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Many Leicester City fans have been critical of the display of Daniel Amartey in their Premier League game at West Ham United this afternoon.

The Ghana international endured a torrid time in the first half as David Moyes’ team found themselves comfortably 2-0 up at half-time, with both goals coming from Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard.

Amartey was hauled off by Brendan Rodgers at the interval in what was an unsurprising change given just how much the 26-year-old struggled at the London Stadium, failing to make any clearances, interceptions or tackles in the game (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, it was certainly 45 minutes to forget for him, as there will now be question marks over whether he will start the next match for the Foxes.

Leicester fans on Amartey display

These Leicester supporters took quickly to Twitter to slam Amartey’s performance, with one fan going as far as to claim that he was a ‘liability’:

“There’s no attacking flair, Vardy yet again looks done, Amartey a disaster waiting to happen and no one on the bench because our two other attacking players decided to have a party, unreal even by our standards.”

Credit: @alexharris_92

“Garbage. Utter garbage. Amartey couldn’t pass his way out of a paper bag and Evans looks sluggish. Forward 10 yards, back 20 yards. Bereft of creativity with Perez and Maddo out. #LCFC”

Credit: @jasonwestall

“Great finish from Lingard, we’ve been awful. So slow and pedestrian. No one looks up for the fight bar Fofana and Ndidi. Amartey is a bomb-scare waiting to explode. #LCFC”

Credit: @RizLCFC

“Amartey giving me a heart attack every time he touches the ball #WHULEI #lcfc”Credit: @Marco21Cardoni”Amartey should be nowhere near the Premier League. Sells every pass short. Can’t attack. Can’t defend. Awful. #lcfc”Credit: @CallumIngall”Please haul Amartey off, man’s an absolute liability”Credit: @smithjake2In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ EPL ace Leicester are eyeing a summer move for here!

Jamie Carragher may have coined the game as “awful”, but in the end, Leeds will certainly be happy with taking a point from their Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side came into the game off the back of two impressive results against Liverpool and Manchester City respectively, and followed that up with another solid display at Elland Road to avoid defeat against another one of the proposed European Super League’s breakaway clubs.

Kalvin Phillips enjoyed a superb game at the heart of midfield, stopping Bruno Fernandes from really dictating things for United, and it was something he said was part of his assignment after the game: “We do it all game to be fair, we have different markers every game. My task was Bruno. So, I tried to keep him quiet and luckily he didn’t pop up with a goal.”

But while Phillips was undeniably outstanding and was named by the club as the man of the match, Luke Ayling arguably outshone him, and emerged as Bielsa’s real hero from the clash against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

As per Sofascore, he won 11 duels on the day, the joint-most of any Leeds player, tied with Phillips, and also made a whopping seven tackles too – Ayling has been a reliable figure for the Whites this season, but he more than out-performed himself, with his season averages seeing him win 7.2 duels and make 2.8 tackles per game in the top-flight.

The right-back was a key reason behind why Marcus Rashford had an awful time down the United left, losing possession 20 times (the second-most for them) and recording the lowest match rating of any player on either side with a 6.3. Ayling was touch-tight whenever he needed to be and stopped the England international from picking up a full head of steam and running at him.

As well as being defensively solid, Ayling was also involved a lot in the build-up play for Leeds, with his 78 touches the most of any player for Bielsa’s side.

And, in his post-match player ratings for Leeds Live, Beren Cross gave him a joint-high nine, adding: “Exceptional match from one of a few who seemed to read the match expertly. Snuffed out a lot of danger and won his duels in the most part. Some big tackles.”

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While Phillips may be the name in the headlines, Ayling produced a monstrous display to help keep out United.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign their own Andy Robertson in this starlet…

Steve Bruce will be fearing for the worst as Newcastle United await the results of Isaac Hayden’s scans amid claims of a potentially season-ending knee injury.

That’s according to The Northern Echo, who note that the Toon midfielder was left in considerable pain after a freak and accidental collision with Yves Bissouma during Saturday night’s 3-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Hayden’s knee appeared to buckle underneath him and he required five minutes of treatment on the field before being stretchered off in first-half stoppage-time, as United went on to extend their winless run to six games.

Hayden is expected to undergo a series of scans and X-rays to assess the extent of his injury, but is feared to have sustained significant damage meaning he is likely to miss Newcastle’s final nine games of the Premier League campaign.

There is a chance that Hayden may also be sidelined for the start of the Magpies’ pre-season training camp this summer, should the 26-year-old have sustained any ligament damage.

Bruce admitted after Saturday’s defeat that the injury did not look good, and now faces an anxious wait for updates on his key midfield anchor.

“It’s a knee injury. We don’t know the severity until obviously he has scans and X-rays, but it doesn’t look too good, that’s for sure,” the Newcastle head coach said.

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Hayden missing the remainder of United’s fight for survival would come as a huge blow for the St. James’ Park natives, having opened 22 of his 24 Premier League appearances and only sitting out five fixtures thus far this season.

The £9m-rated enforcer had only missed two minutes of top-flight action in his side’s previous 10 games also, and could now leave big shoes for the likes of Jeff Hendrick and Matty or Sean Longstaff to try and fill in the weeks and months ahead.

Bruce will absolutely be fearing for the worst as Newcastle await the results of Hayden’s scans and X-rays, as a season-ending injury will come as a hammer blow for their hopes of survival after an apologetic and passive performance against Brighton on Saturday.

Hayden has been one of the few consistent stars of United’s tepid season and a saviour for Bruce on multiple occasions, by helping to plug gaps in defence as injuries and coronavirus have wreaked havoc on the Magpies.

“He’s been very valuable because of his versatility, of course, and that helps enormously,” Bruce said, via quotes by BT last month, after Hayden impressed at centre-half against Southampton while previously featuring at right-back.

Beyond his versatility, Hayden also breaks up opposition play like few others have been able to for Bruce this term, with only Arsenal loanee Joe Willock (2.6) averaging a higher number of successful tackles per Premier League game since his winter arrival, per WhoScored.

Hayden, who offers 2.2 successful tackles from three attempts, also ranks second to Willock (2) for interceptions (1.8), but is only dribbled past 0.9 times a game to the Gunners product being beaten on the ground a Toon-high 3.4 times.

His efforts also ensure Hayden ranks first at St. James’ Park for total interceptions (43) in top-flight games with 17 more than second-ranked Ciaran Clark (26) and Fabian Schar (26), along with a team-high 52 tackles – three shy of his total 55 recorded in 29 games last term.

Bruce will be hoping that Hayden can edge closer to his 2019/20 tally and still play a role in Newcastle’s fight for survival, fearing what impact his long-term absence could have on the Toon.

AND in other news, Newcastle’s hopes of signing a “standout performer” have taken a major blow…

Over the last few weeks, it looked as though Wolves were back in business. Yet, enter Manchester City.

The Citizens have now won 21 games in a row so on paper, Nuno Santo’s men stood no chance.

They gave Pep Guardiola’s side a good game and it wasn’t until the final ten minutes that City finally began to run riot. Though, what didn’t help Wolves’ performance was some risky changes from the manager.

Nelson Semedo started at right-wing, further forward than he traditionally plays, while Adama Traore led the line over the so-far disappointing Willian Jose.

Yet, the biggest risk was at right wing-back where Ki-Jana Hoever started and he was given a rough evening during their 4-1 defeat.

Against Manchester United in December, he looked imperious and in the words of Birmingham Live reporter Alex Dicken, “didn’t put a foot wrong.”

Though, on this occasion, he proved why Nuno has difficulties in trusting the young Portuguese ace. In that defeat to United, his communication levels with Conor Coady were top drawer. Yet, with Leander Dendoncker behind him on Tuesday, he evidently struggled.

It may have been the towering Belgian who scored an own goal, but if we assess both of their performances, it was undoubtedly Hoever that came off worst.

He was given a horrible night by Raheem Sterling and the dynamic Joao Cancelo down City’s left-hand side.

In total, Hoever was dribbled past on five occasions, the highest number of anyone to take the field at the Etihad Stadium. Defensively, the teenager was not up to scratch and played a poor part in City’s second strike.

He allowed Kyle Walker to race down the right-hand side completely unopposed and unmarked. That meant the right-back had all the time in the world to pick out a cross for Gabriel Jesus to fire home.

Unfortunately, the defender was also poor in possession. No Wolves player surrendered the ball more times than Hoever’s 16.

Considering this was a night where he barely got forward either, that kind of statistic should be of even more concern, especially when he was losing the ball in the defensive third of the pitch.

The 19-year-old has only started three Premier League games this season and on this evidence, you can see why. He was caught ball watching for the second goal and against such high-class opposition, you cannot afford a lapse in concentration like that.

However, he shouldn’t be too disheartened after playing against undoubtedly the league’s best side this season. There will be easier tests to come but it’s fair to say he let his manager down at the Etihad.

AND in other news, Wolves may have their new Saiss in rarely-seen “talent” who is “wise beyond his years”…

Wolves youngster Andreas Sondergaard gave an exclusive interview to Football FanCast where he spoke in detail about making his dream move to England.

The Danish shot-stopper grew up wanting to play in England’s top league, so when Wolves came calling it was something he could not turn down.

Having the opportunity to ply his trade alongside world-class players is something that will only make Sondergaard a better player and aid his development.

Moving to a different country is too much for a lot of young players who end up back in their homeland, but Sondergaard wants to prove to people that he is different and ready to make this move work.

The motivation to prove people that doubted him when moving to Wolves wrong is something that drives him to be the best keeper every day.

He spoke at length to Football FanCast about moving away from home in Denmark and making his opportunity count at Wolves, he said:

“I always wanted to go to England at a young age if the possibilities were there.

“When I found out that I had the opportunity to go to England at a young age, I was quite clear about it that I wanted to take the chance.

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“This is because when I was young, I heard that there was a lot of young players going abroad. There was a lot of talk that they didn’t manage to settle in and they kind of went back to their home countries again, after a short while.

“I wanted to prove that you can actually go at a young age and you can do well and you can settle in and have some success actually.

“That’s definitely giving me some motivation to go and do that.”

Sondergaard is ready to grasp his chance at Wolves with both hands and forge a career for himself in England.

Many come to England and can’t deal with the intensity and focus on players, however, Sondergaard seems prepared and willing to tackle anything if it means he plays in the Premier League.

Newcastle may have ‘dodged a bullet’ by refusing the takeover offer from Bin Zayed International, according to Rob Lee.

It was reported back in May 2019 that Sheikh Khaled’s group were in negotiations with Mike Ashley over the £350m purchase of the club. The previous year, they had apparently expressed interest in buying Liverpool before being rebuffed by Fenway Sports Group.

The Mag’s Jonathan Drape-Comyn wrote at the time that the prospective deal had the ‘potential to be the best thing ever to happen to Newcastle United’, but ultimately no breakthrough was made and Ashley was left publicly questioning the true extent of their wealth.

Sheikh Khaled’s Derby bid unravelled

Bin Zayed International then moved onto other options in their pursuit of a club. Last November, an agreement with Derby County was reached in principle.

It was said that confirmation was imminent, and Khaled was even involved in the appointment of Wayne Rooney as permanent manager at Pride Park (via BBC Sport).

Howver, after ongoing delays in the completion of the deal, The Telegraph reported earlier this month that it had been scrapped, leaving Derby ‘furious’.

Former Newcastle midfielder Lee spoke to Football FanCast about the matter and believes that the Magpies may be fortunate that the prospective takeover never happened, saying:

“We won’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. Mel Morris is in charge of Derby and maybe the same sort of thing [happened].

“We’ll never know, we’ll be guessing forever. We could’ve dodged a bullet.”

Transfer Tavern verdict

As Lee says, the details are murky. We don’t know, for instance, whether the Group would have sought to retain Rafael Benitez.

Initial reports suggested that they were intent on keeping the Spaniard, only for Ashley to later blame them for the Spaniard’s departure in June 2019.

An adequately-backed Benitez would theoretically have been a force on Tyneside, but can we really say, based on the chaotic picture we’ve been given of the takeover attempts, that this change of ownership would have ushered in a period of stability at St James’ Park?

In other news, Newcastle players are reportedly raging at one of their team-mates after his recent comments.

Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham has been linked to a loan move to the Premier League as Newcastle show interest in his services. According to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, the Magpies are looking to get a deal over the line to acquire the Frenchman before the January transfer window slams shut.

Steve Bruce is looking to bolster his options in midfield and out of favour Ntcham is seemingly one of his top targets.

Although they are only looking to sign him temporarily, it could foreshadow the 24-year-old’s future, which looks like it will be away from Celtic Park.

Olivier Ntcham’s Celtic days numbered

Ntcham currently has just 18 months left on his current contract with the Bhoys and heading out on loan this month could suggest that a permanent move is on the horizon.

The France youth international has slipped down the pecking order this season after Neil Lennon took a punt on promoting Ismaila Soro to the first team. Along with David Turnbull, the midfielder has seriously impressed since he was given his chance, even usurping Scott Brown on more than one occasion.

According to Transfermarkt, Ntcham has missed out on Celtic’s last eight Premiership fixtures. Although he missed two matches through self-isolation, Lennon has dropped him from his usual role in the team.

As a midfielder who can sit back but also contribute to the attack, he should be one of the first names on the team-sheet. However, his 2020/21 season has left a lot to be desired.

Ntcham has just one goal and two assists across competitions so far. Even in games where Lennon deployed him as a centre-forward, he has struggled to make an impact.

Should he move to Newcastle for the last half of the season, Ntcham will likely be gaining a lot more game time than he is right now.

As he continues to stay out favour under Lennon, a permanent transfer could become a priority for him. Although the boss has waxed lyrical about the midfield man – recently lauding him as one “hell of a player” – Ntcham’s lack of game time is a glaring hint that he could end up moving on from Celtic in the very near future.

In other news, Exclusive: Rob Lee dismisses idea of Frank Lampard to Celtic…

West Brom boss Sam Allardyce is looking to stamp his mark on the Midlands outfit next month, but one mooted target is far from what he needs to change their fortunes this season…

What’s the word?

According to All Nigeria Soccer, Albion are set to reignite their interest in Nigerian winger Ahmed Musa, who is out of work following his exit from Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr in October.

They claim that the 28-year-old was close to joining the Hawthorns in the summer, agreeing on a season-long loan but his parent club were reluctant to sanction his departure despite releasing him just months later.

Big Sam is thought to be a big admirer of Musa as he tried to sign him during his stint in charge of West Ham. West Brom could effectively land a player that commanded a £15m fee (€16.5m) just two years ago, for free.

Shades of Oli Burke

Whilst the opportunity to land an illustrious international sensation for a bargain may seem like a smart piece of business from the new Baggies boss, it could actually be the adverse as the £16m Musa has already flopped in the Premier League before.

He managed just five goals in 33 appearances for Leicester City before being shipped out on loan to CSKA Moscow and then sold to the Saudi side.

It’s been reported that Musa was on around £60k-per-week at his last club, which would comfortably put him among Albion’s highest-earners, something that is just not justifiable.

As a result, it bears similarities to Tony Pulis’ disastrous £15m deal for Oliver Burke in 2017 – the club have only just been able to get rid after four goal contributions in four years.

Once dubbed “excellent” by former Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri, Musa is far from what is needed in this relegation dogfight. Big Sam would be better off signing tried and tested players.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Sam Allardyce tipped to sign £50k-p/w colossus this January…

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…

According to a report by The Daily Mail, Tottenham players have been left baffled behind the scenes following Jose Mourinho’s treatment of Gareth Bale and Dele Alli – with there allegedly being several ‘disillusioned’ members of the squad.

The Portuguese boss is allegedly facing mounting pressure following his side’s stumble to ninth in the Premier League table, but he is somewhat shielded by the fact chairman Daniel Levy would face huge costs for his early dismissal (The Daily Mail).

Tottenham players baffled by Jose call

Exiting Europe and losing more ground in the top four race, however, would increase the pressure on Mourinho ten-fold – with The Daily Mail now claiming there are ‘several’ disillusioned players behind the scenes.

While some players are generally supportive of their boss, some squad members in particular have been taken aback by Mourinho’s call to shun both Alli and Bale to the fringes.

The Spurs duo have started just three Premier League games combined this season (WhoScored), leaving players who were particularly close under Mauricio Pochettino’s reign surprised by this move not to play them.

Alli and Bale breakdown

Bale was signed in the summer from Real Madrid on a season-long loan, with Levy having dreamed of bringing him back to north London (Eurosport).

Alli, meanwhile, was heavily linked with a move to Paris-Saint Germain in the January transfer window but Tottenham would not let him go without finding a replacement (Fabrizio Romano).

Time will tell whether Mourinho will feature the pair in his plans as he looks to climb back up the Premier League table.

In other news: Tottenham are eyeing this Premier League ace, find out more here.