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Blackburn Rovers produced a woeful first half performance against Middlesbrough at Ewood Park on Sunday. Boro were good value for their 1-0 half-time lead, courtesy of a Britt Assombalonga strike. Despite a second half improvement, Rovers couldn’t overturn the deficit and slumped to their fourth consecutive Championship defeat.

After the game, Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray gave his verdict on his side’s first half display.

What he said

As quoted by the Lancashire Telegraph, Mowbray was damning in his assessment of his team’s performance.

The 55-year-old said, “I didn’t recognise many of them first half I would have to say…We didn’t compete, I’m not sure where it came from.”

How much money could you make busking for a week as a freestyle footballer? Find out in the video below…

Mowbray acknowledged that his side showed more spirit and quality after the break, but the game was lost in the opening 45 minutes, “we nearly sneaked something in the second half which was much better, but the first half we don’t see want any performances of that level ever again.”

Rovers are currently 14th in Championship and probably safe from relegation fears, but Mowbray must arrest his side’s dismal run of form soon. His comments after Sunday’s defeat indicate the frustration he is feeling with his squad.

What he meant

Mowbray’s words can be considered as a warning to his squad. The likes of Jack Rodwell and Corry Evans need to improve. There is some talent in this Blackburn squad, but they aren’t showing it.

Mowbray will hope that his public condemnation of their first half display elicits a positive response from the group. 

In the opening period against Middlesbrough, Rovers didn’t manage a single shot on target and were penned back in their own territory for much of the half. In a home game, that simply isn’t acceptable. Mowbray’s words need to have their intended effect, for the sake of the remainder of Blackburn’s season.

Manchester United welcomes Leicester City to Old Trafford in their return to the Premier League after the international break and Ralf Rangnick’s side put in a less than inspiring performance in their 1-1 draw with the Foxes.

The Red Devils just about controlled possession over the course of the game, with 54% of the ball and two more shots on target than their opponents, but they were unable to deliver the crucial win they needed to keep them firmly in the top four race.

They find themselves four points behind Arsenal, who are yet to play this weekend, and the fourth-placed Gunners could go seven points clear of United if they win on Monday night, with one extra game still in hand too.

Despite having two more shots on target, the home side were unable to convert their chances, with Leicester going 1-0 up through Kelechi Iheanacho in the 63rd minute, although United were quick to respond with Fred netting the equaliser just three minutes after.

The game was full of controversial decisions which will leave fans talking long after the game, with Scott McTominay making a questionable challenge on James Maddison minutes into the second half and a goal disallowed by Maddison after VAR picked up an Iheanacho foul on Raphael Varane in the build-up.

One player who struggled to perform for United today was Anthony Elanga, who failed to make an impact throughout the game and cost them their last chance when Marcus Rashford was brought down in the box in an odd mix-up from the youngster, who was caught offside tangling himself up with his strike partner.

According to SofaScore, Elanga – who was dubbed a “great talent” by Swedish compatriot Zlatan Ibrahimović – was rated the worst player in the team (6.4) behind Paul Pogba and Alex Telles after losing the ball once every three touches, failed to accurately place any of his three crosses and was caught offside twice throughout the match.

Ultimately the 19-year-old’s performance was more of a hinderance than a help in the forward line at Old Trafford this evening, and Rangnick will surely be exchanging words with the young attacker about his positioning and mistakes throughout the game.

United have a huge challenge on their hands to gain a spot in the top four to secure Champions League football next season and will now need to rely on Arsenal dropping points to have a chance at stealing fourth at the end of the season. There is no room for error anymore and Elanga’s performance this evening will have only further contributed to a season of despair for the Red Devils.

In other news: Rangnick must wield the axe on “embarrassing” £180k-p/w MUFC dud this summer

Some Glasgow Rangers fans have been left bemoaning some news that has emerged involving Alfredo Morelos.

As per Sky Sports, the striker has been called up to the latest Colombia squad for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Argentina on January 28th and February 1st respectively.

This means that he will now miss their Old Firm clash against Celtic at Parkhead on February 2nd, as well as Ross County.

It will come as a big blow to Giovanni van Bronckhorst, given Morelos’ recent form, after he was named the Scottish Premiership’s Player of the Month (POTM) for December after picking up four goals and an assist in six games.

Nonetheless, with the gap at the top of the table now just four points after the Teddy Bears drew 1-1 at Aberdeen, it is a crucial match that they will now have to play without the 25-year-old.

Rangers fans on Morelos news

These supporters of the Light Blues bemoaned the news as it was shared across Twitter, with one Ger even going as far as to claim that he would be a ‘massive loss’:

“A huge loss but we won’t get game postponed like other clubs when missing players”

Credit: @Suzanne65308156

“Morelos will be a massive loss for us against them”

Credit: @craigtaylor_72

“Down to the bare bones! If only we had just freed up Defoe’s wages, got £5m compensation for Gerrard leaving and £12m up front for Patterson to spend some money in a season that’s arguably bigger than the last one ….”

Credit: @ScottPaterson92

“NOOOO”

Credit: @gregorjhh

“Postpone it.”

Credit: @TheFamousRFC

“Big blow as he’s absolutely slapped them about in recent times. Sakala, Roofe, Itten more than capable of stepping up”

Credit: @Lewis4747

In other news, find out what player’s revelation RFC fans have flocked to here!

Graeme Bailey has revealed that Eddie Howe is now personally pushing to sign Hugo Ekitike for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Progressing…

Newcastle’s January business has started in impressive fashion, securing deals for two experienced internationals in the shape of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, but there are still over two weeks left to make more additions.

Bailey reported earlier this week that the St. James’ Park faithful are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Ekitike, and even with the arrival of Wood it seems like the Magpies will push ahead for a deal.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium clearly feel the impact of the injury to Callum Wilson cannot be offset by just one arrival, and the latest update on the Reims forward sounds extremely promising.

The Latest: Howe wants him

As per Bailey, Howe is now pushing to sign Ekitike, and ideally wanted him to be signed before they play Watford at home in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon:

“Told that Eddie Howe is pushing Newcastle hard to get the deal for Reims highly-rated forward Hugo Ekitike done.

“Howe wants the teenager to be signed in time to feature against Watford on Saturday along with Chris Wood.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Ekitike would now not be registered in time to face the Hornets even if talks progress quickly, as the top flight game-week kicks off on Friday night when Brighton take on Crystal Palace.

That said, the North East club can still sign him in time for when they play Leeds United away from home next week, another big game at the bottom of the table.

With Wilson still out injured, Ekitike and Wood should be able to provide sufficient cover for him until he gets back, and the former is perhaps more of a signing for the long-term anyway.

Bailey has claimed himself that Ekitike is an ‘outstanding talent’, and cited that many people in French football believe that he could be the ‘next Mbappe’.

High praise indeed for the 19-year-old, who seems to have the world at his feet.

Nonetheless, with Wood offering the immediate injection of top-flight experience, Ekitike could be signed with less risk and pressure, and he certainly could be an exciting player to watch for the Toon Army, having bagged eight goals in just ten Ligue 1 starts this term.

In other news, find out which ‘powerful’ beast NUFC are now eyeing here!

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has revealed that Aston Villa are “confident” of making two more new signings in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Steven Gerrard’s side have already enjoyed a successful first few weeks of the transfer window thus far, signing the likes of Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho and watching both of them deliver the goods in recent games in the Premier League.

Now, Evans has indicated that Villa’s work in the transfer market is not done just yet.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “Gerrard has identified defensive midfield as the priority and had Rodrigo Bentancur watched in person on Sunday night. #AVFC know the fee required to get him. Villa are confident of getting a DM in before the deadline + a back-up centre-half.”

Fans will be excited

Talk about the impact a couple of new signings can make.

Coutinho marked his debut for the club by netting the all-important equaliser against Manchester United a couple of weeks ago, before Digne got in on the action by supplying the assist for Emi Buendia’s winner against Everton at the weekend.

It’s all changed the mood at Villa Park, and set the club up for a very exciting end to the second-half of the Premier League season.

Evans’ update that Villa are still keen on bringing in two new signings, and that they are “confident” of bringing in a new holding midfielder – Bentancur being the man in the frame at the moment – is sure to have fans buzzing.

Gerrard has come in and lifted spirits since the disappointing end to Dean Smith’s tenure at the club, and the two marquee additions of Coutinho and Digne have just galvanised things.

Certainly, the Villa manager has a major pull when it comes to convincing potential new players to join, and the fans will be hoping he can work his magic once again with Bentancur.

Meanwhile, Villa are set to launch a move for this star…

In addition to their poor results in the Premier League so far this season with just three wins in 18 games, Leeds United have had to deal with a lot of injury issues throughout the campaign with the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford, Charlie Cresswell, Rodrigo, Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk currently out.

Looking specifically at Phillips, Marcelo Bielsa’s side seem to struggle when he’s not in the side, mainly from a defensive point of view having lost five of the six league games he’s missed so far this season.

With this in mind and the fact that the January transfer window is close to opening, one player that the Yorkshire club could bring in that could potentially fill in for the injured England international and help the team’s leaky defence with 36 conceded, is Celta Vigo midfielder Okay Yokuslu.

Having been linked with a move for the former West Bromwich Albion loanee in the past, Yokuslu has been suggested for a move to Elland Road by Kevin Phillips who recently said that Yokuslu “would be a great option” for a potential January move, even more so that Reading’s John Swift, who Leeds have been linked to recently.

During his time at West Brom last season when the Baggies were relegated, Yokuslu managed to end the campaign as their joint-highest rated player with an overall performance rating of 6.96/10 alongside attacker Matheus Pereira according to WhoScored, showing just how capable he is of playing in the Premier League.

He also managed to rack up an average of 2.4 tackles per game, the second-highest of anyone at West Brom last season and 2.2 interceptions per game, higher than any other Baggies player, proving why he was labelled as a “tenacious” player by Kyle Bartley.

As well as this, Yokuslu was on the end of a lot of praise from Sam Allardyce who brought the player to West Brom by likening him to Fernando Hierro and Ivan Campo.

Looking ahead to January, Victor Orta could help Bielsa fix Leeds’ issue of being defensively weaker without Phillips in the team by securing a deal for Yokuslu to see if he can have the same sort of impact he had last term, remaining as defensively strong for the Yorkshire side this time around as he was for West Brom.

In other news: Leeds can start 2022 with a bang if Orta agrees terms with £38k-p/w “destroyer” in Jan – opinion

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted over what some have called ‘massive news’ as an off-field development comes to light.

Recently, Czech billionaire and part-Sparta Prague owner Daniel Kretinsky purchased a minority 27% stake in the club with the alleged option to buy West Ham outright at a later date.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-developments-2/” title=”West Ham developments” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

This prompted theories that Kretinsky’s new-found involvement with the club could eventually spell an end to GSB’s ownership and now, as per The Evening Standard, those murmurs may be proven correct.

According to their information, the 46-year-old has indeed agreed an option to buy the club outright at a set price and a deal could go through as early as 2023. This could see Kretinsky complete a full takeover of the club at that date even if he isn’t ‘obliged’ to take up that option.

West Ham fans buzzing…

Given the protests and turmoil surrounding GSB’s ownership in recent years, heighted by their unpopular decision to leave the Boleyn Ground, it’s little wonder so many Irons supporters are pleased with this update.

The prospect of a potential full takeover as early as 2023 certainly has supporters excited, as you can see from the Twitter reaction below:

“Tears”

Credit: @dthomson123

“Massive news”

Credit: @statoblue

“GSB GONEEEEE”

Credit: @TalkinWestHam

“Jheeeeee big things coming”

Credit: @SeanLiggett96

“SIUUUU”

Credit: @westham_hub

“wow”

Credit: @whujoe

“Best news in West Ham history”

Credit: @NathWHU_

In other news: ‘Love this club so much’, ‘Makes me happy’ – Many West Ham fans erupt over ‘beautiful’ club post

Wolves will head into the summer market with the need to add more bodies to their rather small ranks, something that has needed overseeing ever since the days of Nuno Santo.

The likes of Adama Traore and Trincao have rather unclear futures in the Midlands but it looks as though a potential replacement is in the minds of Jeff Shi and co.

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, Wolves are one of the teams plotting a move to sign Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos this summer.

They will face a battle with Premier League rivals West Ham to secure his signature in what could be a blockbuster deal.

It’s thought the Argentine winger’s release clause stands at a mighty £58m, although it seems unlikely a fee such as that will be required to land his services.

Terrorising Wolves

If Wolves can secure a deal for Ocampos, they could finally replace Diogo Jota in their ranks at Molineux.

The attacker left for Liverpool in the summer of 2020 and has quickly become one of the most feared prospects in the Premier League.

Jota has found the net on 20 occasions in 41 outings throughout the current campaign.

Ocampos has beat the goalkeeper eight times himself, while also registering four assists so his numbers aren’t quite as mesmerising. However, there are certainly similarities between the two.

Dubbed “electric” by Fede Prami, a journalist and River Plate fan, the Argentina international has shown his dazzling trickery with 1.6 dribbles per game this tally, a statistic that is rather synonymous with Jota’s mazy abilities.

Furthermore, he has been fouled on 1.8 occasions per match, demonstrating that he loves to draw defenders in and win opportunities up the field for his team.

Wolves have seen first-hand just how devastating he can be, as he tore Matt Doherty apart when Sevilla met Wolves in the Europa League back in 2020.

The 26-year-old scored the goal which separated the two sides, on the night and completed an eye-catching five dribbles during the contest.

Ocampos also provided two crosses and managed four shots as Doherty had a night to forget.

The Irishman could only succeed with 55% of his passes and failed to block a single shot from the boot of Ocampos. He did manage four successful tackles but that was representative of what the Sevilla winger was doing to him down the flanks.

On that evidence, he’d be a rather exciting signing for the Old Gold.

AND in other news, Lage can axe “toothless” Wolves flop with swoop for “breathtaking” £28.8m-rated star…

Arsenal came into 2022 with their tail between their legs, buoyed by a renewed sense of both purpose and optimism.

However, as supporters at N5 will be quick to tell you, the roof at the Emirates Stadium can cave in as quick as you can say Edu.

The Brazilian technical director is currently taking a considerable amount of flack from the fanbase in Islington and it’s hardly a surprise when you consider the position the Gunners find themselves in.

Cast your minds back just a matter of weeks and it looked as though Arsenal were in the driving seat to seal a top-four place.

They had won five games on the spin in all competitions and headed towards the New Year looking rather rosy.

However, 2022 has been desperately unkind to Arteta and his team. They are yet to win this year, have scored just once for their troubles and have been dumped out of both domestic cup competitions. All hope of silverware has been evaporated and their transfer plans for January have been thrown into disarray.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s exile from the team initially appeared to be a masterstroke but it is now biting Arteta where it hurts most; results on the pitch.

Long-term, it’s a decision that’s proving detrimental to Arsenal and until they sign a new forward, it will continue to be the elephant in the room.

Alexandre Lacazette has benefitted the club’s young players phenomenally well, complementing Emile Smith Rowe, Buyako Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s pace. Yet, when the big moment arrives, the Frenchman is often found wanting.

You cannot fault Lacazette’s determination, nor can you fault his will. What you can criticise, however, is his ability in front of goal.

The striker latched onto a lovely ball over the top from Albert Sambi Lokonga against Liverpool in midweek, only to send his effort haplessly over the bar. Then again, when a big opportunity came against Burnley, he failed to take it. Smith Rowe darted to the byline and then pulled the ball back for his forward but a simple tap in was fired wide of the far post.

Arsenal may have games in hand but a place in the Champions League next season is now out of their hands.

What makes the situation even more frustrating is that a move for Dusan Vlahovic – the key missing piece of the jigsaw – is now unlikely to arrive in January.

As a result, Arteta and Edu will need to consider alternatives. Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad is under consideration, as too is Everton livewire Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Yet, if the club wants to continue their youthful revolution, signing RB Salzburg’s Karim Adeyemi could bear fruit.

Arsenal were linked with a move for the 20-year-old late last year and it’s thought he could set the club back €40m (£34m), considerably cheaper than any deal for Vlahovic this winter.

The young attacker may not boast the power or aggression of the Fiorentina striker, but his left foot is just as dangerous and he’s a very tricky customer to deal with.

Adeyemi is currently enjoying a breakthrough campaign in Austria, starring for the same team and in the same division that Erling Haaland enjoyed so much success in and made his name.

The former has 14 goals in 17 league matches this term, taking his tally in all competitions for the campaign to an impressive 18 strikes.

That kind of composure in front of goal is what Arsenal are desperately missing right now and given his potential, he’d be a wonderful acquisition to Arteta’s side.

Two appraisals from talent scout, Jacek Kulig, perfectly summarise Adeyemi’s qualities. Taking to Twitter at the start of the term, he said that the German was having an “atomic” campaign.

Then, in September, Kulig commented: “Pace, acceleration, movement, flair, agility. Top. He’s such a nightmare for defenders.”

All of that should be music to the ears of Arsenal supporters, especially when you compare him to Lacazette, a striker who isn’t as mobile as he once was, somebody who lacks flair, agility and the prospect of tormenting centre-backs.

Thus, if Vlahovic cannot be brought to the Emirates, it’s Adeyemi who Arsenal’s hierarchy must consider instead.

AND in other news, “My information is”: Ornstein drops huge Arsenal transfer claim, fans will be buzzing…

Wolves will take on one of the hardest fixtures of the season for any team in the Premier League today as they face Manchester City at the Ethiad Stadium.

Bruno Lage will need to go into this game with an immediate attacking threat and an early goal if possible to break down the incredible talents thriving in the Premier League champions’ starting XI.

Wolves are currently eighth in the Premier League table, with only one win from their last five games, but they may just fancy their chances of causing an upset at the Etihad in the early kick-off today to secure three points and get back into the conversation for a European spot in the league table.

With that being said, here’s how Football Fancast thinks Bruno Lage will set up his team against Manchester City…

Whilst there are only two changes in this line-up to the Wolves side we saw against Liverpool last weekend, they are both massive changes with the potential to have a positive impact and give Wolves a real chance of scoring in this game.

Daniel Podence returns after a viral infection, and many fans may well be buzzing to see the 26-year-old gem back in the side. He has offered plenty of attacking threat to the team so far this season, with two goals and two assists.

The Portuguese winger will be a welcome addition back into the team and could take the place of Adama Traore, who was hailed as a “fantastic talent” by Tim Sherwood last season.

The Spaniard has still failed to register a single goal or assist for his team in 16 appearances this term, which should put Lage off selecting the 25-year-old, as Wolves need to be clinical with their chances against Manchester City’s defence, which is the joint-moist miserly in the Premier League.

Another likely addition to the side is Joao Moutinho in place of Leander Dendoncker, which will be an important change to offer more experience and leadership in the midfield, where Premier League possession leaders Manchester City play a lot of their football.

City will do their best to break down Wolves in the middle of the park, so it’s important for Lage’s side to have experience of coming up against the level of quality in Pep Guardiola’s side.

Lage will be hoping that his team can go to the Etihad and pull off a shock result to give them a huge confidence boost going into the congested run of fixtures coming up at Christmas. The changes we have mooted may just help them to do that.

In other news: Wolves handed double injury boost ahead of Man City clash