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Arsenal were underwhelming in their 2-1 win over Premier League strugglers Huddersfield Town on Saturday. Goals from Alex Iwobi and Alexandre Lacazette proved enough to give the Gunners the victory but the performance from Unai Emery’s side left plenty to be desired.

Despite having opened the scoring, Iwobi was one of the Arsenal players who struggled to win over the travelling crowd, as he was jeered off by some of his own fans when he was substituted in the 88th minute.

The chalkboard

The response that Iwobi’s performance received from a section of the Arsenal support was unfair. The 22-year-old had in fact produced a hard-working, persistent display in trying circumstances. Whilst there was also a touch of fortune about his goal, his movement and technique was laudable.

The 21-cap Nigeria international’s game was far from perfect. He should certainly have had a second goal as he squandered a very presentable chance. However, the function he serves in Emery’s team is a vital one, the importance of which is seemingly going overlooked by some.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

Credit where it’s due

Iwobi has become a favourite of Emery’s since the Spaniard’s appointment. The forward has been a regular starter this season, having made 15 starts in the Premier League from a total of 23 appearances. In that time he has registered three goals and five assists – a respectable return – as per Transfermarkt’s stats.

However, Iwobi’s main function in the side is as a ball-carrier. No one else in the Arsenal squad has the combination of power, pace, flair and dribbling ability that Iwobi possesses. He is therefore often tasked with shuttling possession out of the defensive third and into the attacking one. 

It is important to note that his role is not to replace Mesut Ozil as an arch creator, nor Alexis Sanchez as a goalscoring wide man – even if this what the Arsenal fans want, or have come to expect from attacking players at the Emirates Stadium.

The young winger still needs to improve his game in many areas, but in this tremendously difficult role he is generally doing a fine job for the Gunners. He is a player who deserves credit for what he is, not criticism for what he isn’t. 

Many Glasgow Rangers fans are livid at comments from Charlie Nicholas, who slammed the Gers’ achievements this campaign after their Scottish Cup defeat at the weekend.

The Gers romped to the Premiership title this term – they remain unbeaten in the league (BBC) – but they were unable to match that level of success in the cup competitions. A run to the Europa League round of 16 was impressive, but defeats to St Mirren and St Johnstone in the Betfred Cup and Scottish Cup respectively will no doubt have disappointed Steven Gerrard.

However, while the Ibrox outfit managed to get their hands on their first major trophy in 10 years, Nicholas has called the 55-time Scottish champions “chokers” and suggested that Gerrard must make things right at the club (Daily Express via Daily Record).

As you can imagine, his comments did not go down well with some Gers supporters. These fans took to social media platform Twitter in their droves to criticise the former Scotland international’s quotes, wich one Ibrox supporter called “drivel”.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Nicholas’ comments

“Whit??!!! Kent in particulars had a great season. If we had held on and won the other night he’d be singing their praises!”

Credit: @nicol_euan

“53 Goals and Assists between them this season, is he alright???”

Credit: @Robleghorn

“The zoomers are out in force today”

Credit: @matalihan123

“Printing drivel like this is why they don’t get access to the Rangers players & manager”

Credit: @AHW140

“Something else man honestly”

Credit: @DuckStaunch

“Defenders and goal our best players? I agree to an extent, but 81 goals scored in the league to say Morelos and Kent has been poor is embarrassing given they’ve both contributed to 53 goal involvements with goals and assists”

Credit: @Ross90141394

In other news, Rangers are eyeing up this in-demand winger.

Everton could force Carlo Ancelotti to make an instant U-turn over his plans for the summer market amid claims the Toffees are keen to sell Paris Saint-Germain target Moise Kean.

What’s the word?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Goodison Park outfit have slapped a €50m (£43.5m) asking price on Kean as they look to cash in on the Italian’s successful season on loan at Le Parc des Princes.

PSG are hopeful of retaining the 21-year-old on a long-term deal, but are currently refusing to match Everton’s demands.

Kean has scored 16 goals and offered one assist in 34 appearances for the French powerhouse, and sits sixth in the Ligue 1 scoring charts with 12 strikes in 23 games.

Les Parisiens Sporting Director Leonardo is striving to negotiate a lower fee for the transfer of Kean, who he has long sought to sign permanently after failing to secure his signature while AC Milan’s Technical Director in the winter 2018 market.

Clubs from Italy’s Serie A would be expected to present their interest in Kean’s availability only should PSG fail to reach an agreement with Everton, following rumours that Juventus will do everything they can to re-sign the forward sold in 2019.

The Toffees paid Juve an initial £25m rising to £27.5m with add-ons to sign Kean during what would be Marco Silva’s final window at the helm, while the Turin giants hold a right to be informed of any future bid after Marcel Brands refused to include a buy-back clause.

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AC Milan and AS Roma have also been linked with potential moves to sign Kean in the next off-season should his future be away from Merseyside, where he is under contract on £53,000-per-week terms until 2024.

Should Everton let Kean leave?

Kean’s future is bound to be one of the hot topics of the summer transfer window, with PSG and Juventus both allegedly harbouring an interest in having the striker on their books for next season should he not return to Everton.

The Toffees rarely saw the best of what Kean had in store during his year at Goodison Park, with the eight-cap international only offering two goals in 31 Premier League games, but he has rediscovered his form in France to now be valued at almost twice what the Blues paid.

That would represent very pleasant profit for the Merseysiders, who would be expected to force Ancelotti and Brands to dip into the transfer market for a replacement with Joshua King likely to be released when his contract expires in June and Cenk Tosun put up for sale.

Doing so would also see Ancelotti make an instant U-turn on his claims from last week that he has not entertained the idea of any potential attacking reinforcements this summer.

“Honestly, we didn’t have a look at the market for next season because we are in the fight for European positions,” he said, via quotes by The Guardian. “But I can tell you that it [a striker] will not be the position we are looking for.”

To now sell Kean – who Ancelotti has previously described as a “great talent” – would force the Blues boss to backtrack on his comments with King nor Tosun seemingly up to his standards, and hire someone who can push Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison to reach higher levels.

AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti faces a selection dilemma after a £16m-rated Everton star’s error-strewn weekend horrors…

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that David De Gea’s days at Manchester United are numbered.

The Spaniard was regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world at one stage in his career, but his form has dipped over the previous few seasons, which has cost him his place on the international stage.

Despite mistakes cropping up, £375,000-a-week man De Gea has continued to remain as United’s first-choice goalkeeper, although his position at Old Trafford is currently under serious threat for the first time in his United career from youngster Dean Henderson.

De Gea has started all-but seven of Manchester United’s Premier League games this season, missing the Palace, City and West Ham games due to personal reasons, but returned to the squad for the wins over Brighton and Manchester United, although former Sheffield United loanee Henderson kept his place.

The experienced-shotstopper has more than two years remaining on his Old Trafford deal, but to couple with reports suggesting that he’s been offered to the likes of Real Madrid this summer, Windass expects him to leave the Red Devils.

“His time is up. It’s been on the lips for ages now. I don’t think De Gea is the answer, I agree with Roy Keane, he makes too many mistakes. He’s been a quality goalkeeper, but sometimes you get rid of the deadwood, and he’s like the deadwood.

“Henderson has done well, course he has, and I think De Gea’s days are over. He’s still linked with Real Madrid, and if De Gea wants to go, then I’d be happy to watch Henderson in goal.”

David Moyes should ruthlessly axe Said Benrahma and recall Pablo Fornals to the West ham United starting line-up against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Fornals is expected to be passed fit for the Irons’ trip to Molineux on Monday night after two games out with a groin injury, that he had sustained ahead of a likely start away to Manchester United last month.

Benrahma featured as a substitute at Old Trafford before opening his side’s 3-3 draw with rivals Arsenal before the international break, for the 25-year-old’s 11th Premier League start since his arrival at the London Stadium in October.

Benrahma failed to have a direct influence on the scoring against the Gunners as his wait for a maiden goal in claret and blue continues, and is now six games without an assist across all competitions.

The £20m-rated maestro came close to ending his creative drought in the second half when Benrahma delivered a teasing ball across Arsenal’s six-yard box following a driven run between Pablo Mari and Thomas Partey, only for Michail Antonio to find the base of the post.

But the Algerian was the least involved of West Ham’s attacking options overall at home to Mikel Arteta’s north Londoners, while Jesse Lingard pulled the strings and Antonio offered two assists and often held the ball up wonderfully.

Benrahma occasionally displayed the defensive work-rate that has caught Moyes by surprise previously, but his efforts were too insufficient to prevent Calum Chambers from turning in a Man of the Match display thanks to a game-high eight crosses and creating three chances.

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“I’ve had a bit of a laugh with him [Benrahma] because I’m saying to him: ‘I didn’t realise I’d signed a really hard-working midfield player who runs and closes down, and does all the defensive duties,’” Moyes said, via quotes by The Guardian, in February.

“I said: ‘I thought we got someone for assists and goal making.’ They’re the bits which I think he’s probably needed to improve. The other part has been excellent. I want team players here – I don’t want individuals – but Said’s been great for the team.”

With Fornals expected to be passed fit to face Wolves on Monday night, Moyes should now ruthlessly axe Benrahma for the Spaniard as the decision could prove game-changing in helping to shut down the right-wing of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans.

Benrahma has been touted by Claret & Hugh as the most at-risk player to make way for Fornals, who Moyes has previously lauded for his “incredible” energy and enthusiasm – which was on show front and centre against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Leeds United before his injury.

Fornals also averages a higher number of successful tackles per Premier League game this season than Benrahma with 1.17 to the Algerian’s 0.76, as well as more interceptions (1.17 to 0.29) and clearances (0.17 to 0.1), per SofaScore.

Wolves favoured the right-hand channel more often during their last top-flight fixture, with four of their six key passes coming through Romain Saiss, Nelson Semedo and Adama Traore. Half of their 10 shots also came from that side, per WhoScored.

It was a similar story the week before away to Aston Villa with four of 10 shots and three of eight key passes coming from the right, where Fornals or Benrahma will likely be tasked with aiding Aaron Cresswell on Monday night.

Thus, if Fornals is fully fit and ready to go from the off, Moyes should see that he starts from the off, even if it means dropping Benrahma to the bench to make space.

AND in other news, West Ham trail a Premier League rival for a five-goal, seven-assist star once labelled an “exciting prospect”…

Celtic’s search for a new manager has turned into somewhat of a circus. Rumours are flying all over the shop but we could be about to finally find out who is hired the Bhoys’ new head coach.

Eddie Howe has emerged as the favourite in recent days as the Hoops have moved away from Roy Keane.

What’s the word?

Howe is reportedly in advanced talks with the Celtic hierarchy to become their new manager. He has held discussions with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond and performed due diligence on behind-the-scenes matters.

According to the Daily Mail, he is already working on his backroom team. However, in a surprising turn of events, he wants to bring his own technical director with him in Richard Hughes.

Nick Hammond left his role as Head of Football Operations this week, a position which was reportedly being changed to a Director of Football. That role was set to be filled by Manchester City’s Fergal Harkin.

A deal was 90% done but news that Howe wants to bring Hughes with him instead puts a cloud of doubt over Harkin’s future.

Sportsmail reported that Howe is happy to stick with John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan, but wants Hughes to oversee a restructuring of the football operations. It is also claimed that former Celtic man Mark Burchill – now a scout at Bournemouth – is also in line for a job.

Bad news for Celtic

Hughes is currently technical director at Bournemouth but news that Celtic could now move away from Harkin shouldn’t be welcomed by supporters.

The latter has developed a reputation as a transfer guru during his time with Manchester City and has been in charge of their loan system.

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That has allowed Harkin to help the development of young players, streamlining the transition from youth team to senior football.

He has worked with the likes of ex-Hoops Patrick Roberts and Olivier Ntcham, while he played a large role in the progress of City first teamer Oleksandr Zinchenko.

For a club like Celtic who have neglected some of their younger players this season, this would have been a great appointment.

Instead, they’re looking at a director who has arguably spent poorly on the south coast of England. Although he built a squad which ultimately got promoted to the Premier League, some of his signings after Bournemouth came up were abject.

He spent £19m on Dominic Solanke, a player who has scored just 15 times in 81 outings for the Cherries. Hughes also played a role in bringing Jordon Ibe to Bournemouth in a deal worth £15m. The 25-year-old was released last summer after netting only five goals in 92 matches.

Considering some of the deals Hammond concluded at Parkhead – namely Albian Ajeti and Vasilis Barkas – this wouldn’t necessarily be an upgrade.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Edouard: Celtic must sign 16-goal gem who plays “in the style of Robben”…

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to an apparent leaked photo of the Reds’ 2021/22 kit, with many not keen on it.

When it comes to kits, football supporters can often find themselves fascinated by them.

The sight of your team wearing a brand-new strip often brings fresh hope and optimism, as we dream of our heroes lifting silverware in their new attire.

Liverpool have had some glorious outfits down the years, from the glory days of the 1970s and 1980s right the way through to the present period.

[freshpress-quiz id=“313155″]

The Reds are coming towards the end of their first season in a Nike kit, having switched from New Balance last summer, with their new manufacturer not exactly bringing a huge amount of luck in 2020/21.

A photo shared by LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) on Twitter seemingly shows what Liverpool’s strip next season will look like, with both the home and away jerseys on show.

Liverpool fans react to leaked kit

It’s fair to say that the image hasn’t been met with resounding positivity, with these Reds supporters taking to Twitter to provide their honest thoughts on it.

“Dreadful”

Credit: @praneeth1012

“How are people who are paid legal tender by Nike worse at designing kits than people on Twitter who do it as a hobby?”

Credit: @NotoriousJOS

“That’s a hard pass for me this year. Didn’t even get to wear this season’s kit to the pub that much, so will stick with it.”

Credit: @BartGlilly

“OK let’s go back to NB”

Credit: @GharteyTimothy

“Terrible, hate Nike’s designs”

Credit: @ceklfc

“They’re boring. The stripes add no value. Would actually rather plain red and plain white”

Credit: @michaelbargache

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting positively to a fresh Reds transfer link. Read about it here.

Celtic would be taking a huge ‘gamble’ if they appoint Enzo Maresca as their new manager, according to Kevin Phillips.

The Hoops are weighing up the candidates for Neil Lennon’s permanent replacement after the Northern Irishman resigned in February.

Maresca has been one name mentioned as a potential successor, with Italian journalist Nicolo Schira even claiming he was Celtic’s ‘first target’ for the job.

Phillips explains why Maresca may not fit the bill

However, Phillips – the English Premier League’s Golden Boot winner in 1999/2000 – has issued a warning.

He pointed out that there is a requirement for immediate success at Parkhead and that swiftly dethroning Rangers may be too big an ask for Maresca, currently in charge of Manchester City’s under-23s.

“It would be a risk because Celtic need to be challenging next year at the very minimum. They really need to win the league,” Phillips told Football Insider.

“To take a young manager, who has no experience of Scottish football or managing a first team is a big ask.

“Rangers are flying so I think Maresca would be a big risk. If it was a long-term rebuild and they hadn’t won the title in years then maybe. It would be like when Rangers appointed Gerrard.

“But next season Celtic need to be challenging for the league at the very least. Maresca would be a gamble.”

Enzo Maresca’s credentials

As Phillips mentioned, Maresca has not taken charge of a team at senior level before, but he has been an assistant coach at Sevilla and West Ham (Transfermarkt). He worked under Premier League-winning manager Manuel Pellegrini at the London Stadium during the 2018/19 season.

The 41-year-old Italian is doing an excellent job with Man City’s youth side. They are two points clear at the top of Premier League 2 with a game in hand and their goal difference of +30 dwarfs that of the teams below them.

The big question, of course, is whether he can make the step-up to senior football management.

Transfer Tavern verdict

As much as Rangers’ celebrations are a galling sight for Celtic fans after watching their side win nine consecutive titles, perhaps they could actually afford to exercise some patience.

The Gers will take some catching regardless – they’re 20 points ahead with six games remaining and they haven’t lost a league game all season.

Perhaps the Hoops should be willing to accept a little more short-term pain for long-term gain. After all, their Glasgow rivals have bought into a project with a previously unproven coach in the form of Steven Gerrard, and the signs are very promising for him. Maybe Celtic could have similar success if they take a punt on Maresca.

In other news, this former Celtic player is reportedly interested in the job.

Some Sunderland fans were left to blast the display of Callum McFadzean despite their 2-0 away win at Portsmouth in the EFL League One on Tuesday night.

Lee Johnson’s men raced into an early lead through Charlie Wyke before doubling their lead a few minutes into the second half as Jordan Jones ensured that all three points were going to the Stadium of Light faithful.

However, while there were some very good performances by the Black Cats, McFadzean’s flattered to deceive some SAFC supporters.

The former Sheffield United man lost out on seven of his duels in the game, and also failed to record a single successful dribble, interception, key pass or cross from the left-back position (Sofascore).

He also lost possession of the ball no fewer than 24 times in the match, the most out of any of his teammates to have set foot on the pitch (Sofascore).

Sunderland fan reaction to McFadzean display

These Sunderland fans blasted his performance on Twitter, with one fan even going as far to claim that the 27-year-old is ‘useless’:

“I’d love to know what LJ thinks of Vokins, because McFadzean is literally scared of the ball… (and useless) #safc”

Credit: @lambo_82

“God help us if McFadzean is in the 11 at Wembley… #SAFC”

Credit: @RokerPark150705

“Someone teach McFadzean to complete a 5 yard pass please #safc”

Credit: @brettd1981

“McFadzean is definitely up with the worst players I have ever seen can’t pass can’t head the ball #safc”

Credit: @Safcftm2016

“10 minutes in and can already see McFadzean is an accident waiting to happen #PORSUN”

Credit: @j_rennoldson23

“They seen McFadzean is the weak link and targeting him. You’ll get something from that.”

Credit: @widger123

In other news, find out who else was slammed for his display against Pompey here!

Leicester City will play host to Europa League opponents Slavia Prague this evening following their 0-0 stalemate in the reverse fixture at the Sinobo Stadium. The Foxes are unbeaten in their last six fixtures and will hope that a win at the King Power will keep their positive streak running.

James Maddison will be unavailable for selection after he was forced off the pitch against Aston Villa. He sustained a hip injury and Brendan Rodgers confirmed he will miss out on the Europa League action, but admitted the midfielder shouldn’t requite any more surgery.

Whilst this will be a blow to Leicester in midfield, all eyes will be on how they set up without the influential England international. Football FanCast has predicted what team Rodgers will field this evening…

With Maddison not available to slot into the attacking midfield role as normal, Rodgers may opt to revert to a 3-4-3 formation and make use of his full-backs. This could see both Luke Thomas and Ricardo Pereira start in a more advanced role in order to contribute to the attack. The latter started further forward on the right flank against Villa and put in a solid performance considering it was out of his comfort zone.

In the heart of the midfield, Youri Tielemans’ presence will add creativity, but Wilfred Ndidi could be demoted in place of Hamza Choudhury. Leicester have a Premier League match against Arsenal just three days after their meeting with Slavia Prague and Rodgers can’t afford for key players to burn out. This could also be the reasoning behind a Cengiz Under start, which will be just his ninth for Leicester if he’s named amongst the 11 tonight.

The £94,000 per week loan signing has been limited with his game time since joining the Premier League outfit, but has been given a good run in the cup competitions. As per Transfermarkt, Under has played just eight league matches but has been a regular in the Europa League. He will fill in for Marc Albrighton, who was quite disappointing in the reverse fixture. He managed just 11 passes and 32 passes in total, which was less than goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with 20 and 47 respectively, according to Sofascore.

With all to play for, Leicester must strike early and ensure the grab themselves the upper hand on home soil. An attack of Under, Harvey Barnes and Jamie Vardy will be hungry secure their spot in the next round of the Europa League.

In other news, Steve Howey labels James Justin injury as a “huge blow”…