All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Brom’s woeful plight in the Premier League continued this weekend as they succumbed to their 17th defeat of the season at the hands of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

It was already looking like an uphill task for Sam Allardyce, but now relegation seems like a mere formality with the Baggies some nine points adrift of safety, and that could become a greater margin as Brighton possess a game in hand.

In recent weeks, Albion’s leaky defence has transformed into one capable of mixing it with the best in the top-flight, having conceded only three goals in six matches, in which they have played Europe-chasing sides like Manchester United and Everton.

It’s at the other end of the pitch where Sam Allardyce has struggled to spark much of a reaction.

And despite holding the worst defensive record in the division by seven goals, there has been one major positive from the season so far – Dara O’Shea.

The young 22-year-old academy graduate has been performing that well he’s managed to keep Semi Ajayi out of the starting XI ever since his return from suspension and against the Eagles, he was perhaps their only shining light.

O’Shea was only one of three Baggies stars to receive a 7.0 SofaScore rating or better, whilst BirminghamLive – who gave their Man of the Match award to Okay Yokuslu – claimed the Irishman’s ‘no-nonsense clearances and disciplined shape meant that Albion negated the attacking front-line of Palace.’

It wasn’t his fault that a silly error saw them concede a penalty, so he should be pleased with his performance besides that.

As per SofaScore, no Albion player made more tackles (four) than O’Shea and he also contributed with four clearances and two interceptions, so he very much was a rock against the differing threats of Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke.

This is also backed up by how strong he was in his battles, having also won 13 of 18 duels (72%), both on the ground and in the air as per SofaScore.

Again, no other visiting player managed to win as many duels – not even central defensive partner Kyle Bartley who won 50% of his 14 attempts – the fact that the lesser experienced O’Shea nearly matched Bartley’s total speaks volumes on his ability.

It’s now five straight appearances in the Premier League for the Hawthorns graduate, and in that run, he’s not dipped below a 6.8 average rating, which means he’s performing well above the mean (6.56).

The 6 foot 1 beast has been lauded “exceptional” in the past and unlike Yoksulu, he’s actually their player, so there’s a better chance of him having an increased role should they go back down to the Championship.

Once again, he was Big Sam’s shining light.

AND in other news, Allardyce could unlock Diagne by unleashing £20k-p/w “team player”…

In a recent interview, Leeds United centre-back, Robin Koch, jokingly called for Erling Haaland to join Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Since joining Leeds from SC Freiburg last August, life has not got off to the best of starts for Koch at Elland Road, with the defender being sidelined for a considerable amount of his debut Premier League season due to a knee injury.

However, the £15.3 million-rated 24-year-old’s lack of game time for Leeds does not appear to have put him off shopping the club about, as, in a recent interview with SportBild (via Sport Witness), the Germany international jokingly called for Borussia Dortmund centre-forward, Erling Haaland, to join him at Elland Road.

Speaking about Manchester City’s upcoming Champions League clash with Dortmund, Koch said: “City’s defence has improved, but Erling Haaland can also push a ball in against City. Haaland has the killer instinct and the Champions League seems to give him a lot of joy.

“With his stature, this body, he would be made for this! I think the Premier League is a perfect fit for Haaland. Maybe he will stay in Dortmund for another year or two and then come to us in Leeds [grins].”

Transfer Tavern Take

While Leeds’ improvement as a club under the leadership of Bielsa has been rather remarkable, perhaps the signing of a player such as the £141,000-per-week Haaland still remains slightly out of the club’s reach, for now.

Having said that, with the striker’s father, Alf-Inge, having played for the Whites in his time as a professional footballer, perhaps, along with the comments of Koch, Haaland could be convinced of a move to Elland Road at some point in the future.

Although, it would not be advisable for fans of Leeds to hold their breath while they wait to find out.

In other news: Leeds United have been urged to sign this “highly sought-after” £31k-p/w star this summer – find out more here!

Plenty of Crystal Palace supporters have been reacting to the club’s official record-breaking Twitter post regarding season ticket renewals.

Selhurst Park has only managed to host one Premier League game with a section of Eagles fans present this season.

That came way back in December in the 1-1 draw with Jose Mourinho’ Tottenham, with Jeffrey Schlupp netting a late equaliser in front of 2,000 Palace supporters.

However, the club, as they revealed online, received great support once again after record-breaking season ticket renewals in the first 24 hours of going on sale were confirmed.

Prices remain frozen from the 2019/20 campaign, with 2020/21 holders having until May 14 to secure their seat for next season.

Palace fans react

The club shared the news regarding the record-breaking renewals in 24 hours on Wednesday evening.

This is what some fans had to say in reply, with one even urging the club to spend the money on reported target Conor Gallagher.

“Spend the money on Gallagher please”

Credit: @Adam_Palace

“It’s amazing what a season with a new manager and lots of great young prospects in the academy can do”

Credit: @EbereEze25

“Season Tickets going like hot cakes. Only a fool would get rid of Hodgson.”

Credit: @LFizzia

“One family”

Credit: @CPFC_NL

“Can’t wait to be back “

Credit: @jackstacpfc

“Renewed for the 42nd consecutive season and it’s going to be a very special first game back”

Credit: @Paultheringwood

In other news: Many Palace fans react to latest Zaha transfer update, find out more here. 

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has refused to rule out defender Willy Boly ahead of his side’s trip to Manchester City.

Boly has missed the past four Premier League matches with a minor injury.

But on Monday afternoon, he was pictured limbering up at the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground, raising hopes that he may be involved at the Etihad (via @WolvesFC_latest).

Nuno coy on Boly fitness

Nuno had this to say as he addressed the press earlier in the day about his injured players (via @alexedicken):

“You can assume (they are out)… but you cannot be sure,” five words that Dicken felt were ‘a little teaser’.

Three other injury concerns for Wolves

Wolves will very likely remain without two key players, though. Daniel Podence will be sidelined until the middle of March, while Raul Jimenez is still being gradually reintegrated after fracturing his skull in the autumn.

Boly and Jimenez were both part of a Wolves side that claimed a smash-and-grab victory at the Etihad early last season.

Defender Marcal is the final notable absentee after undergoing surgery on an adductor injury (via Premier Injuries).

Transfer Tavern verdict

Ultimately, it makes little sense to rush Boly back for this one, if that is what Wolves are considering.

They have coped well without the Frenchman during his most recent lay-off, with two wins and two draws over the four games.

And while they will be eyeing a repeat of the last season’s heroics, this isn’t exactly a crucial fixture in Wolves’ season – Manchester City away will not define the campaign.

The weekend trip to Villa Park, on the other hand, means a great deal more. Caution should be exercised with one eye on that Saturday evening clash.

In other news, Andre Silva reacts to reported Wolves interest.

West Brom may have picked up their first win under Sam Allardyce at the weekend, defeating arch-rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, but there is still so much work to be done to salvage their season.

And next up is the 66-year-old’s former club, West Ham United.

Indeed, the Baggies’ only second win of the campaign would have lifted spirits in the dressing room considering they’ve just seen off their local neighbours, though they were fortunate to be gifted two penalty decisions.

“But again we conceded poor goals and we cannot do that against West Ham,” said Allardyce after the game, he also added: “Our goals have been stupid mistakes in open play and allowing the opposition to capitalise on those mistakes and score.”

This is certainly the case as no other Premier League team has leaked as many as the 41 goals that Albion have this term. In fact, that’s seven more than Leeds United.

Big Sam needs to find a new way to help his backline, and that may well be through the introduction of a proper holding midfielder. We know the Midlands outfit are looking for one in the transfer market amid links to Hamza Choudhury, William Carvalho and Okay Yokuslu.

But maybe it’s time to finally unleash Sam Field now he’s back from injury?

The 22-year-old enforcer was a surprise name on the bench up at Molineux despite Allardyce practically ruling out him being involved, which means he’s surely fit enough to feature having been back in training for several weeks now.

Last season in the Championship, West Brom did not have a better option in the role statistically, as per The Athletic.

Since the start of the 2020/21 season, Albion’s midfield has been far too easy to bypass, summed up by neither Jake Livermore nor Romaine Sawyers managing an average WhoScored rating above 6.22 despite being the two usually sitting deeper.

As you can see above, Field offers far more stability as he outscored the duo (whilst on loan at then-league rivals Charlton) for every facet one might expect an anchorman to be good at.

He won possession back more than Livermore and put in more tackles than either of the duo too.

Once again, if Field were to perform at a similar output in the top-flight, he would still rank above both of them for tackles, clearances and blocks, per WhoScored.

“He is a proper holding midfielder,” said ex-boss Slaven Bilic in the summer, adding: “He’s very good tactically, he keeps his position, he’s very good at slowing the play down, very good at helping the centre-backs when they need it, he’s quite tall so is good at heading the ball and good at tackles, reading balls and opening attacks with a good range of passing.”

Whilst Tony Pulis, who handed Field his Premier League debut, once claimed: “I think he’s going to be a fantastic player for the club. Technically, he’s as good and as gifted as any footballer I’ve seen at that age.”

Also dubbed an “intelligent player” by Darren Moore, it’s a travesty that we haven’t seen Field play more than five times in the past 18 months.

He could well be the solution to Albion’s defensive problems, he must be unleashed against the Hammers this evening. He’d be a much better option than Sawyers, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Albion can kill two birds with one stone with Jan swoop for £9m-rated colossus…

If you look back at the end of the season then Ryan Christie’s Celtic numbers will represent an impressive campaign.

The Hoops winger has amassed four goals and also produced 11 assists in the famous green and white. Creatively, he has been a ball of energy but if you analyse his actual performances, they have been inconsistent.

Just as English Premier League onlookers have done with the virtuoso Bruno Fernandes, you can accuse Christie of stat-padding.

On his day, he is superb. His wonderful strike in the Scottish Cup final set Celtic on their way to what ended up as a jubilant day. The winger curled home from range and with it, looked every bit the type of player that Leeds United and Arsenal were interested in.

However, his displays of late don’t merit a move of that ilk. He has been abject for months and continues to let Neil Lennon down. If anybody typified the way the Bhoys have dropped off this term, it would be the 25-year-old. He has scored only once since November 1st, a run stretching as many as 19 matches.

Last term, however, he found the net on 20 occasions while providing 16 assists for his teammates in the process. It was a stellar campaign not only for the player but also for the club.

Though, 2020/21 has been a season to forget for Christie and his teammates. They look set to end the year without the SPFL for the first time in ten years and as a result, a mass exodus could occur.

In fact, as many as 12 players may depart on a free transfer, at the end of their loan spells or after fielding interest from elsewhere.

Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer are the prime candidates to leave given interest from the Premier League and Italy. Though, Christie simply has to be one of the first out the door – that’s providing he’s still an appealing option for teams in England.

After all, in the words of Frank McAvennie it doesn’t look as though he wants to be at Parkhead much longer.

After describing the attacker as “non-existent” for his performance against Kilmarnock last week, the pundit said: “I do not know for sure but I think it looks as if he is considering an exit in the summer. I am not sure if he is ready for the Premier League though. He does not like to be tackled.”

There lies the problem. Christie has become too lightweight and his performances have dwindled considerably.

The Hoops star wasn’t included in the squad last time out because of injury but he’s beginning to be phased out of Lennon’s plans anyway. He is usually a regular starter but only made the bench in the games against Hamilton and St Mirren.

This could be the beginning of the end for Christie’s time at Parkhead. He has been a wonderful servant but this season has been drab and feeble. With just a year left on his contract come the summer, then will be the time to cash in.

AND in other news, No Edouard, barely-seen 21 y/o plays: Predicted Celtic XI after possible 12-man exodus…

It would seem that Sunderland are beginning to build up ahead of steam at the perfect time.

Lee Johnson has been game-changing for the face of the football club and after defeating Rochdale on Saturday, it marked yet another three points for the Mackems.

They have now tasted defeat just once in their last 11 league games, a phenomenal run brought about through a number of factors.

The new manager has breathed huge belief into this side and is getting results from the players that Phil Parkinson would never have deemed imaginable.

Dion Sanderson has been talked about as a “Rolls-Royce” in recent days while Aiden McGeady’s tally of 11 assists in 17 matches is a sight to behold.

Though, there is one man glueing everything together right now; Charlie Wyke.

The striker is having a phenomenal season and on Saturday afternoon, he took his tally for the campaign to 25 goals in all competitions. Considering he only scored six times last term, the improvement is staggering.

Johnson’s football suits him perfectly and he is now tucking away chances with relative ease. Speaking in the build-up to Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Rochdale, the boss said: “A top striker can slow down his mind’s eye in the box, be like ice in the box, and Charlie certainly finished with that look.

“The bit that is impressing me is his off-the-ball work. He is helping out the midfield, he’s pressing from the front – in the last 20 minutes against Swindon, he was like a man possessed.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-sunderland-news-and-gossip” title=” Latest Sunderland news and gossip!”]

Indeed, the same sentiment could be offered after the Black Cats’ win yesterday afternoon. Wyke was again among the goals, and he was putting himself about with the authority of a man who knows he’s playing the best football of his career.

He is stealing the show for Sunderland right now and nothing typified that more than this weekend. Wyke is a physical player and used that to his advantage to bully the Rochdale defenders on Saturday.

The striker won a colossal seven aerial duels from nine attempted, while he also prevailed in five ground duels. For context, no player in a Sunderland shirt won more battles aerially than Wyke.

As Johnson alludes to, it’s not just his goal scoring antics that have been so impressive. The 28-year-old is a fierce competitor and won three tackles on Saturday. Amazingly, that was the second-best tally on the side, usurping every Mackems defender.

Wyke leads from the front and in scoring 20 league goals this term, he has been outstanding.

If Sunderland achieve promotion in a few months time, he will be one of the main reasons for their success; the forward is a marvel at the moment.

AND in other news, £6k-p/w gem is now proving everyone wrong at Sunderland, Parkinson should be seething…

Crystal Palace couldn’t break down Aston Villa despite the fact Dean Smith’s side were down to 10 men for more than 45 minutes as they condemned the Eagles to a second consecutive defeat in a row.

Tyrone Mings received a red card towards the latter stages of the first half for fouling Wilfried Zaha but Roy Hodgson’s side failed to make the most of their numerical advantage.

But it is Palace’s struggles at the back that will no doubt be giving Hodgson a few sleepless nights as they have now conceded ten goals in their past two fixtures in a row across all competitions, which makes for pretty grim reading.

Without wanting to make too fine a point, Palace were nothing short of woeful at Villa Park, but Cheikhou Kouyate was one culprit in particular who was at fault for the dreadful defensive performance from the visitors as they couldn’t keep a clean sheet and ensured Hodgson’s side have failed to win four out of their past five games in the Premier League.

In fact, we’d even go so far as to say that he badly betrayed the Palace boss with his latest abysmal showing, as he struggled to cope with the constant pressure posed by Villa attacking duo Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins.

As per SofaScore, he was given a low grade of 6.4 out of ten for his unconvincing efforts –  a lower rating than Luka Milivojevic – as he was dribbled past twice, conceded two sloppy fouls, won just two out of his four aerial duels (50%) and couldn’t provide a single accurate long ball from three attempts as Palace tried to work their way back into the game.

The Evening Standard gave Kouyate a 6/10 and claimed he ‘didn’t make any glaring mistakes but collectively the defending was poor throughout’, while football.london were equally scathing in their assessment with a similar low score of 5/10.

While Grealish pulled the strings from midfield, the 31-year-old had an extremely difficult afternoon against the younger Watkins, who proved to be a constant thorn in Hodgson’s side despite drawing a blank.

Kouyate has been a reliable performer for the majority of the season so far but it was a hapless performance from the veteran defender. Not only was he lethargic, the lightweight was uncharacteristically anonymous too as he was beaten more times (2) than any other defender. Even Milivojevic, who seemed to be past his very best, was only beaten just the once.

With Gary Cahill ruled out due to injury, the stage was set for Kouyate to step up to the plate, but he largely failed to deliver by all accounts. Hodgson now faces some difficult decisions before the clash with Leicester City on Monday afternoon.

AND in other news, Steve Parish must look to cash in on Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins in January…

Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Everton’s James Rodriguez asked to be substituted during the Toffees’ 3-1 defeat against Manchester United.

Rodriguez was tired

Rodriguez came back into the side after missing the last match, against Newcastle United. However, he played just 80 minutes, with him coming off despite Everton still being in the match at 2-1 down.

After the match, Ancelotti was asked why he decided to take off the £31.5m-valued Colombia international (Transfermarkt). He replied:

“He was OK, he was tired.

“This week he did 80 minutes and he asked me to change it because he was tired but no physical problem.”

Not the best news for Ancelotti

Of course, even with James still on the pitch, there is no guarantee that Everton would have been able to get something from the game. However, he is one of their most talented and influential players – he already has three goals and four assists in eight games since making the move from Real Madrid in the summer.

This was a moment in the match when Ancelotti will have been wanting his star men to stand up and be counted – instead, Rodriguez asked to be replaced. Hopefully, it was just a case of a lack of fitness for the 29-year-old, and he will be ready in the future to play a huge role when Ancelotti needs him to.

In other news, one football lauded this Everton star against United.

West Brom boss Slaven Bilic appears to be back on the hot seat once again amid speculation over his future in the Midlands…

What’s the word?

According to the ever-reliable John Percy at the Telegraph, the Croatian faces another battle to save his job at the Hawthorns following an embarrassing 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend.

He claims that Albion’s board remain seriously concerned over the team’s performances and results, dating back into their promotion-winning season too and now this Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United could be pivotal in deciding his future.

Another capitulation could spell the end for the 52-year-old.

The only firm name linked with potentially succeeding Bilic has been Charlton Athletic boss, Lee Bowyer, as per the Mirror.

Perhaps he’s truly worth considering.

A risk worth taking?

Despite going the opposite way of the Baggies last season, the 43-year-old has done a sterling job at The Valley throughout his two-and-a-half years at the helm.

Twice a winner of the League One Manager of the Month award, the former Leeds and Newcastle midfielder guided the Addicks to promotion in 2019 all whilst dealing with difficult circumstances with tumultuous owner Roland Duchatelet in control.

All under a shoe-string budget too, which makes his win percentage of 43% and 1.5 points-per-game record all that more impressive.

His assistant manager Jonnie Jackson has lauded his management style in an interview with The Athletic, he said:

“He’s very detailed in his approach, very diligent studying opposition, and loves the tactical side of it all — coming up with different formations for certain opponents. He’s a very good man-manager, knows the right time to put an arm round the player or give him a kick up the backside. He’s not afraid to do that — if it’s needed at half-time or full-time — but never to excess.”

But most interestingly is the fact that he’s gotten the best out of both Chelsea loan star Conor Gallagher and mega-money signing Karlan Grant – getting this duo in harmony could be the defining factor in turning around West Brom’s season, and there’s surely no one better than Bowyer.

It would bring back the good shades of Darren Moore after he took over permanently from the academy set-up; many of the Baggies’ younger players benefitted hugely from his influence.

Now where are they?

Under Bowyer, Gallagher delivered six goals and four assists in just 26 starts, via Transfermarkt, whilst Grant romped to 14 goals and seven assists in just 29 appearances under him at Charlton before earning a move to Huddersfield Town.

He may not have experience managing in the Premier League, but his history under a problematic owner as well as his proven track record with two of Albion’s current stars should be enough to take the gamble.

If they go down, then his credentials for another Championship push will only increase tenfold.

AND in other news, Albion made to pay over their failure to sign £16m magician this summer…