All posts by z3u9t.icu

Barcelona’s midweek Champions League clash was a success for many reasons.Of course, the three points against a really tough opponent in the form of a red-hot Inter Milan is the obvious one. But there were many other positives directly connected to that one.For instance, the big news was, of course, the return of Barcelona’s talisman, Lionel Messi.Watch Spanish Football Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The little Argentine was, until that game, yet to complete the whole 90 minutesÂthis season and he made a big impact on his return, dropping another masterclass performance in the process.

But alongside him, there was one other player who made his return – Ousmane Dembele.

Just like Messi, the young Frenchman was also quite unlucky with injuries and once he came on and Barcelona successfully turned the game around, all three of Messi, Dembele and Luis Suarez celebrated enthusiastically.

And needless to say, it made for a brilliant image that was captured on the pitches of Camp Nou and immediately burned through Barcelona’s social media – particularly through Twitter.

The image depicted the three of them in each other’s embrace and it really did warm many of the fans’ hearts and certainly made headlines across the platform.

Many were calling this photo iconic and basically drooling over it. You can see some of the other reactions to it down below:

Eddie Nketiah hasn’t been given many starting chances for Leeds United so far this season.Indeed, the Arsenal loanee has played just 162 league minutes for the Whites so far this campaign.Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Despite not getting much of a chance to shine in Yorkshire since joining Marcelo Bielsa’s side, he’s still managed to put up good numbers, netting at a rate of one goal every 81 minutes in the Championship this term, while also grabbing two strikes in cup action.

Leeds fans haven’t been given many chances to see his fantastic talent, but luckily, he posted a training montage from his time with the England U21s that shows just how good he is.

The 20-year-old striker showcased his incredible speed, skill and finishing ability in the montage as he continued to find the corners with his strikes.

With the Championship xG table indicating that Leeds should have scored at least seven goals more than they already have at this point this season, it seems as if finishing is a bit of an issue at Elland Road, and based on this video Nketiah could be the solution.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Odin Bailey announced himself to the Championship prior to the international break, with a last-gasp header sealing all three points for Birmingham City against Middlesbrough, but he still isn’t quite ready for a start.On the chalkboardBailey was playing in just his fourth game for the Blues when he netted the winner against Boro, and the 19-year-old has now registered 59 minutes of game time for his boyhood club at senior level. What made the goal all that more special and memorable for the youngster, was the fact he bagged just two minutes after Middlesbrough thought they had snatched a point.In the games where his position has been recorded by Transfermarkt, the teenager has shown to be a versatile asset for whoever he plays for. Bailey predominantly occupies the attacking midfield role but has shown he is comfortable playing either side on the wing, as a centre-forward and even as a central midfielder. Soccer Football – Championship – Birmingham City v Middlesbrough – St Andrew’s, Birmingham, Britain -October 4, 2019 Birmingham’s Odin Bailey scores their second goal Action Images/Andrew Boyers EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.The Englishman, who has played for his country at U16s level, spent two months on loan in the National League South with Gloucester City, playing 12 times and scoring twice for the Non-league side.Not quite readyThe teenager picked the perfect time to score against Boro both in the game and for his club. His winner meant the Blues moved up to 12th in the table as Pep Clotet’s side endure another topsy-turvy start to the season.Watch Birmingham City Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv BelowHowever, despite goals out on loan and the memorable winner last time out, a start for the talented academy graduate might be a little too soon, considering the upcoming fixtures. Up next for Birmingham is a trip to Elland Road, with the visit of Fulham and away journey to Cardiff City to come soon after.In amongst these tough challenges for Clotet’s side, the Blues do host Blackburn Rovers and Luton Town, and playing in these fixtures off the bench might be the best time for Bailey to earn a little more game time before he is thrust into a starting role.Indeed, Ivan Sunjic is in need of a midfield partner, as both Gary Gardner and Jude Bellingham have failed to hold down a starting role. However, Bailey is often deployed further forward, despite his abilities to play in the centre of the pitch.Upon signing his professional contract at Birmingham in 2016, U23s manager Steve Spooner told Birmingham Live:“He’s a forward player that plays down the middle or off the side, a number 10 type player. He’s very talented and has got good close control and a good variation of finishes.”With Spooner’s comments in mind and the fact Clotet often sets up in a 4-4-2 with two holding midfielders, perhaps it makes sense for a role later in the game when the tie is more open and his young, fresh legs can get to work.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Danny Mills suggests England have several good right-backs to choose from but said there is little between current pair Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier.

What did he say?

As well as those two, Gareth Southgate also has Kyle Walker and Aaron Wan-Bissaka available for selection, and with all four playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe it is fair to say he is spoilt for choice.

However, despite a brilliant campaign last year which won him the Champions League and many plaudits along the way, Mills doesn’t believe Alexander-Arnold is any better than Trippier, despite enduring what was an abysmal season by his own admission.

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Speaking to Sky Sports on Monday, as reported by Live4Liverpool, Mills said: “There’s not a lot between the two, Trent Alexander-Arnold we know going forward is exceptional, he still has a little bit to learn.

“Wan-Bissaka is coming through so four fabulous right-backs to choose from, so he [Gareth Southgate] is spoilt for choice but between Trippier and Alexander-Arnold there isn’t a huge difference between them.”

It is odd that the former England international would point to Alexander-Arnold’s defensive shortcomings but not criticise Trippier, despite the fact that he made just 0.9 interceptions and 0.2 blocks per league game in 2018/19, with the Reds’ player featuring 29 times in a side which kept 21 clean sheets – the most in the division.

Alexander-Arnold outshining Trippier

Mills’ view that there isn’t much separating the two right-backs in nonsensical – you only have to look at fan opinion to gauge the idea of how they’re valued to assess the contribution they made last season.

The 21-year-old is frequently lavished with praise due to his effectiveness on the ball, coming up with the decisive moment against Barcelona to reach his second Champions League final in as many years.

He made 16 assists last term but in that match also helped to keep Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez quiet, whilst a brilliant display against Manchester City the year before quelled the threat of Leroy Sane.

Tripper, by contrast, was practically hounded out of north London this summer due to his repeated lacklustre performances, and they were overjoyed when his departure grew more likely.

So far, he has two assists in Spain compared to Alexander-Arnold’s three, and by that measure the Liverpool man should be Southgate’s preferred pick, particularly as he is eight years younger than Trippier and constantly becoming better.

When Arsenal shelled out a club record £72m for Nicolas Pepe this summer fans flocked to YouTube to watch his best bits. What they saw was a winger blessed with searing pace who loved a trick or two, sometimes more when the mood took him. He was an entertaining, invigorating bundle of energy and creativity.

They then headed for the stats and that’s when the excitement at his signing really kicked in. In 41 games last season for Lille, the Ivory Coast international scored 23 times and made 12 assists. Clearly there was an end product to the step-overs, a purpose to the razzmatazz.

His debut against Newcastle on the opening day of the season went exactly as you would expect from a player of his ilk. So keen was Pepe to impress and show what he could do that he was guilty at times of running down blind alleys, retaining possession when not the best option. And if it could be said that he ultimately flattered to deceive so be it. The goals would come. The assists would come. On that afternoon defenders were taken on and Pepe was a threat throughout. That was sufficient for an introduction: to show promise.

At Anfield towards the end of August Unai Emery shuffled his pack and played the 24-year-old just off Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The intention was to capitalise on his individuality and to see what came of it from counters.

The plan nearly worked too, until Liverpool took control of the game and won all-too-easily. Until that happened Pepe created a couple of chances for himself and others. He was a threat, a live-wire.

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Fast-forward to a woeful performance at Old Trafford recently and that threat remained unfulfilled. Worse yet a series of disappointing displays had now led to the narrative forming that Nicolas Pepe was flopping and flopping hard. “His work rate, his lack of quality, end product, his body language. He didn’t seem up for the fight tonight”. That was Roy Keane’s assessment in his punditry role for Sky.

As for the player himself he has been candid enough to admit that, “It’s not been easy, we must tell the truth”. “I’m not good enough in my stats or my usual form,” he has publicly concluded.

Returning to Keane’s criticism however it is necessary to take umbrage with his last barb. “He didn’t seem up for the fight”. That really does depend on how you define the term.

Because anyone who saw the game – indeed anyone who has watched Pepe toil under immense pressure and expectation from this season’s curtain raiser on – will surely note that the attacker ‘shows’ for the ball every time. He doesn’t hide. And when he gains possession he refuses too to play it safe. How often do we see a player struggling for whatever reason play a simple five yard pass back to whoever gave it to him. Pepe doesn’t do that. He turns. He faces up. He tries constantly to make something happen.

Who says there’s no atmosphere at the Emirates? The evidence in the video above suggests otherwise…

That should be respected. Because that is directly taking on the fight to prove himself; a player charged with creating and dribbling. A player deemed to be 72 million times talented enough to pull that off.

Whether Pepe manages to change perceptions and become a success at the Emirates remains to be seen.

But his valiant attempts to make that happen is little short of admirable, and history suggests that it’s far too early to lay the flop tag in the close vicinity of Pepe’s name.

Aston Villa fans have been left annoyed after Jack Grealish picked up an injury during the club’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City at The Etihad Stadium.

The Athletic’s Villa reporter, Gregg Evans, reported after the game that the playmaker had picked up a calf injury, with manager Dean Smith unsure of the severity of the issue.

And supporters have expressed their frustrations with the news, with several believing that Grealish should have been substituted prior to collecting his issue; he had been booked, while the score was 3-0 to Pep Guardiola’s men at the time of his withdrawal.

The 24-year-old has been integral to the way Villa have played this season, featuring in all 10 Premier League games thus far this term.

He has scored two goals, against Norwich City and Brighton & Hove Albion, and also laid on three assists.

However, he could now miss a number of fixtures, with Villa set to take on Wolves in the Carabao Cup before league games against Liverpool, Wolves, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Take a look at the best of the reaction below!

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus does not mind playing on the wing so he can make room for the club’s top gun Sergio Aguero.

What did he say?

Jesus has been a fantastic goalscoring addition to City since he signed for £27m, scoring 50 goals in 112 appearances already. This season, the Brazilian has often kept Aguero out of the side and has scored five times in the 12 games he has played.

However, Jesus told The National’s Richard Jolly that he is happy to play a sidekick role for the club record goalscorer.

He said: “It is difficult to describe Sergio.

“Sergio is the top scorer of the club and every game he shows us why he is the top scorer so, of course, I have to learn from him because he is a legend. Every game he scores.

“I want to score every game but I think it is different. I am 22 years old, I have to improve and practice my finishing.

“Since the Copa America, I play right winger. I like it. I started with the position in Brazil at my old club [Palmeiras] and after I got to play as a striker but of course I like to play both positions. I think it is very important you can play more than one.

“It was my first game as a winger with five at the back for Southampton so it is difficult when you dribble past one [defender] and have another one.”

Aguero still the top dog, for now

Jesus’ start to this season has once again been positive. Five goals in 12 outings is a good return for a man who is still just 22. However, Aguero is still surpassing the ex-Palmeiras man as the club’s main goalscoring threat, with the Argentine bagging 12 goals in 12 appearances so far.

However, at 31 years old, there will not be many more years left for the legendary striker at the Etihad. Plus, with his contract ending in 2021, and his desire to return to Argentina, there is maybe just two years of his service left.

For now, Jesus can learn from Aguero as he continues to dominate up top. Also, playing on the wing will only benefit his abilities and versatility like we have seen with stars such as Thierry Henry.

Soon, however, we are likely to see the Brazilian become the main man at the Etihad.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Tottenham’s Ben Davies has said that he struggled with a groin injury throughout the whole of the previous campaign, per Daily Mail.

What’s the story?

Last season, Spurs reached the Champions League final and, although they eventually lost to Liverpool 2-0, it will surely go down as one of the most memorable seasons in the club’s history.

Who has been the most improved player in the EPL this season? Find out in the video below…

48-time Wales international Davies played a big role in that run, featuring in nine matches. However, it appears that he played through the pain of an injury throughout the whole of the campaign. He said: “I was struggling with a groin problem all last season.

“I came back from the summer (2018) being told the problem would go if I rested it but it didn’t. After games, I was crippled with pain for a couple of days.

“Going into games sometimes I was thinking in the warm-up, I don’t know if I will be able to get through it. I got to the end of the season on a few painkillers or whatever.”

“In the end, I had an operation, the day after I played for Wales, after the Champions League final. It was called a double groin repair. I have two good scars, it’s like a C Section without the middle bit! It was something I needed to do.”

An unsung hero every team needs

The former Swansea defender signed for the London outfit in 2014 along with Michel Vorm, with Iceland international Gylfi Sigurdsson going in the opposite direction. Since then, he has made 174 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring four goals and providing 17 assists.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

In the age of attacking full-backs such as Marcelo, the £22.5m-valued 26-year-old – as per Transfermarkt – is never going to receive many plaudits as he is not the most flamboyant or mesmerising of players. However, these recent comments show just how much of an unsung hero he is.

In all competitions last season, he played 40 times, which takes some doing whilst carrying such an injury. By playing through the pain barrier on a regular basis, he showed his commitment to the Tottenham cause and to Mauricio Pochettino.

Davies is the kind of player every manager would love to have in his squad. Considering Christian Eriksen, for example, has publicly spoken about leaving the north London outfit, it is refreshing to see that Davies just gets on with the job at hand despite not being a guaranteed starter.

Whenever he is needed, though, his manager knows he can call upon him.

The pressure on Pochettino at the moment must be particularly difficult to deal with, but having a player like Davies in his ranks must be one less problem to worry about.

The Argentinian boss will surely be wishing that some of the defender’s teammates could take a leaf out of Davies’ book.

It was a difficult afternoon for West Ham United on Saturday, as they succumbed to a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Newcastle United at the London Stadium (via BBC Sport).

The Hammers were far from at their best against Steve Bruce’s side and went 3-0 down in the game before netting a couple of late consolation goals.

In an effort to try and get back into the game, Manuel Pellegrini decided to bring off Pablo Zabaleta after 72 minutes, replacing him with Ryan Fredericks (via @WestHam).

The Argentine had a poor game for the Hammers, two of his three long balls were inaccurate, both of his attempted crosses did not find a teammate and he also had one unsuccessful touch, ultimately finishing with a meagre WhoScored rating of just 5.96.

Zabaleta hasn’t been a regular this season; indeed this was only his second start in the league (Transfermarkt).

Most supporters cannot understand why Pellegrini has started the former Manchester City man instead of Fredericks in the last two games, and many of them suggested that when the manager did swap the two players in the second half that it was far too late as the damage was already done.

Here is how some Hammers fans reacted on Twitter when Zabaleta was brought off against Newcastle…

West Ham fans, should Ryan Fredericks be starting ahead of Pablo Zabaleta? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

A number of Newcastle United fans have taken to social media to lavish praise on the performance of Allan Saint-Maximin in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.

The 22-year-old is still waiting for his first goal for the club but there is no getting away from the fact that he contributed to his team’s 2-1 win over the Cherries.

According to WhoScored, before being replaced in the final exchanges, Saint-Maximin had two shots, completed four successful dribbles and made two tackles.

He is a threat with his pace and power even if the end product isn’t always there.

And many of the Newcastle fans were impressed with the performance of the attacker, who scored 11 times in 74 games for Nice ahead of a switch to St James’ Park.

Things are starting to look up at Newcastle courtesy of back-to-back wins, and the club’s supporters seem to have found a new hero.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below: