In the 2022/23 season, West Ham United spent around £161.9m on making nine new signings, as the Hammers geared up to improve upon their seventh place Premier League finish in 2021/22.
One man who was signed, and is still considered a key part of the squad now under Julen Lopetegui, is Lucas Paqueta, who’s made 101 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals, providing 14 assists, and totaling 7,543 minutes played.
Lucas Paqueta
£35.3m
Gianluca Scamacca
£31.7m
Nayef Aguerd
£30m
Maxwel Cornet
£17m
Emerson
£12.6m
Thilo Kehrer
£9.8m
Danny Ings
£9.8m
Flynn Downes
£8.7m
Alphonse Areola
£7.6m
Despite this being viewed as a big window for West Ham, three of the players have already left the club on permanent deals, whilst another two players are currently out on loan.
How West Ham's players are faring out on loan
One man out on loan, who was also signed in the 2022/23 season, is Maxwel Cornet. He is spending this season with newly promoted Southampton but the 27-year-old has only made four appearances for the Saints, totalling 187 minutes played, and is yet to register a goal or assist.
Another Hammers player on loan in the Premier League is James Ward-Prowse, who is spending this term with Nottingham Forest. The 30-year-old English midfielder has made eight appearances so far this season, with his only real blemish being a red card.
West Ham have three more players out on loan, one of which is 18-year-old midfielder, Mohamadou Kante, who was signed from Paris FC this summer, but has returned on loan to continue his development.
The last two players in question are both central defenders, one being Kurt Zouma, who is currently at Al-Orobah in the Saudi Pro League and the other is Nayef Aguerd, who was also signed in that 2022/23 window, and is currently with Real Sociedad in Spain.
West Ham United's Nayef Aguerd in action in the Premier League.
Nayef Aguerd's situation at West Ham
When Aguerd was first signed at West Ham by David Moyes for around £30m, the Scottish coach praised the defender for his character and attitude during discussions to bring him to the club, and said the Morocco international would be a “great addition” to the squad.
Since then, the 28-year-old has made 58 appearances for the club, scoring four goals, providing one assist, and totalling 5,019 minutes on the pitch.
First Impressions
What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast's 'First Impressions' series has everything you need.
However, with Lopetegui joining the club, bringing Max Kilman, who he had worked with previously at Wolves, this allowed the club to loan out Aguerd, and now it would make a lot of sense to move him on permanently come the end of this campaign when you compare the two.
Progressive Carries
0.68
0.87
Progressive Passes
3.40
4.27
Passes Attempted
71.9
52.5
Pass Completion %
88.7%
86.4%
Passes into Final Third
4.01
3.60
Tackles
1.84
0.87
Blocks
1.29
1.67
Interceptions
0.68
1.29
Aerial Duels Won
2.72
2.80
Kilman ranks ahead of Aguerd in five of the nine metrics analysed above, displaying better progressive numbers for both carries and passes per 90, and averaging more defensive actions completed per 90, apart from tackles.
Whilst Aguerd is making more passes per 90, and at a higher completion percentage, this can also be down to the style of play, as Real Sociedad are averaging 55.0% possession this season, compared to the 46.9% possession of West Ham.
With Kilman now taking the position of left centre-back as his own, West Ham can move Aguerd on permanently regardless of who the manager is come the end of the season, and re-invest the money into a different profile defensive option, possibly even to partner the former Wolves star.
West Ham ace who was "nowhere near PL quality" has now saved Lopetegui
West Ham ace who was deemed “nowhere near PL quality” just saved Lopetegui’s job
Liverpool’s start to the 2024/25 campaign under new boss Arne Slot has been nothing short of remarkable, exceeding beyond all expectations after his arrival.
The Dutchman had the huge task of taking over from iconic boss Jürgen Klopp, but he’s taken to the role at Anfield like a duck to water and made an immediate impact in the Premier League and Champions League.
The Reds have won ten of their 12 matches in England’s top-flight, whilst having a 100% record in Europe ahead of tonight’s clash with Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Many players have starred during the opening months of the 46-year-old’s reign, including Mohamed Salah who has registered 22 goal contributions in his 18 outings this campaign.
However, the Egyptian isn’t the only first-team member to have caught the eye in recent weeks, with numerous others contributing to their impressive start.
Liverpool’s current midfield options under Slot
Ryan Gravenberch arrived in Merseyside from Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich during the summer of 2023, looking to provide increased competition in Klopp’s midfield.
He was only a bit part player under the former boss last campaign, starting just 12 league outings in the entirety of his debut year in English football.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch
However, the 22-year-old has already matched such a tally under Slot in 2024/25, operating in a deep-lying role at the base of the midfield alongside various different partners.
Curtis Jones has staked his claim for a regular starter in recent matches, starting each of the last three outings, claiming an assist for Luis Diaz in the previous Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
He’s also found the back of the next once during the current campaign, scoring the vital winning goal against Chelsea at Anfield, helping the club maintain their impressive league form that sees them sit eight points clear after 12 matches.
Such form has seen him dislodge big-money additions Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai from their starting roles, an indication as to how influential he’s been under Slot.
Jones’ subsequent form has seen him be included in Lee Carsley’s England squad in recent months, even scoring on his first start in the victory away at Greece earlier this month.
However, either of the pair could find themselves back on the substitutes bench in the next couple of months should the club complete a deal for one elite-level midfielder in January.
Liverpool plotting move for £60m star
According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are battling Arsenal over a January move to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with the Premier League pair both willing to offer around £50m for his services.
Martin Zubimendi in action
It wouldn’t be the Reds’ first rodeo in trying to sign the Spanish international, after activating his £60m release during the summer, with the 25-year-old deciding to stay put with the LaLiga side.
However, the winter window could produce a fresh opportunity for the Reds, with the report claiming the Spanish side are open to allowing Zubimendi to leave the club, if their £60m aksing price is met.
He would be an excellent pickup for Slot’s side, potentially being their own version of superstar Rodri who claimed the Ballon d’Or in recent weeks, with the likeness between the pair having been illustrated by Spain boss, Luis de la Fuente:
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the previous campaign, Zubimendi has actually matched or bettered his compatriot in numerous key areas.
Games played
31
34
Minutes played
2654
2931
Shot-on-target accuracy
50%
36%
Percentage of dribbles tackled
55%
48%
Blocks made
1.1
1
Interceptions
1.3
0.8
Take-ons completed
67%
66%
The “world-class” Sociedad star, as dubbed by former teammate Kieran Tierney, completed more tackles and interceptions per 90 last season, demonstrating his defensive qualities at the base of midfield.
His skill set would undoubtedly improve the options at Slot’s disposal, but it could see either Jones or Gravenberch lose their starting role despite their impressive start to 2024/25.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi
Zubimendi would allow the Reds to have a firmer grip on their title ambitions after the stunning recent form, edging themselves closer to a second Premier League title since its formation in 1992.
Their own Vinicius Jr: Slot must now unleash Liverpool's "special" talent
Anfield welcomes Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
The international break came at the perfect time for Arsenal, as, following four Premier League games without a win, it felt an awful lot like the wheels were beginning to come off.
Fortunately, the North Londoners’ first game back over the weekend brought a much-needed win, as Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka reminded the rest of the league just how devastatingly effective they can be.
However, there’s no time to celebrate for Mikel Arteta and Co, as they have the small task of Sporting CP away in the Champions League later tonight.
Arsenal’s last five PL results
Opposition
Result
Nottingham Forest
3-0 (W)
Chelsea
1-1 (D)
Newcastle (A)
1-0 (L)
Liverpool (H)
2-2 (D)
Bournemouth (A)
2-0 (L)
The Portuguese giants tore Manchester City asunder last time out, so the Gunners will have to be at their best to come away with three points, and to help with that, Arteta must start his answer to the ridiculously dangerous Viktor Gyokeres.
Viktor Gyokeres' sensational form
While Sporting are a brilliant team from front to back, the biggest threat to Arsenal tonight is undoubtedly Gyokeres.
The Swedish marksman has played like a man possessed since making his £20m move to Lisbon last year, scoring 43 goals and providing 15 assists in just 50 appearances.
Amazingly, the former Coventry City ace has somehow taken another step forward this season and, in just 19 appearances, has already racked up a frankly absurd tally of 24 goals and four assists, meaning he’s currently averaging 1.47 goal involvements every game.
Moreover, the Stockholm-born machine has shown this sensational ability at the very highest level as well, scoring five goals in the Champions League, including a hat trick against City.
Now, the sad truth for Arsenal is that they do not have a player capable of being this prolific in their squad.
However, they do have a talented centre-forward who can be their answer to Gyokeres, and Arteta must make a change to his starting lineup and play him from the first whistle tonight.
Arsenal's very own Gyokeres
Now, it’s certainly true that as a team, Arsenal looked back to somewhere close to their best on Saturday afternoon, but unfortunately, Gabriel Jesus did not.
The Brazilian wasn’t dreadful, but with a 6/10 match rating from the Standard’s Simon Collings and zero shots on target in 95 minutes, it would be fair to say that he showed just why he’s not been starting many games over the last nine months or so.
Moreover, the few times he did get into dangerous positions, he either fluffed his lines or passed the ball to someone else, and in a tough away fixture in Europe, that won’t do.
So, with that said, instead of handing the former City ace back-to-back starts, Arteta must turn to Kai Havertz.
The German is not the most prolific centre-forward in England, let alone Europe, but over the last year or so, he has proven he has what it takes to lead the line.
For example, in 17 appearances this season, the “magnificent” poacher, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored seven goals and provided one assist, which is made all the more impressive when you consider the fact he’s already played against the defences of Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain, Atalanta, Inter Milan and several other top sides.
Moreover, in three of his 11 league appearances this season, he’s had to adopt a more cautious playstyle due to the sending-off of one of his teammates.
Lastly, while the former Bayer Leverkusen monster’s tally does not hold a candle to Gyokeres’, the reality of the situation is that he remains the club’s best option up top, and by a country mile at that, as Jesus has scored just one goal and provided one assist in 16 appearances this season.
Ultimately, the Gunners are in for a serious test away from home tonight, and while nothing can guarantee a victory, they’ll have a far better chance of collecting all three points with Havertz up top as the answer to the free-scoring Swede.
He'd get Martinelli firing: Arsenal must hand "unplayable" gem 1st PL start
The incredible talent has a bright future at Arsenal.
Unless your name is Jose Mourinho, then goals galore has been the way forward for the majority of Premier League managers to create one of the most entertaining spectacles in world football.
Whether it’s been dramatic draws or ruthless thrashings, English football has been treated to some historic moments over the years, but who takes the crown for the highest-scoring game in Premier League history? We’ve taken a look at the six matches to feature 10 goals or more.
Highest-scoring matches in Premier League history
Rank
Match
Date
1
Portsmouth 7-4 Reading
September 2007
2
West Brom 5-5 Man Utd
May 2013
3
Arsenal 7-3 Newcastle
December 2012
4
Man Utd 8-2 Arsenal
August 2011
5
Tottenham 9-1 Wigan
November 2009
6
Tottenham 6-4 Reading
December 2007
The 11 biggest wins in Premier League history
These are some of the heaviest drubbings the league has ever seen.
ByRoss Kilvington Nov 13, 2024 6 Tottenham 6-4 Reading, December 2007 Four-goal Berbatov steals the show
Dimitar Berbatov for Spurs.
In a game that ended 6-4 to Tottenham Hotspur, the most surprising fact is that Reading were level with the north Londoners at 1-1 when the break arrived. It was, for those 45 minutes, like any other Saturday afternoon fixture.
But Dimitar Berbatov’s seventh-minute opener, followed by Kalifa Cisse’s equaliser just nine minutes later, were by no means signs of what was to come.
At one stage, Reading were even on course to seal the points, only for Berbatov to cancel the Royals out not once but twice on his way to a hat-trick.
After Ivar Ingimarsson struck, the forward first levelled things up to make it 2-2 before Dave Kitson’s effort forced the Bulgarian to take matters into his own hands yet again with arguably the finish of the afternoon, with the scores now at 3-3 by the time the clock struck minute 72.
However, Reading and Kitson weren’t done there, adding yet another goal to take the lead once again only for Steed Malbranque to step up to level things for a defiant Spurs.
There was no fightback from the Royals following Malbranque’s effort, who paved the way for Jermain Defoe’s goal to hand his side the lead with 12 minutes to go and Berbatov to steal the show with his fourth goal of the game in the 83rd minute.
5 Tottenham 9-1 Wigan, November 2009 Defoe enjoys five-star display as Tottenham thrash Wigan
Jermaine Defoe for Spurs.
As it turns out, anything Berbatov can do, Jermain Defoe can do better, much to the detriment of Wigan Athletic. Two years on from their 10-goal thriller with Reading, Tottenham enjoyed goals galore once again – and this time in far more comfortable fashion.
1-0 up at half-time courtesy of Peter Crouch, Defoe and the rest of the Lilywhites seemingly decided to change into their goalscoring boots at the break to hit Wigan for nine in sensational fashion.
Sealing the points and securing the match ball within the space of seven second-half minutes, Defoe found his first of five goals in the 51st minute before netting his hat-trick in the 58th following what proved to be a consolation from Paul Scharner a minute earlier. But Spurs weren’t done there.
In a ruthless mood, Aaron Lennon added a fourth and Defoe followed suit to stretch Spurs’ lead to 5-1 in the 69th minute. Many sides and many strikers would have been satisfied at that point, but Defoe found a fifth in the final three minutes of normal time before David Bentley and Niko Kranjcar turned a thrashing into a historic day for their side.
4 Man Utd 8-2 Arsenal, August 2011 Arsenal embarrassed at Old Trafford
Look away now, Arsenal fans. When it comes to Sir Alex Ferguson versus Arsene Wenger, Manchester United’s 8-2 thrashing of the Gunners is one that the former will enjoy looking back on a tad bit more than his counterpart.
This was the Red Devils at their ruthless best. As for the north London side, it almost sums up what was to come – this was Robin van Persie’s final trip to Old Trafford in Arsenal colours.
In the blink of an eye, Man United found themselves out of sight courtesy of Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young and the first of three Wayne Rooney goals. Theo Walcott’s effort just moments before the break gave Arsenal hope, but if ever that was crushed, it was in the second half.
Rooney recommenced the onslaught in the 64th minute before Nani made it a five-star display, with Park Ji-Sung ensuring the Gunners were hit for six.
Having missed a first-half penalty, Van Persie eventually got himself on the scoresheet at Old Trafford, only for Carl Jenkinson’s red card to open the door for further Arsenal embarrassment.
Completing his hat-trick, Rooney converted from the spot not long before Young found his brace for goal number eight. United had delivered a damning statement. Arsenal, in historic fashion, had been humiliated.
Man Utd 8-2 Arsenal
Date
28th August 2011
Venue
Old Trafford
Man Utd goalscorers
Welbeck 22′, Young 28′, 90′, Rooney 41′, 64′, pen 82′, Nani 67′, Park 70′
Arsenal goalscorers
Walcott 45′, Van Persie 74′
3 Arsenal 7-3 Newcastle, December 2012 Walcott stars as Arsenal reach seventh heaven
Theo Walcott for Arsenal.
A year on from their nightmare afternoon at Old Trafford, it was Arsenal who found themselves dishing out the goals as Theo Walcott became the star of the show.
Level at the break courtesy of efforts from the winger and Demba Ba, Arsenal and Newcastle United endured quite the 45 minutes in the second half.
Despite shipping seven goals, Newcastle gave themselves hope on two occasions after the interval.
Sylvain Marveaux’s effort levelled things up to cancel out Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s effort and equalised once again courtesy of Ba’s second of the afternoon in response to Lukas Podolski’s header. However, that’s where the Magpies’ hope came to an end.
Sealing the three points, Walcott found his second just four minutes after Ba had equalised before Olivier Giroud’s quickfire brace in the final 10 minutes put the Gunners out of sight.
Star man Walcott then secured the match ball and a stunning 7-3 victory for his side at the Emirates.
2 West Brom 5-5 Man Utd, May 2013 Sir Alex Ferguson ends United career with ten-goal thriller
Sir Alex Ferguson's final game at Manchester United.
Even with nothing to play for and retirement to enjoy, it wouldn’t have surprised anyone if Sir Alex Ferguson ripped up his speech to give his side one final version of his infamous hairdryer treatment after they conceded a three-goal lead to eventually draw 5-5 against West Bromwich Albion in his final game.
The legendary manager was initially on course for the perfect farewell, with Manchester United sitting three goals to the good thanks to Shinji Kagawa, Jonas Olsson’s own goal and Alexander Buttner’s effort.
Even when James Morrison and substitute Romelu Lukaku handed West Brom hope, it looked as though the Red Devils would cruise to victory having gone on to gain a 5-2 lead through Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez.
Almost foreshadowing the post-Ferguson era, however, the Baggies soon bounced back to hand the Manchester United icon the most dramatic final 10 minutes of his Premier League career that nobody saw coming.
As the clock struck the 80th minute, so did Lukaku, with Youssouf Mulumbu following up soon after. Suddenly a goal away from a dramatic comeback, a young Lukaku ensured that it was out with the old and in with the new when he made it five apiece in the 86th minute.
West Brom 5-5 Man Utd
Date
19th May 2013
Venue
The Hawthorns
West Brom goalscorers
Morrison 40′, Lukaku 50′, 80′, 86′, Mulumbu 81′
Man Utd goalscorers
Kagawa 6′, Olsson og 9′, Buttner 30′, Van Persie 53′, Hernandez 63′
1 Portsmouth 7-4 Reading, September 2007 Pompey put seven past Reading in 11-goal epic
Portsmouth in 2007.
It’s the second time that Reading have featured on this list, and the second time that they’ve found themselves on the wrong end of the history books, as Portsmouth put seven past the Royals.
On another frustrating afternoon for the visitors, Reading were just 2-1 down at the break after Benjani’s brace was followed up by Stephen Hunt’s effort. They even found themselves level just three minutes after the break courtesy of Dave Kitson, only for a flurry of goals to arrive.
First came Hermann Hreidarsson’s equaliser in the 55th minute to open the floodgates, with Niko Kranjcar striking and Benjani completing his hat-trick to follow suit not long after.
Shane Long’s effort did at least interrupt the Pompey goals, leaving the score at a 5-3 thriller, before Ivar Ingimarsson’s own goal and Sulley Muntari’s spot-kick put the home side further out of reach at 7-3.
Sol Campbell then deflected in Nicky Shorey’s strike to end matters in what proved to be a historic 7-4 epic.
Em confronto válido pela 3ª rodada do Campeonato Paranaense, Athletico-PR e São Joseense mediram forças na Arena da Baixada, na noite deste sábado. Mesmo com melhor volume de jogo, o Furacão acabou parando no forte sistema defensivo do rival, fazendo com que o placar em Curitiba não sofresse alterações.
Com o resultado, a equipe comandada por James Freitas chegou aos 5 pontos, porém lhe deixando estacionada na 4ª colocação, enquanto o time treinado por Marcão, que segue sem triunfar no Estadual até o momento, acabou ficando na 9ª colocação agora com 2 pontos conquistados.
RelacionadasCampeonato PaulistaNo Moisés Lucarelli, Ponte sai na frente, sofre a virada, mas garante empate no fim com a Inter de LimeiraCampeonato Paulista29/01/2022Copa do NordesteCom hat-trick de Mikael, Sport vence clássico contra o Náutico pela Copa do NordesteCopa do Nordeste29/01/2022Futebol NacionalAnselmo Ramon estreia, CRB marca no fim e bate Cruzeiro pelo AlagoanoFutebol Nacional29/01/2022
>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS
BOM INÍCIO POR PARTE DO ATHLETICO
Fazendo valer o fator casa, a equipe do Athletico, logo nos primeiros movimentos, tratou de ir para cima do São Joseense em busca de seu gol. Entretanto, mesmo aparecendo mais em seu campo de ataque, pouco ofereceu perigo ao goleiro André Luiz, já que o sistema defensivo do rival mostrava-se atento aos lances.
Na sequência, até meados dos 20, o Furacão ainda seguiu ditando o ritmo em campo. Entretanto, não muito diferente de como foi no começo,Pablo Siles, João Pedro e Rômulo, apesar de tentarem, não conseguiam balançar as redes.
SÃO JOSEENSE TENTA EQUILIBRAR ATÉ O FIM DO PRIMEIRO TEMPO
Percebendo as chegas com mais facilidade por parte do adversário, o time de São José dos Pinhais até arriscava-se em algumas jogadas. Sendo assim, em uma das melhores chances, respondendo na mesma moeda a finalização de João Pedro, Kalil obrigou o goleiro Anderson a fazer uma linda defesa, impedindo que o placar fosse aberto.
Já nos minutos finais, contando com os acréscimos, novamente a pontaria não ajudava os atletas. Mesmo com uma chance para cada lado, ambos os goleiros acabaram encerrando a primeira etapa sem sofrer gols.
MANDANTES SEGUIAM EM BUSCA DO PRIMEIRO GOL
Na volta para a etapa complementar, nenhum dos dois treinadores optou por modificações em seus respectivos esquemas táticos. Com isso, o Rubro-negro seguia na insistência de marcar, conseguindo chegar com perigo com um minuto no relógio, quando João Pedro fez o goleiro André Luiz trabalhar.
Com o passar do tempo, a defesa do São Joseense mostrava que não estava para brincadeira, impedindo os ataques promissores por parte do Athletico. Até que aos 15 minutos, o técnico James Freitas promoveu a primeira troca colocando Daniel Cruz no lugar de Jader dando mais velocidade.
EQUIPES VÃO PARA O TUDO OU NADA
Após a mudança, o panorama pouco mudou em campo. Com isso, desta vez ambos os treinadores resolveram recuar para seus suplentes, na expectativa de encontrar um gol na reta final de jogo.
Nos últimos momentos, contando com os 6 de acréscimos, foram poucos os lances de perigo tanto do Athletico, quanto do São Joseense, dando a deixa para a arbitragem colocar um ponto final no duelo frustrando os torcedores do Furacão que marcaram presença nas arquibancadas.
FICHA TÉCNICA ATHLETICO-PR x SÃO JOSEENSE
Data e horário: 29/01/2022, às 20h (de Brasília) Local: Arena da Baixada, em Curitiba (PR) Árbitro:Leonardo Ferreira Lima Assistentes:Weber Felipe Silva eLeandro Polli Glucoski
Cartões Amarelos: Léo Alaba, 11’/2ºT; Daniel Cruz, 28’/2ºT
ATHLETICO-PR: Anderson; Julimar, Matheus Felipe (João Vialle, aos 26’/2ºT), Lucas Fasson e Pedrinho; Luan Patrick, Juninho e Jader (Daniel Cruz, aos 15’/2ºT); Pablo Siles (Reinaldo, aos 30’/2ºT), João Pedro (Davi Araújo, aos 27’/2ºT) e Rômulo (Jonathan, aos 27’/2ºT). (Técnico: James Freitas)
SÃO JOSEENSE: André Luiz; Léo Alaba (Thiago Araújo, 40’/2ºT), Dirceu, Bruno Oliveira e Rael (Fernando Timbó, aos 40’/2ºT); Caio César, Marcinho e Gabriel Honório (Will, aos 33’/2ºT); Júlio Pacato, Alisson Taddei e Kalil (Wellissol, aos 30’/2ºT). (Técnico: Marcos Skavinski)
A Newcastle United player who Eddie Howe has described as a “total one-off” is available for the weekend clash with Everton, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
Newcastle prepare for Everton trip
The Magpies have steadied the ship after their disappointing 3-1 defeat away to Fulham earlier this month, not least after picking up a credible 1-1 draw at home to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City last Saturday. That was followed by a 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup third round on Tuesday night.
Next up for Newcastle is a trip to Everton on Saturday evening, with the Blues buoyed by their first win of the season last time around in the league, as they got the better of Crystal Palace 2-1 at Goodison Park.
Anthony Gordon scores for Newcastle
For that reason, the home faithful are likely to be in good spirits when Howe’s side make the trip to Goodison, in what has the potential to be an awkward assignment. The Magpies should still have enough quality to prevail, but their performances this season haven’t always been wholly convincing.
Howe is under an element of pressure, not only because the displays have been hit-and-miss, but also due to his relationship with Paul Mitchell reportedly being strained, so he will know the importance of adding three points to his tally this weekend.
Newcastle receive injury boost before Everton
Taking to X, Downie claimed that Fabian Schar is available for Newcastle’s meeting with Everton, having overcome an ankle knock suffered against Wimbledon in midweek.
Having Schar available on Saturday is vitally important, with the Swiss’ experience crucial in what could be a cauldron of noise under the light at Goodison Park. The 32-year-old has stood tall in the absence of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles through injury and Howe is under no illusions as to how important he is to the cause.
“There won’t be many centre-halves like Fabi. He is a total one-off. He is a very good defender. When he is absolutely concentrated and really well trained, he’s as good a defender as I’ve seen. He reads the game really well and the amount of interceptions he makes is second to none.”
Schar has been a wonderful servant for Newcastle over the years, making 193 appearances and proving to be a mainstay of the defender, and while he isn’t getting any younger, his influence remains great and there is no reason why he can’t remain at a high level for another few years.
Newcastle wanted to sign £50m ace who's been better than Gordon & Isak since
This has got to be one of the biggest blunders under the PIF ownership…
ByAngus Sinclair Oct 4, 2024
To have had him absent at Everton this weekend would have significantly weakened the Magpies’ defence, so this update is a significant one, ahead of a vital 90 minutes at Goodison.
Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing the signing of a “brilliant” Premier League player, in a deal that could break his current club’s outgoing transfer record.
Newcastle eye transfers despite Howe and Mitchell feud
The rumours surrounding the sour relationship between Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell are refusing to go away, with the Magpies’ manager and sporting director seemingly failing to see eye to eye since the latter replaced Dan Ashworth during the summer.
In fact, a big new claim has suggested that, in a summer meeting which did not involve Howe, Mitchell told staff that he is now the man in charge, leaving many in the room stunned. Clear-the-air talks are believed to be planned or have already taken place at Newcastle, and it is an issue that needs to be resolved either way as soon as possible.
As for potential Magpies signings, Monaco youngster Maghnes Akliouche has been linked with a move to St James’ Park, with Mitchell wanting to snap him up after working alongside him at the Ligue 1 club, before leaving at the end of last season.
Meanwhile, Villarreal attacking midfielder Alex Baena has emerged as a potential option in the January transfer window, should Howe feel he needs more depth in the middle of the park. Scouts have been sent to watch him in action, and he already has five assists to his name in just six La Liga starts this season.
Newcastle eyeing move for "brilliant" forward
According to Give Me Sport, Newcastle are interested in signing Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, as they look for more attacking quality. Liverpool and Arsenal are also providing stiff competition, however, highlighting how well thought of the Cameroon international is.
The Bees want more than £40m for his services, which would beat the fee paid by Al-Ahli for Ivan Toney, and it looks like any deal would take place next summer not in January, with all three suitors expected to head “to the negotiating table at the end of the season”.
Brentford'sBryanMbeumocelebrates scoring
Mbeumo could be a wonderful signing for Newcastle, considering he is arguably one of the most in-form wide players in the Premier League so far this season.
The 25-year-old already has five goals in six games in the league, one of which came in the first minute of last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to West Ham, and Brentford manager Thomas Frank has hailed him as “brilliant”. Meanwhile, Tottenham ace James Maddison even called his goal against Spurs this month “fantastic”, claiming it would be in contention for the Goal of the Month award.
Liverpool and Arsenal being interested in Mbeumo is clearly an issue for Newcastle, considering the pair are Premier League title challengers, but they already have elite players in Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka in Mbeumo’s right-sided role.
What Paul Mitchell told Newcastle staff in a meeting without Eddie Howe
All is not well between the pair currently.
ByHenry Jackson Sep 30, 2024
Howe doesn’t possess such a level of talent there – they were linked with finding an upgrade on Miguel Almiron all summer long – so the hope is that the Brentford star sees himself as more of a regular starter at St James’, deciding that a move there would be better for him moving forward.
Birmingham City’s big spending habits have been well documented now, with the Blues acquiring a whopping 17 new faces this summer.
Jay Stansfield rejoining the Blues permanently after a bright loan spell in the Championship was the purchase that stole the headlines, and for good reason, with the ex-Fulham striker leaving behind Craven Cottage for good for an eye-watering £20m fee.
He has already proven himself to be a deadly striker at League One level, with Wrexham and Rotherham United already feeling the 21-year-old’s goalscoring wrath in league action.
Stansfield's form this season
Stansfield already has three strikes next to his name playing in the third tier, with a double coming his way on his League One debut back with the Blues against Phil Parkinson’s Red Dragons.
The much-talked-about youngster then backed up that excellent showing at St. Andrew’s with another standout display away at the Millers, as the electric Blues number 28 looped an effort over the Rotherham goalkeeper’s head in the first half to set his team on their way to a confident 2-0 win.
The expensive summer buy will aim to keep up this top form across the season to come, as Birmingham also strive to make their stay in League One as short as possible, by instantly winning promotion back up to the Championship.
Whilst the ambitious Blues look to have got the purchase of Stansfield spot on, they haven’t always reaped the rewards of every deal that has got off the ground, with this striker joining with a big reputation in 2021 who unfortunately underwhelmed.
Scott Hogan's transfer to Birmingham
Scott Hogan once cost Birmingham’s arch rivals Aston Villa a hefty £12m to get into the building in 2017, after he had garnered a reputation for being an ice-cold goal machine in the EFL at Brentford.
Firing home 21 goals from 36 games for the Bees before this switch to Villa Park, Hogan would then struggle in his new pressurised surroundings, with a lacklustre goal return of ten strikes from 61 games, before making the controversial move across enemy lines to St. Andrew’s official.
23/24
28
1
2
22/23
40
10
2
21/22
37
10
1
20/21
34
7
0
19/20
18
7
1
Hogan was never quite able to recapture his Brentford best at Birmingham, with another move not exactly going to plan for the now 32-year-old striker, who very much struggled last campaign as the Blues fell down to League One.
He only managed three goal contributions the entire second tier season, as Stansfield upstaged the ageing attacker with 12 league strikes from 43 clashes.
In the end, Hogan would only manage to register a disappointing 36 strikes from 158 games in total, with the former Bees man never quite living up his billing as a statement signing in the form of Stansfield.
With Birmingham going in a different direction this summer with lavish buy after lavish buy, Hogan would end up seeing his contract be ripped up in the West Midlands, as the veteran EFL presence now finds himself unemployed and on the search for a new club to call home.
He did also have many moments of magic donning a Birmingham strip, but there was no place for sentimentality on the end of Davies’ men this summer, as the Blues aim to make promotion back up to the second tier look like a breeze with Stansfield now up top.
9/10 Birmingham star is quickly becoming as undroppable as Stansfield
This Birmingham City star shone last time out against Rotherham United.
Chelsea put in a commanding performance against West Ham United to secure a 3-0 win and their third of the Premier League season.
The Blues put their London rivals to the sword, dominating in transition to dispatch the Hammers. It was their second away win in the top flight this term, after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 6-2 at Molineux.
Nicolas Jackson scored two goals in the opening 18 minutes to put his side in a very comfortable position before even a quarter of the game had gone by. His first came from a pass by Jadon Sancho, which the Senegalese striker met with great intent, driving into the Hammers box and slotting through Alphonse Areola’s legs.
His second was set up by a carving pass by Moises Caicedo, who also put in a superb showing. It split the Hammers’ defence open, and Jackson simply ran onto it and slotted home with the outside of his foot.
The 22-year-old set up the Blues’ third. It was scored by Cole Palmer to give his side an almost unassailable lead.
There were some superb performances from Chelsea, not least from Jackson and Caicedo. Palmer was as superb as ever and continued his sparkling form in a Chelsea shirt.
Palmer’s stats vs. West Ham
It has been a simply astounding start to life at Chelsea for England international Palmer. As per StatMuse on X, the 22-year-old has 39 combined goals and assists in 38 Premier League games for the West London outfit. With 16 goals and 11 assists, he is the only player in the English top flight with ten or more goals and ten or more assists in 2024, according to StatMuse.
On Saturday, he was no different, getting on the end of Jackson’s pass, driving into the Hammers’ penalty box and firing past French goalkeeper Areola, into the top corner, before dropping his iconic ‘Cold Palmer’ celebration. It was a superb finish from the Manchester City academy graduate.
The attacker’s stats, via Sofascore, were also impressive. Palmer had 30 touches of the ball at the London Stadium, with a 78% pass accuracy, He created one big chance, won five fouls and an impressive six out of eight ground duels.
Tom Olver of The Metro also thought the 22-year-old was impressive in East London. He gave Chelsea’s number 20 an 8/10 for his efforts, praising him for the way he ‘combined brilliantly’ with Jackson for the third goal.
It was not just Palmer who impressed at the London Stadium, with another of his teammates also putting in an impressive performance.
Tosin Adarabioyo’s stats vs. West Ham
The player in question here is defender Tosin Adarabioyo. After joining on a free transfer in the summer, the 26-year-old, who is also formerly of the Man City academy, made his first Premier League start for the Blues.
It is perhaps no coincidence that Enzo Maresca’s side kept back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this season with Adarabioyo in the side. Although he only played 28 minutes in the previous game against Bournemouth, he helped the Blues keep a 1-0 lead intact and was crucial against the Hammers, too.
The former Fulham defender had 61 touches at the London Stadium, more than Palmer, and had an 88% pass accuracy to go with that. He also made an impressive five clearances, showing just how important his defensive contributions were. Adarabioyo also completed one dribble, at a success rate of 100%.
Stat
Number
Touches
61
Pass accuracy
88%
Passes completed
45/51
Clearances
5
Dribble success rate
100%
Ground duels won
2/3
His performance was also rated highly by Olver, who gave him an 8/10 rating just like Palmer received. The Metro journalist credited the defender for being ‘an assured presence at the back’ against Julen Lopetegui’s side.
He has certainly shown he has the quality to start at centre-back for Chelsea. Given he now has helped keep two clean sheets in a row in the Premier League, Maresca must surely continue to back Adarabioyo and give him another start next up against Brighton.
On the evidence of yesterday’s showing, the summer signing has certainly warranted an extended run in the side.
Weekly wages: Chelsea FC 2025/26 highest-paid players
Here’s how much Todd Boehly is playing his players at Stamford Bridge…
INEOS are reportedly holding internal talks over Manchester United completing the signing of an "extraordinary" free agent – one who is more valuable than anyone else on the market currently.
Man Utd struggling despite new signings
It has been a testing start to the season at Old Trafford, with two defeats already coming their way in their opening three Premier League matches, including last weekend's humbling 3-0 loss at the hands of bitter rivals Liverpool. Casemiro's performance was so poor that he was substituted at half-time – he essentially cost his side two goals – but Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Brazilian is still likely to stay put this month.
It was a good summer transfer window for United, despite their current struggles, with Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt strengthening the defence, Manuel Ugarte acting as an upgrade on Casemiro and Joshua Zirkzee joining from Bologna to provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund. However, Ugarte is not expected to be fully fit for many weeks or even months, according to Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee scores vs Fulham
In terms of other additions, free agent Yusuf Yazici has reportedly been offered to the Red Devils, with the 27-year-old leaving Lillie earlier in the year, being seen as a possible upgrade on the ageing Christian Eriksen. It remains to be seen if United will take up the offer, but a host of clubs are believed to be in the mix. There is still a chance for Ten Hag to bring in further players to bolster his squad – and his chances of staying in the job – but only free agents are available.
INEOS hold talks over signing "extraordinary" ace
According to a fresh claim from TEAMtalk, Manchester United owners INEOS are holding internal talks over the signing of Adrien Rabiot, who left Juventus at the end of last season, given the dire straits they find their midfield in after Casemiro's nightmare start and Ugarte's struggle to get fit.
The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Old Trafford plenty of times in recent months, being seen as an ideal figure to come in and add class to the midfield, and he is currently the most expensive free agent listed on Transfermarkt, being valued at £29.5m. He would however go against INEOS' strategy of targeting younger players on lower wages, perhaps what is currently keeping the internal discussions from progressing to a formal offer.
Rabiot could be a real signing of intent on top of Ugarte, easing the workload of the waning Casemiro and the need to play him, with so much quality in his armoury, both on and off the ball. Last season, he scored five goals and registered three assists in Serie A, as well as averaging 1.9 tackles per game. The 29-year-old has also been lauded by former France and Juve striker David Trezeguet, who waxed lyrical over him back in 2022.
"We are talking about a problem for Juventus because in Italy he may have been targeted for criticism, but in France it’s completely different. He is world class, an extraordinary player. Now he will evaluate his options and will go back to being the important player he always was."
Adrien Rabiot's career club stats
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Paris Saint-Germain
227
24
14
Juventus
212
22
15
Toulouse
13
1
3
Whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe manages to entice Rabiot to United remains to be seen, but if he can strike a deal for him, it could be an inspired piece of business. The fact that he would come in on a free transfer also takes out plenty of risk, should he struggle to set the world alight at Old Trafford.