All posts by n8rngtd.top

As Crystal Palace took on Newcastle United at Selhurst Park today, many Eagles supporters were left blown away by the performance of striker Christian Benteke.

Patrick Vieira’s side, looking to gain some momentum after a fairly inconsistent start to the season, met the Magpies in London this afternoon in what was a fairly entertaining encounter.

The travelling side, fresh off their headline-grabbing takeover, were given a run for their money by Palace who constantly threatened and provided real problems.

One major vocal point of the attack was Benteke, and despite missing some big chances across the 90 minutes, hitting the woodwork twice, his goal summed up just how threatening he actually was.

According to SofaScore, the Belgian had six shots on goal in total and won the vast majority of his duels up against Newcastle – prompting supporters to praise Benteke on social media, who was unlucky to have a second strike ruled out by VAR too.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

Palace fans blown away by Benteke…

“This is one of the best Benteke performances I can remember. He’s been excellent”

Credit: @TalkCPFC

“Forget the goal, Benteke has been absurdly good in hold-up today”

Credit: @jack_jsteele

“If you cross the ball, Benteke becomes almost unplayable.”

Credit: @CroydonExile1

“Benteke has much more confidence under Vieira”

Credit: @Dave_Winbod

“I can’t believe my eyes benteke back in form??”

Credit: @GhostKingUK

“wow our own benteke”

Credit: @AendeLaw

Rangers returned to winning ways on Sunday lunchtime as Steven Gerrard’s men put on a clinic in attacking football as the Gers hit their opposition for six.

The Glaswegian outfit slipped up last week and allowed their city rivals back into the title race. However, they were able to extend their lead at the summit again this weekend after hammering Motherwell 6-1.

It was a highly impressive victory from Rangers who actually went 1-0 down before dazzling their supporters at Fir Park.

Alfredo Morelos was charged with leading the line but it was his offensive colleague in Fashion Sakala who stole the show.

The Zambian had only scored one prior to their clash this weekend but the striker well and truly announced himself as a Rangers player.

He scored a wonderful hat-trick, putting the Motherwell defence to the sword. However, he couldn’t have done it without their unsung hero of the day; James Tavernier.

The skipper’s place in the side hasn’t always been stable over the last few campaigns with Nathan Patterson staking his claim last season and the right-back upsetting supporters back in 2019/20.

Yet, he has bounced back and proved why he is so valuable to Gerrard and the team.

As Rangers scored six times this week and opened up their gap to four points at the top of the Premiership, it was their flying defender who gave them a huge helping hand.

Some of the statistics he amassed were incredible as he lost the ball on a whopping 41 occasions. However, the story behind that tally is easy to see. He was a creative marvel from the right-hand flank, attempting no fewer than 29 crosses.

With that in mind, it was hardly a surprise to see that Tavernier had more touches (133) than any other player on the field.

The £7.2m-rated gem scored a precise volley at the back post to level the score just before the interval and then helped himself to two assists, supplying a mesmerising eight key passes in the process.

It was a complete display from the captain going forward but he also weighed in defensively, winning four of his physical duels.

All of that led to a SofaScore match rating of 9.6 for the 30-year-old which happened to be the second-best behind their goal-scoring sensation; Sakala.

He will no doubt receive most of the plaudits, something he undoubtedly deserves, but Tavernier deserves equal praise for what was a remarkable performance that typified a modern-day full-back.

AND in other news, Gerrard could unearth Charlie Adam 2.0 in Rangers gem with “great future in the game”…

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has revealed that Aston Villa star Bertrand Traore has suffered an injury while on international duty.

What’s the story?

The winger has played four times in the Premier League for Dean Smith’s side, but that has totalled just 53 minutes worth of first-team action.

And now, it appears that he’s set for another spell on the sidelines following an injury he picked up during his time with Burkina Faso in the last week.

Writing on Twitter, Preece said: “I’m told Bertrand Traore has a thigh injury & has missed Burkina Faso’s two encounters with Djibouti. Another blow for the #avfc winger who was out for a couple of weeks with a hamstring strain earlier this season.”

Dean Smith will be gutted

Since joining Villa last season, the former Lyon star has struggled to get consistent game-time but has shown flashes of the “immense talent” that Smith has hailed – his debut campaign in English football saw him manage a respectable total of seven goals and seven assists in the Premier League, albeit with a frustrating lack of consistency.

His performance in the Carabao Cup penalty shoot-out defeat against Chelsea earlier this campaign showed signs that he could be ready to make his impact in his second full season at the club.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for Birmingham Mail, Preece gave him a seven, saying: “Started on the right of a three behind Archer and the Burkinabe was dangerous. Traore had a hand in Archer’s two first-half chances, the second one a nice weighted ball into the teenage striker after running from the halfway line.

“Traore was nice on the eye and soldiered on after taking a knock to the neck in the first half. Linked up nicely with Sanson in the middle prior to the Frenchman’s withdrawal. Traore also had a couple of tame, low efforts saved by Kepa.”

But now, just when he would have thought of really pushing on and trying to nail down a first-team place, he’s been hit with injury, and could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

What will make his task even more difficult is how soon fellow teammate and winger Leon Bailey makes his return from injury, and that would just push him further down the pecking order.

Smith will no doubt be gutted at losing Traore.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has delivered an update on Ollie Watkins’ future…

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City fans have erupted over more injury news involving defenders John Stones and Aymeric Laporte as the Sky Blues gear up for crunch clashes against Chelsea, Paris-Saint Germain and Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola’s side, coming off the back of an entertaining 6-1 win in the Carabao Cup against Wycombe on Tuesday, already prepare for what will be a crucial encounter with title rivals Chelsea at the weekend.

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After that, City see a host of other challenging contests on the horizon with Ligue 1 giants PSG in the Champions League group stage next week and Liverpool at Anfield next after that.

The Citizens have had to cope with mounting injury issues amid this difficult run with Stones and Laporte currently sidelined alongside the likes of Rodri, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ilkay Gundogan as it stands (The Independent).

Now, more injury news has come to light involving the former pair – and it doesn’t look good.

According to reliable reporter Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, writing on his social media, both Stones and Laporte are ‘facing a fortnight out’ – meaning they could miss City’s upcoming trio of blockbuster clashes.

Reacting to this news, it’s safe to say Sky Blues are worried – find all of their verdicts on the update down below.

Man City fans erupt over more injury news…

“oh boy”

Credit: @butty27236994

“This is a massive blow for us.”

Credit: @Ericklthier

“We’re doomed”

Credit: @FodenBetter

“we’re done”

Credit: @fogohere

“no way a knock is that bad”

Credit: @FerdReformed

“I might pray for the first time”

Credit: @FatherRuben3

“Noooooooo”

Credit: @AguxroSZN

“What is this….. How does this even happen”

Credit: @DupeMcfc1

“We’re finished”

Credit: @FerranTorresSZN

In other news: ‘Yessss’, ‘Finally’, ‘This is good news’…Man City fans flock to Harry Kane update, find out more here.

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson says a loan move for Liverpool’s Ben Woodburn is ‘almost done’ as the Reds prepare to take on Burnley at Anfield on Saturday. 

The lowdown

Woodburn wrote himself into the Liverpool history books on just his second senior appearance. His goal in the 2-0 League Cup win against Leeds United at Anfield in November 2016 made him the club’s youngest-ever scorer, eclipsing Michael Owen’s record (via BBC Sport).

He’s made nine further appearances for the Reds’ first team and also earned ten Wales caps, though he did miss out on their squad for the European Championships (via Transfermarkt).

Woodburn, who will turn 22 in October, is now set for his fourth loan spell away from Anfield after previous stints at Sheffield United, Oxford United and Blackpool. He’s now into the final 12 months of his contract, and it’s unclear if he’ll remain on Liverpool’s books beyond next summer.

Club legend and former youth team coach Steven Gerrard has showered praise on Woodburn in the past, labelling him an ‘excellent’ player with a ’10 out of 10′ attitude.

The latest

Speaking ahead of Hearts’ Scottish Premiership clash with Aberdeen on Sunday, Neilson revealed the transfer is on the verge of completion and expressed his excitement.

“We are still negotiating with Liverpool,” he said. “We are almost done with it, it’s just a case of trying to get things finalised.

“He is still a Liverpool player at the moment and he is one we are really interested in taking here.”

The verdict

Woodburn will hope to build on an impressive pre-season when he heads to the Scottish capital. Above all, he looked physically stronger than ever before, ready to truly thrive in the men’s game.

It seems unlikely that he’ll forge a career at Liverpool, having been leapfrogged by fellow youngsters like Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, but there should be plenty of opportunities available elsewhere.

With the World Cup coming round pretty soon after the Euros – it’s pencilled in for the end of next year – Woodburn’s focus in the short to medium term should be on forcing his way back into Wales contention.

In other news, this Liverpool squad player has been tipped to make a ‘very difficult’ decision. 

Lee Ryder has claimed that a Premier League club has agreed a transfer fee with Newcastle United to sign Bobby Clark in the summer window.

The Lowdown: Clark a prospect

The son of former Magpies ace Lee Clark, who played in more than 150 senior games at St James’ Park, has been in demand from a number of top clubs in Europe.

Back in November 2019, the Daily Mail reported that Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur were all interested in signing the then 14-year-old prospect, who is now 16 years of age.

Bobby Clark became the youngest-ever player to represent the Magpies at under-18 level at the tender age of just 14 years and 206 days, and has also represented England at under-16 level, showing just how much talent and promise he has.

The Latest: Fee agreed

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has claimed that Liverpool have agreed a fee to sign Clark, who he describes as one of Newcastle’s ‘hottest young prospects’.

Ryder also claims that the teenager’s departure would be deemed a ‘big blow’ by Magpies fans as he closes in on a move to Anfield.

The Verdict: It would be a shame

It would certainly be a shame if Newcastle cannot keep hold of one of their most promising talents, especially to a Premier League rival.

Clark looks like he is capable of reaching the heights of his father or perhaps going even further, but it now looks as if he will become a Reds player.

Of course, he is still very young at just 16 and his career could take a completely different path, but it would certainly appear to be a blow if NUFC were to lose him in his youth.

In other news, find out which £30m-rated ace Newcastle can now sign

Paul Stewart has exclusively told Football FanCast that Wolves centre-back Willy Boly is a target for Tottenham this summer.

Nuno Espirito Santo has already been linked with several of his former players this window, although he has only signed Bryan Gil, Pierluigi Gollini and Cristian Romero.

Despite the arrival of the highly-rated Romero, Santo’s priority appears to be bolstering the defence, though his Spurs side did keep a clean sheet against Arsenal in their final pre-season game on Sunday.

But Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez, the main two culprits for Tottenham’s defensive struggles last season, are likely to start together at centre-half against Manchester City on Sunday, which means the Tottenham boss still has work to do.

According to talkSPORT, Boly is already a target for Santo, whilst Football Insider believe that Conor Coady has held talks with the north London giants.

But Stewart told Football FanCast that 6 ft 5 Boly, who’s made 79 Premier League appearances over the last three seasons, is on their wish-list:

“I did speak to somebody about Boly from Wolves being a possible target as well, so you’d then have two new centre-halves after Romero. “

Wolves started their transfer window impressively with the addition of Trincao but their inability to clear players from the wage bill is now hampering them in the markets.

The idea of Adama Traore and Ruben Neves taking their leave has been a concern for a few months now but they’re yet to find new clubs for their Iberian duo.

What’s the word?

One of the primary issues for Bruno Lage heading into the new season should be the fitness of Raul Jimenez.

The Mexican has scored in pre-season, but only time will tell whether he can discover his best form after recovering from a fractured skull.

As such, the Old Gold are in the market for a new striker. Barcelona’s Martin Braithwaite has been on their radar but they’re now interested in another long-term target once again.

According to the Mirror, Wolves want to sign Liverpool forward Divock Origi before the window closes. He was a player they considered back in the winter.

Origi is currently valued at just £10.8m via Transfermarkt.

Swerve a move

Wolves may require extra bodies in the final third in order to lend a hand to Jimenez but they’d be taking a huge gamble on Origi, one that would bring back vibes of Willian Jose.

The big Brazilian signed for the Molineux outfit on loan back in January as cover for their Mexican sensation.

However, he had a turgid time in the Midlands, scoring just once in the Old Gold and failing to link up play to any sufficient level.

They had an £18m option to buy the Real Sociedad attacker but rightfully rejected the chance to do so.

Yet, by landing Origi in the coming weeks, they may just have a player of a similar ilk.

Described as a “monster” by Vincent Kompany, the Belgian super sub has scored some important goals down the years for Liverpool, namely against Barcelona in Europe and then in the Champions League final against Spurs.

That being said, his ability to find goals on a regular basis has to be questioned. Like Jose, his record certainly isn’t the best, but you have to consider his lack of match action.

The 26-year-old has beaten the goalkeeper on 35 occasions in 157 outings for Liverpool and only started two league games in the whole of the 2020/21 campaign.

He might know the English game, but there are better options out there in a window where Wolves are strapped for cash.

Like Jose, this would be a huge risk from Lage and Fosun. They must swerve a deal this summer.

AND in other news, Bruno Lage can seal Wolves masterclass by signing “top-level” £28.8m-rated monster…

Sunderland are interested in a swoop for Motherwell right-back Stephen O’Donnell, as reported by Football League World.

The Lowdown: Sunderland gearing up

Progressing towards what is a critical campaign for the Black Cats, boss Lee Johnson will be under no illusions that he has to find a way to lift Sunderland out of Sky Bet League One this time around.

Making moves from a recruitment standpoint, the North East giants have completed deals for four arrivals in the form of Alex Pritchard, Jacob Carney, Corry Evans and Callum Doyle [Transfermarkt].

Now, they look set for another transfer pursuit owing to recent developments.

The Latest: Sunderland interested in O’Donnell swoop

Looking to bring in a right-back, Sunderland are confident they can strike a deal for 29-year-old O’Donnell for less than £500,000 [Football League World].

He is contracted to the Fir Park side until 2023, and would be a considerable coup for Johnson’s promotion chasers should a deal come to fruition.

O’Donnell has been a regular for the Scotland international team, earning rave reviews for his man of the match performance at EURO 2020 against England at Wembley [Daily Record].

The Verdict: O’Donnell would be an astute signing for the Black Cats

Bringing experience and quality to the table, the Bellshill-born full-back would be an excellent piece of business for Sunderland.

In 2020/21, he impressed for the Steelmen, registering eight goal contributions in 41 fixtures; three goals and five assists [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, he showed his defensive prowess across the year, successfully winning 2.2 aerial duels on average per game [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘exceptional’ by Scotland manager Steve Clarke, the Black Cats should look to sign him up as a matter of priority [The Scottish Sun].

In other news, Sunderland fans have slammed one of their players after a poor performance.

As per Charlie Eccleshare on Twitter, some Tottenham Hotspur sources ‘close to the deal’ are ‘confident’ an agreement can be reached to sign defender Cristian Romero.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Romero talks…

Tottenham have been in negotiations for Romero over this past week, with Sky Sports claiming that the Lilywhites have in fact stepped up their pursuit of the Argentine.

Spurs also allegedly made an offer of around £34m (€40m) plus £8.5m (€10) in bonuses – but managing director Fabio Paratici will not overpay for his services and has other targets as alternatives (Sky Sports).

A complete agreement is still yet to be reached on price as talks remain ongoing.

The Latest: Sources back agreement…

As per Eccleshare, sharing what he’s heard from some sources ‘close to the deal’, there are those who are apparently ‘confident’ a compromise will be settled when it comes to valuation.

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As well as this, some of the journalist’s sources believe an agreement is ‘not too far away’, but as it stands, the two clubs remain apart in their price for the player.

Tottenham officially sold Toby Alderweireld to Qatari side Al Duhail earlier this week and need to seal his replacement with the transfer window deadline looming next month.

The Verdict: Get it done…

There are great alternatives to Romero, like Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic for instance, who Eccleshare believes would be a ‘straightforward deal’.

However, these extensive negotiations for the South American colossus could prove to be worth all of this trouble given his unbelievable performances in Serie A.

Romero was rewarded with the title of 2020/2021 best defender in the Italian top flight and has garnered praise from critics, with Serie A expert Conor Clancy calling him ‘phenomenal’ (This is Futbol).

At just 23-years-old, the centre-back also has plenty of years ahead of him, potentially marking him out as a real prime target.

In other news: Spurs receive boost in pursuit of possible Lamela replacement, find out more here.