All posts by n8rngtd.top

Talk about a rollercoaster of a year for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side had an impressive start to 2020, lifting both the FA Cup and Community Shield in the summer and making some impressive signings in the transfer window – Thomas Partey’s arrival in particular looked to be the start of a new revolution at the Emirates.

But since then, things have taken a turn for the worse, and the Gunners are facing an uphill task when the new year rolls around.

Before that though, just how much of 2020 do you actually remember? Whether it’s been highs or lows, Arsenal have had their fair share of excitement and entertainment on and off the pitch.

FootballFanCast have put together a quiz testing your knowledge of just closely you were following the Gunners. Consider yourself a real die-hard fan? Prove it!

What score do you think you’ll get?

Completed it? Why not share it with your friends and family and see who the real Arsenal fan is!

Liverpool are the latest Premier League side to be credited with an interest in SC Braga centre-back David Carmo and the Brazilian could be the man to solve the defensive crisis at the Merseyside club.

What’s the word?

According to Portuguese news outlet Record (via Sport Witness), the Reds are reportedly keen on signing the 21-year-old this month, whilst Leicester City and Manchester United have both previously been credited with an interest.

It is also suggested that the Brazilian is ‘protected’ by a €40 million release clause, although the report suggests that the Merseyside club could negotiate a lower fee, and with Michael Edwards in charge, this definitely seems like a possibility.

Could he solve Liverpool’s defensive crisis?

Jurgen Klopp is currently without any of his senior centre-back options at Liverpool, following long-term injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, whilst Joel Matip also picked up an injury recently.

We have seen Fabinho fill in superbly this season, whilst Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips have also performed well when called upon by Klopp, but with the Reds now level on points with Manchester United at the top of the table, it seems clear that these options likely won’t be enough for the Merseyside club to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League, in their hopes of retaining the title.

Carmo has made five appearances in the Europa League this season, averaging a solid 6.79 rating whilst his seven appearances in the Liga NOS have resulted in a less impressive 6.54 rating.

Worryingly, he has also picked up six yellow cards and two red cards in all competitions in this campaign, and the last thing Liverpool need is to sign a centre-back only for him to be missing time through suspension.

However, his 6 foot 5 frame could be very helpful for Liverpool in replacing Van Dijk, as they have missed the Dutchman’s aerial threat when attacking and defending set-pieces this season.

Carmo is just 21-years-old and clearly wouldn’t be attracting interest from these top Premier League sides if they didn’t think he had a lot of potential in the future, so perhaps Liverpool should bite the bullet and sign him during this month’s transfer window.

Whilst the Reds have been credited with an interest in Lille centre-back Sven Botman recently, he only joined the French side in the summer so perhaps Carmo is a more realistic option for the Reds to sign in the coming weeks.

And, in other news… Shades of Lovren: Edwards must steer LFC clear of error prone disaster

As Victor Orta dotted the Is and crossed the Ts in the summer transfer window, he did so knowing he’d signed a collective group of players capable of taking Leeds towards a brighter future.

Of course, Rodrigo’s addition stole the headlines but it cannot be underestimated the work Orta did in securing a host of players for their academy.

The likes of Joe Gelhardt, Cody Drameh and Crysencio Summerville all arrived to bolster the ranks in the U23s but the young player who has caught the attention the most is Sam Greenwood.

The teenager took the bold decision to leave his hometown of Sunderland in 2018 to join Arsenal, but just two years later he was moving back up north.

This time his destination was Leeds United, and since arriving, he hasn’t looked back.

Gelhardt was the main attraction as far as young prospects go last summer but it’s Greenwood who has impressed more than anyone.

The 18-year-old has been superb for the U23s and already has six goals in just nine outings this term. A minor injury set him back but the highs have certainly outweighed the lows in his first few months at Thorp Arch.

He scored a hat-trick against Sunderland and is very nearly ready for first-team action. His left foot is as sweet as a nut and he is an instinctive finisher capable of hitting rasping drives. It’s no wonder that he’s been compared to Robin van Persie – someone with a breathtaking shot and left foot.

Talking about Greenwood earlier this season, Joe Donnohue of Leeds Live said: “His start may have been excellent, so imagine how much better he could be with consistent football.”

Excellent is something that typifies the teenager perfectly and in a month where Leeds favourably look away from entering the transfer market, he could profit significantly.

The likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Diego Costa have been touted with moves but the Whites should forget about those attackers and focus on promoting within.

Greenwood is as explosive as they come and would surely suit the style of football Marcelo Bielsa plays perfectly.

He deserves his chance as much as any at Leeds.

AND in other news, “He’d fit into Bielsa’s team” – Exclusive: Pundit claims £30m gem would be perfect Leeds signing…

Lee Ryder was left slamming the display of Joelinton as Newcastle United lost 3-0 away at Arsenal in the Premier League on Monday night.

Mikel Arteta’s team ran out very comfortable winners in the end thanks to two goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and one for Bukayo Saka as the Gunners dominated the game in large spells with far more possession, shots and passes than their opponents (Sofascore).

There were many poor performances on the night for the St. James’ Park faithful, but Joelinton in particular received plenty of criticism from Ryder.

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, the football journalist described the 24-year-old as ‘not effective’ and gave him a mere 3/10 overall rating for the match, which was the joint-second worst he gave behind Jonjo Shelvey (2).

Joelinton ineffective for Newcastle

This rating from Ryder was reflected within the stats as well, as the Brazilian had fewer touches of the ball (38) than his own goalkeeper in Karl Darlow in total (44), in addition to failing to record a single shot on goal at the Emirates Stadium (Sofascore).

If his shooting boots were not on, his creative ones were not either, as he failed to make a key pass, cross or long ball, also losing no fewer than seven of his duels, the most lost out of any of his teammates to have set foot on the field of play (Sofascore).

It was a night to forget for Joelinton, as Steve Bruce’s side were deservedly beaten once again.

In other news, find out what beIN update Ben Jacobs has dropped that could affect any possible takeover here!

There are various rumours surrounding Glasgow Rangers’ targets in the January transfer window, but one consistent theme appears to be that a left-winger is Steven Gerrard’s top priority, which won’t come as much of a surprise to Rangers fans.

Rangers let highly-rated teenager Kai Kennedy leave on loan for Raith Rovers after he put pen to paper on a new deal at Ibrox, Brandon Barker and Jordan Jones have been deemed surplus to requirements, and Ryan Kent’s future is uncertain, according to Football Insider.

However, one of their transfer targets could be a like-for-like replacement for Kent in the form of Anderlecht versatile forward Francis Amuzu.

Reports have emerged over the past week linking the £2.8m-rated Anderlecht winger with a reunion with his former teammate Kemar Roofe this month. Belgian outlet Voetbal24.be claims Gerrard is a big fan of Amuzu, who scored against Charleroi this week.

The 21-year-old has been in decent nick for Vincent Kompany’s side this season, with a goal and an assist in just ten starts in the Jupiler Pro League so far.

It’s easy to see why Gerrard is so keen to sign him too, given his decent return for Anderlecht, as he could add a natural threat on the left-hand side of the pitch and still has room to improve at the age of 21.

Whilst he has largely failed to establish himself as a regular starter under Kompany, his performance levels haven’t dipped in the slightest; he currently averages more shots, key passes and dribbles per game than Barker and Jones. Although Kent’s attacking contributions are superior in almost every area, Amuzu has actually been fouled more times, which shows he can be a real handful for any defence.

If fans still need persuading otherwise, Kompany previously told Voetbal Primeur: “I think Francis can teach our team a lot. I know there is no unanimity about the boy, but as a trainer, I will stay calm about that.

“Francis makes progress and always offers something. The competition will only make him better.”

Signing Amuzu would be an immediate upgrade on the likes of Barker and Jones and give Kent some much-needed competition – against Charleroi, he was rated as the best player on the pitch for both sides by WhoScored in the 3-0 win at Lotto Park. There’s no doubt he could be a fine fit for the 54-time Scottish champions should Kent depart Ibrox in the near future.

AND in other news, Rangers can sign perfect Steven Davis successor in Nnamdi Ofoborh…

Newcastle United full-back Emil Krafth shone for Steve Bruce after coming on to replace the injured Javier Manquillo in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Southampton.

Bruce opted to field Manquillo in the Toon’s starting line-up but soon lost the Spaniard after just 24 minutes, with the defender forced off after sustaining an apparent muscular issue.

Krafth had not featured in a Premier League match since producing a difficult display in a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on January 18th, after which the 26-year-old was linked with a move away from St. James’ Park amid alleged interest from Super Lig side Istanbul Basaksehir.

Krafth was seen as believing that his recall to the side which lost at the Emirates served as a second chance, having started only his fourth top-flight fixture of the campaign in north London after being left an unused substitute nine times and omitted from four prior squads.

It turned out not to be the case with Bruce leaving the £3.5m-rated full-back on the bench in United’s following four matches, but Krafth more than took his chance to impress against Southampton when the Magpies needed him the most.

Much of the acclaim for the Toon seeing out their 3-2 win headed the way of Isaac Hayden, after the midfielder was again called on as a makeshift centre-back following a raft of injuries at the back.

The Chronicle and The Northern Echo both awarded Hayden a nine out of 10 rating for his performance against the Saints, as the Arsenal product produced an array of crucial clearances and did superbly well to repel an onslaught of late attacks.

Krafth, meanwhile, was given a six for his efforts by Chronicle Live and a seven from The Northern Echo, to leave the 24-cap outcast the unsung hero of only Newcastle’s second win in 14 games across all competitions.

Krafth has often struggled when called upon by Bruce of late, having turned in a horror show display against West Bromwich Albion in December and being run ragged at Arsenal last month.

But, even when walking on a knife-edge after being shown a yellow card in first-half stoppage-time, the £57,000-per-week full-back did not let Newcastle down against Southampton as he helped to batten down the hatches on Saturday.

While Hayden was praised for his clearances, Krafth registered a joint-game high seven of them alongside Paul Dummett as they worked in tandem to protect Karl Darlow’s goal and United’s lead, per WhoScored.

Krafth, like Hayden, also registered an interception but unlike his 25-year-old teammate, the first-half introduction further won possession with each of his two attempted tackles. Hayden, meanwhile, failed to claim the ball with his only attempted lunge as one of just three Toon members to have been dribbled past by a Saints player.

The 6ft full-back and Hayden also won possession in the air twice from three and two duels and committed two fouls each, with the only aspect in which Krafth – who also won four of six ground duels, per SofaScore – truly lacked was in retaining possession as he completed just 46% of his 13 passes by prioritising keeping danger away from Darlow rather than pinpoint accuracy.

Krafth did not do enough to steal the headlines on a day Miguel Almiron hit a brace, Joe Willock scored on his debut and Allan Saint-Maximin registered two assists, but his efforts deserve a lot more acknowledgement than they’ve received.

AND in other news, Newcastle saw an £11.5m bid rejected for a 22-year-old talent protected by a £53m release clause in January…

Whilst Southampton will be disappointed with the manner in which they were defeated against Wolves on Sunday afternoon, one positive they can take from the game is the performance of Stuart Armstrong.

The Scottish international was excellent in midweek and sealed the FA Cup win over the same opponents with a late goal, and he was on top form once again at St Mary’s.

He did superbly to create the opening goal of the game, skipping past two Wolves defenders before delivering an inch-perfect cross for Danny Ings to slam home on the volley.

The former Celtic man was at the heart of a lot of good things that Southampton did in the first half, and when he was replaced in the second half, they were unable to find a way back into the game.

As per SofaScore, Armstrong would earn an impressive 7.7 match rating for his display on Sunday, which was the best of any player on the pitch, with Ings earning a 7.5 rating by comparison.

During his time on the pitch, the 28-year-old, who earns £50k per week at Southampton, would have 38 touches of the ball and complete 17/21 passes, which was significantly more than Ings, despite the striker playing the entire game.

Armstrong was also successful in all three of his dribble attempts against the Old Gold, which is an improvement on his season average of 1.9 dribbles per game in the Premier League.

Perhaps most impressively was the Scottish international’s ability to win duels, as he would win 9/10 of his duels during the game, resulting in an impressive 90% success rate, which was the best of any player who started the match.

Therefore, despite the disappointing defeat, it is clear that this was another excellent performance from Armstrong, and it is a shame that he was taken off in the second half, as the stats suggest that he was the best player on the pitch up to that point.

And, in other news… Semmens should seal Southampton swoop for 20 y/o who’s better than Djenepo

Sunderland firmly have the bit between their teeth at the moment after pushing into the playoff places in League One.

The Mackems may be incredibly injury-hit but they have come through a tough and unrelenting period.

They were missing Tom Flanagan, Bailey Wright and Jordan Willis on Saturday but still beat Burton and managed to keep a clean sheet in the process.

Bailey Wright is set to miss another few weeks but Callum McFadzean may be safe to return after missing out last time out because of concussion protocol.

With all this in mind, how will Johnson choose to line-up his depleted troops against Fleetwood on Tuesday night?

Here’s the XI we’re predicting to take to the field for Sunderland. We’re tipping just one change to be made which sees Jake Vokins dropped from the XI.

The left-back has had a difficult start to life in the north-east, enduring what Roker Report essentially suggested was one of the worst debut performances they’d seen. As a result, the dynamic and exciting winger Jordan Jones comes into the XI.

The £9.1k-per-week Rangers loanee came off the bench last time out and set up the final goal. His cameo was eye-catching and now is the time to hand him more regular game time after building up his match fitness.

Besides that it’s an unchanged team from the one that defeated the Brewers. That means Luke O’Nien and Connor McLaughlin continue as makeshift centre backs next to Dion Sanderson.

Lynden Gooch maintains his place on the right just behind Aiden O’Brien after scoring last weekend.

AND in other news, 1 goal in 15 games: SAFC ace who left Parkinson fuming has been a passenger for months…

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans are reacting to a tweet from Dom Howson following the defeat to Luton on Saturday in the Championship.

The journalist tweeted: “Sorry #SWFC plumb to new depths after second-half horror show at Luton Town.” The game looked to be in the hands of the Owls thanks to two first half goals from Josh Windass (SofaScore). However in the second-half, the club put in an abysmal display and conceded three goals, two within eight minutes of each other and one in the final five minutes.

The result really doesn’t help their relegation campaign. As things stand, if they had one, they would have only been three points from safety, but now because they have lost they are six points away (SofaScore).

It doesn’t help manager Neil Thompson either, as it means they have now lost their last four games in a row (BBC Sport). It is a weird situation for the club, as Thompson is only in temporarily, and Dejphon Chansiri needs to sort out the managerial situation to make sure they don’t get relegated.

 Here is how Wednesday fans reacted to the tweet:

“Can any of the players (not the manager) try to explain what happened and why.”

Credit: @HillsboroughS6

“We know. We also know we need to hear from our chairman. The articles all merge atm Dom. The problems clear, the fans deserve to know what’s going on.”

Credit: @MrPaulPashley

“I’ve got six. Players, coach, chairman all not interested in what happens. Repeat six times.”

Credit: @hubery_dean

“Sorry you have to report on this train wreck Dom. Your work is appreciated”

Credit: @Andrewf29431432

“Chansiri needs to find the right manager to deal with League 1 and get him in to start planning for next season and build a new squad from scratch. I’d say Ryan Lowe if he was allowed to get on with the job without those above messing”

Credit: @GAimages

“Only one man to blame and that’s your pal chansiri but you don’t ask him difficult questions and question his running of the club as it will stop you getting these fake exclusives”

Credit: @AskhamLuke

“No need to apologise Dom. Even Chansiri wouldn’t blame you for that debacle.”

Credit: @1867news

In other news, many Owls fans reacted to this injury update!

Carlo Ancelotti must ruthlessly axe Bernard from the Everton starting line-up for Monday’s Premier League clash with top four rivals Chelsea.

The Toffees visit Stamford Bridge with a chance to move above Thomas Tuchel’s Blues in the race for Champions League qualification, having lost ground after the west Londoners’ 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday night.

Everton momentarily sat fourth after beating West Bromwich Albion thanks to a sole strike from Richarlison, after the Brazilian headed home his 12th goal of the season in all competitions by connecting with Gylfi Sigurdsson’s delivery.

Bernard had opened the midweek affair at The Hawthorns for only his third start of the Premier League campaign, as Ancelotti sought to afford Sigurdsson a rest after the Iceland playmaker featured in Monday night’s 1-0 win at home to Southampton.

Ancelotti was without summer signing James Rodriguez against Sam Allardyce’s relegation-threatened Baggies due to injury, and the Colombian remains a concern for Monday’s trip to the capital to face Tuchel’s high-flying Chelsea.

The Blues are unbeaten in their 10 games played under the former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund head coach to date, winning seven and drawing three of all fixtures across all competitions since his appointment in January.

Everton have claimed 14 points from a possible 27 in the Premier League to Chelsea’s 18 from 24 in the same period, only Manchester City (24 out of 24) have claimed more than the Londoners.

If the Toffees are to now deal Chelsea their first defeat under Tuchel, Ancelotti will have to axe Bernard, having seen the Brazilian maestro fail to offer anywhere near enough during his time on the field against West Brom.

While the intent was often there from Bernard on Thursday, his influence on proceedings was far too infrequent, and not much of what the £13.5m-rated midfielder attempted came off.

A January target for United Arab Emirates outfit Al Nasr, the Brazilian’s best moment of the match came late in the first half when he was involved in a nice piece of interplay with Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin which would only result in Richarlison’s effort being deflected out for a corner.

Bernard can argue that he was not match-sharp, having only played 22 minutes of Premier League football since starting on New Year’s Day before featuring at The Hawthorns, but his display only served to prove why Ancelotti is seemingly reluctant to field the 28-year-old. He failed to pick out a team-mate from any of his crosses and gave the ball away 16 times, a figure exceeded by just one Everton player (via SofaScore).

Sigurdsson, in contrast, made his impact tell from the off after replacing Doucoure in the 64th minute, with the former Swansea City playmaker providing the delivery for Richarlison’s goal and earning Ancelotti’s praise post-game.

“I think when he came in, we changed the system on the pitch, we played with a diamond,” the Italian said, via quotes from the Liverpool Echo’s Adam Jones. “When Sigurdsson came in, he played his game, he played 30 minutes with confidence.”

Ancelotti will need that confidence from all of his players at Stamford Bridge if Everton are to beat Chelsea, and Bernard will not be expected to offer it.

AND in other news, Everton can sign a £13.5m-rated brute Carlo Ancelotti thinks is “excellent” for free…