All posts by h716a5.icu

[ad_pod ]

One more Premier League appearance for Mohamed Diame will trigger a one-year extension on his current contract at Newcastle United.

Indeed, Diame has 24 league appearances to his name this term and another would see his current deal extended for 12 further months.

The 31-year-old has found it difficult to secure minutes in recent months, though, and failed to come off the bench in the win over Everton last weekend.

Diame recently discussed his future plans, but refused to reveal whether he would still be with the Magpies entering the 2019-2020 campaign.

It is worth remembering that the 6ft ace has made more than 230 Premier League appearances, meaning that he is very experienced at this level of football.

It is unclear what is going to happen with the Senegal international, but a number of Newcastle fans have been on social media discussing his future.

Whilst some want to keep him as a squad player, others are not so keen.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

[ad_pod ]

Having failed to sign a single player during the last two transfer windows, there’s plenty of work to be done at Tottenham this summer. Mauricio Pochettino’s side remain competitive when it comes to the Premier League’s top four and even had their hand in the title race earlier this season, but to sustain or even improve that level, reinforcements are clearly needed.

With that in mind, Football FanCast’s writers have attempted to answer a simple question – which position do Tottenham need to strengthen most during the summer transfer window? Read their verdicts below…

James Beavis – Attacking Midfield

“Bringing in some competition for Dele Alli. With Christian Eriksen off-colour and potentially leaving the club in the summer given his contract situation, Tottenham are lacking some real creativity through the middle. They really missed the England international when he was injured and it gives Mauricio Pochettino a big problem ahead of the upcoming transfer window. Spurs can’t rely on Alli all of the time and they need some extra quality there. In addition, doing that would reduce Harry Kane’s work rate, seeing as he wouldn’t have to continually drop deep to try and make things happen.”

Billy Meyers – Right-Back

“Right-back. 100%. Even though Tottenham have three recognised options such as Kieran Trippier, Serge Aurier and Kyle Walker-Peters in that department, none of them have shown that they can be relied on this season – it is an area that is in desperate need of reinforcing. Pochettino’s preference to see his wing-backs bomb up and down the flanks, something that is a huge feature of Spurs’ play, should mean that the full-back areas are prioritised above others, with the right hand side of defence the more problematic of the two wide berths.”

Jack Saville – Central Midfield

“It’s obvious that Pochettino is crying out for a world class central midfield player, someone who can connect the dots and take the club to the next level. Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko have been outstanding this season but collectively they form something of an underdog partnership rather than a formidable title-winning duo. Quality central midfielders are rarely prised away for anything less than a premium price, but Daniel Levy simply must splash out to give fans the marquee signing they deserve.”

Christy Malyan – The Flanks

“Pochettino seems to prefer setting up his side to clog more central positions, to the extent that the width is usually provided by the full-backs, but if Tottenham wish to get to that higher level where they’re genuinely challenging the Premier League’s best, they need a Plan B – an attacker who looks to hug the touchline and stretch defences rather than constantly drifting inwards. Only Heung-min Son really offers that amongst Spurs’ attacking options, and even he is more interested in scoring than supplying by cutting from the left. Find a proper winger and Spurs could get a lot more joy out of Fernando Llorente.”

Middlesbrough are going through a tough period, at just the wrong time, in their bid to maintain the play-off spot they currently occupy.

Having won only two of their last nine games — losing their last three in succession — it promises to be a test of their character, if they are to pick themselves up and take part in the post-season action.

Midfielder, Jonny Howson — who has played in every league game this season, starting all but three of them — believes it is how the players hold their nerve, that will determine their fate, and insists he, and the team, will “give it everything we’ve got” to achieve a happy outcome.

Speaking to the Teesside Gazette, Howson said: “Experience can help, and off the pitch you speak to the lads, but then sometimes you look at the flip side and the younger lads don’t realise the situation they are in.

“It works both ways.

“It’s about holding your nerve, and sometimes that can be the difference. Over the season, the table doesn’t lie, and you’re at a roughly similar level to the teams you’re going to be playing in and around.

“Sometimes, it’s who can hold their nerve, keep that focus and not allow the position or the situation to get to you. That can be difficult at times, but we’re an honest group and we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”

The former Norwich player has been integral to Boro’s largely positive season, and they will need his experience during a tricky run-in.

But he is wily enough to know that there will be no gimmes between now and May.

“There are going to be no easy games in the run-in now,” he added.

“Every one is going to be a big game. We’ll take one game at a time and we’ll concentrate on ourselves. For me personally, it does no good looking above or below you because the only thing we can affect is our next game against Norwich and that’s what we’ll do.”

After the Norwich game on Saturday, Boro’ host fellow play-off chasers Bristol City at the Riverside, before — what appears on paper — a slightly easier run of fixtures.

The problem at this time of the season, of course, is that teams near the bottom are fighting for their lives, and often find an extra 20 to 30 per cent of performance level, meaning games against the strugglers are as, if not more, difficult than those against the ‘better sides’.

But we think that Boro’ will get over their current slump and find the form to make it safely into the play-offs.

The next target, however, will be trying to finish third or fourth, in a bid to avoid a two-legged tie against the unlucky one of Leeds, Norwich and Sheffield United.

If they manage to do that, they will be destined for a Wembley winner-takes-all finale.

How do you see the rest of your season panning out, Boro’ fans? Would you prefer your chances against one of the top three in a two-legged semi-final, or a one-off Wembley showpiece? Let us know what you think…

[ad_pod ]

Whether Newcastle United have been on a good run of form or not this season, one player in right-sided defender DeAndre Yedlin has often come under criticism from his own supporters on Twitter for his performances and actions.

The USA international has made 94 appearances – including 28 in the Premier League throughout the 2018/19campaign – since joining the Tyneside outfit in 2016, but he never really seems to have won over a big chunk of the St James’ Park faithful, as was the case again on Monday night against Arsenal.

While there is no doubt about his lightning-quick speed – a hugely useful tool as either a full-back or a wing-back – he does often flatter to deceive when it comes to the defensive side of his game, as well as making a difference in the final third for his team – surely a modern-day necessity for a player in his position.

The 25-year-old certainly suffered against the Gunners, with his WhoScored rating of 6.01 the worst of any United defender on the pitch, and the lowest of any outfield player that started the game at all aside from Ayoze Perez.

The American struggled against a fearsome Arsenal attack, while the fact that he wasted the one decent crossing opportunity he had at the Emirates Stadium tells you all you need to know about the quality of his attacking play.

Considering Rafa Benitez is generally a defensively-minded manager – something he probably needs to be as manager of Newcastle – it may not be a surprise that he only has one goal and two assists all season, but it is perhaps less understandable given he has largely been featuring as a wing-back in more recent months.

With three centre-backs behind him and cover from central midfielders Yedlin should have a little more freedom to get forward and make a difference, but he just doesn’t appear to possess that quality and shows few signs that he is improving in that respect either.

Those Toon fans that are critical of the former Spurs man may well be on to something, and he will surely be a very unfortunate man if he isn’t replaced by a new signing during the duration of the summer transfer window.

[ad_pod ]

Rangers fans have taken to Twitter to heap praise on Scott Arfield, after the attacking midfielder netted a treble against Motherwell to help his teammates to a resounding 3-0 win.

The 30-year-old – who joined the Ibrox ranks last summer – grabbed his eighth, ninth and tenth league goals of the season to earn all three points for the Gers, where his link up with Jermain Defoe in attack was particularly impressive.

Check out Keith from C’mon the Hoops’ fascinating video on the origins of the Old Firm derby below…

The win sees Steven Gerrard’s side move onto 66 points for the season, although they are still someway behind bitter rivals and league leaders Celtic.

Specifically, however, Arfield’s performance was a display enriched by clinical finishing, whilst his all-round game and decision making up top helped contribute to a very easy-on-the-eye victory for the Gers.

Some fans may have been fearful of a result in the absence of Alfredo Morelos, but Arfield stepped up to the plate as Rangers’ star man missed out through suspension.

Let’s see what the Rangers supporters have been saying on Twitter about Arfield’s performance…

Middlesbrough fans must wonder what is going on at their club after what looked to be a decent season has been ripped away over the past couple of months.

For a team that started the season winning five and drawing two, of their first seven games, it is hard to fathom where, and how, it has gone so horribly wrong for the Teessiders.

Losing their last six games has ruined months of good work, and regardless of the role the players have played, the brunt of the blame must be shouldered by Tony Pulis.

Many managers would have done the decent thing: admitted they have done as much as they can and walked away — but not Pulis.

His belligerent approach to his future has seen him bunker down and soldier on, passing the buck of responsibility onto “the man that counts” and “good fella” Steve Gibson.

Speaking about his future, he told The Northern Echo: “Like I say, I came up to Middlesbrough for Steve [Gibson]. He’s the man that counts.

“Whichever way you cook it, we’ve got a good relationship and he’s a good fella.”

His comments seem like a ploy to deliberately make it difficult for Gibson to drop the axe, but any pleas, suggestions or games should be met with a deaf ear.

It would be an easy decision for Gibson to let things plod along until the summer, knowing he can let Pulis’ contract run out, without having to do anything.

It would be easy — but it would be wrong!

It would be a better financial option to let his deal expire — but it will cost the club a fortune in missed opportunities!

It would be the friendly thing to do for someone you have a”good relationship with” — but it will make more enemies!

He simply must make Pulis leave now.

It may well already be too late for this season, but surely let a new man come in and have a few weeks with the players in the hope of salvaging something — even if it is only pride!

What is the worst that could happen?

A new manager can have a few weeks to see who he thinks has a future, and who he wants to get rid of. He could, at least, lay some foundations for the next campaign, while then having the whole summer to reshape the squad.

Failure to act now, will make Gibson — the once saviour of the club — as culpable for his inaction, as Pulis is for his inability.

On behalf of all loyal, passionate Boro’ fans, we say:

Stop pussy-footing around the issue. Do the best thing for Middlesbrough FC, and sack Tony Pulis now!

What do you think of what’s gone wrong at your club, Middlesbrough fans? Should they have changed manager before now? Is it too late? Let us know your thoughts…

[ad_pod ]

BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson has suggested that Wolves will be hurting and thinks they may struggle to recover after being denied a place in the final of the FA Cup, tipping them to lose 1-0 to Southampton this weekend.

What’s he said?

Wolves have been terrific this season but they suffered their first major disappointment in 2018/19 by crashing out of the FA Cup at the semi-final stage.

Nuno Santo’s men were within minutes of reaching the final but a last gasp Troy Deeney penalty sent the game to extra-time.

The Midlands club ended up then losing the tie as Gerard Deulofeu sealed their fate.

It was extremely tough for Wolves to take but they’ll now have to bounce back and ensure their season doesn’t peter out. That starts with a clash against Southampton this weekend.

Giving his weekly Premier League predictions to BBC Sport, Lawrenson said:

“Wolves also have a big ‘if’ to look back on last weekend. They will be hurting after being 2-0 up with 11 minutes to go in their FA Cup semi-final against Watford – and then losing in extra time.

“What happened at Wembley was one of the few occasions this season where you could look at Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, and think: ‘That is really not like you.’

“So it will be interesting to see whether they can bounce back from that disappointment. We will find out how much it has affected them on Saturday.”

Testing time for Wolves

Could this be Nuno’s biggest test in charge of Wolves? It’ll be incredibly interesting to see just how they bounce back from their heartbreak last weekend, but Lawrenson is right to predict they could struggle, especially against a side battling to stay up.

However, this Wolves team has been full of fight and desire all season so write them off at your peril.

A Wolves fan shares his most gutting moment of the last 10 years supporting the club in the video below…

For the most part, they were brilliant against Watford last Sunday, only to be undone and switch off at pivotal moments.

Wolves’ away form of late also hasn’t been excellent so that could make things even more tougher for them this weekend.

After their last league defeat against Burnley on the road, the club managed to bounce back against Manchester United. They now need to prove themselves in a similar fashion.

[ad_pod ]

Manchester United winger Anthony Martial was one of the biggest disappointments in his team’s 4-0 defeat against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, and Liverpool fans were quick to react to the Frenchman’s display, and compare him to their very own Sadio Mane.

The Red Devils’ poor form continued on Merseyside as they suffered a heavy loss at the hands of Marco Silva’s men, in what was a bad off-day for pretty much every United player on the pitch.

It was no different for Martial with the attacker missing a sitter, before he committed a poor dive with the scoreline at 4-0.

Considering he has found consistent starts hard to come by under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the 23-year-old certainly didn’t take his opportunity against the Toffees, and his performance didn’t go unnoticed by Liverpool supporters.

While the United forward is struggling, it has been a different story for Mane who has bagged 22 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions from the left for Jurgen Klopp’s side so far this term.

Have Premier League grounds become “lifeless tourist attractions”? Decide for yourself by watching the video below…

The Senegal international has often stepped up to the plate when Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah aren’t at their best, and his influence is one of the main reasons the club is still in with a chance of winning the Premier League title and the Champions League.

Loads of Reds fans have had their say on Martial’s showing and compared him to their African attacker, as you can see below.

[ad_pod ]

Loads of Tottenham fans have been reacting to their setback against West Ham, and they’re really not happy with Eric Dier’s verdict on the match.

After all four of the sides chasing those final two Champions League places dropped points last week, Spurs were perfectly placed to put all the pressure on their top four rivals on Saturday.

They did the complete opposite though, as West Ham became the first visiting team both to score at the new stadium and to win there.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals what Lasagne-Gate was really like for Tottenham’s food-poisoned stars – Check out the video below…

It was a match with very few clear-cut chances as the Lilywhites clearly missed the influence of Harry Kane, and Michail Antonio grabbed the only goal of the game in the second half, latching onto a great ball from Marko Arnautovic and firing past Hugo Lloris.

Dier though, who has recently returned from injury and played the full 90 minutes, says his side were just missing that final pass.

“We were constantly getting into good positions but we were just missing that final pass or that final touch, final shot, and then we’ve conceded a very poor goal,” he said.

Perhaps needless to say, fans do not agree with the 25 year-old, and you can see some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

With the current goalscoring run he is on, Shane Long has managed to temporarily solve Ralph Hasenhuttl’s No.9 dilemma at Southampton. 

Since arriving at St. Mary’s, up front has been a problem area for the Austrian, with Danny Ings constantly picking up injuries and Long himself previously having difficulties when it has come to finding the back of the net.

And while the 32-year-old has finally been able to find some form in recent weeks, those earlier difficulties, along with some other factors, are still likely to cause Hasenhuttl to dip into the summer transfer market for a new No.9.

In this moment of time, that No.9 looks to be RB Leipzig’s Jean-Kevin Augustin, with the Daily Mirror (via Tribal Football) reporting that Hasenhuttl is keen on a reunion with his former striker.

And assessing the 21-year-old’s skill set, it is not hard to see why. All things considered, he looks perfect for the Saints.

To go with his pace, explosiveness and finishing ability, Augustin also has the energy to press high and hassle down opposition defenders on the ball, something Hasenhuttl is trying to encourage at his new club.

If the France U21 international can bring all of that to the pitch, then the St. Mary’s faithful could be in for a real treat.

Southampton fans, do you want to see Augustin at St. Mary’s next season? Join the discussion by commenting below.