All posts by n8rngtd.top

A number of Liverpool supporters have criticised Sadio Mane’s first-half performance in the Champions League group stage clash with Porto.

The Reds are back in European action this evening, on what is another important night in Group B.

Jurgen Klopp’s side beat AC Milan in another Champions League classic earlier this month and this is a golden opportunity for them to build on that victory.

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Another three points in Portugal would put Liverpool in pole position to reach the knockout stages, but it is a tricky occasion against a deep-lying defence, even despite Mohamed Salah’s opening goal.

Mane hasn’t been at his best so far this season and that continued in the opening 45 minutes in Portugal, at least judging by what the supporters have had to say, despite him scoring on the night.

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Liverpool fans react to Mane performance

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react negatively to Mane’s first-half showing.

“Mane slander everywhere”

Credit: @__DavidLFC

“Sooner Mane wakes up the better”

Credit: @nathanw94258962

“Mane is finished”

Credit: @Lfcatharv

“Jota Fatty Salah against City. Let Mane nowhere near the XI”

Credit: @capetby

“Mane is so out of form it’s ridiculous”

Credit: @HamK_

“Mane complete one simple pass challenge”

Credit: @CloudyLennonade

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited about one transfer rumour that has emerged. Read more here.

Aston Villa recently shared ticket details for the game against Wolves at Villa Park next month.

They were relayed on Twitter by reliable reporter Ashley Preece, which led to a number of Villa supporters giving their thoughts on social media.

Dean Smith’s side host their Midlands rivals on Saturday, October 16 in a 3pm kick-off.

Villa confirmed it will cost fans £55 for an adult ticket in a Zone 1 area, the Doug Ellis upper (central) or Trinity Road Stand (central).

That’s almost £20 more than the club’s first home game of the season against Brentford last month.

An adult in K3, K4, K5 in the upper Holte will cost £49.50, again, a sharp increase of £16.50 from the meeting with Brentford.

Villa fans react

Preece also shared on Twitter prices for Under-21’s and a cost of a family package for the game next month.

This is what some Villa fans had to say in reply to his post, with one labelling it as ‘outrageous’.

“That’s a joke tbf.”

Credit: @_Linternet_

“Can only assume it’s a price rise as it’s classed as a Derby. £55 is crazy”

Credit: @_JackAvfc

“Outrageous”

Credit: @Dannybarker1981

“Shocking…..away fans can buy tickets to go to VP cheaper than home fans can!!! £55…..not acceptable in my book”

Credit: @Mjolnir_ross

“Wow, these are Chelsea prices. Shocking.”

Credit: @maund

“Shocking raising the prices that much! Villa has always been about fans. We don’t want to turn into robbing merchants like Spurs etc.”

Credit: @SkellyVTID

In other news: ‘Forfeit the game’, ‘We’re doomed’, ‘Please no’ – Many Villa fans fume at Man Utd clash update.

Kevin Phillips has offered his thoughts on James Ward-Prowse’s decision to stay at Southampton.

What’s the talk?

Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has praised James Ward-Prowse for deciding to reject Aston Villa and stay with Southampton.

The Saints reportedly rejected a £25m offer for the midfielder before he put pen to paper on a long-term contract extension, with Phillips believing that Ward-Prowse’s decision shows how much he loves the club.

He told Football Insider:

“You have to give credit to the player. We aren’t privy to what goes on in the background in terms of agents and whatever but there will have been conversations.

“He’s committed to Southampton and that’s brilliant, he clearly loves the club.

“He’s highly thought of and they will have made it known how much he’s valued at St Mary’s.

“Turning down Villa is still a big call. With the signings Villa have made, he might have thought he could go and replace Grealish.”

Delight

Southampton fans will surely be delighted with these comments from Phillips. They what Ward-Prowse’s decision to extend his contract at St. Mary’s meant, as he proved his loyalty to the club by putting pen to paper and rejecting the chance to sign for Dean Smith’s side.

Instead of pursuing a big-money move and handing in a transfer request, Ward-Prowse got his head down and ignored the speculation. He then agreed a contract extension to secure his future at Southampton, suggesting that he is happy to stay for the long-term, which will leave supporters buzzing as he is a crucial player for Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The 26-year-old produced eight goals and seven assists from midfield last season as he played every single minute in the Premier League. He has started the current campaign with one goal in four games and an average WhoScored rating of 6.98 – third overall in the squad.

At the end of last season, Saints head coach Hasenhuttl lauded the midfield as “outstanding”. The Austrian told the Daily Echo: “It’s not surprising for me, a player who played every minute this season is unbelievable.

“His physicality and his performances are outstanding. That’s our captain on the pitch and he is on the way that he is a very important player for this club for the long-term, I think.”

These quotes from Hasenhuttl and his statistics last term and at the start of this season highlight the £75k-per-week gem’s importance to Southampton.

AND in other news, Fewer touches than McCarthy: Saints dud who lost 85% of his duels let Ralph down badly…

Leeds United youngster Bryce Hosannah is set to join National League side Wrexham on Deadline Day, according to Football Insider’s sources at Thorp Arch.

The Lowdown: Hosannah unwanted at Leeds

The 22-year-old is yet to make a single first-team appearance for the Whites, appearing three times for the Under-23s.

Marcelo Bielsa clearly doesn’t seem the youngster as a part of his plans moving forward, and he is open to look for a new club before the summer transfer window closes.

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The Latest: Youngster to join Wrexham

According to Football Insider’s Whites source, Hosannah has agreed to join Wrexham on a permanent two-year deal, with the Welsh club now co-owned by Hollywood acting pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The right-back’s current Leeds deal expires next summer, so it makes perfect sense to receive a fee for him now, rather than losing him for free in a year’s time.

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The Verdict: Good luck to him

It is important that any young player enjoys plenty of playing time, in order not to stunt their growth, so this should be a good move for Hosannah.

A two-year contract will give him a great chance to prove his worth in a far lower league – it may be that that ends up being his ceiling as a footballer. If it doesn’t, we could well see him climbing back up the ranks, and Leeds may be wise to insert a sell-on clause into any potential deal.

In other news, one Leeds player is reportedly able to leave the club on deadline day. Read more here.

Leicester City are reportedly closing in on the signature of Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard after reaching an agreement with the Saints.

What’s the story?

According to The Telegraph, Leicester have had a £15 million offer accepted by the south coast club for their 29-year-old centre-back, who is now set to discuss personal terms with The Foxes.

The report claims that Vestergaard has already told teammates that he expects to move to the King Power Stadium this summer after becoming eager for a new challenge in his career.

Brendan Rodgers’ charges were first linked with a move for the Denmark international in January 2020, but with the 6 ft 5 beast only having one year remaining on his current contract, City have been able to get him for a reduced fee in the current window.

Brendan Rodgers will be over the moon

Leicester have been searching for a central defender all summer following former club captain Wes Morgan’s retirement, and Wesley Fofana’s horrific injury only accelerated their search.

Several names such as Ozan Kabak, Issa Diop and James Tarkowski were rumoured to be on the club’s wish list, but it’s Vestergaard who the FA Cup holders have eventually opted for.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach defender enjoyed a stellar 2020/21 campaign at the St. Mary’s Stadium, scoring three goals in 30 Premier League appearances, achieving a highly respectable 6.89 WhoScored rating along the way.

His impressive performances attracted the attention of several pundits, including Tim Sherwood, who sang his praises early last term, saying: “During the early part of the season, he was their best player. He was outstanding.”

And his underlying numbers back up his eye-catching displays on the pitch. Vestergaard averaged a whopping four clearances per league game last term, 0.5 blocks and 1.4 interceptions, placing him in the top five amongst his teammates for each metric.

He became renowned for long, raking diagonal balls from the back last season and has always excelled in the air due to his giant frame. The imposing Scandinavian achieved a passing accuracy of 83% and won 64% of his aerial duals, highlighting his ability to do the modern and traditional aspects of defending extremely well.

Therefore, Rodgers will surely be over the moon that the Leicester hierarchy have agreed a deal for the £60,000-per-week ace.

Fofana’s lengthy spell on the sidelines threatened to derail the Midlands outfit’s push for a top-four finish before the new campaign had even kicked off, but bringing in an experienced Premier League player in the peak of his powers will have the Foxes dreaming once again.

And, in other news…Get it done: Rudkin must complete Leicester City move for £21.5m “warrior”

Lots of Everton fans have been left buzzing as the Goodison Park faithful released their new Hummel third kit ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The kit is now available to but on their official website, and boasts a predominantly white colour, with a blue stripe running down the middle with yellow outlines.

Shirt sponsor Cazoo is located in the middle with the Toffees crest and Hummel logo either side in what is a very aesthetically pleasing jersey overall.

Rafa Benitez’s team may not be able to wear the kit that much in the new campaign given that it is the third strip, but when they do, it will come as a treat to the Blues supporters.

The new Premier League season is only a matter of weeks away, and releasing the new shirt has added to the excitement.

Everton fans on third kit

These EFC fans buzzed as the kit was shared on Twitter, with one Evertonian even going as far as to claim that it was ‘amazing’:

“Oh my dayyyys that amazing that’s actually up there with the best kits”

Credit: @efcowen1

“That’s a beauty!”

Credit: @IanG1878

“Insane”

Credit: @five15design

“Fantastic kit, very happy with that.”

Credit: @UpperGwladysBlu

“Wow”

Credit: @SP0RTSEDlTS

“Top class”

Credit: @Roundhouse1878

In other news, find out what Bramley-Moore Dock update has been lauded by Toffees here!

Sunderland have been handed a boost to their chances of keeping Elliot Embleton at the Stadium of Light this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Alan Nixon, with The Sun journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Blackpool have not, at present, made a second bid for the Black Cats midfielder.

It was previously reported that Neil Critchley had instructed his transfer team to do all they can to secure the services of the 22-year-old in the summer market, although the Seasiders appear to have seen an initial offer for the former England U20 international rejected.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are thought to be desperate to keep hold of Embleton, with Lee Johnson claiming that he will look to give the youngster plenty of game time in the club’s upcoming campaign.

And, after a fan asked Nixon whether or not Blackpool had returned with an improved offer for the midfielder, the journalist said: “Not yet.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Embleton was while on loan at Blackpool last season, the fact that it appears the 22-year-old could remain at the Stadium of Light beyond the summer is sure to have left fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over his 30 League One appearances for Critchley’s team last term, the £4.3k-per-week man scored two goals, registered four assists and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.7 shots and making 1.2 key passes per game.

The midfielder also turned in impressive numbers more typical of his position, making an average of 1.1 tackles, winning possession 0.5 times and triumphing in 2.3 duels per match.

These returns saw the man Max Power dubbed as “technically one of the best players I’ve seen” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.90, ranking him as the Seasiders’ 12th-best performer in the third tier of English football – playing a key role in the club securing promotion to the Championship.

As such, with Johnson hoping to mastermind a promotion of his own with Sunderland next season, the return of a player who boasts as much potential as Embleton, as well as one who managed the feat while on loan last term, would certainly appear to give the 40-year-old’s chances of achieving his target a huge boost.

In other news: Get it done: KLD must seal swoop for “important” £1.2k-p/w gem, SAFC have opened talks

Lots of Everton fans have been left fuming as news emerged involving Fabian Delph.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the central midfield player will not travel with the squad to play in the Florida Cup in Orlando as a precautionary measure, after he came into contact with someone who has since tested positive for coronavirus.

Delph will resume his own pre-season training as soon as his period of self-isolation is over.

Even though it is only a pre-season tournament, it seems as if his absence has angered many supporters of the Merseyside club, who are simply fed up with how many games he misses for them.

Delph has had a torrid time with injuries while at the Toffees, and at 31 years of age, Rafa Benitez has a big decision to make in terms of whether he would like to keep him on for next season.

Everton fans on Delph news

These Blues fumed as the news was shared on Twitter:

“What a waste of space this fella is”

Credit: @Ian_efc81

“Let the guy find a new club to fund his massive free salary”

Credit: @jmckenna1980

“He tests positive to not working. End of”

Credit: @AlwaysBlue7

“Always an excuse for him not to play footy. Why’s he still on our books. Get rid”

Credit: @L91EFC

“Can the club just do everyone a favour and just rip up his contract? He does not contribute anything to this club at all.”

Credit: @ryaneddyedwards

“The worst decision making signing him for us. Has done absolutely nothing, stealing a living. Just terminate the contract.”

Credit: @Callister9Sam

In other news, find out which Champions League club has joined EFC in the race to sign this winger here!

Crystal Palace revealed on Tuesday lunchtime that they will face Watford in their final pre-season friendly, and a number of Eagles fans have been sharing their thoughts on social media about the fixture against the Hornets.

Palace already have friendlies against Portsmouth, Walsall, Stevenage, Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic in July, and they will end their preparations against the newly-promoted Hertfordshire club.

Xisco Munoz’s side will be direct rivals for Patrick Vieira’s Palace next season following their immediate return to the top flight from the Championship last term.

The Eagles confirmed that the match will take place on Saturday 7 August at 3pm, a week before their trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on the opening weekend of the new campaign. Fans will be able to attend, with the club set to release details soon.

Palace fans react

Palace posted the confirmation of the Watford friendly on Twitter. However, these Eagles supporters weren’t exactly thrilled at the news, with one labelling it as ‘awful’ – the two clubs have had a fractious relationship at times in recent years.

“Is there anything worse than playing other Prem clubs in pre season friendlies? This is the most uninspiring fixture I’ve seen and I’m gutted I’ll pay money to go. Hopefully means the Bromley fixture a week before may see some first team as still no opponent for the 31st”

Credit: @cjbearcpfc

“ugh”

Credit: @cpfc_Rob

“Please rest Wilf. Awful pre season choice.”

Credit: @MarkyP7

“How boring”

Credit: @Mark_CPFC

“Why though”

Credit: @danofthesouth_

“Unusual to have a friendly against a team in the same division as us.”

Credit: @ricgoldinho77

In other news: ‘Oh yes’, ‘Games begin’, ‘I’m excited’ – Many CPFC fans buzz as ‘class’ transfer news emerges, find out more here. 

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Mikkel Damsgaard to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Club Doria 46 (via Sport Witness), who claim that Fabio Paratici wants to make the UC Sampdoria winger his “first thunderous shot” as Tottenham’s new director of football.

The report goes on to state that the Italian is a big fan of the 21-year-old and attempted to sign him during his time at Juventus, while Leeds United, Southampton, Crystal Palace and West Ham United are all also thought to be considering a move for the Denmark international in the summer transfer window.

Fans should be buzzing

Having highly impressed with Denmark at Euro 2020, the fact that Paratici appears so keen on landing Damsgaard as his first signing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer should have fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his five appearances for Kasper Hjulmand’s Denmark side this summer, the £11.7m-rated man scored two goals, registered one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots and making 1.2 key passes per game.

The 21-year-old winger also proved a huge help for his side in a defensive capacity, making an average of 1.6 interceptions and 1.2 tackles per fixture, as well as winning possession 1.4 times and 4.6 duels in each game.

These metrics saw the £2.9k-per-week winger earn a rather remarkable average SofaScore match rating of 7.28, ranking him as Denmark’s joint best performer in the tournament, playing a key role in his side reaching the semi-finals of the competition.

As such, it would certainly appear as if the man Kasper Schmeichel dubbed a “phenomenal” player would indeed be a fantastic first signing for Paratici to get over the line for Spurs, however, with a considerable amount of interest from a number of fellow Premier League sides, the Italian will have to act quickly if he is to land the winger this summer.

In other news: Spurs dealt big transfer blow over “very strong” Paratici target, fans will be furious