Tag Futebol

[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

A tweet that has now gone down in Liverpool folklore, club owner John W Henry famously wrote: “What do you think they’re smoking over there at the Emirates?”

This was in response to Arsenal’s £40m+£1 bid for Uruguay forward Luis Suarez, which they were aware would be enough to get the Merseysiders to inform the player of the bid and begin negotiations – as revealed by former Arsenal transfer fixer Dick Law.

To be ridiculed by the actual owner of Liverpool, enough so that the tweet is still up on Henry’s account to this day and has nearly 60k retweets, isn’t fair on the Gunners.

Yes, it was a unique offer, but what would the point have been in offering £50k, £500k or even £1m if the north Londoners were aware that anything over £40m would trigger the agreement? The backlash that the offer faced makes no sense whatsoever.

The offer did in fact get the ball rolling and Suarez even told The Guardian that he felt Liverpool should let him leave so he could play Champions League football and honour their promise to him.

“It reminds me of a bus seat!” – Watch a damning verdict on Chelsea’s new kit in the video below…

But for Steven Gerrard convincing the former Ajax man to stay put, Arsenal may have got their man and it would’ve been because of the cheeky offer.

Law reveals that anything over the £40m mark was enough to force Liverpool to inform the 6 foot striker of the offer – something that clubs aren’t obliged to do usually – and allowed the striker to discuss a transfer to the Emirates.

The Gunners knew that it wasn’t a buyout clause, or a release clause, or anything like that.

As a result, they almost got what they wanted from offering just a pound over £40m, and if Gerrard hadn’t been able to convince his teammate to stay put, we may have instead been discussing Arsenal’s cheeky offer as a transfer masterstroke instead of the harsh joke that it has now become.

Manchester United football club are having a major crisis right now and it does not bode well for the future.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is at the wheel and everything seemed to be changing when he first arrived. Though after their magical night in Paris, where they defeated Paris Saint-Germain, United then only managed to accumulate two wins in their next 12 matches.

Massive changes have to be made this summer and it could mean that Man United wave goodbye to a number of players, while changing their transfer structure dramatically.

The idea is that the Red Devils will instead sign the players of tomorrow, ones full of potential and willingness to play for this prestigious club. Indeed, they were linked with the man in question by Football Ghana via the Daily Star earlier this week.

Although Thomas Partey is now 25-years-old, he would most definitely be a magnificent signing and one that could take Man United’s midfield to a new level.

Partey (who is valued at £45 million on Transfermarkt) was hugely important for Atletico Madrid this season as he played 42 times in all competitions.

The athletic, energetic box-to-box midfielder scored three goals and even provided six assists from a deep-lying role for Diego Simeone’s side.

Behind Paul Pogba and whoever else may join, Partey could be a fantastic option in-between defence and midfield, breaking up play and helping Man United to progress further forward up the pitch.

With bags of experience having played in Simeone’s incredibly well-drilled Atletico Madrid side, Man United would instantly acquire a player who makes them better in every aspect.

Partey could also help attract other players to come and join Man United, to steer the club back to where they’re supposed to be.

Would you like to see Thomas Partey join Man United… Join the discussion and let us know!

سيطر التعادل على المباراة التي جمعت بين فريقي تشيلسي وتوتنهام في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، مساء اليوم الأحد.

وتلاقى الفريقان في قمة منافسات الجولة العاشرة من البريميرليج، في ملعب ستامفورد بريدج، حيث تعادلا سلبيًا. ملخص مباراة تشيلسي وتوتنهام

وفشل مهاجمو الفريقين في هز الشباك طوال دقائق المباراة، والتي شهدت فرصًا على استحياء من الطرفين كان آخرها أوليفيه جيرو في الوقت القاتل.

وواصل حارس تشيلسي إدوارد ميندي تألقه في المباراة، كعادته في اللقاءات الأخيرة.

بتلك النتيجة، حصل كل فريق على نقطة واحدة، حيث أصبح رصيد توتنهام 21 نقطة في المركز الأول بالتساوي مع ليفربول ولكن بفارق الأهداف، بينما أصبح رصيد تشيلسي 19 نقطة في المركز الثالث.

ويُعد ليفربول المستفيد الأكبر من نتيجة مباراة اليوم، خاصة بعد تعادله في لقاء الأمس مع برايتون بهدف لمثله.

قال ميكيل أرتيتا المدير الفني لفريق آرسنال الإنجليزي إنه تأذى من تصريحات مسعود أوزيل التي أشار فيها إلى أن استبعاده من الفريق لا يتعلق بمصلحة النادي.

تم استبعاد صانع الألعاب الألماني من قبل أرتيتا ولا يشارك مع الجانرز، أوزيل ليس جزءً من تشكيلة أرسنال المكونة من 25 لاعبًا للدوري الممتاز أو الدوري الأوروبي، ويبدو من غير المرجح أن يرتدي قميص أرسنال مرة أخرى قبل انتهاء عقده في يونيو.

ورغم كفاحه لإحداث تأثير مع أرسنال في المواسم الأخيرة، ما زال الرأي منقسمًا حول ما إذا كان يجب على أرتيتا إعادة أوزيل إلى الملعب، لكن المدرب يصر على أنه يفعل فقط ما يشعر أنه صائب.

وقال أرتيتا لقناة “beIN Sports”: “أنا متضرر لأنني لا أحب أن لا يملك أي لاعب في فريقي إمكانية المشاركة أو المنافسة، بالنسبة لي إنه أمر محزن حقًا لأنني لا أعتقد أن أي شخص يستحق ذلك”.

وأضاف: “ولكن في نهاية المطاف، أجلس هنا لاتخاذ القرارات التي  في رأيي هي الأفضل للنادي، وهذا ما يجب أن أفعله”.

لم يظهر أوزيل مرة واحدة تحت قيادة أرتيتا هذا الموسم، ويبدو أن مدربه ليس لديه أي خطط لتغيير قراره.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ديفيد لويز يعتدي على سيبايوس في تدريبات آرسنال.. والأخير يرد

وأكد أرتيتا: “اللحظة التي تخسر فيها مباريات كرة القدم سيظهر اسمه، وعندما تفوز لن يحدث ذلك”.

عندما سئل عما إذا كانت هناك فرصة أخرى لأوزيل، أجاب أرتيتا: “حسنًا، يمكن للجميع وأعتقد أنه منذ وصولي إلى هنا، ترى من أين بدأ بعض اللاعبين وأين هم الآن، تغيرت حياتهم المهنية تمامًا وقد حصلوا على هذا الحق، أعطيناهم الفرص واستغلوها”.

وأتم: “مع مسعود في الوقت الحالي، مع قائمة الفريق من الواضح أنه لا يمكن المشاركة، أحاول أن أكون واضحًا قدر الإمكان معه ومع جميع وسائل الإعلام والمشجعين لأنهم يستحقون معرفة الأسباب، البعض سيتفهم والآخر لن يفهموا ذلك بسبب ما فعله للنادي”.

[ad_pod ]

Following a candid interview, in which he revealed that he needs to leave the club to be with his partner and their sick daughter, Isaac Hayden is expected to leave Newcastle in the summer after having his wish of a move away denied in January.

Given his amazing performances of late, where he has emerged as one of the first names on Rafa Benitez’s teamsheet, there will be a huge gaping hole where he once stood if he does end up departing St James’ Park.

Who can replace him?

It will be tough to replace a player of Hayden’s quality on the cheap and as we all know, Mike Ashley doesn’t often spend huge sums of cash nor does he enjoy loosening his purse strings.

Has injury cruely robbed Sean Longstaff of a potential England place? The Magpie Channel’s Matty belives he was nailed on in the video below…

Hayden is 24 years of age, English and could easily get better, but given his difficult personal circumstances, it would be unfair to keep hold of him against his will, especially as he has been a model professional throughout the whole situation.

As a result of that, Newcastle should look within their ranks right now to find the answer, and it could well be right before their eyes in Fabian Schar.

Why would he be a capable replacement?

Schar, a £3m bargain summer signing, has been arguably one of the Magpies’ best players this season.

His quality is there for all to see. The Swiss international can pass the ball, dribble with it, time his tackles well and is a dominant presence in the air – all of which are traits that are pivotal parts of Hayden’s game.

If you’re wondering how Rafa Benitez will cope with losing a centre-half to play him in midfield, natural left-back Paul Dummett has excelled in the centre of defence in recent weeks, whilst he also has Jamaal Lascelles and the currently injured Florian Lejeune to choose from.

By making this shrewd move, Benitez can save some cash this summer and allow his team to remain settled.

The good, the bad and the Roque Junior.

Players often earn themselves big moves after performances in a major tournament, it has become the easiest way and most convenient method of scouting players every two years without needed to send staff off to the far corners of the world.

Roque Junior was one such character.

The Brazilian defender was a member of the World Cup winning Brazil squad in 2002, which is always a good sign, we suppose, and a Champions League winner with AC Milan. Also a good sign.

Understandably former Leeds boss Peter Reid wanted him some of that. How could he fail, after all? This lad was clearly a born winner. It was in his blood. He had to succeed. He had done it before; he was going to be the making of this side and drive them forwards to eternal glory.

We imagine these were the thoughts probably streaming through Reid’s head when he made the call to secure the Brazil international on a season-long spell in 2003. Or, alternatively, maybe those that circled his thoughts as he tried to sleep at night by the time it became increasingly obvious that he may as well have burned the money used in some sort of voodoo ritual.

When we talk about terrible records, they do not get much worse than Roque Junior’s. In his opening seven first-team appearances, he yielded a remarkable four cautions and one dismissal, conceded 24 goals and was on the end of six defeats. Impressive stuff, hey. Junior did manage to bag two goals against Manchester United, though – which is more than enough to book a player in the history books under normal circumstances.

But he was extraordinarily bad, so, unfortunately, this rule did not apply.

Roque Junior left Elland Road as one of the worst signings of the century.

[ad_pod ]

BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson has ripped into Arsenal in his latest set of Premier League predictions, and while he has tipped the Gunners to see off Newcastle United at the Emirates on Monday night he has been far less impressed with their form on the road.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the former Liverpool player believes that Unai Emery’s men will take all three points against the visiting Magpies, but he took the opportunity to also speak about the north London outfit’s sketchy away performances and results.

While only Manchester City and Liverpool – the latter only by goal difference – have better records on their travels in the top flight this term, Arsenal find themselves as the 10th-best team when they aren’t on their own patch.

Their displays away clearly haven’t gone unnoticed by Lawrenson, who told the BBC: “It is a worry the Gunners are so different on their travels, though. What that basically says is that everything is good at home when they have loads of the ball and that is the strength of the team when they are going forward – like they should be on Monday.

“But, when they are away, and under the cosh more, they can’t seem to cope with that. They don’t seem to be able to pick up points on a regular basis, and their results in Europe have been disappointing too.

“Unai Emery has made plenty of changes after replacing Arsene Wenger as manager but in that regard, it is still ‘same old, same old Arsenal’.”

Have Premier League grounds become “lifeless tourist attractions”? Decide for yourself by watching the video below…

Emery won’t want to see this

The Spaniard has clearly made plenty of changes since replacing the experienced Frenchman at the helm last summer, but one thing that hasn’t drastically improved is club’s away form.

The 47-year-old will be well aware of that and will know that a big improvement is needed next term, but he still won’t be happy to see his reign compared to Wenger’s in a negative sense nearly a year after the managerial change was made.

Whatever the case, Arsenal need to find a winning formula on the road if they want success in the Premier League and in Europe in the future.

[ad_pod ]Sunderland fans have been heaping praise on Luke O’Nien during the international break.The Black Cats made a rip-roaring start to their League One campaign, losing just once in their first 20 league matches.Jack Ross’ side went off the boil at the turn of the year though, registering score draws in six out of seven games, but they have now won four of their last six with the two failures being draws in difficult away games. Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….And it’s no coincidence that the recent return to form has coincided with O’Nien hitting a purple patch, as the 24 year-old’s energy from right-back has made a huge different to the side.O’Nien, who is capable of playing pretty much anywhere across the midfield or on either defensive flank, has five goals and five assists to his name this campaign.

On top of that, the versatile ace just seems to “get†Sunderland, constantly interacting with fans and showing off his passion for the badge.

Loads of fans have been discussing his form, and judging from the Twitter reactions down below the summer signing is already a fan favourite at the Stadium of Light…

[ad_pod ]

Loads of Celtic fans have been reflecting on the weekend’s cup action, and they’re completely split on the quarter-final performance of Nir Bitton.

Celtic cruised into the last four of the Scottish Cup all too easily on Saturday, as Neil Lennon’s return to Easter Road was a very comfortable one.

His side were rarely threatened in the first half by Paul Heckingbottom’s Hibs, and second half goals from James Forrest and Scott Brown were enough to progress.

Forrest’s goal was a moment of pure individual brilliance, skipping past a couple of defenders before rifling in from the edge of the box, and Brown’s effort wasn’t much worse, thundering his strike home after some good work by Odsonne Edouard.

The game was won and lost in midfield though, where Bitton was once again very busy.

The 19-cap Israeli international has started Celtic’s last three matches since returning from a knee injury, and while his dirty work in midfield helps other players to venture forward and attack, he is not everyone’s cup of tea.

Fans are completely split on the 6 ft 5 in midfielder’s all-action showing, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Mesut Ozil’s long-term future at Arsenal remains unclear after falling out of favour in north London.

The former Germany international was once considered one of the finest playmakers in all of world football. However, Ozil has failed to replicate his world-class performances in recent years. After struggling during Arsene Wenger’s final seasons in charge, his woes have continued under Unai Emery who has constantly omitted the former Real Madrid man from his squad.

It’s surely likely that the Gunners will look to offload the midfielder during the summer window. Taking home a whopping £350,000-per-week, he simply isn’t justifying his mammoth wages. With cash likely to be limited for Emery, getting rid of Ozil could be a priority.

To replace him, the former Sevilla boss should snap up Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid – Kai Havertz. Valued at £58.5m by Transfermarkt, the German was earmarked as one of the country’s hottest prospects after making his name in the Leverkusen youth academy. Havertz’s transition to the first-team has been seamless with the youngster now enjoying a prominent role in the side.

The 19-year-old drew comparisons to Ozil during his earlier years but his overall game has completely evolved since. Classy on the ball, Havertz is extremely well-rounded meaning he is comfortable in a variety of midfield roles. The Germany international is enjoying his finest season to date, helping his side with an incredible return of 12 goals and six assists in all competitions this season.

Havertz has the potential to develop into one of the world’s best midfielders; the Gunners should be doing everything in their power to lure him to the Emirates.

Arsenal fans, thoughts?