All posts by n8rngtd.top

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Chris Sutton has launched a scathing attack on Liverpool fans following the Merseyside Derby, in which the Reds drew 0-0 with Everton at Goodison Park.

The Reds have been accused of being ‘bottle-jobs’ after blowing a seven-point lead over Manchester City, and are appearing to play with a lot more nerves as opposed to their free-flowing, attacking flamboyancy that they showed earlier in the season.

However, Sutton disagrees with claims that Jurgen Klopp’s men are bottling it, and has instead suggested that the club’s fanbase are the ones losing their nerve.

What’s he said?

The BT Sport pundit said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “It is ridiculous to say Liverpool are bottling it.

“It is not down to mental fatigue that they are struggling. It is not over yet, there are nine games to go.

“Liverpool fans are bottling it, not the players.”

Sutton is 100% right

We mustn’t forget that this is a side who finished fourth on 75 points last season who are the ones going head-to-head with the reigning champions – not just champions, but centurions.

It could be argued that Liverpool are overachieving, and to even be this much of a thorn in City’s side is a credit to Klopp and his team for their efforts this season.

Citizens forward Raheem Sterling even revealed recently that playing for Liverpool comes with added pressure from the fans on matchdays – it seems like the Anfield faithful are so desperate for a Premier League title that their collective nervous energy is affecting the players.

There are still nine games to go, 27 points to be won or lost, and the Reds still have a valid chance to win a maiden Premier League title – if you’d have offered that to their fans at the start of the season, they’d have bitten your hand off.

Liverpool fans just need to stay calm.

West Ham United fans are experiencing quite frustrating form, aren’t they?

Despite winning big one week, they end up undoing their good work the next. Consistency’s rarely been the name of the game for Manuel Pellegrini’s side this season. Indeed, the crushing loss away to Cardiff City tarnished any chances of building momentum.

While there are many departments at fault for their lack of consistency, the biggest is the lack of a proper striker. Marko Arnautovic’s lost confidence in the manager after his January antics and, beyond him, the Hammers lack a proper goal-scorer.

Javier Hernandez is included in this, as he’s been unable to find his Manchester United form during his time at East London. Chicharito’s only scored 5 goals in 21 appearances so far, which is not at all good for a side looking for a top-half finish.

Having missed 7 big chances throughout the season (stats via Premier League) and being unable to spark the attack with much contribution, Chicharito’s often been a sitting duck in attack. While his predatorial instincts cannot be questioned, his relentless hunger to score goals doesn’t seem to be remaining anymore.

The Mexican isn’t the sparkling, quick figure he was at United anymore and has lost that unpredictability about him. He also isn’t able to create much for West Ham as the solo striker, while his hold-up play and ability to fend off defenders has also weakened.

A player who’s lost that deadly finishing touch, Chicharito’s failures this season signal the need of replacing him with someone better soon.

West Ham fans, would be sad to see Hernandez depart? Or, do you think he’s worth more time? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder heaped praise on his Leeds counterpart Marcelo Bielsa, when he insisted the Argentine had “sprinkled his magic dust” on the team he considers as “the best team in the division”.

He was speaking ahead of the top of the table clash at Elland Road on Saturday lunchtime, in a game that could have huge connotations on the automatic promotion race.

According to the BBC Sport website, Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield: ” The manager [Bielsa] has worked at the highest level and they’ve gone all out to get him to turn their club around.

“He’s sprinkled his magic dust and they’ve got a good group of players.”

Bielsa, who could see his Leeds side open up a five point gap between themselves and their third-placed opponents with a win tomorrow, was mutually respectful of his opposite number.

He said: “I have learned a lot from Sheffield United, they are the one of the teams from which I have learned the most this season.

“They have a new style of playing and they have been faithful to that all season, each player is giving the best of themselves.

“When we played against them [earlier in the season] it was a hard win and probably we didn’t deserve to win. It’s a big challenge to try and beat them.”

But Wilder stressed that, although it is undoubtedly a huge game, it will not make or break the season for either club, following social media comments from Leeds defender Pontus Jansson who said that it would be “the biggest game of our lives” for many of the players.

Reacting to the comments, the Blades boss said: “I respect what he has to say as an international footballer and it gives a big boost to whoever gets the result but it’s not season-defining.

“I think that shows a total lack of respect for the teams we’ve got left to play. If we won it would claw back the deficit that we are in behind them and if they win then they stretch that lead.

“The way the Championship is at the moment all of the teams have got something to play for.”

It promises to be a great atmosphere between the Yorkshire rivals, and regardless of Wilder’s comments, a win for Leeds would surely see them in a virtually unstoppable position with just eight games to go.

Is the finish line in sight for you now Leeds fans? Will a win tomorrow have the fat lady warming her voice up? Join in the debate by letting us know your thoughts below…

Four points behind Norwich, the dream of Premier League football is on everyone’s mind. Chris Wilder has led Sheffield United towards what would be a huge achievement for the club, a chance to play in the Premier League. Now that’s the dream. 

After what was an incredible performance against Leeds, Sheffield United are showing just how strong a force they are this season. The game against Leeds showed everyone just why they would be a force in the Premier League, emulating the type of defensive performance we see from the likes of Newcastle United.

As every Blade reading this will well know, one of the greatest periods in their modern history could be topped off if Wilder and his men can just keep it up.

Wilder will be eager to get stuck into the summer period with new ideas on how to make sure his side can become a mainstay in the Premier League.

With that in mind, we are going to look at a couple of demands the 51-year-old should make.

Sign Dean Henderson on a permanent deal 

Dean Henderson has been one of the stand out players for Chris Wilder this season. Only conceding 34 goals and managing to keep 16 clean sheets, the 22-year-old is proving to be one of the many factors in what is a strong United side.

Currently Manchester United are as his mother club, the Blades’ board know that he will not come cheaply. However, given the performances of the young Englishman this season, price should not be a factor and they must sign him at all costs.

To have any chance of survival, you need a good ‘keeper. Considering his potential resale value too, it’s a potentially expensive deal the club can’t afford to make.

Invest in Premier League experience 

If the climb to the top is to happen, one of the biggest notes Wilder will have is the lack of Premier League experience within his side. There will certainly be shouts from the fans to go out and use the promotion money wisely and bring in players of a Premier League calibre.

The Blades’ board could look towards examples like Newcastle United on how NOT to achieve a stable Premier League side, they must ensure they buy in bulk and have a large squad capable for a lot of tough fixtures.

Unai Emery needs to focus on his side ensuring consistency from here on in until the end of the season, with the opportunity to secure a top four place and European glory on the line.

Arsenal supporters will agree that missing out on a place in the Champions League next season would be an absolute disaster, as they’d love nothing more than to see their side back competing in the big time.

One player who hasn’t be able to assert his dominance on proceedings at the Emirates since joining back in the January transfer window is Denis Suarez. The Sun reported that Arsenal will look to dump the Spaniard in the summer as Emery believes the Barca man is struggling to deal with the demands of the Premier League.

And, it appears as if the Gunners already have their eye on a potential replacement, as according to Corriere dello Sport (via TEAMtalk), Arsenal are considering a summer move for Franck Kessie, who is valued at £31.5 million (by Transfermarkt).

Kessie moved to the San Siro from Atalanta in summer 2017 in a two-year loan deal, with Milan expected to pay €20m (£17.1m) to make it permanent at the end of the current campaign. And, it’s believed (as per Calciomercato) that an offer of €40m (£34.2m) would tempt the Rossoneri to sell.

The Ivory Coast international has produced four goals and two assists in the Serie A this season. He’s an attack-minded midfielder who has all the ingredients to become one of the best central midfielders in world football, as well as having the defensive attributes to put in a big tackle and stop any onrushing attacks.

Suarez has offered very little but Arsenal fans won’t have to worry about inconsistent performances with Kessie around as he’s as reliable as they get. He very rarely misplaces a pass and will always give his all on the field, so Stan Kroenke simply has to splash the cash in the summer to bring him to North London.

Arsenal fans, do you believe Kessie is better than Suarez? Join the discussion by commenting down below!

Celtic can send fans into dreamland by getting the better of Old Firm rivals Rangers tomorrow in the Scottish Premiership, as they’d secure the bragging rights and would be one step closer towards retaining their title. 

The Hoops have gone about their business brilliantly since Brendan Rodgers ditched Parkhead for the bright lights of the English Premier League, as they remain on course to secure yet another treble this season.

Although, one thing that has been on the minds of supporters in recent times at Parkhead has been the future of Dedryck Boyata, as his contract is set to expire in the summer transfer window.

Of course, the central defender has established himself as a star in Glasgow after his fantastic performances at the World Cup with Belgium last summer. But, his time in Scotland appears to be coming to an end with a summer transfer window exit looking inevitable at this point.

But, Rangers may just already have their eyes on a potential replacement for the 28-year-old, as according to Nacion Deportes (via HITC), Celtic are interested in signing Edson Alvarez. The Mexico international is also attracting interest from Inter Milan, while a move to PSV or Ajax is also a possibility.

Alvarez, who is valued at £6.75 million (by Transfermarkt), is only 21-years-old but he’s already managed to make 22 appearances on the international stage with Mexico, so it’s clear to see just how highly-rated he is. The youngster is deceivingly quick, he’s strong in the tackle and he looks to play out from the back, so he could fit into Celtic’s style perfectly.

And, Peter Lawwell would make a big statement by securing the services of the central defender as Italian giants Inter Milan are interested and the likes of Ajax and PSV Eindhoven are a possibility.

Celtic fans, do you think that Alvarez could be the man to replace Boyata this summer? Join the discussion by commenting down below! 

Petulant child Benjamin Mendy has found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons again thanks to more exasperating episodes of off-field antics.

As much as Benjamin Mendy was a lovable joker when he first arriving, brandishing his phone at any given opportunity to release a stream of semi-comical City related jokes into the world of social media, his novelty is rapidly wearing off, and the love fans once felt for him will understandably soon turn to frustration.

As per the Telegraph, Pep Guardiola has scrutinised Benjamin Mendy after the Manchester City defender was caught in a nightclub at 3:30am – hours before he was expected at training.

Understandably the Spaniard is unhappy with Mendy’s behaviour given just how much leeway the club have shown their resident clown, especially during the period of extended absence which has seen him don the blue shirt just once in almost five months.

Unfortunately, this is just another case in a long list of misdemeanours where Mendy has come under question, including a point in September when Guardiola had to publicly scold the Frenchman for turning up three hours late for treatment on an injury (as per the Telegraph).

After confirming he had made the training session in question, Guardiola admitted: “I would prefer him to go home earlier but I don’t control the players in that situation. They are old enough to know what they have to do. I’m not his father” – which is essentially a diplomatic way of saying ‘grow up’.

Manchester City simply cannot afford these kinds of events at the moment, especially from a player as influential in the changing room as Benjamin Mendy, and every little annoying moment like this plays into the hands of Liverpool.

Indeed, focus is the key now, with the club in line for a history quadruple, including the FA Cup, Champions League and Premier League title, and the left-back, who has contributed absolutely nothing so far this year, is the equivalent of someone doing the vacuuming whilst you’re trying to read the paper.

Manchester City fans, simple one: what are your thoughts on Benjamin Mendy? Let us know in the comments below…

Newcastle have once again defied the odds under Rafa Benitez to solidify their place in the Premier League for another season.

The Spanish manager has once again done a superb job at St James’ Park to lead his club to a mid-table finish despite a host of off-field problems which continue to plague the club.

However, there is a bigger and more pressing issue for the Magpies going into the summer, and that revolves around the future of their manager, who has this weekend admitted he does not know exactly what is happening with regards to his contract with the club.

Benitez is the man at Newcastle really, and the club need to be going all out to ensure he is kept in the role for as long as possible.

The Spaniard has been a superb manager for the club, and it’s easy to look past the fact that the club might well be back in the Championship had it not been for the former Valencia manager.

His experience, way of setting up a team and getting the best out of certain individuals is something which is admired around the world in managerial circles, and if he was to leave, it would be a bitter blow to the Magpies.

Benitez is more than capable of plying his trade at a huge club across Europe, but the cards are in Newcastle’s hands at the moment, and they should be doing all they can to ensure they keep their manager and at the same time maintain their Premier League status.

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Manchester United have reportedly made Declan Rice a top priority this summer, but is it a huge mistake?

What’s the story?

According to The Irish Independent, the Red Devils are “ready to break the bank” for Rice.

The West Ham youngster is perhaps viewed as a replacement for Ander Herrera, who the report claims could leave Old Trafford this summer, along with the likes of Juan Mata and Antonio Valencia.

The Hammers are expected to demand a fee in excess of £50m for Rice, who signed a new contract in December, per BBC.

Worryingly though, other reports have suggested Manchester City are tracking Rice, so is this the Alexis Sanchez and Fred deals all over again?

Who is your club’s worst ever January signing? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have picked theirs in the video below and they didn’t disappoint…

Sanchez… Fred… Rice?

When the Red Devils signed Sanchez last January, fans were delighted to get one over on Pep Guardiola, who was heavily linked with the Chilean throughout the winter transfer window.

The Cityzens also chased Fred, who was dubbed as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, but United got the better of that deal too… or did they?

Sanchez and Fred have both been colossal flops at Old Trafford, as the club appears to have made a habit out of trying so hard to one-up their rivals that they overpay for a player who is not really good enough anyway.

With all due respect to Rice, the youngster has just one good season under his belt, and there is no telling how he would cope with the pressure of moving to the biggest club in the country for a huge fee. Is he that much of an upgrade on Herrera and Nemanja Matic?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s ageing midfield does need new blood, but the priority should be a ready-made starting calibre player in their prime, not another attempt to pip City to a big deal as was the case with Sanchez, or to a rising star as was the case with Fred and potentially Rice.

Manchester United should think twice before splashing a huge sum of Ole’s summer budget on a relatively unproven youngster, regardless of Guardiola’s apparent interest.

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Grady Diangana deserves a chance to prove his worth to West Ham United when the Hammers take on Leicester City this weekend.

Scotland international Robert Snodgrass is suspended for the encounter, leaving a gap in Manuel Pellegrini’s starting XI.

On the chalkboard

The FA, for his conduct towards an anti-doping official, has suspended Snodgrass.

He has played in the Hammers’ last three games, including 90 minutes in the harsh 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at the weekend.

Diangana, by comparison, has found first-team appearances hard to come by in recent weeks.

He came on as a substitute against United but was left out of the squad for the defeat to Chelsea, while he played 23 minutes versus Everton.

The fact of the matter however, is that Diangana is perhaps the most exciting youngster who isn’t named Declan Rice in east London.

Diangana is a 20-year-old right winger with searing pace and now is the perfect time to start blooding him in the first-team regularly.

West Ham are in no danger of relegation and are unlikely to finish seventh – there can be no harm, then, in allowing youth a chance, particularly as Snodgrass no longer stands in his way.

Succession planning

West Ham need to improve next season if they are to qualify for Europe, as seems to be the aim.

And the best way to do that is by bringing through the exciting young players currently playing for the Under-23s and the Under-18s.

Diangana is too good to be playing within those age groups and has shown flashes of the potential that has so whetted the appetite of many Hammers supporters.

There can be no excuse for not including him in the starting XI this weekend.

And it could even give the Irons’ hopes of success next season a boost, particularly if he plays his way into Pellegrini’s plans beyond Saturday.