goal, but the Arsenal centre-back, from his own perspective, was pretty unlucky with how it all unfolded because the blame clearly lay elsewhere.

Ian Wright and Dwight Yorke were pretty clear that David Raya was at fault, with ‘bad communication’ and ‘not a very good technique’ blamed for his role in that goal, as they told Premier League Productions (04/02/24 at 5:25 pm).

For some odd reason, as the ball was rolling to the Spanish keeper, and William Saliba was protecting the ball, he didn’t collect it, and in the end, it resulted in the ball hitting the back of the net.

David Raya v Liverpool

“I think the goalkeeper might be thinking that he (Saliba) is going to clear it,” said Wright. “He is thinking that the goalkeeper is going to come, it’s communication. It’s poor.

“I think that once the keeper has seen Saliba in this position (protecting the ball as it’s rolling towards Raya), I come and get that because Saliba is now going to have to clear that across his goal. At some stage, the goalkeeper has to come and just take everything – the communication was bad.”

Yorke added: “I just think his technique wasn’t very good, the goalkeeper. From the moment you can see the body position of Saliba, in terms of what he is doing, the goalkeeper has to come and smother that.”

Arsenal stay in the Premier League title race

This is a huge win for Arteta and his players, it wasn’t so long ago that it was all doom and gloom, with fans thinking their season was already over.

That FA Cup defeat to Liverpool only added to the pressure and the glum mood, but when it mattered most, Arsenal have stepped up and produced the goods.

At the start of the game, this was a must-not-lose game for the home side, but in the end, they walked away with all three points.

There is still a long way to go yet because the Reds are still two points ahead, but this certainly sends out the message to the rest that Arsenal aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

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‘Absolutely tremendous’: Tim Sherwood says Tottenham now have a player like Harry Kane

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 04, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Harry Kane might be out of the Tottenham Hotspur door, but that doesn’t mean his presence isn’t still felt out on the pitch.

One thing that used to be a constant with Tottenham’s all-time leading goalscoring is his want to drop deep and dictate play like an NFL quarterback. 

When Harry Kane left his boyhood club in the summer, Spurs fans were devastated because they lost an all-round package and one of the best players in the world – Daniel Levy was told that the now-Bayern Munich star was a ‘drain’ on the club.

But Tim Sherwood now thinks that role of dropping deep and ‘orchestrating’ play is now taken over by James Maddison, as he told Premier League Productions (03/02/24 at 12:10 pm). 

In the summer, Spurs fans breathed a sigh of relief when they signed the relegated Leicester City star because he was a player the team had needed for years.

The thought and hope of the 27-year-old linking up with his England captain at Hotspur Way was a mouthwatering one, but then that heart-crunching move to Bayern Munich came about.

Despite that, James Maddison has been outstanding for Ange Postecoglou’s side and one of the signings of the summer, with Tim Sherwood lauding his qualities.

James Maddison at Tottenham

“What we have to say is that he is the reference of this side,” said Sherwood. “He’s the one who links them from back to front.

“He comes very, very deep. You should see Harry Kane coming deep. He came deep because he had to – when you see when Maddison picks it up, the boys have the confidence to run forward. He can handle the ball in tight areas, he just knows when to stand still and when to move. 

“An absolutely tremendous player. You see him drop into that role where Harry Kane used to drop deep. He is the one orchestrating the player. Like a Luka Modric type, knows when he needs to get forward and knows when to slow it down.

“He is the difference and they coped without him as well, which I really liked.”

Can James Maddison guide Spurs to the Champions League

It was a frustrating afternoon on Saturday for the team because they dropped some valuable points in their race to finish in the top four.

With minutes left on the clock at Goodison Park, Spurs were about to secure another three points and move into fourth place ahead of Aston Villa.

But yet another late goal was conceded against Everton, which allowed Aston Villa, in their evening game against Sheffield United, to move back into fourth place.

And Unai Emery’s side absolutely battered the Premier League’s bottom-of-the-table club by picking up a 5-0 win and also boosting their goal difference.

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‘Absolutely stunning’: Sky pundit says £25m Aston Villa player ‘put on a show’ tonight

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 03, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Don Goodman has given his verdict on the performance of Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey against Sheffield United.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker and BBC Sport pundit was hugely impressed by the display produced by Bailey in the Premier League game against the Blades on Saturday evening.

So, what has Don Goodman said about Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey? Let’s take a look.

Praise for Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey vs Sheffield United

Well, Aston Villa eased past Sheffield United 5-0 away from home at Bramall Lane in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

The Blades are in real danger of getting relegated to the Championship and are likely to go down from the Premier League.

Villa, who wanted to sign Armando Broja in the January transfer window, are in the running for the UEFA Champions League places in the Premier League and could even launch a challenge for the title.

Leon Bailey started the match for Unai Emery’s side. The 26-year-old Jamaica international winger was deployed on the right of a three-man attacking midfield in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Bailey, who could get a new contract, scored for Villa in the 20th minute. The £25 million (BBC Sport) winger was taken off on the hour mark.

The 26-year-old former Bayer Leverkusen star took two shots, played two key passes, had a pass accuracy of 87%, took 37 touches, attempted two dribbles, made one tackle and one interception, and put in one cross.

Don Goodman was following the match for Sky Sports, and he was hugely impressed by the display produced by Bailey.

Goodman said about Bailey on Sky Sports: “He put on a show. Made it very difficult for Sheffield United.

“He has enjoyed his night, hasn’t he? [His goal] was stunning. Absolutely stunning.”

My View: Aston Villa could get top four

The win against Sheffield United means that Aston Villa are now fourth in the Premier League table.

The Villans have picked up 46 points from 23 matches. They are five points behind leaders Liverpool, who have played 22 games.

I do not think that Villa will challenge for the Premier League title, but they could certainly end up in the top four this season.

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‘I am going to say’: Dimitar Berbatov predicts Arsenal vs Liverpool

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 03, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Dimitar Berbatov has predicted how the match between Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium will pan out.

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker has predicted four goals in the game in North London.

So, what has Dimitar Berbatov said ahead of Arsenal against Liverpool this weekend? Let’s take a look.

Dimitar Berbatov predicts four goals in Arsenal vs Liverpool

Well, Arsenal will take on Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in North Londo in the Premier League on Sunday.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool are aiming to win the league title this season, and both are doing quite well at the moment.

Arsenal, who sold Lino Sousa in the January transfer window, are third with 46 points from 22 matches. Mikel Arteta’s side have bounced back from two successive defeats in the league with two wins in a row.

Liverpool, whose rising star Conor Bradley has shocked Paul Merson, are at the top of the league table. Jurgen Klopp’s side have picked up 51 points from 22 games. The Merseyside club have won their four last Premier League games.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov believes that the match between Arsenal and Liverpool in North London will end in a 2-2 draw.

While predicting a 2-2 draw, Berbatov told Metro: “The biggest game of the weekend and could really impact the title race. Liverpool won here not long ago in the FA Cup but both teams are pretty equal in my eyes. It should be a great game, and I am going to say another entertaining draw.”

My View: Arsenal cannot afford to lose to Liverpool

In my opinion, Arsenal cannot afford to lose to Liverpool in the Premier League match this weekend.

Liverpool are already five points ahead of Arsenal. The Gunners simply cannot fall further behind if they are to sustain their Premier League title challenge.

Ideally, Arsenal should win, but I think even a draw against an in-form Liverpool would not be a bad result.

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Kobbie Mainoo names the Manchester United teammate who is a ‘good role model’

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 02, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has given his verdict on Bruno Fernandes.

Mainoo has said that Fernandes is a very good role model and has shared his honest opinion on playing with him for United.

So, what has Kobbie Mainoo said about his Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes? Let’s take a look.

Kobbie Mainoo praises Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been speaking about Bruno Fernandes.

Mainoo has said that Fernandes is a good role model and enjoys playing with the Portugal international attacking midfielder for United.

The 18-year-old English midfielder made the comments about Fernandes after United’s win against Wolverhampton Wanderers away from home on Thursday evening.

Fernandes provided an assist. Mainoo scored a wonderful solo goal in injury time that proved to be the winner. United beat Wolves 4-3.

BBC Sport quotes Mainoo as saying about Fernandes: “He is a good role model to look up to and to share the pitch with him is crazy.”

My View: Bruno Fernandes a big player for Manchester United

In my opinion, Bruno Fernandes is one of the best and most important players for Manchester United.

I think that for United to be successful this season, Fernandes has to be on top of his game throughout.

Fernandes is 29 now and is at the top of his game. The playmaker, who has been criticised on many occasions this season, is a leader and he has to make sure that he leads by example.

The Portuguese star has scored three goals and given four assists in 21 Premier League matches this season.

Fernandes, who, according to one pundit, is better than Tottenham Hotspur playmaker James Maddison, scored two goals and provided two assists in six UEFA Champions League games for Erik ten Hag’s side this campaign.

The attacking midfielder has made 145 appearances in the Premier League so far in his career. He has scored 47 goals and given 37 assists in those games.

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‘You watch Leeds': Cesc Fabregas makes transfer claim about 28-year-old with Grealish comparison

By: Muhammad Saeed on February 01, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Cesc Fabregas has spoken about Kalvin Phillips’ struggles since leaving Leeds United and compared it to Jack Grealish at Aston Villa.

After 18 months of mainly warming the bench, David Moyes’ West Ham United ended Kalvin Phillips’ misery at Manchester City by signing him during the January transfer window – Here is everything you need to know about when the winter transfer window closes.

With West Ham in Europe and sitting sixth in the Premier League table, then there are plenty of minutes for the Leeds United academy product to get under his belt.

Cesc Fabregas spoke about how when Kalvin Phillips went from a system at Leeds that was ‘all over the place’ to one that was ‘very structured’ and ‘meticulous’ under Pep Guardiola, it caused him issues, as he told Planet Football.

Yes, the England international had the world’s best defensive midfielder Rodri ahead of him, but Cesc Fabregas thinks that was no excuse for the player not to earn more minutes because ‘if you are good enough, then you will play’.

In the end, the 28-year-old only managed 911 minutes since that £42 million transfer from Elland Road.

To put that into context, he managed 1,866 minutes in his final campaign for the Whites despite being out for several months with a hamstring issue.

Cesc Fabregas compared the midfielder’s situation to Jack Grealish, who had his own freedom at Villa Park, but was then told to reign it back at the Etihad.

Kalvin Phillips at Manchester City

“He is very structured, Pep,” said Fabregas. “He is very meticulous about everything.

“He was coming from Leeds. You watch Leeds play and everything is all over the place, so much energy, you go the right, you go to the left, go forward and you defend. Pep hates this because, for him, he would say this is very anarchic.

“He likes to have everything under control, with the ball and without the ball. At Leeds, it was completely the opposite.

“I remember Jack Grealish, he was everything at Aston Villa. He could move wherever he wanted, then all of a sudden, you have a coach that tells you ‘no, you stay on the line. You wait for the ball to come.’. When he was doing exactly the opposite at Aston Villa. It does take time.

On Phillips having to play behind Rodri: “If you are good enough, then you will play, it doesn’t matter who is in front of you. If the manager sees you are good enough to make a difference, then you will be on, or at least, Phillips will be in more than he has done, because I remember him not playing at all, then all of a sudden, being called up by England and playing games. I was like ‘Oh my God. What’s going on here?’. Something didn’t match and maybe it’s not meant to be.”

Both Kalvin Phillips and Leeds lose out

Tyler Adams was Phillips’ replacement and he did pretty well when the Englishman departed, although, he ended the relegation season injured.

But either way, this transfer was a lose-lose situation for the player himself and the club he made a name for himself.

Some would argue that Leeds probably wouldn’t have gone down had Phillips stayed and his career would be in a much stronger position than it is now. 

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Confirmed: Klopp makes Dominik Szoboszlai decision as Liverpool v Chelsea lineups emerge

By: Muhammad Saeed on January 31, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Liverpool are back in Premier League action once again this evening as they host Chelsea at Anfield.

The Reds go with Alisson in goal tonight as Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate start as the centre back pairing.

Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are the full backs with Alexis Mac Allister in front of the back four once again.

Dominik Szoboszlai returns to the starting lineup and joins Curtis Jones in playing just ahead of Mac Allister.

Mohamed Salah is still unavailable so Liverpool go with a front three of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez in attack.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are only on the bench tonight as they continue their recoveries from injury.

Caoimhin Kelleher, Cody Gakpo, Harvey Elliott, Ryan Gravenberch, Bobby Clark, James McConnell and Jarell Quansah.

Chelsea have Djordje Petrovic in goal with Thiago Silva partnering Benoit Badiashile in the heart of defence.

Axel Disasi and Ben Chilwell are the full backs tonight with a midfield trio of Moises Caicedo, Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez all starting.

Cole Palmer appears to be playing as a false nine again, flanked by Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke.

Christopher Nkunku is fit enough for the bench tonight, joining Lucas Bergstrom, Alfie Gilchrist, Malo Gusto, Cesare Casadei, Carney Chunkwuemeka, Mykhailo Mudryk, Deivid Washington and Armando Broja.

Liverpool starting XI: Alisson; Bradley, Van Dijk, Konate, Gomez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones; Diaz, Jota, Nunez.

Liverpool substitutes: Kelleher, Gakpo, Elliott, Robertson, Gravenberch, Clark, McConnell, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah.

Chelsea starting XI: Petrovic; Disasi, Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Chilwell; Caicedo, Gallagher, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling.

Chelsea substitutes: Bergstrom, Gilchrist, Gusto, Casadei, Chukwuemeka, Mudryk, Washington, Nkunku, Broja.

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