All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic managed to secure another win in the SPFL this afternoon with a 1-0 victory over Motherwell thanks to a goal from Hoops midfielder Tom Rogic just before halftime.

One player that didn’t manage to fully impress in the win, however, was left-back Greg Taylor.

With 88 touches of the ball in total, Taylor managed to misplace ten passes in the 90 minutes he was on the pitch for, as well as making three misplaced crosses and three misplaced long balls, losing possession on 16 occasions.

As well as his erratic passing, Taylor was not particularly imposing from a defensive point of view either by losing seven of the ten duels he was involved in.

This overall performance earned the full-back, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £8.2k-per-week according to Salary Sport, an overall match rating of 6.7/10, making him the lowest-rated Celtic player on the day according to SofaScore, even lower than Mikey Johnston and Anthony Ralston who played fewer minutes in the game than Taylor did, which just goes to show how much he let Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou down.

Since joining Celtic back in September 2019 from Kilmarnock, the 24-year-old has made a total of 62 appearances for the Parkhead club across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing 14 assists along the way, showing that he is and has been Celtic’s first-choice left-back.

Having previously been described in the past as a “very limited” player in terms of his capabilities on the pitch by Celtic analyst Tony McLaughlin, the left-back showed an example of this in his latest performance for the Hoops, even though they managed to secure the three points and keep a clean sheet in the process.

Moving forward, even though Motherwell only had 29% possession and could only rack up nine attempts at goal this afternoon compared to Celtic’s 71% possession and 26 shots at goal, Taylor will have to make sure he can improve his performances and deliver them on a regular basis or else he could find himself out of the team if he can’t perform against tougher opposition.

Given how 19-year-old Adam Montgomery has made nine appearances for Celtic in the left-back position this season, there’s every possibility that Postecoglou could make him the club’s first-choice left-back if the Australian decides that Taylor isn’t up to it anymore.

In other news: Forget Rogic: “Outstanding” Celtic star with 6 key passes stole the show v Motherwell – opinion

Speaking live on broadcast TV channel 7 Gold, as shared by Area Napoli, transfer journalist Fabio Santini has made an exciting Tottenham Hotspur claim involving Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Insigne move…

The Italy international is a player who Spurs have been repeatedly linked with since the summer, with a claim from another reporter in Paolo Paganini (via Area Napoli) also having emerged that Fabio Paratici made an offer for Insigne.

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Tottenham’s transfer chief, it seems, hasn’t exactly ceased his interest since then with Calciomercato.it recently revealing that Paratici, as well as West Ham and Newcastle, have already ‘probed the ground’ pre-January.

Insigne’s contract at Napoli expires in 2022 as it stands meaning Spurs could snap up Euro 2020’s star performer for free at the end of the season.

In a development, Santini has now made a rather exciting claim.

The Latest: Santini makes exciting Insigne claim…

According to the Italian transfer expert, speaking live on 7 Gold (via AN), Tottenham are now favourites to sign the 30-year-old.

“Antonio Conte is crazy about Lorenzo Insigne and would like the footballer as early as January,” Santini explained.

“In the winter sales and sales campaign. Lorenzo Insigne, of course, is flattered by the interest of both Conte and Tottenham , but he is undecided. He would not want to break up with Napoli during the current season.

“There have been meetings with Inter and Juventus, but Tottenham is the club closest to the player.”

The Verdict: No brainer?

One of the stars of the summer at Euro 2020, Tottenham could completely bypass his £43.2 million market valuation and snap up for no transfer fee at all – making this move somewhat of a no brainer.

Insigne, judging by his incredibly threatening numbers so far this season, would certainly offer Conte a real outlet out wide.

According to WhoScored, Insigne has averaged a very impressive 3.5 shots per match so far this season – eclipsing the rates of every Spurs star in that regard.

He’s also made 2.1 key passes in the final third every match in that time, again, with no Tottenham man able to match those numbers domestically this season (WhoScored).

Standing out as a real threat when compared to Conte’s current crop, this has got to be a sure-fire swoop on a free deal.

In other news: Spurs also in pole position to sign ‘perfect’ player for Conte after price tag drops by nearly half, find out more here.

Manchester United take on take on Villarreal in the Champions League this evening in what’s set to be their first encounter since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal.

Securing all three points would be enough to send the Red Devils through to the knockout stages of Europe’s elite cup competition, but interim manager Michael Carrick will have a tricky task on his hands.

Mason Greenwood has tested positive for the pandemic and is set to play no part in this midweek clash, while long-term absentees Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba will once again be sidelined.

Joining them on the treatment table could be Edinson Cavani and Luke Shaw, with the pair believed to be doubts ahead of the tip to the Estadio de la Cerámica.

That means Carrick may have to shuffle his pack slightly, although following the 4-1 defeat to relegation-threatened Watford last time out, he perhaps would have done so regardless.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects the former United and England midfielder to line up in Spain…

David de Gea will keep his place in goal despite conceding four over the weekend, but he’ll be keen to impress the new man in the dugout and maintain his No.1 status.

Ahead of the Spanish shot-stopper is set to be a back four made up Alex Telles, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka due to United’s fitness woes, and Carrick will be hoping for a much-improved showing from his defensive unit.

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The engine room could have a fresh face as well, with forgotten man Donny van de Beek coming into the starting lineup at the expense of the £7.2m-rated Nemanja Matic who deserves to be axed. The Dutchman will be one of three changes to the side.

He should partner Fred at the base of midfield, providing a solid foundation for Bruno Fernandes to attack from just ahead of the more defensive-minded duo.

An exciting front three of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo could complete the starting XI as United go in search of a first post-Solskjaer victory and qualification from Group F.

And, in other news…Carrick could become an instant hit at Man Utd by ruthlessly axing £120k-p/w “problem” 

Manchester United will be aiming to stay within touching distance of the top four when they welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford for their intriguing Premier League clash this evening.

The Red Devils are currently five points behind today’s visitors and six behind West Ham United, who are currently occupying the final Champions League qualification spot.

Things have improved for United in recent weeks, though, following Ole Gunnar Solsjaer’s dismissal.

A hard-fought victory over Villarreal in the Champions League was followed up by a respectable draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last time out, and interim manager Michael Carrick will be hoping to build of those positive performances.

The 40-year-old tactician will once again be without Luke Shaw, Paul Poagba, Edinson Cavani and Raphael Varane through injury, but he will be able to call upon the services of Harry Maguire once more following his suspension.

With Ralf Rangnick finally receiving his work permit ahead of his imminent arrival, this evening’s encounter will be the last of Carrick’s short reign, and he’ll be keen to hand over their reins with three extra points in the bag.

Consequently, this is how Football FanCast expects the retired England midfielder to line up against the Gunners, with two changes from the side that featured from the off over the weekend…

In goal, David de Gea is set to keep his place between the sticks once again, adding to Dean Henderson’s frustrations as he’s forced to watch on from the sidelines.

Ahead of the Spanish shot-stopper is set to be a back four made up of Alex Telles, Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka due to Shaw and Varane’s enforced absences.

However, Carrick will have a tough call to make when it comes to his engine room options, with several players vying for a limited amount of starting berths.

The likes of Donny van de Beek and the £120,000-per-week Nemanja Matic will be eager to feature from the off after receiving game time in recent weeks, but a trio of Fred, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes is the most likely setup.

And the interim manager also faces a selection headache when it comes to his star-studded forward line.

Carrick made the bold decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo to the bench against Chelsea, and he may do the same again against Arsenal, lining up with an extremely mobile and pacey front three of Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho.

And, in other news…Huge boost: Man Utd receive big injury lift ahead of AFC, Carrick will be delighted

Speaking to West Ham Zone, former Irons striker Frank McAvennie has reacted to some news involving star striker Michail Antonio.

The Lowdown: West Ham take action…

As reported by The Sun, it appears West Ham have taken some action in an effort to prevent any serious injuries to Antonio as he pledges his international services to Jamaica.

Indeed, as shared by the outlet, club doctor and head of medical services Richard Collinge was sent out with the 31-year-old on his last round of duty with the Reggae Boyz.

This was to ensure he could cope with the extra physical exertion on international duty and to watch over Antonio’s fitness levels amid concerns over his past injury record.

The Latest: McAvennie reacts…

Speaking to WHZ, McAvennie has shared his take on the development and ‘can’t believe’ the measures clubs and players are taking nowadays to maintain fitness levels away from the country.

“It’s not just Antonio, but I’ve heard people going on holiday and taking a fitness coach,” he explained.

“I mean, really? I just can’t believe that goes on.

“I know the game has changed, but come on, you work all year and you go on holiday, you deserve a break. If you don’t drink, fine, but you still deserve a break away from football.

“I just don’t get it but maybe it’s the best thing for Antonio because of his fitness problems, his hamstring issues.”

The Verdict: Necessary?

Given just how crucial the forward is at the moment to manager David Moyes, not to mention how well he has started the campaign, we believe this is a shrewd precaution.

Antonio’s involvement with the Jamaica national team will have raised many eyebrows from both inside and outside West Ham and it’s safe to say the extra games will be a concern.

He will also be travelling plenty of miles when called upon so it’s little surprise the club wish to take whatever measures they deem fit to keep him at 100 per cent.

In other news: ‘Incredible’, ‘Bargain’…Pundit blown away as West Ham eye ‘very, very good signing’, find out more here.

Manchester United are currently meandering towards a state of decline and despair after two-and-a-half years of progress under the tutelage of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Norwegian tactician has done a huge amount of good work during his time in the Old Trafford dugout and has brought the club to within touching distance of its former glory.

But the phrase ‘so close yet so far’ couldn’t be more apt for the current state of affairs in the red half of Manchester.

A successful mass overhaul of the first-team squad, consecutive top-four finishes for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired and the re-sowing of United’s DNA throughout the club are all tangible marks of Solskjaer’s success.

However, a second-place Premier League finish and a Europa League runners-up medal is all the 48-year-old has to show for his efforts so far.

This season was meant to be different, though. The 2021/22 campaign was meant to be where the excuses stopped, the re-building process ended and the major trophies started to return.

Yet it hasn’t worked out that way in the early stages of the season. In fact, things have gotten considerably worse for Solskjaer and United.

Bar an impressive showing in the curtain-raiser encounter against Leeds United, the Red Devils have failed to put in a convincing display in any of their subsequent fixtures, losing five games in all competitions by the end of October.

Ronaldo’s summer arrival has arguably brought as many questions as solutions, and the Scandinavian at the helm appears incapable of finding the remedy. But one man who may have the answers is Zinedine Zidane.

The former Real Madrid boss was rarely considered for a job in England as it was believed he was holding out for the role of France’s national team manager or Paris Saint-Germain as he looked to return to his homeland.

However, El Espanol (as relayed by The Express), recently reported that Zidane turned down the role of Newcastle United manager as he was waiting for either the Manchester United role or the two aforementioned jobs.

Over his two spells with Los Blancos, the Frenchman won an astonishing three Champions League crowns, two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, two FIFA Club World Cups and two UEFA Super Cups.

The 49-year-old’s astounding achievements with Madrid earned praise from several plaudits, including for United and England defender Rio Ferdinand.

“The guy has incredible ability,” Ferdinand said. “He’s done it in a short time. He’s come in and collected trophy after trophy. Three Champions League titles as a coach? He’s phenomenal.

“He doesn’t have much to say, but he’s never had much to say as a player. He lets his football speak, and he’s doing the same as a coach.”

BT Sport pundit Steve McManaman was similarly effusive in his praise, saying: “He’s done an incredible job,” he said. “If he were any other coach, we’d be exhausted from applauding him.

“The fact that he’s so great, the fact he doesn’t want applause, the fact he’s nice and laid-back, people don’t think he’s a tactical genius, but he really is.”

Although some critics are yet to be convinced over Zidane’s credentials, his CV speaks for itself, and with bags of experience winning football’s most coveted prizes with a team full of superstars, United’s owners must consider his appointment if Solskjaer can’t turn things around in the weeks ahead. He stands a wonderful chance of getting Old Trafford rocking agin.

And, in other news…Man Utd suffer big injury blow ahead of Man City, Ole will be absolutely devastated

Everton have been linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks as the club begins to make plans for the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to Caught Offside, the 25-year-old is wanted by Toffees manager Rafael Benitez and will push for a Spurs exit once the winter transfer window opens, with the Liverpool Echo claiming that the Merseysiders have now made an enquiry to Spurs for the player.

Winks has struggled for game-time in recent months and is now believed to be seeking a way out of north London in search of regular action.

Imagine him and Doucoure

After rising through the ranks at his boyhood club, Winks has made 178 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions and started their 2019 Champions League final defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

The technically gifted talent featured prominently during the reign of former manager Mauricio Pochettino, who lavished praised on the midfielder after a late winner against Fulham two years ago.

“He deserves the praise because the whole action is amazing,” said Pochettino. “He recovered the ball like a full-back, we started to build from the back, and then he arrived for the cross from GK, which was fantastic – we have to praise him too.

“It’s amazing, amazing, because we were talking in the last few weeks that he had to score and to have more presence in the opposition’s box because he has the quality to do it. I’m so happy.”

However, a lot of Winks’ good work goes unnoticed. The England international has only recorded nine goal contributions throughout his career, but he offers a different set of skills to the team.

As per WhoScored, no Spurs player who started a league match bettered or matched his average of 70 passes per game last season, and he also topped the charts for pass completion after achieving a 90% success rate.

His highly impressive figures weren’t just down to picking the safe and simple options every time, either. Winks managed 1.3 key passes per Premier League fixture in 2020/21 and pulled off 4.4 long balls – of all of Tottenham’s outfield players, only Toby Alderweireld completed more (7.3).

Therefore, Winks’s key attributes would provide the perfect balance for current Everton midfield star Abdoulaye Doucoure. The Frenchman’s power and pace cause opponents constant issues, but he also has the intelligence to play cute through balls in the final third of the pitch, making him a nightmare for defenders to handle.

It remains to be seen whether Everton follow up their interest in the £18m-rated Winks, but director of football Marcel Brands could pull off another astute piece of business by snapping up the disciplined Tottenham maestro.

In other news… Brands must sanction Everton swoop for £12.6m-rated ace, he’s an “outstanding technician” 

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has implored Aston Villa boss Dean Smith to go “back to basics” amid his recent tactical shift in the Premier League.

What’s the story?

The Villans moved to a back-three for the trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea a few weeks ago, and while they were beaten 3-0 by the Blues, they stuck with it for the games against Everton and Manchester United – both of which resulted in victories.

However, since then, it’s been a real struggle, with the Midlands club now on a run of three successive defeats in the competition following last Friday’s dismal 3-1 defeat away at Arsenal.

And now, Preece has suggested Smith go back to his tried and trusted, even indicating that the players themselves appear to be lost right now.

During a Q&A for The Birmingham Mail, he said: “Yes, it’s time to get back to basics. The players don’t seem comfortable playing 3-5-2, such was their body language of late. Midfield non-existent last week in that first half. Lost count how many Arsenal players just ran straight through to Villa’s defence without a tackle going in.

“Yes, I’d go with what you suggested. Who starts up front for you; Ings or Watkins? Also agree re Buendia, he’s looking like a better option out wide where he did his damage for Norwich. Bossed again centrally last week.”

“Back to basics” for Aston Villa

While the switch to a back-three worked against the likes of Everton and United, it has been nothing short of a disaster since then, stifling any creativity and seeing their midfield overrun far too easily.

Against Arsenal, their dreadful first-half performance saw them have no shots on goal whatsoever compared to the Gunners’ 14, with Douglas Luiz and John McGinn simply find it too much to deal with the likes of Thomas Partey, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Emile Smith Rowe and Alexandre Lacazette dropping into central spaces.

With the returns of Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore, Smith now has two genuine wingers who he can turn to and utilise in a more familiar 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, and that could see them rediscover their form.

Right now, Villa’s players just look completely uncomfortable in their system and roles as Preece says, and it’s high time Smith reverts to type ahead of this weekend’s crunch Premier League clash against West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Villa must sell this star amid some Premier League interest…

Former Tottenham defender Graham Roberts can understand why his old side did not move for Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Edouard during the summer transfer window.

Edouard has made a bright start to life in England following his move from Celtic, scoring twice on his debut against Roberts’ former team.

However, prior to joining Palace, the 23-year-old had been linked with a move to Tottenham.

According to the Daily Record, Spurs had been keeping tabs on Edouard ahead of a potential deadline day move, though nothing obviously materialised in the end. And that comes as no surprise to Roberts, who can see why the Frenchman was not a priority for Nuno Espirito Santo.

“If you want to go to the next level, why are you going to waste… I’m not saying he’s a waste, but why are you going to pay £15m for a striker?” the Tottenham legend started explaining to TT.

“Harry Kane, ok, let’s say he does leave next year. They’ll be looking to bring in a 40, 50, 60 million pound, scores 20 goals a season, 25 goals a season striker.”

With Kane still at the club and Son Heung-min able to play up front, not signing Edouard is hardly a disaster. From a Spurs perspective, hopefully both players remain fit and the former can get back to scoring ways in the Premier League again.

Felipe Anderson has taken a sly dig at West Ham manager David Moyes, saying he has improved a great deal from playing under Maurizio Sarri instead.

The Lowdown: Anderson left Irons

In 2018, the Hammers signed Anderson from Lazio for £36m, a then club-record fee (BBC).

He had his moments at the London Stadium, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists in 73 matches in all competitions, but he returned to Lazio in the summer after an unsuccessful loan spell at Porto (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Anderson makes veiled Moyes dig

Speaking to Football Italia, the Brazil international spoke about his move back to Italy. He said:

“I have improved a great deal already with the coach.

“I am convinced over time the whole team will understand fully what he wants from us. I always wanted to work on my consistency, even within a single game, and I’m getting there. The idea is to be constantly focused and ready from the first minute to the 90th.

“I know that I am capable of making the difference, but I used to struggle with the pressure when I was younger. It’s different now, I am on the right path. 

“Everyone knows I feel at home with Lazio. I’ve always expressed my love for Italy and the city of Rome. I never lost contact with my friends here, even after leaving. I feel that I’ve returned a more mature player.”

The Verdict: Didn’t work out

Anderson showed his talent at Lazio during his first spell at the club, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists the season before he moved to the Premier League. However, he was unable to replicate that form on a regular basis at West Ham.

With two goals and two assists in seven Serie A matches this term, he appears to be enjoying life back in Italy. Likewise, the Hammers are in good form, qualifying for the Europa League last term via the Premier League. It seems both parties are better off away from each other than together.

In other news, West Ham fans were far from happy with this Moyes call against Brentford.