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In Southampton’s most recent game in the Premier League, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl opted to play centre-back, Jack Stephens, out of position as a left-back due to the recent injury suffered by Ryan Bertrand.

Although his decision seemed to pay off, as the Saints recorded a 2-0 win against Newcastle United that briefly took them to the top of the Premier League table, we feel that the Austrian cannot keep playing the former Swindon Town loanee out of position until Bertrand returns from injury.

The left-back picked up a knock in the recent win against Aston Villa, with Hasenhuttl confirming that the former Chelsea man had a hamstring problem following the game.

With fellow left-back Sam McQueen still recovering from his cruciate ligament injury, the Saints now have just Jake Vokins available as a natural in that position in their squad.

The 20-year-old is somewhat inexperienced, having made just three senior appearances for the South Coast club in his career thus far, although he was able to score in one of those appearances (per Transfermarkt).

However, he has made a lot of appearances for the academy sides at Southampton and the Saints must trust him to feature in the Premier League at some point, so why not now when they are overachieving and low on left-back options? As it could be argued that due to these circumstances, there is slightly less pressure on the 20-year-old’s shoulders.

The youngster signed a new four-year contract at the club in August, suggesting that they certainly have high hopes for his future, with Hasenhuttl suggesting at the time that:

“This is more good news for the future of this team, as these young players are important for our philosophy.

“Jake has developed well this season and made some big steps forward. He has good qualities, which he has shown in matches and also in his training with us. He is calm on the ball but also brave, and I like this attribute in my players.

“He must keep working hard on his game, and we will be sure to do this with him. There are many areas that he can improve in further, so this is a good opportunity for him to make the most of his potential.” (per Southampton FC).

Therefore, the Austrian manager clearly rates Vokins and with the busy Christmas schedule quickly approaching, it is time that the Austrian trusts the left-back to be a starter in his Premier League side, rather than playing Stephens out of position whilst he waits for Bertrand to recover from his hamstring injury.

West Ham United are bordering on desperation as they enter the final five days of the transfer window and latest reports could spell trouble for GSB…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Italia (via the Daily Mail), the Irons have submitted an offer to Napoli for their centre-back Nikola Maksimovic with the 28-year-old reportedly top of David Moyes’ shortlist.

It’s claimed that the Serie A outfit are looking for between £14m and £19m for the Sebian international whose contract is set to expire in less than 12 months time.

Premier League newcomers Fulham are said to be keen whilst Everton were mooted with interest earlier in the transfer window.

Costly error?

The Hammers haven’t had much luck with centre-backs over the past few years, since the departures of James Collins and James Tomkins, no one has truly stepped up.

Winston Reid is always injured, Angelo Ogbonna is inconsistent and Issa Diop isn’t trusted by some supporters.

But would Maksimovic be a solid addition? Well, the 6 foot 4 colossus is currently third choice in Naples and only started 21 matches last term where he averaged just 1.8 aerial duels won and 1.5 tackles per game, via WhoScored.

Given his nationality, imposing frame and aggressiveness (1.1 fouls per match), the 28-year-old has been likened to former United monster Nemanja Vidic who was the long-term partner of Rio Ferdinand for years.

Fabian Balbuena has just made a claim to be a starting centre-back after recording a whopping five tackles against Wolves whilst Ogbonna is averaging 1.7 per game, which is more than Maksimovic, so perhaps he wouldn’t be much of an improvement at all.

GSB would be playing a risky game to splash £14m plus wages in excess of the £36k-per-week he’s earning in Italy on a player that’s hugely untested outside of the Serie A.

Something they can’t afford to do after the uproar over selling young sensation Grady Diangana.

AND in other news, Irons targeting a surprise move for rival right-back…

أشاد الدولي السنغالي ساديو ماني لاعب فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي بزميله المصري محمد صلاح، مشيرًا إلى أنه ليس مندهشًا مما يقدمه.

محمد صلاح سجل 10 أهداف في 10 مباريات بمختلف المسابقات منذ بداية الموسم ويتصدر ترتيب الهدافين في الدوري الإنجليزي متساويًا مع جيمي فاردي بـ7 أهداف لكلاهما.

طالع أيضًا.. سيميوني يُعلق على فرص محمد صلاح في الفوز بالكرة الذهبية

وقال ماني في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “ليفربول إيكو” الإنجليزية: “أعتقد أننا بدأنا الموسم بشكل جيد، ولعبنا مع بعضنا البعض وصنعنا العديد من الفرص”.

وأضاف: “من السهل للغاية اللعب في هجوم ليفربول مع هذين الرجلين – صلاح وفيرمينو -. أفضل اللاعبين في العالم، وأعتقد أننا نتسبب في العديد من المشاكل للدفاعات”.

وأشار: “أعتقد أن ما يصنع الفارق، سرعتنا والتسلل في العمق، والركض خلف المدافعين.. نأمل أن نستمر في التقدم على هذا النحو، ونحرز أكبر عدد ممكن من الأهداف للفريق حتى نهاية الموسم”.

وعن محمد صلاح: “أعتقد أنكم مندهشون مما يقدمه محمد صلاح بالطبع، لكن أنا لست مندهشًا، لأنني أعرف جودته جيدًا”.

واختتم: “نعرف كيف يمكن لـ محمد صلاح التحرك بالكرة وتسجيل الأهداف من أماكن صعبة، هذا الأمر أصبح طبيعيًا بالنسبة له، لقد أظهر ذلك ضد مانشستر سيتي وأخيرًا أمام واتفورد”.

Tottenham Hotspur have plenty of areas to bolster during the summer transfer window and although the wing position isn’t one of those, Jose Mourinho should absolutely look to upgrade it if latest reports are to be believed.

What’s the word?

According to Fussball Transfers, Inter Milan attacker Ivan Perisic is a wanted man in England with the likes of Everton and Manchester United joining Spurs in their interest.

The Croatian veteran has been on loan at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich this campaign, but they are unlikely to trigger his permanent option whilst his future back at the Serie A outfit isn’t certain either.

Perisic has two years to run on his current deal and could cost Spurs around €15m (£13.5m) if they wish to clinch him this summer.

Lamela upgrade?

The 31-year-old played a bit-part role for the German giants yet still managed to provide six goals and ten assists in all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

It is true that Mourinho has a wealth of options out wide, but they are largely on the right-hand side rather than the left which is often Heung-min Son’s spot to lose.

And surely he can’t refuse a player that’s been on his radar for quite some time. Back in 2018, whilst still at United, the Portuguese boss lauded Perisic as “different” because he’s “very physical” and is “fantastic in the air” (Russia Today via TEAMtalk).

This is something that he doesn’t really possess in any of his wingers. There’s also a good chance that Erik Lamela is sold to garner some funds. Football Insider suggested earlier in the year that Spurs would be willing to listen to offers for the Argentine.

The 28-year-old wins a measly 0.2 aerial duels per game and is dispossessed an average of 1.6 times per appearance too, via WhoScored, which suggests he’s lacking something that Perisic could bring to Mourinho’s squad.

Even though he’s getting on a bit, he’d be an interesting outlet and one that could even provide back-up to Harry Kane in the attack. If Spurs’ reported chase of Willian is true, then they would be foolish not to try and sign Perisic instead.

AND in other news, Daniel Levy is setting Mourinho up for instant failure at Spurs…

اعترف مدافع فريق تشيلسي سيزار أزبيليكويتا أنهم لم يقدموا أفضل أداء لهم خلال مواجهة مانشستر سيتي ظهر اليوم، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتلاقى الفريقان في إطار منافسات الجولة السادسة من الدوري الإنجليزي، في ملعب ستامفورد بريدج، حيث خسر تشيلسي بهدف دون رد. هدف فوز مانشستر سيتي أمام تشيلسي

وقال أزبيليكويتا في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “نشعر بخيبة أمل من النتيجة، لم يكن أفضل أداء لنا، خاصة في الشوط الأول، لم نصنع الفرص وخسرنا الكرة بسهولة، بعد الهدف كان لدينا رد فعل جيد، لكنه لم يكن كافيًا للحصول على شيء من المباراة”.

وأضاف: “لقد كانوا في أفضل مستوياتهم، لم نتمكن من الاحتفاظ بالكرة كما نحب، لقد ارتكبنا الكثير من الأخطاء، تلك التي لا نرتكبها عادة، حاولنا البقاء في المباراة، خسرنا اللقاء بعد ركلة ركنية قصيرة، وهو أمر مخيب للآمال”.

وواصل: “نحن فريقان رائعان، نمتلك لاعبين رائعين وطموحًا كبيرًا، كل مباراة مختلفة وكل منافسة مختلفة، لقد فقدنا فرصتنا في الحصول على ثلاث نقاط مهمة، الآن علينا تحليل ما لم نفعله بشكل جيد والانتقال إلى المباراة التالية”.

واختتم أزبيليكويتا تصريحاته الصحفية، قائلًا: “لم نخسر الدوري اليوم، لو كنا فزنا لما فزنا بالدوري اليوم أيضًا”.

Lots of Newcastle United fans have slammed Professor Simon Chadwick’s revelation that a takeover of French club Olympique de Marseille is being pondered by Saudi Arabia.

This follows rumours that it is a Saudi prince’s will to buy Marseille which would supposedly raise less controversy than the buyout of the Tyneside club.

Members of the Toon faithful would perhaps be relieved that it is not Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the Saudi crown prince looking to take over at St. James’ Park.

The bid has been backed by the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), as the Saudi-led consortium, spearheaded by businesswoman Amanda Staveley, look to end Mike Ashley’s reign of 13 years in the North East.

The Reuben brothers are also set to become part-owners of the Magpies if a deal goes through.

Nevertheless, they may not be the only club owned by Saudis if this attempted buy of Marseille is completed.

These NUFC supporters were slamming Chadwick’s claim:

Geordies, do you think this would affect the takeover? Comment below!

As one of the most successful clubs in England and indeed the world, Manchester United have an entire archive of stunning and iconic goals.

Here’s just a few of the Reds’ best.

Andy Cole vs Juventus (1999 Champions League semi-final)

In a jaw-dropping comeback against one of Europe’s best, Andy Cole found the winning goal to send United into the Champions League final where they went on to win against Bayern Munich.

Holding that crucial away goal to their chest whilst leading 2-0 in the second leg, Juventus looked sure to be heading through into the next round. But Alex Ferguson and his men had other plans and completely slashed any hopes of the Italian giants winning their third European title.

Goals from Roy Keane and Dwight Yorke set the tone for the comeback, with Cole icing the cake after securing the spill from what looked sure to be a penalty on Yorke…

Robin van Persie vs Man City (2012/13 Premier League)

A phenomenal side fielding a phenomenal player. Robin van Persie joined the United ranks at the start of the 2012/13 season and the Dutchman helped them beat arch-rivals Man City in the race for the league title.

As reigning champions, the Reds were adamant to see off their Mancunian rivals and managed to win both fixtures against City that season. Although they ended up winning the league with an 11-point cushion, their derby win was crucial in ensuring it was an easy ride to the top.

RVP’s free-kick at the Etihad in the December secured United’s 3-2 win in wonderful style. For a man who was playing in his first-ever Manchester derby, he looked like he’d visited the Etihad hundreds of times. Van Persie finished as the top scorer in the league, playing an integral part in Man United’s successful domestic season.

David Beckham vs Wimbledon (1996/97 Premier League)

Not only a season to remember for Manchester United as their lifted their second league title in a row, but it was the campaign that put David Beckham on the map.

Even non-United fans will always remember the sensational – and frankly audacious – lob the 21-year-old scored against Wimbledon. Left in acres of space in the middle of the park, Beckham spotted Neil Sullivan off his line and lofted a beautiful goal into the back of the net from almost 60 yards out.

The England legend admits his halfway-line worldie is still his favourite goal from his career, and who can blame him?

Which other iconic Manchester United goals have stuck with you over the years? Comment below!

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Santi Cazorla has insisted that Arsenal can thrive under Unai Emery while speaking about his former club to The Independent.

What did he say?

Cazorla, who won Arsenal’s Player of the Year for the 2006/07 season, was discussing the fortunes of his former club which he has come to “miss everything about”.

The Spaniard played a total of 180 games for the Gunners, scoring 29 goals and adding 45 assists throughout his career in red and white.

Now, looking at the club from the outside in, having moved to Villarreal in 2018, Santi Cazorla has insisted they can thrive under their current manager, as reported by The Independent.

“Unai Emery is a good coach and it’s a very good team, I watch them play often, but he needs time, it’s a new generation and it’s very difficult to compete against teams like Man City and Liverpool.

“It’s difficult to know [why the club has stalled]. They have the players, they have the fans, the stadium, they have everything to do it but they have to believe it.”

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Overcoming struggles

This message comes while Arsenal are enduring a run of five games without a win in all competitions, which includes draws against Crystal Palace and Vitoria de Guimaraes.

It is also a time where Emery is under severe pressure, with plenty of fans, and even some former players, claiming it is time for the Spaniard to go.

However, it seems as though the former Sevilla boss will be staying firmly put, which angered fans, so he will likely be thankful for the support of a popular figure like Cazorla.

With fans now able to put high levels of pressure on figures at Arsenal, Emery can use all the support available to him.

Arsenal’s next four Premier League games come against Southampton, Brighton & Hove Albion, Norwich City and West Ham United, who are all in the bottom half of the table, so this is arguably Emery’s best possible chance to turn things around.

A hero of Liverpool’s Champions League triumph last season – who can ever forget his quick-fire brace in the second-leg of their semi-final against Barcelona? – Georginio Wijnaldum no doubt brings some much-needed goals when he is on song.

Unfortunately for the Netherlands international however, those days are frustratingly inconsistent for Jurgen Klopp’s side. He can pop up with big goals here and there, but is perhaps not one to be a regular provider of them over a course of a campaign.

This season, he has netted just twice in 20 appearances across all competitions, and against Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, he once again went missing.

As per Sofascore, he had just one shot on goal, made no tackles, and lost possession seven times.

After watching his virtually anonymous performance, Liverpool fans took to Twitter to voice their frustrations with the midfielder.

Many supporters of the Merseyside club questioned what exactly he brings to the team, with one fan in particular claiming that even an injured Naby Keita is a “million times better” than the Dutchman.

Check out some of the reaction of Liverpool fans below:

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Leeds United fans on Twitter are concerned that Eddie Nketiah will be recalled after Phil Hay confirmed that he’s picked up an injury.

The journalist tweeted that the striker apparently had some abdominal pain before United’s game against QPR, and he was left out of the matchday squad.

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United supporters have been worried about Nketiah being recalled for some time now, and some believe that this latest injury could be the final nail in the coffin of his Leeds United career.

It’s unknown yet how long he’ll be out for or what the injury is, but fans are concerned that a long period on the sidelines would encourage Arsenal to recall him once the transfer window reopens.

Whether the 20-year-old is recalled or not remains to be seen, but the fanbase are incredibly concerned about the possibility of losing their top scorer in the near future.

After all, he’s already been linked with a move to Bristol City.

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on Twitter…