All posts by z3u9t.icu

SWFC fans slam Windass

Several Sheffield Wednesday fans were far from happy with Josh Windass during their 2-1 defeat to Norwich City in the Championship on Sunday.

Norwich are currently 10 points clear at the top of the second tier (BBC), so the Owls surely can’t be too disappointed with this result – they are 23rd and staring relegation to League One in the face. However, at this point in the campaign, it is irrelevant as to who they are playing against – they need wins and they need them fast.

This weekend, a number of supporters were particularly disappointed with the performance of Windass. He didn’t appear to do too badly in the first 45 minutes, but his failure to pass to teammate Joey Pelupessy after the interval infuriated the fans, especially when he then shouted expletives at Pelupessy after he complained.

These fans were angry with the former Glasgow Rangers forward, and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Windass below

“Windass showing absolutely zero awareness there”

Credit: @BigAl_simon

“Decision making there from Windass was appalling. Simple pass to JP who is in on goal.”

Credit: @mja_owl

“Windass needs to come off next. Having a mare”

Credit: @robbiebebbie

“Windass got worst decision making I’ve ever seen”

Credit: @jacksheedy13

“Josh Windass needs to go! In it for him and nowhere near a team player! Ship him off to Ipswich I’ll pay for travel”

Credit: @buenotaylor10

“Can someone please tell Windass passing is allowed. Come and get him Ipswich”

Credit: @Matthew60975500

In other news, some Sheffield Wednesday fans react to an update on this man.

Radu Dragusin on Spurs radar

According to a report by Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Juventus defender Radu Dragusin ‘continues to please’ Tottenham Hotspur as talks continue between the player and his current club over a new deal – but there has still been ‘no agreement’, despite ‘constant dialogue’. 

Dragusin, who was reportedly attracting Spurs’ interest in the January window (Longari), seems to be keeping hold of Daniel Levy’s attention as talks over a Juve contract extension have, so far, led to a new deal being signed.

Dragusin attracting Spurs interest

The Old Lady are apparently planning a fresh offer for the Romanian starlet but the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle United and RB Leipzig appear to be waiting in the wings.

Dragusin has played 22 minutes in total for the Serie A giants this season across all competitions (WhoScored), making his Juventus debut recently and he’s already managed to impress Andrea Pirlo.

The World Cup winner heralded his youngster as ‘very strong’ in a press conference at the end of 2020 – but also went on to claim that he must ‘develop on a technical level’ (Juventus TV via Football Italia).

Transfer Tavern take

Standing at a lofty 6 foot 3, it’s hard to argue with Pirlo’s assessment of Dragusin’s physicality, with Tottenham reportedly taking note among other clubs.

There is currently no sign of a new deal for Dragusin as talks continue, and maybe Spurs could take advantage and swoop for a promising asset if nothing can be resolved between the two parties.

In other news: Tottenham still keen on this attacker, find out more here.

West Brom can avoid Premier League relegation

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former West Brom player Carlton Palmer discussed the chances of his old side avoiding relegation this season and remaining in the Premier League.

The Baggies are currently 19th in English football’s top flight, nine points away from safety, and face Everton next before taking on Newcastle United in a massive game at the bottom of the table.

It is quite a gap that needs to be closed, but Palmer does not think it is impossible, backing West Brom to beat the drop if they can manage to win maximum points from those two upcoming fixtures.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, Palmer said:

“The next two games for me are absolute deciders, absolute deciders. They’ve got Everton on Thursday night and then they’ve got Newcastle three days later. Both of these games, they’re both two cup finals.

“If Sam [Allardyce] can pick up maximum points from those two games, I give them a great chance of staying up. But if they drop even a point against Everton or Newcastle, I can’t see them staying up, I just can’t see it. But they’ve got a great opportunity now.”

Undoubtedly, the next two games for West Brom are huge. If Allardyce’s side can beat both Everton and Newcastle, they could move to within just three points of the latter in the battle for Premier League survival.

It, of course, will not be easy, as Everton continue to impress, following up their first victory against Liverpool at Anfield since 1999 with a 1-0 win over Southampton on Monday.

Elsewhere, another relegation rival in Fulham have managed to find some form of late, not losing in any of their last five Premier League matches, further highlighting West Brom’s need to pick up points this week.

Celtic handed major boost in transfer chase for QPR’s Bright Osayi-Samuel

Celtic have been handed a major boost in the race to sign QPR winger Bright Osayi-Samuel, as reports claim the Championship side are ready to sell him in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports back in December suggested that Neil Lennon had made the 23-year-old his priority target, and that whilst the winger’s contract is coming to an end when the season finishes, he is keen on bringing him in before then.

Now, TEAMtalk claim that QPR are ready to sell Osayi-Samuel after failing to tie him down to a new contract, and that they are willing to move him on in January in order to at least receive some kind of transfer fee for him.

Lawwell masterclass

Make no mistake about it, Peter Lawwell has got the perfect chance to deliver an absolute bargain for Celtic by signing Osayi-Samuel this month.

The 23-year-old has got tonnes of ability, and whilst his record of just three goals and three assists in the Championship this season doesn’t exactly reflect that, his manager at QPR knows exactly what he brings to the table.

Speaking after a 6-1 win over Cardiff, Mark Warburton said: “I’m not sure many teams have that blistering pace. As long as he knows how to use it and that’s the key for him learning the game. He’s working so hard. He’s got that sheer pace which terrifies defenders and when he uses it wisely like he did today he looks a real handful. I’m delighted for him and it’s good for the crowd to see a player who gets them off their seats which is what you want.”

With the fact his contract is running down, Lawwell should be confident of clinching a cut-price deal for Osayi-Samuel, and it’s one Lennon will be absolutely buzzing with given that he identified him as a major target for the club.

Exclusive: Steve Howey hails Diego Costa

Wolverhampton Wanderers transfer target Diego Costa is “absolutely unbelievable” but there are concerns about his potential salat and and his general attitude.

Howey has much love for Costa

Those were the words of the former Newcastle and Manchester City defender Steve Howey, who was speaking on the back of the Black Country club’s links with the former Chelsea striker.

Costa was recently released by Atletico Madrid by mutual consent and was earning a salary of £265k-per-week, according to Salary Sport. This is 165% more than Wolves’ top-earner Joao Moutinho takes home, as Spotrac believe his £100k-per-week wages tops the books.

Despite this, the former Spain international has scored a total of 181 goals with eight different clubs – 58 of those were at Chelsea in what was a memorable spell due to his aggressive style of play and no-nonsense character.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern about Costa potentially retiring to the Premier League, Howey was full of praise for Costa but he admitted that he did have his own anxieties about the player.

“I think most managers would want him,” he said. “I think the difficult thing is trying to contain him because he has got that flip switch, and then you’re wasting your time, so you need a strong manager. He is a player to lead the line and take responsibility and to ruffle feathers, he’s absolutely unbelievable. He’s perfect for any club really, who wouldn’t want him?

“(However) there are two concerns. First of all, the money and, of course, his temperament, and I think that worries managers. Can you afford to take a chance on somebody that, on his day, is excellent, but (you’re unsure) about what he’s going to be like in training, is he going to be a nightmare off the field?”

“The vast majority of managers would take him in a heartbeat, but you’ve got to weigh up all the different issues that you have with him.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

If Wolves captured Costa, it would send a huge statement to the teams around them that Nuno’s side are not here to make up the numbers.

With the player having a close relationship  with super agent Jorge Mendes, the man behind plenty of Wolves transfers in the past, it might play into Wolves’ hands, but his huge salary may be a step too far for them to get a deal done.

Time will tell whether Wolves will make the move for the two-time Premier League winner, as their search for a replacement for the injured Raul Jimenez continues.

In other news, Ex-referee Mark Halsey flags up incident that Wolves were ‘unlucky’ to lose out on.

Arsenal could land a superb bargain in Norwich’s Emi Buendia

According to Football.London, Emiliano Buendia is one of a number of players who is on Arsenal’s transfer shortlist.

What’s the story?

The Gunners have been crying out for someone with a bit of creativity all season, with Mikel Arteta’s side managing just ten goals in their opening 11 Premier League games.

Now, Football.London have claimed that the north Londoners do appear to be keen on addressing that issue in the upcoming January transfer window, with Buendia among the names being considered.

However, it is added that no contact has been made as of yet, and that any departure from Carrow Road next month will be entirely dependent on the Championship side themselves.

Forget Aouar

Whilst the summer transfer window saw Lyon prodigy Houssem Aouar being linked with a switch to the Emirates, the Gunners could land themselves a very good alternative in Buendia.

The Argentine of course played in the Premier League with Norwich last season, and his total of 86 chances created were only bettered by Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold – not bad company at all.

Given that he is now playing in the division below, Arsenal should surely feel confident in their ability to convince Norwich to allow Buendia to leave.

The £11.7m-rated ace has been dubbed a “revelation”, and the diminutive play-maker could offer the kind of creative spark and genius that the Gunners desperately need to fix their shocking attack.

Meanwhile, the Gunners should also look to target this sensation in the January transfer window.

Glasgow Rangers handed major boost in chase for Airdrie’s Thomas Robert

Glasgow Rangers have been given a major boost in the race to sign Thomas Robert, after Airdrie director of football Stuart Millar said it is “no surprise” that he has been linked with a move away from New Broomfield.

What’s the word?

According to The Scottish Sun, Hibernian and Hearts are keeping tabs on the midfielder, whilst Celtic have also shown a keen interest in acquiring his services.

Robert, who is the son of former Newcastle United star Laurent, has been in such fine form since he arrived at the Diamonds from Montpellier in the summer.

And with recent reports suggesting that Rangers have entered the race to sign Robert in January, they have received a major boost as the League One side seem resigned to his fate.

Millar said: “We are aware a number of clubs are monitoring Thomas Robert’s situation, which is no great surprise considering the impact the young lad has had in a short space of time at our club, winning both our club and divisional player of the month awards.”

Snap him up, Wilson

With the Diamonds seemingly admitting defeat, Rangers will have to act quickly if they want to lure him to Ibrox in the winter transfer window.

Robert, 20, is a Parisian-born right-winger who has shown signs of early promise at New Broomfield, whilst his contract is set to expire next summer, which means both sides of the Old Firm could secure his services on a pre-contract deal if they can reach an agreement with his representatives.

In 11 appearances so far this season, the youngster has scored three goals and supplied two assists in the league. In stark contrast, Jordan Jones has managed just one goal in four games for the Gers in all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

Millar was effusive in his praise for the Frenchman after he turned down a four-year deal with Montpellier to agree terms with the Diamonds, saying: “We are delighted to get someone to the club who is the stature of Thomas Robert. He comes from a top football background with his father having played in the Premier League, for PSG and for the French national team. It’s a major signing coup for the club and we are absolutely thrilled. He had the option to sign a four-year deal with Montpellier but didn’t want to be playing under-23 football. He wanted to go overseas and test himself.

“He could have played for any team in Europe, really, he had two teams from the Bundesliga trying to tempt him just last week but this was agreed and waiting approval from the French football authorities. He came to the club and was impressed and decided this was the place he wanted to play his football. He is a talent and comes with a real pedigree. He could play anywhere he wants, he is that good.”

It’s fair to say that Robert could turn out to be an absolute bargain if Ross Wilson can get a deal over the line in January, as his sell-on value will continue to rise if he can maintain his current run of form.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must reward Glen Kamara with a new contract…

Everton: Samuel Chukwueze eyed as Toffees fight Liverpool to sign him

Samuel Chukwueze has been eyed by Everton as a possible signing, with many other Premier League clubs interested, according to 90min.

As per the news outlet, the Nigeria international is considering his future with Villarreal, with a whole host of teams from the top flight queuing up for his services.

The publication states that Liverpool, Wolves, Manchester United, Chelsea and Leicester City as well as the Goodison Park faithful are all interested in signing him, but he has a release clause in excess of £80m that may put some suitors off.

Nonetheless, Chukwueze could still prove to be a quality addition to the Merseyside club should they manage to get his signature over the line.

Chukwueze has received high praise

Indeed, Chukwueze has received some vey high praise indeed from some established football players.

FC Barcelona legend and former Toffee Samuel Eto’o branded him as an ‘incredible’ player while former Super Eagles star Mutiu Adepoju tweeted that he is ‘exciting’ to watch after he impressed in a La Liga game versus Celta Vigo back in June.

Chukwueze has been great this season

Indeed, Chukwueze has had a great start to the 2020/21 term in the Spanish top flight. The 21-year old has won a rather impressive 3.8 of his duels per game so far, and has also averaged 1.3 key passes and 1.1 successful dribbles per match (Sofascore).

Perhaps a winger like him is exactly what Carlo Ancelotti needs, but the Blues may have to cough up a lot of money and beat a lot of competition if they want to get this deal done.

In other news, find out which EFC star fans are crying out to start against United here!

Exclusive: Chris Kirkland questions Emiliano Martinez’s performances for Aston Villa

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has questioned Emiliano Martinez’s performances this season for Aston Villa.

The Argentine arrived at Villa Park from fellow Premier League side Arsenal for a reported fee of £20m, and quickly established himself as an integral part of Dean Smith’s starting XI.

The 28-year-old has played in every single league game since joining, and proved to be a revelation as he got off to a brilliant start with three clean sheets in his first four matches.

The Greatest Bargains in Premier League history – How much did they cost?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

However, he did see Southampton put three past him at the weekend, with James Ward-Prowse netting a couple of stunning free-kicks in the opening 45 minutes. And speaking to FFC’s James Beavis, Kirkland admitted that the goalkeeper will be “disappointed” with his display against Saints, as well as some other hairy moments in previous outings for the Villans.

He said: “I was at Sheffield Wednesday with Emi (Martinez) and he did that sometimes in training, he backed himself because he’s agile and he’s athletic. He’s almost like ‘I want you to put it there and I’ll save this because I know I’m athletic, I’m agile and I’m quick enough to get over there.’ But yeah I’ve seen it a couple of times this season where he’s got away with things with players hitting things over the bar and you’re thinking ‘you’ve given too much there’.

“Because with these players with the balls, all it’s going to do is get up and over that wall and the ball does more than the player sometimes with the pace on the ball. So yeah, I think he’ll be a little bit disappointed with that. I think he conceded a couple of them at Sheffield Wednesday as well, where he was too far over to one side. Now you’ve got to be not in the middle, but you’ve got to be just off middle.”

While things may have not gone plan for the Argentine last weekend, Kirkland believes that the former Gunners man made the right move during the summer transfer window.

“I think Villa is a good club for him to go to.

“At this time as well with no fans, that’s probably going to help him a little bit settling in quicker.”

It will certainly be an emotional encounter next for Martinez, as he comes up against his former employers at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening.

Grady Diangana has already made West Ham look silly for selling him

Sunday wasn’t a great day to be a West Ham fan.

The Hammers lost their second game of the season at the Emirates as Arsenal overcame them 2-1, and to make matters worse, the issue that many fans have been complaining about was brought to light that very morning.

Watch West Ham United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Indeed, while West Brom may have lost 5-2 to Everton over the weekend, the one bright spark in their team was Grady Diangana, who immediately showed that he was of Premier League standard, and more painfully, showed West Ham exactly what he can provide at this level.

The winger had an excellent game getting two shots off, with both of those being on target and one ending up in the back of the net.

Playing out wide against Everton is no easy feat either, with the Toffees possessing two fantastic full-backs in the shape of Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne, but Diangana made a mockery of his man, completing three dribbles and being fouled a further three times.

Clarets fans were fuming when Diangana was sold to the Baggies, with club captain Mark Noble hitting out at the club for allowing him to leave, and unfortunately for the higher-ups at the London Stadium, this one has come back to bite them while it’s still fresh in everyone’s memory.

Luckily, the transfer window is still open for a few more weeks, so the Hammers do have time to put this right if they can find a winger as talented as Diangana for a price they can afford, but if it were that easy then there wouldn’t have been so much uproar when the London club allowed the 22-year-old to leave.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus