All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal produced their best performance of the season to beat Tottenham in the north London derby at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta’s side got off to the perfect start, racing to a three-goal lead before half-time, thanks to strikes from Emile Smith Rowe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka.

And while Heung-min Son pulled a goal back late on, there was only ever one winner in the contest, with the Gunners sealing an impressive victory to move ahead of their rivals in the Premier League on virtue of goal difference.

But despite their attacking players clicking and firing on all cylinders, it was arguably their defence, and in particular, Takehiro Tomiyasu who really caught the eye.

The summer signing from Bologna started once again at right-back after being a part of the team that had kept two consecutive clean sheets in the top-flight against Norwich and Burnley respectively.

Facing inarguably his stiffest test of the new campaign against Son down his right-hand side, the Japanese ace imposed his will on the Spurs winger, never letting him have any space or time whatsoever.

As per Sofascore, he won five of his eight duels on the day, including four of five in the air, while he also made one tackle, one interception and three clearances to boot too.

He was also a reliable presence going forward too, boasting the most amount of touches of any player on the pitch with 67, and putting in two crosses too.

There were a number of times where he received the ball deep inside his own half with Spurs players looking to close him down, but his ability to play with both feet ensured the Gunners could beat the press with ease.

Such was the dominance that Tomiyasu imposed on Son, that Nuno Espirito Santo felt compelled to bring on Bryan Gil and have both him, Son and Sergio Reguilon trying to attack down the Japanese ace’s flank in order to somehow beat him.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for Football.London, Kaya Kaynak gave him an eight, saying: “Another really good performance from the Japanese international who looks unbeatable in the air. Looking more technically confident with each game as well and contributed to the attack on occasion.”

It was no surprise that Gunners fans voted him as their man of the match via their official Twitter account, and that’s a real indication of the kind of battling display he put on – despite seeing two of their Hale End academy graduates score, it was the Japan international’s performance at the back that they tipped their hat off to the most.

Dubbed as “magnificent” and a “shrewd signing” by Arsenal legend Ian Wright, Tomiyasu broke Spurs’ spirit with his commanding display. Edu seems to have pulled off a transfer masterclass for the Gunners by bringing him in this summer.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are eyeing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s successor in this star…

Dean Windass feels Callum Hudson-Odoi will pay the price after failing to secure a deadline day switch to Leicester City.

The Foxes enquired about the availability of the Chelsea winger as Brendan Rodgers looked to strengthen his squad hours before the transfer window closed.

German giants Borussia Dortmund were also hoping to complete a loan deal, with Hudson-Odoi open to going elsewhere in search of regular minutes, but he has remained at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea were unwilling to sanction a switch.

It comes despite the 20-year-old failing to make a single Premier League appearance so far this season.

Hudson-Odoi’s only involvement this term has come in the form of starting the UEFA Super Cup clash with Spanish side Villarreal, which the Blues won following a nail-biting penalty shoot-out last month.

With Hudson-Odoi’s first-team opportunities seemingly limited, former Premier League striker Windass believes Leicester would have been the ideal destination for the exciting winger to rediscover his best form.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “He needs to play and, as a young boy, he can’t just sit on the Chelsea bench. He isn’t going to play or get minutes.

“He needed to go out and play and Brendan would have looked after him.

“He would have played for a top club in Europe and been a great signing for Leicester. I like him and think he is a strong boy.”

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League striker Dean Windass has his doubts about Ollie Watkins playing out wide for Aston Villa.

Watkins was Villa’s first-choice No.9 last season and impressed in that position, scoring 14 goals in 37 league outings.

However, that could now change following Danny Ings’ arrival, with the 29-year-old currently leading the line for Villa.

He has already scored twice while Watkins remained on the sidelines due to injury.

It leaves Dean Smith with a decision to make once Watkins returns to full fitness, with the Villa manager perhaps needing to move the England international out wide in order to accommodate his new signing.

Windass, though, is unsure about such a move. He told FFC:

“I’m not too sure that Ollie Watkins would like to play wide left, but obviously I’m not telling Dean how to manage. He knows the best formation.”

Smith stated last month that he did not bring Watkins to Villa Park to play out wide. However, given his experience there and the form of Ings, maybe it is something he has to consider later down the line.

It is a dilemma, but it is certainly a good one to have.

Everton have hardly had a very vibrant summer but they could end the summer transfer window with a bang.

Rafa Benitez is no stranger to working alongside some of the best players in the world and he could lure one of his former pupils to Goodison Park before the month is finished.

What’s the word?

According to claims in Italy (via Sport Witness), Everton are lining up a rather audacious move for Lorenzo Insigne.

The 30-year-old is currently at Napoli but his contract with the club expires next year. With a new deal yet to be agreed, the Serie A side could grant his departure from Naples this summer in order to recoup a fee.

Journalist Ciro Venerato told Radio Kiss: “There is another team that has swooped down on Lorenzo Insigne besides Inter: we are talking about Rafa Benitez’s Everton.

“The English club is interested in the player, but I don’t think the player can land at Everton.”

Must get him

Venerato is wise to suggest that a move to Goodison Park this summer is unlikely.

First and foremost, the Euro 2020 winner is valued at £43.2m via Transfermarkt, which in a summer where Everton have struggled to spend, makes a move farfetched.

That being said, if they can agree on a deal, the winger would be a remarkable piece of business for the club – not least because Benitez already knows all about him, but because his technical qualities would instantly make him one of the most frightening players in the Everton squad.

Last season, Insigne found the net on 19 occasions while producing 11 assists for his teammates in the process. Based on that form, it was hardly a surprise when he lit up the European Championship just a few weeks ago.

As Italy triumphed over England in the final, the experienced forward ended the tournament with two goals and an eye-catching 2.2 key passes per match.

Creative and ruthless in front of goal, he’d add an extra layer to an Everton side which needs to provide Dominic Calvert-Lewin with more assistance in the final third.

Benitez should also know how to get the best out of him. Insigne played 79 matches under the Spaniard for Napoli, scoring 11 times and registering 17 assists.

In the past, the manager has described the striker’s game as being on “another level” while also hailing his “great will-power and strength.”

As well as providing plenty in attack, the winger would track back and defend from the front astutely.

Speaking during Euro 2020, Tony Cascarino commented: “The front three of Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne and Domenico Berardi are relentless with their pressing and any of them can score. As a side their work rate is exceptional and physically they’re very difficult to beat.”

On all of that evidence, he’d be an excellent signing for Everton, so Marcel Brands and co must ensure he’s playing his football at Goodison Park this season.

AND in other news, Benitez can take Everton to the next level by signing £18m-rated “supreme talent”…

Manchester United have now officially added Jadon Sancho to their squad, and Carlton Palmer believes meaning that the extra competition for places along the front line will be healthy for the likes of Anthony Martial.

One player who hasn’t hit his best form in the red of United recently is the Frenchman, but Palmer believes he doesn’t need to fear the competition for his place in the team.

Martial missed the last ten games of the Premier League season and the Red Devils Europa League final with Villarreal, with a ruptured knee ligament injury.

When on the pitch, Martial only manged seven goals in all competitions, some way short of his best seasons tally of 23 goals in 2019/2020, as he continues to largely flatter to deceive at Old Trafford.

Despite a dip in form and new players arriving, Palmer had some words of encouragement for Martial, telling FFC: “It’s not for you to be fearful of it, you should be delighted and happy, because this might be something that gets him to kick on to the next level.”

Palmer also praised Martial, recognising he’s a talent, saying “He has got great ability and you want to be a part of a side that’s going to challenge, that’s only good for you as a player.”

After missing the end of last season and Euro 2020 through injury, Martial will be hoping to return to Old Trafford and hit the ground running early on for what could be a huge season personally for him.

Writing on Twitter, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has shared some news on West Ham United and their transfer plans involving Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.

The Lowdown: West Ham in centre-back chase…

Claret & Hugh first reported that strengthening the central defensive area was among manager David Moyes’ main summer transfer priorities.

In recent days, Sky Sports also lifted the lid on West Ham talks for Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma, with the player said to be open to a London Stadium switch.

ExWHUemployee also believes that signing a new centre-half for Moyes is now West Ham’s first priority before sealing deals for players in different positions (Patreon).

The Latest: Sheth shares Milenkovic news…

As per Sheth, writing on his social media, West Ham are also in talks to sign Serie A powerhouse Milenkovic as fellow centre-half target Zouma looks like a ‘tough deal’ to complete.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-developments/” title=”West Ham latest developments…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The 23-year-old has emerged as an alternative to Chelsea’s centre-back as GSB enter negotiations over his possible signing this summer.

“Zouma to #WHUFC tough deal due to fee & wages,” Sheth explained (via Twitter).

“Zouma open to move but happy to stay at #CFC – contract to 2023. Zouma to #Sevilla as part of Kounde deal not impossible – but he prefers London stay.

“#WHUFC remain in talks with #Fiorentina over #Milenkovic.”

The Verdict: Sound alternative…

Milenkovic definitely comes as a viable alternative to Zouma going by his exploits for Fiorentina last campaign and praise from his teammates.

Averaging an impressive 86% pass accuracy out from defence over the 2020/2021 Serie A season, perhaps indicating a cool head on young shoulders, only one Irons player (Issa Diop) managed more blocks on average per 90 (2.1) compared to Milenkovic (WhoScored).

He has also been called ‘extraordinary’ by Spanish right-back Pol Lirola (SOSFantacalcio via x-sport.news), leaving little wonder why West Ham have identified him as a target.

Charlie Eccleshare, journalist for The Athletic, says Milenkovic could even leave Italy for as little as €15 million (£12.8m) this summer, with the player himself ‘keen to play’ Premier League football (Twitter).

Taking all this into account, swooping for the Serbian seems like a no-brainer.

In other news: ‘Advanced agreement’…Journalist says 93-goal forward now ‘very close to West Ham’, find out more here.

Crystal Palace are weighing up a move for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard, according to The Telegraph.

However, Ed Aarons of The Guardian claimed on Tuesday evening that the Hoops are yet to receive a “serious offer” for the forward, which has led to a number of Palace fans reacting to the update on social media.

Edouard, who was described as ‘magnificent’ by Neil Lennon last season, is still working on a Celtic Park exit this summer.

He is into the final 12 months of his Hoops contract and Palace are thought to be interested in the 23-year-old’s services.

They, or any other club, are yet to make a bid that has tested Celtic’s resolve, though, according to Aarons.

Palace want to sign a midfielder and two forwards for Patrick Vieira before the window slams shut at the end of the month.

Palace fans react

Aarons’ Twitter post regarding Edouard had these Eagles supporters talking, with a few now urging Palace to make their move.

“Make it happen. Only needed a new striker for 3 years”Credit: @GuehiSzn”GET ON IT!”Credit: @Andy_F2020_”Should be all over this”Credit: @MDJones82″Throw in Jach for free and call it a day.”Credit: @RomfordRoger”Dougie Lowball to see if it can be dropped any lower. Don’t think we need to worry.”Credit: @DrizzyCPFC”I doubt Palace will.”Credit: @cpfcjude

In other news: ‘Get him on deadline day’, ‘Will be fuming’ – Lots of CPFC fans react as transfer news emerges. 

According to The Sun, Glasgow Rangers want to sign Gary Cahill, who is a free agent after departing Crystal Palace this summer.

The Lowdown: Gers prepare for new campaign

The Gers won the Premiership for the first time in 10 years last season, meaning they have a league title defence and a potential Champions League group stage campaign for which to prepare in 2021/22.

Steven Gerrard will be looking to boost his squad and, so far, the 55-time Scottish champions have brought in Fashion Sakala and John Lundstram.

The Latest: Gers eye Cahill

According to The Sun, the Gers are interested in Cahill, who recently left Crystal Palace.

The Eagles want him to sign a new contract to stay at Selhurst Park, but Rangers are willing to offer him £35,000 per week to take him north of the border.

The Verdict: Ambitious

Rangers may be in the third qualifying round of the Champions League this summer, but only three of their players – Allan McGregor, Steven Davis and Jermain Defoe – have featured in the competition’s group stage. In Cahill, the Gers would be adding a fourth, and the 61-cap England international has even won the trophy with Chelsea back in 2012.

At 35 years of age, Cahill is one of the most experienced centre-backs in England – he has made 394 Premier League appearances (Transfermarkt), picking up eight major trophies with Chelsea along the way. Former Palace manager Roy Hodgson even called him “exceptionally good” last season (via msn.com), which along with his rich CV suggests that he could surely do a good job for the Gers despite his advancing years.

In other news, many Rangers fans were raging at this club tweet.

Everton are spoilt for choice at centre back with Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate all at the club, which means bringing in someone like Chris Smalling would not improve them, according to former striker Marcus Bent.

With the Toffees set to appoint Rafa Benitez as their new manager, he will likely look to build from the back and ensure that they are solid defensively, much like during his time with Newcastle United, so links with new centre backs may be expected.

Smalling fell out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer which saw him seal a move to Roma where he excelled during his initial loan spell with a 7.00 WhoScored rating, before seeing performances slightly dip last season with a 6.65 rating. However, that has not put off reports suggesting a move to Goodison Park could be on the cards.

Everton had the worst goal difference of any side in the top half of the Premier League last season but bringing in the 6 ft 4 former Red Devil would not add anything that they don’t already have, according to Bent who spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“He’s no better than Keane, Mina or Godfrey so I don’t think they will replace any of them with him as I think they’re very happy with Keane, Godfrey and Mina.”

Despite spending £448.98 million in the last four seasons, it is likely that Everton will be looking to spend big against his summer to try and eventually crack into the top six, something West Ham achieved as they shopped smart in the transfer market.

The Toffees started last season like a train, losing just one of their opening eight fixtures but it was to be a false dawn as they ended the season in a disappointing 10th, behind teams such as Leeds United and West Ham.

Some West Ham United fans have been left fuming as a transfer update emerged on Felipe Anderson.

As per Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lazio are ‘progressing’ in talks to sign the Brazilian, adding that personal terms are ‘already agreed’.

Anderson was shipped out on loan to FC Porto in the 2020/21 season but never really made an impact, playing a mere 10 games across all competitions and supplying just one assist (Transfermarkt).

His best season in east London was his debut campaign in 2018/19, scoring a respectable 10 goals and supplying a further five assists from the wing (Transfermarkt), and with David Moyes’ team now in the Europa League, they will need a bigger squad to cope with the extra workload which awaits.

Anderson could be an ideal squad player for West Ham to have, and it seems that some Hammers are furious that the club could be letting him go.

West Ham fans on Anderson transfer update

These Irons supporters fumed as Romano’s update was shared on Twitter:

“Embarrassing.”

Credit: @_ghzst

“NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”

Credit: @raphtweetr

“Pathetic.”

Credit: @The_BoleynBoys

“Smh”

Credit: @JayWHU

“Sigh we’re so stupid”

Credit: @KlDSSEEGH0STS

“We suck”

Credit: @Pfinch215

In other news, find out which ‘phenomenal’ striker West Ham are eyeing!