All posts by z3u9t.icu

Summer has officially begun with a mini-transfer window open until June 10, allowing Tottenham Hotspur to go and strike early recruitment deals ahead of the 2025/2026 season.

Tottenham make transfer plans amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

Lilywhites boss Ange Postecoglou is apparently set to learn his fate as Spurs boss this week (ESPN), with supporters still anxiously waiting for chairman Daniel Levy’s decision after an incredibly mixed campaign.

Once-£137m forward wants to join Tottenham after Europa League win

They’re seen as favourites.

10 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 4, 2025

Postecoglou ended the club’s long 17-year wait for a piece of major silverware by guiding them to victory in the Europa League final, at Man United’s expense, but the Australian also led them to a record-breaking 22 Premier League defeats in a single season.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Before Spurs can make real headway on their summer recruitment drive, Postecoglou’s future must be resolved, and reliable club insider Paul O’Keefe recently shared that Levy has in fact made a call on when to do next – without formally communicating it just yet.

With Levy set to communicate his decision sooner rather than later, Spurs can then start getting to work on their transfer plans, if their potential search for a new manager doesn’t take centre stage for too long.

News emerged on Tuesday that Son Heung-min could leave Tottenham this summer after 10 years at the club (The Telegraph), despite Tottenham triggering a one-year extension clause in his contract.

If the South Korean star does leave, Spurs will acquire a fee for his faithful service, but they’d also need a replacement for him. In light of this news, it is no coincidence that Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane is being repeatedly linked with a move to north London.

Dejan Kulusevski is also out with a long-term injury and could take some time to get fully match fit again, so the need for a new winger is pretty prevalent.

Sergio Reguilon is confirmed to be leaving Tottenham as well, with Destiny Udogie now their only senior natural left-back.

Tottenham hold talks over signing New England left-back Peyton Miller

According to New England Revolution journalist Seth Macomber, who covers them for The Blazing Musket, MLS sensation Peyton Miller is now attracting serious interest from the Lilywhites.

As per Macomber, Tottenham have held talks with New England about signing Miller, with Levy and co displaying a real interest in signing the teenager.

The versatile full-back, who can play nearly anywhere on the left-flank, has been called the ‘real deal’ by American critics and is now a regular for New England after becoming the second-youngest player to both appear and start in an MLS match for them.

He could be an adept back-up option to Udogie, and his meteoric rise in the last two seasons looks to have really impressed Tottenham scouts.

Daniel Farke will be hoping he can finally earn his stripes as a Premier League-worthy manager situated in the Leeds United dug-out next season.

The German is certainly a well-regarded manager at Championship level, considering he can boast three promotions up to the big time with Norwich City and now the Whites, but he has also only ever won a mere six top-flight ties from 49 contests when jumping up a level.

He won’t feel too weighed down by the pressure of keeping the West Yorkshire side afloat if improvements are made all across the pitch, however, with a new goalkeeper surely a must after a rocky season or two with Illan Meslier as his number one stopper.

Moreover, as much as Joel Piroe did finish as the Championship golden boot winner this season just gone, upgrades could be fancied in the striker department still, with this new sharpshooter reportedly on the agenda.

Leeds' search for a striker

After all, Farke already knows too well how challenging the new division can be, even for those once seen as the cream of the crop in the EFL’s elite league.

Off the back of this, the promotion winners are now reportedly in the race to sign up AC Milan attacker Tammy Abraham to seriously enhance their firepower, as per journalist Graeme Bailey.

Bailey elaborates that Abraham is keen on a move back to England after calling Italy his home at both parent side AS Roma and loan outfit AC Milan since 2021, with the likes of Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and more all interested in adding him to their respective rosters.

The Whites are keeping an eye out to see how the situation develops, but if they were to amazingly beat all this competition and land the £34m star, they would secure themselves a big upgrade on their current Dutch marksman when venturing into the Premier League.

Why Abraham could be an upgrade on Piroe

This isn’t to say Piroe won’t be given chances to impress when moving up to the tough division, with his 19 league strikes undoubtedly helping Farke’s men to lift the title.

But, Abraham would surely get the first team nod over the ex-Swansea City man on his arrival, with the 27-year-old now a seasoned machine in front of goal, having left Chelsea so early into his career to perfect his clinical edge.

AC Milan

44

10

7

AS Roma

120

37

13

Aston Villa

40

26

3

Swansea City

39

8

4

Bristol City

48

26

4

The £93k-per-week marksman does have 26 Premier League strikes next to his name, ahead of former Leeds hero Raphinha (17), for instance, as well Patrick Bamford (24), with that mainly down to his short-lived Stamford Bridge stint.

That said, Abraham would truly blossom into a lethal finisher away from the familiarity of England, as seen in his bumper 67 combined goals and assists lining up for Milan and Roma.

Piroe does have his plaudits too, considering he has bagged 79 strikes in total for both Leeds and one of Abraham’s many loan sides in Swansea, but the Dutchman has been prone to long stretches of barren form too.

In the Championship this season just gone, for example, the division’s top scorer still managed to squander a hefty 13 big chances.

On the contrary, despite playing for an underperforming Rossoneri on loan after finding his time in the Italian capital to be injury-ravaged, Abraham would only waste ten big chances in Serie A action.

He is in many ways a goalscoring “monster” – as he once referred to himself after improving under Jose Mourinho.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Therefore, the former Blues youth product has the potential to be the centre-forward Farke and Co are longing for as they embark on their daunting Premier League adventure, with the likes of Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto no doubt excited by the prospect of linking up with their brand new teammate.

He'd be incredible with Buendia: Leeds chase star with a "hint of Haaland"

Leeds United are interested in signing a star who would be incredible with Emiliano Buendia.

ByDan Emery May 31, 2025

Liverpool are now seriously keen on a second defensive signing alongside their widely reported move for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong.

Liverpool closing in on Frimpong deal – Ornstein

The Reds have wasted no time seeking out a replacement for the outgoing Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong being identified as a key target, after it emerged the Dutchman was keen on a move to Anfield last week.

Such is their level of interest, Slot’s side are looking to wrap up a move for the full-back quickly, and it appears as though a move for the 24-year-old is edging close to completion. David Ornstein reporting on Thursday morning that Liverpool are advancing to sign Frimpong and there is “increasing confidence” from the player’s camp that a roughly £30m deal will be struck.

The next Coutinho: Liverpool in talks to sign "incredible" £85m "superstar"

Liverpool could be about to take advantage and make a swoop for a top European-level talent.

ByEthan Lamb May 14, 2025

However, a report from The Mail reveals he is not the only Dutch defender on Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes’ shortlist – Liverpool may also look at bringing in RB Leipzig defender Lutsharel Geertruida. In fact, signing Geertruida is considered a serious possibility, despite the interest in Frimpong, particularly considering Slot knows the former Feyenoord man very well from the time the successful period they spent together at the Eredivisie club.

The Reds have a good relationship with RB Leipzig, which could potentially make a deal more likely to transpire, with signing the Dutchman deemed an attractive proposition, given his versatility, having proven himself in central defence and even midfield.

Liverpool's right side sorted for years to come?

U23 Football Scout Antonio Mango is clearly a big fan of the Leipzig defender, having described him as “monumental” in the past, while also lauding the Netherlands international for his technical ability. His ableness to play multiple positions makes signing both players a real possibility, adding depth up and down the right flank as well as at centre-back in two quick swoops.

While Frimpong has caught the eye going forward, there are concerns that his explosive dribbling style isn’t suitable for Slot’s system, with the Liverpool manager preferring more conventional full-backs, so the Leverkusen man could even be used further up as cover for Mohamed Salah.

The £77k-a-week Leipzig defender meanwhile could be an ideal fit in a traditional back four, given that he is also able to slot in at centre-back when required, featuring in the middle of the defence only slightly less than as a right-back throughout his career to date.

Another added bonus is the fact that Slot knows he can rely on Geertruida, given the success they enjoyed together at Feyenoord, with a Dutch journalist previously describing the 24-year-old as an “Arne Slot favourite”, underlining the manager’s admiration for his former player.

And just like that, Tottenham Hotspur’s worst season in a generation is just one game away from becoming their most memorable.

Last night, Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to the Arctic Circle to play the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt, and while they were still favourites, all the ingredients for an upset were there.

However, as they have in so many of their European games this season, the North Londoners rose to the occasion and ran out comfortable winners in the end.

While practically the entire team did themselves and the manager proud last night, two players, including Pedro Porro, really stood out.

Porro's performance vs Bodo/Glimt

While Porro has come in for plenty of criticism for his defensive failings this season, much of which has been justified, the Spanish full-back has massively stepped up both legs of this semi-final.

He was instrumental in the home win, providing a perfect pass for James Maddison to score the side’s second goal, and he was arguably even better last night.

Not only was he pretty solid in defence, but he was a complete menace in attack, testing the keeper with a brilliant free-kick in the first half and then getting his just rewards with a cross-come-shot that sailed into the top corner in the second 45.

It was practically the complete performance from the former Sporting CP star, which explains the 9/10 match rating Alasdair Gold gave him at full-time.

It might sound hyperbolic, but we can assure you it’s not, as exemplified by his statistics from the game.

Minutes

95′

Expected Goals

0.11

Goals

1

Expected Assists

0.12

Clearances

3

Interceptions

1

Dribbled Past

0

Ground Duels (Won)

3 (2)

Fouls

0

Key Passes

2

Shots on Target

2

Dribbles (Successful)

1(1)

In 95 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goals plus assists figure of 0.23, made three clearances, won two of three ground duels, made one interception, wasn’t dribbled past, played two key passes, took two shots on target, was successful in 100% of his dribbles, won one foul and didn’t give any away himself.

Overall, it was a superb display from Porro, but there was another starter who might just have pipped him.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Spurs' best player vs Bodo/Glimt

Now, there are certainly a few players you could pick from for this title, like Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven or even Rodrigo Bentancur.

However, for our money, the player who really stood up and stood out last night was Cristian Romero.

The Argentine international has not had a great season, with constant injuries and the odd mistake defining it thus far, but just like he was in the first leg, he was sensational for Postecoglou last night.

It goes without saying that the World Cup winner is undoubtedly built for big games, and from the first to the last minute, he was incredible in the Arctic Circle.

On top of being a wall at the back and cheering every block or tackle like it was a title-winning goal, he also managed to provide the assist for Solanke’s opener, which all but ended the tie then and there.

Unsurprisingly, Gold was just as impressed, awarding the centre-back a 9/10 match rating at full-time, while Spurs fan and content creator Ben Bowman simply described him as “unreal.”

Such appraisals are more than backed up by his statistics as well, as in 95 minutes of action, he made five clearances, blocked one shot, wasn’t dribbled past even once, made one interception, won three of four ground duels, lost the ball only once, completed 96% of his passes, played one key pass, was accurate in 100% of his long balls and created one big chance.

Minutes

95′

Clearances

5

Shots Blocked

1

Dribbled Past

0

Interceptions

1

Ground Duels (Won)

4 (3)

Lost Possession

1

Passing Accuracy

26/27 (96%)

Key Passes

1

Long Balls (Accurate)

2 (2)

Big Chances Created

1

Ultimately, the entire team played well last night, but Porro and particularly Romero were even better, so much so that the latter may now be the club’s best player.

Dream Son heir: Spurs racing to sign “England’s best winger” for £59m

The tremendously exciting star would be perfect for Spurs.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 8, 2025

As Ruben Amorim has been at pains to stress, this is no vintage Manchester United side, with even Europa League glory unable to plaster over the damage of yet another miserable Premier League campaign.

A key crux of the issue has been the lack of attacking quality at Old Trafford, with Amorim left to rely on a misfiring forward line that could hardly lace the boots of the figures of years gone by.

In 1968, for instance, Sir Matt Busby’s side were blessed with Denis Law, George Best and Bobby Charlton. In 1999, Alex Ferguson had the likes of Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to call upon, alongside Ryan Giggs and David Beckham.

Fergie’s next great side – the 2008 Champions League winners – also boasted devastating brilliance in the form of Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. How the mighty have fallen.

At centre-forward, for instance, United’s sole senior option is that of Rasmus Hojlund, with the 22-year-old Dane having scored just nine times in all competitions in 2024/25 to date.

Perhaps, the presence of the former Atalanta man will still be enough to steer the Red Devils to their latest European triumph, but something needs to give this summer.

The Latest on Man Utd's striker search

Alongside the addition of a new number ten, in the form of Wolverhampton Wanderers man, Matheus Cunha, the signing of a new striker appears high on the agenda for Amorim and INEOS, despite bringing in Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in successive summers.

One name widely tipped to follow Cunha to the Theatre of Dreams is Ipswich Town starlet, Liam Delap, with the England U21 international available for just £30m following the Tractor Boys’ recent relegation.

The Manchester City man has scored 12 Premier League goals this season, although there could be a sense that he is simply just another Hojlund, a player of potential rather than proven quality.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It is with that in mind that United are said to have set their sights on a more experienced, left-field option in the form of Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick, with both Arsenal and Chelsea also battling for his signature.

That’s according to Caught Offside, who have reported that the Bundesliga outfit would be willing to listen to offers in the region of €30m-€40m (£26m-£34m), ensuring that the Premier League trio could see a bid accepted if they step up their interest.

With all three sides set to be keeping close tabs on the 29-year-old’s situation – with just two years left on his current deal at the BayArena – the race is on to see just who will win the race for his signature.

How Schick compares to Rasmus Hojlund

The relief was palpable as Hojlund prodded home against Bournemouth in the dying embers late last month, with the £64m signing notching what was just his fourth league goal of the season.

While the struggling striker had ended last term as United’s top scorer across all fronts, it’s worth remembering that it took until Boxing Day for him to break his top-flight duck, with seven of his ten total league goals coming in a subsequent six-game run.

With only nine Serie A goals to his name in the previous campaign, the 6 foot 4 speedster has hardly showcased that he can be a reliable goalscoring presence during his senior career thus far. There is a player in there somewhere, but can Amorim afford to wait?

Those woes have heightened the need for a ready-made upgrade this summer and Schick certainly fits the bill. While Hojlund has toiled, the Czech international has been in lethal form for Xabi Alonso’s side, having scored 19 league goals this season – 15 more than his United counterpart.

Even during an injury-impacted campaign last term, Schick still managed to score on 13 occasions across all fronts, with his total tally for the German outfit standing at 79 goals in 166 games. Hojlund, meanwhile, has just 25 goals in 90 games at Old Trafford.

Games

29

29

Goals

4

19

Goal frequency

440min

83min

Big chances missed

4

7

Goal conversion

16%

29%

Shots on target*

0.3

1.1

Assists

0

0

Big chances created

3

1

Key passes*

0.5

0.4

Total duels won*

29%

40%

Described as an “incredible” talent in past by members of the media, the former RB Leipzig man has been head and shoulders above Hojlund in 2024/25, as indicated in the table above, thus representing just what a huge upgrade he would be. Indeed, the contrast in their goal frequency record says it all.

Yes, the signing of a player approaching 30 – in the mould of a Robin van Persie deal – may go against the INEOS model of targeting up-and-coming stars, although for a potential fee of just £34m, Shick could be too hard to ignore.

Of course, as United have seen with the case of Jadon Sancho, who now plies his trade away from Old Trafford, signing players from the Bundesliga is not without its risks, although for that relatively modest asking price, the Leverkusen monster looks like a gamble worth taking.

Not Hojlund: Man Utd flop at risk of becoming a worse signing than Weghorst

Man Utd have one star who is even languishing behind a certain Wout Weghorst…

ByRobbie Walls May 7, 2025

Heading into May, Wolverhampton Wanderers will look to see out their up-and-down Premier League season with even more of a bang.

Vitor Pereira has amazingly guided the Old Gold to six straight wins in the unforgiving division leading into the final month of the campaign, with the Portuguese boss very much a popular figure at the Molineux helm, considering his side are now looking up at the mid-table spots away from past relegation worries.

Still, there is the sticky situation involving Matheus Cunha’s future at the club to resolve. But, the rejuvenated West Midlands outfit are already looking at adding in some new attackers to the building as per fresh reports.

Wolves keeping tabs on "instinctive" striker

Reports in recent days have revealed there is interest in Premier League veteran Jamie Vardy. The Foxes legend is set to depart Leicester City at the conclusion of his contract at the King Power and as a result, would be available on a free transfer.

Yet, he’s not the only forward the Old Gold are interested in acquiring over the summer transfer window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Indeed, according to Football Insider, Pereira’s men are also keeping tabs on breakout Holstein Kiel star Phil Harres ahead of the transfer window reopening.

Indeed, the “instinctive” finisher – as he’s been lauded for in the past on social media – has been a goalscoring revelation for the Bundesliga minnows this season, leading to both Wolves and Crystal Palace taking a keen interest in the standout German.

The 23-year-old wouldn’t cost a bomb to obtain either, with his valuation coming in at around the £8.5m mark according to Football Insider.

How Harres could be their next Jimenez

Wolves snapping up the services of the Kiel number 19 could see them land their next version of Raul Jimenez, with both strikers in question imposing forward players joining from Europe ready to impress in a new daunting environment.

Jimenez would, of course, take to the pressures of English football like a duck to water during his early Old Gold days, with the strong 6 foot 3 striker going on to bag an impressive 13 league goals for his fresh employers across his debut 2018/19 season.

In total, the former Benfica man would amass 57 goals and 23 assists from 166 appearances in the West Midlands, with the now 33-year-old seen as a modern icon in Wolverhampton.

Harres will hope he can follow in the footsteps of the esteemed striker if a move to England gets off the ground.

Like Jimenez in his formative days, Harres has enjoyed a “remarkable rise” in the words of scout Jacek Kulig, considering he has already stepped up to the German top-flight with flying colours this season. That was never more evident than his powerful header and cool assist back in January to help Kiel clinch a shock 4-2 success over Borussia Dortmund (video above).

In total, the towering 6 foot 4 attacker – which isn’t far off Jimenez’s own intimidating frame – has an electric ten goals and three assists next to his name this campaign from 31 outings, leaving him perhaps wanting a change in environment to test himself further.

Kiel

24

8

1

Kiel II

7

2

2

FC 08 Homburg

43

28

3

Viktoria Berlin

34

12

3

SSV Ulm 1846

41

17

1

Dynamo Dresden

3

0

0

After all, Harres has been a journeyman up and down the German leagues for some time now, with every spell he’s had across the various different divisions resulting in goals aplenty, minus a frustrating stint at Dresden.

Jimenez had a similar goalscoring reputation for the likes of Benfica and Club America before a switch to England materialised, even with a one-goal stay at Atletico Madrid having the potential to derail him.

Therefore, everything could be in place for Harres to be Jimenez 2.0 at Molineux, with Wolves fans hopeful that another centre-forward gem can be unearthed to help boost their already potent attack.

Just imagine him & Larsen: Wolves plot bargain move for Premier League star

Wolves are reportedly eyeing up a deal for a Premier League forward who could work well with Jorgen Strand Larsen.

ByDan Emery Apr 30, 2025

Manchester City are now keen on signing a former Manchester United player this summer, with Pep Guardiola looking to strengthen his defence, according to a report.

Man City targeting new left-back

Man City’s rebuild commenced in the January transfer window, with the likes of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez being brought in, and more reinforcements will be needed this summer, with Kevin De Bruyne set to leave.

Guardiola is also keen to bolster his options at left-back, given that Josko Gvardiol is one of the manager’s only options, and City are said to be in constant contact with AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez, who may now be available for just £30m this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Destiny Udogie is also of interest to the Sky Blues, with new sporting director Hugo Viana pushing to sign the Italian, who he has been tracking since 2021, although it is unclear whether Spurs would be willing to strengthen a direct rival.

Wow: Man City now ready to make big offer for "spectacular" £75m+ forward

The Sky Blues could be set to make a move for an attacker…

1 ByDominic Lund Apr 15, 2025

According to a report from Spain, Man City have identified six targets at left-back, including Benfica’s Alvaro Carreras, who has enjoyed an outstanding season in the Liga Portugal.

Given his impressive form, Carreras is now among the City coaching staff’s favourite targets at left-back, indicating that Guardiola is a big fan, but a significant bid may be needed to prise him away from Benfica, given the 22-year-old’s importance to the Portuguese side.

Amid links to Liverpool earlier this season, it was revealed the left-back has a £42m release clause included in his Benfica contract, but it is unclear whether the Sky Blues would need to fork out the full amount to get a deal done.

Carreras impressing in the Champions League

There are clear signs the full-back could be able to make the step-up to a club of City’s stature, having put in some top performances in the Champions League this season, with reporter Alvaro de Grado describing him as one of the competition’s “revelations”.

The Spaniard made ten appearances in Europe’s elite competition, providing two assists prior to his side’s exit at the hands of Barcelona, while he has also impressed defensively over the past year, ranking highly across some key metrics.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.20 (86th percentile)

Interceptions

2.0 (99th percentile)

Blocks

1.50 (84th percentile)

Not only that, but the former Manchester United man has been indispensable for Benfica in the Liga Portugal, scoring an impressive goal in his side’s 4-1 triumph against FC Porto earlier this season.

It is clear that Guardiola will need to bring in a new left-back this summer, with the manager lacking options in that area of the pitch, and Carreras could be a fantastic long-term addition to the squad.

When it rains it pours for Ruben Amorim. Walking into Manchester United, he will have been under no illusions that the size of his task at Old Trafford was a colossal one.

However, not even he would have envisaged the opening months of his tenure to play out like this.

Indeed, as Newcastle battered the Red Devils 4-1 inside St James’ Park in the Premier League on Sunday, Amorim walked back down the tunnel having not won for the 20th time in 33 matches at the helm.

Erik ten Hag hardly left this side in the best of states but you’d expect better results, even if the Portuguese is still relatively new to the role.

Alas, football is a cutthroat sport and he will need to get it right sooner rather than later.

Still, at least he’s not afraid of making the big calls, dropping Andre Onana from his squad entirely this weekend. Sadly, his deputy didn’t cover himself in too much glory either.

Bayindir's performance vs Newcastle

Last week, goalkeeper Onana engaged in a war of words with former United star Nemanja Matic who was in the Lyon squad to face them in the Europa League on Thursday.

Matic noted that the Cameroon stopper was “the worst ‘keeper in Manchester United history” and to the script, Onana had a howler in France, spilling a ball from out wide into the net in the first half.

So, in a bid to take him out of the firing line, Amorim decided that Onana would not travel to the north east this weekend.

As a result, Turkish stopper Altay Bayindir stepped in to take the gloves. While he hasn’t been handed too many opportunities this term, he was the FA Cup hero when United beat Arsenal in the shoot-out back in January.

While he could have done little about three of the four Newcastle goals, scored by Harvey Barnes, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, he did make a mistake of his own.

Up to that point, it honestly hadn’t been a bad afternoon for Bayindir but his error, right when he needed to coast through a game unnoticed, will not have done him many favours.

Eddie Howe’s side were already 3-1 up at this point when the Turk inexplicably chipped the ball straight to Joelinton. The Brazilian lept high and headed it into the path of Guimaraes who wasn’t going to miss.

Speaking after the game, Amorim was asked what he said to the goalkeeper at full-time: “Nothing, I’m going to continue to do the same. We are going to analyse the game, but we need to focus on the next one. We cannot change this one.”

It was an error-filled game for United, with Noussair Mazraoui also at fault, slipping in the build-up to Barnes’ second goal and effectively handing them a second on a plate.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

Still, at least they had their good moments. Bayindir, despite conceding four, was not at fault for any of the other goals.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

They weren’t the only two who deserve a bit of flack come full-time, however.

4/10 Man United star must be given the boot

While the defensive display left plenty to be desired, there were some positives from a United point of view, none more so than Alejandro Garnacho’s goal, fed nicely by a rampaging Diogo Dalot who looked in fine form moving forward.

There was also a first-team debut for 18-year-old Harry Amass, who in the words of Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst, ‘did not look remotely out of his depth.’

Luckhurst was not complimentary of everybody, however, notably Christian Eriksen. While he deemed Bayindir and Mazraoui worthy of 5/10 match ratings, their Danish teammate only picked up a 4/10 rating with the reporter noting that he was ‘often off the pace amid the intensity’ of the game at St James’ Park.

The fact of the matter is that Eriksen should not be starting for United on the best of days, let alone against a fast-paced Newcastle side.

The playmaker has been a wonderful servant to the Premier League, but it’s so obvious that his best days are behind him now. Indeed, writer Sam Pilger suggested that he “should be nowhere near the the starting line-up”, accusing the veteran of lacking “muscle and pace”.

Minutes played

90

Touches

54

Accurate passes

42/47 (89%)

Key passes

0

Accurate crosses

0/1

Accurate long balls

1/2

Shots

0

Successful dribbles

0

Duels won

2/4

The Denmark international’s display was summed up by his involvement in the third goal, scored by Barnes.

While Mazraoui slipped, his teammates, notably Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof and Eriksen, hardly did much to disrupt the Newcastle number 11 from bearing down on goal. Neither Yoro or Eriksen could get close enough to the Toon attacker who was allowed to just surge towards the goal with ease.

The Dane’s numbers were hardly very pretty either. He did complete 89% of his passes but did not have a shot, complete a key pass, register a dribble or make an interception, just to condemn his woes from a defensive point of view.

Ahead of a vital second leg against Lyon on Thursday, Amorim must ensure that the 33-year-old isn’t in his starting lineup.

A bigger talent than Cunha: Man Utd ready big bid to sign £42m "genius"

Man Utd could be plotting to sign an exciting alternative to Wolves’ Matheus Cunha

ByRobbie Walls Apr 13, 2025

Arsenal chief Andrea Berta is continuing his mission to tie down Mikel Arteta’s most crucial stars with brand-new deals, and the Gunners are now prepared to do something they’ve never done in their history.

Arsenal favourites for Premier League title after near-impenetrable start

Right now, Arsenal aren’t just Premier League title contenders — they’re the team to beat.

Arteta’s side sit pretty atop the table, and it’s no surprise given how they’ve combined defensive solidity with set-piece menace to frustrate opponents week after week so far.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Opposition sides have found it near-impossible to carve out clear chances against an Arsenal side who’ve leaked just three goals in all competitions this season, the best record of any team in Europe right now.

Surprise Serie A title contenders Roma have also conceded just three in the league so far, but unlike Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, Arsenal are just as unbreakable in Europe as they are domestically.

Arsenal’s threat from dead balls has also been a nightmare for teams to deal with.

Time and again, they’ve capitalised on corners and free-kicks, with Gabriel already racking up four goal contributions as a direct result from set pieces this term.

The arrival of Gabriel Heinze to Arteta’s coaching staff has been pinpointed as a key reason why Arsenal have built themselves into even more of a rock-solid force at the back, and if they continue in this fashion, a first league title in 22 years looks pretty inevitable.

While their guerrilla tactics from dead balls and long-throws aren’t exactly easy on the eye, with pundit Jamie O’Hara boldly claiming that Arsenal are ‘killing the Premier League’ with this style of play, Arteta won’t be caring in the slightest right now.

Excitement around the Emirates Stadium is brewing, and the future is looking very bright as Berta looks to convince Arsenal’s star men to commit their futures at N5.

The Italian, who led a near-£270 million spend on summer transfers in the last window, has already managed to tie down the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel and William Saliba in the last few months alone.

Berta also rewarded the likes of David Raya and Leandro Trossard with pay rises, showcasing a determination to acknowledge certain members of the squad for their fine form, while it is believed that talks have been held over fresh terms with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber as well.

However, their most vital contract discussions have centered around star winger Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal poised to hand Bukayo Saka record-breaking pay rise

The England international is back to his best and playing week in, week out after hamstring problems, with Saka causing Atlético Madrid nightmares in the Champions League this time last week.

While Saka is yet to register his first assist of the campaign, he’s already netted crucial goals against the likes of West Ham and Olympiacos to put those games beyond doubt, and the 24-year-old is vital to the way Arteta likes to play.

The Hale End academy superstar’s current deal expires in 2027, and it is imperative that Berta seals his extension sooner rather than later.

Reports suggest that Arsenal are optimistic Saka will pen an extension by Christmas, and according to journalist Wayne Veysey, the club could break a record by doing so.

Writing for Football Insider, Veysey reports that Arsenal could make Saka the club’s first-ever £300,000-per-week player, with talks ongoing over a new deal that will likely make the winger their new highest-paid star above Kai Havertz, who is on £280,000-per-week.

Over a potential five-year contract, Saka is apparently in line to earn over £75 million, which doesn’t even take into account performance-related bonuses or other add-ons.

Negotiations are said to be progressing well, and Saka is likely to sign in the “upcoming period”.

Daniel Farke was already on borrowed time in the Leeds United dug-out heading into his lowly side’s clash with Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Indeed, the depressing backdrop heading into this big tie at Elland Road was four defeats from their last five games in the intense Premier League, and now, it’s five defeats from their last six, culminating in the West Yorkshire outfit sinking into that final relegation spot.

At one stage, Leeds looked in control after a scrappy Lukas Nmecha goal found the back of the net after just eight minutes had been played.

But, in the end, Villa’s quality shone through courtesy of a Morgan Rogers brace in the second half, and while Rogers came good in that pivotal second 45 minutes, Brenden Aaronson produced another no-show to trouble his manager’s precarious position even more.

Why Aaronson must now be dropped by Farke

Not even home comforts could save Leeds from a late Villa comeback.

Of course, last time at home, before this disastrous slip-up, Leeds picked up a much-needed 2-1 win over relegation rivals West Ham United, as Aaronson stole the show with a goal and an overall energetic outing.

Unfortunately for Aaronson, his showing against the Villans was a far cry from his standout performance against Nuno Espirito Santo’s visitors.

Against the Hammers, the American attacking midfielder successfully completed all three of his dribbles as a nuisance that the East Londoners had to keep tabs on throughout. On the contrary, on Sunday afternoon, Aaronson routinely lost the ball when attempting to burst forward with pace, with just one of his five dribbles coming off.

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On top of that, the hard-working figure who won eight duels during that 2-1 win was replaced by a weak number 11 who won just five of his 13 duels. Most importantly, too, the right winger only managed one effort on target at Emiliano Martinez’s goal, as Villa always felt like they had the below-par ex-Union Berlin playmaker under control.

If the German continues to select Aaronson, he will be very much on the chopping block for the sack, with both Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto perhaps better suited to this right-wing role, over the hot-and-cold 25-year-old.

After all, the Welshman at least excited the Elland Road masses late on when his goalbound effort was disallowed for a handball by Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

That being said, Aaronson isn’t the only underperformer who looks out of his depth in the Premier League.

Not just Aaronson: Big-money signing must be ditched

How much longer will the Leeds hierarchy persist with the former Norwich City boss in the dug-out?

After today’s defeat, they will want to see some immediate positive results, but with Manchester City and Chelsea up next in a very tricky double-header, the near future looks grim.

Still, he could pull off a shock result against either team, as is the unpredictability of the division, particularly if he ditches Lucas Perri in between the sticks, who fell victim to another shaky day at the office on Sunday.

The decisive match-winning free-kick was a wonderfully hit effort from the man of the moment in Rogers, but Leeds fans would have watched on in disbelief as Perri stayed rooted to his spot, with The Athletic’s Beren Cross critical of the ex-Lyon goalkeeper, who “barely moved”.

Away from helping Rogers to collect his brace, Perri also failed to look convincing with just two saves registered, alongside only ten of his passes hitting their intended target, leaving him with a dire 53% pass accuracy come the final whistle.

Games played

7

Goals conceded

14

Goals conceded*

2.0

Saves made

14

Saves made*

2.0 (50%)

Goals prevented

– 1.53

Pass accuracy*

19.0 (58%)

Clean sheets

2

For a newly promoted side who were on the hunt for a clear upgrade on Illan Meslier in the summer, they might well feel ripped off now that they forked out £13.9m on his services, with the flappy Brazilian conceding an average of two goals a game now, having kept just two clean sheets to date.

Amazingly, Karl Darlow – who cost £400k – might be the better option now, having averaged more saves per game than Perri this season from his limited minutes at 2.6 per clash, with Leeds surely fearing a drubbing at the hands of City up next if their new number one is retained.

Journalist Adonis Storr at the full-time whistle stated that Farke must be “in serious trouble” now, as boos headed his direction with some ferocity at the end, with both Perri and Aaronson needing to be dropped for the next crucial game to try and somehow steer the sinking ship back on course.

If they remain in the XI, Farke will likely be out of a job very swiftly.

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