Steven Gerrard can’t have much to complain about after Glasgow Rangers thrashed Hamilton Academical in a thrilling 8-0 win at Ibrox to stay nine points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon.
The Light Blues are currently unbeaten in 20 games, stretching all the way back to the 1-0 victory over Aberdeen at the start of the season, and Rangers will look to resume their remarkable run when they face the Dons after the international break.
Scott Arfield combined with Ryan Kent to open the floodgates, as goals from Kemar Roofe and Joe Aribo put the Gers three goals up inside 19 minutes to put the game beyond Hamilton, before Aribo and Roofe doubled their efforts, and Brandon Barker and a brace from club captain James Tavernier capped off Gerrard’s biggest win since he first took charge of the club.
Whilst Aribo, Arfield and Roofe ran riot over the Accies, there was one player who’s poor performance went relatively unnoticed – Ryan Kent.
Before we get started, let’s just make one thing clear – Kent is still one of the club’s best players by a country mile. But that doesn’t mean that he can be totally exempt from criticism, if anything, far from it, as he still has some areas he urgently needs to address, namely working on his aerial duels, which are a glaring weakness.
Per SofaScore, the 23-year-old received a respectable rating of 7.3, but this was the lowest score out of the entire front three – he lost possession more times than Jermain Defoe and Roofe (15), whilst he only won five out of ten duels overall, hit the woodwork once and missed one big chance.
It’s fair to say that this was a rather disappointing display from a player of his standards, as he once again failed to find the back of the net, although he at least assisted Arfield’s opener. In fact, he has failed to score since the 4-0 win over Willem II in the third round of the Europa League qualifying stage this season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Leeds and Aberdeen striker Noel Whelan insisted that the erratic Rangers ace “needs to improve” his finishing and goal contributions in general.
Kent has only scored four goals and supplied two assists in 19 games in all competitions so far this season, whilst he is averaging 2.9 shots per game, via WhoScored. He just needs to be more clinical in front of the goal, that’s for sure. Maybe the international break will give him a chance to rest his weary legs.
AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers chief Ross Wilson may have struck gold with Kai Kennedy loan move…
Glasgow Rangers continued their impressive form with another victory on Wednesday, this time against St Johnstone.
The ‘Gers beat Aberdeen 1-0 in their first match in the Premiership this term before then hammering St Mirren 3-0. They won by the same scoreline in midweek against the Perth outfit, with Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo and Borna Barisic scoring the goals. As it stands, they are top of the table and are five points ahead of their fierce city rivals Celtic.
However, it wasn’t all good news for Steven Gerrard on Wednesday. Unfortunately, new signing Leon Balogun was forced off at half-time, and it has since emerged that he is a doubt for the match against Livingston this weekend.
Many ‘Gers fans have been reacting to the news and it is fair to say they are far from happy – after all, the £720,000-valued Nigeria international, as per Transfermarkt, has helped to keep clean sheets in both of his first two league matches. Some supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts and you can see some of the best comments from the social media platform below:
‘Gers fans, how big a blow is it to see Balogun injured? Let us know what you think by commenting below!
Chelsea are close to finalising a dream transfer window after welcoming a hat-full of exciting new recruits to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues, who will be looking to improve on their fourth place finish last season, boast a very strong-looking squad to help them bridge the gap between Manchester City and Liverpool.
Frank Lampard has had his eye on some mega talent, including Timo Werner who scored an astonishing 34 goals in 45 appearances during his last term with RB Leipzig (via Transfermarkt).
Although the German will make Chelsea much more of a threat in front of goal, Jamie Redknapp has highlighted one of Lampard’s defensive signings as his pick of the bunch.
Indeed, the former Liverpool man thinks Thiago Silva has been a huge coup for the West Londoners and he will be an important part of Lampard’s side.
“It might not be the most exciting, but [their best signing] might end up being Thiago Silva because of his experience,” Redknapp told Sky Sports (via Daily Star). “He’s got an amazing knowhow, he’s played at the top all of his career, he’s played for some of the biggest clubs – the likes of AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.”
Silva made the move from France to England last month after enjoying eight years with the Ligue 1 champions. He joins fellow defender Ben Chilwell in a bid to strengthen Chelsea’s leaky defence from last season. The 35-year-old became a free agent after his contract with PSG ended this summer.
Redknapp has highlighted the importance of signing a veteran like Silva, particularly in a team as youthful as Lampard’s.
“He’s a winner, played for his country countless times, captained his country. So he’ll be a brilliant addition for them,” he continued. “It will be interesting to see who Frank sees as the best partner for him. Is it Zouma? Is it Christensen? We don’t quite know that yet.”
Silva will be available for selection for Chelsea’s first game of the new Premier League season against Brighton.
Do you think Thiago Silva will transform Chelsea’s defence? Have your say in the comments below!
Liverpool were left frustrated in the second Merseyside derby of the campaign, but the goalless draw at Goodison Park moved Jurgen Klopp’s men one point closer to claiming their maiden Premier League title.
Despite enjoying almost 70 per cent possession, the Reds were unable to turn their domination into clear-cut chances – with Roberto Firmino’s tame left-footed effort and Fabinho’s last-gasp free-kick the closest that the league leaders came to beating Jordan Pickford in the Toffees net.
The draw means that if Manchester City beat Burnley on Monday, then Liverpool won’t be able to win the title against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, but could remarkably seal their first league crown since 1989-1990 at the home of the current champions on Thursday week.
But, had it not been for some late heroics from the ever-impressive Alisson Becker in the Reds net, then Klopp’s side could have suffered their first defeat to their neighbours in 22 matches in all competitions.
Becker did well to keep out both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison in the closing stages – but it was the introduction of Dejan Lovren that allowed Everton to create chances and gain a foothold.
From the moment the Croatian replaced the injured Joel Matip in the 73rd minute, Liverpool looked vulnerable and the Lovren would have no doubt been thankful to his goalkeeper for bailing him out after some questionable defending.
Lovren is on the verge of becoming the first Croatian to win the Premier League, but it’s safe to say that plenty of Reds fans want him sold in the summer.
Take a look at some of their best reactions on Twitter.
Chelsea have made it their mission to bring in another high-profile striker in this transfer window.
According to Football Insider, Frank Lampard wants to add another marquee singing to his roster and another talented centre-forward to compete for a place in the team.
The report claims that, with the backing of the Chelsea board and Roman Abramovich, Lampard really wants to kit out his squad ahead of next season. He has already secured the signings of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, who cost a combined £90m.
ESPN reported that Chelsea have a further £120m to spend this summer, which will help the Blues to strengthen several areas of concern.
Lampard has identified his defence as the main priority, with hopes to replace goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who hasn’t done enough to prove himself to the manager this season. It now seems that the Stamford Bridge legend is looking to ensure he has one of the best attacking units, if not the best, in the Premier League.
Chelsea have acknowledged that they need to bridge the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City. In order to do so, the Blues must field an attack that any opposing team will fear and it seems that this is exactly what Lampard is trying to do.
The report hasn’t mentioned a specific new target, but with big money potential transfer Kai Havertz also on the radar, it’s likely that the club want to spend big. However, this could be a problem for Werner, who may have joined Chelsea with the idea of becoming the main focus up front.
If Lampard brings in another high-calibre centre-forward, the German may have some serious competition on his hand, especially with the 42-year-old’s ruthless nature this season in his regular chopping and changing of the starting lineup. As such, Werner may be snubbed in favour of the potential new signing on more than one occasion.
Do you think Chelsea should sign another striker this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
Manchester United victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have eased the pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s shoulders, but there had been plenty of pressure rising on the Norwegian prior to the pair of morale-boosting wins.
The fact those two victories were enough to temporarily quell speculation over his future offers an indication into the tumultuous world of modern football management.
Even before these brilliant results for the club, former right-back Paul Parker was fully behind the 46-year-old because of what he has done away from the pitch.
Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of Bonus Code Bets, he explained: “You have to look at the other side of the job, he’s playing younger players, he’s trying to change it, he’s improved the club, not just the team, he’s improved the club from what it was.
“Previously the club was in a bad space. Everyone around the club wasn’t feeling good within themselves and with what was going on. He’s improved that, he’s put a smile on a lot of the departments within that club by the way he’s gone in there and managed that situation.”
The defender, who also represented England, took issue we the potential way Solskjaer was going to be treated: “Him as a player, as a legend, as a great player for the club, a very important player in the history of Manchester United, he deserves to be treated with respect.
“If it means him staying there or if they’re going to let him go, they should let him go with respect as well towards him. Because at the end the day, Manchester United need to come away from this with their integrity.”
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Parker alludes to Solskjaer’s emphasis on youth integration, but he is not fully convinced they are ready to make an impact akin to that which Chelsea’s youngsters are making at Stamford Bridge: “These [United] boys, they are boys, when people talk about them and Chelsea, Chelsea’s young players are young men that have been out on loan to clubs in Europe.
“They’ve stayed in digs on their own, they’ve looked after themselves, they’ve played in tough games, they’ve mostly been lonely in a foreign country, so they have had hard knocks, so they’re coming out of their battles and you know they’re battling, and now they’re ready to have a go.
“The Manchester United ones, they haven’t had that, they’ve been playing Premier League 2 games, so it’s a bit soft-centred.”
He also drew a comparison with them and one arguably United’s most iconic groups of youngsters, The Class of 92.
“The class of ’92 were a different mentality. They were boys who had done an apprenticeship, they were cleaning boots, they were doing the hard yards at that age. They knew it, they were rough and ready to go in there. And they had this belief because the manager gave them that belief that they were going to be taking certain players’ spots.
There is one youngster he has been especially impressed by though, namely Brandon Williams: “He’s done well and he’s come as a young lad and I just think when young players come in, you still have to monitor him.
“You have to keep an eye on him, but I think you have to still encourage them and let them know that you are looking at them as being a number one.
“I think he needs to recognise that he’s there and in the manager’s mind he’s going to play. He doesn’t need to be left out for two or three. He doesn’t deserve that at this moment of time.”
Parker has also been impressed by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has taken his former position, but has admitted the 22-year-old still has improving to do: “He’s going to have to work on his game in the attacking third, because defensively, he has to be one of the best defenders in the Premier League, with his tackling, his willingness to get back.
“Very rarely misses a tackle, his timing is absolutely excellent, his recovering, his willingness to defend is second-to-none. He will prove himself a good fullback at Manchester United.”
Parker hasn’t been impressed by everyone at United though, as he feels they could be better off without Paul Pogba: “If there’s a possibility to move him on I think we need to move him on pretty soon, maybe the effects around the club and the effects on the pitch.
“Has he been effective when he’s been there? Yes, he has on occasions, you see the talent, but you’re not seeing the talent enough. Now Manchester United need players who are going to give 100%.”
Soccer Football – Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg – FC Barcelona v Manchester United – Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain – April 16, 2019 Manchester United’s Paul Pogba during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Susana Vera
Despite the upturn in form, there is still no guarantee that United will have a successful season and get into the top four.
With that in mind, while it would be great to fight on all fronts, Parker has suggested that the league should be prioritised over the FA Cup: “I think at the moment, it’s a double-edged sword for United.
“If they go out in the FA Cup, then everyone’s going to be biting two on the bounce against Wolves, but the league position is important and they need to finish as high as possible, just for ego.
“If it’s sacrificing the FA Cup and guaranteeing a high finish, then it has to be done.”
Speaking to Parker, it was apparent that he felt there is a long way for United to go until they are able to return to their former glory, but he clearly has every faith that Solskjaer is the right man to steer the ship in the desired direction.
According to The Athletic, Manchester United missed out on RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner because of Paul Pogba.
After an initial meeting with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earlier this year, Werner’s agent held talks with United and Chelsea when Liverpool pulled out of the race to sign the forward.
However, the Red Devils told Leipzig they would only be able to meet his £54m release clause if they managed to offload Pogba in the summer.
Chelsea have now made their move and have now agreed a deal in principle with Die Roten Bullen (Sky Sports).
As it stands, it seems Solskjaer will have to sell Pogba if he wants to splash the cash in the transfer market.
European giants Juventus and Real Madrid have been linked to the Frenchman in recent months but the club have been unable to find a suitor willing to meet their £150m valuation so far.
Although the board had been expected to sell the 27-year-old to fund moves for Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham, it is likely he will stay at Old Trafford for another season.
It is fair to say Werner would have been a huge upgrade on the attacking options available to Solskjaer at the moment.
Indeed, the 24-year-old has bagged 25 goals in 29 appearances in the Bundesliga this season, creating 7 assists and taking 3.8 shots per game.
In comparison, Anthony Martial has only managed 11 goals in 23 games in the Premier League at the time of writing, providing 3 assists and attempting 2.6 shots on average.
Furthermore, the German international has received a higher WhoScored rating than his French counterpart, as he has earned a statistical rating of 7.63 at the time of writing.
Sadly, it seems Ed Woodward has been usurped by Roman Abramovich, and fans will have to wait and see if the club will make any signings in the summer.
United fans, do you think the board will regret missing out on Timo Werner? Let us know down below!
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
Mauricio Pochettino will have to pay Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy £12.5m if he decides to take another job in the Premier League following his sacking from the north London club, per The Daily Express.
What’s the word?
The report states that Pochettino was handed a £12.5m pay-off by Spurs when Levy decided to remove him from his position, replacing him with former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho.
However, a clause inserted into his contract is said to state that he will have to return the entirety of the money if he returns to English football before the summer.
Indeed, Pochettino has already been linked with a number of clubs, including Manchester United and Spurs’ bitter rivals Arsenal, who have sacked Unai Emery.
The clause is only said to cover the English top-flight, however, so the Argentine could well move to a foreign club within the 2019/20 season.
Shrewd move
This makes sense from Levy.
He surely knew that Pochettino would still be a valuable commodity on the open market after his sterling work with Spurs, taking them to the Champions League final and challenging for the Premier League title on two occasions.
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And while he felt it was time to make a change, inserting a clause such as this is necessary in terms of avoiding major fallout if he ends up at a rival.
Of course, were he to end up at United, they could just pay him an extra £12.5m – it’s surely within their budget – to compensate him, but it will at least make clubs think twice and potentially hold off until the summer or beyond.
Levy has always had a reputation as a shrewd operator and he has backed that up here, making it unlikely that Mourinho’s men will have to go into battle with a Pochettino team this term.
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Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter to react following comments from Italian footballing agent Federico Pastorello on Sky Sports about Wilfried Zaha’s chances of a transfer in January.
Pastorello – who The Daily Mail claim to be Zaha’s agent – revealed that his client is a “top player” and deserves a fresh challenge at a new club.
Of course, the Ivory Coast international handed in a transfer request back in the summer after seeing a number of bids from both Arsenal and Everton rejected by Eagles chief Steve Parish, but the forward has got his head down and carried on performing for his side – Zaha has two goals and an assist so far in the Premier League this season.
Chelsea are believed to be interested in a January move for the former Manchester United winger after seeing their transfer ban reduced.
However, it seems like some Palace fans on Twitter have reacted badly to Pastorello’s comments.
One supporter complained that the big clubs don’t deserve Zaha, having overlooked him for so long and opting for foreign imports such as Nicolas Pepe.
These two fans below also showcased some annoyance at the comments, with one stating that Pastorello is a “mug”.
The other supporter said that it is “actually embarrassing” how much Sky Sports are trying to generate transfer news regarding Zaha before the window has even opened.
A third Palace fan below that aforementioned supporter also echoed the same sentiment, stating that there is now another opportunity for Sky to try and sell the club’s players.
Towards the end of the tweets, there are some harsher words for Pastorello other than him being called a mug.
This supporter below went one up on that, calling Zaha’s agent a “parasite” whereas – as you can see – another fan said that Sky are “absolutely obsessed” with the Palace academy graduate, stating that it is an “embarrassing agenda”.
In other news, see the starting XI we think Roy Hodgson should opt for against Watford on Saturday…
In what has been a hugely disappointing campaign for Manchester United this season, it has been unsurprising to hear reports in recent weeks suggesting that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is fighting for his job.
The Red Devils currently find themselves in tenth place in the Premier League after their opening 11 games, and having looked like they had enjoyed a revival with a draw against Liverpool and then three successive away victories, they were brought back down to Earth with a 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend.
Despite that setback however, ESPN claim Solskjaer has been told by Ed Woodward that “his position as manager is not under threat”, and that the Norwegian is therefore “pressing ahead with plans to reshape the squad”.
After hearing the update on his future, United fans flooded to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.
Many supporters of the Manchester side slammed the reported stance on the Red Devils boss’ future, with some insisting that Solskjaer would have gone by now were he at any other big club.
Check out some of the reaction of United fans below: