All posts by z3u9t.icu

It has been an interesting season in 2024/25 for Chelsea. They face a fight on their hands to secure a spot in the top five, and are still competing in the UEFA Conference League, a competition many expect them to win.

In the top flight, the west London side are one of the biggest underperformers when it comes to expected goals, highlighting an issue in front of goal. As per Understat, they have an expected goals tally of 64.83xG, but have actually managed just 56 goals, an underperformance by 8.83. There are only four top-flight sides with a bigger underperformance.

Thus, it might not be a surprise that the Blues are targeting a new attacker this summer.

The forward Chelsea want to sign this summer

It has been a theme in the last few years that Chelsea have signed players, and even a manager, from Brighton and Hove Albion. Well, this summer might be no different, given they are linked with Seagulls attacker Georginio Rutter.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to a report from Florian Plettenberg, Enzo Maresca’s side are thought to be ‘closely monitoring the development’ of Rutter down on the South Coast, and could make a move for him this summer, having ‘added him to their shortlist’.

The situation between the versatile attacker and the West London outfit has been described as ‘one to watch’ by Plettenberg, ahead of what will be a busy summer at Stamford Bridge.

He did not clarify a price, but Football Transfers value him at upwards of £39m.

Why Rutter would be a good signing for Chelsea

It has been an impressive season so far for Rutter in his debut campaign for the Seagulls. This term, he has eight goals and five assists across all competitions for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, including five in the Premier League.

In fact, the 22-year-old Frenchman, who is capped at under-21 level for his country, might certainly help with the expected goals deficit at Stamford Bridge. He is generally a lot more consistent this term, with 5.68xG, a 0.68 difference from his actual tally, as per Understat.

Another reason Chelsea fans can get excited about signing Rutter is the flair he brings as part of his game. Described as an “entertainer” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, the former Leeds United star is a tricky customer for most defenders, and oozes confidence in one-vs-one scenarios.

Indeed, it is not just that video that showcases how exciting Rutter can be with the ball at his feet, but the numbers from FBref are also there to back it up.

For example, the Seagulls’ number 14 averages 1.47 successful take-ons per game, ranking him in the top 9% of forwards across Europe over the last year.

Take-ons attempted

3.86

94th

Take-ons completed

1.47

91st

Progressive carries

2.28

86th

Carries into final third

1.96

95th

Carries into penalty box

0.87

71st

There are certainly shades of Chelsea legend Eden Hazard in Rutter. At his peak, the former Blues winger was described as the “best player in the league” by Jamie Carragher, who said he “does things that others can’t do”.

The legendary Belgian attacker was phenomenal in a Chelsea shirt. He scored 110 goals and grabbed 87 assists in 352 games for the west Londoners, becoming one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League.

That was thanks to his fearlessness on the ball, all the tricks at his disposal and the ability he had to glide past players. As per Sofascore per game, he averaged 5.8 successful dribbles in 2017/18, his highest on record.

If Rutter – registered 24 goals and assists for Leeds last season – is even half as good as Hazard was for Chelsea, they will have a world-beater on their hands. He certainly comes with lots of the flair their former number ten possessed, and has that ability to beat players in one-vs-one scenarios.

At just 22 years of age, there is plenty of time for Rutter to develop, too. He is a player who can score, create and carry in an effective manner, just like Hazard did. He could be a player Chelsea fans fall in love with.

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ByConnor Holden Apr 15, 2025

It is fair to say that Manchester City are making a concerted effort to bring down the average age of their squad.

In January, they signed Juma Bah (18), Nico González (23), Vitor Reis (19), and Abdukodir Khusanov (21), while Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne, aged 34 and 33 respectively, could both be on their way out of The Etihad.

While hundreds of millions will be spent on new signings, Man City may have unearthed a top-quality youngster from within their own youth system, one that is now being compared to one of the breakout stars of this Premier League season.

Myles Lewis-Skelly's impact at Arsenal

Few had heard of Myles Lewis-Skelly just six months ago, considering the teenager only made his full Premier League debut against Everton as recently as 14 December.

Now, though, despite still having made fewer than 30 senior appearances for the Gunners, he is their undisputed first-choice left-back.

Adam Bate of Sky Sports outlines how the 18-year-old has enjoyed an astronomical rise, boasting the ‘swagger’ of someone well beyond his years, while Simon Collings of the Evening Standard believes he ‘announced himself on the big stage’ against Real Madrid this week.

Last month, Lewis-Skelly became the youngest debutant to score for England, coolly slotting through Thomas Strakosha’s legs after just 20 minutes against Albania at Wembley.

So, while the Hale End home-grown hero continues to impress at Arsenal, have Manchester City found their answer to him?

Man City's own Myles Lewis-Skelly

A goal down against Bournemouth, Manchester City’s FA Cup hopes appeared to be slipping away by the South Coast.

In response, Pep Guardiola made a half-time alteration in Dorset, introducing Nico O’Reilly at left-back, pushing Joško Gvardiol into the heart of the Man City defence.

Well, even Guardiola could not have envisaged how well this switch would go because, within seconds, O’Reilly had put the ball on a plate for Erling Braut Håland to equalise, before also setting up Omar Marmoush’s winner.

Afterwards, Guardiola hailed O’Reilly’s impact as “unbelievable”, adding “he’s going to play in semi-final for sure”, while Ben Fisher of the Guardian labeled this tactical tweak as a ‘masterstroke’, with O’Reilly’s ‘seemingly bottomless energy’ changing the game in Man City’s favour.

Similar to Lewis-Skelly, O’Reilly is a midfielder by trade, with Emlyn Begley of BBC Sport documenting that he’s really ‘an attacking midfielder’ but a ‘flexible’ one at that.

Nevertheless, the 20-year-old has found a home at left-back, starting against both Leicester and Manchester United since his second-half cameo at Dean Court.

So, let’s see how he and Arsenal’s teenage star compare.

Appearances

12

29

Minutes

717

1,621

Goals

3

1

Assists

2

2

Chances created

10

9

Attempted passes

426

783

Passing accuracy

90.86%

92.89%

Through-balls

2

10

Ball recoveries

37

59

Touches per 90

94

62

As the table above outlines, O’Reilly and Lewis-Skelly are very similar stylistically, which isn’t too surprising, even if the Arsenal man having played almost twice the number of minutes across all competitions to date.

Interestingly, O’Reilly registers significantly more touches per 90, while he’s also more of a goal-threat, emphasising the point that, if given the choice, he’d play as an attacking midfielder.

Thus, likely to be deployed at left-back against Crystal Palace on Saturday, O’Reilly is certainly going to be put to the test, considering how dangerous Daniel Muñoz and Ismaïla Sarr are as a duo down the Eagles’ right-hand-side.

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For everything that has gone wrong during his tenure and the mistakes he has made as Tottenham Hotspur boss, Ange Postecoglou has a decent track record when it comes to signings.

Granted, Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin haven’t been great, but aside from them, the Australian has done well.

For example, Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert look like brilliant long-term investments, while Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven and James Maddison have all massively improved the first team.

Moreover, while the latter has sometimes been a little more inconsistent than fans would like, he has the talent and ability to change a game on his own, and based on recent reports, the club appear keen to sign another Premier League star in a similar mould.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer targets

While Daniel Levy and Co have already backed Postecoglou to a significant extent in recent windows, the club are still in the midst of a major squad overhaul and, as such, have been linked to a whole host of incredible players in recent months, such as Matheus Cunha.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The Brazilian has a release clause worth around £62.5m in his current contract at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and while that is a lot of money, he’s already produced 19 goal involvements in 29 appearances this season, so it would undoubtedly be worth it.

However, he’s not the only attacker who has been touted for a move to N17, as Jonathan David continues to be linked with a free transfer to the North Londoners, although due to his brilliant tally of 33 goal involvements this season, there are a whole host of teams lining up to secure the Canadian’s services.

Closer to home, another name has once again popped up as a key target for the Lilywhites, another international who’d be an unreal addition to the squad: Eberechi Eze.

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the North Londoners have maintained their interest in the Crystal Palace star and are ‘very keen’ to secure his services this summer.

However, there are two potential barriers they’ll have to overcome to do so: interest from Manchester United and the £60m fee the Eagles want for their star player.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Eze’s immense ability, it is one well worth fighting for, especially as he could be a Maddison repeat.

Why Eze would be Maddison 2.0

So, if Spurs can get ahead of the Red Devils and stump up the cash for Eze in the summer, why could it be considered a repeat of the deal that saw Maddison move to North London in 2023?

Well, to start with, there are some surface-level similarities, such as the fact that it would be another example of the Lilywhites signing an exciting creative player from within the Premier League who has also played for England in recent years.

However, more consequently, the pair can and often do fulfil similar roles within their respective teams, as both a goalscoring and creative output from midfield.

Appearances

32

38

Minutes

2547′

2240′

Goals

6

11

Assists

9

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.46

0.47

Minutes per Goal Involvement

169.8′

124.44′

For example, the former Leicester City star has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 38 appearances this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.11 games.

For his efforts, the former Queens Park Rangers gem has amassed a haul of six goals and nine assists in 32 appearances this term, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.13 games.

On top of their similar effectiveness, both players are fairly versatile.

For example, throughout his career to date, the Tottenham ace has played in central and attacking midfield, on both wings and in left and right midfield to boot.

Likewise, while the Eagles’ “superstar,” as dubbed by football analyst Ben Mattinson, undoubtedly prefers to play in attacking midfield, he has made plenty of appearances on the wings, in wide midfield and even a couple up top.

Ultimately, while signing Eze will cost Spurs a pretty penny, his performances over the last few years have more than shown he’d be worth it, and a team with him and Maddison in it is a team other sides will not want to play against.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 3, 2025

Last year, Arne Slot won the sprawling Liverpool fanbase over with his incredible success in replacing the irreplaceable Jurgen Klopp and establishing a clear and compelling identity.

But last season’s Premier League title triumph is a far cry from this current Liverpool crop, who have been battered away from title-defending contention after a run of six losses and just one win across eight league fixtures.

So much has gone awry, but Slot’s failure to get a tune out of £125m summer signing Alexander Isak has got to be among the biggest worries.

Isak's start to life at Liverpool

Isak, 26, left Newcastle as one of the most devastating forwards in world football, instrumental in the rise of Eddie Howe’s Tyneside team over the past three years.

But there’s no question that he’s struggled to adapt so far this season, having only scored twice so far and routinely drifting on the edge of matches. After Liverpool’s recent draw to Sunderland, Slot admitted that providing the 26-year-old was among his priorities to fix.

But, for now, his impact has been nominal, failing to bring the completeness and sharpness that his predecessor, Darwin Nunez, failed over three years to sustain with consistency.

Reporter David Lynch actually claimed last month that “Isak is currently offering less than Nunez did during his final year at Anfield”, and the few games he has played since have offered little encouragement that such a bold claim is without legs.

However, this is a time for cool heads, as far as the Swedish striker’s future on Merseyside is concerned.

Isak is one of the best strikers in the world, and he will surely come good at the Anfield spearhead.

Liverpool's new version of Darwin Nunez

Liverpool have enjoyed Cody Gakpo’s services for almost three years now, purchasing PSV Eindhoven’s talisman for a fee rising to £45m in late December 2022.

The left-sided forward is well regarded as one of the most prolific wingers in European football, but his overall performances do leave something to be desired. In fact, his samey efforts down the wing have irked some Liverpool fans across the campaign, and it is for this reason that he, and not Isak, is becoming the club’s new version of Nunez.

Liverpool have been too predictable this season, and the sight of Gakpo claiming the ball on the left flank and proceeding to cut inside has become a too-regular occurrence, something opponents are clearly cottoning onto.

The Netherlands international does offer something, but he isn’t dynamic enough, and the absence of Luis Diaz’s electric threat is accentuated by his sustained starting role on the left wing.

Looking at the data could leave a few fans feeling rather incredulous. Gakpo is statistically among the most creative players in the Premier League this season, and his return of four goals and three assists from 12 top-flight starts is pretty good for an outfit so far out of sorts.

Bruno Fernandes

40

2.9

Jeremy Doku

31

3.3

Mohamed Salah

28

2.3

Yankuba Minteh

27

2.0

Cody Gakpo

26

2.2

But he has also fallen into the trap of predictability, and many are questioning why someone like Federico Chiesa is not getting a chance to show what he can do in his stead (reminder: Chiesa has not started in the Premier League or Champions League for Liverpool this year).

Nunez left Anfield a popular figure, but it was clear that Liverpool needed to level up at number nine after three terms of inconsistency from the Uruguayan.

Gakpo isn’t inconsistent, per se, but he is undoubtedly frustrating in his inswinging repetition, and this is why he is becoming a picked-on figure in the same vein as Nunez before him.

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Fulham are now planning to make a move for Brendan Rodgers, amid a new update on Marco Silva’s future at Craven Cottage.

Silva is going through a tricky period in the Premier League, suffering a 2-0 defeat against Everton prior to the international break, which leaves his side in 15th place, just one point above the relegation zone.

With the 48-year-old’s contract coming to an end in the summer, there has been speculation about his future, but it seems as though the club hierarchy is keen to keep hold of him, having recently tabled a new contract offer.

However, with the former Everton boss still yet to put pen to paper, there could still be a twist in the tale, and it has now been revealed that an ex-Premier League manager is set to be approached, having recently resigned from his previous role.

Fulham set to sound out Brendan Rodgers amid Marco Silva uncertainty

According to a report from Football Insider, Silva’s future in west London is still in major doubt, which means Fulham are now set to sound out Rodgers over a move to Craven Cottage, with the Northern Irishman still out of work after leaving Celtic last month.

The Cottagers are planning to hold talks with the 52-year-old, who is vastly experienced in the top flight, having managed Swansea City, Leicester City and Liverpool in the past.

Having offered Silva a new deal, there is still a chance he remains in west London, but there are some issues to iron out, with the manager eager to be backed in the transfer window, following a quiet summer, during which Kevin was the only major addition.

It would be a shame to see the Portuguese manager move on, given the fantastic job he has done at Craven Cottage, stabilising Fulham as a top-flight club after guiding them to promotion from the Championship.

Games

198

Wins

90

Draws

37

Losses

71

Points per game

1.55

That said, should Silva decide to leave, Rodgers could be a fantastic replacement, having been lauded as an “unbelievable” manager by Jamie O’Hara as a result of the work he did during his time at Leicester.

The ex-Foxes boss won the FA Cup and the Community Shield during his time at the King Power Stadium, two of 13 trophies he has lifted as a manager, having also been extremely successful at Celtic.

However, while the Cottagers’ current league position is concerning, their current manager has proven time and time again that he is capable of keeping them in the top flight, so it would be a risk to replace him.

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Every current Premier League boss ranked from best to worst.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 8, 2025

Are things in danger of unravelling at Tottenham Hotspur?

Let’s cast our minds back to the Ange Postecoglou era. It all began at a rip-roaring pace before the Aussies’ chaotic team were found out.

Is the same now happening to Thomas Frank’s team? The Dane was enjoying a pretty perfect first few months in the hot seat and with Daniel Levy gone, a promising new era beckoned.

Yet, in recent months, results have not been up to scratch. Spurs have won just two of their last eight games in all competitions, and since their impressive 3-0 win over Everton a week ago, have endured a wretched week.

The Lilywhites crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the expense of Newcastle and then turned in arguably their worst performance of the Frank era to date in their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

So bad were Spurs that Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher simply said as the game neared its end that they had been “absolutely awful”.

To make matters worse, clips emerged post-game showing two Spurs players walking straight past the manager at full-time.

That being said, at the front of their woes is the marquee summer signing, Xavi Simons.

Why Xavi Simons is struggling at Spurs

What a peculiar summer Spurs had. The big focus, particularly after James Maddison’s injury, was to sign a creative force.

They missed out on Premier League-proven talents in the shape of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze and were forced to turn their attentions elsewhere. How they must wish they’d got one of Gibbs-White or Eze.

Simons has been a wonderful talent out in the Bundesliga but much like fellow attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, has really struggled to make an impact in English football.

The Dutchman has failed to score across 12 outings in Spurs colours and has just one assist to show for his efforts.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

While there have been flickers of brilliance, he is clearly struggling with the physicality of the league and is suffering from the lack of time you are given on the ball.

That was particularly notable during the 1-0 loss to Chelsea on Saturday evening, perhaps the nadir of Simons’ time in north London to date.

The Netherlands international wasn’t initially selected to start the game but was thrust into the action after just seven minutes when Lucas Bergvall went off injured.

To sum up his woes, Simons was then withdrawn from the action with 17 minutes of normal time to go.

He trudged off the pitch having not completed a key pass or provided an accurate cross. He also gave away possession 15 times and completed a solitary dribble from three attempts.

Aged just 22, Simons does at least have time on his side but he will need to improve quickly. Another of Spurs’ big underperformers may not be quite so fortuitous as far as time is concerned.

Spurs underperformer is as big of a problem as Simons

While the summer signing has become a large issue for Frank in recent weeks, so has one of the club’s most experienced players; Pedro Porro.

Donning the captain’s armband, more should be expected of the Spaniard but the fact of the matter is that his form is waning under the new regime.

While Porro has never been the most awe-inspiring from a defensive point of view, it’s not just been that aspect of his game to let him down in 2025/26.

Handed a 4/10 rating post-game by football.london, they wrote that he ‘struggled to make things happen with his passing loose for much of the encounter’.

Minutes played

73

Accurate passes

18/30 (60%)

Key passes

0

Accurate crosses

0/6

Touches

51

Possession lost

23x

Shots

0

Tackles

0

Interceptions

0

Recoveries

2

Duels won

3/7

That was certainly showcased in the stats with the full-back not impressing in many of his duties at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He dismally completed just 60% of his passes, ceding possession on 23 occasions. The Spain international also failed to complete a tackle or make an interception.

It’s safe to say he didn’t leave a strong impression on the fanbase with one Spurs content creator describing it as Porro’s “worst performance in a long time.” Quite.

So, as Frank’s side get ready to face Copenhagen in midweek, perhaps it would be advantageous to drop Porro, moving Djed Spence to right back and bringing Destiny Udogie back in at left-back.