All posts by h79snht.top

Tonight’s Premier League affair between Arsenal and Sunderland may have lacked the vital ingredient of any classic football match, goals, but it was an intoxicating, exciting, gripping and dramatic scoreless draw which guaranteed the Black Cats’ Premier League status for at least another season.

Indeed, it was a backs-to-the-wall, one-moment-will-decide-it affair, and possibly the most entertaining nil-nil of the season.

But just in case you missed it – perhaps you were busy watching Corrie with the missus – we’ve listed the three biggest talking points, so your mates don’t have to find out!

Pantilimon wins this season’s Underrated Glove award

With the likes of David De Gea, Thibaut Courtois and Hugo Lloris all enjoying superlative form this season, the pivotal performances of Costel Pantilimon have gone unfairly unnoticed.

Despite starting just 22 Premier League fixtures this term, the 6 foot 8 Sunderland No.1 ranks joint-fifth in the division for clean sheets, leaving him on equal terms with Chelsea’s Courtois, and fourth for number of saves.

And the Romanian international was absolutely intrinsic in Sunderland claiming another clean sheet this evening. He began with a sensational close-down of Jack Wilshere as the Arsenal midfielder careered into the box, and ended with a string of saves from point blank range as the Gunners peppered Sunderland’s goal. Overall, he finished up with seven saves.

Needless to say, Sunderland fans on twitter were very impressed:

Arsenal lack killer instinct

Over the last few weeks, many have come to the opinion that Arsenal are just a few signings away from a title-winning side. That may be true – and in terms of using the ball, they were absolutely fantastic once again this evening.

Yet, they lacked the killer instinct of a Chelsea or Manchester City, failing to convert 28 shots and 74% possession into a goal – despite the fact Sunderland didn’t get out of their own box until the hour mark. This now makes it three games without a goal for Arsenal – and 270 minutes since they’ve netted at the Emirates.

Although blame can’t be placed on a single individual, one has to question Olivier Giroud. In terms of hold-up play and occupying defenders, the France international did his job tonight, but he lacked that poacher-esque ability to turn up in the box at the right time and turn a half-chance into a goal, ending the match with only three efforts – equating to just 11% of all Arsenal’s chances. Entering the summer, the Gunners should be looking for a world-class upgrade on the 28 year-old.

Offer Dick Advocaat anything he wants

Since arriving at the Stadium of Light at the expense of Gus Poyet in March, Dick Advocaat has transformed a Sunderland side that at one point looked destined for relegation.

Under his leadership, the Black Cats have lost two, drawn three and won four, making him directly responsible for over half of the club’s victories in the Premier League this season – and of course, their great escape from relegation via a draw this evening.

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The former Netherlands, PSV, Rangers, Russia and Serbia manager has continually insisted he won’t stay on at Sunderland after the end of the season, apparently due to his wife not liking Wearside too much.

Well, you can hardly blame her – but the Black Cats need to throw the kitchen sink at Advocaat to retain him this summer, because they’re much stronger with him. Overwhelmed with emotion, the 67 year-old struggled to hold back tears after the final whistle, so he’s clearly enjoying his Sunderland tenure too.

For the club’s sake, let’s hope they’re not farewell tears.

1. Thou shalt always be the first to say ‘Have you seen this?’

Arsene Wenger is famed for saying ‘I did not see it’ when his side are the beneficiaries of a generous decision. But you don’t miss a thing, you see it all. And your mates respect you for it. Wenger could learn a thing or too from you.

2. Thou shalt always have an opinion and stick by it

You may as well be Stan Collymore in disguise. Your opinions are strong and sometimes controversial, but you’re proud of them. Don’t let anyone tell you what to think, stand by your opinions and scream them at those who disagree. Loudly.

3. Thou shalt never wait for MOTD

You’ve got better things to be doing than waiting up until 10.30pm for Match of the Day. You’ll probably be out, so it’s lucky you spent the afternoon with Jeff Stelling to get your football fix. It’s much more entertaining, too. Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer are nowhere near the same league as Jeff Stelling and Paul Merson.

4. Thou shalt always stick a Saturday acca on

And a Sunday one too. You know deep down that money would be better off in your rainy day fund, but you convince yourself you’re going to win that mega 28-fold acca from a £1 stake one day. You’ve got to be in to win it, after all. Just ask Ray Winstone, he loves it.

5. Thou shalt use Twitter, not Final Score

You don’t just want scores, you want reaction and details. Final Score will tell you Emile Heskey has scored in the 46th minute. Twitter will tell you it went in off Emile’s left arse cheek and he still doesn’t know he’s scored despite it being 20 minutes later. Good times.

6. Thou shalt waste your life away playing Football Manager

If you didn’t then you won’t know who Cherno Samba is. If you did, you’ve had his name on the back of every shirt you’ve bought since 2001. Legend.

7. Thou shalt never let the Sunday League team down

You sank 12 pints, 18 shots and half a bottle of that dodgy looking liquor from the top shelf last night, but everyone knows you’ll be ready to boss the midfield come kick-off. You’re Mr. Reliable.

8. Thou shalt always remember to change your fantasy football team

Your mates call you the tinker man because you play around with your fantasy football team each week and still get results. Research is a paramount, complacency is for amateurs.

9.  Thou shall never say no to a kick about

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve had a long day at work and all you can think about is your bed. Your mates have invited you for a kickabout and you wouldn’t miss it for the world.

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Demba Ba famously admitted he plays football with his mates in his back garden almost every day after training. You’re pretty much Demba Ba, just without the strawberry syrup addiction and millions in the bank.

10. Thou shalt never miss a lads night out

You’ve got work in the morning but that won’t stop you hitting the tiles and getting yourself ‘mortal like.’ Andy Carroll does it, so why can’t you?

11. Thou shalt always put football first

Always. There’s simply not contest when it comes to anything else. You’re not changing for anyone.

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Liverpool forward Danny Ings is a talent player, albeit an incredibly unlucky one. After netting eleven times in the Premier League for Burnley, the England international showed promise in his early appearances for the Reds – until suffering an injury during Jurgen Klopp’s first training session.

Ings has spent much of the period since on the sidelines, also suffering a serious injury last season. But at the age of 25, he’s still got a chance of reviving his career and in terms of style of play, he certainly suits what Klopp tends to look for from his attacking cast.

Accordingly, a loan move in January could be exactly what Ings needs to revive his Liverpool career. So amid news that West Brom could make an offer when the transfer window reopens, we asked Reds supporters whether their club should sanction a loan deal.

And our poll has revealed that a whopping 81% of Liverpool fans think their club should loan Ings out to the Baggies in January. But can you see a long-term future for Ings on Merseyside? Let us know by commenting below…

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According to reports in The Times, Arsenal are considering making a summer swoop for Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski, but they could face competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Manchester City.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Times says that while Tarkowski is happy at Turf Moor and has been a key part of the team that currently lies sixth in the English top flight standings, an offer from a club in the Champions League next summer could leave him with an important decision – assuming the Clarets don’t finish in the top four, that is.

The Times says the Gunners and City are keeping close tabs on the 25-year-old Mancunian with another homegrown target Jonny Evans set to re-join Manchester United, with a move to the Etihad probably better geographically for the defender.

However, the report suggests that he would be more likely to play regular first-team football at the Emirates, meaning he may have quite the conundrum at the end of the season.

How has Tarkowski done this season?

He has been excellent, and his performances have taken him to the brink of an England call-up, according to The Times.

The 25-year-old has played every minute of Burnley’s season at the heart of Sean Dyche’s side’s defence, helping them keep nine clean sheets in their 18 Premier League fixtures so far.

According to WhoScored.com, the former Brentford man has made 28 successful tackles, 30 interceptions, 145 clearances and 36 blocks in the top flight this term, while he has won 95 of the 132 aerial duels he has faced.

Would he be a good signing for Arsenal?

If Wenger wants to add a homegrown centre-back to his squad, then there is no doubt that Tarkowski would be a good buy.

The 25-year-old is a proper defender who isn’t afraid to put his body on the line for his team, and that is something the Gunners have certainly been missing at times.

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With Per Mertesacker retiring at the end of the season the north London outfit need another option in their backline, and Tarkowski may only have a year left on his contract next summer – unless he extends it in the meantime – meaning he could be available for a reasonable fee.

Convincing him to move back down south may be an issue however.

Liverpool knew that they were going to lose Philippe Coutinho.

They knew that Barcelona were interested and that the player wanted to go. They knew that the money was ridiculous – though perhaps in this market that was to be expected – and that it would be hard to turn down. And they also knew that these days it’s futile to stop a player from leaving when his heart is set on it. It is simply ill-advised, especially when poor performances would see his value drop.

Losing him, too, is a little easier to swallow when you still have a front three to put fear into the hearts of most teams in world football. Even sweeter when you add the transfer of Virgil van Dijk into the equation – a vital defensive addition turned instant hero. Barcelona have made Liverpool’s attack worse off, but their defence has certainly been improved.

But over the last week or so, the transfer news that speaks the most about Liverpool’s unenvious position is the one which has Emre Can thinking very seriously about joining Juventus.

He’s not the player Coutinho is. He’s not an attacking force, nor would he be sold for over £100m. But it’s not so much losing him that’s the problem, more that reports are claiming that Jurgen Klopp hasn’t actually given up hope of keeping him. Losing him might not be the worst thing that could happen. But if he goes even if Liverpool want to keep him, that poses a bigger question.

A club with the history and prestige of Liverpool will always see itself as an apex predator, not one whose best players leave. But as even Barcelona showed in the last transfer window, sometimes players just want to leave, and when they do you can be powerless to stop them.

Can is still young, though he should be able to hold a place in the team by now, and he is a versatile player. He’s useful, and Liverpool could certainly be doing with keeping him. But the Reds shouldn’t be in a position where he wants to leave.

For a team who should be at the top of the food chain, they are still taking some stick from rival fans who are gleeful at having the chance to call the Reds a selling club: with Coutinho having left, and the likes of Luis Suarez and Javier Mascherano having gone to Barcelona at various points over the last few seasons, Liverpool you can see why the charge might be levelled.

And yet, under Klopp, results may not seem to have changed much since the Brendan Rodgers era, but the team has certainly improved. Liverpool have qualified for the knockout rounds of the Champions League for the first time since Rafael Benitez was the manager, and they currently occupy a top four spot. Indeed, in the German manager’s first season in charge, the team even made it to two cup finals.

The record might need dressed up a little bit in order to look good, but that doesn’t mean to say that Liverpool shouldn’t be an attractive place to play football.

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If Can leaves for Juventus, Liverpool will be able to replace him. There’s no doubt that he’s not that vital, and it wouldn’t be like losing Mohamed Salah just months after losing Coutinho. But it might point to a failing within the club to present the return to cup finals and to the Champions League knockout stages as a return of the Anfield club to the European elite.

And so losing him might be a worrying precedent for Liverpool to set.

According to reports in the Daily Mail, Newcastle United have been boosted in their pursuit of out of favour Everton striker Sandro Ramirez after the 22-year-old demanded that he is sold this month.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Daily Mail reported on January 21 that Magpies manager Rafa Benitez is willing to sanction a £2m loan move for the Spanish forward as well as taking on all of Sandro’s £100,000-a-week wages.

The latest Daily Mail report suggests that the 22-year-old wants out of Goodison Park after failing to settling into life with the Merseyside outfit and with first-team opportunities limited, although it is understood that he would prefer a return to Spain just six months after his move from Malaga.

How has Sandro Ramirez done this season?

He has been disappointing.

The 22-year-old arrived at Everton during the summer in a £5.2m deal and was quickly labelled as one of the bargains of the summer having scored 16 goals in 31 matches for Malaga during the previous campaign.

However, the Spain U21 international has never got going, struggled physically and looks unable to play in the lone striker role in the Premier League, while he has scored one goal and provided a further assist in 15 appearances in all competitions.

He has failed to make the squad for the Toffees’ last five matches in all competitions, and it would be a huge shock if he doesn’t leave – either on loan or on a permanent basis – by the close of play on Wednesday.

Would he be a good signing for Newcastle?

He would certainly be a risky one and one that would worry the fans given they are just one point above the relegation zone.

While he scored goals for fun for Malaga last season, he just hasn’t appeared to be suited to Premier League football so far.

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Sandro certainly hasn’t been given a regular and consistent run in the Everton side however, and perhaps he could make more of an impact under a Spanish boss at St James’ Park – if he is handed plenty of game time.

The 22-year-old would likely work better alongside a target man like Joselu – or another Newcastle target in Nicolai Jorgensen – and it could bring out the best in him, but Magpies fans certainly wouldn’t be holding their breaths for that to happen.

We asked and you delivered. And it was, of course, a whitewash.

After Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday evening, we wanted to know who you thought was the Reds’ best player. And with two goals and a hand in pretty much anything good Liverpool did going forward, obviously there was only one winner, Mohamed Salah.

When he’s on form, he is by far and away Liverpool’s best player this season, and Sunday was one of those games. And although his side didn’t end up with three points, Salah’s contribution was so important that it leaves you wondering what happens if he gets injured or a suspension. Though it was the same with Sadio Mane last season, and the Senegalese international may well step up in such a case.

Still, there were plenty of other players, too. We asked you to give a rating out of ten for each of Liverpool’s players, and coming in second place was youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold. This is encouraging because most of Tottenham’s best play came down the flanks, where Ben Davies, Kieran Trippier and a roaming Christian Eriksen attempted to fizz crosses into dangerous areas for Harry Kane. The full-backs marshalled that well, though and Alexander-Arnold also tried to get forward and help on the break, too.

A draw was tough to take for Reds fans, but the performance was encouraging.

Here are the full results below:

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Everton are interested in bringing Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer as they look to build their defence for next season, according to reports made by African Football.

What’s the story?

The Toffees are rumoured to be considering to make a move for the highly-regarded Senegal international as they look to sure up their defence.

It is believed a fee of around £40million would be needed for Napoli to consider selling one of their top players, however, the Merseyside outfit are expected to have to compete with a number of clubs for his signature.

Koulibaly has been linked with the likes of Chelsea in the past, however, it is thought that Arsenal are keen to bring him to the Premier League and have been watching him for some time.

Should Everton consider the defender in the summer?

The Toffees went after the centre-back in the summer of 2016, however, Napoli were insisting that they wanted £60m for their star man.

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Koulibaly would certainly add stability to a leaky back line and would add even more experience to the side, however, it remains to be seen if the Italians will want to sell him at the end of the summer, especially if they are able to lift the Serie A trophy.

Chelsea forward Willian produced a man-of-the-match display and scored his side’s goal in the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, and Manchester United fans have urged their club to sign the Brazilian, rated at €32m (£28.3m) according to Transfermarkt.

The 29-year-old had already hit the woodwork with two brilliant efforts when he finally scored in the 62nd minute following an impressive finish to give Antonio Conte’s men the lead, but Lionel Messi netted his first ever goal against the west London outfit to snatch a draw for the La Liga leaders.

Willian hasn’t always been popular with the Stamford Bridge faithful this term following some inconsistent performances, and he hasn’t been a regular in the starting XI under Conte either, although that may change following his most recent display.

Man United supporters were quick to have their say on the Brazil international via social media, and while one said he “would thrive with Sanchez and Lukaku”, another said he’s “better than Hazard imo and one of the best players in the world”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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Jamie Carragher suspects there is something going on behind the scenes at Everton after Idrissa Gueye confronted Jordan Pickford in the defeat at Burnley.

Everton added yet another miserable result to their awful away run on Saturday as they completely capitulated in the second half, allowing Burnley several clear cut chances and eventually losing 2-1.

Ashley Williams was sent off for a ridiculous swinging elbow at Burnley’s Ashley Barnes and Sam Allardyce was given yet more stick from the Everton away support.

It’s clear all is not well at Goodison Park, and Jamie Carragher’s comments on Monday Night Football won’t have done much to make Everton fans feel better.

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As well as criticising the Everton performance, Carragher suggested there must be some sort of conflict between players on the training ground.

Ashley Barnes found Burnley’s equaliser after Jordan Pickford failed to come out and clear the long ball, and Idrissa Gueye’s angered reaction intrigued Carragher.

Carragher said:

“For him to run 20, 30 yards to remonstrate with the goalkeeper, that’s not a one off.

“There must be something going on behind the scenes between them. If someone did that to me I’d have them by the throat, Pickford just lets it happen.”

Carragher discussed England’s goalkeeper dilemma with Gary Neville on Monday Night Football, and both agreed the young stopper needs to work on his positioning and be more commanding.

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Time will tell if there is anything in the reaction from Gueye, but any sort of conflict between the players can surely only mean bad things for Sam Allardyce.

Everton fans, let us know your thoughts in the comments below…