Tag Futebol

Mark Goldbridge took to Twitter to criticise Manchester United forward Anthony Martial during Saturday's 1-0 win over AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Are Man United qualified for the Champions League?

Erik ten Hag named an unchanged starting XI from last weekend's win over Wolves, with Marcus Rashford once again missing out through illness.

The Red Devils went ahead early on through Casemiro, with his strike proving to be the difference on the south coast. It looked as if the win would guarantee United a top four finish, however, Liverpool's late equaliser means they will have to wait to ensure Champions League football returns to Old Trafford.

However, Goldbridge was left frustrated with Martial during the second half, with the forward slipping over at the Vitality Stadium on a number of occasions. The United Stand presenter said:

"Martial must play in his wedding shoes….always slipping over"

The forward was then replaced shortly after for Wout Wegorst.

How did Martial perform against Bournemouth?

Martial played his part in a crucial away win for the Red Devils, and as per SofaScore, was a solid performer for Ten Hag's side. He ended with a match rating of 7.1/10 – slightly below United's first XI average of 7.32/10.

The forward received a 6/10 rating from The Manchester Evening News and although he failed to have a shot on target, he did complete all of his three attempted dribbles and won six of his eight duels. Martial even contributed defensively with a tackle and a blocked shot, and even tough he frustrated Goldbridge, you could say it was a positive performance on the whole.

أعلن المدير الفني لمنتخب السنغال، أليو سيسيه، التشكيل الأساسي لمواجهة الكاميرون مساء اليوم في كأس أمم إفريقيا.

ويلتقي المنتخبان في إطار منافسات الجولة الثانية من دور مجموعات البطولة الإفريقية، المُقامة حاليًا في كوت ديفوار.

اقرأ أيضًا | تشكيل الكاميرون أمام السنغال في كأس أمم إفريقيا.. موقف أونانا

كان منتخب السنغال قد فاز في مباراة الجولة الأولى ضد ناميبيا بثلاثة أهداف دون رد، في حين أن الكاميرون اكتفت بالتعادل، في الجولة نفسها، مع غينيا بهدف لمثله.

ويتصدر منتخب السنغال المجموعة الثالثة برصيد 3 نقاط، في حين أن الكاميرون لديها نقطة في المركز الثاني. تشكيل السنغال اليوم أمام الكاميرون في كأس أمم إفريقيا

حراسة المرمى: إدوارد ميندي.

خط الدفاع: جاكوبس، ديالو، كوليبالي، دياتا.

خط الوسط: باب جايي، باب ماتار سار، لامين كامارا.

خط الهجوم: ساديو ماني، حبيب ديالو، إسمايلا سار.

حسم فريق ريال مدريد تأهله لدور الـ 16 بكأس ملك إسبانيا، بعد الفوز بثلاثية لهدف أمام أراندينا، ويستعد لمواجهة الديربي أمام أتلتيكو مدريد.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد وأتلتيكو مدريد في نصف نهائي كأس السوبر الإسباني، يوم الأربعاء القادم، بالمملكة العربية السعودية.

وأوضحت صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية، موقف فيرلاند ميندي لاعب ريال مدريد، من اللحاق بالمباراة، بعد غيابه في الفترة الماضية للإصابة.

وشهدت تدريبات ريال مدريد تواجد ميندي بصورة طبيعية وقد شارك في الجلسة التدريبية، وهو جاهز للمباراة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد.

اقرأ أيضًا | ذا أثلتيك: ريال مدريد يصدم مبابي قبل نهاية عقده مع باريس سان جيرمان

وسبق وتعرض ميندي للإصابة أمام ديبورتيفو ألافيس، لكنه واصل عمليات التأهيل حتى تعافى وأصبح جاهزًا للعودة للمشاركة.

ويعاني ريال مدريد من عدة غيابات في صفوفه، حيث أصيب لوكاس فاسكيز قبل يومين، كما يغيب الثلاثي تيبو كورتوا وإيدير ميليتاو وديفيد ألابا بسبب إصابة في الرباط الصليبي.

Leeds United fans were no doubt disappointed to see Ross McCormack depart for Fulham in the summer of 2014 after he had crashed in 29 goals the season before.

However, the Scottish forward's shocking career since then, which has left him without a club since 2021, suggests that the Whites did incredibly well to sell him for £11m.

How did McCormack perform at Leeds?

Leeds would sign McCormack for an undisclosed fee of around £350k in the summer of 2010, joining from Cardiff City.

After a slow start to life at Elland Road, which saw him manage just two league goals in his first season at the club, the forward would become the main man under Neil Warnock the following campaign.

The former Rangers man would fire in 18 goals and six assists in just 45 Championship appearances, before adding another eight goals and 14 assists the following campaign.

His best period at Leeds came in the 2013/14 season however, as he notched an incredible 28 goals and ten assists in the second tier, which saw him finish as the top scorer in the division, despite the club enduring a disappointing year which saw them finish 15th in the league.

Therefore, with Leeds fans still dreaming of a return to the top flight, it was a real source of disappointment when McCormack departed for recently relegated Fulham the following year, and he would deliver similar success at Craven Cottage.

How has McCormack done since leaving Leeds?

In 100 appearances for the west London outfit, he would register an impressive 42 goals and 22 assists, yet he was never able to break into the Premier League, joining fellow Champoinship side Aston Vila in the summer of 2016 for a fee of £12m.

It was here that the once-promising striker's career began to go downhill, as he mustered just three goals and one assist in 24 appearances for the Midlands club and was criticised by manager Steve Bruce for failing to turn up to training on a number of occasions, with his infamous broken gate excuse the beginning of the end for McCormack.

Another failed loan stint at Nottingham Forest, where he hit one goal in seven appearances, would follow, before the Scottish striker, who was dubbed "lazy" by talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan, moved to Australia.

Although he was able to briefly rediscover his best form with Melbourne City, finding the back of the net on 14 occasions in just 17 outings, he would then score just once for Central Coast Mariners, before enduring goalless spells at Motherwell and embarrassingly, Aldershot in non-league.

Since leaving the Shots, McCormack has failed to find a new club and at the age of 36, it seems his career is well and truly over. Thus, it's safe to say Leeds actually struck gold when selling him, even if it felt like poor business at the time.

A number of Leeds United supporters have been reacting to a contract update involving defender Robin Koch.

The Lowdown: Talks underway

Koch has made himself a regular at centre-back during the current Premier League campaign, turning out on 25 occasions in the top-flight and playing every minute under new manager Javi Gracia.

The defender’s current contract at Elland Road runs until 2024, however, the player himself has admitted that talks are underway over a new deal in Yorkshire. As relayed by The YEP, Koch said:

“During the season, I want to distract myself as little as possible with planning for the future.

“The first talks between the club and my advisor are currently underway. Towards the end of the season and during the summer break, I will deal with that. Now my focus is 100 per cent on our games and goals.”

The Latest: Fans react

YEP reporter Joe Donnohue shared the contract news regarding Koch on Twitter. His post received plenty of interaction, with a number of supporters hoping to see an agreement when it comes to new terms with Koch.

“We need to get this done.” – @ralph98bownas

“He is one of our better players. If we can keep hold of him after 2 relegation battles, that’s massive.” – @SamLocker1

“Been playing well this season. Wasn’t convinced but shows what staying fit and a run of games can do” – @WorsnopD

“I can totally get him not signing until safety is assured. Also his form has been a lot more solid since Wöber came into the side. Hopefully they can form a strong (Prem) base for next season.” – @aclr1972

“I hope he does. He’s been imperious this season.” – @whiterosedave

“Hes had a great season and if we stay up we should re-sign him. Defensively we have been much better this season….shame about the other end.” – @Jeffers0846

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Koch has made more appearances this season than his previous two thanks to remaining injury free and has seemingly caught the eye as a result.

Newcastle United are thought to be showing an interest in the 26-year-old, so securing him to a new long-term deal would be good news. It may put the Magpies off moving for the defender, or at worst, would keep his valuation at its maximum, meaning that Leeds could receive an eye-catching fee if they were to sell.

Hopefully, a new deal can be signed over the coming months and Koch can help the club remain in the Premier League, although he is ‘convinced’ the Whites won’t drop down to the Championship despite their current position.

Troy Deeney has ripped into his former teammate Abdoulaye Doucoure for his role in the second goal Everton conceded yesterday.

The Lowdown: Everton will be frustrated

While taking a point away at Nottingham Forest who haven’t lost at the City Ground since September should be deemed a positive result by Sean Dyche and the Evertonians, the manner of their collapse will be disappointing.

Everton did indeed take the lead twice yesterday which will have filled them with hope of picking up a huge three points against a relegation rival, but old tendencies foiled that idea.

There were errors for both goals from an Everton perspective with Jordan Pickford pushing Morgan Gibbs-White’s effort straight to Brennan Johnson and then Doucoure gave the ball way in his own half just seconds before Forest levelled things up.

The Latest: Doucoure cancels out all his good work

The Mali international put Everton ahead for this second time yesterday when he headed past Keylor Navas, but that was swiftly forgotten as he lazily gave up possession moments before Johnson got his second of the game, which Deeney was quick to highlight on Match of the Day 2.

He said: (44:55) “77 minutes, you’re 2-1 up away from home and this is perfect you’re in control. I played with Doucoure, he’s a lot better than this [giving the ball away] but he’ll be getting absolutely hammered for this.

“At this moment when you’re a player you’re thinking please don’t score and Brenan goes and sticks it into the top bin, so Dyche will be fuming.”

The Verdict: Dyche will be ruing individual errors

It’s been a mixed bag for Everton since Dyche was handed the job as he’s picked up seven points from seven games including two home wins that also resulted in clean sheets, but they’ve also shipped eight in their last games.

The fact that Everton didn’t really make Forest work for their goals as the first one was a tap-in from Johnson and the second one saw Doucoure hand the hosts the ball just a few yards out from Everton’s box will have Dyche fuming.

If Everton are to avoid the drop this season then they will certainly have to cut out individual errors as it is just allowing teams back into games far too easily and giving themselves a mountain to climb in every game.

Crystal Palace are eyeing a move to bring Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi to the Premier League this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

The Selhurst Park outfit are the fifth joint-lowest scoring team in the division so far this season, so whilst Patrick Vieira has managed to steady the ship in the capital, the need for attacking reinforcements to take his side to that next level is evident.

Wilfried Zaha and Jordan Ayew will also both be out of contract at the end of the campaign meaning that the boss will have to find suitable replacements should the duo depart, and it sounds like the 28-year-old has been identified as an ideal candidate.

The Latest: Palace scouting Furuhashi

According to Football Insider, Palace are ‘keeping tabs’ on Furuhashi ahead of a potential move later in the summer where they are looking to make ‘multiple forward signings’.

The Eagles are ‘scouting’ several targets, with the Japanese international ‘one of those’ currently on their wishlist.

The Hoops, however, ‘do not want to lose’ their talisman and it’s reported that the interest from SE25 could ‘trigger’ the club into wanting to offer him a contract extension.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Furuhashi has been hailed for his ‘world-class’ goals by journalist Josh Bunting, and should the opportunity to sign him arise upon the conclusion of the 2022/23 term, Palace should grab it with both hands.

The Asics-sponsored star has clocked up 19 goals and two assists in just 23 Scottish Premiership appearances so far this season where he’s currently averaging 2.6 shots per game.

The Ikoma native would also provide Vieira with plenty of versatility considering he can operate on both flanks as well as at centre-forward, making this a no-brainer of a deal to complete.

Tottenham Hotspur have submitted a late bid for Piero Hincapie, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Sport Bild claim that Spurs have made a ‘verbal offer’ in the region of €25m (£22m) to sign the versatile Bayer Leverkusen defender ahead of Tuesday night’s transfer deadline.

It’s not the first time that the north Londoners have been linked with a move for the Ecuador international as they were quoted around £34m for him during the summer transfer window, with manager Antonio Conte wanting him prior to Clement Lenglet’s temporary arrival.

He could become the third winter signing after Arnaut Danjuma (loan) and Pedro Porro, should the latter make his way through the door in time.

He’s shades of Romero

Perhaps surprisingly, one of the Lilywhites’ biggest problems under the Italian has been in defence – not something you’d expect from his style of play but it could point towards his current options not being good enough as many are prone to the odd error or two each game.

That’s not to say that the young 21-year-old titan isn’t – because he very much is – but he’s more likely to grow and develop into what Conte is after – given his age – than say an Eric Dier, Ben Davies or Davinson Sanchez.

Hincapie is strikingly similar to that of Cristian Romero – one of the only shining lights in the back three. It’s easy to see why they are comparable as both are aggressive in the tackle and are adept with the ball at his feet.

As per FBref, the Argentine is among the top three players for likeness to the Leverkusen star in terms of statistical profile. Hincapie, meanwhile, ranks inside the top 4% for completed dribbles, the top 11% for expected goals and the top 13% for tackles per 90, when compared to other centre-backs across Europe’s top five divisions.

WhoScored also lists passing, aerial duels and blocking as three further key strengths of his, which is perhaps why talent scout Jacek Kulig once dubbed him the “complete and dominant” centre-back that he is.

The eagle-eyed talent spotter also lauded his tackling as “tenacious” and suggested that he is also “fast and strong,” which are all fantastic assets for a Conte system.

Therefore, Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici could well land a player with shades of Romero with a late, last-gasp swoop for the Ecuadorian “prodigy” – as once hailed by journalist Jose de Jesus Ortiz.

£22m could well be a bargain for one of Europe’s most talented young centre-backs.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Porro: Spurs could end January with a bang by signing “deadly” £26m gem…

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has less than a week left to go in the January transfer window to make additions to his squad heading into the second half of the campaign.

The Spanish head coach is enjoying his first month in the market since joining the club to replace Steven Gerrard earlier this season and has made two signings so far.

Alex Moreno and Jhon Duran have arrived at Villa Park from Real Betis and Chicago Fire respectively but they may not be the last players to come through the door before the window slams shut.

One player who has been linked with a potential switch to the club is Lyon centre-forward Moussa Dembele, with Villa reportedly making an enquiry about the striker – whose contract with the French outfit is due to expire at the end of the season.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ryan Taylor confirmed that the striker is “definitely a player of interest” to the Villans heading into the final few days of the window.

Emery could now form a lethal duo in the final third for Villa by signing Dembele and using Emi Buendia to provide the gem with the service he needs, in the form of quality passes.

The Lyon striker, who journalist Bertrand Latour once hailed a “scoring machine”, showcased his goalscoring potential in the French top-flight last season as he found the back of the net 21 times in 25 starts.

Dembele has also scored twice in six Ligue 1 starts this term and plundered 26 goals in 38 Premiership starts for Celtic earlier in his career, which shows that he has a history of being prolific in front of goal.

These statistics indicate that the Frenchman would be a reliable goalscorer for Villa if the club can get the right players around him to create chances in the Premier League.

This is where Buendia could come into play as the Argentine maestro has the potential to be an excellent creative force for the club if he can recapture his best form.

In the Premier League last season, the ex-Norwich man created 1.4 chances per match and eight ‘big chances’ in total across 35 appearances and that came after he produced nine ‘big chances’ and 2.3 key passes per outing across 36 matches in the top-flight for the Canaries in 2019/20.

The 26-year-old also joined Villa off the back of creating 18 ‘big chances’ and making 3.1 key passes per game in 39 Championship clashes for the Yellows.

These statistics show that Buendia has the capacity to be an exceptional creator for Villa, particularly when you consider that no player has managed more than 1.5 chances created per match in the Premier League this season, if Emery can get him back to his best.

Now, imagine the Argentine wizard in top form and threading quality through balls and passes into Dembele for the French striker to do what he does best – score goals.

Journalist Alex Crook has revealed that Arsenal are ‘monitoring developments’ with Brighton and Hove Albion winger Leandro Trossard.

The Lowdown: Mudryk first?

There have been recent reports that Arsenal are continuing talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over the signing of winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, with a fee not yet agreed between the two clubs.

Personal terms would not be an issue, as the player has expressed his desire to move to the Emirates Stadium, so now it is about the structure of Arsenal’s bid.

Mikel Arteta’s side may not stop there in terms of January recruits though, as they look to chase down the Premier League title.

The Latest: Trossard monitored

Taking to Twitter, Crook has revealed that the Gunners are also ‘monitoring developments’ with Trossard, although they face competition from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for his signature:

“Led to believe #THFC interest in Trossard is genuine. No firm bids yet. Is under contract until 2024 after #BHAFC triggered a year’s option as revealed on @talkSPORT last week. I’m told #AFC also monitoring developments. No interest from Graham Potter and #CFC at this stage.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

Given that Emile Smith Rowe has only just come back from a lengthy injury lay-off, and both Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson are also on the treatment table, Arsenal could do with some more firepower in the squad alongside the potential signing of Mudryk.

Hailed as ‘unreal’ by Rio Ferdinand, and a ‘wizard’ by Brighton podcaster Charlie Haffenden, Trossard was immense before the break for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, with seven goals and three assists in the Premier League, including a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw against Liverpool at Anfield (Transfermarkt).

The Belgium international seems to have lost his starting place recently, which could help push through a move, and with his top-flight experience, the 28-year-old would be a shrewd pick-up by the Gunners.