Category Uncategorized

[ad_pod ]

Many Newcastle United fans are expecting Ayoze Perez to follow head coach Rafael Benitez out of St James’ Park in this summer’s transfer window.

On Monday, Newcastle’s official website announced that Benitez would not be signing a new contract with the Magpies, meaning that he will depart the club at the end of this month.

Perez has been strongly linked with a move away from the English team in recent weeks, having recently suggested that he was ready to depart this summer.

The Spaniard scored 12 Premier League goals for the Magpies during the 2018-19 campaign and is said to have attracted Tottenham Hotspur.

The 25-year-old – also linked with Sevilla in recent days – posted a tweet in the aftermath of the Benitez announcement.

Watch Newcastle United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

And that led to a number of Newcastle fans either urging the attacker to leave or claiming that an exit was now sure to take place.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

It’s no secret now that Arsenal’s transfer budget is absolutely lacklustre for a club of their size, yet that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from churning out links with players that are simply too expensive.

As football.london report, the Gunners budget this summer is just a measly £45 million, and after a season where the club not only missed out on top-four in the Premier League but were also embarrassed in the Europa League final by Chelsea, Arsenal are in desperate need of a refresh this summer, but with such limited finances any hope of a rebuild is fruitless unless players are sold, and this method of recouping funds is likely the only way Unai Emery will be able to lure Dani Ceballos to the Emirates.

This is according to AS via Sport Witness, who claim that Arsenal are willing to pay Real Madrid the £44.66 million it will take to prize the Spanish U-21 midfielder to north London this summer, and although there is no question that Ceballos would be a player who would suit the Gunners down to a tee given his style of play and creative abilities as per I News, a few names would have to leave north London first before a move can even be thought about.

Remember, Arsenal have been prioritising a defender for the majority of the transfer window, with the likes of Kieran Tierney and William Saliba both looking likely to join the club this summer according to BBC Sport and L’Equipe respectively, and although Ceballos would be a welcome addition given how poor Mesut Ozil has been over the past two seasons, improving the defence remains the main goal for this window.

If Arsenal are able to offload an Ozil or Henrikh Mkhitaryan, two players who Emery is reportedly keen on selling this summer as per the Mirror, going in for Ceballos would make sense, but with the £45 million budget in mind, the Los Blancos youngster remains just too far out of the Gunners reach financially.

Arsenal fans, would Ceballos be a good signing? Let us know!

Having narrowly missed out on promotion during his debut season in charge of Leeds United, Marcelo Bielsa will be wanting to bolster his squad this summer in order to bounce back during the 2019/20 campaign.

However, before the Argentine sets out his targets for the upcoming transfer window, he must first make a decision on the future of one of the Whites’ forgotten men.

Despite making the switch to Elland Road from J1 League side Gamba Osaka in January 2018, Yosuke Ideguchi has yet to make a competitive appearance for Leeds as he has spent time on loan at Cultural Leonesa and Greuther Furth

With injuries limiting his playing time for both of these clubs over the past 18 months, the Japanese international’s development has been severely hampered and so it is extremely unlikely that he will be able to make the adjustments needed to thrive in the Championship.

Given the midfielder’s troubles in recent times, it may be worth Bielsa cutting ties with him this summer.

According to Football Insider, the Argentine is already looking at the prospect of selling Ideguchi and is reportedly confident that he can secure a large fee for the 22-year-old due to the fact that he still has three years remaining on his contract.

If Bielsa can indeed offload the £700k-rated ace (via Transfermarkt) for a healthy sum, it would be an incredible piece of business by the Leeds boss as he could use the money to upgrade his midfield options ahead of next season.

However, Ideguchi’s departure may depend on whether Bielsa decides to extend his stay in West Yorkshire as the 63-year-old is still locked in talks with chairman Andrea Radrizzani about his future with the Whites.

What do you think Leeds fans? Should Bielsa sell Ideguchi this summer? Or does the Japanese midfielder deserve an opportunity to prove his worth next season? Get in touch below.

[ad_pod ]

The vast majority of the time league tables make perfect sense because that after all is their job: to put order to chaos. This season, however, at the top of the Premier League are two examples that unnerve; they unnerve and confuse because initially at least they make no sense at all.

The first conundrum is Tottenham Hotspur who have lost almost exactly a third of their 37 games to this late juncture. It is not uncommon for teams who skirt relegation and struggle throughout a campaign to end up with a 33% loss ratio. Yet here they are, Mauricio Pochettino’s men scaling the heady heights of third. This is odd.

Then there’s Liverpool who have been defeated only the once this term. It is possible to go through the annals of Premier League winners and find teams who have lost four, five, or six times more than the Reds yet still ended up lifting the trophy. It has been a phenomenal achievement to avoid defeat 36 times out of 37. Yet there they are, lying second to a Manchester City side that have been downed by Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Leicester and Newcastle.

What gives? The answer of course lies in draws.

Liverpool have shared the spoils seven times this term and barring Leicester’s success in 2015/16 (which in every way was a glitch in the matrix) no team has recently won the title by drawing that amount or more. Last year City settled on four occasions. The year before Chelsea did so three times.

Luis Suarez certainly had no qualms about celebrating against his former employers in the video below…

As for Spurs their bizarre record-breaking allergy to drawing – with just the solitary stalemate going all the way back to August – has served them exceedingly well. Yes they may well lose every third weekend but the rest of the time they have accrued maximum points and that has been sufficient in surely securing a Champions League spot.

This begs the question: are draws no longer what they used to be? Is a ‘hard-earned’ point now a dropping of two?

The evidence elsewhere suggests so. In League One Sunderland have lost only five times in 46 games yet have had to settle for a play-off place after drawing a staggering 19, the most of anyone in that division. Last season West Brom ended up rock bottom of the Premier League and that after losing the same number of games as three of their rivals. The reason? Only Southampton drew more often.

Going back further to 2016/17 Manchester United drew every 2.5 games, which incidentally is exactly double the national average. It cost them dear and led to sustained talk of crisis.

A draw of course is still worth the same as it always has. Yet in an era where teams are set up more and more to be adventurous and seek out the three points – and furthermore when away tests no longer hold the same intimidating stature as yesteryear – then we are increasingly seeing sides eke out a disciplined draw only to be over-taken by those that lean towards the all or nothing.

A busy summer might be on the cards for Celtic, but that doesn’t mean they should ignore whatever they have right now.

Multiple signings are quite clearly required, but the Hoops should always look to pay homage to their tradition and promote from within.

The area where Neil Lennon’s side will need most looking into is their defence. Especially at right-back, where Mikael Lustig is on his final legs, they need new blood. Even if Celtic can’t sign his successor, they can always blood one. Indeed, they signed American star Manny Perez for the same reason in January.

Currently on loan at United Soccer League Championship club North Carolina, Perez has shone in recent encounters. Not only have North Carolina won two consecutive games which he’s started, Perez’s sizzling talent going forward’s been on display. He’s recorded two assists in as many encounters, with an excellent, defence-splitting one recently against Hartford Athletic winning over plaudits.

Indeed, that’d look even better in green and white, we’re sure you’ll agree.

If Celtic need someone to bomb forward down the right, Perez is the right man. He loves going forward, with his impressive pace and fantastic creativity allowing him to terrorize opposition. If he’s guided properly on how to improve his defensive skill, maintain position and be stronger by Lustig, Celtic’s right-back slot could remain steady for the long-term.

With Kieran Tierney on the other side, the Bhoys would have plenty to shout about. We’ve seen just how important full-backs are in the modern game and perhaps that more up to date approach can help the Hoops in European competition.

Yes, we’re talking long-term ambition here but this is Celtic, after all. How can you not?

Among the young players the Hoops would want to bring into the spotlight, Perez should be on top. Indeed, the menacing right-back possesses all the traits needed to further glitter up the Scottish champions’ game and be an exciting long-term replacement to Celtic’s vice-captain.

Celtic fans, would you want to see Perez in action next season? Join the discussion by commenting below…

It has been quite the fall from grace for Rolando Aarons in recent years hasn’t it?

The winger was tipped for greatness at Newcastle United after making a fantastic start to his career in 2014 with his performances earning him a regular spot in the England Under-20 set-up. However, a myriad of injury problems resulted in his development stalling over the next three years with Aarons only making sporadic appearances for the Magpies.

In need of regular first-team action, he decided to join Italian side Hellas Verona on a short-term loan in January 2018 yet despite making 11 appearances for the club, he was unable to prevent them from being relegated to Serie B last season. After briefly returning to Tyneside, he was shipped out once again at the start of the campaign yet failed to impress for Czech side Slovan Liberec in the first-half of the year. Nevertheless, upon hearing of his availability, Steve Bruce decided to bring him to Hillsborough, a move which unfortunately hasn’t paid off.

Although Aarons did make a bright start to his Sheffield Wednesday career by producing stand-out performances against the likes of Swansea City and Blackburn Rovers, he has missed the last three games after picking up an ankle injury in the warm-up before last month’s 0-0 draw with Stoke City (via the Star). With Bruce not knowing whether the winger will be able to return before the end of the season, it is more than likely that he could have already played his final game for the Owls. Despite Aarons clearly being blessed with undeniable talent, it is simply not worth the risk of trying to secure a permanent deal for him as he is far too injury-prone.

Therefore, with this in mind, it could be worth Bruce going down another avenue in the summer transfer window to bolster his squad ahead of next season.

What do you think Wednesday fans? Would you want to keep Aarons at Hillsborough next season? Or does his injury problems pose too much of a risk? Let us know below.

[ad_pod ]

Lots of Everton fans on Twitter think there’s only one winner when it comes to picking the club’s Goal of the Season sponsored by Money Corp.

A Tweet from the club’s official account on the social media platform containing a video of the contenders was flooded with replies calling for Gylfi Sigurdsson’s strike at Leicester City in the Premier League to pick up the accolade.

The Icelandic international found himself with the ball in midfield during the 1-2 win for the Toffees at the King Power Stadium back in October, and turned past James Maddison before burying the ball in the top corner from ridiculous range.

Other front-runners for the prize included Lucas Digne’s precision hits at home to Watford and away at Burnley, Andre Gomes’ Wolverhampton Wanderers thunderbolt and Richarlison’s neat finish against the same opponent on the opening day of the campaign.

However, the majority of supporters were only interested in one strike collecting the crown, that of Sirgudsson with one even proclaiming that it’s “not worth debating.”

Check out a selection of the best Tweets pining for the 29-year-old’s Foxes screamer, below…

[ad_pod ]

Louis van Gaal has admitted in an interview with the BBC that he regrets deciding to join Manchester United instead of Tottenham Hotspur.

The Dutchman managed his country at the 2014 World Cup and was courted by both clubs, though he eventually chose to move to Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

Van Gaal struggled somewhat during his tenure at United but, coming off an excellent World Cup in which he guided the Netherlands to a third-place finish, he was in demand in the summer of 2014.

United convinced him to snub Spurs and the latter’s chairman, Daniel Levy, subsequently appointed Mauricio Pochettino.

Van Gaal lasted just two seasons in Manchester, taking United to fourth in his first season and fifth in the second, after which he was sacked and replaced by Jose Mourinho.

He did win the FA Cup in his final season in charge but he has now admitted that he should have pitched up in north London instead.

He told the BBC: “Tottenham were a better selection because Manchester United were an old team and I knew I would have to transform them.

“Was it the wrong choice? Maybe, but I follow my heart. I worked at the number one team in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and now also in England.”

Spurs have enjoyed an excellent run with Pochettino at the helm, launching two title charges, qualifying for the Champions League in three consecutive seasons and also (almost) completing the move into their new stadium from White Hart Lane, via Wembley.

Dodged a bullet

Spurs should count their lucky stars that Van Gaal decided to move to United.

He championed a slow, dirge-filled style of football and would not have fitted in at Spurs.

Pochettino would have ended up at another club; he would not have taken the club to their current heights, they may not have been able to champion the progressive style of football, and the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks may not have had the breakthroughs they have enjoyed under the Argentine.

Pochettino, to put it simply, is perfect for Spurs.

Van Gaal showed no signs of adapting to life in England, despite his FA Cup win, and was something of a disastrous appointment at Old Trafford.

Consider this a bullet dodged.

Liverpool saw off Burnley today to go back to within a point of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

A 4-2 win was enough to see the Reds over the line and keep the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s men at the summit of the table, with Sadio Mane in fine form for Jurgen Klopp’s men.

However, a lack of January signings could end up costing Klopp’s men this season, and we here in the Tavern feel that adding a few new players in the summer is vital for the Reds to keep progressing.

And one are of concern really is up front, where despite having the talents of Salah, Mane and Firmino, they could do with someone else up the top of the pitch to take the pressure off.

The likes of Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge don’t seem to have the quality needed at top four level, and it’s a big concern for Liverpool whenever Brazilian Firmino is out of action.

A new striker would be ideal for the club, although the question of who they should sign is something which poses a very difficult question to answer.

It will though be money well spent. With Champions League football and the domestic cup competitions to play for too, Liverpool need that added depth and quality. There are plenty of impressive strikers out there who could do a job at Anfield, and it has to be something Jurgen Klopp is looking to address.

[ad_pod ]

Tottenham Hotspur slumped to their first defeat in five matches when they were beaten 2-1 by Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.

The result damages Spurs’ title chances, as both Liverpool and Manchester United will now have a chance to pull further ahead of the north London club. Mauricio Pochettino will be disappointed to have seen his side beaten in such a fashion. 

Spurs’ defensive performance left plenty to be desired, as they struggled to deal with the aerial prowess and physicality of the Clarets’ forwards. Young centre-back Juan Foyth and 26-year-old right wing-back Serge Aurier were particularly poor.

Aurier’s experience and physical attributes ought to have made him well suited for this fixture, but his lack of focus and poor positional awareness saw him fail to effectively challenge the Burnley attackers. It was certainly a game to forget for the 48-cap Ivory Coast international.

After the match, plenty of Spurs fans took to Twitter to criticise Aurier’s display…